Make It Better Sept Oct 2017 Home and Entertaining Issue

T H E H O M E & E N T E R TA I N I N G I S S U E SEPTEMBER /OCTOBER 2017

CHICAGO AND NORTH SHORE

welcome

HOME EASY ENTERTAINING with the Smithe sisters

FALL’S HOTTEST PAINT COLORS KITCHEN INSPIRATION one reader’s stunning DIY JOE RICKETTS how he plans to change the world LUNG CANCER WHY YOU SHOULD WORRY (even if you don’t smoke) SAVING FOR COLLEGE TUITION 101

CUSTOM DOORS THE NORTH SHORE GALLERY

THE NORTH SHORE GALLERY

3160 Skokie Valley Road, Highland Park, IL 60035 847.981.9901

thenorthshoregallery.glenviewdoors.com

UNIQUE LUXURY WINE CELLARS

SHOWROOM

520 W Erie Street , Chicago, IL 60654 312.337.2440

www.glenviewhaus.com

TO R E STO R E YO U R Q UA L I T Y O F L I F E , FO L LOW T H E L E A D E R S .

It’s hard to talk about, but if you suffer from pelvic floor disorders or symptoms such as incontinence, bowel control or prolapse, we’re ready to help. Northwestern Medicine Program for Urogynecology and Reconstructive Surgery staffed by Northwestern Medicine Group physicians bring together a transdisciplinary approach to pelvic floor disorders in one convenient location.

With the help of our highly skilled, nationally recognized physicians, you’ll find the personalized care you need to put these challenging conditions behind you. To learn more about our transdisciplinary team, call 312.694.PFDS (7337) or visit urogynecology.nm.org.

BETTER

A. PERRY HOMES ARCHITECTS

BEFORE RENOVATION

BUILDERS

REMODELERS

AFTER RENOVATION

NEW CONSTRUCTION A. Perry Homes are the architects, builders, and remodelers of choice for families who believe that making their dream home should be worry free and designed for their needs in mind. Whether your project consists of updating a condo in the city, a new gourmet kitchen, whole house remodel, or a custom home, our team is ready to design and build something special for you. With over 30 years of award winning experience and a reputation that is unmatched in the industry, we are uniquely qualified to serve you best. Allow us to demonstrate the value that design build can offer.

The A. Perry Design Studio proudly features Marvin Windows & Doors.

1 2 2 0 WA S H I N G T O N AV E , W I L M E T T E

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APERRYHOMES.COM

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847.549.0668

Begin planning your new kitchen today!

You’ll be entertaining by the Holidays.

Award Winning Kitchens Meticulously Designed, Uniquely YOURS Custom Bathrooms and Closets Chicago’s Outdoor Kitchen Specialist Call our design team for a complimentary consultation!

This well-designed dining space, offers a functional serving area, with a decorative touch of easy to reach extra storage.

Serving Chicago and the Northshore for 26 years

Kitchens Designed from a Cook’s Perspective 6/22/12

806 Central Ave., Suite 101, Highland Park, IL 60035 847.433.2400 www.DreamKitchens.com

YOUR FACE. HIS EXPERTISE.

Dr. Geroulis is the face expert. For over 30 years he has focused solely on the face and has developed innovative procedures to enhance all areas of the face- forehead/brow, lip, nose, eyes, and full face. His unique methods produce natural looking results with shortened recovery times.

Why would you trust your face to anyone else?

Call today to schedule your consultation.

Dr. Anthony J. Geroulis, MD Board Certified - American Board of Cosmetic Surgery Clinical Professor, University of Chicago Medical School Top Doctor in U.S. News and World Reports

www.geroulis.com / 847.441.4441 NORTHSHORE: NORTHFIELD / DOWNTOWN CHICAGO: MICHIGAN AVENUE / NORTHWEST SUBURBS: ST. ALEXIUS MEDICAL CENTER

750 WEST H UTCHIN SON

$3,995,0 0 0 This iconic estate-home designed by G.W. Maher is an updated Prairie School landmark on 6 city lots of lush private gardens. Steps to the Lakefront on one of Chicago’s best blocks in the Hutchinson Street Historic District, this home offers a rare opportunity for intimate living and grand scale entertaining.

Exquisite preserved craftsmanship and artful details throughout: tile floors, stained glass windows, carved limestone, plaster and wood columns, quarter sawn oak flrs and paneling, 8 fireplaces with beautiful mantels in mahogany and glass mosaics.

Attached 2 car garage with porte cochere

1213 8 H I C KO RY K N O L L

$1, 3 9 9,9 0 0 Absolutely beautiful new construction Nantucket style home. 5 Bedroom/4.1 Bathroom. Fantastic wide open floorplan perfect for entertaining and family living.

Amazing window line throughout the home brings in tons of natural light. Features include high ceilings, gorgeous hardwood floors throughout, gourmet chef ’s kitchen with stainless steel appliances, granite and quartz counters, and custom cabinets, 2 laundry rooms, ideal mudroom, and bath with private balcony. Enormous basement, ready for customization with high ceilings.

3 car garage. Beautiful private setting located in an area with favorable taxes and access to superb Deerfield Schools! This lot is Magnificent!

312.320.6741 | llevin @ jamesonsir.com

Sotheby’s International Realty and the Sotheby’s International Realty logo are registered (or unregistered) service marks used with permission. Sotheby’s International Realty Affiliates LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each Office Is Independently Owned And Operated. If your property iws listed with a real estate broker, please disregard. It is not our intention to solicit the offerings of other real estate brokers. We are happy to work with them and cooperate fully. Although information, including measurements, has been obtained from sources deemed reliable, accuracy is not guaranteed.

Help BEAT THE ODDS Visit Rivers Casino this October to learn how you can support the mission of Susan G. Komen Chicago to save lives and make progress to end breast cancer forever.

RIVERSCASINO.COM | 888.307.0777 | 3000 S. River Road | Des Plaines, IL 60018 Must be 21 years of age or older. Not valid for any participant of the Illinois Gaming Board Voluntary Self-Exclusion Program. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, crisis counseling and referral services can be accessed by calling 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537).

Welcome to Polk Bros Park Built in the spirit of the city, Polk Bros Park is dedicated to the diverse passions of the people of Chicago. Through partnerships with arts and cultural organizations, the Polk Bros Park Performance Lawns off er free programming for all to enjoy. In addition to the Polk Bros Fountain and Plaza, opened last summer to the delight of guests of all ages, this amazing new green space is proud to serve as the city’s new front yard.

It’s your Pier, Chicago. And it’s your Park. Come see it in a new light.

F O R M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N , V I S I T N AV Y P I E R . C O M Navy Pier is grateful to the Polk Bros. Foundation for their generous support and partnership.

FEATURES S E P T E M B E R /O C TO B E R 2 0 1 7 • VO LU M E 8 , I S S U E 5

PARTY TIME

HOME SWEET HOME

34

Closing Crises

By Kaitlin Madden

50

58

This or That: Home Appliances

By Megan Craig

Paint: A Primer

60

54

By Michelle Huffman

By Kaitlin Madden

Windows and Doors: A Homeowner’s Guide

By Megan Craig

Photo courtesy of Benjamin Moore

Home Gyms: Going for the Gold

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86

By Lisa Zimbler

By Julie Chernoff

Transform Your Table

78

Just Desserts!

By Julie Chernoff

82

Build a Better Bar Cart

By Nicole Shnitzler

13 Must-Eat Meals

THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE

FALL...

FROM BACK TO SCHOOL TO HALLOWEEN

AUTUMN LEAVES, PUMPKINS, AND FOOTBALL GAMES. FALL IS THE PERFECT TIME FOR MEMORIES TO BE MADE.

AND, THERE IS NOTHING QUITE LIKE A

MERCEDES-BENZ FROM AUTOHAUS ON EDENS

FOR OVER 45 YEARS, AUTOHAUS ON EDENS HAS PROUDLY SERVED GENERATIONS OF CHICAGOLAND FAMILIES. COME IN NOW FOR EXCEPTIONAL PRICING, FINANCE AND LEASE OFFERS ON OUR ENTIRE LINE-UP.

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AUTOHAUS ON EDENS… WE DRIVE YOUR DREAMS.

Mercedes-Benz at Autohaus on Edens

1600 Frontage Rd. • Northbrook, IL 60062 1 800 NEW BENZ • autohausonedens.com

(On the Edens Expressway between Willow & Dundee)

DEPARTMENTS MAKE A DIFFERENCE

44 64

44 Major League Plans:

Interview with Joe Ricketts

By Susan B. Noyes

108

When a Young Mom Has Breast Cancer

By Susan B. Noyes

68

FASHION & BEAUTY Primp Like a Pro 64

By Meghan Streit

Fall Bagapalooza 68

By Tracy Clifford Saving for College: 66

A Holistic Approach

By Susan Pasternak

ENTERTAINMENT

90

Fall Arts Preview

By Robert Loerzel

92

The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare

By Hannah Kennedy

TRAVEL Great Escapes 94

By Amber Gibson

IN EVERY ISSUE

18 founder’s letter 24 you said it 26 from the web 30 fresh 32 community celebrations 38 event listing

give times, give things, 102

104

110

give support better makers and their impact closing thoughts

HEALTH

Breathe Easy 100

By Wendy Altschuler

92 94

The views expressed in sponsored content are the opinions of advertisers and not the views of Make It Better.

Make It Betters: In an interview with real estate entrepreneur Sean Conlon in the July/August issue, Make It Better misspelled the name of Conlon’s first brokerage, Sussex and Reilly.

Additionally, we reported that his reality show, “The Deed: Chicago” airs on NBC; in fact, it airs on CNBC. We deeply regret the errors.

TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF JOE RICKETTS; REMAINING PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS/MANUFACTURER

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FOUNDER’S LET TER

THE FUTURE IS BRIGHT

BY SUSAN B . NOYE S

Thank you for reading, caring, answering, sharing, commenting, and helping your (and our) social impact grow.

As you likely know from reading past founder’s letters, Make It Better’s mission is to be your most trusted, easiest to use community resource — one that helps you make your life and the lives of others better. Our positive and powerful content connects you, our valued audience, with the businesses and nonprofits you support — in print, online, in person at unique Make It Better events, and through media sponsorships of the most impactful nonprofits.

BETTER TOGETHER

Collaboration is the best way forward to a better world, and we love connecting great resources to each other and to our powerful audience. Case in point: Best of 2017 winner A. Perry Homes has just joined the American Red Cross’ “Sound the Alarm. Save A Life” campaign, which aims to install 2,000 alarms in the Chicagoland area over the course of three weeks this fall. It’s part of a national goal to save lives lost to home fires, and we couldn’t be prouder. To learn more, visit redcross.org/sound-the-alarm.

Because our digital network is so dynamic, we launched a survey in our last issue to explore what to do about print. We asked, you answered, and we are delighted with the volume and quality of your responses. You told us that this magazine is valuable — so valuable, in fact, that we will start charging for new subscriptions in 2018.

Until then, sign up at makeitbetter.net/free-magazine-subscription to continue receiving it for free.

While you’re online, be sure to subscribe to our biweekly email newsletter, the Better Letter, too. You’ll love the articles, up-to-theminute recommendations, and knowing that you have joined one of the most unique and valuable online communities in our country.

I would like to thank our talented staff, writers and advertisers for bringing you this issue, Welcome Home. I hope you enjoy it as much as they have enjoyed developing it for you. As always, I welcome your thoughts and feedback. You are important to me, Make It Better and the world.

Thank you.

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The Mission of Make It Better is to be the most trusted, easiest-to-use community resource that helps you make your life and the lives of others better—online, in print and in person.

We accomplish this by providing the highest quality lifestyle content for our audience and connecting them to the businesses and nonprofits they support.

18 SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2017

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T HE

CO LLE C TIO N Buying • Selling • Renting • Relocation • Investing

ALWAYS HOME ON THE NORTH SHORE WITH TEAM MANGEL

Let TEAM MANGEL find your DREAM HOME! KATHRYN BADER MANGEL, CRS

847.372.5801 K2@TEAMMANGEL.COM

KELLY O’CONNELL MANGEL

847.910.2621 TEAMMANGEL.COM

Your Home Grown Real Estate Team

SPONSORED CONTENT

CANCER TREATMENT CENTERS OF AMERICA®

TREATING WOMEN’S CANCERS WITH EXPERTISE, PRECISION AND COMPASSION In 2017, it’s estimated that more than 110,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer.* These specific types of cancers take place in the female reproductive organs, including the cervix, ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes, vagina and vulva.

At Cancer Treatment Centers of America® (CTCA), we believe that every gynecologic cancer is as unique as the woman fighting it. Fighting a gynecologic cancer requires truly personalized care, delivered by experts trained in the complexities of such a difficult disease.

If you have a gynecologic cancer, it’s important to have a gynecologic oncologist as part of your cancer care team. Gynecologic oncologists have expertise in treating gynecologic malignancies using advanced technologies to fight the disease. Gynecologic oncologists are boardcertified obstetrician/gynecologists who pursue three to four years of additional subspecialty training in gynecologic oncology at an American Board of Obstetrics and Gynecology-approved fellowship program. This specialized program provides training in the biology and pathology of gynecologic cancers as well as all modalities of treatment, including surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, research techniques and other treatments that are important to provide patients the best care for gynecologic cancers.

JULIAN SCHINK, MD Board-certified gynecologic oncologist, Dr. Julian Schink, who joined CTCA® in May 2017, offers women diagnosed with a gynecologic cancer over 30 years of experience, specializing in surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy and targeted therapy treatments. Dr. Schink is Chief of Gynecologic Oncology for the enterprise, and serves as Medical Director of Gynecologic Oncology and Medical Oncology at CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center in Zion, Illinois.

Dr. Schink earned a medical degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio in San Antonio, Texas. He completed a four-year residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Northwestern University Medical School in Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Schink also completed a fellowship in gynecologic oncology at the University of California, Los Angeles Medical School in Los Angeles, California.

“As a gynecologic oncologist, my single, most important goal is fighting cancer and delivering high-quality, personalized care to my patients,” Schink says. “Advances in gynecologic oncology, including robotic surgery and targeted medicine, have helped cancer patients become survivors, and are evolving every day.”

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SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2017

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PATIENT SPOTLIGHT – A RARE CANCER DIAGNOSIS Twenty-three year old Jaxhiel Duran is a young woman who was working two jobs, and volunteering as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). In April 2017, she received a diagnosis of choriocarcinoma, or cancer of the placenta, which is a type of gestational trophoblastic disease (GTD). A cancer that can affect one in 50,000 women*, Jaxhiel needed to find a physician that understood this type of cancer and who could offer her treatment options. Her search led her to CTCA at Midwestern Regional Medical Center, where she was introduced to Dr. Schink, who is a nationally recognized expert in treating gestational trophoblastic diseases.

“It soon became apparent to me that I needed to find a doctor that specialized in my cancer type,” said Jaxhiel. “Not only does Dr. Schink have extensive experience with my type of cancer, but he also listened to me and explained everything to my mother and me.”

After a comprehensive evaluation, including scans, blood work, physical examination and introductions to her entire care team, Dr. Schink and Jaxhiel had a plan in place in less than a week. Her treatment plan included chemotherapy, which travels through her system to attack her cancer cells. To help reduce treatment delays or interruptions, and to support her strength, stamina and quality of life, Jaxhiel worked with a dietitian and naturopathic oncology provider.

Both are part of a larger supportive care services team in place to help patients like Jaxhiel, who is responding positively to her care.

“I wasn’t prepared for a cancer diagnosis…to be honest, who is?” said Jaxhiel. “My family and I are grateful for the care that I continue to receive from Dr. Schink and CTCA.” No case is typical — you should not expect to experience these results. * American Cancer Society

2520 Elisha Ave., Zion, IL 60099 800.950.2822 | cancercenter.com/midwestern

ALL ABOARD! ALL ARE WELCOME

2017

CELEBRATION CRUISE

Join us for a festive evening boat cruise on Lake Michigan celebrating Make It Better businesses, partners and friends.

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 6-8 PM Chicago’s First Lady Cruises Cocktails • Small Bites • Music

RSVP: makeitbetter.net/bestofcelebration Space is Limited.

A special thanks to the Best of 2017 Sponsors

THE UNEXPECTED CAN HAPPEN ANY DAY. WHICH IS WHY WE’RE HERE EVERY DAY. With four nearby locations in the Northern Suburbs, Northwestern Medicine Immediate Care is open from 8 am to 8 pm, 365 days a year.* We provide exceptional care when you need it, no appointment necessary. Because there are things in life that no one can plan for. Visit immediatecare.nm.org to learn more.

BETTER NORTHWESTERN MEDICINE IMMEDIATE CARE NORTHERN SUBURB LOCATIONS IN DEERFIELD | EVANSTON | GLENVIEW | VERNON HILLS *Open 8 am to 4 pm on major holidays © 2017 Northwestern Medicine

J U LY /A U G U S T 2 0 1 6

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Our secret is out! We’re “Best Eyewear 2017” in Make It Better Magazine’s annual “Best Of” poll! Congrats to our Winnetka, Lake Forest, Highland Park and Evanston office teams (and all our Chicagoland offices) who deliver a premier patient experience each and every day! —MyEyeDr. on Facebook

Thanks to all who nominated and voted for us, we’re Make It Better’s 2017 Best Consignment Shop! That’s three years in a row! Thank you to our loyal shoppers, consignors, and donors, and to Make It Better for this tremendous honor!

—North Shore Exchange on Facebook

The Aim & Ailie Hair Boutique team would like to thank all of our amazing clients, family, friends and community members who took time from their busy lives to vote for us. Your efforts are appreciated and effective. You have made us Make It Better 2017 winners for best hair color! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

—Aim & Ailie on Facebook We’re excited to announce that for the 2nd year in a row @properties has been named the Top Real Estate Company by Make It Better readers! Thank you all for taking the time to vote for us, we are truly grateful for your support. —@properties on Facebook The results are in!!!!!! We are proud to announce that we are the best Event Planner in Make It Better’s best of 2017!!!! We are humbled, elated, and extremely honored to receive such a prestigious award! —Events by Joey on Facebook It is an honor to be voted best band in 2017!

—Ken Arlen [of Ken Arlen Evolution Orchestra] on makeitbetter.net

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SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2017

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LEFT PHOTO BY ERICA BARRACA; RIGHT PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS

Thanks for all the emails, letters, tweets and Facebook messages this month! Here’s what you had to say:

My husband, daughter and I have always found enjoyment as a family to give a part of ourselves to our community. Doing this has been our way of making a difference, meeting some great people, not spending a lot of money, getting great satisfaction and emotional reward.

My daughter has always planned on making the continuation of commitment to community, and making a difference part of her life, and her future.

Since receiving the first issue of Make It Better magazine I have discussed some of the articles with her, and together we have been introduced to wonderful people and their inspirational efforts.

So, thank you for this grand gesture of building this magazine. It has made our lives better.

—Debra Lynn Elisco

Image © Linda Oyama Bryan

On Instagram @makeitbetterns Our founder @susanbnoyes with the amazing @curtisleejamie last night at the Hilton Chicago Hotel. Curtis will be filming political thriller #ThePages this summer in #Chicago. #repost

@elizabethtaylor958 Love them both @magmullen Awesome! @yeerorevolution How cool!! @andreaguthmann #jamieleecurtis seems like the real deal. How fun that you got to meet her!

S PA C E T H AT I S U N I Q U E LY Y O U .

All Phases of Lawn & Property Maintenance and Snow Management

Read more “You Said It” online at MAKEITBETTER.NET/YOUSAIDIT WWW.M A R I A N I L A N D S C A P E . COM

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Mealtime Makeovers When families sit down to eat together, children thrive: Eating habits improve; vocabulary and literacy skills solidify; and peer relationships blossom. But, for so many of us, getting the whole gang to the table — along with a healthy meal — feels like the impossible dream. Make it a reality with tips and tricks from The Family Dinner Project at MAKEITBETTER.NET/FAMILYDINNER.

Long-Distance Love According to the U.S. Census Bureau, a whopping 3.5 million (happily) married couples live apart — a number that has doubled since 1990. Wonder how they make it work? Hear from five crosscountry couples at MAKEITBETTER.NET/ MARRIAGE.

what’s hot on makeitbetter.net HOME

GUIDES

10 Instagram Accounts With Serious Home Design Inspiration

12 Ways to Get Smart With Your Money: How to Start an Emergency Fund, Get That Raise, Save for Retirement and More

ENTERTAINMENT

7 Unique Vacation Spots for Every Type of Traveler PHILANTHROPY

28 of Chicago’s Top Women’s Boards

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Healthy Sleep 101

DINING

10 Deliciously Easy Avocado Recipes You’ll Make Again and Again

SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2017

With a new school year underway, those precious zzzs are more important than ever — but every parent knows that bedtime doesn’t always go according to plan. Click over to MAKEITBETTER.NET/SLEEP for 10 game-changing tips from snooze guru Agnes Green of Tuck Sleep.

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321 N. Clark, Suite 500 Chicago, IL 60654 | 847-256-4642 Founder & Editorial Director Susan B. Noyes

Publisher Michelle O’ Rourke Morris Chief Operating Officer Sandy Tsuchida

Editor In Chief Brooke McDonald Managing Editor Anna Carlson Print Managing Editor Cara Sullivan

Art Director Erica Barraca Designer Agnieszka Hansen

Beauty Editor Jenny Muslin

Dining Editor Julie Chernoff

Fashion Editor Tracy Clifford

Contributing Writers Wendy Altschuler Megan Craig

Amber Gibson Michelle Huffman Robert Loerzel Kaitlin Madden Susan Pasternak Nicole Schnitzler Meghan Streit Lisa Zimbler

Editorial Interns Rebeca Ballesteros Manon Blackman Amrita Krishnan Technical Advisor Jennifer Speaker

Senior Account Executive Barbara Baisley Murray

Account Executive Susan Becker

Manager of Sales Lynne Madorsky Operations & Client Relations

Sales Marketing & Lindsay Stout Project Manager

Philanthropy & Strategic

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Relationships Advisor

Sales Interns Grace Carlson Riley McNulty GOT FEEDBACK? Email susan@makeitbetter.net TO ADVERTISE: Contact michellemorris@makeitbetter.net HAVE AN EVENT? Email anna@makeitbetter.net

Make It Better North Shore (ISSN No. 2151-0431) is published 6 times per year by Make It Better LLC, 1150 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091 Phone: 847.256.4642. Copyright 2016

by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

Application to Mail at Periodicals Rates is pending at Wilmette, IL and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Make It Better, 1150 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, IL 60091. Make It Better is registered in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. Copyright 2016 by Make It Better LLC. All rights reserved.

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NORTHSHORE ONCOLOGY EXPERTS DELVE DEEPLY INTO CANCER GENETICS Cancer seems to touch all of us these days. Think about your own circle of family and friends, and a few faces likely come to mind.

The statistics support that sentiment: In 2016, more than 1.6 million people were diagnosed with cancer in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. Breast, lung, prostate, colorectal and melanoma rank as the most commonly diagnosed cancers.

With cancer, it’s easy to get caught up in the statistics and different treatment options which can result in a lot of fear and anxiety, according to Bruce E. Brockstein, MD, Medical Director at NorthShore University HealthSystem’s Kellogg Cancer Center.

“Our patients are more than their cancer,” explained Dr. Brockstein. “That’s why NorthShore provides a very individualized approach for each patient and creates a treatment plan tailored to their medical needs as well as their lifestyle. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach.”

LATEST TECHNIQUES AND APPROACHES NorthShore’s on-site molecular and surgical pathologists use next-generation DNA sequencers to analyze tumors on a genetic level for complex cases. This approach allows Kellogg Cancer Center clinicians to delve more deeply into the genetics of each person’s type of cancer, matching treatments with protocols that work best for what’s happening at the genetic level.

“The value of this personalized approach is that it shortens the time from diagnosis to treatment, and ultimately improves patient outcomes,” said Thomas A. Hensing, MD, a Kellogg Cancer Center thoracic specialist based in Evanston.

The role of personalized medicine and genetics is only one example of Kellogg Cancer Center’s approach to care. As a teaching affiliate of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine,

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NorthShore is also on the leading edge of new research, offering patients the opportunity to participate in clinical trials of promising new treatments and medication.

PERSONALIZED MEDICINE AND A PERSONALIZED APPROACH At NorthShore, each patient is supported by a collaborative team that provides care at every stage, from diagnosis to developing a treatment plan to ongoing care and support.

The multidisciplinary team includes: • Surgical Oncologists • Medical and Radiation Oncologists • Geneticists and Genetic Counselors • Pathologists • Radiologists • Oncology Nurses • Oncology Pharmacists • Psychologists • Social workers • Nutritionists “Patient care is always our top priority,” said Dr. Brockstein. “We strive to deliver the finest cancer care and best outcomes possible—including the latest immunotherapies, which tap into the patient’s own immune system to fight the disease. At the same time, we provide a comfortable, soothing environment to ensure patients’ emotional and social needs are always addressed.”

If someone close to you receives a cancer diagnosis, try to stay calm. Part of why cancer seems more common now is because physicians can diagnose it much earlier. Through ongoing research and clinical trials, they also can treat it better than ever before.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, please call NorthShore Kellogg Cancer Center at (847) 570-2112, or northshore.org/cancer.

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Bruce Brockstein, MD (top), Thomas Hensing, MD (bottom).

(847) 570-2112 | northshore.org/cancer

Together, we’re advancing the way we treat your cancer.

Cancer care for what’s next.

At NorthShore Kellogg Cancer Center, you have a team of specialists in a wide range of cancers—including breast, lung, colon and prostate, as well as rare and uncommon cancers. We’re leaders in diagnosis, treatment and support, exploring every option, from the latest technology to groundbreaking clinical trials for access to promising new therapies sooner.

Working with you, our team develops a treatment plan unique to you and your cancer. At NorthShore, we’re delivering advanced cancer care—and more hope—to you and your family.

northshore.org/cancer (847) 570-2112 Kellogg Cancer Center

# W H AT S N E W

Fresh Fashion The Fashion Outlets of Chicago has added yet another popular store to its Rosemont shopping mecca: Francesca’s. Says Katie L. Walsh, senior marketing manager at the mall, “We are thrilled to welcome Francesca’s first Illinois outlet to Fashion Outlets of Chicago this summer. From its popular jewelry, clothing and accessories to its variety of gifts perfect for any occasion, the store is sure to be a must-visit destination for our shoppers.”

FRANCESCA’S: 5220 Fashion Outlets Way, Rosemont, fashionoutletsofchicago.com, francescascollections.com—AK

Live and Learn On Aug. 15, By Your Side, a therapy center designed to help youth with autism, opened its third location in Morton Grove.

By Your Side offers a variety of programs including Applied Behavior Analysis, social and emotional therapies, and speech-language therapies to facilitate better communication as well as improved social and behavioral skills in children, adolescents, and teenagers with autism. The center is designed to mimic a household environment so youth can put learned skills into practice in a relevant environment.

Leading the new center’s initiative with a team of therapists is Executive Director Katurri Phillips, M.S., BCBA; Laura Mahlmeister, M.S., BCBA Senior Manager of ABA; and Marilyn Deutmeyer, M.S., SLP Senior Manager of Speech.

BY YOUR SIDE: 8145 River Drive, Suite 106, Morton Grove, 866-429-7543, byyoursideac.com—AK 30 SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2017

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Globe Trotter On June 13, Proxi made its official Restaurant Row debut.

Sepia’s globally inspired sister and the latest from Andrew Zimmerman and Emmanuel Nony, the chic spot features modern presentations of street foods from around the world. Exotic ingredients and spices are at the forefront of every dish (two words: Wagyu Sirloin), and desserts

by Pastry Chef Sarah Mispagel boast experimental flavor combinations, as evidenced in the Miso Pôt de Crème’s explosion of caramelized white chocolate, butterscotch and banana. Wash it all down with an international beer, a glass of vino from the rotating seasonal list, or one of the bar’s vibrant cocktails. PROXI: 565 W. Randolph St., 312-466-1950, proxichicago.com—MB American Dream Chef Zoë Schor elevates Americana comfort food at Split-Rail, where local and seasonal ingredients are given a contemporary twist. The frequently changing menu offers such mouthwatering fare as loaded baked potato gnocchi with bacon, sour cream, cheddar, and crispy potato skins, or chicken nuggets with house-made honey mustard. Prefer something sweet? Dig into Aunt T’s Pretzel Surprise, a refined riff on strawberry pretzel salad that features panna cotta, strawberry-pineapple gelatin and pretzel streusel. Schor curates the wine list herself, focusing on American wines, while craft cocktails like the Freedom from Want (referring to a famous Norman Rockwell painting) reference American culture and history.

And, with a nut-free kitchen, low proof/ no-proof cocktails, and special menus for all dietary restrictions, there’s a tasty option for everyone. SPLIT-RAIL: 2500 W. Chicago Ave., Chicago, 773-697-4413, splitrailchicago.com—MB

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS

B Y M A N O N B L A C K M A N A N D A M R I TA K R I S H N A N

InspIred ArchItecture b u I lt w I t h I n t e g r I t y

REYNOLDS ARCHITECTURE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION

Fo r A c o n s u ltAt Io n o r to l e A r n Ab ou t r e y n ol d s A r c h It e c t u r e con tAc t d o u g r ey n o ld s 84 7 . 5 0 1 . 3 1 5 0 r e y n ol d s A r c h It e c t u r e . c om

# C E L E B R AT E

BY REBECA BALLESTEROS AND MANON BL ACKMAN

Winnetka Community House Robert (Bob) J. Thomas has been named new executive director of the Winnetka Community House, a nonprofit that has devoted itself to providing social, educational, recreational and cultural opportunities to North Shore families since it was founded more than a century ago. Formerly the CEO and executive director of the Partnership to Educate and Advance Kids (PEAK), Thomas created a mentor training program for Chicago students in need of advisorship and support, and continued to demonstrate his passion for helping others as CEO and executive director of Evanston’s Rainbows for All Children, an international nonprofit committed to assisting children undergoing emotional distress caused by traumatic life experiences. “I am eager to work with the staff, volunteers and the board of the Winnetka Community House to create lasting partnerships with area businesses and other nonprofits,” he says.

Winnetka Community House: 620 Lincoln Ave., Winnetka, 847-446-0537, winnetkacommunityhouse.org—RB 32

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Chicago Sinfonietta The Orchestra celebrates its 30th season by opening with Trademark — a showcase of Caribbean instruments, contemporary dance, and two world premieres — at Wentz Concert Hall in Naperville Sept. 16, and Symphony Center in Chicago on Sept. 18. Featured performers include the Northern Illinois University Steelband and the Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, along with commissions from two female composers: violinist Jessie Montgomery and Grammy Awardnominee Clarice Assad. Preceding the concert on the 18th, all guests are invited to join the Prelude: Start with a Bang! event at 5:30 p.m. in Grainger Hall of the Symphony Center for food and drink, interactive activities, a silent auction, and a raffle. Visit chicagosinfonietta.org/ prelude for ticket information. Chicago Sinfonietta: 312-284-1554, chicagosinfonietta.org—MB Chicago Humanities Festival Long-time WBEZ reporter, producer and host Alison Cuddy has been appointed as the new Marilynn Thoma Artistic Director of the Chicago Humanities Festival (CHF). Cuddy joined the CHF staff as Program Director in 2014 before assuming the position of Associate Artistic Director, which she’s held for the last two years. During her tenure, she has aided the neighborhood-based programming in Bridgeport, Pilsen and Bronzeville; designed and directed the three-week career development Humanities Without Walls Summer Workshop; conceptualized and implemented year-round programming of CHF; and launched Springfest in 2016. Currently, she is developing themes for 2018 Springfest and Fallfest. “I’m eager to continue working with the entire CHF staff to build on our current successes and move forward into an exciting future driven by programming that is both challenging and fun, and welcoming to all,” Cuddy says. Chicago Humanities Festival: 500 N. Dearborn, Suite 825, Chicago, chicagohumanities.org—MB

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH ORGANIZATION

American Heart Association Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, MD, ScM, senior associate dean for clinical and translational research and chair of Preventive Medicine at Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine, has been given the Physician of the Year Award by the American Heart Association.

An AHA volunteer since 1997, Lloyd-Jones has admirably upheld the organization’s mission — to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke — by striving to improve patient outcomes and create healthier communities. To learn more about the American Heart Association or join the 22.5 million volunteers nationwide, visit heart.org—RB

HIGHEST IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Wintrust Community Banks ranked “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Retail Banking in the Midwest.”

We get satisfaction when a client is grateful that we’ve walked through every solution to find the perfect account. Or, when we send a kid we’ve known since she was a Junior Saver off to college with Student Checking.

We love stepping into a business that used our lending tool to get off the ground.

Nothing feels better than being recognized for your work, and we feel that satisfaction every time we help a happy customer.

For us, that’s recognition enough. But, we

have to say, it feels pretty good to make it official: being awarded highest in customer satisfaction is an acknowledgment that we’re doing something right by prioritizing our customers, communities and local businesses and providing the highest level of service. Thank you to every customer who trusts us to be your bank and counts on us to guide you towards the right financial decisions. We wouldn’t be here without you.

CHICAGO’S BANKS® wintrust.com/findus

WE’RE PROUD TO BRING IT HOME. As a company made in this area, for this area, Wintrust and its family of true community banks is dedicated to the unique neighborhoods each serves. For 25 years, we’ve been banks that invest in, give back to, and get to really know our communities and the people living in them. When you bank with a Wintrust Community Bank, you can be confident your money is going back into the things that matter most to you.

Banking products provided by Wintrust Financial Corp. banks. Wintrust Community Bank received the highest numerical score among retail banks in the Midwest in the J.D. Power 2017 Retail Banking Satisfaction Study, based on 78,886 total responses from 19 companies measuring experiences and perceptions of customers, surveyed April 2016-February 2017. Your experiences may vary.

Visit jdpower.com.

# R E A L E S TAT E

CLOSING CRISES

BY KAITLIN MADDEN

You’ve gone through the hassle of listing your home — The cleaning! The staging! The showings! — and now you’ve got a buyer.

Congratulations may be in order, but it’s best to save the bubbly until after you close. According to the city’s top real estate pros, unforeseen circumstances can derail even the most cut-and-dry transaction.

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# R E A L E S TAT E

For home buyers and sellers alike, closing day is the light at the end of the (potentially long, winding, detour-laden) tunnel. But, even after the mortgage has been approved, the contingencies have cleared, and the moving trucks are rounding the corner, there’s still the potential for a glitch to send a sale careening off course. In fact, according to a 2015 survey by the National Association of Realtors, nearly a third of all closings are delayed — and in 6 percent of those deals, the problem is so significant that it causes the sale to fall through completely.

So how do you avoid an issue which, at best, can postpone your closing or, at worst, lose you your dream home (or dream buyer)? Here’s what to watch out for.

CONTRACT SNAFUS There can be hundreds of pages of contracts to review during a closing, and while many of them are standard, it’s important to know what you’re signing. The good news: You’ll get one of the most important documents, the closing disclosure, to review three days in advance of your close date. Once you get the document, go through it with a fine-tooth comb. The bad news: If you do happen to catch an error, it could delay your closing date. “Sometimes an attorney has lifted something from another contract or forgotten to add a credit or contingencies, so it’s important to make sure that anything out-of-theordinary or specific to your sale is reflected,” says Campbell.

SECURITY THREATS The latest problem that’s plaguing real estate sales is a growing threat involving email hackers. Though it might seem farfetched, Marie Campbell, an agent with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services in Chicago, said the problem is becoming so prevalent in the industry that it’s changing the way many real estate offices, including hers, do business. Here’s how it goes down: “A hacker gets into a realtor’s email and keeps tabs on the deals as they move towards the closing,” says Campbell, who explains that a lot of the details of modern real estate transactions are hammered out online. “Shortly before the closing, it’s typical for a buyer to receive an email from their realtor with wire transfer instructions for the balance due.

When the hacker sees that this email has gone out, he’ll send out a follow-up from the agent advising the client to send it to a different bank with a different account number.” From there, it’s not hard to imagine what ensues. In fact, after a hacker intercepted nearly $100,000 during a transaction at Campbell’s office, she and her colleagues began advising their clients to accept wire transfer instructions from their realtor over the phone or in person; advice she suggests all buyers and sellers heed.

ILL WILL While a positive relationship between buyer and seller can speed up the sale of a real estate deal, a negative one can slow it down significantly, says Levin. She recalls one closing in particular where the seller was forced to offer the buyer a last-minute credit over a hardwood floor discoloration noticed at the final walkthrough. “Neither side had felt good about the deal from the get-go, so it wasn’t surprising that there was an issue,” she says. While brokers can help their clients navigate the sometimes-tense waters of a real estate deal, Levin always advises her clients to show courtesy to the other side. “When I’m listing a house, I always tell the sellers to make sure the buyers feel good about the sale. It sounds like simple advice, but it can make a huge difference in closing on time,” she says. Her number one tip to both buyer and seller: Respond to emails and phone calls promptly. “It creates a sense of respect,” she says.

FINANCING ISSUES One word: Money — it’s the most common reason deals don’t close on time, and according to the NationalAssociation of Realtors survey, financing issues affect nearly 50 percent of all delayed transactions. “Problems surrounding the buyer’s mortgage — a dispute over a number or a debt that wasn’t disclosed — tend to be the most “Developers and home sellers typical,” says Linda Levin, an agent with don't always pay attention to Jameson Sotheby’s little details, but buyers do — International Realty in Chicago. and many deals have been To mitigate the risk postponed because the house of this happening, buyers should stay on is in poor condition at the of the mortgage walk-through,” says real estate top process, which entrepreneur Sean Conlon. To means returning all necessary prevent this from happening, documentation “it’s critical that the property promptly and confirming that every being sold is properly and payment has cleared professionally cleaned,” he says. before closing day.

MURPHY’S LAW And then, of course, there are those unforeseen circumstances that even the best brokers could never anticipate. Real estate entrepreneur Sean Conlon, for example, founder of Conlon/ Christie’s International Real Estate, was once forced to track a client down when he didn’t show for his own close. “It turns out he had been arrested for drug dealing,” says Conlon. “He had gotten bailed out, but I had to pick him up at the police station and pay him $300 to get him to come with me. He just wasn’t interested in going at that point — but to me, it was a really exciting deal. The building was right beside Wrigley Field!”

Before another ill-fated close, “We were doing the final walkthrough when the client went down into the basement and screamed — there were about three feet of water on the floor,” says Conlon. To make matters worse, “We had allowed them to move their furniture in before closing, and it was all ruined,” he says. “The developer wouldn't return any of the calls, so we got them a hotel while we fixed everything.”

If the sale and purchase are happening in the same day, there’s even more potential for drama: “A few years ago I had a double close,” remembers Levin. “That morning, the client got a call that the moving company had gone on strike. If he didn’t get to the closing table to sell the home by a certain time that day, he was going to lose the other sale. We worked it out at the last minute, but I was literally about to go and help them move.”

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/REALESTATE

SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2017

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COLDWELLBANKERLUXURY.COM *Average daily sales. Data based on closed and recorded transaction sides of homes sold for more than $1 million (USD$) or more as reported by the U.S. Coldwell Banker franchise system for the calendar year 2016. ©2017 Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. All Rights Reserved. Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Operated by a subsidiary of NRT LLC. Coldwell Banker, the Coldwell Banker logo, Coldwell Banker Global Luxury and the Coldwell Banker Global Luxury logo are service marks registered or pending registration owned by Coldwell Banker Real Estate LLC.

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#EVENTS

R E C O M M E N D E D

Stay up to date on all the happenings.  MAKEITBETTER.NET/EVENTS

BY ANNA CARLSON

SEPTEMBER

editor’s pick

Stars of Lyric Opera at Millennium Park 8 8 Sept.

Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., Chicago lyricopera.org Whether you’re an opera aficionado or have never set foot inside Lyric, you won’t want to miss this free outdoor concert featuring the Lyric Opera Orchestra and some of Chicago’s best voices.

SEPT

Fiesta Ravinia American Craft Expo

Chicago Bourbon & Barbecue Festival Sept. 9-10 SEPT 9 Clybourn and Diversey, Chicago chicagoevents.com Festival season continues with this brand-new event featuring bourbon tastings, barbecue, live music and more country fun.

Misericordia Heart of Mercy Family Fest Sept. 10 SEPT Heart of Mercy, 6300 N. Ridge Ave., 10 Misericordia Chicago | misericordia.com Don’t miss Misericordia’s biggest fundraiser of the year! This fun-filled afternoon will feature games, entertainers, raffles, auctions, food and drinks, and much more.

Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Sept. 11 SEPT 11 Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago auditoriumtheatre.org U.S. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg will speak with U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit Judge Ann Claire Williams in this first event of Roosevelt University’s 2017 American Dream Reconsidered conference.

American Craft Expo Sept. 15-17 SEPT 15 Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe | americancraftexpo.org This annual expo, now in its 33rd year, is back with 146 juried artists to showcase the best in jewelry, ceramics, fashion, furniture and more. Proceeds will benefit NorthShore University HealthSystem, specifically pharmacogenomics research at the NorthShore Center for Personalized Medicine and orthopaedic regenerative medicine research at the NorthShore Orthopaedic Institute. A Benefit Preview Party will take place on Sept. 14.

3 8 SSEEPPTTEEM MBBEERR//OOCCTTOOBBEERR 22001 177

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TOP PHOTO BY KATHLEEN PAGE; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF CHICAGO BOTANIC GARDEN

North Shore Exchange Chicago Pop-Up Shop Opens Sept. 30 900 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago northshoreexchange.org Consignment has never been chicer than at North Shore Exchange’s Michigan Avenue pop-up shop, where all proceeds benefit local charities. In total, this Best of 2017 winner has given nearly $1 million in charitable gifts to local nonprofits and organizations.

SEPT

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#EVENTS

Block Party 2017 Sept. 16 SEPT 16 Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest gortoncenter.org Pack some blankets and lawn chairs and head out for an extraterrestrial evening at Gorton Community Center. Enjoy live music, face painting, a petting zoo from Wildlife Discovery Center, a Star Wars costume contest, and an outdoor viewing of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.”

Barkapalooza

TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF JULIA SHELL PUBLIC RELATIONS; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF RIPPLE PUBLIC RELATIONS

East Elm Wine Walk 2017 Sept. 16 SEPT 16 Corner of Lincoln Avenue and Elm Street, Winnetka | picatic.com/ eastelmwinewalk2017 This year’s East Elm Wine Walk will benefit Boys Hope Girls Hope of Illinois, a nonprofit that aims to help academically capable and motivated children in need meet their full potential and become men and women who mentor others.

Barkapalooza Sept. 24 SEPT Community Park, 24 Lisle 1825 Short St., Lisle | wshs-dg.org For the 24th year, this family-friendly fest for dogs and humans alike will raise funds for the West Suburban Humane Society with a Dog Walkathon and Pet Expo. Highlights include face painting, balloon sculptures and games with B-Noz the Clown, the Skydogz Frisbee Team and the WSHS Alumni Agility Dog Demonstration Team.

Destinos Sept. 29 to Oct. 29 SEPT 29 Various | clata.org The Chicago Latino Theater Alliance (CLATA) will present the first Chicago International Latino Theater Festival with companies from Latin America, the Caribbean and Chicago.

CLATA and Chicago Shakespeare Theater will co-present the Chicago debut of Teatro Línea de Sombra and their production of “Amarillo.”

Steppenwolf’s 1700 Theatre, Victory Gardens Theater and the National Museum of Mexican Art are also partner venues.

OCTOBER

Inherit Chicago Oct. 1-29 OCT 1 Various | inheritchicago.org For the first time ever, the Chicago Cultural Alliance will host this intercultural festival bringing more than 30 cultural centers and heritage museums together for programming

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival

in 20 neighborhoods. The hope is that Chicagoans will visit a new neighborhood and learn about a culture they might not be familiar with. One of the first events, World Dumpling Fest, will take place Oct. 7 at Millennium Park Chase South Promenade.

The Great Highwood Pumpkin Festival Oct. 6-8 OCT Highwood 6 Downtown celebratehighwood.org This annual festival is an all-outfallapalooza, with pumpkin carving, trick or treating, hay rides, a petting zoo, carnival rides, crafts and music — and all of it for a good cause. The proceeds benefit Make-A-Wish Illinois, (and last year’s festival raised a whopping $60,000 for the cause!).

Author Event: Scott Simon Oct. 10 OCT 10 Wilmette Junior High School, 620 Locust Road, Wilmette | wilmettelibrary.info Peabody Award-winner and host of NPR’s “Weekend Edition Saturday” Scott Simon will visit Wilmette to discuss his newly-released memoir, “My Cubs: A Love Story.”

Bill Murray, Jan Vogler & Friends Oct. 10 OCT 10 Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago | cso.org

Bill Murray and German cellist Jan Vogler present a can’t-miss night of classic American literature and music from masters including Bach, Bernstein and Gershwin.

“Par for the Corpse” Opens Oct. 12 OCT 12 Oil Lamp Theater, 1723 Glenview Road, Glenview | oillamptheater.org It all starts out innocently enough, when Alexandra Ellis decides to host a party.

But when a blizzard strands everyone at her home and someone is poisoned, the plot of this exhilarating play careens off course, twisting and turning its way to an end you won’t see coming. This show runs through Nov. 19 at Best of 2017 winner Oil Lamp Theater, which will also offer a special Halloween performance on Oct. 31.

Cider and Ale Festival Oct. 21 The Morton Arboretum, 4100 OCT 21 Illinois Route 53, Lisle mortonarb.org Sample new craft beer and cider under a colorful canopy of foliage at The Morton Arboretum. This second annual event features eats from local restaurants and Arboretum concessions and live music courtesy of Chicagoland band Cadillac Groove.

Guests are welcome to bring blankets and chairs.

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#EVENTS

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER

BY ANNA CARLSON

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

The Great American Lobster Fest Sept. 1-3 Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago americanlobsterfest.com

Folk Fest at The Grove Oct. 1 The Grove, 1421 Milwaukee Ave., Glenview glenviewparks.org

Lakeview East Festival of the Arts Sept. 9-10 Along Broadway, Belmont to Hawthorne, Chicago | lakevieweastfestivalofthearts.com Stevie Nicks Sept. 9-10 Ravinia Festival, 200 Ravinia Park Road, Highland Park | ravinia.org Fall for All Shopping Event Presented

by Misericordia Women’s Auxiliary and Bloomingdale’s Old Orchard Sept. 14 Bloomingdale’s Old Orchard, 4963 Old Orchard Center, Skokie | events.org/bloomiesfallforall David Koechner, Symphony of Chaos!

Sept. 16 Metropolis Performing Arts Centre, 111 W. Campbell St., Arlington Heights metropolisarts.com Ravenswood ArtWalk Sept. 16-17 Ravenswood Avenue from Irving Park Road to Leland Avenue, Chicago | ravenswoodartwalk.org Apple Fest Sept. 22-24 Downtown Long Grove | longgrove.org “William Blake and the Age of Aquarius” Opens Sept. 23 Mary and Leigh Block Museum of Art, 40 Arts Circle Drive, Evanston blockmuseum.northwestern.edu Day of Caring Sept. 30 Various | cityofevanston.org Underground Railroad: A Spiritual Journey Sept. 30 Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, Chicago | auditoriumtheatre.org 4 0 SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2017

“Tarsila do Amaral: Inventing Modern Art in Brazil” Opens Oct. 8 The Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago | artic.edu Evanston Oktoberfest Oct. 15 Parking lot behind Hilton Garden Inn 1818 Maple Ave., Evanston downtownevanston.org/oktoberfest Sheri Rush: “Portals of Discovery” Opens Oct. 15 Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave., Chicago | hydeparkart.org

The Lincoln Park Zoo’s Spooky Zoo Spectacular

Chicago Shakespeare Theater 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago chicagoshakes.com Helping Hand Partners 3rd Annual Fundraiser Sept. 14 Manny’s Cafeteria and Delicatessen, 1141 S. Jefferson St., Chicago helpinghandpartners.com Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s — North Shore Sept. 16 Gallery Park, Patriot and Navy boulevards, Glenview | act.alz.org Impact Behavioral Health Partners An Evening at the Theatre Sept. 19 Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe impactbehavioral.org

Matt Wertz Oct. 20 SPACE, 1245 Chicago Ave., Evanston evanstonspace.com

Alzheimer’s Association Walk to End Alzheimer’s — Chicago Sept. 24 Montrose Harbor, Montrose Avenue and Simonds Drive, Chicago | act.alz.org

Night of 1,000 Jack-o’-Lanterns Oct. 26-29 Chicago Botanic Garden, 1000 Lake Cook Road, Glencoe | chicagobotanic.org/ Halloween

Literature for All of Us 2017 Golf Outing Sept. 25 Ivanhoe Golf Club, 28846 Thorngate Drive, Mundelein | literatureforallofus.org

Spooky Zoo Spectacular Oct. 28 Lincoln Park Zoo, 2001 N. Clark St., Chicago | lpzoo.org

Kohl Children’s Museum “An Evening to Imagine Gala” Oct. 14 Venue One North Shore, 550 Lake Cook Road, Deerfield | kohlchildrensmuseum.org

MAKE IT BETTER IS A PROUD MEDIA SPONSOR OF THESE EVENTS:

United States Holocaust Memorial Museum’s 2017 Risa K. Lambert Chicago Luncheon Sept. 8 Sheraton Grand Chicago, 301 E. North Water St., Chicago | ushmm.org Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Ribbon Cutting Ceremony Sept. 12

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Chicago Foundation for Women 32nd Annual Luncheon and Symposium: Activate Oct. 19 Hyatt Regency, 151 E. Upper Wacker Drive, Chicago | cfw.org YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago 2017 Recognition Dinner Oct. 26 Morgan Manufacturing, 401 N. MorganiSt., Chicago | donate.ymcachicago.org / 2017recognitiondinner

LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF LINCOLN PARK ZOO; RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF RAVINIA FESTIVAL

HIGHLIGHTS

2014 andreashogue.com 2015 847.272.1616 2016 Willow Festival Shopping Center Stevie Knicks at Ravinia

at Willow and Waukegan in Northbrook

Ethan Talley Photography

Creator Haley Stone’s Haircut & Color

by Andreas

November 3-5 Opening Night, Nov. 2 Navy Pier

Sondra Sherman, courtesy of Galerie Noel Guyomarc’h

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#MAKEADIFFERENCE

Joe Ricketts visits with three students enrolled in his nonprofit, Opportunity Education. Its Next Generation Learning system aims to provide every young person on the planet with the tools he or she needs to succeed. (top) The Ricketts family show their hometown pride on Wrigley Field, which they’ve owned since 2009. (bottom)

MAJOR LEAGUE PLANS JOE RICKETTS TALKS FAMILY, RELIGION AND HOW HE INTENDS TO CHANGE THE WORLD THROUGH OPPORTUNITY EDUCATION

BY SUSAN B . NOYE S

As for the rest, it all started with one small firm, First Omaha Securities, which he founded in 1975. Now the publicly traded online brokerage behemoth TD Ameritrade, it facilitates more than 450,000 trades daily for more than 7 million clients. Next was one professional sports team, the Chicago Cubs. Renowned as lovable losers when the Ricketts family purchased them, they were crowned World Series Champions just five years later — and the family built this success while also donating record amounts to underserved communities through Cubs Charities, all while renovating Wrigley Field without taxpayer assistance and while preserving the ballpark’s historic charm.

A love affair with the West led Ricketts to purchase one piece of property, Jackson Fork Ranch, in Little Jackson, Wyoming, out of which other ventures blossomed: High Plains Bison, a manufacturer of high-quality bison meat; a championship Percheron draft horse breeding program; and multiple conservation programs.

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The list keeps growing: One lifelong commitment to the Catholic church inspired Ricketts to build a St. Ignatius retreat near Omaha, Nebraska. He founded one education nonprofit, Opportunity Education (OE), to help one school in Tanzania, and it has grown into eight African and three Asian countries and the United States, transforming education, opportunities and the lives of more than 500,000 youth in more than 1,000 schools. Even more initiatives include The American Film Company, DNAinfo, and several foundations, but you get the point: When Ricketts commits to something, he focuses prodigious talent, resources and time to develop it, and growth — often spectacular growth — follows.

On Oct. 14, Ricketts will receive the inaugural Kohl Children's Museum’s Power of Play Award at their annual gala, “An Evening to Imagine.” Although he rarely grants interviews, Ricketts agreed to this Q&A in support of the museum and particularly to highlight Opportunity Education. In response to every question, Ricketts is earnest and forthcoming. His resonant, deep voice sounds authoritative and trustworthy — like Walter Cronkite or a veteran radio announcer. Perhaps most noteworthy is the number of times Ricketts refers to his grandchildren. They inspire new ideas in him, and he forms businesses and foundations in which he welcomes their participation. There is no doubt that family comes first for this man. From almost anyone else, some of Ricketts’ statements during the interview would sound like hubris — including his intention to help every child in the world who needs a better

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JOE RICKETTS

By his values or by his stats, Joe Ricketts is a remarkable man.

The quintessential American success story, his tale is perhaps most compelling when told by the numbers. That’s because when Ricketts commits to one — one person, one idea, one opportunity — he develops it into something extraordinary.

Let’s start with his personal stats: One wife of 54 years, Marlene Ricketts, who he married in college. Four children, remarkable for their differences and their unwavering public support of each other, and fourteen grandchildren under the age of 22.

#MAKEADIFFERENCE

education through OE. But given his accomplishments, one might accept them simply as declarations of fact and intention from a hard-working, straight talking, innovative Midwesterner turned Wyoming rancher. With his big ideas and ever-evolving ambitions, Ricketts is just continuing his life journey, staying true to the values that earned him impressive numbers in the first place.

Make It Better: How do you describe yourself?

Joe Ricketts: Husband, father, grandfather, Christian — in particular a Catholic. Entrepreneur. Philanthropist. I interface with other people particularly in my entrepreneurial and philanthropic endeavors. My ancestors on the Ricketts side came from England in the 1700s. My mother’s side came from Germany a couple of generations before my mother. American, and Americans are the most generous people in the world.

In my experience, Americans are unique this way. I love using ideas out of my head and my own money to launch something.

Excess money is an interesting concept for someone who allegedly had none for many years. It was very difficult to start and make a successful company. I had great ambitions — but as I was growing the business, I put all the money I made back into it. Marlene was encouraging and always supportive. We had children, but we didn’t take vacations, go out to dinner, drive fancy cars. And Marlene never complained about any of this.

And your children? [Pete, Tom, Todd and Laura. Pete is Governor of Nebraska (R). The others live on Chicago’s North Shore.

Laura is a Democratic National Committeewoman and the first LGBTQ owner of a professional sports team.] Marlene and I wanted a large and strong family.

Our four kids were very different indeed — and when they were young, they would fight! But, my wife insisted, “You can fight at home as much as you like, but, when you go out that door, you are united as one family!”

Even now, when they are behind closed doors, our children have spirited disagreements because they are all smart, strong- willed individuals, but they know how to compromise to achieve things, which makes me proud. I imagine it happens in the Cubs’ boardroom all the time. But, outside that boardroom door, they are united. We are very proud of our kids and grandkids!

“My dream is to be able to offer every student in the world a good education ...”

Please tell us more about family and business. The opportunity to work in the company [that became TD Ameritrade] was offered when our children were in high school and college.

We didn’t anticipate that it would go public, which tends to eliminate the opportunity of having a family business. Pete did get to work with the firm for 10 years, but ultimately he felt the desire to give back by serving in politics.

What about your grandchildren? Like their parents, my grandkids are smart and independent with diverse interests.

It will be fun to see how they choose to tackle life, but it’s already enjoyable for Marlene and me to see their different interests and passions.

And philanthropy? My parents supported their local communities and church, so I grew up seeing this example.

The people who started McDonald’s gave back to charities.

Andrew Carnegie established libraries all over America.

[Carnegie is the founder of the Carnegie Corporation of New York, a particularly innovative philanthropic foundation established in 1911, which has since supported everything from the discovery of insulin and the dismantling of nuclear weapons, to the creation of Pell Grants and Sesame Street.] So I saw philanthropy not only in my home, but also outside where people who were successful gave generously.

And generosity in this context wasn’t limited to money — it could be the gift of time, energy and effort.

What do you support with your philanthropy? I’ve established five private foundations to support my philanthropic priorities.

They are the Ricketts Conservation Foundation that supports environmental conservation; the Ricketts Art Foundation that promotes the arts; Ending Spending that supports smaller, smarter government; Opportunity Education that supports education; and The Cloisters on the Platte Foundation that supports spiritualism.

Ultimately, the arts foundation is for my grandchildren to express themselves in whatever arts they choose. I used it to help the world learn more about the painter Alfred Jacob Miller. We put all of his Western paintings in one place online, where we also tell his story, in order to develop more support for his work. But my grandchildren will be able to support whatever they want — be it opera, ballet, poetry — whatever.

Please tell us about your religious foundation and the spiritual retreat you are building. [With a large chapel and multiple other buildings on 931 acres, Ricketts has compared the project to building a small city.] The Cloisters on the Platte is a Saint Ignatius-style religious retreat in the Omaha area. I think most people want a good healthy spiritual life and for me, that’s part of living a complete life. My favorite form of prayer is the Ignatian Retreatstyle. We didn’t have one near Omaha, so I decided to build one to provide people with the opportunity for a spiritual outlet in this busy world.

Who will use this retreat? People from all over the world already have asked if they can come to The Cloisters on the Platte. It will host 80 people per weekend, 47 weekends per year. The general attitude of the retreat is contemplation and meditation, not conversation. There are several formal lectures on the Ignatian spiritual exercises and the opportunity for retreatants then to contemplate in silence.

You agreed to this interview in order to particularly highlight Opportunity Education and its Next Generation Learning System. Please tell us about this. Opportunity Education grew out of an experience I had on a family safari in Tanzania. I asked our guide what he did with his free time and I learned about a school that he was building and operating. I wanted to help, so we bought TVs and sent educational DVDs. When I checked back with him later, I was struck by the impact these small resources had, and when I saw how hard children work for an education in Africa, I knew I had to do more. The original vision of Opportunity Education touched the lives of hundreds of thousands of kids with TVs and physical media, but when I saw the tablet, I knew there was a chance to do more. We started really studying how children learn and how technology can be used to enhance the innate desire for learning. The dominant approach to education both in the United States and around the world is for teachers to lecture and then for students simply to memorize this information for a short period of time. It was an approach developed in the SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2017

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#MAKEADIFFERENCE

Generation Learning, I worked for several years assembling a team of technologists who understood the limits of technology and educators interested in completely rethinking education.

That team included the founder of Stanford’s online high school.

This is a perfect example of Opportunity Education’s Next Generation Learning at work. Before NGL, these kids would have been sitting at desks copying down what the teacher wrote on the blackboard. They are now actively engaged in the learning process with the mentor facilitating the adventure.

industrial age and it just doesn’t work well for our world now. I watched my grandchildren spend hours playing games on their iPhones and tablets, and thought this could be a wonderful way to educate young people. But one thing I know is you can’t simply throw technology at the problem. Smart and effective technology is essential, but it’s not the answer. The key is to use technology and smarter curriculum in a way that harnesses how kids really learn. That’s what Opportunity Education’s Next Generation Learning is all about.

How does Next Generation work? Opportunity Education’s Next Generation Learning is a skills- based approach to learning that draws from both learning science and innovative technology.

At the center of the approach are “Quests,” which are like small games that allow students to learn in a smarter way and tracks more closely to how learning occurs naturally. Kids can work and learn socially but advance at an individualized pace. Quests are similar to chapters, but different because each Quest includes multiple subjects — like math, English, biology. The system covers all the different subjects that students have to master. We don’t make students work alone, either. They learn better in social groups, so we put them in small groups, guided by a “mentor.”

Are “mentors” the same as teachers? A mentor doesn’t have to be a certified teacher. But, it turns out that many of the people who have applied for mentor positions are certified to teach. Generally, they are people who want to help children unlock their potential.

Did you work with any university education schools on research or as you developed this system? No. Generally I go my own way. We spent a couple of years studying how people learn; I mean everything. Anything good, we copy. But mostly we use our own innovations. To develop Opportunity Education’s Next

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What does this program cost and who pays for it? To this point, I’ve personally funded the entire effort; I’ve spent millions of my own money. In addition to Africa and Asia, we now have two Next Generation schools in the United States — in Santa Rosa, California, and in Omaha, Nebraska. We’ve priced tuition at $14,500 per year per student. We picked that price because the next most expensive school in California is $15,000 per year. So ours is among the least expensive private schools in California.

We give scholarships to qualified kids who need financial aid; scholarship students only pay $100. I have not yet solicited money from other people for Opportunity Education’s Next Generation Learning. We’ve proven that it works in Africa and Asia, and we’re working now to prove that in the United States. I believe it has the potential to change the world.

Are you familiar with Chicago’s prodigious education reform movement — with diverse charter schools and a great number of other programs trying to help? I am not familiar. But, I would hazard a guess that there are not enough charter schools in Chicago to fill the demand. The schools I’m launching are not charter schools, they are private schools supported by myself and, in the future, maybe others. We want to fill that demand and be able to take any student who wants a better education.

What is your goal for OE and Next Gen? How big can this be scaled?

My dream — the focus — is to be able to offer every student in the world a good education through the opportunity of Next Generation Learning system. We can do this with a unique mix of technology and a fresh way of thinking about education.

Any student in the world? Now that would be real impact!

Yes — I believe it will change the world.

Besides attending Cubs games and visiting with family, what do you enjoy doing in Chicago? I have a business in Chicago — DNAinfo.com — that provides news and information about the city’s neighborhoods. It’s at 233 N. Michigan Ave., on the Chicago River. We have a wonderful office of editors and reporters. It is a lot of fun to be with them!

What advice do you have for youth going forward — all youth and specifically your grandchildren? There are a few enduring principles that inform everything I do and that I hope to share with young people. First, you need balance in your life among work, family and spirituality. If you can keep those things in sync over the long haul, you are in a great place. Second, happiness comes from hard work and overcoming challenges. Results, even good ones, are not nearly as fulfilling as is the effort it takes trying to realize them. Finally, education is the essential catalyst to break the cycle of poverty and permit young people to participate in the free enterprise system that drives opportunity.

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/PHILANTHROPY

PHOTOS COURTESY OF KOHL'S CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

SAVE the DATE Got plans on Oct. 14? Make it an unforgettable evening and join a very special group of passionate supporters at the Kohl Children's Museum's annual gala, "An Evening to Imagine." The primary fundraising effort of the museum, this event aims to raise more than $750,000 to support under-resourced educational programs. In addition to a cocktail reception, dinner by J&L Catering, a live auction, and music by Final Say, this year's highlight will be the presentation of the Power of Play award by gala co-chairs Carl and Carolyn Rutstein to Joe Ricketts and his Opportunity Education foundation.

By providing resources to schools, teachers, and students in need, "he's doing incredible work in education around the world, especially in underdeveloped countries," says Kohl Children’s Museum President and CEO Sheridan Turner.

Stoneterracebb.com |1622 Forest Pl. | Evanston | 847.859.2198

The rock impresario who used music for social change and brought you

AL S PE CI IO N IT EX HI B

"An Evening to Imagine" will be held on Saturday, Oct. 14 at 6 p.m. at Venue One North Shore in Deerfield. Tickets begin at $500 per person, or may be purchased by table. For more information, call Karen Paszkiewicz at 847-832-6906.

9603 Woods Drive, Skokie

Advance tickets recommended: ilholocaustmuseum.org/billgraham

LIFE IS FULL OF

Beautiful Moments LET THEM IN

There are times that you cherish; they deserve the perfect frame. Marvin® Windows and Doors elevate every space to enhance the lives within. Made-to-order, with innovative design and industry-leading energy efficiency. For generations, we’ve honed our craft to create products you will enjoy for years to come.

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©2017 Marvin® Windows and Doors. All rights reserved. ®Registered trademark of Marvin Windows and Doors.

#HOME

HOME SWEET HOME

BY C A R A S U L L I VA N

PHOTO COURTESY OF BENJAMIN MOORE

Summer’s fireflies have dimmed their lights, what was green is now gold, and the air is once again filled with that sweet, familiar magic. Fall is officially upon us—and if history is any indication, we’re all about to be spending a lot more time indoors. To that end, we’ve filled the following pages with ideas and inspiration to help you elevate your space to sanctuary status. Follow our lead, and we think you’ll agree: There’s no better place than home.

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PAINT: A PRIMER

BY KAITLIN MADDEN ● ● ●

SHERWIN WILLIAMS EXTRA WHITE

Everything you need to know about the colorful stuff, otherwise known as one of the most transformative elements of your home.

Shade Selection

Settling on a single hue is no easy task, especially once you realize that all 50 (million) shades of gray aren't exactly created equal. Read on for an expert-led journey to color nirvana — in three easy steps.

There are hundreds of iterations of the color, from barely-there blues to creamy buttermilks — which explains why choosing just one can be such a headache.

Home in on a true neutral with this designer-vetted list.

BENJAMIN MOORE DECORATOR’S WHITE

FARROW & BALL WIMBOURNE WHITE

BENJAMIN MOORE CHANTILLY LACE

GLIDDEN MUSLIN WHITE

SHERWIN WILLIAMS SHERWIN WILLIAMS ALABASTER EXTRA WHITE

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“Start by taking note of the things you're drawn to — anything from a favorite fabric or piece of art to the color of your kitchen countertops," says Andrea Magno, a color and design expert for Benjamin Moore. “Even a page torn out of a magazine or a picture found online can be a great source of inspiration.” The easiest way to do this: Start a folder or Pinterest board, and keep filling it with things you love. Over time, you'll find that a color (or palette) will begin to stand out.

2 PICK A FAMILY Once you find yourself gravitating toward something specific, head to the paint store for a fan deck. "This will give you a much better idea of the options available," says Magno. "You'll see a wide range of colors within each family, and some will be more appealing to you than others." Jot those down, then log on to Pinterest. "Seeing how the colors you chose look in a wide range of rooms will help you narrow them down," says Tessa Bediz, an interior designer and co-founder of Two Inspire Design in Evanston.

3 SAMPLE YOUR FAVORITES While your first instinct might be to splash a brushful of each color on the wall you're painting, try to resist the urge. Instead, designer and 2017 Make It Better "Best Interior Decorator" Ilene Chase of Ilene Chase Design suggests painting your samples onto white poster board. Not only is it less messy than applying it directly onto your drywall, but it’s more accurate since the posterboard is bare and your wall may not be, she says. Another bonus: You can hold the paper samples up to other elements in the room, like furniture, rugs, and fabric, to see how the different tones complement one another.

Once you've created a few sample boards, live with them for a bit before you decide. "It's important to see what they look like at different times of day as the light changes,” says Sue Wadden, director of color marketing for Sherwin Williams. One you meet your match, you'll know — and in the slim chance that you regret your decision, remember that at the end of the day, it's just paint. "That's the beauty of it," says Bediz. makeitbetter.net

LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF SHERWIN WILLIAMS; RIGHT PHOTO BY EKM PHOTOGRAPHY

1 GET INSPIRED WHITE MAGIC

#HOME

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BENJAMIN MOORE STONIGTON GRAY

To give this stairwell drama, designers Tessa Bediz and Amy Bird, of Two Inspire Design in Evanston, chose highgloss black paint for the railings and banisters.

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BENJAMIN MOORE PALLADIAN BLUE

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BENJAMIN MOORE CRANBERRY COCKTAIL

This season’s theme: Go big or go home.

Here, three chic ways to do just that.

BOLD “Consider painting built-in bookcases a dark color rather than traditional white,” says Amy Bird, interior designer and co-founder of Two Inspired Design. “Black, deep gray and rich green are super trendy right now.”

BOLDER “Make a small space pop by painting the whole thing a dark, moody color,” says Bediz.

“Powder rooms and offices look incredible in rich jewel tones such as emerald green or plum.”

BOLDEST “Elevate a dining room by papering the walls with something gorgeous and painting the ceiling in a lightcolored lacquer,” says Bediz.

“The high sheen is incredibly sophisticated and makes a huge impact.”

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BENJAMIN MOORE

FALL FORECAST

#HOME

PRO TIP "If you've fallen in love with a paint chip but don't like the way it looks on the wall, don't give up," says Bediz. "Instead, ask your painter to test a 50 percent tint of the shade.

It might make all the difference, especially if the room doesn't get a ton of light."

FLYING COLORS REVERE PEWTER

WHITE DOVE

Benjamin Moore’s five best-selling shades are winning popularity contests for a reason: They’re that good.

PALLADIAN BLUE

LOUISBURG GREEN

SIMPLY WHITE

#HOME ● ● ●

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BENJAMIN MOORE CHANTILLY LACE

BENJAMIN MOORE PINK DAMASK

SCANDINAVIAN REDUX You’re probably already hip to the Scandinavian color trend that took the design world by storm a few years ago: a sleek, minimalist palette of bright whites and soft grays. And while the look isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, it is getting cozier — just in time for fall. “We’re starting to see a fusion between those whites and grays with warmer neutrals like sandy beige and blush pink,” says Wadden.

TRICKS OF THE TRADE Designers know a thing or two about creating optical illusions with paint — and now, so will you.

GO WITH THE FLOW "Open concept homes and accent walls don't mix," says Bediz. "To maintain that airy, spacious feeling, keep color consistent."

LIGHTEN UP Lacking square footage?

"Encourage a small home to feel as spacious as possibly by sticking to a light, neutral palette," says Chase.

RAISE THE ROOF To make a low ceiling appear higher, "paint the lower half of the room a darker color than the top half," says Bediz. "Even if it's just a few shades, it's a chic look that really makes a difference."

FUTURE PERFECT BM DEEP SPACE

BM SHADOW

Looking for the next big thing in color? The shade psychics at Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore predict that these hues are about to hit the big time.

BM DINNER PARTY

SW ACACIA HAZE

SW JAY BLUE

BENJAMIN MOORE SHADOW

SW HUNT CLUB

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After Replacing the

small bay window with large walls of windows and French doors created an uninterrupted space and opened up the living room.

WINDOWS and DOORS: A HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE

You may have noticed that your entryway is looking a little less than welcoming, or felt a slight breeze every time you walk past those panes in your living room. Like everything else in your home, windows and doors need maintenance and, in time, replacement. But how do you know whether it’s time to repaint the exterior, make minor repairs, or invest in a new unit all together? We turned to the experts.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF A. PERRY HOMES

BY MEGAN CRAIG

#HOME

DIY TIP "Sand and prime the entire window frame before painting to ensure a smooth, even finish,” says Perry.

A bay window with curtains gives this bedroom a perfect view of the trees and sky each morning.

IN THE CLEAR

Casement windows are both functional and beautiful.

Windows

PHOTOS COURTESY OF FELDCO

WHEN TO REPAINT “Once you start to notice blistering or fading in the paint finish,” it’s probably time for a refresh, says Tony Perry, CEO of A. Perry Homes.

Liz McCarthy, marketing manager at Feldco Windows, Siding, and Doors, adds that as long as the structure is intact — in other words, the windows are functioning properly and the wood isn’t splintering or rotting — a coat of color will go a long way to improve the overall aesthetics.

One caveat: If the windows were built and painted before 1978, you can assume the paint has lead in it — and that will require special handling that may not be cost effective. “If your windows are that old, the cost of replacing them will probably be cheaper than hiring a pro to handle the special care required for removing lead paint and refinishing them,” Perry says.

WHEN TO REPAIR “Do the windows still have their structural integrity?” Perry says. “If there are some joints that are open and loose, can they still be glued tight? If so, replacement probably isn’t necessary.”

Before contracting out any repairs, be sure to contact the manufacturer to find out if your windows are still under warranty. “These fixes can be costly, so warranties are the best bet for homeowners looking to keep windows that need more than a coat of paint,” says McCarthy.

All that said, if your windows are more than 15 years old and the latches or other parts have begun to deteriorate, McCarthy advises that they could probably use more than a quick fix in the coming years. “In regards to energy efficiency, the technology has really changed in the last five to 10 years — and that will really drive people’s decisions as far as whether to repair or replace," she says.

WHEN TO REPLACE Look for the following red flags, says McCarthy: “Rotting wood, sashes that won’t stay in place, small cracks in the glass, and visible gaps around the outsides of the window.” Another indication that it’s time for new panes? Foggy glass — a sign that moisture has penetrated the window’s vacuum sealed inner layer, says Perry.

Step away from the sponge and put down the paper towels. For windows so clean you’ll forget they’re even there, heed the advice of the experts at Feldco Windows, Siding and Doors.

Wash windows on a cloudy day with little breeze. This will prevent your solution (Windex or warm water and vinegar is best) from drying before you have a chance to wash it off, allowing for fewer streaks.

Cleaning the inside? Wash side to side. Outside? Go up and down. If there’s a streak, you’ll know which side it’s on.

Use coffee filters, not paper towel. While paper towel can leave fibers, coffee filters are less likely to shed on the glass — and they’re also cheap and absorbent.

To remove build-up and grime, put your car window scraper to work.

No time to wash screens?

Remove fuzz in a flash with a lint roller. This will allow you to grab the largest pieces of debris without the intensity of a full screen washing.

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#HOME This legacy entry door looks warm and inviting with its light paint color and large, detailed glass features.

Doors WHEN TO REPAINT “The front door is the first thing people see when they come to your home, so it makes a huge first impression,” says Greg Wozniak, founder of custom door design company Doors for Builders.

Want to update the color? White doors typically come with paint already baked in from the factory, so they can be repainted with regular house paint, says McCarthy. And though the new hue will fade faster because it’s not baked in, this allows you plenty of opportunity to change it on a regular basis.

WHEN TO REPAIR Like anything else that’s used regularly, a door’s parts require maintenance. Some should be scheduled, oil-change-style, but you can plan to fix others as they break down. “Have a professional adjust the hinges on your door every couple years or so to make sure it’s meeting properly with the frame,” Perry says, and keep that same pro on speed dial to address problems like broken handles, distressed weather stripping, or leaks as they happen. “Most of these things can be repaired without compromising the integrity of the door,” McCarthy says — just be sure to order all parts directly through the manufacturer. Of course, a repairperson will let you know if total replacement is necessary.

“Replacing your door or windows is one of the easiest ways to make your home look brand new,” McCarthy says. “If you have the time, patience, and money, it’s like getting a brand new house without having to move.”

DIY TIP “Remove all hardware from your door and take it off its hinges, then paint it lying flat so it dries with a smooth finish,” says Perry.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF FELDCO

WHEN TO REPLACE One word: Warping. "If you feel a breeze as you pass by, see light through the frame, or notice water coming inside, it’s time for a new door,” Wozniak says, who adds that both the door and frame should be replaced to ensure maximum energy efficiency.

SPONSORED CONTENT

BE READY FOR WINTER’S WORST

BY HE STER HOME MAINTENANCE

Prevent Pricey Repairs with a Fall Maintenance Checklist

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HESTER HOME MAINTENANCE

Fall is the perfect time to take care of the little things that can make a big difference in preparation for the upcoming cold weather. While many of these maintenance tasks are fairly simple, they are still very important to complete before cold weather arrives to prevent damage to both your home and wallet.

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Hester Home Maintenance is the perfect choice for homeowners with their fall checklist of more than 35 tasks. Tony Iannessa, a new client for their quarterly service, raved, “What a huge lifesaver Hester Home Maintenance has been! I have already recommended them to our friends and family.”

Some of the key items recommended for fall maintenance are: Inspect and clean the gutters. Clogged gutters can lead to damaged exterior surfaces and water in your basement. Once most of the leaves have fallen, clean out gutters and downspouts (hire a helper if you are not comfortable on a ladder).

Seal gaps where critters could enter. Mice need only a tiny gap to sneak into your house, and all the little critters will be looking for warm places. Fill small holes and cover any larger gaps securely.

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Cleaning out the gutters after the leaves have fallen

Turn off exterior faucets. Frost-proof spigots with a faucet insulator and shut off any unnecessary water supply to prevent freezing pipes.

Make exterior repairs. Walk around your property, looking for signs of damage or cracks to the roof, siding and foundation.

Schedule repairs before winter weather hits.

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#HOME

Many homeowners choose traditional gas cooktops, like the Thermador model shown here, because they prefer to be able to see a flame.

THIS or THAT

PROS AND CONS OF THE BIGGEST CHOICES IN HOME APPLIANCES When it comes to your kitchen, we’ve good news and we’ve got bad news. The good: You won’t have to replace your stove — or fridge or dishwasher — often. The bad: When the time comes, there will be lots of decisions to make. To ensure you choose the pieces that best suit your needs, we asked the experts to break down all the options.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ABT

BY MEGAN CRAIG

#HOME

COOKTOPS The battle of gas vs. electric has raged for decades, but a relatively new competitor — induction — has recently joined the fight. Chicagoland remains predominantly a gas market, as many homes in the area already have gas lines. Homeowners appreciate the ease of controlling heat without relying on the pre-set temperature markers of electric stoves, and when it comes right down it, “gas is just a more familiar way of cooking here — people like being able to see and control how high the flame is,” says Rafal Stachurski of Abt. Enter induction, which doesn’t have a flame but does boast a few advantages: the surface cools faster, there’s a lower burn risk, and “nothing beats it in terms of speed and efficiency,” says Zachary Gasiorowski of Sub-Zero Group Midwest.

VENTILATION A quality ventilation system is something that few customers prioritize when putting together a new kitchen — and that could be a big mistake, as it’s the only way to eliminate heat, odor, grease, smoke, and steam. “It isn’t a sexy appliance, but it’s super important — and in a perfect world, you should begin designing your kitchen with a ventilation system in mind,” Gasiorowski says.

Microwave hoods tend to be used for ventilation in small kitchens, says Dina Michaels of Novak and Parker, but they’re not your only option. Depending on your cooking surface, Gasiorowski recommends exploring chimney-style hoods, which come in many sizes, shapes, and styles, and tend to be much more effective.

REFRIGERATORS It can be said that there’s a refrigerator for every appetite: Side by side, top and bottom — the options are endless. Personal preference will dictate which style is best for you, but a model with French doors above a freezer drawer is generally considered to be the most functional.

“Most households open the refrigerator many times throughout the day, whereas the freezer is used less frequently,” Michaels says. “The convenience of having the refrigerated items at eye level has kept the market trending toward bottom-level freezers.”

Side-by-side units, meanwhile, may be best for a customer who doesn’t want to stack frozen items atop one another in a drawer, Michaels says. And since top-freezer units are the most price effective, and they tend to be used most often in multi-unit buildings or as replacement models.

MICROWAVES Whether you’re a zapper or a nuker, chances are you’re one of the many Americans who can’t live without a microwave. And for people who like to reheat in a way that’s familiar, a microwave is a kitchen must-have. But what if we told you there was a better option? Whelp, there is: the steam oven. Just like a microwave, steam ovens are available in both countertop and wall-mounted options, and they’re ideal for reheating leftovers without drying out your food, or cooking smaller portions of anything that could go in the regular oven, Stachurski says. The difference?

They heat food slower than a microwave and faster than an oven — but with steam, which keeps food moist. Even better, an investment in a steam oven can add value to your kitchen, Michaels says. “It’s an incredibly efficient, healthy way to cook,” she says. “Once a consumer sees the plethora of features and benefits a steam oven offers, it’s almost always something that

A modern induction cooktop lays flat against the counter in this modern kitchen.

Induction cooktops don't get hot, but do heat pots and pans more quickly than gas or traditional electric stoves.

gets added.” All that said, this isn’t necessarily an either/or situation. If a kitchen can accommodate both a microwave and a steam oven, both can be included.

WATER AND ICE Some people love drinking a cold glass of purified water with perfectly clear, cubed ice, while others don’t mind a cup of tepid water from the sink. It’s a matter of personal preference, whether you choose to order a refrigerator with a built-in water filtration and ice dispensation system, go for a separate water and ice dispenser, or opt for none at all, Gasiorowski says. When weighing your options, consider where you tend to drink water.

If you spend a lot of time outdoors or on your deck or porch, a separate dispenser — perhaps one that utilizes a water jug delivery service — might be best. And when it comes to ice, in-fridge icemakers tend to be good enough for the average water-drinker, but die-hard ice fans (or at-home mixoloigists) may prefer a counter-height, dedicated ice-maker, which makes clear, top-hat shaped cubes, and holds a large amount at once.

“Its only purpose in life is to make ice, so it does it well,” says Gasiorowski.

DISHWASHERS Close your eyes and picture a dishwasher, and an image of the full-size, pull-down door likely comes to mind. That said, there’s another option: dishwasher drawers. As the name implies, they pull out from the cabinetry like a drawer, and hold fewer dishes than a traditional door-style model. “These units tend to work best for empty nesters, who like to do a small load on a daily basis, or in a bar area, where glasses and appetizer plates can be washed without hassle,” says Michaels.

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#FITNESS

Designed by Ilene Chase, this gym is the perfect example of a social workout space. It has the necessary equipment ­— along with some sports memorabilia and inspirational quotes — to get a solid workout in, but there's space to move around.

HOME GYMS

GOING FOR THE GOLD We’re about to introduce you to a brand new interiors trend: luxercise rooms. The perfect hybrid of form and function in a workout space, they’re designed to elevate the art of home fitness while eliciting oohs and aahs from stylish neighbors and gym rats alike. We break down some of the most popular iterations of the trend.

In the not-so-distance past, the words “home gym” might have brought to mind images of dimly-lit basement corners storing stationary bikes and piles of dusty free weights. But just as the clothes we wear to exercise have changed (the athleisure trend came fast and furious, and it’s not going anywhere anytime soon), so, too, have the spaces in which we work out. Architects and designers can squeeze a gym into almost any part of the home, and design it for any kind of purpose — from shooting hoops Want a gym but don’t to practicing barre. “These spaces are so much more than rooms full know what equipment of fitness equipment,” says Doug to buy? Before you hire Reynolds, owner of Northfieldan architect, consult based Reynolds Architecture. “It’s with a personal trainer all about personalization.” And while the options for making it to help assess your your own are practically endless, a needs and point you few trends have floated to the top.

in the right direction,” says personal trainer and yoga instructor Melissa DiLeonardo.

THE SPORTS CENTER The basement has long been a place where homeowners bring

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The home also includes a golf simulator, which extends the gym while adding entertainment value.

friends to entertain, and those popular man cave design accoutrements — wet bar, pool table, theater — are made for just that. Recently, Chicagoans have been adding competitive exercise spaces (think indoor half basketball courts, pools, and even golf simulators) to the list. “It’s not necessarily a guy down there by himself,” Reynolds says. “This is a social situation and a competition — and if virtual reality takes off, we can expect home gyms to change dramatically.”

THE ZEN RETREAT Master bathrooms can be excessive and over the top; we’ve all seen those spaces with tubs that could moonlight as pools and vanities that rival Beyonce’s. To complete the overall experience, those with both room and a budget are throwing low-impact workout spaces into the mix. In new homes, this means moving away from the underutilized sitting room

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ILENE CHASE

BY MICHELLE HUFFMAN

#F HIETANLETSHS

Reynolds Architecture built this underground basketball court in the basement and beneath a garage in Glenview, providing the owners with a chance to work out and socialize.

Designer Ilene Chase created this feminine space — with pink walls, beautiful lighting, and ballet barre — for a client and her daughters.

LEFT PHOTO COURTESY OF COLDWELL BANKER; TOP RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF REYNOLDS ARCHITECTURE; BOTTOM RIGHT PHOTO COURTESY OF ILENE CHASE

This second floor (fitness) room-with-a-view features a sweeping panorama of the lake. "It's serene and beautiful — a place where you can really get lost in your thoughts," says Linda Jacobson, the Coldwell Banker agent who recently sold the property.

and instead opting to attach a simple space designed for meditation, yoga and relaxation to the master suite. In older houses, designers are thinking about floorplans in a whole new light. To that end, Make It Better's 2017 "Best Interior Decorator" Ilene Chase of Ilene Chase Design recently turned a small room off a client’s master bathroom into a barre room for the Highland Park homeowner and her two little girls. Featuring pink walls, wood floors, windows that flood the space with natural light, and even baskets filled with rolled towels, this is not your average home gym — but it suits her client to a T. THE PLAY SPACE For parents with young children, childcare is one of the reasons that getting to the gym can be a great idea in theory — and a horrible, terrible, no good, very bad idea once reality sets in. Surprise: A home gym can fix all that. By incorporating the play room into the gym (or dividing kid and adult spaces with glass walls or large windows), parents can get a real workout in while keeping an eye on their little ones.

If you’re short on space, consider purchasing an indoor rowing machine, or ERG, which provides a full-body workout when used properly. Another bonus? “ERGs easily fold up for storage, so they don’t take up too much space,” says DiLeonardo.

Case in point: Chase recently completed a home gym in Deerfield that featured large windows with a view of the playroom. “Seeing the kids was very important to the homeowners, so we positioned the equipment to face the windows,”she says.

THE ROOM WITH A VIEW Reynolds often works in flood

plain areas of the city, which means that some of the homes he designs do not have basements. And while this forces the home gym to the first or second floor, he’s able to utilize other aspects of the property. “It’s really cool to have your fitness room looking out over your backyard,” Reynolds says. “You get better light and a better view, and you can connect with nature.” If yoga or meditation is your thing, even better.

THE OFFICE MAX Short on space? Consider integrating a workout space into your office. “A lot of startup companies combine working with working out, to achieve that clear mind and good energy, and this is the same concept,” Chase says. Desks can fold into the wall or be hidden away in closets to create more floor space, and workout equipment can be relatively minimal to keep the highly functional space cohesive. If you simply don’t have the square footage for a separate space, “this is really an excellent option, and much better than stashing a big treadmill in the bedroom,” she says.

THE SMALL WONDER One of Chase’s favorite home gym transformations was designed for a Glencoe couple who desired a highly functional gym but didn’t have a dedicated space for it.

By combining two small, unused rooms in the basement and blowing out some closet space, she was able to give the owners the few extra feet they needed for their equipment. “It looks really nice, and a frosted glass door separates it from the rest of the basement,” Chase says. And since it’s so well laid out, “it functions like a large gym,” she says.

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/FITNESS

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Strengthen Your Bones to Help You Enjoy Life to the Fullest

BioDensity is a non-pharmaceutical therapy known as osteogenic loading used to achieve increased bone density and stronger muscles.

During weekly sessions lasting fewer than 15 minutes, patients perform four specialized “trigger events” monitored by a trained technician to deliver the precise stimulus needed to activate the body’s natural adaptive responses. BioDensity’s unique system helps people of all ages reach this limit without causing pain, muscle soreness, or fatigue. Please reach out with any questions or to make an appointment.

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#BEAUTY

PRIMP like a PRO

BY MEGHAN STREIT

Flawless, glowing skin, lashes for days, lipstick that doesn’t quit — if you’ve ever gotten your makeup done before a big event, you know what a gamechanger it can be. But unless your last name begins with “Kar” and ends with “-dashian,” that kind of redcarpet treatment isn’t always an option — and that’s where we come in. Each of these genius skin and makeup hacks ensures that your DIY makeup game is on point, no salon visits or house calls required.

SEND PUFFINESS PACKING There’s no better feeling than debuting a brand-new bag — unless we’re talking about the under-eye variety. Eye bloat can be caused by a number of things, from a sleepless night to an overly salty meal. And while de-puffing eye creams can help smooth things over, a simple pantry staple is just as effective: caffeinated tea.

Kate Johnson, celebrity makeup artist and ambassador to LimeLight by Alcone, suggests placing a warm, wet bag (unprocessed black tea is best) atop each closed lid for a few minutes pre-moisturizer. “The caffeine works to restrict blood vessels, which reduces swelling,” she says.

GO AU NATURAL Coconut oil has been getting lots of attention these days, but Johnson says olive oil is actually more effective at quenching parched skin. “Coconut oil simply coats the skin, whereas olive oil penetrates its surface,” she says. If your complexion is super dry, reach for yet another pantry MVP: honey. “It’s a natural humectant — which means it attracts moisture — so it makes a great hydrating mask,” says Traci Fine of Fine Makeup Art & Associates in Chicago. Apply a thin layer to clean skin, let it sit for about 15 minutes, then rinse with water before massaging in a few drops of olive oil to help seal the deal.

GET CREATIVE The main difference between lotion and eye cream is that the latter is intensely moisturizing — which means that other uber-hydrating products can stand in for it in a pinch. Case in point: When Elise Brill of Leesi B Cosmetics (a MIB Best of 2017 winner) forgot to pack her eye cream for vacation, she reached for her trusty tube of Leesi B Vibran C Lip Treatment. “I swiped it on, and in an instant my eyes were moisturized and protected from the sun,” she says. Another stealth multitasker? Lipstick, which can be worn as cream blush (and vice versa), and clear lip gloss, which makes an excellent highlighter.

PRIME FOR PENNIES If beauty products were given high school superlatives, primer would win most hard-working, hands down. There isn’t much it can’t do, from sopping up oil to blurring wrinkles to giving makeup serious staying power. But if you don’t have a tube of the real stuff, reach for milk of magnesia, says Fine. Just shake the bottle well, smooth a few drops onto skin in a thin layer (too much, and it will look and feel chalky), and then apply foundation.

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PLAY COSMETIC CHEMIST Had Goldilocks been testing base instead of beds, she probably would have determined that foundation was too heavy, tinted moisturizer was too sheer, and BB cream (short for beauty balm) was just right. Like a supercharged tinted moisturizer, it hydrates skin while providing medium coverage and sun protection — and making your own is a breeze: “Mix full-coverage foundation (as much or as little as you want) with a lightweight moisturizer that contains SPF, and blend it into clean skin,” says Fine. To up your glow factor, throw a pea-sized amount of liquid highlighter into the mix.

DEFY DARK CIRCLES Anyone who struggles with concealing dark circles knows how frustrating it can be to choose the right shade. But what if we told you the answer lies in a tube of red lipstick? We were skeptical (Really? Red lipstick?) but sure enough, a drugstore tube of orangeyred did more to brighten under-eye darkness than any concealer on its own. Simply dot it sparingly onto clean, moisturized skin, top with your go-to concealer, and — here’s the key — blend well with a damp makeup sponge.

ACE YOUR ARCHES Newsflash: You don’t need a fancy kit to score perfect brows. “Brow shadow is essentially eye shadow with different packaging,” says Fine. Kill two birds with one stone by using an angled brush to fill sparse spots with a shadow that matches your brow hue. Another tip? Wet the brush before dipping it into shadow to DIY your own “liquid” liner.

OUTSMART GRAYS Those pesky silver strands may have terrible timing (what is it with them suddenly appearing as you’re heading out the door?), but a single product can cover them in seconds: matte eyeshadow. Mal Strong, co-owner of Goldplaited, a finishing salon in Chicago, suggests using a shadow brush to blend a matching shade into your hairline. It’s not a permanent solution — and you’ll want to use caution if rain is in the forecast — but it’ll buy you some time between appointments with your colorist.

Read more beauty tips online at MAKEITBETTER.NET/ BEAUTY

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SKIN SOLUTIONS

BY MAE PL A STIC SU RGERY

Make It Better.

The key to killer confidence — the kind that lights up an entire room — is great skin. And while the market is saturated with products that promise to deliver just that, many fall flat. Enter the revolutionary HydraFacial treatment, available at high-end MedSpas, which improves skin health by removing dead cells, thickening collagen and elastin, and boosting hydration. In a single visit, pores are extracted and dead cells are removed through hydradermabrasion; active peptides and growth factors are introduced to boost collagen and elastin; advanced moisturizers revitalize and provide lasting hydration; and Britenol and other antioxidants work to reverse sun damage, creating an even tone. The best part? Depending on your individual needs, each treatment is just 30-45 minutes, with absolutely no down time. Whether you have a big event this weekend or simply want to experience a smoother, fresher complexion, consider a HydraFacial treatment. It’s never too late to have glowing, youthful skin.

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www.c-lace.com SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2017

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#FINANCE

SAVING for COLLEGE:

A HOLISTIC APPROACH

BY S U S A N PA S T E R N A K

If you’re a parent, we don’t have to tell you that the earlier you start squirreling aside tuition funds, the better. As for how to do it? That’s where we come in.

The birth of a child brings joy … and it brings challenges, with none causing more angst for most parents than the realization that in 18 years they could face a college bill to the tune of some $250,000 (in today’s dollars for a private institution).

The statistics are sobering. Americans owe over $1.4 trillion in student loan debt, spread out among about 44 million borrowers.

In fact, the average student graduating in 2016 walked away from college with a diploma and $37,172 in student debt, up 6 percent from last year, according to Student Loan Hero, an organization dedicated to helping students manage their debt.

The good news is there are many specialized savings accounts and financial strategies available to parents to help prevent runaway debt for their children. The key, experts all agree, is to make saving for college part of an overall financial plan that comprises multiple areas of personal finance including taxes, investments, debt, cash flow and financial aid.

“You need to review all your goals to better understand what’s most important, and create a plan as to how much you can contribute to your child’s college experience,” says Teri Conklin, senior vice president of wealth management at UBS Financial Services in Northbrook. “Working with an advisor can help you determine your cash flow and take a holistic view of everything you want to accomplish in life.”

Undoubtedly, 529 plans are the most popular college savings investment vehicles. A 529 plan, also known as a Qualified Tuition Program, is a tax-advantaged savings plan designed to encourage saving for future college costs. You typically invest after-tax money into the plan, and you’re then allowed to withdraw the funds and any investment gains tax-free for use toward qualified education expenses, such as college tuition and books.

These plans are sponsored by states, state agencies, or educational institutions, and are authorized by Section 529 of the Internal Revenue Code.

It’s important to recognize that there are two types of 529 plans: prepaid tuition plans and more general college savings plans. Prepaid tuition plans generally allow you to pay for portions of your child’s college tuition now, locking in current prices and hedging against future tuition hikes. Most prepaid tuition plans are sponsored by state governments and have residency requirements. A friend who lives in Virginia, a state with a wide range of public colleges and universities, 66

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has funded pre-paid tuition plans for his two sons, knowing that they will likely find a good college fit among the Virginia schools.

Conversely, withdrawals from college savings plans that simply grow over time and are not prepaid tuition plans can generally be used at any college or university. Coverdell Education Savings Accounts are another type of savings tool that allows savers to make after-tax contributions, but with a maximum $2,000 per year contribution per beneficiary.

It’s a common theory that it’s never too early to start saving for college, even before a child is born. However, “with other options to finance college such as loans, grants and scholarships, it’s smarter to start saving for college once your retirement savings are comfortably underway,” says Stacey Riley Baker, co-founder of Riley Baker Educational Consulting in Winnetka. “I know my kids don’t want me living in their basement one day.”

What about asking your child to have some skin in the game? In theory, it seems like a good idea. But the office of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a part of the U.S. Department of Education and the largest provider of student financial aid in the nation, doesn’t see it that way.

A student doesn’t lose any financial aid if they have $3,000 or less in a checking or savings account. Any more, and penalties start to kick in. So feel free to deposit small birthday checks from grandma and grandpa in a savings account in your child’s name, but if the account starts accumulating cash, put the money in your own account.

And speaking of gifts for children, in families fortunate enough to have an abundance of consumer products and experiences for their kids — toys, gadgets, vacations, etc. — ­ consider asking relatives to make contributions toward college savings for birthdays and holidays. Personal financial expert Ilyse Glink, who is chief executive officer of Best Money Moves, which offers a product to companies to help its employees achieve financial wellness, says she and her husband always gave their children a “family gift,” and then spoke to them about contributions they would make for birthdays and holidays to their college funds.

“You’re setting up an intellectual goal and a value, and you’re putting money towards that,” Glink says. “It’s creating a sense of shared engagement in the child’s future. You help them understand that it’s not an entitlement.”

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/YOUR-MONEY

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COLLEGE ADMISSIONS: HOW RILEY BAKER KEEPS IT REAL Today’s college admissions climate is dynamic, competitive and stressful. At Riley Baker, our commitment is to reduce uncertainty by empowering our students to direct their own college application process and find schools that are a great fit academically, socially and personally, while guiding them on a path of self-discovery that leads to success in college and beyond.

Riley Baker offers a range of counseling services designed to meet each high school student where they are in the college process. We work hard to build meaningful relationships, ensuring there is a deep trust and a supportive, nurturing, non-judgmental environment.

Some students join our practice as early as eighth grade for guidance on course selection and level placement at area high schools. Freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to explore their authentic core academic and extracurricular passions and interests, and are taught how to identify their individual learning styles. Finally, juniors and seniors are guided in developing balanced and appropriate college lists while working through the essay writing and application submission process in an organized, manageable, stress-free way.

Our team works collaboratively for the benefit of every student, and flexible options with all-inclusive or hourly rates ensure that each family’s needs are met. By joining Riley Baker, your student will gain access to the knowledge base of six counselors who are constantly touring colleges, talking with admissions staff, and sharing their findings. Our advice is as up-to-date as possible in the fast-changing field of college admissions and we provide our clients with real, actionable information.

In addition to college counseling services, our team has expertise in: • Athletic recruitment at Division I and Division III schools • Merit scholarship pursuit • Boarding schools for high school and post-graduate years • Therapeutic boarding schools and collegiate mental health services • Transfer applications after freshman or sophomore year of college • Personal statement development for graduate school applications Give us a call to schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our counselors. We offer in-person sessions at our Winnetka office as well as FaceTime or Skype sessions for remote clients.

Riley Baker Educational Consulting 16 Green Bay Road | Winnetka, IL 60093 | 847.441.8687 www.rileybaker.com We help you discover who you are. That’s how you get where you want to go.

Our Lady of Perpetual Help School A Premier Private Education in the Finest Catholic Tradition

AUTUMN HIGHLIGHTS

Chunky sweaters, crunchy leaves and pumpkin spice—who’s ready for fall? We are! Head to makeitbetter.net for all the ingredients for festive fun all season long.

Where to Celebrate Oktoberfest in Chicago makeitbetter.net/oktoberfest Apple Orchards, Pumpkin Patches and Fall Fun makeitbetter.net/fall 1 Can of Pumpkin, 10 Ways to Use It makeitbetter.net/pumpkin One of America’s Top 10 Towns for Fall Colors is 90 Minutes From Chicago makeitbetter.net/fallcolors 8 Soup Recipes You Will Make Again and Again makeitbetter.net/soups Elegant Autumn Décor for Your Home and Yard makeitbetter.net/autumndecor

Fall Admission Events

Wednesday, November 8 Open House Preschool-8th Grade 4-6pm Preschool-Kindergarten Information Night 7-8pm Thursday, November 9 Open House Preschool-8th Grade 9am-2pm 1123 Church Street • Glenview • 847-724-6990

www.olph-il.org

fall BAGAPALOOZA

#FA SHION

BY T R AC Y CLIFFO R D

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Before you splurge, ask yourself: Does it go with everything? Does it fit everything? Is it your everything?

Say yes three times, and it deserves a spot in your closet.

Case in point: The Michael Kors Collection Chrissy Slashed Calf Shoulder Sack in chocolate, $1,290, michaelkors.com.

makeitbetter.net

PHOTO COURTESY MICHAEL KORS

This season's handbag lineup is as clutch as it gets. Turn the page page for carryalls that make even errands feel chic, purses that pair perfectly with cocktails, and totes that transform the way you travel.

#FA SHION

TREND REPORT

From slick straps to luxe lettering, micro minis to titanic totes, we present the season’s most-coveted carryalls.

LOGO

Broadcasting one designer on your bag?

Chic. Broadcasting multiple designers on your bag, shirt, jeans and shoes? Not so much.

Dolce & Gabbana Velvet Lucia Shoulder Bag with Patch, Blue, $2,395, us.dolcegabbana.com

Fendi Kan I, Brown, $7,150, fendi.com

Gucci Ghost Leather Tote, Black Gucci Ghost Print, $2,980, gucci.com

Louis Vuitton Twist MM, Black/Gold Monogram, $4,400, louisvuitton.com

MICRO

PRODUCT PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH MANUFACTURER; RUNWAY PHOTO COURTESY OF ISSEY MIYAKE

Each of these Lilliputian lookers has just enough space for the essentials: keys, phone and wallet.

Minimalists, this is your moment.

Chloe Pixie Crossbody Bag, Yellow, $1,550, barneys.com

Simon Miller Bonsai 15 Bucket Bag with Strap, Black, $490, modaoperandi.com

3.1 Phillip Lim Mini Soleil Denim & Leather Bucket Bag, $625, nordstrom.com

Delphine Delafon Calf Hair Chain Shoulder Bag, Leopard/Gold, $1390, bloomingdales.com

OVERSIZE

Wallet? Check.

Phone? Check.

Twenty pair of nude heels? Check. Bag ladies, rejoice — with these behemoth beauties, you really can have it all.

Balenciaga Bazaar Shopper XL, Bleu de Minuit, $2,850, balenciaga.com

Celine Large Cabas Phantom in Shearling, Beige, $3,250, celine.com

Valentino Native Couture Embroidered Guitar Handbag Strap, Multi, $895, saksfifthavenue.com

Rebecca Minkoff Mirror Guitar Strap, Black, $95, rebeccaminkoff.com

Alexander Clancy Mulberry Bag, Black, $1,125, francesheffernan.com

Proenza Schouler Extra Large Metallic Leather Tote, Silver, $1,040, nordstrom.com

GUITAR STRAP

Swivel hooks make it easy to mix and match these slick whips with every cross-body bag in your closet.

Alexander Wang Attica Studded Cage Strap in Black Suede with Rhodium, $395, alexanderwang.com

Kate Spade Mix it Up Guitar Bag Strap and Tassle, Black/Cement, $128, katespade.com

"This bag's bold color and gorgeous details will contrast all the black, navy and velvet I plan on wearing this fall."

—SHALICE NOEL, CHICAGO-BASED FASHION AND LIFESTYLE BLOGGER (shalicenoel.com)

Go big or go home with the Issey Miyake Meteorite-CO79 Bag, $1,640, shopbaobao isseymiyake.com

#FA SHION Paint the town chic with Anya Hindmarch's Mini Vere Chain Satchel, $1,395, anyahindmarch.com

Tory Burch Sadie Brocade Shoulder Bag, Black, $428, toryburch.com

Charlotte Olympia Necklace Pandora Clutch, White/Gold, $1095, marissacollections.com

NIGHT MOVES

No. 21 Knot Satin Clutch, Fuchsia, $415, net-a-porter.com

Just like a gorgeous piece of jewelry, a head-turning clutch can make an entire outfit. Pair any one of these beauties with a little black dress, and prepare to turn every head in the room.

"Gold is always in fashion, but the black tassel is a fun detail that gives this purse an unexpected edge. And it's the perfect size for a party!"

— BETH BERNSTEIN, EVENT PLANNER AND OWNER OF CHICAGO-BASED SQN EVENTS (sqnevents.com)

PRODUCT PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH MANUFACTURER; RUNWAY PHOTO COURTESY OF ANYAHINDMARCH

Miu Miu Emerald Embellished Textured Leather Trimmed Velvet Clutch, $1730, net-a-porter.com

Keep your belongings close on-the-go with the Marc Jacobs Hotshot in Chocolate Multi, $275, marcjacobs.com

#FA SHION

JET, SET, GO When you’re trekking through the airport with a carry-on suitcase and tote for the plane, your purse is the last thing you want to worry about. Instead, swap it for one of these haute helpers — and use your free hands to show all that luggage who’s boss.

Marc Jacobs Spotted Printed Biker Bag Pack, $225, marcjacobs.com

RUNWAY PHOTO COURTESY OF MARC JACOBS; OMAR KHOLEIF PHOTO ©MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART

Goyard Chevron Saint-Louis Tote, Yellow, $1375 and up depending on color and personalization, goyard.com

Givenchy Pandora Medium Pepe Leather Shoulder Bag, $1,990, neimanmarcus.com

For more chic and durable suitcase and carry-on options, visit MAKEITBETTER.NET/ LUGGAGE

Hayward Triple Compartment Tote, Burgundy, $495, worldtraveler.com

"I don't travel without this carry-on — it’s lightweight, slides and glides easily, and always fits in an overhead compartment."

— OMAR KHOLEIF, PHD, MANILOW SENIOR CURATOR AND DIRECTOR OF GLOBAL INITIATIVES AT MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART, CHICAGO (mcachicago.com)

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YOUR HOLIDAY MOMENT, MADE. Whether in your home or one of Chicago’s most cherished venues, your holiday event is a moment that matters most.

Food For Thought is there to make it special, make it rich, make it right. So all you have to do is live in it, love in it, and shine in it. So you can savor all of its magic.

chicago, illinois 847 982 2608 foodforthoughtchicago.com Exclusive Caterer to the Adler Planetarium, School of the Art Institute Ballroom, and Your Next Magical Moment.

# E N T E R TA I N I N G

PARTY TIME!

BY C A R A S U L L I VA N

Every fall, like clockwork, the mercury drops and we change the way we entertain. Cocktail hour migrates from the chiminea to the fireplace, chilled rosĂŠ is replaced with bold cabernet, and mealtime is enjoyed not on the patio, but in the dining room. But while the setting and accoutrements may shift, our modus operandi is as steady as ever: Gather loved ones close to eat, drink, and be merry. Here, let us show you the ways (but first, go ahead and pour a glass of that bold cab).

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# E N T E R TA I N I N G

BY LISA ZIMBLER

Upping the elegance factor at home is as simple as lighting a candle, but designers have a few other tricks up their sleeves. Read on for chic ways to elevate your entertaining space with the ease of a pro, whether you’re sitting down to a family dinner, hosting friends on a Friday night or throwing an unforgettable holiday bash.

THINK OUTSIDE THE VASE

Not exactly flush with floral containers? Don’t worry.

Wendy Pashman, president of West Loop caterer The Entertaining Company, suggests enlisting household items instead — think teapots, pitchers, serving bowls and wine decanters. Her go to: an ice bucket! “It makes a great statement on a large buffet table or round dining table,” she says. Florist Cara Sullivan, owner of Wild Floral Design in Chicago, (and Make It Better's new print managing editor!) recommends keeping a stash of empty wine and beer bottles on hand for a last-minute tablescape (be sure to prep them first by soaking in warm suds to remove the labels). “I like to group a bunch of different sizes together, then set as many as possible runner-style down the middle of a rectangular table, or clustered together in the center of a round,” she says. For maximum impact, fill the bottles with greenery, opt for branches of berries, or, for a minimalist statement, drop in single stems of like-colored flowers.

CREATE DRAMA WITH LIGHTING

Designers agree that the easiest way to beautify a room is with candles — and in this case, more is more. “There’s really no substitute for the gorgeous glow they emit,” says Sullivan, who has created entire tablescapes with nothing but wax and wicks.

“The key is to choose just one color — I tend to stick with black or white — but vary the widths and heights,” she says. To add more texture, Vince Hart, VP of Sales at Kehoe Designs in Chicago, suggests filling glass hurricanes with a few inches of coarse salt before setting the candles inside. “It gives the entire table a high-style look,” he says. Another great idea à la Kehoe: Turn ceramic vases into chic candleholders by flipping them upside down and setting the hurricanes on top. To complete the look, fill small, low vases (rocks glasses work nicely for this) with store-bought flowers in a single color palette, like white or yellow, then intersperse them among the candles.

STYLE SHORTCUTS | SUBSCRIBE TO A SERVICE Ever wish someone would email you detailed, stepby-step instructions for executing an impeccably styled dinner party six times a year? Wish granted — it’s called Tablescapes In Style. Launched last year by Toronto mom MaryAnn Skaro (formerly of Glenview), the genius subscription service sends budget-friendly digital dinner party guides straight to your inbox every two months. With both traditional and rustic style options, each guide includes a stepby-step instruction booklet along with photos outlining recipes, DIY décor ideas and sources, free printable name cards and menus, and even kid’s activities and interactive conversation starters. For more info, visit tablescapesinstyle.com.

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DIY not your thing?

No worries — you’ve got options.

OUTSOURCE IT If the thought of throwing a party where all you have to do is show up sounds too good to be true, repeat after us: full-service caterer. They’ll have access not only to the food and flowers, but also to rental items like linens, candles and styling pieces.

“We love the idea of helping our clients gather their friends and family around the table to create an event,” says Pashman.

Beyond catering, she offers in-home styling and event staging — and, just last year, after noticing an uptick in her client’s desires to entertain at home, she launched The Storied Company, a curated online resource for unique artisanal entertaining goods from around the world. Another great option: your local florist.

“Dinner parties are dream gigs for florists, especially those who are used to working weddings,” says Sullivan. “Party clients are generally more open to out-of-the-box ideas, and I always have so much fun bringing them to life.”

TOP PHOTO COURTESY OF PAIGE COLVIN/ENTERTAINING COMPANY; BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF KEHOE DESIGNS

TRANSFORM YOUR TABLE

# E N T E R TA I N I N G

This floral centerpiece, styled

by FlowersFlowers in Evanston (MIB 2017 Best Of winner), is displayed in an Umi Silver Ice Bucket , $146.20, entertainingcompany.com.

This long tablescape, created

by Kehoe Designs, features a mix of succulents, vases of yellow flowers, and candles set atop ceramic vases.

# E N T E R TA I N I N G

Cheese, fruit, nuts and herbs are displayed on two Mikki Wood Boards entertainingcompany.com, $58

MAKE FOOD THE FOCAL POINT

For family-style meals or cocktail parties, make like a caterer and elevate the food you’re serving to centerpiece status. “We love to incorporate edibles into our tablescapes,” says Pashman. “Not only is it beautiful and delicious, but it saves room, too.” To create a rustic, abundant look that’s perfect for fall, pile various cheeses, fruits and nuts onto a long wooden cutting board, then set it atop a solid fabric runner in the center of the table.

Garnish with a few sprigs of rosemary, decorative spheres and simple candlelight, and voila — instant atmosphere.

Or for a formal, more modern event, Kelly Marie Thompson, owner of Fleur in Logan Square, suggests styling with monochromatic foods. “Fill glass or white compote bowls with yogurt-covered cashews, puffs of meringue, and white-chocolate truffles, and group them in the center of the table along with a few short glass vases of white tulips,” she says. “The display will look as though it is designed with intent, but guests can nibble on the goodies during dessert.”

IMPRESS WITH POTTED PLANTS

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On a rectangular table, fill a decorative tray with a few different varieties of potted flowers (note that the containers should all be the same) before setting it atop a colorful runner. Flanked with a pair of candlesticks, “It’s a great, easy way to elevate a family dinner,” says Skaro. If you’re designing on a round table, Thompson recommends planting multiple varieties of the same species together in a large terrarium. Try ferns: “Maiden hair, davallia and silver tree make a unified statement and look so pretty together,” she says. “Plant a few 4-inch plants together in a footed glass compote, with moss wrapped around the inside of the vase to cover the soil.

After the party, you can cover the compote with a glass cloche for a beautiful statement houseplant,” she says.

Another great idea? “Set a 3-inch potted succulent atop every plate,” says Sullivan. “Not only do they dress up the table and ensure that each guest feels special (extra points for adding a place card!) but they serve as longlasting favors, too.”

TOP PHOTO BY PAIGE COLVIN; BOTTOM PHOTO BY JENN PHOTOGRAPHY

Skaro suggests filling a decorative tray with potted plants and candles for a simple, yet striking statement.

"Almost Forty" Anniversary Celebration!

Sept 14-17

Wine Tasting (over 30 wines and hors d'oeuvres) Sept 14 6:30-8:30 $15

Specials & Deals in Cafe Wine & Grocery Sale in Market 15% off everything! the cafe • Private parties • Full bar • Kids menu • Open 7 days a week • Gluten free menu

the market • Prepared foods • Bakery • Wines • Cheeses & meats • Gourmet groceries • Catering • Gift baskets

From family gatherings to corporate lunches and festive occasions, allow An Apple A Day Catering to customize your event from beginning to end to help

bring p eople together.

anappleadaycatering.com

317 Park Avenue | Glencoe, IL | 847-835-2620

Serving the North Shore for over 40 years 1515 Sheridan Rd, Wilmette • 847.251.3654 • convitocafeandmarket.com

# E N T E R TA I N I N G

JUST DESSERTS!

7 GREAT BAKERIES TO SATISFY GUESTS' SUGAR CRAVINGS

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

One thing I’ve learned after many years of entertaining at home: Everyone loves dessert. So my advice to you is, don’t skimp. Go big AND stay home.

Chicago is filled with fabulous bakeries producing Instagram-worthy, delectable goodies, and they’re more than happy to help you end your party — be it an intimate dinner gathering, a baby shower or a massive festive bash — on the sweetest of notes. Send your guests home with a smile on their faces with treats from some of our favorite dessert palaces.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BAKERY; FLORIOLE PHOTO BY RACHEL BROWN KULP

Vanille Patisserie's Macaron Assorment

# E N#THE ER A TA L TI N HING

ALL CHOCOLATE KITCHEN Not far from the Wisconsin border is an oasis of all things chocolate, including life-size statues carved from chocolate as well as confections, gelato, patisserie and all things yummy. Chef Alain Roby, who trained in France with the late Gaston Lenôtre, holds three Guinness World Records for his large-scale sugar and chocolate work, and has headed up the sweet table at the NFL Commissioner’s Super Bowl Party for nearly two decades. The man knows his desserts. So when he tells us that their Tiramisu (sold in individual and mini portions) is a best-seller, we want to immediately hop on that bandwagon. Mascarpone, ladyfingers, a whiff of coffee and a dusting of cocoa powder, and the magic begins. 33 S. 3rd St., Geneva, 630-232-2395, allchocolatekitchen.com

Delightful Pastries' Mini Eclairs

Baker’s Tip: Keep tiramisu refrigerated until immediately before serving.

BITTERSWEET PASTRY SHOP When pastry chef extraordinaire Judy Contino opened this bakery on West Belmont in 1992, she was a pioneer. The reins were passed in 2015 to pastry chef and co-owner Mindy Gohr, who had worked alongside Contino since 2005. Bittersweet celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and along with the gorgeously decorated cookies and pastries, fantastical celebration cakes have long been a hallmark of the bakery, a tradition that Gohr continues. With 16 cake options — including gluten-free red velvet — and 16 filling choices, there are endless combinations.

1114 W. Belmont Ave., Chicago, 773-929-1100, bittersweetpastry.com

Baker’s Tip: Cakes with buttercream frosting should be refrigerated and then allowed to come to room temperature before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

DELIGHTFUL PASTRIES Open since 1998, Delightful Pastries specializes in authentic European pastries, all made in-house without chemicals or preservatives. Executive pastry chef and owner Dobra Bielinski says the mini pastries and eclairs are her best-selling party desserts, and given the incredibly comprehensive assortment available (from tiny tiramisu to mousse cups, petite panna cotta to key lime tarts and mini cannoli), that’s easy to believe. Chicago French Market, 131 N. Clinton St.; 5927 W. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, 773-545-7215, delightfulpastries.com

Floriole's Passion Fruit Tart

Three Tarts' Pumpkin Bundt

Baker’s Tip: For a dessert buffet, order four mini-pastries per person (actually, make it five — this is the Midwest!).

FLORIOLE This beautiful French-inspired bakery and patisserie had its origins at Chicago’s Green City Market, where co-owners Sandra and Mathieu Holl first plied their delicious wares for a number of years. Their best-selling Passion Fruit Tart (passion fruit cream in a buttery sablé shell, decorated with a dulcey cream made with caramelized white chocolate and sprinkled with raspberry powder) can be served as individual tarts, or purchased as a large tart that serves eight people. Also popular for parties is the decadent chocolate pôt de crème, topped with freshly whipped cream and pretty chocolate pearls — one of the best gluten-free treats around.

1220 W. Webster Ave., Chicago, 773-883-1313, floriole.com

Baker’s Tip: Slice tart with a serrated knife, wiping with a damp, warm cloth each time.

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Hewn's Fruit Galette

All Chocolate's Tiramisu

HEWN Although known for their crusty loaves of hand-forged sourdough breads, co-owners Ellen King and Julie Matthei also move quite a bit of laminated pastries (spot-on almond croissants and more), muffins, scones and other breakfast favorites. But it’s their Seasonal Galette (the large 12- to 14inch size serves eight people) that always proves a big hit at holidays and parties. To serve, warm in a 325-degree oven for 7 minutes and slice. King shares that parties sometimes order two flavors of the smaller galettes, cut them in quarters and serve on trays with a dollop of whipped cream and a mint sprig (for peach, apple or pear), or a sprig of basil or tarragon for the strawberry/berry galette. 810 Dempster St., Evanston, 847-8694396, hewnbread.com

Baker’s Tip: Serve the galettes with bourbon-vanilla whipped cream, or high-quality vanilla ice cream.

THREE TARTS BAKERY There may be only two of the eponymous “tarts” remaining of the original three, but co-owners and bakers Ann Heinz and Cate Rooney have risen to the top (bakery pun!) of savvy North Shore hosts’ go-to lists for their “all-butter bakery” concoctions and special occasion cakes. Fall is their sweet spot, as with it comes pumpkin season. Two outstanding pumpkin-focused desserts, perfect for anything from a tailgate to an autumn wedding, are 80 SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2017

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Bittersweet Baby Cake

their Velvet Pumpkin Bundt (topped with a praline glaze and toasted pecans, it serves six) and The Great Pumpkin Cake, filled with smooth chocolate ganache and iced with caramel buttercream. Available in 6-inch (four to six servings) and 8-inch (10 to 15 servings) versions, “it’s the perfect antidote to a dreary autumn day,” says Rooney. 301 S. Happ Road, Northfield, 847-446-5444, threetartsbakery.com

Baker’s Tip: Pumpkin flavors pair beautifully with Kahluà–spiked coffee.

VANILLE PATISSERIE The Lincoln Park location in particular is a jewel box of a store, and definitely one of the top stops on the Afternoon Tea circuit.

And while every luscious cake, cookie and pastry here will tempt you, the French-style Macarons are first in class, as their versatility knows no bounds. Bring them as a hostess gift in a lovely gift box, or go for the stun factor with a Macaron Tower, a guaranteed jaw dropper at any party, plus it comes in three sizes. 2108 N. Clark St.; Chicago French Market, 131 N. Clinton St.; and 3243 N. Broadway, Chicago, 773-868-4574, vanillepatisserie.com

Baker’s Tip: Overwhelmed by the amount of flavors? Red Velvet, Mango Passion, Nutella and Green Tea are definite musts.

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/DINING

MAKE IT AN UNFORGETTABLE NIGHT AT LYRIC

Orphée et Eurydice featuring The Joffrey Ballet, Rigoletto, Turandot, Faust, and more!

LYRICOPERA .ORG | 312.827.5600

Madeline Denaro and Scott Ingram SEPTEMBER 15 – NOVEMBER 13, 2017

Madeline Denaro, White Sportcoat, mixed media on canvas, 48 x 60 inches

C. BARRY DIOMEDE, KYLE FLUBACKER

2017|18 SEASON STARTS SEPT 23

# E N T E R TA I N I N G

BUILD A BETTER BAR CART

The pros at Walter E. Smithe have design down to a science (with, of course, plenty of artistic vision). Credit that to more than 75 years in the custom furniture business and 11 showrooms in the Chicagoland area, where they’ve made it their mission to bring families together — including their own. After pursuing their own careers post-college, all four fourth-generation daughters are now helping to spearhead the company’s operations: Colleen Parker and Megan Clark are the directors of advertising and marketing, respectively; Caitie Jisa works as a designer in the Oakbrook showroom; and Maureen Smithe is a buyer.

But when they’re not working, chances are they’re busy prepping for their next big bash. “So much of what we do at the store revolves around creating spaces for people to entertain in, so it comes naturally to us,” says Maureen.

“New homes often don’t have traditional dining rooms anymore because everyone wants a big communal space where the whole crowd can gather over cocktails — and that’s very much our style, too.”

Enter the bar cart, one of hottest trends in home décor — and for good reason. No longer an afterthought meant to be wheeled out of the background for parties, “we see clients using them as permanent fixtures in their rooms, from end tables to consoles,” says Caitie. “If you have an empty spot, it’s a really great way to fill the space in an interesting way.”

Don’t worry if you’re not a big drinker — you can style it as you would a side table (a pretty lamp, a book or two, a potted plant), then clear it off to use as a bar when friends come over.

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This smart-looking cart has plenty of room for bottles, glasses and accessories ­— even a lamp. Nicoline Bar Cart, $659, smithe.com.

SHOP IT

It shouldn’t come as a big surprise that the family behind Walter E. Smithe knows a thing or two about home décor, but you may not know that they throw a killer party.

Their secret? It all comes down to a single piece of — you guessed it — furniture.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF WALTER E. SMITHE; PRODUCT SHOTS COURTESY OF EACH MANUFACTURER

BY NICOLE SCHNITZLER

A great bar cart is one that appeals to the senses while getting the job done — just like the perfect cocktail. Here, five potent options.

Deco Dream Jonathan Adler Jacques Bar Cart $1,450, jonathanadler.com

STYLE IT

To help ensure your next at-home gathering goes off without a hitch, the Smithesters (see what we did there?) share their go-to tips for styling — and utilizing — the ultimate bar cart.

WHEN IN DOUBT, DECANT While it may be tempting to showcase all the booze you’ve accumulated over the years, it’s best to be selective: either pour your spirits into pretty glass bottles, or keep design in mind as you’re shopping for liquor. Either way, “remember that your offerings are on display — you want them to look nice,” says Maureen.

3

ACCESSORIZE, ACCESSORIZE, ACCESSORIZE Just as important as the bottles themselves is how you choose to style them. “I like to place everything on a tray along with other bar-related pieces — anything from a martini shaker and glasses to a cocktail recipe book,” says Caitie. To go the extra mile for parties, add florals and candles. “It really gives the space a curated look,” she says.

PLAY FAVORITES It’s always thoughtful to keep your friends’ drink requests in mind, but if the thought of shaking up a custom cocktail for everyone at your party sounds stressful (uh, yeah!), focus on what you love first and foremost.

In addition to beer and wine, Caitie and Maureen, for example, always have the fixings for dirty martinis and Moscow Mules on hand. (Interested? See Pour It, next page.)

“As long as you’re enthusiastic about what you’re serving, your guests will love it,” says Maureen.

Best in Brass Threshold metal, wood and leather bar cart $130, target.com

Mad Stylish West Elm Mid-Century Bar Cart $349, westelm.com

Rustic Chic Mercury Bar Cart $498, anthropologie.com

Jet Set Bar Cart, $944, smithe.com

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STOCK IT

According to drink whiz Dave Thompson, bar manager at Cherry Circle Room and Game Room at the Chicago Athletic Association, you can’t call yourself a home ‘tender until you have the following tools alongside your booze. He breaks them down:

SHAKER Don’t stop shaking until the outside of the shaker frosts up (usually about 10 seconds).

ICE BUCKET AND TONGS To absorb condensation, rest the bucket on a folded bar towel — this will also come in handy for any inevitable spills.

SHOT GLASS Keep a few of these on hand to hold garnishes like mint, olives and cherries.

BOTTLE OPENER Skip the fancy stuff and stick a classic bar blade in your back pocket, pro-style.

STRAINER To keep the ice in the cocktail shaker for "up" drinks.

BAR SPOON Place ice in first, then slide the spoon down the side of the glass to avoid sending cubes flying across the room

VODKA

Moscow Mule Courtesy of Soho House & Co.

Build in shaker tin and “whip” (shake with one ice cube). Pour over ice into mule mug and top with soda. Garnish with candied ginger.

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WHISKEY

TEQUILA

2.5 oz. Letherbee Gin .50 oz. olive brine .25 oz. Dolin Dry Vermouth

1 oz. Disaronno 1 oz. Dewar's Scotch Whisky 1 oz. CH Amaro 3 dashes chocolate bitters

1.5 oz. Piedra Azul Tequila 1 oz. Peche de Vigne .5 oz. Ancho Reyes ancho chili liqueur .5 oz. Fresno chili simple syrup

Classic Dirty Martini Courtesy of Julianna Arquilla, Beverage Director of The Betty

1 oz. lime 1.25 oz. ginger syrup 2 oz. 42 Below Vodka

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GIN

Chill a martini glass with ice. In a mixing glass, add gin, olive brine and vermouth and stir until diluted and chilled. Garnish with one large olive.

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My Favorite Godfather Courtesy of Lov Carpenter, Lead Mixologist of Blue Plate Catering

Stir ingredients with ice, strain into coupe glass and garnish with expressed orange swath.

The Burro Courtesy of Ryan Feigh at Tuco and Blondie

Add the ingredients above to a shaker with ice and shake thoroughly (at least 10 shakes), pour over ice in a highball glass with a Tajin (chili lime spice) rim and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a lime wheel.

TOP PHOTO BY CLAYTON HAUCK; SCOTCH AND VODKA PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH BUSINESS

POUR IT

Ready to get started? We asked some of the city’s top mixologists to spill their most popular libations.

MAIN PHOTO BY ROBIN SUBAR PHOTOGRAPHY; INSET PHOTO COURTESY OF SMITHE FAMILY; BOTTOM PHOTOS COURTESY OF WALTER E. SMITHE

# E N T E R TA I N I N G

The Smithe sisters dish on what it's like to work together, their plans for the brand — and that time they were reality TV stars.

Maureen, Colleen, Caitie and Meghan (above, from left) embarked on different career paths post-college, but it was their respective visions for the company’s future that led each of them back to the family business."Working together as sisters and as a family is wonderful," says Maureen. "We understand each other better than just about anyone on the planet and because of that, we can be extra productive and also have fun. We are a fantastic team!"

Last summer, the Smithes partnered with renowned interior designer Jeff Lewis, the star of Bravo's hit reality show, Flipping Out. As you may have seen on the show (we're talking to you, Bravo junkies!) Lewis curated 10 different room vignettes to be showcased at Walter E. Smithe's 11 showrooms. "The episode centered on our partnership, and we were all on it," says Caitie. "It was such an interesting and exciting experience, and we loved working with Jeff and his amazing team.

Designer Jeff Lewis and his team get to work on the collection. (left) This gorgeous living room is the perfect hybrid of Lewis's style and Walter E. Smithe design. (right)

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#DINING

GT Prime's Arancini

13 MUST-EAT MEALS

BY JULIE CHERNOFF

It should come as no surprise to anyone that I eat out a fair amount — especially if you follow me on Instagram (@juliechernoff), where I’m dropping food porn on the daily.

The pursuit of everything delicious is my chosen profession, after all. A sacrifice must be made, and every pound I gain (and there have been a few this year) is in service to you, our readers. Here are some particularly tasty dishes (and a cocktail or two!) that I’ve enjoyed in the last few months, at restaurants you should definitely check out, some new, some tried and true. Many of these offer private dining spaces and the possibility of buying out the whole restaurant when you really need to make a splash.

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ARUN’S THAI RESTAURANT Summer 75 Cocktail After more than 30 years in the restaurant business, Chef/Owner Arun Sampanthavivat was thinking retirement … but instead brought in a new partner and decided to renovate. The food and its presentation are still every bit as remarkable, but now the quality of the cocktails matches the cuisine. New partner and director Paul Schermerhorn has stepped the game up considerably with drinks like my new favorite Summer 75 ($17), a play on the classic French 75. Bombay "Sapphire East” Gin, ruby red grapefruit juice, house Thai nectar, turmeric-ginger kombucha, and sparkling rosé, garnish with Pama float, cilantro, lemon peel and Thai basil sprig, combine for a refreshing and well-balanced tipple. 4156 N. Kedzie St., Chicago, 773-539-1909, arunsthai.com

PHOTO BY CHRISTINE DOMINO

Raise your fork to these Chicago hot spots — and their hottest dishes.

# D I# NH I NE G A LT H

Honey Butter Fried Chicken's Fried Chicken Nachos

DUSEK’S Sourdough Pretzel Epi You’re psyched because you’ve got tickets to see one of your favorite bands play at Thalia Hall, but you should be really pumped to eat at Dusek’s before the show … and order this topselling snack, fresh out of the wood-burning oven in the dining room’s open kitchen area. Because not only is the Sourdough Pretzel Epi ($7) shaped in the classic epi form, resembling a stalk of wheat, but it also comes with soft house-made butter, pickled mustard and a fluffy pile of finely grated Parmesan cheese on top, which takes the decadence meter to 10, just where I like it.

1227 W. 18th St., Chicago, 312-526-3851, dusekschicago.com

PHOTO BY TIM MUSHO

BAD HUNTER Rye Gnocchetti Sun-filled Randolph Street storefront by day, beguiling resto by night, Bad Hunter is one of my new favorites on Chicago’s Restaurant Row. Chef Dan Snowden favors a veggie-centric menu (thus the restaurant’s playful moniker) and yet if you want some crispy bacon on your veggie burger, all you have to do is ask. The pillowy Rye Gnocchetti ($16), available at both dinner and brunch, is sauced with wood ear mushrooms, Thai basil pesto, Brazil nuts and English peas, and it's a party in your mouth that you never want to end. The dish is herbaceous, substantive and, when topped with a runny poached egg at brunch, perfection.

802 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 312-265-1745, badhunter.com CLEVER RABBIT “Crudité” and Carrot Margarita Nothing can quite prepare you for the shock and awe of the enormous, must-share Crudité Platter ($38), although the price provides a hint at its substance. The veggies are both raw and pickled, sliced and whole, arranged artfully around the exceptional cognac-touched, smoked mushroom mousse, with a sweet and sour eggplant relish (agrodolce), Bijou goat cheese and hemp seed naan, made in-house. You’ll want to recreate it at your next party! Order a Carrot Margarita ($12), its bright orange hue testament to the fresh carrot juice combined with Piedra Azul reposado, spicy Ancho Reyes Verde, agave, and lime, with sage–leaf bunny ears for good measure. What’s up, Doc? 2015 W. Division, Chicago, 773-697-8711, cleverrabbitchicago.com

GT PRIME Mortadella Arancini This gorgeous “meat-centric” offering from Giuseppe Tentori and his partners at The Boka Restaurant Group is the future of steakhouses. Yes, there is steak, and it’s terrific — but instead of enormous slabs of beef paraded about, they offer sliced, medium-rare meats (beef, bison, venison and lamb) in 4- and 8-ounce portions (plus a really great burger). Sharable cold and hot plates allow still more room for creativity, and the Mortadella Arancini ($12) should be front and center on your table. These fried risotto balls are crispy-crusted wonders, filled with nubbins of mortadella, set atop pools of mozzarella sauce and sprinkled with crushed toasted pistachios and an aged balsamic glaze and balsamic pearls. On second thought, you may not want to share. 707 N. Wells St., Chicago, 312-600-6305, gtprimerestaurant.com HONEY BUTTER FRIED CHICKEN Fried Chicken Nachos Be still, my stomach. Fried chicken is coming your way. Next time you head to co-chef/owners Christine Cikowski and Josh Kulp’s poultry Valhalla, make it a Thursday, because that’s the only day you can get their special Fried Chicken Nachos ($10). A bowl of fresh house-made tortilla chips are topped with pimento cheese and chunks of their amazing fried chicken (brined, so it’s juicy, and with a good kick from a well-seasoned dredge), corn pico de gallo, a drizzle of lime crema, and some candied jalapeños for good measure. Oh, my. 3361 N. Elston Ave., Chicago, 773-478-4000, honeybutterfriedchicken.com SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2017

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MARGEAUX BRASSERIE Grande Shellfish Tower Oo la la! The Waldorf’s chic new bôite — just steps away from Michigan Avenue — provides James Beard Award-winning super chef Michael Mina with his first Chicago toehold on the way to national domination. Although the allure of first-rate people watching is reason enough to stop in, the food here is lovely, starting with the massive Shellfish Tower ($165) that serves four to six crustacean fans (a Petite version is available for $75). But really, anything off the pristinely fresh raw bar will be a definite crowd pleaser, from oysters to crudo. Pair with a bottle of Sancerre and you will be on your way to foodie bliss. 11 E. Walton, Chicago, 312-625-1324, michaelmina.net

of Steak 48 was built from the ground up and it’s a stunner.

These bathrooms are definitely going on my long-planned tour of “Where to GO in Chicago”… but I digress. The main event — those prime, wet-aged steaks — is delivered with fanfare, served (in a lawsuit waiting to happen) on plates heated to 500 F. But, as the menu clearly states, “Sides Matter,” and the one that matters most is Chef Brian’s Au Gratin Potatoes ($14). Holy cow, as it were. The potatoes are tossed with caramelized onions and there are both gouda and mozzarella cheeses mixed throughout and encrusted on top. This is potato nirvana, truly. 615 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, 312-266-4848, steak48.com

NAKORN Fresh Mango and Coconut-Sweet Rice There’s a lot of delectable happening at my new favorite North Shore restaurant. Childhood friends and Bangkok natives Sam Rattanopas and Mina Sudsaard co-own this metropolitan hotspot, and from the Crabcake Bites to the Grilled Skirt Steak with Green Chili Curry, they are hitting it out of the park with their take on modern Thai food. But nothing satisfies at the end of a meal like their Fresh Mango and Coconut-Sweet Rice ($10), accented with mango crème and fresh vanilla bean ice cream, drizzled with salted coconut sauce and topped with a crispy French tuile. Every one of your taste buds will thank you.

1622 Orrington Ave., Evanston, 847-733-8424, nakornkitchen.com

TABLE, DONKEY AND STICK House-Made Charcuterie Stepping into Logan Square’s Table, Donkey and Stick is like walking into a Tyrolean way station in the Alps; you immediately feel comforted and welcomed, as well as a deep-rooted need that your thirst be quenched forthwith, preferably with a fine Bavarian beer. Happily, you’ve come to the right place for an Alpine adventure, which includes sampling the House-Made Charcuterie ($8 - $13), each with its own bespoke garnish. The Duck Liver Mousse, served with house-made fruit preserves, a dusting of chili powder and some fresh oregano leaves, is an absolute must.

Don’t miss the excellent salumi, and grab an Alpine-style cheese as well. When you order two or more charcuterie items, you get your choice of freshly baked house baguette or sunflower oat bread, but aim for both. This sticks to your ribs in all the best ways. 2728 W. Armitage Ave., Chicago, 773-486-8525, tabledonkeystick.com

STEAK 48 Chef Brian’s Au Gratin Potatoes Another steak restaurant in River North? Yes, and it’s a keeper.

Brought to you by the scions of the Mastro family (they sold the Mastro’s Steakhouse empire years ago), the Chicago iteration

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PHOTO BY GEORGE PFOERTNER

Ten Mile House's Crispy Grilled Cheese

#DINING

TOP PHOTO BY HUGE GALDONES; MIDDLE AND BOTTOM PHOTO COURTESY OF EACH RESTAURANT

TEMPORIS 10-Course Prix Fixe So much about this dining gem is unexpected, from the subtly changing lighting in the tiny 20-seat dining room, to the evolving 8- to 10-course Prix Fixe Menu ($125) that takes the term “farm to table” to a new level, thanks to a surprise table element. The location on a slow stretch of Ashland in the Noble Square neighborhood throws another curveball at your expectations. Co-chefs Sam Plotnick and Don Young, who came up in the kitchens of Les Nomades, are wise beyond their years.

The cuisine and its presentation are both spectacular; I can still taste the memory of the composed rabbit dish that included a rabbit rack, loin and leg confit combined with pickled and foamed carrot elements (of course), bitter mustard greens and toothsome cranberry beans. These are two chefs to watch. 933 N. Ashland Ave., Chicago, 773-697-4961, temporischicago.com TEN MILE HOUSE Crispy Grilled Cheese How do I love this Crispy Grilled Cheese ($10)? Let me count the ways: I can’t stop thinking about it; I’ve been inspired to attempt a recreation at home; and, of course, CHEESE. I’d put this sandwich up against any contender.

Four, count ‘em, four melty cheeses combine forces for this beauty. Sandwiched between two slices of hearty country bread, you’ve got white cheddar, mozzarella and provolone, plus the option to add mushrooms or roasted tomatoes ($1.50 each), bacon ($2), and housesmoked meat, i.e., pork or brisket ($4). But it’s the Gruyère crust on the outside that takes it over the top and into your dreams. 1700 Central St., Evanston, 847-905-0669, tmhevanston.com TORTOISE SUPPER CLUB Halibut with Spring Vegetables and Mushroom Jus A great pre-theatre option, the Tortoise Supper Club is just a stone’s throw across the river from the Goodman and other Loop theaters … and they will comp your valet! The service staff is stacked with pros who know how to get you in and out so you don’t miss the curtain. This past spring, I had a beautifully sautéed halibut dish served over sautéed wild mushrooms and spring greens in a pool of mushroom jus, garnished just so with fresh pea shoots.

Although that’s no longer on the menu, the Chilean Sea Bass ($47.95) preparation with sautéed watercress and ginger, coconut rice and a deeply flavored shrimp ragout, is a more-than satisfying stand-in. 350 N. State St., Chicago, 312-755-1700, tortoisesupperclub.com

Margeaux Brasserie's Grande Seafood Platter

Steak 48's Chef Brian'sAau Gratin Potatoes

Nakorn's Mango Sticky Rice

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/DINING makeitbetter.net

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“The Rembrandt” (L to R): Karen Rodriguez, Francis Guinan, John Mahoney, Gabriel Ruiz and Ty Olwin

FALL ARTS PREVIEW

BY ROBERT LOER ZEL

The Chicago theater season is in full swing, with a whole slate of plays we’ve never seen before. Even tried-and-true scripts by William Shakespeare and Arthur Miller are showing up in brand-new incarnations.

Sept. 27 – Dec. 17 | Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Court, Glencoe 847-242-6000 |writerstheatre.org Four hundred years after Miguel de Cervantes wrote his Spanish epic about Don Quixote, a delusional dreamer who thinks he’s a knight on quests of chivalry, the insightful satire continues to fascinate us. This new interpretation, staged by acclaimed Mexican director Claudio Valdés Kuri, stresses the story’s parallels to today’s world. He now brings an English translation to Glencoe for the play’s U.S. premiere, starring Chicago’s own Henry Godinez in the title role.

“HONEYMOON IN VEGAS”

Aug. 23 – Oct. 15 | Marriott Theatre, 10 Marriott Drive, Lincolnshire | 847-634-0200 | marriotttheatre.com This Broadway show began its life as a 1992 rom-com about a couple heading to Las Vegas to get married (plans that get complicated when a casino shark falls in love with the bride-to-be). The film’s writer-director, Andrew Bergman, transformed it into a swinging stage musical with a big assist from composer Jason Robert Brown. Marriott’s regional premiere is directed by local Gary Griffin, who also guided the show on Broadway “with exactly the right synthetic-satin touch,” The New York Times said in its rave review.

“THE REMBRANDT”

Sept. 7 – Oct. 22 | Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., Chicago 312-335-1650 | steppenwolf.org If you’ve ever been to an art museum, you know the cardinal rule: Don’t touch! But in Jessica Dickey’s play, a handsy 90 SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2017

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guard gets physical with a famous Rembrandt painting, setting off a journey across human history as the play explores the meanings of art, life and death. Hallie Gordon directs this Chicago premiere, which stars Francis Guinan and John Mahoney. (Read our interview at makeitbetter.net/mahoney.)

“THE TAMING OF THE SHREW”

Sept. 16 – Nov. 12 | Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., Chicago | 312-595-5600 | chicagoshakes.com Moving a Shakespeare story into a new historical setting is old hat, but this production takes the idea a step further by depicting “The Taming of the Shrew” as a play within a play.

It’s America in 1919, and an all-female cast — suffragettes who have been fighting for women to get the right to vote — is performing Shakespeare’s battle of the sexes.

The production is adapted and directed by Chicago Shakespeare’s artistic director, Barbara Gaines, with additional dialogue by Ron West for the framing story.

“A VIEW FROM THE BRIDGE”

Sept. 9 – Oct. 15 | Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., Chicago | 312-443-3800 | goodmantheatre.org In 2015, Belgian director Ivo van Hove reimagined Arthur Miller’s 1955 drama with an energy so raw, it took home Tony Awards for best revival of a play and best director.

According to the London Evening Standard, this story about jealousy and betrayal in an Italian neighborhood near the Brooklyn Bridge was “magnetic, electrifying, astonishingly bold,” — and now van Hove brings the show to the Goodman for its local premiere.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF STEPPENWOLF THEATRE COMPANY

“QUIXOTE: ON THE CONQUEST OF SELF”

Jump on Stage. tell a Story.

Share a laugh. make a Friend.

Come play with us! Youth fall classes at Evanston’s nationally-acclaimed theatre training center begin September 18th.

Call to enroll and first time students get 10% off a class by mentioning this ad.

“Trevor: The Musical”

PHOTO COURTESY OF WRITERS THEATRE

Other shows worth checking out: “Duke Ellington’s Greatest Hits,” Oct. 6-15, Music Theater Works, 847-920-5360, musictheaterworks.com “Fun Home,” Sept. 19-Nov. 12, Victory Gardens Theatre, 773-871-3000, victorygardens.org “Hard Times,” Oct. 4–Jan. 14, Lookingglass Theater, 312-337-0665, lookingglasstheatre.org “In the Red and Brown Water,” Oct. 12–29, Northwestern University, 847-491-7282, communication.northwestern.edu/tic “Light Up the Sky,” Sept. 29-Oct. 29, Citadel Theatre, 847-735-8554, citadeltheatre.org “A Love Affair,” through Oct. 1, Oil Lamp Theater, 847-834-0738, oillamptheater.org “The Legend of Georgia McBride,” Sept. 14-Oct. 22, Northlight Theatre, 847-673-6300, northlight.org “Trevor: The Musical,” through Sept. 17, Writers Theatre, 847-242-6000, writerstheatre.org “Motown the Musical,” Sept. 26-Oct. 8, Cadillac Palace Theatre, 800-775-2000, broadwayinchicago.com “Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater,” Oct. 6, Auditorium Theatre, 312-341-2310, auditoriumtheater.org Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/ THEATER

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THE YARD AT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE: An innovative new home for world-class theater

BY HANNAH K ENNEDY

At the heart of Navy Pier is a pioneering home for the world’s great theater artists: Chicago Shakespeare. Annually, the Tony Awardwinning company produces as many as 650 performances of 19 productions: large-scale musicals, newly commissioned works, programs for young audiences, international imports and, of course, audacious imaginings of Shakespeare’s plays. It’s a dizzying amount of creative output that has long meant the company’s campus — home to the 500-seat Courtyard Theater and 200seat theater Upstairs — is bursting at the seams. That is, until now.

leading the way in architectural design and innovation. With the addition of this third theater, Chicago Shakespeare will amplify our city’s position as a global destination for tourism.”

In September, the Theater unveils a new, third stage called The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare. This fully enclosed venue introduces a new trend in theatrical design to North America and creates an expanded campus — a world-class artistic home for extraordinary productions.

The first season of work showcases the versatility of The Yard, with daring artistry, international imports and more productions for students and family audiences. The Yard debuts as a largescale proscenium seating nearly 800 for James Thierrée’s “The Toad Knew” (Sept. 19–23, 2017). For Teatro Línea de Sombra’s “Amarillo” (Oct. 17–29, 2017), it will transition into an intimate 350 seats with an expansive stage space. “Q Brothers Christmas Carol” (Nov. 21–Dec. 31, 2017) will transform the theater into a festive nightclub with cabaret tables surrounding the stage, in addition to traditional seating. It will take the shape of a Shakespearean-style thrust for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (Feb. 3–March 10, 2018). Rounding out the season is “Macbeth” (April 25–June 24, 2018) staged by Aaron Posner and Teller (of famous magic duo Penn & Teller), who are in conversation to devise the configuration best suited to their artistic vision.

Collaborating on the design are the award-winning Chicagobased Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture and the UKbased theater consultancy firm Charcoalblue.

The design is a game-changer in global theater, according to Andy Hayles, Charcoalblue managing partner. “There is no theater anywhere where every single part of the balcony and the circle can be moved,” he says. “This is the world’s first.”

That means people will come from around the world to experience it — a fact not lost on Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who notes, “With The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, Chicago is again 92 SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2017

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The Theater’s board is in the final stretch of a $55 million capital and endowment campaign.

Steve Solomon, Chicago Shakespeare board chair and Exelon vice president of corporate relations, concludes that with the addition of The Yard and the completion of the campaign, “Chicago Shakespeare will have the resources to match the art on its stages and solidify its place among the world’s greatest theaters.”

For more theater news, visit MAKEITBETTER.NET/ THEATER

PHOTO COURTESY OF CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE

Chicago Shakespeare Executive Director Criss Henderson describes The Yard as nothing less than a “state-of-theimagination” theater. It features a world’s first in adaptive design: nine moveable audience seating towers — each the size of a double-decker bus stood upright — that can be reconfigured to accommodate audience capacities from 150 to 850. Between performances, compressed air skid technology (imagine a mini hover-craft) allows each of the 35,000-pound towers to be moved by a three-person team into multiple configurations.

Perhaps most exciting is the creative opportunity for theater artists. “The flexibility of The Yard will offer us a new kind of venue, one that allows us the freedom to reconfigure and recalibrate a playing space each time we approach it,” says Chicago Shakespeare Artistic Director Barbara Gaines.

C H I C AG O S H A K E S P E A R E T H E AT E R The new season begins with TWO SENSATIONAL THEATRICAL EVENTS, plus, the introduction of The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare, CHICAGO’S MOST INNOVATIVE NEW VENUE.

THE TAMING OF THE SHREW CST’S COURTYARD THEATER BEGINS SEPTEMBER 16 Artistic Director Barbara Gaines and an all-woman cast takes on Shakespeare’s raucous comedy.

AMARILLO

THE YARD AT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE Mexico’s celebrated theater ensemble, Teatro Línea de Sombra, visits as part of the inaugural Chicago International Latino Theater Festival, Destinos.

Q BROTHERS CHRISTMAS CAROL

THE YARD AT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE The holiday treat set to a bangin’ beat is back, turning up the volume on Charles Dickens’ classic.

SCHILLER’S

MARY STUART CST’S COURTYARD THEATER Queen Elizabeth I confronts her royal rival in this electrifying drama, replete with Tudor splendor, in a new version by Peter Oswald.

THE TOAD KNEW

THE YARD AT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE SEPTEMBER 19–23 Cirque nouveau superstar James Thierrée, dancers, and high-wire artists create an astonishing spectacle to open The Yard.

RED VELVET CST’S COURTYARD THEATER By taking the stage as Othello, an AfricanAmerican actor sends shock waves across 19th-century London.

WAITING FOR GODOT

CST’S COURTYARD THEATER Ireland’s renowned acting ensemble, Druid Theatre, returns with a widely acclaimed production of Beckett’s seminal work.

MACBETH

THE YARD AT CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE Following CST’s sold-out The Tempest, directors Aaron Posner and Teller (of Penn & Teller) reunite for an enchanted, magic-infused take on “the Scottish play.”

SAVE UP TO 25% TODAY WITH SEASON TICKETS 312.595.5600 • WWW.CHICAGOSHAKES.COM MAJOR 2017/18 SEASON SUPPORTERS

# T R AV E L

GREAT ESCAPES

BY AMBER GIBSON

If summer vacation is starting to feel like a distant memory, you can take a deep breath: Each of these peaceful retreats is located within a two-hour drive of a major city. Add to that the fact that each makes giving back a priority by incorporating sustainability into the fabric of guest experiences, and they practically book themselves.

1 DEER PATH INN

Salamander Resort

Closest to home for us here in Chicago is Deer Path Inn. This quaint Tudor-style manor house is an hour north of the city in Lake Forest. Gracious, attentive staff make you feel like the master of the house upon check-in. After major renovations last year, the furnishings and amenities in each of the 57 rooms and suites rival the top five-star hotels in Chicago. Rent bikes for a ride along the lakeshore with customizable picnic baskets. Traditional English afternoon tea in the garden courtyard is a must, including a new afternoon tea just for kids. The inn recently received a community leadership award from the Lake Forest and Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce for its exceptional level of commitment to community service. thedeerpathinn.com

2 SALAMANDER RESORT & SPA

The surrounding wineries and bucolic landscape are reminiscent of Napa Valley 20 years ago. Parents can take advantage of the horsemanship club program to drop kids off for a half-day while they taste wine at Boxwood Winery and Greenhill Winery with a picnic lunch from Market Salamander. Alternatively, relax in the spa infinity pool or on a heated stone tepidarium chair after a Natura Bissé facial or massage. Other family-friendly activities include biking, bocce ball and ziplining.

Salamander just opened in 2013, but many of the stone walls meandering along Middleburg’s roads predate the Revolutionary War. Several of the spacious rooms have fireplaces and bathrooms that feature Mistral’s verbena-scented toiletries made with rich organic shea butter and olive oil. salamanderresort.com

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH RESORT

Horses are everywhere at Salamander Resort — from the gentle mares at the equestrian center to the sculptures and contemporary paintings throughout the public spaces and guestrooms. This romantic LEED-certified retreat in Middleburg, Virginia, is an hour west of Washington, D.C. Nearly 200 of the property’s 340 acres are part of a conservation easement and the resort planted 2,000 trees in the town of Middleburg.

# T R AV E L

Deer Path Inn

Deer Path Inn

Salamander Resort

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Langdon Hall

Cavallo Point

Cavallo Point

Inn By the Sea

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3 LANGDON HALL

In peaceful Cambridge, 75 minutes southwest of Canada’s most populous city, Toronto, you’ll find Langdon Hall, an elegant 19thcentury English country home turned Relais & Chateaux resort.

The Victorian gardens are as beautiful as ever (red and white tulips celebrate Canada’s 150th anniversary this year), and teeming with vibrant fruits and vegetables. “We are always looking to decrease our footprint on this earth,” says communications manager Anna Hewat.

Last summer, they started serving well water from the property in reusable glass bottles instead of pre-bottled plastic. Eight beehives supply a wild, earthy honey for breakfast, tea and desserts. Take a meandering stroll through the woods or play a game of croquet on the lawn if you’re feeling active. Otherwise, it’s perfectly acceptable to do nothing at all, and simply relax at the spa with a Valmont facial or massage. The impressive spa facilities, including a new whirlpool and sauna, were completed just last year. Come evening, a sumptuous meal awaits, dictated by whatever produce is in season — summer squash, tomatoes, zucchini, basil, raspberries and gooseberries. langdonhall.ca

4 CAVALLO POINT

Just five miles from San Francisco across the bay in Sausalito, Cavallo Point is at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in Golden Gate National Park. Views of the bridge from your room are stunning and the contemporary decor and well-appointed bathrooms are so comfortable and serene, it’s hard to check out. The resort has a LEED Gold certification and extensive wellness offerings at the Healing Arts Center include shamanic journeys, herbal consultations and acupuncture. Take a dip in the heated outdoor meditation pool after a massage or cupping treatment, then enjoy a cup of tea at the tea bar. Massage therapists here are extremely knowledgeable and the sprawling relaxation area is bright and airy, with ample natural light. cavallopoint.com The restaurant, Murray Circle, is a business lunch favorite for San Franciscans looking to clear their heads. Executive Chef Justin Everett was instrumental in launching The Conscious Kitchen — the first local, organic, seasonal and sustainable food program in the Sausalito Marin City School District. The school district is the first organic, non-GMO school district in the country, and last year they served 560 students from kindergarten through eighth grade.

5 INN BY THE SEA

CAVALLO POINT PHOTOS BY KODIAK GREENWOOD

Two hours from Boston, this seaside escape is just outside Portland, Maine. Inn by the Sea has its own boardwalk leading to Crescent Beach and the proximity to the ocean is matched by luxurious accommodations, including a dozen new two-bedroom cove suites just unveiled for summer.

The LEED silver spa is the best in the state, utilizing local sea salt, seaweed and mud in various treatments. The signature sea waves massage is a real indulgence, with an undulating bed, soothing ocean sounds and personalized aromatherapy oil.

Original artwork in Sea Glass restaurant, spotlighting regional artists, is almost as beautiful as the sunset outside from the deck.

Dine alfresco after a cocktail by the fire pit and enjoy chef Andrew Chadwick‘s healthful and flavorful local cuisine, including seasonal vegan options. Using sustainable local seafood is important to Chadwick, who partners with the Gulf of Maine Research Institute to serve underutilized and tasty species like pollock, mackerel and silver hake. The resort is as pet-friendly as it is environmentally friendly, providing massages, gourmet menus, blankets and treats for your furry friends. innbythesea.com Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/TRAVEL

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ALDEN OFFERS THE TOTAL PACKAGE

BY THE ALDEN NETWORK

With three facilities, The Alden Network is the premier provider of short-term rehabilitation and post-acute services on the North Shore. Alden Estates of Skokie, Alden North Shore and the newly renovated Alden Estates of Evanston have been on U.S. News & World Report’s Best List and all boast impressive Star Ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. The secret to their success? “We serve each and every one of our patients with an attention to detail that people say they simply do not find at other places,” says Alden Estates of Skokie administrator Ashley Floyd, who also reports the short term rehabilitation facility usually has a wait list due to high demand ­— a good problem to have, she concedes.

EXCLUSIVE REHABILITATION ACHIEVES RESULTS Exclusive Post-Acute Rehabilitation Programs — only available at Alden ­— optimize the transition from the hospital, to rehabilitation at Alden, to home and include: • OrthopedicPro™ • CardioPro™ • PulmonaryPro™ • NeuroStrokePro™ “Many of our patients come to us from the hospital unable to stand or walk and very weak and unstable,” says Angela Oh, administrator at Alden North Shore. “We provide them with everything they need to achieve maximum functionality and independence and get them back on their feet and home.”

THERAPY GETS 10 OUT OF 10 Alden facilities consistently receive 10 out of 10 on patient satisfaction surveys for therapy, which includes highly trained and certified physical, occupational and speech-language therapists as well as state-of-the-art equipment and modalities.

One of the new additions to Alden’s Therapy Centers is the NeuroGym, which helps therapists and neurological and orthopedic patients achieve better results. The NeuroGym is utilized when patients cannot use traditional equipment due to a loss of functioning and motor skills. From the basics such as standing and static balance to walking and gross and fine motor control, the NeuroGym can help patients maintain and improve their functional independence.

“The NeuroGym is a wonderful addition to our therapy program,” says Julie Green, administrator at Alden Estates of Evanston. “It helps patients achieve their therapy and at-home goals.”

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Alden’s Therapy Centers like the one pictured here provide exclusive post-acute rehabilitation.

IT’S THE DETAILS THAT COUNT In addition to exclusive Post-Acute Rehabilitation Programs and one of the best Therapy Programs around, Alden facilities pay attention to the finer details of a patient's stay. Such details include infused water in the therapy centers and throughout the facilities; Happy Hour; ice cream parlors with made-to-order creations; several lounges to relax and catch up with friends and family; and an iPad loaner program that makes it easy for patients to stay in touch.

"Our patients are with us for a short period of time, so they need to be focused on getting better and going back home," says Oh. To that end, "we try to provide everything they need and more to ensure they meet their goals as quickly as they can so they can return to doing what they were doing before."

ENSURING SMOOTH TRANSITIONS Alden facilities offers a full continuum of health care solutions to help individuals recover and stay healthy long after their rehab stay. The short-term rehabilitation centers have Transitional Care Partners that provide a variety of AfterCare services to ensure a smooth transition from Alden to independence at home. Such AfterCare services and resources include: • Home Health/Caregiver Assistance • Private Duty Nursing • Pharmacological Services • Durable and Home Medical Equipment • Home Mobility Modification Equipment and Services “Our goal is to provide patients with the best care, comprehensive discharge planning and at-home follow-up in the most effective manner so they continue to be healthy and happy when they leave Alden and return home," says Floyd.

NU DENMARK Fall 2017

THERE’S A GUIDE FOR THAT Wondering where to eat, travel or get fit? Or maybe you could use some help getting your home organized or your kids on track for a great school year.

Makeitbetter.net is packed with the most helpful and easiest-touse resources. Here’s a sampling.

YOUR BEST HEALTH AT EVERY AGE A Decade-by-Decade Guide to Living Your Healthiest Life makeitbetter.net/healthy

Vibrato Boutique Plaza del Lago 847-853-1434 www.VibratoBoutique.com

FAMILY TRAVEL MADE EASY Tips, Tricks and the Best Destinations for Every Kind of Traveler makeitbetter.net/vacation CHICAGO DINING GUIDE 2017 The Best Restaurants and Recipes makeitbetter.net/food HOW TO RAISE MORE MONEY FOR YOUR FAVORITE NONPROFIT We Make It Easy makeitbetter.net/pg 5 WAYS TO TACKLE LIFE’S TRANSITIONS WITH EASE Change for the Better makeitbetter.net/transitions 12 WAYS TO GET SMART WITH YOUR MONEY How to Start an Emergency Fund, Get That Raise, Save for Retirement and More makeitbetter.net/smartmoney

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# H E A LT H

Jill Feldman

BREATHE EASY B Y W E N DY A LT S C H U L E R

The No. 1 killer of women, lung cancer takes more lives than breast, uterine and ovarian cancers combined — but like anything else, panicking about it will get you nowhere. A better strategy?

Arm yourself with knowledge. Read on for the signs, symptoms and harsh realities of the all-toocommon disease, and turn the odds in your favor.

“I had surgery, and I was considered cured,” Feldman says.

“Never did I think that the lung cancer would return and I would have another surgery two and a half years later.”

Today, Feldman has incurable lung cancer. She has been managing the disease using targeted radiation, and she pays close attention to advancements in research and spends a great deal of time helping others navigate the lung health landscape.

“If you have lungs, you’re at risk,” Feldman says.

Smoking, she says, isn’t the only cause of lung cancer and the stigma of smoking as a cause leads to barriers in diagnosis, treatment and lack of research dollars for funding. Radon, air pollution and other toxins are also leading causes of the disease and everyone should be aware and vigilant.

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Connecting with others in a similar situation or leaning on support groups helps you to not only manage the side effects, but also learn about nutrition and exercise. Feldman also advises that most medical teams have doctors and nurses that will educate patients and connect them with advocacy organizations in the community.

“There are groups for every disease that have volunteer opportunities, host events or races, provide support, whether online or in person, have mentor programs, etc.,” Feldman says. “Things have changed with social media and the internet — no one ever has to fight alone!”

Lung cancer, according to the Respiratory Health Association, is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the U.S. Tumor cells in the lung can grow and spread rapidly throughout the body. Signs are: • A persistent cough • Coughing up blood • Chest, back or shoulder pain • Shortness of breath, wheezing or hoarseness • Exhaustion and/or weight loss.

To protect yourself as much as possible, RHA suggests stopping or avoiding starting smoking, getting your home tested for radon (most home improvement stores carry a testing kit), and avoiding second-hand smoke at all costs.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JILL FELDMAN

Deerfield resident and mother of four Jill Feldman has a long and painful family history of lung cancer — two of her grandparents, her parents and her aunt all died from the disease. After all of this tragedy, Feldman began to get involved in the LUNGevity Foundation, which was founded by seven Chicago-area lung cancer patients who were working toward change while also fighting for their lives. Advocating for herself and being as proactive as possible, Feldman began to get scans. At 39, Feldman, then president of LUNGevity, was diagnosed with lung cancer.

# H E A LT H

EVENTS and FUNDRAISERS

So how do you strengthen your lungs and keep them healthy, even if you don’t have lung cancer?

Rush University Medical Center recommends: • Diaphragmatic breathing, or deep breathing • Increasing the length of your inhalations and exhalations • Staying hydrated • Using your abdominal muscles to laugh and increase lung capacity • Staying active and fit

Do you want to get involved?

Check out these great events and fundraisers and be a part of the solution.

“Lungs at rest and during most daily activities are only at 50 percent of their capacity,” says Jennifer M. Ryan, PT, MS, DPT, CCS, certified specialist in cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapy.

“Like the rest of your body, lungs thrive on movement and activity.”

The American Cancer Society insists that the most changeable cancer risk factors are diet, weight and physical activity. In addition to avoiding tobacco, the ACS recommends staying at a healthy weight, being active every day and throughout life and eating a wholesome diet. Of course, screening and testing are also great tools for early detection, before any symptoms are present.

Ivy Elkins of Buffalo Grove was diagnosed with stage-four non-small cell lung cancer in 2013. She was healthy. She wasn’t a smoker. Elkins knew there was problem when she had prolonged neck and elbow pain. After several months of doctor visits, an MRI was ordered, which detected a mass in her elbow — adenocarcinoma. A PET scan followed, which revealed that the cancer had originated in her lungs.

“When I was diagnosed, I was completely surprised because I was totally unaware that someone like me could get lung cancer,” Elkins says. “Luckily, I had molecular testing, discovered that I had an EGFR mutation and started quickly on targeted therapy treatment.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF IVY ELKINS

Elkins began taking daily targeted medication and she says, “My cancer is not curable at the current time, but it is treatable and I have been fortunate enough to be able to treat it as a chronic disease to date.”

Along the way, Elkins learned that lung cancer is often extremely difficult to diagnose because symptoms frequently don’t become obvious until a person is already in an advanced stage.

“By the time I was diagnosed, my cancer had spread from my lungs to my bones (neck, elbow, and a few other small areas in my ribs and pelvis) and to my brain (eight very small lesions in my brain),” Elkins says. “Since I didn’t have a large originating mass in my lungs, my breathing wasn’t affected so the only way the cancer could be detected was when it had spread. This is

Ivy Elkins

extremely common and is one of the reasons why lung cancer is the deadliest form of cancer.”

Elkins says that the stereotype of someone with lung cancer is of an older person with a smoking habit. In fact, lung cancer can affect anyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity or smoking history. It’s important to share this information, these stories, to promote understanding and to encourage more research into lung cancer prevention, screening, diagnosis and treatments.

“You may not see your lungs or think about them very often, but if they are not working correctly, you will definitely see the impact on your life through increased fatigue, coughing, shortness of breath, and other issues,” Elkins says.

Elkins’ best advice? Know your body. Elkins knew something was wrong and she advocated for herself, kept visiting doctors, and persisted until she got an answer. Elkins also recommends getting involved with support organizations to learn the right questions to ask, to find resources and information — like finding an oncologist that specializes in thoracic oncology, and sees numerous lung cancer patients and points you into the right molecular testing for targeted therapy — and to have someone to talk to that knows what you’re going through.

“When I was first diagnosed, a fellow survivor helped me navigate my diagnosis and oncologist choice,” Elkins says. “She is now one of my close friends. In turn, I mentor a woman with a diagnosis similar to mine and help her with her journey.”

On Sept. 17, RHA hosts the HIKE FOR LUNG HEALTH event, a charity walk (one- or three-mile courses) held in Lincoln Park that raises funds for lung disease.

Save the date: Feb. 25, 2018, is the RHA’s most popular event, HUSTLE UP THE HANCOCK. Join 4,000 of your new friends and raise money for lung disease research, advocacy and education.

LUNGevity also has several events throughout the year, including BREATHE DEEP WALKS/ RUNS, which raise money for support, research and education.

Sept. 10 Breathe Deep DuPage Oct. 1 Breathe Deep Springfield Nov. 11 Breathe Deep Busse Woods Scheduled for 2018 Breathe Deep North Shore (Deerfield)

Lung cancer accounts for more deaths than any other cancer in America, in both men and women — including colon, breast and prostate cancers combined — according to the American Cancer Society.

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/HEALTH SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2017

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B Y A N N A C A R L S O N A N D A M R I TA K R I S H N A N

GIVE TIME

DIANA M. CELEBRATES HER COMMUNITY COLLEGE GRADUATION WITH HER PROGRAM COORDINATOR DANIELLE M. DIANA IS OFF TO CONTINUE HER STUDIES AT UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS - CHICAGO.

t JOIN THE FIGHT TO END ALZHEIMER’S Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter 847-853-8888 ncjwcns.org/encore-more Walk or volunteer at one of 27 Walk to End Alzheimer’s events in Illinois.

The mission of the Alzheimer’s Association is to see a world without the disease — and every year, roughly 500,000 people in more than 600 communities across the country come together to raise awareness and funds for the cause. To learn how to join the crusade here in Illinois, visit alz.org/ walk, or contact Rachel Hesse, walk director, Illinois chapter, at rhesse@alz.org or 847-324-0356.

AT THE WALK TO END ALZHEIMER’S, MEN AND WOMEN ACROSS ILLINOIS HONOR THEIR LOVED ONES WHO HAVE BEEN AFFECTED BY THIS DEVASTATING DISEASE. PHOTO TAKEN AT THE CHICAGO WALK, 2016.

GI V E T H I NGS Getting rid of old clothing, accessories, electronics, books or furniture? Before you kick them to the curb, consider donating to a local organization that works with those in need. Find our guide on where to give at makeitbetter.net/donate.

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF EACH ORGANIZATION

BECOME A COACH FOR A ONE MILLION DEGREES SCHOLAR One Million Degrees 312-920-9605 | onemilliondegrees.org Philanthropy Award winner One Million Degrees empowers low-income, motivated community college students to succeed in school, work and life by pairing them with volunteer coaches.

Scholars and coaches meet one Saturday morning per month for a minimum of one academic year (September through May) at various community colleges in Chicago and the suburbs.

No formal experience is necessary to be a coach as OMD provides training and ongoing support.

Interested? Visit onemilliondegrees.org/ coach.

#PHILANTHROPY

PHOTO COURTESY OF UNICEF/DICKO

GI V E SU PP ORT

IN JUST THREE YEARS, UNICEF HAS PROVIDED EDUCATION MATERIALS TO ALMOST 47 MILLION CHILDREN WORLDWIDE. JOIN IN HELPING UNICEF GIVE EVERY CHILD AN EDUCATION.

t GIVE THE GIFT OF EDUCATION UNICEF USA 312-222-8900 unicefusa.org Purchase desks, backpacks, books and other schoolrelated items for students around the world.

According to UNICEF USA, an organization that supports UNICEF’s work to put children first in more than 190 countries, 61 million children do not have access to a primary school education. This fall, with UNICEF’s Inspired Gifts, you can help a child receive the education he or she deserves. Find the catalog at inspired gifts.unicefusa.org/ shop/schools.

PERCEPTION

No

“The thought of downsizing and moving is just too much for me.”

THE LINCOLN PARK ZOO’S HANDSOME MALE LION, SAHAR, GIVES HIS BEST BLUE STEEL.

SUPPORT ANIMAL CARE AND CONSERVATION PROGRAMS Lincoln Park Zoo 312-742-2000 | lpzoo.org Donate to the Lincoln Park Zoo and support animal care and conservation programs around the world while also keeping the zoo free for visitors. In addition to connecting people with nature, the zoo works tirelessly to advance the highest quality of animal care, education, science and conservation — and nearly 80 percent of its operating costs are funded by donations from members, donors and visitors. To learn more, visit lpzoo.org/support.

The Comforting Experience of Moving to Presbyterian Homes.

With Presbyterian Homes’ ‘Don’t Lift A Box’ moving program, you’ll get help from downsizing experts and moving professionals – and be comfortably situated in your new home before you know it.

No matter what your perceptions of moving are, we can help make the reality so much nicer. To learn more, visit presbyterianhomes.org/perceptions.

It may just change your mind about moving.

CALL US TO SCHEDULE A VISIT E VA N S T O N

E VA N S T O N

WESTMINSTER PLACE

TEN TWENTY GROVE

LAKE FOREST

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS

LAKE FOREST PLACE

THE MOORINGS

877-259-2720

888-570-8466

888-567-9543

877-393-0465

#BETTERMAKERS

BETTER MAKERS AND THEIR IMPACT

BY ANNA CARLSON

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Co-chairs: Mary Pearlman and Shawn Sandor

PHOTO BY ROSS BARNEY ARCHITECTS

PHOTO BY ROBERT CARL

ZOO BALL JULY 14 , 2017 Lincoln Park Zoo $1.4 million

Presenting sponsor: PowerShares QQQ by Invesco Premier patrons: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois and BMO Harris Bank

PHOTO BY VIOLET DOMINEK AT JOHN REILLY

Additional supporters included Abbott, Emily and John Alexander, Dover, Peter Francis Geraci Law, Katie and Brent Gledhill, Anna and Bob Livingston, Northern Trust, PNC, William Blair and John Ettelson, Lathrop Gage LLP, Neiman Marcus, Pomellato, United, Make It Better, and Michigan Avenue.

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PHOTO BY VIOLET DOMINEK AT JOHN REILLY

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PHOTO BY JOHN REILLY

1. Laura and Michael LaPorte 2. Jay and Heather Mages 3. Biff Bowman, Chairman of the Board of Trustees; Mary Pearlman, Zoo Ball 2017 Co-Chair; Caroline Huebner, Women’s Board President; Shawn Sandor, Zoo Ball 2017 Co-Chair; Kevin Bell, Lincoln Park Zoo President and CEO 4. Susan Schoenberger, Sean Cusack, and Mareilé Cusack, Board of Trustees MIB IMPACT: Money raised at this event will support a new state-of-the-art Visitor Center that will serve 3.6 million guests every year.

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Make It Better was a media sponsor of this event.

#BETTERMAKERS

PHOTO COURTESY OF SHEDD AQUARIUM

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SHEDD AQUARIUM ANNUAL GAL A JUNE 17, 2017 Shedd Aquarium More than $1.9 million

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1. Shedd President and CEO Bridget Coughlin, PhD and husband Dr. Brian Wegner with Voyages Gala CoChairs Trustee Anna and Bob Livingston 2. Shedd Trustee Alex Singla and Parita Singla 3. Supporters Deb and Bruce Crown 4. Katie and Tami Frain MIB IMPACT: Money raised at this event will support global animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts.

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1. Lurie Children’s Founders’ Board.

2. Bejarano family (Miles Bejarano (left) was Move for the Kids’ Patient Champion) 3. Katie Cerone, director of Community Engagement 4. Sarah Baine, former Founders’ Board president.

MIB IMPACT: Pictured: Faith and volunteer Anita

PHOTOS © SHEDD AQUARIUM/ HEIDI ZEIGER

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PHOTO COURTESY OF LURIE’S CHILDREN

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ANN & ROBERT H . LURIE CHILDREN ’S HOSPITAL OF CHICAGO MOVE FOR THE KIDS 5K RUN/ WALK JUNE 10, 2017 Soldier Field About $340,000

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF MOTION PR

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Make It Better was a media sponsor of this event.

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#BETTERMAKERS

PHOTO COURTESY OF YWCA EVANSTON/ NORTH SHORE

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18TH ANNUAL RICK Y BYRDSONG MEMORIAL R ACE AGAINST HATE JUNE 18 , 2017 Evanston More than $300,000 Proceeds from this event support YWCA Evanston/North Shore’s racial justice and relationship violence prevention programs.

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1-3. Participants and spectators at this year’s Race Against Hate MIB IMPACT: Karen Singer, CEO and president of YWCA Evanston/North Shore, inside an apartment at Bridges, which is YWCA’s new longerterm housing program for domestic violence survivors and their children. Bridges opened in spring 2017.

PHOTOS BY EVANSTON PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIOS

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Make It Better was a media sponsor of this event.

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GOLF.GIVE.GALA. MAY 21-22 , 2017 Saint Charles Country Club, Hotel Baker and Arcada Theater $500,000 Hosted by Olympian Michael Phelps and PGA golfer Jason Day

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PHOTOS BY BENJAMIN JENKINS

PHOTO BY TERESA CRAWFORD

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1. Michael Phelps and Jason Day 2. Jason Day tees off 3. Luke Bryan performs MIB IMPACT: Money raised at this event will support the Michael Phelps Foundation (pictured) and Brighter Days Foundation.

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#BETTERMAKERS

1 PHOTO COURTESY OF PAWS CHICAG

PAWS CHICAGO 15TH ANNUAL BE ACH PART Y JULY 20, 2017 Castaways on North Avenue Beach More than $325,000

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PHOTOS BY SPARENGA PHOTOGRAPHY

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1. Dan Campbell & Amy Mick of Highland Park 2.

Canine Guest Bear 3. 2017 Beach Party Co-Chairs Michele Mistovich & Dr. Tony Kremer with dogs Abigail & Chompers MIB IMPACT: Money raised at this event will help save and provide medical care for animals like Chet (pictured).

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PHOTO COURTESY OF RSRT

3RD ANNUAL REVER SE RET T CHICAGO FUNDR AISER MAY 25, 2017 Galleria Marchetti More than $300,000

1. Auctioneer Greg Dellinger during the live auction 2. Guests at Reverse Rett Chicago 2017 3. Left to right: Event CoChairperson Allan Zelinger, George Weisz, Artist Marissa Zelinger, Phil Goldstick of Chicago, and Co-Chairs Caryn and Brad Zelinger of Deerfield MIB IMPACT: Money raised at this event will “fund human clinical trials of gene therapy, which aims to fix the root cause of the disorder.” In total, this event has raised almost $1 million for RSRT, the Rett Syndrome Research Trust. Pictured: the laboratory of Sir Adrian Bird, Geneticist and Buchanan Professor of Genetics at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland.

PHOTOS BY LARRY SILVERMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

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# L O C A LT R E A S U R E

Hillary Bartoli with her husband and sons.

WHEN A YOUNG MOM HAS BREAST CANCER The Karen Dove Cabral Foundation provides much needed support to young mothers undergoing treatment for the all-too-common disease.

BY S U S A N PA S T E R N A K

Karen Dove Cabral was one such woman, who, tragically, lost her battle with the disease in 2007. However, her legacy continues through her two children and the foundation that bears her name and is the direct result of her vision of helping young mothers with financial resources and support during breast cancer treatment.

“She kept saying, ‘Mom, we need to do something,’” says Kathleen Dove, Karen’s mother and executive director of the Karen Dove Cabral Foundation. Dove operates the organization along with Karen’s husband, Edward Cabral, and Karen's sister, Laura Dove. “She said, ‘There are all these women out there just like me who are young and who are managing their breast cancer treatments, and they don’t have the financial resources and emotional support from family around them to support them when they go in for treatment.’ She was the inspiration.

The foundation would not have started without her planting the seeds and recognizing this need.”

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Karen was diagnosed with breast cancer when her first son was only 11 months old, and the cancer returned while she was pregnant with her second son. Karen considered herself fortunate to have family who helped out wherever they could, tending to her while recovering from surgery, and taking care of her young children while she received chemotherapy. She knew others didn’t have the same support network.

The Karen Dove Cabral Foundation was thus born in 2008 and has since helped over 100 women battling breast cancer. The organization receives patient referrals from NorthShore University HealthSystem Kellogg Cancer Center, where a committee identifies patients needing the support. The assistance comes in the form of coverage of childcare, transportation and lodging while undergoing treatment, and non-covered medical expenses such as acupuncture treatments that help combat the side effects of chemotherapy. The foundation has even paid for summer camp for children of mothers battling the disease.

Hillary Bartoli, 44, was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013, when she had four children under the age of 10 years old, and limited financial resources. She was lucky to have her mother

PHOTO COURTESY OF HILLARY BARTOLI

It is a story heard too often today: A woman with young children is diagnosed with breast cancer, and she must find ways to manage her medical treatments while also tending to the demands of family life.

#LO# CA D LI N TR I NE G ASURE

Karen Dove Cabral Foundation Executive Director Kathleen Dove and award winning 5-star Chef Steve Chiappetti address the crowd.

NBC reporter and anchor Christian Farr, event emcee, energizes donors during live auction bidding.

who was able to take care of her for five weeks after her bilateral mastectomy, but she scrambled to find childcare for her children while her husband was at work. The Karen Dove Cabral Foundation, through a referral from Bartoli’s health counselor and nurse navigator at NorthShore, stepped in to cover the costs of childcare.

PHOTOS BY BILL RICHERT

“To be able to have someone to take care of my children and not have to worry … I can’t even put words to it; it was such a huge help,” Bartoli says. “My mom was more at ease too because it was a lot for her.”

Women undergoing medical treatment for breast cancer need three types of support: informational, emotional and practical, according to the Susan G. Komen organization, the largest and best-funded breast cancer organization in the U.S. While the informational support typically comes from medical providers, and the emotional support from family and friends, it’s the practical help that can often cause stress and anxiety for patients.

Karen Dove Cabral Foundation supporters gather in the hay barn at historic Elawa Farm in Lake Forest.

“When a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer, it affects every aspect of their lives,” says Dr. James Ward, MD, a breast oncologist at NorthShore Health, who has referred many patients to the Karen Dove Cabral Foundation. “Speaking with my patients, they tell me that these benefits [from the foundation] have helped reduce stress for them and helped them continue to live full lives with their families outside of the clinic.”

On Sunday, Oct. 15, the foundation will hold its annual Butterfly Benefit at Historic Elawa Farm in Lake Forest. The event will feature live music, farm-to-table food, a live auction and raffle tables, and kids can enjoy a guided tour of the wildlife center.

Tickets are $75 for adults and $25 for children. Make It Better is proud to be a media sponsor of the event.

In addition to the annual fundraising campaign, the foundation has received grants from NorthShore Health and Genentech, a member of the Roche Group. Each spring, Ed Cabral holds donation-matching fundraisers at Allstate Insurance, where he is employed. The family is hopeful that the funds will continue to increase, enabling the foundation to help even more women.

“Karen was able to be present and live each day to the fullest,” Kathleen Dove says. “She wanted that for other women.”

Read more at MAKEITBETTER.NET/PHILANTHROPY SEPTEMBER /OC TOBER 2017

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# C LO S I N GT H O U G H T S

AFTER: Both beautiful and functional, the renovated space features a classic black and white palette warmed up with touches of brass and rich wood.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

NEW VINTAGE We asked you to show us your renos — and boy did you deliver. The winner? Chicago-based interior designer Claire Staszac, who, along with her husband, Luke, transformed an outdated, dysfunctional vintage kitchen into a gourmet’s dream. Even more impressive, the mostly DIY job took the couple just eight weeks to complete.

For more jaw-dropping reader renovations, visit MAKEITBETTER.NET/RENOS.

PHOTOS BY DUSTIN HALLECK

BEFORE: Linoleum floors, outdated appliances, lackluster cabinets and sagging countertops — not exactly a designer’s dream.

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Staszak, who owns Centered by Design in Lakeview, created a mood board that reflected her overall vision and helped her stay on track. "We wanted a modern kitchen that still felt right in our vintage 1932 home, and this helped us achieve that goal," she says.

A Wine Store and More

1100 Central Ave wilmette il 847-920-5883

Fine Wine, Craft Beer, Good Times

BEAUTIFUL LIFE serenity now