News Briefs: Wednesday women’s health talk; D112’s 4 new admins; Hometown goes west; Sunday S’mores Walk

Author Dr. Mary Claire Haver will lead a discussion centering women’s health beginning on Wednesday, April 29, at Regina Dominican High School in Wilmette.

The free event is open to the public and will begin at 7 p.m. with free books going to attendees while supplies last, courtesy of Family Action Network.

She will be joined on stage by Heidi Stevens, a celebrated Chicago Tribune columnist who is also the director of external affairs for the University of Chicago’s TMW Center for Early Learning + Public Health.

Haver is a New York Times bestselling author of “The New Menopause” and “The Galveston Diet,” books that examine the health of women, specifically in their mid-life, and that focus on hormonal changes impacting women’s bodies.

Apart from being an author, Haver is also board-certified OB-GYN and the founder of ‘Pause Wellness, a medical practice dedicated to the care of women in midlife. 

Haver is also an advocate for women’s health on social media, where she has amassed a following of more than 7 million social media followers. Through science-backed guidance for women at every stage of their transition, she aspires to change the culture of menopause care. 

Click here for more information on the event.

Four D112 admins approved

North Shore School District 112’s School Board recently approved the appointment of four new school administrators for the 2026-2027 school year. 

All four of those appointed — Jeremy Wickham as assistant superintendent for finance and operations; Andy Kramer as principal of Ravinia Elementary School; Angela Andrews as associate principal of Edgewood Middle School; and Timothy La Brie as associate principal of Indian Trail Elementary School — will begin their new roles on July 1, 2026.

“These are critical roles, and we were looking for educators who understand what strong school leadership demands,” Deputy Superintendent Monica Schroeder said in a statement. “Each of these administrators has a record of leading with integrity, supporting students and staff, and building positive school communities. We are proud to welcome them to District 112.”

Wickham is switching positions at district headquarters. He has been the executive director of technology and operations for the past two years, where he works closely with schools and departments across the district. He also served as an associate principal at Oak Terrace School and has

Kramer is currently the principal of Whittier Elementary School in Waukegan, and previously was an assistant principal for Little Fort Elementary School in Waukegan after beginning his career as an elementary teacher.

Andrews is coming to Highland Park from Elmwood Park, where she is assistant principal at the high School. She previously served there as dean of students and has also worked as a science teacher.

La Brie is an assistant principal at Little Fort Elementary School in Waukegan and previously worked as a special education teacher and case manager at Grayslake North High School and as a special education teacher in North Chicago. 

Hometown heads west for sixth location

Hometown Coffee and Juice, a North Shore staple cafe, is expanding its operation to the western suburbs with a new Hinsdale location. 

Hometown announced in a press release that it would be expanding to the western suburb with the new location inside the Hinsdale Metra station, 25 E. Hinsdale Ave. The upcoming cafe will mark Hometown’s sixth location and its first in the western suburbs. 

Hometown Coffee and Juice is a beloved family owned cafe based in the North Shore. The cafe debuted in 2018 in Glencoe and has since opened in Winnetka, Lake Forest and Glenview.  A Northbrook location is also on the way.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the support that has allowed us to grow into new neighborhoods,” said owners Julie and Lou Rubin in a statement, adding that they are excited to bring Hometown to the western suburbs, another place “where people can gather over great coffee, real food, genuine hospitality, and truly feel at home.”

The new Hinsdale restaurant will continue to carry the brand’s signature all-day menu to a new location, which features coffee, smoothies, toasts, sandwiches, bowls, and other nutritious options.

Community fundraising walk in Skokie

The Skokie Community Foundation will host the inaugural Skokie S’mores Walk from 9-11 a.m. this Sunday, May 3, at Emily Oaks Nature Center, 4650 Brummel St.

Attendees will enjoy a fun, family-oriented outdoor experience, complete with smores, while walking to make a difference in the community. 

Since its 2014 launch, the Skokie Community Foundation has awarded more than $325,000 in impactful grants to local nonprofits and agencies that collaborate on projects that benefit Skokie. These funds support projects that address community needs, such as helping families remain in their homes, providing essential home repairs for seniors, addressing food insecurity, creating sensory-safe spaces for children, supporting teen mental health, and offering music therapy for individuals with developmental disabilities. 

Recently, the foundation achieved a major milestone: raising more than $1 million in its endowment fund, which will provide perpetual support for local nonprofits serving Skokie. 

Registration for the Skokie S’mores Walk is free. Residents and friends of SCF may donate to support the cause or participate by registering as a walker, join or create a team, or contribute to a team goal.

The Record is a nonprofit, nonpartisan community newsroom that relies on reader support to fuel its independent local journalism.

Become a member of The Record to fund responsible news coverage for your community.

Already a member? You can make a tax-deductible donation at any time.