BARRINGTON STYLE & SUBSTANCE
Ashley Graham - Ariana DeBose
SEAMASTER #AQUATERRA 30 MM Co-Axial Master Chronometer
AskConnie
Q: Connie, are interest rates still impacting the luxury market in areas like Barrington and Lake Zurich?
– Michelle T.,
Lake Zurich
Great question, Michelle—and the short answer is yes, but not in the way you might expect.
While higher interest rates have certainly slowed some areas of the real estate market, the luxury segment—especially in sought-after communities like Barringtons and Lake Zurich—has remained remarkably strong. Many buyers in this space are less rate-sensitive, since a significant portion of luxury homes are purchased with cash or through alternative financing options tied to investment assets.
Nationally, nearly half of all luxury sales this year have been all-cash purchases.
If you would like to discuss your unique
We’re seeing the same trend locally, where buyers are motivated by lifestyle, privacy, and long-term value rather than short-term rate fluctuations.
That said, the luxury market isn’t completely immune. Some buyers—particularly those whose wealth is tied to the stock market—have taken a pause during recent financial volatility. But as the markets stabilize, those same buyers often come back quickly, looking for properties that check all the boxes: gated entries, outdoor entertaining spaces, acreage, or breathtaking views.
So, if you’re thinking about listing, don’t let the headlines scare you. The demand is still there—especially when a property is well-prepared and marketed with intention.
Have a question about the market?
Ask Connie. Experience isn’t expensive— it’s priceless.
Jameson Sotheby's International Realty has offices in Chicago -
INVITING CONSIGNMENTS
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Adventure-ready and assembled in America, the 2025 Mazda CX-50—now in Gas & Hybrid—o ers rugged capability, refined design, and e cient performance.
2025
FEATURES
Coming Full Circle
From patient to physician, Dr. Sunny Sharma leads a revolution rooted in empathy, prevention, and connection.
‘Tis the season
The sun is shining and summer is in full swing at Hilltop House, the Barrington home of Graham Kostic and Fran Taglia.
Grand Frame
Matt and Christina Grana continue a family legacy of fine craftsmanship and community service.
Nonpareil Apparel, and More
Barrington Hills resident and former horse trainer Kiley King launched Mockingbird Markets a year ago.
ON THE COVER
Dr. Sunny Sharma pictured here with his family, is leading a revolution rooted in empathy, prevention, and connection. Dr. Sharma is wearing Zenga white linen sport coat, Ralph Lauren Purple Label striped shirt. His wife, Anjni, is wearing TOTEME rust-color dress, and Canned Goods earrings. Their daughter, Isla, is in Ralph Lauren, and their son, Rian, is wearing Burberry, neimanmarcus.com.
Dada Sport ambassador, Jennifer Hochstaedter wearing the newest collection. From the stable to the boardroom, find your style at dadasport.com
ALMASIKA, Universum Pink Ring, neimanmarcus.com Messika, Mother of Pearl Necklace, razny.com
J.W. CONATSER Founder & Publisher
KEMMIE RYAN Executive Projects Director MEGAN WEISBERG Editor-in-Chief
Contributing Editors
Style Director
Contributing Writers
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EDITOR’S NOTE
The
hot days of August
linger,
with each day drawn out and time seeming to slow. It’s the one time of year, before the school rush, that we seem to have idle time. Days filled with lemonade stands and swims, nights spent watching the fireflies under starlit skies. So, enjoy our August issue while relaxing outside, savoring these last days of summer.
I love learning from our community of remarkable individuals, and the pages of Country often provide me with true gems of wisdom. In this issue’s Country vs Town, Courtney Minner Johnson reflects that “when you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond. That’s where your power is.” I paused again after reading what Johnson describes as the best advice ever given to her: “Assume positive intent with every situation.” It’s so easy to forget these important ideas in our fast-paced, frenetic lives. I have resolved to keep these two mantras at the forefront of my mind and share them with my children as well.
Dr. Sunny Sharma is leading a revolution rooted in empathy, prevention, and connection. Learn more about his family and his concierge practice in the Feature story “Coming Full Circle.” And while Dr. Sharma has your medical needs covered, look no further than Grand Frame in Barrington for all your framing needs. Matt and Christina Grana are continuing a family legacy of fine craftsmanship and community service with their family-owned small business.
Learning a new skill can truly expand your horizons and enrich your life. Why not jump on the mahjong craze? In Made
To Order, we give a step-by-step guide on how to get started. Last winter, a group of friends and I learned how to play. Now, playing with them every Monday is the most relaxing part of my week. I highly recommend it!
Wishing you a joyful end to summer!
Cheers,
Megan Weisberg Editor-in-Chief megan.weisberg@jwcmedia.com
Look
Kristin Baumann wearing Cinq à Sept neimanmarcus.com
Closer
’s
Dr. Sunny Sharma’s wife, Anjni, and their daughter, Isla.
Personal Physician Consultants
BETTER THAN HAVING A DOCTOR IN THE FAMILY
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KRISTEN MAGUIRE, MD ANN MARIE HOUSER, DO
CULTURE, MURMURS
Vivid Creatures
Five massive, whimsical sculptures representing animals important to Illinois ecosystems comprise the newest outdoor exhibition at The Morton Arboretum. Vivid Creatures—created for the Arboretum by Portland, Oregon artists Fez and Heather BeGaetz—will include renditions of whitetailed deer, dragonfly, sandhill crane, fox squirrel, and brittle button snail that range up to 23 feet tall. The exhibition is included free with general admission to the Arboretum and will run through Spring 2027.
For more information, visit mortonarb.org.
Brittle Button Snail by Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz
Dragonfly by Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz
Fox Squirrel by Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz
Sandhill Crane by Heather BeGaetz and Fez BeGaetz
VIOLET FLAME CHOCOLATE
Katrina Markoff, the visionary behind Vosges Haut-Chocolat, now embarks on her most intimate undertaking yet— Violet Flame™ Chocolate. After more than two decades of reimagining luxury confections with her boundless creativity, she is raising the bar once more, crafting what she believes to be the finest chocolates in the world. Beyond mere extravagance, each confection is designed to unlock your Super Power via the Cacao Spiritus™ experience.
Her aspiration is to summon us back to an era when every repast was a ritual—gathered with intention, prepared with care, and shared with love. In a world of relentless pace, Markoff restores a profound connection between palate and presence, transforming a simple chocolate into a moment of lucid awareness. Violet Flame is her most personal exploration—an alchemy of energetics, sixth-sense resonance, and rarefied cacao.
Each piece is born of ingredients chosen for provenance and potency. Through the Cacao Spiritus™ ritual, Markoff invites you to claim 10 minutes each day for sensory immersion. As a single chocolate melts, it leads you into stillness, stirs imagination, and rekindles self-trust. In that brief interlude, mental static recedes and inner clarity blossoms—a creative spark that endures long after the final bittersweet note. “Scientific research confirms that daily rituals enhance decision-making, sharpen focus, and ease anxiety,” Markoff notes. “So, why not enlist chocolate in your self-care practice?” Her craft is exacting— she resurrects Paracelsian methods of infusion, hand-tempers couverture to musical precision, and partners solely with organic, biodynamic farms. violetflamechocolate.com
Quan Yin Truffle
FROM HAND TO HOME
Coming this fall from Rizzoli, From Hand to Home is the debut monograph from architect Douglas Wright, celebrating 20 thoughtfully crafted residences that blend classical influence with contemporary ease. Through collaborations with interior designers such as Bunny Williams, Cullman and Kravis, Brian J. McCarthy, Amy Lau, and others, Wright’s work demonstrates his approach to creating sophisticated yet functional spaces. But what sets this book apart isn’t just the timeless architecture— it’s the way Wright brings each project to life with his own hand-drawn watercolors and sketches.
Interwoven with photography, these intimate illustrations reveal the emotional arc of a home before it’s ever built. With the sweep of a brush or the line of a pencil, these drawings capture something a photograph cannot: the emotion of a façade; the rhythm of a roofline; the atmosphere of a room; offering readers a behind-thescenes look at how his designs evolve from imagination to inhabitation.
In an era of digital renderings, From Hand to Home is a return to the human touch— how a home begins not with a blueprint, but with a brushstroke. rizzoli.com
Good Weather
Skin the one daily suncream
GOOD WEATHER SKIN
The newest kid on the block, Good Weather Skin, is a new category-defining SPF brand that sets out to create the first mineral sunscreen that feels and performs like your favorite luxury skincare. That means using the highest quality, most nourishing clean ingredients and scientifically backed actives—providing everything you need for healthy, glowing skin, including broad spectrum mineral sun protection. The One Daily Sun Cream is a mineral sunscreen that goes on like a moisturizer, hydrating the skin with squalene and sea buckthorn oil, leaving it dewy and supple. It protects with zinc-based, broad-spectrum, 30+ SPF, offering premium sun protection. The One has everything you need for healthy, glowing skin and works beautifully across skin tones with absolutely no white cast. Golden like sunshine. Melty like butter. A mineral sunscreen that goes on so easily, you will actually look forward to applying it daily. goodweatherskin.com
Quantuck Beach Club
GET YOUR KNIVES READY – GRILLING SEASON IS HEATING UP!
Kristin Baumann and her husband, Dan, moved to Barrington in March 2021, where they now live with their three children: Eleanor (8); Ashlyn (6); and Brooks (almost 4). Active on the Roslyn Road Elementary’s PTO, Baumann has co-chaired the Stevenson Foundation’s “Nashville Unplugged” event for the past three years. The fundraiser flies in award-winning country and rock songwriters who perform at an in-the-round concert.
EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
MARIA PONCE BERRE HAIR AND MAKEUP
BY
LEANNA ERNEST STYLING
BY
THERESA DEMARIA
“I’d love Alison Brie to play me in a movie.”
“Traveling with Eleanor Roosevelt would be incredible.”
“I look to my family and my parents—who are high school sweethearts married for nearly 45 years—for inspiration.”
“The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald and All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr are my favorite books.”
“Favorite recipes are the ones passed down from my mom, grandma, and great-grandma.”
“For dinner parties, prep ahead of time and cater the sides (Hungry Mule in Lake Zurich has the best chopped salad).”
KRISTIN LOVES
Scent:
Baumann wearing Gabriella Hurst, neimanmarcus.com.
Barrington spot:
Hostess gift to receive:
Gift to give: Anderson’s Candy Shop chocolates
Kristin
Creating Lasting Impressions
Game Night Meets Mahjong
A Guide to Playing Mahjong—In Style
EDITED BY JANIS MVK
LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE
With roots dating back to the mid-19th century China, Mahjong built its global fame tile by tile, reaching America in the early 20th century. Today, it’s still stacking up fans and making waves in Barrington, proving it has plenty of winning hands left to play. We tapped Sunny Esler, founder of Tigre de Tartán, a maker of stylish Mahjong mats and accessories, for tips to get started.
OPTIONAL, BUT LOVELY TO HAVE:
A mat, tile shufflers, a bag or box for tiles, and a stylish tote to haul it all in. Tigre de Tartán has pretty much all of it—from tile sets to nappa leather tile bags and mats. Sunny even has racks and cocktail napkins that moonlight as surface protectors!
Carry your tiles in style, tigredetartan.com
WHAT YOU NEED:
A set of tiles, tile racks, and a Mahjong Card. The Mahjong Card is your game plan—it provides the codes to all the winning tile combinations you can aim for. Sunny advises ordering your card directly from the National Mah Jongg League.
FIND A MAHJONG MASTER. Teachers aren’t hard to find—they’re hosting games at clubs, restaurants, and yes, they’ll even bring the tiles straight to your living room. Sunny picked up the game from Katie Barber at the Women’s Athletic Club in Chicago, but if you’re in the Chicago area, she recommends calling up Adey Hannis of Holy Mahj—she makes house calls! Sunny adds, “Ask an older relative or neighbor. Mahjong is generational—someone always knows how to play.”
Delightful mahjong wares from Tigre de Tartan in a sundrenched room at Hilltop House in Barrington, tigredetartan.com.
SET THE SCENE. Mahjong is an event. “It’s the perfect excuse to break out good napkins, pretty glasses, and a chic setup,” says Sunny. Think cocktail vibes meet game night glam: coordinated tile racks; a statement mat; maybe even a themed snack spread. It’s not just about playing, it’s about turning the table into a whole experience.
STAY IN SUIT. The Mahjong table doesn’t stop at game night—there’s a whole community shuffling online! Sunny loves staying in the mix with some of her favorite Instagram accounts like @ holymahj, @mahjongee, @yay_tigre_de_tartan, and @themahjsociety. “I get the best tips, inspo, and that cozy Mahjong camaraderie,” she says.
PICK YOUR S- QUAD. Mahjong is a four-player game, and although you can always branch out later, your core four matters. Once you’re together, Sunny advises holding off on the wine and cocktails. “Mahjong is joyful and addictive, but it does require your attention, especially at first. You need your brain on!” She suggests scheduling game time before 2 p.m.
MAHJ AND MINGLE. Keep your game sharp between matches. Sunny suggests finding ways to keep those tiles moving. Groups like The Mahjong Society host open play sessions where Mahjong lovers gather just for the joy of playing. Or, bring the fun home by downloading the Real Mah Jongg app—perfect for squeezing in a few rounds with bots whenever the mood strikes. “You’ll get used to the rhythm and structure before ever touching a real tile!” says Sunny. It’s not about prepping—just playing.
To up your mahjong style, visit tigredetartan.com.
Tigre De Tartan’s chic tiles
Shade
your skin, hair, and beauty
summer. Clockwise: 1 Drybar, Liquid Glass High-Gloss Finishing Serum, nordstrom.com 2 Westman Atelier, Baby Cheeks Powder Blush Duo, nordstrom.com 3 Westman Atelier, Sun Tone Bronzing Drops, nordstrom.com 4 Augustinus Bader, The Scalp Treatment, nordstrom.com 5 Shiseido, Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion Mineral SPF 60, nordstrom.com 6 Leonor Greyl Paris, Éclat Naturel Styling Cream, nordstrom.com 7 Shiseido, Urban Environment Sun Dual Care™ Oil-Free Broad Spectrum SPF 42 Sunscreen, nordstrom.com 8 Augustinus Bader, The Mineral Sunscreen, nordstrom.com
LET IT BE US’ LADIES LEADERSHIP LUNCHEON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
LINDA BARRETT
Let It Be Us, changing the landscape of foster care and adoption in Illinois through innovative programming, recently hosted the second installment of its Ladies Leadership Luncheon at the Union League Club of Chicago—bringing together a dynamic group of women from across the state to focus on the theme “Girls in Foster Care–Their Outcomes and Their Future.” letitbeus.org
Illinois State Senator Darby Hills, Illinois State
Senator Sara Feigenholtz, Dr. Susan A. McConnell
Executive Director &
Founder Let It Be Us
Amy Gelbman, Jessica Hoffman, Cindy Galley, Kaycee Coles, Anna Bilton, Alyssa Pazdan, Robin Kelleher
Breanna Moore, Lindsay Weinberg Perlmutter, Laura Cortés Robayo
Kaycee Coles, Jocelyn Fetting
Kaycee Coles, Alyssa Pazdan, Robin Kelleher
Jocelyn Fetting, Dr. Susan A. McConnell
Jocelyn Fetting
BARRINGTON YOUTH & FAMILY SERVICES ANNUAL GALA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIZZ ESBROOK
Channeling “Old Hollywood,” Barrington Youth & Family Services shined a light on mental health at its annual gala on Saturday, April 12 at the Chateau Biltmore. barringtonbyfs.org.
Libby & Eric Trzaska
Janice & Stan Pajerski
1931 Studebaker Roadster
Libby Trzaska, Jenny Penich & Sara Elliott
Lesley Olson
Dr. Tracy Campbell & James Hulshof
Chris Breault, Kathleen Breault,Courtney Breault, Kate Snow, Caitlin Pultz, Joe Pultz (Front Row) Kiera Breault
Betsy Wintringer, Anne Baumfeld
Emcee Lauren Klauer
Co-Chairs Meghan Van Daele & Katie Gavula
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Two convenient locations in Lake Zurich and Elgin. Call to learn how we can help you maximize your insurance benefits.
WINGS 4TH ANNUAL LADIES LUNCHEON
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
GOSIA MATUSZEWSKA
The 4th Annual Ladies Luncheon was a tremendous success—selling out once again with more than 250 compassionate and dedicated attendees and raising more than $115,000 for survivors of domestic violence. CBS Chicago’s Suzanne Le Mignot served as the emcee, guiding guests through a heartfelt program that included a touching testimonial from a WINGS graduate—a powerful reminder of the life-changing impact of its mission. wingsprogram.com.
WINGS graduate Tiffany Manzano, emcee CBS News Chicago anchor Suzanne Le Mignot
Anne Marie Alleman, Shelby Hasten
WINGS President and CEO Rebecca Darr
PARENTING IN THE DIGITAL AGE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
STEPHANIE JENSEN
Nearly 40 guests came together at Barrington Hills Country Club for a panel and conversation titled “Parenting in the Digital Age: Helping Our Youth Navigate Life in a Hyper-Connected World.” The luncheon was hosted by the Alexandra Lyon Singer of the Lyon Family Foundation in partnership with the Ascension Illinois Foundation, and featured Clay Ciha, CEO, Alexian Brothers Behavioral Hospital, and Dr. Lacey Lemke and Dr. Elizabeth Sita, both of Ascension Illinois. lyonsway.org
Nicole Kneedy, Alexandra Lyon Singer, Christine Griffin
Gina Koertner
Brian & Alexandra Singer
Kaycee Coles
Katie Wilson
Barrington’s Exceptional Choice For Real Estate
dtubekis@gmail.com Deantubekis.com
Scan
dtubekis@deantubekisteam.com Deantubekis.com
Prada, Logo Crochet Shopper, mytheresa.com
As the fourth generation in her family to live in Barrington, Courtney
Minner Johnson
found it serendipitous that her first nursing job was at the hospital where she was born—Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital. While living in the city for six years (and where she met her husband, Erik), Johnson stayed connected to Barrington by serving as a deacon at the Presbyterian Church in Barrington. After welcoming their son, Henry, the Johnsons returned home to Barrington. Now in her second year as Community Service Chair with Barrington Women’s Junior Club, Johnson and her husband both find a fulltime commute to Chicago well worth it. When not working as the Director of Inpatient Nursing Operations at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, Johnson (along with Erik) can be found enjoying the traditions and family she grew up with, while gaining new friends and community.
EDITED BY MORGAN HOGERTY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
Mantra? Prepare for the worst but hope for the best Best Grooming Tip? Even though I don’t use a lot of products, I try to wash my face immediately after work and let my skin breathe as much as possible Guilty Pleasure? Abandoning Sunday afternoon chores to watch football games or a Formula 1 race day Favorite Foods?
Sushi, with “make-your-own pizza” night a close second Music you love? Alternative, oldies, and classical as I love to play piano. This summer we’re seeing Peter Bjorn and John and The Kooks Best advice ever given to you?
My mom framed for me Mother Teresa’s Anyway poem. I love the stanza “Give the best you have, and it will never be enough, Give your best anyway” Best advice you’ve ever given? Assume positive intent with every situation Earliest Memory? Family vacations to Glen Arbor, Michigan Before
WHEN IN THE COUNTRY
Your style is Casual. We walk a lot Can’t leave the house without A mini training potty for the trunk Transportation VW Tiguan Driving Music Billy Joel Radio Place to Eat Region, Pl8, gigi Wine Bar & Bistro. Frantonio’s or Canteen for a quick lunch Shop Winterberry, One Girl, Angelina, Amazing Gracie’s Best thing about the country The local businesses, walkable parks, local events, and being so close to family and friends Worst thing about the country Mosquitos, they can ruin a summer evening The perfect day is A morning treat at Ambrosia Euro-American Patisserie, walk to the library or park, a ‘Drinks in the Driveway’ event with neighbors, then grilling out something from Heybeck’s Meat Market with family
bed you? I’m grateful for a sweet bedtime routine with my 2-year-old. Then clean, prep, and if I’m honest, laugh at reels with my husband What’s on your bookshelf? Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. Audiobooks are perfect for my commute You can’t live without? A sparkling water addiction, and the support of my family Love to escape to? My husband’s family’s farm downstate where my son gets to learn and experience a different type of nature Advice you would give your younger self? When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond. That’s where your power is
WHEN IN TOWN
Your style is An excuse to dress up. I love monochromatic looks in summer Can’t leave the house without Trading in the diaper bag for a small clutch Transportation Metra, then Uber or walking Driving Music Indie/alternative rock Place to Eat Le Bouchon, Piece, Piccolo Sogno, Momotaro, Galit, plus many new spots we need to try Shop The shops along Armitage in Lincoln Park, Art Effect has always been a favorite Best thing about the town Chicago in the summer: outdoor dining; concerts; and so many events Worst thing about the town The Kennedy, without question The perfect day is Dark Matter Coffee, then the Art Institute with my husband, meeting friends for dinner in Lincoln Park or Bucktown, and ending with a show at the Salt Shed
MODERN COUNSEL
THE DIVORCE TRANSFORMATION: A NEW BEGINNING
Divorce is increasingly recognized not as a failure but as an opportunity for personal growth, emotional healing, and a fresh start toward a more fulfilling life.
WORDS
BY SHANA VITEK / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA / HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
Divorce is often portrayed as a painful and tumultuous experience, conjuring images of courtroom battles, heartbreak, and starting over from scratch. For generations, divorce was seen as a failure, a life event whispered about in hushed tones. But as society has evolved, so too has our understanding of relationships. We no longer see lifelong commitment as the only marker of success. Instead, there’s growing recognition that a marriage that ends doesn’t have to be a failed marriage. It can be a chapter that that taught lessons, created memories, and concluded when the relationship no longer served the best interest of the family.
Divorce can also be a powerful catalyst for transformation and renewal. One of the most profound changes that can occur through divorce is personal growth. Many people find that leaving an unhappy or toxic marriage allows them to rediscover their passions, interests, and self-worth. Over time, individuals develop a stronger sense of independence and confidence. They may take up new hobbies, pursue career advancements, or reconnect with friends and family members who had been sidelined during their marriage. The process can also lead to a greater awareness of personal boundaries and emotional needs, setting the stage for healthier relationships in the future.
For those who endured conflict or emotional neglect in their marriage, divorce can be a path to emotional well-being. Staying in an unhappy relationship can take a toll on mental health, leading to stress, anxiety, and even depression. By choosing to end a marriage that no longer serves them, individuals can reclaim their happiness and peace of mind.
A significant concern for many divorcing couples is the impact on their children. While it is natural to worry about the effects of divorce on kids, remaining in a high-conflict or unhealthy marriage can often be more damaging in the long run. Children who grow up in households filled with tension, arguments, or emotional neglect may experience anxiety and insecurity. In contrast, when parents choose to separate and create stable, peaceful environments, children can thrive.
Navigating divorce can be overwhelming, but many resources are available to help individuals through the process. Consulting a divorce attorney or mediator can provide an understanding of the process options and ensure a fair and informed legal process. Financial advisors can help individuals plan for financial stability post-divorce. Support groups, both online and in-person, offer a sense of connection with others going through similar experiences. Therapy and self-care practices can further aid in healing, ultimately allowing individuals to emerge from the divorce stronger and more resilient. By utilizing these resources, individuals
can find the guidance and support they need to make the divorce process a transformative experience.
Ultimately, divorce should not be seen as the end, but rather as a new beginning. It offers a chance to cultivate a life that is healthier, happier, and more authentic. Through self-discovery, emotional healing, and renewed purpose, both individuals and their children can emerge stronger and more prepared for the future. By embracing the opportunities that divorce presents, individuals can transform their lives in ways they never thought possible.
For more information, visit beermannlaw.com and follow @shanavitek on Instagram.
Shana Vitek
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Dr. Sunny Sharma has launched an innovative concierge medicine practice through MDVIP. Here Dr. Sharma is wearing Brunello Cucinelli coat and Theory shirt. His wife, Anjni, is wearing Veronica Beard camel-color dress. Their daughter, Isla, is wearing Ralph Lauren, and their son, Rian, is wearing Burberry, neimanmarcus.com.
COMING FULL CIRCLE
WORDS BY JANIS MVK / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA / HAIR AND MAKEUP UP BY DORIA DEBARTOLO
Some people move through life chasing their purpose. Others return home to find it standing exactly where they left it. For Sunny Sharma, MD, FACP, DipABLM, CMD, that moment came full circle when he walked through the very halls of St. Alexius Medical Center—not as a patient, but as a physician.
“It still blows my mind,” Dr. Sharma says. “Being born at St. Alexius and now practicing medicine here feels surreal and deeply personal.”
The journey from childhood dreams to white coat reality has been more than a professional milestone. “It’s a homecoming,” he observes.
That belief now guides Dr. Sharma’s care. In healthcare, often dominated by speed over substance, his presence in Barrington is a refreshing rebellion: a return to relationship-driven, intentional medicine, rooted in community and empathy.
“There was something about the community that stuck with me.”
Though he was raised in Bartlett, Dr. Sharma’s heart has long belonged to Barrington. “As a kid, I remember driving through the area with my parents, looking out at the trees and beautiful homes, and saying, ‘One day I’m going to be a doctor out here,’” he says. “There was something about the community that stuck with me.”
That kid is now a father of two, a husband, and one of the area’s busiest primary care physicians. And yet, his priorities haven’t changed: presence over pressure, connection over convenience.
Dr. Sharma has always seen his patients as part of the very ecosystem that shaped him. “I see them as neighbors, as friends, as extensions of the community that raised me. And that sense of responsibility pushes me to show up differently, with more empathy, more time, and more intention.”
But too often, the medical system treats people as numbers and not
individuals to be known.
Then a personal crisis made that reality hit home. When Dr. Sharma was diagnosed with an acoustic neuroma, a rare brain tumor, everything changed. “As physicians, we’re trained to take care of others, to stay composed, to lead through uncertainty,” he says. “But nothing truly prepares you for the moment when you become the patient.”
In that moment, he wasn’t offering reassurance; he was the one in need of it. “I was someone facing brain surgery, scared, uncertain, and trying to keep it all together while still being a dad, a husband, and a doctor,” he recalls. “And yet, there I was, trying to process what it meant to need the very kind of care I’d dedicated my life to providing.”
That experience left an imprint. “I felt the delays, the frustrations, the mental toll of not knowing what comes next,” Sharma remembers. “Now, when someone comes into my office with fear in their eyes or exhaustion in their body, I get it—not just clinically, but personally.”
He began to question the traditional model of care he was working within. “I was seeing patients in 10-15 minute bursts, running from room to room, trying to solve complex problems with a ticking clock over my shoulder. And all the while, patients were waiting months just to get in,” he says. “That’s not care. That’s a system—and I knew I couldn’t keep practicing that way.”
Enter Dr. Sharma’s concierge medicine through MDVIP. A bold
Dr. Sharma in Peter Millar, Anjni wearing Lovebird.
pivot? Yes. But for Dr. Sharma, it was a return to his “why.” Concierge medicine is more than a business model—it’s a quiet revolution.
“It’s how we begin to heal the system,” he explains. “It allows doctors to slow down, care for a smaller panel of patients, and build meaningful relationships. For me, it’s been incredibly energizing, and I get to spend real time with each patient, focus on prevention, and be available when they need me.”
This model allows Dr. Sharma to have the space to deliver the kind of care he’s always wanted to give. “It lets me show up fully as a physician and as a human being,” he says. “That’s what I’ve always wanted medicine to feel like for both my patients and myself.”
And it’s not just about treating illness. It’s about preventing it. Dr. Sharma is board-certified in Lifestyle Medicine, a distinction that reflects his belief in addressing root causes through diet, movement, sleep, stress management, and connection. In short: he’s not just keeping patients alive—he’s helping them thrive.
And as for his hopes for Barrington? “I want to help shape a model of care here that prioritizes prevention, compassion, and connection. One where people don’t feel rushed through appointments or lost in the system, but instead feel seen, heard, and cared for.”
Dr. Sharma is rewriting the narrative—one that’s rooted in purpose, powered by empathy, and deeply connected to the soil where he took his first breath. And perhaps that’s the most revolutionary act of all: Coming home. And choosing to heal the very place that first gave you life.
Dr. Sunny Sharma is located at 1555 Barrington Road, DOB Building 1, Suite 310, in Hoffman Estates, 224-273-6010, mdvip.com/doctors/sunnysharmamd.
Dr. Sharma wearing Peter Millar, Anjni in Veronica Beard camel-color dress.
Locally Owned & Operated Since 1973
When we need help with the heating and cooling systems in our house, Cahill is our only call. 5 Star service!
CAHILL OWNERS BRANDON DELFINO & CHRIS MCNELLY
‘Tis the season
The
sun is shining and summer is in full swing at Hilltop House, the Barrington home of Graham Kostic and Fran Taglia.
WORDS BY THOMAS CONNORS / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE BERRE / STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
The best interiors are those that seem to have come together naturally. They can be minimalist or maximalist, traditional or contemporary, but the rooms that say “home” are artless. Not that they spring full-blown on their own. Even the most relaxed space calls for an eye for what goes where. And the vintage Barrington residence of Graham Kostic and Fran Taglia—unabashedly colorful and boldly furnished—hits that sweet spot between carefully composed and collected over time.
Built in 1932, the house—christened Hilltop House—had been well cared for by its previous owners when the couple acquired it. “Having only passed hands through a few families since its construction, it was in lovely shape,” says Kostic. “The house is very unique, with a sunken living room and an octagonal dining room. We did reconfigure our bedroom and bathroom, but a lot of our renovation was cosmetic.”
Once heavily embedded in the media world as the Style Editor of Modern Luxury magazines and the developer of his own successful web magazine focusing on fashion, beauty, and travel, Kostic stepped back from all that when he and Taglia relocated from Chicago. “Immediately, I felt at peace with my decision,” shares Kostic, who performed onstage professionally as a youth in shows at the historic Muny theater in St. Louis and on tour in The King and I with Shirley Jones. He now serves as the choreographer for the theater department at Barrington High School. “I love watching the students grow and express themselves over their four-year track, encouraging them to unlock the strength within to find and share kindness and humor in all that they do.”
Out of the city and off his computer, Kostic quickly adapted to a new rhythm of life. “I found myself barefoot in the yard, journaling, painting watercolors, wandering aimlessly, observing my new environs, collecting feathers, interesting rocks, and deer antler. My world went from creating beauty on a screen to creating beauty for an audience of myself, my husband, and our son, Romeo.”
Vintage finds
Signage
Graham Kostic
Staircase
Florals
Potted flowers
Kostic’s all-out embrace of the property is evident everywhere, from the music room, which is set with a piano and adorned with an abundance of millwork painted in a daringly rich yellow, to the kitchen, where a vintage portrait hangs above the La Cornue range. But it is perhaps the garden where this former city-dweller truly realized a new life. “I could hardly keep a succulent alive before,” he admits. “I never dreamed of having a gar-
den, and now I can’t imagine my life without one.”
Kostic spent his first summer in the garden just watching things grow, learning the ways of each plant, observing how they thrived or struggled. “I realized quickly that delphiniums just die out each year and that all the pretty plants that I love, the deer love too. But over the summers, I found what worked, started seeds in the greenhouse, transplant-
KOSTIC’S SUMMER BEST HITS
SCENT:
CLIFFSIDE PETIT GRAIN CANDLE
“An $80 candle is nice, but when you can get a $15 one that packs just as much punch— why would you not?” target.com
FOR PATIO APERITIVO: drink
NEGRONI
“Someone told me the other day that a Negroni is a winter drink, and I’ve never heard something more ridiculous.” al fresco dining
CANTALOUPE TOPPED WITH
PROSCIUTTO, drizzled with a good balsamic and a little salt with
A CASTELVETRANOS & FETA
CHECKERBOARD, drizzled with your best olive oil and a pinch of crushed red pepper
“The combination is delightful—cool and refreshing. A small bowl of potato chips finishes the trifecta.”
PLAYLIST:
“First thing in the morning, it’s SIDNEY BECHET. With all the windows open,
ed, and started creating something in which I take great pride.”
While Kostic gives the garden a lot of love, he’s not mad about mulching and doesn’t “worry when something doesn’t come back the same way it did the season before.” Lavender and foxglove have proven resistant to his attentions, but he’s done well with a variety of perennials, including irises, and always leaves plenty of space for dahlias and zinnias.
and the bird song outside—absolutely an incredible combination”
A SUMMER STAPLE:
WICKER BASKETS from The Pink Geranium
“I’ve got baskets to gather flowers; baskets to bring the laundry in from the line; baskets to carry my son’s pool toys; and most scored from the quickly rotating stock at The Pink Geranium in town.”
WEARING:
SABAH BABA shoes
“From gardening to going out, these shoes are a summer staple”
“I give the terrace ivy a funny little haircut each spring, and this year, I’m focusing on big pots of chamomile and more marigolds from seed, a variety from Hager’s garden center in town a few seasons ago that thrived amazingly well. I faithfully try to tame and trim, but also let the garden express itself. I love a controlled weed. There are some beautiful ones that provide long-lasting color and, if contained, are absolutely joyful.”
Never static, always surprising, sometimes cooperative, often not, a garden is utterly alive. For the true gardener, its phases move too quickly, but even as things bloom and fade,
“I’ve always thought this place was magical, a storybook come to life”
there’s deep pleasure to be had in the beautiful passage of time. “The creeping bluebell around the front circular drive in late June reminds me of rehearsing for a full-fledged dinner theater production of Cabaret for the Barrington Play Reading Group we hosted here a few years back,” relates Kostic. “The wild rudbeckia and sunflowers in full bloom are signals of our son’s birthday in August. A garden provides a certain rhythm to one’s life that is very consistent from year to year but, in the moment, wildly unpredictable. It’s a perfect metaphor of life— it ebbs and flows, it shifts and wilts, but inevitably, it finds life again in surprising ways. I’ve always thought this place was magical, a storybook come to life. And now with our son, who is 5, racing out the door down to the field below, swinging wildly on his tire swing, or making a fort under the giant junipers, I am so proud to have continued a very strong tradition of keeping this house and property as it was intended— as a place to appreciate nature and celebrate all life’s joys.”
Romeo’s castle
Detailed layering
Pool gate
Pool house
Rugport has an inventory of over 10,000 rugs.
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In addition to our extensive selection of rugs, our services include custom handmade rug creation, repair, restoration, stair rug installation, nano rug protection, and cleaning.
We are also pleased to feature unique antique accessories and furniture curated by Lee Youngstrom of Barrington, in collaboration with Irongate Designs, exclusively at RUGPORT.
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MARIANI LANDSCAPE ®
Grand
Frame
Matt and Christina Grana continue a family legacy of fine craftsmanship and community service.
WORDS BY JANIS MVK / PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD / HAIR AND MAKEUP BY THERESA
DEMARIA
Christina and Matt Grana of Grand Frame Inc. in Barrington
Gary Grana was just 17 years old when he launched Grand Frame his custom picture framing shop in Arlington Heights. After his mom opened the doors each morning while he was at school, Gary took over in the afternoons and closed up at day’s end. This bold move by a high school senior laid the framework for a successful family business.
Gary later brought his wife, Carrie, into the business, and the two became partners in both work and life. Now, a little over half a century since its doors opened, Grand Frame is helmed by the next generation—Gary’s son, Matt, and his wife, Christina.
Having built his first custom picture frame at just three years old, Matt spent nearly every Saturday and countless afternoons learning the ins and outs of the family business. Inspired by his parents’ example and the thriving shop they built, it isn’t surprising that Matt wished to carry their legacy forward.
What came next, however, was anything but expected. Christina, who spent nearly 20 years in retail store management, joined the family business in August of 2020—right in the middle of the pandemic. “With our young daughter learning from home, we figured it was the perfect time for me to start learning the ropes,” she recalls.
The challenges of a changing world brought the family closer, strengthening both their bond and their business. With collaboration at the heart of their craft, they bounce ideas off each other, feed off shared creative energy, and revel in every project’s transformation.
“It’s so awesome to see the final product come to life,” says Christina. “Now our daughter Claire, who is 11, is in the shop learning from us—and some customers even ask for her help with the final picture framing decision!”
With the whole family involved, the momentum for expansion began to build. In 2023, the Granas opened their second store, bringing their passion, creativity, and community-first spirit to their hometown of Barrington.
“We stumbled upon this little brick building on Main Street and decided to take a chance,” Christina recalls. “Our store here is just the cutest local picture frame shop— customers often comment on how cozy it feels inside.”
Grand Frame isn’t just a frame shop—it’s a creative hub where art, precision, and community come together. “Our family has specialized in everything from museum-quality preservation and printing on canvas, metal, and acrylic to designing one-of-a-kind shadowboxes, mirrors, and 3D displays,” Matt explains. “We collaborate with local artists, partner with designers, and even curate inhome gallery walls—because if it involves framing, we’ve done it and loved every minute.”
From visiting customers’ homes to helping design the perfect gallery wall to printing and framing treasured family photos, Grand Frame brings every vision to life. They stretch canvas art onto stretcher bars, frame needlepoint projects, and showcase stained glass art. “One of our recent favorite projects was an Irish dancing dress—framed double-sided and seemingly floating between two panes of glass,” Christina shares.
Their in-house specialty is sports jerseys, carefully preserved in custom shadowboxes. They also partner with corporate clients to display art throughout their workplaces. From major projects with the Metropolis Theatre, as well as creating retirement shadowboxes at the downtown Arlington Heights police department, Grand Frame’s work is also found in the public sector. “We hope to do the same for our Barrington community as we’ve already started to help outfit the soon-to-be restored Catlow Theatre,” Matt says.
But what truly sets the shop apart? The relationships built over more than 50 years. “Our clients return not just for craftsman-
ship, but for the friendship—whether they’re framing a new treasure or just stopping by to share stories,” Christina says. “After all, the best frames hold more than art—they hold connections.”
Driven by a passion for their craft and a dedication to their customers, Matt and Christina are always seeking new ways to evolve and elevate Grand Frame. They are eager to open a third location next year and are actively searching for the perfect community to grow into.
With fewer custom picture framers in the industry today, the Granas are proud to carry on the tradition, combining expert technique with innovative ideas. From one-of-a-kind requests to timeless classics, they aim to exceed expectations, one project at a time.
“We would be nothing without our team of picture framing experts including a seamstress, a college professor in print making, a super talented oil and acrylic artist, a previous frame shop owner, two dynamic and skilled salespeople, and our very own Gary Grana for helping with the very complex projects,” says Christina.
“When you shop with us, you’ll experience trust, kindness, and true expertise,” says Matt.
Grand Frame, Inc. is located at 235 E. Main Street in Barrington and 209 S. Arlington Heights Road in Arlington Heights, grandframeinc.com, @grandframeinc.
Matt and Christina Grana working on a custom frame.
NONPAREIL APPAREL, and MORE
Barrington Hills resident and former horse trainer Kiley King launched Mockingbird Markets a year ago. It has been a galloping success with no signs of slowing to a trot.
WORDS BY BILL MCLEAN
PHOTOGRAPHY/ILLUSTRATION BY MARIA PONCE BERRE
STYLING BY THERESA DE MARIA
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY DORIA DE BARTOLO
On the go, Kiley King.
This past winter, the parents of the Barrington High School boys’ wrestling team members wanted to do more than just show up at the Mid-Suburban League Meet. They sought to show unity by wearing the same Broncos Wrestling red sweatshirt—customized and head-turning—while sitting together in the stands.
The thinking behind such a wardrobe choice? When seeing a sea of red threads adorning moms and dads in a bleachers section, the grapplers would get pumped up and rack up pins.
But a local store offering the desired fan wear did not exist.
No matter. A parent contacted Kiley King, owner and creative designer of a new Barrington-based business— Mockingbird Markets.
King got right on it and completed it in a snappy seven to 10 days, too.
“I get a request like that pretty often,” says the 39-yearold Kiley, who launched Mockingbird Markets in July 2024. “Another example is parents or coaches of a travel baseball team heading to a tournament wanting T-shirts that feature the team’s name and the name of the tournament.”
“I make everything to order and only use logos I design.”
Mockingbird Markets— located in the Kiddiewinks’ space at 112 Barrington Commons Court—also sells customized oversized Mom tote bags, “drippy” hats for kids, blankets, tumblers, backpacks, equipment duffels, practice shirts, fan shirts, and coaches’ apparel, among an array of other products for middle and high school athletes, proud parents of athletes, and anyone hailing from the 60010—Barrington’s ZIP code, which adorns several of King’s designs.
“I’m a lover of all things design,” says King, one of five daughters of Dawn, a former self-employed interior designer, and Mike Batina, a former football and track and field coach at Hoffman Estates High School. “For years, I had been a mom hauling equipment from cars and being around the parents of my kids’ teammates. I knew what we needed and what we liked to wear at sporting events, and I knew what appealed to kids who love sports.”
King discussed her idea to start an apparel-plus venture with her husband, who was enthusiastic.
“Brian told me, ‘Do it!’” recalls King. “He encouraged me because there was a huge market for the personalized and unique merchandise I wanted to sell. His influence and support are the main reason why I was able to quit my job and start this business.”
Kiley King wearing Veronica Beard dress, neimanmarcus.com
It didn’t take an advertising campaign to attract Mockingbird Markets’ first customers. The King house had long been the popular “party house” for teams on the eve of seasons.
“Barrington is the most amazing community,” King says. “Brian and I talk about it all the time. The people here are caring, supportive, the best. I’m fortunate, owning a company in a special place like Barrington.”
“I modeled my business in part after what many tourist shops in Wisconsin offer their customers,” King says. “You walk in and along the back wall, they have all these designs you can choose to add to T-shirts, sweatshirts, tank tops, or hats.”
This fall, she’ll set up a Mockingbird Markets merch booth at Barrington Youth Football home games at Barrington High School’s Community Stadium.
King’s path to becoming an innovative entrepreneur began with a fear of missing out. Not returning home until 6 p.m. from her job at a dentist’s office often meant she had to hear secondhand accounts or view footage of her four children’s athletic feats.
“I liked my job,” says King, who moved to Barrington Hills with her husband, Brian, in 2018. “I had a great boss, great team. But I wanted to be at the fields and courts to see my kids (Kira (now 19), Keagan (13), Degan (12), and Kaden (11)) compete.”
She was confident she’d figure out her next work chapter and find happiness as a mother and as a professional.
King attended and played volleyball as a setter at Rosary High School in Aurora for three years before transferring to St. Charles East High School. After a year at Northern Illinois University and earning her associate degree at Elgin Community College, she trained horses in the sport of dressage for about 10 years.
“My parents told my sisters and me at a young age, ‘Follow your dreams. Don’t think you have to find a traditional path and stay on it. Find what you’re passionate about and pursue it,’” King recalls.
And look at her now—delighting future and current BHS Broncos and Fillies with merch that’s the talk of the town.
For more information, visit mockingbirdmarkets.com or text 630457-6417
FOOD & TRAVEL
FIRST-CLASS DINING AND TRAVEL
Travel to the blue skies and waters of Greece in First Class, and experience a new dining experience in Dinner Date.
Rooftop at Brown Acropol Hotel, Athens
Wild Berry Mojito
WORDS COURTESY OF TWISTED ALCHEMY
INGREDIENTS
• 1.5 ounces Patron Roca Silver Tequila
• 1.5 ounces sparkling water
• 0.75 ounce simple syrup
• 0.75 ounce Twisted Alchemy Persian Lime Juice
• 0.5 ounce assorted berries (blackberry, blueberry, raspberry)
• 1 dash Angostura Bitters (optional)
• 2 fresh mint sprigs
METHOD
In the bottom of a mixing glass, muddle berries and one sprig of mint with simple syrup. Add spirits and lime juice. Shake vigorously with ice to chill. Using a fine mesh strainer, strain onto fresh ice in a Collins or highball glass. Top with sparkling water and stir. Garnish with berries and the remaining sprig of mint.
An American Classic Reimagined
WORDS BY SHANNON SHARPE
PHOTOGRAPHY
BY
MISTEY NGUYEN AND KYLE FLUBACKER
When it comes to fine dining, the American steakhouse is beloved for both its food and design. Diners can count on enjoying an indulgent meal—think steak, lamb chops, or lobster served alongside shrimp cocktail, whipped potatoes, or creamed spinach—in a cozy, wood-paneled, plaid-accented dining room filled with leather banquettes.
This is all true of South Barrington’s new 10,000-squarefoot restaurant, The Greggory, from the newly formed Hearth Hospitality Group. Led by a group of industry veterans—Executive Chef José Sosa (Gibsons Italia, Hugo’s
Market Oysters
Blue Cheese Martini
Frog Bar & Fish House, Ummo) and restauranters Gregg Horan (Gibsons Restaurant Group, The Polo Bar in New York) and Bill Veremis (Rosewood Steakhouse Group, RL)—the restaurant provides its customers with all that they expect from a restaurant of this caliber.
There’s something special about the team’s interpretation of the time-honored steakhouse. The interior by Katina Mandas Gianakakos and design-and-architectural firm Dunne Kozlowski features rich navy blues, deep plaids, warm leather seating, brass accents, and the touches of Americana that define steakhouse interiors. Yet, the sleek contemporary lighting and light wood floors feel perfectly of the moment.
Among the offerings at The Greggory, there are many classics, but there are also some playful twists. Elevated bar bites, including the oh-so-buttery mini lobster rolls, corned beef bites, and Wagyu pigs in blanket (a far cry from the tiny frankfurters wrapped in canned biscuit dough of family parties past), sit comfortably next to the traditional appetizers we know and love—shrimp cocktail, a wedge salad, French onion soup.
From his past experiences, Chef Sosa has brought several things—a love for an open-fire hearth, Mediterranean influences, and a passion for homemade pasta, all which add a delicious dimension to the menu. The key to ordering, my dinner date and I decided, was balancing the American classics with Mediterranean dishes. Starting with an old-fashioned and dirty martini (because a timeless cocktail is always what should be enjoyed at a steakhouse), mini lobster rolls, and the BLT wedge salad, we found the perfect flavor profile: saltiness from the salad’s thick-cut bacon; richness from the buttered lobster rolls and the wedge’s Roquefort dressing; and fresh crispness with the cool iceberg lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
Our second course was paired with a lovely, light pinot noir— one of the many options on the extensive wine list overseen by beverage director Rafael Royal—that could be enjoyed with both beef, seafood, and pasta. We opted for the boldly flavored but tender Altair grass-fed Wagyu New York strip and the red snapper topped with a charred eggplant puree accompanied by a bright fennel salad. For our Mediterranean dish, we ordered the cacio e pepe. With just cheese, pepper, and pasta water, the dish sounds easy, but it takes a true expert to perfect it. Of course, it’s no surprise that Chef Sosa has done just that.
It is practically sacrilegious to skip dessert at a steakhouse (or that’s what we told ourselves, anyway). And besides, a chocolate praline cake consisting of hazelnut mousse, caramel buttercream, caramelized praline grains, topped with vanilla ice cream and fudge sauce was on the menu. Every spoonful was divine.
We were already planning our next visit before leaving the table. Once again, we would balance a steakhouse menu classic like the cheeseburger with Mahón cheese with a Mediterranean option like the Spanish octopus and mushroom risotto. Why not join us and book your reservation today!
The Greggory is located at 100 West Higgins, Suite C-1, South Barrington, 847-551-5740. Reservations may be made at thegreggory. com.
The Wine Cellar
Mini Lobster Rolls
Chocolate Cake
Grecian Getaway
A mother-daughter sojourn through Athens, Paros, Mykonos, and Santorini is the adventure of a lifetime.
WORDS BY ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER
In our family when you turn 16, we take a trip instead of having a big birthday celebration. So, when our dear Annie turned that magical number, she told us that she wanted to go to Santorini. Knowing this adventure was on the horizon, I began following travel blogs, hoping to plan the perfect trip. Thanks to travel influencer and former Lake Forester, Kirsten Maxwell, I purchased one of her “kidsareatrip” travel guides that outlined an itinerary for visiting Greece. It was the perfect launching point to create our Grecian getaway that would take Annie and me to Athens, Paros, Mykonos, and Santorini.
ATHENS
After an easy overnight flight from Chicago to Athens, we made our way to the Brown Acropol, just blocks from the Acropolis. The hotel is fresh and modern with a retro twist and was literally steps away from anywhere we wanted to go.
Just a few hours after landing trying to keep our jetlag at bay, we met our tour guide for the Acropolis—Michael Patmanidis (@michael_patmanidis on Instagram)—in Plaka, the oldest and quite possibly the most beautiful neighborhood in Athens. Filled with charming little shops and cafes, you can easily spend an afternoon exploring. Because of the summer heat, Patmanidis suggested we tour the Acropolis as the sun was setting. And even though our weariness was starting to set in, we had the most delightful two hours with Patmanidis where he tested our knowledge of Greek history and enhanced our understanding of this beautiful new world we had entered.
Pool Bar at Astra Suites, Santorini
Ann Marie and Annie Scheidler in Athens, Greece
FIRST CLASS| FOOD & TRAVEL
After our tour, we had dinner at the Hotel Grand Bretagne. The Hotel Grand Bretagne has an old-world elegance and is one of the most luxurious hotels in Greece. We dined in the atrium—Alexander’s Lounge—and split a truffle mushroom pizza and Greek salad before retiring for the night.
PAROS
The first Greek island we visited after our day in Athens was Paros. We flew Sky Express from Athens to Paros. From the moment you exit the plane, you feel the island sensibilities take over, as the sea air and blue skies work their tranquil magic. Paros is best known for its beaches and traditional villages—Parikia and Naoussa being two of its most popular.
The airport in Paros is small and we quickly found a cab to take us to the Andronis Minois where we were staying. The Andronis Minois property had just undergone a multimillion-dollar renovation prior to our visit. The result was breathtaking beauty everywhere we looked.
After an afternoon poolside, we taxied from our hotel to Parikia that is filled with darling shops and more cafes and ice cream shops than we could ever visit. We went to the picturesque Dionysos for dinner in their outdoor courtyard. After dinner, Annie and I popped into Vanilla Gelateria where
we sampled the Snickers gelato that was fantastic!
The next day after a lovely breakfast at the hotel, we headed off to Naoussa for the day. Annie bought the most beautiful summer dress and we celebrated with two freddo (iced) cappuccinos and spanakopita (spinach, filo dough, and feta cheese) at Almond Café.
From there, we walked the cobblestone streets to the beach and swam in the warm summer waters until we were ready for dinner. That night, inspired by the hundreds of viral TikTok videos we had seen, we dined at Tsachpinis, where Annie ordered the fresh fish catch of the day and I had another Greek salad. We stopped at Nonna’s for dessert. When we returned to our hotel, we found two pieces of delicious lemon cake waiting for us in our room. We fell asleep to the sounds of the most beautiful piano music coming from the hotel’s bar.
MYKONOS
The first Greek island we visited after our day in Athens was Paros. We flew Sky Express from Athens to Paros. From the moment you exit the plane, you feel the island sensibilities take over, as the sea air and blue skies work their tranquil magic. Paros is best known for its beaches and traditional villages—Parikia and Naoussa being two of its most popular.
Rooftop at Brown Acropol Hotel, Athens
After one last breakfast at the Andronis Minois, we made our way to the Paros Port to catch our ferry on the Sea Jet’s Express Jet to Mykonos.
The Mykonos Port is no joke. It’s a level of busy and chaos that you need to prepare for, especially if traveling in the summer when Greek tourism is at its peak. If you only make one reservation for your entire trip, be sure and pre-arrange your transport from the port to your hotel.
Because we were only in Mykonos for one night, we opted to stay at the Venecia Boutique Hotel, five minutes from the port and a 10-minute walk to Old Mykonos Town. This hotel was a clean, quiet, and convenient place to stay for the night.
The day we arrived in Mykonos, it was over 100 degrees. We decided to stay poolside until the temperatures dropped, rather than venturing out to a beach club.
Once the sun began setting, we walked into Old Mykonos Town where the restaurants were just beginning to fill for dinner. At the suggestion of our hotel, we had dinner at M Eating. It was delicious, homemade fare with mostly Italian entrees. After dinner, we roamed the streets of Mykonos where it is a scene. Merchants sit outside their shops, music is pounding, and people are dressed to be seen. Visitors from all walks of life are vacationing there—college kids, bachelorette trips, big
international travel groups, large families, and mother-daughter duos like Annie and me. Because we weren’t doing the club scene, we returned to our hotel where we could hear the parties well into the night, including fireworks at 1 a.m.
SANTORINI
We returned to the Mykonos Port and took another Sea Jet Express Jet to Santorini, where our hotel had arranged to pick us up. It was another crazy sea of people when we arrived, but having a driver waiting for us started our Santorini visit off on a high.
Our hotel in Santorini was beyond anything I could have imagined. In fact, I don’t think I will ever forget Annie’s expression when we were led to our room at Astra Suites. Astra Suites is at the very top of Santorini with the most spectacular views of the island. Santorini was devastated by a volcanic eruptions in the 16th century, forever shaping its rugged landscape. For this reason, the terrain is
View and pool at Astra Suites, Santorini
Senior suites at Astra Suites, Santorini
Common space at Brown Acropol Hotel
not for the faint of heart. But if you can manage stairs, this spectacular hotel is for you.
We spent our first afternoon at the pool where Nicos, the pool manager, kept an eye on everything. Hungry? Here’s lunch. Thirsty? Here are some drinks. Too much sun? Here’s a beautiful umbrella to shade you. No surprise that we loved Nicos.
After some pool time, we dressed and walked in the direction of Fira—one of Santorini’s larger cities, a relatively flat mile-long walk from our hotel. We stopped at the Aegean-Restaurant for dinner where we enjoyed deconstructed gyros, while overlooking cruise ships that were in port that evening. We turned in early, but not before ordering breakfast that would be delivered to our room the next day.
Having enjoyed a good night’s sleep and breakfast on our balcony overlooking Skaros (a landmass resembling a volcano), we headed into Oia, Santorini’s other major city. We had been told to visit Oia before 2 p.m.—before the cruise ships empty into town.
Oia is as beautiful as the pictures we’d seen. We learned that white domed churches are Catholic and the blue domes belong to the Greek orthodox. We stopped in at a beautiful little seaside café and ordered two freddo cappuccinos and Annie had her first baklava that was served warm with ice cream.
After our visit to Oia, we returned to Astra Suites for a little more pool time before enjoying our last dinner at Aktaion, a family-owned restaurant that just celebrated its 100th anniversary.
We then wandered through Fira before retiring to our room for the night. As a treat, the hotel gifted us the luxurious Bulgari bath products we had been enjoying on our stay. They also left us macarons and chocolates on our pillows—the perfect ending to our storybook vacation.
View at Brown Acropol Hotel, Athens
Main pool and view at Andronis Minois, Paros
Infinity Pool Suites, Astra Suites, Santorini
Lakefront Retreat
Veteran Keller Williams real estate agent Melanie Parsons now divides her time between Barrington and the stunning shoreline of Lake Norman, North Carolina, and she’s helping others do the same.
PORTRAIT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
Imagine a place where the winters are mild and temperate, centrally located within hours of both the mountains and the ocean—all with 520 miles of lakefront shoreline stretching out before you. Realtor Melanie Parsons discovered this bucolic North Carolina paradise several years ago after her daughter and son-in-law relocated there.
Not only did Parsons and her husband buy a Lake Norman retreat but she was so captivated by the region that the long-time real estate professional pursued a dual license so she could sell dream properties to her Barrington area neighbors.
“We purchased a second home there a few years ago, during the pandemic. We like it because it’s a central, waterfront location—only one and a half hours to Asheville, two hours to Boone and Banner Elks for skiing and snowboarding, and three hours to Charleston and the Atlantic coast,” explains Parsons, who continues to work as a real estate agent at Keller Williams Success Realty in Barrington and now also holds a dual license to sell real estate for Ivester Jackson Christie’s International Luxury Real Estate in North Carolina. “Lake Norman offers an active lifestyle, including everything from boating, boat surfing, skiing, pickleball, and hiking to wine tastings, concerts, festivals, and gourmet restaurants. We love the milder winters and now we have two grandbabies there—a 3-year-old named James and a 2-year-old named Boston.”
the luxury market and high-net-worth individuals. “Many of my clients are done with harsh Chicago winters and are looking for a milder climate or want an area with lower taxes.”
While the market in the Chicago area has remained relatively stable, she says it’s been “wild and crazy” in North Carolina for several years as more people discover all that this part of the country has to offer. Unlike Florida or Arizona, you can still experience four seasons there, including the very occasional snow fall.
With a long-established real estate career here in Illinois, this is still where she spends the majority of her time. However, she says it’s rewarding to help the same clientele she’s served for more than two decades find and purchase a second home in North Carolina or South Carolina.
“Many of my past clients and friends have decided to either work remotely ever since COVID, or retire to a location they prefer,” explains Parsons, who specializes in boutique real estate services for
“You are also only 20 to 30 minutes from Uptown Charlotte, a vibrant city with a major airport. Plus, Lake Norman is the largest lake in North Carolina with a wide range of home options,” Parson continues, adding that you can find everything from a beautiful lakefront condo starting at $400,000 to a luxury waterfront estate in the multimillion-dollar range. “You can purchase a modest home on the far side of the lake for just $650,000 or an upscale home in one of the exclusive communities with highend amenities. There are so many choices.”
Everything you could possibly want is right there on Lake Norman. The area boasts several outstanding golf courses along with abundant country club and yacht club options. Gourmet waterfront dining is also a regular activity and upscale shopping is everywhere.
Similar to the Barrington area, the biggest challenge in purchasing a Lake Norman retreat is lack of inventory. The good news is that Parsons believes that will soon change as people get tired of being in limbo and putting their plans on hold.
“After all, they can always refinance, should the interest rates change,” she says. “Life is too short to wait. Whether it’s exploring lake life on a boat or just the serenity of a beautiful sunset, Lake Norman delivers the lifestyle of your dreams.”
For more information about Melanie Parsons, call 847-772-7179 or visit melanieparsons.com.
Melanie Parsons
Lakefront property listed by Melanie Parsons.
Divorce can be one of the most emotionally and financially complex experiences a person faces — especially when significant assets, property, or business interests are involved. These situations require a thoughtful, strategic approach backed by steady guidance and experience.
With over fifteen years in practice, Fedor Kozlov has represented clients in high-stakes divorces involving business ownership, investment portfolios, and complex property division. While many cases are resolved through careful negotiation, he is a strong and strategic courtroom advocate when litigation is necessary — always focused on protecting his clients’ interests and preserving what matters most.
Whether resolving matters through negotiation or litigation, the mission remains the same: to provide trusted guidance and strong, unwavering representation during one of life’s most pivotal transitions.
Fedor Kozlov Founding Attorney
In her limited spare time when not working as a nurse in Chicago, Emily Rosencrans is capturing the adventures of her children as they explore the northwest suburbs at @Two.Busy.Babies. Follow along to find fun, new activ ities for you and your children. Here, she shares with us where she’s traveling next.
EDITED BY MEGAN WEISBERG PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP
The Bahamas
Helen Kaminski Visor (the Mita is my favorite)
As a member in Dr. Sharma’s practice, you can benefit from a more personal, proactive approach to your care, beginning with the MDVIP Wellness Program that includes advanced screenings and diagnostic tests not typically covered by insurance. You can also enjoy many conveniences and services as part of your membership.
To learn more and join Dr. Sharma’s practice, please call (224) 273-6010 or visit mdvip.com/SunnySharmaMD or scan the QR code.
Winning Windows
Local window fabricator and installer helps homeowners see clear benefits.
WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY
BY MONICA KASS ROGERS
Quality windows not only provide the scenic views, structural integrity and curb appeal that every homeowner wants, but also play a crucial role in a home’s energy efficiency and value. Replacing old, outdated windows, can increase a home’s energy efficiency by as much as 30 percent, reducing drafts, and eliminating leaks and mold.
With his manufacturing plant right here in Chicago and decades of experience replacing windows throughout the city and suburbs, Russell Armstrong, owner of Chicago Window Guys (CWG), knows the territory well. After thousands of window installations, Armstrong and his team understand the width and breadth of customer needs.
“We offer the best product, with the best installation at the best price, guaranteed!” says Armstong. “We do this through attention to detail, a transparent sales process, and attentive customer service. Plus, every aspect of our windows is manufactured right here,” adds Armstrong, “which lowers our overhead and ensures we get windows installed on time and at a much lower cost than our competition without sacrificing quality.”
As well, CWG offers a price-match guarantee and a lifetime warranty on all parts and labor, including glass breakage— unique benefits in this industry. “We don’t play the ‘Buy one - get one free’ sales game, which is simply a sales ploy,” Armstrong explains. “Our prices are always lower, for a much better product and installation.”
CWG's signature windows include the latest energy efficient technology including, Argon/Krypton gas fill, three coats of low-E silver, foam filled frames, and a non-metal spacing system to ensure windows will never get seal failure. “We build a barrier to keep your energy in and the elements out,” Armstrong sums: “ We can’t keep the polar vortex from coming
to Chicago,” he quips, “but we can sure keep it from coming into your home!”
All CWG windows are custom measured, and custom made. That includes everything from custom bow and bay windows to garden and projection windows. Expert installation is key. Says Armstong, “ You can have the most expensive window in the world, but if it’s not installed correctly, you are back to square one. That’s why it’s so important to use a company that doesn’t rely on sub-contracted labor.” CWG is one of the few companies in the Chicago area that uses its own crew, he adds. “So, we know exactly who is going to be in your home installing your windows to get the job done right, with no pointing fingers.”
As well, owner Armstrong makes all sales calls personally eliminating three-hour sales presentations, sales commissions, and high pressure “ buy now“ sales tactics.
“Throughout the years, we have built a solid reputation,” Armstrong concludes, “with happy customers who refer their friends and family, and don’t just become customers, but friends. If you are in the market for windows, we would welcome the opportunity to give you a free estimate and earn your business.”
For more information, call Russ directly at 847-302-9171, or visit chicagowindowguys.com.
Russell Armstrong
Jayson Home Interiors
Create a space that reflects you and your style with the help of JH Interiors.
With this personalized design service, Jayson Home collaborates with you every step of the way to make your design dreams a reality, whether you need a few fresh details to welcome in a new season or you’re embarking on a complete home redesign.
Along with supplying endless creative ideas and opinions, our team of experts will draw on all of our insider resources to get the job done—hunting down the perfect fabric, customizing upholstered furniture, creating a
bespoke art collection from their extensive library of one-of-a-kind images, and providing you exclusive early access to their latest vintage and antique finds sourced from their worldwide network of designers and makers allowing you find the exact piece you envisioned for your home. Once all of the plans come together, JH Interiors can help with full installation, including styling and accessorizing until everything feels just right.
Ready to begin your refresh? Visit jaysonhome.com/interiors to schedule your first consultation and bring your own unique space to life.
Jayson Home Interior Design Services
560 OAK KNOLL ROAD
$2.9 million
BARRINGTON HILLS
This Georgian estate sits on over eight wooded acres along Flint Creek, offering luxury, privacy, and elegance. A grand entry with a dramatic double bridal staircase opens to exquisite living spaces including a great room with soaring ceilings, a cherry wood library, sunroom, gourmet kitchen, formal entertain-
The Details: 7 Bedrooms, 9.2 Baths • 17,000+ square feet, $170 per square foot • Indoor pool with spa, on 8.42 acres with pond Contact: Mimi Noyes, @properties Barrington, 847.421.2836
ing areas, and a hidden speakeasy-style billiards room. The home features a lavish primary suite and a fully finished lower level with a rec room, second kitchen, indoor pool with sauna, theater, gym, and more. Outdoors boast a sport court, pond, and lush manicured grounds— just minutes from Barrington Village and top-rated schools.
3120 SOUTH OCEAN BOULEVARD, 2-101
$3.195 Million PALM
With magnificent ocean views from every room, this rarely available direct oceanfront duplex has been fully renovated with the highest quality finishes and attention to detail with superb coastal inspiration. It has spacious rooms, high ceilings, crown moldings, impact windows and doors, porcelain floors, new appliances and A/C systems, wrap-
The Details: 3 Bedrooms, 3 Baths • 2,902 square feet, $1,100 per square foot • Private boat dock on the intracoastal
Contact: Patricia Mahaney, Sotheby’s International Realty–Palm Beach Brokerage, Patricia.Mahaney@Sothebys.Realty, 561.352.1066
around terrace, and en-suite bedrooms with balconies to view sunrise and partial sunset views. The Oasis is a small boutique building that lives like a luxury resort: gated entry; 24-hour concierge desk; fitness center; tennis courts; heated pool with oceanfront sundeck; and beach. It is conveniently located within minutes of restaurants, hotels, and stores.
$2.964 million
KIAWAH ISLAND, SOUTH CAROLINA
Embracing the island’s lush natural beauty, this home invites you into a coastal haven on the first floor, blending ocean blues, boardwalk grays, and marsh-inspired greens in a harmonious palette that reflects Kiawah’s serene landscape. Filled with natural light and accentuated by a stunning double-height design it is an oasis for relaxation and entertainment. The chef-inspired kitchen outfitted with sleek countertops and top-
The Details: 2 Bedrooms, 3 Baths • 2,215 square feet, $1,338 per square foot • Kiawah Island Club Membership includes award-winning golf and recreation, private concierge service, an oceanfront infinity-edge pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and more. Contact: Kiawah Island Real Estate, realestateinfo@kiawah.com, 843.352.6431
of-the-line appliances, flows effortlessly into an elegant living space designed for comfort and sophistication. The primary suite serves as a retreat within a retreat, with a spacious layout and en-suite bath that exude comfort and style. The additional bedroom and two spa-like bathrooms feature refined fixtures and soothing amenities, creating a seamless ambiance of tranquility. Step out onto your private terrace, where peaceful vistas of the maritime forest offer the perfect backdrop for quiet mornings or evening sunsets.
1 Casa Branca, Braided Ceramic Fleurette Basket in Turquoise, casabranca.com 2 Nathan Turner, Candles, nathanturner.com 3 Dive into summer style. 4 Hudson Grace, Green Placemat Collection, hudsongracesf.com 5 Hudson Grace, Boat Stripe Collection, hudsongracesf.com 6 Summerill & Bishop x John Derian, Round Cork-Backed Placemat, johnderian.com 7 Serena & Lily, Inverness Tray Set Sky, serenaandlily.com 8 Serena & Lily, Outdoor Riviera Side Chair Grass, serenaandlily.com 9 Hudson Grace, Glass Hurricane with Straight Weave Base Medium, hudsongracesf.com 10 Casa Branca, Swedish GlassBall Hurricane in Green, casabranca.com 11 Serena & Lily, Kimbe Bedding Sky, serenaandlily.com 12 Serena & Lily, Marseille Floor Lamp Pear Green Shade, serenaandlily.com 13 Serena & Lily, Tofino Daybed Light Dune, serenaandlily.com 14 Casa Branca, Green Glasses, casabranca.com 15 Restoration Hardware, Porto Solar Lantern Collection in NaturalTeak, rh.com 16 Serena & Lily, Como Bulb Table Lamp Sage, serenaandlily.com 17 Serena & Lily, Antigua Sofa Light Dune, serenaandlily.com 18 Serena & Lily, Laurel Collection Food Domes, serenaandlily.com 19 Serena & Lily, Ives Bread Basket Sets, serenaandlily.com
PROACTIVE VS. REACTIVE MEDICAL CARE
SENIORS AND VACCINATIONS
WORDS BY CHIRAG PATEL, M.D., CEO, HANSA MEDICAL GROUPE
With COVID-19 and its vaccine protocol behind us, I felt it is equally important to discuss the other recommended vaccinations for adults. In our senior population treated by Hansa Medical Groupe, prevention is imperative for improved outcomes.
WORDS BY CHIRAG PATEL, M.D., CEO, HANSA MEDICAL GROUPE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS
The other vaccinations include Influenza, Tetanus, Varicella, Zoster or Shingles, and Pneumococcal.
INFLUENZA OR LAIV4
FIn 2022, there were approximately 155 million Emergency Department (ED) visits and around 20 percent of adults had one or more urgent care visits. Health statistical studies show 32.1 percent of ED visits are nonurgent and avoidable. One commercial health insurance company found 18 million out of 27 million visits were avoidable.
An initial vaccine can be given at any adult age. A two-dose series is allowed to any adult not vaccinated prior. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and severe immunocompromising conditions.
ZOSTER OR SHINGLES SHOT
This brings me to how I advise my patients to be proactive versus reactive. See the doctor when nothing is wrong, discuss a preventative care plan, to avoid health issues and reduce the chance of ED visits or urgent care utilization. Depending on your health insurance there could be co-pays and other costs associated with seeing the doctor, but those costs would be dwarfed by an ER visit or hospitalization out-of-pocket expense.
It is recommended to adults over the age of 50. It is a two-dose series of RZV (Shingrix) 2 to 6 months apart regardless of prior herpes zoster or history of zoster vaccine live (ZVL, Zostavax). Many patients have complained of getting a small shingles infection, but most have a blunted version when having the vaccine onboard.
PNEUMOCOCCAL OR PPSV23
The flu shot is familiar by most of the population. Given yearly, its recommended for all adults. Certain allergies and medical conditions do prohibit specific adults from getting this vaccine. Immunocompromised adults, pregnant women, those with no spleen are some of the conditions prohibiting the flu shot.
TETANUS OR TDAP
or generations and even now, we go see the doctor mostly when something is wrong. An ache or pain, fever, or fatigue are a few of many symptoms that we seek out help for. What if I told you that we aren’t using our doctors in the best way?
This vaccine is recommended to adults over the age of 65. The adult should be immunocompetent. It is one dose of PPSV23 every 5 years. Pneumonia and respiratory illness is the most common cause of death in the senior population.
Common topics to discuss with your doctor depend on your health, current medications, and prior history of medical problems. For some patients I recommend monthly checks, while others may be more or less frequent. Mammograms, gynecological exams, a prostate check, and colonoscopies are all preventative recommendations. However, checking blood pressure, sugar or glucose, heart rate, pulse, and pulse oximeter, and a heart and lung exam are also key indicators to keep track of.
COVID-19
Most adults of this generation were vaccinated as a child with Tdap. An initial vaccine can be given at any adult age. Booster shots are recommended every 10 years, or when a perceived infection risk occurs and the booster history cannot be confirmed. Lower extremity wounds are common in the elderly, especially with other conditions like diabetes and peripheral neuropathy, reducing their ability to feel. Those with wounds are often given boosters, since vaccination records are not readily available.
VARICELLA
Most adults of this generation were vaccinated as a child with Tdap.
When I speak to patients about their health and wellness, I often use the analogy of owning a car. As Americans, owning and caring for a car has been a rite of passage for generations and now families often own multiple automobiles. We take care of our cars, by consistently going for oil filter changes, swapping out summer tires for winter ones, and getting a new registration license plate sticker each year. We don’t wait for the engine light to go on for these preventative measures. Why not let the motor blow up and replace that instead of the oil change? How about risk driving in snow with summer tread tires? Or just pay expensive tickets instead of registering the license plate? It seems we do that with our bodies and health more than we think and should.
Back to my car comparison, the recommendation and visit frequency depend on the type of car (male or female), how long you have had it (age), and driving history (clinical history).
So, ask your physician about a preventative care plan and invest in your health early and often. If the doctor is not really interested in prevention, perhaps obtain a second opinion or maybe a change is due.
The bottom line is don’t let your motor blow up. Get regular checkups when nothing feels wrong or there is no engine light on— you will feel better, stay healthier, and avoid the mechanic or doctor for expensive avoidable repairs.
The CDC is recommending the COVID-19 vaccine for adults ages 18 and older. Children 6 months to 17 years of age should have a discussion between parents, guardians and their health care provider. The recommended isolation period has also changed from 5 days of avoidance of others to now 24 hours. Testing is also optional, with symptoms being considered an indication for isolation. Please check with your trusted health care provider for the most current recommendation, also taking your personal health history into consideration.
Hansa Medical Groupe has offices at 5250 Old Orchard Road, Suite 300, in Skokie, and in Chicago, 847-920-0902, hansamedicalgroupe.com.
Hansa Medical Groupe has offices at 5250 Old Orchard Road, Suite 300, in Skokie, and in Chicago, 847-920-0902, hansamedicalgroupe.com
ESTHETIC
AND RESTORATIVE DENTISTRY
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BRAIN SURGEON’S STORY HAS HEART
Dr. Juan Alzate’s drive to succeed in the field of neurology.
WORDS BY BILL MCLEAN / ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT
Juan Alzate was 19 and attending medical school in his native Columbia when he discovered the cure-all for his boredom one Friday night. Head to the hospital.
“I didn’t have much money, and I had no social life,” recalls a smiling Alzate, now Dr. Juan Alzate, a board-certified neurosurgeon with Advocate Medical Group. “High school graduates in Columbia, unlike those in the United States, don’t spend four years at a college before going to a graduate school. While in medical school at a young age, I wanted to observe and help out in any way possible at the hospital.”
Alzate read “larger than life” pediatric neurosurgeon Dr. Fred Epstein’ s book, Gifts of Time (1993), in Columbia and was mesmerized in no time. The book details Epstein’s pioneering work in developing treatment techniques for brain and nervous system disorders.
“I chose neurology because it’s complicated,” says Alzate, who arrived in the United States from Buga, Columbia in 2000 and, one year later, earned a fellowship before the start of his training at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York.
He’s had a career-long interest in minimally invasive spine surgery and complex and minimally invasive endoscopic cranial-base surgery. A research stint in Washington, D.C., preceded his move to NYC.
One day, figuring he had nothing to lose, he chose to cold-email (cold-call’s delicate cousin) the warm Epstein—“One of my heroes in medicine”—and then hope for the opportunity to conduct research with him and work with him in the operating room.
Hope turned into a meeting with Epstein. An interview followed. So did a fellowship.
“What a wonderful man, what a wonderful doctor,” says Alzate of Epstein.
Alzate married Robyn Tavel, a Canadian and serial philanthropist, in 2003 and welcomed their first child, Zoey (now 17). The couple’s second child is Lexi, 15.
For years Alzate worked at the American Center for Spine & Neurosurgery. The center joined Advocate Health Care in late March. Alzate now splits his time between Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville and Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital in Barrington.
“Advocate Health is a great health system,” he says, adding it’s the largest health system in Illinois and the fourth largest in the U.S. “I care about what we’re doing and what we’re able to provide in Lake County. We do a large number of complex surgeries at Condell, which has the only Level 1 trauma center in the area.”
“Everybody has the need in themselves to help others,” Alzate says.
