Forest & Bluff, May 2024

Where there’s a Will, there’s a way

Meet the visionary leader of Lake Forest Sailing

ANN LYON

847.828.9991

alyon@atproperties.com

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

JEFF FOLKER

847.504.6182

jfolker@atproperties.com

20+ years in corporate sales & consulting, 2-term member of LF District 67 School Board.

1010 GREEN BAY ROAD LAKE BLUFF

8 BEDS, 5.1 BATHS // $5,900,000

The "Ralph H. Poole House" stands as an enduring testament to David Adler's visionary craftsmanship, a cornerstone of architectural excellence, nestled amidst the Illinois prairie. Originally conceived between 1911-14 in collaboration w/Henry Dangler & landscape design by Frederick Law Olmsted, the residence is the essence of a Parisian home transplanted into the heart of the Midwest. As you enter the flowing driveway w/over 8 beautifully manicured acres, you are transported to your own private getaway. Entering its threshold, one is 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 (2017), every facet of the home has been redone or enhanced. Property includes coach and pool houses. A must see!

KIM CAMPBELL

312.434.9372

kimcampbell@atproperties.com

Master of Banking & Finance, Stonier, Wharton, U of Penn. 25 years in Comm. Bank & Mang.

JENNIFER MOWER

847.345.6600

jennifermower@atproperties.com

30+ years in sales, development and customer service. Lifelong Lake Forest Resident.

10 N MAYFLOWER ROAD LAKE FOREST

7 BEDS, 5 BATHS // $2,495,000

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 7 bed/5 bath home exudes elegance and classic style with incredible gardens, privacy and land. Features include an expansive 1st floor primary suite, 2 additional 1st floor bedrooms, 3 1st floor full baths, hardwood flooring throughout most of the residence, very large rooms, gracious foyer with wet bar area that opens to the gorgeous living room, with lovely fireplace that overlooks the patio and gardens, a large formal dining room, a spacious eat-in kitchen with island and large pantry, a wood paneled den with fireplace and full unfinished basement. Enjoy privacy and gracious living in a prime location among majestic trees and lush landscaping.

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1. ATM Fees. No Wintrust Financial Corporation (‘WTFC’) transaction charge at ATMs in the Allpoint, ATM Access (Town Bank customers only), MoneyPass, or Sum networks. Banks outside the network may impose ATM surcharges. Surcharge fees assessed by owners of ATMs outside the network will be reimbursed. Reimbursement excludes 1.10% International Service fee for certain foreign transactions conducted outside the continental U.S. 2. Overdrafts. We may decline or return transactions when you do not have enough money in your account to cover the transaction.

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FEATURES

WIND, WAVES, AND WILLPOWER

Lake Forest Sailing (LFS) isn’t just a sailing program. It’s also a community of champions helmed by Will Howard, a seasoned sailor whose passion for the sport has transformed LFS into a youth sailing powerhouse.

READY FOR ADVENTURE

A lifelong California gal, Heidi Lancaster takes a chance on the Midwest—and herself—to create a new life in Lake Forest with her family.

FROM LUTZES TO LOUPES AND LAB TESTS

Lake Forest resident and former Olympic ice dancer

Charles Butler has literally done it all—launching careers in both medicine and jewelry after hanging up his skates at the age of 18.

CAMP LFOLA

The Associate Board of the Lake Forest Open Lands Association (LFOLA) wants you to grab your camping gear and join them for their annual Cattails & Cocktails event—Camp LFOLA—on May 17.

OEditor’s Note

h, Chicago, you almost lost my affection with those cold, rainy days in April. But you’re winning me back now with the budding trees and the social whirl that is May. I’m excited for the North Shore’s sweetest season—in my opinion late spring through October—and that has finally arrived. Fueling my enthusiasm are the gorgeous sailing photos gracing the pages of this issue of Forest & Bluff . Look at these brave young sailors, navigating one of the most challenging lakes in the country! In our cover story, Wind, Waves, and Willpower , we meet their intrepid leader, Director of Lake Forest Sailing, Will Howard.

Also energizing me this month are three unique opportunities to interact with the great outdoors.

On May 20, Ragdale begins its Tree Project. Led by renowned sculptor Margot McMahon, eight artists will spend 18 days elaborately carving a 500-year-old tree, felled by Dutch Elm Disease in 2021. See On Exhibit for images and details.

Sarah Rochel, founder of North Shore Organic Kitchen Garden, teaches “Salad School” at Gorton Center on May 18. She also ramps up her business teaching parents and their children to plant organic gardens in their own backyards. Read about Rochel’s work in How Their Gardens Grow Cattails & Cocktails, Lake Forest Open Land’s popular fundraiser, is being reimagined this year as “Camp LFOLA.” Dig out your camping gear for a magical evening at Mellody Farm Nature Preserve on May 17. For the inside scoop, turn to our feature, Camp LFOLA

We spend time with an aspirational local, Charles Butler, in From Lutzes to Loupes and Lab Tests. “Aspirational” might be the wrong word for Butler. He’s truly in a category of his own—Olympic athlete, jeweler, practicing doctor, musician, and family man. Butler’s story would be impossible to replicate, but it sure is fun to read.

In Ready for Adventure, we introduce an accomplished architectural photographer and recent transplant from

San Francisco— Heidi Lancaster. Married to a native of Lake Forest, Lancaster sits down to talk about her new adventure and growing her business on the North Shore.

We speak with one of my favorite women in town, Maureen Bennett, in The Portrait. A Northwestern grad, lawyer, mother, and community advocate, Bennett uses her time and talents to benefit Lake Forest Open Lands Association, Allendale Shelter Club, and Infant Welfare Society.

In The Last Word, writer Sherry Thomas details the fascinating work of Carol Summerfield, Executive Director of the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff History Center. In partnership with Lake Forest College, Summerfield is creating a collaborative digital publication that chronicles the stories of Black families who thrived in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff after the Civil War.

ERIN DONALDSON

Finally, happy Mother’s Day to all the wonderful moms out there! @forest&bluffmag

erin@jwcmedia.com

Sarah Rochel

Mary, Megan and Charles Butler

Camp LFOLA

Exquisite French Provincial-style home, custom built in 2007 with exceptional craftsmanship. Marvelous hand cut exterior limestone, graciously proportioned living areas, and efficient floor plan. Beautiful formal dining room, wood-paneled library with fireplace and open kitchen/family room..

Upstairs, the primary suite is a sanctuary with abundant natural light and a spacious walk-in closet. The lower level has something for everyone, including a rec room, exercise room, bar area, wine cellar, sauna, 5th bedroom and bath. Centrally located, this East Lake Bluff home is close to everything! 5 beds | 5.1 baths | $1,445,000

Call me to schedule a private tour.

988 Buena, Lake Forest 4 beds, 2.1 baths | $940,000

920 Mount Vernon, Lake Forest 7 beds, 5.1 baths | $1,449,000

1341 Wessling, Northbrook 4 beds, 2.1 baths | $6,000/mo

1235 Deere Park, Deerfield 4 beds, 2.1 baths | $6,500/mo

FORESTBLUFF.COM

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Happy Mother’s Day!

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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

Lake Forest Sailing students, Maddie Rode and Owen Kohut, hike the boat flat after a tack.

Photography courtesy of Curt Kalousek

SCHOOL PRIDE If you’re bursting with pride (or things to carry), stop by Smith’s Men’s Store to check out Heritage Gear’s Weekender Duffel. The perfect gift for a graduate—or their pleased parent— this sustainably-sourced duffel bag offers classic style, high-quality craftsmanship and the opportunity to show off one’s alma mater in the most elegant way. Crafted with American-made leather and wool from one of the oldest mills in the country, American Woolen, the Weekender Duffel is cut, sewn, and finished to the highest standards. For a keepsake that will stand the test of time, pop into Smith Men’s Store on Market Square. smithsmensstore.com

The Good Life F&B Loves

PRESENT PERFECT Mother’s Day, graduation, and wedding seasons are right around the corner, so now’s the time to get organized. Thoughtful gift giving requires some planning—especially when it comes to personalized presents. Fortunately, The Initial Choice in downtown Lake Forest has 43 years of monogramming experience and a wide array of unique, beautifully-made gifts, all of which can be customized. From the softest baby blankets to breezy waffle robes and fine stationary, there’s something to mark every celebration at The Initial Choice. theinitialchoice.com

About Town

COME OUT AND PLAY!

STAR WARS: THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK

WHEN: May 2

WHERE: Gorton Center

Come see this classic film on Gorton’s big screen at 3 p.m. or 7 p.m. The Rebels scatter after the Empire attacks their base on the ice planet Hoth. Han Solo and Princess Leia are pursued by Imperials, while Luke trains with Jedi Master Yoda. Luke must battle Darth Vader and learn the shocking truth of his past. The Star Wars viewing is part of the First Thursday Series at Gorton and is sponsored by the Sheffield Foundation. gortoncenter.org

THE RUSH WOMAN’S BOARD’S 29TH ANNUAL SPRING LUNCHEON

WHEN: May 6

WHERE: Four Seasons Chicago Actor, model, author, and entrepreneur Brooke Shields will serve as keynote speaker for this beloved tradition, which has featured such prominent speakers as Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, First Lady Laura Bush, and director and author Nora Ephron, among others. Riley O’Neil will serve as chair of this highly anticipated event, with proceeds supporting research and clinical trials for potentially life-saving treatments at RUSH, along with the Medical Center’s education and community service programs. thewomansboard.org

FAIRY & GNOME HOMES

WHEN: May 8

WHERE: Lake Forest Library

Make an enchanting woodland dwelling to welcome your fairy and gnome friends this spring at the Lake Forest Library. Supplies are provided, but you are encouraged to take a nature walk before the program and gather any additional materials you may want to add to your garden home. For children grades K–4. Admission is free. lakeforestlibrary.org

TEEN PAINT & SIP

WHEN: May 9

WHERE: Lake Forest Library

Register and join Lake Forest Library staff for a painting sesh and refreshing bev. For teens in grades 5–12. Admission is free. lakeforestlibrary.org

MOTHER-DAUGHTER INNOVATION EVENT

WHEN: May 11

WHERE: Gorton Center

Gorton Center hosts a one-ofa-kind Mother’s Day celebration from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Mothers and daughters will engage in interactive activities designed to spark creativity, collaboration, and imagination. gortoncenter.org

MUSIC MATTERS

WHEN: May 11

WHERE: Ravinia Festival

The Ravinia Associates Board

hosts its black tie-optional Music Matters gala, featuring dinner, an open bar, an auction, and live music. Proceeds benefit Ravinia and its Reach Teach Play music education programs. ravinia.org/musicmatters

CHICAGO RITA HAYWORTH GALA

WHEN: May 11

WHERE: The Old Post Office, 433 W. Van Buren Street, Chicago

The Alzheimer’s Association celebrates the 36th annual Chicago

Rita Hayworth Gala with an evening of dinner and dancing in support of the Alzheimer’s Association. alz.org/events/rita-hayworth-gala-chicago

MYRA RUBENSTEIN WEIS ANNUAL LUNCHEON

WHEN: May 15

WHERE: Exmoor Country Club, Highland Park

The Myra Rubenstein Weis (MRW) Health Resource Center holds its 27th Annual Benefit Luncheon at Exmoor Country Club. Since 2006, the benefit has funded the Myra Rubenstein Weis Living in the Future (LIFE) Cancer Survivorship Program, as well as a host of community based initiatives including diabetes and blood pressure screening, adolescent mental wellness programming, and breast cancer early detection education. foundation.northshore.org/mrw

CATTAILS & COCKTAILS

WHEN: May 17

WHERE: Mellody Farm Nature Preserve

Join the Associate Board of Lake Forest Open Lands Association in celebrating its nature preserves in camping style at Mellody Farm Nature Preserve. Enjoy comfort food, live music, drinks, and s’mores by the fire. lfola.org/cattails-and-cocktails/

SALAD SCHOOL

WHEN: May 18

WHERE: Gorton Center

Salad School is a hands-on class for adults taught by North Shore Organic Kitchen Garden. Learn the right potting soil mixture, what to plant, when to plant, how many to plant, how to care for, and harvest your favorite salad greens. All the materials included and attendees take a salad container home. gortoncenter.org

THE SUMMER OF TWO CICADAS

WHEN: May 22

WHERE: Lake Forest Library and Zoom Register and join the Lake County Forest Preserve in person or on Zoom to marvel at the upcoming special year for cicadas. For the first time since 1803 (and not again until 2245), the 13-year cicada and the 17-year cicada broods are emerging simultaneously. Get the buzz on both types of cicadas, where they will be emerging, and how they affect Lake County. Admission is free. lakeforestlibrary.org

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 acclaimed 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

LURIE CHILDREN’S PROAM AND DINNER ON THE BLUFF

WHEN: June 23 and 24

WHERE: Onwentsia Club and Shoreacres

The Founders’ Board’s 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

RAGDALE TREE PROJECT

RAGDALE CAMPUS

1260 N. Green Bay Road, Lake Forest

May 20 to June 7

Renowned sculptor, visual artist, and Ragdale Trustee, Margot McMahon and eight other artists bring nature to life through their art during an 18-day Artist Carving Residency from May 20 through June 7 on the Ragdale campus. The artists will creatively sculpt Ragdale’s 500-year-old elm, which succumbed to Dutch Elm disease in 2020, merging their profound artists visions with the beauty of the massive trunk of this beloved tree. There will be opportunities for the public to come to watch the carving sessions and for artists’ talkbacks. For details, visit ragdale.org.

Ragdale’s 500-year-old elm Photograhy by Laurie Irwin

“Dr.

Is your brain on the assist or is it your biggest adversary?

How you bounce back from a missed play can make the difference between mentally sidelining yourself from the action and getting back in the game.

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“I’m a lifelong resident of our beautiful community and love sharing my passion for everything it has to offer with you! And if you’re Interested in broadening your view – lakes, cities, beaches, mountains – finding your ideal setting, or second setting, is what we do best. Let DMG take you there.”

– Annie

The Good Life

Great Inspirations

Maureen Bennett reflects on the journey that brought her to Lake Forest, where this married mother of three now serves the community on the boards of several local nonprofits.

words by Sherry Thomas photography by Ian McLeod styling by Theresa DeMaria hair & makeup by Margareta Komlenac

MYour perfect spring day is? Playing outside with my kids. We love to jump on our trampoline and take a walk at Lake Forest Open Lands.

aureen Bennett’s life, so far, has been one of happy accidents and fateful encounters. Growing up in a close family in Peoria with two sisters and one brother, she might have never imagined that she’d someday end up living in Lake Forest happily married to a sweaty stranger she would meet at a Chicago 5K. “I am still very close with all of my siblings—they’re three of my best friends,” explains Bennett, adding that between the four of them, they now have 13 children ranging in age from 3 months old to 11. “But my mom is indirectly how I ended up in Lake Forest.” Her mother’s best friend and former college roommate is a long-time Lake Forester who raised her family here. “When my sister and I had our first babies in the city, she kept encouraging us to check out Lake Forest and introduced us to this town,” Bennett adds. “When we were ready to leave the city back in 2021, this was the only suburb where we looked for a home.” But even before all of that, she had a whole other life that would change her view on the world forever. After studying history at Northwestern University (running cross country for the first two of those years), she set her sights on law school. However, she also knew that time off to work and gain life experience would be valuable so in 2006, she moved to China for a year to teach English as a second language. “I gained so much knowledge and experience during that year,” she says. “I also learned how hard it can be to live in a foreign country, even when you have resources and an American passport.” She returned from China to attend law school at DePaul University, going on to work in commercial litigation and real estate law. Bennett also continued her love of running, a passion that would inadvertently lead her to her now-husband, Chris, during a 5K race in Grant Park in 2009. “We met after the race so we did not have our phones with us to exchange numbers and we were both sweaty and gross. I remember saying bye to him and hoping we’d figure out a way to find each other,” says Bennett. “Thankfully, we did. We got married in June 2012.” The happy couple now has three children and, upon the family friend’s recommendation, moved to Lake Forest almost three years ago. “This is such a generous and creative community,” she says. “There are so many ways to get involved and give back.” In addition to joining the Associate Board of the Lake Forest Open Lands Association, Bennett now serves on the board for the Allendale Shelter Club and Infant Welfare Society. This busy volunteer and mother was generous enough to take time out of her busy schedule to share a few of her favorite things about town:

What is the North Shore’s most hidden gem? Northwestern University football games. Not really hidden, but underrated for how fun and easy they are with your family.

Favorite restaurant and what is your go-to order? Sophia Steak in Lake Forest, Miso Salmon. I also love to order Moll’s balls and muffins from MPowering Health.

Favorite restaurant and what is your go-to order? Sophia Steak in Lake Forest, Miso Salmon. I also love to order Moll’s balls and muffins from MPowering Health. Books have you read recently that you highly recommend? The Five Principles of Parenting by Dr. Aliza Pressman. I really like the author. She has a podcast, Raising Good Humans, that I listen to regularly. Favorite podcasts? I listen to The Daily every morning. I also really like the Gabby Reece Show and Lipstick on the Rim, Molly Sims’ podcast. I listen to Raising Daughters every now and then. It’s quick and always gives me some inspiration specific to my girl. Best mom hack? Anything that saves me time. I love grocery delivery. I use shipt.com about five times per week. It delivers anything from Target in two hours. I also get Whole Foods delivery at least once a week. What is the North Shore’s most hidden gem? Northwestern University football games. Not really hidden, but underrated for how fun and easy they are with your family. Favorite gadget? My Vitamix blender for smoothies and soups every day. Favorite scent, either for wearing or home? I am not a big perfume person. For our home, I love any chance to open the windows and get fresh air. Your perfect spring day is? Playing outside with my kids. We love to jump on our trampoline and take a walk at Lake Forest Open Lands. Your perfect day in the city is? With my family, visiting the Field Museum and Lincoln Park Zoo, then heading to our old neighborhood, Logan Square, where we grab pizza at Paulie Gee’s, visit the farmer’s market, and have dinner at Lula Café. Best advice you’ve ever received or given? Smile. Also, “say what you mean, mean what you say, but don’t say it mean.” Next passport stamp will be? Costa Rica. Last thing you binged on TV? Break Point, the professional tennis documentary. Also, Bluey with my 5-year-old. Beauty products you can’t live without? Elta MD UV Clear, SPF 46.

Favorite gadget? My Vitamix blender for smoothies and soups every day.

Maureen Bennett wears Proenza Schouler, available at Neiman Marcus Northbrook

The Good Life BAG OF TRICKS

LIGHTEN UP

Spring calls for a lightening up—from makeup to the contents of one’s purse. The key to fitting tried and true essentials into a slim spring bag is to downsize.

edited by Theresa DeMaria

5. PETITE PERFUME

1. SMOOTH EDGES

Don’t let a chipped nail ruin your fun. Pack this metal grit blade nail file with tortoise-acetate handle to smooth out the rough edges. Le FLEUR Nail File, $30, neimanmarcus.com

2. ALL CLEAN

With aloe vera and turmeric, this Prebiotic Hand Sanitizer nourishes and protects while it cleans, renewing skin on all fronts. Agraria Lemon Verbena A+ Prebiotic Hand Sanitizer, 2 oz./ 60 mL, $12, neimanmarcus.com

3. COMPACT POWDER

Get an ultra-smooth, flawless look with this ultra-fine powder foundation that keeps even oily skin looking beautifully matte. Crafted in Italy. Chantecaille Compact Makeup Powder Foundation, $89, neimanmarcus.com

4. TIE ONE ON

Add a dash of minimalist sparkle with Jennifer Behr’s lightweight and easy to wear hair ties, all handcrafted in her Brooklyn studio. Jennifer Behr Henley Pearlescent Hair Tie, $98, neimanmarcus.com

Delicate notes of French wisteria blend with essence of Bulgarian rose and Imperial jasmine. New York Wisteria Blue Rollerball Perfume, $32, neimanmarcus.com

6. LASTING LIPS

Dress lips in full coverage color and high-impact shine with Vinyl Cream Lip Stain. The creamy formula melts onto the lips providing 10-hour wear and all-day comfort with no color bleeding or cracking. Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Vinyl Cream Lip Stain, $45, neimanmarcus.com

7. CHARGE UP

It’s stressful when your cellular phone is running low and you’re not home. This credit card sized mini-charger is a game changer. Clutch Pro Lightning Phone Charger, $50, clutchcharger.com

8. MINTY FRESH

When you need a quick fix, it’s good to have a stick of minty gum in your bag—all the better when it’s free of artificial flavors, sweeteners, and preservatives. Refresh Gum Variety Pack Sugar Free Chewing Gum, $20/12 pack, amazon.com

9. SAFETY FIRST

Up your game with these fun spring colored bandages. Covering cuts never looked so good. Welly Bandages Refill Pack, $14, amazon.com

10. SOFT HANDS

Fast-absorbing hand cream with a bright, uplifting scent that hydrates for up to 16 hours with a fresh, non-greasy feel. Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Find Comfort Hydrating Hand Cream, $30, sephora.com

Bottega Veneta Knot Bag, $3,800, bergdorgoodman.com

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The Good Life EPITOMIZE

SPRING

Let your wardrobe bloom with color.

edited by Megan Weisberg

1 Bernadette, Josselin Bow One-Shoulder Taffeta Maxi Dress, matchesfashion.com.us

2 Chloé, Asymmetric Knotted Pleated Wool Gown, net-a-porter.com 3 Tory Burch, Linen Pleat Dress in Bright Leaf, toryburch.com 4 Dada Sport, Gerry riding pant in orage, dadasport.com 5 Tory Burch, Embellished Viscose Halter Top Dark Sky, toryburch.com 6 TOTEME, TStrap Suede Point-Toe Flats, net-a-porter. com 7 Gianvito Rossi, 85 Patent-Leather Sandals in Lime Green, net-a-porter.com 8 Dada Sport, Venezia white shirt, dadasport.com 9 Jacques Marie Mage, Valkyrie Aviator-Style Acetate Sunglasses, net-aporter.com 10 Tory Burch, One-Shoulder Clip Tank Swimsuit, toryburch.com 11 Brunello Cucinelli, Floral Print Silk Satin Wide-Leg Pants, net-a-porter.com 12 Tory Burch, Spaghetti Mesh Strap Top in Black, toryburch.com 13 Valentino Garavani, Printed Silk-Twill Headband, net-aporter.com 14 Tory Burch, Jersey Shirtdress in Dark Green, toryburch.com 15 Tory Burch, Twill Cargo Pant, toryburch.com 16 Tory Burch, V-Neck Wool Pullover in Gray Melange, toryburch.com 17 Valentino Garavani, Printed Silk-Twill Scarf, net-aporter.com 18 Tory Burch, Draped Tulle Dress in Iced Sky, toryburch.com 19 Balmain, Cropped Pointelle-Knit Cardigan, net-a-porter.com 20 Tory Burch, Linen Beach Pant in Bright Lemon, toryburch. com 21 Tory Burch, Howell Court Sneaker in Titanium White, toryburch.com

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The Good Life

RASPBERRY BLACKBERRY LATTICE-CRUST PIE

words, photography, and recipe by Monica Kass Rogers

My husband, Todd, loves tart berries. Blackberries and raspberries picked in the wild are his favorite and store-bought the rest of the year. On yogurt, cereal, or simply by the handful, the berries brighten his every day. But with Todd traveling and a berry surplus on my hands, I decided to make this pie for his homecoming. Not too sweet, bursting with flavor and cradled in a flaky butter crust, this pie is (dare I say it?) berry, berry good.

It’s OK to vary the ratio—using more of one berry or the other is fine. To round out the filling, you’ll just add lemon, sugar, a pinch

1, 9-INCH DOUBLE CRUST PIE

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE FILLING

• 6 cup mixture of raspberries and blackberries rinsed and dried, leaves discarded

• 10 Tbsp tapioca starch OR 5 Tbsp corn starch

• 2/3 cup confectioner’s sugar

• Zest and juice from one fresh lemon

• ¼ tsp salt

FOR THE DOUBLE CRUST

• 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 2 tsp sugar

• 2 sticks (1 cup) very cold butter

• 4 to 5 Tbsp ice-cold milk or cream (OR evaporated milk)

FOR THE EGGWASH AND SUGAR SPRINKLE

• 1 large egg beaten with 2 tsp milk

• 1 tsp turbinado sugar

METHOD

of salt, and a thickener to help the juices set up. Cornstarch is most peoples’ go-to for the thickener, but I like tapioca starch which is made from the cassava root and gives the filling a translucent sheen, compared with corn starch which has a cloudier finish.

To showcase the lovely filling, do try to make a butter crust from scratch. The flavor and texture are so much better than store bought. My method—rolling the chilled dough between sheets of plastic wrap, unsticks things. You can vary the lattice top to your liking, leaving more, or less space between the weave. And, if you’d like a little more help, visit King Arthur Baking’s lattice-top guide at kingarthurbaking.com/blog/2021/07/01/how-to-make-a-lattice-pie-crust.

MAKE PIE CRUSTS Place flour, salt, and sugar into a sifter; sift into a large, wide bowl. Cut butter into small pieces over flour. Using two knives, your fingertips, or a pastry cutter, cut butter into flour until mixture resembles wet sand with some pea-sized bits of butter still in it. Stir milk (or cream) into the flour mixture one tablespoon at a time until the dough clumps. Spread clean work surface with two pieces of overlapping plastic wrap to make a large square. Scoop dough onto the plastic wrap. Pulling the corners of the plastic wrap square up and around the dough, gently squeeze and gather the dough into a ball. Divide ball in half. Flatten each ball into a disk and wrap each disk in plastic wrap. Refrigerate dough for 30 minutes.

PREPARE FILLING While the dough chills, prepare the filling. Place the rinsed/dried/picked over berries in a large bowl. Add tapioca starch, powdered sugar, salt, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Gently stir, being careful not to crush the berries. Set aside.

ASSEMBLE PIE Set oven rack to lowest position. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place two overlapping sheets of plastic wrap on clean work surface. Remove one of the dough disks from fridge and center on the wrap. Cover dough disk with another two sheets of plastic and roll out dough between the plastic into 10-inch circle. Remove top sheets of plastic. Flip dough disk over a 9-inch pie dish. Remove remaining plastic. Ease dough into dish, leaving a 1-inch dough overhang. Place pie dish in fridge. Make another large square of plastic wrap on work surface. Roll out second disk of dough. Using a pie-wheel or sharp knife, cut dough circle into long strips about 1-inch wide. Remove pie dish from fridge. Fill dough with berry mixture. Loosely drape half of the lattice strips over the filling, top to bottom. Going the other direction, weave remaining half of the strips over and under the placed strips to make a lattice top. Fold bottom dough edge over the lattice crust edge. Roll and crimp to make a decorative rim all around. Brush with egg wash. Sprinkle with turbinado sugar.

BAKE PIE Bake pie in lower 1/4 of oven at 400 degrees for 1 hour until the filling is bubbling thickly up through the lattice. If the top of the pie begins to brown too quickly, tent with foil. Remove pie from oven. Rest to cool a bit on a rack. Slice and serve on its own, or with a slosh of heavy cream or iced cream.

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The Good Life

How Their Gardens Grow

A new Lake Bluff venture aims to grow kids’ love for fresh, home-grown vegetables.

words and photography by Monica Kass Rogers styling by Theresa

DeMaria hair and makeup

by

Margareta Komlenac

Last summer, Sarah Rochel was working in her Lake Bluff garden with 3-year-old son Rafael and was amazed by everything he plucked to eat.

“Peas, kale, mint, basil, cucumber, and tons of green beans,” says Rochel, “I couldn’t believe it!”

A few days later, walking through the produce aisle at the grocery store, Rafael asked for a green bean to snack on while they shopped. “I was in shock!” Rochel recalls. And then it clicked: “Rafael was interested in eating green beans because he planted and watered them in our garden. He knew exactly what they looked and tasted like, and how they grew.”

This realization galvanized Rochel, making her an ambassador for getting kids and their families into the garden. Before the end of the summer, she created the plan that would launch her North Shore Organic Kitchen Garden consulting and design business.

“It’s so easy for kids, especially toddlers, to become picky eaters and if getting them in the garden helps change that, I want to lead that change,” she says.

The detailed plans Rochel creates for clients lead them step by step through all it will take to grow and harvest from kitchen gardens shaped for North Shore climates. And her planting designs look as pretty as quilt squares.

Kitchen garden planting design

One recent spring garden example rims plantings of peas, lettuces, kale, and breakfast radish with parsley, rosemary, chives, and more. And the growing guide Rochel provides gives facts for cold, cool, warm and hot portions of the growing season, with loads of information on individual vegetables from arugula to tomatoes. Easing the process visually, Rochel also provides a monthly calendar with pictures and action items on each date to direct clients through planting and harvesting todos.

From her own experience, Rochel is a big believer in the mantra, “We learn to do by doing.” In her former corporate software sales career, Rochel excelled at peer training.

“All those years teaching adults how to use software were great preparation for this,” she laughs. “Teaching in my corporate job, I followed the structure of I do, we do, you do, to

help people gain confidence. Teaching how-tos in gardening naturally follows that structure with a hands-on element.”

Cultivating her own gardens, Rochel says she’s learned the biggest lessons through trial and error. “So, for any new gardener, I tell them they will get some things right, some wrong and that’s okay as long as they learn for the next season.”

Rochel adds that spreading love for kitchen gardening with children has myriad benefits. With her own three kids, garden adventures have broadened their curiosity about nature, and instilled pride in the skills they’ve learned as well as creating an appetite for the fresh food they grow.

“Rafael’s favorite garden task last summer was digging up the carrots a few at a time for lunch,” she says. “He was so proud that he knew how to use the big shovel, and that he knows how to start, grow, and cut our microgreens.”

Those lessons expanded to counting and writing letters in

the dirt. “And in the winter, we talked about trees going into dormancy, which fascinated him,” she adds.

Beyond family, Rochel now also teaches classes at the Gorton Center: Herb Potting for parents and children, Yoga, Microgreens 101, and Salad School, with more preschool and early elementary options coming.

“I think Salad School is going to be my favorite,” she muses. “We’ll be planting a big container with salad greens, kale, Swiss chard, and herbs. It’s a great introduction for new gardeners who are ready to start growing their own food.”

For more information about North Shore Kitchen Garden, email Rochel at Sarahlagenrochel@gmail.comor view her Instagram page @ns_organickitchengarden For information about her Gorton Center gardening classes, visit gortoncenter.org/event/herb-planting-yoga-parent-child.

Sarah, Matteo, and Rafael Rochel

magical at one of

on

acres

$4,175,000

The Good Life COLLECTOR’S CORNER

AT AUCTION

April Matteini, Vice President, Associate Director, Jewelry and Watches of Freeman’s | Hindman previews the exciting jewelry offered at auction this month.

Bulgari, Sapphire, and Diamond ‘Trombino’ Ring

The Trombino Ring by Bulgari is one of the brand’s most iconic and longest lasting designs, dating back to the early 1930s. While the ring is sold with various stones in the center, it always features the pave set diamond sides and tapering baguette shoulders. The one on offer features a beautiful, unheated oval sapphire, weighing in at 5.04 carats.

David Webb, Carved Rock Crystal and Diamond Cuff Bracelet

This wonderful cuff bracelet by David Webb consists of an oversized rock crystal disc with a cross hatch design, secured by pave diamond prongs. It has all of the play of light that rock crystal is known for and the design makes it more durable and easier to wear than other designs.

Van Cleef & Arpels, Ruby and Diamond ‘Mystery Set’ Flower Earrings

The Van Cleef & Arpels mystery set flower earrings are a spectacular feat of craftsmanship, from one of the most storied French jewelry houses. The secret is the gold rails that each gemstone is carved to be inserted on, leaving no metal visible in the finished ruby petal of these extraordinary earrings.

Van Cleef & Arpels, Yellow Gold, Diamond, and Coral Inlay Cuff Bracelet

Fun, colorful, and perfect for spring and summer. The diamonds placed in the flower create a wonderful sparkling effect in the sun that makes this the perfect statement piece for a garden party or just to wear on a warm summer day.

The Important Jewelry auction will be held live and online on May 14 with bidding beginning at 10 a.m. Bidding is available via Hindman’s Digital Bid Room, bid.hindmanauctions.com or the Hindman app. For more information, contact April Matteini at 312-280-1212 or aprilmatteini@hindmanauctions.com.

photography courtesy of Freeman’s | Hindman

School may be out, but learning never stops

Big plays happen when you use your head. Harnessing the power of a growth mindset.

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

It’s the time of year that students everywhere long for—the end of classes and a much-needed break. But just because school is out doesn’t mean the learning stops. True athletes know that summer is a pivotal time to train more than just your muscles and build up your stamina. The offseason is also a time to strengthen your mental game and the resiliency it takes to perform on and off the field.

To overcome adversity, the best lesson a student-athlete can learn is how to shed a fixed mindset and develop a growth mindset instead.

Navigating the pitfalls of the Red Zone

A fixed mindset is an easily recognized hallmark of the Red Zone. What may start as a minor defensive flare-up can quickly spread like wildfire, stubbornly and arrogantly holding you back from performing at your best. When you’re in the red zone, you may feel limited by your thinking, negatively filtering, or lacking creativity in your problem-solving.

• It can show up as perfectionism. It’s an allor-nothing attitude, considering anything less than perfect as a failure.

• It ’s that voice in your head that is wary or resistant to your coach’s feedback because accepting it would mean acknowledging your inadequacies.

• It ’s a feeling of self-doubt and low selfconfidence that can paralyze you into thinking that no amount of effort will make a difference, so why bother trying?

Resetting your brain and embracing the Green Zone

On the other hand, the green zone encourages a growth mindset and opens you up to learning, improving, and bouncing back better.

• It allows your mind to embrace the word “yet,” especially when you are struggling to master a skill or are overlooked by recruiters.

• It sees mistakes as a learning opportunity and fosters a spirit of continuous evolution.

• It makes you a better team player by cheering on your teammates whose skills are still developing.

3 simple suggestions to start developing a growth mindset

If you’re ready to change your thinking but don’t know where to begin, here are some small changes that can lead to big results.

• Focus on the positive. It’s easy to beat yourself up over what went wrong but try to remember what went right and chalk the rest up as a learning opportunity.

• Remember why you are there. What got you into your particular sport in the first place? Chances are it wasn’t just because you like to win; it’s because you like to play. Enjoy the game!

• Support your team. Just because you might have an off practice or game doesn’t mean your whole team is. Cheer on your teammates and show them what it looks like to keep moving forward.

A special note to parents

Want to help your student athlete develop the resiliency to shake off a fumble or loss? Ask them questions and praise them in a way that can help reinforce a growth mindset.

• “How did it feel to not give up after missing that goal?”

• “How did you motivate yourself to come back after that loss?”

• “I really admire how you were able to stay focused despite the calls the ref was making.”

Learning how to tackle problems head-on or recover from a setback can make the difference between mentally sidelining yourself from the action and getting back in the game. It’s a skill that takes time to master, but once you do, you will reap tangible rewards in sports, school, and beyond.

Take advantage of the summer and start strengthening your mental game at EleVive.com.

Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo

The Limitations of Divorce Law

Strategic Divorce attorney Michone J. Riewer explains the realities of divorce law and the importance of client mindset.

words by Michone J. Riewer photography by Katrina Wittkamp styling by Theresa Demaria

When most people enter a divorce attorney’s office, they experience a wide range of emotions. They may feel broken, violated, lied to, betrayed, abused, or mistreated. They may feel embarrassed that they were unable to make their marriage work. They may also feel completely numb to the process or might even feel relieved.

All of these feelings are valid and perfectly normal, but they can also be incredibly destructive. Hurt feelings often cloud judgment, leading to unrealistic goals for the divorce grounded, not in a desire to win, but to make sure their spouse loses. We often ask clients to consider what would have to occur so that when we meet in a year, they could be happy with the outcome and their situation. A large number of clients respond with, “I want my spouse to burn in hell.” That is not realistic. No attorney can achieve that goal.

Somebody may feel they are entitled to more than an even split. They may even be right. Unfortunately, the courts don’t recognize this desire. Courts aren’t interested in why you believe you deserve more assets or money. Courts don’t care how or why the marriage is ending, and it doesn’t matter to the legal system how hurt your feelings may be.

The judges care about one thing—upholding the law.

Many people believe there is a great deal of wiggle room in the legal system or that hiring a more aggressive lawyer and fighting for years will result in a better outcome. This is usually not true. When it comes time for the judge to sign off on an agreement or rule after a trial, these decisions are typically determined by a formula. Child support is determined by a formula. Spousal support or maintenance is determined by a formula.

A good lawyer will help you understand your rights and represent your best interests so that you don’t make decisions that will negatively impact those formulas. But a good lawyer won’t promise you something that isn’t attainable or encourage you to fight your spouse to gain a split of assets that a judge would never agree to.

Contentious divorces happen when parties allow their hurt feelings or anger to get in the way of rational decision making. Some lawyers will take advantage of these destructive mindsets. Acrimony is their business plan. When a client comes to them saying they want 70 percent of the marital assets, the attorney doesn’t explain

why that is an unlikely outcome. Instead, the attorney encourages their client to fight for 75 percent. The attorney knows the law and knows no judge would award that division of assets. The attorney also knows that the longer the divorce drags on the more money that attorney will collect in legal fees. Encouraging acrimony has a clear benefit for the attorney and a clear drawback for the client.

Choosing the right attorney is very important. Having the right mindset going into a divorce is equally important. Spending thousands of dollars fighting over a piece of kitchen equipment does not result in a win for anyone but the divorce lawyer. At the beginning of the divorce, we provide each of our clients with the name of a therapist so that they have someone to help them with their mindset. Throughout the divorce, we provide solid counsel to our clients so that they have an opportunity to understand the likely outcome and then reach that outcome more quickly and with less acrimony. This approach provides our clients with more assets to divide in the long run and fewer legal bills.

Michone J. Riewer

Michone J. Riewer is an attorney with Strategic Divorce in Lake Bluff, 847-234-4445, strategicdivorce.com.

Let Us Guide You Home.

From the Midwest to the Rocky Mountains, Heidi and Stephanie offer a combined 48 years of experience guiding clients throughout their real estate journey.

Your Lake Forest to Denver Connection

Whether you’re looking for your next home in Lake Forest or a vacation home out west, this mother/daughter duo can help find the right place for you.

Heidi Ogden Real Estate Broker

847.363.3142

Heidi has been a Lake Forest Real Estate Expert Since 1988

As a 32-year resident of Lake Forest, Heidi Ogden’s knowledge of the community comes from her participation in numerous organizations. She is currently a board member of the Lake Forest Center of Infant Welfare and the Women’s Auxiliary of Lake Forest Hospital.

Heidi’s success in Real Estate is due to her personal commitment to client service and enthusiastic approach to Real Estate. Her specialties include: North Shore - Barrington Association of REALTORS®, Illinois Association of Realtors®, and National Association of Realtors®.

Stephanie is an Award-Winning Denver Agent with Chicago Roots

hogden@thegglgroup.com heidiogden_lflbhomes

Stephanie Ogden Lepard Broker Associate, Realtor

303.885.4746

Raised in a real estate family in Lake Forest, Stephanie Ogden Lepard has called Denver home for the past 20 years. From charming condos and townhomes to luxurious estates throughout the Denver area, Stephanie is passionate about helping her clients acheive their real estate goals.

A recipient of the Denver Metro Association of Realtors® Award multiple years in a row, Stephanie attributes much of her success to a wide and loyal referral network, a reflection of her extensive industry and market expertise and unwavering dedication to client service.

Stephanie is an ardent supporter of Children’s Hospital of Colorado, having served on their Development Committee and NICU Family Advisory Council as well as raising funds through her annual fundraiser, “Pumpkins with Purpose.”

stephanie@kentwood.com lepardhomes

Mental health and brain health have never been more widely discussed, and for good reason. Experts agree that the brain holds the capacity to solve some of our most significant challenges—and the team at Brain Health Restoration (BHR), in Schaumburg, know this all too well. They are on a mission to fill an enormous gap in mental health and wellness treatments for anyone struggling with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep disorders, autism, traumatic brain injuries (TBI)/concussions, as well as peak mental and athletic performance.

“At the heart of who we are and what we want this clinic to represent is a center for healing,” says co-founder Terry R. Yormark II. BHR is one of the only clinics in the Midwest offering a range of innovative treatments like TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), PrTMS (Personalized Magnetic Stimulation), Clinical Psychiatry, Ketamine, Spravato, and Optimal Wellness all under one roof. Pairing Psychiatric Care with nuanced therapies like Ketamine is a rare offering but a vital part of BHR’s comprehensive approach.

“We’re rooted in Psychiatric and Wellness principles,” says cofounder Karen Todd, “which means that we are delivering these modalities with the help of other clinicians, psychologists, and psychiatrists, who are in the community and advise us in customizing the treatment plan for each client. We then match treatments to where the brain is experiencing deficiencies and monitor progress through a weekly EEG (electroencephalogram)/EKG (electrocardiogram). Where other clinics are delivering treatment with a one-size-fits-all approach, we are following a more customized treatment protocol that we believe will become a gold standard in the industry.”

TMS and PrTMS are particularly notable offerings at the clinic.

A Center for Healing

How Brain Health Restoration is transforming mental

health

in the Midwest.

McLeod

The non-invasive procedure uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain cells, creating new neuropathways in the brain that can dramatically improve symptoms of autism, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other disorders. These modalities can also be used to enhance peak performance for high power CEOs and athletes looking to take their game to the next level.

“I believe there is a big misunderstanding that these modalities are only for people who are experiencing a decline in mental health,” says Todd. While treating disorders is fundamental to BHR’s mission, so is helping any patient find mental clarity and optimal performance. “I sought treatment after having symptoms related to menopause,” Todd shares. “As I experienced a very big gap in the market for non-pharmaceutical options for healing.”

A Psychiatric consultation is needed for all treatments, though patients without a psychiatrist or therapist can come to BHR to be paired with one and begin their path toward wellness.

Giving back to the community is paramount to this team, who believe that everyone should have access to these life-changing therapies. “We want to make a significant impact and help people who need our services and can’t afford them by offsetting costs, raising funds, and partnering with foundations to impact veterans with PTSD and people struggling with autism,” says Thomas Lavin IV, the third co-founder and partner to Yormark and Todd. “As we’re starting to expand that effort, we’re seeing how much need there is for these services in underserved communities.”

“Our intention when hiring was to find people who are heartminded with our vision and who strive to make a difference,” says Lavin. “We share that passion and we’re so excited to make a difference in the community.”

Brain Health Restoration is located at 1111 N. Plaza Drive, Suite 101, in Schaumburg. For more information, visit bhrillinois.com or call 224-208-1247.

words by Lea Guccione photography by Ian

Co-founders Terry R. Yormark II, Karen Todd, and Thomas Lavin IV

Hasselbring Partners is a husband-and-wife real estate partnership with a deeply rooted family history in Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and the North Shore. Flor and Tracy take pride in their community, acting as stewards to familiarize buyers with the town and bring integrity to the home sales process.

We value relationships, both with clients and within the community. We believe in a no-pressure yet timely and effective sales approach, ensuring a positive experience for all involved.

Call us to discuss your real estate interests, we would love to assist you on your journey.

Principal Broker, Luxury Sales Specialist

847.997.1901

flor.hasselbring@compass.com

Let Us Guide You Home.

From the Midwest to the Rocky Mountains, Heidi and Stephanie offer a combined 48 years of experience guiding clients throughout their real estate journey.

Your Lake Forest to Denver Connection

Whether you’re looking for your next home in Lake Forest or a vacation home out west, this mother/daughter duo can help find the right place for you.

Heidi Ogden Real Estate Broker

847.363.3142

Heidi has been a Lake Forest Real Estate Expert Since 1988

As a 32-year resident of Lake Forest, Heidi Ogden’s knowledge of the community comes from her participation in numerous organizations. She is currently a board member of the Lake Forest Center of Infant Welfare and the Women’s Auxiliary of Lake Forest Hospital.

Heidi’s success in Real Estate is due to her personal commitment to client service and enthusiastic approach to Real Estate. Her specialties include: North Shore - Barrington Association of REALTORS®, Illinois Association of Realtors®, and National Association of Realtors®.

Stephanie is an Award-Winning Denver Agent with Chicago Roots

hogden@thegglgroup.com heidiogden_lflbhomes

Stephanie Ogden Lepard Broker Associate, Realtor

303.885.4746

Raised in a real estate family in Lake Forest, Stephanie Ogden Lepard has called Denver home for the past 20 years. From charming condos and townhomes to luxurious estates throughout the Denver area, Stephanie is passionate about helping her clients acheive their real estate goals.

A recipient of the Denver Metro Association of Realtors® Award multiple years in a row, Stephanie attributes much of her success to a wide and loyal referral network, a reflection of her extensive industry and market expertise and unwavering dedication to client service.

Stephanie is an ardent supporter of Children’s Hospital of Colorado, having served on their Development Committee and NICU Family Advisory Council as well as raising funds through her annual fundraiser, “Pumpkins with Purpose.”

stephanie@kentwood.com lepardhomes

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WIND, WAVES, AND WILLPOWER

Lake Forest Sailing (LFS) isn’t just a sailing program. It’s also a community of champions helmed by Will Howard, a seasoned sailor whose passion for the sport has transformed LFS into a youth sailing powerhouse and a beacon of excellence on the national sailing scene.

edited by Bill McLean / portrait photography by Maria Ponce / styling by Theresa DeMaria

Will Howard switching the jib during a tack onboard Callisto Racing Photography courtesy of Hannah Lee Noll

WHERE THERE’S A WILL, there’s a way to sail. Will Howard’s journey with Lake Forest Sailing (LFS) began in 2000 when his family relocated to Lake Forest. His introduction to sailing came through LFS’s learn-to-sail program, where he quickly developed a love for the sport. Not much has changed about the venue since then, the roofless training center (aka picturesque Lake Michigan) still serving as its A-one asset. Under the mentorship of Hunter Ratliff, then-director of LFS, Howard honed his sailing and racing skills, laying the foundation for a storied youth racing career.

masts to change sails—while enduring the force and fickleness of twenty-foot waves—in the Artic Circle, in the middle of the night. The values Howard absorbed at USCGA turned out to be indelible ones.

“I will always have accountability, attention to detail, and discipline that I gained at USCGA,” Howard says.

Howard’s new stop was the University of Miami in Florida, where he earned a business degree.

“The U.S. Coast Guard and Miami … talk about polar opposites in college experiences,” says Howard.

The Lake Forest Sailing alumnus returned to Lake Forest in 2015 and found serious work at his former playground. Since then, he has served at the helm as the Sailing Director. “My coaches and my time spent on Lake Michigan shaped

“Lake Forest Sailing was my playground and it’s been tied to my identity for most of my life,” says the 31-year-old Howard, who, as an eight-year-old, moved from Connecticut to Lake Forest with his brothers and parents, John and Julia. “Hunter was my coach. He was my boss when I taught sailing during the summers. He was always prepared and professional and composed. Any question I’d ask him, he’d know the answer to it. He cared more than anyone I had met.”

The student must have asked great questions and received spot-on answers. The youngest sailor in the field at the 2007 Laser (an adult racing class boat) World Championships in the Netherlands was none other than Howard, then a 14-year-old who’d been only months removed from having figured out how to navigate Lake Forest High’s hallways.

Howard wrestled for three years at LFHS before opting to swim and play water polo in his senior year. The summer before his senior year, Howard and his father visited colleges in Connecticut. An academy—the United States Coast Guard, in New London—got added midtrip to the itinerary. Will Howard met the USCGA sailing coach, liked what he heard, and completed a mini-Coast Guard boot camp in the summer of 2009.

The next summer, after graduating from LFHS, Howard left in June to complete the rigorous cadet boot camp. Howard sailed for the USCGA sailing team in his freshman and sophomore years and underwent rigorous training aboard tall ships atop international waters and operational cutters in the Atlantic. He fondly recalls the excitement of climbing the

me growing up. I get to see and enable the same for my sailors now.”

One of LFS’ top sailors, Mary Carter, embodies this sentiment that Howard shares.

“I was the only girl (in an LFS intro racing program 10 years ago),” recalls Carter, now a Lake Forest High School senior and forever grateful for the unwavering guidance of Howard and the full Lake Forest Sailing Experience. “And I was not good at sailing, not good at all. Probably the worst in the group.”

“Lake Forest Sailing was my playground and it’s been tied to my identity for most of my life....”

Regardless of age or gender, Howard viewed Mary Carter as Mary Carter, budding sailor. There’s not a hint of gender bias, after all, in the Lake Forest Sailing mission: “Build Little Champions.”

“When I was young and afraid, he was supportive, encour-

Lake Forest Sailing Scholastic Regatta Photography courtesy of Curt Kalousek

aging, and positive, and he knew how to connect with each sailor,” says Carter, the daughter and granddaughter of sailors. “Will still does all those things. He cares about kids as sailors and as people.

“You could say his passion for sailing,” she adds, “rubbed off on me.”

Did. It. Ever.

Carter and her Lake Forest Sailing mates earned the No. 1 ranking in the 180-team Midwestern Intercollegiate Sailing Association in each of the last three years. She and her skipper, LFHS classmate and Brown University-bound sailor Charlie Gish, finished sixth overall at last summer’s Interscholastic Sailing Association Mallory Doublehanded National Championships on the Toms River near Ocean County, New Jersey.

“To Will,” Carter says, “we’re athletes. You’re not going to find a better coach. So much of Lake Forest Sailing’s continuous success all over the country stems from his enthusiasm for the sport and the time he devotes to making sure we’re all prepared for anything.”

Effective this fall, Carter becomes an NCAA Division I athlete on Tulane University’s sailing team.

“I wake up in the morning thinking, ‘What can I do today to build little champions?’” says Howard, a Mettawa resident and a U.S. Sailing Level 3 coach. “My job is filled with rewarding moments. One is watching my sailors make the right decisions on the racecourse. But my absolute favorite is seeing and hearing a kid (Carter, for one) that I taught, when they were eight or nine, later teach sailing to kids who are eight or nine. That’s so ridiculously rewarding.

“I run our spring championship season like a boot camp for our high school sailors,” he adds. “Some join me for early-morning sprints up the hill (near Lake Forest Sailing’s Lake Michigan base). I’ve told them, ‘Meet me here at 5:15 a.m., and let’s kill the hill together.’ And we don’t sail in protected areas while training, like most sailing programs in the country do. We train in all kinds of conditions—sometimes in oceanic conditions when it’s 40 degrees and snowing sideways. Weather in Illinois toughens our sailors, makes them resilient.”

The training grounds on Lake Michigan play a pivotal role in shaping tough sailors and resilient individuals. The lake’s conditions, from unpredictable waves to challenging weather, serve as the perfect training arena, instilling in sailors the virtues of adaptability and perseverance. Howard emphasizes the romantic relationship between himself and Lake Michigan, a bond that he strives to pass on to his sailors, fostering a love for the lake and a deep appreciation for its teachings.

Lake Forest Sailing’s Summer Sailing School is extraordinarily popular. A total of 368 youngsters, ages five to 14, enrolled in the Summer Sailing School in 2023. More than 150 had to be waitlisted. The Summer Sailing School serves as a pipeline for the youth racing programs that compete year-round. Well before the kids get into racing, they are learning confidence and an affinity for being on the lake.

“Watching 5- and 6-year-olds become the captains of their own bathtub-like vessels is not only adorable but inspiring,” Howard says. “It can be life-changing for a young kid to gain confidence and acuity through learning to sail on their own on Lake Michigan.”

Howard credits the success of Summer Sailing School (which often fills up in minutes) to the summer coaches.

“All of our staff members,” he notes, “are successful racers who grew up in the program themselves. You can’t pay for that kind of passion in an employee. I call it ‘the continuity of success’.”

When not running the teams and the program, Howard has leveled up his own racing career thanks to Jim Murray’s Callisto Racing Team. Murray, a Lake

Mary Carter and Charlie Gish taking a break in between races. Photography courtesy of Curt Kalousek

Boats on the layline at a Lake Forest Sailing regatta Photography courtesy of Curt Kalousek

Will Howard

Bluff resident, showed Howard a picture of a PAC 52 race boat at the LFS Spring banquet in 2018. The size of Howard’s eyes doubled, maybe even tripled, instantly.

“Callisto Racing showed me a whole new world of racing,” says Howard, who got hooked and somehow still finds time to race on J/70 and J/109 circuits, as well as the occasional ocean race on Callisto Racing’s Pac 52.

It also introduced Howard to all different types of high-performance sailboat racing and allows him to rub shoulders with some of the most storied and accomplished sailors in the world, all while keeping his own racing skills sharp.

“Will brings in outstanding national and international sailors and coaches to speak to his sailors,” she continues. “How great is that? And we also have the benefit of training on Lake Michigan, which can be beautiful one day and unpredictable the next.”

Despite operating out of a modest shed, LFS commands national recognition and stands as a testament to athleticism, intelligence, and a winning mindset. Howard’s coaching philosophy goes beyond sailing skills; it’s about building character, instilling discipline, and nurturing champions on and off the water. LFS sailors, under Howard’s mentorship, travel nationwide for regattas, competing with a ferocity borne out of their training on Lake Michigan. The

Howard returned that favor—to his LFS charges. Howard garnered a donation of a J70 race boat that would become the Youth Race Team “GromSquad,” Lake Forest Sailing’s coolest new watercraft.

LFS Sailors have learned a ton on the J/70 and raced it at invitationals in the U.S, including one near St. Petersburg, Florida, where Carter, Gish and their teammates Tristan McDonald and Keegan Chatburn took runner-up honors at the National High School Keelboat Championship last December.

Howard’s mission is to give youth the unique opportunities he had growing up racing sailboats.

“I work hard to be sure that we are learning from the best, meeting the best, and becoming the best, always,” he says.

Such an approach continues to impress and thrill a slew of LFS stars and their parents.

“We’re so lucky to have a role model like Will in our community,” says Lake Forest’s Julie Gish, Charlie’s mother. “Will creates an inclusive environment for sailors of all ages and abilities and he deserves credit for helping my son find something he loves to do. Will inspires, builds confidence. Young sailors want to be around him and do the work necessary to be a part of something that’s the envy of youth sailing programs in the United States.

list of recent accomplishments is too lengthy to list here.

The future of Lake Forest Sailing is bright, with ambitious goals on the horizon. Expanding the Green Fleet, fundraising efforts, and creating a healthy J/70 fleet are top priorities. The Green Fleet initiative aims to introduce young children to competitive sailing, laying the foundation for future champions. Fundraising plays a crucial role in acquiring equipment and supporting the program’s growth. Notable achievements, such as acquiring a fleet of 21 Club 420s through fundraising, underscore the community’s dedication to fostering sailing excellence.

Picture this: It’s Graduation Day at Lake Forest High School. Or pick another school, any school, that a Lake Forest Sailing sailor had attended. Speeches are made.

Caps fly due north. Gowns flow. Parents applaud.

So does a certain proud Lake Forest Sailing director.

Except Howard knows he will see his seniors again next week, when they’ll resume their collaborative efforts to build the next batch of little champions.

Lake Forest Sailing is a Lake Forest Parks & Recreation program. In addition to Youth Race Teams, it runs Community Sailing and Lake Access. For more information about LFS, visit lfparksandrec.com.

Callisto Lake Bluff Photography courtesy of Tim Wright

Ready for Adventure

A lifelong California gal, Heidi Lancaster takes a chance on the Midwest—and herself—to create a new life in Lake Forest with her family.

words by Ann Marie Scheidler portrait photography by Ian McLeod architectural photography by Heidi Lancaster styling by Theresa DeMaria hair and makeup by Margareta Komlenac

NEVER IN HER WILDEST DREAMS did California native, Heidi Lancaster, think that someday she would leave the sunny state she’d lived in her whole life to move across the country and make a life in Lake Forest.

“One day Dave told me that he had a work opportunity in Chicago and asked what I would think about moving there,” says Lancaster of her husband who works in commercial real estate finance. “So many of our friends were selling their houses and moving on to new things because they were empty nesters. I wondered if maybe it was time for us to do something different, too. I think Dave and I were both ready for an adventure.”

But the decision to move wasn’t solely up to them. The Lancasters still had one child at home, Will, who was going to be a high school sophomore when this move was to take place. Their son is the youngest of four—Will has three older sisters (one has graduated from college and the other two are in college in California).

“Will didn’t take any convincing,” Lancaster says with a laugh. “He was ready for a change, too. We literally got to Lake Forest a few days before the high school’s football season started and he jumped right in.”

Lancaster’s transition into Lake Forest has felt seamless, in large part due to the close friends her husband has kept since childhood and his time attending Lake Forest Country Day and Lake Forest High School.

“I definitely think it would have been much harder to settle in without Dave’s friends who are like family,” she says. “They have really taken us under their wings and made us feel like this has always been our home.”

While Lancaster says that Lake Forest reminds her a lot of her community in San Francisco, she has been so impressed at how welcoming the Midwest is overall.

“People are definitely friendlier here than in California,” she says with a laugh. “I always heard about people who were ‘Midwest nice,’ but that’s really a thing. Total strangers have made us feel happy here.”

The one issue that worried Lancaster about moving to

Heidi Lancaster

Chicago was winter.

“I wasn’t sure I could handle the cold,” she says. “I know that sounds silly, but we don’t have weather like this in California. We vacation in Lake Tahoe where there is snow, but it’s sunny there, too. The cold and gray aren’t something we

our first winter here. It wasn’t that bad!”

In the midst of getting her family into a routine in their new home, Lancaster is juggling somewhat of a bicoastal professional life. As a photographer for some of San Francisco Bay area’s top interior designers, she makes regular trips back

“When shooting interior designers’ work, I feel fortunate to be surrounded by the beauty they have created.”

have to deal with every day for months on end. I’m feeling like we got lucky with

to San Francisco to photograph recently completed projects, while now working to market her services here as well.

“Having regular work in San Francisco is truly a blessing and has softened the move to the Midwest because I’m able to still keep up with friends and family that are so dear to me,” she says. “But I love the idea of cultivating new Chicago and North Shore-area clients, and potentially having a business in both spots. Chicago offers a whole new world of art and design. I’m intrigued with the more traditional architecture and styles used by designers here,” she says. “When shooting interior designers’ work, I feel fortunate to be surrounded by the beauty they have created. It’s a dream job to spend the day with such remarkable people, many of whom have become close friends.”

As to whether or not Lancaster would make the move again to Lake Forest if she had a chance to turn back time, she answers without an ounce of hesitation—despite the weather and the number miles she’s racking up keeping her California clients happy.

“Absolutely,” she says. “The move has been better than we could have ever imagined. We thoroughly enjoyed raising our family in a great neighborhood in San Francisco, but this is turning out to be a great new adventure in a really special place for our family!”

To see Heidi Lancaster’s work, visit @heidilancasterstudio on Instagram.

Charles, Megan, and Mary Butler

From Lutzes to Loupes and Lab Tests

Lake Forest resident and former Olympic ice dancer

Charles Butler has literally done it all—launching careers in both medicine and jewelry after hanging up his skates at the age of 18. Now a devoted dad and a budding guitarist, he recently shared the story of his many successes.

words by Bill McLean photography by Maria Ponce styling by Theresa DeMaria hair and makeup by Margareta Komlenac

SOME MIGHT SAY that Charles Butler—a Lake Forest resident since 2018 and a former world junior champion in ice dance—is a true renaissance man. After success on the rink, he tackled a career in medicine and then founded Charles Jewelry in New York City.

He balanced all of the above, Super Man style—often whipping off his white coat after a New York University Medical School class, finding the nearest bare coat hook, and then flying to the big city’s Diamond District.

“I’d always wear a tie to class on days when I’d have to meet clients at my jewelry store,” Butler recalls. “You should have seen some of the funny looks I’d get from nearby students during lectures on those busy days. It wasn’t unusual for me to take out my loupe and inspect the diamonds—three, usually—I had placed in the crease of my open textbook.

“I never took notes during medical school lectures in big auditoriums, because all the answers were right there in the books. But I listened, listened pretty intently, while looking closely at those diamonds.”

Butler today continues to toil simultaneously in the fields of medicine and jewelry. He’s an Omniwell hospi-

Charles Butler and skating partner, Jessica Joseph, CBNDPict

talist, a locum tenens (temporary physician) who travels to U.S. hospitals starving for stellar stethoscope wearers with off-the-charts bedside manners. Charles Jewelry, now serving worldwide clients, has an excellent repu tation for producing the highest quality craftsmanship along with personalized, concierge-based, customer service.

With a Chicago location on South Wabash Avenue, Charles Jewelry has thousands of clients, with most of

the domestic customers hailing from New York, Los Angeles, and Miami.

How many docs/diamond setters do you know? There can’t be many. You could probably plop the total number of them onto a tandem bicycle.

This much we know. Only one human in the history of civilization has ever ordered a CT scan, sold a spider brooch, and performed in ice dance at a Winter Olym pics (Nagano, Japan, in 1998). Butler, then 18 years old, and Jessica Joseph, then 15, are still the youngest dance partners (combined ages) to have ever competed atop an Olympic sheet of ice.

owned Ultimate Skate (an ice skate blade company) and the groundbreaking VideoMedicine, Inc., is seriously thinking about launching a health food business in the near future.

“I love science, especially chemistry and biology,” says Butler, who completed his residency as a Doctor of Internal Medicine at Rush University Medical Center in Chicago. “A diamond is a carbon-to-carbon structure, such a beautiful thing. I’m a diamond importer, in charge of materials; I’m a supply-chain guy. The endorphin rush I get after building a wedding ring for a friend and feeling I’m a part of the couple’s love story is similar to the rush I get after helping a patient breathe easier.”

Butler also works out daily, has been teaching himself to play the guitar since 2021, and, with his wife, Park Ridge native Megan, is raising their 2-and-a-halfyear-old daughter, Mary, who thinks her dad already has the music chops of Eric Clapton. An elite juggler keeping pins aloft; a circus star spinning a family of eight’s plates on poles; and Charles Butler living his life. Three of a kind. And the man, who previously

Charles Butler and former President Bill Clinton

Charles and Megan Butler

Charles Butler and jewelry donated to the 2013 Rush Hospital Staff Ball

“Spectators and judges saw my joy, couldn’t miss it. I looked like I was having a good time out there because I was.”

“I enjoy being a serial entrepreneur and prefer the starting and building aspects of businesses to the maintaining part,” says Butler, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration degree at the University of Michigan.

“Discipline is everything in my life; it’s the No. 1 key for people who are constantly busy. But right up there near discipline is a person’s support team; you’re not going to achieve anything without the backing of the important people in your life.

“My wife (Megan serves Charles Jewelry as its indispensable chief operations officer and cuts rugs as Charles’ all-time favorite ballroom and swing dance partner) is a major part of my team. She has been incredibly supportive and somehow puts up with my crazy ambitions.”

Born in Salt Lake City, Butler began playing competitive hockey at the age of 5 after moving to Michigan. His father, also named Charles, was a cardiothoracic surgeon, and his mother, Minnesota native Penny, became the first female Mayo Medical School graduate and toured as a member of the Ice Follies. A Russian defector/ice dance coach name Igor watched the couple’s 11-year-old skate one day and surmised the youngster could cut it as a dancer.

Good call, Igor. A stick-less, pad-lass Butler later joined Joseph for competitions and festivals all over the world. Butler counted the number of countries in which he laced ’em up and stopped at 26; Butler and

Joseph dazzled German audiences five times. The pair won U.S. Junior Championships in 1996 and 1997 and reached the pinnacle—as junior performers—with their gold-medal show at the world championships in 1998. They then silvered at the 1998 U.S. Senior Championships to qualify for spots to represent Team USA’s Olympic squad in Nagano and build snowmen with athletes from other countries in the Olympic Village. Fights broke out, too, but they were fun ones. The ammo: snowballs.

Greats Wayne Gretzky and Tara Lipinski were among Butler/Joseph’s Olympic teammates 26 years ago.

Butler and Joseph, alas, placed 21st, after a skate blade nearly sliced a loosened lace and caused an unfortunate fall.

“I never got nervous before or during a competition,” Butler says. “The mind is more powerful than the body. My mindset on the ice was always, ‘Let’s go out there and have some fun.’ Worrying about where we’d finish never made sense to me. It’s hard to do well when all you’re thinking about is a place in the standings.

“I always smiled when I skated. Spectators and judges saw my joy, couldn’t miss it. I looked like I was having a good time out there because I was.”

Butler would love nothing more than to get the opportunity to beam on an entirely different stage someday. “Maybe 10 years from now I’ll play the electric guitar in a Dad band,” he says.

Maybe? Sorry, Charles. Someday you’re going to sell resplendent rocks by day and rock the house at night.

For more information about Charles Jewelry, visit charlesjewelry.com.

Charles Butler and Miss America 2008, Kristen Haglung, make a guest appearance on Sirius/ XM’s Doctor Radio

Charles Butler and skating partner, Jessica Joseph

LFOLACamp

Co-chairs Tyler Lisenby and Heidi Clifton

The Associate Board of the Lake Forest Open Lands Association (LFOLA) wants you to grab your camping gear and join them for its annual Cattails

& Cocktails event—Camp LFOLA—on

May 17 at the Mellody Farm Nature Preserve.

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

“A

S WE WERE CLEANING UP last year’s Cattails & Cocktails, Tyler said to me ‘Hey Heidi, what do you think of Camp LFOLA? I think that would make a great theme for next year,’” recalls Heidi Clifton, who is co-chairing the upcoming Lake Forest Open Lands Association’s (LFOLA) Cattails & Cocktails with Tyler Lisenby. “Tyler has such a deep connection to the outdoors and had the vision for the whole event this year—it’s where he shines.”

This year’s Cattails & Cocktails, “Camp LFOLA,” will take place on Friday, May 17, at the Mellody Farm Nature Preserve. Comfort foods, camp-like games (including a Jenga game built by Lisenby), and live music are planned with the goal of bringing the whole community together. The evening will end with s’mores by the fire.

“I think ‘Camp LFOLA’ is a theme everyone can relate to,” Lisenby explains. “It’s a nod to why many of us feel so connected to Open Lands and its mission. I might have some of the ideas, but Heidi is the one who gets things done! We also have the whole Associate Board supporting us and then some. It’s going to be a great time.”

LFOLA is an independently funded conservation and educational organization devoted to the acquisition and stewardship of Lake Forest’s natural landscapes, and to ensuring all generations have a meaningful, lasting connection to nature and the land. The Associate Board, composed of 34 members, supports the efforts of LFOLA’s Board of Directors.

Both Clifton and Lisenby are relative newcomers to Lake Forest, both having moved to the area with their families in the last 10 years.

“It’s such a great resource to have all of this open space— it’s what drew my family to Lake Forest,” Lisenby says. “You have a lot of choices along the North Shore, but Lake Forest is really the only place where we have so much natural open space. And I love the mission—obviously the focus on conservation is important but there is also an emphasis on education. I love that there is programming for kids starting at a young age. If you can plant those seeds early—no pun intended—that grows into a real love of nature and a desire

to make good decisions about it for the rest of their lives.”

The Cattails & Cocktails committee rented the largest tent they could find for Mellody Farm Nature Preserve. It will be decorated like a camp mess hall so that guests have an authentic summer camp experience. Additionally, because sustainability is part of the LFOLA’s mission, all tableware and serving pieces will be recyclable.

“Cattails & Cocktails will take place rain or shine,” Clifton adds, hoping people will arrive in their jeans, flannels, and wellies. “But the weather is never an issue if you’re well prepared.”

In anticipation of Cattails & Cocktails, the Associate Board will once again be hosting Cattails & Kiddies on May 3. Children attending will make artwork painting on mini oars that will be used to decorate the May 17 event.

Tickets for Cattails & Cocktails are now available for purchase. The Associate Board has discounted the ticket price for LFOLA members and built in an annual membership to tickets for non-members.

All proceeds from the event go to support LFOLA’s conservation mission to connect people to nature. Since its establishment in 1967, LFOLA has permanently preserved, restored, and maintained more than 900 acres of local native landscapes including prairies, savannas, woodlands, wetlands, and ravines for the benefit and enjoyment of the local communities.

There are more than 14 miles of walking trails that are open to the public year-round. Considered a leader among land trusts, Lake Forest Open Lands often serves as a resource to other emerging conservation groups in communities nationwide.

“We’re hoping our more casual event will encourage people to check out LFOLA and enjoy our open spaces all year long,” Clifton says. “Hopefully, we’ll see lots of new faces at Camp LFOLA.”

LFOLA is grateful to PCA for being the presenting sponsor for Cattails & Cocktails and Chalet and Knauz Autopark for being silver sponsors. To purchase your ticket to Cattails & Cocktails, to sponsor a portion of the evening, or to make a donation, call 847-234-3880, ext. 17, or visit lfola.org.

Exceptional, Custom-Built English Manor

1445 OAK KNOLL DRIVE

6 BEDROOMS |

6 FULL, 1 HALF BATHS | 1.9 ACRES

$2,850,000

This stately residence represents a timeless design, coupled with exceptional quality. Constructed of brick with limestone accents, a cedar shake roof, and copper gutters, it offers enduring elegance. Inside, the well-proportioned rooms and thoughtful layout cater to modern family needs. The gracious foyer leads to formal spaces, while the gourmet kitchen seamlessly connects to a dramatic family room, all blending for ease of entertaining family and friends. A handsome wood-paneled library and inviting sunroom offer serene retreats. Luxurious details abound, from marble, limestone, and hardwood floors to 10’ ceilings enhanced with substantial crown moldings. Upstairs, a superb primary suite boasts a spa inspired bath and two large walk-in closets. There are five additional bedrooms with ensuite baths. Six fireplaces, a heated 4-car garage, and first and second floor laundry rooms. An expansive basement presents endless possibilities. Outside, bluestone terraces and manicured landscaping enhance the property. Lovely location close to schools, shops and transportation.

Nancy Adelman

LICENSED REAL ESTATE BROKER

M: 847.338.5068 | O: 847.250.6391

nadelman@thegglgroup.com

Women with large breasts experience more than dissatisfaction with body image. Overly large breasts contribute to physical discomfort and impair their ability to lead a normal life. Women who undergo breast reductions are some of the most grateful patients that I have encountered. There is not only a significant cosmetic improvement but physically and medically these patients experience a new lease on life.

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of large pendulous breasts that are disproportionate to a woman’s body and can cause physical pain. Breast reduction mammoplasty improves breast size and shape.

Associated conditions that are improved:

• Back, neck, shoulder pain due to excess breast weight;

• Indentation of shoulder straps;

• S kin irritation under the breasts;

• S agging, stretched skin of the breast; and

• Enlarged areola can be reduced

The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis. With modern pain management post-op discomfort is very manageable. Under certain criteria this operation is sometimes covered by insurance.

For additional information, visit bodybybloch.com or Dr. Bloch can be reached at his Highland Park office at 847-432-0840.

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Steven Bloch MDBodybybloch

words by Steven Bloch, M.D.

It’s a Seller’s Market!

Lake Forest home sellers are still seeing an excellent return on their real estate investments. The market is hot and buyers continue to flock to Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. Call me for a complimentary market evaluation and to learn how I can help you sell your home for top dollar.

The Last Word

RISING HIGH

Carol Summerfield, Executive Director of the Lake ForestLake Bluff History Museum, reflects on a new collaborative digital publication that chronicles the stories of Black families who thrived in the city after the Civil War.

words by Sherry Thomas /

illustration

by Tom Bachtell

Lake Forest is a city of stories, many that are known around the world. One by one, person by person, they create the rich, interwoven roots of Lake Forest from its founding in 1861 to the city we know today. And while the triumphs of such early residents as English architect Howard Van Doren Shaw and meatpacking magnate Jonathan Ogden Armour are well documented, hundreds of stories have been lost to history—including those of Thomas Porter, who moved to Lake Forest from Maryland in the early 1900s because of its reputation for being welcoming to Black families after the Civil War. But now, thanks to the work of the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff History Museum and its pioneering Executive Director Carol Summerfield, the stories of Lake Forest’s first Black families are not only being celebrated, but archived for generations to come. She learned about Porter and his success in Lake Forest from his great-grandson, one of many descendants of early Black families who are coming forward to share tales of ancestors who settled here and thrived. “Expanding our collection of history to include the amazing contributions of the Black residents of Lake Forest was a goal from the beginning, with the opening of the museum in 2018,” explains Summerfield, an Ann Arbor, Michigan, native who served in the Peace Corps in the Central African Republic right after college and spent more than 15 years in academic publishing before transitioning to marketing. “There were very few integrated communities on the North Shore. Lake Forest was one from the beginning. Home ownership put families who had migrated here after liberation from enslavement into a path of generational wealth and success. It has been my deep pleasure to bring Lake Forest and Lake Forest College’s narratives to the larger public.” What began with a grant from the American Historical Association to create a series of lectures in partnership with Ragdale has evolved into a collaborative digital publication backed by the National Archives and the Mellon Foundation. Over the next two years, “Deeply Rooted and Rising High: African-American Experiences in Lake Forest” will receive $105,704 to document 160 years of history of Black families in Lake Forest. “This ensures that we can continue to expand our collection and give it a permanent home online and on site so that historians everywhere can find these stories,” she says, adding that the project has been one of the highlights of her career. “Working in partnership with the academic team led by Professor Courtney Joseph at Lake Forest College, we’ve been connecting with families whose history runs through our community. There are numerous Black families here

who have been in Lake Forest for well over a century. They’ve built successful businesses, raised families with children who’ve gone on to be judges, professors, film industry professionals, and a million other career journeys—and those stories should be told and celebrated.” And so, they are. With this new digital archive and a partnership with neighboring communities such as Waukegan and Glencoe that share this collective Black history, roots that were planted more than a century ago will rise, once again.

For more information about “Deeply Rooted and Rising High: African-American Experiences in Lake Forest” or to share your family’s story, visit lflbhistory.org. To make a contribution to supplement the grant and help the project grow, email Carol Summerfield at csummerfield@lflbhistory.org.

This nearly 3 acre country estate is located down a private drive off of Green Bay Road in the heart of East Lake Forest. Designed for Samuel J Walker in 1927 by Walter Frazier, with additions and alterations by David Adler in 1935. Perfect for the buyer with a passion for historic homes that exude character with ne features woven throughout and architectural details that can’t be replicated today. Stunning grounds with pool and mid century Frazier designed pool house.