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LIFESTYLE LETTER

The Season of Becoming August 2026 There’s something about August that always feels a little bittersweet. The days are still long enough for bike rides through the neighborhood, evenings at the beach, baseball games, ice cream runs and dogs who somehow know exactly when it’s time for a walk. Yet woven into those final summer moments is the reminder that backpacks will soon replace beach bags, routines will return and another season of life is about to begin. That transition feels especially fitting for our Kids & Pets issue, a celebration of the relationships, experiences and communities that help shape our children. This month, we spotlight organizations and individuals investing in the next generation. At Citadel Theatre, performers are finding confidence, creativity and a place to belong through the arts. At North Shore Elite Talent, students are developing discipline, stage presence and self-belief as they pursue their passions in performance and entertainment. We also celebrate the remarkable students from our community who competed in this year’s INCubatoredu National Pitch competition, showcasing the innovation, drive and entrepreneurial thinking that remind us the future is in very capable hands. You’ll also hear from our resident therapist, Lynn Zakeri, who offers perspective on raising resilient, emotionally healthy kids in a world where parenting rarely comes with simple answers. And in our Lit & Local feature, Dr. Dana Suskind explores one of the most pressing questions facing modern families: how we raise deeply connected, emotionally grounded children in an increasingly AI-driven world. As I turn these pages, I’m reminded why I love publishing North Shore City Lifestyle. Every issue introduces me to inspiring families, dedicated educators, passionate entrepreneurs and organizations strengthening our community. It is a privilege to share their stories and help connect neighbors across the North Shore. To our featured families, pet lovers, youth organizations and business partners, thank you for the work you do and the care you bring to this community. And to our readers, thank you for welcoming us into your homes each month. Whether you're savoring these last weeks of summer, preparing for a new school year or simply enjoying an evening with your favorite people and pets nearby, I hope this issue encourages you to slow down and appreciate the moments that matter most. Here’s to a meaningful August and a season filled with connection, growth and memories that last well beyond summer. With gratitude,

K E E LY C O N R E Y, P U B L I S H E R @NORTHSHORECITYLIFESTYLE

PUBLISHER

Keely Conrey | keely.conrey@citylifestyle.com E D I TO R

Cat Rolfes | cat.rolfes@citylifestyle.com P U B L I CAT I O N D I R E C TO R

Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com S O C I AL M E D I A C O O R D I N ATO R

Juliann Brown | juliann.brown@citylifestyle.com AC C O U N T M AN AG E R

Peter Heisinger | peter.heisinger@citylifestyle.com STAF F P H OTO G R AP H E R

Amee McCaughan | amee@ameemccaughan.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cat Rolfes, Lynn Zakari C O N T R I B U T I N G P H OTO G R AP H E R

Kyle Flubacker

Corporate Team CEO Steven Schowengerdt President Matthew Perry COO David Stetler CRO Jamie Pentz CoS Janeane Thompson AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell

Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com//franchise. Proverbs 3:5-6 North Shore City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the North Shore area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle

Visit our Instagram CITYLIFESTYLE.COM/NORTHSHOREIL

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in North Shore City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue AUGUST 2 0 2 6 | K I D S & PETS

26 Featured

20 26

Print Prestige Meets Digital Power.

WHY CHOOSE BETWEEN PRESTIGE AND PLACEMENT?

Departments

North Shore’s Next Gen Innovators

Meet the five student-led ventures that reached the Quarterfinals of the 2026 INCubatoredu National Pitch.

Raising the Curtain

Citadel Theatre helps North Shore kids build confidence, creativity and connection

Keeping Childhood Human in AI

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Kids Corner ARTS + CULTURE

Must See LIFE + CULTURE

Back Stage ARTS + CULTURE

How To EDUCATION

Expert Help ARTS + CULTURE

Inspired By LIFE + CULTURE

Events

Dr. Dana Suskind explores why human connection matters most in today’s AI-driven world for children.

On the Cover Poised, powerful and deeply expressive, NorthShore Elite Talent dancers embody the passion, discipline and artistry shaping the next generation of performers. Photography: NorthShore Elite Talent

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AUGUST 2026

city scene WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN 1

On May 10, 2025, Chicago’s civic, cultural and business leaders gathered at Rockwell on the River to celebrate Steppenwolf Theatre Company’s 50th Anniversary Season, helping raise a record-breaking $2 million in support of the theater’s bold artistic vision and education initiatives. 1: Alana Arenas, Robert Breuler, Jim True‑Frost, Tim Hopper, Celeste M. Cooper, Eric Simonson, Audrey Francis, Gary Cole, Jeff Perry, Caroline Neff, Namir Smallwood, Sandra Marquez, Jon Michael Hill, Glenn Davis and Amy Morton. 2: Artistic Director Audrey Francis, Gala Co‑Chairs Nigel Caine and Aimee Graham, Verett Mims, Christopher Keogh, Executive Director E. Brooke Flanagan and Artistic Director Glenn Davis. 3: Gala 2026 honor‑ ees Douglas R. Brown and Rachel E. Kraft with E. Brooke Flanagan, Jon Michael Hill, Celeste M. Cooper, Caroline Neff, Jeff Perry, Audrey Francis, Jim True‑Frost, Tim Hopper, Gary Cole, Sandra Marquez, Robert Breuler, Alana Arenas, Eric Simonson, Namir Smallwood, Francis Guinan, Amy Morton and Glenn Davis. 4: Gala 2026 was designed by Jeffrey Foster for Frost Chicago, with photos by Sandro Miller. 5: Ensemble member Gary Cole and Young Adult Council member Ashym Patel perform an excerpt from True West. 6: Gala Co‑Chair Aimee Graham, ensemble member and co‑founder Jeff Perry, Gala Co‑Chair Nigel Caine, and Cian and Kate O’Riordan. 7: Former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, John Wrenn and Trustee Amy Eshleman. Photography by Kyle Flubacker

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business monthly A R O U N D U P O F N E W S F R O M LO C A L B U S I N E S S E S

Russian School of Mathematics Opens in Glenview The Russian School of Mathematics has opened at 2715 Pfingsten Road, Suite 24, in Glenview, bringing its nationally recognized K–12 after‑school math program to the community. The school offers multiple levels for each grade and a selective competitions track, allowing instruction to be tailored to each student’s skills and progress. With more than 25 years of experience, the program is known for developing strong problem‑solving abilities and long‑term math proficiency. mathschool.com

Windy City Harvest Hosts August Farmers Markets in Chicago Windy City Harvest, the Chicago Botanic Garden’s urban agriculture program, will host community farmers markets August 13 and 27 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Farm on Ogden (3555 W. Ogden Ave., Chicago). Visitors can shop fresh produce grown through the program’s youth farm, job‑training and beginning‑farmer tracks, while browsing booths featuring products from local small businesses. The farmers markets provide a great opportunity to strengthen connections while building a healthier community. chicagobotanic.org/urban-agriculture

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K I D S COR N E R | ARTS + CU LT U RE

As childhood becomes increasingly tethered to screens, many parents are searching for something harder to define but easy to recognize when they find it: a place where kids can move, connect and simply be present. Not just another activity. Something deeper. For many North Shore families, NorthShore Elite Talent has become exactly that. And with its move to a larger Glenview home at 1708 Glenview Road, the studio is expanding not just in square footage, but in purpose. Founded in 2021 by Nabi Jordan-Polk after nearly two decades with the Glenview Park District, North Shore Elite Talent was born from both necessity and intuition. When pandemic disruptions changed the landscape of

youth programming, she saw an opportunity to build something more intentional: a community-centered creative hub where kids could gather, move and feel supported. She expected perhaps 60 students from her former Park District program to follow. More than 200 did. “That told us immediately there was a real need,” Jordan-Polk says. “Kids needed somewhere to go after school to socialize, move their bodies and feel connected.” Today, the studio offers dance, tumbling, cheer and musical theater-style movement classes for a wide range of ages and abilities, with fall registration now open at northshoreelitetalent.com. But what makes the studio resonate goes beyond classes. Jordan-Polk is deeply aware of the modern challenges kids face, especially in a world shaped by constant scrolling, shrinking attention spans and digital comparison. The issue is bigger than screen time, she says. It is about preserving the confidence, connection and social-emotional growth that happen when kids gather, move and learn together in real life. Especially for children whose formative years were shaped by the isolation of the pandemic, those opportunities matter more than ever. “We’re trying to get kids back into their bodies,” Jordan-Polk says. “Movement builds confidence, connection and self-awareness in ways screens simply can’t.” That philosophy shapes everything. NorthShore Elite Talent has built a reputation as an inclusive space where beginners feel welcome, experienced performers stay challenged and every child feels seen. Ages and skill levels are treated as guidelines, allowing students to find both appropriate training and genuine belonging.

That culture is perhaps best embodied by 17-yearold Janelle Perry. A longtime student who began dancing with Jordan-Polk as a child, Perry endured serious health challenges in middle school, including multiple surgeries related to Crohn’s disease. Even when she couldn’t dance, she remained deeply involved with the studio, supporting teammates, attending competitions and eventually joining staff. Now preparing for her senior year, Perry has become a mentor to younger dancers, helping launch a “big sister, little sister” initiative that fosters connection across age groups. “She embodies everything we hope this space stands for,” Jordan-Polk says. “Kindness, resilience, empathy and community.” Looking ahead, the studio owner sees even greater possibilities. Her vision extends beyond dance into a broader performing arts center with expanded programming in music, theater and voice, along with scholarship opportunities and deeper community partnerships. In many ways, NorthShore Elite Talent represents something increasingly essential for modern families: a third place beyond home and school where young people can grow. And sometimes, that kind of place changes everything. For info at northshoreelitetalent.com.

Nabi Jordan-Polk, Della Ambrose, Brooke Carroll, Lexi Farrington, Reese Foxman, Teresa Norton and Liza Jones earned the Share Your Light Award.

AUGUST 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N ORT HS HO R E I L

NORTH SHORE’S NEXT GE N I N N OVAT OR S

Dave Schonberg, Sally Pofcher, Miranda Korobov, Amy Beanblossom and Ali Beanblossom at New Trier’s Entrepreneurship: Startup U Pitch Night.

Meet the f ive student-led ventures that reached the Quarterf inals of the 2026 INCubatoredu National Pitch. ARTICLE BY CAT ROLFES PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

M UST SE E | L I FE + C ULTU RE

The North Shore has long been known for academic excellence, but increasingly, it’s also becoming a launchpad for young entrepreneurs. That spirit is reflected in INCubatoredu, a national entrepreneurship program that gives high school students the opportunity to build and launch real businesses while still in

Korobov’s hand sewn sample, designed to offer stadium approved clarity with stylish, privacy protecting panels that keep contents discreet.

the classroom. Over the course of a year, students move from idea generation to market validation, product development and investor-style pitches, working alongside experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders who serve as mentors. The program mirrors the realities of startup culture, where experimentation, iteration and resilience matter as much as the idea itself. Students learn to test assumptions, respond to feedback and solve real-world problems, often discovering that the strongest ventures emerge through constant refinement. “A remarkable characteristic of INCubatoredu students is their bravery,” says Margarita Geleske, chief evangelist for Uncharted Learning. “The experience requires students to step beyond typical school expectations. They learn to listen to people outside their usual circles, understand real-world problems and develop solutions that can make a difference.” This year, five local student-led ventures advanced to the Quarterfinal round of the 2026 INCubatoredu National Pitch competition, earning recognition among the top high school innovators in the country. Selected from a competitive national pool after being nominated by their schools, these students spent the year transforming ideas into real ventures, learning how to research customers, test prototypes and think like founders. What begins in the classroom quickly becomes something far more dynamic. Guided by business mentors, community advisors and teachers who treat them like real entrepreneurs, students spend months refining ideas, gathering feedback and learning how to pivot when challenges arise.

The result is more than a pitch competition. It’s a proving ground for creativity, resilience and problem-solving. For the North Shore, having five Quarterfinalists in a single year is more than a point of pride. It reflects the strength of local entrepreneurship programs and a generation of students already learning how to build with purpose. The ventures span industries and interests, from consumer products and sustainability to personal care and fashion. While each team approached entrepreneurship differently, all five demonstrated the same core skills: creativity, adaptability and a willingness to solve real-world problems.

TEAM SPOTLIGHTS

Gateway Stadium Bags New Trier High School @gateway_bags Clear stadium bags may be required at concerts and sporting events, but many options sacrifice style, privacy and durability. Gateway Stadium Bags was born when founder Miranda Korobov saw a clear gap in the market. “Most stadium-approved bags were flimsy, unstylish, offered no privacy and completely ruined the look of a nice outfit,” she says. “I wanted to create a bag I would genuinely want to wear.” Her teacher, Bob Bollweg, recognized her clarity of vision early. “Miranda is an excellent presenter and showed enthusiasm and creativity in her approach to problem-solving,” he says. “She has a unique entrepreneurial spirit. She sewed her own prototypes and did thorough research.” CONTINUED >

AUGUST 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N ORT HS HO R E I L

Gateway Stadium Bags prototype: Korobov’s clear, structured early design—stylish, stadium approved, and winner of New Trier’s competition.

FunShine team: Maya Medina, Ellie Karner, Haylie Goynshor and Katherine Dikin, rising seniors at Deerfield High School

M UST SE E | L I FE + C ULTU RE

Building a physical product meant learning nearly everything from scratch. “I had very little experience creating prototypes or sewing,” Korobov says. “I had to learn almost every step from YouTube. It took many attempts, but I eventually created a product I was proud of.” Advancing to the Quarterfinals as a solo founder brought both pressure and reward. “Working alone meant every decision and obstacle was mine to handle,” she says. “But seeing my idea evolve into a real product that people genuinely valued made all the hard work worthwhile.” Now, Gateway Stadium Bags is preparing for its next chapter: finalizing a professional production sample, manufacturing inventory and bringing the product to market. Korobov plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign to help fund production and begin early sales. FunShine Deerfield High School FunShine set out to solve a problem its founders knew well: kids hate sunscreen. As camp counselors and lifeguards, Maya Medina, Ellie Karner, Haylie Goynshor and Katherine Dikin watched children squirm, resist and run away during sunscreen application. “We started turning sunscreen into games like ‘spa day’ just to get kids to cooperate,” says team member Ellie Karner. “That’s when we realized there had to be a better, more fun way to do it.” Their solution is a refillable sunscreen applicator featuring a sensory-friendly silicone blender and a playful cap designed to make sun protection feel engaging rather than stressful. But designing for kids meant learning quickly what worked and what didn’t. “Our first design leaked everywhere during testing,” Karner says. “It taught us that while the fun aspect matters, parents and kids need something reliable and mess-free. The mechanics mattered just as much as the creativity.” Teacher Joseph Navickas says the team’s growth was remarkable. “Students enhance their interpersonal and communication skills, and they become creative geniuses again in the process,” he says. FunShine placed first at Deerfield’s Pitch Night, was named first alternate for the National Pitch and ultimately ranked sixth nationally, continuing Deerfield’s five-year streak of Top 10 teams. For the founders, the turning point came during real-world testing. “When we saw kids actually engaging with the applicator instead of running away, that’s when it clicked,” Karner says. “Getting real feedback from parents and children made FunShine feel like a genuine solution, not just a class project.”

Although FunShine did not advance into the top five National Pitch finalists, the team was invited to participate in the INCubatoredu National Student Showcase. On July 8, they will present at Willis Tower before more than 200 guests. “We’re really excited,” Karner says. “It’s a chance to share our product, get feedback and keep growing.” Tape Off Highland Park High School Athletes know the sting of peeling off sports tape after practice or competition. Tape Off addresses that problem with a spray designed to loosen adhesive and make tape removal faster and far less painful. The team’s pitch stood out to a panel of six business professionals, who named it the strongest among Highland Park’s competing ventures. Teacher Mike Arcurie says what impressed him most was how quickly the students moved beyond theory. “They took what they learned in class and applied it directly to their business concept,” he says. “They registered as an LLC and got an EIN.” What truly distinguished Tape Off was its willingness to launch early. “They created and published a real Kickstarter campaign,” Arcurie says. “I’ve never had a team do something like that before in eight years of teaching this class.”

GBS Apeiros Scents team: Sasha Smith, Leo Diamantopoulos, Chris Diaz and Katelyn Kim

FunShine prototype: Early character-cap applicator designs the team tested while refining both function and fun.

Tape Off’s Luke Winshall and Nathan Erlich with Highland Park leaders and mentors after their win; Lucas Leibovich, Will Caplan and Zach Perlen not pictured.

“They created and published a real Kickstarter campaign. I’ve never had a team do something like that before.” — Mike Arcurie, Highland Park High School teacher Apeiros Scents Glenbrook South High School @titanstartup Apeiros Scents blends fragrance with personal meaning, creating perfumes and colognes inspired by faith and designed to elevate the senses while fostering emotional connection. The team spent the year formulating original scents, validating market demand and building the foundation of a consumer brand. Teacher Michael Macfadden calls their commitment exceptional. “They worked tirelessly, far beyond what was required in the classroom,” he says. Their efforts earned recognition beyond the classroom. The team won $500 in seed funding at Illinois State University’s InnoVators Pitch Competition and received the “Most Loved Team” award from fellow competitors. CONTINUED > AUGUST 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N ORT HS HO R E I L

Business INCubator students at Glenbrook South collaborate during a candid class work session.

“Getting real feedback from parents and children made FunShine feel like a genuine solution, not just a class project.” — Ellie Karner, FunShine co-founder Always OAK Glenbrook North High School @gbnstartup Always OAK transforms fast-fashion waste into one-of-a-kind toiletry bags, each crafted from two upcycled garments, one for the exterior and one for the interior. No two bags are alike, and the brand is rooted in sustainability, creativity and intentional design. This year, Always OAK was selected as Glenbrook North’s Official Notification team, earning recognition from INCubatoredu and an invitation to showcase its venture at the National Pitch event. Teacher Mindy Ingersoll says the team’s growth came from learning how to adapt.

M UST SE E | L I FE + C ULTU RE

Always OAK team at Glenbrook South: Lyla Freud, Audrey Lee, Taylor Gichner and Aryana Jamali

“They learned to listen to feedback and stretch beyond their comfort zone,” she says. One major challenge was figuring out how to scale. “They had to move beyond sourcing materials through donations and think about creating environmental impact through a full-fledged production model,” Ingersoll says. “They did extensive research, made a lot of calls and developed a plan that impressed the advisory board on pitch night.” What set the team apart was a shared sense of purpose. Their commitment to tackling clothing waste, combined with their ability to evolve through each pivot, gave Always OAK a mission that resonated with mentors and judges alike.

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RAISING THE CURTAIN

Young performers bring the whimsical world of Seussical to life with color, imagination and heart.

CITADEL THEATRE HELPS NORTH SHORE KIDS BUILD CONFIDENCE, CREATIVITY AND CONNECTION

At Citadel Theatre in Lake Forest, the magic starts long before opening night. It begins in rehearsal rooms filled with nervous energy and growing confidence. A child quietly reading lines suddenly speaks up. A hesitant performer finds their voice. Older students help younger ones with choreography, costumes and cues. Somewhere between the first audition and final curtain call, something shifts. That transformation is what has defined Citadel Theatre for 23 seasons. Founded by Scott and Ellen Phelps, Citadel has become a creative cornerstone of Lake Forest and the North Shore, offering professional productions alongside a thriving youth education program. The husband-and-wife team, both professionally trained actors who met at Actors Theatre of Louisville, built the company around a belief that theater has the power to shape lives. For Ellen, that belief is personal. She began acting at age 4 and credits theater with helping build confidence, communication skills and self-expression. Scott sees it as a place where kids discover purpose and belonging. “Not every kid wants to play sports,” he says. “Theater allows them to have camaraderie, collaboration and a common goal.” That philosophy lives at the heart of Citadel Theatre Education, led by Education Director Erin Ammer. More than a performance program, it is designed to help children grow creatively, socially and emotionally.

ARTICLE BY CAT ROLFES PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

B ACK STAGE | ARTS + C U LT U RE

Citadel offers school-year programming for students ages 3 to 18, from minis classes for the youngest performers to showcase classes and full-scale musical productions for older students. The program’s hallmark is its inclusive approach: every child who signs up for a production gets a role. That decision is intentional. Some students want the spotlight. Others are happiest as part of the ensemble. Either way, they belong. “We have created this beautiful little family of children,” Ammer says. That sense of belonging is central to the program’s success. In nearly four years, Ammer says she has never had to intervene in a bullying situation. Instead, she sees students encouraging one another, mentoring younger castmates and building meaningful friendships. Citadel’s approach also prioritizes creativity over imitation. Rather than relying on phones, social media or online performances, students are encouraged to develop characters from the ground up, creating backstories, motivations and relationships through imagination. The result is often surprising and always memorable.

Citadel Theatre founders Ellen and Scott Phelps

Cast members from Newsies bring high‑energy choreography and heartfelt storytelling to the Citadel Theatre stage.

“They walk away with a self-esteem and a level of confidence. Once you get bitten by that bug, you never forget it. Wherever they go in life, they carry that with them.” — Scott Phelps

During one production of Seussical, students decided Horton and the Cat in the Hat were somehow related. It wasn’t in the script, but it reflected exactly what Citadel wants to nurture: creative thinking, curiosity and confidence. As rehearsals progress, students experience the rewards of discipline and teamwork. They learn choreography, blocking, music and stagecraft while gaining something deeper. “They walk away with a self-esteem and a level of confidence,” Scott says. “Once you get bitten by that bug, you never forget it.” That impact extends well beyond the stage. Parents often share stories of children who found confidence at Citadel after struggling socially, emotionally or academically. For some, theater becomes more than an extracurricular activity. It becomes a refuge. Citadel’s commitment to community reaches beyond its own students as well. Through Citadel Cares, the theater welcomes families from underserved communities in Waukegan, Zion and North Chicago to attend family-friendly performances at no cost. Scholarships also ensure no child is turned away for financial reasons. In an increasingly digital world, Citadel offers something refreshingly human: connection through live storytelling. Here, children are not just learning how to perform. They are learning how to listen, collaborate, create and belong.

Cast members bring the fairy‑tale fun of Shrek to the stage with big laughs and even bigger heart.

GET INVOLVED WITH CITADEL

Citadel Theatre offers year‑round education programs for young performers ages 3 to 18, including minis classes, showcase workshops and full‑scale musical productions in Lake Forest. With an inclusive approach and scholarship support available, every child has the opportunity to participate and grow through live performance. Explore classes and registration: citadeltheatre. org/education-tickets-and-registration Support Citadel’s mission at its annual Gala Fundraiser on September 26, an evening benefiting both the theater and its education programs. The event includes live entertainment, community celebration and opportunities to directly support youth arts. Tickets and details: citadeltheatre.org/buytickets

AUGUST 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N ORT HS HO R E I L

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AUG AUG

THE WATSON TWINS

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AUG AUG

DEEP BLUE SOMETHING

NORTH THEATRE

AUG AUG

Relive the Relive the soundtrack soundtrack of of the the '90s '90s with with an an energetic energetic night night of of alternative alternative rock featuring rock featuring the the chart-topping chart-topping hit hit "Breakfast "Breakfast at at Tiffany's" Tiffany's" and and fan fan favorites from three decades. favorites from a a career career spanning spanning more more than than three decades.

ALLY VENABLE BAND

NORTH THEATRE

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JIM MESSINA

AUG AUG

2 28

NORTH THEATRE

SEP SEP

Enjoy an En#oy an evening evening of of classic classic rock rock featuring featuring timeless timeless hits hits from from Buffalo Buffalo Springfield, Poco, Springfield, Poco, and and Loggins Loggins & & Messina, Messina, including including "Your "Your Mama Mama Don't Dance," Pooh Corner." Corner." Don't Dance," "Danny's "Danny's Song," Song," and and "House "House at at Pooh

RONNIE BAKER BROOKS

NORTH THEATRE

SEP SEP

1 18

NORTH THEATRE

Experience electrifying Experience electrifying Chicago Chicago blues blues from from a a multiple multiple Blues Blues Music Music Award winner, featuring featuring fiery fiery guitar, guitar, soulful soulful vocals, and a powerful Award winner, vocals, and a powerful modern take on on a a timeless timeless tradition. tradition. modern take

MONKEYS ON A STRING

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SEP SEP 18

GEORGE VAN DUSEN THEATRE

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2 23

NORTH THEATRE

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10,000 MANIACS

Celebrate 5 45 years years of of alternative alternative rock rock with with Celebrate timeless hits hits including including "These "These Are Are Days," Days," timeless "Because the the Night," Night," "Like "Like the the eather," Weather," "Because and "More and "More Than Than This." This."

KNORRWOOD

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HEAD EAST

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NEFESH MOUNTAIN

GEORGE VAN DUSEN THEATRE

NORTH THEATRE

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2 25

GEORGE VAN DUSEN THEATRE

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GEORGE VAN DUSEN THEATRE

Celebrate 50 Celebrate 50 years years of of classic classic rock rock with with the the band band behind behind "Never Been "Never Been Any Any Reason," Reason," delivering delivering timeless timeless hits, hits, soaring harmonies, soaring harmonies, and and unforgettable unforgettable arena arena rock rock energy. energy.

Rich harmonies harmonies and and uplifting uplifting songs songs belnding belnding Rich bluegrass, Americana, Americana, folk bluegrass, folk and and roots roots into into an an unforgettable live live experience experience unforgettable

DON MCLEAN

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40 FINGERS

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AREN'T ENOUGH

WHEN RULES

WHY TRUST AND RESPECT BUILD B E H AV I O R B E T T E R T H A N CO N S E Q U E N C ES

ARTICLE BY LYNN ZAKERI

H OW TO | EDUCATI O N

“You’re always on your phone.” “No, I’m not.” “You need to calm down.” “I am calm.” “You need more sleep.” “Why?” “Because I said so.” Silence. Eye roll. Door slam. Most parents are not short on rules. They’re exhausted from repeating themselves without success. So they do what seems logical in the moment: more reminders, more consequences and more frustration. If what you’re doing isn’t working, it may be time to try something different. Rules matter. Consequences matter too. Children need limits, structure and parents who stay in charge. But they cooperate more consistently with adults they trust, feel understood by and experience as calm and fair, not authoritative. Fear may stop a behavior temporarily, but relationships shape how children respond, recover and communicate over time. You can see the difference in one simple moment. One teenager calls home and says, “Hey, we’re running late. This is what happened and I’ll be back in 20 minutes.” Another never calls and spends the ride home calculating how much trouble they’re in. The situation is identical. The internal experience is not. The first child expects honesty to be met with fairness. The second expects punishment and chooses avoidance instead. That difference usually begins long before the phone call. It comes from years of experience knowing how their parent is likely to respond. Most parents are trying hard. When children feel managed, criticized or cornered, they often become defensive, shut down, avoid difficult conversations or hide mistakes. Parents may interpret that as disrespect. Sometimes it is. Often it is anxiety, shame or fear of disappointing someone they love. Trust is built long before the moment a child has to decide whether to tell the truth or hide it. So how do we create a “trust in fairness” relationship? Building trust starts with communication. That means more than lectures and demands. It means helping children think through decisions and understand why those decisions matter. Telling a child, “You need more sleep,” rarely changes anything. Helping them notice how they feel after a good night’s rest versus staying up too late builds awareness they can apply themselves.

The goal is not just compliance. It is helping children develop judgment they can use when we are not there. If a child asks to stay up until 10 p.m., the answer does not have to be an automatic yes or no. It can sound like, “That’s late. What time do you need to get up tomorrow? Let’s work backward and see what makes sense.” Tone matters as much as content. Children respond better when the adult in front of them stays calm, even during difficult conversations. Parents do not have to be perfect. They simply need to be predictable enough that their children are not also managing the adult’s emotional reaction. Trust does not mean unlimited freedom. Parents still need boundaries around screens, homework, friendships and responsibilities. But curiosity often lowers defensiveness. Conversation and reasonable compromise can accomplish more than escalating punishments that are not changing behavior anyway. Children are more open to guidance from people they trust and feel connected to. That relationship becomes part of what gives limits their weight. Imagine your 10-year-old wants an iPhone and you’ve decided they’re not ready. A simple “No” may end the discussion, but it can also create resentment. Explaining your concerns about responsibility, maturity or online safety may not eliminate disappointment, but it helps the decision feel fair. The next time you set a limit, you’ve already built credibility. Things will still go poorly. Repair matters. A parent can return later and say, “That conversation got hard. I didn’t handle it the way I wanted to. Let’s try again.” Listening is equally important. Not listening simply to respond or persuade, but listening to understand. Children who feel heard are often more willing to hear their parents in return. The quiet moments matter just as much as the difficult ones. Enjoy your children. Be interested in what they care about. Laugh together. Ask questions that are not always leading to advice or correction. They need to know they are not only loved but also liked. Children learn from what adults model. They watch how parents handle stress, disappointment, conflict and mistakes. They also notice whether adults apologize, repair relationships and move forward. Whether raising toddlers, teenagers or navigating relationships with adult children, respect and emotional safety encourage honesty in ways fear rarely can. Fear may change behavior in the moment. A strong relationship changes what happens afterward.

LYNN ZAKERI

Lynn Zakeri, LCSW is a therapist with offices in Skokie, Northfield and is licensed to practice in 15 states. Her practice treats anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship challenges and complex clinical concerns and helps families build relationships grounded in trust, fairness and connection. Office: 847‑933‑9220 | Text: 312‑835‑6968 | Email: lynn@lynnzakeri.com

AUGUST 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N ORT HS HO R E I L

‘Human Raised’ in an AI World

LI T & LOC A L

ARTICLE BY CAT ROLFES

Dr. Dana Suskind on the surprising science of parenting, the illusions of AI and protecting our children’s analog world In the sticky humidity of a 1980s New Orleans afternoon, long before smartphones and algorithms rearranged daily life, Dana Suskind and I were two public high school girls getting ready for senior prom. We were crammed into a downtown hotel room amid a chaotic mess of hairspray, borrowed accessories and teenage laughter. Dana, with the same effortless generosity that defines her character today, loaned me the very dress I wore that night. There were no portable screens to capture the moment, no digital feeds waiting to log our teenage joy and no social media platforms to index our memories. Decades later, I still remember that evening vividly because we were fully present for it. Some would say our connection was built the old-fashioned way. Back then, I knew Dana was smart. We went to a highly competitive school where intelligence was hardly in short supply, yet she stood out. What I could never have imagined was that she would go on to become one of the nation’s leading pediatric surgeons and an authoritative voice on childhood brain development, language and learning. Yet as I spoke to her recently about her timely new book, Human Raised: Nurturing Connection, Curiosity and Indie and local books that are bound to inspire

EXP E RT H E LP | ARTS + CU LT U RE

Lifelong Learning in the Age of AI, I realized her message comes down to something our generation often took for granted: Human connection isn’t merely pleasant. It is essential. Today, Dana serves as professor of surgery and pediatrics at the University of Chicago, where she is founding director of the Pediatric Cochlear Implant Program and co-director of the TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health. For decades, her research has focused on the powerful role parents and language play in shaping children’s developing brains. That work led naturally to Human Raised. “My whole work has been about how language and interaction and human connection build children’s brains,” she tells me, her voice carrying the calm of a clinician. “Now all of a sudden we’ve got this new technology that can mimic the exact interactions that wire our children’s brains. I realized this could be a major turning point for humanity.”

CRACKING THE SOCIAL GATE

Unlike social media, which largely competed for attention, artificial intelligence can engage directly with users, responding, conversing and even creating what feel like relationships. For young children whose brains are still developing, Suskind believes that distinction matters. Infant brains possess what neuroscientists call a social gate. It is a biological filter embedded in our evolutionary wiring, meaning babies learn and develop neural pathways only from other living humans. If you place a young baby in front of a standard television program or a passive tablet app, their brain hardware does not wire up. The infant brain effectively ignores the screen because it lacks real-time responsiveness. But because an AI agent can respond, adapt, converse and mimic human behavior contingently, it can crack that social gate wide open. It doesn’t just distract a child. It actively builds a psychological relationship with them. “We sleepwalked right into the social media era because we had no idea what it was going to do to us,” Dana says. “It looked like a great thing that would make us connected, but it did the exact opposite. With AI, my hope is that our collective antennae are up a bit higher. The stakes are much greater because this technology can insert itself into the sacred space between

parent and child. We are already seeing data showing that up to 70 percent of teens have interacted with or formed emotional attachments to AI companions. Why? Because interacting with code is entirely frictionless. It never rejects you, it never gets angry and it never forces you to compromise.” But that frictionless digital world, Suskind warns, is exactly the trap. The real human world is full of healthy friction. Growing up normally means learning how to handle moments of intense boredom, navigate social mistakes and take real-world emotional risks. It means doing the hard work of asking a kid on the playground to play or gathering the courage to ask someone out on a first date. If our children substitute artificial companions for human ones, they miss the training ground of life. If they never learn to do the hard, messy things growing up, we are going to have severe developmental issues down the road. “There is so much good that can come from AI,” Dana says when asked whether parents need to choose between embracing technology and rejecting it. “But at the same time, we should be much more discerning and intentional in what we allow into our children’s lives.”

THE STRUGGLE IS GOOD

At the heart of Human Raised is an evergreen framework Suskind calls HOPE. The H stands for “Human Connection,” reminding us that early interaction is a biological requirement for brain building. O is for “Owning Our Imperfections,” reassurance that children do not need perfect parents. They need present ones. P is for “Protecting the Early Years,” a critical window when the brain’s physical hardware is forged. E stands for “Enhance, Not Replace,” her baseline rule for technology. “The most liberating moment for me in writing this book,” Dana confesses, “was realizing that all my imperfections as a mother were actually a good thing for my kids. Good-enough parenting is exactly how children build resilience, empathy and adaptability. When a parent is tired, or busy, or makes a mistake and fixes it, the child learns how the real human world

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AUGUST 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N ORT HS HO R E I L

works. An AI companion that tells a child they are perfect twenty-four hours a day creates a false echo chamber that hollows out true empathy. In this case, the struggle is good.” To put this philosophy into daily practice, Suskind also developed a practical mental checklist called DETECT. She urges parents to evaluate any new app or toy by looking at its Design, Ethical training, Troubling impacts, Evidence of real educational value, Confidentiality of data and what it ultimately Teaches. She notes that platforms like YouTube Kids are already flooded with automated, AI-generated videos, creating what she calls toddler misinformation on a grand scale. Parents must become the active guardians of the gate. Throughout our conversation, Suskind repeatedly returned to the power of ordinary moments. The interactions that matter most are rarely dramatic, she explains. They happen during bedtime stories, family dinners, walks around the neighborhood and conversations in the car. At the TMW Center, she and her colleagues distilled those interactions into what they call the “Three Ts”: Tune In, Talk More and Take Turns. Those simple exchanges, she says, are what build children’s brains. Suskind also worries that AI could undermine some of childhood’s most important experiences: boredom, unstructured play, curiosity and learning through failure. “Curiosity is connected to lifelong learning and innovation,” she says. “It’s built by unstructured play and having to figure out problems.” Those messy experiences, she argues, cannot be optimized or outsourced.

THE MOST POWERFUL TECHNOLOGY

Yet despite the warnings, Dana is no tech hater. As a surgeon who implants advanced medical technology into children’s ears to give them the gift of hearing, she knows technology can support human flourishing. In the classroom and the clinic, she imagines a beautiful future where AI lifts the crushing weight of administrative labor from teachers and doctors, freeing them to look a student or a patient in the eye. Suskind’s optimism simply comes with guardrails. She tells me the goal is not to win a battle against technology but to preserve what technology cannot replicate. Children do not need a perfectly optimized childhood. They need relationships that challenge them, surprise them and teach them how to navigate the beautifully unpredictable experience of being human.

EXP E RT H E LP | ARTS + CU LT U RE

“I want parents to understand that they are the most powerful technology in their children’s lives,” Dana says. “Children need imperfect, good-enough humans who are supporting them the best they can.” “The future isn’t predetermined,” she says. “We are incredibly powerful. AI can out-compute any human, which means the rules of the game have changed. The ultimate differentiator for our kids in the future won’t be math speed, optimization or raw memorization. It will be their capacity to be fully, beautifully and messily human.” When I asked what she hopes readers take away from the book, her answer felt both reassuring and empowering. “I want parents to understand that they are the most powerful technology in their children’s lives,” she says. “Children need imperfect, good-enough humans who are supporting them the best they can.” It’s a message that resonates far beyond parenting. In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, Suskind’s reminder is refreshingly human: Our relationships, our presence and our imperfect humanity remain irreplaceable. Know a local author? Email cat.rolfes@citylifestyle.com.

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TREY & KATIE

KENNEDY

ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE

I NSP IR E D BY | L I FE + C ULT U RE

Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it. Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week. Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.” Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered. After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.” The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.

F E AT U R I N G T R E Y & K AT I E K E N N E DY Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts. AUGUST 2 0 2 6 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C OM/N ORT HS HO R E I L

AUGUST 2026

events A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LO C A L E V E N T S

AUGUST 6TH

Intergalactic Honky Tonk at 28 Mile Distillery 28 Mile Distillery, 454 Sheridan Rd., Highwood | 7:00 PM FriendZone brings its rotating cast of musicians and cosmic blend of swamp‑psych, Americana and outlaw‑country jams to 28 Mile Distillery for a new First Thursdays residency. Expect improvisational grooves, surprise guests and a lively, communal vibe. Every show is different. Two sets run 7–10 p.m., with $5 beer specials fueling the night. 28miledistilling.com AUGUST 6TH – 9 TH

Laura Benanti’s One Woman Comedy at Steppenwolf 1650 N Halsted St., Chicago | Times Vary Steppenwolf presents Laura Benanti: Nobody Cares, the hit one‑woman comedy from Tony Award winner Laura Benanti following acclaimed runs at Edinburgh Fringe and Off‑Broadway. With sharp wit, original songs and hilariously honest reflections on motherhood, people‑pleasing and aging, Benanti delivers a heartfelt, laugh‑filled evening created with Todd Almond and directed by Annie Tippe. nobodycaresisacomedy.com

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events

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AUGUST 12TH – 16TH

Alex Edelman: What Are You Going to Do 1650 N Halsted St., Chicago | Times Vary

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Steppenwolf Theatre presents What Are You Going to Do, a compelling new solo show from Tony and Emmy Award-winning comedian Alex Edelman. Following the global success of his sold-out hit Just For Us, Edelman returns with a sharp, funny and searching exploration of identity, faith, family expectations and belonging, delivered through his signature mix of stand-up and masterful storytelling. AUGUST 22ND

Dance for Life — 35th Anniversary Celebration 610 S. Michigan Avenue, Chicago The Chicago Dance Health Fund marks the 35th anniversary of Dance for Life with a gala dinner, performance at The Auditorium, and an after‑party at Venue SIX10. Ticket options range from full‑experience packages to performance‑only admission, with proceeds supporting the city’s dance community. Tickets available by phone at 312.341.2300 or online. AUGUST 27TH

North Shore Network Brand Launch Celebration at Veronica Beard Veronica Beard, Plaza del Lago, 1515 Sheridan Rd., Suite 6, Wilmette | 6:00 PM North Shore Network marks the debut of its new website and brand with a private shopping event hosted by Veronica Beard at Plaza del Lago. Guests can connect with fellow members while previewing the fall collection and the Network’s next chapter. Wine and light appetizers will be served, and 15% of proceeds benefit A Safe Place. northshorenetwork.org

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