News Briefs: Two Glencoe leaders retiring in 2023; Orchid show now open at botanic garden; Sukkat Shalom names second senior rabbi in its history

The Village of Glencoe is waving goodbye to two of its civic leaders with a combined 75 years of public service.

Public Works Director David Mau and Public Safety Director Cary Lewandowski will both retire in 2023, according to a release from the Village.

Mau reportedly will retire on Aug. 1 after spending 33 years of his 39-year service career in Glencoe. He has been public works director since 1996.

“For more than 30 years, Dave has epitomized public service and leaves a tremendous mark on the community,” Village Manager Phil Kiraly said in the release. “He has capably guided numerous significant infrastructure improvements, developed wonderful relationships with residents and has served the community with the utmost professionalism, kindness and humility.”

Lewandowki, whose career will come to an end on Sept. 1, came to Glencoe in 2013 after 27 years with the Lincolnwood Police Department. He led the town’s police force and fire department.

“Cary has led the Public Safety Department with great care and steadiness, in both times of great successes and through unthinkable challenges, including the Village’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the tragic Highland Park shooting,” Kiraly said. “In everything he does, Cary serves with great integrity and selflessness.”

Kiraly thanked both public servants for their work and for providing advanced notice of their retirements, giving the Village of Glencoe time to vet and onboard their replacements.

The release said a candidate search will begin in the spring with a goal of finding new hires prior to Lewandowski’s and Mau’s retirement dates.

Botanic Garden’s popular orchid show open through March 26

The Chicago Botanic Garden’s annual orchid show kicked off Saturday, Feb. 11, and will run through March 26.

The Orchid Show: Magnified is displayed in the garden’s indoor galleries, which “will be filled with larger-than-life installations and saturated with the vibrant color and scent of tropical plants,” according to a press release from the botanic garden.

“We are excited to showcase the beauty of orchids through immersive experiences this year,” said Jodi Zombolo, associate vice president of visitor events and programs, in the release. “This show provides a playful opportunity to connect with and admire each orchid part, leaving visitors inspired and wowed.”

The show features more than 10,000 orchid blooms.

On Thursday evenings during the show, guests can enjoy Orchids After Hours, a special nighttime viewing of the show that includes cocktails and small bites available for purchase. A special Orchids After Hours will be held on Valentine’s Day, Tuesday, Feb. 14, and will feature heart-shaped desserts for two and Prosecco splits for purchase.

The show is open during regular garden hours: 10 a.m.-4 p.m. daily. The after-hours program is from 5-8 p.m. Thursdays and on Valentine’s Day.

Regular hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. On Thursdays and on Tuesday, February 14, the Show is open in the evening from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. for Orchids After Hours.

Tickets are on sale now and are $7 for adult members, $19 for nonmembers, and $5 for child (ages 3-12) members, $14 for nonmembers. Children under 3 are free.

Wilmette’s Sukkat Shalom welcomes new senior rabbi

Congregation Sukkat Shalom in Wilmette has confirmed Rabbi Brian P. Immerman as its next senior rabbi.

Immerman succeeds Rabbi Samuel N. Gordon, who founded Sukkat Shalom in 1995 and serves as senior rabbi emeritus following his retirement in 2022.  

“Congregation Sukkat Shalom means ‘a shelter of peace,’ because it was founded to be a place where everyone can find spiritual uplift, Jewish education and a warm embrace,” Rabbi Immerman said in a news release. “I am deeply honored to have been chosen to be the next leader for this inspiring community and continue Sukkat Shalom’s legacy of interfaith relationships, innovation and social justice.”

Prior to his confirmation in Wilmette, Immerman served Congregation Mishkan Israel in Hamden, Connecticut since 2018 and Temple Emanuel in Denver from 2012-2018 as the associate rabbi. 

Immerman grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio, and received his bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of Rochester in 2004, where he was also captain of the swim team.

“We are thrilled that Rabbi Immerman will join Sukkat Shalom as our senior rabbi at this exciting time in the life of our congregation,” said Lisa Fingerhut Carlton, president of Congregation Skukkat Shalom. “We look forward to welcoming his family to ours. His many gifts will enhance our extraordinary professional team and strengthen our special community.”

Immerman will assume the full duties of his new role at Sukkat Shalom on July 1. 

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