News Briefs: New senior rabbi, inaugural garden walk, another Plaza del Lago newcomer

Allison Tick Brill is the new senior rabbi of Congregation Sukkat Shalom, a reform Jewish synagogue at 1001 Central Ave. in Wilmette, according to a press release from the synagogue.

Tick Brill reportedly is only the third senior rabbi in Sukkat Shalom’s 31-year history, following Rabbis Emeritus Samuel Gordon and Brian Immerman. A native of Deerfield and resident of Highland Park, she has served as a rabbi at Sukkat Shalom since 2022, the release says.

“I am honored and excited to become Sukkat Shalom’s senior rabbi,” Tick Brill said in a statement. “The congregation has shaped me deeply, and I am grateful for the opportunity to help lead our next chapter. I am committed to honoring the vision, relationships, and accomplishments that have defined our first 30 years, while building on that strong foundation for generations to come.”

Sukkat Shalom President David Prosperi said in the release, “Rabbi Tick Brill is a compassionate leader and role model, an inspiring teacher, and someone who makes Jewish life both accessible and meaningful.”

Before joining Sukkat Shalom, Tick Brill worked as assistant and associate rabbi at Congregation Emanu-El of the City of New York. She completed a yearlong pastoral care residency at New York Presbyterian Hospital, caring for patients and families in intensive care and end-of-life settings.

She was ordained in 2014 by Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion and holds a master’s degree in Hebrew literature and an undergraduate degree in clinical and social psychology from the University of Rochester, according to the release.

The Village of Skokie, led by its eautification and Improvement Commission, will host the inaugural Skokie Garden Walk from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. this Sunday, July 12.

RSVPs are appreciated for this free, self-guided tour offers an opportunity to explore six local gardens (as listed and mapped on this webpage) recognized with the Beautification Award in 2025, plus the commission’s demonstration native pollinator garden at the intersection of Main Street and Lincoln Avenue.

The featured gardens are located at:
• 5214 Mulford St.
• 8624 Saint Louis Ave.
• 9324 Karlov Ave.
• 8101 Kenneth Ave.
• 5024 Elm St.
• 8516 Springfield Ave.
• Main/Lincoln (demonstration garden)

According to the village, members of the Beautification and Improvement Commission will be on hand at the pollinator garden to discuss native landscaping and ways residents can enhance local biodiversity.

“Whether you are new to gardening or are already an expert, the Garden Walk offers inspiration, ideas and practical tips that can be applied to your own yard or garden,” the village says.

For more information, email beautificationawards@skokie.org.

West Coast fashion brand DÔEN coming to Plaza del Lago

Women’s clothing brand DÔEN will open its first Midwest store in Wilmette’s Plaza del Lago this fall, according to a news release from WS Development, owner of the shopping center.

DÔEN, according to the release, is a “Los Angeles-based, digitally native fashion and lifestyle brand known for its feminine silhouettes and timeless designs.” It has eight locations, all either on the East or West Coat, but is opening new shops in Wilmette and Charleston.

Founded in 2016 by Santa Barbara-born sisters Margaret and Katherine Kleveland, DÔEN has ready-to-wear apparel, accessories and lifestyle offerings that “emphasize quality craftsmanship, and timeless style.”

The new boutique will be part of The Arcade at Plaza del Lago’s and showcase DÔEN’s signature collections of knitwear, denim, footwear, accessories and more.

“We’ve always believed that community is at the heart of everything we do, so opening our first Midwest store feels especially meaningful,” CEO Margaret Kleveland said in a statement. “Plaza del Lago has such a wonderful sense of neighborhood and community, making it the perfect home for our next location.”

DÔEN will join several recent arrivals in Plaza del Lago since its overhaul under WS Development. Other new shops include Thom Browne, Veronica Beard, Hill House Home and LoveShackFancy, alongside restaurant The Henry. Oscar de La Renta and Hermès are on their way, as well.

““As we continue to thoughtfully curate a collection of best-in-class retailers, (DÔEN’s) decision to make its Midwest debut at Plaza del Lago is a meaningful endorsement of our vision of creating a destination that carries globally recognized brands while also evoking a sense of community and place,” said Arielle Weston, director of asset strategy and experience at WS Development, in the release.

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