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Prepare To Be Dazzled! Chicago Botanic Garden's Lightscape Returns

Issue #020

November 10, 2023

In This Issue Of New Trier Thrive…

🌤️ New Trier Township Weather

🔦 Local Business Spotlight

📆 Local Events… Lot’s of Them! 🎶🎞️🍽️🛎️🎭

📰 Glenview-Based Evans Scholars Foundation Boosted by $7.05 Million Donation to Aid Caddies

📰 Prepare to be Dazzled as Lightscape Opens Tonight!

📆 Today is…

💓 Community Service 🤝

*Gmail often clips the bottom of the newsletters, if this happens simply click on: “View Entire Message” You can also find the READ ONLINE link at the top right of the email, where you can view today’s issue as well as all past issues. Enjoy!

WEATHER

Hi there New Trier Township dog owners! My name is Stephanie and I'm the owner of Benny's Groovy Grooming in Wilmette. At Benny's, our top priority is providing a calm and relaxing grooming experience for your furry friend. I offer both in-home grooming services where I come to you, or dog taxi service to my in-home salon.

Because I keep my overhead costs low, I'm able to limit my daily appointments and give each pup the individual attention and care they deserve. This allows me to focus on customer service and creating the perfect groom for your doggo.

If you're looking for a groomer who will treat your dog like one of the family, please check out my website at bennysgroovygrooming.com to learn more or schedule an appointment. I look forward to meeting you and your pup soon!

 

Attention Local Business Owners!

There's real power in choosing local. Every time we walk into your stores or use your services, it strengthens the community. And behind every service, product, or daily special, we know there’s an owner with a vision and a story worth hearing.

🌟 Spotlight on You – The Heart of Our Neighborhood 🌟

"New Trier Thrive" is all about celebrating the businesses that make our area unique. We're looking for the innovators, the neighborhood favorites, the hard workers making our daily lives better and brighter.

If that sounds like you, let's connect! Drop us a line, tell us what you’re all about, and let's introduce your business to the neighbors who are excited to support you.

Join us in showcasing the best of local. Send a message – let’s get the conversation rolling!

Do you own a Business in New Trier Township? Select an option: 👇

EVENTS

Events For Kids

Dog Safety at Kohl’s Children’s Museum Nov 15, Dec 6, Dec 20: Learn some simple “dog language” and watch man’s best friend perform some smart tricks!

Mary Poppins Nov 16 -Nov 20 Children’s Theater of Winnetka

Glencoe’s Annual Light the Lights Festival  Friday, November 24 from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m. Downtown Glencoe | Lighting Ceremony at Wyman Green at 5 p.m. Fun For The Whole Family!

Winter Wanderland 2023 And a Visit With Santa Claus! Presented by Community House Junior Board Saturday, December 2 · 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Winnetka

Gingerbread House Decorating Weds, Dec 13 5-6p.m Winnetka Park District

Shrek The Musical Dec 21, thru Dec 31 *Half priced tickets for 25 yrs & younger North Shore Center For The Performing Arts - Skokie

Events For Adults:

Wagner Farm’s Harvest Supper Saturday, Nov 11 6:30 -8:00  21+ Glenview

Cine’ Club Join a group of 12 to 15 online for a discussion in French of a French film with English subtitles. Thursday, Nov 16 1:30 -3:30 p.m. Every 2nd Thursday of the month until April 10, 2024

 Music Theater Works: Brigadoon: Playing Now thru Nov 12 North shore Center For The Performing Arts - Skokie

Kenilworth Bingo Night Friday Nov 10 5:30 – 7:00 PM

Holiday Duo: Magnificat and Gloria at Unitarian Church of Evanston Sunday, Nov 12 - 4:00-5:30 p.m.

Woman’s Business Networking Group Thursday Nov 16 9-10 a.m. Women’s Club Of Wilmette

Grove Heritage Association Holiday Market Thursday Nov. 16-17, 10 am-7 pm and Nov. 18-19, 10 am-4 pm

NorthShore Mahjongg Thursday's Thursday, Nov 16 1:30-4:30 p.m. Meets at Denegeos in Glenview every Thurs. *Play Level: Experienced

Manual Cinema’s Christmas Carol Thursday, Nov 16 - Nov 24 Writer’s Theater Glencoe - Various Showtimes

The Bach Cello Suites - Gabriel Martins, Cello Saturday, Nov 18  4- 5:30p.m. Evanston

Italian Cooking Course At Atelier by elliestyled Sunday, Nov 19 5-8p.m. 1900 Sheridan Road Highland Park

Game On! Board Gaming for Adults Tuesday, Nov 21 6:30 -8:30 p.m. Drop-in. Meets monthly on the Third Tuesday of Every month. Glenview Public Library

Haley Reinhart Sunday, Nov 26 7:30 p.m. North Shore Center For Performing Arts - Skokie 

Sip & Shop in Wilmette Holiday Open House Thursday, Nov 30 5-8 p.m.

The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee Thursday, Nov 30, 7 p.m. Cornog Auditorium 7 Happ Road - Northfield All Ages

Mavis Staples: A Concert for Justice at Cahn Auditorium Friday, Dec 1 Doors: 7 p.m. | Show: 8 p.m. Evanston

The Bad Momz of Comedy  Friday December 15, 8 - 10 p.m. Laughing Academy Glenview

Have an upcoming event you want us to share?

LOCAL NEWS

Glenview-Based Evans Scholars Foundation Boosted by $7.05 Million Donation to Aid Caddies

The Evans Scholars Foundation (ESF) in Glenview is set to expand its program for educating golf caddies due to a significant $7.05 million donation from Chicago area philanthropists John and Kathy Schrieber. This gift will enable more students to benefit from the ESF's scholarship, which provides over $125,000 for four years of tuition and housing at 24 top universities. The foundation has a strong legacy, with over 11,815 caddies graduating since 1930. The scholarship is open to high school freshmen with excellent academics, a solid caddying record, financial need, and outstanding character. The recent donation will particularly enhance the Chicago chapter and establish a new one in Washington, D.C., furthering ESF's mission to support deserving caddies' college education.

Chicago Botanic Garden's Lightscape Returns for Its Fifth Year with Spectacular New Displays"

The annual Lightscape event at Chicago Botanic Garden, located at 1000 Lake Cook Road in Glencoe, is back for its fifth year, bringing an array of breathtaking displays. The event kicks off this tonight and will be held on select dates until January 7th. Ticket slots are available every 15 minutes from 4:30 to 9:15 p.m., and you can purchase them online. Ticket prices vary by age and membership status, but children aged 2 and younger can enter for free. Lightscape will stay open until 11 p.m. each night it's running.

This year, the newly illuminated outdoor trail spans approximately 1.3 miles across the park and features captivating installations by several international artists, including "Lilies" by UK artist Jigantics, "Night Life" by French artist TILT, and "Sea of Light" by UK artist Ithaca. In addition to these new installations, beloved classics like the 110-foot Winter Cathedral and the Fire Garden will also make a return appearance.

This immensely popular event has sold out every year, and some weekend dates in late November and early December are already nearing capacity, according to Jodi Zombolo, associate vice president of visitor events and programs at the garden. Zombolo emphasized that Lightscape provides new and captivating ways to engage audiences with immersive experiences in the natural world that delight the entire family, encouraging everyone to make plans to attend this not-to-miss event. Tickets

Today Is National Vanilla Cupcake Day!

National Vanilla Cupcake Day celebrates the versatile vanilla cupcake, dispelling the idea that "vanilla" means boring. Cupcakes originated in the 18th century, named after the small cups they were baked in. Activities to do today include baking, creative decorating, and making goodies for charity. Vanilla cupcakes offer a blank canvas for flavor experiments, portion control, and affordable indulgence. Enjoy the sweet celebration!

Interesting Vanilla facts: Vanilla, a native plant of Mexico, is a prized flavor extracted from the seed pods of the Vanilla orchid. It's renowned as one of the world's most expensive spices, second only to saffron. The Totonac people in Mexico's eastern coast were the first to cultivate it. In the 16th century, Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés introduced vanilla to Europe, alongside chocolate. Rumor has it that Thomas Jefferson brought vanilla to America from France in the late 1800s after savoring vanilla-flavored ice cream in Paris.

Historically, Mexico dominated vanilla production until the late 19th century, supplying most of the world's vanilla. Nowadays, it contributes only about 10% of the global vanilla output. Madagascar and Indonesia have become the primary producers.

Despite its cost, vanilla remains one of the most coveted flavors worldwide. It's used in various culinary delights like cakes, ice creams, and beverages, as well as in non-food products like perfumes and candles. Ironically, vanilla is often associated with plainness and it couldn’t be further from the truth, as demonstrated by the delicious vanilla cupcake recipe below:

VERY VANILLA CUPCAKES

Ingredients:

For the Cupcakes:

- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

- 1/4 teaspoon salt

- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

- 1 cup granulated sugar

- 2 large eggs

- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

- 1/2 cup whole milk

For the Vanilla Frosting:

- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened

- 2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)

- 2 tablespoons whole milk

- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a muffin tin with cupcake liners.

2. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set this dry mixture aside.

3. In a separate large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and granulated sugar until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in the vanilla extract.

5. Gradually add the dry mixture to the wet mixture, alternating with the milk, beginning and ending with the dry mixture. Mix until just combined; do not overmix.

6. Divide the cupcake batter evenly among the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 full.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.

8. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.

9. While the cupcakes are cooling, prepare the frosting. In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy. Gradually add the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and beat until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

10. Once the cupcakes are completely cool, frost them using a piping bag or a spatula. You can also decorate them with sprinkles or other toppings if desired.

Enjoy your homemade vanilla cupcakes❤️ 

Spread Holiday Cheer with Caring Neighbors

The Caring Neighbors program at New Trier Township has long provided gifts to local families facing financial hardship during the holidays. For years, our generous community members have stepped up to sponsor a neighbor in need.

While parents rarely submit their own wish lists, sponsors often include gift cards for the parents as well. The program keeps both donors and recipients confidential. To protect privacy, township staff distribute the gifts during private appointments with the families.

How You Can Help: Township staff identify and qualify families in need of holiday gifts for their children. The families submit wish lists with items their children would enjoy and make good use of. Donors then sponsor a family and purchase age-appropriate gifts for the children.

To learn more about sponsoring a local family this holiday season, please contact Jeanne Winsted Rosser at (847) 446-8201 or [email protected]. Your generosity will spread holiday cheer to our neighbors in need.

Women’s Club Of Wilmette Winter Coat Drive

🌨️❄️ The Woman's Club of Wilmette is championing warmth and care with their Winter Coat Drive, inviting all New Trier Township residents to join in from November 1-15. This community initiative is a call to action for donations of new or gently-used winter coats, hats, scarves, gloves, and mittens for adults and children alike.

Contribute with a convenient Drive-Up & Drop-Off:

  • Date for your calendar: Saturday, November 11

  • Timing: 9 AM - 11 AM

  • Location for your GPS: Woman's Club of Wilmette, 930 Greenleaf Ave.

  • Extra perk: Donors can stay in their cars for ease and efficiency—volunteers will come to you to collect donations!

Wilmette Donation Box Locations for those who want to drop off early:

  • Community Rec Center

  • Centennial Ice Rink

  • Hubba-Hubba, 1105 Central Ave.

  • Woman's Club of Wilmette

The drive will support the compassionate efforts of Radical Genorosity Chicago ensuring those less fortunate can face the winter with added warmth.

For additional details, interested parties can browse the Woman's Club of Wilmette's website or send an email to [email protected].

Let's unite to wrap our community in warmth this winter! 🧥🧣🧤

#NewTrierTownship #WinterCoatDrive #CommunityCare #ShareTheWarmth

Charitable Donations & Shopping:

North Shore Exchange, 1100 Central Ave, Wilmette

North Shore Exchange 372 Hazel Ave, Glencoe

YWCA Shop for Good, 1107 Central Ave, Wilmette

Winnetka Thrift Shop 992 Green Bay Rd Winnetka, 

Village Treasure House 1460 Paddock Drive Northbrook, IL 60062

We could use your help…we’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help!


One huge way that you can help us is to spread word for us.

Know somebody who lives in the Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe, Northfield, and East Glenview areas and would benefit from being kept in the know?

Please share New Trier Thrive with them! It’s simple! 👇👇👇