Stories for you
100 Years of Movie Magic: Chris Johnson & York Theatre
York Theater celebrates 100 years! By Maureen Callahan Every story starts somewhere. For Elmhurst’s York Theater, that beginning was Labor Day weekend, 1924. The Roaring Twenties were in full swing. Downtown Elmhurst saw its second theater open (the first was The Elms on W. First St.). It was a much bigger theater than The Elms,…
Santa’s Workshop
What started in the basement of a suburban Chicago home back in 1998 as an idea to create unique items personalized for the receiver has become the leader in personalized gifts. With two facilities, including the corporate headquarters in Burr Ridge spanning 100,000 square feet and the primary production and fulfillment center in Bolingbrook covering…
Holiday Joy
By Anna Hughes Disney’s The Little Mermaid Nov. 6, 2024 – Jan. 12, 2025 Drury Lane Theatre Escape the cold and join the little mermaid and friends under the sea with this Disney classic brought to the stage. With fan-favorite songs by composer Alan Menken including “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” and “Kiss…
Goal Getter: Hinsdale’s Gutman scores for Fire in 100th MLS start
By Jeff Vorva Hinsdale native Andrew Gutman has always been a top-notch all-around soccer player. In college at Indiana University, the Hinsdale Central graduate capped off his career in 2018 by winning the MAC Hermann Trophy, which is given to the top college player of the year. He was also named Top Drawer National Soccer…
Chicago Museum celebrates unity in diversity during the holiday season
By Anna Hughes A Christmas tree is a universal symbol across the globe, representing faith, hope, and the season of joy and giving. The decorated evergreen branches are the traditional backdrop for some of life’s most precious moments, from Santa’s visits to family movies around the fire. It represents a common thread that weaves itself…
Before Barbie: Local museum showcases the world of toys before Mattel-mania
By Anna Hughes When the Barbie movie came out last year, it took the world by storm. When the Barbie doll came out, it had the exact same effect. And then some. Barbie’s release by Mattel in 1959 was revolutionary in the world of toys. Although “fashion dolls” were popularized in the mid-19th century, Barbie…
Raising Awareness:World Diabetes Day celebrated in November
By Maureen Callahan According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 537 million adults worldwide are afflicted with diabetes. November is the time of year when we pause to recognize this disease, with World Diabetes Day on November 14. Although it’s not a day to celebrate, it is a time to raise awareness of the condition…
Raising Kind Kids: How family volunteering inspires lifelong giving
By Katie Bolinger As mimics, children often mirror the behavior of their elders, so parents play a crucial role in fostering a child’s desire to give back. Children who see their parents actively volunteering are more likely to follow suit. Leading by example helps kids grow into compassionate, engaged adults who continue contributing to their…
Year-End Giving: Charitable contributions during the holiday season
By Dave McGowan In the last issue, I reported that more than $557 billion was estimated to be contributed to charitable organizations in 2023. Do you know that much of that giving was contributed in the last quarter of the year? Why do people give then? Well, the December 31 deadline to record gifts for…
A New Dock: Chicago Boat Show finds new location in Rosemont
By Anna Hughes Chicago’s biggest boat show is moving out of Chicago. Luckily for boaters and loyal show attendees, it’s not moving far. The 93rd Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show will return on January 8-12, 2025, in its debut at Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont. For almost a century, this show…
When the Person in the Mirror is No Longer You
Claudine was 49 when she started working in the public eye as a community service officer. Years of sun exposure, gravity, diet, and various other factors started to show in her appearance. One day, she glanced into her squad car mirror and realized that the person she saw on the outside no longer reflected who…
Fruits and Vegetables: The Terrible Two
Elmhurst resident makes healthy eating fun for kids in new children’s book By Anna Hughes Eating the recommended daily dose of fruits and vegetables is hard. Getting your kids to do the same is even harder. Some days, the uneaten broccoli on your toddler’s plate is the biggest uphill battle you’ll climb – and sometimes…
The Elmhurst Model Railroad Club provides fun for all ages
By Katie Bolinger Just across the street from the Union Pacific West (UP-W) Line, behind an unassuming door, and down a flight of stairs, you’ll find the Elmhurst Model Railroad Club (EMRRC). This hidden gem is a paradise for train enthusiasts. You can ring the bell of a real Santa Fe prairie-type locomotive to announce…
Elmhurst bakery owner serves up success
By Anna Hughes Every time Michelle Deal makes a birthday cake, it’s her wish that’s coming true. The Elmhurst business owner knows that a perfect cake is the finishing touch for any of life’s biggest events. With each frosted flower or fragilely crafted fondant creation, she pours her heart into each and every dessert she…
Bravo! Performers love changes in York auditorium
By Jeff Vorva When Betsy Kungl first watched a performance in the York High School auditorium in 2015, she enjoyed herself, but there was one little hiccup. Well, it was kind of a big hiccup. She didn’t have an ideal seat. “There was a big speaker in front of me,” she said. “I couldn’t really…
Elmhurst Choral Society has been making music for over 70 years
By Maureen Callahan For 70 years, Elmhurst Choral Union (ECU) has enjoyed making music. The group of about 60 members ranges in age from Elmhurst University students to a few octogenarians. All members are volunteer professionals. It’s a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is overseen by several members who serve as a Board of Directors, with…
The Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts
Photos courtesy of Jeff Nelson and Bernie Surtz The ECPA welcomed a crowd of supporters to their annual Spotlight Giving Gala on Sept. 14 at River Forest Country Club, where ECPA announced a partnership with Ryan Companies. A multi-billion-dollar firm, Ryan was specifically selected for their experience in designing and building smart, well-planned, mixed-use developments.…
The Elmhurst History Museum
The Elmhurst History Museum has officially started construction on a new outdoor performance space, which includes a band shell and audience flex space on the campus. Funded by an Illinois Department of Natural Resources grant and the Elmhurst Heritage Foundation, the project aims to enhance public programming by hosting concerts, storytelling, and dramatic performances starting…
Rock the Block
The Elmhurst Rock the Block Festival closed out the summer showcasing community spirit and local talent featuring live music, food vendors, and various activities for all ages. The annual event has become a beloved tradition in Elmhurst drawing crowds from near and far while fostering a sense of community and bringing together families and friends…
