The Downers Grove Historical Society
In recent months, the Downers Grove Historical Society has continued its mission to honor community leaders and preserve the village’s historic character.
Historic Homes Program Engages Community
On Sept. 24, residents gathered at Alter Brewing for a lively program on researching and preserving historic homes. Presented by Marty Acks and Flora Ramirez Leon, the event shared practical tools, stories, and inspiration—showcasing how the Landmarking Program and Historical Society help protect Downers Grove’s unique architectural heritage.
Montrew Dunham Award Honors Lisa Rasin
Longtime volunteer Lisa Rasin received a standing ovation at Lincoln Center on Oct. 4 when she was honored with the Montrew Dunham Award. The event, A Lifetime of Stepping Up and Giving Back, highlighted Rasin’s decades of leadership and service, from co-managing the FISH Pantry to chairing Rotary GroveFest.
![Aili Flannery’s award-winning sculpture, “Process,” was made of copper, string, copper wire, glass beads, glass, rust-stained fabric, lace, turmeric sun-printed paper, and thread. It represents “the timeline of having depression to the process of healing,” Flannery explained, and the theme is rooted in her own experiences. “‘Start’ shows up again at the end [of the piece], because I was ready to start healing and to continue living.”](https://dupagemagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/26-1-DG-Scholastic-Art-Writing-Awards.jpg "26-1 DG Scholastic Art & Writing Awards")
