Application deadline is January 31. Reserve your spot at an upcoming open house by visiting: timothychristian.com/admissions/open-house
727 South
727 South Oak Street Hinsdale, IL
727 South Oak Street Hinsdale, IL
$4,500,000
$4,500,000 7 BD SUITES 8.2 BA 12,019 SF
7
SF
7 BD SUITES 8.2 BA 12,019 SF
Oak Street Hinsdale, IL Colleen
Old-world craftsmanship meets modern luxury living. This four level estate with 7 bedroom suites and 8.2 bathrooms has over 12,000 square feet. The home has flawlessly designed floor plans and generous rooms situated on a massive 100’ x 300’ lot in the prime SE Hinsdale location. Nearby Oak Elementary, Hinsdale Middle School and Hinsdale Central High School. Contact Colleen Wilcox for more information.
Old-world craftsmanship meets modern luxury living. This four level estate with 7 bedroom suites and 8.2 bathrooms has over 12,000 square feet. The home has flawlessly designed floor plans and generous rooms situated on a massive 100’ x 300’ lot in the prime SE Hinsdale location. Nearby Oak Elementary, Hinsdale Middle School and Hinsdale Central High School. Contact Colleen Wilcox for more information.
Colleen
Colleen C. Wilcox 630.291.9289
Colleen C. Wilcox 630.291.9289 • colleen.wilcox@compass.com colleencwilcox.com
1 Grant Square, Hinsdale, IL 60521
1 Grant Square, Hinsdale, IL 60521
IL
Colleen Wilcox is a team of Real Estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed Real Estate broker with a principal office in Chicago, IL and abides by all applicable Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only, is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, and changes without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of Real Estate brokerage.
Colleen Wilcox is a team of Real Estate agents affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed Real Estate broker with a principal office in Chicago, IL and abides by all applicable Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only, is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, and changes without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property
your investment plan?
A fast-evolving environment may mean unexpected changes to your financial life. Our Envision® planning process is a goals-based planning tool that helps you explore your life goals, plan your investments around meaningful benchmarks and track your progress towards them. Put our team – and our technology – to work for you.
A fast-evolving environment may mean unexpected changes to your financial life. Our Envision® planning process is a goals-based planning tool that helps you explore your life goals, plan your investments around meaningful benchmarks and track your progress towards them. Put our team – and our technology – to work for you.
If it’s time to resync – or rethink – your approach, we’re available for a complimentary review using appropriate social distancing for your safety.
A fast-evolving environment may mean unexpected changes to your financial life. Our Envision® planning process is a goals-based planning tool that helps you explore your life goals, plan your investments around meaningful benchmarks and track your progress towards them. Put our team – and our technology – to work for you.
If it’s time to resync – or rethink – your approach, we’re available for a complimentary review using appropriate social distancing for your safety.
If it’s time to resync – or rethink – your approach, we’re available for a complimentary review using appropriate social distancing for your safety.
Dick Barrett Managing Director – Investments 111 South Lincoln Street, Suite 200 Hinsdale, IL 60521 (630) 734-8910
richard.barrett@wellsfargoadvisors.com www.barrettgroup.wfadv.com
Dick Barrett Managing Director – Investments 111 South Lincoln Street, Suite 200 Hinsdale, IL 60521 (630) 734-8910
richard.barrett@wellsfargoadvisors.com www.barrettgroup.wfadv.com
CAR-0121-00262
Jessie Barrett, CFP®
Jessie Barrett, CFP® Managing Director – Investments 111 South Lincoln Street, Suite 200 Hinsdale, IL 60521 (630) 734-8909
Managing Director – Investments 111 South Lincoln Street, Suite 200 Hinsdale, IL 60521 (630) 734-8909
jessie.barrett@wellsfargoadvisors.com www.barrettgroup.wfadv.com
jessie.barrett@wellsfargoadvisors.com www.barrettgroup.wfadv.com
The resilience of the human spirit continues to amaze us and probably, you too.
We keep getting surprised by how Covid keeps hanging on. But we are equally surprised and at how people in general are are still carrying on. Kids are back in school, many with masks, but they are putting up with it. The economy is improving in general, despite problems in supply chains. Fortunately, there are lots of jobs to fill. Inflation lurks, but this past summer reminded us what some level of normalcy can be like.
So, while there are reasons to be pessimistic, we prefer to see the glass half-full, not half-empty.
With that mind set, we bring you some good news.
For starters, we have a story of how Chicago came back from the famous fire of 1871. As it turns out, the destruction of much of the city gave Chicago the opportunity to rebuild smartly.
This is our “BEST of Reader Favorites” issue, where, for the 6th year in a row, you have voted your favorites in over 40 categories. You have eagerly patronized the businesses, and they have done their best to serve you.
We have the story of how an artist was so poor he had to use newsprint for his paintings instead of canvas. Luckily, serendipity intervened, he was helped out by Jim Fannin, one of our contributors, and today Momero Britto is one of the best-known modern artists in the world.
In part 2 of our story on the Veeck and Comiskey families, we share with you how they spent their time in Hinsdale. You will learn how Bill Veeck Jr.’s early life in Hinsdale set the tone for his later life as one of the most influential “non-conformists” in baseball history. You will also learn that when Charley Comiskey sold the White Sox to Veeck, he had another successful life in other businesses, and enjoyed his family.
You’ll learn how Kevin Bozeman, a comedian from Downers Grove is making his mark making people laugh. Speaking of comedians, Anthony Michael Hall appeared at Tivoli theater in Downers Grove for a benefit and recounted what it was like to be a teenager in Breakfast Club, the comedy directed by John Hughes in Elmhurst.
We give you a story of owners of Model-T Fords and how they have great fun keeping the cars running. In fact, keeping the cars running is part of the fun.
Last, but not least, we have some suggestions on how you can get away for some driveable weekend getaways, designed to lift your spirits.
And, after all, that’s what most people are continuously looking for.
Scott Jonlich Founder & Publisher sjonlich@hinsdalemag.com
FOUNDER & PUBLISHER
Scott Jonlich
sjonlich@HinsdaleMag.com
CONTRIBUTING EDITOR
Larry Atseff
larry@hinsdalemag.com
CREATIVE DEPARTMENT
Julia Sinogeikina
Dennis Stromberg
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Larry Atseff
Maureen Callahan
Julie Jonlich
Valerie Hardy
Kerrie Kennedy
Emma Wolf
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS
Judith Coleman
Carolina Menapace
Marcello Rodarte
ADVERTISING SALES
Larry Atseff
Anne Healy
Renee Lawrence
Frank Von Pruce
graphics@HinsdaleMag.com
Hinsdale Magazine, Inc.
3 Grant Square, #201 Hinsdale, IL 60521
630-655-3400
www.HinsdaleMag.com
Serving Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills and Oak Brook.
Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz said it best: “There’s no place like home,” and this November, DuPage Foundation is bringing the party to homes across DuPage County to virtually celebrate another year of stellar community impact through its Annual Benefit: A Starry Night in DuPage.
This year’s Benefit, set for Saturday, November 13, is being offered in a virtual hybrid format, with both fully-remote and small in-person watch party options available, depending on individuals’ preferences. Participants will tune into a brief program and live paddle raise beginning at 7:30 p.m. A silent auction will add to the fun, featuring an array of unique items and experiences. Interested bidders can view the collection and register to bid at dupagefoundation.org/ StarryNight beginning October 30.
“As DuPage Foundation’s premier event, our Annual Benefit raises critical funding in support of our operations and programs so we can continue raising the quality of life throughout DuPage County,” said Dave McGowan, DuPage Foundation president & CEO.
Among the selection of catered cuisine, the Foundation is offering
a DuPage Delights Box for two, filled with curated food and wine from local businesses. Participants hosting home watch parties for up to 10 guests can choose from an appetizer, dessert, and wine package or a four-course meal with wine. All
for the Foundation’s operations and grantmaking programs.
“If you are looking to brighten up a cold November evening or haven’t yet been introduced to the Foundation, joining us for the Benefit is a great way to learn about the impact we have on our local communities,” added McGowan.
of these selections will be delivered to participating homes before the event program begins.
This year, DuPage Foundation is celebrating its 35th anniversary as DuPage County’s philanthropic leader. Since its inception in 1986, the Foundation has distributed nearly 9,000 grants totaling more than $60 million to approximately 1,500 not-for-profit agencies serving the residents of DuPage County and beyond. In 1993, the late Cleve Carney, a Foundation trustee emeritus and past board chair, began a dinner party at a local restaurant as a fundraiser for the organization. The successes of those small dinner parties spurred into the large-scale annual themed event that has raised millions of dollars
“Like stars in the sky, the Foundation shines brighter with the ongoing support of our donors and community partners wishing to make a difference for DuPage through coordinated impact. We are extremely fortunate for the continued generosity bestowed upon the Foundation over the last 35 years.”
Tickets start at $100 per device. For event information and ways to participate, visit dupagefoundation. org/StarryNight.
• Oral Cancer cases on the rise. From 42,000+ in 2014 to 54,000 in 2021. More prevalent than cervical cancer. In the US, one person dies every hour of every day. (American Cancer Society, Oral Cancer Foundation)
• Oral Cancer is not visible to the naked eye
• When not caught early, 55% of cases result in death in 5 years. (Oral Cancer Foundation)
• Early detection is very effective, very quick, inexpensive during routine dental exams, but not being widely practiced by Dentists.
Causes:
• Increased toxicity of foods and beverages, the environment and stress.
• Transmitted through kissing.
• Go to a dentist that offers early detection screening at low cost, or no cost.
• When detected early enough, oral surgeons can effectively treat the cancer.
• For information about oral cancer, go to www.hinsdaledentistry.com.
Q: What is a dermal filler?
A: 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.
Q: What is in a dermal filler?
A: 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.
Almost 20 years ago, Dr. Steil learned from the best, Danny Vleggar, MD. He was a trained Poly-L-Lactic Acid Specialist who taught her how to apply the filler like an expert. For aging facial skin, Poly-L-Lactic Acid can add volume, structure, balance and lift. For younger patients, it can be used to improve facial symmetry.
Q: Are fillers going to make my face look fake?
A: “I have been injecting in Hinsdale for
20 years, and everyone says the same thing— I don’t want people to know and I want to look natural. At CSC, we will make your treatment look natural,” says Dr. Steil.
The physicians at CSC Dermatology, Dr. Steil and Dr. Bognet, have a combined 30 years of experience treating patients with fillers. They both agree that the best results are when you don’t look like you’ve had a filler. To make this possible, CSC offers only the most professional opinions and treatment styles in all of their procedures. The bottom line— experience matters. “Sometimes a filler is not the solution,” says Bognet and “we tell the patient no. An overfilled face is not on our style.”
Q: What does it feel like?
A: Getting a filler is a very comfortable experience. The filler material is mixed with numbing medication which makes it virtually painless. In addition, applying ice prior to a more sensitive area like the lips helps to aid in numbing.
Q: How much do fillers cost?
A: Filler treatments can range from
$500-$2000 per session depending on the exact product and the number of syringes used. “We often layer products to achieve the best result so more than one type of product may be used during a treatment session,” says Dr. Steil.
Q: How long will fillers last?
A: On average, fillers can last from six months to two plus years. After being injected, your body gradually and naturally absorbs filler particles. Factors that affect longevity include the product used, how much was injected, and where it was injected. Depending on your age and your goals, treatments are often repeated yearly.
Appointments are beginning to fill fast. Fall is here and it’s time to plan for the holidays.
Call 630 455 0045 now to book a session at either one of our prominent locations in Hinsdale or Downers Grove.
Looking for a getaway this summer or fall that doesn’t break the bank? Don’t have a week of vacation time to spare? Not quite ready to get back on an airplane? Whether it’s north, east, south, or west that your compass is pointing you, just hop in the car and head to one of these travel spots. If you do, check out Hinsdale Magazine readers’ recommendations on where to STAY, where to PLAY, where to DINE, and how to UNWIND while away.
STAY: Lake Lawn Resort
PLAY: Boating on Delavan Lake; The Dancing Horses Theatre
DINE: Fire2Fork (farm-to-table dining); Village Supper Club (Friday fish fry); Mars Resort (ribs and outdoor entertainment); The Frontier Restaurant; Hernandez Mexican Restaurant
UNWIND*: The Lookout Bar & Eatery; The Inn Between Courtesy of Amy Cable & Paula Schultz
STAY: Timber Ridge Lodge & Waterpark; The Grand Geneva Resort; The Abbey Resort
PLAY: Lake Geneva Public Beach; Fontana Beach; Williams Bay Beach; Lake Geneva Mailboat Tour; Safari Lake Generva; Walk the shore path around Lake Geneva (the full path is 26 miles around but it can be walked in smaller segments); Visit the Riviera
DINE: Breakfast at Simple Café; Brunch at The Baker House; Lunch or Dinner at Pier 290 or Oakfire
UNWIND*: Gordy’s Boat House; Chuck’s Lakeshore Inn
Courtesy of Corinne Potter
(82 miles from DG)
STAY: Marina Grand Resort; Harbor Grand Hotel; Four Winds Casino Hotel; Beachwalk Vacation Rentals
PLAY: New Buffalo Beach; Weko Beach; Captain Mike’s (bumper boats, go-karts, batting cages, mini-golf, & more); Galien River State Park (canopy walk); Red Arrow Stables (horseback riding); Warren Dunes State Park (climb the dunes); Billy Boy’s Blueberry Barn (blueberry picking); Radke’s Orchards (apple picking); Dinges Fall Harvest (pumpkin picking); Blue Moon Vintage Market (antiquing); Four Winds Casino (gambling and shows/concerts)*
DINE: Brunch at Bentwood Tavern; Coffee & Reuben sandwich at David’s Coffee House; Lunch or Dinner at Staymaker; Haymarket Brew Pub & Pizza; The Stray Dog Bar & Grill; Redamak’s; Sweet Treats from Oink’s Dutch Treat; Harbert Swedish Bakery; Black Currant Bakehouse
UNWIND*: Journeyman Distillery; Dablon Winery; Roundbarn (Baroda location); Beer Church Brewing Co.; Greenbush Brewing Co.; Ghost Isle Brewery; The Stray Dog Rooftop; Grape & Grain Wine Tours
French Lick, IN (285 miles from DG)
STAY: French Lick Springs Hotel; West Baden Springs Hotel; Big Splash Adventure
PLAY: French Lick Scenic Railway; Indoor Water Park at Big Splash Adventure; Golf The Pete Dye, Donald Ross, or Valley Links Courses; The Stables at French Lick Resort (guided horseback trail rides and pony rides); Strassenfest (authentic German Festival in nearby Jasper, IN Aug. 5-8, 2021); Spa Mineral Baths; Casino at French Lick Springs Hotel*
DINE: German Café; 33 Brick Street; Schnitzelbank Restaurant (Jasper, IN)
UNWIND*: Ballard’s Bar in the Atrium of the West Baden Hotel; Power Plant Bar & Grill
Courtesy of Diana Benoist & Stacey Williams
NOTE: A free shuttle runs between French Lick Springs Hotel and West Baden Springs Hotel. In the winter, guests come to see the Christmas décor at the French Lick Resort and to ski Paoli Peaks.
Harbor Springs, MI (380 miles from DG)
STAY: Boyne Highlands Resort; Stafford’s Hotels; Trout Creek Vacation Condominium Resort
PLAY: Petoskey State Park; Zorn Park Beach; Pond Hill Farm; Tunnel of Trees-M119; The Pointer Boat Tour; Farmer’s Market (Wednesday & Saturdays Memorial Day – Labor Day); Day Trip to Mackinac Island; Harbor Springs Festival of the Book (September)
DINE: Lunch at Pond Hill Farm; Lunch or Dinner at Pierson’s Grille & Spirits; Dinner at Stafford’s Pier Restaurant; The Paper Station Bistro; Willow; The New York Restaurant; Pizza Delivery from Piper’s Mighty Good Pizza; Sweet Treats from Tom’s Mom’s Cookies
UNWIND*: Stafford’s Pier; Pond Hill Farm Winery
Courtesy of Valerie Hardy
Louisville, KY (305 miles from DG)
STAY: Residence Inn (kitchenette; indoor pool)
PLAY: Waterfront Park (walk the Big Four Bridge over the Ohio River, connecting Louisville, KY and Jeffersonville, IN); Louisville Zoo; Louisville Slugger Factory Tour; Churchill Downs Racetrack Tour; Belle of Louisville Riverboat Tour; Louisville Bats Minor League Baseball Game at Louisville Slugger Field; Louisville Mega Cavern
DINE: Breakfast at Wild Eggs; Lunch or Dinner at Mussel & Burger Bar; Merle’s Whiskey Kitchen; Feast BBQ; Royals Hot Chicken; Dessert from Ehrler’s Ice Cream
UNWIND*: Kentucky Bourbon Trail Tours; Bourbon Slushies from Feast BBQ
Courtesy of Kate Jungers
(540 miles from DG)
STAY: Big Cedar Lodge (hotel or rent a timeshare)
PLAY: Fun Mountain (arcade, bumper cars, underwater-themed bowling, climbing wall, & more); Resort scavenger hunt; Paddle boats; Boating; Waterskiing; Golf-cart excursion; Heated outdoor pool and indoor pool; Hiking; Day trip to Branson, MO
DINE: Osage Restaurant; Mountain Top Grill; Uncle Buck’s Fish Bowl & Grill
UNWIND*: The Bat Bar; End of the Trail All-American Wine Cellar
St. Louis, MO (280 miles from DG)
STAY: St. Louis Union Station Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton
PLAY: The Gateway Arch; Riverboat Cruise on the Mighty Mississippi; The City Museum; The Magic House; Old St. Louis County Courthouse (where the “Dred Scott decision” was made); Cardinals Game at Busch Stadium; Saint Louis Science Center; Visit the Budweiser Clydesdales at Grant’s Farm; Forest Park: Saint Louis Zoo; Muny (outdoor musical theatre)
DINE: Imo’s Pizza; Fitz’s (old-time diner); “The Hill” for Italian food at restaurants including Rigazzi’s and Charlie Gitto’s (be sure to order toasted ravioli)
UNWIND*: Anheuser-Busch Tour; Ballpark Village Courtesy of Chris Walsh
When it comes to your health and dealing with pain, you want the best. Someone you can trust. When Dr. Patel was at the esteemed Cleveland Clinic, world class professional athletes trusted Dr. Patel.
Since joining Hinsdale Orthopaedics in 2015, parents at five local high schools have trusted Dr. Patel as the attending physician for their student-athletes.
When you go to his website, testimonials attest to his expertise and his caring approach in treatment. Peers trust him for his knowledge of minimally invasive techniques. Go to drronakpatel.com and learn why you can trust Dr. Patel.
Charley, as his friends called him, moved with his wife, Donna Jo, to Hinsdale in 1952. They lived at 8th and South County Line Road, and eventually moved to 8th and Park.
After Charley sold his share of the White Sox to Bill Veeck in 1962, he turned his complete attention to his family and to Hinsdale, itself. He and Donna Jo had four children, a girl and boy early in their marriage, and then another son and daughter, 15 years later. They all grew up in Hinsdale and attended the local schools.
Charley and Donna Jo got involved in the Hinsdale community in many ways.
According to one of his
daughters, her father and mother were devout parishioners of St. Isaacs Jogues Church. They helped the Community House, in its early stages, develop the Christmas Ball, one of its most important fund raisers. And Charley was generous, contributing
a taxi and limousine service, out of a building that is now Mavon Insurance at 10 Chicago Avenue in Hinsdale. He called the business Carriage Way. His daughter smiles, recalling the early days of the business when jobs were hard to get: “Young men who were recent college graduates, would show up in their fancy, expensive luxury cars for work. They would put on their green jackets and drive people around town and to the airports. It turned out to be a nice business for the entire community. She added, “By the way, the jackets were green, in honor of the family’s Irish heritage.”
money to Hinsdale Hospital and local teams for their sporting events.
“My dad also was a practical, smart businessman in many ways, and recognized opportunities,” she said. “Because of the spacing of ages with my siblings, my Dad found that getting us kids around town was a bit of a challenge. There was no taxi service. And, not everyone had a car. Besides all that, housekeepers and babysitters, coming from Chicago to Hinsdale on the train really had no choice but to walk to the homes where they would work. Further, Hinsdaleans, travelling on business out of town, also needed limo service to O’Hare and Midway.”
“So, in the mid-70’s, Charley started
She also recalls how her Dad got involved in real estate development: “He developed an office building in Oak Brook. He bought a large piece of property in South Hinsdale, and developed it with a small lake so that custom homes could be built around it. He also had real estate developments in Arizona, Colorado, Wisconsin and Florida.”
She added, “As a friendly, outgoing sort, and a good athlete like his grandfather, Charley joined the Hinsdale Golf Club because he was a good golfer. Through the years he was on the board of the golf club to help improve it for his family and other members.
He also joined the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce, and eventually became Chamber president in 1976-77. Back then, with
Continued on next page
“ Grandpa attended as many basketball, baseball, and football games as he could fit into his schedule. All my children, four girls and one boy, were tremendous athletes. They had my Dad’s genes.”
— CHARLEY COMISKEY'S DAUGHTER
storekeepers in town, he and they collectively worked toward retaining the old-fashioned, small-town look would be good for them and the residents. She recalls they would meet regularly for lunch at places like Picadilly, and Page’s Restaurant. (Picadilly is gone, but Page’s is still in business, busy as ever.) Building codes to retain a classic architectural look were established, as were standards for signage, landscaping and lighting. Eventually, it all paid off. In May, 2006, the National Register of Historic Places designated downtown Hinsdale as a Historic Downtown, complete with signs proudly signifying the achievement.
Another fond memory of her Dad was his attitude toward people, and how friendly and outgoing he was. “He set a good example for me and my brothers and sisters.”
“He also had a mind like a steel trap. He remembered everybody’s names and things about them and their families. He was amazing in that way and was known for one of his favorite phrases: ‘Let me tell you a story’.”
She said, “Not only was my Dad friendly and outgoing, he treated everyone the same, with respect, no matter their name or whether they had money or not. For example, when he was with the White Sox, he made it a policy that left-overs from the ballpark restaurant were always given to the homeless, whom lived near the stadium. At his memorial service, one of them took the train out from the
city to the service and told everyone how much they appreciated Charley.”
Charley passed away on August 26, 2007, at age 81.
His daughter is proud to remember these additional things about him:
“He had 5 grand-children in the Chicago area and 2 in Florida. He loved each of them deeply as if they were his own! Grandpa attended as many basketball, baseball, and football games as he could fit into his schedule. All my children, four girls and one boy, were tremendous athletes. They had my Dad’s genes.”
“The grandchildren grew up going to the Chicago White Sox games for two reasons. First, they were part of the Comiskey heritage!”
“Second, when Charley owned the team, he purchased six box seats right next to the dugout on the third base side, so could be near the players. He enjoyed talking with them. To this day, my son and daughters still buy the season tickets for those same seats so we can keep the tradition of going to the Sox games alive for the next generation. My father is smiling down from heaven seeing his ten great grandchildren enjoying the Chicago White Sox,
in the same seats that Comiskey’s have sat in for many generations. So, their grandfather holds a very special place in their hearts today.”
The Veecks and Hinsdale
Our story about the Veeck family and baseball and Hinsdale begins when William Veeck Sr. bought a home in Hinsdale in 1915, a year after Bill Jr. was born in Chicago. At the time, Bill Sr. was a sportswriter for the Chicago American newspaper, and, as the story goes, “he wrote a series of scathing newspaper articles on the Chicago Cubs in 1918. They grabbed PK Wrigley’s attention. Wrigley reportedly called in Veeck Sr. and said, ‘Since you seem to think you have the answers, I’ll give you a chance to see if they work.’” He appointed Veeck as vice president. He later became president and remained with the Cubs
until he died in 1933.
As it turns out, Veeck, Sr. is credited with helping the Cubs become a successful franchise. Along the way, he showed an ability to be promotion minded. Perhaps, we should not be surprised by all that Bill Jr. did in following him.
For example, under Bill Sr., the Cubs were the first to broadcast games live on the radio.
In addition, according to Hinsdale and the World, by Tom and Mary Sterling, “In 1929, (Veeck Sr.) encouraged milk consumption by having the Guernsey Farm located south of Hinsdale on Garfield deliver plenty of milk to the Cubs, a well-publicized event which greatly increased the consumption of milk didn’t really spur the team on to the World Series win they hoped for.”
“In 1932, 34 Lombard boys, just a fraction of the 5,000 he treated to a Cubs game for their service as crossing guards, wrote a letter to ‘Uncle Bill’ in the newspaper thanking him for inviting them to the July 7th game. ‘It was a swell game, and we want to thank you a whole lot. We’re sure glad the Cubs won. The next time have us come in you might have a homerun or two saved up. Also, please tell all the ushers to stay below as they get in our way some.’”
Veeck, Sr. remained president of the Cubs until his untimely death at age 56, on October 5, 1933. On his death, the Chicago American wrote that baseball fans “knew that (Bill Sr.
wanted the Cubs to be winners and that he worked hard and thought hard and planned diligently to make them winners, but that he esteemed honesty and manliness and good sportsmanship above victory.”
While Bill Sr. was running the Cubs, Bill Jr. was growing up from 1915 to 1935 at their Hinsdale home. As he was growing up, Bill Jr. accompanied his Dad to Cubs headquarters in summers, learning about what it was like to run a baseball team, selling everything from popcorn to tickets..
Bill Jr. grew up attending the old Garfield grammar school for all eight years.
In a 1985 Hinsdale Doings article, Bill Jr. is quoted as saying. “I remember looking across from our home at Park and 7th. I saw only cornfields. I couldn’t have asked to grow up in a better town. I worked for a florist and delivered programs for the theater. I enjoyed everything, I never got bored.”
Scott Jones, a schoolmate of Bill’s in his early days, recounts what it was like to be around him in two articles.
On Bill Jr.’s death in January 2, 1986, Jones, recalled in a January 9th article that Bill was “a youth to be reckoned with.”
In a later article in Suburban Life on June 6, 1986 Scott wrote “I first encountered Veeck in the third grade. I was quite uneasy at the thought of becoming a classmate of Veeck’s. His reputation at that young age had preceded him. Growing up with him was quite an experience. Even during grade school, it didn’t take long for Veeck to establish himself as ‘that public school rowdy’”.
Jones recalled, “One day he and Veeck crawled out the window during a math class to attend a Cubs ball game.”
On the other hand, he also recalled in that “Veeck, exposed to literature by his father at an early age, developed a
voracious appetite for books. Later in life, he often was asked to review books for the media. He gave a masterly, scholarly seminar on reading at our 50th high school reunion in 1982. There was not a book mentioned by the audience that he hadn’t read.”
“In his younger days, Veeck was an excellent athlete, playing football, basketball, baseball, even swimming and tennis. Jones recalls that that “Veeck attended Philips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, following grammar school, but he became homesick and returned to Hinsdale after several months. He played football and basketball for two years at Hinsdale High School before attending Los Alamos, New Mexico Ranch School.”
Bill Jr. left Kenyon college in the middle of his sophomore year to return to again work for his Dad with the Cubs.
Editor’s Note: After his Dad’s death in 1933, Bill Jr. was responsible for the ivy that graces the brick outfield walls at Wrigley field when he had it installed in 1937.
According to Jones, in his youth, Bill “was a standout blocking back/ linebacker for Hinsdale’s lightweight football team (under 135 pounds) and
Continued on next page
BILL VEECK DURING HIS GRAMMAR SCHOOL DAYSits only player not to wear a helmet-a practice allowed at that time. He earned nicknames such as ‘Steel Wool’ for his conspicuous head of red, curly hair often spotted at the bottom of pileups. That aggressive nature helped Veeck excel in basketball. As for the spring sports at Hinsdale, Veeck said, ‘track was the only sport I didn’t bother with. Speed was not my forte.’”
“Regardless of the sport, Veeck was a star and when we were kids, he would always be elected one of the captains when sides were chosen. In baseball, the sport he was to be associated with most of his life, he was an excellent sandlot player--a southpaw and a shrewd, Nellie Fox-type hitter.”
“Veeck made quite a name for himself through all of his ownership ventures in baseball—but he never forgot his roots. After the Cleveland Indians won the 1948 World Series, then owner Veeck returned to Hinsdale in February 1949, to speak to the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce, relating baseball anecdotes to a delighted crowd.”
Upon Bill’s death, Jones noted in the Hinsdale Doings, Charley Comiskey, had this to say about Bill: ‘… he was the Barnum and Bailey of the modern era. Not all of his promotions were a success. But he did draw people to the park, and he always tried to give an entertaining package. His motto was ‘Put a good product on the field and the fans will show up.’”
Editor’s Note:
Charley Comiskey and Bill Veeck, Jr., shared ownership of the White Sox between 1959-1961.
When Jones reunited with Veeck years later, he recalls in another article, in a copy of a book on Veeck, Bill wrote, ‘To an old friend and a good one.’” Jones said, “Veeck never forgot a friend and never failed to come to the aid of a friend in need, regardless of his station in life.”
He added, Bill “…marched to a different drummer in those early Hinsdale days, and he led the parade for the rest of his eventual life.”
Showing his regard for Bill, in another quote, Jones said “He always the rebel, yet it was this quality--along with his colossal sense of humor--that led him to be different, to defy the establishment, to expose the phonies that pushed him to the heights of his profession.”
Perhaps Bill’s fondness in growing up in Hinsdale and playing so many sports, helped him keep an eye on Hinsdale and youth sports. In 1985, in the October 17, 1985 issue of the Hinsdale Doings, he credited Harvey Dickinson, Hinsdale Central’s football coach with getting the sports programs going in Hinsdale. “He was a good salesman. He gave that town the spark it needed.”
He also opined on kids and sports. “I don’t think kids today are as dedicated as back then. In this day and age, you have so many other things that kids can put their minds to. (Remember: This was in 1985, before social media and cell phones!).
About the lack of attendance at high school games: “It’s sad to see how few people show up at games today. It never used to be like that. I feel the IHSA talks a lot, but it doesn’t do anything. He said that some decisions involving high school athletes have become political but that high school sports concept is basically pure. It’s the only sport where there are amateurs. Recruiting has done some damage and changed things, but all you have to do is go to Champaign to understand why people should take more of an interest in high school sports. Mary Francis, my wife, and I have been
going to the basketball finals for the last 19 years. I consider them the next best thing to the World Series.”
As noted in Part 1, Bill Veeck, Jr. died on January 2, 1986, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1991.
Another honor: he was elected to the Hinsdale Central Foundation in 2001.
A very fitting local honor for Bill Sr. and Bill Jr.: Veeck Park, located on 47th Street as you enter Hinsdale from the east and cross I-294.
According to an article in Suburban Life, on December 16, 1997, the Village named the field to honor both Veecks. The Veeck family and a nephew, Fred Krehbiel, made donations to build the park. Three years later, in 2000, it was opened up and is now enjoyed by many young players of several sports.
Now you know why.
Credits.
We have drawn from several sources for this article in two parts
Included are baseballhall.org/hall-offamers/veeck-bill.
Chicago Historical Society, Encyclopedia Britannica
Wikipedia: Charles Finley, Chuck Finley, Michael Veeck
baseball-reference.com/bullpen/ Bill_Veeck
The Hinsdale Historical Society also contributed copies of newspaper accounts over the years of the activities of Comiskeys and Veecks.
Chicago Water Tower and Chicago Avenue Pumping Station – 806 N. Michigan Ave.
“The flames from this time spread with such rapidity that the whole neighborhood for blocks around became a ‘sea of fire’, thus at about 3 o’clock in the morning of the 9th of October the pumping works became an utter wreck, nothing but the naked walls of the building and blackened skeletons of three engines were left to mark the spot from whence only a few hours before flowed millions of gallons of pure water for the comfort and convenience of our citizens”. – City engineer (and later mayor) DeWitt Clinton Creiger
lot has changed in 150 years since that warm, windy autumn night in a small barn behind 137 De Koven St. (now 558 W. De Koven St., and current home of the Chicago Fire Department Quinn Fire Academy) which changed the course of Chicago’s history. Here’s a look at some of the surviving structures from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871.
PHOTO COURTESY CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUMSaint Ignatius College Prep
1076 W. Roosevelt Rd.
1076 W. Roosevelt Rd.
Founded in 1869 by Fr. Arnold
Founded in 1869 by Fr. Arnold Damen, S.J., a Dutch Jesuit missionary to the United States, Saint Ignatius College (now Saint Ignatius College Prep) is one of the few public structures that predates the Chicago Fire of 1871. The school, which reopened two weeks after the fire, was home to displaced orphans and Bishop Thomas Foley, whose residence downtown had been destroyed. The Bishop thanked Father Damen for his hospitality by donating money for a Natural History Museum that was expanded in 1887-1888. Now known as the Brunswick Room, its cabinets, galleries, and staircases were built by the famous billiard company founded by Swiss immigrant John Moses Brunswick.
Damen, S.J., a Dutch Jesuit missionary to the United States, Saint Ignatius College (now Saint Ignatius College Prep) is one of the few public structures that predates the Chicago Fire of 1871. The school, which reopened two weeks after the fire, was home to displaced orphans and Bishop Thomas Foley, whose residence downtown had been destroyed. The Bishop thanked Father Damen for his hospitality by donating money for a Natural History Museum that was expanded in 1887-1888. Now known as the Brunswick Room, its cabinets, galleries, and staircases were built by the famous billiard company founded by Swiss immigrant John Moses Brunswick.
Church of the Holy Family
Church of the Holy Family
1080 W. Roosevelt Rd.
1080 W. Roosevelt Rd.
Just a mile away from the alleged starting point of the fire, shining brightly in the east transept of the church (Patrick and Catherine O’Leary’s parish at the time of the fire), are the seven lights Father
Just a mile away from the alleged starting point of the fire, shining brightly in the east transept of the church (Patrick and Catherine O’Leary’s parish at the time of the fire), are the seven lights Father Damen vowed would burn forever, if the church was spared from the fire. Praying throughout the night, while away in Brooklyn, NY preaching a mission at St. Patrick’s Church, Damen invoked Our Lady of Perpetual Help to protect the church and its nearby structures, vowing to light 7 candles in front of her statue in the church, should she intercede.
Damen vowed would burn forever, if the church was spared from the fire. Praying throughout the night, while away in Brooklyn, NY preaching a mission at St. Patrick’s Church, Damen invoked Our Lady of Perpetual Help to protect the church and its nearby structures, vowing to light 7 candles in front of her statue in the church, should she intercede.
PHOTO COURTESY KADOC-KU Leuven Archives of the Belgian Jesuits PHOTO COURTESY KADOC-KU Leuven Archives of the Belgian Jesuits PHOTO ELLEN SKERRETT
700 W. Adams
A strong wind from the southwest kept the fire from reaching St. Patrick’s Church, located about a mile northwest of the O’Leary’s barn. Built by Irish immigrants, St. Patrick’s provided charitable services to many who survived the fire. Designed by architects Asher Carter and Augustus Bauer, the current church is made of Joliet limestone and Milwaukee brick. Dedicated on Christmas Day, 1856. Old St. Pat’s Church is the oldest public building in Chicago.
PHOTO COURTESY OLD SAINT PATRICK’S CATHOLIC CHURCH
St. Michael’s Catholic Church
St. Michael’s Catholic Church
1633 N. Cleveland Ave.
1633 N. Cleveland Ave.
As the fire blew north, past downtown, parishioners of St. Michael’s Church in Old Town are said to have packed the church’s treasures into an oxcart and fled. Shortly after, all the parish buildings were destroyed, with only the walls of the church standing. Less than a week later, the church began re-building. Two years later, the re-constructed St. Michael’s Church was consecrated and dedicated, making it one of the first Chicago churches to rise from the ashes.
As the fire blew north, past downtown, parishioners of St. Michael’s Church in Old Town are said to have packed the church’s treasures into an oxcart and fled. Shortly after, all the parish buildings were destroyed, with only the walls of the church standing. Less than a week later, the church began re-building. Two years later, the re-constructed St. Michael’s Church was consecrated and dedicated, making it one of the first Chicago churches to rise from the ashes.
PHOTO COURTESY ST. MICHAELS CATHOLIC CHURCH IN OLD TOWN
PHOTO COURTESY CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM
PHOTO COURTESY ST. MICHAELS CATHOLIC CHURCH IN OLD TOWN
PHOTO COURTESY CHICAGO HISTORY MUSEUM
2121 N. Hudson
2121 N. Hudson
One of the few north side homes to survive the fire. This home in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood belonged to Chicago police officer Richard Bellinger. To save the house from destruction, he allegedly put wet blankets on the roof, and then turned to his store of cider when the water ran out. Assisted by his brother-in-law, Bellinger also cleared the dry leaves that were on the property, tore up the nearby wooden sidewalk and fence, and snuffed as many sparks as he could as soon as they landed.
One of the few north side homes to survive the fire. This home in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood belonged to Chicago police officer Richard Bellinger. To save the house from destruction, he allegedly put wet blankets on the roof, and then turned to his store of cider when the water ran out. Assisted by his brother-in-law, Bellinger also cleared the dry leaves that were on the property, tore up the nearby wooden sidewalk and fence, and snuffed as many sparks as he could as soon as they landed.
Hull House
800 S. Halsted St.
Hull House
The Charles J. Hull mansion, constructed in 1856 is just a few blocks from where the fire started. Completely spared from the flames because of the wind blowing northeast. This National Historic Landmark did not take on significance until 1889, when Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr began using it as a settlement house.
800 S. Halsted St.
The Charles J. Hull mansion, constructed in 1856 is just a few blocks from where the fire started. Completely spared from the flames because of the wind blowing northeast. This National Historic Landmark did not take on significance until 1889, when Jane Addams and Ellen Gates Starr began using it as a settlement house.
PHOTO COURTESY DEPAUL UNIVERSITY WANDA HAROLD PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION
PHOTO COURTESY DEPAUL UNIVERSITY WANDA HAROLD PHOTOGRAPH COLLECTION
PHOTO ERIC ALLIX ROGERS
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You know Jim Fannin as a contributing writer for Hinsdale Magazine. You may also know him as America’s ZoneCoach®, with an international following of sports stars and business leaders. In both cases, he offers self-improvement techniques and tips that work for everyone…when followed. They work especially well for
talented people who apply themselves, and become champions.
As a result, Jim has personally developed a keen eye for talented people in sports and business…and yes, even in the art world, the subject of this article.
In his travels, in off hours, because he likes art, Jim has made it a habit to stop in at art galleries.
One day in Miami Beach in the early 1980’s, after coaching several top tennis stars, he walked into one of several beachside galleries in Miami and an abstract painting caught his eye. He paid $200 for it. He asked who the artist was and was told, Romero Britto, a name no one had ever heard. Since Romero lived in Miami, Jim looked him up and found him, painting away. They chatted and Jim
learned that Romero had recently arrived from Brazil, was in his 20’s, but was so poor, he couldn’t even afford canvas for his paintings, and was using old Miami Herald newspapers instead.
Jim liked Romero and his work so much he offered to help promote him. They struck a deal: Jim took pictures of Britto’s paintings, and promised to show them to well-heeled tennis players and fans of tennis he met, as he coached. He would also show the photos to gallery owners.
Jim helped Britto with the purchase of canvas and supplies, and even helped with a gallery opening Britto was planning in the Mayfair Hotel in Miami’s Coconut Grove fine arts neighborhood. In return, they would share in the sales of the works.
Prior to the opening, Jim happened to be at Nobu restaurant in Miami and sitting at the sushi bar. He struck up a conversation with a lady sitting next to him, and said he was in town for an art show opening. He showed the lady a picture of Britto’s work and she said she loved it. Turns out she was Picasso’s daughter, Paloma. Jim asked if she would attend the opening. She said she would and that turned out to be great publicity that packed the grand opening.
Talk about serendipity.
Little by little, over the next ten years or so, Britto art was gaining a following, despite an occasional setback when a gallery owner “didn’t recognize the potential” and as Jim said, “they would politely escort me out the door.”
Britto, being inventive himself, started painting original art on T-shirts, and ties, and at $100 each, they became hot sellers as people framed them as art.
One positive led to another. Absolut Vodka was planning an ad campaign using art on their bottles. They heard about Britto and started the campaign featuring his work.
With that momentum, Jim said, it was time for Romero to get a real, full-time professional artist agent. And they agreed to part ways. Britto asked how they should settle up and Jim said “Just give me some paintings.”
Romero gave Jim 24 paintings which Jim boxed up and put behind a curtain at his SCORE tennis club in Countryside which he promptly forgot as his business was also really taking off.
Fast forward to 2001. Jim and his daughter were shopping in Oak Brook and stopped in at a national gallery. His
daughter pointed out a Britto tie for $250 and Jim suddenly remembered those paintings in Countryside.
By happenstance, 5 years ago, at an Oak Brook Polo match, Jim met Sheryl Srivaslava, owner Acquisitions of Fine Art Gallery in Hinsdale. Today you can purchase your choice of several original Britto works at both the Hinsdale location, and the newly opened West Palm Beach gallery location.
As it turns out, Jim keeps bumping into promising artists. Through a mutual friend, about a year ago, Jim met rock band song writer Robert Fleischman who was creating collages and paintings, long before Journey, and Asia and his numerous song contributions. Jim connected Robert with the gallery. You will be able to purchase Fleischman’s work at Acquisition’s West Palm Beach gallery as well.
Recently, Burr Ridge neighbor Eve Ozer met Jim while he was on one of his regular “wisdom walks”. Eve showed him some of her artwork. Now, Eve’s work will also be on display in West Palm Beach.
Serendipity can be a wonderful thing, especially when you combine it with an eye for talent. ■
In the mid-1940’s, when cars were still sharing the road with street cars and an occasional horse, in downtown Chicago, on Lake Street, Bill Stynoski set up a garage where owners of motor vehicles could park their cars and also have them serviced while they went to work at their places of business. Most of the vehicles were Model-T Fords. He later opened a Sinclair gas station and began to collect Model-T’s. As his collection grew, in 1952, he decided to start the Midwest Chapter of the Model-T Ford Club International. His son Wade carries on the family tradition. He owns several Model-T’s and in his father’s honor, every year a Stynoski plaque is given to the “best restored original vehicle”. Also like his Dad, Wade can fix anything on a Model-T.
“ I wanted to get him a car, but not just another ‘muscle car’ like other Dads. I saw a Model-T on the street in Downers Grove with a ‘for sale’ sign and bought it for $1800 in 1974. It was perfect for Ed, because while he was good at taking things apart, he still had to learn how to put them back togeather. ”
The key words with this group from the outset have been “family traditions and having fun”. As Joe Rush, one of the club members points out, “We just don’t just put the cars on display, we regularly drive them in road rallies and take them to events. We like to have fun with them. Part of the fun is taking care of them and keeping them up so we can drive them.”
Next year, the club will be 70 years old, and boasts approximately 150 Model-T’s owned by 95 or so families.
In fact, on September 26, 2021, members from all over Chicagoland, put their Model-T Fords on the road to join in the festivities at the Oak Brook Polo Club’s last match of 2021. Driving at top speeds of 30 to 40 miles per hour, it took some of the members a little time to get to Oak Brook, and some took some side roads, but it was just great fun on a beautiful day to be driving these classics. Eleven of them were lined up for a few hours
Chapter President Forrest Green owns 11 himself.
—MARV TIESENGAMARV AND ARDYTHE TIESENGA
before the match.
Having 100 year-old cars at the Oak Brook Polo Club’s 99th season was a reminder of how some traditions persist and live on yet today.
As music of the 1920’s played in the background, people walked around the cars, sat in them, and learned about Model-T Fords from their proud owners.
For example, they heard that Henry Ford visited meat plants where they processed hogs, chicken and turkey to study line production. After many attempts, going from A-to-T in the alphabet, he finally got his automobile assembly lines right and Model T’s started pouring out of his factory in Dearborn Michigan in 1909. From that year until 1927, over 15 million ModelT’s were built.
Other fun facts: In the early days, all the spokes for the wheels were made of hickory wood, chosen because it was durable and would not splinter. Henry Ford planted forests of hickory trees near his factory so he could make the wheels as part of Ford Motor Company. He sold the scraps of wood to what became Kingsford Charcoal.
Ford didn’t miss many tricks. When he saw productivity flagging on the assembly lines, which were operating 7 days a week, he decided to give the workers a day of rest, just as it says in the Bible. Sure enough, productivity picked up.
Back to the club and its members on September 26. The Model-T Ford rally at the match was hosted by Oak Brook Village Trustee Ed Tiesenga and his wife, Elizabeth. Over 75 people filled the Model-T tent to enjoy food and fellowship and the final tournament Polo match between G-Squared USA and the Jamaican team from the Kingston Polo Club.
Ed and family share a typical Model-T story. His father Marv, is 92, and the oldest club member. Marv got involved, he recalls: “When Ed was a 14 year-old teen ager, I wanted to get him a car, but not just another ‘muscle car’ like other Dads. I saw a Model-T on the street in Downers Grove with a ‘for sale’ sign and bought it for $1800 in 1974. It
was perfect for Ed, because while he was good at taking things apart, he still had to learn how to put them back together.”
Over the years, Ed has had an off-and-on, and off-and-on again relationship with his black 1924 four door Model-T. At one point, when the car was stored in a barn in Harvard, Illinois, mice ate the wires. In the early 1990’s, he donated it to the Historical Society of Oak Brook. But they gave it back after the Oak Brook Public Works mechanics could not maintain it for the Historical Society.
Everyone was too busy to figure out how to keep the car in order, and not until they joined the Midwest Chapter
of the Model-T Club in Westmont did Ed and Marv discover all of the experienced and capable other Model-T owners glad to help get the car in order and on the road again for Club tours and events.
He said, “In the Club, we have people like me with a limited scope of experience working on these cars, but many more people who know all about them.
The Club includes skilled mechanics, electrical and mechanical engineers with careers at Navistar and Electromotive, and some who figured it out as they went, who can take anything apart and get it all back together as they go. After 5 or so years of hanging out
with these guys, our old car can make it through 400-mile weekend tours all over the area.”
Marv and his wife Ardythe love to attend events centered around the club because it is enjoyable to recall the memories. Before Marv retired 17 years ago, he practiced general surgery and was a pioneer in performing laparoscopic and bariatric surgery. He recalls his farm childhood in Minnesota and how the introduction of Model-T’s collapsed distances and opened up the world for rural families.
On that beautiful Sunday afternoon, before the polo match started, the whole crowd gathered along the edges of the field, and waved and cheered when all of the Model-T’s got started and took a full lap around the entire polo field. It was a sight to behold and hear, as they drove by the stands, honking their horns, with a 1914 Model-T “speedster” leading the way, waving a huge American flag.
As current President Forrest Green points out, “Another great thing about these Model-T’s and our club is that you don’t even have to have an antique car or a Model T.
All you need is interest in the hobby and a love of history. And owning these cars and keeping them up is not expensive. Instead of spending tens of thousands for a classic Corvette or a Mustang, for about $5,000, you can get a Model-T and completely restore it for about $25,000. To keep them up, there are plenty of spare parts and there are companies that also make parts.
We meet monthly in the Westmont Park District meeting room and like nothing better than to welcome new friends to join. For more information, you can go to midwestchaptermodeltfordclub.org, or call Forrest at (847) 334-6070. ■
Parker’s in Downers Grove has been voted the best seafood restaurant for five consecutive years in Hinsdale Magazine’s 2021 Reader Favorites surveys.
Salmon Veracruz
ASIAN
Roka Akor, Oak Brook
Nabuki, Hinsdale
Wild Ginger, Hinsdale
FRENCH/INTERNATIONAL
Marco's Kitchen, La Grange
Mon Ami Gabi, Oak Brook
Vie, Western Springs
ITALIAN
Capri Ristorante, Burr Ridge
Antico Posto, Oak Brook
Il Poggiolo Ristorante, Hinsdale
MEXICAN
Cilantro Taco Grill, Oak Brook
Taco Grill, Westmont
Uncle Julio’s, Lombard
SEAFOOD
Devon Seafood & Steak, Oakbrook Terrace
Parker’s, Downers Grove
Roka Akor, Oak Brook
STEAK
Gibsons, Oak Brook
Steak + Vine, La Grange
Vistro Prime, Hinsdale
SUSHI
Nabuki, Hinsdale
Kona Grill, Lombard
marks the sixth year we have asked you to vote for the “BEST of Reader Favorites” across more than 40 categories, ranging from all types of eating places, to home remodelers, repair services, cleaners, salons and more. In another most unusual year for all of us, as businesses and customers of businesses, we have had to make many adjustments to cope with the pandemic. In the case of the businesses, they adjusted, but did not compromise.
They have explained what they have done to accommodate needs for safety of customers and employees; they have introduced new services; they have kept what people have always expected; they have praised their employees, who are often overlooked. Instead of staying homebound, these people have come in, every day, to stock shelves, make the meals, serve the meals, work the registers, use their knowledge and talent to serve, make the deliveries and, above all, make sure each business is safe for business.
On behalf of all the businesses, thank you.
Sushi House, Westmont
IRISH PUB
Ballydoyle, Downers Grove
Irish Times, Brookfield
Palmer Pace, LaGrange
SPORTS BAR
Fuller House, Hinsdale
Grill 89, Westmont
York Tavern, Oak Brook
BREWERY
Emmett’s Brewing Co., Downers Grove
Fuller House, Hinsdale
Goldfinger Brewing Co.,Downers Grove
Pictured is Parker’sBAKERY
Kirschbaum’s, Western Springs
Kirsten’s Danish Bakery, Burr Ridge
Toni Patisserie and Café, Hinsdale
BREAKFAST
Egg Harbor Café, Hinsdale
Page’s Restaurant, Hinsdale
Yia Yia’s Pancake House, Hinsdale
BRUNCH
Grill 89, Westmont
Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace
The Drake Hotel, Oak Brook
COFFEE HOUSE
Cafe La Fortuna, Hinsdale
Steam Coffee Co., Oak Brook
Toni Patisserie and Café, Hinsdale
BARBECUE
Chuck’s Southern Comforts Café, Darien
Mission BBQ, Downers Grove
Uncle Bub’s BBQ, Westmont
BURGER
Country House, Clarendon Hills
Fuller House, Hinsdale
Urban Counter, Hinsdale
ICE CREAM
Andy’s Frozen Custard, Countryside
The Daily Scoop, Clarendon Hills
Oberweis, Western Springs
SANDWICHES
Fontano’s Subs, Hinsdale
Labriola Bakery, Lombard
Kramer Foods, Hinsdale
CASUAL
Country House, Clarendon Hills
Fuller House, Hinsdale
Standard Market, Westmont
OUTDOOR DINING
Gibsons, Oak Brook
Palmer Place, La Grange
Topaz Café, Burr Ridge
PIZZA
Giuliano’s Pizza, Hinsdale
LaBarra,Lombard
Lou Malnati’s, Western Springs
JEWELERS
Bella Cosa, Willowbrook
Merry Richards, Oakbrook Terrace
Caffray Jewellers, Hinsdale
HAIR SALON/SPA
I Design Salon & Blow Dry Bar, Hinsdale
Zazu Salon, Hinsdale
Mario Tricoci, Oak Brook
MANICURE/PEDICURE
Mario Tricoci, Oak Brook
Elysian Nail Spa, Hinsdale
Mani & Pedi, Hinsdale
LUXURY HOTEL
LeMeridien, Oak Brook
The Drake Hotel, Oak Brook
The Peninsula, Chicago
FITNESS CENTER
Life Time Fitness, Burr Ridge
Five Seasons, Burr Ridge
Midtown Athletic Club, Willowbrook
YOGA/PILATES
CorePower Yoga, Hinsdale
Pure Barre, Willowbrook
Energie Pilates, Hinsdale
WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE
Alixandra Collections, Hinsdale
Sweet William, Hinsdale
Vintage Charm, Hinsdale
FURNITURE/DECOR
Restoration Hardware, Oak Brook
Darvin Furniture, Orland Park
Walter E. Smithe, Oak Brook
HOME IMPROVEMENT/CONTRACTOR
Closets by Design
Oakley Builders, Downers Grove
Drury Design, Glen Ellyn
FLORIST/LANDSCAPER
Jane’s Blue Iris, Hinsdale
Phillip’s Flowers & Gifts, Hinsdale
Jane Dilworth Landscaping, Downers Grove
GROCERS
Kramer Foods, Hinsdale
Whole Foods, Hinsdale
Standard Market, Westmont
DRY CLEANERS
Hinsdale Cleaners
Gateway Cleaners, Hinsdale
Silk Road Cleaners, Hinsdale
FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
Evergreen Bank, Hinsdale
Chase Bank, Hinsdale
Hinsdale Bank & Trust, Hinsdale
FINANCIAL PLANNER
Barrett Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, Hinsdale
Northwestern Mutual, Hinsdale
MPI Wealth Management, Hinsdale
HOSPITAL/HEALTH CARE PROVIDER
AMITA Health, Hinsdale
DuPage Medical Group, Hinsdale
Edward-Elmhurst Hospital, Elmhurst
Loyola Medicine, Burr Ridge
GENERAL DENTISTRY/ COSMETIC DENTISTRY
Hinsdale Dentistry, Hinsdale
Thomas Orthodontics, Hinsdale
Weller Dental, Hinsdale
MEDICAL SPECIALISTS
Hinsdale Orthopaedics-Dr. Patel, Hinsdale
Hinsdale Orthopaedics-Dr. Daley, Hinsdale
Steil Dermatology, Hinsdale
AUTO SALES & SERVICE
Bettenhausen Auto, Tinley Park
Continental AutoSports, Hinsdale
Napleton Auto, Westmont
Infinity of Clarandon Hills
“
In another most unusual year for all of us, as businesses and customers of businesses, we have had to make many adjustments to cope with the pandemic. In the case of the businesses, they adjusted, but did not compromise. ”
—HINSDALE MAGAZINE STAFF
When people hear the words “martial arts”, they sometimes think of action movies. Bill Thompson offers a different view. Bill is the president of Strive Martial Arts, where he explains that martial arts is more than kicking and punching. It is about a way of life built around All-American words like confidence, focus, selfdiscipline, persistence and achievement. Together, these concepts build a foundation of character designed to promote self-reliance, courage, loyalty, respect and personal satisfaction.
The use of the word “Strive” in Strive Martial Arts is no accident. Bill and his fellow instructors work tirelessly to support their students as they strive to reach their own personal goals. Whether young or old, each student is there for his or her own reasons.
Some are looking to build confidence through their ability to defend themselves. Others want to improve their physical fitness.
Of course, some are there because it was their parent’s idea. Parents see martial arts as a way to
help their child grow and establish good mental and physical habits that will serve them in all aspects of their life, both now and in the future. The funny thing is that kids brought in by their mother or father soon find out there is more in this adventure for them; much more than their parents ever thought.
Strive staff members take a special interest in every student and they work to understand the goal and motivation of each individual who steps into the studio. They emphasize this is not a “onesize fits all” experience. The staff uses their unique ability to zero in on a student’s interests, especially young students. This helps them grow, week by week, and enjoy an ongoing sense of achievement. This is important.
Every new goal achieved builds confidence that helps the student tackle the next challenging goal. As Bill Thompson says, “If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.” For all students, the dream of attaining a black belt is always there in the distance, but as Thompson points out, a dream without a goal is just a dream. The Strive program is designed to help students pursue their dreams, one step at a
time, one goal at a time.
At Strive, we say there is only one direction to go, and that is always forward. That is why classes move forward in a seven-week session, ending with testing. When requirements are met, students are awarded the next level belt. At every step, students take pride in attaining their newest belt. Of course.
As Thompson reminds everyone, while the black belt may be the ultimate destination, it is the journey that counts. It is the journey that builds the kind of character that most people agree makes the difference in the world. Thompson points out kids are growing up in the digital world, spending more time on computers and video games, and their brains are becoming wired for distraction, multitasking and short attention spans. All of this can get in the way of success, both in school and life.
Strive Martial Arts is helping students make a difference. Learning to kick and punch is only the beginning, but it is a first step in being able to kick the digital habit, put it in its proper place and focus on what’s important in life.
It was a truly awe-inspiring sight. Sun rays cast down on a vast sea of stars and stripes waving gracefully in solemn display, thousands of flags carrying forward the legacy of loved ones tragically lost on September 11th, 2001. Each of the 2977 flags standing in perfect order were pinned with a colorful ribbon. The panorama commanded an area hundreds of feet long and at the center laid an 80 foot silver star, each point representing a moment in time on that fateful day. Consecrated with ivory white chains stood a small table reserving the seats of first responders who did not make it home to join their families for dinner.
This was the scene at the Healing Field, a patriotic tribute organized by non-profit True Patriots Care. While Oak Brook holds remembrance ceremonies annually, it was the second year since 2017 that community members near and far traveled to Oak Brook’s Sports Core to pay their respects at the five day memorial ran by founder Jerry Christopherson’s foundation.
True Patriots Care’s website states their mission as, “dedicated to recognizing and supporting those who have served their communities as first responders and as members of the armed forces.”
Blue ribbons represented police, red for firefighters, yellow for civilians, and white ribbons honored the memories of 28 flight crew members. Along with
the ribbons were short biographies and photographs of the individual for whom the flag stood. Visitors were encouraged to walk among the flags and many spent the afternoon silently admiring the magnificence of the display.
Attendees were invited to the podium to share testimonies about their experiences with 9/11 and how the Healing Field had affected them.
One such person was Sue Mladenik who lost her husband on 9/11. Jeff, an admired pastor at Christ Church of Oak Brook, was taken from his family when the plane he was traveling in struck the north tower.
“For every one of these flags, there’s somebody like me and my kids that...I don’t know, it’s hard to explain. It’s pretty overwhelming,” she said.
Members of Oak Brook’s Donnelly family also gave a speech for FDNY Ladder 3 Lieutenant Kevin Donnelly, bringing his helmet as part of their presentation.
Oak Brook Police Chief James Krueger was instrumental in bringing the Healing Field to Oak Brook in 2017 and knew he wanted it to return for the 20th anniversary after witnessing its success four years prior.
Even though True Patriots Care typically only builds the Healing Field once every five years, Krueger
said he pushed hard and was ultimately successful in convincing the foundation to come back after highlighting the all-around support received from the village, the community, and the media.
“I’ve often said that trying to explain it to somebody,” said Krueger, “there’s just no way to crystallize and explain the emotion and how awe-inspiring it is until somebody witnesses it.”
Other events included a charity motorcycle ride to the memorial and a gun salute.
Said Krueger, “It was just terrific as it turned out.”
If you are thinking about new home construction, it is always useful to get some perspective from the builders of new homes. So, we have once again turned to Marcin Kawa, builder of luxury homes in the Chicagoland area for his observations and advice. He pays close attention to trends and what new home buyers are telling him.
First of all, after enduring 18 months of pandemic, certain habits have stayed the same, and some have changed, for some people in the market for a new home. He quotes the National Association of Home Builders on their 2021 edition of “What Home Buyers Really” want: “‘Home’ has had to take on new meaning – now we need to think of a home as a living space, the office, the classroom, the gym and more.”
“Interestingly, 67% of home buyers report the pandemic has NOT impacted what they want in a new home or community.”
On the other hand, 25% have been affected. These are people in families where there is at least one ‘teleworker’ and at least one student engaged in virtual, or zoom type learning.”
“Of families with these conditions, 43% of respondents said their housing preferences have changed overall and 35% want a larger home.”
He says, “This doesn't come as much of a surprise. More and more individuals are working from home, and feel the need to have a private office space to take zoom calls and have a little quiet time to focus. At the same time, family space is also essential, especially when you're seeing mostly each other for extended amounts of time.”
“The pandemic, in effect, has made us rethink and repurpose space in the home”, explains Marcin.
The study says, and my discussions with
home buyers tells me that new home buyers, on the whole, and especially those affected by more stay-at-home situations, clearly prefer open layouts: 85% want an open arrangement between the kitchen and the dining room, 79% between the kitchen and the family room, and 70% between the dining and the family room. Also, we have buyers looking for larger kitchens, or a back kitchen combined with larger entertaining spaces.
On the other hand, when it comes to bedrooms, according to the study, those interested in four or more bedrooms in 2020 (32%) is smaller than in 2007 (40%).
A reason for the desire for fewer bedrooms may be explained by a prioritization of other rooms. “We have customers looking to privatize second floor loft space –which is usually space used by kids already – into more enclosed spaces for kids to do homework, play video games and relax.
This helps children and adults to co-exist at home when parents are teleworking,” Being smart about space efficiency even extends to selection of doors. For example, instead of swinging doors, have doors which slide in and out of walls. It makes greater use of space.
Other observations. Though the desire for four or more bedrooms is decreasing, a plurality of buyers still prefer two bathrooms (37%). Another 21% prefer 2.5 baths, and 26% want three or more. Only 17% are looking for fewer than two baths. For 63% of buyers, the washer and dryer belong on the first floor. Having housing amenities on the ground floor is a key factor in making a home accessible and efficient. Looking at just accessibility on the main floor level, the top five most-wanted features are a full bath, wider doorways (3+ feet), wider hallways (4+ feet), non-slip floor surfaces, and an entrance without steps – all essential or desirable to over 60% of buyers.
“Those are just a few of the considerations we think about when working with our clients on the inside of their new home”.
Marcin observes, “With inflation, and demand, lots are becoming more costly, so lots may be smaller. That calls for being smarter inside and out.”
“So, at the same time, people want more space, repurposed, within the home, the study, and working with clients, reveals
that new home buyers want more space from their neighbors, with 21% stating that this preference was linked directly to the pandemic.”
He adds, “The study indicates the top five most-wanted outdoor features are exterior lighting, a patio, a front porch, a rear porch, and a deck – all wanted by 75% or more of home buyers.”
outside these days.
To accommodate all that activity, they mentioned these outdoor options: “Spools”, which are a combination small pool and large spa, creating lush sideyards, or quaint courtyard retreats, gate arbors, covered patios, outdoor kitchens, pool cabanas, shade arbors, fire pits, flagstone or paver patios, pool houses, fireplaces, special lighting, and even pizza ovens.
"In normal times, outdoor spaces are areas of recreation for ourselves and our families, yet today we need them for restoration for our bodies and minds," said Jackie Hirschhaut, vice president of the American Home Furnishings Alliance and executive director of its outdoor division, the International Casual Furnishings Association.
“Another way to look at the space around the home is this: ‘Spending more time outside lounging or working helps us feel sheltered in nature, blurring the separation between inside and outside.’”
As a result, Home buyers are demanding more, better-designed outdoor spaces.
So, in addition to looking at the National Association of Home Builders research, Marcin also looked at the 2021 Trend Report: “Outdoor Living Space is More Valuable Than Ever Before", from the International Casual Furnishings Association. They naturally found that people are doing more relaxing, grilling, gardening, exercising, dining, playing with pets and children, and entertaining
Marcin is quick to point out that making the most of space inside and out is a specialty of his company. (This could be another pull quote). In our 18 years of building new homes, we have built many in the city where lots are expensive, and therefore smaller, and we have become expert in making the most of the space available.
And, of course, he offers these observations about the timing for building in these times of inflation and availability of materials and labor. “We’re doing everything we can in working with our clients to make sure the land is ready, the workers are ready and the materials are available so we can be as efficient and timely as possible in delivering a new home.”
“‘Home’ has had to take on new meaning – now we need to think of a home as a living space, the office, the classroom, the gym and more.”
- MARCIN KAWA, Founder and Owner, MK Construction & Builders
BY VALERIE HARDY I PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINA MENAPACE
Stand-up comedian Kevin Bozeman and his family live in Downers Grove, and while some locals know him as neighbor and friend, for many, Bozeman became a household name after his performances at the Tivoli Theatre to benefit the Roadrunners soccer club.
Bozeman has been a road comic since getting started in the late 1990s, traveling 40-45 weeks per year in nonpandemic times, and has performed at colleges and clubs across the nation. Additionally, he is an adjunct faculty member in DePaul University’s College of Computing and Digital Media, hosts the podcast “Ball Hog,” and has released multiple comedy albums (with another recorded in August for upcoming distribution).
The day after one of Bozeman’s recent Chicagoland performances, Downers Grove Magazine caught up with him about his career and what comedy means to him.
Did you always know you wanted to be a comedian?
Not at all. [In college], I had never even thought about doing stand-up. It was not even on my radar. I kept changing my major. I was just doing kind of what people and society tell you you should do.
I got a degree in communications, but I always had an emptiness, feeling I’m not doing what I was supposed to do. I worked in group homes with cognitively disabled kids and emotionally distressed kids. I sold insurance. I delivered water. They were just jobs…just checks. I never loved any of them…
I just had this ability to make people laugh. I grew up as the youngest of 10 children… In some ways, I feel like I had to be funny in order to be noticed, to get a plate of food…
I was not class clown growing up, per se, but I did have this moment where I used to write funny stories – imaginary stories – where I would roast my classmates. Both my 7th and 8th grade teachers would let me read them out loud. They weren’t always nice, and [my classmates didn’t always
appreciate them], but I remember Ms. Gardner, my 7th grade teacher, said to the class, “You don’t appreciate Kevin and what he does.” I think she saw something in me that others didn’t see. Interview her today, and she would not be surprised that I am a stand-up comic.
If you didn’t study stand-up or set out to become a comic, what was your road to a comedy career?
In college, my roommate and I used to watch “Def Comedy Jam.” I was like, “I could do that!” My roommate was like, “Stop saying you can do it. Do it.”
So, I pulled out the yellow pages and looked up comedy clubs in the area, and I went on [stage during an open mic night] in a comedy club in Madison, WI. I tried it for the first time. It wasn’t going to be an award-winning set, but it was such an adrenaline rush!
Did you fall in love with doing stand-up comedy and go after it following that first performance?
Nah – I’m not one to fall in love easily. I did it once, did it twice, then wasn’t back on stage for a year. But after that year, I was like, “Man, why don’t you try to see if you can get good...”
Then every week I started going up on stage… In WI, there were [basically just two open mic opportunities] – in Madison and in Milwaukee – and I’d alternate weeks [at each]. Finally, the one in Madison gave me a paycheck, and I was like, “What?!”
How did you manage to go from performing at the club in Madison to doing shows in venues across the country?
I only knew I was funny but didn’t know why I was funny or how to be funny. I didn’t know the rules of the game…
Then Chris Farley passed, and in Madison, they did a show for a foundation they started [in Farley’s memory]…Comics were there from “Saturday Night Live” – bigger name
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comics – and Comedy Central was there. From there I got the show “Premium Blend” on Comedy Central in 2003. I was in WI at the time when I got that show, and I filmed the show in Los Angeles. That was my first real legit TV credit…
Then I auditioned for the new “Star Search” show with Arsenio Hall, and I got that… The judges shredded me on national television… That was humbling. When I auditioned for “Last Comic Standing” on NBC in 2015, I was better prepared. I made it to the semi-finals. They probably saw 3500 comics, and I made it to the top 40 or something like that.
How did you come to expand your professional ventures beyond
doing stand-up to podcasting and teaching as well?
I started my podcast seven years ago, and it’s called the “Ball Hog” because I don’t really have any guests. It’s sports and pop culture, rarely politics. It’s a lot about sports gambling. I love that. It’s mostly therapeutic [for me]. I have a small cult following.
[As for teaching], back in 2012, the head of the film department at DePaul University saw me perform live in Chicago and said, “You should come teach comedy at DePaul.” I [initially] said no, because you can’t teach people to be funny, but you can teach them about the history of standup and about how comics go about creating material. [In the class], the students prepare material for a live audience, and I host a show for them…
Teaching has made me a better comic, being ready to answer the question: “Why are you doing that?”
What advice do you have for your students or others who might want to pursue a stand-up career?
I’d say, “Good luck!” No, I encourage them…There’s nothing better than having a job that you love to go to…
[However, proceed with caution]. With stand-up, it’s different than any other art: you’re the writer, director, producer, star. When it doesn’t go well, it hurts your soul because there’s nobody else to blame. It’s almost like you’re being rejected by people that are there to be entertained, and you’re the entertainment…
You should be uncomfortable. You should sweat a little bit on stage. It’s
the most humbling experience. That’s what’s so great about it. I tell younger comics, “You’ve got to take a lot of little L’s to get the big W.” Sometimes you drive hours just to get five minutes on stage…
If you’ve ever gotten a paycheck for stand-up, you’ve already succeeded. Kudos to you. You have to discipline yourself. There’s no time clock, there’s no punching in, no scheduled days off… That’s what weeds out a lot of the comics…
I’ve known way too many stand-up comics who died to suicide or died to drug addiction… Sometimes… it’s that people turn to doing stand-up as an outlet because they had a lot of problems before, but [the life of a stand-up comic can be] very lonely and depressing…
When I’m on the road…I’m literally by myself at least 20 hours of the day…Stand-up is only an hour a day; there are still 23 hours you need to fill – spent alone, or at bars with seedy people. [There are so many potential] pitfalls, so many traps, so many bad habits you can fall into.
What has allowed you to escape the pitfalls of the profession?
I came from a solid family… [Also], very seldom am I on the road more than a week at a time. Even if I’m [performing back to back in the same general area] – like Dallas then Tulsa – I’m coming home… I like to sleep in my own bed, be in my own house, see my family.
I still…hang out with my friends (including lifelong friends I’ve met in Downers Grove) and do things I enjoy… I go to Humidor [Cigar Lounge] all the time. I would love to just go and be a bourbon and cigar aficionado. I’m also a foodie – I love food. That’s the great thing about travel, [getting to sample all different cuisines]…
My job is the most extroverted, but I’m very much an introvert… I enjoy
alone time. I can go to restaurants by myself. I can go to movies by myself…
You mentioned your family earlier. Any other comedians in your family?
I’m the only performer of the family. My family is super funny though. We sit around and laugh a lot. There’s a difference between being funny in front of friends and family and being funny in front of strangers though.
Do you include your family members as subjects of your comedy?
therapy. It’s medicine. Laughter is a real emotion. Laughter is the ultimate sign of happiness. If you laugh, that means you’ve enjoyed yourself so much your body makes a weird noise.
Is there a quickhitting joke or segment from your shows that is one of your favorites?
How about this one: “You ever go stand up in a wedding and you know that those two people don’t belong together, but you don’t say anything [because] you really want cake?!!”
My kids [three sons - ages 18, 16, and 3] show up in my comedy the most. My family probably always shows up though, just in their influence and the way I view life more than jokes about them. But I have jokes about everything…because stand-up is really only funny if it is relatable… My rule in comedy is nothing is off limits until it’s off limits.
What do you think is the value of stand-up comedy for the audience?
A lot of people have talked about how miserable they were and how laughing was just so good for them. It’s
Bozeman is scheduled to perform at Zanies Comedy Club in Rosemont, IL Dec. 2-5, but fans in need of a dose of laughter sooner might consider a road trip to see the comic in action. For more information about Bozeman and to view the full calendar of his upcoming shows, visit kevinbozeman. com. ■
“With stand-up, it’s different than any other art: you’re the writer, director, producer, star.
When it doesn’t go well, it hurts your soul because there’s nobody else to blame.”
— KEVIN BOZEMAN, ComedianKEVIN BOZEMAN AT HIS BEST
Tivoli rolls out the red carpet for Anthony Michael
For those of us old enough to remember the John Hughes films of the eighties and nineties, and young enough- at the time- to appreciate them, Tivoli recently turned the clock back a few decades. An actor that personified some of Hollywood’s best teenage romantic comedies walked the red carpet for an Evening with Anthony Michael Hall. A Q&A with the actor, followed by a screening of The Breakfast Club, and ending with a late-night bowling party with Hall and his family, gave fans a chance to meet the comedian.
Hughes’ movie soundtracks, and other decade favorites, played while guests waited in line from the front marquis to the stage to take pictures and chat with Hall as he signed movie posters. He politely greeted each person with interest and enthusiasm.
At the request of a friend stricken by a degenerative, neurological condition, Hall and other cast members from his upcoming movie held the event as a fundraiser for Multiple System Atrophy (MSA). “If I can help, I like to,” Hall smiled as he started Q&A, “so let’s have a great time tonight. Ask me anything!”
Hall revealed that The Class, a “Breakfast Club-esque” movie he was filming and coproducing at Elmhurst University, echoed Hughes’ cult classics themes- peer pressure, loneliness, parental discord, etc. The Breakfast Club profiled five strangers put into boxes as to where they’re perceived to fit in. Forced into isolation together one Saturday, the students realize how much they actually have in common. Said Hall during the Q&A, “The Class is not a sequel to The Breakfast Club, but it’s not a re-make
either. There are some definite similarities, for sure. It’s a high-school setting.”
Red carpet guests were surprised to also meet platinum singer Debbie Gibson. When asked how she came to star in this project, she replied “the arts in education are everything to me, so I come by this role easily.” Gibson also said that she felt a personal connection to the issues the characters face. “One of the students is in foster care. My dad was raised in the foster care system, so that resonates with me. It’s actually how I got into music. He found it to be grounding, after always moving around,” Gibson recounted.
Contributing Editor Maureen Callahan chatted for a few minutes on the red carpet with Hall, about The Class, due out next spring, and some favorite memories.
Can you give us any hints about the plot?
The Class re-examines the issues young people have always dealt with, but in this moment. Their today is different than my today, which was yesterday, (Hall laughed). The movie offers a fresh take on the problems this generation faces. Like The Breakfast Club, strangers are thrown together, this time to make up a missed test. They get to know each other and the concerns they’re facing come out. Inevitably, the question of “are we all still friends on Monday?” might subtly resurface.
How did you decide to co-produce a project like The Class?
I think it’s getting time for the next generation of actors to take over. I like mentoring young people. Hannah (Kepple), Colin (McCalla), Lyric (Ross) and the other cast members; they’re a very talented group of rising stars.
What made you decide to film in the Chicago area?
I have great memories here. Chicago reminds me of John Hughes; it’s where it all started for me. When we were working on his movies, he would take me out around the city with his kids. He was really my best friend. We went to see Buddy Guy at Kingston Mines, we saw The Pretenders one weekend, went to record stores. I felt like his third son. So, this city kind of holds my heart. We were looking for an authentic school setting, so Elmhurst University is perfect.
Was there anyone you emulated on your way up?
The Second City guys. John Belushi, Dan Akroyd, Harold Ramis. They were my guys, a lot of my inspiration, so another great thing about Chicago.
How did you come to work on multiple Hughes projects?
I landed the role of Rusty in National Lampoon’s Vacation before I ever met John. After that, I flew to New York to audition for Sixteen Candles. From there, John kind of took Molly (Ringwald) and me under his wing and kept hiring us. I owe him so much. I would not be standing here right now without him.
Do you ever see any other Brat Pack actors?
Now and then. I’ve kind of see them from time to time over the years. I see Ally (Sheedy) around once in a while. I worked with Molly (Ringwald) on that show Riverdale. I saw Judd (Nelson) at Comic-Con last year. I haven’t seen Emilio (Estevez) too much; I think he has a vineyard up north now. Hollywood is kind of like high school. You run into people, and it’s always great to reconnect when you do.
Which of your movies do you like best?
It’s always the one I’m working on! So right now, it’s The Class. ■
ANTHONY MICHAEL HALL AND DEBBIE GIBSON UNITE IN DOWNERS GROVE.
With her major Friends of Conservation (FOC) fundraiser, The Conservation Ball, on the horizon, Reute Butler, whose family founded Oak Brook, spoke about her family legacy of philanthropy, and her commitment to FOC, which works directly with Kenya’s Maasai community and other stakeholders in the renowned Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, promoting sustainable ways of living in harmony with wildlife and ecosystems. From helping to create direct sources of income from tourism, beadwork and beekeeping, to preserving existing forests with alternative sources of energy and “reforesting,” to conservation education efforts for adults and children, FOC— and Reute’s mother Jorie Butler Kent—was a pioneer in the development of Community Conservation work in the 1980s and continues that work today. Hinsdale Magazine recently caught up with Reute Butler, a successful art photographer as well as conservationist, to find out more.
How did Friends of Conservation come to be?
My mother, Jorie, founded FOC in 1982, carrying on the philanthropic tradition of our family and our commitment to conservation. She had a house in Kenya for 40 years, and felt strongly that she should give back to that home and to the birthplace of Abercrombie & Kent, which was originally begun by her business partner Geoffrey Kent’s parents in Kenya in 1962. She and Geoffrey developed Abercrombie & Kent into the luxury travel company that it is today, and they are co-owners of the company. My mother and I run Friends of Conservation together; Geoffrey is very supportive, and it gives us great pleasure to work together on something so
rewarding.
Tell me about the work Friends of Conservation does. Friends of Conservation is a small, grassroots organization. Our work focuses on protecting the Maasai Mara Region, Kenya’s portion of the famous Mara-Serengeti ecosystem, which spans the Kenya-Tanzania border, and is home to many hundreds of species. Each year, during the wildebeest migration of more than two million animals, herds in the hundreds of thousands migrate from the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania in search of the green pastures of the Maasai Mara National Reserve in Kenya, and then back south to the Serengeti. It is the largest remaining mammal migration in the world, and this area is really crucial to the survival of the entire ecosystem. It is also home to the Maasai people, who have lived here for longer than anyone can remember.
It is important for the Maasai to learn how to preserve their beautiful wild-land, because the income it brings them from tourism sustains their culture. If they sell or destroy the land, their major source of income will disappear, as will their culture. This would also negatively impact the economy of Kenya— tourism is the largest income-producing sector in Kenya, and the Mara is the most visited destination in East Africa. Our challenge is to teach the Maasai why it’s valuable to preserve their beautiful habitat, and to look at the wildlife as a resource, rather than [as] competition for resources. It’s hard for them to see the bigger picture when their livestock [have] just been
killed by a leopard, or their maize field [has been] trampled by an elephant, but this is exactly where we come in, with meetings and our human wildlife conflict workshops, explaining the value of their wildlife to them, and providing common-sense solutions to livestock predation. We concentrate our efforts in the Eastern Maasai Mara, in six communities and in our FOC conservation clubs in 12 schools. Our 13 FOC community scouts are volunteers; they are spokespeople for wildlife and their communities, and help identify poachers for the Kenya Wildlife Service. In 2014 and 2015, there were 75 arrests and 31 successful prosecutions thanks to their work.
Why is educating Maasai about preserving their wildlife and open lands important to us in the West?
That is a good question—one I’m asked often. The answer is unfortunate: it’s because of terrorism. The rampant poaching of elephant and rhino in East Africa has been funding terrorist groups and destabilizing all of East Africa. They are responsible for the dreadful bombings in Kenya, and this is bad for the West, as these groups hate us. Every day in Africa, 100
elephant are slaughtered for their tusks to feed the voracious Asian appetite for ivory. If this keeps up, the prediction is that Kenya’s elephant will be gone in fewer than ten years, and the African elephant will become extinct in the wild. Thank heaven the U.S. and now China both recently banned trade in ivory and other products. We have a prayer now of saving the elephant in the wild. We will soon know if these bans are working.
What are some of the important projects you’ve worked on?
Since our inception, we’ve planted close to half a million trees in the Mara, and estimate a good 350,000 of those trees have survived. Deforestation is huge problem; wood is often used for fuel and building materials, and forests are decimated. One of our wildly-popular projects is our Rhino Watch trip. We take about 28 students and a couple of teachers in our bus into the reserve to have them see first-hand what the tourists see, and to teach them about wildlife and their heritage. The Mara is unusual—it’s a reserve, and is actually owned by the local
FRIENDS OF CONSERVATION
Above: Reute Butler works with FOC conservation club junior members at Siana Primary School, Eastern Maasai Mara; Top Right: President Reute Butler arrives at a Maasai Mara school, wearing all of the jewelry given to her that day by the Maasai; Bottom Right: The Prince of Wales, Royal Patron FOC, FOC Founder and International Chairman Jorie Butler Kent and
Continued from the previous page people, not the government; so all of the income from tourism goes directly to them to build schools and clinics and other things they need. It is especially important that they understand the value to them of keeping their land undeveloped and their wildlife thriving Many young people who have passed through our conservation clubs have gone on to find jobs in the tourist industry, and one enterprising group of young men [has] gone on to form the Maasai Mara Guides Association with our support.
It will be held at the Four Seasons in Chicago. My co-chairs are Vonita Reescer, Kristina McGrath, Kyle de Santis and Mitchell Hatcher— it’s a great group. [Our] sponsors are James Drury Partners and American Airlines. Our guest speaker is my great friend, conservationist John Rendall, of “Christian the lion” fame. Christian was a lion cub which John and his friend Ace bought in 1968 at London’s Harrods in the pet store. He was horrified to see a lion cub for sale. Born Free had just come out that year, and by coincidence, John met the stars. Through them, John was able to make sure that Christian was rehabilitated into the wild very successfully by the legendary
George Adamson. John will be helping me with the wildlife presentation that I always do for our guests. It gives people a very visceral connection to and understanding of the work we do—it is for these beautiful beings’ cousins in the wild and for the Maasai, who own their habitat, that we do this work. At past events, we’ve had a cheetah, a lion, a snow leopard, and a zebra—if you want to know what we will have this year, come to The Conservation Ball.
How often do you visit Kenya?
Mother goes out a couple of times a year—I go out every other year. I often take groups of friends to Kenya to see our work. Anyone who wants to go can get in touch with me, and I will see that they are able to see our work. A visit to beautiful Africa will change your life! n
For future tickets to the Friends of Conservation ball or for more information about the organization, visit friendsofconservation.org.
Psychology studies and anecdotal reports from winning athletes confirm that confidence is crucial for success, specifically self-confidence in tough situations. Strive Programs focus on the challenge and positive experiences that keep you confidently moving forward.
She describes herself as the person you don’t think of when great things happen, but to others, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Tinamarie Hernandez, executive director of Diveheart and full-time consultant for Accenture, does so much more than she realizes, and is someone to be admired. Hernandez said she’s “never the fireman rescuing the baby from the burning house, but the person who made sure he had his equipment at the ready, and the training he needed to get the job done.” That statement in itself is one modest cape-wearing superhero.
Growing up in the western suburbs, Hernandez graduated from Northern Illinois University in De Kalb, and then proceeded to the University of Denver for graduate school. She acquired a job at Accenture in 1997 as a consultant which enabled her love of learning and travel. Hernandez has always been someone to keep herself busy with second jobs, photography, diving, quilting and volunteer work, immersing herself as a Sunday school teacher, being active in her children’s PTA and even the Special Olympics.
She got involved as a volunteer at Diveheart, an organization that builds confidence, independence and self-esteem in children, adults and veterans with disabilities through scuba-diving, scuba-therapy and related activities, in 2011 and jumped in with both feet, developing into her current role as executive director.
“At the time I started volunteering and
then working for Diveheart, I was at a point in my professional life where I was questioning my value and the skills I had developed,” Hernandez said. “As it does for so many people, Diveheart has given me a purpose, and a way to share my skills and passions to help people.”
It’s not just a job for Hernandez, but a whole other family of people to learn from and enjoy.
“I’ve learned a lot from [volunteering] at Diveheart, and I try and bring what I’ve learned into my life,” she said. “Our adaptive divers have taught me appreciation of the healthy body and mind that I enjoy today and which may not be with me tomorrow.”
The donors and volunteers have given Hernandez numerous moments of gratitude for their generosity of time, talent and spirit.
“It’s easier for me to live in the moment, appreciate what is going on around me and not over worry about tomorrow,” she said.
Hernandez is also a goal-setter.
“When my son was around six, I decided that I would take him to all 50 states,” she said. “We just visited our 49th last January.”
Before she turned 40, Hernandez decided to take on a big task and train to complete a marathon. Her current goal is to visit all seven continents before she turns 50 in two years, and she’ll be visiting her fifth continent this summer in Africa.
Who inspires someone as motivated as Hernandez? Besides people in general, “Jim Elliott, founder and president of Diveheart, taught me that everyone has something to
give,” she said. “Sometimes they just need a chance to give it.”
As a lover of history and reading about people who have achieved amazing things in their lives, Hernandez said she gets inspired by the potential everyone has, and by the people who are able to realize some of that potential in their lives.
“The resilience of people is amazing, and sometimes a person needs a little help to remind them that they may be down, but they are not out, and there is still reason to be hopeful and happy,” she said.
Hernandez is a true believer that Diveheart, through its donors, programs and volunteers, helps people remember they are more than someone who needs a little help.
“They are amazing and all they need to do is imagine the possibilities.” ■
