Hinsdale Living, January 2020

Let’s work together

Let’s work together

Create a plan to address your financial goals

Create a plan to address your financial goals

At The Barry Wealth Consulting Group, our relationship begins with asking questions that uncover what’s most important to you:

At The Barry Wealth Consulting Group, our relationship begins with asking questions that uncover what’s most important to you:

– What do you want to accomplish in your life?

– Who are the people who matter most to you?

– What do you want to accomplish in your life?

– What do you want your legacy to be?

– What are your main concerns?

– Who are the people who matter most to you? do you want your legacy to be?

– How do you plan to achieve your life’s vision?

– What are your main concerns?

– How do you plan to achieve your life’s vision?

Your answers can help inform our discussion to build your financial goals and the plan we create to pursue them. Through this process and the plan we create together, you’ll have the comfort of knowing you have all you need—for today, tomorrow and generations to come.

Your answers can help inform our discussion to build your financial goals and the plan we create to pursue them. Through this process and the plan we create together, you’ll have the comfort of knowing you have all you need—for today, tomorrow and generations to come.

Call us today to start the conversation.

Call us today to start the conversation.

The Barry Wealth Consulting Group

UBS Financial Services Inc.

One North Wacker Drive, 26th Floor Chicago, IL 60606

The Barry Wealth Consulting Group UBS Financial Services Inc. One North Wacker Drive, 26th Floor Chicago, IL 60606

Laurie P. Barry, CFP® Senior Vice President–Wealth Management Wealth Advisor

ubs.com/team/barrywealthcg

ubs.com/team/barrywealthcg

312-525-4393

laurie.barry@ubs.com

Laurie P. Barry, CFP® Senior Vice President–Wealth Management Wealth Advisor 312-525-4393

laurie.barry@ubs.com

Time frames may vary. Strategies are subject to individual client goals, objectives and suitability. This approach is not a promise or guarantee that wealth, or any financial results, can or will be achieved. UBS Wealth Way is an approach incorporating Liquidity. Longevity. Legacy. strategies that UBS Financial Services Inc. and our Financial Advisors can use to assist clients in exploring and pursuing their wealth management needs and goals over different time frames. This approach is not a promise or guarantee that wealth, or any financial results, can or will be achieved. All investments involve the risk of loss, including the risk of loss of the entire investment. As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers both investment advisory services and brokerage services. Investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate arrangements. It is important that clients understand the ways in which we conduct business and that they carefully read the agreements and disclosures that we provide to them about the products or services we offer. For more information, visit our website at ubs.com/workingwithus. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® , Certified finanCial PlannerTM and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the US, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. © UBS 2019. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. VIP_07092019-3 Exp.: 07/31/2020

Time frames may vary. Strategies are subject to individual client goals, objectives and suitability. This approach is not a promise or guarantee that wealth, or any financial results, can or will be achieved. UBS Wealth Way is an approach incorporating Liquidity. Longevity. Legacy. strategies that UBS Financial Services Inc. and our Financial Advisors can use to assist clients in exploring and pursuing their wealth management needs and goals over different time frames. This approach is not a promise or guarantee that wealth, or any financial results, can or will be achieved. All investments involve the risk of loss, including the risk of loss of the entire investment. As a firm providing wealth management services to clients, UBS Financial Services Inc. offers both investment advisory services and brokerage services. Investment advisory services and brokerage services are separate and distinct, differ in material ways and are governed by different laws and separate arrangements. It is important that clients understand the ways in which we conduct business and that they carefully read the agreements and disclosures that we provide to them about the products or services we offer. For more information, visit our website at ubs.com/workingwithus. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® , Certified finanCial PlannerTM and federally registered CFP (with flame design) in the US, which it awards to individuals who successfully complete CFP Board’s initial and ongoing certification requirements. © UBS 2019. All rights reserved. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. VIP_07092019-3 Exp.: 07/31/2020

let us help write yours!

Leslie Bowman created THE DESIGN BAR® as an avenue for homeowners to design, build and decorate their homes effortlessly. Our turnkey approach allows clients to customize their experience by offering assistance with all facets of your home. So whether you need help during construction, remodeling, furnishings or final touches we’ve got you covered!

It really is that simple. So let’s get started on the first chapter of your home’s story together!

Four diamond shapes, each speaking to the woman within.

Four diamond shapes, each speaking to the woman within.

The Vanguard, The Sophisticate, The Envoy or The Maverick, which one will you be?

The Vanguard, The Sophisticate, The Envoy or The Maverick, which one will you be?

The Forevermark Alchemy™ Collection by

The Forevermark Alchemy™ Collection by

CONGRATULATIONS!! Dr. Michael Morgan

as published in on being recognized as one of Chicago’s 2018

TOP DOCS

The screening for Top Docs is a rigorous process that selected 43 restorative dentists out of the 6,000 who practice in the Chicago area.

THANK YOU

Because of you, in 2019

DMG closed a home every 29 hours, outperformed our next competitor by 150% and sold the most expensive home in Hinsdale for the third consecutive year.

Looking for results? Let us help.

Dawn McKenna

Lillian Nawas

Peggy Sayre Anne Wiemeler

Peggy Barrett

Top Three Reasons to Choose Us for Your

Ultherapy:

We are trained in using Ultherapy not just on your face and neck, but also your body - to lift and smooth skin on your chest, arms, buttocks, and legs. 2 3

We combine other laser treatments to give you a "Wow" result. Sagging eyelids? No problem!

We have laughing gas to keep you comfortable!

Christie Brinkley and Jessie Cheung, MD

The Difference between Z Wave Pro vs. hand massage

Fresh start.

We use Zwave therapy instead of hand massage to enhance results and decrease swelling after Coolsculpting.

2 3

We have performed hundreds of Coolsculpting treatments, and we will customize your treatment plan by combining other lasers to treat small pockets of fat and tighten excess skin, and tone your muscles.

Top Three Reasons to Choose Us for Your Body Contouring:

68 REASONS WHY WE ARE THE FASTEST

JAN MOREL

PATTI GIBBONS

JOHN BOURJAILY PATTY D’AGOSTINO

LIZ DUFFY

LARYSA DOMINO

LISA GIANGRANDE

CATHY BALICE

ARLENE KUBASEK

KATIE AHERN VICTORIA AMOROSO

CARI BUTITTA ROB BRANNIGAN

ANN HOGLUND

DANELLE ANTIPOV

KELLY KIRCHHEIMER

BRYAN BOMBA

RICHARD COAN JERRY CONNOLLY

FRAN GLATFELTER

EILEEN HORD

JILL HOLMES

MARY JEAN ANDERSEN

NICOLE BOKICH

LIZ CHALBERG

TAMMY GILL

PAUL MANCINI

LYNN ISSLEIB ANNE KEARNS ANDY LEE

GARY LEE

JANET MARINIS LISA LOCKERBY KIM LOTKA JIM LOTKA

JIM BARCELONA VP OF BROKERAGE SERVICES

GEORGE PAPPAS CLAUDIA PARRILLO KRISTINE OAKEY

MARGE STEFANI

VICTORIA NASH

SLAV POLINSKI

COLLEEN VERBISCER

CARLA MARINACCIO-WILLIAMS

KAROLINE WHITTAKER WENDY WIGHT

TRICIA PONICKI

MARY LOU SCALA

KARL SCHLEHOFER

TRISHA PELHANK DEE PENNA

JOY POULOS

LISA SEXTON

BRIANA MURRAY

CAROLINE NEVERIL

JACK SARTORE

LAURA ROONEY

DIANE SALACH

SARA SCHUTTE

NETASHA SCARPINITI

LINDA RYAN

GINA PEKOFSKE

JASON NASH

JENNIFER VANDE LUNE

LINDA VERT

MICHAEL WLOSIK DAN WOOD

MARLA ZEGART

TRICIA RIBERTO

Founder & Publisher J.W. CONATSER

Associate Publisher GRETCHEN BARNARD

Senior Editor DEBBIE LEE

Senior Special Projects Editor KEMMIE RYAN

Style Director CONSTANTINE JAMES

Style Editor JESSICA MOAZAMI

Contributing Editors ELAINE DOREMUS

DUSTIN O’REGAN

Writer & Photographer MONICA KASS ROGERS

Contributing Writers TRICIA DESPRES

ALLISON DUNCAN

MITCH HURST

PETER MICHAEL

ROBIN SUBAR

Production Manager / Graphic Designer LINDA LEWIS

Advertising Coordinator / Graphic Designer AMANDA ALVARADO

Graphic Designer SAMANTHA SUAREZ

Contributing Photographers FRANK ISHMAN ROBIN SUBAR

Assistant to the Publisher MINDY KOVCO

Vice President of Advertising JULIE YOVITS

Advertising Sales JENNIFER STURGEON

Illustrator ROBERT RISKO

HOW TO REACH Hinsdale Living Magazine

Advertising inquiries: INFO@JWCMEDIA.COM

630-200-9027

General inquiries: 847-926-0911

Editorial inquiries: 847-857-9947

Editorial email: SHERRY@JWCMEDIA.COM

On the web: HINSDALELIVINGMAG.COM

Mailing Address: 445 SHERIDAN ROAD, SUITE 100 HIGHWOOD, ILLINOIS 60040

48 // RINO BURDI IS

A third-generation clothier brings his exquisite threads to downtown Hinsdale.

56 // GILDED GIVING

Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club celebrates 70 years with “A Gilded Affair” gala.

60 //

The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art moves to Oak Brook.

64

EDITOR’S NOTE

The new year is an opportunity for new beginnings —and perhaps a new look. To help up your sartorial game, we are pleased to feature Rino Burdi on our January cover. We spoke to the thirdgeneration clothier about growing up in the business, as well as his upcoming plans to open a sister location of his Chicago menswear boutique in downtown Hinsdale. (One look at his Porsche and you may consider getting a new ride to match the new threads.)

In keeping with the theme of makeovers, Monica Kass Rogers explores the latest incarnation of the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art. After 57 years in Elmhust, the world’s largest museum dedicated to hand-carved stone, minerals, and gemstones has moved to an even bigger home in Oak Brook. It's a magical place for both adults and children to spend an afternoon.

This month's Giving Back features the Hinsdale Historical Society Women's Board. Its "Hats Off to 15 Years"

fundraising luncheon later this month will highlight women's fashions through the eras and feature the work of local designers. Between this and our Spotlight on an upcoming benefit for Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare Society, there is no shortage of options for starting 2020 with a gesture of generosity.

Our Publisher's Profiles look at how local businesses have also embraced the idea of new beginnings. Katrina Kern and Molly Akers' both bravely defeated cancer and used their experiences to establish their respective companies, Contours of Hinsdale and Propeller Wags. Just when Jill Card was about to give up on her search for the perfect pair of jeans, she took matters into her own hands and opened her own chain of boutiques, Jeans and a Cute Top Shop. Finally, the owners of Burr Ridge Village Center are breathing new life into the already-popular destination with the additions of a late-night dining concept and pop-up shops for budding entrepreneurs.

Enjoy the pictures and good reading.

J. W. Conatser Founder & Publisher

60 LIZZADRO MUSEUM OF LAPIDARY ART

you need a team

Our attorneys never lose sight of the fact that divorce is both serious business and raw emotion. As you go through the most difficult time in your life, you need a law firm that is dependable, accessible, skilled, and proactive. You need a firm that listens to you and understands your objectives and fears.

Our team of attorneys bring experience to the table. Whatever the issue, we work to provide our clients with complete information and sound counsel, so that they can make informed decisions on settlement or trial. We resolve matters amicably where possible or through assertive trial work when necessary.

Not content to be like other firms, RCA attorneys distinguish themselves by providing unsurpassed customer service in the greater Chicagoland area and on an as-needed basis through its affiliated offices in France (Lyon) and Italy (Rome and Milan).

For more information about our firm, please visit our website at recent-law.com. It would be our pleasure to meet with you in Hinsdale or Chicago.

REED, CENTRACCHIO & ASSOCIATES, LLC. is a forward thinking, full-service family law firm, that maintains offices in Chicago, Hinsdale and o verseas.

Talk of the Town

Queen of Spades

New to the Lyric Opera, Tchaikovsky’s broodingly romantic thriller, The Queen of Spades, is a tour de force. The lead tenor plays the terrifyingly obsessed Gherman (Brandon Jovanovich), an unhappy soldier desperate to know a secret hidden by a mysterious old countess, Lisa (Sondra Radvanovsky)—the mystery of winning at cards. As Gherman’s obsession begins to overwhelm him, it leads to devastation both for him and for Lisa, the countess’s granddaughter, whom Gherman loves. Tchaikovsky’s music (conducted by Sir Andrew Davis) is the height of Russian romanticism in its melancholy soulfulness, its white-hot passion, and the sweeping grandeur of its orchestra—a masterpiece from the genius who gave the world “Eugene Onegin” and “Swan Lake.” The Queen of Spades runs from February 15 to March 1. For more information and tickets, visit lyricopera.org.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY TODD ROSENBERG

SAVE the DATE

EDITED BY KEMMIE RYAN

JANUARY 18

SNOWBALL 2020

WHERE: The Field Museum, Chicago

WHEN: 8 p.m.

TICKETS: $190

The Junior Council of Lurie Children’s Hospital invites guests to its annual black tie evening for young professionals. Proceeds will benefit Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago’s Special Infections Diseases Clinic, which includes the Pediatric & Adolescent HIV/AIDS Program. juniorcouncil.org

JANUARY 19

ROMEO & JULIET

WHERE: Harris Theater at Millennium Park

WHEN: 3 p.m.

TICKETS: Starting at $55. The National Ballet Theatre of Odessa brings 55 of its brightest stars to the Harris Theater at Millennium Park during a full-scale production of William Shakespeare’s classic story of love and tragedy. harristheaterchicago.org

JANUARY 25

KRISTENSEN BOXING SMOKER

WHERE: Palmer House, Chicago WHEN: 5:30 p.m.

TICKETS: Starting at $100. A lively evening held in honor of fallen Navy SEAL, LCDR Erik Kristensen, guests will enjoy carefully curated cocktails, a formal dinner, and auction before the Golden Glove and Navy SEAL men and women step into the boxing ring. Funds raised will benefit a St. Ignatius College Prep Scholarship of Service for children of active duty military, Chicago Fire, and Chicago Police departments. invest. ignatius.org

JANUARY 25

LIGHT UP THE NIGHT

WHERE: Butterfield Country Club, Oak Brook

WHEN: 6:30 p.m.

TICKETS: $175

The Clarendon Hills Auxiliary Chapter of The Infant Welfare Society of Chicago invites guests to “Light Up

the Night” and raise funds for Angel Harvey Family Health Center during its annual signature fundraiser. clarendonhillsinfantwelfare.org

JANUARY 25 - APRIL 12

SANDRA JORGENSEN EXHIBIT

WHERE: Elmhurst Art Museum

WHEN: The museum is open 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday.

TICKETS: $15 adults; children are free. Explore the works of late artistcurator, Sandra Jorgensen. The artist was the driving force behind Elmhurst College Chicago Imagist collection and helped found the Elmhurst Art Museum. elmhurstartmuseum.org

JANUARY 26

D’VINE AFFAIR

WHERE: Union League Club of Chicago

WHEN: 2 to 6 p.m.

TICKETS: Starting at $125. Sip fine wine from 90 global

vintners, and craft and imported beer, at one of Chicago’s premier wine and beer tasting events. Proceeds benefit Catholic Charities’ self-sufficiency programs. catholiccharities.net

FEBRUARY 1

PILLARS COMMUNITY HEALTH’S THE BALL

WHERE: Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace

WHEN: 6 to 11:30 p.m.

TICKETS: $225

Pillars Community Health presents its signature event, raising funds for health and social services in the local community. The event is black tie optional and will feature dinner, live music,

auctions, gaming, and more. pillarscommunityhealth.org/ball

FEBRUARY 5

STORM LARGE OF PINK MARTINI

WHERE: City Winery

Chicago

TICKETS: Starting at $22. Storm Large of the “rollicking around-the-world musical adventure,” known as pop orchestra Pink Martini, returns to Chicago with her own band. Large, a finalist from CBS show Rock Star: Supernova, will perform “mash up” renditions of popular artists like Led Zeppelin and Olivia NewtonJohn, with her band Storm and The Balls. citywinery.com

FEBRUARY 8

AN AMERICAN IN PARIS 2020 GALA

WHERE: Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago

WHEN: 6 p.m.

TICKETS: $400

The Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestras (CYSO) celebrate the Gershwin classic during its 2020 fundraiser. Guests can expect dinner, a live auction, and performances by the 130member ensemble, CYSO’s Symphony Orchestra. cyso.org

FEBRUARY 8

A GUILDED AFFAIR

WHERE: Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel, Chicago

WHEN: 7 p.m.

TICKETS: $185

The Hinsdale Junior Woman’s

Club celebrates its 70th year of service at a sleek affair not to be missed. Enjoy gaming, entertainment, and delicious treats while supporting the organization at its largest formal benefit of the year. e.givesmart.com/events/du2

FEBRUARY 12-23

THE TIMES ARE RACING

WHERE: Auditorium Theatre, Chicago

WHEN: Evening and matinee performances on select dates.

TICKETS: Starting at $35. Mixed works from four of the most influential artists warm up winter spirits. The Joffrey Ballet’s talented performers perform works by choreographers—Justin

FEBURARY 22

BEAR TIE BALL: BOOTS & BLING

WHERE: The Geraghty, Chicago

WHEN: 6 p.m.

TICKETS: $400

Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation’s signature Bear Tie Ball event promises to be an evening of western glamour. The country-western themed fundraiser begins with a cocktail hour in the saloon, followed by dinner and live entertainment. bearnecessities. org/event/bear-tie-ball

Peck, Itzik Galili, Christopher Wheeldon, and Stephanie Martinez. joffrey.org

January 25 - April 12

SANDRA JORGENSEN EXHIBIT

Sandra Jorgensen, Passing Storm, 1994-1997, oil on canvas, 32 x 48 in. Elmhurst Art Museum Collection

A Celebration of Strength

On Saturday, February 1, Pillars Community Health will host its annual gala, “The Ball,” at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. The black-tie affair, co-chaired by Paula Horvath and Becky Spratford, will feature dinner, live music, auctions, and casino gaming. Proceeds will benefit the agency's mission of providing health and social services to the western and southwestern suburbs of Chicago. It's a charitable way to honor both Pillars and those who've found the strength to seek help from them; their patients' stories of survival are a moving reminder of the organization's commitment to "heal, care, and educate" the community. For more information, visit pillarscommunityhealth.org.

What's Cooking?

The Seasoned Plate  is a collection of delicious and healthy real food recipes sorted by season. Chef and author Nicole Putzel loves to create seasonal, vegetable-centric recipe once a week, and during the summer months, the produce for the recipes is harvested from her backyard—truly organicgarden-to-plate dining. She started sharing the dishes with photographer Claudia Chocano who then styled the food in its true edible form—no tricks—and once they were satisfied with the visual appeal, Chocano photographed the dishes in natural, seasonal light. Once the photos had been taken, the two friends sat at the kitchen table and consumed the fruits of their labors. This cookbook is the result of a beautiful recipe: one of food, friendship, and wellness. Eat up! For more information, visit putzelkitchen.com.

Use Your Prime Membership to Help a Pup

Perhaps you're relieved to finish a hectic season of holiday shopping and charity drives. The Hinsdale Humane Society understands, which is why they've made contributing to their cause as easy as clicking a button. Muchneeded donations for their shelter animals—cat and dog food, blankets, toys—can be purchased via an Amazon wishlist on their website. Or, for the ultimate contribution, visit the shelter and consider adding a fur baby to the family. For more information, visit hinsdalehumanesociety.org.

VANESSA FAVIA

GREW UP IN SMALL TOWN INDIANA AND MOVED TO CHICAGO TO EARN A DEGREE IN MARKETING. UPON THE RECOMMENDATION OF HER SISTER-IN-LAW, SHE AND HER HUSBAND FRANK MOVED TO HINSDALE WITH THEIR SON IN 2015; HER DAUGHTER WAS BORN ONE YEAR LATER. FAVIA, WHO SPENT A DECADE IN SALES, NOW SPLITS HER TIME BETWEEN MOTHERHOOD AND VOLUNTEER COMMITMENTS.  SHE AND HER HUSBAND SUPPORT VARIOUS CAUSES THAT ARE CLOSE TO THEIR HEARTS, INCLUDING THE CHICAGO CHILDREN’S MUSEUM, LINCOLN PARK ZOO, AND ONWARD NEIGHBORHOOD HOUSE. SHE ALSO VOLUNTEERS AT HER CHILDREN’S SCHOOLS IN HINSDALE, AS WELL AS THE HINSDALE JUNIOR WOMEN’S CLUB.

EDITED BY DEBBIE LEE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS HAIR, MAKEUP & STYLING BY CONSTANTINE JAMES

Mantra? Always look for the bright side of things. There is good in every person and situation. Best grooming tip? Aim for seven hours of sleep. And a great manicure can always brighten a day.  Guilty pleasure?

I have quite the sweet tooth. If I have to choose just one, chocolate. Favorite foods? My husband makes pasta and sauce from scratch. It’s pretty amazing.  Music you love?

I’m still a small-town Indiana girl at heart, so I typically listen to country. But from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, it’s all Christmas music. Best advice ever given to you? Follow your passion and don’t be afraid to dream.  Best advice you’ve given? Kindness works in almost any situation. Earliest memory? When I was five years old, my parents woke me up one day with a surprise trip to Disney World. It was my first time on an airplane, and the first time I saw the ocean. That’s a wonderful memory. When you wake up, you? Most days, I wake up to my smiling kids jumping in my bed. It’s the perfect way to start the day.  Before bed, you? I’m a bit of neat freak, so I

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? When I’m running around during the day with my kids, I’m typically in jeans and a T-shirt or sweater. At night, I usually wear a fun dress with heels.  Can’t leave the house without? My phone and my sunglasses.  Transportation? I spend my days driving my kids around in an SUV. But I grew up in a car family so I’ve always loved fun cars. My dad’s favorite hobby was building and working on cars, and he built a 1936 Ford hot rod which originally belonged to my grandfather. He still has it to this day. That car is very special to me. Driving music? When I’m alone in the car, I typically listen to country music. When I’m with my kids, which is most of the time, it’s usually the soundtrack of whatever their favorite movie is at that moment. Place to eat? Nabuki is one my favorite places in town, especially for a girls’ night. When we have the kids, we usually go to Giuliano’s, Grill 89, or Fuller’s.  Shop? As a busy mom, shopping in a store isn’t an ideal situation. I do most of my shopping online at wherever I can find great deals.  Best thing about country? This community is such a wonderful place to raise a family. The schools are amazing, it’s safe, and there are so many great young families who have become important people in our lives. We love it here.  Worst thing about country? Sometimes I miss the excitement and energy of the city.  The Perfect Day is?  The weekends are my favorite days. My husband is home and we normally don’t have a schedule. I love being able to sleep in and enjoy the little moments we have as a family. Sunday dinners as a family are sacred, and I hope it stays that way even as our kids get older.

typically clean up the house from whatever craziness my kids got into that day. Then I relax and spend time with my husband, and I always check on both kids right before I go to bed.  What’s on your bookshelf? I don’t have as much time as I would like to read for pleasure these days, but my most recent read was Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. You can’t live without? My family and friends. They keep me grounded and fill my life with love. Love to escape to? Both my parents and my husbands’ parents are retired and have homes in Florida. We try and spend time at both places every year. It’s a great escape from the long, cold winter.  Advice you would give to your younger self? Don’t stress over the small things. Keep your eye on the big picture.

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? I try to be a bit more stylish and take more risks when I’m heading into the city. My heels are a little higher, and my outfits are a bit trendier.    Can’t leave the house without? Lip gloss and trendy handbag. Transportation?

When we are in the city, I enjoy walking everywhere. Chicago is such a beautiful city. But if I am not walking, I’m usually in an Uber. Driving music? I try not to drive when I’m heading into the city. But when I do, I like more upbeat, fun music. Place to eat? Le Colonial, Joe’s Seafood, Coco Pazzo, and Erie Cafe are a few of our favorites. Shop? If I’m able to make it to the city without my kids, I love to shop at Bloomingdales, Intermix, and Nordstrom. If my kids are with me, my shopping experience is a bit different—

American Girl, The Lego Store, and Dylan’s Candy Bar. Best thing about town? The energy, the restaurants, and the variety. Worst thing about town? The traffic. The perfect day is? A long brunch followed by some casual shopping. Then a few hours at the spa followed by a nice dinner.

A TRUE ROMANCE

WORDS BY PETER AND KATE MICHAEL PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR

here was a time, not too long ago, when I would’ve recoiled in horror at the sight of any menu that included the phrase “cauliflower polenta.” Where I’m from, such kitchen transgressions have the potential to invoke ghostly hallucinations, chief among them visions of my dearly departed Italian grandmother decreeing to me in no uncertain terms, “You no make polenta with cavolfiore. No. No. No.”

But there I was, sitting comfortably at the chic new True Food Kitchen in Oak Brook, staring at a menu showcasing, of all things, a plant-based polenta. Served in a bowl no less. As an entrée. With enough veggies—broccolini, edamame, snow and snap peas plus zucchini and watermelon radish—to fill half a salad bar.

My older and far less enlightened self would’ve cast a protest vote by ordering the greasiest protein offering on the menu and calling it a day. But that didn’t happen. When one finds oneself in a restaurant co-founded by Dr. Andrew Weil, the principle architect

Tof the anti-inflammatory food pyramid, one should eat as the Weilians do.

To my surprise, some moments later, I found that I’d licked the bowl clean. Turns out, True Food’s cauliflower polenta is a revelation: a silky, smooth puree of riced cauliflower, cashew butter ,and garlic spread—spiked with turmeric and miso—that captures the buttery umami-kissed goodness of what you’d expect to find at a dinner table in Lombardy or Trentino.

I am, officially, a cauliflower polenta convert, which proved to be one of many surprisingly tasty anti-inflammatory hacks whipped up in True Food’s kitchen.

For all its less-than-subtle signage, including a giant tree mosaic composed of colored beans and a revolving sign that cycles through different images of heirloom carrots, True Food Kitchen is not your great Aunt Zelda’s plant-based, pro-vegan diner. The phrase that Brand Chef Robert McCormick uses—“vegetable-driven bistro”— is just about right, as carnivores can still enjoy plenty of healthy proteins, including grass-fed hamburgers, chicken sausage pizzas or teriyaki steak quinoa bowls.

McCormick’s impressive pedigree, which includes stints with two of the best mentors you can imagine (chefs Gunter Seeger and Daniel Boulud), ensures that the restaurant’s healthy aura doesn’t shine so bright that it blinds the kitchen to the importance of

True Food Kitchen in Oak Brook imbues healthy dining with a delicious glow.

Chicken Sausage Pizza

delivering tasty food.

Although True Food works hard to source produce when it’s fresh and in season—as just about every chef-driven restaurant does these days—it does take some additional steps to ensure its menu gives off a healthy glow. Fruits and vegetables that have the potential to come in contact with high amounts of pesticides—think spinach, kale, apples, grapes, peaches, and tomatoes—are sourced from organic producers. But what’s even more interesting is the way McCormick artfully swaps in healthy ingredients for less savory options without sacrificing flavor.

Take the house’s hearth-fired pizzas, which are made from a dough kneaded with flaxseed and whole wheat flour. Unorthodox? Maybe, but they deliver. They look and crunch like a Neapolitan pizza, but boast the health profile of a Middle Eastern pita. Knowing that your typical carb-rich pizza will spike anyone’s blood sugar higher, McCormick adds some healthy kuzu root, then makes a sauce made from organic crushed tomatoes topped with bits of chicken sausage. The result is one the healthiest pies in town.

We enjoyed a number of other feelgood indulgences, chief among them an edamame-stuffed dumpling set in a graceful dashi broth made with kombu and a touch of soy. Oversized ravioli

Cocktails

Thankfully, True Food Kitchen’s hasn’t yet added alcohol to its prohibition list, in part because it’s devised clever ways to offset high-sugar drinks with plantbased liquors and fresh muddled fruits.

are as beautiful as they are delicious— almost translucent in the center—so you can see the their central hub of springgreen puree hiding beneath the dough.

McCormick knows that the right shock of flavor here and there can turn even the most pedestrian of dishes memorable. Note the bits of pickled mushroom that surround the house’s Thai coconut sea bass, which sits in a gentle pool of coconut-turmeric broth with plenty of green beans and rainbow chard. Bite into one of those ’shrooms and you get a shot of acidity that disrupts the gentler notes of the Asian-inspired broth.

And then there’s the sweet treat of the season: a squash pie made by binding caramelized butternut squash with arrow root (a clever binder) and spiking the mix with brown sugar, cane sugar, and winter spices. “We add a little brandy for good measure,” says McCormick, “and we top it with a coconut whip so it’s completely vegan and completely gluten-free, which makes everyone feel a little less guilty afterward.”

Guilt-free? Truer words were never spoken, especially when it comes to my newfound obsession over cauliflower polenta.

The base spirit of this light and fragrant margarita still leans on organic blanco tequila, but it’s the inclusion of muddled citrus fruits plus hints of cucumber and mint that makes it so refreshing. Tastes spritely and pairs with everything on the menu.

Pom Collins: This clever reinvention of a Tom Collins diverts from its simple sugar roots in favor of pomegranates (for color) and a welcome tipple of brandy-like aloe vera liquor to add some botanicals. Tastes like a spa sipper but boasts the complexity of a traditional cocktail.

True Food Kitchen is located at 105 Oakbrook Center in Oak Brook, 630-716-3056, truefoodkitchen.com.

Citrus Skinny Margarita:

Thai Coconut Sea Bass

Edamame Dumplings

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ILLUMINATING THE NIGHT

Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare

WORDS BY TRICIA DESPRES PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR

Every year, more than 13,000 patients walk through the doors of Chicago’s Angel Harvey Family Health Center seeking medical attention for a tooth that won’t stop hurting, a sore throat that won’t get better, or a sick child who desperately needs medical care. Regardless of their financial circumstances, they leave feeling better—and so does the Clarendon Hills Infant Welfare Society (CHIW).

“As a team, we all want to achieve the same end result, which is to help some of Chicago’s most vulnerable populations,” says society member Jen Van Zant.

“We’re engaged in one common goal, and that’s to raise awareness,” adds fellow member Amy Ponto. “Throughout the year, we donate our time, money, and necessities to the center.”

Established in 1948, CHIW began with nine women seeking to help mothers and children in need. Today it is one of nine chapters in a larger network known as the Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago. Together they raise funds to support Angel Harvey, a full-service operation that offers an array of health

services—medical, mental health, and dental care, to name a few—on a sliding scale fee.

Today the group is 50 members strong. But there’s always room for more helping hands, and with their latest event, Van Zant and Ponto invite fellow members of the community to show their support.

The duo has taken on the shared responsibility of co-chairing this year’s fundraising gala. “Light Up the Night” will take place on Saturday, January 25 at Butterfield Country Club in Oak Brook. The event will include cocktails, dinner, dancing, and an auction.

But for all the fun and entertainment in store, it’s the solemn moments that prove to be the most memorable.

“One of my favorite moments each year occurs when a beneficiary of our organization’s efforts—usually a mother, child or a family in need—shares their story with the attendees that evening,” Van Zant says. “It’s always a tear-jerker and galvanizes our members around the cause at hand.”

For more information, visit clarendonhillsinfantwelfare.org.

Society sheds muchneeded light on those less fortunate.

Amy Ponto, Jennifer Van Zant

We’re proud to put Hinsdale, Illinois first, and we’re committed to helping you build on your success with a financial strategy that’s just for you. In our new location, we look forward to continuing to serve the Hinsdale community. Our

MAN OF STYLE Rino Burdi is a

A third-generation clothier brings his exquisite threads to downtown Hinsdale

WORDS BY ALLISON DUNCAN/PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANK ISHMAN GROOMING & STYLING BY CONSTANTINE JAMES / WARDROBE COURTESY OF BURDI CLOTHING

At the tender age of 10, Burr Ridge’s Rino Burdi tagged along to work with his father, Alfonso. The rest, as they say, is history. Today, Burdi runs the day-to-day operations of the family’s namesake luxury Italian menswear brand, Burdi, which he took over from Alfonso in 1995.

“You could say I was born into it,” says Burdi. “I watched my dad cut and make clothing for people like Joe DiMaggio and Plácido Domingo. While he was constantly working, he still always found time to spend with me. These stories tend to make us. And he saw at an early age that I had a flair for the business and was artistically inclined, but the business needed a designer more than a tailor, so I grew into that role.”

A third-generation clothier—Burdi’s grandfather was a master tailor in Italy— Burdi is now also the brand’s fashion director, overseeing ready-to-wear men’s apparel and accessories. Voted one of Chicago’s best-dressed men, Burdi describes his personal style as classic … with a twist.

“I like to step it up with color or details, like titanium buttons or handstitched everything,” he says. “I’ve always loved fashion. It could be my heritage, but I remember even from a young age dressing up for school and choosing my outfits with care. I even asked my dad to create designs for me to wear. I now design the lines of my clothing in a way that hugs the body but is light and flattering.”

That same philosophy extends to the way Burdi works with his clients, too. He takes the time to learn their needs and style and then simply helps provide guidance, whether they prefer the instant gratification of a ready-to-wear purchase or would prefer to design a custom piece. Because of his background, Burdi has cultivated relationships with the world’s top fabric mills and can design the fall and balance of clothing in a way that flatter’s every man’s unique shape.

“Many men dislike shopping, so I try to make it both comfortable and fun,” says Burdi. “Feeling proud of your appearance will always add a little bounce to your step. You never know what the day will bring.”

Burdi believes it’s important to put thought into your outfit and its finishing touches, such as a pocket square or even the right watch. “Investing in quality pieces that fit well and styling them with a pop of flair will net you many compliments,”

explains Burdi.

He also recommends every man have a crisp white shirt in his closet and says it’s something you inevitably need at the last minute, whether before an event on Saturday night or for a surprise important meeting. That said, Burdi keeps his eye on the latest trends, too.

“I find that I’m usually too far ahead on trends and have to reign it in,” he says. “I go to Italy several times a year to work on the next collection.”

The most exciting changes, he says, are in formal wear, with the tuxedo becoming “more flexible” and dinner jackets “much desired.” He also notes that fabrics are becoming “more technical” with advances like nanotech for color retention and water-repellent garments that are functional yet still look sophisticated.

“I have a beautiful worsted cashmere suit that has natural stretch for great comfort,” says Burdi. “And there are now moisture barriers and wind-repellent treatments that are great for Chicago.”

And great for Hinsdale, too. This February, Burdi will open a Hinsdale outpost in the former Hartley’s bicycle shop. The second store for the brand after its Walton Avenue location in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, Burdi Hinsdale will be about two and a half times the size and will feature exposed ductwork and brickwork for a raw, urban aesthetic.

“I was lucky to have the opportunity to take over this really

cool building and make it my own,” says Burdi. “Clients will have access to the full line, but I also plan on having more leisure-oriented styles, gifts, and specialty items as well. In the last few years, I’ve been making many deliveries to clients in the neighborhood who like the convenience and prefer to avoid downtown traffic. I feel like an honorary resident already.”

He’s a full-fledged resident, too. A few years ago, Burdi fell in love with a spot on a little lake in Burr Ridge that would soon become his home. He lent his design-minded eye and aesthetic to the space and calls the project “an amazing challenge.” In his limited spare time, which he says is generally reserved for his family, Burdi loves to travel, enjoy good food, and take long drives, during which he noticed the Hartley’s storefront for the first time.

In the next Burdi iteration, Burdi will maintain the legacy and heritage of his family. “My dad always demanded more from me than any other employee and he had me running in 20 different directions all the time,” he says. “I learned so much from him, even though I thought he should be giving me a break back then. It was challenging and wonderful.”

A few of the lessons Alfonso imparted upon Burdi? Provide quality above all; embrace 360 feedback, and remember that your team is important, and their ideas are valuable; and measure thrice, cut once, which Burdi says applies to all facets of life.

Will Sutton Nicole Pearl

Julie Sutton

Lyn Van Koenigsveld Lisa Read

Jennifer Graham, Lauren Kavanaugh

GIVING GILDED

Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club celebrates 70 years with “A Gilded Affair” gala

WORDS BY MONICA KASS ROGERS/PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR HAIR AND MAKEUP BY DENISE MARRON

The year was 1949. After years of hardship during the depression and World War II, America was back on its feet. Families settled into new homes, and the post-war baby boom began. Membership in organizations where women could connect outside of the home— both socially and for the philanthropic good of their communities—also blossomed.

The Woman’s Club of Hinsdale (WCH) was so full, its meetings at the Hinsdale Community House were beyond

capacity. It was at this juncture that a group of young mothers and career women discussed the possibility of adding a junior version of the Woman’s Club to accommodate the younger set. Mrs. W.T. Dawson, then president of the WCH, thought it was a great idea and under her sponsorship, the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club (HJWC) was formed.

With its annual fundraising gala at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel on February 8, the HJWC—now in its 70th year—is stronger than ever. A charter membership of 101 has increased to almost 250, and HJWC continues its mission of enriching the community by providing leadership, volunteer,

and philanthropic service opportunities.

“Back in 1949, HJWC’s first benefit, a “Spring Fashion Show and Tea,” raised $800 to purchase an obstetrical table for Hinsdale Hospital,” says Lauren Kavanaugh, HJWC vice president. “Last year, we raised close to $300,000, fulfilled 18 grants, gave three scholarships to philanthropy-minded high school seniors, and completed 650 service hours with 18 different charities.”

Last year was also the first year HJWC operated under its new philanthropic grant model. Previously, the club would commit to a two-year relationship with one organization, with all funds raised through HWJC’s annual benefit (and related events) going to that beneficiary.

“But, in recent years it became apparent that the funds we raised could have significant lasting impact on more than one local charity,” Kavanaugh explains. “So it was decided then to make the change to our current grant-based model.”

This year, HJWC has received 57 grant applications totaling $1.7 million in required funding.

“We would love to fill every single one of them,” says Kavanaugh.

To do so, HJWC is pulling out all the stops with its annual gala.

“We’re calling it ‘A Gilded Affair,’” says Jennifer Graham, benefit managing chair. “Sort of a cross between the opulence of the Gilded Era and the Casino de MonteCarlo. Think James Bond Casino Royale.”

Kicking off at 7:30 p.m., guests of the blacktie event will be greeted by a “champagne girl” and servers offering passed martinis. After checking in, attendees will have the opportunity to browse a broad selection of auction items on display. As in years past, HJWC has also partnered with Tiffany & Co., a generous donor of a jewelry item that will be raffled off.

“We will also have a sponsored casino room that will host a martini bar,” adds Graham. “And in the main ballroom, we’ll have tables and VIP seating, a DJ, and dancing. For those unfamiliar with the Knickerbocker, dancing there is a treat; they have a light-up dance floor.” In lieu of a seated dinner, an array of light food will also be served.

Looking back at HJWC benefits over the past 70 years provides a colorful glimpse of how fêtes have evolved through the decades. In 1956, a “Salad Luncheon Card Party” raised funds for the Bonaparte School for Mentally Handicapped Children, allowing them to purchase a school bus. A 1966 benefit singing contest raised money for the Youth Employment Service. And in 1977, the club wrote and

performed a puppet show with handmade puppets to benefit the Clarendon Hills and Westmont libraries.

While gala themes have changed with the times, the club’s mission has not.

“I love that this club provides such opportunity to get involved and help,” says current President Jennifer Ashley, who joined in 2013. “It has become a really big part of my life that I truly cherish. I will never forget attending a Valentine’s Day party at Hepzibah House as part of a service event during my first year. I was so moved by the organization and how HJWC was contributing in such a meaningful way that I was hooked.”

“Being able to contribute to helping people in our community is good for the soul,” agrees Graham, a member since 2017. “One of the events that has made this club so special to me is definitely our ‘It’s a Wrap,’ when we get to hand out checks to all of the grant applicants that we are awarding.”

“It’s really our hope to continue the incredible legacy that HJWC has established over the past 70 years—all the while adapting to new challenges and making an even greater impact on our local community,” Ashley concludes. “It is the members who truly make this such a great organization.”

To purchase tickets to “A Gilded Affair,” buy a raffle ticket, or bid on auction Items for the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club, visit agildedaffair. givesmart.com.

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SPARKLING NEW DIGS

The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art moves to Oak Brook

WORDS AND

Joseph F. Lizzadro, Sr. was a rock hound from his youth. As an adult, lapidary—the art of cutting and polishing stones and mounting them in jewelry or metalwork settings—became his passion. First a hobbyist, then a collector, Lizzadro would go on to found the world’s largest museum dedicated to hand-carved stone, minerals, and gemstones. On November 12, his Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art (LMLA) reached a monumental milestone: the unveiling of a new home in Oak Brook.

Replacing the original facility in Elmhurst, where it had operated for 57 years, the expanded new museum sparkles with both gemstones and potential. Chicago architecture firm Wright Heerema captured the LMLA team’s vision for transforming a former office building into a showcase for the lapidary wonders of the world.

Chief among these is the museum’s Chang jade exhibition, which brings the Altar of the Green Jade Pagoda—a five-foot high, intricately-carved pagoda that sits atop a three-tiered platform—back to Chicago. Originally commissioned by Shanghai jade dealer Chang Wen Ti and carved by 150 craftsmen, the pagoda was displayed at the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, and was then acquired by the Oakland Museum of California. Oakland donated the piece, along with other rare jade carvings in the Chang exhibition, to LMLA last year.

The new museum will also feature biannual special exhibits. The first, “Re-carving the Past: The Art of Chinese Bronzes and Jades,” focuses on the shapes and decorations of the two

most prominent art forms in China, showcasing 11 bronzes from the MacLean Collection of Lake Forest, and 16 jade carvings from LMLA’s collection. Dr. Tongyun Yin, LMLA’s new Curator of Asian Art, worked with Dr. Richard Pegg, Director and Curator of Asian Art for the MacLean Collection, to create the exhibit, and will be offering lectures and programs on collections moving forward.

“We are thrilled that more than five years of planning has culminated in this beautiful new museum facility,” says Dorothy Asher, Museum Director. “With improved exhibits, and more space for educational programs, a 1,000-square-foot multipurpose room for private rentals, and a dedicated research library, our new home better equips us to share our unique collection with a new generation of art enthusiasts and museum goers.”

To better engage with tech-friendly visitors, LMLA has added fun, interactive elements to the museum. Mineral Match, a video game created by Brian Colin of Homewoodbased Game Refuge, features mascot Rocky the Rock Hound. Rocky leads players through a challenge to match everyday household items with the minerals and gemstones from which they are made. “People really enjoy it,” says Asher. “Kids, but a lot of adults, too.”

Additional touch screens throughout the space include video tours of the museum’s collections and history, as well as an introduction to rocks and minerals, and demos of stone cutting, jade carving, and gemstone faceting.

In addition, the museum has a full and growing spate of

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

The Altar of the Green Jade Pagoda was commissioned by Mr. Chang Wen Ti and carved by 150 craftsmen. It was donated to the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art by the Oakland Museum of California.

educational programs on offer, enhancing understanding of earth science, geology, Chinese art history and Chinese religions and culture.

“Our aim, with the help of Dr. Yin and Sara Kurth, our geologist educator, is to expand our reach in both the cultural and science related programs and tours that we offer,” says Asher. “Not just grade schools, but junior highs, high schools, and colleges.”

LMLA will continue to expand its global collaboration with museum curators, visiting experts, and current lapidary artisans. For example, says Asher, “We have a large collection of Italian mosaics, both Roman and Florentine, and have had visiting scholars such as Anna Maria Massinelli come to speak in that realm. Also, Germany was a very large carving center and we are hoping to bring a traveling German cameo exhibit here.”

LMLA is a pubic charity 501(c)3 and as such, largely relies on donor support to run the museum. It also welcomes volunteers. “We have a broad range of volunteer opportunities and provide training for all of them,” says Asher. “From helping at the reception desk, or with programming or school groups, to serving as a docent, we welcome all interested participants.”

The Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art is located at 1220 Kensington Road in Oak Brook. For information on hours, programming, philanthropy and volunteer opportunities, visit lizzadromuseum.org.

LMLA has added new interactive displays to its exhibits, including Mineral Match, a video game that challenges players to match household items with the minerals used to make them.

Carved in the late 19th Century, these dancing jade figurines represent Yang Guifei, one of China’s four beauties.

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Contact information: 630-323-3314 ext. 6696 or email jkeldahl@uchinsdale.org

An Evening in Oz

Friends of Prentice hosted its 34th annual fundraising gala in the Emerald City-decorated Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel with more than 450 in attendance. Raising over $750,000 to fund innovative and leading-edge research for women, guests indulged in live and silent auctions, a paddle raise, and program honoring Dr. Michael Socol for over 40 years of distinguished service to Prentice Women’s Hospital. Friends of Prentice has raised more than $20 million since 1983 and awarded grants to more than 80 researchers and clinical programs. friendsofprentice.org

Photography by Ian McLeod

Sule Yıldız, Anne Hutchinson, Bahar Yilmaz

Michele Anderson, Michael Tannen

Scott & Brenda Field

Sandy & Lee Golub

Michael Goro, Jennifer Norback

Braden & Emily Smith, Jaime & Will Hind

Jake & Lizzy Martin

Victor Trampus, Alli Sharp

Dr. Michael & Donna Socol, Erica Goldman, Shannon Flavin, Lee Golub

Dr. Michael Socol

DuPage Foundation Masquerade

Nearly 250 supporters turned out for the DuPage Foundation’s signature event, this year boasting a masquerade theme. Donning their finest masks, guests enjoyed a night to remember while raising nearly $385,000 for the foundation’s operations and programs. The festive evening featured a formal dinner, silent auction, mask contest, and exhilarating entertainment by Felix And Fingers Dueling Pianos. dupagefoundation.org

Photography by Ian McLeod

Karen & Tom Kukulski

Julie & Jeff Curran

Juliana Maller, Don & Tamara Ortegel

Nate & Sandra Wasson

Arica & Dan LeFevour

Diana Martinez, Jameena Ivory

Melissa & Rob Fischer

Jeans & a Cute Top Shop Grand Opening Party

Jill Card’s trendy fashion boutique opened its newest location in downtown Hinsdale this fall with a fabulous party to celebrate on October 24. Guests that stopped by enjoyed exclusive discounts, delectable bites from Sweet Ali’s Gluten Free Bakery, Café La Fortuna, and Harry & Eddie’s, and a premium prosecco tasting featuring Syltbar. The shop, which features the latest premium fashions, also had a special Joseph Ribkoff trunk show during the event. jeansandacutetopshop.com

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Jill Card, Gretchen Barnard

Kathrin Filbrich, Kim Pickering

Mary Conforti, Joyce Tucker

Jill Card, Joanne Sutryk

Photography by Ian McLeod

Kick ABS Pilates the Energie way.

Fashion & Philanthropy

Members of the Western Suburbs Giving Circle of Chicago Foundation for Women joined at Neiman Marcus Oak Brook for networking in November. The nonprofit, which invests in local organizations that support women and girls, is actively recruiting members. cfw. org/what-you-can-do/westernsuburbs-council-page

Photography by Ian McLeod

Dr. Neena Will, Dr. Dolly Burt

Anita Mital, Sonal Gupta, Munira Patel, Andrea Sidorow, Tanya Davis

Elise Kennard, Dena Byrd

Felicia Davis, Georgina Heard-LeBonne

Storied

CONTEMPORARY HOMES. ICONIC ARCHITECTURE.

SALES GALLERY, BY APPOINTMENT

401 North Michigan Avenue, 28th Floor

tribunetower.com 312.967.3700

All floor plans shown are for illustrative purposes only. Floor plans may not depict final design of units as constructed and may not be drawn to scale. All sketches, renderings, architectural models, materials, plans, specifications, terms, prices, conditions and statements, including estimated timeframes and dates, contained herein are proposed only and are not intended to constitute representations. Developer reserves the right to make modifications in its sole discretion and without prior notice. All photographs and renderings are merely intended as illustrations of the activities and concepts depicted therein as interpreted by the artists. Developer makes no representations regarding any view and/or exposure to light at any time including any existing or future construction by either owner or a third party. Square footage and ceiling heights are approximate and may be based on various measurement methodologies, subject to construction variances and tolerances, as well as redesign, and vary from unit to unit (and may vary from floor to floor). This brochure shall not constitute a valid offer in any jurisdiction where prior registration is required and not yet fulfilled. Where used, developer shall mean Tribune Tower West (Chicago) Owner, LLC and its affiliated entities and their respective managers, members, directors, shareholders, partners, agents, affiliates and employees. Developer License #2556130.

DL# 2556130

Glass Half Full

Tom and Megan McCleary hosted an exclusive cocktail party at their Hinsdale home in November in support of Greenhouse Scholars. Among the guests that Tom, who is a mentor and on the applicant selection committee for the organization, and Megan invited were two student scholars and staff members. The education organization works to cultivate community leaders who will help low-income families and change communities. greenhousescholars.org

All That Glitters Holiday Party

Leslie Bowman and her team at The Design Bar in Burr Ridge opened their doors for a festive open house in November. Guests perused luxe interiors and services offered by The Design Bar while mingling over sweet treats. The showroom was especially illuminated by the glittering Christmas trees and holiday décor that many guests chose to take home for the holidays ahead. thedesignbars.com

Jean Bergin, Meg Pound, Pamela Pierce

Sarah LeStrange, Lindsey Spears

Tom McCleary, Faiz Rehman, Swami McNeil, Megan McCleary

Photography by Tina Smothers

Brent & Jill Rasmussen

Donna Yelnick, Katie McCormack

Andrea Cavallo, Ted Zbiegien

Leslie Bowman, Bailee Nelsen, Sandy Tierney, Pamela Chan

Photography by Ian McLeod

10th Legacy & Leaders Dinner

More than 50 guests attended a celebration hosted by King-Bruwaert House in November to recognize two long-serving Board members, James Parsons and Dr. Dirk Nelson. Also honored were Pat and Martin Jahn of Burr Ridge for their dedication and support of K-B scholarships;

Mike Trent

A philanthropic call to action for children K-8th grade

The giving club is on a mission to empower and nurture school-aged students in our beloved community by teaching them a vision of global citizenship that is informed, engaged, and active. Want

only a few weeks left to register!

Over 4

The Giving Club nurtures’ care and concern for others, building empathy through engagement in philanthropic activity. Participants will be assigned a coach that will guide them through the process. They will be encouraged to investigate different “needs” within our society and select a need that particularly reaches out to them. From there, they will develop a project that they can accomplish with the help of their coach. At the end of their 4-month journey, their accomplishments will be celebrated at a special service. This is all based on the idea that influencing change provides your family with new and meaningful relationships with others. The more we know about the complex issues of the world, the better we are as neighbors. After all, with great privilege comes great responsibility!

GIVING BACK

Denise Marron of the Hinsdale Historial Society Women’s Board

HATS OFF

The Hinsdale Historical Society Women’s Board kicks off 2020 and an anniversary year with a fashion-forward luncheon this month.

WORDS BY SHERRY THOMAS/PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR

For nearly 45 years, the Hinsdale Historical Society (HHS) has been the bridge between Hinsdale’s past, present, and future.

Maintaining a vast collection of historic archives, oral histories, and photographs, the nonprofit entity is a vital part of preserving Hinsdale’s architectural legacy. From The Hinsdale History Museum to Immanuel Hall and the R. Harold Zook Home and Studio, our village would not be the same without this important work.

Denise Marron, director and chair of a January 22 luncheon hosted by the Hinsdale Historical Society Women’s Board, says a personal passion for architectural design, history, and local beauty is what inspired her to get involved in HHS and its endeavors.

“I have a love for all things vintage ... all things decorative and preserving a unique love of a neighborhood,” she says. “And I’ve always enjoyed attending multiple kitchen walks.”

The annual Mother’s Day weekend kitchen walk, which celebrates 15 years in 2020, is a key fundraiser for the women’s board. That milestone also inspired the theme of this month’s luncheon — a “Hats Off to 15 Years” celebration to be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on January 22 at The Drake Hotel in Oak Brook.

“The luncheon is an annual event to gather our members, friends, and others within our community to enjoy a fun afternoon together,” says Marron, explaining that the women’s board is the primary fundraising arm of HHS. “Guests will be treated to a light lunch while viewing a fashion show featuring local suburban and city designers. We’ll have some wonderful luxury vending booths catering to women.

Festivities kick off with a Sip & Shop social hour, followed by a few “surprises.”

“I am also doing something that has not been really done before ... featuring a few historic elements with fashion leading up to the event,” she says. “It’s a little historic combo — you’ll

have to keep a look out!”

Nearly 200 guests are expected this month, but that’s just the precursor to the big event on Friday, May 8.

“Our annual kitchen walk is an opportunity to tour some of the most beautiful homes and professionally designed kitchens,” says Marron. “As we mark 15 years, we want to thank and celebrate all volunteers who have been involved. Their time and talent have made a real difference to the Hinsdale Historical Society and local historic preservation.”

And for those who have not been involved before or are new the community, Marron says this might be the perfect year to jump on board.

“The women’s board is 85 members strong,” she adds. “We invite you to join this group of fun, talented women who focus on fundraising, social outings, preservation, supporting one another, and a shared love of their community. We fund new exhibits and projects, including the historic plaque program and junior board activities. We also fund the archiving and preservation of HHS collections as well as improved educational offerings for local schools.”

On a personal note, Marron believes that preserving Hinsdale’s proud history is important not only to its landmark neighborhoods and homes but also to its reputation throughout Chicago.

“An older home has many unique features. By keeping it original and unique, keeping it a one-of-a-kind, or reconstructing with some original elements, we get something really special,” she says. “Otherwise, we would just have another cookie-cutter neighborhood.”

Hinsdale Historical Society Women’s Board’s “Hats Off to 15 Years” luncheon will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on January 22 at The Drake Hotel, 2301 York Road, in Oak Brook. Tickets are $85. For more information, visit hinsdalehistory.org.

THE REAL DEAL

“We are the real deal,” Charles Brewer says confidently. “The car-freeness is what makes this place unique. Being here makes you a nicer person.”

After spending a long weekend at Las Catalinas, I am convinced that he literally walks the walk, embodying the local pura vida, or pure life, culture.

Brewer, an Atlanta-based entrepreneur and founder of the dot-com MindSpring Enterprise, is the real estate developer behind Las Catalinas. The 1,200-acre seaside utopia, located on the Guanacaste Coast of Costa Rica, is reminiscent of medieval hill towns like Cinque Terre, Italy and Ronda, Spain.

Brewer confesses his priorities have shifted with age. In

contrast to his former swashbuckling life on the road, he’s now a grandfather with desires to live life at a slower, gentler pace. He relishes time spent with his grandchildren in an environment where they can roam with sheer abandon. He calls it “kid freedom”—a term that encompasses how he once felt as a child in a bygone era. For Brewer, it was a time when community, wellness ,and nature were highly valued.

Rooted in lessons of how cities and towns have been built for centuries, Las Catalinas is inspired by a movement known as New Urbanism. The goal is to foster more human-to-human and human-to-nature contact by designing spaces that are walkable and accessible.

“We are ultra local,” declares Sara Bega, Las Catalinas’ town

Elevated terrace and plunge pool of Casa Blanca

On a heavenly slice of Costa Rica, a former tech magnate offers a luxury lifestyle at a slower pace.

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR

architect. “Our most important value is sociability.”

Bega is a protégée of Douglas Duany, renowned professor at the University of Notre Dame and Las Catalinas’ maiden architect. The school remains a valued asset to the town, with a continued partnership where students can spend their fifth year on site to aid in its emerging design.

Las Catalinas is inhabited by expats from around the globe. Its ultimate goal is to maintain a population of 40 percent full-time residents and 180 residences. While 25 miles of trails have been built for hiking and biking, a thousand acres of unspoiled land will remain in place, serving as a nature preserve.

Within the town, cobblestone streets lead the way to a diverse and colorful mix of buildings, from 350-square-foot studios to Colonial-style castles—all interspersed with shopping plazas and parks.

Casa Azul, the private villa at which I stayed, is true to its name—vibrant, azure-toned, and facing the ocean. Maria, the house mom, welcomed guests with a molcajete of her verdant guacamole and fresh lemonade. The laughter of neighbors could

be heard, making me take notice of how the villas are designed to invite guests to commune with one another.

Many of the design materials at Las Catalinas are locally sourced and built in-house. Third-generation woodworkers constructed the wood floors with teak, and pergolas were made of Guanacaste wood and cana brava, or sugar cane. Custom woven furniture and vibrant hand sewn pillows and linens are designed and manufactured in a local workshop. Andrina Fonseca, owner of D-Aqui Design insisted on bringing both the design and manufacturing of tiles onto the premises. Visitors enamored of the villas can shop at her studio for authentic Costa Rican interiors made by trusted artisans.

A unique aspect of Las Catalinas is that it caters to a diverse mix of visitors. The Beach Club boasts a pool for families (offering swim lessons), a 25-meter lap pool for serious swimmers, and a majestic infinity pool from which couples can watch the sunset.

Serious athletes participate in The Las Catalinas Triathlon and the annual Pura Vida Ride Paddle Battle, the town’s oldest event. Locals and visitors cruise the vast trails on bike and foot while surfers catch the morning sets. The Pura Vida Ride Shop is a haven for sports enthusiasts specializing in sales and rentals of paddleboards, kayaks, mountain bikes, and guided tours.

For those seeking less activity and more respite, the WAKE day spa offers facials, body treatments, and even a small boutique. True shoppers can also browse haute interiors at D-Aqui Design or wander a few doors down to LaPula for local fashion and jewelry. Expect to be greeted with “pura vida” by every local who passes. There is always the option of snoozing to the percussive crash of the waves from a hammock on secluded Playa Dantita.

Gastronomes will also feel as if they’re in paradise. The upscale Copper and Stone Market stocks organic produce, gluten-free baked goods, juices and smoothies, artisan sandwiches, and small batch beers on draft. Downstairs at La Cava, one of the most recognized wine caves in Costa Rica, Chef Damian Geneau offered flutes of Freixenet Cava and wool shawls to keep chills at bay.

At Limonada, the signature beachside restaurant on Playa Danta, casual elegance is the theme. We started with housemade dips, including black bean and buffalo chickpea puree. And a tantalizing coconut ceviche was prepared by a familiar face—the chef, Gilberto, was spotted earlier on the beach, foraging edible herbs like verdolaga (purslane).

Our hostess Nina Lora planned a lunch the following day with diving instructor Ernst van der Poll of ConnectOcean. Born in South Africa and educated at MIT, van der Poll—a former diving instructor for the Crown Prince of Dubai— uses scuba diving, guided expeditions, and swim classes as an opportunity to educate guests about environmental policies and social responsibility.

I spent my final afternoon on Playa Danta, taking a kayak out to sunbathe on the floating dock, and finished with a sunset trail hike led by Community Affairs Director Michael Garcia. Garcia expertly idenitified native species of plants and their medicinal uses. When we reached the summit, with a picturesque view of the sea and the town, Brewer’s message rang true. Las Catalinas is the real deal.

For more information, visit lascatalinascr.com.

Fresh Tico breakfast prepared daily by house mom

Colorful Homes on Calle la Ronda

Master bedroom of Casa Blanca

BURR RIDGE BOON

The new owners of Burr Ridge Village Center want to offer a sense of community as well as a quality shopping experience for residents of the Western Suburbs.

WORDS BY MITCH HURST

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD

It’s no secret that shopping malls face challenging times. With online shopping options expanding, mall operators and retailers know they need to get creative in order to get customers in the door.

That’s just what the new owners of Burr Ridge Village Center plan on doing.

Edwards Realty Company, based in Orland Park, has been acquiring and revitalizing troubled mall properties in the Chicago area for years. Together with its partner, Core Acquisitions, it acquired Burr Ridge Village Center in March

2019.

“You can have multiple business plans when you have a longterm interest in a property,” says Ramzi Hassan, president of Edwards Realty.

The company’s business model is all about understanding the community and redeveloping properties based on the characteristics and concerns of residents and businesses in the area.

“Family-owned businesses build character and we want strong local businesses and entrepreneurs,” Hassan says.

Ramzi Hassan, President of Edwards Realty

He points out that Burr Ridge Village Center already has a lot going for it. Existing restaurants are doing very well and there are residential properties on-site, as well as co-working space. A state-of-the-art garage provides ample parking, and the center is easily accessible from the intersection of Interstates 55 and 294.

“People will travel for restaurant and entertainment options,” Hassan says.

Plans include bringing in more destination businesses such as doctor and dentist offices, as well as businesses that can extend the hours people visit the center, including a late-night sports bar. The idea is to give a reason for visitors to come early and stay late.

There are also plans to bring in pop-up shops where local, home-based businesses can rent space for a week or a month and test out the retail market for their products. Hassan wants the center to host events like concert series and musical festivals, a French market, and craft beer events. Entertainment for children and families is also on the agenda.

“We want the center to be somewhere you can visit for a few hours, get some great quality food, and shop at an eclectic mix of local businesses,” Hassan says.

While he acknowledges Burr Ridge Village Center will never compete with nearby Oakbrook Center, Hassan believes it can draw visitors from surrounding communities such as Hinsdale if it offers the right experience.

“In order to be successful we have to draw people from all of the surrounding communities,” Hassan says. “We’ve got to bring people in.”

It’s the commitment to the long-term and the desire to genuinely be part of the Burr Ridge community that just might be the secret sauce to success.

“You’re only as strong as your weakest retailer and tenant mix is very important to us,” Hassan says. “We have patience.”

Burr Ridge Village Center is located at 701 Village Center Drive in Burr Ridge, 630654-2782, shopburrridge.com.

STYLISHLY SIMPLE

Jeans and a Cute Top Shop offers stylish, comfortable clothes for the way women live today.

WORDS BY MITCH HURST PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR

Before their first date in 1989, Jill Card asked her now-husband Richard what she should wear.

“Just wear jeans and a cute top,” he said.

Today that pithy advice adorns the signs atop womens wear boutiques in Hinsdale and St. Charles (with a third location opening soon in Wheaton).

Like many small business owners, Card’s journey to opening fashion spots in the Western Suburbs was serendipitous. When the youngest of her two children started kindergarten, she needed an outlet, so she applied for a job working the floor at Ann Taylor in Wheaton.

“I had worked out with my friends the day of the interview and got a little dressed up,” says Card. “They were wondering what was up but I didn’t want to tell them. The next day I went back to the gym and told them I got the job.”

It wasn’t long before she developed a loyal client base and won awards for being a top seller.

This was during a time when the premium denim market was booming, but Card was having a hard time finding jeans that fit both her and her customers.

“The denim market as a whole was long legs and skinny,” she says. “They had to fit a model.”

She took a trip to Fifth Avenue in New York, determined to find some jeans that fit. She succeeded, but the customer service she received, combined with the fact that salespeople were unfamiliar with their denim products, left something to be desired. She saw a hole in the market.

“My friends and I were all turning 40 and it was a big milestone,” says Card. “We were wondering if we were dressing too young or too old.”

She also took notice of the fact that nine out of 10 customers who came into her Ann Taylor location told her they just wanted a cute top.

After a few promotions, Card became intrigued by the idea of owning her own shop. She explored a franchising option with a store based at Oakbrook Center, but ultimately decided she

wanted to open a shop where she could decide which product lines to sell.

“There’s a world of fashion out there that can make us super overwhelmed,” Card says. “My role is to bring fashion from the magazine to Main Street, in an affordable way. You don’t have to wear yoga pants everywhere you go.”

Card curates her stock from seasonal apparel shows at Chicago’s Merchandise Mart; she also sources the latest looks from biannual trips to Las Vegas. She prefers to carry clothing that can’t be found on Amazon or at Nordstrom.

The shopping culture at Card’s stores remains an important aspect of her business. To her, shopping shouldn’t be a chore. And by offering clothes that fit all shapes and sizes, Card has discovered a niche that keeps her customers coming back and enjoying their shopping experience.

“We’re just fun and friendly,” she says. “It’s always sunny at Jeans and a Cute Top Shop. We want to be the place that says, ‘You don’t have to cry in the fitting room anymore.’”

Jeans and a Cute Top Shop is located at 34 E. First Street in Hinsdale, 630-964-4661, jeansandacutetopshop.com.

Jill Card, owner of Jeans and a Cute Top Shop

SMILES: A SPECIAL DOG’S LEGACY

WORDS BY MITCH HURST PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR

When she adopted her dog, an American bulldog named Rocky, Molly Akers had no idea how important a companion he would turn out to be.

A few years after she adopted him, Akers developed a rare form of neck cancer; at the same time, she was also misdiagnosed with breast cancer. The harrowing experience marked her calling as a tireless advocate for patients’ rights.

Akers, whose background is in marketing and public relations, has undergone 15 operations in 15 years. She has testified on behalf of medical reform in front of governing bodies in Springfield and in Washington D.C., and made numerous appearances on national television (Oprah, The Today Show) to discuss the issue of medical misdiagnosis.

“These opportunities kept happening to me, things like Oprah telling Dr. Oz to remind me my experiences mattered,” Akers says. “I felt like a modern-day Forrest Gump, but I wasn’t entirely sure what to do with all of these experiences at the time. I just kept going.”

As part of her recovery, Akers took up running and ran the Boston Marathon the year before a terrorist bomb struck race participants. The year after the bombing, she ran the race in support of Martin Richard, the youngest victim of the attack.

Through it all, Akers relied on the support of family, friends, her two children, and Rocky.

“Rocky was basically my therapy dog without me realizing it,” she says. “For all intents and purposes, he was perfect and was always by my side without me having to ask. Everyone loved him. My neighbors used to call me and ask me if they could borrow him for a while.”

When Rocky passed away, Akers and her daughter put together a Shutterfly slideshow of photos in memory of their late dog. They received so many positive comments that the project became a book, Life Lessons from the World’s Happiest Dog

It was Rocky’s unique circular tail wag—what Akers would come to learn is known as a “propeller” wag—that inspired her

to launch a new business.

“The wag is reserved for extremely special people in the eyes of a dog,” she explains. “It’s a true sign of unconditional love.”

Propeller Wags was born to show someone how special they are, and to let them know that they are not alone. The business offers greeting cards and gifts for special occasions such as Valentine’s Day and birthdays—or they can be an everyday reminder to loved ones that they matter.

It’s the perfect way to use Rocky’s legacy to bring cheer to others.

“I wanted to build connections through the eyes of a dog,” she says. “The world is so connected electronically but we have such a lack of human connection.”

In particular, Akers started Propeller Wags to lift up those who might be lonely.

“My experience being involved with cancer survivors made me ask what my long-game message should be,” says Akers. “More than 60 million Americans point to loneliness as a key factor in their unhappiness. What if you’re that person? How do you get up and get involved in a club, for example. Propeller Wags says, ‘You are special.’”

Akers refers to the moment someone receives a Propeller Wags card or gift as a “goosebump” moment. Gifts are packaged in a red “happy” box with Propeller Wag stickers.

“We’re not trying to reinvent anything,” she says. “We’re just trying to provide a good moment. We want to make you smile and be more comfortable asking for help.”

Propeller Wags is available at propellerwags.com.

Propeller Wags in Hinsdale uses Rocky’s remarkable life to offer cards and gifts that bring cheer and smiles.

Molly Akers, owner of Propeller Wags

SCULPTING CONFIDENCE

WORDS BY MITCH HURST PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR

Contours of Hinsdale owner Katrina Kern never could have imagined that her status as a breast cancer survivor would lead to a new profession. But in 2016, as she was preparing to undergo chemotherapy, she learned of a new FDA-approved cryotherapy procedure that minimized hair loss. Kern gave it a try and was amazed by the results. Through a stressful period of fear and isolation, the chance to preserve her hair was a small victory that kept her spirits up.

Kern saw a parallel between cryotherapy and a separate treatment she tried years earlier: CoolSculpting, a FDAapproved procedure that freezes and kills unwanted fat cells. Undergoing the treatment herself affirmed the idea of offering CoolSculpting in Chicago’s Western Suburbs.

Few will deny the benefits of diet and exercise on both mind and body. But as we age, we have bulges of fat that simply won’t go away regardless of how many hours we spend on the treadmill or how many healthy meals we eat. CoolSculpting is designed to remove those stubborn pockets that inevitably develop over time.

“I never want to push anything that I don’t believe in or that I don’t want or need,” Kern says. “I thought if this works, this is what I want to do.”

Her ultimate goal is to instill confidence and hope in her patients—and she has the firsthand experience to support this.

“Everybody is beautiful and I just want them to feel better about themselves,” she says. “It’s about building confidence that can pour into other aspects of their lives.”

Many medical spas may offer CoolSculpting services, but Contours of Hinsdale is one of only a few facilities in the country—and the only one in Illinois—to focus exclusively on this noninvasive procedure. This allows her staff to excel at what

they do and stay patient-focused.

“A lot of places have the technology, but this is all we do, day in and day out,” says Kern. “Our clients can feel confident about going through the procedure.”

Staff members have attended an on-site training program at Allergan headquarters (manufacturers of the CoolSculpting device) in Pleasanton, California, and a board certified physician serves as an in-house medical director. Countours is also a CoolSculpting Certified practice, meaning the entire team has undergone all of the proper training and earned their credentials to specialize in the treatment.

Kern started her practice in a rented room in a spa and then opened her current, stand-alone office two years ago. It’s a place where clients can feel at home.

“We create a very unintimidating place to get free consultations and make sure people are the right candidates, can receive a proper assessment, and get the results they are seeking,” she says.

CoolSculpting is relatively affordable, and due to its noninvasive nature there is little downtime and few side-effects. Contours offers zero-percent financing options, and the results are long-term and permanent.

With a primarily female clientele (Kern stresses there are male patients, too), Contours partners with other local, womenowned businesses, including nurses and estheticians, to crosspromote. Call it a network of self-care.

“We all work together to help women feel more comfortable with their bodies,” Kern says.

Contours of Hinsdale offers noninvasive procedures to tackle those stubborn pockets of fat that diet and exercise won’t.

Contours of Hinsdale is located at 111 Chicago Avenue, Suite 200, in Hinsdale, 630-207-7055, contoursofhinsdale.com.

Katrina Kern, owner of Contours of Hinsdale

A Special ‘ Thank You’ …

The Oak Brook Chapter has become synonymous with its seasonal fundraisers, the Preview Party, held on December 2nd and Mistletoe Medley on December 3rd. Many guests tell us they regard them as beloved holiday traditions, as do we, of course.

Thanks to our loyal IWS “friends and family,” both events were very successful!

In all, over 1,000 guests attended, and the Chapter raised significant money for the Angel Harvey Family Health Center of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago.

We are fortunate to have the outstanding support of our attendees, donors, sponsors, Program Book advertisers, raffle prize contributors, and friends. Put most simply,

we could not continue our proud Mistletoe Medley tradition without them!

We also send sincere thanks to our 67 members whose hard work and commitment bring these fundraisers to fruition. Ours is a nearly-year-long endeavor and one we embrace wholeheartedly. The money we raise helps the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago bring the gifts of medical care and healing to children and families in need.

The Oak Brook Chapter is blessed to have the overwhelming support of our “friends and family” in this community and beyond. It is their contributions, in whatever form they take, that enable us to make a difference in the lives of the tens of thousands of patients we serve each year.

With our sincere appreciation,

The holidays may have come and gone, but the Oak Brook Chapter’s memories of them remain “merry and bright.”

On behalf of the entire Oak Brook Chapter, we wish you and yours a happy and healthy New Year!

The Oak Brook Chapter of the Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago

ONE LAST THING

Conductor JONATHAN MILLER is the artistic director and CEO of Sounds Good!, a choral organization for adults over the age of 55. Eleven choirs—located throughout Chicago and its suburbs—welcome people of every skill level to sing under the direction of professional artists. The nonprofit also includes an offshoot, the Good Memories Choir, where members with early-stage memory loss sing together with their care partners and volunteers. Miller studied mathematics and music at the University of Chicago and holds a Ph.D. in historical musicology from UNC-Chapel Hill. But don’t let his serious credentials intimidate you—his approach to music is playful and inclusive. A cantor and leader in Jewish choral music, Miller composes a series of holiday tunes he calls “Wacky Christmas Carols.” When he’s not having fun with his work, he serves as an auctioneer for charity events and volunteers as a homelessshelter team leader. Here are a few of his most notable lasts:

EDITED BY BY DEBBIE LEE ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT RISKO

LAST GREAT CONCERT YOU ATTENDED?

When I was visiting Washington, DC in early November, I saw a wonderful performance by the Washington Bach Consort.

LAST GREAT ALBUM YOU PURCHASED?

I subscribe to Apple Music, and when I need to concentrate (or when I’m feeding the dogs early in the morning), I like Baroque instrumental music. The last album I downloaded was a set of early concertos by Telemann, which I heard at the [aforementioned] DC show.

LAST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCE? A recent thrill was having 100 Sounds Good! singers leading the caroling at Cloud Gate, otherwise known as the Bean, in Millennium Park.

LAST MEANINGFUL

FEEDBACK

YOU RECEIVED? A singer in Good Memories told us recently that her cognitive decline has actually started reversing—meaning that her cognitive abilities are now improving and she can function and remember things better—since she joined the choir a year ago. That was about as meaningful as it gets. Another singer told us she noticed that she was getting short of breath while walking down the street, even just for a block; she has been in Sounds Good for three years, and at some point, she decided to try the breathing exercises we use in rehearsal to see if she could use that same technique in her everyday life. Sure enough, it worked.

LAST GREAT MUSICAL TALENT YOU DISCOVERED? Ren Baldwin is our Sounds Good conductor in St. Joseph, Michigan. He’s a great musician and a superb human being.