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…

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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…

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Diving For Dreams

Oak Brook resident builds career, pursues dreams at Brookfield Zoo Chicago By Anna Hughes | Photos courtesy of the Brookfield Zoo Chicago For most people, the dolphin show at Brookfield Zoo Chicago is entertaining. Captivating. Majestic. For Tim Sullivan, it was life-changing. Sullivan was 17 years old the first time he saw the show. He…

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Jim Peterik

Award-winning songwriter and musician, Jim Peterik, has had a remarkable journey in the music industry, including collaborations with renowned artists and experiences born out of chance encounters. In an exclusive Elmhurst Magazine interview, Peterik revealed some captivating stories and insights into his illustrious career. Recently, Jim Peterik wowed audiences with an exceptional performance at Elmhurst…

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EDUCATION: Nazareth Academy

Independent and private schools continue to prosper There are several exceptionally strong schools in the western suburbs. Many schools have a rich history and are recognized throughout their communities for academic excellence, various extracurricular programs, and inspiration for learning. Families and students have many great options for selecting a private or independent school. Visits to…

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Checking into the Hall of Fame

Jon Grzbek earns a spot in hockey history By Maureen Callahan If you’re looking for a local hockey team to follow, the Benet Red Wings are your ticket to an exciting game! And it’s no mystery why. Coach Jon Grzbek, recently inducted into the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame, has a lot to do with…

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Mary Doten National APTA Champion Retires

Mary Doten

“It’s Time” Six-time National Champion and Hall of Fame Inductee Mary Doten retires By Cynthia Maquet Photos by Marcello Rodarte   “Humble,” “passionate,” “kind,” and “loyal” are just a few of the words used to describe Mary Doten, known to many as the GOAT of Paddle Tennis. Three decades of coaching and competing in paddle…

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Elmhurst University Offers It All, And Then Some

By Larry Atseff Elmhurst Magazine recently sat down with Elmhurst University President Troy VanAken, Ph.D., to learn how and why the school changed from 4-year Elmhurst College to 4-year Elmhurst University, and the effects the change is having. After all, he has been President for 6 years and has been very much involved in the…

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Big Table Podcast

Books and conversations with their authors are the subject of a new podcast By Maureen Callahan The written word has been under threat since the onset of the digital age. For former Oak Brook resident and Downers Grove North alumnus, JC Gabel, it doesn’t have to be. He promotes books through conversations with their authors…

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Rich Support

Giant Steps and the Canopy Adult Day Program provide services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder By Valerie Hardy Based in Lisle, Giant Steps is a therapeutic day school certified to exclusively serve students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as their primary diagnosis. Since its inception in 1996, Giant Steps has upheld its commitment, as…

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