Stories for you
Spring 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…
The 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…
Staying 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…
Isyanov 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…
Local 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…
Three-Peat: Nazareth wins third straight Class 5A football championship
By Jeff Vorva When COVID-19 hit in 2020 and the Illinois High School Asso-ciation football season was postponed in the fall, some of the best players in the state left Illinois to play in states that allowed football during that time. Some players from Nazareth Academy – including star quarterback J.J. McCarthy – left, and…
DuPage Foundation
In early November, the DuPage Foundation celebrated its Annual Benefit: Through the Looking Glass at The Westin Chicago Lombard, welcoming over 425 guests. The event raised nearly $700,000, with additional contributions expected. These funds are vital to supporting the Foundation’s efforts in addressing community challenges and opportunities while aiding donors and businesses in achieving impactful…
Clearing the Air: The American Lung Association and the local Fight for Air Climb
By Anna Hughes | Photos courtesy of the American Lung Association It’s not easy having to fight for air. It’s unfair when the most basic human need—breathing—becomes a daily battle. Unfortunately, that’s the reality for tens of millions of Americans living with a variety of lung health conditions: lung and respiratory diseases, asthma, and lung…
Snapshot: Montini Catholic High School
Being a teenager today is more challenging than ever and the Lasallian approach to education that Montini Catholic has provided since their founding – knowing, seeing, supporting, and loving each student – is more relevant than ever. Located in Lombard, Montini Catholic High School is a family-centered, coeducational, college preparatory high school rooted in the…
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…
The Ice Thing about Downers Grove winters
Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures makes artistic fun of ice at Downers Grove Ice Festival By Maureen Callahan | Photos by 726 Visuals If you’ve ever visited the Downers Grove Ice Festival, you’ve seen Jim Nadeau’s dream solidified – at least until the sun has its say. Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures in Forest Park began almost four and…
Snapshot: Nazareth Academy
Nazareth Academy, centrally located in the western suburbs in the heart of La Grange Park, offers a short commute for many families in the area. As one of the oldest educational institutions in the suburbs with a 125-year legacy of educating the whole person, Nazareth offers a small school atmosphere with “big school” opportunities. Established…
The Transformative Power of Live Performing Arts
by Laura Michaud and Melissa G. Wilson Live performing arts have a profound impact on both individuals and communities. From the artists who express themselves through their craft to the children who grow by sharing their talents, everyone involved is touched meaningfully. Audiences, too, benefit by gaining new insights, emotional connections, and life experiences. Whether…
2025 Wedding Trends
Although any wedding should be unique to the happy couple, trends often sneak their way into the celebration. We’ve rounded up a list of some wedding trends to be on the lookout for during the 2025 wedding season. By Anna Hughes Elongated Diamonds For the past few years, oval diamonds have been the leading pick…
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…
Compassion in Action: The joy of volunteering with animals
By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff Winter months bring an increased need for volunteers at animal shelters and rescues. As the season adds challenges such as overcrowding and limited resources, organizations rely heavily on foster families and community volunteers to ensure animals receive the care they need. This is the perfect time for families to get…
Beat the Winter Blues
By Anna Hughes Nothing’s better than a hot chocolate by the fireplace on a cold winter day, but we’ve rounded up a list of events that certainly come close. For a couples date night, family weekend, or unexpected snow day, check out these local events that are sure to bring warmth and fun to the…
Snapshot: Timothy Christian Schools
Partner With A School That Aligns With Your Family’s Values Timothy Christian Schools is a PS-12th grade, nondenominational, college preparatory school committed to Biblical virtues and values. Timothy’s mission is to uphold Biblical truth, ignite academic growth, and inspire courageous leadership—one student at a time. At Timothy Christian Schools, you don’t have to choose between…
Building an Army of Kindness
The Story Behind Pilot Pete’s Coffee with a Purpose In a world that often feels rushed and impersonal, Pilot Pete’s Coffee with a Purpose stands as a beacon of kindness and connection. Inspired by his Grandma June, Pete Thomas created more than just a coffee shop; he built a mission to serve others, foster community,…
DUKING IT OUT: York football team makes history with second-place finish in the state
For a few minutes on a freezing November night, York fans were in heaven. The football team, making its first trip to the Illinois High School Association state championship game, had held two-time defending Class 8A champion Loyola to four plays on the opening possession, and the Ramblers had to punt. On York’s third play…
