SW Lake, IL August 2020

AUGUST 2020

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

HOW A PRO PHOTOGRAPHS BABIES WHY DOGS ARE LIKE US TOYS ARE A FAMILY AFFAIR

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June Sales in Southwest Lake County Subdivision

Sold Price

List Price

SP:LP

LMT

All Beds

# Full Baths

Lake Zurich Sunset

$870,000

$815,000

107%

113

4

4

Mossley Hill Farms

$529,000

$529,000

100%

6

3

3

Wentworth

$601,677

$601,677

100%

6

3

2

Deer Lake Meadows

$739,000

$739,000

100%

9

4

5

Merri Oaks Farm

$875,000

$875,000

100%

6

4

4

Estates of Indian Creek

$586,000

$589,000

99%

60

5

3

Clover Hill Farms

$515,000

$519,900

99%

28

5

3

Hawthorn Woods Country Club

$580,000

$589,000

98%

27

4

3

Forest Green Lake Estates

$635,000

$645,000

98%

110

4

3

Park Place Estates

$619,000

$629,900

98%

3

5

3

Deer Valley Estates

$618,000

$629,000

98%

5

4

4

Bridlewood

$950,000

$969,900

98%

115

4

5

Robert Bartletts

$629,750

$644,500

98%

64

3

3

MLS statistics from 6/1/20-6/30/20. All information herein has not been verified and is not guaranteed. Featured properties may not be listed by the agent/office providing this data. Supplied by Renee Clark, @properties.

Boone Creek CABINETRY & DESIGN

LIFESTYLE LETTER

AUGUST 2020 PUBLISHER

Michael Beightol | michael.beightol@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Stephen Neilson | stephen.neilson@lifestylepubs.com

Welcome to the Dog Days of Summer

Whitney Lockhart

HI EVERYBODY, IT’S EMMA AGAIN. I was asked to sub in this month to open the

Dani Moore

annual issue dedicated to Kids and Pets. I’m happy to pitch in even though we’re in the dog days of summer. That means the temperature soars and the humidity

AD DESIGNER

LAYOUT DESIGNER

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

increases, so being of the four-legged persuasion I like to save energy during the day.

Michael Beightol, KImberly Blaker, Emma Heeler, Carrianne Hornok, Nicolette Martin, Stephen Neilson, Marissa Plescia

We all hope you love this issue. Local photographer Carrianne Hornok shared some

Graham Blus, Carrianne Hornok, Stephen Neilson

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

wonderful photos of adorable babies. Babies have all kinds of strange smells so I really, really like ‘em.

Like me, kids love toys. We’re lucky to have such a nice, family-owned store called Happki right here in SW Lake County. It’s in Deer Park and it's run by Angela and Mauricio Romy. They have lots of what’s called educational and skill-building toys that I’m not supposed to chew.

Kimberly Blaker is my new favorite writer. She shares a story about how dogs have a lot in common with their people. We adore affection, experience mood swings,

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

and really miss you when you’re not around. Lucky for us the Coronavirus Pandemic

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

means a lot of two-legged folk stay home more. I like to check up on my owner from

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

time-to-time especially when I hear lots of new voices coming from his office. He

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen

says it’s because of something called “Zoom” but I gotta tell the truth—he doesn’t

REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams

really zoom around the house much when he works.

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

I hope you appreciate all of us dogs (and cats and other pets) during this strange time. As much as the gang from the dog park and I like having you around the house more, I suspect it won’t last forever. Enjoy it while you can. I am.

Love and wet kisses from your friend, ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY | NEW YORK NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

Emma 514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake ON THE COVER Photography by Carrianne Hornok 4

SW Lake Lifestyle | August 2020

Proverbs 3:5-6 SW Lake Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the SW Lake areas’ most affluent neighborhoods.

Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions.

No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent.

Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in SW Lake Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

MAKE YOUR HOME MORE COMFORTABLE Our environment has such an impact on our lives and now that we spend more time at home we see the impact of our surroundings.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE AUGUST 2020

FEATURES 12 For the Love of Dogs It’s True! A Growing Body of Research Shows That Dogs Feel Love and Attachment.

18 For the Love of Toys Family Store Brings Happiness to Kids With Toys That Educate & Build Skills.

24 Hand-Crafted Fun Paper Craft Activity For You + Your Kiddo.

18 12

34 Making Babies Smile is a Photographer’s Passion Wife, Mother & Photographer Says She Has the Best Job in the World.

24

34

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

12

Animal Kingdom

18

Locally Owned

24 DIY 30 Giving Back 34 Parting Thoughts

y ' s C h ar a d r e t s m e . y

Today's lifestyles. h

locat c i r o ist quaint

ions

shops

tions a s r e v ly con d n e i r f s rience e p x e unique drink & d o o ous f fabul tage i r e h n germa ices v r e s ial essent Explore all the sipping, shopping, dining and more that Historic Downtown Long Grove has to offer at LongGrove.org. @SipShopDineLG @EnjoyLongGrove

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GOOD TIMES 1.

2.

3.

Praise for the 2020 Best of SW Lake Awards Despite the pandemic the team from SW Lake Lifestyle forged ahead with the 2020 Best of SW Lake Awards. Recently, Graham Blus and Michael Beightol met with the winners from LUXE wearhouse, Restoration Fitness, Renee Clark Homes, Edward Jones, Avalon Salon & Spa, LRS Interiors, Threads Boutique, Reflections in Glass/American Garage Floor Systems, Sandra Frampton (@Properties) and Timothy Grant Jewelry.

5.

4.

7.

8.

6.

9.

10.

11.

1. Loren Reid Seaman (Leadership in Style). | 2. Marcy Sparr (Inspiring Entrepreneur) shared the award with her business partner, Annie Lang. | 3. Tim Meade (Family Business Leadership). | 4. Mark Hornok (Commitment to Financial Management). | 5. Renee Clark (Charity & Compassion). | 6. Linda Starkey (Service to the Community). | 7. Sandra Frampton (Dedication to the Community) accepts her award from Publisher Michael Beightol. | 8. Bonnie Conte (Business Leadership). | 9. Graham Blus shot photos of the winners and produced a commemorative video posted to Facebook. | 10. Sean Lee (Inspiring Others). | 11. Tim Siefert (Artistic Leadership).

8

SW Lake Lifestyle | August 2020

AROUND TOWN excessive force. “Nobody is allowed to idly stand by if there is a situation where excessive force is being used,” Idleburg said in a statement. “Using force is only used as a last resort.” (from Local Newsreader)

LAKE COUNTY OFFERS VIRTUAL COURTHOUSE WEDDINGS Lovebirds, cheer up. Lake County recently announced that it will allow virtual weddings, provided at least one person being married is a resident of Lake County. Courthouse weddings were suspended March 17 of this year due to safety concerns regarding COVID-19. To have a judge officiate a wedding virtually, couples must make an appointment to get a marriage

FUR BELONGS ON PETS, NOT ON YOU. THIS REALLY HELPS.

license with the County Clerk’s office and pay a $10 fee, in cash, on the day that the license is issued. Before noon on the morning of the wedding the couple sched-

The pet loving team at SW Lake Lifestyle wanted

ules their ceremony, which will be conducted via the

to be sure the readers of our annual “Kids and Pets”

Zoom app later that afternoon. Fair warning: they are

issue didn’t miss hearing about this great new prod-

terribly un-romantic. (from Local Newsreader)

uct that’s been a timesaver for our familes. FurZapper is a self-cleaning, reusable, long-lasting device that's tossed in the washer and dryer to dislodge pet

GUIDELINES RELEASED FOR TALKING TO CHILDREN ABOUT RACE

fur from clothing, eliminating the need to re-wash

The Lake County Health Department recently

or pay extra attention to fresh-from-the-dryer attire.

issued a new video titled “Talking with Your Kids

We’ve even given up using dryer sheets and most

About Race.” The tips describe how to have con-

fabric softener, as the results from FurZapper are

versations with children about people who have

that dog-gone good (FurZapper.com).

different color skin from you. “Don’t be afraid to talk about it,” the video advises, while encouraging parents to let children know that skin color is caused by melanin in the skin. The video asks parents to provide diverse toys, books and media for children. “Read stories of role models from all different races,” it suggests, along with encouraging parents to teach children that racial discrimination exists and how to stand up to it. The video, available on YouTube, was released as part of the Health Department’s regular “Mindful Minute” feature. (from Local Newsreader)

SW LAKE LIFESTYLE TEAMS WITH NEW LOCAL NEWS RESOURCE Local Newsreader is a new, online news

SHERIFF ANNOUNCES CHANGES TO USE OF FORCE POLICY

10

resource that has partnered with SW Lake Lifestyle to share news about the community with area families. Publisher Michael Beightol said: “Hawthorn

Lake County Sheriff John D. Idleburg said he

Woods resident Margo Pelak deserves our support

has changed the department’s approach to use of

to share her news reporting to keep residents in

force in the aftermath of the death of George Floyd,

SW Lake County better informed on both breaking

who died while being restrained by police officers

news and items of particular interest to the com-

in Minneapolis. The new policy now mandates that

munity.” Pelak added that families can keep abreast

staff must intervene if they witness anyone using

with local news by visiting LocalNewsreader.com.

SW Lake Lifestyle | August 2020

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11

ANIMAL KINGDOM

Fo r t h e L o v e of Dogs IT’S TRUE! A GROWING BODY OF RESEARCH SHOWS THAT DOGS FEEL LOVE AND ATTACHMENT.

IN LIVING WITH AND INTERACTING WITH OUR DOGS, WE GET TO KNOW THEM WELL. Despite their inability to talk, we often understand their emotions based on their body language. Scientists now know what dog owners have suspected all along: Dogs experience a wider range of emotions than scientists once thought.

The dog brain is substantially smaller than the human brain when accounting for body size, so it isn’t as complex as our brain. Yet, MRI studies reveal dogs’ brains aren’t much different from ours.

MRIs have shown the same sections of both the human and dog brain light up based on various types of stimuli, according to board-certified neurologist Dr. J.P. McCue at New York City’s Animal Medical Center as reported in “Dog Brain Facts: Understanding Canine Cognition.”

It’s also been found that dogs produce oxytocin, the neurotransmitter and hormone that creates the emotion of love in humans. In fact, research reveals that when our dogs stare into our eyes, it activates oxytocin, creating a bond similar to that between a mother and infant.

Doing tricks with Mom onstage.

ARTICLE KIMBERLY BLAKER | PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHEN NEILSON 12

SW Lake Lifestyle | August 2020

Set me free, folks!

I need a real home.

David Grimm reports on the research of this phe-

JOY: Dogs often express this when a family member

nomenon in his article, “How dogs stole our hearts,” at

comes home, or a familiar guest comes to visit. Dogs

ScienceMag.org. In an experiment by Takefumi Kikusui,

often run and jump, wag their tails, and lavish kisses.

an animal behaviorist, and his colleagues, dogs and their

They also express joy when playing by barking or giving

owners gazed into each other’s eyes. Their gaze ranged

a playful bow.

from a few seconds to a couple of minutes. The researchers found in those dogs and owners who stared longer,

LOVE & AFFECTION: When dogs are feeling affection-

the oxytocin levels rose 130% and 300%, respectively.

ate, they might nudge you with their nose, make loving

This adds to the growing body of research support-

eye contact (as opposed to the threatening eye contact

ing that dogs can feel love and attachment.

of an unknown dog), or softly groan and sigh while lying

Just like in humans, dogs’ brains develop as they grow.

next to you. Some dogs will lean their bodies up against

In humans, the brain reaches full development around the

you while sitting or standing. They also express their love

age of twenty-five. But dogs’ brains are fully developed

through kissing, jumping and rolling onto their backs with

around the age of 6 months. At this point, dogs’ emotional

a wagging tail.

development is equivalent to a two and a half-year-old human, according to researchers. To gain perspective on what that means in regards to dogs’ range of emotions, Stanley Coren charts the emotions of a two-and-ahalf-year-old child in “What Emotions Do Dogs Actually Experience?” These include joy, love and affection, con-

Ju st l i ke i n h u ma n s, d o g s’ b ra i n s d eve l o p a s th ey g row.

tentment, excitement, shyness and suspicion, fear, disgust, distress and anger. At that age, however, children

SHYNESS, SUSPICION & FEAR: These emotions are

don’t experience feelings that require self-consciousness,

often quite evident. Dogs might flatten their ears, avoid

such as pride, shame, guilt and contempt.

eye contact, tuck their tail under, cower, pant or shake.

They can also have dilated glassy eyes. Pacing, hiding,

HOW TO READ YOUR DOG’S FEELINGS Here are some of the ways dogs express different emotions.

whining, barking, sneering, nipping, or submissive urination can also be signs of fear or shyness.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

13

ANIMAL KINGDOM (CONTINUED)

Mitch the Comfort Dog, with a friend at the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center.

Waiting their turn for adoption.

DISTRESS: When dogs are depressed, they can experience changes in appetite, behavior, sleep patterns and reduced activity levels. Emotionally distressed dogs also show this in their posture with downcast eyes and a low bent neck. They might also lick or shed excessively.

ANGER: If your dog has ever ignored you or given you the cold shoulder, there’s a good chance it’s mad at you. But if you’re doing something that makes your dog particularly angry, the signs may be more prominent. Your dog might take a rigid posture, bark loudly in your direction, or make sharp or short barks. This is a warning to stop whatever you’re doing that’s making your dog angry. If your dog begins growling, repeatedly howling with a rising pitch, or showing teeth, it’s prepared to attack.

What about hackles? People often think raised hackles indicate a dog is angry or showing aggression. Sometimes that’s the case, but raised hackles are an involuntary reaction and most often caused by a host of other emotions. These include excitement, arousal, fear, shyness, defensiveness, or being startled. That said, dogs can bite out of fear, not just anger. The best way to know the meaning behind the raised hackles is to look at other body languages that indicate what the dog is feeling.

Understanding these signs of the emotions your dog is expressing “Man’s Best Friend.”

14

SW Lake Lifestyle | August 2020

can help you ensure you’re building the kind of bond with your pet that will bring you both many years of joy.

Volunteer Sue Swanson at a Farmer's Market pet adoption event.

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

15

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SW Lake Lifestyle | August 2020

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LOCALLY OWNED

for the love of toys

A ng

e la wo rk s

-b nt gia the

u

bb

le

m ak er.

DEER PARK TOY STORE BRINGS HAPPINESS TO KIDS WITH TOYS THAT EDUCATE & BUILD SKILLS.

18

SW Lake Lifestyle | August 2020

FOR ANGELA AND MAURICIO ROMY,

Angela and Mauricio said they first

OWNERS OF HAPPKI, A TOY STORE IN

came up with the idea for Happki after a

DEER PARK, THERE IS NOTHING MORE

trip to Barcelona when they shopped in a

EXCITING THAN WHEN A UPS TRUCK

store with products they had never seen

MAKES A DELIVERY OF TOYS.

before. “We forgot very quickly that we

“I do this every single time we get a box, a

were on a trip and that we really didn’t

shipment of toys,” Mauricio said. “I say, ‘Oh my

have space to bring all these things back

God, let me open it. Let me see how it works’.”

home,” Angela said.

Their toy store is a little different than

The couple discovered the store did not

most. All the toys are sustainably made and

have any U.S. locations, so they researched

are designed to help kids learn, and features

to see if they could open a franchise back

toys not available in other stores.

home. Due to copyright issues it didn’t work

“It became a focus to be able to find toys

out. “We just said, you know what, we’ve

that were doing exactly that, so that (as

already spent so much time doing so much

parents) we weren’t just spending money

homework with this… we are just going to

on things that had lights and sounds and

start from scratch,” Angela said.

buttons and then it was going to get thrown

So, Angela and Mauricio created their

away,” Angela said. “We wanted to focus on

own name, logo and found their own ven-

things that were going to last, things that

dors. They decided on the name Happki by

were really going to be able to help (kids)

combining the words “happy” and “kids.”

develop new skills.”

Mauricio said different countries focus

Happki started as an online store in April

on different things when it comes to toys. In

of 2019; the physical store in Deer Park Town

China parents pick toys to help kids learn,

Center opened in November. After strong hol-

while toys in Europe emphasize sustainabil-

iday sales, the store closed due to Covid-19 in

ity and durability, and toys in America are all

March. The Romy’s said their saving grace was

about happiness.

starting online because it made the govern-

They try to find toys that exhibit these

ment shut-down an easier transition. “While

characteristics: “Every time we pick a new

it’s been quiet in the store, our online store has

item … it at least has to fit two categories,”

kept us busy, thankfully,” Angela said.

Mauricio said.

CONTINUED >

ARTICLE MARISSA PLESCIA | PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHEN NEILSON

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

19

LOCALLY OWNED (CONTINUED)

In addition, they said a focus of theirs is also teaching kids about diversity. Mauricio believes this is something that the toy industry will explore more going forward. “I think that one of the purposes of us doing this project is teaching kids, that’s the main idea, and the obligation that we have to be able to bring products that show that it’s okay to be

“WE WANTED TO FOCUS ON THINGS THAT WERE GOING TO LAST, THINGS THAT WERE REALLY GOING TO BE ABLE TO HELP (KIDS) DEVELOP NEW SKILLS.”

different,” Mauricio said.

Happki provides toys for kids with disabilities, including toys that are more sensory related, Angela said.

While it’s hard to pick a favorite, a popular toy in their store is the EzyRoller, a riding machine that they said even adults would love. Another brand they carry is Plan Toys from a company in Thailand that started as an architecture firm that pivoted to toy design.

Angela and Mauricio are already thinking about what’s next for Happki. Eventually they plan to launch a franchise with the Deer Park store as a prototype.

The couple recently created the Happki Foundation to help families in need. The foundation will donate toys to families and children’s hospitals during the holidays, as well as fund childhood initiatives in Colombia, where they are from.

Angela and Mauricio have two daughters of their own. The oldest, who’s nine, is especially interested in toys that are related to art and science, while their six-year-old enjoys just about anything the store offers: “They just absolutely love being able to come in here and finding new little treasures to take home,” Angela said.

Their daughters aren’t the only ones.

Angela and Mauricio said their toys bring them back to their own childhood. “I grew up in a single-mother household, so there wasn’t an excess of toys,” Angela said. “For me being able to own a toy store and be here and pick out toys, I get to play with all of them, so I think I feel like a kid at heart.”

Happki, 21540 W. Field Parkway, is in Deer Park Town Center. Learn more at Happki.com.

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SW Lake Lifestyle | August 2020

Mauricio and Angela Romy, with daughters Sophia (L) and Zara.

Angela reads to her daughters, a lion, and an avocado with popcorn.

Happki's toys frequently feature diversity.

Jammin'.

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

21

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SW Lake Lifestyle | August 2020

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DIY

FUN PAPER CRAFT PROJECTS FOR YOU + YOUR KIDDO ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

SEARCHING FOR WAYS TO GET SOME QUALITY TIME IN WITH YOUR KIDS (AND KEEP THEM BUSY)? Put down the tablet and bust out the toolbox—the craft toolbox, that is...we don’t condone giving power tools to children. When you’re looking for some productive indoor time to spend while empowering your little ones’ imaginations, consider these easy (but we can’t promise mess-free!) projects you can create with a few standard supplies and a lot of creativity.

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SW Lake Lifestyle | August 2020

M AT E R I A L S

PIÑLLAMA

+ Cardboard + White crepe paper + Construction paper + Glue + Scissors + Beads, yarn, pom poms, etc.

DIRECTIONS 1. Take your cardboard and cut two pieces into the shape of a llama (we found a stencil online). Then, cut strips of cardboard the depth you want your llama to be. You’ll connect these to either side of the llama cutouts to enclose your piñata.

2. Glue your strip of cardboard all along the edge of one side of your llama, then glue to the other side.

(Be sure to leave a hole you can close up later so you can fill it with your favorite candy!)

3. Starting at the neck, cover the front, back and sides of your llama with white crepe paper, cutting a slit every half inch or so to create the traditional piñata look.

4. Cover all remaining sides the neck and head with white construction paper, cut to fit your design.

5. Using construction paper, beads, pom poms, tassels, buttons, etc., add some flair to the rest of your llama!

Bonus points for incorporating different shapes and textures into your final product.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

25

DIY (CONTINUED)

M AT E R I A L S + Pink or coral construction paper + White construction paper + Black construction paper + Pink feathers + Glue + Scissors

DIRECTIONS 1. Using a stencil, cut out the pieces you’ll need for your flamingo from construction paper: Pink: 4-6 circles for the body (depending on how “fluffy” you want it), neck and legs White: Outline of the beak Black: Beak 2. Fold the circles in half and glue them all together back-to-back to create a sphere that looks like an accordion.

3. Glue the beak and white stripe to the neck, then glue the neck to a flat side of your inner-most circle.

4. Add the legs, a black dot for an eye and pink feathers for the ultimate flamin-goal.

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SW Lake Lifestyle | August 2020

FLAMING OA L S

COSMIC PENCIL CUP

M AT E R I A L S + Cardboard + Construction Paper + Glue + Scissors + Markers

DIRECTIONS 1. Cut out the shapes for your rocket ship. You’ll need: (2) rocket bodies for the front and back of your ship, (2) fins, (1) nozzle, (1) nose cone, (3) rectangles for your pencil cup, and any additional cutouts for decorations, like windows.

2. Glue the your rectangular pieces to one side of your rocket ship, then glue the back on. You should have an open spot at the top where your pencils will go.

3. Glue the rest of your pieces to the front of your rocket and add embellishments as desired.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

27

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Business at Brunch Cafe with (left-to-right) Tom Clark (Renee Clark Realty Group), Nicki O’Connor & Chris Cabano (Brunch Cafe), Mark Hornok (Edward Jones), Michael Beightol (SW Lake Lifestyle) and Kelly Difino (The Gent’s Place)

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SW Lake Lifestyle | August 2020

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CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

29

GIVING BACK

ANGEL HOUSE THE INSPIRING STORY OF THE ORGANIZATION BRINGING ABANDONED CHILDREN FROM THE SLUM TO SAFETY + INTO THE LOVING ARMS OF CARETAKERS WHO WILL RAISE THEM TO BECOME FUTURE LEADERS IN THEIR GENERATION

MORE THAN 31 MILLION ORPHANS IN INDIA LIVE TRAGIC LIVES IN THE SLUMS; COMPLETELY ALONE, SEARCHING FOR A PLACE TO CALL HOME. No families, no proper clothing, and no sense of stability whatsoever. Without a miraculous rescue, each child is doomed to end up in one of three places: forced child trafficking, child labor, or begging on the streets.

The reality of this injustice came to life for Lindsay Russo while caring for a group of hungry orphans during a humanitarian trip to India in 2010. Nearly 70 children, full orphans, had gathered into a tiny room with dirt floors and cinder block walls to eat their one and only meal for the day being provided by a local feeding program. The children ranged from ages 3 to 12, and they had no place to live. Moved with compassion, Lindsay was unable to turn a blind eye to what she had just witnessed. She thought, ‘These children need a safe place to call home,’ and upon her return to the States, she was determined to make it happen.

30

SW Lake Lifestyle | August 2020

BY THE NUMBERS

183

ANGEL HOUSES

4,476

CHILDREN RESCUED

9

YEARS

In the coming months, she began to tell anyone and

The Angel House team in India knew far too well

everyone about the children in India and asked others

the sobering fate of abandoned orphans. Without

to partner with her to build them a home. Although it

intervention, each child would succumb to a life of

was a challenge, Lindsay had an unyielding passion

destitution. Angel House could not stop with 1 home.

and was determined to give the precious children she

Lindsay and her team refused to just “see” the need,

had met a beautiful home.

but resolved to take action.

In December 2010, the dream became a reality! The

Just weeks after the first home opened, Lindsay

very first Angel House Rescue Orphanage was built and

competed and won on the NBC popular game show

became home to 50 beautiful children in India. They

“Minute To Win It!” In a single moment, more than

ran into their new home like they it was Disneyland! As

8.5 million households heard about Angel House as

they laid on their brand new beds it was the first time

Lindsay competed in hopes to use the money to build

they had ever laid on a bed or a pillow in their entire

more homes in India. It was just the beginning!

lives. The Angel House staff wrapped their arms around

What began as one house construction for just

the children and welcomed them into more than just

one group of children has now grown into dozens

their new homes, but their new lives.

of homes and thousands of children rescued out of

The day was memorable, but soon the harsh reality

the slums! Hundreds of orphans and street children

set in – more than 25 million orphans still lived tragic

who would otherwise be trapped in forced child labor,

lives on the streets and in the slums. Who will do some-

human trafficking, or begging on the streets now have

thing to help them?

a safe place to call home.

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

31

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SW Lake Lifestyle | August 2020

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www.luxewearhouse.com CityLifestyle.com/SWLake 33

PARTING THOUGHTS

MAKING BABIES SMILE IS THIS PHOTOGRAPHER’S PASSION “I’M A WIFE, MOTHER & PHOTOGRAPHER WITH THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD.”

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY CARRIANNE HORNOK

FOR 15 YEARS I HAVE HAD THE BEST JOB IN THE WORLD. When I started my business, photos of children were mostly by chain studios. I saw a need for a more relaxed approach to photo sessions with kids.

Every day I get to make babies smile, then give them back when they are tired and cranky!

There’s nothing like a chubby baby looking at you and smiling—it never feels like “work.”

My goal is to get their natural expressions.

It’s all about those big gummy smiles, sweet little looks and huge eyes that allow their personality to shine through.

I realize that as parents we have expectations about how we want our children to “perform” during a photoshoot. When we change those expectations slightly and allow the photoshoot to progress naturally, it’s amazing what we can get from the experience.

There is nothing better than when I get the perfect shot because I know I am doing exactly what I am meant to do. It’s such a great feeling.

See more of Carrianne Hornok’s remarkable photos at CarriannePhotography.blogspot.com.

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SW Lake Lifestyle | August 2020

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