LETTER from THE ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

AnneHealy2019-WEB

A Celebration of Summer… and Achievement

Welcome to the summer issue of Downers Grove Magazine. In the past months, our team has meticulously curated content that not only celebrates the summer but also shines a spotlight on the unique achievements of our community members in the realms of education, sports, careers, and organizations. We are a community with a diverse range of individuals, each with their own unique path to success.

My family will be going through the college selection process in a few years.  I am already sweating bullets. If college is your next move, how do you make a decision of that magnitude?  Things have certainly changed throughout the years regarding the entire process.  The Fisher triplets grace our cover with the trifecta attending the University of Michigan this fall—quite a feat.  Valerie Hardy walks us through the landscape of the college admissions process and the Fisher family’s exciting journey to Ann Arbor.

Speaking of college, after I graduated, I thought I would find myself doing something in the television industry.  Writing, producing, on-air “talent,” – but alas, I found my call for advertising and marketing. I got an inside look at what could have been with our piece on Julie Maddox, creator of NBC’s Chicago Today. This two-time Emmy Award winner showrunner sits down with Cynthia Maquet to discuss her career path and future in the industry.

I am not a runner. Never have been, never will be.  So, when I heard that Danny Mucciolo had run over two dozen marathons, it was certainly an impressive accomplishment.  Even more so, learn how you (not me) can participate in all six of the Abbot World Marathon Majors like Danny. Also not to be missed within the sports arena are our stories on Downers Grove North basketball standout Jack Stanton and a successful draft day for J.J. McCarthy and the Minnesota Vikings.

We have been members of Downers Grove Swim & Racquet for thirteen years.  When the kids were little, we had the same daily schedule with lessons, lunch, and naps.  Repeat.  Although I consider our family longstanding members, the ties to the club go way deeper.  The grandchildren of original members are lifeguards; some have been members since 1954.  History runs deep, and we are excited to help such a staple in the community celebrate its 70th anniversary.

Rounding out our summer issue, flip through our pages for some inspiration on summer libations or a local trip to the DuPage County Fair. In honor of this summer’s 80th anniversary of D-Day, Maureen Callahan reports on this gem of a region with important history and sights to see for an epic getaway.

Enjoy the summer!  We will see you in September with more stories to tell.

Sincerely,
Anne Healy
Associate Publisher
anne@HinsdaleMag.com

Author

Dr. Michael Byun has earned recognition across regional publications, including being named a <i>Chicago Magazine</i> Beauty Guru and a Noteworthy Doctor by Hinsdale Magazine Group.

The Evolution of the Facelift

Dr. Christine Snow, Dr. Sherif Albert, Dr. Amy Feller

Esplanade Dental Care

Gabe Fiascone and Rayyan Abuhilal
<br><i>Photo by Victor Hilitski</i>

The Scent of Success

DGCover_1_web

Then & Now

Jim and Landon Thome share a moment on the field at Rate Field following Landon’s selection by the Chicago White Sox in the first round of the 2026 MLB Draft. 
<br><i>Photo courtesy of the Chicago White Sox</i>

Thome Feels White Sox Draft

`Climate of Hope’ was a professional development session for area science educators led by DGN teacher and Educator of the Year honoree Jeff Grant.

Honoring DuPage’s Best Educators

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The Reshaping of Real Estate

A bronze statue of Officer Ella French and her dog, Bella, was dedicated in Wentworth Park in 2025.

Remembering Ella French

LuxuryHome_1_web

Luxury at Home

 Kuh's watercolor landscape plans are works of art in themselves.

A Legend Etched in Landscape

Hole 17 on the famed Medinah Country Club Course No. 3 
<br><i>Photo by Nick Novelli Photography / Medinah Country Club</i>

Chicagoland: The Quiet Golf Capital of the World

Buckingham Fountain<br><i>
Photo by Stephen Walker</i>

A Guide to Some of the Oldest Places in Chicago