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Arts, environment fuel public servant Rhoda Pierce P22

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NO. 406 | A JWC MEDIA PUBLICATION

TEACHING MOMENT ANTI-SEMITIC SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS BY A PROMINENT PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL PLAYER PROMPT ILLINOIS HOLOCAUST MUSEUM & EDUCATION CENTER TO SEND AN EDUCATIONAL "CARE PACKAGE." BY MITCH HURST THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

When DeSean Jackson of the Philadelphia Eagles posted anti-Semitic comments on his social media pages earlier this month, the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center (IHMEC) in Skokie offered no condemnation. Instead, IHMEC did what it does bestâ€”offering educational resources and an invite to Jackson and the Eagles team to visit its online virtual museum or the physical location whenever the team is next in town to play the Chicago Bears. It wasn't the first time IHMEC's CEO, Susan Abrams, and staff have put together a care package of books and other materials to individuals and groups that have been caught in a media firestorm after anti-Semitic statements were made public. It won't be the last, and it's all part of a two-pronged strategy on the part of IHMEC to diminish the influence of leaders who peddle in anti-Semitisms, and to take advantage of opportunities to educate those who may, even unwittingly, hold anti-Semitic views. "Anti-Semitisms and other forms of bigotry have a long history not just in this country but globally," Abrams says. "Typically, when people feel under duress, they fall back on these age-old tropes that have been brought up recently by professional athletes and celebrities."

Abrams is referring to the comments by Jackson as well as a number of fellow athletes who shot to his defense, and comments by Nick Cannon, the now-terminated ViacomCBS comedy host who recently made antiSemitic remarks on his podcast, Cannon's Class. Cannon and the athletes have since apologized, and a forceful statement was issued condemning Jackson's posts by the Philadelphia Eagles organization, which said Jackson's comments were "offensive, harmful, and absolutely appalling." Some African American former athletes have stepped in also. Former professional basketball player and writer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar wrote in the Hollywood Reporter that, "If we're going to be outraged by injustice, let's be outraged by injustice toward anyone." Just this past weekend Jabbar's former NBA colleague Charles Barkley posted a video online lamenting the fact that in their efforts to support equality for African Americans, Jackson and others are simply finding another scapegoat. While Abrams says it's important for people from across different communities to call out anti-Semitic comments, it's also important to go after the root of the problem. "Louis Farrakhan uses vitriolic anti-Semitism on a regular basis and he's looked upon with great respect in some communities," says Abrams. "A number of celebrities have referenced his words or Tweeted ideas that he is propagating that are so dangerous and hateful." Abrams notes the work the IHMEC undertook in early 2019 to convince some Chicago institutions and venues, including the United Center, to resist providing Farrakhan a platform to spread his views. The organization wrote op-eds comparing Farrakhan's rally at the United Center with a Nazi rally held at Madison Square Garden in 1938 as a way of highlighting, Abrams says, that words turn into action and it's important to "be vigilant to call out hatred and bigotry when we see it." Continued on PG 8

Susan Abrams, CEO of Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, has sent an educational care package to Philadelphia Eagles player DeSean Jackson.

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SHARE #SR SUMMER MOMENTS AND MORE

INDEX

NEWS

10 remembering

gerry geffen Founder of the popular Once Upon restaurant franchise honored by friends and family

16 knot worst

Highland Park native Zack Ignoffo competes in Food Network's Worst Cooks in America

LIFESTYLE & ARTS 16 north shorts

Thoughts on how we spend our time

18 north shore foodie

Savor the best of summer with gingery watermelon paletas

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

John Conatser FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

ADVERTISING Jennifer Sturgeon

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Kemmie Ryan, Sherry Thomas

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PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART Barry Blitt ILLUSTRATOR Robin Subar PHOTOGRAPHY Kirsten Ulve ILLUSTRATOR Mindy Kovco ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

22 sunday breakfast

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National speaker spurred Highland Park's Rhoda Pierce to decades of public service

ALL ADVERTISING INQUIRY INFO SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO 847.370.6940 & JENNIFER@JWCMEDIA.COM FIND US ONLINE: DAILYNORTHSHORE.COM LIKE US ON FACEBOOK! © 2020 THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND A PUBLICATION OF JWC MEDIA 445 SHERIDAN RD., HIGHWOOD, IL 60040

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The mission of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is to "remember the past, transform the future." THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

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NEWS TEACHING MOMENT

From PG 1

The activism and shining a light on leaders like Farrakhan who, however subtly, push an anti-Semitic agenda continues to be an important part of IHMEC's mission, but its roots are found in education. "This museum was founded through recog-

nizing that education is the best antidote to bigotry and hatred. The organization that led to the museum began following the proposed neoNazi march in the late '70s right here in Skokie, " Abrams says. "A group of Holocaust survivors gathered not only resources but mobilized to create the museum. They not only raised money and raised their voices three decades after the end of World War II, they realized, again, that education was the best antidote. In addition to founding the museum, the survivors also started lobbying the state legislature and in 1990 Illinois became the first state to mandate study of the Holocaust." Abrams notes that the power of education can be seen both in the apology of Jackson and the opportunity he has to correct the record for his 1.4 million followers on Instagram by using the trunk of resources that were sent to him last month. "The short version of our mission is, 'Remember the past, transform the future,' and the way we can do that is through education," says Abrams. "So we sent the trunk to DeSean and Jeffrey (Lurie, owner of the Eagles) and DeSean has taken it upon himself to be more educated." Abrams believes that what are most effective in the trunk of resources sent to Jackson and other individuals and groups in the past are the first-person memoirs of Holocaust survivors and the ability for people to learn from wit-

nesses of the concentration camps. She points to a number of memoirs written by local survivors, including Sammy: Child Survivor of the Holocaust by Museum President Emeritus Sam

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is spreading its message globally, thanks to digital resources. Holocaust memoirs and other materials were sent to Philadelphia Eagles player DeSean Jackson (below) earlier this month in response to his anti-Semitic posts on social media. Harris, Transcending Darkness—A Girl's Journey Out of the Holoc aust by Estelle Laughlin, and Will to Live, One Family's Story of the Holocaust by Adam Starkopf. While IHMEC reopened this week with new safety protocols—a smooth opening, Abram says—staff have spent the period of time while shut down ramping up its virtual education offerings and expanding its audience through online platforms. When the gesture of a trunk of resources goes out to someone such as DeSean Jackson, they can view much of IHMEC's collection and resources online. "Because of the pandemic we have realized our ability to transform much of what we do to digital and to reach people far beyond our four walls, which has always been an objective," Abrams says. "We've reached more people during the first half of the year than the previous year because of the power of digital." Online programming includes coffee with a Holocaust survivor online at 10 a.m. each Wednesday on Facebook Live, giving the opportunity for the public to ask questions. The organization is also offering virtual storytelling and readings from survivor memoirs.

"Any day of the week you can have an opportunity to connect," says Abrams.

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IHMEC has also expanded its teacher training and is now reaching more than twice as many teachers virtually than it was able to reach at its physical location, and a number of staff members continue to serve as a key resource in the state's ongoing efforts to provide education to Illinois students. Learning the lessons of the Holocaust, and the story of it, at a younger age is what prevents kids from growing up and approaching conversations about the atrocities from a position of ignorance. "Helping people recognize our common humanity, the museum is using the history and the lessons of the Holocaust as a jumping off point to make connections in our world today," Abrams says. "We're working to inspire and enable people to take meaningful action and stand up for themselves and others and make our world a better place." Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is located at 9603 Woods Drive in Skokie. For information about its upcoming programs, call 847-967-4800 or visit ilholocaustmuseum.org. THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

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NEWS

‘HIS HOME WAS HIS WORK’ ONCE UPON FRANCHISE FAMILY RESTAURATEUR GERRY GEFFEN WORKED HAPPILY EVER AFTER AT HIS WELCOMING NORTH SHORE EATERIES. BY BILL MCLEAN THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

The scene following the interment of Gerry Geffen—owner of the North Shore’s exceptional Once Upon franchise of family restaurants—made his son, Steve, stop on the way to his car in February. And listen. It then nearly melted him. “Dozens of employees, past and present, had surrounded my dad’s gravesite,” Steve Geffen recalls. “There might have been close to 100. Several of them spoke about what my dad meant to them and their families. It was like another funeral service for my dad.

restaurants were The Mean Wiener and Lucky Fish in Highwood; another Once Upon a Bagel, in Winnetka; and Once Upon a Grill, Once Upon a Deli, and Once Upon a Cafe in Northbrook. The allure of the delicious fare at the fairytale-sounding establishments has been real since Year One. Steve Geffen succeeded his father at the top of the company nearly six years ago; Gerry, a Rogers Park native and Lincolnshire resident, served as a Once Upon consultant from 2014 until his death. “He never stopped,” Gerry’s son marvels. “He never stopped thinking, too. He was always trying to improve his restaurants or come up with the

The late Gerry Geffen founded the first restaurant in his franchise, Once Upon A Bagel, in Highland Park in 1982. “It was the most wonderful thing I’d ever seen.” Gerry Geffen, who opened his first eatery— Once Upon A Bagel in Highland Park in 1982— died of natural causes on February 17. He was 76. Other visions he had turned into must-visit

next big idea. He wanted to grow, to build. Always. That kept him going, that constant desire. That gave him energy. His home was his work.” Steve Geffen’s second home, in his youth? Easy. Wherever Gerry Geffen happened to be

working that day—even on a workday that started as early as 3 or 4 a.m. Rising and shining well before the birds’ first chorus never bothered a 13-year-old Steve. “I’d go to work with him, when it was still dark outside, sit on the floor, and watch him bake dozens and dozens of bagels,” says Steve, adding he and his older sister, Cynthia, learned everything they needed to know about the restaurant game from their driven, kind father. “I was in awe. He taught me everything; I was blessed. I’m the businessman I am today because of my father.” But what separated Gerry Geffen from most other restaurateurs was the way he treated his employees. When you punched in at a Once Upon family restaurant, you essentially checked in as a Geffen family member—and felt like one until it was time to punch out. All those postinterment mourners who’d been hired by Geffen? They hadn’t lost just an unforgettable, caring boss; they’d also lost a warmhearted “father” or “brother.” “Dad loved his employees,” Steve says. “Loved all of them. Considered them family. He loved interacting with them and making them feel comfortable. He cherished his customers, too, because they lived in amazing North Shore communities and showed their loyalty to our restaurants. We’re all about providing good products, consistent products, but Dad knew that the social aspect of the dining experience in the restaurant was as important as the meals were. Dad was a one-of-a-kind, and he built a legacy that’s unparalleled.” Gerry’s wife, Sonia, wore way too many hats to count as one of Gerry’s tireless colleagues for decades. S h e could

probably teach a couple of advanced Ins & Outs college courses in a Restaurant and Food Services Management program in the morning and offer customer service tips to cashiers and servers at five restaurants in the afternoon. “My mom knows so much about restaurants,” Steve says. “If I have questions about anything, she’s there with the answers.” Steve’s Q & A sessions with Dad Geffen at work usually preceded their animated conversations about Chicago sports. Gerry loved the Cubs. When he wasn’t beaming hard after the Cubs had finally won a World Series in 2016,

| SATURDAY JULY 25 | SUNDAY JULY 26 2020

We’re all about providing good products, consistent products, but Dad knew that the social aspect of the dining experience in the restaurant was as important as the meals were. Dad was a one-of-akind, and he built a legacy that’s unparalleled.

he was resting his s m i l e muscles. Gerry also rooted for the Bulls. “Dad took me to my first Bulls game,” Steve says. “He got great seats, floor seats, at the old Chicago Stadium. I don’t remember the Bulls’ opponent that night; I don’t even remember who won. Details like that don’t matter to me today. “What matters to me was the experience that night, being there and enjoying the game with my father.” Other survivors are daughter Cynthia’s husband, Steven Harfield; son Steve’s wife, Shana; grandchildren Andrew, Rebecca, Nathan, and Matthew; and siblings-in-law Renay Larson ( James) and Michelle Karlin. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital (st.jude. org) or Telshe Yeshiva Chicago (telsheyeshivachicago.com). THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

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THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

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CONNECTED LOCALLY & GLOBALLY

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“ I made the switch to Engel & Völkers because I was looking for a well-established firm with strong local roots and a global reach. I am so excited to introduce the Engel & Völkers culture to everyone! ” - Martha Gray Martha Gray 847.970.0998 • martha.gray@evrealestate.com • marthagray.evrealestate.com 903 Green Bay Road • Winnetka, Illinois Some sales sold while affiliated with another brokerage. ©2020 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

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THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

SETTING NEW STANDARDS

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THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

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“ As long time North Shore residents and real estate professionals, we are thrilled to be a part of something so unique to the North Shore. ” - Maureen & John Ryan Maureen & John Ryan 847.630.5742 • maureen.ryan@evrealestate.com • maureenryan.evrealestate.com 903 Green Bay Road • Winnetka, Illinois Some sales sold while affiliated with another brokerage. ©2020 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

SATURDAY JULY 25 | SUNDAY JULY 26 2020 |

NEWS

KNOT WORST HIGHLAND PARK NATIVE ZACK IGNOFFO ADVANCES TO THE LATE STAGES OF THE FOOD NETWORK'S WORST COOKS IN AMERICA COMPETITION. started on June 21 with 14 contestants, including Ignoffo. He says the experience learning alongside his fellow contestants, which include a former NFL football player, a psychic, and others from a variety of professional backgrounds, was rewarding. "It's been amazing. You walk in and everyone considers it to be a competition because we're trying to win $25,000 but you are jam packed with each other," he says. "You don't have your cell phone and you can't connect with the outside world to get recipes or whatever, so you get really close. There was an

BY MITCH HURST THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

A month before Zack Ignoffo was invited to audition for the Food Network's reality television show, Worst Cooks in America, his dad asked for his help to make dinner. Ignoffo promptly sliced a tendon in his hand while dicing vegetables, an injury that required minor surgery. He had recently turned down a chance to appear on The Bachelor when the production company inquired about his cooking skills, or lack thereof. "They offered me a spot on The Bachelor and I told them I didn't want to go on a show like that so they asked, 'Are you a bad cook by any chance because we have this other show going on, Worst Cooks,'" Ignoffo says. "Ironically, I had just cut my hand the month before and I said, 'Funny enough, I've got a great story for you about how bad’.'" Ignoffo grew up in Highland Park (Highland Park High School, Class of 2011) and attended the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University. He's an adventurer, having already visited more than 50 countries before his 28th birthday, and, after becoming fluent in Mandarin, worked in Shanghai as a cybersecurity consultant for two years before returning to the states. Ignoffo's time in China expanded his culinary horizons, so to speak, which in part fed his motivation to become a contestant on Worst Cooks. "I was a great candidate because I never really learned to cook but I've eaten everything," he says "Living in China you taste the rainbow. There are very few things I haven't tried or wouldn't try but it just didn't translate to the hands, to making it." The 20th season of Worst Cooks, which was filmed in New York and airs on Sunday nights at 8 p.m. Chicago time on the Food Network,

Zack Ignoffo of Highland Park.

ex-NFL Super Bowl Champion and social media influencers and reality television veterans and here I was just this goofy kid from Chicago." Despite his outsider status, Ignoffo has managed to survive in the competition from week to week and is now one of four contestants left with three episodes to go. He's won two of the weekly episodes, most recently with his version of a Chicago sausage sandwich. "It's an unreal feeling but very backhanded because you're kind of the best of the worst," he says. "You want to walk out of there with a feeling that you're high and mighty, but the problem is you're extremely average." As for his sausage sandwich that won the chef judges over, Ignoffo says he relied on his Chicago instincts. "We made it from scratch, took the pork shoulder and the other ingredients but I took it to another notch and added the giardiniera in there and the other stuff that comes on the classic Portillo's dog," he says. "I just followed my heart on that one. My ancestors were calling me, and I saw the smoke signals in the distance." While the results of Worst Cooks won't be revealed for a few more weeks, Ignoffo is not too worried just yet about television stardom going to his head. He has yet to be recognized by strangers in the street. "I went to Starbucks yesterday and a guy stopped me and said, 'Can I just say something to you,'" he says. "I thought, 'Oh here we go' and he said, 'I love your shirt.'" Though he's already accomplished a lot at the age of 27, Ignoffo, who also keeps a side hustle performing comedy, keeps his feet firmly planted on the ground. Just ask his mom. "He’s always learning and he’s always trying to better himself and figure out the next thing he can do to use the things he’s learned," Lisa Ignoffo says. "Whether it’s acting, writing, or working."

LIFESTYLE & ARTS

NORTH SHORTS

THE SHORT HIKE THOUGHTS ON HOW WE SPEND OUR TIME. BY MIKE LUBOW ILLUSTRATION BY KIRSTEN ULVE

When writing, you can make a point quickly without piling up a lot of words. You like that. You wonder if this economy of time could somehow apply to visiting a nature trail. Today you’d wanted to hit the woods for a few hours, a break from staying home in the era of COVID-19. But you’ve got work requiring an afternoon at the computer. Then you think: wait, sometimes you trim a rambling 500 down to 100, so maybe you could shorten a ramble in the woods, too. You park at a nearby North Shore nature pre-

| SATURDAY JULY 25 | SUNDAY JULY 26 2020

serve. You walk for five minutes and stop. For another five, you stand in the quiet trees. You see a scarlet tanager through the leaves, a colorful surprise. Five minutes later, you’re on your way out. Total time, 15 minutes. A short hike. You wouldn’t want all your hikes to be short ones. But on a busy day that would normally have no wildness in it, you went into the woods, got honest mud on your shoes and saw a tanager. You’ll remember that for a long time. Even though it was for a short time. This column was adapted by Mike Lubow from his book: Wild Notes: Observations over time about birds and other fleeting things. Available on amazon.com. THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

is proud to welcome

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THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

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LIFESTYLE & ARTS

NORTH SHORE FOODIE

GINGERY WATERMELON PALETAS SERVES 10 // ACTIVE TIME: 10 MIN // TOTAL TIME: 5 HRS INGREDIENTS

• 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon (from about half a 5-pound watermelon) • 1/4 cup plain 2 percent fat or whole Greek yogurt • 1 teaspoon finely grated peeled ginger • Pinch of kosher salt • 1/3 cup (or more) sugar • 1 tablespoon (or more) fresh lime juice

2. Divide purée among ice-pop molds. Freeze until mixture begins to set around edges of molds, 4560 minutes. Stir mixture in molds to blend; insert sticks. Freeze until solid, at least 4 hours. Dip molds briefly in hot water to release paletas.

DO AHEAD: Paletas can be made one week ahead. Keep frozen. A dollop of yogurt keeps these pops from being too icy, and we love the way the ginger adds a little spice.

RECIPE BY SUSAN SPUNGEN BON APPÉTIT JULY 2013

• Special equipment: Ten 3-ounce ice-pop molds and wooden sticks

1. P urée watermelon, yogurt, ginger, salt, 1/3 cup sugar, and 1 tablespoon lime juice in a blender until smooth. Add more sugar and lime juice, if desired. (Purée will taste less sweet once frozen, so err on the sweet side.)

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S U N D AY B R E A K FA S T

ARTS + ENVIRONMENT IT ALL ADDS UP FOR ENDURING HIGHLAND PARK PUBLIC SERVANT RHODA PIERCE AND TWO OF HER ENTRENCHED PASSIONS. BY BILL MCLEAN ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT

Rhoda Pierce sat among an audience of approximately 400 at a local event in the late 1960s. Nobody knows for sure how many words speaker Gloria Steinem uttered on that day in Highland Park. But Pierce knows exactly how many resonated with her. “Every one,” Pierce—a consummate public servant for most of her life and a Highland Park resident since 1968—says of the messages delivered by Steinem, a journalist, political activist, and the force behind the American women’s movement. “I remember feeling, as I left, highly motivated and determined to find my direction in life. Gloria talked about potential, about thoroughly examining yourself, about going after what you want to be and realizing your capabilities. “That wasn’t a movement,” she adds. “That was a revolution.” Years later, the perpetually spunky and thoughtful Pierce caught up with Steinem at a small luncheon and gushed, “You changed my life!” Steinem disagreed, politely. “She told me,” Pierce recalls, ‘No, we changed your life.’” In other words, Steinem’s words had nudged Pierce, who then accelerated from that point on, needing only a nanosecond to zip from 0 to 60 mph in her Discover Your Calling race. A high school teacher and mother of two sons (writer/Dartmouth College professor Peter Orner and cartoonist/animator Eric Orner) at the time of the Steinem event, Pierce entered the world of arts shortly thereafter and later began her 10-year run as Illinois Arts Council Agency (IACA) executive director in 1986. She recently accepted a four-year term to serve IACA as its vice chairman/legislative liaison. Among her other commitments and roles on a vita that rivals the length of a grocery list for a family of 10—past chairperson of the Highland Park Human Relations Commission; past president of the Highland Park Public Library and of the Highland Park/ Highwood Sister Cities Foundation; Lake Forest College life trustee; and past chair of the Highland Park Historic Preservation and Cultural Arts commissions. “Arts are vital to communities, and my experiences with the Illinois Arts Council have been wonderful … absolutely wonderful,” says Pierce, who’s a diehard opera fan and a beating heart behind the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund, which supports artists and arts organizations that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. “Serving the agency fulfilled one of my dreams. The arts provide economic benefits. The arts tell us who we are as people. We gain a sense of community through the arts.”

Rhoda Pierce

| SATURDAY JULY 25 | SUNDAY JULY 26 2020

The North Shore Water Reclamation District (NSWRD) lost a major leader in Daniel Pierce—Rhoda’s husband of 39 years—when he died in February. A former mayor of Highland Park and an Illinois State Representative from 1965-85, Mr. Pierce was NSWRD’s president and the district’s Ward 5 (Highland Park/ Highwood) trustee at the time of his death. The NSWRD is dedicated to the beneficial reuse of water resources while protecting Lake Michigan, local waterways, and the environment through sustainable and fiscally responsible wastewater reclamation practices at state-ofthe-art treatment facilities. Current NSWRD President Preston Carter called Rhoda Pierce in April and asked her to think about finishing Daniel’s Ward 5 term. Rhoda accepted the appointment the next day—enthusiastically and humbly. “The district’s administration is excellent and led by professionals; it’s extremely well-run,” Pierce says. “Count on clean water. You don’t have to worry one minute. The effluent is being treated. You don’t have to worry about diseases, about anything. “We’re taking care of business.” She’s planning to run for a two-year Ward 5 term in November. “I’ve always been interested in the environment and issues related to it,” Pierce says. “I’m passionate about the arts. I’m passionate about the environment. People ask me all the time, ‘How are the arts and the environment connected?’ I tell them, ‘In many ways.’ Our beautiful land-

I remember feeling, as I left, highly motivated and determined to find my direction in life. Gloria talked about potential, about thoroughly examining yourself, about going after what you want to be and realizing your capabilities.

scapes and lakes inspire painters and other artists. Frank Lloyd Wright made sure his architectural designs were good fits in their striking surroundings.” Pierce grew up in Fall River, Massachusetts. Rhoda’s parents? Exemplary public servants. Their whip-smart, eager Rhoda attended Durfee High School, home of the Hilltoppers, at a time when only 10 percent of its graduates attended college; most of the others worked in the cotton mills. “You’re making me smile,” Pierce says. “I’m glad you asked me about my high school days. I have many fond memories of those.” Rhoda rah-rah-ed twice on Boston Garden’s famed parquet floor as a cheerleader for the Hilltoppers’ highly successful boys basketball program. Her favorite teacher taught Latin and once told all of the students—including Rhoda— sitting in the back of the classroom that they had to migrate to the front row. Pierce went to Simmons College (now Simmons University) in Boston for three-anda-half years before earning a degree in history (with a minor in art) at Lake Forest College. “Lake Forest College welcomed me with open arms,” Pierce says. “I was, and still am, overwhelmingly grateful for the chance the school gave me to finish my studies there. The college had just introduced courses of study, along with policies, for young women and mothers looking for flexible options. Lake Forest College fully understood the needs of women at the time.” The man in her life for nearly 40 years departed this world a day before Valentine’s Day. But Rhoda Ann Pierce thinks of Daniel M. Pierce daily. His legacy? Too vast to measure. Too deep. “Dan was the best, the ultimate public servant,” Rhoda says. “I’ve tried very, very hard to live up to what he wanted me to be. I’m not sad. I haven’t fallen into a funk. I will not fall apart. I wake up every morning with a smile and then do all I can to lead a meaningful life. “I don’t want to let Dan down.” THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

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