Showing posts with label Illinois. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Illinois. Show all posts

Monday, July 07, 2014

Call To Enchantment: Lake Glenview

© (2014) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Peter Kater and R. Carlos Nakai - "Call To Enchantment"

Every time I stroll around Lake Glenview, I'm filled with memories of driving past the former Naval Air Base, which has since been renovated nature wonderland.  My hope is that this film clip will help those who watch be filled with calmness and a sense of inner peace.

Wednesday, July 02, 2014

The Fawn of St. Paul Woods - July 2, 2014

© (2014) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by R. Carlos Nakai - "Song for the Morning Star"

I was cutting through St. Paul Woods in Morton Grove, when I came across several fawn and a baby raccoon.

Saturday, June 28, 2014

Celebration of Life

© (2014) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Yosef Karduner - Halleluyah

Today was a very special day in my life and felt the need to celebrate.

I took these pictures at "Lake Glenview", which once housed the Glenview Naval Air Base in Glenview, IL


Monday, May 12, 2014

Gander Mountain and Wilmot Mountain

© (2014) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Jackson Browne - "Love Needs A Heart"

I used to think that the hills in parts of northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin were mountains.

Growing up I remember walking to the top of Gander Mountain which is the highest point in Lake County, IL (and which is connected to the Wilmot Ski Resport, in Wilmot, WI) and thinking I was so high up above sea level.


Sunday, May 04, 2014

Memories of Camp Maskokie

© Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Joni Mitchell - “Both Sides Now”
Music by Coven - One Tin Soldier




I’m like so many others who grew up in Skokie during the 1960s - 70s.  I went to “Camp Maskokie”, which was located at Emily Park, which is now called Emily Oak Nature Center.

Recently, went back to the park and my mind was flooded with so many fond memories of my childhood.  Camp Maskokie was open to Skokie residents who were ages 8 - 11 (3rd to 7th grade students).

Camp Maskokie was divided into three different groups divided by age, with three camp circles for each group.

As campers we would learn about Native American folk lore, archery, how to row a boat, along with so many wonderful child camp songs, along with songs from the time.  I vividly remember a fellow camper bringing her guitar and teaching us the words to “Both Sides Now”, by Joni Mitchell  and “One Tin Soldier” by Coven.

Emily Park has changed dramatically since my days Maskokie.  Back in the 1960s - 70s, the park was 13 acres which was mostly made up of a huge open field with manicured lawn, and the lagoon –– which was filled with leaches and snails.

Back in 1929, the Niles Center Park District purchased 62-acres of land from the Cook County Forest Preserve for $1,000.  The original purchase also included Oakton Park and the land in which Niles Township High school was located (Niles East).  Camp Maskokie originally opened in 1956.

The last time I was walking around the park, one of the park rangers told me that they were looking for any old photographs of Camp Maskokie.  If you have any please contact the park at:  (847) 677-7001.


"Ips spiddily ooten dooten bobo ska deeton dotten ha cha wanna Maskokie!"

Sunday, April 07, 2013

Long Ago

© (2013) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Don McLean - "Vincent"
On a warm spring day had the opportunity to walk around at place filled with childhood memories.

Sunday, May 13, 2012

Illinois Beach State Park

© (2012) Photographs by Vicki Polin
Music by Five For Fighting - "100 Years"

I haven't been to this park since I was a kid. I was surprised to that I could see downtown Chicago from the beach. This state park is about 50 miles away.