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Terzo Piano Is A Heavenly Ride At The Art Institute
Posted: July 2, 2009  Panzanella pike Somewhere, Stanley Kubrick is blushing. Remember that trippy mindbender of a set that he created for the close of 2001: A Space Odyssey? The sterile space shuttle painted in what looked like five coats of white-out that poor old astronaut Dave Bowman saunters into before the end credits roll? Well, I found it. It's parked on the third floor of the new Renzo Piano-designed Modern Wing of the Art Institute in Tony Mantuano's new Italian restaurant, Terzo Piano. Same blizzard-white look. Same otherworldly ambiance. One heck of a better kitchen. ... Panzanella pike Somewhere, Stanley Kubrick is blushing. Remember that trippy mindbender of a set that he created for the close of 2001: A Space Odyssey? The sterile space shuttle painted in what looked like five coats of white-out that poor old astronaut Dave Bowman saunters into before the end credits roll? Well, I found it. It's parked on the third floor of the new Renzo Piano-designed Modern Wing of the Art Institute in Tony Mantuano's new Italian restaurant, Terzo Piano. Same blizzard-white look. Same otherworldly ambiance. One heck of a better kitchen. But seriously, the Dirk Denison-designed space is awe-inspiring, a sprawling, three-dimensional 220-seat canvas of white, which draws its only hints of color from the suits in the seats and the clusters of tri-color Cerigno olives and caper berries that Mantuano dapples onto his plates.  Flanked to the east and west by nothing but sheer, unadorned floor-to-ceiling windows, the rectangular space is designed to invite in as much sunlight as possible—a Renzo Piano hallmark. The result is something like eating inside a giant prism. Light streams in, glides over and refracts off the resin tabletops and white oak floors, sending quivers of light bounding in every direction. The shift of a cloud outside can drape the room in shadows as deep as anything Caravaggio ever painted, providing the illusion that everyone is dining al fresco in a translucent castle in the sky. Mantuano, a longtime proponent of importing ingredients from Italy for his creations at Spiaggia, relies on Midwestern ingredients and small American artisan cheese producers at Terzo, spreading California burrata on his tomato flatbread and presenting Iowa prosciutto as the centerpiece of his antipasto plate.  Morel spaghetti with lemon ricotta They have a term for this kind of thing in the Old Country—heresy. And to some degree the old timers might have a point. If you've ever eaten Mantuano's famous ravioletto (see the video of him preparing it), you'll quickly realize that the smoky, rubbery texture of the crescenza from Texas can't compete with creamier, more nuanced imported cheeses. Nor does the over-salted whipped smoked whitefish spread served with a flaky rosemary potato crisp conjure up memories of creamy plates of bagna càuda from Piedmont. But who's to complain about a few rain clouds when you've got so much sunshine? I would pit any of Mantuano's sliders—a juicy beef burger with Wisconsin Colby, a lamb number with goat cheese and grainy mustard, and the best-in-show shrimp patty with a Calabrian pepper sauce—against any other burger, without exception, in the city.  Almont financier  Zeppole with vin cotto If there was ever proof that careful Midwestern sourcing can not only sustain but also improve upon cherished Italian recipes, it's the skin-on Lake Erie walleye pike with a deconstructed panzanella salad composed of chunky crunchy croutons, pickled onions and a creamy orange moat of a tomato vinaigrette that bursts with flavor. If anything, the turn toward local ingredients makes Terzo the most approachable of Mantuano's restaurants. He seems to have loosened up his chef's jacket a bit—his "What Came First" salad combines boiled organic chicken eggs and chicken strips, arugula and a trio of celery accents. There's a clever little wine list, but a good portion of the room was swilling the homemade pomegranate lemonade. While you might be tempted by the vin-cotto zeppole (tiny pierogi-shaped fritters stuffed with plum jam), the smart play come dessert time is the firm yet gooey almond financier with strawberry rhubarb salad and crème fraîche sorbet, which, in keeping with the décor, is nothing less than out-of-this world. Terzo Piano 111 S. Michigan Ave. Chicago 312-443-8650 Open daily for lunch and Thursday evenings for dinner in the Art Institute of Chicago. The easiest access to the restaurant, which does not require museum admission, is via the entrance on Monroe Street between Michigan Avenue and Columbus Drive. You may also like... Oiling The Wheels Of Wilmette Commerce Look Out, Ladies Who Lunch Abigail's American Bistro Opens In A Flash Of Glory
 Golf For A Cause
Posted: June 29, 2009  Golf is an occasional hobby for some. A mere weekend diversion. For others, it's a summertime obsession. Any chance to be on the course, soaking up the sun and counting strokes is a blessing. If golf is your game, here's how you can play and make it pay for someone else. Following is a rundown of local charity outings from now through September. ... Golf is an occasional hobby for some. A mere weekend diversion. For others, it's a summertime obsession. Any chance to be on the course, soaking up the sun and counting strokes is a blessing. If golf is your game, here's how you can play and make it pay for someone else. Following is a rundown of local charity outings from now through September. July July 22: 12th Annual Catholic Charities Golf Invitational • Location: Cog Hill Golf and Country Club, 12294 Archer, Lemont • Supports: The Glenview Park Foundation • Cost: $500 to $875 per person • Tee Time: 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. shot gun starts • Extras: Breakfast, lunch, cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions – plus celebrity contest holes, hole-in-one prizes and skills contests July 24: Fifth Annual Scramble For A Cure • Location: Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Avenue West • Supports: The American Cancer Society • Cost: $150 per person, $600 per foursome • Tee Time: 1 p.m. shotgun start • Extras: Registration includes golf, cart fees, and dinner—there will also be contests, a silent auction and raffle July 27: Bill Stein Memorial Golf Outing • Location: Hill Crest Country Club, 3217 RFD, Long Grove • Supports: B'Nai B'Rith Sports Lodge Youth Scholarships and Athletic Awards • Cost: $190 • Tee Time: 1 p.m. shotgun start • Extras: Lunch, golf awards, including closest-to-the-pin and longest drive, golf shirts, entertainment and dinner  August August 3: Feed The Dream 5th Annual Women's Golf Outing and Luncheon • Location: Highland Park Country Club, 1201 Park Avenue West • Supports: Feed The Dream • Cost: $150 golf and luncheon • Tee Time: 8:30 a.m. shot gun start • Extras: Post-golf luncheon, raffle, silent auction August 22: Callaway Golf Galaxy Golf Tour • Location: Wilmette Golf Club, 3900 Fairway Dr. • Supports: Children's Miracle Network • Cost: $89 • Tee Time: 1 p.m.  September September 10: 2009 Joshua Stuart Krinsky Memorial Golf Outing • Location: Hill Crest Country Club, 3217 RFD, Long Grove • Supports: Perinatal Family Support Center at Northshore University HealthSystem (Northshore) • Cost: $275 per golfer • Tee Time: To be determined • Extras: Post-golf cocktail reception, entertainment, a silent auction and dinner September 14: Pitch In! Golf Outing • Location: Westmoreland Country Club, 2061 Old Glenview Rd., Wilmette • Supports: Expanded learning opportunities at New Trier High School • Cost: contact Marianne Breen at 847-784-2346 or breenm@newtrier.k12.il.us • Tee Time: 12:30 p.m. shotgun start • Extras: Buffet lunch, putting contest, cocktails, dinner and prizes September 14: 2nd Annual Boys and Girls Club Golf Outing • Location: North Shore Country Club, 1340 Glenview Rd., Glenview • Supports: Boys and Girls Club of Chicago • Cost: $750 per individual, or $2,500 per foursome • Tee Time: E-mail Erin Doyle at edoyle@bgcc.org September 17: Brennan's Bogey Buster Scramble/4th Annual Memorial Golf Outing • Location: Steeple Chase Golf Club, 200 N. LaVista, Mundelein • Supports: Extracurricular literacy, music and sports programs • Cost: $170 per person • Tee Time: 12 p.m. shotgun start • Extras: Cash prizes, GPS gas carts, open bar, dinner and a great goodie bag Where's your outing? If it's not on the calendar, we can't help you advertise it! Send your event info to kelly@makeitbetter.net—and be sure to add it below in the comment field.
View Comments There are no comments available. Guide to Fireworks & Parades
Posted: June 29, 2009  I'm still enthralled by the colors and patterns of fireworks. The circles. The hearts. The multiple tiers of plumage. I could sit for hours and watch the exploding flairs of light across the night sky. If only they would last that long. As a kid, my favorite part was the crash, boom, bam! The louder the better. As an adult, I'm satisfied with the giddy delight I see on the faces of the children surrounding me. On the North Shore, we're within close proximity to several great displays. And, luckily, if one night of fireworks isn't enough, we can skip over to the next town for round two. Below is the schedule of fireworks throughout towns on the North Shore. Most are on July 4, but there are a smattering of shows on July 3 as well. ... I'm still enthralled by the colors and patterns of fireworks. The circles. The hearts. The multiple tiers of plumage. I could sit for hours and watch the exploding flairs of light across the night sky. If only they would last that long. As a kid, my favorite part was the crash, boom, bam! The louder the better. As an adult, I'm satisfied with the giddy delight I see on the faces of the children surrounding me. On the North Shore, we're within close proximity to several great displays. And, luckily, if one night of fireworks isn't enough, we can skip over to the next town for round two. Below is the schedule of fireworks throughout towns on the North Shore. Most are on July 4, but there are a smattering of shows on July 3 as well. Oh, and plan to get there early. Some parks close 15 minutes to a half hour before the show begins. Plus, you'll want to stake your claim on a primo spot to view the display. Pack a picnic, bring a blanket and make a family night of it! Buffalo Grove Buffalo Grove Golf Course July 4, at 9:15 p.m. Deerfield Deerfield High School, 1959 Waukegan Rd. July 3, at 9:15 p. m. Evanston Clark Street Beach July 4, at 9:15 Glencoe Lakefront Park July 4, at 9:00 PM Glenview Glenview Park District Golf Course July 4, at 9:00 PM Highland Park Wolters Field July 4, at 9:15 Lake Forest Deerpath Community Park July 4, at 9:15 Lincolnshire Spring Lake Park July 4, at 9:30 p.m. Libertyville Butler Lake Park July 4, at dusk Morton Grove Harrer Park July 4, at 9:30 Northbrook Techny Park July 4, at dusk Park Ridge Maine East High School July 3, at Dusk Skokie Niles West High School July 4, at dusk Wilmette Gilson Beach July 3, at 9:30 Winnetka Duke Child's Field at Willow and Hibbard July 4, at 9:15 There are also a smattering of parades celebrating the Fourth, so if you want to make a whole day of it, consider the following: Evanston Parade July 4, 2 p.m., Starts at Central Park and Central Street Glencoe Parade July 4, 2 p.m., Centerway Court, downtown Glencoe Glenview Parade July 4, 11 a.m., Bike parade downtown; 11:30 a.m., Main parade downtown Highland Park Parade July 4, 10 a.m., Downtown Highland Park Winnetka Parade July 4, 10 a.m., Starts at Elm and Glendale streets, and heads east to the Village Green For a complete guide to holiday happenings on July 4, check out our Events Calendar. Planning on packing a picnic? Check out these great recipes to make and take: Beer Can Chicken Sesame Asparagus Salad Summer Raspberry Blondies
View CommentsHey...where is Lake Bluff and Lake Forest? Sorry for the Lake Forest oversight! Thanks for the heads up. Here's their info: Fireworks are on July 4 at the Deerpath Community Park, adjacent to Recreation Center on Hastings Rd. Parking opens at 8 p.m., and fireworks begin at 9:15 p.m. Lake Bluff has one of the best parades, stepping off from Village Hall at 10am on 7/4. Followed by Family Fun Fair all afternoon in Artesian Park. Lake Forest is also having the Village People (the actual group) play in concert before the fireworks begin. Tickets are available at the gate. Should be a great night! Parkways Foundation & Lollapalooza Make It Better
Posted: June 25, 2009  One of the best things about living on the North Shore is, of course, Chicago. The Windy City is quite literally our own side yard. Just a Lake Shore Drive cruise away, we find culture, history, nightlife and never-boring politics. The city sparkles, offering a rainbow assortment of neighborhoods and landmarks such as Buckingham Fountain and Grant Park that make us proud to live where we live. The critical support of Parkways Foundation ensures this. ... One of the best things about living on the North Shore is, of course, Chicago. The Windy City is quite literally our own side yard. Just a Lake Shore Drive cruise away, we find culture, history, nightlife and never-boring politics. The city sparkles, offering a rainbow assortment of neighborhoods and landmarks such as Buckingham Fountain and Grant Park that make us proud to live where we live. The critical support of Parkways Foundation ensures this. Meet Parkways Foundation Did you know that Parkways Foundation not only helps to maintain our world class waterfront and monuments but also serves the children in Chicago's neediest neighborhoods? Better yet, did you know that our world-class rock festival, Lollapalooza, is a fundraiser for Parkways? Even better, 10.25 percent of gross revenue from the three-day music fest help fund Parkways. That's pretty da*n cool, We can rock in style and help kids who aren't growing up North Shore as well fund green initiatives and historic preservation. That's why Make It Better is proud to partner with Parkways and support its Lollapalooza fundraising efforts. Furthermore, we're even more excited about joining our kids at this annual extravaganza! Please bid on the fabulous items benefiting Parkways in our Charity Auction. And if you want to join Make It Better at the festival, please buy tickets here. The Many Ways Parkways Foundation Makes It Better... The good works of Parkways Foundation are the inspiration behind Lollapalooza, which funds projects in the areas of youth programs, neighborhood projects, historic preservation and greening initiatives. Parkways Foundation is the philanthropic partner of the Chicago Park District in working to enrich the physical and cultural landscape of Chicago's parks, which encourage the feeling of community, foster a sense of ownership, enhance the quality of life and engage the neighborhood.
View CommentsThere are no comments available. Make It Better North Shore User Submissions
Posted: June 25, 2009  Make It Better loves to hear from you. Please keep your recommendations, thoughts and questions coming! Here's what you've told us recently: ... Make It Better loves to hear from you. Please keep your recommendations, thoughts and questions coming! Here's what you've told us recently: Big problem in Kenilworth, no power for days! Praising Millens Hardware. They've been SO great. Talk about helping people triumph over adversity. Kenilworth Mibster I LOVE this newsletter and I'm not even a regular emailer!!! Your "publication" has almost replaced the aniticipation I had for my monthly Victoria magazine! I know, I know, I'm a sucker for simple pleasures. Let me know how I can help with either an email query or "in person" chat. This is such fun stuff "you're" doing for all of us!!! Tricia Dear Mibs, Hi, as the Executive Director of the Winnetka Community House I want to commend you for creating and maintaining this valuable community resource. I'd love to find out how we can get our special events and other offerings listed on your site. Thanks and keep up the good work! -Don Van Arsdale "I love this site. You all are awesome together and individually. Thank you to Suzy Hilbrant for sending it to me." -Buff, Glenview "I'm not sure how I received your newsletter e-mail but I love it! I am a former career woman now stay at home mother and suffer from "terminal volunteerism"...would be happy to give you some time if you can use me." -Kala "I'm part of a group of women who try to make time to get together for a couple of hours once a month. We connect with each other over tea and a "project". Most of us are struggling to just keep our families and jobs afloat, but still feel the urge to give back to something with our creativity and collective will power. Our "projects" have been relatively simple gesture s--collecting toiletries for a shelter, simple sewing for a resource center. We are looking for a resource to inspire new project ideas that we can accomplish in our homes for the benefit of others in an afternoon--a perhaps tall and odd order, but hopefully a worthy one?" -Annie "I am so glad the universe directed me to your website. It is fantastic! I picked up your postcard at Sweet Dreams in Glenview. You go, girls! What a great contribution to the entire community." -Marcia "I think what you guys are doing is absolutely brilliant!! What a great use of the net!! Thanks a bunch for the mention of tonight's show at SPACE! Have a lot more 'Club Z presents...' shows coming and would love to be sure we get the word out...how do I submit shows??" -Tom "I'm not sure how I got on the distribution list for this website, but I am so happy that I am! What a great resource for family and community. I am very interested in local parenting organizations and programs, and two of my favorite organizations on the North Shore are LEAD in Lake Forest and FAN in the New Trier area. Might you consid er featuring programs offered by these organizations and others, as well as possibly links to their websites? Keep up the great work of keeping us informed!" -Lydia B. Hi, Susan--The Winnetka Alliance received a donation for $45 from MIBs as part of its TV Tune Out Week fundraiser--thanks very much. Thanks for forwarding my e-mail to the appropriate MIBs staffers. MIBs will receive a formal tax letter from the Alliance acknowledging the donation. Again, congrats on such a wonderful website--I really enjoy it (and have printed several of the recipes, though I haven't had time to actually make them!). Regards, Joni Johnson, TV Tune Out Week 2009 co-chair Dear Julie, Liz, Catherine & Mindy, Thank you so much for your hard work, attention to detail, and outstanding product and service. I'm sure this is all linked to your philosophy and your mission. As an advertiser, I really appreciate your team approach -- by=2 0working together, you have optimized my message. This is added value for Blue Sage Writing, but it's also a wonderful service for your readers. It's only 10:00 a.m., and I've already received my first call from a parent! If you'd like I can spell this out more specifically...you might even consider posting several testimonials from advertisers on your "Advertise with Us" page. For now, a huge thank you! Linda Bendorf, Director Blue Sage Writing www.bluesagewriting.com Phone: 224-688-9222 I like your site and what you're up to. It FEELS good and has so much to offer. I'd like to link it to my site, www.starofyourownlife.com, and ask you to do the same. I also have some articles on Huffington Post that I would agree to republish here if you're interested. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/james-m-lynch/#blogger_bio James M. Lynch james@startofyourownlife.com Hi i would like to advertise the availability of "A"Location furnished office space in Glencoe or Northbrook on a time share basis. We will offer excellent terms for carriage or charitable businesses that need part time office space at very reasonable rates for meetings, conferences etc. The space will have wireless access. can I advertise this resource to your readers? I am also thinking of using a vacant office for a drop in place for those seeking jobs, and needing a place to go besides starbucks-creating a north shore career center where professionals could volunteer their services providing counseling or coaching and interested parties could have a place outside the home to go besides t he library. what do you think? Debbie ddresner@dresnerco.com <mailto:ddresner@dresnerco.com> Hello, I'm writing on behalf of the Winnetka Youth Organization, which has been serving North Shore teens and th eir families for 40 years. (www.winnetkayo.org) We would like to know more about what you do at Make it Better, and see if there is a way we can work together to bring our services to more families! Please contact me at 847-446-0443 or admin.wyo@gmail.com Thank you! Mairin Barney WYO Executive Director I LOVE your website--intelligent, witty, informative and easy on the eyes. Thanks to all the fabulous people who must love what they do to make the site happen. Lelaine Easiest meal with leftovers. My kids love my "secret" recipe. Quick, easy & cheap! 1. Take whatever leftovers you have--stirfry, burgers, hotdogs.... Avoid cheese, breading and strong flavors. 2. Add the sad veggies from the fridge. My boys don't love broccoli but carrots and mushrooms are great. 3. Add Japanese udon noodles. 4. Add chicken broth. My boys like soup, so I add a lot. 5. Let it boil until you get bored. 6. Adjust seasoning with soy sauce, salt and pepper. Each meal is truely unique! Lelaine I LOVE what you are doing! I own a web store, Earthlovershopping.com, and your site was shared with me by a customer from Chicago. I am always amazed at the number of customers I have from the great lakes area- I would be interested in an opportunity to be listed on your site, or advertise, if you think my site would fit your profile. Hope to hear form you- and keep up the good work! Tammy To Susan Noyes My daughter Jeanne Wakenight suggested I pass along some information on my new book "Clark Weber's Rock & Roll Radio, the Fun Years 1955 to 1975". I thought it might be of interest to you and your organization. Clark Weber cweber@clarkweberassociates.com
View CommentsThere are no comments available. Amazing Women Of The North Shore
Posted: June 8, 2009 Everyone needs a little inspiration from time to time. Luckily, we can get a daily dose just by saying hello to the person next door. North Shore women are amazing ... and we want to know all about them! For our first magazine issue that publishes this fall, we are looking for submissions on who you think is an amazing woman of the North Shore. Here are some of the submissions we've already received. Keep 'em coming! ... Everyone needs a little inspiration from time to time. Luckily, we can get a daily dose just by saying hello to the person next door. North Shore women are amazing ... and we want to know all about them!
For our first magazine issue that publishes this fall, we are looking for submissions on who you think is an amazing woman of the North Shore. Here are some of the submissions we've already received. Keep 'em coming! I would like to nominate Gabrielle Rousso as a Woman who WoWs. She is Exec. Director of The Art Center in Highland Park and she does a phenomenal job of bringing in great classes for anyone to take, bringing in fresh and exciting art exhibits, fun exhibit openings and she always works scholarships into the already tight budget to insure that TAC is open to EVERYONE. All this AND she does her job with flair, fun and always has a smile on her face. From Meg Kimberly Hand is the senior services coordinator for the village of Glenview where she lives and was reared. She is also a mother of several, kids athletic coach, church volunteer and someone who can crowd 36 hours into every 24. She is certainly a candidate for the amazing women catagory. Larry My nomination for, "Isn't She Amazing" is Annie Boyle of Davis Miller in Winnetka. She has incredible taste in clothing. She just started doing designer consignment with a collection that tops anything I've ever seen. Her partner, nationally recognized sports writer. Most importantly, she has dedicated her life to helping the homeless. Works tirelessly with soup kitchens, donating her own time and energy and getting as many of her friends, family and clients on board to help her cause. She is a beautiful, vivacious red head in her 50's? She's your girl. You'd love her! Elizabeth Rose Carlie Miklik of Wilmette Voice Studio From Jason of Wilmette Nancy Behles of the North Shore Art League From Jason of Wilmette I'd like to nominate Mary McLaughlin for the Women Who Wow competition. Mary is a woman of many talents and myriad interests. She was born in Jamaica, trained as a geologist. She worked for oil companies in Texas. As a Wilmette mom, she took a class in painting on china. This led her to an interest in porcelain and enamel. From a kiln in her basement in Kenilworth Gardens, she expanded to a manufacturing space in Northfield with a client list that includes the White House. (see www.glazeware.com for more info on the business) As if this wasn't enough, Mary also played a big role in Hillary's "kitchen cabinet" during her recent presidential campaign and has developed a project to hybridize breadfruit trees as a possible solution to world hunger. From Holly Berman I would like to nominate Beth Drucker as a woman that "wows". She has endless energy and gives a lot of her time and enthusiasm to several good community causes; Go Green Wilmette, District 39 school gardens (most attention is given to HMS and WJHS), and the Wilmette Bike Task Force. Her persistence in these groups has caused new programs to be offered or things to be changed for the better. If you need more examples or support, I'd be glad to offer them. Sarina McBride My wife is amazing and she lives on the north shore so . . . I want to tell you about how she danced, but first some background. My wife has run the house, driven the car pool and raised our 3 kids for the 10 years while I worked my 60-80 hours building a career. She joined the school board, helped out friends and family in need and let her art therapy career slip into the background so she could be what she really wanted – a full time Mom with no apologies. She built a small business that follows her passion and ran it part time. Then a year or so ago in a corporate sale I became one of those senior execs 'on the loose'. She immediately stepped up, as our youngest was now in school full time, and went back to work, helping her parents grow their already successful financial advisors firm but also taking her business, Sacred Spaces, a home organizing business, to new levels. She worked two jobs and never complained so that I could also follow my passion and create my new businesses. All of those things, unfortunately, make her a good, even great woman, but there are so many others who are doing the same for their husbands and keeping the family together that she wouldn't consider herself amazing for that. But the dancing . . . On her list of '100 things to do while alive' was 'take a ballet course'. At 40 she was thinking that item wouldn't work out for her and then she heard about a dance class for women at Highland Park's Irina Makkai Ballet School. Along with 4 or 5 other moms she took a weekly dance class, the first in her life, and felt the aches and pains of strenuous effort. For all the pain, she was having a great time and when the instructor offered the group a chance to perform in the recital she and the others were scared, but open to the idea. As it went, though, the instructor left the school and the others in the group backed out of the show. Irina and her daughter made my wife an Offer to dance a solo in the recital. This is what makes her remarkable; in a few classes, 3-4, she learned a routine, donned a leotard and, completely alone on a big stage, did a solo dance in front of 200 other parents and children. That was amazing. It was amazing that she had an excuse, a reason to back out and didn't have to go through with the performance; the others backed out and the first teacher left after all. She was scared, nervous and full of doubt and she had to work hard, rehearse and learn for hours on her own in any open space large enough to allow her free movement. It was amazing that she had the courage of her convictions and that people who heard her story were inspired and moved. The model of courage she displayed for our children and for me too, is and was amazing. Her 3 minute dance 'raised the bar' in all of our lives and we'll all Profit from her amazing feat of courage. She, to me, is an amazing woman of the north shore. And not only was her dance courageous, she danced well, and the applause she earned was genuine. Thanks for allowing me the chance to share this. James M. Lynch Please post this Founder's Response below it: Are your members and staff ineligible? Mindy Fauntleroy is certainly a woman who wows. I suspect she doesn't sleep, what with all she gets done - you know just as well as I do. She makes me tired just thinking about her. dawn smith _______________________ I WHOLEHEARTEDLY AGREE THAT MINDY IS AN AMAZING WOMAN!! She leads with her heart and follows with a brilliant mind. I am incredibly fortunate to work with her - and to call her friend and sister. Unfortunately though, a Mibs can't be an amazing woman honoree. Thank you for honoring her with your comment instead! Susan I would like to nominate Emily Knight, a resident of Glencoe, for your article on amazing North Shore Women. Emily is a psychologist who is passionate about helping provide opportunities for underserved children in the Chicago area. She is on the Women's Board and Board of Trustees at the Ravinia Festival, chairing the Festival's Community Partnerships committee. She has personally spent hundreds of hours in classrooms with children, working to bring the magic of music to kids who might otherwise not be exposed to classical and jazz music. In addition, she is a Trustee at the Merit School of Music, again working to bring the magic of music to underserved children in the Chicago area. I believe she is also involved in the Writer's Theatre and La Rabida hospital. All this, and she is a breast cancer survivor who has overcome many setbacks in her treatment. Wow! What makes Emily special is her PASSION for improving the lives of children. She is an inspiration to all who know her. Please let me know if you need any additional information. Caroline Huebner I would like to nominate a woman that I work with Sandra King. She struggled with infertility, got through it and has a wonderful four year old daughter. She took her hardship and started a company matching egg donor's with recipients and makes it as easy as possible for other's that need a little extra help in building or starting their families. The name of the company is Graceful Conception and has become one of four leading ovum donation agencies in the Midwest! She works hard to help others while being a very committed mother to her daughter. You can look at the website at www.gracefulconception.com Thank you, Judi Carpenter Hello! I would like to nominate Kathryn Guylay as a Woman Who Wows! Please review her bio below to understand how she turned her passion into a timely, practical and innovative non for profit organization called Nurture. Kathryn Guylay is the founding Executive Director of Nurture, a non-profit organization that helps low-income families improve nutrition and health through cooking classes, nutrition education, and philanthropy. Her organization collaborates with food pantries and other agencies that assist resource-limited families. Nurture's mission is to encourage healthy, home-cooked meals in place of unhealthy fast food. The program, which involves children as well as their adult caregivers, hopes to address the alarming increase in levels of childhood obesity. She and her team run on 100% volunteer steam, which gives the non-profit a unique value proposition to its supporters: 100 cents of every dollar donated go right into the programs, not to overhead or administration. For more information please see: http://www.nurtureyourfamily.org/id86.html Kathryn is also the creator of a free monthly newsletter called Healthy Kids Ideas Exchange, through which she distributes tips on healthy eating and living to hundreds of moms (and dads) in her community and beyond. For more information please see: http://www.nurtureyourfamily.org/id3.html Kathryn received a BA at Emory University and a MBA from the University of Texas at Austin. She spent a decade in management consulting, rising to a Senior Manager at The Alexander Group and later a Principal at The Incentive Solutions Group. She is in the process of receiving her certification in nutritional counseling from Trinity School of Natural Health. She credits her family for her continued passion for nutrition and healthy living. Her husband of 12 years is her best recipe reviewer. Her daughter (8) and son (6) spend hours with her in their vegetable gardens. She is an avid runner, roller-blader and pianist. She is also passionate about yoga, sustainable farming, eco-minded living, and the slow food movement. From Colleen Dear Susan, Women on the north shore CAN make lemonade out of lemons, because all of us are lucky to be living where we do and SHOULD be doing for others. We should be giving back to those less fortunate because we can. It should be as natural as breathing. I think that we all need to remember that. WE aren't so amazing. Those that are living in the middle of nowhere, in small towns that have no jobs for them, or in the middle of dangerous communities, that are striving just to feed their children, THOSE WOMEN are amazing. This is just my perspective. Amy Lafontant _____________________________ founders response: beautifully said Amy and absolutely right. thank you. Kathy Deveny and Laura Lederer of Glencoe Both are AMAZING and together they are the core of my daughter's Brownie troop 367. The brownie program they have pulled together the last two years has been nothing short of fantastic. Kathy is very active in her church, hosts the greatest play dates, is (and was) a top notch room mom, is raising three great kids and ALWAYS looks like she stepped out of a magazine. While I don't know Laura as well, she is Kathy's equal in running the brownie troop. She works full time (and travels!), is raising two kids, is incredibly smart, and can make me look like a slacker in our strength class on Saturdays. Whenever there is an activity, be it school or community related, you can bet one if not both are somehow involved. I would like to nominate Cathy McGowan, successful business owner of McGowan Interiors. She is hugely talented in the design field and is a devoted mom and wife. She has become an avid hunter with her English setter, Duke, and is working to preserve the open lands in Lake Forest for the enjoyment of all. She's active in her church and a really cool gal! Keep up the great work!!!! Love ya, mcGee L. Leigh Miller Susan, I would like to nominate Marcia Doniger, The Founder and backbone of Northbrook Citizens For Drug and Alcohol Awareness (NCDAA). She is tireless in her work, humble is an understatement but boy does she get things done! I Know that she is a mom to a grown daughter (I think) and a giving daughter to aging parents. She is awesome, has brought some great programs to Northbrook Schools, students and parents. She is a person who sets a personal example to all For more info (http://www.ncdaa.org) Laurie Katie Ryan, wife and mother of 3 girls. The youngest is adopted. Katie is a hard working selfless person who has spent her life helping others. From tutoring, day care or driving your kids to camp, Katie does it all. Recently she was diagnosed with cancer but is still in the best spirits and is an example to us all. We all love Katie. Bonnie Sara Kooperman should be nominated as one of the amazing women of the North Shore. Please let me know how I can do so. She is truly a "wow" inducing woman! Thanks! Holly I'd like to nominate Jenn Gibbons as a Woman who Wows. At 24 years of age she is founder, coach, and moving force behind a rowing team of breast cancer survivors called ROW: Recovery on Water (Catherine Rocca of your staff is a member). Regular exercise, besides being essential to a healthy lifestyle, has been proven to reduce recurrence rates of breast cancer. This is the main idea of ROW: to offer a team sport that provides excellent aerobic and anaerobic exercise to women who have had breast cancer. In the past I, for one, have never been able to maintain an exercise regimen though I have tried many times. After my breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, I promised myself (on behalf of my daughter who, at 20, was the same age I had been when my mother died of breast cancer) that I would do everything in my power to reduce the risk of my cancer coming back. Being part of the ROW team has been the only way I have found to overcome my antipathy towards exercise, and in fact has encouraged me to work hard to get and stay physically strong and fit (though not to stop eating chocolate). It is also quite inspirational to be part of a group of strong, spirited women, some in their thirties, who are facing their lives as women who have had cancer. Though we do not talk much about cancer, we are fully there for each other whenever there is a question, a concern, a fear, a hope. With Jenn's encouragement, we have already ""competed"" in two regattas as well as the Chicago Indoor Rowing Championships, and will again row in the Chicago Sprints at the Lincoln Park Lagoon this July. ROW is a non-profit organization, has a website @ recoveryonwater.org, and will have its second fundraising benefit in September. Jenn's ineffable positive energy, her commitment to and respect for her "ladies," and her encouraging confidence has kept our group working hard. Although Jenn lives in Chicago, many of our ROW members live on the North Shore, and her impact on our lives has been tremendous. Sue Ann I'd like to nominate an inspirational friend, Andrea Gaines, who has recently gone from personal trainer to life coach, improving the lives of all those she works with. After leaving a career in high tech, then having children, Andrea Gaines decided to reinvent herself. Wanting to find herself again after her kids grew older, she pursued fitness to feel better and get back in shape. Teaching group fitness classes and becoming a personal trainer met her need to have a flexible schedule for her family, stay active, connected and be an inspiration to others. Her work life evolved over the years and Wellness Coaching became a natural fit to help her clients reach their goals beyond exercise. This inspired Andrea to continue learning new ways to inspire and motivate people to make their self-care a priority. Now a Life Coach, Andrea helps people establish healthy routines with exercise, nutrition and mindset habits. Whether it's Individual Coaching or Corporate Employee Wellness Workshops, Andrea helps individuals define priorities, set goals, with support and accountability, to become their Best Selves. One group on the North Shore Andrea has ""wowed"" is a parent group who takes a Wellness class at BakerDemonstration School in Wilmette. Every week, a group of 10-16 women come together for a wellness class led by Andrea where they all exercise for 30 minutes and have 20 minutes for coaching exercises. See what class participants say in a recent flier. (Attached) Learn more about Andrea's work at www.hgcoaching.com Thanks for the opportunity to let people know about Andrea's work. Sincerely, Sarah Thurber "My nanny is the Most Amazing Woman. And I can't tell you her name of someone may try to steal her away..." Allison When we think of ""Women Who Wow"" countless women on the North Shore come to mind. For Urban Initiatives, one woman stands head and shoulders above the rest - Connie Falcone. We are grateful to MakeItBetter.net for giving us the opportunity to nominate Connie for the recognition she deserves. Connie has a heart of gold, an unbound spirit, and wears many hats with grace in her every day life. She is a devoted wife, a loving mother of three, the Vice President of the Devers Group Private Equity Firm, a member of the Peacebuilders Advisory Board at the Catholic Theological Union, a member of the Board of Trustees of LaLumiere School in LaPorte, Indiana, a member of the Service Board of the Midwest Palliative Care Center & Hospice of the North Shore, a former Lawyer at a Denver law firm specializing in general civil litigation, she holds a bachelor's degree from Colorado College, a law degree from the University of Notre Dame Law School, and an MBA from the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business, and the list goes on and on. Specifically to the team at Urban Initiatives, Connie has been the catalyst for our organizational success through her passion and selfless dedication to enhancing the lives of Chicago's at-risk youth. Urban Initiatives is a six year-old, grassroots nonprofit organization that provides health and education soccer programming to Chicago Public School students. We were introduced to Connie in 2006 on the soccer field at Avoca Park in Wilmette during our annual Cross Town Classic, which brings together our program participants from the inner city and soccer players from suburban travel teams for a fun-filled afternoon tournament and healthy picnic. At the time, she was there as a supportive ""soccer mom"" for her daughter as well as a passionate supporter and the volunteer treasurer for the Wilmette Wings Soccer Club. Though we were not intimately familiar with Connie, there was no question from day one that she was special. A few weeks after the Cross Town Classic, Connie contacted us and said that she was impressed by the work we do for children in Chicago's under served communities and that she wanted to help us reach our goals. Her initial vision was to host a benefit for Urban Initiatives with two purposes: first to fundraise for our program and second to ""friend raise"" by raising awareness about our mission. In January 2007, the ""Soccer Ball"" was born. The financial goal was to raise between $25,000 and $30,000. Due to Connie's enthusiasm and the quality of the event she put on, we netted twice our target amount. The Soccer Ball is now an annual event and one of the most talked about fundraisers in Chicago. Each year, Connie continues to outdo herself, and the guest list and revenues generated continue to grow. Several organizations now call Urban Initiatives to set up a meeting with our ""event coordinator"" in order to get tips and learn how to make their benefits more successful. Connie is viewed as an expert and willingly lends a hand. Today Connie is a key player on the Urban Initiatives team. She still dedicates herself to the Soccer Ball, but also volunteers her time and expertise as the Urban Initiatives' Director of Development and Finance. Though her efforts are unpaid, she completes the workload of a full time employee. Her vast business knowledge has been an asset to our young nonprofit's continued growth and development. She has helped Urban Initiatives double our impact from serving five schools to serving ten schools with our program and has helped transition our operations from a plastic Rubbermaid bin to an office in the West Loop. She has brought a heightened level of accountability to Urban Initiatives and has inspired the Board of Directors to go above and beyond their call of duty by leading by example. In addition, Connie can also be found regularly in the Cabrini-Green community volunteering directly with the kids in the program on the soccer field. Connie does it all and is invaluable to our organization and without her we would not be where we are today. She is truly an inspiration and not a day goes by in the Urban Initiatives office that we all sit back and think, ""Isn't she amazing?"" She leads her life with her heart and holds a very special place is ours. She is an amazing friend and a brilliant woman. We are privileged to know her and have the opportunity to make this nomination. Warmest regards, Jim Dower & Daniel Isherwood
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