MEDLINE INDUSTRIES, INC., SERVING AS MAIN SPONSOR

‘SLEEPOUT for SHELTER’ TO HELP END HOMELESSNESS IN LAKE COUNTY;

MAY 11-12
 

CARMEL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL FIELD

 

NORTH CHICAGO – “SleepOut for Shelter,” an awareness event and fund raiser that’s part of an ongoing effort by PADS Lake County to end homelessness in the area, is being held on Saturday, May 11, at Carmel Catholic High School’s Baker Football Stadium in Mundelein.

Sponsored by Medline Industries, Inc., Mundelein, the county-wide event will give people a snapshot of what life might be like if they lost the most basic of necessities - a safe place to live and sleep. Proceeds from the event will go directly to the programs and services PADS Lake County provides to the scores of families with children, women, and men experiencing homelessness in Lake County.

“Event participants will bring attention to the issue of homelessness and raise awareness by collecting pledges to spend one night sleeping outside their homes - in boxes, tents, or sleeping bags - on the football field at Carmel Catholic High School,” said Sari Rubin, Director of Development of PADS Lake County.  “SleepOut for Shelter provides an opportunity for people of all ages to make a meaningful difference in the lives the most vulnerable in our community.”

On Saturday, May 11, participants will come together for an experience of learning and service. Event night programming kicks off with a one-hour inspirational rally featuring guest speakers, community leaders, and formerly homeless clients, who will share their moving stories of hope and courage. There also will be an Awards Presentation for the individuals and teams that raise the most money for PADS.

Following the rally, participants will spend the night taking action and making a change by visiting the “It Takes a Community” Activity Area and participating in dynamic learning activities and hands-on service projects to help Lake County’s homeless.  The many activities include:

• Shelter Building Competition for prizes
• Real-time Text-to-Give campaign
• Bag lunch, Street Outreach care package, and infant tie-blanket assembly
• Writing and art projects to help give clients hope for a brighter future
• Social action opportunities to ask government to increase funding for homeless services
• The chance to speak with advocates and others who are on the front lines of the issue

In addition, there will be music, live entertainment, food, and a designated “Kid Zone” with fun games and activities for families with young children.

State Sen. Melinda Bush (31st District); State Rep. Carole Sente (59th District), State Rep. Sam Yingling (62nd District), Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor, and Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran will all speak at the opening rally.

Co-hosted by 102.3 WXLC-FM’s popular morning duo, Jimmy and Lisa, the rally also will feature moving stories of hope and courage from individuals who have faced homelessness, facts about homelessness in Lake County from United Way of Lake County and the Lake County Community Foundation, and a performance by the Barrington Children’s Choir.

In launching this event, said Rubin, PADS Lake County hopes to engage the entire community – individuals, families, schools, places of worship, community organizations, youth and adult clubs, and local and area-based businesses large and small – in combating poverty and homelessness in Lake County.  Although each PADS operates independently, this year, PADS Lake County and McHenry County PADS are joining forces by holding both SleepOut for Shelter events on May 11 in their respective counties.

On April 22, Rubin was presented with a proclamation supporting PADS Lake County and the PADS SleepOut for Shelter 2013 from the Mayor and Board of Trustees of the Village of Mundelein.

Supported by their Title Sponsors Medline (Lake County) and Sage Products (McHenry County), they hope to send a clear, unified message about the unrelenting rise and devastating impact that homelessness has in their communities – and the crucial role each PADS plays in providing immediate assistance to the vulnerable and voiceless, while at the same time strategically combating the overarching issue of homelessness.

“Though the median annual household income in Lake County is nearly $30,000 greater than the national average, the rate of poverty and homelessness is startling,” said Rubin.  “Approximately 58,000 Lake County residents, including 25,000 children, live below the poverty line.  In fact, the average homeless person in Lake County is a 12-year old child.

Since 2009, PADS has seen a staggering 96 per cent increase in the number of people seeking homeless services.  The face of homelessness has dramatically shifted, too, as the number of families with children needing help has increased 98 per cent in the last three years.”

In the last year alone, PADS has seen a 51 per cent increase in veterans, 68 per cent increase in seniors, 15 per cent increase in Hispanics, and 137 per cent increase in individuals suffering from a mental illness, Rubin added.

The demand for PADS’ services continues to rise and the need for support is greater now more than ever, she said.

“We’re proud to sponsor the first PADS Lake County ‘SleepOut for Shelter’ event,” said Jim Abrams, Medline’s chief operating officer.  “Homelessness impacts more families than most people are aware and this event will help to bring attention to the plight of these individuals in need and to raise funds for PADS essential programs and resources.”   

Medline is the nation's largest privately held manufacturer and distributor of healthcare products. Medline manufactures and distributes more than 350,000 products to hospitals, extended care facilities, surgery centers, physician offices, and home care agencies and providers.

Recently named one of the one of the country’s "Best and Brightest Companies to Work For,” Medline Industries is headquartered in Mundelein, and has more than 1,100 dedicated sales representatives nationwide to support its broad product line and cost management services.

PADS Lake County is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing emergency shelter and supportive services to homeless families with children, and individuals residing in Lake County. PADS is the only emergency shelter system for the homeless in the county and serves as the gateway to all other community social service agencies that provide assistance to the homeless.

PADS Lake County is seeking “Change-Makers” to join in the fight to end homelessness in Lake County.  For full details on how to donate, register, volunteer, or sponsor SleepOut for Shelter 2013, visit www.sleepoutlakecounty.org, or contact Sari Rubin, Director of Development, at (847) 689-0548, or srubin@padslakecounty.org.

CASA BONITA’S ‘FIND YOUR PARADISE’ CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVITIES MAY 1-5

MARGARITAS FLOW FROM NEW, ONE-OF-A-KIND PREMIUM TEQUILA TAP,  ONE PARTIER WILL WIN NEWLY INTRODUCED ‘PARADISE PUNCH’ FOR LIFE AT CASA BONITA’S FIVE-DAY, ‘FIND YOUR PARADISE’ CINCO DE MAYO FESTIVITIES

MAY 1-5;

FEATURING FOOD, DRINK, ENTERTAINMENT, PRIZES

 

        

LIBERTYVILLE – Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar’s famous Margaritas will be flowing even faster for the enjoyment of the expected overflow crowd at its five-day Cinco De Mayo celebration May 1-5 in Libertyville with the official introduction of its one-of-a-kind, high tech Tequila Tap featuring many of the industry’s leading premium brands.

One of the largest tequila bars of its kind in the country and home of the $3 million dollar Margarita, Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar also will introduce from the tap its new, fresh-made “Paradise Punch” featuring premium Milagro tequila, Absolut Vodka, and Cruzan Coconut Rum with Mexican homemade juices.

And the five day event at Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar www.casabonitalibertyville.com, 633 N. Milwaukee Ave., features live performances of well-known Mexican bands, special guests, food and drink specials, and raffle prizes.

One raffle drawing winner will enjoy a freshly-squeezed, 16-ounce glass of Paradise Punch every week for life.  Lake County’s hottest Mexican restaurant will introduce its Paradise Punch girl as well as the Lovely Ladies from leading liquor companies.  WXLC-FM (102.3) on-air hosts Jimmy and Lisa will broadcast live from the festivities on Wednesday, May 1 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

The new Tequila Tap at Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar, features top premium brands: Patron Blanco, XO Café, Milagro Blanco, Don Julio Blanco, Lemon Drop (Absolute Citron), Partida Blanco, and Casa Amigos Blanco, the brand owned by actor George Clooney.

Paradise Punch, with hand-squeezed juices and premium liquor, will flow from one of the eight taps.  The new signature drink is expected to rank in popularity with the more than 150 different versions of premium Margaritas served, said Alicia Patterson, owner of Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar.

Scheduled events at Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar include:

•             Wednesday, May 1: 102.3 WXLC from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Dos Equis promotional girls from 6:00 p.m. to 8 p.m. with free giveaways and samples, 5 for $15 buckets of beer (mix and match).

•             Thursday, May 2: Hornitos promotional girls from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

•             Friday, May 3: Lunazul promotional girls from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Bandeleros with special guest, DJ Atone starting at 9:30 p.m.

•             Saturday, May 4: Milagro girls from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Brenda Martinez y su 780 starting at 9:30 p.m.

•             Cinco de Mayo, May 5: Pardita Promotional Girls from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., Brenda Martinez y su 780 starting at 4:00 p.m.

Note: Call (224) 723-9002 for VIP reservations for Bandeleros and Brenda Martinez shows.

In just four years at its Libertyville location after relocating from Waukegan, customers of Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar have enjoyed the area’s largest selection of premium Margaritas using fresh, home made simple syrup and fresh, hand-squeezed limes developed by the industry’s first so-titled Liquor Chef.

Recently, Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar installed a high tech Beer Tap that includes 10 Mexican beers, five craft beers exclusive to the northern suburbs from the hot 5 Rabbit Brewery in Chicago.  Also recently introduced is its new Not Your Father’s Root Beer adult beer (and root beer float) – Amber beer featuring Amber grains and malt, molasses, honey, apple wood-aged vanilla bean, wintergreen, ginger, licorice, and hops. 

As popular is Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar’s extensive menu selections, which, combined with its unique liquor offerings, is attracting old as well as new customers and celebrities and professional athletes.

“From our world famous Guacamole Casa Bonita and Casa Bonita Margarita, to our Pescado Yucatan Style red snapper and sizzling, marinated steak fajitas, to our fried cheesecake, we make everything with the freshest ingredients, prepared to the preferences of our customers, served within a fun environment,” said Patterson.  “In so doing, we make sure they return.”  Original signature dishes include:

•             Steak Relleno.  Grilled skirt steak (marinaded 48 hours) stuffed with Gulf shrimp, green and red peppers, grilled onions, mushrooms, and cheese.

•             Carnitas.  Especially seasoned pork served with verde sauce (spicy green chile) on the side with a choice of soft corn or flour tortillas.

•             Pescado Yucatan-Style.  Red snapper filets wrapped in a banana leaf and baked with onions, tomatoes, green and red peppers in ajiote sauce served with Mexican rice and salad.

•             Pollo En Rajas.  Tender strips of chicken breast sautéed with jalapenos and Spanish onions, served in a creamy chipotle sauce with a choice of soft corn or flour tortillas.

The tequila bar is a stand-alone hut with reeded roof, a classic old world Mexican cantina giving it a south-of-the-border feel.  The bar features over 150 versions of tequila – ranking it among the largest such bars in the Chicago area and nationally – and is famous for its variety of Mojitos. 

Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar uses only premium tequila (unique in the area), fresh ingredients, makes its own simple syrup, and hand-makes drinks which are blended not  mixed.  Tequila flights are available at the bar and at the tables.

The restaurant, which seats 245, including 120 inside, 75 on the outdoor patio, and 50 at the bar and bar area, offers a popular Express Lunch menu from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  It also offers private party, catering, carry out, and delivery services, and a kids menu.

Boasting what may be the only open air winter outdoor dining/imbibing restaurant patio in the entire Chicagoland area, Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar’s business also booms in the winter when patrons dine under two standing and hanging propane-fueled heaters and foot warmers at each of the patio's 14 tables set at up to 80 degrees.

Casa Bonita Mexican Restaurant and Tequila Bar is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner beginning at 11:00 a.m.  For more information or reservations please call (847) 362-4400, or visit www.casabonitalibertyville.com.  Call (224) 723-9002 for VIP reservations for Bandeleros and Brenda Martinez shows.

Condell Fundraiser in Vernon Hills

This week - head out to the grand opening of the Silk Asian Tavern in Vernon Hills and help out the Radiation Oncology unit at Libertyville's Condell Hospital!!

I had a chance to check out the food at the Silk Asian Tavern about a week ago - it was really good!  To be honest, the last time I had dinner there, was back when it was a place called the Wheel Works!  (Like 25 years ago).  These are new owners - and I can't say enough good things about them!

One of the things I really liked - Silk has a large selection of really well prepared Asian food!  (Sushi, Mongolian beef, etc.)   If you want something fun, try the appetizer that comes out on a hot stone! 

The Fundraiser for the Condell Radiation Oncology unit is this Thursday, November 15th from 3-8pm.  It's $20 to get in (with a cash bar).



Here is the full press release for the opening of the Silk Asian Tavern.  I'd love to hear your feedback!


VERNON HILLS – Silk Asian Tavern, 4 E. Phillip Rd., Vernon Hills (on Townline Road), a new, unique, hip, urban suburban Global Asian restaurant and sushi bar serving up a contemporary Asian dining experience in an upscale casual setting, is hosting a grand opening celebration November 12-15. Events culminate with a fund raiser on Thursday, November 15 on behalf of Advocate Condell Medical Center’s Radiation Oncology Services
From Monday through Wednesday, guests at Silk Asian Tavern www.silkasiantavern.com, located in the building formerly occupied by Silk Mandarin Restaurant, will enjoy free samples of appetizers as well as drink specials. Diners will get a 10 per cent discount on all food items.
On Thursday, November 15, the community is invited from 3:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., to enjoy appetizers, desserts, signature food items and cocktails, and select wines. Lake County radio station WXLC’s (102.3 FM) Haynes Johns broadcasts live from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. $20 per person with a cash bar. A portion of the proceeds goes to Advocate Condell Medical Center’s Radiation Oncology Services.

Silk Asian Tavern’s co-executive chefs and owners, Cliff Ostrowski and Bo Wungwattana, honor the traditions of authentic Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Korean, and Vietnamese dishes while continuing to serve favorite selections of regular patrons coming to Silk Mandarin the last 25 years.

Silk Asian Tavern, which seats 160 people, features Dim Sum, small bites, and starters; salads and soups; main entrees; noodles and rice; desserts; and chef’s specialties as well as an extensive selection of liquor and wine. It’s sushi bar rivals any found in an urban location. Signature dishes (some one-of-a-kind in the north and northwest suburbs) include:

• Hot stone – A 500-degree stone is used to cook thinly sliced marinated beef

• Chen Du Chicken – Szechuan style preparation of crispy diced chicken, dried red chilis, and Szechuan peppercorn oil

• Honey Peach Shrimp – Crispy fried shrimp tossed in a honey poppy seed like sauce

• Pork Belly Robatayaki – Sweet chili glazed and served with an avocado watermelon salsa

• Soft Shell Crab Roll – Thai basil, avocado, red and black tabiko caviars and a sweet chili sauce

“We have a contemporary menu usually found in a Chicago urban Asian restaurant,” said Ostrowski. “We honor the tradition of foods from a variety of countries, so if you visited China or Japan and enjoyed a specific dish, we can prepare it for you. And we offer many dishes that meet the needs of our health conscious customers.
“We also challenge the pallet enabling our customers to experience new tastes. From our main entrees, diners choose chicken, beef, shrimp, pork, lobster, or tofu, then add their own style, such as Kung Pao, cashew, basil, ginger, and more. If you like Mongolian Beef you might like Mongolian Lobster. Variety is the spice of life,” he said.

Among its unique specialties is Robatayaki – marinated meats and vegetables skewered and cooked over a Japanese grill. The method of cooking is similar to barbecue where the food on skewers are slow-grilled over hot charcoal.

Ostrowski said Silk Asian Tavern enjoys the carry-over loyalty of customers of the previous, highly regarded Silk Mandarin by preparing and serving many of that restaurant’s popular dishes. “We appreciate their support and make sure we provide them what they have come to enjoy for so many years,” he said.

Silk Asian Tavern also features a lunch buffet Monday through Friday. A Sushi happy hour Mondays to Fridays from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. begins November 19. Soon to come is Dim Sum football…patrons will enjoy Dim Sum while watching NFL football on four televisions.

Award winning co-executive chef Ostrowski and his brother-in-law, Wungwattana, each of whom brings many years of well known Chicago restaurant and banquet experience to Silk Asian Tavern, have remodeled the restaurant to give it an urban feel in a suburban setting. The new look Sushi bar is complemented by a food and beverage bar overlooking an open kitchen.
Buoyed by 26 years of combined experience and accomplishments – Ostrowski, among other restaurants, was Sous Chef at the upscale bistro-style French/Asian fusion Red Light Restaurant in Chicago and Executive Chef/Food and Beverage Director for the Hard Rock Café and China Grill Chicago; Wungwattana was Executive Chef at Japonais in Chicago.

Including Ostrowski’s wife, Dear, with her exceptional restaurant and banquet facility credentials, the family-owned Silk Asian Tavern is filling a void in Lake County by serving diners Asian fare unique to a suburban setting.
Silk Asian Tavern, open for both lunch and dinner, provides catering services, and hosts private parties and business meetings. Plans call for delivery services.
Silk Asian Tavern, accessible from both Phillip Road and Townline Road, is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Thursday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11:00 a.m. to 10:30 p.m,, and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For more information call (847) 680-1760, or visit www.silkasiantavern.com.

DC Cupcakes - Cook Library Author Series

This past week, my wife and I had a chance to attend one of Cook Memorial Library's ongoing author series events - one Elizabeth (my wife) was very excited to attend - the two sisters from TLC's DC Cupcakes TV show came to the Libertyville Civic Center to talk about their new cookbook. Needless to say, it was a great event and very well attended! The Libertyville Review recently ran a story highlighting some of the great programing the Cook Library has been presenting - read more here: Story from the Libertyville Review

For more information on Library programs - visit the Cook Library website - www.cooklib.org

Oktoberfest - TONIGHT

Libertyville MainStreet's Okoberfest Street Dance is TONIGHT!

I hope to see you there!

P.S. - More blogs, more often - coming soon!  I promise!

Best of the Fest Event! April

This sounds like fun!  Not only with this help a great cause - it's going to be a fun evening to spend with friends and neighbors!  If you need tickets, let me know.  I'd be more than happy to deliver some to you!

From the Brainerd Community Center facebook page:

The Besley's Home Brew "Best of the Fest" Lap Dog Robust Porter will be featured at Mickey Finn's on Weds., April 25th from 5-8 pm in the Amber Room. Come enjoy a glass of David Reuter's winning porter, some hors d'oeurvres and live music during a fundraiser for the Brainerd Community Center. Tickets are $25 at the door or in advance at the Libertyville Civic Center, Wisma, MainStreet Libertyville, and S&S Wine and Spirit Warehouse.

 

More Information:  www.SaveBrainerd.org