Issuu

N OV E M B E R 2 02 0

WELLNESS WAL K I N G T H E WAL K WI T H F R AN C IS C HAN LI F E + C U LTU R E C H I CAG O L AN D â€™ S H O L I DAY T R AD I T I O N G REEN WI N T ER L IVI N G HOME + DESIGN L I G H T FO R AL L SE AS O NS

SERVING YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS FOR OVER �� YEARS IN THE NW SUBURBS. Bringing expert knowledge and professional skills to the marketplace to make your move as smooth as possible Committed to safely serving the needs of my clients at this challenging time ask me about our virtual options and safe showing procedures

#� INDIVIDUAL BROKER*

21020 N Pheasant Trail, Deer Park | $524,900

SANDRA FRAMPTON Broker Associate

847.207.7551

sandraframpton@atproperties.com sandraframpton.com

*MRED, LLC, based on closed sales data, 1/1/2017-12/31/2019, @properties Barrington office.

Boone Creek CABINETRY & DESIGN

LIFESTYLE LETTER

NOVEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Michael Beightol | michael.beightol@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Pause, Reflect and Be Grateful.

Stephen Neilson | stephen.neilson@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Whitney Lockhart

HOW CAN IT BE THAT WE ARE ALREADY NEARING THE END OF THE YEAR

L AYO UT DESIGNER

THAT WE’D JUST AS SOON FORGET? The holidays will be here before we know

Dani Moore

it, and pretty soon we will be writing out our 2021 resolutions. What’s likely to be first on the list for most folks? “I resolve to never repeat 2020!” Before we venture out responsibly for the holidays November affords us the oppor-

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Jay Adams, Michael Beightol, Kimberly Blaker, Nicolette Martin, Stephen Neilson, Margo Pelak, Tom Winkler

tunity to pause and reflect. Dwelling on the rough stuff is easy. Being grateful for the

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

silver linings in everyday life is what gets us through a never-ending year.

Michael Beightol, Graham Blus, Stephen Neilson, Kasia Vetter

One thing we’re grateful for is having the opportunity to create this magazine fresh to you every month. Thank you for sharing your stories and for reading ours. Thank you for supporting the local businesses in our community, because without them this magazine wouldn’t be possible. Thanks for demonstrating resilience every single day, a quality we see all around us in the communities we call home. Happy Thanksgiving!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

Michael Beightol, Publisher

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake ON THE COVER Reverend Francis Chan reflects on his life’s journey. 4

SW Lake Lifestyle | November 2020

Proverbs 3:5-6 SW Lake Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the SW Lake area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in SW Lake Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

THE #1 CHOICE

Artiﬁcial Christmas Trrs

IIinois’ Largest Christmas Stte

INSIDE THE ISSUE NOVEMBER 2020

FEATURES 12 Green Winter Living Take Steps to Prioritize Planet-Healthy Habits.

16 New Interior Design Studio in Lake Zurich Loren Reid Seaman Turns a Page to Create an Inspiring Experience.

20 Chicagoland’s Holiday Tradition The Team at Treetime Christmas Creations Really Enjoys Christmas.

24 Light for All Seasons Window Treatments Protect

20 12

Privacy, Save Energy and Bathe Your Home in Beauty.

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Good Times

Around Town

Inspired By

Renovate & Refine

20 Local’s Choice 24 Locally Owned 27 Giving Back 32 Legal Compass

Homes are Moving Fast...In Your Neighborhood! FOR SALE!

FOR SALE!

6888 September Blvd, Long Grove

3805 Turnberry Lane, Long Grove

3 St John Dr, Hawthorn Woods

6886 September Blvd, Long Grove

8011 Cripple Creek Drive, Long Grove

FOR SALE!

RENTED!

SOLD!

31 Bruce Circle North, Hawthorn Woods

5392 Promontory Lane, Long Grove

4639 Twin Lakes Lane, Long Grove

6 Princeton Lane, Hawthorn Woods

1128B II Rte 53, Long Grove

SOLD!

3854 N Ridgewood Ln, Long Grove

24 Steeplechase Dr, Hawthorn Woods

10 St. John Dr, Hawthorn Woods

6219 Pine Tree Dr, Long Grove

4603 Forest Way Circle, Long Grove

“Selling your home during these times (June 2020) can be challenging. Renee’s expertise took all of the worry and work out of the process. She helped us professionally stage, photograph and market our home at the highest level. Renée knew as much as us about our home and could share the wonderful ways we used our home over the years with the buyers. We had a few occasions that we needed Renée for a special request and she never hesitated to come to our aid.” - S.F.

847.612.0027 | reneeclarkhomes.com

August Sales in Southwest Lake County Subdivision

Sold Price

List Price

SP:LP

LMT

All Beds

# Full Baths

Rambling Hills East

$600,000

$575,000

104%

Woodland Ridge

$860,000

$850,000

101%

Hawthorn Knolls

$516,000

$514,900

100%

4+1 bsmt

Mossley Hills

$520,000

$519,900

100%

Oaksbury

$570,000

100%

Fawn Meadow

$575,000

100%

Herons Landing

$608,000

$610,000

100%

Country Club Meadows

$621,000

$619,000

100%

3+1 bsmt

Wynstone

$875,000

100%

5+1 bsmt

Fox Point

$630,000

$639,500

99%

Lakewood Meadow

$500,000

$509,900

98%

Deer Valley Estates

$503,500

$515,000

98%

MLS statistics from 8/1/20-8/30/20. All information herein has not been verified and is not guaranteed. Featured properties may not be listed by the agent/office providing this data. Supplied by Renee Clark, @properties.

GOOD TIMES 1.

A Good Day on the Golf Course and a Great Cause In September on a stunning fall day, 80+ golfers at The Grove Country Club had a ball. The team at the Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce, with masks hardly concealing big smiles, greeted golfers and sent them on their way in physically distanced groups. Publisher Michael Beightol and photographer Kasia Vetter captured the day with their cameras.

1. Brian Vetter. | 2. Wil Benjamin & the Chamber’s Claire Slattery. | 3. Barrington Bank’s Burke Groom (center) & guests. | 4. Katie Van Diggelen. | 5. Dave, Pat, Dan & Kevin Muir. | 6. Fred Martin, Jr. (in pink) with Tony Mancini, Steve Jenne & Matt Cochran. | 7. Nicki Williams & Nicole Daniels. | 8. Michael Iser (right) with Michael Alexander, Jeff Schneider & Eric Smith. | 9. Ben Opsahl (2nd from left) with Rob Bruce, Phil Guerrero, George Maroudas & Tim Halloway.

SW Lake Lifestyle | November 2020

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

AROUND TOWN

IMPROVING CYBERSECURITY DURING THE PANDEMIC COVID-19 has forced millions of Americans to work from home. With virtual meetings and digital commerce becoming the new normal, workers and businesses have had to adapt. But so too have cybercriminals, making employers and employees susceptible to cyberattacks in new ways. According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, malicious actors always try to exploit vulnerabilities. This becomes easier for them in times of change, disruption and uncertainty, which we certainly have experienced during the pandemic. According to Trend Mico, COVID-19related cyberthreats surged from January to June

CONGRATULATIONS TO LONG GROVE, RANKED ILLINOIS’ HEALTHIEST COMMUNITY

2020. Nearly all of them (91.5%) were via email. At the same time, average ransomware demands from cybercriminals increased by $500,000 since last year to an average of $1.3 million in 2020.

Apparently, some folks in SW Lake County are healthier than residents in other Illinois communities— according to BarBend.com, a leading health, wellness and fitness website. They developed a “Fit Score” for 300 Illinois municipalities based upon eleven criteria, such as population, obesity rate, exercise opportunities and access to healthy foods. Long Grove rated as the healthiest community with a score of 84.75. Close behind in third place is Hawthorn Woods (84.05); Lake Zurich (81.95) ranked 13th. Want to see where your community ranks? Be sure to visit BarBend.com/FitCities-Illinois. (From LocalNewsReader.com)

REVIVING A RELIC FROM LONG AGO IN LAKE ZURICH In an uplifting convergence of old and new, the oldest train depot in Lake County, built in 1895, got a new look because of a message posted to a local

MELTING FACES SINCE 2020 IN BARRINGTON AT HOUGH AND MAIN

Facebook chat group. The original post, by Michael

Barrington Chamber and village officials recently

Quagliano in April, sparked community interest in

celebrated the opening of School of Rock in down-

reviving the old structure, which has sat unused for

town Barrington. “We are truly grateful for this oppor-

decades and was part of the EJ&E line, also known

tunity and really thrilled to be here,” said owner Kate

as the Chicago Outer Belt. The depot, at Route 22

Parungao. School of Rock is a performance-based

and Old Rand Road in Lake Zurich, is across from

music school that combines one-on-one lessons with

Casper True Value. Over the summer volunteers

group band practices. Guitar, keys, bass, vocals and

removed litter, and cleared brush and tree debris.

drums are taught to students as young as three years

The depot was set to get a fresh coat of paint,

old. Adult headbangers are also welcome.

specially matched and purchased by the depot’s private owner, Bruce Hanson, a lifelong and well-

known Lake Zurich resident. Hanson purchased

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love

the depot in 1986 from the EJ&E, and said “they

to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

were going to tear the depot down and I wanted to

SWLake using the Get In Touch link and let us know

preserve it.” (from LocalNewsReader.com)’

what you think.

SW Lake Lifestyle | November 2020

Designs with you in mind

DESIGN CENTER NOW OPEN

THE EVOLUTION OF INTERIOR DESIGN SHOP. DESIGN. CREATE. Shop Now for

Area Rugs, Lamps, Accessories, Custom Jewelry and More. Selections Are Continually Renewed. 2020

BEST OF

SW LAKE

847.550.6363 | 479 EL A ROAD AT THE CORNER OF ROUTE 2 2 & EL A ROAD

W W W. L R S I N T E R I O R S .CO M

LO R EN R EI D S E A M A N ASI D, II DA , State Licensed

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

INSPIRED BY

GREEN WINTER LIVING TAKE STEPS DURING THE WINTER TO PRIORITIZE PLANET-HEALTHY HABITS

ARTICLE KIMBERLY BLAKER | PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHEN NEILSON, AND PROVIDED

TAKING STEPS TO REDUCE OUR NEGATIVE IMPACT

Starting a fire in your fireplace can be a fun heat alter-

ON THE EARTH IS A YEAR-ROUND JOB. But it can seem

native for winter. It gives off heat in a smaller, concentrated

much harder during the winter season. Cold weather and

space and uses less energy than a furnace. If you have a

long, dark nights, along with holiday celebrations, make it

wood-burning fireplace, be sure to have your chimney

challenging to prioritize planet-healthy habits.

cleaned and inspected annually for fire safety.

Still, there are ways to reduce our impact for a more sustainable planet. So follow these tips to keep your winter—and our world—green!

BE AWARE OF LIGHT USE With the sun setting earlier and more grey days, it’s tempting to switch on a lot of extra lights. But lights also use a lot of energy.

WATCH THE THERMOSTAT One thing people struggle with most during winter is the chilly temperature. As the weather gets colder, it’s

So make a conscious effort to turn off lights when you leave a room (unless you’ll be returning in a reasonably short time), and only use lights you need.

tempting to crank up the thermostat. But overusing your

Another way to cut back on energy use from lights is to

heater consumes a lot of energy. Depending on the size

switch to LED or CFL bulbs, which are more energy-efficient.

of your home, you’re likely warming up areas that aren’t

Also consider lights with dimmer switches. There are also

even being used. Before you turn up the thermostat, add

lights with sensors that turn them off automatically when

some layers of clothing, socks, and warm fuzzy slippers;

there’s no movement in the room for a set amount of time.

that may be enough to keep you warm and comfy. If you’re

Another fun alternative is to use candles, which also add

just relaxing, get cozy and cuddle up under a blanket with

ambiance. Just make sure they’re eco-friendly! Also, if you

warm food and a hot drink.

have pets or young children, they should be kept in a high

Getting a smart thermostat is also a wise investment,

secure spot to reduce the risk of injury or fire.

which will pay for itself in a relatively short time. There are

Conserving on electrical lights also goes for outdoor hol-

many brands available that offer features to help you stay

iday lights, so consider more earth-friendly options. Holiday

eco-friendly. Most include timers to set specific tempera-

lights with LED bulbs and solar powered outdoor lights are

tures for when you’re at home, away, or sleeping. There are

better for the planet and your wallet. You can also use timers

also recommended eco-friendly temperature settings and

for outdoor decorations, so you don’t have to worry about

even the ability to control the thermostat from your phone.

remembering to turn them off.

SW Lake Lifestyle | November 2020

CONTINUED >

These durable, eco-friendly wooden toys from Happki in Deer Park make for sustainable gift-giving.

Shop small, local businesses, like Threads Boutique in Wauconda.

Set a mood, save on electricity and enjoy some candlelight.

SMALL CHANGES TO YOUR WINTER ROUTINES CAN HELP YOU STICK TO YOUR VALUES AND REDUCE YOUR CONSUMPTION OF THE PLANETâ€™S RESOURCES.

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

INSPIRED BY (CONTINUED) Enjoy the seasonal displays set up by local merchants when you're enjoying Long Grove.

ECO-FRIENDLIER GIFTING A big highlight of winter is holidays and get-togethers with gift exchanges. But all the gift-giving leads to a lot of waste and overconsumption of goods. One option is to eliminate gift exchanges. Instead, make the holidays special by focusing more on fun activities and quality time with family and friends. But there are many ways to go green, even with gifts. Doing so is also an excellent opportunity to share environmentally friendly practices with your loved ones. A few ideas for green gifting include:

+ Give experiences instead of things, such as health club memberships, visits to museums or yoga lessons.

+ Do a White Elephant or Secret Santa exchange where each person gifts one item.

+ Look for gifts at second hand or thrift stores (if everyone can agree to this, no one will feel like a cheapskate).

+ Gift eco-friendly products like reusable straws or mugs. + Choose wooden toys over plastic. + Shop locally from small businesses. GREEN GIFT WRAPPING Once you’ve found the perfect gifts, get creative with wrapping! Traditional wrapping paper is typically used once then discarded, which consumes more resources. Some alternatives are to:

+ Reuse old wrapping paper. + Repurpose other products like newspaper or paper bags. Some stores even have themed bags during the winter.

+ Look for gift bags that can be reused (nice fabric ones, such as reusable tote bags, are useful). Small changes to your winter routines can help you stick to your values and reduce your consumption of the planet’s resources. So look for opportunities to reduce, reuse, and recycle throughout the winter months to help keep our earth evergreen. 14

SW Lake Lifestyle | November 2020

Automated thermostats and home controls save energy. This Control4 setup is by ECO Automated Designs in Mundelein.

The new toy store in town

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

RENOVATE & REFINE

INTERIOR DESIGNER LOREN REID SEAMAN TURNS A PAGE TO CREATE AN INSPIRING BOUTIQUE EXPERIENCE

THIS YEAR HAS CAUSED A LOT OF BUSI-

Route 22 and Ela Road in Lake Zurich—to

NESS OWNERS TO THINK DIFFERENTLY.

relocate his business and launch a design

For Loren Reid Seaman, an interior designer

studio. Loren and his team have gutted the

with 35 years of experience, 2020 provides the

roomy space, transforming it into a place

perfect pivot for his company, LRS Interiors.

of inspiration for interior design. Not only

After decades with a showroom tucked

are different tableaus presented in a natu-

away in the Lake Zurich Industrial Park,

ral-light-flooded space, essentials to acces-

Loren chose one of the most high-traffic

sories are displayed to help people decide

intersections in the area—the corner of

what’s right for their home.

SW Lake Lifestyle | November 2020

ARTICLE MICHAEL BEIGHTOL | PHOTOGRAPHY GRAHAM BLUS

New Design St udio i n L a ke Z u r i c h

Loren Reid Seaman of LRS Interiors.

Area rugs, table lamps and lighting, candles, pillows, artwork, furniture, and more are artfully arrayed, provoking ideas and prompting questions that Loren and his team are ready to handle. He even carries a few lines of locally-produced jewelry, offering visitors instant style-to-go. This new design studio is the culmination of Loren’s years of working closely with clients to transform their homes by identifying everyone’s unique style. LRS Interiors designs, builds, and rejuvenates any space. From the bedroom to the living

get the look

room, kitchen, bath or office, Loren will take a space from concept to completion. The items he has in the studio are not so much Loren’s as they are representative of some of his client’s favorite things. It’s a cross section of styles, fabrics, colors and textures that individually will complement any customer’s own sense of design. Unlike other designers, no appointment is necessary. Walk-up customers, whether just the curious looking for a gift item or somebody overwhelmed and needing help with their home, are all welcome to explore with LRS Interiors. About the new home for LRS Interiors: Located at 479 Ela Road (across the parking lot from the Jewel), the design studio is open Monday—Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more by calling 847.550.6363 or visit LRSInteriors.com. AT RIGHT: a sampling of the array of eclectic and stylish designer pieces available at LRS Interiors.

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

Business AT BRUNCH CAFE Now Open from 8 am to 1:30 pm Daily. Curbside Pick-Up and Delivery by DoorDash or Uber Eats.

Business at Brunch Cafe with (left-to-right) Tom Clark (Renee Clark Realty Group), Nicki O’Connor & Chris Cabano (Brunch Cafe), Mark Hornok (Edward Jones), Michael Beightol (SW Lake Lifestyle) and Kelly Difino (The Gent’s Place)

INSIDE DINING RECONFIGURED TO 6 FEET SPACING | OUTDOOR DINING ALSO AVAILABLE PRACTICING SOCIAL DISTANCING THROUGHOUT | ALL SERVERS WEAR FACE MASKS

20393 RAND ROAD, SUITE 116 847-847-7120 or VISIT US AT BRUNCHCAFE.COM NOW OPEN DAILY 7:30AM - 2:00PM 18

SW Lake Lifestyle | November 2020

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

LOCAL’S CHOICE THE TEAM AT TREETIME CHRISTMAS CREATIONS CAME UP WITH AN ANNUAL TRADITION FOR CHICAGO FAMILIES: HOLIDAY VISITS TO THEIR CHRISTMAS-THEMED SHOP.

Chicagoland’s Holiday Tradition LAURIE KANE MIGHT BE ONE OF SANTA’S

our customers. Values, tradition, and excellence

FAVORITE ELVES BECAUSE HER BUSINESS,

define us as a company. We work hard every day

TREETIME CHRISTMAS CREATIONS, IS A

because we love what we do, the products we design,

HAPPY PLACE FOR CHICAGOANS OF ALL

and the attention to detail we give to America’s best

AGES. Kane spoke recently with SW Lake Lifestyle

artificial Christmas trees, wreaths, and garlands. We

about her business, the origins of the company, her

want everyone to know that Treetime as an entity

team and the tradition of an annual visit to their

represents a group of talented and passionate indi-

shop on Pepper Road in Lake Barrington.

viduals that truly cares about our customers and a job well done. As a company, we are a tight-knit bunch

SW LAKE: TELL US HOW YOU GOT

of passionate people who all simply love Christmas,

STARTED IN THE BUSINESS.

putting smiles on customer’s faces and enjoying

LAURIE KANE: My husband, Joe, and I had been

what we create and represent every day.

entrepreneurs for years and we had a tenant in one of our spaces that sold artificial Christmas trees.

SWL: COVID-19 HAS IMPACTED A LOT OF

We actually worked closely with the owners of

BUSINESSES IN MYRIAD WAYS. HOW DO SEE

the business and when the opportunity to take it

THE HOLIDAYS BEING AFFECTED THIS YEAR?

over occurred about 10 years ago, we accepted the

LK: Without a doubt most people will be spending

challenge. We have applied our business know-how

more time at home. That means bringing the spirit of

to create a destination that helps people get in the

the season into the home increases in importance.

Christmas spirit and just be happy.

Decorating your home for the holidays provides happiness and joy. One thing we are anticipating is

SWL: WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO

that many local families this year won’t be able to

DESCRIBE TREETIME?

travel to be with their families over the holidays. This

LK: We are a full-service Christmas store so if you

is especially so for younger families meaning this

are looking for that special ornament or a special

may be one of their first times to enjoy Christmas

decorative piece that you’ll use for years, or of

at home. We’re ready to help everybody make this a

course, if you want the finest in an artificial tree, our

special holiday for their families.

team is educated to help you have a fun experience at Treetime. We want you to be wowed and inspired

About Treetime Christmas Creations: Visit their

every time you visit us.

showroom, open daily through the holidays, at 22102 N. Pepper Road in Lake Barrington. Visit

SWL: PLEASE TELL US MORE ABOUT YOUR TEAM.

their website - Treetime.com - to view their exten-

LK: The members of our team have seen a lot of

sive selection of artificial trees, decorating ideas

Christmases (laughs), and they know how to help

and gift items.

ARTICLE MICHAEL BEIGHTOL & STEPHEN NEILSON PHOTOGRAPHY STEPHEN NEILSON 20

SW Lake Lifestyle | November 2020

CONTINUED >

Treetime owner Laurie Kane, among the hundreds of decorated trees.

Treetime's Design Studio: create your own wreaths, decorations and more. CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

LOCALâ€™S CHOICE (CONTINUED)

Elfin suspense.

DIY Decorations.

Santa's Tree Time.

King Balthazar brings myrrh to the manger.

Beautifully harmonized colors. 22

SW Lake Lifestyle | November 2020

Mrs. Claus, sleighin' it.

BookÂ your Holiday Decorating Appointment with Interior Designer Mollee Johnson Style1519.com @style1519

(847)209-4194

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

LOCALLY OWNED

Light for All S e as o n s ARTICLE JAY ADAMS PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

MANY THINK WINDOW TREATMENTS ARE JUST FOR AESTHETICS OR PRIVACY. While they surely enhance a home and can block unwanted visual intrusions, shades and blinds also control light, contribute to energy efficiency, and help with home security. Is a particular room just too bright but has a great exterior view? Certain types of shades transform harsh daylight into soft, filtered light with even illumination. When open, sheer-fabric components filter light, blocking much of the view from outside-in while preserving your view of the outdoors. They also help block harmful Ultra Violet rays, preserving furnishings, flooring, and other items in the room from sun-fade damage. Blinds and shades contribute to energy efficiency, adding an insulating value at the window when closed, controlling how much of the sun’s heat enters the room, and keeping room climate consistent. They can be closed in summer when the sun makes the room too hot, or left open in winter to let the sun in. This can lower heating and cooling costs by making the room more comfortable without adjusting the thermostat. Motorized window treatments provide new options in light control and energy efficiency. Automation allows hard-to-reach windows to be operated easily, and be scheduled to change at any times you desire. Hunter Douglas PowerView® treatments can be set to work with several automation systems as well as their own downloadable app. You can control the operation remotely, which can enhance home security. Scenes can be set to maximize the shade’s contribution to energy efficiency by opening/closing at specific times, controlling the sun’s heat. Motorized treatments also eliminate exposed

WINDOW TREATMENTS CAN TRANSFORM YOUR HOME, PROTECT PRIVACY, SAVE ENERGY AND EFFORT, AND BATHE YOUR HOME IN BEAUTIFUL, SOFT LIGHT

cords, so children and pets are safer too. Jay Adams is the owner of Blue Jay Paint and Blinds in Lake Zurich, an independent Benjamin Moore dealer. For details on the wide range of products/services offered, including Hunter Douglas and Graber window fashions, visit BlueJayPaint.com or call 224.677.5334.

SW Lake Lifestyle | November 2020

+ TIP 1

Improve your light control. Soft horizontal

+ TIP 2

Maximize privacy and safety. Graber Cellular

Shades (below) offer a range of material colors and opaqueness, as well

fabric vanes that float on a sheer backing allow you to achieve

as cordless lift and motorized lift options that maximize safety for homes

infinite combinations of light control, privacy and view-through.

with children and pets.

Maximize those views with Hunter Douglas Pirouette® ClearView® Shadings (below). A specialized sheer offers a clear view to the outside while transforming the light inside into a comforting glow.

+ TIP 4

Employ Automation. Hunter

Douglas PowerView® Motorization lets you schedule your shades to open and close on their own—at any time of the day—with the touch of a button, a tap on a mobile device or the sound of your voice. So forgo the alarm clock, and use light as a wake-up call instead.

+ TIP 3

Improve energy

efficiency. Up to 30% of a home’s heating and cooling energy can be lost through its windows. The superior design of Hunter Douglas Duette Honeycomb®

Shades

(above) traps air in distinct pockets to help keep your house cool in the summer and warm in the winter. CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

IN CONTROL WE MAKE HOME AUTOMATION EASIER YOU’RE Control4 OS 3 puts more capabilities,

NO MATTER HOW YOU CONNECT.

features, and benefits at your fingertips. With touch screen, keypad, voice, and app access, you can create a smart home that’s uniquely yours.

FREE CONSULTAT I ONS . C AL L US TO S CHEDUL E YOUR S TODAY !

847.475.4442 ecoautomateddesigns.com

BARRINGTON VILLAGE CENTER

120 S. HOUGH STREET • BARRINGTON, IL 60010 224.633.2188 Book Online at

WWW.188BARRINGTON.COM www.Facebook.com/188Barrington

Leading Brands... Main Street Shopping! clothing for women & men

accessories • bags • jewelry • unique gifts home decor • local sportswear (sizes s-2x)

118 S. Main Street • Wauconda 26

SW Lake Lifestyle | November 2020

shop online anytime! threadsforall.com Tues-Fri: 11am-6pm • Sat: 10am-4pm | 847-526-2058

GIVING BACK

WALKING THE WALK

A JOURNEY DOWN THE WINDING LIFE PATH OF UNASSUMING SPIRITUAL LEADER FRANCIS CHAN

IMAGINE YOURSELF AS THE LEADER OF A THRIVING MEGACHURCH IN VENTURA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA, WITH MORE THAN 5,000 MEMBERS AND GROWING. You’re a New York Times bestseller making a million dollars in royalties from your first book and people love you—you’re on top of the world. Would you leave that all behind? Better yet, would you trade all of that, giving away 90% of your income to end up living in the poorest region of Hong Kong surrounded by people struggling to make it by on just 50 cents a day? For most, it probably sounds like a tale of riches to rags; an unfortunate and unwanted result of someone falling upon hard times. But for Francis Chan, a church planter and best-selling author who speaks to thousands of people around the world each year, it’s exactly what he did. And exactly what he needed—an opportunity to walk down a winding path that led him toward fulfilling his purpose; toward becoming a

ARTICLE NICOLETTE MARTIN

man who can truly say he lives the life he’s been called to and encouraging others to do the same.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

GIVING BACK (CONTINUED)

Watch the full interview @ CityLifestyle.com! Francis, born in San Francisco, was raised in a very traditional Chinese home and navigated a challenging upbringing. His mother died while giving birth to him. His father remarried, then his stepmother died in a car accident when he was 8. His father remarried again, then, when Francis was 12, died of cancer. Twenty-six and newly married, Francis and his wife Lisa founded Cornerstone Community Church in Simi Valley, California in the early 90s, beginning with a membership of 30 people. Within the first two months, the church grew to 100. By 2000, membership grew even more to 1,600. And by 2008, Cornerstone Community Church was one of the largest in Ventura County and Francis’ then-new book “Crazy Love” was a New York Times bestseller. Then, in 2010, Francis decided to leave it behind in pursuit of a more humble and impactful way of life. The $1 million his bestselling book made in the first year, plus the money it continues to make? Francis signed it all over to a charitable gift fund helping the poor and victims of human trafficking. After making the decision to leave Cornerstone and wrestling with what the next step would be, Francis and Lisa ended up selling their Simi Valley house and moving their family of six at the time overseas to India, Thailand and China, where he was able to embrace new interests and activities by doing what the locals do, and where he also saw an inspiring shift in culture and spiritual values. “I wish we could learn and see the sacrifice of others,” he says. “Their mentality really isn’t a consumer mindset of ‘Here’s my needs, here’s what I feel, no one cares about me— me, me, me, me. Overseas they’re just obsessed with each other and thinking about how to get to the poor—the truly poor—like ‘We’re going to starve today,’ or ‘We’re selling off kids today.’ That type of poor. There’s just a lot more urgency.” In the throes of a pandemic, quarrels over U.S. politics, a growing divide among people and beliefs, and the unsurety of life, Francis’ message of focus and fulfillment can be summed up simply: take your eyes off yourself.

“People that I’ve found that have spent their lives truly loving others are the j o y f u l p e o p l e .” 28

SW Lake Lifestyle | November 2020

“A l l w e r e a l l y n e e d t o d o is hit that little button that s w i t c h e s i t o f f s e l f i e m o d e .” “It’s so counterintuitive because, physically, if I break my arm, I’m not going to be thinking about anyone else. The only thing that’s going to bring me pleasure is getting this thing fixed. ‘Everyone look at me—my arm is broken; someone fix

he says. “I go, ‘You have no clue. This is like the happiest place on Earth. You’re gonna go nuts!’” Francis says Rachel began to get very sad, asking if they could just go to Paint Pals.

it for me,’” he says. “But...the answer is actually to take your

“She’s working herself into tears,” he laughs. “Like,

eyes off of yourself. People that I’ve found that have spent

you’re crying because I’m about to take you to Disneyland.”

their lives truly loving others are the joyful people. You’ll find very few generous people who are miserable.” Francis, pretending to hold up a phone facing him-

“I feel like we’re just like Rachel when she was 5,” he says, fondly recalling the Paint Pals days. “We’re accustomed to certain things and God has something so much better for us.”

self, goes on to describe how he sees this generation

Nearly six months ago, Francis’ path led him to the

as a generation all about taking selfies; noting that

Sham Shui Po area on the Kowloon side of Hong Kong

you could be in the Grand Canyon or Niagara Falls

with most of his family, including his wife, all but one of

and you’re always in the picture—always the center

his daughters, two sons-in-law and two grandchildren.

of everything.

It’s a place he later found is where his mother also did

“All we really need to do is hit that little button that

ministries in the 1950s, and allows him the continued

switches it off selfie mode,” he says. “And now I can’t

humbling opportunity to live out his journey working with

even see myself.”

the ultra poor to bring relief and sharing his spiritual ful-

Looking toward the future, Francis (non-prophetically, he clarifies, laughing) goes on to recall the story of his oldest daughter, Rachel—one of seven children and two grandchildren, when she was 5 years old.

fillment with others, even while enjoying a pickup game with locals on the neighborhood basketball court. “It’s a pretty bizarre journey to think that, first of all, my wife has stood by my side for 27 years, and it’s just been

“We regularly visited this rundown place in our city

an amazing marriage. Two years ago at our 25-year anni-

called Paint Pals,” he laughs, reminiscently. “There was

versary, she asked me ‘Do you know of anyone on the

this old maze you walked through with only a few walls,

planet that is more blessed than we are? Because I feel

some little ceramic things you could paint and this big

like we’re the happiest people on earth. It’s almost like

bubble machine that was just a hula hoop dipped in

that can’t be true, but I haven’t found anyone happier,’”

bubble solution. There really wasn’t much more to it,

he says. “It’s one thing for me to say because that’s the

but she loved it.”

way I feel, but to hear that from my wife as well and those

“One day I was just like, ‘Honey, this week I’m going to take you to Disneyland!’ And she was like, ‘What’s that?’”

truly to be her sentiments. It just feels like an impossible life all the way around.”

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

SW Lake Lifestyle | November 2020

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LEGAL COMPASS

Property Ta x Re l i e f a n d Yo u REMEDIES AVAILABLE TO LIMIT YOUR PROPERTY TAX LIABILITY ARTICLE THOMAS WINKLER

SW Lake Lifestyle | November 2020

MANY HOME AND BUSINESS OWNERS FIND THEIR PROPERTY TAXES DIFFICULT TO FULLY UNDERSTAND, AND ARE UNCERTAIN REGARDING WHEN CONTESTING THEIR TAX ASSESSMENT MIGHT BE IN THEIR BEST INTERESTS. At Winkler Law, we want you to understand your real estate tax bill and be aware of the legal remedies to contest an unfair tax bill. Many property owners aren’t fully aware of all of the components of a property tax bill, which includes an assessed value, exemptions (if applicable), an equalization factor (result of study by Illinois Dept. of Revenue to ensure all real property is uniformly assessed with equitable distribution), and a local tax rate. A change in any one of these components can impact your overall tax liability. We have fielded many questions from property owners either unaware of a remedy to reduce their property tax liability or reluctant to contest their tax bills for a variety of reasons. One way property owners can reduce their property tax liability is by challenging the assessed value of their property. All real property taxation in Illinois is governed by a statute commonly known as the Illinois Property Tax Code, which establishes how properties are assessed and administered, how assessments can be contested and how taxes are collected at the county level. Most Illinois counties (including Lake County) are organized into townships; the township assessor initially establishes assessed values. Of Illinois’ 102 counties, only Cook County operates under a different set of statutes in the Code. (For example, Cook County reassesses property every three years, whereas the rest of the State reassesses every four years.) In Lake County, the last reassessment year was 2019. By law, all real property must be assessed at 33.33% of its fair cash value. So, for example, if a property has a cash value determined by the assessor of $1,000,000, then the property’s assessed amount should be $333,333. Fair cash value is the amount the property sells for between a willing seller and willing buyer without either party being under duress or compelled to complete the transaction, with such transaction completed in the ordinary course of business. An assessor can assess a property based on (1) the cost to reproduce or rebuild a property less depreciation plus land value, (2) actual market transactions, and (3) present worth of income being produced related to occupancy at the property. It is important to realize that a “sales price” does not necessarily reflect fair cash value.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/SWLake

LEGAL COMPASS (CONTINUED)

What grounds might you have to challenge the assessor’s valuation of your property? This answer is grounded in due process and equal protection afforded to all Illinois citizens; everyone is required to equally share the burden of taxation. The Illinois Appellate Court ruled that this equality in tax burden cannot exist without uniformity in assessments and taxation. Therefore, if you notice a comparable property being valued at a lower figure than your property, there is reasonable justification for you to challenge the current assessment on your property. Some reasons that would warrant an assessment appeal include, but are not limited to: (1) excessive market value or a recent sale; (2) lack of uniformity; (3) error in classification or property description; (4) excessive vacancy; (5) demolition or uninhabitability; (6) equitable relief Property assessment appeals in Lake County can be made to the

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Illinois Property Tax Appeal Board.

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County Board of Review, and the Circuit Court of Lake or the State of

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township assessor, Lake County Supervisor of Assessments, Lake

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for flooding, fires or the like; and (7) income produced by the property.

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The team at Winkler Law has years of experience in the area and have scrupulously guided clients through property assessment appeals. Whether regarding a business or home property, remedies are available to reduce an unfair property tax liability. Call 847.466.5280 or visit Winkler-Law.com.

SW Lake Lifestyle | November 2020

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