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…

Read More

Iceland

By Maureen Callahan Consider checking out this European destination in winter. You’ll need to outfit carefully for outdoor activities, but average temperatures are not much different than here. Expect fewer crowds, better prices, and stunning, frosted landscapes. Daylight is sparse this time of year, but there are definite advantages to visiting in the low season.…

Read More

DuPage Foundation Annual Benefit

Photos courtesy of DuPage Foundation DuPage Foundation hosted its 2023 Annual Benefit: Under the Sea in November at The Westin Chicago Lombard. With generous sponsorships and contributions, the evening was a night to remember, grossing more than $565,000 for DuPage Foundation operations and programs aimed at raising the quality of life throughout DuPage County. The…

Read More

Neat Kitchen and Bar

neatkitchenandbar.com 246 North Cass Avenue downtown Westmont Lifelong friends John Taylor and Matt Verde, owners of Neat Kitchen and Bar in Westmont, met in sixth grade at Immaculate Conception Grade School in Elmhurst. After graduating together from high school, their careers took them separate ways, but both pursued careers in the restaurant industry. Between John’s…

Read More

The Service Club of Chicago Spring Hat Luncheon

In May, The Service Club of Chicago hosted its annual fundraising event, The Spring Hat Luncheon, at The Langham in downtown Chicago. Guests stepped out in their finest hats and enjoyed a red-carpet entrance, live music, luncheon and a hat contest. The theme of the Hat Luncheon this year was “The Many Hats We Wear”…

Read More

Joan Walsh Anglund

The local area native who became a world-renowned children’s author By Maureen Callahan What is a friend? The answer depends on who you ask. A friend is someone who helps you. It’s someone with whom you have shared memories and common ground. A friend- above all- is someone who likes you. Joan Walsh Anglund, a…

Read More

Coming in from Outside

DuPagePads’ new housing model offers a permanent path out of homelessness By Maureen Callahan For the last 35 years, many in this community remember assisting DuPagePads- formerly known by the acronym P.A.D.S.- Public Action to Deliver Shelter- in their church basements. Scout troops, youth groups and others, made up a cast of thousands of volunteers…

Read More

One of a Kind — Architectural Gems in the Western Suburbs

There is no shortage of unique architecture in the Chicagoland area. In this issue, a handful of homes nestled in the western suburbs are featured that either break away from typical design trends or embrace traditional aesthetics. Blackened Steel and Glass House Located in Downers Grove Built in 1974, the home was originally designed by…

Read More

Links & Drinks – plus post-round cuisine

BY VALERIE HARDY You don’t have to join a country club to enjoy a round of golf on a beautifully manicured course followed by beverages and bites at a quality clubhouse or onsite restaurant. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or still growing your game, this list of local courses is sure to provide a pick…

Read More