Eight Great Years with First Lady Michelle Obama
FROM THE EDITOR
CONTENTS
H
appy New Year Evanston Women!! Are you ready for an awesome year? I am! I’ m excited to begin a six-week training program at Tier One Training, add in Cyclebar, and embrace weight training at Evanston Athletic Club. On page 5, Evanston Woman kicks off the New Year with great nutritional advice to keep you flowing, along with great options to maintain and reach your optimal health. On page 12, you can utilize four steps to plan for a strong 2017.
10 FEATURES 3
A DAY WITH FUSION ACADEMY Welcoming Fusion Academy to Evanston, a revolutionary private middle and high school
4
YAY OR NAY District 65 presents referendum
10
FIRST LADY MICHELLE OBAMA A legacy of passion, dedication and leadership
13
MAIN DEMPSTER MILE VALENTINE GIFT GUIDE
I am honored to start the year with an amazing woman who has set the path for us, and generations to come, First Lady Michelle Obama. These past eight years, First Lady Michelle Obama has lead and united our country on many levels. As we embrace the past and move forward let us remember the wondrous work Michelle Obama has put in place, as we carry on her legacy. This issue is dedicated to the minority young ladies who live in Evanston and especially to my sweet baby girl, Brianna whom wrote such a wonderful cover feature. No matter your defeat, God has you in the palm of his hand.
DEPARTMENTS 5
TRUEHEALTH A Series on options to reach your optimal health
9
WELLNESS DIY tea blends to keep you healthy during the winter
20
LIVING WITH INTENTION Re-frame the resolution game ART/CULTURE/LIFE Showcasing the fabulous Maikes Marvels
Editor-in-chief Linda Del Bosque . Advertising Office 847-971-1433 Graphic Designer Maribel Lopez Editors Carrie Jackson, Malik Turley, Brianna Riza Photo Credit White House evanstonwoman.com . facebook.com/evanstonwoman Copyright Š Evanston Woman Magazine , all rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means without written permission from Evanston Woman Magazine.
Cheers!
Linda Del Bosque Editor-in-chief
PHOTO BY ANNETTE PATKO
12
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Revolutionizing School: one student, one teacher - per classroom.
Fusion Academy is a revolutionary private middle and high school where positive relationships unlock academic potential. We are a non-traditional community of learning with the smallest class size possible: one student and one teacher per classroom. Our supportive staff and campus environment provide a safe space for students to flourish emotionally, socially, and academically. Classes are offered at three levels: essential, college prep, and honors. From algebra to yoga and everything in between, we have a wide variety of classes to choose from. Students can enroll full-time, take classes for credit, or utilize our tutoring services. Could Fusion Academy be a good fit for your student? Connect with us to learn more and set up a visit.
Fusion Evanston 866.489.7226 FusionEvanston.com 847 Chicago Avenue Evanston, IL 60202
Supportive Staff. Revolutionary with Personalize Scheduling. A Day at Fusion Academy.
F
usion Academy is a revolutionary private middle and high school where positive relationships unlock academic potential. We are a non-traditional community of learning with the smallest class size possible: one student and one teacher per classroom. This allows us to personalize and customize curriculum for each student’s unique strengths, interests, and learning style. We are also able to personalize scheduling; students may enroll at any time (even during the summer) and take classes at a time of day that works best for them.
categories, we generally serve students with the following backgrounds: ADHD, accelerated/gifted learners, dyslexia, mild learning differences, social challenges, school anxiety, or students with challenging schedules. Students who attend Fusion have one thing in common: traditional school isn’t working.
Our supportive staff and campus environment provide a safe space for students to flourish emotionally, socially, and academically. It includes a state-of-the-art recording studio and a mixed-media art studio for students to express their creativity. Our Homework Café® is where students complete all their homework before they leave for the day with help and supervision from a teacher.
Chevie, a parent at our Dallas, TX campus, says “I’m so grateful for Fusion and what its done for my son. He suffers from anxiety and some learning differences… [The staff has] done an amazing job of getting to know him and teaching him in a way that engages him. The entire staff welcomes him and he finally feels like he fits in. He loves the one on one with the teachers and is able to learn at his pace. Fusion has saved his life and brought happiness back into his school world.”
Classes are offered at three levels: essential, college prep, and honors. From algebra to yoga and everything in between, we have a wide variety of classes to choose from. Students can enroll full-time, take classes for credit, or utilize our tutoring services. In addition to academics, we partner with outside therapeutic professionals to support students’ emotional health and help foster a balanced life. While it’s impossible to put our students into
Fusion has 39 campuses across the country in California, Connecticut, Illinois, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Virginia, and Washington D.C. To find your nearest campus, visit FusionAcademy. com/campuses.
Connect with us at FusionAcademy.com to learn more. E VA N S TO N W O M A N . C O M 3
YAY or NAY? BY CARRIE JACKSON
W
hen Evanston voters go to the polls on April 4, on the ballot will be a referendum to raise property taxes in order to fund the growing needs of District 65. At issue is a proposed $14.5 million annual increase to help serve quality education to students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The vote to move the referendum forward passed by all members at the District 65 Board Meeting on January 10.
Proponents of the referendum say that without the increase in revenue, the District will have to find other ways to make cuts. These include increasing class sizes at the middle schools, making cuts to central office services and operations, reducing building level and classroom supports, and reducing curriculum and enrichment programming. If a balance is still not reached, they may have to consider multi-grade classrooms, increasing elementary school class sizes, combining buildings to serve fewer grade levels, and even closing schools. The bulk of the proposed funds from the referendum would come from an increase in property taxes, which is where District 65 currently gets about 75% of its operating revenues. For a family that pays $8000 in property taxes a 4 E VA N S TO N W O M A N . C O M
year, the average bill in Evanston, that means an increase of $438, or 5.4%. Property owners who paid $4000 in taxes would have their bill increased by $217, and owners who paid $12,000 would pay an additional $650.
...without additional revenue in the next eight years they will accumulate a debt of
Although the District 65 budget is currently balanced, they are projecting that without additional revenue in the next eight years they will accumulate a debt of $112,000,000 by 2025. This is attributed to operating budgets, supporting a shift in technology, and a potential state pension shift. The District says that an increase would support the faculty, staff, administrators, and students by maintaining smaller class sizes, expanding family supports and community partnerships, keeping up with technology advances, and strengthening core curriculum across subjects.
$112,000,000
by 2025...
Please share your thoughts with Evanston Woman Magazine, evanstonwoman.com. We are interested to know what your think!
Kick off your New Year with knowing what is around town to help you maintain, retain, and gain the health and wellness that will give you a better and stronger lifestyle!!! Evolution Spine & Sports Therapy Taking your body serious is the key to longevity. Reach out to Dr. Travis Ahrens for questions you may have about your spine, balance, and soft tissue health issues. It’s time to get you back to feeling balanced for a healthy New Year! …………………………… Page 5 Fuel Your Workout with EAC Barbara Fine shares expert advice on foods that does the body good! ……………………………Page 7 the fresh plan Ordering low calorie meals has now become the trend for individuals looking calorie controlled meals. ……………………………Page 8
TRUEHEALTH
Evolution Spine & Sports Therapy Opening in November, 2016, Evolution Spine & Sports Therapy of Evanston, IL was started by Dr. Travis Ahrens
after three and a half years of working as an associate chiropractor in both San Jose, CA and the West Loop neighborhood of Chicago. With the help and support of his wife, Nikki, Evolution Spine & Sports Therapy was a dream come true for Dr. Ahrens, who specializes in many soft tissue therapies among other chiropractic therapies. When you visit the office, you will be treated as an individual, and your care plan will be built specifically for your needs. Graduating from Palmer College of Chiropractic in San Jose, CA, Dr. Ahrens was fortunate enough to work in one of the top chiropractic clinics in the Bay Area, and had the privilege of working with professional athletes as well as Silicon Valley employees. Of the techniques and certifications that Dr. Ahrens is most proud of, Active Release Technique (activerelease.com) is one of his favorites and most utilized services. Whether you are a professional athlete, weekend warrior, or don’t even know how to spell the word R-U-N, Active Release Technique, used in conjunction with chiropractic adjustments, muscle stretching, and a combination of the other therapies available at ES&ST, you too can see the benefits of care in just a few visits. If you’d like more information or would like to visit the office, please visit www.evolutionspineandsport.com or call 224-307-2201 and we’d be happy to answer your questions or schedule your evaluation right away.
E VA N S TO N W O M A N . C O M 5
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TRUEHEALTH
EVANSTON’S ELITE TRAINING CENTER for SELF DEFENSE & FITNESS
FUEL YOUR WORKOUT Interview with Expert, Barbara Fine Evanston Athletic Club
C
older temperatures can derail healthy eating and exercise goals over the winter, but a little planning can get you out of hibernation mode. Barbara Fine, a Certified Diabetes Educator and Registered Dietitian at Evanston Athletic Club, says being in tune with your own body’s needs as well as the specific needs of women will help you put your plan into action. Staying hydrated, eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods, and keeping active will allow you to feel your best year round.
“A lot of women feel sluggish in the winter when there’s less sunlight, which provides our primary source of vitamin D. Since many women are already deficient in vitamin D, I recommend taking a supplement of 1000 IUs a day in addition to eating plenty of leafy green vegetables. This also helps with calcium absorption, which is especially important for women to build healthy bones,” says Fine. She suggests eating calcium-rich foods and regularly engaging in weight-bearing exercise, like walking or a Zumba class, to further promote bone health.
Come in for a FREE trail class! 1 week of unlimited classes for $25!
Being properly fueled before a workout will allow you to exercise more efficiently and productively. “A piece of fruit with a little protein is a great pre-workout snack. The fruit gives you fiber and nutrients, and the protein will give you sustained energy. Cheese, peanut butter, or hummus are easy options,” says Fine. Spending a few minutes each week planning your meals and snacks so you have nutritious options already in the fridge will encourage you to make smarter choices when you may be tired and hungry and feel better overall.
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1723 Benson Ave, Evanston, IL, 60201 (847) 866-6190 E VA N S TO N W O M A N . C O M 7
TRUEHEALTH
SOUTHWEST SALAD LU NCH
P
lanning nutritious meals can be time consuming, but meal delivery companies such as the fresh plan help ease the stress. Betsy Epton, who founded the company in 2016 with her husband Scott, focuses on making meals convenient and healthy without sacrificing taste or quality.
“We offer four different weeks of menus so there’s plenty of variety,” says Epton. the fresh plan is ideal for people looking for calorie-controlled meals, busy professionals short on time, seniors who have trouble shopping, patients who are rehabbing from an injury, or anyone else trying to simplify while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. “We’ve developed strong relationships with our clients. Their feedback is important to us, and we’ve modified the menus and selection to reflect their tastes and preferences,” says Epton.
FLAX SEED & WHOLE WH EAT PANCAKE BREAK FAS T
Breakfasts include items such as a Spinach and Feta Quiche or Flax Seed Pancakes, lunch could be a Southwestern Salad or Baja Fish Taco Salad, and dinner might be Mediterranean Salmon or a Flatbread Veggie Pizza. Menus are 1200 or 1700 calories a day, and are low in sodium and cholesterol. “Our chef has traveled around the world studying local dishes and developing a holistic approach to worldly cuisine. We really want our customers to love the experience and the food while maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” says Epton. For more information, visit thefreshplan.com. CONTACT US TODAY 224-480-3700 www.thefreshplan.com • betsy@thefreshplan.com “LIKE” the fresh plan on Facebook 8 E VA N S TO N W O M A N . C O M
MEDITERRANEAN SA L MO N
WELLNESS
A Healing Touch to DIY Blends WANT TO CREATE YOUR WON COLD AND FLU TEAS? TO GET A SENSE OF HERB’S INDIVIDUAL FLAVOR, BEGIN WITH A TEA STEEPED FROM A SING HER SUCH AS ECHINACEA, BEST USED AS A PREVENTIVE BEFORE A COLD STRIKES. PLACE TWO TEASPOONS IN A TEA BALL OR STAINER AND ADD TO ONE CUP OF HOT WATER; STEEP FOR 10 TO 15 MINUTES AND STIR IN HONEY.
Cold & Flu Fighter
This spice tea relieves swollen nasal passages and calms an upset stomach. Place an inch of the herbs in a quart jar. Fill with hot water and steep for two hour and half hours. Strain and let it set out - follow by refrigerating after while. Reheat whenever you need relief.
Do you sometimes feel as if life has gotten away from you? As if you’re in a constant, headlong rush? As if you’ve forgotten how to relax?
reSource Wellness, my mission is to create a space where At my clients can feel a sense of safety, peace, comfort, and support; tap into the resources for healing that all of us are given when we come into the world; and achieve deep rest that, for many, leads to profound change. Biodynamic Craniosacral Therapy, Biodynamic Lymphatic Drainage, and Chi Gong “Check out resourcewellnessllc.com for information. Call or email for a special Evanston Woman’s discount.” Michelle Bobier, BCST 809 Ridge Rd Suite 207 Wilmette, IL 60091 michellebobier@me.com
2 2 1 1
parts of peppermint leaf parts elder flower part elder berry part ginger rout
Sore Throat Soother
Steep two teaspoons of this soothing herb blend in a cup of hot water for quick throat relief. Licorice root also adds a sweetening effect. 1 1 1 1 1
part part part part part
slippery elm licorice root marshmallow root anise wild strawberry
Respiratory Rescue
Congested lungs will love this aromatic breath of fresh air. Place two teaspoons of breath the mixture in a strainer, add one cup hot water and steep for 10 to 15 minutes. 2 1 1 1
parts oolong tea part rosemary part chamomile part rose hips
E VA N S TO N W O M A N . C O M 9
Leaving Behind a Legacy of Passion, Dedication, and Leadership with First Lady Michelle Obama BY BRIANNA RIZA
“
You may not always have a comfortable life and you will not always be able to solve all of the world’s problems at once but don’t ever underestimate the importance you can have because history has shown us that courage can be contagious and hope can take on a life of its own.
1 0 E VA N S TO N W O M A N . C O M
O
On January 20, 2017, First Lady Michelle Obama will no longer be our First Lady, but the legacy of the work she did while in the White House will undoubtedly be a long and great one. Michelle was born into a working class family on the South-Side of Chicago, growing up she made academics a priority, and eventually her hard work payed off when she was accepted to Princeton University despite being discouraged to apply by high school teachers. After graduating from Princeton, Michelle went on to earn a law degree from Harvard University. The majority of our presidents and first ladies have come from powerful, wealthy aristocratic families so examining this trend it seemed very unlikely that a “Girl of the South-Side”, as President Obama endearingly nicknamed her during his farewell speech, could have ever been the First Lady of the United States. One issue of great significance to Michelle was childhood obesity, which has grown at a staggering rate in the 21 st century. She decided to combat this with an initiative called “Let’s Move” in which she went around the country educating school aged children about healthy eating and exercise habits, had unhealthy school lunch menu options replaced with healthier ones, promoted physical activity, and increased the availability of healthy foods. In her speech at the Democratic Convention that took place this past summer, Michelle mentioned that she and her daughters wake up every day in a house built by slaves. This is perhaps one of the most poignant statements that the First Lady has made in the past eight years it shows us the power of America and what it means to be an American. Though the government has obviously defaulted on its promise of equality for all citizens many times Michele has taught us that the dream of absolute equality is still alive and possible. An entire generation of young minority girls was able to see a family who resembled theirs living in the White House. The amount of hope and inspiration that Michelle has brought to minority girls and women are ineffable. Thank you First Lady Michelle Obama for being a great role model, mother, wife, inspiration, and fashion icon. PHOTO BY SOURCE
LIVINGWITHINTENTION
Re-frame the Resolution Game
FOUR STEPS TO PLAN FOR A STRONG NEW YEAR BY MALIK TURLEY
J
anuary – the month when we’re all inclined to set lofty resolutions to become a better person this year than we were last. Aiming for greatness is natural and, when done mindfully, can be a strong catalyst for change. Setting resolutions can leave us feeling pretty down about our current-self since the focus is on what we could/should be.
GIVE THESE IDEAS A TRY TO RE-FRAME THE RESOLUTION GAME
start with accomplishments First, find and celebrate a list of accomplishments or successes. Make one big list or break the exercise out into the different realms of your life. Sit down with a pen and paper and write them out. When you feel like you’re done, dig deep and find at least 2 more. Seeing what you’ve already done in 2016 will set a strong and positive basis for your 2017 reaches.
set Goals, Not resolutions Generally speaking, goals are more positive and for1 2 E VA N S TO N W O M A N . C O M
ward thinking with a measurable outcome. Resolutions which tend to be framed in the negative or in general terms. Think “Goal: Run a 5K” rather than “Resolution: Exercise more.”
build on accomplishments Look back at your accomplishments – some of those things will make great jump-off points for your 2017 goals. It’s almost always easier to keep going down a proven path than to start something totally new, and this is no exception. If you do want to dive into uncharted territory, look to your past accomplishments for insight into how you succeed.
Get Help What kind of motivation or support will you need to make this year’s goals a reality? An accountability partner? A written plan? How you made your 2016 successes come to be will give you some insight into how to set yourself up for success in 2017.
REMEMBER - YOU’RE AN AWESOME PERSON. GO GET 2017!
MAIN DEMPSTER MILE BUSINESS DIRECTORY
57th Street Bookcase & Cabinet 1043A Chicago Ave.
Evanston Stitchworks 906 Sherman Ave.
See Jane Sparkle 1312 Chicago Ave.
Anne’s Irish Knits 502 Main St.
Everyday Cycles in Motion 941 Chicago Ave.
Serapi Rugs 1049 Chicago Ave.
As You Like It 827 Chicago Ave.
FEW Spirits 918 Chicago Ave.
Shaker Traditions 613 Dempster St.
Bagel Art 615 Dempster St.
Firehouse Grill 750 Chicago Ave.
Sher-Main Grill 802 Main St.
Belgian Chocolatier Piron 509-A Main St.
Follow Your Nose 917 Chicago Ave.
Siam Paragon 503 Main St.
Bentley’s Pet Stuff 743 Chicago Ave.
Frio Gelato 517 Dempster St.
Siam Pasta 809 Dempster St.
Blind Faith Café 525 Dempster St.
Guitar Works 709 Main St.
Sketchbook Brewing Co. 821 Chicago Ave.
Brothers K Coffee House 500 Main St.
Hannah Handmade 1330 Sherman Ave.
Squeezebox 1235 Chicago Ave.
Campagnola 815 Chicago Ave.
Hewn 810 Dempster St.
Starbucks 519 Main St.
Chicago Rare Book Center 703 Washington St.
Homestead Meats 1305 Chicago Ave.
Starbucks 528 Dempster St.
Chicago Strings 910 Sherman Ave.
Hoosier Mama Pie Company 749 Chicago Ave.
Stumble & Relish 1310 Chicago Ave.
Christopher Duquet Fine Jewelry Design 1224 Chicago
Hunan Spring 635 Chicago Ave.
Subway 900 Chicago Ave. Ste 101
Ave.
Jimmy John’s 1241 Chicago Ave.
Ten Thousand Villages 719 Main St.
Collage Café 912 Sherman Ave.
Junior League Thrift House 920 Chicago Ave.
The Alcove 512 Main St.
Connoisseur Oriental Rugs 1000 Chicago Ave.
Kuni’s Japanese Restaurant 511 Main St.
The Pony Shop 1224 Chicago Ave.
Cottage Jewelry 530 Dempster St.
La Principal 700 Main St.
Threads 1304 Chicago Ave.
CraftJack 825 Chicago Ave.
Little Light Bazaar 928 Chicago Ave.
Tomorrow Unlimited 715 Chicago Ave.
Cross-Rhodes 913 Chicago Ave.
Little Mexican Shop 801 Dempster St.
Trader Joe’s 1211 Chicago Ave.
Crowded Closet 808 Dempster St.
Lucky Platter 514 Main St.
Trash & Treasures 611 Dempster St.
Cultivate Urban Rainforest & Gallery 704 Main St.
Minasian Rugs 1224 Chicago Ave.
Trattoria D.O.C. 706 Main St.
Cyrus Oriental Rugs 949 Chicago Ave.
Murphy’s Fit 513 Dempster St.
Union 1245 Chicago Ave.
Dave’s Rock Shop 711 Main St.
Oceanique 505 Main St.
Union Squared 1307 Chicago Ave.
Doc Able’s 936 Chicago Ave.
Oliver’s Trains and Toys 710 Main St.
Virag Jewlers 703 Main St.
Dozika 601 Dempster St.
Oscar Isberian Rugs 1028 Chicago Ave.
Walgreens 635 Chicago Ave.
Dragonfly 1309 Chicago Ave.
Plain and Simple 713 Main St.
Whole Foods 1111 Chicago Ave.
Evanston Float Center 800 Dempster St.
S.P.A.C.E. 1245 Chicago Ave.
Wine Goddess 702 Main St.
Evanston Grill 1047 Chicago Ave. Ste. B
Secret Treasures 605 Dempster St.
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ARTISAN CRAFTS | HOUSEWARES & NOTIONS
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FURNITURE | SPA & WELLNESS
Evanston Float Center - 800 Dempster Street - Evanston (224)714-3040 - www.evanstonfloatcenter.com
ARTCULTURELIFE
F
or Evanston resident Maike van Wijk, making art is an expression of love and joy. A lifelong artist, she founded Maike’s Marvels in 2011 to formally share her work with others. Van Wijk’s current focus is jewelry, ornaments, and other adornments using encaustic painting, which is a blend of hot wax and resin. “Encaustic art has helped me let go and enjoy the process, instead of being attached to the end result. Because it changes as it heats up, you don’t always know what you’re going to get, which is an important larger lesson,” she says.
she is as an artist, and has allowed her to be more connected to the community. “I feel like there’s been a recent creative revival in south Evanston, especially on the Main Dempster Mile. Cultivate does a lot of events with local artists, Wine Goddess brings in singers and musicians, The Collage Cafe and Stitchworks have classes where neighbors can gather, and See Jane Sparkle and Stumble & Relish sell products made right here in Evanston. Our community is thriving because of it,” she says.
“I feel like there’s been a recent creative revival in south Evanston, especially on the Main Dempster Mile... our community is thriving beVan Wijk’s pieces are available at a number of local boutiques, including cause of it” See Jane Sparkle and The Collage Cafe in Evanston, and ChromaK8 and Sacred Art in Chicago. She regularly does custom made work, and showcases at art festivals and pop up events throughout the city and suburbs. “I get a lot of business through word of mouth and being able to meet my customers face to face,” she says. Making jewelry has helped van Wijk settle into who 2 0 E VA N S TO N W O M A N . C O M
For more information, visit www.MaikesMarvels.com.
Maike’s Marvels Shop at Etsy: /shop/MaikesMarvels Blog: www.MaikesMarvels.com Facebook /MaikesMarvels Twitter @MaikesMarvels Instagram /maikesmarvels YouTube: /channel/UCbHxTS0jez0qytwMq6DCwVQ Subscribe to the Maike’s Musings monthly newsletter: http://eepurl.com/xwCs9
Maike van Wijk
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