GazeboNews

Buy Now For Betty!

By Catherine Driscoll

On Friday, Sept. 18, the community's women will be having a ladies night out. Sorry, guys, you'll have to make do without us. Yes, it's time for Betty Bash, the annual fund raiser for the Mothers Trust Foundation. Every year, we get together to raise money for children in crisis in Lake County. This year, we're going to be celebrating our beginnings--as women and friends who want to make difference, one child at a time. School uniforms, bus passes, graduation fees, summer enrichment programs, eyeglasses, sports fees, vocational class materials--these are all needs that help build confidence in children--needs that fall through the cracks without our help. And this year, we have been inundated with requests.

If You Like To Fish ...

As Labor Day weekend unfolds like a picnic blanket on a grassy hill, you may find yourself with a few spare moments. Do you like to fish? If so, check out the Midwest Fishing Report in the Chicago Sun-Times. It's a compilation of reports and blogs by fishermen (and maybe fisherwomen) around the Chicago area. This is what it said on Thursday: "Capt. Bill Kelly reported fair action when weather allowed, best was off Lake Forest/Highland Park in 60-70 feet for kings and rainbows." It also said "Beside the kings, the Salmon Stop reported some browns and rainbows off the piers too. Poteshman reported kings early on the hill, then it's going deeper. Some days, there's good steelhead around." For the full report on fishing conditions in the Chicago area, visit the Sun-Times "Midwest Fishing Report."

RibFest Getting Ready To Fire Up

Barbecue season has been in full swing for months. But for some people, the meatiest part of the season doesn't take place until Oct. 3 when the Lake Bluff Barbeque Society takes over the Village Green for its annual, all-day RibFest. The rib-only competition brings out the most committed barbeque enthusiasts--as well as those who enjoy eating barbeque ribs, which are available while supplies last.

Founded in 2002, RibFest has grown into the richest barbecue competition on the Lake Bluff circuit. The Grand Champion is rewarded with a larger-than life trophy, First Place ribbon and bottle of champagne. Second through fifth place teams receive ribbons. And new for 2009 is recognition for those with top scores in each of the three judging categories: taste, tenderness/texture, and appearance. In addition, showmanship recognition is given to the team that best decorates its cooking space. Past Grand Champions include:

• 2008 – Smokey & The Pit Crew
• 2007 – Black Pig
• 2006 – Rich Group
• 2005 - Team International
• 2004 – One Rib
• 2003 – Can/Am Ham
• 2002 – Hebson Group

Do you have what it takes to compete for the glory? The chief cook of eligible teams must reside or work in the Village of Lake Bluff, Lake Bluff Park District or Lake Bluff Elementary School District boundaries. For more information and/or the Lake Bluff Barbeque Society 2009 Rules and Regulations, please contact Matt Nielsen at mattn@nielsenmassey.com.

2008 RibFest Grand Champions: Smokey and the Pit Crew, from left, Jeff "El Jefe" Hesser, Matt "Smokey" Nielsen, Joel "Ricky Bobby" Geller and Eric "Texas Pete" Levin.

KidsUganda Reunites Dickinson Hall With Kids

By Elaine Slayton

Before Dickinson Hall became the hub of the Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Senior Center, it had a long tradition of helping children in need. That's what makes the historic Lake Forest landmark on the Grove Cultural Campus a perfect setting for the KidsUganda "Bright Night" benefit on Saturday, August 29, at 7 p.m.

Ridge Farm, as the property originally was called, began in 1912 as a "preventorium" for girls who had been exposed to tuberculosis. Preventoria were early 20th century institutions for patients infected with tuberculosis who did not yet have an active form of the disease. Ridge Farm offered a haven for at-risk girls from the "dirty" city, providing a healthful life with fresh air, proper nutrition and exercise.

Dickinson Hall was built in 1929 as the dining hall for the campus. It seems destiny, then, that KidsUganda and Dickinson Hall are teaming up 97 years later for a similar cause, if only for one evening. Last year, KidsUganda, a U.S.-based community partnership supported largely by Lake Bluff and Lake Forest community members, raised funds for and built a dormitory for orphaned and at-risk girls living at the Maranatha Schools in Mityana, Uganda. Prior to that, the girls lived in a dark and crowded makeshift dorm in a storage room, with no running water.

Consider attending the Bright Night Benefit for what promises to be an enchanting African-inspired evening. Sip a "Jungle Flame" as you wander amidst twinkling lights and enjoy a spirited African song by The Message Ensemble, a ballad by Bobby Newman, or music by North Shore legend Derek Stout. Take in the awesome performance by the Dahui Ensemble du Rhythm as they perform their intricate choreography. Dine on lamb, chicken and shrimp sosatie on skewers. Dance to John Vitale & The Leaders Band featuring fabulous Fred Koch. Shop at the African store, and meet, or renew your friendship, with Rev. Patrick and Eva Walusimbi, founders and directors of the Maranatha Schools & Orphanage, shown in these photos from last year's benefit.

The Maranatha Schools are a group of learning communities founded by the Walusimbis for disadvantaged children and orphans in southeastern Uganda. The three schools serve approximately 1,100 students, including 125 orphans who live at the schools full time. For a comprehensive overview of KidsUganda or to purchase tickets for the Bright Night Benefit, visit kidsuganda.com or call 847-234-8191. For more information on Dickinson Hall visit  cityoflakeforest.com or call 847-234-2209.

Deerpath Art League Features Teacher Artwork

Deerpath Art League is hosting its Faculty Exhibit Opening Reception on Friday, Aug. 21, from 5 to 8 p.m. The Gallery will feature artwork from instructors who teach classes and workshops for the Art League, including Lezlie Lenz, Skip Wiese, Helen LaCroix, Jacqui Blatchford, David Roth, Doris Volpe, Loraine Stillman, Ben Jurevicius, Janet Austin Henderson, Carole Pearlman, Lars-Birger Sponberg, Sandra Bacon and Barbara Farrell. The exhibit is open Monday through Friday Aug. 20 through Sept. 10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Gallery, which is on the 2nd floor of the Gorton Community Center, 400 E. Illinois Road, Lake Forest.  For more information, contact 847-234-3743 or info@deerpathartleague.org, or visit deerpathartleague.org.

"A Beautiful Place," by Jacqui Blatchford

It's Time For Community Capers

CenterStage Theatre and the Lake Forest/Lake Bluff Chamber of Commerce are hosting auditions for Community Capers 2009, a collaborative production that raises money for community groups. This year's theme is "What are nice towns like you doing in a state like this?" Proceeds will benefit CenterStage and the Chamber. Here's what you need to know if you want to try out for this fun production that takes a look at the lighter sides of our communities: The auditions are Saturday, Aug. 22, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday, Aug. 23, from noon to 4 p.m. in the auditorium of the Gorton Community Center in Lake Forest. Call-backs are Monday, Aug. 24, from 6 to 8 p.m., and the show dates are Oct. 2, 4, 8 and 10. Community Capers is open to high-school age students and up. You need to prepare 16 bars of a song of your choosing, and you should bring the sheet music unless you like to sing unaccompanied. You also will be asked to read a short monologue. Need more info? Call 847-234-6062.

Want to relive the Community Capers production from 2007? There are lots of snippets on YouTube, such as the "Da Bears" skit shown below:

Peacocks In Lake Bluff? Visit Inovasi

Inovasi is hosting a special event called The Peacock Affair on Thursday, Sept. 10 at 6 p.m. The evening will feature wines of the Peacock Family Vineyard and winemaker Craig Becker; passed hors d'oeuvres; charity raffle to benefit Mothers Trust Foundation; and a five-course dinner from Chef John des Rosiers. And if that's not enough to entice you, how about live peacocks, limos, gift bags and a "red" carpet? The event costs $100 and space is limited. RSVP to john@inovasi.us or call 847-295-1000. Invosi is located at 28 E. Center Avenue in Lake Bluff.

Field Hockey Champs Host Girls Clinic

Here's a chance to learn from champs: The Lake Forest High School Varsity Field Hockey team will host its annual fund-raiser clinic for players of all levels in grades 5 through 8 on Sunday, Aug. 23, from 1 to 4 p.m. Participants will enjoy a fun-filled afternoon of skill drills, relay races and scrimmages with members of the 2008 Illinois State Champion Team. They'll also have the chance to get acquainted with the high school coaches. The clinic costs $40 per player, with a discount for families who enroll more than one participant. All proceeds are used to fund the team's annual trip to St. Louis to play in a prestigious tournament with other top high school teams from the Midwest. Players should bring a mouth guard, shin guards, field hockey stick and water bottle. For more information, visit LFHS.org and click on the Athletics home page. Or send an e-mail to scoutsvarfh@aol.com or call Katie Begley at 847-735-1450.

It's Always Summer At Bluffinia

August is a month of many moods. Camp ends. Vacations come and go. School supplies and itchy sweaters crowd the stores and you wonder if your torn flip flops will make it till the last hot day. So many endings. So many new beginnings. But no matter what mood you're in--and no matter what the weather--it's always summer at Bluffinia. Sunday was no exception, when people filled the Village Green to hear the Motown sounds of Soul Cookin'. Check out the pics below and see if you recognize yourself or someone you know--or visit cynimage.com for more photos of Bluffinia as well as Lake Forest Days. There are three more Bluffinia concerts lined up in August: Bopology on Aug. 16; New Invaders on Aug. 23; and Minus 88 on Aug. 30, and they're brought to you by Baytree Bank.

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Photos by Cyn Sansing Mycoskie of cynimage.com

Public Safety Day Is Saturday

Don't be surprised if you see a helicopter landing in Artesian Park on Saturday afternoon. It's just a routine demonstration that's part of the Lake Bluff Fire and Police Departments' annual Public Safety Day and Open House, which runs from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m. in and near the public safety building.

The Flight For Life helicopter will make its landing in the park behind the fire station at around 2 p.m. Kids can sit in the pilot seat of this helicopter, which is used to transfer serious ill or injured patients to hospitals. Children also can explore various police and fire vehicles parked in front of the fire station. The event will include a live fire demonstration every hour; search & rescue dog demonstrations; children's obstacle course inside the fire house; finger printing booth; fire prevention booth; firefighter recruitment booth; and coloring table. Food and refreshments will be provided.

 

A Flight For Life copter landing in Artesian Park last year; photo by Nancy Gusterine.

Artisans In Blue Rocking The Gazebo

There's a fun party going on over at the Gazebo in Lake Bluff from 1 to 8 p.m. today. It's called Artisans In Blue and it aims to raise money for youth in the arts. A new band plays every hour on the hour, providing a great mix of up-and-coming bands and local artists. You'll also find ceramics, paintings and other artistic things for sale. Click over to the Artisan In Blue website to learn more about today's event and the group's long-term goals.

Nunsense Grand Finale Is Saturday

Looking for a fun outing tonight? The sisters of Hoboken would like to invite you to the grand finale of "Nunsense." GazeboNews photographer Cyn Sansing Mycoskie saw it on Friday night (no, she wasn't worn out from her day of shopping in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff---see stories below). She says the play's fantastic-- "a real hoot." The fact that it's nearby at Gorton, reasonably priced and performed by a totally local cast adds to the appeal. Here are some pics:

Get the flash player here: http://www.adobe.com/flashplayer

Photos by Cyn Sansing Mycoskie

Floating An Idea For A Good Cause

If you love outdoor movies, floating on rafts and supporting a good cause, this event's for you: "Flick and Float," which takes place 8 to 10 p.m. on Aug. 1 at the Lake Bluff pool (or Aug. 8 if it's raining on the 1st). For $5 dollars you can float on rafts in the pool while watching "Kung Fu Panda" on a large screen TV that's set up poolside. The event is organized by Drew Paxson, a Lake Bluff life guard and soon-to-be sophomore at Ripon College in Wisconsin who wanted to do something to raise money for Camouflage Kids, a non-profit organization that purchases college athletic event tickets for the families and kids of U.S. military personnel. You can purchase Camouflage Kids T-shirts for $10. Proceeds from "Flick and Float" will go to Camouflage Kids.

A Good Day For A Walk In A Garden

The Garden at Elawa Farm is part of a garden tour that includes four private gardens on Sunday as part of The Garden Conservancy's Open Days Program. For just $5 per visit (rain or shine), you can meander gardens in Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Mettawa and Winnetka. These include a range of surprises, such as a restored garden that complements a storybook exterior of turrets, high walls and gates; and a chapel-like white garden with two reflecting pools, an aqua-theater and a glass labyrinth. Please visit Open Days Program  for an itinerary and more information about the gardens.

The Garden At Elawa Farm, looking west

'Nunsense' Brings The Sisters To LF

You don't have to be a product of the Catholic school system to appreciate the zany Sisters from Hoboken, who are coming to Lake Forest via the CenterStage performance of "Nunsense." Opening night for the  community theatre company's all-local cast is July 24, running through Aug. 1 at the Gorton Community Center.

USA Today calls the play "A hit of the first order" and The New York Times says it's a "hail of fun and frolic." The story begins when the Little Sisters of Hoboken discover that their cook, Sister Julia Child of God, has accidentally poisoned 52 of the sisters, and they are in dire need of funds for the burials. The sisters decide to put on a variety show in the school auditorium, which is currently set up for the eighth grade performance of "Grease." Featuring star turns, tap and ballet dancing, an audience quiz, and comic surprises, "Nunsense" has become an international phenomenon boasting 5,000 productions worldwide in more than 21 languages.

You'll probably see familiar faces in CenterStage's production, as most of the cast members hail from Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. The cast includes, in alphabetical order, Alice Hansen, Lake Forest; Susie Lape, Lake Bluff; Julie Meadows, Libertyville; June Entwisle Miller, Lake Bluff; and Sandy Serna, Grayslake. The school girls and chorus members are Daniela Sloan, Margaret Miller and Katy Dye, all from Lake Bluff. The show's producers are Cathy McKechney, Lake Bluff, and Kathy Caspar, Lake Forest. Vocal direction is being handled by Caitlen McKechney, Lake Bluff, and Sandy Ragsdale, Lake Bluff, is in charge of choreography.

Performances are Friday July 24, and Saturday July 25, at 7:30 p.m.; Sunday July 26, at 3 p.m. and Thursday July 30, Friday July 31, and Saturday Aug. 1 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online at $20 for adults and $18 for students/seniors. At the door, the tix cost $25. Please visit CenterStageLakeForest.org for more information and/or to get your seat. 

From left, June Miller, Susie Lape and Alice Hansen

'The Renditions' Rock The Green

The Renditions rocked Market Square at Thursday night's Concert On The Green, giving fans something to smile about---and dance to--as the foursome performed top hits from Neal Diamond, the Beach Boys and other old-time favorites. If you missed the fun, you can still hear the tunes. Click here to get to the band's website. (This photo was taken with a cell phone.)

Friday Is 'Family Flicks' At LFH

Blankets will come in handy Friday night if you plan to attend Lake Forest Hospital's "Family Flicks." The summer outdoor movie series starts at dusk at the hospital's Lake Forest campus and features "Kung Fu Panda" on a giant screen beneath the stars and clouds--the forecast is for cool and cloudy weather. Lake Forest Hospital's Health & Fitness Center staff will provide activities for kids and families starting at 7 p.m. Admission is free but a $10-per-car donation will help support pediatric care at the hospital. "Family Flicks" is sponsored by Lake Forest Hospital and Children's Memorial Hospital. Click here or call 847-535-6111 for more info.

 

Movie goers loved Lake Forest Hospital's recent "Family Flicks" night.

Grove Center Hosts Family Carnival

The Grove Cultural Center is hosting a Campus Carnival that's sponsored by some heavy hitters in the local music/entertainment arena: the Music Institute of Chicago, Lake Forest Symphony, Stirling Hall Arts Center, Lake Forest's Parks & Recreation Department, and Dickinson Hall Senior Center. The carnival will include something for everyone: music by Run Surace in "Full Swing" Big Band; a performance of the Jungle Book by members of the Music Institute; historical tours of an original log cabin; the chance to try a potter's wheel; a ceramic exhibit and studio tour; food; face painting; train rides and balloon sculpture. The carnival takes place Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m. at 40 East Old Mill Road in Lake Forest. 

Students from the Music Institute of Chicago will perform the Jungle Book on Saturday

Weekend Forecast: Free and Easy

The opportunity to attend free and interesting events continues to grow ever wider in our community, beginning tonight with Market Square's Concert on the Green. The show features The New Invaders' Ultimate '60s Flashback. It starts at 6:30 p.m. and is sponsored by Lake Forest Bank & Trust and Broadacre Market Square Management Co.

On Friday, Lake Forest Parks & Rec opens its maintenance fleet. Kids can explore and even get behind the wheels of the City's fire trucks, front-end loaders, bulldozers, street sweepers and other big rigs. From 10 a.m. to noon behind the Deerpath School Parking lot. 

The Lake Bluff Farmer's Market is in full swing with a bounty of mid-summer goodies, Friday on the Village Green from 7 a.m. till noon. If you eat up all the peaches and string beans by Saturday, you can restock the vege bin at Pasquesi's Home & Garden, which is selling locally grown produce on Saturdays and Sundays from July 11 through the first week in October. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 975 North Shore Drive in Lake Bluff.

On Saturday you can romp with animals at Lake Forest Bank & Trust's petting zoo at 810 S. Waukegan Road. The zoo promises sidewalk pony rides and an assortment of animals to pet, such as sheep, goats, ducks, rabbits and piglets. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Also on Saturday, the Grove Cultural Center  plans a Campus Carnival, which will include music by Run Surace in "Full Swing" Big Band; a performance of the Jungle Book by members of the Music Institute of Chicago; historical tours of an original log cabin; the chance to try a potter's wheel; a ceramic exhibit and studio tour; food; face painting; train rides and balloon sculpture. The carnival takes place from 1 to 4 p.m. at 40 East Old Mill Road in Lake Forest.

If jewelry is your thing, you can attend a trunk show at Peg Ann Kompany in Lake Bluff, on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 79 E. Scranton. It features J'Artisa and many new designs from artist Lisa Kula.

On Sunday evening, you can unwind from the busy weekend at Bluffinia, which features the "Billy Childer's Band."  The concert series takes place from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Village Green in Lake Bluff and is sponsored by Baytree National Bank & Trust Co.

It's Time For 'W00T!'

Wednesday is the opening night of the curiously named "w00t!" The original musical showcases the acting and singing talents of the young thespians training with the Academy @ Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest. It was written by Mike O'Mara and Matt Boresi of the Music Institute of Chicago and examines the joys and foibles of kids at the edge of the technological frontier. The campers, age 8 to 17, have been in daily rehearsals since June 15 and will be showing three world premiere performances. "w00t!" features an eclectic mix of pop, jazz, blues, rock and rap. It surfs the fast lane of the www, explores the virtual creative, and boldly goes where no adult has gone before. Performances take place in Deerpath Middle School's main auditorium on Wednesday, July 8, at 6 p.m. and Thursday, July 9, at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets will be sold at the door. For more details, visit citadeltheatre.org.

Weekend Schedule: Abridged Edition

Here is a pocket-size version of this weekend's Schedule of Events in LF/LB:

• There is NO Concert on the Green in Lake Forest on Thursday night. Repeat: Nada. The series will return next week, July 9. Visit the LF/LB Chamber  website for more info
• There IS a Farmer's Market in Lake Bluff on Friday morning. Repeat: The Farmer's Market is on (there was some mix up about this)
• You don't need to be or know a firefighter to attend Friday's Firemen's Ball in Lake Bluff's Blair Park
• Kiwanis Club's pancake breakfast runs from 6:30 to 9:45 a.m. on the Village Green
• Lake Bluff's Fourth of July Parade is on July 4th
• Family Fair in Artesian Park runs from 11 a.m. till 3:30 p.m.
• Lake Forest's Festival & FIreworks is on July 4th, featuring The Village People.
• The summer Bluffinia Concert Series begins on Saturday night with the Sunrise Beach Party at 6:30 p.m. in Lake Bluff, featuring "White Saddle Band"
• The summer's 2nd Bluffinia Concert takes place the very next day, Sunday, in the Village Green with the Jimmy Buffet sounds of "Od Tapo Imi"

Weekend Schedule In LF/LB: The Long Version

Friday morning starts with the Lake Bluff Farmer's Market. Yes, it is going to take place despite rumors to the contrary. We need our leafy greens to offset all of the grilled meat we'll be eating at barbecues over the weekend. On Friday night, the LB fire squad has its annual Firemen's Ball in Blair Park. Expect to dance and be merry. Saturday is July The Fourth and pancakes are in order, served by the fine members of the LB/LF Kiwanis Club in keeping with a community tradition of 38 years. This photo shows a couple of Kiwanis chefs flipping the flapjacks last year. Breakfast will be served from 6:30 to 9:45 a.m. on the Village Green and costs $7 for adults and $5 for kids three and older with the wee ones getting in for free. Try not to spill any syrup, because the Fourth of July Parade starts to assemble at 8 a.m., with opening ceremonies beginning at 9:40 a.m. There are many interesting participants in this year's parade ceremonials: Rev. Deborah Fisher of Grace United Methodist will give the invocation. The National Anthem will be performed by Bill Barkhausen, Alex Dintruff, Megan Pratt, and Hannah Wang. Chamber of Commerce Honcho Joanna Rolek is the Master of Ceremonies. And review officer is Capt. David Schnell from the Great Lakes Naval Station. Parade Marshalls are Barbara Stuessy and members of the Lake Bluff Garden Club.

Children's Parade entrants take off from the Village Market at 9:50 a.m., and the rest of the entrants begin at Oak Avenue at 10 a.m.

After the parade, it's time for the Family Fair at Artesian Park, sponsored by the Community Church of Lake Forest and Lake Bluff. This runs from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and includes games with cool prizes; inflatable stuff to jump on and slide down; fire-hose games at Rosenthal Field, and mixed doubles tennis finals.

For a light dinner, may we suggest a fruit salad with peaches and berries that you purchased at Friday's Farmer's Market.

After the Fair you are going to have to make a choice: Spectacular Fireworks and live music by The Village People in Lake Forest....or distant fireworks at Sunrise Beach in Lake Bluff.

Lake Forest's Festival And Fireworks begins at 5 p.m. at Deerpath Park and is sponsored (ie paid for) by the non-profit Friends of Lake Forest Parks & Recreation. The group suggests you purchase a $20 pass to park on the grass or Deerpath Middle School lot. You can park for free in downtown Lake Forest, but you'll have to schlep your blankets, chairs and bodies to the park. Several vendors will sell food at the festival. You also can purchase beer, wine, soft drinks and water, with proceeds benefiting Parks & Rec. If you bring a cooler, please donate $10. You don't have to, but it would be nice.

The first band, Rock Candy, performs from 6 to 8 p.m., and The Village People perform from 8 to 9 p.m. Yes, the guys who made the Y.M.C.A. famous. Click here to bring it all back. Fireworks commence at 9:30 p.m.

Lake Bluff's "Evening At Sunrise Beach" starts at 6 p.m., kicking off the summer Bluffinia series. It's  sponsored by the LB Park District with funds from Baytree National Bank & Trust Co. "White Saddle Band" will perform live music and Bluffingtons will be there to sell food. You can see fireworks displays over the lake from a couple of other communities.

Bluffinia's 2nd concert is on Sunday night in the Village Green, at 6 p.m., featuring "Od Tapo Imi." The free, family style, you're-sure-to-run-into-friends music series is organized by the LB Park District and funded by Baytree National Bank. Bluffingtons will man the grill.

Firemen's Ball Kicks Off Holiday Weekend

As weekends go, this one is huge in Lake Forest and Lake Bluff and it all starts Friday with the 34th annual Firemen's Ball in Lake Bluff. The event supports the Village's all-volunteer Fire Department and is the only fund-raiser conducted throughout year. Though it's called a "ball," tuxedos and glass slippers are most definitely not required. "It's more of a casual community event that's integral to the Fourth of July festivities," said firefighter Jim Seymour. Derrick "Suede" Stout and The Turnstyles will supply the music at the party, which takes place under the Park District's new tent at Blair Park. Tickets cost $15 and you can get them in advance at the Fire Department or Village Hall, or you can buy them Friday night at the door. Can't go? The firefighters won't mind if you send them some money, anyway, as they use the proceeds for training and equipment. ... The Firemen's Ball begins at 7 p.m. at Blair Park. Click over to Darwin Records' website to hear music from The Turnstyles.

Photo courtesy of Nancy Gusterine, the LBFD's executive assistant

Take A Ride On The Good Ship Tantrum

Declarations of boredom shall not be allowed this weekend! There's just too much fun stuff going on, such as a Captain Cranky marionette puppet show at the Gorton Community Center. The Captain and his crew will search for the wild man of wacko wacko, with considerable help from puppeteer Dave Herzog. The audience will join Captain Cranky as he and his crew set sail on the good ship Tantrum. Saturday from 10 to 11 a.m. Tickets cost $8. Visit Gorton's website. 

Historic Society Offers Tours Of Utopian Farm

The Lake Forest-Lake Bluff Historical Society is offering tours of Albert Lasker's Mill Road Farm on Saturday at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Here's a press release about the event:

Between 1926 and 1928 Albert Lasker, known now as the father of modern advertising, spared no expense on his Lake Forest gentleman farm. Lasker’s "American Chantilly" covered 480 acres, contained 27 buildings designed by master architect David Adler, and cost $3.5 million. A completely self-contained utopia, the estate even boasted a nationally recognized 18-hole golf course, designed by William Flynn and enjoyed by presidents and movie stars. Legendary golfer Bobby Jones declared it one of the three best courses in the United States. He spoke out of genuine respect, for even Jones couldn’t break par on Lasker's course.

1940s Mill Road Farm gardens behind the garage. Photo supplied by the LF-LB Historical Society and is courtesy of the University of Chicago