Hinsdale Magazine November/December 2024

INSIDE:

Light of Love Ministry

Hinsdale Central Flag Football

History Vault: Before Barbie

BUILDING HOPE

The O'Brien School for the Maasai

‘THinsdale and the Holidays

is the season to celebrate giving. Our cover story highlights Hinsdale resident Kellie O’Brien and her 17-year journey of building and supporting the O’Brien School for the Maasai in Tanzania. Thanks to her dedication, nearly 400 children have gained academic skills and sustainability practices. Kellie has also empowered local women through business initiatives, demonstrating her deep commitment to improving the community's future.

Similarly, Susan Zidlicky, through her Light of Love Ministry organization, has led mission trips to countries like El Salvador and Kenya. These trips allow DuPage residents to connect with communities abroad and make a difference for those in need.

In this issue, we also explore the lasting impact of family volunteerism. Studies show that when parents model giving back, children are likelier to develop a lifelong commitment to service. Participating in volunteer activities as a family builds valuable life skills, fosters a deep connection to the community, and encourages empathy and responsibility. As we prepare for the holiday season, let’s take a moment to think about our neighbors and those who could use our support.

inspiring story of growth from humble beginnings in a basement to becoming a leader in personalized gifting. Their focus on quality and innovation offers a glimpse into the magic behind every personalized gift, and their website might just provide you with the perfect gift ideas.

On the topic of gifts, we invite you to visit the DuPage County Historical Museum’s fascinating exhibit, Before Barbie, which explores the important role dolls have played throughout history and society.

Shifting gears to sports, we have two inspiring stories to share. Hinsdale native Andrew Gutman recently celebrated a milestone in his Major League Soccer career with his 100th start for the Chicago Fire, capping the game with a goal. His journey of perseverance through injuries is a testament to his resilience. At the other end of the sports spectrum, Hinsdale Central’s girls’ flag football team recently completed their inaugural season. Although the team finished with a 2-9 record, Coach Nick Gebhart and his players are eager to build a stronger program for the future.

To get into the holiday spirit, consider visiting the annual Christmas Around the World exhibit at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. This cherished display highlights the rich diversity of global holiday traditions and helps us reflect on the sense of unity the season brings.

With the holidays comes the search for meaningful gifts, and personalization has become more popular. Local company PersonalizationMall.com, based in nearby Burr Ridge, is ramping up production, crafting 40,000 ornaments daily for the holidays. Dan Grebel, the Vice President of Operations, shares the company's

Finally, November is recognized as World Diabetes Month, a timely reminder to care for our health during the holiday season. While the festivities can often lead to indulgence, it’s important to practice moderation. Although there is still no cure for diabetes, significant advancements in managing the condition, such as wearable pumps and inhalable insulin, offer hope for the future.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated team at Hinsdale Magazine. Every edition is a reflection of their hard work, passion, and commitment to this community.

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season.

Scott Jonlich Publisher

Award-Winning Designs, Quality Craftsmanship

'Tis the season for cozy gatherings

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

Scott Jonlich sjonlich@HinsdaleMag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Anne Healy anne@HinsdaleMag.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Larry Atseff larry@HinsdaleMag.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Maureen Callahan

Valerie Hardy

Anna Hughes

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Jennifer Frencl

Rachel Pavlovich

Katie Bolinger

Atticus Fair, video editor

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Chuck Fieldman

Mia Jones

Jeff Vorva

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Victor Hilitski

Greg Kozlick

ADVERTISING SALES

Brian Ade

Renee Lawrence

Cynthia Maquet

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

Primary Care, Personalized

At Rush Concierge Medicine, we

take your health care personally.

We understand that your health and well-being affect every aspect of your life. We will work with you to prioritize your health by focusing on your wellness goals. Whether you want to stay active, better manage a chronic condition, or seek a more personalized health care experience, we are by your side. Rush Concierge Medicine is a membership-based primary care practice that focuses on highly personalized, accessible care. Our clinic is conveniently located in downtown Hinsdale.

As a member, you’ll have a personal physician and nurse navigator as your partners in every aspect of your health. Your team is always a simple call, email or text away — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With same- or next-day appointments available, they’ll prioritize your concerns quickly.

“With concierge medicine, you have access to your doctor and nurse any time, and we really serve as your quarterback in care,” says Luan Elezi, MD, family medicine physician with Rush Concierge Medicine. “Our goal is to help you open up and discuss your health concerns so we can establish an open relationship and true partnership.”

Better Access, More Time

To build this partnership, Rush Concierge Medicine is tackling two of the biggest challenges in health care: difficulty accessing care and not having enough time with your doctor.

“Our patients are in the office for 90 minutes to two hours for their comprehensive physical,” says Marie Runyan, RN, BSN, concierge nurse navigator. “Many concerns come out when you have more time together, so that helps us really get to know you.”

The goal of breaking down these time and access barriers is to foster a strong partnership between you and your care team — which can ultimately help improve your overall health and wellness.

“Concierge medicine is more personalized and convenient,” Runyan says. “For example, if you wake up not feeling well, we’ll get you in right away. You’ll see your physician who knows you, your health history, your medications and your background.

Concierge medicine also makes it easier to manage the complexities of health care. “We will help you navigate everything from annual wellness exams to chronic illnesses and beyond,” Runyan says. “Knowing we’re there as your partner takes the pressure off of you to juggle it all.”

Investing In Your Health

A lot of people find their way to concierge medicine when they are ready and able to invest in their health. “Our goal is to optimize your health and focus on prevention so we can help you be more proactive with your health rather than reactive,” says Elezi.

To do this, Rush Concierge Medicine provides recommended screening and prevention testing specific to your needs. Your care team will work with you to determine if a deeper dive into different aspects of your health would be helpful based on your history and risk factors.

“Many of our patients are prioritizing their health, and they come to us looking for ways to prolong their life through prevention,” Elezi says. “By offering much more comprehensive testing, we can do more proactive disease prevention because we have more data to guide it.”

Concierge medicine can also be a game changer if you’re managing chronic conditions. Your concierge medicine team will help you coordinate appointments with your specialists and navigate the system, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.

“When you’re seeing five different specialists, there’s so much information, and there can be so much disconnect between providers,” Elezi says. “We know exactly who you see, all your medications, all your concerns, and all your appointments. That allows us to collaborate with your specialists, advocate for you and make sure everyone is on the same page.”

Become a Member

If you’re interested in becoming a member of Rush Concierge Medicine, you can schedule a complimentary meet-and-greet with the concierge medicine team to get a feel for the practice and providers.

To schedule a meet-and-greet or to learn more about Rush Concierge Medicine, visit rush.edu/concierge-medicine or call (630) 724-1680. Rush Concierge Medicine is located at 32 E. 1st St. in Hinsdale

date should be

HOLIDAY JOY

BY ANNA HUGHES

There’s no place like home for the holidays, and we’ve rounded up a list of events around town that are sure to make this season extra special. From visits with Santa to awardwinning musical performances, these must-do experiences will be keeping spirits bright through the end of the year.

Disney’s

The Little Mermaid

Nov. 6, 2024 - Jan. 12, 2025

Drury Lane Theatre

Escape the cold and join the little mermaid and friends under the sea with this Disney classic brought to the stage. With fan-favorite songs by composer Alan Menken including “Part of Your World,” “Under the Sea,” and “Kiss the Girl,” this musical follows Ariel on her quest to find herself, find love, and find her place in the world, all while battling an evil sea queen with the help of her trusty sidekicks. Showtimes vary by date.

Winter Lights at Central Park

Nov. 22, 2024 - Jan. 5, 2025, 4:30-9:30 P.M.

Thousands of twinkling lights illuminate the 1/2 mile walk through the beautifully lit Central Park in Oak Brook starting on Nov. 22. The circular path is inclusive and accessible,

making this winter wonderland the perfect free outing for families and people of all ages and abilities. Donations benefiting the Peoples Resource Center and the Oak Brook Park District Foundation will be accepted.

Brookfield Zoo Holiday Magic

Nov. 22-24, 29-30; Dec. 1, 5-8, 12-15, 19-22, 26-31, 2024; 3-9 P.M.

Brookfield Zoo Chicago

Visit Chicagoland’s longest-running lights festival featuring over two million twinkling LED lights at Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Guests can experience the holiday sights of giant illuminated animals, a dazzling tunnel show, Santa, and over 900 decorated trees. Between all of the zoo’s animal exhibits and the variety of special holiday additions, it’s a festive holiday extravaganza perfect for the whole family. For a list all this

year's seasonal attractions visit www.brookfieldzoo.org.

Grove Express 5k

Nov 28, 2024 groveexpress.com

Kick off your Thanksgiving Day by giving back to the community. Gather your family, friends, and pets for the annual Grove Express Thanksgiving Day 5K with a scenic run or walk through Downers Grove. The Grove Express Foundation invests direct donations and pro-

ceeds from the event into local educational initiatives, youth programs, and scholarships.

Hinsdale

Christmas Walk

Dec. 6, 2024, 5-7 P.M.

Hinsdale Business District

The Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the 58th Annual Hinsdale Christmas Walk. Hinsdale’s holiday staple will kick off with a tree lighting at Memorial Hall, followed by visits with

Grove Express:

Photo by Dianne Hlinsky LaPointe

Santa, train and carousel rides, and opportunities to pop in on all of your favorite local businesses. This event is great for families and has something for adults and kids of all ages.

The Joffrey

Nutcracker

Dec. 6-28, 2024

The Lyric Opera joffrey.org

Join the Joffrey Ballet in celebrating the holiday season with their stunning Christmas tradition: “The Nutcracker.” This two hour extravaganza set to Tchaikovsky’s classic score has been reimagined by two-

time Tony Award winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon. Showtimes vary by date.

Santa’s Workshop at Wilder Mansion

Dec. 7, 1:00 P.M. epd.org

A Charlie Brown Christmas

Dec 7, 5:30 and 8:30 P.M.

The Lytle Auditorium downersgrovefun.com

Catch the Chris White Trio’s performance of Vince Guaraldi’s iconic soundtrack from “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” In addition to playing the music, the trio will share the story behind each arrangement, offering a deeper appreciation for this timeless classic. Kids will be captivated, and adults will rediscover the magic of Christmas. 

The Elmhurst Park District is making Christmas shopping easy for kids! Santa’s Workshop at Wilder Mansion is a space for kids to buy inexpensive holiday gifts for their loved ones. All items are kid-priced and kid-friendly. No registration is required to shop. For an extra boost of Christmas spirit, sign up for cookies and cocoa served by Santa’s Elves, as well as a special visit with the man himself earlier that day. Visit the EPD website for more on the day’s festivities.

Winter Lights at Central Park:

Photo courtesy of Oak Brook Park

Brookfield Zoo Lights:

Photo courtesy of Brookfield Zoo

Magic of the Season

Enjoy the most wonderful time of the year. Book a festive getaway at one of Oak Brook’s seven hotels, explore exciting events and create cherished holiday memories with your loved ones. d

Santa Claus at Oakbrook Center

November 15-December 24

Find the perfect gift at Oakbrook Center, featuring luxury retailers and delicious dining. Visit Santa on the Lawn this season and enjoy special photos with your pet on select dates. For reservations and more information visit www.oakbrookcenter.com

Winter Lights at Central Park

Beginning November 22

in Oak Brook

Annual Holiday Tree Lighting at The Drake Hotel

December 4

Enjoy a magical winter light display on this accessible half mile walk featuring thousands of twinkling lights. Photo opportunities abound in this colorful scene and the Cocoa Cabin will be open on select dates. Strollers and dogs on leash welcome.

Open Daily 4:30-9:30pm. More information at www.obparks.org

Photo by Vofotos Photography

Prancer’s Pub Pop-Up at Hyatt Lodge

Daily in December

Visit this dazzling holidaythemed pop-up experience and enjoy a wonderland with over the top décor, festive inspired beverages and cozy seating. An unforgettable celebration for all ages to enjoy. For reservations and more information www.hyatt.com

Enjoy the perfect start to the season with hot chocolate and carolers singing your holiday favorites as the tree comes alive with lights. Please bring a canned good to donate to our annual food drive for the local pantry. Join in the good cheer from 4:30-6pm. More information at www.thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com

Special Exhibit & Friday Night Hours at The Lizzadro Museum Opens November 2nd

Explore the stunning new exhibit, Synergy & Symbiosis, featuring renown designer Paula Crevoshay and genius gem carver Glenn Lehrer. Exhibit open Friday-Sunday weekly with extended hours on Friday nights for the holidays. Reservations and more info at www.lizzadromuseum.org

Julie Curran Hinsdale, IL Arts Supporter

A Bridge Between Two Worlds

Susan Zidlicky desires to lessen the gap between the DuPage community and cultural pockets around the globe

BY MIA JONES

Places like El Salvador, Kenya, and the suburbs of Chicago might not seem like they have a lot in common, but for those who choose to travel beyond DuPage County, strong bonds, relationships, and life-long memories await the people of these countries.

Maria Shepherd and her daughter Caroline were not quite sure what they were getting themselves into when they embarked on a trip to El Salvador this past summer, but they were met with the joys of serving others once they got into the thick of their trip. After speaking with Susan Zidlicky for years about her mission work, Maria decided to go with her daughter, Caroline, to El Salvador for the first time ever.

Erin Milburn also listened to Zidlicky’s passionate talks about her trips and took her eldest son to El Salvador. The impact of their first trip led her to take her second son to Kenya this past spring. Milburn said that she already wants to go back. Trips like these put things into perspective, offering DuPage kids a great learning experience, said Milburn.

“They have everything they need and want, and I think it’s just good for them

“We can always find an excuse not to go, but all the much more reason to go. You don’t know how your life is going to be changed.”

SUSAN ZIDLICKY

to realize that the majority of the world doesn’t live like that,” said Milburn.

Susan Zidlicky began doing mission trips 11 years ago. Inspired by her experiences abroad, she founded Light of Love Ministry two and a half years ago. While Zidlicky was not exactly sure what she was envisioning for this

organization, Zidlicky said the growth in the past two and a half years has been very impactful.

Light of Love Ministry partners with Sus Hijos in El Salvador, Mathare Community Outreach, and Kariobangi Outreach Children’s Home in Kenya. Zidlicky leads two trips to Kenya and at least one to El Salvador each year. Today, every trip Zidlicky plans and leads for her organization is filled with people, she said. Parents take their children on these trips to learn and grow together, and even bring a different child of theirs each time. Zidlicky encourages families to go, especially to see the real world.

“We can always find an excuse not to go, but all the much more reason to go. You don’t know how your life is going to be changed,” said Zidlicky.

For 16-year-old Caroline Shepherd, El Salvador presented a lot of firsts to her,

Max Milburn playing with children in Nairobi, Kenya’s Mathare slums.

Susan Zidlicky and a young Kenyan girl

such as going to a new country and building a home for a family of three. The Shepherds were placed with a family through Sus Hijos, a program that works with children in public orphanages in San Salvador, El Salvador’s capital. Watching the family’s neighbors become excited about the family receiving a newly built house was a highlight for Shepherd. The Shepherds are already looking forward to the next time they visit El Salvador.

“It made me want to build a house for everyone there,” said Caroline Shepherd.

Like El Salvador, relationship-building is at the forefront of the trips to Kenya, said Zidlicky. Going to Kenyan children’s homes and spending time with them concludes in a retreat on the last night of these trips. Visitors also spend time with teachers and students at three schools in the Mathare Community Outreach program in the slums of Nairobi, Kenya’s capital.

Inspired by the true story, I Will Always Write Back, by Caitlin Alifirenka and Martin Ganda with Liz Welch, Zidlicky started a pen pal program for kids to connect with Kenyan children. There are currently 90 U.S. children writing to 37 Kenyan children, meaning that the Kenyan children usually have two American pen pals, said Zidlicky.

“We see people as people, not projects,” said Zidlicky.

Currently, Light of Love is raising money for education with the Kariobangi Outreach Children’s Home in Kenya. They are currently sponsoring the education of 37 children, with

seven kids in college this year. It costs about $1,500 a year for a child to go to college in Kenya, which can provide them with a way out of the Nairobi slums, said Zidlicky.

Light of Love’s Junior Board, composed of students who have gone on the trips and are now helping to lead the organization, is raising $10,000 for El Salvador and Kenya. Funds raised will go toward providing a home for a family in El Salvador and temporary shelter for Kenyan students while their children’s home is being rebuilt after destruction from severe floods this past June, said Bill Shiell, who acts as a guide

,for Zidlicky while thinking about the potential scope and long-term vision of Light of Love.

“Light of Love doesn’t simply come once and then leave when the project is over; they continue to come and build trust, and they’re someone that people can really rely on,” said Shiell.

The children’s home in Nairobi’s Mathare Valley is a project that will cost about $300,000 total, with Light of Love having already raised the first $100,000 so far.

Zidlicky is not sure where Light of Love is heading, but her next steps include giving hope and inspiration for people to go on a trip, even if they may have concerns about coming on a mission trip.

“You see that we’re all people, we were just born in different places with different needs,” said Zidlicky.

To learn more about upcoming trips or to donate to this organization, please visit lightofloveministry.org. 

A trip to Kenya, meeting with children in their classroom

Kyle Zidlicky and Kenyan children

Zidlicky bonding with the people of Kenya.

Maria and Caroline Shepherd on their trip to El Salvador

FOOTBALL FEVER

Red Devils enjoy first IHSA flag football season

BY JEFF VORVA

Destynee McCoy said she will remember the good times.

The Illinois High School Association sanctioned girls flag football, and this fall was the inaugural season for teams across the state.

McCoy, a senior cornerback for Hinsdale Central, and her teammates may have suffered through a 2-9 record, but the Red Devils were happy to have a chance to be out on the field playing a sport usually played by male athletes.

Oh, and they had fun, too.

“We would roll around the turf laughing after we just lost,” McCoy said. “It’s been amazing – I had a lot of friends on the team this year. We have our really, really fun moments.”

McCoy spent her freshman year at Hinsdale Central but moved to Georgia for two years before coming back here for her senior year. She said she played flag football in Georgia and was happy to see Illinois hosting the sport this year.

Senior wide receiver Presley Mulligan played basketball for two years, and she golfs, but not with the school team. For her senior year, she wanted to get back into the swing of school sports and tried out for flag football. “I like being active,” she said. “It was new, and I had nothing else going on this year. Friends were doing it, and I thought it would be really fun. It’s been really fun despite all of the losses. I still enjoy every game on the field.”

The Red Devils opened the season losing the first five games before a 20-18

Hinsdale Central coach Nick Gebhart talks to his players during a home game against Glenbrook South in October. Photo by Jeff Vorva

road triumph over Fenton on Sept. 30. The celebration for that historic win was not over the top. “We kept it modest,” Mulligan said. “But we were obviously excited. It felt good to win one.”

The winning didn’t stop there. There was one more triumph to come, and that happened on Oct. 7

The Red Devils, who were the 18th-seeded team in the 20-team Perspectives/Leadership  Sectional, traveled to Chicago and knocked off 14th-seeded Julian 34-12 at historic Gately Stadium. The season ended two nights later with a 28-0 home loss to third-seeded St. Laurence.

Nick Gebhart is the coach, and he has enjoyed plenty of success coaching the boys at Hinsdale Central, Willowbrook, and the closed Driscoll Catholic, which is a program that won eight state championships.

For now, wins and losses will have to take a back seat to learning and development. “I don’t care about the record,” he said. “If you put in your work and do your job, the record will

come. If you coach right and work on the game’s technical aspects and put people in the right positions, you can get the most out of your players.”

Gebhart said the program drew 36 athletes this year and hopes to boost that up in the coming years. Because facility use is at a premium, 5:30 a.m. practices have been the norm. “Some mornings, it’s been hard, but it’s worth it,” McCoy said. “It’s nice that my teammates are the first people I see every day.”

“Once you get into the routine, it’s not bad,” Gebhart said. “They are able to get good parking spots on the street.”

Now that the first season is in the books, Gebhart is looking to keep building the program, citing returning players and some promising grade school players who attended Red Devil camps. “It was a heck of a season,” he said. “We started something, and we’ll go from there. We hope to eventually get 60 to 80 girls to come out. It’s getting to be a big sport. They are going to have flag football in the Olympics in 2028. Anyone could have a shot at that. You never know. But you have to have them buy into that.” 

Hinsdale Central’s Marija Neskovic punts against Glenbrook South in a home game in October.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Hinsdale Central’s Destynee McCoy said even in losses, the Red Devils had a good time playing flag football. Photo by Jeff Vorva

Hinsdale Central flag football players insist that they had a great time in 2024 despite a 2-9 record. Photo by Jeff Vorva

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Delivered Safely

How faith and advocacy helped a Hinsdale doctor cross to the other side of grief

BY ANNA HUGHES

Growing up, Dr. Lanny F. Wilson admired two groups of people in his small, Roman Catholic Kentucky hometown: priests and physicians. He felt his life would be fulfilled if he could become one of the two.

“I liked girls too much to become a priest,” Wilson joked.

So, he pursued an alternative ministry: medicine, with a specialty in obstetrics and gynecology.

“[ObGyn] really fit me like a glove,” Wilson said. “It was a happy specialty … and I love the delivery room, so it was a good fit.”

The Northwestern alum has delivered over 6,000 babies during his 40-plusyear career as a Hinsdale-area physician. Each birth was equally special, and Wilson took pride in the

weight of his role during these lifechanging moments.

“People would thank me for being there for the delivery,” Wilson said. “I would say, ‘What an honor and a privilege; thank you for letting me participate.’ I never failed to see it as a miracle.”

Wilson wanted his delivery room to

have the comforting feel of being at home with the safety and support of being at a hospital. He was always there with encouragement, a hand to squeeze, or a prayer.

“I would gather the family, anyone who is there for the delivery or who was waiting in the waiting room (if they wanted to come in),” Wilson said. “Mom and her spouse would be there

Wilson and his wife, Linnea, celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary. After Lauren’s death, Linnea became a pastor at their church, Redeemer Lutheran.

Dr. Lanny Wilson has delivered over 6,000 babies during his career.

holding the baby, and we’d [all] hold hands and we’d say a prayer of thanks after the birth. So, sometimes people would remember that prayer almost more than they’d remember the birth experience.”

Most days after work, he’d leave one family and come home to his own: his beloved wife Linnea and their three kids. That wasn’t the case on Wednesday, March 2, 1994. He came home from a day teaching to find the house empty.

That’s when he got a call that his 14-year-old daughter Lauren and 17-year-old son Luke had been in a cartrain accident at the Monroe Street crossing in Hinsdale. They were in critical condition at Loyola University Hospital. Luke remained in the intensive care unit with substantial injuries and later recovered. Lauren died that night.

Our futures changed and took a trajectory that we never expected.”

Despite his grief, Wilson knew he had patients relying on him. He was back performing surgery just a few days later.

“Patients would say, ‘Dr Wilson, what can I do for you?’” Wilson recalled. “And I’d say, ‘What you can do for me is let me take care of you. By letting me take care of you, you take care of me. Because this is what I know how to do best.’”

“Bad things happen in our lives, and you can’t go back and change them. What you can change is how you react to them and what you do going forward.”

- DR. LANNY F. WILSON

Wilson, who was so accustomed to the joy of welcoming new life, had to grapple with the end of Lauren’s.

“When our parents die … usually before us, they take part of the past with them. But when our children die, they take part of the future with them,” Wilson said. “So, our world changed.

Around the same time, county leaders and first responders noticed an increase in railroad crossing-related deaths and injuries, and they decided something needed to be done. In late April of the same year, DuPage County Board Chair Aldo Botti asked Wilson to lead the newly formed DuPage County Railroad Safety Task Force.

“It was pretty brave of them,” Wilson said of this request. “Here I am, I’m a suffering father. To have that kind of trust that I would lead this group in the right direction and try to be as neutral and fair as possible was a big trust. And I took it seriously.”

He thought about the offer. He thought about Lauren.

She loved the theater and playing piano. She was a good student and could’ve gone on to study politics. She was caring, and she gave great hugs: hugs he missed then and ones he still misses now. He thought about the wedding he dreamed she’d have at their beloved church, Redeemer Lutheran. He thought about his own grief, his wife’s, his two sons’. He thought about how he hoped and

Lauren Wilson was the president of her freshman class at Hinsdale Central High School.

Dr. Lanny Wilson and Lauren in the mid-1980s

prayed that no other parent would have to grapple with the same pain –pain that persists more than 30 years later. He decided this could be a new mission that would complement his continued ministry.

“Bad things happen in our lives, and you can’t go back and change them. What you can change is how you react to them and what you do going forward. [You can] use the energy to try to make the world a better place, in my case, try to make the world a safer place, especially around the railroad tracks,” Wilson said.

Wilson has been the chairman of what is now the DuPage Railroad Safety Council ever since. In their 30 years of operation, they’ve made massive strides in DuPage County, across the state, and even nationwide.

They’ve promoted prevention programs, worked closely with the railroad and train companies to engineer safer crossings, and lobbied politicians to work alongside them in implementing life-changing policies. Today, there are 50% fewer deaths and crashes at railroad

Friday, December 6th 5 to 7pm Burlington Park and the Downtown Business District

crossings than the day Lauren died.

“I feel like I’ve been part of something larger,” Wilson said.

After decades of tireless advocacy, Wilson said he’s achieved his goal of making the Monroe Street crossing one of the safest in the world. It’s a tribute to his lifelong goal of helping others. It’s a continuation of the promise he made as a physician to protect and save lives. It’s proof of a lived faith and dedication to ministry that any priest from his small hometown would commend. But most importantly, it’s a testament to the unconditional love that a father has for his daughter.

For more information about the DuPage Railroad Safety Council and the work they’re doing both in Illinois and nationwide, visit dupagerailsafety.org. 

Dr. Wilson has received over a dozen awards for his medical and railroad safety work. He is pictured here with then-Senator (now former President) Barack Obama.

Hinsdale Dentistry

Michael J. Kowalczyk, DDS and Peter T. Harnois, DDS

Hinsdale Dentistry, established in 1969, has been a pillar in the community for decades, offering world-class dental care. Located at 911 N. Elm Street in a state-of-the-art facility overlooking Salt Creek and Fullersburg Woods, the practice remains committed to serving Hinsdale and the surrounding communities with the latest advancements in dental technology. Their approach combines innovation with a deep sense of care for their patients, ensuring comfort and exceptional results.

Dr. Peter Harnois, who grew up in Hinsdale, has been a driving force behind the practice’s success. A graduate of the University of Illinois College of Dentistry, Dr. Harnois has over 40 years of experience in general and cosmetic dentistry. His commitment to the community is evident not only in his long-standing practice but also in his role as a nationally recognized lecturer and educator. Dr. Harnois has lectured on emerging technologies in dentistry, contributing to the field by sharing his extensive knowledge and experience with fellow professionals. His philosophy centers on providing minimally invasive, cosmetic, and metal-free

dental treatments that yield natural results, reflecting his dedication to patient care and comfort.

Joining Dr. Harnois in 2013, Dr. Michael Kowalczyk brings his expertise to the Hinsdale Dentistry team. A graduate of Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry, Dr. Kowalczyk has further honed his skills with advanced training at the University of Florida. His approach to dentistry is rooted in the belief that genuine care is as important as clinical expertise. Dr. Kowalczyk’s focus on building trust and fostering strong patient relationships aligns seamlessly with the practice’s values.

Together, Dr. Harnois and Dr. Kowalczyk, along with their dedicated team, strive to enhance the natural beauty of their patients’ smiles. Hinsdale Dentistry’s commitment to excellence, combined with their personalized approach, makes them a trusted choice for families seeking comprehensive dental care in the community. u

for more information visit: www.hinsdaledentistry.com

GOAL GETTER

Hinsdale’s Gutman scores for Fire in 100th MLS start

By Jeff Vorva

Hinsdale native Andrew Gutman has always been a top-notch all-around soccer player.

In college at Indiana University, the Hinsdale Central graduate capped off his career in 2018 by winning the MAC Hermann Trophy, which is given to the top college player of the year.

He was also named Top Drawer National Soccer Player of the Year, Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, and IU’s Male Athlete of the Year.

Even though he was a defender, he led the team with 11 goals and was second with nine assists while also helping the

“I probably could have hit it a little earlier if I didn’t have some injuries, but that’s how it is.”

– ANDREW GUTMAN ON HIS 100TH MLS START

Hoosiers to record 15 shutouts on defense.

By upgrading from college soccer to Major League Soccer, he gets fewer opportunities to put the ball in the net, so he savors the goals he gets.

One big goal came close to home.

Gutman, who is in his first year with the Chicago Fire, scored the team’s only goal on Sept. 7 in a 2-1 loss to D.C. United at SeatGeek Stadium in Bridgeview.

Usually, Chicago plays its game at Solider Field in Chicago, but there was a conflict with a Bears game, and a few more friends and family had a chance to watch him in action. And he delivered a goal in the 56th minute.

“I’ve been in that position many times in my career,” Gutman said about the chance to score. “And when I was younger, I always kind of rushed it. But as I’ve gotten older, I understand that I

Andrew Gutman scored his first Fire goal on Sept. 7 against D.C. United.

Photo by the Chicago Fire

have more time. So when I saw the ball pop out, I knew just to take a deep breath, and I was able to calm myself and pretend like I was out there by myself.

“And luckily, I hit it cleanly and scored a nice goal.”

It was also the night in which he hit a milestone as Gutman made his 100th  career MLS start.

“Yeah, I think for me personally, it’s a cool milestone to hit,” he said after the game. “I probably could have hit it a little earlier if I didn’t have some injuries, but that’s how it is. But [I’m] very happy to get 100 starts in MLS.”

Gutman played for Atlanta United, the New York Red Bulls, and the Colorado Rapids before coming to the Fire this season. He had 10 goals in 77 games before coming back home. While he makes his living as a defender, he likes getting scoring chances.

“Yeah, obviously, you always want the ball,” he said. “I think, for me, I’m trying to get into a position where when

guys do receive the ball with the head up that I’m running in behind trying to make the defender make a decision, but at the same time, I am trying to free up space to get [Brian Gutierrez] on the ball. If we can get him on the ball and get him creating for us, that’s probably better than having me on the ball.

“I think sometimes we’re just on different pages, and I think that’s something that we really need to work on, just a better understanding of where everyone is and what everyone

wants to do. I know it’s a little late in the season to be saying that, but that’s kind of the reality of where we’re at.”

Injuries have limited Gutman this season, and the team failed to qualify for the MLS playoffs. So he is looking for better things ahead.

“I think with my season, in particular, I was very stop and go,” Gutman said. “I had some injuries that kind of derailed my season.”

Andrew Gutman in action against D.C. United on Sept. 7 in Bridgeview.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

Andrew Gutman, a Hinsdale native, makes his 100th MLS start on Sept. 7 against D.C. United.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

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From Shepherds to Students: Finding Their Greatness

Local Hinsdale woman continues to help provide remarkable futures for the Maasai village

BY MIA JONES

Walking through 82-year-old Kellie

O’Brien’s’ home, it is clear to see her love for gardening and landscaping design, but the Hinsdale-based horticulturalist has also experienced a calling that has grown into a larger project in the last 17 years to aid Maasai youth in “finding their greatness.”

When O’Brien first met with the Maasai community in 2007, she decided to take up an instrumental part in helping them with their desire for a school. The Maasai people are a pastoralist group, and they move to different areas to take care of their animals. However, the Tanzanian govern-

ment has prohibited them from living on many of the lands they once occupied. So, for over a decade now, they have turned to education.

There are nearly 400 children currently attending the O’Brien School for the Maasai in the Sanya Station Village of the Kilimanjaro Region in Northern Tanzania. All the children are learning to speak, read, and write English as first-generation students. There are a total of 43 employees at the school, and all the teachers are Tanzanian.

“I’ve never once looked back and thought, ‘What the heck did I just do?’,” said O’Brien.

O’Brien notes that the graduating classes from the O’Brien School for the Maasai are nothing short of intelligent. The children go on to attend secondary school, which is usually a boarding school, and typically end up top of their class, said O’Brien. In fact, there are currently two young men who graduated from the O’Brien School for the Maasai and are now studying at medical school in Denver, Colorado.

One major reason for such success, according to O’Brien, is that the children are fed breakfast and lunch every day while at school. The school partners with Feed My Starving Children to distribute manna packs to the children, which contain a nutritional

O’Brien and the two young men from Cameroon who came to help supervise the construction of the Reception House.

value that the Maasai aren’t used to getting out of their typical diets.

The children are also provided with an environment where they have classrooms equipped with school supplies, such as pencils, desks, chairs, and art supplies. Students can choose to participate in various activities through school clubs, such as debating, painting, or playing. musical instruments like guitar. As for proper hydration, a well was built for clean access to water, and the children are given water bottles to take home with them after school.

The O’Brien School for the Maasai strives to teach not only academics but also important life lessons, such as the joy that comes from giving acts of kindness to others, said O’Brien. She recalled how a 7th-grade class washed the chairs of a 1st-grade class and how happy everyone was to participate in what might seem like a simple task.

“You can write a definition on the board, but they have to experience it,” said O’Brien.

The school also created a gardening club for the children to learn more about taking care of the Earth and growing their own produce. This enables the Maasai to take innovative food-growing skills with them into their futures despite the harsh dry season they experience in Tanzania, said O’Brien.

Children are not the only ones who reap benefits from the O’Brien School for the Maasai. Widows and members of the community, along with two

Cameroon men who helped supervise the project, constructed a “Reception House” out of 10,000 two-liter plastic water bottles that tourists on the roads of Tanzania had littered. The widows were hired to help with this project, and additional support came from the Bottles2Bricks Foundation and the Build a School Foundation. One water bottle has a life expectancy of 500 years, making the building very sustainable. 11 tons of fine sand fills the water bottles to hold them down in the structure.

“I don’t even know what 10,000 looks like,” said O’Brien.

Recently, guest houses were constructed so that visitors have a place to stay when they come to see Tanzania. The money collected from people coming to stay in the guest houses helps support the children going to secondary school.

This is especially important for the young girls, who face being sold off for bride prices, said O’Brien.

Maasai women create beaded jewelry at the school so they can sell it for income. This allows them to accumulate money to pay for their children’s school fees and to support their families, said O’Brien. Additionally, a store was built for 12 women to host three individual businesses. Showing women that they too can be leaders and entrepreneurs to secure a steady future in the world reveals how the O’Brien School for the Maasai is more than just a school, said O’Brien.

“I’m not a bulldozer. I’m there to work with them and how we can improve the future of their children,” said O’Brien.

Maasai children eating the Feed My Starving Children manna packs. One of the homes of the Maasai villagers.

Maasai women helping construct the Reception House out of plastic water bottles.

As for current concerns for the Maasai, the Tanzanian government recently mandated that kindergarten classes take place in their own building, meaning they are separate from the other grades. The O’Brien School for the Maasai must build two new classrooms for kindergarten, leading to unexpected

something that the Maasai are not as familiar with, said O’Brien. The school is also hoping to encounter someone with a solar business who could potentially donate solar panels for more green initiatives at the school.

When people ask O’Brien about the

costs, said O’Brien. Christ Church of Oak Brook has already donated $7,000 for these two classrooms, but it will cost a total of about $30,000 to build the classrooms. On top of that, the Tanzanian government now requires cooking with gas, so the kitchens at the school must be transformed into gas stoves,

“I’m not a bulldozer. I’m there to work with them and how we can improve the future of their children.”

- KELLIE O’BRIEN

future of the school and long-term plans, her answer is always the same: “I just want to do ‘the next right thing,’” said O’Brien.

The work put into this school would not be possible without the countless donations from various community members and organizations, said O’Brien. School supplies from District 181, water bottles from Notre Dame Parish, and girls’ kits with menstrual supplies from the National Charity League have aided O’Brien in her work.

“Everyone sees their faces, but I see their hearts,” O’Brien said.

To read more about The O’Brien School for the Maasai and what can be done to continue the school’s mission, visit obrienschool.org 

From top left clockwise: The Maasai people show their appreciation. The Maasai students have been provided with school supplies from donations. The Maasai unloading a container filled with manna packs. 7th grade girls receive care packages from the National Charity League.

Holiday Shopping Passport

Sunday, November 24 - Tuesday, December 24 FREE Pick-up at local participating businesses

Small Business Saturday Saturday, November 30

Shop and Support Hinsdale Throughout the Holiday Season

Winter Wonderland

Hinsdale for the Holidays

Saturday, December 7 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Burlington Park FREE

Santa Visits

Saturday, December 7, 14, & 21 from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM at Burlington Park FREE

Sunday, December 1 from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

at Katherine Legge Memorial Park Shop Small Shop Local Shop Hinsdale

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Sunday, December 1 - Sunday, December 8 at Memorial Hall FREE

Tree Lighting & 58th Annual Christmas Walk

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CWhen the Person in the Mirror is No Longer You

laudine was 49 when she started working in the public eye as a community service officer. Years of sun exposure, gravity, diet, and various other factors started to show in her appearance. One day, she glanced into her squad car mirror and realized that the person she saw on the outside no longer reflected who she was on the inside.

Researching surgeons for a facelift is no easy task, but after discovering

Dr. Michael Byun’s work, she realized there was no need to look elsewhere. With a medical degree from Northwestern University and a career spanning over two decades, Dr. Byun has gained a reputation as the “Architect of Beauty.”

Claudine saw how other surgeons easily distorted a patient’s face by pulling up and out, but this wasn’t the case with Dr. Byun’s patients. They looked so “natural.” Dr. Byun, board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, developed

a special vertical lift technique that places a patient’s muscles back into their pre-aging position. This repair-focused approach, known as the “Byun Facelift,” has set him apart since its inception in 1998.

Before her consultation with Dr. Byun, Claudine had sent in a photo of herself on a day she wasn’t feeling like her usual self. She had been contemplating a change, as her reflection no longer matched the youthful spirit she felt within. When she arrived

for the consultation, something miraculous happened. As Dr. Byun pushed and pulled on her facial muscles in front of the mirror, she suddenly exclaimed, “Wait, stop— that’s it right there! That’s who I’m looking for; that’s ME!” Dr. Byun’s deep understanding of muscle movements had allowed him to quickly pinpoint Claudine’s ideal appearance.

True multitasking is having a meaningful conversation with a patient while attentively observing their facial expressions and fine muscle movements, which Dr. Byun does exceptionally well. He watches how his patients’ muscles work in unison so he can devise the best, highly specialized anti-aging treatment plan for each of them. As an attending surgeon for Level 1 Trauma at Lutheran General Hospital, he knows the importance of precise and careful surgical interventions.

his surgical skills with his role as an “acting coach” for expressions.

As a member of Northwestern’s Advisory Board for Biomedical Engineering, Dr. Byun’s approach blends science and art to create lasting results for his patients. This care extends well beyond the initial surgery as he continues to monitor and guide his patients through the aging process.

For Claudine, being Dr. Byun’s patient feels like a true partnership. Reflecting on their relationship, she explains, “This has almost gone beyond a doctor-patient relationship because of my high level of trust in him. Yes, I’ve had my doubts along the way, mostly in the form of seeing my swollen and bruised face after surgery, but I strongly believe that we’re partners in this. This is our face.”

Dr. Byun taught Claudine that her depressor muscles were stronger than her levator muscles, which projected a downward motion near her mouth. This gave her face a sad or mad expression. After carefully analyzing her muscle strengths and weaknesses, Dr. Byun provided Claudine with a specialized postsurgery treatment plan that blended

about money. It’s about what’s in ‘here’ (pointing to her heart). This whole journey has been about me and how I want to project myself. One simply cannot put a price on such an experience and change. Remember, he found me.”

Some people think they can just pay big bucks, get a perfect face, and be done with it. For Dr. Byun, however, it is a long-term relationship. Goals are thoroughly discussed, and patients are actually paying for a surgeon, muscle coach, anti-aging master, confidant, and lifelong partnership all in one. Claudine is happy to say that Dr. Byun’s surgical skills have brought a new level of confidence, expression, and happiness, all of which money can’t buy.

THE BYUN FACELIFT INSPIRATION

THE PRICE OF PERFECTION

Placing a monetary value on a surgical procedure can be challenging. Determining a dollar amount based on a patient’s level of satisfaction is not straightforward. Since “beauty is in the eye of the beholder,” values can vary depending on one’s idea of perfection. During one of Claudine’s more recent visits, the question of the monetary value of the procedure was brought up. Without hesitation, Claudine stated, “This means more to me than a million dollars because this isn’t

Dr. Byun’s journey to develop his technique began in the late 1990s after extensive training at Northwestern University, where he completed medical school and a plastic surgery fellowship. Early in his career, he inherited a few of his professors’ caseloads and quickly grew dissatisfied with the long-term results of conventional facelift methods. Seeing the effects of gravity on facial muscles and the often unnatural-looking results from fat grafts and fillers, he knew there had to be a better way. His answer was to reverse the process and restore facial structures, giving his patients results that last and allow them to age gracefully.

Traditional facelifts often rely on stretching the skin or adding fillers, which can result in a pulled or shiny look. However, Dr. Byun believes that the true key to natural beauty lies in respecting the natural position of each facial

Claudine’ before surgery and three weeks after surgery

Claudine in her squad car before meeting Dr. Micheal Byun.

CONVENTIONAL LIFT with fillers and fat

AGED FACIAL MUSCLES

feature. Rather than pulling the face outward and upward towards the ears, he moves tissues up toward the midline, honoring the individual anatomy and reestablishing the face’s former contours. This method leaves his patients with results that look natural and continue to do so over the years.

Despite its success, Dr. Byun’s approach has yet to be widely adopted. The reasons are threefold. First, the competitive nature of plastic surgery often prevents surgeons from embracing new techniques, especially if it means admitting there might be a superior way.

Second, patients who hop from surgeon to surgeon for quick fixes seldom return to the original doctor, which means that many surgeons do not see the long-term effects of their work. Dr. Byun’s long-standing relationships with his patients allow him to monitor and guarantee his work over 30 years, a commitment few surgeons offer.

Finally, the technique is difficult to teach. It requires a deep understanding of facial bones, nerves, and muscle anatomy, plus a high level of surgical skill and refined motor skills. Dr. Byun jokes, “I guess growing up using metal chopsticks has served me well. Thanks, Mom and Dad!”

Dr. Byun is quick to advise caution for those considering cosmetic

BYUN LIFT

surgery. He warns against frequent touch-ups, which can disrupt the natural aging process and lead to a cycle of problems. “Every minor cut, pull, artificial injection, laser, and fat transfer can add up and

“Don’t add and don’t subtract from your face.

Stop everything and just age!”

Dr. Michael Byun

negatively affect normal aging; you will be chasing problem after problem until you’re no longer recognizable. I have taught this very simple yet important concept for over 25 years,” he said, “Don’t add and don’t subtract from your face. Stop everything and just age!” His restorative technique supports graceful aging, helping patients retain their unique look while minimizing the visible signs of aging.

The ideal candidate for Dr. Byun’s technique is someone who loves their face but is unhappy with how it has aged. His philosophy centers on preserving and protecting the face’s natural features. Those seeking an overly lifted appearance

may not be the right fit for his method. “If you seek a wrinklefree and tented face, I’m not your guy,” he explained. His work best suits individuals who appreciate fine details and seek a long-term solution that honors their identity.

If you’re seeking a transformation like Claudine’s, educating yourself about the differences among surgeons is essential. Set clear goals, do your research, and let Dr. Michael Byun help you bring them to life— he can find you, too. For those considering a facelift, Dr. Byun offers honest second opinions and carefully assesses how his approach can benefit you. He helps patients restore their image and enjoy the natural, youthful look that allows them to age gracefully and confidently.

Dr. Michael Byun

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

Visit chicagocosmeticsurgery.com to see other before and after images and long term outcomes. To schedule a consultation, call 847-513-6899. u

Diagram showing how the Byun Lift differs from conventional face lifts.

O Christmas Tree, O CHRISTMAS TREE

Chicago Museum celebrates unity in diversity during the holiday season

BY ANNA HUGHES

AChristmas tree is a universal symbol across the globe, representing faith, hope, and the season of joy and giving. The decorated evergreen branches are the traditional backdrop for some of life’s most precious moments, from Santa’s visits to family movies around the fire. It represents a common thread that weaves itself through every corner of the world – a sign that unifies over two billion people across the globe.

CHRISTMAS AROUND THE WORLD

Christmastime is full of traditions, but the concept of unity is the driving force behind one beloved holiday custom in Chicago: Christmas Around the World at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry. What is now a beautiful display of over 50 trees began as just one back in 1942. The original tree was newly

Christmas Around the World has been a Chicago holiday tradition for over 80 years.

Photo courtesy of Griffin Museum of Science and Industry.

Over 50 trees, including the grand central tree, are on display at the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry during the holiday season.

Photo by Heidi Peters

A 10-FOOT TASK

It’s a tall task to put up and decorate a single Christmas tree. It takes a village to do the same for over 50. In order to ensure the exhibit is ready for its Nov. 16 opening, museum teams and dedicated volunteers began decorating on Nov. 1.

“We kind of have a rule: no trees up before Halloween,” Porth joked.

is special to me because that’s where my parents were born.”

decorated every day for twelve days, a tribute to the twelve countries fighting alongside the United States during World War II. It symbolized hope and unity by showcasing a variety of holiday customs from each country, and it was a reminder that there was more unity than division among the Allies.

Over 80 years later, the exhibit has grown, but the message remains the same. Guests can go to the Griffin MSI and learn about dozens of cultures, countries, and customs by traveling just a few feet.

“I think that’s a good way to kind of open the entire world up with just one museum visiting,” Matt Porth, Griffin MSI deputy director of guest engagement, said. “We’re here to inspire, you know, the inventive genius in everyone. But I also think it’s good to just inspire people wanting to learn more about our fellow humans.”

Porth, who has been involved with Christmas Around the World since 2005, said that a museum should inspire people to pursue knowledge. He hopes that this exhibit will lead guests to seek additional education about people and cultures different from their own.

“It’s a great way to learn about other people, the things you may not have known, or things you always wanted to know,” Porth said. “And I think we all need to do that a lot more on a daily basis.”

Each country’s tree has a group of volunteers that spend a few hours decorating. Many of these groups, either organizations or families, have been established for decades. For some families, it’s a tradition and responsibility that’s been passed down through generations. This volunteer system is a unique and key aspect of the authenticity of the Griffin MSI exhibit. Much of the decor comes from each tree’s country of origin and/or the decorators’ personal collections. Some years, trees are even dedicated to loved ones or former volunteers who have passed.

“There’s just really, really great stories,” Porth said. “The groups that put up the trees, whether they’re a family or with an organization, you know, they really understand and appreciate kind of like the little platform, the platform that they have. So they make the most out of it every year.”

HOLIDAY HELPERS

Elmhurst resident Paula Berger has been decorating the Bolivian tree at the exhibit for 20 years. Her father, who moved from Bolivia to the U.S. in 1965, was appointed Honorary Consul of Bolivia in the 1980s. He encouraged Berger to get involved with the Bolivian tree when they heard the museum didn’t have one. It’s become a tradition she carried on with her own family, and she hopes to pass it down to her two daughters one day.

“My goal for doing this tree every year is really to teach others about Bolivia because it’s a small country and to just show an appreciation for the different cultures and languages around the world,” Berger said. “That’s why I love the exhibit. Really, I go around, and I’m in awe of all the trees, but obviously, Bolivia

Berger decorates the tree with 150 handmade ornaments from Bolivia, including an assortment of llamas, totora boats, native cholita dolls, Zamponas (windpipe), sombreros, corn husk dolls, and more. She invites new volunteers to help each year to teach more people about the country she loves and its Christmas traditions. As a teacher, she prides herself in educating others, especially about celebrating each other’s cultures and unique differences.

Berger represents all of the dedicated volunteers who have a passion for sharing their background and/or home country with others. Thousands of guests visit each holiday season – some stare in awe as they see the stunning display of culture for the first time, while others excitedly return for their annual visit.

“It’s touching,” Porth said, about watching museum guests admire the trees. “It’s a great way for people to come to the museum and maybe reconnect with their heritage.”

Christmas Around the World opens on Nov. 16, 2024, with a grand tree lighting and runs through Jan. 5, 2025. In addition to the decorated trees, families can explore Holidays of Light, which showcases celebrations honoring light and enlightenment, including Chinese New Year, Diwali, Kwanzaa, Ramadan, Hanukkah, and more. 

The tree decorating tradition is often passed down through generations. Photo by Heidi Peters

Shannon Keating, Margaret Foot, Paula Berger, and Karen Grane in front of the Bolivian tree

Melanoma Risks, Treatment & Prevention

Dr. Rachel Bognet of CSC Steil Dermatology

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

Q: What is skin cancer?

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

Q: What are the signs and symptoms of melanoma?

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

A is for asymmetry,

B is for irregular borders,

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

D is for a diameter greater than 6mm, and

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

Q. Who is at risk of melanoma?

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

Q: How do you diagnose melanoma?

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

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

DR. RACHEL BOGNET

Q: Are there different stages of melanoma?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Before Barbie

Local museum showcases the world of toys before Mattel-mania

BY ANNA HUGHES

When the Barbie movie came out last year, it took the world by storm.

When the Barbie doll came out, it had the exact same effect. And then some.

Barbie’s release by Mattel in 1959 was revolutionary in the world of toys. Although “fashion dolls” were popularized in the mid-19th century, Barbie took their allure to a whole

new level. She was long and lean, beautiful and demure. Her diverse range of outfits and looks skyrocketed her popularity. Now, Mattel calculates that two Barbie dolls are sold every second (Britannica).

But dolls were a staple of society long before the queen bee entered the scene. Historians estimate that the first dolls were developed over 2 million years ago. As technology and cultures developed over time, so did the dolls. They mirror trends, social

norms, fashion, and what life was like during any given time period.

Emily O’Brien, a curator at the DuPage County Historical Museum, spent the last few years developing an exhibit highlighting this exact phenomenon. “Before Barbie” features a variety of dolls spanning over a century, giving visitors a glimpse into life before Mattelmania. Despite so many differences, O’Brien found that so much has stayed the same.

The DuPage County Historical Museum is located at 102 E. Wesley St. in Wheaton. Photo by Larry Kmiecik

“Knowing that it was likely that children played with dolls in ancient civilizations similar to how children play with them today is both fascinating and a little heartwarming and makes the past seem much more relatable.”

“I think overall what surprised me the most is how consistent dolls were throughout history. Not necessarily in how they were made or the materials used, but just the concept of the doll,” O’Brien said. “Knowing that it was likely that children played with dolls in ancient civilizations similar to how children play with them today is both fascinating and a little heartwarming and makes the past seem much more relatable.”

Exhibits are planned several years in advance, so the timing of “Before Barbie” with last year’s media roar featuring the beloved heroine in heels was just a coincidence. The exhibit does feature three Barbie dolls, but the majority is focused on – as the name suggests – the time before Barbie.

“Visitors will get to see a variety of dolls and the different materials that were used to create them, along with how they came to be popular,” O’Brien said. “For this exhibit we tried to look more closely at the history of a doll’s role as well as the various types of dolls throughout history. We focus a lot on the materials used and the ways in which dolls were utilized either as a toy or as a more ceremonial object.”

Some of the first dolls were made of wood, which was popular in ancient civilizations and the modern era. Some were made for play, while others were used for religious and/or ritualistic

- EMILY O’BRIEN

purposes. Over time, wooden dolls were slowly replaced with paper, porcelain, and—of course—pl astic. Substance and style often represent the time period in which the toys were created.

“Toys, and dolls specifically, often reflect societal values, views of childhood, advancements in technology, and current events,” O’Brien said. “Current fashion trends heavily influence the style of dolls and are a good indication of when the doll was produced. Technology has a huge influence on the type of toys being made—as our technology advances, so do our toys and the way they are played with. During the Cold War era, space-themed toys were incredibly

popular, and many children owned toys such as the Retro Rocket, astronauts, and others. This was a direct result of the ongoing space race from the 1950s into the 1970s.”

As Barbie paved the way for a new era of dolls such as American Girl, Bratz, and more, most of the toys similar to the ones featured in the exhibit were pushed to the side. Still, their impact and influence remain in every doll on every store shelf, in every toy bin, on every Christmas wish list, and on the silver screen.

“Before Barbie” is open until May 31, 2025. Visit dupagemuseum.org for hours, location, and more information on this and other exhibits. 

Dolls spanning over a century are displayed at the exhibit. Photos courtesy of the Wheaton Park District

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What started in the basement of a suburban Chicago home back in 1998 as an idea to create unique items personalized for the receiver has become the leader in personalized gifts. With two facilities, including the corporate headquarters in Burr Ridge spanning 100,000 square feet and the primary production and fulfillment center in Bolingbrook covering 365,000 square feet, PersonalizationMall.com is responsible for creating 80 million personalized gifts over the last 25 years.

Workshop Santa’s

During the holiday season, the company truly becomes a local Santa’s Workshop. In fact, this holiday season, PersonalizationMall.com will produce 40,000 ornaments a day. And things

have certainly changed over the years. Back in the early days, if customers wanted custom photo products, they had to mail in their photos so they could be manually scanned and printed on their gifts. Today, the impressive technology – and operations – are entirely streamlined.

Peak months for PersonalizationMall. com are during November and December, when they handle 3 - 4 times more volume than other months, and the number of associates swells from 400 to 4,000. However, before the rollercoaster ride of the holidays, Anne Healy, Associate Publisher of Hinsdale Magazine Group, spoke with Dan

Lucy, Carrie, Dan, Lily and Andy Grebel

PHOTOS BY VICTOR HILITSKI

Dan Grebel at the PersonalizationMall.com manufacturing and distribution facility in Bolingbrook.

Grebel, Vice President of Operations at PersonalizationMall.com, regarding the company’s success. Grebel, a lifelong resident of the Chicagoland area who has called Downers Grove home the last 21 years with his wife Carrie and three children, shared his personal take on this impressive company that has taken personalization to a new level.

HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP:

What does your role entail as Vice President of Operations at PersonalizationMall.com entail?

DAN GREBEL: I am responsible for driving operational excellence across the brand’s manufacturing, fulfillment, and customer service functions. I focus on the entire order process, from when an order is placed to delivery and customer satisfaction. My daily goal is to produce and deliver inspiring gifts and personal keepsakes to help millions of customers share love and joy with their friends, family, and loved ones.

HMG: How did your career begin/ evolve over the years?

DG: I’ve always had a strong work ethic, maybe even too much at times. At 14, I started cutting lawns and helping with handyman projects around my neighborhood. By 15, I began working for the owners of Personal Creations (PC), taking on odd jobs around their home and later working for their business, which was run out of their basement at that time. By the time I was 21, I had become the Production Manager, overseeing daily production and implementing new personalization processes, products, and services.

Then, in 1999, I decided to venture out on my own and started Gifts For You (GFY), focusing on personalized gifts for catalog retailers. My wife Carrie and I ran the business for ten years before selling it to someone who could take it to the next level. I stayed on for another eight years at GFY, helping to transition the business away from B2B and towards direct-toconsumer sales online, which became our primary focus.

Around the same time I started GFY, the former owner of Personal Creations launched PersonalizationMall.

com. Both businesses were small then, and I needed additional work, so I found myself helping launch yet another personalized gift business from a basement. I worked with PersonalizationMall.com to add personalization processes, create products, ship orders, design new items, and assist with online marketing efforts. Both businesses operated out of the same rented space in Downers Grove for several years. But as we grew, PersonalizationMall. com needed more space, and I needed to focus entirely on GFY. I moved GFY to its own facility in Downers Grove. Each company continued to grow in its respective market. I returned to PersonalizationMall.com as VicePresident of Operations seven years ago, coming full circle.

HMG: What is the most rewarding aspect of PersonalizationMall.com?

DG: We help millions of people celebrate special moments and share joy with their families. I am most moved when I hear our employees share that sentiment. Our business helps people commemorate every stage of life, from birth to memorials and everything in between.

HMG: What is the most challenging aspect of your position?

DG: The most challenging aspect of my position comes during our peak periods, which are both demanding and exciting. While holidays like Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day keep us busy, nothing compares to the Christmas season when our facility turns into Santa’s Workshop. It’s a marathon that requires months of preparation and teamwork, and it’s our opportunity to showcase what we’re capable of. We can add new equipment, promote team members, test new products, and refine our processes. It’s a time when we push ourselves and achieve outstanding results.

HMG: PersonalizationMall.com guarantees delivery right up until the holidays. When do you officially “clock out” during the holiday season to celebrate with family and friends?

DG: I sometimes feel like a sports coach

who is already back on the road preparing for the next season after winning the last game. I never really clock out because I believe there is always room for us to improve, and I’m not sure I’ll ever be completely satisfied. At the end of each season, I watch the last delivery truck leave the building, jot down my notes from the final hours, and then the following morning. I monitor delivery performance for our customers and their families. After that, typically on Christmas Eve, I take my three kids to the mall to buy gifts for their mom. We enjoy a day of shopping, complete with a lunch break, and then head home to wrap the gifts. For over 20 years, my family has hosted Christmas Day at our home in Downers Grove. As our family has grown, our celebration has evolved from an open house filled with young couples to a cherished day of celebration with my family and other loved ones.

HMG: Where does PersonalizationMall.com call home?

DG: As I mentioned, PersonalizationMall.com started in 1998 in Chicago, right in the founder’s basement. By 2009, we moved into a new space in Burr Ridge to keep up with demand. In 2019, we expanded again with a larger manufacturing and distribution facility in Bolingbrook that is 365,000 square feet. When we became part of the 1-800-Flowers family in 2020, we saw even more growth, including the addition of Things Remembered to our personalized gifting platform in 2023.

HMG: Your company has industryleading personalization capabilities; how does a “blank item” become personalized and quality assurance in place?

DG: When a customer chooses an item, they can see a preview of exactly what their personalized gift will look like before they place the order. Our customers love the ability to see the final visualization of their customized gift before they buy it. It really helps take the guesswork out of gift-giving.

Behind the scenes, our technology streamlines the entire operation – from processing the order to quality checks

the Numbers

• Fourteen million custom ornaments have been produced throughout the company’s history.

• The company stocks over 2,000 blank items, from ornaments and stockings to frames and blankets, translating into more than 40,000 personalized products.

• Gifts are purchased, personalized, and shipped within 1-2 days.

• Items can be purchased through mid-day on December 23rd and still be delivered before the holidays.

• The range of gifts available to customize ranges from $10 - $300.

• The order volume for Cyber Monday at PersonalizationMall. com can be as much as ten times that of a summer day, and during November and December, it can handle 3 to 4 times more orders than other months.

• In 2023, more than 800,000 ornaments, 300,000 stockings, and 2 million square feet of wrapping paper were created.

• Twenty-five personalization methods are available, such as laser engraving, embroidery, UV printing, sublimation, and sandblasting.

• The company serves over 20 million customers.

and shipping – all within just 1-2 days. Once the order is in, it goes straight into production. Our team in the warehouse picks the blank item, and the design is either printed in our Art Room or sent directly to the relevant personalization department, depending on the product. Our team uses that same preview our customers see to ensure everything looks right from a quality assurance perspective. From there, the item is packaged, sorted, and shipped out. We deliver both on speed and customer satisfaction.

HMG: There is a wide selection of unique items to personalize. How do you hich items to carry?

DG: Our in-house merchandising and creative teams are always on the lookout for the “next big gift” – whether traveling to gift and trade shows worldwide or analyzing upcoming themes and colors that will resonate with our customers. They closely monitor current events, social media trends, and customer searches to uncover popular ideas. We design over a thousand exclusive items every year, including a special line of hand-painted resin ornaments for the holidays.

Also, we are, by design, a very nimble organization. Our team can quickly pivot to create fresh graphics for all kinds of items, from mugs and blankets to doormats and pillows. We have also introduced ornaments shaped like sloths, unicorns, and gnomes, which have been huge hits. Western-style ornaments and NFLlicensed Kansas City Chiefs ornaments are on trend this year, too.

HMG: What are the most popular personalized items during the holiday season?

DG: Personalized ornaments are always a big hit. We create around 40,000 ornaments a day during the holiday season. And while ornaments, like our Snowman Repeating Name Personalized Ornament (which is personalized with up to 35 different names), are the top choice, we offer a wide range of unique gifts that customers love to personalize, like the iconic silver baby bootie ornament from Things

Remembered that resonates with customers seeking a meaningful, timeless gift. This year, we’re also introducing exclusive products with Elf on the Shelf, Polar Express, and Elf. We’re also excited to collaborate with Vera Bradley for exclusive personalized products across PersonalizationMall.com and Things Remembered.

HMG: What are some of the company’s other critical timeframes besides the holidays?

DG: Throughout the year, we personalized about 8 million items. Aside from the holiday season, the most significant occasions for PersonalizationMall.com include Mother’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Father’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and graduation. While these are our top occasions, we also create seasonal designs for birthdays, tailgating with our NFL and NCAA licensed offerings, Back-to-School, weddings, and St. Patrick’s Day. We also offer the “Design Your Own” program that allows customers to use their creativity to customize items with their own graphics, fonts, and photos for any occasion or season. It’s an excellent way for customers to create unique keepsakes tailored to their special moments.

HMG: For the gift-givers out there, what are some gift-giving trends for 2024?

DG: As we look to the 2024 holiday season, we’re seeing a trend toward gifts that encourage people to unplug and connect with others, which aligns perfectly with our vision to inspire people to give more, connect more, and build better relationships.

Consumers are gravitating toward outdoor activities, leading to a rise in the popularity of our golf-related gifts and our new pickleball collection. Travel bags and accessories are also trending as top gift choices. Shoppers are also embracing board games and photo puzzles as they plan staycations or family nights at home. 

Building Bridges Out of Homelessness: One Family’s Journey with Bridge Communities

For Frankie and her 9-year-old son, a cascade of family tragedies, including the loss of both of her parents, left them facing homelessness. Their story represents countless local families living on the precipice, where one misfortune can trigger a devastating domino effect.

Bridge Communities steps in as a beacon of hope in our community. This dedicated nonprofit is more than a

shelter—it’s a lifeline. Through their transformative programs, families receive safe housing, personalized mentoring, educational support, and career development, laying the groundwork for a brighter future.

“I love that Frankie never gives up,” said Molly, Frankie’s case manager. Despite postponing her education twice due to losses in her family, Frankie is now pursuing her degree while rebuilding stability for her son.

Bridge Communities serves over 100 families annually, but the service demand is growing. By making a gift today, you give these determined families the second chance they need to achieve permanent housing.

You can transform lives. Donate to Bridge Communities by scanning the QR code or visiting www. bridgecommunities.org/donate.

Raising Awareness

World Diabetes Day celebrated in November

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

Nov. 14 is chosen as the WDD because it is the birthday of Frederick Banting (right) who discovered insulin in collaboration with his colleague Charles Best in 1922.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, approximately 537 million adults worldwide are afflicted with diabetes. November is the time of year when we pause to recognize this disease, with World Diabetes Day on November 14. Although it’s not a day to celebrate, it is a time to raise awareness of the condition and realize just how far we have come with treatment over the years.

Diabetes has two primary classifications –type I and type II. Persons with type I diabetes have an autoimmune condition in which they are unable to make insulin – a hormone produced by the pancreas that manages blood sugar levels. Type I diabetes typically develops in childhood or adolescence but can be diagnosed at any age. Type II diabetes tends to develop slowly over time. These patients produce their own insulin, but either make much less of it than needed or have cells that don’t react properly to insulin. Type II is more common in adults over 40 years of age but may also develop at any time.

90% of people inflicted with diabetes have type II, while only about 8% have type I. A small number of women are diagnosed during pregnancy with a third diabetic condition, known as gestational diabetes. This type of diabetes is detected through high blood sugar, typically early in the pregnancy. Often there are few symptoms. Gestational diabetes is usually treated with a healthy diet and lifestyle changes, such as increased activity.

Before the discovery of the insulin hormone, diabetes was a slow death sentence. Patients were placed on

extremely strict diets that minimized their intake of carbohydrates, in some cases as low as 450 calories a day. This diet sometimes bought patients an extra year or two of life, but it wasn’t sustainable long term. Basically, these patients died of starvation.

It wasn’t until about a century ago that the idea of injecting insulin from animals into diabetics came into play. Researchers in the late 19th century made the initial discovery that removing a dog’s pancreas caused it to develop symptoms of diabetes and die soon afterward. As time went on, these investigators learned to extract insulin

genetically engineered synthetic insulin was produced in 1978, with the aid of E.coli bacteria. From there, pharmaceutical companies began to market biosynthetic human insulin.

The hormone now comes in many forms, from human insulin, identical to that produced by the human body, to ultra-rapid and long-acting varieties. In the past, insulin was administered strictly by needle. Today, it is available in several forms.

Tubeless insulin pumps are small, wearable pods that deliver insulin through a tiny needle. The pump is convenient, as it can be controlled wirelessly through a hand controller or smartphone app. American Olympic swimmer, Gary Hall Jr., kept his type I diabetes under control as he swam in the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Summer Games, with an insulin pump duct taped to his leg.

from the pancreas of one dog and inject it into another dog with diabetes.

Over time, a purer form of insulin was developed from the pancreases of cattle. In 1922, a fourteen-yearold-boy dying from type I diabetes in a Toronto hospital was the first person injected with cattle insulin. Within a day, the boy’s dangerously high blood glucose levels plummeted to normal levels. Success! The next year saw the scientists who initially researched insulin receive the Nobel Prize in Medicine.

For years, insulin extracted from pigs and cattle became the treatment for diabetes. While this method saved millions of lives, it also met with allergic reactions in many patients. The first

Inhalable insulin is a cuttingedge development which comes in the form of powder and is inhaled into the lungs through a device like an atomizer. It can then be absorbed quickly into the bloodstream to regulate blood sugar levels.

Over the last few decades, scientists have explored ways to reprogram liver cells to act as pancreatic cells which could therefore produce insulin. Research and clinical trials for this treatment are ongoing. If successful, this could be potential therapy for type I diabetes.

Although a cure has yet to be discovered, diabetes is a condition in which huge treatment strides are constantly evolving.

For more information, visit: Diabetes.org or BreakthroughT1D.org (formerly JuvenileDiabetesResearchFoundation.org) 

RAISING KIND KIDS

How family volunteering inspires lifelong giving

BY KATIE BOLINGER

As mimics, children often mirror the behavior of their elders, so parents play a crucial role in fostering a child’s desire to give back. Children who see their parents actively volunteering are more likely to follow suit. Leading by example helps kids grow into compassionate, engaged adults who continue contributing to their communities.

Volunteering as a family is a powerful way to bring families closer together while teaching values like empathy, responsibility, and kindness. When kids volunteer, they feel accomplished, build life skills, and deepen their connection to the community.

meaningful impact. Making it part of family traditions, such as participating in the Dan Gibbons 5K Turkey Trot, which raises funds to help eradicate hunger in DuPage County, reinforces the importance of giving back and creates lasting memories.

Finding volunteer opportunities that align with children’s ages and interests is essential. Younger kids might enjoy hands-on tasks like packing food

Taylor Stirmell, Community Program Manager at Giving DuPage, started volunteering at 15 after an injury ended her sports career. She found fulfillment in giving back and camaraderie with other volunteers.

“The best part of volunteering,” Stirmell says, “is that while pursuing your interests, you may find your passion.”

“Children learn more from what you are than what you teach.”

– W.E.B. DU BOIS

Activities like park cleanups, food drives, or charity events allow families to work together and make a

boxes. At the same time, older children or teens may prefer working at animal shelters, participating in environmental projects, or volunteering at the library. Matching a child’s hobbies with volunteer work makes the experience more engaging and rewarding.

Making volunteering enjoyable is key to keeping kids engaged. Giving DuPage offers a volunteer portal to help families find opportunities that fit their schedules, interests, and abilities. By starting small, parents can instill a love of volunteering that lasts a lifetime, benefiting both the child and the community they serve.

To learn more and set up a volunteer account, visit givingdupage.org.

Traditions, Tips & Trends

1

Sparkle Season

Metals are the trend for holiday decorating in 2024.

3

Cheer On Hand

Show your holiday spirit with festive nail art. From classic reds and greens to playful designs made with stamps, stencils or gems, there’s a look for everyone.

2

root vegetable. Its unique blend of sweet, nutty, and mildly earthy flavors makes it a versatile ingredient that brings both color and taste to the table.

4

Reverse Advent Calendars

Instead of receiving a treat each day, families add an item to a box each day leading up to Christmas, which is then donated to a charity. This tradition adds a meaningful twist, focusing on giving rather than receiving.

6

Find All The Ornaments

Visit the Griffin Museum of Science and Industry for its annual Christmas Around the World, featuring a four-story Grand Tree and over 50 trees showcasing global holiday traditions.

Holiday Cookie Pairings

Milk and cookies are a staple of the holidays but try putting a spin on this classic. Adult beverages pair just as well as milk, coffee or tea. Give one of these a try this year.

• Butter Cookies pair with Chardonnay

Reasons to Celebrate

Nov. 11 • Veterans Day

Nov. 14 • Nat’l Pickle Day

Nov. 26 • Nat’l Cake Day

Nov. 28 • Thanksgiving

Dec. 4 • Nat’l Cookie Day

Dec. 6 • St. Nicholas Day

Dec. 8 • Immaculate Conception

Dec. 12 • Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Dec. 21 – Jan. 1 • Yule

Dec. 24 • Christmas Eve

Dec. 25 – Jan. 2 • Hanukkah

• Chocolate Chip Cookies pair with Zinfandel, Cabernet, Sauvignon and White Russians

• Cranberry Walnut Cookies pair with Whiskey Sidecars

• Gingerbread Cookies pair with Riesling and Gewürztraminer

• Macarons pair with Moscato d’Asti and Ice Wine

• Oatmeal Raisin Cookies pair with Pinot Noir

• Peppermint Bark Cookies pair with Syrah and Shiraz

• Peanut Butter Cookies pair with Port and Merlot

• Shortbread Cookies pair with Sherry (Amontillado or Fino)

• Snickerdoodles pair with Apple Cider and Chardonnay (oaked)

• Sugar Cookies pair with Sparkling Wines like Champagne and Prosecco

Dec. 25 • Christmas

Dec. 26 • Boxing Day

Dec. 26 – Jan. 1 • Kwanzaa

Dec. 31 • New Year’s Eve

YEAR-END GIVING

Charitable contributions during the holiday season

BY DAVE MCGOWAN

MUTUAL FUNDS

PRIVATELY HELD STOCK PUBLICLY TRADED STOCK

DECEMBER

In the last issue, I reported that more than $557 billion was estimated to be contributed to charitable organizations in 2023. Do you know that much of that giving was contributed in the last quarter of the year?

Why do people give then? Well, the December 31 deadline to record gifts for that year is looming and because many people are motivated to give during the holiday season. It’s also when many people receive their bonuses.

As much as 1/3 of all giving happens in December, and 10% of all giving is done in the last few days of the year. That can make complex gifts difficult and stressful to complete. The sooner you can get started, the better.

It’s also less challenging for not-forprofits to receive, deposit, and acknowledge gifts before the end of the year when many of their employees take time off for the holidays. I have worked until 3:00 p.m. on many

As you plan your year-end giving, remember cash isn’t always king. Appreciated property reigns supreme during lifetime giving. This strategy allows you to receive a tax deduction for the property’s market value while avoiding capital gains tax.

Gifts of publicly traded stock, privately held stock, and mutual fund shares are among the most common. Real estate with a low basis for valuation is also a great asset to give; however, the due diligence required by most not-for-profit gift acceptance policies is extensive and requires more time to complete.

Other great gifts include Qualified Charitable Distributions from IRAs for those 70 1/2 and older. The maximum in 2024 is $105,000 per spouse with separate IRAs. Distributions count toward RMDs.

Need help deciding which area orga-

nizations to support? Visit DuPageFoundation.com. The Foundation’s grantees are listed alphabetically as well as by category: Animal Welfare, Arts & Culture, Education, Environment, and Health & Human Services. They also maintain a donor interest worksheet that drills that down even further. As always, consult with your advisors for the most tax-efficient way to make your charitable contributions. 

About the author: Dave McGowan has been a Chicago-area not-forprofit executive since November 1981. He is a certified fundraising 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. Dave can be reached at dave@davemcgowanconsulting.com.

Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve!

Western Suburbs Giving Circle

PHOTOS BY ELYSE KENNARD-LEAVY

The Western Suburbs Giving Circle of the Chicago Foundation for Women invited current and prospective members to kick off another year of grantmaking at their “Cocktails for a Cause” event at Lifetime Fitness Oak Brook on Wednesday, Oct. 9. The group aimed to lay the groundwork for increasing investment in women’s health and reproductive justice, economic well-being, and safety from violence in the western suburbs. Since 2016, WSGC awarded over $245,000 to local organizations addressing the needs of women and girls. As part of a nationwide movement in women’s philanthropy, WSGC continues to amplify women’s voices and advocate for their needs through grants that create meaningful impact and improved lives.

➀ Dena Byrd

➁ Tracy Hough, Monica Thorns, and a guest of the organization

➂ Isabel Anderson and Josefina Navar attended on behalf of HOPE Fair Housing

➃ Julie Olafson (Co-Chair), Elyse Kennard-Leavy (Member), Keenya Lambert (President & CEO, Chicago Foundation for Women), Dena Byrd (Member), Kendra Hyett (Co-Chair)

➄ Laura Kaufman and Jennifer Rosenkranz

➅ “Cocktails for a Cause” helped kick off another year for the organization.

The Wellness House

PHOTOS BY MARCELLO RODARTE

The annual Wellness House Ball, held on Oct. 19 at The Old Post Office in Chicago, attracted over 400 attendees to support individuals and families affected by cancer. The Hope Grows Co-Chairs Pamela and George Pontikis, along with Katie and Michael Isadore, organized a night filled with elegant decor, dining, and a live auction, including a moving video highlighting the experiences of young adults involved in Wellness House programs. CEO Lisa K. Kolavennu expressed gratitude for community support, emphasizing the event’s role in funding free cancer support services. Last year, Wellness House facilitated nearly 45,000 visits to programs covering nutrition, stress management, and counseling. Visit WellnessHouse.org to learn more.

George Pontikis, Pamela Pontikis, Lisa Kolavennu, Katie Isadore, Michael Isadore

Co- Chairs Pamela Pontikis and Katie Isadore

A NEW DOCK

BY ANNA HUGHES

Chicago’s biggest boat show is moving out of Chicago.

Luckily for boaters and loyal show attendees, it’s not moving far.

The 93rd Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show will return on January 812, 2025, in its debut at Donald E. Stephens Convention & Conference Center in Rosemont. For almost a century, this show has maintained a top tier reputation, and it was ranked number five on USA Today’s “Best Boat Shows of 2024.” Its new location will provide for bigger and better shows in years to come, while allowing room and opportunities for increased expansion.

“The more centralized Rosemont, IL location positions the show for growth, accommodating the expanding boat-

ing population across a broader Chicagoland region, from the city and surrounding neighborhoods to the suburbs and exurbs of Chicago, and surrounding states,” Darren Envall, Vice President of Midwest Boat & Sportshows for National Marine Manufacturers Association, said.

This annual event showcases hundreds of new boats for sale from the area’s leading dealers, from entry level personal watercraft and pontoons, to wake sport boats and luxury cruisers. It’s a prime opportunity to browse and compare models for either new or experienced owners. Attendees can also peruse boating accessories, enjoy hands-on experiences, partake in boating education seminars, and participate in a variety of events and activities for all ages – including some that involve a bit

o friendly competition. In addition, boating enthusiasts from Chicago and beyond can connect, network, and learn from each other about local groups, boating clubs, and best practices.

“We look forward to hosting the Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show at the DES Convention Center, providing critical business to the recreational boating industry and continuing as the best event for consumers to see and shop the region’s largest selection of boats,” Envall said.

The Discover Boating Chicago Boat Show will take place from Jan. 8-12, 2025. Times and activities vary by date. For more information visit their website, chicagoboatshow.com. 

Chicago Boat Show finds new location in Rosemont

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