The North Shore Weekend, October 18. 2025

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Your Weekend, Your Way

Now reaching over 100,000 readers and growing, The North Shore Weekend continues to evolve with the way our audience lives, works, and reads. Over the past few years, we’ve heard from more and more readers who want to receive The North Shore Weekend digitally—on their phones, tablets, and laptops. We’ve listened.

We’re proud to introduce a dynamic new digital edition that delivers the same elegant design, local stories, and trusted journalism you love—now available wherever you are, every Friday morning.

This exciting step forward also gives us the opportunity to grow our reach across the North Shore, expanding coverage into Northbrook, Glenview, and soon Evanston—making The North Shore Weekend the largest locally owned newspaper publisher north of Chicago. We’ll continue to expand our news coverage, keeping you updated on the people, stories, and events that make life along the North Shore unique. Our print edition remains strong and continues to be delivered to homes and businesses throughout the region. But now, with most news being read digitally, you have the choice to enjoy The North Shore Weekend in the way that best fits your lifestyle.

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As ever,

John Conatser Publisher

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JOHN CONATSER PUBLISHER

YOUR FURNACE and

NEWS

4 publisher’s invitation

JWC Media founder John Conatser reveals an exciting step forward with a new digital platform serving a wide audience

9 north shore doings

Find out what’s happening in your neighborhood with our weekly calendar of local events

10 lives remembered

This new recurring section honors the stories of North Shore residents who passed away recently

42 out & about

Stay on trend with all the latest fundraisers and events on the North Shore with photos from recent soirees

12 north shore sports

Lake Bluff native and Milwaukee Brewers rookie Caleb Durbin goes 2-for-2 in

LIFESTYLE & ARTS

Transcribing

LAST BUT NOT LEAST

NORTH SHORE DOINGS

EDITED BY CHEYANNE LENCIONI THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

OCTOBER 12 TO 26

NIGHT OF 1,000 JACK O’LANTERNS

Experience Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual autumn event, held October 12; 15 to 19; and 22 to 26. This ticketed display of Jack o’Lanterns includes food and drink items available for sale, themed Jack o’Lantern carvings, and demonstrations by artists. chicagobotanic.org

OCTOBER 18 TO 23

101ST ANNUAL ART SHOW

Elawa Farm

The North Shore Art League’s 101st annual art show will have art on display at the Community House in Winnetka. Featured pieces will be from member artists and faculty. northshoreartleague.org

OCTOBER 18 TO 31

DEBRA DELBECQ'S GALLERY

Stop into Vivid Art Gallery to see Indiana artist Debra Delbecq's work through the end of the month. Her paintings are threaded with the changing rhythms of each season and daily weather patterns over the fields of her farm. vividartgallery.net

OCTOBER 18

GORTON’S OKTOBERFEST

The Gorton Center hosts its annual Oktoberfest fundraiser with an evening of food, drink, and entertainment. All fundraising proceeds will benefit Gorton’s cultural and educational programs. gortoncenter.org

OCTOBER 22

PAPER CRAFT JACK O’LANTERN

Learn how to make paper craft Jack O’Lanterns with the Silhouette cutter at

Wilmette Public Library. All ages are welcome to this program and it runs from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Computer skills are required. wilmettelibrary.info

OCTOBER 23

SAVOR AND SHARE

COOKBOOK CLUB

From 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., join the Savor and Share Cookbook Club at Northfield Library to create a dish from one of the featured cookbooks listed on the event page and share it with fellow chefs. Registration is required. wearecava.org

OCTOBER 23

TEEN COOKING CLUB

From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., teens can enjoy an afternoon at Cooking Club at Highwood Library & Community Center. This month’s recipe will be for edible spiderwebs made out of pretzels and chocolate. Ideal ages for this program are 11 to 18. highwoodlibrary.org

OCTOBER 24

TRICK-OR-TREAT TREK

From 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., travel through Highwood for a trick-or-treat experience. Visit participating businesses and take part in Halloween-themed adventures around town. cityofhighwood.com

OCTOBER 24

CANDY STROLL

The annual Halloween Candy Stroll returns to the Ravinia District of Highland Park from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. This free family event includes festive fall decor, pumpkin photo ops, Halloween music, vendors, and more. Trick- or-treat bags are available and kids can visit participating shops for candy. enjoyhp.com

OCTOBER 24

FAMILY CAMPFIRE

Join Lake Forest Open

Lands Association at Mellody Nature Farm Preserve for an evening hike through the prairie to the Jens Jensen council ring. Guests will hear Native American stories about the landscape and enjoy s’mores. lfola.org

OCTOBER 25

ST. JUDE DREAM CHICAGO

At 5 p.m., St. Jude will be taking over The Old Post Office in Chicago with a fundraiser that features food booths, bars, and activities. Guests will enjoy unique experiences and tastings from Chicago’s best restaurants. Proceeds benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. stjude.org

OCTOBER 26

SOUL MASS

The Episcopal Church of St. James the Less is having a soul and gospel worship concert featuring music from O’Jays, Smokey Robinson, Al Green, and more. The worship service will begin at 10 a.m. stjamestheless.org

OCTOBER 26

ARTEMIS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA FREE CONCERT

Enjoy a free concert at Trinity Episcopal Church in Highland Park at 3 p.m. Reserve seats online. artemischamberorchestra.org

OCTOBER 27

TRICK-OR-TREAT AT THE LIBRARY

Children, teens, and adults can come to Lake Bluff Library during the week before Halloween for trick-or-treat time. Check in with staff at the first floor circulation desk for treats. Costumes are optional but encouraged. lakeblufflibrary.org

OCTOBER 30

SIT AND KNIT

Spend an afternoon with fellow knitters from 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Community Room at Northfield Public Library. All levels of experience are welcome. Basic supplies will be available and a library staff member will be present to help beginners. Registration is required. wnpld.org

OCTOBER 30

HALLOWEEK IN THE STUDIO

Stop in the Wilmette Public Library from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. to work on your Halloween costume. Supplies will be available. Ideas and works in progress are welcome.

wilmettelibrary.info

NOVEMBER 2

FALL CONCERT

The Music Institute of Chicago is hosting its Fall Fundraiser Concert at 3 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall. Donations are encouraged and there will be a photo booth, meet and greet, and sweet treats following the concert. musicinst.org

NOVEMBER 5

REVEL HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

Club of Hearts Presents Revel 2025, its fourth annual holiday shopping boutique at North Shore Country Club from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m. Gather your friends for a day of festive holiday shopping featuring more than 25 specially curated vendors, raffle, and a fun-filled community atmosphere. All proceeds benefit Charles H. Walsh Sr. Academy & Career Tech High School. clubofheartsil.com

NOVEMBER 8

MATTHEW HAGLE: JESTERS AND GARGOYLES

At 7:30 p.m., Music Institute of Chicago’s

Nichols Concert Hall will host pianist Matthew Hagle for a night of humor and harmony. Tickets are $35 for general admission. musicinst.org

NOVEMBER 13

CHICAGO’S GREATEST BUILDINGS

Join the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff at 7 p.m. for a free discussion of Ellen Shubart’s latest book, Chicago’s Greatest Buildings. Registration is required and copies of the book will be available for purchase. lflbhistory.org

NOVEMBER 14 TO JANUARY 4

LIGHTSCAPE

The enchanting afterdark illuminated trail created just for the Chicago Botanic Garden dazzles with brand new installations from around the world and vistas transformed with light, art, and music. On November 19, December 4, and January 2, enjoy a festive, adults-only evening where you can let your merry side shine, complete

with specialty cocktails and mocktails. chicagobotanic.org/lightscape

NOVEMBER 16

KENILWORTH

HISTORICAL SOCIETY FALL OPEN HOUSE

From 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., join Kenilworth Historical Society for an open house. Visitors can tour exhibit space, and request information about their Kenilworth homes. Light refreshments will be served. Registration is required. kenilworthhistory.org

NOVEMBER 20

HOLIDAY BOUTIQUE

The Women’s Board of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital hosts its annual Holiday Boutique at the Forester Hotel with an opening night on Thursday, November 20, followed by two full days of shopping on Friday, November 2, and Saturday, November 22. lfhwomensboard.nm.org

To submit your event for consideration, please email events@nsweekend.com.

Lightscape at the Chicago Botanic Garden

Following a landmark gift from Ken Griffin, Lake Forest Hospital begins a new chapter under a name rooted in family and philanthropy.

BY ELEANOR WHITMORE

THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Northwestern Medicine announced this week that Lake Forest Hospital will bear a new name—and a remarkable legacy—following one of the most significant philanthropic gifts in the health system’s history.

The hospital is now officially Northwestern Medicine

Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital, named in honor of the former Lake Forest resident and mother of financier and philanthropist Kenneth C. Griffin, founder and CEO of Citadel and Griffin Catalyst.

The gift, described by Northwestern officials as transformative, supports the health system’s “Patients First” mission and will help sustain physicians, nurses, and staff across multiple campuses.

For Ken Griffin, the gesture is both deeply personal and civic-minded.

“This gift will have a lasting impact on our caregivers and clinical offerings,” said Dr. Howard B. Chrisman, president and CEO of Northwestern Memorial HealthCare.

A LEGACY CONTINUES LIVES REMEMBERED

DEANNA “BUBBY D” DRUCKER, 81, OF HIGHLAND PARK

Deanna “Bubby D” Drucker, a beloved Highland Park resident known for her warmth, humor, and generosity, died October 6 at her home. A lifelong presence in the North Shore community, she was cherished by family and friends for her openhearted spirit and gift for connection. Drucker’s home was a gathering place for laughter, conversation, and the comfort of her cooking. Remembered for her grace and grit, she embodied the kind of steadfast kindness that endures beyond words. She is survived by her children and grandchildren, who carry forward her irrepressible joy and devotion to family.

“The extraordinary care provided at Lake Forest Hospital reflects the qualities my mother has embodied throughout her life— selflessness, compassion, and an unwavering devotion to others,” he said. “Our family is

proud to support the remarkable team at Northwestern Medicine, whose dedication helps countless people live healthier, more fulfilling lives.”

Catherine Gratz Griffin, who lived for years in Lake Forest, said the hospital has been a constant in her family’s life.

ROBERT W. QUEENEY, 78, OF LAKE FOREST

Robert W. Queeney, a longtime Lake Forest resident whose career and civic life reflected a quiet dedication to service, died September 30 at age 78. Known for his intellect, decency, and understated wit, Queeney was a fixture in the community he loved. Colleagues recall his integrity and his measured voice in boardrooms and volunteer circles alike. Away from work, he was happiest near the lake, walking the shoreline he called his daily meditation. His life, friends say, was marked by loyalty—to family, faith, and the town that shaped him. He leaves behind a circle of loved ones and friends grateful for his steady example.

ALICE MARIE CONLIN, 89, OF GLENVIEW

Alice Marie Conlin, whose faith, warmth, and unassuming grace anchored her family and community, died in August at her home in Glenview at age 89. She was celebrated for her compassion, her steadfast devotion to others, and the quiet strength that carried her through life’s seasons. Conlin was deeply involved in parish life at Our Lady of Perpetual Help and found joy in everyday gestures—welcoming neighbors, tending her garden, or lending an ear to anyone in need. Her family describes her as the heart of every gathering, a source of calm and light whose presence will long be felt in the community she loved.

“Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital has always cared for my family and so many others with warmth and compassion,” she said. “It means the world to know this tradition will continue to touch families for generations to come.”

Opened in 2018, the 116acre Lake Forest campus was designed as a model of modern, patient-centered care, integrating natural light, walking paths, and community accessibility into every aspect of its architecture. That legacy will expand again in February 2026, when the hospital unveils two new pavilions, adding 96 inpatient beds, a larger emergency department, and enhanced capabilities in cancer care, cardiac services, and neurosciences.

“This renaming honors not only a family’s generosity but also a shared belief in the power of community health,” said Seamus Collins, hospital president. “With this gift and the expansion ahead, we’re building on more than a century of caring—and ensuring that legacy continues.

ANDREW NOEL BALDWIN, 34, OF LAKE BLUFF

Andrew Noel Baldwin, 34, of Lake Bluff, died September 23 at his home. Remembered for his bright mind and compassionate heart, Baldwin was known among friends for his quick wit, curiosity, and the loyalty he extended to those he loved. A graduate of Lake Forest High School, he pursued a career marked by creativity and purpose, finding joy in mentoring others and in the quiet company of family and close friends. Those who knew him recall a man of deep empathy and understated humor—a steady presence who left a lasting imprint far beyond his years.

Notices adapted from Legacy.com and other verified local sources; edited for clarity and length.

SOMETHING’S STILL BREWING

Lake Bluff native Caleb Durbin’s run as a Milwaukee Brewers rookie third baseman could reach the World Series.

BY BILL MCLEAN THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Two springs ago, when 2018 Lake Forest High School (LFHS) graduate and Lake Bluff native Caleb Durbin was an infielder prospect in the New York Yankees’ organization, former LFHS volunteer baseball assistant coach David Holmes shared his thoughts about Durbin with Forest & Bluff

“I’m not surprised Caleb is doing as well as he is in pro ball; anybody who knows him feels the same way,” Holmes said. “And I’m feeling chills right now as I think about where he’ll end up in baseball.”

He probably needed a parka on October 11.

That was when Durbin—now the Milwaukee Brewers’ starting third baseman as a rookie—went 2-for-2 with a walk in the Brewers’ 3-1 defeat of the visiting Chicago Cubs in Game 5 of the National League Division Series.

The son of former Northwestern University wrestler Regis Durbin Sr. and Diane had knocked in a pair of runs in Milwaukee’s 9-3 Game 1 victory on October 4.

The son of Regis Durbin Sr. and Diane Durbin, he knocked in a pair of runs in Mil-

The Yankees traded Durbin to the Brewers on December 13, 2024. The former standout at Division III Washington University in St. Louis fielded several questions from The North Shore Weekend during Milwaukee’s spring training in Phoenix.

One of his answers: “I have many goals for 2025, and they all revolve around helping Milwaukee win a World Series,” he said then.

waukee’s 9-3 Game 1 victory on October 4. Game 1 of the National League Championship Series vs. the Los Angeles Dodgers was scheduled for October 13 in Milwaukee.

The Brewers were only eight wins from reaching that pinnacle after eliminating the Cubs.

The number of World Series championship in Brewers history: 0. Durbin did not make the Brewers’ seasonopening 26-man roster in March, but he got called up from Triple-A Nashville on April 18 and made his Major League Baseball debut against the Oakland Athletics, going 2-for-4 to become only the 11th Brewer in franchise history to get that many hits in a debut.

In 136 regular-season games in 2025, the 5-foot-7, 183-pound Durbin—selected by the Atlanta Braves in the

14th round (427th player overall) of the June Amateur Draft in 2021—batted .256 with 11 home runs, 25 doubles, 53 runs batted in, and 18 stolen bases, while committing only three errors at the hot corner. He also drew 30 walks and got hit by a pitch 24 times.

Durbin’s on-base percentage of .334 ranked in the top 30 among qualified hitters.

It's impossible not to root for Caleb Durbin for a number of reasons. Very few Division III players reach the major-league level; Durbin plays the game the right way—hard and respectfully (he’s allergic to showboating); he remains stoic when he either strikes out or rips a screaming line drive to end an inning.

And then there’s what he told Forest & Bluff in 2024:

“My parents molded me into the type of person I am today. They pushed me, encouraged me, to try different things. It’s been a blessing, my family.”

Photo by Scott Paulus/Milwaukee Brewers

Photo by Kirsten Schmitt/Milwaukee Brewers

Photo by Runvijay Paul

Paul S. Fuchs –Your Trusted Real Estate Advocate

We’re proud to welcome Paul S. Fuchs to our community of real estate professionals!

Paul is more than just a real estate agent, he’s a trusted advisor dedicated to helping clients navigate life’s transitions with confidence and care. Known for his empathy, integrity, and positive approach, Paul ensures every client makes wellinformed decisions that lead to lasting satisfaction.

Paul is a dual market expert in both Chicago’s North Shore and South Florida, as well as a dedicated mariner with over 40 years of on-the-water experience including sail and power vessels. He offers a rare advantage to clients selling their North Shore home, buying a new dream home or searching for that perfect South Florida winter retreat. Whether it’s a luxury waterfront property with or without boat mooring, Paul provides seamless guidance and market expertise in both regions.

Born and raised in Chicago and now splitting his time between Illinois and Florida, Paul brings a deep understanding of both markets, a passion for the coastal lifestyle, and a commitment to building relationships that last.

When you work with Paul, you gain more than a real estate agent you gain a dedicated advocate who understands where you’ve been and where you’re headed next.

Call Paul S. Fuchs at 970.480.7614 and find your perfect place on the water or beyond.

PREMIER PRIVATE SCHOOLS

WHERE VALUES MEET VISION

In a volatile and changing world, private schools on the North Shore are leaning on their traditions to help students adapt.

BY MITCH HURST THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

Between technological advances, global conflicts, a shifting employment landscape. and political and ideological fissures, the world is changing. Private schools on the North Shore must adapt to both stay relevant and also prepare students for the next phase of their education and their lives.

We recently spoke with a number of school administrators to gain a better understanding of how their schools are adapting to an evolving domestic and global environment to better equip students to learn and prepare for the future.

What we found was a reliance on the traditional principles that the schools were originally founded upon. It’s not necessarily “back to basics,” but more of a refocusing on the values that have helped sustain the schools through to

the 21st Century and beyond.

“As a Catholic school and community, we are united in our commitment to academic excellence, faith, and service,” says Tom Meagher, Principal of The School of Saints Faith, Hope & Charity (FHC) in Winnetka. “These values guide everything we do, as we prepare students to face the challenges of today’s rapidly changing world.”

A dedication to delivering outstanding academics is the school’s core value, Meagher says, and FHC students con -

sistently demonstrate above average test scores—with nearly all accepted into their first-choice private high school.

Meagher cites the school’s “spirit of service,” a faith-based approach that enables FHC to develop students’ character.

“Whether we are celebrating weekly mass, attending theology class, or doing charitable work, our Catholic values enable students to engage with the world in a thoughtful way,” he says. “They

learn the importance of kindness, forgiveness, and putting the needs of others ahead of their own—all critically important in a world that sometimes feels divided.”

Moral Guidance

At School of St. Mary in Lake Forest, balancing academic excellence with moral and spiritual guidance has been key to the school’s educational approach, says Melissa Haak, Director of Marketing and Communications.

“At the end of the day, our focus is really on forming good people for this world,” Reuter says. “We love each other. We serve each other. We try to remain engaged, especially in this world, where technology is a huge detractor from engagement.”

Global Viewpoints

Schools with international student bodies are particularly well positioned to expose students to different points of view and different cultures. Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest engages students in meaningful and productive conversations that might otherwise be deemed as polarizing, says Susan Dempf, Head of School.

“We recognize that our students are growing up in a world marked by political polarization and global tensions. Our role is to prepare them not only academically, but also morally and spiritually, so that they can navigate these challenges with confidence and integrity,” she says. “We equip students with critical thinking skills, encourage respectful dialogue, and provide opportunities for leadership and service.”

Margaret Hogan, a senior teacher at the school, says it’s important for faculty to set an example for students and to expect them to engage positively with each other.

“We don’t lower the bar on how we talk to each other and treat each other.

What has become commonplace in the world is still not acceptable here,” Hogan says. “In a more divisive world, we focus on what brings us together and what we have in common, rather than what separates us.”

Jodi Reuter, School of St. Mary’s Principal, says it is instilling strong character in students that helps them navigate life’s more turbulent times.

“We recognize that our students come from diverse national, religious, ethnic, and economic backgrounds, which helps us support authentic dialogue that promotes the exploration of ideas, ways of thinking, and sometimes even our own biases,” Dempf says. “This is at the core of Sacred Heart education— where the objective is to educate young women who will, across their lifetime, engage in informed, critical analysis that reflects their understanding of the world and a conscious recognition of the dignity of all people.”

At Lake Forest Academy, a day and boarding school in Lake Forest, about a quarter of the students are international, and they hail from 40 different countries and territories. Head of School Tom Johnson says the diversity provides a great opportunity for students to get exposed to other cultures. The school sponsors presentations from international students about the various features of cultures and regions around the world.

“We are able to provide a unique experience for our students to learn from students of diverse backgrounds and bridge understand among different cultures,” Johnson says.

Johnson points to four core values— character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility—as guideposts that have helped the school maintain high standards

through transitional times.

“These values have sustained us regardless of surrounding circumstances,” Johnson says. “We’ve consistently emphasized them to students and our student outcomes prove their effectiveness.”

Navigating A Complex World

At North Shore Country Day School (NSCDS), the academic and programmatic focus has always been on skill-building and preparing students for real world situations which helps them adapt more easily to unexpected changes.

“North Shore Country Day School was founded on the idea of ‘whole child’ education in 1919, so we have been ahead of the curve on many of these current educational trends,” says Tom Flemma, Head of School at NSCDS. “We provide kids with the values, skills, and confidence they need to thrive in a complex world.”

Flemma says this has always meant experiential learning, caring for each other, and a close attention to the core skills

that will be adaptable to changing times. Among those key skills are listening, communicating, and critical thinking—all essential to lessening division and finding solutions to common problems.

“Social-emotional skills are a part of our core curriculum alongside academic skills,” Flemma says. “We believe this combination not only helps students understand and cope with life’s complexity but provides them with the earned confidence that they can not only navigate a complex world but thrive in it and make it better.”

Lake Forest Country Day School (LFCDS) focuses on being intentional with its approach to educating students.

“We want to nurture what are precious years in our students' lives yet preparing them to shape what comes next means needing to lean into hard conversations,” says Alex Sheridan, Associate Head of School for Advancement at LFCDS. “We always look at our core beliefs for guidance—to lead with curiosity, to honor the dignity of every individual, and to keep these children at the center of each decision.”

Sheridan says while students are paying close attention to and absorbing everything around them, the school can't control what happens beyond campus or what’s in the news.

“We model how to regulate in and navigate through challenging circumstances,” he says. “Our students give me many reasons to be optimistic about the future.”

Whatever changes occur around these students and the schools that seek to prepare them for a bright future, perhaps a famous artist, Leonardo Da Vinci once said as much with his words as he did with his paintbrush.

“Learning is the only thing the mind never exhausts, never fears, and never regrets.”

SCHOOL OF ST. MARY

WEBSITE: schoolofstmary.org

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 430

GRADES: PreK 2-through 8th Grade

TUITION: Tuition varies within the range of $4,000 - $13,000. Multiple siblings, military, and parishioner discounts are available.

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Mrs. Kathy Thompson

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic

ADMISSIONS: Online applications open in November (see website)

CONTACT: Mandy Castle, Director of Admissions

EMAIL: mcastle@schoolofstmary.org

TOURS: Call to schedule or complete the online inquiry form on our website.

CURRICULUM: From the youngest Primary Grade Center preschooler to the most mature 8th-grader at the Upper Grade Center, a School of St. Mary (SOSM) Crusader demonstrates genuine school pride, a sense of community, personal confidence, Catholic values, and a deep commitment to serving others. Since 1917, SOSM has remained committed to educating the whole child within and beyond the classroom.

ENRICHMENT: Accelerated reading and math programs in middle school allow students to move beyond grade level as they prepare for high school. Extracurricular activities allow students to further their interest areas and focus on their non-academic pursuits, including sports, forming well-rounded individuals.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY: The School of St. Mary partners with parents, parishioners, and staff to form a vibrant school community that engages, motivates, and supports students to be the best they can be! An active Parents Association and leadership team coordinates special events to engage students, build relationships, and broaden the community. Teachers pair Upper Grade Center students with buddies from our Primary Grade Center to mentor and assist them at school-related activities, including praying together at Mass, socializing at lunch, and sharing service projects.

LEADERSHIP: Mrs. Kathy Thompson, the principal, has served in many capacities at the school for twenty-eight years. In April of 2022, she received the prestigious Lead, Learn, Proclaim Award from the National Catholic Education Association. Overseeing two age-appropriate campuses, Mrs. Thompson regularly collaborates with a strong administrative team and student services department to focus on the development of the whole child, assuring faith formation, academic excellence, service learning, social and emotional wellness, as well as values for life.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Three-time recipient of the U.S. Department of Education Blue Ribbon award in the category of academic excellence. Only 38 private schools in the country have ever received this award three times.

• Two campuses provide age-appropriate learning as well as social-emotional well-being.

• Our 100-year history of maintaining tradition and adjusting curriculum to meet current standards.

• Small class sizes mean students get differentiated curriculum to reach their highest potential.

• Resource room to accommodate most student needs.

• Covering two-year old through 8th grade allows students to stay within SOSM Family for their elementary years. Allowing them to be known and nurtured as they grow into their true selves.

• Social Workers and resource teachers to accommodate students’ needs.

SACRED HEART SCHOOL

WEBSITE: shwschool.org

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 170

GRADES: 3-year-old Preschool through 8th Grade

TUITION: $8,545 before new family incentives, military discounts and sibling discounts. Values-Based scholarships and traditional Financial Aid is also available.

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Mrs. Jodi Reuter, Principal RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: Schedule a tour and apply online.

CONTACT: Mindi Craddock, Director of Admissions

EMAIL: mcraddock@shwschool.org

OPEN HOUSE & TOURS: Fall Shadow Day: Monday, November 10th Fall Open House: Sunday, November 16, 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

CURRICULUM: Sacred Heart offers a rigorous, values-based education where teachers and parents partner to ensure Preschool - 8th grade students discover, maintain and nurture the joy of learning. Every student enjoys music, art, PE, library, STEAM, and Spanish as part of the regular school day. Recognized with a National Blue Ribbon of Educational Excellence, 9X Apple Distinguished School honors, and a consistent A+ Niche rating, we balance exceptional academics with the faith-inspired values of kindness, empathy, and peaceful problem-solving. Acceptance to top high schools and colleges is just the beginning. Our primary goal is developing exceptional, well-rounded human beings.

ENRICHMENT: Sacred Heart offers year-round, no-cut sports; a renowned theatre program in partnership with a London-based playwright; diverse after-school enrichment (beginning in 3-year-old preschool); full-day preschool option. Students also benefit from robust support services including a school social worker, math and reading specialists, a speech pathologist, and Bernie, our Certified Therapy Dog. With programs like our innovative and proprietary "Viking Fit," we build grit, resilience and character while also nurturing confidence, teamwork, and lifelong healthy habits.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY: Sacred Heart is more than a school. It’s a vibrant community where friendships flourish among students and parents alike. Rooted in faith, we guide children to live our core values: Love, Serve, Engage, Discover, Persevere. We teach that challenges are opportunities, and though proudly Catholic, we warmly welcome families of all faiths, embracing diversity with open arms and open hearts. Despite consistently high test scores and advanced freshmen class placements, we consistently stress to our students that attitude matters as much as aptitude and we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.

NEW TO YOUR SCHOOL: To meet growing demand and keep classes small, Sacred Heart added a third Junior Kindergarten class for 2025-26, along with a full-day preschool option (8:15 AM–2:45 PM). In line with our mission to make Sacred Heart accessible to all, we also launched the Core Values Scholarship Fund, honoring students who exemplify our values. It is our mission to ensure that any family who desires an education at Sacred Heart be able to do so, regardless of their financial circumstances. Our Viking Fit program is expanding to include more flexible evening options and personal training through our ongoing partnership with Illinois Bone & Joint.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: A National Blue Ribbon Award–winning school, Sacred Heart combines academic excellence with faith, community, and leadership development. Families praise our award-winning teachers, strong arts, music, and athletics programs, and inclusive, supportive culture. Whether in the classroom, on our new playground and turf field, or through service projects and extracurriculars, Sacred Heart inspires students to learn, grow, and make a meaningful difference in the world.

BAKER DEMONSTRATION SCHOOL

WEBSITE: bakerdemschool.org

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 170 GRADES: PK-8

TUITION: $20,000-$38,000

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Kate Cicchelli, Head of School

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: N/A

ADMISSIONS: Our personalized admissions process allows for you to explore our school community and for our team to learn about your goals for your family and child’s education. The process includes a tour and student visit. We encourage families to also attend many of our weekend community events including, STEAM event with NASA, Baker Bash Art Expo, the Spring Play, and more.

CONTACT: Igho Oraka; Director of Admissions

EMAIL: ioraka@bakerdemschool.org

TOURS: Check our website for tour availability or complete an inquiry form to schedule a visit.

ABOUT US: Imagine a classroom where learning comes alive through exploration and intention. At Baker Demonstration School, education is about hands-on discovery, collaborative problem-solving, and real-world connections. A Pre-K classroom might be exploring measurement by pouring water into containers, developing mathematical thinking while experiencing the joy of discovery. During Walking Wednesday, kindergartners will learn scientific observation, developing vocabulary, and connecting with nature. Picture third graders, designing a sustainability project integrating science, math, and social studies. They're not just learning about ecosystems; they're measuring soil composition and calculating plant spacings. In our innovative learning spaces, middle school students might spend a morning in a maker space constructing robotic prototypes, then transition with a trip to the Northwestern University Science Laboratories . A middle school humanities class could be collaboratively creating a documentary about community changemakers, developing research, and storytelling skills simultaneously.

ACADEMICS: At Baker Demonstration School, experiential learning has been at the heart of our approach for over 100 years. Baker combines innovation with best practices in leading the way with exceptional emergent curriculum and a world class education. Baker prepares students not just for high school or university, but for an ever-evolving world.

CO-CURRICULAR ENRICHMENT/ARTS & ATHLETICS: Baker students enjoy drama, art, technology, music, science, dance, p.e. and swimming and outdoor education trips. In Middle School, students participate in Arts Core where they select their own electives in the arts and technology.  Baker students enjoy learning Spanish starting in Pre-k and add Latin, the foundation to languages, beginning in 5th grade. Baker’s campus has beautiful facilities including the 165-seat auditorium, large gymnasium, outdoor field, two playgrounds, an indoor pool, art studio, and maker lab. Baker sponsors sports teams for students in 4th through 8th grade including interscholastic basketball, flag football, soccer, and track and field. We also offer a robust after school program offering Baker Bots, arts, swim, cooking, open play and more and before school care begins at 7:30 a.m.

CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: Baker’s mission is to champion an exemplary progressive education, which cultivates an intrinsic motivation to learn, values differences, nurtures the whole person, and encourages courageous choices. The school environment is vigorous, joyful and supportive and values the teacher-parent-student relationship. Baker has a robust family organization sponsoring a variety of community events.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS:

• Ninety percent of faculty hold an advanced degrees

• Middle school curricular choice in the arts and technology

• World language offering Spanish and Latin

• Hands-on experiential learning for PK-8

• Multiple outdoor learning spaces for preschool through 8th grade

• Wandering Wednesdays for kindergarten classes

• Outdoor education trips starting in 4th grade.

LAKE FOREST COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL

WEBSITE: lfcds.org

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 400

GRADES: Age 2 to Grade 8

TUITION: $5,925-$37,710

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: John Melton, Head of School

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: None

ADMISSIONS: The LFCDS admission process seeks to identify families who value the spirit of partnership with their school and are drawn to a program that develops the whole child. For additional information, prospective families should contact the admission office at 847-615-6151.

CONTACT: Alex Sheridan, Associate Head of School for Advancement

EMAIL: admission@lfcds.org

ABOUT US: For over 135 years, LFCDS has offered a program that is rich in tradition and honors the roots of the Country Day school movement. Through inspired teaching and partnership with families, Lake Forest Country Day School nurtures a love of learning and builds a foundation of strong character, preparing each student to navigate their path with purpose.

ACADEMICS: A blended approach to learning allows LFCDS to subscribe to best practice while offering a curriculum that meets each child where they are. Small by design, with classes between 12 to 15 students and 7:1 student-teacher ratio across the school, size enables LFCDS the ability to individualize and differentiate based on student interest and need.

CO-CURRICULAR ENRICHMENT/ARTS & ATHLETICS: The LFCDS program builds participation in the arts and athletics directly into the school day. Students participate in visual arts and music at every grade level, and drama is added for students in the Upper School (Grades 5-8). The athletic program is also a requirement for Upper School students, who are able to participate on three different teams during the course of the year. Teams meet at the end of the school day before dismissal, which not only gives students the opportunity to develop their skills and hone their sense of sportsmanship, but also to appreciate the value of participation and inclusion.

CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: There is a strong sense of connectedness that lives across the school’s 33-acre campus and 150,000 sq. foot building that binds the entire LFCDS community. Relationships among students, parents, and teachers live at the center of the LFCDS experience and carry on long after graduation.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: LFCDS has families from over 35 zip codes, commuting from as far as the city and southeastern Wisconsin.

ST. NORBERT SCHOOL

WEBSITE: stnorbertschool.org

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 215

GRADES: 3 y/o preschool through 8th grade

TUITION: $8,325 - $11,255

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Mr. Jack Shepherd

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Roman Catholic

ADMISSIONS: See the school website for detailed information.

CONTACT: Mary Huettl

EMAIL: admissions@stnorbertschool.org

ABOUT US: For more than a century, St. Norbert School (SNS) has prepared its students for a life of success by immersing them in a continuous learning program from preschool through eighth grade. SNS is a recognized leader in  education with an exceptional faculty dedicated to educating the whole child. Students are inspired to become  confident, independent, life-long learners with the critical skills and Catholic values needed to reach their full  potential. Our students benefit from the individualized attention and support that small classes afford.

Central to the school's identity is our Catholic faith, which permeates all aspects of student life. Students participate in daily prayers, regular Masses, and religious education classes that deepen their understanding of Catholic teachings and traditions. This spiritual foundation encourages students to live out the Gospel values in their everyday lives, promoting a sense of moral responsibility and empathy towards others.

The school encourages active parental involvement. This collaboration ensures a cohesive approach to each child's development and strengthens the school community. Families who wish to be especially involved are encouraged to join one of the several parent-led organizations at the school. These include the School Advisory Board, the Home & School Association, and the Athletic Committee.

ACADEMICS: Academically, faculty are committed to ensuring that each student demonstrates at least a year’s growth in a  year’s time, or better. This aim is realized through thoughtful use of diagnostic assessment, targeted instruction,  progress monitoring, and dynamic curricula and learning tools. Faculty work with care to curate a coherent  longitudinal curriculum that is developmentally attuned to the distinct needs of early childhood, primary,  intermediate, and middle level learners.

ENRICHMENT, ARTS, & ATHLETICS: Recognizing the importance of holistic development, St. Norbert School offers a wide array of extracurricular and cocurricular activities to cater to the diverse interests of our students. Offerings include our world languages program, advisory program, student government, no-cut athletics, after school art sessions, and other student clubs. These activities not only enhance the educational experience but also instill critical life skills that serve our students beyond their years at St. Norbert.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: With a solid foundation in academics, moral values, and leadership, our students are uniquely equipped to serve,  lead, and succeed within and beyond our school community.

REGINA DOMINICAN HIGH SCHOOL

WEBSITE: rdpanthers.org

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 215

GRADES: 9-12

TUITION: $20,800

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Krista Gallagher - President, Dr. Kassie Porreca - Principal

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic

ADMISSIONS: Our application process is designed to help us get to know each student as a whole person—her strengths, passions, and potential. Whether she’s an artist, athlete, scholar, or all three, she’ll find the support and challenge she needs here. Applicants interested in joining the Class of 2030 are encouraged to take the entrance exam at Regina Dominican on Saturday, December 6, 2025, at 8:00 a.m. In addition to the entrance exam, applicants must submit 7th & 8th grade transcripts, standardized test scores, and a required essay. Students who take the entrance exam at Regina Dominican on Saturday, December 6, 2025, also qualify for merit scholarships and admission to the Allworth Scholars honors program.

CONTACT: Desiree Jones, Assistant Director of Enrollment - North Shore & Northwest Suburbs, djones@rdpanthers.org

Elizabeth Michalek, Assistant Director of Enrollment - Chicago, mmichalek@rdpanthers.org

Eleanor Schmerler-Rich- Vice President of Enrollment & Marketing, eschmerler@rdpanthers.org

ABOUT US: Regina Dominican is the premier all-girls, Catholic college-preparatory high school on Chicago’s North Shore. Rooted in the Dominican tradition and guided by our core values of Veritas (Truth) and Caritas (Love), we empower young women to lead with confidence, serve with compassion, and excel in every area of their lives. For over 65 years, Regina Dominican has been a place where strong minds, bold hearts, and bright futures are formed. Rooted in the Dominican tradition, we challenge young women to be independent thinkers, relentless truth-seekers, and confident, compassionate leaders.

ACADEMICS: Look into any Regina classroom and you will see students pursuing their passion for learning—solving problems, collaborating with peers, and taking intellectual risks—in a setting where learning is challenging and student-focused, and where everyone feels supported. In our nearly 70 years of teaching young women, we’ve redefined what it means to be an all-girls school. We know that the warmth, the camaraderie, and the support of faculty, staff, and peers is what allows students to thrive. Here’s how that works:

• Regina’s standards-based curriculum challenges young women to think critically, create and express themselves, learn from others, understand global perspectives, and be curious.

• In the classroom, each student’s individual learning strengths and goals are supported and challenged.

• Students are encouraged to seek truth, ask questions, and engage in dialogue to learn from others.

• Regina personalizes course selection and scheduling while striving to expand our students’ comfort zones.

• Regina graduates use these abilities to contribute to their communities and live lives of meaning in higher education and beyond.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Arts & Athletics: At Regina Dominican, learning extends far beyond the classroom, with a vibrant selection of clubs, activities, and athletics that allow every student to explore her passions, discover new interests, and build lasting friendships. Students can shine on stage, in academic competitions, through community service, or by leading student organizations, all while developing leadership skills and personal growth. Athletics at Regina cultivate confidence, resilience, teamwork, discipline, and respect, helping student-athletes become compassionate and capable leaders. With personalized academic paths and a joyful learning environment, Regina Dominican prepares students for lifelong success, measurable growth, and outstanding college outcomes.

NORTH SHORE COUNTRY DAY

WEBSITE: nscds.org

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 505 GRADES: JK-12

TUITION: $25,150-$42,650

HEAD TEACHER: Tom Flemma

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: N/A

ENTRANCE PROCEDURE: As part of the admissions process, all families submit an application, transcript, letters of recommendation, and participate in a student interview, shadow visit, or readiness screening. The application and information collected vary by the student’s grade of entry.

CONTACT: Mullery Doar, Director of Admissions and Financial Aid

EMAIL: admissions@nscds.org

OPEN: nscds.org/admissions/visit-us

In-person tours and shadow visits are offered on weekdays during school hours. Please contact the Admissions Office to schedule.

CURRICULUM: Through a comprehensive and skills-based education, NSCD students not only excel in core subjects, but also cultivate their analytical thinking, communication and creative-problem solving skills through engaging assessments and projects. Our rigorous college preparatory program takes it a step further by encouraging active participation in the arts, athletics and community service, empowering students to explore the depth and breadth of their abilities. It’s about more than just academics; it’s about cultivating well-rounded leaders prepared to make a difference in the world.

ENRICHMENT: By participating in arts, athletics and co-curricular activities, NSCD students gain confidence and leadership skills, while forging lifelong friendships. Our lower school offers several after-school enrichment programs, and the middle and upper schools offer more than 40 student-led clubs and affinity groups. North Shore consistently punches above its weight in high school athletics, leading the way in individual and team conference and state titles compared to other schools of its size. Many graduates also continue on to play sports in college.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY: Rooted in the progressive education movement, our school community is a testament to the enduring power of our mission and vision. Generations of alumni, families, faculty and staff have nurtured and sustained this legacy, guiding us through more than a century of growth and excellence. Here, every student is known, valued and empowered to become the amazing people they are meant to be.

NEW TO YOUR SCHOOL: As the premier independent school in the Chicagoland area, we equip every student with the values, skills and confidence to lead in a complex world.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: Student-centered education for 505 students in junior kindergarten through 12th grade; students are from 53 ZIP codes around the Chicagoland area, and 48 percent identify as students of color; 7:1 student-to-teacher ratio and 58:2 students to college counselors; 1 in every 5 students receive need-based financial aid. Our school motto is “Live and Serve.”

WOODLANDS ACADEMY OF THE SACRED HEART

WEBSITE: woodlandsacademy.org

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 110

GRADES: 9-12

TUITION: $34,500 (day student)

HEAD OF SCHOOL: Susan Tyree Dempf, Ph.D.

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Catholic

ADMISSIONS: Prospective students and their families start by filling out an Admission inquiry form on the Woodlands Academy website. You can then schedule a personal tour and a student visit day for your daughter, allowing her to experience the spirit and energy Woodlands Academy students possess in the classroom. Visit woodlandsacademy.org/admission—our Admission team is here to guide you every step of the way.

CONTACT: Gretchen Radde, Director of Enrollment Management

PHONE: 847-234-4300

EMAIL: admission@woodlandsacademy.org

CURRICULUM: Consistent with the Goals and Criteria of Sacred Heart Education, Woodlands Academy’s academic program instills a deep respect for intellectual values, allowing students to engage in challenging experiences that inspire intellectual curiosity, a global mindset, and a lifelong love of learning.

ENRICHMENT: The Woodlands Academy Center for Global Studies is a comprehensive academic and experiential program that provides EVERY student with a global education during her time at Woodlands. Students will have multiple opportunities to become culturally competent, globally minded citizens by exploring their world through group and individual exchange programs, group trips, and a locally based global-focused curriculum.

Woodlands’ beautiful 41-acre Lake Forest campus is dotted with trees and green spaces, along with five tennis courts, softball and soccer fields, and newly upgraded athletic facilities. Extracurricular opportunities include a wide range of sports, more than two dozen student-run clubs—including competitive math, robotics, and Congressional Debate teams—multiple choirs, a theater program, and an orchestra.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY: Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic, independent, college-preparatory, day and boarding high school designed to cultivate the gifts of each student and to allow intelligent, interested, and energetic young women to thrive. It is part of a network of 25 Sacred Heart schools in the U.S. and Canada and more than 150 schools worldwide. Woodlands is a place where young women can find a learning environment that is rigorous, welcoming, joy-filled, and inspiring.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: In addition to being ranked as the Best All-Girls High School and the Best Catholic High School on Chicago’s North Shore by Niche.com, Woodlands is ranked as one of the Top 25 Private High Schools in the United States. Woodlands has also been recognized as a 2020 and 2025 National Blue Ribbon School and as a 2025 recipient of the Illinois Governor’s Blue Ribbon Schools award.

LAKE FOREST ACADEMY

WEBSITE: lfanet.org

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 452

GRADES: 9-12 grades

2025-26 TUITION: Day Student: $54,950/Boarding Student: $75,975

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Tom Johnson, Head of School

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: N/A

ADMISSIONS: Application requirements are on the Apply Page at www.lfanet.org.

We require standardized testing including the SSAT or ISEE, a student interview, transcripts, teacher recommendations and essays from the students and parents. Application deadline for the 2026-27 academic year is January 15, 2026.

CONTACT: Carolyn Gorowski, Dean of Admissions

EMAIL: admissions@lfanet.org

ABOUT US: Founded in 1857, Lake Forest Academy is a coed boarding high school serving academically bright and motivated students from across the globe. The school's mission of educational excellence is founded on the four pillars of character, scholarship, citizenship, and responsibility.

ACADEMICS: LFA’s academic program is individualized for our students’ development and prepares them for college-level courses. In addition to regular graduation requirements, all students must participate in Health, Wellness & Community courses with members of their class.

ARTS & ATHLETICS: Instrumental artists can join Orchestra, Jazz Band, and chamber groups while singers perform in an a capella group and Choir. Theater Tech runs the logistics behind every performance, Morning Meeting, All-School Meeting, and special events as well as the fall play, winter musical, and spring student showcase. Visual arts courses include ceramics, design, glass, photography, and woodworking.

LFA’s athletics program promotes sportsmanship and participation. Student-athletes come from a wide variety of backgrounds and skill levels and can participate in one of the 27 varsity teams or 10 physical education options.

CULTURE & COMMUNITY: LFA fosters a vibrant culture and close-knit community that values inclusivity and encourages global perspectives. Faculty engage students in small classes, nurturing individual potential. LFA's culture celebrates diversity, fosters academic rigor, and cultivates lifelong connections.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS: LFA welcomes students from diverse backgrounds that include 55 local communities, 19 states, and 40 countries. The Academy offers rigorous collegepreparatory education with dedicated faculty, small class sizes, and advanced courses, preparing students for success in higher education. LFA values inclusivity and fosters a close-knit community where students feel supported and connected and also focuses on instilling values like integrity, respect, and responsibility, nurturing well-rounded individuals.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Average class sizes of 12 students and a 7:1 student/faculty ratio with 24 AP courses and 73 percent of faculty live on campus to provide support before, during, and after the school day.

THE SCHOOL OF SAINTS FAITH, HOPE & CHARITY

WEBSITE: faithhopeschool.org

NUMBER OF STUDENTS: 278

GRADES: Pre-k (ages 3 and 4), K-8

TUITION: Varies

DEAN/HEAD TEACHER: Tom Meagher Ed.D., Principal

RELIGIOUS AFFILIATION: Roman Catholic, Saints Faith, Hope & Charity Catholic Parish

ADMISSIONS: New families are invited to schedule a tour of the school and campus. Inquiries and applications may be made via the school website.

CONTACT: Linda Ransford, Recruitment Manager

EMAIL: office@faithhopeschool.org

ABOUT US: The School of Saints Faith, Hope & Charity offers students an exceptional academic experience, grounded in faith. A two-time National Blue Ribbon School, FHC consistently helps our students achieve academic success, while developing character through a commitment to faith and service.

ACADEMICS: Beginning in kindergarten, we follow the Science of Reading approach to Reading, Writing and Phonics. Math classes are vertically aligned through all grades with a focus on students having the ability to master Algebra 1 prior to graduating. iReady Assessments are utilized to measure students’ academic attainment and growth. Faith is woven into each school day, and a school mass is celebrated once a week..

ENRICHMENT/ARTS & ATHLETICS: We offer an extensive interscholastic athletic program, including boys’ and girls’ basketball, volleyball, track, cross-country and golf; as well as boys’ football and girls’ cheerleading. A variety of after-school enrichment programs are also available. Our Fine Arts program offers students high quality music, art, and world language instruction (French & Spanish).

CULTURE AND COMMUNITY: We’re supported by an extremely dedicated and caring community of families; and we connect new families with current families in similar grades. Events and programs such as Spirit of Service, Field Day, May Crowning and Hope Ceremonies help bring our community together.

OUTSTANDING CHARACTERISTICS:

• 2-time recipient of the National Blue Ribbon School Award

• 90% of students achieve iReady scores at or above grade level

• Over 65% of graduates placed beyond Algebra 1 in 9th grade

• Spiritual nourishment that supports the whole child

• Experienced faculty, staff and leadership team

• Nurturing, community-based environment

• Engaging and challenging academics

• Families that connect closely with our school

EDITED BY REDDING WORTH ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL

#ON MY NIGHTSTAND

I just finished The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride. Murray McBride is a lonely 100-year-old man who's outlived just about everyone he’s loved. When he befriends a young boy awaiting a heart transplant, he discovers new meaning in his life. The book is filled with humor, particularly in the way Murray describes keeping up with a 10-year-old in his aging body. I found myself with a bit of separation anxiety after finishing the book; it was that good. I highly recommend it.

#ON MY MOBILE

I met Pierre Lockett during my days at Dance Theatre of Harlem. We danced many roles together and worked directly with Arthur Mitchell, co-founder of Dance Theatre of Harlem. Fast forward, Joffrey moved from New York to Chicago, where Pierre and I were reunited but by this time he had retired as a Joffrey company artist and became Director of Community Engagement at Joffrey. In 2025-26 Joffrey will celebrate 30 years in Chicago and its 70-year anniversary. In celebration of this milestone, Joffrey will spotlight choreographers that shifted the American dance landscape with a tribute to “American Icons.” This tribute is special for me as both Pierre and I danced Glen Tetley’s “Voluntaries” while at Dance Theatre of Harlem.

#IN MY EARBUDS

Recently, I've been exploring a wide range of music genres to incorporate into The Joffrey Ballet’s Dancing with Parkinson’s classes, which I teach weekly in Lake Forest. We’ve danced to Big Bands and R&B. For my personal listening pleasure, I gravitate toward jazz, especially fusion, Latin jazz, Afro-Cuban, and my favorite, smooth jazz..

LINDA SWAYZE, Director of Community Engagement at The Joffrey Ballet, has dedicated her life to the arts as a performer, teacher, and mentor—including a prestigious performance career as an artist with the Dance Theatre of Harlem for 17 years. A native Chicagoan, she is beloved by colleagues and students alike, a champion of aspiring artists and the performing arts. Swayze was instrumental in the development of Joffrey’s inaugural strategic plan for Community Engagement, leading to a partnership with Northwestern Medicine on Dancing with Parkinson's classes both in Lake Forest and at Joffrey’s South Loop studios. The Joffrey recently hosted the first Midwest Dance/USA 2025 National Conference here in Chicago, which included a Dancing with Parkinson's training workshop and a community class. Working with this community has been a true joy for all participants and their caregivers, and the Joffrey is expanding the program with additional classes and instructors this Fall.

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.”

Call (847) 868-0408 to schedule an initial consultation or visit acupuncturenorthclinic.com

Men’s Health: Addressing Prostate and Sexual Health

Your Pain and Suffering Are Real

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.

DWhen Glenview resident David H. came to Dr. Su, he had been struggling with prostate issues for months. “It started with frequent urination, especially at night. I couldn’t get a good night’s sleep, and it felt like it was just getting worse. Then, I noticed some discomfort and wasn’t sure what was happening.” David, like many men, found himself embarrassed and reluctant to seek help, but the physical discomfort and emotional toll were undeniable. He also noticed it was starting to affect his mental well-being and social interactions.

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.

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.

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.” It’s time you let your golden years BE

impacted my relationship, my confidence, and even how I viewed myself. I couldn’t talk about it, and it was really hard,” Mike shared.

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!”

Mike sought out acupuncture after hearing about it from a friend who had found relief from chronic pain. “I didn’t think acupuncture could help with what I was going through, but I was willing to try anything. After a few sessions, I noticed I was starting to feel more like myself— more energy, less anxiety, and better function.”

Dr. Su’s holistic approach also focuses on lifestyle factors that can exacerbate men’s health issues, such as stress and exercise. For both David and Mike, Dr. Su recommended lifestyle adjustments to help accelerate their progress. These holistic changes complemented the acupuncture treatments and further supported their recovery.

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.”

Dr. Su, who has been treating men’s health issues for over a decade, reassured David that he wasn’t alone and that these conditions— prostatitis, urinary incontinence, and even erectile dysfunction—are common, but often underreported due to embarrassment. “It’s easy for men to dismiss or ignore these issues, but they can impact quality of life. Physical health is tied to emotional well-being, and when one is suffering, the other can often follow,” Dr. Su explained.

“After a few weeks of acupuncture, I noticed I wasn’t getting up as often in the middle of the night. The discomfort was also reducing,” David said. “And mentally, it was a game-changer. I wasn’t constantly anxious about my health. I started to feel more like myself.”

David’s experience is not unique. Many men come to Dr. Su with concerns related to urinary health or sexual function—issues that, while difficult to talk about, can have a profound effect on daily life.

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.”

Take Mike R., a patient from Wilmette, who struggled with erectile dysfunction for years. “I felt like I wasn’t the man I used to be. It

“I really appreciated the way Dr. Su handled everything with such understanding and compassion. He didn’t make me feel ashamed, and he gave me the tools to take charge of my health again,” Mike said. “Now, I feel like I have my life back. I’m more confident, I’m active again, and my relationship is stronger.”

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.”

If you or someone you care about is dealing with prostate issues, sexual health concerns, or the emotional toll of these conditions, know that you don’t have to settle. At Acupuncture North Clinic, Dr. Su provides a compassionate, holistic approach to men’s health, helping his patients regain balance, vitality, and confidence.

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.

If you’re ready to take the first step toward feeling better, call today to schedule an initial consultation with Dr. Su. 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 8 before the end of May.

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 10 before the end of October.

It’s time you let your golden years BE GOLDEN!

DR. KUAN SU

WITH RED SAUCE ON TOP

Ballyhoo Hospitality’s DeNucci’s brings the best of Italian-American cuisine to Highland Park.

BY MONICA KASS ROGERS FOOD EDITOR

WEEKEND

The pride Chef Salvatore “Sal” Lo Cascio takes in his handiwork is apparent. Stepping from the kitchen with a fresh-baked pesto pizza held aloft, Lo Cascio sets the pie down on a table at the recently opened DeNucci’s in Highland Park, and says with grin, “And there you go!”

It’s no surprise that Lo Cascio’s pizzas are among the menu mainstays at DeNucci’s—Ballyhoo Hospitality’s newest North Shore restaurant. Lo Cascio’s pizzaiolo skills—honed in his Sicilian homeland—led to pizza triumphs at Ballyhoo’s Coda di

Volpe in Chicago, then at Pizza by Sal in Wilmette, and now at DeNucci’s.

“I become obsessed,” says Lo Cascio, “especially when I am working on a new crust. I work on it every day. It’s not easy because there is so much to balance with time, temperature, and stretch. All of the pieces have to match perfectly to create a winning recipe and procedure.”

At DeNucci’s, the pizza is New York-style. The dough for the crust goes through a three-day fermentation cycle that gives it the perfect crisp and chewy texture and sourdough flavor when baked. It comes in three “white” varieties (pesto pomodorini, mushroom, and tartufo) and four “red” varieties (Margherita, sausage & onion, spicy pepperoni, and good veggie.)

All of that, plus the glutenfree Sicilianstyle pizza Lo Cascio first created as an

act of love for his wife. “She’s celiac,” says Lo Cascio, “and it was heartbreaking for me that she couldn’t eat the things I could eat.”

Thicker than the New York-style crust, with a pillowy top, nice crispy bottom, and gorgeously fresh toppings (ricotta, mozzarella, blistered cherry tomatoes, and basil pesto), the pesto version was one of the best

gluten-free pizzas we’ve had.

But there’s more to DeNucci’s than pizza. Warm, convivial, with plenty of red sauce on top, DeNucci’s is restaurant powerhouse and Ballyhoo Hospitality’s first entry into the Highland Park dining scene. Opened in November, the 220-seat restaurant is classier than the typical Italian joint but not as pricey as the steak houses (Beelow’s Steakhouse and Rosebud) that preceded it in this location. DeNucci’s gives Highland Park residents an inviting evening destination right next door to the recently refurbished Wayfarer Theater. Like its sister DeNucci’s, which opened last summer in Lincoln

Park, the menu at DeNucci’s Highland Park is sans steak. Entrees are either fish or poultry, except for one veal dish. The hearty “Nonna-styled” specials featured throughout the week are Italian American favorites, like the five-layer lasagna Bolognese offered on Tuesday. Classically prepared, this delicious dish is not too cheesy, with its rich sauce layered between delicate pasta sheets handmade in the restaurant that morning.

Our culinary foray began with the mushroom-truffle arancini. The crisptender morsels of nutty, 7-year-aged carnaroli rice blended with minced chives, mushroom duxelles, pecorino Romano, and mascarpone cheese were very good on their own, but even better twirled in the truffled aioli on the plate beneath them.

Another favorite starter? The platter of grilled calamari dotted with bright, pickled peppadew and banana peppers in a thickened red wine vinaigrette. The combination made me think, “Acid and spice, and all things nice,” which pretty much sums up the dish.

From the pasta offerings, we tried one of the four fresh handmade selections and one of the five dried and imported pasta offerings.

From the fresh handmade choices, the agnolotti del plin is pure decadence. The bite-sized pasta purses are filled with minced shallot, mascarpone, Maine lobster, and herbs and bathed in a creamy fennelaccented sauce dotted with more lobster pieces.

The lumache arrabbiata (lumache means “snail” in Italian) is a creamy, yet spicy dish with a sauce Ballyhoo V.P. of Culinary Jay-

sen Euler calls “Ballyhoo’s version of vodka sauce.” As the name suggests, the noodles were snail-shell-shaped, perfect for cupping

and holding the sauce.

Our group included some guests with dietary restrictions (dairy and gluten intolerance.) Thankfully, DeNucci’s menu had plenty to offer that met their needs. The fish dishes, for example, were especially good. The branzino piccata is a must. The nicely crisped and charred fish is bathed in a lemony caper sauce, with surprise bursts of flavor delivered by tiny lemon supremes. DeNucci’s cocktail options were sampled throughout dinner. We found the Amaro Manhattan especially good, and the fun, non-alcoholic Phony Negroni equally tasty. DeNucci’s wine selection is robust, with more than 50 selections, and the dessert menu includes another 14 after-dinner drink options—from the Grappa di Sassicaia to the Ramazzotti.

And to close? DeNucci’s pistachio blondie sundae—a mountain of pistachio ice cream, whipped cream, and blondie pieces, with an amaro cherry on top is very shareable. We couldn’t even finish it between the four of us.

We look forward to trying DeNucci’s recently introduced mozzarella sticks on our next visit. The mozzarella is freshly made and hand-pulled in-house, before being breaded, fried, and served with marinara sauce. We’ll also pay close attention when the server lists the verbal specials, anticipating the introduction of the tavern-style pizza Lo Cascio is working on now.

“That day will come,” laughs Lo Cascio. “But not until it’s perfect.”

For more information visit denuccisitalian.com.

BY MONICA KASS ROGERS FOOD EDITOR

THE

NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

“Eight Red Astrakan, two Wilton Twig, three Hubbardston Nonsuch, one Keswick Codlin …” The orchard plan from a page in Joseph Gundry’s 1869 daybook reads like a fantasy of heritage apples. But if you visit Gundry’s former estate in Mineral Point, Wisconsin, these apples no longer exist—gone along with three quarters of the 17,000 apple varieties that used to thrive in the United States. In ongoing efforts to turn this around, orchardists and plant geneticists have succeeded in bringing some heritage apple varieties back from the brink. That means you’re more likely to find them at farmers markets this season! This beautiful, easy-to-make vintage apple cake is the perfect showcase for any of them. Made with simple ingredients that allow the apple flavors to stand out, the cake is tall and tender. Known as Torta di Mele in Italy, the cake goes back centuries, with all sorts of regional variations. Some mix in nuts or dried fruit. Others add cinnamon or a fancy spiral of sliced fruit on top. But all versions keep apples at the cake’s core. Our delicious version requires just one mixing bowl and a handful of ingredients: butter, flour, sugar, eggs, milk, yeast and plenty of fresh chopped apples. Oh, and a sprinkling of lemon zest, of course! We baked several cakes as part of our testing. One shown in the main photo was made with easily obtainable Honeycrisp. Another (shown in the ingredient photo) was made with heirloom Discovery apples from Nichols Farm in Marengo, Illinois, which originated in Essex, England in 1949 and are a cross between Worcester Pearmain and Beauty of Bath apples. Our tests showed that any apple will do. If you want to make the cake look fancier, you can spiral slices of some of the apple on the top of the cake before baking, but we opted to simply chop the apples into bite-sized pieces and stir them all in. Not too sweet, this cake works well for coffee or tea, or—with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

ITALIAN APPLE CAKE (TORTA DI MELE)

Serves 8

(Makes one, tall 9-inch cake)

INGREDIENTS

• 1, 9-inch springform cake tin

• Baking parchment paper

• 2 cups flour

• 3/4 cup sugar

• 1 pkg. instant yeast to measure just under 1 Tbsp

• 1 tsp salt

• 1 ½ sticks (3/4 cup) softened butter

• Zest of two fresh lemons

• 3 eggs

• 1/3 cup lightly warmed (room temperature) milk

• 6 small or 4 large apples

• 1/4 cup turbinado sugar

METHOD

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter sides and bottom of a 9-inch springform cake pan. Line bottom and sides with baking parchment and butter the parchment. Set aside. In a bowl, stir flour, ¾ cup sugar, yeast and salt together. Set aside. In a stand mixer

with the paddle attachment, or by hand, beat butter until very smooth. Add lemon zest. Beat in eggs, scraping the sides of the mixer bowl. Stir in the flour/sugar/yeast/ salt mixture, adding the warm milk to make a smooth batter. Allow batter to rest while you core and chop apples into bite sized pieces. Fold in the chopped apples until well dispersed through the batter. Spoon the batter into the prepared springform cake pan. Sprinkle the ¼ cup of turbinado sugar over the surface of the cake. (This will look like a lot, but it adds perfect crunch to the cake once baked.) Place in oven and bake for 55 minutes to one hour at 350 degrees until the cake has crowned, is golden brown, and a toothpick inserted in cake comes out clean. Do not over bake. Remove from oven. Rest cake to cool for 20 minutes. Remove from springform tin. Discard parchment. Place cake on serving platter. Slice and serve warm.

“We just installed all new windows at our house and we love them! Before we made our decision we went to the manufacturer’s plant to see how the windows were made. We were concerned at first because Russ’s price was more than half of his competitor’s quoted price. After our tour we were very comfortable with our decision. Installation day was quick and painless. Our house was left in great condition. I highly recommend this company!”

BY THOMAS CONNORS THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND

SAY “CHEEEESE!”

Transcribing family photographs with paint, Jacqueline Kott-Wolle celebrates past and present.

Whether it’s Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa,” Vermeer’s “Girl with a Pearl Earring,” or an Alex Katz rendering of his wife, Ada, nothing quite grabs us like a portrait. After all, it’s only human to study other people. And when faces are captured on canvas, we’re free to stare in a way we’d never (one hopes) do in a store, restaurant, or on the street. It doesn’t matter whether the subject is famous or anonymous, our eyes seek to meet the man or woman looking back at us.

can’t connect to a holiday celebration with multiple generations sharing a meal together? Who hasn’t wondered about the travails of past generations and felt grateful to live in a free society where there is an opportunity for a better life, even with all of our current challenges?”

parents had to overcome as Holocaust survivors who arrived in Canada as refugees,” relates KottWolle. “Equally important was the question of what it means to

Sitting in the sun or posing in a powder blue suit before a big date, the folks in the work of Highland Park artist Jacqueline Kott-Wolle might be anyone. These images, mundane yet special—as the most quotidian moment is to the one living it—are drawn from photos of her family and their friends. And while Kott-Wolle’s works chronicle Jewish life, there’s a good deal of universality in her specificity.

As she created “Growing Up Jewish–Art & Storytelling,” Kott-Wolle had Fairfield Porter in mind, the 20th-century, Winnetka-born artist whose work often depicted his family at leisure at their summer home in Maine.

“Where Porter captured images of his friends playing tennis together, I found images of my family on vacation in the Catskills at one of the famed Jewish resorts of the 1960s. Where Porter created paintings of beautiful family Christmas celebrations, I found images of my family celebrating the Jewish festivals of Passover or Rosh Hashanah,” she says. “Who

Based on five generations of vintage photographs, KottWolle’s paintings create both a family portrait and a cultural testament.

“It was important for me to document the challenges that my grandparents and

be Jewish in the face of American-style freedom and the pull toward assimilation. Can one be fully identified with both traditional Judaism and American life? How will my children and future generations connect to their heritage?” Kott-Wolle concluded the series of 40 canvases with Ice Cream Dreams

Chaya Lea Tried to Come to America

Bar Mitzvah Boy

Cheder at the DP Camp

Photo by Lisa Sciascia

at St. Faustin, which depicts her mother and her mother’s parents enjoying cones while on vacation in the countryside in the 1950s.

“That vacation and its simple pleasure came only a few short years after the devastation they endured in the Holocaust,” notes Kott-Wolle “In studying that photo and translating it into a painting, I realized that I am so very fortunate to have lived in two countries—Canada and the United States—where my freedom to engage or not

engage with my religion is guaranteed.”

After moving to the North Shore with her husband, David, in 2004 (the couple has three children), Kott-Wolle found a creative home at The Highland Park Art Center, where she was mentored by landscape painter and mixed

media artist, Ina Beierle. Determined in those early days to “hold on to my memories of precious summer vacations,” Kott-Wolle painted from pictures of her children at the beach.

“I once asked Ina if she thought it was ridiculous that I only wanted to paint my kids and her answer provided the exact encourage-

ment and ‘permission’ I needed. Ina said, ‘When you paint, say what you need to say until you’re finished saying it. And when you are done, use your art to say something else.’ There was something so liberating about not being judged or evaluated. I was free to express my deepest emotions, using my paintbrushes.”

Family photos, no matter the family, can

be a source of sweet memory and even mirth (“Look at that wallpaper! Can you believe I wore my hair like that?”).

But when the people pictured have passed and that living room is long gone, the snapshots of our lives can be sad and, sometimes, inscrutable. Kott-Wolle’s subjects—their celluloid mortality translated into paint—seem to rise above hard truth.

Many of her pictures project an unmistakable echo of good times together. But when they touch on something other than joy, she doesn’t change a sour face to a smile or straighten a back to its youthful uprightness or ignore, in the text accompanying these images, tough times and unrealized expectations. She accepts life in every aspect, in sunlight and in shade.

For more information, visit paintingsbyjacquelinekottwolle.com.

Kot Textiles

My Parents' Chuppah

Baby's First Chanukah

Murray Ryerson

LAST DAYS

This film based on the real story of missionary John Allen Chau is not perfect but still merits watching.

VERDICT: Last Days is a wary, somber attempt at moral reckoning. It doesn’t fully inhabit its own ambiguities, but its ambition and restraint make it worth watching—provided you’re willing to dwell in tension rather than search for answers.

In Last Days, director Justin Lin trades the roar of fast cars for something more elemental—faith, isolation, and the boundary between conviction and recklessness. Based

on the real story of missionary John Allen Chau, the film opens with a promise that is difficult to keep—capturing a figure whose tragic end is woven into myth.

Sky Yang plays Chau with a lean intensity. He is at once vulnerable and alarming, his eyes lit by purpose yet haunted by doubt. Radhika Apte’s presence adds necessary counterweight—her gaze offering the world a question that the narrative frequently evades: “At what cost?”

Cinematographically, Oliver Bokelberg bathes jungle and sea in harsh light, underscoring how nature itself seems to judge Chau’s intrusion. Every frame insists on the sublime and the savage.

The screenplay by Ben Ripley fences in three competing impulses—spiritual fervor, colonial guilt, and the ethics of storytelling. Lin stages the mission as a kind of luxury of belief—privilege wrapped in righteousness. At moments the film aches, especially when it leans into relationships on land: conversations with the tribal world, legal authorities, and family voices. But at others it feels

FRANKENSTEIN

Guillermo del Toro’s interpretation of this Mary Shelley masterpiece will begin streaming on Netflix on November 7.

VERDICT: Frankenstein is a solemn and visually arresting parable — not about power, but about the folly of seeking it without God. In an age still tempted to invent its own morality, del Toro’s vision stands as both warning and lament: when man assumes the role of Creator, what he builds is never life, only shadow.

Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein arrives first in a limited theatrical run before its Netflix release on November 7—a fitting dual existence for a story that has always been about resurrection, ambition, and consequence. But make no mistake: this is not a celebration of creation. It is a cautionary work—a meditation on the limits of human pride, the cost of forgetting reverence for the true Creator, and an unflinching parable about the danger of man playing God.

Del Toro revisits Mary Shelley’s timeless warning with the weight of experience. Oscar Isaac’s Victor Frankenstein is no longer a lightning-mad inventor but a haunted craftsman, a man who believes intellect can replace humility. His creation, brought to sorrowful life by Jacob Elordi, is not the monster here — he is the mirror. The film’s terror lies in the quiet realization that human arrogance, when divorced from conscience, begets ruin more lasting than death. Cinematographer Dan Laustsen bathes the film in candlelight and remorse. The laboratories flicker not with triumph but guilt, the machinery groaning under moral weight. Del Toro and co-writer Kim Morgan frame every success as a failure in disguise. When Victor looks upon his living creation, we see a man who has conquered decay but lost his soul.

Jacob Elordi’s performance deepens this tension. His Creature is graceful, searching, and more fully alive than his maker—an echo of Shelley’s original question: if man

can imitate life, can he also imitate love? The answer, here, is devastatingly clear.

Though the film stumbles briefly under its own grandeur, it never loses moral sight. Its closing act—a frozen confrontation between creator and creation—plays not as spectacle but as repentance. Del Toro finds in that silence something close to theology—the acknowledgment that man was never meant to bear divine weight.

brittle, as though half the film is auditioning for deeper meaning it never fully commits to.

The Guardian will see echoes of Apocalypse Now in the jungle trek, but that ambivalence is part of Last Days’ DNA. What limits the film is its refusal to engage more directly with the Sentinelese perspective. At best, they remain spectral witnesses. At worst, obstacles in Chau’s staging. The decision feels consistent with the source material’s blind spots but also diminishes the emotional reckoning the tragedy demands. When the narrative loops back to shore, we expect that silence should stake its claim; instead, the echo feels unsettled, as if the film is still doubling back on its own convictions.

Yet there is power in its restraint. It does not oversell its spectacle nor neglect the human frailty at the heart of its lead. The musical score, by Nathan Alexander, haunts without overwhelming, and editing by Dylan Highsmith lets moments breathe rather than race. Yang’s final sequences hold in a silence that refuses to be easy.”

BY FELIX MCMILLAN, MAN ABOUT FILM ILLUSTRATION BY TOM BACHTELL

LITERATURE & FASHION

An elegant crowd gathered at Lake Forest’s Lillie Alexander for a glittering afternoon with Frances Valentine’s co-founder Elyce Arons. Hosted by Coco Powell, the event began with champagne and conversation during the signing of Arons’ memoir, We Might Just Make It After All: My Best Friendship with Kate Spade. Guests were then treated to an intimate Q&A with Arons, who shared insights into the spirit and vision behind the company. A polished style presentation followed, showcasing the brand’s signature, timeless pieces that embody both playfulness and sophistication. The afternoon gave guests a deeply personal glimpse into a cherished bond and the enduring legacy of an iconic design house. lilliealexanderboutique.com

LYNN SAGE BREAST CANCER SOIREE

C harlie Mills and Jill Alberts Mills opened their home for an inspired evening in support of the Lynn Sage Breast Cancer Foundation. “Sip, Shop and Get Pierced,” which benefited area breast cancer research and raised awareness across the North Shore, proved that fundraising can be both fun and impactful. With one in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer, guests (many wearing pink) gathered with purpose and passion. The event also marked the lead-up to a powerful milestone—the foundation’s 40th anniversary on October 16, which would have been Lynn Sage’s 80th birthday. lynnsage.org

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ROBIN SUBAR

ELYCE ARONS

GEORGIA HEISINGER

MONICA MCGREGOR, MELINDA LISTER, LAUREN PETERS

LAUREN PETERS, ELYCE ARONS

SUNNY ESLER, GIRTH FUNK

PHOTOGRAPHY BY WIDIA VITI AND SHERI WHITKO

EMILY PERLBERG, ERICA AYALA, JILL ALBERTS MILLS, CHARLIE MILLS, LAURA SAGE, JULIE STANKIEWICZ

ARLYN GOODMAN, LILI ANN ZISOOK, LAURA SAGE LAUREN PETERS, ELYCE ARONS

RONI MOORE AND MELISSA TRANDEL

STREETS & STANZAS

Winnetka resident and local high school/college educator John O’Connor has written a book of poems reflecting on his childhood and late father, who worked for the Department of Streets and Sanitation in Chicago.

BY BILL MCLEAN ILLUSTRATION BY BARRY BLITT

John O’Connor nearly tore a shoulder labrum while raising his hand at an English Department meeting at Penn State University in 1990.

The faculty had been asked, “Who would like to volunteer to teach once a week for six months at Rockview?”

Rockview is a maximum-security prison in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania.

“I looked around and nobody else’s hand was up,” recalls O’Connor, now an English teacher at New Trier Township High School (New Trier) and an adjunct professor at Northwestern University. “I wanted to teach there because diversity of experience has always been important to me.

“I found out later,” the Winnetka resident adds, “that 16 of the 17 inmates I taught had committed murder.”

O’Connor, 61, has released poetry that had been locked up in his mind for at least 30 years with the recent publication of Streets & San (Finishing Line Press), a book of poems filled with searing memories of his childhood and late father, Mike O’Connor, a longtime Department of Streets and Sanitation worker in Chicago.

“Tough as nails,” O’Connor says of his father, an Irish immigrant who arrived in the United States with his future wife, Anne, in 1957. “Dad never missed a day of work, no matter what his condition was.”

An excerpt from Streets & San under the title “On Top of the World: Photo of My Father, The Empire State Building, 1957”: Half King Kong, half-Cary Grant, With shoulders wide as 34th St., You lean casually against the railing Of the observation deck, Hair slicked back, Rumpled grey flannels.

O’Connor had written a pair of books— Wordplaygrounds and This Time It’s Personal— on the teaching of writing and an award-winning book of haiku, Natural Con-

sequences, before flexing his iambic muscle for the first time.

future wife, fellow English major Eleni, in a math class.

O’Connor, a graduate of Gordon Tech High School (now DePaul College Prep) on the North Side of Chicago and the University of Chicago in Hyde Park, where he met his

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

John Conatser

Michelle Crowe, Erin Donaldson, Cheyanne Lencioni, Dustin O'Regan, Kemmie Ryan, Megan Weisberg

FOOD EDITOR

Monica Kass Rogers

senior. “Sometimes that’s all you need when you’re young and trying to find your way in a school setting.”

While pounding tennis balls against a

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Thomas Connors, Mitch Hurst, Bill McLean, Eleanor Whitmore, Redding Worth

DESIGN

Natalie Phillips PRODUCTION MANAGER/ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Mimi Lee GRAPHIC DESIGNER

factory wall on Chicago’s Northwest Side to hone his game as a teenager, O’Connor—a huge Roger Federer fan—often dreamed of winning the men’s singles title at Wimbledon.

“I was,” he admits, “tennis-obsessed.”

O’Connor taught English for 10 years and coached tennis teams at the University of Chicago High School Laboratory Schools.

“Hugely famous authors spoke at the school,” he says. “I’ve invited poets to speak to my students at New Trier.”

A hugely famous boxer named Muhammad Ali asked O’Connor to tutor his children at the champ’s mansion on Chicago’s South Side in the mid-1980s.

The teacher/professor/author/poet also finds time to be the Ping-Pong Club sponsor and Slam Poetry sponsor at New Trier. He has served as a planning committee member of the school’s annual Literary Festival (Lit Fest) since its inception.

The 21st Lit Fest in February featured, among others, poet Major Jackson, cartoonist Jeffrey Brown, author Michele Morano, sports journalist Mark Vancil, former Chicago Reader staff writer Julia Thiel, playwright Susan Lieberman, and blues musician Toronzo Cannon.

The lineup at the fest’s 22nd edition should include O’Connor.

Here’s another excerpt from Streets & San, this one the title poem:

I never saw my father cry,

Not even in his cancer-crippled final years

When I held his shrunken pink fingers And whispered goodbye in his good ear, the North Sea raged in his blue-grey eyes.

I never saw my father work, But in my mind’s eye, I see him now Aloft in a blue Streets and San truck Cherry picker basket, fixing a street lamp silhouetted by falling snow.

John O’Connor will read from his new book of poems at The Book Stall at 6:30 p.m. on November 12. The Book Stall is at 811 Elm Street, Winnetka. For more information, visit thebookstall.com.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND ART

Runvijay Paul, Scott Paulus, Kirsten Schmitt, Robin Subar, Widia Viti, Sheri Whitko

PHOTOGRAPHY

Tom Bachtell, Barry Blitt ILLUSTRATION

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups milk of your choice

• 2 tablespoons pumpkin puree

• 1 tablespoon sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice

1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee or espresso

• Whipped cream and additional pumpkin pie spice for topping

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together milk, pumpkin puree, sugar, pumpkin pie spice, and vanilla extract. Heat until hot but not boiling.

2. Remove from heat and whisk until frothy.

3. Pour coffee or espresso into a mug and add the milk mixture.

4. Top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice.