Issues
The Power of Unity: How suburban theaters are rewriting the script on collaboration
By Laura Michaud & Melissa G. Wilson Chicago’s western suburbs have long embraced collaboration within individual communities, with local chambers and cities integrating performing arts into events. However, a larger opportunity lies in building a network of cross-community artistic partnerships, potentially transforming the region’s cultural landscape. For example, the Salt Creek Ballet of Westmont performed…
Read MoreMary Braatz Re/Max Enterprises
Downers Grove Magazine (DGM): What made you choose Real Estate as a career, and what keeps you motivated? Mary Braatz (MB): I initially chose Real Estate after working for several years in the Loop. I wanted to work in my local community. I love solving problems and finding the best options for my clients,…
Read MoreThe Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra
Photos courtesy of The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra The Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra (ESO) marked a milestone in its 2024/2025 season with a record-setting performance of The Four Seasons on Jan. 19. The concert, which included Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons and Piazzolla’s The Four Seasons of Buenos Aires, was the third-best attended and second-highest selling in the…
Read MoreCharred Oak Brook: Stop in to sample Le Meridien’s private label bourbon
By Maureen Callahan There’s something about a private label. It’s unique. Bar patrons love to sample spirits made especially for their favorite place. Charred Oak Brook, Le Meridien’s private barrel bourbon, is distilled exclusively for the hotel’s El Tapeo Modern Spanish Kitchen and Longitude 87 restaurants. General Manager, Dick Turner, describes Charred Oak Brook with…
Read MoreWedding Planning Guide
WEDDING DRESS Fifi Papadopoulos, a talented seamstress from Greece, opened Fifi’s Bridal & Custom Tailoring in Elmhurst, Illinois, 16 years ago. Fifi Specializes in wedding gowns and all garment alterations. She offers a stunning selection of bridal and mother-of-the-bride dresses. Fifi’s friendly, expert service makes every client feel like family! 446 N York St, Elmhurst,…
Read MoreSpring 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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreStaying 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…
Read MoreIsyanov 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…
Read MoreLocal 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…
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