Make it Better March Digital Edition

march 2012

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Commit to Keeping your heart full of life

Most people who die from a sudden heart attack had no idea that they were at risk.

And women are at an even greater risk. That is why early detection is the focus of the heart experts at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital. Because knowing your risk factors of heart disease is the first step to eliminating it from your life. Together, our hearts beat as one.

Know your risk factors.

To find an Advocate physician, call 1.855.ONE.HEART (1.855.663.4327) or visit InspiringMedicine.com/heart We also offer FREE monthly health classes. Click here to see March’s Taking Care series u

contents volume 3, issue 5

CEOs you should 7 know u

f e br u a r y 2 0 1 2

ealthy and tasty cereal I s aging over? u H your kids will eat u

By Liz Logan

By Laura Hine, Liz Logan, and Susan B. Noyes

By Laura Hine

Dressed for success u

Sweet tarts u

By Tate Gunnerson

By Kathryn Achenbach

Wisconsin vs.

Michigan u

By Laura Tiebert

family

ech camps step up a kid’s game u T

By Jessica Downs

a better you

0-second mom tips u 3

By Annette Jett, Jennifer Pereyra and Ally Ritt

tips for turning a hobby into a 5 business u

By Megan Streit

home

ewly single? Why you should wait N before you date u

By Marjie Killeen

ricks of the trade: the power of paint u T

By Kristina Tober

4

adiant Ravenswood u R

By Liz Logan

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makeitbetter.net

pring break body tune-up u S

By Christy Coughlin

dining and entertainment

L ettuce now praise Saranello’s u

By Julie Chernoff

pring break staycation: Explore ethnic S restaurants u

By Julie Chernoff ots of gold dot the March theater P scene u

By Barry Reszel

make a difference

in every issue founder’s letter u you said it u fresh u tick tock u recommended events u events listing u theater guide u book list u music by val u give time, give support, give things u closing thoughts u

Better makers and their impact u ighty Magners: Finding hope for M kids with cystic fibrosis u

By Laura Tiebert

mission statement

The mission of Make It Better Media is to be the most-trusted, easiest-to-use community resource and print magazine that helps you make Carrying forward the best of your life, and the lives of others, magazine better.

Make It Better North Shore (ISSN No. 2151-0431) is published 11 times per year by Make It Better LLC, 1150 Wilmette Ave., Suite J, Wilmette, IL 600912642. Phone: 847.256.4642. Copyright 2012 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

cover Sally Pofcher, Barbara Turf, Carolyn Gable, Irene Rosenfeld, Joyce Romanoff, Desirée Rogers and Lindsay Gaskin. Photo credits on pages 37-47. february C o n t r i bu t o r s We asked our CEOs what they splurge on and what they hate spending money on. In that spirit, we asked our writers for their frugal habits.

Make It Better is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Copyright 2012 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

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march 2012

5

online

Our better half is online:

Make It Better iPad Edition Got an iPad? Download our FREE app and read us even before the print version arrives. Better yet, it’s enhanced with tons of interactive extras like videos and photo galleries. makeitbetter.net/ipad (And while you’re there, we’d really appreciate it if you’d rate the app in the App Store and give us your comments. Thanks!)

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online

auction Check out our charity auctions at makeitbetter.net/make-adifference to bid on packages that benefit local not-for-profit organizations. Scheduled for March are auction items to benefit Connections for the Homeless. Including: Napa Valley Trip for Two Wine train winery tour and tasting experience with 3-night stay at Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa plus airfare for two!

NCAA NCAA 2013 Final Four championship package with 3 night hotel stay and airfare for two to Atlanta. Experience includes tickets to NCAA National SemiFinalist Game on Saturday, April 6, 2013 and tickets to the NCAA National Championship Game on Monday, April 8, 2013!

Rolling Stones Guitar Autographed guitar signed by Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Ronnie Wood and Bill Wyman of the Rolling Stones!

please tell us Go to our Facebook page if you have nominations or submissions for any of the following: April Issue: please send us beautiful photos of your special events - wedding, bar/bat mitzvah, significant birthday or anniversary celebration. We’re also looking for four recent weddings, anniversaries or bar/bat mitzvahs for an announcement page.

Tell us what “luxury” means to you. Is it things, experiences, places, time, people? We’re interested in all the ways you define luxury.

What is your favorite thing to order at a local restaurant? Tell us the best dish to order and why. facebook facebook.com/makeitbetter.net twitter twitter.com/makeitbetterns email susan@makeitbetter.net makeitbetter.net

march 2012

7

online

the hot list These are the writers who had the hottest online articles last month. Click and see why.

1. Tate Gunnerson Make It Better’s Home Editor named names in his article, “4 Secret Design Resources of the North Shore.”

If you missed it, go to makeitbetter.net/at-home.

In this issue, Tate gets the scoop on Tangley Oaks, the historic Lake Bluff estate.

2. Liz Logan often interviews celebrities as Make It Better’s Senior Editor, but her number one article last month was about local high school student Peter ten Brink who starred in a Hallmark movie that aired on ABC. Read about Peter at makeitbetter.net/entertainment 3. Kelly Konrad’s our go-to gal when it comes to books. A popular book blogger, (litzyditz. com) her article “A New Year Means A New Book List” was 8

march 2012

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emailed to book lovers on the North Shore and beyond. Check out her new reads on page 112.

To read her online recommendations, go to makeitbetter. net/better-you 4. Laura Hine lives on her iPhone—hello, she’s an editor, it comes with the job. She shared her favorite apps “The 25 Best iPhone Apps” and it’s been a very popular article. To see what you should download, go to makeitbetter.net/family.

5. Barry Reszel is the executive director of the not-for-profit entertainment company Liberty Town Productions, so when he reviews a play for Make It Better, he knows of whence he speaks. Read his picks on page 106 and at makeitbetter.net/ entertainment

online

what’s hot this month On the better list Resources for life in the northern suburbs, recommended

by Make It Better makeitbetter.net/the-better-list body physics “My wife and I have used Body Physics for many years. Tom is a pro and very talented. We use him twice a week each (4 sessions) when we are not traveling. We began using Body Physics after receiving sessions as a gift from long time friends. It was a surprise and a gift that continues to play a central role in our lives. We would recommend Tom without reservation.

He is a trainer-coach and multidimensional. We consider ourselves fortunate to have Tom in our lives.”

als meat market “On Fridays, there are two very elderly butchers (80s to90s) at Al’s mixing up batches of meatloaf to put in the freezer for purchase all week. They actually cut bacon strips to lay over the top. And, IF you come to Al’s on Saturdays, they might give you a wee bit of beer on tap if you are thirsty. If you ask, you can take a look at the meat room in the back where they are aging the beef up to three weeks. Amazing place!”

rose’s wheat free bakery “I love Rose’s sandwiches, soups, and her delicious cupcakes. Try almost any of them. And a little goes a long way. I make this place a required stop whenever I am nearby.

I just enjoy eating healthfully and Rose’s makes it very easy. “

Hlavacek Florist of Glenview “I placed a long distance phone order with Hlavacek. they were so polite - just a delight to work with.

And the recipients reported that the bouquet was magnificent & fragrant, exactly what I requested.”

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march 2012

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founder’s letter | make it better

Virginia Blankenbaker and John Williams

a different kind of success

B

By Susan B. Noyes

eing CEO is an impressive life accomplishment. And we are very proud to feature seven fine female CEOs in this issue. We’re also proud of our other articles and tips that will help you be successful in your own life.

Yet perhaps the most important life accomplishment

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is finding and nurturing love. Even CEOs can’t inspire people the way love can.

My 70-something mom, Virginia Blankenbaker, and her 80-something husband, John Williams, recently reminded me of this.

Mom and John married seven years ago, and they have acted like newlyweds ever since.

founder’s letter | make it better

They sing and read love po- that hospitalized him for ems to each other, listen ador- three weeks. Despite hours of ingly to the other even when therapy each day, the medithey’ve already heard the story cal experts did not think he before, giggle about—rather had improved enough to go than criticize—each other’s home. Rather, they wanted to foibles. That John’s limbs are send him to a rehab facility.

The more the hosweak and his eyesight impaired from Lives Made Better pital pushed this, 68,696 the weaker John childhood polio is became. hardly an issue. He $$ Raised for doesn’t complain However, whennot-for-profits and she loves helpever Mom visited, $1,790,673 ing and being apJohn rallied. She preciated by him. would start singing Mom often puts her face a song, and he would perk up right in front of his so they and finish it. When she held can gaze adoringly at each his hands and looked deepother, just like Katherine ly into his blue eyes, energy Hepburn and Spencer Tra- flooded his handsome face. cy used to do in “Woman of Her love helped heal him. the Year.” A grace surrounds Eventually, John stood up their love and touches others by himself, marched around his who spend time with them. bed and announced that it was Unfortunately, in Janu- time to go home. That is the ary, John suffered a stroke power and inspiration of love.

makeitbetter.net

february 2012

11

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Founder & President Susan B. Noyes

Co-Founder & Vice

President of Marketing Mindy Fauntleroy

Publisher & CEO Kimberly Carroll

Creative Director Cheryl Berman

Editor in Chief Laura Hine Senior Editor Liz Logan

Art Director Jessica DeJong

Designers Karilyn Owens Sarah Philippart Illustrator/Designer Megan Arenson

Dining Editor Julie Chernoff

Events Editor Kelly Konrad

Fashion Editor Kathryn Achenbach

Finance Editor Meghan Streit

Fitness Editor Christy Coughlin

Home Editor Tate Gunnerson Make a Difference Editor Laura Tiebert

Pet Editor Elyse Russo Senior Living Editor Stuart Greenblatt Sex & the Suburbs Editor Marjie Killeen

Contributing Writers Jessica Downs Annette Jett Samatha Kiersey Karina Parikh Jennifer Pereyra Barry Reszel Ally Ritt Kristina Tober

Photographers Tate Gunnerson Karilyn Owens Nathaniel Perry

Proofreader Julie Chernoff

Chief Financial Officer Sandy Tsuchida

Advertising Ad Sales Director Michelle Weiss Senior Account Executives Patti Augustyn Megan Holbrook Account Executives Julie Carter Stacy Ditka Deana Lewis Traffic Coordinator Jenny Newman

Community DEVELOPMENT Directors of Community Development Sharon Krone Sandra A. Miller Director of Special Projects Suzy Guyot Hilbrant

community connector Karen Miller

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Make It Better

1150 Wilmette Ave., Suite J, Wilmette, IL 60091, 847-256-4642 Got feedback? E-mail susan@makeitbetter.net To advertise, contact michelle@makeitbetter.net

Follow us on

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you said it

get online

Here’s some recent feedback we’ve gotten from readers. We love to hear from you—so please send us your stories, comments, ideas, reviews and resources!

I

was just browsing through your January edition and was blown away by one of the 30-Second Mom tips to is let your smartphone help you to sleep.

There is a large amount of research available on cell phone radiation and the link to increases in brain and other face cancers. The thing that is most appalling to me is that it suggests to have your children sleep with their phones.

Most of these research reports recommend that you don’t let

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March 2012

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your young children even use a cell phone.

At minimum I ask that you caution your readers about this. It’s the responsible thing to do.

—Deanne McCannon Editor’s note:

The tip in question wasn’t suggesting sleeping with the phone on your pillow. Simply put the phone on a nightstand and any radiation concerns are solved.

get online

M

ost communities now have an automated community call-out system that is used for everything from waterboil orders and train derailments, to missing children and urgent life/safety warnings. With more and more residents dropping landlines and depending on mobile devices, municipalities are scrambling to encourage resi-

dents to sign-up for municipal call-out services such as Northbrook Notify.

—Cheryl Fayne-dePersio Communications Manager Village of Northbrook Editor’s Note:

Go to makeitbetter.net/ notification to see how to sign up for the community call system in your town.

Send us your comments Join us at facebook.com/ makeitbetter.net, comment on any article on our site, or email susan@makeitbetter.net

makeitbetter.net

march 2012

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fresh

hot

extra virgin Your meals just got a little healthier—and much tastier.

Oh, Olive!, a shop offering gourmet oils and vinegars, recently opened its second location at The Glen Town Center. The family-owned store offers oils from across the globe, including Argentinian, Australian and Moroccan varieties, and 23 vinegars from Modena, Italy. You’ll also find olive oil-enriched bath and beauty products, chocolate, teas, spices and other food items. The shop is available for private tastings and cooking classes.

Oh, Olive!

1971 Tower Rd., Glenview, 847730-3561, oo2go.com; and 606 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, 224433-6629

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Photos courtesy of Frost and Oh, olive!,

what’s new

fresh

in your community

By Liz Logan, Samantha Kiersey and Karina Parikh

hot gelato The weather outside may be frightful, but delicious gelato never goes out of season. The Arizona-based company Frost, A Gelato Shoppe, recently opened its first Chicago-area location in Highland Park and has been drawing flocks of customers ever since. The shop offers more than 30 flavors daily, ranging from chocolates to unique concoctions like Strawberry Champagne and Blackberry Cabernet. Frost also offers some steaming hot pick-me-ups: “gelattes”—lattes mixed with decadent gelato.

Frost, A Gelato Shoppe 617 Central Ave., Highland Park, 847-432-2233, frostgelato.com

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fresh

hot

city eats John des Rosiers, the acclaimed North Shore chef behind Lake Bluff’s Inovasi and the gourmet prepared foods spot Wisma in Lake Bluff and Libertyville (pictured above), has recently expanded to the city, opening the third Wisma in the French Market at Ogilvie Transportation Center. Specializing in food that’s local, organic, sustainable and made fresh daily, Wisma offers artisan sandwiches, entrees, pastas, salads, soups, desserts, a kids’ menu and more.

Wisma 131 N. Clinton St., Chicago, 312382-1805; 24 E. Scranton Ave., Lake Bluff, 847-234-1805; and 528 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville, 847-362-4117, wisma.us

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Photos courtesy of wisma and chiasso

what’s new

fresh

in your community continued

an italian sensation The Chicago-based home furnishings store Chiasso, which in Italian means “to cause an uproar or sensation,� may do just that with its new location in Wilmette. The store has a wide selection of sleek and modern home furnishings from contemporary furniture for every room of the house to lighting, accessories and wall decor.

Chiasso 108 Skokie Blvd., Wilmette, 847-251-8600, chiasso.com

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trend report

what the north shore is reading about in march

By Liz Logan

1

5

3

2

6 4 7

8

1. spring fashion - 24.8% 2. local politics - 24.1% 3. spring break - 14.7% 4. Leprechaun traps - 8.4% 5. Raising scholar athletes - 7.6% 6. Spring cleaning - 7.6% 7. Overzealous sports parents - 6.4% 8. Family outings & events - 6.3% Based on the most popular articles on Make It Better’s website in March 2011

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spring fashion photo by natalie hartung and jamie polowy, classic kids photography; Photo of armpocket sport i-20 courtesy of armpocket

tick tock

10-minute recipes

grilled angel food cake

By Laura Hine



Photo by karilyn owens/ food styling by julie chernoff

M

any of us have a panini press, but mine sits unused for weeks at a time. As much as I love making warm, toasty sandwiches, I needed new inspiration. In her inventive blog, paninihappy.com, Kathy Strahs takes the panini press from sandwiches to grilled tomatillo guacamole.

So we tried this 10-minute dessert that elevates sweet but bland angel food cake by adding a caramel-toasted texture and the tart snap of lemon curd. We made it at the office (love the portable panini press) and devoured every piece.

Serves 8 1 angel food cake, completely cooled (store bought or homemade) 1 jar lemon curd (look for a British import or Stonewall Kitchens brand) 1 pint blueberries

Slice angel food cake into at least 16 slices. Put 4-6 slices at a time onto the pre-heated panini grill and gently lower the lid. (It will compress the cake a bit.) Check after 2-3 minutes and remove when grill marks are light brown.

Smear on lemon curd, top with a second slice and sprinkle with blueberries.

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tick tock

Better or Bust

armpocket sport i-20

H

ave you ever seen the T-shirt that reads, “I Hate Running.

But I Love The Results”?

That’s me. It’s not that I hate running—

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By Kelly Konrad

tick tock

I actually like it quite a bit.

But I would never be able to tough out longer than a mile without my friend Mr. iPhone. For many, music can make the difference between 3 miles and 5. So I was eager to try out Armpocket’s latest incarnation, the Sport i-20.

finicky about style, Armpocket comes in a variety of colors.

The good:

The touch sensitive window is great, but if you’re working with an iPhone, it’s not large enough to allow access to your home button. Boo! The verdict? Overall, this product earns a mild “better” rating. If you’re planning on a long run, have your playlist set and don’t think about fussing with your device much. The comfort level is worth the purchase.

I tested the armband device on both indoor and outdoor runs. Without a doubt, the band stays in place comfortably. A see-through, touch-sensitive window truly does allow you to work your iPod/iPhone/ etc. without having to remove it from the sleeve—nice when you need to answer a phone call or fast-forward through a song.

It also includes an extra pocket for cash and a key, a feature my local barista appreciates since I am no longer handing her sweaty $5 bills. And if you’re

The bad: The grip through which you slip your headphones is like a vice, making initial set up clunky at best.

The ugly:

To purchase the Armpocket Sport i-20, visit armpocket.com

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r e c o m m e n d e d

By Kelly Konrad

editor’s pick: Chicago Flower & Garden Show 10 March 10-18 | Navy Pier, Chicago | chicagoflower.com mar

Spring is here! OK, so we have to pretend for a few more weeks—but a trip to Navy Pier makes it so much easier. Amazing floral and landscaping displays will have you daydreaming of warmer temps in no time. And with cooking demos, kids’ activities and a garden marketplace, there’s no shortage of inspiration and fun.

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chicago flower & garden show photo courtesy of Chicago Flower & Garden Show; maple tapping photo courtesy of The Morton Arboretum

events

events

Suessical Jr. 3 March 3, 10 & 17 Wilmette Theatre, Wilmette wilmettetheatre.com mar

Actors Training Center Repertory Company knows how to put on a show. A family-friendly spectacle, “Suessical Jr.” is a great way to introduce younger kids to a theater experience.

And with friends like Horton the Elephant and The Cat in the Hat gracing the stage, you’re guaranteed a good time. mar

“Working Nine to 8 (Wh)ine … It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere” March 8 - 10, 15 - 17 Woman’s Club of Evanston wcofe.org mar

It’s an Evanston tradition every March—don’t be the only one who doesn’t catch these fabulous ladies, along with a few spouses, as they perform hilarious skits and songs, all to raise money for the Youth Job Center of Evanston.

Maple-Tapping

3 Time 

March 3 Morton Arboretum, Lisle mortonarb.org It’s nature’s sweet treat, and it’s available for a limited time— make a date to head west to Lisle for a trip to Morton Arboretum for tree tapping. Did we mention pancakes and maple bacon by the fire? Yum!

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events

It’s the third year for this popular event—and this year, specialty beers and microbrews will make their debut alongside more than 50 wines to sample.

Lee DeWyze in Con10 cert March 10 Viper Alley, Lincolnshire viper-alley.com mar

It’s a Happy First Anniversary to Viper Alley, one of the North

Shore’s newest music venues.

They’re celebrating the same way they kicked things off last year, with a special performance from American Idol winner and former Chicago area native Lee DeWyze. mar

Lost and Found: A

11 Recycled Circus

Through March 11 Noyes Cultural Arts Center, Evanston | actorsgymnasium.com Aerial acrobatics, magic, and music are at the core of this wonderfully inventive program from the minds at The Actors Gymnasium. It’s a fantastic, circus-like experience for theatergoers of all ages. mar

 United States

12 Navy Concert Band March 12 Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, Evanston | pickstaiger.org Don’t miss this top-notch concert from an ensemble that’s

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Photo courtesy of Pick-Staiger concert hall

Vintage Value 9 March 9 Winnetka Community House winnetkacommunityhouse.org mar

events

been playing for the most powerful people in the world for more than 85 years. Sure, they could be playing for the president, but they’d rather be in Evanston playing for you.

Dave Specter’s Ad14 ventures with a Blues Diva March 14 SPACE, Evanston evanstonspace.com mar

In the mood for some good old fashioned blues? Renowned guitarist Dave Specter is going to throw down with blues diva Sharon Lewis, hailed as “the next in line to Koko Taylor as Queen of Chicago Blues.” She’s THAT good.

World Premiere: 15 Mythbusters—The Explosive Exhibition Opens March 15 Museum of Science and Industry msichicago.org

Photo by Michael Schwartz

mar

You know you’ve always wanted the answer: Do you stay drier running or walking through rain? Here’s your chance to find out! It’s just one of the handson experiments you can try when the hugely popular television show, “Mythbusters,” opens the first-of-its-kind exhibit here in Chicago. mar

Barrington

16 Celtic Fest

March 16 - 17 Downtown Barrington barrington-il.gov Bagpipers and a wine bar— need we say more? Head to Barrington, where a heated tent will keep the elements at bay as you celebrate St. Pat’s Weekend with your friends. mar Family Concert 17 with Rami Vamos March 17 Nichols Concert Hall, Evanston musicinst.org

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events

Enjoy all things musical at the Music Institute of Chicago, with special family programming that includes an instrument petting zoo for the youngsters and a fabulous concert with Rami Vamos and his comic musical, “Introducing: Wolfgang Amadeus Schmutzinberry.” mar

Randolph Street

24 Market

March 24 – 25 1340 W. Washington St., Chicago randolphstreetmarket.com Great for spring and summer decorating inspiration—spend a few hours perusing the magically eclectic collection of goods during Randolph Street Market’s last winter show of the season.

Paula Poundstone  30 March 30 North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Skokie northshorecenter.org mar

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Paula Poundstone returns to Centre East in Skokie for another night of hilarious stories.

A comic gem, and a great way to round out the month. meet the author Kelly Konrad, Glenview Kelly’s frugal move? It’s all about the library, where she has at least 5 books on hold on any given day. makeitbetter. net/meet-ourwriters

you’re hired! ence Confer ees attend

Let us help you design your personalized plan to reenter the workforce iRelaunch Return to Work Conference Join the nation’s leading career reentry experts April 27, 2012 Evanston Hilton Garden Inn

iRelaun c Founde h rs

Hosted by: Kellogg School of Management No matter what your reason was for taking a career break, we can help you return with confidence!

For more information, visit us at returntoworkconference.com

registration

Videos

event listings

r e c o mm e n d e d e v e n t s l i s t i n g

ongoing Deconstructing Stereotypes: Top Ten Truths

Through March 2012 Mitchell Museum of the American Indian, 3001 Central St., Evanston mitchellmuseum.org Field Museum: Genghis Khan Through September 3

1400 S. Lake Shore Dr., Chicago fieldmuseum.org This Will Have Been: Art, Love & Politics in the 1980s Through June 3

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, 220 E. Chicago Ave., Chicago mcachicago.org

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event listings

By Kelly Konrad Sonic Sensation

Through April 2012 Kohl Children’s Museum, 2100 Patriot Blvd., Glenview kohlchildrensmuseum.org Ours to Fight For: American Jews in the Second World War

Kids Do Well If They Can: Collaborative Problem Solving with Ross W. Greene

March 1 New Trier High School, Northfield Campus, 7 Happ Rd., Northfield | fan-ntts.ntnow.org Magic Slim & The Teardrops

Through June 17

March 2

The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, 9603 Woods Dr., Skokie ilholocaustmuseum.org

SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston evanstonspace.com

march 1 – 7

March 3

DanceWorks 2012

March 1-4

Josephine Louis Theatre, 20 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston communication.northwestern.edu

Monthly Photo Walk

Chicago Botanic Garden, 100 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe chicagobotanic.org

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event listings

Indoor Farmer & Artisan Food Market

March 3 Evanston Ecology Center, 2024 McCormick Blvd., Evanston cityofevanston.org The Creation of “The Wizard of Oz”

March 7 Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette wilmettetheatre.com

march 8 – 15 Kitchen Design with de Giulio Kitchen Design

March 8 de Giulio Kitchen Design, 1121 Central Ave., Wilmette newtrierextension.org Winnetka Village Follies “Animal Instinct”

March 9 – 11 and March 16 – 17 Winnetka Community House, 620 Lincoln Ave. | villagefollies.org

Josephine Louis Theater, 20 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston tic.northewestern.edu going green matters

March 11 Women’s Club of Wilmette 930 Greenleaf Ave., Wilmette goinggreenmatters.org Grayslake Antique Market

March 10 - 11 Lake County Fairgrounds, Grayslake | zurkopromotions.com Evanston Symphony Orchestra

March 11 Pick-Staiger Concert Hall, 50 Arts Circle Dr., Evanston evanstonsymphony.org Opera in Cinema Presents: Carmen

March 15 (also March 18) Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette wilmettetheatre.com

evanston dance ensemble: “count me in”

Adler After Dark

March 10-11

Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake

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March 15

event listings

Roosevelt University, 50 E. Congress Pkwy., Chicago auditoriumtheatre.org

Shore Dr., Chicago adlerplanetarium.org

march 16 – 22

march 23 – 31

Flanagan’s Wake

March 17 Metropolis Performing Arts Center, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights metropolisarts.com launch: driving fashion forward March 18

Autohaus on Edens, 1600 Frontage Rd., Northbrook dogoodersdodah.com

Capturing the Sublime: Italian Drawings of the Renaissance and Baroque

Opens March 25 The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago artic.edu Uncle Bonsai

March 28 SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston | evanstonspace.com 2012 Opera Idol

The Show Biz Kids: 20 Years of the Trailer Park of Cabaret!

March 30 North Shore Retirement Hotel, 161 Chicago Ave., Evanston

March 19 Wilmette Theatre, 1122 Central Ave., Wilmette wilmettetheatre.com American Ballet Theatre: Giselle

Jim Gaffigan

March 30 Genesee Theatre, 203 N. Genesee St., Waukegan geneseetheatre.com

March 22 The Auditorium Theatre of

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Barbara Turf

carolyn gable

CEOs you should know We all know that our community is full of exceptional women. But how many of those women rise to lead companies?

And how do those few CEOs manage to rise through the ranks? According to Fortune’s 2011 rankings, there are only

sally pofcher

joyce romanoff

lindsay gaskins

irene rosenfeld

12 women CEOs of Fortune 500 companies—a measly 2.4 percent. While many women have broken the glass ceiling in recent years, the progress can seem slow.

So, we sat down with local CEOs to learn their secrets, tips and ideas. Much of their advice was variations on a theme: Find work that you love. And we also got a glimpse of their daily lives—from how they juggle parenting and work to how they spend their money, and what they do when they just need to get away from it all.

desirÉe rogers

Barbara Turf c r ate and ba r r el | Winnetka

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Barbara personally spearheaded the launch of the company’s CB2 brand and The Land of Nod. A happy childhood …

She grew up in a Chicago neighborhood, in what was referred to as Little Italy. “It was a close-knit community, where everyone knew their neighbor and family connections. I enjoyed the secure surroundings

Photo courtesy of barbara turf

Her Success Story…

For four decades, Barbara Turf has shaped Crate & Barrel’s distinctive look and style, but this April, she will retire and Chief Operating Officer Sascha Bopp will succeed her. Starting as a part-time sales clerk at the Northbrook-based company, Turf rose through the merchandising ranks and became CEO in 2008. During her tenure as CEO,

of this neighborhood sanctuary; I remember my childhood as fun and worry-free, and I am still in touch with my some of those friends.”

Favorite pastime …

Shopping. The experience of searching, finding, connecting and buying never gets old for Barbara.

Biggest recent accomplishment …

“Professionally, steering the company through the worst economic period in our history.

Personally, my three children, who have grown to become wonderful, successful people in their own unique ways.”

Biggest indulgence …

“I love fashion and beautiful accessories. I am completely taken by great design and wonderful materials.”

Finding balance …

“It’s always an ongoing challenge; I had a better work-life balance in the earlier years of my career, but as the company grew and my role became much larger, particularly in the last several years, it has become more uneven. Just recognizing that helps give me the opportunity to look at ways to improve.”

Her causes …

Barbara is an avid supporter of breast cancer research and other humanitarian causes. Her intention is to become more involved in education.

Best part of her job …

“Without question, the ability to travel and develop wonderful relationships with amazing people around the world.”

Life lesson …

“Inaction is far worse than the wrong action or decision.”

—SBN makeitbetter.net

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| P ape r S o u r ce | Wilmette

Her success story …

Sally Pofcher’s history can be traced back through several spots on the North Shore: She attended St. Athanasius School and Evanston Township High School, earned an M.B.A. from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management, and is now raising a family in Wilmette. After stints at McKinsey & Company and Gap Inc., the executive took over Paper Source in 2007 to oversee the Chicago-based brand’s national expansion, after a private equity 38

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firm purchased a majority stake in the small, then-disorganized company. Since then, she’s led Paper Source to open more than 30 new stores, create more than 400 new jobs and approach $75 million of revenue annually. Yet, her refrain in our conversation was “there’s always more you can do.”

Being real at work …

“One of my mentors was extremely candid and authentic.

People at the highest levels of management can become pre-

Photo courtesy of sally pofcher

Sally Pofcher

tentious about their seniority. I feel totally myself in this role and at this company, and that’s one of the most satisfying things.”

Points of pride …

“Building this team of talented people. Taking the nugget of a retail concept and turning it into something profitable, healthy and growing. And it still feels special.” Founder and longtime Wilmette resident Sue Lindstrom’s slogan for the company, “Do something creative every day,” is a mantra for Sally.

A new baby at age 44 …

Feeling triumphant at work, Sally began to think about what she wanted to accomplish personally last year. A third child—due this spring—was at the top of the list.

“I have many doctors to thank.”

Family time …

Sally never misses her kids’ school events, has family dinner every night, sees her kids in the morning and goes to all their sporting events.

Workout …

“I’m no Christy Coughlin [referring to Make It Better’s fitness columnist].

But usually, I make it to The Dailey Method three times a week.”

Detests …

Produce left to go bad in the fridge.

Guilty pleasure …

Young adult fiction. “I love ‘The Hunger Games.’ ” Giving back …

While Sally has been involved in many causes, including the Boys & Girls Clubs and her children’s schools, her major effort recently is “creating a healthy work environment for hundreds of people.”

Career advice …

“Do work you like, and consider your first job your launch pad.”

Biggest accomplishment …

“My children. They’re the most important thing.” —LL

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Carolyn Gable

Her Success Story…

Carolyn started her working life with only a high school degree.

Her family was unimpressed at her prospects, but she learned business skills waiting tables and as a customer service representative for a freight company. When the trucking industry was deregulated, the single mother of seven made a very big leap and opened her own Lake Zurich-based transporta-

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tion company out of her townhouse. That was in 1989. Today the company has revenues in excess of $30 million, and Carolyn is dedicated to championing opportunities for other single moms.

Recent best …

Asked to be on the Fetzer Institute’s Advisory Council on Business Professions. The Institute’s goal is to promote love

photos courtesy of carolyn gable

new age tr ansportation , distrib u tion & wareho using | Kildeer

and forgiveness in the world through generous grants to organizations. Their goal neatly aligns with Carolyn’s personal philosophy.

Role model …

Carolyn’s aunt, Josephine Lawton, started at Carson Pirie Scott as a sales girl and worked her way up to a become a senior vice president. Not only did she break the glass ceiling for many women, “Aunt Jo nurtured all of us. She believed in me even when I was just a waitress and not in college.”

Failure …

“Being divorced. It’s difficult to have success in one part of your life, and have another part that you just can’t get right,” says Gable.

Work/Life Balance …

She still has three kids at home: one in 7th grade and twins in 9th grade. “I’m good at juggling. If

you give me 20 plates to spin, I’ll ask for 21.”

Favorite way to spend her downtime …

At her weekend home in Lake Geneva, where she loves to gather friends and family.

Giving back …

Carolyn is passionate about helping single moms succeed.

Her foundation is hosting a retreat in April, “It’s All About Women,” to help women face life’s challenges. For more information, including details on scholarships, go to carolyngableretreats.com.

Life lesson …

“Life is not about you. It’s about serving everybody else. Enjoy your life, but remember we’re here to help and serve, and when you’re in that mindset, more comes back to you—more business, more love—life becomes incredibly richer.”

—LH makeitbetter.net

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Joyce Romanoff

Her success story …

Years ago, when Joyce met her husband, Maya Romanoff, an internationally recognized artist and textile innovator, a new world opened up to her.

“A world of entrepreneurship, as well as art and beauty,” she recalls. “I was interested in art and design, but never thought I would make it my career.” In her roles as Vice President of Sales & Marketing and President, a position she took over in 2004, Joyce has used her

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business background to take Maya’s creative spirit and make it increasingly profitable. During her tenure, the company became an industry leader for luxury surfacing materials. Her accomplishments include relocating the company to a stateof-the-art facility in Skokie, increasing productivity and sales, expanding distribution globally and generating sales revenue approaching $20 million.

On taking risks …

“My husband was not a big risk-

photos courtesy of joyce romanoff

ma y a r omanoff co r po r ation | Northbrook

taker,” she says. “He ran the business without any debt. I maintain that, but want us to grow.”

Bold move …

Joyce opened two showrooms, one in Chicago and one in New York, within a single year.

“Whether I consider it an accomplishment is too soon to tell. I made the decision from my gut.”

Biggest mistake …

Rushing ahead. “Sometimes, in the product development stage, I get excited and want to introduce a new product to designers as soon as possible, before it’s ready. My exuberance has cost us money and caused heartache.”

Keeping it in the family …

Joyce and Maya’s family are deeply woven into their business. Four members of their family are in key positions in the company. “I feel blessed that I am able to enjoy my family at work as well as home.”

Works out …

With a personal trainer.

Always willing to spend money on …

“My five fabulous grandchildren. End of story.”

Hates overpaying for …

A flight or hotel. Joyce not only travels globally to generate sales, but also to find new mills and create new products.

Giving back …

Joyce’s husband, Maya, has been battling Parkinson’s for more than 20 years, so the core of Joyce’s philanthropy is the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago, where Maya has received care and treatment that has improved his quality of life. The company will be sponsoring RIC’s annual art auction fundraiser this year, “ArtFutura: Art in Motion,” in May. Best part of her job …

“Working together to create a legacy.”

—LL (Additional reporting contributed by Tate Gunnerson) makeitbetter.net

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Lindsay Gaskins Her success story …

Lindsay Gaskins knows a thing or two about failure. When she started her Brain Store, it was a kiosk in Schaumburg’s Woodfield Mall, and days went by with no merchandise sold. “It was a career low,” she recalls.

But Lindsay also knows about comebacks, from playing basketball at Wesleyan University, where her team lost for an entire season. She restarted the Chicago-based company with a

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brick-and-mortar store later the same year, and every year since Marbles’ revenue has more than tripled—from $250,000 in 2008 to approaching $9 million in 2011. The company, which offers healthy, expert-tested brain games for people of all ages, now boasts 18 stores and a website, and Gaskins is rapidly expanding, targeting 100 major malls across the country. Her ultimate goal is to take the company worldwide.

Photo courtesy of lindsay gaskins

ma r bles : t h e b r ain sto r e | Chicago

Recent best …

Her daughter, Louise “Lulu” Gaskins Barnard, now almost 2 years old, with her wife, Laura Barnard.

dream is hands-free shopping, with no bags or purses, just trying on tons of things.”

Role models …

“My parents had a huge impact.

My dad, who was President of the Burlington Northern Railroad at one point, inspired me to be a business leader. My mom raised me with careful attention to morals and being a good person.”

Best job perk …

“I get to play with games! One of my favorites is Hive, a twoplayer strategy game that’s kind of chess-like. A new one is Telegruve, a memory game that combines a game of telephone with dancing.” Marbles has started to invent their own games—they’ll be coming out with 25 new ones this year.

Road not taken …

Lindsay has a teaching degree and completed her student teaching, but then decided to go in a different direction. Her business career has included working at the Boston Consulting Group, and on the corporate strategy team and as a buyer at Sears.

The entrepreneur’s life …

“I don’t think any entrepreneur has a good work-life balance, because you feel responsible for your business, so you’re always thinking about it. It’s hard to put it down. I really love working, but I also value family time.

Luckily, I have a great support system at home.”

Indulgence …

“Shopping—I love clothes! My

Her “me” time …

Going to the movies. contin u ed on page 4 8 u

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Desirée Rogers jo h nson p u blis h ing compan y Chicago

Cover Girl …

Desirée’s fashion-forward style landed her on the cover of WSJ, the Wall Street Journal’s style

magazine and in the pages of Vogue and Women’s Wear Daily.

Controversy …

When a reality TV star couple crashed an exclusive state dinner, Desirée took the brunt of the criticism. She didn’t help her cause when it became known that she was not only running the dinner, but also a seated guest.

Comeback …

According to a recent article in Women’s Wear Daily, when Desirée took over Johnson Publishing, Ebony was in a free fall, with ad pages down 39 percent the previous year. She hired an outside firm to take over circulation; ordered a redesign of the contin u ed on page 4 8 u

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Photo courtesy of desirÉe rogers

her success story: Desirée served as the White House Social Secretary for President Obama and the First Lady, where she spearheaded the establishment of the White House as “the People’s House.”

Throughout her sometimes controversial tenure, she maintained her composure and added her own panache to events large and small.

In August 2010, Desirée was named CEO of Johnson Publishing, where she oversees Jet and Ebony magazines.

Irene Rosenfeld

Photo courtesy of irene rosenfeld

k r aft foods , c h ai r man and ceo Kenilworth

her success story: Irene has been with Kraft for nearly 30 years.

sonal insight on the Kenilworth neighbor thanks to the Kraft Foods website.

Education: She holds a Ph.D. in Marketing and Statistics, a Master of Science in Business, and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology all from Cornell University.

Childhood career ambition: President of the United States … “really!”

Irene recently decided to split Kraft foods into two companies. It’s a daring move by the woman named as the most influential woman in business by Financial Times. Although Irene declined our request for an interview (as she has declined almost all media requests) we were still able to get some per-

Favorite Kraft Foods product: “I love so many of our products, but if I had to pick my favorite it would be Kraft macaroni and cheese, although Oreo cookies are high up on the list too.”

Why I am passionate about my job …

“It’s great to go to cocktail parties where everyone has an contin u ed on page 4 8 u

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Gaskins continued from p45 Giving back …

Lindsay is an occasional speaker on the subject of entrepreneurship, most recently with the Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship (NFTE), which brings specialized training to highschool students, particularly in low-income communities.

Her best advice …

“Surround yourself with a good team—with people who match your weakness and can help you be a better businessperson and leader. Listen. It’s easier to be with people you just get along with, but you’ll benefit from alternate points of view and a challenging environment.

We wouldn’t have been successful without a lot of opinions, and different personality types working together.”

—LL Rogers continued from p46 magazine, which by all accounts had gotten stale; and took some risks, such as the recent Febru48

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ary cover that features the cast of “Red Tails,” instead of the typical loving couple. So far, her changes are working and the magazine reports finishing 2011 with a solid increase in ad pages of 8.6%.

—LH Rosenfeld continued from p47 opinion about what you do. But I really enjoy figuring out why people behave the way they do, and then using those insights to develop new products or build stronger relationships with our consumers.”

Hobbies …

Irene plays the piano and enjoys rollerblading—preferably on paved paths.

Something that few people know …

Growing up, Irene was extremely athletic and competitive. She played four varsity sports in high school and went to Cornell because they had a fabulous women’s athletic program (and the academics weren’t bad either).

—LH

family

h e a lt h y a n d ta s t y

CEREAL yo u r k i d s w i l l e at

By Laura Hine

You want to break your kids’ choco-sugar-puff-frosted break fast habit, but the risk of tears, sulking or a missed bus is holding you back.

T

he trick? Find a cereal that’s healthy and tasty. We gathered up some of our own children to serve as taste testers at the Whole Foods in Northbrook.

Patti Fell, marketing and community relations specialist for Whole Foods, found nine cereals that met the following criteria for a healthy breakfast cereal:

S ugar: 12 grams or less per serving Fiber: 3 grams or more per serving Whole grain: first ingredient listed Here are the cereals in order of our seven tasters’ thumbs up/thumbs down rating system. The first three cereals tied for first place, so they are listed in alpha order.

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family

Cereal

6 1 Cascadian Farm Organic Honey Nut O’s

Favorite so far Looks familiar ummy, tastes like Frosted Y Cheerios

Kashi Island 5  2 Vanilla Whole Wheat Biscuits

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mells and tastes like vanilla, S crunchy and sweet, good, but inconsistent flavor F rosted Mini Wheats without the frosting I would eat it every day

KEY:  = Thumbs Down

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

 = Thumbs Up

L ike Honey Bunches of Oats without the bunches S weet and flaky, with a corn taste Favorite



5 2



365 Everyday Value Honey Crunch and Oats

Good texture, slightly nutty Great with milk



6 1

Amazing, cinnamon-y Tastes good Nutmeg-y, crunchy



Barbara’s Shredded Spoonfuls

Comments



Arrowhead Mills French Toast Squares

Rating 6 1

= Meh

family

These are the cereals that were, well, less popular. Great for the adults in your household, but probably not going to be your kids’ favorite.

Cereal

Rating

Comments Tastes like strawberries Spicy, too tart Delicious

2

Back to Nature 2  1 Sunflower and Pumpkin Seed Granola

4

T astes like sunflower seeds I ’m not going to eat the rest It doesn’t smell good

1 4 Arrowhead Mills Organic Spelt Flakes

2

Kinda bland L ooks like it has lots of fiber Pretty bland It has no taste



Nature’s Path 4  1 Organic Flax Plus Red Berry Crunch







365 Everyday 2 Value Honey Almond Flax Protein & Fiber Crunch

5

V ery crunchy, vague coffee taste This

is a cereal for people who like nuts I don’t like it

A huge thank you to our testers who tried everything!

Amelia, Ben, Caroline, Eli, Emmie, Max and Sam—children everywhere send their thanks for your willingness to be the healthy cereal taste testers!

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family

is aging over?

Time magazine’s Catherine Mayer on living agelessly

By Liz Logan

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family

A

ge doesn’t rule here.

Most of us aren’t inclined to let our “number” dictate how we look, how we act, or how we pursue our personal goals, such as family and career. And in doing so, we’ve become part of a recent trend, which author Catherine Mayer named “amortality”—that is, living agelessly.

According to Mayer, who is the Europe Editor of Time magazine, aging has fundamentally changed in recent years, thanks to science and technologies that have extended the human life span, making it possible for people to stay healthy and active much longer. In other words, getting old is so over!

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Mayer coined the term “amortal” in 2009 and her book on the subject, “Amortality: The Pleasures and Perils of Living Agelessly” (Vermilion), came out last year.

Amortals “live in the same way, at the same pitch, doing and consuming much the same things, from late teens right up until death,” Mayer writes, citing Madonna, Hugh Hefner, Bill Gates and Mick Jagger as examples of prominent amortals.

We sat down with Mayer to discuss the secrets of the amortal life.

You write that amortality is “a social epidemic.” If you’re not already living agelessly, can you catch the bug at any time?

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Amortals aren’t born, they’re made. If you think of the vampire myth—the popularity of “Twilight” and the entire vampire genre right now is no coincidence— a vampire can be made at any age, whenever Catherine Mayer they’re bitten.

What are the benefits of amortality?

Your attitude can have a profound physical and psychological impact. Decades ago, Harvard Professor of Psychology Ellen Langer did a famous experiment where she got two groups of elderly men to stay in an old hotel retro-fitted to look like 20 years earlier. One group was told to act as if they’d traveled back

Amortality book cover photo courtesy of Vermilion; Catherine Mayer headshot by Cindy Palarmo

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in time. The other group was allowed to reminisce. The ones who time-traveled registered much larger improvements in physical and cognitive skills.

It’s dangerous to think things like, “I’m 40, I’m becoming a middle-aged woman, therefore I won’t wear a mini-skirt or think of myself as sexually attractive,” etc.

The awareness of age makes people feel old and act old, and therefore become old.

You write that amortals are particularly adept at distracting themselves from death. What’s the best way to do that?

Terror Management Theory (TMT) is the branch of psychology that says humans are the only animal that know they’re going to die, so a lot of human activity is geared to-

ward pushing away thoughts of mortality or making ourselves feel better about it.

High-status activity is one of the ways we push away thoughts of mortality. Having children used to be quite effective as a high-status activity.

But it lost status for women as they gained more options.

You were raised in a family of amortals, with Chicago roots.

And I bet your husband, Andy Gill, of the influential band Gang of Four, is an amortal as well?

Yes, he is. The music industry, of all industries, is probably the most amortal from top to bottom. I said something to him recently like, “When you stop touring and making records … ” and he just looked at me blankly, as if to say, “I’m never going to do that!”

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family

What are some of the dangers of amortality?

It’s a question of finding a balance. As an amortal, you can look and seem completely ridiculous. You can be unprepared for the shock of your body failing. You can take on things you’re not capable of. On the other hand, if you think of age as shutting off opportunities, you can end up old before your time.

I love that you don’t prescribe any austere regimens for staying healthy and energetic. What are your own practices?

I love good food. As for exercise, people should do the things that make them feel good. I do Pilates and have a good gossip, so it doesn’t feel like work. If you’re having a good time, that feeds through to a sense of wellbe-

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ing. Having a good time is a shallow aim in life, but that sense of wellbeing means you have more energy to devote to things, people and causes that matter. meet the author Liz Logan, Chicago Liz recently stopped collecting DVDs—why spend the big bucks when you can order movies so cheaply on the Internet?—but breaks her rule for classics that will be watched again and again, like “Meet Me in St. Louis” and “West Side Story.” makeitbetter.net/meet-our-writers Are you an amortal? To find out take, the quiz at makeitbetter.net/amortality

family

tech camps step up a kid’s game

G

ame modding, iPhone and iPad design, 3D modeling, game level design, Multimedia Fusion, Java programming, and web and graphic design. Confused?

I was. Imagine a camp where kids as young as seven are mastering these skills, and you’ve got Northwestern’s iD Tech Camp.

At 60 prestigious universities throughout the country, kids ages 7 to 17 are taking their gaming and computer

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interests to the next level. Besides Northwestern, Lake Forest College, University of Wisconsin-Madison, University of Michigan, Purdue, Stanford and Princeton are also helping kids learn how to make their hobbies into possible careers.

In rooms at Northwestern stocked with computers, instructors assist kids as they design their own video game levels, generate video game characters, create 2D and 3D worlds from their own imag-

Photo courtesy of id tech camps

By Jessica Downs

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inations, and much more.

One 10-year-old camper created his own iPhone application, which gave step-by-step instructions on how to beat a particular video game. Another used Java programming to create his own Black Jack program, for a game he’s about ten years too young to play!

As for the instructors, most are college students with majors or minors in the specific area they’re instructing, and with an average ratio of one instructor to every six kids, students are sure to get plenty of individual attention.

During the week, campers work on one project in a specific category so at the end of each week they’ve accomplished a goal.

Marion Lewis, 15, of Wilmette, was designing a 3D robot on the computer, which

eventually will be animated to dance. Coming in with no prior knowledge, Lewis learned to use a 3D animation design program, Maya, which offers a state-of-the-art toolset used in film, games, TV, advertising, publishing and graphic design.

“I wanted to be familiar with the program, because I’m really interested in animation,” Lewis says. Most of the students at the camp have aspirations of a tech career. Working for Pixar, for example, would be a dream come true for Lewis.

No matter what a kid’s level of expertise is, these camps provide opportunities for a child to play, explore and grow.

For more information on tech camps, visit internal drive.com or call 1-888-709TECH (8324)

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CLICK H for D ates & ERE Rates Towering Pines Camp for boys, since 1946

To the camper, camp is hanging out with friends and having fun!

Parents know it’s about growing up and the power of fun. Learning new skills through activities, and shared living experiences.

Camp is an important part of a child’s education; an investment measured in growth of confidence & lasting interests.

The choice of overnight camp is a vote of confidence in your child.

Surrounded by purposeful leaders and family values, our camp is a safe-haven in an uncertain world.

RE CLICK HE tes Ra & s e t a D for

Camp Woodland for girls, since 1970

847-446-7311 s eaglerivercamps.com s info@eaglerivercamps.com

family

cell phone number bracelets are cute & practical

By Ally Ritt Kids with on-the-go parents need to know lots of phone numbers, but it can be hard for little ones to remember them. Help them out and make a fashion statement.

Purchase leather cord or string, and random beads along with numbered beads for your phone numbers. At home, string a cell phone number in the center of each bracelet and let your child add the other beads.

kid-size portions for adultsize cravings

By Jennifer Pereyra On a busy day if lunchtime comes and goes and you find yourself ravenously hungry,

you probably won’t make the best choices. If you’re like me, you end up craving things like cheeseburgers and fries. Instead of ignoring that craving altogether, I say go ahead and give in on occasion, but order the kid-size portion instead. Your wallet and waistline will thank you!

morning chaos? a little organization goes a long way!

By Annette Jett De-stress your mornings. Designate a place for each family member to unload their belongings when they arrive home.

Provide them with a storage basket for loose items like folders, hats, gloves, keys and phones.

Place a coat and shoe rack close to the door for easy access.

Have the kids lay their clothes out the night before to prevent last-minute scrambles, while you prep a simple, nutritious breakfast that can be quickly finished off the next morning.

Make It Better and 30Second Mom are sharing tips. Check out more of our favorites at makeitbetter.net/30second

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I

n many industries, casual Fridays have gradually given way to casual every-days, but putting your best foot forward never goes out of style in the wine business. I was reminded of this fact during a recent visit to Tangley Oaks, the historic Lake Bluff estate where Terlato Wines International houses their executive offices.

continued u

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Designed by architect Harry T. Limbergh for Philip and Gwendolen Armour, construction on the home began in 1916 and was completed in 1932. In 1995, Terlato Wines bought the estate and hired architect Thomas Rajkovich, a Limbergh scholar, to embark on a costly renovation.

The result is anything but casual. “The architecture spoke of quality and timelessness, and we believed that it was worthy of being restored,� explains Vice Chairman

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John Terlato. “For years we’ve been doing business with European families who have a long history in the wine business, and whenever we would visit their castle or villa—the seat of their business—they hosted a meal in an elegant, classic, old-world setting.”

Indeed, when I arrived for my tour of the Tudor Gothic home, swing music wafted through the halls, and Terlato executives were entertaining clients in the formal dining room over samples of wine and a delicious lunch prepared by Executive Chef Colin Crowley.

“We’d like our clients to be comfortable when they visit our business home—much like friends and family sitting around a table, eating and laughing,” Terlato explains.

“Wine is part of that vignette.”

As are the home’s original architecture features, which include original Marie Antoinette floors in the library, stone-clad walls and a dramatic wood peaked ceiling in the formal entry that spent the first part of its life as a covered bridge in Kentucky.

“It’s one of the few pieces from America,” explains Hospitality and Events Assistant Samantha Radosta.

“They flipped it over and floated it up the Mississippi like a boat.”

Most of the remaining antiquities were salvaged from European chalets, perhaps most notably the linen fold wainscoting in the formal library, for which the room was specifically built.

“They adjusted the room to fit the paneling,” Terlato continued u

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explains. “Much of great architecture is linked to scale and proportion, so why tinker with it?”

The philosophy guided the Terlatos during the costly renovation and speaks volumes about the family’s approach to running their business.

“Quality endures,” Terlato says. “We’re not only thinking about the next quarter. Our 66

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goal is to have this family business be here and healthy 200 years from now, as we pass it on to the next generation.” meet the author Tate Gunnerson, Chicago Tate enjoys growing fresh vegetables in his backyard, which is equal parts frugal, healthy and fun.

tricks of the trade:

the power of paint

By Kristina Tober

P

aint is one of the cheapest ways to make a big design impact in your home. It’s also one of the easiest to mess up. Interior design experts and self-proclaimed paintaholics Julia Buckingham Edelmann of Buckingham Interiors + Design and Julie Fleps of Fleps Designs gave us their thoughts on the power of paint.

Have a Plan

Color is personal, but choosing your hues should always be done within the context of a larger plan. “I’ve had clients who want walls to serve as a backdrop to the elements and textures in the room, and others who have always wanted a navy dining room. The key to success is having a plan and not choosing colors randomly,” Edelmann advises.

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nuity and cohesion. “An artist has a way of organizing colors in a painting, and knows when to stop when it doesn’t feel right,” Fleps explains.

“The same rules apply to your home, where the paint you choose should make visual sense.”

That doesn’t mean every room has to be the same color or variation of the same color.

Paint can be used as a thread to subtly tie spaces together.

For example, the red in one room can be picked up in the rug of an adjacent room.

Here are some more tips from our palette gurus:

Keep your color tones in the same family— warm or cool—don’t mix Kelly green with sage green or peacock blue with slate Treat hallways and open rooms as passageways with more neutral colors Save creativity for smaller spaces, like a jewel box powder room or a private study Use furniture and fabric

(bigger investments) to drive the paint choices Preserve beautiful wood trim or millwork in a historic home with stain, not paint Paint ceilings the same color as your walls in rooms with low ceilings, or use a lighter tint of the wall color

Do Your Homework

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“Typically a lacquered navy study or luminescent dining room ceiling took more than just a can of paint to achieve,” Edelmann warns.

Show your picture to a paint professional, as that person is likely to know all the ingredients and labor it took to achieve the end result.

And when it comes to sampling paint on location, Edelmann suggests putting a different color on each wall rather than grouping swatches together, and always use two coats to get the true color value. “It’s easier to make a decision when colors aren’t competing against one another,” she says.

For the paint resources in this article, as well as links to online color tools, go to makeitbetter. net/paint

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Our Designer’s Favorites We asked our experts for their “tried and trues” or recent favorites, and here’s what they recommend.

Julie Fleps Pratt & Lambert Seed Pearl

Benjamin Moore Mount St. Anne

Julia Buckingham Edelmann Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace

Benjamin Moore Gray Owl

photo credits

on page 69: Edelmann painted the ceiling a shade lighter than the wall color in lieu of ceiling white. Photo courtesy of Julia Buckingham Edelmann and Buckingham Interiors + Design. Photo by Eric Hausman; on page 71 and this page: Left: Fleps uses a neutral painted background to set the stage for bright pops of color. Photo by Bonnie James; Right: Fleps painted the trim the same hue as the walls for a quieter, more contemporary treatment. Photo by Audra Rohe. Both photos courtesy of Fleps Design.

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radiant ravenswood Ravenswood, a little neighborhood southwest of Andersonville and surrounding Lincoln Square, is one of Chicago’s hidden gems—a treasure trove of antique shops, cute boutiques and casual dining spots. And the Metra will take you down there in a flash.

Lawrence Ave.

1

METRARavenswood

2 Leeland Ave.

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Wilson Ave.

N

Wolcott Ave.

Damen Ave.

Seeley Ave.

Sunnyside Ave.

4 Montrose Ave.

M MontroseBrown Line

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Hermitage Ave.

Damen - Brown Line

Ravenswood Ave.

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RAM photo courtesy of RAM; hoard photo by jayson lambert/hoard; photo of artist katie biderbost’s blue bowls by joe tighe; glenn’s photo courtesy of glenn’s; c.P. photo by christina noel photography

By Liz Logan

a better you

W h e r e to S h o p 1. Ravenswood Antique Mart 4727 N. Damen Ave. | 773-271-3700 ravenswoodantiquemart.com If you’re a fan of the mid-century modern look, don’t miss this antique mart that offers designer vintage pieces from the 1940s to the 1970s, including jewelry, art, pottery, glass, lighting, decorative objects and furniture.

2. Hoard Antiques 4710 N. Damen Ave. | 773-271-3511 hoardchicago.com At Hoard, you’ll find riches from the past, including hard-to-find vintage clothing, pristine antique furniture, classic books, fine art and nostalgia.

3. Lillstreet Gallery & Artisan Gift Shop 4401 N. Ravenswood Ave. | 773-769-4226 lillstreet.com Visit this gift shop on the first floor of Lillstreet Art Center to find beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces from nationally recognized local artists, including handcrafted ceramics, jewelry, textiles and more.

More treasures can be found in the artist studios upstairs.

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W h e r e to e at 4. Glenn’s Diner and Seafood House 1820-1822 W. Montrose Ave. 773-506-1720 glennsdiner.com This diner has a cult following, and you’ll know why when you taste one of the fresh seafood preparations, the spicy Bloody Mary topped with a skewer of shrimp or the creamy potato pancakes. On weekend mornings, there’s usually a line.

5. City Provisions Delicatessen 1818 W. Wilson Ave. | 773-293-2489 cityprovisions.com Chicago foodies rave about this deli and gourmet food shop specializing in local, sustainable and certified organic eats. Try one of Chef/Owner Cleetus Friedman’s signature creations, and then shop for artisan cheese and other gourmet delights.

For more great shopping and dining ideas in and around Chicago, visit makeitbetter.net

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sweet tarts a better you

This spring, resort’s bright berries and tangerines chase the gray away.

Prada studded sandal $460, Neiman Marcus Northbrook

fashion editor kathryn achenbach stylist evangeline politis photos by nathaniel perry

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dresses

a better you

Lavia drawstring dress $448, Saks Fifth Avenue

Limited Edition Roland Mouret dress $1,995, Neiman Marcus Northbrook

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Parker twotone dress $242, Neiman Marcus Northbrook

a better you

shoes Chanel rubber flip flops $325, Neiman Marcus Northbrook

Wide-strap flip flop $29.95, Gap

Prada rubber flip flops $270, Neiman Marcus Northbrook (includes waterproof bag)

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a better you

accesories Bubble necklace $150, J.Crew

Oscar de la Renta turtle cuff $465, Neiman Marcus Northbrook Beaded Bracelet $25, Three Sisters

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bags

a better you

Diane Von Furstenberg patent tote $395, Neiman Marcus Northbrook

Leather tote $125, Gap

Gucci raffia tote $2,890, Saks Fifth Avenue

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a better you

5 tips for turning a hobby into a business ave you ever sat through a dull meeting daydreaming about abandoning office life to turn your love of baking, decorating, fashion design or some other creative hobby into a lucrative business?

There may be bumps along the road, but it can be done.

Read on for strategies to increase your chances for success.

1. Imagine spending 40 hours or more per week on your hobby Unless that thought thrills you, don’t quit your day job.

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“This isn’t a way to work less than you do already,” says Evanston mom Laura Tanner who turned her jewelrymaking hobby into a successful business. “You may work more than you work in a job. . . so, if you don’t really love it, it’s going to become a burden.”

Tanner advises would-be entrepreneurs to get a copy of “The Boss Laura Tanner of You: Everything A Woman Needs to Know to Start, Run, and Maintain Her Own Business.”

Photos courtesy of laura tanner

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By Meghan Streit

a better you

2. Study your market Before you start a business or even launch a website or Etsy shop, research target customers and potential competitors. Arlington Heights career coach Jeff Williams says this process will help you figure out where your customers are and how much they’re willing to pay for your product or service. Williams says one of the biggest mistakes new entrepreneurs make is underpricing themselves.

3. Get down to business You may bake killer cupcakes or be a talented painter, but to run a successful business, you’ll also need to master tasks like marketing and bookkeeping. Tanner recommends the website designing anMBA.com, where designer and entrepreneur Megan

Auman provides resources and coaching for crafters who want to take hobbies to the next level.

4. Embrace social media In 2005, Timothy Adam started making furniture and jewelry out of scrap metal in his spare time. At a friend’s urging, he set up an Etsy shop and within a year, his sales grew so much that he was able to quit his job as a delivery driver.

Adam credits much of his success to his mastery of social media. He has 90,000 followers among nine Twitter accounts. You can use services like HootSuite to find Twitter users who may be interested in your products based on the content of their tweets. “You want to go out and follow people who are going to join in your conversation. I make fur-

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niture, so I will follow people who are into interior design.”

5. Add value Whether you’re connecting with potential customers on Facebook, a blog or your website, Adam says you’ll keep people coming back for more if you mix promotional updates with posts that give followers interesting and useful information. “You don’t want to spam friends and followers,” he says. “You want to engage them.”

If you’re an interior designer, for example, you might write a blog post that teaches people how to create a 84

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great centerpiece. Or, Adam says, if you have an Etsy shop, feature other artists you admire. Those sellers are likely to return the favor, thereby increasing your exposure.

Adam shares other savvy strategies for Etsy sellers in his book “How to Make Money Using Etsy: A Guide to the Online Marketplace for Crafts and Handmade Products.” meet the author Meghan Streit, Chicago Meghan can’t stand paying 10% sales tax in Chicago, but she’s also not willing to forgo an updated wardrobe. So, she makes regular trips to the Mall of America in Minneapolis, where she goes on tax-free shopping sprees every season. makeitbetter.net/meetour-writers

The worlds of fashion and horticulture are coming together for the Chicago Flower & Garden Show. Do your best model walk down to Navy Pier, where we’ll have 25+ designer gardens, free gardening seminars, gourmet cooking classes and activities for the whole family. Whether you’re a gardenista or just dipping your trowel into gardening, you’re sure to find something to entertain and inspire.

™

sex & the suburbs

newly single?

Why you should wait before you date

By Marjie Killeen

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any women who are newly single are tempted to jump into the dating world right away. Ending a relationship can be awful, and you’re eager to shake off the darkness and turmoil and have some fun.

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than ever—so why not get out there?

Because, according to Barbie Adler, president and founder of Selective Search, if you want to make a quality love connection, you might have some work to do. Barbie’s Chicago-based firm has made thousands of love matches over the last 12

sex & the suburbs

years, so when it comes to romance, she knows what it takes to be successful.

“It’s like showing a house, you want to present your best self,” Barbie says. “To attract a guy who’s an eight, nine, or 10, you’ve got to be at that level yourself. So be prepared emotionally and physically to date—or wait until you’re ready.”

Barbie advises asking a trusted friend to tell you honestly what you need to improve, whether that means losing 10 pounds, coloring your hair, resolving a financial issue or releasing bitterness toward your ex.

Amy of Wilmette ended her marriage a decade ago and agrees it’s essential to clean out the baggage before getting involved with someone new. “It’s easy to repeat patterns and

pick the same kind of guy, unless we do our work before we plunge,” she says. Amy has been in a happily committed relationship with David for the last eight years, and he’s nothing like her former husband.

When it comes to dating, timing is important. Barbie says, “If you get out there before you’ve done the work, you’ll miss your chance at the good guys.”

Over the years, Barbie has observed that quality men respond to women who are happy, appreciative and take care of themselves. As you might expect, they don’t like poorly groomed women, or women with messy homes or cars, or women who dress provocatively or drink too much. And they definitely don’t like women who complain about their problems or exes. Vent to your makeitbetter.net

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girlfriends if you need to, but be positive and cheerful with your date.

Men need to prepare as much as women do, which often means getting in shape, updating their wardrobe and brushing up on their manners.

Acting like a gentleman is crucial when it comes to courting.

But while you’re in prep mode, have fun! Take a tango class, book the trip you’ve wanted to take, learn to speak Italian, or go check out a new band. And don’t be afraid to attend social events on your own. You want people to know you’re single.

The good news is that when you feel ready to meet someone special, he’s out there. Contrary to the gloomy notion that “all the good ones are taken,” Barbie says there are many wonderful men 88

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available right here on the North Shore.

“They have great careers, full social lives, and beautiful homes. They have everything except this one thing,” enthuses Barbie, who believes there’s a love out there for everyone, no matter what age.

“Keep your heart open.”

Need help pulling your life together? Read “Want to Change Your Life? A Life Coach Can Help” makeitbetter.net/lifecoach meet the author Marjie Killeen, Wilmette Marjie prefers eating appetizers at the bar of a trendy restaurant to a full sit-down meal. It’s much cheaper, more fun and fewer calories. makeitbetter.net/ meet-our-writers

a better you

spring break body tune up

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nxious about wearing a swimsuit over spring break? You still have a few weeks to tune up your body.

Rather than jumping into the latest fad diet, try a more honest approach to weight loss and good health. You will look great at the beach over spring break, and be fabulous for summer.

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illustrations by megan arenson

By Christy Coughlin

a better you

Try the Eat Real Diet

Ditch the chips, crackers, rice cakes, pretzels, pizza, carry out and other junk food. These foods do little for you nutritionally, add unwanted calories, contain high sodium and fat, and squeeze out healthier food choices. Commit to eating real food that comes from the earth—fruits, vegetables, nuts, lean meats and fish, low-fat dairy, healthy oils and whole grains. Cook your meals. Go through your pantry and pitch anything that doesn’t qualify for the real diet.

Do the Water Cleanse

You may be consuming hundreds of extra calories by drinking jazzy coffee concoctions, juice and al-

coholic drinks. Rely on good old tap water as your drink of choice. Pour a glass at all meals, and at regular intervals during the day. Try hot water with a squeeze of lemon on a chilly day.

Start Moving

Spring break is the perfect excuse to get your body moving. Hit the gym, or the street and work your cardiovascular system 5-7 days per week for 30-60 minutes. Nothing works better than exercise to burn fat, tone muscles and give you a sense of well being.

Add 20 minutes of strength training once a week to tone arms, legs and abs. Nothing is more important than exercise, so put it on your calendar and get it done.

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Go to Sleep

Studies have proven that adequate sleep helps you maintain a healthy body weight. Establish a routine.

Go to bed at 10:30 and wake at 6:30 for a solid eight hours.

Shoot for 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

Love Yourself

Stop torturing yourself with images of what you should look like. Celebrate your curves, and accentuate what you love about your body. Think about all that you do in a day or in a week, and honor that awesome body that gets you through it all.

Your confidence is beautiful and will inspire the women around you, too.

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ing up to your trip. Continue your healthy ways while on vacation and come back slimmer and fitter. Now that’s a vacation!

Need more inspiration?

Check out Christy’s favorite fitness apps. makeitbetter. net/fitnessapps meet the author Christy Coughlin, Wilmette Christy resists throwing out nearly empty bottles of anything. She adds a little water to the conditioner and laundry detergent bottles to get another use.

She pours a little milk into the chocolate syrup for one more tasty drink. Her dog, Jet, enjoys a treat and cleans out the peanut butter stuck to the bottom of the jar. makeitbetter.net/meetour-writers

a better you

wisconsin vs. michigan Your summer starts here … or there

By Laura Tiebert Wolverines or Badgers? Lake Michigan’s east coast or Lake Michigan’s west coast? Spend your vacation in northwest Michigan or Door County, Wis.? What the heck is the difference between these two states, anyway? Debate no longer: We’ve got two fantastic vacations planned for you in this Midwestern state throw-down.

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a better you

Prime Vacation Spot: Door County (travelwisconsin.com; doorcounty.com) Travel Time: 4.5 hours to drive some 250 miles.

Major Food Groups: Fried perch, cheese, and the White Gull Inn’s Door County Cherry-Stuffed French Toast, which was named Best Breakfast in America in 2010 by ABC-TV’s “Good Morning, America.”

What to Pack: Sundresses, cardigans and sandals you can stroll in.

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summer Roadtrip Music: “Blister in the Sun,” by the Violent Femmes (from Milwaukee).

all photos courtesy of Door County Visitor Bureau

Cave Point County Park

Speak Like a Native: “Uff da!” (originally Norwegian, and now used as an all-purpose expression that can connote surprise, dismay, relief—you name it).

a better you

Your Accommodations: The charming, white clapboard, 1896-built White Gull Inn (whitegullinn.com) in the bayside village of Fish Creek.

Preferred Drink: Brandy old-fashioned with a curled orange slice and maraschino cherry; or Door County’s only microbrew, Shipwrecked, from Egg Harbor.

Reading Material: “Flags of Our Fathers” by James Bradley (from Antigo); “Birds of America” by Lorrie Moore (lives in Madison).

Your Workout: Biking in Peninsula State Park (dnr.wi.gov/org/land/parks), one mile from the White Gull Inn.

Saturday Night Plans: Sister Bay Bowl (sisterbaybowl. com), a family-owned classic supper club with a six-lane bowling alley. There’s always a wait, so bowl a game with your kids. This is not a place where you should try to buck tradition: Order the Saturday night prime rib special. makeitbetter.net

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Travel Time: 5.5 hours to drive the 320 miles.

Bear Course by Jack Nicklaus

Your Accommodations: Go big with the deluxe Grand Traverse Resort & Spa (grandtraverseresort.com), home to three spectacular golf courses designed

by Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player and William Newcomb.

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Major Food Groups: Whitefish, blueberries and peaches.

Summer Roadtrip Music: “All Summer Long� by Kid Rock (from Romeo)

photo of Bear course and aerie courtesy of Grand Traverse Resort & Spa;

Prime Vacation Spot: The northwest corner of Michigan, including Charlevoix and Traverse City (michigan.org; traversecity.com).

all other photos courtesy of Traverse City Convention & Visitors Bureau

Sleeping Bear Dunes

a better you

Speak Like a Native: “Up north” indicates any place north, including “the UP” (Upper Peninsula); and it’s “pop,” not “soda” and never “soda pop.”

Manitou Passage Golf Club

Your Workout: Golfing the best 18 holes of your life!

Preferred Drink: Wine from one of the state’s 80 wineries; while in Traverse City, check out the nearby wine trail on the Old Mission peninsula (michigan.org).

What to Pack: Golf clubs and your J. Crew maillot to wear while cruising on a jet ski on East Grand Traverse Bay, swimming in the mineral pools and luxuriating in the sauna.

Reading Material: “Tuesdays with Morrie”

by Mitch Albom (lives in Detroit) and “Middlesex” by Jeffrey Eugenides (born in Detroit).

Saturday Night Plans: Dine in style at Aerie, located at the top of the resort’s tower, with spectacular views of the bay.

Then head into Traverse City’s warehouse district to check out the microbrewery scene, starting with Right Brain Brewery (rightbrainbrewery.com).

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lettuce now praise saranello’s aranello’s, the newest member in the Lettuce Entertain You family, has opened in the Westin Chicago North Shore in Wheeling.

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And like its portions, it’s generously sized, but the feel is comfortable and homey (or at least as homey as a big restaurant can feel), and since they lowered the ceiling from

photo courtesy of saranello’s

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By Julie Chernoff

dining

the previous restaurant, much The Tomato and Burless cavernous. rata Salad ($9.95), made with As with every Lettuce prop- house-made fresh burrata, erty, you know that Executive miraculously appeared with Chef/Partner Mychael Bon- perfect, ripe tomatoes, lemony ner’s menu was subjected to arugula and toasty crostini. myriad tastings, so I’m Not enough cheese curious as to how a few Saranello’s yet? The Bar Pizzas duds snuck through. Westin Hotel ($11.95-13.95) won’t Happily, most of the 601 N Milwaukee disappoint. A thin Ave., Wheeling meal was quite tasty. focaccia crust, baked 847-777-6878 in a square pan and So Much Cheese!!! saranellos.com served super hot at Pass up the Stuffed your table, dripping Artichoke ($9.95), heavily with melted cheese. That’s not loaded with sodden bread- a bad thing. crumbs and so much Parmesan and olive oil that I fear a Entrees Go 3 for 4 shortage in the Chicago area.

According to our server, Opt instead for the Crosta Saranello’s is proud of their Due ($13.95), a double-crusted in-house pastas, so we opted wonder filled with oozy Robi- for the Cheese Lasagna alla ola and Mascarpone cheeses, Mioni ($13.95) with marinara gilded with truffle oil. I don’t sauce (also available with meat even want to know the calorie sauce). It was surprisingly light count, but I don’t regret it for and fluffy. a second. continued u

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We weren’t quite as lucky with the Sea Bass Fra Diavolo with Linguine ($24.95), insipid chunks of sea bass sprinkled over a nest of al dente linguine and kinda spicy tomato sauce. It works with shrimp, maybe, but not with “crumbled” (as our server explained it) sea bass.

Chicken Di Gregorio ($17.95) and the Marinated Skirt Steak ($23.95) were solid performers, with plenty left over to take home. The chicken was crusted with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese, sautéed and served with a sprightly arugula salad on top; the skirt was juicy and meaty and served with jus and caramelized onions. The steak looked lonely on the plate without a side dish. Luckily, we ordered the Mascarpone

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Soft Polenta ($5.95), which I must insist that you do as well.

Lusciousness.

Rice Pudding Gelato.

You Heard Me

A sweet ending is always necessary, so we went with the Chocolate Mascarpone Pie ($6.95), Assorted Cookie Plate ($6.95) and a scoop of the homemade Rice Pudding Gelato ($3.95). The gelato was the only dessert we finished. You get the picture.

With a large party, or huge eaters, you might choose the Pranzo Perfetto, a family-style option with antipasti platter, choice of three salads/appetizers, two pasta dishes, two entrees and two desserts for the table at $34.95 per person.

You will not leave Saranello’s hungry, that’s for sure.

dining

Spring break staycation:

Explore ethnic restaurants

By Julie Chernoff

S

pring Break is coming, and though it would be nice to visit somewhere exotic, we can eat our way around the world right here in Chicago! Rich with ethnic neighborhoods, Chicago and the North Shore feature some of the most flavorful and interesting options available in the U.S. So take advantage of the diversity outside our front doors and expose your family to some of these wonderful ethnic eateries.

continued u

Korean Bi Bi mB op

dining

Eastern European Little Bucharest Bistro, Romanian, 3661 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, 773-604-8500, littlebucharest bistro.com Russian Tea Time, Russian, 77 E. Adams St., Chicago, 312-3600000, russianteatime.com Smak-Tak, Polish, 5961 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, 773-631-6171, www.smaktak.com Zhivago, Russian, 9925 Gross Point Rd., Skokie, 847-982-1400, zhivagochicago.com Dishes to Explore: Each country has their specialties. Polish: Pierogi (stuffed dumplings), kielbasa, golabki (stuffed cabbage); Romanian: Gulas (vegetarian goulash); skirt steak with onions, peppers and mushrooms; veal paprikash (braised in a paprika sour cream sauce); mamaliga (soft polenta with crème fraiche and feta cheese); Russian:

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Borscht, pelmeni (seasoned beef-filled Russian dumplings), blini and caviar, pozharski Kotlety (chicken croquettes).

Ethiopian Addis Abeba, 1322 Chicago Ave., Evanston, 847-328-5411, addis-abeba.net Ethiopian Diamond, 6120 N. Broadway, Chicago, 773-338-6100, ethiopianciamondcuisine.com Ethiopian Diamond II, 7537 N. Clark St., Chicago, 773-764-2200 Dishes to Explore: Injera, the spongy, pancake-like traditional bread of Ethiopia, is the perfect n sia s Ru

rs Bo

ch t

dining

way to transport delicious yesmir watt (spicy red lentils), doro tibs (chicken cubes with lemon juice, garlic, onions and jalapeno) and yebeg alicha (lamb stew with onion, garlic, ginger and basil) to your happy mouth.

Indian Curry Hut, 410 Sheridan Rd., Highwood, 847-432-2889, curryhutrestaurant.com India House, 228-230 McHenry Rd., Buffalo Grove, 847-520-5569, indiahousechicago.com Mt. Everest, 630 Church St., Evanston, 847-491-1069, mteverestrestaurant.com Tiffin, 2638 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, 773-338-2143, tiffinrestaurant.com Dishes to try: Crispy, potatofilled samosas and veggie pakora (basically, Indian tempura) dipped in tamarind or cilantro sauces; enormous dhosa (paper-thin, lentil-flour crepe); earthy dal Makhani (lentil stew); flame-colored tandoori chicken

cooled with cucumber raita; spicy lamb vindaloo; biryani rice dishes and hot naan and roti breads to scoop it all up.

Korean Jin Ju, 5203 N. Clark St., Chicago, 773-334-6377, jinjuchicago.com San Soo Gab San Korean, 5247 N. Western Ave., Chicago, 773334-1589 Super H Mart, 801 Civic Center Dr., Niles, 847-581-1212, hmart.com Dishes to Explore: Bi bim bop (rice bowl topped w/ veggies, beef, spicy red pepper sauce and a fried egg); bulgogi (thinly sliced marinated, grilled beef); pajun (fried scallion pancake); steamed or fried mandoo dumplings; and of course, kimchi (spicy pickled cabbage) are the classic dishes not to be missed.

South American Fogo de Chao, Brazilian, 661 N. LaSalle Dr., Chicago, 312-9329330, fogodechao.com makeitbetter.net

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La Fonda, Colombian, 5350 N. Broadway, Chicago, 773-2713935, lafondalatinogrill.com Tango Sur, Argentinean, 3763 N. Broadway, Chicago, 773-477-5466 Dishes to Explore: Argentinean: Empanadas filled with cheese and sweet corn, herby chimichurri sauce on your juicy steak asado, dulce de leche (caramel filling) for dessert; Brazilian: Pao de queijo (warm cheese bread), feijoada (black bean and meat stew), grilled churrasco meats; Colombian: Arepas (stuffed white corn cakes), sobrebarriga (braised beef brisket in creole ef Pho amese Be n t e i V

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sauce), arroz con pollo (chicken and yellow rice).

Vietnamese Pasteur, 5525 N. Broadway, Chicago, 773-878-1061 Pho 777, 1065 W. Argyle St., Chicago, 773-561-9909 Saigon Sisters, 567 W. Lake St., Chicago, 312-496-0090, saigon sisters.com Tank Noodle, 4953 N. Broadway, Chicago, 773-878-2253, tanknoodle.com Dishes to Explore: Hot and nourishing pho (delicious broth with noodles and meats); sugar cane with shrimp paste; light goi cuon (spring rolls); com tay cam (rice clay pot); banh xeo (Vietnamese pancake with seafood); and bahn mi (fabulous sandwiches with fresh pickled veggies) will make you feel like you’re in Hanoi.

entertainment

pots of gold dot the

march theater scene

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agic of leprechauns, a greener-than-usual Chicago River and society’s tacit approval of late winter’s annual revelry dedicated to all things Irish serve as perfect backdrops for terrific March offerings in Chicagoland’s theater scene.

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Broadway in Chicago’s “Riverdance” March 13-18 Oriental Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 800-775-2000, broadwayinchicago.com

How appropriate that St. Patrick’s Day week brings the farewell touring performances

Photo by jack hartin

By Barry Reszel

entertainment

of this extraordinary celebration of Irish music, song and dance. Now in its 17th and final year of U.S. production, this international sensation has played more than 10,000 performances and been seen live by more than 22 million people. The Chicago Tribune called it “an explosion of sight and sound that takes your breath away.”

Lifeline Theatre’s “Hunger” Through March 25 6912 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago, 773-761-4477, lifelinetheatre.com

OK, so this drama is not about the Irish potato famine, as its title suggests. Instead, this world premiere adaptation of the 2003 novel by Elise Blackwell looks at the 900-day Nazi siege of Leningrad through the eyes of a Russian botanist charged with protecting a cache of valuable seeds for future

generations. As weeks turn to months and the city starves, the botanist and his co-workers are torn between their lives’ work, the dictates of a brutal regime and survival.

Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” Through April 8 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, 312595-5600, chicagoshakes.com

If a theatrical leprechaun exists outside of Brigadoon, he’s embodied in the Bard’s spritely Robin Goodfellow, a.k.a. Puck.

The little imp’s mischievous antics drive this 400-year-old comedy’s main plots, centering on four young Athenian lovers.

In this new production by Associate Artistic Director Gary Griffin, Chicago’s finest classical actors are joined by comedic talents from The Second City, Broadway and “Saturday Night Live” to weave Shakemakeitbetter.net

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speare’s tale of feuding fairies and misguided passions.

Emerald City Theatre’s “Snow White” Through May 20 The Apollo Theatre, 2540 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-9356100, emeraldcitytheatre.com

Everyone knows the “fairest of them all” just has to be Irish. In this production, T.J. Barker’s Troupe of Theatricals presents an original version of the classic fairytale.

Snow White flees her stepmother and finds safety with the seven dwarfs. But with the stepmother scheming, a prince searching and White’s cadre of leprechaun wannabes “hihoing,” it’s a good guess she can’t stay hidden for long.

Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre’s “A Light in the Piazza” March 11-April 29 No Exit Café, 6970 N. Glenwood Ave., Chicago, 773-347-1109, theo-u.com

As St. Patrick’s Day gives way to the feast of Italy’s patron St. Joseph on March 19, so too may theatrical attentions turn to Italy. In this musical drama set in Florence and Rome in 1953, a young American tourist meets and falls for a young Italian man. The young lady’s mother opposes the relationship for reasons that become apparent as the story unfolds. It’s intriguing to imagine this small but mighty company’s take on the musical that took home six Tony Awards in 2005.

meet the author Barry Reszel, Libertyville. Barry heads to Dollar Tree for household staples like batteries and light bulbs; even bulbs for recessed lights are still just $1. makeitbetter.net/meet-our-writers 108

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theater guide  Marriott Theatre 847-634-0200 mariotttheatre.com “Legally Blonde: The Musical,” through April 1 For Young Audiences: “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” through May 12  Writers Theatre 847-242-6000 | writerstheatre.org “The Caretaker,” through March 25 “Hesperia,” through March 18

 Northlight Theatre 847-673-6300 | northlight.org “Ten Chimneys,” March 9-April 15  Lookingglass Theatre 312-337-0665 | lookingglass theatre.org “Rick Bayless in Cascabel,” March 21-April 22  Chicago Shakespeare Theater 312-595-5600 | chicagoshakes.com “The Feast: an intimate Tempest,” through March 11 “Short Shakespeare! The Taming of the Shrew,” through April 7 makeitbetter.net

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 Goodman Theatre 312-443-3800 | goodmantheatre.org “Camino Real,” March 3-April 8 “The Convert,” through March 25  Steppenwolf Theatre Company 312-335-1650 | steppenwolf.org “Time Stands Still,” through May 13 “Garage Rep” through April 8  Chicago Children’s Theatre 773-227-0180 chicagochildrenstheatre.org “The Houdini Box,” at the North Shore Center for the Performing Arts in Skokie, March 14-March 25  Emerald City Theatre 773-529-2690 emeraldcitytheatre.com “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” through June 17

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 The Citadel Theatre 847-735-8554 | citadeltheatre.org “Sirens,” through March 4  Broadway in Chicago 800-363-5085 broadwayinchicago.com “Pinkalicious: The Musical,” through May 27 “Bring it On: The Musical,” March 6-March 25 “Fela!” March 27-April 8  Timeline Theatre 773-281-8463 timelinetheatre.com “Enron,” through April 15

For more theatre reviews and upcoming events visit makeitbetter.net/ entertainment

entertainment

book list march (literary) madness By Kelly Konrad While friends and family are focusing on college basketball, you can curl up with a great read or two this month. Here are our books editor’s favorites.

1 The Immortal Life of

Henrietta Lacks

By Rebecca Skloot If you’re craving nonfiction, try the controversial story of Mrs. Lacks, whose cells—taken from her without her consent—became the first viable cell line for scientific research. Her cells were sent into space, used in the testing of the atomic bomb, and instrumental in creating the polio vaccine and many cancer treatments, among other medical discoveries.

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2 Running the Rift

By Naomi Benaron Released early this year, this Bellwether winner follows the tale of a young Rwandan boy and his dream to become an Olympic medalist in running, amidst the internal strife between Hutus and Tutsis. Mesmerizing.

3 Rules of Civility

By Amor Towles Coming to a book club near you: The tale of three friends

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navigating the New York City social scene in the late 1930s.

4 I Want My MTV: The Uncensored Story of the Music Video Revolution

By Craig Marks and Rob Tannenbaum Admit it, you watched more than a few hours of “Headbangers Ball” and “Remote Control” back in the day. Relive the glory days of video and your wild child, “I want to be Tawny Kitaen” youth with this tome.

5 Fifty Shades Of Grey

By E.L. James This is THE book that everyone is reading, but refuses to admit it. We dare you. This will beat any Fabio-on-the-cover paperback you’ve got on your shelf.

was Merrill Markoe. Her collection of essays will not only make you laugh—they’ll heal your soul.

7 The Tiger’s Wife

by Téa Obreht Hailed as a potential Pulitzer winner this year, Obreht’s debut novel is like reading the story behind a mysterious painting hanging in the Impressionists section of an art gallery. It’s not terribly suspenseful—instead, it’s hauntingly beautiful. And, you’ll be able to say, “Oh, I read that,” when it starts collecting awards.

8 The Obamas

By Jodi Kantor With the campaign season in full swing, enjoy this well-researched and unabashed look into the personal lives of America’s first family.

6 Cool, Calm and

Contentious

By Merrill Markoe Before there was Tina Fey, there

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music by val

By Val Haller of Valslist.com

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ave you read the book “The Purple Cow” by Seth Godin? As one of the world’s top thought leaders and marketing visionary, Seth offers one piece of advice to business owners and product developers: Make what you do unique. Godin writes, “If you stay safe and make your product like all the others, it will become invisible. It will be lost within the masses. Like cows in the

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countryside, all the brown ones start to look alike. But a purple cow, now that’s remarkable ...”

I recently had the honor of attending a small marketing session led by Seth Godin. His message to us, a room full of entrepreneurs, was simple: Think outside the box, be creative, and don’t be afraid to be different. If you do this you will have success.

Here are some examples of artists who are truly unique.

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Color It Purple

Concerts: (guaranteed greats)

1. “Strangeness and Charm”

by Florence & The Machine 2. “ Three Stripes on a Cadillac”

by Otis Taylor 3. “Don’t Exaggerate”

by Rubblebucket 4. “Along the Verge”

by Homelife 5. “ She’s a Rainbow”

by The Rolling Stones (vintage) 6. “Never Follow Suit”

by The Radio Dept.

7. “Peripheral Visionaries”

by Young Galaxy 8. “ Black and White America”

by Lenny Kravitz 9. “What I See”

by The Constellations 10. “Visions”

by Eagles (vintage)

Peter Frampton at the 2 Chicago Theatre (vintage rock—boomers)

To download this playlist, visit valslist.com

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John Oates (of Hall 8 & Oates) at Lincoln Hall (jazz blues lovers) mar

Katie Herzig at SPACE 8 (pop - great girls night out) Gomez at the Vic Theatre 9 (indie rock - great for teens) Lady Antebellum at 9 Allstate Arena (country music lovers) mar

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Teitur at SPACE (indie 10 band—couples night out) Colin Hay (of Men 10 at Work) at Park West (flashback boomers) mar

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Dave Specter at SPACE 14 (with blues diva Sharon Lewis) The Saw Doctors 24 at the Vic Theater (Irish band—fun rowdy) mar

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William Fitzsimmons 30 at Lincoln Hall (low-key singer/songwriter) mar

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better makers and their impact

Lyric Opera of Chicago 2012 Wine Auction Kickoff Harry Winston, Chicago January 8, 2012 Attendees: 80

(Shown in photos): (1) Chairman Marilynn Thoma of Chicago, formerly Kenilworth; (2) Lyric creative consultant Renée Fleming with one of the limited-edition Magnums of SONG; (3) The Hon.

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Renée Fleming photo by Cheri Eisenberg for Harry Winston, all other event photos by Jaclyn Simpson for Lyric Opera of Chicago; Impact photo by Dan Rest for the Lyric Opera of Chicago

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Corrine Wood of Lake Forest and Karen Gray of Lake Forest, both members of the Women’s Board SONG; (4) Wine Auction honorary chairman and Board vice president Shirley Ryan (Winnetka) with Wine Auction chairman Susan Blankenbaker Noyes (Wilmette); (5) A photo from the Lyric’s recent production of “Aida.” This exclusive reception was a pre-event celebration for the Lyric Opera Women’s Board’s 2012 Wine Auction, which raises funds in support of the Lyric, one of the world’s most acclaimed opera companies. The event marked the debut of SONG: A Lyric Opera Commemorative Wine, generously sponsored by Abbott and created exclusively for Lyric’s Wine Auction by winemaker Phillipe Melka.

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Shown in photos: (1) WGN-TV Anchor Mark Suppelsa of Evanston and Tony Hunter, Publisher and CEO, Chicago Tribune Company, CEO of Tribune Publishing; (2) Funds raised at this event will provide guidance and programs for thousands of low-income families that Metropolitan serves each year; (3) Carolina Minetti; Stephanie Hochschild of Winnetka; Roger Hochschild, President/COO of Discover Financial Services; (4) Martha Melman, RJ Melman and Molly Melman 4

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Photos by LeVern Danley; Impact photo courtesy of Metropolitan Family Services

Metropolitan Family Services Annual Holiday Celebration The Ritz-Carlton Chicago December 3, 2011 Attendees: 500 $830,000+ raised

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Benefit photos by Waldemar Reichert; Impact photo courtesy of WINGS

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WINGS Annual “Sweet Home Chicago” Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago December 13, 2011 Attendees: 430 (including 200+ children) $510,000+ raised Shown in photos: (1) Co-Chair Meghan Norton of Chicago, WINGS Board Co-chair Rita Canning of Barrington, Event Co-chair Anna Bilton of Barrinton and Honorary Co-chair Peggy Notebaert of Chicago (her husband, Richard, not pictured, was also an Honorary Co-chair); (2) Women Everywhere: Partners in Service Project, a volunteer collective, creates a garden for WINGS. Proceeds support WINGS’ domestic violence shelters, programs and services for women and children in the Chicago area; (3) Valne Dombalagian of Glenview and his daughter Taline with Santa; (4) Elizabeth Cole and her mother Ellen O’Connor, past chair and honorary co-chair, with daughters/granddaughters Regan, Charlotte and Caroline

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Jewish Community Center Chicago Annual Benefit “The Big Night” Navy Pier November 12, 2011 Attendees: 450 $400,000+ raised

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Shown in photos: (1) JCC Chicago Board President Stuart Hochwert of Highland Park; Honoree Larry Goodman of Highland Park, chairman of the Lillian and Larry Goodman Foundations; JCC Chicago General Director Marty Levine of Evanston; and Master of Ceremonies Jay Levine of Chicago, Chief Correspondent for CBS 2 Chicago; (2) Rabbi Nina Mizrahi of Northbrook and Don R. Hirschman; (3) Chairs Lauri Zessar of Highland Park, Emily Emmerman of Chicago and Lee Tresley of Highland Park, all are JCC Chicago Board of Directors; (4) Children learn and play at one of the JCC’s day camps.

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photos courtesy of the JCC chicago

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Benefit photos by Robin J. Carlson for the Chicago Botanic Garden; Impact photo ©Chicago Botanic Garden

Woman’s Board of the Chicago Horticultural Society’s “All Aboard!” Wonderland Express Dinner Chicago Botanic Garden December 6, 2011 Attendees: 300 $285,000 raised Shown in photos: (1) All Aboard!

Vice Chair Susan Spears of Riverwoods and Chair Susan Tupper of Lake Bluff; (2) Pat and Lorill Haynes of Winnetka, Valerie and Michael Foradas of Kenilworth; (3) Chair Susan Tupper and Vice Chair Susan Spears with kids at the Chicago Botanic Garden’s Green Youth Farm. The event raised money for this program, as well as the CBG’s Community Garden Programs and Windy City Harvest. These programs strengthen and enhance the lives of those living in low-income neighborhoods. The Chicago Botanic Garden is managed by the Chicago Horticultural Society; (4) Prue and Frank Beidler of Lake Forest

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giv e tim e SEEKING GRANDPARENTS INTERESTED IN READING TO CHILDREN Glencoe Junior Kindergarten and Nursery School 999 Green Bay Rd., Glencoe, 847835-4455, glencoejuniorkindergarten.org Glencoe Junior Kindergarten and Nursery School is looking for grandparents that would like to come in and read or do special projects with the children once a month. If you have a special hobby or would like to come and spend some time with the children, contact Debra Gaetano at the number above.

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED AT LOCAL HOSPITAL Advocate Lutheran General Hospital 1775 Dempster St., Park Ridge, 847-723-6105, advocatehealth.com Advocate Lutheran General

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Hospital and Lutheran General Children’s Hospital needs volunteers to work with newborns, children or seniors. All volunteers age 14 and older are welcome for a minimum commitment of four hours per week for six months. In addition, consider serving in a special summer service program for students. To learn more, call or apply online at advocatehealth.com/luth/how tovolunteerapplication.

VOLUNTEER STAFF NEEDED FOR WILMETTE ENVIRONMENTAL FAIR Go Green Wilmette info@gogreenwilmette.org gogreenwilmette.org Volunteer at Going Green Matters, March 11, 1-5 p.m. in Wilmette. Go Green Wilmette and the Village of Wilmette present an annual Environmental Fair to inform, engage and inspire the local community about issues such as home energy conservation, renewable energy resources,

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green cleaning products, organic food choices, green landscaping, transportation and recycling. The event also includes an electronics recycling drive. For more details, contact Trudy Gibbs at info@ gogreenwilmette.org.

giv e things CHILDREN’S SUPPLIES NEEDED AT LOCAL YMCA Lake County Family YMCA 700 Lakeview Pkwy., Vernon Hills, 847 367-6797l, ymcalakecounty.org Help the Lake County Family YMCA, Vernon Hills and Waukegan, by donating muchneeded supplies for children.

Items requested include: portable basketball stations, basketballs, soccer nets and balls, gardening tools and gloves, Wii and Kinect games, educational DVDs, swim flippers, crib sheets and blankets, school and art supplies, books in English and Spanish, board games and

puzzles. Drop off items either at the Vernon Hills Y, address above, or the Waukegan Y at 2000 Western Ave., Waukegan. For more information, call or visit the website.

DONATE USED BABY GEAR, children’s CLOTHING AND MORE Kinderhaven Preschool Academy 400 Hastings Rd., Lake Forest, 847-810-3947 Kinderhaven Preschool Academy’s Parent Board welcomes gently used baby gear, children’s clothing, furniture and toys to be sold at their “Kindershop” on May 19, 2012, in the Lake Forest Recreation Center Gym. Proceeds support the work of the Kinderhaven Parent Board as well as Kinderhaven Preschool Academy. For more information or to donate, contact Stacey Kroner at staceykroner@gmail. com or Julie Sommers at juliesommers@ymail.com.

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giv e su pport DONATE TO CREATE COMFORTABLE HOMES FOR VETERANS Designing for Veterans 508 Tyler Dr., Carpentersville, 312852-8115, designingforveterans.org Designing for Veterans provides ADA constructed homes at no cost to severely disabled veterans returning home from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. This year, DFV is redesigning the master bedroom and bathroom of Army Sgt. Cameron Crouch, an Iraq War veteran who lost both legs from the knees down and crushed his spine. He now has two synthetic spines and is in a wheelchair. DFV needs to raise $5,000 quickly.

SUPPORT AN ORGANIZATION THAT SERVES TEEN PARENTS AND FAMILIES Ravenswood Community Child Care Center 4908 N. Damen Ave., Chicago,

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773-271-4495, rc4cares.com Funds donated to RC4 provide child care to teen parents and community families, providing opportunities for parents to enhance parenting skills, find support, engage in their child’s development and education, and achieve their family’s goals. Children of teen parents receive subsidized tuition, but subsidies alone do not support the budgetary needs to provide excellent care. donate TO LOCAL NATURE APPRECIATION PROGRAMS Friends of Ryerson Woods 21850 N. Riverwoods Rd., Deerfield, 847-968-3343, ryersonwoods.org Funds support art and nature programs for the public to connect with nature against a backdrop of stately woods where pre-settlement flora and fauna still linger.

Throughout 2012, Friends of Ryerson Woods is hosting a year-long exploration of the theme “Lessons from the Prairie” through a series of workshops, films, lectures, book discussions and art.

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warming hearts hands 2011

By MIBs

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his year’s Warming Hearts & Hands provided new winter outerwear to 1,299 homeless adults and children. Make It Better was proud to partner with the following businesses and notfor-profits: A Safe Haven A Safe Place Chance Ministries Connections for the Homeless Fresh Ideas Clothing Co., Northfield

The Harbor, Inc. Heather’s House HOW (Housing Opportunities for Women) Kid Motion, Winnetka Lake County Haven Mattie M., Winnetka Vibrato Boutique, Glenview Vibrato Boutique, Wilmette Volunteer Center of NE Metropolitan Chicago, Winnetka WINGS YWCA EvanstonNorthshore As Mary Ann Stott, of HOW says, “The coat donation was a lifesaver for many of our women and children.”

If you are interested in participating next year, contact sandra@makeitbetter.net makeitbetter.net

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From left to right: Matthew, Casey, John, Annie (up), Jackie, and Patrick Magner. Matthew and John have Cystic Fibrosis.

mighty magners: Finding hope for kids with cystic fibrosis

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hen Casey and Jackie Magner’s son John was a toddler, they discovered he had cystic fibrosis, a lifethreatening genetic disease that causes mucus to build up and clog some of the organs in the body, particularly the lungs and pancreas.

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The Winnetka family immediately tested their three other children, and discovered that their youngest, Matthew, also had the disease.

Today, John is 9 and Matthew is 6, and both are otherwise normal, active kids. Behind the scenes, they take some 25 pills daily, wear a vest that vi-

Photo courtesy of the magner family

By Laura Tiebert

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brates to loosen mucus in their chests, and use a nebulizer.

“They might get winded or dehydrated when they’re playing hockey or soccer or swimming,” says Casey. “But we are lucky. They have been really healthy. They can live normal lives.”

With the diagnosis, the Magners immediately got involved in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and are gearing up for the North Shore Great Strides Walk, a one-mile fun walk through Gillson Park on May 20. Their team, the Mighty Magners, has raised over $1 million in six years, and has ranked as the #1 team in Illinois.

“We’re lucky to have large families and large groups of friends,” Casey says. “We ask them to either think of us or raise awareness where they live or come to the walk

or contribute. Last May, we raised $100,000.”

Some 90 percent of that money is going directly to research the disease, and the research is succeeding in lengthening the median predicted age of survival, according to the CFF. In 1955, children with cystic fibrosis were not expected to live long enough to attend grade school. Today, an increasing number of people with the disease are living into adulthood and leading healthier lives that include careers, marriage and families of their own.

“For so long a lot of the drugs were basically dealing with the symptoms and trying to control them,” Jackie says. “Now a lot of the science is working on correcting the defect in the gene that causes cystic fibrosis.

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closing thoughts “A simple thought can become a reality if you work hard enough and do not get discouraged.”

—Anna Maria Viti-Welch, The Viti Companies

“We both love the Italian life—the cuisine, wine, culture and the artisans who create it all—and we bring that insider knowledge to our guests, which in turn gives them a close up taste of what makes Italy so special. Ben Venuti!” ­—Jens Bauerle and Mary Rose Gearon, Gourmet Destinations

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Compiled and edited by L au r a Hine

For CEOs large and small, success is a never-ending quest. We asked small business owners what makes the difference in their businesses and here are some of their thoughts.

“We are actually in the service business: helping our clients select art, restore their paintings and even hang these works in their homes. Our greatest joy is to share beauty with others; we still take pride in that!”

“I always stay focused on what’s at the heart of our business: Providing a service that allows families to have harmony at home and spend more valuable time together.”

—Erin Krex, First Class Care

—Barbara and Nick Vahlkamp, Kamp Gallery

“Success is ensuring that our patients are properly diagnosed, satisfied with our services, treated with care and compassion and leave our office free of the problem with which they came.”

—Ronna Fisher, Hearing Health Center

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