Downers Grove Magazine January/February 2025

As

CREATOR OF THE REVERSE FACELIFT

Dr. Michael BYUN

For the past 25 years, I have performed a unique type of facelift that differs from the traditional approach. Unlike conventional facelifts, my technique focuses on repositioning the muscles. I believe the muscles need to be restored to their original positions, allowing the different layers of the face to realign naturally. This method repairs the muscles back to the midline, reversing the direction of aging and counteracting previous surgical work. I call this procedure a ‘reverse facelift,’ and I firmly believe it should be the new standard in cosmetic surgery.

— Michael BYUN, MD

“The ‘BYUN Method’ reconstructs the aging face — it’s not a facelift; it’s a muscle repair.”

Face Restoration is our Specialty…

Dr. Byun’s philosophy is rooted in creating results that stand the test of time. His approach contrasts sharply with the quickfix mentality that dominates the cosmetic surgery industry. Many surgeons promise immediate results but fail to consider the long-term effects of repeated procedures. Dr. Byun, however, works with his patients for years, monitoring their progress and making adjustments as necessary. His technique supports graceful aging, helping patients retain their natural features while minimizing visible signs of aging.

Dr. Byun sees new patients at his North Shore office at 1775 Walters Ave. in Northbrook and he performs his surgeries at 900 N Michigan Ave., Chicago.

To see before and after images and long term outcomes visit ChicagoCosmeticSurgery.com.

To schedule a consultation, call 847-513-6899.

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Going

and Beyond

“Laura was incredible! It had been a very long time since my wife and I sold or purchased a home, and Laura walked us through every step of the way, from listing to buying to closing. She helped us find a beautiful new home (no easy task for us picky buyers), negotiate a great price, and helped us find outstanding financing resources. She also moved our home in a very short period of time so that our family could move onto bigger and better things! Laura is a consummate professional providing great advice, insight, patience, and expertise. She went above and beyond before, during, and after the sale to make sure that our experience was outstanding.”- D.C.

$322M+

101.2%

31 days on market

Hello, New Year

It’s hard to believe we are heading into our seventh year of publishing Downers Grove Magazine. You would think by now that we struggle with finding unique and interesting stories, but it is the opposite. Every edition, we’re proud to feature many people and organizations from the community and stories with regional appeal, and this issue is no different.

When I was a high school senior, I admittedly had a touch of “senioritis.” I was not running a business with products found in about 500 stores nationwide. But, meet local entrepreneur and Downers Grove North senior Ava Dorsey. She is. Ava’s Pet Palace is an eco-friendly pet treat company offering organic, natural snacks for cats and dogs. This teen trailblazer had an idea when she was six years old and has managed to launch a successful company. Clearly, Ava does not struggle with "senioritis".

inated him for a special VIP Chicago Bears experience this past fall.

Hope’s Front Door celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. This nonprofit organization provides emergency assistance and essential resources to individuals facing financial crises. It is a beacon of light and hope for those who need food, transportation, housing referrals, and job readiness programs. Thank you to Janell Robinson, Executive Director, and her team for empowering those in need to regain stability, and congratulations on the Silver Jubilee.

Beverly Kim, a talented chef from Top Chef Season 9, is celebrated for her Korean-American fusion cuisine. A Downers Grove South alum, her passion for storytelling through food shines at her and her husband’s Chicago restaurants, Parachute Hi-Fi and Anelya. Thanks to Valerie Hardy for detailing Kim’s journey, which showcases resilience, creativity, and dedication.

Speaking of resilience, we feature local teen Jonah Davis in honor of American Hearth Month in February. Despite a congenital heart condition, Jonah does not dwell on that with a “super optimistic outlook,” according to his Mom. Read about the Davis family, their strength and positive attitude, and how one doctor nom-

We visit a few pages out of history in this edition as well. In honor of Black History Month, we feature the Underground Railroad in DuPage County, a crucial network of safe houses and abolitionist efforts that helped enslaved individuals escape to freedom. Additionally, International Holocaust Remembrance Day is January 27th. Contributing Editor Maureen Callahan had the opportunity to sit down with local Holocaust survivor Eric Blaustein, who endured unimaginable hardships but “survived something horrible, but went on to live a full life.”

As I perused this edition’s pages to write this letter, it finally dawned on me that the theme of the issue is resilience. So many stories to share that reflect this message. And what a way to kick off the New Year.

Wishing you and yours the very best in 2025.

Sincerely,

Anne Healy Associate Publisher anne@HinsdaleMag.com

Wellness on a First-Name Basis

Staying true to ourselves has always allowed us to grow a stronger connection with our patients. While our name has changed from DuPage Medical Group, we’re still led by physicians who listen to your voice. Offering convenient locations, the latest technology and collaboration among specialties, we’re happy to be a familiar partner in your personal growth.

Schedule an appointment today at Duly.com.

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

Scott Jonlich sjonlich@HinsdaleMag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Anne Healy anne@HinsdaleMag.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Larry Atseff larry@HinsdaleMag.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Maureen Callahan

Valerie Hardy

Anna Hughes

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Rachel Pavlovich

Jennifer Frencl

Katie Bolinger

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chuck Fieldman

Jeff Vorva

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Victor Hilitski

Greg Kozlick

Atticus Fair, Video Editor

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BEAT THE WINTER BLUES

BY ANNA HUGHES

Nothing’s better than a hot chocolate by the fireplace on a cold winter day, but we’ve rounded up a list of events that certainly come close. For a couples date night, family weekend, or unexpected snow day, check out these local events that are sure to bring warmth and fun to the season.

Burns Field Ice Rink

Village of Hinsdale.org

The Village of Hinsdale Parks and Recreation Department sets up an ice rink at Burns Field Park, located at 320 N. Vine St., for families to enjoy all winter long. The rink will be open in accordance with weather and village safety requirements. Signs at the park and updates via social media will notify interested skaters throughout the season on whether or not the rink is open.

A stroll through downtown Downers Grove during this annual event will give residents and visitors a chance to admire the stunning sculptures, stop into local shops, and visit popular restaurants for a delicious, warm meal.

Oak Brook Park District’s “Tackle the Tri” Feb. 9, 2025, 7:15-11:15 A.M. OBParks.org

Put your family’s fitness to the test with the Oak Brook Park District’s “Tackle the Tri.” Participants ages 12 and up will compete in three areas: a 2000-meter row, 2.5 miles on an Assault Air Bike,

Snowshoeing at Fullersburg Woods DuPageForest.org

Explore Fullersburg Woods in a new and unique way: by snowshoe! When there’s snow on the trails, visitors can rent a pair at the Fullersburg Woods Nature Education Center until Feb. 22, 2025 (excluding Dec. 25)

from Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rentals end at 2 p.m.). Visit the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County website for more information on snowshoeing and other fun winter activities.

Downers Grove Ice Festival

Jan. 31 - Feb. 2, 2025 Downers.us

Join the Village of Downers Grove for live ice carving demonstrations on Saturday and Sunday at the Main Street Train Station.

Downers Grove Ice Festival

Photo by 726 Visuals

Snowshoeing at Fullersburg Woods

and 1.25 miles walking or running on a treadmill. Participants will be assigned to a group based on age and gender. Visit the park district’s website to sign up.

Westmont Winter Beer Festival

Feb. 15, 2025

WestmontParks.org

Warm up with a cold one at Westmont’s 2025 Winter Beer Festival. Participants will receive 20 four-ounce pours of various craft beer selections. The event will also have heated and lighted tents, bonfires, outdoor seating, and food trucks: all the makings of a brew-tiful day! This event is 21+, and tickets can be purchased online or at the door.

Waitress: the Musical

Feb. 12 - March 30, 2025

ParamountAurora.com

Jenna, a baker and waitress at a local diner, dreams of escaping her small town and unhappy marriage. With the help of her friends, a new love interest, and her passion for baking, Jenna grapples with the news of an unexpected pregnancy –something that puts all her plans to leave on hold. Based on the 2007 movie of the same name, this Tony-nominated musical is one you don’t want to miss. Showtimes vary by date.

No Frills Fun Run

Feb. 23, 2025

NoFrillsFunRun.org

The No Frills Fun Run is an annual charitable run that

was started in 2012 by two moms in Elmhurst. Each year, a local family in need is selected to receive 100% of the proceeds from all the funds raised from the event.

Participants can run or walk the 5K path (or do it twice for a 10K)! Brave the cold (and maybe the snow) to show your support for neighbors in a time of need. 

Westmont Winter Beer Festival

Photo courtesy of Westmont Winter Beer Festival

Recipe For SUCCESS

Beverly Kim’s journey from Downers Grove to becoming one of Chicago’s top chefs

BY VALERIE HARDY

Beverly Kim’s path to becoming a James Beard Award-winning chef began at the Barnes & Noble in Downers Grove in the 1990s, back when she was a student at Downers Grove South High School and still “trying to figure out [her] own place in the world,” she said.

One of her sisters suggested she would be a great chef since she “had a knack for helping [their] mother in the kitchen,” so Kim bought the book “Who’s Who of Food & Beverage in America” from the James Beard Foundation to learn about the industry.

She didn’t know anyone in the culinary field, but her parents - immigrants from Korea - frequently cooked at home. “Food was their love language, and it was our way of connecting,” Kim explained, because her parents’ primary language was Korean, and their children’s was English.

Despite cooking’s role in her childhood home, pursuing a culinary career was an untraditional choice in the Korean American community, and Kim said her parents were nervous she “wouldn’t be able to make it” in the profession. However, reading the “Who’s Who” book whet Kim’s appetite for the culinary field, and she was all in from there.

She wrote to numerous James Beard Award-winning chefs, asking to shadow them. “Some got back to me…and I landed an internship working in the dining room at the Ritz-Carlton in Chicago,” Kim said.

She did “garde manger” work, like assembling fruit plates and assisting the salad station. This internship included low-level work in the grand scheme of the culinary world, but Kim gained exposure to high-level, French-inspired cooking and said she “fell in love with being on [her] feet creating.”

GETTING COOKING

Kim attended culinary school at Kendall College and then spent the next seven years “sacrificing, doing the daily grind – day in and day out, and working [her] way up,” which paid off when she earned the Executive Chef position at Opera at age 27.

Opera served Chinese and Asian Fusion cuisine, which appealed to Kim, who felt Asian American food was “underrepresented” at the time. She was ready to “start focusing on Asian food” and bringing her Korean American identity into her work.

Once she did, her career skyrocketed! “You have to follow the thing that moves your heart,” Kim said, “because then the opportunities come faster.”

She became “Chef de Cuisine” at Aria, a sushi and Asian Fusion restaurant at Chicago’s Fairmont Hotel. Then, in 2011, Kim competed on the television show Top Chef.

Chef Beverly Kim with her husband and business partner,

Chef Johnny Clark

Photo by Matt Haas

ELEVATING HER CULINARY CAREER

Soon after her 4th place finish on Top Chef, Kim set her sights on opening her own restaurant, which became a joint venture with her husband, Chef Johnny Clark. In 2014, the couple opened Parachute, which featured Korean American cuisine, in the Avondale neighborhood of Chicago. It received its first Michelin Star one year later.

In 2019, Kim and Clark opened Wherewithall, also in Avondale, which was inspired by European bistros and featured what Kim described as “an accessible, casual, prix fixe menu.”

That was a big year for the culinary couple. They also received the Best Chefs: Great Lakes James Beard Award for their exceptional cuisine at Parachute.

The husband-and-wife chefs were seemingly unstoppable, even managing to keep their restaurants solvent during the pandemic. However, when Wherewithall experienced a pipe collapse, they were “inspired to try something new…to evolutionize,” Kim said. “We leaned into my husband’s background – Ukrainian – this time and opened Anelya.”

Anelya is named after Clark’s grandmother and, as described on its web-

site, “represents a crossroads of nostalgia, heritage and the modern cooking styles” of Clark and Kim. It “started as a popup to provide humanitarian aid to the region but has become a way to preserve our culture.”

“You have to follow the thing that moves your heart because then the opportunities come faster.”

- CHEF BEVERLY KIM

Kim and Clark recently reimagined Parachute as well. Now titled Parachute HiFi, it is a “listening bar, which is very big in Japan and Korea, with hi-fidelity equipment to listen to vinyl while having great food and cocktails,” Kim explained.

FUSION OF WORK, FAMILY, & PHILANTHROPY

Kim articulated the importance of having a strong support system, which she has in Clark, in the “challenging [culinary] industry. High moments are about two percent of the time, and most of the time, you’re just really grinding,” Kim said. “It’s easier to be

grinding when someone is by my side grinding with me.”

Kim and Clark not only run two restaurants but have three children, ages 5, 7, and 14. When Kim became a mother, people encouraged her to step away from the culinary industry, concerned she could not effectively manage both roles. She not only proved the naysayers wrong through her continual culinary successes but also established The Abundance Setting, a nonprofit supporting the advancement of working mothers in the culinary industry.

RETURNING TO HER ROOTS

A highly acclaimed chef, Kim could work anywhere but chose to stay in Chicago. “Why I never left Chicago is because of its unmatched midwestern sense of hospitality,” she said. “People are kind, thoughtful, well-intentioned, and have integrity.”

Kim also likes being close to her hometown, one that brought her some of her best friends to this day.

She encourages current Downers Grove residents to visit her restaurants. She said, with gratitude, “We’re a small business, and it means so much when people come out and support us.” 

Chef Beverly Kim, co-owner of Parachute HiFi and Anelya

Photo by Matt Haas

The Zakusky tower, an appetizer at Chef Beverly and Chef Johnny’s Anelya restaurant Photo courtesy of Anelya

CHRISTINE SNOW, DMD

SHERIF ALBERT, DDS

AMY FELLER, DDS

A Compassionate CONTRIBUTION

Melissa Gorman creates a supportive resource for people living with cancer

BY VALERIE HARDY

United by Unique” is the three-year theme for the annual World Cancer Day, which is held on Feb. 4. The alliterative credo reflects the fact that behind every diagnosis is a distinctly individual human story.

The campaign aims to raise awareness and inspire action, specifically toward placing people at the center of cancer care - something that resonates with Melissa Gorman, who wrote and published Contemplating Courage: A Reflective Journaling Companion When Living with Cancer.

“I was passionate about it, so it came together pretty quickly.”

– MELISSA GORMAN, ON WRITING CONTEMPLATING COURAGE

Gorman, a 2014 Downers Grove South High School graduate, is a Physician Assistant (PA) in inpatient medical oncology in Milwaukee. She said she did not know many people affected by cancer while she was growing up but “was always interested in the oncology field.”

This interest was solidified when, as a student at Marquette University, she had the opportunity to complete rotations in various medical specializations within clinic and hospital settings. In her early work with people with cancer, she observed “how, even with all they were going through, they held so much

Melissa Gorman at the book launch for Contemplating Courage

gratitude and were open to a lot of meaningful conversations,” she said.

Gorman explained how, during goals of care conversations, her patients would often express that they wished they had done different treatments or had known to ask certain questions. “It can be heartbreaking to hear sentiments like ‘I wish I would have done something different’ when we can’t do anything different because it’s too late,” she said.

She recognized that while it is not always possible to cure patients’ cancer, proactively providing them with a guided space to reflect on their wishes, journey through cancer, and more was a way she could help, even if in a “small capacity.”

“I wanted a platform that wasn’t me telling people how to feel, but for people to reflect on what’s important to them before coming to their healthcare providers…a way for them to have a real seat at the table of their healthcare,” Gorman said.

She had previously considered writing a guidebook for living with cancer but thought that would happen later in her career. However, in the fall of 2023, she was home working

on Canva, and “one thing led to another,” she said.

The journal began to take shape, and within nine months, it was complete. “I was passionate about it, so it came together pretty quickly,” she said.

Contemplating Courage includes over 100 reflection prompts and allows people “to reflect on who they are separate from their cancer,” Gorman explained.

She recognizes there are many resources for people with cancer and is humbled her book is among them. She clarified, however, that Contemplating Courage is “not to be in place of a therapist or physician but is helpful to have as a secondary support. Talking and writing about things tends to be therapeutic…and having a space to do that can be really helpful in the grand scheme of the stress that comes with a cancer diagnosis.”

Gorman said some of the journal’s prompts are cancer-specific, but many can be generalized, so Contemplating Courage can also be a resource for people with other chronic illnesses.

It may also be a helpful resource for people receiving, or with loved ones receiving, palliative care. “Whether from cancer or not, we all have to face what end-of-life care looks like for ourselves or for people we care for,” Gorman said.

To correct misconceptions many people have about hospice care and lessen the fear and anxiety that comes from their conversations about it, Gorman included a section about hospice care in Contemplating Courage. There is also a brief section on code status (also known as a Resuscitation Status Order).

Contemplating Courage was published on July 9. Since then, it has been available to patients in the hospital where Gorman works and online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Gorman said Contemplating Courage hopefully will be available at Anderson’s Bookshop and the gift shop at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove soon as well.

The paperback version of the journal costs $14.99, and the hardcover edition costs $19.99. Gorman said a portion of all profits is donated to the American Cancer Society. 

Gorman is a proud DGS graduate

While in PA school, Gorman and a fellow PA student monitor children’s vitals

THE ICE THING about Downers Grove winters

Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures makes artistic fun of ice at Downers Grove Ice Festival

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN | PHOTOS BY 726 VISUALS

If you’ve ever visited the Downers Grove Ice Festival, you’ve seen Jim Nadeau’s dream solidified – at least until the sun has its say. Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures in Forest Park began almost four and a half decades ago. They are the oldest and most well-known name in ice sculpting in the U.S.

Every unique creation is made to order. Each February, Downers Grove residents have the pleasure of seeing

their unique creations dot the downtown business district during Ice Festival weekend. Ice carvers hold live demonstrations on the south side of the Main Street train station. They start with a block of raw ice and finish with a work of art.

Each result is truly a one-of-a-kind creation. Each is sponsored by a Downers Grove business. The artistic ice carvers take the creative process very seriously – they once made

a 100-foot-long ice train for a Nabisco holiday party in New Jersey! It was 84 feet long and filled with Oreo cookies. Nadeau’s loves a challenge, and they encourage clients to be creative with their requests.

When Jim Nadeau founded Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures in 1980, he likely had no idea that one day, it would grow to become the country’s last word in ice sculpting. For a long while, he was a one-man band. He learned the craft

One-of-a-kind creations are carved at the annual Ice Festival in Downers Grove.

from a chef in Boston. His vision has evolved into a team of artists who carve blocks of ice into works of art at their huge operation in Forest Park. They can also come to your event and carve your request as guests watch – always a crowd pleaser.

Part of the fascination of ice sculpting is watching it happen. This type of artistry requires heavy tools, such as chainsaws, die grinders, chisels, saws, drills, and more. “You name a carving instrument, and we pretty much have a use for it,” said the current owner, Max Barajas. Each sculpture is a testament to the wide range of tools and fine artistic motor skills required to bring out such intricate details. “You would think tool companies would love us, but it’s the opposite because ice carvers always seem to want tools that get discontinued. We’re the ones who actually have a use for what they’re doing away with.”

On average, a block of ice takes anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to carve. If it’s a large bar, it often requires 2 or 3 team members working together to create the end result. Precise shapes and forms are calculated using Computer Numerical Control (CNC) – a computerized mill that makes exact 2D cuts into the ice. CNC also controls the color added to the ice and dictates precision.

Barajas bought the company a little over a decade ago. He knows every angle - pardon the pun – of the business at this point. “I was introduced to ice carving through a friend,” he said. “I started out as a seasonal carver during college, then moved up to CNC Director. After that, I became the General Manager.”

When asked how he learned the ins and outs of ice carving, Barajas relayed, “I don’t know of any other way to learn this artistic skill other than just by doing it. Like working with any other material, if you can’t readily practice a craft, there isn’t much learning you can do.” The closest mediums to which he likens carving ice are wood and soap.

So, where do they find ice blocks big enough to carve their sculptures? As Barajas pointed out, “ice this size, outside of winter lake ice, is not easy to find.” Nadeau’s makes about 50 blocks per week in-house and uses almost all of it. The company also sells dry ice for the next time your freezer goes out or for shipping needs. Dry ice is also great for adding low-lying levels of special effects for holiday displays.

Fees are figured per block based on the average costs and difficulty, including the amount of material required. Transporting the sculptures usually happens in insulated boxes and bags and is easier than one might think. The firm makes every effort to be green with respect to packaging.

If you’ve ever seen the huge ice statues at Lincoln Park Zoo Lights or a professional sporting event or fundraiser, they likely came from Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures. You can make a statement at your next party or fundraiser with one of their sculptures. They’re the last word in ice carving.

Be sure to check out the work of Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures at the Downtown Downers Grove Ice Festival the weekend of Jan. 31 - Feb. 2, 2025. Visit DowntownDG.org for more information. 

A wide range of tools are utilized by the carvers for their intricate creations.

KEEPING HOPE AFLOAT

Hope’s Front Door serves the needs of area clients in the short and long-term

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF HOPE’S FRONT DOOR

No generalizations. No judgment. No two people are the same, and no two stories are exactly alike. That's what the Hope's Front Door (HFD) team sees. An individual person or family with a unique story.

HFD is a million little things. At its heart, it’s a small grassroots organization. But it’s a group that does big things by partnering and pulling together professionals like dentists, bankers, and other community neighbors to help the next person coming through the front door. “Sometimes it’s as simple as asking, ‘What do you need today?’”said Janell Robinson, Executive Director of HFD..

Some are in situational crisis – they have lost a job or a loved one and are struggling not only with the loss but the loss of resources that accompany the event. Needs vary. Maybe it’s just some toiletries and infant care items to help maintain their household. Or a bus pass or a fuel voucher to get to work, which is also available under HFD’s safety net services.

Sometimes it’s bigger things. Many are unemployed or underemployed. If it’s something out of the organization’s wheelhouse, volunteers help clients connect with other local organizations that can meet their needs. For example, DuPagePads, with whom they partner for homelessness, or FISH Pantry for food insecurity. Or a local dentist who can help with a dental emergency.

Other clients are on a longer journey with HFD. Each time they arrive, a vol-

unteer listens closely to the client’s individual progress on their path. Notes are taken and requests recorded, so they won’t need to start from scratch on the next visit. “This way, we know exactly where we are with each individual case,” said Robinson. “The next time we check in, we can ask if they were able to follow up with our suggestions, or if they need any further assistance.”

HFD has several long-term programs to serve the different needs of its clients.

The Pathways to Financial Literacy program began about 14 years ago through partnerships with several local banks. Financial institutions send counselors to meet with clients in a one-on-one setting. They go over the basics. Spending diaries are

Hope’s Front Door celebrates 25 years in the community this year.

“We aim to be a one-stop shop. If we don’t have the assistance they need here, we want to connect the client with one of our partners, whether another non-profit or a government agency, and help them get it.”

– JANELL ROBINSON, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HOPE’S FRONT DOOR

set up to help identify budgetary leaks. Coaching for creating an overall budget and identifying attainable financial goals are all part of a ninemonth program.

Some clients qualify for the Second Chance Savings program, in which HFD helps them open a savings account. As savings goals are met, small bonuses are added as incentives. “Most Americans don’t have $400 for an emergency, so it’s not unusual to be in this situation,” said Robinson. “We’re proud of this program we built with the help of Community Bank of Downers Grove. They have been so helpful in so many ways since we first opened our doors.”

There’s also a job readiness program. It’s a workshop offered several times a year, in which clients are able to get advice from HR professionals who share useful information about prospective employers. Topics such as leveraging entry-level jobs into higher

positions, working on teams, and conflict resolution are covered in a comfortable environment. “Our goal is to help clients not only get the job but stay employed and keep following a successful career path,” said Robinson.

The Pathways to Well-Being program began out of a need for prescription medication assistance and medical supplies. 40% of HFD clients have sometype of chronic illness. Among others, Midwestern University helps with oral and visual healthcare. Students present outreach programs such as eating healthfully on a budget and how to exercise in daily life.

HFD staff meets people face to face. They have conversations and get to know people as individuals. “You would be surprised how often people just need someone to talk to,” Robinson said. “We listen.”

The help provided comes in inklings of vast categories. It’s exciting to see all the little pieces come together. Robin-

son relayed an anecdotal story of a homeless client who had a job interview. He had cut his own hair but needed a razor. HFD volunteers were somehow able to locate a razor that day. She remembered how excited he was for the interview but worried about not being able to shave.

“Honestly, though, it wasn’t about the razor. Getting the job meant getting on a path out of here and the possibility to change his life. All through one small, inexpensive item we were able to help with,” said Robinson.

The next time that client is getting ready for a job interview, he’ll likely be able to buy his own razor. Enabling people to take care of themselves through assistance and encouragement is HFD’s goal. “The idea is to put people in a position in which they won’t need us anymore,” Robinson said, smiling.

For more information or to make a donation, visit HopesFrontDoor.org 

Hope’s Front Door annual school supply drive is held every summer to ensure students are prepared.

Volunteers are dedicated to helping clients achieve long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

A Heart WARMING STORY

A local teen with a congenital heart condition is surprised with a VIP Bears Experience

BY VALERIE HARDY

O’Neill Middle School eighth-grader Jonah Davis was born with only half a functioning heart, but he is a wholehearted football fan. However, Jonah cannot play football or other contact sports because of his critical congenital heart condition: Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS).

Jonah’s mom, Stacie, a nurse, explained that “the left side of his heart, the left ventricle, the left pumping chamber of his heart didn’t develop.”

HLHS prevents Jonah’s heart from pumping blood effectively. Stacie said, “There are so many congenital

heart defects, and Jonah’s is considered the most severe.”

When Stacie was pregnant with Jonah, HLHS was widely considered “incompatible with life,” she explained. “There was not a lot of research to show kids with the condition having a successful life past early childhood.”

So, after receiving Jonah’s in-utero diagnosis and the grave prognosis, based on the information available, Stacie and her husband, Rob, made the unimaginable decision to medically terminate the pregnancy.

On the day of the procedure, Stacie, Rob, and Stacie’s mother and sister

were sitting in the waiting room. Stacie was overwhelmed by emotions: fear about potential medical debt, sorrow over the seeming lack of longterm viability of the baby, and devastation regarding having to decide whether to go forward with the termination. She said, “As Christians who have a huge faith in healing and miracles…we were just praying and believing that we didn’t have to make the decision.”

Then her mom’s phone began “ringing, ringing, ringing, and didn’t go to voicemail,” Stacie recounted. Her mom finally answered the phone, then – bawling - handed it to Stacie, saying, “It’s for you.”

At Mark’s Card Shop, Bears player Cole Kmet, mascot Staley, and the Davis family surprise Jonah with the news that he was selected for the VIP Bears Trip.

On the other end of the line was a man who introduced himself by first name and asked, “Does anyone there need a prayer?” Stacie said he offered encouraging words and said, “You don’t have to do this.”

The Davises viewed the call as a sign, a “phone call from heaven,” Stacie said and immediately left. Within a day of opting out of the termination, they encountered what Stacie calls their “earth angels”: the Advocate Health Care team that has treated Jonah since birth.

The Davises attended an open house, which included a celebration of Dr. Michel Ilbawi, a surgeon doing cardiovascular surgeries, like the one their baby would need, at Christ Hospital in Oak Lawn. “I remember being in this big auditorium, and the doctor was speaking. Then the lights went on, and we were like, ‘This is our guy!’”

During their initial appointment with Dr. Ilbawi, their first impression was validated. “He was so kind, so genuine,” Stacie said.

Dr. Ilbawi alleviated their financial worries, given the level of care Jonah would require, and assured them that Jonah would be in good hands. When Jonah was born and had to undergo open-heart surgery three days later, “it was like handing him off to my grandpa,” Stacie fondly said.

Jonah had two additional open-heart surgeries before age 3, but today he is thriving, largely due to ongoing care from his Advocate Health Care providers. Jonah is also a “big part of HLHS research,” Stacie said. “He’s the story for really awesome outcomes,” a story that would have comforted the Davises upon first learning Jonah’s diagnosis 15 years ago.

Jonah has been through a lot, but he does not dwell on that. In fact, it’s just the opposite. “He’s a champ!” Stacie said. “He’s so easy, so mellow, has a super optimistic outlook.”

“He’s the story for really awesome outcomes.”

– STACIE DAVIS, ON HER SON THRIVING UNDER ONGOING TREATMENT THROUGH ADVOCATE HEALTH CARE

Based on Jonah’s medical challenges, resilience through them, positive attitude – oh, and love of football! – one of his longtime doctors nominated him for the experience of a lifetime: an all-expenses-paid VIP trip to Phoenix – courtesy of the Chicago Bears in partnership with Advocate Health –for him and his family to watch the Bears play the Arizona Cardinals on Nov. 3. The experience also included a pre-trip visit to Halas Hall, private meet-and-greets with Bears players and coaches, and a seemingly endless supply of Bears swag.

Tight end Cole Kmet was among the Bears representatives who delivered the exciting news at one of Jonah’s favorite hangouts: Mark’s Card Shop in downtown Downers Grove. Even Staley, the team’s official mascot, was there for the surprise reveal. Jonah was gifted jerseys and other signed Bears apparel, and they made him his own trading cards, which he exchanged with some Bears players over the course of the multi-day experience.

Come game day, the Davises were granted on-field access. Davis was captured on video, enthusiastically saying, “I’m on the field. Are you kidding me?”

Jonah thought it was “crazy” that he was selected for the experience and said it was “filled with surprise after surprise.”

Stacie noted that Jonah “knows Advocate takes care of thousands of other kids, so for him to be selected was really special.”

February marks American Heart Month, which aims to promote healthy living and raise funds for heart health, issues near and dear to the Davises’ hearts. In fact, Jonah was annually the top fundraiser in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge at Hillcrest Elementary School, often raising over $2,000. “It was something he would get really excited and competitive about, asking to record videos and posting on social media for donations,” Stacie said.

Since Jonah moved on to middle school, his sister, Stella, a fifth grader, is keeping the family’s eight-year streak as the school’s top fundraiser alive, a tribute to her brother and all he has endured living with HLHS.

Despite his heart condition, Jonah stays active. Among his favorite activities are riding his bike with friends and playing basketball and flag football. He wants kids with similar congenital heart defects to know that, even if they are restricted from playing contact sports, “there are so many ways to be involved in other sports and activities.” 

The Davis family on the field at the Bears vs. Cardinals game on Nov. 3

Jonah and Bears wide receiver DJ Moore at Halas Hall

Don’t Take Snow for an Answer…

Has the holiday whirlwind left you longing for more family chill time together? Stay local in Oak Brook for an easy, hassle free “Fun”cation! Enjoy making lasting memories together that will warm your family’s heart this winter.

FUN

Find family fun for all ages in Oak Brook, with activities ranging from virtual reality to games to movies that offer enjoyment for parents, children and teens:

Create a new family mascot at Build-A-Bear.

Experience virtual reality by immersing your family in the movie Jumanji at Wonderverse or exploring futuristic worlds at Sandbox

DINE

Activate

Exercise your problem-solving skills at Activate as you jump, climb and laugh as you move between challenges.

Unlock more fun at Escape the Room with its 6 different interactive rooms.

Throw strikes bowling or try your hand at bocce at Pinstripes.

Try tech-infused indoor mini-golf with crazy courses and cool vibes at Puttshack.

Catch the latest blockbusters on 16 screens at AMC Theatres.

With dozens of restaurants and every kind of cuisine you can think of, you can keep it casual at cozy spots like Alter Brewing or Lazy Dog or make it a dining experience to remember at signature spots such as Fogo de Chão or Lucca Osteria Sweet treat lovers love visiting Stan’s Donuts or Lolli & Pops

Chef Claudio Lucca Osteria & Bar

Stan’s Donuts

SHOP

Oakbrook Center is Chicagoland’s premier open air luxury shopping center and home to more than 160 upscale specialty retailers in apparel, jewelry, tech and home décor. Visit the Midwest’s only Google store to see the latest in tech or swing by favorites such as American Eagle or Sephora Next up, pay a visit to Unchartered, located nearby in The Shops at Oak Brook Place to see why influencers are posting like crazy about this trendy retail newcomer.

Puttshack

Enjoy the Coolest Family “Fun”cation in Oak Brook This Winter

NATURE

Photo

courtesy DuPage Forest Preserve

To unplug in nature, bundle up and walk the trails in Fullersburg Woods. This woodland haven is the perfect place to enjoy uninterrupted family togetherness. Keep your eyes peeled for white tailed deer or even a bald eagle!

If you stop in the Nature Education Center, you can also see the remains of a 13,000 year old woolly mammoth.

PET

FRIENDLY

If you can’t fathom leaving your dog behind, don’t! Four of our hotels are dogfriendly so if you are bringing Fido, book your hotel room at Le Meridien, Hyatt House, Hyatt Lodge or the Residence Innby Marriott Oak Brook. Oakbrook Center also welcomes leashed dogs and offers 2 dedicated relief areas.

The Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook offers a beautiful indoor pool with a glass ceiling as well as a special welcome amenity of kid friendly pool toys and delicious snacks. To reserve their Stay & Swim package, scan here:

Enjoy warm hospitality at one of Oak Brook’s seven hotels, each offering an unique guest experience. Whether you are looking for luxury or value, you’ll find the perfect place and space to unwind with your family. With attentive staff and comfortable amenities, your family getaway will be memorable beginning with check-in:

www.doubletreeoakbrook.com

www.thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com

QUEEN OF PET PRODUCTS

Ava Dorsey’s first grade idea has become a successful entrepreneurial path

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

Some of the best ideas are inspired by small things. For Downers Grove North senior, and founder of Ava’s Pet Pal ace, Ava Dorsey, that small begin ning was a little orange tabby cat. “I was two years old when my parents adopted Pumpkin,” said Dorsey. “He was the first animal I ever had and the inspiration for the business.”

That was more than a decade ago. “I remember drawing some pictures of a pet business I wanted to start when I was about six years old,” Dorsey recalled. Two years and many conver sations later, Dorsey, with the help of her parents, Ina and Michael Jones, launched their first prod uct - cat treats, under a product line named Ava’s Pet Palace (APP) with Pumpkin as their taste tester. Over the years, those first-grade sketches have morphed into something much bigger.

While APP initially catered to cats, they quickly pivoted to dog biscuits. Flavors such as Cheeze Pleeze Bites, Peanutty Paw Cookies, and Ava’s Bingos (an oat and banana medley)

– her earliest products – became the cornerstone of what has become a wildly successful business.

Like many home businesses, Etsy was APP’s first sales platform in addition to local craft shows. The company entered the retail scene through Bentley’s Pet Stuff. Bentley’s tried the line of treats in three stores. “It was someone we knew that had a store that sold doggy items,” Dorsey said. “I actually remember meeting with them. We were so excited and grateful for that opportunity.”

Fast forward nine years to now, and you will find APP products in about 500 stores nationwide. And they’re constantly growing and adding new locations.

Despite how young she was at the outset, Dorsey remembered her impatience in expanding the business. They took it slow, however, at the behest of parents Michael and Ina, as the enterprise found its footing. “We didn’t know much about the shelf life of the treats at first,” Dorsey said. “It took time to learn and was all very new to us. Looking back, it was a good idea to expand slowly.”

The business grew gradually until one day in 2020. “All of a sudden, it was like we just blew up, and in one day, we had more than 2000 orders!” Dorsey remembered. “We kind of had to scramble! My grandfather, Eugene, sometimes helps us out, but we had to recruit other family and friends to lend us a hand through that period. We were crazy busy!”

help of three co-manufacturers with whom the family became acquainted at pet industry shows. This shift has grown the business considerably and has ushered in the possibility to focus on the wholesale side.

Despite their considerable growth, however, APP is still primarily a family affair. Ina works full-time in the business and is therefore able to handle day-to-day operations for the endeavor. “I’m still in school, so I can’t give my business all the time I would like to give it just yet,” said Dorsey. “I love summer because that’s when I can work and be involved full-time.”

I like the entrepreneurial path, and this business has helped me learn so much.

–

AVA DORSEY, FOUNDER OF AVA’S PET PALACE

It made the family realize that the time had come to partner with larger manufacturers. Up to then, all products were baked in their home kitchen using a standard mixer and oven. These days, only one cat treat is still made in the house. The rest are produced with the

“We quickly learned the importance of building strong relationships with people who align with our values,” said Dorsey. “It took a while to find the right producers, but we knew them when we met them.” These days, treats are made, packaged, and sent by pallet to a warehouse where APP rents space. Product fulfillment is done from their home.

When asked how the trio comes up with recipe ideas, Dorsey relayed that they enlist the help of those with more experience in the field. For example, when mulling over flavors for their line of freeze-dried treats, they worked with a nutritionist and a veterinarian to gain advice on foods that not only pair well together but also offer health benefits. This is a group that is very picky about their ingredients, as well. The salmon and kale flavored cat treat is made with wild-caught Alaskan fish, which APP has shipped down from a family fishing business in Sitka.

The next line of products in the making are liquid cat treats. “Over the years, we’ve learned that texture is

The company entered the retail scene through Bentley's Pet Stuff.

The company started with cat treats but has evolved over time to include multiple product lines

very important to cats,” Dorsey knows. “If it’s not the right texture, a cat won’t eat it, so that’s why we’re looking into making the line in liquid packets.”

New product development has been a learning experience for all three fam-

ily members. Lately, much time has been spent developing their line of raw treats. “We have quite a few supporters who prefer their pets to eat raw. Others just want a single ingredient treat about which they feel good,” said Dorsey. “That’s what drove us to develop our most recent line.”

Dorsey definitely plans to give APP her all after graduation. She has big plans to grow this business, as soon as time allows. In addition to her line of dog and cat treats, APP offers several accessories and toys for fur babies, as well as a few dozen fun swag items for humans too.

Dorsey’s vision is to add more products that will eventually increase the branches of the business. “I’m not exactly sure what that will look like just yet, but I know I definitely want to expand,” she said. “I like the entrepreneurial path, and this business has helped me learn so much.”

To shop for healthy pet treats and fun merch, visit AvasPetPalace.com 

Ava’s Pet Palace is a family affair with Michael, Ina, Ava Dorsey, and Ava’s grandfather, Eugene, who are helping the business grow.

Ava Dorsey’s idea from first grade has become a successful reality.

Michael, Ava and Ina Dorsey

Educational SNAPSHOT

Private and independent schools continue to thrive

The western suburbs are fortunate to host several outstanding schools, many of which boast a rich history and a strong reputation for academic excellence. These schools offer diverse extracurricular programs and foster a passion for learning within their communities. Selecting a private or independent school is an important and often complex decision for families, with many excellent options to consider.

While visiting each school is essential to making an informed choice, understanding each institution's unique qualities from their perspective can provide valuable insights. We thank our partners featured in this exclusive Hinsdale Magazine Group spotlight section and for sharing relevant information to help our readers explore and appreciate the distinctive characteristics of each school.

THE AVERY COONLEYSchool

Established in 1906, The Avery Coonley School (ACS) is known as a leader in gifted education and offers advanced learners in preschool through eighth grade a curriculum with the depth, pace, and complexity to challenge them to the fullest. Unlike most schools that only offer gifted education in pullout subjects, Avery Coonley is gifted all day, every day, every subject with students working a minimum of one year above grade level.

The faculty at Avery Coonley is highly skilled with over 90% holding advanced degrees. They understand the academic and social-emotional needs of gifted learners and are adept at differentiating their instruction to support individual learners. A Student Support Services Center allows students to interact with social workers and faculty specialists in literacy and math.

Unique programs at ACS include a French immersion program, which provides students opportunities to travel to France and Quebec and a competitive debate program which is rare in middle schools. Robotics and STEAM are integrated in the curriculum. Social-emotional and physical health and the fine arts are also championed and round out the curriculum, which supports the whole child. Students can also take advantage of numerous extracurricular activities including clubs and competitive sports offered at the school.

The beautiful, wooded, 13-acre campus in Downers Grove, boasts state-of-the-art technology, flexible space for individual and collaborative work, an expansive art studio, a music room, an orchestra practice room, a library, a performing arts center, a gymnasium, and Maker-

space. Outdoor spaces include 9,000 square feet of play areas, hiking trails, an athletic field, and a lowropes challenge course.

The 332 students at Avery Coonley represent 40+ zip codes in the Chicagoland area and come from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds. This is due to the school’s commitment to diversity and a robust financial aid budget for need-based tuition assistance. Upon graduation, ACS students are motivated citizens of the world, creative thinkers, and independent, lifelong learners ready to meet their full potential in high school and beyond.

ACS invites you to see them in action at their Open House for Prospective Families on Saturday, February 8th from 9-11am. Register at: averycoonley.org/open-house u

DOWNERS GROVE Christian School

There’s just something about “new” that always catches interest. Such is the case at Downers Grove Christian School. Mr. Joshua Peel has assumed leadership as principal and has proven to be a driving force committed to upholding Downers Grove Christian School’s mission and vision. Additionally, The First Baptist Church of Downers Grove, which serves as the foundation of the school community, is also under new leadership with Pastor Jarret Garber. Of course, it is also true that saying goodbye to an era is always difficult, and that was certainly true with the retirement of Principal Shari Peterson at the end of the 2023-2024 school year.

Despite these changes, the mission of providing a Christ-centered education in a loving environment remains as vibrant as ever in its 54th year.

Downers Grove Christian School continues to academically train students from two-year-old preschool to 8th grade in a faith-based setting. A quality, Christ-centered education is modeled in a loving environment. This academic community holds high-quality scholastic preparedness, character development, and studentteacher engagement as its hallmarks. All aspects of education are presented in a Bible-based framework.

All 200 students are acknowledged as individuals with different needs and ways of learning. The caring and capable staff work to assist each child at every academic level. Small class sizes, averaging 18-21 students, allow plenty of small-group instruction.

A full-time resource teacher for individual instruction ensures that no student is ever left behind.

Soccer, basketball, and volleyball teams encourage athletic development. A band, tech club, and various extracurricular clubs and activities offer students social interaction and a chance to pursue outside interests, from chess to the culinary arts. Speech Meets, Science Fair, Reading Fair, and Math Olympics offer additional opportunities to expand oratory skills. A dedicated, weekly chapel time brings the school community together in prayer, with an invitation for all families to attend.

Bright, airy classrooms with much natural light provide the ideal learning environment. Recent updates to the building include the addition of state-of-the-art classroom furniture and carpeting throughout the school for noise control.

DGCS students graduate ready to further their academic path with the mindset of hard work, doing one’s best, and keeping a positive attitude. They are academically, socially, emotionally, mentally, and physically prepared for the next step of their educational paths.

Visit DGChristian.org for more information. u

MONTINI CATHOLICHigh School

Being a teenager today is more challenging than ever and the Lasallian approach to education that Montini Catholic has provided since their founding—knowing, seeing, supporting, and loving each student—is more relevant than ever.

Located in Lombard, Montini Catholic High School is a family-centered, coeducational, college preparatory high school rooted in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ as emulated by St. John Baptist De La Salle. The LaSallian tradition recognizes the sacredness of all persons and educates students of diverse abilities, cultures, and socio-economic backgrounds.

Founded in 1966, Montini has effectively established an educational experience deeply rooted in the message of Christ, service, and responsibility to Church, family, and community.  Attending Montini is an experience for each individual family with faith, culture, and know-

ledge integrated among teachers, students, and families in the spirit of cooperation.

Academically, Montini challenges and encourages the development of each student. The curriculum includes courses within several learning levels including Signum Fidei, College Prep, Honors, Advanced Placement, and College Dual Credit. Rather than being placed in a single track, students are-placed into individual classes that engage and aid in learning at their level of rigor. This approach is just one example of the individualized attention Montini pays to each student.

Montini offers ten men’s and 12 women’s IHSA athletic teams and one club sport. The Athletic Department provides an atmosphere where each student-athlete can maximize his or her ability.  Athletes are considered students first and athletes second, as success is measured both in the classroom and in the athletic arena.

Extracurricular activities, clubs, and organizations play a significant role in the overall development of the Montini student. In fact, 95% of students are involved in at least one extracurricular activity. The relationships and camaraderie help give the school a distinct personality.  Visit the campus day or night, weekday or weekend, and one is likely to see the lights on, cars in the parking lot, and Montini students participating in an activity.

Montini Catholic attracts students from over 50 different middle schools each year. Graduating seniors have earned over $84,000,000 in college scholarship offers in the last five years alone. It is evident that Montini Catholic’s program works! The ideal size of the school, coupled with the family atmosphere, ensures that graduates are well-rounded and academically prepared to remain successful throughout their collegiate years.  Visit montini.org

Notre DameSchool

Under the patronage of Our Blessed Mother, Notre Dame School partners with parents, the primary educators, in the sacred mission of guiding their children to Heaven. Our Catholic classical liberal arts education engages students’ natural desire for truth, beauty, and goodness. Through the integration of faith and reason, we form wise, virtuous, and free students who live joyfully as disciples of Jesus Christ, serving God and others.

At Notre Dame, we believe in providing the opportunity for Catholic Education to learners of all abilities and have built out our resources to address the varying developmental needs of our students through highly qualified, specialized staff and intervention tools. The school also offers an expanse of elective enrichment opportunities both during and after the school day, including the school musical, Student Ambassador program, Student Council, study skills, scholastic bowls, pottery, STEM, digital literacy, athletics and liturgical ministry opportunities. Notre Dame provides full-day kindergarten, fullday prekindergarten, and beforeand after-school care to support families.

The Catholic classical liberal arts curriculum emphasizes a depth of knowledge, critical thinking, problem solving, communication, collaboration, and cultivation of high moral character. Rooted in timeless principles and integrated with Catholic teachings, the curriculum spans grammar, logic, rhetoric, literature, theology, Latin, mathematics, science, and the arts. Teachers lead students through stages of knowledge, understanding, and wisdom while developing habits of focus, diligence, and perseverance.

Notre Dame’s community-focused culture replicates the warmth of family life, fostering kindness, communication, and safety.

Faculty members create a nurturing atmosphere by partnering with parents to seamlessly blend school and home life. Students actively embrace virtues like charity, justice, and humility through service and interactive community building experiences.

Grounded in its rich, seventy year history and multi-generational community, Notre Dame prepares students to thrive in their first-choice high schools and beyond. Graduates carry forward the school’s legacy of leadership, academic excellence, and spiritual formation and often return as alumni to continue their support of the school community.

Visit NDSchoolCH.org for more information. u

St Joan of Arc Catholic School

St. Joan of Arc Catholic School is dedicated to providing a comprehensive, research-backed education that nurtures both the academic and personal growth of every student. Our curriculum is grounded in the Science of Reading, ensuring that students receive a structured approach to phonics and spelling through Foundations in the early grades. As they advance, students focus on fluency, comprehension, and engaging in meaningful discussions around grade-level books that deepen their understanding of language and structure. This year, we’ve introduced Thinking Maps, a brainbased teaching method that builds critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills—tools essential for success both in school and beyond.

To ensure all students receive the support they need, we have the WIN (What I Need) Program, which offers targeted intervention in reading and math. Through regular assessments, we identify students who may need extra help and provide tailored interventions to strengthen their skills. Our team of reading specialists works closely with students, tracking their progress and adjusting support as needed.

St. Joan of Arc’s strong academic program is complemented by a variety of extracurricular opportunities, helping students explore their interests outside of the classroom. Sports options include basketball, volleyball, cross-country, track, and cheer leading. We also offer band, choir, drama club, Chess Club, and the STEM Enrichment Program, as well as the Battle of the Books and Kangaroo Math competitions. For students who love art, Young Rembrandts classes provide a creative outlet. Additionally, our Before and After School Care program offers extended hours to accommodate working families.

Founded in 1926, St. Joan of Arc School has a long tradition of academic excellence. Our current building opened in 1957, and we are proud to have earned the prestigious

National Blue Ribbon Award three times—most recently in 2023. This award recognizes schools that demonstrate outstanding academic performance, with St. Joan of Arc ranking in the top 15% of schools nationwide. With 380 students enrolled and an average class size of 18, we are committed to providing a nurturing environment where each child can thrive.

At St. Joan of Arc, our goal is to engage, challenge, and support students at every stage of their development, preparing them to become confident, capable leaders in their communities.

Registration for the 2025-2026 school year is now open. We are hosting an Open House on Sunday January 26th. Please visit SJALisle.org for more information.n

St. Mary of GostynSchool

St. Mary of Gostyn School (SMG) combines exceptional academics with a strong faith-based environment. SMG students experience a Catholic culture that includes daily prayer, religion class, and weekly Mass. They also encounter a challenging curriculum that inspires them to excel academically, develop confidence and a strong sense of self, build personal relationships, and serve others. The school’s dedicated team of teachers and staff emphasizes creativity, critical and analytical thinking, and real-world application with a Catholic worldview to help students learn, grow, and thrive.

Over 125 years ago, SMG opened as the first parochial school in Downers Grove in a one-room wooden school-

house. Today, after several additions to the original structure, activity center, and gyms, SMG is home to over 490 students from preschool through eighth grade.

Parents, the primary educators of their children, partner with SMG to create an environment that meets each child’s specific needs. SMG believes that every child has God-given abilities, talents, and needs. They maintain a curriculum and environment that encourages each child to succeed, providing additional academic support such as supplemental reading and math programs when necessary. In addition, religious education is a priority at SMG and helps each child develop a personal relationship with God.

Furthermore, SMG provides opportunities for growth in self-esteem and happiness inside and outside the classroom, and the curriculum subjects – beyond Common Core – are essential. Many extracurricular opportunities are offered to help create this learning environment, including Math Club, Environmental Club, Geography Club, Voices (a literary magazine), BAM Theater, Students for Life, chess class, school musical, and various other clubs. Basketball, cross country, volleyball, cheerleading, track and field, and football are also offered with a no-cut policy.

For more information about how SMG is the right fit for your family, visit stmarygostyn.org/school. u

St. JosephSchool

Established in 1910, St. Joseph School provides excellence in education founded on the Catholic faith to Downers Grove and neighboring communities. For the seventh year in a row, St. Joseph School was voted the Finest Grade School and Preschool in Suburban Life’s 2024 Reader’s Choice contest.

Over the years, the school has grown from a few classrooms in the back of the church to over 430 students. Today, two classrooms are offered per grade level, bringing the average class size to 21. An award-winning preschool program is also offered. As an extension of St. Joseph Parish, the school shares the Catholic church’s mission. They provide opportunities to pursue academic excellence by offering advanced curriculum in core subjects. Students also have opportunities to

discover their talents through classes such as STEM, Technology, Art, Music, P.E., and Spanish.

The sports program at St. Joseph School is all-inclusive to encourage participation for fifth through eighth-grade students. The sports offered include volleyball, football, basketball, track and field, and cross country. St. Joseph kindergarten through fourth-grade students can compete in sports programs together through the YMCA and Downers Grove Park District.

There are many opportunities for parent involvement, including the Parent Forum, School Advisory Board, Athletic Board, Parish Council, athletic and enrichment program coaches, and more. Special events for families include the Christmas and Spring Music Concerts, Green & White Gala, and Friday Night

Lights. After-school enrichment clubs are also offered, including Art, Violin, Band, Chess, Scouts, Drama Club, LEGO Building, and Science Olympiad to name a few.

St. Joseph School is a welcoming, nurturing community where faculty and staff partner with school parents to benefit students spiritually and academically. Students are well-prepared; over 80% of graduates make the honor roll their freshman year. Grounded in faith and guided by a team of experienced administrators, teachers, and staff committed to their students’ academic, spiritual, and social growth, St. Joseph School is looking forward to continued excellence in Catholic education in the years to come.

Visit stjosephdg.com for more information. u

Timothy Christian Schools

Partner with a school that aligns with your family’s values.

Timothy Christian Schools is a PS-12th grade, nondenominational, college preparatory school committed to Biblical virtues and values. Timothy’s mission is to uphold Biblical truth, ignite academic growth, and inspire courageous leadership—one student at a time.

At Timothy Christian Schools, you don’t have to choose between Biblical values and academic excellence. Here, students experience both. Timothy’s Christ-centered culture and a curriculum grounded in a Biblical worldview work together to shape students into courageous leaders. Timothy prepares

students not just for college, but for lives of purpose, equipping them to lead with confidence and integrity.

Choosing Timothy Christian Schools is more than an investment in your child’s education—it’s an opportunity to partner with a school that aligns with your family’s values. Timothy Christian Schools believes in a strong partnership between parents, the local church, and the Christian school. We encourage parents to be on campus, volunteering and connecting with the Timothy community. It’s what makes us Team Timothy!

Developing courageous leaders is central to our mission. There are countless opportunities for students to

plug in and find their spot. From the athletic field, to the stage, to competing on Timothy’s nationally ranked business teams — there’s a place for every student. In fact, over 68% of high school students participate in more than two extracurricular activities.

Discover how your child will thrive in an environment that fosters academic excellence, builds strong leadership skills, and cultivates unwavering integrity. Schedule a tour today at  timothychristian.com/admissions and learn how Timothy can partner with you to prepare your child for a future filled with purpose and opportunity! The journey to courageous leadership and incredible opportunities starts here. u

Compassion in Action

The joy of volunteering with animals

BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF

Winter months bring an increased need for volunteers at animal shelters and rescues. As the season adds challenges such as overcrowding and limited resources, organizations rely heavily on foster families and community volunteers to ensure animals receive the care they need. This is the perfect time for families to get involved, fostering teamwork and teaching children the importance of helping those in need. Below are a few organizations families and individuals can volunteer with this winter season.

The West Suburban Humane Society in Downers Grove, Illinois, is a non-profit animal welfare organization dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming animals in need. They provide shelter, medical care, and adoption services while promoting responsible pet ownership. Volunteers and community support play a vital role in their compassionate mission.

Visit WSHS-DG.org for more information.

Oakbrook Cat Rescue offers opportunities to foster cats, kittens, or entire feline families for short- or long-term periods. Veterinary care, food, and litter are provided, making fostering a rewarding and manageable experience. Volunteers can also assist at adoption events.

Visit OakbrookCatrRescue.org for more information.

The Hinsdale Humane Society provides youth-focused programs like Pawsitive Impact for children in grades 6–8 and Teenternships for ages 15–17, allowing young people to help with shelter tasks, animal care, and events. High schoolers can join the Junior Board to organize fundraisers and promote adoptable pets.

Visit HinsdaleHumaneSociety.org for more information.

A Caring Place in Westmont is an all-volunteer dog rescue organization seeking foster families, adoption counselors, and event volunteers. Whether you can foster a dog awaiting adoption or help fundraise, your contributions make a significant and empowering impact.

Visit ACaringPlaceHS.org for more information.

Underdog Railway Rescue in Elmhurst is a non-profit organization focused on saving dogs from high-risk situations, including euthanasia and neglect. They provide medical care, rehabilitation, and foster placement until adoption. Dedicated volunteers and community support help them ensure rescued animals find safe, loving homes and a brighter future.

Visit their Facebook page at Facebook.com/ UnderdogRailway for more information.

DuPage County Animal Services in Wheaton is undergoing shelter construction, limiting in-shelter volunteer opportunities. While unable to accommodate one-time or group volunteers, they urgently need foster caregivers. Foster volunteers provide temporary homes where animals receive medical treatment and behavioral support or await adoption. This critical role offers kittens, cats, dogs, rabbits, and more a second chance.

Visit DuPageCounty.gov for more information. 

The DuPage County UndergrounD Railroad

Local Underground Railroad stations invite visitors to hear freedom seekers’ stories

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

From the start of slavery, freedom seekers (formerly known as enslaved people) sought a better situation than the one into which they were born or sold. The 1860s found the nation embroiled in the Great Civil War, with slavery as a major issue of contention between the Union and the Confederacy. Wherever there was slavery, there were efforts to escape.

The Underground Railroad was a movement of resistance to slavery overseen by conductorspeople who secretly hid, guided, or transported freedom seekers on their quest for sanctuary. Under the cover of darkness, freedom seekers moved from one station – or hiding place – to the next, literally risking life and limb for the price of asylum. Gauging the length of time available to move was crucial to success. From this area, the eventual destination was usually Canada.

DuPage County was home to many abolitionists who vehemently opposed slavery. Read on to familiarize yourself with a few stations inviting visitors to journey into the past.

BLODGETT HOUSE – DOWNERS GROVE

This is the home of outspoken abolitionists Israel and Avis Blodgett and among the oldest homes in Downers Grove. This house is respected as a significant station on the Underground Railroad and is now a museum partially dedicated to this moment in history from DuPage County’s standpoint. Renovations to the property substantiated the Blodgett’s assistance to freedom seekers when construction workers found abolitionist newspapers stuffed into the walls. The home is now recognized as part of The Network to Freedom – a National Park Service program that preserves, documents, and promotes the history of the Underground Railroad.

Pierce Downers Home

Photo courtesy of Downers Grove Museum

PIERCE DOWNER HOME –DOWNERS GROVE

Downers Grove founders Pierce and Lucy Ann Downer kindly opened their home to runaway enslaved people at what became a station on the Underground Railroad. Freedom seekers were transported by wagon at night, hidden under animal hides. They entered through the cellar door on the home’s south side, where they ate and slept during daylight hours. The rough-cut stone steps leading to the cellar entrance are the exact ones traversed by freedom seekers.

GRAUE MILL – HINSDALE

named for the first and second presidents of the college, Jonathan, and his son, Charles Blanchard. The building was a stop on the Underground Railroad, where fugitive freedom seekers were harbored on their way north to Canada. This stop had a reputation for being particularly safe, and it is further rumored that freedom seekers felt perfectly at ease here, even when no attempt was made to conceal their presence. The lobby of this building exhibits African American history, particularly accounts of freedom seekers.

This mill was run by German immigrant abolitionist and Underground Railroad conductor Frederick Graue. Graue hid freedom seekers in the cellar of the 170-year-old flourproducing mill on their flight to Canada. A busy inn located nearby was rumored to be a part of the movement through a tunnel that allegedly connected the two properties. Now a museum, visitors are welcome to visit and see an interactive exhibit that documents this station’s history.

BLANCHARD HALL – WHEATON

This picturesque and architecturally significant building is found on the campus of Wheaton College – an abolitionist community from its founding in 1860. Blanchard Hall is

SHELDON PECK HOME – LOMBARD

Noted folk artist Sheldon Peck was a resident of Lombard who became known for the portraits he painted of neighbors, particularly for the character and personality he brought out in subjects. A staunch abolitionist, Peck’s Lombard home served as a safe house for freedom seekers. The claims are substantiated by the artist’s son, Frank, who kept a diary in which he accounted for seven freedom seekers who lived with his family. The portraits he painted solidify his family’s involvement in the Underground Railroad and contribute to a greater understanding of social justice in 19th-century DuPage County. 

Graue Mill

Photo by Victor Hilitski

Sheldon Peck (c. 1850-1860)

Photo courtesy of The Peck Family Descendents and Lombard Historical Society

LOCAL FLAVORS

Q&A with Chef Ian Schlegel of Cadence Kitchen & Co.

Who influenced you early on?

Food has always been a big part of my life. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my mom, where helping cook was the rule if you were around. Cooking quickly became second nature to me. I also cherished time at my grandma’s house, especially making Droby, a traditional Slovakian potato sausage. To this day, my family makes Droby annually for all our celebrations.

Tell us about your culinary journey.

In high school, a cooking class confirmed my passion for the kitchen. After graduating, I attended the College of DuPage and joined a culinary program in Tuscany, Italy. Inspired, I returned to complete their professional program, training with master chefs and working at Montecatini Pal-

ace in Via Puccini, Italy. While studying, I worked for The Doughboy restaurant group, starting at Labriola Café and finishing at Labarra.

I later moved to Denver, holding roles like Executive Chef at Hotel Teatro and in the Bonanno Restaurant Group. Back in Chicagoland, I served as Chef de Cuisine at Che Figata and The United Center’s premium clubs. Now, I’m proud to be at Cadence Kitchen & Co.

You recently came on board at Cadence Kitchen & Co. this summer. What drew you to Downers Grove?

Todd Davies. He reached out to me with interest in me being the Executive Chef here at Cadence Kitchen & Co. Seeing how Downers Grove has come to be what it is today, it is a great up-and-coming place to be. With all of the charity work that the restaurant participates in, such as the involvement with the schools and organizations in the area, Cadence is a great place to be and grow.

What is your signature or favorite dish to prepare at Cadence? What do people love about it?

Making fresh pasta is one of my favorite things to do. Being at Cadence, our contemporary American style is a great place to let the culinary imagination go. With both of these ideas coming together, the Short Rib Ragu is my favorite dish right now. I took the idea of pot roast, a classic traditional American classic, and turned it into a pasta dish. The diced root veggies and horseradish cream are a great combination of American comfort food and pasta.

What is your favorite ingredient among those you use that you like to work with best?

I would have to say that octopus is my favorite ingredient. When prepared right, the tenderness and flavor it has are awesome. With other elements on the plate, it is bright and balanced both with flavor and textures.

What’s next in 2025?

We will be changing some menu items every month, keeping up with the seasons and keeping our menu exciting. We had our first wine dinner in November and are looking to continue our journey of wine dinners once every six to eight weeks. This past December, we did our annual large charity catering event with the Big Shoulders organization. We made 750 meals for families. Giving back is part of our DNA; we will do this again closer to the end of January. Many exciting things are happening, and so much more is to come. ■

Clearing the Air

The American Lung Association and the local Fight for Air Climb

BY ANNA HUGHES | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION

It’s not easy having to fight for air.

It’s unfair when the most basic human need—breathing— becomes a daily battle.

Unfortunately, that’s the reality for tens of millions of Americans living with a variety of lung health conditions: lung and respiratory diseases, asthma, and lung cancer, which is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States. The American Lung Association (ALA) says that about every two minutes, someone in the U.S. learns they have the disease. Furthermore, lung cancer claims the lives of over 340 people each day. That’s why the ALA is working so hard to fight this battle.

Every year, more than 20 million people are helped by ALA’s programs and initiatives focused on education, advocacy, and research. But they’re more

than just a big charity with big goals; they are working personally with individuals each and every day to make the world a safer and healthier place.

“We have lung health navigators available for [people] to call 24/7. If they get newly diagnosed with something, they have somebody walking them through those steps of treatment, diagnosis, what questions they should ask their doctors, what questions they may have for us,” Danielle Trojanek, the executive director for the ALA in the Greater Chicago area, explained.

“We also have a [24/7] quit-line for those that might want to learn how to quit smoking… We [also] do home assessments for those impacted by asthma. When we go into their homes, we assess their home and the quality of the air they’re breathing, and we will provide free resources, such as changing out their filters.”

One way the ALA raises money for these initiatives and others is through their Fight for Air Climb. This popular fundraising event takes place in dozens

Fight for Air Climb will once again take place on March 9 at Oakbrook Terrace Tower.

Local firefighters and first responders participate in the climb.

of cities around the country, including Chicago and Oak Brook. On Mar. 9, 2025, participants can climb the 984 stairs to the top of the Oakbrook Terrace Tower alongside others—helping fight for those who can’t.

“It really began by just saying, like, ‘Let’s climb. Let’s get fit. Let’s take the stairs for clean air and healthy lungs,’” Trojanek said. “From there, we’ve been at the Oakbrook Terrace Tower for many years now, climbing 30 floors of stairs for lung health, for those impacted by lung disease, for those advocating for lung health, and it’s an opportunity for people to come together.”

This is a fitness challenge for people of all ages and athletic abilities. Some participants will see how quickly they can scale the stairs multiple times. (Trojanek said that some climbers achieve up to 11 rounds.) Others choose to walk as a family or with friends. Local firefighters and first responders participate as well—in full gear—to symbolize that they constantly put their lives and lungs on the line for the community.

No matter your time, skill set, or reason for climbing, it’s all about coming together for a cause and raising money for a cure.

“It’s an overwhelming feeling of gratitude, obviously, for all of our supporters there, but for them, they see it as inspiration to be able to climb when others can’t,” Trojanek said. “A lot of the teams are doing it for somebody who might not be able to.”

“A lot of the teams are doing it for somebody who might not be able to.”

- DANIELLE TROJANEK

“And then a lot of them,” Trojanek continued, “maybe they have gone through a lung transplant themselves, and they want to be able to prove to themselves that they can do this too, and so they actually have that overwhelming feeling of accomplishment.”

Each climber is asked to raise $100 to participate in the climb. This allows

participants a chance to share their reasoning for climbing with neighbors or friends, hopefully raising additional awareness in the process. In many cases, fundraising is not about the cash but, instead, about the connection.

“We’ve seen as much as $30,000 from an individual team that was supporting their mother that had a lung transplant, and they came together, and they were just shocked at the amount of support that they received,” Trojanek said. “Others were saying, ‘I’m touched by this, I’m moved by this mission.’ I didn’t realize, you know, that there were so many people that I knew that who were impacted.’”

Anyone who donates can feel confident that their money is going: 90 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to their mission of changing lives.

“I think that’s really important because not every organization has that charity status that we do. So we’re really proud of that,” Trojanek said.

For more information on the Oak Brook and Chicago Fight for Air Climbs and how you can get involved, visit Lung.org. 

Fight for Air Climb takes place in dozens of cities around the country.

AFTER the ASHES

Holocaust

survivor Eric Blaustein

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

The Holocaust was among the darkest hours in history. How survivors carry their memories is as varied as the individual stories themselves. In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day – January 27 – local resident Eric Blaustein reflected on the five months he was imprisoned at Buchenwald Concentration Camp near Weimar, Germany as a young man. While the nightmare was not something he will ever forget, he has never let it define him, either. After the war, he went on to serve in the Israeli Army, married, had a family, and emigrated to the United States, where he had a very successful engineering career.

“The truth is, I don’t want to be a Holocaust survivor by definition,” Blaustein feels. “I survived something horrible, but I went on to live a full life

after that. I also realize, however, that talking about The Holocaust will remind people what can happen if we’re anti-anything.”

Blaustein sat down with Hinsdale Magazine Group’s Contributing Editor, Maureen Callahan, in his Lombard home to share his thoughts on that moment in time.

Hinsdale Magazine Group (HMG): What do you remember from before the war?

Eric Blaustein (EB): I grew up in a middle-class family in Chemnitz, which was in Saxony in East Germany. I had a very nice childhood before Hitler came to power when I was in first grade. Even after that, my parents protected me very well. My father had many non-Jewish friends, such as the landlord of our property. He was a sort of person of influence. He helped keep

us safe for a long time. As a Jew, you weren’t going to survive the war without non-Jewish friends.

HMG: Did others help your family hide?

EB: Yes. I was almost arrested at age 15, but our non-Jewish friends paid off the authorities. I had false papers that made me part of the Hitler Youth, so for a while, I could hide in the open. As things got more dangerous, I knew I had to disappear. My family split up. My mother took my sisters and went to a relative’s house in a safer area. My father and I went into hiding separately. I stayed wherever I could for as long as I could and pretended to be a nephew or some other relative, but I was a tall kid and hard to hide by then. By that point, they were drafting 16-year-olds, so I could only stay in one place until someone noticed me and questioned why I wasn’t in the military. If the people hiding me had been

Eric Blaustein Photo courtesy of Hannah Alani and WCBU Peoria

caught, they would have been sent to a concentration camp, too, so they risked a lot to help me.

HMG: Do you remember getting arrested?

EB: I was 16 years old when I was finally caught. I had gone out to buy a newspaper, and the police figured me out. The irony of this part of the story is that they thought I was a Communist. Communists were hung that very night for treason. I told them I was Jewish, knowing they would send me to a concentration camp, but at least it would buy me some time. It’s ironic that being Jewish could save my life at that moment. That night, I was transported by train to Weimar and then taken by truck to Buchenwald Concentration Camp.

HMG: What do you remember of Buchenwald?

EB: The moment I arrived, I asked some guards to see a former neighbor of my family, whom I knew was an overseer of the camp. He was a friend of my father’s. My father had told me to ask for him if I was ever taken to Buchenwald. At first, the guards weren't going to let me see him. After some convincing, I told them if something happened to me before this friend knew I was there, he would have their necks. Reluctantly, they walked me to his office on a very circuitous route – I don’t think they wanted me to know where I was.

HMG: Do you credit your survival to anyone in particular?

EB: This friend of my father’s, definitely. At first, he did not recognize me, but after I brought up some old specific memories of his children, he made the connection. The first thing he said was, ‘Buchenwald has no Jews left. You have to die tonight, or they’ll kill you first thing in the morning for sport.’ I got scared, but what he meant was I would have to die on paper. I had to change my identity. So, they took the patch off an Italian fellow’s uniform who had actually died that night and switched it

with mine. The Nazis kept very exact records and would have noticed if the body count was off in the morning. So, all of a sudden, my name was Luigi, and I was out of immediate danger.

HMG: Did you have a job in the camp?

EB: Yes. Two days after I assumed the identity of that Italian fellow, I was shipped off for work detail at a satellite camp about 40 miles from Buchenwald. The prisoners there were building a gasoline factory. Looking back, it was

“As a Jew, you weren’t going to survive the war without non-Jewish friends.”

– ERIC BLAUSTEIN, HOLOCAUST SURVIVOR

much safer out there, because there was less chance of anyone realizing my identity had changed. When I arrived, the Italian guys around me said, ‘stick with us. We’ll help you get by.’ And they did. The master sergeant I reported to was in his 30s. He became like a father to me. I got sick at one point, and these guys hid me in a mine shaft and fed me. I owe my life to those Italians.

HMG: How did you get through the days?

EB: In the camps, living was day-to-day. The food was terrible, and there wasn't much of it. We worked 12 hours a day in the cold. There was very little heat and never enough clothing. Sometimes we would warm up in a nearby coal mine where there were fires, but we were usually chased out once the guards realized we were in there. There wasn’t much hope until one day, my fellow inmates somehow managed to get hold of a radio and found a station where we could listen to the Allied reports. We learned the U.S. had crossed the Rhine River. That gave us strength.

HMG: What do you remember about the liberation of the camp?

EB: I remember the day the Americans came – April 16, 1945. I nearly got

myself killed because it was a cold, raw day, and the Germans had already fled the camp. They left stuff behind. I had found one of their coats and put it on. When the American tanks rolled in, the soldiers pointed a gun at me, thinking I was one of the Germans. I said to the Americans, 'Don't shoot! You bring liberty to me.' I just remember clearly thinking, 'If they're here, I'm free!’

HMG: What happened after the liberation?

EB: My whole family survived, which wasn’t what happened to most German Jews. First, the Red Cross came in and gave us food and medical attention. What many people don't realize is that most survivors did not leave the camp right away because we were weak and many were sick. They didn’t really know what to do with us at first. After about three weeks, many people were strong enough to move around, but I had already left because I wanted to find my mother. Two other guys were headed the same way, so we walked together for about 200 miles to the town where my mother had hidden with relatives.

HMG: Did you ever see any other survivors again?

EB: I saw the master sergeant again – the one who had looked out for me. It was several years later at a restaurant his family owned in Rome. When we were in the camp, he had talked about his family’s business. He had mentioned cassata – the traditional Italian ice cream cake roll. He had grown up in that business, and I guess he needed something to keep him going, so he sometimes talked about food. I somehow remembered the name of the restaurant. Several years later, when my wife and I passed through Rome, we went to the restaurant. I wrote a note on a napkin and asked the server to give it to him if, by chance, he was there. The next thing I knew, a procession of waiters brought a cassata to our table! He and I were able to talk for a while that day. I tried to contact him again sometime later, but he had passed away. I’ll never forget that cassata, though. 

2025 WEDDING TRENDS

Although any wedding should be unique to the happy couple, trends often sneak their way into the celebration. We’ve rounded up a list of some wedding trends to be on the lookout for during the 2025 wedding season.

BY ANNA HUGHES

ELONGATED DIAMONDS 

For the past few years, oval diamonds have been the leading pick for engagement rings. For future brides-to-be, jewelers say that elongated cushion cuts are on the rise. For an additional flair, consider a unique gemstone like a sapphire or canary diamond.

DOCUMENTARY PHOTOGRAPHY 

It seems many couples are ditching dozens of posed photos and opting for documentary style photography. This might include detail-shots, candid moments, and dramatic editing. These precious pictures might end up being the family favorites!

 TABLESCAPES

Many wedding planners are replacing dainty with decadence— especially in the tablescapes and centerpieces. Instead of classic floral arrangements, guests can expect to see unique and colorful craftings potentially including fruits and vegetables. Also popular will be a lack of florals entirely, focused on greenery and earthy tones.

 DRAPERY

Dramatic drapery is one of the trends to watch out for most this wedding season. Expect to see stunning, floor to ceiling drapes—a unique way to add elegance and flair to a wedding during any season.

ALTERNATE DESSERTS 

Let them eat cake! And cupcakes, and donuts, and ice cream, and macaroons. The list goes on. Instead of traditional wedding cake, consider a variety of dessert options to round out your food selections.

ELOPEMENT 

Many couples are ditching the “go big or go home” mentality. Instead, they’re choosing to go small and buy a home. This is leading to an increase in intimate ceremonies and elopements.

 BOWS

Bows have been a staple of the fashion scene during the last year, and wedding experts say they’re not going anywhere just yet. From invitations to decorations and dress details, this subtle touch of femininity is a classic, yet playful, addition to the wedding weekend.

NO BRIDAL PARTIES 

The age of matching dresses or tuxedos for your seven closest friends might be coming to an end. More and more couples will be relieving their inner circles of bridal party duties and associated costs, leaving the altar to newlyweds only. 

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• Engagement Party

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Exceptional hospitality and modern amenities for your guests

DUPAGE FOUNDATION

In early November, the DuPage Foundation celebrated its Annual Benefit: Through the Looking Glass at The Westin Chicago Lombard, welcoming over 425 guests. The event raised nearly $700,000, with additional contributions expected. These funds are vital to supporting the Foundation’s efforts in addressing community challenges and opportunities while aiding donors and businesses in achieving impactful philanthropy locally and beyond. “We are deeply grateful for the amazing generosity displayed by our friends and partners,” said Mike Sitrick, DuPage Foundation President & CEO. “It highlights both their trust in our work and the commitment so many in our community share toward investing in local philanthropy.”

Visit DuPageFoundation.org for more information.

Through the Looking Glass Host Committee from left to right: Braden and Alice Waverley (Hinsdale), Krishna and Meghna Bansal (Naperville), Chris and Susan Burke (Naperville), Bill and Jen Blum, Co-Chairs (Naperville), Dorothy O’Reilly (Wheaton), Megan and Steve Shebik (Wheaton), Joan Morrissey (Wheaton), Beth and Mike Sitrick (Lombard), Steve and Emily Burt (Glen Ellyn – Not Pictured)

Trustee Emerita Carole Cline (Wheaton) with her daughter, Patty McDougal (Elmhurst), accepting flowers from DuPage Foundation Board Chair, Bill Blum (Naperville).

Trustee Bob Fernandez and Vicky Fernandez (Downers Grove) and David and Meghan Bechstein (Downers Grove)

John O’Reilly (Glen Ellyn) and Mike Morrissey (Downers Grove)

Amber and Michael Quirk (Downers Grove)

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It’s All in the Studies The Transformative Power of Live Performing Arts

by Laura Michaud and Melissa G. Wilson

Live performing arts have a profound impact on both individuals and communities.

From the artists who express themselves through their craft to the children who grow by sharing their talents, everyone involved is touched meaningfully. Audiences, too, benefit by gaining new insights, emotional connections, and life experiences. Whether drama, music, dance, theater, or poetry, live performances are valuable to all. Beyond the emotional benefits, these performances also have a positive economic impact. People attending shows often make an evening out of it, spending money on dining, transportation, and other services. Studies show that for every theater seat filled, patrons spend an average of $38.46 in the local community. That number can rise to $65 per person in some places, like Elmhurst.

In addition to economic benefits, the performing arts enhance the quality of life. Attendees often report feeling uplifted by their experience, which can foster a sense of community pride and belonging. People from all walks of life come together to enjoy performances, helping to build empathy and understanding across cultures. According to a study by Americans for the Arts, 78% of people say the arts provide positive experiences, and 72% agree that arts foster shared understanding between people of different backgrounds. Moreover, 89% of those surveyed feel that local arts venues are a source of community pride, and 86% believe it’s important for future generations to access cultural experiences.

The benefits extend to families, too, especially children. Arts education has been shown to significantly improve critical thinking, problem-

solving, and creativity, while also fostering teamwork, empathy, and self-confidence. By supporting and attending live performances, we not only help the economy but also strengthen our communities and contribute to the well-being of individuals. In the end, the arts create a vibrant, connected future for areas like DuPage, enhancing both personal fulfillment and community growth. n

About the authors: Laura Michaud is a founding member of the Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts and Stage 773. Melissa G. Wilson is a performing arts enthusiast, author, and renowned networker. For more information visit ecpa-elmhurst.org and networlding.com.

Melanoma Risks, Treatment & Prevention

Dr. Rachel Bognet of CSC Steil Dermatology

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and when treated early, it is also the most curable. Dr. Rachel Bognet, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at CSC Steil Dermatology in Hinsdale and Downers Grove, specializes in treating skin cancer. We recently sat down with her to discuss risks, treatments, and prevention strategies for skin cancer, specifically melanoma.

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and when treated early, it is also the most curable. Dr. Rachel Bognet, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at CSC Steil Dermatology in Hinsdale and Downers Grove, specializes in treating skin cancer. We recently sat down with her to discuss risks, treatments, and prevention strategies for skin cancer, specifically melanoma.

Q: What is skin cancer?

Q: What is skin cancer?

Dr. Bognet: Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of cells, often developing in areas exposed to the sun, such as the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, arms, chest and hands. It can also occur in areas not directly exposed to sunlight, like the palms, soles and beneath the fingernails or toenails. The three common forms are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the most serious form.

Dr. Bognet: Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of cells, often developing in areas exposed to the sun, such as the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, arms, chest and hands. It can also occur in areas not directly exposed to sunlight, like the palms, soles and beneath the fingernails or toenails. The three common forms are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the most serious form.

Q: What are the signs and symptoms of melanoma?

Q: What are the signs and symptoms of melanoma?

Dr. Bognet: The most common sign of melanoma is a change in a mole or the appearance of a new lesion (of any color) that is nonhealing, bleeding, painful/itching, or changing quickly. For evaluating pre-existing moles, I suggest using the ABCDE rule:

Dr. Bognet: The most common sign of melanoma is a change in a mole or the appearance of a new lesion (of any color) that is nonhealing, bleeding, painful/itching, or changing quickly. For evaluating pre-existing moles, I suggest using the ABCDE rule:

A is for asymmetry,

A is for asymmetry,

B is for irregular borders,

B is for irregular borders,

C is for color changes (like black, blue, or more than one color),

C is for color changes (like black, blue, or more than one color),

D is for a diameter greater than 6mm, and

D is for a diameter greater than 6mm, and

E is for evolving size, shape, or color over time.

E is for evolving size, shape, or color over time.

Q. Who is at risk of melanoma?

Q. Who is at risk of melanoma?

Dr. Bognet: Everyone is at risk regardless of skin tone. However, those with fair skin that burns easily, especially blondes or redheads, people with a history of excessive sun exposure or sunburns, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at greater risk. Additionally, having a history of non-melanoma skin cancer increases the risk of developing melanoma.

Dr. Bognet: Everyone is at risk regardless of skin tone. However, those with fair skin that burns easily, especially blondes or redheads, people with a history of excessive sun exposure or sunburns, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at greater risk. Additionally, having a history of non-melanoma skin cancer increases the risk of developing melanoma.

Q: How do you diagnose melanoma?

Q: How do you diagnose melanoma?

Dr. Bognet: Suspicious lesions may be monitored for changes during skin checks or biopsied initially. A simple skin biopsy is a quick, painless, in office procedure that yields results in a few days. Further staining or genetic testing may be done at the pathology lab if indicated. Depending on the depth of the skin cancer, additional testing via sentinel lymph node biopsy or imaging may be needed.

Dr. Bognet: Suspicious lesions may be monitored for changes during skin checks or biopsied initially. A simple skin biopsy is a quick, painless, in office procedure that yields results in a few days. Further staining or genetic testing may be done at the pathology lab if indicated. Depending on the depth of the skin cancer, additional testing via sentinel lymph node biopsy or imaging may be needed.

“Before embarking on a treatment course, I encourage open, honest dialogue with the patient and their family about which is most suitable for them.”

“Before embarking on a treatment course, I encourage open, honest dialogue with the patient and their family about which is most suitable for them.”

DR. RACHEL BOGNET

DR. RACHEL BOGNET

Q: Are there different stages of melanoma?

Q: Are there different stages of melanoma?

Dr. Bognet: Yes, the stages are based on a tumor’s thickness, ulceration, lymph node involvement, and spread to other organs. Luckily, most skin cancers can be caught early before spread has occurred since they are typically visible and palpable on the skin.

Dr. Bognet: Yes, the stages are based on a tumor’s thickness, ulceration, lymph node involvement, and spread to other organs. Luckily, most skin cancers can be caught early before spread has occurred since they are typically visible and palpable on the skin.

Q: What treatment options are available at these different stages?

Q: What treatment options are available at these different stages?

Dr. Bognet: A surgical excision (removal of skin cells) for melanomas and Mohs micrographic surgery for non-melanoma skin cancers are the mainstays of treatment. Depending on the type and depth of cancer and age, co-morbidities, and lifestyle of the patient, other options area available. Before embarking on a treatment course, I encourage open, honest dialogue with the patient and their family about which is most suitable. At times, chemotherapy topicals, radiation, or even referrals to an oncologic surgeon may be more appropriate.

Dr. Bognet: A surgical excision (removal of skin cells) for melanomas and Mohs micrographic surgery for non-melanoma skin cancers are the mainstays of treatment. Depending on the type and depth of cancer and age, co-morbidities, and lifestyle of the patient, other options area available. Before embarking on a treatment course, I encourage open, honest dialogue with the patient and their family about which is most suitable. At times, chemotherapy topicals, radiation, or even referrals to an oncologic surgeon may be more appropriate.

Mohs surgery for non-melanoma skin cancers involves using the aid of frozen section biopsies to completely remove cancerous cell in a skinsparing manner to minimize scarring and allow for best cosmetic outcome. We specifically use this modality for basal and squamous skin cancers in challenging areas of the head and neck, hands and feet, but also for larger lesions anywhere on the body.

Mohs surgery for non-melanoma skin cancers involves using the aid of frozen section biopsies to completely remove cancerous cell in a skinsparing manner to minimize scarring and allow for best cosmetic outcome. We specifically use this modality for basal and squamous skin cancers in challenging areas of the head and neck, hands and feet, but also for larger lesions anywhere on the body.

Q: What lifestyle changes or preventive measures should people take to reduce the risk of melanoma or melanoma recurrence?

Q: What lifestyle changes or preventive measures should people take to reduce the risk of melanoma or melanoma recurrence?

Dr. Bognet: You can reduce skin cancer risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants. Get adequate sleep. Avoid tobacco and limit your alcohol intake.

Dr. Bognet: You can reduce skin cancer risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants. Get adequate sleep. Avoid tobacco and limit your alcohol intake.

Protecting your skin from UV light is crucial. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily and reapply every two hours. Choose sunscreens with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. These are safest for our skin and our environment and pose least risk of allergy. Other measures for high risk individuals may include vitamins (ie. Heliocare, niacinamide), tinting car windows, and photodynamic therapy to prevent the damaging effects of the sun on our skin.

Protecting your skin from UV light is crucial. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily and reapply every two hours. Choose sunscreens with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. These are safest for our skin and our environment and pose least risk of allergy. Other measures for high risk individuals may include vitamins (ie. Heliocare, niacinamide), tinting car windows, and photodynamic therapy to prevent the damaging effects of the sun on our skin.

When outside, seek shade, especially during peak sun hours, and wear protective clothing that adequately covers the arms, torso, and legs; wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat that provides adequate protection to the whole head.

When outside, seek shade, especially during peak sun hours, and wear protective clothing that adequately covers the arms, torso, and legs; wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat that provides adequate protection to the whole head.

Avoid tanning beds, as exposure significantly increases the risk of melanoma, particularly early-onset melanoma. Women under 30 are six times more likely to develop melanoma if they tan indoors. The risk increases with repeated exposure.

Avoid tanning beds, as exposure significantly increases the risk of melanoma, particularly early-onset melanoma. Women under 30 are six times more likely to develop melanoma if they tan indoors. The risk increases with repeated exposure.

Check your skin monthly and plan a baseline skin examination at your dermatologist office to determine your risk and ways to protect yourself. n

Check your skin monthly and plan a baseline skin examination at your dermatologist office to determine your risk and ways to protect yourself. n