Oak Brook Magazine August 2022

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14 W Hinsdale Ave., Unit A1 Hinsdale, IL 60521

RESIDENCE INN, CHICAGO OAK BROOK Dedicated To Spacious Suites Only

BY LARRY ATSEFF

Residence Inn is the perfect name for a hotel when you want a home away from home…a “homesuite-home”, if you will.

Residence Inn, by Marriott, is the only hotel in Oak Brook that specializes in serving guests who seek suites only. You will find 50% more space than traditional hotel rooms. And, suites come complete with kitchens and all the amenities you

expect for an extended stay or a quick staycation.

You can prepare a favorite meal in a suite kitchen with full-size appliances, cookware, and utensils. Enjoy extra storage space and premium toiletries. Take advantage of free Wi-Fi, free grocery shopping service, and free hot breakfast daily.

Book a two-bedroom suite for group travel and enjoy separate bedrooms

and a spacious living area. This is the only hotel in Oak Brook that has twobedroom suites, for groups and larger families. Of course, there is an indoor pool, spa, and fitness center. Last, but not least, the hotel is also pet friendly. (Special fees apply)

All this, and discounts are constantly applicable. Residence Inn, Chicago Oak Brook. It can be your home-suite-home. ■

TWO BEDROOM SUITE

QUEEN STUDIO SUITE

The Pursuit of Happiness

July is a momentous month in the history of our country. Just 246 years ago, on July 4, 1776, the Congress of the then thirteen united states of America made a unanimous Declaration of Independence from Britain.

It starts out with these words: “When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another….”

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. (no guarantee of happiness…just the pursuit of happiness). That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.”

It goes on to say that if “any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to change it so that the original rights are to be maintained.”

It took until September 17, 1787 for the states to agree to ratify the Constitution of the United States…11 years after the Declaration of Independence. No computers, but a lot of back and forth among a lot of people.

A lot has changed since then, and a lot is still changing, in terms of the roles men and women play in the family, and in society in general.

Today, it is understood that the term “all men are created equal” refers to all people, men, women, of all races, of all creeds and a multiplicity of beliefs are created equal. It is a constant battle, and slowly and surely, true equality and fairness is the goal.

It is the nature of all humans to generally do what they believe is in their best interest. Who can really argue against the fact that as humans we have the right to life, the right to freedom and the right to pursue happiness?

Freedom and having an equal chance to pursue our happiness is precious. As long as everyone understands and abides by these simple truths, we can all get along.

Speaking of pursuing happiness, we want to share an important, inspiring story about how Downers Grove native Cammi Granato got so good playing ice hockey as a girl, she won an Olympic Gold Medal and now is a high-level executive with a National Hockey League team, Vancouver Canucks. A woman succeeding in a traditional man’s arena. For others, happiness is giving back. You’ll read about the Barrett family in Hinsdale. They are but one example of the many who volunteer to help others in so many ways. Call it the wonder of giving back.

People turned out in droves the Hinsdale July 4th parade because we want something more than what much of the political class is giving us. We want something we can believe in, something we can be happy about. The Hinsdale parade and Taste of Oak Brook fireworks this past weekend were moments of happiness for all of us as witnessed in the pictures in this issue.

Some pursue happiness by shopping. Happily, one of the finest venues is right nearby. Oakbrook Center, is celebrating 60 years of making people happy.

On Father’s Day, at the Drake Oak Brook, some 500 luxury vehicles and classics were on display and 2500 guests enjoyed looking at them, and hearing them roar. They also heard about how everyone came together to help people that need help in these tough times.

Enjoy the pictures and articles.

Scott Jonlich Founder & Publisher sjonlich@hinsdalemag.com

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The Barrett Group of Wells Fargo Advisors can guide you through the estate investment planning process through open communication, understanding the basics, sharing values and organizing documents. We’ll assist you in clearly defining what leaving a legacy means to you and your family. The Barrett Group of Wells Fargo Advisors

The Barrett Group of Wells Fargo Advisors can guide you through the estate investment planning process through open communication, understanding the basics, sharing values and organizing documents. We’ll assist you in clearly defining what leaving a legacy means to you and your family.

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Many people delay establishing a thoughtful estate investment plan, thinking it doesn’t apply to them. Estate investment planning is about taking control of how your assets are managed and distributed along with deciding who will handle these tasks when you are unable to do so. The Barrett Group of Wells Fargo Advisors can guide you through the estate investment planning process through open communication, understanding the basics, sharing values and organizing documents. We’ll assist you in clearly defining what leaving a legacy means to you and your family.

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LLC. All rights reserved. CAR-0221-00536

Jessie Barrett, CFP® Managing Director – Investments 111 South Lincoln Street, Suite 200 Hinsdale, IL 60521 (630) 734-8909

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FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

Scott Jonlich

sjonlich@HinsdaleMag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Anne Healy

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MANAGING EDITOR

Larry Atseff larry@hinsdalemag.com

ARCHITECTURE & DESIGN EDITOR

Julie Jonlich

TRAVEL & LEISURE EDITOR

Kerrie Kennedy

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Adam Andrzejewski

Maureen Callahan

Valerie Hardy

Julie Jonlich

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Jennifer Frencl

CREATIVE DEPARTMENT

Julia Sinogeikina

Dennis Stromberg

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chuck Fieldman

Kerrie Kennedy

Emma Wolf

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Carolina Menapace

Marcello Rodarte

ADVERTISING SALES

Anne Healy

Renee Lawrence

COMMUNITY LIAISON

James Pehta

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Hinsdale

Oak Brook, IL 60523 630-655-3400 www.HinsdaleMag.com

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.

Editor Note:

Chris Anderson was photographer in last issue of Oak Brook Magazine on Oak Brook Historical Society article.

“Taste of Oak Brook” Returns

BY CHUCK FIELDMAN I PHOTOGRAPHY BY EJAZ KHAN

Acrowd that grew to an estimated 15,000 greeted the Taste Of Oak Brook on Sunday, July 3, at the polo grounds at 700 Oak Brook Road.

After all, we have been without a “Taste” since 2018. Heavy rains flooded the grounds in 2019, and the pandemic kept us from attending group events in 2020 and 2021.

Village President Gopal Lalmalani said, “It was so nice to be able to come back after not being able to do this for the past few years.”

“It was very warm outside in the afternoon, but, overall, we had a good day, and it was nice to see so many people out, enjoying themselves. I had some people tell me the fireworks show was the best they’ve seen.”

Christy Dolan, a 25-year resident of Oak Brook who previously has attended several was glad to be able to do it again.

“It was kind of a joyous feeling to be together again,” she said. “I think a lot of us have missed that sense of community, and everyone seemed so happy to be there, having a wonderful time with others from the community.”

Michael Manzo, a Village Board member who co-chairs the Taste of Oak Brook Committee with fellow board member Suresh Reddy, said he was very pleased with the entire event.

“I’m very pleased because a lot of people put a lot of effort into making this a great event again, and that was a challenge after not having it for the past three years,” Manzo said. “It was great to see so many people come out and enjoy themselves. It was almost a return to normalcy after what all of us have gone through the past couple of years.”

Manzo said business was strong enough to result in a couple of the food vendors selling out of their offerings before the day ended.

He said Village Manager Greg Summers, in particular, should be commended for the work he put in to help bring back Taste of Oak Brook.

It was the first Taste of Oak Brook for Summers, who started work for the village in January. It also was the first Taste, as police chief, for Brian Strockis, who has been with the village’s police department for the past 22 years and became chief in June.

“It went very well,” Strockis said of Sunday’s event. “At first, the crowed seemed lighter than usual, but at night it filled up and was packed.”

Strockis said there were no significant

problems the entire day. And a new offering by Oak Brook police — providing parents, who wanted them, paper bracelets that had their phone numbers printed on them, for their children to wear — proved fruitful.

“We had two calls for kids who got separated from their parents, but we were able to immediately get a hold of the parents and reunite them with their kids,” Strockis said.

Manzo said village staff and officials will meet soon to review this year’s Taste of Oak 6Brook and discuss possible changes for next year. ■

Dr. Jeffrey Weller

Dr. Ayesha Sultan

BY LARRY ATSEFF

Oakbrook Center is recognized as one of the most prestigious and most successful shopping centers in America, and the world. It deserves the ranking on both counts.

It has a long list of the finest retailers and restaurants as you will find anywhere, and a growing list of entertainment venues. To make the point, go to page 22 and see the total list, by categories, and to page 23 to see the handy locater map. You can also go to oakbrookcenter.com for more information.

Oakbrook Center offers a beautiful setting for shopping, dining, or relaxed enjoyment. When the chairman of Gucci visited the shopping center from Italy last year, he was very impressed, according to Gucci’s Oak Brook staff. Residents of Oak Brook and many nearby towns enjoy the experience as do business and leisure travelers staying at Oak Brook’s seven stellar hotels.

This year, Oakbrook Center celebrates 60 years and is more vibrant than ever. Naturally, the stores, restaurants, and venues deserve a lot of credit. But, so does

Brookfield Properties, owners of the property, and their operations staff. We’ll get to the operations staff at the end of this anniversary story, but first a little history.

Oakbrook Center did not rise out of a cornfield overnight. Hardly.

Here is the story of the valuable land itself, how people fought over that land, how the builders of the shopping center had to overcome a serious, unexpected, little-known difficulty in early construction, and how Oakbrook Center has evolved with the times.

Before there was Oakbrook Center, of course, there was Paul Butler leading the way with his vision for the village of Oak Brook itself.

As a private plane pilot, when Paul Butler often flew back to his Salt Creek home in the early 1920s, he saw from the air how pristine the land was and envisioned its potential for land development. He recognized it was also ideally located, relatively close to Chicago, roadways, and Midway airport. Thinking ahead, he saw possibilities for keeping the woodlands and shifting farmland to residential and light commercial business use.

As Butler was developing the area, leaders at Marshall Field’s and Sears in the 1950s were simultaneously casting an eye to the suburbs because they saw a growing number of their customers moving out from Chicago. These retailers naturally wanted to follow their customers.

As it turns out, Marshall Field had a development partner in Phillip Klutznick and his American Community Builders, who had already developed Old Orchard with them.

In 1955, Marshall Field purchased a vacant parcel of 150 acres of farmland at Route 83 and 22nd Street, north to 16th Street and east to Spring Road. The original village became incorporated in 1958 as one square mile and 103 residents. Because the proposed shopping center was not contiguous to the Village, it was not included in the Butler petition for the land. So Paul Butler, and his General Manager Ted Mohlman, convinced several residents of Utopia (subsequently renamed Oakbrook Terrace) to disconnect themselves and were annexed into Oak Brook. They brought with them the vacant

Continued on next page

OAKBROOK CENTER IN 1980

Continued from the previous page

land on which the shopping center would be built

Unbeknownst to everyone, however, there was another daunting hurdle during early construction in 1960 of the shopping center itself.

According to construction engineer Don Baar, who was on

the scene, here is what happened, “I worked on construction of the Central Heating and Cooling Plant (CHACP) that provided heating and cooling for entire development. The CHACP was to be located some thirty feet below the ground level stores.”

“Excavations were underway in preparation for construction of the footings and foundation structures

of the CHACP. As excavations advanced to approximately twenty feet in depth, a static water table was encountered. As the excavations progressed deeper, numerous active springs were encountered. (A spring is the result of an aquifer being filled to the point that the water overflows onto the land surface. They range in size from intermittent seeps, to millions of gallons daily. We encountered the millions of gallons per day variety.)”

“Ultimately, the CHACP foundations were successfully completed at tremendous additional expense and loss of time. In spite of the delays caused by the massive spring encounter, OBC was completed in one year, ahead of the original threeyear schedule.”

“With fifty years of major project construction experience, I never again encountered such a large spring-fed water table. Realizing man cannot change the course of Mother Nature, I often wonder how and where the spring under CHACP is flowing today.”

Once that water problem was overcome, construction of Oakbrook Center proceeded and

OAKBROOK CENTER TODAY

the center opened to great fanfare. Over 15,000 vehicles filled the lots on opening day, in March 1962. In addition to Marshall Field’s and Sears, there was also a Bonwit Teller and a Jewel Tea store.

Since then, Oakbrook Center has gone through several modifications to add more retail outlets and has become more and more popular. (see picture of 1980 renovation which added more stores.)

Today, as the current map and store list on the next 2 pages indicate, there are over 170+ stores, dining places, services and entertainment venues for people to enjoy.

Oakbrook Center has been owned and managed by Brookfield

Properties since 2018. On-premise senior manager Tim Geiges, and his team of construction/maintenance workers, social media experts and security force work constantly with the “tenants” to keep the center an enjoyable experience. He has

been in his role since 2018. In just that short time, he has seen a fair amount of change. In talking with our reporter Chuck Fieldman recently, here is what he shared about what it is like to manage such an attractive destination.

“The village of Oak Brook has allowed the property to recreate itself over and over.” “I am proud to be part of a company, in Brookfield Properties, that continues to invest allowing Oakbrook to continue to evolve in an ever-changing reatail world.” Recently the property has added Puttshack, a tech-infused, mini golf/restaurant, and LifeTime Fitness. Next spring, the former Clubhouse will become home to a newly re-located 20,000 square foot C.D. Peacock jewelry store, complete with restaurant.

Geiges is fully aware of the competition from Amazon for brick-and-mortar locations. He also acknowledges the need for increased security lately and is working closely with the Village to employ a robust license plate reader system to track suspect vehicles that may be trying to enter the area.

As Village President Gopal Lalmalani adds, “The center is the brand of Oak Brook. People come to Oak Brook, in part because of it. We don’t have a downtown or a train station, and I think our downtown is really the shopping center. They do many things to make the place more attractive.”

Geiges is also quick to point out the financial benefit to the community. Taxes from Oakbrook Center

Continued on page 24

THE SISTINE CHAPEL EXHIBIT IN 2021 WAS VERY WELL ATTENDED

WEDNESDAY IS MOVIE NIGHT ON THE LAWN

Letter indicates Section.

Number indicates Store

S H O PPI N G HOU R S

Monday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Depar tment store, holiday, restaurant, and specialty shop hours may var y

D E PA R T M E N T S TOR E S

1 Macy ’s 6 Neiman Marcus 10 Nordstrom

V 1810 Abercrombie & Fitch

G 460 Aerie

I 512 AKIRA

T 034 Allbirds

T 068 alo yoga

D 425 Altar ’d State

B 063

M 190 Anthropologie

M 634 Aritzia

E 402 Athleta

S 080 Banana Republic

M 208 Burberr y

E 500 Champs Spor ts

E 424 Chico’s

G 448 Custom Ink

I 524 Dr y Goods

F 449 EVEREVE

D 413 Ever ything But Water

D 427 Express

D 423 Fabletics

E 416 Free People

E 432 Gap

F 437 Gilly Hicks*

N 295 GUCCI

E 428 Guess

G 466 H&M

C 079 Hollister Co

G 444 J.Jill

N 132 kate spade new york

D 2202 L.L. Bean

C 101 Lands’ End

Q 290 Levi’s

D 421 Lilly Pulitzer

G 462 Loft

M 196 Louis Vuitton

F 445 Lucky Brand Jeans

M 622 lululemon

S 110 Madewell

O 168 Michael Kors

M 630 Ralph Lauren

E 404 Reformation*

G 452 Soma Intimates

O 148 Talbots

M 626 Tommy Bahama

Q 288 UNTUCKit

C 703 UpWest

Q 294

B 065 Vans

T 052 Victoria’s Secret

M 222 vineyard vines

T 074 White House l Black Market

S 090 ZARA

H 501 abercrombie

I 432 BabyGap

I 432 GapKids

K 466 H&M Children’s

D 2202 L.L. Bean

C 101 Lands’ End

I 522 Lapin House

H 515 Monica & Andy

Q 288 UNTUCKit

B 065 Vans

M 222 vineyard vines

S 090 ZARA

Oakbrook Center

V 1810 Abercrombie & Fitch

T 034 Allbirds

T 068 alo yoga

B 063

S 080 Banana Republic

O 165 Bonobos

M 208 Burberr y

E 500 Champs Spor ts

G 448 Custom Ink

D 427 Express Men

E 432 Gap

N 295 GUCCI

E 428 Guess

G 466 H&M

C 079 Hollister Co

O 150 Indochino

N 182 Johnston & Murphy

D 2202 L.L. Bean

C 101 Lands’ End

Q 290 Levi’s

M 196 Louis Vuitton

F 445 Lucky Brand Jeans

M 622 lululemon

Q 286 Psycho Bunny

M 630 Ralph Lauren

M 626 Tommy Bahama

Q 288 UNTUCKit

C 703 UpWest

Q 294

B 065 Vans

M 222 vineyard vines

S 090 ZARA

B E AU T Y S E R V I C E S & PROD U C TS

S 096 Aesop*

S 098 Aveda

T 052 Bath and Body Works

O 160 Chanel Beauty

I 508 Kidsnip

B 059 L’Occitane En Provence

B 051 LUSH

V 1816 Madison-Reed

P 125 Neel Thredz Spa

P 150 Oakbrook Barber Salon

S 104 Sephora 10 SPA Nordstrom

Q 284 Tricoci Salon Spa

BOO K S, C A R D S, GI F TS

N 297 Barnes & Noble

F 433 Paper Source

E L E C T R O N I C E QU I PM E N T

S 070 Apple

T 028 AT&T

E YE W E A R

Q 280 LensCrafters

N 140 Oliver Peoples

S 114 Ray-Ban

B 061 Sunglass Hut

S 062 Warby Parker

FO O D S P E C I A LT I E S

D 403 Auntie Anne’s Pretzels

R 521 Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

R 543 Le Macaron French Pastries

H 513 lolli & pops 717 Molly ’s Cupcakes

T 030 Mrs Fields Cookies/TCBY

F 445 Spirits & Spice

R 529

C 701

H O M E FUR N I S H I N G S

M 190 Anthropologie

V 1814 Arhaus Furniture

D 2210 Ballard Designs

O 158 Casper

L 610 The Container Store

B 035 Crate & Barrel

T 076

T 018 LoveSac

A 015 Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams

D 202 PBteens

T 020 Parachute Home

A 021 Potter y Barn

D 201 Potter y Barn Kids 1010 RH Galler y

C 089 The Shade Store

V 1812 Tempur-Pedic

D 203 West Elm

N 142 Williams-Sonoma 155 Walter E. Smithe

S E R V I C E S

M 226 FORWARD*

P 140 Oakbrook Shoe Repair

P 130 Perl Tailor Shop

J E W E L E R S

D 405 Alex and Ani

T 032 Blue Nile

E 440 Brighton Collectibles

O 172 C.D Peacock

E 420 Gorjana*

N 130 David Yurman

O 167 Kendra Scott

G 456 Pandora

O 172 Rolex

O 164 Shinola Detroit

S 112 Swar voski*

N 299

L E AT H E R S/LUG G AG E

E 440 Brighton Collectibles

O 154 Coach

N 295 GUCCI

N 132 kate spade new york

M 196 Louis Vuitton

O 168 Michael Kors

S 096 Selleria Veneta

O 164 Shinola Detroit

M 206 Tor y Burch

N 135 TUMI

D 417 Vera Bradley

S HO E S

T 034 Allbirds

D 409 Dr Mar tens*

D 419 Ecco

E 500 Champs Spor ts

N 296 Golden Goose*

N 295 GUCCI

N 182 Johnston & Murphy

D 2202 L.L. Bean

M 196 Louis Vuitton

D 401 Marc Nolan

O 168 Michael Kors

M 206 Tor y Burch

B 065 Vans

S PE C I A LT Y/

E N T E R TA I N M E N T S HO P S

N 297 Barnes & Noble

H 517 Build-A-Bear Workshop

K 544 Claire’s

J 545 Electric Gamebox

U 060 Escape The Room

S 058 Lucid Motors

V 1815 Puttshack

K 560 Sandbox VR

T H E ATE R S

Q 300 AMC 4

R 600 AMC 12/Imax

D I N I N G

S 118 Antico Posto

L 272 Beatrix

1005 Blanco Tacos & Tequila

J 551 California Pizza Kitchen 2020 The Cheesecake Factor y

L 240 Corner Baker y 2030 Le Meridien

El Tapeo Restaurant

L 240 Maggiano’s Little Italy

6 Neiman Marcus

NM Café

10 Nordstrom

Ruscello Restaurant eBar

L 10 Old Town Pour House

L 8 Perr y ’s Steakhouse & Grille

V 1818 Piccolo Buco

150 Pinstripes

V 1815 Puttshack

O 166 Roka Akor

A 003 Seasons 52

V 1817 Sweetgreen

B 035 The Table at Crate

C 105 True Foods Kitchen

M 232

THE DISTRIC T

E AT & D R I N K FO O D HA L L

R 531 China Wok*

R 537 Cilantro Taco Grill

R 533 DMK Burger Bar

R 521 Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

R 543 Le Macaron French Pastries

R 523 Nando’s Peri Peri

R 535 Pie Five Pizza Co

R 519 Potbelly ’s Sandwich Shop

R 529

* OPENING SOON

OFFIC E S

U 100 Oakbrook Center Management

U 100

S 069

Continued from page 21

businesses account for a substantial percentage of the village’s total annual income, according to Oak Brook’s Finance Department.

In addition to pleasant shopping and dining experiences, Geiges points to special events to keep visitors coming back. Last year’s Sistine Chapel exhibit was very well received. Christkindlmarket has also appeared at the mall. Other events are constantly being planned.

Retailers like to engage with the community, as well. For example, recently at Gucci’s new stand-alone location the Hinsdale Chapter, Infant Welfare Society, held a very successful fundraiser.

“During the summer, every Wednesday we offer free family movies on the big screen in front of our Lawn area. We have brought back our Father’s Day Classic Car Show. We are now dog friendly.”

All in all, the future for Oakbrook Center continues to look bright. As Tim says, “Free parking and less sales tax are an attraction. It takes just once to come out and see what we have to offer our guests and they want to return.” ■

THERE IS EVEN A VEHICLE DEALERSHIP

FATHER’S DAY CLASSIC CAR SHOW HAS RETURNED

We’re dedicated to providing personalized, professional and compassionate services to help lighten your burden and support you through the difficult times that follow the loss of a loved one. You can rely on us to provide your family with the highest quality care and service in your time of need.

Terrence M. Sullivan and Brian D. Sullivan

A FATHER’S DAY TO REMEMBER Car Show Shines at The Drake Oak Brook

BY LARRY ATSEFF

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JR PHOTON

This story is in two parts.

First, we share photos of the beautiful vehicles at the recent Chicago Auto Club West (CACW) car show that ran on Father’s Day, June 19th. Second, we want to share the beauty of the evolving reasons for the show itself.

The Show Itself

This past Father’s Day was a perfect, sun-splashed Sunday. It was made even more beautiful at the Drake Oak Brook Hotel by an assembled collection of 500+ of the most gorgeous luxury and classic cars you will ever see, anywhere. They had an estimated combined value of over $50 million. The event was organized and presented by Chicago Auto Club West (CACW), founded by Dean Kaliakmanis in 2020, with the able support of his wife Stephanie.

Jim Nagle, the proprietor of the Drake, has provided the setting for this show four times recently. As Jim said, “It is wonderful to see so many fathers and their families come out and see such a large collection of extraordinary vehicles, all in one place. We are honored to have these vehicles and their owners attend.” Lee Hoener, Drake Hotel General Manager, is the event co-creator of the show and has been instrumental in growing it each year.

As you will note from the photographs, indeed the show let auto aficionados get up close and personal with vehicles they normally would not see on the streets. It is estimated that 2,500, including many Club members, were in attendance. In the relaxed, casual atmosphere, visitors had plenty of time to talk to owners and take pictures, even sit in the vehicles. In addition, roughly twenty CACW local automotivebased sponsors were in attendance to answer questions and educate the public about their companies. The day was complete with music, food and beverages.

In short, everything ran smoothly as it always does, in no small part due to the constant communication

“As the show closed, some four hours later, exits for the stars of the show were as carefully orchestrated as their entrances, complete with appropriate engine roars, that everyone just loved. A good time has been had by all, and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year, bigger and better than ever.”

—DEAN KALIAKMANIS, Founder Chicago Auto Club West

A FATHER AND HIS SON ENJOYING THIS CLASSIC 1938 BUICK AT THE FARR + SWIT WATCHES AND APPAREL DISPLAY.

Continued from the previous page

by Dean and Stephanie (through chicagoautoclubwest.com and facebook) to the membership, as well as the assistance of a host of volunteers, including new Illinois CACW President Justin Carlock at the show itself.

Stephanie said “On the day of the show, Dean and I were stationed at entrances to personally welcome CACW members and visitors alike. In addition, as more vehicle owners showed up, they, too, were escorted to pre-planned locations.”

Dean adds, “As the show closed, some four hours later, exits for the stars of the show were as carefully orchestrated as their entrances, complete with appropriate engine roars, that everyone just loved. A good time has been had by all, and we look forward to seeing everyone again next year, bigger and better than ever.”

Purpose Of CACW has evolved.

Certainly, a prime goal of these events is to give owners and fans of luxury and classic cars a chance to see and talk and about and enjoy these special vehicles.

But Dean says, “I, and others, have come to realize that these cars and these events can be a wonderful draw for an even larger purpose.”

“The pandemic has had a devasting effect on many, including some in our ‘automobile enthusiast’ community.”

“Fortunately, we have been able to help. We run fundraisers, and a large portion of the money that comes in from tickets, entry fees, club memberships, and promotion discounts between members goes to help others in and beyond our

Continued on next page

ARNE TOMAN OF CANNONBALL GARAGE AND ALEX PALMERI OF LEGIT STREET CARS ENJOYING CONVERSATION WITH MEMBERS OF THE CHICAGO MOTOR CARS TEAM.

A MCLAREN 650S LEAVING THE SHOW AND DRAWING A CROWD OF FANS.

“It's absolutely amazing when a group of car guys get together and throw an event that focuses on giving back, but not only that, it incorporates having families involved. We are super appreciative that Chicago Auto Club West and the Drake Hotel allowed us to participate and showcase cars for this amazing cause. Watching parents, fathers, mothers, children and grandparents smile throughout the day created memories that will last a lifetime.”

—PARIN SHAH, Chicago Motor Cars

THIS YOUNG ENTHUSIAST DIDN’T MISS THE PHOTO OPPORTUNITY TO POSE WITH THIS CUSTOM MCLAREN 720S ON FATHERS DAY.

CACW family. It comes back many times over.”

As I say in our mission statement “Our members feel a sense of pride in participating in our events. We provide value by creating meaningful events, experiences, and fundraisers. This club is made by our members, and our members make the experiences.”

“A perfect example is this year’s beneficiaries: Kitties Warriors Foundation in Itasca. Over $9000 was raised at the Drake Oak Brook event. This non-profit helps people cope with expenses of cancer treatment on an individual level.”

“As time goes on, and CACW becomes larger, we will be able to do even more to help others. It is a very good feeling for all involved. I am also proud to say that other clubs are starting to follow our lead.” Dean’s last point: “I hope to see more new faces next year.” ■

ENTHUSIASTS CAPTURING PHOTOS OF THIS HIGHLY CUSTOMIZED PORSCHE.

A SMALL OVERVIEW SNAPSHOT OF THE MAIN DISPLAY AREA AT THE CACW 2022 SUPERCAR SHOW.

BRIAN STROCKIS Oak Brook’s New Police Chief

BY CHUCK FIELDMAN

Oak Brook’s new police chief may be new to the job, but is anything but a rookie with the village’s police department.

Brian Strockis has spent the past 22 years working for the Oak Brook Police Department. He is one of several candidates who submitted an application for the job of chief, which was vacated last December when James Kruger left to take the

same position in East Dundee, after more than 10 years as Oak Brook’s top cop.

Strockis stood out in a field that had several impressive candidates, including some who were internal, Village President Gopal Lalmalani said.

“Brian is young, energetic, hardworking, and passionate about serving our residents in his new role, and over the years he has been very tough on crime, particularly in the (Oakbrook Center) mall area and in our residential subdivisions in Oak Brook,” Lalmalani said.

Before joining the Oak Brook department, Strockis earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal science/police science from Lewis University. After being hired in Oak Brook, he worked first as a patrol officer, before moving on to detective, patrol sergeant and detective sergeant.

The 44-year-old Strockis said he is excited to be chosen from within the Oak Brook ranks — the first time that has happened since 2004 — and to be the village’s 10th chief, overall.

Strockis said his significant experience with the Oak Brook department has allowed him to “hit the ground running.”

“I think it’s a huge morale boost to everyone in our department that they decided to go with an internal candidate, and I plan to stay around for a long time,” he said.

Oak Brook had two interim chief after Kruger left, before first naming Strockis as interim chief and making it permanent on June 14.

“Throughout the entire selection process, Brian demonstrated his commitment to the department, village, residents and businesses of the community, alongside his stellar track record and self-initiative that will propel the department forward over the next several years to come,” Lalmalani said.

Strockis said he decided to pursue a career in law enforcement while taking a class on the subject at Triton College.

“After high school, I started working full time for a print shop and then a health insurance claims processing company and was unsure about the career I wanted to pursue,” he said. “I started taking college courses at Triton College, took a

criminal justice course as an elective and was extremely engaged and intrigued about learning as much as I could about the profession.”

Strockis said when he turned 21, he immediately began taking police tests and took a job as an auxiliary police officer in Rosemont. He took the Oak Brook police test and was hired when he was 22.

“When I started my career, it was extremely competitive to get hired as a police officer,” Strockis said. Often, hundreds of candidates would take an entrance exam when there was only a potential for one or two openings. I took many suburban tests, Chicago PD and even the (Los Angeles Police Department) test, as

“I still play a little men's league hockey when I have time,” he said.

Strockis also is a divorced, single father to two girls and a boy: Cameron, 15; Madison, 14; and Christian, 5.

Being named as Oak Brook’s new police chief was the high end of an emotional rollercoaster ride for Strockis.

“I lost my father in February of this year, and it was the hardest thing I've ever had to deal with,” he said. “My dad was such an influence in my life and would always say that life is about peaks and valleys.

“Losing him was my deepest valley, and being appointed police chief four months later was my highest professional peak. I wish he could have been there to see it, but I know he's looking down and is proud.”

Strockis said he is excited about the future of the Oak Brook department.

I had some friends in California at the time.

He said he is grateful to Oak Brook for giving him the opportunity to work as a police officer.

“I received calls from other departments after I was hired, but am glad I stayed in Oak Brook,” he said. “The people in Oak Brook are amazing. It's great to work for a community that truly appreciates and supports the police.”

If he had not pursued a career in law enforcement, Strockis said he would have enjoyed working as a mechanic.

“I have friends that can fix just about anything, and I'm intrigued by just about anything with a motor in it,” he said.

When he’s not working, Strockis said he enjoys boating, motorcycling, exercising, golfing and hockey.

“We have officers that are dedicated to this community and this profession,” he said. “Throughout the entire police chief selection process, President Lalmalani and the entire Village Board expressed their tremendous support for the Police Department, and I've relayed that message to our rank and file. Being the first internal police chief since 2004, I'm living proof that the sky is the limit as to what you can accomplish with this department.”

The Oak Brook Police Department is comprised of 41 full-time, sworn police officers, eight non-sworn civilian staff members and, three sworn auxiliary officers. ■

“I think it’s a huge morale boost to everyone in our department that they decided to go with an internal candidate, and I plan to stay around for a long time”

-BRIAN STROCKIS Oak Brook Police Chief

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!

BY CHUCK FIELDMAN

Some Oak Brook homeowners’ associations are teaming up with the village’s police department to improve security in the area.

It’s coming via a 50/50 license plate reader program, which will include installation of camera systems in participating subdivisions. It will be up to residents of each subdivision if they want to be involved, and as of June 1, 15 of the village’s homeowners’ association sent in preliminary interest forms, requesting formal price quotes to participate in the program, said Oak Brook Village Manager Greg Summers.

“Many of the village’s subdivisions already have in place their own gated security check point and/or camera systems that provide this level of security, so it was never expected that there would be a 100% level of participation,” Summers said.

He said that while the Police Department initially requested $50,000 for Oak Brook’s license plate readers, the Village Board opted to set aside $200,000 for the 50/50 cost match program, with a willingness to increase the village’s contribution if homeowners’ association interest exceeded the allocated funding.

“LPRs have a proven track record in locating stolen and suspicious vehicles as well as being used as an investigative tool when damages or crimes are later discovered,” Summers said. “Working with homeowners’ associations allows for the village’s investment to reach further, while also utilizing the LPRs on vehicles entering a subdivision’s defined area allows for the Police Department to begin responding to a suspicious vehicle before an suspect even begins to commit an offense.”

Oak Brook Police Cmdr. Ben Kadolph said the village has had two sites on main, arterial roads on which license plate readers have been active since the fourth quarter of 2019. He also believes additional systems in the village will aid police.

“The best technology is assisting us in identifying felonious criminals,” Kadolph said. “The interest in expanding our system of LPRs came from an uptick in more aggressive crimes, and we’re trying to leverage the technology.”

Summers said license plate readers are becoming commonplace in law enforcement, but believes the 50/50 program is at this point unique.

“This is the first attempt that we are aware of to utilize the technology in partnership with individual homeowners’ associations to secure their own neighborhood,” he said. “I

• Each HOA must agree to grant access to its camera by the Oak Brook Police Department for monitoring.

• The project will be a 50/50 cost sharing initiative.

• As with all technology, this type of equipment normally requires replacement on a +/- 5-year cycle and each HOA will need to be committed to paying that 50% share of the replacement cost on such a cycle.

• Due to some commonality regarding ingress and egress roadways, there is a possibility that common roadways could be substituted for HOA entrance ways, where appropriate, thereby reducing costs associated with the installation.

• An HOA may “opt out” at any given time prior to installation, if the HOA membership elects to do so. An HOA may also opt out at each replacement cycle should it wish to discontinue its financial participation in the program

strongly encourage each and every homeowners’ association to take advantage of this unique program to make Oak Brook a model community for security.”

Kadolph said the cost for each camera is estimated at $7,000 to $9,000.

The basic framework for the program is:

• Participation in the project is voluntary and will encompass all HOAs, regardless of controlled entrance or non-controlled entrance status, and regardless of the number of entrances to a subdivision.

• Each camera must be installed in collaboration with the village and utilize the same equipment, vendor and software as the village’s cameras.

Summers said that following the preliminary interest forms, site specific cost proposals will be prepared by the camera vendor.  Upon receipt of these proposals, homeowners’ associations will have 30 days to evaluate the proposal and signal a commitment to fund 50% of the installation and operational costs.

He said the timeline for making the new license plate readers operational will vary, depending on the number of homeowners’ associations deciding to proceed, as well as equipment availability.

“The vendor that we are working with carries a lot of in-stock inventory, and should be able to respond quickly to most installations,” Summers said. “In any case, all LPR’s should be operational by fall to year-end.” ■

“Many of the village’s subdivisions already have in place their own gated security check point and/or camera systems that provide this level of security, so it was never expected that there would be a 100% level of participation.”

-GREG SUMMERS

Oak Brook Village Manager

Oak Brook Park District Awarded $400,000 Grant

The Oak Brook Park District was awarded $400,000 and is one of 87 agencies to benefit from the $30 million Illinois has available in the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development [OSLAD] grant fund as announced by Gov. Pritzker on Friday, July 8, 2022. The Oak Brook Park District will allocate the grant funds to a shelter and amphitheater space, a fitness challenge course for all ages, table games including ping pong, chess, and checkers, as well as a bocce court. An accessible pathway will accompany the amphitheater, and an accessible fishing area will be created along Ginger Creek.

The vision for this property began in 2018 with the help of the Oak Brook community. Voters

overwhelmingly approved a referendum that allowed the Park District to issue $17.9 million in bonds to purchase and improve the property at the November 6, 2018 election.

In July 2020, the OBPD began Phase I construction at the Central Park North Athletic Fields site. The Open Space Project, funded in part by an Open Space and Land Acquisition and Development (OSLAD) Grant, included two full-size illuminated soccer fields, fitness equipment, a bags game court, looped walking trails, totem plaza, basketball courts, and two picnic shelters. The park opened for use in the Spring of 2021.

Earlier this year, the Park District was also granted $480,000 from the Department of Commerce and Economic

Opportunity (DCEO). The Oak Brook Park District will allocate the grant funds to build a restroom and concessions building at the Central Park North Athletic Fields. Construction of the restroom, concessions, and storage building must be completed by March of 2023.

Executive Director, Laure Kosey said, “We couldn’t be more excited to begin Phase II of this long-term vision for the development and improvement of Central Park! We are so thankful that we will be able to enhance and add to our recreational opportunities near the North Athletic Fields, with both the DCEO and OSLAD grants.” ■

The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum held its 2nd annual Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Sunday, June 5, at the Rialto Square Theater in Joliet.

According to Ron Romero, the Museum’s Chairman of the Board, the audience truly appreciated seeing several legends in person and hearing so much of their great music.

REO Speedwagon’s Kevin Cronin, who was inducted into the Hall of Fame last year, returned this year to provide a very special induction presentation and performance in tribute to Gary Loizzo of American Breed and Pumpkin Studios in the recording studio category.

Dennis DeYoung from Styx appeared via video, and Jim Peterik from the Ides of March, and formerly of Survivor, and 38 Special fame, appeared in person. Both were

inducted in the songwriter category. The New Colony Six also appeared and were inducted as a 2022 Hall of Fame Band, as was Styx.

The Class of 2022 Hall of Fame Solo Artist inductees were Chuck Berry, Sam Cooke, and Dan Fogelberg.

The legendary John Records Landecker was inducted in the DJ category, and trailblazing WXRTFM was inducted in the Radio Station category.

Mercury Records, founded in Chicago in 1945, was inducted in the Record Label category.

Romero indicated that Hall of Fame Inductees are selected by total votes cast each year by Charter Members of the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66. And he reminded everyone that The Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 is committed to preserving the

rich history and contributions of musicians, performers and industry leaders who have impacted the music world and embodied the creative spirit of Illinois. For more information, visit www.RoadToRock.org. ■

REO SPEEDWAGON LEAD SINGER KEVIN CRONIN AND JIM PETERIK, CO-FOUNDER OF SURVIVOR AND IDES OF MARCH

CELEBRATING AMERICA

Hinsdale Parade Embodies our Country’s Classic Parade History

BY LARRY ATSEFF I PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCELLO RODARTE

This year’s Hinsdale Fourth of July Parade was the largest and best-attended in years.

We captured it for posterity in the pages that follow, and we think it is worth reflecting on why it was so refreshing, exuberant and just plain good old fun.

First of all, we missed the parade. The pandemic has kept us from celebrating our nation’s birthday for too long. Absence makes the heart grow fonder.

Secondly, more people and groups than usual wanted to participate. They wanted to remind us of their presence and what makes up our community.

This year, 52 groups signed up. Virtually every aspect was represented. There were marching bands. There were several live bands on flat-bed trailers. There was a group of ladies who performed synchronized routines beautifully. There were little kids in wagons being pulled by moms and dads. At the other end of the scale, a happy clown on stilts was bigger than life.

There were kids handing out candy to watchers. There were kids in cars waving and laughing and getting smiles back.

There were dignitaries from Hinsdale and other communities who wanted to greet you. Retired military acknowledged cheers as did men and women currently serving. There were men in authentic military garb from the past. All reminded us that freedom is not free.

Our police and firemen with their lights flashing and sirens blaring reminded us how important they are in keeping us safe.

The Hinsdale Library invited you to read more. The Swim Club was out in force, as were other civic organizations that make our communities what they are. Politicians running for office took the occasion to remind us who they were. The Shriners drove their wonderful scale models to everyone’s delight.

When the many American flags passed by, people stood up and cheered and saluted.

A big crowd estimated at 20,000, showed up to watch…and stayed for the

whole hour and a half. We have never seen so many parents and strollers in one place at one time. Moms and Dads wanted the kids to see a bit of authentic Americana.

Why such an outpouring, especially this year?

In our judgment, not only did we miss the parade, but we wanted and needed something positive to celebrate. We wanted to get out from under the weight of today’s problems.

There is no more positive thing to celebrate than the birth of our nation. We sometimes take it too much for granted. With all of its problems, our country is still the one people want to come to. July 4th this year, in Hinsdale, was a welcome reminder.

Next year, Hinsdale celebrates 150 years. That parade will be one to remember as well. ■

RESIDENT AND PREMIER REALTOR OF OAK BROOK

Nikki Ricci “Opening The Finest Doors” and affiliated with Coldwell Banker Realty since January 1986 with a commitment to professionalism and customer service, that continues to be the core of the Coldwell Banker Philosophy

Welcome to our beautiful NEW location Coldwell Banker Realty at 1 Parkview Plaza, Suite 100, Oak Brook Terrace, IL

I enthusiastically anticipate welcoming my future and past clients to a warm and inviting Coldwell Banker Office to continue providing the highest and professional level of real estate assistance.

It has been a true pleasure adding to my network many clients and lasting friendships that I continue to enjoy today.

Grateful for your trust in me.

Sharing what my clients say about me

Above and Beyond

Dear Manager, I would like to bring to your attention our great satisfaction in having business with one of your executive sales associates. Nikki Ricci is not only knowledgeable and timely professional, she also possess great qualities such as humanness and warmth. Nikki has demonstrated a sincere interest in our welfare to find a suitable home as well, as sensitivity to our cultural differences. Nikki Ricci facilitated a climate for our communication which resulted in our total satisfaction with our new home.

Thank you for providing us with a qualified and professional Realtor. We hope that this feedback will help you recognize the dedication and hard work of your employee Nikki Ricci. …...Olga

Attitude and enthusiasm are contagious

Nikki cares about your decisions in purchasing a home…she shares her excellent knowledge, recommendations and honesty. She is a perfectionist and takes time with you searching for the perfect home. Nikki values her Clients. Her attitude and enthusiasm are contagious. I’d highly recommend Nikki to everyone. …...Rosa

Highly Professional

I want to relay to you my confidence and support for an Executive Sales Associate this law firm has been working with for some time. Nikki Ricci has proven time and again to be an aggressive marketing agent who obtains excellent sales price, displays responsibility and shows cooperation in all aspects of her job. She has successfully closed several transactions with us and often gone out of her way to assist us in any way she could. I personally recommend Nikki Ricci as a highly professional broker. I applaud Nikki for her past work and hope you will have the opportunity to work with her as well.…...Alice

CENTER ICE

Cammi Granato, first lady of U.S. Women’s Hockey

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF CAMMI GRANATO AND THE VANCOUVER CANUCKS

GRANATO HAS CARVED OUT A SUCCESSFUL CAREER IN THE NHL.

ammi Granato has had a lot of firsts. The first little girl to play

Downers Grove

Huskies hockey became the captain of Team USA’s inaugural women’s hockey team at the 1998 Nagano Games. She was also the first woman to score an Olympic hockey goal. And the first female player to be inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame. The list goes on. From her position as the first lady NHL scout for the Seattle Kraken, to one of the first female assistant general managers of the Vancouver Canucks, she sets an ambitious- yet distinctly humble- tone.

Granato leads by example for any girl who thought her chosen sport or career was out of her reach. Faced with the glass ceiling early in life, she learned to skate right through it. Come what may, she never gave up, forging a path for a generation of female athletes that have the option to play- and excel- at hockey. The doors Granato helped open will never close.

It took courage and determination to be the first. And a lot of hard work.

Contributing Editor, Maureen Callahan, chatted with Granato via Skype, from the front office of the Vancouver Canucks.

HOW DID YOU START PLAYING HOCKEY?

I played a lot with my siblings. I’m the fifth of six kids, so there was built-in competition from the

beginning. And built-in chaos! We always played on Prince Pond and whenever there was ice at Doerhoefer Park. My brothers played DG Huskies. I had to convince my parents to let me play, too. They thought I wanted to figure skate. From first grade all the way through high school, I played with The Huskies.

WERE YOUR COACHES AND TEAMMATES SUPPORTIVE?

Ultimately, yes. I was the only girl in the league the whole time I played. It wasn’t easy at first. After a while, it became less of a big deal. My teammates stuck up for me. Several times, I was the captain of teams with boys who were two years older than me. But they respected me because I could play. The visiting team parents often made comments. I got used to it, but I didn’t like it. It was good life experience in a way, however, because I learned from the beginning that it’s just noise, and to tune it out.

One year, the Huskies were contending for the State Championship. We were allowed to invite a kid from out of district to play on our team. My coach found a very good defenseman from St. Rita High School, but when his dad learned I was on the team, he wasn’t going to let his son play with a girl. Initially, my coach rescinded the invitation. In the end, the kid joined us. Before long, his dad became my biggest supporter. And his son was protective of me on the ice. So, sometimes people surprise you.

(Granato smiled)

WHAT ROLE DID YOUR FAMILY PLAY IN YOUR SUCCESS?

My parents, Don and Natalie Granato were incredibly supportive of their six kids. They led by

example. I owe them so much. Playing hockey is what I love and what I was born to do. A lot of women contacted me after we won the gold at the 1998 Nagano Winter Games, saying they had wanted to play but weren’t allowed. It was my parents who let me play, and I never forgot that.

My family was kind of my first team. My parents instilled in us the idea that you love and encourage your siblings. We were each other’s playmates, best friends and biggest advocates. My oldest brother, Don, (Coach of the Buffalo Sabres), was always coaching us while we were playing pond hockey. I still call him now for advice.

My sister Christina was the only one who didn’t play hockey, but she always cheered the rest of us on. On my eighth birthday, she drew a picture of me in a hockey sweater adorned with a captain’s “C,” on a card. Inside, she wrote ‘you’ll be the first woman to play in the Olympics.’ Who would have known? I still have the card.

WHAT WERE SOME OF THE ISSUES YOU FACED ON YOUR PATH?

Early on, not having a place to dress at the rink was tough. The figure skaters would turn the bathroom lights off and call me names while I was dressing for games. Eventually,

CAMMI GRANATO PLAYS STREET HOCKEY WITH HER BROTHER, TONY

CAMMI GRANATO WAS CAPTAIN OF THE GOLD MEDAL-WINNING INAUGURAL U.S WOMEN'S HOCKEY TEAM.

the owner of the Downers Grove Ice Arena rehabbed a broom closet for me to dress in across from the team locker room. He put a bench and a light in there. I never forgot that kindness.

As I got older, the problems got bigger. The Husky coaches always had my back, but there were some mean coaches on opposing teams. One threatened to break my collar bone when we played against his team. I played anyway. We beat them 2-1! We won the state championship that year.

give a woman a chance to try out. It was the same time that the Olympic team was forming, though. Women’s hockey was finally going to enter The Games. I knew it wouldn’t have been the same 80-game season for me as the other draft picks, however. I knew I wouldn’t get a pro contract out of it. I also knew if I got hurt, my Olympic dreams would have been shattered. It would have been exciting to play in the NHL, but I know I got further going the Olympic route.

WHAT IS THE GREATEST ACCOMPLISHMENT OF YOUR PLAYING CAREER?

The Olympic gold medal, for sure.

HOW IS IT BEING THE ONLY WOMAN AROUND THE TABLE?

I’m used to it. I always had my brothers, close boy cousins and lots of friends and teammates who were boys, around me. So, when I got my first job scouting with the [Seattle] Kraken, I was surrounded by men, but they were all hockey people, so it was honestly comfortable. It’s all about hockey. We all love the game. The idea that women couldn’t be hired for roles like I have had, is quickly changing.

DO YOU SEE A WOMEN’S NHL LEAGUE?

I do. I think it’s on the horizon. I think past performances at the Olympics, and other women’s sportsbasketball, tennis, golf etc., -have put us past the idea that women’s sports won’t sell tickets.

HOW ABOUT YOUR CHILDREN’S BOOK?

I Can Play, Too, is a sports book about girls. My nephew, Tony’s son, Dominic, illustrated it, so it was a neat project to collaborate on with him.

DO YOU STILL PLAY HOCKEY?

Not really. I’m at a point in my life where I don’t need my wrist broken by someone playing too competitively. I still skate with the Canucks alumni sometimes. I coached my kids a little. I have hockey all around me all the time. That’s good enough! ■

I think the hardest thing, though, was the realization that I wouldn’t be able to go as far in the game as my brothers. We all grew up wanting to play for the Blackhawks. Luckily, the Women’s World Championship and Olympic teams were starting to form. The pendulum swung at just the right moment for me. There were plenty of other qualified athletes that came before me that just didn’t have the same opportunities.

YOU WERE OFFERED A CHANCE TO TRY OUT FOR THE NEW YORK ISLANDERS, CORRECT?

Yes. The General Manager of the Islanders had daughters that played hockey. He was genuinely trying to

YOU HAVE BUILT AN AMAZING, DECADES-LONG CAREER. ANY IDEA OF NEXT STEPS?

I have pretty much surpassed where I thought I would ever get, professionally.

Building the Kraken, from a concept to a team name, to constructing a stadium, to scouting the players and creating the organization, was amazing. Then for the general manager position to open here in Vancouver with the Canucks just a couple years later, where I’ve lived for 20 years, isn’t something that usually happens. So, I’m thrilled!

I don’t even think about next steps. I just try to learn as much as I can, wherever I am.

SECOND OLYMPIC APPEARANCE IN SALT LAKE CITY, 2002

VICTORY LAP UPON WINNING THE GOLD MEDAL GAME VS. TEAM CANADA, 1998.

THE WONDERS OF GIVING BACK

BY LARRY ATSEFF PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCELLO RODARTE

DICK AND JESSIE BARRETT HinsdaleMag.com

As a reader of this magazine, you live either in Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Burr Ridge, Oak Brook or Downers Grove. You live in one of the wealthiest areas in one of the wealthiest counties in the state and the nation, meaning there are large numbers of individuals, families and businesses with considerable means and talents.

Further, you know DuPage County offers residents wonderful assets, from well-run, attractive towns and neighborhoods, to outstanding K-12 schools and colleges and universities, a wealth of arts and cultural activities and attractions, and great places to shop and dine. All of this makes where you live very, very desirable.

At the same time, there are also those who need help, even in DuPage County— especially during these times. In fact, one in five families is considered low-income— which brings us to the large topic of giving back.

And, of course, there are those with special talents in music and the stage and visual arts who want to express themselves…and share it with others.

You can take and take and take what fellow DuPage County residents offer, and you will be better off for it.

Dick started giving back when he was at Bloom Township High School in Chicago Heights where he played in the marching band. He was a good enough tuba player to later become a member of the Coast Guard Band in the 60s and traveled the whole country for years.

they seek out people in need.

Dick also served as a charter member and leader of the Oak Brook Rotary Wake Up Club, made of Oak Brook businessmen and women, and served as President in 1991.

In Hinsdale, Dick and his late wife Terri got involved with Wellness House right from the beginning. Both have served on the Board for about 25 years. During that time, Terri also worked weekly as a volunteer at the Courtyard Consignment Center, where funds are raised in support of Wellness House to help cover operating expenses. They were both recognized in 2018 as Lifetime Trustees.

“The Barretts made a transformational gift to support the foundation’s current NICU renovation campaign. Their gift helps provide increased privacy and a larger footprint for our tiniest patients and their families. In addition, Dick’s financial expertise has been invaluable as he serves on the HHF Finance Committee. We are grateful for Dick’s commitment to the hospital and his other philanthropic interests which benefit Hinsdale and the surrounding communities.”

Or you can also give back…a little or a lot. And not only be the better for it, but also have the satisfaction of contributing to the community.

Here are some examples to follow that just might get you off that comfy couch a little more often.

The Barrett Family

Dick Barrett is a successful Hinsdale businessman, and with his son Jessie, they have helped many people invest wisely over the years, with their firm, the Barrett Group, Wells Fargo Advisors.

“I still like to be active in the business and the community. It keeps me young.”, he says.

Before living in Hinsdale, Dick lived in Western Springs. As his children, Jessie and Kelly, entered Laidlaw Elementary School in Western Springs, he led the PTA with wife Terri. After moving to Hinsdale in 1968, he began his career in the financial field in 1970, and has been with Wells Fargo for 49 years, much of that time managing the Oak Brook office for Wells Fargo for 30 years. He has been a member of Christ Church in Oak Brook for over 35 years.

- KAREN FIASCONE, Hinsdale Hospital Foundation Chair

While working in Oak Brook, he served with the local Rotary for 25 years. That organization is well-known worldwide for its humanitarian services. The organization campaigned for years to wipe out polio on global basis. According to Dick, primary to Rotary members, is giving back to the communities they live in, and

Lisa Kolavennu, Executive Director, says “The Barrett Family has been an important part of Wellness House for many years. Their sustained giving is a shining example of the power of community support and how it directly impacts those who are experiencing cancer. Over 44,000 people have been helped by Wellness House. Central to its mission, Wellness House never charges its participants for the services received, including support groups, cooking demonstrations, wig services, and exercise classes among others. This is thanks to the generous support of donors such as the Barretts.”

In addition, Dick Barrett has been on the Hinsdale Hospital Foundation Board since 2019. His wife Terri was a nurse and they have always had an interest in supporting medical causes.

According to Karen Fiascone, Hinsdale Hospital Foundation Chair, “The Barretts made a transformational gift to support the foundation’s current Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) renovation campaign. Their gift helps provide increased privacy and a larger footprint for our tiniest patients and their families. In addition, Dick’s financial expertise

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has been invaluable as he serves on the HHF Finance Committee. We are grateful for Dick’s commitment to the hospital and his other philanthropic interests which benefit Hinsdale and the surrounding communities.”

Along the way, Dick has also established the Barrett Foundation as a means for the Barretts to give back financially to the community.

Last, but certainly, not least, Dick has inspired son Jessie. Jessie is on the Board for HCS Family Services, serving as secretary. Wendy Michalski praises Jessie for his leadership. “He always puts our mission and the needs of our neighbors first. When we

decided to plan for a campaign, Jessie volunteered to chair the committee, and then he and his wife, Jessica, generously gave the first gift, a gift that will significantly impact the lives of those we serve and inspire others to give. Jessie is all about giving back to the community and transforming

Willowbrook provide the equivalent of over 500,000 meals. In addition, they help needy families find other support groups.

Like father, like son, and now, like grandson.

The family tradition of giving back now involves Chase Barrett, son of Jessie and grandson of Dick. Like his grandfather, Chase, 14, is now playing the euphonium and marches in the Red Devil Marching Band. Frankly, that alone is very satisfying to Dick and his son Jessie.

the lives of those in need.”

This non-profit helps families with emergency food. Annually, the HCS Food Pantries in Hinsdale and

And Chase has been getting involved in the community. He volunteered loading groceries for Hinsdale HCS services. And, in sixth grade, Chase saw an environmental opportunity. He noted that not all schools were using compost bins. He stepped up and organized the effort to get compost bins established at Clarendon Hills Middle School. As Chase says, “I think it is very important to take part in the community and give back, just like my grandfather and father have done.”

As the Barretts clearly show, volunteering helps you grow as a person. You learn something new, you build leadership skills, you grow your network, you show your values to those around you, and you find new opportunities. It is true: what goes around, comes around.

Another Option For Giving Back: Working With Foundations

Instead of working directly with a non-profit, you can look to an organization like the DuPage Foundation, a community foundation that serves as a conduit between donors and non-profit organizations serving the needs of our community.

According to the Council on Foundations, community foundations are “grant-making public charities that are dedicated to improving the lives of people in a defined local geographic area. They bring together the financial resources of individuals, families, and

Like his grandfather, Chase, 14, is now playing the euphonium and marches in the Hinsdale Marching Band.

“I still like to be active in the business and the community. It keeps me young.”

- DICK BARRETT

businesses to support effective not-forprofits in their communities.”

Since its inception in 1986, DuPage Foundation has awarded more than $65 million in grants to non-profit organizations serving the residents of DuPage County and beyond.

Dave McGowan, President and CEO of DuPage Foundation, says, “The needs in DuPage County are staggering, and many of our neighbors face daily challenges that were amplified by the pandemic. Together, with the support of our donors and community partners, we are creating significant impact in DuPage by providing resources to the not-for-profits that mobilize assistance where it’s needed most. We are proud to do this work and serve as your community foundation.”

Specifically, there are two main components that make up the foundation.

First, of course, there are the donors themselves. Second, there are hundreds of non-profit organizations that apply for grants from the foundation’s flagship grant program, called the Community Needs Grant Program.

Eligible non-profits fall into five categories for this DuPage Foundation program:

• Health and human services

• Education

• Arts and culture

• Environment

• Animal welfare

As a donor, you can designate amounts as “unrestricted,” which means the grant committee can best determine where those funds will have the most impact based on the greatest need, or you can direct funds to specific causes or organizations (donor-advised, designated or field-of-interest funds).

Several of those not-for-profits are right in our part of DuPage County:

• Candor Health Education (formerly the Robert Crown Center)

• Community Adult Day Center

• The Community House

• Creating IT Futures Foundation Inc.

• Downers Grove Area FISH, Inc.

• Downers Grove Choral Society

• First Folio Theatre

• Graue Mill and Museum

• HCS Family Services

• Hinsdale Humane Society

• SEASPAR

• Sharing Connections

• Variety the Children's Charity of Illinois

• Wellness House

• West Suburban Humane Society

• The West Towns Chorus

So, you have lots of choices. The important thing is to make the commitment. Community involvement is important for your community, and for you. It can truly be a winwin for all. Think about it and then get involved! ■

• Hope’s Front Door

• Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art

• LOVE Christian Clearinghouse

• Mayslake Village

• Reclaim13

LyArts at The Community House offered a free Fall in Love with The Arts outdoors experience. Included was art by Alex Levesque, shown here, and live music by Tank and the Beez with Roberta Wentling. DuPage Foundation helped support the event as part of arts and culture initiatives.

“The Barrett Family has been an important part of Wellness House for many years. Their sustained giving is a shining example of the power of community support and how it directly impacts those who are experiencing cancer. ”

- LISA KOLAVENNU, Executive Director of Wellness House

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