Forest & Bluff, May 2025 by JWC Media

GOOD THINGS HAPPEN

Starting a new chapter, the Mather family embraces life in Lake Forest.

LYON 847.828.9991 alyon@atproperties.com Multimillion dollar producer and award winning agent for 20 years. Bachelor of Architecture. Practiced architecture for 20 years.

595 CIRCLE LANE LAKE FOREST

5 + 1 BEDS, 6.3 BATHS, 22 CAR GARAGE // $27,500,000

This magnificent Lake Forest estate o ers over 5.27 acres with 570 feet of pristine Lake Michigan frontage and a private cove beach. Completed in 2019 after four years of meticulous planning and construction, the 10,000 SF residence (plus 5,000 SF of exquisitely finished lower-level space) features 5 luxurious en-suite bedrooms, a stunning Christopher Peacock kitchen, state-of-the-art theater, wine cellar, spa treatment room, elevator, expansive pool and spa and new boat house accessible via the gated drive or the estate’s historic limestone staircase. With 7200 SF of heated garage space for 22 cars, it’s a dream for collectors. Premium amenities include smart home technology, geothermal heating and cooling, radiant heat floors on all levels, and breathtaking panoramic lake views. Every inch of this extraordinary home reflects timeless elegance, impeccable craftsmanship, and the very best in luxury living.

930 E ROSEMARY ROAD LAKE FOREST

8 BEDS, 8.2 BATHS // $14,975,000

A rare opportunity to own one of the Midwest’s most iconic estates near Lake Michigan. This nearly 9-acre property features a Georgian main house, coach house, guest house, pool, pool house, conservatory, and 21 breathtaking garden “rooms.” Originally designed in 1904 by famed architect Benjamin H. Marshall and expanded in the 1990s by Thomas Beeby, the estate blends Prairie School and Italianate influences with exquisite architectural details. Landscaped by legends including Rose Standish Nichols, Deborah Nevins, and Rosemary Verey, the grounds showcase bentgrass lawns, lush ravines, millefleur gardens, manicured hedges, and mature trees. A decade-long renovation preserved the estate’s historic elegance. Features include Berger Jewell floors, soaring ceilings, intricate millwork, and a grand bifurcated staircase. With elevator access to all four levels and refined interiors, this timeless estate is a true masterpiece of landscape and design.

111 N MAYFLOWER ROAD LAKE FOREST

7 BEDS, 6.1 BATHS // $6,250,000

This historic 1914 lakefront home on 4+ acres boasts 300 feet of private beachfront with 7 bedrooms, 6.1 bathrooms, 6 ﬁreplaces, original millwork, and high ceilings. The gourmet kitchen features commercial-grade appliances and Butler’s pantries, while the family room showcases stunning Lake Michigan views.

964

LAKE ROAD LAKE FOREST

5 BEDS, 5.2 BATHS // $4,149,000

Beautifully updated brick and limestone home on prestigious Lake Road, near Forest Park and the beach, thoughtfully designed with custom millwork, sun-ﬁlled rooms, a gourmet kitchen, and a spacious primary suite. Set among towering evergreens with a private, landscaped yard, it o ers timeless elegance in an exceptional location.

NEW LISTING

1227 KAJER LANE LAKE FOREST

5 BEDS, 5.2 BATHS // $1,700,000

Updated 5-bed, 5.2-bath home in Arbor Ridge on a .58-acre cul-de-sac lot overlooking Everett Park. Features include hardwood ﬂoors, high ceilings, a spacious kitchen, luxurious primary suite, ﬁnished lower level with theater room, and 3-car garage. Enjoy a large deck with hot tub and easy access to parks, schools, train, and shops.

NEW PRICE

This completely updated home built by David Adler on over 8 acres, blends Parisian elegance with modern luxury, featuring a grand foyer, formal living and dining rooms, a state-of-the-art kitchen, and a coach house with a guest apartment, pool, privacy and beautifully landscaped grounds throughout.

FOREST 5+1 BEDS, 6.2 BATHS // $3,449,000

Designed by Tony Grunsfeld, this spectacular modern home on 1.41 private acres features floor-to-ceiling windows, a luxurious firstfloor primary suite, gourmet kitchen, and custom details throughout. Surrounded by nature with access to Open Lands and Middlefork Trails near Elawa Farm, it o ers refined living, privacy and stunning views.

NEW LISTING

2.5+ acres with 292 feet of protected beach on Lake Michigan. This updated home has a 180-degree view of Lake Michigan w/an updated guest house, party barn, & extensive 2+ car garage. Spend the summer on your own private beach only 2.15 hours from Lake Forest or use as an income producing opportunity! You will fall in love with this setting!

GET PREMIER WITH PREMIER CHECKING

1. Early Pay. Early Pay allows eligible direct deposits for consumer accounts to be credited to your account up to 2 days early. Early availability is not guaranteed and is determined based on receipt of payer information and standard fraud prevention monitoring. Direct deposit is a payment made by a government agency, employer, or other third-party organization via electronic deposit, but does not include teller/ATM/mobile or remote deposits, wire transfers, digital banking/ telephone transfers between accounts at Wintrust Financial Corporation (‘WTFC’), external transfers from accounts at other financial institutions, peer-to-peer network payments like Zelle® or Venmo, or debit card transfers & deposits. 2. Premier Checking Fees. $25 monthly maintenance fee – waived with either i) average daily balance of $10,000, or ii) combined average relationship balance of $75,000 per monthly statement cycle. Relationship balances include owned consumer checking, savings, money market, and certificate of deposit including retirement and MaxSafe® deposits held directly with the same charter bank. Fees may reduce earnings. 3. ATM Fees. No 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. 4. Bank Specialty Checks. Style & quantity restrictions apply. 5. Interest Rate Bonus. Must have a common account owner on both the Statement Savings Advanced account(s) and the Premier Checking account(s) with the same charter. Both accounts must remain open and maintain a common account owner to receive the interest rate bonus. Rate increase is e ective the next business day after the second account is opened. 6. Premier Checking Bonus Information. O er valid for accounts opened 2/1/24 – 7/31/25. O er not available to existing or closed checking account customers of WTFC & its subsidiaries or employees. Limit 1 bonus payment per customer, regardless of number of accounts opened; may only be received from 1 WTFC location. O er combinable with any WTFC savings o er. Bonus payment subject to IRS 1099-INT reporting & may be considered income for tax purposes. 7. Premier Checking Bonus Qualifications. (i) Open new Premier Checking account; (ii) mention o er during in-branch account opening, visit URL provided, or enter Echecking300 when applying online; (iii) have direct deposits totaling at least $500 per month made to the new account for 2 consecutive calendar months after the calendar month the new account was opened (‘Qualification Period’); & (iv) enroll in online banking & e-statements within the Qualification Period. Your account opening date is the business day that we open your account. If your account is opened on a non-business day (weekends and federal holidays), your account opening date is the next business day. Direct deposit is a payment made by a government agency, employer, or other third-party organization via electronic deposit, but does not include teller/ ATM/mobile or remote deposits, wire transfers, digital banking/telephone transfers between accounts at WTFC, external transfers from accounts at other financial institutions, peer-to-peer network payments like Zelle® or Venmo, or debit card transfers & deposits. New account must be open & have a balance greater than $0 to receive bonus payment. Balance determined as of end of each business day as funds

AS WE 25 YEARS OF BEING

PART OF THE HEART OF CHICAGOLAND

WE’RE FILLED WITH

THAT YOU’VE CHOSEN US TO BE PART OF

celebrate gratitude your story

Live in this historic treasure! Su eld House, one of architect David Adler's most beautiful and important country homes, and certainly one of the most desirable homes along Chicago's North Shore. Please inquire about long or short term rentals.

Exciting opportunity to own this expansive custom home with all-brick exterior in Lake Blu ’s Belle Foret subdivision. Built in 2004 by RiverBend Timber Framing LLC, this unique timber-framed home features soaring timber trusses, volume ceilings, hardwood ﬂoors, and large windows that provide abundant natural light.

ROOM WITH A VIEW

A Lake Forest Open Lands’ membership offers you the best seat in the house. Enjoy a hike with friends and family, watch a beautiful spring sunset or join us at Cattails & Cocktails for comfort food and s’mores by the ﬁre and celebrate “Camp LFOLA” on Friday, May 16!

Make your reservation today and become a member!

CAMP LFOLA

FEATURES

GROWTH MODE

The Mather family is new to Lake Forest, but already well acquainted with its charms and limitless potential.

IT’S A VIBE

Lake Forest’s Lillie Alexander Boutique creates a personal connection with its customers that keeps them coming back.

NOTHING BITTY ABOUT THIS BALM

Frustrated with the lack of clean and simple beauty products available on the market, Maggie Schmieder took ingredients into her own hands and made Bitty Balm.

S’MORES

AND MORE

Lake Forest Open Lands Association’s popular Cattails & Cocktails event supports its ongoing preservation programs.

ON THE COVER

Gardner and Jessi Mather at their Lake Forest home.

Photography by Maria Ponce

Styling by Theresa DeMaria

Hair and Makeup by Leanna Ernest

ON THIS PAGE

Social Media maven Jenifer Speer wears Leo Lin from The Lake Forest Shop.

Photography by Katrina Wittkamp

Styling by Theresa DeMaria

Hair and Makeup by Leanna Ernest

Editor’s Note

When my family and I moved to the North Shore years ago, I remember our realtor saying, “I’m not going to find you the perfect house. I’m finding you the best neighbors.” And that she did. We landed across the street from the Williams family, a magical Australian couple with two precocious children. No matter the weather, a Williams was outside—picnicking on the front lawn, playing in a puddle, hatching butterflies, or creating a castle out of Amazon boxes.

e Mather family on our cover this month reminds me of my Australian friends across the street. ey’ve weathered some serious personal challenges, but instead of retreating, they’re playing outside—embracing life and bringing their special brand of joy to Lake Forest. Turn to Growth Mode to meet this remarkable family.

In honor of Mother’s Day, this issue of Forest & Blu also highlights the work of some remarkable local women. Maggie Schmieder turned frustration into innovation by creating a line of clean beauty products called Bitty Balm. Read about

how her daughters inspired her entrepreneurial journey in Nothing Bitty About is Balm.

We get an update on Lake Forest’s Lillie Alexander boutique in It’s a Vibe. As the boutique’s new owner, Lauren Peters is prioritizing personalized shopping experiences—think a curated denim bar, digital closet services that connect recent purchases with customers’ existing wardrobes, a new website, and more.

We speak with Jenifer Speer in e Portrait. is social media guru behind the Lake Forest Showhouse & Garden’s marketing campaign shares what inspires her—both online and in real life.

In e Last Word, we celebrate Sue Peecher, a beloved teacher at First Presbyterian Preschool in Lake Forest. Students recently planted a tree in Peecher’s honor, marking her decades of outstanding service to the school.

Lastly, make sure to save the date for Cattails & Cocktails, Lake Forest Open Lands Association’s popular fundraiser on May 16. Details can be found in S’mores & More. On a related note, May is jam-packed with social events. Turn to About Town for an overview.

I hope you enjoy this issue and I wish you a happy Mother’s Day!

ERIN DONALDSON Editor in Chief

erin@jwcmedia.com

@forest&blu mag

Bitty Balm’s all natural product line by Maggie Schmieder

Lily Fitzgerald, head stylist at Lillie Alexander Boutique

Find your healthy place

ACU TE CARE

KEMMIE

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

RYAN

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

JENNIFER STURGEON ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

EDITOR IN CHIEF ERIN DONALDSON

EXECUTIVE PROJECTS DIRECTOR KEMMIE RYAN

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS MICHELE CROWE, DUSTIN O’REGAN, MEGAN WEISBERG

SENIOR FASHION EDITOR THERESA DEMARIA

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS MONICA KASS ROGERS, BILL MCLEAN, JOE ROSENTHAL, ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER

PRODUCTION MANAGER/GRAPHIC DESIGNER LINDA LEWIS

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER

NATALIE PHILLIPS

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS ABDON LOERA, SAM SUAREZ

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS BRIAN CAREY, HEIDI CLIFTON, LAUREN ELIZABETH, MONICA KASS ROGERS, IAN MCLEOD, SASHA PASECHNIK, MARIA PONCE, ROBIN SUBAR, KATRINA WITTKAMP

CONTRIBUTING ILLUSTRATOR TOM BACHTELL

ADVERTISING SALES JENNIFER STURGEON, GRETCHEN BARNARD

ADVISORY COUNCIL PIM ALLEY, WHITLEY BOUMA HERBERT, KATE HOLLAND, BROOKE TAGLIAFERRO

HOW TO REACH FOREST & BLUFF MAGAZINE

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES jennifer@jwcmedia.com

GENERAL INQUIRIES 847-926-0911

EDITORIAL EMAIL erin@jwcmedia.com

EDITORIAL TELEPHONE 847-857-9947 ON THE WEB jwcmedia.com

NORTH SHORE HQ 671 ACADEMY DRIVE NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS 60062

FOREST & BLUFF IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY

MAKE THE SHIFT FROM DREAD TO DREAM

“ is isn’t therapy, and it’s not AI. is work changed my life. I came in thinking I needed to x my business. What I actually needed was to stop hiding and start trusting myself. Dave helped me do that.”

Executive coaching for Lake Forest and Lake Blu ’s high-achieving midlife men.

• Feeling stuck or lost

• Leadership roadblocks

• Self-doubt

• Loss and grief (job, relationship, family)

• Indecision or worry about what’s next

• Imposter Syndrome

Ready to shi your story?

DAVE O’CONNOR Owner, Coach

Schedule a con dential conversation at:

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

market, local

Spotting a gap in the

entrepreneur Maggie Schmieder created Bitty Balm—a line of clean, “no-makeup” makeup. Here Schmieder wears an ALC dress from Neiman Marcus Northbrook.

ARTISTRY

IN BLOOM Monacello’s new book, e Art of Fine Gardening showcases the work of Craig Bergmann, a pioneering landscape designer whose innovative gardens have deﬁned Chicago’s North Shore since the 1970s. Renowned for his mastery of horticulture and architectural sensitivity, Bergmann creates emotionally resonant gardens inspired by English, Asian, Mediterranean, and North African traditions. Featuring hundreds of vibrant photographs by Scott Shigley, the book explores Bergmann’s diverse portfolio—including his own Lake Forest property with its sculptural hedges, classical ornaments, and harmonious plant communities. lakeforestbookstore.com

The Good Life The Buzz

WHEN IN FRANCE Not that we need more convincing to go to Paris, but this year the Louvre Museum hosts its ﬁrst major fashion exhibition, Louvre Couture, drawing inspiration from both decorative arts and French history. Collaborating with renowned fashion houses such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Louis Vuitton, the museum showcases 100 exquisite pieces throughout its iconic galleries. e exhibition’s unique blend of art history and fashion provides visitors with a fresh perspective on design, available to explore through July. louvre.fr/en/ exhibitions-and-events

GOLD COAST GLOW UP

Chicago’s beloved Talbott Hotel is showing oﬀ a stunning makeover as it joins Marriott Bonvoy’s Autograph Collection. is 1927 Gold Coast gem has spruced up all 178 rooms with cozy warm tones and blush accents that blend old-school charm with modern luxury. e refreshed spaces feature cool antiques sourced locally, while the new Mediterranean hotspot LAUREL (which opened last spring) has already become a neighborhood favorite. With art inspired by the Art Institute of Chicago and intimate gathering spots throughout, the Talbott remains the perfect chic retreat for visitors and locals alike. talbottchicago.com

Balenciaga

Givenchy

Caption

Talbott Hotel

About Town May Flowers

LAKE FOREST SHOWHOUSE & GARDENS

WHEN: April 26 to May 25

WHERE: Free shuttle service from downtown Lake Forest

Forty-ﬁve interior and landscape designers will transform a 30room, limestone Georgian-style estate set on 3.5 acres for the 20th production of the Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens. Originally built in 1895, the Lake Forest home was historically known as Pembroke Lodge and includes a pool house and pool designed by David Adler in 1935, a tennis court with a warming hut, and a reﬂecting pond with English walled gardens. lakeforestshowhouse.com

PLAY FOR LITERACY GAME NIGHT

WHEN: May 7

WHERE: Ravinia Green Country Club

Reading Power Inc. is excited to announce its inaugural Play for Literacy Game Night at Ravinia Green Country Club on Wednesday, May 7. Whether you prefer mahjong, hearts, Scrabble, chess, or another game, bring your favorite for an enjoyable evening ﬁlled with dinner, dessert, local shopping, exciting door prizes, and a cash bar. Your participation will help Reading Power Inc. further its mission of fostering the promise of literacy and empowering future generations. To purchase tickets, visit readingpowerinc.org

GARDENING 2 GROW MARKET

WHEN: May 10

WHERE: Market Square

Start your day at Gardening 2 Grow’s outdoor market, open from 9 a.m. to noon, with locally made treats, seeds, Mother’s Day gifts, crafts for kids and more. Proceeds support Gardening 2 Grow’s mission of fostering community by supporting hands-on learning through the gardening programs in all of our District 67 schools. gardening2grow.wordpress.com/

PADDLE CLUB SPRING TOURNAMENT

WHEN: May 10

WHERE: Lake Forest Club e Spirit of 67 Foundation hosts it Paddle Club spring tournament on May 10 at Lake Forest Club. Paddle players are invited to register with a partner for the Red Robin Tournament. Spectators can relax and take in all the action from the sidelines while enjoying food, live music, raﬄes, games and more. Proceeds beneﬁt the Spirit of 67 Foundation. paddleclub2025. givesmart.com

RITA HAYWORTH GALA

WHEN: May 10

WHERE: Old Post Oﬃce, Chicago e gala honors the legendary Rita Hayworth and her courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. e evening celebrates the progress made by the Alzheimer’s Association while looking toward a future of hope and advancement. Hosted by Princess Yasmib Aga Khan, Hayworth’s daughter and Honorary Vice Chair of the Alzheimer’s Association, along with gala chairs Rozmin and Ebrahim Valliani, the event brings together supporters to raise awareness and funds for continued research and care. alz.org/chicagogala

BOIL & BBQ SPRING DINNER

WHEN: May 10

WHERE: e Church of the Holy Spirit, Lake Forest e Church of the Holy Spirit hosts its annual Boil & BBQ, beneﬁtting the church’s mission and outreach eﬀorts that have long worked to serve those in need across northern Lake County, the metropolitan Chicago area, and the world. Enjoy a delicious Low Country Boil and BBQ by chefs Todd Stoner and Grant Basiliere, bluegrass by Sunnyside Up, a live auction, and fellowship for everyone. chslf.org/missionandoutreach

RUSH WOMAN’S BOARD’S 30TH ANNUAL SPRING LUNCHEON

WHEN: May 12

WHERE: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

For three decades, the Rush Woman’s Board has welcomed awardwinning actors and directors, first ladies, and distinguished journalists and politicians, among others, to its highly anticipated annual spring luncheon. Its 30th year will be no exception, with best-selling author and essayist Anne Lamott sharing her signature insight, ruthless honesty, and self-effacing humor. Proceeds benefit e Woman’s Board Endowed Fund for Research and Clinical Trials at Rush and community engagement programs. thewomansboard.org

JOSSELYN SPRING LUNCHEON

WHEN: May 15

WHERE: Northmoor Country Club

Enjoy curated boutique shopping and delicious food with friends while learning more about Josselyn’s impact in the community. Since 1951, Josselyn has worked to ensure that everyone has equitable access to the highest quality mental health care. All proceeds beneﬁt Josselyn’s youth programs and services. josselyn.org

CATTAILS & COCKTAILS

WHEN: May 16

WHERE: Mellody Farm Nature Preserve

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

MORE THAN A NOVEL AFFAIR

WHEN: May 17

WHERE: Ragdale Campus

Ragdale’s signature event will feature a curated group of celebrated writers, a cocktail party, pop-up

On Exhibit About Town

performances, and seated dinners with featured authors on Ragdale’s beautiful and historic campus. ragdale.org

BOOK LOVERS’ LUNCH

WHEN: May 30

WHERE: Bernie’s Book Bank

On Friday, May 30, enjoy an exclusive and inspiring afternoon with Shelby Van Pelt, the bestselling author of Remarkably Bright Creatures. e program features a captivating talk by Van Pelt, a delicious lunch, and an engaging audience Q&A— all in support of Bernie’s Book Bank, a local nonproﬁt dedicated to transforming children’s lives through book ownership. berniesbookbank.org

SUMMER SOIRÉE: LA DOLCE VITA

WHEN: May 30

WHERE: Saddle & Cycle Club, Chicago

Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, Summer Soirée: Anchors Aweigh, e Woman’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital looks forward to hosting its spring fundraiser, Summer Soirée: La Dolce Vita. e evening will transport guests to a night on the Italian Riviera with culinary delights and dancing under the stars.

Book Bank

ROSLYN SMITH’S “PURE BLISS” THE GALLERY

202 E. Wisconsin Avenue, Lake Forest Through June Roslyne Smith’s new exhibition “Pure Bliss” debuts at e Gallery in Lake Forest through June. Drawing inspiration from Smith’s travels across South Africa, Australia, and the United States, the collection showcases intuitive artwork that celebrates joy and wonder. Her paintings aim to establish emotional connections with viewers, inviting them to experience the same boost that drives her creative process. Smith also offers hands-on workshops exploring abstract, intuitive, and texture-focused art. eGalleryLF.com

DEER

PATH ART LEAGUE SCULPTURE STROLL

Market Square, Lake Forest

June 8

e glamorous evening will kick oﬀ the summer season while raising critical funds in support of e Woman’s Board mission to support the programs and services provided by Northwestern Memorial Hospital. wbnorthwestern.org

GLASA GREAT LAKES GAMES

WHEN: June 11 to 16

WHERE: Lake Forest and other locations

e GLASA Great Lakes Games in partnership with e Hartford is a multi-day competition that provides a continuum of competition for the developmental to elite Paralympic athletes. Sports include archery, boccia, para pickleball, paratriathlon, powerlifting, shooting, swim, and track & ﬁeld. glasa.org/great-lakes-games/

LAKE BLUFF HISTORY AUTO SHOW

WHEN: June 21

WHERE: Downtown Lake Bluﬀ

Spend a Saturday afternoon in charming downtown Lake Bluﬀ surrounded by scores of classic cars and trucks. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from local merchants, and parking is free at the Lake Bluﬀ train station. akeblu history.org/events/

Discover the sculptural gems that adorn our community with a new selfguided tour, brought to you by the Deer Path Art League. On June 8, docents will be stationed at selected sculptures throughout town and will share the rich history of the artwork. deerpathartleague.org/sculpture-stroll/

HOKUSAI AND UKIYO-E: THE FLOATING WORLD THE MCANINCH ARTS CENTER

425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn May 31 through September

Experience the U.S. debut of 63 original Japanese masterworks, including Hokusai’s iconic Great Wave o Kanagawa, at e McAninch Arts Center ( e MAC). is immersive exhibition showcases the artistic ﬂourishing of Japan’s Edo period (1603-1868) through woodblock prints, artifacts, and interactive displays. Following e MAC’s acclaimed “Frida: Timeless” and “WARHOL” exhibitions, this celebration of Ukiyo-e artistry promises to draw global visitors to the Chicago area. theccma.org/hokusai

Bernie’s

hosts bestselling author Shelley Van Pelt at its Book Lovers’ Lunch on May 30.

Ukiyo-e rendering by Richard Lo

Ex Libris by Michael Croydon

Pure Bliss

Dr. Linda R. Salmon DDS

Creating Beautiful Smiles

At Lake Bluff Dental Care, we use the best state-of-the-art equipment and Technology. We know how to help patients feel relaxed and make sure their visit is pain and anxiety free.

We want to help you feel great about your smile. Give us a call to let us help you keep your smile great or Help you get that great smile you always wanted. We are located conveniently in Historic Downtown Lake Bluff, only a few doors from the Post Ofﬁce.

We hope to see you soon and that you will join our

if you haven’t already.

Digital Diva

Meet Jenifer Speer, the social media maven behind this year’s Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens’ digital marketing glow-up.

edited by Sherry Thomas

photography by Katrina Wittkamp

styling by Theresa DeMaria

hair and makeup by Leanna Ernest

OBeauty product you can’t live without? Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Tinted

hio native Jenifer Speer spent years living on every coast before realizing her roots were meant to be planted on the North Shore—Lake Forest, specifically. In addition to the many clients that she works with at her Jay & Emee boutique digital marketing agency, Speer has taken the lead on marketing efforts for this year’s Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens fundraising event. “ is includes a social media revamp, website updates, and email newsletters,” she says. “ ese efforts have already led to a significant increase in engagement and visibility.” Speer has been at the forefront of social media since the early 2000s, simultaneously charting a career path that includes nearly 13 years as a buyer for a well-known fashion retailer and launching a fitness event marketing company in Seattle. “During this time, I also built a personal following on TikTok,” she says, explaining that her authentic storytelling made her a micro-influencer and led to collaborations with such brands as Photowall, Brooklinen, SmartSweets, and Carbon38. “After briefly re-entering corporate America for a second time as a global change manager for a Fortune 500 company, my passion for creativity was reignited during my travels.” Isolated in hotel rooms, she rekindled her love for social media and knew it was time to pursue her true calling. Speers left corporate life once again to found Jay & Emee—dedicated to disrupting the industry by prioritizing work-life balance and delivering high-impact digital strategies. Her ability to fully immerse herself in each brand ensures her clients’ voices and online presence align seamlessly with their goals. She took some time from her busy schedule recently to share a few of her favorite things.

Social media in uencer who inspires you? Lydia Elise Millen. Most Instagrammable spot in Lake Forest is? e mural wall to the north of Lake Forest Juice Shop or Forest Park Beach. Beauty product you can’t live without? Westman Atelier Liquid Super Loaded Tinted Highlight in Peau de Rosé for the perfect glow. Favorite local restaurant to dine al fresco? Le Colonial. Your drink of choice is? Lemon Ginger Boost from Spirit Elephant. Love so much that we learned how to make it at home. Next stamp on your passport? St. Lucia. Favorite weekend escape is to where? Our family lake house in Townsend, northern Wisconsin. Favorite new musical artist or band? Benson Boone but always default to Coldplay. What are you most looking forward to this summer? Spending quality time with my husband while the kids are at sleepaway camp. Favorite picnic item? Vegan Charcuterie with ample amounts of mixed olives and cornichons. TV show or podcast you can’t stop binging? Podcast is e Skinny Con dential Him & Her Show. Favorite home decor brand or designer? Amber Interior Design. Advice you give to everyone about posting on social media? Just start, be consistent, and be authentically you or your brand. I often ﬁnd people waiting to be perfect or for the perfect moment and the landscape of social media has changed so much that people want authenticity over perfection. Favorite city in the world is? I have two—Munich, Germany and Merano, Italy.

Highlight in Peau de Rosé for the perfect glow.

Your drink of choice is? Lemon Ginger Boost from Spirit Elephant. Love so much that we learned how to make it at home.

Favorite picnic item? Vegan Charcuterie with ample amounts of mixed olives and cornichons.

Favorite city in the world is? I have two— Munich, Germany and Merano, Italy.

Next stamp on your passport? St. Lucia.

The Portrait

Jenifer Speer wears Leo Lin from The Lake Forest Shop.

WHERE DENTISTRY MEETS ART

Cosmetic dentistry is more than just enhancing your smile—it’s about elevating your overall well-being. Our expert team takes a personalized, health-ﬁrst approach, crafting a treatment plan for you that harmonizes beauty with function. Experience luxury-level care where artistry meets precision.

Radiate Confidence with a Smile Designed Just for You

12 13

1 Beyond Yoga Spacedye Refocus Cropped Tank Top, $70, bloomingdales.com 2 Moncler Logo-Patch WrapTennis Skirt, $595, neimanmarcus.com 3 Adidas x Pharrell Williams Tennis Hu Human Made Sneakers $254, farfetch.com 4 Dr. Few Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30, 1.6 oz., $85, neimanmarcus.com 5 Lacoste Stretch Tennis Dress and Shorts, , $219, farfetch.com 6 Chanel Pre-Owned 1990-2000’s Sport Line Tennis Racket Storage Bag, $3,165, farfetch.com 7 Varley Fulton Cropped Knit Top, $110, neimanmarcus.com 8 Lacoste logo-appliqué pleated mini tennis skirt, $146, farfetch.com 9 Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF 50+, $32, neimanmarcus.com 10 Sporty & Rich Cable-Knit Sports Bra, $110, Biker Shorts $98, farfetch.com 11 Natasha Zinko Terry Tennis Skirt, $297, farfetch.com 12 Asics Metarun Tank Top, $119, and Split Shorts $108, farfetch.com 13 New Balance Fresh Foam X Hierro V9 Sneakers, $207, farfetch.com 14 Pucci x Bala Logo-Jacquard Resistance Bands, $121, farfetch.com 15 Givenchy Logo-Appliqué Slides, $218, farfetch.com 8 9 10 11

14 15

Strong athletes use their heads.

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.

LEARN HOW TO DEVELOP A GROWTH MINDSET

Let Dr. E. teach you how to let go of self-defeating thoughts. Her Neuro-Regenerative Training™ will help you elevate your thinking and become more resilient during times of stress.

approach helps athletes overcome mental blocks and keep their heads in the game.

House-Marinated

words and photography by Monica Kass Rogers

Artichoke Hearts with Hot + Melty Cheese Dip

Artichokes amaze. ey look almost prehistoric with their tough green skins, prickly heads and spiky stalks, and yet their flavor is so mild and earthy. More than once, I’ve imagined standing in a flowering field of them, nose level to purple blossoms that stretch as far as the eye can see. But that’s pure fantasy, because although artichokes are actually flowers in the thistle family, we harvest and eat them before they bloom, benefitting from antioxidant levels that make them a superfood. Next to beans, the USDA has ranked artichokes as the number one vegetable in antioxidant count, with close

INSTRUCTIONS

to 8,000 total antioxidants per cup. Artichokes are also low in calories, and high in fiber, vitamins C and K, potassium and magnesium. After learning that the commercial preservation techniques used to make marinated artichokes shelf stable for stores can diminish some of these health benefits, I started poaching and marinating them from fresh at home. e process takes a bit of time, but this recipe, adapted from chef Amanda Freitag, yields beautifully tender, not-too-pickle-y results. e finished marinated heart pieces taste delicious added to salads, pasta dishes and pizzas. And we especially love them in our hot and melty cheese dip, also included here.

CLEAN AND TRIM: Fill a large enameled Dutch oven with cold water and the juice from three of the lemons. Place this on your work surface. Using a very sharp knife and great care, trim off and discard the top 1 ½-inch of each artichoke. Chop off the bottom of the stem and pull off and discard the bottom leaves. You will now have a flat top on each artichoke with the center purple “choke” exposed. Snip off the spikes at the tip of each leaf making the artichokes easier to handle. Cut each artichoke in half lengthwise from top to stem. Cut each half into quarters, and then into eighths. Under cold running water, dig out the feathery “choke” from the center of each piece, rinsing well until all the feathery bits and some of the loose purple spikey petals have rinsed away. Flip each piece over and trim off the leaves until you are left with the white artichoke heart with just a bit of remaining purple petal at the top. Immediately place each in the pot of lemon water. Continue until you have placed all of the artichoke heart pieces into the lemon water.

POACH: Add enough water to ensure the artichokes are covered. Add the 3 Tbsp of kosher salt. Place Dutch oven over medium heat and simmer for 20 minutes until hearts are quite tender. Pour contents of pot into a colander to strain oﬀ water. Cool. Slice tender hearts into equally sized wedges and place into a large bowl. Set aside.

PREPARE MARINADE: Return Dutch oven back on stove top. Add 2 Tbsp of the olive oil to the pot. Turn heat to medium-low. Place halved garlic heads in the pot, cut side down, and cook until seared to a golden brown, about 4 minutes. Squeeze the juice from the remaining three lemons into the pot and add the squeezed lemons. Add the wine and the herbs. Increase heat to high and boil until liquid has reduced by half; about ﬁve minutes. Add the remaining three cups of olive oil to the marinade and bring back to a boil. Turn oﬀ heat. Pour hot marinade, lemons and garlic over the artichokes in the large bowl. Transfer to canning jars or an airtight container. Once cooled for an hour, refrigerate. Marinated artichoke hearts will keep in the fridge for 10 days.

MAKE THE DIP: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Blend mayo with white wine and Dijon mustard. Set aside. In an oven-able small casserole dish, combine cheeses with artichoke heart pieces. Stir in mayo/wine/mustard mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes until browned at the edges and hot and bubbly. Serve hot with toast points or crackers.

YIELD: 1 QUART MARINATED ARTICHOKE HEART PIECES; DIP RECIPE SERVES 8

INGREDIENTS

FOR THE MARINATED ARTICHOKES

• 6 lemons, washed well and halved

• 8 large fresh artichokes

• 3 Tbsp kosher salt

• 2 whole heads garlic, halved through the center of the cloves

• 1 bunch fresh thyme

• 1 bunch fresh tarragon

• 1 cup white wine

• 3 cups olive oil plus 2 Tbsp.

FOR THE HOT & MELTY

ARTICHOKE CHEESE DIP

• 1 ½ cups marinated artichoke hearts from recipe above

• 1 cup medium-grated Parmigiano Reggiano

• 2 cups coarsely grated Jarlsberg Light cheese

• ½ cup avocado mayonnaise

• 2 Tbsp white wine

• 1 ½ Tbsp Grey Poupon mustard

“ Beautiful, clean space. The staff was very kind and helpful and Dr. Drey is extremely proficient and professional. I told him as I was leaving that it was the best experience I’ve had in any doctor’s office and very much meant it.” RG

Illinois’ New Child Support Rules on Imputed Income

words by Michone J. Riewer / photography by Maria Ponce Berre

styling by Theresa DeMaria / hair & Makeup by Leanna Ernest

On January 1, 2025, Illinois implemented signiﬁcant changes to the Child Support statute, speciﬁcally addressing how courts may impute income to a parent in child support cases. We anticipate that these changes will provide more clarity, consistency, and fairness when one parent is purposely not making money to avoid their child support obligation.

Imputation of income is a tool courts use when one parent is not earning income consistent with their earning potential. In other words, if a parent is choosing not to work or working below their ability, the court may assign them an income figure based on what they could be earning—not what they are actually earning. Before 2025, the law left much discretion to judges without a clear structure for how to calculate that under-earning party’s potential income. e recent amendments now require courts to conduct an evidentiary hearing that includes a detailed analysis of specific statutory factors when determining a parent’s potential income. ese factors include the parent’s assets and whether they own substantial non-income producing assets. e court must also consider the parent’s residence, employment and earning history, job skills, educational attainment, literacy, age, health, criminal record and any other employment barriers, along with a record of whether the parent has been seeking work. Beyond those personal factors, the court must look at the local job market, the availability of local employers willing to hire the parent, prevailing earning levels in the community, and any other relevant background information in the case. If, after weighing these factors, the court cannot reasonably determine a parent’s potential income, the statute provides a fallback—a rebuttable presumption that the parent’s potential income is 75% of the federal poverty level for a single person ($15,650). Another important clarification in the 2025 law is that incarceration is not considered voluntary unemployment and cannot be used as a basis for imputing income.

A central feature of these new statutory changes is the requirement of an evidentiary hearing. e statute now makes it mandatory that courts hold an evidentiary hearing before they impute income, unless both parties agree otherwise. e court must make specific written findings identifying which statutory factors it relied on in reaching its decision. is is a significant shift, as it ensures that imputation of income is no longer based on argument, incomplete information, or guesswork, but rather on facts presented in court.

For parties facing allegations of voluntary unemployment or underemployment, this change raises the stakes. e party seeking to impute income must now come to court prepared to present de-

tailed evidence. is may include proof of the other parent’s past employment and earnings history, their job skills, certifications, educational attainment, and efforts—or lack thereof—to find suitable employment. Health records, criminal records, or other employment barriers may also be relevant. Courts may consider expert testimony from vocational evaluators who can assess a parent’s true earning potential.

e 2025 amendments to the Illinois Child Support statute mark a major step forward in ensuring that child support determinations are based on both parents’ incomes and are grounded in fairness and facts. e law now requires courts to take a thoughtful, evidencebased approach when deciding whether to impute income and how much. By clearly identifying the factors courts must consider and requiring an evidentiary hearing with written ﬁndings, Illinois is making sure that child support orders reﬂect each parent’s actual ability to contribute.

Before running toward an evidentiary hearing, make sure to calculate the amount at stake and determine if the benefit of higher child support justifies the cost of the evidentiary hearing. In some cases, a settlement will be more cost effective overall.

It is worth noting that there was no similar amendment to the Illinois Spousal Support statute. As a result, it is unclear whether imputation of income for purposes of maintenance or spousal support is allowed under the same evidentiary standard, or whether a court would be required to hold a similar evidentiary hearing if it wanted to impute income when calculating maintenance. For now, these new rules apply only to child support cases—but they may signal the direction Illinois courts are heading when it comes to fair and fact-based ﬁnancial determinations in family law.

Michone J. Riewer is the managing partner at Strategic Divorce in Lake Blu , 847-234-4445, strategicdivorce.com.

Michone J. Riewer

away at the end of a private lane, this stunning Southern Colonial-style

and curb appeal. Built in 2005 and extensively renovated by the current owners, the home sits on over 2 meticulously landscaped acres, and features 5 bedrooms, 5.2 bathrooms, a 4-car heated garage, and a brandnew cedar shake roof. Situated in a private yet convenient location with easy access to shopping, dining, and highways, this home o ers the perfect balance of serenity and accessibility. With its blend of luxury, comfort, and privacy, this home truly o ers the best of all worlds – making it the perfect sanctuary to call your own!

WALK TO TOWN AND BEACH!

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 Katrina Wittkamp

styling by Theresa DeMaria

Each month, peak performance sports psychologist (and fellow parent) Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo 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.

• Focus on something new. As your students’ 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 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.

Would your student-athlete bene t from talking with a professional? Dr. E helps high schoolers master their mental game and achieve peak performance in school, sports, and life. Learn more at EleVive.com.

Dr. Elizabeth Lombardo

We are a window & door company dedicated to delivering outstanding services from the frst consultation to the last inspection.

WINDOW INSTALLATION

No matter if you have one window or 1000, our team of licensed experts will help you each step of the way. All of our windows feature fully customizable hardware recessed into the frame for a modern appearance and state of the art functionality.

DOOR INSTALLATION

We offer a large selection of colors, styles, and high-quality materials for exterior doors for your home. Our team of knowledgeable experts will help you select the best door for your home.

“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 are made. We were concerned at frst because Russ’s price was more than half of his competitors 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!”

Cahill Comfort

Weather and regulatory changes mean homeowners need to be informed of their air conditioning options.

Brandon Delfino and Paul Dale know their stuff e operators of Cahill Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in Lake Bluff—a company that has been serving homeowners and businesses on the North Shore for more than 50 years—not only provide excellent HVAC maintenance and installation services, but they also keep abreast of the trends and issues that impact homeowners.

Maintenance is key

First, though, a few reminders. e most important thing for homeowners to remember is to have a technician come in on an annual basis and inspect their air conditioner and recommend any repairs that are needed to keep the unit operating smoothly.

For Cahill customers, this means a thorough cleaning and inspection of the unit, including coils and elements; checking connections, motor operations, and thermostat functionality; monitoring refrigerant pressure, testing safety controls, checking the power motor and, importantly, condensation drains. Cahill technicians will provide an estimate for repairs, if needed, and a schedule to get the repairs completed.

Because of the Midwest changes in seasons, which can sometimes be uncomfortably abrupt, the earlier maintenance is conducted the better. As we move into spring and summer companies like Cahill get busy,

meaning longer waits and, as Dale says, chances of problems occurring.

“I would say that’s probably one of the biggest misconceptions is people saying, ‘I’ll just wait’,” Dale says. “I’ve had people tell me they don’t turn their air conditioners on until the last minute, so they don’t get it checked until then. It’s better to get it knocked out, so they’re worry free for the rest of the season.”

Major regulatory changes this year

In May 2024, the Environmental Protection Agency announced that as of January 1, 2025, new air conditioners must be designed to use refrigerants with a lower global warming potential (GWP).

Dale and Delﬁno and the team at Cahill Heating & Cooling closely followed developments related to the change and the company’s technicians have undergone training on the new systems, which use a ﬂammable refrigerant.

“ e change is all driven by environmental concerns. e legacy refrigerants that are being used are ozone depleting and contribute to global warming,” Dale says. “By using the new refrigerant, they are aiming to lower the eﬀects on climate change.”

e good news is there are incentives in place to the tune of up to $3,400, limiting the ﬁnancial hit for homeowners, including federal tax credits and rebates for ComEd customers in Illinois. Homeowners whose units may be aging should think strongly about upgrading while the incentives are still available.

Given the investment, deciding on major repairs or to replace an air conditioner is one of the more daunting decisions homeowners need to make. First and foremost, Cahill oﬀers a $99 annual maintenance visit which will keep an AC humming and extend its operational life.

e company also oﬀers free estimates to replace systems, and manufacturers are providing desirable ﬁnancing options—no interest and no payments for 12 months, or longer-term loans as low as $49 a month.

“It’s easy to forget what goes into heating or cooling your home when you’re sitting comfortably on your couch in the dead of summer or winter,” Dale says. “Homeowners need to remain aware of their repair or replacement options.”

Cahill Heating, Cooling & Plumbing is located at 28983 Herkey Drive in Lake Blu , 847-250-1866, callcahill.com.

EXPERIENCE MATTERS

Steven Esposito of Yellowstone Management, LLC brings four decades of experience to steer a steady course for his wealth management clients.

SSteven Esposito likens his work to that of an airline pilot. “Market turbulence is somewhat like airplane turbulence,” says Esposito, President of Yellowstone Wealth Management for Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC.

teven Esposito likens his work to that of an airline pilot. “Market turbulence is somewhat like airplane turbulence,” says Esposito, Executive Director, Senior Portfolio Management Director, and President of Yellowstone Wealth Management for Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC..

“Nobody likes turbulence, and market volatility is dominating,” he says.

“Nobody likes turbulence,” says Esposito, President of Yellowstone Wealth management for Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC. In Lake Forest.

And, just like a calm and experienced pilot, Esposito makes it a priority to proactively communicate regularly with his high-

And, just like a calm and experienced pilot, Esposito makes it a priority to proactively communicate regularly with his highnet-worth clients to keep them apprised of what is happening and to reassure them that their ﬁnancial portfolios are in calm,

experienced, and capable hands. at’s why he’s the ﬁrst to call clients when news outlets are reporting on market turbulence. “I’m on the phone before they call me,” he adds. “ ere is a lot of information and misinformation coming at people from the media and online sources, and people can get confused and concerned about what they are hearing” says Esposito, who heads up Yellowstone Wealth Management, LLC at Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC.

net-worth clients to keep them apprised of what is happening and to reassure them that their ﬁnancial portfolios are in calm, experienced, and capable hands. at’s why he’s the ﬁrst to call clients when news outlets are reporting on market turbulence.

“I’m on the phone before they call me,” he adds. “ ere is a lot of information and misinformation coming at people from the media and online sources, and people can get confused and concerned about what they are hearing” says Esposito, who heads up Yellowstone Wealth Management, LLC at Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC.

Esposito’s insight and reputation are based on a long personal history in the ﬁeld, with a 40 year track record of tailoring every portfolio to the speciﬁc needs of each client while maneuvering in every kind of market and structuring the wealth management portfolios of individuals, families, and foundations.

“Your portfolio is not the same as everyone else’s, and too many people are relying on software programs to navigate volatile market environments and fluctuations,” he explains. Despite the fact that much of the financial industry has moved to software, algorithms, and cookie cutter one-sizefits-all philosophies of investing and managing portfolios, Esposito is a wealth manager who rolls up his sleeves and is involved in the money managing process, proactively managing his clients’ portfolios rather than farming them out.

“Your portfolio is not the same as everyone else’s, and too many people are relying on software programs to navigate volatile market environments and fluctuations,” he explains. Despite the fact that much of the financial industry has moved to software, algorithms, and cookie cutter one-size-fits-all philosophies of investing and managing portfolios, Esposito is a wealth manager who rolls up his sleeves and is involved in the money managing process, proactively managing his clients’ portfolios rather than farming them out.

“Everyone’s financial situation is a very unique and personal matter, not only in terms of the finances themselves, but their expectations for themselves, their families, their quality of life, and their financial goals,” he adds. At the same time, Esposito takes full advantage of Wells Fargo’s state-of-the-art resources and cutting edge technology to combine his 40 years of experience and personal attention with the latest advances in the financial services industry and the infrastructure of one of the largest wealth management firms in the world.

“At the same time, it is a boutique feeling here,” Esposito says of Yellowstone Wealth Management, LLC. Eight years ago, he moved his oﬃces to Lake Forest to be closer to his clients, his family, and the local charities with which he’s been involved for years. He’s invested—with his ﬁrm, his community, and his clients with whom he has developed lasting and trusting relationships.

“My team at the Yellowstone Wealth Management, LLC at Wells Fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC combines decades of experience with the foremost resources and technology of Wells Fargo seeking to deliver the quality of life you envision for you and your family,” he adds.

Beyond Lake Forest and the North Shore, Esposito’s ﬁnancial knowledge is frequently sought by the media news outlets. He’s been interviewed on WGN TV and radio, ABC-7, Fox News, CBS News, NBC News, WIND radio, the Noon Business Hour on WBBM, and he’s been quoted in print publications like Crain’s, the Chicago Sun-Times, and the Chicago Tribune

“I have seen it all—bull and bear markets, booms and busts,” Esposito says. “It is my goal to preserve and grow your portfolio. Being a wealth manager is not just a job. It’s a solemn responsibility.”

e Yellowstone Wealth Management, LLC at Wells fargo Advisors Financial Network, LLC is located at 100 N. Field Dr, Ste 120 in Lake Forest, Illinois, 60045 224-880-0850, Steven.Esposito@YWMLLC.com.

Steven Esposito

GROWTH MODE

The Mather family is new to Lake Forest, but already well acquainted with its charms and limitless potential.

words by Joe Rosenthal photography by Maria Ponce styling by Theresa DeMaria hair and makeup by Leanna Ernest

The Mather family at their Lake Forest home.

I“We fell in love with this [1893] house that needed tons and tons of work,”

T SEEMS FITTING THAT I met Gardner and Jessi Mather on the eve of the ﬁrst day of spring. eir story is rooted in new beginnings —a young family starting their latest chapter in Lake Forest, in their beautiful new (yet very old) house amid the warm embrace of neighbors and old family friends.

“I grew up in Evanston,” Jessi says, “and Gardner grew up in the western suburbs in Hinsdale. We were looking at houses in that crazy time right after the pandemic. Awful-looking houses were selling in like two seconds. And then Gardner found this house that no one wanted because it had been sitting there for a while.”

So, one fateful Sunday, they packed up their three kids (June, 8; Pearl, 6; and Summer, 3), drove to Lake

Forest from their temporary home in the western suburbs, and met with agent Annie Royster.

“We fell in love with this [1893] house that needed tons and tons of work,” says Jessi. ey loved the proximity to town, the lake, and their kids’ school. And they felt comforted being surrounded by so many well-preserved homes that have housed generations of Lake Forest families. e town’s canopy of beautiful trees, open ﬁelds, and park land scratched an outdoor itch they’ve had since they were dating in Chicago and going on camping excursions on the weekends.

Lake Forest also reminded them of their childhood passion for the great outdoors. Jessi picked it up from her dad. Gardner’s love of nature came from his maternal grandfather, who had a place in Door County.

Gardner and Jessi Mather

Summer, Pearl, and June Mather

June

“He was an avid ﬁsherman,” Gardner says, “and I vividly remember we would go out on his Boston Whaler and go bass ﬁshing, and I loved every minute of it.”

”We’re very outdoorsy,” Jessi says. “Our kids are very outdoorsy. We have some friends who call them feral, because they’re the kids that are outside if it’s raining after school. People probably drive by wondering ‘is anyone watching those kids?’”

ey laugh at the thought, thinking of their kids splashing in the mud and rain, and playing with

Our kids are very outdoorsy… they’re the kids that are outside if it’s raining a er school.

Of course, the Mathers’ return-to-the-basics, back-to-nature ap-proach to life is a piece of a considerably more complex puzzle. Before Jessi landed in her current position as the nurse at Lake For-est Country Day School, she was an oncology nurse at Northwest-ern Hospital in the city. For his part, Gardner was one of the first five employees at e Mather Group, which his brother Stewart founded in 2011. In short order, they grew the registered invest-ment advisory from four or five people to what Gardner calls, with characteristic modesty, “a great success.” 52 FOREST & BLUFF

at’s an understatement, because TMG grew to 140 advisors and $8B AUM, and ranked among Barron’s list of Top 100 RIA Firms in the country for several years.

en, in 2019, their world was turned upside down when Stewart was diagnosed with a very rare cancer called cholangiocarcinoma. He passed away 16 months later, in November 2020. It was a shattering moment, and it set into motion a series of events that would lead Gardner and Jessi out of Chicago to the western suburbs, where Stewart was in hospice.

“A lot of this change had to do with my brother, you know, because we used to work together and we lived across Oz Park from each other,” Gardner says. “So, I have a lot of really good memories, and life was just very diﬀerent than it is now. We were not only brothers; we were best friends. It’s deﬁnitely an adjustment.”

e adjustment didn’t just encompass the emotional and physical loss and a move, it also precipitated a change in career. e Mather Group was sold in 2022, and Gardner recently joined Lake Forestbased Compass Financial Partners, heading up business development alongside founders Joe Guin and Tim Hender. He was introduced to Hender by a mutual friend. Fittingly, he met Guin outside

Mather and Rue the cat

Summer Mather and her dog Penny

the Lake Forest Starbucks.

“I love the people at Compass,” says Gardner. “It’s an amazing team. We’ve broadened our range of where we’re going to gather assets, and I’m really excited for the future.”

Jessi also marvels at the fortuitous nature of Gardner’s new role. “I’ve had a lot more jobs than Gardner,” she says, “because he was with TMG his whole career. I went to the holiday dinner that Compass had, and I was like, ‘wow, this is a really special group.’ I told Gardner, ‘you have to realize not every place is like this!’”

It’s a common theme with the Mathers: there’s a receptivity in each of them that feels inextricably linked to the positivity that’s been ﬂowing their way. Like oreau famously said, “go conﬁdently in the direction of your dreams.” Good things happen.

Speaking of good things and dreams, Gardner recently lived out one from his childhood. (And one that will make it easier to spot him around the town.)

He acquired a rare model of Range Rover that his dad owned when he was young: a 1995 Range Rover County Classic.

“My dad used to collect cars,” Gardner says. “When I was little, in Hinsdale, we had a detached garage in the back with ﬁve or six cars in it. I used to go out there in the summertime. He would always have all this music playing—the Beatles, the Mamas and the Papas, and all this stuﬀ. He would be waxing his cars. I used to love it. And we would go get ice cream.”

As Gardner gets more impassioned about his story, Jessi does as well. “I’m not really a car person,” she says. “But it’s pretty nostalgic for me, even the way the door sounds when it closes.”

Without skipping a beat, Gardner literally ﬁnishes her sentence, adding: “... the door, the smell of the engine. e way it starts. Just everything about it.”

Spoken like a couple in the thrall of a wonderful, bracing new beginning.

Pearl Mather

IT’S A VIBE

Lake Forest’s Lillie Alexander Boutique creates a personal connection with its customers that keep them coming back.

words by Ann Marie Scheidler / photography by Maria Ponce styling by Theresa DeMaria / hair and makeup by Leanna Ernest

Angie Ranieri, Lily Fitzgerald, Julie Babat, Lauren Peters, Amanda Szwast, and Karen Larsen

WHEN LAUREN PETERS BRINGS a new employee on to the Lillie Alexander team, she hands them a copy of the “Vibe Guide” that she wrote for the boutique when she took it over last fall.

“It’s all about the feeling I want our customers to have when they walk through our doors,” Peters says. “It’s more than the fresh candle burning and our pretty décor that will make Lillie Alexander a happy place to shop. I want our staﬀ to treat people like guests in their home. Make them feel comfortable. Be authentic with their recommendations. It’s a

privilege that people ask for our feedback. I take that responsibility very seriously because it plays such a big part in how people feel about themselves and how they present themselves to the world. Shoppers can buy clothes anywhere. ey come to Lillie because we’re in town and convenient, but also for that personal connection we can oﬀer. It’s a happy place to be.”

As Peters has begun to immerse herself into life as a boutique owner, knowing her clientele and being able to outﬁt women of all ages, sizes, and budgets is always top of mind for her. You can see her thinking at work in Lillie Alexander’s newly launched denim bar.

“A good pair of denim can be the most important piece in your wardrobe,” Peters explains. “We also know that jeans are one of the hardest things to buy. Our new denim shop is organized by style, color, and size. ere is a real art to fitting women in the right denim and all of our stylists are learning how to help you find the perfect pair after asking you just a few questions. We call our denim expert, Julie Babat, the ‘denim whisperer.’ She has really educated herself on how different brands fit—from stretch, pocket placement, and style. ere’s no one better and she’s sharing all of her tricks with us.”

Peters also knows that mothers and daughters don’t dress the same—even when it comes to something as simple as a high school sporting event or a college moms’ weekend.

“Of course we want to show our spirit, but moms want to be a little more polished than their girls,” she says. For this reason, Peters is oﬀering embroidering and silk screening of items purchased in store so that you can show your spirit your way. Peters now dons

a pair of her favorite jeans with “Golden Eagles” stitched on the back pocket, the perfect way to cheer on her daughter who attends Marquette.

Another area of the boutique that Peters is building out is dedicated to wardrobe classics. “Women need a place they know they can come to ﬁnd those closet staples everyone needs—the perfect white blouse, a navy blazer, or a great pair of pants. It’s really important for us to have these foundational pieces you can have forever and just add to them from there.”

And Lillie Alexander would love to help you do this!

Now through the magic of modern technology and a Lillie Alexander stylist, you can have your closet digitized. en, any time you shop in store, your sales representative can help you style anything new you purchase with what you already have it home. is app will also allow your stylist to ﬁnd items outside of Lillie Alexander that may look great with what you’re buying.

“What I love about the Lillie Alexander app and our new web-

Seamstress Angie Ranieri pins a garment for alteration

Stylist Karen Larsen rings up a sale

site that allows you to shop our whole store from wherever you are, is that it gives us really great data on our customers,” she says. “ is technology tells us how our customers prefer to shop. Some like the in-person experience, while others might prefer to do it online from home. is is all good information for us to have so that we can give our shoppers exactly the attention they’re

looking for when they’re shopping with us.”

Peters is so excited that Lillie Alexander is part of the vibrant shopping environment that Lake Forest now hosts.

“I feel like Lake Forest is a destination shopping town,” she says. “You can park all day for free. We have a great dining scene and lovely shops that really meet any need you might have. I love this for our town.”

Anyone who has known Peters for any length of time understands that she is fulﬁlling a long-held dream to run her own store.

“I’ve always wanted to do this—to own a store,” she says. “But I’m even more excited to be on the other side of the conversation as a business owner being asked to support a local philanthropic cause. When I helped chair prom at the high school or run the Spirit of 67 Home Tour, I would ask local shops to support us, and they always did. Now I have a chance to give back in that way and that makes me so happy. It’s a chance to pay forward to all of those who said yes to me.”

“It’s all about the feeling I want our customers to have…”

To learn more about Lillie Alexander or to shop online, visit lilliealexanderboutique.com.

Owner Lauren Peters surrounded by her team

Denim Specialist Julie Babat sports her monogrammed jeans from the LA Denim Bar

edited by Lauren Peters

Spring Sunshine Lillie Loves

Neutral seasonal wardrobe updates with a pop of sun.

STAUD Este Silk Dress

Nili Lotan Bono Jacket

Still Here Cool Jeans in milk

Aureum Black Belt with Studded Turquoise

Lingua Franca Sunset Sweatshirt and Sweatshort Smythe Wide Leg Trouser

Veronica Beard Ryanne Jacket and Roxy Denim Slingback

Staud Aline Leather Pants in Ivory

Staud Tommy Bag

Wandler Penelope Mini Slouch

Loe er Randall Triana Sandal

Nothing Bitty About this Balm

Frustrated with the lack of clean and simple beauty products available on the market, Maggie Schmieder took ingredients into her own hands and made Bitty Balm.

words by Ann Marie Scheidler / photography by Brian Carey styling by Theresa DeMaria / hair and makeup by Leanna Ernest

Maggie Schmieder wears a blouse and skirt by Mango from Neiman Marcus Northbrook

“I’M NOT A PROBLEM SOLVER,”

Maggie Schmieder says. “I’m a solution ﬁnder.”

Never was a truer statement said by Schmieder of herself—a Jane of All Trades, full-time special education teacher, married mom of two, and a maker of all things.

It was almost two years ago, when out of curiosity, Schmieder ordered the Jones Road Miracle Balms that were trending all over social media and happened to be on sale.

“I liked them. ey were that no-makeup makeup that I like,” she says, not being a woman who wear lots of makeup. “But they had a very herbaceous smell and lots of ingredients that weren’t great. I thought I could do better. With my girls being 9- and 11-years-old, I wanted to make something cleaner for them.”

So, with the support of her husband and daughters, Schmieder got to work.

“I read, researched, read some more, and invested. I invested time, money, energy, and passion to create something that I am proud to put my name on and comfortable putting on my daughters’ skin,” she says.

“I invested time, money, energy, and passion to create something…”

Derek, Wynnie, Maggie, and Ebby Schmieder

“I’m not a problem solver…I’m a solution ﬁnder.”

rough trial and error, Schmieder perfected a formula for the product she now calls “Bitty Balm.”

Bitty Balm is makeup with nourishing skin care qualities that is lid- and lip-safe—not something all clean beauty products can espouse. Each balm is thoughtfully formulated with 13 natural ingredients that provide color and shine—all while being free of synthetic dyes and harmful chemicals. Now coming in nine colorful shades and a clear option, each balm is handmade, packaged in an acrylic stick, and shipped in a signature orange box by Schmieder.

“ e idea is that it just takes a ‘little bit’ to look and feel good with Bitty Balm,” she says. “It was easy to come up with the name, but I feel like there were hundreds of Bitty Balm recipes

until I got it right. Sourcing the ingredients was hard because I wanted to make sure they came from ethical places. And then getting the formula so it would set correctly in the packaging took lots of work—I was my own worst critic at what was good enough. You can really make yourself crazy with all of the details.”

As Schmieder was reﬁning her formula, she was also tweaking her business plan. Over the last year, Schmieder redirected her Bitty Balm sales strategy from tweens and teens to women.

“When I started to learn more about marketing, being in business, and the demographic of who was buying this product, I shifted towards selling to women who want less junk in their products and an easy way to get ready. But I love that young girls can steal this product from their mom with no worries. It’s been an evolution for sure. I tell everyone that I ran before I walked with Bitty Balm.”

On the heels of being featured on Good Morning America, WGN Morning News, Sheridan Road, and North Shore Weekend, while also gaining momentum on Instagram @bittybalm, Schmieder’s goal for the year ahead is to have Bitty Balm on shelves in more brick-and-mortar stores.

“It’s so exciting to go into Ross’s [in Highland Park] and see Bitty Balm on the counter at checkout,” she says. “I’m hoping to scale Bitty Balm, but it’s very challenging to ﬁnd a manufacturer that will make Bitty Balm the way I want it to be made.”

While Schmieder isn’t quite ready to relinquish controls to any aspect of Bitty Balm yet, she knows she may have to if the product continues to gain momentum.

“I never wanted to be a beauty brand owner,” she says. “I wanted to ﬁnd a solution to a problem I saw, and I have done that. Seeing Bitty Balm on the shelves of a big box store someday would be a dream come true. Yet having people tell me today that they like Bitty Balm—that they enjoy this thing I’ve made, the art and craft of it all—that means so much to me. It’s very personal. I’m already grateful for this success.”

To learn more about Bitty Balm or to purchase the product, visit bittybalm.com.

Maggie Schmieder with her daughters Wynnie and Ebby

Maggie Schmieder with her daughters and her mother, Polly

Selling doesn’t have to be stressful... I’ll guide you step-by-step with a personalized approach that gets results. Let’s make your real estate journey smooth, successful, and stress-free! With my expertise and commitment, we’ll ensure your home stands out in today’s market and attracts serious buyers.

The Lake Forest Open Lands Board

TOP: Zain Walton, Veronica Loy, Courtney Magliochetti, Jillian Floriani, Matt Sunderman (President), Kat Taubensee, Jennifer Forestiere, Maura Dailey and Megan McCampbell

BOTTOM: Brianna Ma oli, Michele Curley, Katie Salgat, Heidi Clifton (Co-Chair), Tyler Lisenby (Co-Chair) and Emily Bohac.

S’MORES AND MORE

Lake Forest Open Lands Association’s popular Cattails & Cocktails event supports its ongoing preservation programs.

words by Monica Kass Rogers

photography by Heidi Clifton

WALKING THROUGH THE Mellody Farm Nature Preserve on a bright spring morning, Tyler Lisenby stops to point: “ is is where the tent will be,” he says, with a gesture to his right. Just steps behind, Heidi Clifton nods in agreement, adding, “Yes—and then over here is where we’ll show the movie.”

Co-chairs of Lake Forest Open Land Association’s (LFOLA’s) upcoming “Camp LFOLA” Cattails & Cocktails event, Friday, May 16 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., the pair are making sure every detail is in place. “ ere are about a hundred items on our to-do list,” laughs Clifton, “from the tents and ﬁrepits, to the food, music, lighting, games, and more. However, making Cattails & Cocktails a success for everyone, and supporting the work of the LFOLA, is what the Associate Board is all about.”

One of the North Shore’s most popular annual harbingers of spring, Cattails & Cocktails is a community-centered night of fun. Proceeds support the myriad programs LFOLA undertakes as it preserves and promotes Lake Forest’s open lands.

Inspired by the camaraderie of youthful summer camp experiences, Lisenby came up with the “Camp LFOLA” theme for the event last year. It was so successful, the theme is back for 2025.

“It’s a great way to bring Lake Forest together under a big mess-hall-like tent for comfort food, camp games such as the cornhole set and life-sized Jenga game I’m making, and music,” says Lisenby. “All of that plus camp-style movies and s’mores around the ﬁre.” e summer camp theme is also a nice reminder that LFOLA’s hosts a summer day-camp program for kids. “Just one of the many things LFOLA does that the proceeds from the Cattails & Cocktails will support,” says Clifton.

Attendees have a variety of ticket options. VIP Glamper ticket holders get the perks of a camper but also have access to a private tent for special passed hors

“It’s a great way to bring Lake

Forest together…”

d’oeuvres, signature cocktail experience, and camplike swag to take home. Meanwhile, general admission Camper tickets include dinner, drinks, games, and s’mores by the ﬁre.

As in years past, Cattails & Cocktails will also include an auction, which will go live at LFOLA’s website May 9 to 16, featuring items that range from afternoon tea at the Deerpath Inn to the ever-popular chance to be the individual who lights the bonﬁre at LFOLA’s Bagpipes and Bonﬁres fall event.

Preliminary to Cattails & Cocktails, LFOLA will again host its Cattails & Kiddies after-school gathering. Happening Friday, May 2, from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m., the program will be held at Mellody Farms, offering children in the 5- to 10-year-old age group an afternoon of outdoor activities, nature walks, crafts and s’mores.

“And what’s really fun about the crafts is that the items the children are making, such as painted canoe paddles and table center pieces, will be featured at the Cattails & Cocktails event,” says Lisenby.

To purchase Cattails & Cocktails tickets, enroll children in Cattails & Kiddies, or to make a donation, please visit lfola.org.

SOCIAL LIFE

ART IN MOTION

photography courtesy of Shirley Ryan AbilityLab

On February 21, the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab Associate Board hosted more than 300 attendees at the 22nd annual Art in Motion at Wildman BT. e lively event featured a gallery show with 181 inspiring artworks created by patients—all of which were for sale via silent auction. Proceeds beneﬁted the rehabilitation hospital’s art therapy and therapeutic recreation programs. sralab.org

Jack Yale, Jenna Nommensen

Kate and Lou Morrone

Tobi Heekin, patient artist

Caroline Dolan, Charlie Yale

Caroline and Genevieve Dolan

Piotr Franeczek, Bogdan Balteanu, Jenna Nommensen, Natalia Franeczek

Jason Handler, Justine Kwak, John Hoekstra, Olivia Hoekstra

ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARTY & CÉILÍ

photography by Ian McLeod

On March 16, friends and families came together for a lively celebration of Irish culture in the heart of Lake Forest.

Headlined by e Boils and Fitzpatrick School of Irish Dance, more than 300 attendees packed the Gorton Center for an afternoon of live Irish music and dance, crafts, games, and more at this special event sponsored in part by the Irish Government’s Emigrant Support Programme. tzpatrickschoolo rishdance.com

The Olson Family

Congressman Brad Schneider, Katie Fitzpatrick

The Ymeri Family

The Mungaris Family

The Walsh Family

The Hayes Family

The Green Family

The Hemming Family

We are delighted and privileged to announce our aﬃliation with Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty.

Our commitment to excellence re ects the Sotheby’s International Realty experience and the outstanding level of service that has been its global benchmark for nearly three centuries. Jameson Sotheby’s International Realty provides local expertise across the globe to 1,075 o ces in 81 countries. This aligns us with a group of professionals that are the best in the industry. At Sotheby’s International Realty, we utilize cutting edge technology, research and international marketing exposure. Using these sophisticated resources, we are able to enhance our already outstanding caliber of service and elevate ourselves through real estate’s most trusted brand.

KIKI CLARK

GLOBAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR

847.804.0969 kclark@jamesonsir.com

POLLY RICHARDSON

GLOBAL REAL ESTATE ADVISOR 847.363.1738 prichardson@jamesonsir.com

LAKE FOREST | 560 OAKWOOD AVE. SUITE 101

ORCHID SHOW: INDIA BLOOMS

photography courtesy of the Junior Garden Club of Lake Forest

Members of the Junior Garden Club and their guests attended the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Orchid Show: India Blooms. e Regenstein Center was transformed into a lush, immersive experience celebrating the vibrant colors, patterns, and landscapes of India through thousands of brilliantly arranged orchids. e Junior Garden Club hosted member events during both the After Hours experience and the daytime tour. chicagobotanic.org/orchid

Annie Tagliaferro

Rowena Festin, Suzanne Boren

Natalie Windle, Heather Kiely

Nancy Hannick

Michael and Jennifer Fiocco

Jennifer Fiocco, Christina Conant

Lisa and Michael Walsh

ART-A-PORTE FASHION SHOW

photography by Sasha Pasechnik

The recent Alesia C. Art-A-Porte event at Deer Path Inn’s Windsor Hall combined fashion, art, and philanthropy as designer Alesia Chaika showcased her Spring/Summer 2025 collection. Guests enjoyed artwork, champagne, live saxophone music, and signature tote bags containing chocolate candles by Shark Tank alum Loree Sandler. e evening raised funds for WINGS Program Inc., supporting women and children aﬀected by domestic violence. wingsprogram.com

Alesia Chaika and model at the 2025 ArtA-Porte Fashion Show in Lake Forest.

Alesia Chaika and Kathy Wolter Mondelli of NBC Universal Chicago

Sharon DePrizio, Kathy Wolter Mondelli, Alesia Chaika, Tess Tuquilar, Rose Marie Burke

Rugport has an inventory of over 10,000 rugs.

We are the largest handmade rug store in the Midwest and are among the top ten in the nation.

We offer a wide range of handmade rugs from around the world, including antique, traditional, modern, contemporary, and transitional styles.

In addition to our extensive selection of rugs, our services include custom handmade rug creation, repair, restoration, stair rug installation, nano rug protection, and cleaning.

We are also pleased to feature unique antique accessories and furniture curated by Lee Youngstrom of Barrington, in collaboration with Irongate Designs, exclusively at RUGPORT.

PLASTIC SURGERY UPDATE

VASER 4-D HI DEFINITION LIPOSCULPTURE PLUS RENUVION

words by Steven Bloch, M.D.

Liposuction has been in existence for close to thirty years. It continues to be refined and improved. Two years ago I discussed Hi-Definition Liposculpture. Since that time I’ve performed hundreds of procedures. Results have been excellent with significant improvement over past procedures. It has become a true art form where the underlying anatomy is contoured, sculpted, and enhanced. Like every procedure, over time one realizes that there are some limitations. e single biggest limitation in achieving the desired result is the status of the overlying skin. More specifically the level of the skin’s elasticity. In the younger patient where the skin tone is better, results are more predictable and consistent. In the older patient, if there is significant laxity of skin, the procedure may be combined with skin reduction or excision. It is that middle group of patients who present the most challenge.

Obviously, most patients want the best results with the least invasive method. For this group, I’m now combining Vaser Hi-Deﬁnition Liposculpture to contour and sculpt the body with a minimally invasive treatment called Renuvion.

Renuvion is a cosmetic technology combining the unique properties of the helium plasma with a proprietary form of radiofrequency energy. e trick is always to sufficiently heat up the deeper tissues to promote collagen tightening and elasticity without burning the overlying skin. Renuvion has a very shallow depth of penetration. It has a dual thermal effect where it provides unique heating with near-instantaneous tissue cooling. e delivery of energy beneath the skin and thru the helium plasma allows 360-degree energy application to all desired tissues in the subdermal space. e fibroseptal network beneath the skin can be effectively heated to promote contraction and tightening of the overlying skin. e full effect of this treatment can take up to six months to see.

So basically, tumescent ﬂuid is injected into the area to be treated and Vaser ultrasound is introduced to emulsify the fat. Liposuction is performed if need be and the Renuvion is introduced to promote skin tightening.

To see if you are a candidate for this procedure a consultation and an exam are required. As with any surgical procedure risks and possible complications will be discussed.

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

BodyByBlochbodybybloch Steven Bloch MDBodybybloch

ORIMAY SALON

With graduations and proms just around the corner, now is the perfect time to book your hair and makeup appointments. Our availability is ﬁlling up quickly so be sure to secure your spot while you can! We look forward to helping you look your best for these special occasions.

HEATHER FOWLER

North Shore & Team Lead

773.510.2525

heatherf@atproperties.com

Heather and her team go above and beyond expert market knowledge, seamless communication, and genuine care. From staging to negotiation, they handle every detail, making the buying and selling process stress-free and successful. Highly recommended!

Tree-mendous Honor

First Presbyterian Preschool sta plants a hackberry tree in Lake Forest to commemorate beloved teacher

Sue Peecher’s nearly three-decade tenure at the school.

words by Bill McLean / illustration by Tom Bachtell

Kids say the funniest things. Longtime First Presbyterian (Lake Forest) Preschool teacher Sue Peecher has hilarious proof. “One day, in our playground, I asked a 3-year-old girl, ‘How are you, my friend?’” she recalls. “ e student said, ‘Oh, Mrs. Peecher, I can’t be your friend; you’re my teacher. You should look for friends somewhere else.’” Peecher—an adored full-time teacher at the school from 1997-2024, and now a grateful (and still adored) part-timer there—laughs. In April 2024, Mrs. Peecher, who likes to “use humor to connect and to get to know my students,” received a super serious tribute at Triangle Park, located a hop, skip, and a series of hopscotch grids from the school. e preschool staff had a hackberry tree planted in her honor. Trees grow; students develop, thanks to kind, caring instructors like Mrs. Peecher. e hackberry sports branches; Mrs. Peecher’s arms embrace blithesome students. Such a fitting homage. Students and their parents, past and present, attended the warm ceremony on a chilly day. So did Mrs. Peecher’s husband, retired Lake Forest Academy history teacher Bill Dolbee, their sons, Sam and Joey, and Sam’s partner Arianne who also attended the preschool. Sam had flown in from Tennessee, surprising the honoree. “I couldn’t believe it,” oh-sohumble Sue says of the merited recognition. “My first day teaching was with 3-year-olds and I couldn’t believe I’d get paid to have so much fun in such a special place. Teaching at First Presbyterian changed my life for the better.” A native of the Detroit area who aced penmanship assignments in her youth, Sue enrolled at Michigan State University, hoping to become a veterinarian one day. “I ended up majoring in History,” she says. First Presbyterian Preschool teachers adhere to a play-based learning approach, recognizing children learn best via engagement and exploration in pleasant settings. “Kids learn to cooperate and negotiate with one another while playing,” Mrs. Peecher says. “ ey’re also given opportunities to listen, to consider others’ ideas, to take turns, to gain confidence. It has always been rewarding to me, seeing students interact and become close during their time here. I hope they leave the preschool with a love for learning and a curiosity for the world around them.” Here’s what Mrs. Peecher knows: the children, their families, and her amazing fellow teachers continue to bring joy to her days at First Presbyterian Preschool.