Hinsdale Magazine April 2022

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HINSDALE’S FIRST MAGAZINE March/April 2022 $5 US

EVA FIELD Why The Hinsdale Chamber Runs So Smoothly

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DUPAGE COUNTY BOARD Candidates, Galassi & Hart

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LETTER from THE PUBLISHER

SPRING HAS SPRUNG The very word Spring has the ability to make you smile in anticipation of better weather and getting out and doing things.

Spring this year is especially descriptive as we get past the pandemic (we hope), for a good long time. There’s a lot of pent-up demand and energy in all of us to again get back to some normalcy.

So, we naturally have some ideas for you.

We have found five wonderful vacation spots, from Michigan City to Montana, where you can plan and enjoy those put-off family reunions.

Imagine.

You can once again get to see and talk to, face-to-face, and hug and enjoy the company of all those you have had to look at on a screen for far too long.

Spring is also a time when you get out and take stock of your surroundings. Is this the year to finally tackle your backyard? We have outlined a thoughtful approach of things and ideas to think about… even before you call a landscaping company.

SERVING HINSDALE, BURR RIDGE & CLARENDON HILLS

By the way, as you look around, we want to remind you of Graue Mill, one of our local treasures. It is now open for the season.

Speaking of getting back to normal, there’s one group of people you have been able to count on these past two years: your local merchants, retailers, restaurants and businesses. They have adapted and figured out how to keep serving you. And you deserve a pat on the back yourself for continuing to keep patronizing them.

On the subject of color, and to get you even more in the mood for the season, Kerrie Kennedy shares her picks for Spring fashion colors.

The Hinsdale Central Girl’s Lacrosse team is gunning for another state title this year. According to Head Coach Matt McNitt, he thinks this team has a good chance to gain another state title, and he tells you why.

Other topics this issue: The restaurants of Oak Brook celebrate Restaurant Week in late April. We’re sure you have noticed that Oak Brook has a lot of restaurants. We’ve also put the spotlight on one dining location you may not have thought of: The Drake Oak Brook Hotel.

By nature, entrepreneurs have ideas. As the saying goes: find a hole and fill it. Local entrepreneurs Scott Allen and Charlton Gronlund have found there is a market for high-quality cocktails in a can. They call them Bar2Table Cocktails, ready-to-drink Bloody Mary’s, Tangerine Margaritas and a Citrus Tonic. You’ll like the story and we’ll bet you’ll like their drinks.

HINSDALE’S FIRST MAGAZINE March/April 2022 $5 US

EVA FIELD Why The Hinsdale Chamber

On a more serious note: Not everything is always rosy. A vexing problem for all of us is waste in government. We all work too hard to see our tax dollars misspent. Hinsdalean Adam Andrzejewski has made it his mission to put the spotlight on waste in spending with his national organization called Open The Books. We are honored to have him join us as a Contributing Editor.

The first thing Adam wanted to focus on locally was the Red Light Camera Hell at 22nd St. and Route 83.

Behind the scenes of local commerce, there Runs So Smoothly is one organization and one person that He shares what he learned from Mike Manzo, deserves some credit as well. So, we’ve decided + Oak Brook Trustee. You definitely will want this is a good time to recognize the Hinsdale to read the update.

Chamber of Commerce; and especially Eva Our last topic is one worth noting. Bridget Field and her team. Learn a little more about Eva and why things and Brian O’Meara’s son Liam, in 2007, was suffering from a seem to just run so smoothly. congenital heart defect. Great doctors and advanced medical Other ladies of note locally: technology saved his life. The O’Meara family then and there decided they wanted to do everything they could to advance the Hinsdalean Kari Galassi is running for a seat on the DuPage cause of helping people with congenital heart problems. We tell County Board this fall. She has the endorsement of fellow their ongoing story of Mend A Heart organization which has Hinsdalean Greg Hart, a DuPage County Board member, who raised over $1 million toward research and making people aware is also running…this time to become Chairman of the DuPage County Board. She also has the endorsement of Bob Berlin, of the need to deal with this problem.

DUPAGE COUNTY BOARD Candidates, Galassi & Hart

GOING FOR THE STATE GOLD Hinsdale Central Girls LaCrosse

DuPage County State’s Attorney. In a Q and A session, Kari shares why she is running.

The Hinsdale Historical Society recently held a luncheon where members heard a panel of interior design experts talk about the use of color in design. Importantly, members Jennifer and Neal Reenan were honored for their efforts in the restoration of the badly damaged Orland P. Bassett home, a local landmark.

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BAR2TABLE A Cocktail in a Can

I hope you enjoy this issue. You asked for substance and no fluff.

Please continue to give us your suggestions on what you like to read.

Scott Jonlich Founder & Publisher sjonlich@hinsdalemag.com

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CONTENTS | March/April 2022

30 36 DUPAGE COUNTY BOARD CANDIDATES

8 PUBLISHER LETTER 16 COVER STORY Eva Field, President Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce

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20 BON� APETIT Oak Brook Restaurant Week April 22- 30

26 RED LIGHT CAMERA HELL Adam Andrzejewski revists a vexing problem

30 PLANNING YOUR BACK YARD Tips on how to tackle a new setting

Kari Galassi and Greg Hart

40 GOING FOR THE GOLD Hinsdale Central Girl’s Lacrosse Team Goes For Another State Title

46 HINSDALE HISTORICAL SOCIETY Members hear interior design experts speak, and make restoration award to two members

48 HAIL TO THE CHEF How The Drake Oak Brook Hotel has become a dining destination

52 BAR2TABLE A Cocktail In A Can

56 TRAVEL DESTINATIONS FOR FAMILY REUNIONS 62 SPRING COLOR FASHIONS

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Cover photo by Marcello Rodarte

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No person, organization or publication can copy or re-produce the content in this magazine or any part of this publication without a written consent from the publisher. The publisher, authors, contributors and designers reserve their rights with regards to copyright of their work. Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by such individual, event organizers or organization. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. Comments are welcome, but they should be on-topic and well-expressed. Copyright ©2022 Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved.

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Hinsdale Magazine | Cover Story

INGRID WITTWER; MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR, EVA FIELD; PRESIDENT, HINSDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND AMANDA WAGNER; MARKETING & SPECIAL EVENTS DIRECTOR

PHOTO BY MARCELLO RODARTE

RUNNING SMOOTHLY Hinsdale Chamber President Eva Field BYLARRY ATSEFF

S

uccessful sports teams, amateur, and pro, often rely on standouts that propel them as winners.

When you watch ducks on a pond, they’re just gliding along on the surface, while underneath their webbed feet are pedaling furiously.

Then, there is the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce. Without drawing attention to itself, the Chamber operates like a fine watch or an appliance you can always rely upon. It just quietly does its job in

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HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

a small office above the nabuki restaurant on First Street.

The beneficiaries are, of course, chamber members themselves, the village itself, as well as the residents and visitors.

If you know Eva Field, President, the Chamber is an apt reflection of her smooth, organized approach.

It makes sense when you learn about her. She grew up in Dolton and helped her parents and siblings raise 24 Arabian horses, 72 cattle,

and a few chickens and hogs in the little town of Valton, Wisconsin near the Dells. When you grow up on a farm, everyone has jobs to do.

She said, “I had a great upbringing.

We had fun, but we also learned the responsibility it takes to raise animals. I was so impressed by the athleticism of horses, I went to college for an associate degree in animal science. I learned every aspect of raising, breeding and training horses, to teaching people how to ride.”

CHRISTMAS WALK

After college, she worked at a It is not an easy job. worthwhile activities that are to their horse farm, but little by little, the Think about it. First, there is a benefit. In other words, you have opportunities with breeding horses large group of business owners who to keep activities and events, fresh, didn’t quite work out. She then are active with diverse interests. worthwhile… and well run to keep turned to become a bank teller, Many are willing to be volunteers, everybody interested and willing to among other jobs. She met and participate. married Mike Field in You know the old 1981 and then took on the I truly enjoy working in Hinsdale saying, you can lead horses important job of “raising to water, but you can’t and encouraging two very at the Chamber of Commerce. For the make’em drink.

Eva has athletic children in soccer past 18 years, I have had the opportunity learned how to use her and gymnastics, with all “reins” to keep the various the support that goes into to build great relationships with and get horses in town in general encouraging kids on club agreement and moving in to know the businesses, the village, and teams”. the right direction. She’s of course, the community. I love how learned how to be effective During this period, Mike joined the Hinsdale dedicated the businesses and residents by using all the skills she Chamber in 2000 and gained in training horses are to their community through their became so active, he became and educating herself about President in 2005-2006. a combination of support of the many events that place. them… gentle persuasion, listening, Eva said “One day, keeping things organized, Hinsdale…a great place to live Mike came home and said and keeping everyone and work. there was an opening to informed. On top of all be assistant director of the that, has an amazing ability -EVA FIELD Chamber. You would be President, Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce to remember names. perfect for the job”. After a 4-hour meeting with then-President Uniquely Thursdays, the live Jan Anderson, she was hired in July but they expect results. There are entertainment, food and drink event of 2004. In 14 years she learned every village officials she must work with aspect of the job from the ground up to coordinate events. Then, there are the residents and visitors who want and was named President in 2018.

Continued on next page

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HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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Hinsdale Magazine | Cover Story Anderson in offering “Heroes”, a regular seminar where participants are challenged in improving their leadership skills.

In addition, working with the Fox Valley Score group, members have been able to attend seminars and lectures on everything from improving their accounting skills to building better websites.

FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

Continued from the previous page during June-August, the Fine Arts Festival, the Farmer’s Market (JuneOctober) and the Christmas Walk; all run without a hitch.

A tweak here and there keeps them fresh as time goes by. The Chamber

has added two Sidewalk Sales. And, in 2019, the Chamber has added a Wine Walk.

Eva will be the first to admit that this is not a one-woman show.

Besides businesspeople who give of their time expertise, she says, “We get a lot of cooperation and coordination with village officials and the police department.”

Naturally, she says, “I have two great team members to help, like Amanda Wagner, Marketing Director and Special Events and Ingrid Wittwer, Membership Director. In addition, I have an excellent board of directors made up of interested business-people…again all volunteer.”

WINE WALK

SIDEWALK SALE 18

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

On top of all these activities, she has helped the members improve their personal skills in managing their businesses.

She enlisted the support of consultant David

In other words, as the Chamber Mission Statement says, “Connecting business through community leadership, opportunity, and involvement.”

Looking at it all, Eva comments, “I truly enjoy working in Hinsdale at the Chamber of Commerce.

For the past 18 years, I have had the opportunity to build great relationships with and get to know the businesses, the village, and of course, the community. I love how dedicated the businesses and residents are to their community through their support of the many events that place. Hinsdale…a great place to live and work.”

In other words, dear reader, you can take a bow yourself. ■

Hinsdale Magazine | Dining

Bon’ Appetit!

Celebrate Oak Brook as a dining mecca with ‘Restaurant Week’ April 22-30

F

or a town of less than 10,000 residents, Oak Brook has become very well known for its restaurants, even restaurant chain headquarters. And, we want to celebrate Restaurant Week, April 22-30, with you.

How Oak Brook Became A Dining Mecca

It all started with the vision of Paul Butler who wanted to create an upscale community where people of means could live, work, play, shop, and enjoy the finer things in life…to include dining. It even became a focal point for 47 years as the headquarters of the largest restaurant chain in the world…McDonald’s.

This development as a dining center didn’t happen overnight. In fact, it has taken decades.

While Paul Butler set an enviable foundation with his vision for Oak Brook as a village, Oak Brook dining could have never happened unless Chicago itself hadn’t become a draw for restaurants and restaurateurs.

According to Phil Vettel, Chicago Tribune dining critic for 31 years, 20

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

BY LARRY ATSEFF

“I had a ring-side seat and watched as Chicago evolved. Top chefs like Rick Bayless came to town, after spending years in Mexico learning how to prepare authentic Mexican fare. Others, like Charlie Trotter, were self-taught. Still, others learned at locations like Gordon’s, who in turn, taught the likes of John Terzcak, Ron Blazek, Michael Smith, Stewart Parsons, and Don Yamauchi.”

Of course, one of the most wellknown restaurateurs is Rich Melman, who founded Lettuce Entertainment Enterprises, which has spawned dozens of successful restaurant concepts. In fact, Melman has had as many as 5 restaurants in Oak Brook.

And, of course, Oak Brook’s own Dick Portillo is known for founding one of the most successful chains, his namesake Portillo’s Restaurants. Both are featured in this special section.

Other factors contributed. High restaurant rents in large cities on the east and west coast drove up-andcoming chefs to Chicago with its more reasonable rents. Further, in densely populated cities, since apartments and kitchens are small, eating out is more the norm. In the Chicago area, dining

out can be more of a special occasion.

No wonder the National Restaurant Show has come to Chicago for decades.

Certainly, Oak Brook is the perfect setting for special occasion dining. As Vettel puts it, “All the elements for fine dining are in Oak Brook. It is an upscale community, and the residents can and do appreciate the good things in life. It is headquarters for many businesses. It has one of the finest upscale malls in Oakbrook Center.”

Celebrate with Restaurant Week, April 22-30

There are dozens upon dozens of restaurants in Oak Brook and surrounding areas. We have selected sixty and more and have organized them by cuisine. Many are offering specials during the week. You can go through the list, click on their website and automatically go to their website.

The list may also introduce you to some restaurants you may not have considered. Bon apetit.

In any event, get out and enjoy excellent dining in the Oak Brook area.

A Dining Mecca of nearly 60 Restaurants Presents Restaurant Week April 22-30

Enjoy discounted dining at some of Oak Brook area finest restaurants during Oak Brook Restaurant Week, April 22-30, 2022. Go to list on next pages, click on restaurant names and go to their websites.

VISIT OHOAKBROOK.COM FOR A LIST OF PARTICIPATING RESTAURANTS

Hinsdale Magazine | Dining Go to: www.HinsdaleMag.com to make a reservation at these fine dining establishments.

A Dining Mecca of over 65 Restaurants Presents Restaurant Week April 22-30

RESTAURANTS IN AND AROUND OAK BROOK

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NAME

CUISINE

ADDRESS

PHONE

Beatrix California Pizza Kitchen Driftwood Grille J. Alexander Kona Grill Lucille Michael Jordan’s Puttshack Real Urban BBQ Restoration Hardware Table at the Crate The Cheesecake Factory True Food Blueberry Hill Café Egg Harbor Café First Watch DMK Burger Bar Shake Shack York Tavern Antico Posto La Barra Labriola Bakery & Café Lou Malnati’s Pizza Lucca Osteria Maggiano’s Little Italy Pinstripes Positano Roka Akor Blanco Cocina Chipotle El Tapeo

AMERICAN AMERICAN AMERICAN AMERICAN AMERICAN AMERICAN AMERICAN AMERICAN AMERICAN AMERICAN AMERICAN AMERICAN AMERICAN BREAKFAST BREAKFAST BREAKFAST BURGER BURGERS BURGERS ITALIAN ITALIAN ITALIAN ITALIAN ITALIAN ITALIAN ITALIAN ITALIAN JAPANESE MEXICAN MEXICAN SPANISH

272 Oakbrook Center 551 Oakbrook Center 17W648 22nd St. Oakbrook Terrace 1410 16TH St, Oak Brook 3051 Butterfield Road, Oak Brook 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace 1225 22nd St., Oak Brook 1828 Oakbrook Center 2119 Clearwater Dr, Oak Brook 1300 22nd Street, Oak Brook 35 Oakbrook Center 2020 Spring Road, Oak Brook 105 Oakbrook Center 3041 Butterfield Road, Oak Brook 2054 York Road, Oak Brook 2155 22nd St., Oak Brook 541 Oakbrook Center 1950 Spring Road,Oak Brook 3702 York Road, Oak Brook 118 Oakbrook Center 3011 Butterfield Road,Oak Brook 3021 Butterfield Road,Oak Brook 18W080 22nd St. Oakbrook Terrace 1415 22nd St., Oak Brook 240 Oakbrook Center 7 Oakbrook Center 17W460 22nd St Oakbrook Terrace 166 Oakbrook Center 2022 Spring Road, Oak Brook 2103 Clearwater Drive, Oak Brook 2100 Spring Road, Oak Brook

630-491-1415 630-571-7800 815 374 3893 630-573-8180 630-515-8395 630-530-8300 630-828-2932 773-831-7888 630-908-4380 415-945-3500 312-455-8626 630-573-1800 630-716-3056 630-575-8401 630-590-5888 630-703-1958 773-216-5626 630-413-1017 630-323-5090 630-586-9200 630-861-7617 630-574-2800 630-912-8300 312-929-0120 630-368-0003 630-575-8700 630-501-1177 630-286-6437 630-320-2034 630-230-3076 630 828-2044

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

Go to: www.HinsdaleMag.com to make a reservation at these fine dining establishments.

A Dining Mecca of over 65 Restaurants Presents Restaurant Week April 22-30

RESTAURANTS IN AND AROUND OAK BROOK NAME

CUISINE

ADDRESS

PHONE

Devon Parker’s Seasons 52 Ditka’s Fogo de Chao Gibson’s Restaurant McCormick & Schmick’s Old Town Pour House Perry’s Grill Wildfire Cilantro Corner Bakery Greek Kitchen Nando’s Peri Peri Chicken Pie Five Pizza Potbelly Sandwiches Sweet Green (salads)

SEAFOOD SEAFOOD SEAFOOD STEAKHOUSE STEAKHOUSE STEAKHOUSE STEAKHOUSE STEAKHOUSE STEAKHOUSE STEAKHOUSE FAST CASUAL FAST CASUAL FAST CASUAL FAST CASUAL FAST CASUAL FAST CASUAL FAST CASUAL

17W400 22nd St. Oakbrook Terrace 1000 31st St. Downers Grove 3 Oakbrook Center 2 Mid-America Plaza #100, Oakbrook Terrace 1204 22nd St, Oak Brook 2105 Spring Road, Oak Brook 3001 Butterfield Road, Oak Brook 8 Oakbrook Center 5 Oakbrook Center 232 Oakbrook Center Oakbrook Center Oakbrook Center Oakbrook Center Oakbrook Center Oakbrook Center Oakbrook Center Oakbrook Center

630-516-0180 630-960-5700 630-571-4752 630-572-2200 630-716-2929 630-954-1000 630-571-3700 312-212-8878 630-571-1808 630-598-9000 630-828-8200 630-368-0505 630-571-4750 630-230-4348 630-560-3215 630-570-5216 630-647-5200

HOTEL HOTEL HOTEL HOTEL

Drake Hotel, 2301 York Rd., Oak Brook Le Meridien, 2100 Spring Rd, Oak Brook Hyatt Lodge, 2815 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook DoubleTree, 1909 Spring Rd, Oak Brook

630-571-0000 630-368-9900 630-568-1234 630-472-0000

GOLF COURSE GOLF COURSE

3500 Midwest Club, Oak Brook 2606 York Road, Oak Brook

630-850-5555 630-368-6400

DEPT. STORE DEPT. STORE

Nieman Marcus, level 2, Oakbrook Center Nordstrom, 10 Oakbrook Center

630-586-3150 630-218-2410

HOTELS Colonial Room, Polo Lounge Longitude 87 Restaurant Water’s Edge Lakeside Patio Atrium Café, 1909 Lounge

GOLF COURSE Oak Brook Hills Hilton Oak Brook Golf Club

DEPARTMENT STORES Nieman Marcus NM Café Nordstrom Ruscello

HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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Destination Your Staycation

7 Great Places to Stay, Play, Shop, Dine and More

Oak Brook Hotel, Convention and Visitors Committee

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Dermal fillers restore facial volume to smooth skin lines and wrinkles as well as enhance areas like the lips, chin, or jawline. This is done with gel-like materials that dermatologists inject under the skin at different depths. Fillers are seemingly unlimited when it comes to applications.

They can be used to lift cheekbones, improve hollowness of the facial skin in areas like the temples and under the eyes.

Moreover, fillers can be used to treat areas like the neck and chest to restore skin health and diminish the appearance of finely wrinkled and thin skin. Lastly, fillers can also be used to rejuvenate the hands.

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Fillers are made with FDA approved substances injected beneath the skin.

These include Hyaluronic Acid, Calcium Hydroxylapatite, and Poly-L-Lactic Acid.

Poly-L-Lactic Acid also known as Sculptra is Dr. Steil’s favorite dermal filler. It is biocompatible, which makes it completely safe to use. It is a totally biodegradable synthetic substance,which means it dissolves. Lastly, it works by stimulating skin to rebuild the natural collagen resulting into smoother skin and greater volume.

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Hinsdale Magazine | Local Government

OAK BROOK TRUSTEE MICHAEL MANZO

RED LIGHT CAMERA HELL At Route 83 & 22nd Street

“I

BY ADAM ANDRZEJEWSKI, CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

t’s a disgrace that those red light cameras are still at that corner knowing that it was placed there by corruption.” Oak Brook Trustee Michael Manzo Since 2018, Oakbrook Terrace collected nearly $11 million in revenue from ticketing 206,500 motorists on red light camera violations at the intersection of Route 83 and 22nd Street.

Our auditors at OpenTheBooks.com received these figures from the city after we filed Freedom of Information Act requests.

And that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

The figures showed a massive amount of fines generated from the cameras peppering drivers with $100 tickets. This happened during a period when several suburban elected officials 26

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

pled guilty to taking bribes from camera company reps and while federal investigations swirled.

driving $3,473,164 in city revenues. The following year, 60,629 tickets were issued, resulting in revenues of $3,319,287.

Opponents of the program claimed the cameras were tainted from the getgo. Elected officials across the Chicagometro area were alleged to have taken kickbacks to promote the Chicagobased red light camera company SafeSpeed LLC.

The tickets and revenue slowed down, presumably due to drivers staying home during the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020, the cameras snapped pictures for 34,449 tickets, bringing in $1,899,303, and in 2021, they issued 37,064 tickets, for $1,885,448, according to records from the City of Oakbrook Terrace.That’s 200,232 tickets issued between 2018 and 2021, for $10,577,202 in fines.

SafeSpeed’s cameras were installed at the busy Oakbrook Terrace intersection in August 2017 after being the subject of a lawsuit. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) first rejected the permit but then quickly approved it. Oak Brook sued alleging a corrupt process. However, the village attorney at the time recommended that the lawsuit be voluntarily withdrawn.

Then, the red light tickets started flying.

In 2018, 68,090 tickets were issued,

That’s 200,232 tickets issued between 2018 and 2021, for $10,577,202 in fines.

So far in 2022, 6,281 tickets have been issued through the end of February.

Dollar figures for fines weren’t included because they haven’t been reconciled, the city said.

Trustee Manzo wants the cameras removed.

On Tuesday, March 8 at the village

board meeting, Manzo reintroduced discussion on whether Oak Brook should sue Oakbrook Terrace, IDOT, and elected officials for the removal of the cameras. He argued that history has shown evidence of a corrupt process.

Manzo has spearheaded the local movement against the cameras for years.

$1 Billion Red Light Camera Problem In Illinois

An October 2019 analysis by the Illinois Policy Institute found that in throughout the state, municipalities collected more than $1 billion from drivers through red light cameras tickets between 2008 and 2018.

The dollar figures have more than doubled over time, with local governments collecting more than $113.2 million in 2018 compared to a much smaller $53.5 million in 2008.

At the time of the analysis, there were at least 89 municipalities operating redlight camera programs, with the number of cameras more than tripling between 2008 and 2018.

to allegedly bribe an Oak Lawn trustee with $4,000 for his support to add cameras at additional intersections.

Maani cooperated with the FBI. The cooperation led to charges against several Democratic politicians and power players, including Doherty, Crestwood Mayor Louis Presta, and then-state Sen. Martin Sandoval.

The company has said that it had no knowledge of Omar Maani’s criminal conduct, did not authorize it, and does not condone it.

SafeSpeed’s cameras are still in use in 21 towns in Cook County, Chicago TV news channel WGN9 reported in February 2021.

SafeSpeed has never been charged with wrongdoing and cut ties with Omar Maani in February 2020.

standardize best practices,” a company spokesperson said in a statement.

Local government officials and the red light camera company tout the ability of the cameras to prevent crashes. However, in 2020, an Oak Brook Village study showed a linkage to more car crashes, NBC Chicago reported.

The study showed that before the cameras, there were 23 crashes in 2015 at the major intersection of Route 83 and 22nd Street in Oakbrook Terrace.

But after the cameras were installed, the numbers jumped to 36 in each of 2017 and 2018 and 49 in 2019.

Oak Brook Police Chief James Kruger attributed the crashes to drivers "panic stopping" to avoid getting a ticket.

State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-Elmhurst), whose legislative district covers the region, The Pritzker administration has introduced a bill in March 2021 that would ban all redrefused to lift a finger, review prior light cameras in Illinois. After a decisions, and has refused to give local do-nothing session, Mazzochi introduced tailored legislation to residents some well-deserved relief. target red light cameras tainted - DEANNE MAZZOCHI by corruption.

“

This as the camera program was plagued with corruption.

Omar Maani was co-owner and cofounder of SafeSpeed LLC. In August 2020, Maani was charged with bribery conspiracy for allegedly conspiring with political operative Patrick Doherty, who worked as a contractor for SafeSpeed, and another sales agent

”

State Representative (R-Elmhurst)

“SafeSpeed remains dedicated to serving Illinois municipalities with honesty, integrity and a commitment to enforcing the law and fully supports the federal government’s efforts to root out corruption. Red light camera programs are a valuable safety tool and SafeSpeed supports efforts to improve them and

If passed, Mazzochi’s bill would potentially eliminate the cameras at Route 83 and 22nd Street in Oakbrook Terrace.

“Ever since the indictments came out, I’ve repeatedly called on Gov. Pritzker’s Illinois Department of Transportation to revoke the permit that blessed their installation under dubious circumstances,” Mazzochi told me on a phone call. “The Pritzker administration has refused to left a finger, review prior decisions, and has refused to give local residents some welldeserved relief.

If you won’t mend it, then end it.

They’re riddled with corruption.”

Adam Andrzejewski is the founder and CEO of OpenTheBooks.com.

A previous version of this story mistakenly had Sen. Martin Sandoval taking $700,000 in bribes. In fact, Sandoval pled guilty to $70,000 in federal government-funded bribes. None of that money came from SafeSpeed LLC. ■

HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

27

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Hinsdale Magazine | Home

Planning Your Backyard This Season So, you’ve decided it’s time your backyard could use improvement.

W

hile your front yard is for people to enjoy as they pass by, your backyard can and should be all about you and how you want to live outdoors. It could be a sanctuary for relaxation. Maybe you like to entertain.

Maybe you just want it for play. Maybe you want to extend your seasonal use.

Maybe you want a combination.

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HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

BY LARRY ATSEFF

Maybe you think you just need a facelift. But, don't make the mistake of slapping a patio down here and a garden border there as time and budget allow and be done with it.

Suggestion: before you call a landscaping firm or a deck company, save yourself a lot of time and money and do some planning on your own.

Consider the space holistically, from how you want to use your backyard

to how much time you want to spend working in it.

Then call some of the finest landscaping firms in the area.

Start by Dreaming

Ask yourself some basic questions.

What do you want out of the backyard — a playground for kids, a cozy retreat, and an entertaining patio?

What materials do you like — brick pavers, water, sustainable plants?

Dream a little, then see what you can afford and have time to maintain, Eventually, you'll want to get real. Be honest about your level of involvement. A yard that requires little work and resources is the holy grail. Think about how to simplify the plans to make this happen for you.

Take Stock of your Property

Do a walk-around and consider what you like and don't like about the space. Make a list of what's salvageable (the 100-year-old oak tree) and what's not (a sagging, rotten deck), as well as how permanent storage (shed, garage, etc.) is positioned and whether it needs to be moved or camouflaged.

Don't forget to factor in geographical considerations. If you adore roses but live in an area with a lot of deer, they'll get eaten. Either plant something else or plan a fence.

Is a new Deck in the Plan?

If you want a deck that’s just for cooking with a grill, that’s one thing.

If you want a deck that can serve as a center for outdoor entertaining, maybe you need an outdoor kitchen

and bar, complete with plenty of room and outdoor furniture for entertaining. Today’s composite building materials and furnishings can help you extend the size and time you want to spend outside. Simply put, a new deck can transform your backyard.

Know the Rules

Your village or homeowner's association may have specific regulations, like maximum fence height or projects that require permits. Know what's allowed before you begin work, because if you break the rules and get caught, not only will you have to take down your project, but there will be fines involved.

Make a Plan, on Paper

A plan provides a birds-eye view of your overall project, which can then be implemented logically in steps.

Draw a bubble to represent generic spaces like a patio, playground, garage and pool, then link the bubbles together with pathways, lawn areas, and gardens.

Look

at

the

relationships

between spaces, then draw them to approximate scale. Each individual space should flow into the next, moving people from the front yard to back, from a primary patio to a secondary patio. Entryways, pathways and exits are transition opportunities make a statement or focus attention, or draw people to your next space.

You can create the impression of separate spaces by simply changing the material or pattern, or by elevating one portion slightly above the other to establish distinct "rooms" without disrupting the flow."

If this effort is not quite your cup of tea, hire a professional, at least for the planning portion. They can open your eyes to brilliant options you may not think of yourself.

Check the Plan From Inside

Outdoor spaces should bring pleasure every day, even when you're inside. When designed properly, your backyard becomes an artwork as you look through your windows.

Continued on next page

DECKS CAN BE DESIGNED WITH PRIVACY HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

31

Hinsdale Magazine | Home Continued from the previous page Start with the kitchen window, since homeowners spend more time looking out that window than any other. Be practical: Assess traffic patterns from the kitchen or mudroom. Make sure your plan allows you to move people in and out, to get the garbage out, everything you need for daily living.

Fine-Tune Each Area

With a big overview of your backyard, you can then focus on specific areas. Maybe a patio is not as fitting as a raised deck, or deck on the ground, depending on entrances and exits from the house to your backyard.

Or, your patio area is just too small and not easily accessible.

Have you ever considered an arbor as an entry to your backyard? Do you look forward to getting out into the garden and tending it? What kind of garden? Flowers or vegetables or just rocks, native grass and pebbles?

Or would you rather relax and look out over a nice yard of grass? Or, a hardscape of bricks and pavers?

Have the kids outgrown your swing set? Is that a place for a garden? Is it time for fencing?

Now, look at the backyard as a whole

Now, look at your yard in context, both in relation to the house and to itself. Flowers, hardscapes, and even lawns literally become the wallpaper of your outdoor room.

Speaking of lawns, looking for a “set it and forget it” approach? The robotic vacuum market has grown exponentially over the years cleaning our floors and carpets indoors. The new trend? Auto mowers that run quietly on electric power and create a healthier lawn over time. In addition to eliminating noise pollution and carbon emissions, these robots allow homeowners to reallocate time and resources for other outdoor enhancements. Nearly five years ago, Mariani Landscape started testing robotic mowers and has not looked back. The company has embraced the new technology passing the benefits onto homeowners by providing the installation, programming, and

ARBORS CAN ENHANCE A BACKYARD ENTRANCE 32

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

maintenance for the auto mower.

Technology is constantly evolving and these self-guided machines that are 100% eco-friendly certainly allow homeowners to go green. And their grass too.

Execute in Logical Stages

The best thing about a comprehensive plan? You don't need to do it all at once. Work on one area at a time, but make sure you're always thinking ahead. For example, if you're redoing the patio and eventually want to do an outdoor kitchen, don't wait to install the gas hookup, since it's more cost-effective to do when the ground is already dug up.

Now, if all these preliminary planning steps are not quite your cup of tea, hire a professional.

They are booking appointments right now. At the very least, we’ve given you some food for thought when you meet. Before you know it, you can be outdoors, so don’t wait.

Get started. ■

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WE’RE HERE

FOR YOU At Hinsdale Bank & Trust, we understand that while not everyone is in the same boat, we’re all weathering the same storm. As a community, we’re in uncharted waters, but our philosophy as your true local bank hasn’t changed. Our lobbies are now open, and you can still take advantage of our drive-up service, utilize our digital tools and online financial resources, and make an appointment to safely meet with a local banker. We’re committed to doing what we’ve always done: work hard to be there for our customers and support our community.

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Hinsdale Magazine | Local Government

KARI GALASSI WITH GREG HART AND BOB BERLIN

THE CANDIDATES Hinsdale�s Kari Galassi and Greg Hart Run for DuPage County Board Positions

BY LARRY ATSEFF

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R

ecently, at Salt Creek Club, a fundraiser was held for Kari Galassi, who is running for a seat on the DuPage County Board, District 3, this fall.

She was endorsed by Greg Hart, a board member, who is running for the position of Chairman of the DuPage County Board. Ms. Galassi was also endorsed by Robert Berlin, DuPage County State’s Attorney.

Afterward, we had an opportunity to speak with Ms. Galassi about her candidacy. Following are questions and her answers.

Q. You are running for DuPage County Board member for District 3.

Describe the size of the area, key towns in the district, and population.

Central Football and boys Lacrosse boards.

most sports like football, band, and National Honor Society.

I then created “Yes Productions” when I saw a greater need for youth theater in our community.

I managed the campaign for two newly appointed District 86 board members. When the vaccines first rolled out, I volunteered at every vaccine clinic I could to expedite the rollout, particularly for our senior citizens and immunocompromised.

Q. What problems and opportunities do you want to address specifically for district 3?

A. The DuPage County Board is involved in a wide scope of issues.

It is often said that 90% of what garners media attention occurs at the State and Federal levels, but 90% of what affects our daily lives occurs at the County or local levels. My primary agenda for District 3 stems from my desire to stem crime in my entire district – particularly the acutely affected parts along the Ogden Avenue corridor in between 355 and 294. I also want to address flooding concerns across the District.

For example, I would look to find opportunities to finance needed dredging projects in unincorporated communities like Bruce Lake and Timberlake.

“I believe I have proven to be a source for good and bettering our community and plan to do the same for the entire DuPage County.”

A. District 3 is home to approximately 160,000 residents in Southeast DuPage County. The district includes eleven different communities: Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills, Willowbrook, Westmont, Downers Grove, Woodridge, Darien, Naperville, as well as the DuPage portions of Lemont and Bolingbrook. The district is home to the nationally known Argonne Laboratory, multiple historic districts along the BNSF Metra line, and thousands of small businesses and nonprofits.

Q. What in your personal background qualifies you for being on the DuPage County Board?

A. I graduated from Indiana University with a degree in accounting. I worked as a CPA in the audit division of Arthur Andersen and then moved on to executive recruiting. I was the Managing Director of my firm when our first son was born and Nick, my husband, and I decided our family would be best served with me home with our children.

Since staying home I have been a very active member of our community. I headed our elementary chess team that qualified for nationals and fundraised for Hinsdale Little League. I served on both the Hinsdale

- KARI GALASSI

Most recently I was asked to be a part of the Hinsdale Hospital Cabinet to benefit the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) renovation. I lead the efforts for a fundraiser that raised $650k in one evening and am still an active cabinet member.

I believe I have proven to be a source for good and bettering our community and plan to do the same for the entire DuPage County.

Q. What are you best known for in serving the public?

A. I am best known for rallying the D86 community to pass the facilities referendum in 2019. We faced a large opposition campaign and the referendum had failed in two previous elections, so it was a difficult task. I formed 12 subcommittees and had over 300 community volunteers helping with our effort, including students. We raised over $600k during the campaign at many different fundraising events. From canvassing, to signs, to community tables and call banks, we successfully were able to raise awareness and pass the referendum by nearly 20 points. This effort not only enabled each school’s facilities to be greatly improved, but it also reinstated many extracurricular activities that had been cut including

Q. What problems and opportunities do you want to work on for the whole of DuPage County?

A. Crime. Crime. Crime. We have seen a major increase in crime in DuPage over the past 4 years and I would like to support Bob Berlin and Sheriff Mendrick as much as possible so they can fight the crime surge. We need to feel safe in DuPage County.

Many of us moved to DuPage for public safety. I also want to ensure our educational systems remain strong in DuPage County and that parents have a voice in their student's education. Finally, I would like to promote economic development in DuPage County, while ensuring we maintain a balanced budget and do not raise taxes.

Q. If someone wants to help you in your campaign, what is the contact information?

A. They can email me at kari@ karigalassi.com or fill out the volunteer form on my website at www.karigalassi.com I would appreciate any and all help. ■

HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

37

Graue Mill & MuSeuM important History Happened Here

We’re Open!

Graue Mill Water Wheel See the famous water wheel, symbol of the Mill for well over a century! It is part of the system that earned recognitions as an Illinois Historic Engineering Landmark representing an important technology era in the history of America.

Through November 13.

Thurs.-Fri. 10 am – 4pm; Sat.-Sun. 12pm - 4pm

looking for a Group activity For your organization or a unique place to hold a small corporate retreat?

Consider getting away from the office to the bucolic setting of the Graue Mill for a group tour or reserve the Graue House for a corporate meeting or retreat.

Special rates are available for groups over 20 or for weekday meeting or event rentals.

Shop at our 1st Floor Gift Shop Do you need more fresh cornmeal, specialty jams or Graue Mill note cards?

Browse for free at our gift shop for historic toys, handmade dolls, and other unique items.

Gift shop is open during Mill hours.

Call the main office for more information (630) 920-9720.

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3800 York Road, Oak Brook, just north of intersection with Ogden Avenue.

Hinsdale Magazine | Sports

HINSDALE CENTRAL GIRLS� LACROSSE TEAM PICTURED AT THEIR FIRST GAME OF THE SEASON ON MARCH 14TH

Going for the Gold

BY EMMA WOLF

H

insdale Central Girls’ Lacrosse Head Coach Matt McNiff shares the details on what makes the team strong, competitive, and ready to give it everything they’ve got this season.

Currently ranked as #4 in the Midwest and ranked in the top 50 teams in the U.S., the Hinsdale Central High School girls’ lacrosse team is undoubtedly going for the gold this season. After having two rocky seasons during the past couple “Covid years”, the team is back and ready to dominate this season.

In 2018, the team won state. In 2019, they took second place in

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HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

state. In 2020, lacrosse and all other spring sports were cancelled due to Coronavirus. In 2021, the team faced another year full of question marks and uncertainty, but they ended up taking third place in state.

Now, in 2022, the girls want to reclaim their victory by taking first place once again.

“These girls want to go to state this year and they want to win,” McNiff said. “They want to be number one.”

The team has been training hard and they simply won’t settle for anything less than the best. With the first game being on March 14th, the lacrosse team is giving this season their all. The season begins in March and ends in June.

“This off season, we brought back our off-season workout program. This consists of the girls working in the weight room three days per week,” McNiff said.

“There honestly has not been one complaint. The Seniors have really led and guided the team and they work really well together. There is a lot of team bonding going on here.”

McNiff actually fell into the role unintentionally, but he now adores being a part of it. He started out as being the temporary lacrosse coach while the school’s athletic program searched for a permanent coach. He soon fell in love with the role and was hired for the long term.

This is McNiff’s second year being Head Coach, but he has multiple other athletic coaching experiences on his resume. He serves as the Assistant Athletic Director at Hinsdale Central High School, and he also coached football for eight years. His main job and passion, however, is being a Special Education teacher at the high school. While coaching lacrosse is somewhat new territory to McNiff, he is loving every part of it.

Hinsdale Central student athletes to the sport. The program focuses on 6th-8th grade girls, which allows them to learn the sport while also meeting their potential teammates and playing lacrosse with them on a competitive level, giving the girls an

accurate feel of what playing at the high school level will be like.

Make sure to show your support for the Hinsdale Central girls’ lacrosse team this season! ■

“I am very blessed to be able to work with these amazing young women everyday. I have gotten to witness them grow into better players and better athletes, and that has been so rewarding,” McNiff said. “The lacrosse team has taught me how to be a better coach and they are also showing me how to be a girl dad, since I have a sevenmonth-old baby girl at home.”

There is also a lacrosse feeder program, which is essentially a program that introduces incoming HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

41

Resident and Premier Realtor of Oak Brook “Opening The Finest Doors” Since 1986

When searching for a realtor to assist you in buying or selling, Nikki is the perfect fit.

She offers in-depth knowledge of Oak Brook, the Western Suburbs with national and global networking a benefit to her clients and future prospects.

Such is the case with Nikki. She is an accomplished Real Estate Professional with over 30 years of experience and impeccable market knowledge.

As a result, she knows how to recommend pricing strategies with well honed negotiation skills to secure a competitive edge.

Nikki is well entrenched in the community with vast knowledge of its neighborhoods, schools and amenities. Also a member of the Oak Brook Infant Welfare Auxiliary involved in the annual fundraiser to benefit Angel Harvey family Health Center of Chicago. Her top production has kept her in the Coldwell Banker Realty upper echelon of awards, including International President’s Circle and current International Diamond Society.

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Hinsdale Magazine | Charitable Giving

Hinsdale Historical Society Luncheon

M

ore than 200 guests attended the annual Hinsdale Historical Society luncheon “Bringing Color Back... In a New Way” on Thursday, March 10th at the Hinsdale Golf Club. The event was chaired by Alexis Braden, Anna Fiascone, and Sarah Zielke and featured a panel discussion by esteemed designers including: Jenny Holladay, Senior Designer,

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCELLO RODARTE

Summer Thornton Design, Christina Dandar, The Potted Boxwood, Hope Lloyd Brow, Art Dealer, & Curator, and Sarah Vaile, Sarah Vaile Interiors The inaugural Hinsdale Historical Society Preservation Award was presented to Jennifer and Neal Reenan for their restoration efforts of Hinsdale's landmarked Orland P Bassett House (American Beauty House), which was heavily damaged by a fire a few years

back. Designer Elizabeth Krueger of Elizabeth Krueger Design and Joel Rafferty of Michael Abraham Architecture accepted the award on the Reenan's behalf.

Lastly, the Hinsdale Historical Society annual tea towel was unveiled - commemorating Hinsdale's historic Dean House - which was demolished in 2019. All proceeds from the tea towel sales will benefit the Historical Society. ■

LUNCHEON CHAIRS SARAH ZIELKE, ANNA FIASCONE AND ALEXIS BRADEN

PANELISTS SARAH VAILE AND HOPE LLOYD BROWN

PANELIST CHRISTINA DANDAR OF THE POTTED BOXWOOD, ANNA FIASCONE AND ALEXIS BRADEN 46

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HINSDALE KITCHEN WALK COMMEMORATIVE TEA TOWELS

HINSDALE HISTORICAL SOCIETY PRESIDENT CARRIE ROZICH AND WALKER REDIEHS

LYNNE BOCHE AND COURTNEY CASEY

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Hinsdale Magazine | Food & Drink

HAIL TO THE CHEF

Drake Oak Brook Hotel’s Executive Chef, Ezequiel Dominguez

BY LARRY ATSEFF

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ome of the biggest names in dining are located in Oak Brook.

Yet, one of the biggest, busiest, and best kitchens in Oak Brook isn’t even associated with those big names. The chef that runs the whole operation is very quiet and unassuming but he is extremely well accomplished.

His name: Ezequiel Dominguez, Executive Chef, Drake Oak Brook Hotel.

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It’s one thing to take care of breakfast, lunch, or dinner crowds with the same menus and times, day after day. There is a routine you can count on.

It’s quite another thing when preparing several wildly different and delicious menu items at the same time. After all, the Drake Oak Brook Hotel, is a Marriott Autograph Collection Hotel, top-of-a-line luxury hotel, serving business travel, as well as local residents.

At the Drake Oak Brook Hotel, there’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, each with its own menu. There’s room service. There’s the elegant, intimate Colonial Room. The Polo Lounge is where you can enjoy drinks and a meal. There’s the Sinatra Room for private parties. There are outdoor patios and even “igloos” for outdoor dining in the winter. There are banquets for conventions and meetings for hundreds at a time.

There’s a full brunch serving a couple

of Ezequiel in Santo Tomás, Estado de México in the south of the Republic of Mexico. He has always liked being in the kitchen. When he was five years old, he helped his mother; she taught him how to make delicious tapas and bread and he follows the recipes to this day. Speaking of which, he says: “In the beginning, I learned how to follow instructions and follow the recipe.

When you do this, the food comes out like it’s supposed to.”

GRILLED CHICKEN SANDWICH GRILLED CHICKEN BREAST, AVOCADO, BABY SPINACH, SLICED TOMATO, SMOKED APPLE BACON, PROVOLONE CHEESE, CHIPOTLE MAYONNAISE IN TOMATO FOCACCIA BREAD AND FRENCH FRIES

of hundred, every Sunday. There are bridal showers. And weddings…lots of them…twenty alone in the first two months of 2022.

He has become an expert in Mediterranean cuisines such as Spanish tapas, classic American cuisine, and French-infused cuisine.

Following the recipe and teaching this to all his kitchen help is part of the secret to the success of the kitchen.

While the kitchen is large, he works with a relatively small staff, up to 10 on a busy night. “Everyone follows the recipe, the steps. That’s the only way we can handle the wide variety of meals and different serving counts at

CHILEAN SEA BASS PAN SEARED CHILEAN SEA BASS, CITRUS CRUSTED WHIT FORBIDDEN RICE, STIR VEGETABLES AND SWEET SOY GLAZE.

hotel entrance you see the intimate Colonial Room on your right and the Polo Lounge on your left. But then you are reminded there is so much more when you notice the meeting areas, ready and waiting to be used, or already in use.

A special word about The Colonial Room. It is a great, quiet place for lunch or dinner in an elegant, On top of all this and coming relaxed atmosphere, at surprisingly soon, a kitchen for a restaurant reasonable prices. Two favorites at featuring international cuisine. Later lunch: Grilled Chicken on this year, a large, luxury “In the beginning, I learned how to & Avocado sandwich, swimming pool is being and Stacked Meatloaf. A added, complete with food follow instructions and follow the favorite at dinner is the and drink amenities. recipe. When you do this, the food Chilean Sea Bass or Filet And all the food, for all Mignon. Naturally, tapas comes out like it’s supposed to.” the activities, come from one and other Spanish delicacies large kitchen managed and — EZEQUIEL DOMINGUEZ, are also on the menu. There Executive Chef, Drake Oak Brook Hotel led by Ezequiel. is even a High Tea. We asked Jim Nagle, owner From the outside, the renovated the same time.” of the Drake, how he was able to find Drake Oak Brook Hotel, is a When the kitchen is humming, he someone who can manage it all. He beautiful hotel with 154 rooms. said, “My wife Tely discovered Chef watches over the stations and helps And, now you know it is also home (Dominguez) working at a downtown where he sees the need for an extra to delicious dining you can enjoy in restaurant in Chicago in 2010. We hand. so many ways, thanks to Ezequiel, hired him to run a tapas restaurant for In addition to watching the kitchen, his kitchen and his talented staff. ■ us in Indiana. Then he was working he has to make sure the wait staff is for us in Kane County, and in 2015, he well trained and up to speed on the joined us here at the Drake, after some menus and the day’s specials. extensive renovations took place.

When he is not supervising in the The Drake Oak Brook Hotel, is a back or the front, he is ordering the far cry from the humble beginnings food. He adds, “We get everything fresh, nothing frozen.” When it comes to beverages, he has help from in-house expertise.

In addition to a large kitchen, there is also a very large commissary space to take in all the food and store all equipment it takes to set up the tables, meeting rooms, and dining rooms, and constantly keep things clean and safe.

When you walk through the

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Hinsdale Magazine | Food & Drink

Premium Cocktails Ready to Drink!

CO-FOUNDERS, CHARLTON GRONLUND (HINSDALE) AND SCOTT ALLEN (BURR RIDGE) OF BAR2TABLE

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BY EMMA WOLF I PHOTOGRAPHY BY FMR PHOTOGRAPHY

ar2Table Co-founders, Scott Allen and Charlton Gronlund, share their story of starting their own premium canned cocktail business and expanding it to be sold in stores and gaining a loyal following along the way.

In 2017, Scott Allen and Charlton Gronlund set out to create the perfect high-quality, ready-to-drink canned cocktail beverages. Fast forward to 2021 and the entrepreneur duo has developed their business, Bar2Table,

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so greatly that their Bloody Mary drink is now sold in 100+ stores in IL and 260+ stores in PA. It is also sold at local country clubs during the golf season. The company currently includes canned varieties of the popular cocktails- Bloody Mary (MaryCan), Tangerine Margarita (RitaCan), and Citrus Tonic (GinnyCan). The MaryCan Bloody Mary was their first product and it remains to be the most popular and highly requested one.

As included in the company’s slogan, Allen and Gronlund wanted to emphasize the overarching goal of allowing customers to have their “anywhere table”-whether it be at a sporting event, at a birthday party, on the beach, or gathering at home with friends and family over good drinks.

“It has taken four years to fine tune the quality and consistency that we wanted our product to have,” Gronlund said. “It had to be a process that we had to take our time with.”

“The validation from our customers After attending the Chicago Auto tomato juice for their Bloody Mary Show and watching crowds of 75-100 in the Chicagoland area and they is the best part,” Gronlund said. “The people wait in line for 35+ minutes have it canned in canning facilities overall reception has been fantastic.

We are very excited about the to get a freshly-made Bloody future of expansion.”

Mary, Allen and Gronlund “We work with partners who noticed that there was an With plans for expansion absence of natural, high- produce high-quality ingredients and more success in the quality adult beverage options. and take their time. Sourcing future as the company gains Their beverages all include more followers through social ingredients is a long process real vodka, tequila, gin, and media (@therealbar2table) tonic, as well as natural citrus and this has to be a super and from word-of-mouth flavors. Each one is ready-torecommendations, the only high-quality beverage.” go, without any mixing drinks question left is which of the involved, making it an easy — SCOTT ALLEN, canned cocktails will you try C0-Founder, Bar2Table and convenient alternative to first? making a cocktail at home.

Additional information is available at “This has to first and foremost be in Wisconsin, and the two travel to www.Bar2Table.com. ■ Wisconsin to sample the beverage a super high-quality beverage. We work with partners who produce once it is canned. Working with high-quality ingredients and take local partners enables the canned their time,” Allen said. “Sourcing beverage company to include locally ingredients is a long process and sourced ingredients while also the Bloody Mary cocktail contains supporting other small businesses. many ingredients.”

Allen and Gronlund are very involved and hands-on during the process and like to be involved every step of the way. They source

In the few years that they have been in business, Bar2Table has received tremendous customer feedback and continues to gain more popularity as it expands.

THE BAR2TABLE BLOODY MARY COCKTAIL IS READY TO DRINK AND CONTAINS ALL NATURAL INGREDIENTS

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Hinsdale Magazine | Giving Back

On March 1, COMPASS celebrated a Mardi Gras Broker’s Party at 727 S. Oak St., Hinsdale with a $2000 grant from COMPASS Cares to Habitat For Humanity-Chicago. The party included COMPASS Brokers Jane Thiede, Colleen Wilcox, David Chudy, Habitat For Humanity-Chicago, Linda DeNovi, COMPASS, and Bill White, Sales Manager, COMPASS.

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Hinsdale Magazine | Giving Back

Mend a Heart

Community Rallies Behind Local Foundation MIA BURK IS INTRODUCED BY BRIAN O’MEARA AT THE 2022 HEART FEST EVENT. MIA SHARED HER JOURNEY THROUGH MULTIPLE HEART SURGERIES IN FRONT OF A ROOM FULL OF SUPPORTERS.

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BY EMMA WOLF I PHOTOS COURTESY OF MEND-A-HEART ORGANIZATION

n 2007, Brian and Bridget O’Meara decided to start the Mend a Heart Foundation after their son, Liam, was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), which means that he is missing the left side of his heart. Congenital heart defects affect 1 in 100 babies in the U.S., which is about 40,000 babies per year.

Thanks to the modern medical technology that exists today, Liam

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has undergone three successful heart reconstructive surgeries and his heart has been reconstructed so that it is able to function with a single ventricle instead of two.

With the goal of supporting further research and medical care for other children born with congenital heart defects, Mend a Heart raises money through fundraisers to make a difference in the lives of many.

Since 2007, the 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization has raised

more than $1 million to support congenital heart defect research, high school cardiac screenings and medically-supervised heart camps.

The foundation is strictly run by volunteers.

In February, they hosted Heartfest 2022, which is a locallysponsored event in which guests were encouraged to wear red in support of heart health. This past year, they raised $170,000 and had 275 attendees. The event took place

MEND A HEART FOUNDERS BRIDGET AND BRIAN O’MEARA WITH THEIR SONS, SEAMUS, FINN AND LIAM.

at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook and included food, live music from the Hey Jimmy band, silent auction, raffles, and speakers to share their stories. The foundation has connections with cardiologists across the U.S. Mend a Heart established a Junior Board of 25 local high school students to help raise awareness for their mission, reach their fundraising goals, and promote heart health awareness among the young population. The Junior Board includes students from Hinsdale Central High School, Lyons Township High School, Fenwick High School, Benet Academy, and Nazareth Academy.

bags for the kids’ families to help spread holiday cheer and put smiles on the kids’ faces. Additionally, in February the Junior Board made candy Valentines for cardiac healthcare workers.

While there is still much research to be done to learn more about possible cures for congenital heart defects, it is promising and reassuring to know that the Mend a Heart Foundation is making progress in raising both money and awareness for this great cause, as well as bringing families together through networking and connecting at their events. To learn more about the Mend a Heart Foundation, go to mendaheart.org. ■

In October, the Junior Board had a chocolate bar sale and used the funds to buy Christmas presents for hospitalized kids at Advocate Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn.

The high school students delivered over 100 presents to the kids in the hospital, as well as seasonal goody

HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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Hinsdale Magazine | Travel

Here are five great types of trips for Family Reunions & Multigenerational Travel

BY VALERIE HARDY I PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CORRESPONDING FEATURED RESORT

Families across the nation are clamoring for quality time together after being apart for far too long, and more and more people are extolling experiences as the best gifts money can buy, ones that keep on giving through the memories made. However, when planning multigenerational travel or a destination family reunion, there is no one-size-fits-all option. To help you decide on the perfect fit for your family, here are our top 10 types of trips that are sure to be full of fun for the entire fam.

If Midwest is Best For families centrally located around Chicagoland, a drivable destination may be desirable.

Check out these picks recommended by reader Kim Venzon.

Honey Creek Resort at Rathbun Lake - Moravia, IA

The resort’s pavilion is ideal for hosting family reunions, and the cottages on the property offer an alternative to multiple hotel rooms for larger families. With an indoor waterpark, 18-hole championship golf course, jet skiing, biking, kayaking, fishing and more, your family will fall in love with this locale.

The Roundhouse Retreat Guesthouse - Decorah, IA

A unique geodesic home on a multi-acre wooded property, this is an ideal getaway for families looking to relax, recharge, and have an all-around good time together.

This unique rental home has three levels and sleeps up to 24 people.

Beachwalk Resort* Michigan City, IN

Located across from five miles of uninterrupted Lake Michigan beachfront, nature’s beauty abounds at Beachwalk.

Families can rent colorful custom-built homes of varying sizes from Beachwalk Vacation Rentals and travel by foot, bike, or golf cart to all resort amenities, including an interior lake, playground, pool, activity center with Bocci and shuffleboard, and tennis, basketball, and beach volleyball courts.

Photo courtesy of Beachwalk Vacation Rentals

Carving out Family Time on the Slopes is Sure to Lift Your Spirits Love to ski or snowboard (or simply après-ski)? Grab your gear and visit one of these recommended mountain retreats.

Edgewood Tahoe Resort* - Stateline, NV

Located near the Heavenly Mountain Resort, this resort provides luxurious lodge packages and villa suite options for when you come to ski the Sierra Nevada Mountains. From morning yoga to hot cocoa socials and evening s’mores, all resort activities are complimentary for guests. With its Edgewood on Ice ice-skating experience in South Lake Tahoe, this alpine retreat is right there for you to reconnect with loved ones.

Big Sky Resort* - Big Sky, MT

Direct flights into Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport, only 45 minutes from Big Sky, make this one of the easiest ski towns to access. The resort has numerous hotel and vacation rental accommodation options and an extensive list of winter activities: skiing, ziplining, dogsledding, snow mobiling, snowshoe tours, sleigh rides and more. Bundle up and come visit.

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Nature & Nurture The Resort & Ranch at Paws Up* Greenough, MT

This 37,000-acre working ranch offers an authentic dude ranch experience with trail rides, cattle drives and chuck wagon dinners.

Ten miles of the Blackfoot River flow through the property, and fly-fishing, white-water rafting and many other activities will keep your family busy from sunup to sundown.

You will all be ready to hit the hay in one of the resort’s private luxury homes or safari-style tents by day’s end.

To reconnect with nature and each other, families have many options. From dude ranches to camping and glamping, the great outdoors await you. Make reservations well in advance of your travel dates, however, because many venues in this category tend to fill up fast.

Under Canvas*

If a national park or landmark is on your family’s itinerary, check to see if one of Under Canvas’s 10 locations is along the way, and book your stay. You will be one with nature without forgoing any creature comforts when you camp out in one of their upscale, private tents.

Photo courtesy of @BaileyMade

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Hinsdale Magazine | Travel

When All are Included, Consider an All-Inclusive From recreation to restaurants, everything you need is in one place at an all-inclusive resort. And since everything is paid for in advance, the hassle of haggling over how to split bills is eliminated. Plus, from kids clubs to performances to piña coladas by the pool, there is something for everyone.

Hyatt Ziva Cap Cana* Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

Situated along the clear waters of Juanillo Beach, this resort offers the ultimate escape and access to an abundance of excursions, including deep-sea fishing. With 12 restaurants and bars on site, even the pickiest eaters will surely find something to please their palates.

Grand Velas* Riviera Maya, Mexico

The white sand beaches, stunning Caribbean coastline, and lush Mayan Jungle are the perfect backdrop for family fun in the sun. The resort features three distinctive ambiances – the Ambassador and Zen Grand being the most family-friendly – five signature restaurants and a Baby Concierge, Kids’ Club, and Teens’ Club.

A Destination that will Certainly Make a Splash Unpredictable climates a concern? Wash away the weather worries at an indoor waterpark like one of these.

Great Wolf Lodge* Minneapolis/Bloomington, MN

Near the famed Mall of America, this resort features waterslides galore and so much more. There are three different types of suites in which to stay, and between the waterpark, rockclimbing wall, ropes course, arcade, miniature bowling alley and mining company adventure, the kids (and kids at heart) will undoubtedly sleep well after a full day.

The Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center* - Nashville, TN

This luxury resort is home to the nation’s first upscale indoor/ outdoor resort water attraction: SoundWaves. Its themed attraction names are true to Nashville’s music roots, and with relaxing water features as well as energized rides and immersive tunes, this resort includes plenty of places for full family fun but also offers adult-only indoor and outdoor spaces.

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Hinsdale Magazine | Fashion

VIOLETS ARE BLUE. MoraBrand lavender pants suit, $135. etsy.com

FEELIN’ BLUE. Jane blazer, $282. revolve.com

THINK PINK. Mohair knit sweater, $340. us.sandro-paris.com

Spring Ahead With

WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS. Dolce & Gabbana Cicily bag in dauphine calfskin, $1,695. dolcegabbana.com

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From hot pink to sky blue, canary yellow to soft lilac, Spring fashion 2022 is packed with bright punches of color.

By Kerrie Kennedy pring is the season of new beginnings, as flowers bloom and the world seems to come alive again. With optimism in the air, there’s no better way to express that feeling than with a wardrobe exploding with color. As legendary fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert once observed, “fashion; it’s history in fabric. It frames the time you live and the place you live, and the mood of the people.”With that in mind, here are a few fashionable ways to add a little color into your style game this spring:

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THE SKY’S THE LIMIT. Lacoste mid-length textured pleated dress, $128.99. lacoste.com

FLOWER POWER. VChics Shirt Collar Bell Sleeve Floral Printed Coat, $73. vchics.com

SUBLIME LIME. Ralph Lauren classic fit mesh polo shirt, $95 ralphlauren.com

ORANGE IS THE NEW CHIC. Rotate Birger Christeansen belted ruffled chiffon midi dress, $164. net-a-porter.com

PEACHAY KEEN. Tory Burch Good Luck Trainer in peach parfait, $278. toryburch.com

OLIVE WITH A TWIST. Fleece shacket, $129. goodamerican.com

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Nesreen Suwan, M.D.

Emsculpt Neo: CELEBRITIES’ CHOICE!

EMSCULPT NEO, by simultaneously emitting both radio frequency and high intensity electromagnetic energies, results is more fat reduction and muscle growth, than any single gold standard product, for less time and less money.

Forever 25 Medical Center approaches self-care from seemingly every direction. Leading the charge is DR. NESREEN SUWAN, an anti-aging specialist who has years of extensive training and experience in cosmetic Botox, Dysport, and Juvederm. Her expertise includes Laser treatments, Fractora, Weight loss, Body Contouring - Emsculpt Neo, Coolsculpting, PDO Thread Face Lift, PRP Face Rejuvenation, PRP Hair Restoration, Restylane and Sculptra.

We are open 8am-4pm weekdays and Saturdays.

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911 N. ELM, SUITE 230 | HINSDALE, IL | 630-323-4468 WWW.HINSDALEDENTISTRY.COM

Peter T. Harnois, DDS Michael J. Kowalczyk, DDS

WHY PATIENTS TRUST HINSDALE DENTISTRY AND DR. PETER HARNOIS FOR THEIR

SMILE MAKEOVERS

Hinsdale Dentistry transforms hundreds of smiles per year. Just why are so many patients choosing this practice for cosmetic dentistry? Because they know that Dr. Harnois is an esthetics expert—not just regionally, but internationally. Combine his authority with the top-tier technologies available at his practice, and the decision becomes crystal clear.

Hinsdale Dentistry has long been setting a standard for comfortable patient care, with the aid of multiple dental lasers and the iTero digital scanner for digital impressions. These tools provide more comfortable, precise and efficient treatment and give patients of all ages a new understanding of dental care. Whether Hinsdale Dentistry’s patients are children receiving fillings prepared with a water laser and no painful shots, adults prepping teeth for crowns or veneers, or anxious patients hoping to whiten their teeth without sensitivity or to avoid traditional impressions, the practice’s minimally invasive technologies revolutionize their experience.

Dr. Harnois’ mastery of these tools has led to him becoming a sought-out trainer for emerging dental technologies and techniques. He travels throughout North America teaching other doctors to provide similarly exceptional treatment, sharing his skills as a clinician and esthetics authority.

DR. HARNOIS’ INTERNATIONAL LECTURING As a clinical trainer and lecturer for The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, and DenMat, the manufacturer of Lumineers, Dr. Harnois provides handson training and education to dental and medical professionals across the country. He shares his philosophy that every patient deserves the most gentle and minimally invasive cosmetic and metal-free dental treatments with natural results, and enables other dentists to elevate their patient care.

THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF COSMETIC DENTISTRY (AACD) Dr. Harnois is a 10-year member of the AACD, which is considered the highest body of knowledge of esthetic dentistry. He is also one of the main presenters at their annual educational symposium each year.

THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FACIAL ESTHETICS (AAFE) Dr. Harnois is the President of the Illinois American Academy of Facial Esthetics and trains dentists in Botox and dermal filler techniques. He is a nationally recognized leader in minimally invasive total facial esthetic techniques. Dr. Harnois has instructed thousands of healthcare

professionals through both lecture and hands-on courses and is an outstanding instructor who is known for his coherent and interactive style.

DENMAT, LUMINEERS MANUFACTURER Dr. Harnois partners with DenMat to train other dentists in minimally invasive esthetics. He provides hands-on preparation and placement of minimally invasive, ultra-thin, highly esthetic veneers, and educates other dentists on smile design and case consultation and evaluation. He has also authored their educational platforms for the last four years.

As an educational leader for current dental technologies and minimally invasive procedures, Dr. Harnois is able to truly transcend and provide patients with unparalleled dental care. If you’re interested in learning more about a noninvasive smile makeover or full mouth rehabilitation, reach out today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

We are offering specials on Lumineers smile makeovers—reach out today to learn more!

911 N. ELM, SUITE 230 | HINSDALE, IL | 630-323-4468 | WWW.HINSDALEDENTISTRY.COM

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