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Celebrating 19 Years as Barrington’s Signature Magazine
Celebrating 19 Years as Barrington’s Signature Magazine
6th Annual Barrington Town-Warming
“Our Own Roaring ’20s: What’s Happening in the Present and What We See for the Future”
Saturday, January 28, 8:45 a.m.–3:30 p.m. l $150 VIP Admission in the Ballroom
(Ticket includes contintental breakfast, lunch, and reception)
Presenting Sponsor: Northern Trust
Keynote Speaker Sponsor: Greg and Anna Brown
Audio-Visual Sponsor: Kim Duchossois
Valentine favorite Ron Hawking
Saturday, February 11, 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, February 12, 3:00 p.m.
$45 In-Person (Includes a red rose for each couple; cash bar with specialty cocktails available)
Perennial Valentine favorite Ron Hawking returns for two special shows this February. Romance will be in the air as this Grammy nominee and award-winning entertainer serenades our audiences with a concert of old-time favorites. Ron Hawking’s artistry as a singer and impressionist brings back the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr., Bobby Darin, Sir Tom Jones, and more.
All programming is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances, including those related to COVID-19. Go to barringtonswhitehouse.com/events for up-to-date event information.
An American Culinary Journey: From Southern Roots to Fusion Flavors
Wednesday, February 8, 7:00–9:00 p.m.
$75 per person (includes 4-course dinner & dialogue)
The Aznavoorian Sisters: Piano and Cello
Sunday, March 5, 3:00 p.m.
$35 In-Person OR Virtual
(Students 18 and under free with paid adult ticket)
World-renowned and Barrington-raised, the award-winning sister duo Marta and Ani Aznavoorian return home to Barrington to perform once again. As Armenian-Americans, the duo has just released their debut album of Armenian musical gems on Cedille Records. The recording features works by Komitas, Aram Khachaturian, Arno Babajanian, and more, plus a special commission by Peter Boyer.
During Black History Month, we celebrate the many ways Black culture has shaped American culture and influenced the world — from food to music, science and literature. For this special edition of Courageous Conversations, we dine with special guest Chef Christian “Lucke” Bell from the upscale Atlanta restaurant, Oreatha’s at The Pointe, who will take us on his personal journey in developing a style of cooking that melds his southern roots and global influence.
Wednesday, February 22, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Thursday, February 23, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday, February 24, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
3-day ticket: $200 • 1-day ticket: $75 • Virtual 3-day ticket: $100
For more details, visit barringtonswhitehouse.com/bhws
All are invited to join us as we foster health and wellness in our community. The Barrington Health & Wellness Summit gathers leading experts from all over the country to explore a variety of topics including cancer prevention, sleep, culinary medicine, microbiome, integrative medicine, nutrition, brain health, holistic healing, and more. This event is the vision of local physicians and community members alike. Sponsored by Kim Duchossois and Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Smart Farm.
Experts Appearing Include:
Mezzo soprano Audrey Johnson
Sunday, March 19, 3:00 p.m.
$25 Per Person (Students 18 and under free with paid adult ticket)
Go back in time to the American Women’s Suffrage Movement and the 1920 passage of the 19th Amendment with this interactive, multisensory experience. Mezzo soprano Audrey Johnson and pianist James J. Morehead celebrate the 100th anniversary of American women’s right to vote through historical songs, engaging narratives, corresponding historical images, costume transformations, and audience participation.
Go to BarringtonsWhiteHouse.com/events or call 224-512-4066.
A full listing of all fall events can be found at the Barrington White House website: www.barringtonswhitehouse.com/events
Leeann Chang works as a graphic designer and photographer but she had never taken on the challenge of painting with watercolors until the pandemic hit. “I had just bought some watercolor supplies as a birthday gift to myself when the shutdown happened.” It was a difficult time for her. Like many people, Leeann struggled with depression. Some of the ways that she was able to turn depression into delight were the hobbies she started. “I needed an avenue that was mine. The watercolors became a self-care journey.”
Before continuing our conversation, I ask Leeann if it is okay for me to mention her depression. She answers in the affirmative. “I talk about it because I want people to know it’s okay to talk about mental health. If I had a broken arm, it would be easily discussed. I wish mental health could be viewed in the same way.”
Leeann was drawn to what she didn’t understand, especially when it came to beauty. “I didn’t understand how watercolors worked. Its transparent layers intrigued me. I didn’t know what I was going to get. But I thought how beautiful it is.” With that came joy and calm.
She reached out to learn more about watercolors by watching demonstrations on YouTube, finding pictures on Pinterest, and joining a Facebook beginner group. She found support and encouragement to continue painting. She finished 30 paintings in 2022 and sold several of them. “I hadn’t planned on making money from painting. I sold some to friends and others through my Instagram account, The Creative Gardenias.” A favorite theme of hers is flowers and plants. Because not everyone has space or money to purchase paintings, Leeann started painting journal covers and greeting cards.
Research surveys indicate that six out of 10 Americans took up a hobby during the pandemic. A majority of them have kept at it. I ask Leeann why she thinks that is. “It’s a form of self-care that allows you to change the narrative in your head to something positive.”
As the new year begins it may be just the right time to start something new.
Mary Klest is a Barrington-based writer and local journalism advocate. She can be reached at mary@maryklest.com.
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