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SUNDAY BREAKFAST SPORTS Highland Park Good deeds in regulation: One Hope United leader driven to help others. P30 NO. 236 | A JWC MEDIA PUBLICATION
NEWS
What’s next for Highland Park schools? BY JULIE KEMP PICK DAILYNORTHSHORE.COM
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ust one day after the April 4 election, North Shore School District (NSSD) 112 began looking ahead with four new Board of Education (BOE) members and two new principals. “We’d like to thank the community members who worked so tirelessly in their efforts to become school board members,” said Dr. Jane Westerhold, District 112 cointerim superintendent, at the April 5 BOE meeting. “One of the things that Ed Rafferty (co-interim superintendent) and I noticed in our short seven weeks in the district revolves around the commitment of the community, and the dedication of the citizens to make sure that we have the best possible school district for our children. Thank you and Continued on PG 8
DailyNorthShore.com
SOCIAL SCENE
High School Molly Solem resurfacing as a solid contributor in water polo. P28
The Lake Forest High School Boosters Club hosted its 4th annual Boosters Bash. P12 FOLLOW US:
Designed to inspire
Future trends on display at Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens BY STEVE SADIN DAILYNORTHSHORE.COM
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magine a Lake Forest estate decorated by noted designers who are given the freedom to demonstrate a home of the near future. The biennial Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens will provide a preview of such a home April 29 to May 21. This year’s featured home was designed by Howard Van Doren Shaw on two acres in east Lake Forest in 1924, according to Katie Ford, who is co-chairing the event with Elizabeth Nemickas and Sara Pickus, all from Lake Forest, and Sue Slaughter from Lake Bluff. The home will be decorated with furniture and accessories from table settings to lamps and artwork. Nemickas said the professionals creating the show house are free to use their creativity to put together a dream house with only a few restrictions. It will likely offer a glimpse of future trends. “Some of the designs in past show houses have become current trends, and what you see now may become future trends,” said Nemickas. “In this house, visitors will see high gloss, lacquered paints and textiles on the walls. There will be rich colors
Showhouse chairs, from left: Elizabeth Nemickas, Sara Pickus, Sue Slaughter and Katie Ford. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR
and textures.” Along with viewing possible future trends, Nemickas said, people who tour the home will be able to get furnishing ideas of their own. They could see something they want to copy or do a variation on a theme. “You could see the unexpected and it will open your eye to something you would view as possible,” said Nemickas. “Come see the house and let your imagination make it your own space.” In the past, between 6,000 and 10,000 people have toured the
designated house during the weeks of the event. Nemickas described this year’s design as a “sophisticated casual feeling.” “It’s not formal, but has dressy elements mixed with a comfortable feel,” said Nemickas. “It won’t be a traditional formal house. It will be a place where kids can play with their toys.” The cost of tickets is $35 in advance and $40 at the door. Proceeds benefit the Infant We l f a r e Society of Chicago. Founded in 1908, the
Infant Welfare Society initially worked to reduce the infant mortality rate in the Chicago area by providing healthy milk for babies, according to its website. Nemickas said today its clinic provides health services to underserved children and their parents. Fathers were added this year. “The health of fathers is important to the well being of their children,” said Nemickas. The organization operates a clinic for family health on Chicago’s North Side. Along with visiting the house,
participants may walk the gardens designed by Craig Bergmann Landscape Design, Scott Byron & Co., Rocco Fiore & Sons, and Mariani Landscape. There also will be a boutique in the garage selling furniture and many home accessories. “Much of the inventory will be provided by Anna’s Mostly Mahogany,” said Ford. A portion of sales from the boutique as well as Craig Bergmann’s garden market will go to Continued on PG 8
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| SATURDAY APRIL 15 | SUNDAY APRIL 16 2017
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
In honor of Autism Awareness month, I will make a $100 donation to Autism Speaks, Team Michael, for each listing that goes under contract in April. ** !
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847.208.1397 connie@conniedornan.com TheotokosPanagia
#1 Individual Broker for @properties 2015 & 2016
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Chicago Magazine Five Star Real Estate Professional Award 2011-2016 *Number 1 ranking based on closed sales volume in the North Shore area, all companies. MRED LLC for the period 10/31/2015-12/31/16. * *Donation is at the discretion of Connie Dornan and @properties is not responsible for donations made on her behalf. †REAL Trends for the period 1/1/2016-12/31/16. † †Represent buyer.
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
SATURDAY APRIL 15 | SUNDAY APRIL 16 2017 |
421 JACKSON Avenue, Glencoe | $659,000 ! d e
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THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
JUST listed in winnetka! A sanctuary for all seasons, this stunning custom built single family owner mid-century modern home is situated on almost 2 acres of gloriously landscaped serene gardens.
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THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
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SERVICES Monthly Special Available Lunch and Dinner Monday to Friday before 6:00 pm $18.95
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THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
INDEX
IN THIS ISSUE [ NEWS ] 8
DESIGNED TO INSPIRE Future trends on display at Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens.
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A NEW BREW IN HIGHLAND PARK Coffee Speaks adds to Port Clinton scene.
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[LIFESTYLE & ARTS ] 10
NORTH SHORE FOODIE Country Kitchen has been serving customers for nearly 40 years.
[ REAL ESTATE ] 13 HOUSES OF THE WEEK
Intriguing houses for sale in our towns are profiled.
[ SPORTS ] 27
HAMMER’ NAILING DOWN HER POLOIST ROLE Loyola Academy’s Sophis Brouwer — a senior and a first-year varsity starter — earning waves of raves.
[ LAST BUT NOT LEAST ] 30 SUNDAY BREAKFAST
Good deeds in regulation: One Hope United leader driven to help others.
Welcome spring with style.
Check out the digital version of The North Shore Weekend at dailynorthshore.com!
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THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
SATURDAY APRIL 15 | SUNDAY APRIL 16 2017 |
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NEWS
Remembering Joseph Moss of Plaza del Lago BY EMILY SPECTRE DAILYNORTHSHORE.COM
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o many people, Joseph Moss was a savvy businessman and real estate pioneer who owned Plaza del Lago in Wilmette. But to those who knew him well, Moss was a family man who always remembered his roots growing up in an immigrant neighborhood on Chicago’s West Side. “The thing about Joe was that he was really a humanitarian first, and a businessman second. He never forgot where he came from and his door was open to anyone,” Gail, his wife of 37 years, told DailyNorthShore. Moss, 90, died of complications from a heart attack March 16 in Baptist Hospital of Miami, according to Gail. Moss’s own parents immigrated to Chicago from Israel, and he grew up on Chicago’s West Side, attending Crane High School and studying at Roosevelt University. He received an honorary degree from Roosevelt years
later, according to Gail. Moss earned his law degree from John Marshall Law School in 1961 — while working full time as a wholesale hardware salesman and raising four children — but he found his career in real estate. Moss’s focus on condominium conversions, first in Hyde Park and on Lake Shore Drive and later on Sheridan Road, is what ultimately led him to Plaza del Lago. Moss was converting one of the high-rise apartment buildings on the east side of Sheridan Road in Wilmette into condominiums when he met one of the owners of Plaza del Lago. “He just fell in love with (Plaza del Lago). It was an architectural little gem,” Gail said. In 1971 Moss purchased the historic shopping center. Over time Moss attracted several restaurants and other high quality businesses to Plaza del Lago. “It was just a labor of love. He added architectural artifacts. He added sculptures, gardens, fountains and benches for people to
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sit on,” Gail explained. Plaza del Lago became a community center for the residents of Wilmette, where festivals, holiday events and music programs are held year-round. “It became much more than a shopping center,” Gail said. In fact, Moss recently purchased a modern art sculpture on the Jersey Shore, where he and his wife have a home, and was planning to install it in the shopping center near Sheridan Road. He also had commissioned a statue of Archange Ouilmette, wife of Antoine Ouilmette, early residents the village is named after. The statue is expected to be installed during the summer with a presentation by the Wilmette Historical Society, according to Gail. Moss’s service to the larger good was a value he carried with him throughout his life. He donated time and resources to many charitable causes, including scholarships to St. Ignatius College Prep. Moss was also involved with the Peggy Notebaert
Nature Museum and was a life trustee of the Chicago Institute of Psychoanalysis. “He was incredibly generous and giving and really a people person,” Gail said. While Moss and his wife spent a portion of the year in Florida, he always found time to return to Plaza del Lago, which his daughter Laura Moss helped oversee. Whenever he was in Chicago, Moss took time to meet up with old friends from Wilmette and Kenilworth. “They would meet every morning (at the Starbucks in Plaza del Lago),” Moss said. Moss described her husband as someone whose family was a priority. He would always take a break from a meeting to speak with one of his children. “He was first and foremost a family man. They came first,” Gail said. Moss is survived by his wife, Gail, daughters Laura and Ruth; sons David, Josh and Augustus, and 10 grandchildren. His previous marriage ended in divorce.
John Conatser founder & publisher Meagan Biebel assistant to the publisher & ceo [ EDITORIAL ] Adrienne Fawcett executive news & digital editor Bill McLean senior writer/associate editor Kevin Reiterman sports editor Kemmie Orquiz social editor [ DESIGN ] Linda Lewis production manager Kiara Smith advertising coordinator/graphic designer Doug Adcock graphic designer Samantha Suarez graphic designer Bill Werch senior graphic designer [ CONTRIBUTING WRITERS ] Joanna Brown Scott Holleran Jake Jarvi Mike Lubow Julie Kemp Pick Steve Sadin Gregg Shapiro Jill Soderberg Emily Spectre [ PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART ] Joel Lerner chief photographer Larry Miller contributing photographer Robin Subar contributing photographer Barry Blitt illustrator [ SALES ] Gretchen Barnard, M.J. Cadden, Courtney Pitt All advertising inquiry info should be directed to 847-95-0957 & info@jwcmedia.com Find us online: DailyNorthShore.com Like us on Facebook! © 2017 The North Shore Weekend/A publication of JWC Media 445 Sheridan Rd., Highwood, IL 60040
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THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
NEWS DESIGNED Cont. from PG 1 the clinic. A special feature of the more than four-week event is a talk by Mark D. Sikes at 1 p.m. April 30. The author of Beautiful: All American Decorating and Timeless Style, Sikes is the honorary Showhouse chair. The cost of the lecture is $135, and includes a copy of the book. Shuttle buses will take viewers to the house. Tours take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends. During the week, participants may park at Christ Church at Waukegan Road and Highway 60, taking shuttle busses to the home. On the weekends, transportation is provided from the downtown Lake Forest train station. Go to lakeforestshowhouse.com for more details about the event including ticket sales. HP SCHOOLS Cont. from PG 1
Wilmette schools get new schedule end time of 11:10 a.m., while afternoon kindergarteners will start at 12:40 p.m. and end at 3:15 ilmette families will be p.m. Grades one through four will adjusting to a new start at 8:35 a.m. — 20 minutes school schedule in the earlier than the current start time fall, after new start and end times — and will end at 3:15 p.m. On were approved for the 2017-18 Fridays only, first through fourth school year at a special meeting grade students will end early at of the District 39 Board of Edu- 2:15 p.m., while the kindergarten cation held on April 3. schedule will remain the same. The new schedule, which was Students at the Wilmette originally proposed at a March 20 Junior High School will start at school board meeting, includes an 8:25 a.m. and end at 3:10 p.m., in earlier start time for kindergarten contrast to the current schedule through fourth grade students, of 8:00 a.m. to 2:46 p.m. Highwhile junior high students will crest Middle School’s schedule benefit from a later start time. will remain largely the same, with The new schedule includes an students starting at 8:50 a.m. and earlier start time of 8:35 a.m. for finishing at 3:35 p.m. morning kindergarteners and an The new schedule will add 20 BY EMILY SPECTRE DAILYNORTHSHORE.COM
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and I look forward to continuing to be involved as a member of the congratulations to our new board school board.” members to be named officially Like Jenks and Kessler, Brunk on May 2.” served on the 2.0 Committee Newly elected board members with D-112 candidate Julie Dan Jenks, Art Kessler and Campbell. In addition, both Bennett Lasko spoke to Campbell and Brunk were enDailyNorthShore after the dorsed by the CARE (Citizens meeting, while Alexander Brunk Actively Renewing Education) responded by email. Caucus. Campbell spoke with “The time for scrutinizing our DailyNorthShore by telephone: “I’ve worked with three of the differences past and present is over,” said Jenks. “It’s time to start candidates on 2.0 and I think that focusing on shared goals and they have the community’s best building friendships and trust. interest at heart as well as the Regarding concerns about cur- students,” said Campbell. CARE riculum development and imple- had good intentions when they mentation to support for full-day began endorsing candidates. kindergarten, all of the candidates When (CARE endorsed) Brent agree on many more things than we disagree.” Lasko said, “We had a great group of nine candidates, and having spent four months on the campaign trail with them I learned a lot from all of them and I hope they all stay involved. I agree with Dan that we really want to focus on bringing people together and our common goals.” “All of the candidates were extremely well qualified and they all brought up issues that were relevant and should be continued to be debated and considered,” said Kessler. “We’re here to hit the ground running and get started.” Brunk relayed to DailyNorthShore, “In the next few months, we have a lot of work ahead of us to get to a balanced reconfiguration plan for the district that our community will support. I’ve been proud to be a part of this process on the 2.0 Committee
Ross and Lisa Hirsh decided to go off with an actual configuration, it placed me in a conflict of interest, as a 2.0 Steering Committee member, because 2.0 was about having a configuration based on the community’s input. I’m sure it also put Alex Brunk in a difficult spot, as we had to maintain our neutrality and that’s what split the CARE slate.” Lisa Hirsh later told DailyNorthShore, “I am proud of my campaign and the friends that I have made along the way. Thank you to all of my supporters. Going forward, I will continue to advocate for the children of District 112.” Jane Solmor-Mordini was the
minutes of instructional time for students in grades one through four and more collaborative planning time and training for elementary teachers. Superintendent Ray Lechner pointed to uninterrupted blocks of time for core content instruction, as well as dedicated time for providing interventions to students as benefits of the new schedule. Likewise, WJHS students will benefit from a later start time that is in line with recommendations by the American Medical Association that junior high students start no earlier than 8:30 a.m. While band students will benefit from the later start time — rehearsals are held before school — orchestra students will continue with 7:05 a.m. rehearsals at Marie Murphy Middle School for the 2017-2018 school year. Dr. Lechner has promised to explore improving start times for orchestra students in the
future. The schedule changes stem from a teacher contract that was approved in December 2016, where a scheduling committee was formed to address changes to the kindergarten through fourth grade schedule. The scheduling committee presented a new schedule to the board on February 27. After receiving feedback from parents, Dr. Lechner presented a revised schedule at the March 20 school board meeting. Parents expressed concern that the original start time of 8:00 a.m. for kindergarten through fourth grade was too early, and also raised concerns about an early dismissal once a week for the half-day kindergarten program. The revised schedule addressed both of these issues, while also shifting the early dismissal to Friday from the originally proposed Thursday, in response to
feedback from parents. The new schedule means that District 39 will require five additional buses at a cost of $265,100. In an effort to balance parents’ desire for a later start time for elementary students — the first proposal of 8:00 a.m. would not have required additional buses — and control costs, the district approved splitting the costs of the additional buses with parents. Bus fees will increase by $63 for round-trip passes and by $48 for one-way bus passes. “We felt this was the best middle ground approach,” Dr. Lechner said, at the April 3 meeting. Board members approved the revised schedule with few comments. Vice President Mark Steen noted the effort that was put into the new schedule. “I think you’ve demonstrated how much work this really was and I appreciate that,” he said to Dr. Lechner.
assistant superintendent for personnel services, gave two recommendations for D-112 principals; Nicole Bellini as the principal of Sherwood Elementary School and Joanne Dimitriou as the principal of Northwood Junior High. “Nicole has served as Assistant Principal of Woodland Elementary East for five years,” said Schroeder. “She also served as a first-grade dual language teacher at Hawthorn School of Dual Language.” Bellini will soon replace retiring Principal Shawn Walker, who has been with the district for 10 years. D-112 Principals During the April 5 BOE Schroeder explained that meeting, Dr. Monica Schroeder, Dimitriou is currently the
associate principal at Northwood Junior High. “Joanne began her middle school career at Edgewood Middle School and served in that role for over 15 years,” she said. “Then she went to Algonquin Middle School and served with Dr. Westerhold and came back to Northwood in 2013.” Dimitriou will be promoted to principal, as current principal Sandra Arreguin will become the assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction with Township High School District 113 this summer. The board unanimously approved Bellini and Dimitriou, who will begin their respective positions on July 1.
only incumbent in the D-112 board race. “I have enjoyed personal, intellectual, and ethical rigor from my years of service, and I am grateful,” she said after the meeting. “Good people have been elected to fill an incredibly demanding term of service and learning. I am hopeful. I am confident our community will investigate and participate. It’s a ‘we’ not a ‘me’ thing — a local visceral experience of the world we face and the responsibility we owe to all our children and their future.”
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NEWS
Wisma closes in Lake Bluff to provide good products and service to his customers. “We poured our hearts into isma, a neighborhood the little store and I think we did hangout in downtown a pretty damn good job over the Lake Bluff dedicated to years we were open,” said des “helping make the food you eat Rosiers in the email. “I worked at home better,” closed April 4 tirelessly to make Wisma work after five years in business. better and better every year but Owner and chef John des it is simply not feasible in our Rosiers did not give specific company’s current form.” reasons why he closed the shop, Rob Douglass, managing which sold food people could eat partner of Lake Effect Holdings, there or take home, but he ex- which owns the property where pressed sorrow over shuttering Wisma operated, said he learned the business and disappointing the store was closing around the noon hour April 4. his customers. “I promise it was never my “I was as surprised as anyone,” intention to close the store and I said Douglass in a DNS interview. tried vigorously over the past few “This came up pretty quick.” months to find ways to keep it Despite the closing, des open,” des Rosiers said in an Rosiers said he has not lost sight email to DailyNorthShore.com. “If of the reason he opened the store there was anything more that I in the first place. “I want to thank personally could have done, I all of you for your amazing support when our store was would have.” Wisma sold prepared dishes, open,” said des Rosiers. “Your wine and beer that customers energy and your enthusiasm could take home or consume made it what it grew to be and on site. we never could have gotten as far Des Rosiers, who also owns as we did without it. Our comInovasi across the street from munity was incredible to us and Wisma in downtown Lake Bluff, I want you to know how much I said he did everything he could personally appreciate that.” BY STEVE SADIN DAILYNORTHSHORE.COM
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Coffee Speaks owners Brian and Kathy Park on opening day at the new coffee shop in Highland Park. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JOEL LERNER
A new brew in Highland Park Coffee Speaks adds to Port Clinton scene
being a friend.” Brian said he was thrilled to see some of those loyal customers from the farmers markets who drove from Gurnee and Lake Zurich to support Coffee Speaks’ grand opening on March 10. BY JULIE KEMP PICK Brian explained what makes DAILYNORTHSHORE.COM Coffee Speaks different from the here’s a new gathering place competition: “We roast our own in Highland Park’s Port coffee and focus on freshness by Clinton Square, where keeping the beans for 15 days,” people can catch up on percolat- he said. “Our beans come from ing news: Coffee Speaks. different countries and have a Prior to opening the coffee unique brewing method.” Brian said the nitro coffee is shop in March, first-time business owners Brian and Kathy Park did very popular. “It’s basically a research by participating in colder coffee with nitrogen that farmers markets and July 4th kills the bitterness and naturally events in Gurnee, Lake Zurich brings a sweet flavor. People who and other Lake County locations. like sugar don’t need sugar with “We were able to see how nitro coffee. It creates a creamy people liked the coffee and what foam texture like Guinness beer their preferences were,” said and has more caffeine.” Brian. “It was about more than Coffee Speaks offers unusual coffee, it was about making con- flavors, from toffee nut coffee to nections, showing support and affogato. “Affogato is ice cream
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Wisma is no more...
with hot coffee, and it’s very popular,” said Brian. “We also have honey bread with butter that’s toasted with a choice of whipped cream or ice cream.” In addition, Coffee Speaks has a variety of tea drinks such as green tea latte and chai tea latte, as well as bakery items from a third party. The Parks, who live in Mundelein, have been married for two years. Kathy worked as a barista in Korea before emigrating to the U.S. four years ago. “There are so many coffee companies in Korea,” she said. Brian is also from Korea but he came to the states when he was in sixth grade. Brian’s sister introduced them, and Kathy learned how to speak English at his youth group. “I’m a youth/EM (English Ministry) pastor in Naperville, and Kathy helps out with the high school and Bible study students,” said Brian. Coffee Speaks will be closed on Sundays, as the
couple will devote Sundays to the ministry. The Parks said they enjoy spending time together at work. Brian’s sister and dad have also been helping out at Coffee Speaks. Coffee Speaks offers a rewards card for customers to have stamped on each visit. After 10 stamps, customers will receive a free drink. Kathy said it’s similar to the Starbucks rewards program. The Parks are very excited to start fresh in Highland Park: “Highland Park is a beautiful city and it’s a close community where everyone supports each other,” said Brian. Coffee Speaks is located at 610 Central Avenue, suite 155, at the south end of Port Clinton Square next to Stationary Station. The temporary phone number is 773968-6555.
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THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
LIFESTYLE & ARTS
NORTH SHORE FOODIE
Old-time values & kitchen table wisdom Country Kitchen has been serving customers for nearly 40 years BY STEVE SADIN DAILYNORTHSHORE.COM
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uests come to Country Kitchen for the food, but they stay to chat with the family members who have been making customers feel welcome for 39 years. “People ask why I work at the restaurant at my age, but I don’t do anything,” said Peter Dimitriou, owner. “I just read the paper and do PR. I tell people I am the tree in the desert and I just want to sit in the shade.” Peter knows Country Kitchen is in good hands, because his daughter Ruby Iliopoulos had a wonderful teacher. Peter explained that Ruby was taking business classes in school when her parents discussed selling Country Kitchen. But Ruby wanted to run the restaurant. Owners Ruby Iliopoulos and her dad, Peter Dimitriou, at Country Kitchen in Highland Park. BELOW: Mickey Mouse pancakes and egg white vegetarian omelet. PHOTOS BY JOEL LERNER “Ruby thought I wouldn’t like the idea because I was a male Kitchen was originally located helps with real estate and we have Ruby said the menu has barely chauvinist, so I said I’m willing to next door at 448 Central Avenue, several buildings in Highland changed over time. “I feel that if teach you and I’ll tell you what my where Baby Dreams is housed. Park. There’s nothing more pre- it’s been working well for all these parents taught me,” he said. “They The site at 446 Central Avenue cious than children and good years, you have to respect that.” said for a woman to run a restauwas a parking lot before a new health.” Country Kitchen also does its best rant you need eight hours to be a Country Kitchen was built to acRuby began helping out at to follow dietary restrictions. wife, you need eight hours to be a commodate a growing customer Country Kitchen in high School. Some of Country Kitchen’s mother and you need eight hours base about 30 years ago. Ruby said “My brother Dino, sister Maria newer items include: egg white to run the restaurant. When would dedicated employee Ruth Mazzeta and I were always working on the omelets, Mickey Mouse pancakes, you sleep? Then my wife said let began working at the original weekends unless we had basketball a variety of salads and a breakfast her have it and if she doesn’t like restaurant. or a church activity,” she said. sandwich. “The customers tell us it we’ll sell it.” It’s Peter’s strong work ethic “Every summer my parents would what they want to eat, and we are Ruby became the manager after that continues to keep generations go to Greece for about a month grateful to serve generations of she completed cooking school of loyal customers coming back. and when I turned 17 I’d open and loyal customers,” said Peter. about 10 years ago. “All of my employees make sure run the restaurant.” Peter is also hopeful that “Dad and I are both on the to let the customers know how Peter was raised in a family with Country Kitchen will continue same page with our business menvaluable they are and how impor- 10 children in Greece. In 1955 he to thrive for generations to come tality and we don’t have to explain tant their food is,” said Peter. went to Canada and became in- and is excited to eventually pass Country Kitchen is open from volved in the restaurant business the torch to his eight grandchilourselves.” said Ruby. “Our personalities are similar, as we both 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.,which has with his brothers. dren. “We like Highland Park believe in hard work and we enjoy enabled Peter to spend more time Peter took three years of French and we put pride in what we do,” the customers.” with his family. Ruby said that in Canada and learned Spanish. he said. “I’m only as good as my Peter said customers have been when she was growing up, her dad “I wish that I could speak one last meal. The only allergy my coming here since the restaurant went to all of her and her siblings’ language properly and then I’d let family has is loneliness, but when opened in 1978. One customer is basketball games. the other ones go,” he said. the place is full of people it looks “If you don’t spend time with 102 and she still comes in with In 1967, Peter came to beautiful.” the children you have wild horses Chicago to open a restaurant with her great-grandson. “We have a connection with with no harnesses,” said Peter. “I’m his brother at Cicero and DiviCountry Kitchen is located at our customers and we give them a very tough father. My children sion. When the neighborhood 446 Central Avenue, Highland what they want,” Peter said. don’t lie or steal. We don’t take changed, he sold it and came to Park. For more information call: Ruby explained that Country anything unless we earn it. My son Highland Park. (847) 432-7500.
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
SATURDAY APRIL 15 | SUNDAY APRIL 156 2017 |
Spring Planter Workshops
Thursday, April 20 6:30pm-7:30pm Friday, April 21 10:00am-11:00am Saturday, April 22 10:00am-11:00am TWO SEASONS OF ENJOYMENT IN ONE PLANTER! Get instant gratification from pansies, daffodils, hyacinths and ivy while summer lilies are developing below!
Call 847-256-0561 ext. 230 to register. $60 fee. THE LANDSCAPE OF LIFE www.chaletnursery.com 3132 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091 847.256.0561
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4/10/2017 11:53:57 AM
Wonderful Things Sleep Sale
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Jamie Childs, Principal jamie.p.childs@gmail.com 847.712.2140
Peter J. Childs, Principal peter.james.childs@gmail.com 312.882.5307
Childs Development LLC | 711 McKinley Rd., Ste. 6, Lake Forest, IL
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THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
LIFESTYLE & ARTS
SOCIALS LIVE FROM LAKE FOREST... IT’S SCOUTS SATURDAY NIGHT Photography by Larry Miller
The Lake Forest High School (LFHS) Boosters Club hosted its 4th annual Boosters Bash this year with a comedy theme. Guests enjoyed an evening of socializing, food stations, a silent and a live auction, and performances by the LFHS Swing Sonatas jazz ensemble and Second City All Stars improv troupe. Guests enjoyed dessert and danced into the night to a live DJ. Proceeds raised during the annual event will be used to support programs, equipment, grants, and scholarships for LFHS students.
JULIE & ERIK BLOOM
RICH ADAMS, MIKE MCMAHON, JOHN CAVALARIS
SUSAN MCMAHON, SHEILA CAVALARIS
AUTUMN & PAUL MANDELIS
DAVE & EMILY LANE, LYNELL & JOE BOVERI
KAREN CARSON, DR. NAVINE YACOUB
lfhsboosters.org
FULL & HALF
>
NOW ENROLLING!
DAY PROGRAMS. THE NURTURING NEVER STOPS. Tour your local Goddard School and experience why it’s the best preparation for social and academic success. Goddard Systems, Inc.’s program is AdvancED accredited.
Restoring the North Shore for 75 Years
INFANT THROUGH PRE-K OPEN YEAR-ROUND SKOKIE • 847-773-0200 GoddardSchool.com -----------LEARNING FOR FUN. LEARNING FOR LIFE.® -----------The Goddard Schools are operated by independent franchisees under a license agreement with Goddard Systems, Inc. Programs and ages may vary. Goddard Systems, Inc. program is AdvancED accredited. © Goddard Systems, Inc. 2017
www.birkenheier.com
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
SATURDAY APRIL 15 | SUNDAY APRIL 16 2017 |
REAL ESTATE
HOUSES OF THE WEEK
$1,350,000
120 Euclid Avenue, Glencoe 5 Bedrooms/ 4.1 Bathrooms Exclusively Presented by: Vicki Caputo @properties 847.432.0700 vickicaputo@atproperties.com You will love this spectacular Glencoe home situated on a large beautiful half-acre lot walking distance to the train, park, shopping and schools. Spalted maple hardwood floors make this light and airy home feel brand new. This home has everything! State of the art kitchen with breakfast nook, bar seating, top of the line appliances and built in Miele coffee system. Kitchen opens into large family living areas with vaulted ceilings, skylights and fireplace.
$1,799,000
792 Jennifer Ct , Lake Forest 6 Bedrooms / 5.5 Bathrooms Exclusively Presented by: Rubenstein Fox Team &Â Laura Kerstein, Baird & Warner 847.209.1131 laura.kerstein@bairdwarner.com A casual elegance in this Rick Swanson design and build. Welcome your guest into your grand foyer. Generous rooms flow perfectly into the next. This home is perfect for entertaining throughout including a stunning lower level. First floor offers french doors throughout with access to private brick paver patios and views of over an acre of designed and maintained Mariani Landscape grounds. Pool room provides the perfect flow for your family and friends to access the in ground pool and built in grill which complete the beautifully landscaped yard. Lower level offers entertainment area accented with fireplace and coffered ceiling, full kitchen, bar, game room and exercise room a must see! Easy access to major arteries of transportation. Excellent school. Shopping nearby.
BEAUT Y THROUGH EACH SEASON. All Phases of Lawn, Garden & Property Maintenance.
WWW.M A R I A N I L A N D S C A P E . COM
847-234-2172
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THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
The most aggressive marketing approach to efficient real estate sales & closings at 2017 fair market value prices!
166 ABINGDON Kenilworth
original list price: $2,800,000 reserve price: $2,200,000
Open for inspection on:
Saturday, April 15th | 1-3pm
Saturday, April 22nd | 1-3pm
Saturday, April 29th | 1-3pm or shown by appointment Bids open at 5:00 P.M. on Monday, May 1st* *The owners are not obligated to accept any offer unless the price & terms of any contract submitted are satisfactory even if the reserve price is met or exceeded.
....making real estate sales a full contact sport... For more information or to schedule a showing on any of these offerings or to learn more about NSSS please contact Peter Cummins at 847-710-6798
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
SPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTION
happy easter!
SATURDAY APRIL 15 | SUNDAY APRIL 16 2017 |
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SPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTION
934 CENTRAL AVENUE HIGHLAND PARK 5 bedroom/4.1 bath $650,000 934Central.info
better than new!
1008 DEERFIELD ROAD HIGHLAND PARK 3 bedroom/2.1 bath $369,000 1008Deerfield.info
easy livingmaintenance free!
DEBBIE SCULLY Mobile: 847.373.4296 Office: 847.432.0700 debbiescully@atproperties.com atproperties.com
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
SPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTION
SATURDAY APRIL 15 | SUNDAY APRIL 16 2017 |
919 AMHERST LANE WILMETTE 5 bedroom/5.1 bath $1,390,000 1234anywhere.info
under contract!
390 GLENDALE WINNETKA 3 bedroom/2.1 bath $799,000 390Glendale.info
under contract!
BRANDIE MALAY SIAVELIS Mobile: 773.968.4550 Office: 847.881.0200 brandie@atproperties.com atproperties.com
ABR, ASP
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THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
42 LOGAN LOOP HIGHLAND PARK 4 bedroom/3.1 bath $1,399,000 42LoganLoop.info
insert call out
169 LAUREL AVENUE HIGHLAND PARK 7 bedroom/4.2 bath $849,900 169Laurel.info
insert call out
TED PICKUS
MARLA FORBES
Mobile: 847.417.0520 Office: 847.432.0700 tedpickus@atproperties.com atproperties.com
Mobile: 847.708.3833 Office: 847.432.0700 marlaforbes@atproperties.com atproperties.com
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
SPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTION
SATURDAY APRIL 15 | SUNDAY APRIL 16 2017 |
305 POPLAR STREET WINNETKA 3 bedroom/2.1 bath $849,000 305Poplar.info
bonus room over garage
CHA MCDANIEL Mobile: 847.769.3889 Office: 847.881.0200 chamcdaniel@atproperties.com chamcdaniel.com
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SPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTION
419 MORAINE ROAD HIGHLAND PARK 4 bedroom/5.1 bath $1,399,000 419Moraine.info
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1500 MCDANIELS AVENUE HIGHLAND PARK 6 bedroom/6.1 bath $1,299,000 1500McDaniels.info
new listing
TED PICKUS Mobile: 847.417.0520 Office: 847.432.0700 tedpickus@atproperties.com atproperties.com
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
SPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTION
SATURDAY APRIL 15 | SUNDAY APRIL 16 2017 |
2 DUNSINANE LANE BANNOCKBURN 4 bedroom/5.1 bath $1,099,999 2DunsinaneLn.info
first floor master bedroom
475 NIADA TERRACE HIGHLAND PARK 5 bedroom/4.1 bath $949,000 475Niada.info
insert call out
TED PICKUS Mobile: 847.417.0520 Office: 847.432.0700 tedpickus@atproperties.com atproperties.com
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SPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTION
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
213 RALEIGH ROAD KENILWORTH 5 bedroom/5.1 bath $2,225,000 213Raleigh.info
classic georgian in east kenilworth
MARY GRANT
LIZ WATSON
Mobile: 312.339.2018 Office: 847.881.0200 marygrant@atproperties.com atproperties.com
Mobile: 847.323.3122 Office: 847.881.0200 lizwatson@atproperties.com atproperties.com
SPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTION
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
SATURDAY APRIL 15 | SUNDAY APRIL 16 2017 |
329 CHESTNUT STREET WINNETKA 5 bedroom/4.2 bath $2,095,000 329Chestnut.info
over a half acre with resort like setting
MARY GRANT
LIZ WATSON
Mobile: 312.339.2018 Office: 847.881.0200 marygrant@atproperties.com atproperties.com
Mobile: 847.323.3122 Office: 847.881.0200 lizwatson@atproperties.com atproperties.com
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SPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTION
1580 CHRISTINA LANE LAKE FOREST 5 bedroom/6.2 bath $1,700,000 1580Christina.info
insert call out
14730 WEST IMPERIAL DRIVE METTAWA 5 bedroom/4 bath $1,175,000 14730WImperial.info
insert call out
JOANNA KOPERSKI Mobile: 847.668.0096 Office: 847.295.0700 jkoperski@atproperties.com atproperties.com
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
SPECIAL REAL ESTATE SECTION
SATURDAY APRIL 15 | SUNDAY APRIL 16 2017 |
770 GREENWOOD AVENUE GLENCOE 6 bedroom/6.2 bath $3,749,000
new construction
826 LOCUST STREET WINNETKA 6 bedroom/5.1 bath $2,875,000 826Locust.info
insert call out
MILENA BIROV Mobile: 847.962.1200 Office: 847.881.0200 milena@atproperties.com atproperties.com
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PR PR E- N IC CO OW IN N O G ST P A RU EN VA C IL TI A O B N LE
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LUXURY 2 AND 3-BEDROOM CONDOS START I NG IN THE LOW $400S · NEW CONSTR UCTION · LAKE FOREST
SALE S MODE L NOW OP E N AT 1 8 0 0 AMBE RL EY CT 1 2 -4 P M · THURS DAY-S UNDAY 847.644.0092 · 1850AMBE RLE Y.COM
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
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SPORTS
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FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @tnswsports
‘HAMMER’ NAILING DOWN HER POLOIST ROLE Loyola Academy’s Brouwer — a senior and a first-year varsity starter — earning waves of raves
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n the spring of 2014, Sophia Brouwer — a Loyola Academy freshman at the time and coming off a swimming season in the fall — wanted to compete in a sport. Water polo was a viable option for the Lincoln Park resident. “It looked interesting,” recalls Brouwer, now a senior and a second-year varsity member of the Ramblers’ girls water polo program. “It looked cool. I thought, ‘Hey, water polo, I’ll give it a try.’ ” Brouwer made the JV squad and, in her very first game, committed a turnover shortly after entering the water. Life as a rookie water polo player was not going so swimmingly. “I was terrified because I had no idea what I was doing,” she admits. But she was also instantly productive in the game against Mundelein High School, scoring in front of a crowd that included her father, Ron. “He hadn’t realized I scored because he couldn’t tell the players apart,” a smiling Brouwer says. It’s hard — no, impossible — to miss the 5-foot-9 Brouwer in the water these days. Bunches of goals for the 13-15 Ramblers originate from her right hand. The standout stands … out. As a scorer. As a leader. Co-captain Brouwer and junior Lauren Voss are the team’s leading scorers this spring. “Sophia’s shots are hard shots, strong shots,” says senior Emma Kyle, the team’s other co-captain and LA’s leader in assists and steals. “I started calling her ‘The Hammer’ last year.” LA’s 2016 team was a seniorladen group, and it included Voss’ sister, Claire, now a freshman swimmer at San Diego State University. The elder Voss — named a second-team all-stater by ilpolo. com — served as the Ramblers’ force on offense last spring. “I did a lot of observing when I was a junior,” Brouwer says. “When we were up by 10 goals, that’s when I usually got to play.
BY BILL MCLEAN, SPORTS@NORTHSHOREWEEKEND.COM
of my freshman year, when Sophia was a year ahead of me, I was told to go in for her, and I thought, ‘Wait, she’s good; why am I going in for her?’ ” The thing about her is how excited she always is — excited to compete in practice and in games.” As a humble Brouwer progressed in the sport she chose late in her young life and waited patiently to swim and shoot for serious minutes in games, she received positive feedback. From coaches. From teammates. The consensus: Sophia, you’re better than you think you are. “Sophia,” Kyle says, “is so aware in the water, with the ability to improvise and backstroke to get in a better position. Reliable. Sophia is reliable.” And quick to acknowledge the talents of her teammates. After scoring off a pass from Kyle in a game, Brouwer’s typical reaction is, “Emma, nice pass.” In January, Brouwer made an impact out of the water, dancing for 12 hours in the school’s main gym during a Dance Marathon. The inaugural event raised thousands of dollars for children with muscular dystrophy. Brouwer is a member of the Loyola Academy Dance Company (LADC) — the organization behind the marathon. “I danced to some disco songs,” ‘The Hammer’ says. Perhaps to some hip-hop songs, as well, especially if they were from an M.C. Hammer album. Notable: Loyola Academy’s girls water polo team defeated visiting Bremen 14-5 on April 1, behind ‘BROUW’ WOWING ’EM: Loyola Academy senior Sophia Brouwer prepares to unleash a shot against Bremen earlier this month. She junior Lauren Voss’ four goals and scored twice in LA’s 14-5 victory. PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE PFOERTNER two apiece from seniors Sophia Claire was great, such a great all- fall and winter seasons. at the top of her list. “She has 17, and that pair, along with junior Brouwer and Lexi Stensby. LA led around player. She helped me. The Lady Eagles landed in stepped up so much since her days Nicole Kielba, ranked in the top 7-1 after one seven-minute quarter Watching her play in games and Ohio to play in a tournament. as a bench player last year. And three among LA scorers in three and 11-2 at the half. Ramblers in practices helped me.” “Great competitor, very intense, she does whatever you ask her to New Trier Tournament games on coach Kim Przekota pulled most Instead of figuring she would and she’s easy to coach,” Ramblers do; not a lot of drama with Sophia. March 11. of her starters after one quarter of “Sophia,” Voss says, “is good at play. The winning goalie was see plenty of time in the water as water polo coach Kim Przekota “Each time she plays,” the coach a senior and therefore could take says of Brouwer, who is interested adds, “she improves. Exciting to getting in position [on offense], sophomore Grace Kern. LA’s other it easy in the offseason, Brouwer in civil engineering and would like watch.” plus she’s able to manage the ball scorers were Sarah Pinkerton, joined the Chicago-based Lady nothing more than the opportuBrouwer and Lauren Voss so well. Her backhand shot is Emma Kyle, Angela Visconti, Eagles, a water polo club team, nity to play polo at either Villa- paced the Ramblers’ scoring in a strong; all of her shots are strong. Nicole Kielba, Katie Nash and “I remember, in the preseason Anna Schaupp. and trained and competed in the nova or Brown — the two schools 9-7 loss to New Trier on March
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THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
SPORTS
SOLEM’S VOW: MAINTAIN HEALTH OF HP’S POLO PROGRAM Giants senior captain operates steadily in water BY BILL MCLEAN, SPORTS@NORTHSHOREWEEKEND.COM
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olly Solem did not squirm in her chair. As a member of a science class at Highland Park High School last fall, the senior swimmer/water polo player viewed a live video of a man undergoing a double-bypass heart surgery. “It was interesting, seeing what the surgeon did, seeing the man’s heart beat during the procedure,” Solem recalled after a home water polo game last week. The prognosis for the Giants — with Solem serving as a popular captain and a highly effective player — for the rest of the season is an upbeat one. HP, a sectional finalist a year ago, improved its record to 6-4 when it downed visiting Vernon Hills 6-2 on April 6. Solem came up big in the second minute of the fourth quarter, drawing a kickout and then quickly flicking a pass to her twin, Julia Solem, who whipped a shot past the Cougars’ goalie. The tally gave the Giants a 5-2 lead — and some extra breathing room — at the 5:14 mark of the frame. “When I think of Molly, I think of a reserved gem,” said HP girls water polo coach Christine Pasquesi. “She’s unassuming and cucumber-calm. Molly is not the most vocal player, but she commands the pool, and everybody respects her because she’s technically and fundamentally strong as a player. “Total team player, too,” the coach added. “Ask her to do anything for the team, and she’ll say ‘OK’ with a smile every single time.” Molly Solem — bound for the University of Southern California with a plan to major in biochemistry/pre-med — will graduate from high school with four varsity swimming letters and four varsity water polo letters. Solem swam on the Giants’ Central Suburban League North Meet championship squad in her junior season (2015) and helped HP’s polo crew earn an Elite Eight berth in the state playoffs last spring. HP bowed to top-seeded Stevenson in a sectional final.
Solem got to speak where UN General Assembly diplomats speak. “It was a little intimidating at first, but I wasn’t all that nervous, and it was a great experience,” Solem recalled, adding she declined to use a British accent while speaking at the conference “because I don’t have a very good one.” Words aren’t always necessary when Solem needs to get a message across to a teammate. Or to a coach. “During a timeout or when we’re in a team huddle on a pool deck, it’s nice for me to look at Molly and see her with a reassuring smile going,” Pasquesi said. “It’s good feedback, her smile, because it makes you feel instantly comfortable. “That smile of hers,” the coach added, “is one of the reasons Molly is an approachable teammate.” Notable: Highland Park girls water polo coach Christine Pasquesi, a 1999 Loyola Academy graduate and a Chicago resident, succeeded Danny Weinberg, who stepped down last spring to pursue an opportunity in another state. Weinberg’s predecessor? None other than Pasquesi, who had guided the Giants’ program for “seven or eight years” before the start of Weinberg’s tenure with the team. … Giants junior Arianne Cole poured in three goals and collected two steals in HP’s 6-2 defeat of visiting Vernon Hills on April 6. Her sister, Noa Cole, finished with two goals and three steals, while senior Julia READY, AIM … : Highland Park senior Molly Solem rises to fire a shot in a game against visiting Vernon Hills last week. Solem and the Solem contributed a goal and a Giants won 6-2. PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE PFOERTNER pair of steals. Winning goalie “People underestimated us [in Solem. Pasquesi sought a team- brighten the mood.” around and keep the team in good Abbey Hodges stopped 11 shots, water polo, in 2016],” said Solem, mate for the interviewer. Added Arianne Cole: “Role spirits.” with several of her saves coming Solem’s team out of the water on point-blank shot attempts. … who ranks among the Giants’ But three teammates — juniors model, with the most experience, leaders in goals, assists and steals Noa Cole, Breanna Haak and and she embodies [the successful is the school’s Model UN contin- Giants senior Molly Solem, on this spring. “It was real cool to Arianne Cole — wanted to student-athlete]. Molly never gets gent, of which she is president. her decision to attend USC: “I prove them wrong. Getting to answer questions about Solem. down, never gives up. And she’s Too much frozen atmospheric consider myself a cold-weather that game, against an insanely Wanted to tout Solem. always about the team, 100 water vapor — or snow — forced person. It’ll definitely be a change, good team like Stevenson, was So Pasquesi sent all three of percent.” the cancellation of her flight to going to school out there in that memorable, the highlight of my them to the journalist. Chimed Haak: “Molly has the UN Headquarters in New kind of weather, but I’m excited years in water polo. To reach that “Such a good leader,” Noa Cole three R’s going for her — respect- York last month. She and her about it. My mom [Patti] wanted game meant a lot to our program.” said. “Such a valuable leader. ful, reliable and responsible. What Model UN partner, Hayden Katz, me to stay close to home, wanted Following the game last week Molly knows what to say and other teams notice about her, arrived on Day 2 of the confer- me to attend Lake Forest College against Vernon Hills, a request when to say it. If we’re going up more than anything else, is how ence, where they represented the or College of Lake County. But had been made to interview one against a tough opponent, she focused she is. Molly is a serious United Kingdom in a simulated she has accepted my choice to go to school in California.” of Solem’s teammates about usually figures out a way to player, but she’s not afraid to joke session.
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
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SPORTS
COUNTING ON GJAJA Ever-reliable New Trier setter fully aware — on and off the court BY BILL MCLEAN, SPORTS@NORTHSHOREWEEKEND.COM
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ew Trier setter Niko Gjaja could have let school administrators figure out his volleyball coach’s number of career wins in the middle of the season last spring. He chose not to do so. Gjaja — a junior and first-year varsity member at the time — knew Trevians boys volleyball coach Sue Ellen Haak was nearing a milestone (400 career victories) in 2016. “I was looking at a state program, and I was pretty sure her win total was one win off,” Gjaja recalls. “But I wanted to make sure, and I wanted to do what I could to make sure our team was prepared to celebrate with her on the night of her 400th win. “I talked to our captains [2016 graduates Peter Hindsley and Henry Lindstrom] first, and then I met with our assistant athletic director. To me, it was a big deal; Coach Haak has done so much for our program.” Gjaja and others did a little research, made some phone calls, added some numbers up and then looked at the Trevians’ schedule. A New Trier win against Niles West would swell Haak’s win total to an even 400. Gjaja — with help from his mother, Kate — ordered a huge cake from a Costco for the potential commemoration. NT won. Trevs devoured cake. Give Gjaja — the starting setter on NT’s state runner-up squad (36-6) last season — credit for yet another assist. “Niko,” Haak says, “is a caring guy and one of the top young men at our school, as well as one of the most coachable players I’ve ever coached. The character traits he has, his leadership skills … they’re all great ones. There’s nothing fake about him; he’s as sincere as they come. “And here’s something else I like about him: Niko never hesitates to laugh at himself.” Gjaja was a sixth-grader at Highcrest Middle School in Wilmette when a PE teacher mentioned the volleyball program at Gjaja’s next school, Wilmette Junior High. The teacher thought Gjaja and volleyball would be a good match. Later, at the dinner table at home, Gjaja shared some news
to us, ‘Hey, we’re fine. Relax. Let’s reset.’ “I then looked at the rest of my teammates and didn’t notice one look of panic.” NT ended up advancing to a sectional final with a 18-25, 25-21, 25-20 win. Haak knew what to expect from Gjaja years before Gjaja lofted his first set in a varsity match. “One of our coaches watched Niko play in a match at Wilmette Junior High,” Haak says. “What the coach recognized immediately was Niko’s leadership. Niko took charge, telling his teammates where they needed to be on the court and doing other things good setters do. “If Niko ever plays poorly now,” the coach adds, “it would be my fault because he does whatever we ask him to do.” Gjaja will play college volleyball at Princeton University — where his back-yard/in-house coach played before catching the attention of USA volleyball coaches. Medicine is a possible field of study for him. “Maybe something along the lines of research,” Gjaja says. “I’m super analytical, and I like to ask a lot of questions. I must have asked 400 questions one day in my anatomy class. I must have been really annoying on that day.” But answers to good questions STRIDE RIGHT: New Trier senior setter and Princeton-bound Niko Gjaja ran the floor show during the Trevians’ championship effort at often lead to the conclusion of a last weekend’s 24-team Warren Invite in Gurnee. He was named to the all-tournament team. PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE PFOERTNER project. Recall Haak’s milestone win. with his parents [Marin and Kate]. Hills-based Adversity, a volleyball weekend was its first, a 19-25, anything crafty. We trust him. He Recall the icing-caked faces of “I told them, ‘Hey, I’m thinking club where Niko continues to 25-17, 16-14 defeat of Zion- doesn’t just fire us up when we of trying out for volleyball as a hone his skills. “He has so much Benton in pool play on April 7. need that; Niko also stays calm. Haak’s players after the win. seventh-grader, ’ ” Gjaja says. “My volleyball knowledge, and he had Gjaja exuded positivity through- Earlier this season he told us, “We’re now trying to figure out dad’s eyes lit up.” an answer for all of my questions.” out, encouraging and pumping up during a match, ‘Take a deep how many years my assistant Marin Gjaja had been an alterNew Trier’s 2017 boys volley- his teammates in between his breath,’ which is what we needed coach [Dick Dreis] has been nate on the USA Olympic men’s ball team faced five tests at last steady jump sets and left-handed to hear.” coaching,” Haak says. “He won’t volleyball team in 1992, but he weekend’s 24-team Warren Invi- kills. Early in the second set of It was the kind of message tell us.” had never pressured Niko to play tational in Gurnee. It passed them NT’s pool-play match with Lakes Gjaja had heard from seniors last Get the feeling Gjaja will be volleyball. The news from his son all with flying … ceiling scrapers. — a 25-12, 25-16 rout — Gjaja spring. NT found itself down a on the case, if he isn’t already? was a green light — for Marin to Haak’s roster includes eight faked a set before blasting a clean set in a sectional semifinal to host teach volleyball to Niko. players who are 6-foot-4 or taller. kill on April 7. Evanston. The gym was steamy Notable: New Trier senior outside Marin set up shop in his back NT would win 18 of the next on that day. ‘I’m one of the shorter guys,” hitter Billy Fauntleroy totaled a NT’s sweat-soaked seniors? yard. Niko’s siblings — sister Alex, says the 6-foot-3, 180-pound 26 points. combined 39 kills, four blocks and On Day 2 of the tourney, New now a sophomore rower at New Gjaja, who was named to the all“Poised,” recalls Gjaja, whose three aces en route to earning allTrier, and brother Stefan, now a tournament team — along with Trier downed Maine South, Deer- jump-float serve is as annoying to tournament honors at the Warren budding seventh-grade volleyball NT’s 6-8 senior outside hitter, field and Riverside-Brookfield in a receiver as a knuckleball is to a Invite last weekend. Other sigplayer — joined their big brother Billy Fauntleroy — after finishing succession — and in straight sets. fastball-loving slugger. “Being nificant efforts from Trevians: for the convenient volleyball drills. with 113 assists, 13 kills and five NT (7-1) solved R-B 25-19, around them, playing volleyball Kieran Hutchison (25 kills, three “I will always be thankful for blocks at the invite April 7-8. 25-21 for the title. with them, was a great opportu- blocks); Brian Kaiser (17 kills, 10 the time my dad spent with me in “Teams do a double-take when “He gets there; he’s a fast-paced nity for me to learn. Our run to blocks); Joe D’Attomo (15 kills, our back yard,” Gjaja says of they see us walk into a gym. It player,” NT junior outside hitter the state playoffs was not an easy six blocks); Will Wolf (13 kills, Marin, a volunteer assistant coach might be a little intimidating.” Brian Kaiser says of Gjaja’s setting one. Right after we lost that first five blocks); and Jack Werd (12 under Kyle Masterson at Vernon NT’s tightest match last style. “And he doesn’t try to do set to Evanston, our seniors said kills, eight blocks).
30
| SATURDAY APRIL 15 | SUNDAY APRIL 16 2017
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
SUNDAY BREAKFAST
Golf enthusiast Humphrey ‘Masters’ life as head of One Hope United
BY BILL MCLEAN ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT
I
f life were a golf course, Scott Humphrey — a former senior advisor and vice chairman at BMO Capital Markets and the current president and CEO of One Hope United (OHU) — is somewhere on the fairway of the 10th hole. The first nine holes of his professional years were devoted to providing for his family (wife Nichole and their children, son Cain and daughter Jordan) and making a global imprint as an investment banker. The Glencoe resident became president and CEO of OHU in 2015 — after having served the national not-for-profit children/ welfare services organization as its chairman of the board for 10 years. The native of Poway, a suburb of San Diego, considers himself semi-retired today. “It was time to do something I really wanted to do, time to be more impactful than I had been,” says the 46-year-old Humphrey, who was a freshman walk-on golfer at the University of Arizona when Phil Mickelson was a freshman scholarship golfer at Arizona State University. “I’m living a different life now, at an entirely different pace, and I’m not traveling as much. It’s been great. It’s phenomenal, getting to work with the passionate people at One Hope United. They are all committed to doing good things for children and their families, to help others disrupt the cycle of poverty. “Our vision, our mission, is, ‘Every child should get to live a life without limits.’ ” One Hope United has been
around for more than 120 years, turning lives around in Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri and Florida. It operates the Wilmette Child Development Center, which has provided early childhood education, among other invaluable services, for 29 years. The center is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). “That’s a gold standard, that accreditation,” Humphrey says. “It’s the highest accreditation. The center is run like a school; it’s not a place where kids get placed in a basement and drool on things. Ninetyt w o percent of the infants there become kindergar ten-
ready. Our staff there focuses primarily on getting the kids to engage — socially, emotionally and in a learning environment. They’re being exposed to technology, and they’re developing teamwork skills in small and large groups.” Humphrey sips coffee from a cup at Café Buongiorno in
fundraiser, Hope in Action, set for April 29 at JW Marriott in Chicago. “Stand Up for Children” is the clever theme of this year’s event. Saturday Night Live alumni Tim Meadows and Colin Quinn will
spending a night in Chicago with highly entertaining people and building our organization’s brand, all while raising money [through auctions and a Las Vegas trip raffle],” says Humphrey, who realized one of his dreams — to work on Wall Street — when he held multiple positions at Deutsche Bank Securities in New York from 1997-2004. (He completed a stint with the firm from 2004-07 in Chicago, before joining BMO Capital Markets as its head of U.S. mergers and acquisitions.) The major influence on Humphrey’s life was his father, Bud, who died in 2006 after a battle with cancer. Bud sold medical devices for a living and always reminded his son, “Don’t worry about the things you can’t control.” Bud asked great questions. “My dad was also a great listener,” says Humphrey, who earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration at the University of Arizona in 1992. “He was larger than life, a great leader and a successful businessman. He was thoughtful, supportive. “Everybody,” he adds, “graviScott Humphrey tated to him.” headline the event with Winnetka. He had ordered a Humphrey met his future wife, Greek omelet, with pita-bread stand-up comedy performances. Nichole, in Ann Arbor, MichiMarion Brooks, NBC5 News gan, home of her alma mater triangles for a side. While I’m thinking about possible angles weekday anchor, will serve as the (University of Michigan). Humfor this feature, I ask him about fundraiser’s emcee. phrey was working with his One Hope United’s annual “It excites me, thinking about mentor, Jeff Fletcher, at the time,
as assistant treasurer of EQ – The Environmental Quality Company in Ypsilanti, Michigan. The two had worked together in Des Moines, Iowa, for three months in 1992 and four more in ’93. “Jeff is still a good friend of mine,” Humphrey says. “I got my ‘MBA’ on the fly with him as my teacher. I learned a great deal from him.” Now in his 12th year as a North Shore resident, Humphrey continues to appreciate every day he gets to call Glencoe home. When he’s not shooting for birdies, he’s casting for fish. Or cycling on the weekends. Or spending time with his family. “I like the quiet, how calm Glencoe is,” says Humphrey, whose home golf course is the one at Skokie Country Club in Glencoe. “It’s a very soothing place to live, with a small-town feel. You can walk to the library.” As I notice more plate than breakfast fare on his plate, I ask my final question: “What do you find rewarding as president and CEO of One Hope United?” “I love my job … wait, it’s not a job,” he says. “It’s a passion of mine. Getting to do this is a blessing.” The avid golfer had aced the question. To purchase tickets ($275, general admission; $400, VIP experience) to One Hope United’s annual fundraiser, Hope in Action, please visit onehopeinaction.org. In addition to stand-up comic performances by Saturday Night Live alumni Tim Meadows and Colin Quinn, the event features silent and live auctions, a raffle, open bar and seated dinner.
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
SATURDAY APRIL 15 | SUNDAY APRIL 16 2017 |
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