Issues
Small, Local and Sustainable
How an Oak Brook couple curated a premier destination for makers, artists, and small businesses By Julia Mazurek On an early June weekend at Oakbrook Center, well over 100 artisan vendors lined the lawn and walkways of Oakbrook Center, in what has become a favorite semi-annual shopping event and destination. Thousands of shoppers meet and…
Read MoreThe Keeper of Wrigley
Head groundskeeper Dan Kiermaier cares for baseball’s most iconic field By Julia Mazurek | Photos courtesy of the Chicago Cubs At Wrigley Field, every blade of grass tells a story. And Dan Kiermaier ensures each blade is ready for every day at the iconic field. Before the ivy stirs and before the first crack…
Read MoreWhat’s Cooking?
World-renowned kitchen scientist and writer Harold McGee has Elmhurst roots. By Maureen Callahan | Photos courtesy of Harold McGee Have you ever wondered why you like your chili extra spicy while someone else would require a half roll of Tums to get through the bowl? Or why a sommelier might use words such as “leathery”…
Read MoreBuilding Community, One Home at a Time
House Walk success fuels record giving across Downers Grove Photos by Thomas Clark Productions If you were anywhere near Downers Grove this spring, you could feel the excitement surrounding one of the village’s newest traditions: the Downers Grove House Walk. Hosted by the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC), the annual event transformed the community’s…
Read MoreFrom Downers Grove North to March Madness
Four former Trojans reunited on college basketball’s biggest stage By Bill Esbrook Call it serendipity, good fortune, or a happy twist of fate. More likely, it’s a combination of talent, ambition, and a strong work ethic. Ryann Wendt, Maggie Fleming, Kate Gross and Violet Mitchell were friends and teammates on the Downers Grove North varsity…
Read MoreA Tribute to Busy Bee Bakery
The sweetheart of Downers Grove By Gary King In the heart of Downers Grove, just steps from the town’s bustling Main Street, there once stood a little bakery that was bigger than its ovens. Busy Bee Bakery wasn’t simply a place to buy bread and pastries; it was a ritual, comfort, a daily joy, and…
Read MoreForty & Flourishing
Community Adult Day Center celebrates four decades of compassionate care and connection for local seniors By Valerie Hardy One-third of older adults have Alzheimer’s Disease or another type of dementia by the end of their lives. Living with dementia is often challenging for individuals and their families. Thankfully, local compassionate care options are available, including…
Read MoreArtistic Accolades
District 99 students achieve top honors in the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards By Valerie Hardy Most teenagers take a fine arts class only because it’s a high school graduation requirement. Likewise, most teens only write when assigned, with their primary goal being to earn a particular grade. However, Aili Flannery and Ananya Kharat…
Read MoreCelebrating SEASPAR
After 50 years of service, a local special recreation association remains an invaluable asset to the community By Valerie Hardy The South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation (SEASPAR) is a special recreation association (SRA) committed to helping its participants discover abilities, achieve potential, realize dreams, and – perhaps most importantly – have fun!…
Read MoreOne Hundred Years of Planting Progress
Now celebrating its centennial year, Elmhurst Garden Club keeps our town beautiful By Maureen Callahan While Elmhurst lives up to its “Tree Town” nickname, this suburb is also known for its beautiful gardens. Many green spaces in town are initiated and carefully maintained by our very own Elmhurst Garden Club (EGC). Now 170 members strong,…
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