CRISTINA HENRIQUEZ
Hinsdale’s bestselling author
Ashley Graham - Ariana DeBose
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VENETIAN PRINCESS
DR. ANDREINA KARMANCHANDI
MAGGIE RIZZO
MIRA ALBERT
• National Spokeswoman AAPD
ALEXA PULLI
DR. PETER D. GELDNER
THE GELDNER CENTER
PLASTIC SURGERY & MED SPA
Go from ordinary to extraordinary with today’s advanced cosmetic surgery and aesthetic procedures from The Geldner Center Plastic Surgery and Med Spa. Experience a whole new way to feel about yourself and gain a new outlook on life. Dr. Peter Geldner is a nationally recognized board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in cosmetic surgery of the face and body. He has performed surgery on thousands of satisfied patients over the past 33 years and has demonstrated the highest level of expertise in his field. The Geldner Center Plastic Surgery and Med Spa is committed to maximizing each patient’s aesthetic goals while providing a personalized experience.
Dr. Geldner is past president of the Chicago Society of Plastic Surgeons and is considered one of the leading plastic surgeons in the Midwest. He is a perennial fixture on “best of” lists, both regionally and nationally. Dr. Geldner has been named a “Top Doctor“ by U.S. News and World Report, Castle Connolly, the Consumers’ Research Council of America, RealSelf, and Chicago magazine. When the media wants an expert, they talk to Dr. Geldner. He has shared his expertise on ABC, NBC, WGN, Fox Business, Fox News, the Learning Channel, Web MD Radio Live, and many other media outlets.
The Geldner Center Plastic Surgery and Med Spa’s Chicago and western suburb locations feature nonsurgical treatments like CoolSculpting, Emsculpt Neo, Emtone, and Emface. Emface is a revolution in facial treatments. By admitting both synchronized RF and HIFES energies, it simultaneoulsy affects the skin and muscles. The end result is fewer wrinkles. Best of all, Emface treats the full face in only 20 minutes.
The Geldner Center Plastic Surgery and Med Spa also has licensed nurse injectors in both locations to meet your injectable needs as well as licensed medical aestheticians specializing in chemical peels, photo facials, laser therapy treatment, Ultherapy, Morpheus, Moxi, laser hair reduction, PRX facials, microneedling, skin care regimens, and more. We now offer infusion therapy to help with fatigue, anxiety, dehydration, anti-aging and more.
Together, Dr. Geldner and The Geldner Center Plastic Surgery and Med Spa staff can help you achieve the look you desire with the personalized care you deserve so you have the confidence to live life to the fullest.
Mazda has earned more 2025 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ awards than any other automotive brand — a clear reflection of its commitment to safety and a future without tra c fatalities. Eight models received the highest safety rating, including the 2025 Mazda3 Sedan, Mazda3 Hatchback, Mazda CX- 30, CX- 50, CX- 50 Hybrid, CX- 70, CX- 70 PHEV, CX- 90, and CX- 90 PHEV, all meeting IIHS’s rigorous standards for crash protection, pedestrian safety, and lighting performance.
Experience five star living in this spectacular 2-story penthouse, located in one of Chicago’s most soughtafter neighborhoods. This stunning home o ers the privacy and feel of a single-family residence with the sophistication of high-end urban design. Spanning two expansive levels, this 4-bedroom, 4.5-bathroom home boasts soaring 10-foot ceilings, open floor plan ideal for entertaining, gourmet kitchen and a show-stopping 850 sq ft wraparound terrace with panoramic skyline views. Doorman, 24-hour security, private elevator to both levels and 2 deeded garage parking spaces.
// CRISTINA HENRIQUEZ
The
//
HOMMES DE CAILLEBOTTE
The Art Institute of Chicago’s Gustave Caillebotte: Painting His World examines the artist’s portrayals of the people in his life in 19th-century France.
Designer Courtney Casey’s bold fireplace makeover transforms a family room into a Paris-inspired retreat.
Courtney Casey in the room she transformed from ordinary to over the top chic.
Photography by Katrina Wittkamp Styling by Theresa DeMaria Hair & Makeup by Leanna Ernest ON THIS PAGE
Maritza Sowell and Dawn McKenna welcome guests to the Giglio home during the Hinsdale Kitchen Walk.
Photography by Jeff Collier
Maritza Sowell and Dawn McKenna at the Giglio Residence
Associate
Editor-in-Chief MICHELLE CROWE
Contributing Editors ERIN DONALDSON
GABRIELA GARCIA
DUSTIN O’REGAN
ALLISON MELONE
SHERRY THOMAS
MEGAN WEISBERG
Contributing Writers THOMAS CONNORS
SHANNON SHARPE
Senior Fashion Editor THERESA DEMARIA
Production Manager / Graphic Designer LINDA LEWIS
Advertising Coordinator / Graphic Designer JULIE THYSSEN
Graphic Designers ABDON LOERA SAM SUAREZ
Contributing Photographers JAMES GUSTIN IAN MCLEOD
ROBIN SUBAR
MARIA PONCE BERRE
KATRINA WITTKAMP
Advertising Sales ANJA AZDEJKOVIC JENNIFER STURGEON
HOW TO REACH Hinsdale Living Magazine
Advertising inquiries: INFO@JWCMEDIA.COM 630-200-9027
General inquiries: 847-926-0911
Editorial inquiries: 630-270-7991
Editorial email: MICHELLECROWE@JWCMEDIA.COM
On the web: JWCMEDIA.COM
Mailing Address: 671 ACADEMY DRIVE NORTHBROOK, ILLINOIS 60062
EDITOR’S NOTE
Summer is here and I hope you’re making the most of every minute. I’ve been challenging myself to stay outside as much as possible, gardening, reading, and listening to the soothing sounds of the season, minus the shrill buzzing of last year’s cicadas. is issue is a beauty, and perfect for tucking in your pool bag, taking to the lake house, or accompanying you on your trip to Portofino.
If you are looking for some home inspiration, designer Courtney Casey offers just that in Trés Chic. Courtney is such a force for good in our community and we love her refined sense of style.
Many of you know author Cristina Henriquez, the brilliant mind behind some bestselling books. We get to know what makes her tick.
We have a brilliant glimpse into e Art Institute of Chicago’s Gustave Caillebotte: Painting His World and the Diary of a Debutante
Country Vs. Town is another fun read, with the gorgeous and accomplished Alicia O’Brien sharing some of her favorites. Summer isn’t summer without great tacos. Dinner Date tells you where to find a fun spin on taco night.
Living + Giving is so filled with joy; it practically jumps off the pages. With coverage of the Hinsdale Kitchen Walk, Brightpoint’s Derby Day Party and tea with the Hinsdale Clarendon Hills Chapter of the National Charity League, Inc., and more, it’s a true celebration of good friends doing good works. ank you all and congratulations to every philanthropic group for enriching life in Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Oak Brook, and Burr Ridge.
I’ll see you at the parade, then back here next month for more great stories and gorgeous photos.
Gratefully,
MICHELLE CROWE Editor-in-Chief michelle@jwcmedia.com
EDITOR SELECTS FOR WHEN THE LIVING IS EASY
Business & Pleasure Co. The Tommy Chair, businessandpleasureco.com
Acquazurra, Crystal Shell Embellished Clutch, mytheresa.com
Paris Street, Rainy Day
Charlie C. - Buyer
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Talk of the Town
Hinsdale Living’s guide to the area’s people, places, and things that you must know about
SIP, SIP, HOORAY
It’s summertime, and every beverage is an occasion. From pretty Palomas at brunch to lemonade on the terrace, garnish every glass with citrus slices and ice cubes that are practically works of art.
AGENDA
June 29 – October 5
GUSTAVE CAILLEBOTTE: PAINTING HIS WORLD
WHERE: Art Institute of Chicago Impressionist artist Gustave Caillebotte (1848–1894)— known and beloved by many Art Institute visitors for his monumental painting Paris Street; Rainy Day—takes center stage in this major exhibition exploring the very personal interests and relationships that shaped his world. is exhibition, which opened at the Musée d’Orsay in October 2024, includes more than 120 works—paintings, works on paper, photographs, and other ephemera from throughout Caillebotte’s career. Together, these works open a new window onto Caillebotte—as a complex figure with many interests, as an Impressionist who painted like no other Impressionist, and as an artist who captured his own, very distinct Paris. e exhibition is curated by Gloria Groom, Chair and Winton Green Curator, Painting and Sculpture of Europe, e Art Institute of Chicago; Scott Allan, Curator of Paintings, e J. Paul Getty Museum; and Paul Perrin, Curator and head of conservation and collections, Musée d’Orsay. artic.edu
July
3
TASTE OF OAK BROOK
WHERE: Village Sports Core Fields
e Village of Oak Brook is delighted to announce the 2025 Taste of Oak Brook presented by Wintrust, an event that promises to be the most exciting and memorable yet. is highly anticipated annual celebration will feature an impressive lineup of live music, exceptional cuisine, an exciting drone show, and a stunning fireworks display sponsored by CD Peacock. Join in for what is set to be the grandest Taste of Oak Brook experience to date. oak-brook.com
July 2 – 30
MIDWEEK MOVIES ON THE GREEN
WHERE: Burr Ridge Village Center
Every Wednesday in July Burr Ridge Village Center is screening a must-see movie. Enjoy cinema under the stars with favorites including Moana 2, Mama Mia!, and Wicked. Screenings start at 7:00. shopburrridge.com
July 10 – 13
WINDY CITY SMOKEOUT
WHERE: United Center
e star-studded weekend will feature country music’s biggest names, including Kane Brown, Old Dominion, Jon Pardi, Bailey Zimmerman, and Megan Moroney, along with an impressive roster of up-and-coming talent and over 25 of the best BBQ teams from across the country. windycitysmokeout.com
AGENDA
Race to Mackinac
July 17
PAWS BEACH PARTY
WHERE: Offshore at Navy Pier, Chicago Beach Party is a summer celebration for more than 500 luau guests and their pets. Sip festive cocktails and soak up the sun, as the Lake Michigan waves roll in and the summer breeze fills the air. As the sun sets, dance the night away, enjoy an open bar, dinner, live and silent auctions, raffles, and so much more. pawschicago.org
July 18 – 22
CHICAGO YACHT CLUB RACE TO MACKINAC
WHERE: Mackinac Island, Michigan
What began in 1989 is now Chicago Yacht Club’s most famous event and the longest annual freshwater sailing race in the world. Sailors from around the world navigate 333 miles of stunning Great Lakes waters to reach iconic Mackinac Island. cycracetomackinac.com
July 26 – 27
CHINATOWN SUMMER FAIR
WHERE: Chinatown is iconic event is one of the most ethnically unique outdoor events in Chicago and the Midwest. Attracting more than 50,000 people from throughout the region, Chinatown Summer Fair is a true celebration of Far East beauty and culture including food, art, and music. is neighborhood street festival will open with a lion dance procession, followed by Asian performances; kung fu demonstrations; samplings from Chinatown’s restaurants and unique gift shops; arts & crafts exhibits; street vendors with an array of merchandise; and a children’s area. ccc-foundation.org
July 31 – August 3
LOLLAPALOOZA
One of Chicago’s most highly anticipated summer events, this genre-defying lineup is packed with the music industry’s biggest names, along with local favorites and emerging artists. e full Lollapalooza lineup features more than 170 musical acts across nine stages, with headliners such as Olivia Rodrigo, Tyler, the Creator, Sabrina Carpenter, Rüfüs du Sol, Luke Combs, A$AP Rocky, Gracie Abrams and Doechii. lollapalooza.com.
THE BUZZ
WHEN IN PARIS
Since 2014, Fondation Louis Vuitton has hosted numerous prestigious retrospectives, but this spring the iconic Paris museum is breaking new ground by inviting David Hockney to take over the whole museum for its David Hockney 25 exhibition. e distinguished 87-year-old British artist is transforming every gallery of the remarkable Frank Gehry structure with over 400 pieces spanning his prolific career. While the exhibit emphasizes his creative output from the past 25 years, Hockney has thoughtfully included significant works from his earlier periods, offering visitors a comprehensive view of his artistic evolution across seven decades. e exhibition runs now through September 1. fondationlouisvuitton.fr/en/ events/david-hockney-25
CARIBBEAN GLAMOUR
Bring home the sun-drenched spirit of Palm Heights, the beachfront Caribbean boutique hotel on Grand Cayman Island with the Palm Heights x H&M Home collection. Gabriella Khalil, Creative Director of Palm Heights says the collection is meant to bring the magical feeling of being on holiday home. Eye-catching patterns and bright yellow, two hallmarks of the spirited property punctuate the collection, which is imbued with sunshine, joy, and elegant simplicity. hm.com/home
COUNTRY VS. TOWN
ALICIA O’BRIEN
was born and raised in Oakville, Ontario—a charming suburb of Toronto that reminds her a lot of Hinsdale. During her childhood, she spent three wonderful years living in London, England, thanks to her father’s work. “That time abroad was filled with travel and adventure, and it’s where my lifelong passion for exploring the world truly began,” she says.
Back home in Canada, Alicia was a dedicated horseback rider who competed nationally in the Children’s Hunter Division. She began her undergraduate journey at Queen’s University, pursuing an Honors Degree in Health Sciences with plans to apply to medical school. However, after graduation, she chose to follow a more creative path and moved to Los Angeles to study Fashion Marketing at the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising.
“My time in L.A. was a whirlwind; fashion school by day, Hollywood parties, surf lessons, and too many nights on the Sunset Strip," she says. From there, she moved to New York City and began a career working in event design and production. “I worked for world-renowned lifestyle designer Colin Cowie at Colin Cowie Lifestyle (CCL). For three years, I was part of his elite team, helping produce spectacular events around the globe—everything from celebrity-filled Oscar parties and chic corporate cocktail events to weddings in Europe and a royal wedding in the Middle East. Clients included Oprah Winfrey, Elton John, Jerry Seinfeld, the Emir of Qatar, InStyle magazine, and Architectural Digest.”
After experiencing life in NYC during and post 9/11, Alicia returned to Toronto to start her own event design and production company. There she created both local and international events that earned acclaim from clients and the industry alike. She quickly rose to become one of the top event designers in the city, and it was a tough decision to eventually close her company and move overseas.
Alicia, her husband, and children spent seven unforgettable years in Melbourne, Australia. Their youngest was born down under and they all enjoyed the beach life, vibrant restaurant scene, and rich arts culture. “The kids held kangaroos and koalas, we swam in the Great Barrier Reef, and even rode camels in the Outback,” she says.
Later, they moved to Johannesburg, South Africa for two years. “We spent weekends on safari, spotted giraffes and zebras just an hour from home, and even participated in humanitarian work, like spraying for malaria in remote villages in Mozambique. We also had the chance to witness the Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania and Kenya—an absolutely incredible experience,” Alicia reminisces.
The family moved to Hinsdale in September 2020 and quickly found their place here. Alicia shares, “All three of our children have said they’re done moving—this is home.”
Alicia has especially enjoyed giving back through charity work. “Co-chairing several events and fundraisers has not only been rewarding, but also a wonderful way to connect with others. The generosity in this town is genuinely inspiring,” she says.
EDITED BY MICHELLE CROWE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
Alicia wears Dolce & Gabbana from Neiman Marcus surrounded by fresh flowers and candles befitting a luxury event planner.
COUNTRY VS. TOWN
Do you have a mantra? “Choose Happy.” It’s our family motto— because happiness is a choice, and life is sweeter when you choose it. On your reading stack? I’m drawn to historical fiction—it’s the perfect mix of entertainment and education. Right now, I’m reading e Women by Kristin Hannah, a powerful story about a young woman who serves in Vietnam and the emotional cost of a country eager to forget. What organizations do you support? One thing I’ve learned from moving so many times is to jump right in and just say “yes.” Moving during COVID was tough, but joining the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club (HJWC) just three days after arriving—even though we were still living in a hotel without an address or phone number—was one of the best decisions I’ve made. HJWC holds a special place in my heart. Over the past four years, I’ve co-chaired the Benefit, Fine Arts, and Future Planning Committees and have been part of raising impactful funds for local Chicagoland charities. I’ve also cochaired the sold-out Hinsdale Historical Society’s Kitchen Walk Luncheon for the past three years, as well as the Kitchen Walk itself for two years. Currently, my husband and I are on the committee for the upcoming Wellness House Gala in October. What is the area of expertise on which your group chat will seek your advice? Parenting at every stage! With one child in university, another finishing middle school, and the youngest finishing junior school, I have a broad perspective on raising kids. What’s your entertaining style? I’m known among friends
for hosting fun, elegant dinner parties. My husband and I love having people over, usually 10 to 12 guests, and we’ve got it down to an art. I enjoy creating beautiful tablescapes and menus that feel curated but effortless. Any daily rituals that make you feel centered? Movement is key for me. I start most days with a workout—barre classes at Barre3 in Clarendon Hills or personal training at Spark Fitness in Hinsdale keep me feeling strong, focused, and grounded. Favorite summer tradition or activity? Summer camp is such a beloved Canadian tradition. For the past four years, our younger children have gone back to Canada for a month-long overnight camp in a national park about four hours north of Toronto. e girls stay on an island and the boys on the mainland—with no electricity except in the dining hall. ey spend their days canoeing, sailing, swimming, horseback riding, and building lifelong friendships. It’s something they look forward to every year—and while I miss them, my husband and I use the opportunity to take a getaway for just the two of us. What beauty products are you loving currently? My daughter recently introduced me to Hailey Bieber’s skincare line, Rhode. I’m loving the Glazing Milk and Barrier Restore Cream—they’re incredible. I’m also obsessed with OneSkin’s peptide anti-aging face cream—it truly feels like a reset for your skin. Where is your favorite place to travel? Bora Bora will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s where my husband and I spent our honeymoon, and we returned years later to celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. e overwater bungalows, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and peaceful seclusion made it feel like our own private paradise.
WHEN IN TOWN WHEN IN COUNTRY
What’s your go-to out t? I love that anything goes here. I’m either in sneakers or heels, depending on the day. Cute athleisure sets and breezy summer dresses are my go-to staples. Is there anything you can’t leave the house without? Lip balm is my essential. I’m currently loving the Image Ormedic Lip Balm from Glo Up in Oakbrook—it moisturizes and lightly plumps the lips. It’s amazing. Where do they know you by name? Definitely Nabuki. Whether it’s lunch with friends, a casual family dinner, or a date night, it’s our top choice. If an ad agency asked you to write a commercial for your town, what would you say? e CUTEST village in America… Hinsdale is like a Hallmark movie—an adorable town full of families who truly care about community, history, and giving back.
Do you wear any out ts or accessories that feel like too much for the school run but are perfect for the city? Honestly, in Hinsdale, there’s nothing that’s too much for the school run! What’s in your bag? My phone, lip balm, sunscreen, and a baseball cap—my daily essentials. View that never gets old? e view of the city from the river. Every time we have guests in town, we take them on the architectural boat tour— it’s the best way to show off Chicago’s stunning design and energy. Best quick bite or hidden gem? We’re still discovering the city but love doing staycations a few times a year—checking out new hotels and neighborhoods. One of our favorite spots is Pizzeria Portofino—it’s perfect for hosting guests with its fun vibe and gorgeous riverfront views. What is your favorite movie lmed or set in Chicago? We went through a phase of showing the kids all the great ’80s classics, so Adventures in Babysitting and Home Alone definitely stand out as favorites.
Alicia wears Ralph Lauren Purple Label from Neiman Marcus in her classically cool Hinsdale sitting room.
WHO WORE IT WELL, WONDERFULLY,
AND WHERE
Hinsdale Living’s guide to who wore it well and wonderfully at Brightpoint's Derby Day Party
PHOTOGRAPHY BY IAN MCLEOD
KIM DOAN
SUSAN COBB
TARA ROZALOWSKY
For Glowing Skin Summer Body Butter Essentials
EDITED BY GABRIELA GARCIA
While we focus on facial skincare, we can’t forget that our bodies need attention too! Especially for those of us with dehydrated or dry skin. Our largest organ deserves complete pampering, and body butter provides the perfect solution.
Unlike regular lotions, body butters offer a richer texture, crafted with luxurious ingredients like shea and cocoa butter, plus nourishing oils such as argan, avocado, and grapeseed. eir buttery consistency provides emollient and occlusive properties that soften skin and lock in moisture.
Ready to transform your skin from flaky to fabulous? ese decadent creams deliver a smoother, more hydrated summer glow with just one application. ey're perfect for showing off sun-kissed skin in shorts and sleeveless tops this July.
01 Osea, Undaria Algae Body Butter, $26 at Blue Mercury 02 Kiehl’s, Creme de Corps Whipped Body Butter, $49 at Sephora Oakbrook Center 03 Naturium, e Glow
Getter Multi-Oil Body Butter, $20 at Ulta Beauty Oakbrook 04 Moroccanoil, Body Butter, $38 at Nordstrom Oakbrook Center 05 Kopari, Ultra Restore Body Butter, $39 at Nordstrom Oakbrook Center 06 Buttah Skin, Scented Whipped Body Butter, $29 at Ulta Beauty Oak Brook 07 Vaseline, Illuminate Me Shea Butter Whipped Body Butter, $14 on Amazon 08 Sol de Janeiro, Brazilian Bum Bum Body Cream, $48 at Sephora Oakbrook Center and Burr Ridge Town Center 09 Mutha, Body Butter, $100 at Blue Mercury Hinsdale 10 Weleda Skin Food Body Butter, $17 at Whole Foods Hinsdale
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Welcome Master Injector
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Mellisa Feldman, RN, BSN
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Warner Institute is proud to announce the addition of master injector, Mellisa Feldman With years of experience in aesthetic injections and advanced training alongside top injectors around the globe, Mellisa brings exceptional skill and artistry to every treatment.
Warner Institute is proud to announce the addition of master injector, Mellisa Feldman With years of experience in aesthetic injections and advanced training alongside top injectors around the globe, Mellisa brings exceptional skill and artistry to every treatment.
Known for her keen eye for beauty and passion for her craft, Mellisa’s work speaks for itself—natural, refined, and always tailored to each client’s unique features. We’re excited for you to meet her and experience the talent she brings to our practice.
Significant weight loss can leave behind loose, sagging skin. Procedures like tummy tucks, breast lifts, arm lifts, thigh lifts, and the world-famous SWIFT® Lift can be performed to complete your journey. With a thoughtful, customized approach, Warner Institute can help you achieve your goals and feel confident!
Warner Institute is proud to announce the addition of master injector, Mellisa Feldman
With years of experience in aesthetic injections and advanced training alongside top injectors around the globe, Mellisa brings exceptional skill and artistry to every treatment.
Known for her keen eye for beauty and passion for her craft, Mellisa’s work speaks for itself—natural, refined, and always tailored to each client’s unique features. We’re excited for you to meet her and experience the talent she brings to our practice.
Known for her keen eye for beauty and passion for her craft, Mellisa’s work speaks for itself—natural, refined, and always tailored to each client’s unique features. We’re excited for you to meet her and experience the talent she brings to our practice.
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CABINETRY FLOORING ORGANIZERS CAR LIFTS
CRISTINA HENRÍQUEZ
on the Power of Showing up and Creating Literary Magic
WORDS BY GABRIELA GARCIA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
While most of Hinsdale is waking up, Cristina Henríquez is already at her desk, a cup of tea steaming beside her, a gel-tip pen in hand, and a notebook open before her. No computer, no phone, just the page.
"I had a sign above my desk for many years that says, 'Just stay in the chair,'" Henríquez tells me, her voice carrying the conviction of someone who has learned that creativity isn't always about inspiration. Sometimes it's simply about showing up. "If I can create the conditions for making creativity happen, that's what I'm in charge of." For Henríquez, those conditions are deceptively simple: three to four hours each morning, pen to paper, distractions banished. It's a discipline she's maintained through four acclaimed novels, parenthood, and the quiet pressure that comes with literary success.
Despite nearly two decades in the community, she still speaks of her Delaware upbringing as home, the East Coast state where her Panamanian father and New Jersey-born mother raised her before her creative path led her first to Northwestern University for creative writing, then to the Iowa Writers' Workshop, and ultimately to literary acclaim.
e contrast between her inner literary life and her suburban surroundings isn't lost on her. Without a robust local writing community, Henríquez has cultivated relationships with fellow writers from her Iowa days while building a separate circle of "mom friends" in Hinsdale. Her writing life exists in quiet parallel to her community life.
"I work in the library a lot," she says, explaining that her breakthrough novel, e Book of Unknown Americans, was largely written at the Hinsdale Public Library, where she later formed a partnership with librarian Mike Oetting during the research for her latest work. "I would just email him, or he would see me coming, and he was probably like, 'Oh no, what do you need now?'" she laughs.
What she needed were obscure historical materials: maps of
Ridgetown, Barbados from 1907, details about fishing lines in early 20th-century Central America, all pieces of the intricate historical puzzle that would become e Great Divide, her latest novel about the Panama Canal. (Make sure to reserve your copy and check it out at e Hinsdale Library!)
"I grew up going to Panama every year since I was eight months old," Henríquez explains, describing how the canal had simmered in her imagination for two decades before she finally felt ready to tackle it. "I felt like I didn't have the writerly skill yet to tackle that properly," she says of the earlier hesitation. "It had to be big, it had to be ambitious."
e Great Divide required six months of intensive research before she put pen to paper, followed by years of writing and even more research. Her Panamanian father became her unofficial research assistant, and her extended family helped gather documents across Panama City. What began as a personal project became a family mission spanning generations and borders.
e unique thing about Henríquez? She exclusively writes in notebooks, abandoning computers where "my whole life's in there" for the distraction-free sanctity of paper. Her process involves notation systems (double slashes marking alternate phrasings), and she focuses on time spent rather than word counts, trusting that showing up consistently will yield results.
is discipline didn't emerge fully formed. Before e Book of Unknown Americans brought wider recognition, Henríquez worked jobs that kept her creative dreams on life support. At a movie theater in Dallas, she wrote short stories on the backs of printed schedules between shows. Later, she wrote press releases for a PBS/NPR station while working on her fiction at night.
Success came gradually. She secured an agent after graduating from Iowa, and a book of short stories, Come Together, Fall Apart, was soon published. Years later, her first novel, e World in Half, was born, followed by Unknown Americans, which she describes as "a turning point that resonated with people in a way I didn't anticipate."
at success, however, created its own challenges. "I felt like there was something in particular that people now wanted from
me," she recalls of the period after her breakthrough. "I felt like, 'Oh, I'm in this lane now.'" is sense of expectation initially paralyzed her until she decided to finally pursue the Panama Canal novel she'd long contemplated.
When she's not writing, Henríquez can be found in and around Hinsdale with her husband (a Hinsdale native) and their two children. You'll likely see her at Kramer's grocery ("I have the whole layout memorized"), at Café la Fortuna for coffee, or while walking around the neighborhood streets with friends. She appreciates that her children are forming their own relationships with the community she has called home for nearly two decades.
As our conversation winds down, I ask if she ever thinks about
seeing her books adapted to film. She pauses, considering. "I want my characters to be in the world," she says finally. But like many authors, the visual translation remains difficult to imagine. "I can see it in my mind. I can hear it," she says of her work. Even audiobook versions feel "jarring" compared to the voice in her head.
For now, Henríquez remains devoted to the page, the morning quiet, and the simple discipline of staying in the chair. Twenty years after first imagining her latest novel, the patience of her approach has paid off, proof that sometimes the most important creative act is simply showing up, day after day, ready to work.
cristinahenriquez.com
Cristina wears a dress by Preserico and a jacket by Brunello Cucinelli from Neiman Marcus in her curated library
Red, White & New Keys
Move into Summer with Tracy Anderson
Les Hommes de Caillebotte
The Art Institute of Chicago’s Gustave Caillebotte: Painting His World examines the artist’s portrayals of the people in his life in 19th-century France.
WORDS BY THOMAS CONNORS/PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA PONCE STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA/HAIR & MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
Gustave Caillebotte. Paris Street; Rainy Day, 1877. The Art Institute of Chicago, Charles H. and Mary F. Worcester Collection.
Gloria Groom has helmed many of the Art Institute of Chicago’s blockbuster exhibitions, including those dedicated to Monet, Manet, Van Gogh, Gauguin, and Cezanne. Now, working with peers at Paris’ Musée d’Orsay and Los Angeles’ J. Paul Getty Museum, she’s turned her attention to Gustave Caillebotte, whom many museumgoers may know only by a single image—the monumental Paris Street; Rainy Day (1877).
e painting, which depicts umbrella-toting citizens crisscrossing the metropolis’ slickened streets, entered the museum’s collection in 1964 and is usually prominently positioned at the top of the grand staircase off Michigan Avenue.
“What makes
Caillebotte so fascinating is his insistence on a technique that is more realist than impressionist, but with an amazing and unexpected perspective, framing, and viewpoint, that sometimes puts us in the painting,” observes Groom, Chair and Mary Winton Green Curator Painting and Sculpture of Europe. “His best paintings tell stories and are, therefore, accessible. At the same time, the narrative remains open-ended, anti-descriptive, indeed ambiguous, all of which are characteristics of avant-garde painting at the time.”
e artist has been the subject of various explorations over the years, including 1994’s Gustave Caillebotte: e Urban Impressionist, organized by the Art Institute’s former director Douglas Druick,
and the Musée d’Orsay. Gustave Caillebotte: Painting His World, on view from June 29 through October 5, offers a fresh perspective on the artist by focusing on images he created of the people in his life, including portrayals of men. “Paul Perrin at the Musée d’Orsay had the idea that, given the artist’s predilection for painting men—70 percent of the works in his short career show men—and the absence of males as a prime subject during the two decades of high Impressionism, it was time to explore and celebrate this aspect of Caillebotte’s art and career,” explains Groom.
Gustave Caillebotte. Floor Scrapers , 1875. Musée d'Orsay, Paris, Gift of the Caillebotte heirs through Auguste Renoir, 1894. Photo courtesy of Musée d’Orsay, Dist. GrandPalaisRmn / Franck Raux.
Gloria Groom has been with the Art Institute of Chicago since 1985
Gustave Caillebotte. SelfPortrait at the Easel, 1879. Private collection, France.
Photo © Caroline Coyner Photography.
“I wanted to be part of a larger system of communication than the academic environment provided...”
e exhibition showcases more than 120 pieces—ranging from paintings and works on paper to photographs and various ephemera—spanning Caillebotte’s entire career. ese pieces reveal Caillebotte to be a multifaceted individual with diverse passions, an Impressionist painter with a unique style, who immortalized his own, distinct vision of Paris.
Groom, whom France has recognized by naming her an Officer of the Order of Arts and Letters and Chevalier in the Legion of Honor, was born and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Languages were her first love. She began learning Spanish in elementary school
and, as a teen, spent summers in Mexico and Venezuela. Along the way, she learned French through private lessons with a former member of the Resistance.
Gustave Caillebotte.
Portrait of a Man, 1880. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Bequest of Muriel Butkin. Photo courtesy of Cleveland Museum of Art.
“During my junior year abroad in Valencia, Spain,” she relates, “I discovered that the written and visual languages of a culture are intertwined and that provided me with the impetus to pursue art history. I wanted to be part of a larger system of communication than the academic environment provided, which is why I found my path in museums.”
Married to sculptor and author Joe Berton (T.E. Lawrence and the Arab Revolt), Groom joined the staff of the Art Institute in 1985. Looking back over her career, she says, “ e Art Institute has always encouraged exhibitions that expand on our knowledge of the collections, and of course, the Impressionist collections are very visible and accessible. Because of that, we try to dig deeper, to find different angles. For example, Gauguin: Artist as Alchemist was
Gustave Caillebotte. Balcony, about 1880. Private collection. Photo courtesy of the private collection/Bridgeman Images.
Gustave Caillebotte. Man Drying His Leg, about 1884. Private collection. Photo by Lea Gryze, Berlin. © Private collection, Berlin, 2024.
based on his work in clay, wood, and other materials. Manet and Modern Beauty explored the final years of the artist’s career, which are much less well-known and, for that reason, less popular.”
e figures depicted in Painting His World range from friends and family members to anonymous figures at work and play; from a tophatted swell rowing a boat to a trio of laborers refinishing a floor. In a Café (1880) features a man with his hands in his pockets, looking a little
which was unusual for the art of his day.
worse for wear. Portrait of a Man (1880) captures a well-dressed fellow gazing out a curtained window, sunlight streaming across his mustachioed face. Partie de Bésigue (1880) shows Caillebotte’s brother and his friend playing cards. While the artist painted many women—reading, engaged in needlework, lying naked on a divan—his images of men occupy a significant niche in his oeuvre,
“Frédéric Bazille painted men, bathers,” notes Groom, “but he died in the Franco-Prussian War, before the artists who would become the Impressionists had organized around their ‘brand.’ Besides Caillebotte, Edgar Degas is the only artist who, in paintings such as Portraits à la Bourse (1879) and his portraits of musicians and family members, showed the modern male, but never to the extent that Caillebotte focused on the male in his incredibly compelling and modern works.”
For more information, visit artic.edu.
Gustave Caillebotte. The Pont de l'Europe, 1876. Association des Amis du Petit Palais, Genève. Image courtesy of the Milwaukee Art Museum. Photo by John R. Glembin.
Gloria Groom has been involved in numerous major monographic exhibitions
THURSDAYS
JUNE 12 – AUG 21
6PM - 9PM
*no event July 3rd
JULY 18 & 19 10AM - 4PM
MONDAYS
JUNE 16 - OCT 13 7AM - 1PM
Kowalczyk and
Hinsdale
dence and lives.
ON THE LIST
CD Peacock’s Chelsea Holtzman
Lawrence Named to Jewelers of America’s 2025 20 Under 40 List
PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF CD PEACOCK
What happens when a filmmaker tells the story of an iconic jewelry house?
For Chelsea Holtzman Lawrence, it results in a coveted spot on Jewelers of America’s 2025 “20 Under 40” list. is national initiative recognizes exceptional young professionals who exemplify leadership, innovation, and a commitment to excellence in the fine jewelry industry.
“Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 program was created to spotlight the rising stars shaping the future of the jewelry industry. Chelsea Holtzman Lawrence exemplifies the innovation, dedication, and leadership that will drive the industry forward and inspire the next generation of professionals,” says David Bonaparte, President & CEO of Jewelers of America.
Chelsea and her fellow award recipients were carefully selected by a panel of industry experts, who evaluated their professional success, leadership abilities, innovative approaches, and dedication to the jewelry community. Each honoree also demonstrated alignment with Jewelers of America’s Code of Professional Practices, upholding the highest standards of ethics.
"I am truly honored to be named one of Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 and to be featured alongside so many talented and inspiring professionals,” says Holtzman Lawrence. " is recognition validates my passion for elevating the CD Peacock brand and reimagining how a legacy jeweler connects with the next generation of luxury clients. I have always believed in
honoring tradition while pushing boundaries, and I am proud to be part of an industry where innovation and heritage coexist so powerfully."
As a third-generation leader at CD Peacock, Chelsea continues a Chicago legacy established in 1837. Growing up in New York City, she developed a passion for theater and film, later graduating from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts with a minor from the Stern School of Business. Her award-winning productions, featured at film festivals such as Cannes and Sundance, inform her storytelling approach to CD Peacock’s marketing, where she honors the brand’s 188-year heritage with her innovative “Make History” strategy.
As Chief Marketing O fficer, Chelsea creates immersive campaigns that theatrically feature the work of world-renowned photographers. Her diverse and inclusive imagery positions CD Peacock as a modern retailer. She has secured CD Peacock as the O fficial Jeweler of the Chicago Cubs and designed the CD Peacock Trophy Room to showcase the World Series trophy.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Chelsea is dedicated to supporting local charities and cherishing time with her husband and three children. With her skills, expertise, and vision, this recognition is undoubtedly one of many to come in the jewelry world.
Visit the CD Peacock Mansion at Oakbrook Center, 298 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, IL. Call 630.571.5355 or explore more at cdpeacock.com.
• Set on a 99x175 lot with beautiful gardens
• Across from Burns Field
• Walking to Monroe Elementary, Town, and Train
• Over 7,000 sft of exquisite finishes
THE TORTILLA TITANS
Ancho & Agave’s taco board is the mic-drop feast you didn’t know you needed. Chef Paul Katz has compiled a budget-friendly taco board to rule them all.
WORDS BY PETER MICHAEL / PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR
Scanning the menu at Ancho & Agave in Lombard—a sleek, swaggering Tex-Mex chain from the restaurant group that runs Biaggi’s —I spotted something wild: a $57 flex of a feast called the Ancho & Agave Taco Board. ere are no cute icons or illustrated arrows pointing toward it on the menu. But it’s there, halfway down the center column.
It’s one of the best taco deals you’ll find on this side of I-55. Fourteen tacos. One of every taco on A&A’s menu. Pick your wrap of choice—flour, corn, or lettuce (if you’re feeling wholesome). But don’t be fooled by the word “board.” What arrives is a gleaming silver taco stand—more like a zig-zagging lowrider chrome rail—that spans the entire table.
During our visit, no less than three strangers congratulated me on my selection. One guy shot me a loud clap as he walked by, as if I’d just hit a last-second buzzer-beater. Going on a date? Split it. Wrangling your hangry family for a taco night out? Share it. Filming a solo taco gauntlet for your TikTok feed? Just order the board and take home the leftovers.
If you’re not the gluttonous type, there are plenty of worthy stand-alone offerings: a crispy coconut shrimp starter. A&A’s hearty fajita platter. Or a banger of chicken asado burrito stu ffed with sweet corn, poblano peppers and cilantro-lime rice. But nothing can compete with A&A’s taco board.
Even Paul Katz, the chain’s corporate executive chef couldn’t help but give it his nod of approval when he arrived two years ago. And Katz has cooked everywhere —Italian kitchens, panAsian spots, seafood chains. Upon arriving at A&A, he didn’t mess with things too much. He just sharpened it. He makes his tortillas with corn stock, so they’re slightly sweet and glow with a golden caramelized sheen. He crafts fun accoutrements— chipotle cremas, morita salsas, spiced ranch dips. And he treats his proteins with reverence: seared, braised, battered, or blistered on the plancha until they bite back.
Below is our breakdown of all 14 tacos on his board—with chef insights, heat warnings, and some personal reflections. Pick a few for your next sit-down taco run—or do what the legends do: go full board, no regrets.
The expansive space is enhanced with eclectic design details
FRIED “NASHVILLE HOT” CHICKEN
is isn’t the kind of flamethrower taco that would break the Scoville scale. It delivers a subtler heat, which rolls over your taste buds slowly, like a smothered Bu ffalo wing. Katz’s secret cooling agent is a lime aioli, but it’s his gonzo sweet giardiniera—pickled carrots, cilantro and golden raisins—that dances so well with the heat.
CHICKEN ASADA
I can hear taco traditionalist groaning from every direction. A chicken asada taco dressed with ranch? C’mon, gringos. Only there’s a tasty twist here: Katz makes a Tex-Mex ranch for grown-ups—yes, those are jalapenos you’re tasting—then folds in sweet corn and rajas so it tastes like a Middle American play on elotes.
KUNG PAO CHICKEN
Paul Katz insists this Asian-Mexican mash-up is the most flavorful taco on his menu. It took him years—and experiments in numerous kitchens—to perfect his Hoisin sauce, which glazes tender tendrils of chicken and crispy water chestnuts. A sprinkle of roasted peanuts and flurry of green scallions makes it as bold on the plate as the palate.
STEAK ASADA
It takes patience to make real deal asada. Slices of sirloin flap are tenderized for 24 hours in a gluten-free tamari-soy, then tossed with sauteed onions and slathered with an avocado-cream sauce. More proof that to the patient, go the spoils.
PORK AL PASTOR
e key to flavor-maxing your pork? Cut a big slab of pork shoulder into inch-thick slices, marinate it overnight, add a cupboard full of spices—guajillos, anchos, cumin and a fistful of cumin—and then lock in all those flavors with a hard sear. When it comes to flavor, this one pops like a birthday pinata.
GRINGO
is simple homage to Taco Bell plays on mass-market Tex-Mex nostalgia. e base ingredients are familiar—ground beef, queso, lettuce, pico do gallo—but the addition of an avocado-serrano salsa attempts to elevate it above takeout-window status.
DINNER DATE
CAULIFLOWER
Paul Katz’s wife is a discriminating vegetarian with a refined palate. Which might explain why his tempura-battered cauliflower taco is no plant-based throwaway. It’s swaddled in a Mexican cheese blend, then dressed with a two-toned ginger-jalapeno cream.
SWEET POTATO
Imagine an oversized sweet potato French fry—only it’s been coated with ground chilis and lime juice instead of boring old salt. Add some avocado, queso fresco and toasted pepitas and you have a deconstructed sweet guacamole in taco form.
SMOKED PORK BELLY
Our favorite taco of the night. ick-cut smoked pork belly, seared on a flat top, is drenched in a red chile coconut sauce, then mashed with cabbage slaw, peanuts and plantains. Sweet, smoky, salty, fiery—it’s so bold you’ll never look at a ai menu the same way again.
CARNITAS
e first law of taquerias? Keep the carnitas simple. at’s the strategy here. Even though Katz adds pickled onion, queso fresco and a chipotle crema, it’s the pork that still steals the show.
BAJA FISH
Katz fries up tilapia for this midwestern play on a Baja fish taco. He adds extra corn for sweetness and layers it with a chipotle slaw. It’s simple, classic and California worthy.
SHRIMP ACAPULCO
Katz turns Ancho & Agave’s best starter—crispy fried shrimp moated in a sticky mango chili chutney—into a sweet handheld. Hats off to his chipotle slaw. It's crunchy, juicy, sugary, and spicy all at once. If you chase sweet-sour flavor bombs, this taco’s for you.
BARBACOA
Some of Ancho’s regulars are so sensitive to spice, they think black pepper is cause for a five-alarm fire. Which is why he dials down the heat on his barbacoa. If anything it tastes more like a birria—Jalisco’s famous brothy beef stew. A dollop of tomato crema adds a smooth backbeat to all that beefy bravado.
The Taco Board, stacked with 14 innovative and delicious versions of the handheld classic
DINNER DATE
Cocktails
Mai Tai:
B CKENED SALMON
e star of this taco isn’t the citrus-forward blackened salmon or a chipotle pineapple slaw; it’s the inclusion of a garlicky jalapeno chimichurri that’s worthy of being. “We wanted a chimichurri,” says Katz, “that delivered serious punch. Mission accomplished.
Ancho & Agave, 92 Yorktown Center, 630.395.7500, anchoandagave.com.
Although mai tais aren’t your traditional taco chaser, this double-rum sipper—both coconut and black rum—is a worthy order on a crowded Saturday night when the waitlist is long. Start with sugar; end with the spice.
Margarita:
ere are no less than a dozen di ff erent margaritas to choose from at Ancho & Agave, all of which are made with blue agave and fresh squeeze juices. We recommend the jalapeno-peach variant for heatseekers and the house’s agave nectarTriple sec o ff ering for everyone else.
Welcome to Ancho & Agave, get ready to have some fun
TRÈS CHIC
A bold fireplace makeover transforms a family room into a chic Paris-inspired retreat.
WORDS BY SHANNON SHARPE
PHOTOGRAPHY BY KATRINA WITTKAMP
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA HAIR AND MAKEUP BY LEANNA ERNEST
"Ilive in Paris in my head,” Courtney Casey, principal of Courtney Casey Interiors, muses. “I'm heavily influenced by European hotels.” is inspiration, along with her former career working for fashion magazines such as Elle, Marie Claire and Glamour, serves as a driving force behind her transitional interiors. It’s also what launched the redesign of the awkward, bulky brick fireplace in the family room of the 1940s Hinsdale home she shares with her husband and children. Former owners had added on to the house over the years, and the asymmetrical fireplace in the corner was a remnant from a circa 1970s/80s renovation.
“ e fireplace was such an eyesore”, Casey says. “I wanted to transform it into a beautiful centerpiece without having to recenter the chimney.” Some people might paint it white and call it a day, “but that would be like putting lipstick on a pig,” she laughs. Having just returned from the Paris Déco O ff design fair, she’d brought back plenty of inspiration. “I thought to myself, ‘what if made this look like a fun boutique hotel in France?’” she says.
Casey knew that the jumping of point would be a beautiful viola porcelain along the base. “It’s super durable and you can use big sheets
DESIGN
Courtney perches on the Arabescato Viola honed porcelain from Global Marble & Granite underneath theSamsung Frame TV displaying "Twins" by artist Wolf Ademeit
easily,” she notes. For the top she chose a white Cadillac plaster that provides sleek contrast to the veiny stone. “For the middle I wanted a fluted moment, a simple detail that still made a big impact,” she says. “ e contractor suggested just painting the firebox, but I knew we needed to carry the entire project through.”
She had her eye set on one porcelain, but unexpectedly her husband popped in with an opinion. “He normally lets me do my thing, but he said, ‘I really think we should go with this other one. It will be a better fit.” Turns out he was right. Balancing the bold contrast, she added a Zen garden touch with charcoal-hued fireballs. Curvaceous sconces and a bold piece of art hung on the white plaster are the final touch.
As is the case with most designers, “this one change was a gateway drug for other updates to the room,” Casey says. It had previously just been a family lounge space, but she now saw it as a place for entertaining. “I had a big sectional around it where we would hunker down to relax,” she explains. “I saw that it could now be a chic space to gather with my girlfriends. It’s not a place I want to hide.”
Casey reconfigured the furniture layout, swapping out the sectional for a standard sofa and two chocolate brown accent chairs that play to the deep purple in the viola porcelain to create a more conversational space. Treasures from her European travels provide accents throughout the room. It was also an opportunity to embrace her evolving design leanings. “My aesthetic has changed slightly,” the designer says. “It’s become a lot moodier than in the past.”
She decided to carry that sexy vibe into the nearby powder room, as “it felt a little bit too coastal for what the house was evolving into,” she explains. Dark gray grass cloth on the walls, deep charcoal paint, new lighting and Francine Turk artwork transformed the beachy bathroom into a jewel box that feels at one with the family room.
“It’s funny how you do one thing and it's snowballs to so many other changes,” Casey notes. “But it can really change how you live. I just want to be in the family room all the time now.” courtneycaseyinteriors.com,
DESIGN
LIVING & GIVING
Hinsdale Kitchen Walk
Everyone’s favorite day of the year started out cool but sunny and only improved from there. Chairs Amanda Mancini, Emily Bower, Kristin Burton, Ria Hoban, and Anne Otzen led an incredible team of volunteers who made each stop on the tour more spectacular than the last. Between the cooking presentations, floral displays, tablescapes, vendors, and the sheer beauty of this year’s home, it was the pinnacle of friendship and inspiration. kitchen-walk.com
Photography by Je Collier
Ria Hoban, Anne Otzen, Amanda Mancini
Aisling Gray, Laren Glandt, Lindsey Tate, Nicole Beutler
Hayley Minardi, Judith Romans, Audrey Romans, Annalise Crumbaugh
Stephanie Karstens, Amanda Ahadi, Julia Ruge
Michelle Fisher, Sarah Zielke
Susan Cobb, Annie Flynn, Pauline Maki, Emily Campbell, Sara Chung
LIVING & GIVING
Tina Weller, Lauren Letizia
Kasia Derza, Stephanie Shah
Lauren Panozzo, Michelle Riley
Allison Peters, Natalie Scheid
Denise Marron, Emily Campbell
Corinne Haleach, Samantha Hutchings, Julie Steele
Maritza Sowell, Dawn Mckenna
Rene Barnard, Gretchen Barnard, Lori Perdue, Lorri Lott
Catlin Jecklin, Christina Angelos, Kathleen Kay, Caily O’Donovan, Jenna DeBruin, Caroline Wilson, Deb Hoban, Catherine Steinberg
L IVING & GIVING
70th Annual Derby Day Party
A who’s who of supporters donned fascinators, florals, and seersucker for the Hinsdale Auxiliary of Brightpoint’s Derby Day Party. A new location allowed for even more people to take part in this beloved tradition. Guests were moved by the speeches of individuals who have benefitted from the incredible work of this organization, which is devoted to strengthening families across Illinois. Cheers to another 70 years! brightpoint.org
Photography by Ian McLeod
Kris & Tom Hutchinson
Tish Newcomer, Margot Fachini, Beth Lyons
Claire & Larry Domark
Susan Cobb, Emily Campbell, Tara Rozalowsky, Helen Becka
Bill & Kerry Johnson, Natalie & Mike Ryan
Colleen & Tom McGuigan
Shaw Kassab, Katy Altemose
Jamie & Tish Newcomer
LIVING & GIVING
National Charity League Tea
e Hinsdale – Clarendon Hills Chapter of National Charity League, Inc. capped off an extraordinary year with an afternoon tea at Pella Signature. is dedicated group of mothers and daughters serve the community together while developing their leadership skills and participating in cultural experiences. is thriving chapter supports nearly two dozen non-profit organizations through different volunteer activities. Congratulations to the Class of 2025, who will take their next steps with confidence, compassion, and closer relationships thanks to their time in National Charity League. nationalcharityleague.org/chapter/hinsdaleclarendonhills/
Photography by Ian McLeod
Alexis Braden, Caren DeVita, Erin Catton, Sarah Ouimette
Ania Perrelli, Puja Patel, Kim Lowe, Amy Sauer
Sophia Kavuliak, Denise Kavuliak
Alexis Braden, Willa Braden
The Singh Family
Michelle Riley, Caitlin Riley, Katelyn Hernandez, Christy Hernandez
Finley Wood, Dawn Wood
LIVING & GIVING
Gone Grazy Ribbon Cutting
Well-wishers and foodies filled the gorgeous new hot spot Gone Grazy. e festivities spilled out onto First Street as longtime customers, friends, and family celebrated in the transformed space with champagne and charcuterie. Fans of cheese board genius Janice Gerges’ picked up copies of her book, admired the gorgeous displays, and toasted the brilliant concept, where it’s easy to pick up the makings of a perfect night in or order catering for a big night out. gonegrazy.com
Photography by Ian McLeod
Gretchen Barnard, Janice Gerges
Dr. Deepti Shenoi, Susan Cobb
Paul & Jennifer Virant
LIVING & GIVING
Walk for Wellness House
From pre-race yoga and mobility sessions to the last triumphant finish, it was an extraordinary morning at Wellness House. More than 3,200 registrants walked and ran in support, in celebration, and in memory of those living with cancer, raising more than $835,000 along the way. Cochairs Mahrukh Hussain and Julie ick and committee members Kate Hunley, Teresa Hussain, Nicole Melnik, and Dianne Van Wormer thanked the volunteers, sponsors, and all who attended. e energy of the morning was unmatched. wellnesshouse.org
Photography by Ian McLeod
Mahrukh Hussain, Julie Thick, Lisa Kolavennu, Steve Smith
Team Captain Canada
The Schmidt Family
William Rassano, Lydia Garcia
The Brown Family Dr. Gina & Brad Pongetti
The Hart family, Lauren & Matt Houder
LIVING & GIVING
Kitchen Walk Afterparty
e good vibes of the Hinsdale Kitchen Walk continued at the Airoom Design & Buiild Studio. Guests enjoyed wine and sweet and savory bites surrounded by the gorgeous options available when they are ready to freshen up their own kitchens. Airoom is a proud Kitchen Walk sponsor and already looking forward to next year. airoom.com
Photography by Je Collier
Megan Noble, Leslie Stern
Chrissy Wytiaz, Sue Wolf, Bernie Meyers
Maxx Klein, Mike Klein
Jamie Roble, Darcy Dangler
Ti any Stojka, Colleen Whitehead
Reed Kemp, Kate Putzer, Aaron Mersinger
Karmen Wade, Alli Muncie, Sarah Wheeler
Congratulations to the St. Isaac Jogues 8th Grade Class of 2025!
Hats off to you for your remarkable achievements in academics, athletics, fine arts, and service to the community! As you step forward, let your Catholic values guide you in continuing to become moral leaders who inspire others. The world is eager for your leadership. Always remember, you will forever have a home at St. Isaac’s.
Live Your Best Smile
Dr. Carrie H. Thangamani and her team at CHT Ortho in Hinsdale
pride themselves on being the friendly neighborhood orthodontists who treat you like family.
WORDS BY SHERRY THOMAS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES GUSTIN
STYLING BY THERESA DEMARIA
HAIR AND MAKEUP BY TK
At CHT Ortho, Dr. Carrie H. angamani (DDS, MS) says it’s not uncommon for parents to catch up over coffee in the waiting room while their children have appointments in an office designed to make everyone feel welcome.
“It has a light, fun, and cheerful vibe that instantly makes you feel comfortable and at home,” says Dr. angamani, who started the Hinsdale practice in 2011. “Simply put, we are truly your neighborhood orthodontist that cares for you like family. While we strive to always be up to date on the newest technologies in how we do orthodontics, I think you could say we are perhaps more traditional in how we care for our patients as people. Technology cannot replace all that we do in dentistry, nor should it.”
As the community-centered practice grew, so did her team. In 2020, Dr. angamani welcomed Dr. Ami Rakalla (DDS, MS)—a direct referral from a colleague in Baltimore who said, “I don't care if you are hiring someone, you need to hire her.”
“Dr. Ami has been a blessing to me, our team, and most importantly, our patients,” says Dr. angamani, adding that five years later, they began to search for a third part-time orthodontist to join them. Hinsdale/Oak Brook native Dr. Karen Homsi-Przybylo (DDS, MS) fit the bill perfectly. In addition to rave recommendations, the Hinsdale Central High School graduate had deep ties to the community. “She has also been a welcome and lovely addition to our team.”
Together, this trio of orthodontists at CHT Ortho continue Dr. angamani’s founding mission to treat every patient as if they were her own child. Building and maintaining close relationships with patients and their families—many of whom they see every 10 weeks or so—is what keeps the practice’s engine running.
“We love treating families, neighbors, colleagues, and community friends,” she says. “We all live in the area so knowing our
patients in and out of the office makes coming to ‘work’ really not work at all.”
As they watch the families they treat evolve and grow, they simultaneously keep a pulse on the latest innovations in orthodontics. Technology is used not to replace the personal touch but to work in ways that make treatment more efficient and effective.
“ at often means shorter appointments with less in office time, more virtual appointments, when possible, and treatment options that vary from metal braces to clear removable aligners and many things in between,” explains Dr. angamani. “We work with our patients to figure out what options work best for them and their lifestyle. We also realize there are patients who want more in-office care and attention and we cater to that as well—knowing people and caring for their needs at their level is our specialty, along with straightening teeth, of course!”
As your friendly neighborhood orthodontists, the CHT Ortho team give back to the Hinsdale area community whenever possible—dedicating time outside of the office to local philanthropies and nonprofit organizations. Dr. angamani currently serves on the board of the Hinsdale Community House, as well as the village’s Economic Development Commission. Along with another couple, she and her husband look forward to co-chairing the Wellness House Ball in October.
With a company mantra to “Live Your Best Smile,” she says her new dream team is uniquely dedicated to delivering unparalleled care.
“We collaborate continuously on all of our cases and we push each other to strive to the next level,” adds Dr. angamani. “Our passion is making you smile!”
CHT Ortho is located at 1 Grant Square, Suite 101, in Hinsdale. For more information, call 630-323-1201 or visit chtortho.com.
Dr. Karen Homsi-Przybylo, Dr. Ami Rakalla, and Dr. Carrie H. Thangamani
Navigating Health Insurance as a Senior
Selecting a health insurance plan is no easy task.
WORDS BY CHIRAG PATEL, M.D., CEO, HANSA MEDICAL GROUPE / PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS
Seniors turning 65 typically turn to Medicare for their insurance needs. However, with the advent of Advantage plans, there are more choices than ever. is can be difficult to navigate and understanding the differences, leading to the best choice for an individual.
First the basics
Most insurances pay for medical services, covering a large portion, usually 80 percent. e remaining 20 percent is often covered by a supplemental or secondary policy. If someone does not have a secondary policy, that portion’s responsibility falls on the patient. Sometimes insurances won’t pay the full amount of a medical bill, and that portion could also be the responsibility of the patient. In network and out of network is could be important depending on the type of insurance you have. Certain insurance plans known as PPO or Preferred Provider Organization could cost more but allow more options for their care, as it has a broader coverage. HMO or Health Maintenance Organization is typically a cheaper option but limits your care to only those physicians, hospitals, and other services that participate in that specific HMO. For an HMO, having In Network care
allows for the most cost-effective option, but limits where you can go for your care. PPOs provide greater flexibility, but your premium could be higher.
Deductibles
Most insurances have a deductible or an initial portion a patient is responsible for before the insurance coverage starts. is is also true for Medicare at the first of each year. Regardless of insurance type, most plans have a deductible structure, so make sure you are aware of your out-of-pocket responsibility.
EOB, Explanation of Benefit
We get questions about EOBs or Explanation of Benefits from time to time. ese are complex paperwork provided by the insurance company to patients, explaining the care received. For any questions regarding an EOB, always ask for an explanation from your insurance carrier or health care provider as this is unique to the specific care provided. What should you choose
Health insurance, like any other insurance, is a necessary part of life. ere are unique and personal considerations you should factor in deciding the type of insurance right for you but always read the fine print. Specifically for seniors, HMOs or Medicare Advantage plans may seem attractive initially, but often have limitations when services and medications are needed. We found straight Medicare with a supplemental plan, provided the best coverage for our patients. Lower initial premiums often do not mean lower out of pocket costs. Consult your physicians to make the most informed decision regarding your health insurance.
Hansa Medical Groupe has o ces at 5250 Old Orchard Road, Suite 300, in Skokie, and in Chicago, 847-920-0902, hansamedicalgroupe.com.
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