Sheridan Road, April 2024

Meet our Private Bank Team in Northbrook

The Fifth Third Private Bank Chicago region team is ready to support your financial goals in from our office in Northbrook.

We have a full team of dedicated professionals who provide a uniquely tailored suite of financial services to high and ultra-high net worth individuals and businesses. 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—today, tomorrow and for future generations.

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2430 N Lakeview Ave #5-6N · $2,200,000

1927 N Cleveland Ave · $3,395,000

30

1970 N Burling St

1913 N Burling St $5,490,000

#1 in luxury north shore

@properties Christie’s International Real Estate is the #1 brokerage for luxury sales on the North Shore and across Chicagoland. Our leading market share creates maximum opportunity for buyers and sellers, while our partnership with the world-renowned Christie’s auction house seamlessly connects clients to the premier market for art and luxury goods.

Source: MRED/BrokerMetrics LLC.

You won’t believe what you’ll see.

Graduating students of strong character with a passion for learning since 1888.

Adrianna

I’ve

Using

Founder & Publisher

Editor-in-Chief Associate Publisher

Contributing Editors

Executive Project Director

Style Director

Style Editor

Contributing Writers

Art Director

Production Manager/ Graphic Designer

Senior Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers

Contributing Photographers

Contributing Illustrator Administrative Assistant

Advertising Sales Advisory Council

J.W. CONATSER

DUSTIN O’REGAN

JENNIFER STURGEON

MORGAN HOGERTY, MEGAN WEISBERG

KEMMIE RYAN

THERESA DEMARIA

ALLISON DUNCAN

BILL MCLEAN, MONICA KASS ROGERS, JOE ROSENTHAL, ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER, SHERRY THOMAS

JORDAN WILLIAMS

LINDA LEWIS

AMIN QUTTEINEH

CHRIS GEIMER

IAN MCLEOD, JAMES GUSTIN, RUNVIJAY PAUL, MARIA PONCE, MONICA KASS ROGERS

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

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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. © 2024 JWC Media

Dr. Manoj K. Mehta FACG, FASGE, AGAF

Dr. Laura K. Bianchi

Providing state-of-the-art

Gastroenterology care to the North Shore

• Personalized gastroenterology care for all your digestive health needs

• Fully accredited and certified with prestigious quality awards

• Warm, friendly office

• Safety and quality controls that

• Full time anesthesiologist for your complete comfort

• Telemedicine

EDITOR’S NOTE

THIS MONTH I WILL BE

ATTENDING

Ragdale’s More Than a Novel Affair on April 26 & 27

WEARING

This Elie Saab little number to spring’s first gala

READING

With Earth Day falling on April 22, this month’s issue focuses on environmental stewards, several of whom call the North Shore home. We kick off the features by planting seeds with Lake Forest’s Monique Hypes, CEO of Tomato Bliss, a company that promotes biodiversity and a healthy ecosystem by growing and processing heirloom tomatoes. Our second feature introduces Ami Vitale, the keynote speaker for the May 14th Field Museum’s Women in Science Luncheon. A renowned conservation photojournalist, Ami’s photographs reveal the beautiful bonds between man, animal, and nature and the importance of preservation. In our third feature, we meet Kate Higgins, whose gift for floral arrangements has long delighted family and friends. Kate is now the proprietress of Wellyhaus—a new, European-inspired flower market in Winnetka. We end the features with a stroll through the Highland Park yard that James McGuire and Crystal Fritz transformed into a sustainable, idyllic garden using native plants.

An advance copy of The Goddess of Warsaw by Lisa Barr (copies available in May)

Swapping seeds for paint brushes, Art & Artist highlights the dreamlike talent of Elsa Muñoz. Her riveting works will take your breath away. Continuing the artistic thread, Trending showcases Lake Bluff painter Erin Henkel who shares how she stays current between canvases, school dropoffs, and Lake Forest Book Store events.

Hungry for more? Recipe cooks up a vegan curry perfect to spice up your week. Put the fork

down and don safari gear as First Class takes us on Botswana river safaris and game drives with Desert & Delta Safaris. Leaving the delta and heading west to Park City, Utah, Mountain Living tours a recent Rebel House Design project that mirrors its spectacular setting. In Home Tour, we explore Kaylan Kane’s modern, French-inspired design of an urban dwelling.

We end the issue on an electoral note with Lake Forest’s Jim Carris discussing his political aspirations for the 10th Congressional District in Parting Words. Enjoy April as raindrops will give way to tulips soon enough.

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

Follow Sheridan Road on Instagram: @sheridanrdmag

Monique Hypes CEO of Tomato Bliss is featured in Ripe for Success. Photographed in Elawa Farm greenhouse

SAVE the DATE

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

EDITED BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

APRIL 11

VERNISSAGE

WHERE: Festival Hall, Navy Pier

The Women’s Board of the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago (MCA) hosts Vernissage, the opening night benefit of EXPO CHICAGO. Enjoy special early access to EXPO CHICAGO, which presents artwork from more than 170 leading galleries across the world. mcachicago.org

APRIL 11 – APRIL 14

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 the eleventh edition of the in-person exhibition. 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 12

PAWS FOR A CAUSE

WHERE: 28 Mile Distillery

Paws for Patrick hosts its annual Spring Gala with an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, and music from The Freddy Jones Band. 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 13

BRIGHT FUTURES GALA

WHERE: Independence Grove

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/bright-futures-gala

APRIL 17 – 21

ALVIN AILEY AMERICAN DANCE THEATER

WHERE: Auditorium Theatre Celebrating its 55th engagement at the Auditorium, the illustrious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater returns to its Chicago home for a six-performance program with both new works and beloved classics including Ailey’s masterpiece Revelations. Steeped in cultural history and expanding with new boundary-breaking choreographers, this is truly a must-see event. auditoriumtheatre.org

APRIL 19

HPDS GALA

WHERE: Bryn Mawr Country Club

Hyde Park Day School celebrates its annual gala, In Full Bloom, with a festive event co-chaired by Kari Darmstadter

and Aimée Eubanks Davis. Guests will enjoy cocktails, dinner, and a silent and live auction. Funds raised will support the Bright Futures Scholarship Fund. hydeparkday.org

APRIL 20

ART OF CARING

WHERE: Onwentsia Country Club

The Women’s Board of Catholic Charities, Lake County Services celebrates its Art of Caring event with cocktails, a program, dinner, entertainment, and dancing. The Honorary Chairs are Kirk and Nadine Shepard. All funds raised benefit the programs and services of Catholic Charities in Lake County. catholiccharities.net/ events/art-of-caring-2024

APRIL 25

REACH FOR THE STARS

WHERE: The Westin Chicago North Shore, Wheeling Reading Power marks two decades of efforts in early childhood literacy with a cocktail and dinner benefit. The celebration will honor key individuals associated with the organization, including co-founder Mary Jane Hender and volunteer tutor Amanda Wright. The event promises to be a fitting tribute to the achievements of Reading Power and its contributors. readingpowerinc.org

APRIL 26

INSPIRE CHANGE FOR MENTAL HEALTH

WHERE: Sunset Ridge Country Club, Northfield Inspire Change for Mental

Health celebrates its premier Spring Gala with cocktails, entertainment, a silent auction, and dancing. Inspire Change for Mental Health is a nonprofit organization offering mental health scholarships through the Inspire Counseling Center’s locations in Kenilworth, Lake Forest, Northbrook, and Evanston. All funds raised benefit the programs and services of Inspire Change for Mental Health. inspirecounselingcenter. com/inspire-change-for-mentalhealth/

APRIL 26

PAWS CHICAGO ANIMAL MAGNETISM

WHERE: Morgan Manufacturing, Chicago

Hosted by the PAWS Chicago Professional Board, Animal Magnetism welcomes more than 650 of Chicago’s urban professionals, animal lovers, and their canine companions for a night of food, drinks, dancing, entertainment, a fabulous silent auction, and more! Funds raised will help PAWS Chicago save the lives of countless homeless dogs and cats. pawschicago.org

APRIL 26 – 27

MORE THAN A NOVEL AFFAIR

WHERE: Shoreacres and Ragdale Campus

Ragdale’s More Than A Novel Affair will bring together an engaging list of artists and guests for two evenings of creativity and support of the region’s most prominent artists’ residency. The first evening is an artist reception and program at Shoreacres. On April 27,

Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

April 17 – 21. S. Figgins, K. Campbell, S. Daley-Perdomo. Photography by Dario Calmese

AGENDA

guests will enjoy cocktails, performances, and a seated dinner with featured artists on the idyllic Ragdale campus. Tickets can be purchased for either or both events. ragdale.org

APRIL 27

SHAKIN’ & STIRRED

WHERE: 28 Mile Distillery

The Women’s Board of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital hosts this upscale casual event raising funds to support nursing education. Co-chaired by Catherine Bernardi, Jeni Hoogasian, and Anne Stewart, the event will feature cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and the band Hello Weekend. lfhwomensboard.nm.org

MAY 1

JOSSELYN SPRING LUNCHEON

WHERE: Evanston Golf Club

Since 1951, Josselyn has worked within the community to ensure that everyone has

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 community-building events produced all year round by TAC. theartcenterhp.org

MAY 3

GLENCOE UNDER THE STARS

WHERE: Northmoor Country Club

this beloved tradition, which has featured such prominent speakers as Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, First Lady Laura Bush, and director and author Nora Ephron, among many others. Riley O’Neil will serve as chairman of this highly anticipated event, the proceeds of which will support research and clinical trials for potentially life-saving treatments at RUSH, along with the Medical Center’s education and community service programs. thewomansboard.org

equitable access to the highest quality mental health care. Josselyn hosts its 16th Annual Spring Luncheon with all proceeds benefiting youth and teen mental health programs. josselyn.org.

MAY 2

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. chiartsfoundation.org/kerfuffle

MAY 3

TAC ANNUAL SPRING BENEFIT

Family Service of Glencoe hosts its annual fundraising benefit where guests will enjoy an evening under the stars complete with a chef-curated menu, delicious cocktails, dancing, silent and live auctions, a paddle raise, and a moving and motivational program about mental health. Family Service of Glencoe provides mental health care and social services to all in Glencoe and neighboring communities, regardless of their ability to pay. glencoeunderthestars.org

MAY 4

WORDPLAY GALA

WHERE: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

Writers Theatre hosts its annual WordPlay Gala at the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago with the theme “You Ain’t Seen Nothing Yet.” The spirited evening, full of performances, dinner, and fundraising is co-chaired by Pam Conant and Donna and David Tropp. The evening’s honorees are Christopher and Sara Pfaff. writerstheatre.org

MAY 6

THE RUSH WOMAN’S BOARD’S 29TH ANNUAL SPRING LUNCHEON

WHERE: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

Actor, model, author, and entrepreneur Brooke Shields serves as the keynote speaker for

MAY 10

BOOK LOVERS’ LUNCH

WHERE: Bernie’s Book Bank Bernie’s Book Bank brings back its beloved Book Lovers’ Lunch with a special presentation from New York Times best-selling author Lisa Barr. Enjoy a delicious lunch with lively conversation while supporting Bernie’s Book Bank’s mission of making books accessible to all children. berniesbookbank.org

MAY 11

MUSIC MATTERS

WHERE: Ravinia Festival

The Ravinia Associates Board hosts Music Matters with an open bar, live music, and silent and live auction. Proceeds benefit Ravinia and its Reach Teach Play music education programs. ravinia.org/musicmatters

MAY 14

WOMEN IN SCIENCE LUNCHEON

WHERE: Field Museum, Chicago

The Women’s Board of the Field Museum will welcome conservation photojournalist Ami Vitale to the Women in Science Luncheon celebrating female leadership in STEM fields. Since inception, the luncheon has supported more than 500 women at all stages in their scientific careers, through internships, fellowships, postdoc positions, and more. fieldmuseum.org

NEWSWORTHY

PAPIER FRANÇAIS

Founded by Laurent Chapuis in 2019, the French wallpaper brand Papier Français is defined by the rediscovery, restoration, and revival of iconic wallpapers dating back to the French “Golden Age of wallpaper” of the 18th and 19th centuries. Fueled by his passion for architecture and design, Chapuis combines the historical and modern to create iconic, fantastical, and timeless patterns. In his own words, “Papier Français is giving new life to the hidden treasures of the archives in the most prestigious institutions—with a mix between iconic, timeless patterns and the best technology.” As the sole supplier of Papier Français wallpapers in the United States, Eerdmans carries all four collections: Bibliothèque Nationale de France N°1 and N°2, Créatonne 1975, and Murmur. For more information, visit en.papierfrancais.com.

THE LIBERATED GARDEN

The Garden Liberated: An Evolution of Italian Garden Design brings together 10 Italian gardens created by Italy’s most respected garden architect, Paolo Pejrone. The gardens are located in different regions of Italy ranging from the wetlands of Piedmont to the gentle hills of Tuscany to the lush Riviera to the sunny coasts of the South, reflecting Italy’s extraordinary biodiversity. When designing gardens, Pejrone tackles the task with great humility, placing himself at the service of nature and never vice versa. In full harmony with the rhythm of nature, Pejrone’s gardens are a manifesto of sobriety and sustainability. The partnership between Pejrone and the book’s photographer, Dario Fusaro, started many years ago. In addition to documenting the transformations of the ever-changing gardens over time, Fusaro photographs every new intervention by Pejrone. This book is a visual feast for lovers of greenery and the Italian landscape. For more information, visit rizzoliusa.com

UN-TEA AFTERNOON APÉRO

French-inspired, luxury hotel Sofitel Chicago presents a refined culinary and playful experience combining the sophistication of afternoon tea service with an array of French treats and Champagne. The Un-Tea Afternoon Apéro features a delightful menu prepared by the hotel’s culinary team, led by Executive Chef Daniel Höfler. Indulge in choux puffs with truffle cream, French onion and gruyere scones, assorted macarons, foie gras tea sandwiches, and more alongside a selection of fine French Champagnes including Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Dom Pérignon. Guests will feel as if they have been transported to Paris via this trendy and vibrant twist on the traditional tea service that is perfect for celebrations, an afternoon out with your girlfriends, or treating a loved one. The Un-Tea Afternoon Apéro is the ultimate experience for locals and guests alike. For more information, visit sofitel-chicago.com.

BREAST AUGMENTATION

DR. JEREMY WARNER, MD FACS

ENHANCE YOUR BUST AND YOUR SELF-ESTEEM.

At The Warner Institute, we understand that breast augmentation is not just a physical transformation but an emotional one. Our approach goes beyond enhancing your breasts; it’s about boosting your self-esteem and helping you achieve the confidence you desire. With a commitment to personalized care and natural-looking results, our breast augmentation procedures are designed to empower you on your journey to a more confident, balanced silhouette.

Breast augmentation, also known as augmentation mammoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery designed to enhance the shape, size, and overall appearance of a woman’s breasts. We achieve breast enhancement by inserting implants beneath the breast tissue or chest muscle, often filled with saline or silicone gel. The goal is to provide a fuller, more proportionate bustline that aligns with your aesthetic preferences and body proportions. Breast augmentation is a highly individualized procedure, allowing you to choose from various implant types, sizes, and incision techniques to achieve their desired outcome, without the need for drains. At Warner institute, we take a personalized approach to breast augmentation, ensuring natural-looking and satisfying results for each patient. Warner Institute is here to help you achieve the confidence you deserve and desire. Call our office today for a consultation.

Patients that undergo a breast augmentation will receive a complementary DAXXIFY® treatment.

Offer must be redeemed within 6 months of the breast augmentation procedure

THE LIST

MAKING PERFECT SCENTS

My sensational selects for a scentsational spring.

EDITED BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

VERSACE DYLAN PURPLE EAU DE PARFUM versace.com

HERMÈS UN JARDIN SUR LE NIL EAU DE TOILETTE modaoperandi.com

GELSOMINO SANTA MARIA NOVELLA, EAU DE PARFUM modaoperandi.com

CARTIER LES BASES A PARFUMER BODY CREAM cartier.com

LELAND FRANCIS FRANKLIN EAU DE PARFUM lelandfrancis.com

GUERLAIN L’ART & LA MATIÈRE EAU DE PARFUM geurlain.com

CARTIER PURE ROSE ÉPURES DE PARFUM cartier.com

VYRAO THE SIXTH EAU DE PARFUM modaoperandi.com

SHORE CITY

A native of Syosset, New York, SELBY KOSKY moved to Chicago in 2006 to attend The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. While studying and living in Bucktown, she pursued her love of styling as a buyer for an upscale boutique. In 2019, Selby moved to Highland Park with her husband, Kenny, and their Bernedoodle, Lou. After having two boys, Ari (4) and Rowan (2), she made her passion into a reality by creating styledtherapy by selby. Now a school psychologist, Selby has a growing Instagram account (@styledtherapy) featuring fashion, styling, and curated outfit inspiration for more than 22,000 followers. This style star psychologist set aside her appointment books and closet picks to share her shore and city favorites with Sheridan Road.

EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

What’s on the horizon? The opportunity to do many more wardrobe edits and client styling. I love connecting with women and men to help them feel confident in their clothing and capture their style with both old and new pieces Mantra?

“You got this” Best grooming tip? My skincare routine and my $10 ice face roller from Amazon Guilty pleasure? Watermelon Sour Patch Kids Favorite foods? Anything pasta or sushi Music you love? ‘90s anything Best advice ever given to you? “If you want something bad enough, then go get it” Best advice you’ve given? When I can see that a client is really excited to introduce a new piece or try a new way to style an already owned item—I enjoy validating that confidence Earliest memory? Laughing uncontrollably with my

sister When you wake up, you? Check my phone Before bed, you? Fall asleep on the couch

What’s on your bookshelf?

Fashion and style coffee table books You can’t live without? My family and a good pair of jeans Love to escape to? Somewhere warm or Italy with my husband Advice you would give to your younger self? Don’t let other peoples’ opinions affect your passion and drive

ON THE SHORE IN THE CITY

Your style is? Jeans, a crewneck tee, and a loafer or ballet flat Can’t leave the house without? Phone, keys, wallet Transportation? My car Driving music? ‘90s Apple Music, hip-hop, pop, and R&B Place to eat? Towne & Oak, Hometown, Viaggio, Happi Sushi, Stacked & Folded Shop? Athene Best thing about the Shore? Parks, great comfort food (matzo ball soup at Max’s Deli), Rosewood Beach Worst thing about the Shore? Few restaurant options The perfect day is? Grabbing a large coffee and walking to a park with all the boys (husband and dog included)

Your style is? Jeans styled with something black and a slingback mule Can’t leave the house without? Phone, keys, wallet … and sunglasses Transportation? My car parked in the Gold Coast and I’m walking everywhere Driving music? 103.5 Kiss FM Place to eat? Sushi-San, Shaw’s Crab House, Swift & Sons, Vinnies Sub Shop, Corey’s NYC Bagel Deli Shop? COS, ANINE BING. I miss you, Barneys Best thing about the City? The bustle and vibe Worst thing about the City? Traffic The perfect day is? Walking around the West Loop in the summer, taking in the city energy, and stumbling across a new restaurant with my husband

Veneto, Italy

Selby Kosky wearing KHAITE, athene

Towne & Oak

LIVING & GIVING LOVE LIKE A LYON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY STOPTIME LIVE

The Lyon Family Foundation hosted a “Love Like A Lyon” packing party at Winnetka’s Towne & Oak. The guests assembled 100 Valentine’s Day gift boxes for patients in the Adolescent & Young Adult Oncology Program at UChicago Medicine Comer Children’s Hospital. Guests were treated to Towne & Oak’s tea service, as well as a brief talk from Dr. Adam DuVall, Assistant Professor of Medicine at UChicago Medicine. The event is part of the foundation’s Lyon’s Way initiative which aims to provide extra layers of comfort and care to patients living through a cancer journey. Brands providing products for the patient boxes included: Laurent-Perrier, Bombas, Patchology, W&P, Owala, VEGER, Big Heart Tea Co., Touchland, Seattle Chocolate Company, Romer Skincare, Papier, Barefoot Dreams, 57th Street Books. lyonsway.org

Alexandra Singer, Bianca Cacciatore, Ioanna Lo Destro

Raffle winner Sarah Matteson

Brooke Dean, Whitney Stanton, Nicole Kneedy

Caroline Schaffer filling a Valentine’s Day box for patients

Caroline Grossinger, Carrie Mancuso Carver

Bianca Cacciatore

Alexandra Singer

Sarah Neukom, Christine Griffin

Caroline Schaffer

Lauren Black, Meredith DuBoff, Alexandra Singer, Sarah Neukom, Ioanna Lo Destro

Francesca Thomson, Nicole Arnold

Brittany Bowen

Caroline Flanagan, Kayla Weiss

Lauren Rome Marks, Ioanna Lo Destro, Bianca Cacciatore, Sarah Somers

LOOK, LIVE, & FEEL YOUR BEST

PryorHealth is transforming the way wellness and aesthetics work together.

WORDS BY LEA GUCCIONE / PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD STYLING & GROOMING BY THERESA DEMARIA

Let’s face it—the world of aesthetic surgery may be your perfect solution, or not your cup of tea. But enhancing overall wellbeing is a universal desire as old as time. Dr. Landon Pryor, board-certified plastic surgeon, understands this inherently. He is the founder and CEO of PryorHealth, a multi-location, comprehensive medical aesthetics and wellness platform with a newly renovated practice on the North Shore.

When Dr. Pryor established his private practice in 2013, Plastic and Reconstructive surgery was at its core, but soon after, he recognized a distinct need for nonsurgical and wellness treatments to help patients look and feel their best, more holistically, complementing and providing alternatives to the outcomes that cannot be achieved by surgery alone.

“I realized that not everyone is a surgical candidate,” he shares, “and a lot of patients are interested in nonsurgical options for a lot of reasons: cost, scarring, downtime, preconceived notions about risks—all these variables go into making the decision. So, I made a deliberate effort early on in my practice to have an option available to anybody that would come through our doors.”

Addressing this gap head-on, Dr. Pryor armed himself with a team of experts to provide a comprehensive suite of wellness and aesthetic care. “My vision was to have this all-in-one center of excellence,” he says. Today, that center is an ecosystem of locations that offer the full spectrum of nonsurgical and surgical offerings, including chemical peels, injectables, hair restoration, CoolSculpting, IV treatments, and much more. By combining these treatments with the high-quality, safe surgery that Dr. Pryor is known for, he has unlocked remarkable new potential for patients.

“Combination treatments have delivered our patients their desired results,” says. Dr. Mohammed Asif, who leads the cutting-edge North Shore facility alongside Dr. Eric Anderson. Both physicians operate the North Shore office with the highest standards of excellence and safety—a critical factor Dr. Pryor seeks out in his team. “Some patient concerns require multi-faceted solutions,” says Dr. Anderson. “Not only is this convenient for the patient but it allows the provider to supplement surgical treatment with additional therapies that either prepare or maintain results.”

As the wellness space changes almost daily, this team is uniquely equipped to respond. Take medical weight loss, which has become increasingly popular nation-wide: “Patients who do want to pursue medical weight loss can feel confident that they’re being seen by a legitimate medical provider—we’re making recommendations based on their unique health history,” says Dr. Pryor. “Beyond that, we are part of their patient journey, so when patients do lose the weight, we have options for improving the

skin laxity that invariably develops after weight loss through either nonsurgical skin-tightening, which has become increasingly popular, or, further along the spectrum, skin-tightening surgery. So, patients can come to us for weight loss, and we can continue to treat them along the way to minimize any appearance-related concerns.”

Regardless of the treatment chosen, patient quality of life comes first. Dr. Pryor says, “We care about more than just your outcome from an appearance-standpoint. We care about your health, we care about your wellbeing, and we care about how you feel.”

PryorHealth, Chicago North Shore is located at 330 W Frontage Road in Northfield, 847-220-6007, pryorhealth.com.

Dr. Eric Anderson, Dr. Landon Pryor, and Dr. Mohammed Asif

Life happens. And you want to be ready when it does.

Getting to know you and what you care most about — planning for college, taking care of family, passing a legacy — is so important. Once we understand your priorities, we can help you pursue the goals you’ve set for yourself and your family. Call to learn more today.

Tom Kilborn Managing Director Wealth Management Advisor

847.564.7201

tom_kilborn@ml.com

847.564.7203

frederick_phillips@ml.com

*Person

LIVING AND DRESSING WELL

IT’S REIGNING

FASHION

Silvia Tcherassi Oriana Blouse in Yellow, Lake Forest Shop

01 CHANEL Blush, Chanel Chicago,

CHANEL Baume Coco, Chanel Chicago, 312-787-5500

Les Beiges Primer, Chanel Chicago,

SPRING FLING

The Lake Forest Shop curates fresh fashion finds for spring.

EDITED BY NICOLE CARRABINE

01 Silvia Tcherassi Jari Top in Navy 02 Silvia Tcherassi Susanne Blouse in Limoncello 03 Silvia Tcherassi Giorgio Top in Multi Swirls 04 Silvia Tcherassi Molveno Blouse with Navy Stripes 05 Zimmermann Liftoff

Flower Midi Dress 06 Silvia Tcherassi Loni Dress 07 Silvia Tcherassi Bresia Belt Multicolor 08 Silvia Tcherassi Como Top in Green Cyprus 09 Rosie Assoulin Plot Twist Polo Dress in White 10 Silvia Tcherassi Catania Dress 11 Zimmermann Natura Ruched Mini Dress 12 Silvia Tcherassi

Honey Pant in Navy Bloom 13 Rosie Assoulin Rorschach A-Line Maxi Dress in White 14 Agua Bendita Dress 15 Silvia Tcherassi Honey Blouse in Navy Bloom 16 Zimmermann Natura Corset Midi Dress 17 La Ligne Lee

Navy and Ivory Top and Pant 18 Silvia Tcherassi Noor Dress in Nude Floral 19 Mansur Gavriel Flamingo Dream Ballerina Flats 20 Silvia Tcherassi

Pavia Dress in Rouge Orange Stripes 21 Silvia Tcherassi Villanova Dress in Green Cyprus

CULTURE & ARTS

THE NORTH SHORE’S MOST CREATIVE PURSUITS

DREAM WEAVER

Elsa Muñoz captivates audiences with her deeply moving photorealistic paintings

Nightshore 24, 36” x 30” oil on panel, 2022. Artist Elsa Muñoz is featured in Art & Artist

HEALING VISIONS

Elsa Muñoz’s dreamlike oil paintings convey the magic of folkloric medicine and eco-mysticism.

WORDS BY MONICA KASS ROGERS / PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY RUNVIJAY PAUL STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA / HAIR & MAKEUP BY MARGARETA KOMLENAC ART PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELSA MUÑOZ

Growing up in Little Village on Chicago’s South Side, Mexican American artist Elsa Muñoz spent much of her youth indoors, away from the threat of violence on the streets. But gifted with a rich imagination, deep spirituality, and love for beauty, the sanctuary she cultivated within herself sustained hope and then found beautiful expression as Muñoz became a painter.

Dark, photorealistic landscapes of forests, seas, and skies, dreamlike depictions of sacred medicine bags, or smoky panels of prescribed forest burns—Muñoz’s finely detailed paintings are all an expression of desahogamiento, which means “the act or process of undrowning” when translated from Spanish.

A healing technique within curanderismo or Mexican folk medicine, desahogamiento was a word Muñoz’s mother, Maria, used a lot. Maria believed in grieving as medicine—the self-directed, embodied “grief work” that makes healing possible.

Likewise, Muñoz’s paintings center on healing. Exploring intuitive ways of knowing (such as dreamwork and storytelling,) responding to changing climate realities, and approaching art as a

Inner Flame 2, 30”x30” oil on panel, 2023

Elsa Muñoz wearing Nanushka top and ALC pant, Neiman Marcus Northbrook

ART & ARTIST

somatic healing technology, “my paintings manifest from the act of undrowning,” she says.

From the time she was a little girl, Muñoz thought and listened deeply. Although her mother had no formal schooling, she taught herself to read and spent long hours poring over books with Muñoz. “She was an innate thinker and seeker who saw my sensibilities and supported me in every way she could. She tells me I always chose the longer stories, where the main character goes on a long journey of some kind—gets lost, fights a monster, learns a lesson. I’m still very much that way,” Muñoz laughs.

But it was poetry that moved Muñoz most powerfully in those early years because it connected her to beauty. “In a very literal sense, poetry untethered me from the limits of my surroundings,” she says. “I remember sitting under the dining room table or in the boiler room of our attic almost daily, with a thick English textbook on top of my legs in search of new poems. This meditative act was almost wholly responsible for helping me build my inner world. I realized that beauty mattered deeply—not only as a salve from ugliness, but as an introduction to a deeper conversation with ourselves, the world around us, and the vast uncertainty within and beyond those borders.”

Painting the beauty she experienced within and without came later. During college, she switched from studying psychology to art after visiting The American Academy of Art, where she eventually graduated. She still remembers the moment her guide gently lifted an oil painting from a drying rack for her to see. “Such alchemy!” she recalls. “Colors, shapes, and lines coalesced to somehow form an exquisite, almost breathing face. It was magic.”

Muñoz’s animist lens for viewing human interaction with the earth and living things was deeply informed by childhood stories steeped in magical realism. In one such story, her mother, who as a child worked the fields of Central Mexico tilling soil and planting seeds while barefoot, developed such fear of the unearthed scorpions and snakes that she became very ill. A neighboring wise woman knew an unusual cure: she took the child and placed her on a red ant hill where, instead of biting, the swarming ants absorbed the poisonous fear into themselves and died, leaving the child healed.

“The idea that ants can conspire to heal was one of the stories that informed my enchanted way of thinking about the natural world. I paint that magic into things,” Muñoz explains.

What the Fire Gave Me, 24”x18” oil on canvas, 2024

Nightshore 20, 16”x12” oil on panel, 2018

ART & ARTIST

Muñoz’s Medicine Bag paintings exemplify this. While medicine bags are small pouches traditionally used by indigenous peoples of the Americas to hold sacred items for healing, the vision for Muñoz’s series was born in a dream. “I saw a very tall glass jar containing water, herbs, and three large silver coins,” she recalls, “this very clear image of what felt like a folk medicine ritual. I had been reading about genetic memory: the possibility that our genes can hold memories and knowledge passed down from our ancestors, and that made so much sense to me. I began painting with this beautiful idea that we can access ancestral wisdom through liminal spaces like dreams.”

In each of the paintings, the bags are filled with simple objects—tap water, alley plants, flowers from the garden—and are transparent “gesturing toward the importance of communal care,” says Muñoz. “The idea is that we can create new rituals using

readily accessible items, alluding to the belief that there is medicine all around us.”

Many collectors know Muñoz best for the Controlled Burn series she has been painting for more than ten years. One of the paintings, The Great Turning, a 30”x30” oil on panel, was included in DePaul Art Museum’s Life Cycles exhibit last fall and then chosen to become part of the museum’s permanent collection.

Inspiration for the Controlled Burn paintings goes back to a visit Muñoz made in third grade to a nature preserve. There a forest ranger showed her a prescribed burn—an indigenous practice used throughout the world to maintain a forest’s health and replenish the soil. The idea that fire, which can be so destructive, could also be a healing force deeply impacted Muñoz. “Through painting medicinal fire, I seek to make quiet images that provide some psychic space to help us see the contours of, and ‘stay with the trouble,’ [in our world] ecological and otherwise.”

Currently dividing her time between her home in Chicago (main studio at the Zhou B Art Center in Bridgeport) and Madrid, where she goes for special projects, Muñoz is now painting a new series, Fire Followers, that builds on the Controlled Burn painting themes. “It’s a series about wildflowers that bloom only after a fire,” Muñoz sums, “which I think is an incredible metaphor for resilience.”

For more information, visit elsamunoz.com.

Fire Follower, 8”x8” oil on panel, 2023

La Luz Vuelve a Mí , 12”x12” oil on panel, 2021

Fire Follower: Spider Lily, 13”x16” oil on canvas, 2024

Medicine BagChicago Tap Water, $1.73 and the Alley Plants that know me , 24”x18” oil on panel, 2022

to

Chicago is a melting pot of history, diversity, and opportunity. It’s not only a city of neighborhoods—it’s one big community. And community is what Truist is all about.

Chicago is a melting pot of history, diversity, and opportunity. It’s not only a city of neighborhoods—it’s one big community. And community is what Truist is all about.

We’re building our practice here in Chicago to operate like a family office. Helping clients manage everything from planning to investing to trusts and estates. The way we see it, our job is more than just listening—it’s truly hearing what you say.

We’re building our practice here in Chicago to operate like a family office. Helping clients manage everything from planning to investing to trusts and estates. The way we see it, our job is more than just listening—it’s truly hearing what you say. Truist.com/wealth

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“There’s real power in making connections. That’s how we built this team, and we all value trust, integrity, and service.”

Carbonara

Regional Managing Director, Truist Wealth

ON HER NIGHTSTAND

“Working at the Lake Forest Book Store has given me access to endless ARCs (advanced reader copies), which, as a book nerd, is super exciting. I also have access to a steady stream of insightful critiques from the passionate readers who work there. I usually read four or five books a month so there is a heavy and constant rotation on my nightstand. Some recent favorites have been The Little Liar, The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession, and The River We Remember.”

TRENDI NG

A PAINTERLY APPROACH

Surviving an aggressive stage 3 breast cancer diagnosis almost 10 years ago, ERIN HENKEL understands the importance of being grateful. A Cincinnati native, Henkel found her way back to the Midwest after living in Charleston and New York City. She, her husband, and two daughters now call Lake Bluff home. Henkel stays busy chasing after her active family, working as an event coordinator for the Lake Forest Book Store, and as a painter specializing in custom pieces. Capturing important moments and places for her clients means the world to her. To learn more about Henkel’s art, follow her on Instagram @erinhenkelpaintings and online at erinhenkel.com. Her works can be seen in person at Vintage Refined, a super cool furniture gallery in the West Loop, and will soon be gracing the walls at Lake Bluff’s Prairie. Henkel set aside the family planner, books, and paint brushes to share how she stays current in a colorful world.

EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

IN HER EARBUDS

“I love Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dreyfus. Julia interviews women who are older and wiser than her and while I’m neither, I like to think we’d be fast friends. It’s a great listen while I’m walking the dog.”

ON HER MOBILE

“I start every morning with Wordle. I report my score to a small group of friends, which keeps us all very competitive. I’ve heard Matt Damon and the guys from SmartLess do the same thing ... so, we’re in good company. I also love to search Instagram for interior design and travel ideas. I love everything mid-century (@dc_hillier is a fun follow if you like looking at mid-century architecture like I do). I suppose I also search recipes since my family insists on eating every day.”

Erin Henkel wearing Proenza Schouler, Neiman Marcus Northbrook

“Cory is the best! He was pleasant, prompt and diligent throughout the buying and selling process. He knew the right people and we felt that we were in the best hands from start to finish. Also, we needed reassurance and positivity throughout the process, and Cory is a very positive person who is confident in the process and confident in his skills to sell a house. He has an excellent reputation for a reason and our neighbors were right that the process would be seamless if we hired Cory.”

- Jon Keller & Lisa Azoory Family

578

1260 RIDGEWOOD DR | $1,079,000 | 4 + 1 BEDS | 4.1 BATHS GREAT FLOOR PLAN, HIGH CEILINGS, FENCED-IN YARD AND GREAT LOCATION!

1111 WALDEN LN* | $1,100,000 | 3 BEDS | 2.1 BATHS BEAUTIFUL RANCH ON THE RAVINE

TRAVEL & CUISINE

FIRST CLASS TRAVEL EXPERIENCES AND DINING

WILD ABOUT AFRICA

FIRST

CLASS VISITS BOTSWANA WITH DESERT & DELTA SAFARIS

CALL OF THE WILD

Savor the spirit of Botswana’s wilderness in luxurious accommodations with Desert & Delta Safaris.

WORDS BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

One adjective comes to mind with the mention of southern Africa—soulful. Its exquisite natural beauty, the wildness of its furred and feathered inhabitants, and the beauty of an African sunset … all are, with a nod to Shakespeare’s The Tempest, “the stuff that dreams are made of.”

I recently ventured through Botswana with my high school best friend and a group of intrepid travelers hailing from all corners of the globe. We chose to travel with Desert & Delta Safaris, one of Botswana’s oldest and most recognizable safari brands. The company is a continent leader in ecotourism—think electric vehicles and solar-powered boats—and focuses on the empowerment of the country’s residents—98 percent of lodge staff positions are held by Botswana citizens.

The company has nine premier safari properties that create a circuit allowing guests to experience the country’s diverse regions. We spent time at two lodges—the Chobe Game Lodge, Botswana’s oldest five-star hotel (where Elizabeth Taylor married Richard Burton) and Camp Moremi located on the beautiful Okavango Delta.

We visited during the “green season” for 10 days, which were full of more exhilarating moments than I could recount. During late October through March, you’ll find green leaves, undulating grasslands, and plentiful sources of water. It is the perfect season for adventurers who enjoy the challenge of spotting animals through dense foliage and driving deeper into the bush to discover wildlife that no longer need to congregate for water at the river’s edge.

FIRST CLASS

CHOBE GAME LODGE

The Chobe Game Lodge is the only riverfront lodge in the Chobe National Park, a wildlife paradise known for its huge herds of elephants and lush landscape. The park lies in Botswana’s far northeastern corner near the juncture of four countries—Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

large pool with stone surround. The suite was beautifully decorated with gorgeous barrel-vaulted ceilings, quarry-tiled floors, and an elaborate bathroom boasting Arabic motifs. Handcrafted Rhodesian teak furniture and original African carvings created a homey atmosphere. Our private terrace overlooked the lawn and river.

Each day at the lodge included a combination of river safaris and game drives with our guide, Tussaud. Desert & Delta Safaris’ corporate principle of empowerment has a particular focus on women. Tussaud explained that Chobe Game Lodge has an all-female guiding team dubbed the “Chobe Angels,” which has raised the profile of female guiding throughout Africa. Tussaud’s pride in her company was so evident she wore it like a badge on her pressed khaki uniform.

Typically, we rose before dawn and headed out on a game drive to track animals who favor the early slices of light. Breakfast awaited us on our return and my daily choice—the Chobe Joe— consisted of minced beef on toast with peri peri sauce. We then would head out on a mid-morning river cruise followed by lunch. On hot afternoons, our plush beds and air-conditioned quarters beckoned naps.

We flew into Kasane airport where a Desert & Delta Safari representative greeted and drove us the short 20-minute trek to the Chobe National Park entrance. Our adventure began even before reaching the hotel when we glimpsed a herd of hippos precariously perched on what appeared to be a marshy outpost in the river. A few minutes later, we came upon an immense, trumpeting elephant with giant flapping ears, reminding me of a little boy waving his arms and exclaiming, “Hello, hello.” Just past a gate (intended to keep larger animals at bay), appeared the Chobe Game Lodge—an impressive, amber-colored stucco structure half hidden by a huge fountain splashing at the courtyard’s center. After our cool welcome cocktail, we were led to our riverfront suite. En route, we marveled at the lodge’s extensive riverside veranda and

The afternoon respite was followed by a sunset cruise or game drive culminating with the “sundowners,” the famous African tradition of cocktails and appetizers at sundown. African sunsets splash the most beautiful pinks, oranges, and purples across the sky as the sun dips beneath the horizon. Upon our return to the lodge, the colors gave way to a vast black dome blanketed with stars that lit our path to dinner. The evening often concluded with great conversation around the campfire as laughter floated in the air.

Like life, days on safari were never the same. On our solar-powered pontoon boat, we meandered down the Chobe River cutting a path between Botswana and Namibia. One day it would be a herd of elephants running toward the shore with their babes in tow—some so young it was hard for them to keep up on their teetering little legs. My favorite river safari moment was watching an elephant herd playfully swim in the river using their slender grey trunks as snorkels. The calves rolled on the sandy river bank and

River safari in our solar-powered pontoon boat on the Chobe River.

Encountering a giraffe on a game drive in the Chobe National Park.

A colorful bee-eater viewed on a river safari on the Chobe River.

Chobe Game Lodge suite

FIRST CLASS

crawled over each other in the awkward way of youth—a display of pure uninhibited joy on a sweltering afternoon.

Other days you’d see baboons and impalas who often travel together for protection. The baboons lazily combed through elephant droppings in search of undigested treasures while the impalas pranced along the shore, tails in constant motion.

One breezy day, we happened upon a pod of hippos in a watering hole. When immersed, these “river horses” conceal their massive bodies beneath the water revealing only their snouts and mischievous round eyes. As one enormous mass exited the watering hole after another, the scene resembled a “clown car.” Post exit, they ambled toward the river—a spot favored for its protection of the hippos’ delicate, sun-sensitive skin. Another hippo sighting was equally memorable but not nearly as comedic as we glimpsed two warring hippo bulls on the Namibian side of the river—their testosterone-soaked cries gave me chills!

Spotting the Nile crocodile, the world’s second largest, is a coveted river cruise moment. The crocodile tends to exist in two states— swimming in a serpentine pattern on the river’s surface or basking on the riverbanks with its jaw ajar. Both sights are equally terrifying.

Chobe National Park is also a birder’s delight as it is home to more than 400 recorded bird species. Favorites of these feathered creatures include the colorful bee-eater, the bird nicknamed “Jesus” because it appears to walk on water, and the Cape turtle dove whose constant call sounded like a chant of “keep working, keep working” to some or “drink lager, drink lager” to others. It became a running joke between our group, some insisting on the “keep working” verse while others insisted on “drink lager.” When you hear the dove, let me know your vote.

Our daily game drives were as thrilling as the river safaris. The electric, open-glass vehicles allowed silent and unimpeded views of the wildlife. One afternoon, we came upon lions lazing in the

shade of Mopane trees. The king of the jungle didn’t appear to fear anyone or anything.

Bumping over the sandy terrain in pursuit of elephants, zebras, impalas, curly-topped water buffalos, spotted hyenas, and giraffes, we passed giant termite hills resembling Angkor Wat’s grand lotus towers. We rarely encountered other cars during these drives—a wonderful aspect of the Chobe National Park.

On our final night, my birthday was acknowledged with a huge celebration and a delicious fruit-topped cake. At least at one daily meal, the staff performed a heartfelt show—sharing African songs and dance routines with their delighted audience.

We bid farewell to our friends at Chobe and headed to the airstrip for our Safari Air flight to the Okavango Delta. Safari Air, a company owned by Desert & Delta, connects the nine safari camps with a fleet of beautiful, air-conditioned planes.

CAMP MOREMI

The flight to Camp Moremi offered a glorious view of the marshy Okavango Delta—a vast inland river delta known for its sprawling grassy plains that seasonally flood, becoming an abundant animal habitat. One of the largest wetlands in the world, the Okavango Delta covers almost 2,000 square miles of pristine wilderness including savannahs, winding waterways, and dense forests. In the green season, rainwater from Angola’s lush highlands spills into the delta, setting in motion an ecological spectacle. Fueled by the promise of a fertile floodplain, more than 200,000 large mammals return to the delta.

We landed (after a slight delay due to a family of warthogs trotting down the runway) at Camp Moremi’s Xakanaxa Airstrip in the Moremi Game Reserve. Situated in the east of the Okavango Delta, the reserve is known as one of the most beautiful of its kind.

We were greeted by our Camp Moremi guide, Gwist, and climbed into our Toyota Safari Landcruiser. Just like at Chobe, the fun began even before we arrived at our destination. En route to the camp, we encountered a pride of 12 dozing lions. We were mesmerized by the gentle camaraderie among them.

Aerial view of Camp Moremi located on the Okavango Delta.

Camp Moremi safari tent

A pride of lions on the Moremi Game Reserve in Botswana.

FIRST CLASS

One young male with just a whisper of his adult mane, slept with his limbs entwined around his siblings. Every now and again, his giant paw rose to give a leisurely pat to his brethren. After hundreds of photos and many videos, we finally tore ourselves away and drove toward our resort.

Upon arrival, we were greeted by clapping and singing staff members who welcomed us with cool hand towels and cold drinks. Camp Moremi is an intimate camp with huge tents boasting luxurious accommodations—think expansive living rooms, sumptuous mesh-enshrouded beds, and stone-tiled bathrooms with rain showers. The camp is situated on the edge of the Xakanaxa Lagoon in an area well known for its spectacular game-viewing opportunities. A screen “wall” was all that separated us from baboons, water buffalo, and other creatures rolling past our tent on the delta.

An elevated wooden pathway led us from our thatched safari tent to the main compound, which houses the dining room, library, reception, fire pit terrace, and a pool nestled in the grassy plain.

Like the Chobe Game Lodge, Moremi offers both river safaris and game drives. The delta’s waterways are a series of narrow serpentine passages flanked by head-heavy billowing grasslands. Therefore, small, narrow boats are used to traverse the delta, setting us at eye level with the coast and putting us in closer proximity to the lurking hippos.

The safari vehicles were like those at Chobe and perfect for unobstructed views of wildlife. Gwist noted that his favorite “newspaper” was laid out beneath us in the golden sand—it kept “track” of who went where and in what direction. Gwist’s readings led us to a dazzle of zebra—the gorgeous striped creatures grazed with foals (who wear a lighter chocolate brown stripe) at their sides. The “paper” also directed us to a tower of giraffes—the elegant foursome swanned along the sand through tall sausage trees. During one game drive, a herd of elephants seemed to appear out of thin air. Although these leather-skinned creatures are giants, they are silent walkers. It’s as if they tiptoe through the bush wearing enormous slippers.

Moremi’s game drives felt more “wild” than those at Chobe. We saw two pythons on the reserve—one was mid-meal, consuming a giant desert hare. We also encountered a pride of lions devouring a wildebeest as two hungry hyenas circled in search of leftovers. On our final game drive, our eagle-eyed guide spotted a dung beetle rolling a ball of dung. These insects entice mates based on the size of said stinky balls—a bit of information that caused an

eruption of scatological-laced laughter from our group. Early one morning, Gwist motioned toward a snaggletoothed hippo while simultaneously reversing the jeep. Apparently, that particular hippo is rather hostile and better to avoid. Later that day, my friend and I were headed to dinner when we noticed a hippo right next to the pathway—terrified, we quickened our pace toward the main campus. We later learned that we had met “Oscar,” a friendly hippo who frequented the camp.

A “wildly fun” send-off occurred on our last morning with a troop of baboons whooping on our tent’s rooftop. The furry fellows eventually descended with a large male stopping to stare at us through the screen before journeying on. These thrilling experiences are a constant on safari—appearing as often as emails in our inboxes on a typical workday at home, but so much more meaningful. Visit Botswana and discover the majesty and mesmerizing beauty of nature. Desert & Delta Safaris offers luxurious accommodations, expert guides, and unmatched experiences of viewing animals in their natural habitat. Book now, the lions, elephants, giraffes, zebras, baboons, and of course, the hippos are waiting to enchant you.

For more information visit desertdelta.com.

SAFARI ESSENTIAL

I highly recommend traveling with Swarovski Optik’s binoculars. We used Swarovski Optik CL Companion 8x30 which brought every experience 8x closer. Another must is the Swarovski VPA phone adapter that connects your smartphone to the binoculars so you can easily photograph magical moments. Using the phone adaptor allowed me to capture moments so closely that it looked as if I were lying with the pride of lions—feeling the heat of their breath on my cheek. The company is the world’s leading manufacturer of high-precision optical instruments and I love the company’s motto—to care for the environment, protect nature, and preserve biodiversity. The binoculars and adapter are compact and lightweight making them an easy addition to your suitcase and a great accessory as you bump around in a safari vehicle.

Hippos grazing. Photography by Tina Albrecht

Swarovski Optik binoculars

Baboon with infant. Photography by Tina Albrecht

A NEW SEASON TO FIND YOUR PERFECT

HOME

Annie Flanagan

847.867.9236

annieflanagan@atproperties.com

Annie is quite simply the best REALTOR® we have ever worked with. She was professional, realistic, and driven in her persistent efforts to satisfy our home purchase targeting and eventual acquisition. In a very challenging residential market, she helped us zero in on our desired location, at a fair price for our new home.

A positive, productive experience by any measure. –W.H

We had the most wonderful experience with The Flanagan Group. Maddie was so knowledgeable and understanding throughout our whole home buying process. She really knew exactly what we wanted. Annie is an absolute pro and together they make such a great team! The whole experience was totally seamless.

Highly recommend! –C.M

Maddie Flanagan

312.543.7853

maddieflanagan@atproperties.com

100+ PERFORMANCES

MARIN ALSOP and the CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA • JAMES TAYLOR • NORAH JONES with very special guest MAVIS STAPLES • AUGUSTIN HADELICH, violin • ROBERT PLANT & ALISON KRAUSS • and much, much more!

DONOR PRESALES BEGIN AS EARLY AS MARCH 19

PUBLIC TICKET SALES BEGIN APRIL 24

ONLY AT RAVINIA.ORG

VEGAN RED CURRY WITH BOK CHOY, SWEET POTATOES, SQUASH & LENTILS

WORDS, STYLING, PHOTOGRAPHY, AND RECIPE BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

This veggie-laden curry is a favorite go-to for a sweetly spiced and satisfying healthy bowl. I’ve made it with Thai red curry paste or with Thai panang curry paste depending on my mood. Both are hot, red, and wonderful. The sweetness of the squash, sweet potato, and coconut milk is balanced by the deep green of the bok choy leaves and the earthiness of protein-rich lentils. Turmeric and ginger, both super-healthy rhizomes full of anti-inflammatory agents, add color and tang. A few helpful notes: If you use fresh turmeric, wear gloves when grating, or you’ll have bright yellow fingers for the rest of the day! I used whole red lentils in the recipe, so they would hold their shape, but split red lentils, which cook more quickly (sold as masoor dal) can be substituted. For a lower-fat rendition, you can opt for reduced-fat coconut milk but full-fat coconut milk or cream makes for a silkier finish.

Yield: 6 to 8 servings

INGREDIENTS

• 1 small acorn squash, washed well and halved

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into bite-sized chunks

• 3 tablespoons of olive oil, divided

• 1 yellow or white onion, peel discarded, diced to make 1 cup

• 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons Thai red curry paste OR Thai panang curry paste (use a bit more, or less to suit your palate)

• 6 gar lic cloves, peels discarded, minced

• 2-inch finger of fresh ginger, peeled and grated OR 1 tablespoon ground ginger

• 2-inch finger of fresh turmeric, peeled and grated OR 1 tablespoon ground turmeric

• 6 cups low-sodium vegetable stock, plus more if a soupier soup is desired

• 1, 13-ounce can unsweetened coconut milk OR coconut cream

• 4 heads baby bok choy OR 1 head regular bok choy leaves

chopped and placed in one bowl; white stems chopped and placed in a second bowl

• 1 cup whole red lentils, picked over and rinsed OR 1 cup split red lentils (masoor dal)

• Salt to taste

• Fresh lime and minced cilantro for garnish

METHOD

Roast squash and sweet potatoes

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place acorn squash halves cut side down in small roasting pan or oven-proof dish with 1/2 cup of water. Cover with foil. Toss cubed sweet potato with 1 tablespoon olive oil; scatter on a parchment-lined rimmed baking sheet. Place squash and sweet potato in oven for 30 to 40 minutes until pierceable by a fork, but not mushy. While sweet potato and squash are roasting, begin the rest of the soup.

Simmer stock

In a heavy-bottomed soup pot over medium-low heat, add remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and curry paste, whisking with a fork for 1 minute. Add diced onion and cook until onion is soft and translucent. Add 1/4 cup water plus minced garlic, grated ginger, and turmeric, and cook 3 minutes more until garlic is soft but not browned. Add vegetable stock, chopped white stems of bok choy, and lentils. Increase heat to bring to a boil; immediately reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 30 minutes.

Complete soup

While soup is simmering, peel squash and discard seeds and skin. Cube squash. Add coconut milk (or cream), roasted chunks of sweet potato and squash, and chopped bok choy leaves to soup pot and simmer an additional 15 minutes until leaves are tender and all flavors are blended well. Season with salt to taste. Serve curry hot on its own, or with rice. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro.

MOUNTAIN HIGH

A breathtaking landscape inspires Rebel House Design’s choices for the Park City, Utah home of a Highland Park couple.

WORDS BY MONICA KASS ROGERS / PHOTOGRAPHY BY LINDSAY SALAZAR

MOUNTAIN LIVING

When finishing and furnishing a Park City mountain house for longtime Highland Park clients, Rebel House Design took inspiration from its setting—Utah’s spectacular Painted Valley.

Finding the right balance between clean and organic, new and old, contemporary and rustic in a new construction home, Rebel House Design principals Marli Jones and Michael Kreuser elevated levels of texture, warmth, and modernity while allowing the surrounding terrain to dictate the palette.

The interior of the home is grounded by rich black hues and warm earth tones, creating a décor that bridges the seasons. “When the ground is covered in snow, the warmth of the leather and accent pillows along with the depth of the black sofa provide a cozy contrast,” says Jones. When the hills are alive and green, the neutrals of the interior balance the beauty surrounding the home and add vibrancy.

“The design prompt was to keep the house layered, textured, and elevated with a subtle nod to the mountains of Utah,” says Kreuser. “We made sure the wood finishes had a rustic edge to them without feeling overly worn for such a modern home,” explains Jones. “Our goal was to design the space to transport the family, so they felt they were truly in Utah on vacation. We wanted the space to feel distinctive from their primary residence and most importantly—fun!”

To keep the space relaxed and party-friendly, the team focused on approachable furniture and upholstered some indoor pieces in outdoor fabrics so the owners could entertain without having

Open floor plan with view of kitchen, living room, and dining room.

Dining room

MOUNTAIN LIVING

to babysit each piece or worry about wear and tear. Likewise in the kitchen, quartz was selected for countertops for its durability, “so the owners wouldn’t have to police the surface or worry about sealing,” says Jones. The addition of a dramatic backsplash added a touch of luxury.

Because much about the home’s envelope was rectilinear, Rebel House selected organic forms to break up the linear quality of the structure. The curvature in the family room coffee tables, the Galanter & Jones heated outdoor sofa on the deck, and the sculptural Lake + Wells ceiling fixture in the dining room all helped to soften the lines of the space.

In a subtle nod to the Western environs, the team used leather for some of the home’s seating: woven leather dining chairs; armchairs in warm, butter-soft leather; and counter stools with smooth, easy-to-clean leather.

Because texture is key to warming up a space, both the primary and guest bedrooms are papered in different colorways of Woven Linen by Carlisle & Co. “The papers brought color and great feel to the walls of the room,” Jones describes. “And the children’s room features another textural embossed paper with a raised foil print that adds a beautiful depth behind the bunkbeds.”

To ensure that the space could flex with family and guests, desks were included in primary bedrooms allowing for remote work and the clients’ daughters’ bedroom was charmingly designed with white oak built-in bunkbeds. The fourth bedroom was

designed as a second family room with a pullout sofa for additional guests, plush beanbag chairs, and playful, organic wallpaper, making it the perfect spot to play games on the ottoman or settle in for a movie night.

Experienced art and accessory collectors, the homeowners procured photography, textiles, and sculpture that felt right for the site without being too direct. “We then helped edit and weave their selections into the design, making sure everything related to the interiors,” says Jones.

Because the project began at the height of the COVID pandemic, initial design meetings for the home—dubbed Golden Bear—were held on the client’s driveway, with everyone masked. The design team did not set foot on site until installation day, and everything had to be coordinated remotely.

Achieving such beautiful results despite this challenge came about because of two things. “Trust and technology,” Jones explains. “With accurate CAD plans, we were able to confidently select furniture, set light fixture drop heights, and space plan within an inch of final placement. But trust is paramount. We had both a great working relationship with this family and a strong understanding of their goals. That’s what made finishing Golden Bear into the relaxed, layered, mountain home they wanted possible.”

For more information about Rebel House Design, visit rebelhousedesign.com.

Kitchen

Bedroom

847.417.0520

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tedpickus@atproperties.com

lschulkin@atproperties.com

FRANCO STYLE

North Shore interior designer Kaylan Kane brought a touch of Parisian glam to a recent project for a young Lincoln Park family she first worked with a decade ago.

WORDS BY SHERRY THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY HEATHER TALBERT STYLING BY KIMBERLY SWEDELIUS

HOME TOUR

When Erin Stach asked Lake Forest-based interior designer Kaylan Kane to complete the finishes for her family’s new construction home in Lincoln Park, they had some catching up to do.

The last time Kane worked with the vivacious lawyer and former Indianapolis Colts cheerleader, was to design a three-bedroom condo for Stach and her attorney husband, Peter, in Chicago’s trendy West Loop neighborhood. While the couple, both Northwestern University graduates, had baby Violet at that time, their style was unapologetically hip, urban, and contemporary.

Their new 6-bedroom, 6.5-bath, brick and limestone home would need to be more family-friendly for their growing brood but Kane says that Stach didn’t want to sacrifice her glam sensibilities entirely.

“Erin wanted it still to be a little glamorous,” says Kane, whose eponymous Kaylan Kane Design does everything from residential design to refurbishing vintage treasures. “Erin explained, ‘We have a larger family now, so it has to be less contemporary, more functional. But I still want it to feel like me.’ So, she let me have free rein.”

It was a dream project from the beginning. As a new build, many of the major purchases were already made. So, Kane got to do the fun part, which included helping the couple choose light-

ing, wall finishes, accessories, and furniture to match their family’s unique personality.

From the “kid’s lair” to the sleek, modern kitchen to the primary bedroom, Stach said “yes” to everything Kane proposed. Influences from Paris Déco Off, the renowned international design show Kane had recently attended, can be seen throughout.

The home has four finished floors, plus an outdoor patio and a second patio above the garage. Kane’s signature affinity for bold color and pattern is evident in every space.

The lower level is what Stach affectionately calls the “kid’s lair,” housing bedrooms for 9-year-old Violet and 7-year-old Victor, along with a children’s living room and play area adorned with Bien Fait wallpaper. “I always wanted to use it because it has such a big scale. Sometimes those basements can feel like a long boring tunnel. Every Chicago build is the same configuration so the paper helps us fill the space,” explains Kane.

Erin’s

HOME TOUR

For Violet’s bedroom, she chose a Schumacher chinoiserie wallpaper that was “sweet, and something she could grow with.” Kane took a similar approach to Victor’s room with a style he could “keep until he is a teenager.” Durable, yet stylish, furniture from Four Hands fills the children’s lounge, along with FLOR carpet tiles that are easy to clean if something spills.

For the living room area on the second level—a dramatic space with two sofas flanking a contemporary, all-black fireplace—Kane chose a Patterson Flynn abaca rug to add texture and play off the lemony Schumacher silk drapery.

“I wanted it to feel like ELLE DECOR,” she explains, adding that the formal dining room is equally chic with Carleton V. Ltd. drapery and art that matches the cognac leather chairs.

That eclectic fusion of traditional and contemporary design carries through to the kitchen, where Moroccan pendant lights, antique sailboat prints, and a built-in banquette with Pierre Frey

pillows create an ambiance as sophisticated as it is kid-friendly.

“We decided to do no hardware on the kitchen cabinets and more minimal counter stools,” says Kane. “The powder room is also really cool. We used a Donna Hughes wallcovering with a mural that’s tonal in black and white.”

A contemporary modern iron staircase leads to the third level’s dark gray primary bedroom, which Kane dressed in a Pierre Frey floral drapery that she had seen at Paris Déco Off, an antique nightstand, and an oversized lamp. Also found on the third level is Stach’s home office; here Kane chose to showcase the softer, oh là là side of French design.

“We used a mauvy Farrow & Ball color, a floral Schumacher drapery, and a huge mirror I bought from a French antique sale,” Kane adds. “I love how that room turned out. It embraces femininity but still feels handsome with the black office furniture.”

One of Kane’s favorite spaces is the family room—whimsically adorned with gingham and an indoor/outdoor rug for durability. “It seems cozy, but fun at the same time,” she notes.

Working with the couple again after all these years was a delight. “It makes such a difference in the quality and creative flow when you can work so harmoniously together. It brings me joy to work with such nice clients.”

Kaylan Kane Design is located at 171 Park Avenue in Lake Forest. For more information, call 312-799-1260 or visit kaylankanedesign.com.

Kid’s lair

Family room

Powder room

LIZ

GO GREEN

Sage your home this spring.

EDITED BY ALLISON DUNCAN

Capri Banquette, Williams-Sonoma Chicago, 312-255-0643 02 Serena & Lily Melrose Pendant, Serena & Lily Winnetka, 847-999-3878 03 Maxime Club Chair, Jonathan Adler Chicago, 312-274-9920 04 AERIN Romina Vases, aerin.com 05 Rechargeable Portable Lamp, Anthropologie Old Orchard, 847-673-0721 06 Pompidou Corner Vase, Jonathan Adler Chicago, 312-274-9920 07 Floria Placemat, store.moma.org 08 Everything Nice Glass Butter Dish, store.moma.org 09 Chris Loves Julia x Loloi Rug, loloirugs.com 10 Scalloped Linen Napkins, Anthropologie Old Orchard, 847-673-0721 11 Heirloom by Alexandra Kaehler Jack Chair, heirloom-by-akd.myshopify.com 12 Serena & Lily Portside Dining Chair, Serena & Lily Winnetka, 847-999-3878 13 Flavor Paper Highway 66 Wallcovering, flavorpaper.com 14 Hudson Valley Lighting Pendant, hvlgroup.com 15 Ralph Lauren Elisabetta Standard Sham, Ralph Lauren Chicago, 312-280-1655 16 Fern Bookcase, Anthropologie Old Orchard, 847673-0721 17 Assouline Tuscany Marvel, assouline.com 18 Visual Comfort Lila Table Lamp, visualcomfort.com 19 Alma Dining Chair, Arhaus Oakbrook, 630-571-3991 20 Lostine Candle Holders, lostine.com 21 Hedley & Bennett Sisho Chef’s Knife Set, hedleyandbennett. com 22 Nickey Kehoe Spindle Dining Chair, nickeykehoe.com 23 AERIN Sorrento Candle, aerin.com 24 Margot Floor Mirror, Anthropologie Old Orchard, 847-673-0721

HOME

LEWIS FLOOR & HOME

Celebrates 70 Years on the North Shore.

It’s hard to believe Lewis Floor & Home has been around since 1954. What started as a small 800-square-foot carpet cleaning business by current owner Steve Lewis’s grandfather has evolved into the go-to resource on the North Shore for flooring including carpet, tile, hardwood, vinyl, laminate and rugs plus wall tile, countertops, cabinetry, and window treatments inside a 26,000-square-foot showroom.

It’s a remarkable feat for any company to withstand the test of time. Lewis Floor & Home has managed to stay in business for decades, navigating through the ever-changing business landscape. While it is beloved on the North Shore, customers across the country purchase from Lewis Floor & Home due to its specialized quality product selection that cannot be found anywhere else.

CUSTOMER-CENTRIC APPROACH:

The company’s customer-centric approach has been a cornerstone of its success. Lewis Floor & Home understands the importance of building lasting relationships with its customers. By providing exceptional customer service, certified installers, personalized solutions, and maintaining a strong rapport with clients, the company has cultivated a loyal customer base over the years. Lewis Floor & Home’s installers are so exceptional that customers as far away as Wisconsin and Michigan request them. This dedication to customer satisfaction has not only ensured repeat business but has also led to positive word-of-mouth marketing.

STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIPS:

Lewis Floor & Home has strategically formed partnerships with suppliers and industry leaders, enabling the company to access the latest products and trends. You can find well-known brands like STARK Carpet, Roger Oates, Fabrica, Hunter Douglas window treatments, DuChateau flooring and Mosaïque Surface stone mosaics in the showroom. In addition, Lewis Floor & Home has brands like Mohawk, Shaw, and Dreamweaver available for the budget-minded customer.

Lewis Floor & Home features the absolute best in home design, fresh new ideas and fashions, and constantly evolving services. The company has changed with the times and set the bar but has never lost sight of the fundamentals that have defined distinctions forever: quality products; a personal touch; community involvement; price points for every budget; a word-class caring staff; and the best styles offered.

Lewis Floor & Home is located at 1840 Skokie Boulevard in Northbrook, lewisfloorandhome.com, 847-835-2400.

RIPE FOR SUCCESS

Tomato Bliss CEO Monique Hypes is cultivating the future of food by harvesting the seeds of the past.

WORDS BY JOE ROSENTHAL / PHOTOGRAPHY BY

MARIA PONCE

STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA / HAIR & MAKEUP BY

LOCATION COURTESY OF ELAWA FARM PHOTOGRAPHY PROPS COURTESY OF LORD & MAR FARM PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF TOMATO BLISS

LEANNA ERNEST

Tomato Bliss CEO Monique Hypes

If you grew up in the second half of the 20th century, you almost certainly have a preconceived notion of what a tomato is. Round, red, a little smaller than a baseball, and often found impeccably stacked in the produce aisle of your local supermarket. These tomatoes are a bit bland, subtly fragrant, and firm enough to stand up to a vigorous salad tossing. For those looking for a sweeter taste, there is the cherry tomato—small, darker in color, and perfect for shish kebabs. Throw in the plum tomato, and the story basically ended there.

But now we know—thanks to the proliferation of farmers markets and stores like Whole Foods—that these symmetrical, standardized varieties are the very distant cousins of a fruit that came in a literal rainbow of colors and a delectable array of flavors. For the founders of Tomato Bliss, bringing these glorious heirloom tomatoes—with all their robustness and nutrients—to today’s consumers is a mission.

“Our belief is that better flavor comes from attention to seed diversity and soil health, and growing in a different way,” explains Tomato Bliss CEO Monique Hypes, a Lake Forest resident by way of Chicago (and a childhood in Mexico City, London, and Minnesota). “You can taste the difference.” Not only that, she says, heirloom tomatoes are far more nutrient-rich, and the way they’re cultivated is better for the environment. “Better flavor, better health, better for the planet.” It’s a powerful argument—the genesis of which came from a series of small and sequential epiphanies.

The roots of this female-founded and female-owned company stretch back to the early 2000s, when Hypes’ business partner,

Marie Krane, uncovered a market potential for better-tasting and better-for-you tomatoes. A former community activist, Krane had been bartering heirloom seeds in Chicago’s Hyde Park. It was clear to her that these mysterious, misshapen tomatoes had a powerful allure. So, Krane and her husband took a leap of faith and purchased a small farm in southwest Michigan in 2012, where they began to slowly transform the hard-packed, formerly commercial earth into a vibrant, biodiverse ecosystem for their heirloom plants.

Lotus Flower Farm home to Tomato Bliss

Tomato Bliss heirloom tomatoes

Because these more delicate varieties are not as transportable or shelf-stable as their homogenized brethren (stores today sell about 25 out of 10,000 tomato seed varieties), Krane began roasting and converting them to soups so they could be enjoyed year-round. A big break came when she was granted a coveted spot in Chicago’s Green City Market. The soups were a hit (in fact, the Masala Heirloom Tomato Soup was voted “best soup” by Prevention magazine in 2022), but to scale up Krane needed a partner. Enter Hypes.

“My true north is building and scaling mission-led businesses,” says Hypes, who’s run several businesses, often with a health and wellness angle. As fortune would have it, Hypes had sunset a bone broth soup company at the onset of COVID, and she was spending more time in the family’s garden at their new home in Lake Forest. She was there one day, contemplating what to do next, when her phone rang. It was a friend in venture capital who knew about Krane, and she thought that Hypes could help take Tomato Bliss to the next level. It seemed like it was meant to be. “I connected with Marie and the stars just aligned,” Hypes recalls.

The company had a strong direct-to-consumer soup business on Amazon and a great partnership with Dom’s Kitchen & Market in Chicago, but Hypes made the strategic decision to focus on food service. Tomato Bliss partnered with Gordon Food Service, and they recently began distributing their soups to chefs, hospitals, and beyond. In fact, the University of Notre Dame serves Tomato Bliss to students seven days a week. These partnerships, along with their 60,000-square-foot processing facility, create the opportunity to bring other farmers into the fold. That’s a critical part of their mission because Tomato Bliss is not just about

reconnecting people to the flavor of heirloom tomatoes. It’s about changing agricultural practices, one biodiverse acre at a time.

“Core to our mission is supporting local, like-minded farmers,” says Hypes. “We guarantee the purchase of surplus heirloom tomatoes. Basically upcycling anything that would have gone to waste. In doing so we are encouraging farmers to grow these specialty crops. Sell as many as you can at a premium price, and we will buy the rest. That’s when we fire roast them.”

This formula works for commercial farmers as well. “The tomatoes fetch a better price, and farmers have seen the impact that dedicating portions of their land to biodiversity can have on their operation. Our goal is to go beyond organic and heal the soil.”

The template for that biodiversity has been set at the Lotus Flower Farm (home to Tomato Bliss) located in Galien, Michigan, in the state’s “fruit belt.” In contrast to monoculture agriculture, more than 170 types of tomatoes exist among walnut and pawpaw trees, shrubs, herbs, different species of flowers, and many other

Lotus Flower Farm home to Tomato Bliss

Heirloom tomatoes. Photography by Funwithfood

Lotus Flower Farm home to Tomato Bliss

“How do we save heirloom tomatoes from extinction? ... It’s by scaling this thing. I want to bring specialty tomatoes to every table.”

vegetables. The farm has a no-till policy, which means the earth is not turned over each growing season, leading to the preservation of organic matter, less soil erosion, and carbon sequestration. No herbicides or pesticides are used, and no one walks on the soil except to use small paths to keep it from compacting. Water conservation is a must, as are fair wages for the farm’s workers—all essential when it comes to being certified as a regenerative farm.

“How do we save heirloom tomatoes from extinction?” Hypes asks. “It’s by scaling this thing. I want to bring specialty tomatoes to every table.”

Which brings everything back to the soups. There are many pieces to the puzzle: seeds; soil; sun; processing; sales; and distribution. But the real rocket fuel for Tomato Bliss is flavor. By turning consumers on to what a real tomato tastes like, all the other steps come more easily. Which leads to the natural question—what does an heirloom tomato taste like?

When asked this question, Hypes thinks for a moment before answering, “Summer.”

It’s a poignant response. Not just because it’s a great description of an heirloom tomato’s flavor, but because a new growing season is just around the corner. And new seasons mean new opportunities for change—and new reasons for hope.

Hypes recognizes it’s not a revolution that is going to take place overnight. “I believe in progress over perfection. We make choices to do better one step at a time. Tomato Bliss is small but mighty, and we aim to make a real difference,” Hypes reflects. “I wake up every day and ask, ‘How can I drive lasting impact?’”

For more information, visit tomatobliss.com.

Monique Hypes wearing Veronica Beard, Neiman Marcus Northbrook

DIVORCE WITHOUT COURT

Divorce is a very personal and emotional process that often involves children. However, anyone with an internet connection can access most divorce court documents. Additionally, divorce court often takes place on Zoom and is broadcast on YouTube where anyone can log on and watch.

It is concerning that children can go online to read the details of their parents’ divorce, or that a nosy neighbor could pull up another family’s divorce paperwork on their phone.

There is simply no reason the details of any divorce need to be public. Even the most contentious divorces can be handled without going to court. Better options are available if both parties agree they want to keep their divorce private. Alternative dispute resolution processes like mediation, arbitration, and collaborative divorce are very effective ways to accomplish this goal in the most efficient manner possible.

Shana Vitek is an Equity Partner at Beermann LLP, the largest family law firm in Illinois. For over 20 years, she has practiced family law exclusively and is trained in mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law.

For more information, visit www.beermannlaw.com/team/shana-l-vitek.

312.621.1263

slvitek@beermannlaw.com

EMPOWERING CHANGE

Acclaimed conservation photographer Ami Vitale, whose images document worldwide initiatives to halt environmental damage and restore our connection to nature, will keynote the Field Museum’s Women in Science May 14th Luncheon.

WORDS BY MONICA KASS ROGERS / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AMI VITALE

Fupi, an orphaned reticulated giraffe, nuzzles Ami Vitale at Sarara Camp in northern Kenya. Fupi was kept inside an enclosure until he was strong enough to heal after being found abandoned and injured. Fupi was eventually returned to the wild where he is now thriving.

When National Geographic photographer Ami Vitale set off to document the transport of four of the world’s last known surviving northern white rhinos from a zoo in Czechia to a conservancy in Kenya, the experience altered the trajectory of her life’s work. The hope was that giving the animals room to roam in Kenya’s open plains would stimulate them to breed. But that never happened. In 2018, Sudan, the last male of his species, died. Witnessing his passing devastated Vitale. “Watching a creature die—one who was the last of its kind, is something I hope never to experience again. It felt like watching our own demise,” she recalls.

Before this, Vitale had been photographing war zones in Kosovo, Gaza, Angola, and Afghanistan, believing that to record history, the horrors of human conflict should not be minimized. “Yet, it became clear to me that journalists also have an obligation to illuminate the things that unite us as human beings,” she says.

Nature, Vitale believes, is one of those key links. “Behind virtually every human conflict,” she says, “you will find an erosion of the bond between humans and the natural world around them.”

The importance of restoring that bond has become Vitale’s primary focus. As one of this generation’s most influential conser-

northern Kenya. Reteti is the first ever community-owned and run elephant sanctuary in all of Africa and provides a home to orphaned elephants as a result of drought, climate change, humanwildlife conflict, and, in rare cases, poaching. All of the elephants cared for there will one day be returned to the wild to live the life they were meant to lead. Reteti was also among the first sanctuaries to hire women as elephant keepers. What’s happening at Reteti is nothing less than the beginnings of a transformation, not only in the way humans relate to wild animals but also in how we relate to one another.

vation photographers, she is dedicated to slowing the eradication of the Earth’s wildlife and to healing damage to its environment through work and initiatives that spotlight the problems and empower others to act.

Those in the Chicago area will have the privilege to meet and hear Vitale in person on Tuesday, May 14th when she keynotes the Field Museum’s annual Women in Science Luncheon. Hosted by the Museum’s Women’s Board and co-chaired by Winnetka’s Leslie Gantz McLamore and Lake Forest’s Elizabeth Butler Pruett, the event celebrates female leadership in STEM fields. Proceeds from the event will support women at all stages in their scientific careers, through internships, fellowships, postdoc positions, and more.

“Ami’s photographs are so powerful, there is a reason she was named one of the most influential conservation photographers of her generation,” says McLamore. “Her work has shown that communities banding together can make an incredible impact in saving lives of many endangered species, giving animals a voice through humans.”

Shaba greets keeper Mary Lengees at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary in

Ye Ye, a 16-year-old giant panda, lounges in a wild enclosure at a conservation center in Wolong Nature Reserve. Her name, whose characters represent Japan and China, celebrates the friendship between the two nations. After years of research, China is on its way to successfully saving its most famous ambassador. And they are now working to reintroduce them into the wild.

Orphaned elephants play in the mud hole at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. In the middle of it all, is the enchanting Mpala who was lovingly cared for at Reteti Elephant Sanctuary. She was the rambunctious one. She arrived at Reteti when she was 7 months old, a victim of the drought and integrated into the herd quickly. Her place was in the middle of it all. If there was a ruckus to be had, she was throwing back her trunk and rumbling in the muck, enjoying a refreshing mud bath. She was carefully reintroduced into the wild alongside proxy matriarch Shaba in 2019 and is thriving.

Lekupania receives a nuzzle from an orphaned giraffe at Sarara Foundation in Kenya. Fupi has since been rehabilitated and returned to the wild. Today, giraffes are undergoing a silent extinction. Giraffe populations have dropped nearly 40 percent in three decades.

Reticulated giraffes number fewer than 16,000. The decline is thought to be caused by habitat loss and fragmentation and poaching, but with the lack of long-term conservation efforts in the past, it’s hard to know exactly.

Head rhino keeper Zacharia Mutai relaxes with Najin, one of the last two northern white rhinos on the planet. Zacharia, with Najin’s other keepers, has had a front row seat as the Biorescue team works to restore this iconic species. These keepers spend more time protecting the northern white rhinos than they do with their own children.

“When we see ourselves as part of nature, we understand that saving nature is really about saving ourselves.”

With compelling images and films, Vitale illustrates the efforts of scientists and conservationists to save species close to extinction. There are many examples. When China introduced captive-born giant pandas to the wild to save its most famous “ambassadors,” Vitale was there. Dressed in a panda suit, she unobtrusively recorded the process, making multiple trips to China over three years. Since 2016, she has worked closely with Kenya’s Reteti Elephant Sanctuary photographing the heartwarming stories of young Samburu women and warriors who once feared elephants but now have become their guardians. More recently, she has been documenting the work of an international team of scientists and conservationists who just succeeded in creating an in vitro embryo transplant in a southern white rhino. And in February, she was in Kenya photographing eastern black rhinos, which have resurged from the brink of extinction.

“These are not just stories to me,” says Vitale. “We are witnessing extinction right now, on our watch. Without rhinos and elephants and other wildlife, we suffer a loss of imagination, a loss of wonder, a loss of beautiful possibilities. When we see ourselves as part of nature, we understand that saving nature is really about saving ourselves.”

Vitale’s powerful images have been commissioned by dozens of international publications, exhibited around the world in museums and galleries, garnered Vitale top press awards, and landed her roles as an ambassador for Nikon, Canson Infinity, Ol Pejeta Conservancy, and Luminar Neo.

To spread the message further, Vitale founded Vital Impacts,

a nonprofit that uses art to support grassroots conservation and empower youth. She is also a founding member of Ripple Effect Images, a consortium of leading female scientists, writers, photographers, and filmmakers who collaborate on stories that shed light on hardships faced by women in developing countries and on the programs that offer them help.

And, because engaging the world with stories of the animals, humans, and environments that so need our help requires telling as well as showing, Vitale dedicates time to speaking.

“Ami’s images connect us on an emotional level telling stories that leave us wanting to know more,” observes Pruett. “Her vast experience as an explorer, filmmaker, photographer, and writer, showcasing the natural, animal, and human worlds, intersects perfectly with the interests and mission of the Field Museum.”

In narratives that blend humor and heartbreak, where hope, collective action, and the art of stewardship intertwine, Vitale’s talk will not only be about saving creatures from extinction, “but also about the transformative power of reimagining our approach to challenges in the face of adversity,” says Vitale. “It is precisely during these critical moments that we can reshape and reinvent our methods for the better.”

“Through Ami’s presentation, I hope people realize that we have a footprint in this world,” McLamore concludes. “We can make a greater impact uniting together.”

For more information about the Field Museum Women in Science Luncheon, visit fieldmuseum.org.

This image of Kilifi and his caretaker Kamara is a testament to the hopeful shift Kenya has made as a nation that is expanding habitat and bolstering rhino populations. Kenya’s black rhino population had plummeted to near extinction but their numbers are rising.

Portrait of Vitale nuzzling a mule in Montana Photography by Katy Garton

WELLYHAUS BLOOMS

Kate Higgins is feeling fresh as a daisy as she opens a French-infused flower market in the heart of Winnetka.

WORDS BY ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST PRODUCT AND INTERIORS PHOTOGRAPHY BY EVELINA SNELL

Kate Higgins and her husband set up a flower stand outside their Winnetka home during the pandemic and would stock it each morning with floral bouquets.

“We thought it was so sad that people couldn’t be together, and this was a fun way to put some happiness in their days,” Higgins says. “I made these little bouquets that people could take and leave money in a box. I couldn’t make enough of them—they kept selling out. My husband and I would put flowers out at 8 a.m. and they would be gone by 8:10 a.m. Our little Wellyhaus Flower Stand was a frenzy.”

While Higgins was delighted by her customers’ love of her arrangements, she discovered (quite by accident) that a key component was missing.

“It was so sweet how many people would text me pictures of their bouquets when they would get them home,” Higgins says. “I was so excited to see the flowers, but I couldn’t get past how some of the flowers would just be shoved into a vase. I thought the flowers looked pretty, but that they would look so much better if they were in a vase designed for them.”

With this new-found consumer intel and her younger child graduating from New Trier this June, the timing was right for

Higgins to open the brick-and-mortar version of her flower stand. Named Wellyhaus, the shop’s moniker pays tribute to Higgins’ affection for both Wellington boots and the spirit of the European countryside the boots invoke.

“I think I always knew I had this store in me,” Higgins reflects, declining the notion that opening a retail space had come as a surprise to her. After all, her mother had been an avid gardener in Higgins’ home state of Ohio. And Higgins honed her own retail skills after taking a job with Betsy Karp, owner of Vintage Pine in Chicago.

“Working with Betsy was amazing for so many reasons, but she was the first person to expose me to design, antiques, and importing,” she says. “When Betsy opened Ashley & Sloane, I was able to help her with merchandising. I learned so much.”

Last spring, Higgins and her family had a summer vacation planned for France when she signed the lease for her shop’s future home.

“The vacation actually ended up being more of a buying trip,” explains Higgins, as she walks through the treasures now beautifully placed throughout her store. “My goal was to source special pieces that couldn’t be found just anywhere,” she says. “I love that it’s all a little moody.”

OPPOSITE PAGE: Wellyhaus owner Kate Higgins wearing alice + olivia, Neiman Marcus Northbrook, paired with her beloved Welly boots. ABOVE: Shop display showcasing the Wellyhaus-designed vases and Le Chameau boot offerings. RIGHT: A 1940s florist table from Paris presents a vintage Willy Guhl Marmite urn, vases and plates from EPURE ceramics, porcelain pieces from John Julian, and French linens.

Higgins filled two containers with merchandise for her store.

“Although I had watched Besty Karp import items from Europe for years, I really had to learn by doing,” she recalls. “There are so many details when you import and you kind of learn as you go. But we had so many great interactions and now I know how to do this.”

One of Higgins’ favorite pieces is a Parisian bar from the 1920s that she’s using as the checkout counter for Wellyhaus. “It’s for sale. It’s very expensive,” she says with a laugh, “but it’s for sale.”

Higgins worked with her “dream team” on the buildout of her store—Michael Del Piero as her designer and Patrick McHugh as her contractor.

“They really brought my vision to life,” Higgins explains pointing to some antique slabs she purchased in France that were repurposed for shelving in her store. “I can feel the Belgian-French influence in

this space. Simple, real, authentic, interesting textures—nothing mass-produced.”

A collection of glazed ceramic vases, each dubbed with a name to reflect its purpose (Entry, Forager, Branch, Bedside), testify to Higgins’ realized dream of creating a vessel specifically for her bouquets. Working with her potter Melissa Monroe in Mokena, Illinois, Higgins designed an exclusive line of Wellyhaus vases.

“I want my customers to be able to pick up a bouquet and drop it into a vase where it will look its best,” she says, “We’ve been able to do this with our Wellyhaus vases. We can hardly keep them in stock.”

In addition to selling her Wellyhaus ceramics, imported décor items, and her beloved “Welly” boots, there will be flowers of all kinds for customers to buy.

“I’m going to run Wellyhaus as a flower market,” she says. “I’m not planning on doing weddings or big events. We will have pre-made arrangements daily or flowers you can DIY with unique stems you can’t get anywhere else. My whole deal is authentic living. Food, wine, flowers, and friends. I hope people just come in, decompress, and leave feeling inspired.”

Wellyhaus is located at 928 Green Bay Road in Winnetka. For more information, visit wellyhaus.com.

LEFT: A nook at Wellyhaus with pillows from A Paris chez Antoinette Poisson, blown glass from La Soufflerie, Charvet Editions serviettes, and the Queen’s Guard Atelier Candle from Bellocq Tea. ABOVE: Tumblers from EPURE ceramics on an antique French tray. BOTTOM LEFT: Ceramics from Burgundy’s Manufacture de Digoin and linens from Charvet Editions share space with vintage copper molds from Lyon, France.

real ESTATE

770 BLUFF STREET, GLENCOE – $5,995,000

Truly exceptional newer, custom estate, majestically situated on 1.25+ acres, overlooking a sprawling, breathtaking property. Coveted location close to the center of town, surrounded by upper-bracket homes. Stately doesn't begin to describe the attributes of this signature Glencoe home. 121'+ wide lot affords an impressive frontage, memorable from first sight. This home is crafted with the most discerning of materials, with no expense spared. Ultra-private, fully-fenced backyard. A most spectacular setting with multi-tiered slate balconies and patios designed for extraordinary outdoor entertaining, including stone fire pit. Huge pool with built-in hot tub, 12' deep diving well, bluestone deck surround, automatic pool cover & pool house with full island kitchen/bar, laundry & bathroom with outdoor shower! 4 blocks to charming downtown Glencoe offering top restaurants, cafes, food markets, boutiques, acclaimed Writer’s Theater, historic 100 year old library, commuter train, and 9 blocks to the beach! Close to Glencoe schools & many parks. Award-winning New Trier HS. Botanic Garden! Live life to the fullest!

SCAN

BACK TO NATURE

Using only native plants, Highland Park’s Crystal Fritz and James McGuire have transformed their home’s landscape into a haven for birds and wildlife.

WORDS BY ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER / PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES GUSTIN

“We’ve basically become farmers now,” is a sentence James McGuire never thought he’d say about himself and partner Crystal Fritz. However, after buying a home in Highland Park three years ago and restoring their lawn with native plants—he, a communications consultant, and she, a personal assistant, have rolled up their sleeves and gotten their hands dirty courtesy of Mother Earth.

“We had been gardening together on the patio of our Chicago condo for years as a hobby, but we didn’t have any real property to care for,” McGuire recalls. “So, when we got to Highland Park and realized we’d have to do all of this lawn care, I asked myself why not do so using native plants? I loved the idea of attracting more birds and wildlife to our property, and I’d been reading how native plants could help us do this.”

McGuire, who has been an avid birder in his adult life, did extensive research on what it would take to make over his traditional lawn to a landscape alive with native plants. He drew much of his inspiration from Dutch landscape architect Piet Oudolf who has written in depth about this topic. McGuire was particularly intrigued by how Oudolf considered sun exposure when selecting the native plants and how Oudolf’s landscape plans used layered plants for added texture.

“Any time people hear ‘native yard or native garden,’ they think it’s going to look like weeds,” McGuire explains. “It became very important to us to prove to ourselves that native gardening can be designed, well landscaped, and stunning if it’s done right. So instead of randomly putting things out on our lawn, we needed to have some concept and purpose in how we wanted it. When our yard is in full bloom, it looks like an old English garden with blossoms everywhere—very lush. We paid a lot of attention to design, and we’ve been obsessed this winter about how we’re going to extend the design this summer.” The couple have captured their beautiful work on an Instagram account they started called @pigsprairie, lovingly named after their dog, Pig.

McGuire and Fritz plan to remove all of the traditional grass in their front yard, up to the city of Highland Park’s easement, this spring.

“The city has been so supportive of our efforts,” adds Fritz. “Our house sits in the middle of a main thoroughfare for our neighbor-

hood, and we have so many people stop and say how much they love what we’re doing or they ask questions. Even the children will stop and talk to us because they see something special happening here. Foxes, possums, raccoons—the impact on attracting wildlife has been huge. So many bunnies. So many birds. Dragonflies, butterflies ... it’s been really wonderful.”

McGuire and Fritz’s home was included on a native garden tour last summer. And two different wildlife organizations—the National Wildlife Federation and Openlands Chicago—have certified their property as a national wildlife habitat.

“The movement of native planting is really catching on, largely because of the discussion around climate change,” McGuire says. People are asking themselves what they can do to improve their carbon footprint? The single best thing they can do with their property is to plant native.”

McGuire and Fritz have done all of the work on their property themselves—a labor of love but still laborious. Yet, they know they are eliminating the need for a lot of yard maintenance in the long term. “We mow about half as often as most people, and we barely need to water except for when the plants are new,” McGuire observes. “The other thing I try to sell people on

is leaf management. People are obsessed with raking their leaves, blowing their leaves, getting rid of their leaves. Allowing leaves to be is by far the most important thing you can do for your lawn— not to mention the reduction in noise pollution when leaf blowers are no longer needed. Leaves break down over winter and just become soil. They also provide habitat to bees and insects who lay their eggs in them over the winter. When you eliminate the leaves, you’re upsetting the life cycle for insects we need.”

There are many nurseries throughout the Chicagoland area that carry native plants and have multiple plant sales from early spring into the summer. And, over the past several months, the duo has been winter sowing hundreds of native plants from seedlings in covered containers in their backyard. By having these plants make their way from seeds in the winter, they will be very hardy come spring.

Fritz says that by using native plants, the couple has created their own little national park. “It’s funny how people will travel great distances to see nature,” she reflects. “But we’ve been able to bring nature to us. We have four seasons of interest. We just sit out in our chairs with a cup of coffee or glass of wine and enjoy our garden. The birds are singing. It’s like a little paradise.”

OPPOSITE PAGE: Monarch butterflies are frequent visitors to McGuire and Fritz’s native garden habitat. Not only are they strikingly colorful, Monarchs are important pollinators that play a vital role in the natural ecosystem and our food system. LEFT: A familiar native climber, the Trumpet Vine can spread rapidly along fences and walls. The nectar of the flowers attracts important pollinators like the Ruby-Throated Hummingbird and Sphinx Moth. It is also a favorite of Baltimore Orioles. ABOVE: James McGuire BOTTOM LEFT: The blossoms of the tall, stately Obedient Plant bring flashes of pink and lavender to the native garden. These flowers lure multiple species of pollinators like this busy bumblebee.

REAL PEOPLE. REAL RESULTS

PUBLISHER’S PROFILE

MUSIC MATTERS

The Ravinia Associates Board will hit just the right note at Music Matters—the board’s annual fundraiser—on Saturday, May 11, raising money for Ravinia and its Reach Teach Play®, programming that ensures music education remains accessible.

WORDS BY ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER / PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE RAVINIA FESTIVAL

The first time Jeff Condren attended a concert at Ravinia Festival he was blown away.

“I grew up in Cincinnati and we didn’t have anything like Ravinia,” says Condren, Ravinia’s new Associates Board president who just began the first year of his twoyear term. “My wife used to work at Ravinia and I’ve been on the Associates Board since 2015. It’s now such a central part of our lives—one that we can even involve our children in. I’m looking forward to playing a more meaningful role in advancing Ravinia’s community outreach for the arts.”

The Ravinia Associates Board is a premier group of more than 90 Chicago area young professionals who share a passion for Ravinia and the musical arts. Its mission is to support Ravinia by promoting awareness of the festival and its year-round music programs, encouraging the development of new audiences for classical music, and contributing to Ravinia, its Reach Teach Play® music education programs, and the Ravinia Steans Music Institute. To date, the Associates Board has contributed nearly $5 million to the festival and those programs through its Music Matters benefit and other fundraisers.

“I was a music kid when I was in grade school,” Condren remembers. “I was lucky that in addition to sports, my school had an arts program. Not all schools are as lucky. It’s been eye opening to work side-by-side with students and have them teach us how to play different instruments—to really see the Reach Teach Play® programs in action. Creative outlets in school are so important.”

Ravinia’s Reach Teach Play® programs serve thousands in Chicago-area communities, opening doors where everyone can access and experience the positive impact of live music. Several

programs extend Ravinia’s reach into Chicago and Lake County public schools that otherwise have little to no music curriculum of their own, providing 20,000 students with live performances and integrative activities that spark a love of music and invite exploration of varied genres and styles, as well as programs that teach the foundations of music and encourage children to engage in music-making and express themselves creatively. Ravinia gives students the opportunity to play musical instruments, develop their talents, and create pathways for continued success through a variety of programs, including a community family music school, an El Sistema–inspired orchestral program that fosters social development, and a mentorship program for high school jazz musicians. Central to Reach Teach Play’s® mission of access, Ravinia provides free summer concert passes to thousands of community members through partnerships with more than 150 social service agencies, as well as public libraries and community music and performing arts schools.

This year, Music Matters—a black-tie optional event—will take place on Saturday, May 11 at Ravinia Festival. It will be an unforgettable evening of dinner, cocktails, auction items, and of course—live music. All proceeds from Music Matters will benefit Ravinia and its Reach Teach Play® programs.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve experimented with where we hosted Music Matters,” Condren explains. “But I’m thrilled that this year, Music Matters will be at Ravinia. When I support Ravinia, I like to be at Ravinia.”

To purchase tickets to Music Matters or to learn more about how you can support Ravinia and its Reach Teach Play® programs,, visit ravinia.org/musicmatters.

Students and board members come together for a short performance.

Students from Sistema Ravinia Lake County Middle School Orchestra instructing members of the Ravinia Associates Board during an immersive rehearsal experience at Ravinia.

TWORDS BY STEVEN BLOCH, M.D.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

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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.

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PARTING WORDS

DRIVEN TO RUN

Republican candidate businessman Jim Carris aims for election in Illinois’ 10th Congressional District.

WORDS BY BILL MCLEAN / ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT RISKO

Former Par-King miniature golf course employee and regular Jim Carris has shed his putter.

A Republican from Lake Forest and a graduate of Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire, Carris is gripping and wielding his driver now, determined to ace his bid as a first-time candidate for Illinois’ 10th Congressional District.

The election is November 5.

“It is clear that the families of the 10th Congressional District are hungry for a new leader who will be independent and work in a bipartisan manner to find real policy solutions for Americans based on logic, compassion, and common sense,” says Carris, who spent his teenage summers cutting Lincolnshire-based Par-King’s grass, managing the course, and repainting the grounds’ signature pink castle. “People in the district are hard-working, diverse, and entrepreneurial. We represent America.”

The 10th Congressional District consists of Chicago’s north and northwest suburbs, including Lake and portions of Cook and McHenry counties.

Carris is the child of an immigrant. His father, Frank, wasn’t allowed to enroll in college in his native Greece because of his parents’ political affiliation. Frank moved to Chicago, where he met his future wife, the late Alice, at a Greek church. The father of five bused tables and washed dishes at a restaurant before becoming a union house painter and, later, a tireless contractor.

“My father is an amazing man,” says Carris, executive managing director of Colliers, a commercial real estate and brokerage advisory firm in Chicago. “He took a tremendous risk, coming over here after Greece’s Civil War (1946-1949). He loves this country because of what it has provided him—the ability to live the American Dream. You know what he does whenever we’re watching a Cubs game on TV and the national anthem is played? My dad stands up and places his right hand over his heart. And you’re not going to find many who value education more than he does.”

Carris earned a trio of degrees, beginning with a bachelor’s at the University of Illinois. He then collected a law degree at Loyola University Chicago followed by an Executive MBA degree from the University of Notre Dame. Carris paid for much of his tuition, housing, and books himself by working gigs ranging from painting to construction to bartending.

Before joining Colliers six years ago, Carris worked as a real estate and environmental attorney and ran a department for the oil and gas giant BP. “I’m an environmentalist,” he says.

Carris took a leave of absence from his post at Colliers to laser-focus as a rookie politician. “My wife (Kimberly) and I had been involved in politics on the periphery, fundraising for candi-

dates and being active voters,” says Carris, a father of three and a resident of Lake Forest since 2005. “I wanted to run because I felt strongly that a leader with a business perspective, a fresh perspective, would be able to find solutions at the local and national levels of government.”

“The first president I voted for was Ronald Reagan. You know what he did so well with (then-U.S. Speaker of the House) Tip O’Neill? Talk. A Republican and a Democrat talked civilly and resolved issues through discourse, unlike today where there’s too much vitriol. We need to get back to both parties communicating and cooperating.”

For more information, visit CarrisforCongress.com.