Sheridan Road, April 2023

Who We Are

At Fifth Third Private Bank, we’re here to help write your story. We’re an exclusive part of Fifth Third Bank, a diversified financial institution and one of the largest money managers in the Midwest. As a bank within a bank, Fifth Third Private Bank leverages the resources of a top financial institution to deliver a premium level of service to our clients. We’re here to provide personalized guidance every step of the way. This is your story, and we’re here to help ensure the best is yet to come.

Highly Credentialed Team

We bring more than 160 years of experience as trusted advisors to high net worth and ultra-high net worth individuals, families and businesses. Our collaborative approach gives you access to a full team of dedicated professionals who provide a uniquely tailored suite of financial services. With over $32 Billion in managed assets, we’ve been named one of the World’s Best Private Banks by Global Finance for four consecutive years.

Holistic Financial Planning

We believe that the best way to serve you starts by looking beyond the numbers. We take the time to understand what you want to achieve—both personally and financially. Then we build a custom plan designed to meet these needs today, tomorrow and for future generations. We’ll also work with your other trusted advisors to help ensure that we make coordinated financial decisions.

Comprehensive Wealth Solutions

From sophisticated wealth planning to custom investment advice and management, to lending, and trust services, our local team is committed to bringing together a comprehensive strategy that helps you and your family meet your financial goals. Our solutions and services are made to address complex financial needs, and provide the utmost flexibility to help meet your personal wealth management goals as they evolve over time.

SUSAN MAMAN

Enjoy

Source: BrokerMetrics LLC, Closed Sales Volume, All Property Types; Northfield, Deerfield, Kenilworth, Lake Forest, Glenview, Lake Bluff, Highland Park, Evanston, Wilmette, Glencoe, Northbrook & Winnetka, 01/01/2022 – 12/31/2022

© 2022 Michael Bennett Homes LLC

CONTENTS

APRIL 2023

FEATURES

LATIN BEAUTY

Perla Long of PerlaRose Beauty—a line of curated clean cosmetics reflecting the vibrancy, color, and spirit of Latin America—brings the concept of “Latin beauty” to the North American market.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

Marketing pro turned sustainability specialist, Christine Montenegro McGrath is committed to the big picture.

THE YEAR OF THE FARM

Kirbey Rogic is reaping what she sows at the helm of a thriving and sustainable Flower House and Farm in the heart of Highland Park.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

The Alliance for the Great Lakes works to preserve and protect one of our most essential natural resources.

WALLED LAKE FLOWS TO HIGHLAND PARK

Walled Lake—a financial planning and wealth management firm—brightens up the corner of Second and Elm Place by rebuilding an old restaurant location into a beautiful high-tech office space.

AN ENCHANTED GARDEN

Tour several North Shore extraordinary outdoor spaces.

DEPARTMENTS

Perla Long of PerlaRose Beauty featured in Latin Beauty, wearing Giorgio Armani Collection, Neiman Marcus

Photography by Katrina Wittkamp, styling by Theresa DeMaria, hair & makeup by Cammy Kelly

Kirbey Rogic of The Flower House and Farm featured in The Year of the Farm, wearing Zimmerman dress, Saks Fifth Avenue, and LAMARQUE ostrich feather jacket, Neiman Marcus

Photography by Katrina Wittkamp, styling by Theresa DeMaria, hair & makeup by Eliza Fisher

Thinking of selling?

Founder & Publisher

Editor-in-Chief

Associate Publisher

Contributing Editors

Senior Fashion Editor

Style Editor

Contributing Writers

RECENTLY SOLD

Art Director

Production Manager/ Graphic Designer

Senior Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers

Social Media Director

Contributing Photographers

Contributing Illustrator

Administrative Assistant

Advertising Sales Advisory Council

J.W. CONATSER

DUSTIN O’REGAN

JENNIFER STURGEON

MORGAN HOGERTY, MEGAN WEISBERG

THERESA DEMARIA

ALLISON DUNCAN

THOMAS CONNORS, RONI NEUMANN, MONICA KASS ROGERS, ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER, SHERRY THOMAS

JORDAN WILLIAMS

LINDA LEWIS

AMIN QUTTEINEH

CHRIS GEIMER

REDDING WORTH

JAMES GUSTIN, JACK PERNO, MARIA PONCE, LISA SCIASCIA, MONICA KASS ROGERS, KATRINA WITTKAMP

ROBERT RISKO

CHEYANNE LENCIONI

GRETCHEN BARNARD

RAHEELA ANWAR, EILEEN BENNIN, RENEE CROWN, JEFFREY EISERMAN, MAUREEN GRINNELL, DANA HUGHES, JOYCE BRUCE JIARAS, JILL KATZ, LEXIE KNOX, YOANNA KULAS, ARTHUR MILLER, MEREDITH MITCHELL, SANDRA CASPARRIELLO, RONI MOORE NEUMANN, IBBY PINSKY, AND MONIQUE WATTS

How to reach Sheridan Road

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES: 847-370-6940 / JENNIFER@JWCMEDIA.COM

GENERAL INQUIRIES: 847-926-0911 / INFO@JWCMEDIA.COM

ON THE WEB: SHERIDANRD.COM

671 ACADEMY DRIVE, NORTHBROOK, IL 60062

Sheridan Road is published 10 times annually by JWC Media.

JWC Media accepts freelance contributions; however, there is no guarantee that unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or graphics will be returned. All rights to the contents of this magazine are owned in full by JWC Media. Sheridan Road may not be reproduced in whole or in part, including but not limited to advertisements and articles, without written permission from the publisher. Sheridan Road assumes no responsibility for statements made or opinions expressed by contributing writers, editors, or advertisers. However, comments or corrections or differing opinions are welcomed. The publisher reserves the right to edit and place all editorials and ads. © 2023 JWC Media

EDITOR’S NOTE

THIS MONTH I WILL BE

READING

ATTENDING

April’s raindrops and rainbows always transform my mind’s palette from winter neutrals to vivid hues. Those thoughts led to an issue bursting with colorful stories accompanied by gorgeous images. Our cover feature highlights Perla Long of PerlaRose Beauty—a company offering luxuriously clean cosmetics that capture the spirit of Latin America. Our second feature introduces Christine Montenegro McGrath, Chief Impact & Sustainability Officer for snack giant Mondelēz International. Chris focuses on sustainable farming methods and minimizing environmental impact one acre at a time. Moving from cocoa farms to greenhouses, our third feature presents Kirbey Rogic, owner of The Flower House and Farm—a full-service floral design space specializing in unique, lush designs. Diving into our fourth feature, we catch up with Charlie and Joyce Solberg who share their passion for the Alliance for the Great Lakes and what the organization does to protect our waters. Our fifth feature introduces Howard Klieger and Noel Cooper of Walled Lake, a wealth management and financial planning firm. Howard reveals the history behind Walled Lake’s new Highland Park office and the meaning behind the firm’s name. We round out the features with a visual feast of local landscapes—perfect inspiration for the upcoming season of all things outdoors.

the stage, Trending showcases Writers Theatre’s new director, Braden Abraham, who shares how he stays current between curtain calls.

Venturing West, First Class takes us to the mountains of Montana for a stay at the Triple Creek Ranch. Heading to Lake Geneva, Home Tour explores a lakeside manse designed by Studio Gild.

Parting Words sits down with Emily Weber, Director of Programs and Community Investment for the Lake County Community Foundation. She explains the collaborative website resource that helps people find locally grown food and support local farmers. Cheers to farmto-table dining all spring and summer long!

Enjoy April as raindrops will give way to roses soon enough.

WEARING

Swapping blooms for canvases, Art & Artist highlights the healing art of Diane Tang. Her riveting work will take your breath away. Heading to

DUSTIN O’REGAN Editor-in-Chief dustin@jwcmedia.com

Follow Sheridan Road on Instagram: @sheridanrdmag

Chloé Woody Denim tote bag, modaoperandi. com featured in The DO List

An Enchanted Garden feature

Water, Water Everywhere feature.

Photography by Lloyd Degrane

Razny’s Wedding Band Event and excited to see all the freshly engaged couples!

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson

Vintage earrings from Arch, Winnetka

Saloni H unter B ell

An image from Newsworthy’s A Year in the Edible Garden:

Guide to Growing and Harvesting Vegetables, Herbs, and Edible Flowers by Sarah Raven ©Jonathan Buckley, ©Rizzoli 2023. rizzoliusa.com

SAVE the DATE

Sheridan Road provides the North Shore’s comprehensive social calendar.

APRIL 13 – APRIL 16

EXPO CHICAGO

WHERE: Navy Pier Festival Hall

The International Exposition of Contemporary & Modern Art features leading international galleries alongside the highest quality platform for contemporary art and culture. This year EXPO CHICAGO will host more than 140 leading international exhibitors. The exposition draws upon the city’s rich history as a vibrant and international cultural destination while engaging the region’s contemporary art community and collector base. expochicago.com

APRIL 14 – APRIL 16

RAZNY WEDDING BAND WEEKEND

WHERE: Razny Jewelers, Highland Park

Razny Jewelers presents Chicagoland’s most anticipated bridal jewelry event of the season. Shop the area’s largest collection of women’s and men’s wedding bands from the bridal industry’s top designers. razny.com

APRIL 14 – APRIL 16

AMERICAN BALLET THEATRE

WHERE: Auditorium Theatre

American Ballet Theatre, widely considered one of the greatest dance companies in the world, returns to the Auditorium Theatre with a diverse mixed rep program featuring both classics and contemporary works, in three performances. Two works will have Chicago premieres: Christopher Rudd’s Touché (2022), the company’s first all-male pas de deux, and Jessica Lang’s ZigZag (2021), featuring a soundtrack of songs sung by

EDITED BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

Tony Bennett with a special duet with Lady Gaga, in addition to Alexei Ratmansky’s Songs of Bukovina (2017), and Clark Tippet’s Some Assembly Required (1989). auditoriumtheatre.org

APRIL 14

PAWS FOR A CAUSE

WHERE: Writers Theatre, Glencoe

Paws for Patrick hosts its first Spring Gala with an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and music from The Samples. During the event, you will have the opportunity to bid on both live and silent auctions. Paws for Patrick is a nonprofit organization dedicated to connecting young people to emotional support animals and therapy dogs to aid them as they live with mental illness. pawsforpatrick.org

APRIL 15

BRIGHT FUTURES

WHERE: Lincolnshire Marriott Resort

The Boys & Girls Club of Lake County’s annual Bright Futures Gala will be a night of impact. Connect with others who are passionate about seeing youth feel confident, dream big, and fulfill their potential during a night of cocktails, delicious food, music, a live auction, and more. Funds raised will be used to illuminate pathways to opportunity and help youth and families in Lake County succeed. bgclc.org/brightfutures

APRIL – SEPTEMBER

VIOLINS OF HOPE

WHERE: Various locations

Beginning in April, Jewish Community Centers of Chicago (JCC Chicago) is proud to

present Violins of Hope, an initiative that showcases Jewish stories of resilience, resistance, and unity through the power of musical performance. This six-month initiative showcases a private collection of 70 lovingly restored violins, played by Jewish musicians before and during the Holocaust, that will appear across Illinois for cultural exhibitions, performances, and community education. jccchicago.org

APRIL 23 – AUGUST 26

DESTINATION/EL DESTINO

WHERE: Hyde Park Art Center Hyde Park Art Center presents Puerto Rican artist, educator, and community organizer Edra

Soto’s largest exhibition to date, Destination/El Destino: a decade of GRAFT. Rooted in themes of cultural hybridity, the exhibition uses the Art Center’s indoor/ outdoor main gallery to feature a new large-scale commission of the artist’s GRAFT series with porous sculptures, documentary photographs, drawings, and games. hydeparkart.org

APRIL 27

KERFUFFLE!

WHERE: Morgan Manufacturing, Chicago

The ChiArts Foundation’s annual benefit supports the Music, Theatre, Dance, Creative Writing, and Visual Arts conservatories at The Chicago High School for the Arts. The evening includes cocktails, dinner, and exciting performances celebrating the ChiArts’ public, tuition-free, and pre-professional arts conservatories that serve more than 600 students.

Arnett Faulkner and Amisha Rigia chair this year’s fun-filled

fête. chiartsfoundation.org

APRIL 28

HPDS ANNUAL GALA

WHERE: Bryn Mawr Country Club, Lincolnwood Hyde Park Day School is celebrating its annual gala with a festive event co-chaired by Jo Aaron, Aimee Davis, and Kari Darmstadter. Guests of “The Stars Are Out at HPDS” will enjoy cocktails, dinner, and a silent and live auction. Funds raised will support the Bright Futures Scholarship Fund. 2023hpdsgala.givesmart.com

APRIL 28

ANIMAL MAGNETISM

WHERE: Morgan Manufacturing, Chicago

PAWS Chicago Professional Board hosts the social event of the season. This West Loop event welcomes more than 650 professionals, animal lovers, and their canine companions for a night of food, drink, dancing, entertainment, and a fabulous auction. pawschicago.org

APRIL 28 – 29

RAGDALE’S NOVEL AFFAIR

WHERE: Shoreacres and Ragdale

Ragdale’s 15th Annual Novel Affair will bring together established and emerging writers, an accomplished poet, a storied music photographer, and guests for two evenings of creativity and support of the region’s most prominent artists’ residency. ragdale.org

APRIL 29

THE 31ST ART OF CARING

WHERE: Exmoor Country Club, Highland Park

The Women’s Board of Catholic Charities, Lake County Services celebrates its 31st Art of Caring event with cocktails, a program, dinner, entertainment, and dancing. Mary Margaret “Buffy” Rock will be awarded posthumously The Irene Leahy McMahon Award, which will be received by her husband, Dr. Rick Rock, and family. All funds raised benefit the programs and services of Catholic Charities in Lake County. catholiccharities. net/events/art-of-caring

MAY 1

RUSH SPRING LUNCHEON

WHERE: Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago

Two-time Academy Award winner Geena Davis will keynote the Rush Woman’s Board’s 28th annual Spring Luncheon, a beloved tradition that has featured such prominent speakers as Secretary of State Madeleine Albright and First Lady Laura Bush. In addition to being one of Hollywood’s most respected actors, Davis is also an author and the founder of Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. More than 400 guests

AGENDA

are expected to attend this highly anticipated event, the proceeds of which will benefit community engagement and medical research programs at Rush. thewomansboard.org

MAY 4

CABARET DES ARTS

WHERE: Arts Club of Chicago

The Alliance Française Chicago celebrates spring with cabaret music and a French flair. One of the oldest cultural institutions in the city, the Alliance Française was founded in 1897 with the mandate to promote French culture in Chicago. af-chicago.org/cabaret-des-arts/

MAY 5

TAC ANNUAL SPRING BENEFIT

WHERE: The Art

Center Highland Park

An interactive evening of art, cocktails, light bites, art demonstrations, and a silent auction to benefit The Art Center Highland Park’s galleries, art classes, scholarships, and communitybuilding events produced all year round by TAC. The evening includes a DJ, a celebrity host,

and the opening of The Passion Project exhibit featuring several cutting-edge artists. theartcenterhp.org

MAY 6

WORDPLAY GALA

WHERE: Four Seasons Hotel, Chicago Writers Theatre hosts its annual WordPlay Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago with the theme, “It Takes Two.” The spirited evening, full of performances, dinner, and fundraising is co-chaired by Nicole Elipas Doherty and Sonia Smith-Evans. The evening’s honorees are Thomas Hodges and Christopher Knight. Surely an evening to “write” home about. writerstheatre.org

MAY 6 – JUNE 4

LAKE FOREST SHOWHOUSE & GARDENS

WHERE: A 9-acre Lake Forest Estate

The Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens will return this spring offering visitors a chance to experience the best in interior and landscape design. More than 35 designers will reimagine a

multi-building estate designed by Walter Frazier. On May 8, a lecture and luncheon will take place featuring Showhouse honorary chairs Ashley Whittaker and Timothy Whealon in conversation with Emma Bazilian, the author of Schumacher’s new book Charm School For nearly 40 years the Lake Forest Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society has produced the showhouse to raise funds for the medically underserved in Chicago. lakeforestshowhouse.com

MAY 9

WOMEN IN SCIENCE LUNCHEON

WHERE: Field Museum, Chicago

The Women’s Board of the Field Museum will welcome Dr. Karen Oberhauser, the Director of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Arboretum. Dr. Oberhauser will speak about the impact of climate change on monarch butterflies and her passion for conserving the world’s biodiversity. Proceeds support opportunities for women in science at many stages in their careers. fieldmuseum.org

Expo Chicago 2022. Image Courtesy Of Expo Chicago. Photography by Justin Barbin

SEASONABLY CURATED

ARCH, a Winnetka boutique embraces change. It’s why with every new season the store transforms to create a new experience with a point of view that’s uniquely Arch. Fresh items, textures, scents, and events are all curated and edited under a contextual theme. With spring upon us, Arch is inviting everyone to “Get Back To Nature.” Discover new arrivals in vintage garden planters, pedestals, furniture, and faux bois gorgeousness. Hydrate and nourish your skin with their ever-growing botanical apothecary and create the freshest, most beautiful floral arrangements through their new collaboration with Winnetka’s Backyard Flower Lab. It’s spring, and you never know what’s going to pop up at Arch. Arch is located at 913 Green Bay Road in Winnetka, for more information visit archglow.com.

AN EDIBLE GARDEN

A YEAR IN THE EDIBLE GARDEN: A MONTH-BYMONTH GUIDE TO GROWING AND HARVESTING VEGETABLES, HERBS, AND EDIBLE FLOWERS by Sarah Raven is a beautifully photographed guide celebrating the endless possibilities of the vegetable patch. As an international gardening and cooking expert, Raven shares her wealth of knowledge about how to have a bountiful—and beautiful—kitchen garden. With the belief that we should all grow more of what we eat, she imparts her experience on making the most of any outdoor space along with sage advice about the best things to grow and harvest easily and efficiently along with their culinary uses. The varieties highlighted are accessible but Raven also includes many flavorful heirlooms as well as rarities difficult to find in markets. Everything Raven does is strictly organic and focused on growing the freshest, healthiest, and tastiest produce without resorting to artificial inputs or chemicals. For more information about A Year in the Edible Garden: A Month-by-Month Guide to Growing and Harvesting Vegetables, Herbs, and Edible Flowers ©Rizzoli 2023, visit rizzoliusa.com.

SNACK CLEANLY

CHIA LEAH CLEAN EATS

fuels the body and promotes a healthy lifestyle through nutritious and delicious snacks and treats. Wilmette native and certified health coach, Leah Bostrom, started her health coaching business in 2015. After a few years of creating healthy and personalized recipes for her clients, she noticed a gap in the market for clean, great-tasting snacks. In 2018, Bostrom and her husband, Bill, joined forces with a dynamic team and Chia Leah Clean Eats was born. A graduate of Chicago’s Good Food Accelerator and member of The Hatchery Chicago (a nonprofit food and beverage incubator), Chia Leah’s snack line is sold to more than 40 retail partners. Recently, the company opened a larger production facility and a grab-n-go storefront in Wilmette offering all of Chia Leah’s products as well as weekly specials. Bostrom’s passion for great nutrition and healthy living is at the core of everything the company produces. All Chia Leah snacks are vegan, gluten-free, and contain no preservatives or refined sugars. For more information, visit chialeah.com, follow on Instagram @chialeah, or visit 3217 Lake Avenue in Wilmette.

© Jonathan Buckley; book copyright A YEAR IN THE EDIBLE GARDEN:

GUIDE TO GROWING AND HARVESTING VEGETABLES, HERBS, AND EDIBLE FLOWERS by Sarah Raven © Rizzoli, 2023

Leah Bostrom

EDITOR’S SELECTS

EDITED BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

ANOTHER TOMORROW EXAGGERATED BIB BLOUSE AND DOPPIO WIDE LEG PANT anothertomorrow.co

VINTAGE TASSEL LARIAT NECKLACE 1960S Arch, Winnetka, archglow.com

ANOTHER TOMORROW CONVERTIBLE TRENCH anothertomorrow.co

CHLOÉ WOODY DENIM TOTE BAG modaoperandi.com

ANOTHER TOMORROW DOPPIO WIDE LEG PANT anothertomorrow.co

CHLOÉ NAMA NEOPRENE PLATFORM SANDAL modaoperandi.com

ANOTHER TOMORROW CONVERTIBLE TRENCH anothertomorrow.co

ANOTHERTOMORROW BIAS BELTED DRESS anothertomorrow.co

As a nod to Earth day, these are my favorite finds with sustainability in mind.

SHORE CITY

COLLEEN LEVITZ, a physical therapy genius, has been working her magic for more than 20 years, the last 14 at Northbrook’s Rebound Fitness and Rehabilitation. Setting goals for herself and her clients and putting in the work to achieve them is cathartic for Levitz, who lives by the adage “an ounce of prevention is worth a ton of cure.” With her passion for health and helping others, she strives to get clients back to what they enjoy doing most—be it swinging a racquet or a club. Setting aside her strengthening bands, Levitz shares her city and shore favorites with Sheridan Road.

EDITED BY JULIA PAULMAN

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

HAIR & MAKEUP BY CATHLEEN HEALY

What’s on the horizon? Spring! The warmer temperatures mean folks will get back on their bikes, take to the field, or walk to work or school. It’s always energizing to see more people out and about Mantra? You do you. I’ll do me Best grooming tip? A good night’s sleep Guilty pleasure? Silly Bravo reality TV like Southern Charm Favorite foods? Filet mignon, a good chopped salad, chocolate chip cookies Music you love? I lean more country these days but love any song with a nostalgic memory Best advice ever given to you? Anything worth doing, is worth doing well Best advice you’ve given? Try not to worry about the things you cannot control Earliest memory? Feeling loved When you wake up, you? Have a cup of coffee, make lunches, and get everyone off to start their day Before bed, you? Decompress with something lighthearted on TV What’s on your bookshelf? The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles and Atomic Habits by James

Clear You can’t live without? My family Love to escape to? Nantucket, St. John, Capri—there’s something about islands Advice you would give to your younger self? It’s going to go faster than you think. Appreciate all the moments along the way

ON THE SHORE IN THE CITY

Your style is? Sporty Can’t leave the house without? My phone, “sunnies,” lip shine Transportation? The requisite Suburban Utility Vehicle Driving music? Surfing the presets: Country Radio, The Mix, or 104.3 Jams Place to eat? Abigail’s, the bar at Pomeroy—it’s like dinner and a show Shop? Bunny & Babe, Valentina Best thing about the Shore? It’s a wonderful place to raise a family Worst thing about the Shore?

It’s a little homogeneous The perfect day is? An active morning (Bar Method or paddle tennis), lunch with girlfriends, a long walk with the dog, a nice dinner with my family, topped off with a good glass of red wine

Your style is? Tailored, updated classic Can’t leave the house without? A logistical plan of attack and my phone Transportation? Uber or Metra Driving music? NPR, podcasts (The Daily or Club Random with Bill Maher) Place to eat? Le Select or Rose Mary Shop? Bopping in and out of the shops on Oak Street Best thing about the City? The variety of options for everything from dining to entertainment Worst thing about the City? Crime The perfect day is? Checking out an exhibit at an art museum, lunch along the river to take in all the sights, spa appointments at The Peninsula, dinner at a new restaurant or an old favorite

Colleen Levitz wearing Oscar de La Renta white flower sundress, Neiman Marcus

Nantucket

Le Select

Bunny & Babe

100+ EVENTS JUNE 6 – SEPTEMBER 10

CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA • MARIN ALSOP

Claire Bourg

Glenn Zaleski

• Ravenna Lipchik

• Dan Chmielinski

Ruth Page Civic Ballet

Jumaane Taylor

• Rannveig Marta Sarc

• Kenneth Salters

• DanceWorks Chicago

• Tiny Habits

Michael Stephen Brown

Sean Shibe

• Jacob Collier

• Alexander Hersh

• Michael Feinstein

• Greg Ward

• Jean-Yves Thibaudet

• Deeply Rooted Dance Theater

• Lawrence

• Ravinia Jazz Scholars

• Melody Gardot

Ralph’s World

Santana

• Glory Days

• Summer League

• Miriam Fried

Alessio Bax

• Ms. Lauryn Hill

• Chicago

• Pat Metheny

• Counting Crows

• Charlie Puth

• Mark Steinberg

• Straight No Chaser

Chicago Philharmonic

Miko Marks

Paul Appleby

• Hedwig Dances

• Arnaud Sussman

• Karim Sulayman

• Dashboard Confessional

• Jesse & Joy

• Paul Biss

• Ambrosia

• Jonathan Rush

• Jorge Federico Osorio

• Kim Kashkashian

• Marcy Rosen

• National Seminario Ravinia Orchestra

• Apollo’s Fire

• Chicago Symphony Chorus

• Ryan Speedo Green

Senn High School Choir

Trinity UCC Choir

• John Fogerty

• Janai Brugger

• Adrian Dunn Singers

• Heather Headley

• Sasha Cooke

• Hearty Har

• Ashley Dixon

• Ayodele Drum & Dance

• Ravinia Lawndale Family Music School

• Ariel Quartet

• Henry Kramer

• Valentina Peleggi

Gabriela Montero

• Natalia Lafourcade

• Alexis Lombre

• Ravinia Jazz Scholars Alumni Maria Schneider Orchestra

• Rebirth Brass Band

• Danish String Quartet Mei - Ann Chen

• Jeremy Denk

• Ted Sperling

• Andréa Burns

• Morgan James Capathia Jenkins

• Laurie Berkner

• Jason Mraz

• Elvin Bishop & Charlie Musselwhite Apollo Chorus of Chicago

• Matthew Polenzani

• Joshua Hopkins  • Kathryn Lewek David Leigh

• Christian Sanders

• Tiffany Choe

• Taylor Raven

• Diana Newman Adam Lau

• Yunchan Lim

• Special Consensus

• Jonathon Heyward

• Maxim Vengerov Teddy Abrams

• Jeffrey Kahane

Kevin Murphy

• Lee Mills

The Dark Side of the Moon )

• Ailyn Pérez

• Rufus Wainwright  • Opera for the Young Classic Albums Live (Pink Floyd’s

• Joshua Weilerstein

Yacht Rock Revue

• Alisa Weilerstein

• George Stelluto

• Lara Downes

• Jethro Tull

• Kenny Loggins

• Nicole Cabell  • Buddy Guy

George Benson  • Okee Dokee Brothers  • Boyz II Men  • The Isley Brothers  • Misha Dichter

Disney Encanto In Concert

Parmalee

• Thiago Tiberio • Jurassic Park In Concert • Scott Terrell • Train

• Brandi Carlile

• Carrie Underwood

• Jory Vinikour

• Tessa Lark  • Shakti

• The Chicago Black Dance Legacy Project  • Billy Childs • Kurt Elling • Rufus Reid Steve Wilson  • Sara Caswell  • Christian Euman  • Black Oak Ensemble  • DJ Derrick Carter DJ Michael Serafini • DJ Garrett David • Lucy Stoole • Jojo Baby • Nico • Reik … AND MORE!

Béla Fleck

Early access to live music—

you give it by donating to Ravinia and our education programs; you get it with the ticket presale only for Ravinia supporters. Benefits start with a $100 gift to the nonprofit Ravinia Festival.

Access tickets early!

See more ravinia.org/ AnnualFund

DESIGN TIME

EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELANIE ACEVEDO

Produced by the Lake Forest Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society, the Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens is recognized as one of the finest decorator showhouses in the country. Back after an almost three-year hiatus, the excitement surrounding the volunteer-run showhouse is at an all-time high. This year’s showhouse takes place in a red brick Georgian-style home designed by architect William Frazier. The more than 9-acre property includes a 16-room main house, a 7-room coach house, and a gentleman’s outbuilding. While hundreds of designers were interviewed, just a fraction were formally accepted and assigned a space to design. New York City-based designers and friends Ashley Whittaker and Timothy Whealon, honorary showhouse chairs, are flying in for a not-to-be-missed keynote lecture, luncheon, and book signing moderated by Emma Bazilian, author of Charm School: The Schumacher Guide to Traditional Decorating for Today.

THE WHAT: The 19th Biennial Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens

THE WHO: Attendees eager to view the work of 35 of the nation’s finest interior and landscape designers

THE WHERE: A 9-acre Lake Forest estate

THE WHEN: Daily from May 6 through June 4, with a lecture and luncheon featuring honorary chairs Ashley Whittaker and Timothy Whealon on May 8

THE WHY: Experience the freshest ideas in interior and landscape design with the opportunity to “shop the showhouse” with all proceeds benefiting the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago

WEARING: Fashions influenced by interior design—think floral, stripes, and fabulous

For more information, visit lakeforestshowhouse.com.

Lake Forest Showhouse & Gardens Honorary Chair Ashley Whittaker

WEALTH MANAGEMENT

Trust and flexibility play a pivotal role in selecting the best wealth management firm.

For business owners and families who have accumulated substantial assets, choosing the right wealth management firm can significantly impact the growth and preservation of your assets and your family’s financial future. Appropriately chosen, your wealth management firm will be with you and your family for decades, helping to guide your financial strategy as you build, preserve and, ultimately, pass on your wealth.

Sound financial advice and long-term wealth stewardship are not commodities. The following are five key considerations to help you choose the right firm for you or in assessing the performance of your existing firm:

1. Do they take the time to listen and understand your needs and goals?

This is your journey, so before creating your unique plan, a wealth management advisor needs to understand what you are trying to accomplish and define your concerns. Your first meeting is about having a conversation to identify what’s important to you and your family. This is also the time when you can get a good sense of what the relationship might look like. Do you get a feeling of trust, integrity, and transparency?

2. Will they provide a personalized experience?

An important element in selecting the right firm is customization. Will the advisor develop a comprehensive wealth strategy specifically designed and personalized to your priorities and goals? Or will they try to fit you into a predesigned wealth plan or investment portfolio? Are they prepared to provide regular meetings and updates as often as you feel is necessary? Regular, in-person meetings can help ensure that your wealth strategy is adjusted for any changes in the markets, your business or employment, and your personal life status.

3. Assess the firm’s reputation, credibility, and client base. “Clients need to understand the type of advice offered and if a firm works for families with a similar wealth profile and source of wealth,” says Chip Flannagan, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Fifth Third Private Bank Chicago. “Does the firm have a strong track record of working with wealthy families and guiding them over several generations? You’ll also want to ask about the size of the firm’s assets under management. When a firm has billions of dollars under management in its wealth advisory division, that is a sign that the organization has been successfully investing funds for many years.”

Chip Flannagan

PHOTOGRAPHY JAMES GUSTIN

FIFTH THIRD BANK

Flannagan suggests asking about the firm’s other clients. A longstanding firm should have a list of clients who are willing to discuss their relationship with the firm. Be sure to contact current clients about their experience.

4. What is their investment management approach? A wealth management firm’s investment approach is a critical area to explore. Some fundamental questions to ask are:

• W hat is the firm’s investment philosophy?

• W hat type of research and due diligence does the firm engage?

• How are portfolios constructed and managed?

• W hat asset classes and investment choices are available?

• Does the firm utilize mutual funds or individual securities?

• Does it only offer internal/proprietary investment opportunities or is there access to outside managers?

• Is the investment approach customized to the client or model-based?

• W hat is the firm’s historical investment performance?

The answers will help you determine if your investment philosophies are aligned and if they offer a range of investment opportunities to meet your unique needs and goals.

5. Does the firm have the capabilities and expertise for all of your needs?

Flannagan advises clients to consider the firm’s capabilities beyond

of wealth management capabilities, including custom lending, tax strategy, estate planning, trust and fiduciary services, highnet-worth insurance solutions, and business transition planning. “Think of your wealth management advisor as your personal CFO,” Flannagan adds. “It’s difficult, almost impossible, for one individual to wear that many hats. So, he or she will likely need to bring in subject matter experts and specialists to properly serve all your needs.”

Therefore, it’s important to ask for details about the team your advisor can ultimately assemble to offer the comprehensive guidance necessary to execute your unique wealth management strategy. In most cases, these five considerations should help you define the capabilities you should be looking for when selecting a wealth management firm and finding the right fit for you and your family.

Fifth Third Bank does not provide tax, accounting or legal advice. Please contact your tax advisor, accountant or attorney for advice pertinent to your personal situation. This commentary is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute the rendering of investment advice or a specific recommendation on investment activities or trading. Fifth Third Private Bank is a division of Fifth Third Bank, National Association, which is an indirect subsidiary of Fifth Third Bancorp. Banking, investment and insurance products and services are offered through or made available by one or more of Fifth Third Bancorp’s indirect subsidiaries. Investments, investment services, and insurance: Are Not FDIC Insured | Offer No Bank Guarantee | May Lose Value | Are Not Insured By Any Federal Government Agency | Are Not A Deposit Insurance

Elton Rhino Rug

CHOOSING THE RIGHT HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE TO FIT YOUR NEEDS

Whether you own a family home in the suburbs, a vacation home on the coast, a brownstone or a condominium in the city, no one ever wants to see that home damaged. But losses happen to cherished homes all the time—from weather, accidents, fires, and more.

In fact, according to insurance claim data from Chubb, a premium personal lines insurer, the number one source of property damage to homes is water from non-weather-related events. Leaking pipes, broken appliances like washers or dishwashers, and backed-up sewers and drains are some of the most frequent claims they see in which homes are damaged and in need of repair or restoration.

Regardless of how your home is damaged, however, the terms and conditions of your homeowner’s insurance can impact your plans for restoring the home to pre-loss condition.

Not all insurance is alike.

While standard insurance may be suitable for some, successful individuals and families with high-value homes and other assets, may need higher limits and tailored coverage not available through all insurers. Premium homeowner’s insurers will often provide coverage for the little details of a home that standard insurers might not.

If you own an older home, you may need premium insurance even more, as older homes often have unique details and surfaces that are difficult to find and install or may need to be upgraded due to modern building codes. With those additional challenges, premium insurance can be even more important, as it may pay for those upgrades, specialized craftspeople, or materials, while many insurance policies will not.

Sometimes, it’s not even about the money, but about the time and flexibility that a premium insurance policy provides. For example, what happens if your home is damaged to such an extent that you can’t live there while it’s being repaired? Where do you go? With a premium insurer, you could be set up in a rental home or hotel in your same neighborhood with no stated limit, so that you can go about your daily life as normal, and your kids can easily take the bus to their regular school.

The far-reaching effects of insurance.

While it’s important to get your home repaired quickly and effectively so that you can go back to your life as if nothing happened, the right insurance will reach far beyond your immediate needs. Think longer term. If your home isn’t repaired correctly, you may have additional problems later on. Or you may want to sell your home eventually. If it’s not repaired to its original specifications, the quality and scope of the repair work may become an issue with the buyer and could complicate the closing or sale price.

Your home is more than bricks and mortar, siding, and a roof. It’s full of memories that you’ve built over time. So if you experience a claim, you’ll want to lean on an insurance company that will help you get your life back and help you rebuild your home without hassles, headaches, or delay. That’s where a premium policy comes in.

For more information, contact Matt Boschi at 312-443-2071, matthew. boschi@chubb.com, or Chubb Personal Risk Services at chubb.com.

Chubb Vice President Matt Boschi

Learn why standard insurance may not be the best choice for those with more to lose.

PHOTOGRAPHY LISA SCIASCIA

FASHION & BEAUTY

LIVING AND DRESSING WELL

DOWN TO EARTH FOOTWEAR FOR YOUR FAVORITE STOMPING GROUND

Jeffrey Campbell Delanie Faux Shearling Mule, Nordstrom Old Orchard, 847-677-2121

To live and dream. To play and rest. To connect and grow. To welcome bigger, better things.

Jennifer Noone Northbrook

Kitchen

THE NEW LOVE LANGUAGES

HERE’S THE PERFECT GIFT FOR YOUR SIGNIFICANT OTHER

The greatest gift anyone can give is love. Love is the foundation of our purpose and the reason for our ambitions. Few retailers understand this as profoundly as the jeweler. Year after year, clients visit their boutiques to honor the most important romantic and familial relationships in their life. One local jeweler has proudly served as Chicago’s source for engagement rings and fine jewelry for over 70 years — Razny Jewelers. Generations of families choose Razny Jewelers to celebrate their engagements, anniversaries, and new bouncing bundles of joy.

Of course, no two people are alike and the ideal gift for one may be entirely different for another. In this article, the Razny Jewelers family and team guide us in finding the perfect gift for our wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend, or significant other. No matter their love language, rest assured that a box wrapped in an iconic Razny bow is the present those closest to you will treasure for a lifetime.

ROMANTIC GIFTS BASED ON FIVE LOVE LANGUAGES

WORDS OF AFFIRMATION

“I LOVE YOU” goes a long way with someone who prioritizes affirming language. Express your affection with fine jewelry that will remind them of your sincere words throughout the day. Among their collection of diamond jewelry decorated with that famous four-letter word, our favorites include a beautiful18k yellow gold chain necklace by Razny Collection that says “LOVE” with diamonds in the most elegant script.

QUALITY TIME

Assure your love that you value time spent together by gifting them a Swiss timepiece they’ll cherish forever. Razny Jewelers is proud to be the only Official Patek Philippe Jeweler in Illinois. Their three-story location in Chicago’s downtown Gold Coast neighborhood is one of only two concepts of its kind in the nation — showcasing both Rolex and Patek Philippe timepieces under one roof. Razny Jewelers also offers timeless watchmakers such as Cartier, Breitling, TAG Heuer, and Tissot throughout their four boutiques. From brief moments spent cuddling on the couch to hours enjoying thoughtful conversation, a watch from Razny Jewelers is the perfect reminder that each minute matters.

TOUCH

A spontaneous kiss or a protective hug may be all your partner needs to feel the most loved. Extend the warmth of those moments by giving them a ring to wear on the finger that holds a direct path to the heart. The “ring finger” is thought to be the digit having the “vena amoris,” literally “vein of love.” We adore the “moi et toi” style that further symbolizes the bond of two hearts. However, you may be ready to give them the most meaningful ring they’ll ever wear. If so, Razny Jewelers will help you find the perfect engagement ring and wedding band, no matter your budget or style.

ACTS OF SERVICE

For some, nothing speaks louder than action, specifically generosity. For this person, there are more than a few options:

• Design a custom piece based on their interests. Start with a sketch or allow the designers at Razny Jewelers to help you craft something truly one of a kind.

• W hat about a custom ombre piece highlighting their favorite color in various gemstones? For the perfect push present, look no further than a sparkling pink or blue sapphire eternity band.

• Name bracelets are also a fantastic choice. Let your partner or child’s name shine on a gold bracelet, or display a custom message such as the date of your anniversary.

• Schedule a VIP shopping session, and the team at Razny Jewelers will have the champagne ready. They even invite you to plan ahead by creating a personalized wish list.

RECEIVING GIFTS

Deceptively, this one can seem easy, but remember that a person who values gifts tends to appreciate the insight the giver has into the receiver’s true self. So, take your time, be thoughtful, and allow an expert to help. Consider gifting a necklace displaying “Baby” spelled in diamonds for the new mom or unforgettable diamond studs, which go with everything and fit everyone.

No matter who you’re shopping for or their specific love language, Razny Jewelers looks forward to helping you make their dreams come true!

To learn more about Razny Jewelers, visit razny.com.

Over a lifetime of building wealth, it is easy to accumulate many assets in many places. Do you know where everything is, what everything is worth? If you don’t, you should. And if you want to, you can. We have the tools and experience to help you organize everything in a clear picture of you.

CULTURE & ARTS

THE NORTH SHORE’S MOST CREATIVE PURSUITS

HEARTFELT

View the works of a multi-media artist and meet the new director of Glencoe’s beloved Writers Theatre

Art & Artist’s Diane Feldpausch Tang holding one of her healing vessels.

Photography by Jack Perno, styling by Theresa DeMaria, hair & makeup by Cammy Kelly

LIFE, STILL

WORDS BY SHERRY THOMAS / PHOTOGRAPHY BY JACK PERNO STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA / HAIR & MAKEUP BY CAMMY KELLY

Thousands of humans living on the street without the food or support they needed to survive. Faced with the inhumanity of this scene, other people might keep walking, careful not to make eye contact. But that’s not how Lake Forest artist Diane Feldpausch Tang navigates this world. Instead, she uses what she encountered on one California day as an opportunity to make a difference.

“I was visiting my daughter in San Francisco, and she lived in this brand-new high rise,” recalls Tang, who earned a BFA from The Art Institute of Chicago before starting a family in Lake Forest. “You could walk for a mile, and if I counted, I could come up on 2,000 homeless people in that area. It was astounding to me.”

Changed forever by what she had seen, Tang returned from California with a plan.

She began walking the streets of Chicago, camera in hand,

Artist Diane Feldpausch Tang standing with her oil painted portraits of the unsheltered

Lake Forest artist Diane Feldpausch Tang’s deep empathy for the human condition and the fragile state of the planet comes alive in her compelling creations.

looking for homeless people willing to sit for portraits—dipping into underpasses and back alleys to seek out America’s most fragile population, one that so many ignore.

“I ask their permission and pay them before I take their photographs,” explains Tang.

“My thought was, why not portrait paint these people and paint them so beautifully that I could sell the portraits and then donate that money to shelters.”

The project became such a labor of love that she began joining acquaintances who were also involved in helping the homeless community. Beyond capturing the portraits—a mission that extended from Chicago to Mexico City—she and partner Jack Perno rolled up their sleeves and did everything from distributing free masks at shelters during the pandemic to volunteering in the soup kitchen at Chicago’s Franciscan Outreach.

A meaningful connection had been made, one that inspired the theme of her one-woman show last spring at Chicago Sculpture International in Chicago’s Bucktown neighborhood. Titled Humanity + Modernity + Nature = Confusion, the exhibit featured portraits of the homeless along with sculpture and photography of urban blight in her hometown of Detroit.

“The homeless are the modern hunters and gatherers, shunned by artificial society,” she wrote of the March 2022 exhibit.

“One reason I created the show last year was to dig deeper, to explore why I make the art I create,” explains Tang, who hopes to mount a similar exhibition sometime this year. “When I got that show, I didn’t take a penny. I sold pieces and split the money between Franciscan Outreach and Chicago Coalition For The Homeless.”

Inspiring as it may be, this is merely one chapter in a journey that has taken the artist from 3-D work with materials such as glass, clay, metals, and found objects to gouache and oil painting, stoneware healing and memory vessels, glass-fused photography, blow-molded glass hearts, and black-and-white pinhole photography.

Tang credits her late grandmother for planting the seeds that helped her develop both compassion and creativity from a very young age. In the mid-2000s, her Detroit Series paid homage to this influence and an early childhood spent in urban Detroit.

“My grandmother heavily influenced me as a child and from 2011 to 2017, I did a series of work in Detroit,” she says, referring to a collection that captures mass urban decay through multimedia works, including fused and high-fired glass creations. “I wanted to go back and see her house so I talked one of my brothers into going with me. We went and the house had been torn down

Body by Fisher Bas-relief factory window glass scavenged from the Fisher Body Assembly plant in Detroit Approximately 10”

A Piece of Me, I Left Behind Detroit Series/Judge’s Chamber Artist photograph/fused glass Approximately framed 29”x 40”

and there are only two houses left in a block of 30.”

Tang’s childhood memory of a beautiful little bungalow with gothic windows on a bungalow-lined street with an elm tree at its center, was replaced with the unthinkable sight in front of her.

“Everything was gone,” she says of the now blighted east side Detroit neighborhood. “It was a field. You could walk miles and miles ... some structures were burnt out but there would be one or two houses every block.”

The little girl in her was devastated; the artist in her wanted to tell that story.

“Once I visited where my grandmother’s house once stood, I got in touch with someone to give me tours of abandoned buildings in Detroit,” she explains. “I’d sneak through broken windows and we’d go in and photograph.”

She found the stories in the ruins and brought them to life in her work.

“We’d go from floor to floor in these buildings and there would still be envelopes and coffee cups and stuff left from the ‘70s. I think what happened is people refused to pay their gas and electric bills so companies shut off the electricity and gas, the pipes froze, and destroyed it all,” says Tang. “Everything was left in time; it was surreal.”

“I would photograph the spaces but it didn’t quite feel the way it was when I was there,” she explains. “So, I took fused glass and manipulated the image with the glass to portray how it felt to me.”

If you notice a pattern in her work it may be because there is a pattern in the world—a repetitive cycle of casting out

the old and unwanted for the new and shiny, of losing empathy not just for humans but for historical, once wonderful structures that supported a community.

In addition to her portraits of the homeless, some pieces from Detroit’s now-abandoned Fisher Body Plant were on display at last year’s show.

“The architect of that assembly plant used gorgeous turquoise window glass on some of the floors to keep the workers psychologically cool and calm,” says Tang. “I scavenged that and made a bas-relief sculpture out of it—to bring back pieces from the past and create something out of the repurposed glass.”

Detroit has long been in the rearview mirror for Tang, who first moved to Chicago in the ‘90s, and then to the North Shore. The mother of two daughters, Michelle and Mariel, Tang’s life today is set in a west Lake Forest home that backs up to Lake Forest Open Lands and Elawa Farm.

She is surrounded by woods, gardens, and nature, including a lively colony of bees that she considers some of her favorite collaborators.

As an empath, Tang admits she has always felt things on a deeper level than most, feeling even the planet’s laments on a level that is sometimes inexplicable. And yet, she is filled with gratitude—so much that she has established the Diane Feldpausch Tang Charitable Gift Fund, a nonprofit that aims to “support the welfare of people in need of humane aid and assistance.”

“My financial planner and I were just talking, and I told him that I want to give back to society,” she says. “I’m very blessed with what I have. I give to my charity but I also give my daughters a certain amount of money each year to donate to a charitable organization ... so they’ve learned to give back to society, too.”

As for what’s next, it’s likely that Tang will proceed as she has since those early days in Detroit—with her eyes on those who are often unseen, and a camera ready to capture moments in time that no one should ever forget.

For more information, visit dianetangfeldpausch.com.

Impatient Heart blown glass molded heart Approximately 16”

Cold Heart Sand casted glass Approximately 20”

Artist Diane Feldpausch Tang

Writers Theatre’s new Director Braden Abraham wearing suit by Brunello Cucinelli, Neiman Marcus

SET THE SCENE

BRADEN ABRAHAM recently moved to Chicago to take the artistic helm at Writers Theatre, Glencoe’s nationally recognized cultural destination for intimate and engaging theatre. He comes to Writers from Seattle Rep, one of the largest resident theatres in the Pacific Northwest, where he advanced the organization as a director and producer, including the development and premiere of many new plays. During his 20-year tenure, he directed six premieres, 20 total productions, and developed many new works through Seattle Rep’s New Play Program. Several projects evolving from this program went on to acclaimed runs at Seattle Rep and around the country, including Irene Sankoff and David Hein’s Come From Away, Cheryl L. West’s Shout Sister Shout!, Erica Schmidt’s Mac Beth, and Kate Hamill’s Pride and Prejudice. Most recently, Abraham initiated 20x30: Reimagining the Anthropocene to commission 20 new plays by the year 2030, and New Directions, a unique commissioning program designed to support generative work from directors. Abraham is excited to join Writers Theatre where he plans to build on the theatre’s mission to center great writing through the work of visionary artists, forward its devotion to education programs, bring new voices to the stage, and build partnerships across the community. Abraham steps away from rehearsals to share how he stays on trend.

EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE / STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

IN HIS

“I read a lot of plays, and this is an incredible time for new writing. There is a ridiculous amount of talent out there. Some new scripts are sent to me by colleagues, other plays I seek out from writers I know or hear about, and then there are the plays that resurface, and for whatever reason I go back to. I find if you’re open, sometimes plays find you in uncanny ways. I like to drop into a bookstore (and I’m discovering there are some great ones here), or even scan my shelves at home and just see what play catches my eye, open it and read the first ten pages and see what happens. Rediscovering a play can be as thrilling as reading it for the first time. Lately, I’ve been drawn to memoirs and biographies of artists and thinkers whose work crosses disciplines. I recently finished a couple of incredible books recommended to me by friends. The Invention of Nature by Andrea Wulf—a mesmerizing biography of Alexander von Humbolt, detailing his adventures in South America and Russia, and his profound impact on how we perceive the interconnectedness of the biosphere. Boyd Varty’s The Lion Tracker’s Guide to Life is an entertaining, pithy, and wise meditation on life lessons learned from the art of tracking lions on an animal refuge his family founded in South Africa. I also just read What I Talk About When I Talk About Running, Haruki Murakami’s memoir connecting his running and writing lives. On my road trip to Chicago from Seattle, I listened to Bono read his new book Surrender. He has walked the knife edge between art and activism throughout his career. Also, I grew up in the ‘80s and early ‘90s and wore out my cassette tapes of The Joshua Tree and Achtung Baby. U2 is one of those bands ingrained in my adolescent consciousness.”

“I’m enjoying The Way Out is In, a podcast exploring different aspects of Thich Nhat Hanh’s teachings through interviews about daily life inside the Plum Village monastic community. I started listening to The History of English Podcast It’s super nerdy, but I find it fascinating. Design Matters is one I go back to now and then. Regarding music, I’m happy to be in Wilco’s hometown, one of my favorite bands. I saw The Smile recently—Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood’s new side project. The concert blew me away. They are absolute masters. I have a 12-year-old daughter, so we listen to a fair share of pop music at our house: Dua Lipa, Lizzo, Taylor Swift, Harry Styles. My daughter is expanding into indie now too, which being the Gen Xer that I am, is more familiar territory. I have not succeeded yet in turning her onto some of my favorite jazz artists: Coleman Hawkins, Art Blakey, Charles Mingus, and Sonny Rollins.”

“There are a few blogs I occasionally visit. Maria Popova’s The Marginalian is extraordinary and invaluable. I don’t know how she maintains her output, but the number of overlooked literary gems she finds, her deep inquiry into the human endeavor, and her eloquence expressing the quandaries and joys of life, is astonishing.”

FOOD & TRAVEL

FIRST CLASS DINING AND TRAVEL EXPERIENCES

EARTHLY GOODNESS

CELEBRATE LOCALLY SOURCED INGREDIENTS AND FRESH MOUNTAIN AIR

Recipe’s Fennel, Farro & Mushroom dish prepared with locally sourced ingredients.

FENNEL, FARRO & MUSHROOMS

WORDS, RECIPE, AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

April’s showers and mild temperatures transform the Midwest’s barren winter terrain into a lovely green carpet of fresh growth. Foragers search the woods for wild ramps and mushrooms. Farmers markets come alive with asparagus and peas, spring garlic and parsnips, baby radishes, and, my favorite, snowy white fennel bulbs capped by feathery fronds. I’ve long loved the anise-like taste and crunch of raw fennel in slaws or salads but when roasted, fennel sheds that licorice flavor to become lusciously sweet and caramelly. Paired with the sexy silkiness of exotic mushrooms, nutty farro, zesty lemon, and fresh snipped parsley, this warm salad is delicious on its own, or as a side dish. I like to serve it with a drizzle of balsamic syrup and a smattering of shaved parmesan. I made this with an assortment of beautiful gourmet mushrooms (Lion’s Tooth, Blue Oyster, Chestnut, Lion’s Mane, and Elm Oyster) grown at Windy City Mushrooms, and available for pick-up at the Village Farmstand in Evanston. But the dish also works well with fresh foraged edible mushrooms, or mushrooms you may find through Grow Lake County, a website filled with links to local farmers and locally grown foods. If you are eating gluten-free, use brown rice instead of farro.

Serves 4

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup organic farro

• 2 teaspoons salt, divided

• 2 to 3 fennel bulbs, cores discarded, bulbs sliced into small pieces to make 3 cups (Save a few fronds for garnish)

• Freshly ground black pepper

• 5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided

• Zest from 1 lemon

• 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice (or more, to taste)

• 1/2 cup yellow onion, slivered or shallot, slivered

• 3 cups fresh gourmet Mushrooms (Oyster, Chestnut, Lion’s Mane, Lion’s Tooth), cleaned and sliced or substitute mix of cremini and shiitake mushrooms

• 2 cups fresh parsley leaves, minced

• 1/4 cup shaved parmesan

• Balsamic glaze, as desired

METHOD

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Prepare farro in a rice cooker (3 cups water to 1 cup farro) or prepare farro on stovetop as follows: In a heavy-bottomed pot over high heat, bring 2 quarts water to a boil with 1 teaspoon salt. Add 1 cup farro and return hot water to boiling. Reduce heat to medium and boil farro, uncovered, for about 30 minutes until soft. Drain off water. Place farro in a large bowl. Finely grate the zest of one lemon into the farro. Squeeze 2 teaspoons of juice from half of the lemon into the farro. Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Stir. Set aside.

2. In a large shallow bowl, toss fennel pieces with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and several grinds of fresh black pepper. Spread fennel in a single layer on a rimmed baking sheet. Roast for ten minutes. Stir fennel pieces. Roast for another 10 minutes or until caramelized and crispy on the edges. Remove from oven. Scoop roasted fennel into the farro.

3. In a sauté pan over medium-low heat, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and slivered onion or shallot. Cook for three minutes, stirring. Add 1/2 cup water and continue cooking until onion is quite soft. Add sliced mushrooms and continue cooking until soft and no water remains in the mixture. Salt and pepper to taste. Stir in minced parsley. Scoop mixture into the bowl of farro. Stir to combine. Adjust seasoning with more lemon juice, salt, and pepper if desired.

4. P lace in a serving bowl (or bowls); top with shaved parmesan and drizzle with a small amount of balsamic glaze. Serve warm.

Get a glimpse into the heart of Elkhart Lake. Leave behind checklists of places to see and things to do and discover what it means to truly ‘live in the moment’. Take time to find hidden gems, connect with locals, and appreciate the beauty in your surroundings. Dive into the history, people, food, and music and let the authentic Elkhart Experience unfold at its own pace. It’s the Elkhart Way.

HELLO NORTHBROOK.

A MONTANA HIDEAWAY

Charm abounds at Triple Creek Ranch in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley.

WORDS BY MEGAN WEISBERG / PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY TRIPLE CREEK RANCH

Winter wonderland at Triple Creek Ranch

FIRST CLASS

Something about Montana holds a universal appeal. The name conjures up towering peaks, bright blue skies, and open pastureland roamed by herds of cattle and ranchers astride horses. A harkening back, perhaps, to a simpler way of life more closely in tune with the rhythms of nature. At Triple Creek Ranch, hidden away in Montana’s Bitterroot Valley, every thoughtful décor decision creates an ambiance of slowing down, creating an environment in which guests rarely have the inclination to check their e-mail or hop on the internet—a true vacation indeed.

Landing in Missoula for a winter visit, my husband and I met our driver who shared the Bitterroot Valley’s history, including how Lewis and Clark’s expedition went right through the Valley. Along the way, he pointed out where scenes from the popular television show Yellowstone were filmed—including the homestead on the fictional Dutton Ranch. On the east side of our drive south were the Sapphire Mountains, aptly named for the sapphires that can still be mined here.

Arriving at Triple Creek Ranch, we were shown our private, charming cabin complete with a wood-burning fireplace, a private hot tub overlooking a creek, and a steam shower. The property can host 60 guests at one time, giving it a luxuriously boutique feel. It has 25 cabins furnished with an authentic Western motif. This adults-only, all-inclusive resort is the perfect sophisticated vacation spot for couples or groups of friends to unwind, explore, and relax together.

We started off our first evening in the upstairs lounge, playing rounds of gin rummy by the fire while sipping seasonal cocktails and listening to live music. Ready for dinner, we entered the dining room where floor-to-ceiling windows showcased the exceedingly beautiful snow-covered scenery. While a wood fire crackled, we spoke to the sommelier about wine pairings for our fourcourse dinner. To begin, a glass of local champagne brought out the flavors of the amuse-bouche, a fig and gorgonzola delight. An appetizer of grilled swordfish with charred tomato vinaigrette and barrel-aged feta was a delicious mix of bright flavors. An Asian

Cross-country skiing

Trail riding

The interior of a three bedroom cabin

calamari salad with yuzu tobiko, seaweed, and arugula followed and did not disappoint. My entrée of Hawaiian butterfish, paired with a leek risotto and a smoked oyster aioli, was perfectly grilled and laced with a bright lemon puree. For dessert, we opted to sample the Poacher’s Cheddar with caramelized onions and apple chutney and a trio of pink grapefruit, mango, and morello cherry sorbets—an excellent combination it turns out, with the sorbet having a perfect ratio of sour to sweet.

On our first full day, we were driven alongside the Bitterroot River toward Idaho, our white Suburban stopping where the road ends. Stepping out of the car to try the once-in-the-lifetime experience of dog sledding, we were greeted by a cacophony of joyful noise coming from 20 Siberian and Alaskan huskies. Our dogsled guides regaled us with the history of dog sledding and the intricate breeding and care of the dogs—it was fascinating. Zipping along the snow-covered trails at a brisk 7 miles per hour your senses come alive. Afterward, the attentive staff greeted us with a thermos of hot cider made from apples grown on the ranch’s orchard.

With so many activities to choose from, my husband and I parted ways that afternoon to each try out different experiences. He (with a custom-packed lunch and ski gear provided by Triple Creek Ranch) was driven to the Chief Joseph Pass for an exhilarating 7-mile trek of cross-country skiing. About a mile into the snow-laden forest trail, he stopped at the warming hut. Upon entering, he found skiers warming up while drinking cups of water sourced from fresh snow that had slowly melted in an iron

pot hanging over a fire. His fellow skiers (also staying at Triple Creek Ranch) had opted for downhill skiing earlier that week and regaled him with tales of skiing Lost Trail Pass, located at 7,000 feet on the border of Montana and Idaho.

Meanwhile, back at Triple Creek Ranch, I enjoyed a fireside lunch of flavorful, spicy chili before heading to the Rider’s Roost to embark upon a snowy trail ride. As my horse picked his way along the single track, I took in the smells of the forest and the beauty of the blue sky juxtaposed against the green trees. With the sights and sounds of a winter paradise still lingering in my head, I headed to the Tanager Treatment Room for an outstanding deep tissue massage—a perfect complement to my active day.

That evening, we started off dinner with a potato leek soup sprinkled with pork rind panko crumbs and fresh chives—its rich, savory flavor was perfectly enhanced by the subtle crunch of the untraditional panko. After a salad of red crab on a bed of gem lettuce with a tomato vinaigrette that was refreshing and creamy all at once, I opted to try the roasted Amish duck breast with fresh burgundy black truffles, herbed Job’s Tears, and wilted kale. The incredibly moist and flavorful duck was enfolded in the crispiest skin drizzled with Madeira jus to bring out the complexity of flavors. My husband dined on the pan-seared antelope (a first for him, and incredibly delicious) drizzled with local huckleberry jus and paired with fried parsnips.

The next day, thanks to a deep night’s sleep, we felt ready to try our hand at two unique and fun experiences—hatchet throwing and fire starting. We threw our hatchets time and time again

Winter horseback riding

Elk at Triple Creek RanchDownhill skiing at Lost Hill Pass

while relishing the awe-inspiring views, the winter’s chill chased away by heat lamps. We then headed into the Bitterroot National Forest for a few miles hike starting at the edge of the property. Halfway through our hike, we sipped from a thermos of hot chocolate; just one of the many goodies in the picnic lunch Triple Creek Ranch had packed for us. Later that afternoon, we took part in the joy of doing nothing at all—a true luxury.

Delicious food and exhilarating activities aside, our stay was truly made memorable by the many thoughtful gestures that lent a feeling you were a guest at a friend’s magnificent home. The homemade trail mix left in our cabin each day included the recipe so we could re-create its deliciousness once back at home. Each night, a quote about Montana was left in our cabin alongside mouthwatering caramels, a chilled bottle of water, a printout of the weather report, and the next day’s menu (breakfast, lunch, and dinner menus

change daily). With service like this, it is no wonder Triple Creek Ranch sees a significant percentage of return guests, and with so much to do each season, the experience is never the same.

On our last morning, we arose early to enjoy another fire in the cabin before departing for the airport. The experience of Triple Creek Ranch will undoubtedly stay with us long after the Montana snows have melted. We are already trying to decide which season we should visit the resort next. Do we want to participate in an authentic cattle drive, go fly fishing or whitewater rafting, or return in the winter for a Weekend Vintner event to savor exclusive premier vintages from acclaimed vineyards? Only time will tell.

For more information, and to book your vacation, visit triplecreekranch.com.

A dogsled ride

HOUSE & HOME

AN INSIDE LOOK AT CHICAGO’S MOST EXCLUSIVE ADDRESS—THE NORTH SHORE

APRIL SHOWERS

TOUR A LAKEFRONT DREAM HOUSE AND PERUSE DÉCOR IN OUR FAVORITE HUES OF BLUE

A vignette from Home Tour’s Lake Geneva property designed by Studio Gild

IN THE SWIM

Perched on Geneva Lake, this grand weekend house is all about good times.

WORDS BY THOMAS CONNORS / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MIKE SCHWARTZ

Lake Geneva has long been a summer getaway for Chicagoans seeking to escape the sweltering city.

And when the Wrigleys and their peers chilled out back in the day, they did so in style, relaxing in houses that would have fit right in with the mansions of Newport’s Bellevue Avenue. Tastes and lifestyles have changed since then, but every once in a while, a new home appears that stands with the best of the past.

In its scale, this lakeside retreat—designed by Evanston’s Morgante-Wilson Architects—echoes the aspirations embodied in the early 20th-century houses that line the water here, but its profile is more at ease, its stone and shingle complexion evocative of an old East Coast aesthetic. Inside, wide open spaces and contemporary details—including a dramatic catwalk and exposed I-beams— endow the home with a truly of-the-moment air, an experience underscored by the interior design of Chicago’s Studio Gild.

Built for a young Chicago family, this is a house meant for relaxation, for coming together with friends, for playing pool or ping pong, hunkering down with a good book, or just lazing about. “We were tasked,” says Studio Gild principal, Jennie Bishop, “with giving the generous layout a cozy, comfortable vibe to temper the sprawling rooms.”

Bishop deployed grasscloth wallpaper, linen window panels, and sisal and hemp rugs to create a carefree, neutral backdrop, then brought in significantly proportioned furniture and fixtures to fashion an environment that stands up to the forceful architecture. A 5 x 5 foot, custom stone coffee table anchors the great room’s ample seating area, which is lit by a trio of large, ring-shaped pendant lights with brass detailing. The adjacent dining area sports a solid ash table with metal legs that can seat 12 or more.

While stylish pieces abound—including CB2 Jelly Bean coffee tables in a bunk room and a custom-designed cerused oak table

Lakefront exterior

HOME TOUR

with a pedestal base in the breakfast nook—practicality was key to the success of the project. “We designed with all the typical interior destroyers in mind—kids, dogs, pizza, popsicles, and red wine,” shares Bishop. “Being able to maintain the house and keep things looking topnotch was vital, but one cannot give up looks in a house like this.” That meant durable fabrics and high-performance upholstery, especially in heavy-traffic areas.

The house is brimming with windows, especially on the rear elevation. And while this offers the homeowners great views, all that glass proved something of a challenge for the designers. In the primary bedroom, hidden solar shades had been incorporated into the architecture of the space, but that left the windows looking undressed. “The primary bedroom, with its grand fenestration, was a particular challenge,” says Bishop “We balanced this absence of soft fabrics by wrapping the entire room in a grasscloth wallcovering from twenty2, for a sensual cocoon effect.”

With the lake right outside, a palette that includes the classic combination of blue and white made sense here, but as Bishop notes, “We couldn’t ignore the long Wisconsin winters. Designing for year-round lake living meant bringing in rust and camel tones, caramel floors, deep blues, persimmon, and blushes to soften the winter’s frozen terrain.” Happily, although the lake may still be chilly, it won’t be long before wet behinds are parked around the dining room table and all will be wishing for a never-ending summer.

Catwalk

01 Tempaper & Co Blue Ornamental Wallpaper, tempaper.com 02 Original BTC Task Pendant Light, originalbtc.com 03 Arteriors Sebastian Sofa, arteriorshome.com 04 Tonal Wall Clock, store.moma.org 05 Hermès Pillow, Hermès Chicago, 312-787-8175 06 Gingerlily x Madeaux Cary Cushion, gingerlily.com 07 Wave Table, lizobrien.com 08 Room & Board Quinn Rocking Chair, Room & Board Skokie, 888-985-3738 09 OKA Pair Of Small Cormack Candle Holders, oka.com 10 LBE Design Round Two Planter in Midnight, lbedesign.com 11 Big Chill 30-inch Classic Induction Range in French Blue, bigchill.com 12 Walter E. Smithe Credenza, Walter E. Smithe Oakbrook, 630-285-8000 13 Daniel House Club Mirror Cellino in Blue, danielhouse. club 14 Proper Table Placemats and Napkins, propertableco.com 15 Poltrona Frau Armchair, poltronafrau.com 16 Zebra Bathmat, Jonathan Adler Chicago, 312-274-9920 17 Native Trails Lido in Marina, nativetrailshome.com 18 AERIN Varda Lacquer Frame in French Blue, aerin.com 19 OKA Coleridge Armchair, oka.com 20 HAY Flare Glass Candle Holder, store.moma.org 21 hai Smart Showerhead in Surf, gethai.com 22 Ultramarine Credenza, Jonathan Adler Chicago, 312-274-9920

LATIN BEAUTY

Perla Long of PerlaRose Beauty—a line of curated clean cosmetics reflecting the vibrancy, color, and spirit of Latin America—brings the concept of “Latin beauty” to the North American market.

WORDS BY RONI MOORE NEUMANN / PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA / HAIR & MAKEUP BY CAMMY KELLY

PerlaRose Beauty founder Perla Long

Jennifer Lopez. Penelope Cruz. Sofia Vergara. Salma Hayek. Eva Longoria ... Latina beauties are confident, colorful, and they are everywhere!

North Shore resident Perla Long has launched PerlaRose Beauty, a line of curated cosmetics inspired by the “spirit, warmth, and vitality” of Latin-rooted beauty, with products designed for women from all walks of life.

“I was born and raised in Mexico. I grew up surrounded by my close-knit family and the culture and vibrancy of Latin America,” Long explains. “As a Latina, using lip color to express myself has always been a large part of my identity. In fact, watching my mom pick the perfect lip color each morning originally piqued my interest in makeup.”

“Even at a young age, I recognized that this color application was a symbolic statement of my mother’s emotional state. Her choice of lip color conveyed how she was feeling each and every day. Was she feeling confident or uncertain? Was she feeling alluring or unappealing? Wearing colorful lipstick was an easy way to elevate her day.”

Fast forward to 2020 when Long was inspired by her daughter’s own growing interest in makeup. “My daughter wanted to wear lip gloss just like her friends so I went on a mission to create a product offering high quality clean and natural ingredients that are both environmentally friendly and sourced in Latin America. As a mother, I want my daughter to inherit a legacy of conscientious beauty, all while using clean and safe products.”

The name “PerlaRose” derives from Perla’s first name, while Rose is for her daughter, who is a young, beautiful blend of different multicultural backgrounds. “I want PerlaRose Beauty to represent what a beauty brand should be: clean, inclusive, and colorful,” she explains.

“The development of PerlaRose began in earnest as I was completing my master’s degree at Northwestern University. While I juggled my studies with raising three young children, I was given the chance to intern at the corporate headquarters of Ulta Beauty,” Long says.

Long is thankful for the role that gave her important insight into the industry; enough so that she could dive head first into her own business.

“It was at Ulta that I fell in love with the inner workings of the beauty world. However, I also came to realize a void existed in the beauty industry, a bold Latin voice was largely absent from the marketplace. No brands were showcasing the beauty of Latin America. It’s a very diverse part of the world and home to some of the liveliest cultures and biodiverse habitats on the planet,” she observes.

While distinct from one another in terms of culture and custom, the countries that comprise Latin America each exude a common vibrancy and optimism. “At PerlaRose Beauty, I want to feature all aspects of Latin American culture, including its diverse people, music, and art. Our products reflect the disparate climates of Latin America, from its tropical rainforests and silky ribbons of beach to its alpine forests and vast mountain ranges. This beauty can be alluring and sexy, fun and playful, but it is always inclusive and natural.”

PerlaRose Beauty has partnered with leading companies in the clean beauty industry. Their goal? To transform Latin America’s most efficacious and potent ingredients into a curated portfolio of results-driven beauty products. “Each of our ‘mezclas tropicales’

(tropical formulas) is designed to achieve a healthy, vibrant, and glowing look with nutrient-dense, vegan ingredients from this beautiful region of the world,” explains Long.

Among the many coveted products: Glamorosa Gloss, delivers a glowing lip color with a touch of pure nature. “Intensely nourishing, vegan, and sustainably sourced, our Glamorosa Gloss is packed with emollients, conditioners, Cupuaçu butter, and Vitamin E,” she notes.

Growing in rainforests throughout the Amazon basin, the Cupuaçu tree is found in northern Brazil. Cupuaçu, of the cocoa family, is Brazil’s national fruit and has been a primary food source for indigenous populations living in the rainforest for centuries. Cupuaçu continues to grow in popularity as a superfruit.

“Cupuaçu butter is extracted from Cupuaçu seeds and is an excellent moisturizer. It can absorb approximately 450 percent of its weight in water, which is significantly higher than shea butter (289 percent) and lanolin (250 percent), two traditional skincare

oils,” Perla continues.

“Vitamin E is a naturally derived oil associated with antioxidant benefits. Vitamin E exists in avocados, almonds, olive oil, and sweet potatoes. When applied topically, Vitamin E can block free radicals and replenish natural oils, which helps slow down the skin’s aging process.”

On tap next for Long? “Continuing to grow our portfolio of products and launch our new signature lipstick, The Latin Kiss, made with mango butter from Mexico.”

Wherever the future takes Long and PerlaRose, the one principle is constant. “What drives me every day is a woman’s ability to transform. To be the beautiful woman who lives inside of you, by bringing out the best in yourself.”

Products can be purchased locally at Winnetka-based retailers including Winnetka’s Bunny & Babe and Glencoe’s LuxLab, online at Flip, and at perlarosebeauty.com.

Christine Montenegro McGrath wearing Veronica Beard gold dress, Neiman Marcus

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

WORDS BY THOMAS CONNORS / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA / HAIR & MAKEUP BY CATHLEEN HEALY

Christine Montenegro McGrath, a food industry veteran, is Chief Impact & Sustainability Officer at Mondelēz International. The Chicago-based snack food giant houses brands ranging from Oreo and Ritz to Toblerone and CLIF Bar.

From her days as an undergrad at Boston College, which included an internship at a consumer goods brand, McGrath has been fascinated by marketing. Fresh out of school with an accounting degree in hand, she landed a job in Chicago in the finance department of Kraft. “I really wanted to work on brands someday and everyone told me I’d need an MBA to do that,” she recalls. “So I went to Northwestern at night, got my degree, and when a marketing role opened up on Philly Cream Cheese, I never looked back.”

In 2012, Kraft spun off its grocery business (which included Philadelphia Cream Cheese, Maxwell House, and Oscar Mayer) and reconstituted its snack and confectionary operations as Mondelēz International. McGrath stuck with the snacks side and, in the years since, has been instrumental in shepherding the company down the sustainability path.

“I spent a good chunk of my career in brand management, then new product innovation and growth consumers, so when I was tapped to focus on sustainability, I approached it as I would any innovation project,” explains the Winnetka resident. “I looked at the data and assessed the risks and opportunities. Because I come from a growth mindset, I needed to understand how a sustainability strategy helps us to create value by being more relevant to consumers and making our businesses more resilient.”

Arguably, Mondelēz International’s most substantive initia-

Mondelēz International product Côte d’Or

Marketing pro turned sustainability specialist, Christine Montenegro McGrath is committed to the big picture.

tive in pursuing sustainability is Cocoa Life. Orchestrated by McGrath, the program is all-encompassing, focusing not only on introducing sustainable farming methods and minimizing environmental impact but championing community development in regions where Mondelēz sources its cocoa. “My job, in a nutshell,” shares McGrath, “is to help lead the work we are doing in the company to have a more positive impact on people and the planet, to—as we say—‘help lift people and shape landscapes in a positive way.’”

Since its inception, Mondelēz has invested $400 million in this effort and worked with 200,000 growers in Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, Indonesia, Dominican Republic, India, and Brazil. Last fall, the company announced its decision to devote another $600 million to the effort by 2030.

“Farming issues, environmental issues, community development issues—our program addresses all three because we believe the

Christine Montenegro McGrath wearing Oscar de La Renta pink dress, Neiman Marcus

Mondelēz International product LU biscuits

challenges are interrelated,” states McGrath. “We are making very good progress, helping farmers attain the knowledge and skills to grow more cocoa on less land and reduce deforestation. Yields are going up, incomes are going up. I was in a village in Cote d’Ivoire where I saw men and women running a meeting, leading their community together, and I knew we were making an impact. We have a long way to go but we are making progress.” By the end of 2021, 75 percent of the Mondelēz chocolate brands, which include Cadbury, were sourcing cocoa through the Cocoa Life program. The goal is to see all the company’s chocolate brands under that umbrella by 2025.

When McGrath began her career, sustainability was barely in the corporate lexicon. “I did not grow up in the sustainability space,” says McGrath, whom today serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of Directors of the World Cocoa Foundation and the Consumer Goods Forum Sustainability Steering

Committee. “I understand brands, the consumers, profit and loss statements, and view sustainability through that business lens. I think of myself as a connector. I am able to bring the issues that I see externally and translate them in a way that business leaders can hear. The work in sustainability allows me to have a much more lasting impact. It’s inspiring.”

Mondelēz International product Cadbury

Mondelēz International product Toblerone

“The work in sustainability allows me to have a much more lasting impact. It’s inspiring.”

THE YEAR OF THE FARM

Kirbey Rogic wearing Zimmerman ivory dress, Saks Fifth Avenue

WORDS BY ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER / PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA / HAIR & MAKEUP BY ELIZA FISHER

Kirbey Rogic knows well that while good things take time, sometimes you need to act fast. In the fall of 2019, only months before the pandemic, Rogic learned that the Bahr Greenhouse, the oldest business in Highland Park and the second oldest in the state of Illinois—had come on the market. The Bahr Greenhouse had been single-family owned since the late 1800s. One of only a few glass greenhouses left in the state, the original structures and glass panes were brought in on freight trains and hand-assembled right on the property where they stand today.

“Living in Highland Park, we knew all about the Bahr Greenhouse,” Rogic says, with her characteristic contagious energy. “We weren’t the only family interested in buying it, so we had to decide quickly that this was something we were going to do. I had a clear vision for this property from the moment we made it ours.”

The property contained three glass greenhouses, a few storage structures, a house on site, and generations of treasures and memories.

“The Bahrs handed over the keys and left us everything you see here,” Rogic explains, pointing to old steel work tables on wheels, flip desks built into the walls filled with old ledgers, and the iconic “Bahr” branding sign. The three glasshouses were in great disrepair

so “it took a while to get this place operational but I’ve grown to appreciate that everything that’s happening is happening because we’re doing it,” reflects Rogic.

Rogic’s parents’ involvement was key to revitalizing the business. Her father grew up in Montana in a family filled with cattle drivers and farmers. “His wisdom and knowledge have brought so much to this business,” Rogic observes. “We have a bit of a compound here. The timing worked in such a way that my parents moved into the house on the property. My dad helps me with the greenhouses, and my mom helps me with my kids. I literally couldn’t do it without them, or my husband, Mario, who is so supportive.”

Just six months into ownership, the pandemic forced the world and Rogic’s new business, The Flower House and Farm, to shut down.

“As scary as that time was, I’m grateful we had that year to see what was growing here,” Rogic says. “I’m not sure if times had been normal and we were busy that we would have had the chance to do that.”

Among the gems she discovered were tropical trees, fruit trees, and 40-year-old jade trees. “We’re so lucky to have one of the Bahr’s long-time employees, Robin, come in and help us because she knows this greenhouse better than anyone,” Rogic adds.

Kirbey Rogic is reaping what she sows at the helm of a thriving and sustainable Flower House and Farm in the heart of Highland Park.

It likely came as no surprise to anyone who knows Rogic well that she took on the greenhouses. Having completed a traditional college degree in marketing and advertising, it was Rogic’s work with a florist in Evanston that planted the seeds of her future career.

“I literally bothered this flower shop owner until she hired me,” she says with a laugh. “I had no experience or any formal floral training, but it was always something I wanted to do. This woman taught me all of the basics of flowers and what it was like to have a small business.”

From here, Rogic spent the next decade working mostly from her home floral studio, making arrangements and collaborating with event designers while mothering three little girls, Luci, Olivia, and Scarlet. She even carved a little farm into the corner of her yard to grow flowers she could use.

“I’m so inspired by the European floral styles where they find creativity from their gardens, what they’re growing, and the countryside. The Europeans like their florals low and lush, kind of wild and avant-garde. I seem to resonate with that. As I’ve progressed in this industry, I’m even

more drawn to this approach, probably because it’s more sustainable, as much as I can be sustainable living in Chicago,” she says. “I’ve definitely become more aware of where things grow and how they’re processed. Farming and growing are not for the faint of heart. I’m always learning.”

Today, Rogic has more than 14,000 annuals and hearty perennials that come into full abundant bloom in June and July.

The Flower House and Farm has grown exponentially since the craziness of COVID lifted. While Rogic is confident her flowers will enhance any event, she specializes in intimate weddings and gatherings where she can put her creative spin on things and be part of the overall process. Despite all the success on the event side, Rogic has determined that 2023 will be the year to focus on the farm aspect of her business.

“I just announced to my team that this year—2023—is the year of the farm,” she says. “We have this farm that we want to make special and successful unto itself. I’m a firm believer that you can’t do everything well. You can do it all OK. You can do it all and survive. But going into this year, while we will always take on events because I love them, we’re going to be more intentional about the ones we do. They have to fill us up and challenge us creatively if they’re going to take us away from the farm because I really want to make our farm shine. I promised my husband that I would have this farm up and really running within five years, so that’s why I’ve declared that this is the year of the farm. This is the year.”

To learn more about The Flower House and Farm, visit itstheflowerhouse.com.

Kirbey Rogic wearing alice + olivia lavender top and skirt, Neiman Marcus

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE

The Alliance for the Great Lakes works to preserve and protect one of our most essential natural resources.

WORDS BY THOMAS CONNORS / LAKE IMAGES COURTESY OF THE ALLIANCE FOR THE GREAT LAKES WITH PHOTOGRAPHY BY LLOYD DEGRANE

Nature was not always prized for its beauty. The wilderness, after all, was wild. Rivers, lakes, and seas were forces to be feared, more than admired. For every man who took his leisure waterside, others fought currents and waves to earn a livelihood. While it can still be deadly, most of us don’t see Lake Michigan as frightful. Rather, we revel in its shifting hues, dive into it on hot days, and fly across it when the wind is right. We take it for granted. We shouldn’t.

As mighty as they are, the Great Lakes are not invincible. Pollutants have long been a problem and now, invasive species and climate change are altering these inland seas. And they’d be in much worse shape if it weren’t for the efforts of The Alliance for the Great Lakes.

The Chicago-headquartered nonprofit has been active for more than 50 years. It grew from the efforts of Oklahoma-born activist, Lee Botts, who in 1970 established the Lake Michigan Federation and whose early successes included persuading Mayor Richard J. Daley to ban phosphates in laundry detergents. Botts, who died in 2019 at age 91, had been instrumental in the formation of the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, went on to a position in the Environmental Protection Agency, worked

as a researcher at Northwestern University’s Center for Urban Affairs and Policy Research, and in 1987, became a senior advisor in Mayor Harold Washington’s newly-formed Department of the Environment.

Today, the Alliance for the Great Lakes is powered by thousands of volunteers like North Shore natives Joyce and Charlie Solberg who grew up loving Lake Michigan. “Charlie learned to sail on the lake, and my dad had a motorboat that we launched at Lloyd Beach to waterski early mornings and evenings when the waves were smaller,” shares Joyce. “Our original relationship with the lake was all about fun, but as we grew older that evolved into appreciating the beauty of it and the importance of clean drinking water. So, my natural choice was to start volunteering for the Alliance.”

The Solbergs—who have participated in beach clean-ups and sat on the Alliance board of directors—passed on their enthusiasm for the lake and the organization to three of their children, all

Alliance of the Great Lakes supporters Charlie and Joyce Solberg. Photography by Lisa Sciascia, Styling by Theresa DeMaria, hair & makeup Leanna Ernest

Lake Michigan splash

Alliance of the Great Lakes CEO Joel Brammeier

of whom have been active supporters. “It is an organization that would be difficult for me not to support,” states Joyce. “Joel and his team do a great job.”

“Joel” is Joel Brammeier, the organization’s president and CEO. Brammeier grew up in Detroit, Michigan, where he enjoyed outings along the shore of Lake Huron with his family. He joined the Alliance in 2001 and took over its leadership in 2010, doubling its full-time staff and quadrupling its asset base.

Brammeier, who was front-and-center in sounding the alarm on the threat of invasive carp entering Lake Michigan, points to a particular event that shaped his greater understanding of how essential the Great Lakes are to the more than 40 million people in the U.S. and Canada: the city of Toledo’s loss of drinking water for more than 48 hours in 2014. Toledo draws its drinking water from western Lake Erie, which is plagued each summer by massive algae blooms caused by runoff from upstream agricultural lands. The bloom is so large that it can be seen from space and is a threat to wildlife and people. “The water from Lake Erie was so contaminated that they actually couldn’t treat it,” he recalls.

“This was unheard of, a whole city shutting down its drinking water supply. In addition to the water in the lakes themselves, the systems we have built to move water through cities and towns—pipes and concrete infrastructure—have a huge impact on whether people stay healthy or not.”

In addition to ongoing efforts to stop invasive species, reduce plastic pollution, and enhance infrastructure, the Alliance is working to improve water quality by drawing attention to the impact of agriculture on the Great Lakes. The organization is pushing Congress—which develops a farm bill every five years—

to increase funding for Department of Agriculture conservation programs, step up efforts to combat polluted agricultural runoff, and reduce funding for concentrated animal feeding operations. And then there’s climate change. “Changes in water levels are happening less predictably and in a more extreme way than they have historically. We are seeing shorter intervals between record lows and record highs. We are seeing more extreme storms that can cause a lot of erosion all at once, or a lot of pollution getting into the lake all at once. Part of restoring and protecting the lakes is treating the shoreline like the living organism it is,” notes Brammeier.

As its name indicates, the Alliance is not concerned solely with our own big body of water, but all five lakes. And so, as Brammeier stresses, an appreciation of interconnectedness must run through all the efforts protecting them. “We haven’t done a really great job of treating our coasts like the connective tissue that they are,” he observes. “We are trying to change that. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working on a project that will look at the whole Great Lakes region to see what we can do collectively across these miles of shoreline to manage the system in a way that makes it more resilient to climate change impacts in ways that benefit everybody.”

Although the challenges are daunting, Brammeier remains enthused and committed to the Alliance. “I feel really fortunate to be involved in this work because the Great Lakes unify us in a way that very few issues, let alone environmental issues, do. We are all dependent on that water and we need to take care of it.”

For more information and to learn about how you can get involved, visit greatlakes.org.

Southern Lake Michigan

WALLED LAKE FLOWS TO HIGHLAND PARK

Walled Lake—a financial planning and wealth management firm— brightens up the corner of Second and Elm Place by rebuilding an old restaurant location into a beautiful high-tech office space.

WORDS BY BILL MCLEOD / PHOTOGRAPHY BY LISA SCIASCIA / STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

Klieger, a New York native who moved to Highland Park a year and a half ago after residing in Wilmette for 30 years. “We want our clients to feel a sense of comfort and confidence with the leading technologies of financial planning and the investment world. We also recognize that our employees spend much of their day here, and they deserve to take pride in their surroundings. We want anyone who visits us to look around and say, ‘Wow.’”

“We also respect,” he adds, “the nature and history of the property. This building was built by the Yee family more than 60 years ago. It was a part of the family’s history and we want the current Yee generation to be proud of its transformation.”

Walled Lake has six employees and manages approximately $500 million for roughly 150 families. In addition to Klieger and Cooper, the Walled Lake team includes Chief Investment Officer Zach Walters, Head of Client Experiences Louis Klieger, Administrative Manager Shelton Smith, and Senior Client Associate Sarah Grayer.

New Diamond, Jade, Green Panda. Highland Park denizens remember the restaurants well. Each stood, for various time spans, at 600 Elm Place. The Green Panda closed in 2017. For years the eatery sat dormant, each table inside set with white tablecloths, dinner plates, silverware, glasses, and even an old bottle of wine, all awaiting a new destiny.

Its lack of use caused the property to appear neglected and darker and darker, as each season passed.

Then Walled Lake Planning & Wealth Management, a boutique-style financial planning firm located in Winnetka, was looking to move its offices to a property it would own. Partners Howard Klieger and Noel Cooper, both residents of Highland Park, visited this prime spot across the street from the new Albion luxury apartment complex and developed a vision of possibilities.

They built a team of Robert Rowe, developer and broker, and Rick Goldman of REthink: Project Management and devised a redevelopment plan after buying the building in January 2022.

The Elm Place redevelopment team tasked Product Architecture with creating an open space that fused function and fashion; a design similar to the firm’s magnificent revisioning of the Highland Park library. The plan required taking the building down to the bricks—as well as replacing all systems and the facade, including opening the roof for a glorious skylight. After adding very contemporary technology to the plan, they were off to the races.

Nearly a year later, their grand vision was realized.

“From old to new ... we’re excited to be a part of adding to the revitalization and vibrancy of downtown Highland Park,” says

Although this new building offers room to expand personnel, Walled Lake is content to maintain its current headcount while providing invaluable services for its clients in a family-centric atmosphere.

“Hiring someone new is not in our short-term plans,” Klieger says. “We like who we are. We like what we do and how we do it. We like managing clients.”

Their clients’ financial peace of mind is of the utmost importance to Klieger and Cooper; an importance reflected by the firm’s name. Cooper spent his childhood summers in Walled Lake, a city in Michigan, where he fed ducks, swam with friends, and grilled with his family (before becoming a vegetarian). His time there, dawn to dusk was comfortable and carefree.

Worries disappeared.

His needs were taken care of at Walled Lake.

Walled Lake, as advisor and financial planner, aims to deliver the same to its clients.

“We exist,” its website declares, “so you can focus on your life, instead of your finances.”

Dicky Yee, of Huntington Beach, California, ranks as one of the biggest fans of Walled Lake’s move. A 1968 Highland Park High School graduate and descendent of the family who

Walled Lake office artwork

Walled Lake emblem

built and owned 600 Elm Place, Yee knows “every nook and cranny” of Highland Park, including the corners and crevices that existed when New Diamond, Jade, and Green Panda welcomed diners.

Yee, whose late father, Gim Sing Yee, arrived in Highland Park from China in the 1940s and opened and operated Sam Woo Hand Laundry on Saint Johns Avenue. The Yee children grew up walking to and from Elm Place School and eventually Highland Park High School. Dicky Yee and his family (Gim, mother Rose, and three sisters) lived above the dry cleaners and tailor in the adjacent building on Elm Place. Their small five-bedroom, twobath home has now been redesigned into a luxury, three-bedroom rental apartment as part of the redevelopment project.

Life was good.

Life was convenient.

“I have a lot of fond memories of Highland Park—my hometown roots,” says Yee. “I’ll always consider it a special place.”

For that reason, Yee is especially excited about Elm Place’s next chapter. “I think it’s great, what Howard and his team did. I’m glad it’s not another restaurant. Howard shared the redesign plans and spent a lot of money to fix it up. Impressive. There’s even a gym in the basement for employees. It’s in a great location, in a space that was vacant for far too long.”

“Retail has taken a hard hit in Highland Park and elsewhere,” he continues. “I’m happy (Walled Lake) bought the building. It’s a showpiece.”

What Klieger—an avid tennis and paddle player, and a serial Ravinia Festival attendee—plans to offer at Walled Lake’s shiny new digs mirrors what the firm tendered to clients when it was moored in Winnetka: confidence and security.

No wonder Walled Lake’s emblem features a shield.

“Money is not just money,” says Klieger’s son, Louis, head of client experiences at Walled Lake. “People want to know that we are paying attention to their financial picture. They want to know that our combined experience navigating the investment world will help them meet their financial needs. We provide the confidence and recommendations to deliver appropriate safety for families who are looking for that service. We are not everything for everybody, but for those who need this type of guidance, we are very well received.

“Do you know,” he continues, “in surveys of people nearing retirement, one of their leading fears is running out of money? We’re planners. We do not understand how an advisor could invest a client’s savings without knowing in detail who they really are? That is why we think planning is so important. Over the years we have helped hundreds of people retire successfully. If someone has a goal of retirement and believes they can develop and execute a plan successfully themselves, we wish them the best of luck. Given our decades of experience, I would say we likely have a far greater chance of success than they do alone.”

“A goal without a plan,” Howard Klieger adds, “is really only a wish.”

For decades, 600 Elm Place was a place where Highland Park families gathered to savor delicious bowls of Chinese food while dreaming of bright futures. So, Walled Lake, a company dedicated to helping families secure their future and achieve their dreams, could not have chosen a more fitting location.

For more information, visit walledlakewealth.com.

“Kipp has helped us buy and sell several properties over the years. He is reliable, trustworthy, an expert negotiator, and exceptionally familiar with Chicago real estate. We couldn’t ask for a more qualified expert to represent us in all our real estate transactions.”

a 20-year industry veteran and North Shore resident

“Kipp was extremely helpful and willing to give us many hours to find the perfect home. We are new to the North Shore, so his expertise was especially important. We had a great experience.”

AN ENCHANTED GARDEN

North Shore landscapes take many forms—from clean geometric lines and monochromatic plantings to vast beds of flowers punctuated by rose-covered arches— but each is a sanctuary to those who inhabit the space. In our midst, we have many masters who sculpt, preen, and nurture nature’s canvas to create living masterpieces that delight the eye and feed the soul. In the pages that follow, we are delighted to

highlight these masters—North Shore’s most creative and innovative landscape designers and architects. May their creations inspire your own horticultural journey in the coming year.

If you would like to recommend an outstanding landscape company or be considered for our 2024 garden feature, you are welcome to contact us at features@sheridanroadmagazine.com.

“My garden is my most beautiful masterpiece.”

- CLAUDE MONET

Bertog Landscape Co.

Celebrating 50 years of beautifying the North Shore, Bertog Landscape Co. would like to help bring your outdoor vision to life. The well-respected establishment is a full service landscape design & build and maintenance company. Bertog Landscape Co. is located in Wheeling, 847-279-0028, bertoglandscape.com.

A CLASSIC RESIDENCE REDEFINED

Stanley D. Anderson’s architectural signature is on many North Shore homes and estates—including this Country Georgian-style residence built in 1928. The home’s new hardscape and its recent landscape renovation are in perfect keeping with its original architecture. Careful planning went into sourcing period bricks for the fire feature, seat walls, and other elements. The new bricks perfectly match the brick used in the home’s original construction, seamlessly blending old and new. At the entrance, the home’s striking architectural lines are accentuated by plantings of Frans Fontaine Hornbeam and Pyramidal Arborvitae. Prairiefire Flowering Crabapple trees provide seasonal interest in both spring and fall, while yews, boxwood hedges, and hydrangea

create timeless elegance. Custom wrought iron window boxes harken back to classic European estates. The back landscape transitions to an informal garden with a mix of sedges, perennials, and serviceberries. A bluestone terrace with an outdoor kitchen creates space for conversation. An adjacent patio with a brick seat wall gives definition to an intimate outdoor dining room, while angled bluestone steps with grass treads provide geometric interest. A separate bluestone chip patio with a wood-burning fire feature is tucked behind terrace walls for secluded gatherings. Bertog Landscape Co. received a design award for this project from the Illinois Landscape Contractors Association. Photography by Shigley Photo.

Horvat Design Group

Award-winning landscape architecture firm Horvat Design Group specializes in designing and installing stunning “outdoor rooms” and has been beautifying the North Shore for more than 33 years. As the firm’s senior landscape architect, Dan Horvat lends his considerable experience and talent to each and every design. Recognizing a space’s potential, he envisions the layout and then shares that vision with clients using virtual 3D computer renderings showing how new patios, walks, and colorful plantings will transform their yards.

Horvat Design Group specializes in custom stone patios, outdoor kitchens, fireplaces, garden walls, and pergolas that are coordinated with outdoor lighting for dramatic effect. They also design award-winning swimming pools from formal balanced layouts to natural looking pools complete with waterfalls and grottos. With all aspects of the project completed in-house, Horvat Design relies on their experienced master stonemasons, carpenters, and plant curators, many of whom have been with the company for 30 years. Dan Horvat is on hand throughout each project from

the design’s inception to the final unveiling of another beautiful outdoor living area.

Horvat Design is also well known for its extensive work on Lake Michigan bluffs and ravines. Having the experience, engineering background, and specialized equipment Horvat Design has completed many retention systems saving valuable property and, at times, even homes. Horvat Design Group is located at 403 Rockland Road in Lake Bluff, 847-234-5400, horvatdesign.com.

Schmechtig Landscapes

Experience the ease of a full-service landscape company to care for your home’s exterior environment. Schmechtig Landscapes is a family-owned company providing knowledge and expertise in the management of residential outdoor spaces. Schmechtig clients have the convenience of working with one company for all their landscape needs: design, build, maintenance, plant health care, irrigation, and lighting services. Since 1960, Schmechtig has been dedicated to building long-term relationships with clients—and that is why much of their work comes directly from referrals. Schmechtig Landscapes is located at 20860 West Indian Creek Road in Mundelein, 847-566-1233, schmechtiglandscapes.com.

LIVE OUTSIDE

Extraordinary landscaping creates memories. Your outdoor spaces should be made for everyday living. Whether enjoying a morning coffee by the garden, lounging on a patio, cooking on the grill, dining under a pergola, or gathering around the fire with family and friends, livable outdoor spaces enhance life’s simple pleasures. From groundbreaking landscape development to rejuvenating an overlooked area, if you can imagine an outdoor space, Schmechtig can create it. The scope of their design and construction capabilities runs deep, and Schmechtig’s landscape architects are skilled listeners whose landscape designs are beautiful, functional, and unique to each client. Personalize your landscape by extending your home’s interior style to the outdoors. With our InEx-teriors service, your landscape design is matched to the personality of your home’s interior to create a coordinated environment using custom furniture, fabrics, cushions, accessories, container pots, and lighting, along with outdoor video, audio, and Wi-Fi—because your outdoor spaces should be made for everyday living.

Photography by Michael Kaskel

Photography by Michael Kaskel

Designed by Maria Smithburg

Photography by Dustin Forest Halleck

MAISON ATIA

Highland Park’s Chloe Mendel, co-founder and creative director of Maison Atia, debuted the Autumn/Winter collection at The Baccarat Hotel in New York. The collection pays homage to Maison Atia’s Parisian heritage by reimagining vibrant fabrics from archives of famed French textile house Maison Hurel. Mendel collaborated with her father, designer Gilles Mendel, on a collection that includes 13 coats and signals Maison Atia’s exciting launch into readyto-wear with 8 dresses while continuing its commitment to only using the highest quality materials and working with New York’s finest artisans. The collection will be available for delivery in August/September. maisonatia.com

Derrick Freske, Jerry Maestas

Hannah Ross

Blair Klein, Deb Rabin, Allison Satyr, Tammy Travis, Aylice Toohey

Paulina Porizkova, Chloe Mendel with models

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MASATO ONODA

Emily Men

Paulina Porizkova

Gilles Mendel, Chloe Mendel

Olga Ferrara, Katya Bychkova

Mani Zarrin, guest

Amina Vassa

Emily Kammeyer Sumner

“We had an exceptional experience with Dave and Amy Chung. They are professional and realistic in their approach, they understand the marketplace, and provide valuable direction. They provide service that is above and beyond what is expected, from providing clear direction on how to prepare your home to sell to staging the home with the appropriate accents. It was truly a pleasure to work with them!”

- Carmen & Ross

LIVING & GIVING

A NIGHT IN ALL WHITE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY FRANCIS SON

Glencoe Junior Kindergarten and Nursery School (GJK) raised more than $42,000 at its annual winter benefit held at Hometown’s new Glencoe event space, Uptown. Anne Forman and Vanessa Davids co-chaired this year’s A Night In All White event, which drew more than 100 parents and staff. Guests enjoyed a lively cocktail party catered by Uptown and an incredible silent auction. The dessert bar featured confections and treats from Goodies Etc., Crumbl Cookies, An Apple A Day, Buck Russell’s, and Joe Donut. Florals and decor were provided by The Grand and Winnetka’s Balloons & Paper. The funds raised will specifically support GJK’s exemplary and unique programming, including music and literacy specialists, STEAM initiatives, and specialized enrichments. glencoejuniorkindergarten.org.

Lizzy Corbett, Carrie Rose, Kristi Josleyn

Top row: Catherine Berger, Sara Wait, Amanda Freedman, Stephanie D’Amico, Emily Blonsky Bottom row: Vanessa Davids, Anne Forman

Jacque Lovell, Jesse and Amanda Freedman

Michelle Meltzer, Natalie Tarantur, Rachel Sotoloff, Tina Lieber

Stephen Sotoloff, Adam Tarantur, Alan Taylor, Tina and Scott Lieber

Vanessa Davids, Anne Forman

Rich and Marissa Kates, Lindsay and Charlie Goldberg

Catherine Berger, Alexis Berger, Monica Levy, Mary Sutton, Lizzy Corbett

Donna and Sandeep Singh

HEALTHY BODIES, HEALTHY MINDS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD

More than 300 parents, alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of North Shore Country Day in Winnetka gathered on campus for the school’s annual fundraiser, The Benefit 2023—Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds. The event, cochaired by Kelly Callon-McLean and Kim Frezados, raised more than $385,000 to support health and wellness initiatives at the school. Supporters enjoyed a lovely evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and dinner. In addition to a live auction and a paddle raise for a new functional fitness space in the soon-to-be renovated gymnasium, the program featured keynote speaker Peter Callahan, NSCD Class of 2009. Callahan was a high school All-American and ran the third-fastest high school mile in the history of Illinois. He went on to have a nationally recognized running career in college and beyond. nscds.org

Krista Gallagher, Alyssa Quinlan, Miranda Maxfield

Stephanie Rapp, Nina Yoo

Andrew and Lauren Holland, Ali and Todd Linehan

Susanna Ver Eecke, Kim Frezados, Megan Panje-Wilson

Krista and J.P. Gallagher

Rob and Ellen Knight

Jennifer and Boris Rapoport, Jessica Rappaport and David Colton

Kim Frezados, Kelly Callon-McLean

L IVING & G IVING

JUF GRAND EVENT

JUF Women’s Philanthropy hosted the Grand Event at Bryn Mawr Country Club in Lincolnwood. More than 200 women began their evening by mingling over drinks and heavy appetizers. Attendees then had the pleasure of hearing from featured speaker Jodi Kantor, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and best-selling author of She Said: Breaking the Sexual Harassment Story That Helped Ignite a Movement. The Grand Event raised more than $150,000 to support JUF’s lifesaving work in Chicago, Israel, and around the world. juf.org

Shana Greenberg, Sarah Weil, Danielle Pearl, Susan Birnberg, Katie Doscher, Alissa Simon, Jennifer Wintroub Stoller

Risa and Lonnie Nasatir

Marilyn Vender, Adina Torchman

Michelle Hirsch, Julie Weinberg

Jennifer Wintroub Stoller, Susan Birnberg

Carol Adelman, Elizabeth Ballis

Wendy C. Abrams, Susan Abrams, Janna Berk

Stacey Dembo, Sarah Beren Karelitz

Elyssa Fisher, Linda Schottenstein Fisher, Alissa Simon

Wynne Baruch, Beth Gilford, Jodi Kantor, Katie Doscher, Sarah Beren Karelitz

Stephanie Smerling

Katie Sternberg

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBERT KUSEL

Lake Noquebay Shores is now offering a unique opportunity for someone seeking an exclusive Northwoods retreat. Now you can own all 62 beautifully wooded acres with 1,700 feet of shoreline on a pristine 2,400-acre lake for only $1.6 million.

Far from the crowds and traffic, Lake Noquebay Shores offers you the perfect property for a luxurious private family estate or a group of your friends creating their own paradise. Enjoy precious moments on the water tubing, skiing, canoeing, fishing, or touring the lake in your party boat. Gather friends and family around your fire on a cool fall evening, or in the winter after snowmobiling or cross-country skiing. And always – just enjoy the solitude!

Lake Noquebay Shores is just 2.5-hours north of Milwaukee. Far enough from the crowds, yet close enough for a weekend getaway. Now is your chance to own that exclusive retreat you have always wanted.

62 ACRES - $1.6 MILLION

LIVING & GIVING

APRÈS SKI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD

Kenilworth Union Church hosted its annual Outreach Benefit in February at the Kenilworth Assembly Hall. Close to 200 guests gathered at the Après Ski-themed event to raise funds for the church’s nonprofit partners by bidding on the live and silent auctions and taking part in the raffle and paddle raise. The event featured speakers from three of those agencies: Breakthrough; Josselyn; and RefugeeOne. kuc.org

Tina Roselli, Elza Garnett

Rachel and Peter Allport

Bill Walsh and Beverly Hayes

Tina and John Roselli, Melinda Baldwin

Bruce Linger, Rev. Dr. William A. Evertsberg, Ken Harris, Peter Schaff

Christine and Frank Adams

Laura and Bruce Linger, Margaret and Adam Chaffee Lance and Nancy O’Donnell, Chris and Matt Beer

WORDS BY STEVEN BLOCH, M.D. PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

Plastic Surgery Update: DEFINING THE JAWLINE

The jawline is one of the most important facial features when perceiving facial traits including attractiveness. The jawline creates facial balance and frames the face aesthetically. This is true for all genders. In extreme cases, surgical intervention is warranted and can achieve drastic results. In more subtle cases, before now there was not a reasonable and effective treatment available. Now with the introduction of Volux XC and Voluma both FDA-approved for chin and jawline augmentation, subtle to moderate jawline deficiencies can be addressed with an office injection.

In the younger patient, mild to moderate structural deficiencies can be addressed with injections to add definition. Results usually last 1–2 years. This is usually cost-effective and may be a non-surgical alternative.

In the older patient, there are subtle and notable changes to the jawline as a result of the aging process. A prominent sign of aging is the appearance of jowls. Jowls are excessive skin and subcutaneous fat that drops or sags along the jawline. Jowls result from loss of skin elasticity, laxity of the facial muscles, and repositioning of facial fat.

With age, the mandible (jaw) reabsorbs causing the mandibular angle to increase. Also, the pre-jowl region of the mandible may develop concavity that contributes to the appearance of the jowls. A facelift addresses some of these signs of aging but does not address bone resorption. Tweaking along with injectables to augment the jawline after a facelift is a nice little adjunct to complete the look. EMFACE muscle stimulation is another highly effective treatment to improve muscle tone and jawline definition and can be effectively combined with Volux to define the jaw.

Defining the jawline requires the eye of an artist, the skill of a sculptor, and the knowledge of a surgeon. Choose your provider carefully.

For additional information, visit bodybybloch.com or Dr. Bloch can be reached at his Highland Park office at 847-432-0840. Follow us on

For 20 years, some of the North Shore’s most elite luxury buyers and sellers have turned to me to provide advice and expertise when buying and selling their homes.

Discretion, privacy, proper advertising, marketing and PR channels are critical when working on these engagements. I work with each of my clients to create strategies that respect their families, professional commitments and protect their privacy.

The luxury market remains very strong especially on the North Shore where we are currently experiencing a shortage of available properties.

Interested in discussing the current market? Or do you want to talk about a property to buy or sell? Please call, text or email me.

And if you want talk with one of my past luxury clients directly, I am happy to arrange that conversation for you as well.

WIDER INFLUENCE

WORDS BY MITCH HURST PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP

Steve Robnick is a self-professed plant nerd, which might have something to do with why he (eventually) became a middle-school science teacher. Robnick studied botany at Miami University in Ohio but took a winding road on his way to a career in education.

After a short stint working for a logistics company in Chicago, he decided to go back to school for a master’s degree in education. It was his days as a youth swimming coach in Oxford, Ohio that led him to switch careers.

“During college I coached swimming. I was a swimmer growing up, and then I went back, and I coached my club team and that’s when I first started working with kids,” Robnick says. “That’s where this idea formulated that I should go on to education, just because I really enjoyed setting goals with kids and helping them achieve them.”

He started his education career teaching 7th and 8th grade science at West Ridge Elementary school in Chicago. After five years, he made the jump to Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS), and he’s happy he did.

“It’s a very close-knit school community with people who really partner with each other for the greater good,” Robnick says of LFCDS. “I think we have excellent personnel and the resources we have here just from a teaching perspective allow you to be effective.”

Being able to walk into the classroom every day knowing that you have the opportunity and the tools necessary to make a positive difference in each of the students, Robnick says, is key. Individual time with each student is not something that happens everywhere. That’s what he enjoys most about teaching at LFCDS.

In January, after teaching science for five years, Robnick was appointed Head of LFCDS’s Upper School, which serves grades 5 through 8. He says the opportunity to widen his impact and influence on students was a major factor in seeking the position.

“The reason I wanted to do this is I think I bring to the table, in terms of my philosophy and what motivates me, what is needed at the school at this time,” he says. “In this position, I get to support a larger number of students, faculty, and parents.”

Robnick says there hasn’t been anything he’s found more rewarding or satisfying than when he’s working with a student who comes up against a roadblock and he’s able to help them persist through it.

“You help them grow and help them learn and then the light bulb turns on,” Robnick says. “When things click, and they finally understand, and you see that look of recognition that they get it.”

With his background as a science teacher, Robnick says, he finds it important for kids to understand how to think critically. The ability to interpret data and to understand what is valid and what is not is critical in today’s day and age.

“We have to give kids that foundational background, how to ask questions, and how to come up with answers on their own,” he says. “Outside of my own personal satisfaction I get from the job, it’s just really important that kids and adults know how to do that, and that was my motivation for becoming a teacher.”

Lake Forest Country Day School is located at 145 South Green Bay Road in Lake Forest, 847-234-2350, lfcds.org.

Steve Robnick

After five years of teaching science at Lake Forest Country Day’s middle school, Steve Robnick was named Head of Upper School in January.

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“Great working with Sara! She worked diligently to prepare my property for sale. She was on top of all activities and contractors to ensure that my property was quickly ready for a beautiful presentation. She managed every detail great and small with professionalism and competence. She made the home selling process painless. I would highly recommend her to anyone planning to sell property on the North Shore.”

– Lisa G (Seller)

SERVICE AGENT

312.925.6561 • sarabrahm@atproperties.com

PARTING WORDS

FRESH

Growlakecounty.org provides all you need to know about Lake County’s local food scene.

WORDS BY MONICA KASS ROGERS / ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT RISKO

Radish and peas, fennel and cheese! Spring has sprung and its fresh air heightens our anticipation for seasonal yields from local farms and growers. If you’re wondering where, when, and how to find them, growlakecounty.org is the answer.

Created by The Lake County Community Foundation (LCCF) in partnership with the Liberty Prairie Foundation, and the Lake County Local Food Task Force, growlakecounty. org includes an interactive map with links to farmers markets, farm stands, community-supported agriculture (CSA) programs, community gardens, pollinator and beekeeping resources, agri-tourism venues, and more.

The site makes it easy to know everything from when and where markets are happening, to how to sign up for a CSA or a plot in a community garden. All of that, plus paving the way to knowing your food providers better, with profiles on farms, growers, and food movement organizations.

The website benefits both sides of the farm-to-table movement. Lake County consumers are better informed about what’s available year-round while growers, producers, and other agriculture-based organizations are better seen.

“Small farm businesses often have very limited marketing budgets, so it is our hope that being listed on the site will help them introduce their farms to the local community,” says Emily Weber, LCCF Director of Programs and Community Investment.

That’s proven to be true. “We’ve received great feedback from growers and producers listed on the site,” says Weber.

Adam Quinn, for example, of Adam’s Acres Organics at Prairie

Crossing Farm in Grayslake says, “It’s been almost a year since we have been on the map. It’s a great resource. Getting people in the community to engage with local farmers is very important; often the produce is better than what they find in the store, and it’s great that they know their farmer by name.”

Likewise, Jen and Jeff Miller of Prairie Wind Family Farm in Grayslake say they appreciate that growlakecounty.org gives them a chance to tell their farm story. It also allows the couple to share the love through referrals to other producers on the site. Jen explains, “As Lake County farmers we are often asked by customers for help to find other sustainably minded farms that produce things we don’t grow ourselves—like humanely raised meats or autumn pumpkins.”

The vision for growlakecounty.org was born before the pandemic. In 2017, LCCF recognized that although the county had a robust food movement—including one of the region’s only incubator programs for beginning farmers, it didn’t have a centralized website to facilitate connections between growers and consumers. To fix that, Weber and her team researched what other regions and communities were doing to highlight and lift up their local food economies, and found content-rich sites such as the Wisconsin Fresh Farm Atlas and the McHenry County Local Food Network. Weber says she was fortunate

and grateful to get advice and support from those who shaped the sites. Moving forward, Weber is excited about the website’s continued development. Seeking

JENA RADNAY

WHAT’S YOUR BEST ATTRIBUTE?

Being able to multi-task like no other...and counting on the people who kill it for me: Humberto painting at one house, Annie picking hardware at Studio 41, Johnny from Demuth doing a sewer scope at another house, and Stacy at the office making sure all paperwork is perfect. Teamwork is everything!

HOW DO YOU KNOW YOUR CLIENTS VALUE YOU?

I read a review about me, as I am always excited to hear what my clients have to say, “I hit the goldmine with Jena...and that’s all I need to say”. I loved reading that as it tells me they felt my dedication and expertise throughout the way, not just with their house but with everything else I brought to the table.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF REAL ESTATE? WHAT IS YOUR LEAST?

I love that everyday I get to figure out the best way to find success for homes of different shapes and sizes. I get upset too, when a deal falls through, but I believe you have to keep everything in perspective. My Mom once said, “Don’t cry over things that cannot cry back” and Mommy is always right :)

WHO DO YOU CREDIT FOR MAKING IT INTO THE MASTERS CIRCLE?

Everyone who supported and believed in me... and every client who took that leap of faith by picking up their phone to call me.

HOW DO YOU BECOME THE #1 AGENT WITH NO TEAM?

Oh I have a team...

I just don’t have agents working underneath me, as I always want to be one-on-one. Annie Kenyon and I do this thing called real estate together with all of our vendors who kill it for us. To lead a team of agents, means I am less focused on my clients and I want to continue to be hands-on as the number 1 boutique luxury service provider on the North Shore.