Lakeside Legacy Foundation Presents Holiday Events

Lakeside Legacy Foundation presents two holiday events during Christmas at the Dole!

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, Christmas at the Dole,” joyfully remarked Siobhan Cottone, Executive Director of Lakeside Legacy Foundation.

The Savvy Sisters, along with long-time volunteer and interior decorator, Virginia Howley, have been busy planning the annual Christmas at the Dole. The Dole Mansion is fondly referred to as “Crystal Lake’s finest home.” 

We at Lakeside Legacy Foundation encourage the community to explore our grand home this holiday season.

Ladies Holiday Soiree and Celebrate Me Home

On Friday, Dec. 7, we invite the public to attend two events:

Ladies Holiday Soiree from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m

and

Celebrate Me Home concert by Cassandra Vohs-Demann and John Hegner in the Listening Room at 8 p.m., sponsored by Sage Products, Inc.

Ladies Holiday Soiree

We have decorated the 1865 mansion and 1922 Arts Park annex for the holiday season.

The Ladies Holiday Soiree tickets are $35 a person, which includes a Holiday Bazaar, Chef Culinary Showcase, live music, art sales, and festive tree-lighting ceremony.

The Savvy Sisters, an auxiliary volunteer organization, are hosting the event with Lakeside, and are graciously donating all proceeds to Lakeside’s efforts to support the arts and preserve the Historic Dole Mansion.

“Savvy Sisters are rare treats to be relished like fine wine and gourmet chocolates,” said Christmas at the Dole chair, Barb Rupe.  “I hope that ladies come to the soirée, and enjoy this day of friendship and keep the memories made at the Dole Mansion close to their hearts”.

Santa’s North Pole helpers may be elves, but the Savvy Sisters are the elves at Lakeside. During the month of November they are busy creating an indoor winter wonderland. Guests are sure to enjoy the many elegantly decorated trees, and other holiday vignettes positioned throughout the Historic Dole Mansion and Sage Gallery.

The Festival of Trees, which includes six pencil trees generously donated by Community Businesses, will be available for auction so visitors will be able to integrate the beautiful décor into their own homes.

In addition to the Festival of Trees auction, guests can shop in the Holiday Bazaar.

The Bazaar features local artisans selling a myriad of items including, jewelry, candles, ornaments, home décor, purses, mittens, furniture, and holiday floral designs. The walls of Lakeside feature the art exhibit titled “Double Vision” by artists Susan Ploughe and Frankie Johnson. The lobby and hallway feature works by the Resident Artists of Lakeside. Give the gift of an original piece of art this season!

Guests at the December 7th Soiree will also enjoy one complimentary beverage and pastry with appetizers provided by the Chef Culinary Showcase in the Sage Gallery.

Guests will be entertained by live demonstrations and enjoy samples from local restaurants. The chefs will teach and share tips for holiday entertainment, while guests have the opportunity to purchase and order items for their holiday parties.

At 1 p.m., Village of Lakewood President, Erin Smith will light the Sage Gallery Christmas Tree. During the event, guests will enjoy live performances by Martin Lopez Academy- Four Strings Attached, Marti Boone of Together Again, and ballerinas from Summers Dance Academy. Docents will also be available to give historical tours of the second and third floors of the Historic Dole Mansion.

Celebrate Me Home Concert: Featuring Cassandra Vohs-Demann and John Hegner

The second event of Christmas at the Dole is at 8 p.m. on Dec. 7, in the newly opened ‘the Listening Room,' which is a state-of-the-art venue featuring a Steinway piano and an intimate atmosphere.

Cassandra Vohs-Demann and John Hegner will entertain guests and spread holiday joy with a performance at the Celebrate Me Home concert.

Tickets are $20 a person with seating limited. Tickets are available for purchase by contacting the box office at 815-455-8000 or by downloading the invite at www.LakesideLegacy.org.

"I am thrilled to be doing a concert in the new Listening Room at Lakeside. It is wonderful to be part of Christmas at the Dole, and we are so blessed to be doing a show in such a beautiful new performance space," said singer Cassandra Vohs-Demann. 

“Our concert is mix of traditional holiday favorites, original songs and more contemporary selections with some surprises as well. We have created some very unique arrangements that will appeal to a wide audience. John and I are ready to entertain and provide an evening of fun, reflection and holiday cheer!"

For more information contact Kim at 815-455-8000. Proceeds from the holiday events go to sustain Lakeside’s efforts to support the arts and preserve the Historic Dole Mansion. 

Self-guided tours of the holiday decorations and art exhibits are available Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.- 5 p.m. from Dec. 10 - 21. 

Submitted by the Lakeside Legacy Foundation