Karen Kohn has lived in Highland Park for the past 22 years, with the exception of what she calls a seven-year “exile” to Ohio. Eager to return, she now lives in the Highland Park portion of Fort Sheridan.
Q: What do you like about living in Highland Park?
A: Originally we moved to Highland Park from South Bend, Ind. We were looking for good public schools and a better environment to raise our kids in. We had our choice of any Chicago suburb. I knew some people from Highland Park, and we kind of zeroed in on it. When our daughter Shira saw the course catalog from Highland Park High School, that clinched it. She was going into her freshman year of high school, and it was going to be a culture shock. We wanted to make sure we got it right for her, and we really did.
Q: Are you involved in any local organizations?
A: I’m very involved with North Shore Congregation Israel. I run the synagogue’s gift shop with another woman. I’ve been president of the Sisterhood. I’ve just done a lot of things there, and I feel very much like it’s home. I recently joined the Fort Sheridan local council, and we just formed a historical committee. I don’t know enough about the history of Fort Sheridan, but I’m fascinated by it. We’re going to see where it goes.
Q: What do you do in your spare time?
A: I just starting taking a class in watercolor painting at The Art Center of Highland Park. I’d never painted before, but I took an art class in Ohio and really enjoyed it. It is great therapy. I’ve painted a couple of portraits of my older granddaughter. I need to get my skills up again, and paint my younger grandson.
Q: Have you taken any memorable vacations lately?
A: My two daughters live in New York, so i visit there a lot. Two years ago, I traveled to Istanbul and Italy. My son was spending a year in Turkey, so he was our personal tour guide. I didn’t have to worry about ordering in restaurants or getting taxicabs.
