Multimillion dollar producer and award winning agent for 20 years. Bachelor of Architecture. Practiced architecture for 20 years.
5 + 1 BEDS, 6.3 BATHS, GARAGE SPACE FOR 22 CARS // $27,500,000
Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own this spectacular Lake Forest estate spanning 5.27 breathtaking acres with 570 feet of Lake Michigan frontage and a private cove beach. Completed in 2019 after four years of planning and construction, this magnificent home includes 5 en-suite bedrooms, a Christopher Peacock kitchen, library, theater, amazing wine cellar, luxurious spa room, elevator, pool, spa, and a boathouse accessed by a gated driveway or historic grand staircase. Heated garage space for 22 cars—ideal for collectors. Smart home features, geothermal HVAC systems, radiant heat floors, and panoramic lake views complete this masterpiece of luxury living and craftsmanship. Absolute perfection!
111 MAYFLOWER ROAD LAKE FOREST
7 BEDS, 6.1 BATHS // $6,250,000
AGENT IN LAKE FOREST
2021, 2022 | #1 TEAM 2023 * *MRED, LLC, based on closed sales data in Lake Forest, 1/1/2020 to 12/31/2023 LFC Partners | LFCPartners@atproperties.com | LFCPartners.net 595 CIRCLE LANE LAKE FOREST
Beautiful 7-bedroom, 6.1-bath lakefront estate on nearly 4 acres with 300 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline along coveted Mayflower Road. This stately brick residence blends timeless elegance with modern updates, featuring original millwork, 6 fireplaces, high ceilings, a gourmet kitchen with commercial-grade appliances, elevator, and a newer slate roof. Walls of windows in the family room o er panoramic lake views, while the expansive side yard, stone terraces, and private beach access with gazebo create an unmatched setting for entertaining and relaxation. A truly rare and private lakeside retreat!
Bank Where You Matter
When you bank with Lake Forest Bank & Trust, you not only get custom banking solutions. You also get a relationship with a bank that cares about you, your needs, and this area. We pride ourselves on personalized service, local expertise, and a deep commitment to our community, o ering tailored financial solutions that help our Lake Forest neighbors grow.
It’s time to take a di erent approach to your banking needs. Contact our team today to learn how Lake Forest Bank & Trust can help you reach your financial goals.
lakeforestbank.com
727 N. Bank Lane Lake Forest 847-234-2882
AIROOM KNOWS ADDITIONS
holidays on the north shore
THE STANDARD IN LUXURY REAL ESTATE
Compass agents are here to help guide you home. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, you can trust a Compass agent to be your expert negotiator, insightful advisor, and dedicated advocate. We’re local experts putting clients frst, committed to providing you with a seamless and successful real estate experience.
Lauren Lichtenstein wears Alice and Olivia and boots by Retrofete from Neiman Marcus Northbrook.
Photography by Katrina Wittkamp
Styling by Theresa DeMaria
Hair and Makeup by Leanna Ernest
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Editor’s Note
Happy Holidays! As we close out another wonderful year, we’re delighted to bring you stories that capture the joy, sparkle, and spirit of the season—from cherished traditions to the creative people who make our community shine.
In e Making of A Holiday Classic, we take you into the Home Alone house in Winnetka, guided by its former owner John Abendshien. He shares what it was really like when Hollywood came knocking 35 years ago. !e behind-the-scenes stories—detailed in his new book Home But Alone No More—are just as good as the movie.
!en there’s Lauren Lichtenstein, a multimedia, multidisciplinary artist whose approach to creativity— no judgment; just joy—is something we could all use a little more of. Turn to A Life at Sparkles to read about her latest work.
Sisters Nora Froelich and Marcella Volini will inspire you with Sorella Sol, their handcrafted lifestyle brand that’s part family tradition, part artistic vision, and entirely beautiful. In Woven Together, we discuss their thriving business and what it was like to grow up in a household of 12 kids.
e Portrait this month features Shannon Shader, whose journey from Washington state to Zurich to Dublin—and finally to Lake Forest—is a reminder that sometimes home finds you. Her dedication to giving back through organizations like the Infant Welfare Society shows what it means to truly plant roots in a community.
If you’ve ever stopped to admire the gardens at the Lake Forest train station, you have the Deerpath Garden Club to thank. !e club is celebrating 65 years of quietly
making our community more beautiful, one flower bed at a time. Read about this wonderful organization in Still Blooming After 65 Years.
And because it’s the season for holiday magic, we close with Scott Shallenbarger, who’s directing Miracle on South Division Street at Citadel !eatre. His description of the show as his “holiday card to the community” says it all. Turn to e Last Word for a preview.
I hope these stories bring you as much delight as they bring me. Happy reading!
ERIN DONALDSON Editor in Chief
erin@jwcmedia.com
@forest&blu mag
John Abendshein’s Home But Alone No More, now available at the Lake Forest Book Store
“We just installed all new windows at our house and we love them! Before we made our decision we went to the manufacturer’s plant to see how the windows were made. We were concerned at first because Russ’s price was more than half of his competitor’s quoted price. After our tour we were very comfortable with our decision. Installation day was quick and painless. Our house was left in great condition. I highly recommend this company!”
The Good Life
The HOW on living your best life, engaging in meaningful activities, and building relationships in the community
Musings on What’s Doing And Who’s Doing It
Sisters Nora Froelich and Marcella Volini celebrate the first anniversary of their lifestyle brand, Sorella Sol.
Nora wears Generation Love and Marcella wears Alice and Olivia, both from Neiman Marcus Northbrook.
Photograph by Katrina Wittkamp Styling by Theresa DeMaria Hair and Makeup by Leanna Ernest
ELEVATED INDUGENCE Katrina Markoff, the chocolatier behind Vosges Haut-Chocolat, has created Violet Flame—a thoughtfully crafted chocolate line perfect for the person who has everything. Each piece is made with premium organic ingredients and is designed to offer more than just great taste. e experience promises moments of calm and clarity—ideal for the hectic holiday season. Whether you’re shopping for a chocolate lover or someone who appreciates artisanal treats, these beautifully made chocolates offer a memorable gift that stands apart from typical holiday offerings. violet amechocolate.com
MAGIC AT MARKET SQUARE Snow or no snow, on December 6, Lake Forest’s Market Square will be transformed into a winter wonderland. From noon to 3 p.m., you can enjoy horse-drawn sleigh rides, see a real-life Christmas camel, and watch as Mrs. Claus enchants little ones with story time. Kids can bounce on Frosty’s Bounce ‘N’ Blizzard Slide, get glitter tattoos, and visit adorable nativity animals. A DJ spins holiday tunes, while guests fuel up on hot cocoa, seasonal treats, and Santa’s favorite coffee—all courtesy of Market Square. Bring the family for an afternoon of pure holiday fun. shopmarketsquare.com
The Good Life The Buzz
DECK THE GLOBE e Museum of Science and Industry’s 83rd annual Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light transforms the museum into a dazzling indoor forest with more tha 50 beautifully decorated trees representing global traditions. Marvel at the spectacular four-story Grand Tree; explore vibrant displays celebrating Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and Diwali; and then treat yourself to seasonal goodies at Stan’s Donuts. is iconic Chicago tradition—born from a single unity tree in 1942—delivers pure holiday magic for the whole family. e exhibit runs through January 5 and is included with general admission. gri nmsi. org/exhibits/christmas-around-the-world
STEVEN ESPOSITO
PRESIDENT & MANAGING DIRECTOR YELLOWSTONE WEALTH MANAGEMENT
Steven Esposito is the President & Managing Partner at Yellowstone Wealth Management.
Esposito first discovered his passion for finance in high school when a stock market class sparked his lifelong interest in investing. at early curiosity set him on a path that has become a distinguished career. In 1983 he began as a financial advisor at a time when trades were handwritten, markets were smaller, and client relationships were deeply personal.
Since then, the industry has changed dramatically. Today’s wealth management landscape is increasingly digital, algorithmic, and impersonal. roughout four decades of bull runs and bear markets, Esposito has remained focused on what matters most: providing clients with clarity, confidence, and the experience of a seasoned veteran.
As founder of Yellowstone Wealth Management, affiliated with Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, Esposito offers the best of both worlds—personalized, boutique-level service powered by the capabilities of a leading financial institution. is model allows his team to deliver customized advice, with the resources and technology to match. His steady approach and hands-on style have earned him the trust of multiple generations of families.
Esposito’s market insight and commentary have been featured on WGN-TV/Radio, WBBM Radio, ABC, NBC, and Fox News. His clients know they can count on him—not just for expert guidance, but for accessibility, responsiveness, and unwavering commitment.
rough changing times, Esposito remains a constant: a trusted advisor devoted to helping clients preserve, grow, and feel confident in their financial futures.
For more information, please visit yellowstonewm.com.
Steven Esposito’s minimum account value starts at $1,000,000. Investment products and services are offered through Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC (WFAFN), Member SIPC. Yellowstone Wealth Management is a separate entity from WFAFN. Yellowstone Wealth Management is located at 100 N. Field Drive, Suite 120 in Lake Forest, 224-880-0850, yellowstonewm.com
About Town Holiday Happenings
MIRACLE ON SOUTH DIVISION STREET
WHEN: rough December 14
WHERE: Citadel eatre
e Nowaks of Buffalo, New York, have always believed in their family’s miraculous Christmas Eve story—until Ruth decides to turn it into a one-woman show, only to have a deathbed confession threaten to unravel the legend. As the truth emerges, the Nowaks must face their faith, family and hilarious truths in Miracle on South Division Street, a heartfelt comedy at Citadel eatre. citadeltheatre.org
KIDS ONLY HOLIDAY SHOP
WHEN: December 3
WHERE: Gorton Center
e Kids Only Holiday Shop gives children ages 4 to 10 a chance to shop for loved ones—without Mom or Dad. High school students— cheerful Santa’s Helpers—escort each child through the boutique. Along the way, kids explore booths from local vendors and artisans, all offering gifts priced at $10 or less. gortoncenter.org
JOY & WONDER
WHEN: December 6
WHERE: Market Square
Santa’s Workshop is coming to Lake Forest’s Market Square as part of the Joy & Wonder event from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. ere will be something for everyone—horse-drawn sleigh rides, story time with Mrs. Claus, nativity animals (including a Christmas camel), Frosty’s Bounce ’N’ Blizzard Slide, and Santa’s favorite sips and snacks. Admission is free. shopmarketsquare.com
IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE
WHEN: December 6
WHERE: Downtown Lake Bluff
Kick off the holidays with a delightfully festive and fun family day in downtown Lake Bluff. Enjoy specials and treats around town and gather with the community as the infamous light orbs are turned on for the season. l bchamber.com
MAKING THE MOVIE: HOME ALONE
WHEN: December 6
WHERE: Gorton Center
Enjoy a captivating docu-story on the making of Home Alone and other films shot on the North Shore created by John Abendshein, who owned the house where the Home Alone film was originally created. is event is co-presented with e Winnetka Historical Society. gortoncenter.org
HOLIDAY HOME TOUR
WHEN: December 7
WHERE: Start at Lake Bluff History Museum
Looking for holiday decorating inspiration or just want something fun to do to jump start the season? e Lake Bluff History Museum Holiday Home Tour is a great opportunity to gather new ideas while enjoying the creativity and traditions of neighbors who dress their homes up in their holiday best. You can also can visit Holiday Boutiques in historic homes featuring a variety of home décor, jewelry, and sweet and savory gifts. lakeblu history.org/ events
A VISIT WITH JANE AUSTEN
WHEN: December 17
WHERE: Lake Forest Library
Register to join Jane Austen in person (as portrayed by historical reenactor Debra Miller) at the Lake Forest Library. Both the casual reader of Austen’s legendary novels
and the most devoted “Janeite” will enjoy exploring her writings and delving into the personal life of one of the most beloved and intriguing novelists of 19th century England. lakeforestlibrary.org/events
PEANUTS JAZZ
WHEN: December 18
WHERE: Gorton Center
Celebrate the season with an unforgettable evening of holiday cheer and timeless jazz as e Chris White Trio presents their beloved annual tribute to the music of Vince Guaraldi—best known as the genius behind the iconic Peanuts Christmas soundtrack. gortoncenter.org
THE SNOW SHOW
WHEN: December 21
WHERE: Lake Forest Library Register to join in person as Miss Pinky puts on her new snow suit for a fantastically fun day playing in the snow with her friends. You’ll meet Fritzy and Fiona the twin baby penguins, Ethel the Gooney Bird, Pastafazool the polar bear, and many more in this marvelously musical marionette variety show performed by master puppeteer Dave Herzog. Admission is free but registration is requested. lakeforestlibrary.org/ events
HOLLY JOLLY CONCERTS
WHEN: December 21
WHERE: Gorton Center
Ring in the holiday season with the Lake Forest Civic Orchestra. ey will play two concerts: a 50-minute family concert at 1:30 p.m., then a full-length concert at 4 p.m. is year, the concerts feature a very special treat—a performance by the Evanston Children’s Choir, singing the original music of John Williams’ Home Alone score. gortoncenter.org
The Lake Blu History Museum hosts its Holiday Home Tour on December 7
BE A CHAMPION FOR NATURE
As families gather this winter season we reflect on our shared story of conservation and community.
Help us preserve this beauty by giving today!
Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo
Quit Happens: Is It Giving Up or Growing Up?
How to understand if your child’s desire to quit a sport is taking the easy way out—or the ultimate power move.
words by Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo / photography by Maria Ponce Berre styling by Lillie Alexander / hair & makeup by Rabecca Ann
Each month, peak performance sports psychologist (and fellow parent) Dr. E tackles your toughest questions head-on.
Dear Dr. E.—
After years of playing soccer, my son suddenly wants to quit. He has played ever since he was a little boy, so this decision surprised us. I know high school has more pressures, but I thought this was a good outlet for him. How can I trust that he is doing the right thing?
—Confused Soccer Mom
Dear Confused—
Parenting a student-athlete can be challenging. We feel their wins and setbacks, drive them to practices, and spend our weekends at games. When it ends, there is a void that is hard to replace. Knowing when to push them to continue or to respect their decision to stop is tough. Before jumping to conclusions, however, be sure to check your own emotional interests and then ask to talk about it with him.
Find out why.
What are his aspirations with his sport? If he plays soccer for fun, with no goal of playing in college, it could be that he sees it as a hobby and simply wants to try something new.
If your son is in the right mental state about why he is quitting, follow his lead, and remind him that the beauty of sports is that he can always go back to it—on his terms and when the timing is right.
On the other hand, if you get the impression that something deeper is going on, trust your gut.
Some common complaints of frustration that I hear in my coaching sessions are:
• What’s the point? It is easy to feel defeated when you are not improving and everyone seems to be
doing better.
• Burned out and in need of a break. Even if you love a sport, taking a mental health break is okay. Sometimes the pressure, time commitments, and physical exhaustion can become too much. It takes courage to know when to walk away.
• Personal conflict. Having an issue with a coach or fellow teammate is hard, but it doesn’t always mean it is time to give up. It might be time to talk to your child about ways to work around someone you don’t like.
• Want to focus on something new. As your student’s social and educational circles expand, so do their interests. It is not uncommon for students to want to mix it up a bit, especially if they have played only one sport for a long time.
Any of these scenarios can trigger negative emotions— it is essential to talk to your child about finding ways to work through them and get to the heart of the issue.
When you’re in the Red Zone, you want to do anything to make the bad feelings stop, even if that means quitting. However, it’s important to remember that the soundest solution at the moment might not be the best in the long run.
Ask your student-athlete if they aren’t playing this sport anymore, how do they plan to fill their newfound free time? Weigh the pros and cons with them and let them know that whatever they choose, they have your support. If emotions are running high and it feels beyond your parenting skills, a sports psychologist can help.
—Dr. E
Consistency isn’t just about discipline—it’s about design. Dr. E helps athletes build routines that rewire focus, con dence, and performance under pressure. Learn more at EleVive.com.
Where playful hearts and little hands make wonder.
Step into a season of creativity at Lucy & Lolly’s Whimsy Workshop! Our fall sessions are now open: Playful Picassos (15 months–3 years with a grown-up), Messy Monets (3–5 years, drop-of), and Dazzling Da Vincis (elementary ages, drop-of). Spaces are flling fast! We also host magical birthday parties and private play sessions to make every celebration unforgettable!
The Good Life
Citizen of the World
Shannon Shader of Lake Forest reflects on the globetrotting journey that brought her family here and what it means to serve the community she now calls home.
edited
by
Bronte Starling /
photography by
Maria Ponce styling
by
Theresa DeMaria / hair and makeup
by
Doria Bartolo
Try to keep track of all the places that Shannon Shader and husband, Alton, lived before settling in Lake Forest in 2019 and you’d need a world map and a handful of push pins. “I am originally from Washington state and started down a path of adventure when I attended Scripps College in Claremont, California. My husband, Alton, and I lived in Santa Monica before moving to Zurich; Dublin; Lake Forest; Skaneateles, New York; and back to Lake Forest,” explains Shader. “My daughter, Sophia, 18, was born on my birthday in Zurich and my son, Dru, 15, was born in Dublin. I taught full-time for many of these years before hanging up the chalk in 2019!” ! is allowed her to devote more time to another one of her passions—giving back to the community. “I have been fortunate to serve through organizations like the Infant Welfare Society (IWS) of Chicago, an amazing nonprofit that provides free health care to families in need. I am also a member of the executive board of our IWS chapter, was a co-chair of the 2025 Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens, and co-chair of the 2022 and 2023 Antiques & Treasures event,” she says, adding that service has now become a family a ff air. “ ! roughout my life, the idea of service resonated with me. Wanting to serve, educate, and work with my local and surrounding communities is vital and truly what brings all people together. Watching my children continuing our family’s belief in service fills my heart with joy.” In addition to all her other volunteer work, Shader is supporting her daughter as the co-chair of the Mother’s Trust Foundation’s Teen Coat Drive, an annual event that provides warm clothing to more than 1,000 individuals every year. “I love to see the more than 40 teens that get involved in this great cause,” she says. “Lake Forest is a special place. ! e friends we have made are extraordinarily fun and caring people that have become like family.” Shader recently took time from her busy schedule to share a few of her favorite things.
Favorite holiday food? A classic Beef Tenderloin with a spicy horseradish sauce just shouts the holidays. Best thing you ever received as a gift? An original menu from my favorite restaurant, Petermann’s Kunststuben in Zurich, 15 years after our last meal there. Drink of choice? Hendrick’s Gin & Tonic with two limes, two orange and two grapefruit wedges. Favorite Lake Forest restaurant? Le Colonial. Love the flavors and the bar area is perfect place for a cocktail or a meal. Best winter beauty hack? OSEA Undaria Algae Body Oil & Anti-aging Body Balm to nourish and hydrate all winter long. It’s the best. Fashion brand or item you can’t live without? I am a dress girl at heart and Ullah Johnson always designs the most gorgeous dresses! Favorite North Shore boutique? !ree way tie: Lillie Alexander, !e Lake Forest Shop, and Bunny and Babe. One can’t go wrong with any of these three boutiques. TV show or podcast you can’t stop binging? Nobody Wants is. !e cast is outstanding! Favorite local holiday tradition? Lake Forest tree lighting ceremony. !e perfect example of true spirit of the holidays and community. Favorite way to stay t? Tennis and paddle mixed in with occasional bar and spin classes. Favorite downtown hotel for a weekend retreat? !e Peninsula. It truly checks all the boxes! What’s at the top of your Spotify playlist? !e 1975. Matty Healy, their front man, may be a bit of a wild card, but they create fantastic music. Your dream vacation includes? My husband, lounging in the sun somewhere overseas and tropical, sipping on a cocktail and reading a good book. Favorite place to escape for the winter? Parker Palm Springs in Palm Springs, California. What’s rst on your list of New Year’s resolutions? Two way tie: more family time before my daughter leaves for college, and less sugar. I am a sucker for sweets!
Fashion brand or item you can’t live without? Ullah Johnson dress
TV show or podcast you can’t stop binging? Nobody Wants This
What’s at the top of your Spotify playlist? The 1975
Favorite downtown hotel for a weekend retreat? The Peninsula
Favorite place to escape for the winter? Parker Palm Springs in Palm Springs, California.
Best winter beauty hack? OSEA
Undaria Algae Body Oil & Antiaging Body Balm
The Portrait
Shannon Shader wears a Hunter Bell dress from Lillie Alexander.
Empowered when the outcome is crucial.
NAVIGATING THE COMPLEXITIES OF HIGH NET-WORTH-DIVORCE
Divorce is a complex and emotionally charged process with significant financial and legal ramifications. The stakes are undeniably high, making it crucial for individuals to maintain clarity and a strategic approach throughout. High-net-worth divorce involves intricate asset divisions, complex tax implications, and often, the involvement of multiple professionals such as financial advisors, forensic accountants, private investigators and asset valuation experts.
CLARITY AND SUPPORT
Partnering with Family Law Solutions can provide the clarity and support needed to navigate this challenging terrain. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and experience the difference our approach can make when the outcome is crucial.
Janet E. Boyle Founder and Principal 40 years in Family Law
Finishing Touches
edited by Theresa DeMaria
2 Necklace by David Yurman, $560, davidyurman.com 3 Trudon Hand Soap, $110, lilliealexanderboutique.com Alexis Bittar Solanales Front-Back Double Drop Crystal Earrings, $295, neimanmarcus.com 5 Jane Win Hope Ginko Pendant, $338, lilliealexanderboutique.com 6 BVLGARI 18k Italian Diamond and Gemstone Custom Band Rings, $5,500 - $13,750, raphaeljewelers.com 8 18k Italian Stretch Bracelets with Diamonds and Precious Gems. Starting at $7,200, raphaeljewelers.com 9 Balmain Cuir Elysees Eau de Parfum, $190, neimanmarcus.com 10 Whisper Jenny Bird Penelope Bracelet, $228, lilliealexanderboutique.com 12 Diamond and Cultured Pearl Drop Earrings, $595, razny. neimanmarcus.com 14 Alexis Bittar Solanales Front-Back Double Drop Crystal Earrings, $295, neimanmarcus.com 15 Gold Emerald-Cut Diamond Faux Toggle Rolo Chain Bracelet, $2,990, razny.com 16 Diamond and Malachite Clover Paper Clip Link Gold Necklace, $1,475, razny.com 17 Konstantino Pythia Onyx/Crystal Rectangle Ring with Corundum, $860, neimanmarcus.com 18 Cesta Diamond Stacking Band, $2,200, razny.com 19 Maison Francis Kurkdjian OUD Satin Mood Extrait de Parfum, 2.4 oz., $475, neimanmarcus.com 20 Shinola e Runwell 41MM Watch, $695, bellacosa.com
As the holiday season fills our homes with love, I want to take a moment to extend heartfelt gratitude for your abundant trust in my real estate work. I am thankful for every opportunity to collaborate with you, bring your vision to life, and be a small part of your journey. Happy holidays to you and yours!
Mona Hellinga Luxury Sales Specialist
847-814-1855
mona@atproperties.com
The Good Life
Holiday Stollen Bread
words and photography by Monica Kass Rogers
Everyone knows the Brothers Grimm, but there’s another pair of German brothers to thank for the origins of stollen, the rich, fruit-laden bread that’s become a holiday tradition. In medieval Germany, the Advent season was marked by fasting, and bakers were forbidden to use butter— only oil was allowed. But in 15th-century Saxony, oil was scarce, expensive, and made from turnips (!), so Prince Elector Ernst and his brother, Duke Albrecht, petitioned the Pope in Rome for permission to use butter instead.
!eir request was denied. Repeatedly. It took five popes and nearly 40 years before Pope Innocent VIII finally issued the famous “Butter Letter,” granting Saxon royals the right to use butter. (!e general public could too—but for a fee.)
Centuries later, stollen remains a beloved holiday staple in Germany and beyond. !e Saxon brothers would be pleased to see today’s recipes loaded with butter, dried fruit, and even bits of marzipan. Our version makes four small or three medium loaves—perfect for your holiday table, with enough to share.
MAKES 3 MEDIUM OR 4 SMALL LOAVES
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE BRANDIED FRUIT:
• ¾ cup yellow raisins (sultanas)
• ½ cup black seedless raisins
• ½ cup dried currants OR dried blueberries
• ½ cup finely diced dried pineapple OR candied orange or lemon peel
• 2 Tbsp brandy
FOR THE BREAD:
• !ree individual packets (a bit more than 2 Tbsp) active dried yeast
• 1 cup warm water, divided
• 3 large eggs at room temperature
INSTRUCTIONS
• ¼ cup dried milk powder (non-fat or whole is fine)
• 1 cup sugar, divided
• 1 tsp salt
• Finely-grated zest of one lemon
• Finely-grated zest of one orange
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 16 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 6 to 6 ½ cups unbleached flour
• 1 cup roughly chopped walnuts
• ½ cup marzipan (almond paste) cut into pieces
• 1 cup confectioner’s sugar
PREP BRANDIED FRUIT: Place dried fruit in a medium bowl. In a ½ cup measure, add 2 Tbsp brandy. Fill cup the rest of the way with water. Pour over fruit. Cover fruit with plastic wrap and microwave for one minute. Set bowl aside to cool while you begin the bread.
PREP BREAD DOUGH: In bowl of a stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment dissolve yeast with 1 tsp sugar in ½ cup of the warm water. Bloom for five minutes. One at a time, beat in the 3 eggs and continue beating until foamy.
In a separate bowl, whisk dried milk powder, sugar, salt, citrus zests and vanilla with remaining ½ cup of warm water. Add this to the yeast egg mixture in the mixer bowl. Drain liquid from the plumped fruit into a small bowl, pressing on the fruit to remove as much liquid as possible. On your clean work surface, spread a layer of parchment paper. Pour plumped fruit onto parchment and toss with ½ cup of the flour to coat well. Set aside.
Working one cup at a time, beat 5 cups of flour into the mixer bowl. Beat in 10 Tbsp of the softened butter. Sprinkle 1 cup of flour on work surface. Turn dough out onto the flour and begin folding and kneading until smooth. Flatten dough and cover with some of the floured fruit and chopped walnuts. Fold and knead to incorporate the fruit and nuts into the dough. Repeat with remaining fruit and nuts, sprinkling with flour as needed.
Using your thumb, push holes into the dough and insert the chunks of marzipan. Shape dough into a big round. Oil a large bowl and add the dough, turning to coat. Cover lightly with plastic wrap and place in draft-free spot to rise until doubled in bulk for 2 hours.
Once risen, turn dough onto floured work surface and divide into three, or four pieces. Shape each into an oval. Flatten a bit and fold each almost in half lengthwise (like a Parker House roll.) Melt the remaining 6 Tbsp of butter. Place loaves on greased, parchment-lined baking sheets. Brush loaves with butter. Lightly cover with plastic wrap and allow to rise again for 1 hour. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes until golden brown. Remove from oven, brush with remaining butter and sift confectioners’ sugar over each loaf to coat well. Serve immediately, or cooled and wrapped, the loaves also freeze well.
With over a decade of medical expertise, Licensed Aesthetician Rene Nava has been a vital part of The Warner Institute since 2020, helping shape its renowned Medical Spa and redefine corrective skincare. Passionate about empowering others through aesthetics, Rene’s personalized, innovative approach has earned the trust of countless clients across the Northshore. Constantly refining her craft, she stays at the forefront of advanced aesthetic techniques. Outside the spa, Rene enjoys baking, family time, and relaxing with a good book and a glass of wine.
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Still Blooming A er 65 Years
The Deerpath Garden Club of Lake Forest celebrates a milestone not with nostalgia, but with new energy—and a new generation ready to dig in.
words by Tricia Despres / photography courtesy of Deerpath Garden Club
ONE AFTERNOON EARLIER
THIS FALL, a man bent down over the Telegraph Road Gardens—continuously in bloom under the care of the Deerpath Garden Club—and clipped a single rose.
“It was so very sweet,” says Deerpath Garden Club President Connie Maines of that vision. “We love seeing people use and love these spaces of beautification that we have helped create.”
Certainly, it’s these simple but powerful moments that the members of Deerpath Garden Club feel lucky to witness as they move through Lake Forest and their own lives.
“ e Telegraph Road Gardens at the train station have really evolved over the years,” explains Nancy Stack, who has proudly served as a member of the Deerpath Garden Club for the past 24 years. “It’s really
so different from when it started. Originally it was a daffodil garden, and now it’s so much more—because of us.”
And while the members of the much-loved organization never learned who that man standing among the Telegraph Road Gardens was or why he chose that moment to take home that particular rose, it was in his quiet and thoughtful act that reminded them of their purpose.
But make no mistake––this group isn’t as subdued as one might think.
“I think there is still a little bit of a stigma associated with garden clubs,” laughs Deerpath Garden Club member Sherri Nichols. “I think a lot of people say, ‘yeah, all the old ladies at the Garden Club are having another get together,’ but it’s so much more than that.”
Indeed, the Deerpath Garden Club finds its membership evolving right along with them as they continue to celebrate their 65th anniversary this year. As
Club members Michele Montgomery, Denise Schlax, Mary Carlson, Peg Determan, Connie Maines, and Elaine Loeser
digital fatigue sets in, more and more young people are being drawn to the Garden Club—to learn, to socialize, and to unplug.
“We’re always welcoming new members,” says Nichols, who has been a member of the Deerpath Garden Club for the past 10 years. “And you don’t have to be a gardener to join the club. You just have to have a desire to learn.”
“Civic beautification and horticulture education have been a part of our mission statement since 1960 when the club was organized,” adds Maines, explaining that the group, in partnership with the City of Lake Forest, began as two modest, hand-dug gardens laden with spring flowering bulbs. “And it takes all of us to continue to grow and contribute to keep doing what we do.”
Perhaps one of the most overlooked aspects of the Deerpath Garden Club is how it has grown to become such a philanthropic force in the community and beyond, making significant donations toward not only beautification projects, but also by providing funds for other worthy projects across the North Shore.
“We’re so lucky that the city listens to us,” says Maines. “ ere’s a committee made up of local garden clubs and city representatives that meets every other month. It’s just so important to have the city partnering with us. And now that the Deerpath Road project is almost finished, the city has already asked the garden clubs to come up with other prospective projects that we can start working on.”
And there are many prospective projects swirling in their minds going into 2026.
“We’ve recognized that a lot of people are down-
sizing, so they don’t have as big of gardens as they once did,” explains Stack. “So, we’re looking at some programs that show how to best grow your garden on your terrace or your balcony or your smaller backyard.”
“While we do have some really talented and actually master gardeners in the club, many of the people who have joined in recent years are just people who are interested in learning about gardening,” adds Maines.
And even after 65 years, there’s always something new to learn.
“I tried to grow tomatoes for 45 years, and this summer one of our members brought in some fourto-six-inch seedlings,” exclaims Nichols. “And by god, that thing grew about six feet tall this year and I got huge tomatoes.”
Having the ability to celebrate each other’s successes is yet another reason the members of the Deerpath Garden Club feel so blessed.
“Aren’t we so lucky to live where we live?” concludes Nichols. “We have so many nature preserves and walking paths and people are going outside more to enjoy all the little areas that we’ve put together and put benches at. We see it as an appreciation for what we are doing.”
For more information, visit deerpathgardenclub.org.
Telegraph Road Gardens
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The Making of a Holiday Classic
In a new tell-all tome, the owner of the legendary Home Alone house in Winnetka reflects on a life turned upside down by movie magic 35 years ago.
words by Joe Rosenthal photography by Katrina Wittkamp styling by Theresa DeMaria
Abendshien at the Home Alone Church, Trinity United Methodist Church in Wilmette
WITH ITS BRICK FACADE, curved driveway, prominent dormers, and large complement of windows, the Georgian Revival home at 671 Lincoln Avenue in Winnetka had a curb appeal that immediately tugged on John Abendshien’s heartstrings. It looked like the perfect place to raise a family.
And on top of the home’s charm, the leafy suburb offered a walkable village, great schools, lovely parks, and friendly neighbors.
“We pulled up and looked at this one and I said, ‘that’s our home.’ Something about it just pulled me in,” he recalls.
And so, with little hesitation and considerable excitement, he and his then-wife, Cynthia Demps, signed the paperwork and moved in with their 6-year-old daughter, Lauren, in January of 1989.
As everyone on the North Shore now knows, fate had much more in store for the young family. ink of it as the butterfly effect, with the wing-flapping coming courtesy of none other than movie legend John Hughes.
It’s a story with enough plot twists to be a film in its own right. With the perspective of years and the gift of time following his retirement from a career in health care planning, Abendshien finally put the unique tale down in print, releasing Home But Alone No More just in time for another season of families gathering by the Christmas tree for a traditional showing of the holiday classic Home Alone.
It’s a brisk and thoroughly enjoyable read that brims with stories featuring entertainment royalty and insightful nuggets from Abendshien, whose other book is the 2018 tome Health Care in the Next Curve (catering to a decidedly different demographic, the author notes with a laugh.)
e new book covers everything you’ve ever wanted to know about cinema’s most famous home—from why it was chosen to how it was modified to why it captured the hearts of millions. And it features delightful illustrations by Julia Hagen, a Northfield friend of the Abendshien family who’s best known for her “Every Last Stand” series of paintings depicting classic hot dog joints in Chicago.
Although the film has become a global cultural touchstone, the story of the Home Alone house was nothing if not a slow build.
Abendshien first crossed paths with Hughes’ filmmaking team in the mid-‘80s. He and Cynthia were living in Evanston at the time, and his neighbor’s house was featured in Sixteen Candles. e shoot (and film) went exceptionally well, and the crew came back to the college town on another
The Home Alone house in Winnetka
PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH CROWLEY
mission—this time for Uncle Buck.
e location scout, Jacolyn Bucksbaum, knocked on the Abendshiens’ door, with the thought of possibly featuring their home in the upcoming film. Unfortunately, the young family was about to move to their aforementioned new home in Winnetka. e scouts looked at the new house, but it wasn’t quite right. A few months later, they came back, thinking the home might work for National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Again, a miss. And then, again, came another knock on the door.
is time, director Chris Columbus had come along with Jackie, looking like “a kid who’d found that Christmas would come twice that year,” according to Abendshien. Within a couple of weeks, in December of 1989, the Abendshiens had a contract in hand for $65,000 for usage of the home for 14 weeks for a film called Home Alone. It wasn’t enough money to alter life plans, but a fine pay day for what they thought would be a fun little adventure. e Abendshiens would even live in the house during the shooting.
e long path to a location agreement was just the
beginning of the hurdles for Home Alone. Before the cameras started rolling, the project changed hands between Warner Bros. and 20th Century Fox due to a budget dispute. ere were casting issues, as Daniel Stern held out for more pay before finally signing on to his iconic role alongside fellow “Wet Bandit” Joe Pesci. And then, there was the script.
Abendshien had been given a copy so that he’d
know what was planned and his immediate reaction was as lukewarm as cocoa left sitting on the mantle. e story was improbable and full of pranks and pratfalls. It certainly wasn’t screaming “all-time classic.” In fact, as Abendshien puts it in the book, “I thought the script was nuttier than a squirrel convention.”
Setbacks aside, the cameras ultimately did begin to roll and the Abendshien family had front-row seats as the rough start began to morph into a well-oiled production. It was clear that the casting was pure gold, and their chemistry was unmistakable.
Macaulay Culkin brought the perfect blend of mischief and charm, Catherine O’Hara somehow made the crazy plot twists believable, John Heard hit the right notes as a likable if distracted dad, and Pesci and Stern were nothing short of legendary as scary but bumbling crooks.
” ere was a real teamwork to the whole thing,” Abendshien says. “I could even sense as the filming was going on how the actors were into it.”
As Abendshien recalls it, everything just started to click and it became apparent that they were witnessing something special—right under their roof—even if the blockbuster nature of it all wasn’t clear until he saw the final product at the premiere party and its “genius behind it” became evident.
From their vantage point in their second-floor ”movie cave,” the family bore witness to the cinematic history. Abendshien’s observations are detailed with loving care in the book, and there are many standout moments. e famous sled-down-the-stairs stunt turned into a harrowing experience when stuntman Larry Nicholas completely overshot the landing pad and crashed with a thud on the front lawn. Abendshien was about to call 911 when Nicholas brushed himself off and declared he was ready for another take. ere was cinematographer Julio Macat operating in the pre-CGI era with a tiny camera designed for medical procedures so that he could capture unique angles and movements.
Potato flakes serve as snow during the filming of Home Alone.
And even a surprise visit by the King of Pop himself, Michael Jackson. Abendshien personally entertained Jackson in his study during takes. (Chalk that one up to things you don’t expect when you live on the sleepy North Shore. )
e filming wrapped in February 1990, the house was restored to perfect pre-shoot order, and life returned to normal for the Abendshien family. e movie came out in November of that year, and the initial reviews were quite critical, echoing the homeowner’s original concerns about the flimsy premise.
“ e early reviews were less than flattering,” Abendshien recalls. He writes in the book that e Washington Post found the film “too crass, too loud, and too violent” to be a holiday classic. Even hometown hero Roger Ebert couldn’t muster a lot of good to say about, noting that “all plausibility is gone,” though he did see promise in Culkin’s work.
But something funny happened on the way to film immortality. Because the movie was in limited release (see flagging confidence above), there were lines of
“It’s just a building of inanimate bricks and mortar, but the heart and soul of the movie’s visions has connected with people far and wide…”
moviegoers waiting around the block to see the curious film. Buzz started to spread. Ticket sales started to climb. And the Abendshiens’ world was about to be turned upside down.
“On the weekend of the official release,” he says, “I’m watching TV and out of the corner of my eyes
I see someone looking in the window. It was unbelievable. I thought, ‘my gosh, what’s going on?’” It was, of course, only the beginning of the Abendshiens’ life in their brick-and-glass fishbowl.
With Home Alone becoming a bona fide sensation, staying in theaters for more than 200 days and grossing more than $285 million (a monstrous figure in 1991), and joining the ranks of all-time favorite holiday movies, the interest in the Abendshiens’ home continued to grow. ousands of fans and sightseers from around the globe visit each year, milling around the house (sometimes trespassing), asking questions, snapping photos, and even asking for homeowner autographs. It was a lot more than Abendshien had bargained for, and his frustrations mounted.
”I went through a process of really being obsessive about wanting my privacy,” he recalls. “Resentment’s not quite the right word, but really feeling put upon.”
en somewhere along the line, his frustration turned to gratitude. ere was something about his house—probably the same warmth he saw in it all those years ago—that connected with people, and the big-screen story about youthful independence struck a chord with people, regardless of their background. In fact, it was something that Abendshien could relate to, as he himself grew up “home alone” in a small town in Missouri after his father died and his mom took a night job to support him when he was just 11 years old.
” at’s a fascinating twist of irony there,” he says. “ From the age of 12 on, I was pretty much on my own. Evenings and nights I would fend for myself. As I reflect in the book, you know, I was a little like Kevin.”
Abendshien and his former spouse sold the home in 2012, and he says he has no regrets. But revisiting the story for his book has re-awakened all the memories of that time. Along the way, he’s also been reminded how art and entertainment can connect people across generations, class, culture, and backgrounds. ere are universals in life, even in highly polarized times. Who among us can’t relate to young Kevin McCallister using his wits to fight off pesky villains and help out his troubled neighbor.
“It’s a holiday message of family love and reconciliation,” Abendshien says, getting a little emotional as he reflects. “It’s just a building of inanimate bricks and mortar, but the heart and soul of the movie’s vision has connected with people far and wide for going on four decades. Indeed, there’s a part of 671 Lincoln Avenue that belongs to all of us.”
Abendshien and artist Julia Hagen
Lauren Lichtenstein
A Life That Sparkles
Lake Forest Country Day School parent Lauren Lichtenstein turns everyday objects into luminous works of art.
words by Ann Marie Scheidler / photography by Katrina Wittkamp styling by Theresa DeMaria / hair and makeup by Leanna Ernest
STEP INTO LAUREN LICHTEN-
STEIN’S STUDIO and you’ll find a world that sparkles—literally. Tables are lined with paints, brushes, and bottles covered in thousands of hand-set glass rhinestones that catch the light just so. It’s a space filled with energy and color, the kind that seems to mirror Lichtenstein herself—vibrant, creative, and endlessly curious.
“I guess you could say art is the family business,” she says. “My mom is a makeup artist and my dad is a composer.”
Lichtenstein’s Michigan childhood was deeply rooted in creativity.
“You know how some families always have a ball around and play catch?” she says. “In our house, my dad was always playing and writing music, and my mom was at the MAC counter experimenting with colors and textures.” at early exposure taught her to create without hesitation. “I never thought to judge myself,” she continues. “I just did it. I liked doing it. I didn’t ever think, am I good at this?”
But Lichtenstein’s artistic path wasn’t straightforward. She was “a theater girl” first—studying acting in Santa Barbara before eventually becoming a lawyer.
“As an actor, you have to be given permission to perform—you need to be hired in order to be in a show,” she explains. “And when you’re not hired, what do you do then? You still have to find ways to fulfill your soul and spirit.”
She found fulfillment as a maker over the years in many forms—from large scale acrylic paintings to custom designed sneakers. But her latest venture began one day when she spotted a bottle of Veuve Clicquot and thought, “that would be so cool to paint.”
“It was totally impulsive,” she says. “I hand-painted it first, then started beading it—and I was hooked. ere’s nothing I’d rather be doing.”
Lichtenstein describes her process as part instinct, part puzzle.
“I love to start something and see where it goes,” she says. “My brain loves a mystery.”
Each bottle now takes about three days to complete and can feature more than 20,000 rhinestones—something she discovered after asking ChatGPT to estimate from a photo. “ at’s a lot of time and a lot of glue,” she adds with a laugh.
From champagne to olive oil and perfume bottles, her pieces have become signature gifts for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays.
“When I’m in my studio, time disappears. This is exactly where I’m meant to be.”
“People can drop off a bottle, and I’ll create a design for it,” she says. “Every piece is completely unique.”
Her Deerfield home studio is her happy place.
“Most days, I’m just locked in,” she says. “Time flies. When my husband says he’ll take care of the kids and I get a full day with no interruptions, it’s heaven.”
And if she ever feels stuck, a trip to the art supply store reignites her creative spark. “Every time I go, I can’t wait to get home and make things.”
When asked if she ever allows herself to dream about where her art could take her, Lichtenstein has a thoughtful answer—to collaborate with a brand and bring her bottle art to life through live activations.
“ at would be the ultimate,” she says. “I’ve even created a pitch deck.”
It brings Lichtenstein so much joy to see her creative genes running deep in her family. Her son Mason, 15, is a talented sketch artist who works in pencil and paper, while her daughter Omi, 14, is already making her mark on Chicago’s theater scene—currently rehearsing for White Christmas at Paramount eatre in Aurora.
Mason is a recent graduate from Lake Forest Country Day School and Omi is now there in the eighth grade.
“I have loved our time at Country Day so much,” she says. “ ey have been true partners with my husband and an me in our children’s education. I would never have been able to focus on my work as I have—I have such confidence in that school.”
Lichtenstein wishes there were clubs for artists the way there are for clubs for sports. “It’s such a wonderful thing to be part of a creative community. I’m always amazed at the creativity I discover in our friends and neighbors.”
For now, she’s found that community right where she is—surrounded by family, color, and the joyful hum of creation. “I’m so lucky,” she says. “When I’m in my studio, time disappears. is is exactly where I’m meant to be.”
To learn more about Lauren Lichtenstein’s art or to contact her, visit @lauren.lichtenstein.artist on Instagram.
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Woven Together
Sisters Nora Froelich and Marcella Volini blend artistry, heritage, and heart into their handcra ed lifestyle brand, Sorella Sol.
words by Ann Marie Scheidler / photography by Katrina Wittkamp styling by Theresa DeMaria / hair and makeup by Leanna Ernest
Marcella wears Carolina Herrera and Nora wears
Toccin from Neiman Marcus Northbrook
“It’s so fun developing prints from nothing,” says Volini. “It feels personal.”
CREATIVITY RUNS DEEP for sisters Nora Froelich and Marcella Volini. Raised in a lively household of 12 children—seven girls and five boys—with an Irish mother and Italian father who filled their home with music, art, and culture, the two sisters grew up immersed in beauty and imagination.
“When I was 13, I told my dad I wanted to be an artist,” Volini remembers. “ e very next day, my parents introduced me to someone and said, ‘ is is Marcella. She’s an artist.’ ey were so validating. I don’t know how they did it—carting 12 kids to the Art Institute or the opera—but they did. We were so lucky.” at sense of encouragement and shared vision carried into adulthood. ough 10 years apart in age— Froelich is number six in the lineup, and Volini the youngest—the sisters have always shared an instinctive connection.
“Sorella Sol officially launched a year ago,” Froelich says. We’ve had businesses together before—our first one was when I was 25 and Marcella was just 15.”
It was that early venture, a ready-to-wear clothing line, that took them to New York and Los Angeles, with their designs featured in Lucky magazine.
“It’s wild to think about now,” Volini laughs. “I was in high school, traveling to trade shows with my big sister.”
Two decades later, they’ve reunited for their latest creative chapter: Sorella Sol, a lifestyle brand rooted in their shared love of textiles, travel, and meaningful design. e name itself is a nod to their roots—sorella means “sister” in Italian, and sol honors their father.
“It’s a fiery combination,” Froelich says with a smile. “An Irish mom and an Italian dad—it makes sense.”
With Froelich in Lake Forest and Volini in Philadelphia, distance has only deepened their collaboration. Together, they design block-printed tote bags, handstitched table linens, and a growing range of accessories—each piece created in partnership with skilled artisans in India.
“India is the mecca of textiles,” Volini says. “You can have an idea in the morning and see it come to fruition later that day. It’s magical.”
eir process blends Volini’s fine arts background with Froelich’s intuitive sense of audience and merchandising.
“Marcella handles production—she’s the artist,” Froelich explains. “I focus on sales and connecting with people. We each lean into what we’re good at.”
Marcella block-prints textile designs on a recent trip to India
“Our parents always said: do what makes you happy,… that’s what we’re doing”
eir designs are rich with story. One of their most beloved prints—a playful goat pattern— was inspired by the goats at Elawa Farm in Lake Forest.
“It’s so fun developing prints from nothing,” says Volini. “It feels personal.” at local connection continues through community partnerships.
“We didn’t realize how much we’d be able to give back,” Froelich says. “We’ve done pop-ups that have supported organizations like Elawa, Infant Welfare Society, and the Holocaust Museum. Giving back wasn’t part of our original business plan as we’re just starting out, but it’s been such a beautiful, unexpected surprise.” e response has been heartwarming.
“ is community has been so supportive,” says Froelich. “And honestly, I love the holiday rush. It doesn’t feel like work—it’s just part of life. My kids help, my husband helps, Marcella’s husband helps—it’s a family
effort.”
Now in their first full year of business, Sorella Sol’s products are available in seven states, with plans to expand further after the holidays. Locally, you can find Sorella Sol at Elawa Farm’s Market Shop and at Homey, 2110 W. Division in Chicago.
“We’re evolving into a lifestyle brand,” says Volini. “We have greeting card box sets coming soon—all featuring my artwork. We love the gifting space.” eir work ethic and synergy have made the journey joyful rather than stressful.
“I know how Nora’s going to respond before I even share something,” Volini says. “And I trust her instincts. Unless I’m really sure about an idea, I don’t push back.” at mutual respect and encouragement echo the lessons they learned from their parents—and the legacy they hope to pass to their nieces.
“ ey think we’re pretty cool,” Froelich laughs. “We want them to see that you don’t have to go get a corporate job. You can turn your creativity into a career.”
Volini agrees. “Our parents always said: do what makes you happy,” she says. “ at’s what we’re doing. And getting to do it with my sister makes it even better.”
To learn more about Sorella Sol, visit shopsorellasol.com.
The Ru e Pillow Sham
The Tiger Tote
SOCIAL LIFE
BAGPIPES & BONFIRE
photography by Ian McLeod
On September 28, Scottish bagpipers played while Highland dancers performed and skydivers dressed in kilts landed center stage at Lake Forest Open Lands Association’s (LFOLA) annual fundraiser, Bagpipes & Bonfire. An estimated 1,750 attendees enjoyed dinner, live music, and the Highland Athlete competition at this beloved annual event, which culminated with the lighting of the massive bonfire at dusk at Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve. LFOLA thanks its presenting sponsor, Northern Trust, and event co-chairs Nancy and Ron Fletcher of Lake Forest. lfola.org
The Nippert Family
Jill and Ryan London
Taylor Davie, Sam Davie
Susan Bouma, Whitley Bouma Herbert
Lori and Bill Hunter Kendall and Ty Maras
Nancy Fletcher, Tricia Wood
The Wynn Family
The Morton Family
The Bernardi Family
Ron and Nancy Fletcher, Kate, Nick, Alice and Caroline Morgan
The Shaw and Magnussen Families
Dr. Erin and Mike Lenart
Dr. Mark and Dr. Karen Mass, Roseanne Pompe
The Grace Family
Paula Lillard, Luke Back, Lynn Jensen
Amy Davidson, Shelley Johnstone Paschke
SCAN ME
KEEPING IT REAL
photography by Robin Subar
On September 18, Lillie Alexander partnered with e RealReal for an exclusive shopping experience. Attendees consigned their luxury pieces, shopped curated collections from both brands, and enjoyed refreshments alongside special discounts and exclusive giveaways. lilliealexanderboutique.com
Caroline Miller, Madison Williams
Julie Barry
Catherine Montanari, Lauren Peters
Lindsay McFarlane
Catherine Waldeck , Madison Williams
Madison Williams, Olivia Pulley
Madison Williams, Michelle Hirshfield
Kristi Nevi, Caroline Miller
SOCIAL LIFE LFHS ALUMNI
PARTY
photography
by Ian McLeod
Alumni celebrated the 90th anniversary of Lake Forest High School (LFHS) on Saturday, September 20, with food trucks, beverages, and live music from favorite LFHS bands. bit.ly/LFHS90th
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The Bernardi Family
Former teachers Ray Kracik, Roger Hartmann
Kristy Williams Basinger, Julie Tanner Wehmeyer, Kathie Borghans Johnson
Jim Dinou, Kristin Ruswick, Dana Baldwin Dayner
Class Of 1989
WRAPPING UP A HISTORIC YEAR
THE AVERAGE SALE PRICE IN LAKE FOREST SURPASSED THE HISTORIC HIGH IN DECEMBER 2023 * THE AVERAGE NUMBER OF DAYS A HOME IS ON THE MARKET DROPPED 37% SINCE MAY 0F 2021 * THE MEDIAN SOLD PRICE ROSE 53% FROM NOVEMBER OF 2020 TO OCTOBER 2025! *
*MRED, LLC, includes all closed sales in Lake Forest for all detached single homes and all brokerages, 11/2020-10/2025 IT’S THE SEASON FOR NEW BEGINNINGS — MAKE YOUR MOVE NOW!
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PUBLISHER’S PROFILE
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IS ESSENTIAL TO HEALTHY AGING
WORDS BY CHIRAG PATEL, M.D., CEO, HANSA MEDICAL GROUPE / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS
s we get older, our energy levels decrease, our bones become frail, and our risk of falling increases. Having a smart exercise regime is an important health recommendation we instruct our senior patients to prevent some of these problems.
EARLY DETECTION SAVES LIVES.
It’s important for seniors to stay active and move more and sit less during any given day. Moderate intensity activities include walking briskly (Three miles per hour speed), water aerobics, biking, tennis, ballroom dancing, and general gardening. Vigorous intensity exercise includes race walking, swimming laps, jump roping, heavy gardening or uphill hiking.
cising briefly to take your pulse. You can take your pulse at your neck, wrist, or chest. We recommend the wrist. You can feel the radial pulse on the artery of the wrist in line with the thumb. Place the tips of the index and middle fingers over the artery and press lightly. Do not use the thumb as it has its own pulse. Take a full 60-second count of the heartbeat or take for 30 seconds and multiply by two.
The recommendation for older adults is around 30 minutes, five days per week of moderate intensity activity like brisk walking. Along with this, two days a week of muscle strengthening and improving balance type exercises.
Seniors may have limitations to exercise from medical problems like hip fractures, stroke, or osteoarthritis. Physical therapy can be an important resource to help design a specific exercise program that fits the limitations. Many of the senior communities we visit our patients in, have great exercise programs, gait and balance activities, and on-site physical therapy.
MAMMOGRAM - ABUS - ULTRASOUND - DEXA
A good way to measure your intensity is by the target heart rate. We estimate between 64-76 percent of the maximum heart rate. For moderate-intensity physical activity, the age-related heart rate would be calculated as 220-50 = 170 beats per minute (bpm). 64 to 76 percent of that level would be 109 to 129 bpm. For vigorous-intensity physical activity the percentages are higher at 77 to 93 percent or 142 to 172 bpm in that same example.
It is important to know how to check your heartrate. First, stop exer-
LPublisher’s Profile
WORDS BY STEVEN BLOCH, M.D. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS
PLASTIC SURGERY UPDATE: Bespoke Facelift
ooking your best takes work. Aging is inevitable. At some point, our reflection in the mirror looks older than we feel. This creates anxiety. We can either ignore it or seek the advice of a plastic surgeon.
As part of a consultation, a thorough evaluation is made of the face. Not everyone ages the same. Factors to be assessed include laxity of skin; loss of volume; excess volume; underlying bone structure; skin texture and wrinkles; position of eyebrows; position of cheeks; appearance of eyes; laxity of neck including platysmal bands and submental fat; and appearance of the lips.
The patient’s desires and concerns are paramount. A mutual plan must be agreed upon, costs must be considered, and risks assessed. I must also determine if the patient is realistic.
A bespoke facelift involves more than just tightening the skin. To create a natural look, what is done beneath the skin is important. At a deeper plane the soft tissue may need to be repositioned. Platysmal
There are great ways to be physically active while still socially distancing. These include household chores, increase activity or exercise while watching TV, or outdoor activities like walking, light to moderate yard work, and house cleaning. Working closely with your physician is also very important. This will help maximize exercise goals while protect you from further potential injury.
Hansa Medical Groupe has offices at 5250 Old Orchard Road, Suite 300, in Skokie, and in Chicago, 847-920-0902, hansamedicalgroupe.com.
neck bands should be addressed. Jowls are lifted. Buccal fat may need to be reduced. Volume or fat grafting may be indicated. Excess fat needs to be removed and the area sculpted. Repositioning of the eyebrows, usually elevation may be warranted. Occasionally the upper lip needs to be shortened. I might have to remove excess skin and underlying bags around the eyes, and this is typically done at the same time. Sometimes fat is added along the rim or upper cheek. Finally, the skin may need to be resurfaced to address fine lines and wrinkles. If everything is done correctly, the result should be a more youthful, refreshed look. It should not look “operated” on.
Once you’ve completed your facelift it’s important to maintain it. At our Med Spa, we have a host of treatments that can slow the aging process and enhance one’s appearance. If that person in the mirror is older than you feel, perhaps it’s time to come in for a consultation.
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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UNITED IS THE WAY TO A STRONGER LAKE COUNTY
Helping children, families, and neighbors thrive—together.
At United Way of Lake County, we close gaps and open opportunities so our neighbors can thrive. Your gift stays local, helping children succeed in school, families access vital resources, and our community grow stronger. Thanks to supporters like you, 34,000+ Lake County residents received life-changing help last year.
The Last Word
Miracle Worker
Scott Shallenbarger directs Miracle on South Division Street,a warm-hearted, holiday-centric play at Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest.
words by Bill McLean / illustration by Tom Bachtell
Scott Shallenbarger’s holiday card to family, friends, and theater lovers this year won’t fit in a post office mailbox. A stage play—he’s directing Citadel eatre’s Miracle on South Division Street—needs considerably more room than that. “I can’t wait to send my ‘card’ this holiday season,” says the amiable, impassioned Shallenbarger of the heartfelt comedy that’s set on Christmas Eve and features four relatable members of the Nowak family of Buffalo, New York. e play spotlights family, faith, hilarious truths, and forgiveness. Legend has it that in 1943, the Virgin Mary appeared before the family patriarch, a barber, and gave him a message to spread world peace. e haircutter fashioned a 17-foot-tall statue of the Blessed Mother and placed it outside the family home. Citadel eatre’s 90-minute, no-intermission
production—written by Tom Dudzick, a native of Buffalo—also includes a twist via a deathbed confession that will put pretzels worldwide to shame. e Nowak kitchen serves as the play’s lone setting at the Lake Forest venue. “It’ll be incredibly entertaining,” promises Shallenbarger, a Highland Park resident and the former longtime director of the Highland Park High School (HPHS) theater department. “And I wonder,” he writes in his director’s note, “Is this the only miracle on South Division Street? Is the word ‘miracle’ limited to holy sightings?” Divisiveness in the world pains Shallenbarger. Storytelling has the power to heal, he strongly believes. “Is it a miracle when we choose to be curious about what we don’t understand, versus disparaging the unfamiliar?” continues the 2017 Golden Apple Award winner in his director’s note. “Is it a miracle when someone opens their heart and offers unconditional acceptance? Perhaps it is a miracle when we offer our light to someone walking in their darkness.” Shallenbarger walked the halls of Woodstock High School and performed in high school and community theater plays as a teen before honing his craft at Illinois State University (undergrad) and Northwestern University. He retired from his post at HPHS in 2023, after 33 years. “Loved every second of my time there,” says Shallenbarger, now a freelance director who also mentors young theater teachers. “ ere’s such a great arts scene on the North Shore, along with the commitment to arts education.” His favorite season? e one that lets him utter “’Tis,” followed by, “the.” It’s the season of light. Shallenbarger, like the poet Rumi, insists there’s inner brilliance in all of us—brilliance that’s capable of heartening others. Wrote Rumi, in the 13th century: “If everything around seems dark, look again: You may be the light.” When A Miracle on South Division Street ends and audience members enter the lobby and linger, what does Shallenbarger hope to see in every corner?
“People hugging,” he says.
Miracle on South Division Street runs through December 14, at Citadel eatre, 300 South Waukegan Road, Lake Forest. For showtimes and ticket information, visit citadeltheatre.org or call 847-735-8554.
Lake Forest Welcomes a New Standard in Real Estate.
Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty brings its signature blend of global reach and boutique service to the Lake Forest community.
Our new Lake Forest office is designed as a gathering place for advisors and clients alike, where meaningful connections lead to extraordinary results.
