Hinsdale Magazine February 2019

SERVING HINSDALE, BURR RIDGE, CLARENDON HILLS & OAK BROOK

FEBRUARY 2019

HINSDALE’S FIRST MAGAZINE $5 US VOLUME 9 ISSUE 2

STATE of our SCHOOLS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DR. BRUCE LAW, DISTRICT 86 SUPERINTENDENT

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LETTER from THE PUBLISHER

STATE OF SCHOOLS DECISION: APRIL 2 Schools have been the topic of conversations and Hinsdale

Magazine met with Dr. Bruce Law, Superintendent of District

corner. Look for Hinsdale Magazine’s March issue which will

While schools are back in full swing, Spring is around the

86 High School to ask the questions affecting area residents.

feature its annual “Home Issue” with real estate market reports

On the minds of many is the upcoming April 2nd referendum

from area professionals in real estate brokerage, lending, and

vote for improvements at Hinsdale South and Hinsdale

home construction. Experts in architectural design, interiors

Central. At the January 12, 2019 Special Meeting, the Board adopted

and landscaping will provide the latest SERVING HINSDALE, BURR RIDGE, CLARENDON HILLS & OAK BROOK

FEBRUARY 2019

Resolution #19.14 to put a referendum

outdoor patios.

in the amount of $139,815,983 million on the April ballot. Hinsdale Magazine

styles and classic looks from kitchens to

in

HINSDALE’S FIRST MAGAZINE $5 US VOLUME 9 ISSUE 2

annual

“Women’s

History

will publish part two of contributing

Month” and Hinsdale Magazine will

editor Mike Ellis’ interview with Dr.

celebrate our local women who have

Law in our March issue. Please visit

made an important contribution in

www.d86.hinsdale86.org to learn more

our community throughout Hinsdale,

about the status of the referendum and

Burr

proposed improvements. Operational

Oak Brook. HM brings the past and

expenditure reduction options for fiscal year 2020 is available at https://d86. hinsdale86.org/Page/1512

STATE of our SCHOOLS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH DR. BRUCE LAW, DISTRICT 86 SUPERINTENDENT

Ridge,

Clarendon

Hills,

and

present together in this special issue that features educators, entrepreneurs, professionals, and volunteers that are making a difference in their profession

Hinsdale Middle School students

came back from the District 181

and philanthropic work.

Christmas break on January 7th and

walked into their new class rooms and

inspirational

Hinsdale Magazine was there to give

leaders who carry the torch of their

our readers a tour of the state-of-the-art

Our

HM

predecessors

staff stories

to

forge

is

compiling of a

future brighter

$53 million building. The “legacy’ of schools was unveiled by

future. In a community that continues to invest in its future,

HMS principal Ruben Pena along with faculty and families as

Hinsdale Magazine will continue to report on those who make

they presented the investment in student education and the

a difference today for a better tomorrow.

community. The story on p.20 takes you back to 1866 when the first school was built on the existing Washington field— to 1976 when the school was constructed as Hinsdale Junior High and renamed Hinsdale Middle School in 1992.

10

Our March issue will also usher our

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CONTENTS | February 2019

34 10 PUBLISHER LETTER 18 TO-DO LIST

February calendar of events

20 SPOTLIGHT

First day of school

24 COVER STORY

18

Decision on Dist. 86

24

30 HEALTH & WELLNESS

Healthy smile

34 WEDDING STYLE

Say “I do”

41 DINING GUIDE

Romantic rendezvous

46 IN FOCUS

Diving in

50 COMMUNITY SCENE

D86 Vote Yes Events Belly up for Brooks Gift of the Season HMS Ribbon Cutting

60 MEDIA MATTERS

The future of news

64 INSIDE BURR RIDGE

Former Burr Ridge mayor Mickey Straub on his decision to resign

ON THE COVER: Dr. Bruce Law, District 86 superintendent; photographed by Daniel Garcia

FOR THE LATEST NEWS, HAPPENINGS AND PHOTOS, VISIT HINSDALE60521.COM 12

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CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Mike Ellis mike@hinsdale60521.com CREATIVE DEPARTMENT

Cheryl Chrzanowski Julia Sinogeikina CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Julie Jonlich Janis Von Kaenel Kerrie Kennedy COLUMNISTS

Jim Fannin Dan Meyer FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS

APRIL ISSUE

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No person, organization or publication can copy or re-produce the content in this magazine or any part of this publication without a written consent from the publisher. The publisher, authors, contributors and designers reserve their rights with regards to copyright of their work. Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by such individual, event organizers or organization.

The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. Comments are welcome, but they should be on-topic and well-expressed. Copyright ©2019 Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved.

DRILLING? NO THANKS!

When patients come in for their first cleaning after getting their braces off, there’s one concern many have - white spots on the surfaces of their teeth. After spending 2+ years in braces, the last thing they want to see is a stained smile. But enamel decalcification during orthodontic treatment is all too common.

While some patients are able to maintain good oral hygiene and prevent stains, others struggle to control plaque buildup. Enamel breaks down due to acid exposure from sugar and bacteria. The result? White spots forming around brackets - and being revealed once the braces are taken off. These white spots can also form after teeth have experienced trauma, been affected by certain medications used during tooth development, or suffered fluorosis.

The question is: what can you do about these stains?

In the past, the prevailing treatment option was to drill out stained enamel and restore the area with a tooth-colored filling. This process would typically require a shot of anesthesia, the use of a drill, and removal of tooth structure.

At Hinsdale Dentistry, we prioritize minimally invasive dentistry, and are proud to offer a more conservative solution that results in improved esthetics. Our breakthrough technology fills and reinforces the areas of stained enamel without drilling or anesthesia, improving patient comfort. The treated stains take on the appearance of the surrounding healthy enamel. This esthetic alternative to traditional treatment is completed in a single appointment.

Before

After

911 N. ELM, SUITE 230 | HINSDALE, IL | 630-323-4468 WWW.HINSDALEDENTISTRY.COM

HOW DOES THIS SYSTEM WORK? We begin by isolating the affected teeth and polishing them to ensure a clean surface. We then apply several coats of a conditioning gel and rinse it off. After that, a “resin matrix” from Icon® is applied to the affected teeth and a final polish is given before we send you on your way with instant results.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT DURING THE PROCEDURE? Depending on the number of teeth being treated, the time in the dental chair is usually 30 minutes to an hour. You can expect no shot, no drilling and no sensitivity either during or after the procedure.

CAN THIS WEAKEN OR DAMAGE MY TOOTH? This treatment works by filling in the “porosities” in your enamel’s surface, which helps to stabilize the enamel. Since no drilling is done and the materials used are applied to the superficial layer of the tooth, the procedure is beneficial. Tooth structure is preserved and the enamel surface can actually be strengthened.

AM I A CANDIDATE FOR THIS TREATMENT? At Hinsdale Dentistry, we offer a complimentary consultation for your dentist to evaluate your teeth and discuss the options to see if this treatment is right for you. Some stains can be quite significant and, at times, may warrant a filling if the area is decayed.

Before

Peter T. Harnois, DDS Michael J. Kowalczyk, DDS Jon Asimakopoulos, DDS

After

2/14-17

Science Fiction Convention Capricorn celebrates fantasy and science fiction in art, music, games, theatre and film at the Westin Chicago North Shore in Wheeling. capricorn.org/capricon39

2/15-17

The Morton Arboretum champions all trees, and this winter, it is celebrating a giving tree, the cacao tree. Sample an array of chocolates and unique items, pick up a Valentine’s gift or simply treat yourself at the chocolate weekend event.

TO•DO•LIST 2/7-10

RV and Camping Show Check out 400 recreational vehicles and shop from 20 dealers at the Chicago RV & Camping Show at the Rosemont convention center. www.chicagorvshow.com

2/7-17

Distracted A humorous look into the challenges of modernday motherhood. www.theatrewesternsprings.com

2/9

Ice Fest Unique ice sculptures line the streets while visitors enjoy events in downtown Downers Grove. www.downtowndg.org

2/9

Cider Festival Taste 150 artisanal ciders from throughout the world with food samples during Cider Summit Chicago in the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier. www.cidersummitnw.com/chicago

Valentine’s Dinner Cocktail reception at Habitat Africa and then a four-course meal in Bocaditos dining room at Brookfield Zoo. www.czs.org/ValentinesDinner

2/9-10

Chocolate Weekend Celebrate chocolate’s deeply-rooted tree history at the Morton Arboretum’s chocolate weekend. Visit, taste and buy specialty chocolates and treats.

and birds of paradise lush, vibrant, intoxicating. www.chicagobotanic.org/orchid

2/10

Family Science Day Learn about physics at the Fermilab family open house, with handson activities, live physics demonstrations, tours and scientists who answer questions. Event and tours are free. ed.fnal.gov/events/openhouse

Chicago Auto Show From the hottest designs to the latest technologies, experience what’s next in the auto industry. www.chicagoautoshow.com

2/9 - 3/24

The Orchid Show Picture more than 10,000 orchids in bloom, paired with sweeps of bromeliads

Dive & Travel Show Our World Underwater offers workshops for divers, films, diving equipment, travel services and a kids’ area at the Chicago Marriott O’Hare. ourworldunderwater.com/chicago

2/21-24

Jazz Festival Hear the best college jazz bands plus jazz professionals at the Elmhurst College Jazz Festival. www.elmhurst.edu/about/specialevents/jazz-festival/

2/22-24

www.mortonarb.org/events/ chocolate-weekend

2/9-18

www.motorcycleshows.com/city/ chicago-il-0

2/16-17

FEBRUARY 2019

2/9

Motorcycle Show Find sport bikes, dirt bikes, scooters, ATVs, expert advice, live entertainment and family activities.

2/14

St. Valentine’s Day St. Valentine is the patron saint of engaged couples, lovers, travelers and young people. Valentine’s Day celebrates love, romance and kindness that is shared with others through greetings and gifts. www.britannica.com/topic/ Valentines-Day

Chicago Golf Show Hit balls with this year’s new clubs, take one-on-one full swing and putting lessons from pros, hear presentations and shop for gear. www.chicagogolfshow.com

2/23

Wine & Whiskey Fest Enjoy wine and whiskey samples, hors d’oeuvres, live music and animal visits at Brookfield Zoo (for individuals 21 and over). www.czs.org/WinterWineandWhiskey

Hinsdale Magazine’s event calendar is provided as a service to the Hinsdale area community. Hinsdale Magazine does not endorse or certify any of the community events listed herein or the accuracy of the listing of said events including dates. Please confirm dates and times with other sources. The information contained in this section is a simple listing of events happening around the area that the staff believes may be of interest to the general community.

18

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Hinsdale Magazine | Spotlight

FIRST DAY of SCHOOL Hinsdale Middle School— a legacy for tomorrow.

BY MIKE ELLIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL GARCIA

The atrium or entrance area of the new Hinsdale Middle School is one of its most remarkable features.

From above: HMS principal Ruben Pena addresses students on the first day of classes at the new Hinsdale Middle School on Jan. 7. Below: HMS teachers guide students to their new classrooms.

he new Hinsdale Middle School (HMS) building opened for classes for the first time on the morning of Jan. 7.

The morning marked the first day back from Christmas vacation for students across District 181, and HMS students had the opportunity to visit their brand-new school.

Remarkable for its massive dimensions and linear layout, as principal Ruben Pena said, the school more closely resembles a college campus than a middle or high school.

“I hope you feel the excitement that I feel by walking in this school,” Pena said during the opening assembly. “It really is special. As you walk around this building, you’re going to be amazed at what you see.”

Pena explained to students that Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills and Burr Ridge residents approved a $53 million referendum that paid for their new building.

“Your parents and your neighbors not only invested in you, they invested in us as a staff; but they [also] invested in families and kids that they will never know,” Pena said. ... “We have an obligation to make sure that we keep this building as pristine as it is right now.”

The HMS property and adjacent field on Washington Street have a history of housing schools that long antedate the middle school.

In 1866, an all-boys school opened on the Washington field, which was followed by the construction of the Hinsdale Township High School building on the HMS property in the late 1800s.

A new school was built in the 1920s at Third and Garfield, before the high school was relocated to its current location 55th and Grant Streets in 1950.

The original HMS building, which has since been demolished, was finished in 1976, and the new school continues what Pena called the “legacy” of schools on this lot of land.

“What that should emphasize to you guys as students is the value that our community places on education,” Pena said. “The fact that it puts our schools in the front and center of the town is important.”

Pena said he wants students to grasp “how linked we are together for life.”

“Opening a brand-new school is something that doesn’t happen to teachers, doesn’t happen to students, in their careers,” he said. “So you guys, this class, this day, is part of my memory forever.” n

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Hinsdale Magazine | Cover Story

Decision on

Dist. 86 DISTRICT 86 SUPERINTENDENT DR. BRUCE LAW ADDRESSES THE APRIL FACILITIES REFERENDUM

BY MIKE ELLIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL GARCIA

Dr. Bruce Law, District 86 superintendent, speaks with HM contributing editor Mike Ellis at his office.

HM contributing editor Mike Ellis sat down with District 86 superintendent Dr. Bruce Law in his office last month to discuss the April facilities referendum and a range of related issues.

MIKE ELLIS: Could you talk about the evolution of the facilities

situation at both schools? You hear 50 years, 60 years, in a lot of the official communications on this subject, so do you want to talk about where we are now, and how we’ve gotten to that point?

DR. BRUCE LAW: I get that question a lot; it’s such an important question. Usually the way I explain this is, over the years, Central has grown in population, and South’s enrollment really hasn’t mattered so much, because the question always was, in the past, what do we do about Central being overcrowded? If

24

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you look back at decisions that were made, most of them were to increase capacity at Central to accommodate the growing student population. In 1997, the board at that time was faced with Central being overcrowded; South had available space. If you look back at the newspaper articles and what people were saying, it’s almost identical to what we’ve been hearing the past two years. So the board at that time decided to increase space at Central.

ELLIS: And that’s the new wing at Central for science and history?

DR. LAW: I think that is when they built that. From a board’s perspective, I could understand that they’re going to be most concerned about where are we going to put these kids, as opposed to, what about the boilers? what about the electrical?

I wasn’t there at the time; I don’t know. There was a master facilities plan that the 2011 board started to implement. In

2013, the board didn’t like that master facilities plan; they also didn’t like the roof replacement plan that we had, and they wanted to start over.

So it took us until January 2015 to have a new master facilities plan, and then we got to work trying to figure out, what are we going to do? Time is going by; costs are escalating; facilities are continuing to deteriorate.

[In] 2017, the referendum at that point failed for a variety of reasons. ... So now here we are in a situation in which we really have to figure this out. ... The other thing that I would add is that, in my opinion, we do not spend enough money every year on the facilities.

What we’ve done is we have focused more on the instructional program than on the facilities, and that also is contributing to us falling behind. So even if this referendum passes in April, we have to figure out a way to spend more money every year on the facilities so that we never get in this position again.

An exterior view of Hinsdale Central High School

got into fall, and in spring, they would be too wet, and you couldn’t be out on the field. So now our fields are used a lot more.

ELLIS: As far as the referendum question is concerned, what are

some of the items that people should know about?

DR. LAW: The board has listened to the community, and the two

pools—what’s on the ballot is just fixing the pools. At Central, they have to do a little bit more work, because the girls don’t ELLIS: I think we should point out that even have a locker room; and the deckthere have been a number of improvements tron, (which is that piece of equipment to facilities in the past decade, especially at that dehumidifies the place,) has to be Central. I can’t speak to South as much, replaced. The only difference right now but we see this new softball field here, between the pools at Central and South the gymnasium was updated at Hinsdale on this ballot is the locker room and the Central, the new front entrances at both new deck-tron. South got a new deck-tron schools and of course, the parking and the in 2012. Other than that, the way I look at new bus area that was installed here at this referendum is, it’s simply about fixing Hinsdale Central. our facilities; whether it’s infrastructure— DR. LAW: Some of those that you we have outdated libraries; we need to fix mentioned—the new entrance areas—and that; we have pre-engineering spaces that the air-conditioning, that was phase one do not compete with schools we normally —DR. BRUCE LAW of the master facilities plan that the 2011 compare ourselves to; we need to fix that. board started to implement. Not much This referendum in April is simply fixing was done on the facilities starting in 2013. the place, whether it’s infrastructure or We put in a softball field; we put in a programmatically. concession stand. We finally replaced the roof over the gym in

“The way I look at this referendum is, it’s simply about fixing our facilities...”

Central, because it was leaking. I went up on that roof, and the roofers told me, normally when you take off a roof, you peel it like carpet; they had to use a shovel. It had deteriorated to the point that it was useless. ... Another point that people have made, and it’s a fair one: we put in artificial fields.

ELLIS: And that was in 2010; that’s another thing that I forgot to mention.

DR. LAW: When I got here in 2010, they were just finishing that; and it’s easy to look back at that and say, “Why are you spending all this money on athletics?” The board at that time was reasoning that our fields were unusable by the time you

ELLIS: Are there new classrooms on this referendum as well here at Central?

DR. LAW: I don’t think they’re adding classrooms. There would be new classrooms, because if you’re taking space that is currently being used, then you would have to build classrooms.

But it’s not adding classrooms; it’s simply putting classrooms back that we currently have.

ELLIS: Another issue that’s come up—and we know that this

developed into a big controversy a few years ago—was the Continued on page 26 HINSDALE MAGAZINE, INC. | Hinsdale60521.com

25

Hinsdale Magazine | Cover Story of bargaining. I get e-mails every now and then, people say, “Just pay them less; freeze their salary.” That all comes out during negotiations. I can do that with administrators—I can freeze their salaries—but I can’t just freeze teachers’ salaries, because we have a contract that says, “Here’s how much people are paid, and here’s how much their pay increase will be every year of that contract.” ... When the 2013 board passed a zero Exterior view of Hinsdale South High School [tax] levy, looking back, had we reduced teaching staff, we would be in a different teachers’ contract. When you look at the compensation position, both in respect to of the staff here at District 86, and then you look at the budget and facilities; but we made the decision at that point to compensation at other comparable schools—let’s say, Lyons try to maintain the instructional program. ... You talked about Township—one thing that stands out at the higher levels is teachers’ salaries, but really, it’s just the cost of the instructional that the administration seems to be better compensated at program; at what point does that start to compete with what LT, but the teachers at the highest level, or the ones who are we’re doing with the facilities? The board is answering that farthest along in their careers, are better compensated here at question, because the board is saying, District 86. Obviously, if you want to “We’ve got to fix to the place.” The have a top-quality school district like only lever they can pull is to reduce we talk about in District 86 all the the instructional program. I’ve told time, it would seem that you need to people repeatedly, “I can’t just say, invest very well in your staff—and by ‘We’re going to pay teachers less.’” that, I mean as well as if not better The only thing we can say is, “We’ll than comparable school districts. But have fewer teachers,” and then our at what point are we investing in the salary cost goes down, not because staff at the expense of the facilities? we’re paying people less, but because DR. LAW: There are a couple of ways we have fewer people to pay. to think about that. I think both are ELLIS: And that, of course, affects very important, and you hit on one. the pupil to instructor ratio that the Every organization, from Amazon board has touched in those cuts. to Walgreens, they all want the best DR. LAW: We will try to do as little talent they can find. Because we harm as possible, but it won’t be as pay our teachers well, we are able it was if the referendum doesn’t pass. to compete on price. [When] we’re hiring someone, we’re not under the ELLIS: Let’s talk about Dec. 17 now, constraint of saying, “We’re only with all the cuts that the board made. going to hire first-year teachers.”

If we revisit that moment, there —DR. BRUCE LAW We can hire teachers who’ve been was an extensive list of items that teaching two, three, four years, who the administration had prepared for are really getting good at what they do, the board to examine cutting. And I and bring them in; and it just contributes to the talent. That’s think it’s important to note that, it’s not as if the board just did what any organization wants; they want the best talent. ... The exactly what the administration told them to do. referendum question, the board cuts—all of these questions DR. LAW: That is an important thing to note, yes. People don’t really come down to, what does the community want for its understand that we just don’t make these decisions. We make schools? If you want a reduced version of District 86, we can recommendations, we present information, and the board takes deliver that. We’ll still do really well with the reduced version; either the information or the recommendation, and the seven it just won’t be as much of it. The second point, I think, about of them figure it out. That’s the way school districts work. ... If teacher compensation is, compensation is a mandatory topic you look at the vote, I didn’t get one.

“We make recommendations, we present information, and the board takes either the information or the recommendation, and the seven of them figure it out.”

Continued on page 28 26

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Hinsdale Magazine | Cover Story good one; the only thing I can say is, priorities and the focus have changed. prepared that said, “You should cut football;” “you should cut swimming.” All the numbers were laid out, and then they made ELLIS: Getting back to the vote, the board cut approximately the decision from there, based on the data that was presented. $3.6 million in the first year. I have two questions on that Now, we kept hearing the number $2.1 million as a target for subject: were you surprised that they cut more than you funds to be reallocated. Could you talk about how that number recommended, and were you surprised at what specifically they was developed? decided to cut?

DR. LAW: We got that number a couple of ways. We knew that DR. LAW: I really wasn’t surprised at the amount that they think we could spend $2.1 million. The question that I asked myself we should be spending right away on the facilities, based on the is, in order to fix infrastructure before that infrastructure conversations that they’ve had. I think the board wants to be fails—whether it’s a boiler or the bleachers at Central—how really aggressive about safety and security. We want to be able little could we spend in that first year, and still get things fixed? to get to these things as quickly as possible. Whatever we can The reason I was wanting to spend as little as possible is then do to make our facilities safer, we should. The specific things the cuts would be smaller. The board was concerned that we that were cut—I remember when we should be doing more in year one— started the conversation, and [vice like the security upgrades that we’re president] Kevin Camden started making, we would have spread them off, and said something to the effect out over a couple of years; we would of, “I’ll go first. I think we should have done the most critical ones first, eliminate”—I couldn’t even write fast and then we would have done the enough to keep up. ... When you’re other ones later.

ELLIS: What are some of those security looking at cutting sports, you’ve got upgrades? to keep an eye on Title IX. ELLIS: And that was something that DR. LAW: Typically, in public, we came up frequently in the board are careful about how much we talk discussions. about when it comes to security for DR. LAW: I reached out to get a legal obvious reasons. We would install opinion, and I was giving the board new cameras; we would have updated information. One of the reasons in cameras; there would be a lot more reducing sports that football becomes of them; and most importantly, a target is that it’s all boys, and there those cameras would be integrated are a lot of them. So in a Title IX with doors. If you have a situation analysis, [touching] football is one of in a part of the building—let’s say —DR. BRUCE LAW those things that allows you to stay on that a door was propped open, and the right side of Title IX. The aquatic someone came in [that] we don’t sports make sense, because when the want in the building, we could isolate, deck-tron at Central fails, the pool in that section of the building, that [closes]. Unless the board says we’re individual. And then we were going going to spend $1 million, because that’s what it would take to to build a control room, so we could have someone who’s fix the deck-tron. monitoring all of these cameras. ... We need a new intercom ELLIS: That’s the most urgent issue with the pool? system. If you’re in the cafeteria, you cannot hear. The intercom DR. LAW: I don’t know if it’s the most urgent. I think other system is old. ... Integrating cameras with doors, doors that can things could be fixed: filtration, we could work on, and we’ve be locked remotely—obviously, there’s a lot of expense in that. tried to improve ventilation. The last time we fixed the decktron, the people who fixed it said, “We guarantee the parts; we ELLIS: When you did past facilities improvements like the don’t guarantee this thing’s going to continue to work.” The softball field or new parking around the building at Central, board has said, when the deck-tron fails, the pool closes. That why did money not need to be reallocated then? could be this week; it could be next year. And the deck-tron is DR. LAW: That’s a good question. Over time, priorities change; not like your heater at home. I’ll extend the useful life of my the focus of the superintendent, of the board, changes. You furnace if I don’t run it as much; the deck-tron has to run 24-7; can’t say that Sandy Hook and Marjory Stoneman Douglas if it doesn’t, things start to corrode. ... But I can’t say I wasn’t don’t affect how you think. And then you have advances in surprised, Mike. technology, detection systems, cameras. ... I can’t remember the year, but I did a security audit [with] the same firm that Contributing editor Mike Ellis will continue Dr. Bruce Law’s went into Sandy Hook after the fact, and they did a complete interview in the March issue of Hinsdale Magazine. security review. And so we’ve been trying to implement all of those things. It’s really, really expensive. Your question’s a ELLIS: There was nowhere on that document that was

“I really wasn’t surprised at the amount that they think we should be spending right away on the facilities, based on the conversations that they’ve had.”

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Hinsdale Magazine | Health & Wellness

Healthy

SMILE

Help their smiles last a lifetime

SPECIAL PROMOTION

The February 2019 National Children’s Dental Health Month is brought to you by the American Dental Association® (ADA).

This month-long national health observance brings together thousands of dedicated professionals, healthcare providers, and educators to promote the benefits of good oral health to children, their caregivers, teachers and many others. This year’s NCDHM campaign slogan is “Brush and clean in between to build a healthy smile.”

Many parents across the country will issue a common refrain at dinnertime tonight... You’d better eat that, it’s good for you! There’s another old favorite in the parental arsenal of dietary admonitions... Don’t eat that, it’ll rot your teeth!

Now more than ever, kids are faced with a bewildering array of food choices, from fresh produce to sugar-laden processed convenience meals and snack foods. What children eat and when they eat it may affect not only their general health but also their oral health.

Americans are consuming foods and drinks high in sugar and starches more often and in larger portions than ever before.

It’s clear that junk foods and drinks gradually have replaced nutritious beverages and foods for many people. For example, in the U.S., on average, individuals consume approximately 50 gallons of sugary beverages per year! Alarmingly, a steady diet of sugary foods and drinks can ruin teeth, especially among those who snack throughout the day. Common activities may contribute to the tendency toward tooth decay. These include grazing habitually on foods with minimal nutritional value, and frequently sipping on sugary drinks. Consuming too much sugar can also affect your overall health, such as becoming overweight/obese, or getting heart disease or type 2 diabetes.

When sugar is consumed over and over again in large, often hidden amounts, the harmful effect on teeth can be dramatic.

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Sugar on teeth provides food for bacteria, which produce acid.

The acid in turn can eat away the enamel on teeth.

Almost all foods have some type of sugar that cannot and should not be eliminated from our diets. Many of these foods contain important nutrients and add enjoyment to eating. But there is a risk for tooth decay from a diet high in sugars and starches. Starches can be found in everything from bread to pretzels to salad dressing, so read labels and plan carefully for a balanced, nutritious diet for you and your kids.

Reduce your children’s risk of tooth decay: - Sugary foods and drinks should be consumed with meals.

Saliva production increases during meals and helps neutralize acid production and rinse food particles from the mouth.

- Limit between-meal snacks. If kids crave a snack, offer them nutritious foods.

- If your kids chew gum, make it sugarless. Chewing sugarless gum after eating can increase saliva flow and help wash out food and decay-producing acid.

- Monitor beverage consumption. Children should make healthy beverage choices such water and low-fat milk.

- Help your children develop good brushing and flossing habits.

- Schedule regular dental visits.

The ADA urges parents and caregivers to make sure their children brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, eat a balanced diet and see their dentist regularly to address tooth decay in its earliest stages. If you would like more information on building the right foundation for your child’s dental health, please contact your dentist today.

Hinsdale Magazine | Wedding Style

The Princess Bride.

Thank Meghan Markle for the resurgence of clean, minimal and elegant silhouettes.

Mikado bridal ball gown from the Moonlight Collection featuring a bateau neckline and full fairytale-like chapel gown; price upon request at Fancia Bridal in Downers Grove, fanciabridal.com.

Say “I do�

Planning a wedding in 2019? Hinsdale Magazine has you covered, with all the latest trends and fabulous styles designed to make your upcoming nuptials unforgettable.

BY KERRIE KENNEDY

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Diamonds Are Forever.

Razny’s Forever by Razny engagement ring collection offers a variety of current styles and trends, from the Art Decoinspired Holly (center cushion-cut diamond with baguettes), the classic Meghan (round diamond with round side-stones), or the beautifully simple Marilyn (tapered baguette diamond band); prices available upon request at razny.com.

27 Dresses.

Well maybe not 27, but two dresses is a “thing” now, allowing brides the option to go with something a little more sexy and fun for the reception like this Tadashi lace front halter gown, $748 at Nordstrom in Oakbrook Center, nordstrom.com.

Say Anything.

A classic ecru invitation is an elegant and simple say to announce your upcoming nuptials. For a touch of glamour, personalize the text in rose gold or copper. Prices are available upon request at ashleyscustomstationery.com.

You’ve Got Nail.

Essie’s Ballet Slippers was once the default bridal option, but today’s brides are going bolder, brighter and even bluer with their manicures.

Get a customized manicure at Miuti Nails in Westmont, miutinails.business.site.

HINSDALE MAGAZINE, INC. | Hinsdale60521.com

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Hinsdale Magazine | Wedding Style

Bridesmaids.

It’s no longer just the bride who gets the red carpet treatment—there’s no reason why the entire bridal party shouldn’t get the full-on glam experience. Bridal packages start at $365 at Bukes Salon & Spa in Clarendon Hills, bukesalon.com.

Silver Linings Playbook.

Deceptively simple on the outside, it’s all about the layers and fancy fillings, like this one from Sweet Ali’s in Hinsdale, sweetalis.com.

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My Big Fat Greek Honeymoon.

The Greek Islands are among the most romantic honeymoon destinations in the world, and now thanks to Lindsey Lohan, Mykonos is on everyone’s mind.

Let Hinsdale Travel plan your getaway to the Mykonos Blue Grecotel Resort, hinsdaletravel.com.

Love, Actually.

When Meghan Markle walked down the aisle last spring, she carried a bundle of hand-tied white flowers, some handpicked by her husband—now that’s love.

Bouquet by Phillips Flowers, phillips-flowers.com

Royal Wedding.

Chalk it up to Kate Middleton’s (formerly Princess Diana’s) engagement ring, but sapphires are both trendy and classic. They also neatly check that “something blue” box. 7.9 sapphire ring with ten pear-shaped diamonds from Merry Richards in Oakbrook Terrace, price upon request, merryrichardsjewelers.com

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Hinsdale Magazine | Dining Guide

Romantic

RENDEZVOUS TOP 10 MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS VOTED BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE’S BEST OF READER FAVORITES 2018

BY KERRIE KENNEDY

Hinsdale Magazine | Dining Guide

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1 ANTICO POSTO 118 OAKBROOK CENTER OAK BROOK 630-586-9200 If a full-blown dinner isn’t in the cards this Valentine’s Day, why not celebrate happy hour with your honey or bestie instead? At Antico Posto, a trendy Italian trattoria courtesy of Lettuce Entertain You, Italian favorites like chicken meatballs, caprese salad, brick oven prosciutto and Magherita pizzette are all just $5 during happy hour (3 to 5 p.m.), and you can toast each other with select (and well-priced) red and white wine pours.

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2 CAPRI 324 BURR RIDGE PKWY. BURR RIDGE 630-455-4003 With the romantic Isle of Capri as its namesake, it would be hard to find a more appropriate Valentine’s Day destination than the sophisticated, lowlit, family-owned Capri.

While the regular menu will be in full-swing, the restaurant will offer a number of Valentine’s Day specials, including a heart-shaped pasta dish, a hand-crafted red cocktail and several desserts to share with your sweetie.

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3 DAVANTI ENOTECA 800 HILLGROVE AVE. WESTERN SPRINGS 708-783-1060 With its stone walls and rustic wood décor, this small-plate Italian wine bar and restaurant offers the perfect cozy vibe for a chilly February evening. In addition to their regular menu, Davanti will unveil several Valentine’s Day specials, including a pan-seared scallop with pork belly appetizer, halibut with saffron risotto, a 60-day aged filet mignon, homemade angel hair pasta and a Mascarpone cheesecake with strawberry chutney and candied mint that sounds like true love.

4 EDDIE MERLOT’S 201 BRIDEWELL DRIVE BURR RIDGE 630-468-2098 With a special menu in effect from Feb. 11 to 17, it’s safe to say Eddie Merlot’s goes all-out for Valentine’s Day. Specials will include turf and pick-your-surf (filet mignon, lobster tail, crab legs, blackened scallops and shrimp scampi), an ultimate chocolate plate for two (everything from chocolate-covered strawberries to triple chocolate cake) and a “special someone” romance package that includes a dozen red roses and a half bottle of Nicolas Feuillatte Brut Reserve Champagne.

5 MON AMI GABI 260 OAKBROOK CENTER OAK BROOK 630-472-1900 Valentine’s Day and classic French bistro food—fresh baguettes, onion soup au gratin, steak frites, chocolate mousse, Profiteroles— are already a match made in heaven, but Mon Ami Gabi will offer several Valentine’s Day specials, including a surf and turf option. If you can’t make it out on Valentine’s Day, consider celebrating on Feb. 19, when the restaurant will host “a night in Paris wine dinner,” a fivecourse meal featuring Canadian lobster tail, duck cassoulet, raspberry chocolate cake and five different French wines.

Bon appetit!

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6 NABUKI 18 E. FIRST STREET HINSDALE 630-654-8880 With New Year’s resolutions still fresh on our minds, sushi is a great way to keep things light and healthy. Chic and sleek, Nabuki serves up craft cocktails, city-quality sushi and traditional Japanese entrees with a Latin flair like Asian tacos and Korean BBQ salmon (chef Juan Perez is originally from Mexico). For Valentine’s Day, the chef serves up a special heart shaped “Forever Yours” sushi roll.

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7 PARKERS 1000 31ST STREET DOWNERS GROVE 630-960-5700 With its white tablecloths, elegant atmosphere and fireplace, Parkers exudes “special night out” vibes. For Valentine’s Day, the restaurant will offer live jazz music and a modified menu that will feature several signature seasonal seafood entrees, prepared simply on the wood grill or oven roasted. The restaurant will also offer some special Valentine’s Day desserts guaranteed to tempt even those who never indulge.

8 TOPAZ CAFÉ 780 VILLAGE CENTER DRIVE BURR RIDGE 630-654-1616 This chic and spacious Burr Ridge eatery, known for its excellent service, is the perfect place for a group of couples to celebrate the holiday. Start out at the lounge, which offers a unique collection of martinis and extensive wine list. Then head to the dining room for a pre-set, four-course Valentine’s Day menu featuring three to four different choices for each course.

9 VIE 4471 LAWN AVE. WESTERN SPRINGS 708-246-2082 Chef Paul Verant, a James Beard Foundation nominee, has created a menu that focuses on year-round seasonal eating showcasing locally grown artisan ingredients from Midwestern family farms. Food that could double as art installations, Vie (French for “life”), will host “Vie My Valentine” night, featuring an a la carte dinner menu, five-course and eightcourse tasting menus with optional wine pairings, and some delectable Valentine’s Day specials.

C’est le vie!

10 VISTRO 112 S. WASHINGTON HINSDALE 630-537-1459 A wood-burning oven is the focal point of the dining room at Vistro, where the menu focuses on seasonal food vibe (oysters, mussels, steak frites, pan-roasted salmon) that pairs well with the restaurant’s European bistro vibe, designed

by Chef Paul Virant’s wife Jennifer and Jody Tate. In addition to its regular menu, Vistro will offer a number of Valentine’s Day specials, including several inventively sweet Valentine’s cocktails that can be enjoyed pre-dinner at Vistro’s oversized bar.

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Hinsdale Magazine | In Focus

DIVING IN

Diveheart executive director Tinamarie Hernandez talks about giving back

BY JANIS VON KAENEL | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL GARCIA Tinamarie Hernandez

She describes herself as the person you don’t think of when great things happen, but to others, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Tinamarie Hernandez, executive director of Diveheart and full-time consultant for Accenture, does so much more than she realizes, and is someone to be admired.

Hernandez said she’s “never the fireman rescuing the baby from the burning house, but the person who made sure he had his equipment at the ready, and the training he needed to get the job done.” That statement in itself is one modest capewearing superhero.

Growing up in the western suburbs, Hernandez graduated from Northern Illinois University in De Kalb, and then proceeded to the University of Denver for graduate school.

She acquired a job at Accenture in 1997 as a consultant which enabled her love of learning and travel. Hernandez has always been someone to keep herself busy with second jobs, photography, diving, quilting and volunteer work, immersing herself as a Sunday school teacher, being active in her children’s PTA and even the Special Olympics.

She got involved as a volunteer at Diveheart, an organization that builds confidence, independence and selfesteem in children, adults and veterans with disabilities through scuba-diving, scuba-therapy and related activities, in 2011 and jumped in with both feet, developing into her current role as executive director.

“At the time I started volunteering and then working for Diveheart, I was at a point in my professional life where I was questioning my value and the skills I had developed,” Hernandez said. “As it does for so many people, Diveheart has given me a purpose, and a way to share my skills and passions to help people.”

It’s not just a job for Hernandez, but a whole other family of people to learn from and enjoy.

“I’ve learned a lot from [volunteering] at Diveheart, and I try and bring what I’ve learned into my life,” she said. “Our

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adaptive divers have taught me appreciation of the healthy body and mind that I enjoy today and which may not be with me tomorrow.”

The donors and volunteers have given Hernandez numerous moments of gratitude for their generosity of time, talent and spirit.

“It’s easier for me to live in the moment, appreciate what is going on around me and not over worry about tomorrow,” she said.

Hernandez is also a goal-setter.

“When my son was around six, I decided that I would take him to all 50 states,” she said. “We just visited our 49th last January.”

Before she turned 40, Hernandez decided to take on a big task and train to complete a marathon. Her current goal is to visit all seven continents before she turns 50 in two years, and she’ll be visiting her fifth continent this summer in Africa.

Who inspires someone as motivated as Hernandez?

Besides people in general, “Jim Elliott, founder and president of Diveheart, taught me that everyone has something to give,” she said. “Sometimes they just need a chance to give it.”

As a lover of history and reading about people who have achieved amazing things in their lives, Hernandez said she gets inspired by the potential everyone has, and by the people who are able to realize some of that potential in their lives.

“The resilience of people is amazing, and sometimes a person needs a little help to remind them that they may be down, but they are not out, and there is still reason to be hopeful and happy,” she said.

Hernandez is a true believer that Diveheart, through itsdonors, programs and volunteers, helps people remember they are more than someone who needs a little help.

“They are amazing and all they need to do is imagine the possibilities.” n

HINSDALE MAGAZINE PRESENTS

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ADVERTISING INQUIRIES 630-655-3400 | advertise@hinsdale60521.com

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HM | Community Scene

D86 VOTE YES EVENTS PHOTOS BY DANIEL GARCIA

The D86 Vote Yes campaign kicked off its push for the facilities referendum with a fundraiser at Madisons Pub & Grill in Willowbrook on Jan. 17.

Hinsdale resident and actor D.B. Sweeney and former Chicago Blackhawks defenseman Adrian Aucoin served as headliners for the kickoff and fundraiser.

Ten percent of food and drink proceeds generated through the event were donated towards the D86 campaign fund.

Earlier in the month, the D86 Vote Yes campaign hosted a voter registration event for high-school and college students at Buona Beef restaurant in Darien.

The District 86 facilities referendum will be voted on in the April 2 election.

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1. Tanner Andrulis; 2. Grace and Julia Blankenburg; 3. Ayana Otokiti and Mang Lian; 4. Angie Sartori, Jeff Waters, G’nee Andrulis, Kari Galassi, Lana Johnson, Mary Sullivan and Joan Brandeis; 5. Veronica Raymond, Brita Sype and Laura Krawchuk; 6. Joan Brandeis, Stacey Tantillo, Lana Johnson, G’nee Andrulis and Sue Cleghorn

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4 Curriculum created by licensed and certified speech/language pathologists, Summer Academy Dates occupational, physical and developmental June 17th - August 5th* Mon. - Thur. 8:30am - 11:00am therapists, child and family therapists AND 12:00pm - 2:30pm 4 Goal driven lesson plans tailored to *off 4th of July week each individual student’s needs 4 Strong emphasis on social-emotional The pediatric specialists at HUMMINGBIRD have language, critical thinking, sensory earned and kept the trust of families for nearly 25 years. If you have any questions about your child’s processing, fine and gross motor skills

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HM | Community Scene

BELLY UP FOR BROOKS PHOTOS BY DANIEL GARCIA

More than 300 guests gathered at Harry & Eddie’s restaurant in downtown Hinsdale on Nov. 30 for the inaugural Belly Up for Brooks fundraiser in support of the Brooks Strong Foundation, an organization formed by local residents Nora and Rob Tonn to honor their son Brooks, who lost his battle with cancer in December 2017 at the age of 10.

The Brooks Strong Foundation’s mission is to fund cutting-edge pediatric cancer research, and provide scholarships to defray the cost of youth sports and extracurricular activities for families with kids going through cancer treatment.

Donations are gratefully accepted online at www.brooksstrong.org, or by mailing them to Brooks Strong Foundation, 531 E. Walnut Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521.

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1. Nora Tonn, Genevieve Kinsella, Trish Kinsella and Scarlett Tonn; 2. Sonja McInerney, Monica Rincon and Tracey McCarroll; 3. Rob Tonn, Tracey Keenan, Nancy Keenan, Dan Keenan and Bill Keenan; 4. Denise Howe, Ben Bradley and Danielle Tuck; 5. Lisa Babel, Kris Berger and John Berger

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HM | Community Scene

GIFT OF THE SEASON PHOTOS BY DANIEL GARCIA

The Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club (HJWC) outreach committee partnered with HCS Family Services to provide sponsorship to roughly 60 families consisting of 250 recipients at its annual Gift of Season event at Grace Episcopal Church in Hinsdale in December.

Club members adopted families, provided holiday gifts based on adoptee wish lists and hosted an event featuring gift-wrap stations and refreshments.

The “Juniorettes” assisted with childcare, including performing crafts and cookie-decorating.

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For more information about the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club, visit www.hjwc.us.

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1. HJWC outreach committee; 2. Caitlin Tatterson, Rita Lal, Denise Marron, Tricia Lott, Christy Hernandez and Tiffany Stojka; 3. Colleen Whitehead, Colleen Seidman and Katie Donnelly; 4. Juniorettes—local middle- and high-school girls passionate about philanthropy and community service; 5. Sarah Newcom and Kate Fouts

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HM | Community Scene

HMS RIBBONCUTTING PHOTOS BY DANIEL GARCIA

Hundreds of community members attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Hinsdale Middle School (HMS) in the evening of Jan. 17.

The new school, which opened for classes on Jan. 7, was funded through a $53 million referendum approved

by District 181 voters, who reside in portions of Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills and Burr Ridge.

Parked cars stretched for blocks in all directions, and the ceremony was so well-attended that the gymnasium bleachers could not hold all of the attendees, as some elected to begin their tour of the new facility early.

District 181 superintendent Dr. Hector Garcia, HMS principal Ruben Pena and District 181 board president Jennifer Burns each addressed audience members.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the HMS jazz ensemble performed.

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1. HMS Principal Ruben Pena addresses the crowd; 2. Eighth-Grader Dalia Ahdab plays saxophone in the HMS Jazz Band performance; 3. Students, D181 community members, Board members and administrators, HCHTA and HESS representatives, and Bulley & Andrews and Cordogan & Clark representatives cut the ribbon; 4. Students Adam Schaik and Kyra Brannigan cut the ribbon with Principal Ruben Pena. Background: D181 Board Member Dr. Meeta Patel, D181 HESS Representative Lorna Galandak, and D181 Board members Rich Giltner and Margie Kleber; 5. Caroline Walsh and Maris Norton lead the HMS choir performance of “Climb Every Mountain.�

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Hinsdale Magazine | Media Matters

The future of news An interview with Newsmax Founder & CEO Christopher Ruddy

BY SCOTT JONLICH PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCELLO RODARTE

Hinsdale Magazine met with NewsMax Media Founder and CEO Christopher Ruddy recently in Oak Brook, IL to discuss news media today and how it has changed over the decade. According to Ruddy, the media has undergone “radical transformation” in terms of distribution. Ruddy told guests at Ditka’s Restaurant in Oak Brook, “Who would’ve thought back near 2000 most of us would be getting our news and information off of our cell phone?” The West Palm Beach, FL company told HM that now traditional television broadcasters and even radio are being disrupted by “over the top’ (OTT) streaming videos and podcasts. Indeed, the media landscape has changed and may never be the same again.

MR. RUDDY, WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO LAUNCH NEWSMAX TV?

I don’t think it was an epiphany. It was a realization over time that the Internet was becoming more and more of a television and video broadcasting platform. I wanted to be there first. And we were the first major digital website to become a 24/7 cable news channel. When I launched it in 2014 I was told we would never get cable carriage. I’m glad to report to you the day that we are signed with every major cable operator and we will be in 80 million cable homes next year.

WHAT IS YOUR INTENTION WITH NEWSMAX TV IN THE FUTURE?

Newsmax has prospered during this highly transformative time, by adapting and adopting. Our approach is to try to be on all the major platforms, including the new ones. Our new cable channel, Newsmax TV, is available free and streaming OTT, but we are now in 80 million cable homes on all of the major cable systems.

We see Newsmax as an added and important conservative voice on the national stage. We have Fox News—it’s fine.

The problem is that in a country of our size, we should have more than one conservative voice on TV. WHERE DO YOU SEE NEWSMAX TV ON THE SCALE BETWEEN PROGRESSIVE AND CONSERVATIVE NEWS COVERAGE ?

I always say that Newsmax is center-right. We have a conservative perspective, but we’re not ideological, we don’t push agendas and we’re open to even a liberal point of view.

I’ve always felt if an American is given a choice between a conservative political position and a liberal one, eight times out of ten, they are going to pick the conservative one, just on the basis of logic and reason.

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NewsMax Media Founder & CEO Christopher Ruddy addresses audience at Ditka’s Restaurant in Oak Brook.

WHAT ROLE IF ANY DO YOU THINK CORPORATE AMERICA SHOULD HAVE IN TV NEWS MEDIA?

I’m a corporation, so I’m fine with corporations playing a role. I do think there is a danger when a small number of mega-corporations are controlling most of the major media outlets in the country. We’re seeing that with television to a degree, and the FCC in Washington has been approving some of those deals. I think there should be limitations, for example, on how many local TV stations a national TV network can own across the country. The traditional cap on ownership had been 39 percent in reach across the United States that could be owned by a network like NBC. But the FCC clearly wants to get rid of that cap, [and] I think it is dangerous for democracy.

HOW WILL TECHNOLOGY CONTINUE TO SHAPE THE DELIVERY OF TV NEWS?

I think the old broadcast signals are out the window.

Everything is going to be streamed. I think 5G will radically transform both broadcast television and cable. In the old days, a cable system had a put-down tremendous infrastructure. Now with 5G, anybody can create their own cable system, and compete in local markets. I think the benefit of this will be for the consumer on several levels: prices should go down, and also we should be getting more information to the public on important issues.

WHAT DOES “FAKE NEWS” MEAN TO YOU, AND HOW DO YOU SEE IT AFFECTING TV JOURNALISM?

Fake news exists; it has always existed.

Perhaps today it has more currency, because of the Internet. I recommend you read Thomas Jefferson’s second inaugural address. He worries about fake news, but he says that the important thing is, government show restraint and not get involved in managing the flow of media information and the press. In the end, fake news is not a threat with an educated population.

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It’s the same it has always been. The lack of diversity of political opinions among journalists. Most are liberal and most are Democrats. We’re seeing this with the coverage of President Trump. There’s no sense of balance here. That’s what Newsmax TV tries to do: give both sides.

ARE THERE OTHER PLATFORMS OR VENUES BEING PLANNED FOR NEWSMAX TV?

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I have ideas on that but I’m going keep it secret for now. You’ll have to wait to my next interview with Hinsdale magazine!

HOW HAS THE NEWS MEDIA CHANGED OVER THE PAST DECADE?

The media has undergone radical transformation in terms of distribution.

Who would’ve thought back near 2000, most of us would be getting our news and information off of our cell-phone? Now traditional television broadcasters and even radio are being disrupted by OTT (over-the-top media services) streaming videos and podcasts. n

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Hinsdale Magazine | Inside Burr Ridge

Former Burr Ridge mayor Mickey Straub

MOVING ON

Former Burr Ridge mayor Mickey Straub explains his decision to resign last November

BY MIKE ELLIS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DANIEL GARCIA

Over the holidays, HM contributing editor Mike Ellis sat down with Mickey Straub, former mayor of Burr Ridge, at his Sales Activity Management office to discuss his accomplishments in office, challenging Jim Durkin, R-Western Springs, for his seat in the Illinois House of Representatives and his decision to resign last November.

MIKE ELLIS: Could you talk about your decision to resign as

mayor of Burr Ridge?

MICKEY STRAUB: It was probably highly unusual, kind of

suspicious—why would somebody resign—especially when I had it easy; I have it the best I’ve ever had right now. I have

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a great board—more pro-business. We’re getting things done; we have a lot of good projects going on. It was a lot tougher in the beginning when I first ran than it was towards the end. My decision to leave [was] my three priorities: economic, spiritual and patriotic. Economic, because I couldn’t afford to be mayor anymore; I couldn’t afford the time or the money.

ELLIS: To clarify, you get a stipend of about $5,000 a year?

STRAUB: $6,000—I get a stipend of $6,000 a year, and that was only passed under the guise of being a liquor commissioner. It’s supposed to be a volunteer position. ... When I did the math, I was working 20 to 30 hours a week, which is more than most mayors would, because I’m out there every event, every place,

every location. I led my own demise in that respect, because I gave it all. But when I realized that our village administrator made more in two weeks than I would all year, that started to grate on me a little bit. In order to re-launch [my company’s] new product coming out in February, I needed to address it now. It’s somewhat selfish, but I had to say, this job cost me a lot of money. The experience is priceless; clearly, nothing else I could have done for the last five and a half years would have been more fulfilling; but I needed to make the decision for economic reasons. ... I [also] wanted to dedicate my spare time to my love for God and country. In short, I spent five and a half years spreading love for Burr Ridge; now I want to spread it for my company, as well as God and country.

ELLIS: What would you say to the village presidents who are

working on a volunteer basis, such as in Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills and Western Springs?

STRAUB: I think, first off, we should have a statewide or a national “hugyour-mayor day,” because they put in far more time than they’re being compensated for. I applaud them for doing it. I know it’s a great public service. ... But I think the job has expanded so much that the times have changed, and all villages should consider compensating their CEOs of their village, whether they call them “president” or “mayor.” That’s the justification I’ve heard why policemen earn a lot more money now than they used to. They used to just barely have high-school educations; now [in] many departments, college is required. It’s so much more of a complex position now, and so is mayor.

STRAUB: It’s the nicest bridge in the state across any interstate,

and so many people comment on that. They know when they’re passing by Burr Ridge, and that’s what I wanted to have. Every town needs to separate themselves in some way from other ones, and since Burr Ridge is an upscale community, I knew the upscale bridge was appropriate; that it was great for branding, and would help the village center succeed, which is my first priority. It was built before I became mayor, [but] my job was to help fill it up and help brand the village. And the other [impetus] was for safety reasons, because it was a failing bridge, and I knew that. It was on a federal list; that’s why we got all the money from federal and state [entities], and all the upgrades are being paid for by hotel-motel taxes. The third [impetus] was to unify north and south Burr Ridge. I didn’t know that ahead of time. Before, when you crossed that bridge, it was typical of a railroad bridge, where you felt like you were in a different time. But now with the pillars on both sides, you feel like you’re in the same village.

“I became very disenchanted with politics after that, and I realized that truth almost doesn’t matter in politics. I’m not saying it doesn’t matter per se. It’s a shame how people that lie can get rewarded for it...”

ELLIS: The village center had already

been constructed prior to your taking office, but it wasn’t fully tenanted, and I know that in that back portion behind the village green, it remains untenanted. Has that been somewhat disappointing throughout your tenure as mayor?

STRAUB: I was hoping to fill it up by now, but I soon realized that as mayor, you don’t really have that much influence, and it’s a privately-held village center.

But what we did is, we helped to attract other businesses to the front end of the village center. It’s so much busier than it used to be. You have to be careful —MICKEY STRAUB what you wish for: I wanted to make ELLIS: You began your first term in it more vibrant, and now it’s tough to spring of 2013, and you had been find a parking spot. On the north side approached beforehand by Gary of the village center, that’s still mostly Grasso? vacant; it’s probably not more than five or ten percent more STRAUB: Gary and I had known each other for a couple of years, filled today than when I started. But the 70 percent there is and he knew I always wanted to run for public office since I much more successful, and I’m really excited about the new was probably 12. I had a great affinity for our congressman, owners, the new buyers of the village center, that are younger, and went to Washington, D.C. I was always enamored with more dynamic. I thought there were some limitations with the capitals and public service. Gary approached me, and told me previous leasing company. that he was going to be resigning early. He and I both knew that the gentleman that was assumed to be anointed was against ELLIS: What are some of the challenges, aside from the village [renovating] the bridge across I-55; and that was my primary center and the County Line bridge, that the village has dealt reason for running was to build a bridge, because I knew from with during your time as mayor? a business standpoint, it would be great for branding, it would STRAUB: The challenge is trying to unify our vision. We had a be great for the community. tremendous disparity with that. Some people saw the future, and said, “Let’s build up Burr Ridge, and make it more of a ELLIS: And that bridge renovation was completed during your destination for businesses and residences.” Other people time as mayor. wanted to roll up the sidewalks, and turn back the clock, and Continued on the next page HINSDALE MAGAZINE, INC. | Hinsdale60521.com

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Hinsdale Magazine | Inside Burr Ridge

say, “We don’t want Burr Ridge to be found.” ... One of my goals in the beginning was to help the village become more business-friendly and developer-friendly, and I think we’ve made some great progress in that arena, but it still has a ways to go.

ELLIS: You were reelected in April 2017. Did you run unopposed?

STRAUB: I had no challengers. I like to say that I had two

challengers the first time and none the second, which kind of evened out. One of the main reasons I ran a second time was, because I think I was proof that anybody can get elected once—even though I had no real committee or commission service before, but I was fairly well-known [and] had a lot of connections. In general, I think anybody can get elected once, but not everybody can get reelected. I thought that would be a great sense of accomplishment and also confirmation that the village was on the right path.

ELLIS: Later that year, you announced that you were going to

run for state office, challenging Jim Durkin for his seat in the Illinois House. Was that something you were thinking about at the time you ran again in Burr Ridge, or did that happen later?

STRAUB: That was the farthest thing from my mind; I had no intention of running for state representative. I really wanted to focus on the village, but I like to follow where I think God’s leading me; and three things happened within the matter of about a week. ... I wanted to help the State of Illinois, because we’re losing one person every eight minutes, and I think the definition of insanity is doing the same things over and over again and expecting different results; and I couldn’t imagine that the people would want to reelect somebody that’s been there for ten terms already.

ELLIS: After your experience in that campaign, which was

obviously a very public campaign that I’m sure many of our readers saw, whether it was on television or in the mail, do you feel that it changed your perspective a little? Did it demoralize you at all? Did that have anything to do with your decision to resign?

STRAUB: It didn’t affect my decision to resign, but it affected my decision to whether or not I’d stay in politics. I became very disenchanted with politics after that, and I realized that truth almost doesn’t matter in politics. I’m not saying it doesn’t matter per se. It’s a shame how people that lie can get rewarded for it, and I got a very clear view on what Illinois politics is like. I’ve coined a phrase, “two shades of blue,” because in Illinois, I don’t think we have a “red” party; we have two shades of blue. ... They say that we don’t reach across the aisle; that’s not true. So many Republicans are acting like Democrats, including Jim Durkin. If I was smarter, I would have run the campaign, “Durkin the Democrat,” because so much of what he does leans more towards the Democratic side and remaining in power than it is for the people. It started from the top; he was financed by the governor, who was the most liberal Republican governor in the country—the HB 40

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vote, as well as the sanctuary state, are two clear initiatives on the democratic side.

ELLIS: You were a big supporter in 2016 of President Trump’s

campaign when it was probably not very popular in your ranks to do so. I certainly didn’t see a lot of other mayors or village presidents, whether they identified as Republican or Democrat, backing him vocally.

STRAUB: I don’t know of any other elected official that publicly supported Trump. When values are clear, decisions are easy. My priority was the Constitution, religious liberty, the military, the police, protecting our borders. Everything else— the things that would make him look bad—were reasons to say no, but those are my priorities—and they happen to spell out “Trump.” Those are the priorities for our national security and turning our country around, and that’s why I voted for Trump. I was the head of Illinois Veterans for Trump, and was involved with the campaign as closely as one could in a state that was totally neglected by Trump, because he knew that he had a greater chance of winning other states. I’ve taken a lot of heat for that, but I’m always about principles before politics; I’m about what’s good for the people, not for the pocketbook.

ELLIS: Would you like to touch on the position you adopted

concerning Sterigenics?

STRAUB: Here’s a really unfortunate situation in which we don’t

really know what the truth is, and we’re not really sure who to believe anymore. I got blasted for asking people to remain calm, and to follow the rule of law, to presume innocence until proven guilty, and to wait until the given time [for the Environmental Protection Agency] to [file] their reports.

There are a lot of unreasonable people out there that want to ignore the rule of law and due process. They want to believe the rumors instead of the facts, and they didn’t want to wait.

That was one of my most frustrating [experiences] as mayor.

ELLIS: I understand the race for the special election your resignation has triggered will be between former mayor Grasso and trustee Zach Mottl?

STRAUB: This has opened up a whole can of worms. I did intentionally resign before Thanksgiving to spark a special election for mayor, because I felt the people should decide [whomever] is going to be in that seat the next two and a half years, not the board. I had to put personal opinions aside; I thought the village should decide. I also think that anybody that is mayor should have to work for it. I don’t believe in entitlements.

ELLIS: Is there anything else you would like to add?

STRAUB: I love Burr Ridge, and that’s why I ran. That’s why I

made the decisions I did. ... That’s why I resigned when I did, because I knew my heart really wasn’t in it anymore; I needed to spend my spare time promoting love for God and country, and to really turn my business around. n

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