North Shore, IL March 2026

WELCOME TO WILD MOON COLLECTIVE

WHERE WELLNESS MEETS LUXURIOUS CARE

There are moments when life calls for a pause - a chance to slow down, check in, and return to the practices that truly support you. Radiance begins when care becomes intentional and consistent, rather than occasional or rushed. At Wild Moon Collective, we believe self-care is a ritual - one that nurtures your skin, body, and overall well-being over time.

5 STEPS TO RADIANCE

A Simple, Intentional Guide to Caring for Yourself

Here are five simple steps to support your skin, body, and well-being and cultivate lasting radiance.

1. Make Time for Yourself - Intentionally

Caring for yourself doesn’t require grand gestures or perfection. Sometimes it’s as simple as creating space - space to breathe, to reset, and to focus inward. When time for yourself becomes intentional and protected, it shifts how you show up everywhere else. Self-care isn’t something to fit in when life slows down, it’s something that supports you through it.

2. Commit to a Monthly Facial Ritual

Healthy, radiant skin is built through consistency. Monthly facial services support skin renewal, improve texture and tone, and help maintain long-term skin health. When facials become a ritual rather than an occasional indulgence, the results are deeper, longer-lasting, and more meaningful. Our Monthly Radiant Ritual Membership was created to support this consistency - combining customized facial treatments that evolve with your skin’s changing needs, month after month.

3. Support Your Skin at Home

In-office treatments are powerful, but what you do at home plays an equally important role. A medical-grade skincare regimen tailored to your skin helps maintain results, protect the skin barrier, and keep your complexion balanced and resilient between visits. Simplicity and consistency are key - thoughtful products used well will always outperform complicated routines.

4. Move Your Body in Ways That Feel Good

Movement is essential - not for perfection, but for vitality. Whether it’s walking outdoors, strength training, yoga, Pilates, or something entirely your own, movement supports circulation, hormone balance, stress reduction, and overall well-being. Choose movement that brings you joy and fits naturally into your life. Your body (and skin) will thank you.

5. Set Boundaries & Protect Your Energy

Radiance is influenced by more than skincare alone. Learning to protect your time, energy, and peace is one of the most powerful forms of self-care. It’s okay to say no. It’s okay to create space. Boundaries allow you to prioritize what truly supports you and that balance shows from the inside out.

Welcome to our March Home Issue

Dear North Shore City Lifestyle Readers,

Welcome to our March Home Issue. Home is more than where we live. It is where our days begin and end, where traditions take shape and where life’s most meaningful moments quietly unfold.

In a fast-moving world, home becomes our sanctuary. A place of comfort, beauty and connection. This month, we spotlight the local experts who elevate the way we live through thoughtful craftsmanship, inspired design and trusted service. These are the professionals who understand that home is deeply personal.

Speaking with George & Ava Markoutsas, we explore how ABLAZE Design Group is redefining luxury through restraint, intention and timeless design. Their work proves that true elegance does not shout. It lives in the details, the materials and the way a space makes you feel. Their work has been recognized by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the American Society of Interior Designers, and most recently with a Best Rebrand award from Modern Luxury CS Magazine, reflecting their forward-thinking vision and evolving creative presence.

We also step inside the remarkable transformation by Matt and Pam MacPherson, where history meets modern living. This story celebrates preservation, creativity and the beauty of giving new life to a space once filled with gathering and purpose.

Next, we highlight the trusted partners who help homeowners move projects from vision to completion. These are the experts who solve problems, refine spaces and bring peace of mind through skill and reliability—featuring JS Construction and Home Services led by Brad Siman, edit + design by Brooke Milton, and trusted names such as Cahill Heating, Cooling, Electric, Plumbing and Sewer and Mergenthaler Plumbing.

Together, these local professionals represent the very best of our community. Whether you are planning a major renovation, refining a favorite space, or caring for the home you already love, we hope this issue inspires you to invest in the place where life is lived most fully.

Warmly,

March 2026

PUBLISHER

Keely Conrey | keely.conrey@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Cat Rolfes | cat.rolfes@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Katie Bode | katie.bode@citylifestyle.com

SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Juliann Brown | juliann.brown@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Peter Heisinger | peter.heisinger@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Amee McCaughan | amee@ameemccaughan.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Michael Alan Kaskel (@michaelakaskel), Ryan McDonald (@rymcdon), Bobby C Productions (@bobbycproductions), Katrina Wittcamp, Heidi Lancaster

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

KEELY CONREY, PUBLISHER @NORTHSHORECITYLIFESTYLE

inside the issue

Four

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

A holiday sip and shop supporting North Shore Exchange (NSE) and The Chicago Network (TCN), hosted by President and CEO Maxine Winer. 1: Kennedy-King College Vice President Allison Rose and Tiara Davis 2: Marvin Slaughter, senior legislative affairs and research manager at U. of C.’s Inclusive Economy Lab; Olive-Harvey College President Kimberly Hollingsworth and SVP Brandon Nichols 3: Nathanial Ward; ComEd's Kristie Conklin; Chicago Mayor’s Senior Director of Education Policy D. Anika McNeil; Khari Humphries 4: Illinois State Rep. Theresa Mah honoring City Colleges’ progress and the leaders driving Chicago’s next chapter 5: TCN member Dara Cohen (left) with NSE board members Aimee Nolan and Marilyn Lissner 6: TCN President and CEO Maria Doughty (second from left) with members Rolla Sweis, Francee Harrington, Marsha Cruzan and Alison Ranney 7: Winer (left) with fellow TCN member Francee Harrington

business monthly

Sorelle Brings Classic Italian Craft to Glenview

Sorelle introduces a refined take on classic Italian cuisine to Glenview, offering dishes made with ingredients imported directly from Italy. Located at 1941 Tower Drive, the café and market-style eatery features fresh baked bread and pastries, Italian-style pizza, gourmet sandwiches and paninis, handmade pasta and an array of decadent desserts. Whether enjoyed in the warm, inviting space or taken home, Sorelle’s menu celebrates tradition, craftsmanship and the comforting flavors of Italy. More at sorelleitalian.com

New Highwood Gallery Showcases Global Street Art Talent

Collect With Lulu & Silvertuna Studios has opened at 524 Sheridan Road in Highwood, introducing a seasonal gallery dedicated to contemporary, graffiti and street art from around the world. Led by curators Laura “Lulu” Reich and Chris “Koz” Kozloff—known for producing more than 15 murals during Highwood’s International Mural Festival—the space marks the first step toward a permanent home for exhibitions, events, classes and future public art projects. More at collectwithlulu.com

New Waterfront Gastropub Opens at Northwestern

Luna’s Pub & Grill has opened in Northwestern University’s Norris University Center at 1995 Campus Drive in Evanston, bringing the area its only waterfront dining experience. The new gastropub features a full bar, indoor pub seating, a live performance stage, an expansive patio and direct access to Cohen Lawn. Designed as a year-round hub for dining and community programming, Luna’s blends high-tech convenience with a welcoming, community-focused atmosphere. More at northwestern.edu/lunas-pub/.

Through specific chiropractic care, we help restore balance to the nervous system so the body can heal, move, and thrive—naturally. True wellness begins with a connected, fully functioning body. Our mission is to empower families and their pets to live healthier, more vibrant lives. For better Health, schedule your appointment today!

THE NEW QUIET LUXURY HOME

How wellness, ease and invisible technology are reshaping modern living

Bobby C Productions

WELLNESS BEGINS AT HOME: DESIGNING SPACES THAT SUPPORT HOW YOU LIVE

Luxury once announced itself loudly. Ornate moldings, layered finishes and recognizable brands signaled success before a word was spoken. Today, luxury has softened. It is less about what is seen and more about what is felt. Calm instead of clutter. Ease instead of excess. Homes designed to support daily life rather than compete with it.

For George Markoutsas, CEO of ABLAZE Design Group, this shift is not a trend. It is a natural response to how people live now.

“People are busy. Life is loud,” Markoutsas says. “When your home is visually noisy and full of friction, it adds stress. The goal today is calm. Less clutter. Less distraction. Spaces that work for you instead of demanding your attention.”

I caught up with Markoutsas the only way his schedule would allow: on the road. He and his wife, Ava Markoutsas, co-owner and chief marketing officer of ABLAZE, were driving west to a materials meeting, hands-free and in motion, moving between commitments in a calendar packed by demand. The conversation about wellness and ease unfolded against the quiet urgency of a firm operating at full speed.

Based on the North Shore of Chicago, ABLAZE Design Group has built its reputation designing and renovating luxury homes throughout the Midwest. While the firm is known for award-winning kitchens and baths, its work is increasingly shaped by a broader philosophy that centers on wellness, quiet luxury and technology that disappears into daily life.

DESIGNING WELLNESS INTO EVERYDAY LIVING

Markoutsas recently earned certification in Universal Design, a discipline focused on creating spaces that are usable by people of all ages and abilities. For him, the connection between universal design and wellness is direct.

“Wellness is not just about where someone is today,” he says. “It’s about every phase of their life and the people they may bring into their home.”

That thinking informs design decisions that are often subtle but deeply impactful. Light switches placed at intuitive heights. Appliances that are easy to operate for both children and older adults. Countertops designed at varying heights. Floor plans that allow rooms to evolve as needs change over time.

Universal design also encourages homeowners to think beyond immediate needs. Entryways without unnecessary steps, wider circulation paths and flexible rooms that can later become a first-floor primary suite are examples of choices that support long-term livability without sacrificing aesthetics.

“There is real value in designing a home that can adapt,” Markoutsas says. “People want to make memories in a space they love for a long time.”

That adaptability has become increasingly appealing in the North Shore market, where many homeowners view renovations as long-term investments rather than short-term upgrades.

QUIET LUXURY AND THE RISE OF EASE

As wellness becomes a guiding principle, it intersects naturally with another defining shift in luxury design: the rise of quiet luxury. “Luxury used to be about what you could show,” Markoutsas explains. “Now it’s about convenience.”

Quiet luxury moves away from heavy ornamentation and toward restraint, craftsmanship and thoughtful planning. Fewer visual distractions. Cleaner lines. Storage solutions that reduce clutter. Spaces that feel composed even when filled with people and activity.

“When a house is already busy visually, and then you add people, schedules and daily life, it creates chaos,” he says. “Quiet luxury is about toning that down so the home feels calm and supportive.”

Convenience and the ability to move through a space intuitively plays a central role in that experience. Kitchens are no longer designed as single-user spaces but as lifestyle hubs that support cooking, homework,

entertaining and gathering. Baths are designed to feel restorative rather than purely functional.

At ABLAZE, kitchens and baths anchor many projects because of their outsized influence on daily routines, with circulation, storage and functionality designed to support multiple users throughout the day.

“It is not a one person kitchen anymore,” Markoutsas says. “It is where life happens.”

INVISIBLE TECHNOLOGY, THOUGHTFULLY INTEGRATED

Technology, when used well, enhances wellness. When used poorly, it adds friction. ABLAZE’s approach favors systems that feel intuitive and unobtrusive.

“The best automation doesn’t call attention to itself,” Markoutsas says. “It should feel effortless.”

Through partnerships with established home automation platforms, ABLAZE integrates lighting, shading and sound so they work together seamlessly. With a single command or preset, homeowners can dim lights, lower shades and adjust music without moving through multiple rooms or devices.

Lighting plays a particularly important role in wellness-driven design. Circadian lighting systems adjust light temperature throughout the day to align with natural sleep and wake cycles, reducing disruption at night while supporting alertness during the day.

“You know how jarring it feels to turn on a bright light in the middle of the night,” Markoutsas says. “That can disrupt your sleep cycle. Lighting that responds more gently makes a real difference.”

Sound is treated with similar restraint. Integrated audio systems allow music to enhance a space without visible speakers or visual clutter, contributing to atmosphere without distraction.

Biophilic design principles further reinforce the wellness experience. Color palettes inspired by nature. Blues and greens that promote calm. The incorporation of plant life and, in some kitchens, the ability to grow herbs or greens indoors.

“People are intrinsically connected to nature,” Markoutsas says. “When you bring those elements into the home, it changes how a space feels.”

RECOGNITION ROOTED IN DESIGN EXCELLENCE

ABLAZE’s philosophy-driven approach has earned significant recognition within the design world. In 2025 alone, the firm earned multiple honors from leading industry organizations, including the American Society of Interior Designers, the National Association of the Remodeling Industry, the National Kitchen and Bath Association and Modern Luxury. Its projects have received Design Excellence Awards, Remodeler of the Year honors and inclusion in Modern Luxury’s Design 9, a curated list recognizing standout residential work.

The firm was also nominated for several high-profile distinctions, including international recognition through the Créateurs Design Awards in Paris and multiple Luxe RED Awards nominations.

While accolades are not the goal, they reflect growing appreciation for design that prioritizes experience, longevity and restraint.

For Markoutsas, the true measure of success remains personal.

“We want homes to support how people actually live,” he says. “Spaces that help you take care of yourself, connect with others and feel at ease at the end of the day.”

In a world that rarely slows down, that may be the quietest and most meaningful luxury of all. More at ablazedesigngroup.com

• Expert party planning

• Delivery & Credited Returns Pick-ups (no minimum order size)

• Free loaner event glassware!

• 24x7 we ordering at schaefers.com

ARTICLE BY CAT ROLFES

NORTH SHORE FIXERS & FINISHERS

FOUR NORTH SHORE EXPERTS SHAPING WHAT’S BEHIND THE WALLS AND WHAT BRINGS A HOME TOGETHER.

Some home professionals solve problems you never see; others shape the details you live with every day. The most successful homes depend on both. This month’s Fixers & Finishers brings together four trusted North Shore experts spanning construction, design and critical home systems. Together, they represent the craftsmanship, coordination and care required to create homes that are not only beautiful, but built to function for years to come.

Mergenthaler

Plumbing Cork urges homeowners to choose fixtures with long-term serviceability in mind, avoiding options with proprietary parts or limited support.

MERGENTHALER PLUMBING

After decades in the plumbing industry, Michael Cork has seen a shift in how homeowners think about what’s behind their walls. “People are much more focused on protection and prevention,” says the president of Mergenthaler. New technologies—like smart water meters, leak-detection shutoffs, and self-testing sump pump backups—now allow homeowners to catch problems before they become costly emergencies.

Much of Mergenthaler’s work centers on identifying issues clients may not realize are developing. One common culprit: outdoor hoses left connected too late into the colder months, often leading to burst faucets and interior damage. Catching these small oversights early can save homeowners significant repairs later.

When plumbing problems aren’t obvious, Cork emphasizes collaboration. Homeowners, he says, know their houses best. “They have a story to tell. Our job is to listen to all the details, big or small, and connect the dots.”

Older North Shore homes present their own challenges. Aging plumbing systems can behave unpredictably, and repairing one failed component can sometimes trigger issues elsewhere. That’s why Cork urges homeowners to choose fixtures with long-term serviceability in mind, avoiding options with proprietary parts or limited support.

For peace of mind, he recommends one simple upgrade: a self-testing battery backup sump pump that reports errors weekly. “You want to assure you’re protected,” he says, “before the next storm hits.” More at mergenthalerinc.com.

“If the lighting is inconsistent, it impacts how colors and textures read in a space,” Milton says.

edit + design

EDIT + DESIGN

Brooke Milton’s path to design began with an instinct for order. She launched an organizing business in 2010 before expanding into renovation and design work around 2015—bringing a mind for efficiency and cohesion. Today, through edit + design, Milton oversees renovations with a hands-on approach that blends creative vision with rigorous project management.

Milton is often brought in mid-project to unify spaces that feel disconnected. Her first focus is lighting. “If the lighting is inconsistent, it impacts how colors and textures read in a space,” she says. From there, she works outward, aligning finishes, materials and sightlines to create a cohesive flow throughout a home.

Rather than imposing a signature style, Milton listens closely to how clients live. She asks questions about routines, family life and budget, then builds concepts that feel intuitive and livable. That clarity up front often streamlines decision-making, minimizing revisions and keeping projects on track.

In addition to design oversight, Milton co-owns a woodworking studio with her husband, producing cabinetry, dining tables, built-ins and mudroom installations. That dual perspective allows her to think holistically about scale and detail.

Lately, Milton is revisiting color drenching, a design approach gaining new appreciation. By carrying a single hue across walls, trim and ceilings, she creates spaces that feel calm and cohesive rather than segmented. More at editanddesign.com.

“On the North Shore, spring is a critical season. Snowmelt and heavy rains raise groundwater levels, putting sump pumps and sewer lines to the test.”

Cahill Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Sewer

CAHILL HEATING, COOLING, PLUMBING AND SEWER

Fresh water flowing easily to the kitchen, bath and laundry is something most homeowners hardly notice. The same goes for the systems that quietly move water away after a storm. When those systems fail, however, the impact is immediate and often overwhelming.

“Plumbing systems are out of sight, out of mind,” says Andy Visconi, director of plumbing and sewer services at Lake Bluff-based Cahill Heating, Cooling, Plumbing and Sewer. “But routine inspections are one of the most effective ways to prevent small issues from turning into major problems.”

On the North Shore, spring is a critical season. Snowmelt and heavy rains raise groundwater levels, putting sump pumps and sewer lines to the test. During a typical service visit, Cahill technicians test pumps, inspect valves and piping, clear debris and confirm proper activation. Sewer video inspections are often recommended as well, identifying potential blockages before backups occur.

When cleaning is needed, Cahill uses modern methods such as power rodding and hydro-jetting, selecting the approach based on what the camera reveals inside the pipe. Each method restores proper flow while minimizing stress on aging infrastructure.

For added peace of mind, Visconi recommends battery backup sump pumps, which continue operating during power outages. “Our focus is prevention,” he says. “Protecting a home before damage happens makes all the difference.” More at cahillplumbers.com

Every project must balance quality, budget and time. “You can only pick two,” Siman says, and JS Construction always prioritizes quality.

JS Construction

JS CONSTRUCTION

Brad Siman approaches renovation the way seasoned builders do, by first understanding what already exists. At JS Construction, that often means uncovering electrical and plumbing systems never designed to support how families live today. Panels are undersized. Power is maxed out. Design ambition runs ahead of infrastructure.

The goal, Siman says, is to surface those realities early. Before a project begins, his team evaluates existing systems and walks clients through likely scenarios, including potential service upgrades. Allowances and contingencies are built in upfront to reduce surprises, both financial and emotional.

Longevity, for Siman, comes from refusing shortcuts. Every project must balance quality, budget and time. “You can only pick two,” he says, and JS Construction always prioritizes quality. That can mean waiting. Floors are not installed until moisture levels are right. Drywall waits until a house is properly acclimated. A week of patience, he notes, can prevent years of structural and cosmetic problems.

On the North Shore, Siman has seen homes evolve to reflect modern lifestyles. Open floor plans remain popular, alongside home offices positioned for better natural light. Multipurpose recreation rooms, including golf simulators, have grown in demand, while indoor basketball remain a long-standing feature in many homes.

On every project, details matter. Finished carpentry, trim and paint reveal whether a house was built to last. In his experience, his always do. More at jsconstruction.homes

Heirloom photographic art for your home. Because time flies & family is everything. Starting with an in-home design consultation to plan a unique portrait session or curate your existing images, we create artwork to celebrate the beauty of your most precious relationships.

A CHURCH, REIMAGINED

Pam and Matt MacPherson transformed a midcentury Glenview church into a family home that honors its past.

ARTICLE BY CAT ROLFES PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMEE MCCAUGHAN

On a quiet stretch of Glenview Road, the fireplace glows where rows of pews once faced forward in unison. Leather chairs and a curved sectional gather close to the stone surround, softening the scale of a room originally designed

for congregation rather than conversation. For Pam and Matt MacPherson, this intimate seating area is the heart of a home that still carries the bones, and the memory, of its former life as a Christian Science church.

The MacPhersons purchased the former First Church of Christ, Scientist at 1333 Glenview Road in late December 2024 and took possession six weeks later. In a little over five months, they transformed the midcentury building into an 8,500-square-foot residence. What they chose not to change, however, is what gives the home its distinctive character.

“We really tried to keep little pieces of the church,” said Pam MacPherson, president of the MacPherson Group at @properties Christie’s International Real Estate. “The structure is the exact same.”

The speed of the transformation was made possible by general contractor Tomek Skutnik of TMVC, a Glenview resident who managed the project from start to finish. Pam credits Skutnik with orchestrating the

complex conversion efficiently, coordinating trades and timelines in a way that allowed the family to move forward without delays. She said his leadership was the primary reason the church could be reimagined as a home in such a compressed timeframe.

Pam MacPherson, who grew up as Pam Gottfred in the Village of Golf and attended Glenbrook South High School before becoming a scholarship athlete at Duke University. After marrying Matt, the couple moved four times in their first five years together. The experience of researching communities and homes across different states sparked Pam’s long-standing interest in real estate. Before settling in Glenview, the family lived in Evanston for 10 years.

Matt, who grew up in Dayton, Ohio, spent years as associate head coach and defensive backs coach for Northwestern University. He now works alongside Pam, helping manage the properties they own.

Ironically, the Glenview church entered their lives at a moment when they were planning to downsize.

“We really tried to keep little pieces of the church,” Pam MacPherson said. “The structure is the exact same.”

They were already under contract on their house and preparing to move into a townhouse they own nearby when Pam received a call from the church’s listing agent, who was also a parishioner. The assumption was that a builder would purchase the property and tear it down.

“She asked if I had any builders that would be interested in dividing it up,” Pam said. “I was horrified. I said, why would anyone tear this down? Live in it.”

The idea sounded unconventional, even to the seller. But the congregation was relieved to learn the building would be preserved rather than erased.

According to the Glenview History Center, the First Church of Christ, Scientist was designed in a contemporary midcentury style using natural materials, including weathered-edge Lannon stone, redwood and Tennessee sandstone. Construction was completed in 1953, and the congregation held its first service in the new building in April 1954.

That architectural clarity was part of what drew the MacPhersons in. They had recently finished building a barn-style home in Knoxville, defined by expansive, open gathering spaces rather than formal

rooms. The church offered something similar: two large volumes filled with light and height, balanced by smaller, more private areas.

The finished home includes four bedrooms, three full bathrooms and two half baths. Pam and Matt live there with their three children, Drew, Tommy and Emily, and their dog, Beaux.

Inside the main living space, the original organ and its vertical pipes remain fully functional, now rising behind a custom bar. Wood ceilings and exposed beams stretch overhead, while new lighting and furnishings warm the room without overwhelming it.

“The organ and the beams are the most impressive,” Pam said. “And the fact that the church people were so kind to leave it for us, and that it still works.”

Architect Mike Aiello of Glenview-based Aiello Architecture played a key role in making the scale livable. His suggestion to add a fireplace helped anchor a more intimate seating area within the larger volume.

“We sort of sectioned it off and it’s my favorite place to sit,” Pam said. “When you create cozy spaces like that, it works.”

That philosophy continues in the former Sunday school wing, now a recreation room filled with a pool table, foosball, arcade games and a long communal table. Above the television, original lettering still reads, “God is Love,” preserved as a focal point and a quiet reminder of the building’s past.

“It is part of the character,” Pam said.

CONTINUED >

Elsewhere, details were saved with intention and personality. Church pews have been repurposed for dining. A vintage water fountain was relocated to a hallway. Even a restroom fixture made the transition; the original boys urinal now sits in the primary bathroom, a detail that often surprises guests.

Structurally, very little was altered. Only one small wall was removed. The renovation focused primarily on updating systems and adapting the layout for daily family life, while respecting the building’s original design.

From the street, the property still reads unmistakably as a church, complete with a tower that remains unused. Pam imagines a future owner might one day add a stairway and rooftop deck, but for now it stands as a reminder that the home is still evolving.

For the MacPhersons, that sense of possibility is part of the appeal.

“We are really enjoying it right now,” Pam said. “We’ll see how it goes. Ultimately it’s a sprawling ranch on an acre in east Glenview so hopefully there will be a buyer that loves it as much as we do someday.”

What remains clear is that the home does not attempt to erase its past. Instead, it allows history and daily life to coexist, creating a space that feels both grounded and personal. In a village where teardown-and-rebuild projects are common, the MacPhersons chose a different path. One defined by preservation, restraint and a willingness to imagine something new inside something old.

“‘God is Love,’ preserved as a focal point and a quiet reminder of the building’s past.”

A Love Letter, Goodnight

Lit & Local: Indie and local books that are bound to inspire.

For children’s author Taylor Tomlinson, expanding her “Goodnight” series to Chicago’s North Shore wasn’t just a strategic move. It was personal. Raised in Green Oaks, Tomlinson says the newest book felt like “a joyful walk down memory lane,” shaped by childhood recollections of places that anchor family life today. The result reads like a love letter to the North Shore, blending nostalgia with the rhythms of community.

Tomlinson’s approach to choosing each town is rooted in lived experience. She gravitates toward communities she knows well and places her own family genuinely explores. With an “active toddler” in tow, those weekend adventures across Chicagoland often spark the next book idea. “The neighborhoods we spend time in naturally start to feel like the right fit,” she says.

A hallmark of the series is the inclusion of historical vignettes alongside soothing bedtime rhymes. Tomlinson selects landmarks that have endured—places families instantly recognize and are likely to visit for generations. While researching the North Shore, she was especially struck by Fort Sheridan. “I’d heard of it,” she says, “but learning its history gave me a whole new appreciation for how much story is tucked into places we drive past.”

That sense of story is what readers respond to most. Parents often tell Tomlinson her books become part of their nightly routine, with children eagerly pointing out pages

ARTICLE BY CAT ROLFES

and saying, “I’ve been there.” One grandparent shared buying a “Goodnight” book helped bridge generations, allowing grandchildren to connect with the hometown their parents grew up in.

The series is illustrated by a design studio in Indonesia, discovered on Etsy after extensive research. Looking ahead to 2026, Tomlinson will release her most personal title yet, “Goodnight, Mama ,” co-written with her sister in honor of their late mother, with a portion of proceeds supporting cancer research. Additional “Goodnight” titles are also on the way, continuing to tuck local love into bedtime rituals. More at taylordtomlinson.com.

Know a local author? Email catrolfes@citylifestyle.com

David Krzysko, LCPC, CCTP, EMDR, ASAM, provides smart, collaborative, and compassionate traumainformed care for children, teens, adults, and couples at Lynn Zakeri & Associates in Northfield, and virtually in both IL and FL. A veteran and highly skilled clinician, he specializes in CBT, somatic therapy and EMDR, offering a grounded, adaptable approach that meets each client where they are. Connect with David at lynnzakeri.com.

MARCH 2026

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

THROUGH MARCH 22ND

The Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy

1000 Lake Cook Rd., Glencoe | Times Vary

The Chicago Botanic Garden rewinds to the ’60s and ’70s for “The Orchid Show: Feelin’ Groovy,” running through March 22nd. Wander through more than 10,000 technicolor blooms, from cascading “sunbeams” to a glowing 10-foot lava lamp and a flower-filled VW Beetle. Enjoy “Orchids After Hours” on select evenings, plus “21+ Nights” with a silent disco. More at chicagobotanic.org/orchid

THROUGH MARCH 29TH

Two Sisters and a Piano at Writer’s Theatre

Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Ct., Glencoe | Times Vary

Nilo Cruz’s “Two Sisters and a Piano” follows Maria Celia and Sofia, two Cuban sisters under house arrest in 1991 as they await news from Maria’s exiled husband. Their confinement is disrupted by a young piano tuner and a commanding officer drawn to Maria’s writing. A poignant story of longing, resilience and shifting political tides from the Pulitzer Prize–winning playwright. www.writerstheatre.org

MARCH 6TH

Victor Garcia Jazz Quintet at Gorton Center

John & Nancy Hughes Theater, 400 E. Illinois Rd., Lake Forest | 7:30 PM

Experience the electrifying sound of Grammy-nominated trumpeter Victor Garcia as he leads his quintet in a night of bold solos, driving rhythms and soulful improvisation. A dynamic performer, composer and educator, Garcia brings unmatched energy to the stage. Don’t miss this chance to hear one of jazz’s most thrilling voices ignite

the room with groove and heart. More at gortoncenter.org.

MARCH 11TH

Travel 100’s Evening of Zen with Miraval Resorts & Spas

Travel 100 Event Space, 225 Northfield Road, Northfield | 7:00 PM

Join Travel 100 for a serene wellness evening featuring Miraval Resorts & Spas. Guests will unwind with a guided zen activity and an immersive sound bath designed to restore balance and calm. Comfortable clothing is encouraged, as participants will be lying down. Mats are provided, or you may bring your own. RSVP and details at t100g.com/events

MARCH 14TH

A Family-Friendly Music Journey Filled With Fun, Learning and Play

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie | 1pm & 4pm

Peppa Pig and her family come to Skokie for “Peppa Pig: My First Concert,” an interactive introduction to live orchestral music for ages 18 months and up. Kids can explore instrument sounds, hear favorite tunes from the show performed by a live orchestra, and even make music of their own. A post-show meet-and-greet package is also available. More at northshorecenter.org

MARCH 19TH

North Shore Network

Member Social at Writer’s Theatre

Writers Theatre, 325 Tudor Ct., Glencoe | 5:30 PM

North Shore Network partners with Writer’s Theatre in Glencoe for a relaxed evening of art and connection. Members will gather in the Patrons Lounge at 5:30 p.m. for a private cocktail reception, followed by special seating at 7:30 p.m. for “Two Sisters and a Piano.” This invitation-only event requires advance registration. Email anna@northshore network.org for details.

CONTINUED

MARCH 21ST

Dirty Dancing Live to Film Concert

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie | 8:00 PM

Relive the iconic love story as the Chicago Philharmonic performs the “Dirty Dancing” soundtrack live to the digitally remastered film. Sing, sway and celebrate every unforgettable moment on a massive screen, then keep the magic going at an encore dance-along party. A cinematic concert experience that proves some dances really do last forever. More at northshorecenter.org

MARCH 28TH

Hip Hop Visionary

Talib Kweli Live on Stage

North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, 9501 Skokie Blvd., Skokie | 8:00 PM

Experience the sharp lyricism and social insight of Talib Kweli, the Brooklyn MC whose two decades of influential hip-hop span Black Star, Reflection Eternal and acclaimed solo work. A dynamic performer and founder of Javotti Media, Kweli brings commanding storytelling and technical skill to the stage, reaffirming his place as one of the genre’s most respected voices. More at northshorecenter.org

Bespoke Designs | Unmatched Craftsmanship | Effortless Elegance

At DDK Kitchen Design Group, we go beyond kitchens—our expert designers and remodelers transform entire homes with sophisticated, high-end craftsmanship. From stunning kitchen renovations to full-home remodels, we create spaces that reflect your lifestyle and elevate your home’s value.