Get in the holiday spirit at Dole Mansion

Submitted by Lakeside Legacy Foundation

“It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, Christmas at the Dole,” said Siobhan Cottone, executive director of Lakeside Legacy Foundation.

The Savvy Sisters, along with longtime 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.” The Lakeside Legacy Foundation invites the community to explore the grand home this holiday season.

On Friday, Dec. 7, they invite the public to attend two events, an afternoon 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. They have decorated the 1865 mansion and 1922 Arts Park annex for the holiday season.

Tickets for the Ladies Holiday Soiree 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 go to Lakeside’s efforts to support the arts and preserve the Historic Dole Mansion.

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 decor 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 items including, jewelry, candles, ornaments, home decor, 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 Dec. 7 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., Lakewood Village 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.

The second event of Christmas at the Dole will be at 8 p.m. in the newly opened 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 will 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,” says 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 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 information, call 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 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, Dec. 10-21.