Downers Grove Magazine July 2020

Service Above Self

BOB BARNETT REFLECTS ON HIS FIRST YEAR IN OFFICE

INSTAGROVE:

CELEBRATING THE CLASS OF 2020

SPECIAL FEATURE:

DOWNERS GROVE GARDENS

FOOD & DRINK:

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IT TAKES A VILLAGE

On Thursday, March 12, our family went to Gatto’s to celebrate my son’s 11th birthday. As we sat around the table, my husband and I looked at each other and commented that we should enjoy our last evening out for quite some time.— And we did. There were rumblings of school closures (the announcement came out the next day), stay-at-home orders and everchanging news and stories from every media outlet. It was our last “normal” night out.

At Downers Grove Magazine, it has been a roller-coaster ride like any other local business or organization has experienced the last three months. Our summer issue was supposed to feature the “Best of Downers Grove,” voted on by our readers, but we quickly pivoted to change our focus. As a quarterly publication, admittedly this was a bit of struggle with the constant changes and new stories being brought to light. Personally, I think we landed on a great mix of content that touches on how the community has come together amidst the pandemic, as well as featuring positive stories about our residents outside of this scope.

Within these pages you will find a conversation contributing editor Val Hardy had with Downers Grove mayor Bob Barnett regarding his first year in office. What a year it has been for him navigating these unchartered waters. The issue also includes a special feature highlighting some amazing local gardens by three residents with “green thumbs,” as well as an article by contributing editor Maureen Callahan, who caught up with some long-standing vendors at the downtown farmers market. Finally, who knew we had a Wheel of Fortune participant and winner in our midst? Read on for Rachelle Moran’s experience

on participating in the long-running TV game show.

On the flipside, we have included pieces that showcase how many people did rise to the occasion. Many owners of restaurants were forced to reinvent themselves overnight by changing their business models. A local woman saw the opportunity to celebrate the class of 2020 in a unique way that heavily involved the community stepping up to help.

Finally, we also asked our advertising partners to share their personal experiences throughout the last few months through a special “Partner Profiles” section of the magazine wherein they were asked, “Tell Downers Grove Magazine what you have learned about your community, employees, clients or family the last three months.” The common theme of “it takes a village” resonated throughout many responses.

Let's be clear: 2020 has gotten off to a rocky start. But we are confident that we will continue to strike a balance between newsworthy articles and heartwarming lifestyle articles in future issues. As always, please share your ideas with me at anne@hinsdalemag.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Anne Healy Associate Publisher anne@hinsdalemag.com

To guarantee delivery of each issue of Downers Grove Magazine to your home, please subscribe to the print edition by visiting www.downersgrovemag. com.

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Service Above Self BOB BARNETT REFLECTS ON HIS FIRST YEAR IN OFFICE

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEVEN MERTES DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

ON THE COVER: Bob Barnett, Mayor of Downers Grove

Photograph by Carolina Menapace

be your brightest self

At Shine Pediatric Dentistry, we are deeply committed to the safety and well-being of our community. Our CDC-based protocols will ensure your visit is safe and enjoyable.

As a Downers Grove mother myself, I’m personally invested in our children. As a board-certified pediatric dentist with privileges at Lurie Children’s Hospital, we offer highly specialized care to help every one of our patients discover their healthiest and brightest smiles.

Lynse J Briney, DDS, MS Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

Scott Jonlich sjonlich@hinsdalemag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Anne Healy anne@hinsdalemag.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Maureen Callahan

Mike Ellis

Val Hardy

Julie Jonlich

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Mark Menapace

Heather Prince

Emma Wolf

CREATIVE DEPARTMENT

Marco Nunez

Julia Sinogeikina

Dennis Stromberg

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Glenn Hoffman

Carolina Menapace

ADVERTISING SALES

Larry Atseff

Renee Lawrence advertise@HinsdaleMag.com

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InstaGROVE

Celebrating the Class of 2020

Jack Babich ~ Benet Academy

Jack graduated from Benet Academy with high honors. He is on his way to Purdue University in West Layfette, Indiana to study engineering. He will continue to follow his dad’s advice in the future: “keep swinging.”

Lucas Crowley ~ Downers Grove South

“I will miss many of my teachers at South and seeing my friends on a daily basis. I can’t wait to see what the next chapter brings.” In the fall, Lucas will be heading to the University of Denver.

Gabriella DiDiana ~ Downers Grove South

“I am so proud of myself for graduating! In high school I was on the Downers Grove South girls swim and dive team. I played on D99 Hoops. I am also am a gold medalist in swimming and track for the Special Olympics.” Gabriella will miss her supporters at South, but is looking forward to COD and T99.

This issue, Downers Grove Magazine asked readers to submit photos of their graduates along with a quote and what the future holds. Congrats to the Senior Class of 2020. Best of luck on your future endeavors!

Elsa Fernandez ~ Benet Academy

“My four years at Benet Academy provided me with friendships and memories that will last a lifetime. I will miss all that Benet has to offer while I am away at college in the fall, but I am excited and prepared for new beginnings!” Elsa will attend Villanova University.

Anna Genin ~ Downers Grove South

“I will miss being a part of Choir and DGS Drama at South, and I will especially miss all my friends and teachers.” Anna will attend Transition 99 next year and her dream is to work at Pixar Studios in the future.

Noah Grom ~ Downers Grove North

Noah’s favorite quote from Walter Payton: “When you are good at something, you’ll tell everyone. When you are great at something, they’ll tell you.” Noah will be attending Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana in the fall.

Emma Lafin ~ Downers Grove South

Emma’s favorite quote from Dr. Seuss: “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” Emma is excited to begin at ISU this fall where she will major in Special Education.

Maggie Logan ~ Downers Grove North

“Every year is a new beginning. Things change. Get involved and be your best self,” says Maggie. Maggie will be attending the University of Nebraska and plans to major in Education.

Jacob Mertes ~ Downers Grove North

“Most of my favorite DGN memories were made in the engineering room and at the pole pit.” Jake Mertes will be heading to St. Ambrose University this fall and competing as a Fighting Bee on their indoor & outdoor track teams.

Enya O’Flaherty ~ Montini High School

“Throughout all my years of schooling, I never thought my graduation would turn out like this. However that is what makes it even more memorable for me…very out of the ordinary!” Enya will attend Miami of Ohio this fall.

Morgan Rau ~ Downers Grove South

“The one thing I enjoyed most about DGS was the environment! It was always very fun and exciting whether at a sporting event, an assembly, or in the classroom. There was never a dull moment!” Morgan will attend the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh where she will play softball and double major in Elementary Education and Special Education.

Sydney Rau ~ Downers Grove South

“I really enjoyed attending sporting events and playing softball at DGS. I miss the staff and student body at South and wished my time wasn’t cut short. I had great teachers who were always willing help and taught me many valuable lessons that will stick with me throughout my life.” Sydney will attend University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in the fall to continue her academic and softball careers.

Morgan Rosenberg ~ Downers Grove North

“I will always remember the DGN community and be thankful for the amazing experiences I had during high school.” This fall, Morgan will be studying finance and accounting at the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University.

Ben Schultz ~ Downers Grove North

“High school was a great experience that gave me many resources and opportunities to explore my interests especially in stem related fields.” Ben will attend Iowa State University in the fall and plans to major in mechanical engineering.

JP Watts ~ Downers Grove North

“I’ll miss leading the school with school spirit whether it’s in a pep assembly or the end zone during football games and all the fun years on the DGN volleyball team.” JP plans to carry that school spirit to San Diego State University in the Fall. Go Aztecs!

The Heart of Downers Grove

Associate publisher Anne Healy spoke to Julie Milavec, director of the Downers Grove Public Library (DGPL), on the pivotal role the institution plays in the community, and how it has evolved the last few months.

Anne Healy: Why is the Downers Grove Public Library important to the community of Downers Grove?

Julie Milavec: Libraries are essential community anchors, and DGPL is no different. As one of the last truly public spaces, the library serves as a community center more than the stereotypical library. There are no requirements to come to the library— people are encouraged to visit without any requirements or restrictions of mandatory purchases and participation. We offer the usual suspects—books, movies and music—all to help people enrich their lives and education, but we offer much more: computer and Internet access for those who do not have it at home; programs for fun and for educational purposes, ranging from crafts to assistance navigating the tax and healthcare systems; resources for small business owners; social service recommendations and so much more happen at our library. At DGPL, we are central to helping to keep the fabric of our community strong through the ability for patrons to discover, grow, play and learn all in one place.

Anne: How has the role of a library changed to meet community needs in the last few years?

Julie: We follow the strategic plan closely, which has focused on community engagement. One of our primary goals was to get our services outside of the walls of the library, and to bring new members of the community in. A great example of this is the work we have done in partnership with DuPage PADS. We realized that many individuals experiencing homelessness needed access to our resources, but didn’t feel as though they were welcome. In 2018 we began visiting the Downers Grove shelters to register clients for limited-use library cards, giving access to our resources, programs and computers. Since then,

the partnership has grown, and we have a monthly “lunch n’ learn," funded by the Downers Grove Rotary Club, where a local social-service agency will come to share their services and have one-onone time with individuals who recently registered for a card at the local shelter.

Anne: The library is responsible for many events that cater to different demographics. What are a few of your favorites?

Julie: The kids room “go global” series is a staff favorite; each program focuses on a different country, and introduces our youngest patrons (ages 3 and over) to diversity through a story, craft and snack. For adults, I love anything we do with the People’s Resource Center (PRC). PRC

the e-library, we offer reference Q-and-A through our chat service on our website and via e-mail, and began offering virtual programs for patrons through Zoom, [doit-yourself] instruction kits and recordings. We transitioned to offering digital library cards, so people who didn’t have one could still sign up and gain access to all our resources. Once Illinois moved into Phase 2 of the "Restore Illinois" plan, the library was able to begin offering curbside pick-up, which has been a huge success. We serve well over 150 cars a day, and have gone through thousands of holds already.

Anne: Summer reading is important to many students across the community. How will the library help facilitate this program?

Julie: This year, patrons can participate in summer reading club with our online tracking system, ReadSquared. Anyone who prefers a hard copy form to track can find them on our website (www.dglibrary. org/SRC) to print out until we reopen. You can track your reading by books or hours to earn prizes. Being able to track digitally is a game-changer, especially now. We encourage everyone, not just students, to participate in summer reading. A lot of people don’t realize that all ages—from infants to seniors—can earn prizes for reading from the library.

Anne: Are there any books that you would recommend for summer reading?

is a wonderful partner organization that focuses on responding to basic human needs by sharing resources. They offer job assistance and technology programs for our patrons, and have even altered their programs to fit our virtual programming.

Anne: During the COVID-19 pandemic, how have your daily operations been impacted? Have you had to pivot to meet the needs of members in different ways?

Julie: While the library’s building was closed, the library itself stayed open and very, very busy. To support our e-library, our staff purchased more e-books and e-audiobooks to give our patrons greater access. Additionally, we added a new online learning tool—universal training— for our patrons who were looking for development opportunities. Outside of

Julie: Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi is a great read—this novel is moving, compelling and powerful. If you’re looking for more recommendations, go to www.dglibrary.org/staff-picks. We have curated themed lists of guaranteed hits and a weekly recommendation.

“ Libraries are essential community anchors, and DGPL is no different. ”

— JULIE MILAVEC

Spin class

DOWNERS GROVE NORTH'S RACHELLE MORAN APPEARED ON A RECENT EPISODE OF WHEEL OF FORTUNE, AND DELIVERED AN A+ PERFORMANCE

BY MARK MENAPACE PHOTOS BY SONY PICTURES TELEVISION

When Woodridge resident

Rachelle Moran was diagnosed with a bloodclot in her leg in April 2019, she could never have dreamed it would indirectly result in her winning nearly $60,000 worth of cash and prizes. Nor could she have anticipated that her background in performing arts, which led to her current role in the fine arts department at Downers Grove North High School, would help her claim those winnings.

Nevertheless, following her recent victorious appearance on Wheel of Fortune , Moran has earned the admiration of her students and colleagues at DGN.

"The amount of excitement at the school was really fun after keeping the secret for all those weeks," Moran said, alluding to her contractual obligation not to reveal the outcome of the episode, which was taped on Jan. 23, but did not air until a month later.

How did she end up on Wheel ? A self-proclaimed lover of puzzles and games, but historically not a fan of the show, she became a more regular Wheel -watcher while recovering from the aforementioned leg injury.

And in summer 2019, she both took initiative and a flyer, submitting an online application, but not expecting much out of it.

Nevertheless, within weeks, she was invited to an audition in Chicago, where she proceeded to solve a puzzle on her first try in front of 75 other potential contestants, and excelled on her subsequent written test. She left the audition hopeful, but realistic.

A few months later, on an unseasonably warm October day, a letter arrived informing Moran she had been selected to appear on the show.

"It was like something out of a movie," Moran said of that moment.

Having majored in English and studied several other languages, it was quickly apparent that her mastery of linguistics was a real asset on Wheel , where she regularly solved puzzles before the on-screen contestants.

In the three months leading up to her appearance, Moran put in work. She watched Wheel of Fortune every night, downloaded the app and studied strategy websites. But when the time came, she said most of that went right out the window.

What she was able to rely on was her background in performing arts,

“It was like something out of a movie. ”

— RACHELLE MORAN

specifically, a comfort with being onstage.

Moran grew up playing in bands, and performing in musical theater. While many might crumble under the bright lights of the studio, for Moran, "It felt like the most normal thing in the world. I wasn't nervous at all."

Her comfort level was evident early, as she injected a dose of humor into the typically lethargic contestant interviews. When asked about who she'd brought with her, she winkingly told host Pat Sajak she was there with her fantastic husband Brian, and that she was there "to support his dreams for a lavish lifestyle."

After conceding an early $1,000 lead to a fellow contestant, Moran proceeded to solve five of the next seven puzzles, including a "perfect round" (in which no other contestant takes a spin) and the all-important Prize Puzzle, which earned her and Brian a trip to Italy.

Although she maintained a comfortable lead throughout the episode, Moran was so "in the zone," she did not realize that she had wrapped up the victory until Pat's "Final Spin," at which point, she discovered she had accumulated over four times more winnings than her next closest competitor.

For the Bonus Round, Moran strategically chose a "what are you doing" puzzle because she said "you have an advantage knowing the structure of the puzzle."

After selecting B, C, G and A as her supplemental letters, she was faced with the following board. Feel free to play along at home, we'll put the answer on this page.

brand-new Jeep Compass.

All told, combined with the trip to Italy, a second trip to Hawaii she had scooped up earlier in the game, and her cash earnings, Moran walked away with $57,565 in cash and prizes.

Not bad for a day's work—though not quite as impressive as Pat Sajak's day at work, which if press reports of his $20 million salary are accurate, earn him $312,500 per day of taping.

Flying to Italy and Hawaii sounded great six months ago, but perhaps less so today? Fortunately, cash and prizes are not awarded until four months after the air-date, i.e. late June, and Wheel contestants are typically given up to 12 months to take their trip. Moran expects that, given the current global travel restrictions, they will be granted additional leniency.

of your spin to intentionally land on the big-dollar wedges or avoid the "bankrupt" slot.

What is Vanna White like? Moran said Vanna is "genuinely sweet."

In times like these, there is comfort to be found in that realization, the same way there is comfort to be found in the longevity, simplicity and consistency of Wheel of Fortune .

It took Moran less than two seconds to solve, and Pat opened her prize envelope to reveal she had won a

What is it like to spin the wheel?

According to Moran, the wheel is heavier and the angle is more awkward than is apparent on TV. And there is absolutely no way to alter the force

“It felt like the most normal thing in the world. I wasn't nervous at all.

— RACHELLE MORAN

Double Exposure

A snapshot of local photographer and philanthropist Miles Boone

BY VALERIE HARDY PHOTOGRAPHY BY MILES BOONE

Of Miles Boone’s childhood, it might be more apt to say “a boy and his camera” than the familiar “a boy and his dog,” because, as Boone says, “I’ve been taking pictures since I can remember.”

Boone’s grandfather was an amateur photographer, and Boone attributes his early passion for photography to him.

He “caught the bug” from his grandpa, but the choice to hone his photography skills was his own.

“My first merit badge in Boy Scouts was photography,” Boone said.

Yet it wasn’t until he took a photography class in high school that he knew he wanted to pursue it professionally. Still, because he didn’t know anyone who made a sustainable career of photography, Boone chose to study business in college instead.

After college, though, he couldn’t shake the photography bug, and began working in the dark-room of a wedding and portrait studio.

His career really got going a year later, when he read an article in the newspaper about a Naperville photographer who photographed celebrities for magazines.

“The next day, I called him, and ended up assisting him for about two years," Boone said. "This is where I learned the most."

As for inspiration, it’s all around Boone: his family, nature, other photographers, current events and social issues.

“Nowadays, I’m really trying to turn my photography into something that will do some good in the world,” he said.

After the riots in Ferguson, Missouri, Boone was “so upset at how divided the country was,” he began a photography

project titled “Common Ground.”

“It’s a series of portraits with the subjects’ own hand-written descriptions of themselves," he said. "It’s an attempt to show that no matter how different we may look, or our backgrounds are, we have common ground in our humanity."

He also does commercial portraits and lifestyle photography for advertising agencies, corporations, magazines and graphic-design studios.

Perhaps most recognizable to his fellow Downers Grove residents, however, are his

“The kids were milling about and settled on the couch," he said. ... "[It] happened naturally, and I loved the result."

The next year, Boone rolled the concept out to the community, and it was a hit.

Besides Miles Boone Photography, Boone also owns The TreeHouse: A Shared Creative Space. Along with his wife, Amy, he opened The TreeHouse a few years ago to serve as his studio.

However, Boone said, “Since my work is generally on-location, and I don’t need it all that often, the plan was to rent it out to other photographers to help defray the cost, providing a great space at a really great price."

Over time, people began approaching the Boones about using The TreeHouse for small events and meetings.

Not only does he now share his studio space with the community, Boone also shares his photography knowledge with students at College of DuPage, where he has been an adjunct faculty member since 2013.

And throughout his career, Boone has been donating his time and talents to numerous nonprofit organizations in and beyond Downers Grove.

hallmark "couch portraits."

The concept for these—which simply, but artfully capture families sitting on a couch— stemmed from an experience Boone had photographing his own five children for his family’s annual Christmas card in 2005.

Boone was setting up a backdrop in his living room, and moved the couch out of the way to do so.

“I have worked pro bono for countless non-profits, but one of the longest is Ageguide.org (formerly, the Northeastern Illinois Area Agency on Aging),” he said.

A Downers Grove resident since he graduated college, Boone is proud of the community—especially for its recent peaceful support of Black Lives Matter.

“I hope we can be an instrument of change for such an important issue.”

BOONE FAMILY ORIGINAL COUCH PORTRAIT, 2005

BOONE FAMILY COUCH PORTRAIT, 2014

"COMMON GROUND IS A PROJECT THAT REALLY SPEAKS TO THE CURRENT STATE OF OUR WORLD AND WHAT WE NEED MORE OF," MILES BOONE SAYS.

TOM FIKES

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MILES BOONE

Signs of the times

Downtown Downers Grove boarded up its windows in early June due to some uncertainty around potential protests. Thanks to many local artists, including District 58’s very own Jon Belonio, the boarded-up windows were transformed into a beautiful canvas of work and murals to celebrate diversity and equality.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF JON BELONIO

Hometown Heroes

Heroes shining in our local spotlight

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN | PHOTOGRAPH BY CAROLINA MENAPACE

Some say that every cloud has a silver lining. They were easy to spot during the COVID-19 pandemic in Downers Grove. Residents showed up to help wherever and whenever needed, from community members posting offers on NextDoor of grocery and pharmacy runs for total strangers, to neighborhoods organizing fun walks and window scavenger hunts to alleviate the little ones of boredom. Front-line workers at Good Samaritan Hospital were treated to concrete thanks in the form of hot lunches and dinners, arriving from area restaurants via www.mealtrain.com.

As always, wherever there are community needs, scouts can be found. Girl Scout Troop 50972 painted colorful signs of encouragement and heartfelt thanks, along with their leader Jen Haselhorst, to greet essential workers at the hospital. The signs were accompanied by cases of cookies courtesy of Marie Mueller and Troop 55105.

Students from preschool to professional school were affected by the disruption COVID-19 made to education. Among the hardest hit were high-school seniors. This dynamic and accomplished group of graduates deserved better than this year’s anticlimactic end to their secondary education. Enter Corinne Cooper, founder of Celebrate a Senior.

Celebrate a Senior offered a chance to do just that: find a DG highschool senior, and come up with a way to celebrate their graduation. Students had their houses and cars decorated in creative ways with signs and balloons. Boxes and care packages containing favorite foods and big and small gifts were delivered to their front porches. One lucky hockey fan whose “celebratory” family had ties to the Chicago Blackhawks surprised him with a congratulatory video from former Chicago Blackhawk Chris Chelios.

So how did the mother of a gradeschool-aged family manage to connect hundreds of high-school students with willing “celebrators” in town? Cooper, former president of the Downers Grove Area Newcomers, set up a Facebook page to help spread the word and match up students with celebratory families. The parents of the graduating seniors posted pictures and information about his or her child’s high-school participation, academic and athletic accomplishments and other unique characteristics for ideas for gifts and decorating.

The Kingsley Elementary School community, where Cooper lives, is close-knit, so she "hit this group hard."

"The first weekend, we did not have

“So much was happening outside the page itself," she said. "People took the idea and made their own plans; I just put it out there. There are still celebrations going on. There were no parameters placed on how or when to celebrate. I left it up to them.”

Some celebrators volunteered to take graduates they already knew from previous relationships, e.g., a family friend, employee or babysitter. But some if not most, were total strangers, making the gesture all the more extraordinary. A few seniors were adopted by fellow alumni of the graduate’s future alma mater , opening the door to networking possibilities or job opportunities down the road.

When asked how she developed the idea, Cooper said that a friend in Denver was doing something similar for graduating seniors there.

enough students on the page," she said. "As soon as a parent posted their senior [was] available for celebration, they were taken."

While Cooper estimated the number of seniors celebrated thus far to be about 225, the precise number is difficult to ascertain.

“I remember my senior year and all the special events that came with it,” she said. "It’s a unique time in life these kids won’t be getting back. I also thought about how high-school graduation is as much a celebration for the parents as it is for the students; the parents were thrilled that someone— often a total stranger—cared so much."

I remember my senior year and all the special events that came with it .

-CORINNE COOPER

WRITER MAUREEN CALLAHAN AND HER CHILDREN MAEVE, KATHLEEN AND RORY CELEBRATE NICOLA PERNA, WHO WILL BE ATTENDING ILLINOIS STATE ON A FULL SCHOLARSHIP THIS FALL.

The calm during the storm

An inside look at local leader Bob Barnett’s first year as Downers Grove mayor

BY VALERIE HARDY PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINA MENAPACE

Despite being one of the largest of Chicago’s western suburbs, residents of Downers Grove often equate it to Mayberry, the utopian small town featured in the 1960s sitcom The Andy Griffith Show. The fictitious Mayberry had two mayors over the show’s run: the relaxed Mayor Pike and the more assertive Mayor Stoner. Downers Grove’s current mayor Bob Barnett has led this modern-day Mayberry during the toughest of times with a balance of Pike’s calm and Stoner’s assertiveness.

Contributing editor Valerie Hardy caught up with Barnett after he recently completed the first year of his four-year mayoral term.

What are your primary goals as mayor of Downers Grove?

I think first and foremost, I want to increase the connection residents feel to their government. I hope to work with my colleagues to make your village council more accessible than ever. The village facilities plan needs to be acted upon. The COVID-19 pandemic has certainly set us back on our heels a bit, but none of the very real needs have changed. Life is going to continue, and the village is going to continue to be called upon to serve the public safety, water service and development needs of our residents. We’re going to have to figure out how to get it done. Another really important goal is maintaining value. The Village of Downers Grove has the lowest municipal tax in DuPage County. While the State of Illinois has its challenges, Downers Grove remains a real value for homeowners and businesses. That has taken a lot of work, and will take a lot of work to maintain.

What were some of the early highlights of your first year as mayor?

For decades, our community has struggled with finding a way to make

necessary investments in a new village hall and police station. We made this a priority, and just before the COVID-related shutdown, the village council was as united as ever in direction. I think we made great strides, and hope we can continue forward on this important project.

What has been challenging about being a local leader during the pandemic?

Lack of information and clarity—there’s so little good understanding of the Coronavirus. And from Washington, D.C. to Springfield to Wheaton, the information...is sometimes in conflict and often changes. And through it all, the role of municipal government is challenged; like most suburban municipalities, we do not operate a public health department—which means that in many of the COVID issues, we have neither the expertise nor authority— pretty frustrating, since we’re the closest, easiest-toaccess government.

Since the stay-at-home order went into effect back in March, what has been most encouraging from your vantage point as mayor?

The wide range of community members—residents and businesses alike—that have risen to the challenge and been creative, innovative and positive. No one is unaffected, and some have been affected in catastrophic ways; but time and again, our community has been given a shot of hope or optimism, and that’s what we’re going to continue to need to get through this.

Is being mayor your full-time job?

Our village council structure is somewhat analogous to that of a board of directors. It is not a full-time job. The village council has three direct reports, including the village manager, village attorney and village clerk. Our role is not operational, but rather focused on setting priorities, budgets and policies. As mayor, I am paid $4,800 per year, and council

Article continued on the next page

“I’d encourage everyone to be intentional about finding their own way to add to our community— we’ll all be better for it.”

— MAYOR BOB BARNETT

members are paid $2,400 per year. I’m a mechanical engineer with an MBA in terms of education, and my “day job” is in business development for a manufacturing company.

How would you quantify how much time you put in weekly to governing our village?

Well, cliché as it is, the role of mayor varies greatly, and can also be a function of what you put into the work. In less chaotic times, the role of mayor (for me) ranges from 10 to 20 hours per week. With the COVID-19 epidemic and the reaction to the killing of George Floyd, that time has increased substantially.

How did you “land” in Downers Grove, and how long have you lived here?

My wife and I have lived in Downers Grove since 1998—she’s originally from Cincinnati, and I’m originally from Clarendon Hills. Shortly after we were married, we began looking for a home to settle down into and a place to raise a family. Important features included an older home (ours is from the mid-1800s), a walkable downtown, good schools and access to mass transit. Downers Grove hit all the marks, and we couldn’t be happier.

Is there a final thought you’d like to share with our readers?

Sometimes, I’m asked why I ran for mayor. I think everyone should find a way to serve their community—whether that’s the community they live in, or their church or club or neighborhood or PTA or kids team, etc. Local government is something I’ve always been interested in, and it continues to be a place [in which] I think I can help. As we’ve seen over the last couple challenging months, when people step up to help and offer of themselves to their community, great things happen, even in difficult times. I’d encourage everyone to be intentional about finding their own way to add to our community—we’ll all be better for it.

With many of our lives becoming increasingly unsettled during these unprecedented times, you can gain some peace of mind by developing and implementing a proper estate plan. Whether your first plan or an update of an existing plan, our team will guide you through the process in a straightforward and practical manner.

No matter where we are, we never really leave our patient’s side.

Stacey Keeler may be done working for the day, but in her head she’s still with her structural heart patients, finding all the little ways she can treat them less like patients and more like family. It’s that never-o -the-clock attitude that’s led Edward-Elmhurst Health to become a nationally recognized leader in heart care. Take your free HeartAware Assessment at ThisIsPersonalEEH.org

Stacey Keeler, RN Program Coordinator, Cardiac Innovations & Structural Heart Center®

Healthgrades, Edward Hospital, 2014-2020

Healthgrades, Edward Hospital and Elmhurst Hospital, 2020

Partner Profiles

We asked our partners to tell Downers Grove Magazine one thing they have learned the last few months about their business, the community, their employees or their family. Thanks to our partners for standing by Downers Grove Magazine, despite any challenges they have faced personally or professionally.

Elaine Pagels Group Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices

Elaine Pagels

The last few months have given people time to reflect how important their families, home and neighbors are to them. We are not the least bit surprised by the acts of kindness and care for each other that Downers Grove residents have shown each other and the world. We are so proud of our town! On a personal note, it has been another reminder how very fortunate I am to be on a team with my family. We all love and support each other, while having the same work ethic and a passion for real estate.

Bruss Landscaping

Eric Bruss

I have always been so thankful for the team here at Bruss, as they have always displayed such dedication and loyalty at all levels. The last few months of navigating this pandemic and working in the essential labor force has been daunting to say the least. As a whole, my team here has never blinked, stayed loyal and dedicated beyond any expectation. So, thanks to COVID-19, Bruss Landscaping is a stronger company, we are healthier as a team than we have ever been, and I don’t know what challenge we can’t overcome. For that, I am thankful, and we are excited to continue transforming properties into dynamic outdoor spaces for our clients.

Cut Above Landscaping

Chris Schlueter

After spending more time at home, many families have rekindled an interest in nature, and begun using outdoor spaces differently. From working, cooking and dining outside to walks and bike rides, we’ve found an escape within our own neighborhoods. Professionally, what we are seeing at Cut Above is nothing short of a renaissance. Our community has a renewed realization in the importance of basic human needs: a pause for family, friendship, social interaction and the vital role that nature has on our well-being.

Downers Grove Downtown Management Group

Erin Venezia

One thing that has been amazing to see over the past few months is the incredible sense of community here in Downers Grove. Our downtown businesses overnight had to change their business model. The way the community came out and responded by supporting the businesses and one another was heartwarming. The way our businesses continued to give back to the community during this time was amazing. It truly showed how important our downtown businesses are in the lives of the residents. These past few months have reinforced to me what I have always known: our downtown community and Downers Grove community overall is a great place to live, work, shop, dine and play.

Downers Grove Orthodontics

Dr. Meena Balakrishnan

The last three months have taught us that no matter what this country is facing, the people of this town will step up. Heralded as one of America’s friendliest towns, Downers Grove has also proven to be an incredibly resilient community. We’re proud of our patients and their families, and our staff and their families, all of whom safely stood together to serve all during a very challenging time. Downers Grove Orthodontics chose wisely when we set up our practice in this community 14 years ago, and that’s why we will continue to be a part of it.

Downers Grove Park District

Dawn Hartman

The Downers Grove Park District is excited for the community to be together again to enjoy recreation-based programs, services and experiences this summer. Throughout the COVID-19 health crisis, the district has been proud to continue serving the community, while following the established guidelines under each phase of the Restore Illinois plan. Downers Grove residents have shared with us how truly vital parks and recreation are to the community, and we continue to evolve our programs and events to provide fun experiences following established guidelines. This summer, families can enjoy on-site summer camps or at-home stay-camp kits, virtual summer concerts, drive-in movies, outdoor group exercise classes, nature programs and so much more.

The Driscoll Crisp Team Platinum Partners Realtors

Tracy Driscoll & Diane Crisp

The last few months taught us many things, but one that stood out was people’s amazing capacity for creativity—from solving business problems to connecting our community. As realtors, when in-person meetings became difficult, we were able to quickly pivot to virtual solutions. From insta-tours to Zoom appointments, our vendors helped us seamlessly deliver for our clients. We saw creativity in our community too. Restaurants partnered to provide unique offerings, and downtown businesses—with help from residents—transformed drab plywood protecting their stores into inspiring works of art. As families, we discovered new ways to spend time— hiking, games and poker nights. While these last few months have obviously been challenging, they have made us even more proud to be part of our company and this community.

Evelyn Jane Boutique & Sweet Jane in Downers Grove

Amy Brown

The past few months have reinforced what I love about the Downers Grove community. These are people who truly care about their town and the unique businesses that serve it. During our closure, so many considerate folks asked how they could help, and then acted on it. In turn, I learned that I could adapt my business to a changing environment by finding out what my customers wanted, and then delivering (sometimes literally). You have to go above and beyond; it’s a two-way street. If you take care of your customers, they will take care of you. Thank you, DG!

Michels Group

Patti & Chase Michels

What a roller-coaster the past few months have been, but nothing has kept us going more than witnessing the strength of our community. The support that our residents, restaurants, small-business owners, local leaders, non-profits and more have had for each other is truly inspiring. The resiliency and compassion that the community of Downers Grove have are a few of the many reasons why it is such a wonderful place to live. We are honored to be a small part of the community, and know if we continue to work together and do our small parts, we will get through this stronger than ever!

Remax Enterprises

Mary Braatz

During the shelter-in-place order, I found that Downers Grove offered everything that we needed within walking distance or a very short drive from home. It was reassuring to know that we have a major hospital and trauma center in the village, in case we need it. We experienced few shortages, and many fine grocery stores and pharmacies were able to fill our needs. When we needed to leave the house for a breath of fresh air, we had many parks and the forest preserve to hike in. Timely and effective communication from our village government and law enforcement kept us well-informed as events progressed.

Shine Pediatric Dentistry

Dr. Lynse Briney

I am grateful for a moment to pause and reflect. Like many, I’ve had highs and lows, but have come away feeling a bit wiser and more appreciative of what matters most to me: helping children and their families. I know now, more than ever, that I made the right choice to realize my vision of compassionate patient care. And I feel honored to have the unique opportunity to proudly serve the Downers Grove community through Shine Pediatric Dentistry.

Sterling Studio Kitchen and Bath Showroom

Greg Cutler

During these last few months, I’ve learned just how unified Downers Grove really is. I’ve witnessed so much giving and consideration from so many business owners towards our community. Many businesses have shown creativity and innovation to keep their businesses afloat. I would like to pay homage to the best staff in Downers Grove, my staff! They, too, have been creative in finding solutions to our current challenges. I am grateful and honored to have such a great team that takes pride in our company, their work and our community.

Wannemaker’s

At Wannemaker’s, the last few months have reminded us that our customers, employees and entire community are to our business what sun, soil and water are to our nursery. We’ve been in business for more than 50 years—across three generations of the Wannemaker family—and we’ve always loved and appreciated the people around us. But this tragic time reminds us just how much we need each other. All of us need every one of us. To our committed employees and our wonderfully supportive customers, thank you for reminding us that our community is strongest together (even six feet apart).

Walkable to Downtown

BY LARRY ATSEFF

What a lifestyle!

Only a relocation move would take sellers from this home and location. The very best of all worlds, this restored and updated vintage home is in the heart of downtown Downers Grove, just a block from the Metra train station and vibrant downtown with events throughout the year, including farmers market and free concerts at the band-shell. The home has a terrific floor plan with a seamless addition. Some of the details include sound system, coffered ceiling, wainscoting, Pella and Andersen windows and transom windows for extra sunlight. Swing those French doors open and walk onto the front porch or screened porch. The kitchen has high-end finishes and cabinetry, Dacor stove, SS appliances, eating area, built-in buffet with quartz counter-top and access to deck. The family room offers built-in cabinetry, fireplace, access to deck and screened porch. The master suite addition includes a very large bedroom, walk-in closet, second closet and two-room bathroom suite. The third level makes for a perfect au pair suite, with full bathroom with heated floors, bedroom and living area or extra space for a recreational area or home office. The basement features a laundry area, hobby room, utility area and crawl-space with concrete floor. The backyard has a shed, (which was previously a barn for horses,) fire-pit, professional landscaping, deck and patio. The home has a 2.5car garage with a concrete driveway with a turnaround. It occupies close to a half acre, and is close to the downtown, Denburn Woods, Maple Grove Forest Preserve and Gilbert Park.

EDITED BY MIKE ELLIS

1216 Gilbert Ave., Downers Grove Offered at $825,000

Perfect for Seniors

Beautiful updated ranch home in north Downers Grove features a large, 90-foot by 228-foot lot with mature trees and professional landscaping. The home is just a short walk to Lester Elementary School, the Metra station and Hummer Park. The interior features an updated kitchen with quality cabinetry, granite countertops, island with seating, stainlesssteel appliances and an eating area space, where you can fit a large table. The kitchen is enhanced with a stylish brick fireplace, skylight and hardwood floors. Right off the kitchen is a four-season sunroom that leads out to the expansive deck. The inviting living room at the center of the home is a wonderful place to entertain family and friends. It has hardwood floors, a second fireplace and a fabulous view of the amazing backyard. The spacious master bedroom has a walk-in closet and a gorgeous ensuite bathroom with a glass-enclosed shower and furniture-style vanity. The two additional bedrooms have ample closet space, wonderful natural light and share the updated hall bathroom. The basement was recently updated, and features a large family room with a full wall of closets for games and storage, a large table area and wet-bar with serving counter and cabinetry. There is also a work room, third full updated bathroom and crawl-space for additional storage. Other improvements include a new roof, soffit and facia, as well as having the exterior stained, all in 2017. The home has easy access to expressways, downtown Downers Grove and award-winning DG schools, including Downers Grove North High School. The shed in the backyard is included. The home is wheelchair accessible.

4737 Florence Ave., Downers Grove Offered at $525,000

Love where you live!

A mid-century modern home located on a quiet cul de sac on a half-acre wooded lot, this home features breathtaking views of St. Joseph Creek and Denburn Woods. Watch birds, deer and other wildlife from your living room window. Bring your architect and ideas, as the home offers a fantastic opportunity to upgrade, add on or build the home of your dreams. The home has a walk-up attic for future expansion. It is an estate-sale home, being sold "as is." The home is just two blocks from the downtown, train, farmers market, shops, band-shell, library and restaurants. Gilbert Park and Maple Grove Forest Preserve are within walking distance featuring a playground and hiking trails. The property is located in the Downers Grove North High School attendance area.

5105 Dewitt Lane, Downers Grove Offered at $440,000

5/26 thru 9/18

Virtual Summer Concert Series

The Downers Grove Park District summer concerts are now virtual every other Tuesday at 7 p.m. Be sure to tune in.

Now Open

Blackwell Forest Preserve

Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville is one of DuPage County's most popular forest preserves, and offers overnight camping starting on July 10. Photo courtesy of the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County

Now Open

Cantigny Park

Cantigny Park in Wheaton is now open. Museums, gardens, golf and dining—there’s something for every family member.

Photo courtesy of Cantigny Park

Now Open

Morton Arboretum

The Morton Arboretum is open to the general public. Date-specific timed-entry tickets must be reserved by members and purchased by non-members online prior to visiting to ensure safe attendance levels.

Photo courtesy of Morton Arboretum

Now Open

Top Golf Naperville

Top Golf Naperville is now open with safety guidelines.

Now Open

Go Ape

Multiple zip-line obstacle courses makes Go Ape in Western Springs the perfect outing for any adventure-loving family.

A Business Surge

BY EMMA WOLF

Birthday yard-signs and car parade celebrations

Instead of birthday parties, many chose to celebrate with signs or honking parades. Tracy Parrott of Card My Yard Naperville has helped more than 450 families celebrate joyous occasions over the past three months, along with healthcare facilities, police and fire stations and local heroes.

Photograph courtesy of Card My Yard Naperville

Family game nights

Family board games to the rescue—many families retreated into game mode. “Board games provide a non-digital way to engage people, and are an opportunity to use your brain in different ways,” Eric Brezina of Fair Game in Downers Grove said. Photograph courtesy of Fair Game Downers Grove

Movie nights (and binge-watching)

According to The Los Angeles Times, Netflix gained 15.8 million global subscribers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Take-out/delivery

Many local restaurants started offering curbside pick-up and delivery options. Will the trend continue? “There is no way carry out could replace our regular business, but it helped to keep my staff employed, the lights on in the pub, and it has given us hope for the future,” said Phil Cullen, owner of Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant in Downers Grove.

Photograph courtesy of Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant

Bike sales

With gyms closed, some have switched to bikes for exercise and stressrelief. Some road-bike categories will shoot up 35 percent this year, according to WinterGreen Research. Ronald Baute at Trek Bicycle in Downers Grove reported that they receive between 20 and 40 voicemails per day, and bike sales revenue has doubled year over year the last three months.

Animal adoptions

Animal adoptions have increased. “On average, we do between 30 and 40 adoptions per month," said Carolyn Mossberger, director of the West Suburban Humane Society. "Those numbers have doubled to 60 to 80 adoptions per month during the stay-at-home order."

Photograph courtesy of West Suburban Humane Society

Trampoline sales

Trampolines are hard to come by these days. Although the overall rate of fractures in children is down significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion due to trampoline (and bicycles) has increased. (Safety first.) Photograph courtesy of Jumpking Trampolines

Despite difficult times, people found new hobbies, ways to celebrate and more. Which ones will stick?

Commitment to the community

DuPage PADS adapts to provide services and support for its clients during challenging times

BY KATE RYAN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF DUPAGEPADS

Since early March, the DuPage community has faced one of the most challenging times in its history. During this time of change, DuPage PADS has remained committed to ending homelessness for individuals and families in its care. Case managers, staff, volunteers and donors continue to work together supporting the health and wellbeing of every client served throughout the course of the pandemic.

In response to the health risks caused by COVID-19, DuPage PADS made the difficult decision to suspend its interim (overnight) housing program in local

congregational sites temporarily, in order to better protect clients, volunteers and staff. Immediately, the staff formed an emergency temporary housing plan focused on redirecting clients to existing housing options, and utilizing hotel rooms to keep clients without shelter options safe. With 213 clients active at the time of closure, DuPage PADS originally allocated $402,000 in operating funds for 20 hotel rooms to keep those most vulnerable due to age or chronic health conditions safe.

When the shelter-in-place order was extended, DuPage PADS quickly increased the number of rooms available to house

as many unsheltered clients as possible. Since then, the emergency housing program has increased to as many as 100 hotel rooms in use, consistently serving 115 to 120 individuals and families who had no other shelter options and no home to safely shelter in.

The DuPage PADS Client Service Center in Wheaton also adapted how services were provided to operate as a call center for clients. Calls continued to direct those in need to wrap-around services, provide ongoing case management and maintain stability and access to safe emergency housing.

The client service center also became a supply hub for receiving thousands of donations, safely sanitizing items and redistributing food and essential supplies.

Case managers make calls to clients every 48 hours, checking on health conditions, continuing housing plans and meeting needs for basic assistance. Staff frequent emergency housing hotel sites to provide wellness checks and address needs from a safe social distance.

Additionally, the permanent supportive housing program, which includes 199 tenants in 147 apartments, continues to communicate with staff, ensuring that each client is in good health, has enough food and supplies and his or her basic needs are being met.

DuPage PADS does not accomplish this work alone. To date, its COVID-19 emergency response fund established in March has raised more than $240,000 in community support from individual donors.

The agency has applied for public and private grant assistance, helping to fund the shelter and relief efforts as the organization continues to collaborate with other non-profits and organizations across DuPage County by coordinating supplies, addressing immediate needs and forming a long-term plan for moving clients out of emergency housing to stable housing.

“Together with our community and the power of we, along with established safety measures for our staff and clients," DuPage PADS president and CEO Carol Simler said, "we have reduced the spread of COVID-19, while providing clients with the services and support they need most."

For more information about DuPage PADS, visit www.dupagepads.org.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINA MENAPACE

Restaurants Reinvented

Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, local dining establishments thought outside of the box, while patrons dined outside on the streets

BY VALERIE HARDY

When on-premises dining was suspended on March 16, local restaurants were left to either close their doors or promptly pivot their mode of operation.

Pierce Tavern, virtually overnight, went from “a restaurant that was constantly full… to a full-on take-out business,” co-owner Sam Vlahos said.

From the get-go, to-go business boomed. “[The first night], we learned one person manning the phones was not going to cut it,” Vlahos said.

It was challenging to fill hundreds of takeout orders in the two-hour window of time most customers wanted dinner (5 to 7 p.m.).

“We were so appreciative of all the orders, but we weren’t built as a to-go restaurant,” Vlahos said.

So when Phase 3 was announced—with help from the village to “adapt a plan to get more tables and seats and to procure [restaurants] more revenue"—Vlahos said "we had never been more thankful."

Like Pierce Tavern, Carnivore & The Queen chef-owners Chris Matus and Kelli Lodico-Matus said they had built up many loyal customers who were eager to continue their patronage, and “one thing we did [to respond] was put family packages together

instantly,” Matus said.

Carnivore & The Queen committed to making its offerings affordable through discounts on family meals, wine and beer. Lodico-Matus said that these discounts “helped everyone."

"We needed the business, and it helped families," she said.

Matus said they also continued to get their brand out to the public by selling their renowned key-lime pie at Fresh Thyme stores in the area, transformed their “chic inside to the outside for al fresco dining, Ravinia-style,” and added delivery service in Downers Grove and neighboring suburbs.

"Everyone started to wear many different hats,” Matus said, including the owners, who personally did many deliveries so they could see their valued customers.

For Baked Apple owner Angelo Doulas, employees and customers were also top priority, but the initial decision to temporarily close was a no-brainer.

“My father had some health issues—preexisting, non-COVID—and we didn’t want to chance it,” Doulas said.

Doulas continued to pay staff, despite being closed until May 1. He said dinner restaurants tended to be busier for carry-

full-capacity indoor dining is permitted, he’s grateful for the outdoor dining option.

Doulas has gotten through the pandemic period with patience and positivity—along with diners’ sincere appreciation.

“Our customers have been good to us," he said. ... "That’s what drives us to keep cooking, keep opening—the community."

He said these additions were “how we were able to keep our staff."

Restaurant

Baked Apple 1224 Ogden Ave.

Carnivore & the Queen

2241 Maple Ave.

out than those only open for breakfast and lunch, adding, “What saved us was when the patio re-opened.”

Doulas invested in outdoor tables and portable carports for shelter and shade, and he set up shop in Baked Apple’s parking lot. While he plans to donate these items once

A Taste of the Town

Crowd Favorites

Biscuits and gravy

Chicken and waffles

Dinner for 4:

BBQ ribs and chicken combo with loaded potatoes and salad

Seafood salad

Chicken Cacciatore

Chicken Vesuvio

Meanwhile, newcomer to the community Covo Greet Street Food faced additional challenges this spring. They had only been open for business about a week before the executive order closed restaurants. Owner Billy Jano shared that, while far from ideal, “It’s been okay. ... We are trying to get our name out there, and are continuing [to hone] our vision for the store, and we have pretty high hopes for the future.”

Restaurant owners, are optimistic for a return to a greater semblance of normalcy as Downers Grove progresses through the reopening phases. But they will never forget the support they received along the way.

“Not a day went by when people didn’t thank us for what we do," Vlahos said. "This shows one thing, and that is that supporting local is here to stay.”

Restaurateur Recommendations

El Mariachi skillet Southern-style skillet with bacon, avocado, jalapeño and melted jack cheese, with eggs and hash browns mixed in

Double-cut veal chop topped with buttery crab 22-oz. filet

Chilean sea bass

Scallops

Roasted chicken

Covo Greek Street Food

74 Ogden Ave.

Pierce Tavern

5135 Main Street

Olympus Greek burger

Skepasti (Greek-style quesadilla with mozzarella, feta, choice of chicken, beef, lamb or spicy pork, mixed in a special Greek sauce)

Buffalo shrimp

Greek chicken or Greek skirt steak

“Perfectly fixed dinners,” served with roasted potatoes, salad and pita bread

Brisket grilled cheese

“Not a day went by when people didn’t thank us for what we do. This shows one thing, and that is that supporting local is here to stay.”

SAM VLAHOS

A few Downers Grove restaurants shared their recent best-selling dishes and must-try menu items as offered up by the owners

A Saturday morning tradition

Local Flavors Abound at the Downtown Downers Grove Market

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY GLENN HOFFMAN

For many residents, Saturday mornings and the Downtown Downers Grove Market are synonymous. For more than 30 years, the Indian Boundary YMCA and the village have jointly sponsored this weekly event. More than 3,000 area people come to the Burlington Ave. parking lot to patronize upwards of 70 vendors. Local families trek into town, children packed into strollers and wagons, to shop for their weekly supply of fresh produce, artisan cheeses, salsas, pickles, flowers and more.

Hand-crafted wooden toys, knit baby items and handmade lavender soaps and lotions create a bustling landscape and hum of activity. Musicians and prepared food vendors, supplying fresh donuts, breakfast sandwiches, juices and other goods, create a fun atmosphere for a morning outing. Drop off your knives to be sharpened with Samson Blades, on your right-hand side as you enter the market, then pick them up on your way out.

Proceeds from booth revenues offset YMCA program expenses, and help local families participate in events such as yearround athletic teams and summer camps. (At press-time, prepared foods, craft vendors and musicians had not yet received permission from the DuPage County Health Department to resume sales, due to COVID-19. Restrictions are expected to be loosened in the upcoming weeks.)

Greg and Ginger Rosenquist of Staff of Life Farms pack up their van in dark Saturday morning hours, and drive 60 miles from Dwight in Livingston County to bring fresh food to Downers Grove. Initially, the business began as a bakery when Greg, (then

a teenager,) started baking bread for health food stores, until he found farmers markets to be a more efficient and profitable venue. The farm followed as a way to ensure a healthy standard of nutrition when he and Ginger had their family.

Fast-forward 25 years to an 80-acre farm with roughly 600 chickens, 25 heads of cattle and 15 sheep, rendering the freshest eggs and choicest cuts of meats, with 13 farmhands (all their children) living onsite. Each of the 13 is a functioning part of the family farm and business. The older kids feed and take care of the cows, sheep and chickens, and the little ones help collect eggs and water the animals. What happened to the bakery?

“It still exists," oldest son and de facto farm stand manager Robin Rosenquist said. "My sisters Lis, Tori and Becca do most of the baking these days."

Their fresh breads, made with wheat ground on-site at the farm, are tough to beat. Try the cookies and cakes, all baked on Fridays in the farm’s kitchen. Wild honey, fruit preserves and homemade kettle corn (seriously addicting) round out a typical weekly offering. Look for Staff of Life Farms in the middle of the north row of vendors. As market season winds down, ask about the distribution list for the weekly Saturday morning drop to get their great food all year.

From there, stroll over to local vendor That Pickle Guy. Greg Fredrick sells many variations of the crunchiest, freshest-tasting pickles around. Based in Lisle with products now available in 14 states, Frederick became a connoisseur of muffuletta while working in New Orleans in the wine and spirits

industry almost two decades ago. The first taste will reveal his respect for the Deep South. His original, garlic and spicy pickle varieties are cured in all-natural brines. No chemicals or preservatives are ever used. Try the pepperoncini and sport peppers to dress up any sandwich. All of Frederick's goods are produced year-round, as opposed to huge batch-cooking, resulting in the freshest tastes.

“Our customers expect a great product from us,” he said, “and we’re fortunate to be able to give it to them.”

While the pickles and peppers are amazing, the real star of the show is the giardiniera, a Chicago-born concoction credited to Italian immigrants, with lots of olives.

“What makes ours stand out compared to other giardinieras is the variety of vegetables we use," Frederick said. "We cure each vegetable group individually, then add them together one at a time to create a medley. You get better flavors that way. The greatest thing about giardiniera is the versatility—just a little can add a lot of flavor to a plain dish."

It’s true; try it in pasta salads, soups, roasts and anything bland to dress it up and add vegetables.

You can find That Pickle Guy in the south row of vendors towards the east end.

For varied tastes and local flavors, come out to the Downtown Downers Grove Market on Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 12:30p.m. through Oct. 17. Get out ahead of some holiday shopping (think children’s clothing, crafts, framed art and jewelry), and help local vendors at the same time.

ROBIN ROSENQUIST OF STAFF OF LIFE FARMS

A grove of Gardens

Exploring three Downers Grove gardeners’ backyard paradises

BY HEATHER PRINCE PHOTOGRAPHY BY GLENN HOFFMAN

Summer is the height of gardening season, when we begin to enjoy fresh harvests or cut baskets of flowers for bouquets. We relax under cooling shade trees and play games on the lawn. Downers Grove is blessed with a community of gardeners. We explored three backyard retreats of the Garden Club of Downers Grove, each with its own distinct personality.

The collector’s garden

June Vandervest has been gardening in Downers Grove for more than 32 years on a quiet section of Brookbank Road. The split-level home is sheltered by a silver maple on the west side, and overlooks a public wetland with cottonwoods at the water’s edge. “We must have hauled almost 40 bags of trash from that area when we moved in,” Vandervest said. “My mother gave us Annabelle hydrangeas, daylilies and phlox to get started. The property started with a blue spruce, an apple, a crabapple and a Russian olive tree. One of the few remaining trees, the olive is my favorite.” The rolling lot proved a challenge to mow, so sweeping beds were installed. Soon, they filled with hosta, ferns, hellebores, Solomon’s seal and more shade-lovers. Vandervest’s gardens feature numerous hosta varieties, including many color variations and types. Her passion for daylilies, iris, peonies and roses is evident everywhere full sun permits. A master gardener with the University of Illinois Extension, Vandervest volunteers at Graue Mill. “Gardening is in my blood," she said. "My mother had a big vegetable garden. She and my grandmother belonged to the First Czechoslovak Garden Club of America in Cicero. My grandmother grew dinner plate-sized dahlias, and later had about four acres in what is now Burr Ridge for veggies and an orchard." Many plants gifted over the years are still growing in remembrance of special people. Blooming bulbs usher in summer, and fall perennials with a final hurrah of shrub, fall color. “We encourage the birds and see orioles, woodpeckers, chickadees and more. I love to sit and enjoy the serenity.”

The designer’s garden

Barb Bollenberg and her husband were looking to downsize, when a property on Blanchard caught their eye. With basically a blank slate, Bollenberg was able to create the gardens of her dreams. “I hired Marcy Stewart-Pyziak after she did a talk at the club," she said. "I decided I wanted to have organized gardens in memory of my dad, who had passed." The home was built about ten years ago on a wide corner lot, so Bollenberg has a small backyard retreat, but swathes of long-blooming plants along the sides. An artful blend of color and texture, beds hug the paths and feature Japanese maples, aralia "Sun King," astilbe, oak-leaf hydrangea, Autumn fern "Brilliance," hosta, coral bells, geranium and many more. At the rear, a shady private patio refuge and outdoor kitchen welcomes guests. The kitchen gardens are being revised this year, but Bollenburg planted her rhubarb in a perennial bed for its dramatic texture. “I’m a retired nurse," she said. "What I like about gardening is, you can make things better. With sick people, sometimes no matter what you do, you can’t fix it. A garden, though, you can weed, you can tend and improve." Collector trees and shrubs add focal points and anchor island beds, including Lavender Twist weeping redbud, Golden Showers dogwood, a nodding clematis vine and a yellow Itoh peony. “It’s a lot of serendipity too," Bollenberg said. "Gardeners have very generous hearts, and many plants are from club members. I get ideas from every garden I visit.”

The secret garden

Mary Jane Haley would rather be in her miniature cabin in the backyard than anywhere else. You might suspect a gardener lives at her house on Saratoga by the colorful perennial borders that hug the lawn and wrap under a Winter King hawthorn. But walk down the drive to the green garden door, and step into a secret world of musical fountains, serene plants and whimsical touches. A magnificent beautybush arches over a tiny patio and bistro set, a waterfall of pale pink flowers in spring. Colorful gold and green Japanese forest grass tickles the flagstone path. Tucked in the far back corner of this tiny yard, a screened-in cabin is draped in purple-flowered wisteria underneath a large pussywillow tree, a gift from an old friend and bridesmaid. Touches of silver lamium, variegated hosta and variegated Solomon’s seal complement peonies, allium and brunnera. “I wanted a secret garden,” Haley said. “My mother read me the book, and I loved it.” Haley’s grandparents had cabins and inspired her hideaway. “When I started gardening, I wanted a screened-in cabin where I could look out at the plants and the birds," she said. "I garden for connection. I love birdwatching; I love being a part of nature. It’s so calming; it’s a connection to who we are." Spring flowering trees like redbud and double-flowering cherry provide shelter for viburnum, boxwood and climbing hydrangea. “The Downers Grove Library has one of the best gardening sections, so I read up," Haley said. "Gardeners are some of the coolest people I’ve had the opportunity to meet. This whole garden was done on a budget. People gave me plants when I started. I’ve found anyone involved in plants, they’re great people.”

About Heather Prince:

A part of the Green industry for 20 years, longtime Downers Grove resident Heather Prince is currently the associate editor of The American Gardener magazine. A trained horticulturist, you can usually find her out in the garden, and can read more of her work on her website, www.fearlessgardening.net.

Jeffrey Fitzer, MD

Obstetrics-Gynecology

Locations

8 Salt Creek Ln., Suite 301, Hinsdale 303 W. Lake St., Addison 133 E. Brush Hill Rd., Suite 308, Elmhurst 755 N. York St., Elmhurst Phone 331.221.9002 Web

www.EEHealth.org

About

Dr. Fitzer earned his medical degree from the University of IllinoisCollege of Medicine. He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Illinois Masonic Medical Center.

JEFFREY FITZER, MD, a board-certified obstetriciangynecologist with Elmhurst Clinic, sees patients at his offices in Hinsdale, Addison and two locations in Elmhurst.

Dr. Fitzer is accepting new patients at Edward-Elmhurst Health Centers in Hinsdale at 8 Salt Creek Ln., North Elmhurst at 755 N. York St. and in Addison at 303 W. Lake St. Dr. Fitzer also sees patients in the West Medical Office Building on the Elmhurst Hospital campus, 133 W. Brush Hill Rd.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fitzer, visit www.EEHeealth.org/Schedule or call (331) 221-9002.

“I strive to provide excellence in healthcare by educating patients and assisting them to make healthy lifestyle choices from adolescence through menopause,” says Dr. Fitzer.

Dr. Fitzer offers a full range of obstetric and gynecologic services, including preconceptual counseling and complete prenatal care (both low- and high-risk pregnancies), well-woman care including annual exams and contraception, as well as gynecologic surgery (including minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures and robotics), and menopause care. He also speaks Spanish.

Elmhurst Clinic is a multi-specialty medical group with more than 100 physicians who practice in more than 20 specialties at 12 locations in Elmhurst, Addison, Bloomingdale, Lombard, Oak Park, Hinsdale, Naperville and Westchester.

For more information, visit www.EEHealth.org/ElmhurstClinic.

Julie Afridi, DO

Medical Director, Integrative Family Medicine

Locations

8 Salt Creek Ln., Suite 302, Hinsdale 1200 S. York St., Suite 4260, Elmhurst

Phone 331.221.6135

Web

www.EEHealth.org

JULIA AFRIDI, DO is board certified in family medicine and osteopathic manipulative treatment. She is a member of Elmhurst Memorial Medical Group (EMMG) and is the Medical Director of Elmhurst Hospital’s Integrative Medicine Clinic.

Dr. Afridi is accepting new patients at EMMG’s offices in the Edward-Elmhurst Health Center in Hinsdale, 8 Salt Creek Ln. and the Elmhurst Center for Health, 1200 S. York St. on the campus of Elmhurst Hospital.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Afridi, visit www.EEHealth.org/Schedule or call (331) 221-6135. About

Dr. Afridi received her osteopathic medicine degree from the Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove. She completed her internship and residency at Advocate Christ Medical Center.

Her clinical interests include integrative medicine, holistic medicine, obesity, osteopathic manipulation, osteopathic spinal manipulation, pediatrics, school physicals, chronic pain management, family care, weight management and women’s health.

“It is important for me to address the whole patient,” says Dr. Afridi. “To see everybody as more than parts that need fixing. I approach each patient with a treatment plan that is uniquely tailored to each individual. I incorporate integrative and holistic medicine where appropriate and with a patient who is open to it. It is not just about feeling healthy and well, but also about the experience of getting there.”

For more information, visit www.EEHealth.org/Services/ Integrative-Medicine.

Dr. Afridi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine and member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Illinois Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine. Dr. Afridi speaks French and Spanish.

Elmhurst Memorial Medical Group (EMMG) is a physician practice of Edward-Elmhurst Health with 16 board certified physicians who provide primary care for infants through seniors. EMMG has offices in Elmhurst, Hinsdale and Oak Park.

For more information, visit www.EEHealth.org/EMMG.

Briana Peper, PA

Integrative Medicine

Locations

8 Salt Creek Ln., Suite 302, Hinsdale 1200 S. York St., Suite 4260, Elmhurst

Phone

331.221.6135

Web

www.EEHealth.org

BRIANA PEPER, MPAS, PA-C, a physician assistant with Elmhurst Memorial Medical Group (EMMG) who specializes in family medicine, sees patients at Elmhurst Hospital’s Integrative Medicine Clinic.

Peper is accepting new patients at EMMG’s offices in the Edward-Elmhurst Health Center in Hinsdale, 8 Salt Creek Ln. and the Elmhurst Center for Health, 1200 S. York St. on the campus of Elmhurst Hospital.

To schedule an appointment with Peper, visit www. EEHealth.org/Schedule or call (331) 221-6135.

About

Peper earned a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.

Her clinical interests include autoimmune disorders, digestive problems, disease prevention, family care, holistic medicine, integrative medicine, pediatrics, polycystic ovarian syndrome, weight management, women’s health and thyroid disease.

“It is important to me to help every patient reach their

health goals,” says Peper. “I enjoy working as a team with patients to design a plan to help them improve their overall health. I am passionate about incorporating integrative and holistic medicine when appropriate to help treat the whole person including body, mind and spirit.”

For more information, visit www.EEHealth.org/Services/ Integrative-Medicine.

Peper is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants.

Elmhurst Memorial Medical Group (EMMG) is a physician practice of Edward-Elmhurst Health with 16 board certified physicians who provide primary care for infants through seniors. EMMG has offices in Elmhurst, Hinsdale and Oak Park.

For more information, visit www.EEHealth.org/EMMG.

The $20 million, three-floor, 33,000-square-foot Edward-Elmhurst Health Center in Hinsdale, which opened in 2016, provides numerous other services, including Immediate Care, primary care physicians and specialists, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, imaging (digital x-rays, mammograms, ultrasound, DEXA bone density scan), physical therapy, occupational health and lab.

Edward-Elmhurst Immediate Care is a convenient option for nonlife threatening illnesses and injuries such as cuts, broken bones, high fevers, minor burns, earaches, colds, flu, sinus infections and urinary tract infections, among others. Our Immediate Care provides a calm, quiet atmosphere where expert care meets exceptional convenience. We treat all ages, including infants and young children. No appointment is necessary.

For more information, visit www.EEHealth.org/Hinsdale or call (331) 221-2500.

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