Junior Arabella McMenamin Walshe of Highland Park carried the flag of Zimbabwe during the opening procession of the annual Flag Ceremony Sept. 11 at Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart, which celebrates the Lake Forest college-prep high school’s rich cultural diversity.

LAKE FOREST – Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart celebrated its cultural diversity at its annual Flag Ceremony and Liturgy of the Holy Spirit Friday, Sept. 11.

Senior Erika Rodriguez of Chicago led the flag procession, carrying the Woodlands Academy flag, followed by flags from nations where either a student or staff member was born or where they hold dual citizenship: Belize, People’s Republic of China, Colombia, Guatemala, Malaysia, Mexico, Netherlands, Poland, Romania, Serbia, South Korea, United Kingdom, United States and Zimbabwe.

The flags remain in the Chapel of the Sacred Heart during the entire school year.

Students and staff from 11 countries offered prayers in their native language during the ceremony, which  also featured the blessing of Meg Steele as Woodlands Academy’s new head of school. Steele, who has been with Sacred Heart Schools in Chicago since 1997, assumed her new duties July 1.

The Rev. Matthew Foley from St. James Parish in Arlington Heights presided over the Mass and commissioned student Eucharistic ministers for the school year: seniors Julian Alutto of Lake Forest, Catherine Andrade of Ingleside, Bridget and Molly Carmody of Lake Bluff, Audrey and Charlotte Collopy of Chicago, Cassie Corbin of Lake Bluff, Kathryn Edwards of Wilmette, Nivia Guzman, Madelyn Morris of Lake Forest, Erika Rodriguez of Chicago, and Alyssa Silge of Lake Forest.

Lauren Sternfield Fagel

At Glenbrook South High School, new principal Lauren Sternfield Fagel is feeling right at home.

A graduate of the Glenbrooks, Fagel has built a two-decade track record of educational excellence in the north suburbs, most recently as an assistant superintendent in Lake Forest.

Now back to her roots, Fagel said she looks forward to supporting the students and staff who thrive in GBS’s diverse learning community.

“…I’m thrilled to return to a place that has had such a positive influence on my life and my career,” Fagel shared. “It is an incredible honor to have the opportunity to serve in this remarkable school community.”

Fagel is also a published author, established presenter and is a member of multiple professional organizations including the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Illinois Principals Association and the Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

“Ms. Fagel’s extensive background as a curriculum leader, and her lengthy tenure as an established principal, make her an outstanding addition to our Titan community,” said Superintendent Dr. Mike Riggle of the principal new hire.

Here, learn more about Principal Fagel’s background and why she bleeds blue and gold:

Her experience spans a broad spectrum of education.

Fagel’s background in education includes a wide range of subjects, grade levels and responsibilities. She began her career as a history teacher and Freshman Academy developer at Highland Park High School and then transitioned into a variety of administrative roles, becoming the Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction at Deerfield High School, Principal of Mundelein High School and Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum, Instruction, Technology, and Assessment in Lake Forest. She also worked in higher education, serving as a teaching assistant for graduate courses.

The princpal’s own diverse schooling experiences include a bachelor’s degree from University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Science in Education from Northwestern University and a Master’s degree in School Administration and Supervision from National Louis University. She is currently pursuing a doctoral degree at Johns Hopkins University.

She puts focus on people and is passionate about serving GBS students, staff and families.

As a cornerstone of the Titan community, Fagel said her mission is to connect with as many groups as possible. The veteran educator said she was drawn to the role of GBS principal because she missed daily interaction with students, teachers and families.

“I enjoy partnering with parents and community members on behalf of GBS youth,” she said. “I enjoy being able to support all staff members and students, helping them reach their full potential. I enjoy seeing a beautifully diverse student population at GBS, with a wide variety of racial, ethnic, and religious groups represented in the hallway. I look forward to attending school events, visiting classrooms and building relationships.”

When she’s not with her Titan clan, Fagel loves to spend time with her large family, including her husband, three daughters, five siblings, six nieces and two nephews.

She already considers GBS home.

“I couldn’t pass up the chance to come back home to this district,” Fagel said. “It is a true honor and privilege to serve in a role I love, in a district I cherish. I wake up every morning excited to go to work…and it never feels like work. It is exciting, interesting, challenging, rewarding and tons of fun!”

Participants take in east Lake Bluff on a previous tour of the village; photo provided by Lake Bluff History Museum

LAKE BLUFF – The Lake Bluff History Museum will host its Camp Meetings, Chautauquas, Artists and Anarchists docent-led walking tour in east Lake Bluff on Sunday, October 4. This tour covers much of the area developed by, and for, the Camp Meeting Association in the late 1800s and provides history on the Camp Meetings, the Chautauqua Movement, and a period in the early 1900s when Lake Bluff was a destination attracting an eclectic mix of writers, poets, musicians, artists and anarchists. Multiple tour groups leave from the Union Church, 525 East Prospect Avenue, at 15-minute intervals with the first tour group leaving at 1 p.m. and the last tour departing at 1:45 p.m.

Tickets cost $10 and may be purchased online at lakebluffhistory.org or in the Lake Bluff History Museum during museum hours: Tuesday and Thursday from 1 to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To reserve a space and pay at the door, e-mail your request (name, contact information and number of tickets) to events@lakebluffhistory.org or call 847 482-1571. Space is limited and advance purchase is recommended.

Two other tours were held earlier this year: Uptown, All Around the Town in May and Camp Meeting Cottages and Country Houses in July. Private tours can be arranged through the Lake Bluff History Museum for groups interested in one or more of the series.

The Lake Bluff History Museum researches, preserves and shares area history through a variety of activities and events, including programs like these tours. The museum displays tell stories of Lake Bluff’s past and its archives provide individuals with access to documents, records, photographs and other materials preserved in the museum archives. For additional information visit lakebluffhistory.org or call 847 482-1571.

– Submitted by Lake Bluff History Museum

From left; Matthew; Shayli; Mindy; Talia and Mark Ugolini

HIGHLAND PARK – Mindy Ugolini was diagnosed with breast cancer at age 35 after her third child was born. Now a 13-year survivor, she plans to celebrate at the City of Hope Walk to Cure Breast Cancer on October 4 in Sunset Woods Park.

Though it’s generally not recommended for women under 40 to have mammograms, Mindy’s doctor thought it was necessary because there was a family history of breast cancer on her dad’s side. The test was ordered after her six-week postpartum checkup.

She had a biopsy the next day, and found out the results after “the longest four or five days of my life,” she said.

“I started consoling all my family members and learned as much as I could. I wrote letters thanking family members before the surgery. I’m a special education teacher, and I wanted to know how I could help other people,” she said.

After consulting with several surgeons, Ugolini decided to have a bilateral mastectomy. “The doctors tried to talk me out of it, but I wanted them off of my body. Finally, the surgeon said, ‘there are two types of people, those who will just remove one breast, and those who will constantly worry about the other one,’” said Mindy.

This reinforced her decision, and she had the surgery when Shayli was only three months old.

Ugolini developed an infection after the surgery and was an inpatient at Northwestern Memorial Hospital for two weeks. Her husband Mark stayed overnight with her in the hospital the entire time.

“Between my mother and mother–in-law my kids were never alone for a second. I’m not great at accepting help, and the community really came together,” said Ugolini.

She became an advocate for early detection, fundraising and research. Shortly after she was diagnosed, she had the BRCA gene test for breast and ovarian cancer risk.

Fortunately, the DNA blood test showed that she was not a carrier, but she still worries about her children. Her 21-year-old daughter, Talia, will start screening in four years. Mindy said that at this age she will probably have an ultrasound or MRI instead of a mammogram. She also worries about her 19-year-old son, Matthew. Her friend’s father is a carrier, and she believes that men could also be at risk.

Last December Ugolini decided to undergo another preventative procedure. Her doctor said that by removing her fallopian tubes it would decrease her chances of ovarian cancer. The laparoscopic outpatient surgery had no side effects. She explained, “If I carried the BRCA gene, I would’ve had to have my ovaries removed. This was a good choice for me, and there’s been no change in my hormones.”

Ugolini has wanted to educate students in high school P.E. classes about self exams, and she’s been actively involved in a cancer support group at North Shore Congregation in Glencoe.

Her daughter Shayli recently donated over $2,000 from her Bat Mitzvah to the City of Hope.

Ugolini has participated in many walks for breast cancer and believes the City of Hope is at the forefront for breast cancer and hereditary breast cancer research.

She explained that some breast cancer funds require $1,800 just to enter to walk. At City of Hope there’s no minimum for donations and you don’t have to raise a certain amount. She added, “It would be helpful if you could please donate $25 for a day filled with walks, pumpkins, a 5k run, family activities, snacks and a goody bag. My mom, husband, siblings and all of my kids have participated.”

“I’m so grateful. We need to eradicate breast cancer. Patients need to stay positive. Mental state is extremely important. You need to empower yourself, and you need to be the most educated to make the best decisions for you. If I hadn’t been my own advocate the outcome could’ve been very different,” she said.

She will also be leading the warm-up exercises before the City of Hope “Walk for Hope to Cure Breast Cancer” event on Sunday October 4 from 1 to 3 p.m. at Sunset Woods Park, 1801 Sunset Road in Highland Park.

Mindy and Mom, Serena Gordon at the 2013 City of Hope Walk.

Hadley School for the Blind in Winnetka

WINNETKA – The Hadley School for the Blind has been awarded the prestigious Oculus Award from Envision, a non-profit organization that supports people who are blind or visually impaired.

Envision representatives presented the award at their 10th annual conference on low vision. The award is presented annually to individuals or organizations, nominated by their peers in vision rehabilitation and research, whose careers or programs have had a significant impact on people who are blind or visually impaired through professional collaboration, advocacy, research or education. Hadley is broadly recognized as a global leader in distance education, and it provides nearly 10,000 students each year from more than 100 countries with tuition-free programs.

“We are proud to honor an institution … that give[s] so much to the BVI community,” said Envision’s President/CEO Michael J. Monteferrante. “By dedicating their efforts to the discovery and dissemination of information, The Hadley School breaks down barriers that might otherwise prevent those who are blind and visually impaired, their families and others from achieving all that they can in the world. We salute their commitment and accomplishments and encourage others to follow their example.”

Held each September, the Envision Conference (this year in Denver, Colorado) offers more than 90 hours of clinical education and research sessions pertaining to low vision. Ophthalmologists, optometrists, occupational therapists, medical researchers, students and instructors from leading low-vision optometry schools and other professionals and academics come together to focus on improving the quality of low-vision care through collaboration, advocacy, research and education.

“The fact that we were nominated for this award by our peers is very humbling. The more than 90 years we have spent serving blind and visually impaired people, their families and professional support networks worldwide is being celebrated by admirable individuals, groups and organizations in the BVI field,” said Hadley President Chuck Young.

Submitted by The Hadley School for the Blind
Founded in 1920, The Hadley School for the Blind’s mission is to promote independent living through lifelong, distance education programs for people who are blind or visually impaired, their families and blindness service providers. The world’s largest educator of braille, Hadley serves nearly 10,000 students in all 50 states and 100 countries each year and thousands more through Seminars@Hadley, free “just in time” webinars on a variety of vision-related topics. For more information, visit www.hadley.edu or call 800-323-4238.

About Envision
Envision (www.envisionus.com) promotes advocacy and independence for those who are blind or low vision. Founded in 1933, Envision is one of the largest employers of individuals with vision loss in the nation. Headquartered in Wichita, Kan., Envision’s mission is to improve the quality of life and provide inspiration for the blind and visually impaired through employment, outreach, rehabilitation, education and research. For more information, visit www.envisionus.com.

Chris Keller Photography by Robin Subar

Thirteen years ago, Chris Keller left her legal contracts with Universal and DreamWorks Studios in Los Angeles and moved to the North Shore to raise her three children near her husband’s family. This California Girl turned Highland Park resident now spends her time fundraising for children’s charities and the arts, while recently taking on an extensive, but meaningful renovation project—the family’s new home. Here’s how Keller stays on trend.

ON HER NIGHTSTAND
“I love to read and I’m often reading more than just one book. To get ready for Ragdale’s annual Novel Affair, I’m reading There Are No Children Here by Alex Kotlowitz. Also, together with my teenage sons—Josh and Ben, I’m reading How Will You Measure Your Life by Clayton Christensen. Even though it’s about business, I’ve found that the philosophy of the book speaks to my sons, and the message about how you spend time, energy, and money is a statement about what really matters to you, and what sort of meanings you want to attach to your life.”

FROM HER MOBILE
“The website I visit most frequently is mindbodygreen.com because it provides interesting insights into nutrition, recipes, and exercise. I also go to the Mindbody site to schedule different exercise classes. I have a great group of friends who are always ready for any adventure I plan, whether it’s a fun dance class or an organized theme run. I also try to feed my brain, so I love the articles published on rand.org, a public policy think tank site, and the Wall Street Journal app. It’s been an exciting time in constitutional law, so I’ve been staying current through various websites with the hopes of some day teaching a course to a high school audience—so that they can be inspired and find their voice and know that they matter.”

IN HER EARBUDS
“I’ve always loved music, and I feel it in my soul, whether it’s one of my children playing their instruments, or a layered instrumental group. I’ve been listening to Bob Marley and The English Beat since my youth, so they’re a constant in my life. The music brings me back to my beach days, and the innocence of just hoping for a sunny day. Every summer, my daughter Lauren and I make a summer mix. This year, she picked Cheerleader by OMI and Shut up and Dance by Walk the Moon as her top summer picks. I have a dear friend, who feeds my creative mind, and she recommended Johnnyswim, a very textured, soulful new group, and they’ve been on replay all summer. Artistically, I’m creating a collage of vinyl records in my home. Each album that I’m framing speaks to a certain memory. I’ve enjoyed visiting different record stores from Chicago to California and love finding that perfect song.”

Ronald McDonald House Near Lurie Children’s

The Women’s Auxiliary Board of Ronald McDonald House Charities on September 24 will its 5th Annual Cocktail Party in support of the charity. Guests will enjoy a three-hour top shelf open bar at Hubbard Inn, heavy passed hors d’oeuvres, music and entertainment. Grab your friends, significant other and coworkers and purchase your tickets today.

Attendance and support will help provide care and comfort to families of hospitalized children in our Chicago community.

5th Annual Cocktail Party Presented by Women’s Auxiliary Board of Ronald McDonald House near Lurie Children’s Hospital:

· Thursday, September 24, 2015

· 6PM – 9PM

· Hubbard Inn (110 West Hubbard)

· $150 per person

· Tickets include three-hour top shelf open bar, heavy passed hors d’oeuvres, music and entertainment.

· To purchase tickets, visit www.RonaldHouseChicago.org/cocktailparty or call 312.888.2506.

The Women’s Auxiliary Board is a team of advocates who are passionate about providing care and comfort to the families of sick children during their greatest time of need. They are committed to helping raise funds to operate the world’s largest Ronald McDonald House, right here in Chicago. The group serves as ambassadors – educating and engaging support for the new House within the community, through one-on-one discussions, private events and larger social gatherings.

Supporters of the Winnetka Park Foundation crowded Tower Beach in late August for a nautical-themed night that will not soon be forgotten. Party on the Pier drew hundreds out for a night of food samplings from local establishments, an all-inclusive bar, and the sounds of Chicago favorite Dick Holliday & The Bamboo Gang Band, all set to the backdrop of the setting sun along the lake. Funds raised went to the Winnetka Park Foundation, an all-volunteer organization whose mission is to enrich and extend the community’s recreational services beyond the means of conventional funding. partyonthepier.org

Pam Zdunek, Jim Vanderbosch, Kim Bowers Photography by Mary Carol Fitzgerald

Allision Weise, Rose Wormley, Molly Cassin

Dan & Kathryn Egeland, Lynn & Andrew Noreuil

Elizabeth Christopher, Kim & Greg Frezado

Lisa Madlener, Garrin Kapecki

Brad McLane, Kathy & John Cash

Alexandra Perrand, Mark Salmon, Katherine Houlick

Steve & Maria Hole

LAKE FOREST – The 2015 BMW Championship Golf Tournament takes place this week but it’s not too late to purchase tickets. To do so online, visit https://tickettapp2.com/buy/bmw/2015.

The above link also provides pricing for regular grounds tickets and upgraded ticket options. Ticket pricing remains unchanged. There is a $10 savings for fans who purchase tickets in advance, rather than at the Championship gate. All ticket purchases completed this week will be placed at Will Call for pick up.

Juniors 16 and under receive complimentary admission when accompanied by an adult. No ticket is needed for juniors – they should proceed to the main gate for tournament entry. There is a limit of four juniors for each adult.

All active duty and Reserve military members, military retirees and veterans of any branch of service may obtain a complimentary ticket good for any one day of the BMW Championship. All military members must verify their status in advance of the BMW Championship. The verification process can be completed here: https://verify.sheerid.com/bmwchampionship2015/

Finally, we are attaching a news release with details about the fan experience at the BMW Championship. This should provide some good content for your story. Please let me know if you have any further questions. My contact information is listed below so we can be in touch.

Here is some ore info about the event — from a BMW press release:

2015 BMW CHAMPIONSHIP FOCUSING ON FAN-FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT

GOLF – When golf fans arrive at Conway Farms Golf Club in Lake Forest, Illinois, for the 2015 BMW Championship, they will experience the drama, action and excitement of the PGA TOUR Playoffs in a premier, fan-friendly environment.

Conducted by the Western Golf Association, the BMW Championship was first held at Conway Farms in 2013 and has been named PGA TOUR Tournament of Year for an unprecedented three years in a row. When planning this year’s event, creating another exceptional fan experience was foremost in organizers’ minds.

Additional, stadium-style seating on several holes, improved sightlines throughout the golf course and wider walkways will help spectators get closer to the action at the penultimate event of the PGA TOUR’s FedExCup Playoffs as the top 70 players in the world, including Jordan Spieth, Rory McIlroy and Rickie Fowler, will vie for the historic J.K. Wadley Trophy.

“Improving on an already great fan experience is always a top priority,” said WGA Senior Vice President of Tournaments Vince Pellegrino. “The enhancements are designed to help ensure that every guest who passes through the gates at the BMW Championship has a memorable, first-class experience.”

Enhancements have been made in the following categories:

General Spectator Viewing and Seating
Seating on the 18th green has been doubled for general admission spectators, and additional public viewing areas will be built or expanded on Nos. 1, 2, 7, 9, 10, 17 and the 18th tee. Construction of wider walkways will make it easier for spectators to move between holes and follow their favorite players.

Hospitality
The BMW Owners’ Pavilion is being expanded this year, allowing for more BMW owners to experience this private, air-conditioned premium environment. Located between the 16th green and 17th tee box, BMW owners simply need to show their BMW key to gain access into the BMW Owners’ Pavilion and enjoy some of the best views of golf on the course.

The 2015 BMW Championship will feature two new, all-inclusive hospitality venues – the 1899 Seats inside the Founder Club and the Green Coat Club.

The 1899 Seats are a single-day, all-inclusive ticket option that allows entry into a shared hospitality venue on the 15th hole in addition to the grounds. Spectators there will have reserved seats available throughout the day as well as unlimited food and beverage.

With tickets only available through a WGA member club or WGA Director, the Green Coat Club is a premier hospitality venue. The Green Coat Club will be situated adjacent to the 18th and 11th tees at Conway Farms. Green Coat Club guests will enjoy a premium food and beverage menu with full table service, plush indoor seating and panoramic views of golf in a relaxed outdoor setting. Green Coat Club patrons also will have the opportunity to purchase an exclusive line of tournament merchandise not offered for sale to the general public. Only 300 of these weekly tickets will be sold.

Food and Beverage
Situated adjacent to the Conway Farms clubhouse, the ever-popular Biergarten has doubled in size and will offer more beverage and food options this year. The Biergarten provides a perfect venue for fans to follow all the action on the course on giant video screens while enjoying a new, Chicago-themed menu featuring deep dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs and other local delicacies from iconic Chicagoland eatery Lou Malnati’s.

Parking and Transportation
General admission parking for the BMW Championship will again be complimentary for all spectators. The general spectator parking lot will be located at the southwest corner of Illinois Route 120 (Belvidere Road) and Illinois Route 41 (Waukegan Road). The BMW owners’ parking lot will be located at the northwest corner of Riverwoods Road and Everett Road. Shuttles will run continuously to and from Conway Farms Golf Club.
Event officials also have worked closely with Metra to ensure additional train service to and from Lake Forest during the 2015 BMW Championship.

Shuttles from two nearby Metra stations and spectator lots and the addition of a second entrance near the ninth hole will help ease traffic to and from the BMW Championship. Spectators can walk, bicycle or be dropped off at the Metra stations to take the convenient shuttles to the course.
Course Improvements

All 18 greens have been re-grassed to elevate the quality of the putting surfaces. Several new tees have also been constructed and reshaped, challenging players to reconsider their strategies off the tee.

The practice facility at Conway Farms has been expanded to include a larger, 9,500 square-foot putting green, a two-acre practice range and a new short game complex. This area also will be home to the 12,000 square-foot BMW Experience attraction, featuring a variety of all-new BMW vehicles on display as well as interactive experiences and contests. A larger merchandise tent will also be located nearby.

Ticketing
Preferred pricing is now available for fans who purchase tickets in advance of the BMW Championship. Prices will increase for those buying tickets the week of the event.
Admission to the tournament will be capped at 27,000 spectators each day to ensure a quality experience for every spectator and improve traffic flow throughout the course.

Submitted by BMW Championship; to learn more and purchase tickets visit www.BMWChampionship.com.

About Western Golf Association
Founded in 1899, the Western Golf Association conducts championships for professional and amateur golfers, promotes the use of caddies, and oversees the Evans Scholars Foundation, which awards college scholarships to caddies with limited financial means. The WGA conducts two amateur championships, the Western Junior and the Western Amateur, and the BMW Championship, the third of four PGA TOUR Playoff events in the TOUR’s FedExCup competition. The WGA also conducts the Hotel Fitness Championship on the Web.com Tour. For more information visit www.wgaesf.org.

About Evans Scholars Foundation
The WGA champions education through golf by supporting the Evans Scholars Program, the sole charitable beneficiary of the BMW Championship. Established by the WGA and famed amateur golfer Charles “Chick” Evans Jr., the program provides full housing and tuition scholarships to deserving caddies across the country. Currently, 870 caddies are attending college on Evans Scholarships and there are more than 10,000 Evans Alumni. The WGA’s Board of Governors has set a goal of having 1,000 Evans Scholars enrolled in college annually by 2020. The Evans Program is funded by contributions from more than 27,600 donors across the country, including many Evans Alumni, and by proceeds from the BMW Championship.

About Conway Farms Golf Club
Conway Farms Golf Club opened for play on August 3, 1991. The Tom Fazio award-winning course sits on 209 acres in Lake Forest, Illinois, and is designed around the traditions of Scottish links golf. The origins of Conway Farms Golf Club trace back to three Lake Forest families whose love for golf was exceeded only by their foresight. Their vision for a first rate golf club began with the purchase in 1956 of a farm straddling a stretch of old Conway Road, thus giving rise to the name Conway Farms. The club is dedicated to the protection and preservation of the game, encouraging walking, fast play and the strong support of Championship golf.

Raymond Michael Sophie, 59, of Barrington, IL.

Born Oct. 14, 1955,  passed away at his home surrounded by his family on Sept. 13, 2015. Beloved husband of Jean, nee Hayes.  Proud father of Raymond (Lisa) Sophie and Spencer Sophie.  Loving son of Audrey (Jack) McKenna.  Cherished brother of Gary (Barb), Tom (Margaret), Bob, Lori (Guy) Patterson and brother-in-law of Doug (Dawn) Hayes. Dear son-law of Gayle and Laverne Hayes.  Fond uncle to many nieces and nephews.  Wonderful counselor and friend to many.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Palatine Park District Swim Team, 250 E. Wood Street, Palatine, IL 60067 or Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 1190 N Hicks Rd, Palatine, IL 60067. Memorial visitation Thursday, September 17, 2015 from 2-8 PM at Smith-Corcoran Funeral Home, 185 E. Northwest Hwy., Palatine. Family and friends will meet Friday, September 18, 2015 at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10 N. Buffalo Grove Road, Buffalo Grove for a Memorial Mass at 10 AM. 847-359-8020 or www.smithcorcoran.com.

WILMETTE – A man told police that a fake online real estate listing cost him $45,000.

The police report states that the man was looking for a house in Austin, Texas and found a listing on Zillow. The man told police he made contact with a realtor who told him she could hold the house for him but would need $45,000 wired to her.

After the man wired the money he could not get a hold of the realtor again. The man later found out the home had been sold in July 2015.

From the Wilmette police blotter; please note that an arrest does not constitute a finding of guilt. Only a court of law can make that determination.

The Lake County Sheriff’s Office arrested 14 in an under-cover sting operation in early August, including one man from Deerfield and two from Glenview.

The Sheriff’s Office Gang Task Force and Criminal Investigations Division joined a coalition of federal and local law enforcement in a nationwide operation titled “National Day of Johns,” which targeted customers of prostitutes known as “Johns.” The Sheriff’s Office issued a press release on the evening September 12 regarding the effort.

The two-day program, web-based operation used a classified advertising website that is regularly used as a medium for prostitution. When the “Johns” arrived and offered money to the undercover detectives for sexual acts, they were arrested and transported to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Over the past four years, this nationwide effort has led to the arrest of more than 4,000 total “Johns” and traffickers.

Prostitution is not a victimless crime and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office will continue to pursue those who choose to exchange money for sex.

The following individuals were arrested for offering money in exchange for sex:

• Gunter B. Hogg (72) of Glenview
• James J. Powers (54) of Aspen, CO
• Juan M. Carrera-Coronel (34) of Gurnee
• Hunter J. Ebdon (19) of Mundelein
• Benjamin L. Schwartz (18) of Glenview
• Joseph T. Sapyta (41) of Grayslake
• Hyunsu Kim (43) of Deerfield
• Michael B. Miller (54) of Harvard
• David J. Swan (33) of Round Lake
• Adalad Ponce (32) of Gurnee
• Juan Ocampo-Bautista (32) of Round Lake
• Brandon J. Correa (28) of Waukegan
• Bardo Beltran (32) of Ingleside
• Glenn R. Parduhn (67) of McHenry

Margaret H. Lewis

Margaret (Peggy) Hart Lewis, who died at the Presbyterian Home on April 17, was an influential teacher for hundreds of Winnetka children during her long career as a teacher at Greeley School. She taught all grades from kindergarten through third grade and was instrumental in bringing innovative teaching techniques to Winnetka during the 1960s, -70s, and -80s. She was a recognized expert in helping young children through grief, and later turned her interest in grieving children into a second career as a hospice volunteer following her retirement from teaching.

Peggy Lewis was born on October 5, 1925, in Chicago and moved with her family to Winnetka at the age of six. She lived in the North Shore for nearly her entire life. She and her late husband, Sidney J. Lewis, raised their daughters in Winnetka and then moved to Evanston in 1974. As Winnetka residents, Peggy and her husband were active in liberal circles and helped to organize Dr. Martin Luther King’s visit to the Winnetka Village Green in 1965. A 50th anniversary commemoration of that event was held in Winnetka this past July.

Lewis spent a sabbatical year in England in 1973, studying English “infant” schools, or primary schools, in order to bring some of their innovative techniques back to Winnetka. She spent the year visiting dozens of schools and observing their techniques. She was also attached to the Education Division of the Hampstead Child Therapy clinic where she participated in weekly meetings with famed child psychiatrist Dr. Anna Freud, daughter of psychoanalyst Dr. Sigmund Freud. Her observations of children, combined with psychiatric insights provided by Dr. Freud and the child therapy clinic, gave her the impetus to implement new techniques in her classroom at Greeley.

In her second career as a hospice volunteer, Lewis served the families of dying people, including AIDS patients at the height of the epidemic. She spent hours with each family, listening and counseling day or night. She received the Visiting Nurse Association’s Golden Heart Award as outstanding volunteer.

Lewis was predeceased by her husband, Sidney J. Lewis. She is survived by a brother James (Ancella) Hart, and daughters Elizabeth (Tory) Powner and Laura (John) Haywood, five nieces and nephews, four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

A celebration of life is planned for October; contact laura@beachdogz.com for details.

Lake Forest Mayor Donald P. Schoenheider presents Woodlands Academy Head of School Meg Steele with a proclamation declaring Friday, Sept. 18, “Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart Day” in the city. This honor is in recognition of the school’s expanded campus dedication and open house that day.

LAKE FOREST – The City Council has proclaimed September 18, “Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart Day” in the city. That’s the day the all-girls college preparatory high school dedicates its new expanded campus on the former Barat College site.

An open house from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 18 will allow the general public to see how Woodlands Academy has transformed the 23-acre parcel into a variety of – mostly open-space – uses. Expanded campus features include two new athletic fields, the Gloria Dei Center (formerly the Barat College Cooney Library building designed by architect Dirk Lohan, grandson of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe), Barat Cupola Garden and a community walking path.

The resolution adopted September 8 by the Lake Forest City Council traces the history of Woodlands Academy from its 1858 origin as Convent of the Sacred Heart, a boarding and day school in Chicago, to the present. That proud history of educating girls and young women includes the 1904 relocation from Chicago to Lake Forest into a new building that later would become known as Old Main; the 1918 opening of Barat College of the Sacred Heart as an extension of the existing school’s offerings, with both Convent and Barat students attending classes in the “Old Main” building; and the 1961 opening of Woodlands Academy’s present facility and adoption of its current name.

Old Main’s surviving feature, the cupola, was removed from atop the structure as demolition began in late 2013 and is being restored. Its placement on Woodlands’ expanded campus is near the spot where Old Main stood from 1904 to 2014.

The expanded campus is adjacent to Woodlands Academy’s location at 760 E. Westleigh Road. Its addition creates a reunited 41-acre site that’s just shy of the original 44-acre 1904 parcel.

WILMETTE – Wilmette’s Village Board recently appointed a board of directors to the newly formed nonprofit Housing Our Own at its meeting on August 25. The nonprofit is tasked with raising money to provide assistance to Wilmette residents with disabilities and long-term senior residents who are in need.

“I would like to sincerely thank the commitment of the new board members to serve our community,” noted President Bob Bielinski, as he read off the names of the board of directors.

In 2013 the Village Board decided to consider a different way to fund the housing assistance fund, which was first started in 1981 and funded solely with village revenue. The Board’s decision on this issue was twofold, Bielinski explained to Daily North Shore on September 3. First, the Board decided that a nonprofit could potentially do a better job raising money, after looking at the success of Wilmette District 39 Foundation, as well as a nonprofit group in Glencoe.

“The residents are a generous group,” said Bielinski. “And with a mission to help seniors and residents with disabilities, the Board thought there would be support for it,” he added.

Secondly, the Board decided that given village budget constraints that it was the optimal time to seek private sources of revenue for the fund.

In December 2013 the Board appointed an ad hoc committee to provide advice on finding a new source of funding for the housing assistance fund. That committee issued a report in March 2014, recommending that the Board form a separate nonprofit entity that would raise money for the housing assistance fund.

While Housing Our Own is a separate private entity with 501(3)(c) status, the village will continue assisting with administration, marketing, logo and developing a website. The Board also streamlined the approval process for residents, by aligning its criteria with that of New Trier Township.

Bielinski noted that the committee recommended the village nurture Housing Our Own, rather than simply cutting it loose immediately. While the village will continue to help the nonprofit get up and running, the long term goal is for it to operate independently.

And Housing Our Own appears to be in good hands. Joan Criswell Merrilees, who was appointed president of Housing Our Own, has ample experience with nonprofits and housing issues. She holds a masters in social service administration from the University of Chicago and has worked as a social worker for over 20 years. Most of that time was spent in the areas of housing and homelessness, among other issues. Criswell Merrilees has also served on the District 39 Foundation, which served as a model for Housing Our Own.

“I believe that in maintaining the village program to offer assistance to those who want to remain in our community and benefit from the myriad resources Wilmette offers,” Criswell Merrilees wrote to the Daily North Shore in an email on September 3.

Criswell Merrilees is already thinking about her new board’s goals: “To build a cohesive board that respects the Housing program already in place while also ensuring that we are responsible stewards of public funds,” she wrote.

The nonprofit’s board is comprised of eight individuals who are committed to serving the community. In addition to Wilmette residents, Assistant Village Manager Mike Braiman and Village Trustee Cameron Krueger will also be on the board.

“These are all very philanthropically minded people who have a history of giving back to the community,” said Bielinski. “I am just thrilled that they could get together in this way.”

The nonprofit’s first action will be to create an advisory board that will provide input regarding community needs. While the Village is still waiting for approval from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District before it sells 611 Green Bay Road, the developer of that project has promised to give the village $80,000 earmarked for housing assistance once the property closes. According to Braiman, as of September 10 the housing assistance fund had $38,668, of which $25,660 was raised through private donations.

Participants share their reasons for participating in a previous Out of the Darkness walk

WILMETTE – Everyday 112 Americans take their own lives. That’s a staggering statistic for an issue that society still tends to brush under the rug. But the Illinois chapter of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is on a mission to raise pubic awareness of the issue. On September 26 it will post is annual Out of the Darkness community walk in Chicago.

The purpose of the walk is to “remove the stigma associated with suicide,” explained Wilmette resident Judson Ely. Ely got involved with the Illinois chapter of AFSP after a good friend of his died by suicide almost 10 years ago.

“It was a cause I got involved in because of my friend,” said Ely, noting that he is unusual, since most members of the group have lost a family member.

Ely runs the registration process for the community walk, which has grown in the six years he has been volunteering. “We have experienced phenomenal growth here in the Illinois area,” he said. “It has been really nice to see the tremendous growth.”

While over 350 AFSP walks will be completed nationally this year, the Chicago walk is the biggest in the country. Ely estimates that over 5,000 people will participate in the Chicago walk alone this year, with many people walking as a team carrying pictures of loved-ones who have died. Individual teams frequently create their own fundraising goals, but the organization’s overall goal for the walk is to raise $765,000. Last year all of the AFSP Illinois chapters raised over $1 million, by holding about 20 walks throughout the state.

While a portion of the money raised goes to the national organization, the Chicago chapter uses its portion to sponsor an assortment of programs. Ely noted that the Chicago chapter supports educational programming, such as sponsoring researchers to give speeches on the issue and movies shown at Chicagoland schools.

He emphasized that the point of the Chicago Walk is twofold: It is a fundraiser and also a valuable way to raise awareness of the issue. Ely noted that for a long time suicide was something covered up by people who experienced a loss. The goal of AFSP is to truly bring the issue out of the darkness into the open and help identify the cause.

While Ely acknowledge it is a tough goal, ultimately AFSP hopes to put an end to this issue. “The overall goal of the organization is to eliminate suicide completely,” Ely said.

The Out of the Darkness community walk will be held on September 26 in Chicago. More information can be found at www.chicagowalk.org.

Warren Guthrie, fine portrait photographer. Photography by Robin Subar

Warren Guthrie followed his passion for crafting human connections into fine art portrait photography after leaving his career in the advertising world.

The worlds of advertising and fine art portrait photography have a few things in common. Both are about finding a striking visual image to inspire something in their audience—to buy/to feel. The two vocations also feature prominently in the personal history of Winnetka resident Warren Guthrie, who traded in his position as Executive Vice President and Global Director of Multinational Development with the Leo Burnett Worldwide advertising agency and picked up a camera to travel the world finding evocative faces in exotic places.

“It started when I went to Europe to travel by myself after college,” Guthrie says. “I got into advertising knowing that I wanted to go international, but also knowing that I had to establish myself first, otherwise, I’d never have any credibility with the home office.”

After seven years at the Chicago office, he rose to the position of vice president and spent the rest of his advertising career traveling all over the world working with clients like Kellogg, Procter & Gamble, and Samsung. For nine years, he lived and worked abroad in Southeast Asia overseeing campaigns in Japan, China, and Taiwan.

Shortly before retiring, Guthrie met photographer Steve McCurry at an event for one of his clients. McCurry, considered one of the best portrait photographers in the world—his photograph of a young refugee woman in Pakistan titled “Afghan Girl” graced the cover of National Geographic and has gone on to be considered the most recognizable photo in the history of the publication—told him about international photography trips he organized for groups of photographers from time to time. Guthrie had an interest in photography in college, but he’d barely picked up a camera over the previous 20 years. Shortly after he retired from Leo Burnett, he got himself a Canon 5D mark III, a couple of zoom lenses, a cache of high speed flash memory cards, and joined McCurry on a trip to Myanmar.

“Everyone who sees my work tends to like the Myanmar work the best,” Guthrie says. “I think that’s because they gave us such great access and had us go to so many great places.”

Bare, open faces framed by vibrant green palm leaves or worn and cracked facades. Weathered faces wrapped in colorful clothing, age lines captured in sharp contrast around eyes that pull the viewer in. Guthrie’s style has evolved into a distinct brand of cultural portraiture; a parade of people captured in their everyday environs with a surprising amount of sincerity and emotion. Their surroundings are completely unfamiliar to the world we know, but their eyes are an invitation to try it on for a minute.

“What I’m really doing most of the time is shooting light,” Guthrie says. “Once you have good light, and a good background, then you have a chance for a good picture. I’m looking for portraits and some kind of cultural emotion, so it helps to have context. I usually try to capture portraits really close, but give the photograph a lot of breadth and depth for context. When you’re only looking at a face, that’s one thing, and I’ve taken pictures of some people with amazing faces. But where they are, and what they’re doing, and how life is evolving is a big part of the story.”

In the two years since that first trip to Myanmar, Guthrie has photographed people and their surroundings in Thailand, China, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Cuba, and Peru.

“A lot of these people don’t have a great life,” he says. “They’re just trying to get by. Many photographers will say it is important to be confident, and look directly into a subject’s eyes as you approach, but for what I do, you also need to be soft and gentle. I’ve noticed in most of the developing markets, poor people will just look right back. That’s their way of saying—‘Take my picture’. I think they like the connection.”

Guthrie recently added a verbal element to that connection on a photography trip to the Mississippi Delta. Finding potential subjects much more resistant to having their picture taken in the US than his experience abroad, he decided to use his camera’s video feature to record a series of interviews. In one, an 80-year-old resident covered everything from his earliest memories to his experience growing up in Mississippi during the civil rights era. The man’s daughter was stunned as he dropped story after story she had never heard before. Perhaps, it was as simple as knowing someone genuinely wanted to listen.

The inspiration for his personal interview sessions came following a family tragedy. After the eulogy, mourners kept lamenting that people rarely get so emotionally direct and honest with their friends and family during their lifetime. He decided to correct that with his camera and technique to interview people around special occasions like landmark birthdays or holidays to promote deeper, more emotional communication. He unearthed many undiscovered stories from his mother and wrapped them with recollections from his siblings and family friends. He interviewed a surprisingly articulate 12-year-old as a Mother’s Day present for a friend.

His technique for conducting interviews hinges on two simple rules that he requests his subjects abide by. The first he gleaned from his time in the business world, “In a business meeting, you have to answer [every] question. If you say, ‘I don’t know,’ or you don’t answer, you’ll never be invited back to that meeting.” The second rule is to just be honest.

“This is a passion play for me,” Guthrie says. “To me, it’s about culture, humanity, and emotion. To capture it and reveal it, and, hopefully, to create an emotional connection with my audience. It’s as interesting as the human condition in all its facets. That’s it.”

To see more of Guthrie’s work or learn about his upcoming gallery shows, visit warrenguthrie.com

This story originally appeared in the September issue of Sheridan Road magazine. To see more from Sheridan Road, please visit its website.

The Jewish High Holy Days began with Rosh Hashanah, (New Year) at sundown, Sunday, September 13 and will end with Yom Kippur, a long day of fasting and prayer, on Wednesday, September 23.

If anyone is counting, it will be the year 5776.

Traditional congregations mark the New Year with two evenings and two days of prayer, while most Reform congregations limit their services to one evening and one day. All observe Yom Kippur with one evening and one day.
During this time, most Synagogues and Temples are filled with worshippers seeking to reflect upon their lives and whether they have lived them in the spirit of God and His commandments, seeking His solace for their sins. Rabbis’ sermons address issues of everyday living, the state of the world and of Israel and the relevance of the Torah portions that are chanted during the services.

Jews throughout the world stand and listen to the sound of the Shofar, the ram’s horn that signals the beginning of the New Year and the end of Yom Kippur.

Cindy Sher, executive editor of JUF News, has written: “Did you stand up for the things that matter to you and stick up for people who needed it? Were you sensitive to the pain and bloodshed of others that you heard about in the news? Did you teach your children to be kind to people, to animals and to the earth? Were you charitable?”

Her list goes on a bit more.

As I sit in the service, I think about whom I may have wronged in the past year and seek their forgiveness, just as I think of those who I think have wronged me and forgive them.

We ask that we and all those we hold dear are inscribed in the Book of Life for the coming year.

The High Holy Days are a time to stop and reflect on our lives, each one of us, and how we relate to one another especially those who we love.

GLENVIEW – officials are moving forward with a deal that will bring 16,000 new digital water meters to the Village, including replacement of 1,500 meters that were installed in the last three years.

At a September 1 Board meeting, trustees unanimously voted to amend an original $7.3 million contract with Siemens Industries, HD Supply Waterworks and Sensus USA, the meter’s manufacturer. The updated agreement, first signed March 17, will provide Glenview with the latest meters, an extended warranty and a significant savings on the distributor’s first-year service fee. The Village’s current stock of meters will also be replaced, at no charge, with 2015 models.

The revamped contract comes after recent controversy regarding automated meters in Chicago suburbs like Aurora and Tinley Park that have used the technology. There, documented cases of residents being overcharged due to meter malfunctions includes meters that run even when they’re not in use. The issue, called “spinning,” has led to random testing to weed out failing units.

Glenview confident in new technology

New “smart” meters like the Sensus iPerl are trending across the country. The electronic system is said to save municipalities money because they are more accurate than traditional meters, which can regularly undercharge residents for their water usage. The wireless meters also allow for reduced operational costs as manual readings are superfluous.

“After an RFP process and assessment of water meter manufacturers and products, the Village chose to continue installation of the Sensus iPerl meter due to their long standing track record of performance, resiliency and accuracy,” officials shared on the Village’s informational page for the meter replacement project.

Glenview officials further assured residents that problems seen elsewhere won’t be applicable with the Village’s newly installed meters, which they say utilize different technology than versions in towns that have seen glitches. Older models, the Village explained, “had a critical design flaw.”

Sarah Kuechler, assistant to the village manager, said Glenview officials met with Sensus’ management team to discuss best next steps following media attention regarding faulty meters in the southern and western suburbs.

Sensus told her and representatives from Buffalo Grove and Palatine, which are also installing new wireless water meter systems and have partnered with Glenview to save on labor and materials costs, that the problem was identified as water infiltrating meters during manufacturing, but that this process has since been changed.

Mike McGann, vice president of quality for Sensus, told Trustees at the September 1 Board meeting that the company strengthened both the meter’s watertight seal and manufacturing controls.

“From the ‘root cause’ analysis we’ve done, we’re very confident that it was the seals,” he said.

Moving forward

Though the Village said there have been “no major issues” with the iPerls installed between 2012-2015, Sensus has agreed to replace these meters for free as a precautionary measure.

The company will also verify that all new meters are ones manufactured in 2015, after the defect said to cause problems was fixed. An extended warranty – increased from 10 years to 15 – will also be issued.

Additionally, HD Supply Waterworks, the meters’ distributor, will eliminate the first year’s software service fee, saving Glenview more than $29,000, according to village data.

Between now and summer 2016, Glenview customers should expect to hear from Siemens, the project’s management firm, to schedule installation of an updated meter. The Village will be divided into six sections for completion, Kuechler said.

For more information on the iPerl meter, contact details for related officials and other important things to know, visit the Village’s website.