Happy New Year! January 2015
FREE
the
YO U j o urnal
The patients at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) at Midwestern Regional Medical Center in Zion have a good friend. The 52-pound girl stands by when they undergo chemotherapy, helps keep them calm when they anxiously await a test, and pours on the love when they are feeling alone. Her name is Tori and she is a 7-yearold Australian labradoodle—a star attraction at the far north medical facility. A gift from a grateful past patient who wanted to give back, Tori was donated as a puppy with the understanding that she would be used to comfort patients as a therapy pet. Cynthia Ingram, registered nurse and Tori’s handler, jointly owns Tori along with the hospital. The labradoodle—which was bred for her non-shedding, hypoallergenic stock—resides with Ingram at her Kenosha, Wisc. home. Four times each week Tori goes to work with Ingram; and as soon as she dons her green or yellow vest, the white canine sporting apricot highlights (courtesy of her father) is seriously, and calmly in control. “Tori loves it. She loves going to work and seeing all the people. She just knows what to do, and she’s very intuitive,” said Ingram. “It’s pretty fantastic what she can accomplish.” The duo who underwent stringent training to become certified (Tori gets re-registered every two years) visit with patients in their hospital rooms, in the lobby, and at the nearby CTCA guest quarters. They even go to hotels where the patients and their families stay. “We usually go from room to room and ask, ‘Would you like to have a visit?’ And they just light up when they see Tori. She really lifts their spirits,” said Ingram. “The people really love her. Part of
the reason we have her here is to create a loving, caring environment, and that’s what she does,” said Ingram. It is generally acknowledged that pet therapy (also known as animal assisted therapy) is an ideal prescription for many ailments. “Studies have shown that animal-assisted therapy can help lower depression, blood pressure, anxiety, and pain levels,” said Ingram. “Tori provides unconditional love and support to our patients, their caregivers and family members. I really feel honored to be able to care for our patients in this manner.” “A lot of the people—whether inpatients or outpatients—are displaced from their homes for however long they are here,” said Ingram, noting many are missing their pets. “With Tori, it’s kind of like having a little surrogate dog for them.” The only time there needs to be a physician order for Tori to have a meeting, is if the patient is in the intensive care unit, or are undergoing stem cell treatment, explained the handler. Tori has never tasted people food.
Beyond
What’s inside?
Wolf spotted in
Lake County! Out in the Open with Jim Zegar - pg. 3
Meet Mr. Brin, Keeper of Court Records - pg 4 Tori recently celebrated her six-year anniversary as a therapy dog at Cancer Treatment Centers of America in Zion. Here, she shares a special moment with cancer survivor Andrea Niklewicz of Pennsylvania. -photos courtesy of CTCA in Zion
Tori gives a kiss to employee Bill Kelly, at CTCA. Tori’s handler Cynthia Ingram is left.
“It’s not good for dogs, and also I didn’t want her begging from patients,” said Ingram. “I do let her go in on the holidays and sometimes will let people give her treats. Or there might be a situation where someone is really withdrawn and sad. In that case I might let that person give Tori a treat.” Tori came to CTCA at the age of four-months so its as if she’s grown up with the patients here. “We have them asking all the time
if they can see her when they come back again. I have patients who call and email me to make sure Tori is here when they are. ” Chemotherapy generally takes place for patients every 2 to 3 weeks, so it’s comforting to have Tori nearby, Ingram said. A 30-year registered nurse, Ingram has worked at CTCA for a decade. She serves as the animal therapy coordina-
Continued on page 16
Mother -Daughter operated boutique comes home to Highland Park
Local doctors talk vitamin venture - page 6
and
A newspaper featuring local people YOU should know
Watch out! She will steal your heart by Tina Johansson
Serving the North Shore
Merrie Spade has roots planted deep in Highland Park. So after years of operating a successful high-fashion store elsewhere, she and daughter Stacey Skolnick were delighted to return home. Their store, Ami Ami at 668 Central Avenue, is a move made after a 16-year tenure in Deerfield. The original Highland Park store opened in 1992.
Spade is a 40-year resident of Highland Park known for her keen eye in spotting and supporting emerging designers. “I have raised my family in Highland Park and am thrilled to be back home,” she said. Offering customers a one-of-a-kind shopping experience with cutting edge looks and personal service is key, ex-
plained Skolnick. “We get to know our clients and look forward to making Highland Park our home once again,” she said. For more information visit http://shopamiami.com. Stacey Skolnick, left, and her mother Merrie Spade, own Ami Ami fashion boutique.
Poet Kevin Bradshaw tells his story - pg 19
2
theYOUjournal
January 2015
From the Publisher
theYOUjournal Established 2014
Publisher Long Hwa-shu Hwa-shu@theYOUjournal.com Editor in Chief Tina Johansson Tina@theYOUjournal.com Contributing Writers Dr. Jeannie Aschkenasy Michele Batz, Ph.D. Hope Forcier Kathleen King Craig Peterson Jim Zegar
Please contact us at: US@theYOUjournal.com 847.293.7028 -
theYOUjournal P.O. Box 540 Wadsworth IL 60083
Dear Readers: We are happy to report that we have not only survived the first couple issues, but we’ve done quite well despite all the obstacles and accompanying problems, often unforeseen. People who have seen and read theYOUjournal told us they like it and gave us thumbs up, particularly about our content and its variety. One reason, of course, is we have assembled a coterie of good, experienced writers. That makes a difference. We are encouraged and thankful, especially to the advertisers who have decided to go with us when they knew we were just a startup with no track record except our dedication and many years of experience as journalists. We have worked very hard, especially Tina, the editor in chief. She often puts as many as 12 hours a day, writing, editing and making the pages – not to mention placing phone calls and performing secretarial duties. With very little help, she often has to find her way wading through the technical jungle. Yes, some computer programs offer some support. But to call them means she will end up talking for hours to someone overseas whose English can be painful to the ears, and their advice is confusing, contradictory and not at all helpful. Tina has found the best way to work things out, often, is through trial and error. And sometimes by sheer luck, she finds solutions. As you may have noticed, we are in need of more advertising. We are trying very hard to reach potential advertisers because that revenue should be our principal income. Miracles do happen in the midst of insurmountable difficulties. A medical professional, for instance, decided to advertise with us for six consecutive months after he told us he found our paper in a gas station and liked what he saw. That’s very encouraging. We do nearly everything on our own. The editor, and me the publisher, deliver copies of theYOUjournal ourselves to gas stations, banks, drugstores, restaurants, grocery store and other public places. Often after talking to the proprietor or manager and explaining to them what the publication is about, they welcome us put our papers at their place. They seem to understand that theYOUjournal is people-oriented with interesting stories to tell – not just another paper. And let me tell you, we enjoy every minute of what we are doing. And we thank all of you—our readers for giving us this splendid opportunity to write about you! Sincerely yours,
-
www.theyoujournal.com -
Long Hwa-shu, the Publisher
Your suggestions, comments and story ideas are welcome. A Dragon-Tiger Enterprises Publication
Quotables “We must discover the power of love, the power, the redemptive power of love. And when we discover that we will be able to make of this old world a new world. We will be able to make men better. Love is the only way.” -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Out in the Open
theYOUjournal
Wolf Man
I
January 2015
3
Skilled outdoorsman Jim Zegar may be reached at outdoors@zegar.com
Rare sighting of Eastern Gray Wolf in Lake County
by Jim Zegar t was a cold morning on November 16 and the sluggish Des Plaines River was already sealed under ice. Driving west from Wadsworth to run some errands, I witnessed the rarest of rare sights. But before I tell you what I saw, I need to establish some credibility as a witness lest you think me a crackpot or some otherwise incompetent observer. Many of you know I’ve been an outdoorsman since I was a seven-year-old kid, as well an established outdoor writer for more than two decades. But for those of you who don’t know me, here’s a little background: I have fished all over North America from the Keys of Florida to the oil rigs off Louisiana to Mexico to Maine and most of the Midwestern states. I have fished 50 times in Canada from the very furthest eastern part of Ontario all the way west to British Columbia. And I have hunted in many those places as well. As a novice student of geology and wildlife, I got to know animals and where and how they live. There is an extensive library in my home relating to animals and the outdoors. So therefore, I feel qualified to tell you that on that freezing morning last November, I saw an Eastern gray wolf run across Hunt Club Road right in front of me. There was no doubt in my mind. I’ve seen many of them in the wild in Minnesota, Ontario, Manitoba, and the Northwest Territories, as well as in national parks. On this day, right there for me to see in all its splendor was Canis lupus itself. Make no mistake about this: It was not a coyote or a fox or a German Shepherd. On all four paws, it stood about 2 ½-feet tall, was maybe 4-feet in length, and had a broad, wide face and snout. As it trotted across the road, it’s tail stood straight out, parallel to the ground. And in the most telltale sign of all, it had small, sort of rounded ears, unlike the longer, pointy ones that coyotes are graced with. My golden retriever “Charlie” weighs about 80-pounds. This animal was at least 20-percent larger. What was this wolf doing here, in populated Lake County, of all places? As you might know, wolves have made a spectacular comeback in Wisconsin, so much so that a certain number of wolf hunting tags have been issued in prior years to try to keep the wolf population in balance with the deer population. Wisconsin has many wolf packs, and each pack has it’s own territory. Other wolves are not permitted in another pack’s territory, lest it be killed. When wolves are about two years old, they generally leave their respective packs in order to establish new packs in new areas, which, among other things, helps reduce inbreeding. Because of this, the northern Wisconsin wolf packs have spread into central Wisconsin.
I believe this wolf was about 2-years-old. And to answer my question about why the wolf may have been here in Lake County is that it was likely looking for a mate and looking for territory to start another pack. Wolves need to roam vast territories at times to accomplish this goal so it’s certainly possible this particular lone wolf was passing through and scouting the area. After all, wolves were native to this area long ago.
“What was this wolf doing here, in populated Lake County, of all places?” - Jim Zegar What was I to do with this sighting? When I got home later that day and retrieved my mail, the winter edition of Horizons was there-the quarterly publication of the Lake County Forest Preserve District. On page 8 there was an interesting piece called “Living with Wildlife” with information about “Black bears, mountain lions, and wolves, from forest to farm to Chicago.” It mentioned that there have been confirmed sightings of wolves in Illinois since 2000. So the next morning I went to the Forest Preserve District offices and asked to speak with a wildlife biologist. Gary Glowacki came to see me in the lobby and I told him my story. At first, he seemed skeptical. But after discussing things for a few minutes I believe he thought me to be a credible source. And guess what he told me? Several years ago, there was a confirmed sighting in Lake County. The ultimate confirmation: a wolf had been killed by a car on Rt. 173, near the Chain o’ Lakes. Later he contacted Doug Dufford of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources who wanted to hear my story, which I again recited. Doug gave me more information on the wolf situation in Illinois. In the end, both Glowacki and Dufford seemed to agree: This was likely a lone wolf from a central Wisconsin pack looking to establish his or her own new pack, and that it was merely passing through Lake County. My sighting will not go down as a confirmed one. I had no camera that day. The ground was frozen as hard as the pavement so no tracks were to be had. And, of course, there was no DNA available. Finally, just because I saw a wolf here doesn’t mean it is still here. You need not be afraid of them anyway. Usually, they are more afraid of you than you are of them. Wolf attacks on humans are very
rare and sometimes occur because of a rabid animal. Jack London’s books including “The Call of the Wild” and Charles Perrault’s first edition of “Little Red Riding Hood” did more harm than good to understanding Canis lupus. Those stories merely instilled undeserved fear and hatred of one of the world’s greatest predators. If you’re ever lucky enough to see one in the wild, the hairs on the back of your neck will stand up and you’ll never forget the experience. I am so lucky to have had the chance to see one near my home.
A coyote like this one, above, is generally smaller than a wolf, has a narrow snout, and long, pointy ears. It’s tail is thicker than that of a wolf, and he carries it vertically behind its back legs, which is opposite of how a wolf carries its tail. - photo LCFPD.org
An Eastern gray timber wolf above. Note the broad muzzle, and ears that are rounder than those of a coyote. - photo courtesy Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
A red fox above right is smaller than a coyote or wolf, with pointy ears, and very bushy tail. Left is Duke, a German Shepherd with long pointed ears and a thin tail. - photo by Jim Zegar
4
theYOUjournal
January 2015
Clerk of courts: Protector of public records by Long Hwa-shu
T
he office of the Clerk of the Lake County Circuit Court is not generally meant to be a feel-good place to go to. Sure, deputies behind the counter are courteous and eager to help you with a smile. Nevertheless, it’s the place to pay for a traffic ticket, to file a suit for divorce, mortgage foreclosure, eviction or some other complaints. You go there to make background check on, say, your tenants or what aliases a person has. “It’s where you don’t need to be until something happens,” said Keith Brin, a Republican, who was elected to the office in 2012, succeeding Sally Coffelt who retired after 32 years on the job. For three years he worked as her chief deputy and therefore is thoroughly familiar with the operation of the office which employs close to 150 people. “When you file a suit, you are angry,” he said with compassion, pointing out that as many as 10,000 suits are filed a year through his office. “But we try to make a visit to our office as pleasant as possible,” said Brin, tall and lawyerly in a blue pin stripe suit, who was waiting on a customer the other day himself behind the counter. “There are no jobs that are beneath me or employees,” he added, himself an attorney who received his B.S. and M.S in public health from Emory University and law degree from Loyola University. The clerk’s main office in the basement of the courthouse annex where it used to be the drunk tank and morgue is not all gloom and doom. It’s happy place to be, in fact, when people go there to file for adoption or apply for passports. But one of the principal functions of his office is as keeper of the official records of the 19th Judicial District, some dating back to the 1880s, yellowed and fragile. “We have had records showing what boat the immigrants got off from. The penmanship is beautiful,” he said with awe. His office is filled to the brim with row after row of shelves stuffed with files. It’s paper every-
where. Among the services the clerk’s office offers is passport application. Last year it handled 2,000 new applications and renewals, according to Kelly Surano, supervisor of the General Division that administers the task. With increasing demand for passports, Brin said he plans to expand the service to branch offices in Park City, Round Lake and Mundelein in 2015. Brin said he has striven to modernize his office with electronic filing and remote access so that people can view court records from home at any time without having to come to the office. He is on the E-Business Committee of the Illinois Supreme Court which advises the high court on using “cutting edge technology” to improve management efficiency. Locally, he co-chairs the technology committee of the Lake County Bar Association. Funded by user fees, the clerk’s office has been self-sufficient with an annual budget surplus. For 2015, it has an operating budget of $11.2 million which represents a nearly 4 percent reduction from the previous year, according to Jeanne Polydoris, the chief deputy. The reduction, she said, is achieved, in part, through the elimination of certain positions. The cutback, Brin stressed, in no way represents “any reduction of services.” Budgetary surplus, he pointed out, is plowed back to the county’s General Fund. “I work for you. You hired me and paid our salaries. We’re here to serve you,” said Brin who lives with his wife, Courtney, a teacher, in Highland Park. They have three young children – Sheridan, Hudson and Arden.
Keith Brin, a hands-on clerk of the circuit court, assists a customer in filling out her paperwork. Below, Brin works with Kelly Surano, supervisor of the General Division. - photos courtesy of the office of the Clerk of the Lake County Circuit Court
Keith Brin
Evidence room filled with chilling objects Shot guns, cross bows, gasoline cans, sharp garden tools and old computers are kept in a restricted storage room of the office of the Clerk of the Lake County Circuit Court. These are among pieces of evidence in criminal cases prosecuted in courts. Many of them are kept in large clear plastic containers neatly arranged. Others are in huge filing cabinets. Some like bicycles, a toboggan and children’s chairs are hanging from the ceiling. “These are the worst of humanity. The items here are not for the faint-of-heart,” said Keith Brin, clerk of the circuit court. “We are charged with being the keeper of the evidence in their fidelity and integrity,” he added. Many have been kept for decades and will remain there for years to come because they may be needed in case of an appeal and a retrial. As file supervisor for the room, Michelle Mroczek said pieces of evidence had been stored in cardboard boxes of various sizes and shapes before. To better preserve the items inside, she said she carefully placed everything into clear plastic containers and labeled them accordingly so that they are easier to find and retrieve. One of the scary things she said she found during the process was the top of a skull. But most of the time was just a normal day at work. “I was here by myself, so I just put the headphones on and listened to music while I went through the boxes,” said Mroczek. – by Tina Johansson
Former Buffalo Grove president fills county board seat
Sidney Mathias Sidney Mathias, former state representative and president of the Buffalo Grove Village Board, has been named to the Lake County Board from the 20th District to fill the vacancy left by David Stolman, the new county treasurer. Mathias, a Republican, was nominated to the post by County Board President Aaron Lawlor. “Sid’s experience as a legislator,
mayor and civic leader will make him a strong leader for District 20 and Lake County,” said Lawlor. An attorney, he has served on the Illinois State Toll Authority committee that has made the extension of Route 53 into Lake County a priority. Mathias has also served on the state’s Child Support Advisory Committee and Holocaust and Genocide Commission.
theYOUjournal
January 2015
5
Local Business World’s Largest Pharmacy Walgreens gone global with merger by Long Hwa-shu Trading began December 31 for the new Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc. on the Nasdaq under the ticker symbol “WBA” after Walgreen Co. had completed its acquisition of Swissbased Alliance Boots GmbH. On a one-for-one basis, Walgreens common stock shareholders will receive, if not already, the same number of shares of the new company. Formerly, Walgreens common stock was listed under “WAG” both on the New York Exchange and also the Nasdaq. At a special meeting on Dec. 29 in New York, Walgreens shareholders overwhelmingly voted for the merger. The merger will propel Walgreen, an American household name, into a truly global conglomerate, shedding its long-
time image as a domestic corporation. The new company will have a total 12,800 stores in 11 countries including the U.S., the United Kingdom, Ireland, Thailand and Norway, according to Michael Polzin, Walgreens spokesman. It is expected to have combined total sales of $126 billion in 2015, making it the world’s largest pharmacy and health products company, he said. Even before the merger, Walgreens with 2014 sales of $76 billion has been known as the nation’s largest drugstore chain with 8,229 stores in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Deerfield-based Walgreens started a strategic partnership with Alliance Boots in June 2012 when it acquired 45 percent of the Swiss
company for $6.7 billion. In completing the merger, Walgreens now has acquired the remaining 55 percent of Alliance Boots it did not previously own for 144,333,468 Walgreens common shares, plus 3.133 British pounds sterling or about $5 billion in cash. The total acquisition is to cost $16 billion. As a holding company, the Walgreens Boots Alliance will be headquartered in Deerfield where Walgreens has long been based. Under terms of the merger, Walgreen Co. will become a subsidiary of the new company and remain as an Illinois corporation, continuing to be headquartered in Deerfield. Also becoming a subsidiary will be Boots and Alliance Healthcare with 3,150 stores, mostly in the United Kingdom.
Following the Dec. 29 special meeting, James Skinner, Walgreens chairman, became the executive chairman of Walgreens Boots Alliance. Stefano Pessina, executive chairman of Alliance Boots and a member of the Walgreens board of directors, has been named the acting CEO of the new company. He succeeded Greg Wasson, who retired. The board will begin a search for a new CEO. In announcing his retirement, Wasson, Walgreens president and CEO, said one of his goals while in office was “to find the right partner to take Walgreens global.” “With the creation of Walgreens Boots Alliance, it is now time for new leadership to move the vision forward building on the global platform we have created.”
Deliciously from Ohio! Heninen’s opens three stores in Lake County by Long Hwa-shu Walking into the new Heinen’s in Lake Bluff, one immediately notices the delicious difference. There are row after row of fresh produce and fruit. Further down it’s the bakery where huge pretzels, bags, breads and pastries are made every day. They look so irresistible. Next to it is a cook making sandwiches with a fire roaring in the oven behind him. The menu changes every day but it’s prime rib on Thursdays. Nearby is a soup station steaming with several kinds including, depending on the day, clam chowder, chili, potato and Italian wedding. For the health conscious, there is a salad bar with chopped veggies and fresh fruits. Pile up your plate. You can enjoy your food at a table in the cafeteria. The store, at the former site of a Dominick’s, opened in October, but it was still celebrating its grand opening in December with employees from other stores coming to help out with the opening. One was Rick Gonzalez. He told me he used to manage the Buehler’s grocery store in Wooster, Ohio, where I used to live and worked for the local newspaper before I came to Chicago. Small world. Isn’t it? The Heinen’s Grocery Store is a family-owned chain based in Cleveland which has served northeast Ohio for the past 85 years. Founded in 1929 in Shaker Heights, Ohio, by a local butcher named Joe Heinen, the store has grown to 20 locations with 17 in the suburbs of Cleveland. The Lake Bluff store on Waukegan Road at Rte. 176 is one of four the chain has opened in the Chicago area. The others are in Bannockburn, Barrington and Glenview.
Today, the founder’s twin grandsons, Jeff and Tom, carry on his legacy by offering what the company describes as “unrivalled quality food and world-class customer service.” “Chicago has really become a second home for us and each community has been beyond welcoming and accommodating,” said Jeff Hein, part of the third generation family that now oversees the business with his brother, Tom. “Our latest store in Lake Bluff celebrates everything we stand for as a local, family-centric business,” he added. Kathleen O’Hara, Lake Bluff village president, warmly welcomed the store’s opening. “We are proud to be the newest home for a high quality, family-operated and community-oriented grocery store as Heinen’s,” she said. As part of the store’s organic offerings, Mike Gerber, an Ohioan, was giving away samples of grilled Amish chicken. Wow! You can taste delicious difference of the chicken. The store sells the Gerber brand of chickens raised, he said, by Amish farmers. The meat department with a butcher on hand features Heinen’s own beef and pork raised to the company standards. The store offers seafood said to be overnighted six days a week from fishermen in Hawaii, Alaska, Washington and the New England coast. Among prepared foods are crab cakes and mushrooms stuffed with crab or bacon. Over 350 choices are available at the cheese department and there is also a self-serve bulk olive oil and balsamic bar. For wine lovers, they’ll undoubtedly cheer the extensive collection of beer and wine. The Wellness Center is stocked with hundreds of gluten-free products, premium brands of vitamins and supplements, bulk bins of
grains, cereals and nuts, as well as probiotics and healthy drinks. “We choose our suppliers very carefully and then maintain a true partnership of continuous improvement which is always designed to benefit our customers,” said Tom Heinen. To support the local community, Heinen’s will donate up to one percent of a customer’s yearly spend to a designated school of their choice through their Heinen’s reward card, the company said. Twins Tom and Jeff Heinen, grandsons of the founder, run Heinen’s grocery stores.
The new Heinen’s Grocery Store at 201 Waukegan Road in Lake Bluff features a lunch area for shoppers, as well as organic produce section and fresh seafood. photo by Tina Johansson
theYOUjournal
January 2015
7
Mind, Body and Soul
Start small by doing what’s good for you Dr. Jeannie Aschkenasy clinical psychologist We know we should eat healthy, but many of us don’t. We know exercise benefits us in countless ways, but many of us don’t make the time. Smoking cigarettes, getting too little sleep, and drinking too much alcohol are three additional areas where we can make a difference in our health – but many of us don’t do what we know is good for us. According to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention (CDC), as of 2012, approximately 133 million Americans, nearly 1 in 2 adults – live with at least one chronic health condition, defined by the CDC as a “non-communicable illness that is prolonged in duration, does not resolve spontaneously and is rarely cured completely.” These chronic conditions include arthritis, cancer, cystic fibrosis, diabetes, eye disease, heart disease, hemophilia, high blood pressure, mental illness, mental disability, obesity, physical disabilities, among others. According to the CDC about one quarter of
people living with a chronic condition experience significant limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs). It is likely that even if you do not have a chronic condition yourself, you know soemone or are related to someone who does. Individuals with diabetes learn to count carbs, check blood sugars, and take prescribed insulin, but often don’t comply. People with hemophilia learn to prophylactically treat with factor but often don’t comply. Outpatient physical therapy patients are given home programs to work on, both during and after therapy, but often they don’t comply. Obese individuals know the importance of adopting healthy eating habits, but often they do not eat healthy. Those with heart disease know the importance of good nutrition and exercise, but often don’t comply. Most of us know we should follow-up with a doctor, dentist, get a colonoscopy, etc., however we do not. Why is it so difficult to do the things that we know are good for us? That is a very difficult question to answer.
There are many reasons, fears, and excuses – some more valid than others. The important thing to remember, always, is that you are NOT the chronic condition. Rather, you are an individual WITH a chronic condition. Maybe you were recently diagnosed with a chronic condition, maybe you have had the condition for many years. Change is hard, even when it is in our best interest. Take one behavior and endeavor to change it. Start small. Start now. Seek additional support. One day at a time. After all, it is a New Year.
About Dr. Jeannie Jeannie Aschkenasy, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist, with more than 25 years of experience in private practice and at Rush University Medical Center working with children, adolescents, adults and families.
Dr. Jeannie Aschkenasy may be reached at: 180 N. Michigan Ave. #2201, Chicago, IL 60601 phone: 312-726-4464 docjeanniea@gmail.com
Winter Skincare Tips By Licensed Aestheticians Mara Kwiatkowska and Edyta Slawniak
There’s no doubt about it, the cold weather can wreak havoc on your skin causing uncomfortable dryness, flaking, cracking and even eczema. Between the harsh weather outside and the blasting heat inside, your skin (especially your face) definitely needs some extra TLC during the cold, winter months. Below are some of our top tips for keeping your skin as healthy as possible when the temperatures start to plunge. Hydrate Your Skin Keeping your skin hydrated is a must during the winter months. Be sure to drink plenty of water (at least eight 8 oz. glasses each day) and choose healthy snacks such as raw nuts and almonds that are rich in fatty acids and Vitamin E. Consider putting a humidifier in your bedroom to hydrate your skin while you sleep. Avoid long, hot showers that can strip the moisture from your skin. Say YES to AHA and BHA Search for products that contain AHA (Alpha Hydroxy Acid) and BHA (Beta Hydroxy Acid), both of which offer excellent exfoliation. Exfoliated skin will be smoother and will allow hydrating and moisturizing products to penetrate the skin much better. Even the most expensive serums will not get through layers of dead skin cells, so exfoliation is a must, especially in the winter.
Skin Serums In the winter, more than any other time of the year, you need to use serums that contain Hyaluronic Acid, which actually attracts and binds the water in the skin. Antioxidants like Vitamin C and Vitamin E will moisturize and protect the skin from environmental damage, so be sure your products contain these ingredients. Moisturize, Moisturize, Moisturize! Always protect your skin with a good moisturizer, which can be thicker for the winter months; and follow the moisturizer with a sunscreen of a minimum of SPF 15 (Sun Protection Factor). Contrary to what some may think, sunscreen is very important in the winter months because snow reflects the sun and can cause extensive sun damage. Don’t limit sunscreen to just your face; your neck, hands, and any other exposed areas need protection also. See an Aesthetician A well-educated skincare professional can analyze your skin, suggest the right products, and recommend the best treatments for you. Facials, chemical peels, and other medical-grade treatments can truly transform your skin, giving it a beautiful, healthy, radiant glow. The winter can certainly take a toll on your skin, but following these tips will result in a noticeable difference.
About Marta and Edyta Licensed aestheticians Marta Kwiatkowska and Edyta Slawniak have 20 years combined experience. Both work at Transcend MedSpa in the offices of board certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Michael A. Epstein. For further information, please visit www.maeplasticsurgery.com or call 847-2051680. Transcend MedSpa is located at 1535 Lake Cook Road, Suite 211 in Northbrook.
8
theYOUjournal
January 2015
New operators for Pet Food Pantry
Our House of Hope K-9 Rescue joins Central Bark Doggy Daycare in Grayslake What happens when a local pet food pantry is struggling to meet the public need and closes its doors? Central Bark Doggie Daycare in Grayslake and Our House of Hope K-9 Rescue in Libertyville vowed not to find out. So together they joined forces and continued the much-needed pet food pantry which is now called Our House of Hope Pet Food Pantry. It is located within Central Bark Doggy Daycare. (the former name was Animal Education and Rescue Lake County Pet Food Pantry). “It has always been our mission to be community minded and to lead by example” said Executive Director, Lisa M. Krinninger. “There is a tremendous need in our community and we are excited and prepared to consolidate all of our pet food distribution efforts into one local and centrally located site at Central Bark in Grayslake, “The transition and restructuring is already underway and we are prepared to hit the ground running. Thanks to our very committed group of volunteers and the full support of Central Bark Doggy Daycare, there will not be any interruption of service to the public,” said Krinninger.
Register with the pet food pantry: If you are currently struggling financially and need assistance feeding your pets, Our House of Hope is here to help you with a “Hand Up,” not a “Hand Out.” We can help provide pet food for up to three household pets every two weeks. You may register by providing the following information: A driver’s license or state ID with a Lake County address and a utility bill with your name and address; Proof of Need including a Link Card, Social Security, Medicaid Card, Disability or current unemployment check stub; Proof of Rabies/Vaccines; and Proof of spay/neuter.
Our House of Hope Pet Food Pantry located at Central Bark Doggy Daycare in Grayslake, which is operated by Our House of Hope K-9 Rescue in Libertyville, is in need of donations. Food, treats and litter only please. Items must be unopened and unexpired. Any brand and variety. Donations may be dropped off at Central Bark Doggy Daycare, 256 Commerce Drive, Grayslake, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Closed Sunday. The pet food pantry in Grayslake is open Wednesdays 10 a.m. to noon, and Saturdays 10 a.m. to noon. For more information call Our House of Hope Pet Food Pantry at 773-5524673.
Rachel and Evie fill individual bags with dry pet food.
Volunteer Belinda tastes a “human grade” dog biscuit to ensure its safety for the four-legged clients at Our House of Hope Pet Food Pantry.
Volunteers Tony, Belinda and Shannon are excited about the new pantry.
Keeping Pets Safe in Winter Weather Not only can winter be a time of illness and injury if people fail to take appropriate health and safety precautions, but harsh winter weather conditions can be tough on pets as well. Following are some tips from the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center on how to help keep your pet safe and healthy this winter. • Do not leave dogs outdoors or in vehicles for extensive periods of time when it becomes uncomfortably cold. Most dogs and cats are safer indoors except when taken out for exercise. Regardless of the season, short-haired, very young or old dogs, and all cats should never be left outside without supervision. Short-coated dogs may feel more comfortable wearing a sweater during walks. If your pet is shivering, it’s time to bring it inside. • Be aware of signs of hypothermia and frostbite in your pets. Signs of hypothermia include: violent shivering, listlessness, lethargy, muscle stiffness, lack of appetite. Frostbite occurs when unprotected skin is exposed to extremely cold temperatures. In pets, frostbite generally
affects the tail, ear tips and pads of the feet as they are the most exposed and least protected by fur. Their skin will turn bright red followed by a pale coloration, eventually turning black as the tissue dies. If you suspect your pet is experiencing either, contact your vet immediately. • No matter what the temperature, wind chill can threaten a pet’s life. If your dog is an outdoor dog, he or she should be protected by a dry, draft-free doghouse that is large enough to allow the dog to sit and lie down comfortably, but small enough to hold in his or her body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches off the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The house should face away from the wind, and the doorway should be covered with waterproof covering or heavy plastic. • Pets that spend a lot of time outside during the winter need more food because keeping warm depletes energy. Make sure to routinely check your pet’s water dish to make sure water is fresh and unfrozen. Use plastic food and water bowls because when the temperature is low, the pet’s tongue can stick and freeze to the metal.
• Salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet’s feet. Wipe the feet with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates his or her mouth. Trim excess fur from your pet’s pads so that ice and snow do not accumulate between their toes which can cause discomfort. • Antifreeze is a deadly poison that has a sweet taste, which may attract animals. Wipe up spills and store antifreeze out of reach. If possible, use antifreeze coolant made with propylene glycol. If this is swallowed in small amounts, it will not hurt pets. • Do not allow your dog to run freely on open ice. It can be difficult to judge the safety of the ice, and your dog could be at risk of falling through. During the winter, it is best to keep your pets inside with the family. The happiest dogs are those that are taken out frequently for walks and exercise, but are kept inside the rest of the time. Dogs and cats crave human companionship and should be indoors with you and your family. For more information call the LCHD’s Animal Care and Control facility at: (847) 377-4700.
Nine-year-old Japanese Chin “Kiko” of Diamond Lake, dons his coat before going out to play in the cold. - photo courtesy of Nina Swiech
theYOUjournal
Dog People
January 2015
Havanese: The hot breed of 2015?
by Connie Horner, guest writer The Havanese breed belongs to the “Bichon” family which includes The Bichon Frise, Maltese, Bolognese, Bolonka, Coton de Tulear and the Lowchen. It is the only native breed of Cuba. They are also known as Havana Silk dog, Spanish Silk Poodle, Blanquito Cubano, Havaneser, and Bichon Havanese. The Havanese is a small sturdy dog that is very friendly, loving and playful. A highly intelligent breed, they are slightly longer than tall-between 8 ½ and 11 ½ inches-tall and weigh between 7 and 13 pounds. Havanese come in many colors and color combinations and are considered hypoallergenic and non-shedding dogs with hair instead of fur. They were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996. I had never heard of the breed up until a few years ago. Now I have three of them: Chloe 3, Isabel 3, and Abby 2. Crazy I know, but I don’t know what my life would be like without them. The Havanese breed belongs to the “Bichon” family which includes The Bichon Frise, Maltese, Bolognese, Bolonka, Coton de Tulear and the Lowchen. It is the only native breed of Cuba. They are also known as Havana Silk dog, Spanish Silk Poodle, Blanquito Cubano, Havaneser, and Bichon Havanese. The Havanese is a small sturdy dog that is very friendly, loving and playful. A highly intel-
ligent breed, they are slightly longer than tall-between 8 ½ and 11 ½ inches-tall and weigh between 7 and 13 pounds. These dogs come in many colors and color combinations and are considered hypoallergenic and non-shedding dogs with hair instead of fur. They are a rare breed recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1996. I found the breed one day as I was searching the web and went to the Animal Planet’s Dogs 101 site. I watched a terrific video on the Havanese and seeing it I was hooked. Coming from a family of dog lovers I’ve had dogs all my life. It had been a while since my Poodle and Bichon died but we had fostered my mother’s two older Shih Tzu’s when her health prevented her from caring for them. Mom moved in with us after my retirement and we lost one of her beloved boys. It was time for another dog. After browsing awhile I landed on a Havanese breeder’s site called bryleeangels.com. Michelle Abels is the breeder from Chicago. I was so pleased with her, I ended up getting all three of my dogs from her. We still talk today and I keep her up to date on how the dogs are doing. Did I mention how smart my dogs are? Like any proud dog mom I love to discuss my “girls.” They seem to catch on very quickly and learn a lot from Georgene Knight’s dog training classes offered through the Zion Park District. Isabel recently began agility in a class taught
by Knight. By the end of the first class she was following my commands off leash . She was a bit frightened by the A-frame at first but after the third run she was running up and down it like a pro. Chloe is currently learning agility and may get to attend some practice trials. As far as Abby goes, she too may get involved in the future. They each have distinct personalities but are very loving “lap” dogs. My girls are very affectionate--truly lap dogs that love to cuddle. They all love to play fetch. I taught them to use a set of bells to let me know when they had to out to “potty.” From what I have read, Havanese make excellent therapy dogs. They are happy dogs and eager to please their owners.
Editors Note: With the United States restoring diplomatic relations with Cuba, it’s no wonder the Havanese, once known as the “Havana Silk Dog,” is becoming one hot dog! According to the American Kennel Club, the tiny canine which happens to be the National Dog of Cuba is the country’s only native breed. The Havanese’s popularity has grown quickly, and they are now in high demand everywhere.
Chloe, Isabel and Abby, Havanese dogs who live in Zion with owner Connie Horner. - photo courtesy of Connie Horner
9
10
January 2015
by Tina Johansson
theYOUjournal
Restaurant Row Fuel up
at Buffo’s in Highwood
Soldiers are known to find good, affordable and hearty food. And sure enough, on a recent Saturday, Buffo’s, 431 Sheridan Road in Highwood was nearly taken over by men and women in camouflage uniforms. Several different battalions from the Army Reserve transportation units at nearby Fort Sheridan filled the tables during lunchtime. Looking around the dining room, it was clear the servicemen and servicewomen were delighting in the Italian beef’s and pizza. Sgt. Sandra Gonzalez of Hobart, Ind. said she looks forward to dining at Buffo’s once each month after training. “There’s always a good variety to choose from,” she said. For the owner, it was a happy occupation. “I have a contract with the military, and I take care of them every weekend,” said Leonard “Lenny” Innocenzi of Lake Forest, the owner of Buffo’s. While soldiers and other customers ate, Henry James was busy making the rounds. The longtime employee swiftly filled coffee cups, brought out food, and cleared tables—all in an orderly fashion. James, whom regulars here know, has worked at Buffo’s for the past three decades. In fact many of the employees at Buffo’s have been with Innocenzi for more than 25-years. “They are all good employees, very conscientious, and I treat them well,” said Innocenzi, describing himself as a “working owner.” Innocenzi who grew up in the Ravinia area of Highland Park opened the 2,400-square-foot eatery nearly 38-years ago. The business is located in the very same site where his grandparents Pasquale “Pat” and Josephine Innocenzi, Italian immigrants had a general store from the 1920s – 1950s. As a young man Innocenzi worked with his father Ollie as a wholesale liquor distributor. Irma, his mother, had a beauty shop in Highland Park. Though the name buffo means ‘jokester’ in Italian, there is no clowning around with the food here. Many of the Italian menu options come from family recipes including homemade tortellacci—similar to tortellini only bigger. “Those are very popular,” said Innocenzi. “We make them the ‘old Highwood style,’ and I’m very proud of them.” The spinach and ricotta pastas are covered in homemade sauce. Diners have their choice of meat, marinara or Alfredo. Pizza with sausage or just cheese is the number one dish at the place, with beef sandwiches coming in close. “I would say we go through 300 to 400-pounds of beef a week,” said Innocenzi. A family place, Buffo’s has soups, salads of all types, burgers, kids meals and desserts including Carol’s Cookies a famous gourmet treat baked right in Northbrook.
Above, Buffo’s famous cheese pizza. photos by Tina Johansson
Army Reserve soldiers from nearby Fort Sheridan enjoying a weekend lunch at Buffo’s. Below, an Italian beef sandwich with au jus, a popular menu item.
Longtime employee Henry James is swift and efficient.
Head chef Aaron Vicario serves a cold draft beer to a customer. Buffo’s has many craft beers and wines available.
Buffo’s owner Lenny Innocenzi in front of a mural of what his grandparent’s general store looked like. The store was located in the same spot as the restaurant.
Lite Eats
I
theYOUjournal
January 2015
11
Healthy Dining Options for the New Year
by Alisa Bay
s it possible to dine out and still eat healthy? According to Jillian Spector, founder of TheFittChick (www.thefittchickcom), it sure is! The Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant has helped her clients eat right and lose weight by teaching them how to navigate a restaurant’s menu, and ultimately make choices that will keep them on track. “When dining out, it’s very important to ask questions,” says Spector, who is also a personal trainer and a food allergy specialist. “I’ve rarely found a chef who isn’t willing to accommodate a customer by preparing an item a certain way,” she adds. “Don’t be hesitant to ask about the ingredients being used, the portion sizes, or substituting a side dish for something else,” she continues. “Most restaurants will happily oblige.”
If you’re looking for restaurants that offer healthy options, below are some of Jillian’s favorites and her FittChick picks:
Blue Grass - 1636 Old Deerfield Road Highland Park
The Key West Seafood Salad is delicious! Not only is it a huge portion, but it’s loaded with fresh lump crab meat and shrimp, then topped with avocado, tomatoes, and chives, tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. It’s a delicious low-calorie lunch or dinner option.
La Casa De Isaac - 431 Temple Ave. La Casa De Isaac & Moishe - 2014
any butter or oil and are gluten free! She also suggests the “Ensalada Picada de Authentico,” a wonderful salad with chopped romaine, black beans, tomato, jicama, roasted corn, radishes, avocado, red bell pepper and queso cotija. Be sure to ask for it without the cheese and the dressing.
Wildfish - 730 Waukegan Road
Deerfield
This Japanese gem is one of Jillian’s favorites! Between the appetizer tuna flight, the wild tartar and the large selection of unique sushi rolls, there is always something healthy to order. The chef is happy to hold the rice on any of their rolls, and wrap them in generous amounts of cucumber, which definitely lowers the calorie count.
Inovasi - 28 E. Center Avenue
to omit them if requested. 2. Watch your portion size. Restaurants typically serve 3x what you should consume in an average meal. 3. Research ahead of time. Take a few minutes to review the menu in advance so you know what the restaurant offers in order to avoid any impulse ordering. 4. Drink water throughout the meal. It will slow you down, help you enjoy the food more, and let the message get to your brain that you’re full. 5. If you skip the sugary cocktails, the fried appetizers and the bread basket, a few bites of dessert is okay!
Jillian Spector, founder of TheFittChick, is a Certified Nutrition and Wellness Consultant, Personal Trainer, and Food Allergy Specialist. She is from Deerfield.
Lake Bluff
The wild sockeye salmon is a great option, but Jillian suggests skipping the pesto and adding a grilled or roasted veggie for a delicious and filling dinner. She also likes The Standard Burger with a side of roasted Brussel sprouts or broccoli. But skip the bun and load up on lots of grilled onions, tomato and lettuce.
Here are some additional FittChick tips for healthy dining in restaurants: 1. Always ask if your meal is served in a heavy sauce (high in fat!) or marinade (loaded with sugar!). Restaurants are more than happy
First Street Highland Park
Contrary to popular belief, Mexican food can be healthy. Skip the chips and margaritas and order the FittChick Fajitas featuring 8 oz. of chicken or steak, sizzling with fresh peppers and onions for about 500 calories.
Authentico - 770 N. Western Avenue
Above, a Key West Seafood Salad from Blue Grass Restaurant loaded with fresh lump crab meat, shrimp, avocado, tomatoes, chives and tossed with lemon vinaigrette. This is a delicious, low calorie meal suggested by Jillian Spector.
Jillian’s “go to” meal is the fajitas made with filet mignon, which can be cooked without
Left, Blue Grass restaurant in Highland Park. -Photos courtesy of Blue Grass Restaurant
Lake Forest
What’s This?
If you have an item, gizmo or gadget that is out of the ordinary or unique, please send a picture with description to: US@theYOUjournal.com We may use it!
This multi-pronged kitchen utensil looks like a painful hair comb or a small bed of nails. But it’s actually a vintage Bakelite-handled angel food cake slicer, likely dating from the 1930s. “I had it in my kitchen for years, and for the longest time, I didn’t know what it was,” said Laura Evans, an artist and jewelry maker who resides in Ingleside in northwest Lake County. – Photo by Tina Johansson
12
theYOUjournal
January 2015
Baker’s business heating up By Tina Johansson
Baking whiz Cindy Pocklington is making her dreams come true with plans to open a little bakery/café. The lifelong Winthrop Harbor resident is eyeing a defunct delicatessen east of Sheridan Road in this community known as the Cornerstone of Illinois, and another vacant business in nearby Zion. “I’m thinking of having a place where I can bake, and where people can come in and have a slice of cake and a cup of coffee. It will happen,” said the determined baker. Pocklington intends to open her new place in April and fund the venture with a combination of a loan and grants. “It was always my plan to have a business. I was going to do it with my husband, but he died (suddenly) seven years ago,” she said. With two children to raise, Pocklington continued to work, most recently at a Glenview-based facilities management company, and before that at Lake Forest High School where she was head chef. She had worked in the food service industry for 20-years prior. It was shortly after Mr. Pocklington’s death that she decided to whip up butter and batters big time, baking for family and friends. And although she had learned the basics by shadowing her mother and grandmother around the kitchen from age five, much of what she’s learned about baking came about simply by doing it on her own, she said. Last year she began making money at the venture, touting her sweets at local farmers markets and bazaars. Word of mouth spread and soon people were hiring her to cater affairs. She recently provided treats for a Grayslake school function. “The most I’ve done was for a wedding of 350 people. I made the dessert table for the wedding this past summer. It went great,” she said. And since her Facebook site launched recent-
ly, Pocklington has been inundated with requests for holiday party sweet trays. Her fare has the look and taste of everything homemade. People are loving her cupcakes, her red velvet whoopie pies, and her lemon bars. Many of her baked goods are gluten-free or sugar-free. And while she hasn’t tackled wedding cakes yet, she does birthday cakes like one she created recently for a child in which she used fondant and marshmallow cream. Those customers are already talking about the next cake they will have her bake, she said. Pocklington has two adult children—Amber, a big part of her business, “She is creative and does a lot of the decorating,” and son Daniel.
Right, Cindy Pocklington at the Grayslake Farmer’s Market last year. Left, some cookie bars she made.
Homemade cupcakes and cookies for sale from Cindy’s Petite Sweets.
Right, Pocklington’s popular red velvet whoopie pies and baked breads. Many of her goodies are gluten and sugar-free. - photos courtesy of Cindy’s Petite Sweets
The Best of everything (in our opinion)
Fresh orange juice from Mariano’s Start out your New Year with breakfast including our pick of the month--fresh-squeezed orange juice from Mariano’s grocery stores. Most grocers sell orange juice that is reconstituted from concentrates. But it’s refreshing to find freshly-squeezed juice at Mariano’s grocery store where oranges are squeezed daily in a machine right in the produce section. If they get here at the right time, shoppers can watch the process. “It takes two dozen oranges to be squeezed to fill a half-gallon container,” said Joe Foltz, merchandise manager at the Mariano’s in Gurnee. The cost for the clear half-gallon jug is $3.75. The label on the container, however, warns that the juice is not pasteurized. “We sell a lot because people like their orange juice to be fresh,” Foltz said. theYOUjournal finds this choice refreshing, healthy and delicious. Cheers! Right, Dave Conner, a manager at Mariano’s grocery store in Gurnee with a bottle of the popular fresh-squeezed orange juice. Mariano’s features a line of fresh juices, some of which are displayed here, including carrot and lime. - photo by Tina Johansson
Hometown hero is from Grayslake U.S. Army Private Second Class Margaret Wehde, an 18 year resident of Grayslake has been named a Hometown Hero by the Round Lake Area Exchange Club, and sponsor, Round Lake Area Park District. She was registered for the honor by her mother, Stacey of Grayslake. Wehde is a 2014 graduate from Grayslake Central High School and works at the Village of Round Lake Beach Cultural and Civic Center when home. She is currently stationed at Fort Jackson in South Carolina. She is scheduled to be home in February. According to her mom, “She is in the reserves and will be stationed at Fort Sheridan while attending UW Whitewater in the fall.” Wehde is scheduled to be home in February, 2015. With the generous support of sponsor, Round Lake Area Park District, Wehde’s “Hanging with the Heroes” care package was filled with all the goodies she likes, including letters from Round Lake Area School District 116 students, a specially made rosary for the military from Legion of Mary from St. Joseph’s in Round Lake and a piece of home. The Round Lake Area Exchange Club presented a plaque to her family. If you have a neighbor, family member, friend, employee, employer, etc. serving in the military please register them by going to www. rlaexchange.org/hero, five minutes is all it takes. The Round Lake Area Exchange Club needs the community’s help in getting our local heroes
signed up. Any and all military personnel serving overseas or in the USA from any of the Round Lake Areas, Hainesville, Fox Lake, Ingleside or surrounding areas qualify for the program. For more information visit the web site or you can contact Sherry Ridge at 847-740-2379.
Margaret Wehde, a graduate of Grayslake Central High School named Hometown Hero by Round Lake Area Exchange Club
theYOUjournal
Let me Tell You....
January 2015
13
A feature in which local people tell their own stories.
Land Of The Free And The Home Of The Entrepreneur! by Jack Crombie guest writer In the late 70’s a young Scotsman visited Chicago on vacation, met a girl--and the rest as they say, is history. A brief slightly deeper history was requested by this publication with the thought that it might be of interest. Following a brief romance with “The Girl”, during the epic winter of 1979, “the Scotsman” returned to his homeland to be joined some few months later by “The Girl”, a wedding dress and her 7 year old daughter from a previous marriage. They were married in the ancient capital of Scotland, Scone, in the “Old Church” where all the kings of Scotland were crowned. The couple plunged into the adventure of a new life together, living in a house built in the mid 1500’s, starting a new business and helping their daughter,who formerly attended a parochial school in the Ukrainian village in Chicago adapt to attending a one room school house which she reached by walking through fields filled with shaggy horned Highland cattle. After a year, the girl found the romance of Scotland start to tarnish and be countered by the reality of living in a rural community whose attitudes towards women was not altogether in line with the values of the strong willed modern Chicago woman. While these slightly backward attitudes night have been encountered in rural communities anywhere, including in these United States the obstacles for starting a business at that time were much greater in Scotland. The rules, regulations, hoops and jumps required to be navigated by local government in addition to the normal travails and challenges encountered when starting a new business anywhere, were almost insurmountable. The decision to move their family and their embryonic business to Chicago was therefore not a difficult one. I was that lad and my wife Pam was that lassie. Chicago was a place with a very different attitude towards business and entrepreneurialism than the attitudes and system we had encountered in Scotland in the late 70’s where a successful businessperson was often looked on with suspicion and jealousy. In Chicago, rather
than obstacles, we found encouragement. and an environment in which success was lauded and seen as beneficial for the entire community. We were indeed in the home of the entrepreneur! It needs hardly be said that starting a new business is never easy, and even in the comparatively friendly environment that we now occupied, a certain lack of imagination was essential. If we had known all the problems we were going to encounter in starting a business, we would never have done it. But we woke up every day excited and enthused and steadfastly advanced, handling every problem as encountered. After a few years of success I began to think of myself as a kind of Donald Trump, hard work and business smarts, guaranteed continued success--or so I thought. Pride comes before the fall, and after few failed business ventures in rapid succession, much to my chagrin, I realized there was one important component that I had been overlooking in business that if not crucial, it is certainly a big help in achieving success, --luck, and lots of it. Doing the right thing, in the right way, at the right place and at the right time, might be the result of shrewd business acumen but with a modesty that experience has forced upon me, I now realize the importance that luck has played in my modest success. With interests in commercial real estate and a couple of well known restaurants I can and do encourage young people to become entrepreneurs, to work hard, to take risks while they are young, when failure is just a minor and temporary setback. I tell them about the hard work and dedication required to start a new business; the sacrifice and the ulcers. Privately, and now not so privately, I rejoice in my good luck, my luck in stumbling into the right place at the right time with the right product, my luck in finding and marrying my wife and business partner Pam and my luck in carrying on a business in the business friendly environment that is Chicago. Land of the free and home of the entrepreneur. By way of a postscript I should point out that our daughter Kim went on from that one room school house to graduate from the high school of Dundee in Scotland which, while she was in attendance, celebrated its 1000th year anniver-
sary. Former alumni include William Wallace of Braveheart fame. She is now a PHD, Md specializing in Pediatric Nephrology in Chicago.
Jack Crombie, his wife Pam and daughter Kim visiting their former home in Scotland several years ago.
Crombie on his wedding day in Scotland, holding up his step-daughter Kim. His wife Pam is in the hat behind.
Jack Crombie currently lives in Winthrop Harbor with his wife Pam
Gurnee Park District Receives $20,000 Grant from John H. Emery Youth, Pageantry, and Patriotism Fund Gurnee Park District recently received a $20,000 grant from the John H. Emery Youth, Pageantry, and Patriotism Fund. This donation will be used to support children whose family may not otherwise have the income to enroll them in swim lessons. The grant will be used over the next few years to support these individuals enrolling in the Gurnee Park District’s instructional swimming program. John H. Emery, a freelance writer who spent much of his life in Chicago and the surrounding suburbs, has made sizable contributions to several organizations in the area. “We are very happy to support the wishes of Mr. Emery in providing youth programming opportunities to our community,” stated Gurnee Park District
Executive Director, Susie Kuruvilla. This resource comes at a very good time as the recently renovated FitNation Pool is now open and instructional swim programs will be starting at this location in January. This summer, Gurnee Park District was honored to be a part of the World’s Largest Swim Lesson which set the new Guinness Book of World Records largest simultaneous swim lesson record. That effort was done to highlight the importance swim lessons as a means to reduce drowning in children under the age of four, as it is the second leading cause of death for that age group. “This grant will allow Gurnee Park District to continue to support this national initiative to
reduce drowning in children,” explained Kara Moss, Aquatic Manager for the Park District. In addition to the safety benefits swimming provides, there are also many health benefits gained by swimming. With the recent addition of FitNation to the Gurnee Community, Gurnee Park District is focused now more than ever on providing more fitness and health opportunities to the community through its programming. Beginning in January 2015, with the launch of a new swim lesson program at FitNation, eligible participants will have the opportunity to participate in the John H. Emery Swimming Assistance Program. This initiative will focus on providing young children with the opportunity to join the Gurnee
Park District swim lesson program to develop important swimming skills. The goal will be to provide children with the necessary instructional classes to be able to swim safely on their own. As a premiere swim lesson provider in the area, Gurnee Park District teaches over 4,000 children annually how to swim. Swim lessons are offered at the Hunt Club Park Aquatic Center, Warren Pool, and FitNation. For tours of the FitNation facility please visit us at 1655 Nations Dr., Gurnee, IL or call (847) 623-4506 to schedule an appointment. More information about this great opportunity can be found at www.gurneeparkdistrict.com/ registration-forms.
14
January 2015 theYOUjournal
Kyle on Sports
A Bright Future for baseball on the South Side by Kyle Jones guest writer There is no doubt that baseball has been very difficult to watch in the city of Chicago for last 5 seasons. But it was the season of 2014 that offered a glimmer of hope to Sox fans when rooking first basemen Jose Abreu took the field opening day. Jose Abreu put together a magical season that ended with American League rookie of the year honors, silver slugger award, and 2014 All Star. Abreu hit .317 with 36 homers and 117 driven in, a rookie season that was comparable with former 2012 rookie of the year winner and current 2014 MVP winner Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Then there is Chris Sale, a left handed starting pitcher that is rare to find these days ranked second in all of baseball last season among lefties. The only pitcher who finished better than Sale from the left side was Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers who not only won the CY Young award in 2014 but also took home
the MVP trophy as well. Now of course, as bright as the future can be for these two young players it still comes down to whether the organization can put the right pieces in place in order for this team to be a title contender in 2015. The winter meetings over the past several seasons have never been quite the bright spot for the Chicago White Sox. However, this year’s winter meetings could not have played out any better for a team and in fact it is in my opinion that White Sox had the best winter meetings of any team in baseball. The Chicago White Sox landed six key players; SP Jeff Samardzija, RP David Robertson, RP Dan Jennings, RP Zack Duke, 1B/OF Adam LaRoche, and OF Melky Cabrera. Let’s start with 1B/OF Adam LaRoche, Adam is a key left handed bat that the Sox line up desperately needed. Not only will his .259 average with 26 homers and 96 driven in going to be a burst in their line up but also gives them option defensively to give guys a day off here and there. Now we move onto the other hitter that the
sox landed and that being Melky Cabrera from the Toronto Blue Jays. Cabrera in my opinion is the perfect 2 hole hitter that the Sox could have asked for. Here’s a guy that hit .301 last season with an on base percentage of .351. Cabrera can hit from both the right side and left side of the plate and plays a good glove in left field where the Sox had a concerning hole. As for the pitching in Chicago the sox signed closer David Robertson from the Yankees who saved 39 games last season. Zack Duke and Dan Jennings are two quality left handed relief pitchers that will add depth to the bullpen. Finally the acquisition of Jeff Samardzija from the Oakland A’s turned the Sox rotation from average to above average. They now have a 1, 2, and 3 in Sale, Samardzija, and Quintana. All in all, I would say for first time in 10 years that baseball will be relevant on the South Side of Chicago once again.
Kyle Jones lives in Wadsworth. He graduated from Warren-Township HIgh School and works as a property manager.
Someone You Should Know: Graziela Kaufman, Founder of Graziela Gems
by Alisa Bay Born in Brazil, into a family of jewelers, the Highland Park mother of four has always had a passion for jewelry design and an exceptional sense of style and fashion. As a young girl, she watched her Italian grandfather work with gems in his shop and knew that one day she would follow in his footsteps. Today, Graziela’s gorgeous pieces are being worn by women around the world, many of whom are celebrities including Anne Hathaway, Jennifer Lawrence, Katy Perry, Gwen Stefani, Laura Dern, Amy Adams, and Lupita Nyong’o. Yes, Graziela Kaufman is definitely someone you should know! What was your first job? My first job was when I was 20 years old. I started selling very high-end jewelry for a friend of mine. How did you get started in your business? When I was 22 years old, I bought a mesh gold bracelet and added some colored gemstones throughout. I wore it to my mother’s birthday lunch, and one of her friends bought it right off my wrist! That’s how it all began. If you couldn’t be a jewelry designer, what would you be? I’d be an animal activist, making sure that all animals have safe and loving homes without fear of abuse. If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? I would volunteer at Tails of Hope, a no-kill animal shelter in Highland Park.
Would you rather win the lottery or work at the perfect job? Winning the lottery would allow me to continue working at the perfect job, minus the limits I currently have to put on myself in terms of how much I spend on gemstones!
Do you collect anything? I collect gemstones. Many of the pieces I design use a variety of different stones, so I often have to collect the perfect stones over a long period of time in order to create the finished piece.
ing a gorgeous cuff to an awards ceremony. It’s a piece that I absolutely love and she was the very first celebrity to wear Graziela Gems. Now I have pictures of over 100 celebrities wearing my designs. It honestly doesn’t feel real.
Aside from food, water, and shelter, what one thing could you not go a day without? My family, because of their love and support. I love spending time with my kids and being involved in their activities.
Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest? My strongest sense is sight. When I see a gemstone, I can instantly visualize the piece of jewelry that will highlight its beauty.
The world would be a better place if… People respected each other and treated one another with kindness and compassion. What a difference it would make if people could find it in their hearts to be kind and accepting.
How many languages do you speak and what are they? I speak English and Portuguese fluently, and conversational Spanish.
How would your friends describe you? Generous, sparkly and perpetually late!
If you could be any animal, what would it be? A Savannah cat. They are a cross between a Serval and a domestic cat. They look like miniature tigers and I have two of these beautiful creatures. What are 10 things people would see when they walk in your front door? Today, they would see a Christmas tree, my two cats, my dog, comfortable furniture, a faux zebra fur bench, a large dining room table and chairs, decorative objects, a pile of boys’ shoes, a baby grand piano, and lots of family photos. What three words best describe you? Colorful, creative and caring. What really makes you angry? Seeing any form of animal abuse. It breaks my heart. What is your favorite family recipe? Pao de Queijo (Brazilian Breaded Cheese Puffs).
Who is your hero and why? My parents are my heroes. Their work ethic, perseverance, strength and positive attitude are inspirational. They gave me the tools I needed to understand that obstacles exist, but when you work through them, you can appreciate success when it comes.
For more information about Graziela and Graziela Gems, visit www.grazielagems.com.
.
What life lessons do you hope to teach your children? Your word is your bond and your reputation is everything! Follow your dreams and believe in yourself. Nothing is impossible if you have passion and work hard towards your goals. Never forget to be kind, respectful and compassionate. Live life in a healthy, happy and honorable way. Feel gratitude every day and make yourself useful. Try to make a difference in someone else’s life. What makes you smile when you walk into your office? It’s a picture of actress Gabrielle Union wear-
Graziela Kaufman
theYOUjournal
Out on the Town Genesee Theatre - January line up
Steven Wright Sunday, January 18th at 7:30 PM :
Steven Wright is an Academy Award-winning American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer from Burlington, Massachusetts. He is known for his slow, deadpan, monotone delivery of ironic, witty, deeply philosophical and sometimes confusing jokes and one-liners with overly contrived situations. Wright’s began performing in Boston comedy clubs in the late 1970s and by 1982 had made his first appearance on “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson”. He went on to make nine appearances over the next three years. Home Box Office (HBO) took notice, and gave Wright his first chance to headline a TV special. His 1985 comedy album entitled I Have a Pony, released on Warner Bros. Records, received critical acclaim and was nominated for a Grammy Award. In a 2005 poll to find The Comedian’s Comedian, he was voted amongst the top 50 comedy acts ever by fellow comedians and comedy insiders. He was named #23 on Comedy Central’s list of the 100 greatest stand-ups of all time. Tickets range from $31.00 to $39.00 plus applicable service charges and are on sale now. Tickets are available by visiting the Genesee Theatre Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com & Ticketmaster charge by phones at 800-982-2787.
Dan + Shay Friday, January 23rd at 8:00 PM:
Dan + Shay have established themselves as one of country music’s most promising duos. With pristine vocals and a knack for writing clever yet relatable songs about looking for, finding and losing love, Dan + Shay bring a youthful sense of energy to country music. Their debut album, Where It All Began, comes from the last line of their debut hit single, “19 You + Me,” which, upon its release, had the biggest first week by a new duo in trade publication Country Aircheck’s history, was the most added debut of 2013 at country radio and was certified Gold by the RIAA. Tickets are $23.00 to $43.00 plus applicable service charges and go on sale Friday, December 5 at 10am. Tickets are available by visiting the Genesee Theatre Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster.com & Ticketmaster charge by phones at 800-982-2787.
Genesee Theatre is located at 203 N. Genesee Street in downtown Waukegan
January 2015
15
Winnetka native (and her group) headline Annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival Don’t miss a fun-filled start to the New Year by experiencing the 14th annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival January 8 - January 18. Lizzie Cross, a Winnetka native of the group “It’s Not Us, It’s You” will be headlining the festival. This is her second year participating in the in the comedy event. “It’s Not Us It’s You” is a sketchfest show that won’t get political or preachy, just emotional. Join the unbalanced cast for a journey through work life and relationships in Chicago. Over the years, the Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival has garnered international attention, attracting over 10,000 patrons annually from around the world. As the nation’s largest sketch comedy festival, audiences will enjoy over 160 troupes, featuring more than 1,000 performers in just 8 days. Other highlights include the return of Siblings of Doctors featuring Danny Pudi from “Community”, festival favorite BriKo (Winners of the 2014 Best of the Fest Award at the Toronto Sketch Comedy Festival), two local groups who have been a part of the festival for all 14 years- The Cupid Players and Stir-Friday Night! Some new highlights this year include Golden Baby (NYC), Hot Thespian Action (Winnipeg), The Aces (Portland) and Baby Shoes (NYC).
Lizzi Cross from Winnetka is part of the comedy group “It’s Not Us, It’s You,” scheduled to headline the 14th annual Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival Jan. 8 - Jan. 18
Buy tickets by calling Stage 773 box office at 773-327-5252. For general Chicago Sketch Comedy Festival questions, e-mail: Jill at Stage773.com. Stage 773 is located at 1528 W. Fullerton Avenue in Chicago.
Marriott Theatre celebrates 40-years Starting with La Cage Aux Folles
The Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire announces its 40th Anniversary 2015 Season. Chicagoland’s longest-running musical theatre will continue its tradition of fostering new musicals by premiering OCTOBER SKY (starting in August 2015). From the creative team that brought HERO to the Marriott stage with a book by Aaron Thielen and music and lyrics by Michael Mahler, OCTOBER SKY heralds a new partnership between The Marriott Theatre and Universal Stage Productions (WICKED, BILLY ELLIOT). For the first time, the award-winning theatre will also present Cy Coleman’s CITY OF ANGELS and the new Holiday classic ELF which will star Jeff Award-winning actor Alex Goodrich (HERO). New productions of the classics LA CAGE AUX
FOLLES and ANYTHING GOES round out the offerings. Get your tickets now for the all-time favorite:
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES January 28 – March 29, 2015
LA CAGE AUX FOLLES is the first show to ever win the Tony Award for Best Musical three times! With a hit film adaptation, The Birdcage, with Nathan Lane and Robin Williams, LA CAGE AUX FOLLES has become a classic musical comedy. Set against the glitter of a Saint-Tropez nightclub, a middle-aged gay couple agree to hide their relationship when their son returns home with his fiancée’s ultra-conservative parents. Feathers get ruffled and households upended in a poignant tale of one family’s struggle to stay together, stay fabulous and above all else, stay true to themselves.
WORD POWER
With a score by Jerry Herman (MAME, HELLO, DOLLY!) and a book by Harvey Fierstein (NEWSIES, KINKY BOOTS) you’ll discover that “The Best of Times” is now! The creative teams for The Marriott Theatre are led by Artistic Director Aaron Thielen and Artistic Director Andy Hite. Ryan T. Nelson is Marriott’s resident musical director, and Patti Garwood is musical supervisor and conductor.
For information on how to get tickets or to subscribe to The Marriott Theatre’s 40th Anniversary Season, please call The Marriott Theatre Box Office at 847.634.0200 or Visit www.MarriotTheatre.com.
Peripatetic: Moving or traveling from place to place. One who is itinerant, and without a permanent home. A follower of Aristotle or the Aristotelian philosophy
16
January 2015
theYOUjournal
Where are they now? Richard Hyde, who served as mayor of Waukegan from 2002 to 2009, keeps himself in good shape in retirement. He exercises daily in his basement which is equipped with Universal exercise machines including a treadmill. He also weight lifts. At 87, His Honor puts into shame people many years younger than he. His open secret: Exercise and optimism. A retired U.S. Air Force colonel , he was the athletic director of Waukegan High School for 35 years and a coach for six years at Warren Township High School. Mr. Hyde marked his 87th birthday in November. We wish him many more happy returns. He and his wife, Janice, will celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary in April. They have five children: Kathy of Kenosha; Jeff of Dallas, Tex.; Rick, a chiropractor in Wheaton; John of Springfield; and Kristine of Grayslake. “Retirement is great and I’m very happy about it,” said the former mayor simply.
Continued from page 1 Tori, therapy dog
took a 150-mile bike trip on the Great Allegheny Passage Bike Trail from Pittsburgh to Cumberland, Md., in the Appalachian Mountains.
Richard Hyde, former mayor of Waukegan
Marty Buehler, who retired in 2012 after
serving 28 years as director of Lake County Transportation and county engineer, is now executive director of the Lake County Transportation Alliance. During his tenure, Mr. Buehler led the conversion of the county’s rural roads to a 300-mile urban highway system. He also got the county to participate in the nationwide bike path movement in 1984 by transforming major portions of the abandoned right of way of the former North Shore inter-urban railroad in Lake County to the Robert McClory Bike Path. McClory is the late Republican congressman from the 12 District. A bicycling enthusiast, last summer Buehler
Tori and handler Cynthia Ingram
Marty Buehler, former director of Lake County Transportation
tor for the Animal-Assisted Therapy program in the Mind-Body Medicine Department of the hospital. “This position allows me to address the psychosocial aspects of our patients, families, stakeholder’s needs in such a positive, loving, caring manner,” said Ingram. “Tori is able to get people to open up and talk about their feelings, smile, laugh, hug and cry. We are able to provide comfort in a way that addresses the needs of people of all ages and backgrounds. I thoroughly enjoy being part of a multidisciplinary team that serves our patients and caregivers in such a holistic way,” Tori and Ingram are active members of Dogs of Endearment Dog Therapy Group and Pet Partners (formerly Delta Society), an organization dedicated to improving human health through animal-assisted therapy.
Take extra precautions in the cold
Winter is a great time of year for outdoor sports or sipping hot chocolate in front of a warm fire. But, winter can also be a time of illness and injury if people fail to take appropriate health and safety precautions. Following are some tips from the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center on how to avoid some of winter's woes.
Colds
Colds are the world's most common illness. More than 100 viruses can cause colds. While there is no vaccine to protect you, there are ways to lessen your chances of coming down with the illness. Keep the humidity up in your home (between 30 and 40%) since dry air dries out the mucous membranes in your nose and throat and causes them to crack, creating a place where cold viruses can enter your body. Wash your hands frequently and avoid contact with people who have colds. Build up your natural resistance by eating well, exercising and getting enough sleep.
The Flu
Influenza is an upper respiratory infection that can make persons of any age ill. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough and soreness, and aching in the back, arms and legs. Abdominal cramps, vomiting or diarrhea are not flu symptoms, although they can be present with flu because of a coincidental condition. The most important thing you can do is to get a flu shot. While some of the viruses spreading this season are different from what is in the
vaccine, vaccine can still provide protection and might reduce severe outcomes such as hospitalization and death. Flu shots are still available at pharmacies and healthcare providers throughout the county, as well as through the Health Department. In protecting yourself and your family, remember that frequent hand washing also helps prevent the flu. Other good habits to help prevent the spread of any respiratory illnesses are to cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, stay home when you are sick, and get a flu shot.
Hypothermia
Hypothermia can be fatal if not detected promptly and treated properly. It occurs when the body temperature drops to 95 degrees or below. A 3.6 degree drop from a normal body temperature of 98.6 degrees may seem trivial, but it's drastic for vital organs. The most common victims are older persons who have difficulty keeping themselves or their homes warm in cold weather. Senior citizens should take caution that they don't turn their thermostats down too low to save money. Seniors struggling to pay their heating bills can apply for assistance through the Federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Infants less than 1 year of age are also at risk because they lose body heat more easily than adults, and cannot make enough body heat by shivering. The condition can develop over a period of time. Even cool indoor temperatures of 60 degrees can eventually trigger hypothermia. Symptoms include shivering, drowsiness,
slurred speech, hallucinations and slow and shallow breathing. If you notice these symptoms in a person, take his or her temperature. If it is 95 degrees or below, call a doctor or ambulance, or take the victim directly to the hospital.
Those who have inadequate heating at home should visit malls or other public places to stay warm. As always, check on neighbors who live alone and never leave infants, the elderly or pets alone in cold cars. When outdoors, be aware of the added effect of wind chill. For example, 20-degree air temperature combined with a 20 miles per hour wind, has the effect of 10 degrees below zero on the human body.
Frostbite
When spending long periods of time outdoors during cold weather, be alert for signs of frostbite. It initially occurs in the nose, ears, fingers and toes, and can happen at any temperature below 32 degrees. Frostbitten skin is whitish, and stiff and feels numb rather than painful. Children are especially susceptible to frostbite because they can become so engrossed in their play that they overlook discomfort. To prevent frostbite, wear hats that cover the ears, scarves or masks to cover the face, and several layers of clothing to trap body heat. Mittens are better than gloves. To treat frostbitten skin, do not rub the area, since friction can cause further skin damage. Seek medical attention immediately. Warm the
affected parts of the body with warm water for 20 to 40 minutes. Wrap the frostbitten area in blankets, sweaters, etc.
Snow Shoveling
You should avoid shoveling snow unless you are in good physical condition. If you become breathless, stop, go indoors and warm up before continuing. Overexertion can cause heart attacks and lifting heavy snow can cause back ailments.
Winter Sports Safety
Lake County's numerous inland lakes are frequently used for skating and snowmobiling during winter. If you skate on a lake or a pond, take safety precautions. Do not skate unless the ice has a uniform thickness of at least 4 inches. Have rescue devises, such as a rope, ladder and blankets on hand. Do not skate alone. If you are snowmobiling, do not travel on lakes or rivers without knowing the ice conditions. To be safe, there should be 8 inches of clear ice. While snowmobiling, also be aware that heavy or drifting snow can obscure fences, tree stumps and uneven ground. Also, be especially careful if a child is your passenger.
For more information on preparing for winter weather emergencies, visit: http://www. alertlakecounty.com/
Business at a Glance
theYOUjournal
January 2015
17
18
January 2015
theYOUjournal
Community-minded coffee shop opens in downtown Libertyville by Long Hwa-shu A coffee house which recently opened in downtown Libertyville at the former site of a Caribou is a business apparently with a heart for families and charities. It is called Mischief’s Brewing Coffee & Tea Shoppe. Its artistically-done logo featuring two cups of coffee with steams forming a heart, though looking so simple, amply captures its motif. “We want this place to be fun and our customers to be part of the family,” said Michelle Chapley, who formerly worked in human resources at Zion School District 6. She and her aunt, Tina Richardson, also of Zion, and a silent partner, are owners. Richardson, a former credit analyst with Jim Beam, the bourbon distiller, decided not to move when her department relocated to Kentucky. “We jumped at the opportunity when the Caribou store closed. We had been looking at several locations,” said Chapley, who has a business degree from Columbia College and an MBA from Kaplan University. The partners didn’t buy the Caribou franchise and are leasing the location, according to Chapley, who, by the way, designed the company log. Mischief’s Brewing, she stressed, is an independent enterprise. Walking into the store at 725 N. Milwaukee Avenue, immediately one gets a homey feeling. The interior is that of a woodsy log cabin. The seating, with sofas and chairs, is cozy and comfortable. Dancing flames in the fireplace add to a warm feeling especially on a wintry day. The walls are lined with pictures of customers. The aroma of freshly-bred coffee wafts throughout the 1,700-square-foot store, festively decorated for the holiday. Asked about competition from the nearby Starbucks Chapley, she explained, “We have a completely different market niche.” “In the morning, we cater toward commuters with quick-and- out services,“ she said. But for the rest of the day, the store is abuzz with a busy schedule of networking, private meetings and catered events. For entertainment, store offers
The fireplace is the focal-point at Mischief’s Brewing in downtown Libertyville. poetry reading, singing, guitar playing and an open mike on certain evenings. “We’re deeply involved with the community. Every month we support a different charity. It’s our way to give back to the community,” said Chapley. Among the most recent ones was Hyatt’s Angels, a non-profit that assists families who have lost a child. Mischief’s Brewing buys its coffee from a roaster in Rockford and offers 20 different flavors. Among the most popular are the house blend, a medium roast; and the Italian blend, a dark roast. The store also sells its own packaged coffee. “Before opening the store, we went to a coffee fest in Chicago and interviewed all the roasters there. We picked out the one we liked,” said Richardson. Besides coffee, the store bakes its own cookies, scones, muffins and cupcake. It also makes sandwiches. One afternoon in December, the store catered a party for 45 people, serving them with all kinds of party food and coffee, of course.
“As I said this is a fun place to be,” said Chapley.
Tina Richardson, left, and Michelle Chapley own and operate Mischief’s Brewing. The community-minded duo entertain various drives at the place including the occasional pet adoption event from the Animal Education & Rescue, non-profit organization. (the cat in the photo is from a recent event) - photos by Tina Johansson
Richardson and Chapley have developed a coffee for Hyatt’s Angels, a non-profit organization which assists families who have lost a child.
New Treasurer talks plans for 2015 by Long Hwa-shu David Stolman, the newly-elected Lake County treasurer, has eased into his new job apparently with insightful know-how and sure-footed aplomb. For starters, the treasurer’s office is expected to collect an estimated $2.2 billion in property taxes in 2015. As a county board member from District 20 for 22 years including two years as chairman and years on the finance committee, Stolman was thoroughly familiar with the county’s finances. Nevertheless, before he took over the office on Dec. 1, he had gingerly shadowed Robert Skidmore, his predecessor, for more than two weeks to learn, so to speak, on the job. Skidmore had held the job for 16 years. “I wanted to make sure I do things effectively and efficiently on my new job,” he said of the walk-through with his predecessor. “As the county treasurer, I want to collect quickly and disburse the monies quickly to the 200 local taxing bodies,” said Stolman, 66, of
Buffalo Grove. The recipients include schools, park districts and library districts, townships, municipalities, mosquito abatement districts, the College of Lake County, the Forest Preserve and various other government agencies. “We send out about 260,000 tax bills,” Stolman said of the bills to property owners and others. State laws, he said, require that monies to be distributed within 30 days after collection, “but I want the funds be in their hands much more quickly than that.” “Many people think we assess the taxes which we don’t do. We’re a collection agency,” he added. The treasurer’s office is staffed by 16 people whom Stolman praises as “skilled and dedicated.” “We’re under-budgeted, but we’ll make do with what we have,” he said. For the monies collected that do not go out the doors immediately, the treasurer’s office invests them in bank deposits and short-term papers. The returns from interest, he pointed out,
are “nominal but safe.” “We invest conservatively without any exposure to risks so nothing gets lost,” he said. Before entering into politics in 1992, Stolman was a lawyer. He received his bachelor’s degree in political sciences with a minor in math from the University of Illinois in Champaign in 1970. Later, he went to DePaul where he graduated with a law degree in 1973. He practiced law first in Chicago and later with offices in Buffalo Grove and Grayslake. He was a corporate lawyer for the former Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago and McDonald’s Corp. Asked about his achievements on the county board, Stolman took pride to mention that as chairman he was able to reduce the county budget by $18 million in 2010 and by $12 million the following year when the economy was in a downturn not only for the country but for the county as well. He also pointed to his role as vice-chairman of the blue-ribbon Illinois Tollway Advisory Council which paved the way for the long-waited extension of Route 53 from Lake-Cook Road
to Route 120. Construction has yet to begin for the much-delayed project as the Tollway Authority is figuring out on how to pay for it. “But all the parties on the council including developers and environmentalists have
Chief Judge John Phillips swears in new Lake County Treasurer David Stolman.
theYOUjournal
January 2015
19
From sadness to hope: A poet’s journey
K
by Tina Johansson
evin Bradshaw of North Chicago is a fixture at a Libertyville coffee house where he pens verse, and on certain Thursday evenings he recites his poetry. Poems of Love, Laughter & Life in which the title is prefaced as “Mischief’s Brewing,” the coffee house where he found encouragement to write it, and where many of his poems were written—has been selling for $16. The 54-page book published by Alphagraphics of Wood Dale was released last November, and is dedicated to his youngest child Andre. These days he takes things in stride; but it wasn’t always that way. The 56-year-old, retired Abbott Laboratories employee suffered severe depression one and one-half years ago, after the sudden death of Andre, a 1999 graduate of Waukegan High School who ran cross country and was a member of the wrestling team. “(His dying) was totally unexpected,” said the father of three. Though he knew Andre had suffered from Type I diabetes, Bradshaw immediately went into a kind of shock when “Dre,” as he was called, died from complications of it. “I couldn’t grieve—I just couldn’t bring myself to do it. It was strange because I wasn’t torn up like everyone else around me. I was so focused on getting his body back here and making funeral arrangements,” said Bradshaw. Andre, 31, had been living in Las Vegas at the time. About a month afterwards, the shock the father had been under, transformed into a deep depression. “When it hit, it hit very hard,” said Bradshaw. In fact, the hard-hitting funk sent him reeling; enough so, that he was hospitalized for a week at a time, on two different occasions. He had become suicidal, he said. It is said that the death of a child is the hardest thing to bear. “I’ve experienced death with the loss of a previous spouse, my parents, aunts and uncles. This is by far the worst thing,” said Bradshaw. “Writing poetry has been essential to help-
ing me. It is a form of therapy,” said Bradshaw who began writing seriously with a writers group from the College of Lake County. While hospitalized for his depression, Bradshaw wrote and recited his poems to fellow patients and staff members. He said time also has been on his side to help heal emotional wounds. “There’s always pain, but I’m much better able to manage it. The grief is a part of my life, but it’s no longer the center of it,” said Bradshaw. To help deal with Andre’s death, Bradshaw wrote several poems: “Dance in the Rain,” in which he tells how he can bravely face life’s storms unafraid; and “It’s been a Long Time Coming” which tells about how he is finally able to wake up with a smile on his face, and see a light at the end of tunnel. A poignant poem titled “Depression” was written the very day comedian Robin Williams died last August. Bradshaw said he felt he could relate to what Williams may have been going through at the time, and wrote the words reflecting that. Though he became interested in poetry some Waukegan East High School graduate Kevin Bradshaw of North Chicago with his son Andre, right, a 1999 graduate of the school. Andre unexpectedly died, leaving Bradshaw depressed. Poetry helped him deal with the death of his son, and he has written a book of poems, left, titled “Love, Laughter & Life.” - photo courtesy of Bevin Bradshaw 20-years ago, much of his work has been written recently. He enjoys listening to many types of poets, with a favorite being Saul Williams. Bradshaw credits Bevan, his wife of ten years, for her support, encouragement and comfort, as well as her help with the book which “…would most definitely not have been written without her.” And he is grateful, he said, to Michelle Chapley and Tina Richardson, co-owners of Mischief’s Brewing for inspiring him to write and read his poetry there. The soft-spoken 6’ 3” writer is working on his second book of poetry. He is a 1976 graduate of and former basketball player for Waukeg-
an East High School. He has two surviving sons from a previous marriage—Kevin Jr. and Timothy. Bradshaw also has two grandchildren, Andre Jr. and Timothy II. To buy the book, contact www. http://mkt. com/kevin-m-bradshaw or call Kevin Bradshaw at 224-316-8492. To hear Bradshaw recite his poetry, visit www.mischiefsbrewing.com or call 847-3677574 for the current poetry reading schedule.
Green Thumb Ladies Hope Forcier & Kathleen King, master gardeners If winter comes, can seed catalogs be far behind? There are numerous gardening catalogs available on line and in print; good catalogs contain a wealth of information worth reading. Catalogs give you a wider choice of varieties than your local gardening stores. Ask your gardening friends for catalog recommendations. Use the Internet to find catalogs available on line, or to request one in the mail, and to check out several reviews of any catalog you’re thinking about using. Growing from seed is cheap -- $2-$5 for a packet of 15-100 seeds vs. $12-$25 for a flat of approximately 18 plants. Think of your satisfaction when you get some nice healthy plants, which you personally started from a tiny seed. If you’re a novice, you could sow some seeds directly in the ground or in pots in late spring when the ground is warm. There are gorgeous varieties of marigolds, sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, cleome and coleus
available. All are easy to grow, and many of the varieties are not found locally. When browsing the tempting seed choices, keep in mind that our frost-free growing season is approximately 130 days, making any thing that matures in 160 days a poor choice. The number of days posted with most vegetable listings in the catalogs is an estimate of the days to harvest that particular variety. The countdown begins the day you transplant the veggies out. For seeds you plant directly in the ground, it begins when the seedlings appear. Seed packets will tell you when to start the seeds. Usually this is given as a number weeks before the last frost date, which, in this area, is around mid-May. For instance, if the instructions tell you to start your tomatoes 6-8 weeks before the last frost date, you would start your seeds in mid to late March. Sowing the seeds too early can
result in tall, spindly plants which take longer to get established. The catalogs will also tell you the sunlight requirements for each plant. “Full sun” means direct sunlight for six to eight hours a day. “Shade” means three to four hours of direct sunlight a day. If your back yard is too shady, try interspersing vegetables and flowers in the front yard, especially if you choose the compact varieties of vegetables and respect their spacing requirements. Ignore the current weather; browse your catalogs, and dream of your warm, colorful sumHope and Kathleen are Master Gardeners through the University of Illinois Extension Service, Lake County office. Originally from England, Hope now lives in Wadsworth. Kathleen, lives in Gurnee. Between them, they have more than 100-years experience.
mer garden!
Pink Queen cleome are among the many plants you can grow from seed. Start thinking about the warm weather now and consider planting seeds when the time is right.
20
January 2015
theYOUjournal