SATURDAY FEBRUARY 22 | SUNDAY FEBRUARY 23 2025 “It's
NORTH SHORE DOINGS
Find out what’s happening in your town with our weekly events listing pg7
New Trier Township HS gymnasts perform 'Trev' bien at regional, advance to state meet pg8
SUNDAY BREAKFAST
Avid rock climber Darcee Rabinowitz returns to Earth to discuss her e-commerce platform, Source & Self pg14
Child Development Specialist Marissa Kates helps parents and children thrive in their busy lives. pg6
7 north shore doings
Your go-to guide for all the latest local events this month
Highland Park HS boys' hoops team enjoys hot streak in frigid February
10 last breath
Our reviewer questions whether this thriller is a deep dive into terror or just a drop in the ocean 11 1923
This chapter of the Yellowstone prequel is back on Paramount + for an compelling second season 11 #hashtag
Meet Cindy Shanker, a dedicated volunteer with the Arts of Life creative arts community 12 tapestry of resilience
The Chicago Jewish
An ode to Sheridan Road recalls the magic of
Former trade runner Darcee Rabinowitz now runs Source & Self, which sells a variety of healthy, non-toxic products
Glenview community honors the life and service of Officer Robert Fryc, who died last weekend on his way to work.
The Village of Glenview and the Glenview Police Department are deeply mourning the tragic and untimely passing of Officer Robert Fryc, who was killed in a car accident early Sunday morning while on his way to work in Barrington.
Officer Fryc, 43, dedicated his life to serving and protecting the community.
Since joining the Glenview Police Department in 2007, he earned the respect of his colleagues and the gratitude of the people he served. Just two weeks ago, he was recognized at the Village’s Board of Trustees meeting for his heroic actions in saving the life of a fellow officer last summer—a testament to his unwavering commitment to his duty.
“Officer Fryc was more than just a colleague,” said Police Chief William
Fitzpatrick. “He was family. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled, and our priority now is supporting his loved ones and our department through this unimaginable loss.”
Village President Michael Jenny echoed these sentiments: “We are devastated by this tragic loss. Officer Fryc embodied the very best of public service, and our hearts go out to his family, friends, and fellow officers. When the time is right, we will come together as a community to honor his service and sacrifice.”
As the Glenview Police Department grieves, neighboring law enforcement agencies have stepped in to assist with shift coverage. The department and Officer Fryc’s family request privacy as they navigate this profound loss.
BY THOMAS CONNORS
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
As any harried parent will tell you, children don’t come with an operating manual. While some parents may wish to raise their children the way they were raised, others opt for a different approach altogether. And of course, neither path may appeal to the child. Instituting discipline while encouraging personal freedom isn’t easy. This is especially true for young children who learn and experience many new things at once. Sometimes a little assist is in order; that’s where The Playroom Pro comes in.
Founded by Marissa Kates, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker and child development specialist, The Playroom Pro provides parent counseling and parent coaching to support the various needs of families with young children. “My approach is centered on fostering a positive connection between parents and children,” says Kates. “I emphasize the importance of noticing and reinforcing the positive behaviors a child displays, creating a foundation of trust and mutual respect. Instead of immediately focusing on consequences, especially for first-time behaviors, I work with parents to uncover the underlying reasons or motivations behind a child ’ s actions. Consistency and routine are also pillars in my approach, as they provide a sense of security and predictability that supports both the child ’s and the parent’s well-being.”
One might almost claim Kates was destined for this career. Raised in Buffalo Grove with a brother almost three years younger (“I was passionate in my role of older sister”), in her teen years she worked as a babysitter, camp counselor, and after-school nanny. Her grandmother, mom, and aunt all worked as therapists, and Kates earned a Bachelor of
Science in Psychology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and her Master in Social Work from the Jane Addams College of Social Work at the University of Illinois Chicago.
Kates began her career working for the Early Intervention Program of the Illinois Department of Human Services at PlayWorks Therapy Inc. in Chicago. “We provided in-home therapy for children all over the city from a diverse array of neighborhoods. It was incredible to connect with parents and see how the dynamics of the home environment impacted the development, routines, and behavior of the children.” As her own family began to grow—she and her husband, Rich, are the parents of three girls under ten—Kates cut back on her workload and began to refocus, launching The Playroom Pro in 2020.
“Some of my favorite clients,” shares Kates, “are the ones who come in with a list of concerns about their children’s behavior, yet this behavior solely happens with the parents. The children’s teachers do not have any concerns, and the children are thriving in other environments. We know that there is something about the dynamic at home that can be influencing this behavior. Together, we take a look at the entirety of a child’s functioning—sleep, eating, sibling dynamics, peer relationships, and daily routine. Typically, there are several areas that might be supporting the behavior that we are looking to change, and by modifying the environment, we decrease the behavior. The magic is that this happens in a positive and nonconfrontational way.”
One of the biggest challenges Kates faces as a parent is managing sibling dynamics. “My husband and I each have a sibling of the opposite gender so while we think that three children of the same gender is magical, it is so foreign to us,” she shares. “There can be competition, and a lot of ‘that’s not fair’, and we want to increase our daughters’ empathy toward each other.”
Like Henry David Thoreau, who urged people to “Simplify, simplify,” Kates is big on cutting back. “Too many fights at breakfast? Simplify by making a breakfast schedule— and have the kids participate in making it. Same thing with choosing outfits in the morning. Remove most of the clothing in the closet to make choosing easier.” And it doesn’t hurt for adults to edit their lives, either. “The idea of more, more, more is pervasive in our culture,” observes Kates. “We are more available and reachable. We have more information, more opinions being fed to us daily, making it harder and harder to know who or what to trust. Set boundaries for the time you’re available to others so that you can focus on your priorities.” Sounds like a plan for life in and out of the playroom.
For more information, visit theplayroompro.com.
EDITED BY CHEYANNE LENCIONI THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
NOW TO 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 TO MARCH 22
THE ORCHID SHOW INDIA BLOOMS
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 TO MARCH 23 I AND YOU
WHERE: Citadel Theatre
Experience an ode to life, love, youth, and the strange beauty of human connection at Lake Forest’s Citadel Theater. 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
DUO FAE
WHERE: Lutheran Church of the Ascension, Northfield
Enjoy a free classical concert at 4:30 p.m. with Duo FAE featuring violinist Charlene Kluegel with Katherine Petersen on the piano. This highly accomplished duo will be performing Dame Ethel
Smyth's Sonata for Violin and Piano, op. 7 as well as Gabriel Faure's Sonata for Violin and Piano in A major, op. 13. For about an hour their artistry will whisk you away from the cold and dark of a midwinter Chicago afternoon. ascension-church.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. 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 3 TO 31
JOB CENTER ON THE MOVE
WHERE: Highwood Library
From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Lake County’s Workforce Development will be hosting its weekly program to help the community with careers. This program will focus on one-on-one resume development, job training, internships, career transitions, and more. No appointment is necessary. highwoodlibrary.org
MARCH 7 TO 9
ALVIN AILEY’S DANCE THEATER
WHERE: The Auditorium
Alvin Ailey American 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.
Field House with all eight “shamrocks” will receive a St. Patty’s Day prize. Tickets are $10 per person and anyone older than age 5 are required to register. lakebluffparks.org
MARCH 9
SIP RED, GO GREEN 2025
WHERE: Patrician Gallery & Gatherings
auditoriumtheatre.org
MARCH 8
BRANCHING OUT
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 and learn about how some cultures see them as spiritual beings. Lynn Zaransky, TreeKeeper with Openlands, and Gerald Savage, 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 Forest Park District
Join the Lake Forest 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 park district encourages families to bike for this event. The first three families to return to the Artesian
Join Go Green Wilmette from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. for a glass of wine and great conversation as the organization raises funds and builds community to continue vital environmental work. This year includes a Silent Auction. Tickets are available now. gogreenwilmette.org
MARCH 11
MARCH JOB FAIR
WHERE: Wilmette Park District
Discover exciting hiring opportunities from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. in the Community Recreation Center in Wilmette. This is for individuals aged 16 and up, or age 15 with a work permit for select positions. wilmettepark.org
MARCH 13
LITERATURES OF THE VIETNAM WAR
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
To submit your event for consideration, please email events@nsweekend.com.
BY BILL MCLEAN
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
GEORGE PFOERTNER NORTH SHORE SPORTS
Neither Tayler Strand nor Arnold Lee has played a minute of basket ball for the High land Park High School (HPHS) boys’ basketball team this winter.
They’re the school’s athletic trainers after all.
But the varsity squad’s coach, Ross Deutsch, insists each is in the running for Most Valuable Player honors.
“They take such good care of our
With the start of the state playoffs looming, Highland Park High School’s boys’ hoops team picks a fine time to produce a hot streak.
guys, taping them up, making sure they stretch, and getting them as ready as possible before our games,” says Deutsch.
“They’re so responsive, so present,” he adds.
Deutsch’s guys in jerseys, meanwhile, are on fire, due mostly to their healthy embrace of team basketball.
“They genuinely play for each other and celebrate their teammates’ successes,” says Deutsch, whose 20-8 club defeated host Wauconda High School (WHS) 51-44 on February 15 for its sixth straight win and 11th in 13 games since January 10.
“Seeing that approach, as a coach, is such a rewarding sight,” he continues. “You should see them at practice—they all bring such energy and enthusiasm and effort every day. They do that because they want to get better, knowing it’ll make the team better.”
Team HPHS topped host Maine West High School 57-29 in Des Plaines on February 14, improving its mark in the Central Suburban League North division to 7-3.
A day earlier the senior-laden Giants—a robust 12 in the Class of 2025 suit up for varsity games—drew the seventh seed in the highly competitive Class 4A New Trier Township High School Sectional. HPHS will welcome 10th-seeded Oak Park and River Forest High School in a regional semifinal on February 26, with the winner likely to face first-seeded Evanston Township High School for the HPHS Regional championship on February 28.
“The guys love to go hard for two hours at practice, but we’re cutting back to 90-minute practices,” says Deutsch, alluding to the aim of tapering practice sessions to ensure his hoopsters enter playoff action with fresh legs.
Giants senior guard Simon Moschin poured in a game-high 18 points—only a bucket shy of his average output per game—in the win at WHS last week. The 5-foot-11, 155-pounder, who averages four rebounds and three assists per contest, surpassed 1,300 career points earlier this month, ranking him
fourth all-time in scoring at HPHS.
“Simon,” Deutsch says, “is the heart and soul and guts and engine of our team. Special. The kid is special.”
Alex Kriser, another senior guard, scored 11 points at WHS, five more than his pointsper-game average. Senior Hayden Kach, a 6-4 guard/forward, is the Giants’ second-leading scorer (seven points per game) and pulls down nearly five rebounds per game.
Senior guard Asher Diamond contributes averages of six points and three assists, while senior forward Max Diamond provides six points and four boards each time he takes the court.
Moschin, Kriser, and Asher Diamond are third-year varsity members.
“I call them ‘The Triplets’,” Deutsch says. HPHS was scheduled to visit Glenbrook North High School on February 18 and wrap up its regular season three days later with a road game at Lyons Township High School in La Grange.
Senior Clara Crossgrove shines atop the mats, paces New Trier Township High School to the girls’ gymnastics sectional title in Mundelein.
New Trier Township High School (New Trier) senior gymnast Clara Crossgrove should have celebrated immediately after nailing her uneven-bars dismount at last week’s Mundelein High School Girls’ Gymnastics Sectional. Her coach, Jen Pistorius, was thrilled. So were her teammates.
And, as the Trevian froze for about five seconds atop the mat after saluting the judges, the decibel levels of cheers and applause for her increased.
But Crossgrove had a legit reason for her subdued reaction.
“I was in disbelief,” Crossgrove recalled after receiving a first-place medal for performing her difficult 9.5 bars routine. “I couldn’t believe how fortunate I was. I almost didn’t catch the bar on my Jaeger (move), and I barely caught (the low bar) on my bail.”
Believe this: New Trier’s Trevians scored 143.575 points to win the six-team sectional on February 13, advancing automatically to the state meet at Palatine High School on February 21-22. Crossgrove also collected four
automatic individual state berths—including the all-around (third place, 37.25)—for placing in the top five.
“We had amazing practices all week,” said New Trier coach Jen Pistorius. “Those gave us confidence, which you need to have because this meet, for many, is more stressful than the state meet.
“Gymnasts,” she added, “want to make it to state badly. Once they’re at the state meet, they’re more relaxed.”
New Trier senior Taylor Kim tied for fifth place on vault (9.4), and classmate Sammy Mills advanced as an at-large state qualifier in the all-around (36.1) and in two events (vault, bars).
Trevians freshman and birthday girl Miya Schaffner played a vital role at the sectional on vault, earning a sturdy 9.0 as the team’s lead-off entrant.
New Trier junior Elena Scarano executed the best balance-beam routine of her prep career, drawing a thunderous reaction from overjoyed teammates after her clean mark of 8.4.
“She stuck that, hitting her front toss and back tuck,” Crossgrove said. “We were so happy for her.
“We knew she could do it because we’d watched her stick it twice in practice yesterday (February 12).”
LAKE FOREST HIGH SCHOOL UPDATE:
Lake Forest High School (LFHS) sopho more Lyla Drowne made another splash at a big meet, earning a pair of automatic state berths at last week’s Mundelein High School (MHS) Girls’ Gymnastics Sectional.
Drowne finished third (9.325) on the uneven bars and tied for fifth place (9.4) on vault on February 13. One day later the Scout learned she had also advanced to state as an at-large qualifier in the all-around (36.325).
LFHS, the reigning Glenbrook South High School (GSHS) Regional championship team, placed fifth (138.65) at the sectional.
“Lyla came up big at the regional and again tonight,” Scouts coach Brittany Moccia said. “She continues to find success while growing and learning as a competitor.
“Hard—this meet was hard,” she added. “It’s meant to be hard. We’re young. Our young gymnasts watched in awe at all of the talent here. We didn’t make it to state as a team, but we have a lot to be proud of.”
An athlete named Miles traveled only 100 yards to earn a medal last weekend. His name is Miles Liebovich, the Lake Forest High School (LFHS) senior swimmer who placed fourth (1:00.24) in the 100-yard breaststroke at the North Suburban Conference (NSC) boys’ swimming and diving meet in Libertyville on February 15.
A state-meet qualifier in the 100-yard backstroke a year ago, Liebovich also helped the Scouts’ 200-yard medley relay finish third (1:37.8) at the NSC meet. Nathan Steele, Zach Chermak, and Stefan Cucuz swam the unit’s other legs.
Cucuz later topped the 50-yard freestyle field, clocking a sub-state-cut 21.64.
We asked the University of Illinoisbound Liebovich to field some questions more than halfway through the meet.
What’s your approach at the conference meet?
I’m about 40 percent tapered now. This is a meet where you want to work on little things, like starts and turns, so that you’re ready to swim fast at a sectional next weekend. At practices leading to the sectional, I’ll focus on speed and power while being about 85 percent tapered.
If you were afraid of water, what would you be doing now?
Playing basketball. I quit the sport in fifth-grade—tough decision—to focus
Tom and the team went above and beyond to get a complex loan done. These guys are not only leaders in their field but also some of the nicest people to work with. Highly recommended! - R.U
Tom was very helpful and transparent every step of the process. He worked with us to put together a plan to address our specific situation and needs. - Derek R.
on swimming, but I still love it, still love talking about it, especially college basketball. All I talk about at lunch at school is college basketball.
Your pick to win this year’s NCAA men’s basketball tournament?
Auburn looks strong.
The appeal of swimming?
It’s often you versus you. I like that challenge in what’s mostly an individual sport.
Your happiest moment in swimming?
Sophomore year, at this (NSC) meet, my time in the 200 IM (Individual Medley) was 2:13. So slow. The next week, at a sectional meet, I went 2:00.
That was incredibly fun and exciting, looking up at the scoreboard and seeing my 13-second drop.
Do you have a school assignment or upcoming test on your mind today? No. All I’m thinking about today is swimming.
Your all-time favorite athlete?
Derrick Rose, NBA Rookie of the Year and NBA Most Valuable Player. When he played for the Chicago Bulls, his athleticism was insane. He had such a great motor, such a great work ethic. Who has the best nickname on your swim team?
Stefan Cucuz. We call him “Choo Choo”, as in Choo Choo Train.
Tom makes lending look so easy! He is on top of every step of the process and makes me look like a champ with my clients! He just closed a deal for me when my client’s lender couldn’t get to the finish line, and he did it in under a week. I highly recommend Tom! - Caryl D.
Our reviewer questions whether this thriller starring Woody Harrelson is a deep dive into terror or just a drop in the ocean.
RUNNING TIME:
107 MINUTES
VERDICT: This is a suffocating, masterfully executed thriller that grips like a vice and refuses to let go. Almost brilliant—but not quite.
The time required for rescue? Considerably longer. Above, his crewmates battle logistical nightmares, technological limitations, and the merciless ticking of the clock. Below, Chris faces an even greater enemy: the abyss, vast, indifferent, and utterly silent.
Parkinson wastes no time plunging the audience into this suffocating nightmare. There is no need for exaggerated dramatics; the sheer mechanics of the crisis provide more than enough tension. Every flickering torch beam, every garbled radio transmission, every slowing breath serves as a grim metronome counting down to the inevitable.
Last Breath thrives on its authenticity. The film understands that the greatest source of terror here isn’t the potential for sudden, theatrical peril, but the quiet, methodical approach of death itself. Parkinson renders the deep ocean not as a backdrop, but as an antagonist—one that does not rage or conspire, but simply waits.
Visually, the film is a triumph of restraint. The cinematography avoids unnecessary embellishment, leaning instead into stark, oppressive realism. The ocean floor is presented as an alien wasteland, devoid of warmth or mercy. It is a place where human life is not meant to exist, and Last Breath never lets us forget it.
There is a particular kind of horror that requires no monsters, no ghosts, no shadows lurking in the corners of a dimly lit hallway. It is the horror of inevitability, of physics, of nature’s indifference to human survival. Last Breath operates squarely in this realm, plunging its audience into the abyss—both literal and psychological—where survival is measured not in minutes, but in breaths.
Alex Parkinson, adapting his own 2019 documentary of the same name, crafts a film so taut with dread that it feels almost surgical in its precision. With a cast led by Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, and Finn Cole, the film promises a pressure-cooker of suspense, set in the most hostile environment imaginable. But does Last Breath deliver a suffocating, nerve-shredding experience, or does it merely drift in the currents of its own potential?
The premise is as elegant as it is horrifying. Chris Lemons (Finn Cole), a commercial saturation diver, is left stranded on the seabed after a freak accident severs his umbilical cord—the crucial tether providing him with air, heat, and communication. His emergency supply? Five minutes of oxygen.
Equally masterful is the sound design. Few films have made simple breathing feel so agonizingly tense. Each inhale, each exhale is a reminder of dwindling time, of life slipping away in measured increments. When Parkinson strips away all other noise, leaving only the sound of Lemons’ final breaths, the effect is nothing short of harrowing.
Woody Harrelson, as the battle-worn dive supervisor, brings an air of weary competence to the role, embodying a man who has spent a lifetime preparing for catastrophes he hopes never to face. His performance is economical—he doesn’t waste a single word or movement. Simu Liu, meanwhile, delivers a career-best performance as a fellow diver caught between duty, fear, and guilt. His growing sense of panic is palpable, making his character the closest thing the film has to an emotional anchor.
Finn Cole, however, has the most difficult task. For much of the film, he is alone, submerged in the black void, with nothing to act against but his own mortality. His performance is a study in restraint—there are no grand monologues, no desperate pleas for salvation, only the quiet, gut-wrenching realization of what it means to be completely
and utterly alone.
For all its technical mastery, Last Breath is not without its flaws. The pacing, particularly in its early moments, struggles to find its rhythm. The film takes time setting up its characters, offering glimpses into their lives above water, yet these moments feel obligatory rather than essential. The emotional stakes, while present, never quite reach the heights they could—Last Breath is so preoccupied with physical survival that it sometimes neglects the deeper, existential dread that should accompany it. That said, when the film leans into its
strengths, it is almost unbearable in its intensity. It is not a thriller in the traditional sense—there are no dramatic rescues or overblown heroics. Instead, it is a film about inevitability, about the brutal indifference of the natural world, and the fragile, desperate resilience of those who dare to challenge it.
Last Breath is not for the faint of heart. It is a film that demands to be endured rather than enjoyed, an exercise in sustained tension that refuses to offer easy relief. While it may not be perfect, its stark realism and suffocating atmosphere make it one of the most gripping survival thrillers in recent memory.
This chapter of the Yellowstone prequel is back for a second season with Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren still at the helm.
RUNNING TIME:
APPROXIMATELY 60 MINUTES PER EPISODE.
VERDICT: Still compelling, still powerful—just watch for the rough patches on the trail.
Taylor Sheridan’s 1923 storms back onto Paramount+ for its second season, dragging audiences once more into the dust, blood, and turmoil of early 20th-century Montana. With Harrison Ford and Helen Mirren still at the helm, this chapter of the Yellowstone origin story promises all the hard-bitten grit and frontier justice fans have come to expect. But does the show still ride tall, or is the saddle beginning to chafe?
Picking up from last season’s bullet-ridden crescendo, Season 2 finds Jacob Dutton (Ford) recovering from his near-fatal run-in
#HASHTAG
EDITED BY REDDING WORTH ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL
#ON MY NIGHTSTAND
The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese which takes place in India and follows the lives and stories of three generations. I love historical fiction and stories that involve art.
#ON MY MOBILE
I follow friends on social media, but mostly use Instagram as a daily art fix or to “visit” an art museum. I follow a variety of artists, including the many talented Arts of Life artists.
#IN MY EARBUDS
I listen to country music, audio books, Ted Radio Hour, and The Moth–The Art and Craft of Storytelling while driving or on my walks.
with Banner Creighton (Jerome Flynn), though any notion of convalescence is swiftly abandoned. Donald Whitfield (Timothy Dalton), the era’s answer to corporate villainy, tightens his grip on the Duttons’ land with the kind of casual ruthlessness only the profoundly wealthy can muster. Meanwhile, Cara Dutton (Mirren) continues to embody the show’s steel-spined resilience, keeping the family intact with the quiet, knowing determination of someone who’s seen far too much loss to let her grip loosen now.
Further afield—quite literally—Spencer Dutton (Brandon Sklenar) and Alexandra (Julia Schlaepfer) remain embroiled in their globe-spanning odyssey. If Season 1 positioned their love story as a sweeping, warhaunted romance, this season doubles down, transforming it into an epic of survival and purpose. Sklenar delivers a deepened performance, the weight of past violence pressing down on him as he fights to return to Montana—a man as haunted by war as he is by the obligations of home.
As ever, Sheridan’s signature style
permeates every frame. The sprawling cinematography captures Montana in all its unforgiving beauty, a land both boundless and claustrophobic for those fighting to control it. Violence remains swift, shocking, and often inevitable, a punctuation mark on the show’s relentless meditation on power, survival, and the creeping tide of modernity. Yet cracks are forming.
While the main storyline remains taut, the show’s subplots occasionally wander, meandering without clear resolution. Secondary characters drift in and out with little consequence, and at times, the pacing loses itself in its own ponderous reflection. When 1923 focuses on the Duttons’ struggle for legacy and survival, it remains gripping. When it indulges too long in atmospheric brooding, it risks losing momentum.
1923 Season 2 doesn’t redefine the western, but Sheridan never intended it to. It’s a show that thrives on grit, grandeur, and generational strife, and despite a few missteps, it remains a gripping ride through the fading frontier.
CINDY SHANKER is a dedicated volunteer with Arts of Life, a creative arts community that provides artists with intellectual and developmental disabilities a collaborative space to develop their practice and strengthen their leadership skills. Arts of Life is a remarkable gift to everyone involved—participants, staff, volunteers, and families alike. It fosters a nurturing and supportive environment where individuals can grow and succeed. Each artist contributes unique talents, personalities, achievements, and challenges, enriching the community as a whole. As an arts facilitator, Shanker supports artists in achieving their artistic goals while assisting with various needs in the studio. On Saturday, February 22, Arts of Life will celebrate its 25th anniversary with the launch of 2wenty 5ive—Arts of Life 2000-2025, a retrospective book that highlights the organization's contributions to the progressive art studio movement in supporting artists with disabilities. Shanker will be honored for her years of commitment to this vibrant community. About 10 years ago, Shanker began leading two groups: Art Talk and Poetry Group. Art Talk alternated between Art Share and Art History sessions. During Art Share, artists presented and discussed their current work with peers, focusing on specific artistic principles. Over the years, the group has published five collections of poetry and art. Taking a break from her role as an advocate for the arts, Shanker shares how she stays current in her creative endeavors.
The Chicago Jewish Film Festival returns to the North Shore as a testament to the endurance of a people, a culture, and a history.
For 12 years, the Chicago Jewish Film Festival has stood as a beacon of storytelling, uniting audiences through the power of cinema. Next month, it returns with a lineup of 19 films that transcend mere entertainment, offering an intimate window into Jewish history, resilience, and cultural vibrancy.
This year’s selection is particularly urgent, reflecting on the seismic events shaping Jewish identity today—from the echoes of October 7 to the emboldened rise of antisemitism on college campuses, to Israel’s ever-evolving role on the global stage.
What makes this festival exceptional is not just its scope, but its soul. The curated selection embodies the essence of Jewish storytelling: a balance between remembrance and reinvention, gravity and humor, grief and hope. As Addie Goodman, President and CEO of JCC Chicago, aptly states, "This year’s festival is designed to again ignite conversations, grow hope, and inspire a more understanding, accepting, and kind world."
HISTORY, HUMANITY, AND THE JEWISH SPIRIT
Among this year’s highlights is Elie Wiesel: Soul on Fire, a compelling portrait of one of the most eloquent voices of the Holocaust, told largely in his own words. With exclusive access to personal archives, intimate interviews, and hand-painted animation, this documentary seeks to uncover the man behind the legacy—a survivor, teacher, and advocate whose moral clarity shaped generations. The film will screen at 2 p.m. on March 23 at the Illinois Holocaust Museum, an especially poignant setting for reflecting on Wiesel’s impact.
Another key documentary, October H8te, takes on an issue that is tragically relevant. Executive produced by Debra Messing and
WEEKEND POEM
BY NICHOLAS ROSS THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
directed by Wendy Sachs, this hard-hitting film examines the explosion of antisemitism in America following the October 7th attacks. Chronicling the disturbing rise of hate on social media, university campuses, and city streets, October H8te offers an unflinching look at an ancient prejudice manifesting in the modern age. Audiences can engage with this crucial discussion at 4 p.m. on March 2 at the Wayfarer Theater in Highland Park.
For those drawn to biographical storytelling, Charles Grodin: Rebel With A Cause presents a lesser-known side of the beloved comedic actor. Raised in a Jewish household in Pittsburgh, Grodin’s legacy extends far beyond the screen. His relentless advocacy for criminal justice reform led to the release of numerous wrongfully convicted individuals—many of them women of color. Featuring interviews with Robert De Niro, Steve Martin, Elaine May, and other luminaries, this documentary paints a portrait of a man whose humor was matched only by his compassion. Screening will be at 4 p.m. on March 8 at the Wayfarer Theater.
LAUGHTER AS SURVIVAL
Comedy has always been a lifeline in Jewish culture, a way to process tragedy and absurdity alike. That tradition is alive and well at this year’s festival, particularly in Bad Shabbos, an ensemble comedy featuring Kyra Sedgwick as a hilariously neurotic matriarch. When a dinner party descends into chaos, what follows is a brilliantly sharp, culturally rich farce in the vein of Curb Your Enthusiasm. Sedgwick is joined by an unexpected yet delightful cast, including Method Man and Catherine Curtin, making this one of the festival’s standout crowd-pleasers. Catch it at 7 p.m. on March 8 at the Wayfarer Theater.
MUSIC, MEMORY, AND LEGACY
Jewish contributions to music take center stage in Midas Man, a film exploring the life and career of Brian Epstein—the visionary manager who transformed The Beatles from a local Liverpool band into a global phenomenon. Epstein, who was Jewish and openly gay in a deeply repressive era, remains one of music history’s most fascinating figures. Screening at 7 p.m. on March 1 at the Wayfarer Theater, this film is a must-see for anyone who appreciates the intersection of cultural identity and artistic revolution.
For those interested in a more personal journey, The Hungarian Dressmaker delves into the unbreakable bond between a grandmother and granddaughter, bound together by a family heirloom that carries generations of memories. Meanwhile, Shalom Passion: Never Again is Now! chronicles a grassroots initiative that emerged in response to the October 7th attacks, capturing the resilience and unity of a people facing adversity.
MORE THAN A FILM FESTIVAL
Screenings will take place at the Wayfarer Theater in Highland Park and the Illinois Holocaust Museum in Skokie, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to education and remembrance. Select films will feature postscreening Q&A sessions with filmmakers and subject matter experts, fostering deeper engagement with the stories being told.
At its heart, the Chicago Jewish Film Festival is not simply a collection of films; it is a living, breathing testament to the endurance of a people, a culture, and a history. These stories are urgent, timely, and vital. And in a world increasingly fraught with division, they remind us of the power of storytelling—not just to entertain, but to inform, challenge, and unite.
For tickets and full details, visit jccchicago.org/films25.
Oh, Sheridan Road, so winding and free,
You weave through the North Shore, whispering to me.
A ribbon of silver, so artfully laid, Where mansions and maples cast elegant shade. You curve by the lake, so coy in your grace, Dancing with waves in a timeless embrace. Through Winnetka and Glencoe, you twist and you turn, As summers grow fleeting and autumn leaves burn.
But more than a road, you are moments I keep, A ride with my father, a memory deep. His Jaguar XK, sleek, roaring, and bold,
A legend in chrome, a story retold.
Top down, wind singing, the lake at our side, Each bend was adventure, each mile was pride.
His hands on the wheel, the world rushing past, A childhood of wonder, too golden to last.
You carried our laughter, our silence, our dreams, Through crisp morning air and dusk’s golden beams. Each journey with you was a lesson in flight, A chase through the past on a road dressed in light. Oh, Sheridan, sly with your curves and your style, You never rush—just linger a while.
For roads may be built, and engines may roar, But few hold the magic of youth once more.
When you work with an Engel & Völkers Real Estate Advisor, you will experience a higher standard of service and an elevated experience. When you are ready to sell, give me a call and we will come up with your personalized plan to put your home in the best position to sell.
As part of the consultation process, we will do the following:
• Collaborate on a personalized marketing plan that highlights your home features and gets your home the most exposure possible. This includes discussions about social media, website, networking, open houses, brokers’ opens, and targeting the biggest buyer pool possible utilizing E&V’s global and local network.
• Determine a step by step process to get your house ready for listing on the MLS. This includes a free walk through to discuss maintenance that should be done before listing your home, staging ideas, and a timeline on getting the home ready.
• Work on a strategy to get the best possible price for your home. This includes looking at the market trends, average price point, days on market, and other important market statistics that help strategically price your home.
• Discussing the different steps throughout the home selling process: 1) getting your home ready to sell; 2) listing the home and coordinating showings; 3) negotiating offers; 4) under contract and navigating attorney and inspection review; 5) dealing with the financial portion of the contract; and 6) getting to closing and the finish line.
• Working on a strategy as to when you should start packing your home and getting ready to move.
Selling your home has a lot of different puzzle pieces that need to come together in order to reach the desired outcome… closing. Having someone who can walk you through the process and consistently communicate with you, will allow you to have a better handle on what needs to be done. Call me and let me be that person to help you sell your home.
566 Chestnut Street | 2nd Floor | Winnetka | IL 60093
M +1 312 391 3170
carly.jones@evrealestate.com carlyjones.evrealestate.com
Source & Self Founder Darcee Rabinowitz’s two-pronged mission as an entrepreneur is to offer hundreds of exceptional cleanliving brands sourced from across the globe and set new standards for the safety, effectiveness, and purity of self-care products.
BY BILL MCLEAN ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT RISKO
Some wear their heart on their sleeve.
Darcee Rabinowitz once wore her resume on the back of a T-shirt she had designed.
“On the front,” the Northbrook native and Glencoe resident recalls, “was a caricature of me.
“I was looking for a job in advertising right after college at the time, so I mailed the T-shirts to a bunch of account executives.”
And the award for coming up with the most creative way to garner the attention of resume readers goes to? (See the illustration on this page.)
Rabinowitz, who earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in management and marketing at Florida State University and created the banner-making company Greek Graffiti while hitting the books in Tallahassee, was offered a copywriter position in advertising but, alas, turned it down, thinking she could earn a better salary in another field.
Fast forward 30 years. After a threemonth stint with a mortgage company, after 12 years in the fast-paced finance industry— mostly on the trading floor in Chicago—and after raising three children (twins Jayson and Jordyn, and Joey) who now attend college, Rabinowitz landed a plum job without having to update her resume.
Or purchase a heat press T-shirt printing machine.
Rabinowitz hired herself in 2021, launching Source & Self, an e-commerce platform that curates collections of clean, non-toxic, sustainable products—each tested for unparalleled quality and delivered to doorsteps— for the mind, body, and spirit. The venture’s 150-plus brands range from skincare to home care to self-care to hair care. Pet care, too.
Among Source & Self’s competitors are The Detox Market, CAP Beauty, Standard Dose, and Beauty Heroes.
“We’re in the top five,” say Rabinowitz,
John Conatser FOUNDER & PUBLISHER
Jennifer Sturgeon ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Gaven Conatser ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
@ TheNSWeekend @ TheNSWeekend
a Glencoe denizen for 16 years. “We broke even two and a half years ago, and we’re looking to grow.”
The wellness market grew from $4.6 trillion in 2020 to $5.8 trillion in 2022, according to the Global Wellness Institute. It increased to $6.8 trillion in 2024, and is expected to balloon to $9 trillion in 2028.
Rabinowitz, 55, had been diagnosed with the autoimmune diseases Sjogren’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus when she founded Source & Self, which aims to set new standards
What Rabinowitz also does these days is run her nonprofit, Campus Rebel. Founded in 2023, it’s an initiative dedicated to funding mental health services on college
“Students often find themselves isolated or depressed or susceptible to other difficulties in a college setting; it’s a huge concern,” Rabinowitz says, adding a division of Source & Self markets healthy, brainboosting snacks that are made available in care boxes at college bookstores. “A student needs to maintain a high energy level to achieve in college. I started Campus Rebel because I’d discovered not all colleges have the
Everyone should know what is in the products they purchase and how a product’s ingredients affect their health. I have a passion for health. So does everyone who works with me.
for the safety, effectiveness, and purity of personal self-care products.
“Everyone should know what is in the products they purchase and how a product’s ingredients affect their health,” Rabinowitz says. “I have a passion for health. So does everyone who works with me; we have eight team leaders, all of them local.
“We are all big believers in what we’re doing.”
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
Michelle Crowe, Erin Donaldson, Dustin O'Regan, Kemmie Ryan, Megan Weisberg
FOOD EDITOR
Monica Kass Rogers
resources to fully address mental health issues.
“We’re partnering with local mental health groups, organizing on-campus workshops and other events.”
Rabinowitz’s 20-year-old twins, Jayson and daughter Jordyn, attend the University of Miami (Coral Gables, Florida) and the University of Colorado Boulder, respectively. Darcee’s third child, 19-year-old Joey, with
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Thomas Connors, Cheyanne Lencioni, Bill McLean, Felix McMillan, Redding Worth DESIGN
Linda Lewis PRODUCTION MANAGER/GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Natalie Phillips ADVERTISING COORDINATOR/GRAPHIC DESIGNER
husband and Skokie native James, is at Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business specializing in real estate and urban analysis.
“Joey has been great since I started Source & Self, working side by side with me at times and giving me valuable feedback,” Rabinowitz says of the former member of New Trier Township High School’s club hockey team, New Trier Green; Jayson also skated for the perennial state power in Winnetka
“You know what’s great?” she continues. “I learn things from my kids every time I discuss my business with them.”
Jordyn majors in Engineering and is a competitive rock climber in Boulder. Her mother is an avid recreational rock climber.
“I’m not a great climber, but I enjoy doing it, especially when I get to climb with my children,” says Rabinowitz, who also hikes, skis, surfs, and jet-skis. “We got our kids involved in rock climbing and found out it focused them.”
Rabinowitz played tennis—her backhand was her go-to shot— and soccer for Spartans teams at Glenbrook North High School in Northbrook, where her parents, Neil and Karyn, live.
Neil served as a trader on the Chicago Stock Exchange.
“I loved being a runner when I started out on the trading floor,” Darcee Rabinowitz says of the post she assumed after fleeing from her mortgage company job in Chicago. “The energy at work excited me, and I got to work in a variety of capacities in my 10-plus years in finance. I didn’t have to sit for hours in a cubicle.
“I now get to develop a business that helps people turn their lives around healthwise, all while doing it alongside team members who are good people with amazing work ethics.”
For more information, visit source-self.com, facebook.com/sourceandself, instagram.com/ sourceandself, tiktok.com/@sourceandselfboxes, and linkedin.com/in/darceerabinowitz.
George Pfoertner, Katrina Wittkamp PHOTOGRAPHY Tom Bachtell, Robert Risko ILLUSTRATION
CREDIT TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF A NEW HAND WOVEN RUG.
Refresh and revitalize your home with this incredible opportunity from Oscar Isberian Rugs. Trade-in your old rug and earn credit towards the purchase of a new rug from our extensive inventory of rugs.*