Make It Better February 2013

february 2013

family, community and you

north shore

2012 philanthropy

awards

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con t r i bu tor s

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we asked our writers and our art director to tell us about their favorite love story.

1 | julie chernoff Evanston Julie loves “The Time Traveler’s Wife” by Audrey Niffenegger.

Strange and beautiful, a love story for all times.

2 | jessica dejong Evanston Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s “The Little Prince” is one of Jessica’s favorite books. It may not be a romantic tale, but it’s still a great story about how to love.

3 | Tate Gunnerson Chicago The unlikely love story of Lloyd Doblar and Diane Court in Cameron Crowe’s 1989 film “Say Anything” is one of Tate’s favorite love stories. Lloyd holding up the boom box outside Diane’s bedroom window gets him every time.

4 | marjie killeen Wilmette Marjie adores the charming film “Mrs. Pettigrew Lives for a Day,” where the heroine is transformed and finds true romance after a dizzying day in the service of a flighty young starlet.

5 | Kelly Konrad Glenview Ang Lee’s adaptation of the classic “Sense & Sensibility” makes Kelly cry ugly at the ending every time.

6 | Susan Noyes Wilmette Susan couldn’t possibly choose one favorite love story. Every story about finding or fighting to keep a great love moves her.

7 | Lindsay roseman Glenview Lindsay’s long-time favorite love story is of Titanic’s Rose and Jack. It’s just a classic.

Enough said.

8 | kristina tober Lake Forest For Kristina, Rachel Simon’s “Riding the Bus With My Sister” is a poignant reminder that love is often complicated and trying, but with true love come unexpected joys and a deeper meaning in all things—even riding the bus.

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ON L I N E

OUR BETTER HALF IS ONLINE

what’s hot on makeitbetter.net

FEBRUARY 2013

family, community and you

north shore

MOVIES & TV

Royal Pawn Chicago: Family Business in the Limelight FASHION & BEAUTY

Beauty Tools Worth Investing In  2012 PHILANTHROPY

AWARDS plus 2013 Camp Guide

make it better on the iPad

If you have an iPad, you’ll want to download our app, which gets you each month’s magazine for free!

It has lots of interactive features, including videos, photo galleries and click-through purchasing.

have you seen our tech mamma videos?

We asked Make It Better readers which tech troubleshooting topics they would most like help with, and created a series of short videos to answer your most burning questions. Topics include: how to sync your iPhone calendar, tricks to increase iPhone battery life, iPhone camera tips and more. You won’t want to miss these videos!

OUTINGS & TRAVEL

Traveling Abroad: 10 Apps You Need RELATIONSHIPS

6 Unique Girls’ Night Out Ideas

 MAKEITBETTER.NET/TECHMAMMA

Just a few tips:  Download it where you have a WiFi signal, and it’ll load quickly, but expect it to take a minute or two to get all the data.  If you’re new to viewing magazines on the iPad, take a quick look at the navigation instructions. Then have fun exploring all the extra goodies.

Download the free iPad app today  MAKEITBETTER.NET/IPAD

the better letter

We update content on makeitbetter.net daily, so to find out what’s going on around the site, sign up for our weekly email Better Letters on our homepage.

Sunday  Organize for the week ahead with:  food  family  fitness  community  home ideas  inspiration and local treasures

Wednesday  Get ready for the weekend! You’ll find the latest in: shopping beauty restaurants entertainment quick and easy ways to make a difference

Sign up today at MAKEITBETTER.NET/BETTER-LETTER

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you said it We love to hear from you— so please send us your stories, comments, opinions, ideas, reviews and resources!

This month, instead of “You Said It,” we’d like to call this column, “You Did It!” Thanks to our readers, Make It Better’s Warming Hearts and Hands program was able to donate 430 coats, 502 blankets, 70 hats, 147 mittens/gloves and 50 scarves to the following organizations:  Lake County Haven  Chance Ministries  San Jose Obrero Mission  Sarah’s Circle

 Breakthrough Urban Ministries  Rice Children’s Home and Aid  Catholic Charities, Syracuse  Deborah’s Place

Our wonderful donors — many of whom knitted the hats, mittens and scarves they delivered (see below) — include:  Girl Scout Troop from St. Juliana School in Chicago  Northbrook Senior Center knitters group  Working Together in Highland Park and Highwood  Volunteer Center  AuPairCare North Shore  Ravinia Elementary School NSSED And to those who didn’t include their names, we also want to thank you for your generosity!

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FR E SH

B Y TA L I A B E E C H I C K A N D J U L I E C H E R N O F F

THAT BURGER JOINT A new concept from Oberweis, That Burger Joint is, in their words, “a laid-back ‘meating’ place.” That Burger is juicy Angus beef, certified humane, no hormones or antibiotics, griddled to order. Them Fries are fresh-cut, skin-on Idaho russets; That Dog is all-natural, nitrate-free 100% beef; and That Chicken is all white-meat breast, free of preservatives and artificial ingredients. Most toppings are free, with your choice of a regular or pretzel bun. It’s “quick food” you can feel good about… and then finish up with a shake at the adjoining Oberweis ice cream store!

THAT BURGER JOINT: 4811 Dempster St., Skokie, 224-534-7429, tbjburgers.com -JC

THE BIG BLACK DOG TAVERN & GRILL The owners of Gilson’s in Wilmette have opened a new, family friendly spot: The Big Black Dog Tavern & Grill, located in the corner building that housed Crystal Cave for umpteen years. Just in time to fill the void left by the closing of CJ Arthur’s, BBD offers burgers, house-smoked BBQ and a few Mexican goodies along with an impressive array of craft beers (their BBQ sauces are especially tasty).

The huge flat-screen TVs will keep kids and sports fans entertained while you munch away. THE BIG BLACK DOG TAVERN & GRILL: 1141 Central Ave., Wilmette, 847-920-5681, facebook.com/TheBigBlackDogTavernGrill -JC

LOVING LINGERIE A stylish and elegant lingerie boutique, the Fitting Room offers professional bra-fittings, lingerie styling, bridal services, personal shopping and men’s services as well as beautiful and affordable lingerie, foundations/shapewear and other accessories from today’s top designers. Offering bra sizes through N cup size and designers such as Cosabella and Simone Perele Lingerie, the Fitting Room can fulfill all your undergarment needs. Visit store owner and lingerie stylist Bex to learn about the fit, wear and care of lingerie and to feel more comfortable, confident and beautiful in your own skin! FITTING ROOM: 11 S. Lake St., Grayslake, 847-986-9272, mylingeriestylist.com -TB

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THAT BURGER JOINT PHOTO BY JULIE CHERNOFF, A. PERRY PHOTO COURTESY OF A. PERRY HOMES, BIG BLACK DOG PHOTO BY SARAH PHILIPPART, FITTING ROOM PHOTO COURTESY OF FITTING ROOM

REDESIGN, REBUILD, REMODEL They do it all! A. Perry Homes has opened their new architectural design studio in Winnetka. A one-stop shop for updating your home, A. Perry Homes offers the latest trends in architecture and custom home building, home automation technology and interior design. The studio also aims to be a fun venue for community events, speakers and fundraisers. Check out expert seminars, wine tastings and food demonstrations at their new, chic studio, and e-mail info@perryhomes. com to get on the invitation list! A. PERRY HOMES: 564 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, 847549-0668, apdbhome.com -TB

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r e c o m m e n d e d feb 2013

B y K e l ly K o n r a d

Shawn Colvin February 1 – 2 | SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston | evanstonspace.com Looking for big music in a small setting?

Grammy Award-winner Shawn Colvin is hitting the road to support her latest release, “All Fall Down.”

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Randolph Street Market February 2 – 3 | 1340 W. Washington, Chicago | randolphstreetmarket.com An eclectic, funky Valentine on your list this year? Shop ‘til you drop at Randolph Street Market’s indoor show.

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2

Chicago Auto Show February 9 – 18 | McCormick Place, Lake Shore Dr. at 23rd St., Chicago chicagoautoshow.com A winter entertainment staple and Chicago classic—don’t miss this year’s show.

Take a test drive on the Jeep Track, play Kia Karaoke for the chance to win some green and don’t forget to vote for your favorites—you could win an iPad! Feb

The Infernal Comedy: Confessions of a Serial Killer February 1 - 2 | Chicago Symphony Orchestra | cso.org Former North Shore resident and actor extraordinaire John Malkovich returns to Chicago for a two-night engagement with the CSO. A combination of music and monologue, Malkovich plays the part of a real killer, Jack Unterweger. Serious stuff, so leave the kids home for this one.

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Winterfest u 1 Through February 3 | Lake Geneva, WI | lakegenevawi.com Get this—the U.S. National Snow Sculpting contest is just a 90-minute drive from your door. Take this trip and you can cross “See beautiful, enormous snow and ice sculptures” off your bucket list. For real— the artistry is pretty amazing and it’s Lake Geneva, which is fun all year long.

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top photo courtesy of Walt Whitman’s Soul Children of Chicago, bottom right photo courtesy of north shore center for the performing arts

editor’s pick

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photo of john malkovich by Olga Martschitsch, winterfest photo by Bill Frantz Photography

“Nickel and Dimed” 1 February 1 – 10 | Josephine Louis Theater, 20 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston communication.northwestern.edu/tic Barbara Ehrenreich’s words come to life under the direction of Jess McLeod—this adaptation of the 2001 novel that exposed working conditions across the country for low-wage earners is sure to educate and entertain.

Feb

The Magic of Bill Blagg 9 February 9 | North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie | northshorecenter.org Feel like making magic with someone you love? Get tickets to Blagg’s show in Skokie this month. Eye-popping illusions that’ll leave you wondering, “Just HOW did he do that?”

FEB

Chicago Botanic Garden Family 17 Class: Rainbow Garden February 17 | 1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe | chicagobotanic.org The Garden isn’t just for summer months—take advantage of their outstanding family programming! New this year is “Rainbow Garden,” where families can dissect seeds, make crazy colorful art and gear up for spring by constructing pollinators.

FEB

Learn to Cross-Country Ski February 17 | Singing Hills Forest Preserve, Fish Lake and Gilmer Rds., Volo | lcfpd.org Add a little outdoor action to the exercise routine—strap on the skis (bring your own) and take advantage of the great trails in northern Illinois.

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Backstage at the Lyric Opera February 24 | 20 N. Wacker Dr., Chicago | lyricopera.org A “Behind the Music” that really IS behind the music. Learn how professionals bring opera to life with a backstage tour that includes visits to various staging areas, including props and makeup.

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p Walt Whitman’s Soul Children of Chicago February 9 | Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St., Chicago | harristheaterchicago.org Celebrate your soul with an hour-long performance from the best of the best in youth choirs. Great for the whole family!

FEB

TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF WALT WHITMAN’S SOUL CHILDREN OF CHICAGO, BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTH SHORE CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS

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Sunday Bloody 10 Sunday Pub Crawl February 10 | Chicago History Museum, 1601 N. Clark St., Chicago | chicagohs.org Now’s the perfect time to try out a new pub crawl—the Chicago History Museum offers wicked fun options like this one—trips to the city’s best Bloody Mary bars.

FEB

The Pink Floyd Experience q 26 February 26 | North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie | northshorecenter.org Dig it, it’s Pink Floyd. Time to grab your high schoolers for a winter field trip and musical history lesson all at once.

FEB

Creole Stomp February 10 | Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights | metropolisarts.com A great way to enjoy Mardi Gras this year—kick back with some toe-tapping Creole and let your mind wander straight to New Orleans.

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Little Miss Ann February 16 | Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette wilmettetheatre.com Switch up the kiddie music routine with a live show this month.

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E V E N TS L IST I NG

baby it’s cold outside Take advantage of the cold weather season to enjoy local culture on the inside B Y K E L LY K O N R A D

museum exhibits

That’s hot. Here’s your chance to learn all about the space we inhabit and how it came to be.

Charlie Brown and the Great Exhibit  Through February 18 Museum of Science and Industry msichicago.org It’s your last chance to catch this exhibit featuring the work of celebrated cartoonist Charles Schulz.

Picasso and Chicago Opens February 20 Art Institute of Chicago | artic.edu Say “Chicago” and “art” in the same sentence and it’s more than likely Picasso is there, too. Join the Art Institute in celebrating its 100-year relationship with this artistic icon.

Chaz Bojórquez Ongoing National Museum of Mexican Art nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org You can head to warmer climes without leaving the city—don’t miss this amazing exhibit featuring one of the pioneers of the street art movement.

Fashion and the Field Museum Collection: Maria Pinto Ongoing Field Museum | fieldmuseum.org Feeling fashionable? Chicago-based designer extraordinaire Maria Pinto has selected some of her favorites from the Field’s collection and is showcasing them alongside some of her own creations.

Crazy cool fashion fun.

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Headlines: Wilmette Hats and Hatmakers Ongoing Wilmette Historical Museum wilmettehistory.org It was just millinery and now it’s art. Take a stroll through the mid-1900s when you take in this exhibit.

Karkomi Permanent Exhibition Ongoing Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center | ilholocaustmuseum.org When words aren’t suitable to explain points in history, physical artifacts step up to the plate. This exhibit is a perfect example.

Unboxed: Adventures in Cardboard Ongoing Chicago Children’s Museum chicagochildrensmuseum.org Spend an afternoon on your hands and knees in a cardboard maze and make crazy creations. You can say you’re just going for your kids, but you know you want to join in.

The Universe: A Walk through Space and Time  Ongoing Adler Planetarium | adlerplanetarium.org Sure it’s cold outside—but outer space?

more great museums: Evanston History Center 225 Greenwood St., Evanston evanstonhistorycenter.org Mitchell Museum of the American Indian 3001 Central St., Evanston mitchellmuseum.org Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art 40 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston blockmuseum.northwestern.edu Lake County Discovery Museum 27277 N. Forest Preserve Rd., Wauconda lcfpd.org/discovery_museum/

TOP PHOTO BY JB SPECTOR, MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY, CHICAGO . BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF ADLER PLANETARIUM.

Destroy the Picture: Painting the Void 1949 – 1962 Opens February 16 Museum of Contemporary Art mcachicago.org A fresh look at a lesser-known genre—art making in the post-war period.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz Ongoing Kohl Children’s Museum kohlchildrensmuseum.org A great escape on a cold winter’s day— walk into a life-sized pop-up book and enjoy the wondrous world of L. Frank Baum.

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sponsored listings

Equestrian Connection Wine Tasting February 10, 5:00 p.m.

The Forge Club | 634 S. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills | 847- 615-8696 | equestrianconnection.org Saddle up at our annual wine tasting party to benefit Equestrian Connection Therapeutic Riding Center in Lake Forest.

Enjoy dinner, wine and scotch tasting, fine art and an inspiring show from Livingston Taylor. Tickets are $100, available at signmeup.com/89355.

Bullying In Schools: What Parents Can Do (Free Event) February 13, 6:30 p.m.

Rush NeuroBehavioral Center 4711 Golf Rd., Suite 1100, Skokie | 847- 933-9339 | rnbc.org/events At this free event, Anne Howard, Ph.D. will review the types and prevalence of bullying and discuss prevention and intervention ideas to help bullied children. Parents will also learn how to get involved at school to reduce bullying.

Music Institute of Chicago presents the Pacifica Quartet February 16, 7:30 p.m.

Nichols Concert Hall | 1490 Chicago Ave., Evanston | 847- 905-1500 | musicinst.org/pacifica-quartet Recognized for its virtuosity, exuberant performance style, and daring repertoire choices, the Pacifica Quartet is recognized as one of the finest chamber ensembles performing today. The Grammy Awardwinning ensemble will perform works by Haydn, Smetana and Beethoven.

LAUNCH: Driving Fashion Forward March 10, 5:00 p.m.

Autohaus on Edens | 1600 W. Frontage Rd., Northbrook | 847- 272-7900 | dogoodersdodah.com Spring fashion preview showcasing North Shore boutiques! Cars and fashion, need we say more? $5,000 Columbia College student design competition! Enjoy cocktails while perusing fashions, a silent auction and raffle giveaways. Fashionistas invited for an evening of friends, fashion and philanthropy!

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2012 PHILANTHROPY

AWARDS

By Susan B. Noyes

W

e founded Make It Better in 2007 to help our savvy audience make life better for themselves and others.

As part of that mission, we amplify the work of outstanding nonprofits and grow connections within the northern suburbs and beyond.

We’ve now worked with hundreds of organizations and individuals who make a real difference locally and around the globe. And we’ve learned that the best of the organizations—the ones who squeeze every drop of goodness out of each donated dollar and are willing to use technology to improve on old ways—deserve further recognition and reward. We think of this as venture philanthropy.

So we gathered together an auspicious group of

judges and launched the Make It Better Philanthropy Awards in honor of this magazine’s third anniversary. On National Philanthropy Day—November 15—members of our staff delivered awards to eight winners.

The prizes? Powerful content – including videos created by the Make It Better Foundation—that highlight how these organizations make more lives better per dollar spent.

Our congratulations to these inspiring and effective organizations, and to the men and women who bring their missions to life. To see the video of our whirlwind day, as well as more on each organization and their individual videos, go to makeitbetter.net/ awards2012.

JUDGES

Kathleen McCartney, Dean, Harvard Graduate School of Education | Matthew Doubleday, Senior Vice President Marketing, Wintrust Financial Corp. | Susan B. Noyes, Publisher, Make It Better | Michael Rosengarden, Owner, Autohaus | Sandra Miller, Director of Community Development, Make It Better | Heather Blackwell, Make It Better Mindy Fauntleroy, Co-Founder, Make It Better | Kimberly Carroll, CEO, Make It Better

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Lives Made Better

Mission:

Exemplary Because:

To mentor at-risk children into successful adulthood via academics and social, spiritual and extracurricular development using measurable educational goals.

At an average cost of $5,700 per year/per child, the By The Hand Club for Kids provides comprehensive, whole-child after-school assistance and mentors each child through high school, college and beyond. In 12 years it has grown from 16 students to over 895 currently served.

I

t really does take a village.

Fact—kids do better academically, socially, spiritually and emotionally when they are surrounded by a support system invested in their development.

By The Hand is just that—a program in some of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods that raises kids out of poverty and helplessness toward a solid future.

“In the late 1990s, I was a partner and president of a successful ad agency, just a few blocks from Cabrini-Green,” says founder and president Donnita Travis.

She started volunteering with kids through her church, and left advertising to start By The Hand Club for Kids in March 2001—with 16 kids and one paid staff member.

Travis herself has never taken a salary.

“By The Hand and its mission are synonymous—to target children in need and mentor them so that they can make positive changes to their overall wellbeing,” she says.

The organization’s holistic approach includes a structured after-school program, safe transportation, healthy snacks and hot meals, homework and tutoring assistance, counseling, health care and education, and a college staff specialist to encourage a college-going culture. —Kelly Konrad

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Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund Educational Innovation (Local)

Mission:

Exemplary because:

To provide life-altering scholarships and support to economically disadvantaged Chicago teens with strong academic potential to assure their success in college preparatory high schools, through college and beyond.

By collaborating closely with a scholar’s family, school and other nonprofits, DMSF leverages $4,000 per year partial scholarships into hundreds of thousands of dollars of financial aid per student by college graduation.

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ollege isn’t an option unless a student has had a high school education that prepares him or her for the academic rigors of college.

The Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund gives economically disadvantaged students financial and educational assistance so they can attend a college preparatory high school. The fund also provides critical support including summer academic assistance, tutoring, mentoring, summer employment options and college counseling.

Executive Director Andy David reflects on their mission: “I had the opportunity to listen to several of our scholars speak at an event,” he says. “Seeing the kids who had been given this opportunity made me realize that this organization is truly making a difference. A lot of people talk about it, but we’re doing it.”

Ellen Yiadom, a former DMSF Scholar who now works as a lawyer for Vedder Price in Chicago, says that without DMSF she couldn’t have afforded to enroll in St. Ignatius.

“My parents’ desire to see me succeed and all my hard work and determination were simply not enough to get me past the finish line,” she says. “I would not have been able to succeed without that help.” —Susan B. Noyes

(left) Photo by russell ingram photography; (right) photo courtesy of dmsf

By the Hand Club for Kids

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Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA)

Girls in the Game

(left) photo courtesy of girls in the game; (right) photo courtesy of glasa

Most Inspiring Mission (Local)

Mission:

Exemplary because:

To create future leaders from girls in underserved-Chicago communities, by providing them with sports, fitness, nutrition, health and leadership development opportunities.

Independent research by Learning Point Associates and Loyola University shows notable improvement in exercise rates, nutrition knowledge, healthy diet, enhanced leadership abilities and self esteem for girls after just one year in the after-school program.

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o see a young girl believe in herself—well, there’s not much more inspiring than that. Chicago-based Girls in the Game aspires to make that moment happen for more young girls.

Since 1995, the organization has been working with Chicago Public Schools and the Chicago Park District to provide innovative programming that educates more than 3,000 girls between the ages of 6 - 18 about fitness, nutrition and healthy living. The goal? To turn out future leaders with a solid sense of self-esteem.

“For our girls, there’s nothing else to enroll in,” says Girls in the Game president and CEO Amy Skeen.

“That’s why we run elementary, middle and high school programs year-round so that they can stay in it long term.”

The program works—according to independent research by Learning Point Associates and Loyola University, just a single year in an after-school program makes a noticeable difference—girls exercised more, improved their knowledge of nutrition, ate a healthier diet, and experienced enhanced self-esteem and leadership abilities.

“Girls in the Game offers so much,” says Skeen.

“Everyone gets her chance to be the rock star.”

—Kelly Konrad

Most Improved Fundraiser

Exemplary because:

To promote and support the development and well-being of youth and adults who have a physical or visual disability through sports and leadership opportunities.

Any person has the chance to participate in sports programs offered by GLASA, despite limitations. For every dollar raised, $.91 goes to funding these empowering programs.

G

LASA’s Annual Twilight 5K Run, Walk and Roll, isn’t your average race.

Those with physical and visual disabilities are able to race side-by-side with ablebodied athletes and compete to achieve something they might not have thought possible. GLASA’s motto, after all, is “Let No One Sit on the Sidelines.”

Thanks to the hard work of nearly 70 volunteers, along with donations and support from sponsors, the success of the race has grown year after year. “Really what inspired me [to start this organization] was other individuals I had worked with in the past who had received so many benefits from being involved with sports and recreational opportunities,” says Executive Director Cindy Housner.

Housner was particularly inspired by eleven-year-old Ethan Burkhart’s story. Ethan, who has spina bifida, was adamant about not racing in the 5K, but his mom, Jennifer, signed him up anyway. Not only did Ethan race and have a great time, but he placed first in his division.

“As parents, you want to see your child be a part of something,” Jennifer wrote in a testimonial letter. “GLASA is changing his life and also changing the way his able-bodied peers view kids with disabilities.” —Lindsay Roseman

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Mission:

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ProjectMusic

Innovations for Learning

Mission:

Exemplary because:

Mission:

Exemplary because:

To improve K-5 student literacy in underperforming schools with TeacherMate and TutorMate technology, and corporate volunteers who tutor remotely through the TutorMate program.

It works. Close to 40 percent of first-grade students in Washington D.C. are taught to read using this program, and D.C. schools have seen a 13-point gain in reading scores.

To send children living in Chicago’s Lydia Home to summer camp by raising funds at an annual concert.

All of the funds raised go 100% toward the mission; each $200 ticket purchased sends one child to camp.

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tudent literacy is important to Seth Weinberger, executive director of Innovations for Learning, but he thinks it should be important to everyone.

“It’s horrifying. The odds of you going to jail are just so incredible if you don’t learn to read by third grade,” he says.

To improve educational outcomes, Weinberger developed the TeacherMate and TutorMate programs used in classrooms across the country. TeacherMate uses a cloudbased system to allow teachers to create personalized lesson plans for kids to practice on an iPad or iPod Touch. TutorMate pairs students with tutors from major corporations and organizations to practice those lessons via Skype.

“Kids have within them a huge potential of learning based on things that excite them and interest them. Technology just seems to be better for some reason than just about anything else that I’ve seen in terms of triggering that switch,” Weinberger says.

The tutors from each corporation then visit the students that they’ve been working with for the past year at an emotional end-of-year party to celebrate their hard work.

“The tears are flowing in every direction,” Weinberger says. “It’s incredible.” —Lindsay Roseman

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ummer is the best time of year for kids who are surrounded by parks and have access to camp programs and suburban amenities. But the Michelson family of Glencoe found that the children living at Lydia Home in Chicago rarely got to experience summer fun. The family— Dan, Kim, Emma (12) and Ian (10)—regularly volunteered at the orphanage, but wanted to do something more for the kids.

“In creating ProjectMusic, we felt it was important to have an incredibly fun event where 100 percent of the proceeds supported the mission,” says co-founder Kim Michelson. “We decided to charge the same amount for a ticket to the ProjectMusic concert as it costs to send a child to camp each year —$200.”

Michelson tells one story that encapsulates all the program’s successes. In 2009, there was a boy who was terrified of the high ropes course. He tried three different times, and finally, on his third attempt, he went all the way up and across the rope—aided by cheering from the other campers and staff on the ground. “The sense of accomplishment lit up his face once he was done!”

She believes that as kids conquer their fears, they gain self-esteem and realize that they can overcome other fears and obstacles as well. —Susan B. Noyes

(left) photo courtesy of innovations for learning; (right) photo courtesy of project music

Fundraising Innovation

Educational Innovation (National)

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A Safe Haven

Spark Program

(left) photo courtesy of a safe haven; (right) photo courtesy of spark program

Most Inspiring Mission (Local)

Most Inspiring Mission (National)

Mission:

Exemplary because:

Mission:

Exemplary because:

To provide the tools for individuals to overcome the root causes of homelessness using a scalable, cost effective and holistic model.

The program keeps families together, provides services to treat each individual’s range of problems, and includes job training, placement and follow up services.

To give life-changing apprenticeships to underserved junior high students, and spark their interest in school by pairing them with professional mentors.

High school graduation rate for participants in California is 98%, versus the California state average of about 74%.

A

family with resources facing a crisis has a vastly different experience than a family with limited economic means. Neli VazquezRowland, co-founder and president of A Safe Haven, discovered that first hand. “My husband returned from military service, and as is common for many veterans, he had a bout of alcoholism, and fortunately we had the resources to get treatment,” she says.

They decided to take their experience in the business world to solve homelessness and the range of problems— like addiction—that cause it. “We figure out for them how to pay for what they need, and at the end of the day it reduces the burden on all of us,” says Vazquez-Rowland.

One of their success stories is an Iraq veteran with two pre-teen daughters who was homeless and a drug addict.

After she got treatment for her drug problem, she learned how to be a parent, says Vazquez-Rowland. “Once her life got stable, her children’s lives became stable, and they began to flourish.” She notes that if we took a fraction of the money we spend on police and prisons, and put it toward social service programs like A Safe Haven, we could break the cycle of poverty and despair. —Laura Hine

I

n junior high, you might not have known what path your career would take, but chances are, you had adult role models you could emulate. But what if you had never met an architect, lawyer, chef or production designer? That’s where Spark comes in, taking kids from underserved communities and matching them with an adult mentor for a 10-week apprenticeship.

The program opens kids’ eyes to what careers are possible, and gets them excited about learning. Students are interviewed about their interests, dreams and ideas and then are given a choice of options for the apprenticeship.

“We work very hard to match students and mentors,” says Sarah Mayeda, executive director of Spark’s Chicago program. It’s an individualized experience for each kid— so while one student is working with an executive chef, another is at an architecture firm building a model of his dream home. It’s this hands-on experience, plus time spent with their mentor, that makes the difference.

Students also take a Spark Leadership class, which helps create a link between workplace skills and what they’re learning in their classes, says Mayeda. They focus on communication skills and unlocking resources, while doing research to figure out what it’s going to take to reach their goals. —Laura Hine

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201 2 PH I L A N T H ROP Y AWA R DS

BY BY THE THE

5,700

kids in 4 neighborhoods in 2013

100

graduated high school

scholarships awarded annually Daniel Murphy Scholarship Fund raised annually through the Golf Classic, played on North Shore golf courses

scholarships awarded since 1989

(compared to CPS average of 54%)

ProjectMusic

200

cost to send a Lydia Home child to summer camp

Lydia Home children sent to camp in 2012

proceeds go to mission

8

80

improvement in 5K Twilight Walk/Run fundraising from 2010-2012

GLASA

students use TeacherMate program

expression of interest for GLASA to launch support

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junior and senior girls in urban areas who attend no gym class

4,000 prison recidivism rate, versus 51% statewide

A SAFE HAVEN children lived with parents in the program in 2012

1,000

Sponsors one apprenticeship

clients served in 2012:

376

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GIRLS IN THE GAME

91

cities use 1,500 TutorMate tutors across program the country

10,000

girls in underserved Chicago neighborhoods participating annually

Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association

income spent providing athletic opportunities for physically impaired individuals

INNOVATIONS FOR LEARNING

3,000

1,900+

SPARK Cost to student & school

INFOGRAPHIC BY JESSICA DEJONG

859

per student, per year

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fa m i ly

teen depression 3 mistakes parents can’t afford to make

by Laur a Tiebert

Kelsey Neale was a middle

school student in Deerfield when she fell into depression.

“I felt horrible about myself and everything. My parents didn’t know it was depression. I fought with my mom a lot, but she assumed it was puberty,” says Neale, now a freshman at the University of Iowa.

Neale says she wishes her mom would have recognized her symptoms as depression, but in the same breath, acknowledges, that she was good at hiding it. “My mom, bless her heart, she didn’t know. She would ask, ‘You’re okay, right?’ She was already putting out the notion that I had to be okay, so I would just say, ‘Yes.’ ” Peggy Kubert, LCSW, executive director of Erika’s Lighthouse in Winnetka, heads an organization with a mission to “shed light on adolescent depression” through understanding,

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early identification, education, and most of all, stigma busting.

“What we hear from parents all the time is it’s so hard to tell the difference between teenage behavior and when you may have a moody teen on your hands, or when it’s something more that needs intervention. It’s hard to tell,” she says.

Erika’s Lighthouse trained all 400 teachers at New Trier High School to recognize the signs and symptoms of a kid who’s going through a mental health struggle, says Kubert.

“We gave the teachers a checklist: frequent trips to the nurse, headaches, stomachaches, inability to concentrate, inability to make decisions. Teachers can see signs over periods of time, and they have more concrete things to look at,” she says.

Kubert notes that parents often feel that depression is a reflection on their

parenting, which is not true. Instead, parents need to know that depression is common, and that 15-20 percent of young people before they reach age 20 will experience a clinical depression, Kubert says.

At age 13, after months of struggling with pain, Neale attempted suicide. Untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide in teens, Neale says, so today, in addition to majoring in psychology, she speaks and writes about her experience in an effort to raise awareness about what depression looks like in teens.

According to Neale, there are three mistakes parents can’t afford to make with a teen who might be depressed: 1 Assume things are fine. Ask openended questions and be willing to hear the truth. Say, “I’m concerned about you. I’m always here for you.

Are you okay?”

2 Blame changes in your teen on hormones, or teen angst. Losing interest in activities, avoiding friends, losing or gaining weight and hypersensitivity are all possible signs of depression. No one knows your teen better than you and no one will notice changes like you will. Be alert and be involved.

3 Decide your teen can get by without professional help. When in doubt, have your teen checked by a qualified mental health professional. “They’ll be more open in letting their feelings out to a professional in a confidential setting. Better safe than sorry,” says Neale. Call your pediatrician and get a referral right away.

Concerned about a teen in your life?

Go to erikaslighthouse.org and download the free parent handbook, which was written over a three-year period by parents, for parents, and details what it feels like to walk down this path with your child, and what parents wish they knew.

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FA M I LY

turtles stingrays Cayman Islands luxury

BY LAUR A HINE

ING,

and if you’re done with winter and need a beach getaway, there are few places more stunning than the Cayman Islands. Three islands make up the Caymans: Grand, aptly named because it’s the biggest and has the most to do; Cayman Brac, a much smaller island with bluffs, caves and great diving; and Little Cayman, which is largely uninhabited but offers beautiful beaches if you’re looking for a getaway day.

WHY GO CAYMAN?

rescue vessel was scuttled off of Seven Mile Beach in 2011. The wreck is already attracting marine life, but what we liked best was the feeling that we were snorkeling in a movie. The ship is so mysterious and silent; it’s not scary or creepy, but it definitely gives an added thrill especially if you’ve done a lot of snorkeling. Alternative: Non-snorkelers should try the Atlantis Submarine. You stay dry, while the sub dives to depths of 100 feet. Fun for all except the claustrophobic.

There are lots of islands in the Caribbean, but the Cayman Islands offer something for everyone in your family (unless you have a serious golfer). Stunning white sand beaches, eco-tourism, friendly locals, great food, outdoor adventure, culture— my daughter and I were there for a week on a trip sponsored by National Geographic Kids and the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism, and we were busy every minute of the day.

Islands Department of Tourism, and

Cayman Turtle Farm: Home to the endangered Green Sea Turtle, this kidfriendly facility is raising and releasing turtles into the wild, but while they are growing, you can see and even hold a turtle. You’ll learn about how they are increasing populations (including raising some turtles as food!) in a fun, interactive way. Just before we left, we watched turtles trudge out of the water and up the man-made beach to dig nesting holes—we held our breath and just quietly watched. Few things are as unforgettable.

Snorkel or Scuba at the USS Kittiwake: This retired submarine

Stingray City: Local snorkeling trips include a visit to Stingray City, where

WHAT TO DO

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you can hand feed the wild stingrays that congregate where fisherman used to clean their catch. Although stingrays sound scary (and yes, one did kill Steve Irwin) they are very docile and sweet creatures. The water on this sandbar is waist deep, so even non-swimmers can kiss a stingray.

WHERE TO EAT

Rum Point Beach: This beach is the antidote to the built-up Seven Mile Beach. It’s at the end of Grand Cayman, and has a laid-back outdoor beach restaurant with hammocks, picnic tables and Mudslides. The food was fine and the drinks even better, but it’s really the atmosphere you’ll remember. Bonus: The very shallow, non-wavy beach is perfect for little ones. We found live conch in the water, and that was a thrill for everyone.

Warf Restaurant: Another great setting right on the water. Here the food is memorable—fresh, delicious seafood—but what your kids will talk about for days is the staff feeding the Tarpons at the end of the night. The ugly, red-eyed, 50-pound fish are best encountered with you on dry land.

PHOTOS BY EMMIE HINE

SPRING BREAK IS FAST APPROACH-

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The Brasserie: The best meal of the trip, which is saying a lot because we loved the food in the Caymans.

The restaurant has its own garden and fishing boat, so yes, the chef is committed to local food. Also loved the pretty, tranquil dining space. Less froufrou than some of the other upscale restaurants on the island.

WHERE TO STAY

Private Homes, Apartments and Condos: There are lots of rental options on Grand Cayman, including over-the-top beachside homes and twobedroom condos. Check out vrbo.com or

caymanislands.ky for options and ideas.

ANYTHING TO AVOID?

There were only two activities we didn’t love: hiking the Mastic Trail and the Pedro St. James Castle. The Mastic Trail is a point-to-point hike, so it takes some coordinating. It’s also very hot and humid inland, so while hiking is always on our vacation itinerary, this wasn’t one of our favorites. The Castle is historic, but best for a short visit on a day when you need a break from the sand, surf and sun.

PHOTO <CREDIT>

Lux: The Ritz Carlton, Grand Cayman: Located right on Seven Mile Beach, the Ritz is the nicest hotel on this touristy strip. It has all the amenities one expects of this luxury hotel chain: beautiful lobby, well-appointed guest rooms, twice-daily maid service, gorgeous pool.

Make sure if you’re paying top dollar that you stay in the building on the beach and not the one overlooking the lagoon.

Family Friendly: The Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa: Also on Seven Mile Beach, this hotel is in need of a spruce-up. Still, the beach is amazing and the pool/bar area fun, but not too rowdy. We stayed in this hotel, and while we didn’t love our room, it was comfortable and quiet.

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c a m p gu i de 201 3

into the wild: trip camps

By Kristina Tober

32

Many summer camps offer a “trip” option.

For some, that means one night camping 50 feet away from their cabin. For others, it can mean a two-night canoe trip. Often, the trip is optional and just one of the many electives offered, like riflery and sailing.

Only a small number of summer camps center their curriculum around a wilderness trip.

“There’s nothing like a wilderness experience to develop a child in body and spirit,” explains JR Verkamp, director of Koochi-Ching, an all-boys camp in Minnesota.

“Through a trip’s adventures and challenges, our youth not only gain a respect and reverence for nature, but for themselves as well.”

trip can last from 5 days to a month in the wild.

While in camp, participants help with trip planning and preparation. They are taught how to paddle, portage a canoe, carry a wigwam, read a map, pitch a tent, start and build a fire. Older campers finesse climbing, and wilderness survival skills that they will put to use on their wilderness adventure—whether hiking across the peaks of Colorado or paddling the waterways of North America.

A reputable trip camp requires its wilderness trip leaders to be certified in wilderness first aid, American Red Cross CPR, whitewater training and leave-no-trace camping. They should have an evacuation plan, and provide satellite phones to trip leaders.

What’s a wilderness trip?

Trip takeaways

Some trips involve backpacking or mountaineering, others canoe or kayak trips. Depending on the age and experience level of each group, a

Every summer camp teaches valuable life lessons, but on a wilderness trip, the gains may be greater.

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SELF-CONFIDENCE AND RESILIENCE. “My sons learned to make fires when cold and make meals from what they packed.

They learned to manage bad weather and find resilience from within,” says Catherine Yehle, mother of two boys who have attended Kooch-i-Ching for many years. “On these trips, they are literally and figuratively learning to navigate the rapids.”

to yourself and others just how strong you are, physically and emotionally.

APPRECIATION FOR THE LITTLE THINGS.

For many kids, it’s the first time they really know hunger, crave a shower and a warm bed. Even better, it’s the first time they experience the magic of the northern lights or a beaver at work.

A wilderness trip provides time to think, reflect and imagine. There is no electricity, no technology, only a campfire and tent, your trip mates and mother nature.

“Over four weeks a camper will spend approximately 280 hours outdoors, paddling and portaging canoes, experiencing animals and trees in the wild; they will hike, fish, start fires, make and build things and stretch their imagination,” reflects Verkamp.

“During the equivalent period, the child left inside will spend 182 hours watching TV, playing video games and surfing the Internet.”

PEACE AND QUIET.

“It quickly becomes clear that everyone can and has to play a role; there is no bench for the weakest player,” adds Ellen Flight, director of Songadeewin, an all-girls camp located in Vermont.

TEAMWORK.

There’s nothing like paddling for eight hours a day or traversing a mountain to build strength and endurance, and to prove

STRENGTH.

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FINDING A TRUE WILDERNESS TRIP CAMP

One of the best resources is the American Camping Association, the largest national camp association in the U.S. To become a member, a camp must be audited every three years, and is checked on hundreds of items covering everything from health and safety to wilderness tripping. The ACA’s website is acacamps.org.

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c a m p l ist i ngs

great camps The Art Center of Highland Park Highland Park, IL | 847-432-1888 theartcenterhp.org Baker Summer Discovery Wilmette, IL | 847-425-5814 bakerdemschool.org Big Blue Swim School Wilmette, IL | 847-729-POOL bigblueswimschool.com Camp Anokijig Plymouth, WI | 800-741-6931 anokijig.com Camp CBG at the Chicago Botanic Garden Glencoe, IL | 847-835-8361 chicagobotanic.org/camp Camp Woodland for girls Eagle River, WI | 800-882-7034 campwoodland.com Cheley Colorado Camps Denver, CO | 800-CAMP-FUN cheley.com

Music Institute of chicago Evanston, IL | Highland Park, IL Lake Forest, IL | Winnetka, IL 847-905-1500 | musicinst.org Northwestern Girls Soccer Academy Evanston, IL | 847-467-5297 nugirlssoccercamps.com Northwestern Boys Soccer Academy Evanston, IL | 847-491-4392 nusoccercamps.com Piven Theatre Workshop Evanston, IL | 847-866-6597 piventheatre.org Tamarak day Camp Lincolnshire, IL | 847-634-3168 tamarakdaycamp.com Towering Pines for Boys Eagle River, WI | 800-882-7034 toweringpinescamp.com

Foss Swim School Highland Park, IL | 847-266-FOSS Libertyville, IL | 847-680-SWIM fossswimschool.com Good Times Day Camp Glenview, IL | 847.729.4884 Libertyville, IL | 847.680.4884 Naperville, IL | 847.680.4884 goodtimesdaycamp.com Harand Theatre Camp Kenosha, WI | 847-864-1500 harandcamp.com Loras College All-Sports Camp Dubuque, IA | 563-588-7053 lorasallsportscamps.com

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c a m p gu i de 201 3

choosing a summer day camp

1

Does my child love the camp’s main activity?

Don’t sign your sport-loving soccer player up for “Cosmic Chemistry” no matter how much you think she might like to improve her science grade. This may seem obvious, but parental aspirations can sometimes supercede good sense.

2

Are any friends signing up?

Not every child needs friends to make camp fun, but Dave Clatch, of the family-owned and operated Good Times Day Camp, which has various North Shore locations, notes that “friends are very important to making camp a better experience.” A gregarious child might plunge in unaccompanied, but for most kids, a familiar face or two makes the transition to camp much easier.

3

How do you keep track of the children at the beach or pool?

According to Dave Thoensen, co-director of Tamarak Day Camp in Lincolnshire, water safety questions deserve their own answers. Start with how big is the swim group, but also ask how children are evaluated and is everyone on the water safety staff a lifeguard or are some “look outs?”

4

Who are your counselors?

Some camps use students, but others set themselves apart by their counselors. Amy Kerr Wells, manager of camp programs for the Chicago Botanic Garden, says that their camps are taught by “degreed adults,” who are teaching professionals and assisted by high school or college students. It’s also worth asking about what background checks the camp uses.

5

Is lunch included?

Trivial? Perhaps, but if your mornings are rushed, a lunch-included option can make your summers much more pleasant. On the flip side, if you have a fussy eater or a child with allergies, packing a sack lunch might be the preferred food option.

5 questions to ask

By Laur a Hine

I am the laziest mother in the world when it comes to driving my kids, so when we were looking at summer day camps, my only question was: Can they walk? (They could, and did.) But perhaps you’re a nicer mother, and are willing to drive your children to their summer fun. In that case, the North Shore is your oyster, and the choices can be overwhelming.

Here are five questions to help guide your decision.

And finally, if you’re not sure, ask for references and call a parent whose child was in the program last summer.

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MID - CENT U RY

PHOTO <CREDIT>

MELODY

Designer Tom Ferguson combines Arts & Crafts style with mid-century modern in this Winnetka home B Y TAT E G U N N E R S O N

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FEBRUARY 2013

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contents VOLUME 4, ISSUE 3

FEBRUARY 2013

features

21

Philanthropy Awards

By Laura Hine, Kelly Konrad, Susan B. Noyes and Lindsay Roseman

30 39 50 60 62

2012 PHILANTHROPY

Turtles & Stingrays Cayman Islands Luxury

By Laura Hine

AWARDS

Mid-Century Melody

By Tate Gunnerson Think Pink

By Evangeline Politis Ten Ways to Be the Best Valentine Ever

By Marjie Killeen

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Happiness is FOUND in Evanston

By Julie Chernoff

cover

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Photo of By the Hand Club for Kids member by Russell Ingram Photography

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CONTINUED ON PAGE 42

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PHOTO <CREDIT>

YOU MIGHT JUST HEAR MUSIC when you pull up to Bob Scales and Mary Keefe’s mid-century modern ranch-style home in Winnetka. Bob has been playing guitar for nearly four decades and enjoys the blues; their son, Emmet, 17, has been at it for two years and favors rock, particularly music by his favorite band, Green Day. The musicians have a built-in audience in Mary and the couple’s other son, Sam, 18, who’s away at college.

Indeed, Bob and his band have used the elevated living room as a stage on more than one occasion. (“The acoustics are great,” Scales says.) But according to interior designer Tom Ferguson, the three-bedroom house felt a bit out-of-tune when he first saw it in 2010. “The house had probably been decorated 40 years ago,” Ferguson says, recalling the dated ashy gray woodwork finish, wallpapered closets and small, ‘70s-era L-shaped kitchen.

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The designer’s challenge was twofold: bring the dated décor into the 21st century and incorporate the Scales’ Mission-style Stickley furnishings into a home that, at first glance anyway, might appear more suited for pieces designed by Nelson, Knoll or Eames.

“Our architect told us that we would have to embrace modernism, but Tom said he could make our style work,” Keefe explains.

First the house had to be gutted. Ferguson retained original features like the ex-

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posed wood beams, a Travertine fireplace hearth in the living room and a wood burning stone fireplace in the lower level. The new design includes cork floors, grass cloth wall coverings and other natural materials. “Bob and Mary are very organic people who love the outdoors,” the designer explains.

They certainly chose the right house.

The home sits on a nearly one-acre lot overlooking a natural ravine. They can even see Lake Michigan from their original blue stone patio. “We just fell in love with the views,” Keefe says. Near the house, Ferguson, who recently received a Master Gardener Certificate from the State of Michigan, created an herb garden for the family.

In the newly and much enlarged kitchen, the designer added a sleek steel Ecosmart fireplace. It’s surrounded by Virginia Ledge stone, which was inspired by the exterior facade.

New IKEA kitchen cabinets, highend Mother-of-Pearl quartzite counter tops and top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances completely transform the formerly dated space—a textbook case of using high/low design to create a stunning look that doesn’t break the bank. “If you built an Arts & Crafts home from the ground up, this kitchen would fit beautifully,” Ferguson says.

Ferguson also incorporated decorative Chinese screens, an entertainment console and other Asian-inspired touches. “Anything that has an Asian feeling is a very good bridge between styles,” the designer explains. “It has simple, clean lines that work well with English traditional, Arts & Crafts, American mid-century and much more.”

According to Bob and Mary, the renovation was a great success. “Tom has great taste and a lot of imagination,” Scales explains. “There’s a warmth and simplicity that we enjoy very much.”

One thing’s for sure: this house hits all the right notes.

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hom e

the

by kristina tober

|

photos courtesy of nuhaus

Y

our kitchen is not immune to clutter. Chances are, this room is home to more unnecessary tools and gadgets than any other in your house. For advice on how to kick the clutter, we asked Doug Durbin, owner of nuHaus Kitchen & Bath Design, and Chef Michael Kornick, owner of mk restaurant in Chicago, for their advice to reclaim your countertops. Continued on page 46 ...

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Stick to the bare minimum No surprise that even our kitchens have fallen prey to over-consumption.  When you entertain, get creative and reuse what you already have.  Just because you need it for a party or holiday, doesn’t mean you have to buy it. There are myriad rental places that offer specialty serving and tabletop items—and not just in white.  Take the time to clean out and purge your kitchen cabinets and pantry. The same rule applies to your kitchen as your closet. If you haven’t used it in a year, it’s time to give it away.  Do you really need two chip and dip bowls—one for inside and one outside?

Who said everything you take outside has to be nonbreakable?  Chances are if you use your dishwasher, an eight-piece dinnerware set should serve the daily needs of the average family.  How many plastic sports bottles and storage containers, coffee mugs and trays

Only stock your kitchen with things you really use “The first step to organizing any kitchen is to think about how you cook, what you eat and, most importantly, what you really need,” emphasizes Kornick. For example, if you are a vegetarian, chances are a rice cooker would be an invaluable tool for preparing all sorts of grains and beans.

Not so important if you cook rice less than two times a month. To help narrow it down, Kornick offers these simple rules:  Stock your kitchen with tools that encourage you to use the freshest, purest ingredients, including a high-quality pepper mill, cheese grater and citrus juicer.  When you purchase cookware, make sure it’s something that’s easy to clean and you won’t be reluctant to use it every single day.  Every cook needs just two non-stick pans: frying pan and saucepan.  Invest in two high quality knives (paring, French) and keep them sharp!  Get a set of mixing bowls that you can prep, store and even serve in (for example, nest-

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ing glass prep bowls), instead of plastic for baking, stainless for mixing, etc.  While there are gadgets for prepping and cooking just about anything you can think of, that doesn’t mean you need them.

Chances are you can skip the large counter mixer and get a handheld instead. And don’t even think about the ice cream maker unless you have extra storage to fill.  Get creative with your tools. For example, use a fine mesh colander to sift your flour instead of purchasing a separate sifter. Get two flat handheld graters instead of the large four-sided one that eats up storage space.

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RECOVER LOST SPACE AND KEEP IT ORGANIZED “It’s never been easier to design an efficient kitchen,” assures Durbin. “Whether you’re working with a custom, semi-custom or existing kitchen that needs more storage, there are so many options to keep much-used items at your fingertips and effectively recapture areas that were previously hard to reach.”

Even if you don’t have the need or budget to redo your kitchen cabinetry, consider tackling your pantry. Installing a closet system, either by yourself or through a closet company, allows you take advantage of every inch, whether it’s a walk-in or simple closet.

THINK ABOUT HOW YOU USE YOUR KITCHEN AND ORGANIZE AROUND THOSE TRAFFIC PATTERNS Durbin finds that the work and traffic patterns in a kitchen are as diverse as the families that occupy it. While the kitchen has become the central living space of most homes today, the trick is to thread the living and working together.

“Think about where you have congestion issues,” advises Durbin. For example, if your kids and spouse get in the way every morning while you pack lunches, designate a separate area for coffee and breakfast bowls. If entertaining is a priority and your guests like to hover, give them a place to mix their own drinks away from your hub.

Even if you don’t have space for a formal butler’s pantry, set up a bar cart or outfit an antique breakfront with all the glassware, mixers and spirits they need.

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bet t e r you

DayTripper

lively

libertyville By kristina tober

A jewel of Lake County, Libertyville is a great example of an All-American town.

With a bustling main street lined with independent retailers and terrific restaurants, you’ll fill the day with food and flair. Here are some of our favorites.

ckle

Schoool St.

yR

45

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3 Spring Valley Trading Co.  A relative newcomer, owner and designer Brooke Alder features barn wood and reclaimed wood—her furniture and accessories bring elegance into rustic.

Whether it’s off the floor or customized, you’re sure to find a one-of-a-kind piece. 526 N. Milwaukee Ave., 224-433-6219, springvalleytradingco.com

Bu

2 The Picnic Basket A neighborhood staple for over 30 years, this is the spot for homemade sandwiches, soups, salads, wraps and more. 501 N. Milwaukee Ave., 847-367-8336, picnicbasketfood.com

5 Artist @ Heart A great spot to shop for American-made gifts and artwork; an even better spot to get creative or have a party. Owner and local artist Vicki Tucker shares her love of art with kids and adults, offering classes, parties, special needs programs and even a Friday night BYOB class. 344 N. Milwaukee Ave., 847-816-4865, artistatheartlv.com

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1 Libertyville Sports Complex Start by dropping off the kids. At nearly 170,000 square feet, this park district facility has basketball/volleyball courts, indoor soccer fields, a 28-foot climbing wall, and a schedule full of programs and open gym options. N. Hwy 45, Grayslake, 847-367-1506, libertyville.com

4 Eclectic Design Source Named the best decorating resource in our Best of 2012 issue, mother and daughter Margaret and Mary Rosemeyer create a store full of beautiful furniture and accessories for the home, backed up by a full-service design firm. 518 N. Milwaukee Ave., 224-513-5413, eclecticds.com

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6 SOMEONE’S IN THE KITCHEN If you love cooking or need a gift for someone who does, walk no further. This store offers a full lineup of cookware, gadgets, colorful kitchen accessories and creative cooking classes taught by local chefs. 522 N. Milwaukee Ave., 847-816-9511, sitkinc.com

7 FIRKIN  Taking suburban out of the bar, this joint features dozens of locally and internationally brewed draft beers, ales and a hefty menu to back it up—whether it’s pâté or artisanal cheese to pair with your beer or a serious Waygu burger. 515 N. Milwaukee Ave., 847-367-6168, firkinoflibertyville.com

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8 THE TAVERN If you’re looking for a meal with plenty of ambiance, head next door. The original Brunswick painted bar is the perfect spot to have a drink before moving upstairs for some of the best steaks on the North Shore. 519 N. Milwaukee Ave., 847-3675755, tavernlibertyville.com

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thinkpink

These rosy accessories and garments will give a chilly day a shot of cheer this February. And with Cupid getting ready to draw his arrow, these pops of color will surely make you an easier target! by

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opposite page: Collarless bow coat, $698, Kate Spade; this page: (1) Ombre layered necklace, $38, Anthropologie; (2) Cap sleeve dress, $35, H&M; (3) Printed scarf, $55, J. McLaughlin; (4) Floral ring, $78, Kate Spade; (5) Lilly Pulitzer bangle, $28, and bracelet, $38, Lillie Alexander; (6) Nylon tote, $25, The Initial Choice; (7) Pink straight leg jeans, $50, H&M; (8) Small bamboo handle bag, $395, J. McLaughlin; (9) Bow ballet flat, $25, H&M; makeitbetter.net

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(11) Lilly Pulitzer blouse, $158, and blazer, $178, Lillie Alexander; (12) Vera Bradley wristlet, $34, The Initial Choice; (13) Ostrich tote, $425, J. McLaughlin; (14) Lilly Pulitzer sweater, $88, Lillie Alexander; (15) Lilly Pulitzer jeans, $148, Lillie Alexander; (16) Lilly Pulitzer seahorse tote, $78, Lillie Alexander; (17) Magenta wool skirt, $25, H&M; (18) Metallic skirt, $30, H&M; (19) Scarf, $19.50, The Initial Choice

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trunk shows sp o ns o r e d l i st i n g s

Lilla P. Spring Trunk Show

February 4 - 9 Fresh Ideas Clothing Co., 300 Happ Rd., Northfield, 847-446-3774, freshideasclothingco.com

Neil Bief Evening Collection

February 1 - 2, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

Frances Heffernan, 810 Elm St., Winnetka, 847-446-2112, francesheffernan.com Come meet designer Neil Bieff in person.

LaFayette 148 trunk show

February 14 - 19 Mattie M, 847-784-8701, 990 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka Featuring Pre-Spring and Spring 2013. A representative from New York will be on hand to assist with your selections. The collection revolves around a modern look of the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;60s and â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;70s with a vibrant palette of living colors and prints.

Monique Lhuillier Trunk Show

February 21 - 23 Ultimate Bride, 106 E. Oak St., Chicago 312-337-6300, ultimatebride.com Preview the latest collection of gowns from the beloved designer.

see your trunk show here!

To list your Trunk Show, please contact Jenny Newman at jenny@makeitbetter.net

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BET T E R YOU

winter hair

skin savers

BY JENNY MUSLIN

Baby itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cold outside, but you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to look like Old Man Winter has been nipping your nose. These beauty products and gadgets will make a noticeable difference in your beauty routine this month. Put these products to use and winter skin and hair will be a thing of the past.

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T3 Hairdryer A repeat Allure and InStyle beauty winner, the T3 uses ionic and infrared heat so your hair dries in significantly less time. It leaves hair smooth, eliminates flyaways and keeps hair healthy by not over-drying. Order it from a professional website so you’re guaranteed the product warranty. Of the various models, the T3 Featherweight 2 Hair Dryer is the lightest at just 13 oz. $200 Rusk Hair Straightener This heats up instantly and has variable heat settings so you can adjust the temperature.

Use the lower temp setting on bangs and smaller hairs. Rusk is infused with ceramic and titanium technology to straighten hair from roots to end without causing frizziness.

Your hair will look smooth and shiny! $100 Rodin Olio Lusso Constantly praised by beauty aficionados, this non-oily, natural skin hydrator is made from a blend of 11 essential oils created from flowers and botanicals. Creator Linda Rodin spent a year perfecting the elixir. Women rave that this product hydrates better than any other, and creates a glowing complexion. While Rodin Olio Lusso is a bit pricey, just 2 to 3 drops morning and night will last you at least 6 months. $150/1 fl.oz.

Essie Apricot Cuticle Oil Nails need hydration too. This cuticle treatment hydrates dry nails and softens tough cuticles. Packed with vitamins and natural oils, it conditions and promotes strength.

Apply daily. $8 Bobbi Brown BB Cream Korean women first put BB cream on the map, but now it’s getting play in the states.

BB stands for beauty balm, and it smooths sensitive skin while providing coverage for acne or redness. The cream acts as a moisturizer, foundation and wrinkle reducer.

Many cosmetic companies have come out with their own version of a BB cream, but Bobbi Brown’s has SPF 35 in it, making it a true all-in-one for coverage. $42/1.35 fl.oz.

Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta Glow Pad We all need a boost of color in the dull winter months. These anti-aging and exfoliating self-tanner pads make application a cinch.

With active Vitamin D, the pads are ideal on your face or body for a natural, streak-free glow. Additionally, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, antioxidants, and vitamins help fight wrinkles and improve skin tone. $32/20 pads

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BET T E R YOU

sitting ... the new smoking?

Daily runs won’t protect from risks of sitting

Tips to get moving Craft wants to educate women and change their behavior. She recommends:

BY CHRIST Y COUGHLIN

 Continuing your regular exercise program, including at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week

HAS SITTING REPLACED SMOKING

 Sitting less during all other times of the day

as the new health risk, causing sickness and early death? Smoking was popular until the Surgeon General announced, “Smoking can Kill!” in the mid ‘60s. In the last 50 years, the compelling scientific evidence has changed the behavior of Americans, reducing the number of smokers. However, as our population becomes more sedentary, our sitting ways are the new risk to our health, even for those who exercise.

A recently released study coauthored by Lynette L. Craft, adjunct assistant professor of preventive medicine at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, suggests that even physically active women sit too much. Craft, in collaboration with Ted Zderic of the Pennington Biomedical Research Center, studied healthy women ages 40-75 who exercised regularly.

Each woman wore an activity monitor that objectively measured physical activity and inactivity. They found that the women sat for 8-9 hours per day, much of it for long periods of time.

According to Craft, we need to be more active during leisure and non-leisure hours. Think about the amount of time you spend in front of a computer or television, talking on the phone, in meetings or in a car—all sitting!

Past studies prove that sitting for extended periods of time leads to a higher incidence of chronic health conditions like diabetes, obesity, heart disease and some cancers—even for those who exercise regularly.

For optimal health, ride your bike, hike, run, swim, play tennis, but don’t stop there. Look at the rest of your day and get off your glutes for a little extra movement every 30 minutes.

Smoking kills, but so can sitting.

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 Using a log for 2 or 3 days to record periods of sitting  Incorporating periods of activity to interrupt sit time.

Break up sitting with light movement every 30 minutes or at least once an hour:  Stand for a portion of a long conference call or take a call while walking  Stand while folding laundry  Set a 15 minute timer on your computer to remind you to get up and move (Craft did 10 squats every 15 minutes as an experiment)  Walk to a coworker’s desk to return an email  Stand when you compose a text  Send your document to a printer across the floor  Walk to mail a letter  Take the dog around the block  Move through a few stretches in between projects  Drink from a small cup and walk to fill it regularly  Multitask at home to allow for computer breaks  Take the stairs to another floor for your bathroom break

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Bet t e r You | finance

When telemarketers call, hang up, says Charity Navigator’s Miniutti. A 2011 study in California found that even some prominent charities, including Amnesty International, actually lost money that was raised through professional telemarketing fundraising operations. Overall, the charities got back an average of just 10% of funds raised by for-profit fundraisers.

Get beyond the storytelling. The emotional tug of your heartstrings can lead you astray when it comes to giving. What you really need to know is if the charity can articulate its challenges and goals.

Check out the website. Volunteer and find out first hand what’s happening.

giving for good How to judge a charity

By Jaime Baum

Is your approach to charitable

giving more scattershot than specific?

Do you wonder if the donations you make have impact?

If so, you’re not alone.

Experts in the philanthropic field recommend doing your research before writing a check to an organization.

“Review charities using a three-legged stool approach,” says Sandra Miniutti, chief financial officer of Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org), America’s largest independent charity evaluator. “The first leg is financial performance. What is the financial health of the organization?

The second leg is accountability and transparency. Finally, what are the results of the work? Are they having impact?”

So how can you best determine which charities to finance? After veri-

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fying that the organizations vying for your dollars are 501(c)(3) nonprofits, follow these guidelines: Identify your cause. What are your specific goals? If you want to support programs for autistic young adults, do you want to donate to the national Autism Research Institute, or someplace more local like Our Place of New Trier Township?

Adriane Glazier, a consultant who acts as an intermediary between donors and charities, suggests that donors consider these points: “Is your goal to help find a cure for cancer in general?

Or do you want to fund a particular research project that will make a difference in specific lives? Is leaving a legacy part of your goal?”

Do they need your money? According to Glazier, some organizations with large endowments may not be looking for smaller contributions.

Are donations used wisely? This gets

back to the accountability and transparency question. Charity Navigator recommends that a baseline of 75% of donations be used for programs, 25% for administration costs. “Keep in mind that museums have higher overhead, but food banks are the opposite,” says Miniutti. “Try to benchmark against similar organizations.”

Executive compensation is a thorny issue. Remember that these execs aren’t working for free, but Miniutti says, “When salaries approach $1 million, that’s unreasonable.”

Consider an annual charity budget. Just

as it sounds, identify each year how much you want to give and where you want your money to go. Create a reserve fund for disaster relief that you can distribute on an as-needed basis.

However you choose to donate, consider these words from Andrew Carnegie: “It is more difficult to give money away intelligently than to earn it in the first place.”

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BET T E R YOU

winter hair 44 54

skin savers

BY JENNY MUSLIN

Baby it’s cold outside, but you don’t have to look like Old Man Winter has been nipping your nose. These beauty products and gadgets will make a noticeable difference in your beauty routine this month. Put these products to use and winter skin and hair will be a thing of the past.

family

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dining and entertainment 54

Teen Depression Three mistakes parents can’t afford to make

By Laura Tiebert Into the Wild: Trip Camps

By Kristina Tober Choosing a Summer Day Camp: 5 Questions to Ask

By Laura Hine

FEBRUARY 2013

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Heart-y Winter Warmers

By Julie Chernoff Love Stories

By Kelly Konrad Date Night

By Kelly Konrad Music by Val Musical notes on philanthropy

home

make a difference

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Clear the Kitchen Clutter

By Kristina Tober

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editor’s letter

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contributors

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you said it

Winter Hair & Skin Savers

By Jenny Muslin

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new in the northern suburbs

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recommended events

Sitting ... The New Smoking?

Daily runs won’t protect from risks of sitting

By Christy Coughlin

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events listing

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theater guide

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give time, give things, give support

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closing thoughts

Daytripper: Lively Libertyville

By Kristina Tober

Giving for Good How to judge a charity

By Jaime Baum

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Better Makers and Their Impact

in every issue

a better you

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Carrying forward the best of magazine

MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Make It Better is to be the most-trusted, easiestto-use community resource and magazine that helps you make your life, and the lives of others, better.

Make It Better North Shore (ISSN No. 2151-0431) is published 11 times per year by Make It Better LLC, 1150 Wilmette Ave., Suite J, Wilmette, IL 60091-2642. Phone: 847.256.4642.

Copyright 2013 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

Application to Mail at Periodicals Rates is pending at Wilmette, IL and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Make It Better, 1150 Wilmette Ave, Suite J, Wilmette, IL 60091-2642. Make It Better is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Copyright 2013 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

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BET T E R YOU | Sex and the Suburbs

to be best valentine ever

BY MAR JIE KILLEEN

With all the hype, Valentine’s Day has the potential to be a big let down for women. Here’s an idea—this year, you play Cupid. Why set yourself up to be disappointed by a lame box of chocolates or a grocery store bouquet of roses? Set the stage for romance, and you might end up feeling more gratified than you think.

Here are ten ways to be the best Valentine ever for your guy.

1. show him appreciation

Men don’t always ask for it, but they long for appreciation as much as we do.

Show him you notice all the little things he does for you and your family—the air he puts in your car tires, the snow fort he built with the kids, the cup of coffee he brought you on Sunday morning. A card is nice, but a giving him a wrapped box with slips of paper listing all the things that you adore will really make his heart beat faster—and reinforce his good behavior!

2. dress hot

Men are wired to respond to visual stimuli, so today, you be the eye candy. Wear a fitted dress, show a little cleavage or leg, or just go for it with the drool-inducing garter belt/stockings/killer heels combo that no man can resist. What? You say you don’t own anything sexy? Well happy Valentine’s Day to you, girl. Time to go shopping.

3. create anticipation

Let your man know throughout the day that you’re a sure thing that night. Send him flowers at the office, text him a picture of your lacy bra, or send a flirty e-card.

He’ll be excited and happy all day long, and you’ll have fun playing the temptress.

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4. go non-verbal

Guys long for intimacy, but they don’t find it in long, confiding talks as much as we do.

To get close man-style, make your evening more about doing and less about talking.

Listen to music, go dancing, get a couples’ massage or a pedicure—lots of salons will let you bring champagne, and some even have private rooms. Or if you must talk, keep the conversation fresh by asking provocative questions: What are three things you want more of in your life? Then take turns answering. Ban any discussion of work, kids, finances or your house. All that blah-blah-blah can be a libido killer for you both.

5. connect naturally

Instead of spending the evening in a packed restaurant with an inflated prix fixe menu, embrace the elements. Draw a bubble bath, build a crackling fire or bundle up and take a starlit walk through the neighborhood. It will make for a more meaningful, calming way to connect.

6. make room for romance

Get a couple hours alone in a room together without interruption, i.e. get rid of the kids! Book dinner and a movie for them at Aunt Susie’s house, swap babysitting

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with a friend or hire a sitter and book a sleep-under at a local hotel. Yes, you want to celebrate Valentine’s Day with your kids, but do it over chocolate chip pancakes at breakfast and make grown-up time the priority later on.

7. let him lead

All this attention may inspire your man to make some romantic overtures of his own, which (hooray!) is what you wanted in the first place. If he shows initiative, go with it. Men like to feel competent, and often are bewildered by the process of romance. Relax, graciously accept his gifts, admire his efforts and show him that you trust him. You deserve to be pampered and romanced.

8. put yourself in the mood Don’t make a big effort with dinner or presents. Tonight the treat on the menu is you, so do whatever you need to feel delicious. Give yourself lots of time to get ready, dance around to a sexy playlist, and have some goodies like a massage candle, a flattering nightie, and arousal gel handy for when things start getting hot.

9. blow his mind

You know that thing that drives him crazy in bed? This is the occasion to make it happen. Whether it’s a new sex toy or position, acting out a fantasy, or doing a strip tease, when you take the initiative to switch things up, you’re giving him what he considers to be the ultimate expression of true love—hot sex! Every man ♥s that.

10. make it work

Incorporating all of these suggestions makes for a pretty ambitious day, even for the best-intentioned Valentine. If pressed for time, just choose two or three things you know will delight your mate. My husband says he’d be more than happy with #2 and #9. Repeated four times.

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di n i ng

happiness is

found by Julie Chernoff

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You know when you see a

really good movie or read a terrific book, and you can’t wait to share the experience with everyone? That’s how I feel about memorable restaurant experiences. Of course, it is my job and all, but still.

With that in mind, head over to Amy Morton’s FOUND Kitchen and Social House sometime real soon. It’s a place you won’t want to miss—modern comfort food served in a convivial, community atmosphere, filled with vintage couches, chairs and coffee tables, all mismatched and inviting. Every piece of furniture has its own story to tell. And that food? As my daughter would say, nom nom (collegegirl speak for delicious).

Executive Chef Nicole Pederson, formerly of foodie darlings Lula Café and C-House, has gathered together a menu that reflects “local love” for

february 2013

“local food,” an eclectic American compendium that includes small plates, flatbreads, knife and fork sandwiches and a few well-chosen entrees.

While I knocked back my delightful Shiso Smash ($10), a muddle of blackberries, shiso leaf and cane sugar with gin and Cassis, my husband slurped down his Ginger Storm ($8), a refreshing combination of dark rum, ginger beer, fresh lime and ginger.

There are also plenty of reasonably priced wines and craft beers from which to choose.

Our table shared the Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Winter Squash with Harissa ($8), the spicy Moroccan paste tempered by the sweet squash, a winning combination. The Lamb Meatballs with Pistachio Chimichurri and Yogurt ($12) was a soulful winter dish, the tartness of the yogurt amply playing off the rich meat and herby, nutty sauce.

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You will need the wet hand towels offered after eating the Twice-Fried Chicken Wings with Smoked Chiles, Lemon and Honey ($11), just the right amount of finger-lickin’ sweet and spice. But messy? You bet.

We really enjoyed the earthy Pearl Barley with Wild Mushrooms and Sherry Vinegar with a Slow-Cooked Farm Egg ($7.50). You break up the egg and mix it in to the dish, where it forms a sauce with the vinegar, which cuts the golden yolk’s richness. A great vegetarian dish.

Are you tired of flatbreads? I have to admit I am.

But I actually liked this one, mostly because the crust was so damn tasty. We tried both the Sausage and Clams ($13) and the Arugula and Parmesan ($8).

Nothing soggy about this flatbread; it’s blistery and toothsome, brushed with good olive oil and served on a bread board.

There are only three “entrees” available: vegetarian, red meat or fish. The Whole Roasted Fish with Vegetable Chips and Charred Lemon ($24) was phenomenal. That day’s local trout was moist and flaky, and the herby green sauce beneath it, rife with soft herbs like chervil, basil and parsley, was delish. And the Grilled Hangar Steak with Pimentos and Smoked Almonds ($25) was meaty and wonderful, served in thick, beefy slices, all medium rare and tender.

Our resident veggie really dug the Squash and Mushroom Sandwich with Kale Tofu Pesto ($9), which starred Pederson’s house-made fresh tofu and crusty bread. The side of Frites with Chile Ketchup and Aioli ($5) wasn’t too shabby, either.

Desserts are limited to three: a moist Ginger Stout Poundcake ($6) with toasted pecans, apple and cranberry compote and fresh cream; deep dark and decadent Chocolate Pot de Crème ($5) with shortbread and crème fraiche; and the Pumpkin Gelato Sundae ($5) with cream cheese fluff and graham crackers, all parfaited together in a jam jar.

The restaurant is open for dinner only, and closed Mondays. Our service was surprisingly on point and informed for a place that’s been open for a short time.

Full confession: I’ve known proprietor Amy Morton for years, so a clandestine visit was impossible. But all around us were people enjoying their experience, including one Evanston couple that was there both times we ate at FOUND, once with their friends, once with family. “It’s really terrific, isn’t it?” they said to me on their way out. Yes. It really is.

food photos by Galdones Photography, bar photo by james atkins

FOUND Restaurant and Social House 1631 Chicago Ave., Evanston 847-868-8945 foundkitchen.com

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LAKE BLUFF The Silo Restaurant Sure, the pizza’s great, but are you on to their kickass Chili? It‘s won top honors at Taste of Chicago. 625 Rockland Rd., 847234-6660, silopizza.com LAKE FOREST Niku Niku Toyo Try the Japanese hot pot, Beef Shabu Shabu, the dashi broth ready to cook your sliced ribeye steak, shrimp, crab, udon noodles and veggies. 840 S. Waukegan Rd., 847-234-8797, sushikushi.com LIBERTYVILLE Ristorante Bottaio Their Tortellacci alla Crema, cheese-filled pasta in a tomato cream sauce, is divino!

946 N. Milwaukee Ave., 847-573-1834, bottaio.com NORTHBROOK Barnaby’s Addictive cornmeal-crust pizza and the hot and melty Baked Mostaccioli are musts here. 960 Skokie Blvd., 847-498-3900, barnabysofnorthbrook.com Francesca’s North Pray that they are serving their Ravioli di Zucca, filled with pumpkin and swimming in a brown butter-sage sauce with veal reduction, tomatoes and shaved fresh Parmesan. Molto bellisimo! 1145 Church St., 847-559-0260, miafrancesca.com SKOKIE Yolo Mexican Eatery I crave the Chicken in Mole Verde that they serve at this tiny, family-run storefront. It’s authentic green mole; leafy greens pureed with pumpkin seeds and twenty other ingredients. 5111 Brown St., 847-674-0987, yolomexicaneatery.com

PHOTO BY NATHANIEL PERRY

VERNON HILLS Real Urban Barbecue If BBQ doesn’t warm you up, I fear for you.

I love the Redneck Tacos, especially with the smoked turkey wrapped up in hoecake.

1260 S. Milwaukee Ave., 847-613-1BBQ, realurbanbbq.com WILMETTE The Noodle Small Plates and Market The Chicken and Artichoke Skewers arrive at your table straight from the fire.

I recommend you eat them immediately.

1156 Central Ave., 847-251-1133, thenoodle cafe.com

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BOOK L IST

love stories B Y K E L LY K O N R A D

February may be the month for romance, but love stories make for good reading all year long. And they don’t have to be romantic, either. Here’s a list of love stories for cities, friendship, animals, mothers, fathers and yes, lovers, too.

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You Were Never in Chicago Neil Steinberg University of Chicago Press, $25 A love note our city, Steinberg’s tome isn’t so much a tourist guide of where to go and what to do, but instead a careful observation of and genuine perspective on Chicago’s physicality and culture.

The Light Between Oceans M.L. Stedman Scribner, $25 On many “Best Book” lists last year, the story of lighthouse keepers Tom and Isabel, the depth of their love for one another and the consequences of such will have you weeping bittersweet tears.

A Thousand Splendid Suns Khaled Hosseini Riverhead Trade, $16 A tale of the undying bonds of love between women—and of course, it has to end tragically. Hosseini’s tale of political and cultural strife in Afghanistan will break your heart into a thousand pieces.

A Wrinkle In Time Madeleine L’Engle Square Fish, $7 A favorite from my childhood and a testament to the power of love—between sister and brother, father and daughter, and for forces too difficult to understand, or, what we call faith.

Entwined with You Sylvia Day Penguin, $11 The third in a trilogy set to knock off the “50 Shades” saga. Maybe not the “greatest love story ever told,” but a great one to share with your lover.

The Giving Tree Shel Silverstein Harper Collins, $17 A book for the ages, as established by the characters themselves—and a great reminder to love nature. Now go hug a tree.

Where the Red Fern Grows Wilson Rawls Yearling, $7 Before “Marley and Me,” there were two of the best dogs ever—coon hounds Old Dan and Little Ann. Brings tears to my eyes just thinking of it. A great story to share with your kids.

The Time Traveler’s Wife Audrey Niffenegger Mariner Books, $15 This Chicago-based author won legions of fans with a story of love that knows no bounds—even time. Just remember—the book is always better than the movie.

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E N T E RTA I NM E N T

B Y K E L LY K O N R A D

THE WHIPPING MAN Through February 24 Northlight Theatre, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie 847-673-6300 | northshorecenter.org Are you in love with a history buff? Consider Northlight’s latest offering—the story of a Confederate soldier that reunites with two former slaves after the war, and their attempts to rebuild their lives while preparing a Passover Seder.

GOD OF CARNAGE Opens February 8 Citadel Theatre Company, 300 S. Waukegan Rd., Lake Forest| 847-735-8554 | citadeltheatre.org Date night is a great night—to laugh about the wiles of parenting. A Tony Award winner featuring two couples taking a playground fight from a molehill to a mountain.

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JULIUS CAESAR Opens February 5 Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago | 312-595-5600 | chicagoshakes.com A Shakespeare classic comes to life with directing powerhouse John Munby—a great selection for your favorite politico.

SWEET CHARITY Through March 31 Writers’ Theatre, 325 Tudor Ct., Winnetka 847-242-6000 | writerstheatre.org The lead character’s last name is Valentine, after all … don’t miss this Neil Simon classic about a girl who can’t help but make the wrong choices, directed by Michael Halberstam.

THE BIRTHDAY PARTY Through May 19 Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago | 312-335-1650 Take your date old school with a Harold Pinter classic from 1958. Steppenwolf ensemble member John Mahoney is featured in a tale of a boarding house and a birthday party gone wrong.

EVERYTHING IS ILLUMINATED Opens February 21 Next Theatre, 927 Noyes St., Evanston 847-475-1875 x.2 | nexttheatre.org Keep it local with dinner and a play in Evanston—Simon Block’s adaptation of this Jonathan Safran Foer novel takes you on a journey of familial discovery.

PHOTO COURTESY OF NORTHLIGHT THEATRE

Even the busiest of couples usually find time for at least one date night this month. Make it memorable with a trip to the theater. With historical journeys, memes on parenting, and classics from Pinter and some guy named Shakespeare, there’s certain to be a show to light your fire.

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e n t e rta i nm e n t

music by val musical notes on philanthropy By va l h a l l e r o f va l s l i s t. co m

Bank of America Theatre The Book of Mormon Ongoing broadwayinchicago.com Cadillac Palace Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth February 15 – 17 broadwayinchicago.com Chicago Children’s Theatre Bud, Not Buddy Through February 24 chicagochildrenstheatre.org Goodman Theatre Other Desert Cities Through February 17 312-443-3800 goodmantheatre.org Lifeline Theatre The City & The City Opens February 15 lifelinetheatre.com Lookingglass Theatre Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo Through March 17 lookingglasstheatre.org Profiles Theatre The Dream of the Burning Boy Ongoing profilestheatre.org Victory Gardens Theater Disconnect Through February 24 victorygardens.org

Musicians make it look so easy. They play. We come.

They network. We tune in. They ask. We donate.

Musicians so often come to the rescue of those in need. The surges of Sandy and Katrina, the quakes of Haiti and Tokyo, the civil unrest of Africa— none of these can derail the artists who give us music and touch our hearts. We all partake in philanthropic events; fundraisers, mission trips, luncheons, clean-up crews, galas and volunteer groups. We teach this to our children, we preach it in our schools and in our churches. Give back.

We hope that our events will raise the much-needed funding so our work can go on...

Musicians do it differently. They call each other and band together and prepare a makeshift stage. They announce their mission and we gather ‘round.

“We Are The World” organized by Michael Jackson, Lionel Richie and Quincy Jones, and “Farm Aid” spearheaded by Willie Nelson, John Mellencamp and Neil Young are a few examples. The most recent, “Hurricane Sandy: Coming Together” spearheaded

by TODAY Show’s Matt Lauer, was an hourlong, commercial-free television fundraiser including artists Christina Aguilera, Bon Jovi, Billy Joel, Bruce Springsteen, Steven Tyler, Sting and more. They were called. They came. It was intriguing for fans to see them in a casual, spartan setting. Anything more wouldn’t have felt right. Approximately $23 million was raised for the American Red Cross. Easy.

PLAYLIST: Coming Together 1. Searching for a Heart by Rebecca Pidgeon 2. N o Place Like the Right Time

by Donna the Buffalo 3. Another Hiding Place by Arbouretum 4. Tuck the Darkness In by Bowerbirds 5. Gimme Shelter by The Rolling Stones 6. Sing for Me by Christina Aguilera 7. The Best We Got by The Rubens 8. Time’s Running Out On Me

by Third Day 9. Something Biblical by Andrew Bird 10. Y ou Turn Me On I’m a Radio

by Joni Mitchell 11. T he Words of the Revelator

by Bryan John Appleby 12. Miracles by Matt White

SHOWS NOT TO MISS: February 1 - 2 XRT93 welcomes Shawn Colvin at SPACE

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February 7 Tift Merritt at SPACE February 8 Judy Collins at SPACE February 13 - 14 Lady Gaga at United Center February 15 Timeflies at Riviera (let your teens go to this one - clean hip-hop) February 22 Dropkick Murphys at Aragon

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M A K E A DI FFE R E NCE

BY SHARON KRONE AND SANDRA A. MILLER

DONATE DIAPERS AND FORMULA Childcare Network of Evanston 847-475-2661 | childcarenetworkofevanston.org Donate diapers and baby formula so that low income families in our community can meet their infants’ and toddlers’ basic needs. The Childcare Network of Evanston serves more than 700 children and families by preparing children for kindergarten, and empowering parents for self-sufficiency.

Drop off disposable diapers (any size) and baby formula (Enfamil brand) at Childcare Network of Evanston at 1335 Dodge Ave., Evanston. Questions? please call or email Julia at goldbergj@childcarenetworkofevanston.org.

DONATE WARM CLOTHING  Northwestern Settlement 773-278-7471 | nush.org A. Perry Designs and Builds, LLC has teamed up with Northwestern Settlement to help keep West Town and Humboldt Park families warm this winter. Donate winter coats, gloves, scarves, boots and hats through

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SPEND TIME WITH PATIENTS AND FAMILIES Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter 847-556-1613 | carecenter.org Visit with hospice patients, greet guests at the front desk, provide office support, help at bereavement groups and events for children and teens or assemble materials and mailings. Volunteer orientation is conducted on the fourth Tuesday of every month at the Glenview campus—2050 Claire Court in Glenview. The 90-minute session includes brief overviews of programs and services, hospice and palliative care and volunteer opportunities. Please call or visit the website to learn more.

February 23 at A. Perry Designs and Builds, 564 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka. Winter wear may also be delivered directly to Northwestern Settlement, 1400 W. Augusta Blvd, Chicago, through February 20. Donations will be presented to Northwestern Settlement at the “Wine and Warmth” Grand Opening of the A. Perry Designs and Builds Winnetka showroom on the evening of February 21. Please contact Anthony Perry at 847-549-0668 for more information on attending the Open House event.

HELP FAMILIES RAISING CHILDREN WITH MOOD DISORDERS The Balanced Mind Foundation 847-492-8510 | thebalancedmind.org The Balanced Mind Foundation brings hope to families raising children with mood disorders. Volunteers receive a two-day training at a mutually convenient time, and are asked to help two hours per month at a meet and greet for new parents, participate in one team meeting per month and make follow-up calls. Volunteers will be eligible to attend a free luncheon in May 2013.

Volunteers are not asked to solicit funds.

For more information, contact: Jessica Gimeno at jgimeno@thebalancedmind.org or 224-420-7853.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF GLENVIEW PARK DISTRICT AND NORTHWESTERN SETTLEMENT

ASSIST WITH PARK DISTRICT PROGRAMS  Glenview Park District 847-657-3215 | glenviewparks.org At the Glenview Park District, there are fun and rewarding volunteer opportunities to fit any special interest, whether you have only a few hours to donate or a couple days a week. Volunteer for sporting or community-wide events, conduct programs at The Grove or at Wagner Farm, coach youth sports or assist at special events such as the Princess Ball in February. For more details regarding Glenview Park District volunteer opportunities, please call or visit the website.

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AID WOMEN IN CRISIS Shalva 773-583-4673 | shalvaonline.org Funds donated to SHALVA are used to aid Jewish women suffering from domestic abuse. SHALVA provides counseling, a 24-hour crisis line, referrals, financial assistance, legal information and court support for abused women and their children. The need for SHALVAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s help is growing; clients have increased 33% in the last two years. Donations can be sent to SHALVA, P.O. Box 46375, Chicago, IL 60646-0375. For questions about SHALVA, please contact Ava Newbart, director of development at anewbart@shalvaonline.org SUPPORT INTERFAITH FAMILIES Interfaith Family interfaithfamily.com/chicagoland Donations help interfaith families explore Jewish life and community in Chicago. IFF/Chicago offers helpful content on their website, wedding officiation referral service and listings of welcoming organizations and professionals. IFF/ Chicago also trains clergy, synagogue staff, and religious school staff to be inclusive. For more information contact Rabbi Ari Moffic at arim@interfaithfamily.com or Jennifer Falkenholm atjenniferf@interfaithfamily.com. Donations can be made online.

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END LUNG CANCER ď ° Breathe Deep North Shore/LUNGevity Foundation 312-464-0716 | lungevity.org/northshore Funds donated to Breathe Deep North Shore/LUNGevity Foundation go to critical research into the early detection and treatment of lung cancer. Breathe Deep North Shore (formerly Breathe Deep Deerfield) is a 5K fun-run, one-mile walk and balloon launch to be held on April 28. Opportunities to support this community event include sponsorship, donations, participation and volunteering. Donations can be made online at lungevity.org/northshore. Questions? Contact northshore@lungevity.org.

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M A K E A DI FFE R E NCE

better makers and their impact 1

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86TH ANNUAL RUSH FASHION SHOW

Palmer House Hotel October 18, 2012 $500,000 raised (SHOWN IN PHOTOS):

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(1) Berdine Walker of Northfield and LJ Savarie of Winnetka; (2) Mikki and Larry J. Goodman, MD of Chicago; (3) Ruthie Beam of Kenilworth and Kristin Koepfgen of Winnetka; (4) Mimi Mitchell President of the Womanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Board, Mac MacLellan of the Northern Trust and Cindy Mancillas, the Fashion Show Chairman; (5) Kendra and Matthew Thornton of Winnetka; (6) Funds raised support building projects at Rush University Medical Center; (7) Rocky and Marilyn Wirtz of Winnetka Cindy Mancillas of Winnetka, board chair

IMP ACT

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MIDTOWN EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

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21st Annual Reach for Excellence Awards Four Seasons Hotel October 22, 2012 $800,000 raised (SHOWN IN PHOTOS):

(1) Seventh graders at the Midtown Center for boys; (2) Sharon Hefferan of Chicago, Deborah L. DeHaas of Winnetka and Richard M. Caffarelli, Jr. of Chicago; (3) Ben Ruf of Chicago, Sean Brown of Lincolnwood and Gary Brown of Lincolnwood; (4) Shawn Taylor of Sugarland, Texas and Al and Connie Herbert of Barrington.

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PHOTOS BY ANA MIYARES

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Larry Morris of Oak Park, board chair ACT IMP

ADVOCATE LUTHERAN GENERAL HOSPITAL

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Homecoming/Coming Home Gala Donald E. Stephens Convention Center, Rosemont October 6, 2012 $386,000 raised (SHOWN IN PHOTOS):

PHOTOS BY ADVOCATE PHOTO SERVICES

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IMP ACT

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(1) Dr. Lee Sacks of Glenview, Cindy Mahal van Brenk and George van Brenk of Park Ridge, Barb Weber of Palatine and Jane Denten of Palatine; (2) Funds raised support research and education, including surgical training on the DaVinci Surgical Robot, viewed here by Cynthia Kulik of Glenview and Robert Heyde of Glenview; (3) Shirlee Shafter of Lincolnwood accepts the honoree award on behalf of her late husband, Dr. Harold Shafter.

Dr. Michael McKenna and Susan McKenna of Burr Ridge, event chairs

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CLOSI NG T HOUGH TS

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You’re not Donald Trump, “The Situation” or on the FBI’s Most Wanted List.

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Because being a single mom is just way too much work.

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You look good in jeans.

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If I didn’t have an extra driver in the car pool, I’d have to do it all myself.

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You’re not really romantic, maybe not even sorta kinda romantic. But you have my back when I really need it.

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REASONS

I’M NOT LEAVING

HIM A Valentine’s Salute

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posts about 8-carat sparkly baubles, surprise trips to Fiji or even just reservations for a romantic dinner for two at an exclusive restaurant?

Yeah, we know. But true love comes in all shapes, sizes and expressions. The next time you wish your significant other was just a little more romantic, take the time to consider how lucky you are. Here are 22 reasons I’m keeping my guy:

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You never leave an open bottle of wine on the counter. We just finish it together.

15 to look. Creatures of habit

You don’t mind when I switch the TV from the Bulls game to The Daily Show.

16 ally hard. Dating with three

If you snore in bed, I haven’t noticed. And when I snore, you don’t complain.

17 our bathroom hasn’t been

In good cop/bad cop parenting, I always get to be the good cop.

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You’ve never actually figured out how much money I’ve spent at Starbucks.

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You’re into well-rounded kids, and so am I. The world needs fewer brainiacs.

B Y K E L LY K O N R A D TIRED OF YOUR FACEBOOK FRIENDS’

Speaking of which, you’re not overly fussy about your weekend wear. Sure, go ahead and wear that sweatshirt. Again.

10 As long as I make you RiceA-Roni chicken rice once in a while, you’re happy.

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You’re not over-complimentary, but you also don’t seem to notice when I really mess up my hair.

If I need you, I know where are wonderful companions.

Dating after 40 is really, rekids? Even harder.

You don’t seem to notice if cleaned in a while.

18 You haven’t gambled our savings away.

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You’re not a womanizer.

Or else you’re really, really good at it!

You think I’m good at my

20 job even when I don’t—and I’m not positive you even know what I do.

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You’re totally okay with the fact I’m not a Size 2. Thank God, because those days were over in the 2nd grade.

You’re not perfect, but neither am I. And you’re mine.

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e di tor’s l et t e r

love winning at by laur a hine

It’s February, so we’re all about the love this month.

And not just that romantic, candlelit fuzzy-focus kind of love you see on the diamond commercials right now—we’re thinking broader. Love for your neighbor, love for a child and even love stories.

Start on page 21 with our Philanthropy Awards. We love these eight organizations that are so passionate about changing lives and communities—and of all them are doing it efficiently! We also love our teens, especially when they’re having trouble loving themselves. Given the number of kids lost to depression and suicide last year, there’s no more important job for a parent lives made better than recognizing and treating teen depres82,582 sion, so check out page 28. On a lighter note, the staff at Make It Better loves pink. And we $$ raised for nfps are plotting how to buy each and every item $1,811,122 our Fashion Editor Evangeline Politis found starting on page 50. So if you see something you like, you better hurry, because we’re already shopping.

Food is another passion around our office, and we wait each week for Julie Chernoff’s latest reviews, just like our readers do. This month she discovered Found. And you’ll love her for it.

And just so you don’t think that we’re not at all romantic, Marjie Killeen wrote “Ten Ways to be the Best Valentine Ever.” Your husband or partner will love you for reading it.

Because instead of sitting around waiting for him to show up with some grocery store roses, you’re going to play cupid and you’ll both ♥ the day. But to make sure you don’t take the whole thing too seriously, we’ve got Kelly Konrad. Our resident humorist puts romance in its place on page 74.

And we’ve got so much more on our website, makeitbetter.net, that it’s almost enough to make a February hater (that would be me) into a February lover. Ignore the cold and the gray, find something you love and do it. Find someone you love, and tell him or her. Find someone you’re not crazy about, and do something nice for them anyhow. You’ll get a warm glow, and that’s our best advice on how to be a lover this month.

XOXO,

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1150 Wilmette Ave., Suite J, Wilmette, IL 60091, 847-256-4642

Founder & Publisher Susan B. Noyes

Editor in Chief Laura Hine

Senior Editor Kelly Konrad

Art Director Jessica DeJong

Designers Karilyn Owens Sarah Philippart

Dining Editor Julie Chernoff

Fashion Editor Evangeline Politis

Finance Editor Meghan Streit

Fitness Editor Christy Coughlin

Home Editor Tate Gunnerson Make a Difference Editor Laura Tiebert

Senior Living Editor Stuart Greenblatt Sex & the Suburbs Editor Marjie Killeen

Contributing Writers Talia Beechick

Jamie Baum Val Haller Jenny Muslin Kristina Tober

Lead Photographer Nathaniel Perry

Contributing photographer Tate Gunnerson

Web Editor Lindsay Roseman

Proofreader Julie Chernoff Creative Director Cheryl Berman

CEO Kimberly Carroll

Co-founder & Vice

President of Marketing Mindy Fauntleroy

Chief Financial Officer Sandy Tsuchida

Ad Sales Director Michelle Weiss

Director of Community Development Sandra A. Miller

irector of Special Projects Suzy Guyot Hilbrant D

Senior Account Executives Patti Augustyn Megan Holbrook Julie Carter

Account Executive Jenny Newman

Make It Better Foundation Sharon Krone Got feedback? E-mail susan@makeitbetter.net To advertise: Contact michelle@makeitbetter.net

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