Sheridan Road, May 2024

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EXTRAORDINARY LIVING

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MAY 2024

FEATURES

THE FABRIC OF SUCCESS

Chicago-born designer Azeeza Khan’s new line expands her esteemed brand and lays the foundation for the creation of a legacy fashion house.

SILKY SOFT WITH AN EDGY VIBE

Female duo’s premium apparel brand ARO + STAR blends comfort and style.

BUILDING A LIFE SHE LOVES

Pinterest’s new Chief Legal and Business Affairs Officer Wanji Walcott helps advance the company’s positive platform from the North Shore, one pin at a time.

CANCER SURVIVOR

BEAUTY AND SUPPORT DAY

Highland Park’s Barbara Paget has sparked a global event to support cancer survivors.

ON THE COVER Azeeza Khan, wearing Azeeza Ezra Charmeuse Midi dress in Scarlet, is featured in The Fabric of Success Photography by Maria Ponce/Styling by Theresa DeMaria/Hair & Makeup Leanna Ernest ON THIS PAGE

The New Hollywood Accountability Member Brianna Brown Keen wearing ARO + STAR Rockstar Tee. ARO + STAR co-founders Alyse Gamson and Marla Price are featured in Silky Soft With An Edgy Vibe. Photography by Ragan Wallake/Makeup by Melinda Guimont/ Hair by Lindsay Miller.

847.370.6940

Founder & Publisher

Editor-in-Chief

Associate Publisher

Contributing Editors

Executive Project Director

Style Director

Style Editor

Contributing Writers

J.W. CONATSER

DUSTIN O’REGAN

JENNIFER STURGEON

MORGAN HOGERTY, MEGAN WEISBERG

KEMMIE RYAN

THERESA DEMARIA

ALLISON DUNCAN

THOMAS CONNORS, MONICA

KASS ROGERS, JOE ROSENTHAL, ROCHELLE RUBINOFF, ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER, SHERRY THOMAS

Art Director

Production Manager/ Graphic Designer

Senior Graphic Designer

Graphic Designers

Contributing Photographers

Contributing Illustrator

Administrative Assistant

Advertising Sales Advisory Council

JORDAN WILLIAMS

LINDA LEWIS

AMIN QUTTEINEH

CHRIS GEIMER

MARIA PONCE, MONICA KASS ROGERS

ROBERT RISKO

CHEYANNE LENCIONI

GRETCHEN BARNARD

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

How to reach Sheridan Road

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

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

671 ACADEMY DRIVE, NORTHBROOK, IL 60062

Sheridan Road is published 10 times annually by JWC Media.

JWC Media accepts freelance contributions; however, there is no guarantee that unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, or graphics will be returned. All rights to the contents of this magazine are owned in full by JWC Media. Sheridan Road may not be reproduced in whole or in part, including but not limited to advertisements and articles, without written permission from the publisher. Sheridan Road assumes no responsibility for statements made or opinions expressed by contributing writers, editors, or advertisers. However, comments or corrections or differing opinions are welcomed. The publisher reserves the right to edit and place all editorials and ads. © 2024 JWC Media

EDITOR’S NOTE

THIS MONTH I WILL BE

WMy sister and contributing editor Morgan Hogerty

“Happy Birthday!” Cheers to an incredible mind, an extraordinary editor, and a dear friend

WISHING VISITING

Southeast Asia on an extended trek with my daughter (I can’t wait!) in hopes of escaping the cicadas

READING

The Sisterhood: The Secret History of Women at the CIA

elcome to May! What a thrill to see everyone outside, delighting in the blooming flowers and warm sunshine while wearing the most gorgeous of garb. This issue, one full of fashion and design, makes the perfect accessory to our readers’ springtime looks. Azeeza Khan, the designer extraordinaire who has dressed icons including Barbra Streisand, Beyoncé, and J.Lo, graces our cover. Azeeza shares the inspiration behind her new Day Collection and her exciting plans for the future of her brand. Our second feature celebrates the enterprising duo Alyse Gamson and Marla Price. Their company ARO + STAR touts designs that, thanks to their all-natural fabrics and punchy graphics, manage to infuse comfort with a dash of edge. Our third feature highlights Wanji Walcott, Chief Legal and Business Affairs Officer of Pinterest—everyone’s favorite inspiration site for recipes, home, style, and so much more. We round out the features with Highland Park’s Barbara Paget, who has created a global event to support cancer survivors. Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day is an international annual event where select spas, beauty schools, and salons offer complimentary services to millions of survivors. This year’s event takes place on June 4.

As May was named after the goddess of creativity, what better month to showcase the dreamlike photography of Dominica Fisher in Art & Artist? Moving to summer parties, Trending’s Emily Sturgess shares a behind-the-scenes look into Summer

Soiree, The Woman’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital’s new fundraising event. I hope to see you June 7 at the Saddle & Cycle Club for a nautical-themed evening. In celebration of Mother’s Day, Recipe whips up a light summer sweet. Leaving desserts for the desert, First Class visits Amangiri, a Utah gem that redefines rustic luxury. Trading the West for Northfield, Home Tour visits a mother/ daughter project of design darling Lee Thinnes. We end with a tête a tête with Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier, formerly of Northwestern and University of Chicago. Vanderbilt seems everywhere these days; I loved Town & Country’s recent article. Join me in cheering on the Chancellor’s great success.

Enjoy the issue.

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

Follow Sheridan Road on Instagram: @sheridanrdmag

Happy Birthday

Morgan! Sisters on DG Bid Day circa ’86

Redding and I crossing a bridge on Amangiri’s via ferrata

Dominica Fisher featured in Art & Artist

Ravinia Wine and Cheese Basket featured in The DO List

SAVE the DATE

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

EDITED BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

MCA’s annual ArtEdge, June 8

THROUGH MAY 12

MONSIEUR CHOPIN

WHERE: Writers Theatre

Storyteller, musician, and Chicago favorite Hershey Felder makes his Writers’ debut with his original script and live performance of Chopin’s gorgeous masterpieces. Days after the February 1848 revolution, Frédéric Chopin is teaching a piano lesson in Paris. Set in the Polish pianist/composer’s intimate salon, Chopin shares secrets about the piano and himself with his students—as well as playing some of his most beautiful and enduring compositions. In a tour de force performance, the beloved virtuoso actor/pianist Felder brings to life the romantic story and music of the man once called the “Poet of the Piano.” writerstheatre.org

THROUGH JUNE 9

GUYS AND DOLLS

WHERE: Drury Lane Theatre

Step into the dazzling lights of 1950s New York City with Guys and Dolls. This enduring tale of romance, risk, and unforgettable rhythm follows the improbable

love story of high-rolling gambler Sky Masterson and mission doll Sarah Brown, along with the comedic relationship of the ever-patient Miss Adelaide and craps game organizer Nathan Detroit. Guys and Dolls takes you into the golden age of Broadway with wit, charm, and plenty of heart with vibrant characters and unforgettable songs like “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” drurytheatre.com

MAY 10

BOOK LOVERS’ LUNCH

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

MAY 11

MUSIC MATTERS

WHERE: Ravinia Festival

The Ravinia Associates Board hosts Music Matters with an

open bar, live music, and silent and live auction. Proceeds benefit Ravinia and its Reach Teach Play® music education programs. ravinia.org/musicmatters

MAY 11

DIGESTIVE HEALTH

FOUNDATION GALA

WHERE: Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

The Digestive Health Foundation community will come together for its 7th annual Digestive Health Foundation Gala. The DHF funds cutting-edge medical research at Northwestern Medicine’s Digestive Health Center to help prevent, treat, and ultimately cure a spectrum of digestive disorders including colon, pancreatic, and esophageal cancers, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, swallowing disorders, hepatitis, and other liver disease. aesbid. com/ELP/DHF24/

MAY 11 – 12

NORTHBROOK

ART IN THE PARK

WHERE: Village Green Park

Grab a coffee on Shermer Road with friends or family, then soak up unique art from more than 85 artists. Be sure to follow the signs for the Kid’s Art Stop and the Live Art Demo for opportunities to interact with the artists. Break for lunch at a favorite local spot or enjoy a cold lemonade and delicious snacks at the fest. Enter to win a $100 Art Fest Gift Card to spend at the fest! amdurproductions.com

MAY 14

WOMEN IN SCIENCE LUNCHEON

WHERE: Field Museum, Chicago

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

MAY 15

27TH ANNUAL BENEFIT LUNCHEON

WHERE: Exmoor Country Club

The Myra Rubenstein Weis (MRW) Health Resource Center will hold its 27th Annual Benefit Luncheon including a silent auction and raffle. Since 1996, the benefit has funded the Myra Rubenstein Weis Living in the Future (LIFE) Cancer Survivorship Program, as well as a host of community-based initiatives including diabetes and blood pressure screening, adolescent mental wellness programming, and breast cancer early detection education. foundation.northshore.org/mrw

MAY 17

THE HOME TOUR

WHERE: Several houses in Winnetka

The Winnetka Community House Woman’s Board hosts a Home Tour showcasing exquisite Winnetka houses featuring a variety of architectural styles along with a catered luncheon. All proceeds benefit the Community House. mycommunityhouse.org/home-tour

AGENDA

MAY 20

MUSIC INSTITUTE

ANNUAL GALA

WHERE: The Peninsula Chicago Hotel

The evening includes cocktails, dinner, performances, and the presentation of the prestigious Dushkin Award to Marcus Roberts, the Cultural Visionary Award for Chicago to John and Fran Edwardson, and more. The Annual Gala Benefit is the single largest source of funds for financial aid and scholarships, tuition-free community engagement and school programming, and neighborhood-based service activities that positively impact thousands of individuals of all ages and from all backgrounds. musicinst.org/ events/2024-mic-gala

MAY 22

CPS LIVES GALA

WHERE: The Arts Club

Join CPS to commemorate its 6th annual CPS Lives gala honoring Chicago artists. Mingle with a community of artists, educators, and public school enthusiasts while bidding on exciting items in the silent auction. cpslives.org

MAY 24 – SEP 22

CHICAGO COLLECTS: NEW PERSPECTIVES IN JEWELRY

WHERE: Driehaus Museum

The exhibition showcases more than 200 pieces of jewelry and decorative art, many drawn from the collection of Richard H. Driehaus, ranging from the 17th century to today. driehausmuseum.org

JUNE 1

75TH ANNUAL SUMMER BALL

WHERE: Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago

On behalf of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Chicago Woman’s Board, local businesses and philanthropy leaders come together to help thousands of Club youth to reach their full potential as productive, caring, and responsible citizens. bgcc. org/summerball/

JUNE 7

ANCHORS AWEIGH

WHERE: Saddle & Cycle Club, Chicago

The Woman’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital hosts the preeminent event of the season, the Summer Soiree “Anchors Aweigh.” Cocktails and culinary delights will be served under the stars while guests dance to the acclaimed yacht rock band Anchor’s Away. The glamorous evening will kick off the summer season while raising critical funds

JUNE 8

CHILDREN’S HEART WALK

WHERE: Lincoln Park Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, Chicago

The Congenital Heart Walk series supports The Children’s Heart Foundation’s mission of advancing the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of congenital heart defects by funding the most promising research. The event includes family-friendly activities and entertainment, remembrance, and exciting research updates. childrensheartfoundation.org

JUNE 8 – SEPT 15

RAVINIA CONCERTS

in support of The Woman’s Board’s mission to support the programs and services provided by Northwestern Memorial Hospital. wbnorthwestern.org

JUNE 7 – 8

WCNS CHILDREN’S FAIR

WHERE: Village Green, Winnetka

The 77th Winnetka Children’s Fair will return on the last morning of Winnetka’s public schools’ classes. Hosted by the Winnetka Community Nursery School Board of Directors and a group of dedicated parents with aid from local volunteers and the support of area businesses, the fair features treats, games, pony, camel, and carnival rides. winnetkacommunitynurseryschool.org

JUNE 8

ARTEDGE

WHERE: Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

The MCA’s annual gala ArtEdge, is an unforgettable evening of art and music. Guests will enjoy a lavish cocktail reception, curated food, and live performances while supporting the MCA. Proceeds benefit the museum’s efforts to provide a platform for artists pursuing a creative and diverse future. mcachicago.org

WHERE: Ravinia

The Ravinia Festival is back with more than 100 summer events. Must-see concerts include acclaimed artists such as James Taylor & His All-Star Band (June 8 & 9), Robert Plant & Alison Krauss (June 12), Hauser (June 14), Clint Black (June 30), Norah Jones with special guest Mavis Staples (July 14), Gypsy Kings (July 31) and Indigo Girls and Melissa Etheridge (August 11), and so much more! ravinia.org

JUNE 10

PAWS CHICAGO PETER

FASSEAS GOLF OPEN

WHERE: Westmoreland Country Club

Here’s your chance to make a difference for homeless pets, while enjoying a beautiful day on a championship course. At the annual PAWS Chicago Peter Fasseas Golf Open, guests will enjoy a day of golf with on-course entertainment including cocktails, raffle prizes, golfing contests, a Golf Ball Shooter, and photo stations with adoptable animals. The day will conclude with a dinner reception featuring a silent and live auction, program, and networking with other corporate and individual supporters. pawschicago.org/golf

Music Institute of Chicago Gala, May 20

FOR THE BASHIEST BASH

Born and raised in Mexico, Glencoe’s Lilia Barba has been raising the bar on North Shore fun since 2021. A favorite of partygoers near and far, her woman-owned premium balloon and paper emporium has recently been renamed BASHY BASH. The bountiful Winnetka boutique is brimming with unique items created by female artisans and curated by Barba. From small helium bouquets to large-scale balloon installations for all your summer soirees, Bashy Bash is a must for all fabulous fêtes. For more information and a whole lot of fun, visit bashybash.com.

THE YEAR OF THE DRAGON

Spirited Brands’ SOKĒ is a new premium canned sake soda cocktail that offers a contemporary take on Japan’s legacy beverage. Crafted with premium Junmai sake, infused with carefully curated, all-natural fruit flavors and perfectly balanced bubbles, Sokē provides a refreshing experience that is low-calorie, low-alcohol, and perfectly portable. Authentically flavored, the sake sodas are not too sweet or too sour—just incredibly delicious. Flavors include white peach, lychee, cherry blossom, and yuzu ginger. Sulfate-free, GMO-free, vegan, and gluten-free, yet flavor-full these are the perfect little somethings for those craving new options in the ready-to-drink space. For more information, visit sokesoula.com.

SWEET

GOODIES HIGHLAND PARK has been a women-owned North Shore favorite since 1989. Co-owners Lisa Meitus, Robin Roth, and Carrie Goodman are celebrating 35 years of supplying sweet treats to Highland Park and its neighboring communities. Goodies offers customized candy creations ranging from gourmet gift baskets and party favors to delights for the hostess and candy by the pound. Sweeten your day with a visit to the North Shore’s favorite confectionary. Goodies is located at 652 Central Avenue in Highland Park. For more information, visit goodiesetc.com.

Lilia Barba owner of BASHY BASH. Photography by Katrina Wittkamp/ Styling by Theresa DeMaria/Hair & Makeup by Leanna Ernest

KISS YOUR RAZOR GOODBYE THIS SUMMER AND SAY HELLO TO PAINLESS LASER HAIR REMOVAL

At The Warner Institute, we redefine the journey to smooth, hairless skin by introducing painless laser hair removal. Our state-of-the-art laser technology combines effectiveness with comfort, allowing you to showcase hair-free confidence without the inconvenience of traditional hair removal methods. Say goodbye to the hassle of hair removal and hello to the luxurious sensation of effortlessly smooth skin.

Painless hair removal at The Warner Institute involves using advanced laser technology to safely and comfortably eliminate unwanted hair. Unlike traditional, uncomfortable, or painful methods, this innovative procedure utilizes state-of-the-art equipment, including the Motus AZ+ laser, which incorporates Moveo technology for a virtually pain-free experience. The treatment is effective for various skin types and precisely targets hair removal, offering a more comfortable alternative to traditional hair removal methods.

DR. JEREMY WARNER, MD FACS

EDITED BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

DESEDA “RAVINIA” SCARF shopdeseda.com INSULATED WINE COOLER BAG shop.ravinia.org WINE AND CHEESE BASKET shop.ravinia.org WINE APPETIZER WOODEN PLATE shop.ravinia.org

WAGON WITH

MULTI-STRIPE KNIT BLANKET shop.ravinia.org

shop.ravinia.org POP-UP LANTERN shop.ravinia.org

AND TOOL

PINOT GRIGIO MOSOLE flywines.club

PIANO CHEESE BOARD

SET

SHORE CITY

Born and raised in Toledo, Ohio, as a young girl CAT HARDY often visited her aunt in Chicago. While her mother drove along Sheridan Road, Hardy, nose pressed against the car window, dreamed of living in the picturesque towns passing by. Fast forward a few decades and here she is! Hardy and her husband moved to Winnetka 13 years ago when she was pregnant with their son; four years later, they welcomed their daughter. Hardy feels fortunate to have found such a wonderful town to call home and to have made such meaningful friendships. This grateful gal steps away from mom and friend duties, to share her shore and city favorites with Sheridan Road

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

What’s on the horizon? Celebrating our May birthdays and my husband’s 50th in August Mantra? The best is yet to come Best grooming tip? Dry shampoo before a workout Guilty pleasure? The Bachelor, Bachelorette, Bachelor in Paradise, and now The Golden Bachelor Favorite foods? A really good steak, French fries, and Dutch apple pie Music you love? Hip hop from the late ‘90s—brings me back to my days at Ohio University when I thought I could dance Best advice ever given to you? Don’t judge a book by its cover Best advice you’ve given? Try not to worry. Worrying doesn’t make anything better or easier Earliest memory? Having croup as a 2-year-old and being in a tented crib in the hospital When you wake up, you? Check my phone—I need to work on that habit Before bed,

you? Do Wordle, Connections, Spelling Bee, Mini Crossword, and Letter Boxed (all The New York Times games) with my son. Then endlessly scroll on Instagram What’s on your bookshelf? I typically read historical fiction about WWII. The Nightingale is a favorite You can’t live without? Curling iron and Mentos Wintergreen gum Love to escape to? The Amalfi Coast Advice you would give to your younger self? Don’t perm your bangs

ON THE SHORE IN THE CITY

Your style is? Casual, comfortable, and cute Can’t leave the house without? Putting on mascara Transportation? Bike or Volvo SUV Driving music? Lumineers Place to eat? We are staples at Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant … their margaritas have gotten me through motherhood Shop? BlackSheep in Glencoe and Valentina in Winnetka for gifts. For me, Nordstrom Rack is the mothership Best thing about the Shore? The people. I have made the most wonderful friends here Worst thing about the Shore? Kids not having enough free time to just be kids The perfect day is? Waking up for an early morning spin class at Studio SPIN followed by a walk with my family and dog, then a Gua Sha Facial at Sole + Luna, and a date night with my husband at Pomeroy, Mino’s, or Sophia Steak

Your style is? I try hard to be on-trend but often end up in an all-black ensemble Can’t leave the house without? My phone—my son likes to track me on Life360 Transportation? Metra or Uber Driving music? Jack Johnson, George Ezra Place to eat? Somerset in the Viceroy Chicago or if I want to relive my mid-twenties, Piece Brewery and Pizzeria in Bucktown Shop? All the great shops on Armitage Best thing about the City? The energy and the memories Worst thing about the City? The traffic The perfect day is? A bike ride on the lakefront first thing in the morning, brunch at The 3 Arts Club Café, shopping around Bucktown or Armitage, cocktails at the Violet Hour, dinner at Maple & Ash

Cat Hardy wearing white Balmain dress and felt fedora, Neiman Marcus Northbrook

Somerset, Viceroy Chicago

THE LIMITATIONS OF DIVORCE LAW

Strategic Divorce attorney Michone J. Riewer explains the realities of divorce law and the importance of client mindset.

WORDS BY MICHONE J. RIEWER PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

When most people enter a divorce attorney’s office, they experience a wide range of emotions. They may feel broken, violated, lied to, betrayed, abused, or mistreated. They may feel embarrassed that they were unable to make their marriage work. They may also feel completely numb to the process or might even feel relieved.

All of these feelings are valid and perfectly normal, but they can also be incredibly destructive. Hurt feelings often cloud judgment, leading to unrealistic goals for the divorce grounded, not in a desire to win, but to make sure their spouse loses. We often ask clients to consider what would have to occur so that when we meet in a year, they could be happy with the outcome and their situation. A large number of clients respond with, “I want my spouse to burn in hell.” That is not realistic. No attorney can achieve that goal.

Somebody may feel they are entitled to more than an even split. They may even be right. Unfortunately, the courts don’t recognize this desire. Courts aren’t interested in why you believe you deserve more assets or money. Courts don’t care how or why the marriage is ending, and it doesn’t matter to the legal system how hurt your feelings may be.

The judges care about one thing—upholding the law. Many people believe there is a great deal of wiggle room in the legal system or that hiring a more aggressive lawyer and fighting for years will result in a better outcome. This is usually not true. When it comes time for the judge to sign off on an agreement or rule after a trial, these decisions are typically determined by a formula. Child support is determined by a formula. Spousal support or maintenance is determined by a formula.

A good lawyer will help you understand your rights and represent your best interests so that you don’t make decisions that will negatively impact those formulas. But a good lawyer won’t promise you something that isn’t attainable or encourage you to fight your spouse to gain a split of assets that a judge would never agree to.

Contentious divorces happen when parties allow their hurt feelings or anger to get in the way of rational decision making. Some lawyers will take advantage of these destructive mindsets.

Acrimony is their business plan. When a client comes to them saying they want 70 percent of the marital assets, the attorney doesn’t explain why that is an unlikely outcome. Instead, the attorney encourages their client to fight for 75 percent. The attorney knows the law and knows no judge would award that division of assets. The attorney also knows that the longer the divorce drags on the more money that attorney will collect in legal fees. Encouraging acrimony has a clear benefit for the attorney and a clear drawback for the client.

Choosing the right attorney is very important. Having the right mindset going into a divorce is equally important. Spending thousands of dollars fighting over a piece of kitchen equipment does not result in a win for anyone but the divorce lawyer. At the beginning of the divorce, we provide each of our clients with the name of a therapist so that they have someone to help them with their mindset. Throughout the divorce, we provide solid counsel to our clients so that they have an opportunity to understand the likely outcome and then reach that outcome more quickly and with less acrimony. This approach provides our clients with more assets to divide in the long run and fewer legal bills.

Michone J. Riewer is an attorney with Strategic Divorce in Lake Bluff, 847-234-4445, strategicdivorce.com.

Michone J. Riewer

MENTAL HEALTH CARE

A CENTER FOR HEALING

How Brain Health Restoration is transforming mental health in the Midwest.

WORDS BY LEA GUCCIONE PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD

Mental health and brain health have never been more widely discussed, and for good reason. Experts agree that the brain holds the capacity to solve some of our most significant challenges—and the team at Brain Health Restoration (BHR), in Schaumburg, know this all too well. They are on a mission to fill an enormous gap in mental health and wellness treatments for anyone struggling with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), sleep disorders, autism, traumatic brain injuries (TBI)/concussions, as well as peak mental and athletic performance.

“At the heart of who we are and what we want this clinic to represent is a center for healing,” says co-founder Terry R. Yormark II. BHR is one of the only clinics in the Midwest offering a range of innovative treatments like TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation), PrTMS (Personalized Magnetic Stimulation), Clinical Psychiatry, Ketamine, Spravato, and Optimal Wellness all under one roof. Pairing Psychiatric Care with nuanced therapies like Ketamine is a rare offering but a vital part of BHR’s comprehensive approach.

“We’re rooted in Psychiatric and Wellness principles,” says co-founder Karen Todd, “which means that we are delivering these modalities with the help of other clinicians, psychologists, and psychiatrists, who are in the community and advise us in customizing the treatment plan for each client. We then match treatments to where the brain is experiencing deficiencies and monitor progress through a weekly EEG (electroencephalogram)/ EKG (electrocardiogram). Where other clinics are delivering treatment with a one-size-fits-all approach, we are following a more customized treatment protocol that we believe will become a gold standard in the industry.”

TMS and PrTMS are particularly notable offerings at the clinic. The non-invasive procedure uses magnetic fields to stimulate brain cells, creating new neuropathways in the brain that can dramatically improve symptoms of autism, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other disorders. These modalities can also be used to enhance peak performance for high power CEOs and athletes looking to take their game to the next level.

“I believe there is a big misunderstanding that these modali-

ties are only for people who are experiencing a decline in mental health,” says Todd. While treating disorders is fundamental to BHR’s mission, so is helping any patient find mental clarity and optimal performance. “I sought treatment after having symptoms related to menopause,” Todd shares. “As I experienced a very big gap in the market for non-pharmaceutical options for healing.”

A Psychiatric consultation is needed for all treatments, though patients without a psychiatrist or therapist can come to BHR to be paired with one and begin their path toward wellness.

Giving back to the community is paramount to this team, who believe that everyone should have access to these life-changing therapies. “We want to make a significant impact and help people who need our services and can’t afford them by offsetting costs, raising funds, and partnering with foundations to impact veterans with PTSD and people struggling with autism,” says Thomas Lavin IV, the third co-founder and partner to Yormark and Todd. “As we’re starting to expand that effort, we’re seeing how much need there is for these services in underserved communities.”

“Our intention when hiring was to find people who are heart-minded with our vision and who strive to make a difference,” says Lavin. “We share that passion and we’re so excited to make a difference in the community.”

Brain Health Restoration is located at 1111 N. Plaza Drive, Suite 101, in Schaumburg. For more information, visit bhrillinois.com or call 224-208-1247.

Co-founders Terry R. Yormark II, Karen Todd, and Thomas Lavin IV

Locally Owned & Operated Since 1973

“ I’m a long time North Shore Realtor and Cahill is the only company of its kind that I recommend. They are honest, friendly and knowledgeable. All my clients who have used them feel the same way. 5 Star service! ”

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FASHION & BEAUTY

MAMA MIA

FASHION GIFTS FOR MOM

EDITED BY ALLISON DUNCAN

4202 2024

100+ PERFORMANCES JUNE 7 - SEPTEMBER 15

CHICAGO SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA • MARIN ALSOP

THE RETURN OF THE FLOCK  • JAMES TAYLOR & HIS ALL‑STAR BAND  • ROBERT PLANT & ALISON KRAUSS • JD MCPHERSON  KRONOS QUARTET  • HAUSER  • MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD  • TREVOR HALL  • BOMBARGO  • KURT ELLING ORRIN EVANS & THE CAPTAIN BLACK BIG BAND  • ADONIS ROSE & THE NEW ORLEANS JAZZ ORCHESTRA • RUFUS REID TROMBONE SHORTY & ORLEANS AVENUE  • BIG BOI  • DANIELLE PONDER  • JONATHAN BISS  • VIOLENT FEMMES CHICAGO PHILHARMONIC  • LITTLE FEAT • LOS LOBOS • MICHAEL FEINSTEIN  • ANTONIO SÁNCHEZ:  BIRDMAN MICHAEL CLEVELAND & FLAMEKEEPER  • BEN PLATT • THE KNIGHTS • AARON DIEHL TRIO  • ROGER DALTREY  • KT TUNSTALL  CLINT BLACK • LYLE LOVETT AND HIS LARGE BAND • A FAR CRY • DINUK WIJERATNE  • KINAN AZMEH  • THE KING’S SINGERS ARRIVAL FROM SWEDEN • MIDORI  • MIHAELA MARTIN • KIM KASHKASHIAN  • FRANS HELMERSON  • CLIVE GREENSMITH MARC‑ANDRÉ HAMELIN • DARYL HALL • ELVIS COSTELLO & THE IMPOSTERS W/ CHARLIE SEXTON • THE BEACH BOYS W/ JOHN STAMOS NATIONAL ORCHESTRAL INSTITUTE • JESSICA ALTARRIBA  • THE RESET W/ DAVIN YOUNGS  • MASABANE CECILIA RANGWANASHA MICHELLE CANN  • ABEL SELAOCOE • NORAH JONES  • MAVIS STAPLES  • TAKÁCS QUARTET  • MILOŠ KARADAGLIĆ VIANO STRING QUARTET  • TED SPERLING • HAYATO SUMINO  • AUGSTIN HADELICH  • ALENA HRON  • APOLLO CHORUS OF CHICAGO KILLER QUEEN FT. PATRICK MYERS  • CAROLYN KUAN  • DESIRÉE RUHSTRAT • GIPSY KINGS FT. NICOLAS REYES CHOCO ORTA W/ CARIBE PROJECT • KAREN SLACK • KEVIN MILLER • VALENTINA PELEGGI • JORGE FEDERICO OSORIO • KEVIN STITES ROB LINDLEY  • JESSIE MUELLER  • NORM LEWIS  • KAREN MASON • NATIONAL CHILDREN’S SYMPHONY OF VENEZUELA

GUSTAVO DUDAMEL  • VICTOR WOOTEN & THE WOOTEN BROTHERS • ANGÉLIQUE KIDJO  • MESHELL NDEGEOCELLO

JAMES CONLON  • MATTHEW POLENZANI  • ANDREA CARROLL  • ALEXANDRIA SHINER • SAMANTHA HANKEY

JAMES EHNES  • INDIGO GIRLS  • MELISSA ETHERIDGE  • MATTHIAS GOERNE  • ANTON MEJIAS • ROBERT GLASPER J. IVY  • APOLLO’S FIRE  • JEANNETTE SORRELL  • DAVID NEWMAN  • THE PRINCESS BRIDE • ANTHONY PARNTHER  DISNEY & PIXAR’S  UP  • JONATHAN RUSH  • RACHEL BARTON PINE  • KEVIN MURPHY  • GAELIC STORM  • THE HIGH KINGS O.A.R.  • FITZ AND THE TANTRUMS • DJ LOGIC  • THE ROOTS  • DIGABLE PLANETS  • ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT  • SAMARA JOY THIRD COAST PERCUSSION  • SÉRGIO & CLARICE ASSAD  • ZZ TOP • LYNYRD SKYNYRD  • TLC  • SHAGGY  • JASON ISBELL AND THE 400 UNIT  • ALEJANDRO ESCOVEDO  • MUSIC OF THE BAROQUE  • DAME JANE GLOVER  • ANTHONY MCGILL CROWDED HOUSE • JOFFREY BALLET  • QUEEN! DJs FROM METRO AND SMARTBAR  • JULIETA VENEGAS  • LA SANTA CECILIA

EDITED BY ALLISON DUNCAN

RENEW YOURSELF

AT PRYORHEALTH, WE’RE MORE THAN JUST PLASTIC SURGERY. WE ARE A CENTER FOR AESTHETIC WELLNESS DEDICATED TO HELP EVERY PATIENT IMPROVE THEIR SELF-IMAGE. WHETHER YOU’RE LOOKING FOR A SUBTLE CHANGE OR A DRAMATIC TRANSFORMATION - OUR BOARD-CERTIFIED PLASTIC SURGEONS AND EXPERIENCED STAFF ARE WITH YOU EVERY STEP OF THE WAY. EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE WITH OUR INTEGRATED WORLD-CLASS SURGERY, MEDSPA, AND WELLNESS SERVICES AT PRYORHEALTH. VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO START YOUR JOURNEY TOWARDS BECOMING YOUR BEST SELF.

CULTURE & ARTS

THE NORTH SHORE’S MOST CREATIVE PURSUITS

APERTURE ON CHICAGO

Beauty Behind Bars by Dominica Fisher, whose dream-like photography is featured in Art & Artist

ART & ARTIST NOT SO STILL LIFE

Multimedia artist and photographer

Dominica Fisher explores the profound, yet often unexplained lightness of being.

WORDS BY SHERRY THOMAS PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

Time travelers don’t need maps. Intuition inevitably leads them through the portal, in and around those flashes of existing—of lives past, present, and contemporaneous. They intrepidly traverse the zigzagged line between perceived reality and dreams, peeling open parallel dimensions we don’t often see, revealing the multitudes contained both within the universe and themselves. Multimedia artist Dominica Fisher, who describes herself as a creative explorer of “science fiction, magic, and all things not of this world,” has been contemplating the supernatural and unexplained wonders of life since she was a child. Through meditation, creative writing, and her art, she finds ways to make sense of the nonsensical—unlocking a door to personal discovery.

“Time is so weird. It’s not linear,” says Fisher, who lives in Lincoln Park with her husband, Joe, and their children, 14-yearold Joe and 11-year-old Nevada. “We are jumping through every single moment with a preconceived perception and your past experiences shape that reality.”

Those who have been lucky enough to see Fisher’s photographs and multimedia creations on exhibit at BIÂN in Chicago’s River North neighborhood understand the subtle and otherworldly nuances of her work.

We Are All Ghosts, 2019. Archival Pigment Print. Edition of 5, 54 x 78 inches. Edition of 5, 32 x 48 inches. Edition of 10, 16 x 24 inches

Dominica Fisher

ART & ARTIST

One of those pieces, Mak(H)er, is the result of a downtown photo shoot for a client that inspired a series of wildly different images—each representing some aspect of this person’s self-perceived identity.

Fisher says the structure of modern reality is so rigid that it demands everyone to continually “be” one thing, a nearly impossible request. From this one shoot came a series of photographic works in hazy hues of pale pink, some more in focus than others, that represent a life that is anything but still.

“We got these images of her on her rooftop and then we went inside and I put up a backdrop. The difference between what we ended up shooting inside is dramatic. There is a range of a human being that is immense, and even though we grow up, our want to be all of the things doesn’t go away,” she explains. “To the outside world, I’m an artist, a meditation teacher, and a mom, in my mind ... I’m a freaking scientist, an engineer, a rockstar, and 1,000 other things.”

Her Street Painting collection is a similar mix of what might appear to be traditional black-and-white photography of an

urban scene, but Fisher literally flipped the camera lens for a fresh perspective. Using an inverted lens, Fisher shot the images as she walked south down Michigan Avenue.

“If you think about your eye, it’s convex. When light comes in you see a sharp image because your eye is rounded, and the light is bent into sharp focus behind it. Light is data, so when you flip the lens to concave, the data spreads and you see the moment before consolidation.”

Some of the shots in the Street Painting series capture that moment “right before perfection” where all the elements are sharper. “Because I’ve spread data out, you can see that moment in the in-between space,” Fisher observes.

Another one of her favorite recent projects, also on display at BIÂN, is a series of photographs titled Simply.

“I made these photographs by slowing the shutter speed,” she explains. “I allowed a lot of time to lapse and, that’s the play of light and being. You get to be 1,000 different little slivers of time at once.”

TOP LEFT: Enough, 2019. Archival Pigment Print. Edition of 3, 60 x 45 inches. Edition of 5, 40 x 30 inches. Edition of 10, 24 x 18 inches. ABOVE: Coats of Yellow and Green, 2023. Archival Pigment Print. Edition of 3, 70 x 60 inches. Edition of 5, 56 x 48 inches. Edition of 10, 25 x 21 inches. LEFT: Mak(H)er, 2022. Archival Pigment Print. Edition of 3, 48 x 72 inches. Edition of 5, 36 x 54 inches. Edition of 10, 24 x 36 inches

ART & ARTIST

While Fisher boldly embraces her continuous investigation of multidimensional realms through her creative pursuits, she admits that being ultra-perceptive and keenly aware of life’s layers was harder to contemplate when she was younger.

“I always pause before I say this but, I’ve always had visions ... always had these connections. As a child, I assumed that was a natural occurrence until I realized that it wasn’t ... that’s when you get a reaction of ‘this little girl is crazy,’” she adds. “I tried very hard to shut it down because we have been taught, especially in this Western society, to shut these abilities down.”

Then, in her 20s, Fisher became an actress—finding an outlet for her creativity in Chicago theater. She studied acting at Steppenwolf Theatre Company and even founded her own small, black box theater company called the Sinnerman Ensemble. But ultimately, it was meditation and slowing down that allowed her to truly understand the otherwise unexplainable.

“With meditation, I saw myself jumping into a portal that looked like a puddle beside me,” she says. “I had a backpack on that encased all the information I needed to understand the moment I was jumping into. This is the sliver of time I capture, the jump through the portal.”

In the end, it’s been a gift, one that allows her to create art that invites curiosity and exploration.

“I don’t have a guide who I talk to. It’s just deep knowing, and the conversation is within such an old part of myself ... for all of us, it’s within that part of ourselves who may have lived all of the lifetimes and who has no judgment on any of those lifetimes,” Fisher explains. “And because of that one realization, I started to play with the idea of the photograph.”

The camera, in her hands, functions as a time machine—catching that one moment right before it all coalesces into time, energy, space, and matter.

“It’s a great way for me to understand what’s happening,” she says. “These images are a way for me to dive in and be the explorer instead of being the witness.”

For more information, visit dominicafisher.com. You can also purchase pieces from her exhibit at BIÂN, a private social and wellness club at 600 West Chicago Avenue, Suite 001, in Chicago.

LEFT: Lacey, 2022. Archival Pigment Print. Edition of 3, 63” x 42” inches. Edition of 5, 42” x 28”. Edition of 10, 24” x 16”. ABOVE: Nike, 2021. Archival Pigment Print. Edition of 3, 60 x 120 inches. Edition of 5, 36 x 72 inches. Edition of 10, 21 x 42 inches

AT AUCTION

April Matteini, Vice President, Associate Director, Jewelry and Watches of Freeman’s | Hindman previews the exciting jewelry offered at auction this month.

PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF FREEMAN’S | HINDMAN

Bulgari, Sapphire, and Diamond ‘Trombino’ Ring

The Trombino Ring by Bulgari is one of the brand’s most iconic and longest lasting designs, dating back to the early 1930s. While the ring is sold with various stones in the center, it always features the pave set diamond sides and tapering baguette shoulders. The one on offer features a beautiful, unheated oval sapphire, weighing in at 5.04 carats.

David Webb, Carved Rock Crystal and Diamond Cuff Bracelet

This wonderful cuff bracelet by David Webb consists of an oversized rock crystal disc with a cross hatch design, secured by pave diamond prongs. It has all of the play of light that rock crystal is known for and the design makes it more durable and easier to wear than other designs.

Van Cleef & Arpels, Ruby and Diamond ‘Mystery Set’ Flower Earrings

The Van Cleef & Arpels mystery set flower earrings are a spectacular feat of craftsmanship, from one of the most storied French jewelry houses. The secret is the gold rails that each gemstone is carved to be inserted on, leaving no metal visible in the finished ruby petal of these extraordinary earrings.

Van Cleef & Arpels, Yellow Gold, Diamond, and Coral Inlay

Cuff Bracelet

Fun, colorful, and perfect for spring and summer. The diamonds placed in the flower create a wonderful sparkling effect in the sun that makes this the perfect statement piece for a garden party or just to wear on a warm summer day.

The Important Jewelry auction will be held live and online on May 14 with bidding beginning at 10 a.m. Bidding is available via Hindman’s Digital Bid Room, bid.hindmanauctions.com or the Hindman app. For more information, contact April Matteini at 312-280-1212 or aprilmatteini@hindmanauctions.com.

ON HER NIGHTSTAND

“I pore over design books in my downtime, and I can’t get enough of Mario Buatta: Anatomy of a Decorator by Emily Evans Eerdmans. You can never stop learning and who better to learn from than the Prince of Chintz! Gil Schafer’s new book Home at Last is a love letter to the important role ‘home’ plays in the story of our lives.”

TRENDING

ANCHORS AWEIGH

Winnetka-based interior designer EMILY STURGESS made her Lake Forest Showhouse debut last summer and keeps busy with design projects in Illinois, California, and Florida. Layering vintage and antique pieces with richly patterned textiles are hallmarks of her spirited style. In addition to curating client designs, Sturgess is co-chair of Summer Soiree, the new fundraising event for The Woman’s Board of Northwestern Memorial Hospital. Embracing the classic nautical “Anchors Aweigh” theme, she is enlisting the help of creative talents including the luxury floral designer Elizabeth Meador Flowers, artist Paige Spearin, and the acclaimed yacht rock band Anchors Away. The elegant evening will take place on June 7 at Chicago’s Saddle & Cycle Club and supports The Woman’s Board’s newest pledge of $4.6 million to fund comprehensive reproductive care for women. Sturgess takes a break from design and co-chair meetings to share how she stays current.

EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRITT JENSEN

ON HER MOBILE

“The 1stDibs app can be a dark but beautiful hole. Shopping for antiques is the ultimate treasure hunt, and I believe every space needs a piece with history to ground it. On Instagram, I am constantly inspired by the work of fellow creatives. My design heroes of today include @markdsikes, @milesredd, @bunnys_eye, and so many others. When I need to know what wonderful things are going on around the North Shore, I head to my dear friend @katiecassman_ for the best insight.”

IN HER EARBUDS

“The Business of Home podcast is one I never miss. Host Dennis Scully is a gem in our industry! Raising Good Humans podcast by Dr. Aliza Pressman gives me all the pointers I need to be the best mom I can be without judgment. I’m also currently hooked on Yacht Rock radio as my co-chairs and I plan this June’s Summer Soiree. It’s an instant mood boost!”

For more information and tickets, visit wbnorthwestern.org.

TRAVEL & CUISINE

FIRST CLASS TRAVEL EXPERIENCES AND DINING

SERENE LUXURY IN A ZEN DESERT

Amangiri pool in Canyon Point, Utah

A DIAMOND IN THE DESERT

The luxurious Amangiri resort offers glorious accommodations and the perfect location to explore Utah’s breathtaking landscape.

WORDS BY DUSTIN O’REGAN

Ioften share tales of faraway destinations, but I recently discovered the most spectacular gem just a short flight from Chicago. Utah luxury resort Amangiri is one of the world’s most renowned retreats and has been showered with well-deserved accolades including Robb Report’s recent declaration that Amangiri is one of “The 50 Greatest Luxury Hotels on Earth.”

Set in a vast desert landscape, Amangiri (meaning

“peaceful mountain” in Sanskrit) is a contemporary masterpiece in the heart of the greatest concentration of national parks in North America. Surrounded by dramatic ancient rock formations and marbled canyons on the majestic Colorado Plateau, Amangiri provides front-row access to more than 900 acres of untouched wilderness enabling a world of adventure and exploration.

We flew into Page, Arizona—a tiny airport peppered with private planes—where we were welcomed by an Amangiri rep-

Amangiri, Desert View of Suite Exteriors

FIRST CLASS

resentative who drove us the short 20-minute jaunt to the resort in Canyon Point, Utah. Driving through Page, we admired the striking red and orange sandstone rising against a clear blue sky in forms ranging from slender columns of rock called hoodoos to flat-topped buttes and sheer-faced cliffs. As we crossed the Utah border and approached Amangiri, the topography altered from red sandstone to white limestone with towering white cliffs hugging the road as we drove deep into the canyon. During childhood road trips to visit family in Iowa, I loved to find “faces” in the stone bluffs flanking the Mississippi River. On this journey with childlike excitement, I discovered a “monkey” and a “lion” peering out of the rock, both welcoming us to a great adventure.

At the end of a tree-lined drive and perched on the canyon floor, Amangiri’s main building and 34 modernist suites welcome guests to one of the world’s most dramatic natural settings. Created more than 100 million years ago when the oceans rose and petrified what was once the world’s largest desert, the landscape resembles huge sand dunes frozen in place.

The resort’s angular, minimalist architecture honors and respects the magic and mystery of this remarkable terrain by seamlessly blending into its surroundings. Our Desert Wing suite, for example, was accessed via a narrow-walled lane designed as a tribute to the area’s famed slot canyons. The suite’s view stole our breath—the entire end of the room bore floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the rolling mesa and our desert lounge with a builtin firepit. Even the bathroom’s shower/bathing area boasted an incredible desert view while a sliding barn door provided privacy for the green-tiled lavatory. The room’s neutral palette, heavy on white, allowed the terrain’s ever-changing colors to be the real focus. As the day’s light waxed and waned, the limestone’s hues

shifted from a delicate cream to a deep orange.

If glamping is more your preference, Amangiri offers tented pavilions nestled into the cliff’s base a short 5-minute drive from the resort. Each of Camp Sarika’s 10 pavilions provides the utmost luxury including a firepit and private plunge pool.

The main Pavilion, the heart of the property, contains the living room, dining room, gallery, and boutique. One of our favorite Amangiri locations was the stunning pool situated just outside the Pavilion. We spent hours on the poolside day beds mesmerized as the sun’s reflection on the water created a light show that danced across the 160-million-year-old rock formation at the pool’s edge. While the temptation to remain poolside was strong, a myriad of activities encouraged us to explore our surroundings.

ADVENTURES

Located on the Navajo reservation, the Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park remains undeveloped seeming much the same as it was a millennium ago. The park is home to several slot canyons—

Amangiri Excursions through the Iconic Slot Canyons

Amangiri Suite’s Desert Lounge with Fire Pit

Amangiri Entrance Lounge

FIRST CLASS

extremely narrow canyons that can measure as narrow as 3 feet in width and be as deep as 300 feet. Created by rain erosion over millions of years, the walls of these rare sandstone formations resemble billowing capes and contain a kaleidoscope of colors that shift with the golden light. Social media images of these slot canyons have captivated viewers from all over the world and have increased tourism dramatically. Fortunately, a peaceful “in the middle of nowhere” feeling still prevails.

Our Amangiri Navajo guide, Ammon, took us to three slot canyons—Upper Antelope Canyon (a site made famous by Insta-

grammers and an Apple wallpaper option), the curvy Rattle Snake Canyon, and Owl Canyon—named for its great horned inhabitants. After awe-inspiring hours, we left the slot canyons to hike another geological marvel—Horseshoe Bend. The rocky canyon descends 1,000 feet to the Colorado River, giving us a renewed appreciation for nature’s artistry.

Hiking was a favorite activity on the Amangiri grounds. The resort offers complimentary daily hikes that give guests individualized introductions to the ecology, geology, and human history of the area. I highly recommend the West Coyote Trail, with its lacey purple lichen and pops of scrub oak, and the Broken Arrow Cave Trail, which ends in a cavern used by the land’s indigenous people for more than 8,000 years.

The resort also offers rock-climbing experiences for every adventurer—some catering to the curious novice while others exist for the most daring of enthusiasts. Our decision to try via ferrata rock climbing put us in the latter camp. A via ferrata (Italian for “iron way”) is a climbing route on a steep, exposed mountain that uses metal rails, ladders, or rungs that climbers clip into on their ascent. Our day began when we were picked up for our destination—a giant hoodoo. After our skilled guide walked us through the initial training course, it was off to “clip, clip, climb, (don’t look down), clip, clip, climb.” The first leg was a vertical ascent on metal rungs affixed to the face of the rock. Other ascents included lad-

A bridge crossing on the via ferrata adventure

Amangiri Desert View from Suite

FIRST CLASS

ders while some sported bridges. The first bridge was an 18-inchwide suspension bridge spanning a 600-foot-deep gorge. The second bridge was much skinnier (a 6-inch bridge) and I tripped but the safety cables prevented my untimely demise. Once we reached the summit, we were rewarded by the stunning panoramic views. After a little exploration, rehydration, and a few photos, it was time to descend; a bit of a nail-biter as it wasn’t always easy to see where your foot was landing. Despite my initial hesitation and some harrowing moments, I was so proud to complete the route— creating a lifelong memory of a magnificent adventure alongside my daughter.

In addition to hiking and climbing, Amangiri offers activities ranging from hot air balloon rides and horseback riding with Amangiri’s wranglers to cultural encounters immersing guests in the Native American culture. The resort’s location gives guests access to an array of natural attractions from national parks (Grand Canyon and Bryce Canyon are just two) to the gloriousness of Lake Powell (the second largest man-made lake). We could have been entertained for weeks.

SPA

After a thrilling day outside, be sure to visit the Aman Spa for a little tender loving care. As I sat by the fireplace and sipped warm pear ginger tea while the sounds of a Navajo flute floated through the air and water elements echoed in the distance, I thought I had never been so relaxed before a treatment. I highly recommend the spa’s signature Utah Salt & Clay Wrap, a delightful way to experience two key components of the 45th state.

CUISINE

The main restaurant’s view pays tribute to the resort’s extraordinary setting while the menu pays tribute to Native American cuisine. Sage (the savory smell is noticeable throughout the property) is a flavorful element of many dishes. My favorite meal was enjoyed fireside as the sun sank behind the mesa and started with a carrot, sage, and ginger soup followed by a miso salmon with truffle potatoes and cauliflower in a fig glaze. The grand finale was a grenache in a hazelnut crust.

Amangiri, through architecture, adventure, and cuisine, offers a chic antidote to the pressures of our bustling, industrial, and ever-changing world. This earthly paradise, a haven for billionaires and celebrities, provides its guests with tranquility wrapped in luxury. Book now—beauty, peace, astonishment, and the via ferrata await.

For more information, visit aman.com.

Amangiri Spa Step Pool at Dusk

Amangiri Pavilion and Swimming Pool at Dusk

CLASSIC BLANCMANGE WITH RASPBERRY SAUCE

WORDS, FOOD STYLING, AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

Do you recall the comedy sketch from Monty Python’s Flying Circus where giant tennis-playing blancmange puddings swallowed opponents at Wimbledon? That zany episode not only made me a Python fan but also stirred my culinary curiosity—just what was a blancmange? A bit of research yielded this definition: blancmange is simply a white pudding made from freshly pressed almond milk. A blancmange recipe is first found in an early 13th-century Danish cookbook, but it is believed to have spread across Europe through Arab trade routes. Originally a savory dish, by the 17th century it moved squarely into the dessert category with sugar, gelatin, and sometimes cream in the mix.

To emulate the elegant loveliness of the blancmange, I turned to the first American edition of Larousse Gastronomique, Prosper Montagné’s encyclopedia of French cookery. There I found famed 19th-century chef Antonin Carême’s recipe, slightly adapted here to allow the use of a food processor, almond extract, and, notably, gelatin powder—a modern-day substitute for the isinglass or fish bladder gelatin that was used in Carême’s time.

You can make this classic blancmange with cream or omit the cream for a dairy-free version. Both are very good.

Because red berries go well with blancmange, I’ve included a red raspberry sauce. Spoon it over the puddings or serve it alongside, with extra fresh berries sprinkled on top.

RECIPE

Servings: Cream version makes 6 cups; Dairy-free version makes 3 cups.

INGREDIENTS

For the blancmange

• 1 pound (3 cups) raw almonds, skins on

• 3 cups whipping cream (OR for dairy-free version, omit cream)

• 3/4 cup sugar (or 2/3 cup for dair y-free version)

• 2, 2 1/2 teaspoon envelopes Knox unflavored gelatin (OR for dairy-free version, use only 1 envelope)

• 1 teaspoon vanilla paste

• 1 teaspoon almond extract (OR 1/2 teaspoon if making dairyfree version)

• Vegetable oil to lightly coat pudding molds

For the raspberry sauce

• 3 tablespoons sugar

• 1/3 cup water

• 2 pints fresh raspberries (remove 1/2 cup of them to use for garnish)

• 3 tablespoons raspberry liqueur

METHOD

Prepare almonds

In a medium pot over medium-high heat, cover almonds with 5 cups water. Heat to boiling and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat. Pour almonds into colander placed in sink to drain. Fill a bowl with cool water and soak boiled almonds for 5 minutes. Rub almonds together or pinch each almond to slip skin off. Discard skins. Strain water off blanched (now skinless) almonds. Place blanched almonds in a food processor and pulse to chop. Add 1 cup of water and pulse again. Add second cup of water and pulse again until water and almonds are finely ground into a slurry. Place a finely woven clean cloth over a bowl; pour almond slurry into the cloth. Gather the ends of the cloth up to make a bundle. Twist tightly and squeeze the bundle to extract all of the milk. Open the

cloth and place the ground almonds back in the bowl of the food processor. Add 1 cup of water and pulse. Repeat the extraction once again. You will now have 3 cups of fresh almond milk.

Make blancmange

For the version including the cream: Soften two packets of gelatin in 2 tablespoons of warm water. Pour almond milk into a pot set over medium heat. Add sugar, softened gelatin, and cream. Stir until mixture boils. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. Stir in vanilla paste and almond extract. You will have about 6 cups of liquid pudding. OR If making dairy-free version: Soften 1 packet of gelatin in 1 tablespoon warm water. Pour almond milk into a pot set over medium heat and add sugar and softened gelatin. Stir until boiling. Remove from heat and once room temperature, stir in vanilla paste and almond extract. You will have about 3 cups of liquid pudding.

Pour into cups or molds

Using your finger, lightly grease the insides of your choice of small molds or serving cups and/or decorative molds. Pour liquid into each. Refrigerate until set. (I let them chill overnight.)

Make raspberry sauce

In a small pot over medium heat, make a simple syrup by whisking sugar with 1/3 cup water. Heat to boiling, whisking until sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and cool. Puree syrup with raspberries and liqueur. Pour puree through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing with the back of a spoon. Discard raspberry seeds.

Assemble dessert

If serving blancmange puddings in cups, pour a little raspberry sauce into each cup and top with fresh raspberry. If unmolding from forms, dip each form into hot water for a few scant seconds. Then, invert each over serving plate to release pudding. If a pudding needs a little encouragement to release, use your plastic-gloved fingers to gently coax it away from the inside edge of the mold as you invert it. Add a few fresh raspberries and pool a little sauce on each plate or serve sauce at table.

HOUSE & HOME

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

TEA TIME with MUM

Home Tour features this Northfield house designed by Lee Thinnes, owner and principal designer of Lee’s Antiques & Interiors LLC. Photography by Ryan McDonald/Styling by Britt Sartin

HOME TOUR

EVERYTHING OLD IS NEW AGAIN

Designer Lee Thinnes offers a fresh take on art and antiques for a mother and daughter merging two households in a Northfield home.

WORDS BY THOMAS CONNORS / PHOTOGRAPHY BY RYAN MCDONALD / STYLING BY BRITT SARTIN

HOME TOUR

“It was a match made in heaven,” says Lee Thinnes, owner and principal designer of Lee’s Antiques & Interiors LLC. “My client had purchased a very large home, because her mother was moving in, along with her extensive collection of art and antiques. I’ve been an antique dealer for 18 years, specializing in late 19th through mid-20th-century European and American furniture, fine art, and lighting. So, I was able to use that knowledge to incorporate all these pieces into the home in a really soulful way,” explains Thinnes.

Her client’s home is a large, 1990s property executed in a French Country style. Working with architect Jeff Heaney and Callahan & Peters Inc.’s owner Dave Peters, the homeowner took the house down to the studs to create a cleaner, more contemporary envelope. Thinnes worked with Michelle Chircop, a Designer/Project Coordinator at Callahan & Peters, to finetune the interior architecture, then set about fashioning spaces in which the client’s furnishings would really shine. “We designed the home as a backdrop to highlight these pieces so they would appear more modern,” says Thinnes, who got an early grounding in architecture and design while working summers for her mother who managed an architectural firm. “We opened up headers in doorways to make rooms feel more spacious. We used white walls everywhere and a raised paneling in a square motif in the foyer and billiard room that feels more today.”

Aside from a few sconces, everything in the house came from the client’s existing inventory. “There were pieces some people would have let go,” admits Thinnes, “but we used every piece that she and her mother owned, merging two entire households into one home.” The billiard room sports a vibrant green Chesterfield that once sat in the mother’s family room. “The sconces in that room,” notes Thinnes, “are repurposed pendants that hung in a

OPPOSITE PAGE: A classic, crisp, black and white checkerboard pattern marble floor sets the entry stage. White walls in Benjamin Moore’s White Dove with meticulously placed square moldings in Benjamin Moore’s Chantilly Lace set the tone for the owner’s vast antique and fine art collection. The room boasts Visual Comfort wall sconces, a Ligne Roset marble table, a pair of 1970s vintage stools updated with cream wool bouclé, a 1920s French commode, and a vintage Venetian mirror with vintage marble bust. An antique oil painting anchored by a pair of antique French Louis XVl cane chairs emphasizes the second-floor gallery. LEFT: Kitchen and breezeway boast walnut-stained chevron shape oak floors and matching beams. A 13-foot walnut island holds a custom-lighted Cristallo Quartzite countertop. The BlueStar range and stove hood have custom copper finishes. The Galley 5S Workstation sink anchors the large island. Bespoke lighted cabinet in stainless steel, chrome, and wood displays family heirloom copper pots and pans. Antiqued mirror backsplash and a brass, copper, stainless steel mesh covers the painted cabinets, refrigerator, and freezer. BELOW: Custom millwork molding in Benjamin Moore Chantilly Lace surrounds the chic game room. Family heirlooms fill the space. Antique iron and colored glass sconces were once pendants hanging in the owner’s grandfather’s Chicago restaurant. Vintage furnishings include the green leather Chesterfield sofa, faux yellow and green leather bamboo barstools, pool table, and Asian-inspired painted commode.

restaurant my client’s grandfather had in the city.”

Embracing family and heritage were key to Thinnes’ approach. So too was creating a conversation between old and new. In the double-height foyer, Thinnes paired 1970s stools updated in cream wool bouclé with a 1920s French commode and a vintage Venetian mirror. The living room is set with Louis XV armchairs upholstered in yellow silk, a sapphire blue Ligne Roset sofa, and a vintage glass coffee table. The wallpaper—an overscale rendering of almond blossoms by Vincent Van Gogh—is a bold but sympathetic gesture in this eclectically outfitted room.

“Because the family loves to entertain and the client’s mother had an extensive Queen Anne dining set, we made the existing living room into a dining room that seats 20,” shares Thinnes. In the kitchen—executed with an assist from Starved Rock Wood Products of Glenview—she created a contemporary space that tips a toque to French Country. Anchored by a 13-foot walnut island capped with rust-veined Cristallo Quartzite, it generates a special warmth thanks to handsome ceiling beams, walnut-stained oak floors in a chevron pattern, and a BlueStar range and stove hood in a custom copper finish.

HOME TOUR

ABOVE: Vincent Van Gogh’s Almond Blossom wallpaper provides the perfect complement to the antique French Louis XV armchairs upholstered in yellow silk. A 1920s antique French sideboard holds an heirloom antique clock and crystal vase. A blue Ligne Roset sofa anchors the wall. Vintage glass coffee table holds family heirloom antique vase, ink bottles, and silver plate tray. TOP RIGHT: Primary bedroom. Benjamin Moore’s soothing Silver Mist covers the walls, custom molding, and ceiling. Vintage Karl Springer nightstands flank the bed. An antique French brass and crystal chandelier dangles over the vintage iron four-poster bed. The vintage French Louis XV style bench is covered in mohair and the mid-century modern armchair holds a custom mohair throw pillow. Wall sconces by Visual Comfort. BOTTOM RIGHT: Warm walnut-stained oak floors surround the gracious second-floor landing. A 1970s ebonized Asian-inspired console table with complementary Asian stools hug the wall. Wall sconces by Visual Comfort.

Art graces almost every room. A Renoir-like Edna Hibel lithograph hangs in one bathroom, a Roy Lichtenstein print in another. Chandeliers sparkle throughout. An antique French brass and crystal piece is suspended over a four-poster bed in the primary bedroom. An early 20th-century fixture illuminates a primary bathroom. Stylish finishes and fabrics, such as Calacatta Gold and Borghini marble flooring and the silvery mohair on a Louis XV bench, play a critical role in supporting the pervasive sophistication. An embarrassment of riches, the home—thanks to Thinnes’ eye for scale and proportion, color and material, and her intimate knowledge of art and antiques—is stunning, but not overwhelming. And most importantly, keenly expressive of the lives lived here.

For more information, visit leesantiques.net.

HOME STYLE

PATIO PICKS

HOME DESIGN

DISCOVER TIMELESS ELEGANCE: 35 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE IN FABRIC, REUPHOLSTERY, AND CUSTOM WINDOW TREATMENTS

PHOTOGRAPHY BY VLAJS

For more than three decades, Loomcraft Fabric

Outlet’s family-owned store nestled in the heart of the North Shore has been a beacon of exquisite craftsmanship and unparalleled service. As they celebrate their 35th anniversary, the retailer’s expert team invites you to experience the magic of timeless elegance at their fabric, reupholstery, and custom window treatment store.

What sets them apart? It’s not just their rich history or prime location; it’s the unwavering commitment to quality that defines every aspect of their business. Loomcraft’s loyal customers have come to rely on them for high-performance fabrics that stand the test of time, meticulous reupholstery services that breathe new life into cherished pieces, and custom window treatments that elevate any space.

When you step into their store, and you’re greeted by a team of passionate experts dedicated to turning your design dreams into reality. Their professional design staff combines decades of experience with a keen eye for detail, ensuring that every project is executed to perfection. Whether you’re revamping a single chair or redesigning an entire room, their team is here to make it an effortless and enjoyable process.

One of the hallmarks of Loomcraft’s store is their extensive selection of fabrics sourced from the finest mills around the world. From luxurious performance velvets to durable performance chenilles, the retailer offers a range that caters to every style and need. Whether you’re aiming for a classic aesthetic or a modern flair, their curated collection has something for everyone.

Loomcraft’s reupholstery services are second to none, breathing new life into beloved furniture pieces. Whether it’s an antique

heirloom or a contemporary sofa, their skilled craftsmen meticulously restore each piece, ensuring both beauty and functionality for years to come. Say goodbye to worn-out upholstery and hello to a fresh, rejuvenated look.

When it comes to custom window treatments, these experts believe that every window deserves a touch of elegance. Loomcraft’s design team will work closely with you to understand your vision and create bespoke treatments that enhance your space’s beauty and functionality. From draperies to blinds to shades, they offer a range of options to suit your style and practical needs.

But their Vernon Hills-based store is more than just a destination for exceptional products and services; it’s a community hub where creativity thrives and relationships flourish. They cherish the trust their customers place in them and are committed to exceeding client expectations every step of the way.

Visit Loomcraft today and discover why generations of customers have made them their go-to destination for fabric, reupholstery, and custom window treatments. Experience the perfect blend of high-performance quality, welcoming ambiance, and professional expertise that defines their store. Here’s to 35 years of timeless elegance, and many more to come!

Loomcraft Fabric Outlet is located at 645 Lakeview Parkway in Vernon Hills, right near the Vernon Hills Police Department and Portillo’s. For more information, call 846-680-1119, email vhstore@loomcraft.com, or visit thefabricoutlet.com.

Loomcraft’s vast selection of fabrics

WHY WORK WITH TED

“Ted Pickus was recommended to us by an acquaintance from the area. We could not have been more pleased with Ted as our REALTOR®. He knows the business well and was invaluable to us. He is a “glass half full” person whose optimism, support and easy rapport were evident from the moment we met him. Ted’s suggestions and answers to our many questions were greatly appreciated and very much on target. He was quick to respond to our calls and dealt with anything that came up with speed and professionalism. We highly recommend Ted Pickus if and when you are in need of a REALTOR®.”

PROVEN SUCCESS

*Source MRED Career Sales 2006-3/31/2024 *Source Broker Metrics 4/5/2023-4/5/2024

LAKESIDE DESIGN

GENEVA LAKE GEMS

High-quality, turnkey homes and commercial spaces feature unmatched aesthetic and functionality on Fontana Boulevard.

WORDS BY MARIA MALIN

A short, easy drive. A long, deep breath. A graceful turn onto Highway 67 that beckons you to the beauty and ease that awaits—breathtaking vistas of Geneva Lake, the iconic Abbey Resort, a glistening harbor, the hush of the winding shore path—coveted, relaxed lake living that welcomes you back each time with open arms. For the first time, both permanent and seasonal residents who love Lake Geneva and the idyllic downtown Fontana will have a “new home to call home.”

—The Residences of Geneva Lake

Irecently sat down with key members of The Residences of Geneva Lake (RGL) development team to capture the essence of this highly unique residential project, and what it took to imagine and design 17 beautifully appointed, fully upgraded three- and four-bedroom townhomes, with two additional commercial/residential mixed-use spaces, all finding their ideal “home” on this prime stretch of Fontana Boulevard.

For years, Cary Kerger, managing owner of the Abbey Resort, had felt there was an opportunity to re-develop an under-utilized asphalt parking lot directly across from the Abbey Resort into a landmark luxury project. “I knew the perfect person to partner with and deliver on this vision was my longtime friend and colleague, Scott Lowell,” says Kerger. Lowell is a 40-year principal of one of the Midwest’s most respected, award-winning home builders, Lowell Custom Homes.

“Along with our parent company, CCI, we’ve been able to bring to life a blend of passion and talents for this extremely special parcel of land in downtown Fontana,” Lowell agrees. “In years to come, RGL will not be defined by what we’ll produce in high-quality, turnkey homes. RGL will be defined by the legacy we leave this endearing lakefront community, for those who have loved Fontana and will continue to love it for generations to come.”

Bringing in other key experts in designing the exteriors and interiors of the three RGL layouts, the A, B and C units, as well as the commercial spaces, were integral to providing lifestyle needs that matched aesthetic and functionality. With the talent and hands-on design assistance provided by local interior designer, Cindy Wilson of CB Wilson Interior Design, that goal quickly became reality. “Being part of The Residences of Geneva Lake team is truly a highlight of my career, one which embraces my love for the Fontana community as well as my firsthand knowledge and trust that any home built by Scott Lowell is very, very well built,” Wilson says.

RGL homes range in size from 2,121 to 2,900 square feet plus generous two-car garages, and come extensively upgraded, with coveted amenities such as heated flooring, Wolf and Sub-Zero stainless appliances, and luxury trim and millwork, all standard. Optional elevators bring homeowners to their own top floor views with ease, while longtime favorite restaurants, bars, parks, recreation and, of course, the lakefront, are mere steps away.

Grand Opening festivities continue through spring 2024, and homes starting at $1,379,000 will be ready for delivery in early 2025.

The Residences of Geneva Lake is listed by Tricia Forbeck of Compass. For general information, please contact Yvette Howard at 262-7292801, or howard@RGLfontana.com. For more information, visit lowellcustomhomes.com/the-residences-of-geneva-lake.

Scott Lowell, principal of Lowell Custom Homes

Rendering of The Residences of Geneva Lake community

HEATING & COOLING

STAY COOL

The experts at Cahill Heating and Cooling in Lake Bluff provide some sound advice about how to keep your home cool this summer.

WORDS BY MITCH HURST PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

Alot of us know the feeling. When the air conditioner kicks on during that first warm spell of summer and either no air blows through the vents in the house or the air that does blow through isn’t cool. Our shoulders droop and we dread the phone call we have to make that’s surely going to add to our annual household expense.

What we really want to know is that if we’re spending our hard-earned dollars on repairing our air-conditioning unit or, worst-case scenario, having to replace it, we’ll be in the hands of trustworthy professionals.

Like a lot of other industries, the heating and cooling business has gone through consolidation over the decades. It’s hard to find a locally run business that provides a customized and honest experience for consumers.

Brandon Delfino and Chris McNelly, co-owners of Cahill in Lake Bluff, are an exception to the rule. They have established Cahill as a leading, independent heating and cooling company on the North Shore with a reputation for making customers, not profit, their first priority.

“We’re owned and operated locally, and I think without a doubt that is a differentiating factor in your everyday decision-making,” Delfino says. “It’s the driving motivation in everything we do.”

With anything that involves machinery—cars, computers, A/C units—consumers who are unfamiliar with the inner workings or details of how they function are susceptible to being taken advantage of. Cahill believes that conglomerates tend to focus on the unnecessary upsell, whereas locally owned businesses like their own, focus on building trust and long-term relationships with clients.

Many technicians have switched over to Cahill from larger

outfits because they felt more like salespeople than mechanics. But Cahill is just big enough to offer customers value.

“In the air conditioning business, the number one expense is equipment. With our scale, we pay half of what a guy working out of a truck pays for the same equipment,” Delfino says. “With that margin, it allows us to offer lower pricing, constantly reinvest in training—talent is everything—and provide 24/7 service. If a furnace goes out at two in the morning, somebody’s there in 60 minutes.”

Delfino says the key for consumers having to make decisions about investing in heating and cooling units is to think longterm. They might save money in the short-term by repairing their existing unit but repeat repairs can add up over time and a new unit might be a better option.

“While anything can be repaired,” Delfino says, “the parts/service expense of patching up your equipment month-to-month will probably not make it cost effective.”

One of the big factors driving consumers’ A/C choices is noise. The technology has advanced to where units are considerably less noisy than just a decade ago. Conversations around the porch table no longer need to be drowned out by a machine. There are also units that can control humidity, a popular feature in the humid Midwest summers.

“You don’t actually realize it until you have it and you think, ‘Oh, man, this was money well spent’,” Delfino says.

For more information visit cahillheating.com or call 847-595-1551.

Chris McNelly and Brandon Delfino

Where you go for your cancer treatment is the most important decision you can make. It determines your experience, your options, and your outcomes. University of Chicago Medicine is one of only two NCI-designated comprehensive cancer centers in all of Illinois, a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence.

In fact, UChicago Medicine is also the #1 ranked* cancer center in all of Illinois. And in this city, that says a lot.

THE FABRIC OF SUCCESS

Chicago-born designer Azeeza Khan’s new line expands her esteemed brand and lays the foundation for the creation of a legacy fashion house.

WORDS BY JOE ROSENTHAL

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE

PORTRAIT STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA

PORTRAIT HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

PRODUCT PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF AZEEZA

Azeeza Khan wearing Azeeza Barbra Dress

Paris, Milan, London, and New York—all are cities commonly associated with the rarified air of high fashion. Yet, serious devotees of the sartorial arts know that Chicago is a veritable hothouse of fashion talent. Recall that the late, great Illinois-born Virgil Abloh began his visionary brand Off-White in Chicago and then blazed a path to the top of the fashion pyramid—Louis Vuitton. Maria Pinto, a former Art Institute of Chicago student turned award-winning designer, dressed Oprah and Michelle Obama in the first decade of the 2000s. Cynthia Rowley, an Art Institute alum, built a global lifestyle brand touted by Vogue as the perfect blend of sporty and pretty. Emerging Chicago designers like Chloé Mendel are attracting attention and garnering applause. Now, designer Azeeza Khan is preparing to make her eponymous line a household name.

Khan has been charting a rocket course in the industry since establishing her brand just a decade ago. In 2019, she found herself collaborating with the legendary Barbra Streisand on 25 looks for her tour and personal wardrobe. Streisand had become a fan after seeing Khan’s clothes at Barneys, a longtime Azeeza stockist. Other fashion-forward fans include Beyoncé, Sarah Jessica Parker, Hailey Bieber, and J.Lo, who adore the line’s meticulously hand-dyed luxury fabrics that are rendered in ultra-feminine but modern silhouettes.

Cirrus Charmeuse Gown in Black

Kareena Raw Silk Mini in White

Griffon Raw Silk Midi in Emerald

“I want to be a legacy fashion house of America ... That’s what I’m looking to do. Something iconic.”

Khan describes her style as “understated, while still making a statement. When someone walks in the room wearing it, you’re going to turn and look.” Her pieces have a fluidity and discernible flow. “It’s very feminine. You’ll feel confident wearing my pieces, and when you feel confident, you’re going to own that room. In this day and age, everything moves so quickly, so when I design a collection, I really pay attention when something makes me think twice or catches my eye.” She jokes she could almost offer a guarantee of two compliments per wearing. And, of course, there is her highly regarded emphasis on color. Khan says her process often starts with color and finds inspiration in her surroundings from food to nature.

During a recent trunk show at The Lake Forest Shop, Khan points out dresses one by one, her passion for her work evident as she notes the feel of the rich, vividly colored fabrics (organza, crepe de chine, raw silk, chiffon, charmeuse). Then she stops at a

crisp poplin dress from her new Day Collection, which reimagines the brand’s core designs and best-sellers in wearable fabrications like pure cotton and denim chambray. The collection invites her loyalists to find new occasions to wear her designs, while its versatility and lower price point allow others to experience Azeeza for the first time.

“It re-invents the dress, right?” she exclaims, brimming with pride. “The new Day Collection is washable,” Khan notes. “You can dress it up and you can dress it down too. I think it’s definitely going to appeal to our core girl. She’ll buy it if she owns that same dress in silk but it’s going to be a lot more for the day-to-day.”

Khan came into the industry in a very organic, grassroots way. The daughter of first-generation immigrants from India, she grew up on the north side of Chicago. Although her family had no connection to the business of fashion, Khan’s favorite weekend destination was Old Orchard Mall and she learned how to sew

Elyssa Organza Mini in Magenta

Barbra Streisand wearing Azeeza. Photography courtesy of Getty Images

Lucas Raw Silk Gown in Emerald

Sadie Raw Silk Gown in Peony

Khan wearing Azeeza Winston Top and Zora pant in Medium Wash Chambray from the Day Collection

during summer vacation and school breaks. After graduating from DePaul, she began a career in marketing at the energy conglomerate BP. Yet something wasn’t clicking, and she knew she had to make a change. Upon launching her label, Khan gave herself a year to match her salary at BP or she’d give up.

“I was naive and gullible at the start,” she recalls. She was unaware of the magnitude of what she was attempting and of how competitive the business could be. “I had a false sense of confidence in the beginning. I didn’t know how much I was biting off.” In the end, however, her passion and the business skills she learned in school carried her through.

The brand’s growing national profile is reflected by a presence at Saks Fifth Avenue, REVOLVE, Bergdorf Goodman, elysewalker, Kith, Olivela, Shopbop, and multiple divisions of Anthropologie. On the North Shore, Azeeza can be found at Winnetka’s athene. Her flagship store at 900 Michigan Avenue in Chicago has been featured in the Louis Vuitton Chicago City Guide and listed as a top destination by Forbes.

Now, with this heightened profile and a broadening base thanks to the Day Collection, Khan is setting her sights even higher.

“I want to be a legacy fashion house of America,” she asserts when asked about her goals for the future. “That’s what I’m looking to do. Something iconic.”

Pressed on what that means, Khan doesn’t skip a beat in mentioning Ralph Lauren and Vera Wang. In Khan’s mind, they have set a template that she can evolve in her own way. “I do think that it can be a national luxury house, by all means.”

Based on her past successes, Khan knows this is an attainable goal. But she also knows it won’t be easy. “My business is

self-invested, so the scaling has to be done in a very calculated and strategic way. Everything we make, we pretty much put back in. So, that’s been the formula for growing by maintaining that self-investment.”

Khan is keenly aware of the American Dream nature of her story; a story that includes successes from the fashion runway to the aisles at CB2 where she has a line of outdoor furniture and accessories to the social media world where she has an enthusiastic and youthful following on Instagram.

“If I woke up in high school and said what my wildest dream would be ... this is it, right? So these opportunities aren’t only something that were imaginable, they’re attainable. I do hope that I can inspire others to do the same in the generations to come. That, you know, if any race, gender, whatever it is ... that anything is possible, I think that’s the lesson.”

For more information, visit azeezaofficial.com.

Winston Poplin Top in White Poplin

Kajol Charmeuse Mini in Doll Pink

Rachel Raw Silk Midi in Magenta

SILKY SOFT WITH AN EDGY VIBE

Female duo’s premium apparel brand ARO + STAR blends comfort and style.

WORDS BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

ARO + STAR co-founders

Marla Price and Alyse Gamson.

Photography by Monica Kass Rogers/ Styling by Theresa DeMaria/Hair & Makeup

by Leanna Ernest

Riffling through a rack of T-shirts bearing their bright designs, Alyse Gamson and Marla Price laugh and tease with the ease of longtime friendship. The two first met at a mutual friend’s bachelorette party in 2008 and quickly bonded over a shared love for creativity and adventure.

That bond buoyed the women through child-raising years and eventually led them to launch ARO + STAR, their new premium apparel brand.

Doing business as Artemix LLC, Gamson and Price’s clothing-design adventures started with T-shirts. Expanding to include additional luxury comfort-wear pieces, the full line launched under the ARO + STAR brand banner in December 2023.

Conceptualized during the pandemic, ARO + STAR fulfilled two needs—it gave Gamson and Price an entrepreneurial outlet for their artistic passions and it anticipated and met post-pandemic realities. “We realized that people would be eager to resume their lives and get back into the world—a world in which comfort and style were now equally important,” says Gamson. “It was the right time to create an apparel brand that seamlessly blends both elements—clothing that not only embraces comfort but also empowers people to confidently navigate the world, expressing unique style along the way.”

At ARO + STAR, that translates to silky soft hoodies and joggers, whisper-thin muscle tanks, long and short-sleeved tees, and reverse slub cotton tops, all emblazoned with art and graphics designed by Gamson and Price. “Our art and graphics focus on icons and empowering messages with an edgy vibe that uplifts, inspires, and promotes self-confidence and strength,” explains Gamson.

The artwork and fashions draw upon the team’s combined skills and schooling. Price’s abiding interest in art and fashion led her to major in graphic design at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Gamson, who had undergraduate and master’s degrees in accounting and a CPA certification, spent years in the corporate world before a transformative experience in San Francisco prompted her to pursue a career in the arts. “I then attended art school with a focus on fashion design and illustration and spent the next several years exploring the world of physical making,” she recalls.

The more Gamson studied textiles and pattern making, the more her awareness of fabrics and how they draped over the body grew. “This created a new problem for me,” she says. “Clothes didn’t feel right to me anymore. I started dreaming of creating an apparel brand with high-quality, soft fabrics that had the right fit and feel.”

In the early 2000s, Gamson started to explore the tools of digital making and began the journey to become a digital artist. “I

The New Hollywood Accountability Member Cameron Kelly wearing The Slub Shine Tee. Photography by Ragan Wallake/Makeup by Melinda Guimont/Hair by Lindsay Miller.

The New Hollywood Accountability Member Taylor Cannon wearing The Iconic Muscle Tank. Photography by Ragan Wallake/Makeup by Melinda Guimont/Hair by Lindsay Miller.

live in jeans and graphic tees and have always wanted to be able to print my own designs on T-shirts,” she explains. When a friend opened a customization shop with a digital direct-to-garment printer in-house, Gamson took things to the next level. “I started to wear only T-shirts that I designed,” she says.

Even in childhood, there were signs that the pair would become art and fashion entrepreneurs.

Gamson, who was born in New York, lived in Brooklyn and then moved to the southeast coast of Florida. Her youthful memories include bike rides with her sisters and playtime with Barbies. “For a special birthday present, I got the Barbie Boutique and loved setting up the displays,” she recalls.

Price, who grew up in Morton Grove, Illinois before her move to California, could usually be found with a notebook and markers, sketching away. “At a young age, I even went door to door selling custom birthday cards,” she laughs.

Today, while Price is based in Marin County, California, and Gamson in Highland Park, the two are in constant contact. They share a workload that may have them doing artwork and researching the softest fabrics one day and overseeing production and social media the next.

Beyond its eye appeal, ARO + STAR clothing is carefully crafted with attention to detail and high-quality design. “Fabric is very important to us—where it’s made, what it’s composed of, and especially how it feels on your skin,” says Gamson.

The T-shirts are made in Los Angeles with 100 percent slub cotton and 100 percent cotton jersey. While made from traditional fabrics, the T-shirts are constructed with a modern edge—the reverse slub cotton is stitched with exposed seams for an edgy vibe and superior comfort.

Sustainability is key, with garments made in small batches. This choice allows for more precise planning, minimizing excess inventory that might otherwise end up in landfills. The commitment to craft garments from 100 percent natural fibers is also a conscientious choice, as is the compostable packaging that is made from corn starch and printed with vegetable-based inks.

Currently, ARO + STAR is focused on a direct-to-consumer retail model with sales conducted through its website, Instagram,

The New Hollywood Accountability Member Taylor Cannon wearing The Unisex Tiger Tee. Photography by Ragan Wallake/Makeup by Melinda Guimont/Hair by Lindsay Miller.

The Slub Rock Star Tee

Facebook, and TikTok. “We do have occasional pop-ups during the holiday season and in support of local and broader causes,” adds Price. One such cause? One percent of ARO + STAR revenue currently supports a monthly accountability and mentorship program for formerly homeless moms through a partnership with The New Hollywood Accountability Program.

Gamson and Price are excited about several new company initiatives. They have added a variety of new art designs and are debuting a new T-shirt style dubbed The Boxy Slub Crew. May

2024 brings an expansion of ARO + STAR’s Unisex collection while the duo’s Fall and Winter collections will introduce a wide range of new styles. A kids’ wear line may also be in the offing. In sum? “This has been a shared dream for more than 20 years. We are both so happy that our passion for art, the creative process, and human connection is now realized in ARO + STAR, a luxury brand that embodies confidence and feels good inside and out,” explains Gamson.

For more information about ARO + STAR apparel or how to host a pop-up with a percentage of sales supporting your organization, visit aroandstar.com or view on Instagram @aroandstar.

The Reverse Slub Succulent Skull Tee

The Iconic Muscle Tank

ARO + STAR co-founders

Alyse Gamson and Marla Price. Photography by Monica Kass Rogers/ Styling by Theresa DeMaria/Hair & Makeup by Leanna Ernest

Wanji Walcott

BUILDING A LIFE SHE LOVES

Pinterest’s Chief Legal and Business Affairs Officer Wanji Walcott helps advance the company’s positive platform from the North Shore, one pin at a time.

WORDS BY ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER / PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA / HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST

When Pinterest announced Bill Ready as its new chief executive officer in June 2022, Glencoe’s Wanji Walcott couldn’t wait to extend her congratulations.

“When I called Bill, he said he had a crazy question for me . . .‘Would you work with me again?’” Walcott remembers.

This question wasn’t crazy at all. Ready and Walcott had worked together years before at PayPal. And Walcott was a seasoned Pinterest user.

“When Bill talked to me about the strategy and vision he had for Pinterest, I just became captivated by Pinterest’s mission,

which is to help everyone create a life that they love,” she says. “And more importantly, the opportunity Bill was laying out to position Pinterest as a positive place online really resonated with me. I wanted to be a part of a movement where we were going to hold ourselves to a higher standard.”

Walcott joined forces with Ready in November 2022, as Pinterest’s Chief Legal and Business Affairs Officer. At Pinterest she oversees their legal, compliance, trust & safety, public policy, public affairs, and sustainability teams. Walcott’s impressive resume also includes tenures as Chief Legal Officer and General Counsel at Discover Financial Services, as Senior Vice President and General Counsel at PayPal, and as Senior Vice President and

Pinterest’s Chicago Office Reception.

Photography Courtesy of Pinterest

Managing Counsel at American Express. Walcott holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy from Howard University and a Juris Doctor from the Howard University School of Law.

Walcott’s success in the legal profession has caught no one by surprise.

“Since the age of 5, I knew I wanted to be a lawyer,” she explains. “My father always said to me, ‘One day you’re going to be a lawyer.’ I think he said that because I was always questioning things, kind of argumentative, but also a really strong advocate for myself and other people. I was the kid in my neighborhood that if you couldn’t stay outside and play late, I went and talked to your mom to give her the logical reason why it was OK for you to stay

“I try to do two things every day ... exercise and breath work. If any stress starts to creep in, I think about my breathing and it grounds me. This allows me to start my day in a mindful way, and I love that.”

out and play a little longer. I was that kid. I’m the first lawyer in my family. My dad planted that seed and he was right. Being a lawyer has been a rewarding experience.”

Walcott humbly credits her success to several mentors in her life, including her first boss who predicted her future success.

“Two years out of law school, my first boss, Bob Downing, told me that one day I could be a general counsel,” Walcott says. “I was completely blown away because I had the utmost respect for him. He was the general counsel for an operating company we worked for. When he said that to me, I replied, ‘You mean someday I could do your job?’ And he said, ‘No. Some day you could be the general counsel for this entire company.’ He saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself. That was so powerful. From that moment forward, I knew what I wanted to do.”

As she blazed her path forward, Walcott was always mindful of the reality that there weren’t many African Americans—and even fewer African American women—in top positions in legal departments of America’s Fortune 1000.

“In 2021, for Fortune 1000 general counsels in particular more than 800 were white and about 650 were male,” Walcott says. “Even though I feel like we’ve made progress, there is still a lot of work to be done here. One of the things I’m very committed to in the legal profession and beyond is advancing diversity and ensuring everyone with the skill and the will to succeed has the opportunity to do so. I’m invested in making time and space for the next generation of leaders. While I’m definitely on the back nine of my career, I want to make sure that those coming up behind me have access and at least an understanding of how to develop themselves.”

Walcott lives by the mantra, “To whom much is given, much is required.” For the last 18 years, she has served on many nonprofit boards, including the Minority Corporate Counsel Association where she is board chair; the Chicago Council on Global Affairs; the Chicago Botanic Garden; the Economic Club of Chicago; the Woman’s Board for the Art Institute of Chicago, and the Frederick Gunn School. Walcott is also a member of the Executive Leadership Council, the nation’s premier membership organization for Black executives.

“One of the most fascinating things I’ve found since moving to Chicago is the city’s civic-mindedness,” Walcott says, who moved

Walcott wearing Smythe jacket and blouse, Neiman Marcus Northbrook

to the Chicago area with her family in 2019 and has residences in both Glencoe and downtown. “I’ve lived all over the country and there is such a heart for civic engagement in the Chicagoland area. During the pandemic when I thought things would be very quiet was when I became most engaged.”

Walcott shared her delight in being one of the sponsors who brought Bahamian textile artist Gio Swaby to the Art Institute last year. “It’s so great for children to see themselves reflected in art and the living artists who create it,” she says. “It is easier to picture a future for yourself when you can identify with someone who is living that reality.”

Being active on Pinterest plays a role in the reality Walcott lives.

“I started using Pinterest in 2017 when my husband and I bought a house in need of renovation,” she says. “Before we embarked on the project, my contractor asked me to share my Pinterest boards with him. Much of our idea-sharing happened via Pinterest.”

Since arriving at Pinterest, Walcott’s use of the platform has grown to include pinning salad dressing recipes, golf tips, hostess gifts, and what a 50+-year-old woman should wear to a Beyoncé concert.

“I think the most creative way I’ve recently heard someone use Pinterest was studying for the bar exam—can you believe that?” she asks. “This young woman told me she found lots of good outlines for the bar exam on Pinterest. Who knew!”

While Pinterest’s corporate culture is meeting-driven, Walcott does her best to leave room in her schedule for impromptu conversations with colleagues. She even holds weekly office hours for those who might not normally have the chance to interact with her to share ideas. And when her calendar allows, one might find her improving her golf swing at Conway Farms, or dining with her family at one of her favorite North Shore haunts—Guildhall, Pomeroy, or Le Colonial.

“I try to do two things every day,” Walcott says. “Exercise and breath work. I started doing this several years ago after a wellness retreat with my daughter. If any stress starts to creep in, I think about my breathing and it grounds me. This allows me to start my day in a mindful way, and I love that.”

Definitely an idea worth pinning.

To learn more about Pinterest, visit pinterest.com.

Pinterest Conference Room.

Photography Courtesy of Pinterest

Pinterest Coffee Bar. Photography Courtesy of Pinterest

Pinterest Chicago Office “Pin” wall with static and animated photos mimicking Pinterest’s grid. Photography Courtesy of Pinterest

•

CANCER SURVIVOR BEAUTY AND SUPPORT DAY

Highland Park’s Barbara Paget has sparked a global event to support cancer survivors.

WORDS

BY ROCHELLE NEWMAN RUBINOFF

Barbara Paget has devoted her life to giving to those in need and to volunteering. This commitment inspired Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day, an international annual event devoted to reaching millions of cancer survivors, which Paget founded more than 20 years ago. Always celebrated on the first Tuesday in June, this year’s event will take place on June 4th.

Thousands of beauty salons, spas, barber shops, beauty schools, and wellness centers, in all 50 states, Canada, and Puerto Vallarta, will offer complimentary services of their choice to men, women, and children cancer survivors, regardless of their type of cancer or when they were diagnosed.

Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day provides benefits to everyone involved. The thousands of volunteers feel personally rewarded for their service. For the beauty school students, it is an amazing education and, most of all, the pampered survivors feel loved and supported.

Years ago, when a minor medical scare ended with a benign report, Paget felt very lucky. She took that feeling of gratitude and created something productive and meaningful for those not as fortunate.

After the scare, Paget became an active volunteer and was selected to represent the ribbon cutting at the opening of the Highland Park Saks Fifth Avenue store in 2000. Later, she was asked to chair the brand’s Key To The Cure, a four-day annual charitable event benefiting Highland Park Hospital’s Breast Center. Paget served as chair or co-chair of the event for more than 10 years, and the event’s huge success earned her a plaque in the Breast Center.

In 2003, Paget learned of a spa in Northern California that offered a spa day for cancer survivors (today it offers survivor spa services daily). The idea resonated so much with Paget that she immediately visited a local Highland Park spa and asked the owner if she would participate in something similar. Thus, Paget’s idea became a reality—first locally, then nationwide, thanks to places including Great Clips and the enormous support of Stand Up 2 Cancer.

One of Paget’s most meaningful encounters resulting from her volunteerism took place last summer, when the co-founder of the Paul Mitchell Schools, Winn Claybaugh, came to Illinois to speak to students. She so wanted to meet him that she drove to Lombard with the hope of shaking his hand. When Paget introduced herself, Claybaugh dropped his briefcases, hugged her, and visited for 20 minutes. Paget still gets emotional when she recalls the meeting.

“Volunteering can offer so much to everyone, from teens, who have social and stress issues, to empty nesters and retirees,” says

Paget. “It is for that reason, and the fact that my event has grown each year, that my goal is to have Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day become a permanent federal day.” Former U.S. House of Representatives Mark Kirk and Robert Dold Jr. and current U.S. House of Representative Brad Schneider have introduced bipartisan proclamations.

Paget has received so much fulfillment from her more than 60 years of volunteerism that she is committed to spreading the word about its rewards and the importance of Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day. “Remember, the real beauty of the day is the support it gives to those in need,” explains Paget.

For more information about Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day, visit cancersurvivorbeautyandsupportday.org.

Barbara Paget. Photography by Pat Krause

LIVING & GIVING

SUITE ESCAPE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY

FRONT ROOM MEDIA

Suite Escape, a women’s networking community founded in 2020 by Pim Alley and Kate Holland, held its inaugural fundraiser at Winnetka’s Towne & Oak. The luncheon featured Dr. Aliza Pressman, a renowned podcast host, author, and developmental psychologist. Dr. Pressman spoke about her new book, The 5 Principles of Parenting, emphasizing the notion that perfection in parenting is unattainable, yet repair is always within reach. With the event, Suite Escape unveiled its latest initiative: a membership offering access to both in-person and digital events. Suite Escape serves as a supportive community for women, dedicated to fostering genuine connections, personal growth, and honoring each individual journey. Its guiding motto, “Come as you are. Leave inspired,” reflects a commitment to providing a nurturing environment for cultivating passion and purpose amidst life’s myriad experiences. lfsuite-escape.com

Margie Stineman, Dr. Aliza Pressman

Dr. Aliza Pressman

Alexandra Lyon Singer chatting with guest

Suite Escape co-founders

Pim Alley and Kate Holland

Power Women NORTH SHORE

Sheridan Road is committed to engaging, inspiring and championing women.

This fall we will publish the 5th Annual North Shore Power Women issue.

We invite women across all industries to share their personal stories, professional pursuits, and passions with us to engage readers, inspire women, and increase visibility for their endeavors.

Our VERY BEST recommendations come from you. If you’d like to be considered or recommend a friend, neighbor, colleague, or client, please visit jwcmedia.com/power-woman

WPublisher’s Profile

WORDS BY STEVEN BLOCH, M.D.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS

Associated conditions that are improved:

• Back, neck, shoulder pain due to excess breast weight;

• Indentation of shoulder straps;

• Skin irritation under the breasts;

• Sagging, stretched skin of the breast; and

• Enlarged areola can be reduced

The procedure can be performed on an outpatient basis. With modern pain management post-op discomfort is very manageable.

Under certain criteria this operation is sometimes covered by insurance.

omen with large breasts experience more than dissatisfaction with body image. Overly large breasts contribute to physical discomfort and impair their ability to lead a normal life. Women who undergo breast reductions are some of the most grateful patients that I have encountered. There is not only a significant cosmetic improvement but physically and medically these patients experience a new lease on life.

Breast reduction is a surgical procedure to reduce the size of large pendulous breasts that are disproportionate to a woman’s body and can cause physical pain. Breast reduction mammoplasty improves breast size and shape.

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

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SHANA VITEK

EQUITY PARTNER BEERMANN LLP

DIVORCE WITHOUT COURT: ARBITRATION

Even the most contentious divorce cases can be resolved outside of court. In a divorce arbitration, the parties agree to jointly retain a third party such as a family law attorney or former judge to hear the evidence and decide the issues in their divorce outside of the public courtrooms. Arbitration of family law cases is common in other states such as California where it is often chosen by celebrities and high-profile individuals as an alternative to traditional litigation. Given the average divorce case can last 1-2 years or more in Court, arbitration offers an expedited solution. Unlike litigation, which often involves lengthy court backlogs and delays, arbitration allows parties to set their own schedules and select convenient dates for hearings. This flexibility ensures that cases can be resolved in a timely manner, allowing families to move forward with their lives and reduce the emotional strain associated with prolonged legal battles. Family law cases frequently encounter “emergency” disputes that need immediate attention, which is not always available through the court system. In arbitration, emergency matters can be promptly addressed, argued, and decided by the selected arbitrator without having to interrupt or compete with the other scheduled matters in court.

Shana Vitek is an Equity Partner at Beermann LLP, the largest family law firm in Illinois. For over 20 years, she has practiced family law exclusively and is trained in mediation, arbitration, and collaborative law. For more information, visit www.beermannlaw.com/team/shana-l-vitek.

PARTING WORDS

FROM HYDE PARK TO MUSIC ROW

Vanderbilt Chancellor Daniel Diermeier spent more than 20 years at Chicago’s top institutions before heading to Nashville to lead the prestigious university.

WORDS BY JOE ROSENTHAL / ILLUSTRATION BY ROBERT RISKO

With twists, turns, and an against-the-odds theme, it is a life story worthy of a country song. The son of a tailor, Daniel Diermeier was born in divided Berlin and was the first in his family to attend university. After completing West German civil service, a government fellowship led him to the United States. Once here, he embarked on a string of remarkable academic roles, including a first job at Stanford, 17 years at Northwestern, and the role of provost at the University of Chicago. In the summer of 2020, at the height of the pandemic, Diermeier became the ninth chancellor of Vanderbilt University. His diverse background has proved ideal for leading an American institution through an era of rapid political, economic, and technological change.

Sheridan Road sat down with Chancellor Diermeier as he explained what makes Vanderbilt special, provided counsel to students and families, and considered Chicago’s impact on his life.

“The great universities have a very strong sense of self, of their own identity,” Diermeier says, reflecting on his path. He describes the University of Chicago as a place where everything is debated. He jokes, “You walk outside your office and say, ‘Good morning.’ And the answer is ‘What’s the evidence for that?’”  Vanderbilt, according to Diermeier, is defined by a holistic approach to growth. It’s academically rigorous and one of the great private research universities, but the school emphasizes collaboration and community.

university leadership will not take a position on the policy issue unless the policy directly affects the operations of the university. This leaves the most possible space for students and faculty to form and speak their own opinions. Equally important is a commitment to civil discourse.

We’re members of one living, learning community that treats each other with respect, that wants to make sure that the better argument wins, and that those arguments are based on facts and deliberation.”

With the end of another school year upon us, thousands of North Shore area graduates are preparing to head to college and thousands more are beginning the collegiate search. Chancellor Diermeier has some words of advice for these North Shore students and their families.

“The first pillar is creating an environment where every member of our community can realize their full potential academically or professionally, but also as a human being. And the second pillar is that we believe that people grow best if they’re members of a community that is supportive and challenging.”

Given some of the tumultuous images and stories from university campuses in recent months, his point of view may be surprising. Yet Diermeier, who has been an advocate for university neutrality (a philosophy often traced to the University of Chicago and the Chicago Principles), sees clear connection points between academic research, campus community, and the role of unfettered debate.

“You need to have an environment where ideas can be freely pursued without being worried that people are going to be censored,” Diermeier says. “Institutional neutrality means that the

“Our motto in Latin is ‘Crescere Aude,’” says Diermeier, “which in English means ‘dare to grow.’ We believe that growth, flourishing, or realizing potential is a lifelong pursuit. It doesn’t stop when people graduate. We encourage our students to have the courage to put themselves in situations that are challenging and never stop growing.”

For those who are about to graduate high school, Diermeier suggests embracing what’s special and irreplaceable about this time in life.

“Enjoy your last high school days as much as you can. They’re very special. And don’t worry too much about being prepped for this or that. It’s better to spend the summer with friends from high school to travel or do something like that, rather than trying desperately to be ready for calculus.”

For those about to embark on a college search, Diermeier has this advice.

“Fit is the most important thing. And I would always recommend a visit if possible. The intangibles, the culture, the feel are very important.”

Diermeier is keenly aware of how everyday experiences and culture shaped him during his decades-long stint in Chicagoland. He singles out the symphony, the Art Institute, and baseball games as favorite memories. And like so many of us, he saves some of his highest praise for our city’s most magical season.

“The summer in Chicago is really special. It’s wonderful to have this great metropolis right next to the lake—with the beaches and the beautiful Chicago River, which is just astonishing. That was always very special.”