The North Shore Weekend, March 23rd, 2024

“Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a beast of burden.’” -Matthew

11 weekend fashion

Resort looks for your spring break fun in the sun

11 weekend beauty

A few of our favorite tips for a dewy, spring glow

12 #hashtag

Wilmette resident Diane Welnhofer talks about her volunteer work with Northwestern University Settlement House (NUSH) in advance of the nonprofit's April fundraiser

14 sunday breakfast

Prolific author and Glencoe Study Center Director Bob Boone has been inspiring and developing young writers since 1977

BY HADAS TEUSCHER THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

You never know what will happen when you meet a person (or two) with whom you speak the same language. That is the case … both figuratively and literally … for the three North Shore women behind Ancestral Home, a new business bringing high-quality, artisanal home accessories infused with a Latino spirit to the U.S. market.

The three partners, Dalia Lerner, Gisela Balassa, and Ana Cohn, each bring a different perspective and a unique set of values to the endeavor. Lerner, a native of Mexico City, has a background in international relations and development economics and a lifelong passion for the arts. She strongly believes creative, mindful design is the key to bottom-up development. Balassa was born in Venezuela to Chilean parents. After living in five different countries as a child, she continued her global education by earning an undergraduate degree in Mexico and a graduate degree in Milan. Balassa’s resume speaks to a successful career in fashion, marketing, and retail: she was a fashion editor for Elle Mexico, the author of a book about Mexican fashion, worked in advertising production, and owned a Miamibased concept store showcasing independent designers. Cohn hails from Misiones, a province in northern Argentina. Before moving to Glencoe to raise her three daughters with her husband, David, a North Shore native, Cohn was a practicing dentist in Spain. Her superb aesthetic sense is steeped in Argentinian and Spanish traditions, blending the best of the Old and New Worlds.

Lerner and Balassa first met in Lake Forest. With each subsequent encounter, the pair

realized how much they had in common. For one thing, whether at the supermarket, dance academy, or school events, both spoke Spanish to their children … a wonderful connection. Cohn and Balassa met through a group of Latina women in Chicago. Cohn’s passion for importing high-end pieces from Latin America and Europe cemented her friendship with Balassa. When the trio undertook their first design project as a trial run, the fun they shared and the success they saw was the impetus to launch Ancestral Home.

The company’s name reflects its core values. “Ancestral” highlights the importance the women place on honoring techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation. Respect, a value that is often neglected these days, comes into play as the trio prioritizes the artists’ heritage, wages, and cultures. Lerner notes, “We scout and support artisan communities that for generations have interacted harmoniously with their surroundings in their use of raw materials and in their

techniques honoring natural cycles and cherishing their habitat.”

“Home” is a tribute to the beauty that results when these artisan products are infused with innovative contemporary design. “We seek to preserve handcraft techniques by creating avant-garde objects with a soul,”

explains Cohn. “Our accessories are examples of modern, timeless art that personify relaxed elegance.” Balassa is excited to foster mindful consumption by providing goods that are not only beautiful but also distinctive, sustainable, and functional. “Ancestral Home is all about elevating the consciousness of the way we consume,” she notes. “Our friendship and business grew from our common heritage, one that treasured its creative community. We are thrilled to bring Latino flair and an awareness of Latino artisans to the U.S. market.”

For more information, visit ancestral-home.com.

ABOVE LEFT: Ancestral Home Alpaca (a material similar to silver) and Bone Water Pitcher and Bamboo and Alpaca Tray, handcrafted in Northern Argentina; Cantera Piece, handmade in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico; and Wool Flequillo Pillows in background, handwoven in Northern Argentina

ABOVE RIGHT: Ancestral Home Foldable Hemingway Leather Chair, handcrafted in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Chibola Virgin Sheep Wool Carpet, handwoven in Northern Argentina

Ancestral Home Pampa Army Cot, handmade in Argentina and Chibola Virgin Sheep Wool Carpet, handwoven in Northern Argentina

Ancestral Home Bone and Alpaca Candle Holders handcrafted in Argentina and Organic Cotton Wall Art Decor, handmade in Mexico

Ancestral Home Arcoiris Braided Organic Cotton Rainbow Table Decor, handmade in Querétaro, Mexico

PHOTOGRAPHY BY SONIA AFONSO

NORTH SHORE DOINGS

EDITED BY CHEYANNE LENCIONI THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

MARCH 23

DOGGIE EGG HUNT

WHERE: West Elm Park

Dogs will hunt for treat-filled eggs and have photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. at West Elm Park. All dogs must be on a non-retractable leash at all times and wear a current rabies tag. Registration is required. winpark.org

MARCH 23

BREAKFAST WITH THE BUNNY

WHERE: Kenilworth Assembly Hall

Celebrate Easter with the Breakfast with the Easter Bunny event at Kenilworth Assembly Hall. Breakfast will be served from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and participants can take photos with the Easter Bunny during this time. Following breakfast, there will be two Easter Egg hunts: one at 11:30 a.m. at Kenilworth Assembly Hall for children 3 and younger, and one at 12:15 p.m. at Townley Field for children 4 to 9 years old. Tickets are $16 for adults, $13 for

children ages 5 to 12, and $7 for children under 5 years old. Please bring your own basket and dress accordingly for the weather.

kenilworthparkdistrict.org

MARCH 23

SUPER SILLY EASTER EGG HUNT BEGINS

WHERE: Lake Bluff Public Library

The Lake Bluff Public Library is hosting a children’s egg hunt all day today. Eggs will be hidden throughout the Youth Services Department and will contain jokes within their shells. This event is free and open to the public. lakeblufflibrary.org

MARCH 23

AUTHOR VISIT: DARCY DAY ZOELLS

WHERE: Highwood Public Library

Join award-winning author Darcy Day Zoells for a reading of her new picture book The New Bicycle. Held from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., the event features fun activities that celebrate the spirit of adventure and independence captured in Zoells’ book. This event is free and open to the public with no registration required. hplibrary.org

NOW THROUGH MARCH 24

ORCHID SHOW OF WONDERS

WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden

Enjoy a hint of spring with 10,000 blooms from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. this weekend as the popular “Orchid Show of Wonders” exhibit closes at Chicago Botanic Garden. Walk under Ferris wheel seats and marvel at unicycles on tightropes under the big top for this carnival-themed event. Tickets range from $10 for members to $21 for nonmembers. chicagobotanic.or

NOW THROUGH MARCH 30

THE VILLAGE FOLLIES 2024 SHOW

WHERE: Winnetka Community House

In a show titled “Earth, Wind, and Follies: It’s Elementary!” the Village Follies are holding shows today, March 23; tomorrow, March 24; March 29; and March 30 at the Winnetka Community House. Come see performances where 33 actors become 249 characters in 34 numbers that highlight the elements, elementary school, and

Sherlock Holmes’s famous catchphrase. All proceeds will fundraise for the Winnetka Community House. Food and drink may be brought to the theater and beverages and snacks will be available to purchase. Tickets are available now. villagefollies.com

NOW THROUGH MARCH 31

DINE WITH A PURPOSE

WHERE: Oaken Bistro and Bar

Dine in style and donate to Fill-A-Heart-4-Kids at Oaken Bistro in Bar during the month of March. The Lake Forest restaurant will donate 50 percent of bills to this charity that benefits at-risk foster children in the area. Diners can also choose to enjoy 50 percent off their bill as an alternative. Fill-A-Heart-4-Kids supports over 2,000 foster and homeless children annually by providing food, clothing, educational support, life skill opportunities, and volunteer opportunities. fillaheart4kids.org

NOW THROUGH MARCH 31

PICKUP HIGHWOOD

WHERE: Everts Park

Looking for a way to maintain and connect

with the community? Join Pickup Highwood’s weekly clean-up event where participants will meet from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday afternoons at Everts Park to collect trash. Please bring gloves, trash bags, and a picker/reacher. All garbage collected will be disposed of in bins at home. This event is free to join and interested parties can sign up at meetup.com

NOW THROUGH MARCH 31

THE PENELOPIAD

WHERE: Goodman Theatre

It’s time for Penelope’s story to be told. For anyone who is not familiar with the ancient Greek poem, “The Odyssey,” Penelope is the queen of Ithaca who awaits her husband’s return from the Trojan War for 20 years. The Penelopiad follows Penelope’s domestic vigil and the 12 handmaidens who accompany her. This play is based on the novel by Margaret Atwood and will star Once Upon A Time actress Jennifer Morrison. Tickets are on sale on the Goodman Theatre’s website. goodmantheatre.org

NOW THROUGH APRIL 21

TITANIC: THE

EXHIBITION

WHERE: Westfield Old Orchard

Experience the Titanic in a new exhibit featured at Westfield Old Orchard Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Guests will be able to traverse the Grand Staircase, see recreations of the ship’s interior, view artifacts from the ship, and more. The Discovery Gallery will give a glimpse at what archaeologists saw when they discovered the wreck of the Titanic. This exhibit also pays homage to the SS Eastland Disaster, which is the largest loss of life in a single shipwreck on the Great Lakes. Tickets are on sale now. thetitanicexhibition.com

NOW THROUGH SEPTEMBER 7

CIRCUSVILLE: PLAY UNDER THE BIG TOP

WHERE: Chicago Children’s Museum

Bring your kids to the Chicago Children’s Museum to play at the circus! Children can try their hands at all of the vital roles in a circus: star of the show, ticket taker, acrobat, hot dog vendor, and more.

Titanic: The Exhibition

Continued from PG 6

Props and costumes for families will be provided. The circus will be in town until September 7. chicagochildrensmuseum.org

NOW THROUGH OCTOBER 13

“SHTETL IN THE SUN”

WHERE: Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center

In the late 1970s, photographer Andy Sweet took numerous photos of Holocaust survivors living hopeful and joyous lives in South Beach, Florida.

1977-1980,” celebrates Sweet’s work as a tribute to those who lived during that time. The exhibit will run through October 13. ilholocaustmuseum.org

MARCH 24

THE COUNTERFEIT COUNTESS

WHERE: Illinois Holocaust Museum

Celebrate Women’s History Month with a discussion between authors Dr. Joanna Silwa and Dr. Elizabeth B White at 2:30 p.m. Silwa and White co-wrote The Counterfeit Countess: The Jewish Woman Who Rescued Thousands of Poles During the Holocaust. The story follows Dr. Josephine Jahina Mehlberg who was a Jewish woman posing as a Polish aristocrat in German-occupied Poland. Through her work, documented in her memoir the novel is based on, she persuaded SS officials to release thousands of Poles from Majdanket con-

free. Non-members must pay a museum admission fee to attend the event. ilholocaustmuseum.org

MARCH 24

PALM SUNDAY WORSHIP

WHERE: Kenilworth Union Church

Begin Holy Week with Palm Sunday worship service from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Kenilworth Union Church. All are welcome to join for this special worship that will reenact Jesus’ journey into Jerusalem. kuc.org

MARCH 25

REGISTRATION OPENS FOR ECLIPSE GLASSES

WHERE: Lake Bluff Library

In preparation for the solar eclipse on April 8, the Library will be providing eclipse glasses to households who are interested. Registration for these glasses are required and opens at 10 a.m. on March 25. The glasses can be picked up April 1 through 5 at the Circulation Desk. Any remaining glasses will be available for pickup on April 6 on a first come, first served basis while supplies last. Each household is limited to two pairs. lakeblufflibrary.org

MARCH 28

SALUTE TO DIRT

WHERE: Highland Park Library

Welcome spring with a salute to dirt at Highland Park Library. Children ages 5 to 8 can stop by the Activity Room from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. They will plant a seed, learn about dirt layers, and more. No registration is required for this program. hplibrary.org

MARCH 28

RELAXING WATERCOLORS

provided and registration is required. This adult program is from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. and registration will close on March 28. wnpld.org

MARCH 28

THE ROAD WAS HOME

WHERE: Highland Park Library

Local historian Jamie Poorman hosts an educational program for adults in partnership with the Highland Park Historical Society. She will discuss the story of the Cooper family, an itinerant group of travelers who settled in Central Illinois around the turn of the 20th century. Dive into a piece of Illinois history from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. hplibrary.org

MARCH 29

MARCH SCAVENGER HUNT: WOMEN IN STEM

WHERE: Evanston Public Library

Celebrate Women’s History Month with a scavenger hunt at Evanston Public Library. Grab a clue sheet at the desk and search for notable female STEM explorers in the Children’s Room at the main library. This is an all-day event. epl.org

MARCH 30

BUNNY BRUNCH & EGG HUNTS

WHERE: Mallinckrodt Center

Author Meg Kissinger will discuss her book While You Were Out, An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence at Gorton Center. The discussion will begin at 7 p.m. and will be followed by a community reception and book signing. Please register for the event online. gortoncenter.org

terflies in your own backyard. Go Green Northfield will teach participants how to attract the butterflies to their garden and ensure the species survival. Registration closes at the beginning of the program at 1 p.m. This program is for adults and registration is required. wnpld.org

APRIL 3

Through his images, it provides a poignant display of life after tragedy. The Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center’s exhibit, “Shtetl in the Sun: Andy Sweet’s South Beach

centration camps. Copies of the book can be purchased and there will be a book signing after the event. Reservations are required and members can attend for

WHERE: Northfield Library

Spend a relaxing evening learning new watercolor techniques with Audrey Ra of Audrey Ra Design at Northfield Public Library. All materials will be

Enjoy brunch with the Easter Bunny from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m. or after the Easter Egg hunt from 11 a.m. to noon. Participants will have a delicious breakfast and photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny. The children’s Easter Egg hunt will begin at 10 a.m. and a dog Easter Egg hunt will begin at 10:45 a.m. Registration is required for the brunch and the Easter Egg hunt groups. wilmettepark.org

APRIL 3

AN EVENING WITH MEG KISSINGER

WHERE: Gorton Center

APRIL 3

BRING ON THE BUTTERFLIES!

WHERE: Northfield Public Library

Learn how to create a sanctuary for Monarch but-

DECLUTTER AND DESTRESS: 7 WAYS TO SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE

WHERE: Zoom

Lake Forest Library is partnering with Read between the Ravines for this adult program. Join author and organizer Jamie Novak over Zoom as she shares how to declutter more than just physical items. The is from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Registration is required. lakeforestlibrary.org

APRIL 6

TWIST OUT CANCER

WHERE: Writers Theatre, Glencoe

Enjoy an evening of art, storytelling, and celebra-

Orchid Show of Wonders

Paws for a Cause

FROGGY’S FRENCH CAFE

tion at Glencoe’s Writers Theatre. This year, 29 artists from 10 states and five countries will be featured in Twist Out Cancer’s Spring 2024 artist exhibition, “Brushes with Cancer.” A reception will be held from 8:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. and tickets include food, drinks, and an up-close and personal look at the exhibits. One ticket is $75, two tickets are $140, and five tickets are $350. twistoutcancer.org

APRIL 7, 10, AND 14

ORION “PARLEZ-VOUS FRANÇAISE?” CONCERTS

WHERE: Aurora, Chicago, Evanston The Orion

Ensemble rings in its 31st season with three concerts in April. The Ensemble will welcome guest violist Stephen Boe for a program featuring works by Françaix, Franck, Vieuxtemps and Fauré. The performances will be held in Aurora on April 7, Chicago April 10, and Evanston April 14. They will highlight French and Belgian chamber music at its finest. Tickets are $30 for general admission, $25 for seniors, and $15 for students 13 and older. Children 12 and younger are free. orionensemble.org

APRIL 10

APRIL JOB FAIR

WHERE: Wilmette Park District

From 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., discover exciting opportunities at the Park District’s Summer Job Fair. The Fair will be held in the Community Recreation Center where applicants can meet with the teams, explore

different positions, find the position that’s perfect for you, and schedule your interview. Interested individuals must be at least 15 and have a work permit. wilmettepark.org

APRIL 12

PAWS FOR A CAUSE ANNUAL GALA

WHERE: 28 Mile Distilling Co

Join Paws For Patrick for a night of delicious food, drink, and live music performed by The Freddy Jones Band. Starting at 6 p.m., there will be a silent auction, which features online bidding a week earlier. There will also be a live auction during the night. Individual tickets are $250. Sponsorship opportunities are available and levels are listed on the nonprofit group’s website. pawsforpatrick.org

To submit your event for consideration, please email events@nsweekend.com.

The Orion Ensemble

AT THE FOREFRONT

From a new location in Northbrook, doctors at the University of Chicago Medicine Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery offer exceptional, research-based care to women in the Northern Suburbs.

BY MITCH HURST THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

UChicago Medicine’s newest location in Northbrook offers the highest quality, cutting-edge urogynecology care for women in and around the Northern Suburbs. The practice’s four doctors— Sarah Collins, M.D., Christina Lewicky-Gaupp, M.D., Margaret Mueller, M.D., and Kimberly Kenton, M.D., M.S., are all highly skilled pelvic reconstruction surgeons, treating pelvic floor disorders (PFD) including urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse.

In general, PFDs are a group of conditions that affect the pelvic floor, including the muscles, ligaments, and connective tissue that support the pelvic organs (bladder, uterus, vagina, and bowel). PFDs are very prevalent, and while they are more common in older women, they can occur at any age. In fact, twenty percent of American women undergo surgery for urinary incontinence or pelvic organ prolapse, which causes bulging in the vagina.

The four doctors practiced together in Lake Forest and downtown Chicago for more than a decade. This year, they strategically moved to UChicago Medicine and set out to establish the institution’s first footprint on the Northern Suburbs. Now, women north of Chicago have convenient access to the cutting-edge clinical care and research that the South Side academic medical center is known for.

“We are an established, academic, boutique practice with almost 25 years of experience addressing the depth and breadth of pelvic floor disorders,” says Dr. Kenton, who resides in Glenview. Dr. Collins, who lives in Western Springs adds, “We are renowned for offering patients customized solutions to their specific needs and goals, including a shared decision-making approach to treatment decisions.”

At its core, the practice’s philosophy is about improving women’s quality of life. “Pelvic floor disorders fall into two categories—incontinence, or pelvic organ prolapse, essentially when ‘things’ fall down outside the body, often forcing women to cut back on activities,” says Glencoe resident Dr. Mueller. “As surgeons, we provide a variety of minimally invasive procedures and surgeries to help restore women’s active lifestyles. We also offer some non-surgical options for those looking for help but

aren’t ready or interested in pursuing the surgical path.”

“We are fellowship-trained and board certified, meaning we have as many years of training as a neurosurgeon,” Dr. LewickyGaupp, a Winnetka resident. “The advantage of our rigorous training, combined with our involvement in academics, means we are always abreast of new research, technologies, and treatments.

The pipeline to innovation is facilitated by federally funded, National Institute of Health clinical trials. The doctors are currently involved in several research projects that will lead to better outcomes and

results for patients.

Thanks to research, these surgeon-scientists have shifted the paradigm of recovery expectations. After surgery, women often received antiquated counseling about activity restrictions, such as avoiding highimpact activities, exercise or lifting. These traditional restrictions are not scientifically justified, and newer ones have been shown to be safe. “One of the unique perspectives that sets us apart is our encouragement for patients to maintain their lifestyle. They don’t have to stop exercising; they can have their procedure and be back to running within two or three days,” explains

Dr. Kenton. “This approach is based on a large study that our group conducted and published.”

Evidence-based medicine. A commitment to patient-centered care. Innovative surgical options. Just a few reasons why UChicago Medicine’s Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery practice is one of the best in the country.

University of Chicago Medicine Urogynecology and Reconstructive Pelvic Surgery is located at 400 Skokie Blvd, Suite 300, in Northbrook, 773-795-8777. uchicagomedicine. org/urogynecology.

Dr. Margaret Mueller, Dr. Sarah Collins, Dr. Christina Lewicky-Gaupp, and Dr. Kimberly Kenton

Photography by Katrina Wittkamp / Styling by Theresa DeMaria / Hair & Makeup by Margareta Komlenac

WEEKEND FASHION

Ten under-the-radar resort wear labels you should know about.

EDITED

BY

THERESA DEMARIA

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

01 Siedrès Loba Cutout Jersey Maxi Dress $445 modaoperandi.com 02 Saiid Kobeisy satin cropped top $1,800 farfetch.com

03 Dolce & Gabbana Sfilata Long Black Satin Gloves $625 bergdorfgoodman. com 04 Pomellato Nudo 18K Rose Gold Rose Quartz Brown Diamond Pendant Earring $8,200 neimanmarcus.com 05

Cala de la Cruz Tere Linen Mini Dress $420 modaoperandi.com 06 Posse Joslin

Asymmetric Printed Cotton-Blend Maxi Dress $290 modaoperandi.com 07

Oscar de la Renta Paper-Cut Flower Bugle Beaded Halter Gown $14,990 bergdorfgoodman.com 08 Mini Jodi Bag by Bottega Veneta $3700 modesens.com

09 Herue Bombon Medium Raffia Top Handle Bag $560 bergdorfgoodman.com 10 Osèree Lumière backless appliquéd metallic swimsuit $310 net-a-porter.com

BEACH BOUND?

FRESH FACE

Achieve a dewy glow with products and makeup.

EDITED

BY MEGAN WEISBERG

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

01 Sisley Pairs, Le Phyto-Blush, net-aporter.com 02 Sisley Paris, Sisleÿa Le Teint Anti-Aging Foundation, net-a-porter.com 03 Prada, Reveal Foundation, nordstrom. com 04 Hourglass, Nº 10 Angled Liner Brush, net-a-porter.com 05 Charlotte Tilbury, Brow Cheat, net-a-porter.com 06

Prada, Dimensions Eye Shadow Palette, nordstrom.com 07 Hourglass, Eyelash Curler, net-a-porter.com 08 Dr. Barbara Sturm, Makeup Remover, drsturm.com 09

Prada, Foundation Optimizer, nordstrom. com 10 Clé de Peau Beauté, Cream Blush in Pale Fig, net-a-porter.com

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

WEEKEND BEAUTY

#HASHTAG

EDITED BY DUSTIN O'REGAN ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL

#ON MY NIGHTSTAND

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt. This is an interesting interaction between a woman working at an aquarium and the octopus that she cares for. After reading the book and seeing the documentary My Octopus Teacher I think differently about our relationship with our fellow creatures on this earth. I am also reading The Great Believers by Rebecca Makkai. This novel is based in Chicago and is the story of friends at the beginning of the AIDS epidemic and their relationship to each other and those around them. It contains horrifying accounting of how ignorance and prejudice can hurt so many people.

#ON MY MOBILE

I went to French cooking school before I had my family and love to cook and bake. I follow several food bloggers, chefs, and restaurants. Some of my biggest influences are David Lebovitz, an American chef living in Paris and an expert on French cocktails; Aboyer and George Trois Chef Michael Lachowicz; French chef and Wilmette native Daniel Rose; local chef Grant Achatz; and of course José Andrés, founder of the World Central Kitchen. I also love to travel and follow many travel sites.

#IN MY EARBUDS

Embarrassed to say but I don't spend a lot of time listening to as much music as I would like. I have always been a huge Beatles fan and was fortunate to see them in person when I was 11 years old! I love Phil Collins, Genesis, and Coldplay, and listen to them while driving. I get most of my new music from my daily Peloton rides, which is my way to escape for 45 minutes a day. I do listen to meditations through my Peloton app from Kristin McGee and Ross Rayburn which help me unwind at the end of the day or after an event.

DIANE WELNHOFER has lived in Wilmette for almost 43 years and volunteered for many organizations in various capacities. Most recently, she has been actively involved in fundraising for the Northwestern University Settlement House (NUSH). She has been a member of its Winnetka Auxiliary Board for 15 years, including two years as Board President to supporting Northwestern Settlement’s mission to disrupt generational poverty by supporting, preparing, and empowering young people to break down barriers on their path to success in adulthood. Through all of her volunteering activities, Welnhofer loves seeing the impact the Settlement is making in the lives of the families it serves and finds it to be an honor to do work to help others. The upcoming fundraising event "Uncorked! A Stock-the-Cellar Event" will be held on Friday, April 19, at the Glen View Club in Golf from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The fun evening includes tasting 16 wines curated by Fine Vines and available for purchase through Schaefer’s Wine, Foods & Spirits with delicious hearty appetizers. The funds raised will support various programs for Northwestern Settlement Rowe Elementary/Middle School. For more information, visit winnetkaboard.com

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PROMPT KING

Prolific author and innovative writing instructor Bob Boone of Glencoe has been introducing stimulating writing prompts to kick-start students’ imaginations for decades.

BY BILL MCLEAN ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT

Princess Diana once ate all by herself in the corner of a filthy American café. Her waitress’s name was Blanche, who worked for a man named Moe.

All of the above?

All made up.

But this is true: Author and creative writ ing instructor Bob Boone—the director of Glencoe Study Center since it opened in 1977—has had a longtime knack for delet ing the fears of young scribes and unlocking their gift for the written word through a variety of stimulating prompts.

Several of the kick-starters are fleshed out in Moe’s Café: 48 Decidedly Different Creative Writing Prompts (Good Year Books, 2006), which Boone, 83, wrote with Mark H. Larson. Their follow-up to Moe’s Café Junk Shop: For Developing Writers Year Books), was published in 2012.

One of his students had come up with the Princess-Di-sitting-at-a-greasy-spoon’scounter scene and put pen to paper, prompt ing Boone to smile and praise the youngster for fully understanding the exercise in creativity and taking it to a royally inventive level.

“Teaching has always been gratifying and satisfying, and what I discovered is that young writers work particularly well in a group setting,” says Boone, who in 1991 founded Young Chicago Authors, “a home for teens and young adults looking for ways to express themselves—and finding a diverse community to inspire and support them,” and served as its president. It started as a writing workshop for high school sopho mores (chosen from an applicant pool of 100) who would gather on Saturdays in a Wicker Park apartment.

In 2009 he received an award from the Coming Up Taller Leadership Enhance ment Conference at the White House for transforming the lives of YCA enrollees.

As vice president and education director of Chicago-based Foundation for Student Athletes (formerly known as Athletes for Better Education) from 1984-1992, Boone encouraged dribblers to become serious scribblers.

(Class of 1959), and taught English at Highland Park High School from 19701978 before working as a special education consultant at HPHS from 1984-1990.

“The athletes,” the Glencoe resident adds, “would show up on Game Day, drop their

at a fictional high school. In the final chapter, “The Caddy,” he writes, “I love everything about (Pine Acres, a golf club). That’s why I came back. I love standing all alone in the bag room at night. It’s dark in there except for a little light reflecting off the metal

teacher someday.’”

Boone majored in English and minored in philosophy at the University of WisconsinMadison, where he first met his future wife, art major Sue, at the Phi Delt house. They got married in 1964 and raised children Fanny, Sarah, and Charlie.

“One of our programs featured a weekend basketball tournament for 15 schools,” recalls Boone, who grew up in Winnetka, attended New Trier Township High School

Teaching has always been gratifying and satisfying, and what I discovered is that young writers work particularly well in a group setting

Fanny tutors and spearheads fundraising events at Glencoe Study Center, which provides a slew of educational services, including test preparation, private and small group tutoring, ESL classes, creative writing classes, creative writing counseling, supervised study, project support, distance learning support, and GED.

Boone earned his M.A. in English at Teachers College, Columbia University, in New York, the first graduate school in the United States that offered a curriculum focused specifically on teacher education. He taught English and Social Studies to fifth and sixth graders at Staten Island Academy from 1964-1967, before accepting a post as an English teacher at Frankfurt International School in West Germany; his tenure in Europe lasted from 1967-1969.

Boone completed his Ph.D. in English Education at Northwestern University in

A 2019 Glencoe Hall of Fame inductee

Willow Review’s Featured Illinois Author of the Year (also in 2019), Boone was named Volunteer of the Year by North magazine in 1993 and Chicagoan of the Year by Chicago Magazine in 2003.

He’s working on a novella these days. It’s about an Iowan named Ollie who has a gift for telling sports stories and has to go into hiding in Chicago following a fatality in a

“One of my favorite moments as a teacher took place when I spoke to a group of students at DePaul University,” Boone says. “They thought I’d just lecture that day. I also gave them a writing exercise, asking them to describe a time in their lives that they were grateful for having learned something, such as gloving a ground ball in baseball or hitting a backhand in tennis or finding a way out of a situation in which they were lost.”

It didn’t long for Boone to hear classroom music to his ears, or, in his words, “the sound of pens moving across paper.”

The Glencoe Study Center is located at 706 Green Bay Road, #6, in Glencoe. Call 847835-5430 for more information.