In 2026, we’ll welcome you to the Hunter Pavilion, which combines fresh design with inspiration from Ravinia’s iconic history.
Learn more at Ravinia.org/SettingTheStages
creative impulse. pg18
Artist Matt Schaefer at his studio in Evanston.
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES GUSTIN
Evanston artist Matthew Schaefer tunes into his powerful
3
NEWS
8 north shore doings
Your go-to guide for all the latest local events this month
10 north shore sports
Lake Forest High School sophomore gymnast Lyla Drowne resurfaces as a high-scoring all-rounder in the postseason
12 in memoriam
Remembering Virginia Halas McCaskey, beloved Chicago Bears matriarch and pioneering figure
LIFESTYLE & ARTS
16 #hashtag
Deirdre Campbell of Winnetka shares her passion for the National Charity League and a few of her favorite things
20 the unbreakable boy
This film, based on a true story, is a heartwarming tale of resilience and joy
21 the gorge
A film now streaming on AppleTV+ offers a descent into cinematic mediocrity
21 north shore foodie
Learn how to build the greatest bagel and lox like an architect
LAST BUT NOT LEAST
22 sunday breakfast
Jigsaw puzzler and teacher/coach Kate Straka piecing together quite a career at Highland Park High School
and operated since
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—Poukeys (Ravinia to Fort Sheridan)
RAVINIA
RAVINIA
NORTH SHORE DOINGS
EDITED BY CHEYANNE LENCIONI THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 22
FINDING NEMO KIDS
WHERE: Heller Nature Center
Highland Park Players presents Disney’s FINDING NEMO Kids. Performances are February 15, 16, and 22 at 10 a.m.,11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. Tickets are available online. highlandparkplayers.org
NOW THROUGH FEBRUARY 25
“KENILWORTH CENTENNIAL HOMES”
WHERE: Kenilworth Historical Society
Explore the history of Kenilworth’s oldest homes and celebrate their architectural significance with a dynamic exhibit that chronicles the evolution of residential development in the village. The homes featured in this exhibit were built between 1889 and 1924. kenilworthhistory.org
NOW THROUGH MARCH 16
FOOL FOR LOVE
WHERE: Steppenwolf Theatre
Fool For Love, a dark and beautiful tale by Sam Shepard, comes to the stage at Chicago’s iconic Steppenwolf Theatre. The ensemble cast features Cliff Chamberlain, Tim Hopper, Caroline Neff, and Nick Gehlfuss. steppenwolf.org
NOW THROUGH MARCH 22
THE ORCHID SHOW: INDIA
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
FEBRUARY 15
CUPID’S AFTERPARTY
WHERE: The Book Stall
At 2 p.m., The Book Stall is hosting a celebration of love and romance with a panel of romance authors.
Sara Fujimura, Chandra Blumberg, and Arden Joy will discuss their latest books and sign copies. There will be a raffle for fun prizes, giveaways, and chocolate treats. This event is free but registration is required. thebookstall.com
FEBRUARY 20
ROOTS IN MY ROOTS
WHERE: Highwood Public Library
From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sylvia England of the African American Museum at the England Manor will present her research on her connection to the Underground Railroad. highwoodlibrary.org
FEBRUARY 20
AN EVENING WITH SCOTT TUROW
WHERE: The Book Stall
At 6:30 p.m., The Book Stall will host celebrated author Scott Turow to discuss his “new master class in legal suspense,” Presumed Guilty. Tickets include a copy of the book, which Turow will be available to sign. thebookstall.com
FEBRUARY 20 TO MARCH 2
GOLDEN HOUR
WHERE: Lyric Opera
The Joffrey Ballet presents Golden Hour, a radiant, mixed repertoire program of warmth and splendor. Performances will be held at 2 p.m. on February 22, 23, and March 1 and 2; and at 7:30 p.m. on February 20, 21, 22,
27, 28, and March 1. Featuring world premieres by Dani Rowe and Yuri Possokhov, the return of Cathy Marston, and an audience favorite by Nicolas Blanc, the curated program welcomes audiences in from the cold to experience the light of these four immersive works. Golden Hour will be presented at Chicago’s historic Lyric Opera House. joffrey.org
FEBRUARY 21 TO MARCH 23
I AND YOU
WHERE: Citadel Theatre
Experience an ode to life, love, youth, and the strange beauty of human connection. This show has performances at 7:30 p.m. on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, 3 p.m. on Sundays, and 1 p.m. on Wednesday March 5 and 19. Tickets are on sale now. citadeltheatre.org
FEBRUARY 22
ARTS OF LIFE BIRTHDAY PARTY & BOOK LAUNCH
WHERE: Seven Star Venue Space
Arts of Life celebrates its 25th anniversary with a kick-off event for its new book, 2wenty 5ive–Arts of Life 2000-2025, a retrospective that highlights the organization’s role in supporting artists with disabilities. The book launch event will honor Wilmette resident and arts supporter Cindy Shanker for her commitment to the organization. Located in both Chicago and Glenview, the Arts of Life studio and gallery gives artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities a collective space to expand their practice and strengthen their leadership. artsoflife.org
FEBRUARY 23
MIDWEST FRUIT EXPLORERS
WHERE: Chicago Botanic Garden
From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.,
join Midwest Fruit Explorers for a lecture about tree maintenance and home orchards at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Regenstein Center. Midwest Fruit Explorers is a nonprofit organization of amateur backyard fruitgrowing enthusiasts. New members are always welcome. chicagobotanic.org
FEBRUARY 25
SAVOR AND SHARE COOKBOOK BOOK CLUB
WHERE: Northfield Public Library
From noon to 1:30 p.m., join this adult program that allows you to escape into the world of cuisine. Check out one of the spotlighted cookbooks, try some recipes, and bring a dish to share. Smitten Kitchen is the featured book for this month. Registration is required. wnpld.org
FEBRUARY 27
TICKLED PINK
WHERE: Sarabande
To celebrate a milestone year, Tickled Pink is partnering with the Chicago Foundation for Women. Together, it will host an unforgettable evening dedicated to fostering hope, resilience, and community. tickledpinkchicago.com
FEBRUARY 28
CHICAGO DUO PIANO
FESTIVAL
WHERE: Nichols Concert
Hall
The Music Institute of Chicago is holding a faculty concert starting at 7 p.m. It will feature a piano duo performing the works of Schubert, Saint-Saens, Daniel Pesca, Vivaldi, Brahms, and others. General admission tickets are $30 per person. musicinst.org
FEBRUARY 28 TO APRIL 5
POSTMEMORY
WHERE: The Art Center Highland Park, Highland Park.
Postmemory 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
MARCH 13
VIETNAM WAR
LITERATURE DISCUSSION
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 discuss 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 7 TO 9
ALVIN AILEY’S DANCE THEATER
WHERE: The Auditorium Alvin Ailey’s Dance Theater returns to the stage with four performances celebrating 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
To submit your event for consideration, please email events@nsweekend.com.
Alvin Alley's Dance Theater
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NORTH SHORE SPORTS
BY BILL MCLEAN
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY GEORGE PFOERTNER
The 66-56 loss to visiting Fremd High School (FHS) stung the New Trier Town ship High School (New Trier) boys’ basketball team last week. But the Tre vians— and scores of spectators at New Trier’s home gym— had winced harder, collectively, at the 4:19 mark of the second quarter in Winnetka. That was when junior guard Chris topher
Kirkpatrick, a brilliant passer and a sharpshooter, went down and stayed down after sustaining a serious ankle injury.
“He’s going to be out for a while,” concerned Trevians coach Scott Fricke said afterward, hoping “a while” doesn’t include any date during the Class 4A state playoffs. “We’re going to need him in the postseason.”
The 6-foot-3 Kirkpatrick got off to a sizzling start in the nonconference game on February 4, scoring the game’s first six points—including a rare four-point play—against the visitors from Palatine. New Trier senior guard Colby Smith made a basket 32 seconds later, and junior guard Max Vogel upped New Trier’s cushy advantage to 10-0. FHS called a timeout before the ball Vogel
1 NIGHT, 2 LOSSES DE-LYLA-FUL
New Trier Township High School’s boys’ hoops team hopes electric guard Christopher Kirkpatrick heals quickly following the team’s setback versus visiting Fremd High School.
“Being up by so many points, we were feeling good,” Colby, a Washington University (St. Louis) recruit, said.
But FHS, winners of 21 of 23 game before the opening tip, poured in the game’s next 10 points in a 2-minute, 2-second span and felt super relieved to have knotted the contest.
A three-pointer from Kirkpatrick (nine points) halted the Vikings’ hot stretch with 1:34 remaining in the first frame and put the guard on a pace to tally 36-plus points against one of the top teams in the northwest suburbs.
Alas, Kirkpatrick wouldn’t score again, and FHS would secure leads of 29-18, 33-23, and 46-37.
New Trier (19-8), which finished in third place at each of the last two Class 4A state tournaments, opened the fourth quarter with a 7-0 run, narrowing the Vikings’ lead to 4644 and prompting another FHS timeout.
The 6-3 Smith struck for four of the points in the spurt, en route to a game-high 27 points—14 in the fourth quarter, or 74
percent of New Trier’s output in the final eight minutes.
“Colby is tough, strong,” Fricke said of the third-year varsity starter and former youth hockey player. “Remember, he’s a kid with two years’ experience of playing downstate (Final Four) basketball.
“You’re not going to find many players who can claim that,” added the coach who guided Trevians to a combined record of 63-13 in the past two seasons.
Senior guard Jake Hollack scored six points for New Trier, and Vogel finished with five points and five rebounds.
“We needed to be tougher at times,” Smith admitted. “We’ll be fine and we’ll figure it out.”
Looking to score and guarding the opponent’s highest scorer are among the primary roles that Smith relishes this winter.
But nothing thrills him more than a feeling he gets after a certain outcome.
“I love the rush that comes with winning a close game,” Smith said.
Lake Forest High School sophomore gymnast Lyla Drowne begins her quest to return to the state meet with a superb showing at a regional competition.
Lake Forest High School (LFHS) ace all-arounder Lyla Drowne strives often to root, root, root for her home Scouts whenever possible.
“Football games, basketball games, or other games at school, I want to be there to cheer for our sports teams,” the sophomore gymnast said. “That’s what I like to do when I have free time.”
Drowne once again found herself surrounded by rounds of applause and piercing hoorays last week, this time at Glenbrook South High School (GSHS) in Glenview.
The difference? They were for her.
A state qualifier in the all-around last year as a freshman, Drowne captured the all-around (37.125 points) title at the GSHS Regional meet on February 5. She also tied for first place on floor exercise (9.35) and won outright gold on vault (9.35) and on the uneven bars (9.375).
Drowne’s floor show featured a fronthandspring, front-layout, front-tuck tumbling pass. To pull that off, all you need is speed, tons of talent, air awareness, and a trapeze artist’s fearlessness.
Asha Patel, another stellar LFHS sopho-
more (make sure), topped the balance-beam field with a 9.4 and silvered in the all-around (36.925) as the Scouts—the two-time reigning North Suburban Conference champions— amassed a season-high 142.6 points to win another big meet.
Runner-up GSHS scored 139.85 points at the regional.
“Trying to stay positive, trying to keep our energy up,” LFHS coach and former Scouts gymnast Brittany Moccia said midway through the meet. “We’re looking good. We’re on a good track.”
The top finishers in each event and in the all-around at regionals qualified automatically to compete at the sectional level. LFHS junior Maddie Phillips placed sixth in the all-around (34.4) but advanced to a sectional as an at-large qualifier.
LFHS senior Ella Boudreau was an automatic qualifier in a pair of events, finishing third on floor (9.025) and fourth on vault (8.975). LFHS was scheduled to vie for state berths at a sectional meet in Mundelein on February 13.
HIGHLAND PARK HIGH SCHOOL’S GIANTS: Picture a circle.
Highland Park High School (HPHS) senior Jillian Mangione completed a full one as a gymnast last week, performing as an allarounder at the Glenbrook South High School sectional in her final meet.
“My first meet freshman year also was here,” the Giant recalled in Glenview on February 5.
“Tonight was emotional, especially after my floor routine, when I was with my teammates and realized, ‘That’s it for me,’” Mangione added. “I’d overcome adversity in this sport. I’d also grown as a gymnast and as a person.”
Mangione tied for 15th place in the floorexercise segment with a score of 8.15 and ranked second among Giants on vault with an 8.375.
HPHS junior Maddyn Cohen emerged as the squad’s top all-arounder, finishing in a tie for ninth place with 32.475 points. Senior teammate Amelie Gerber placed 11th (32.45), and Giants freshman Lily Fussle took 12th (32.05).
HPHS junior Lauren Smiley scored a team-
high 8.325 (ninth-place tie) on the balance beam.
The highlight of the Giants’ season was its second-place showing at last month’s Central Suburban League North meet. HPHS’s crew tallied 131.6 points—the program’s highest total in 15 years, coach Anthony Kopp noted.
Lyla Drowne
Q & A with New Trier Township High School gymnast TAYLOR KIM
Where there’s Taylor Kim, there’s also joy. Especially in a gymnastics setting.
The New Trier Township High School (New Trier) senior deserved 10s from judges for her steady display of smiles last week, as she helped the Trevians capture a regional championship atop the home mats in Northfield.
“So fun, so silly at times,” said New Trier coach Jen Pistorius, whose squad tallied 143.15 points at the five-team meet. “But Taylor knows how to be on task when competing.”
Kim, a third-year varsity member, finished third in the all-around (36.4) and earned three other automatic sectional-qualifying berths at the regional on February 6, silvering in each of the uneven-bars (9.3) and balance-beam (9.15) events and taking fifth on floor exercise (8.9).
New Trier’s Clara Crossgrove and Sammy Mills combined for seven top-five medals.
New Trier was scheduled to vie for state berths at a sectional meet in Mundelein on February 13.
When did you know gymnastics was your sport?
Fifth grade, kind of late. I liked it because it’s an individual sport and I could control how hard I worked at it. Plus, right away, I loved the feeling, the excitement, of flying through the air during routines.
Your floor-exercise music is spunky and brings out your infectious enthusiasm.
729 St. Johns Ave. Highland Park
Ravinia Business District Bonnie Wegner, owner raviniabridal.com 630.286.0286
What led you to that choice?
Simone Biles danced to it at the Rio Olympics (in 2016).
You’re on the balance beam, in the middle of a routine at a big meet, and someone else’s floor music is blaring. Is that distracting?
No. I imagine silence and I stay confident, because if you’re nervous up there, you’ll fall.
What are some of Jen Pistorius’s strengths as New Trier’s coach?
She knows how to calm us down. She’s encouraging, always encouraging. Tonight (at the New Trier Regional) we struggled as a team on beam. But there she was, smiling and staying positive and making sure we all stayed positive. It’s such a pleasure, having a coach like her.
What do you feel and think as soon as you stick a resounding dismount?
You always want to achieve that thud— that good thud. It’s a sound every gymnast wants to hear. This sport is tough and fun and rewarding. Years ago, I thought about quitting it a few times. Now I’m so glad I didn’t.
If gymnastics did not exist, at which sport would you and your teammates excel?
Volleyball or track and field.
Dream job?
Nurse practitioner or nurse anesthetist.
I’m looking at Baylor, Purdue, and Iowa. Who knows? I might change my mind.
REMEMBERING
VIRGINIA HALAS MCCASKEY
Beloved Chicago Bears matriarch of leaves a legacy of faith, family, and football.
BY THOMAS MAHER THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
Virginia Halas McCaskey, the beloved matriarch of the Chicago Bears and a pioneering figure in the National Football League, passed away on February 6 at the remarkable age of 102. As the daughter of George Halas, the legendary founder of the Bears, Virginia's life was intricately woven into the fabric of American football, and her steadfast dedication to the sport and her family left an indelible mark on all who knew her.
Born on January 5, 1923, in Chicago, Virginia was the eldest child of George and Minnie Halas. From a young age, she was immersed in the world of football, attending games and absorbing the passion her father had for the sport. She pursued higher education at Drexel University, majoring in business management, with the aspiration of becoming her father's secretary—a role she would proudly fulfill.
In 1943, Virginia married Edward "Ed" McCaskey, a union that would span six decades until Ed's passing in 2003. Together, they raised 11 children, instilling in them the values of faith, family, and football. Their home was a nurturing environment where love for the game and commitment to community were everpresent.
Following the death of her father in 1983, Virginia assumed ownership of the Chicago Bears, becoming one of the few female owners in professional sports at the time. Under her stewardship, the Bears achieved significant milestones, most
notably winning Super Bowl XX in 1986. Her leadership was characterized by a deep sense of responsibility to the team's legacy and a genuine care for its players, coaches, staff, and fans.
sized that her position was a result of inheritance and remained focused on honoring her father's vision. In a 2019 interview, she remarked, "I still consider it a man's world, and I'm very grateful to
Despite her prominent role, Virginia was known for her humility and behindthe-scenes approach. She often empha-
be involved as much as I am. I think it's a great privilege, and I have to make sure that I don't disappoint."
Her devotion to the Bears was paralleled by her unwavering faith. A devout Catholic, Virginia's life was guided by her spiritual beliefs, which provided her with strength and purpose. She often spoke of the importance of faith in her life, and it was evident in the grace and compassion with which she led her family and the Bears organization.
Virginia's legacy extends beyond the football field. She was instrumental in establishing Bears Care, a charitable organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for people in the Chicago area, especially disadvantaged children and their families. Through her philanthropic efforts, she touched countless lives, embodying the spirit of generosity and community service.
In her later years, Virginia remained a constant presence at Bears games, her passion undiminished by time. She cherished the camaraderie of the football community and took great pride in the team's enduring legacy. Her life was a testament to dedication, humility, and love—a shining example of how one person's quiet strength can influence generations.
Virginia Halas McCaskey is survived by her children, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-greatgrandchildren. Her family, friends, and the entire football community mourn her passing but celebrate a life well-lived.
As we reflect on her remarkable journey, we are reminded of her own words: "Faith, family, and football—in that order." Her legacy will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to know her story.
Winnetka resident Paul suffered with prostatitis and low back pain for over 10 years. “The medications helped a little and I tried surgery but even after two procedures, I never knew if it was going to be a bad day or a worse day. Dr. Su helped me feel normal again like I could go about my life and not feel hesitant to go out with my wife or friends.”
Call (847) 868-0408 to schedule an initial consultation or visit acupuncturenorthclinic.com
Men’s Health: Addressing Prostate and Sexual Health
Your Pain and Suffering Are Real
Dr. Kuan Su of Acupuncture North Clinic uses the time tested art of Acupuncture to help each patient relieve pain, improve sleep, and reduce chronic issues that other modalities have struggled with.
DWhen Glenview resident David H. came to Dr. Su, he had been struggling with prostate issues for months. “It started with frequent urination, especially at night. I couldn’t get a good night’s sleep, and it felt like it was just getting worse. Then, I noticed some discomfort and wasn’t sure what was happening.” David, like many men, found himself embarrassed and reluctant to seek help, but the physical discomfort and emotional toll were undeniable. He also noticed it was starting to affect his mental well-being and social interactions.
r. Kuan Su of Acupuncture North Clinic uses the time tested art of Acupuncture to help each patient relieve pain, improve sleep, and reduce chronic issues that other modalities have struggled to help.
Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and has been used to treat a variety of issues. Dr. Su has specialized in treating the more complex conditions including stubborn neuropathy, chronic pain, reactions to high stress/anxiety, sleeping disorders, and men’s health issues such as erectile dysfunction and urinary issues.
Winnetka resident Paul suffered with prostatitis and low back pain for over 10 years. “The medications helped a little and I tried surgery but even after two procedures, I never knew if it was going to be a bad day or a worse day. Dr. Su helped me feel normal again like I could go about my life and not feel hesitant to go out with my wife or friends.” It’s time you let your golden years
impacted my relationship, my confidence, and even how I viewed myself. I couldn’t talk about it, and it was really hard,” Mike shared.
He works with a variety of cases and understands how important the partnership between patient and practitioner is. “I’m always looking forward to my days in my clinic because no two patients are exactly the same. Many times patients come in with a variety of issues happening at the same time. Last Tuesday, I was treating a patient for neuropathy in both feet, chronic fatigue, and insomnia and he reported that all three were improving. Understanding the importance of checking in regularly and participating in his own health have sped up his recovery and I am so excited for him!”
Mike sought out acupuncture after hearing about it from a friend who had found relief from chronic pain. “I didn’t think acupuncture could help with what I was going through, but I was willing to try anything. After a few sessions, I noticed I was starting to feel more like myself— more energy, less anxiety, and better function.”
Dr. Su’s holistic approach also focuses on lifestyle factors that can exacerbate men’s health issues, such as stress and exercise. For both David and Mike, Dr. Su recommended lifestyle adjustments to help accelerate their progress. These holistic changes complemented the acupuncture treatments and further supported their recovery.
Gale from Wilmette had been struggling with both migraines and insomnia for 7 years. “I had tried botox to help with the migraines but it only helped for a little while and I used sleeping pills because I could not fall asleep for hours. I missed having natural restful sleep. After seeing Dr. Su for a month, both started to vanish. My migraines turned into a minor headache once every other week and now I sleep like a baby.”
Dr. Su, who has been treating men’s health issues for over a decade, reassured David that he wasn’t alone and that these conditions— prostatitis, urinary incontinence, and even erectile dysfunction—are common, but often underreported due to embarrassment. “It’s easy for men to dismiss or ignore these issues, but they can impact quality of life. Physical health is tied to emotional well-being, and when one is suffering, the other can often follow,” Dr. Su explained.
“After a few weeks of acupuncture, I noticed I wasn’t getting up as often in the middle of the night. The discomfort was also reducing,” David said. “And mentally, it was a game-changer. I wasn’t constantly anxious about my health. I started to feel more like myself.”
David’s experience is not unique. Many men come to Dr. Su with concerns related to urinary health or sexual function—issues that, while difficult to talk about, can have a profound effect on daily life.
Dr. Su shares the typical stories from patients. “A recurring story that people share with me is that they have tried conventional means, they have tried new fads, they have tried medications and seen specialists yet have struggled to get any results. They say that I’m their last hope. I am always up for a challenge but what I enjoy the most about my work is when patients come in after their treatments to tell me how things are changing, how they are feeling better, and how other symptoms that they have been struggling with are going away.”
Take Mike R., a patient from Wilmette, who struggled with erectile dysfunction for years. “I felt like I wasn’t the man I used to be. It
“I really appreciated the way Dr. Su handled everything with such understanding and compassion. He didn’t make me feel ashamed, and he gave me the tools to take charge of my health again,” Mike said. “Now, I feel like I have my life back. I’m more confident, I’m active again, and my relationship is stronger.”
Georgette from Highland Park shared, “Dr. Su is so great to work with. I had been suffering from tinnitus for 11 years and doctors said nothing could help. The sound was too much but once I started seeing Dr. Su, not only did my tinnitus start to go away, my digestion was doing so much better. I felt like I could be me again. Like I could go out and have lunch with the girls and really enjoy my time being social again.”
If you or someone you care about is dealing with prostate issues, sexual health concerns, or the emotional toll of these conditions, know that you don’t have to settle. At Acupuncture North Clinic, Dr. Su provides a compassionate, holistic approach to men’s health, helping his patients regain balance, vitality, and confidence.
What once was a missing link in complementary alternative healthcare is now easily accessible to the residents of the North Shore area. If you have been struggling with chronic issues or issues that have been labeled as idiopathic or untreatable, call Dr. Kuan Su at Acupuncture North Clinic today to schedule your consultation.
If you’re ready to take the first step toward feeling better, call today to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Su. Your health and well-being are worth it.
Dr. Su is accepting a limited number of new patients due to high demand. In an effort to protect his current patient base, he is limiting the number of new patients to 8 before the end of May.
Dr. Su is accepting a limited number of new patients due to high demand. In an effort to protect his current patient base, he is limiting the number of new patients to 10 before the end of February.
It’s time you let your golden years BE GOLDEN!
DR. KUAN SU
EDITED BY REDDING WORTH ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL
#ON MY NIGHTSTAND
From my iPad, I check The New York Times and Wall Street Journal when I wake up and before bed. I love the Metropolitan Diary in The New York Times. It captures the human spirit and ingenuity which brings me joy. To provide dinner inspiration, I head to What’s Gaby Cooking: Easy Healthy Comfort Food Recipes. I try to make one new dish every week which, if I’m being honest, ends up being every two or three weeks. While I’m not making much progress, I’m trying to get through Ray Dalio’s The Changing World Order. Perhaps the most fun thing on my bedside table are Theodosia and Burr, our cats, trying to drink my water.
#ON MY MOBILE
On my phone, I check my texts from National Charity League Winnetka's co-founder Holly Miller, Slack messages from our amazing board members, and @nclwinnetkail on Instagram. I also check our NCL App for volunteer opportunities for my daughters and me. Being a bit of a science geek, I love the Merlin App, Shazam for bird calls, and the Seek App which helps me identify plants. When I have a minute I love Wordle, Waffle, Quordle, Strands, and Connections.
#IN MY EARBUDS
We created a playlist “Songs the Girls Must Know” that is often on in the car. The deal is if the girls can identify the artist and song, we can skip to the next song. One day when driving Aria saw a picture of Dolly Parton and asked who she was. Parker responded with “That’s Dolly Parton. You know, ‘Working 9 to 5’ on Songs the Girls Must Know.” That was my gold star for parenting for the day.
When DEIRDRE CAMPBELL, her husband Alex, and their daughters Parker and Aria moved to Winnetka in 2021, she looked for ways to connect and give back to the community. A friend she met through their daughters' Winnetka Park District basketball team, Holly Miller, suggested starting a local chapter of the National Charity League (NCL). Campbell's daughters, along with Holly's daughter Audrey, led information sessions to spark interest which received enthusiastic responses. Support from Holly and a dedicated team of Winnetka moms helped Campbell launch the NCL Winnetka Chapter last January. The chapter now boasts more than 180 members, creating a community of mothers and daughters committed to service, leadership, and cultural enrichment. Here, Campbell steps away from her chapter duties to share how she stays engaged and up-to-date in a fast-paced world.
CUMNOR RD, KENILWORTH
SHERIDAN RD°, KENILWORTH
532 GREENWOOD AVE, KENILWORTH
MELROSE AVE, KENILWORTH
BY THOMAS CONNORS
Art isn’t always easy on the eyes. From Wassily Kandinsky to Willem de Kooning, Anselm Kiefer to Jean-Michel Basquiat, painters have long challenged the concept of a
to the canvas.”
Raised on the East Coast in an art-appreciating family that regularly visited museums, Schaefer attended Silvermine College of Art in New Canaan, Connecticut, where the curriculum included drawing, painting, design, and art history classes. Thanks to the encouragement of his family and his experience at Silvermine in the late ‘60s, which he describes as “Very progressive for the times …
work possesses a shattered, vibrating quality, a kind of impressionistic-meets-expressionistic tension. These works don’t resolve quickly to the eye, but neither do they repel our glance. “The nature of my style,” he explains, “refers to my inner self, which unconsciously energizes my artistic decisions. The use of color is completely inspired by the moment.”
There is an “of-the-moment feeling” in every aspect of his work, a sense of spontaneity,
an immediacy that underscores the essence of painting as action, as gesture. “In my painting world, there are two types of paintings,” he observes. “One represents objectivity. One represents subjectivity. One is material, one is immaterial, one is illusion, one is medium … it’s really how our brain takes it in, whether we go to an illusionistic space, when we’re seeing a scene, or whether we’re present with a surface.”
“proper” picture. Tweaking form and content, they’ve expanded our visual reality, opening our eyes to new ways of seeing. Casual museum or gallery-goers often dismiss seemingly extreme works of art as bids for attention, a selfish need to shock. But for Evanston artist Matthew Schaefer, the creative process can’t be categorized so simply. As he explained in a video produced by the Skokie Public Library, “As I apply the pigment, I try to enter a meditation state where I bring my focus to that point where the paint is touching the canvas at that moment, to hold my focus there while I am doing this and I think that helps transfer what might loosely be termed intuitive energy
rebellious in its own nature,” he pursued art with a passion, moving from a dark palette to an almost Fauvist exuberance. Along the way, his consciousness and artistic sensibility were expanded by various encounters, including a depiction of the Crucifixion by Rembrandt that presented him with the “realization of a visual order beyond the intellect.”
Essentially abstract but embedded with representations of the female form, “a muse that has haunted me through my life, haunting because of its elusive behavior between desire and understanding” and the built environment, Schaefer’s
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
Matt Schaefer in his Evanston studio. PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES GUSTIN
Red Rider, 36 x 48 in., oil on canvas
Decades into his career, Schaefer still delights in the process of art making, the uncertainty—adept as he is—that accompanies the search for a true image. “I seek further knowledge about existence and life, and I think where you find that is in beauty, the inexplicable presence of beauty.” Pursuing beauty, finding a way to pin it down in paint, is an ongoing journey. “I continue to develop the skill,” he shares, “and you do that by pushing your skill, always pushing your skill to the limit, or even a little bit beyond, especially that little bit beyond, because that little bit beyond what you don’t know, makes you edge your way along. What are you edging toward? I guess, a clearer idea of how to live your life in a positive way.”
Schaefer has a solo exhibition opening on February 20 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at Laughlin Gallery in The Vault Creative Building in Highland Park. Schaefer is represented by Highland Park's Laughlin Gallery and Winnetka’s Vivid Art Gallery. For more information visit, artisallshesaid.com, laughlingallery.com and vividartgallery.net.
Western Avenue, 56 x 38 in., oil on canvas
To Stand Still, 50 x 60 in., oil on canvas
THE UNBREAKABLE BOY
Based on a true story, this film is a heartwarming tale of resilience and joy.
RUNNING TIME: 112 MINUTES
VERDICT: The Unbreakable Boy is a cinematic gem that offers a poignant exploration of resilience, love, and the beauty of imperfection. With stellar performances, insightful direction, and a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings without resorting to clichés, it's a must-watch for audiences of all ages. The Unbreakable Boy is set to grace theaters nationwide on February 21. It's a film that promises to leave an indelible mark on your heart and remind you of the unbreakable spirit within us all.
In a cinematic landscape often dominated by high-octane action and convoluted plots, The Unbreakable Boy emerges as a refreshing testament to the power of simple, heartfelt storytelling. Directed by Jon Gunn and based on the true story penned by Scott Michael LeRette and Susy Flory, this film offers a touching portrayal of a family's journey through life's unpredictable challenges, all while celebrating the indomitable human spirit.
At the heart of the narrative is Austin LeRette, portrayed with remarkable authenticity by Jacob Laval. Austin is not your typical child; he lives with both autism and
osteogenesis imperfecta, commonly known as brittle bone disease. Yet, it's not these conditions that define him but his unwavering optimism and zest for life. Laval's performance is nothing short of a revelation, capturing Austin's innocence, humor, and unyielding positivity without veering into sentimentality.
Zachary Levi steps into the role of Scott LeRette, Austin's father, delivering a nuanced performance that balances vulnerability with strength. Levi portrays a man grappling with his own imperfections while striving to be the pillar his family needs. His chemistry with Laval is palpable, painting a
realistic picture of a father-son bond that's both tested and fortified by adversity.
Meghann Fahy shines as Teresa, Austin's mother, embodying a blend of compassion and resilience. Her portrayal adds depth to the family dynamic, highlighting the oftenoverlooked challenges and triumphs of caregiving. The supporting cast, including the ever-delightful Patricia Heaton, enriches the narrative, each bringing authenticity to their roles and contributing to the film's overarching theme of community and support.
Jon Gunn's direction is both sensitive and insightful. He avoids the pitfalls of melodrama, instead opting for a narrative that feels genuine and relatable. The screenplay is peppered with moments of humor and warmth, ensuring that the story remains engaging without becoming overwrought. Gunn masterfully balances the portrayal of life's hardships with the celebration of its fleeting joys, resulting in a film that's as uplifting as it is thought-provoking.
Visually, The Unbreakable Boy is a treat. Cinematographer Kristopher Kimlin employs a warm color palette, infusing the film with a sense of hope and optimism. The use of natural lighting and intimate framing further immerses the audience in the LeRette family's world, making their experiences all the more resonant.
The film's pacing is deliberate yet effective, allowing audiences to fully engage with the characters' journeys. Each scene is thoughtfully crafted, contributing to a narrative that flows seamlessly and keeps viewers invested from start to finish. The musical score complements the storytelling beautifully, underscoring emotional beats without overwhelming them.
One of the film's most commendable achievements is its portrayal of disability. Austin's conditions are presented not as defining limitations but as facets of his unique character. The narrative challenges societal perceptions, emphasizing that a fulfilling life isn't devoid of challenges but enriched by how we navigate them.
The Unbreakable Boy is more than just a family drama; it's a celebration of life's unpredictability and the strength found in embracing it. It's a timely reminder that while we cannot always choose our circumstances, we can choose our perspective. The film encourages viewers to find joy in the mundane, strength in vulnerability, and connection in shared experiences.
BY FELIX MCMILLAN, MAN ABOUT FILM ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL
THE GORGE
A film now streaming on AppleTV+ offers a descent into cinematic mediocrity.
RUNNING TIME:
115 MINUTES
VERDICT: The Gorge attempts to traverse the chasm between genres but ends up lost in a void of unfulfilled potential. A forgettable addition to the Apple TV+ lineup.
Scott Derrickson's The Gorge , now streaming on Apple TV+, aspires to be a genre-blending tour de force, combining elements of action, horror, and romance. With a cast boasting Miles Teller and Anya TaylorJoy, one would expect a thrilling ride. Instead, the film plunges into an abyss of clichés and predictable plot twists, leaving viewers grasping for substance.
The narrative centers on two elite snipers, Levi (Teller) and Drasa (Taylor-Joy), stationed on opposite sides of a mysterious chasm. Their mission: to guard against an unspecified evil lurking below. As days turn into weeks, the isolation fosters a distant camaraderie, which predictably evolves into a romantic entanglement. When the true nature of the threat emerges, the duo must unite to confront it, testing their physical and emotional limits.
Teller's portrayal of Levi is serviceable but lacks depth. His character oscillates between stoic soldier and vulnerable loner, yet fails to evoke genuine empathy. Taylor-Joy, typically a luminous screen presence, is saddled with a role that demands little beyond exchanging terse dialogues and occasional glances across the void. Their chemistry, essential for the narrative's emotional stakes, is tepid at best.
Visually, the film offers some arresting imagery. Cinematographer Dan Laustsen captures the gorge's vastness and menace, creating a palpable sense of isolation. However, these visuals serve as mere window dressing for a plot that trudges along familiar paths. The much-anticipated revelation of the gorge's secret is both underwhelming and derivative, borrowing heavily from superior films in the genre.
Derrickson, known for his work on Sinister and Doctor Strange , seems out of his depth here. The film's pacing is erratic, with prolonged lulls that sap tension, punctuated by action sequences that feel obligatory rather than exhilarating. The screenplay, penned by Zach Dean, is riddled with expository dialogue and lacks the nuance needed to elevate the material.
In an era where streaming platforms are inundated with content, The Gorge fails to distinguish itself. It's a film that promises depth but delivers shallow thrills, leaving audiences at the precipice of engagement without ever truly pulling them in.
EDIBLE ART
How to build the greatest bagel and lox like an architect.
BY LORI SCHATZ THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
A masterful bagel and lox isn’t just assembled—it’s designed. Like an architect crafting a landmark skyscraper, each element must be thoughtfully chosen, structurally sound, and balanced in both form and function. A great bagel and lox sandwich isn’t just about piling ingredients together; it’s about layering textures, harmonizing flavors, and constructing something that stands the test of taste.
THE FOUNDATION: A BAGEL WORTHY OF GREATNESS
No architectural marvel begins with a weak foundation, and no bagel masterpiece should start with anything less than perfection. The bagel must be boiled and baked—crispy on the outside, dense yet airy on the inside. A well-structured bagel should have a slight chew, providing a resilient base for the flavors to come. A classic everything bagel is the equivalent of a grand, intricate façade—covered in sesame, poppy, onion, and garlic, each bite revealing depth and complexity.
THE BLUEPRINT: A STRATEGIC SLICE
Precision is key. A bagel cut unevenly is like a lopsided building—it throws off the balance. A clean, even slice ensures that toppings are distributed properly and that the sandwich doesn’t collapse under its own ambition. Lightly toasting the halves adds integrity to the structure, preventing sogginess while amplifying crunch.
THE FOUNDATION LAYER: THE CREAM CHEESE MORTAR
A well-designed building needs mortar to hold it together, and in the case of bagels, this role belongs to cream cheese. The spread should be thick but not overwhelming, forming a smooth, even layer that will act as a moisture barrier between bagel and lox. A high-quality, full-fat cream cheese brings richness, ensuring that every bite has a lush, creamy counterpoint to the more assertive flavors. For those seeking extra flair, a whipped dill or scallion cream cheese introduces architectural detailing—small but significant enhancements to the structure.
THE KEYSTONE: THE LOX
If the bagel is the foundation and the cream
cheese is the mortar, then the lox is the crown jewel—the elegant glass facade that makes the whole structure sing. Quality matters here: silky, thinly sliced, cold-smoked salmon with a buttery texture and a whisper of the sea. The lox should be draped, not stacked, like a flowing, organic design element that complements rather than overwhelms.
STRUCTURAL REINFORCEMENT:
THE ACCENTS
To add height and complexity, architects use materials like steel and glass—here, we employ:
• Thinly sliced red onions for a sharp, architectural bite.
• Capers, small but powerful, like rivets in a steel beam—adding a salty, briny pop.
• Fresh dill, a natural garnish that softens the edges and integrates the flavors.
• Tomato slices, only if in season—adding both color and balance without excess weight.
FINAL TOUCH: THE CROWN OF BALANCE
Like any well-designed structure, the greatest bagel and lox achieves harmony. The top half of the bagel should be pressed gently—not smashed—ensuring the layers stay intact. A final drizzle of lemon juice over the lox adds just the right acidity, like the final touch of a master architect signing their creation.
THE GRAND
UNVEILING: A WORK OF EDIBLE ART
Now, step back. Observe. This isn’t just breakfast; it’s a testament to craftsmanship, a blueprint of brilliance. Each bite should unfold like an architectural marvel—first, the crisp crust yielding to the pillowy warmth inside, then the creamy smoothness of the cheese, the briny brightness of the capers, the whisper of dill, and finally, the lox, silky and rich, tying everything together like the final steel beam locking an empire in place.
A great bagel and lox is not a rush job; it is a cathedral of taste, built with patience and precision. It is a New York skyline at sunrise, a masterpiece of salt, fat, acid, and crunch, where every ingredient is essential and nothing is out of place.
And like any great structure, it should be savored. A pause between bites. A moment of admiration for what has been built. Then, and only then, can the architect take their first, triumphant bite.
IDEAL FIT
Students and athletes have been benefiting from the Kate Straka-Highland Park High School connection for nearly 20 years.
BY BILL MCLEAN ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT
Kate Straka’s favorite escape is putting a jigsaw puzzle together.
“I’m a puzzler in my free time,” says the amiable Straka, a Highland Park High School (HPHS) social studies teacher and girls’ soccer coach since 2006. “It’s not a race. It’s my time to sit and put little pieces here and there together, come back to it later, finish it, look at it, crumble up the pieces, and then give it to a thrift shop.
“I completed one of Chicago’s skyline; nothing better than that. My thoughtful nephew gave me a nature-scene puzzle.”
Straka and her combo teacher/coach post at HPHS?
A human resource-vocation connection doesn’t get better than that.
“Kate has a knack for keeping things in perspective,” says Highland Park High School Athletic Director Paul Harris, the school’s former varsity boys’ basketball coach.
“She challenges her student-athletes in a variety of ways to bring out the best in them and strives every year to help them grow as players and as people.”
A 2001 graduate of William Fremd High School (WFHS) in Palatine, where she competed as an all-state soccer goalkeeper and a standout point guard in basketball, Straka played scholarship soccer and majored in Psychology at Duke University.
Her first year after college, Straka taught U.S. history—in the Dominican Republic.
“I’m so glad I took that opportunity,” says the 41-year-old Straka, who teaches civics and psychology courses at HPHS. “The Dominican people were so welcoming. They shared their culture with me, invited me to their homes, and cooked meals for me. I was very much a kid in a land I did not know.
“I also remember how beautiful it was there.”
Straka was in the Caribbean nation when she received a phone call that led to her return to Illinois.
“I had applied for a position at Highland Park High School before teaching with oth-
er Duke graduates in the Do minican Republic,” Straka says. “I got the call on a landline phone, if you can believe that. Remember those?”
The voice on the other end be longed to that of the Social Studies Department chair at the time.
The school then hired Straka before the start of the 2006-2007 academic year, filling openings in the Social Studies Department and girls’ soccer program.
She served varsity coach
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“I celebrated them, not the result, “Nothing about that game was about me; it was all about my players’ efforts.”
A few seasons ago, someone informed
100th career win at HPHS. She didn’t pull a hamstring because the mother quick smile felt no compulsion to soar, not even an
to 557 wins. Keller continues to coach girls’ soccer, as well as boys’ soccer, at the school.
A leader and an elite athlete in both sports, Straka was known as much for her calm demeanor as she was for her spectacular saves in soccer and her clutch passes and shots in basketball.
“When you’re a goalkeeper, your mistakes are lit up for all to see on a scoreboard,” Straka says. “You need to be resilient right after allowing a goal, and to take a deep breath, because if you don’t do that, you’re not going to be able to concentrate on the next shot-on-goal.
“I say things like that to my keepers all the time.”
Straka’s HPHS soccer squad shared the Illinois High School Soccer Coaches Association Sportsmanship Award with Rich Grady’s Deerfield High School girls’ soccer team last spring. The rival programs battled in a match dubbed “Give Hate the Red Card” after each side had donned uniforms featuring the predominant color of the opponent—HPHS wore red, and DHS wore blue.
Straka and her husband, 2000 WFHS graduate and 1997 Class AA state soccer champion Christopher Marinelli, are raising daughters Savanna, 13, and Hattie, 11, in Kildeer.
Wins aren’t why I coach. I coach because, through soccer, I get opportunities to challenge and push players to reach their potential.
Blake Novotny’s staff as an assistant coach before succeeding him in the spring of 2011.
“In my first season as an assistant, my approach to coaching focused on game knowledge, strategies, and teaching soccer the way it was taught to me,” Straka says. “I felt fortunate and grateful working with Blake because he listened to me and was receptive to my approach as a coach.”
The details of win No. 1 in her first season at the helm are hazy, Straka admits. What she does remember vividly is the names of the Giants’ players that season.
heard that and thought, ‘Okay, cool, 100 wins are nice,’” Straka recalls. “Wins aren’t why I coach. I coach because, through soccer, I get opportunities to challenge and push players to reach their potential. I get the same opportunities as a teacher, which is why it’s hard to separate the coach and the teacher in me.”
Straka played for highly successful coaches in Carol Plodzien (basketball) and Steve Keller (soccer) at WFHS. Plodzien, the school’s inaugural head girls’ hoops coach, stepped down in 2006 after guiding Vikings
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Thomas Connors, Cheyanne Lencioni, Bill McLean, Thomas Maher, Felix McMillan, Lori Schatz, Redding Worth DESIGN
Marinelli, a defender who played soccer at DePaul University, and Straka did not date at WFHS.
“Christopher and I ran in similar orbits at Fremd, but we never collided,” Straka says. All Straka does nowadays is impact students and athletes positively. Daily.
As a caring teacher and coach.
“I love being around adolescents and I love being able to give back to a sport that meant so much to me as an adolescent,” she says. “I want my soccer players to take lessons learned on the field and in the classroom and apply them to their family, their relationships with friends, and their careers.
“The Highland Park community,” she continues, “is such a beautiful, diverse one, and it has nurtured me as an adult. I’ve loved making connections and building relationships here.”
PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART
James Gustin, George Pfoertner PHOTOGRAPHY Tom Bachtell, Barry Blitt ILLUSTRATION
