Dena Dodd Perry
Interesting and unique insights—along with occasional funny comments—never get old.
Our “Sunday Breakfast” subjects spoke volumes in 2021. We learned. We contemplated. We laughed.
It’s a good time to revisit quotes that appeared on this page:
“Our student-athletes focused on what they had instead of what they didn’t have, and they felt thankful. Don’t look for a pity party here, because you’ll never find one. We’re resilient, on a number of levels, and patient. We remain hopeful and positive.” —Loyola Academy President for Athletics and Fitness Genevieve Atwood, on Ramblers’ response to the onset of the pandemic.
“I’ve been blessed. I’ve learned so much from both of my kids (Michael and George). It’s been a privilege to be their mother. They’re my darkness and my light, my everything, my motivation.” —Glenview @properties broker Connie Dornan, a week before Mother’s Day.
“Go to a regatta or go to a prom? The choice for me was always clear—go to a regatta.” — New Trier High School graduate and USA Sailing Team member Maggie Shea, who competed at the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.
“I believe through healing my own body that my gift to the community is to share my journey to inspire them to heal their own bodies in whatever way or fashion they deem appropriate.” —Lake Forest resident Dena Dodd Perry, an integrative health coach and certified yoga instructor.
Dina Lewis
“People are shocked that I’ve made it this far with my clothing line (Minor Details). But I’m fearless. I’m a risk-taker. And I go with my gut, immediately, when I make significant decisions. It’s funny—it takes me more time to decide which pair of shoes I want to buy than it takes me to make the biggest decisions in my life.” —Chicagoan Dina Lewis, a business owner.
“The way he spoke, he lured you. He took you on a journey with his oral tradition, every time. I’d hear him tell the same story 15 different ways; no matter what he changed, or added, he made it entertaining. I couldn’t wait to hear the story a 16th time.” —Lake Forest High School New Media teacher Steve Douglass, on his late grandfather Jack.
“I can’t think of better towns to be in than in Northbrook and Highland Park. I mean, who wouldn’t want to give back to communities that treat you as well as those two do? The entire North Shore is a wonderful, caring area. When you need something, anything, the North Shore is there for us.” —Nick Drivas, owner of restaurants Grill House (Northbrook) and Backyard Grill (Highland Park).
“You want stories? I have stories. I love telling stories. So much so I could talk food cold.” —Kenilworth resident and Chicago-based Adorn Bar & Restaurant Chef Jonathon Sawyer.
“I loved all sports at New Trier High School. And I was the girls basketball color analyst for the high school radio station. Hey, I had inside information, thanks to Coach (John) Schneiter making us scrimmage his team.” —NTHS boys tennis coach and alumnus Tad Eckert, recalling his days as a Trevians netter (the late Schneiter also served as NT’s boys tennis coach).
“Beauty hasn’t changed. What was beautiful, what was ideal, to people in ancient times is the same to people today. I love beauty. I love beautiful things. We should all seek to leave this world more beautiful than it was when we entered it.” —Dr. Steven Bloch, Highland Park plastic surgeon and owner of Body by Bloch.
John Grunsfeld
“It was absolutely magical up there. I loved being in space. I loved being in a spacesuit. I remember taking the time to look back at Earth and admiring the spectacular surroundings, and then feeling my heart drop. I was as relaxed as ever.” —Former astronaut and 1976 Highland Park High School graduate John Grunsfeld.
“Yes, one’s vision is certainly important, bit it’s not if that person is surrounded by committed, passionate colleagues. My answer to that question (“What’s your vision?”), every time, is, “The vision needs to be a shared one.” —Lake Forest Country Day Head of School Joy Hurd.
“Fast forward to 9/11, and people recognized how tough the job (policeman) is and often showed their appreciation for what we do. There’s still considerable respect for police officers. There’s a silent majority out there. A lot of us would like that majority to be more vocal.” —First-year Northbrook Chief of Police Christopher Kennedy.
“Someone came up to me recently and said, ‘Oh, you’re the one who likes out-of-focus flowers.’ I’m that guy. I’m mostly interested in color and composition. I believe soft images, particularly of flowers and plants, give people relief from everyday chaos. They have healing properties.” —Lake Bluff resident and photographer Phillip Ross.
“Doing what I do has put me near numerous Hollywood types and politicians and other famous folks. I’ve cooked alongside so many interesting people through the years. To be able to tell a joke and hear Carol Burnett laugh at it … what a memory. So was hearing that Aretha Franklin liked my peach cobbler.” —Pastry chef and Riverwoods resident Gale Gand, who hosted the Food Network series Sweet Dreams for eight years.
“ People, now more than ever, want a home that feels comfortable, organized, and tidy. They want to come home and feel calm and patient. You’d never feel anywhere near that if you have to face piles and chaos as soon as you enter your house.” —Glenview authors/blogger Jessica Litman, also known as The Organized Mama.
“My biggest inspiration has been my father (Timm T. Martin). He hustles, he dreams, and he turns passions into businesses. Such a go-getter, my father. He’s my real-life superhero. He’s all about, ‘Work hard to either create your dream or to create a dream for someone else.’ ” —Northbrook native and business co-owner Paige Iseminger, who, with husband Ryne, launched the ready-to-go canned spirit Freshie, an organic tequila seltzer, a little more than a year ago.
