Celebrating 21 Years as Barrington’s Signature Magazine
Celebrating 21 Years as Barrington’s Signature Magazine
Few people can trace the course of their lives back to a warm tortilla.
Yet for Janette Tepas, some of her earliest memories remain vivid. As a young child, she spent a year living in Mexico City when her father, a teacher, took a sabbatical. She remembers neighborhood children,
bustling streets, and a local woman whose home doubled as a tortilla-making business.
“I feel like I still know a good tortilla when I have one,” she says.
More importantly, the experience opened a window to a larger world. It planted a curiosity about other cultures and ways of life that would guide the rest of her journey.
Growing up in Maywood, Illinois, and later Lombard, Tepas was one of five children in a family that valued experiences over extravagance. Her parents, both educators, loaded the family into the car each summer and set off across America. National parks, state parks, historical markers, campgrounds, and long road trips became a way of life.
“I didn’t realize I was training,” she says. “But looking back, I was training to be a tour manager.”
That training led her to a remarkable and impactful second career. After earning a degree in interior design and art from the University of Illinois, Tepas worked in design, sales, fitness instruction, modeling, and even spent time as a Chicago Honey Bear. Yet travel remained the constant thread.
For 12 years she served as a Certified International Tour Manager, leading small groups through Italy, France, England, Scotland, Austria, Switzerland, Ireland, and Spain. Unlike large-scale tourism, her approach emphasized connection, culture, and immersion.
Her favorite travel advice remains simple: “Take an open mind with your morning coffee.”
And, she adds: “If you want everything the same as it is at home, stay home.”
Today, travel continues to shape her life. Through her YouTube channel, Walk With Me, Janette, she creates walking tours designed for people exercising on treadmills or stationary bikes, allowing viewers to explore beautiful places while staying active.
Yet for all the places she has visited, the people closest to her remain at the center of her world. Tepas is the proud mother of daughter Jessica Tepas and stepmother to Chris and Greg. She is also grandmother to six grandchildren, a role she embraces with joy and enthusiasm. Living in the Village allows her to walk to family gatherings, school events, and everyday moments that have become some of her most treasured experiences. For someone who has spent decades exploring the world, being close to family is one of life’s greatest rewards.
These days, she also shares many of life’s adventures with her partner, Bruce. Whether traveling, exploring new places, or simply enjoying the community they both love, their relationship reflects Janette’s belief that life is meant to be experienced rather than observed from a distance.
That same philosophy extends to her work in Barrington.
Tepas is a member of the Rotary Club of Barrington After Hours group that works together with the Catlow 1927 Foundation in support of the historic theater’s restoration efforts. As a member of Barrington’s Cultural Commission, organizer of its Third Thursday Art Nights, leader of the Barrington Area Artists Association, artist, and community volunteer, Tepas brings lessons learned from villages and towns around the world back to Barrington.
Her goal is not to recreate Europe. “I don’t want to bring Europe to Barrington,” she says. “But I do want to take some of what I’ve seen that connects people, attracts people, and makes communities beautiful.”
That philosophy reflects her broader outlook on life. She wears a necklace engraved with a single word: Oui.
And perhaps no phrase better captures her approach than another favorite saying: “I’d rather be overwhelmed than underwhelmed.”
For Janette Tepas, life has always been an invitation—to travel farther, learn more, meet new people, and help others discover the beauty around them. Whether spending time with Bruce, celebrating the accomplishments of her children and grandchildren, leading viewers through a European village on YouTube, painting with fellow artists, or imagining new possibilities for Barrington, she continues to live by the same principle that has guided her since childhood: Keep walking. Keep exploring. Keep saying yes. And pause to notice the beauty.
Simply put, Janette is a dynamo! She LOVES Barrington and is a force for good in the community. Over the past decade, she helped shape the artistic and cultural identity of the Village. In her roles as president (aka “Queen”) of the Barrington Area Artists Association, chair of the Arts Working Group for the Cultural Commission, curator of the popular Third Thursday Art Nights Out at Barrington’s White House, and contributor and leader of the Postcards of Barrington project on the Dreamway Trail—Janette’s fingerprints are everywhere.
As an artist and leader in the community, Janette actively fosters an inclusive environment where local creators of every skill level are welcomed, celebrated, and encouraged to grow.
Whether leading arts organizations and projects or sharing global insights from her extensive background as a European tour manager, she brings the wonder of the wider world to the community. Her dedication to creativity, collaboration, and spirit of volunteerism is an inspiration. I’m honored to call her a friend and colleague.
The first time I met Janette was as a hospitality volunteer at Barrington’s White House in January 2020. She joined our volunteer team and hit the ground running. I was impressed by the energy she brought each time she volunteered for an event. Her warm smile and bubbly personality were
always present—whether she was welcoming someone at the door, answering a question, or serving a beverage from the refreshment table.
Through these past years, I have seen her love of Barrington and energy for our community grow. She has become increasingly involved and is always looking for new ways to make our town better. She loves walking through the village and stops to chat with others. Janette is a great asset to our community. Barrington is lucky to claim her and her infectious positive energy!
There are so many things to admire and be grateful for—her love and commitment for her family, and her good heart where she tries to bring out the best in people. The fact that she is so involved in the community with her volunteer work at the Barrington White House, the Barrington Area Artists Association, and many more organizations shows that she cares and wants to make Barrington greater than it already is.
I first met Janette when she began volunteering at community events for Barrington’s White House. Her enthusiasm and desire to become more involved quickly led her to train as a Historic Docent. Her passion shines whenever she leads visitors through Barrington’s White House. Drawing on her experience as a European tour guide, she brings the home’s rich history to life, sharing the stories of the families who once lived in the White House with warmth and engaging detail.
Janette and I often talk about the idea of a central gathering place for Barrington, an Italian-style “piazza” where residents can meet and build community in the heart of downtown. When that dream becomes reality, I have no doubt that Janette will be one of its most frequent visitors, welcoming new faces, making connections, and listening to the stories that give our town its character.
Janette’s enthusiasm for Barrington is contagious—she is the ultimate
volunteer and cheerleader. I sit with her on Barrington’s Cultural Commission where she serves as the Chair of the “Art Working Group.” She attends nearly every Barrington event and is a fantastic ambassador for the
village. She steps up to every challenge and is a master at remembering people’s names. She has been a tremendous addition to our community.
Janette Tepas and I worked together often on behalf of the Cultural Commission and Barrington’s White House. Early on, I watched Janette step forward as a pivotal leader of the Barrington Area Artists’ Association. As BAAA’s president, Janette inspired new ideas and opportunities, encouraging members and renewing interest.
We also worked together as Janette took the lead in recruiting and arranging for artists to present exhibitions at BWH’s Third Thursday’s series. Janette attracted many talented painters, presenting successful shows to hundreds of art enthusiasts. Her organizational skills and diplomacy in this endeavor continue to enhance BWH’s standing in the visual arts community.
When the Village asked the Cultural Commission to develop a plan for several large murals to be painted in a long tunnel in Langendorf Park, Janette agreed to take on this gargantuan effort. Artists followed her lead, coming together to paint beautiful murals over several days. A grant purchased paints and materials, and Janette planned and organized, devoting several weeks of her summer to make this very visible undertaking possible, recognized now as the Village’s most successful public art project. She is a major player in the cultural scene of our community.
Dreaming and doing don’t often go hand in hand, but Janette Tepas is a rare exception. Positivity, generosity, and an eye for beauty are attributes one should strive for, and Janette has all three in spades. Whether on tour in Europe, soaking up the finest things in life, Queen of the Barrington Area Artists Association, or drumming up excitement for the Catlow 1927 Foundation and restoration of our historic one-screen theater in town, Janette’s endeavors ensure arts and culture are alive and well wherever she calls home.
I met Janette under funny circumstances at a family party, and I knew from the moment she introduced herself that she was a force to be reckoned with. It wasn’t long before I learned she was a tour guide, performer, and dancer who had travelled, portrayed Marilyn Monroe, and was a Chicago Honey Bear. I would happily binge a documentary series about her travels and experiences, based on the little I’ve gleaned over the years.
Working with Janette has been a joy. Her pulse on the community and ability to bring people together for the greater good is truly inspiring. Janette’s joie de vivre is hard to match and seriously—she should be studied. She’s the Grand Marshal of the Fun Parade, the conga line leader you can’t say no to, and a lovely human all around.
It was a lovely summer evening in 2021, and I was doing my best to entertain the small but appreciative crowds that would sporadically gather in downtown Barrington during my summer music shows to hear the music and escape from the pandemic’s impact. Suddenly, from two blocks away, I spotted a vivacious, radiantly smiling woman, dancing to the song I was playing and singing all the lyrics perfectly! She quite confidently approached me and engaged in a wonderful conversation about music, the town, the sunshine that evening, and her appreciation for what the town was doing to keep everyone’s spirits up.
And THAT is how I met the incredible, effervescent Janette Tepas! When you meet her, you can’t help but to be pulled in by her infectious laugh, bold smile, and sense of humor. Since then, we have become fast friends (including Janette’s partner, Bruce, and my wife, Joanne). With a true love for improving the beauty around her, you can’t help but recognize her
enthusiasm for life.
I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I met Janette. That’s probably because she has that rare “friendforlife” quality that makes it feel like she’s always been there for me. I’m certain it was at one of Barrington’s Cruise Nights, where she inevitably danced right up to introduce herself, as she already knew my husband Bob who was DJing the event, leading with that everpresent, megawatt smile.
It didn’t take long to see how deeply Janette cares about Barrington and the people who call it home. Her leadership and tireless advocacy for beautifying our community, parking lots, buildings, parks, you name it, showcases her energy and commitment, all of this while running her YouTube channel and tourism business.
Janette is a natural connector. She loves helping people meet, collaborate, and feel included. Her creativity spans both performing and fine arts, and yes, her Marilyn Monroe impersonation is legendary.
What I appreciate most is her thoughtfulness. Janette is always tuned in to how people are feeling, making sure everyone is comfortable, welcomed, and having a good time.
I’m lucky to call her a dear friend, and anyone who knows her understands exactly why.
I first met Janette in 2020 when she was taking porch photos of Barrington families during COVID, providing a way for neighbors to connect. And that is the essence of Janette—building relationships and bringing people together. It is her greatest gift. Janette mobilizes and motivates volunteers to get things done. Like many others, I too have been swept along with many civic projects for our beloved town. I am fortunate to count Janette among my dearest friends, because as deep as her commitment to Barrington runs, she is also deeply committed to fun. Janette is a wonderful neighbor. She is always ready to lend a helping hand or organize a group for golf, pickleball, a game of mahjong, or plan an adventure a bit more far afield. Janette is truly a Quintessential Person and a gift to our community.
Many people know Janette in a wide variety of roles. I have had the extraordinary privilege of knowing her as my mother.
One of the greatest gifts of my life has been watching how she moves through the world. My mother has a remarkable ability to see beauty where others might miss it, not only in art, gardens, and public spaces, but in
people. She sees potential where others see limitations and obstacles. Without ever seeking recognition or credit, she simply gets to work making things better.
As a child, I watched her give her time freely to my schools, activities, teams, and community. She was always the art mom, the chaperone, the volunteer, and the person willing to step forward. Looking back, she was not only helping, but also teaching me how to live with purpose and care. She taught me, “If not me, then who?” It was the example she lived by every day.
She has never pursued leadership for the title. She leads because she cares. She serves because she loves. She dreams about what Barrington can become because she genuinely wants it to be more beautiful and welcoming for everyone.
My mother’s impact is found not only in the organizations she serves, but in the people she has encouraged, lives she has touched, and countless ways she has helped others feel seen and valued. I am proud of all she has done for Barrington. More than that, I am grateful to call her my mother.
Janette is the big sister I never had. When we go out together, people think we are related. We met in college as teenagers and have remained friends ever since. Janette is one of the most intelligent, creative, smart, thoughtful and fun people I know. She is warm, personable, friendly, and open to all. She is a wonderful community organizer, not just in Barrington, but also in other communities: our college friends, travel groups, and her family. Her leadership and creativity and willingness to try new things, and to “just say yes!” are a source of inspiration and joy. I have so many creative, thoughtful gifts that Janette has given to me over the years that I love, value and treasure, because she so creatively and thoughtfully selected a little something that was just perfect for me. There is no one else quite like her. And though I never had a sister, I love Janette as if she were mine. Sparkly, bubbly, effervescent, happy, and philosophically so wise. Janette is a treasure for Barrington!
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