TBalloons are for Birthdays, Not Faces
here are few things in life we can truly rely upon: Death. Taxes. And a Real Housewife returning with a brand new face.
It’s a standard facelift (also known as “Season Two Face.”) The skin looks like shiny plastic, a canvas pulled tightly over the face. (Perfect for repelling drinks thrown in it!) The mouth stretches wide in a Joker-like smile. (Ready to hurl insults!) The eyes tilt
upwards, as if she’s caught in a never-ending wind tunnel. (Perfect for photo shoots!)
Sure, there’s no sagging skin. No wrinkles. But the result is a face that looks like an overinflated balloon, ready to pop. There has to be a better way. And there is… The BYUN Lift
The BYUN Lift is a reverse lifting technique, pioneered by Dr. BYUN and perfected over the last 25 years. Unlike a standard facelift, the BYUN Lift repositions sagging muscles and tissues up and in toward the midline of the face, returning them to their original position –avoiding the “stretched balloon” look that’s created when surgeons pull muscles sideways to a location they never were and should never be.
By honoring the existing structure of your face, the BYUN Lift delivers a superior result: youthful, while still appearing natural. It’s a factory reset for your face!
But the BYUN Lift doesn’t only turn back the clock. The results last longer than a standard
facelift. Returning your muscles and other tissues back to their original position puts them at an anatomical advantage when it comes to the aging process.
As Dr. Byun tells his Medical School Residents: “Your job is to be a doctor. Not an artist. Not a designer. Not an influencer chasing trends. We’re NOT giving patients new faces. We’re restoring their younger ones.”
Don’t settle for a facelift that leaves you looking like an overfilled balloon. Demand a facelift that leaves you looking youthful, natural, rested and better with time. Because balloons are for birthdays, not faces.
“The ‘BYUN Method’ reconstructs the aging face — it’s not a facelift; it’s a muscle repair.”
Dr. BYUN
Dr. Michael BYUN
Hello Fall
Welcome to the fall issue of Downers Grove Magazine. The community members never disappoint when sharing their personal stories with our readers.
Grace Ginex and Whitney Buha are up first. I rarely attend interviews for our stories and let our very talented writers take the lead, but I requested to tag along with Valerie Hardy for this one. Why? As a social media follower of these two women (among thousands of others), I wanted to get their take on the rapid transformation of how we consume content. What began as a hobby or a means of self-expression for both has evolved into a fullfledged industry, with them paving their own path with no rulebook or guidelines. Their journey through the social media jungle, from the early days of blogging to the current era of influencer marketing, is a fascinating one for any aspiring entrepreneur.
Bill Stycznski. The race is the second-largest annual fundraiser for DuPagePads, and the funds raised go towards providing shelter, support services, and a path to housing for homeless individuals and families in our community.
Seeing a friend in passing led to yet another story in the magazine. She had mentioned a lovely crossing guard in her neighborhood that she would see daily but had yet to learn her back story. Now she will. Meet Maureen Brdlik, who has been a crossing guard at the intersection of Oakwood and Prairie in the morning and in the afternoons for the past 31 years. Her dedication and service are an inspiration to us all, and it is an honor to share her story with the community.
Drive for 155 is one of the most unique fundraisers I have ever heard about…and I have attended quite a few in my day. The annual go-kart race held at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet raises money for DuPagePads, a local organization dedicated to ending homelessness in DuPage County. The Studio21 Architects team has sent two teams in the last few years led by
Fall marks the beginning of yet another school year, which provides an excellent opportunity to feature some school related stories. As Dr. Hank Thiele heads into his final years as Superintendent of District 99, we look at his accomplishments since he started at the helm in 2016. Additionally, the District 99 Education Foundation, now in its 30th year, continues to push the district forward with innovative programs. Finally, Blessings in a Backpack continues to help close the weekend hunger gap for students in all 13 schools in District 58. Learn how you can help this organization as we head into a new school year.
Rounding out our fall theme, plan a visit to the "sunset coast" of Michigan, a picturesque region known for its stunning sunsets and charming small towns. Also, you can read the spooky story of Chicago's most famous ghost-in-residence – Resurrection Mary, a local legend that has fascinated and terrified Chicagoans for decades. Don't forget about local Oktoberfest celebrations - we list plenty to visit - where you can drink German beer and sport some lederhosen.Have a wonderful fall season full of football, fests and fun.
Sincerely,
Anne Healy Associate Publisher anne@HinsdaleMag.com
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VICTOR HILITSKI
TURNING A LEAF
BY MIA JONES
As the days start to get a little cooler and kids are going back to school, there are a variety of fall events across DuPage for everyone to enjoy this year. Whether it’s a nature-filled walk or a fundraiser with brewery samples, we’ve got you covered.
Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest
Elmhurst History Museum
September 14, 2-6 p.m. (early entry starts at 1 p.m.) elmhurstcraftbeerfest.com
Boy Barbecue available for purchase. This event will raise money for the Elmhurst History Muesum and Churchville OneRoom Schoolhouse. Early entry tickets and general admission tickets can be purchased on the website listed above.
Taste of Egypt Festival
St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Burr Ridge
September 14, 11 a.m. –7:00 p.m. and September 15, 12 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. tasteofegyptfestival.com
Camel rides and a petting zoo along with live music make for a fun family day. Free admission and parking.
Halloween Window Painting and Downers Grove
The Elmhurst Heritage Foundation will hold its 9th annual Elmhurst Craft Beer Fest on Saturday, September 14, on the grounds of the Elmhurst History Museum. Come enjoy samples of many craft brews, meads, ciders, seltzers, and live music from the bands Live Stream and Lake Effect. There will also be food from Golden
Attend the annual Taste of Egypt festival - a weekend full of food, camel rides, inflatables, art, jewelry, crafts, and more. Spend the day perusing authentic Egyptian souvenirs, and jewelry at Nefertiti’s Treasures. King Tut’s Kingdom will excite every child with face painting and crafts.
Historical Society
Living Cemetery
Downtown Downers Grove October 26 downtowndg.org
days of Downers Grove. This is a once-a-year opportunity, and free admission to the public!
Oak Brook
Halloween
Trick-or-Treat Trail
Central Park West
October 5, 2-5 p.m. obparks.org
Hosted by Downers Grove Downtown Management Corp & the Rotary Club of Downers Grove, start off the day painting spooky windows in downtown Downers Grove from 9 a.m.noon. Bring a food donation for the Downers Grove FISH Pantry in exchange for paints at 933A Curtiss Street. Paints are available on a first-come, firstserved basis. Make sure to bring paintbrushes for Halloween fun. Between 10 a.m. and noon, take a walk back through time at Main Street Cemetery to see ‘guest’ actors portray early Downers Grove settlers. The actors will share the early settlers’ life stories and the colonial
Come dressed in costume and ready to trick-or-treat for the Oak Brook Halloween Trick or Treat Trail! First, venture through the woods on the trick-or-treat trail, where many fun characters will be waiting in Halloween spirit. Once at the end of the trail, board the Haunted Wagon for a spooky ride around the park. There will also be a pumpkin patch, bouncy houses, and arts and crafts. Admission costs are as follows: 17 years and older are $8, children 2-16 years old are $18, and children under two years old are free. More information can be found on Oak Brook Parks website above.
Herrick Lake
Photo courtesy of DuPage County Forest Preserve
Abbey Farms
Aurora abbeyfarms.org
Visit Abbey Farms this fall for their new up-and-coming apple orchard! The first apples are planned to be available for picking this fall! Information on sponsoring an apple tree can be found on Abbey Farms’ website. Additionally, Abbey Farms’ Pumpkin Daze will be running September 21-October 27. Pumpkin Daze is the perfect fall farm adventure, packed with activities such as a weekend petting zoo, the pumpkin patch, a tractor/ hay wagon ride, and a corn maze! More information about park hours can be found on Abbey Farms’ website.
Herrick Lake Fall Foliage
Wheaton dupageforest.org
Pay a visit to Herrick Lake this fall to get a glimpse of some gorgeous fall foliage. Located in Wheaton, the changing leaves create a stunning reflection on Herrick Lake. The park is open from one hour after sunrise to one hour after sunset. There are more than seven miles of trails, and a path around the lake connects both parking lots to the picnic grounds and the trailhead.
Warrenville Grove and St. James Farm, two other beautiful spots to observe the fall season, are located nearby Herrick Lake.
The Forge Trail Run Festival
The Forge: Lemont Quarries November 2, 8 a.m. forgeparks.com
Multiple autumnal running events will take place at The Forge: Lemont Quarries on Saturday, November 2, including a 4 mile (ish), 10K, 20K, and 30K run. The challenge will lie within the terrain of the different trails. For runners who are more experienced, these runs are moderately challenging. However, the runs will be more difficult for runners who don’t have as much experience. Parking opens at 6:30 a.m. After the races, there will be food and beverages available along with the awards ceremonies. For more information and to register for an event, please visit the website above.
Hinsdale Wine Walk
Downtown Hinsdale
October 10, 5-8 p.m. hinsdalechamber.com
The Hinsdale Chamber and the Village of Hinsdale will be hosting the 5th annual Hinsdale wine walk on Thursday, October 10, at participating downtown businesses. Participants will go to a designated location prior to the event to have their ID checked, get their souvenir wine glass and a lanyard with a map of participating retailers providing samples of red, white, and sparkling wines. Tickets are currently on sale at the website above.
The Forge Trail Run Festival
Photo courtesy of The Forge: Lemont Quarries
Taste of Egypt Festival
Holiday Events in Oak Brook
and Enjoy Our Hoteliers’ Festive Hospitality This Season
Choose from a variety of Unique Spaces in 7 different Oak Brook hotel locations
From reception style events to stylish seated dinners to everything in between Host Your
Perfect setting to host holiday parties, corporate gatherings, intimate celebrations and more
Seating for 12 to 1200
MARINO COSTELLO
FOR SECOND YEAR IN A ROW, LOCAL JEWELER BRINGS NATIONAL ACCLAIM TO DOWNERS GROVE
In 2023 Marino Costello brought national acclaim to the western suburbs, winning the prestigious "TOP 20 EXECUTIVES UNDER 40" in the jewelry industry. In 2024, he outdid himself.
Marino has his own design line, Marino Agostino, a highly specialized line of rare colored gems, 100% natural and without treatment of any sort (about 1% of all colored gems). He has won national acclaim for his jewelry design, including the bracelet featured here (in the $5,000-and-over category). Including two levels of competition and several hundred entries, Marino was awarded:
1. The judges' panel: 2nd Place National—This is a panel of judges comprised of nationally renowned jewelry designers, Marino's bracelet won SECOND PLACE National!
2. Retailers Choice: 1st PLACE National— Hundreds of retailers vote for the top design they would desire for their own stores. This category is among the toughest panel as hundreds of retailers vote. Marino took FIRST PLACE! An amazing accomplishment for a 27-year-old: Most of the competitors enter for years before even placing; Marino won on his first entry.
Costello Jewelry Co. is proud to call Marino its very own. His line is found only at Costello's in the midwest and a few high profile stores in Texas and New York City. Downers Grove is proud to call Marino one of its very own.
Proud to contribute to our awardwinning family business.”
– Marino Costello
Voted Best Jeweler in the Burbs, 2024
Stopping Traffic and Starting THE DAY
Crossing guard
Maureen Brdlik has been crossing families for 31 years and counting
BY MARTY BLADER
For kids, the morning rush is the period from when your alarm goes off to the first chimes of the school bell. On a good day, you have enough time to drink the remnants of cereal and milk from your breakfast, and your bed will be made when you get back home. On a bad day, the handpicked, zipped-up lunch baggy is still sitting upright in your fridge.
Despite the ups and downs, the route to and from school is consistent and often accompanied by the friendly face of a crossing guard. Many families walking to and from Pierce Downer Elementary School have been greeted with the familiar smile and wave from crossing guard Maureen Brdlik. For the past 31 years, Brdlik has brightened the intersection of Oakwood and Prairie.
“It just brightens my day, every day, and [the kids] can make me laugh,
and they can make me happy,” Brdlik said. “I mean, you get little notes from the kids and it’s just all worth being there.”
Brdlik has lived in Downers Grove all her life, and she is one of many generations in her family to have attended Downers Grove schools. Brdlik mentioned that her crossing guard career started a long time ago when she was on Safety Patrol.
Unlike many jobs, Brdlik works from 7:45 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. to
3:20 p.m. on full school days. Brdlik also works in any type of weather. If school is open, Brdlik is there.
“They’re just hard jobs to take for a lot of people because it does break up your day,” Brdlik said. “If you’re trying to do anything you got to do it in between so many hours and then you’re going back again.”
Despite the job’s difficulties, Brdlik recognizes that working as a crossing guard shifted her perspective to think of others before herself. Her
Crossing guard Maureen Brdlik crosses at the intersection of Oakwood and Prairie two times a day, every school day regardless of weather or traffic.
care for the community extends beyond the intersection.
Barbra Glazier was a former banker for Brdlik, and she used to cross at her intersection. They ran into each other in the Jewel Osco parking lot shortly after the passing of Glazier’s husband. Glazier acknowledges how she was affected by Brdlik’s empathy and friendliness.
“[Brdlik] lost her husband years ago, so she knows what I am going through, and she was just explaining to me how, you know, you just have a new life. You got to continue, and you got to be able to socialize still and still do your thing even though it’s not with your partner anymore,” Glazier said.
After talking in the Jewel Osco parking lot for half an hour, they decided to get lunch. Now, the two try to get lunch once a month. Brdlik also gets
lunch with some of the other moms that she has met at the crosswalk.
“It just brightens my day, every day, and [the kids] can make me laugh, and they can make me happy.”
– MAUREEN BRDLIK
In addition to the families crossing to go to school, Brdlik smiles and waves to each car that drives past the intersection. For the kids going to school, she brings candy for them to take a few times throughout the school year. Her positivity impacts every person who crosses or drives past the intersection of Oakwood and Prairie.
Sarah Asay has been crossing this intersection with her children for three years, and she reflected on Brdlik’s impact on the community.
“She’s just a part of the family, almost a part of the neighborhood,” Asay said.
Brdlik says her main focuses now are her grandchildren and spending time with family. She plans to continue crossing families at the intersection of Oakwood and Prairie as long as her health allows.
“The kids love me, and I love them,” Brdlik said. “What else is there really? With everything in the world going on, it is a big, very important thing to have somebody close and people who care and are friendly. Just keep your fingers crossed that everything goes well.”
Brdlik has built many relationships with the families that she has walked over the years by being a friendly, familiar face in the neighborhood.
Cultures of Celebration
Join the Village of Oak Brook and the Oak Brook Park District at the first ever Celebration of International Cultures. This exciting event will highlight the rich diversity within our village and will include:
• Delicious foods from countries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East as well as some American favorites
• Live music performances and dancing from around the world including Greek Dancing lessons with audience participation
Come enjoy the kaleidoscope of cultures that make Oak Brook special, celebrate our community and embrace the spirit of friendship
For more information visit www.oak-brook.org
DuPagePads Drive FOR �55
A
race to end homelessness puts the ‘fun’ in fundraising
BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN
For more than three decades, DuPagePads has been bringing people in from outside to assist unsheltered persons on a path out of homelessness. The organization makes clients feel wanted and welcome while they work to create a change in their circumstances. Each story is unique.
The mission began by offering overnight shelter in area church basements. Space was limited to 60 people per night. The location changed daily, making it difficult for clients to move from one location to the next without their own transportation.
It is impossible to build a life under those circumstances, especially with children in tow.
COVID forced the hand of a needed change as congregate shelters closed. DuPagePads purchased a local hotel and pivoted to a residential model
“It’s a fun night for a great cause.”
– TAMI WEIR
they call the Interim Housing Complex (IHC). Families now have their own space, with single clients sharing rooms.
For many, that change was life-altering. “You would be amazed how much different a person’s outlook becomes once they have their own front door and shower,” said
DuPagePads President & CEO April Redzic. “Hope comes back, and people start to see a path out of their current circumstances.”
While acquiring a hotel to create a more user-friendly space for clients was a huge gain, retrofitting the space has had its challenges.
One of DuPagePads’ biggest needs is helping residents with healthy food. At the moment, clients have access to grab-and-go options prepared by local restaurants and faith-based organizations. A new kitchen to cook and serve healthy food is under construction.
DuPagePads hosts several fundraisers each year. Donations are earmarked toward a project at the housing com-
Bill Styczynski (left) and the Studio21 Architects racing team
plex. Mid-July marked the 14th anniversary of the group’s second largest annual fundraiser, Drive for 155, an annual go kart race held at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet. For the last few years, funds raised have gone toward the kitchen project.
The event began as the brainchild of Joel Weinberger, owner of Continental AutoSports Ferrari and longtime friend of the organization. The first year, it was called Drive for 25, with a goal of $25,000. Over the years, the ante has been upped. This year, the aim is $155,000.
Teams are placed into rookie, sportsman, and professional brackets. Experience varies - from participants who have never previously driven a go kart - all the way to professional racecar drivers. All levels of expertise are welcome to race.
Architect Bill Styczynski organizes the teams for Studio21 Architects, a firm that participates every year. “It’s a four-hour endurance-based race,” said Styczynski, “for which we have 4 to six drivers per team. We switch off during the event, so everyone gets a chance to drive. My team has
four drivers, so we’ll each drive for a total of an hour in half-hour shifts,” he said.
Studio21 began competing in Drive for 155 when he met Weinberger in the context of a business meeting.
“The event came up in conversation, and Joel asked if our firm would want to organize a team,” said Styczynski. “I thought it sounded like a fun office activity.”
For the last few years, Studio21 has sent two teams. While there is plenty of friendly competition in the office amongst the drivers in the weeks leading up to the event, the fundraising component is as great a contest as the actual drive.
All registered driving groups are requested to aim for $5,000 as a minimum fundraising goal, with some teams raising as much as $30,000.
“There’s some good-natured trash talk around the office in the weeks leading up to the event,” laughed Styczynski. “But it’s all in good fun.”
As an incentive, the team that raises the most money gets to choose their
starting position on the track. “At first, even the minimum goal seems daunting,” said Styczynski, “but our clients are always very generous. I think our donor base sees a link between us as an architectural firm that designs home additions and the needs of families in the community without homes of their own.”
While it’s meant to be a fun event, race night is taken seriously. Some download Racemonitor, an app that keeps track of team standings in realtime. “It’s pretty handy,” said Styczynski, “because we can see how many pit stops other teams have left and how much time they’ll lose. Then we calculate how we’ll make it up.”
Admission is free and the club closes to the public on race night. Teams bring tents where family and friends can sit and watch. Some bring their own provisions. There’s also an onsite café where you can pick up items to nosh. After the race, everyone tailgates until the club shuts its lights off.
“It really is a fun night for a great cause,” said Tami Weir, Drive for 155 Chairperson.
Organizers would love to see some more registrants next year. There were 11 teams this year with a total of 60 drivers. The club could accommodate as many as 15 teams. Straczynski wants to remind others that no karting experience is necessary. “I would like to be someone Pads can count on to train newcomers,” he said. “We can get people out to the club and teach them how to drive after they register. You don’t have to be a club member or know what you’re doing ahead of time to have fun at this event.”
DuPagePads President & CEO April Redzic attends the event in July.
The annual go kart race held at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet raises money for DuPagePads.
Riding Into the Wind
Rest In Peace, George the Cyclist
BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN
Every life is validated by purpose. For avid cyclist George Christensen - writer, movie buff, and afficionado of Carnegie Libraries across the country – what mattered most in life happened on a bike.
Tragically, Christensen passed away in April as a truck fatally struck him at last light near Ridgeway, SC, a small town near the state capital. He was riding to a Carnegie Library in Asheville, NC.
Although Christensen hung his hat in Countryside, he was a very quiet, albeit loyal, member of the Downers Grove Bike Club (DGBC). He showed up out of the blue one Thursday night about three years ago for the club’s weekly Thursday
Night Escape ride. While he was happy to find a group that shared his life’s passion, he inadvertently ended up finding a place to belong.
Sometimes, you get more than you bargained for.
An eclectic soul by nature, Christensen was a man of few words except in writing. His blog, aptly named Geroge the Cyclist, was a very professionally written account of travels made on his bike. He utilized the Journalism degree he earned from Northwestern early in life to create a colorful and descriptive electronic record of the places he rode.
And there was plenty to write about. His Strava fitness tracking app got its own workout,
averaging around 10,000 miles yearly. In his biggest year, it hit 15,000 –more than double the annual mileage of most car odometers.
Christensen came off as the sort who flew under the radar. He didn’t even have a cell phone. But anyone with a mind to find him needed to look no further than the hundreds of entries logged over thousands of miles that spanned six continents. His blog documented a life well-lived –on his bike. “I bought him his first iPad mini,” said Christensen’s long-time companion, Janina Ciezadlo.
George Christensen
“Partly to make his blogging easier, but also to have a way to look out for him. He always posted a photo of wherever he set up his tent for the night. That was George. He lived his life on his bike.”
As a rule, Christensen rode about 60-100 miles per diem in rain, snow, or blazing heat. “He never wanted to break his stride,” said Ciezadlo. “Weather made no difference to him. He rode through anything.” Ciezadlo recalled an instance when Christensen set up camp for the night “somewhere in Madagascar.” A fellow camper came over to warn him of an approaching typhoon visible on his phone’s weather app. “George was somehow able to get inside somewhere to wait it out,” she said. “He said it wasn’t that bad.”
Every year, Christensen rode the identical route of the Tour de France, following behind the pack of competitors. Although he was offered a job as a sweeper – an assistant who follows the riders – numerous times, he never accepted, as he was happy just to be riding along. He often picked up directional signs left over from The Tour to give to elite riders like threetime winner, Greg LeMond. Christensen had planned to ride behind The Tour again this past July.
In addition to The Tour, many of Christensen’s blog entries revolved around visits to Carnegie Libraries all over the world. As an avid reader, especially of the classics, he had been to hundreds of these libraries and had hoped to get to all of them. He often took off on bike trips in which he rode state to state, visiting several dozen Carnegies in a short period.
For years, Christensen made a living as a bike messenger, often working in the dead of winter when the pay was better and few others wanted to ride. He saved enough to take off on long, purposeful rides in nicer weather.
He rode in Telluride, CO, every year and attended the film festival. Eventu-
ally, he began working at the event and ultimately ran the shipping department. “It was a big job,” said Ciezadlo. “That community of regulars is going to miss him. We’ve heard they’re going to find some way to commemorate him at the event this year.” Christensen’s final blog entry from the night before he died documented a visit with friends in North Carolina he knew from the film festival.
DGBC member Charlie Echert recounted Christensen’s multiple bikes, “some of which he found and rebuilt and repaired.” An empty milk carton and a cargo trailer attached to the back of his bike stored transported treasures found while dumpster diving around the city. “He had regular stops at grocery dumpsters, as he hated to see anything viable wasted. While unconventional to many, there were those of us who regularly took his extras,” Echert said, “often just because we knew it mattered to him.”
As simple as he lived, Christensen made life count. He did what he loved every day of the year and never missed a chance. He rode the length of three continents. Rubber from his tires can be found along bike routes from India to Oman to Iceland.
Although Christensen personified a free spirit, he managed to forge genuine human connections. “Ultimately, George needed a home to come back to,” Ciezadlo said. “I gave him that,” she told DGBC members over a couple of beers following the annual Ride of Silence last May. This year’s ride was in honor of Christensen. “But he also needed a way to connect with people. That’s where you guys came in. He was as happy as a lark to be riding with you.”
Christensen’s historical passion for riding is documented on his blog, “George the Cyclist” georgethecyclist.blogspot.com
Christensen riding the Tour de France route.
HEDGE YOUR BET ON LUPFER LANDSCAPING
Many local landscaping companies are being bought up by hedge funds and private equity firms. According to Tom Lupfer, former President of the Illinois Landscape Contractor Association (ILCA) and Founder of Lupfer Landscaping, there’s a specific acquisition strategy impacting locally owned residential landscaping companies that is cause for concern.
“An investment company buys an established residential landscape business, removes the owner, but doesn’t replace them. Then they “standardize” the work, which means less personalized service and limited knowledge about the land they’re cultivating,” Tom explained.
That’s not the case at Lupfer Landscaping, which continues to earn high customer satisfaction ratings because they believe in a personalized touch. “My customers work directly with me,” Tom said. “That’s been our business model for more than 30 years, and it’s not going to change.”
When deciding who to hire for your landscaping needs, ask if the company is owner operated. If the name on the truck doesn’t belong to the owner of the company, you may want to hedge your bet on a locally owned and operated landscaping firm, like Lupfer Landscaping.
For more information, please contact Lupfer Landscaping:
TOM LUPFER Owner & President Lupfer Landscaping
Superintendent’s Path TO LEADING DISTRICT 99
Looking back on how Dr. Hank Thiele’s past has prepared him to lead
BY MARTY BLADER
Boy and Girl Scouts of America are equipped with the motto “Be Prepared,” which encourages the idea of readiness in both the mind and body. Little did Superintendent Dr. Hank Thiele know, as an Eagle Scout, that this phrase would serve him well in his future as he leads District 99. Thiele’s role as superintendent always brings him back to his love of service and helping the community.
“It’s a fun job to have, and it’s a great community to be in. This community allows us to do amazing things here in this district, and they send us awesome kids looking to be great
contributors to society,” Thiele said. “To have the honor and privilege to lead an organization like that is an amazing gift.”
Thiele recalls being a very active leader as an Eagle Scout, leading his peers and being organized. He recalls many people complimenting his leadership skills and asking if he considered being a teacher.
Fast forward a few years when Thiele started his career in education at James B. Conant High School, teaching science and music, coaching badminton, and leading a variety of extracurriculars. After shifting to a Technology Coordinator role at Conant High School, in 2007 Thiele moved to a Director of Technology position in the Maine Township High School District 207.
Dr. Hank Thiele stands on stage to deliver his speech at graduation.
Thiele received the award for Superintendent of Distinction in 2022 by his colleagues in the DuPage Region of the Illinois Association of School Administrators (IASA).
Funding District 99 for the Future
The District 99 Education Foundation celebrates 30 years of funding innovative programs to help advance the district
BY MARTY BLADER
The District 99 Education Foundation was created 30 years ago as a not-for-profit group in response to a property tax cap. At the time, District 99 was concerned about the amount of money it would be able to collect to support its students and faculty.
Since then, the foundation has directed its funds toward innovative programs and technology that push the district forward. Throughout this time, the foundation has invested more than $950,000 into the D99 schools.
Julia Kennedy Beckman has been the president of the foundation’s board since 2017. Beckman explains why she thinks investing in programs that fall outside of district funding is essential.
“I think our schools are the number one reason people move to the community, and you want to be sure that you are maintaining positive, forward-looking programs,” Beckman said.
While many superintendents start out as teachers before moving to an administrative role, Thiele explains that the transition is not a “promotion” but a “career change.”
“You happen to be in the field of education, but it would be like someone who is a plumber becoming an electrician. You’re both building houses, and you both have those experiences, but what you’re doing on a daily basis is very different,” Thiele said.
During his time as Director of Technology, he connected with Google to incorporate Google Suites into his district, becoming the first district in the world to do so. Due to the success of this project, he traveled the world to help other school districts incorporate this system into their learning.
His innovative and visionary mindset, which began with using Google Suites in the education system, has been seen in different areas of District 99.
Arwen Lyp, Principal of Downers Grove South High School describes Thiele as a leader.
“He has a really nice balance of being the bigpicture visionary leader of our district while also having both boots on the ground at the same time,” Lyp said. “Living and breathing and doing the work right alongside us.”
“He has a really nice balance of being the big-picture visionary leader of our district while also having both boots on the ground at the same time. Living and breathing and doing the work right alongside us.”
– ARWEN LYP, PRINCIPAL OF DOWNERS GROVE SOUTH HIGH SCHOOL
Over time, his role as director of technology shifted to an assistant superintendent position in the same district. In 2016, Thiele began as superintendent at District 99.
Thiele views his superintendency in District 99 as four “acts.” The first act was the referendum and the building project. Associate Superintendent for Student Learning Gina Ziccardi reflects on Thiele’s determination to get the project started.
Thiele stands in front of Google at his first time presenting in 2008.
The District 99 Education Foundation's Grant Chair, Donna Dawson, presents a check to grant recipient Katherine O’Truk.
“With the Master Facility Plan that was something we had been talking about in District 99 for a long time… but he really brought that to life,” Ziccardi said. “He has a vision, and sometimes a very innovative vision, that I think helps all of us to think about things in a different way.”
From there, he had to navigate the pandemic unexpectedly. As Thiele sees it, we are in the third act of his superintendency, which is the strategic plan, navigating how to best reflect on the work the district is doing and determining how to best prepare students for the future.
“We’ve always had a great reputation, we have great students, and we have a lot of students who come back to this community, but we’ve kind of relied on that legacy to validate what we do in the community. Over the next couple of years, we want to prove it to the community,” Thiele said.
Thiele recently signed a contract that will last until his retirement in five years. That determines his final act to be the transition period of passing the torch to the next superintendent in the final two years of his superintendency. Thiele plans to spend more time with his wife and family in retirement and get back to playing the trombone.
In his time in the District, Thiele reflects on the most rewarding part of his job.
“The best thing is seeing kids do great things and seeing students be successful,” Thiele said. “And just to know that I have some impact on that, whether through making sure that things just run with funding or solving problems or making sure that we have community support for what we do. That whole kind of experience makes the job worth doing.”
Teachers see first-hand what additional programs or equipment could advance their students’ learning. In recent years, the foundation has provided grants for programs ranging from funding the materials for DGN’s yoga club to digital cameras in the DGS Fine Arts Department. They have also provided support for students in the Transition 99 Program, including a straw bale garden, composting systems, and overnight trips.
“THE DEPARTMENT FUNDS CAN ONLY BUY SO MUCH STUFF FOR US, WHERE THE GRANTS HELP ME PUSH THE ENVELOPE FOR STUDENTS.”
–
These programs allow for more in-depth discovery and, often, handson learning for all students in the district. Downers Grove South teacher Scott Parker has received several grants from the District to support his teaching in the science department and in extracurriculars such as the robotics club.
“The department funds can only buy so much stuff for us, where the grants help me push the envelope for students,” Parker said. “They can experience things they might be interested in and help prepare them for college.”
In addition to directing the funds toward students’ academic learning, the foundation has recently expanded its mission to financially assist families in the community. The Angel Fund is an optional donation made when people pay their dues at the beginning of the school year. The money goes to students who may need financial assistance to pay for school events, extracurricular activities, and other additional expenses.
“I think that’s their biggest success. The range of projects that they finance and the ongoing effect that supporting those programs or those projects or those innovations and the impact it has on kids,” board member Mike Heinz said.
To learn more about the grants awarded in the past and how to donate to the District 99 Education Foundation, visit their website at d99ef.org.
DOWNERS GROVE SOUTH TEACHER AND GRANT RECIPIENT SCOTT PARKER THE ON FOUNDATION
Thiele is surrounded by his wife Annel and his children Maria and Henry. Thiele looks forward to spending more time with his family during his retirement.
Local Blessings
Blessings in a Backpack offers a solution for food insecurity
BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN
Millions of American families experience food insecurity. Sometimes, it’s part of the fall-out from another event, such as job loss. Other times, it’s a longer-term issue. Blessings in a Backpack (BIB) is a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization that ensures local students have enough to eat over weekends and school holidays.
The idea of BIB began in 2005 when Missy Hammerstrom, a woman in Louisville, Kentucky, volunteered at an elementary school. As she ate lunch with the students, a little girl asked Hammerstrom for her apple. When Missy asked why the student wanted it, the girl said she needed it to eat over the weekend because her family did not have enough food.
That was Hammerstrom’s a-ha moment. She cleared out her garage, bought backpacks, filled them with food, and donated them to the school. She fed 30 children that first weekend.
A Whittier parent learned about BIB at a conference. She approached the school’s principal with the idea to start a local chapter in the fall of 2014. Initially, there were three volunteers. One funded the purchases, the second did the shopping, and another delivered the packed bags of food.
Soon after, District 58 principals implemented the program districtwide. Donors began funding weekend bags for specific schools and recruiting volunteers to pack, purchase, and deliver food.
Each of the 13 schools in District 58 has different needs. By 2018, each school in the district had assigned a community volunteer to address the needs of each individual school. Two
2023/2024 DGS Student Body/DGS Key Club President Lily Kelliher and Hannah Venzon supported Blessings in a Backpack their senior year.
years after that, BIB became a district project with a central fundraising effort.
BIB is guided by National Food Solutions (NFS), a platform for knowledge-based understanding of food science. Put simply, it’s an organization used by dietitians to evaluate healthy food options that appeal to children. NFS generates Amazon wish lists specifically chosen by the dietitians.
To be considered for BIB, food items must meet certain criteria such as longterm availability, cost, ease of opening, portion size, shelf life, and variety. The chosen items are low in sodium and sugar, peanut free, high in protein, and use whole grains.
“Shelf stable, kid friendly items that will make it home intact inside a child’s backpack, are the priority,” said BIB Lead Program Coordinator, Kim Venzon.
In
about 20-50 bags, like a Girl Scout Troop or book club, that bought the food using an Amazon wish list.
From there, plastic grocery sacks or cellophane wrapped prepacks are placed into the student’s schoolbag. “Schools tell us numbers needed
by returning a letter included in the first bag of the year.
“Blessings in a Backpack is a solution that is provided to students without the need for forms or justification,” said Venzon. “And it’s very flexible. It can also be used to help a child who comes to school without breakfast.”
“One of the truly special things about Blessings in a Backpack is that we maintain the anonymity and therefore the dignity of the recipients, as we have no idea of the specific kids we assist.”
– KIM VENZON, BLESSINGS IN A BACKPACK LEAD VOLUNTEER
Food companies such as Optimum and Sysco create prepacks from national brands like Kellogg, Conagra, and StarKist. The items are specially formulated for BIB with less sugar and more whole grain. No refrigeration or preparation is required for the ready-to-eat food as many of the children served may not have access to working appliances or can openers.
The bags are packed at packing events, and they can take on different forms. Sometimes, they’re hosted by big companies that purchase enough pallets of food from Sysco to pack 500 bags. Other times, it’s small groups that pack
each week and that’s how many bags we deliver,” said Venzon. “Staff takes care of putting the bags into the recipient’s backpack each Friday while the hallways are empty.”
“One of the truly special things about our program is that we maintain the anonymity - and therefore dignity - of the recipients, as we have no idea who the specific kids that receive our assistance are,” Venzon added.
All recipients in District 58 come at the recommendation of staff. There is no paperwork involved and families may opt out of the program
BIB is constantly evolving the what, when, and how of the program to most effectively meet its mission of closing the hunger gap for District 58 students.
For information about BIB or to volunteer or donate, please visit Giving.BlessingsinaBackpack.org
Lending a Hand
District 58 Blessings in a Backpack founding volunteers:
Denise & Scott Lazar
Michael Krugman
Kathy Hebert
Mike Noel
Mike & Sue Mancuso, Jennie Oko
Gretchen Mungan
2020, Blessings in a Backpack became a district project with a central fundraising effort.
Following THEIR LEAD
Meet the influencers behind @somethingwhitty and @whatgracebought
BY VALERIE HARDY I PHOTOS BY VICTOR HILITSKI
With the advent and subsequent expansion of social media like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok over the past quarter century, many previously unimaginable professions have emerged. Among these are online content creators and marketers known as social media influencers. These predominantly female entrepreneurs, who are largely self-taught in an industry that is still in its infancy, cultivate considerable audiences and significantly impact their followers’ opinions and purchasing behaviors. Influencers often become household names and sometimes even feel like trusted friends to those who consume their blog and video content.
While influencers are based throughout the nation and across the world, you just might bump into a couple recognizable influencers from your social media feeds at the Downers Grove Farmers Market or elsewhere around town. Whitney Buha (@somethingwhitty and @somethingwhittyeats) and Grace Ginex (@whatgracebought and @whatgraceboughtbaby) both moved to Downers Grove in 2020 and have spent the past four years building community not only in their neighborhoods but also online.
Grace Ginex and Whitney Buha
Buha has amassed 205,000 followers on Instagram, and Ginex isn’t far behind at nearly 175,000 followers. Among Ginex and Buha’s thousands of followers are none other than one another. Someone tagged Ginex in response to one of Buha’s posts, and Ginex asked Buha if she wanted to meet for lunch. The two became fast friends, which Ginex said is “such a blessing.”
Downers Grove Magazine’s associate publisher Anne Healy and contributing editor Valerie Hardy had the opportunity to join Buha and Ginex at Cellar Door during one of their recent lunch dates to talk about their work and their lives beyond the Reels.
DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE: AS AN INFLUENCER, DO YOU HAVE A PARTICULAR NICHE?
GRACE GINEX: My bio says “Your Amazon Fashion Bestie,” but I don’t think that personifies me perfectly. I show a lot of my life - lifestyle and Amazon. Once I have my baby this fall, I’ll be sharing more about his baby products.
WHITNEY BUHA: It’s more lifestyle-focused for me. I share some fashion and some home content. I share some family stuff, too. I also share a lot of recipes.
DGM: DO YOU HAVE A TARGET DEMOGRAPHIC FOR YOUR SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT?
GG: Instagram will tell us our demographics. Mine is 99 percent women, ages 25-45.
WB: Mine is also almost all women, and 25-44 is the age demographic. You can see the locations of your followers, too. Mine’s majority U.S., with Chicago always in the top three cities, and the others are New York, Houston, and sometimes Dallas. Those change.
DGM: WHAT WAS YOUR PATHWAY TO BECOMING AN INFLUENCER?
GG: I was working in another career –paid social advertising – when I got started. The biggest company I worked for was Mindshare, and my last job was at Mediaocean. I was just so unhappy working 9-5, though. I didn’t want to do that for the rest of my life, not having the autonomy to do what I wanted with my time. I was obsessed with Seventeen Magazine and Cosmo growing up. I used to cut pictures out and scrapbook. When I saw another girl sharing Amazon finds I thought, “I could do that!” I started off posting Amazon screenshots for a couple years but wasn’t posting my face until 2021.
Whitney Buha
WB: I started seven years ago as a creative outlet. I was working full time in event planning and marketing at the parent company of Snapchat, Snap Inc. I just wanted to do something else, though. I like fashion and clothes, and my friends would often ask where I got something. I created a blog and a website (there were no reels, no video content, just photos). It was a hobby at first. I didn’t really take it seriously for a long time. I didn’t realize you could make money in it.
DGM: HOW DID INFLUENCING SHIFT FROM A HOBBY TO YOUR PRIMARY CAREER AND SOURCE OF INCOME?
GG: I’ve never gone viral or had a million followers overnight, so it was slow growth for me. At first someone reaches out and asks if they can send you a free water bottle or something. I remember getting sent something and thinking, “I can’t believe someone wants to send me something.” Now, I
set my own rates… You get to the point where you need a manager. There are still a few opportunities I’m willing to take for free because it will lead to different opportunities down the line.
WW: I agree. At first you need to be willing to work for free. You begin sharing more organically, and a brand would then reach out because they know you like their brand. Now, even though a brand directly reaches out to me, I have to send it through my manager. Think of [an influencer’s manager] like a talent manager or sports agent. They already have relationships established with various brands, so they’ll pitch you with their brands [that are a fit with your brand as an influencer]. The industry standard is that the manager gets a percentage of what you take in. It helps you grow, because they know the right people.
DGM: WHAT, IF ANY, CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED BEING IN THE PUBLIC EYE?
WB: It can be very vulnerable. I felt this way especially when I had my first child. I was very open - talked a lot about my pregnancy, having a baby, being a first-time mom - but as sad as it is, the mom community can be pretty awful. I was in a pretty fragile place being a first-time mom, and I was getting all these negative comments. I had my second baby last year, and I appreciate that people want to know, and I do still share some things, but I’m not nearly as open as I was the first time around. Someone once told me, “You block, and you bless.” If people are personally responding to me and being mean, I just block them and move on.
GG: You just can’t care too much. I get so many hateful comments. We’re not coalminers – our job isn’t physically hard like that – but, mentally, there are so many things you need to think
about on a daily basis and emotionally it can be hard. It helps to have friends who are also doing this that you can cling on to. You’d think it would be so competitive, but it’s so supportive, open, and honest.
DGM: WHAT HAS CHANGED SINCE YOU GOT STARTED IN THE SOCIAL MEDIA INFLUENCING REALM?
WB: The biggest change was when Reels became all the rage. First, I was just posting static photos, then I began posting Reels and videos. That’s the way to grow, because that was the content getting pushed out, but it’s so much more time consuming.
GG: One of the other big changes is that before, everything needed to be
perfect. Now I come on without makeup sometimes, or not in a cute outfit. I can be super raw There are some girls out there that still put on this perfect persona, which is fun too, but there’s definitely less pressure now to showcase this perfect life.
DGM: WHAT ABOUT BEING AN INFLUENCER MIGHT SURPRISE PEOPLE?
WB: We work for ourselves, and we work when we want, but I definitely work more doing this than I did at my full-time job. The editing takes forever!
GG: There are definitely people who don’t understand what I do. They think I watch “Love Island” all day, but we’re a full-production company of one person. We’re the business,
Grace Ginex
the creative, the camera, the hair and makeup, the steamers. There’s really no such thing as a vacation, because the key is posting consistently.
DGM: WHAT WERE SOME OF THE MOST PURCHASED ITEMS YOU PROMOTED?
GG: It’s always the item you never think it’s going to be! Last year, we put up permanent Christmas lights at our house. The lights can change colors with the season. Govee was the brand.
WB: If I think about Reels that blew up, it was all the baby things that people wanted to know – newborn must-haves, 3-month must-haves. The random thing was this nail polish that is a nail concealer (kur Illuminating Nail Concealer by Londontown). It lasts 7-10 days, it only costs $20, and every time I post it, everyone wants to buy that.
DGM: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING INFLUENCERS?
WB: Besides posting consistently to generate interest, I’d recommend always signing a contract for brand deals. Know what you’re being paid for.
GG: Protecting our intellectual property is everything! I’d also tell aspiring influencers to be authentic. I’m a millennial, and a lot of the clothes Gen Z women are wearing, I’m not comfortable wearing. I fell into that trap [promoting fashion I wasn’t comfortable in] for a while though.
DGM: HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR TIME OUTSIDE OF YOUR WORK?
GG: I like to work out. I’m also a big Bravo girl - all the trash reality TV! I also enjoy traveling, reading, skincare, and spending time with my husband, Joe.
WB: I like to go walking with my family (husband, Nick, and 2.5-yearold and 11-month-old daughters Delaney and Sasha) and hang out with my dog, Josie. I also like shopping at Trader Joe’s, occasionally reading, and traveling. I’m excited about our home – decorating, and we’re finishing our basement right now.
DGM: WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT DOWNERS GROVE?
GG: Being able to walk into town is such a luxury. We love that there are people out at 8:30 in the morning on Saturdays for the Farmers Market, and walking down Main Street on Sunday with everyone out to brunch… it feels like downtown Chicago.
WB: We haven’t done a lot yet – it’s hard with two little kids who go to bed at 7 p.m. – but everything we have experienced has been great. That’s the consensus: everyone loves it here!
Grace Ginex (left) and Whitney Buha (right) at industry events
Brush Pediatric Dentistry
Dr. Maggie Rizzo and Dr. Mira Albert
Brush Pediatric Dentistry is excited to announce that Dr. Maggie Rizzo, a board-certified pediatric dentist, is bringing Brush to Downers Grove. Dr. Rizzo has been an essential part of Brush Pediatric Dentistry since 2012, beginning her journey at the original Hinsdale location under the mentorship of Dr. Mira Albert, the practice’s founder, who had a vision to bring the first whimsical pediatric dental practice to the western suburbs. With a deep passion for pediatric dental care, Dr. Rizzo is committed to ensuring that every child she treats leaves with a healthy and confident smile.
Dr. Rizzo’s journey in dentistry started at the University of Michigan, where she earned a B.S. in Neuroscience. She then obtained her Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Illinois-Chicago, followed by an intensive two-year residency at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, specializing in pediatric dentistry. Her extensive training and experience have equipped her to care for young patients with compassion and expertise.
As both a dentist and a mother, Dr. Rizzo understands the concerns parents have about their children’s dental visits. She collaborates with Dr. Mira Albert and four other expert pediatric dentists to create a warm, judgment-free
environment at Brush Pediatric Dentistry. Their goal is to teach children healthy oral hygiene habits in a fun and engaging way, ensuring every visit is a positive experience.
Dr. Mira Albert, who founded Brush Pediatric Dentistry in 2011, is a nationally recognized expert in the specialty. Under her guidance, Brush has become a leading practice in pediatric dentistry, known for its patient-centered approach and commitment to utilizing the latest technology. Her mentorship has been crucial in shaping Dr. Rizzo’s career.
Brush Pediatric Dentistry is at the forefront of pediatric care, using minimally invasive treatments and state-ofthe-art technology to provide the best outcomes for their patients. With Dr. Rizzo leading the Downers Grove location, Brush continues its tradition of excellence, offering compassionate, top-tier care in a bright and fresh environment to local families.
Outside of her professional life, Dr. Rizzo enjoys outdoor activities with her husband, Tony, and their two children, Johnny and Caroline, as they eagerly await their new baby boy. The family is thrilled to be part of the Downers Grove community. u
For more information visit: www.brushforkids.com.
Esplanade Dental Care
Esplanade Dental Care in Downers Grove has built its reputation on a simple yet powerful philosophy: treat patients with care, offer topquality dental services, and stay ahead in the ever-evolving world of dentistry. At the heart of this practice is a team-based, patient-centered approach, where advanced training and cutting-edge technology, including minimally invasive diagnostic tools and digital dentistry to ensure each patient receives the best care possible.
“We take our time with each appointment,” says Dr. Sherif Albert. “We believe in having meaningful conversations with our patients and understanding their lives.”
Dr. Albert is joined by his sister, Dr. Christine Snow, and Dr. Amy Feller, whom they met nearly a decade ago through a continuing education study club. Together, this trio combines compassionate care with the latest in dental technology, offering services such as 3D imaging, implants, Invisalign, veneers, and Zoom whitening. Beyond treatment, the team guides patients through their financial and dental benefits, ensuring a smooth experience both in and out of the office.
The sense of family at Esplanade Dental Care extends beyond the practice. Dr. Albert’s wife, Dr. Mira Albert,
founded Brush Pediatric Dentistry in Hinsdale in 2011 expanding to a new location in Downers Grove this month. The couple now operates four practices: Esplanade Dental Care, Brush Pediatric Dentistry of Hinsdale and Downers, and Atrium Family Dental in New Lenox, IL. “I love the blend of patient interaction, the art of dentistry, and the entrepreneurial challenge of running these businesses with my wife,” says Dr. Albert.
With nearly 100 years of combined experience in general, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry, the team at Esplanade Dental Care ensures patients feel confident in their expertise. Regular visits are vital, as they keep up with the latest industry advancements to prevent age-related dental complications.
Outside the office, the Esplanade team enjoys family vacations in Michigan. Fall brings a special excitement to the Albert household as Dr. Albert, an Ohio State alum, and Dr. Mira Albert, a University of Michigan graduate, gear up for their household’s intense NCAA football rivalry. “Come game day, the rivalry is real,” laughs Dr. Albert. u
For more information visit: www.esplanade-dental.com.
Dr. Christine Snow, Dr. Sherif Albert, and Dr. Amy Feller
Shine Pediatric Dentistry
Going to the dentist can be scary for kids, but licensed pediatric dental specialists Dr. Lynse Briney and Dr. Lexi Nash at Shine Pediatric Dentistry are here to make any worries disappear. Dr. Briney is a board-certified pediatric dentist with a Masters in Oral Sciences. Dr. Nash, who has qualified for her board exam, will be taking her Oral Board for the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry in October. They are both involved with the Chicago Dental Society (CDS), Illinois State Dental Society (ISDS), and American Dental Association (ADA).
Their motto, “Be your brightest self,” guides them daily as they lead their dedicated Downers Grove team to bring a positive dental experience to every child and parent. They are committed to making children and families feel cared for, respected, and a part of the team that helps keep them happy and healthy. They value educating patients on the importance of oral health and how to take care of their teeth because they want everyone to take pride in their smile.
Dr. Briney and Dr. Nash focus on patient comfort at every appointment because they know that visits to the
dentists aren’t always the most fun. They make sure to listen carefully, empathize with patients, and provide support and reassurance during those uncomfortable times. By building relationships through attention to care and compassion, they can gain the trust of patients and families. This trust translates into cooperation and, ultimately, success.
“We think of it like your child falling and hurting themselves. You try your best to avoid the accidents, but they do happen. The support and compassion that you give them during and afterward is what they remember. It’s the same for dental care,” they said.
Dentistry is constantly changing and evolving to create more comfortable visits and more natural results. To make sure that your child has the best possible care, Dr. Briney and Dr. Nash are up to date on the latest and greatest technologies and training. Current game changers in pediatric dentistry are the bioactive materials that help stop the progression of cavities. This means healthier smiles and happier kids! u
Visit shinekidsdg.com for more information.
Dr. Lynse Briney & Dr. Lexi Nash
DIVING FOR DREAMS
Oak Brook resident builds career, pursues dreams at Brookfield Zoo Chicago
BY ANNA HUGHES | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BROOKFIELD ZOO CHICAGO
For most people, the dolphin show at Brookfield Zoo Chicago is entertaining. Captivating. Majestic.
For Tim Sullivan, it was life-changing.
Sullivan was 17 years old the first time he saw the show. He went home that night—for the first time ever—with a career path in mind. As a swimmer and an animal lover, he saw the care team hard at work and decided he wanted to be a part of it.
Sullivan knew he would have to work hard for this new dream. He started with a part-time job taking tickets for the show. His swimming and diving experience gave him a leg up, allowing him to get into the pools to help the animal trainers. This continued through his senior year of high school and throughout college.
“I went to school in the area and then just continued to work my breaks and weekends, trying to keep my foot in the door, hoping that I might be that one in one million chance that I can
get a full-time job,” Sullivan said.
In 1984, he earned a job as a seasonal animal care specialist. After a few months, that became a full-time gig, and he’s worked at the zoo ever since.
“The zoo has really changed my life,” Sullivan said. “Had I not come here, I don’t think I would have kind of put myself in those situations where I would have grown.”
Sullivan described his young self starting out at the zoo as “the shyest,
Tim Sullivan in Brookfield Zoo Chicago’s Tropic World: Asia habitat with orangutans, Heidi and Sophia, in the background
most introverted kid you could ever know.” Working with the marine mammals as an animal trainer forced him out of his comfort zone. He had to give presentations to thousands of people – something he was totally unfamiliar and completely uncomfortable with. Through teaching crowds of adoring guests about the animals he cared for, he learned a lot about himself.
“Because I was forced to do that to give myself any chance to get this job, it really started to develop my confidence,” Sullivan recalled.
He spent over 16 years with the marine mammals before moving to the pachyderm department. After less than a year in this role, he was the top pick to serve as the director of animal training and enrichment for the entire zoo. Despite not feeling qualified at the time, his peers and mentors knew he was the right fit. He’s held that position (now called the director of behavioral husbandry) for 26 years.
“I provide the knowledge and expertise and skill for the 106 animal care specialists here to modify the behavior of their animals in all areas of the zoo, as well as provide environmental enrichment to help benefit their wellbeing,” Sullivan explained.
Sullivan caught the attention of more than just zoo leadership during the early parts of his career. One educator, Angela, noticed him from afar and decided to make a move. They’ve been together ever since.
“Apparently, she was stalking me for a while,” Sullivan joked. “She still tells a story where she goes,
“Our mission is to create conservation leaders so that they can develop that caring attitude towards animals, that empathy.”
- TIM SULLIVAN
‘You’re not a really good animal behaviorist; you should have seen that I was stalking you…I bought one of your T-shirts for your enrichment fundraiser.’ I go, ‘So did 60 other women! That wasn’t much of a clue.’”
They live in Oak Brook with their two kids, TJ and Chloe, who grew up visiting Mom and Dad at the zoo. Just like all of the kids who visit every day, their wide-eyed awe seeing the animals reminds Sullivan why his work is so important.
“When you have challenging days, what I do is I tend to just go out into the park and just hang out with guests and watch the kids smiling and interacting with the animals and really having a great day,” Sullivan said. “It’s just really an honor to be a part of that.”
their mission of care and conservation with all the guests who visit, promoting stewardship and compassion.
“Our mission is to create conservation leaders, so that they can develop that caring attitude towards animals, that empathy,” Sullivan said. “Hopefully they leave the zoo after having a great experience here, and change their behavior to hopefully help the environment, help the planet, so that the wild relatives of all of our animals who are at Brookfield Zoo have a better chance of surviving.”
Sullivan’s work extends beyond family fun; it’s about being an advocate for animals and sharing
Sullivan is currently serving as a big part of the zoo’s newest effort in their commitment to animal well-being. As the interim director of primates, he is tasked with overseeing the biggest renovation in the zoo’s 90-year history: the construction of the tropical forest exhibit, which will completely revamp primate habitats. But they aren’t stopping there. The zoo recently announced a 15-year, $500 million renovation plan. This ambitious expansion is a testament to the zoo’s mission of preserving species and prolonging ecosystems. Sullivan is thrilled to be a part of it.
“In the 44 years I’ve been here, I’ve never had a day where I’ve woken up and said, ‘You know, I really don’t want to go to work today.’” Sullivan said. “I come to a really cool place where I’m excited to show up to work every day.”
To learn more about Brookfield Zoo Chicago, their latest renovations, or how you can visit, visit brookfieldzoo.org.
Sullivan and Kaitlin Jungiewicz, an animal care specialist, with Kinda, one of Brookfield Zoo’s reticulated giraffes
Sullivan started his career 40+ years ago at the Brookfield Zoo.
A Fighting Illini
Local UIUC freshman discusses cancer battle in honor of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
BY ANNA HUGHES
Adrian Lam was weeks away from starting his freshman year at the University of Illinois UrbanaChampaign. He was a healthy, active 18-year-old boy from the western suburbs both excited and nervous to take the next step in his life. While shopping for dorm essentials and planning classes to start on his mechanical engineering path, something felt off.
First, it was heartburn. That was normal, he thought.
Then, he developed some hip pain. He was a swimmer, so it made sense. That was probably normal, too.
But it got worse; he couldn’t keep food down. Then he couldn’t even eat.
His parents insisted it was time to go to the emergency room.
He was admitted for low hemoglobin, but it wasn’t long before a CT scan showed a mass in his stomach. Doctors soon found masses all over his body.
He was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma, on August 17, 2023. Instead of attending college, he was transferred to the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. He started his first round of chemotherapy less than two weeks later.
“[The diagnosis was] a life-changing moment for me,” Lam said. “Obvi-
ously, I was really, really scared when I first heard of it.”
Due to the aggressive nature of Lam’s cancer, they had to start treatment right away. His oncology team started him on a high dose of chemotherapy and any medicine to help minimize the nasty side effects. To tackle an aggressive cancer, they had to take an aggressive approach.
“I [would] get admitted to the hospital. And then they would deliver
some chemo the whole time there, for all five days, Monday through Friday,” Lam recalled. “Like a day in the office, I guess,” he added, chuckling.
Lam had lost 30 pounds and experienced debilitating nausea to the point of not wanting to eat any food. He also experienced some rashes. But the most well-known side effect happened pretty quickly: hair loss.
“I remember I was showering. And then I tried to put shampoo in my
The nurses at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Adrian Lam
hair, and all that came out was a bunch of hair. So it was pretty emotional,” Lam said. “Like my eyebrows fell off, my eyelashes, all the hair, it goes away. And it’s a pretty sad moment for me.”
His parents, Angela and Wilson, were by his side as he stared at the clumps of hair in his hands. It was clear to everyone that this nightmare was very, very real. But they didn’t falter. Lam said their support is why he made it through that first round of chemo and all five rounds after. They kept him sane in the weeks between treatments and made sure to lift his spirits whenever possible.
college parties on Snapchat and football games on Instagram. It was a reminder that he was dealt an unfair hand, yet he kept a positive attitude. He finished a lot of puzzles and played video games. His water polo teammates and friends who were still in high school visited when they could. All in all, he said that he, his family, and his medical team made the best out of a bad situation.
“I think [having cancer] might even be a blessing in disguise because I’ve
Just weeks after the initial diagnosis, Lam started chemotherapy.
athlon to raise money for pediatric cancer research. Although his cancer fight is reaching its likely end, that’s not the case for many of his fellow Lurie patients.
“I think people mature by going to college, but I feel I also have matured from experiencing this ... [it] gave me a new perspective of life.”
“My brother, mom, and dad were there for me. Even when I didn’t ask them to be there,” Lam said. “Especially my mom and dad; they would come to the hospital just to be there. They didn’t talk to me if I didn’t want to be talked to. They were just there for my comfort.”
Lam spent a good part of the last year isolated, undergoing treatments, scans, and tests. He became friends with familiar faces on his oncology staff, especially the nurses checking in. He had to fight the “FOMO” (fear of missing out) when he saw
- ADRIAN LAM
really learned a lot,” Lam said. “I think people mature by going to college, but I feel I also have matured from experiencing this ... [it] gave me a new perspective of life.”
Lam self-declares that he is in remission. After his second round of chemo, the PET scan showed almost no cancer remaining. After four more rounds, Lam is confident that it’s all gone. Still, it’s a waiting game to see if anything comes back. In the meantime, he just started his first year at UIUC and recently competed in a tri-
“It’s just a little bit heartbreaking [seeing the young patients at the hospital] because it made me feel even extra thankful that I got it at this age since I was able to comprehend stuff a little more maturely,” Lam said. "But it’s just really heartbreaking to see some children, maybe even newborn babies, that are in the hospital.”
The money Lam raised will go directly back to Lurie Children’s Hospital to support children and teenagers like him. He said he was thinking about his doctors and nurses while he was competing and all the work they’re doing to fight pediatric cancer every day.
“I just think these children are unfairly given some circumstances that may shorten their lives or may make their childhood incomplete,” Lam said. “I think targeting to end childhood cancer is important because we are preserving more life… children should be the main focus because, ultimately, these people are the future of our society. And if we can prolong their future, I think they’ll do a great deal of good.”
Every September, Childhood Cancer Awareness Month is recognized. For more information on Lurie Children’s Hospital, visit luriechildrens.org.
Lam and family at his high school graduation
BGlobal Reach with Local Roots
Ball Horticultural Company has grown to be the industry’s innovator
BY ANNA HUGHES
all Horticultural Company is to be a major force in horticulture right here in the western suburbs. Driven by its commitment to pioneering plant science and supporting the needs of growers and retailers worldwide, it has grown from a small flower business to an international operation known for invention and innovation.
BALL’S BACKGROUND
In 1905, George J. Ball launched Ball Horticultural Company as a wholesale cut flower operation that would come to shape the industry as it is today. Some of the first flowers George J. innovated were Sweet Pea, Asters, Calendula, Chrysanthemums, Narcissus, and Carnations. The company’s original location was a 5-acre site in Glen Ellyn, Illinois. In 1928, it relocated to West Chicago, Illinois, to better utilize nearby railroad and airfield access, facilitating the distribution of fresh flowers and seeds to downtown Chicago and beyond.
The company has grown to “color the world” and transform garden dreams into reality. Ball is now in its fourth generation of family ownership and is a leader in all facets of horticulture. It’s also the parent of several plant-breeding companies, as well as Ball Seed®, a major distributor that supplies commercial greenhouses with plant inputs (seed, plugs, cuttings, young plants, etc.) Ball enhances the plant supply chain with innovative plant genetics and supports commercial greenhouse growers in expanding their businesses and delivering plants to market each gardening season.
BREAKING DOWN BALL
So much happens before consumers buy plants, and that pre-purchase process is where Ball Horticultural Company comes in. It starts with creativity. Plant breeders set breeding goals based on a few questions: Does this new plant have a place in the market? Can we produce and supply it reliably for our customers? Is it visually appealing – and trendy! – for the retail market? Will it perform well and make a gardener feel successful and happy?
This process can take anywhere from three to 10 years. Once all of those goals are met, a plant is introduced first to the horticulture industry at a launch event known as Spring Trials, which takes place throughout California-based research greenhouses. Then, commercial greenhouses make their choice of what they will plant and grow in their regions.
GEORGE’S GROWTH GOALS
George J. Ball was a true innovator and entrepreneur in constant pursuit
“The Gardens at Ball” located at company headquarters have been the evaluation and testing grounds for horticultural introductions and improvements for over 80 years.
One of the first innovations by George J. Ball were Sweet Pea flowers.
of better, more effective ways to breed and supply plants. George and his successors traveled extensively, forging valuable connections and lasting relationships with other companies along the way. Following WWII, decades of significant growth and periods of consolidation provided increased opportunities to serve a broader market.
Although their home base has remained the same, Ball Horticultural Company’s international impact has grown significantly. The company has a global reach with a strong presence in 20+ countries on six continents for plant breeding, research, product supply farms, and industry distribution. Their products are in the U.S. and Canada, as well as The Netherlands, China, Australia, Japan, Korea, the United Kingdom, India, South Africa, and Brazil. In addition, they have production farms in Thailand, Nicaragua, Colombia, Chile, and many other places where environmental conditions are perfect for growing year-round.
TESTING & TECHNOLOGY
Ball Horticultural Company is proud to have award-winning plants. In order to win national and regional awards, plants are run through extensive trials in many environments and conditions. Ball said that their breeding companies implement particular standards to ensure the plants perform at their best for the home gardener.
Improved technology provides Ball scientists and innovators an array of opportunities for new plants and faster
production. They employ a range of technological tools for plant biology, pathology, and production to bring new and improved plants to the market. As a leader in seed technology, they specialize in processes like pelleting, coating, and counting seeds to enhance greenhouse efficiency. They have even combined multiple varieties into a single seed pellet, such as the SimplySalad™ pellets, which include various types of lettuce in one pellet to create a convenient multi-salad blend.
CONSUMER CORNER
Ball’s primary customers are commercial greenhouse growers, ranging from small-scale flower farmers to large mechanized operations that produce in mass. In terms of service, they work closely with breeding companies and international suppliers to bring plants to market. Ball also partners with major retailers like The Home Depot, Meijer, and Walmart to help build their garden center offerings each spring. They also supply mail-order catalogs, repackaging seeds into smaller quantities for gardeners who prefer to start their flowers from seed. Retail locations or gardens that feature Ball plants in the area are Platt Hill Nursery in Bloomingdale, Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Goebbert’s Farm in South Barrington, and Schaefer Greenhouses in Montgomery. Be sure to share some fun facts about the plants you’re seeing with your family on your next visit!
Hinsdale Magazine Group thanks Katie Rotella of Ball Horticultural Company for the expertise she provided for this article.
Fall Foliage
If you’re looking to refresh your fall planters and branch out into something new, Landon Gibbs, a Horticulturalist and Garden Designer for Ball Horticultural Company, has some ideas. While classics like Mums, Kale, and Pansies never go out of style, here are some of his suggestions:
1Carex ColorGrass Red Rooster, an ornamental sedge (similar in appearance to a true grass) that is a rich shade of chocolate, pairs beautifully with silvers, whites, and deep maroon.
2
Eucalyptus, which is hugely popular in the floral industry, has been growing in popularity for in-ground and container use. It offers height and longevity in fall displays, turning hues of beige and tan in winter while maintaining its form.
3Ornamental Pepper Onyx Orange: There are countless varieties of ornamental peppers, but Onyx Orange provides jet-black foliage with stunning fruit that fades from purple to orange, perfect for a Halloween theme!
4 Perennials are a perfect option for fall displays. Also, right before winter, many can be planted in the garden to enjoy the next season. Things such as the Echinacea Sombrero series, Heuchera Carnival series, Centaurea Silver Swirl, and the Salvia Mirage series are stunning options for containers and landscapes.
Ball Horticultural Company has been located in West Chicago since 1928.
GIVING USA
U.S. charitable giving totaled over $550 billion in 2023
BY DAVE MCGOWAN
Giving USA 2024: The Annual Report on Philanthropy for 2023, released in June, reported that an estimated $557.16 billion was donated by all sources last year. Giving USA Foundation, a public service initiative of The Giving Institute, publishes the Report. It is researched and written by the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy.
Buoyed by the stock market and GDP, total giving grew 1.9% in current dollars but did not outpace inflation, causing an inflationadjusted deficit of 2.1%. Total giving has not yet surpassed the all-time inflation-adjusted high set in 2021 but remains above pre-pandemic levels, even when adjusted for inflation.
The not-for-profits at the top of the list for capturing last year’s generosity include Arts, Culture and Humanities, Education, and Public Society Benefit organizations.
The highest percent increase in giving was in the “Bequests” cat-egory, which posted a 4.8% increase. This is not surprising considering the data I presented on the Transfer of Wealth in the last edition. Bequests and outright gifts from individuals accounted for 75% of giving, with gifts by corporations and foundations accounting for the balance.
Gifts to and grants from donoradvised funds are among the fastest growing. Your local community foundation, the DuPage Foundation, hosts nearly 150 such funds, including one my wife and I started in 2022 when I retired from the
Foundation. We have included our family donor-advised fund in our estate plan to encourage our children and grandchildren to get involved. I encourage you to explore your family’s potential to make a difference through giving and volunteering.
About the Author: Dave McGowan has been a Chicagoarea not-forprofit executive since November 1981. He is a certified fund-raising executive who retired from DuPage Foundation after 25 years in December 2022 before starting a consulting practice serving donors, their advisors, and the not-for-profits they support. For more information on the topics covered, reach out to dave@davemcgowanconsulting.com.
THE FOXTAIL
The Foxtail is a contemporary restaurant that draws inspiration from the Mediterranean, offering something for all tastes. Operating from Tuesday to Sunday for both lunch and dinner, the restaurant is conveniently situated in downtown Downers Grove, making it the perfect stop before or after exploring the shopping scene.
Owners and Chefs Tim Canning and Todd Davies partnered with Executive Chef Maya Nahouli to create an innovative take on Mediterranean flavors grounded in classic culinary principles. Chef Nahouli, who grew up in Lebanon on the Mediterranean, has a love for all things seafood. “I grew up eating fresh seafood every day and want our guests to enjoy the food the way I did when I was kid,” she said.
The Foxtail - and sibling establishment Cadence Kitchen & Co. - also showcase a deep appreciation for local farmers, ranchers, and artisanal ingredients. The result? The team delivers a refreshing dining experience for the residents of the western suburbs fueled by their culinary passions.
With unique craft cocktails, a nationally recognized wine program (The Foxtail was recently honored with the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence) and a diverse menu, The Foxtail has emerged as a local favorite. According to Chef Nahouli, “One of the unique aspects of The Foxtail’s menu is that everybody seems to have a different favorite dish – it’s difficult to say and depends on who you talk to!” Nevertheless, some distinctive items on the menu include Grilled Octopus, Taleggio Flatbread, Grilled Halloumi Salad, Beef Shawarma, and Hamachi Crudo.
More than just a place to eat, The Foxtail offers a unique dining experience that caters to a variety of occasions. It’s a magnet for diverse groups, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations like birthdays and showers. The restaurant’s vibrant and trendy atmosphere, coupled with live music several nights a week, brings a dash of urban energy to the suburban setting, making every visit a memorable one. “We’ve had so much fun bringing our passion for hospitality to our town,” said Todd. “It is always great to see family and friends – old and new – at The Foxtail.” u
Resurrecting Mary
Chicago’s most famous ghost-in-residence
BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN
Legends. Every corner of the world has them. Local lore is part of a location’s identity.
One dyed-in-the-wool staple of this area is the story of a young girl on her way home from an evening ball. Since the Roaring Twenties, Resurrection Mary has managed to elude dance hall patrons and cab drivers alike in south suburban Cook County. The number of sightings by credible witnesses spins a yarn nine decades in the making.
There are several versions of this story. Most are a variant of the vanishing hitchhiker tale. Locals tell of a young blond woman in a white ballgown who requests a ride somewhere along Archer Avenue between Willow Springs Road and Ashland Avenue, only to vanish on or before arrival at her destination. Details vary, but she is usually coming from a dance hall or nightclub.
The roots of the story originated at the Oh Henry Ballroom in Willow Springs almost a century ago. A young woman named Mary and her boyfriend attended a dance. Late that evening, the two got into a heated argument. Mary stormed out into the dark night and walked home alone along Archer Avenue. She was struck and killed by a motorist somewhere between the dance hall and Resurrection Cemetery. The driver - never identified - left her for dead.
Since her death almost a century ago, Resurrection Mary has appeared many times. Encounters with the ghost vary, from full-on conversations to an image that vanishes seconds after it appears.
Ten years after Mary’s death, a Southsider named Jerry Palus approached a young blond woman at a dance hall. She introduced herself as “Mary.” The two danced the night away. In the midst of their good time, however, Palus noticed her hands were ice cold. At the end of the evening, he offered her a ride home.
Although Mary claimed to be a Southsider, she asked him to take her up Archer Avenue in the opposite direction. Palus was confused but did as she asked. As the car approached Resurrection Cemetery, Mary abruptly told him to slow down. Without ever opening the door, she vanished before his eyes.
The next morning, shaken and confused, Palus went to the address Mary had given him the night before as her home. When her mother answered the door, he inquired about the woman he had met the previous evening. Although the description matched Mary’s identity, she informed him that her daughter had died a few years earlier.
The next few decades brought several sightings. A cab driver in the 70s reported a young woman standing in front of Resurrection Cemetery one night. She disappeared when he pulled over to check if she needed a ride. Later that decade, another cab driver claimed to have picked up a female hitchhiker in her early twenties. As they drove along Archer Avenue, she startled the driver into making a sudden stop. When he turned to the backseat to be sure it was where she wanted to be dropped off, she was gone.
Mary showed herself to Clare and Mark Rudniki in 1980 as the pair drove down Archer Avenue near Resurrection Cemetery. A young woman in a white gown wandered slowly along the roadside. The couple claim a white aura surrounded her as if she were glowing. They drove by, shocked. As they turned the car around to verify the spot Mary was walking, she disappeared. Nine years later, Janet Kalal and a friend were passing the cemetery when a woman in a white gown jumped in front of the car. There was no sound, however, and no damage or impact to the car.
Over the years, countless sightings have been reported by passersby of a ghastly young blond woman walking through Resurrection Cemetery in the dark.
Was Resurrection Mary a real person?
Paranormal investigators have weeded
through more than a hundred thousand graves at Resurrection Cemetery to find the phantom’s identity. Many agree Resurrection Mary is the alter ego of a young woman named Anna “Marija” Norkus. Records corroborate that she was struck and killed by a car one night in 1927 as she walked home from the Oh Henry Ballroom.
Chicago’s version of a vanishing hitchhiker is just that—our version. Similar tales have worked their way into the folklore of many corners of the world. Other variations take the form of South Carolina’s Walhalla hitchhiker, the phantom hitchhiker of Bedfordshire, Great Britain, and the White Lady of Quezon City in the Philippines.
While they’re fun to recount over campfires, local legends might also be reminders that things often look different late at night, and it’s okay not to stop the car! ■
Pu Michig
Autumnal days on Michigan’s “Sunset Coast” are the perfect weekend trip when the weather turns cool
BY MIA JONES
Discover why Lake Michigan’s coastline is a fantastic place to visit even beyond the summertime. Within a comfortable, maximum three-hour car ride from the western suburbs of Chicago, you can take your pick from vineyards, restaurants, and rejuvenating places to relax for a weekend away.
MT. TABOR TRAILS IN BUCHANAN, MI
Take a beautiful fall walk with a drink in hand on Round Barn’s Mt. Tabor Trails in Buchanan and Baroda, MI. The four trail options, varying in length and intensity, venture through the fields and woods between the Round Barn Winery & Estate in Baroda and Tabor Hill Winery & Restaurant in Buchanan. Your scenic tasting adventure can begin at either one of the locations, where there will be food, beer, wine, and cocktails to choose from. Heated igloos and fire pits allow for a cozy time outdoors with family and friends while enjoying the views of Round Barn Estate. The Estate can house up to eight guests for a more extended weekend stay, but local lodges and hotels are just down the road.
Round Barn Winery & Estate in Baroda, MI
NEW BUFFALO, MI
A historic beach town, New Buffalo provides a quiet getaway weekend. If you are looking for a tranquil place to stay, The Neighborhood Hotel New Buffalo offers nine different beachy-feeling suites for a relaxing stay for two. For more space, they also have a hotel nearby in Grand Beach, which is only a 10-minute drive from New Buffalo! The Stray Dog Bar and Grill is a must-try for American cuisine and beers, complete with a cozy fireplace for chill fall nights.
Visit New Buffalo’s first brewery at Beer Church Brewing Co., which is indeed a literal church. They have a pizza-making class and a heated outdoor beer garden, and brunch and breakfast are served until 2 p.m.
HOLLAND, MI
The famous Michigan town of Holland will host its annual Fall Fest on main 8th Street this year. From Friday, October 4 to Saturday, October 5, the festival will feature professional pumpkin carvers, pumpkin painting, street performers, and a fall artisan market. During your stay, visit the many boutiques, breweries, restaurants, and coffee shops in downtown Holland. If you are looking for a hotel that’s right downtown for the fall fun, book the Courtyard Holland Downtown by Marriott. And no worries, Windmill Island Gardens will be open through October 6 to see the 250-year-old DeZwaan Windmill.
SAUGATUCK, MI
Charming and picturesque, Saugatuck is known as the “Art Coast of Michigan.” Explore the creative atmosphere of this town at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts, where you can view breathtaking galleries and crafted goods. Saugatuck Art Traders has original paintings for sale as well. Saugatuck has plenty of boutiques and small businesses for all shopping lovers for fall and winter attire finds. Crane’s Winery, located in Fennville, produces local wine and hard cider for tasting. Speaking of cider, if you are on the hunt for handpressed, hard apple cider to sip on this fall, take a short drive over to Virtue Farms in Fennville.
Right along the beach, St. Joseph features great recreational activities for the whole family to enjoy this fall. The Curious Kids’ Museum & Discovery Zone contains multiple hands-on exhibits, such as a play veterinarian clinic, a waterpower tower, an apple orchard, and a farm. St. Joseph is another art-filled city featuring the nonprofit Krasl Art Center with sculptures and exhibits for kids and adults inside and outside the building. There’s also the Box Factory for the Arts Gallery, located inside a historic building, which reveals four exhibits that are free and open to the public. For a more sophisticated and adult adventure, visit the White Pine Winery Tasting Room for inviting red and white wines.
OFF MAP GLAMPING IN SOUTH HAVEN, MI
If “glamping” has been on your bucket list for some time now, this fall might be a good time to give it a go. The Off Map Glamping site in South Haven can make that early fall camping trip a reality. With luxury, furnished tents, and wood-burning stoves, this gorgeous site will leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed after a whirlwind summer. A short, convenient drive away are local farms, orchards, bakeries, and restaurants in the South Haven area. Pay a visit to Barden’s Farm Market for fresh, homegrown produce, or go to Bumbleberry Acres for the pumpkins, apple cider, bakery, and a petting zoo.
ST. JOSEPH, MI
New Buffalo Beach in September
Historic DeZwaan Windmill at Holland’s Windmill Island Gardens
Aerial view of the town of Saugatuck
The St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse
A Michigan sunset in South Haven
FALL FASHION TRENDS
2024
Fall fashions for 2024, offer a new twist on timeless staples balancing comfort and style. These pieces blend classic elements with modern updates, ensuring a wardrobe that’s both functional and on-trend.
Small Quilted Handbags
Quilted textures are seen in everything from accessories to outer-wear. Smaller handbags are increasingly used as statement pieces, often featuring bold colors, unique shapes, or intricate detailing that draw attention.
Statement Accessories
Accessories like bold necklaces, structured belts, elegant scarves, and colorful timepieces add a touch of personality to office outfits while keeping a professional look.
Oversized Clothes
Oversized blazers are perfect for layering over both casual and formal outfits. Chunky Knits sweaters and cardigans are great for warmth and style. 2
4
Chunky Shoes
Bold ankle or kneehigh boots, chunky heeled loafers or platform shoes are key for both function and flair. They add an edgy touch to fall outfits and are practical for cooler weather.
Prada Brushed leather Monolith loafers.
A. Red quilted leather mini handbag, top zipper closure by Miu Miu.
B. Devotion bag in quilted leather with Dolce and Gabbana logo jeweled heart.
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 mm stainless steel, turquoise dial with colorful balloons
Layered Dressing
Layered dressing is a practical trend, especially in the Midwest. It allows for easy adjustments to varying temperatures and settings, adds dimension and complexity to outfits, making them more visually appealing.
7 Diamonds super breathable shirt with 4-way stretch doubleknit jacquard weave fabric. Comes in 17 colors, shown in indigo. Available at Four Sons Mercantile. 5
Four Sons Mercantile
22 S Prospect Ave. Clarendon Hills 703 W Hillgrove Ave.La Grange www.shopfoursons.com
Effortless Styling
Outfits that are easy to put together yet still look polished. This includes casual chic combinations and versatile pieces that can be dressed up or down.
The Kate Top with its relaxed fit and stylish looks is sure to become a wardrobe staple. Whether attending a business meeting or fancy night out in the city, this is the perfect blouse. Available from Vintage Charm. 6
Vintage Charm
8 S Prospect Ave., Clarendon Hills
5114 Main St., Downers Grove 210 W Wesley St., Wheaton
52 S Washington St., Hinsdale 729 W Hillgrove Ave., LaGrange www.shopvintagecharm.com
WHAT’S BREWING
Local Oktoberfest celebrations have fun for the whole family on tap this fall
BY VALERIE HARDY
When September hits, Oktoberfest isn’t far behind. The famed fall festival originated in Munich, Germany, in 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Ludwig, the Crown Prince of Bavaria, to Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The celebration, open to the entire city, included horse races and a feast fit for a (future) king.
The inaugural Oktoberfest ran for five days in mid-October and was such a success that the royal couple made it an annual event. Today, Oktoberfest - which draws international crowds of approximately 6 million per year - typically begins on the first Saturday after September 15 and ends the first Sunday of October.
You don’t have to travel to Germany to partake in the Bavarian bier festival this fall, though. Just don your dirndl or lederhosen and head to one of these local breweries and many others around the area like Black Horizon Brewing Co. and Miskatonic Brewing for a host of fun-filled festivities. Prost!
Crowds turn out to celebrate Oktoberfest at Alter Fest in Downers Grove.
Alter Brewing Co.
Visit Alter's Downers Grove Taproom, or Oak Brook or St. Charles Brewery + Kitchen, to try August-October. Alter’s Festbier is a tribute to the classic German-style lager beer fans enjoy each Oktoberfest season. You won’t want to miss Alter Fest - the brewery’s annual Oktoberfest event - either!
When: Saturday, September 14
Where: The parking lot of Alter’s Downers Grove location (2300 Wisconsin Ave., Downers Grove)
Highlights: Live music, food, and a wide variety of Alter beers from across all the brewery’s three locations. The event doubles as Alter’s de facto anniversary party and celebrates all the people who have supported the business through the years.
Iketoberfest at Ike & Oak Brewery features flavorful fare and bier
Goldfinger Brewing Company
Goldfinger’s Fifth Annual Oktoberfest will mark the release of the brewery’s traditionally brewed, six-month lagered Oktoberfest Ur-Marzen and Festbier.
When: Saturday, September 14 (12 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.)
Where: 513 Rogers St., Downers Grove Highlights: German Gravity keg tappings, stein-hoisting contests, a bags tournament, and scratch-made German food and live music all day.
Ike & Oak Brewing Co.
For two weeks, this brewpub will be hosting the aptly named Iketoberfest. Head west to Woodridge but feel like you stepped into the Bavarian region of Germany.
When: Friday, September 20 –Sunday, October 6
Where: 6315 Main St., Woodridge
Highlights: The brewpub will be decorated like a traditional Oktoberfest beer hall and will be offering a few specialty German brews and serving up dishes from a Germaninspired Oktoberfest menu.
Pollyanna Brewing & Distilling
Pollyanna’s 2024 Oktoberfest is a large-scale event held at The Forge: Lemont Quarries’ concert venue and features fall fun for all ages.
When: Saturday, September 21 (1 p.m. – 11 p.m.) with a September 28 rain date
Where: The Forge: Lemont Quarries (227 Heritage Quarries Dr., Lemont)
Highlights: In addition to beer, vodka seltzer, and wine, there will be food from Weber Grill Restaurant in Lombard, a craft fair, family activities, and a full day of live music.
The $15 entry fee (ages 21+) includes a souvenir stein while supplies last. Free shuttle transportation is available from the Lemont Metra and Pollyanna parking lots.
Tierra Distilling Co. & Cafe
As part of the broader Clarendon Hills Oktoberfest event, Tierra is hosting its own version of the favorite fall festival. Look for the tent outside their venue!
When: Saturday, September 14 (3 p.m. – 11 p.m.)
Where: 211 Burlington Ave. Clarendon Hills
Highlights: Oktoberfest beer from Millstream Brewing plus German-themed cocktails and schnapps, a food truck, music, and games (including Hammerschlagen, a game in which players compete to drive nails into wood).
Downers Grove Oktoberfest
In addition to the brewery-based celebrations, consider attending the 11th annual Downers Grove Oktoberfest hosted by the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58. All proceeds go directly to District 58’s schools.
When: Friday, September 13 (3 p.m. – 11 p.m.) and Saturday, September 14 (11 a.m. – 11 p.m.)
Where: Main Street and Burlington Avenue in downtown Downers Grove
Highlights: Authentic German fare, beer tent, Friday night headliner G Love and Special Sauce, various other bands and DJs, plus Kids Zone activities, a brat-eating contest, and “Battle of the Bands” event on Saturday.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit dgoktoberfest.org.
Pollyanna Brewing Company’s large Oktoberfest event is held at The Forge: Lemont Quarries.
The Oktoberfest beer tent at Tierra Distilling Co. brings a taste of Germany to Clarendon Hills.
Fall at the Sports Core
Cool sunny days make fall the perfect season to enjoy your sport of choice at the Oak Brook Sports Core. Whether your passion is golf or tennis, the excellent facilities here can help you take your game to the next level this fall.
Oak Brook Golf Club
With 18 scenic holes, Oak Brook Golf Club offers golfers of all skill levels a challenge. Course designers Roger Packard and Dennis Wise expertly combined the natural landscape with water hazards to create a variety of holes that make a round both demanding and fun.Reserve your tee time at www.golfoakbrook. org/tee-times
Looking to improve your game but not play a full round? Make a visit to the driving range at Oak Brook Golf Club (open 7am to dusk weekdays and weekends this fall). At just $8 for a bucket of balls (35), you can drive the ball until you get it right.
Need some extra help around the green? Fall is the perfect time to work on your short game or even your swing with our staff of PGA Professionals. Visit our website www.golfoakbrook.org to learn more about golf instruction.
After your round or practice, head indoors to the Grill to sample some new seasonal specials including southwest chicken salad, chicken chipotle melt and fish tacos. Enjoy funnel cake fries, our chef’s latest twist to update a classic dessert. u
For more information visit: www.golfoakbrook.org
Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club
Vibrant fall colors and cooler temperatures provide the perfect setting for tennis players on the Har-Tru clay courts at Oak Brook Bath & Tennis. Ideally situated among the trees, these environmentally friendly courts are known to reduce the risk of injury.
Our new director of tennis and pickleball, Ryan Rader, joined us this summer with a wide range of instructional expertise in tennis, platform tennis and pickleball.
A former D1 standout tennis player at Northern Illinois University, Rader’s post collegiate work as a director of tennis has focused on providing instruction to hundreds of players of all ages and abilities throughout the Chicagoland area. If you need one on one help, schedule your private lesson today by emailing RRader@oak-brook.org.
Rader embraces the strong tradition of our club and is looking forward with excitement to the full slate of fall programming he has planned for players of all ages. For adults, league play will continue and a new series of drills will be available for men, women and co-ed play. There will also be a mixed doubles round robin social along with morning and evening opportunities to practice and play.
Kids will have the opportunity to come out after school and on weekends to get their time in on the court. Friday afternoons will feature match play and pizza night. Saturdays will provide the opportunity for kids to join in classes based on their age: 8 and under, 9-11 years old and 12 and over. u
For more information visit www.oakbrookbathandtennis.com.
MOOSE CRUISE NIGHTS
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The Downers Grove Loyal Order of Moose hosted another summer of Cruise Nights on Fridays in downtown Downers Grove. Classic cars, souped-up coupes, and other vintage rides were out and about all summer long, and each week, proceeds benefitted a nonprofit.
ROTARY GROVEFEST
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People of all ages enjoyed the Rotary GroveFest in the heart of Downers Grove this past June. Featuring rides, beer garden, live music (and more), the event was a testament to the community’s spirit. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Downers Grove, GroveFest is a powerful force for good, redistributing all profits from the festival to many local, regional, national and international causes. This includes 27 not-for-profit volunteer organizations that support causes in and around Downers Grove, making a significant impact on our community.
A SPANISH FUSION WITH LATIN FARE
