North Shore Weekend WEST, Issue 8

Dream weaverVictoria Frank offers unique travel experiences geared toward women. P25

saturday december 21 | sunday december 22 2013No. 08 | A JWc media publicAtion

ECRWSSlocAl poStAl cuStoMER

pRSRt Stdu.S. poStAgE

PAIDpERMit no. 91

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SPoRtSnAtE HARRiS iS A ScoRing MAcHinE foR glEnbRook noRtH.P. 34

featuriNg the local NeWs aNd persoNalities of gleNvieW, Northbrook aNd deerfield

the north shore Weekend © 2013 JWC MedIa, PublIshed at 445 sherIdan road, hIghWood, Il 60040 | tElEpHonE: 847.926.0911

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THe NorTH sHore weekeNd | gleNview, NorTHbrook, deerfield | 12/21 – 12/22/136 | index

News

08 ChurCh group It’s the time of year when ministers and volunteers devote their time to ensure Christmas is special at local churches.

10 pain relief Dr. Larry Robbins is dedicated to help-ing patients mitigate headaches at his center in Northbrook.

13 SoCial meDia Rob Shindler, a Northbrook resident, helps adults combat low literacy.

Lifestyle & Arts

23 SunDay BreakfaSt Jon Abt is working, along with his three brothers, to keep Abt Electronics successful. And offering customers fresh cookies doesn’t hurt.

Real Estate

32 north Shore offeringSTwo intriguing houses in our towns are profiled.

Sports

34 highly proDuCtive Senior Nate Harris has been a tremen-dous addition to the GBN hockey team. He has 33 goals and 31 assists for the 39-win Spartans.

Last but not least…

38 perfeCt weekenD Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus talk about what makes that little spot up north so great.

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John Conatser, Founder & Publisher

Jill Dillingham, Vice President of Sales

tom rehWalDt, General Manager

DaviD sWeet, Editor in Chief

Bill mClean, Senior Writer/Associate Editor

Kevin reiterman, Sports Editor

KenDall mCKinven, Style Editor

Katie rose mCeneelY, Online Content Editor

valerie morgan, Art Director

erYn sWeeneY-Demezas, Account Manager/Graphic Designer

sara BassiCK, Graphic Designer

aBigail mitChell, Graphic Designer

BoB peters, Contributing Designer

septemBer Conatser, Publishing Intern

aBBY WiCKman, Editorial Intern

Telephone 847-926-0911

Contributing Writers

Joanna BroWn t.J. BroWn

BoB gariano sCott holleran

JaKe Jarvi arthur miller

angeliKa laBno Kevin Beese

Jenna sChuBert

Joel lerner, Chief Photographer

larrY miller, Contributing Photographer

BarrY Blitt, Illustrator

allison steinBaCK, Advertising Account Executive

CourtneY pitt, Advertising Account Executive

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© 2013 the north shore Weekend/

a publication of JWC media

Christmas Eve services have become incredibly popular across the North Shore. On Dec. 24, most churches offer four worship times to meet the demand. At some, one must arrive at

least an hour in advance to guarantee seating that features a view of the reverend rather than be es-corted to another room with a piped-in video display.

Some may say “Hallelujah!” that so many are flocking to churches that day. But a good number are two-timers — not in the sense that they’re cheating on anyone, but because they attend church twice a year (the other time on Easter).

Everyone in the pews that day, whether regu-lars or rarities, should appreciate the amount of work that goes into those services. Our ministers in every congregation give up their personal Christmas Eve plans — whether they simply in-volves last-minute wrapping or sharing eggnog with family and friends — to deliver the word of Jesus Christ’s birth to all of us. And think of the choirs, all volunteers who practice hard weeks ahead of time to ensure “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” resonates with one sterling voice.

Bill McLean — the son of an Episcopal minis-ter — is the perfect writer to capture North Shore church traditions around Christmas, along with detailing the efforts of what it takes to pull it all off. Read his piece inside.

Abt Electronics is not a house of worship, to be sure, but it draws its own flock daily because of the comfort it provides. Hot cookies are offered to customers, and

children can gawk at the fish in the salt-water aquar-ium or become engulfed in a giant bubble.

“The kids will be entertained while the parents shop,” notes Jon Abt, one of four brothers — along with father Bob — running the store in various capacities. “It’s all about the experience.”

It’s almost a cliché that a family business will destruct due to infighting, but Jon is convinced the 77-year-old firm is here to stay.

“My brothers and I, we all get along,” he says. “We try not to step on each other’s toes.” Find out how he left a career in music marketing to rejoin the family firm in Sunday Breakfast.

The Perfect Weekend often profiles a couple who recount a special trip they have taken — sites they saw, restaurants they enjoyed and more, with the idea our readers may want to go there, too. But this week, it’s unlikely anyone will want to visit the spot Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus say they prefer: the North Pole. As they confided, they were once asked to travel to Los Angeles to be on “The Merv Griffin Show,” but Mrs. Claus is scared of earthquakes. The only shaking she wants to hear, she explained, is Santa’s stomach — which some say is like a bowlful of jelly. The final page of this paper holds their tale.

Enjoy the weekend.

David SweetEditor in [email protected]

their dedication to churches is a joy to the world

8 | news

The choir belts out a song during a rehearsal for the second annual "Do It Yourself Messiah" at Glenview Community Church.

photography by joel lerner

That’s the spiritParishioners, ministers spread cheer as Christmas approaches■ by bill mclean

Colt Foerch stands on a makeshift stage at The Sign of the Dove Church in Waukegan.

The Deerfield High School senior shouts, “Oh, good grief!”Foerch — a teenaged parishioner at Christ Church in

Lake Forest — is Charlie Brown, lead character in “A Charlie Brown Christmas.”

Foerch’s character emotes some more near his little sis-ter, Sally Brown — portrayed by none other than Lexis Foerch, Colt’s little sister in real life.

Every member of the audience welcomes the holiday production on Dec. 14.

It is a festive escape for all of them — every member of the audience is also the child of one, or two, imprisoned parents.

“For a lot of the kids, the day they see this play is their Christmas Day,” Colt Foerch said on Dec. 13, when he and six other teenaged parishioners of Christ Church performed the play for the students at Forrestal Elementary School in Great Lakes.

Christ Church parishioners joined those from The Sign of the Dove Church and St. Paul Lutheran Church in Waukegan to host a Christmas party for the children of inmates. The kids ate cookies and cupcakes and slurped cider before the play. They received gifts from Angel Tree, a ministry of Prison Fellowship, after the play.

“We care about these kids. We want to get to know them,” said Kim Gates, who oversees Prison Ministry at Christ Church and serves as the chaplain at the Lake County Jail.

“Too often they’re forgotten,” she added.Consumerism too often buries the true meaning of Christmas.

The holiday season should be about the birth of Jesus Christ and providing hole-free socks for the disadvantaged. It is one of the messages church leaders along the North Shore have been espousing this month. Their parishioners are listening.

Their parishioners are acting and giving.And spreading warmth — via either donated coats or

interaction.“People are grieving. People are dealing with a loss or

losses,” said The Rev. Dale Susan Edmonds, interim coor-dinator for congregational care at Glenview Community Church. “Not everybody is glittery and rushing around, shopping for gifts and planning holiday dinners and parties.

“There are many people out there who simply want to talk, want to be heard,” she added. “Talking helps those who are grieving.”

Edmonds leads a special group at Glenview Community Church. It is called “Called to Care.” A dozen of parishioners have been assigned to brighten lives that have absorbed recent hits.

A unique 12-foot Christmas tree stands inside Glenview Community Church. It is made up entirely of poinsettias. After Christmas, students in Edmonds’ eighth-grade con-firmation class won’t just dismantle the tree.

They also will connect with elderly shut-ins.“The kids will call to make an appointment and then

deliver poinsettias to the people,” Edmonds said. “The kids will interact with them, learn all about their lives.

“The elderly really appreciate it,” she added, “because many of them rarely get the opportunity to spend time with young people.”

People of all ages showed up at Glenview Community Church on Dec. 14 to warble during the second annual Do-It-Yourself Messiah and Carol Sing. The free event featured the Waukegan Symphony Orchestra and the church’s chancel choir.

“We’re planning to sing 15-20 pieces,” Edmonds, an alto soloist, said before the final rehearsal last weekend. “To do that, with an orchestra … you can’t do that in a kitchen.”

You can attend a Christmas service on one of three dates (Dec. 21, Dec. 22, Dec. 24) at Willow Creek Community

Church’s North Shore campus in Northfield.“Since many people travel this time of year, we want to

give them several opportunities to celebrate Christmas at their church,” said Jackie Herron-Whitfield, pastor of com-passion and justice at Willow Creek-North Shore.

Willow Creek-North Shore’s initiative this holiday sea-son also focuses on the incarcerated. Approximately 1,000 juveniles in Illinois will not spend Christmas at home, Herron-Whitfield noted.

“Many of them never get visitors this time of year,” she said. “And it’s cold at many of the facilities.”

Through the generosity of donors, the juveniles will receive sweat suits, along with care boxes containing gloves and scarves.

People — strangers — will visit them and make their day.Perhaps their holiday.“It’s in the Bible,” Herron-Whitfield said. “Jesus’ message

was clear. His message was, ‘When you visit a prisoner, you visit me.’ ”

An image of an upside Christmas tree hangs in the lobby at Christ Church in Lake Forest. It was not put up there hastily.

The words near the image: “Turning Christmas Upside Down.”

Translation: Spend less, devote more time to others.“Servicing others gives you energy,” Gates said. “People

find that out when they focus on others at this time of year. They then want to serve some more. They get blessed in return. They get renewed.”

Kat Metzger got chilly while watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas” at Forrestal Elementary on Dec. 13. She directs the drama troupe at Christ Church.

“It was flawless,” she said. “I was so proud. To see how excited the audience got, to hear the children laughing and clapping … it gave me goose bumps.” ■

| 912/21 – 12/22/13 | glenview, northbrook, deerfield | the north Shore weekend

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12 | news THe NorTH sHore weekeNd | gleNview, NorTHbrook, deerfield | 12/21 – 12/22/13

Doctor has a head for this specialty

■ by jenna schubert

As a college graduate, Dr. Larry Robbins of Robbins Headache Clinic in Northbrook knew that he wanted to pursue a medical career closely linked to psychology.

After growing up in Lincolnwood, he finished medi-cal school at the University of Illinois and became interested in the study of headaches. By 1986, he opened his practice in Northbrook and began treating patients. Since then, U.S. News & World Report has elected him as a “Top Doctor” for the United States and Chicago for the past 11 years, and the American Academy of Pain Medicine (AAPM) selected him as the “Pain Physician of the Year” in 2008.

Now, Dr. Robbins — a Riverwoods resident — con-siders his practice to be a family one, as many of his first-generation patients are bringing their children to be treated. In fact, his patients range in age from toddlers to people well into their 80s. Regardless of age, many of his patients suffer from headaches that are genetically inherited.

“About 90 percent of people who suffer from head-aches have a family history of them,” he says. “Once you inherit the gene, factors such as weather, stress, hormones, and food can trigger the headaches.”

During his years as a physician, Dr. Robbins has treated a variety of conditions, including migraines, cluster headaches (which are similar to migraines, but occur most commonly in men), post-traumatic head-aches, new onset daily persistent headaches (NDPH), anxiety, depression, and attention deficit disorder (ADD). He uses a variety of treatments, such as medi-cine, physical therapy, acupuncture, relaxation tech-niques, nerve block treatments, and Botox injection.

“Botox is an FDA-approved treatment for chronic migraines, and is safe even for children,” Dr. Robbins says, “It’s effective for about 65 percent of patients.”

Yet, perhaps his most interesting work involves foot-ball — particularly, tackle football that children under 18 are playing. Dr. Robbins recently helped write a bill presented to the Illinois House of Representatives that would limit the hitting in youth football. The bill focused primarily on the 6-14 age group, but also included high school-aged children. Although the bill was deceded in Springfield, it did garner some

success, as the Illinois High School Association (IHSA) changed its hitting rules for pre-season foot-ball practice.

“When we think about it, using our kids’ heads as a battering ram is just not a good idea,” Dr. Robbins says. “The sensitive and developing brain of a child under 18 is more susceptible to damage — including neuron damage — and it doesn’t occur only from con-cussions, but also from multiple small hits.”

Dr. Robbins plans to continue his work to prevent hitting in youth football, and would eventually like to see a national bill passed by Congress to protect the health of children playing the sport.

“I foresee a time when kids will play only flag foot-ball until age 13 or 14, and then switch to tackle,” he says. “You also could make a case for eliminating tackle football in high school too, but that may take 20 to 30 years.”

Though the research concerning football-induced head injuries is ongoing, Dr. Robbins’ knowledge of the phenomenon is improved by interactions with his own patients.

“I’ve had young patients with no family history of headaches and who played tackle football in high school, and are now suffering from chronic and severe headaches that won’t go away,” he says.

Yet, for Dr. Robbins, the most rewarding part of his job is just that: helping those who have been unable to find effective treatments elsewhere. He also enjoys being social with his patients, many of whom he has treated for years.

His lighthearted nature is apparent when he dis-cusses his favorite hobby: playing hockey for several men’s leagues in Buffalo Grove and Chicago. One of his teams consists primarily of young men, while the other is made up of men closer to his age of 59.

“In the locker room, the younger kids talk about their girlfriends and which bars they like, and dur-ing my games with the older guys, we talk about our colonoscopies,” he says.

Robbins Headache Clinic is located at 60 Revere Drive, Suite 330, in Northbrook. For more information, call 847-480-9399, or visit headachedrugs.com. ■

Dr. Larry Robbins

For professional advice from an experienced Realtor, call Jean Wright at (847) 217-1906 or email at [email protected]

Let’s Talk Real Estateby Jean Wright, President/Broker Owner Crs, GrI

LOan FundamentaLs: What Is a mOrtGaGe?

Mortgage is the term collectively used by most people when they refer to a loan used to buy real estate. This can be misleading, in that these securities are not always mortgages, but deeds of trust. A true mortgage is a written contract that specifies how the property will be used as a term of security for the loan. In these contracts, the primary mortgage lender will usually have a first lien on the property, giving the lender priority over all other lien holders, with the only exception being a tax lien. In a true mortgage contract, all due taxes must be paid prior to closing and the mortgager (borrower and buyer of real estate) is required to pay into an escrow account specifically earmarked for taxes and insurance, thereby protecting the interests of the primary lender. In these contracts, however, the title of the property is in the name of the mortgager, not the lender; should the mortgager default on the loan, the lender (mortgagee) is required to foreclose on the property in court. If the court approves the action, the property is sold to the highest bidder. A deed of trust differs from a mortgage in that it gives the title to a neutral third party (trustee) who is partial to neither the interests of the borrower nor the lender. In these contracts, the lender is the beneficiary; should the borrower (trustor) default on the loan, the lender then asks the trustee (neutral third party) to foreclose on the property. Following the procedure set forth in the deed of trust and adhering to state laws and regulations, the trustee then forecloses on the property. Lenders prefer deeds of trusts over true mortgages for the provision of security in the event of a defaulted loan due to their quicker and less costly method of foreclosure. The ease and security of deeds of trust has not weakened the state of mortgage contracts. Mortgages are still the prevalent security instrument in many states whose laws and regulations favor the specifications of mortgage contracts. These states are called lien theory states. States whose legal regulations favor deeds of trust are referred to as title theory states. Other states have adapted their legal structures to an intermediary approach, which grants security to both the borrower and the lender in cases of default. The intermediary approach makes provisions for deeds of trust, but also requires the lender to provide a notice of foreclosure to the borrower prior to the physical repossession, allowing the borrower the opportunity to rectify the default. Before entering into any kind of real estate contract, discuss with both your Realtor® and your lender whether you live in a lien or title theory state, or if your state takes an intermediary approach. Though one never enters into a contract with the goal to default on the loan, it is important in today’s economy to be informed and well-prepared for the worst-case scenario.


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Northbrook 405 $559,215 96% 122

Deerfi eld 263 $506,260 96% 92

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■ by katie rose mceneely

Northbrook resident Rob Shindler is a law-yer, author, and tutor at Literacy Chicago. His book “Hot Dogs & Hamburgers” raises

awareness of low literacy among adults. Reading: What I’m reading now is a book

that my son had to read in school, which is so funny, because I read it a long time ago and decided to revisit it — “East of Eden”

by John Steinbeck. It’s so long, and when you don’t have a lot of time to read, you can only knock out a few pages at a time. It’s better the second time around, and it makes you realize how precious fam-ily is. As a dad of three, you’ve got a lot of emotions flying around the house. You see how important the family unit is. You see what could happen — the family in “East of Eden” are people that love each other one day and can be completely separated the next.

Listening: I’m listening to whatever my kids are listening to. I think one of their favorites is Miley Cyrus and One Republic. Whatever the three of them are listening to is the taste of the week.

Watching: We watch “The Voice” — it depends who I’m watching it with. My daughter and I are avid, avid “Grey’s Anatomy” fans, but everyone else: not so much. My son Sage doesn’t watch anything other than the NFL Network. Oliver and I like to watch “The Black List” with James Spader — it’s creepy and yet wonderful. When my kids go to sleep, my wife and I like to watch “Chelsea Lately.”

Following: We’re huge Chicago Bears fans. The nice thing about having kids is you kind of get to revisit your childhood. As a kid, I was huge football fan. Now that my 12-year-old is literally obsessed, I get to become a football fan again.

Activity: The story basically is, my son Oliver has a learning disability. In fifth grade, he was reading as a first grader. Nothing seemed to be helping — the teach-ers, the tutors, especially my wife — and

someone gave me the idea that I should start learning how to teach an adult to read—someone who wasn’t my kid, who I wasn’t related to, and maybe that would help me teach my son. It was the best advice I received.

A little over five years ago I went to Literacy Chicago and met June Porter, my mentor and the director of reading at Literacy Chicago. I had to become a cer-tified reading tutor and I learned how to teach someone to read. I started tutor-ing and now my class size can get into the 30s on any given Wednesday. I teach two classes: ESL and adult people with low literacy. There are people of all races [and ages] who are just trying to better them-selves. Everyone in there is seeking out opportunity by learning to read; that’s a success. I have never been more passion-ate or dedicated in something than this.

Eating: My wife met someone who told her about the benefits of juicing. We’re now big juicers. It’s not a delicacy.

What is your favorite mistake? Doubting my son Oliver. When he was

going through reading as a first grader, if I told you I didn’t have doubts of him suc-ceeding, I’d be lying. How was he going to get through junior high, high school, col-lege? He has erased every single doubt. I’m so excited, because as high as my goals are for him, I have no doubt in my mind he’ll surpass them. That’s what people need to learn about people with learning disabilities.

For more information, visit robshindler.com ■

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ReviewDeeRfielDA group of residents has filed a lawsuit in

Lake County Circuit Court against the village trying to stop a natural foods grocery from going into a strip mall near their homes.

The homeowners, led by Jeff Bizar and Michael Berliant, are suing the village, Village President Harriet Rosenthal and the vil-lage trustees over their decision to let Fresh Thyme Farmers Market operate in the Cadwell’s Corners plaza on the northeast cor-ner of Waukegan and Lake Cook roads.

Despite the Cadwell’s Corners mall hav-ing several vacancies, neighbors have fought the proposed establishment of Fresh Thyme in the shopping center due to their concerns about noise from delivery trucks and odor from trash compactors.

Deerfield trustees contend that they have heard residents and worked with Fresh Thyme to make concessions such as not allowing deliveries until after 8 a.m. and improving its landscaping to lessen the mar-ket’s impact on neighbors.

John Gross, principal of Norcor-Cadwell, ownership of Cadwell’s Corners Shopping Center, noted that a grocery store existed in the plaza for more than 21 years before Fresh Thyme’s planned entrance.

No hearing date has yet been set in the lawsuit.

GlenviewThe village’s history of “conservative financial manage-

ment” has netted Moody’s top rating for an upcoming bond issue.

Glenview’s issuing of $10.6 million in general obligation bonds for the relocation of Village Hall and road improve-ments at Waukegan and Golf roads will carry Moody’s Aaa rating – its highest.

The village will be issuing about $4.4 million to finance road improvements at Waukegan and Golf in conjunction with the redevelopment of the former Avon warehouse and a former car dealership on the northeast corner.

The bond issue will also include $6.1 million for the relocation of Village Hall to the Police Department building, which will entail rehabilitating space and building 17,000 square feet of additions to make it a municipal center.

GlenviewKen Bartosz is being remembered as a man who loved

music and instilled that love in individuals throughout the region.

Mr. Bartosz, who directed the Glenview Concert Band for 25 years and also directed the Deerfield Concert Band, died Dec. 5. He was 74.

The Glenview resident had earlier served as the director of music instruction at Loyola Academy for 37 years.

“Ken was a true class act professional,” said Concert Band member Donna Virklan. “His love for his faith, family, music and the band was very clear. We are better musicians having known him and having been under his baton.” Greg Wojcik, band director at Glenbrook South High School and current Glenview Concert Band director, met Mr. Bartosz in 1979 when Wojcik was a new and young teacher. Glenbrook South was playing Loyola in a playoff game and Wojcik had taken the school band to the game.

“He was such a gracious guy,” Wojcik said. “Even being rivals, he invited our kids over and that is how our friendship began.”

Fellow band member Larry Bunce said Mr. Bartosz always showed gentle leadership and strong faith.

“I will remember Ken’s easy authority directing the Glenview Concert Band. We accomplished a lot during rehearsals, but

he always found time to tell us of his travel adventures, and all of us in the band will fondly remember his way with a joke,” Bunce said. “Ken never preached to us, but anyone who was ever around him was aware of the strength of his Catholic faith. We all miss you, Ken, but we are thankful to have known you, and take some cheer in knowing that you now direct a far better band than we could ever be.”

Mr. Bartosz is survived by his wife of 56 years, Dianne; four daughters; two sons; 13 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Sister Paulanne’s Needy Family Fund, 1775 Grove St., Glenview, IL 60025.

noRThbRookSix hockey players had cell phones and cash taken from

their clothing last week while they were on the ice.The thefts were reported at 10:20 p.m. Dec. 11 at the North

Shore Ice Arena, 2111 Founders Drive.The players had left their clothing on hooks in the locker

room and someone went in and rifled through their pockets, according to Daniel Petka, supervisor of community relations for the Northbrook Police Department.

Petka was not able to provide a total dollar amount for the players’ loss.

PReviewDeeRfielDA one-day basketball tournament will be held during holiday

break for youths in grades 3 through 8 at Joy of the Game.The Dec. 28 bracketed tournament will include travel,

community and AAU teams. Each team is guaranteed three games at the sports club, located at 158 S. Waukegan Road.

Matt Levy, tournament and event director for Joy of the Game, said such one-day shootout tournaments normally draw around 25 teams to the facility.

Games in the JG Boys Holiday Shootout will consist of two 20-minute halves with a running clock. The clock will stop in the last minute of the first half and the last two minutes of the second half unless a team is up by 20 or more points.

Levy said the tourney is a good opportunity for players to get some work in during the holidays.

“It is a chance for kids who are not able to play with their school team or kids looking to get some good competition a chance to get out and play basketball,” Levy said.

The tournament participants are primarily local teams because of the one-day format, but a team from northeastern Indiana is mak-ing the trip to play, Levy said. Each division is separated by age and each division will have an ‘A’ and a ‘B’ league.

The cost is $195 per team. Multiple team dis-counts are offered. Admission for spectators is $5 for the day.

For information on the tournament, contact Levy at [email protected] or call 847-498-6646.

GlenviewThe Nutcracker Prince and the Sugar Plum

Fairy will lead preschoolers in basic ballet moves in a program later this month at the library.

The Park District and library are com-bining efforts for “Nutcracker Ballet for Preschoolers” on Dec. 28. Two sessions – 10 a.m. (already filled) and 11 a.m. - will be con-ducted in the Community Room of the library, 1930 Glenview Road.

Each program will include “The Nutrcracker” story, a craft and creative dance movements.

“We have done a number of programs with the Glenview Park District,” said librarian Sally Baylaender. “This program will introduce youths to dance skills … I love working with the Park District.”

Baylaender noted that being in the Community Room will give preschoolers space to move around.

Registration is required and preference will be given to Glenview Library card holders. A total of 25 children will be allowed in each program. Register for the 11 a.m. program at glenviewpl.org, 847-729-7500, Ext. 7900 or at the library’s Youth Services desk.

noRThbRookFamilies looking for a New Year’s Eve celebration can find

plenty of activities at Pinstripes’ annual bash.Balloon drops – at 8 p.m. (for families with younger chil-

dren) and midnight – are a highlight of the gala. Party favors, a complimentary glass of champagne, and a musical per-formance by Skinny Williams are all part of the events at the Northbrook Pinstripes. Regular menu items will be available, and both the venue’s bowling lanes and bocce courts will be open.

Dale Schwartz, president of Pinstripes, noted that Northbrook – the company’s flagship location – has been doing the New Year’s Eve celebration since opening in 2007.

“If people want to have a striking good time with friends or family, perhaps have some food with a little activity, Pinstripes is a great place to go,” Schwartz said. “There will be hundreds of balloons dropped. It’s a lot of fun for kids.”

There is no cover charge for the New Year’s Eve event and reservations are recommended. Pinstripes Northbrook is located at 1150 Willow Road and can be reached at 847-480-2323.

noRThbRookKids can get some golf basics with indoor lessons through

the Park District.Michael Wenz, an Illinois PGA Junior Golf leader, will be

leading the next round of indoor golf lessons on Sunday mornings beginning Jan. 5 in the gym at Greenbriar School, 1225 Greenbriar Lane.

Classes are broken into three levels:Ages 3-5 – 8:30-9:15 a.m. (beginning in February).Ages 5-7 – 9:30-10:30 a.m.Ages 7-10 – 10:30-11:30 a.m.For information about the indoor golf lessons, visit nbparks.

org or call 847-291-2995. ■

N E W S D I G E S T

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Take the challenge posed by Lee Ann Womack: when you get the choice to sit it out or dance — dance.

Janet and John Glasgow from Wilmette chose to dance, but in order to “not look like complete klutzes” at their daughter’s wedding at the Chicago Botanic Garden, they bought a dancing package at Northfield’s Ballroom Dancing Center.

“We found we really enjoyed it, so we kept with the les-sons,” she said. They then showed off their cha-cha, hustle and rumba at another wedding in October and again at a dinner boat cruise.

“It’s a fun thing to do as a couple; it’s really good exercise, and [owner] Sylvia is just a really lovely teacher.”

After being involved with a few dance studios, Sylvia Zawadzka, a competitive ballroom and Latin dancer since

age five, opened the doors of her own studio earlier this year. Her achievements include being named a Rising Star International Latin Champion at the 2006 United States Dancesport Championships and a Latin dance finalist at Heritage Classic and Atlanta Open. Her instruction earned awards too, including Top Teacher at the Crystal Ball, Windy City Open and Harvest Moon Championships.

Ballroom and Latin dancing has gained tremendous popularity thanks to the television show “Dancing with the Stars,” but the waltz and foxtrot are not reserved for the professionals. Social media gives everyone a shot at fame with viral clips of choreographed wedding dances. Instead of hopping on a train to the city for salsa lessons, North Shore residents can head to Northfield for private lessons or group dance parties to get ready for the next dancing debut.

“It’s something you can go out and do anywhere: a wed-ding, a party, anywhere you go,” said Zawadzka. “It’s a

lifelong skill that you can have.”She also brings her training expertise to other competi-

tive dancers. In October, she had the biggest turnout for the Harvest Moon Ball Championships held at Rosemont’s Intercontinental. Her most advanced student, Pedro Castro, won first place in the Smooth Championship and Latin Championship, and seven other students danced away with first place in their respective categories.

“A lot of students come in and don’t consider competition on the forefront, but we’ll make a mention of it,” Zawadzka said. “With a lot of coverage that’s seen on TV, it’s brought a lot of clientele and an interest in the styles.”

For those just getting started, Zawadzka offers a com-plimentary private lesson and consultation, which can be followed up with regular private or group lessons. There are dance socials every Friday that are usually themed, like the Halloween Spooktacular. Spanish-style Thursdays are held at Tapas Gitana and feature a dance show, dance instruction, tapas and sangria. Zawadzka is also plan-ning a catered holiday showcase with performances by her students.

Dancing comes with many health benefits: toning the body, strengthening muscles, improving balance and reduc-ing stress. The New England Journal of Medicine published a study in 2003 that showed ballroom dancing twice a week made people less likely to develop dementia. It even makes one feel good about oneself.

Connie and Francis Mah were “the beginner of beginner” when they began dancing in July in preparation for their son’s wedding. They now do it all: weekly private lessons, group lessons and every dance party.

“We used to stand off to the side, and now we dance the whole floor,” said Mah. “I feel I am more confident, and you make some good friendships, too.”

More information is available at www.ballroomdancectr.com. ■

ballroom dance center is making its move

Sylvia Zawadzka teaches a lesson at the Ballroom Dancing Center in Northfield.


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■ by david sweet

When one walks into Abt, the electronics store in Glenview, no doubt the 60-inch plasma television screens and sizable reclining chairs catch one’s eye.

But it’s what pleases one’s nose that helps set the busi-ness apart from its competitors.

“There’s nothing better than walking into a store and smelling fresh cookies, especially when you’re with your family,” says Jon Abt, one of four brothers (including Mike, Ricky and Billy) who help run the 77-year-old business with their father, Bob.

That’s not all. Abt’s “store within a store” includes a salt-water aquarium along with a machine where children can get engulfed inside a giant bubble.

“The kids will be entertained while the parents shop,” notes the Highland Park resident. “It’s all about the experience.”

It is Jon Abt’s charge that even those who never step foot in the company’s sole store also enjoy the Abt experi-ence. Since helping to launch the firm’s first e-commerce site in the late 1990s, he has solidified the bricks-and-mortar veteran’s presence online, where free shipping is one attraction.

“Your competitors are popping up from anywhere. When your product is commoditized, it’s a challenge,” says the quinquagenarian. “How do we give them the Abt experi-ence when they live in Los Angeles? Once you purchase our product, you can call us directly. Others say, ‘Here’s a toll-free number.’ “

When, as a teenager in 1981, Abt first worked for the company — started by his grandparents in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago with an investment of $800 during the Great Depression — he cleaned toilets and toiled in the warehouse. Though the work may not sound glamorous, it gave him a chance to spend time with his father, a seven-day-a-week worker. And it allowed him to understand how the family business (for the last 11 years based in Glenview on 37 acres) worked from the bot-tom up.

“During high school, we were required to help out at the store,” says Abt. “But afterwards, he (Bob) wanted us to work somewhere else before coming back here.”

Among his three brothers, Jon Abt waited the longest to rejoin the family business. In fact, 17 years passed after that part-time job at the store before the American University graduate returned.

Far from being a prodi-gal son, Jon had worked for A&M Records before being hired by EMI, then in the forefront of music spon-sorships — bringing groups like The Rolling Stones together with brands such as Jovan Musk during tours.

“No one was doing anything quite like that at the time,” says Abt, enjoying a Dutch Baby (sized more like a Dutch Daddy) at Walker Bros. The Original Pancake House in Highland Park. “It contributed to my understanding of the business side.”

Soon after col-lege, Abt moved to Los Angeles and spent a decade there. He worked for the Grammys, where he helped p u t o n American Idol-type concerts to find the next big bands. Then he became the director of worldwide marketing for DTS, a surround-sound company. More and more frequently, he’d hear the same question.

“People would say, ‘Are you related to the Abt in

Chicago?“ he recalls. “It got me thinking that maybe I had come around full circle.”

Around that time, the first Abt transactional Web site debuted, and Jon came on board as a consultant.

“No one knew if it would be a real business,” he says. “At the time, Amazon.com was just selling books.”

Fifteen years later, e-commerce at the company con-tinues to grow, and Abt sales overall show double-digit percentage increases each year. Free technical support as long as one owns a product and other amenities help set the 1,100-employee company apart from big-box com-petitors. Fourth-generation Abts have already worked

there — including Jon’s son Austin in customer service and in the warehouse.

“So many family businesses get ripped to the seams from fighting from within,” Abt says. “My brothers and I,

we all get along. We try not to step on each other’s toes.”All inquiries about selling the company have been

brushed aside. “We’re a family business,” Abt explains. “Without the family, what

would they do?”They would probably at least have

to change the name — which many customers still pronounce as A-B-T.

Says Abt, “One of our drivers will call and say, ‘It’s Joe from Abt.’ The

customer says, ‘Who?’ He says, ‘You know, A-B-T. You ordered a television.’ Then they’re happy to see him.”

Whether they credit A-B-T or Abt, Jon knows satisfied customers are still the key to success.

“At the end of the day, we’re only as good as those cus-tomers say we are,” he notes. “We’ve built the business by customer word of mouth.

“I want to make my grandparents proud. The company’s important to the entire family.” ■

sunday breakfast A smart cookie helps family business stay strong

Jon Abt

illustration by barry blitt

“the kids will be entertained while the parents shop. It’s all about the experience.” | Jon Abt

lifestyle & Arts | 23

24 | lifestyle & arts THe NorTH sHore weekeNd | gleNview, NorTHbrook, deerfield | 12/21 – 12/22/13

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■ by joanna brown

I wrote in October about President Obama being caught unexpected with a live microphone at the United Nations General Assembly. In that moment, President Obama told the Special Rapporteur for the rights of freedom of peace-ful assembly that he quit smoking “’cause I’m afraid of my wife.” I was disappointed in the President’s phrasing in that particular venue.

“I could have laughed off your comment about fearing Mrs. Obama if it had been made in the private residence, on your beloved basketball court, or in some other social setting. I believe your wife might even tell people that she scared you into quitting with that devilish grin we’ve all seen her shine,” I wrote Oct. 12. “But that’s not how it happened.”

Readers’ responses filled my inbox. Their feedback was unanimous: Lighten up.

“I wondered if you could look up the word sarcasm,” one man wrote. “To me his comments were the essence of a slightly sarcastic joke.”

Another woman wrote, “Seriously, he was just being real. There is zero question that President Obama respects his wife!”

Agreed a woman from Wilmette, “This context should be clear to anyone, worldwide, who has observed the fam-ily since they have been in the public eye. Despite your smiling visage I wonder if you have a sense of humor to have read this as anything but.”

My friends agreed that humor is an indispensable part of any marriage. “Without humor you’re doomed,” Lynne told me.

Michelle, who celebrated her first anniversary in October, offered some advice from her mom. “Laughter helps a mar-riage last forever; without laugh-ter, a marriage feels like it’s lasting FOREVER!”

Even Proverbs 17:22 tells us, “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.”

The science backs it up. Wayne State University psychol-ogy professor Glenn Weisfield has done extensive research on thousands of married couples in several countries, and he has found that humor serves various functions in mar-riage. How humorous your spouse is can be tied to kind-ness, understanding and dependability in a crisis. These are traits, Dr. Weisfield reports, sought in mates around the world.

But laughter and humor also act as a form of flirtation before intimacy and helps to test your spouse’s mood before you announce that you’re skipping brunch with her family in favor of tailgating with your high school buddies before the next Bears game.

And then there was Tina, who never fails to put things in perspective: “How important is it that everyone lighten up?”

Need some help lightening up, as many readers believe that I do? Here are a few ideas from Prevention magazine:

Flip through old photos, like your kids’ baby pictures or shots from a favorite vacation.

Snack on walnuts, which are filled with omega-3 fats to raise your spirits.

Inhale a calming scent, like orange or lavender to reduce anxiety.

Let in more sunlight and sit for a few minutes near the window or take a walk around the block to absorb sun and raise your heart rate.

I hope to see you on the sidewalk.Tell me what two-word advice you have for making a

marriage better – something along the lines of “lighten up” – via email to [email protected] ■

love & marriage

doing my best to lighten up

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Designer offers holiday decorating ideas ■ by jenna schubert

As much as most people look forward to the holidays —the gifts, the food, and the time spent with family — there is one aspect of the season that tends to cause dread: the decorations.

If the thought of readying your home for holiday guests is enough to make you tremble, know that all it takes is basic advice — in this case, from North Shore interior designer Mark Roberts of Mark David Designs.

For those who celebrate Christmas, the tree is one of the most important centerpieces for the home, and often the most time-consuming holiday element to assemble. Roberts suggests never attempting to decorate the tree alone.

“It’s always fun to do it with your family or friends; make it a party,” he says. “There’s no right way to decorate the tree, because it’s a personal part of your home.”

The tabletop is another key compo-nent of holiday deco-rating, according to Roberts. But, unlike the tree, the tabletop can be simple and still pack a big punch. For a traditional home, a centerpiece of either artificial or fresh flow-ers is ideal.

“Amaryllis bulbs or hydrangeas are good options,” Roberts says.

For a basic centerpiece, he recommends buying colored balls and placing them in a big, clear glass bowl. “It looks very tasteful, and it’s a transitional look that appeals to younger people,” he says.

For the mantle, Roberts recommends using garlands that extend to the floor and are wrapped with lights.

“Even if you don’t have room for a Christmas tree, this is an easy way to decorate,” he says. “You get a lot of the holiday look — without taking up a lot of space.”

For one last finishing touch to your home, Roberts puts small swags on the light fixtures above the bathroom sink, to add a warm look to bathrooms without interfering with the counter space.

Overall, sticking with a common color theme throughout the home is advisable, according to Roberts. However, giv-ing each room its own unique look, while making sure all the rooms’ colors and styles complement each other, is another good option.

“You wouldn’t design your home with each room having a completely different look, you would design the rooms to coordinate,” he says. “So that’s what you should do with your holiday decorations, too.”

Though sticking with traditional colors is often a good idea, Roberts says the new trends for this year’s holiday decorations might also be an appealing option. This year, he’s noticed the peacock theme has become a hit.

“It’s all about the turquoises, the purples, and even the fuchsias,” he says. “It’s very popular, and it’s a look that’s translated into fabric designs and dinnerware.”

For more information about seasonal décor, contact Mark David Designs at 847-714-9970 or visit markdaviddesigns.com. ■

A home in Bannockburn is decked out for the holidays thanks to designer Mark Roberts of Mark David Designs.

photography by jim prisching

lifestyle & arts | 2912/21 – 12/22/13 | glenview, northbrook, deerfield | the north Shore weekend

photography by jim prisching

“It’s always fun to do it with your family or friends; make it a party. there’s no right way to decorate the tree, because it’s a person-al part of your home.” | Mark Roberts


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■ by s.h. sweetFor “wonderful tours that are provocative and stimulate your mind,

while you are well cared for,” check out Northfield resident Victoria Frank’s offerings (www.vcfinc.com). They may be perfect for “women of a certain age” who may not have travel companions — but still wish to travel.

The groups are always small and include both Frank and local tour guides who not only know their country but who are experts in textiles.

“You don’t need to weave or needlepoint to enjoy these trips, but you do need an interest in the arts,” Frank says. “We don’t do the typical tourist things, since we’re focused on textiles,” but for anyone wishing to arrive early or stay to sightsee after her tours, Frank arranges discounted hotel rates.

And because Frank works ahead of time with curators and experts, one is treated to not only what’s on display at the museum, but also the archives and hidden secrets of the craft. In Belgium, the group saw breathtaking ancient lace, called Kant, made from materials no longer available. In Arizona, the group heard lectures on Southwest native American art as they travelled to Flagstaff.

Textiles are a tradition practiced worldwide with unique variations. What began in Frank’s mind as tours for needlepoint enthusiasts have evolved to include specialized textiles such as Belgian tapestries (Aubusson learned from the Belgians in Tournai, she notes) and lace, British Columbian First Nation weaving, Portuguese needlepoint known as Arraiolos, and Navajo rug traditions.

Frank is particularly well suited to organize these tours. Not only is she a life-long stitcher with an academic background in art and art history, but she has also planned special events around the world. She is the president of The Textile Society at the Art Institute and partici-pates in other textile organizations.

While a typical agenda is filled with museums, lectures, and dem-onstrations, her guests’ time is not overly organized. Each day features luncheons as a group, but evenings offer opportunities to explore an area on your own or get together in smaller groups. On the trip to Portugal in March 2014, Frank promises the gala final banquet will be held at a palace — and will even include cocktails with the princess.

Lifelong North Shore resident Bonnie Stepan travelled with VCF Inc. to Belgium.

“When you take a VCF trip, you are going on an adventure. It’s not an ordinary experience,” she says. “Our sleeping accommodations were in the finest hotels. Victoria planned the most beautiful lunches and dinners. Really, nothing is left to chance. Even our free time for shop-ping and wandering occurred at just the right time.” ■

Victoria Frank

photography by george pfoertner

travel firm focuses on textiles and more for women

“Victoria planned the most beautiful lunch-es and dinners. really, nothing is left to chance.” | Bonnie Stepan


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34 | sports

Derailed — for nowInjury sidelines Glenbrook North’s high-scoring Harris■ by bob gosman [email protected]

Glenbrook North’s Nate Harris played club hockey for his first three years of high school.

As a senior, he is certainly making the most of his first season with the Spartans. Harris leads Glenbrook North in points with 33 goals and 31 assists. His play has helped the Spartans, who advanced to last year’s state championship game, sport an impressive 39-10-1 record.

“He wanted to play for Glenbrook North, and he’s really quite a player,” Spartans coach Evan Poulakidas said. “I believe he has a chance to go on and play at the junior level or some type of college hockey.”

Unfortunately for Harris, he will miss the next four to six weeks with a broken scapula (shoulder blade). He sustained the injury in the team’s tournament at Culver Academy last weekend in Indiana when he was checked into the ice.

“It seemed like a nothing play, a regular hit, but it was horribly painful,” said Harris, who is wearing a sling on his right arm.

Harris said he will focus on rehabilitation and expects to return well before the playoffs begin. In the interim, Glenbrook North will look to other players to shoulder the increased scoring burden.

Harris has the ability to create scoring chances for himself and also set up his teammates.

“He’s really good with the puck on his stick and he can do some things that a lot of other players can’t do,” Poulakidas said. “He can beat people in one-on-one situ-ations. He has an above average shot and really good vision.”

Three times this season Harris has notched a hat trick. Against Fenwick, he scored three goals and had an assist in a key 4-2 victory. He also recorded hat tricks against Barrington High School and St. Viator.

Harris has also matured physically since he last played with many of his Glenbrook North teammates.

“He’s kind of what we needed,” senior teammate Nick Day said. “He’s grown a lot and also improved his stick handling and shot. We’re going to miss him, but when he returns we’re going to be a team to beat.”

Unfortunately for Glenbrook North, the team has rarely had Harris and Day in the lineup at the same time. Day, one of the team’s top offensive players, suf-fered an ankle sprain earlier in the season and missed more than a month. He is close to 100 percent now and played in all four games at the tournament in Indiana.

“We work together very well,” Day said. “We’re able to find each other (on the) ice.”

Added Poulakidas: “In my opinion, they are the two

best forwards in the league. They’re a special combina-tion and quite dynamic together.”

Rolling — again: Glenbrook North churns out good team after good team. The real question is just how good will the Spartans be?

To date, better than many had probably anticipated.“We graduated 12 kids from a team that won every

major tournament and went to the state championship,” Poulakidas said. “The (senior class) was a great, highly decorated group. This year’s (team) has taken it upon themselves (to excel); I don’t think a lot of people around the state were expecting us to do what we’ve done this season.

Poulakidas said the team’s depth has made all the

difference.“A lot of teams have two checking lines; we have four

lines that can score,” he said. “On any given night, any of our four lines can be our best line. We have some really good, skilled defensemen and we don’t give up a lot of great scoring opportunities.

In addition, the Spartans are able to generate some offense from their defense.

“Chad Yale and Kyle Slovis might be two of the best offensive defensemen in the league,” Poulakidas said.

Day said the Spartans are setting themselves up for a special season, but it’s critical they continue to improve.

“We can’t take anything for granted,” Day said. “Opportunities like this don’t always come along.” ■

Glenbrook North’s Nate Harris (No. 88), seen here in earlier action, has put up huge numbers (33 goals, 31 assists) this season. However, he’s currently sidelined with an injury.


Werner, Spartans shine on new floor■ by kevin reiterman [email protected]

The main gymnasium floor at Glenbrook North is no longer under construction.

Could the same thing be said of the Spartans?GBN’s boys basketball team didn’t look like a “work in

progress” on Dec. 14, when it bashed visiting Maine East 60-27 in a CSL North opener.

Led by the shooting of Ethan Lutz (13 points) and Jan Siegien (14 points), the rebounding of Cameron Liss (7 boards) and the passing of Brett Werner (5 assists), the 2-5 Spartans broke in the brand-new floor — which was supposed to be ready in August — in the best way possible.

“It feels good to be back in here,” said Werner.Werner, a senior guard, certainly did his part in the

floor christening. He came off the bench and sparked the Spartans with a series of precise passes.

“Brett really sees the floor well,” said veteran GBN head coach David Weber. “Our offense was moving well with him tonight.

“He passes up good shots in order to get better shots for his teammates,” the coach added. “That’s a sign of a good point guard.”

Werner is money when it comes to tossing dimes. During one stretch in the second quarter — 2 minutes, 20 seconds — he served up four assists to three different teammates.

“I’ve got a lot of confidence in the guys around me,” said Werner, who also scored five points. “Giving up the ball to them is pretty easy.”

Werner has been a valuable roster piece. He’s played both guard positions this winter.

“We’re still putting the puzzle together,” said Weber.Lutz and Siegien are two solid scoring options.Lutz used a variety of shots, including two three-point-

ers, to tally 11 points in the second quarter.“Ethan is hard to guard,” said Weber. “He can be

deceptive. He not only can shoot the three, but he also can get to the rim.”

Siegien’s game is similar to Lutz’s. Just add two inches and 40 pounds.

The junior, who has played varsity basketball since freshman year, went on an 8-0 run to open the second half.

“Jan is going to have some big nights for us,” Weber said. “Got open. Got some points,” said Siegien. “That’s how

I need to play.“This was a good win for us,” he added.Siegien was a spectator — sidelined with an injury —

on Dec. 3, when the Spartans dropped a three-point deci-sion (49-46) to host New Trier. He was back in action on Dec. 6, when he scored a team-high 16 points in a 44-34 setback to host Glenbrook South.

In the New Trier game, Lutz scored a season-high 21 points.

“We’re definitely better than a 2-5 team,” said Lutz. “Tonight’s win gives us a fresh start.” ■

sports | 3512/21 – 12/22/13 | glenview, northbrook, deerfield | the north Shore weekend

Confounding his foesTechnical falls keep rising with Deerfield’s Heller■ by bob gosman [email protected]

Traditional adjectives are not appropriate for describ-ing the way Deerfield High School sophomore Sage Heller wrestles.

That’s why coaches and players keep coming back to one word when talking about Heller.

“He’s kind of a funky wrestler,” Warriors coach Marc Pechter said. “It’s not your traditional style. He puts himself into positions that would normally be dangerous, but but he has an ability to scramble and end up on top. His opponents think they’re in good position when in reality they’re about to be scored on. It can be very frus-trating for them.”

Heller, who is wrestling at 138 pounds, is 17-0 on the season (through Dec. 17) and already has tied the school record for technical falls in a season with 11. The record was set by none other than Jeremy Fahler, who is a redshirt junior for the powerhouse University of Iowa Hawkeyes. Lenny Bloom owns the career record at the school with 22.

“He’s being aggressive and dominating matches,” said Fahler, who has stayed in close contact with the program.

Heller said Fahler set the highest standard for future wrestlers at Deerfield.

“Jeremy was a stud,” Heller said. “I’ve always looked up to him.”

Teammate Andrew Mehrholz said it’s always fun to watch Heller in action.

“He gets in those weird positions, but really he’s in control,” Mehrholz said. “When he wrestles, he really gets the crowd doing.”

Although he doesn’t do judo anymore, Heller’s back-ground in martial arts has influenced his style.

“I’m pretty flexible, quick and slippery,” he said. “That helps me a lot, and I just feel really comfortable rolling around on the mat. My opponents aren’t as comfortable

with that and that gives me a big advantage. I’m able to catch them (by surprise) and that’s how I get a lot of my points.”

Heller’s breakthrough has been one of the most com-pelling wrestling stories in the area this season. He has helped the Warriors post an 8-1 record and 2-0 in the conference (through Tuesday). Deerfield’s only loss was to Grant.

Heller spent most of last year on the freshman team, although he did have success in spot duty on varsity.

Heller went through a pretty dramatic growth spurt over the last year. He grew five inches and now stands 6 feet.

“Last year, he was literally having growing pains,” Pechter said. “His body type was changing, but we knew he was going to be a really good competitor.”

Added Heller: “My height has given me a really good

advantage. There aren’t a lot of people as tall as me in my weight class.”

His wrestling was limited over the summer because of injuries, but he did go 4-2 at USA Wrestling Pre Season nationals in Cedar Falls, Iowa. This was the third year he had participated but the first year he won a match and enjoyed this type of success.

During the high school season so far, perhaps some opponents have underestimated Heller. Pechter said that won’t be the case going forward.

“He won’t be able to fly under the radar too much lon-ger,” Pechter said.

As he continues to develop, Fahler said Heller’s next step is to turn those technical falls into pins.

“That’s the name of the game,” he said. “Sage has a lot (of talent) and I’m excited to see what he’ll continue to do.” ■

One-armed bandit: Deerfield High School’s Sage Heller (top) prepares to pin his Highland Park opponent during dual-meet action on Dec. 13.


Assertive Alfieri delivers in win over Vikings■ by t.j. brown [email protected]

Deerfield High School senior Michael Alfieri heard about it all week.

Coach Dan McKendrick said that he wanted his 6-foot-4 senior center to assert himself with the unenvi-able assignment of guarding — and being guarded by — Niles North’s 6-foot-6 center Danillo Ranger.

“We said, ‘Michael, you’re a three-year varsity starter. We need you to get those tough rebounds. We need to be able to throw you the ball in the post in the big moments,’ ” said McKendrick.

They needed Alfieri.Alfieri delivered — at both ends of the court.Alfieri turned in a strong performance in the Warriors’

47-45 win at Niles North on Dec. 13. He scored nine

points and pulled down 10 rebounds. And his shutdown defense on Ranger (three points on 1-of-8 shooting) fig-ured heavily in the win.

“He was aggressive,” McKendrick said. “He was hun-gry for the ball on rebounds. He was hungry for the ball in the post. We know that if we get Michael the ball, he can make things happen in the post. Tonight, we didn’t settle for threes; we tried to find him in the post when we had chances to.”

Alfieri created shots off the dribble, such as his first basket of the game when he pulled up for an eight-foot jumper. He also took advantage of Deerfield’s playmakers finding him under the basket. Late in the first quarter, he took a pass in the low post from Jordan Baum, laid it in, drew the foul and converted the three-point play.

“In the fourth quarter, he had a touch where he was real patient. He power dribbled into the middle and got us a layup when we were scuffling offensively,”

McKendrick said. That basket put Deerfield up 46-40, and it proved to be

just enough as the Warriors held off a furious rally by the Vikings, who trailed by 13 after three quarters.

“It was a really huge win for us, especially after losing our first conference game,” Alfieri said. “It was huge to get this one and start some momentum.”

The Warriors opened the game with an 11-0 run to build a lead they never relinquished.

“We came out really, really wanting this game and needing this game,” Alfieri said.

It was an important win as Deerfield was reeling from the previous week’s loss to intra-district rival Highland Park.

Eric Porter led Deerfield with 14 points and two steals, while Baum had four assists and two steals.

Notable: The Warriors improved to 6-3 overall with a 69-65 win over Wheeling on Dec. 14. ■

36 | sports THe NorTH sHore weekeNd | gleNview, NorTHbrook, deerfield | 12/21 – 12/22/13

Loyola Gold, Axel come up roses■ by bill mclean [email protected]

His name is Axel.But figure skating is not his game.Hockey is.Loyola Academy Gold forward Axel Lifvendahl did not

execute a joyous axel jump after a game on Dec. 14, for two reasons:

Figure skating judges weren’t at Winnetka Ice Arena.It would have been a cumbersome act, with all that

hockey gear covering his frame.But the senior captain had no problem displaying a

smile that was slightly smaller than a goalmouth. He had scored a goal and fed an assist in a 6-3 defeat of reigning state champion New Trier Green in front of a packed, raucous crowd at the annual Quad Header game.

“What a great environment; I love this kind of atmo-sphere,” said Lifvendahl, named after a great-great uncle.

“We showed we can perform under pressure.”Only 2:47 separated Lifvendahl’s assist and goal in

the third period. He deftly avoided a moving obstacle — a referee — before sliding a gorgeous pass to forward Danny O’Grady, who beat NT Green goaltender Jack Junge.

Lifvendahl then gave LA Gold a 5-2 lead with 11:33 left in the final period. Zachary Scholl provided the assist.

“[Scholl] and I have good chemistry,” Lifvendahl said. “We had made eye contact before the goal.”

LA forward Ryan Hill netted the only goal of the first period, on an assist from forward John Buck.

In the second period, LA defenseman Jacob Skarzynski struck for a pair of goals. The second — a scant 1:33 after the first — bloated Gold’s lead to 3-0.

Skarzynski got mobbed by thrilled teammates near center ice.

“We were playing well,” Loyola coach DJ LaVarre said.But NT Green (22-4-1) got right back in it, thanks

to goals from forward Matt Solberg and defenseman Graham Soman.

LA (11-2, with two shootout losses) led 3-2 after two

periods.“One team had all the momentum then,” LaVarre said.

“We were sort of searching at that point. I looked at it as a challenge. I told our guys, ‘This will be a good test for you [in the third period].’ ”

Gold needed only 2:40 to secure a 4-2 advantage in final period.

“The fourth goal was the backbreaker,” NT Green

assistant captain Brad Glass said. “Those two goals we scored [in the second period] … they gave us some energy.

“Our effort wasn’t there. We didn’t make smart plays. Maybe we were too hyped up.”

A power play goal from NT Green forward Jason Kuker cut LA’s lead to 5-3, with just under seven min-utes remaining.

Loyola’s O’Grady joined Skarzynski as a two-goal scorer in the final minute, notching an empty-netter.

“Crazy game,” LaVarre said. “Not getting down on ourselves after New Trier scored those two quick goals was key. New Trier is so good, so talented. You have to smother that team’s speed and talent.

“If you give their players room on the ice,” he added, “they’ll exploit you.”

LA goaltender Nicholas Bolino got the win. Hill, for-ward Ryan Nolan and defenseman Cal Callahan each had an assist for the victors.

“It was a team win,” LaVarre said. “All 20 showed up. And they never gave up.”

One of LA’s 20, Lifvendahl, emerged from a locker room, beaming. He was 10 minutes removed from an on-ice celebration. Gold’s members, with their sticks up, had skated near a glass partition, where their fans were in full lather. Voices roared.

Glass shook.Lifvendahl relished every second of the moment.He had started preparing for it months ago.“Axel,” LaVarre said, “dedicated himself to hockey [in

the offseason] like never before. He’s a leader. That’s why he’s a captain.”

Notable: NT Green’s assists came from Glass, Brent Segvich, Matthew Kenyon and Chris Bower. … NT’s state championship last winter was its seventh in 14 years. … NT Green assistant coach Lenny Munson filled in for NT girls varsity coach Nelson Forsberg after the NT Green-LA Gold game on Dec. 14. The girls topped Loyola 5-2 at Winnetka Ice Arena. Munson’s daughter, sophomore defenseman Tay Munson, scored a goal in the first period. … NT’s Glass, a member of the school’s ser-vice board, tutors underprivileged students in Evanston. “I enjoy it,” he said. “Each time I go, it’s a chance to change someone’s life for the better.” ■

New Trier Green’s Matthew Garcia (No. 65) tries to prevent Loyola Gold’s Hayes Williams (No. 44) from taking a shot on goalie Jack Junge during the Quad Header.

photography by jon durr

Yes! Yes! After scoring the final goal of the game, Loyola Gold’s Dan O’Grady (No. 22) celebrates with his teammate Zach Scholl.

photography by jon durr

sports | 3712/21 – 12/22/13 | glenview, northbrook, deerfield | the north Shore weekend

With Kevin Reiterman & Bill McLean

ROAminG the SiDeLineS

FOOtbALLTeam Supreme

2013 All-North Shore Weekend

• OffenseQuarterback: Jack Penn (Loyola, Sr.) —

dynamic dual threat (2,200 passing yards, 602 rushing yards)

Running Back: Hub Cirame (Lake Forest, Sr.) — explosive three-year starter (1,580 rushing yards, 387 receiv-ing yards, 30 TDs)

Running Back: Brett Laurie (Glenbrook South, Sr.) — electric, named to all-state team (895 rushing yards, 624 receiving yards, 16 TDs)

Receiver: Spencer Cotten (New Trier, Sr.) — big target (6-foot-4), big-play capability (averaged 15.37 per catch)

Receiver: David Glynn (Lake Forest, Sr.) — prolific, three-year starter (45 catches, 529 yards)

Receiver: Joe Joyce (Loyola, Sr.) — super reliable (62 catches, 598 yards, 11 TDs)

Line: Peter Durot (Lake Forest, Sr.) — three-year starter, two-time all-confer-ence player

Line: Michael Frett (New Trier, Sr.) — dependable, focused

Line: Jeremy Trudell (Highland Park, Sr.) — hard to miss this 6-5, 240-pound talent

Line: Milan Urukalo (Loyola, Sr.) — paved the way for Class 8A state runner-up

Line: David Vanderkloot (Deerfield, Sr.) — rock steady, a two-time all-con-ference player

• DefenseSecondary: Jack Gleason (Loyola, Sr.)

— flashy, trustworthy (4 interceptions, 10 pass breakups)

Secondary: Grant Paley (Highland

Park, Sr.) — tremendous playmaker (41 solo tackles, 6 pass breakups)

Secondary: Geno Quaid (Lake Forest, Sr.) — plays with passion (35 solo tack-les, 3 interceptions)

Linebacker: Andrew Cerney (Loyola, Sr.) — true difference maker (134 tack-les, 3 sacks, 6 TFLs, 3 INTs)

Linebacker: Jason Goldsmith (Highland Park, Sr.) — solid gold (79 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 4 forced fumbles)

Linebacker: Jack Kutschke (Lake Forest, Sr.) — all-stater will play at Holy Cross (63 solo tackles, 5 tackles for loss)

Linebacker: Trent Williams (Lake Forest, Sr.) — all-stater will play at Colgate (14 tackles for loss)

Line: Brennan Cascarano (Glenbrook South) — co-lineman of the year in CSL

South (5 sacks, 7.5 tackles for loss)Line: Colton Emmerich (Deerfield, Sr.)

— lineman of the year in CSL North (14 ½ sacks, 11 tackles for loss)

Line: Charlie Pontarelli (Loyola, Sr.) — powerful, productive and bound for Dartmouth (79 tackles, 13 TFLs, 6 sacks)

Line: Michael Sernus (New Trier, Sr.) — two-time all-league selection (43 tack-les, 8 tackles for loss)

• Special TeamsKicker: Josh Pollack (Highland Park,

Sr.) — will kick at Arizona (28 touchbacks, 8 field goals with a long of 43)

Punter: Thomas Ward (Lake Forest, Sr.) — solid, consistent (35.6 average, 8 inside the 20)

Returner: Charlie Schoder (New Trier, Jr.) — dangerous with the ball (Averaged 20.63 per kick; 11.67 per punt).

• Special Mentions

Matt Alexander (Glenbrook North, Sr.): Defensive Line

Wesley Annan (LF Academy, Jr.): Offensive Line

Dejon Brissett (LF Academy, Jr.): Receiver/Defensive Back

Owen Buscaglia (Loyola, Jr.): ReceiverCody Carroll (Glenbrook South, Sr.):

ReceiverRegis Durbin (Lake Forest, Sr.):

QuarterbackMike Gentile (Glenbrook South, Sr.):

Running backLandon Hinds (Deerfield, Sr.): Running

back/LinebackerJulius Holley (Loyola, Sr.): Running backPaul Jones (Glenbrook South, Sr.):

Defensive backChris Karamanos (LF Academy, Sr.):

QuarterbackJared Korn (Highland Park, Sr.):

Defensive LineAustin Lyons (Loyola, Sr.): LinebackerMatt McCaffrey (New Trier, Sr.):

QuarterbackBrady Nagel (Glenbrook North, Sr.):

LinebackerLuke Norcia (Highland Park, Jr.):

Receiver/Defensive BackTommy O’Hara (Glenbrook South, Sr.):

LinebackerAJ Spitz (Glenbrook North, Sr.):

QuarterbackTommy Sutker (Highland Park, Sr.):

QuarterbackMatt Tedeschi (Glenbrook North, Jr.):

LinebackerJack Traynor (Lake Forest, Jr.):

LinebackerJacob Wiczer (Highland Park, Sr.):

LinebackerAlex Zera (Glenbrook North, Sr.):

Receiver/Defensive BackRyan Zinkula (Loyola, Jr.): Defensive

Back ■

Glenbrook South running back Brett Laurie earned all-state honors this season.photography by joel lerner

thriving at the lineGlenbrook South's Nikitas is calm, cool and collected during crunch time■ by kevin reiterman [email protected]

What stress?Danny Nikitas loves the pressure cooker.There was not even a hint of anxiety, when the senior

guard walked up to the foul line in a pressure-packed boys basketball game at Glenbrook South on Dec. 13.

In the final 59 seconds of regulation, Nikitas went 4-for-4 from the line to put the Titans in a position to beat visiting Evanston.

“It’s a little nerve wracking, but I absolutely want to be that guy (at the line),” said Nikitas.

He’s Danny Cool.“I trust Danny,” first-year head coach Ben Widner

said. “I want him at the line in those situations.” As it turned out, Nikitas’ clutch shooting wasn’t

enough. The Wildkits came up with their own hero-ics, when Dante Henley nailed a game-tying three-pointer with 16 seconds left in the fourth quarter to force

overtime. Four minutes later, the Kits went home with a 57-51 victory.

“One stop,” said Widner. “That’s all we needed (at the end of regulation).”

Henley, who finished with five points, had a quiet night going, until he drilled that clutch three from the right wing.

“Our scouting report says that No. 3 (Henley) likes to shoot the three,” Widner said. “But we were more con-cerned with No. 10 (Nibra White) and No. 15 (Will Jones).”

“It was a big shot (by Henley). A tough shot,” said Nikitas, a two-year starter. “We lost (track of) him.”

The Titans, who were down by five at halftime, looked to be in trouble midway through the third quarter, when the fast-paced Wildkits (7-1) extended their lead to 37-27.

“I like how we fought back,” said Widner. “I expect that from this group.

“We didn’t play a perfect game, but it was an exciting game,” the coach added.

GBS (4-4) couldn’t get anything going in overtime. The

Titans were outscored 10-1, until Nikitas nailed a three-pointer just before the buzzer.

“We need to finish,” said Nikitas, who wound up with 13 points.

The team’s leading scorer was senior guard Paul Jones (15 points). He had a seven-point second quarter and a six-point — two threes — fourth quarter.

“Paul is such a tough kid,” said Widner. “I love coach-ing him. He competes every day.”

GBS’s Johnny Cowhey (9 points) owned one of the biggest baskets of the game, when he took a pass from Nikitas and popped in a 14-footer from the baseline. That bucket gave the Titans their first lead of the game.

The Titans entered the game with plenty of confidence.On Dec. 7, senior Conor McCarthy, who was sidelined

with an injury for the Evanston game, tallied a team-high 11 points as GBS took care of visiting Grayslake Central 37-29. And on Dec. 6, the Titans topped Glenbrook North 44-34. McCarthy led the way with 16 points, while Cowhey had nine. ■

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We get a lot of offers to travel, believe us. And everyone knows Santa spends one night a year flying around the world thanks to our reindeer (bless them). But truly, our perfect weekend is right here at the North Pole.

It’s Christmas here all year round. The elves are usually so gentle and helpful, except for the one time they tried to form a union. Santa got the Abominable Snowman to put an end to that.

Our house is nice and comfortable, and we have a fire burning inside most of the year. We all work hard to make sure the world’s good boys and girls get the presents they deserve every year.

We do have different hobbies. Santa likes to kick back with a pipe and watch the New Orleans Saints and the New York Knicks (their nick-names make up his real name, Saint Nick) while Mrs. Claus enjoys making cookies and inviting friends over to listen to Jimmy Durante songs. After a few cups of eggnog they play a game called, “What is Mrs. Claus’ First Name?”

Yes, we’ve been invited to Miami Beach, but Santa complained he’d be sweltering with that beard of his. And once we were asked to be on “The Merv Griffin Show” in Los Angeles, but Mrs. Claus is scared of earthquakes – the only shaking she wants to hear is Santa’s stomach, which some say is like a bowlful of jelly. So — despite that red-nosed reindeer’s offer of free sleigh travel — staying at the North Pole is just right for us.

Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus, as told to North Pole Bureau Chief David Sweet ■

“mrs. Claus enjoys weaving, making cookies and inviting friends over to listen to Jim-my Durante songs. After a few cups of eggnog they play a game called, ‘What is mrs. Claus’ First name?’ ”

FOR SAntA AnD mRS. CLAuS home is where the hearth is

Mrs. Claus and husband Santa enjoy the Arctic air all year long — except for one night.

the north shore weekend | saturday december 21 2013 | sunday december 22 2013

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North Shore Weekend WEST, Issue 8

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