Stories for you
Teen Trailblazer Ava Dorsey & Ava’s Pet Palace
Some of the best ideas are inspired by small things. For Downers Grove North senior, and founder of Ava’s Pet Palace, Ava Dorsey, that small beginning was a little orange tabby cat. “I was two years old when my parents adopted Pumpkin,” said Dorsey. “He was the first animal I ever had and the inspiration…
Blazing Courage: Oak Brook Fire Department’s Adam Eboli
Like many people, Adam Eboli chose to work in his hometown. It’s where his family is. It’s where his roots were planted. But unlike other people, Eboli has a unique job: he’s a firefighter and a paramedic. So, it’s his responsibility to help keep his hometown safe. And that’s quite the ask of any kid…
Spring Road Winter Fest
Hundreds of families enjoy visits with Santa, sleigh rides, caroling, tree lighting, and more at the Spring Road Business Association’s 2024 Winter Fest around the Gazebo on Dec. 14. Anna and Elsa from the Disney movie Frozen provided warm smiles while members of the Elmhurst Choral Union performed holiday classics. More than 100 new winter…
Village News: Investing in Our Future Through Beautification
Oak Brook has long been known for its beautiful natural setting, from the lush woods of Fullersburg to the serenity of Salt Creek and the verdant fields of the SportsCore. Now, a comprehensive beautification program is underway with multiple projects from both the public and private sectors. The combination of these improvements will delight…
Chef Showcase: Local Flavors
Q&A with Chef Ian Schlegel of Cadence Kitchen & Co. Who influenced you early on? Food has always been a big part of my life. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my mom, where helping cook was the rule if you were around. Cooking quickly became second nature to…
Gone Country: Hinsdale graduate brings Music City to Hollywood on “The Voice”
By Anna Hughes | Photos courtesy of NBCUniversal It wasn’t a blind audition for long. An enthusiastic Michael Bublé turned his chair around just seconds after hearing a soulful, gritty country voice on stage. His eyes widened at the sight of 24-year-old Tate Renner, whose cow-boy hat was not quite big enough to hide his…
The Elmhurst Express: The legend of Fred Lorenzen
By Katie Bolinger Fred Lorenzen, known to race fans of the 1960s as The Elmhurst Express, Fearless Freddy, the Golden Boy, and Fast Freddie, was born in Elmhurst, Illinois, on December 30, 1934. He became one of NASCAR’s first non-Southern stars. Lorenzen’s love for racing began as a kid when he built a go-kart powered…
Staying Cool while Warming Up
Warm Coats for Cool Kids outfits winter wear for local students By Maureen Callahan Everyone has a different vision of the ideal retirement. For Elmhurst resident Garry Vaccaro, that vision included starting his own non-profit. As a volunteer at Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry (EYFP), Vaccaro serves as a “food recoverer” – a team that collects unsold…
Isyanov takes second in the state after missing junior year with a back injury
By Jeff Vorva Those watching Lizzie Isyanov playing tennis in the Illinois High School State Tournament in late October saw a player on top of her game. But those outside her inner circle probably had no idea what the senior York High School singles star had to go through to finish second in the state…
Polar Plunge in Oak Brook raises money for Special Olympics Illinois
By Anna Hughes | Photos courtesy of Special Olympics Illinois Mike McLaughlin is a multi-sport athlete. In 35 years with Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL), he’s participated in volleyball, basketball, softball, bocce ball, and bowling. His sister, Kathy McLaughlin, is his biggest supporter, on the sidelines, cheering him on whenever her schedule allows. It’s been a…
Girls Just Want to Give Funds: The Western Suburbs Giving Circle
By Anna Hughes Women supporting women: that’s the core of the Western Suburbs Giving Circle (WSGC). The WSGC is a subset of the Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW), an organization focused on bringing health, safety, and economic prosperity to women, girls, transgender, and nonbinary individuals across the Chicagoland area. Since 1985, they’ve invested over $50…
A Heart Warming Story
A local teen with a congenital heart condition is surprised with a VIP Bears Experience By Valerie Hardy O’Neill Middle School eighth-grader Jonah Davis was born with only half a functioning heart, but he is a wholehearted football fan. However, Jonah cannot play football or other contact sports because of his critical congenital heart condition:…
Melissa Gorman creates a supportive resource for people living with cancer
By Valerie Hardy United by Unique” is the three-year theme for the annual World Cancer Day, which is held on Feb. 4. The alliterative credo reflects the fact that behind every diagnosis is a distinctly individual human story. The campaign aims to raise awareness and inspire action, specifically toward placing people at the center of…
Beverly Kim’s journey from Downers Grove to becoming one of Chicago’s top chefs
Beverly Kim’s path to becoming a James Beard Award-winning chef began at the Barnes & Noble in Downers Grove in the 1990s, back when she was a student at Downers Grove South High School and still “trying to figure out [her] own place in the world,” she said. One of her sisters suggested she would…
Hope’s Front Door serves the needs of area clients in the short and long-term
By Maureen Callahan | Photos courtesy of Hope’s Front Door No generalizations. No judgment. No two people are the same, and no two stories are exactly alike. That’s what the Hope’s Front Door (HFD) team sees. An individual person or family with a unique story. HFD is a million little things. At its heart, it’s…
Marathon Man: Bahir Mansur has competed in 50 marathons and counting
By Chuck Fieldman Don’t tell Bahir Mansur that at 75 years old, he should be slowing down or should have started that process years ago. The 37-year resident of Clarendon Hills still maintains his long-standing family practice physician’s office in Forest Park. And while retirement remains some-thing for the future in his working life, it’s…
Local soccer players return for Big Ten Tournament showdown
When he was eight, Elmhurst’s Charlie Heuer tried out for a travel soccer team. It didn’t go well. “I actually got cut my first year,” he said. “Being cut from the first travel team…that’s been a chip.” As in chip on his shoulder. It’s something he remembers many years later as he is developing into…
The Golden Age: Olympic medalist looks back on legendary swim career
When 16-year-old John Kinsella returned to Hinsdale Central High School in the fall of 1968, his classmates looked at him differently. They marveled as his 6-foot-3-inch frame casually walked down the hallways as if nothing had changed. They wondered if he had. After all, he had just won an Olympic silver medal. “It was kind…
Breaking the Ice: Hinsdale volunteer snow shoveling helps residents
By Maureen Callahan Heavy snowstorms have been dubbed “widow-makers” by the medical community for good reason. The first snow of the year, with its high moisture content, makes snow removal very dangerous for those who are deconditioned to physical exercise or in questionable heart health. Has snow shoveling become a hassle or impossibility? Are you…
Three-Peat: Nazareth wins third straight Class 5A football championship
By Jeff Vorva When COVID-19 hit in 2020 and the Illinois High School Asso-ciation football season was postponed in the fall, some of the best players in the state left Illinois to play in states that allowed football during that time. Some players from Nazareth Academy – including star quarterback J.J. McCarthy – left, and…
Snapshot: Downers Grove Christian School
There’s just something about “new” that always catches interest. Such is the case at Downers Grove Christian School. Mr. Joshua Peel has assumed leadership as principal and has proven to be a driving force committed to upholding Downers Grove Christian School’s mission and vision. Additionally, The First Baptist Church of Downers Grove, which serves as…
DuPage Foundation
In early November, the DuPage Foundation celebrated its Annual Benefit: Through the Looking Glass at The Westin Chicago Lombard, welcoming over 425 guests. The event raised nearly $700,000, with additional contributions expected. These funds are vital to supporting the Foundation’s efforts in addressing community challenges and opportunities while aiding donors and businesses in achieving impactful…
Assistance League Chicagoland West
Photos by Michelle James The Assistance League Chicagoland West hosted its annual Books & Brunch in early November at The Abbington in Glen Ellyn. Close to 500 attendees joined the lively conversation with Pulitzer Prize Winner Jonathan Eig as well as authors Luis Urrea and Libby Fischer Hellmann, and moderator Andrea Thome. The Assistance League…
Clearing the Air: The American Lung Association and the local Fight for Air Climb
By Anna Hughes | Photos courtesy of the American Lung Association It’s not easy having to fight for air. It’s unfair when the most basic human need—breathing—becomes a daily battle. Unfortunately, that’s the reality for tens of millions of Americans living with a variety of lung health conditions: lung and respiratory diseases, asthma, and lung…
Snapshot: Vine Academy
Burr Ridge’s premier private school, Vine Academy, is designed for curious and capable learners in grades K-12. We provide a personalized educational experience, embracing students with diverse learning profiles and abilities. Many of our students are gifted or twice-exceptional (gifted with learning differences such as dyslexia or executive functioning challenges.) Our smaller, supportive environment is…
Snapshot: Montini Catholic High School
Being a teenager today is more challenging than ever and the Lasallian approach to education that Montini Catholic has provided since their founding – knowing, seeing, supporting, and loving each student – is more relevant than ever. Located in Lombard, Montini Catholic High School is a family-centered, coeducational, college preparatory high school rooted in the…
The DuPage County Underground Railroad
Local Underground Railroad stations invite visitors to hear freedom seekers’ stories By Maureen Callahan From the start of slavery, freedom seekers (formerly known as enslaved people) sought a better situation than the one into which they were born or sold. The 1860s found the nation embroiled in the Great Civil War, with slavery as a…
Snapshot: Notre Dame School
Under the patronage of Our Blessed Mother, Notre Dame School partners with parents, the primary educators, in the sacred mission of guiding their children to Heaven. Our Catholic classical liberal arts education engages students’ natural desire for truth, beauty, and goodness. Through the integration of faith and reason, we form wise, virtuous, and free students…
The Ice Thing about Downers Grove winters
Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures makes artistic fun of ice at Downers Grove Ice Festival By Maureen Callahan | Photos by 726 Visuals If you’ve ever visited the Downers Grove Ice Festival, you’ve seen Jim Nadeau’s dream solidified – at least until the sun has its say. Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures in Forest Park began almost four and…
State park and trail commemorate the 16th President of the United States
By Anna Hughes | Photos Illinois Department of Natural Resources Illinois wasn’t always the Land of Lincoln. Abraham Lincoln didn’t even move to the state until he was 21. He and his family traveled from Kentucky through Indiana and into southern Illinois, where he eventually settled. Illinois, however, had only been a state for 12…
Snapshot: Nazareth Academy
Nazareth Academy, centrally located in the western suburbs in the heart of La Grange Park, offers a short commute for many families in the area. As one of the oldest educational institutions in the suburbs with a 125-year legacy of educating the whole person, Nazareth offers a small school atmosphere with “big school” opportunities. Established…
The Transformative Power of Live Performing Arts
by Laura Michaud and Melissa G. Wilson Live performing arts have a profound impact on both individuals and communities. From the artists who express themselves through their craft to the children who grow by sharing their talents, everyone involved is touched meaningfully. Audiences, too, benefit by gaining new insights, emotional connections, and life experiences. Whether…
2025 Wedding Trends
Although any wedding should be unique to the happy couple, trends often sneak their way into the celebration. We’ve rounded up a list of some wedding trends to be on the lookout for during the 2025 wedding season. By Anna Hughes Elongated Diamonds For the past few years, oval diamonds have been the leading pick…
After the Ashes: Holocaust survivor Eric Blaustein
By Maureen Callahan The Holocaust was among the darkest hours in history. How survivors carry their memories is as varied as the individual stories themselves. In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day – January 27 – local resident Eric Blaustein reflected on the five months he was imprisoned at Buchenwald Concentration Camp near Weimar, Germany as…
Compassion in Action: The joy of volunteering with animals
By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff Winter months bring an increased need for volunteers at animal shelters and rescues. As the season adds challenges such as overcrowding and limited resources, organizations rely heavily on foster families and community volunteers to ensure animals receive the care they need. This is the perfect time for families to get…
Beat the Winter Blues
By Anna Hughes Nothing’s better than a hot chocolate by the fireplace on a cold winter day, but we’ve rounded up a list of events that certainly come close. For a couples date night, family weekend, or unexpected snow day, check out these local events that are sure to bring warmth and fun to the…
Snaphot: St Joan of Arc Catholic School
St. Joan of Arc Catholic School is dedicated to providing a comprehensive, research-backed education that nurtures both the academic and personal growth of every student. Our curriculum is grounded in the Science of Reading, ensuring that students receive a structured approach to phonics and spelling through Foundations in the early grades. As they advance,…
Snapshot: St. Mary of Gostyn School
St. Mary of Gostyn School (SMG) combines exceptional academics with a strong faith-based environment. SMG students experience a Catholic culture, including daily prayer, religion class, and weekly Mass. They also encounter a challenging curriculum that inspires them to excel academically, develop confidence and a strong sense of self, build personal relationships, and serve others. The…
Snapshot: St. Joseph School
Established in 1910, St. Joseph School provides excellence in education founded on the Catholic faith to Downers Grove and neighboring communities. For the seventh year in a row, St. Joseph School was voted the Finest Grade School and Preschool in Suburban Life’s 2024 Reader’s Choice contest. Over the years, the school has grown from a…
Women of Oak Brook
The Women of Oak Brook hosted their Jingle Mingle event for over 100 members and invited member guests in early December at Michael Jordan’s Steak House. The philanthropic partner for the evening was the DuPage Senior Citizens Council and their Meals on Wheels (MOW) program. Funds were raised through prize drawings and two “give back”…
Snapshot: Timothy Christian Schools
Partner With A School That Aligns With Your Family’s Values Timothy Christian Schools is a PS-12th grade, nondenominational, college preparatory school committed to Biblical virtues and values. Timothy’s mission is to uphold Biblical truth, ignite academic growth, and inspire courageous leadership—one student at a time. At Timothy Christian Schools, you don’t have to choose between…
Snapshot: Avery Coonley School
Established in 1906, The Avery Coonley School (ACS) is known as a leader in gifted education and offers advanced learners in preschool through eighth grade a curriculum with the depth, pace, and complexity to challenge them to the fullest. Unlike most schools that only offer gifted education in pullout subjects, Avery Coonley is gifted…
2024 Mistletoe Medley Heralds the Holidays
For over three decades, Mistletoe Medley has been a must-attend event for women in the western suburbs and beyond. This year’s event, held at Drury Lane on Dec. 3, was another one for the record books with proceeds estimated to be over $150,000. There were outstanding special and preferred raffles and shopping with 20 great…
Building an Army of Kindness
The Story Behind Pilot Pete’s Coffee with a Purpose In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, Pilot Pete’s Coffee with a Purpose stands as a beacon of kindness and connection. Inspired by his Grandma June, Pete Thomas created more than just a coffee shop; he built a mission to serve others, foster community,…
41st Annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot
On a cold morning, 7,573 paid participants braved the elements and took to the streets of Elmhurst to raise funds for the 17 agencies that help feed and shelter neighbors in need. Three foreign countries, 32 states, and 882 cities outside the City of Elmhurst were represented and came together for a great cause. Author…
DUKING IT OUT: York football team makes history with second-place finish in the state
For a few minutes on a freezing November night, York fans were in heaven. The football team, making its first trip to the Illinois High School Association state championship game, had held two-time defending Class 8A champion Loyola to four plays on the opening possession, and the Ramblers had to punt. On York’s third play…
Noteworthy
Teen Trailblazer Ava Dorsey & Ava’s Pet Palace
Some of the best ideas are inspired by small things. For Downers Grove North senior, and founder of Ava’s Pet Palace, Ava Dorsey, that small beginning was a little orange tabby cat. “I was two years old when my parents adopted Pumpkin,” said Dorsey. “He was the first animal I ever had and the inspiration…
Blazing Courage: Oak Brook Fire Department’s Adam Eboli
Like many people, Adam Eboli chose to work in his hometown. It’s where his family is. It’s where his roots were planted. But unlike other people, Eboli has a unique job: he’s a firefighter and a paramedic. So, it’s his responsibility to help keep his hometown safe. And that’s quite the ask of any kid…
Spring Road Winter Fest
Hundreds of families enjoy visits with Santa, sleigh rides, caroling, tree lighting, and more at the Spring Road Business Association’s 2024 Winter Fest around the Gazebo on Dec. 14. Anna and Elsa from the Disney movie Frozen provided warm smiles while members of the Elmhurst Choral Union performed holiday classics. More than 100 new winter…
Village News: Investing in Our Future Through Beautification
Oak Brook has long been known for its beautiful natural setting, from the lush woods of Fullersburg to the serenity of Salt Creek and the verdant fields of the SportsCore. Now, a comprehensive beautification program is underway with multiple projects from both the public and private sectors. The combination of these improvements will delight…
Chef Showcase: Local Flavors
Q&A with Chef Ian Schlegel of Cadence Kitchen & Co. Who influenced you early on? Food has always been a big part of my life. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my mom, where helping cook was the rule if you were around. Cooking quickly became second nature to…
Gone Country: Hinsdale graduate brings Music City to Hollywood on “The Voice”
By Anna Hughes | Photos courtesy of NBCUniversal It wasn’t a blind audition for long. An enthusiastic Michael Bublé turned his chair around just seconds after hearing a soulful, gritty country voice on stage. His eyes widened at the sight of 24-year-old Tate Renner, whose cow-boy hat was not quite big enough to hide his…
The Elmhurst Express: The legend of Fred Lorenzen
By Katie Bolinger Fred Lorenzen, known to race fans of the 1960s as The Elmhurst Express, Fearless Freddy, the Golden Boy, and Fast Freddie, was born in Elmhurst, Illinois, on December 30, 1934. He became one of NASCAR’s first non-Southern stars. Lorenzen’s love for racing began as a kid when he built a go-kart powered…
Staying Cool while Warming Up
Warm Coats for Cool Kids outfits winter wear for local students By Maureen Callahan Everyone has a different vision of the ideal retirement. For Elmhurst resident Garry Vaccaro, that vision included starting his own non-profit. As a volunteer at Elmhurst-Yorkfield Food Pantry (EYFP), Vaccaro serves as a “food recoverer” – a team that collects unsold…
Isyanov takes second in the state after missing junior year with a back injury
By Jeff Vorva Those watching Lizzie Isyanov playing tennis in the Illinois High School State Tournament in late October saw a player on top of her game. But those outside her inner circle probably had no idea what the senior York High School singles star had to go through to finish second in the state…
Polar Plunge in Oak Brook raises money for Special Olympics Illinois
By Anna Hughes | Photos courtesy of Special Olympics Illinois Mike McLaughlin is a multi-sport athlete. In 35 years with Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL), he’s participated in volleyball, basketball, softball, bocce ball, and bowling. His sister, Kathy McLaughlin, is his biggest supporter, on the sidelines, cheering him on whenever her schedule allows. It’s been a…
Girls Just Want to Give Funds: The Western Suburbs Giving Circle
By Anna Hughes Women supporting women: that’s the core of the Western Suburbs Giving Circle (WSGC). The WSGC is a subset of the Chicago Foundation for Women (CFW), an organization focused on bringing health, safety, and economic prosperity to women, girls, transgender, and nonbinary individuals across the Chicagoland area. Since 1985, they’ve invested over $50…
A Heart Warming Story
A local teen with a congenital heart condition is surprised with a VIP Bears Experience By Valerie Hardy O’Neill Middle School eighth-grader Jonah Davis was born with only half a functioning heart, but he is a wholehearted football fan. However, Jonah cannot play football or other contact sports because of his critical congenital heart condition:…
Melissa Gorman creates a supportive resource for people living with cancer
By Valerie Hardy United by Unique” is the three-year theme for the annual World Cancer Day, which is held on Feb. 4. The alliterative credo reflects the fact that behind every diagnosis is a distinctly individual human story. The campaign aims to raise awareness and inspire action, specifically toward placing people at the center of…
Beverly Kim’s journey from Downers Grove to becoming one of Chicago’s top chefs
Beverly Kim’s path to becoming a James Beard Award-winning chef began at the Barnes & Noble in Downers Grove in the 1990s, back when she was a student at Downers Grove South High School and still “trying to figure out [her] own place in the world,” she said. One of her sisters suggested she would…
Hope’s Front Door serves the needs of area clients in the short and long-term
By Maureen Callahan | Photos courtesy of Hope’s Front Door No generalizations. No judgment. No two people are the same, and no two stories are exactly alike. That’s what the Hope’s Front Door (HFD) team sees. An individual person or family with a unique story. HFD is a million little things. At its heart, it’s…