December 2015

LANDMARKS SERIES

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PUBLISHER’S LETTER

KEEPING IT BALANCED With the holiday season upon us, the staff at Hinsdale Magazine found it fitting to feature Hinsdale resident Kellie O’Brien for our cover story. Throughout the year, we cover many local charities and the local volunteers behind the organizations who work together to make our community stronger and healthier. O’Brien embodies the meaning of giving back, and she has taken it to a higher level--clear across the world to another continent. Kellie started the O’Brien School for the Maasai nearly ten years ago after taking a trip to Africa with her daughter. O’Brien learned of a village in need, and believed it was her calling to assist the village in creating a school for their children to attend. After years of hard work, the O’Brien School has become one of the premier schools in Tanzania, and is a destination for the children of Sanya Station to attend.

Once the enormous estate of Francis Stuyvesant Peabody, the Mayslake Peabody Estate is featured in our landmarks series as an historical site in the greater Hinsdale area. Now on the National Register of the Historic Places, the estate was expanded by the Franciscan order, which maintained control of the property until the early 1990s, and is now used as a tourist destination, performance venue and community workshop space by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, which now possesses the property. It’s a wonderful place to take the family to see a unique landmark right in your own backyard in Oak Brook.

The Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club is preparing to host its annual benefit, “Gala 4 Good,” in Chicago’s West Loop on Feb. 20. Before you attend this party, you will learn more about how HJWC members have collaborated with beneficiary Bridge Communities over the past two years, working with local homeless families enrolled in Bridge’s transitional housing program. We hope to see many of you there to support this organization.

I hope you especially enjoy our columns from Dan Meyer and Jim Fannin this month: “The star in the window” and “8 tips for a stress-free holiday.” As we all try to balance the hustle and bustle of the holiday season while trying to enjoy the real meaning of Christmas, I think you will agree that the columns will help put things into perspective.

With that thought in mind, we hope this holiday issue can make shopping season a little easier through our gift guide pages. It is a season of giving after all, and we hope that you find this section informative and helpful.

As we conclude another year of Hinsdale Magazine, I want to thank our readers and advertisers for all of your support this past year. We have received compliments and suggestions from you, and we have tried to continue to deliver a balanced publication that depicts our community. We take pride in putting the reader first, and have offered a blend of in-depth articles, community events, insightful columns and local advertisements from the businesses that make it possible for us to publish each month. Please take a moment to let them know that you appreciate their support.

As the publisher of Hinsdale Magazine, it is my commitment to offer our readers a balance issue each month. Please take a moment to view our table of contents (p. 10), where you will find our staff. They are a dedicated and fantastic group of individuals who help me produce Hinsdale Magazine each and every month. I want to thank them for their invaluable contributions. Together, we look forward to 2016 with exciting new content that you have never seen before. As always, please let me know your thoughts and suggestions, and we will strive to serve you better.

Have a happy and safe holiday season!

6 Hinsdale Magazine | www.hinsdale60521.com

SCOTT JONLICH FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

sjonlich@hinsdale60521.com

all things

outdoor

DECEMBER

2015

features

26

COVER STORY Hope for the future

50

COMMUNITY SCENE Black Cat Ball Books & Brunch Graue Mill Wreath-hanging Notre Dame Dinner Dance Sleep Out Saturday Wellness House Silver Ball

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

Scott Jonlich

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Mike Ellis

44

CREATIVE DEPARTMENT

Cheryl Chrzanowski Julia Sinogeikina

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Kerrie Kennedy COLUMNISTS

Jim Doehring Jim Fannin Errol Janusz Dan Meyer FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Kyle Hampson Marco Nunez Jim Prisching

ADVERTISING SALES

Rick Dahl, 630-974-6377 Renee Lawrence Barb Rozner

14

12 LEADING OFF

Hinsdale Central’s dominant fall season

14 LANDMARKS SERIES Mayslake Peabody Estate

20 SPOTLIGHT Fr. Venard Kommer

24 OUT & ABOUT

Everything that’s new and exciting around town

36 FOOD & DRINK

Rising stars, old favorites and new finds

38 GIVING BACK

Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club benefit preview

44 HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE Ideas for your 2015 holiday list

60 HOLIDAY COUNTDOWN

by Jim Doehring

62 TECH KNOW

“Smartphone review 2015” by Errol Janusz

64 PEAK PERFORMANCE

“8 tips for a stress-free holiday” by Jim Fannin

66 SPIRITUAL INSIGHT

“The star in the window” by Dan Meyer

ON THE COVER

Kellie O’Brien of Hinsdale and her brother Norman Stranczek

36

Photography by Jim Prisching

Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. | 3 Grant Square, #201 | Hinsdale, IL 60521 PHONE: 630-655-3400 | E-MAIL: advertise@Hinsdale60521.com Hinsdale Magazine is mailed to 18,364 homes and businesses.

No person, organization or publication can copy or re-produce the content in this magazine or any part of this publication without a written consent from the publisher. The publisher, authors, contributors and designers reserve their rights with regards to copyright of their work. Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by such individual, event organizers or organization. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. Comments are welcome, but they should be on-topic and well-expressed. Copyright ©2015 Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved.

HMleadingoff

GIRLS TENNIS Hinsdale Central girls tennis captured its third straight state championship this fall.

Photo by Mike Ellis

Photo courtesy of Tom Bruns

FALL DOMINATION

12 Hinsdale Magazine | www.hinsdale60521.com

GIRLS GOLF Hinsdale Central girls golf repeated as state champion in October.

Photo courtesy of Jess Krueger

BOYS GOLF Hinsdale Central boys golf won its fourth consecutive state title this fall.

Hinsdale Central experienced its third consecutive dominant fall season, with three teams capturing state championships. Although the Red Devils fell two titles short of tying their own record for state titles in a single season (five, fall 2014), their girls tennis, girls golf and boys golf squads all repeated as state champions. In addition to team success, junior Bella Lorenzini became the first Central tennis player to win the girls singles championship in almost 30 years.

LANDMARKS SERIES

MAYSLAKE PEABODY ESTATE The Peabody estate is located in Oak Brook, and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

STATELY TREASURE Experience the grandeur and history of Mayslake Peabody Estate

by Mike Ellis Photography provided by the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

B

efore founder Paul Butler manifested his unique vision for Oak Brook, one of Chicagoland’s wealthiest and most powerful men constructed a sprawling estate on 900 acres of then-unincorporated property in what is now the village of Oak Brook.

Francis Stuyvesant Peabody, who amassed his wealth as president of the Peabody Coal Company and served as chairman of the Coal Production Committee during World War I, built his retirement estate, “Mayslake Farms,” between 1919 and 1921. Active in the Democratic Party, Peabody had recently withdrawn from a U.S. Senate race, having failed to secure his party’s nomination.

The main home itself, succinctly styled “The Hall,” was a Tudor revival mansion that consisted of 39 rooms for Peabody, his second wife and a number of servants.

“This was his retirement home and his dream,” said Janneke Fowers, site manager of the estate for the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County, which has managed the property for more than 20 years.

Touring the mansion, one is struck by its massive rooms, tall ceilings and fortress-like atmosphere. Walking

on marble tiles and staring at the stately Caen stoning is like briefly being teleported from the Western Suburbs to the interior of an ancient European castle or manor.

“The Tudor style was on the cusp of the Medieval time and the Renaissance,” Fowers said. “So, you see influences of both periods. In the library, you have that really big fireplace—you can sit in it, it’s so big. That’s really that Medieval feel.

“But then the other side of the library has a lot of windows going outside, and that’s more the Renaissance.

You can see how people changed their thinking, being more focused [internally] to looking outwards.”

After ascending the main staircase—which is itself as large as some apartment living rooms—, the guest arrives on the second floor, which is divided into two sections, one designed for the Peabodys and their guests, and the other for the servants.

Although the forest preserve district is no longer in possession of the original furniture, one can still glean the spaciousness of the master bedroom and adjoining lady’s dressing room. Fowers explained that the mansion featured several concepts often thought to be modern innovations, such as a dressing room complete with a Continued on page 16

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LANDMARKS SERIES

MAYSLAKE HALL A rear view of Mayslake Hall, circa 1925 Continued from page 14

window (similar to walk-in closets in some large homes today), as well as a contemporaneous “man-cave” in which men could play pool while lighting up cigars.

One room, a “sleeping porch,” is completely engulfed by windows; Fowers said this room was designed for summers before the days of air conditioning.

“This definitely was a grand house,” Fowers said. “If you look at the woodwork, it’s quite amazing.”

But coming to the servants’ quarters on the west end of the second story, the guest must literally take several steps down— Fowers said this was symbolically intentional—to descend to the level of six cramped bedroom spaces and a single bathroom all six servants shared.

Outside the main home, Fowers said the property also included five subservient working farms and about 30 cottages, which served as residences for some of Peabody’s other help.

“It was in a time of transition, where there were more and more people coming for day labor,” Fowers said, “but because [Peabody] had the money and was further out [from the city], he still had most of his staff onsite.”

FRANCISCAN MANAGEMENT

Unfortunately for Peabody, he was only able to savor his estate for about a year, as he died during a drag hunt—that is, a controlled fox hunt—in 1922, the year after the estate was completed.

Having knowledge of the trail on his own property, Fowers said he took “shortcuts,” and was consequently separated from the remainder of his hunting party. When members of the party found him, he had dismounted from his horse, and died after subsequently suffering a heart attack.

Fowers said Peabody’s heirs had no desire of living in the estate, and decided to put it up for sale. But the property was so expensive and expansive, they could not find a buyer.

About the same time, the Franciscan order was seeking a retreat house in the area. Purchasing the property for an affordable price, they immediately sold off 300 acres, and proceeded to build St. Joseph seminary on the land.

“Whenever they needed money, they sold off another piece of the property,” Fowers said, adding that the current property has been reduced to 87 acres, less than the tenth part of the original land mass.

Converting the original property into their desired retreat house, the Franciscans constructed a sizeable three-story annex to the northeast side of the original estate, paying little attention to contextualizing the architectural design. Today, the forest preserve district uses most of the annex for storage and archives; but the large chapel on the first story (which the Franciscans later deconsecrated) is frequently employed as a performance venue.

As for the original mansion, Fowers said the Franciscans maintained it at a “minimum level.”

PRESERVING THE ESTATE FRANCIS STUYVESANT PEABODY In addition to his successful career in the coal business, Peabody was an active member of the Democratic Party.

In the early 1990s, community members learned of the Franciscans’ intent to sell the land to a private developer, and initiated a public referendum effort to preserve the historical property.

“After the Franciscans decided to sell, they originally were going to sell to a private developer,” Fowers said. “There were some people in the community that realized what was happening, and they understood the significance of historic structure in particular, and of the history it had played in DuPage County. ... They then brought it to the forest preserve Continued on page 18

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LANDMARKS SERIES

5 FASCINATING FACTS ABOUT FRANCIS STUYVESANT PEABODY

1

EVENT HALL Today, the deconsecrated Franciscan chapel is used for numerous events, such as Elmhurst College Jazz Band concerts.

Continued from page 16

district, because it was also the last open land on this end of the county.”

After the first referendum failed, the second effort passed in 1992, and the forest preserve district purchased the property in 1993 using public funds.

“It was really the citizens of DuPage County that saved the property,” Fowers said.

Despite the fact that the territory shrunk tremendously, Fowers said it still consisted of enough open space to make it more attractive to the forest preserve than a village.

“The open space—it was really a better match for the forest preserve district,” she said.

Fowers said the mansion was opened to the public for a short time, but continued closed for roughly the next decade, due to the home’s lack of compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) regulations.

After adding bathrooms, heating, airconditioning, installing a fire sprinkler and taking various other necessary steps toward making Mayslake ADA-compliant, the estate was reopened to the public about ten years ago.

“There was a lot of work that had to be done to bring it up to code before we could bring the public in on a grand scale,” Fowers said.

Fowers said tours of the home are conducted twice per week on Wednesdays and Saturday mornings at $5 per person.

The space inside the original mansion is also utilized for an assortment of art classes, as well as a display for artwork completed by local residents. Art classes offered at Mayslake Peabody Estate include painting, drawing, watercolor, collage and photography.

The first-story library, divested of its books,

18 Hinsdale Magazine | www.hinsdale60521.com

is often rented out by businesses or organizations that convert it into a temporary lecture hall or workshop venue.

Across the hall in the former Franciscan chapel, the forest preserve welcomes a number of local performing arts groups, including First Folio Theatre, the Elmhurst Symphony Orchestra and other chamber music groups. Fowers said the chapel’s exemplary acoustics, coupled with its ability to hold approximately 125 guests, make it an ideal performance venue.

Outdoors, forest preserve rangers conduct canoeing, fishing and archery classes.

While the estate is still in the process of extensive renovation efforts, Fowers said it was never designed to be a restricted-access museum.

“When we set out, we didn’t want to make it a house museum with rooms that were roped off, because we don’t have the original furniture anymore,” she said. ... “We really focus on the architecture, and really make it a space where the community can do a multitude of activities.”

Fowers and Mark Dyer, who handles community outreach at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, said they often encounter local residents who had never previously visited the estate or known it was open to the public.

“I think it’s a hidden gem, and I think a lot of people would enjoy it,” Fowers said. “It’s something different to [see], and there’s always something going on.” n

To learn more about the Mayslake Peabody Estate and programs and activities onsite, visit www.mayslakepeabody.com. Tours will not be held between Dec. 9 and Jan. 11.

Peabody once served as president of Hinsdale Golf Club.

2

Before his unsuccessful bid for the Democratic nomination for a U.S. Senate seat, Peabody was also considered as a prospective vicepresidential candidate in 1912.

3

Peabody founded the Chicago District Golf Association.

4

President Woodrow Wilson appointed Peabody chairman of the Coal Production Committee under the Council of National Defenses during World War I.

5

Peabody’s first wife was named Mae Henderson, and he also had a daughter named May. It is unknown for whom Mayslake is actually named, but his daughter is the more likely namesake, given the similar orthography.

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www.hinsdale60521.com |Hinsdale Magazine 19

S POTLI GHT

WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT

Fr. Venard Kommer of Notre Dame Parish celebrates his 95th birthday

by Mike Ellis | Photography by Kyle Hampson

A

beloved local priest celebrated his 95th birthday last month in Clarendon Hills. Fr. Venard Kommer, who currently hears confessions at Notre Dame Catholic Church, was ordained a priest in 1946— the year after World War II concluded.

Kommer has spent the past 23 years at Notre Dame, and before that time, served as a priest in Michigan, performed the duties of chaplain at Hinsdale Hospital, and taught at Hales Franciscan High School in Chicago.

Kommer was born in Germany, but his family immigrated to America at a young age. Despite the fact that Germany was the launching pad for the Reformation, Kommer said it is about 50 percent Catholic and 49 percent Lutheran.

Growing up on the South Side of Chicago, Kommer said he looked up to the priest at his parish, which inspired him to pursue a career as a priest himself.

“When I was a young boy, I served mass a lot,” he said. “I liked the priest for whom I was serving mass.”

Kommer attended seminary at St. Joseph’s in then-unincorporated Oak Brook. (The Trinity Lakes subdivision now resides where the seminary formerly stood.)

In those days, he explained that

20 Hinsdale Magazine | www.hinsdale60521.com

FR. VENARD KOMMER Fr. Venard Kommer, a priest at Notre Dame Catholic Church, was ordained in 1946.

becoming a priest was quite an arduous process, spending 14 years at the seminary after eighth grade before being ordained a Franciscan priest. Six of those 14 years comprised high school and college, while the remaining eight included three years of philosophy and four years of theology.

After more than a decade of studying everything from the Scriptures and the Ten Commandments to Thomas Aquinas and Duns Scotus, Kommer was assigned to St. Francis Church in Petosky, Mich., a community located near the Mackinac Bridge in northern Michigan.

He was later directed closer to home at Hales Franciscan, before being assigned as the chaplain at Hinsdale Hospital, and later a priest at Notre Dame in the early 1990s.

“What I learned is to be helpful to people,” Kommer said. “I helped them spiritually to make them feel better, so they know they’re going on the right path.”

As a Franciscan priest, Kommer took the vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. He explained that the vow of poverty is what differentiates Franciscan from Diocesan priests.

Kommer said he looks up to St. Francis of Assisi, the founder of the Franciscan order, who renounced his wealth in favor of poverty.

“He was rich, but he gave it all up,” he said.

Kommer said he has not conducted public mass in about three years, but continues to enjoy his reduced role at Notre Dame. When asked what he likes best about the parish, he said “the people.”

“Here at Notre Dame, there are a lot of good people in this parish,” Kommer said. “Especially now in my old age, I have a lot of people helping me out— their support, their prayers, donations.” n

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OUT&ABOUT

Everything that’s new and exciting around town

by Kerrie Kennedy

O CHRISTMAS TREE!

CELEBRITY STYLING IN HINSDALE

You no longer have to be a celebrity to have your own Rachel Zoe—at least if you live in Hinsdale. Trunk Club, an online personal shopping service owned by Nordstrom, has recently opened a brand-new brick-and-mortar location in Hinsdale. Offering high-end and custom-made clothing for both men and women, Trunk Club also offers an impressive level of personal service. According to operations manager Ariel Avila, each customer is matched with a personal stylist, who hand-picks items based on size, style and fit preferences. The shopping experience, which includes free drinks, emphasizes an ongoing personal relationship between customer and stylist focused on image-building and custom-fitting. The Hinsdale location will have a tailor onsite. “Trunk Club is a great place for couples to come in and enjoy a personalized, intimate, one-on-one shopping experience,” Avila says.

Trunk Club, 30 E. Hinsdale Ave., Hinsdale, 630-869-5202, trunkclub.com

It’s an age-old question: real or fake? But even the most die-hard real Christmas tree enthusiasts will agree that the whole process—buying the tree, hauling it from the roof of your car into your home, then putting on all the lights, not to mention decorating it—is a time-killing chore during a season that already demands so much of you. In the past, unfortunate-looking artificial trees helped move the needle towards real. But according to Phillips Flowers manager Derek Phillip, new technology is tipping the scale in favor of faux. “In the past, artificial pre-lit trees consisted of multiple sections and multiple plugs, making installation a bit of a nightmare,” Phillip says.

According to Phillip, the new One Plug tree, a Fraser Fir available at heights of seven and a half or nine feet, has one plug and electric that’s hidden in the base of the tree. Phillips Flowers also carries the Accordion Tree, which opens up—you guessed it—just like an accordion. Both trees take about five minutes to set up, leaving plenty of time to decorate.

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“As we age, our hair thins, including our eyelashes,” Trotta says. “Eyelash extensions offer a luxurious look that really opens up the eye.”

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COVER STORY

HOPE for the future Hinsdale woman continues the work of converting dreams into realities in Tanzania

by Mike Ellis Photography by Jim Prisching

Kellie O’Brien of Hinsdale and her brother Norman Stranczek have worked hard to create opportunities for children in a Maasai village in Africa.

COVER STORY

There are countless individuals in and around to visit Gabriel’s village, Sanya Station, in order to Hinsdale who make an impact on a local or regional meet with him and the village elders to discuss the level through charitable initiatives. The Infant possibility of creating a school.

As the meeting commenced, O’Brien and her Welfare Society, Children’s Home + Aid and Bridge daughter were surrounded by “hundreds of children” Communities are just a few of the charities that who had heard rumors of visitors coming to their clubs and organizations in the greater Hinsdale area village to talk about a school. are currently assisting.

But one Hinsdale resident has directed her “It was like I was in the middle of a National service efforts towards individuals who reside in Geographic special,” O’Brien said. “It was just an another continent—and hemisphere, for that matter. amazing experience.”

Nearly a decade ago, Kellie O’Brien was asked O’Brien was curious as to why the Maasai by her daughter Heather villagers were so interested if she would like to go to in educating their children Africa to perform some now, after hundreds of “I just felt so filled with that volunteer work. (O’Brien years of existing without had previously visited an organized educational moment,” O’Brien said, “and Africa on a safari with her system. They replied that son.) the Tanzanian government I turned to my daughter, Volunteering at a had recently prohibited convent in Tanzania, and I said, ‘The reason I think them from being nomadic, O’Brien said she and and therefore, their her daughter saw “many children would need to be God sent us to Tanzania was people who were in formally educated in order need.” to secure bright futures. to build this village a school.’

“We gave our shoes “I just felt so filled with away, we gave money that moment,” O’Brien And I said, ‘I think our life is away,” she said, “but at said, “and I turned to my the end of the day, their daughter, and I said, ‘The about to change.’ ” lives didn’t change.” reason I think God sent us Feeling that they were to Tanzania was to build only offering transient this village a school.’ And aid, O’Brien asked one of the sisters at the convent I said, ‘I think our life is about to change.’ ” After O’Brien announced that she would partner what they could to do “really make a difference in with the village on a school, she said many in someone’s life.” The sister told her about a man attendance began crying, overcome with the joy of named Gabriel, who had been requesting a school the moment. for his Maasai village for some time. The nuns told “I had no clue what I [had] just said,” O’Brien him to keep praying, reassuring him that “somebody said, adding that she owns a landscape business, will come.”

O’Brien met Gabriel at the convent the same and had no background in teaching or architecture. day, and learned that he had spent his entire life “I can create gardens, but I knew nothing about “chasing the tails of cows and goats,” and desired for education. But I knew somehow that if I said, ‘Yes,’ the children to have another choice. O’Brien asked everything that I needed would show up. So, it was

Continued on next page

www.hinsdale60521.com |Hinsdale Magazine 27

COVER STORY

Continued from previous page

with total blind faith that I said, ‘Yes.’ ” The plan for the O’Brien School for the Maasai—which would house kindergarten through seventh grade— originated on the back of an envelope, on which O’Brien roughly sketched an L-shaped building.

Returning home to Hinsdale, she

told the story of the Maasai village to neighbors and family members like her brother, Norman Stranczek, and worked to raise the sufficient funds to finance the first three classrooms.

A local architect formulated their master design plan: four L-shaped buildings with a library and courtyard

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at the center. O’Brien said she initially thought the design impossible to execute, but today, the last of the four conceived L-shaped buildings is being completed.

The school first opened in 2007, and has since expanded its enrollment to 400 children across eight grade-levels.

Locally, District 181 schools like Monroe Elementary School and Clarendon Hills Middle School have been instrumental in providing O’Brien with donations that address various needs for Maasai students, ranging from school supplies to shoes.

(O’Brien said shoes are especially important, because many Maasai students walk for more than an hour to school each day.) Much of the furniture no longer in use in District 181 classrooms is stored in the Madison Elementary School basement, from which O’Brien said about 150 desks and 100 bookcases have been selected for use at the Maasai school.

“If we had to buy the things that we needed for the school, there’s no way that we could have accomplished as much as we have,” O’Brien said. “Our school is totally recycled Western Suburbs;—everything in our school has been recycled from something we’ve brought over from the schools here.”

The O’Brien School also received a boost from the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club’s new international committee, which raised $24,000 for the school at a fundraiser this past spring.

“They were absolutely our angels this year,” O’Brien said. “While we just got through constructing the last phase of our master plan, it pretty much took all the money we had.”

O’Brien credited Christ Church of Oak Brook and Notre Dame Catholic Church in Clarendon Hills for their consistent support to the initiative as well, adding that most of the Continued on page 30

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COVER STORY

Continued from page 28

Students at the O’Brien School for the Maasai

Students read together

Maasai student standing in front of his Boma

Two students share a book

Until recently, the people of Sanya Station were nomadic

Photography provided by Rebecca Sliwoski, O’Brien School for the Maasai

donations the school has received have come from private individuals who simply support the mission.

Aside from growing in size, the O’Brien School for the Maasai has also become recognized as one of the top schools in its region of Tanzania, ranking third out of 116 schools. Consequently, there is now considerable demand to attend the school, so children have to be tested in order to attend.

O’Brien explained that a typical passing grade in Tanzanian schools is 43 (out of 100), but that at the O’Brien School, it is 69.

All subjects—which are dictated by the Tanzanian government—at the school are taught in English: civics, math, reading and religion, which is taught three times per week. Since the village is chiefly Christian, O’Brien said Bible lessons are employed in religious classes.

“We feel that coming from a strong religious foundation is very important in the way they are being formed as human beings on this earth,” she said.

The school consists of 18 certified teachers, all from Tanzania, as well as 18 non-teaching staff members. O’Brien said when considering prospective hires, school officials observe teachers, watching for the amount of energy and enthusiasm they possess for instruction.

Featuring a library with roughly 4,000 books, O’Brien said the school has helped encourage reading amongst children whose only previous exposure to books—if they had any—was classroom textbooks.

Last year, the O’Brien School for the Maasai graduated its first class.

“They scored so high in the new schools that they were going into that some of them actually skipped their first year of high school,” O’Brien said.

All students start out in kindergarten.

While the school accepts no one younger than six years old, some children begin their O’Brien School journeys much Continued on page 32

30 Hinsdale Magazine | www.hinsdale60521.com

COVER STORY

Continued from page 30

older.

O’Brien recounted an older boy about 13 or 14 years old, who was drifting around at the school. He explained that he had completed his education at a government school, but lacked the ability to write his name. So, he started in kindergarten at the O’Brien School, towering over the vast majority of his classmates.

“At first, I thought they made a mistake [in] where they took me, because it was just an empty building,” O’Brien said, describing her subsequent visit to the government school. “It was a cinderblock building [that] had never been painted, [had] a dirt floor, no blackboard, no desks, no textbooks.”

O’Brien said this student has since been accepted into secondary school.

Despite the positives the school is providing for kids hitherto without access to quality formal education,

32 Hinsdale Magazine | www.hinsdale60521.com

O’Brien said they still face a number of issues and challenges.

At the core of those issues is poverty, which contributes to malnourished children and a failure of some students to complete their education at the school due to their parents’ inability to afford to continue sending their kids to school. O’Brien said it costs $500 per year for a child to attend, most of which is subsidized through volunteer initiatives; but parents are still required to contribute a small percentage of that $500 to send a child to the school.

As far as food is concerned, O’Brien said she fortuitously encountered someone at PepsiCo, which owns Quaker Oats, which is donating enough oatmeal boxes to feed the children for a year at school.

“Most of these children that come to the school for the first time have never sat in a chair; they’ve never held a pencil;

they’ve never used a spoon,” she said.

Among the other challenges the school faces are combating cultural traditions that affix more value on boys than girls, as well as the difficulty if not impossibility of some students being able to afford secondary school.

“We insist that half of our students be girls,” O’Brien said. “So, for every boy that comes, we have to take a girl.

They’re comfortable with that now, because they know that’s the only way we’ll operate.”

O’Brien said school officials are also working to oppose the tradition of fathers arranging marriages for their 13or 14-year-old daughters, as some girls have grown comfortable freely expressing their disdain for this practice.

“We’re partnering with organizations to really fight prearranged marriages,” she said. ... “We’re trying to help the young girls of our village understand that they do have a choice in the matter.”

Altogether, it requires about $150,000 per year to keep the doors of the school open, but despite the difficulty of sustaining this figure, O’Brien said she is motivated to continue serving this Maasai village of Sanya Station due to the effect the villagers’ inspirational displays of gratitude have impressed on her.

“There’s something I so admire about the fact that they have so little, and yet at the end of the day, they’re grateful for whatever they have,” she said. “They all praise God at the end of the day; [the] kids all pray at the end of the day; they would never think of eating anything without first thanking God for the small amount that they have in front of them.

“It’s quite extraordinary.” n

For more information about the O’Brien School for the Maasai, visit www.obrienschool.org.

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ADV E RT I S E M E N T

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MAJOR CHANGES COMING FOR

SOCIAL SECURITY Earlier this month on November 2nd, Congress quietly passed sweeping Social Security reform in the 2015 Budget Act. The changes will affect how married couples collect Social Security from this day on, and may send many pre-retirees scrambling.

We’ll discuss the major changes below, and the timelines on how to act.

The first major change is that there will be no more “file and suspend” options after April 29, 2016. This strategy allowed one spouse to file for Social Security, and then suspend their benefit payments, thus allowing the husband or wife to claim their spousal benefits (or other ancillary benefits).

This would allow the spouse’s own benefit to continue earning delayed retirement credits (8%/year).

The second major change comes with regard to a restricted claim of spousal benefits. Before the approval of the reforms, if you were not eligible for a benefit solely because your spouse hadn’t filed, you had a choice as to when you wanted to take it, and additionally, when you wanted to add the spousal benefit. Now, the benefit must be immediately paid upon eligibility. Furthermore, when you voluntarily suspend your benefit and your spouse is claiming based on your benefits, your spouse’s benefit would in turn end.

If you are a pre-retiree and are at least age 66, the file and suspend strategy is still available until April 29, 2016, and would allow you to receive delayed retirement benefits for up to four more years. Obviously, if this is a consideration in your planning,

it is critical to start the process as soon as possible.

If you are 62 or older by the end of 2015, you are grandfathered in. That means if you’ve filed, or filed and suspended your own retirement benefits before April 29, 2016, your spouse will still be eligible to file a restricted application for spousal benefits. The only caveat here is that your spouse will need to be 62 by the end of 2015 as well. The new rules will not apply to a widow/ widower. They will still be able to claim a survivor benefit while deferring their own Social Security benefit.

When these new rules take effect after April 29, 2016, you will no longer be able to receive a benefit based on anyone else’s earnings if you have voluntarily suspended your own individual benefits. This is a major change to Social Security planning, and will almost certainly impact the majority of pre-retirees. This change came suddenly, with little public or media coverage, as it was a part of the larger emergency spending bill that Congress passed to avoid default. The Social Security Administration claims the new rules will save billions of dollars per year, closing the spousal benefits and file and suspend “loopholes”.

If you are a pre-retiree, it is likely that these changes will substantially impact your retirement income planning, and you have a short six-month window to plan accordingly. At Wealth Planning Network, we have updated our planning strategies, and are able to assist you with your planning. Call us today at (708) 481-4000 or email us at info@wpn360.com.

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HINSDALE MAGAZINE PRESENTS

FOOD&DRINK featuring

DRURY LANE THEATRE

by Kerrie Kennedy | Photography by Jim Prisching

Joel Falmet, champagne; Chehalem Chardonnay (unoaked), Willamette Valley; She Crab soup, garnished with crab meat, sieved egg and chives at Drury Lane Theatre

HINSDALE MAGAZINE’S FOOD&DRINK

BREAKFAST WITH

Santa

Santa’s coming to town, and he has a very packed schedule. Make your reservation for this fun holiday tradition, where you can find out just how much Christmas will set you back this year.

Herb-roasted rack of lamb, port wine thyme jus, grilled asparagus, roasted fingerling potatoes; red wine: Domain Cendrillon, Corbierres, Languedoc, France at Drury Lane Theatre

RINGING IN THE

New Year New Year’s Eve is a tricky holiday.

By the time you reach 30—or maybe before that—, you’re usually done with the crazy parties. You could always stay in, but that feels like a letdown.

For many of us, the best option is going out to dinner—or make that going out to dinner and a show.

For a number of Hinsdale area residents, Drury Lane’s New Year’s Eve celebration is an annual tradition that dates back to 1984, when the venue opened in Oakbrook Terrace.

According to Drury Lane executive director Kyle DeSantis, whose father founded both Drury Lane Oak Brook and Drury Lane Evergreen Park, the New Year’s Eve events at both locations sell out every year. “A lot of the same people come every year,” DeSantis said. “It’s a really unique event.”

Of course, part of what makes it unique is the musical theater. And this year’s production, the Irving Berlin classic, White Christmas, is expected to be a big draw. Featuring songs like “Blue Skies,” and “Let Yourself Go,”

not to mention plenty of dancing, the polished production boasts top-notch talent, with Sean Allan Krill and Matt Raftery starring as a song-and-dance duo originally portrayed by Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye, and Gina Milo and Erica Stephan performing as the Hayes sisters (Rosemary Clooney and Vera-Ellen). “It’s very true to the movie, which is all about nostalgia and the holidays,” DeSantis said. “It’s definitely a show you can bring the whole family to see.”

Of course, food is part of the entertainment, and Drury Lane doesn’t skimp on that either. On the menu this year is She Crab soup with sherry wine, filet mignon, Chilean sea bass, King Crab, rack of lamb and of course, champagne. “We change the menu every year, so people don’t get bored,” DeSantis said. After dinner and the show, the party continues for those who wish, with a DJ and dancing.

It’s no surprise that Drury Lane has become the go-to solution to the New Year’s Eve dilemma for many.

DeSantis said, “I can’t think of a better place to ring in the New Year.”

Drury Lane Theatre, 100 Drury Lane, Oakbrook Terrace, 630-530-0111, drurylane.com

Macy’s Oak Brook. Early risers can eat breakfast with Santa Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20 at 9 a.m., while little ones who like to sleep in can share dinner with Santa Dec. 3, 10 and 17 at 6 p.m.

1 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-684-2400, macys.com The Clubhouse. Santa will be waiting to find out who’s been naughty or nice every Sunday at The Clubhouse for brunch and photos, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Dec. 21.

298 Oakbrook Center, Oak Brook, 630-472-0600, theclubhouse.com Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort.

Santa’s making three stops at the Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort on Dec. 6, 13 and 20 from 9 a.m. to noon.

The over-the-top brunch features madeto-order Belgian waffles, homemade hot chocolate and make-your-own gourmet gingerbread houses with all of the trimmings.

3500 Midwest Road, Oak Brook, 630-850-5539, oakbrookhillsresortchicago.com Brookfield Zoo. Combining two childhood favorites—Santa and the zoo—, you can’t go wrong with this breakfast, which will be held at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. on Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 and 20.

8400 31st Street, Brookfield, 708-485-0263, ext. 355., czs.org

www.hinsdale60521.com |Hinsdale Magazine 37

GIVING BACK

Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club members Laura Bier, Sarah Glitto, Elizabeth Phelps, Wendy Macri, Sarah Erwin and Megan Mannor

SPIRIT OF GIVING The Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club and Bridge Communities partner up to create an unmatched event, doing good for homeless families

by Mike Ellis | Photography by Jim Prisching

38 Hinsdale Magazine | www.hinsdale60521.com

T

he Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club (HJWC) will host its annual benefit, “Gala 4 Good,” benefiting Bridge Communities on Saturday, Feb. 20 at Venue One in Chicago’s West Loop.

This year marks the second and final year of a twoyear partnership between the HJWC and Bridge Communities, a Glen Ellyn-based non-profit organization that provides transitional housing and programs to assist roughly 100 homeless families per year across DuPage County.

HJWC members are getting a jump-start on supportive efforts before the benefit this December, launching “Gifts 4 Good” on Dec. 1 in conjunction with “giving Tuesday.” This activity will allow participants to select from items each weekday as gifts, which will be used to assemble “birthday bags” for Bridge families.

Benefit auction co-chair Megan Mannor explained that the families for whom Bridge provides transitional housing learn how to construct monthly budgets, but that birthday gifts don’t fit into these budgets.

“One of the things that we can do for them that’s very tangible is build a birthday bag that has a cake-mix, frosting, balloons, decorations and a Target card, so that they can buy a toy for that

child,” Mannor said.

Mannor and fellow auction co-chair Sarah Erwin are leading the initiative at Grace Episcopal Church in Hinsdale, where they both work as preschool teachers. Mannor said they are hoping to have preschool families at Grace contribute to the cause, but invited anyone interested in donating gifts to the effort.

“We want to be mindful that our kids know that this [community] is not reflective of the general population of America,” said Mannor, who grew up in an automotive town in Michigan.

“Any concrete way that we can help our kids understand that not every kid has 50 Power Rangers like mine do is to have them go with us to the dollar store, to Target, to wherever, and make a birthday for a child.”

“Gifts 4 Good” will continue through Jan. 31.

Since they started working with Bridge last year, ladies from the HJWC have spearheaded a number of other initiatives supporting the underprivileged families it serves.

Benefit managing co-chair Cara Omiecinski described a mom’s night out event in which Bridge mothers had the opportunity to spend a Friday night out while HJWC members rotated threehour shifts to babysit their children.

Club members also conducted “spa Saturday” this past Valentine’s Day, taking Bridge moms to the spa while their kids were supervised in daycare.

Omiecinski said the HJWC is planning a similar activity for this February.

“What I’m so excited about with Juniors is that everybody is in the club to give back,” Mannor said. “We spend our time to do good, and I think the generosity of spirit club-wise has been humbling for us, trying to get donations for auction to raise money for Bridge.”

Members’ beneficent donations of their time and ideas have not only been received with gratitude by Bridge families, but also by their beneficiary itself.

Amy Van Polen, resource development director for Bridge Communities, said it is this willingness to go beyond the fundraising Continued on next page

www.hinsdale60521.com |Hinsdale Magazine 39

GIVING BACK Continued from previous page

component and engage and support families directly that has impressed her and her colleagues most about the HJWC. “What I’ve been really impressed with is how committed they are to the volunteerism aspect of it—getting to know our families and children,” Van Polen said.

Van Polen said Bridge works with a number of similar organizations throughout DuPage County, but what separates the HJWC is that it “becomes entrenched” within the mission of its partner organization, with members that are eager to learn more about the organization and what they can specifically do to assist it.

“The women that are involved are incredibly talented—they’re smart, they’re passionate about giving back to their community,” Van Polen said.

Mannor, Erwin and Omiecinski said as mothers themselves, they have found the issues with which Bridge families deal relatable.

“I think Bridge is an inspiring charity to try to raise money for, because it makes such a difference in the trajectory of someone’s life,” Mannor said. “While it’s more depth— they can only take [slightly more than] 100 families a year—, but for those families, they have a 94 percent success rate. ...

“They literally take a family from a mom and two boys living in their car after school to college education for them. For that kind of depth of an impact, it makes it a lot easier to work so hard to get the donations that we’re getting, to put on an event like Cara and her team are working to put on.”

Erwin and Omiecinski, who formerly served as elementary-school teachers in the West Rogers Park and Lawndale neighborhoods of Chicago, have encountered poverty first-hand.

“I know, teaching in the city, what it’s like to have students come into your classroom homeless,” Erwin said.

Erwin said one difference she has noticed in working with Bridge families is that, seeing them in a different setting, they have been more likely to show their “vulnerable sides,” and open up about their personal stories.

“I think the thing that surprises me the most is seeing the families turn their [lives] around,” Omiecinski said, “because having dealt with this type of family so many times, you know how hard it is to break that cycle.”

40 Hinsdale Magazine | www.hinsdale60521.com

The 2016 Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club’s annual benefit, “Gala 4 Good,” will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20 at Venue One in Chicago’s West Loop. Proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Bridge Communities, a non-profit organization that provides transitional housing and programs to assist homeless families throughout DuPage County.

More than 800 guests from the Chicago area are expected to attend.

Celebrity DJ Megan Taylor and emcee Eric Ferguson of the Eric and Kathy morning radio show will kick off festivities. In addition to enjoying gourmet food, guests will bid on live auction items including luxurious vacations, fine art, jewelry and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The benefit will be styled and executed

by Chicago event planner Rachel DeMarte.

Founded in 1988, Bridge Communities owns 22 buildings scattered across DuPage County. Van Polen said the organization likes to purchase apartment buildings in nice residential areas, so that program participants can feel safe as they attempt to turn their lives around.

Serving more than 100 families per year, Bridge conducts a two-year transitional housing program that provides housing, mentoring, employment and educational opportunities for families. Van Polen explained that the organization focuses a lot of energy on working with kids, offering tutoring, mentoring and support groups for children.

“We’re very focused on creating an environment that would create long-term change for the family, so that the cycle of poverty and homelessness can be eliminated within that family unit,” she said.

Proceeds from the upcoming benefit will support the renovation of a learning resource center (LRC) in Glendale Heights, as well as a foundational fund the HJWC is starting on behalf of Bridge.

Van Polen said the organization converts some of its apartments into LRCs in order to “create community” amongst its families.

Last year, HJWC members led a project to design a new LRC in Glen Ellyn, learning what the residents’ specific needs were, and working to design the space to best address those needs.

“They did a wonderful job designing the space,” Van Polen said, adding that this marked the first time Bridge had ever embarked on such a project with an organization like HJWC. This year’s benefit, “Gala 4 Good,” will feature emcee Eric Ferguson, a Hinsdale resident and morning radio host, and DJ Megan Taylor, a renowned Chicago artist.

“This year’s benefit is going to be a show-stopper,” Omiecinski said. “We have celebrity guests, surprise performers—lots of ‘wow’ factors being planned.” n

Gala 4 Good will be held on Saturday, Feb. 20 at Venue One, 1034 W. Randolph Street, in Chicago’s West Loop. For tickets and sponsorship information, visit http://www. g4ghjwc.com/buy-tickets.html.

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www.hinsdale60521.com |Hinsdale Magazine 41

Pediatric Pain-Free Laser Dentistry

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LASER DENTISTRY: NO DRILL, NO SHOTS, AND

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“Say goodbye to the dental drill, and learn more about the role lasers may play in your next dental procedure.”

Laser treatment is going biological – and with good reason. Dental lasers make treatment more comfortable, precise, and efficient. Whether you’re prone to dental anxiety, saddled with sensitive teeth, or concerned about your next procedure, there’s relief ahead.

PERFECTING PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY The ultimate goal of pediatric dentistry is to keep your children’s teeth healthy without causing them any anxiety or discomfort. If your kids build positive associations with dentistry, they’ll be relaxed at the dentist’s for the rest of their lives. Lasers help us identify and treat decay without unnecessary exploration of healthy tooth structure, resulting in painless treatment. Your kids will be delighted with their shot-free, speedy fillings – and look forward to returning to our office.

PAINLESS DENTISTRY FOR ADULTS Children aren’t the only patients who benefit from dental lasers. Adult patients

find laser dentistry to be similarly refreshing. As your dentist won’t need to numb your tooth prior to removal of decay, you’ll appreciate the ease of anesthesiafree treatment. No numb lips, needles, or post-procedural soreness: simply a restored smile. The WaterLase iPlus treats cavities without affecting the rest of your teeth, causing microfractures, or crosscontaminating. Only the decayed portion of the tooth will be removed, leaving healthy tissue intact. The iPlus aids our Hinsdale Dentistry team in providing you with ideal dental care.

WHITENING WITHOUT SENSITIVITY While teeth whitening is incredibly popular, it isn’t possible for every patient.

Those struggling with sensitivity find the whitening gel too harsh and treatment painful. Laser whitening changes the experience. Not only are whitening appointments briefer, they’re more comfortable for patients with twinge-prone enamel. The gentle whitening laser helps

activate hydrogen peroxide whitening gel without causing sensitivity in the teeth or gums. You’ll feel relaxed during treatment without compromising dazzling, bright results. Our Epic whitening laser makes this possible.

SIMPLE COSMETIC GUM CONTOURING Our gums play an important part in the aesthetics of our smiles. Sometimes they can be uneven or unbalanced, resulting in a grin that leaves you wanting. Laser gum contouring makes subtle, specific tweaks to your gum line to reshape your smile. Less invasive and less painful than traditional gum surgery, laser contouring will deliver results with minimal healing.

Laser dentistry helps set Hinsdale Dentistry apart, and we’re excited to share it with you. Ready to experience pain-free, shot-free dental care? Call our office and ask for the WaterLase or Epic laser for your next dental appointment.

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SCHEDULE YOUR APPOINTMENT TODAY! 630-323-4468 Peter T. Harnois, DDS Zivile Z. Chirban, DDS Michael J. Kowalczyk, DDS

911 N. Elm, Suite 230 Hinsdale, IL HinsdaleDentistry.com

A DVER T ISEM EN T

Happy Holidays

from the Hinsdale Dentistry staff to all our patients, friends and families.

DR. PETER T. HARNOIS, a Hinsdale Central alumnus, is no stranger to the Greater Hinsdale community. A 1982 graduate of the University of Illinois’ College of Dentistry, Dr. Harnois has been practicing dentistry in Hinsdale for over 33 years.

“Having grown up in Hinsdale my patients feel like family to me,” Dr. Harnois said.

Dr. Harnois is currently the President of the Illinois Chapter of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics. He lectures internationally to properly educate and train his fellow dentists around the country on emerging technologies in dentistry that he utilizes in his own practice, such as Botox® and Lumineers®.

His philosophy is to provide the most gentle and minimally-invasive cosmetic and metal-free dentistry with natural results; and he uses NuCalm®, a natural approach to relax his patients and eliminate their dental fears and anxieties.

“We bring our ‘A’ game every day,” he said, “and from the moment you enter our office until you leave, we focus our full attention on you as an individual, so you get the best customized care that fits your needs, wants and desires.”

DR. ZIVILE Z. CHIRBAN is in her 33rd year of practicing dentistry, and her goal is to assist her patients in acquiring and maintaining beautiful smiles. She is passionate about keeping apprised of the latest developments in her field to ensure that her patients receive the best possible care.

Dr. Chirban graduated from the University of Illinois’ College of Dentistry in 1982, and is currently a member of the Illinois State Dental Society and American Dental Association.

“I see patients for issues regarding decay, fractured teeth, pain, discolored teeth, poorly positioned teeth and dental phobia,” she said. “Decay is as simple as preparing the tooth without painful shots using Biolase, and restoring with a tooth colored filling.

A fractured tooth may need a crown, or if it is more involved, an implant. Thanks to Invisalign, I can reposition poorly aligned teeth to a more esthetic arrangement. I enjoy all aspects of being a general dentist and mostly my ability to treat patients of all ages, from 3 to 100.”

DR. MICHAEL J. KOWALCZYK graduated as a valedictorian from Oak Park - River Forest High School in 2004. He graduated with honors from Emory University in Atlanta and obtained his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Dr. Kowalczyk completed a post-graduate residency at the University of Florida where he gained skills in wisdom teeth extractions, surgical implant placement and sedation dentistry. In 2013, he received his Fellowship in the International Congress of Oral Implantologists.

My interests in continuous learning and technology, as well as my passion for dentistry, are similar to Dr. Harnois and Dr. Chirban. As a team we always strive to deliver the best possible care for all of our patients.

We have invested in digital technology that allows Dr. Chirban to scan her patients teeth for Invisalign, and all three of us use our 2 Itero scanners for our patients crowns.

The result is the best fitting crowns ever and no more impressions.

HINSDALE DENTISTRY’S roots date to 1969, when it first opened its doors in Downtown Hinsdale. Dr. Peter T. Harnois grew up in Hinsdale, and is actively involved in the community. Hinsdale Dentistry’s practice is located at a new state of the art, high-tech facility, overlooking Salt Creek and Fullersburg Woods at 911 N. Elm Street.

The dentists and entire team at Hinsdale Dentistry are committed to providing world-class dental care for its friends and families in Hinsdale and surrounding communities. Hinsdale Dentistry utilizes the latest, cutting-edge dental technologies to supply the most gentle patient treatments. It also provides a broad range of treatments and dental technologies. They have the ability to save any patients life utilizing Velscope, an early detection system for Oral Cancer Screening, and can now straighten their adult patients teeth in 6 months or less with Six Month Smile, a cosmetic braces system.

PETER T. HARNOIS, D.D.S. “Having grown up in Hinsdale my patients feel like family to me.”

ZIVILE Z. CHIRBAN, D.D.S. “I am excited about the technological advances that allow me to treat my patients in a state-of-the-art office utilizing the best materials available.”

MICHAEL J. KOWALCZYK, D.D.S. “I can teach people how to have a more positive impact on their health through good oral health care.”

HINSDALE MAGAZINE’S

2015 Holiday Gift Guide COFFEE TABLE BOOK

For the Anglophile in your life, Celebrate: A Year of Festivities for Families and Friends by Pippa Middleton, features recipes, party tips and a fascinating glimpse into the life of an upper-class Brit who just so happens to be the sister of a royal. $50, visit lavenderhomeandgifts.com

ISLAND AROMA

Inspired by the fresh-green fragrance from the Casuarina trees near her home in Harbour Island, Bahamas, India Hicks’s Casuarina Candle makes the perfect hostess gift. Call 630-537-1806 for appointments. $54, indiahicks.com/rep/Hinsdale

DECK THE HALLS Festive accessories to warm the home for the holidays

by Kerrie Kennedy

A POP OF COLOR

FLOWER POWER

“Flowers are always an appropriate gift,” says Michael Skaff, owner of Skaff Floral Creations in Hinsdale and former White House floral designer (he did the flowers for Bill Clinton’s 1993 inauguration and George W. Bush’s 2001 and 2005 inaugurations). This season, Skaff recommends a poinsettia plant (“a symbol of the holidays”), a chic hand-tied European bouquet, or a potted Amaryllis bulb that will last well into the new year. $25 to $65, skafffloral.com

Take a tip from the Swedes—experts at dealing with a long, dark winter—, and brighten up your home with color this season. No need to hop on a flight, though; head on over to Stockholm Objects in Hinsdale, and pick up a bright, Swedish-made Pappelina rug, lamp or throw.

Prices vary, stockholmobjects.com

CONVERSATION STARTER

Punch up your party with a set of Caspari-printed cocktail napkins—choose from “#Hinsdale,” “Santa Stops First in Hinsdale,” “What Happens in Hinsdale Stays in Hinsdale,” and as a friendly reminder, “Santa Sees You When You’re Drinking.” $20.95 at Yankee Peddler, yankee-yp-peddler.com

44 Hinsdale Magazine | www.hinsdale60521.com

HINSDALE MAGAZINE’S

2015 Holiday Gift Guide

SIGNATURE STATIONERY

There’s something so luxurious, personal and old-school about custom, monogrammed stationery— it’s the perfect gift for just about anyone who can put pen to paper.

Prices vary, Ashley’s Custom Stationery in Hinsdale, ashleyscustomstationery.com

SPA DAY

Banish holiday stress with a luxe spa day. The It’s About Time (For Yourself) package at Kohler Waters Spa in Burr Ridge features a 50-minute massage, 50-minute pedicure and 50-minute facial.

HAUTE HOLIDAY

$407, visit kohlerwaterspaburrridge.com

Luxe gifts to spoil someone special this season

CULTIVATED CLUTCH

India Hicks’s new accessories line showcases her aristocratic, exotic lineage—great, great, great granddaughter of Queen Victoria, daughter of famed designer David Hicks, goddaughter of Prince Charles, bridesmaid to Lady Diana Spencer.

The best-selling Carmen Clutch, available in a variety of colors, is named after her mother, who was born in Madrid. $274, indiahicks.com/rep/ Hinsdale. Call 630-537-1806 for appointments.

BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S

Channel your inner Holly Golightly with a pair of legendary Manhattan sunglasses, made by Oliver Goldsmith for Audrey Hepburn in the classic 1961 film, Breakfast at Tiffany’s, now recently recreated, reissued and available in eight different colors. $440, eyegoodies.com

BON VOYAGE

Once a playground for the rich and famous, Cuba—less than an hour flight from Miami—is making a comeback, and March (spring break) is one of the best times to visit, with plenty of sunshine and average temperatures of 85 degrees. “Cuba’s Charming Colonial Cities & Havana,” a tour organized by Hinsdale Travel, features daily interaction with local residents who deliver insight into past, present and future. $3,500 per person, hinsdaletravel.com Continued on the next page

www.hinsdale60521.com |Hinsdale Magazine 45

HINSDALE MAGAZINE’S

2015 Holiday Gift Guide

PUT A RING ON IT

BLING IT ON

It’s a most wonderful time of the year— especially when you find a rose-gold ring under the tree.

Graziela Gems Rose Couture Band Ring, $3,200 at Sweet William in Hinsdale, sweetwilliaminc.com

A simple little bangle with a bit of bling, Tacori’s The Ivy Lane Pavé Marquise Bracelet in sterling silver with .25 carats of diamonds, is a sweet treat for mom and daughter alike. $890 at Bella Cosa Jewelers in Willowbrook, seebeautifulthings.com

SPARKLING HOLIDAY SEASON A glittery gift guide for all the gems in your life

STOCKING STUNNER

Sometimes, the best gifts are hiding in the stocking. One-carat ruby earrings, Merry Richards in Oak Brook, $2,500, visit merryrichardsjewelers.com

CHRISTMAS TIME

Keep time with a chic Bulova Accutron automatic watch with black mother-of-pearl dial and 51 round, brilliant diamonds on a stingray band. $1,350 at Caffray Jewellers in Hinsdale, caffrayjewellers.com

CHEERS!

Champagne is always a welcome gift—especially when it’s a special bottle.

The Village Cellar wine specialist Don Singleton recommends Charles Heidsieck, a brut premier that’s creamy with brioche notes, recently rated “highly recommended”

by Wine Spectator magazine. $53, for additional gift ideas, visit villagecellarhinsdale.com

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Don’t Drop While You Shop this Holiday Season

Like any good sport, the activity of holiday shopping takes

bending at your waist by keeping your back straight, and

preparation, skill, protective gear and physical stamina!

bending with your knees.

ATI Physical Therapy has some simple tips to help keep your

• Keep the load close to your midline (bellybutton) and hug it

body pain-free while hunting for the perfect gift.

close to your body.

PREPARATION

• Test the weight of an object by pushing it with your foot to

• Drink plenty of water throughout your shopping extravaganza to keep your body and muscles hydrated.

see how easily it moves. If it seems too heavy, get help.

WRAPPING IT UP

• Be sure to keep a light snack with you to maintain your

• Avoid the floor when wrapping gifts. It can place stress on

energy.

the back, neck and legs.

• Comfortable shoes with good support are a must to absorb

• Sit at the kitchen table, or stand at the counter.

the impact of walking for hours on hard tile or concrete floors.

• Like shopping, it’s important to give your body a break

SHOPPING • Use a shopping cart whenever possible to transport your purchases.

every 30 minutes.

• Perform simple stretching exercises to keep those shoulder, back and neck muscles loose.

• If a cart is not available, carry the bags equally on both sides of your body to distribute the weight.

This holiday shopping season, let’s hope the only thing feeling

• Avoid loading bags on one side, as this will place stress on

pain is your wallet. If you do experience aches and pains, and

your back, neck and shoulder muscles.

they last more than a few days, visit any ATI Physical Therapy

• Take breaks at least every 30 - 45 minutes, and combine

clinic for a Complimentary Screening. ATI will address your

breaks with trips to the car to lighten your load.

concerns, evaluate your injury and provide you with options for

LIFTING • If you have to grab items from bottom shelves, avoid

48 Hinsdale Magazine | www.hinsdale60521.com

continued care. Visit www.ATIpt.com for a location near you.

Football in Da House!

Your Home to Watch Football Games.

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HINSDALE

A COMMUNITY WHO CARES | A CULTURE OF PHILANTHROPY This holiday season “think outside the box”! Consider a gift to one of the many community organizations that provide critical services to our neighbors in need. These organizations provide quality programs that strengthen our region. Your gift needs no box and can truly make a difference.

HINSDALE60521.COM

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COMMUNITY SCENE

HINSDALE HUMANE SOCIETY Black Cat Ball 2015

by Mike Ellis Photography by Ken Ashley

S

everal hundred area residents shined in a great variety of costumes in supporting the Hinsdale Humane Society (HHS) at the inaugural Black Cat Ball at Katherine Legge Memorial Lodge on Oct. 30.

The ball was organized by the HHS Ambassadors, a group of local women who collaborate to fundraise for the humane society that was founded last year.

Couples and individuals outdid themselves in their creative and intricate costumes.

One guest marveled as a Jake Arrieta lookalike, while another passed for a younger Hillary Clinton.

Ben Bradley, weekend morning anchor for WLS Ch. 7 and a Hinsdale resident, served as the emcee, conducting the live auction on-stage, alongside the “black cats,” an honorary committee of local ladies who dressed apropos for the occasion HHS executive director Lori Halligan said the proceeds raised from Black Cat Ball will support the humane society’s general fund. n

[1] Jen Ashley and Grace Chadda; [2] Greg and Dee Bauer; [3] Mark and Megan Hickman; [4] Sarah and Chad Erwin

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COMMUNITY SCENE

BOOKS & BRUNCH

ASSISTANCE LEAGUE OF CHICAGOLAND WEST HOSTS ANNUAL EVENT FOR ITS PHILANTHROPIES

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Photography by Kyle Hampson

Assistance League of Chicagoland West (ALCW) raised a record $162,800 at its 19th annual Books & Brunch on Nov. 10 at The Abbington in Glen Ellyn.

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More than 430 guests enjoyed presentations by authors Jen Lancaster, Ina Pinkney and Tom Watson, as well as a silent auction, raffle baskets and boutique shopping.

Dick Johnson of WMAQ Ch. 5 presided over the affair, while Becky Moats of Hinsdale and Laurie Cleary of Burr Ridge served as co-chairs.

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Proceeds from Books & Brunch are used to provide new winter coats, hats and gloves to students in need, new kitchen essentials for families getting out of homelessness, scholarships to at-risk College of DuPage students, and a rotating program that meets special needs on a one-time basis.

ACLW is one of 120 independentlyrun, all-volunteer Assistance League chapters operating nationwide since 1935.

6 [1] Janet Roxworthy and Nancy Hamp; [2] Jeanne Eber and Cathy Fisher; [3] Rainy day raffle; [4] Barbara Johnson and Gail Tatters; [5] Diane Mrozek and Jan McGivern; [6] Books & Brunch featured three local authors, lunch, boutique shopping, a silent auction and a raffle at The Abbington in Glen Ellyn

52 Hinsdale Magazine | www.hinsdale60521.com

HOLIDAY SPECIAL

Give the gift of a lifetime

with a complimentary new patient exam & imaging at

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COMMUNITY SCENE

WREATH TRADITION HINSDALE GARDEN STUDY CLUB’S ANNUAL WREATH-HANGING AT GRAUE MILL & MUSEUM Photography by Mike Ellis

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Photograph by Marco Nunez

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[1] Hinsdale Garden Study Club members display their finished wreath before passing it off to Forest Preserve District of DuPage County officials; [2] Charlotte Gill, Peggy Govern and Pamela Coan; [3] Kathy Adamec, Eleanor Nadbielny and Joan Heady; [4] Connie Webber, Sharon Cooper and Sue Peterson; [5] The wreath hangs on the museum building

54 Hinsdale Magazine | www.hinsdale60521.com

Members of the Hinsdale Garden Study Club gathered in Oak Brook to assemble the annual wreath placed outside the Graue Mill & Museum building on the morning of Nov. 9.

The club has been constructing the wreath for roughly 30 years.

About 15 members of the 65-member garden study club joined in the design process, which involved expeditiously transforming an assortment of plant varieties into an enormous wreath event organizer Peggy Govern said is about six feet in diameter in just two hours.

Govern said members bring a variety of evergreens from their gardens, such as junipers, holly, white pines and scotch pines.

Participating members then assemble 18-inch boughs, and wire them together on a six-foot frame.

After club members moved the wreath outside, employees from the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County carried it to the museum building, where it will remain on display through March.

Break Holiday Tradition!

This year, give them the advantage with a gift they won’t wear out.

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www.hinsdale60521.com |Hinsdale Magazine 55

COMMUNITY SCENE

DINNER DANCE NOTRE DAME

Photography by Mike Ellis Local members of Notre Dame Catholic Church turned out for the annual dinner dance at the Hilton-Oak Brook Hills Resort in Westmont on the evening of Nov. 6.

Many ladies dressed their angelic finest, reflecting the theme, “Heavenly Blessed,� in pure white and glitzy halos.

Chairperson Janie Lahmann said a friend and fellow member at Notre Dame developed the theme.

Deacon Chris Lankford, who attended school at Notre Dame and will be ordained as a priest in May, served as the keynote speaker for the evening.

Proceeds from the dinner dance will go towards the school, religious education program and operational expenses at Notre Dame.

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[1] Theresa and Clark Passino, Beth and Bill Nordby, and Kelcee and Scot MacDonell; [2] Lauren Walsh and Amy Phillips; [3] Theresa Passino, Beth Nordby and Kelcee MacDonell

BUI L D YO U R B R A N D With the Team at Hinsdale Magazine

HINSDALE60521.COM

Hinsdale M

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(630) 655 3400 ADVERTISING@HINSDALE60521.COM

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SLEEP OUT SATURDAY IN SUPPORT OF BRIDGE COMMUNITIES’ TRANSITIONAL HOUSING PROGRAM Photography by Mike Ellis More than a dozen local children received a taste of what it is like to be homeless, participating in Sleep Out Saturday at Hinsdale United Methodist Church (HUMC) on Nov. 7.

Held annually at a variety of venues across DuPage County on one night each November, Sleep Out Saturday exposes more fortunate west suburban residents to the travails of homelessness, as participants sleep outdoors in tents, boxes and other contraptions on what is generally a chilly evening.

Temperatures dropped to around freezing overnight, which HUMC pastor Jon McCoy said helps to “drive home the message.”

Bridge Communities, a Glen Ellyn-based non-profit organization that provides transitional housing and programming for homeless families throughout the county, puts on the event each year, partnering with various churches and youth groups like HUMC and Union Church of Hinsdale.

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[1] Christie Frees, Sandy Usher, Maggie Cuprisin, Maria Wilcox, Jenny Austjen and the Rev. Dr. Jon McCoy; [2] Katie Usher and Elise Heinnke; [3] Lily Pizzuto and Natalie Candela

Expires 1/31/16

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Expires 1/31/16

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COMMUNITY SCENE

THE SILVER BALL

ANNUAL BLACK-TIE EVENT IN SUPPORT OF WELLNESS HOUSE Photography provided by Wellness House

Wellness House hosted 560 guests at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago for its annual black-tie ball, which raised nearly $800,000 for programs supporting those who are living with cancer, on Oct. 24.

The Silver Ball, led by co-chairs Freddie and Stephanie Brzozowski, was a culmination of milestones, as Wellness House celebrated its 25th anniversary and unveiled details concerning its “Wellness Beyond Walls” campaign. The campaign is an ambitious initiative to preserve and safeguard the future of the organization and key programs, as well as to extend Wellness House’s reach into more homes and communities in which the need for cancer programs and support remains unmet.

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Lifetime trustee Fred Krehbiel honored Kay and Mike Birck’s generous support of Wellness House over the last 25 years by announcing the naming of the house: Wellness House - The Kay and Mike Birck Home of Hope. Mike Birck, who recently passed away from cancer in July, was a co-founder and the former chairman of Tellabs Inc. Guests were treated to a special performance singer and songwriter John Ondrasik, a/k/a Five For Fighting, while retired NBA player and artist Desmond Mason painted a one-of-akind piece live for auction.

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[1] Mike Burke, Corey Kuhl, Mary Grace Burke, Edgar Waenke, Mary Kate Kuhl, Kevin Burke and Bill Walker; [2] Sakeba Issa, Stephanie Brzozowski, Cindy Klima and Jeannie Cella; [3] Lifetime trustee Kay Birck; [4] Carl and Amanda Ivanelli; [5] Gwen Quackenbush and Dick Burridge Sr.; [6] Kim Williams and Jill Biegansky; [7] The Wellness House Ball was held at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago

This Christmas, pick anOriginal like you!

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HOLIDAY COUNTDOWN

by Jim Doehring

“The freshness, finesse and brightness of Brut Premier make it the perfect wine for festive occasions. Its structured texture, richness and length are distinctly winey. It is a full, complex wine that is both rich and powerful, whilst remaining a great classic.”

—CELLAR MASTER JEAN-BAPTISTE LECAILLON

W

e have settled into December now.

Those few bright, 60-degree bonus days in November are in the rear-view mirror. We have been cranking up the fire pit, dressing for a tailgate and relaxing out back, while the kids run into the woods behind the house. As late afternoon fades to dusk, I often take out a little camp-stove, and warm up some drinks for the crowd.

It feels so great to be outside in the chilly air, drinking a hot chocolate with a little Bailey’s Irish Cream in it, or perhaps some hot cider with a splash of Captain Morgan spiced rum and a cinnamon stick. Our neighbors start talking about Christmas, and all of the food and drink plans.

Like many of you, our calendar is upsidedown most of the year, and December tests the limits of our scheduling flexibility; it feels like we are moving non-stop. Although it’s a ton of fun to see friends and colleagues on the merry-go-round holiday party circuit, when Christmas Eve arrives, we are happy to spend it with family at grandpa’s house downtown.

Grandpa does it up, and although

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we have offered for years to take on the responsibility, he steadfastly refuses to “give up” the holiday. I have to hand it to him on his ability to deck out his house. He cheats a bit, leaving all of his lights on the house from his “Christmas in July” party to simply plug in after Thanksgiving (to avoid angering the pilgrims). He has the outside lit up from top to bottom, and the tree inside always looks great. The grandkids love it.

We do simple, classic food—a beef tenderloin on the grill from either Gepperth’s on Halsted or Paulina Market, chilled shrimp with some spicy horseradish cocktail sauce, and in an odd holiday tradition for a Chicago family, a huge pot of jambalaya with a pan of cornbread. I think grandpa fell in love with all things New Orleans after taking an RV down for the Bears Super Bowl, and never looked back.

At some point, he got a hold of a cookbook from K-Paul Restaurant, and now every family get-together features a big batch of rich, spicy jambalaya. Grandpa has tweaked the recipe enough over the years to call it his own, and oddly enough, it works.

For drinks, we look to everyone’s holiday go-to—champagne. We have been drinking Louis Roederer Brut Premier for

years—since the days when I worked at a wine distributor, and was lucky enough to be able to buy it in 1.5-liter bottles. Some winters, we would even put a few bottles in the snow to keep them nice and cold. Now the fridge seems to do the trick.

Although we love the bubbles, we often start the evening with a Manhattan— grandpa’s favorite drink. As of late, I have been into a rye whiskey called WhistlePig. Made on a farm in Vermont from 100-percent rye, the ten-year-old bottling is a smooth, rich whiskey with the dry spiciness of rye coming through in every sip. I put it in a shaker with some Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth and ice, shake it until my arm is tired, and pour it up. What a great way to get an evening going.

Holidays mean so many things to so many people, but more than anything, I suggest that you take a moment to relax, honor your family traditions, hug your loved ones, and truly enjoy this wonderful time of the year.

Whatever holidays you celebrate, may they be festive, joyous and bright. Best wishes for 2016! n

HMtechknow

by Errol Janusz

SMARTPHONE REVIEW 2015 The last time we reviewed the latest trends in smartphones in Hinsdale Magazine was two years ago in October 2013. Much has changed in smartphone operations, applications and designs since that time. In this edition of techKNOW, we take a look at two phones that will deliver the latest and greatest in performance.

APPLE IPHONE 7

Yes, I said iPhone 7! Although almost a year away, we decided to write about some rumors about the new phone, which includes a new structural design. A rumor about the iPhone 7 suggests the next-generation device will have a strengthened, waterproof frame that replaces Apple’s traditional aluminum casing with an all-new design and feel. The new body will withstand both dust and water, making it better equipped to hold up when exposed to the elements and accidental “drops” while you are fishing Salt Creek. Some other technical rumors are that it will be the thinnest iPhone ever, and will support three gigabytes of RAM memory.

BLACKBERRY PRIV

Wait, really—BlackBerry? The newest BlackBerry Priv smartphone could be one of the top smartphones of 2015—and you ask why? BlackBerry has officially ditched its operating system, and has adopted the Android operating system from Google. Although it’s still the early days for BlackBerry in the Android world, the company is off to a great start, and the Priv finally has those who likely wouldn’t otherwise be interested in BlackBerry taking a look at its offerings. BlackBerry did more than just install a keyboard on the phone; the whole device is thoughtfully designed to make the keyboard usable in your palm. It’s balanced, so that it doesn’t feel too top-heavy when it’s slid open. Hurry to your local Burr Ridge or Hinsdale Verizon store, and try out this new device, because Blackberry said it needs to sell at least five million per year to stay in the smartphone business.

Every time we are onsite with our clients, it seems we are setting e-mail and network settings on brand-new Androids and iPhones. Even with price points close to $1,000 per phone, everyone wants the latest and greatest phone, regardless of their contracts and payment plans—and they are paying them! Be sure to start saving now, because you will have to wait until at least September 2016 for the iPhone 7.

Errol Janusz is president and lead technician at Edward Technology.

For more information, contact Errol at (630) 333-9323, ext. 303, or e-mail ejanusz@Hinsdale60521.com. You can also visit his Web site, www.edwardtechnology.com.

62 Hinsdale Magazine | www.hinsdale60521.com

O N TH E MAR K ET

Conveniently located in the quiet center of the Monroe neighborhood within a short walk to train and school. A home with a legacy!

The Property A beautifully crafted home on 204 North Adams Street in Hinsdale is on the market this month at $3,499,000.

Situated in the Monroe School neighborhood, it is crafted exclusively with world class materials and workmanship

by JP McMahon Homes— recognized as the standard of excellence in the Hinsdale market. The home is 6,426 square feet with 18 rooms, 6 bedrooms and 6.1 baths, radiating grandeur and style that is inimitable. It has been thoughtfully designed to provide the comfort and warmth of everyday living with the unique ability to accommodate large scale entertainment.

The exterior embodies solid stone exterior walls as thick as two feet for sound-insulated tranquility wrapped by extensive millwork with old world standards. Homeowners and visitors are welcomed with covered blue stone porches

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PEAK PERFORMANCE

JIM FANNIN

8 tips for a stress-free holiday

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Season’s greetings! I hope you’re enjoying the holidays with great energy and spirit. For many, this time of year is filled with happiness and joy, while creating everlasting memories.

For others, this season can be filled with stress, worry, depression and anxiety. There are three trigger-points that combine to raise stress levels at this time of year: Physical demands: You may be working longer hours. The kids are on break from school. You may be organizing travel over the holidays. You’re rushing off to multiple holiday parties; you’re throwing your own holiday gatherings. And of course, you’re shopping.

Finances: Spending during the month of December increases due to all of the parties, get-togethers, family gatherings and shopping.

Relationships: You may have relatives coming to stay with you. The long hours at work are taking away from quality time with your family. You may have lost a loved one in the past during the holidays, making this time of year difficult on you. You may have experienced a recent breakup or divorce, and now you’re feeling lonely.

These are all stressors that have an enormous potential to build up, shake your foundation, and strip you of the joy you’d like to experience during this festive time. Here are a few tips to ensure you maintain a sense of balance and simplicity during the holidays:

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MAKE YOUR NUTRITION AND EXERCISE A TOP PRIORITY

Be aware of staying hydrated. Maintain a balanced discipline with what you eat (especially with all of the holiday parties and family gatherings). Be moderate with the spiked eggnog and other alcoholic beverages. Commit to a minimum of three hours of exercise a week, which releases tension and bottledup negative stress.

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STICK TO A BUDGET

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LEARN TO SAY “NO”

#

Map out your spending in writing (gifts, parties, dinners, etc.), and do not waver. Remember, the ones you love appreciate you, regardless of the size of the gift. #

Commit to promises you know you can keep. This will eliminate future guilt or worry. It’s okay to say “no.” “I’d love to be able to see you next week, but I’m jammed up and won’t be able to make it.” Keep it simple, and be honest.

64 Hinsdale Magazine | www.hinsdale60521.com

4

TAKE A BREATHER

5

IT’S OKAY TO ACKNOWLEDGE NEGATIVE FEELINGS

6

BE THE PALM TREE

7

PRACTICE FORGIVENESS

8

INVEST IN THE FUTURE

#

Add small breaks throughout your day. Divide your day into quarters by adding small breaks in the morning, at lunch and in the afternoon. During the week, take a bath or a long shower to clear your mind. Sprinkle in “the reboot” tool at any time to clear your mind of chaotic thinking. To reboot, take up to 90 seconds to turn off your brain with nothing but a blank screen in your mind. A few moments of quiet will help keep you at your best. #

It’s normal to feel sadness or grief; there’s nothing wrong with that. However, swiftly take action to turn these feelings into positive thoughts. You have a choice to redirect your thoughts to the blessings and gifts that you’ve been given. You can also direct your thoughts to your positive future. #

The holiday hurricane can cause serious damage. Stay cool under pressure—especially with your family and loved ones. Be a calming presence for those around you. Absorb negativity, and avoid bracing yourself with tension like the mighty oak tree. #

This is a time to put differences aside and not harbor ill-will.

Give the gift of forgiveness, and you’ll be graced with a boost of positivity for yourself. #

Put aside time to see the future. It’s New Year’s Eve, 2016; you’re looking back on the most amazing year of your life— what accomplishments are you celebrating? Break down your major 2017 goals. When done correctly, you’ll clearly see your goals for January and beyond. Take action; open the new year strong. Create momentum to set the tone for a successful 2017.

This is a wonderful time of the year; it truly is the season of giving. Be very mindful of giving back to yourself. What you receive will help you give much more to others. Get in the holiday “zone!” n Burr Ridge resident Jim Fannin is a world-class thought leader and coach with 42 years of experience in life, business and sports. To learn about his latest thought-management program, go to 90secondrule.com, or visit jimfannin.com.

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SPIRITUAL INSIGHT

DAN MEYER

The star in the window

CONTRIBUTING WRITER

YEARNING FOR LIGHT IN THE DARKNESS

They came from all over the earth— distinguished scholars and statesmen representing many countries. The year was 1965, and these leaders were weary of war, tired of the turmoil and divisions that racked human life.

The Secretary General of the United Nations convened the gathering with some searching questions: “What element is yet lacking, so that with all our skill and all our knowledge, we still find ourselves in the dark valley of discord? What is it that inhibits us from going forward together to enjoy the fruits of human endeavor, and to reap the harvest of human experience? Why is it that for all our professed ideals, our hopes and our skills, peace on earth is still a distant objective seen only dimly through the storms of our present difficulties?”

How do you answer these questions? How is it that 50 years later—after continuing advancements in science, technology and wealth—, we’re still in the same dark valley, asking these same questions? We’ve watched the carnage of terror filling our news. We’ve wrestled with the hateful, selfish impulses that divide human beings, and sometimes rise within our own souls. Most sadly of all, some of us have gotten so used to the darkness that we’ve stopped fighting against it—stopped believing in a Light that changes life.

Yet, as Ralph Waldo Emerson once wrote, “When it gets dark enough, [people] begin to see stars.”

of the self-righteous passions that seem to characterize his most extreme adherents.

Whenever we speak of God, however, it is important to define our terms. When I speak of “God,” I don’t mean a deity who takes pleasure in seeing his followers subjugate and destroy others in his name. I don’t mean a “God” who wears the flag or justifies all of the policies of any one people or nation.

When I speak of “God” I mean the one who came to humanity, not as a bombblasting warrior, but as a babe in Bethlehem.

I mean the one whose followers are dedicated to helping others make progress and live their lives in peace. I don’t think we can live (or certainly not well) without this God.

wrote, “God cannot give us peace apart from himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing.”

THE LIGHT HAS DAWNED

In the dark days of World War II, a little boy and his father were driving home one Christmas Eve. They drove past rows of houses with Christmas trees and decorations visible in the windows. In many of the windows, however, the little boy noticed that people had pasted a star. “Dad, why do some of the houses have a star in the window?”

His father explained that the star meant that the family had a child in the war. As they passed the last house, suddenly the little boy caught sight of the evening star in the heavens above. “Look, dad!” he cried. “God’s got a star in his window! Does he have a OR DO WE NEED A DIFFERENT child in the war too?”

KIND OF GOD? Have you ever wondered why God chose to Yes, he does. “The people walking in come to the world as a mere child? Didn’t he darkness have seen a great light. On those understand that we need some forceful help living in the land of shadow a light has with some serious problems here? Or was he dawned,” (Is. 9:2). playing a longer game?

But if the Star of Bethlehem is not enough You see, a government or religion can of a sign for you—if you ever doubt just how establish rules, but it can’t convert the hearts invested God is in the final triumph of light over the darkness—look further still. Gaze of people determined to live by their own. down the years beyond the manger. Cast A court can make someone pay for a crime, but it can’t make them respect other men or your eyes upon the cross that rises against the darkened skies of Calvary. See the hands cherish women. An army can build barbedwire boundaries, but it can’t kill the warring that once reached out for Mary, stretched spirit within people. The law can define and out to bring peace between God and you and protect property, but it can’t make a person me. He is with us. cross the street, and become a neighbor to a stranger. The State can put security screens O God of Light, pour out your wisdom upon at airports and in buildings, but it can’t the leaders of our planet, your protection compel civilians to rush a terrorist or into a upon those who stand in harm’s way, ARE WE BETTER OFF WITHOUT GOD? and your comfort to those who mourn.

I once led a candlelight vigil that focused on burning building to save others.

Restrain the hand of evil. Dissolve the a particular star. It was at Yale University on This is something that only the light of the night that a madman killed John Lennon. love and grace can do. And so God came as a hatred and blindness that separates us, one child, because we often let children through from another. Hasten that day when the Hundreds of us sang the words of his government is finally and fully upon your the gate of our fortressed hearts. He came utopian hymn that night: “Imagine there’s shoulders—you who are the Wonderful no countries / It isn’t hard to do / Nothing to as an infant in the light of whose face and Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting kill or die for / And no religion too / Imagine subsequent life we catch a glimpse of the glorious potential of humanity. And wherever Father, the Prince of Peace. Amen. n all the people / Living life in peace...” the governance of this everlasting light grows, The horrors recently perpetrated in the it warms the chill of cold hearts, pushes back Dr. Dan Meyer is the senior pastor at Christ name of religion have revived interest in Lennon’s vision among some people. Maybe the darkness, and brings closer the possibility Church of Oak Brook. of a more enduring peace. As C.S. Lewis once we’d all be better off without God and all

66 Hinsdale Magazine | www.hinsdale60521.com

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