Your go-to guide for all the latest local events this month
7 peer learning, redefined
Two Highland Park High School juniors create a student-led tutoring network
8 north shore sports
Loyola Academy senior guard Aubrey Galvan turns in quarter for the ages in a girls' basketball playoff game
LIFESTYLE & ARTS
When you elevate your home with fine furnishings and design from John Plunkett Interiors, you’ll enjoy elevated dining at the renowned Aboyer Brasserie Spend $1,000 at Plunkett and receive a complimentary $100 GIFT CARD for Aboyer It’s a North Shore Win-Win!
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10 #hashtag
Cradles to Crayons Executive Director Dawn Melchiorre is fighting to end clothing insecurity
10 north shore foodie
This delicious Duck & Andouille Gumbo dish is paired with Potluck Garlic Bread
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
14 sunday breakfast
John Noble netted tennis trophies and Tony awards before becoming board president of Lake Forest Community High School District 115
NORTH SHORE DOINGS
EDITED BY CHEYANNE LENCIONI THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
NOW THROUGH MARCH 23
THE ORCHID SHOW
WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Chicago Botanic Garden’s The Orchid Show will immerse viewers in the beauty of India. This will include a floor-to-ceiling peacock, a towering banyan tree, and pigment powders representing Holi all made out of orchids. Tickets are available now. chicagobotanic.org
NOW THROUGH MARCH 31
ECHOLOCATION
WHERE: Vivid Art Gallery
Stop into Vivid Art Gallery in Winnetka throughout March to see work by Chicago artists Izzo Cho and Lainey Peltier. Cho’s pieces are meant to be a commentary on her Korean American heritage, celebrating earnest but humorous attempts to pay homage to her transnational upbringing. Peltier’s work, on the other hand, is focused on what she sees in the world around her. Painting instead of printmaking She alters and then rearranges what she sees as part of an open-ended exploration. vividartgallery.net
NOW THROUGH MARCH 31
GRAB N’ GO GARDEN KIT
WHERE: Lake Forest Library
Stop by Lake Forest Library’s Adult Reference Desk throughout March to pick up a kit containing two seed packets (randomized), soil peat pellets, and biodegradable pots to start your own garden! Supplies are limited and are available on a first-come, first-served basis; limit two kits per household. These kits are available while supplies last. lakeforestlibrary.org
NOW THROUGH APRIL 5
POSTMEMORY
WHERE: The Art Center
Highland Park
Postmemory, running now through April 5 at The Art Center Highland Park, describes how the next generation relates to the personal, collective and cultural trauma of their predecessors. This describes Nicole Gordon's latest body of work, which is inspired by intimate interviews of her family history of immigration and assimilation from Eastern Europe to South Africa, Cuba, and ultimately to the United States. These stories, while at times rife with displacement and emotional upheaval, are ultimately filled with hope, aspiration, resilience, and pride. theartcenterhp.org
NOW THROUGH APRIL 24
PATTERNS AND POEMS IN NATURE
WHERE: North Shore Senior Center
Chicago Alliance of Visual Arts is hosting a joint exhibition with the North Shore Senior Center featuring works by Kathleen Haslwanter, Christine George, Maryse Richards, and Karen Beatty. From 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. celebrate spring and explore the beauty of patterns and repetition in art. The showcase will feature an array of mediums such as oil, watercolor, and acrylic— highlighting breathtaking flowers, prairies, and other nature-inspired scenes. wearecava.org
MARCH 8
BRANCHING OUT: TREES AS SPIRITUAL BEINGS
WHERE: Winnetka Public Library
From 2 p.m. to 3 p.m., join the Winnetka Public Library staff for a walk and time to enjoy native trees. Lynn Zaransky, TreeKeeper
with Openlands, and Gerald Savage, and Chief White Winnebago, Ho-Chunk Nation Elder, will lead a tree identification walk. Attendees will share Native American history and customs. The program will begin with a short presentation in the Lloyd Room. Please dress for the weather. Registration is required. wnpld.org
MARCH 8
FAMILY SHAMROCK SCAVENGER HUNT
WHERE: Lake Bluff Park District
Join the Lake Bluff Park District from 10 a.m. to noon for an Amazing Racestyle event across town. At check-in families will receive a list of riddles that will give them clues as to where all eight shamrocks are hidden. The first three families to return to the Artesian Field House with all eight “shamrocks” will receive a St. Patty’s Day prize. Tickets are $10 per person and anyone older than 5 is required to register. lakebluffparks.org
MARCH 8 TO 9
ALVIN AILEY’S DANCE THEATER
WHERE: The Auditorium Theatre
Alvin Ailey’s Dance Theater returns to the stage with four performances cel-
recipes, join this adult program at Winnetka Public Library from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m. Check out one of the spotlighted cookbooks, try some recipes, and bring a dish to share. The books are available for checkout at the library and through Hoopla, when available. Registration is required. wnpld.org
MARCH 13
LITERATURES OF THE VIETNAM WAR
ebrating the life and legacy of Artistic Director Judith Jamison. These performances include Cry on Friday only, Grace and Finding Free on Friday and Sunday, and Sacred Songs, Treading, and Many Angels on Saturday. Tickets are available now. auditoriumtheatre.org
MARCH 9, 10 & 16
ORION ENSEMBLE PRESENTS: TO LIFE!
WHERE: Evanston, Chicago, and Aurora
The Orion Ensemble continues its 32nd season with “To Life!,” which showcases Orion’s core musicians on a program of trios, including a Chicago premiere by Alexander Goldstein and works by Johannes Brahms and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Performances take place at three venues: Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston on March 9; PianoForte Studios in Chicago on March 10; and New England Congregational Church in Aurora on March 16, followed by the annual Spring Benefit. orionensemble.org
MARCH 10
FOOD FOR THOUGHT COOKBOOK BOOK CLUB
WHERE: Winnetka Public Library
If you love browsing cookbooks and trying new
WHERE: History Center Lake Forest Lake Bluff Join Lake Forest College Professor Dr. Benjamin Goluboff at 5 p.m. for a presentation connected to a current exhibit at the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff titled Returning Home From War. Goluboff’s talk will address international writing about the Vietnam war, including the homecoming theme. It will include works by Tim O’Brien, John Balaban, and Larry Heinemann among others. This program is free but registration is required. lflbhistory.org
MARCH 13
THE BATTLE OF THE BREWS
WHERE: Social Loft, Glenview
From 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., The Educational Foundation will hold its inaugural Battle of the Brews. The “best of the best” brewed beers will be put to the test to determine which one reigns supreme, all in the name of supporting education. Other libations and non-alcoholic drinks will be offered. Tickets are $75 each and include tastings of all brew options, a tasting glass, pub grub, Culvers sweets, and games. edufoundnt.org
MARCH 14
FAREWELL TO WINTER WALK
WHERE: Elawa Farm and Mellody Farm Nature Preserve
Join Lake Forest Open Lands Association (LFOLA) for two winter walks. From 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., families will gather at Elawa Farm for a 1.5 mile hike. Along the way, a LFOLA naturalist will guide guests through the Middlefork Savanna, sharing stories about the Crow Moon and the Worm Moon. Everyone will gather at the Jens Jensen council ring for hot cider and s'mores by the fire, then shuttle back to Elawa Farm. There will be an adult-only walk from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., complete with hot toddies. lfola.org
MARCH 16
“I WILL GIVE MY LOVE AN APPLE”
WHERE: Nichols Concert Hall
At 7:30 p.m., the Music Institute Chorale offers a celebration of folk songs from around the world, including Ukraine, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Nigeria, Mexico, Haiti, Spain, England, and Ireland, as well as Bartok’s Slovak folk songs. This free concert will be conducted by Daniel Wallenberg with Gregory Shifrin on piano. musicinst.org
MARCH 16 & 23
SPRING FAMILY FESTIVAL
WHERE: Kohl Children’s Museum
From 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m., bring the kids to Kohl Children’s Museum for an afternoon of fun and baby animal exploration. There will be meet and greets with reptiles and amphibians, a petting zoo, an opportunity to meet Rapunzel, and so much more. Tickets are on sale now and capacity is limited.
kohlchildrensmuseum.com
To submit your event for consideration, please email events@nsweekend.com.
Kohl Children's Museum Spring Family Festival
PEER LEARNING, REDEFINED
Two Highland Park High School juniors turn a simple idea into a thriving student-led tutoring network.
WORDS BY FRANK ATIVIE THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
When Highland Park High School juniors Henry Gamson and Josh Brown noticed the challenges students faced in finding the right tutor, they saw an opportunity to bridge the gap.
The result? Northshore TeenTutors, a peer-to-peer tutoring service designed to make academic support more accessible, efficient, and personalized.
Unlike traditional tutoring programs, Northshore TeenTutors capitalizes on the unique benefit of teen-to-teen connections, creating an environment where students feel comfortable learning from their peers.
“We realized that peer tutoring has a natural advantage,” says Gamson. “There’s a level of understanding and relatability that makes the learning experience more engaging.”
Both Gamson and Brown grew up in Highland Park, excelling at Edgewood Middle School before moving on to Highland Park High School in 2022. Beyond academics, they are deeply involved in extracurriculars—cross-country, the math team, and DECA, a competitive business club. Their experience with private lessons—Gamson on piano and Brown on violin—also shaped their perspective on the benefits and challenges of one-on-one instruction.
The idea for Northshore TeenTutors was sparked last
spring during a school orchestra trip to Costa Rica.
“We spent that trip brainstorming,” Gamson recalls. “Eventually, we landed on this idea. We started by reaching out to our friends, recruiting tutors, and building from there.”
What began as a small circle of students helping classmates has now expanded into a growing network of peer tutors, covering subjects from algebra to AP physics. Along the way, Gamson and Brown saw inefficiencies in how students connected with tutors.
“Often, it’s hard to find the right tutor,” Brown explains. “And from the other side, tutors struggle to find students. The process can feel random. Our goal is to streamline the system and make it easier for everyone.”
Their approach is working. Students have responded enthusiastically, and the impact has been rewarding.
“Tutoring is incredibly fulfilling,” says Brown. “I once worked with a student who had ADHD and struggled to focus. The first explanation didn’t stick, so I tried using an analogy. Suddenly, it clicked. That ‘Oh yeah!’ moment is the best—seeing someone gain confidence in something they once found impossible.”
While Brown, who manages the Northshore TeenTutors website and business operations, envisions a future in computer science, both he and Gamson remain committed to growing the service.
“I think tutoring opens doors,” Gamson says. “Having someone to guide you can help you step out of your comfort zone and achieve more than you thought possible.”
For more information, visit northshoreteentutors.com.
NORTH SHORE SPORTS
BY BILL MCLEAN
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY GEORGE PFOERTNER
ANCHORS WAY TOO GOOD
Clutch Trevians Timmerman, Goldstein bolster New Trier High School’s third-place showing at the boys’ swimming and diving state meet.
Only three high school teams get to haul home a trophy from the boys’ swimming and diving state meet each year.
With only one event—400-yard freestyle relay—left at last weekend’s state meet at FMC Natatorium in Westmont, New Trier Township High School (New Trier) was in third place with 142 points.
Lane Tech College Prep High School (LTCPHS) was in fourth place, trailing the Trevians by a scant two points.
In the consolation heat of the 400-free relay, New Trier’s foursome of sophomore Charlie Sears, seniors Drennan Devaraj and Caden Carberry, and junior Jared Goldstein raced in an outside path, lane 1.
LTCPHS got slotted in lane 8.
Too bad. It would have been nice, from a spectator’s viewpoint, to watch the two quartets churn side-by-side for team hardware.
“We wanted to bring it home,” said Goldstein, who hadn’t served as the relay’s anchor leg until late in the season. “We all put our heads down, determined to get that trophy.”
They did just that, clinching the third-place prize by clocking a 10th-place time of 3:07.52 and ending up with 156 points. LTCPHS
finished 15th (3:08.86) and settled for fourth place (144 points) as a team.
New Trier senior and University of Southern California-bound Stuart Timmerman emerged as a reliable anchor in another vein. He didn’t swim last in any of the Trevians’ other two relays at state, but he was a point-generating machine, zipping to the championship in the 50-yard freestyle (20.39), silvering in the 100-yard breaststroke (54.18) and swimming on a pair of top-three relays (200-yard medley, second place, 1:30.1; and 200-yard freestyle, third place, 1:23.24).
“You can’t think too much in a race like that,” Timmerman said moments after bowing for his first-place medal in the sprint race. “I trusted my training and put my mind to swimming fast.
“It worked out,” he added.
Timmerman, remarkably, had never climbed a start block to race in a 50-yard freestyle for New Trier until this season. In the offseason at a club meet last November—at FMC Natatorium, no kidding—he sped to a 20.4, which got New Trier coach Josh Runkle’s attention.
“Stuart’s favorite event is the 200 IM (Individual Medley), but Josh Bey is a problem,”
FIVE AND SUBLIME
Tireless Loyola Academy junior Devon Bone excels late, helps the Ramblers’ boys’ swimming and diving team take fifth place at the state meet.
the end of last weekend’s
and
state
just raced in the penultimate event (100-yard breaststroke) at FMC Natatorium, finishing in a strong eighth place with a time of 56.55 on March 1. The holder of the Ramblers’ school
Runkle said, referring to Hinsdale Central High School superstar Red Devil who supplanted his 2024 state mark in the 200 IM with a blistering 1:43.96 on Saturday.
“I liked Stuart as a 50-free guy, though I can’t stand the event because you have to be nearperfect to be good at it,” the coach continued. “I knew before the season started that Stuart would work like crazy and dedicate himself, no matter where we’d put him.”
Runkle later noted that Timmerman now owns the second-fastest times in program history in the 100 butterfly, the 100 breaststroke, and the 50 freestyle.
Esteemed Trevians diving coach Bruce Kimball guided two more divers to top-12 state finishes. Junior Knox Noble placed sixth (497.45 points), and classmate Charlie Conniff took 12th (451.35).
Goldstein—who used to live in Baltimore and swam for the North Baltimore Aquatic Club, Michael Phelps’ former training grounds—followed Carberry and Timmerman and preceded anchor Devaraj in that state runner-up 200 medley relay. He then took 11th in the 200 IM (1:52.65) and 10th in the 100 butterfly (49.43).
record in the 100 breaststroke then had little time to recover for the final race of the fourhour meet, the 400-yard freestyle relay.
But Bone—the quartet’s anchor leg—produced a big-time effort, clocking a 44.92 split to help the unit place third in 3:03.3.
“That right there, our result in that relay, was our exclamation point today,” LA coach Mike Hengelmann said moments after his Ramblers finished a sturdy fifth (133.5 points) in the team standings at the highly competitive state meet.
“Devon,” he added, “gave us a fast 45-second 100 freestyle split in the prelims (on February 28). “Then he goes 44.9 today. Outstanding. He stepped up; all of our boys did.”
Senior Gus Koh, junior Velizar Filipov, and senior Luke Helm served as the 400-free relay’s first three legs.
Team champion Hinsdale Central High School’s entrant in the last race recorded a state-record 2:59.38, comfortably ahead of Marmion Academy’s runner-up time of 3:01.65.
Filipov, Bone, Koh, and Helm had collaborated for their first bronze medals of the meet in the 200-yard medley relay with a schoolrecord time of 1:30.45, or nearly a second faster than the seed time they had earned as a championship foursome at a sectional meet the
Timmerman collaborated with Filip Stolar, Devaraj, and Nathan Kim for third-place points in the 200 freestyle relay. Devaraj received a 10th-place medal for his 20.9 in the 50 freestyle, and New Trier sophomore Teddy O’Donnell placed 16th in the 200 IM (1:55.39).
The Trev ians’ third-place showing Sat urday was the program’s 15th top-three state finish since 2004.
previous weekend.
“These last three, four weeks of the season,” Hengelmann said, “were fantastic. I was especially proud of what they did at Friday’s state prelims to put them in position to score points on the second day of the state meet.
“The team took the next step (from last season to this one), and it was a big one,” he added.
Hengelmann’s Ramblers placed 12th (60 points) at the 2024 state meet, two years after taking fourth (84.5 points) and falling only 14.5 points shy of a third-place trophy.
Velizar and Koh placed fifth and sixth in the 100-yard butterfly with respective times of 48.94 and 49.1 at the state meet last weekend.
Filipov later tied for fourth place in the 100yard backstroke with a 48.91, less than a second faster than Koh’s sixth-place 49.24.
Bone touched 13th in the 100-yard freestyle (46.13).
Also at state: Highland Park High School sophomore Andrew Blauer placed 15th in the 100-yard butterfly (50.03), and Lake Forest High School senior Joshua Back placed 16th in diving (426.25 points).
Blauer had topped the butterfly field at the Libertyville High School Sectional with a time of 49.86 on February 24, while Back had silvered at the same sectional with a 486-point total.
Near
boys’ swimming
diving
meet in Westmont, Devon Bone should have been, well, bone-tired. The Loyola Academy (LA) junior had
Devon Bone
Stuart Timmerman
Q & A with Loyola Academy senior basketball player
AUBREY GALVAN
What senior Aubrey Galvan did on a basketball court in the third quarter of a playoff basketball game last week was aweinspiring and preposterous.
The buzz it generated hasn’t abated a bit.
“Phenomenal player,” Loyola Academy girls’ basketball coach Jeremy Schoenecker says of his Vanderbilt University-bound guard. “A run like that, on such a big stage, was something special. She’s a special player.”
Loyola Academy’s Ramblers trailed Maine South High School (MSHS) 2826 with 3:46 left in the third quarter of the Class 4A Glenbrook North High School Sectional championship game on February 27. Galvan, the program’s record holder for most points in a game (41), had scored only seven points at that point.
She’d have a whopping 27 points before the start of the fourth quarter, thanks to her scintillating stretch of 20 straight points—including five three-pointers—in a span of 3:20. The Ramblers’ defense stood out, too, allowing only two more points in Loyola Academy’s 55-30 win.
“Aubrey finds ways to keep the team together,” says sophomore forward Emily Naraky, who scored 15 points in the Ramblers’ sectional semifinal victory on February 25. “Her scoring got us going, and our defense, along with the support from our bench, kept us energized.”
Sophomore guard Clare Weasler and Marycait Mackie combined for 13 points against MSHS and played relentless defense in both sectional games.
Reigning Class 4A state champion Loyola Academy (33-2), winners of 27 straight games since December 14, was scheduled to face Huntley High School in a supersectional game at Warren Township High School in Gurnee on March 3.
Galvan fielded a handful of questions after the Ramblers’ 46-40 overtime defeat
of Glenbrook North High School’s Spartans in a sectional semifinal last week.
What have you learned about your game this season?
That I can overcome tough times. My confidence was low at the beginning of the season. One of my (American Athletic Union) coaches told me to focus on the positive, to have a ‘next play’ mentality. That helped me a lot.
When did you know Vanderbilt and you would be a good fit?
Early on during my visit to the school. I loved it right away. You know how you just know that something’s going to be good without having to think about it? That’s what I realized when I was there for the first time.
Any story behind the reason you wear jersey No. 3?
Not really. I’ve loved the number for a while, and it’s my mom’s (Jenny’s) favorite number—her birthday is January 3.
Care to share what Coach Schoenecker likes to say to his players?
His favorite line is, “Playing us is (each opponent’s) ‘Super Bowl’ game.
If you were Loyola Academy’s coach for a day, what would you emphasize in practice?
I’d let my players scrimmage for most of it.
How would you define Loyola Academy girls’ basketball?
It’s a group of best friends playing together for Loyola Academy. I wouldn’t trade this team for the world.
BACHTELL
#ON MY NIGHTSTAND
I am someone who always has a stack of books ready to go, blending thought-provoking reads with entertaining escapes. Right now, I’m immersed in Fareed Zakaria’s Age of Revolutions, which offers a compelling exploration of global transformations shaping our world today. I’m also diving into When Everyone Leads by Ed O'Malley and Julia Fabris McBride—a fascinating take on how leadership isn’t reserved for titles but a mindset anyone can adopt to drive change. To balance the serious with the practical, I’ve picked up the newest cookbook from Milk Street.
#ON MY MOBILE
I am passionate about food and cooking and I find inspiration in exploring innovative recipes and techniques that help sharpen my skills in the kitchen. I also follow numerous chefs, restaurants, and wineries online. My husband and I love to travel and our favorite destination is Abruzzo, Italy, so I also follow various organizations and groups from Abruzzo. Additionally, I’m a sports enthusiast and keep up with football and baseball—particularly as a proud Bears and White Sox fan.
#IN MY EARBUDS
Podcasts are my go-to for inspiration and entertainment. I regularly listen to Fresh Air, The Ezra Klein Show, SmartLess, and Michael Lewis’ Against The Rules
DAWN MELCHIORRE is a seasoned entrepreneur and nonprofit executive who is passionate about driving social change. Her nonprofit career began at Voices for Illinois Children, where she organized advocacy campaigns raising awareness for issues related to early childhood education, mental health, and nutrition. Her success led her to the Greater Chicago Food Depository as Senior Director of Programs, where she helped build the Illinois No Kid Hungry Campaign and the Illinois Commission to End Hunger. Now, she serves as the Executive Director of Cradles to Crayons Chicago, the only large-scale nonprofit organization dedicated to addressing clothing insecurity for children. Cradles to Crayons® is on a mission to #EndClothingInsecurity, providing children living in low-income or homeless situations with the clothing and essential items they need to thrive at home, at school, and at play—for free. Since its founding in 2002, the organization has distributed more than one million packages of clothing and other essentials annually in partnership with more than 260 service organizations. Melchiorre recently led the nonprofit through its Gear Up for Winter initiative that collected and distributed winter coats across Chicagoland. Melchiorre notes that monetary donations and purchases via their Amazon Wish List are additional ways to support the Cradles to Crayons mission. Here is how this active advocate stays current in a busy world.
DUCK & ANDOUILLE GUMBO
BY MONICA KASS ROGERS
FOOD EDITOR
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
SERVES 4 TO 6 SERVINGS
INGREDIENTS
FOR THE GUMBO:
• 1 whole fresh duck cut into 8 pieces
• 8 ounces good-quality andouille sausage, sliced
• Salt and cayenne pepper to taste
• 3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup grapeseed oil
• 6 Tbsp butter
• 1 large or 2 small poblano pepper(s), seeds removed and finely diced
• 1 large yellow onion, peeled and finely diced
• 3 or 4 ribs celery, finely diced to make 1 ½ cups
• 3 to 5 cloves fresh garlic, peels discarded, sliced
• 2 qts good-quality chicken broth or stock
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/8 cup smoked paprika
• 1 tsp fresh ground black pepper
• 1⁄2 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1/8 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 2 to 3 Tbsp Crystal hot sauce OR Tabasco
• Kosher salt to taste
• Pot of steamed, long-grain white rice
• Green onions, chopped fine, for garnish
FOR THE POTLUCK GARLIC BREAD:
• 1 stick unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cloves fresh garlic put through a garlic press, or, finely minced
• 2 Tbsp Italian flat leaf parsley, finely minced
• 2 ½ tsp kosher salt
• 1/2 a large baguette
• 4 squares white or brown butcher paper (or use parchment paper) & butchers twine NORTH SHORE FOODIE
METHOD
1. BROWN MEATS: Season the duck generously with kosher salt and lightly with cayenne pepper. Using a large cast iron skillet over medium high heat, brown the duck. When browned, remove to a plate. In the same skillet, brown the sausage. Turn off heat leaving the fat in the skillet
2. MAKE ROUX: Using the same skillet over medium heat, add the oil and flour to the fat already in the skillet and whisk until smooth. Continue whisking until the roux is slightly lighter than dark chocolate. Immediately remove from the pan or skillet and set aside.
3. SAUTÉ VEGETABLES: Using a large soup pot over medium high heat, melt the butter and sauté the peppers, celery, onion, and garlic. Cook until soft; about five minutes. Add the chicken broth and heat to boiling. Reduce heat to a simmer and whisk in the reserved roux Add remaining ingredients except the salt. Add duck and sausage. Once the duck pieces are fully cooked, remove them from the gumbo and cool slightly. Pick the meat off the bones, slicing large pieces into bite-sized bits, and set aside. Simmer gumbo for about an hour. Check seasoning: Adjust to taste with salt and more hot sauce if you like. Add the reserved duck pieces and chill soup overnight.
4. SKIM FAT AND HEAT SOUP FOR SERVING: About 45 minutes before you’re ready to serve the soup, scrape off the solid fat which has risen to the top and heat the gumbo slowly over medium low heat.
5. MAKE POTLUCK GARLIC BREAD: While the soup heats, preheat oven to 400 degrees. In a small bowl, mix butter, garlic, parsley, and salt. Slicing down vertically, cut numerous slits into the bread about ½ inch apart, without slicing all the way through the bread. Spread the soft butter mixture into the slits. Cut the loaf into 4 pieces. Wrap each piece with butcher/or parchment paper and tie with butchers’ twine. Bake in the oven for 5 to 7 minutes. Serve gumbo with steamed white rice, snipped green onions, and Potluck Garlic Bread.
EDITED BY REDDING WORTH ILLUSTRATION BY TOM
Bill Murray has always been a bit of a paradox—one part legendary comedic force, one part wandering sage who pops up where you least expect him, sometimes on film, sometimes at a stranger’s wedding. But for those of us here on the North Shore and specifically in Wilmette, he’s always been one of our own. Born in Evanston and raised on the North Shore, Murray honed his irrever -
ent charm early, cutting his teeth at The Second City before his rise to Saturday Night Live and the silver screen. And while he may have become a global icon, there’s something distinctly Midwestern about his brand of humor—the dry, knowing smirk, the willingness to embrace the absurd, and that everpresent hint of melancholy beneath the laughs.
This year Murray continues his cinematic journey with three standout performances in Riff Raff and The Friend , proving that age has done nothing to dull his charm, wit, or ability to surprise. And with The Phoenician Scheme , his latest collaboration with Wes Anderson, on the horizon, it’s safe to say that the Murray Renaissance is in full swing.
BY FELIX MCMILLAN, MAN ABOUT FILM ILLUSTRATION
Riff Raff, directed by Dito Montiel, is the kind of film that thrives on controlled chaos—a darkly comic crime thriller that delights in absurdity while carrying an unexpected emotional weight. It follows Vincent (Ed Harris), an aging ex-con trying to keep his life on the straight and narrow, whose peace is shattered when his estranged son Rocco (Lewis Pullman) and Rocco’s very pregnant girlfriend Marina (Emanuela Postacchin) crash back into his life. Unfortunately for Vincent, they aren’t alone—hot on their heels are two gangsters with wildly different temperaments: Lonnie (Pete Davidson, in peak gremlin mode) and Leftie, played by
none other than Bill Murray. Murray’s Leftie is not the kind of gangster who barks orders or brandishes a pistol with theatrical menace. Instead, he’s the kind who looms quietly, letting silence do most of the work before dropping a line so cutting it takes a few seconds to sting. He doesn’t rush, because he doesn’t have to—he’s been doing this long enough to know that patience is its own form of intimidation. Murray imbues Leftie with a wry, almost grandfatherly menace, as if he’s both mildly amused by the incompetence around him and slightly bored with the whole business of crime itself.
What makes Riff Raff work is its tonal balancing act. It’s funny, but not in a winking, self-aware way—it lets the ridiculousness of the situation unfold naturally. It’s violent, but never gratuitous, using bursts of action to punctuate long stretches of tension. And at its core, it’s a film about family—the kind you don’t choose, the kind that wrecks your plans, and the kind you end up protecting anyway.
Murray, as always, knows exactly how to play it. He doesn’t chew scenery; he lets the world revolve around him, moving at his own deliberate pace, knowing that we’ll all catch up eventually.
RIFF RAFF: A CRIME CAPER WITH BITE THE FRIEND: MURRAY AT HIS MOST POIGNANT
If Riff Raff gives us Bill Murray in full command of his comedic timing and slow-burning menace, The Friend offers something entirely different: Murray at his most vulnerable, most human, and, quite possibly, most heartbreaking.
Directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, The Friend tells the story of Iris (Naomi Watts), a writer navigating both professional disappointment and personal loss, who unexpectedly inherits a Great Dane named Apollo after the death of her best friend and mentor, Walter (Murray). The film unfolds as a quiet meditation on grief—how we carry it, how we try to push it away, and how, sometimes, the strangest of companions can help us bear its weight.
Though Murray’s Walter is absent for
much of the film, his presence lingers in every frame. Through flashbacks, we see their friendship unfold in small, beautifully observed moments—late-night conversations, shared meals, those unspoken gestures that only true friends understand. Walter isn’t a grand, performative character; he’s someone who existed in Iris’s life as a constant, and now that he’s gone, the world feels slightly off-balance.
Murray has always excelled at playing men weighed down by the past (Lost in Translation, Broken Flowers), but here, he brings an added warmth—Walter is someone who has made peace with his regrets, who has found joy in small things. It’s a testament to Murray’s skill that even in a film where he is, quite literally, a ghost of sorts, he remains one
of its most compelling figures.
The heart of The Friend, however, lies in the relationship between Iris and Apollo. What begins as an inconvenience—she never wanted a dog, least of all one this enormous—slowly transforms into something more profound. The film, in its own quiet way, asks: Can love continue to persist beyond death? Can a presence remain even when the person is gone? And can the bond between human and animal be as transformative as the bond between friends?
Murray, in just a handful of scenes, reminds us why he remains one of the greatest actors of his generation. His Walter is funny, wise, flawed, and deeply human—a presence that feels real even in absence.
BY TOM BACHTELL
WHAT’S NEXT? THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME
While Riff Raff and The Friend have already cemented 2025 as a banner year for Murray, there’s still more to come. In May, he returns to the world of Wes Anderson with The Phoenician Scheme , an espionagetinged drama about a father-daughter relationship set within the world of a secretive family business. Though details are scarce, the
film promises Anderson’s signature meticulous storytelling and an ensemble cast packed with heavyweights, including Benicio del Toro, Michael Cera, Scarlett Johansson, Benedict Cumberbatch, Willem Dafoe, Tom Hanks, Riz Ahmed, and Bryan Cranston. Shot in Germany over the course of 2024, The Phoenician Scheme is set to hit theaters in
late May and early June, and given Anderson’s track record with Murray, expectations are high.
What role Murray plays in all of this remains to be seen, but if history has taught us anything, it’s that he’ll find a way to steal the show— whether through a single well-placed glance, a perfectly timed line, or the sheer magnetism of his presence.
THE MURRAY RENAISSANCE CONTINUES
Bill Murray has never played by Hollywood’s rules, which is why he’s still thriving at an age when most actors of his generation have either retired or resigned themselves to supporting roles
in superhero franchises. He’s still taking risks, still surprising us, still making us laugh and breaking our hearts in equal measure.
For those of us here in Wilmette, it’s
something special to see him continue to evolve. He may belong to the world now, but deep down, he’s still one of us—a kid from the Chicago suburbs who made good, and who never lost
that sly, knowing glint in his eye.
And if Riff Raff , The Friend , and The Phoenician Scheme prove anything, it’s this: Bill Murray isn’t just still in the game—he’s playing it better than ever.
Thirty-two years of hands-on experience makes Premier Building & Development one of Chicagoland’s leading builders.
PRIZED NOBLE
Former Lake Forest High School and Ball State University tennis standout John Noble has enjoyed decades of success— some of it smashing—off the court.
BY BILL MCLEAN ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT RISKO
John Noble’s tennis racket continues to rest somewhere in his Lake Forest garage. For four years now, it has moved as many times as an inoperable lawnmower has.
“I hit tennis balls maybe two summers ago with a friend’s racket in Minnesota for about 30 minutes,” says Noble, a 1986 Lake Forest High School (LFHS) graduate who won the state doubles championship with Brian Uihlein in ’86, had a Hall of Fame tennis career at Ball State University (BSU), and played professional tennis for a spell.
“Tennis was pretty much my primary focus in high school and in college,” recalls the 56-year-old, who competed on the No. 1 singles and doubles courts at BSU and finished with an overall record of 104-53 as a Cardinal. “I wanted to see how far I could get in the sport.
“I attended school to be eligible to play tennis.”
While playing a singles match in a pro satellite-circuit tennis tournament in his early 20s, the right-handed Noble suffered a broken right hand and tendon damage.
“I couldn’t turn a door knob,” Noble says.
But all kinds of doors opened up for the 6-foot-3 son of Carl and Sande Noble after he was forced to shelve his mighty 130-135-mph serve and look elsewhere to come up aces.
Noble coached tennis at LFHS in the 1990s, took voice, dance, and acting lessons, and worked as a sales rep for financial software. A brother of playwright/ actor Ann Noble, he became a theatrical producer and won two Tony Awards—Best Revival of a Play (2001), One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, starring Gary Sinise; and Best New Musical (2002), Thoroughly Modern Millie , starring Sutton Foster.
Today the father of three daughters— Susanna, 22; Sarah, 17; and Catherine,
12—with his wife, singer/performer Susan, is the COO of Lake Forestbased PathfinderHealth LLC, a privately owned company that provides preventive health solutions for cor porations in the United States. Brother Carl Noble serves Pathfin derHealth, launched in 2008, as its CEO.
finishing his first term (2023-2025) as board president of the Lake Forest Com munity High School District (CHSD) 115.
members of the Chicago Platform Tennis Chari ties?
John Noble, who must have been adept at juggling, in addition to striking torrid tennis shots, at a young age.
in 2015. “I love challenges and
LFHS’s 90-year-old building had a host of issues that needed attention before a referendum was passed in 2023. The bonds, with total proceeds of $105.7 million, are being used to protect and improve the structure’s most
including roofing, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, lighting, masonry, exterior enclosures, fire protection, security systems, student
“It’s extremely challenging and a lot of fun,” Noble, a school board member since 2019, says of his commitment to Lake Forest CHSD 115. “We’re interested in creating
ity—you need many supportive avenues, allowing kids to feel that there’s a community of caring people there for them at all times.”
Lake Forest CHSD 115 relies on “Portrait of a Learner” as its “North Star.”
The district’s website, lakeforestschool. org, presents detailed elements, including critical thinking and communication, of the guiding principle.
The “Portrait of a Learner” overview:
“The Portrait of a Learner process will help us develop an updated and unified vision among Districts 65, 67, and 115 for the 21st century competencies that Lake Forest, Lake Bluff, and Knollwood students need to succeed in college, career, and beyond. Our districts share the common aspiration for all students to have a K-12 educational experience that prepares them to thrive in their future lives.”
“If I could do high school all over again, I’d want to do it all and maximize my potential as a student, not just as an athlete,” admits Noble, who, with LFHS doubles partner Uihlein, lost only two sets in the 1986 season and helped the Scouts capture the team state title that year. “Right now I feel blessed living and working in an environment like Lake Forest, which provides so many opportunities.
“I’m having an absolute blast as a parent. My wife and I don’t need our kids to be what we were or are. We want our kids to be what they want to be.”
You’d think a man as heavily involved in a wide range of fields as Noble wouldn’t have time to become proficient in the time-consuming sport of golf.
You’d be wrong. His Lake Forest backyard features a 2,500-square-foot putting green, installed last year. Noble’s golf handicap is around 7.
But don’t think the owner of a cobwebbed tennis racket hasn’t ruled out occasionally gripping a stick with strings.
John Conatser FOUNDER & PUBLISHER
Jennifer Sturgeon ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Gaven Conatser ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
“I wasn’t,” insists Noble, named the Distinguished Service Award winner by the American Platform Tennis Association
as good of a high school experience as possible for all students. To do that—beyond improving the infrastructure of the facil -
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Cheyanne Lencioni, Bill McLean, Felix McMillan, Redding Worth DESIGN
Linda Lewis PRODUCTION
Phillips
“Any racket time now is playing badminton with my youngest daughter (Catherine),” Noble says.
A rarely available 2-bedroom, 1-bath unit nestled within a charming, historical building, just steps away from Northwestern University, the Lakefront, and the heart of downtown Evanston. From here, travelling to and from Downtown Chicago and the North Shore is a breeze. The unit is tastefully updated, offering a stunning living space complete with a dedicated dining area. Two large bedrooms also provide ample closet space, while the updated full bath adds a touch of modern comfort. The kitchen has been fully renovated, boasting brand new appliances and finishes. The building features a gorgeous entryway, and an expansive garden, private to the building.
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