North Shore, IL November 2025

WHEN MEMORY FADES, HOPE DOESN’T

Cognitive decline can steal the past, but it doesn’t have to steal the future. Pioneered to curb the effects of cognitive decline, Circle of Friends® is a unique, evidence-based program for building brain fitness. It was developed by Belmont Village in collaboration with the nation’s top universities and healthcare institutions — and it works. Residents enjoy a rich, therapeutic program of physical and mental activities designed to maintain brain function and build self-esteem.

Learn more at BelmontVillage.com/Glenview | 847-350-7360

Publisher’s Letter –

November | The Thankful Issue

As the leaves turn golden and the air grows crisp, November invites us to pause, reflect and count our blessings. Gratitude has a way of shifting our perspective, reminding us that joy often comes from the simplest moments: a shared meal, laughter with friends or quiet time with family.

This month’s Thankful Issue celebrates just that. The people, places and experiences that enrich our lives here on the North Shore deserve to be highlighted. We are surrounded by a community that gives generously, through time, talent and heart. From local businesses that lift each other up to neighbors who show up when it matters most, there’s much to be thankful for.

We turn our attention to two standout stories this month. First, we introduce you to MLB of Glenview—short for Making Lives Better—a charitable men’s organization that began with a simple idea among neighbors and grew into a philanthropic powerhouse. Through fellowship, fundraising and hands-on service, they’ve donated more than $1 million to local causes, showing what’s possible when a group of dedicated men comes together with purpose.

And then there’s hometown actor Guy Nardulli, whose latest film Dirty Hands doubles as a love letter to Chicago. In our cover story, he gives us not just his craft, but his heart—through family, food, football and the city that made him.

As we wind down 2025, I’m also proud to share our feature on 25 nonprofits that embody the North Shore’s generous spirit. These organizations remind us that gratitude isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action, expressed through neighbors helping neighbors in ways both big and small.

For me, gratitude lives in the everyday—watching my daughters grow, spending time with my wonderful parents and family, enjoying the unconditional love of our pup Rosie and being part of a community that values connection. These are all blessings I never take for granted.

This magazine is another gift I’m thankful for, as it allows us to showcase the beauty, creativity and kindness that thrive all around us. As you flip through this issue, I hope it inspires you to reflect on your own blessings and perhaps even share them with others. Gratitude, after all, is contagious.

From my family to yours, I wish you a season filled with warmth, gratitude and plenty of reasons to celebrate.

November 2025

PUBLISHER

Keely Conrey | keely.conrey@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Cat Rolfes | cat.rolfes@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Peter Heisinger | peter.heisinger@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Juliann Brown | juliann.brown@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Amee McCaughan | amee@ameemccaughan.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cat Rolfes, Mitch Hurst

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Emily Hadzhiev, Nicole Thomas, Ray Martinez, Payton Shanahan

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich

LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

KEELY CONREY, PUBLISHER @NORTHSHORECITYLIFESTYLE

Perfectly Sized for What Matters Most

At Lavelle Law, we understand discerning clients seek more than just legal representation — they want trusted advisors who listen, develop tailored strategies, and deliver exceptional results.

As a full-service law firm with 40 attorneys across 16 practice groups, we are uniquely positioned to handle your most complex legal needs — from sophisticated business transactions and estate planning to litigation and family law matters. For over 35 years, we’ve built our reputation on integrity, value, and results.

We’re large enough to bring cross-disciplinary strength to your case, yet small enough to ensure you always receive personalized, high-quality service — without the overhead of a downtown mega-firm. Whether you’re growing a business, protecting your family’s wealth, or navigating life’s pivotal moments, Lavelle Law offers the right blend of experience, responsiveness, and value.

Check Us Out — Two Locations. One Trusted Team.

• Now Offering 10% OFF ALL Painting Services

• Complimentary Color Consultation (upon acceptance)

• Exterior & Interior Painting, and Wall Coverings

• Premium Finishes: Fine Paints of Europe

• Free Estimates

• Clean & Safe job sites, Lead Certified

• Additional Services: Design Build, Kitchen & Bath

• Showroom, Cabinetry, Window Treatments & Retail Store

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN NOVEMBER

city scene

1-4: Highwood Chamber’s Design Week brought together creativity, culture and community in inspiring and unforgettable ways. Hosted by the Highwood Chamber of Commerce, the multi-day celebration highlighted the city’s unique blend of design, art and hospitality, providing immersive experiences for residents and visitors alike. 1: Donnie Madia, Anna Maria Viti-Welch, Terry Alexander, Ester Viti and Eduard Seitan 2: George Zamarron, President of the Highwood Chamber speaking at the Preview party 3: Ava Markoutsas welcomes guests at ABLAZE Design Group party 4: Chrissy Davis, Wendy Franzin and George Markoutsas at ABLAZE Design Group party 5: Publisher Keely Conrey, Mattea Hester and Ellen Lerner at HRN (Hunger Resource Network) Fashion Show 6: Stacy Ditka, Samantha Shapiro (buyer & owner of ENAZ) and Ellen Lerner 7: Melissa Foreman, Candice Jordan, Sylvia Perez, Wendy Baum at North Shore Breakfast Club networking event

REPAIR OR REPLACE?

DECIDE NOW

Time is running out on one of the most generous homeowner incentives in recent memory. With the passing of the “Big, Beautiful Bill,” federal tax credits for replacing aging HVAC systems vanish January 1, 2026. That leaves just a narrow window for homeowners still debating whether to patch up their current system or finally spring for a replacement.

Right now, the payoff is significant. Through the end of this year, new installations can still capture about $5,500 in combined rebates and credits—thanks to federal programs, local utilities such as ComEd and Nicor Gas, and manufacturer discounts. That’s before factoring in the quieter operation and lower monthly bills today’s high-efficiency units deliver.

“If your equipment is toward the end of its life, without a doubt, replace it before the end of the year,” says Brandon Delfino, co-owner of Cahill Heating, Cooling, Electric, Plumbing & Sewer in Lake Bluff. “The federal tax credits are gone January 1st, but installations completed prior to that date still qualify.”

Most systems limp along for 15 to 20 years before costly repairs kick in. Delfino’s advice? Don’t ignore the math. Even though “everything is repairable,” he says, it may no longer make sense to fix an old unit when rebates, incentives and lower energy bills can make a new system the smarter buy.

The technology itself has leapt forward. Unlike the clunky single-speed units of the past, today’s multi-stage and variable systems adjust to deliver exactly what your home needs—no more, no less. The result: greater efficiency, better humidity control and an almost whisper-quiet hum in place of the old furnace roar.

“As you go up the line and become more efficient, the rebates and incentives get higher,” Delfino explains. “We design systems that maximize those incentives so customers can end up with top-of-the-line equipment for less than the bargain stuff.”

For North Shore homeowners, the choice is clear: wait too long, and the incentives disappear. Act before the deadline, and you cut long-term costs while upgrading to comfort that feels, and sounds, entirely modern.

Cahill Heating, Cooling, Electric, Plumbing & Sewer has been serving the area for nearly 50 years, now led by Delfino alongside founder Dennis Cahill, who still comes to work each day. With offices in Lake Bluff and Palatine, the company has built its reputation on relationships—more than 5,000 customers rely on them for both repairs and replacements.

THE M WORD: UNDERSTANDING MENOPAUSE AND 3 KEY CHANGES IT BRINGS

For many women, the word menopause can feel overwhelming or even taboo. But at Wild Moon Collective, we believe it’s time to change the narrative. Peri-menopause and menopause are a natural phase of life that deserves understanding, care, and support. While every woman’s journey is unique, there are common changes that happen during menopause. Let’s explore three key changes and how to navigate them with confidence and wellness.

1. HORMONAL SHIFTS AND THEIR IMPACT

During peri-menopause & menopause, estrogen, progesterone and testosterone levels drop significantly. These hormonal changes can lead to:

- Hot Flashes & Night Sweats: Sudden waves of heat can disrupt daily life and sleep.

- Mood Swings: Fluctuations in hormones may cause irritability, anxiety, or feelings of sadness.

- Weight Changes: A slower metabolism often accompanies this phase.

HOW TO MANAGE: Consider Bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), natural supplements, or lifestyle changes like consistent exercise and mindfulness practices to help balance your body and mind.

2. SKIN AND HAIR CHANGES

As hormonal levels decline, your skin and hair may go through noticeable transformations:

- Thinning Skin: Skin can become drier, more fragile, and prone to fine lines.

- Hair Thinning or Loss: Many women experience hair shedding or thinning during menopause.

HOW TO MANAGE: Professional skincare treatments like microneedling or hydrating facials can restore moisture and vitality. For hair health, c onsider targeted solutions like scalp microneedling, nutrient-rich vitamin injections or specialized hair restoration treatments.

3. BONE AND MUSCLE HEALTH

Peri-menopause & menopause can also affect your physical strength:

- Bone Density Loss: The risk of osteoporosis increases due to declining estrogen.

- Muscle Weakness: Some women experience reduced muscle mass and strength.

HOW TO MANAGE: Weight-bearing exercises, calcium-rich diets, supplements like vitamin D, and Bioidentical Hormone

Replacement Therapy can assist with bone health and help maintain muscle tone and overall vitality.

EMBRACING THE CHANGE WITH CONFIDENCE

Peri-menopause & menopause is not the end—it’s a new chapter. At Wild Moon Collective, we’re here to support you through every step of this journey with treatments and guidance designed to help you feel empowered, beautiful, and well.

From hormone-balancing therapies to skin rejuvenation, we offer solutions to help you navigate the changes of peri-menopause & menopause with grace and confidence. Remember, this isn’t just ‘the M word’—it’s ‘your time’ to shine.

Let’s embrace this phase of life together. Reach out to schedule a consultation today and discover how we can support your journey through this new chapter in your life.

Upcoming Shows

For more than 25 years, we’ve been the North Shore’s home for unforgettable performances. Conveniently located by Old Orchard with plenty of f ree parking, we’re just minutes f rom Chicago but close to home.

Our 2025–26 Winter Season brings concerts, theater, comedy, and holiday traditions - inspiring shows and lasting memories for everyone to enjoy

UPCOMING HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE

20TH

THE LAST WALTZ

Country music legend and f ive-time Grammy winner brings his signature blend of honky-tonk, rockabilly, and bluegrass. NOVEMBER 22ND

A live celebration of The Band’s iconic 1976 farewell concertroots-rock classics with an all-star ensemble

ONE NIGHT IN MEMPHIS

N

JIM BRICKMAN LIVE! A JOYFUL CHRISTMAS

NOVEMBER 29TH

Beloved pianist and songwriter returns with heartwarming holiday favorites and timeless classics.

MARK O’CONNOR’S APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS

D E C E M B E R 2 N D

THE NUTCRACKER

D E C E M B E R 5 - 6

ELVIS TRIBUTE ARTIST SPECTACULAR JA N

To

BODEANS

JANUARY 31, 2026

Milwaukee’s legendary roots-rock band delivers fan favorites and heartfel t Americana hits.

BLACK VIOLIN

FEBRUARY 10TH, 2026

Classically trained string duo merges classical music with hiphop, creating a one-of-a-kind concert experience.

GREGORIAN SINGS ENIGMA

MARCH 19TH, 2026

International phenomenon known for their powerful Gregorian chant interpretations of modern pop and rock songs.

Heirloom photographic art for your home. Because time flies & family is everything. Starting with an in-home design consultation to plan a unique portrait session or curate your existing images, we create artwork to celebrate the beauty of your most precious relationships.

Nardulli’s GUY THIRD ACT

Chicago grit, Hollywood roles and a homegrown comeback

On a warm September morning in Chicago, actor Guy Nardulli adjusts the lapels of his gray three-piece suit. Photographer’s lights flash, but Nardulli, broad shouldered and grinning, barely notices. He moves easily, like a man who knows how to hold a room. Maybe it’s because he’s been doing it for decades—first as a football player, later as an actor. Always the guy who remembers where he came from.

The shoot is part performance, part homecoming. A year ago, he was on of the first faces featured in this magazine. Now, in honor of our anniversary, Nardulli is back. Seasoned, gracing the cover, a full-circle moment, like the role he’s about to bring home in his latest film, “Dirty Hands.”

THE CHICAGO FOUNDATION

Nardulli’s story begins in Harwood Heights, a postage-stamp suburb where everyone knew his family and Sunday dinners were as sacred as Mass. His father was a Chicago police officer; his mother, the keeper of a kitchen that still defines comfort for him. He talks about her cooking not in terms of ingredients, but ritual: pasta e piselli, pasta with onions and sweet peas, and pasta e lenticchie, a rustic lentil dish that carries the flavor of generations.

Football was his first stage. At Elmhurst College, he became a two-time All-American for the Bluejays, then carried the game overseas to Italy, suiting up for the Bolzano Giants before returning to play for teams in Ohio and Illinois. By 24, he’d closed out his career with the Chicago Thunder—earning a Hall of Fame spot as a free safety, number 24 stamped forever on his record.

When the pads came off, he made an improbable pivot. He joined The Chippendales, a detour that doubled as an education in presence, stamina and commanding a crowd. “That’s where I learned to connect with an audience,” he says. The stage led to auditions; auditions led to television; and soon he was flying west with a new playbook.

BUILDING THE REEL

Hollywood gave him the slow build: guest roles on “House,” “Criminal Minds,” “Monk,” even “Red Notice,” where he shared the frame with Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot and Ryan Reynolds. There were cult comedies, indie thrillers and small parts that stitched together into a living.

Then came “Tulsa King,” Sylvester Stallone’s crime drama, where he played Johnny the Zip—a swaggering

CONTINUED >

enforcer who earned him fan recognition in places as unlikely as Costco. The blue pinstriped suit he wore for that role resurfaces at our photoshoot. This time, Nardulli smokes a cigar between takes, slipping easily between actor and character. “That show was special,” he says. “It gave me a character people really remembered.”

DIRTY HANDS, CLEAN BREAK

If “Tulsa King” opened a door, “Dirty Hands” kicked it in. Shot in Chicago, produced under his Safety24 Productions banner, the film is both career milestone and personal manifesto.

The plot is pulp: brothers Richie (Patrick Muldoon) and Danny (Kevin Interdonato) fumble a drug deal; Sheila (Denise Richards) finds herself caught between loyalty and survival; and in slinks Rodney (Nardulli), lion pendant dangling, jacket trimmed like a mane, comic bravado masking menace. When the kingpin’s son winds up dead, the brothers must claw through a single bloody night.

“It’s is about ‘lost souls seeking redemption,’” Nardulli says. The phrase anchors the film: a story shot in alleys and kitchens, where color is code and menace glints through neon. It asks whether redemption is possible when everyone’s hands are already stained.

But the pulp is the wrapper. What makes “Dirty Hands” sting is its aesthetic: colors functioning as second dialogue. Muted blues and grays drape the city in detachment, teal and neon bleeding through back-alley shots, crimson flashes mark irreversible choices, golden hues softening family flashbacks, and bursts of amber recall lost innocence. The palette isn’t just aesthetic, it’s psychological, reflecting characters’ descent into darkness while they’re fighting to preserve humanity.

Nardulli and Interdonato fussed over the color scheme, designing each frame to symbolize

energy, decay, redemption. “We wanted it to feel lived in and dangerous,” he says.

Rodney was meant to be a minor role. But Nardulli expanded him into a lion—likable, almost funny, until the audience learns better. “You make him likable, then hate him,” he says, unapologetic. His performance lands somewhere between charm and threat, proof of his belief that villains are most dangerous when they grin.

For Nardulli, who co-produced through his Safety24 Productions, the film was more than just another credit. The company’s name is a nod to his football position and jersey number and marked not only his expansion into production but also a chance to shape the kind of hard-hitting story he loves.

He was able to channel the toughness he grew up around and capture a raw Chicago energy on screen. “That role gave me so much,” he says. “It felt like me. My city, my voice, my edge.”

Family, fittingly, found its way into the production too. His nephews play smaller roles, the kind of casting decision that blurs bloodline and film reel. And his mother made an appearance of her own—offscreen. During an early interview, when asked what she thought of her son’s gritty performance, she replied with sweet brevity and a heavy Italian accent: “It was very good.”

MOMENTUM AND PAUSE

For two years, Nardulli lived at a sprint: “Tulsa King,” “Dirty Hands,” “Death on the Brandywine,” “The Corner,” “A Christmas Spark.” Then, silence. Five months without a booking. “I’m living a retired person’s life, and I hate it,” he admits.

The silence eventually broke, with a call from Netflix. He got cast in an upcoming series, five episodes shooting in New York.

The rhythm begins again. After that, a feel-good soccer film in the U.K., a far cry from bloody alleys but proof of his range.

And then? If he has his way, a romantic comedy. He imagines filming it in Mola di Bari, the seaside Italian town of his ancestry. He laughs when he says it, but the wish lingers—half joke, half destiny.

FAMILY, FOOD, FOOTBALL

When home, Nardulli coaches the Ridgewood Rebels, the same football program where his jersey once hung. At our shoot, he pulls on coaching gear for one look, his old number displayed behind him, reminder and promise all at once.

Off the field, it’s family that fuels him. His Italian upbringing taught him both loyalty and love of food. He speaks of his sisters, of dinners with his parents, and never missing making Christmas eve panzerotti with mom.

When it comes to dining out, his pick is La Scarola. “Armando and Joe are the best,” he says. “They even named a dish after my “Tulsa King” character—The Zip Pasta.”

PRESLEY’S SHADOW

The toughest man in the room softens when he speaks of Presley, the pit bull-lab mix he rescued from a Los Angeles street.

A YEAR AGO, HE WAS IN THESE PAGES AS A RISING STAR. TODAY, HE STANDS TALLER: ACTOR, PRODUCER, COACH, SON, BROTHER. NEXT WEEK HE’LL FLY EAST WITH A SCRIPT IN HAND. AFTER THAT, ANOTHER DESTINATION, ANOTHER SCRIPT. BUT TONIGHT, AS ALWAYS, CHICAGO HOLDS HIM.

They spent sixteen years together. She calmed crying babies on airplanes, curled beside him through practicing lines, carried him across solitude. She died in June.

“I was laying with her. I saw the light go out of her eyes,” he says quietly. “But she’s still with me. I see her in my dreams every night.”

It is the kind of confession that makes his on-screen toughness both believable and forgivable: a man who knows loss, who plays villains but treasures loyalty.

SMOKE, SKY, CHICAGO

By the last look of the day—cardigan hoodie, T-shirt, cigar— Nardulli leans against a distressed rooftop wall, the skyline stretching around him. He surveys the city like Rodney might, but grins like himself: a man who belongs here, who always has.

A year ago, he was in these pages as a rising star. Today, he stands taller: actor, producer, coach, son, brother. Next week he’ll fly east with a script in hand. After that, another destination, another script. But tonight, as always, Chicago holds him.

For Guy Nardulli, this isn’t an ending. It’s act three—the return home, the rooting down, the building up. And Chicago, with its food, family and football, will always be the place where the story plays best.

The Heartbeat of Local Giving

LOCAL NONPROFITS SHAPING LIVES, QUIETLY AND POWERFULLY

ARTICLE

BY CAT ROLFES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MOIRA NOLAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Scenes from the Red Cape Gala, the Super Jake Foundation’s signature biennial fundraiser.

Chicago’s North Shore has long been a hub for generosity, where neighbors champion causes spanning education, housing, health, food security and the arts. They mobilize, fundraise and show up. From Glenview to Glencoe, from Evanston to Lake Forest, this suburban stretch has become a quiet powerhouse of philanthropy, where causes are championed for community.

As we wind down 2025, we turn our attention to 25 nonprofits that aren’t just doing good, they’re doing it with grace, grit and a kind of local poetry. From food pantries and mental health providers to cancer research and cultural enrichment, these 25 organizations reflect the spirit of the North Shore: neighbors helping neighbors.

As you look ahead to 2026, consider supporting one, or several, of these nonprofits and become part of the region’s philanthropic story.

CHILDREN AND EDUCATION

Bernie’s Book Bank (Lake Bluff)

Delivers free, quality books to underserved children, building a foundation for lifelong learning. berniesbookbank.org

The Cove School (Northbrook)

Provides specialized education for children with learning disabilities, helping each student reach their full potential. coveschool.org

Youth Services of Glenview/Northbrook (Glenview)

Offers after-school programs, therapy and mentoring that nurture resilience in kids and teens. ysgn.org

Our Place of New Trier Township (Wilmette)

A welcoming community for adults with developmental disabilities, offering social, life skills and enrichment programs ourplaceofnewtrier.org

Glenview Education Foundation (Glenview)

Funds enrichment and innovation in Glenview District 34 schools, from STEM labs to arts programs. gef34.org

North Shore Country Day School Scholarship Fund (Winnetka)

– Expands access to independent school education for talented students with need. nscds.org

HOUSING AND CRISIS SUPPORT

Mimi’s House (North Chicago / Lake Forest)

A transitional housing program for homeless teen boys, with a focus on education and independence. mimishouse.net

A Safe Place (Lake County / North Shore)

Provides shelter, housing and counseling for survivors of domestic violence and their children. asafeplaceforhelp.org

North Suburban Legal Aid Clinic (Highland Park)

Free legal aid for survivors of domestic violence, immigrants and those facing housing insecurity. nslegalaid.org

Family Promise (North Shore / Evanston)

Faith groups and civic leaders join forces to offer shelter, meals and job readiness for families on the edge. familypromisechicagonorthshore.org

HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Cancer Wellness Center (Northbrook)

Offers free support groups, counseling and wellness programs for cancer patients and their families. cancerwellness.org

Erika’s Lighthouse (Winnetka)

Founded locally, this national nonprofit promotes youth mental health and depression awareness in schools.erikaslighthouse.org

PEER Services (Evanston/Glenview)

Substance abuse prevention and treatment programs for youth and adults, with a strong recovery focus. peerservices.org

Israel Cancer Research Fund (ICRF) (North Shore donor base)

Funds groundbreaking cancer research at Israel’s top institutions, with strong support from local philanthropists. icrfonline.org

The Super Jake Foundation (Glenview)

Funds research for neuroblastoma, a rare pediatric cancer, and provides support for families in treatment. The Red Cape Gala, its signature fundraiser held every 2 years, will be on Feb 14 at Marriott Lincolnshire Resort. superjake.org

The Woman’s Board of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital (Lake Forest)

Raises funds for cutting-edge care and community health initiatives. foundation.nm.org

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SERVICES

Family Service of Glencoe (Glencoe)

Provides counseling, crisis intervention and community programs to strengthen families. familyserviceofglencoe.org

North Shore Senior Center (Northfield)

A trusted resource for older adults, offering enrichment, memory care, and caregiver support. nssc.org

ARTS AND CULTURE

Ravinia Festival’s Reach/Teach/Play (Highland Park)

Expands music education and concert opportunities to underserved schools and communities. ravinia.org/reachteachplay

Writers Theatre (Glencoe)

One of the nation’s most acclaimed theaters, offering innovative productions and community engagement. writerstheatre.org

Mitchell Museum of the American Indian (Evanston)

Preserves and shares Native American culture through exhibits and programs. mitchellmuseum.org

FOOD SECURITY

Northfield Township Food Pantry (Glenview)

Ensures families in need have access to groceries, serving more than 1,000 households annually. twp.northfield.il.us/pantry

Hunger Resource Network (Northbrook)

Connects surplus food from donors to pantries and shelters across the North Shore. hungerresourcenetwork.org

Highwood Public Library and Community Center (Highwood)

Beyond books, this library offers meals, wellness programs and a model for what modern community care can look like.

highwoodlibrary.org

These 25 organizations remind us that philanthropy isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about sustained attention, quiet action and the belief that every life deserves dignity. As 2026 unfolds, consider joining their story.

MLB GIVES MEN A PLACE TO CONNECT AND SERVE COMMUNITY

Brotherhood with a Cause

RocktemberFest 2024

Club founder and president Larry Butler, a former board member now serving in an advisory role, speaks to RocktemberFest guests.

Making Life Better (MLB) is not simply a social club. It is a nonprofit dedicated to building connection among men while fueling charitable work across the North Shore.

Step inside the clubhouse of Making Life Better in Glenview and you are greeted by a scene that feels equal parts neighborhood bar, college rec room and family basement. College flags line the walls, neon signs buzz softly above the bar, and flat-screen TVs wait for the next game. A pool table sits nearby, alongside dart boards, poker tables and a vintage arcade machine. At first glance, it looks like a place to blow off steam. But for the men who gather here, the space doubles as headquarters for something deeper.

Making Life Better (MLB) is not simply a social club. It is a nonprofit dedicated to building connection among men while fueling charitable work across the North Shore. The laughter and conversations come with purpose: friendships forged here often lead to fundraisers, service projects and mentorship efforts that ripple well beyond the clubhouse walls.

The spark came in 2014, when Glenview resident Larry Butler gathered a few friends from the Swainwood neighborhood with a modest proposal: contribute a small monthly fee to maintain the club, then use the extra funds to support local families. Nothing grand, just a few friends pooling resources and rolling up their sleeves. “I thought, maybe 15 or 20 guys,” Butler recalls. “We’d chip in, then decide where we could make a difference.”

The group’s first act—a $2,000 gift to the family of a Glenview police officer who died suddenly during roll call—set the tone. The money launched a college account for the officer’s children, but the impact was symbolic. From the beginning, MLB made clear it wanted to be personal, present and rooted in the community.

Today, the registered 501(c)(3) has raised more than $1 million for causes including Boys Hope/Girls Hope of Illinois, Youth Services of Glenview, the Northfield Township Food Pantry and Sister Paulanne’s Needy Family Fund.

Yet members will tell you the money is only part of the story. The real impact lies in showing up—sometimes with kids in tow. Members and their children have shopped for holiday gifts for Lyon School families, packed meals for the hungry and volunteered at the local pantry. “We wanted to show our kids how to give,” Butler explains. “It’s dads and kids,” side by side, learning what it means to serve.”

That blending of fellowship and philanthropy is what gives MLB, with current membership well beyond Butler’s original 15, its staying power. The clubhouse, once cobbled together with furniture from members’ basements, has become a fully outfitted hub where ideas turn into action.

Two annual events anchor the calendar. The MLB Golf Outing, held typically each June, draws players and sponsors from across the North Shore. September brings RocktemberFest, an outdoor music festival that has become a community fixture, complete with food, beer, and bands that keep the crowd moving long after the sun sets. Together, these events fuel the lion’s share of MLB’s giving, typically $75,000 to $90,000 each year.

But the group has never been content to coast. When the pandemic halted in-person events, the group improvised. Members set up a drive-thru barbecue in Glenview, raising $17,000 in one day for the food pantry. “That’s the kind of energy this group

brings,” says current president Kevin Kachmarik. “It’s not just about writing checks. It’s about being present and being part of the solution.”

That presence also creates something harder to quantify: a sense of brotherhood. In an era when men often struggle to maintain friendships beyond quick texts or business networking, MLB provides a place to connect in person. The mix of professions and backgrounds is wide, but shared purpose flattens those differences. Around the bar or the pool table, men trade stories, share advice and, in the process, discover community.

Board member Ed Shabaz says it plainly: “I look back at the things we’ve done and I’m proud. Proud of the money raised, yes, but also of the families supported, the kids mentored, the neighbors helped.”

Ten years in, MLB is both a philanthropic force and a reminder of what happens when men carve out intentional space for connection. The neon signs and sports flags may suggest a man cave, but the heartbeat of the place is service.

Butler, who has since moved back to Virginia Beach, puts it this way: “If you’re going to build community, do it in your own backyard. Guys need guys. They need space to connect, recharge and be reminded of what they can do together.”

For Glenview, that reminder is written into the story of MLB: lives made better, friendships strengthened and a community bound closer by the work of men who simply decided to show up.

Learn more or get involved: mlbglenview.org.

H O P E

with YOU

The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?

The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.

Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.

“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”

Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:

SCAN TO NOMINATE

“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”

“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”

Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:

“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”

Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.

This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.

“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”

Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.

This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.

To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.

THROUGH DECEMBER 14TH

events

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

Folk-Pop Premiere of Shakespeare’s As You Like It

Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Ct., Glencoe | Times Vary

Shaina Taub’s folk-pop score brings fresh energy to Shakespeare’s romantic comedy, reimagining love, exile and self-discovery in the Forest of Arden. Co-adapted with Laurie Woolery, this Chicago premiere features direction by Braden Abraham, music direction by Michael Mahler and choreography by Erin Kilmurray. Performances will be in the in the Alexandra C. and John D. Nichols Theatre. More at writerstheatre.org

NOVEMBER 8TH

The Light of Day Art Project

CAPE Chicago, 1010 W. 35th St., Ste 697, Chicago | 12:00 PM

The Light of Day Art Project, a juried Chicago fair presented by Curators Gone Rogue, features 26 local and well-known artists showcasing unseen works—forgotten, oversized or out-of-series pieces—priced at 50% off. The event supports the Chicago Artists Project and offers a rare chance to discover and purchase studio-clearing gems. Collectors Preview is 10 AM. Learn more at capechicago.org

NOVEMBER 13TH

An Evening of Wellness & Connection

Michigan Shores Club, 911 Michigan Ave., Wilmette | 7:00 PM

North Shore Network, a women’s executive leadership group, hosts an invitation-only event on health, wellness and spirituality. Featured speakers—Mar Soraparu (BIAN), Christie Jordan (Source Healing, The Awakened Now) and Delphina, intuitive medium and synergy consultant—will share insights on resilience, balance and mind-body connection. Tickets are $75 and include wine, appetizers and valet parking. For more information, email anna@northshorenetwork.org.

NOVEMBER 13TH

Carpets for a Cause

Oscar Isberian Rugs, 120 W. Kinzie St., Chicago | 5:00 PM

Oscar Isberian Rugs hosts its annual charity auction Carpets for a Cause, where leading designers create one-of-a-kind carpets to benefit Designs for Dignity. Participants include North Shore luxury designer Leah Bolger, known for timeless, livable interiors. Guests enjoy cocktails, appetizers and bidding, all supporting the transformation of nonprofit spaces through pro bono design service and generous donations. More at: designs4dignity.org/events/carpets-for-a-cause/

NOVEMBER 15TH

Styles & Smiles Celebrates First Anniversary

946 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka | 2:00 PM

Styles & Smiles celebrates one stylish year with a festive afternoon on Nov. 15 from 2 to 5 p.m. Guests can sip wine, savor bites, browse exclusive discounts and enjoy a raffle—all while toasting a year of beauty, friendship and community. More at stylesandsmiles.shop

NOVEMBER 21ST - 22ND

North Shore Sketch Comedy troupe returns to roast Glencoe

Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Ct., Glencoe | Times Vary

After last year’s sellout, North Shore Sketch Comedy returns with “Funny Enough,” a sharp, satirical send-up of Glencoe for a good cause. Wendy Gale, Sarah Hall, Katie Spilotro, Steve Miller and Steve Monieson serve up quick wit and punchlines to lovingly poke fun at the neighborhood. Proceeds benefit the Glencoe Library’s “Rooted in History, Building for Tomorrow” campaign. Details: renewgpl.org.

Bespoke Designs | Unmatched Craftsmanship | Effortless Elegance

At DDK Kitchen Design Group, we go beyond kitchens—our expert designers and remodelers transform entire homes with sophisticated, high-end craftsmanship. From stunning kitchen renovations to full-home remodels, we create spaces that reflect your lifestyle and elevate your home’s value.