Laurie Baum is getting ready for Shermerfest, the Northbrook Historical Society’s big fundraiser, which will take place noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17 at Village Green Park. She’ll be leading the docents inside the society headquarters, 1776 Walters Ave., while the antique car show, live music, kids’ programs, farm animal exhibits, and food sales go on just outside. Baum has run the elementary school children’s education program for the society for 19 years. An active volunteer, she’s been a Northbrook Woman’s Club member for almost 30 years, and at one time, was on all three School District 28 PTO boards simultaneously. She and her husband, Chuck, are parents of Kathryn, 34, and Austin, 32.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: We moved to Northbrook when I was in third grade. We were in Glenview before that. Grew up?
Q: As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A: I can tell you this, I did not want to spend the rest of my life in Northbrook. I was so bored. But I’m still here! I love it here now.
Q: What was your first job?
A: My first job (at 15) was working at Sunset Foods. And Ron Bernardi was my boss. I was a cashier. It was before bar codes, but we did have electricity.
Q: What’s your favorite restaurant?
A: I don’t have an exact favorite. I like (Trattoria Oliverii, 1358 Shermer Road, Northbrook). Did you know for a short time in the early ’30s it was John Werhane’s funeral parlor? I know so much useless trivia about Northbrook.
Q: If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
A: England, Ireland and Scotland, the UK. Only because that was my ethnic heritage and I do a lot of genealogy work.
Q: Do you have any pet peeves?
A: We all do. Mine is when people interrupt each other.
Q: Do you have a favorite charity?
A: I married a Boy Scout. He’s still involved in Troop 64. My son is an Eagle Scout. We do a lot with the scouts.
Q: Tell me something about yourself that most people don’t know.
A: That I’m a redhead.
Q: Words of wisdom?
A: Treat people with kindness, respect and a smile.
