—Harry
GROUND BREAKERS
Ravinia’s Breaking Barriers program ming celebrates women leaders amid food and music
"America
S. Truman
Why Pascal pour Elle?
“ WHEN I MOVED TO THE NORTH SHORE FROM NY 16-YEARS AGO, FINDING A NEW SALON WAS ONE OF MY TOP PRIORITIES. I CALLED THE FRONT DESK AND DESCRIBED THE SERVICES I NEEDED. THEY ACTIVELY LISTENED TO MY REQUEST AND SET-UP APPOINTMENTS WITH A COLORIST AND HAIR STYLIST. THE THREE OF US HAVE BEEN TOGETHER EVER SINCE – A TESTAMENT TO SKILL LEVEL, CONTINUING EDUCATION, AND GENUINE RELATIONSHIPS! PASCAL POUR ELLE IS AN INCREDIBLY WELCOMING, WELL-MAINTAINED SALON WITH GREAT ENERGY. I’M THERE QUITE OFTEN AND ALWAYS LOOK FORWARD TO MY APPOINTMENTS.”
This salon knocks my requirements out of the park!
5 north shore doings
Find out what’s happening in your neighborhood with our weekly calendar of events
6 north shore sports
New Trier Township High School girls' soccer goalkeeper Annie Fowler piles up shutouts and other standout athletes
LIFESTYLE & ARTS
10 true crit
Lake Bluff Criterium promises pro cycling races, family fun, and a festival vibe
12 an artistic journey
The late Karen Shiman leaves a proud legacy of creativity, nature, and purpose
14 hashtag
Leslie Basedow, daughter of the late Ellen Stirling, has community roots that run deep
16 ground breakers
Ravinia’s Breaking Barriers programming celebrates food, music, and women leaders
19 man about film
Our reviewer praises Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight, a movie adaptation of a
NORTH SHORE DOINGS
EDITED BY CHEYANNE LENCIONI THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
JULY 12 TO 31
JULIA JENSEN EXHIBIT
See Julia Jensen’s work throughout July at Vivid Art Gallery in Winnetka. Jensen is an impressionist painter who creates landscapes based on the expansive views she experienced in Vermont and Nantucket. An opening reception will be held July 11 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. which will include work from Jensen and 25 other artists. vividartgallery.net
JULY 12 TO AUGUST 2
“WHERE WE DWELL”
The Art Center of Highland Park, in partnership with Echt Gallery, presents “Where we dwell,” a new group show that explores the interplay between art, interior design, and the natural world. The show runs through August 2. Featured artists include Michelle Peterson Albandoz, Arlene Byster, and Michael McGuire.
JULY 12 TO AUGUST 24
OUT OF OFFICE: ON THE TRAIL
Join coach Dave O’Connor at Middlefork Farm Nature Preserve’s George Beach Trail from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. for a private, small-group coaching experience designed for senior-level leaders who are navigating tradition, burnout, or big decisions. lfola.org
JULY 12 TO AUGUST 25
FOOD TRUCK MONDAYS
Enjoy food trucks and live music at Kenilworth Assembly Hall from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. kenilworthparkdistrict.org
JULY 12 TO AUGUST 26
SUNSET YOGA
From 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., immerse yourself in the beauty
of Lake Forest Open Lands Association’s Mellody Farm Nature Preserve while relaxing into a gentle, restorative yoga session that will incorporate breathwork and mindfulness. All abilities welcome! lfola.org
JULY 12 TO AUGUST 31
FLOW: PAINTINGS ABOUT WATER
An opening reception for “Flow: Paintings About Water” will be held at Grove Gallery in Evanston from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on July 12. Forty percent of all revenue from sales will be donated to Alliance for the Great Lakes. grovegallery.shop
JULY 12 TO SEPTEMBER 21
PATTERNED BY NATURE
Celebrate our universal attraction to patterns through playfully planted gardens and nature-inspired artistic installations that stretch the imagination at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Visitors are invited to explore garden beds and installations throughout the garden that feature dynamic patterns, transformational art, and upcycled fashion. chicagobotanic.org
JULY 12
CORINNE IMBERSKI PERFORMANCE
Join the Women’s Club of Wilmette at 1 p.m. on July 12 for a free performance by Meier Award-winning dancer and choreographer Corinne Imberski. Her ethereal choreography will be accompanied by music. womansclubofwilmette.org
JULY 12
HISTORIC TRIANGLE PARK WALK
The History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff will host a walking tour at 10:30 a.m. on July 12 in the Triangle Park neighborhood to learn about its unique history. A 90-min-
ute tour will show many iconic churches, homes, and schools. Tickets are $25 for members and $30 for nonmembers. lflbhistory.org
JULY 13
JUNK IN THE TRUNK
Vendor spots for Highwood’s Junk in the Trunk event are officially open for Sunday, July 13. This popular open-air market draws shoppers from across the North Shore eager to discover everything from home décor and seasonal items to fashion accessories, artwork, tools, toys, kitchenware, and more. Spots are limited. highwoodchamber.com
JULY 13
GALA OPENING CONCERT
Music Institute of Chicago Piano Duo in Residence Claire Aebersold Neiweem and Ralph Neiweem kick off the institute’s Gala Opening Concert at 3 p.m. at Nichols Hall with Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue and works by Schubert, Tchaikovsky, and Eric Ewazen. musicinst.org
JULY 15 & JULY 23
WINNETKA WALKING TOURS
Winnetka Historical Society has two upcoming walking tours for the month of July. The first is the Early Settlers Home on July 15. Participants will visit 10 homes built in the 1800s beginning with Clinton House. The second tour will be on July 23 covering Linden/Ridge Historic Corridor. Both tours will be from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and registration is open. winnetkahistory.org
JULY 16
MARGARITA NIGHT
From 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., come out to Highwood’s Everts Park dressed in your favorite Jimmy Buffet style, Parrothead, and Hawaiian gear and party to the sound of a Jimmy Buffet tribute band. There will be beach balls, fla-
mingos, margaritas, Mexican food, key lime pie, and more. celebratehighwood.org
JULY 17 TO 20
THE QUEEN’S MUSEUM
Enjoy an outdoor musical from Citadel Theatre at Lake Forest Open Lands Association featuring pirates, treasure, and a weekend of fun. Shows will be performed Thursday and Friday at 6 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday at 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. citadeltheatre.org
JULY 17 TO 20
HIGHWOOD DAYS
Highwood Days returns to the North Shore. Enjoy four days of carnival rides, live music, food, and community fun. This year will coincide with the debut of Taste of Highwood, July 18 through July 20. celebratehighwood.org
JULY 18 & 20
HONKY TONK WEEKENDS
28 Mile Distilling Company will transform into a vibrant Nashville-style hotspot with live music across all three venues. This includes the Bourbon Lounge, The Tasting Room, and the Rooftop. See live music from artists around the country that evoke the feeling of Music City. 28miledistilling.com
JULY 19 TO 20
GLENCOE FESTIVAL OF ART
Visit more than 100 vendors with food, art, and fun this summer! From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., guests can enjoy the Kids Art Zone, cold beer, tasty wine, live music, and live art demos. Parking is free. amdurproductions.com
JULY 20
SUSTAINABLE YARD TOUR
Go Green Wilmette presents a tour through several private yards from 9 a.m. to noon. Participants will learn how gardeners make attractive,
pesticide-free, and insectfriendly spaces using green practices such as composting, rain barrels, and native plant species. gogreenwilmette.org
JULY 24
SIT & KNIT
Spend the afternoon with fellow knitters from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Northfield Public Library. Basic supplies will be provided and library staff will be present to assist. Registration is required. wnpld.org
JULY 25 TO 27
SUPERBLOOM
The Seldoms present a weekend of dance, live music, animation, and costume and lighting design at Chicago Botanic Garden’s Superbloom event. Watch five dancers in a multimedia performance about radical beauty, wildness, and wildflowers. chicagobotanic.org
JULY 25 TO AUGUST 3
HAIRSPRAY
The Grand Theater at Highland Park High School presents the high-energy production of the Broadway smash hit, Hairspray. Tickets are on sale now. uptownhp.org
JULY 26
THE GULF OF GLENVIEW
Enjoy an evening of improv
comedy from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Northfield Public Library. This adult program requires registration. wnpld.org
JULY 26 TO 27
CHINATOWN SUMMER FAIR
From 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., enjoy a unique outdoor event in Chicago’s Chinatown neighborhood for a celebration of beauty and culture including art, food, and music. chicagoevents.com
JULY 30
CHICAGO CHORALE SING ALONG
The Music Institute of Chicago Chorale offers its annual Sing Along performance conducted by Daniel Wallenberg and accompanied by Gregory Schifrin. Participation in rehearsals is $75 and the sing along is $15. Performers will rehearse on July 8, 16, 22, and 29 at 7:30 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall. The performance is at 7:30 p.m. Audience attendance is free. musicinst.org
To submit your event for consideration, please email events@nsweekend.com
Winnetka Walking Tours
BY BILL MCLEAN THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
PHOTOGRAPHY BY GEORGE PFOERTNER
SAVING & PROTECTING
At halftime of her decorated prep soccer career, New Trier Township High School goalkeeper Annie Fowler looks back and ahead.
Imagine being a young new hire at a Fortune 500 company and barking orders to senior managers two weeks later. Annie Fowler experienced such a scenario in 2024— on a soccer pitch.
“It was not easy at first,” says Fowler of shouting commands to reposition and other constructive directives to older varsity teammates as a New Trier Township High School (New Trier) freshman goalkeeper last year.
“Our center backs (Clara Deliduka and Basie Shannon) were seniors.”
But both veterans welcomed the assertiveness from the rookie, because a keeper’s communication skills are often just as critical as athletic saves to a team’s success. Fowler, who shared time in goal with then-junior Caroline Hague two springs ago, recorded 19 shutouts and finished with an 0.359 goals-against average, helping the Trevians capture the Class 3A state championship.
“The best experience of my life,” Fowler says of New Trier’s 25-2-4 season. “Also, the most stressful.”
She has the chance to rank among the most decorated girls’ soccer goalkeepers in state history by the time her prep career ends in 2027. The Illinois High School Soccer
Coaches Association named the 5-foot-9 Fowler to its All-State Team for the second time this past spring after New Trier reached a sectional final.
“Annie is an incredibly hard worker and is never satisfied,” says holding midfielder and recent New Trier graduate Honor Dold. “She pushes herself to be better in all aspects and in turn pushes her teammates to do the same. It was a privilege to compete with her.”
Dold was the squad’s lone senior starter in the state playoffs.
“Such a firecracker and a problem-solver,” Fowler says. “Honor played with passion and cared deeply. I learned so much from her and all of the other great defenders who played in front of me since the start of my freshman season.”
New Trier coach Jim Burnside gets to deploy Fowler and nine other returning starters
next spring.
“We’re already fired up and dialed in for the 2026 season,” says Fowler, who stopped two shootout attempts in the 2024 state title match and had a major in hand in New Trier’s 38-match unbeaten streak (35-0-3) from April 12, 2024, to May 1, 2025. “I plan to work on attacking aerial balls (free and corner kicks) and improving my explosiveness in the offseason, and I’m looking into training with River Light FC (of the United Soccer League) in Aurora.”
Shortly after her final match as a sopho more, Fowler competed in June for a pair of elite clubs in California, emerging victorious six times in seven games. Chicago FC United went 3-0, and Dallas-based Solar SC won three of four Elite Clubs National League playoff contests.
But Fowler isn’t soccer, soccer, soccer. A self-taught pianist, she has tickled the ivories at home for grandparents, aunts, and uncles. And skiing at Big Sky in Montana is her favorite outdoor escape.
“I tone it back when I ski,” Fowler says. “Burnside knows how much I enjoy skiing. I love that he wants us to be kids, not just
SO LONG, EXCELLENCE
Sports at the high school level in 2024-2025 ended a month ago. Too many stellar athletes graduated, and a sharp hoops coach at Lake Forest High School stepped down.
Reigning state champions and other standout prep athletes from North Shore schools donned caps and gowns not too long ago.
Many will star for college teams. Others will focus solely on academics at the next level.
All left indelible marks in The North Shore Weekend’s coverage area.
Whom we’ll miss—and why—throughout 2025-2026 includes a basketball coach who retired after netting more than 300 victories in 19 seasons.
Two-sport athlete Ryan Fitzgerald of Loyola Academy (LA) had a knack for coming up big in big games, quarterbacking the Ramblers to two Class 8A state football titles in 2023 and 2024. The future University of Iowa signal caller also thrived as a key, hard-nosed reserve hoopster, setting picks, grabbing rebounds and pouncing on loose balls, among other unheralded but invaluable court feats.
New Trier Township High School’s Ben
Crane and Will Landwer achieved remarkable doubles as seniors. Crane won the Class 3A boys’ cross country state title last fall and topped the 3200-meter field at the boys’ track and field state meet in the spring. Landwer was sensational at the state track meet, breaking state records in the 100- and 200-meter dashes.
Ryan Fitzgerald
Lake Forest High School (LFHS) middie Lucas Kroner played with a potent combination of intensity and flair for the twotime reigning boys’ lacrosse state champion. Bound for Lafayette College, he scored two goals and provided an assist in the Scouts’ 8-5 defeat of New Trier in last month’s state championship game.
LA girls’ basketball guard Aubrey Galvan played fearlessly for the Ramblers after transferring from Deerfield High School before the 2023-2024 academic year. She could score in bunches in one half and deliver pinpoint passes in the other half.
New Trier tennis ace Chris Ackerman became a two-time Class 2A boys’ tennis state doubles champion in May, downing a pair from Hinsdale Central High School in the title match alongside Trevians freshman Jayden Dussias. Impressive for sure. But the highly adaptable Ackerman exited high school tennis having achieved a unique medal haul—a state medal (top six) with four different partners.
His initials are BES, with a “II” completing his full name. North Shore Country Day’s Brian E. Smith II became the state’s BEST in a track and field event in the spring after opting to shed baseball from his baseball/ track sports plate in his previous springs as a Raider. Smith sped to first place in the 400 meters at the Class 1A boys’ track and field state meet in Charleston.
Highland Park High School volleyball blocker Max Diamond could have set a program record for blocks in match and it would not have matched his entertaining display in an early-season post-match interview. Diamond is spirited, fun-loving, smart, and thoughtful.
Phil LaScala stepped down as the LFHS boys’ basketball coach after 19 seasons. He guided Scouts teams to seven regional championships. After games he was always forthright, insightful, and funny with the press. LaScala told you why his team won or lost.
BY ANN MARIE SCHEIDLER THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
“I’m not a problem solver,” Maggie Schmieder says. “I’m a solution finder.”
Never was a truer statement said by Schmieder of herself—a Jane of All Trades, full-time special education teacher, married mom of two, and a maker of all things.
It was almost two years ago, when out of curiosity, Schmieder ordered the Jones Road Miracle Balms that were trending all over social media and happened to be on sale.
“I liked them. They were that no-makeup makeup that I like,” she says, not being a woman who wear lots of makeup. “But they had a very herbaceous smell and lots of ingredients that weren’t great. I thought I could do better. With my girls being 9- and 11-yearsold, I wanted to make something cleaner for them.”
So, with the support of her husband and daughters, Schmieder got to work.
“I read, researched, read some more, and invested. I invested time, money, energy, and passion to create something that I am proud to put my name on and comfortable putting on my daughters’ skin,” she says.
Through trial and error, Schmieder perfected a formula for the product she now calls “Bitty Balm.” Bitty Balm is makeup with nourishing skin care qualities that is lid- and lip-safe—not something all clean beauty products can espouse. Each balm is thoughtfully formulated with 13 natural ingredients that provide color and shine—all while being
free of synthetic dyes and harmful chemicals.
Now coming in nine colorful shades and a clear option, each balm is handmade, packaged in an acrylic stick, and shipped in a signature orange box by Schmieder.
“The idea is that it just takes a ‘little bit’ to look and feel good with Bitty Balm,” she says. “It was easy to come up with the name, but I feel like there were hundreds of Bitty Balm recipes until I got it right. Sourcing the ingredients was hard because I wanted to make sure they came from ethical places. And then getting the formula so it would set correctly in the packaging took lots of work—I was my own worst critic at what was good enough. You can really make yourself crazy with all of the details.”
As Schmieder was refining her formula, she was also tweaking her business plan.
Over the last year, Schmieder redirected her Bitty Balm sales strategy from tweens and teens to women.
“When I started to learn more about marketing, being in business, and the demographic of who was buying this product, I shifted towards selling to women who want
less junk in their products and an easy way to get ready. But I love that young girls can steal this product from their mom with no worries. It’s been an evolution for sure. I tell everyone that I ran before I walked with Bitty Balm.”
On the heels of being featured on Good Morning America and WGN Morning News, while also gaining momentum on Instagram @bittybalm, Schmieder’s goal for the year ahead is to have Bitty Balm on shelves in more brick-and-mortar stores.
“It’s so exciting to go into Ross’s and see Bitty Balm on the counter at checkout,” she says. “I’m hoping to scale Bitty Balm, but it’s very challenging to find a manufacturer that will make Bitty Balm the way I want it to be made.”
While Schmieder isn’t quite ready to
relinquish controls to any aspect of Bitty Balm yet, she knows she may have to if the product continues to gain momentum.
“I never wanted to be a beauty brand owner,” she says. “I wanted to find a solution to a problem I saw, and I have done that. Seeing Bitty Balm on the shelves of a big box store someday would be a dream come true. Yet having people tell me today that they like Bitty Balm—that they enjoy this thing I’ve made, the art and craft of it all—that means so much to me. It’s very personal. I’m already grateful for this success.”
To learn more about Bitty Balm or to purchase the product, visit bittybalm.com.
NOTHING BITTY ABOUT THIS BALM From PG 1
Derek, Wynnie, Maggie, and Ebby Schmieder.
“I
Winnetka resident Paul suffered with prostatitis and low back pain for over 10 years. “The medications helped a little and I tried surgery but even after two procedures, I never knew if it was going to be a bad day or a worse day. Dr. Su helped me feel normal again like I could go about my life and not feel hesitant to go out with my wife or friends.”
DCall (847) 868-0408 to schedule an initial consultation or visit acupuncturenorthclinic.com
191 WAUKEGAN RD SUITE 120 NORTHFIELD, IL 60093
Sleep and Stress Management: How Acupuncture is Helping the North Shore Live Healthier, More Balanced Lives
r. Kuan Su of Acupuncture North Clinic uses the time tested art of Acupuncture to help each patient relieve pain, improve sleep, and reduce chronic issues that other modalities have struggled to help.
Dr. Kuan Su of Acupuncture North Clinic uses the time tested art of Acupuncture to help each patient relieve pain, improve sleep, and reduce chronic issues that other modalities have struggled with.
Wilmette resident Sarah L. had been struggling with insomnia for years. “I could never fall asleep, and if I did, I’d wake up every few hours. My mind was filled with worries, and before I knew it, it was time to get up,” Sarah said. She was exhausted, but no matter what she tried— medications, meditation, yoga—she couldn’t escape the vicious cycle of sleeplessness. Sarah’s case is all too familiar to Kuan Su, DACM, L.Ac., Dipl.OM, founder of Acupuncture North Clinic. Using a time-tested Traditional Chinese medicine, Dr. Su has helped Sarah regain restful, restorative sleep.
Acupuncture has been around for thousands of years and has been used to treat a variety of issues. Dr. Su has specialized in treating the more complex conditions including stubborn neuropathy, chronic pain, reactions to high stress/anxiety, sleeping disorders, and men’s health issues such as erectile dysfunction and urinary issues.
Gale from Wilmette had been struggling with both migraines and insomnia for 7 years. “I had tried botox to help with the migraines but it only helped for a little while and I used sleeping pills because I could not fall asleep for hours. I missed having natural restful sleep. After seeing Dr. Su for a month, both started to vanish. My migraines turned into a minor headache once every other week and now I sleep like a baby.”
“I can’t believe the difference. I have been able to fall asleep easily, stay asleep longer, and I wake up feeling refreshed. Acupuncture has truly transformed my sleep,” Sarah said. Acupuncture promotes better sleep by regulating the nervous system and alleviating the mental chatter that often keeps patients like Sarah up at night.
Sarah isn’t the only patient seeing improvements. John D., a corporate professional from Winnetka, was dealing with the physical toll of a high-stress work environment. “I was tense all the time—neck, shoulders, and even my jaw from clenching. Stress headaches were becoming a regular part of my life,” John shared.
Dr. Su shares the typical stories from patients. “A recurring story that people share with me is that they have tried conventional means, they have tried new fads, they have tried medications and seen specialists yet have struggled to get any results. They say that I’m their last hope. I am always up for a challenge but what I enjoy the most about my work is when patients come in after their treatments to tell me how things are changing, how they are feeling better, and how other symptoms that they have been struggling with are going away.”
“Acupuncture has made a huge difference. Not only is the tension in my neck and shoulders so much better, but I’ve also noticed that I respond to stress with more patience and calm,” John explained. “I’m not clenching my jaw or feeling the weight of every stressful email. The treat -
He works with a variety of cases and understands how important the partnership between patient and practitioner is. “I’m always looking forward to my days in my clinic because no two patients are exactly the same. Many times patients come in with a variety of issues happening at the same time. Last Tuesday, I was treating a patient for neuropathy in both feet, chronic fatigue, and insomnia and he reported that all three were improving. Understanding the importance of checking in regularly and participating in his own health have sped up his recovery and I am so excited for him!”
ment has helped me become more rational and composed in those situations.”
Patients like Sarah and John are not only benefiting from the acupuncture treatments but also from the personalized guidance provided by Dr. Su. ”Dr. Su has given me tools that I can use every day, like breathing techniques and stretches to reduce tension,” said John. Sarah agreed, saying, “The dietary suggestions and stretches he recommended have really helped. I feel like I’m taking charge of my health in a way that I hadn’t been before.”
Georgette from Highland Park shared, “Dr. Su is so great to work with. I had been suffering from tinnitus for 11 years and doctors said nothing could help. The sound was too much but once I started seeing Dr. Su, not only did my tinnitus start to go away, my digestion was doing so much better. I felt like I could be me again. Like I could go out and have lunch with the girls and really enjoy my time being social again.”
What once was a missing link in complementary alternative healthcare is now easily accessible to the residents of the North Shore area. If you have been struggling with chronic issues or issues that have been labeled as idiopathic or untreatable, call Dr. Kuan Su at Acupuncture North Clinic today to schedule your consultation.
Chronic stress has a significant impact on both our physical and mental well-being. Long-term stress can impair the body’s ability to heal and recover from injury, weaken our immune system, and increase the likelihood of illness. It’s no surprise that stress is often at the root of a wide range of chronic conditions. By addressing both the mind and body through acupuncture, patients like Sarah and John are learning how to manage stress more effectively, leading to a greater sense of balance, reduced pain, and a more positive outlook on life.
Dr. Su is accepting a limited number of new patients due to high demand. In an effort to protect his current patient base, he is limiting the number of new patients to 8 before the end of May.
For more than 13 years, Dr. Su has been helping patients achieve lasting relief from a variety of conditions including sleep disturbances, stress-related tension, and chronic health conditions.
It’s time you let your golden years BE GOLDEN!
If you are ready to take the first step towards feeling better, call today to schedule your initial consultation. Your health and well-being are worth it.
Dr. Su is accepting a limited number of new patients due to high demand. In an effort to protect his current patient base, he is limiting the number of new patients to 9 before the end of July.
DR. KUAN SU
BY BILL MCLEAN THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
As the Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium commences with the first of 10 bicycle road races across the village’s downtown streets on the morning of July 26, two men will be wheeling in tandem. But not on a bike.
Lake Bluff resident and avid cyclist Ron Oesterlein plans to shadow Marc “Marco”
TRUE CRIT
Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium promises exciting pro cycling races, family fun, and a festival vibe at the daylong event this month.
Colbert, who founded the Lake Bluff Criterium in 2012.
Oesterlein takes the reins—make that the handlebars—of the popular annual event next summer. It stages a variety of races from 11:10 a.m. until 8 p.m., from men and women pro to juniors (ages 15-18) and masters (ages 40 and older) to the Family Fun Ride.
“Ron is professional, well-known and well-
liked, and his presence as the lead organizer next year will give the criterium continuity,” says Colbert, adding Oesterlein—an owner of Lake Bluff Hub and Cycle—had served as an aide at the first 12 Lake Bluff Criteriums. “Believe me, it’ll be in good hands.”
Formerly of Lincolnshire and now a resident of Tucson, Arizona, the 75-year-old Colbert is the race director of Chicago Grit, which runs the annual 10-criteriums-in-10 days series; the Lake Bluff stop is the queen (ninth) stage between the Elgin Classic on July 25 and the finale at Fulton Market in Chicago on July 27.
Chicago Grit is one of the largest and best bicycle road racing series in America.
“The setting in leafy Lake Bluff is a beautiful one, with one of the best vibes in the series,” says Colbert. “It was a thrill for me, watching this criterium flourish behind the village’s leadership and wonderful residents. Spectators get to eat and drink and listen to music. And, oh by way, they also get to watch some highly competitive races for free. It’s a tough little course. Tricky, too, because it’s narrow near the end of it.
work the event. Their voices are big part of the criterium’s festival atmosphere.”
“Crit racers are different animals,” he adds. “They like challenges. What they don’t like is a course that’s square and flat and staged on wide streets. That’s boring to them. Lake Bluff’s racecourse has never been labeled boring.”
Oesterlein looks forward to the Family Fun Ride every year. He’s not alone, since it usually features tots (sometimes in costumes) pedaling their hearts out and wearing all kinds of game faces alongside their siblings and parents.
“It’s my favorite segment of the day for a number of reasons,” Oesterlein says. “And you can’t beat the excitement of the world-class pros racing and the lead changing almost every lap. What I’ve also enjoyed every year is hearing the professional announcers who
In addition to the principal sponsor, Northwestern Medicine, the criterium’s other supporters are Knauz Autopark, Lake Forest Band & Trust, ULINE, Lake Forest Country Day School, Pasquesi Home & Garden, DiVinci Painters (Highland Park), EJ’s Place Restaurant (Skokie), and The North Shore Weekend.
Knauz will provide the pace car, a 2025 INOES Grenadier, and Lake Forest Bank & Trust will serve as the sponsor of the Family Fun Ride.
“We could not put this together without the support of our sponsors and the Village of Lake Bluff, or without the help of many volunteers,” Colbert says.
For more information about thee Northwestern Medicine Lake Bluff Criterium, including the slate of 10 races and start times, visit Chicago-grit.com and click ‘Schedule.’
AN ARTISTIC JOURNEY
Karen Shiman leaves a legacy of creativity, nature, and purpose.
In the quiet corners of the North Shore, the life of long-time Wilmette resident Karen Shiman was a mosaic of creativity, compassion, and determination.
Hers is not a tale of loud accolades or public recognition but one of quiet triumphs—a life defined by deliberate acts of creation and
care. From her groundbreaking career to her conservation efforts in Bonaire, Shiman’s story is a poignant reminder of what can be achieved with purpose and love.
Her artistic journey was deeply personal. Over her lifetime, she created more than 2,000 works of art—paintings, sculptures, and sketches—that reflected her profound connection to nature and the world around her. These creations were never made for exhibition but for the sheer joy of creating. Her art celebrated the intricate details of life, whether through serene landscapes of Gillson Park,
vibrant scenes of Caribbean islands, or introspective portraits of her family and friends.
Each piece speaks to her quiet reverence for the world—a reminder that creativity is not about recognition but about connection. Shiman’s art captures the grace of fleeting moments and the beauty in the ordinary, leaving behind a timeless visual legacy for her family and the community.
Her life was also a testament to resilience and ambition. She began her career at Salomon Brothers as a secretary but quickly climbed the ranks to become Executive Vice President. As one of the first female traders on the floor of the Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Karen shattered glass ceilings with a combination of poise, grit, and tireless work ethic.
Her achievements in a male-dominated industry were groundbreaking, but she wore her success lightly. To those who worked alongside her, Shiman was a mentor and a force of nature, inspiring others with her quiet confidence and ability to thrive under pressure.
While her professional accomplishments were remarkable, her passions extended far beyond the corporate world. Together with her husband, Richard Shiman—a long-time Dean of Students at Loyola Academy—she dedicated herself to conserving the natural world.
Their greatest achievement? Building an underwater coral reef habitat in Bonaire, a project they undertook over 14 years during their so-called retirement.
Together, they moved rocks and boulders by hand, creating a thriving ecosystem that supports marine life and has even been recognized as a coral reforestation site. The scale of their work is so vast that it can be seen from satellite imagery—a testament to the power of patient, deliberate effort. Their reef continues to flourish today, a living monument to their shared love of nature and determination to leave the world better than they found it.
At 74, Karen faced one of her greatest challenges—a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. True to her character, she met the illness with determination and grace, increasing her daily exercise routine to as much as three hours. Whether on a treadmill, in guided workouts, or walking along the lakeshore, she refused to let the disease define her. Her
story reminds us that fulfillment lies in what we create, nurture, and leave behind.
Her legacy continues through her family’s efforts to share her story, with plans for art exhibitions, a documentary on her conservation work, and support for causes close to her heart—including ocean conservation and Parkinson’s research. Her website offers a glimpse into her life and values, ensuring that her life of art and purpose endures.
resilience inspired everyone around her and served as a testament to her lifelong philosophy: face each day with intention and gratitude.
Shiman’s life invites us to reflect on how our own actions, however small, can shape the world around us. Whether through her vibrant art, her contributions to the corporate world, or the reef she and Richard built, her
As we begin a new year, Shiman’s story reminds us to live with intention, care, and creativity. Her life is proof that even the quietest actions can ripple outward, creating beauty and meaning for generations to come.
This piece was submitted by Karen Shiman’s son, Brian Blasingame. For more information about her work, visit karenshiman.com.
Karen Shiman scuba diving in Boniare.
Shiman's "Blue Jay, Canada" painting
Shiman's "Drying Socks - The Kasa Magnolia #6 View of the Marina, Harbour Village" painting
Karen Shiman and her husband Richard lead conservation efforts to help build a reef one rock at a time. They built a thriving ecosystem nown recognized as a coral reforestation site in Bonaire.
Shiman's "Admiralty Bay, Port Elizabeth, Bequia, Grenadines" painting
This year marks 20 years in real estate—but my roots here run much deeper. I’ve raised my family in this community and proudly served volunteer roles like Chairman of A Joyful Noise Preschool, Greeley PTA President, New Trier Parent Board member, Co-Chairman Winnetka Public Schools Phone-a-thon, Co-Chairman of Cook’s Tour for the Auxiliary of Woman’s Board of RUSH 22 year member, Children’s Theatre of Winnetka Board Member & more. I’ve helped build playgrounds, lead Greeley & Skokie school auditorium Captial campaigns, and supported the arts, education, and healthcare.
Why does that matter? Because real estate isn’t just about numbers & transactions—it’s about trust, commitment, and connection.
When you work with me, you get more than an experienced broker. You get someone who shows up—personally and professionally. No hand-offs. No shortcuts. Just thoughtful service backed by two decades of giving back.
Now also serving buyers and sellers in Palm Beach, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Ft. Lauderdale, Vero Beach and South Florida. Choose experience with heart.
Choose someone who’s helped build this community—not just sell in it.
Thank You,
A
We’re welcoming Dream Town to the Baird & Warner family! Together, we’re now the second-largest brokerage in Chicagoland, by number of properties sold in 2024*.
Our expanded brokerage means we have an even greater breadth of resources and depth of market coverage to serve clients and grow agent businesses — all while continuing to be part of a local, family-owned brokerage that supports and invests in our community.
Please join us in welcoming Dream Town to the family.
*Source: MRED sales data, calendar year 2024.
Anthony Mehrabian Designated Managing Broker - Winnetka joinbw.com
EDITED BY REDDING WORTH ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL
LESLIE BASEDOW (pronounced BASS like a fish - DOE like a deer) is a lifelong resident of the North Shore and a passionate supporter of the community. With her husband, Michael, the Basedows are in constant motion juggling the activity and sports schedules of their three children (Avery, 17; Christian, 14; and William, 14). Leslie is Vice President of Sales Enablement and Operations at W.W. Grainger, where her team of 100+ supports the development and effectiveness of over 3,000 sellers across North America. She holds a B.A. from Princeton and an M.B.A. from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. She serves on the Women’s Board of Northwestern Lake Forest Hospital, where she co-chairs the Grants committee. Leslie’s community roots run deep, as her mother, Ellen Stirling, was the owner of The Lake Forest Shop in historic Market Square. The shop has a reputation as the go-to glamour destination for generations of North Shore women. In 2022, the shop celebrated 100 years of business. Being alongside her mother during the shop’s ups and downs, Leslie learned how to overcome setbacks and persevere. Ellen’s legacy has inspired women, including Leslie, to establish themselves and pursue their interests. Here’s what keeps Leslie motivated.
#ON MY NIGHTSTAND
After Mom passed away, my dad made a book of all the articles about her and the shop. It’s on my nightstand, and I turn to it constantly for inspiration. Her favorite quote was “never, never, never give up” by Winston Churchill. I also co-edited The Furnace Girl: The Mysterious Case of Elfrieda Knaak, a work of historical fiction written by North Shore local Kraig Moreland, and I keep it handy as a reminder of what one can achieve.
#IN MY EARBUDS
I’m a huge fan of the SmartLess podcast. I’ve tried lots of podcasts, but I keep coming back to Jason, Sean, and Will because they make me laugh every time. I also regularly listen to How I Built This with Guy Raz to hear inspirational stories. My running music mix includes tons of fun, female artists from Cher to Madonna to Taylor. (Yes, I’m a Swiftie!!)
#ON MY MOBILE
I love the Morning Brew newsletter. It hits my inbox by 5 a.m. and gives me a fast-read recap of the latest news. It’s funny and informative, and only takes three minutes to read. I’m also a fan of The Week magazine which concisely covers news and opinions from more than 200 global sources!
GROUND BREAKERS
From July 25 to 27, Ravinia’s innovative Breaking Barriers programming celebrates the delectable intersection of food, music, and women leaders.
BY WEB BEHRENS
THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
“If music be the food of love, play on,” wrote William Shakespeare in Twelfth Night. That might well be a cheer coming from audience members during Ravinia Festival’s Breaking Barriers festival this summer—if their mouths aren’t too full.
It’s hard to imagine a better place for combining these two great joys in life than the beloved Highland Park venue, with its centurylong history of combining food and music.
“It’s so quintessentially American, this idea of sitting out on the lawn, listening to the music, and watching the sky,” reflects Alsop. “When I came to Ravinia, it felt like coming home to that concept—but maybe on steroids, because some of the people really go wild with their picnics. That gusto was a big inspiration for pursuing this theme.
“As I was thinking about this season, well, I love cooking shows,” she continues. “Although I’m a terrible cook, I’m a very good cookingshow watcher. And I’ve always thought that building a great [concert] program is very much like building a great menu. You have to have variety, but there has to be a theme of connection.”
An annual festival within the Festival, Breaking Barriers focuses on women leaders, starting with conductors in 2022 and composers in 2023. Last year, Alsop broadened the scope, exploring the fascinating cross-section of music and astronomy. This year’s iteration seems likely to be the most popular yet, given its inspired culinary spin.
them?’ I am on hand to answer any questions, bridging the gap between the languages of music and food.”
Regarding her selections, Alsop notes, “Food is a cultural journey, and I really wanted to have a broad overview. So many of us here in America are the product of immigrants; I wanted to reflect that in the music, to inspire the chefs to experiment.
“I tried to pick music that reflected the blending of different cultures into the American experience. In Sheherazade, of course, we have that Middle Eastern aspect. With Gershwin’s Cuban Overture, it’s the Cuban flavor seen through an American’s eye. [Composer] Reena Esmail is Indian-American. And then, I wanted to do something local to the area, so I added this movement from a percussion concerto by Tim Corpus, called The Great Lake Concerto, because he’s from the Chicago area.”
Now in its fourth year, Ravinia’s Breaking Barriers programming breaks new ground— three days of celebrating the ineffable, delectable intersection of food and music and their women leaders.
The July 25 to 27 weekend includes two Pavilion concerts featuring the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, sandwiching a chamber-ensemble concert with musicians from the CSO and Ravinia’s Steans Institute, and each event is paired with coordinating culinary creations, from tasting dishes or small bites curated by eight guest celebrity chefs (several of whom have Chicago connections) to special restaurant menus.
The events are curated by the internationally renowned Marin Alsop, chief conductor at Ravinia, and acclaimed food writer Molly Yeh, a Glenview native and star of Food Network’s Girl Meets Farm.
When Ravinia CEO Jeff Haydon contacted Yeh last summer to see if she was interested in helping to plan it, “I could not have said yes any sooner,” the chef enthuses. “Ravinia is my happy place. Some of the best and most formative parts of my summers as a kid were at Ravinia.”
Yeh was a natural choice for the role. In addition to her extensive gastronomic experience—not only on TV; she lives on a sugar beet and wheat farm in northern Minnesota and runs a bakery-cafe called Bernie’s—she’s also a Juilliard-trained classical percussionist who’s performed with ensembles around the world. And her father, John Bruce Yeh, is a longtime CSO clarinetist. “She has the right brief, totally,” Alsop says.
The conductor selected the music for the weekend while Yeh recruited and worked with the participating chefs. “It wasn’t like, ‘Let’s do The Nutcracker and eat marzipan and sugar plums,’” Yeh explains. “It was more like, ‘Here are these sounds and the stories behind them. How does a chef take them and reflect them in flavor and technique, in a way truly unique to
For an example of what diner-listeners might experience, Yeh offers this insight: “Grace Goudie’s dish [on July 26] is one I’m particularly excited about. Her map of going from Copland’s music to a zucchini ’nduja is so beautifully complex and original, yet it makes total sense.”
As Shakespeare pondered centuries ago, music, food, and love are forever entwined. Of course, the Bard isn’t the only great thinker who mused about the unique highway to the heart paved by both music and cuisine. “Good food is
like music you can taste,” said Auguste Gusteau. (Well, OK, he’s an animated ghost chef from Pixar’s Ratatouille. Credit for that particular bit of wisdom goes to writer-director Brad Bird.) And then there’s this maxim from Alsop: “Top-notch chefs and the Chicago Symphony—it doesn’t get much better than that.”
Native Chicagoan Web Behrens has spent most of his journalism career covering arts and culture. His work has appeared in the Chicago Tribune, Time Out Chicago, Crain’s Chicago Business, The Advocate, and Chicago magazines.
Tim Corpus, one of the living composers featured on July 25. PHOTOGRAPHY BY ELLIOTMANDEL
Marin Alsop conducting the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Ravinia PHOTOGRAPHY BY MONICA KASS ROGERS
Molly Yehr PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHANTELL AND BRETT QUERNEMOEN
DON’T LET’S GO TO THE DOGS TONIGHT
A film adaptation of a 2001 memoir features what our reviewer calls “one of the most brilliant child performances in recent memory.
BY
VERDICT:
Powered by a quietly devastating central performance, Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight extends beyond memoir adaptation—it’s a film of rare restraint and emotional clarity. In Lexi Venter, we find one of the most brilliant child performances in recent memory. The film may stumble in narrative engineering, but its core wares—vision, atmosphere, visceral teenage interiority—resonate long after the credits roll.
This film marks an audacious directorial debut from Embeth Davidtz, who adapts Alexandra Fuller’s 2001 memoir into a film that is both haunting and formally restrained. Set on a Rhodesian farm just before Zimbabwean independence, it follows 8-year-old Bobo (Lexi Venter), navigating a collapsing world of parental alcoholism, political upheaval, and childish resilience.
From the opening frames, the film conspicuously refuses sentimentality. Cinematographer Willie Nel bathes the dusty landscape in an ethereal, near-monochrome palette— reddened earth and muted interiors—underscoring the sense of a world on edge. The violence remains off-camera, implied through sonic cues and tense glances, a formal choice that heightens dread while preserving Bobo’s fragile innocence.
At the center is Lexi Venter’s performance, nothing short of revelatory. In a film that places child acting at its core, she delivers a portrayal of astonishing poise: curious, wary, observant. She carries a maturity that belies
her years—balancing innocence with deepseated precocity—and it’s in her eyes that the film’s moral ambiguity finds resonance.
Davidtz herself appears as Nicola Fuller, Bobo’s mother, a woman fractured by fear and obligation. Her performance is quietly powerful, though the screenplay occasionally lapses into more overt beats where nuance could have retained tension. Yet her dual role—both behind and in front of the camera—speaks to a singular artistic vision, raw and personal in tone.
The screenplay forgoes broad historical exposition. Instead, it opts for texture over scope—small domestic moments against the rumble of national collapse, fragments of colonial speech and racial tension filtered through Bobo’s limited understanding. The result is an intimate portrait that leaves full reckoning to the viewer rather than prescribing moral closure.
It’s not a flawless work. The pacing lags in its middle section, and some critics note a lack of structural cohesion. Yet these are minor quibbles compared to the emotional precision on display.
FELIX MCMILLAN, MAN ABOUT FILM ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL
SOUTHERN BANANA PUDDING WITH MERINGUE
This is not your quick-mix, box-pudding banana situation. This is Sunday-supper, Grandma-approved banana pudding—with a cloud of golden meringue on top and the kind of flavor that makes people close their eyes and whisper, “Lord, have mercy.”
Ingredients FOR THE PUDDING
3/4 cup sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
Pinch of salt
3 cups whole milk
3 large egg yolks (save the whites!)
1 tsp vanilla extract
4–5 ripe bananas
1 box vanilla wafers
FOR THE MERINGUE
3 large egg whites
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
6 tbsp sugar
1/2 tsp vanilla
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350° F. In a heavy saucepan, whisk sugar, flour, and salt. Gradually add milk and stir over medium heat until it thickens— like velvet on a spoon. In a separate bowl, beat yolks lightly. Slowly temper them with a bit of hot pudding, then stir them back into the pot. Cook another minute or two, then remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
In a deep dish, layer vanilla wafers, banana slices, and warm pudding. Repeat until your dish is full or your willpower runs out.
For the meringue, beat egg whites and cream of tartar until frothy. Gradually add sugar and beat until glossy peaks form. Stir in vanilla, then spread the meringue over the pudding, sealing it to the edges like a fluffy crown.
Bake 12 to 15 minutes until the top is kissed with golden swirls.
Serve warm if you want applause—or chilled if you prefer reverence. Either way, there won’t be leftovers.
HOUR
THE LINDEN BREEZE
A North Shore Garden Drink
Named for the tree-lined lanes and lake-kissed air of the North Shore’s Linden Avenue, this refreshing summer drink captures the spirit of Midwestern elegance—fresh, floral, and quietly stunning. Whether you’re enjoying it from a shaded porch in Lake Forest or serving it at a garden gathering in Winnetka, The Linden Breeze is as charming as its namesake.
Ingredients (serves 4)
1 ½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
Juice of 1 lemon (plus slices for garnish)
1 tablespoon local honey or maple syrup
A small handful of fresh basil leaves
3 cups cold still or sparkling water (or club soda)
Ice cubes
Optional: 2 oz vodka or gin per glass
Instructions
In a large pitcher, muddle the strawberries, cucumber slices, basil, lemon juice, and honey until everything is fragrant and lightly crushed. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse—preferably while you admire your garden or chat with a neighbor over the fence.
Fill glasses with ice. Strain the mixture (or leave it rustic for color and charm) and pour over each glass. Top with sparkling or still water and stir gently.
Garnish with a lemon wheel, a strawberry slice, or a basil sprig.
Why it works
The sweetness of ripe strawberries, the cooling crispness of cucumber, the herbaceous hint of basil, and the zip of lemon come together in perfect harmony. It’s summer in a glass—rooted in the North Shore.
HAPPY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEPHANIE FREY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARIA TEBRYAEVA
VIVA, SHALISA!
Highland Park resident and former Music Institute of Chicago violin teacher Shalisa Kline Ugaz returns to MIC, this time as its new president and CEO.
BY BILL MCLEAN
ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT
As a young violinist between lessons, Shalisa Kline Ugaz would practice often in her home’s attic. Family members below— her parents do not have backgrounds in music—could carry on with their lives without having to hear Shalisa’s burgeoning talent.
“Up to four days a week three hours at a time,” says Ugaz of her practice regimen. “Music taught me patience and focus. One of my early teachers was Joanne Swenson, who was also my counselor, my mentor, so many things to me. She cared deeply about music, about teaching.”
Decades later, Ugaz, a Highland Park residents since 2015, finds herself working hard in another high perch—the President and CEO seat of the Music Institute of Chicago (MIC).
Founded in 1931, MIC leads people toward a lifelong engagement with music through unparalleled teaching, exceptional performances, and valuable service initiatives that educate, inspire, and build strong, healthy communities.
Each year, the Music Institute provides personalized music instruction to more than 1,500 students, regardless of age, level of experience, or financial means. Its eight campus locations include Winnetka, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, and Evanston.
A former MIC teacher, Ugaz started her new post on July 7.
She’ll be responsible for strengthening the Music Institute’s financial foundation, increasing its endowment, expanding its footprint across the Chicago metropolitan region, raising its profile among Chicago’s business and civic institutions, and extending and innovating its community engagements.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to give back,” Ugaz says. “The Music Institute has an incredible faculty dedicated to sharing their love for music through teaching. I’m looking forward to this new journey and to supporting the Music Institute’s quest to find new
Senior citizens find their way back to music through our programs and then experience hope and happiness.
ways to introduce young children to music.
“Senior citizens,” she adds, “find their way back to music through our programs and then experience hope and happiness.”
Ugaz was only 19, the recipient of a scholarship, and a Violin Performance major at the University of Wisconsin-Madison when she joined the Madison Symphony Orchestra. Her tenure there lasted four years.
“I remember thinking one night, while playing for the symphony orchestra in Madison, ‘This is my career for the rest of my life,’” Ugaz recalls fondly. “It was a comforting thought. Music is magical.”
Injuries incurred as an accomplished musician forced her to turn to teaching in her 20s.
ADVERTISING @NSWEEKEND.COM
CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
RCM’s first fully digital early childhood program, secured major corporate and philanthropic partnerships, and expanded the organization’s global reach.
Prior to her stint with WCM, Ugaz held leadership positions at Third Street Music School Settlement in New York City.
“At this pivotal moment in music education, I am deeply honored to lead a community where innovation, excellence, and accessibility converge,” says Ugaz, who earned her Executive MBA at Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. “This is what I want. It’s the place for me.” Ugaz, the wife of Luis and mother of a bilingual son (cellist) and a bilingual daughter (violinist), was in Peru in June when she found out she had been named president and CEO of MIC.
“A great day,” she says, adding she would spend most of her first day on the job getting to know MIC’s faculty, including “some who have taught at the Music Institute for 50 years.”
Speaking of music, Ravinia Festival drew Shalisa and Luis to Highland Park. The city’s diversity and Lake Michigan were significant lures, too.
John Conatser FOUNDER &
Jennifer Sturgeon ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Gaven Conatser ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE
Michelle Crowe, Erin Donaldson, Dustin O'Regan, Kemmie Ryan, Megan Weisberg
FOOD EDITOR
Monica Kass Rogers
“I was a passionate music teacher,” Ugaz says.
The founder of Alegre Strings (part of the Merit School of Music), a nonprofit performance-based youth program of violin, viola, cello, and bass classes in Chicago, Ugaz served as executive vice president of the Wisconsin Conservatory of Music (WCM) and, most recently, as executive vice president of learning systems of the Royal Conservatory of Music (RCM), which is headquartered in Toronto.
RCM also tapped Ugaz to helm RCM America, the conservatory’s extension in the United States. She oversaw a $21 million revenue-generating portfolio and directed teams in North America. She launched
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Web Behrens, Cheyanne Lencioni, Bill McLean, Felix McMillan, Ann Marie Scheidler, Redding Worth
DESIGN
Natalie Phillips PRODUCTION MANAGER/ADVERTISING COORDINATOR
Julie Thyssen GRAPHIC DESIGNER
“The Highland Park community,” she says, “has always been very supportive of the arts. And I love the lake; who doesn’t? Walking to it is amazing.”
Make the trip to Nichols Concert Hall in Evanston, she urges music lovers. That’s the state-of-the-art, 550-seat venue where MIC holds many of its concerts.
“I want more people to know about the work we do at the Music Institute and the wonderful things that are going on at the institute’s high-achieving Academy (a pre-college conservatory training program),” Ugaz says.
“I want people to meet me.”
For more information about the Music Institute of Chicago, visit musicinst.org.
PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART
George Pfoertner, Katrina Wittkamp PHOTOGRAPHY
Tom Bachtell, Barry Blitt, Peter Cheng ILLUSTRATION
ALL EDITORIAL INQUIRIES SHOULD BE DIRECTED TO EDITORIAL@NSWEEKEND.COM
FIND US ONLINE NSWEEKEND.COM © 2025
Shalisa Kline Ugaz
Buying with E&V and Me
Buying a home can be a daunting process. Whether you are looking to purchase your first home, a vacation home, or an investment property or you are looking to upsize or downsize, I can help guide you through the process.
While each transaction can be different, there are typical steps that occur when you are purchasing a home. It starts with meeting with me and coming up with your needs, wants, goals and plans. Then we start the process and move forward until you are finally in your new home.
Here are the most common steps along the way! I will discuss each with you and give you information as we get to each new milestone. If you are looking to buy, I’m here to discuss a plan that is curtailed to your needs.
Buying Timeline
566 Chestnut Street | 2nd Floor | Winnetka | IL
M +1 312 391 3170 carly.jones@evrealestate.com carlyjones.evrealestate.com
