Forest & Bluff, June 2024

A Legacy Continues

Lake Forest natives Brandon Delfino and Chris McNelly chart a new chapter in the community.

winning agent for 17 years. Bachelor of Architecture. Practiced architecture for 20 years.

The "Ralph H. Poole House" stands as an enduring testament to David Adler's design, detail and exceptional craftsmanship, a cornerstone of architectural excellence nestled amidst the Illinois prairie. Conceived between 1911-14, the residence is the essence of a Parisian chateau with interiors modeled after the Rodin Museum in Paris. Entering the over 8 beautifully manicured acre estate, you are immediately enveloped by a sense of symmetry, balance and proportion that seamlessly intertwines both interior and exterior spaces. Meticulously restored & elevated to its current state of opulence, every facet of the property has been redone or enhanced bringing the estate into 21st century living while honoring all its history. Features include a limestone bridal staircase, original plaster reliefs, gum wood library, solarium with original fountain, original terrazzo floors and many other Adler signatures, luxurious baths, state-of-the-art kitchen, 1st floor ensuite bedroom and stunning views from every angle. Property includes coach and pool house. A must see!

5 BEDS, 5.2 BATHS // $3,595,000

Overlooking Onwentsia Golf Course, this beautifully updated 6,300+ SF brick home is situated on 2.36 private acres with a swimming pool, high ceilings and designer finishes throughout! Fabulous floor plan, luxurious first floor primary suite, stunning library, great room and dining room.

N MAYFLOWER ROAD LAKE FOREST

7 BEDS, 5 BATHS // $2,300,000

Rare opportunity to own a fabulous home on almost 2.5 acres in the heart of east Lake Forest on coveted Mayflower Road. Built in 1956 and first time on the market, this beautiful home exudes elegance and classic style with incredible gardens, privacy and land in a prime location. 343 N AHWAHNEE ROAD LAKE FOREST

6+1 BEDS, 6.2 BATHS // $2,399,000

Built in 1988, this spectacular home exudes sophistication, grandeur and New England charm! With 7,767 square feet above grade, the house sits on 1.38 gorgeous acres with conservancy to the west, and boasts beautiful architectural details, millwork, hardwood and stone flooring, high ceilings, and an abundance of natural light.

5 BEDS, 4.1 BATHS // $1,900,000

Amazing home in a fabulous in-town location! Beautifully renovated throughout, this historic home was exquisitely updated and enlarged in 2007 utilizing the finest finishes and materials with incredible attention to detail on all four levels.

PROJECT LOCATION: Lake Forest, 60045

the HEART of the HOME

Welcome to a new era of kitchen design, where legacy meets luxury. Airoom Architects, Builders and Remodelers has been a leader in kitchen remodeling since 1958. Our team has transformed more than 20,000 homes in Chicagoland, turning kitchens into the heart of every home.

Airoom has been designing & building in Lake Forest for over 65 years. Our commitment to our craft and our clients is showcased in every project we undertake. We handle everything, from the first sketch to the final nail.

Source:

combined area of Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Kenilworth, Glencoe, Highland Park, Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, Northfield, Glenview, Northbrook, & Deerfield, all property types, 5-1-2023 to 4-30-2024.

PROUD TO BE THE NORTH SHORE’S #1 LOCAL BROKERAGE FIRM

EXPLORE OUTSIDE

9 nature preserves 20+ miles of trails

Endless nature to explore See you down the trail

As your community conservation non-profit, receiving no local tax dollars, we depend on supporters like you!

Alex Katz (American, b. 1927) Golden Field #1, 2001 Sold for $228,600

FEATURES

DOWN TO BUSINESS

Lifelong friends and entrepreneurs Brandon Delfino and Chris McNelly acquire Lake Bluff-based Cahill Plumbing and look forward to helping this locally operated business prosper for decades to come.

WORKING OUT

Maddie Zonino puts it all on the line to open the fitness studio of her dreams in downtown Lake Bluff.

AN EYE ON THE FUTURE

Dr. Eric Drey opens Lake Forest Family Eye Care, his second optometry office, with specialties in diabetic eye care and myopia management.

Lake Forest’s Natale Caputo furthers his family’s legacy, as CEO of Caputo Cheese.

EDITOR’S

5+

Editor’s Note

My sweet daughter graduates from high school this month and is headed to the University of Florida for college. I’ve bought all the orange and blue gear and have the university flag flying. Graduation dinner has been booked and my daughter’s dress tailored.

I’m prepared ... on paper anyway.

In my heart of hearts, I’m hoping my daughter will spread her wings for a few years, maybe a decade, then buy the house next door to me. I take great comfort in this issue of Forest & Bluff, as four of the seven people featured in these pages graduated from Lake Forest High School. All maintain close ties to their hometown and some have returned to put down roots with their own growing families (lucky parents).

On our cover, we have Brandon Delfino and Chris McNelly, Lake Forest High School friends and now business partners. They recognized the value of a locally-owned company with a sterling reputation and purchased Cahill Plumbing. See Down to Business for the full story.

Similarly, Maddie (Fasel) Zonino, profiled in Working Out, knew she wanted to launch a business in a place she loved. One year ago, Zonino opened Toned Yoga in her hometown, downtown Lake Bluff. With a full menu of classes and an especially encouraging Instagram presence, Zonino has built a tight community at Toned Yoga.

Lake Forest native Forster Meeks relays the remarkable story of building his wine business from scratch. Turn to Vintage Enterprise to read about Meeks’ rise from grape harvester to founder of Model Citizen

Wines.

Dr. Eric Drey, featured in An Eye for the Future, chose Lake Forest to be the home of his second optometry office, Lake Forest Eye Care. Diagnosed with diabetes as a child, Dr. Drey parlayed his early health struggle into a mission-driven business, specializing in diabetic eye care and myopia management.

In Big Cheese, we speak with Nat Caputo, a secondgeneration cheese maker who calls Lake Forest home. Caputo’s family-owned business, Caputo Cheese, continues its tradition of excellence, winning first place in the 2024 World Championship Cheese Contest for its fresh mozzarella Nodini.

Portugal native and now Lake Forest resident, Tiago Campo Rodrigues, has traveled all over the world and lived in seven countries. He shares his favorite things on the North Shore and abroad in The Portrait Woven throughout this issue are references to one of the summer’s biggest events—the Citadel Gala. This year’s gala theme is James Bond’s Casino Royale. Turn to The Fix for outfit inspiration and The Last Word for writer Sherry Thomas’ clever personification of this iconic event. And save the date—007.27 (July 27)—for the party of the year.

Lastly, Happy Father’s Day to all of you dads out there. May you feel especially loved and appreciated this month.

ERIN DONALDSON Editor in Chief

erin@jwcmedia.com

@forest&bluffmag

Dr. Eric and Michelle Drey

Model Citizen Wines

Jason Herbert and Natale Caputo of Caputo Cheese

Discover Your Small Town Serenity

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Consider volunteering at EC! For info or questions, email: volunteering@equestrianconnection.org

J. W. CONATSER FOUNDER & PUBLISHER jwc@jwcmedia.com

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EDITOR IN CHIEF ERIN DONALDSON

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A Client Experience Like No Other!

“Heather did an amazing job helping to sell my home. She started communication and planning early on in the process by visiting our home herself and making recommendations that would help our chances of securing a buyer. Given that the property was vacant, she recommended we stage the home and even provided a list of outstanding staging companies, which made such a difference in the pictures and various walk throughs with potential buyers. We also ran into some hiccups during the sale process, but Heather was always there to provide trustworthy advice. Heather is incredibly knowledgeable of the marketplace, makes her clients feel comfortable with the process, and is highly accessible and a great communicator. This was my 4th time working with Heather, and I will continue to work with Heather on all future real estate needs. She is simply the best!”

The Good Life

Musings on What’s Doing And Who’s Doing It

The HOW on living your best life, engaging in meaningful activities, and building relationships in the community

Portugal native and world traveler, Tiago Campos Rodgrigues, shares a few of his favorite things in The Portrait

Photography by James Gustin Styling by Theresa DeMaria

HOT WHEELS

On June 22, Lake Bluff’s downtown will be transformed into a showcase of beautifully maintained vintage and antique cars from the early 1900s to 1980. Grab something to eat or drink in town and chat with owners about their car’s history, restoration, and upkeep. One lucky driver will win the coveted Best in Show, like Bill Knauz did in 2023 with his 1955 Chrysler 300 (both shown here). Start at the Lake Bluff History Museum and wander from there. The event runs from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free. For more information, visit lakebluffhistory.org/events/lake-bluff-history-museum-auto-show-2024.

The Good Life The Buzz Landscape Site Plan

GIRL

POWER Lake Forest’s Gorton Center has absolutely outdone itself with novel, engaging programming during its 50th anniversary year. This summer, the center is taking it one step further with an incredible line up of empowering camps curated for the middle school girl—portraiture, Project Runway, media, entrepreneurship, and CPR/ first aid. “Our aim is to inspire confidence, foster creativity, and equip young girls with the skills and mindset to succeed in any endeavor they pursue,” says Gorton Center Program Director Libby Johnson. For more information, visit gortoncenter.org.

HIVE MINDS

With the help of grants from Lake Forest Garden Club, Elawa Farm opened its ADA-accessible Discovery Garden in 2023 with a goal to host educational programs and build greater accessibility and inclusivity on its farm grounds. The next phase of this garden, called Discovery Hive, opens this month. Discovery Hive will feature accessible nature play and gardening activities with a focus on children, but for all to enjoy. Significant Lake Forest Garden Club leadership and hands on member involvement since 1998 have contributed to the mission of Elawa Farm Foundation and the City of Lake Forest to steward this historic farm. For more information, visit elawa.org or lakeforestgc.org.

elawa Farm FounDation

Elawa Discovery Hive

About Town

Summer Sensations

50 CENT SUMMER MOVIES

WHEN: June through August

WHERE: Gorton Center

This summer, Northern Trust is sponsoring 50-cent movies—all movies, all summer. Features include Jurassic Park, The Super Mario Bros Movie, Frozen, Almost Famous, and Gladiator, among others. gortoncenter.org/film

LAKE BLUFF FARMERS’ MARKET

WHEN: June 7 through October 11

WHERE: Lake Bluff Village Green

On Friday, June 7, the Lake Bluff Farmers’ Market opens its doors for the 31st time to residents of Lake Bluff and the North Shore. The 2024 Farmers’ Market will run on Friday mornings from 7 a.m. to noon. Along with shopping, the market features live music and children’s entertainment.lakebluff. org/residents/farmers-market

ANCHORS AWEIGH

WHEN: June 7

WHERE: Saddle & Cycle Club, 900 W Foster Ave, Chicago

The Woman’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital is set to host the pre-eminent event of the season, the Anchors Aweigh summer soiree. Cocktails and culinary delights will be served under the stars while guests dance to the ac-

claimed yacht rock band, Anchor’s Away. The glamorous evening will kick off the summer season while raising critical funds in support of The Woman’s Board mission to support the programs and services provided by Northwestern Memorial Hospital. wbnorthwestern.org

CENTENNIAL FAMILY AWARDS

WHEN: June 7

WHERE: History Center Lake Forest-Lake Bluff

Join the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff for the 2024 Centennial Family Awards as it honors the Brebner Family, who has resided in the community for over 100 years and impacted Lake Forest and Lake Bluff in countless ways. The program will feature a fascinating and fun presentation of family history, including anecdotes and photographs shared with the History Center by Brebner family members. Light refreshments will be served. lflbhistory.org

PUBLIC TOURS OF RAGDALE

WHEN: June 8

WHERE: Ragdale Campus

Ragdale, the renowned artists’ residency program and creative retreat haven, offers docent-led tours of the historic campus on June 8, July 13, August 10, and September 21 at 10 a.m. Private tours, including lunch and/or a program for groups of 10 or more can also be arranged. ragdale.org/tours-facility-rentals

DISTILLING HISTORY—THE GREAT RONDOUT TRAIN ROBBERY

WHEN: June 12

WHERE: North Shore Distillery Lake Bluff History Museum will take you back to the biggest train heist in U.S. history, exactly 100 years after it occurred. You’ll hear the story of the heist, which made national headlines, and also about the notorious Newton Brothers from Texas, bandits who committed the heist of some $3 million. lakebluffhistory.org

SINGER-SONGWRITER

SUSAN WERNER

WHEN: June 15

WHERE: Gorton Center

Susan Werner’s songs slide between folk, jazz, and pop, all delivered with sassy wit and classic Midwestern charm. She creates a fresh and unexpected experience in a show you won’t want to end. gortoncenter.org

GO COLOR LAKE BLUFF

WHEN: June 15

WHERE: Lake Bluff Metra Station Lake Bluff’s Go Color Run kicks off at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 15 from the Lake Bluff Metra Station parking lot. Participants will be doused from shoulder to toe with colors (made from safely colored cornstarch) at stations along the route. There will be an after party featuring music, a photo wall, and massive color throws. The event is open to the first 500 participants who register. Runners and walkers or all ages and their well-behaved four-legged friends (on leashes) are welcome.

lakebluffparks.org/go-color/

ABOU T TOWN

SOLSTICE CELEBRATION AT ELAWA

WHEN: June 22

WHERE: Elawa Farm

An evening inspired by local solstice traditions around the world, Chef Lee Kuebler’s menu will pay homage to dishes traditionally served during Midsommar in Scandinavia, Xiazhi in China, and traditional American Summer Solstice celebrations. The evening will also feature festive live music, a tour of the expanded Elawa campus, a sunset toast, and a few other surprises. elawafarm.org/shop/annual-fundraisers

AUTO SHOW

WHEN: June 22

WHERE: Downtown Lake Bluff

The ever-growing, extremely popular Lake Bluff History Museum Auto Show will take place on Saturday, June 22. The Auto Show transforms the village’s downtown area into a showcase for scores of unique and beautifully maintained cars from the early 1900s to 1980. There is no charge to enter the auto show, and the event is family friendly. Parking is available at the Lake Bluff Train Station. lakebluffhistory.org/events

LURIE CHILDREN’S PRO AM AND DINNER ON THE BLUFF

WHEN: June 23 and 24

WHERE: Onwentsia Club and Shoreacres

The Founders’ Board of Lurie Children’s hosts its 64th annual event at Onwentsia Club, pairing 200 amateur golfers with professionals from 50 prestigious clubs across the country. The festivities kick off the night before with a summer dinner party, paddle raise, and live auction at Shoreacres in Lake Bluff. Proceeds will benefit the Founders’ Board new $4M commitment to the Lurie Children’s Heart Center luriechildrens.org/proam

4TH OF JULY PARADE

WHEN: July 4

WHERE: Downtown Lake Bluff

A perennial favorite on the North Shore, the theme for this year’s parade is “Stars, Stripes, and Pawtriots,” where the many faithful dogs of Lake Bluff will be honored. Bring your pup at 10 a.m. and join in the fun. lb4july.org

10TH ANNUAL CITADEL GALA

WHEN: July 27

WHERE: 830 N. Green Bay Road

Citadel Theatre celebrates the 10th anniversary of its legendary fundraiser with a James Bond “Casino Royale” themed black-tie gala, featuring a formal dinner curated by Froggy’s, a live auction filled with James Bond-inspired experiences, and creative Citadel entertainment. The gala’s home, a David Adler estate, will transform after dinner into a glamorous casino–together with the poolside fun where guests are known to jump off the high dive in their tuxedos and evening gowns–it is beyond memorable! Proceeds benefit Citadel Theatre. citadeltheatre.org

007 SCIENCE: INVENTING THE WORLD OF JAMES BOND

MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND INDUSTRY

5700 South DuSable, Chicago

Through October 22

Explore the iconic cars, gadgets, and props of the James Bond film series. 007 Science: Inventing the World of James Bond is the first official exhibition to focus on the science and technology behind the world’s longest-running movie franchise. msichicago.org

GEORGIA O’KEEFFE: MY NEW YORKS

THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO

111 South Michigan Avenue, Chicago

June 2 through September 22 Famed for her images of flowers and Southwestern landscapes, Georgia O’Keeffe spent several years exploring the built environment of New York City with brush in hand. The artist first moved to the city’s newly built Shelton Hotel in 1924, then the tallest residential skyscraper in the world. Its soaring heights inspired a five-year period of energetic experimentation across media and at a variety of scales, with subject matter, form, and perspective. artic.edu

DESCENDING THE STAIRCASE

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART CHICAGO

220 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago

Through August 25

Descending the Staircase considers novel artistic approaches to representing the human body. Spread across two floors of the museum, the exhibition presents figures of all kinds, from the fragmented, absurd, and surreal to the curated, self-aware, and media savvy. Drawn primarily from the MCA’s permanent collection, this immersive exhibition brings together new works and old favorites. mcachicago.org

Your brain is your best competitive

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TURN YOUR MINDSET INTO AN ATHLETIC ASSET.

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Lombardo’s transformational approach helps athletes overcome mental blocks and keep their heads in the game.

The Good Life

Global Citizen

Portugal native Tiago Campos Rodrigues, an international vice president at AbbVie, reflects on his life in Lake Forest and shares a few of his favorite things.

edited by Sherry Thomas

photography by James Gustin

styling by Theresa DeMaria

GHow many countries have you lived in, so far, and which ones? I’ve lived in 7 countries: Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Japan, Norway, and the U.S.

rowing up in Portugal, Tiago Campos Rodrigues spent his weekdays in Lisbon but headed for the beaches and hills of Grândola on the weekends. His work would end up taking him all over the world, landing him in Lake Forest in 2016. While our city on the Lake Michigan shore is a bit different than the Atlantic coastal town where he spent his formative years, access to the beach is one of the things he loves about living here. As AbbVie’s Vice President Commercial Intercontinental, he supports the North Shore-area pharmaceutical company’s commercial operations around the globe, excluding the U.S. and Europe. He shares his home in Lake Forest with wife, Sonia; his 16-year-old son Luis; 14-year-old son João; and the family’s Portuguese Water Dog, Migo. “I really enjoy the benefits of living in a small town where my children are able to just walk or bike to their friends while being very close to a major city like Chicago with such amazing cultural offerings,” says Campos Rodrigues. Similar to his youth growing up in Portugal, life in the coastal city of Lake Forest with easy access to Chicago gives him the best of both worlds. Here are a few of his favorite things, on the North Shore and abroad. How many countries have you lived in, so far, and which ones? I’ve lived in 7 countries: Portugal, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, Japan, Norway, and the U.S. Favorite place to relax and recharge? Lake Michigan for open-water swimming early in the morning or late in the afternoon (May to November only). Books have you read recently that you highly recommend? Empire by Conn Iggulden, a historical fiction book covering the conflict between Athens and Sparta. Seventeen, Last Man Standing by John Bronlow, a fast-paced thriller. Favorite band or musician? Rolling Stones. Favorite restaurant in the Chicago area and why? Best meal so far was at Oriole; go-to weekend place is Tocco in Winnetka. Favorite cocktail? Don’t drink cocktails, but I’ll accept a glass of red Conde d’Ervideira any time. It tastes of home. Favorite summer activity or event? Beach day in Praia do Carvalhal in Portugal. Favorite grooming product? Dr. Squatch natural soap. Dream car? Silver Mercedes AMG GT coupe. (Though no vehicle fits more dreams than a BMW GS motorcycle ready for adventure!) Your perfect day in the city is? Morning visit to the Art Institute, lunch at The Gage, and back to Lake Forest in time for a swim at the beach. Best advice you’ve ever received or given? When you dress for the ride, you should dress for the slide. (Don’t cut corners on motorcycle gear.) What’s on your bucket list for 2024? A weeklong ride to the Black Hills and the Sturgis Motorcycle rally. Favorite place you’ve ever visited? Fernando de Noronha in Brazil. It has amazing diving, breathtaking beaches, great food, and the safety of a Nordic country. Favorite beach hack? Go early morning; you get less people and a friendlier sun. Next passport stamp will be? China, unfortunately only for work.

Favorite summer activity or event? Beach day in Praia do Carvalhal in Portugal.

Dream car? Silver Mercedes AMG GT coupe. (Though no vehicle fits more dreams than a BMW GS motorcycle ready for adventure!)

Favorite local restaurant? Tocco in Winnetka

Favorite place you’ve ever visited?

Fernando de Noronha in Brazil. It has amazing diving, breathtaking beaches, great food, and the safety of a Nordic country.

The Portrait

Tiago Campo Rodrigues

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The Good Life

A Community Fund of Our Own

Forward-thinking residents launch the Community Fund of Lake Forest, a 501(c)3 that will provide long-term capital for Lake Forest’s deserving philanthropic organizations.

words by Ann Marie Scheidler

“You know that adage ‘there are no new ideas?’” asks Lake Forester Bruce Grieve. “Well, I almost had one.”

What Grieve is referring to is having a community fund in Lake Forest. While a community fund that collects money from local residents to support its city isn’t a new concept, having one in Lake Forest that operates like an endowment fund is.

“One of my friends runs the community fund in Highland Park,” he says. “They’ve had one for 30 years. There are 750 community funds throughout the country—some with as much as a billion dollars in them. It was surprising to me that Lake Forest didn’t have one.”

With a career in financial services and packaged goods and having lived in Lake Forest for more than 25 years, Grieve met with friends Bill Andersen and Jim Preschlack in June 2023 to run the idea of a community fund by them.

“I liked the endowment approach,” says Andersen. “The opportunity to help create something that will benefit future generations of Lake Forest residents was very appealing to me.”

Grieve, Andersen, and Preschlack worked with Robert Napier of Harrison LLP to file the paperwork to get 501(c)3 status for the fund. Former Lake Forest mayor George Pandaleon and Program Director of Philanthropy with Northwestern Memorial Foundation Marleana Cross joined the fund’s efforts as well.

“All gifts will support Lake Forest’s qualified organizations through its structure of donating investment returns annually,” Grieve explains. “This way, all donations can live on in perpetuity. As an added plus, we won’t need to solicit the same donors annually for funds.”

The vision for the Community Fund of Lake Forest is to be a multi-million-dollar fund that will deliver 5 percent to 7 percent of its invested assets. Until the fund exceeds $10 million, it will be managed by qualified volunteers.

Grieve emphasizes that the Community Fund of Lake Forest is independent and focused on serving all residents. It’s not affiliated with the City of Lake Forest or any political organization, nor will it make any political contributions. The Community Fund of Lake Forest is designed to be a centralized venue that residents can support knowing their financial gift will go across a broad range of important causes that will enhance the quality of life across the community.

“We hope this strikes a chord with Lake Forest,” Grieve explains. “We’re looking for 50 founding members to give $50,000—50 for 50. This will be a generous group of donors who can make a one-time donation or make a promise to donate $50,000 over a period of time.”

Once enough capital is secured, the Community Fund of Lake Forest will welcome grant applications from the public.

“Things like the Community Fund of Lake Forest always take a village and quite a few Lake Foresters have offered their support and guided our thinking,” Grieve says. “There are too many to mention but we’ll always appreciate their support and wisdom.”

To learn more about the Community Fund of Lake Forest, visit cflakeforest.org.

From

Happy Father’s

#1

Individual principal Compass agent in Illinois*

#1

Individual agent in Lake Forest by total closed sales volume in 2023 (amongst all brokerages)*

#1

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1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

DRESS TO THRILL

Bring the glamour to Citadel’s James Bondthemed gala on July 27.

edited by Theresa DeMaria

1 BVLGARI Divas’ Dream rose gold pendant necklace with mother-of-pearl, $2,270, saksfifthavenue.com 2 Chiara Boni La Petite Robe one-shoulder ruffle sequin midi dress, $995, neimanmarcus.com 3 Valentino Garavani feather-embellished patterned midi dress, $5,900, saksfifthavenue.com 4 Aquazzura Ari platform leather sandals, $995, farfetch.com 5 Saint Laurent Cassandre matelassé clutch bag, $745, farfetch.com 6 David Yurman pearl and pave drop earrings with diamonds in 18K gold, $1,850, neimanmarcus.com 7 Tom Ford silk wool twill backless waistcoat, $1,290, and high-rise silk-wool twill bootcut pants $1,890, neimanmarcus.com 8 Tom Ford halterneck belted jumpsuit, neimanmarcus.com 9 BVLGARI 18K wWhite Gold Serpenti Secret Watch with diamonds, emeralds and green lacquer, $248,000, neimanmarcus.com 10 Isabel Marant 80mm leather sandals, $1,290, isabelmarant.com 11 Christopher Esber fusion ruched gown, $920, farfetch.com 12 FENDI polka-dot print maxi dress, farfetch.com 13 Saint Laurent draped voile maxi dress, $3,300, bergdorfgoodman.com

The Aesthetic Lounge radiates sophistication and rejuvenation in skin care and aesthetics. A newcomer to the heart of Lake Forest, The Aesthetic Lounge isn’t just another medspa—it’s a sanctuary where state-ofthe-art treatments converge with personalized care and unwavering dedication to client satisfaction.

At the helm is Dr. Adam Cohen, a seasoned professional with more than two decades of aesthetic experience. Dr. Cohen initially established his presence on the North Shore in 2012 in Glenview before expanding to Lakeview in 2017, laying the cornerstone for what would become The Aesthetic Lounge.

The full-service medspa has set itself apart by embracing a philosophy that prioritizes the individuality of each client. The consultation process is part of every new client visit. “We talk about what you are interested in achieving, what your skin care has been in the past, and what your skin routine is at home,” says Dr. Cohen. “Following that, our team of experts do a skin evaluation where we cleanse the skin and take a better look, make specific recommendations, and offer both a short-term and long-term plan.”

Recovery periods following treatments can vary significantly, depending on the specific procedure a patient undergoes. Dr. Cohen and his dedicated team take thorough measures to provide detailed information and guidance to each patient. “We prepare patients for all services, offering support and assistance throughout the recovery process,” he says.

“We offer a full range of treatments from a relaxing maintenance facial to medical treatments,” he says. “Are laser technology is are exclusively InModeMD, including Optimas—which allows us to offer Intense Pulse Light (IPL) therapy, hair removal, vascular treatments—and Morpheus 8.” In addition, The Aesthetic Lounge has MicroPen for resurfacing and skin rejuvenation, AquaGold for resurfacing and infusion, and a complete line

The Aesthetic Lounge

Redefining Beauty & Wellness

of injectables—all of which are supported by the retail products the lounge carries including its medical-grade lines of home skin care—Alastin, Skin Better, and Factor Five.

But The Aesthetic Lounge isn’t just about the services—it’s also about the experience. “We are so proud of the new spa!” says Dr. Cohen. The spacious, well-lit environment fosters a serene atmosphere of tranquility, allowing clients to feel like they’re on a unique retreat for a few hours. “We have built an ‘aesthetic lounge’ for our clients to relax in.”

As The Aesthetic Lounge takes its place within the Lake Forest community, Dr. Cohen alongside business partners, Michelle and Dr. Jeffrey Parnell, look forward to forging lasting connections and leaving a lasting impression. “We have similar business values and goals, and this was a perfect opportunity to join forces,” says Dr. Cohen. “Michelle has been a tremendous asset with her business sense, energy, and personal relationships in the community.”

With a blend of expertise, innovation, and genuine care, The Aesthetic Lounge is poised to redefine the landscape of aesthetics in Lake Forest and beyond.

The Aesthetic Lounge is located at 775 Bank Lane in Lake Forest, 224-768-8028, eyefaceandbody.com.

words by Janis MVK photography by Ian McLeod

Dr. Adam Cohen

Back row: Kallie Brenner, Courtney Mixter, Tricia Hall, Vanessa Immordino. Front: Michelle Parnell

The Good Life

GREEN GODDESS DIP + HOMEMADE POTATO CHIPS

words, photography, and recipe by Monica Kass Rogers

Silky with parsley, chives, and cream lending its lovely shade of green, the original Green Goddess dressing was created by Chef Phillip Roemer of San Francisco’s Palace Hotel in 1923. Roemer whipped it up for a banquet honoring actor George Arliss, who was starring in William Archer’s “The Green Goddess” play. Sadly, for thespians, very few remember the play, but the dressing? Absolutely. A blend of parsley, chives, anchovy, and sour cream,

MAKES 2 CUPS DIP; 8 CUPS CHIPS

INGREDIENTS

FOR HOMEMADE MAYONNAISE

• 2 large egg yolks

• ½ tsp salt

• ½ tsp sugar

• ¾ tsp dr y mustard powder

• Pinch of freshly ground pepper

• Pinch of paprika

• Pinch of cayenne pepper

• 1 Tbsp vinegar

• 2 tsp f reshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1 cup vegetable oil

FOR GREEN GODDESS DIP

• 1/2 c love garlic, grated fine to make ¼ tsp

• 1 Tbsp anchovy paste

• 1 cup homemade mayonnaise (recipe on right)

• 1 cup sour cream

• ¼ cup finely snipped chives (reserve 2 tsp to garnish)

• ½ cup finely chopped flat leaf parsley, stems discarded

• 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar

• 2 tsp f reshly squeezed lemon juice

• 1/8 tsp (a few grinds) black pepper

FOR POTATO CHIPS

• Large bowl of ice water

• 2 large Idaho Russet potatoes, skin on, scrubbed well

• Oil for deep fat fryer

• Salt to taste

with a splash of vinegar and lemon, it’s a flavorful classic. Finding a 1940s Red Dot Potato Chips flyer with a dip version of the dressing tucked into a vintage cookbook, I thought to adapt it for you here, along with steps to make your own thin and crispy chips. Amazingly, just two good-sized Idaho russets slice up to make eight cups of potato chips. And these are sans additives and preservatives that come with packaged snacks. As you dip, the Green Goddess clings perfectly to each chip. Enjoy!

METHOD

MAKE MAYONNAISE In the bowl of a food processor, combine egg yolks, salt, sugar, mustard powder, and the pinches of black pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Pulse to combine. Add vinegar and lemon juice, and whirl again. With processor running, slowly add oil in drizzles and drops until mayonnaise whips up. Scrape down sides of bowl and whirl again to a silky finish. Scoop mayonnaise into a bowl. Replace processor bowl and blade back onto motor base (no need to wash blade and bowl).

MAKE DRESSING In the bowl of the processor, combine ingredients in the order given. Blend until herbs are well incorporated and dip is smooth. Fold into a serving bowl, sprinkle with reserved 2 tsp of finely minced chives, cover and refrigerate.

MAKE POTATO CHIPS Using the thinnest setting, slice potatoes with a mandolin slicer. Place slices in a large bowl of ice water, separating slices. Chill slices in ice water for about 20 minutes. They will firm up and slightly curl.

Preheat deep fat fryer filled with oil to 325 degrees, according to manufacturer instructions for your fryer model. Place iced potato slices in colander to drain water. Place a clean kitchen towel topped with several layers of paper toweling on your work surface. Arrange potato slices in rows over the toweling being careful not to overlap any slices. (Not all slices will fit in one go.) Gently roll the toweling up to fully dry the slices. Repeat procedure with the rest of the slices. Line a large cookie sheet with paper toweling. Place a small amount of potato slices in the fryer basket and deep fry chips until golden brown. Remove chips to lined cookie sheet and blot to remove any excess oil. Lightly salt chips to taste. Repeat to fry the rest of the chips. Serve chips with the chilled dip.

Home Design

Discover Timeless Elegance: 35 Years of Excellence in Fabric, Reupholstery, and Custom Window Treatments

Photography by Vlajs

For more than three decades, Loomcraft of Vernon Hill’s family-owned store has been a beacon of exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled service. Unlike anything on the North Shore, the retailer’s expert team invites you to experience the magic of timeless elegance at their fabric, reupholstery, and custom window treatment store; assuring customers that the quality savings in-store are worth the trip to nearby Vernon Hills.

What sets them apart? It’s not just their rich history or prime location; it’s the unwavering commitment to quality that defines every aspect of their business. Loomcraft’s loyal customers have come to rely on them for high-performance fabrics that stand the test of time, meticulous reupholstery services that breathe new life into cherished pieces, and custom window treatments that elevate any space.

When you step into their store, and you’re greeted by a team of passionate experts dedicated to turning your design dreams into reality. Their professional design staff combines decades of experience with a keen eye for detail, ensuring that every project is executed to perfection. Whether you’re revamping a single chair or redesigning an entire room, their team is here to make it an effortless and enjoyable process.

One of the hallmarks of Loomcraft’s store is their extensive selection of fabrics sourced from the finest mills around the world. From luxurious performance velvets to durable performance chenilles, the retailer offers a range that caters to every style and need. Whether you’re aiming for a classic aesthetic or a modern flair, their curated collection has something for everyone.

Loomcraft’s reupholstery services are second to none, breathing new life into beloved furniture pieces. Whether it’s an antique

Loomcraft’s vast selection of fabrics

heirloom or a contemporary sofa, their skilled craftsmen meticulously restore each piece, ensuring both beauty and functionality for years to come. Say goodbye to worn-out upholstery and hello to a fresh, rejuvenated look.

When it comes to custom window treatments, these experts believe that every window deserves a touch of elegance. Loomcraft’s design team will work closely with you to understand your vision and create bespoke treatments that enhance your space’s beauty and functionality. From draperies to blinds to shades, they offer a range of options to suit your style and practical needs.

But their Vernon Hills-based store is more than just a destination for exceptional products and services; it’s a community hub where creativity thrives and relationships flourish. They cherish the trust their customers place in them and are committed to exceeding client expectations every step of the way.

Visit Loomcraft today and discover why generations of customers have made them their go-to destination for fabric, reupholstery, and custom window treatments. Experience the perfect blend of high-performance quality, welcoming ambiance, and professional expertise that defines their store. Here’s to 35 years of timeless elegance, and many more to come!

Loomcraft Fabric Outlet is located at 645 Lakeview Parkway in Vernon Hills, right near the Vernon Hills Police Department and Portillo’s. Mention this article for 20 percent off custom labor. For more information, call 846-680-1119, email vhstore@loomcraft.com, or visit thefabricoutlet.com.

COUTURE CLEAN

Tending garments with meticulous care.

words and photography by Monica Kass Rogers

Just under the fleur-de-lys logo—a time-honored symbol for perfection—the words “Couture Cleaning” clearly state Lake City Cleaners’ service standard to anyone catching a glimpse of the delivery vans as they shuttle by.

It’s been that way from the start.

Victor Seyedin, proud owner of Lake Forest’s Lake City Cleaners, and two more locations in Evanston, has a keen eye for opportunity. After his successful run in the video business, which at his peak included 34 stores in Wisconsin, New York, and Chicago, Seyedin surveyed the American industry landscape to find “the type of business where technology and customer needs wouldn’t change the nature of what we do.” Garment cleaning was it.

But it had to be exceptional cleaning. To get there, Seyedin immersed himself in training, learning the myriad aspects of the business first at a site in Texas, and then, through training and development programs offered by America’s Best CleanersTM (ABC) a marketing consortium of high-end operators and CoutureCare© Certification agency.

Through ABC, Seyedin traveled to Italy to see first-hand how Brioni made its luxurious $17,000plus suits, and then to the Zegna wool mill in the Italian Alps where the world’s finest wool fabrics are made. In 2007, those experiences, plus his entrepreneurial spirit, convinced him to become the first in the United States to invest in the most sophisticated dry-cleaning equipment on the market. Called the Solvair the environmentally friendly system used a biodegradable glycol ether formula in the wash cycle, rinsing and drying clothing in liquid carbon dioxide. Because there was no heat is involved in the dry cycle, the system virtually eliminated shrinkage. Although the Solvair system proved too expensive to market and had to be discontinued, Seyedin’s pioneering spirit provided him

a lot of exposure, and built the customer base he has grown today.

Ensuring each of his three shops stay on the cutting edge of cleaning services keeps Seyedin busy. He is up every day at 5 a.m. heading first to the newly upgraded Lake Forest location, then to his Evanston locations.

The recent Lake Forest upgrade included replacing the mechanical systems and giving the interior a clean and bright new look. New lights sparkle above the expansive check-in counter and mannequins dressed in recently tailored finery stand tall at the back. To the left, a tailor busies herself, tucking and pinning a satin gown, while a young shop clerk pulls recently cleaned garments from the rack to hand to a customer.

Lake City Cleaners also offers top-tier service to customers through its pickup and delivery routes in downtown Chicago and on the North Shore. Customers can sign up for the services on www.lakecitycleaners.com and manage their orders directly from their phones, adding convenience to their busy schedules.

Quality care of couture garments is a delicate process that takes a lot of time and attention. “The material is often very fragile,” says Seyedin. “And there are many steps that must be taken to ensure that the garment is properly cleaned—you can’t use the regular dry-cleaning process.”

Building trust is key. “When someone has invested in a $10,000 Chanel dress, they need to know that the hands that clean it are going to take the utmost care in the process,” says Seyedin.

Beyond couture, Lake City does the normal brisk business in cleaning—everything from dry-cleaning garments and bedding, to laundering and pressing shirts, hemming pants, and tailoring jackets. Linens are all pressed by hand. And, Seyedin adds, “We offer fire restoration services for garments exposed to intense smoke.”

One of the biggest challenges Seyedin faces in post-pandemic business, is fighting increased supply costs—some of which have gone up 100 percent. All of this while keeping prices static for his valued customers. To keep everything running smoothly, Seyedin employs a staff of 30, including tailors and laundry workers, plus those operating the dry-cleaning equipment, point of sale employees, and drivers.

Looking ahead, Seyedin is excited to stay on the forefront with green cleaning, watching for new technologies to emerge. He already uses a machine developed for use with the environmentally friendly solvent he imports from Germany. “It’s more costly, but the result is worth it—both for the environment, and, because the brightness of the garments we clean this way is so markedly better.”

“I am determined and will never give up,” he sums. “Nothing comes between me and making Lake City Cleaners a great experience for my customers and a success.”

Lake City Cleaners offers pickup and delivery in downtown Chicago and on the North Shore, and has locations in Lake Forest and Evanston. For more information, visit lakecitycleaners.com.

Victor Seyedin

The TRUTH about Ketamine

Despite recent headlines, Ketamine remains a highly safe and effective treatment in clinical settings.

words by Terry R. Yormark II

The old saying, “There is no such thing as bad press” may hold true most of the time, but unfortunately that hasn’t yet proved to be the case with current stories regarding Ketamine. Unfortunately, Ketamine came up in a toxicology report in a recent terrible Hollywood tragedy and many in the media negligently created a false narrative and ran with it. Shocking, right? The “good” part about all of this press is that the dialogue around Ketamine has gone mainstream and those seeking education from reliable sources are at an all-time high.

Ketamine was first studied in the 1960s as a safer alternative to traditional anesthetics and was first used by anesthesiologists in the 1970s. To this day, Ketamine is the most commonly prescribed anesthetic globally and on the World Health Organization Essential Medication List. Ketamine causes minimal respiratory depression and does not impair the cough reflex, which many other drugs do. In 2019, the FDA approved Ketamine for treatment-resistant depression, which has saved countless lives.

Ketamine is to be administered in a relaxing, spa-like environment by a licensed medical professional either by normal IV or nasal injection through a product named Spravato. Individual sessions typically last between 45 and 90 minutes (depending on dosing) with the peak Ketamine experience lasting a couple of hours. A day or two after treatment, while the body is still experiencing the effects of the treatment, it’s best to meet with a psychiatrist to better process the experience which aids in the healing process. Ketamine often opens new pathways in the mind, and as a result, it’s during these one-on-

one sessions that often meaningful breakthroughs occur. As with so many other things in life, finding the right partner makes all the difference. With Ketamine, choosing the right treatment center sets the patient at ease and greatly increases the chances of positive outcomes. Brain Health Restoration of Illinois (BHR) was founded on a very simple, but often lost, principle of putting the patient first. BHR believes so strongly in Ketamine education and sharing the TRUTH about Ketamine that we are happy to supply you with a book, free of charge, so you can begin making decisions for your mental health based on facts and your personal needs, not from the latest Hollywood breaking news.

For your free Ketamine book please email info@BHRIllinois.com and visit BHRIllinois.com to learn more about the newest premier mental health clinic in the Chicago area. Brain Health Restoration of Illinois is located at One National Plaza, 1111 N. Plaza Drive, Suite 101 in Schaumburg.

Go With the Flow

Getting comfortable with diving in headfirst: Why your brain is your strongest asset.

words by Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo photography by Katrina Wittkamp styling by Theresa DeMaria

Now that summer is in full swing, swim season is officially here. One thing professional swimmers know is the importance of warming up before they compete. It gets the blood flowing and helps prevent injury. And when mental training is incorporated, the brain sends a signal telling the body it’s time to get into the Green Zone, boosting confidence and resilience in the process.

If you’re ready to test the waters of mental training, here are three tips to maximize your state of flow, both in and out of the pool.

Mind your stress triggers.

Preempting potential sources of stress is the basis of a solid mental game and can be addressed before, during, and after you hit the starting blocks.

• Before: Keep your levels of distress low and your positive energy high. Try this: Visualize how good you want to feel at the end of your heat. Picture yourself making strong strokes with ease.

• During: Literally shake off setbacks if you get triggered. Try this: Reassure yourself that mistakes happen, and then do some jumping jacks or dance your way back into the Green Zone.

• After: Celebrate the wins—even if you lose. Try this: Look forward to a post-meet reward. Treating yourself will help remind you that one performance or meet does not define you.

Make a “Get out of the Red Zone” Playlist. Have you ever heard a song from years past that brings you right back to the first time you listened to it? Music can have a powerful impact on our emotions. After all, there’s a reason Michael Phelps wore his headphones before competing. Create multiple playlists with songs that lift you up or chill you out, helping to prepare you for anything.

Decompress Intentionally.

In times of overwhelm, explore healthy, helpful, and creative ways to redirect your energy.

Every individual is different, so find what works best for you.

• Take a walk to engage all of your senses. Pop in your earbuds, breathe in the fresh air, and feel the sun on your face.

• Zone out to get into the zone—watching a show, playing a game, or calling a friend are quick ways to distract yourself from stress.

• A warm shower works wonders when you’re feeling overwhelmed, but if you don’t have time or access, try envisioning the feeling instead. You may be surprised at just how calming it can be!

A Special Note to Parents:

Help strengthen your athlete’s mental game by showing your support. Although you might not always receive an outward acknowledgment, consistency is always considered a win.

• Help develop a pre-game routine. Your child might not know what they need before the start of a competition, but you can set the tone by encouraging hydration and a protein boost, stretching with them, or playing songs to motivate (or calm!) them.

• Show up. Remind your child that you are there for them, win or lose. The easiest way to do this is simply to attend their games and meets. A supportive face in the crowd will often mean more than you know.

• Be a sounding board. Listen more than talk. Read your child’s body language. Ask them if they want to discuss what went well or what could be improved on. Pregame jitters are normal, but when mental preparation is an essential part of your warmup (and cool-down!), you’ll start lapping the competition before you even touch the water.

Summer is the perfect time for cross-training. Make strengthening your mental game a big part of it at EleVive.com.

Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo

New owners of Cahill Plumbing, Brandon Delfino and Chris McNelly.

Down to Business

Lifelong friends and entrepreneurs Brandon Delfino and Chris McNelly acquire Lake Bluff-based Cahill and look forward to helping this locally owned and operated business prosper for decades to come.

words by Ann

Marie Scheidler

photography by Katrina Wittkamp styling by Theresa DeMaria

BRANDON

DELFINO and CHRIS MCNELLY

met at Lake Forest High School and have been friends ever since. The two graduated from the University of Iowa a year apart. Delfino went into business for himself while McNelly worked for a freight brokerage company and learned the ins and outs of customer service. In 2015, they decided to team up and start their own company.

Delfino and McNelly’s first business venture was so successful that it reached a point it needed to relocate to Texas to continue.

“Both of us have families in the area and we didn’t want to move,” McNelly says, explaining that the duo decided to sell their share of the company and took the following year to decide what would come next.

“The riskiest period for a business is generally the very beginning,” Delfino says. “When we got advice about launching another company, people told us not to start from scratch. They recommended buying an existing business that has cash flow, a customer base, and reputation—all the things that take 50 years to build.”

Delfino explains that many business schools today are teaching “ETA”—entrepreneurship through acquisition. After evaluating several industries, and vetting 30 to 40 local businesses, Delfino and McNelly cold-called Dennis Cahill and Paul Maxwell—owners of Cahill—and asked them if they had any thoughts about the next chapter of their company. For more than five decades, Cahill has provided quality heating, cooling, electrical, plumbing, and sewer services to North Shore homes and businesses.

“There are a lot of private equity firms consolidating the trades, and we saw that as an opportunity,” Delfino says. “Local ownership with an indefinite timeline is a win-win for both customers and employees. We can’t sacrifice quality or our reputation in the pursuit of a quick buck.”

From a business perspective, Delfino and McNelly really liked the heating and cooling industry, specifically. If a furnace goes out, the client needs to replace it. That’s why private equity businesses like it, too. But Delfino and McNelly used the fact that they were local to the community—knowing many of the clients on Cahill’s customer list—to their advantage.

“...When we got advice about launching another company, people told us not to start from scratch.”

“After you’ve spent your whole life building a business, who would you rather sell it to?” Delfino asks. “To two local guys who want to run it honestly the way you have, or

some firm from New York who will squeeze as much money from it so they can and sell it to the next guy?

When these big investment firms come in and buy companies like Cahill, they turn their tradesmen into salesmen. That’s their model and it doesn’t work. It’s not what’s best for the customer.”

Delfino and McNelly signed the papers to acquire Cahill in June 2023 and have tripled the size of the business since they took over.

“There have been a lot of sleepless nights,” McNelly says. “We’ve done every job in this business since we took over—answered lots of phone calls. I deal mostly with the day-to-day operations, making sure our guys have what they need before they leave for the day. Brandon handles more

of the back-office stuff that positions us strategically in the market.”

One of Delfino’s biggest tasks is helping clients understand that even though Cahill is based in Lake Bluff, it doesn’t mean that their company is more expensive.

“Here’s the massive misconception in the industry. People believe that if you hire the one-man shop, the guy working out of his truck, you’ll get better pricing. That couldn’t be further from the truth,” Delfino says. “The number one expense in this industry is equipment. And with our scale, we pay about half for a furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump than what a single proprietor does.

“We cost, on average, 20 percent less than our competitors. That’s a big number. We pass some of that savings on to you. With the rest of it, we’re able to do 24-7 service. We stock all parts on site in our warehouse, and we are constantly training our employees. Our goal is to grow organically by telling the story of why we’re the logical choice.”

Delfino and McNelly believe that because they live in the community, that’s an advantage when it comes to how they run Cahill.

“We’re locally owned and operated and we have no intention of selling this business,” Delfino says. “This impacts every decision we make every day. We want to serve this community. That’s it. If we serve the community well, in the long run, we will profit.”

To McNelly, his belief in the posterity of Cahill is even more simple.

“I grew up in this community and this community has been good to me,” he says. “I now have the chance to be good to it. I want my 1-year-old to take over this company someday. That’s the dream.”

To learn more about Cahill, visit cahillheating.com.

The McNelly Family

The Delfino Family

WORKING OUT

Maddie Zonino puts it all on the line to open the fitness studio of her dreams in downtown Lake Bluff.

Maizey and Maddie Zonino

words by Ann Marie Scheidler photography by Maria Ponce styling by Theresa DeMaria hair & makeup by Margareta Komlenac

IF YOU WERE TO RUN into Maddie Zonino last summer and tell her that in less than a year, she would have more than 30 people on a waitlist to get into one of her Toned Yoga classes, she may not have been that surprised.

“My husband and I say that we’re the generation that freaks out our parents,” Zonino says with a laugh. “We have these big dreams and we’re willing to risk it all to make them happen.”

By risking it all, this University of Michigan graduate is referring to quitting her job in the Chicago tech world just two months after opening Toned Yoga in June 2023. Toned Yoga is a boutique fitness studio in the heart of downtown Lake Bluff. Its tenured instructors offer classes in multiple formats—high intensity strength training, breath-infused movement classes, and restorative restful practices.

know anything about construction. But somehow it all came together.”

That savvy approached extended to who she hired to teach her classes.

“In less than six months, I got married, moved to Lake Bluff, and opened Toned Yoga,” says Zonino. “That’s all of life’s big events in just a few months. I always knew that working in health and wellness was my goal. And when I doubted if I could pull this off, my husband encouraged me to go for it.”

The Zoninos discovered the vacant space once occupied by Hansa Coffee Roasters and decided that should be Toned Yoga’s home.

“We didn’t want to open another fitness studio in Chicago,” she says. “It made sense to open in Lake Bluff. We’d work all day at our corporate jobs and then come and work on the studio at night,” Zonino says. “It was crazy because we were these 28-years-olds who didn’t

“I had a vision for the vibe that we wanted at Toned,” she says. “It was really important to find fresh faces who could match the energy I wanted the studio to have,” she says. “Now, we have more than 15 instructors from all over the North Shore who have been with us for the whole year. When we launched our website and social media, we had hundreds of members sign up right away. People were excited about what we were bringing to Lake Bluff.”

Probably the biggest shock to Zonino has been the runaway popularity of her meditative and restorative classes.

“I was hoping these classes would strike a chord with our clients—especially the ones that incorporate sound baths,” she explains. “My favorite thing is how popular these classes are with high schoolers.”

With so many local schools now incorporating yoga into their curriculums, Zonino designed classes targeted for younger students and is increasing the number of these classes as summer vacation begins. She’s also hosting birthday parties, workshops, and events for even the littlest yogis, her “Toned Yogis in Training.”

While Toned Yoga has clients racking up milestones of having taken 200 and 300 classes since the studio opened, Zonino stresses that she has first-timers in her studio all of the time.

Rob, Maizey, and Maddie Zonino

“If a local business, school, or someone from Lake Bluff is sponsoring something, I try my best to be there and support them.”

“Your first week at Toned Yoga is free and I always encourage newbies to take as many classes as they can that week,” she says. “It’s a great way to find the class format and instructors you like.” You can bring your own mat, or the studio has them to buy or rent.

When asked what she thinks the secret to the success of her studio has been, Zonino says it’s how much her family and her instructors have invested in the Lake Bluff community.

“I grew up in Lake Forest, attended Lake Forest High School, and I know a lot of my clients from my childhood,” she says. “But it was important for me to connect with this community as a business owner. The best way for me to show up for Lake Bluff is to go to as many things as I can. If a local business, school, or

someone from Lake Bluff is sponsoring something, I try my best to be there and support them. It’s really true that the more you give, the more you get back.”

Having once taught 16 classes a week, Zonino is happy that she can now take a week off for vacation knowing that the studio will run smoothly, and her members will be happy.

“Toned Yoga is my baby. So much has happened in just one year—I can’t wait to share all the surprises that are coming in year two. Get ready for some big things!”

To learn more and stay up to date on all things Toned Yoga, visit tonedyoga.com or follow the studio on Instagram @tonedyoga.

Maddie Zonino wears Veronica Beard from Neiman Marcus Northbrook.

Anne was referred by a close friend because of her professionalism, energy and work ethic. She met those expectations and more. Anne was sensitive to our needs and specic situation considering the reason we were selling was not necessarily a happy one (family member passed). The logistics of the entire sale from listing to closing was seamless with Anne. I highly recommend her! Plus, she’s a very kind, smart intuitive person.

Jennifer, Lake Forest

AN EYE ON THE FUTURE

Dr. Eric, Michelle, Emerson and Avery Drey wearing clothing from Neiman Marcus in Northbrook

Dr. Eric Drey opens Lake Forest Family Eye Care, his second optometry office, with specialties in diabetic eye care and myopia management.

words by Ann Marie Scheidler

photography by Ian McLeod styling by Theresa DeMaria hair and makeup by Leanna Ernest

WHEN ERIC DREY WAS IN the fourth grade, he was given an assignment to say what he wanted to be when he grew up.

“My mom recently showed me this paper and I said that I wanted to be an optometrist,” the now Dr. Drey, a Doctor of Optometry says. “I still can’t believe I knew what that was.”

However, as an adult looking back, he understands why he chose such a specific medical field. When Dr. Drey was 5 years old, he was diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes.

“Getting diagnosed with diabetes is one of my first real childhood memories,” he says. “I spent a lot time going to see the endocrinologist and the optometrist. I think it just sunk in at some level that someday I wanted to take care of patients the way I was cared for.”

Dr. Drey graduated from the University of Iowa and earned his Doctor of Optometry Degree at the Illinois College of Optometry. He has a post-doctorate residency certification in primary care and ocular disease from the Illinois College of Optometry/Illinois Eye Institute.

“I opened my first office near Willis Tower in Chicago eight years ago,” he says. “Moving to Lake Bluff in 2020 with our young family made the idea of opening a second

“I was happy he was on board to help me with my office, too.”

Dr. Drey is equipped to handle every eyecare need (eyeglasses, contacts, eye infections, etc.) just short of having surgery. “I made the conscious decision to invest in having all the machinery I need on-site to help manage any eye issues. I like being able to offer that instead of having to refer you to another specialist.”

In addition to helping with eye problems resulting from diabetes, Dr. Drey is also working with patients with myopia.

“Myopia, or nearsightedness, is when close-up objects look clear but distant objects are blurry,” he says. “This has become an epidemic worldwide. In my generation, we see about 20-25 percent of people who are nearsighted. Experts are predicting that by 2050, 50 percent of the population will be nearsighted. This will happen from so much screentime and people not being outdoors enough. There are now some treatments available that can help reduce or control the progression of nearsightedness when you catch it early in children. When we do catch it early, we can reduce nearsighted progression by 65 percent.”

If you have a rising kindergartener, Dr. Drey encourages you to make an appointment for your child.

office not far from our home very appealing.”

With his father as his general contractor, he built out his office space for Lake Forest Family Eyecare just a few doors down from Sunset Foods. The space is light, bright, modern, and welcoming—everything he had hoped it would be.

“When my dad built our house in Lake Bluff, I thought that was the last big project I would talk him into,” he says.

“It’s state law that kindergartners have an eye exam with eye dilation before they start school. The nice part of doing this is that we can catch things like lazy eye and intervene with the appropriate treatments.”

To learn more about Dr. Drey or to make an appointment, visit lakeforestfamilyeyecare.com.

If your recent college graduate does not yet have a business c a rd,

In today’s economy, finding the right job or internship can be incredibly frustrating. Competition is fierce, online applications do not work, and for all the recent college graduates living at home, pressure mounts to “just find something”. Welcome to the “new normal” in job search.

Fortunately, Campus2Career ® Transition Services can help! We’ve been successfully assisting recent college graduates for more than 15 years.

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Most importantly, we have a 98% success rate of placing our clients in the “right” jobs in the field of their choice.

Visit our website to read testimonials from clients who have landed their dream jobs.

Then contact Campus2Career ® Transition Services. I believe you have our card.

BIG CHEESE

words and photography by Monica Kass Rogers Lake Forest’s Natale Caputo furthers his family’s cheese legacy.

Nat Caputo

THE ENERGY NATALE “NAT” CAPUTO generates is infectious. Bright and quick, it lightens your step as you follow him through the vast maze of spaces that make up Caputo Cheese’s headquarters in Melrose Park.

For Caputo, each room is filled with story. He offers food techie tidbits here, fond childhood memories there. And always with the enthusiasm of someone who loves what he does.

CEO of Caputo Cheese since 1996, Caputo oversees output of 35 million pounds of cheeses each year. The bulk of that is hard cheese, such as Parmesan, Asiago, and Romano, but fresh mozzarella sales are growing.

“We do 100,000 pounds of fresh mozzarella per week, spiking to between 150,000 and 200,000 pounds during peak summer salad season,” he says.

That’s well over five million pounds of fresh mozzarella a year, a number that may grow even more this year with a boost from Caputo’s first place award in the 2024 World Championship Cheese Contest for its fresh mozzarella Nodini (“little knots”).

Stepping into the warmth of the production room, Caputo explains the cheesemaking process and we watch as a worker deftly knots each of the Nodini by hand. But beyond Nodini, there are many other versions of Caputo fresh mozzarella, (each named for shape and size,) plus burrata and ricotta. Perlini are little pearl sized morsels, Cigliegini, are cherry-tomato sized, Bocconcini, bite sized, and so forth.

All are fresh fior di latte (cow’s milk) mozzarella, from the same Caputo recipe— cooked and stretched from mozzarella curd. There are specific nuances to each cut, however, causing each to function differently in a prepared dish. The Nodini, for example, are made with an extra stretching step which gives them a different mouth feel and texture than a traditional 1-ounce ball. And the way the Orecchiette is cut lends best melting properties on a pizza.

Caputo Cheese started making fresh mozzarella in 1996, after then-recent Loyola graduate Ca-

puto returned from time in Italy.

“There, fresh mozzarella was everywhere. People bought it to eat every day. But here, people were mostly familiar with low-moisture, part skim mozzarella, which is a very different thing. I wanted to change that.”

To ensure best possible quality, Caputo purchased the production equipment in Italy where he trained in fresh mozzarella making.

“And then the equipment team sent their experts from Italy here, to make sure we really had the processes down,” he says. “The division started as a crazy idea that obviously worked out and is a major arm of our company today.”

But Caputo’s cheese exploits started when he was a boy following in the footsteps of his father, Pasquale, who founded Caputo Cheese 1978.

“When I was 10, my father taught me how to run the cash register,” says Natale. “By 14, I was cutting and wrapping cheese. At 16, I was slicing cheese in our deli. And at 18, I drove the delivery truck.”

Pasquale also started young, emigrating from Bari, Italy in 1954, when he was just 11. Like most who came to the States back then, Pasquale passed through Ellis Island and briefly stayed in New York City and Brooklyn before coming to Chicago where most of his family was already established.

Finding his footing after vocational high school, Pasquale worked for several of his brothers—Frank, who owned a chain of McDonald’s in the Boston area,

Burrata with strawberries, honey, and basil

and Angelo and Joe, who were in the grocery business in Chicago. Wanting to blaze his own trails, Pasquale opened a hamburger restaurant called Henry’s, and then, several namesake pizzerias. Missing the best quality foods from Italy he knew and loved, Pasquale incorporated Pasquale Caputo Foods in 1978 and began importing Pecorino Romano, Parmigiano Reggiano, and Mozzarella di Bufala cheese, extra virgin olive oil, pasta, spices, and other Italian specialties.

And then came his bright idea—delivering to a restaurant.

Pasquale saw that its tomatoes and buns came in presliced, the lettuce, pre-shredded. He remembered that he, too, always pre-shredded the mozzarella he used each day when in the pizza business. Believing there was a need for this kind of high-volume industry prep, he opened a cheese shop in Chicago in 1979 selling retail cheeses at the front and processing larger packages of grated and shredded cheese for wholesale use at the back.

His hunch was right. Demand for the processed product grew, and the company expanded to three stores in Chicago plus a 5,000-square-foot cheese processing facility. By 1990, demand for its wholesale product was so great, Caputo sold off the stores, and moved to a 50,000-square-foot facility in suburban Melrose Park—now expanded to 200,000 square feet.

To ready its products, Caputo brings in cheeses from all over the world and then ages, grates, shreds, mixes, blends, and repackages them for sale to food manufacturers, distributors, and restaurant chains.

Keeping on top of it all is challenging, as the scenario

for imports constantly shifts due to worldwide trade, agricultural, and monetary issues.

“As trade agreements change, so do the imports. As the dairy industry changes domestically and abroad, so do imports. As the value of our dollar changes, so do the imports,” says Caputo.

Currently, with a strong dollar, available capacity, and strong consumer consumption, most of Caputo’s supply is domestic. But certain products are always imported: Pecorino Romano and Parmigiano Reggiano from Italy, Manchego from Spain, Feta from Greece, and blue cheese from Denmark.

Meanwhile, all fresh mozzarella, Burrata, and Ricotta offerings are made in house. The Burrata is perhaps Caputo’s most luxurious product. The outer shell is cooked and stretched fresh mozzarella. But inside, Stracciatella—stretched bits and pieces of fresh mozzarella—are combined with cream and milkfat. Rounded and top-knotted into a softball-sized pillow, the result is decadence on a plate.

Innovation is always on the table. Caputo’s yet-tomarket Elevated Cow, a CBD-infused fresh mozzarella, is a great example.

Spearheading research and development of the product for more than a year, Caputo says he made batch after batch until he got the recipe exactly right.

“In the end, we manufactured a perfect product with the positive qualities CBD had to offer only to be shut down by the Illinois Department of Health and the FDA,” he says. “It seems that there is a small loophole with regards to CBD/Hemp and food. It is not yet legal to produce any food labeled ‘containing CBD’. Most items you see on the shelf today that claim CBD are actually made with hemp.”

While Elevated Cow awaits changes in law to allow for distribution, Caputo Cheese has other ideas percolating—an imported line of fresh Mozzarella di Bufala to complement its fresh mozzarellas for example.

And beyond that?

“Well, I can’t really discuss those things without alarming my competitors,” Caputo laughs. “But I will say that we are a solutions provider, and we are constantly asked for many variations of our award-winning cheese. So, there are tasteful things coming. Stay tuned!”

Nat Caputo

Fresh mozzerella, tomato, and fennel salad

VINTAGE ENTERPRISE

Lake Forest native and skiing enthusiast Forster Meeks headed west 14 years ago—fresh out of high school—without a lick of experience in the wine industry. In 2021, he and best friend Abner Wyman launched Model Citizen Wines in Napa, California.

words by Bill McLean photography by Espen Thomassen

FORSTER MEEKS THOUGHT seriously about becoming either an ace golfer in college or a chef-to-be in culinary school. He was a scratch golfer at the age of 14 and had no qualms about making a meal from scratch.

Maybe he placed a fairway-stained visor next to a pristine torque on a table one day and asked his teenaged heart, “What’s it going to be?”

Meeks, a fun-loving and fearless 2010 Lake Forest High School graduate, became a … winemaker/fervent recreational skier.

“Forster migrates from snow country to wine country each year,” says good friend Elise Nerlove, co-owner and winemaker of Elkhorn Peak Cellars, a micro-winery in Napa, California. “He skis a lot from Thanksgiving until May and then devotes most of his time to wine from August until the end of October. I know he’s well-loved in the wine industry and I’m sure he’s wellloved in the skiing community.

“Good guy,” she adds.

Enterprising guy, too. Meeks, 31, and Ohio native Abner Wyman—both call Napa home—launched Model Citizen Wines (MCW) in Napa three years ago. MCW makes wines that captivate a sense of place and inspire memorable evenings, friendship, and adventure.

“We strive to make approachable and interesting wines that showcase vibrancy, energetic fruit, and great tension across the palate,” Meeks says, who recently added a Santa Cruz Pinot Noir, a Sonoma Sauvignon Blanc, and a Santa Cruz Red Blend to an original lineup of label offerings that included a 2022 Santa Cruz Pinot Noir, a Pinot Noir Pet-Nat, and a Valdiguie PetNat. “We work with cool climate vineyards throughout central and northern California to craft wines with lively acidity and exceptional freshness.

“The brand,” he adds, “is rooted in the philosophy that wines should be enjoyed with great friends and family in special places.”

Meeks’ 10-year trek to official winemaker status should be made into a movie. The flick would be part action, part adventure, part comedy and rated PG for Predominantly Grapes. He was a high school graduate

“We strive to make approachable and interesting wines...”

for all of one day when he found himself en route to Oregon. One of his early restaurant gigs in the Beaver State was prep cook, working the 2:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. shift.

In 2011, a chef provided Meeks an opportunity in Oregon to dip his toes in the wine industry. Meeks stomped all 10 lower digits instead.

“It sounded like it would be good complementary work to my restaurant work,” Meeks recalls. “But my first harvest was rough. I didn’t enjoy it.”

He became a cellar hand at 19 and toiled his second harvest the next summer, this time in California.

“My attitude about wine did a 180 in California,” Meeks says. “I left that harvest with a deeper understanding of the field, along with a greater appreciation for it.”

Six-month stints in Napa Valley, bridging late sum-

Forster Meeks

mers and early falls, followed, and during winters—to give his busy skis and worn-out poles an occasional break—he managed wine shipments at Old Town Cellars in Park City, Utah.

Wyman had entered the picture in 2012. Future best friend and venture partner, Meeks hired him to fill a summer skiing operations post in Mount Hood, Oregon.

“He also got me my first harvest internship (in 2016),” Wyman says. “What we’ve been doing with Model Citizen Wines is classic adventure stuff. Meeks is focused and driven and hilarious and one of the most passionate individuals I’ve ever met.

“How many people do you know who ski 200 days a year and sometimes drive 15 hours straight to ski down a certain mountain for the first time? I know one. It’s Meeks.”

There’s a fun story beyond the name of Meeks’ and Wyman’s label. When Meeks was a youngster in Lake Forest, his father, Tom, would be sure to tell his son, “Be a model citizen today,” on school-day mornings.

Tom and his wife, Holly, moved from Lake Forest to Park City in 2018.

In addition to running Model Citizen Wines with Wyman, Meeks serves as a host and wine vendor at Del Dotto Vineyards in Napa.

“It’s a tricky, unique business, winemaking,” Meeks says. “Winemaking is a capital-intensive field, with a lot of challenges. But I love it, love conceptualizing the stylized approach to winemaking and knowing that a little piece of our hard work leads to great evenings for others.”

Great nights at the dinner table, specifically. For many, a delectable meal without a fine wine is a cake without icing or a pool without water.

“Some of the most important times in life are spent at dinner, talking with family or good friends over great food and while drinking a good wine,” Meeks says.

Meeks holds Knollwood Club’s unofficial record for most caddieinitiated conversations with golfers during a five-year stretch, beginning at age 13. He’d amass nearly 90 loops each summer across the approximately 7,000-yard track in Lake Forest. That’s about 358 miles.

“There’s no doubt,” he adds, “the development of the work ethic I have today began with caddying. I recognized I could be the liaison to a golfer’s better round each time I worked.”

Meeks rents a cottage on the grounds of Elkhorn Peak Cellars in Napa. Nerlove and her father, Ken Nerlove, run the 40year micro-winery together. Elise Nerlove and Meeks first met

when both were harvest interns at Failla Wines in St. Helena, California.

“I loved that job, and I was good at reading golfers,” says Meeks, a two-year LFHS varsity golfer. “I knew when a member wanted to talk and when a member wanted to just play a round. Through caddying I found out what made successful people tick and took note of how they carried themselves.

“It takes a certain type of person to make it in the wine industry,” Elise Nerlove says. “Forster is that type—highly motivated, a self-starter, willing to get their hands dirty. He’s young, energetic, a go-getter.”

Visit modelcitizenwines.com for more information.

SOCIAL LIFE

SHAKIN’ & STIRRED

photography by Ian McLeod

On April 27, The Women’s Board of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital hosted its spring fundraiser, Shakin’ & Stirred, at 28 Mile Distillery Co. in Highwood. Proceeds from the event support nursing education at Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital and other Women’s Board initiatives. lfhwomensboard.nm.org

Liz Alkon, Lisa Chang

Matt & Kristi Bernardi

Dana Brandt, Elyce Mann

Christine Weidmayer, Ketki Cabbil

Janine Ruff, Annemarie Kerr

Neal & Colleen Nicholas

Jeni Hoogasian, Catherine Bernardi

Lou & Lindsay Nero

Catherine & Tom Bernardi

Nikki Venson, Dawn Skoien

Mark & Sue Kowlzan

Charlie Cox & Holli Volkert

Michael Abdula, Lisa Abdula, Patrick Abdula

SOCIAL LIFE

BRAIN HEALTH RESTORATION GRAND OPENING

photography by Ian McLeod

The newest premier mental health care and wellness clinic, offering innovative treatments like Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), (Personalized Magnetic Stimulation PrTMS), Clinical Psychiatry, Ketamine, Spravato, and Optimal Wellness therapies, opened its doors in Schaumburg with a spirited ribbon cutting. Co-founders Terry R. Yormark II, Karen Todd, and Thomas Lavin IV welcomed guests into the modern space where patients struggling with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep disorders, autism, traumatic brain injuries (TBI)/concussions, as well as those looking for peak mental and athletic performance, can see providers for individualized care. bhrillinois.com

Susan & Michael Loiacano

Arvin Sarathy, Sarina Jeswani

Michael McCully, John Dearlove

Vivek and Nameeta Kapoor

Marcin & Olimpia Skatulski, Sylwia and Tom Rzedzian

Dr. Rachel Norris, Michael McCully, Alexis Magat

Hannah Brummer, Eddie Volkman

James Chapman, Terry R. Yormark II

Carolyn Litton, Gregg Koleno

Craig and Jewel Wlodarek

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SOCIAL LIFE READING POWER GALA

photography by Sherah Grose

Reading Power hosted its 20th Anniversary Reach for the Stars event on Thursday, April 25. The evening was a resounding success, filled with community, celebration, and inspiration, and raised over $450,000, which will further its mission of accelerating children’s literacy learning. readingpowerinc.org

Reading Power Board of Directors celebrate 20 years of literacy success

Co-Chairs Mindy Mooney and Sara Poticha

Ryc Loope and Kamil Kapica

Musicians from Arlen Music Productions kept the evening lively

Eliana and Marco (Sr.) Escobar with their son Marco, and event Co-Chair Mindy Mooney

Event guests enjoyed a cocktail hour before the dinner

Phyllis Sedar and Laurel Taylor

Reading Power Co-Founder Mary Jane Hender and her family celebrate Illinois Congressman Brad Schneider and his wife Julie, Steve Hill, and Eva Heilman

Daniela Cruz, Jennifer Barnabee, Beth Zender, Grace Drake, and Viri Perez

Paige Ponder, Clothilde Ewing

SOCIAL LIFE

MORE THAN A NOVEL AFFAIR

photography by Ian McLeod

On April 26, Ragdale, the Midwest’s most renown artists’ residency program and performance space, hosted the first night of More Than a Novel Affair, its annual spring fundraiser. Nine featured authors and special guest emcee Peter Sagal joined 150 Ragdale supporters at Shoreacres for cocktails followed by remarks by the authors and a book sale and signing. ragdale.org

Loan & Norbert Riedel

Jimin Han, Rita Woods

Delilah Mesrobian, Vicki Medvec, Suzanne Tchamitchian

Sue & Tony Blumberg

Vauhini Vara, Tania James

Phoebe Turner, Aimee Laberge, Rita Dragonette

Cindy Wilson, Beth Boyd, Mary Shea, Sue Blumberg

Francesca Connell, Peter Sagal

Mary Shea, Ernie Reinstein

Samantha Chang, Rebecca Makkai

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Learning to Fly

Campus2Career provides hands-on, customized coaching for college graduates who are entering the work world and launching their professional careers.

words by Mitch Hurst

There are many constants in life, but a big one is that it’s about transitions. Consider education. During our formative years, we generally do what we are told by parents, mentors, and teachers. And then suddenly we are thinking about college, and next, the bewildering panic and anxiety inducing expectation of making a career choice. It’s a daunting challenge and responsibility for many young adults. This is where Campus2Career (C2C) enters the picture.

Nailing that first job, not just any job but the right one, is a key transition that will help determine students’ professional and financial futures. For 15 years C2C and its CEO and Founder, Frank Schroeder, have been coaching and assisting college graduates to get a leg up as they seek employment in the field of their choice. The company partners with graduates’ sponsors—parents, grandparents, and sometimes other relatives—to prepare graduates for the application and interview process.

There’s a reason C2C has a more than 98 percent success rate helping college grads define their desired career option, and find not just a job, but a quality position in the field of their choice. The company employs a team of professionals from a variety of fields who understand the employment landscape at any given time.

What makes C2C unique is that each client receives dedicated attention from a C2C consultant (their primary coach) who will help them through a rigorous process of defining what they believe they would like to do and landing that job.

“No one out there is doing it like we do, with the amount of personal, one-on-one coaching we offer graduates,” Schroeder says. “Our process is one we’ve perfected since our founding 15 years ago, and that’s the reason for our success.”

C2C’s six-phase process is simple to understand. It includes elements like relevant interactive assessments; creating a compelling résumé; undergoing interviewing practice on the phone, with Zoom, and in person; learning to network the right and productive way; and researching the type of job in a profession or industry that excites the client.

“It’s hard work, but if our clients aren’t prepared and enthusiastic and knowledgeable about a specific opportunity and the way to differentiate themselves from plenty of other applicants, they won’t get past the first hurdle,” Schroeder says.

The U.S. job market is competitive and demanding, but

C2C is there to build self-confidence and self-esteem to overcome the anxiety that career definition and landing a meaningful job generate.

“Great jobs are hard to get, period,” adds Schroeder. “But seeing the inevitable big smile of justifiable pride on our clients’ faces after negotiating an offer is the fun and exciting part. They have earned it.”

That success is a joint effort, requiring commitment from both C2C and their clients.

“What we’ve learned over the years is that it both requires our professional expertise but also a firm commitment from our clients to our process,” Schroeder says. “That’s what we emphasize to parents and other sponsors. It’s a twoway street, and clients have to put the work in if they are going to be successful.”

With offices now in Chicago, Florida, and New York, C2C continues to grow and expand its reach.

“The path to a good first job isn’t the same as it was twenty or thirty years ago,” Schroeder says. “We are here to help college graduates navigate their way through this complex new territory. From the outset C2C has been results and outcomes based. Our goal is clear: our clients must land a meaningful job in the field of their choice.”

For more information visit campus2career.org or call Schroeder at 312-343-5593.

Frank Schroeder

THURSDAY, JULY 4 5-10 PM

SHARE #FBMOMENTS AND MORE

PLASTIC SURGERY UPDATE

words by Steven Bloch, M.D.

Gynecomastia, or over-development of the male breast, is a common condition. Some studies indicate that the incidence may be as high as 25 percent. It may be the result of heredity, disease, or the use of certain drugs. For many, it begins in puberty. If the case is mild it may disappear on its own. For more significant cases surgery is usually recommended.

Often men who are serious about conditioning and developing their bodies are frustrated that no amount of dieting or exercise will allow them to sculpt their chest. This is because there is excessive fat and or breast tissue covering their muscle and so their efforts are futile.

Gynecomastia can cause significant emotional problems and impair one’s self-confidence. Often it causes the male to avoid situations where his chest may be exposed.

In general, gynecomastia can surgically be treated by removing excess fat, glandular tissue, and or skin. More mild cases can be improved with non-invasive treatments that destroy underlying fat.

Newer techniques such as Vaser hi-definition liposuction allow one to remove larger volumes of fatty tissue thru minimal incisions and to define or sculpt the underlying pectoralis muscle. For the male that wants a truly more athletic, sculpted chiseled chest some of the fat that is removed can be prepared and injected into the muscle to give a more “buff” appearance. Fat grafting is highly successful and the muscle feels and looks like the patient has been working out in the gym for years.

Additional procedures to either reduce the nipple or areola can often be done at the same time or as a secondary procedure.

For the male who suffers from the embarrassment of gynecomastia, this can be a life-changing procedure. For the male who wants a more chiseled chest and diet and exercise won’t get him there, this is the answer.

or

Bloch

BodyByBlochbodybybloch

Steven Bloch MDBodybybloch

The Last Word LICENSE TO

THRILL

Citadel Theatre’s annual summer fundraiser has morphed into an entity that’s larger than life. Our whimsical take on the North Shore’s Party of The Year, personified, invites you behind the scenes of Citadel’s 10th annual gala—a James Bond-themed event titled Casino Royale.

words by Sherry Thomas / illustration by Tom Bachtell

Ihave many identities— mysterious, chameleonlike personas hatched by the people who run the operation. They orchestrate my every move. Send me flying back and forth through the decades, time-traveler style. One year I’m in 19th century Paris at the Moulin Rouge; the next, I’m skipping ahead to the summer of 1922 at an imagined Long Island estate run by a man called Gatsby. I don’t mind. Makes things interesting. After all, I began this mission as a mere idea—a musing by an undercover agent named Nancy Smith. It was one of those assignments that starts with the two most powerful words in the English language—“what if?” Back then, Lake Forest’s Citadel Theatre (founded 23 years ago by husband-wife duo Scott and Ellen Phelps) was just barely breaking even. Smith, a lover of the arts and an artist herself, got involved and asked (very demurely, it has been said) the magic question: “What if ... we were to host a small fundraiser ... and what if I could be in our back yard?” The plot begins there, quietly, almost covertly. And if you are a supporter of Citadel’s award-wining, nonprofit professional theater productions and have encountered me (the asset, the personified secret weapon that flies under the alias of Party of The Year), you might have a clue as to why this is all so important. You’ve been witness to the evolution, watched me morph from petite cocktail soiree to a mission so thrilling it incites grown men in tuxedos and women in gowns to cinematically leap into the pool at a

David Adler estate (especially Nancy’s husband, world famous architect Adrian Smith ... but don’t worry, they own the place). On 007.27 (that’s Saturday, July 27) at precisely 4 p.m., I will be assuming yet another identity. The Smiths, along with Scott and Ellen and Citadel gala chair Jennifer McGregor (the “Q” figure behind the operation’s brand strategy/art direction) cordially invite you to join us at the Casino Royale (aka the Smiths’ grand hideout at 830 N. Green Bay Road in Lake Forest) for an evening that evokes the gadget-filled glamour of 007 himself. It also marks the 10th annual incarnation for me—a bit of an anniversary and a chance to reflect on how far Citadel’s mission to provide high quality theater and educational programs has come. Rumor has it we might also be raising a pool side martini (shaken; not stirred, of course) to Citadel honorees of the evening—Lake Forest power couple Lori Lennon and Don Lynch. The rest of the intel is still classified but I can tell you this. Come hungry (catering by Froggy’s with such James Bond-themed menu items as “For Your Eyes Only” salad and “Monaco Roulette” dessert) and dressed to kill. That’s metaphorically, darling. After all, tomorrow is another day.

For more information about Citadel Theatre or to get tickets for Casino Royale, visit citadeltheatre.org, or call 847-735-8554, ext. 1.

living as well as a fabulous space to entertain. Vaulted family room with replace ows into the spacious chefs kitchen and dining area. The rst oor primary suite is truly it’s own wing with large walk-in closet and luxurious bath. completing the rst oor is a private study, powder room and great mudroom/laundry area just off the garage. Upstairs you will nd a cozy loft area and 2 en suite bedrooms. There is also the bonus of unnished attic space above the garage that could be nished as well. Finished basement may be added at additional cost. Nestled in quiet surroundings on a cul-de-sac street, yet close to everything Lake Forest has to offer—Train, shopping, schools, parks and expressways.