COUNTRY VS. TOWN: COURTNEY MINNER JOHNSON

As the fourth generation in her family to live in Barrington, Courtney Minner Johnson found it serendipitous that her first nursing job was at the very hospital where she was born—Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital.

While living in the city for six years (and where she met her husband, Erik), Johnson stayed connected to Barrington by serving as a deacon at the Presbyterian Church in Barrington.

After welcoming their son, Henry, the Johnsons returned home to Barrington. Now in her second year as Community Service Chair with the Barrington Women’s Junior Club, Johnson and her husband both find a full-time commute to Chicago well worth it.

When not working as the Director of Inpatient Nursing Operations at Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in Chicago, Johnson (along with Erik) can be found enjoying the traditions and family she grew up with—while gaining new friends and community.

Mantra? Prepare for the worst but hope for the best Best Grooming Tip? Even though I don’t use a lot of products, I try to wash my face immediately after work and let my skin breathe as much as possible Guilty Pleasure? Abandoning Sunday afternoon chores to watch football games or a Formula 1 race day Favorite Foods? Sushi, with “make-your-own pizza” night a close second Music you love? Alternative, oldies, and classical as I love to play piano. This summer we’re seeing Peter Bjorn and John and The Kooks Best advice ever given to you? My mom framed for me Mother Teresa’s Anyway poem. I love the stanza: “Give the best you have, and it will never be enough, Give your best anyway.” Best advice you’ve ever given? Assume positive intent with every situation Earliest Memory? Family vacations to Glen Arbor, Michigan Before bed you? I’m grateful for a sweet bedtime routine with my 2-year-old. Then clean, prep, and if I’m honest, laugh at reels with my husband What’s on your bookshelf? Tom Lake by Ann Patchett. Audiobooks are perfect for my commute You can’t live without? A sparkling water addiction, and the support of my family Love to escape to? My husband’s family’s farm downstate where my son gets to learn and experience a different type of nature Advice you would give your younger self? When you can’t control what’s happening, challenge yourself to control the way you respond. That’s where your power is.

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WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is Casual. We walk a lot Can’t leave the house without A mini training potty for the trunk Transportation VW Tiguan
Driving Music Billy Joel Radio Place to Eat Region, Pl8, gigi Wine Bar & Bistro. Frantonio’s or Canteen for a quick lunch Shop Winterberry, One Girl, Angelina, Amazing Gracie’s Best thing about the country The local businesses, walkable parks, local events, and being so close to family and friends Worst thing about the country Mosquitos—they can ruin a summer evening The perfect day is A morning treat at Ambrosia Euro-American Patisserie, walk to the library or park, a ‘Drinks in the Driveway’ event with neighbors, then grilling out something from Heybeck’s Meat Market with family

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is An excuse to dress up. I love monochromatic looks in summer Can’t leave the house without Trading in the diaper bag for a small clutch Transportation Metra, then Uber or walking Driving Music Indie/alternative rock Place to Eat Le Bouchon, Piece, Piccolo Sogno, Momotaro, Galit, plus many new spots we need to try Shop The shops along Armitage in Lincoln Park—Art Effect has always been a favorite Best thing about the town Chicago in the summer: outdoor dining, concerts, and so many events Worst thing about the town The Kennedy, without question The perfect day is Dark Matter Coffee, then the Art Institute with my husband, meeting friends for dinner in Lincoln Park or Bucktown, and ending with a show at the Salt Shed