Downers Grove Magazine May 2023

CHRISTINE SNOW, DMD

SHERIF ALBERT, DDS

AMY FELLER, DDS

Rise & Shine Downers Grove Summer is almost here

Fifteen years ago, I moved to Downers Grove. And fifteen years ago, I heard the name “Brayer Teague.” As the Fine Arts Department Chairperson of Downers Grove North High School, he is a household name in our community. My children are not musically inclined, a gene they inherited from their mom and dad, but we certainly can appreciate the accomplishments of this educator, leader, advocate, and champion of the arts. As Brayer Teague plans to retire at the end of this academic year, we pay tribute to him and his legacy. Congratulations, Brayer, and we look forward to your second act outside Downers Grove North’s walls.

It is springtime. And that means one thing. It is time for some home improvement projects inside and outside. Therefore, catching up with Ace Hardware Corporation based in Oak Brook is only appropriate. Ranked as one of the top ten franchises in the world for 2023 by  Entrepreneur Magazine, Valerie Hardy catches up with team members at the headquarters to discuss their move to a new corporate campus. Also highlighted is the charitable giving many franchise owners, including locally, embrace as community members.

Amazon delivers something to my house practically daily. The one thing they cannot deliver? A house. At least, I think. Sears Modern Home Program in the early 1900s brought a whole new meaning to “home delivery.” Literally. Until 1940, Sears offered complete mail-order houses to the would-be homeowner. These “kit homes” were available in different models. Buyers would order the blueprints, send a check, and then everything needed was delivered to them. This sounds like a nightmare to

me, considering I cannot assemble a desk from Ikea, but thousands of homes were shipped across the country. This edition features the history of these homes, many in our backyard by Maureen Callahan.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. With millions of people affected by mental health illness every year, treatment – from therapy and medication to self-care - matters. And thanks to our partners grit2 and Navigate Adolescence, we have incorporated a list of resources, community events, and helpful tips.

Other stories in this issue include an interview with Chief of Police Michael DeVries in honor of National Police Week in May. Also, we have a piece on The Garden Club of Downers Grove which has shared a love of gardening and conservation and appreciation for wildlife since 1927. Finally, read about Downers Grove native Art Chester, who is “the greatest unknown legend of motorsports.”

Thanks for taking the time to read AND for the support of our advertising partners, who make this publication possible for our community. When visiting them, please be sure to tell them you saw them in  Downers Grove Magazine!

We will see you in July. Bring on the heat.

Sincerely,

Anne Healy Associate Publisher anne@HinsdaleMag.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

Julie Jonlich

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Rachel Pavlovich

Jennifer Frencl

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Adam Andrzejewski

Paul Drabik

Chuck Fieldman

Julie Janoski

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Victor Hilitski

Greg Kozlick

Carolina Menapace

Marcello Rodarte

ADVERTISING SALES

Brian Ade

Gino Cosentino

Renee Lawrence

Cynthia Maquet

Hinsdale Magazine Group 3 Grant Square#201 Hinsdale, IL 60521 630-655-3400 www.DownersGroveMag.com

No person, organization or publication can copy or re-produce the content in this magazine or any part of this publication without a written consent from the publisher. The publisher, authors, contributors and designers reserve their rights with regards to copyright of their work. Downers Grove Magazine assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by such individual, event organizers or organization. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Downers Grove Magazine. Comments are welcome, but they should be on-topic and well-expressed. Copyright ©2022 Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved.

ON THE COVER: Friends, family, and fans pay tribute to Brayer Teague at the first home football game of the season at Downers Grove North. Photo by Jill Stocki

HELLO SPRING

Spring has sprung! Looking to get outside? Check out our list of activities to check out this spring and summer in the Western Suburbs.

Clarendon Hills Farmers Market

Presented by the Clarendon Hills Chamber of Commerce │May 18 – October 26 at the Village Hall PlazaEvery Thursday from 7:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

The 2023 Clarendon Hills Chamber of Commerce Farmers Market features a variety of different vendors from the area. Buy fresh and buy local.

Summer Concert Series

Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival

Presented by the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce

June 3 – June 4 at Burlington Park │ 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Located in the heart of historic downtown Hinsdale, the Hinsdale Fine Arts Festival has been a cherished tradition and is celebrating its 50th year. The show hosts 85-100 artists throughout the shady trees of Burlington Park.

Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals

Presented by Cosley Zoo

Superheroes in Wilder Park

Presented by the Elmhurst Art Museum │ May 6 - July 30 at Wilder Park

Recurring daily

The art installation of eight life-sized superhero sculptures by area artists and youth groups is discoverable throughout Wilder Park. The outdoor installation will be a bold preview of the Elmhurst Art Museum's summer exhibition Marvelocity, featuring the iconic work of comics legend Alex Ross beginning on May 28.

Presented by the Downers Grove Park District

May 23 - August 15 at Fishel Park

Tuesdays at 7:00 p.m.

The free concerts on Tues day evenings feature rock, country, blues, and oldies. Doors open, and food and beverage sales begin at 6:00 p.m. Don't forget to bring your lawn chairs or blankets.

June 3 at Memorial Park in Wheaton │ The 5K/10K Race Start at 7:30 a.m.; the 1/2 Mile Kids Run Start at 8:45 a.m.

The Cosley Zoo Run for the Animals 5K/10K & Kids' 1/2 Mile is hosted by the Cosley Foundation to raise funds for the animals at Cosley Zoo as well as exhibit development projects, public programs, and conservation projects.

Cori's Kids Triathlon

Presented by the Oak Brook Park District

June 3 8:00 a.m.

This friendly competition promotes exercise in a fun and energetic way. Kids will show off their skills and athleticism by participating in the three traditional triathlon events: swimming, biking, and running.

HINSDALE FINE ARTS FESTIVAL

SUMMER CONCERT SERIES PHOTO COURTESY OF DOWNERS GROVE PARK DISTRICT

Andy Warhol: A Life in Pop

Presented by the College of DuPage and the McAninch Arts Center

June 3 - September 10 at the Cleve Carney Museum of Art │ Recurring weekly Wednesday - Sunday

Opening this June, the exhibition will feature a presentation of over 200 original works by iconic American artist Andy Warhol as well as educational and interactive offerings, including a historical timeline, video archive installation, Silver Cloud Room, an interactive mural, children's area, Studio 54-themed concession area and more.

WGA Men's Western Junior Championship

Presented by the WGA

Men's Western Junior

June 19 – June 22 at Midlothian Country Club Times vary

The Western Junior is the oldest national junior tournament in the United States. It draws the top junior players from more than 40 states worldwide each year. The

event has long been a testing ground for future stars, including current PGA TOUR standouts like Tiger and veterans like Fred Couples.

Dog Admission Day

The Morton Arboretum

June 25 │ 7:00 a.m.

Members and guests – and their furry friends - can explore the Arboretum on Dog Admission Day in June.

ANDY WARHOL: A LIFE IN POP PHOTO COURTESY OF COD NEWSROOM

DOWNERS

Q&A

Chief of Police

MICHAEL

DEVRIES

Leading a dedicated team to serve our community

In honor of National Police Week in May, Anne Healy, Associate Publisher, catches up with Michael DeVries, Chief of Police for the Village of Downers Grove. DeVries was promoted to the position in January.

Q│Please tell us a little bit about yourself.

A | I grew up in Darien, Illinois, and attended Hinsdale South High School. After high school, I studied criminal justice at the College of DuPage. I began working part-time as a community service officer for the Clarendon Hills Police Department and as a 911 dispatcher for the North Riverside Police Department. After finishing my Associate's Degree, I was hired as a full-time police officer with Clarendon Hills. I spent two years in Clarendon Hills before being hired as a police officer in Downers Grove. Since starting here in 2000, I've served in various roles, including Patrol Officer, School Resource Officer (SRO), Detective, Patrol Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Patrol Lieutenant, Lieutenant of Investigations, and Deputy Chief of Operations, before being promoted to Chief in January 2023. While I was assigned as the SRO for Downers Grove South High

School, I got to know many people in the community, and ultimately, my family decided to make Downers Grove our home.

they've given me. I've been fortunate to attend specialized training in and out of state to pursue my education. Working the night shift as a new officer allowed me to finish my Bachelor's degree. My schedule as an SRO allowed me to finish my Master's degree on the weekends. Knowing there is always something new to learn to become better at my job has always driven me to keep going.

Q│

Was there anything that impacted you to take this path to serve on the police force?

Q│

Your educational background ranges from a Master of Science in Public Safety Administration to a graduate of the FBI National Academy. What drives you?

A | First, I'm incredibly grateful to the Village for the opportunities

A | I grew up watching the TV show "COPS" with my dad. Whenever I saw the police on a call or in the community, I always wondered what they were doing. So, when I turned 16 years old, I applied to and started in the Cadet Program at the Willowbrook Police Department. Instantly, I knew this was the career I would pursue. I've been fortunate to enjoy my job, which feels like it comes naturally to me.

Q│

After directing traffic in the cold in February, you were a buzz on social media. Tell us more.

A | I have to admit that was kind of a crazy experience. On my way into

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE

CHIEF OF POLICE, MICHAEL DEVRIES

the office, I saw traffic backed up on Main Street. I had been listening to the radio and knew that the Washington Street train crossing was closed. Many people stood in the roadway up ahead, so I checked it out. Metra was unloading passengers from one train and putting them on another, which blocked the Main Street crossing. I exited my car and started moving traffic to the Forest Avenue crossing. A resident who was getting coffee recognized me from a recent newspaper article as the new Chief. We had a short interaction about why the Chief was directing traffic, and he posted a very nice message on social media. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time and tried to help. It ended up getting a lot of attention, but truthfully our officers handle jobs like these, and tougher ones

every day of the week, at night while people are sleeping, and on holidays when everyone else is with their families. They deserve a lot more credit.

Q│You have served in Downers Grove for 22 years; what changes have you seen?

A | I think the biggest changes to the Department have come in the form of training and technology. Our officers are held to an extremely high standard and receive significant training in dealing with people in crisis, de-escalation, and use of force through virtual learning, practical exercises, simulators, and now virtual reality. We’ve also made significant advances in the technology we use to do our jobs. When I started here, our reports were handwritten. Now we use mobile electronic reporting, computer-aided dispatching, in-car

cameras, body-worn cameras, cloudbased evidence storage, license plate readers, and drones to help us do our jobs more effectively and solve crimes.

What are some of your favorite events in Downers Grove from a personal or professional perspective?

A | I’ve come to appreciate the community events held in downtown Downers Grove. My family loves attending the Independence Day Parade, tree lighting, and Halloween window painting. My favorite event from a personal and professional perspective is probably the Grove Express. Many of my family members walked in the event this past year, and my daughter and I drove the lead car. I hope it’s a tradition we can continue for years to come. ■

CHIEF DEVRIES WITH HIS FAMILY AT SWEARING-IN CEREMONY.

"Knowing there is alwayssomething new to learn to become better at my job has always driven me to keep going."

- CHIEF OF POLICE, MICHAEL DEVRIES

Cheers to Five Years!

We’ve been honored to serve you good beats and great eats for the last five years in Downers Grove. A heartfelt thank you for coming in and giving us a chance to welcome you within the walls of Cadence. We have celebrated countless birthdays, brunch meet-ups, dinner dates, patio cocktails, and everything in between. Cheers to the next five years.

We love you and appreciate you all!

A GARDEN-VARIETY GROUP

The Garden Club of Downers Grove is anything but ordinary

BY VALERIE HARDY | PHOTOS BY CAROLINA MENAPACE

For nearly a century, The Garden Club of Downers Grove has been growing plants – and a community of gardeners. Established by members of the Downers Grove Women’s Club in February 1927, it “isn’t a stand-alone club. It is part of a national organization [The National Garden Clubs, Inc.], broken down by states, and then broken by districts within the club,” explained the club’s publicity chairperson, Sandy Koutouvidis.

The Garden Club is rooted in its members’ shared passion for gardening, appreciation of nature, interest in conservation, and desire to help beautify the community. It is an educational, social, and working club, Koutouvidis said.

The club officially meets seven times per year, usually on the third Monday of the month, at American Legion Post 80 in Downers Grove (4000 Saratoga Avenue). Meetings run 12:30-3 p.m. and include a social hour and brief general meeting followed by an hour-long program. The last meeting featured Kim White of the DuPage Monarch Project. The club’s program chairperson, Mary Jane Haley, said White’s presentation, “which included the mapping locations of Monarchs, was very interest-

ing. I learned that we can participate in the tagging of butterflies to help follow their travels.”

Gary Robbins, the club’s awards chairperson, also enjoyed the monarch presentation, and he said all of the club’s meetings are “not only informative but fun. Plus, we eat well at the meetings!”

Members sign up for one meeting each year to bring in food to share. “All gain from the community, and all give to the community,” Koutouvidis said, which is something that makes the club special.

The club does not hold meetings during the summer, but its members remain active. In the warmer months, members tend local gardens, such as the garden at the William L. Gregg

PROGRAM CHAIR MARY JANE HALEY WELCOMES GUEST SPEAKER KIM WHITE DURING THE MARCH GARDEN CLUB MEETING.

BOARD MEMBERS OF THE GARDEN CLUB OF DOWNERS GROVE GATHER AT A RECENT MEETING.

House Museum in Westmont and two gardens at the Main Street Cemetery in downtown Downers Grove.

Each summer, the club also hosts garden walks at people’s homes in the area and organizes a bus trip for members to visit various destinations in the greater Midwest with notable gardens and garden centers. The club also plans annual

events in honor of Arbor Day and National Garden Week.

With all the club has to offer, those interested in joining but lacking in the green thumb department need not worry. In fact, the club’s president, Barb Fashing, said, “I do not have a green thumb at all!  People have looked at my yard and said, ‘You’re in a gardening club?’”

While she still considers herself a novice gardener, Fashing’s gardening knowledge and skills have grown since she joined the club in 2009. “I’ve made a lot of great friends in the club… and I learned some gardening,” she said.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

May15: Monthly meeting with special program “Creating an Eco-Friendly Yard,” presented by Conservation Foundation Program Director Jim Kleinwachter @ American Legion Post 80 in Downers Grove.

June 7: For Garden Week, “Who’s Who of Owls,” presented by Stillman Nature Center’s Executive Director, and award-winning naturalist, Mark Spreyer @ The Downers Grove Library (register at https:// dglibrary.org/).

November 20: The Garden Club of Downers Grove’s annual fundraiser luncheon @ The Carlisle in Lombard.

Visit www.gardenclubofdownersgrove.net for more details about the above events and for other upcoming Garden Club activities. Questions? Contact gcofdg@gmail.com.

For Fashing and many others, building relationships and learning from other gardeners are among the greatest benefits of Garden Club membership. Haley appreciates that clubs members “work together and learn from each other.” She added that the club’s members are “friendly and lifelong learners when it comes to plants and gardens.”

Club members not only learn gardening tips and techniques from each other but also via more formal educational opportunities. Koutouvidis explained, “Being a member of the club, you can go to classes and get certified to be a master gardener.”

Most courses run through the club’s parent organization, The Garden Clubs of Illinois, Inc. Fashing said, “There are all kinds of good horticultural and environmental topics, like ‘how to be a judge at a flower show,’ and there are classes for gardeners of all levels.”

The range of educational and experiential opportunities mirrors the club’s membership – there are novices as well as master gardeners in the group. While the club meets and does much of its

hands-on work in Downers Grove, local residency is not a requirement for membership. Fashing, a Cicero resident, is proof.

The club also welcomes members of all genders. Robbins was the only man in the group when he joined four years ago, but “everyone put me at ease and was very welcoming,” he said. “There are now three of us (men), and I would like to welcome more men.”

Expanding general membership is always a club priority, and this is particularly true as its 100th anniversary nears. Though the club’s centennial is not until 2027, a committee is already planning for it. “It will probably be a whole-year celebration,” Koutouvidis said. “We will have a big event for our annual fundraiser.”

The yearly fundraising event supports the club’s scholarship program. The Garden Club of Downers Grove provides scholarships to students attending The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and The College of DuPage to study horticulture or another environmental discipline. The fundraiser is typically a luncheon held the Monday before Thanksgiving. Fashing explained that it usually features a “sip and shop,” where attendees can purchase crafts, baked goods, raffle tickets, and more, followed by a demonstration on flower arranging or a similar program or presentation.

Members and nonmembers are invited to the fundraiser (tickets are $55 per person), but prospective members are also welcome to attend any of the club’s monthly meetings free of charge. “You don’t have to have an invitation or know anyone there,” Koutouvidis said. “Just walk right in.” Annual dues for members are $25. ■

“All gain from the community, and all give to the community.”

– SANDY KOUTOUVIDIS, PUBLICITY CHAIR FOR THE GARDEN CLUB OF DOWNERS GROVE

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Downers Grove

AVIATOR

Art Chester inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame

BY PAUL DRABIK

Art Chester was a true pioneer in aviation. He is a figure that represents the best of what Downers Grove has to offer. Born on December 15, 1899, Art Chester was part of a generation that forged a new technological landscape in America. Just four years and two days later on December 17, 1903, the Wright brothers would make the first powered flight in North Carolina. With that, a prodigy began to blossom in the shape of Art Chester. Art would not only become an accomplished aviator, but he would also become a virtuoso of airplane engineering and design.

Art grew up in a different Downers Grove than today’s citizens are accustomed to inhabiting. That Downers Grove was full of farmland and endless opportunities to explore. Art and his brother Ed took to building and riding mini cars and motorcycles all over the town and ter rain of Downers Grove. However, it was at the old Cicero field in Chicago, where Art’s life would change forever. Here, a 13-year-old Art would see a plane fly for the first time in an exhibition.

Art was magnetized by engineering, design, and flying. He would take an internship drafting for International Harvester after high school. He worked as a mechanic in town, fueling his passion for his hobbies. It was aviation, however, that compelled Art. As the U.S. entered WWI, Art and his brother volunteered. Art hoped to work in aviation and never got the chance. Once he was back in the U.S., his aviation career would take off. He eventually bought his own plane and started taking people in town for joy rides, and a business began from his new found hobby. It was apparent that Art would go to any length to manifest this hobby into a way of life. He even jumped from a plane with a parachute to earn extra cash. This, of course, was not a common practice in the 1920s, and the danger was significant. Yet, it also highlighted Art’s pas-

sion for aviation and willingness to go to extreme lengths to support his dream.

Seemingly, Art was born to be an aviator. Aviation was a new technology when he pursued this dream. His aptitude for mechanical engineering allowed for a deeper understanding of flight and aviation. Art would not only work on planes as a mechanic, but he would design innovations that would increase the speed and power of the planes he flew. Drawn like a moth to a flame, Art would turn his side hustle joy-riding business into a full-blown aviation career. He would go on to run multiple small airports in places like Joliet and the northern suburbs. Art would never lose his passion for the joy of flight, however. With the combination of his love for flight and his engineering prowess, Art’s destiny would manifest in the world of air racing. A fledgling sport of the time, air racing was about as dangerous an occupation as one could pursue.

Art Chester would not only pursue air racing, but he would also become a pioneer at the forefront of the sport. Art traversed the country for years, testing his designed airplanes and showing off his aviation skills. Art Chester would conquer the air racing world in 1930 with his victory at the National Air Races. He named all his planes after Popeye characters, including Jeep, Goon, and Swee’Pea. Jeep won several races over a few seasons and would set a world speed record at the time of 237 mph. While flying the Goon, Chester won the Geve Trophy at the 1939 National Air Races.

Art Chester’s accomplishments in air racing stand alone as an impressive legacy. And yet, that is only half of the story. He was also an unsung hero of WWII. A government contractor hired Art to help design fighter planes. Art worked exclusively on the P-51 Mustang, the main fighter that turned the tide in the air wars of WWII. He was tasked to design everything forward of the cockpit. Remarkably, Art decided

ART CHESTER NAMED HIS AIR RACERS AFTER POPEYE CARTOON AND COMIC STRIP CHARACTERS.

he could improve on the design. He started his own company called The Aircraftsmen Co. building a manufacturing plant in Inglewood, CA. Here, Art saved money by producing a conical fitting for the propeller called the spinner. Commonly referred to as “The Greatest Generation,” people who lived through World War II experienced the worst human tragedy in recorded history. People like Art Chester embodied this moniker through their dedication to serving our country against a tyrannical enemy. Art’s contribution through his work on the P-51 Mustang cannot be overstated. This airplane had broken the back of the German Luftwaffe in WWII. It was integral to the allies’ success in liberating the continent of Europe. Art was an impressive aviator. He is also, undoubtedly, an American Hero of the highest regard.

and his remarkable life. Sue Chester Brixie lives in Downers Grove. She and Craig both remember living on 2nd street across from Pepperidge Farm and seeing their uncle Art pull up to the house with his airplane in tow. He would be off to some race in Cleveland, Los Angeles, or somewhere adventurous. Craig remembers Art being a good

-TIM WEINSCHENKER, PRESIDENT OF THE SOCIETY OF AIR RACING HISTORIANS, AT THE 35TH ANNUAL MSHFA INDUCTION CEREMONY

Sadly, Art’s daredevil lifestyle eventually caught up to him in January 1949 at an air race exhibition in San Diego. He died tragically, piloting his Swee’Pea 2. Art was survived by his wife Trudy, and son Tommy. In addition, Art’s nephew Craig Chester, and niece Sue Chester Brixie still remember their pioneer uncle

man who was family-centric. Craig distinctly recalls his uncle Art taking his father flying to ensure the passenger seat cushion would not fall out while performing a fantastic maneuver. Sue remembers that Art was a wonderful artist in addition to his aviation skills. They both had the privilege of honoring their uncle as he was inducted into the Motorsports Hall of Fame of America in early March of 2023.

Art Chester was one of a kind. His story has been revived because of the indelible mark he left behind. The experiences we enjoy as Americans

and “Downers Grovers” are all possible because of the people who came before us and forged a path for us to tread. History can tell us a compelling story about the people who lived in our town and changed the world. Recognizing the accomplishments of former citizens like Art Chester can inspire generations to come. In our youth, adventure, and exploration are natural desires that compel us. In that context, Downers Grove may seem like just another town in middle America. Yet, it’s important to remember where you came from as you venture out into the unknown. That place is a piece of what makes you. Art Chester always had a part of Downers Grove with him as he conquered the aviation world. Downers Grove, for that matter, will always have Art Chester as a homegrown hero. Congratulations to the Art Chester family for his Hall of Fame induction.

For a more detailed account of Art Chester’s life, read “The Art Chester Story” by John W. Caler with John Underwood. It is available at Amazon and other digital retail outlets. ■

THE GRAND OPENING OF CHESTER'S MANUFACTURING PLANT, THE AIRCRAFTSMEN CO., DURING WORLD WAR II.

"Art Chester is the greatest unknown legend of motorsports."

Grand Finale

Downers Grove North band director Brayer Teague will leave a lasting legacy when he retires

BY VALERIE HARDY | PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRAYER TEAGUE

For District 99 students, school will soon be out for the summer, but for Downers Grove North High School’s longtime band director and fine arts department chairman Brayer Teague, school is about to be out forever. Teague is set to retire at the end of the academic year, culminating his 33-year career.

“I caught the teaching bug really early, before I even thought of myself as a musician,” Teague said. This was hardly surprising: his father taught at a college in their hometown of Columbia, Missouri, and his mother was also a teacher.

Though neither of his parents was involved in music, as a fifth grader, Teague started playing percussion in his school band, and he was hooked. By high school, he was also in a garage band. He enjoyed playing rock ‘n’ roll (his band covered many Led Zeppelin songs) as well as creating classical music.

Teague enrolled at Northwestern University, and finding “music and teaching to be a really natural marriage,” he dedicated his studies to the field of music education. After graduating, he landed a teaching job at Elm Place Middle School in Highland Park. “I knew I wanted to ultimately teach at the high school level,” Teague said, “but teaching beginners was a really great opportunity to hone my skills...”

The three years he spent teaching middle school made him a better high school teacher for the three decades that followed, he said. For Teague, one of the greatest benefits of teaching high school music, particularly as a band director, has been having “the good fortune of working with a student for several consecutive years” and witnessing the significant growth that ensues.

Teague feels privileged that the vast majority of his career has taken place in Downers Grove. Initially drawn to the community “because of the reputation of the music and fine arts programs in our schools,” when hired in 1993, Teague

was only the third band director since the program began in 1929. “That’s a testament to our schools and the support this community has for arts education,” he said.

Teague is a major advocate of arts education himself. As fine arts department chair, he contributed to two different master facility plans, yielding state of the art renovations to music and visual art classrooms and performance art spaces in District 99.

BRAYER TEAGUE IS PRESENTED WITH A #23 JERSEY BEFORE A HOME FOOTBALL GAME THIS FALL.

Living near the halfway point of Downers Grove’s annual Thanksgiving Day 5K race route, Teague and his family set up a gong – along with a DGN and DGS logo-adorned sign that read, “Bang a gong if you support the arts” – and blared the song “Bang a Gong” as race participants went by. “We just wanted to draw attention and advocacy to arts education,” Teague said.

Teague also keeps the spotlight on arts education through various publications. “Brayer’s passion for and excellence in the use of technology is unmatched, including the use of blogs and [other electronic media] to communicate student and staff successes,” explained Glenn Williams, the recently retired fine arts chairman at Downers Grove South High School.

Williams also highlighted Teague’s advocacy for inclusivity in music education. Teague served on the Illi-

A MUSICAL MENTOR

Band alumni weigh in on how Teague’s teaching inspired them to pursue careers in music education

Carolyn (Hitz) Cansler

DGN Class of 1995

Director of Bands, Griffin Middle School - Frisco, Texas

THEN: “Brayer was a bright, positive, energetic addition to the band program when he arrived.”

NOW: “I have sent [Brayer] recordings of my band’s performance for his feedback when preparing for contests here in Texas. I’ve always very much looked to his example and valued his input and advice.”

Chris Dortwegt

DGN Class of 2003

make them feel important and valued… Brayer truly believes in the potential of all of his students, and his students thrive because of that…He inspired me to become a teacher myself, because I hoped I could make a similar impact for my own students.”

Kelly (Darrah) Miller

DGN Class of 1998

Band Director, Reavis High School – Burbank, Illinois

nois Music Education Association’s board for 12 years, and he moved the association “towards inclusive thinking, hosting panel discussions on diversity and equity well before others were thinking about those things,” Williams said.

While Teague’s advocacy for arts education has been far reaching, he has also dedicated himself to supporting his individual students. Both of these qualities likely contributed to him being named a Grammy Music Educator of the Year National Finalist a few years ago.

Director of Bands, Wauconda High School - Wauconda, Illinois

THEN: “The band room was the place we all wanted to be during the school day – it was where we felt challenged to improve both musically and personally. The environment that Mr. Teague established was one where we could be ourselves and have fun, too.”

NOW: “The thing that sets Brayer apart…is his ability to connect with each of his students and

THEN: “We were able to perform extremely difficult music at such a high level because we knew that’s what was expected.”

NOW: “I would not be the educator I am today without the lessons I learned from [Brayer] all those years ago. I learned that it’s okay to laugh (especially at yourself); it’s okay to make mistakes; it’s okay to admit when you’re wrong; it’s okay to have fun (making music is FUN); it’s okay to have high expectations, and occasionally it’s okay to adjust those expectations.”

BRAYER TEAGUE INSPIRED KELLY MILLER, A 1998 DGN GRADUATE, AND A NUMBER OF OTHER FORMER BAND STUDENTS TO BECOME MUSIC EDUCATORS.

BRAYER TEAGUE HOLDS UP THE30YARDLINE MARKER AT DGN'S 2022 MARCHING BAND CAMP TO SYMBOLIZE 30 YEARS AT THE SCHOOL.

Teague estimates that he has taught upwards of 2,000 band students at North High School, and his students are grateful to have had him as a teacher. Bryce Bowlin, a 2004 DGN graduate, is currently a professional musician in the United States Navy Band. Bowlin remembers Teague frequently encouraging students to become “lifelong learners” and to recognize that what they were learning “would bear fruit in all aspects of our lives, not just in playing the right notes at the right time.” Teague’s teachings have had “a sincere and profound impact on how I live my life,” Bowlin said.

Self-proclaimed “band-o” Kelly Miller graduated from DGN in 1998 and now works as a high school band director, due in large part to Teague’s support. She struggled with auditions and solo performances while in high school, but “Brayer was a constant source of encouragement,” she said. “He pushed me to achieve great successes musically… far beyond what I thought I was capable of.”

Teague believes wholeheartedly in his students’ talents and strives to provide them with opportunities to “authentically share their gift of music with audiences around the world.” He has led more than 20 student music tours throughout Europe,

Canada, and the United States. North High choir director Frank Piekarz, who has often traveled with Teague over the past 27 years, said, “Brayer’s philosophy about student travel encompasses musical, historical, cultural, and social goals, and is one of the many ways in which our music programs stand out from many other successful programs.”

Carolyn Cansler, a 1995 graduate and the first student drum major Teague worked with at North, fondly remembers a band trip to Minneapolis, especially having the opportunity to work with a music professor and visiting the “then-fairly-new Mall of America.” Cansler, now a school band director in Texas, said, “These opportunities were afforded to us because Brayer wanted to advance the band program and allow us, as students, more experiences.”

Besides “expanding the walls of the traditional arts classroom through music performance tours,” something Teague highly values, he will leave his mark on North High’s band program in many other ways. For example, he was instrumental in creating the program’s “big sibling” structure for onboarding new students.

He also started the annual Mosaic Concert: a collage concert of approximately 35 holiday pieces, performed

by various DGN music groups in rapid succession. The Mosaic Concert is a community-favorite band event, but Teague’s most publicly recognized contributions are likely the ones that take place under the Friday night lights. Early in his career at North, Teague, along with then head football coach Pete Ventrelli, forged a unique symbiotic relationship between the marching band and football team. After each game, the football team “would stick around to listen to the band play the alma mater,” Teague explained. “The team would raise their helmets, the band would say, ‘We love our team,’ and the football players would parrot back, ‘We love our band.’”

Teague said that the “Pleasantville, Pollyanna” tradition between the football team and marching band continues. Another custom of which Teague is proud is the band playing the visiting team’s fight song during their pregame show. He learned this practice from the Northwestern University marching

BRAYER TEAGUE EXPRESSES HIS GRATITUDE TO THE PERFORMERS AND AUDIENCE AT HIS FINAL MOSAIC CONCERT.

“He does not see his role as a teacher ending once students graduate and go out into the ‘real world.’”

- CHRIS DORTWEGT, FORMER STUDENT

BRAYER TEAGUE RETURNS TO HIS ALMA MATER, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY, WITH DGN TROJAN MARCHING BAND DRUM MAJORS (FALL 2022).

band and viewed it as “good sportsmanship.”

Teague also began coordinating an alumni band to be part of the marching band’s homecoming performance about 20 years ago. It started small but grew to an average of 75-80 alumni coming back. “This year was off the charts – about 150 alumni – because it was my last year,” Teague said. That has been really, really fun!”

Chris Dortwegt, a drum major from the Class of 2003, attended this year’s homecoming game with his wife (also a DGN band alum) and their children. “Seeing so many return to DGN to celebrate all that band meant to them was inspiring and speaks volumes about the impact Mr. Teague has had on so many lives…” he said. “It is obvious that he does not see his role as a teacher ending once students graduate and go out into the ‘real world.’”

On April 29, alumni band members from graduating classes spanning four decades joined current band students and local musicians who are “friends of the DGN Bands” for a special concert Teague’s colleagues planned to celebrate his retirement. They invited

him to select several pieces of music that were important to him and then conduct the concert.

While Teague is stepping down from the North High conductor’s podium come May 25, he hopes to “stay tangentially involved in music education.” He would like to do consulting work for companies specializing in

educational travel for music ensembles, and he plans to travel with his family – wife Kristen, son Miles, and daughter Emery (both former DGN band students) – and experience “new locations without simultaneously being responsible for 200 students!” he said. “The opportunity to do more personal playing would be enjoyable too.” ■

A RECORD BREAKING 150 DGN BAND ALUMNI RETURNED TO CAMPUS FOR BRAYER TEAGUE’S FINAL DGN HOMECOMING.

PHOTO BY JILL STOCKI

KRISTEN, EMERY, MILES AND BRAYER TEAGUE AT THE 2019 LONDON NEW YEAR’S DAY PARADE.

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DERM CONSULT

Presented by CSC Dermatology Questions from the community answered by doctors

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Almost 20 years ago, Dr. Steil learned from the best, Danny Vleggar, MD. He was a trained Poly-L-Lactic Acid Specialist who taught her how to apply the filler like an expert. For aging facial skin, Poly-L-Lactic Acid can add volume, structure, balance and lift. For younger patients, it can be used to improve facial symmetry.

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A Slice of

AMERICANA

Sears Homes offer a glimpse of a past that will stand well into the future

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN | PHOTOS BY 726 VISUALS

Instead of looking online or working with a realtor to find your ideal home, imagine being able to order it from a catalog. Choose the number of bedrooms, room dimensions and finishes to meet your specifications, all within your personal price point. If you were looking to buy from 1908 through 1940, the Sears Modern Homes Catalog would have been the guide to your dream home.

Caveat emptor: you had to assemble it yourself! Or hire someone to do it for you.

Building a home from a kit was a massive challenge, but one gladly undertaken by thousands of that era. In a period in which quality wood and labor were scarce, the kit’s pre-cut lumber- stamped with numbers- circumvented the need for skilled carpentry. All studs and framing members were ready to be put together. The homeowner would (simply!) take their leather-bound instruction book, onto which their name was embossed in gold on the cover- and follow the exact directions of assembly.

According to the catalog, buyers wishing to assemble their own homes needed only an “elementary understanding of construction techniques.” The instruction manual sagely forewarned the customer to follow only their handbook and “not take anyone’s advice as to how this building should be assembled.”

But, as Downers Grove resident and Sears homeowner, John Mlade ,opines, “People knew how to do things back then. And materials were better.” John Mlade and his wife, Katie, love their Sears home, the

KATIE AND JOHN MLADE WITH SONS, ELI AND HENRY, OUTSIDE THEIR ELSMORE MODEL HOME.

craftsman-esque Elsmore model.

Originally marketed at $2,391, the Sears Modern Home Catalog described it this way:

The Elsmore is the better grade of bungalow. For comfort, convenience, and pleasing design, it can’t be beat! Each time it is built, its proud owner acclaims- “It’s the best house on my street!” The Elsmore’s beautiful and well-arranged interior ensures satisfaction in the highest degree. Careful planning and good materials at direct-from-factory prices make this attractive bungalow an unusually good bargain.

John and Katie concur. They love the house because it’s cozy. Although they

weren’t necessarily looking for a Sears home per se, they were intrigued to learn the home’s history from their relator. “I like old houses with quirks and character,” John said. “It’s a great house to spend time as a family.”

Not wanting to move out of the two bedroom home as their children grew, they tweaked the house to make it work for them. The former upstairs attic was built into a sizeable bedroom for their two sons, Henry and Eli, at the opportunity cost of sacrificing part of their living room for a stairwell. The wall between the kitchen and dining room was opened up and the room dividers between the living and dining rooms removed to create a better flow in the main living area.

The prior owner made some useful updates to the house as well, bringing it to a more modern standard. He dug out the basement to create a bigger living space. A master carpenter by trade, he replaced the floors with maple and oak from his personal farm in Wisconsin and milled it all down to match. When he renovated, he found the bill of lading for the shipment and affixed it to a 2x4, which the Mlades have.

Timing, as they say, is everything. At the time the Mlades’ home was built, people were getting out to the suburbs for the first time. It is estimated that in 1900, only about 8,000 Americans owned cars. One decade later, Ford introduced his Model T, enabling people to get out of the city and head to newly developing areas.

By the end of World War I, housing analysts predicted the need for at least a million new homes to keep up with the flood of immigrants through Ellis Island. Sears Modern Home sales sky

THE SEARS ELMHURST MODEL

rocketed in the 20s, when their largest catalog was published. With more than 450 available house designs, there were outhouses, garages, barns, and chicken coops to boot. While other companies such as Montgomery Ward and Aladdin Homes had offered house-building kits since the late nineteenth century, their numbers paled in comparison. Sears held the advantage of brand recognition. At that time, Sears and Roebuck claimed one buyer in four as a current customer. Existing faith in a recognized brand played a large part in the success of a mail-order home that came to symbolize the iconic American dream.

Customers selected a design from the Modern Homes catalog and sent in a dollar, which bought them a full set of blueprints and estimated bill of materials. When the buyer placed the order, the one dollar was applied toward the purchase price. Working blueprints and the exact bill of materials followed.

Shortly after the paid home order was received, a loaded boxcar, sealed in wax from Sears’ forty-acre mill in Cairo, IL, arrived directly at the cus-

tomers’ local railroad station. Each community handled the deliveries differently. In most towns, the railroads allowed buyers 24 to 48 hours to break the seal, take inventory of the con-

advantage. There was room on the track for the car to remain seven to ten days while it was unloaded- one of the main reasons that this town had nearly 150 Sears homes in the heyday.

Sears estimated the average assembly time of a house to be 90 days, although most took longer. About half of the buyers built the homes on their own, often with the help of family and friends. Other less courageous buyers hired carpenters or builders to assemble the home for them.

tents, and unload the tens of thousands of pieces. That was a lot of trips by wagon or, if you were lucky, Model T, to the building site. This is why so many Sears homes are found within a two-mile radius of railroad tracks.

Because of its switching roundhouse and railroad sidings, DG, had an

Masonry was not included in the kit price. Block, brick, cement and plaster were additional costs borne by the homeowner. The bill of materials advised how much of each material was necessary, depending on the particular model. Electrical, plumbing and heating equipment were not included in the kits, either, but were available from Sears for an additional cost, at three different price points for the “good, better or best,” grade.

Most zip codes in Illinois, and many in Michigan and Ohio, can offer the address of at least one Sears home. The exact numbers are unknown, due to an unfortunate purge of records when the housing department closed.

THE SEARS LEXINGTON MODEL

“People knew how to do things back then, and materials were better,”

– JOHN MLADE, DOWNERS GROVE RESIDENT AND SEARS HOMEOWNER, ON ASSEMBLING A SEARS HOME

THE MLADE'S ORIGINAL BILL OF LADING, CIRCA 1920S

Elgin had the largest known collection of Sears homes in the country, with more than two hundred.

The largest order Sears ever received for its homes was placed by Standard Oil in 1918 in the amount of $1 million. This sum bought 192 modest two-story homes for refinery workers and miners in Carlinville, Wood River and Schoper, IL. Two thirds of these homes are still standing today-a testimony to their standard of quality and craftsmanship.

Sears’ sales hit its pinnacle in 1929 at $12 million. There were 48 sales offices from Washington to Chicago. Despite its hugely successful operation, 1932 marked the beginning of the end of the housing division, as the Great Depression took hold and plummet-

SEARS HOMES by Numbers

$146.25

- price of the lowest priced model -the Golden Rod Cottage.

$5,140

- price of the largest model, the Magnolia

150

- number of Sears homes in DG

250

ing sales ensued. By 1940, the department was completely shuttered, and the plant sold to its employees. Shortly thereafter, they began building crates for shipping large aircraft overseas for the war effort.

Unlike other homes which define moments of history, such as the unique but shortlived, steel Lustrons, Sears homes are anything but oblivious. They have earned a place in American housing history. Over decades, some have been repurposed into anything from funeral homes to boutiques to taverns.

For their part, the Mlades celebrated their Elsmore’s 100th birthday with a centurion party last year. “We knew we could only do that once!” Katie laughed. ■

- number of kit homes shipped monthly at the pinnacle of popularity

5

- number of years the typical home loan lasted

6

- percent of interest on the loan

32

- number of years Sears offered home building kits

70,000-100,000

- estimated number of total houses sold

NEW OWNERS ARE MAKING IMPROVEMENTS TO THIS SEARS WHITEHALL MODEL.

HARDWARE The Helpful FOLKS

BY VALERIE

Based out of Oak Brook, Ace Hardware Corporation aims to “be the most helpful hardware stores on the planet,” said Chris Doucet, the company’s Director of Communications, Engagement, and the Ace Foundation. Much like the brand’s longtime jingle states, Ace truly is “the place with the helpful hardware folks.”

While Ace prepares to move its corporate headquarters this summer or early fall, the business’s commitment to serving consumers and the communities surrounding its more than 5,600 stores worldwide, including over 160 retailers in the Chicagoland area, remains unchanged.

After more than 40 years at its current location, the corporation’s lease will

| PHOTOS COURTESY OF ACE HARDWARE

soon expire. According to Doucet, the company explored various options and found many benefits to relocating “about a mile down the road” to the former McDonald’s corporate campus. It is cost-effective and allows the company to remain in Oak Brook,

which Doucet said she and her colleagues are “thrilled about.”

Another advantage of the move is that Ace’s corporate employees will all be under one roof. At the current headquarters, employees are divided between three buildings. The new location will also accommodate more workstations, conference rooms, and amenities, and employees are “looking forward to the beautiful grounds of our new campus,” Doucet said, “complete with walking trails, ponds, and more.”

Vice President of Marketing Jeff Gooding explained that Ace runs as a cooperative (co-op), which means the corporation is “owned by [the] local, independent store owners.” Unlike in a franchise system, within a co-op, each store is owned and operated individu-

Though changes abound within the Ace Hardware Corporation, one thing has remained the same for nearly a century: service to customers and community

HARDY

MIKE CRIPE, MICHAEL CRIPE, BARB BENDER, AND DAVID CRIPE OF WHITMORE ACE HARDWARE EMBODY THE COMPANY’S COMMITMENT TO SERVICE.

THE CRIPE BROTHERS WITH ROXIE SCHOPP, ACE’S 2017 CMN ALL-STAR

ally. “The vast majority of our stores are family-owned – many of them handed down for generations,” Doucet said.

Take, for example, the new owners of Downers Grove’s Ace Hardware store. Effective January, David and Michael Cripe, along with their parents, added this local retailer to their collection of Whitmore Ace Hardware stores, which includes 12 other suburban and rural locations. The brothers are the fifth generation in their family business, and they are primarily the ones currently operating their stores. However, although their dad is technically retired, “he still comes to the stores, touches base, shakes hands…” David Cripe said.

The Cripe brothers essentially grew up at Ace, selling Christmas trees at their family’s stores when they were about 7 years old. Now, nearly 40 years later, they “can’t imagine being associated with any other business – retail hardware – or any other company,” David Cripe said. The brothers chose to continue their family’s tradition within

the Ace Hardware brand because “it mirrors our culture and what we want our culture to be at our stores: people first,” David Cripe explained.

The Cripes strive to demonstrate how much they value their customers and employees. They also seek opportunities to support the greater communities surrounding their retail spaces. “It’s a moral obligation to give back,” David Cripe stated. “Every one of our towns has benefited from our wanting to give back to our community.”

purchase amount go to designated nonprofit organizations, such as the local chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, American Legion, or Special Olympics.

“Whoever the community or store has a passion for, we support that,” David Cripe said.

One way the Cripes and their staff support their communities is through “round up campaigns.” These simply involve asking customers if they would like to round up their payment upon checkout. Any funds in excess of the

Whitmore Ace Hardware owners and employees also help the community by hosting “Dollars for Dogs” events. Local organizations can cook and sell hot dogs in front of an Ace store to raise money for their organizations. Ace provides all the materials, so the organizations just have to show up. David Cripe said the minimum amount raised through one of their “Dollars for Dogs” events was $350, and he has seen upwards of $3,500. Michael Cripe added that, while their business is willing to make direct donations, events like “‘Dollars for Dogs’ give organizations and communities the chance to raise more funds – and awareness –than if they were just given a check.”

Whitmore Ace’s most distinctive fundraiser is “Melissa’s Closet,” a prom dress and accessory drive followed by a single-day event at which dresses are sold for $5 apiece. What makes “Melissa’s Closet” particularly poignant is its origins. David Cripe explained that in 2008, Melissa Michalowski, a high school senior, was working at the Whitmore Ace Hardware in Braidwood, Illinois to save up money to buy a prom dress. However, not long before her prom, Michalowski was in a fatal car accident.

Upon learning of the tragic loss of one of their own, the team at the Braidwood Ace store wanted to do something to honor Michalowski’s legacy, and with Whitmore Ace Marketing Director

MICHAEL AND DAVID CRIPE SELL PROM DRESSES FOR $5 AT THE ANNUAL MELISSA’S CLOSET FUNDRAISER.

“It’s a moral obligation to give back.”

– DAVID CRIPE, WHITMORE ACE HARDWARE CO-OWNER

Laurie Becker’s assistance, the annual “Melissa’s Closet” fundraiser was born.

The first year, they collected roughly 100 dresses and outfitted approximately 20 girls. This past year, they collected 2,600 prom dresses, which dressed 600 girls from the suburbs, Chicago, Indiana, and Wisconsin. All funds raised through “Melissa’s Closet” go toward scholarships for students in need at the high school Michalowski attended.

Whitmore Ace Hardware’s philanthropic efforts reflect the corporation’s overall “servant heart,” as Doucet referred to it. “At Corporate, we have a set of values that we live by – the acronym is WE LIGHT – and it stands for Winning, Excellence, Love, Integrity, Gratitude, Humility, and Teamwork.”

Doucet is an integral part of The Ace Foundation, the charitable arm of the corporation, and explained that the Foundation exists to give Ace Hardware’s “employees, retailers, vendors, and customers an opportunity to give back to our three charitable partners/ programs: Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Hospitals, the American Red Cross during disaster relief, and the Ace Helpful Fund – which is our employee emergency assistance fund.”

In 2022, Ace’s stakeholders collectively raised over $22 million for CMN Hospitals, including, locally, over $2.4 million for Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. “We’re a mom and pop hardware shop and out-fundraise much larger companies for Lurie’s,” David Cripe said. “It’s our culture at Ace. It’s not an afterthought to us.”

Furthering Ace’s culture of service, each year, corporate employees are granted 20 hours of paid time to volunteer within their local communities.

“It’s never just about a hardware store,” Gooding said. “It is…[about] what the store and people mean for the community it serves and…the nuts and bolts things our retailers do to better their neighborhoods.” ■

ACE HARDWARE CORPORATE EMPLOYEES VOLUNTEER WITHIN THEIR COMMUNITIES DURING ACE CARES WEEK.

“IT’S TIME”

Six-Time National Champion and Hall of Fame Inductee Mary Doten retires

BY CYNTHIA MAQUET | PHOTOS BY MARCELLO RODARTE

umble,” “passionate,”

“kind,” and “loyal” are just a few of the words used to describe Mary Doten, known to many as the GOAT of Paddle Tennis. Three decades of coaching and competing in paddle tennis have ended because, according to Doten, “it’s time.”

“My job has been a gift. I feel blessed to do something I love and call it work. Now it’s time to pass it along. I would not have stayed this long if I did not love what I do,” said Doten of her decision to retire now. Doten believes the lyrics by the country singer Jordan Davis say it best: “Find the one you can’t live without…find something you love and call it work.”

A LITTLE HISTORY

In 1961, Doten was born in Oak Lawn, Illinois, the youngest of four girls. Her family moved to Western Springs two years later and has been there ever since. She started playing tennis at age eight and continued her career at Lyons Township High School, playing singles all four years.

Doten’s successful career in high school led her to play tennis at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. It was there she met her husband, Gary. They married in 1984 and returned to Western Springs to raise their two sons and daughter, and many yellow labs along the way. Now their family is expanding, with one granddaughter and another grandchild on the way.

CHAMPION TIMES SIX

Picking up a paddle for the first time in 1993, Doten had no idea how it would change her life forever. “I was hooked from the very first time I played,” said Doten. The more she played, the more fun she had and the better she got. Along with fellow paddle players, Doten competed in the North Shore because there were no leagues in the western suburbs. Doten soon changed that.

In 2003, Doten and her doubles partner, Susie Keane, stunned the paddle world by winning the American Platform Tennis Association (APTA) National Title. What was the secret to their win? “No pressure,” said Doten. “We came in with no expectations of us and managed to beat five out of the top eight seeds to win the event.”

The next seven years of play led to five more National Titles, and little did Doten know, she would change the world of paddle right here in the western suburb of Hinsdale. Doten grew the sport of paddle, especially for women, and her program more than quadrupled in size during this time. It was the start of a new paddle era.

The Hinsdale Paddle Movement Hinsdale Paddle Club (HPC) is busy with paddle players at any given time and during any given weather. Even on the coldest days of the winter, preferably snowy for many avid players, the courts will be filled with lessons, drills, and matches, most of which are led by Doten.

Twenty years ago, only two courts were available for play at Byrnes Park in Hinsdale. But now, with the following Doten has brought over the years, six courts are available at HPC, and two more will be added this fall.

Doten is most proud of “growing the program from 200 to 600 people, over half of them being women.” During the 2022- 2023 season, she coached nine women’s teams, along with coaching non-league drills, small group, and private lessons. If you were looking for Doten, you knew exactly where to find her.

“Whether it was during a team drill or a private lesson, I learned something new from Mary every time I stepped on the court. During my matches, I often ask myself ‘What Would Mary Do?’” said Katie Ramoley, a series five player for HPC.

WHAT’S NEXT?

Doten plans to spend most of her newfound time with her husband and her yellow labs at their second home in Sanibel Island, while also coming back to visit her grandchildren. What does she look forward to most? “Not teaching in the 10-degree and rainy weather,” she laughed.

Pickle Ball and golf are “hobbies” she plans to pick up during her retirement. “I do not like to sit around all day and definitely am always up for a challenge,” said Doten.

The Dotens also plan to continue to sponsor children through the Common Hope organization and have already planned a trip to Guatemala this winter.

THE FUTURE SUCCESS OF HPC Doten would like her legacy to continue to carry on at HPC and see the program’s success continue both on the courts and behind the scenes. “Mary Doten has been instrumental in the explosion of women paddle players. They come to HPC because of everything she brings to the court,” said Kelly Kelly, a series nine team player and current board member of HPC.

Doten has always been an advocate for women and would like to see more women become involved off the court. “Mary encouraged me to get involved, and help represent our women’s membership, which continues to grow day by day,” Kelly added.

What best advice can Doten leave to beginner and advanced paddle players on the court? “Patience. Always be willing to hit one more ball than your opponent.”

Is this really the final goodbye to Mary Doten and her paddle career? “It is not a goodbye, but see you later,” said Doten, and always, “Paddle on.” ■

“My job has been a gift. I feel blessed to do something I love and call it work. Now it’s time to pass it along. I would not have stayed this long if I did not love what I do.”

– MARY DOTEN

May is Mental Health AWARENESS MONTH

ADOLESCENCE A national movement to raise awareness about the national crisis

BY GRIT2 AND NAVIGATE

Until someone you care about is experiencing a mental health crisis, it's easy to think mental health struggles affect others. But with two of every five people reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression, it's likely not a question of if this will affect someone close to you but when.

The good news is there are resources and support throughout our community. This May, for Mental Health Awareness Month, two local non-profits - grit2 (Growing Resiliency

in Teens Together) and Navigate Adolescence - along with District 58, District 99, the Village of Downers Grove, and various local businesses will be shining a light on mental health and care in our community through information, events, and activities.

So whether a discussion around the dinner table or free yoga in the park, take this month to do something about mental health - for yourself and your family.

MAY MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS COMMUNITY EVENTS*

Green Ribbon Project: Look for green ribbons around town as a reminder of Mental Health Awareness Month.

District 58 and District 99 In-School Programs: Various in-school mental wellness activities will be organized, including District 58's visual "take heart" art installations, mental health 101 speakers, Downer Grove South "Start Chalking" event and Student Yoga with Power Yoga on Main during final exams for high school students.

No Socials Sunday: Join grit2 and Navigate Adolescence family challenge to stay off social media on Sundays in May. Better yet, put your phone away the whole day!

Free Yoga in the Park & Mental Health Fair: Come out and join fellow community members on Saturday, May 13, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Fischel Park.

LIKE PHYSICAL HEALTH, THERE ARE WAYS TO GET IN "GOOD MENTAL SHAPE."

Talk. Find a trusted friend or adult and talk to them if you struggle.

Listen. If you are that trusted friend or adult, listen and believe.

Practice Coping Strategies. What can you do when you're stressed out?

Breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, painting. Make a list.

Limit Social Media. Studies have found a strong link between heavy social media and an increased risk for depression, anxiety, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts.

Protect Sleep. Consider turning off all devices at least one hour before sleep. Have your kids turn over their phones before bed and charge them in your room or common space.

Identify Resources. Know the resources available in your area - including a therapist - don't wait for a crisis.

PERSISTENT AND UNUSUAL CHANGES CAN BE WARNING SIGNS SOMEONE MAY BE STRUGGLING. BE ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THE FOLLOWING.

Emotional Changes: persistent sadness, drastic changes in mood, behavior, or personality

Social Changes: academic performance, avoiding or missing school, withdrawing from friends and family, quitting activities

Physical Changes: loss or gain of weight, changes in eating habits, difficulty sleeping, struggle concentrating, frequent headaches or stomachaches

Verbalizations: talk of hurting self or others

Other: Increased sexual activity or use of drugs, alcohol, or other substances

WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I FEEL SOMEONE IS IN A CRISIS?

• If you feel you, they or others are in immediate danger, call 911.

• Listen, try to remain calm and non-judgemental.

• Ask if they are thinking about suicide; it is important to ask directly.

• If actively suicidal, get immediate help. Call or text 988 or take them to a hospital for evaluation.

• If you are a child or teenager, tell a trusted adult - even if your friend tells you not to.

If they are depressed but not actively suicidal:

• Listen.

• Offer to help them contact a trusted person, counselor, or helpline.

• Check-in regularly with the individual.

*Full details at umatterhere.org. Brought in part by generous grants provided by the DuPage Foundation, D99 Education Foundation, and Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club. ■

Mental Health Resources &

What mental health resources are available if I need help immediately?

• 911 - Medical Emergency

• 988 - Mental Health Suicide Crisis Hotline

• Eating Disorders - nationaleatingdisorders.org / (800) 931-2237

• LGBTQ Trevor Project - thetrevorproject.org / (866) 488-7386

• Dupage County Health Department Crisis Line - dupagehealth.org / (630) 627-1700

• Linden Oaks Behavioral Health (852 S. West Street in Naperville) 24/7 emergency walk-in behavioral health assessments - lindenoaks.org / (630) 305-5027

What other general resources are available?

• NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) DuPagenamidupage.org / (630) 752-0066

• DuPage County Health Department Behavioral Health - dupagehealth.org / (630) 682-7400

• Downers Grove Public Library Social Services - dglibrary.org / (630) 960-1200 ext. 4310

• Linden Oaks Behavioral Health - lindenoaks.org / (630) 305-5027

• grit2 Teen & Parent Resources - grit2.org

• Navigate Adolescence - navigateadolesence.org

Are there resources for depression?

• Illinois "Warmline" for those who need support but are not in immediate crisis - (866) 359-7953

• Teens Supporting Teens: Teen Talk App - teentalkapp.org

• NAMI Illinois Call4Calm Emotional Support Text Line -

Text "TALK" or "HABLAR" (for Spanish) to 552020

Are there resources for housing or food scarcity?

• Health and Social Services of Dupage County - 211dupage. gov / Call 211

• DupagePads - dupagepads. org / (630) 682-3846

Are there resources for addiction or substance abuse?

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - samhsa.gov / (800) 662-HELP

• Linden Oaks Behavioral Health - lindenoaks.org / (630) 305-5027

Are there resources for youth LGBTQIA+?

• 360Youth Services - 360youthservices.org / (630) 961-2992

• YouthOutlook - youth-outlook.org / offers drop-in Thursdays 6:30 p.m. - 9 p.m. in Downers Grove

Do District 58 and District 99 have resources?

• ReferralGPS - District 99 offers parents, students, staff and community free access to web-based service finding local mental-health and substance use treatment. Visit District 99 websites for student support services for info.

• Safe2Help Illinois - District 58 Students can confidentially report a crisis or threat involving themselves or someone they know. Safe2Help is monitored 24/7 by trained crisis professionals. Visit District 58 website, text SAFE2 (72332), call 844-4-SAFEIL, or email HELP@Safe2HelpIL.com.

health & WELLNESS

Good health is a journey, not a destination. Every day it is a process and at times difficult to stay on the right path. But the choices you make about how treat your body and make a difference in how good you feel mentally, physically, and emotionally.

Healthy bodies are instruments which we accomplish our goals in this world, and the desire for healthy bodies, and therefore healthy lives, is one the greatest pursuits in life. This month we highlight those that help us to care for our bodies and minds on our journey to better health. Those featured impact individuals every day to help them achieve their goals for the mind, body and soul.

HALKIAS, O.D. Dr. Michael

Naper Grove Vision Care

Dr. Michael Halkias felt a calling to practice optometry after his positive relationship with his optometrist at a young age. Today, he is paying it forward. “One of the most gratifying pieces of my job is to work with young kids and to follow their progress as they mature,” he said. Eyecare, however, affects everybody at every phase of life. Practicing over the last 17 years at Naper Grove Vision Care has allowed Dr. Halkias the opportunity to help thousands of patients young and old, and he's having the most fun and satisfaction of his career now doing just that.

After working in various healthcare fields as a young adult, he found his calling in optometry. Working in a private practice setting helps Dr. Halkias balance life and work, but also allows for independence, flexibility, and a more personalized care for patients not possible in larger health care group settings. "I'm able to provide state-ofthe-art health care, offer the latest fashion styles for individual tastes, and manage a business I'm passionate about and proud of; it's truly a blessing," he said,

But the most important piece to Dr. Halkias? The social interaction with his patients. “Almost daily, I hand out my personal cell phone number to patients,” he said. “Being an accessible health care provider in today’s world is

invaluable.” Dr. Halkias also ensures that his patients understand that optometrists can be used for medical emergency eye issues. “I tell my patients to visit us for eye related conditions before going to urgent care, a primary care physician, or a pediatrician for any issues that may be considered emergencies. Eyes are our specialty!”

A resident of Hinsdale with his wife, Jessica, and three children, Dr. Halkias,

is proud to serve the health care needs in the community but also enjoys giving back to other organizations professionally and personally. A member of the American Optometric Association and Illinois Optometric Association, Dr. Halkias also is involved with Little Friends, Wellness House, Madison Elementary, and Bridge Communities.

Visit napergrove.com

PHOTO BY JESSICA REMUS PHOTOGRAPHY

Everyone needs a good listener.

Research shows that talking through issues is one of the best ways to find a resolution. Meghan Jacobson, mental health therapist and owner of Whole Health Counseling in Downers Grove, enjoys guiding clients from five years old through adulthood along the path to resolution.

Meghan

JACOBSON, LCSW

Whole Health Counseling

Jacobson operates a virtual practice. Her gift is in building a trusting rapport with her clients. She enjoys working with youth, especially as a mediator between them and their parents. She specializes in coaching parents through challenging development stages and providing tools that perhaps were not modeled in their own childhoods. She can identify communication blocks in families and offer strategies to build healthier homes.

Whether considering a change in therapy or just beginning the search, Jacobson cannot stress enough the importance of finding someone challenging in the right ways and helping individuals "realize their full potential." She said, "Get out there and try several therapists before settling." Jacobson prioritizes keeping a list of vetted referrals for patients seeking a specialist if she feels it could offer more support.

Jacobson earned a degree in secondary education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She taught at an alternative high school in Milwaukee early in her career. She enjoyed working in education and felt her students' needs were underserved. Drawn to the social and economic justice component of social work, she decided to pursue a Master of Science in Clinical Social Work from the University of Illinois, Chicago.

Now settled in Downers Grove with her husband and two daughters, she is an active member of the Downers Grove Junior Woman's Club. She is also on the board for grit2, a local non-profit focusing on teen mental wellness and empowering parents to support their teens.

Visit wholehealthcounseling.com for more information. ■

PHOTO BY LIZ BINDER PHOTOGRAPHY

Dr. Sangeetha

VENKATARAJAN

MD, MBA, FAAD BOARD CERTIFIED DERMATOLOGIST

Dermatology Associates of Lombard

They say everything happens for a reason. This certainly holds true for Dr. Sangeetha Venkatarajan, or as her patients respectfully call her, Dr. Venkat. In her third year of medical school at Baylor College of Medicine, she fell in love with dermatology. "I had a month-long break and

needed to fill it with a clinical rotation; ironically, a dermatology rotation spot became available, and by the second day, I'd fallen in love with it," she said.

Dr. Venkat then earned her way into a clinical research fellowship in dermatology at the renowned MD Anderson Cancer Center before completing her

dermatology residency at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County. From there, she began her career in private practice in Houston, TX. Now with Dermatology Associates of Lombard, she sees patients of all ages and skin types. "My days are never the same; one morning, I may see a teenager with acne, followed by someone who needs an excision, followed by a cosmetic appointment," she said.

One of her favorite things about her profession is building genuine connections with her patients to develop a treatment plan that works for them. Despite popular belief, dermatology is more than cosmetics. According to Dr. Venkat, "dermatology can be so complex and may even involve diagnosing a systemic condition through skin findings. For example, someone with an undiagnosed autoimmune disease may experience a skin rash inexplicably for months."

Dermatology Associates of Lombard is part of SJH Derm, which currently has four individual community-based dermatology practices in Chicagoland. As a part of one of the few physician-driven and employee-owned dermatology groups, Dr. Venkat and her team "love what we do and truly care about our patient's health and happiness."

When not in the office, Dr. Venkat loves to travel and is a "foodie" by nature. "I am always looking for new fun things to do to take advantage of our beautiful city and suburbs. I would love to hear your ideas when you visit for your annual skin exam," she said.

PHOTO BY FRITZ GEIGER

Dr. Karen

WOLOWICK, D.O.

Dr. Karen Wolowick is familiar with sleepless nights. As a board-certified OBGYN, she has enjoyed delivering more than 2,000 babies over the years. Now, she is onto the next adventure – establishing Wolowick Women's Health in Downers Grove. Her private practice, designed with the patient in mind, allows her to help women during any life stage.

Dr. Wolowick was born and raised in Pennsylvania. After playing field hockey at Millersville University, she went to Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her residency at RUSH in Chicago brought her to the Midwest. For 12 years, she worked at DuPage Medical Group, now Duly Health and Care, before opening her own practice.

Her devotion to women's health runs deep. "I was born to be an OBGYN. I am a die-hard feminist and passionate about women's health. This is what I was meant to do," she said. Her goal is to create a warm and inviting atmosphere and to reconnect with the more intimate and rewarding aspects of women's health.

Dr. Wolowick focuses on communication with patients, whether in-person, via the patient portal, or through video visits. "No matter how we communicate, I just want my patients to feel comfortable to ask me questions. Having an open

and honest dialogue is extremely important," she said.

She is not only devoted to her career but also dedicated to her family. Happily married to Dr. Mark Wolowick for the last 15 years, she is the mother to three active children. "My main hobby right now is carpooling and watching my kids' sports, which I absolutely enjoy," she said.

After stepping back from obstetrics, she might get a bit more sleep these days, but her commitment to women's health remains. "I am here to help," she said. "Bring me your challenges, and let's see what we can do."

PHOTO BY 726 VISUALS

Wolowick Women’s Health

Exotic Summer

DESTINATIONS

This summer, get far away from it all

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

Travel, of any kind, enhances us as people. It’s a great way for kids to learn. It’s an opportunity to see firsthand that our way of life is just one of many, and for all our differences, there are quite a few commonalities. The very act of getting up and leaving familiar surroundings forces us to learn new things, dabble in different languages and do as locals are doing.

Now that restrictions are lifted, go somewhere you’ve always dreamt of going.

Here are a few suggestions and why they’re great for kids:

Nova Scotia/Cape Breton/Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada

The Canadian Maritimes are a great place to spend some time in the summer. Nova Scotia’s fresh air, miles of windswept coastline and buckets of ship-to-shore seafood make this picturesque area a beautiful but not-tootouristy destination for families. To the east, Celtic traditions abound on Cape Breton via its copious opportunities of Gaelic music and dance and stunning Highlands National Park. On PEI, one of Canada’s oldest settlements, kids will enjoy running on the red sand beaches, climbing the lighthouse near Charlottestown and visiting the iconic Anne of Green Gables house and museum.

BELIZE

GREENLAND

Archipelago of Stockholm, Sweden

Made up of thousands of little islands in the Baltic Sea is the Stockholm Archipelago. It’s truly where modern architecture meets its historical, outdoorsy counterpart of Nordic roots. First spend a few days touring this crown jewel of a cosmopolitan city, then get your Viking cap on to explore the 150 settled islands. Hop on with a tour company to see the highlights or rent a kayak for the ultimate escape into nature. Either way, wooden houses dot small coastal towns and charming villages.

Disko Island, Greenland

Largely covered in ice, Greenland is the world’s largest misnomer. Except for Disko Island, off the west coast, which is very green. It also has the distinction of being the biggest island off the coast of the world’s biggest island. The island’s main town, Qeqertarsuaq, was settled by whalers in the 1700s and is one of Greenland’s oldest settlements. There is a hotel, café, museum, and art gallery. Go whale watching or dogsledding, even in summer! It’s a great place to watch- and listen to- the Northern Lights. Get there before the rest of the world finds it.

Belize

Once known as British Honduras, Belize is easy, because it is English-speaking. Mexico Rock is an ideal spot for snorkeling, swimming, fishing and relaxing. While exploring the colorful town of San Ignacio, feed iguanas or learn how to turn raw cocoa beans into drinking chocolate. Hike up Mayan ruins at Cahal Pech, then drive 35 minutes to Chaa Creek, where you can visit the nearby Morpho Butterfly farms to see the rare, blue butterflies. Observe toucans, or hundreds of other species of birds as you ride horseback through the jungle. ■

SWEDEN

GREENLAND

NOVA SCOTIA

BELIZE

FOOD + WINE

THE PERFECT

PAIR

BY VALERIE HARDY

Spring is in the air, and it is time to shift from comfort foods to lighter fare. Give this guide a glance to find the best fork + cork combos. Scott Harris Hospitality’s Davanti Enoteca’s Wine Expert, Kristen Jackson, shares the best wines to pair with some favorite dishes.

Domaine Rougeot

Romain La Combe

Bezin, Meursault, Burgundy, France

The subtle oak will not overpower the delicate fish.

Brings out the flavor of the dressing.

LIME-MARINATED MAHI-MAHI

This low-cal tropical fish brings a tender, flaky texture and slightly sweet flavor to your dish. Lightly season, marinate, grill, and plate. And don’t forget to pour with an ideal match.

CAESAR SALAD

Caesar salad can serve as a starter or the star of any lunch or dinner, whether in its pure form – crisp romaine lettuce accented with the garlicky goodness of Caesar dressing and the salty, nutty flavors of shaved Parmesan – or topped with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon.

Marielle Michot, Pouilly-Fume

Terlan, Pinot Grigio, Italy

Enhances the flavors of the vegetables.

PASTA PRIMAVERA

Hit the local farmers’ market and select some of your favorite fresh vegetables. Cook the veggies and some angel hair pasta – prepared al dente, of course – and mix these together in a light, lemon Parmesan cream sauce. Buon appetito!

BARBECUED BABY

BACK RIBS

For a heartier entree still ripe with the flavors of the season, grill a succulent rack of ribs. Select a wine pairing to create a delicate balance to the ribs’ glaze – whether it is on the sweeter or zestier side.

Carpazo, Tuscany, Italy

Complements the range of BBQ marinades.

Pelissero, Langhe Nebbiolo

Rustic wine suits a salty and fresh salad.

CAPRESE SALAD WITH PROSCIUTTO

Caprese salad is a light but satisfying dish that is as beautiful as it is delicious. This dish offers vibrant colors and flavors of heirloom tomatoes, coupled with the delicate creaminess of sliced burrata or fresh mozzarella and sweet basil accents. Top the salad with raw or pan-seared prosciutto and an aged balsamic vinegar drizzle to take this seasonal classic to the next level.

ARUGULA & CHEESE FLATBREAD

Lou Malnati’s deep dish may have gotten you through the winter months, but now that swimsuit season is here, it’s time to trade it in for this lighter option. Go guilt-free with this “salad meets pizza” meal.

Melene Rose, Central Coast, California

Provides freshness and light companion.

To live and dream. To play and rest. To connect and grow. To welcome bigger, better things.

Brooke Oswald Wheaton

WINE WOMEN & SHOES

In early March, Wine Women & Shoes took place at the Oak Brook Hills Resort. Hundreds attended to sip, savor and shop for a cause. The high-energy event featured fun and philanthropy combined with wine and bubble tasting, boutique shopping, fashion show, gourmet luncheon and chances to win vacations and experiences. Proceeds of from the event benefit families facing homelessness served by Bridge Communities. The mission of Bridge Communities is to transition homeless families to self-sufficiency by working with partners to provide mentoring, housing, and supportive services. Every year, over 100+ families in DuPage County are served by Bridge Communities and support from the Wine Women & Shoes event help ensure families never have to face another moment of homelessness again. ■

GUESTS FROM HINSDALE

GUESTS FROM DOWNERS GROVE

GUESTS FROM ELMHURST

MC KERRY DOUCET OF ELMHURST

DOWNERS GROVE JUNIOR WOMAN’S CLUB

Downers

Grove North showcases its talents in London

PHOTOS COURTESY OF DISTRICT 99

In early March, the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club hosted their largest fundraiser of the year. The Black & White Gala featured casino tables, raffles, silent auction and music by Big Cat DJ Services. Proceeds from the event benefited the Club’s charity fund and their 2023 Charity Partner, Aging in Place with Habitat for Humanity. Through the Aging in Place program, Habitat for Humanity helps older adults age at home and in communities of their choice. Local Habitat affiliates collaborate with human services organizations to evaluate individual needs and provide critical home repairs, modifications and community services specific to each homeowner’s lifestyle to preserve their home and their independence. At the Club’s March meeting, a $20,000 donation was made to Habitat for Humanity bringing the Club’s total charitable giving since September to over $87,000 - a record for the women’s volunteer group.

ALISHA LACASSA, LINDSAY GARRITY AND SARAH OLCYZK

THE COMMUTE)

ACCESS UCHICAGO MEDICINE’S EXPERTISE (WITHOUT

This is big. AdventHealth and UChicago Medicine are now partners.

You’ll have access to UChicago Medicine’s excellent specialty care and the latest clinical trials, right here in the western suburbs. Best of all, you’ll still experience AdventHealth’s whole-person care, treating body, mind and spirit.

Learn more at: HealthyChicagoland.org