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SSaluting Clarendon Hills Centennial
ince our inception in 2013, Hinsdale Magazine has covered life in Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, and Clarendon Hills. In 2024, Clarendon Hills celebrates its Centennial, making it our cover story.
Chuck Fieldman interviewed long-time resident Chuck Brand about his efforts to preserve Clarendon Hills’ history. Brand and Suzanne Austin, President of the Clarendon Hills Park Board, shared insights into the village’s past. Austin states, “All of the Centennial events are focused around three pillars: celebrating our history, connecting neighbors, and motivating residents to keep our village vibrant into its next century.”
We also report on the commendable efforts of several volunteer organizations. The Hinsdale Auxiliary of Brightpoint (formerly Children’s Home & Aid) raised $120,000 with their annual Derby Day party. The Community House’s 18th Walk For Mental Health attracted 700 participants. Wellness House drew 3,000 participants for its annual walk, raising $750,000 for cancer survivor support. The Hinsdale South Young Life group held a successful fundraiser, and Young Hearts For Life screened several hundred teens for potential heart problems at Hinsdale Central High School. The Hinsdale Historical Society also hosted its 19th annual Kitchen Walk to raise funds.
insights on improving nonprofit operations and smarter charitable giving.
Mia Jones provides a rundown of local live music for summer entertainment, including the popular tribute band Sixteen Candles. If you prefer a night in, Mia also shares unique cocktail recipes.
Consider visiting the DuPage County Fair in Wheaton from July 25-28, celebrating its 70th year with farm animals, carnival rides, live bands, and various contests. More details can be found at DuPageCountyFair.org.
We also spotlight Candor Health’s efforts to help teens navigate the challenges of growing up. Three dads who joined the Executive Board have significantly enhanced Candor Health’s impact.
Hinsdale Magazine Group strongly supports philanthropy. We’re pleased to welcome Dave McGowan, formerly of the DuPage Foundation, who will write a regular column offering tips and
Our sports section highlights several standout high school athletes from local schools, including Benet Academy, IC Catholic Prep, Montini Catholic, York Community High School, Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South, Hinsdale Central, and Nazareth Academy, who are moving on to Division 1 colleges. We congratulate all the local athletes who are taking their talents to new schools next season.
Especially noteworthy athletes are Caroline Owens and Cullen Bradley. Caroline led her Hinsdale Central golf team to a second-place finish in the Class 2A state championship. She will play for Notre Dame University this fall. Cullen, a passionate volleyball player from Hinsdale, is preparing to compete in the Deaf World Championships in Okinawa this summer.
We also celebrate local star quarterback JJ McCarthy of Nazareth Academy, who was thrilled to be chosen 10th in the recent NFL draft, and Hinsdale Central’s Kiran Amegadjie, selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round.
Enjoy this issue!
Scott Jonlich, Publisher sjonlich@hinsdalemag.com
CLARENDON HILLS
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Reaching New Heights
Bradley and the USA Deaf Volleyball team take to the court
Hinsdale Magazine Group spoke with 21-year-old Cullen Bradley of Hinsdale regarding his journey to the USA Deaf Volleyball (USADVB) national team. Bradley, who lost his hearing around two to three years old and received cochlear implants shortly after, is a rising senior at Purdue University, where he is studying computer engineering and plays for the club volleyball team.
HMG: According to Jamie Davis, CEO of USA Volleyball, the number of boys in high school volleyball has increased by 40% since 2017, making it the fastest-growing high school sport in the country. How did your volleyball career begin?
offers kids listening and spoken language education while growing up. Fast forward a few years to when Mr. Radomski remembered me and told me about the tryout opportunity. I tried out alongside Chris, and we both made the team. I’m so thankful that Mr. Radomski reached out because this opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without him.
HMG: You are a student in computer engineering through the Honors College at Purdue University and a member of the Purdue Men’s Club Volleyball team. How do you balance that with being a member of the USADVB National Team?
CULLEN BRADLEY : My volleyball career began at the end of my basketball career. I was cut from the Clarendon Hills Middle School 7th grade basketball team, which prompted me to try out for the vol- leyball team. However, I never made the volleyball team in school. That did not stop me. I transitioned to club volleyball, where I began to make serious improvements and found a passion for the sport. I was at a few clubs before landing at Serve City - now 630 Volleyballwhere I spent most of my high school volleyball career. My 630 team finished second at nationals in my senior year when we lost to a very tough California club.
HMG: Last summer, you tried out for the
USADVB Indoor National Team in Asheville, North Carolina. What prompted you to try out for the team and tell us about your path?
CB: In my freshman year of college, my volleyball club team at Purdue played in a volleyball tournament at Illinois State. I ran into Adam Radomski whose son, Chris Radomski, is also deaf. Coincidentally, both Chris and I attended Child’s Voice, an organization that
CB: While USA Deaf Volleyball doesn’t meet routinely throughout the school year, I do my best to make sure that I’m in the best shape I can be for the team when it comes time to play. That means I try to play as much volleyball as I can. However, balancing school with volleyball is admittedly a lot. Beyond late-night practices and tournaments for my club team, I practice with the women’s team one to three times a week, depending on my class schedule. It all comes down to time management.
HMG: Your team will play in the 5th World Deaf Volleyball Championship in June in Okinawa, Japan. How does the team prepare for competition at that level?
CB: Because we only have a little time together, a large percentage of the preparation is individual. Everyone is expected to play high-level volleyball independently and stay in shape. Some guys play professionally overseas or at varying levels in college, so
Cullen going for a hit during the NCVA division 1AA national championship game in April.
Photo courtesy of Josh Tseng
they have their own regimens. However, we played together for the first time in the US Open as a team. The tournament’s goal was to figure out and develop team synergy, and we smashed that goal. We ended up finishing 9th overall in the highest division of that tournament and only lost to other top 10 teams. We will also have a training camp in California before the Championships, where we’ll spend a couple of days practicing together. However, one of the biggest barriers for a deaf team is communication. Even though we’re a deaf team, only slightly more than half of us know sign language, and unfortunately, I am not one of them. However, I’ve been practicing, and I’m excited to show my team how much I’ve progressed. Deaf culture is something that I’m very excited to become a deeper part of, and this team will help me to that end!
HMG: Volleyball has been a sport in the Deaflympics since 1969, and the USA has sent a team ever since. Walk us through what needs to happen to compete in the Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan, in November 2025.
CB: Our team is playing this summer in the Deaf World Championships in Okinawa, Japan, along with seven other teams. If we can claim a top-three finish at this tournament, we will get an invitation to the Deaflympics. If our team doesn’t get an invite this summer, there is another opportunity at the upcoming Pan Am Games in Canoas, Brazil, this November. If we claim a top-three finish at that tournament, we’ll also get a bid. If we don’t manage to finish favorably in either tournament, it’s still possible to get an at-large bid from the deaf volleyball governing body, but that’s not something we can count on. Our goal is to put our best foot forward and do everything we can to guarantee an invite!
HMG: How does representing your country on that national stage feel?
CB: I’ve always loved watching Team USA play and dreamed of playing for that team. Watching incredible players like TJ Defalco and Micah Christensen is something I’ve done for years, and being able to be a part of Deaf team USA feels incredible. It’s a dream that I’ve been striving for ever since I began playing the sport. I’m so
proud and humbled to have the opportunity to represent both the United States as well as the deaf community, which is such a huge part of my identity.
HMG: Volleyball is a communication-driven sport. What strategies does your team use to create such high-level combination plays?
CB: Since verbal cues are off the table, we’ve had to get creative. Oftentimes, guys on the team will be very dramatic by waving their arms to call for the ball, and they may even push others out of the way to make sure whatever
needs to happen happens. Since positions in volleyball have very distinct boundaries from one another, oftentimes, we have a designated player who should be taking the ball, like our setter or our libero. Another strategy we use to communicate is setter hand signs. The setter will tell us where he wants us to hit/spike on the net, and we listen. We must be more coordinated in between points than other teams because we don’t have the luxury to communicate with our mouths as we play, but it’s a system we’ve worked on in depth, and it’s worked well so far!
HMG: Outside of volleyball, what are your other interests or hobbies?
CB: I’m a very active person. I enjoy lifting weights in my free time, as well as casually shooting baskets. I enjoy being outside and going on hikes, especially on mountainous trails with beautiful views. I’m also a big gamer, and I love to play Rocket League and Apex Legends with my friends. Ironically enough, despite being deaf, I love listening to music. It’s something that I didn’t get into until probably later in middle school, but it’s something that I love now. My cochlear implants even have Bluetooth, which is just so convenient to listen to. Finally, I have one younger sister, Leah, who is entering her sophomore year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We’ve always been very close, and we both have a sweet tooth, so we get a lot of desserts together!
Although the U.S. Olympic Committee supports efforts in spirit, they cannot offer the USA Deaf Volleyball any financial support. To support Bradley and other athletes on their upcoming travels, visit usadeafvolleyball.com to make a donation. ■
Bradley with teammate Chris Radomski
Growing Pains
Get to know the dads behind the Candor Health Executive Board
BY ANNA HUGHES
Growing up is hard. Sometime around the end of elementary school and during middle school years, clothes start to fit differently. Friends start to act differently. Sleepover talk turns from Barbies to boys. From games to girls.
These years of being caught between being a kid and a teenager are an awkward time for everyone. They’re full of questions and confusion. Candor Health aims to bridge that gap, and smooth out this transition for everyone caught in the terrible tweens.
outreach, ensuring that more adolescents learn these important life lessons. Three Hinsdale dads, Steve Hartschuh, Eric Pitcher, and Brad Schmidgall, decided to volunteer their time and talents to do just that.
Steve Hartschuh is proud to serve as secretary of the executive board. He first heard of Candor Health (formerly Robert Crown) in
presentation on the opioid crisis at Clarendon Hills Middle School. There, a surviving heroin addict shared his story. Although this man lived through five near-death experiences, he unfortunately watched his son (who he encouraged to use heroin as well) die right in front of him. Despite this heartbreaking and powerful testimony, Hartschuh noticed that only 24 people showed up. There were at least 150 chairs set
Through fact-based education on sexual health, puberty, substance abuse prevention, and more, Candor gives students a chance to learn in a judgment-free zone. There, they can ask questions from a trusted professional, rather than finding unreliable answers on a Reddit thread.
Their goal is to positively impact the physical, social, and emotional health of young people through innovative education programs in partnership with parents, schools, and communities. This mission is powerful. So much so that some parents decide to join the Candor team to further their goals and
2016 when his oldest daughter first went through their health education courses in 4th grade.
Two years later, Hartschuh attended a
up for all middle school parents. That’s when he decided to get involved.
Now in his sixth year, he’s still inspired by Candor’s mission to talk about
“In my opinion, one of the best gifts we can share with our children is anything that helps them develop a sense of self-confidence, worth, and judgment that guides them away from some of the more dangerous temptations they will encounter.”
- ERIC PITCHER
Brad Schmidgall, and Eric Pitcher Photo by Laura Benn, Candor Health Education Inset: Steve Hartschuh
taboo topics that are often dismissed at home. Some of these lessons can be the difference between life and death, and Candor takes these topics seriously, handling them with care and concern.
Eric Pitcher also felt drawn to Candor for their substance abuse prevention programs. He’s seen firsthand how painful addiction can be. One of his older brothers died from a drug overdose as a teenager. He also coached boys in youth soccer who died from drug overdoses as well. Although those events were 50 years apart, it was clear to Pitcher that the need for effective health education remained.
Pitcher first heard about Candor when his two children were students at Madison Elementary School. It wasn’t until they were fully grown that he got involved thanks to a personal invitation to join the board from Candor’s executive director Barb Thayer. He now serves as the Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee, where he guides the nonprofit’s budget.
“In my opinion, one of the best gifts we can share with our children is anything that helps them develop a sense of selfconfidence, worth, and judgment that guides them away from some of the more dangerous temptations they will
encounter,” Pitcher said.
Brad Schmidgall first heard about Candor from Pitcher. After learning more about the organization from Thayer and Board Chair Jeanne Osgood, he decided to join the board about a year ago. As a father to two daughters, Schmidgall was inspired by the mission’s focus on helping kids and teens make informed health decisions, as well as providing drug and alcohol education.
In a world where children are growing up on the internet and social media at such a young age, they have access to an unlimited amount of misinformation and temptations. Schmidgall believes that Candor
provides information certainty in an uncertain world. With trained health professionals who care deeply about their responsibilities and role in children’s lives, Candor has been able to expand its reach and mission to the greater Chicagoland area and beyond.
Schmidgall participates in both the finance and development committees. He said the community should be on the lookout for a 50th-anniversary fundraiser in 2025 and for some fun fall fundraising activities as well.
For more on Candor Health, how you can get involved, or donate to support their mission, visit candorhealthed.org. ■
Students learn about sexual health, puberty, and addiction through various programs at Candor Health.
Photos courtesy of Candor Health
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Nestled within the serene surroundings of Oak Brook Golf Club lies The Grill, a delightful haven for both golfers and locals alike. This inviting eatery offers a relaxed atmosphere with patio views of lush fairways, making it the perfect spot to unwind or simply enjoy a delicious meal. Live music on select dates this summer, and Fridays feature our mouthwatering fish fry. Reserve your table by calling 630-368-6415. Book a golf tee time at www.oakbrookgolfclub.com.
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ON PAR CAROLINE OWENS AND NOTRE DAME
Hinsdale Central star continues her career at Notre Dame
ABY JEFF VORVA
family vacation in the mid2010s helped change the athletic career of Hinsdale Central’s Caroline Owens. She and her older siblings, Grace and Jake, were heavily involved in swimming and figured their careers would be in the water.
But a trip to Florida that featured golf, golf, and more golf changed all of that.
“I was swimming since I was five years old, and I was pretty good at it,” Caroline said. “I was actually ranked. We took this one golf vacation in Florida and I just kind of rode along in the car. I was forced to go, but I ended up liking it. I started to like it better than swimming. I quit swimming when I was 13, and I have golfed ever since.”
Hinsdale Central’s Caroline Owens is heading to Notre Dame to play golf next season.
Photo courtesy of Hinsdale Central
She will be competitive golfing for a little while longer. Owens will continue her career at Notre Dame.
Owens led the Red Devils to a second-place finish in the state in the Illinois High School Association Class 2A state tournament in the fall. She finished third individually with a twoday total of 147. In 2022, the Red Devils were state champions, and Owens claimed 33rd with a 155.
Notre Dame coach Caroline Powers Ellis is looking forward to having Owens in South Bend. “Caroline is exactly the type of student-athlete a coach looks for in a member of the team,” Powers Ellis said in a news release. “She has a laser focus on the course and is willing to hold herself and those around her to the highest standards.”
For Owens, the recruitment was a long process that started in August, 2022 and ended in August, 2023. E-mails, phone calls and visits were a big part of the recruiting process.
“I love it – it’s a perfect fit for me,” Owens said of Notre Dame. “When I was first visiting schools and when I first visited there, I knew I wanted good academics and good athletics. Notre Dame’s tradition of excellence in academics and athletics and the overall sense of community was really great.”
Already, she is receiving love from people after signing.
“Ever since I committed there, I’ve become aware that when I wear my ND hat, everyone who sees it or anyone who has gone there will reach out and say ‘oh, hey’ and are all super nice and kind and always take the time to talk to me and tell me about their experience,” Owens said. “I just really love that.”
She admits that adapting to the sport was hard at first, but with the help of Oak Brook Golf Club swing coach Dan Kochevar, she was able to start to
master the sport.
“It took a while,” Owens admitted. “It took a lot of practice. It was definitely a challenge at first. It could be very frustrating. But thankfully, my swing coach has helped me grow a love for the game and get my swing and mental processes where they are today.”
Owens said that her enjoyment of the sport keeps increasing.
“You get out what you put in, so it is really up to how hard you work.”
– CAROLINE OWENS ON THE GAME OF GOLF
“I love that it’s an individual sport, and you can practice on your own,” she said. “You can decide how long you practice, how much you practice, and what you practice. I think that freedom is really nice. You get out what you put in, so it is really up to how hard you work. I really like that because I’m a super hard worker, and it’s great to see directly how your hard work pays off.”
She also appreciates the mental aspect of the game.
“It’s just as much mental and strategic as it is physical. With swimming, I got burnt out because of the 7 a.m. practices, jumping in a cold pool, and staring at the black lines at the bottom of the pool. It’s a little monotonous for me and physically straining,” she said. “But golf is so different in a way that you can get so creative with it. It’s more of a mental challenge.” ■
Hinsdale Central’s Caroline Owens and her coach, Nick Latorre, pose on Owens’ signing day. Photos courtesy of Hinsdale Central
Caroline Owens poses with the 2023 IHSA Class. 2A second-place trophy.
Next Level
Local area student-athletes continue athletic pursuits
Congratulations to the local student-athletes from the Class of 2024 who will continue their academic and athletic pursuits at the Division 1 collegiate level. It is a remarkable testament to their dedication, discipline, and hard work. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to the community, and we wish you continued success in all your future endeavors.
BENET ACADEMY
Marc Iozzo Miami University (OH) Baseball
Luc Lawler University of Evansville Baseball
Jojo Morlock Northern Kentucky University Cheer
Rocky Rosanova Northern Illinois University Football
Jenna Shilts University of Michigan Golf
Peyton O’Neill Long Island University Hockey
Shannon Earley Notre Dame Lacrosse
Michael Frieri
US Air Force Academy Lacrosse
Madeline Jensen University of Michigan Lacrosse
Nora Hanson Stetson University Soccer
Nicholas Roe Loyola University Soccer
Nina Pesare University of Illinois, Chicago Softball
Christine Pullen University of Illinois, Champaign Volleyball
HINSDALE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Vittoria Pigatti Tulane University Cheer
Aden Bandukwala Duke University Cross Country/Track
Jack Mulligan Northern Illinois University Golf
Caroline Owens Notre Dame Golf
Alex Rasmussen Loyola University Golf
Madeline Gambla Indiana University Rowing
Martin Montoya Northern Illinois University Soccer
Ardit Abdullai Bradley University Soccer
Nate Harris University of Wisconsin Swimming
Jeffrey Hou University of Pennsylvania Swimming
Elizabeth Lahmann UMass Amherst Swimming
Brody Marcet Ohio State University Swimming
Adrian Hernandez Davidson College Tennis
Michael Prieto Cornell University Track
Elizabeth Sessa Brown Brown University Volleyball
Marko Ivanisevic University of Illinois Wrestling
IC CATHOLIC PREP
KJ Parker University of Iowa Football
John Schmidt Yale University Football
Eric Karner Texas A&M Football
Analisa Raffaelli Colgate University Softball
Ava Falduto Penn State Volleyball
Michael Calcagno University of North Carolina Wrestling
MONTINI CATHOLIC
Quinn Boyer Miami University (OH) Baseball
Cassius Campbell University of Iowa Baseball
Dominic Catalano University of Illinois, Chicago Baseball
Nick Lombardi Valparaiso University Basketball
Victoria Matulevicius University of Southern California Basketball
Cole Stumbaugh Ball State University Football
Blake Holtquist Northern Illinois University Hockey
Anthony Sorrentino Illinois State University Hockey
David Mayora Bellarmine University Wrestling
NAZARETH ACADEMY
David Cox University of Illinois, Chicago Baseball
Nicholas Drtina University of Louisville Baseball
Luca Fiore University of Illinois, Chicago Baseball
John Hughes University of North Carolina Baseball
Cooper Malamazian
Indiana University
Baseball
Cole Reifsteck
Belmont University
Baseball
Danielle Scully Ohio University
Basketball
Olivia Austin
Dartmouth College
Basketball
Brendan Flanagan Bryant University Football
Amalia Dray Boston College Soccer
Lauren Salata
Illinois State University Volleyball
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
READY TO BEAR DOWN
Hinsdale’s Amegadjie drafted in the third round by the Bears
BY JEFF VORVA
Kiran Amegadjie came to Hinsdale Central High School thinking his future was in basketball.
By sophomore year, however, he made a pivot with his career and started to play football, instead.
“He was late to the game, so he really didn’t start playing football until his sophomore year in high school,” Red Devils football coach Brian Griffin said. “He was into other sports. He played basketball and did other things, and I think a lot of people told
him how big he was and that he should play football.”
So Amegadjie played football. First for Hinsdale Central. Then, for Yale. Next up on his itinerary?
The 6-foot-5, 326-pound offensive lineman will be suiting up for the Chicago Bears.
Amegadjie was drafted in the third round in late April and found out the good news while he hosted more than 100 family members, friends, and Yale
teammates at the Salt Creek Golf Club in Wood Dale.
While his selection didn’t cause a national splash as previous Bears picks Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze, the people at his watch party went crazy when he received the phone call before it hit the TV screens.
“The place erupted,” Amegadjie said during a video news conference after the selection. “I had to go outside for about five or 10 minutes to clear my head.”
Kiran Amegadjie, Hinsdale native, shown blocking for Yale, will be trying to protect new Bears quarterback Caleb Williams in the coming seasons. Photo courtesy of Yale University
Yes, he grew up a Bears fan, and the enormity of the moment hit him while he was clearing his head.
“I was thinking about the years and years of work that got me to this point,” he said. “My dream is starting, and the real work is starting. I get to stay home, and I get to be with the team that I loved since I was six years old. I’m really excited.”
The first time Griffin saw Amegadjie on the football field, he was impressed with the kid’s size.
But the skills needed work. However, having the size was half the battle.
“That’s the world we live in,” Griffin said. “How tall you are. What’s the wingspan? All of those things. Even when he was young, we talked about the fact that if he could put it all together and figure out how to play the game, he would have the metrics. A lot of kids have the mentality, but they don’t have the metrics. Those kids will never get to that place (the NFL). For him, it was kind of the flip. The metrics were there, we just need to figure out the mentality, and he has a chance to be really special.”
“I get to be with the team that I loved since I was six years old.”
– KIRAN AMEGADJIE ON JOINING THE CHICAGO BEARS
It didn’t happen overnight, but it happened quickly.
“It took a little while,” Griffin said. “With his inexperience, there is a learning curve for everything, and with a big kid, there is a lot to learn about your
body, how to move and be physical, and all of that stuff. He learned quicker than most because he was more athletic than most kids. He quickly started to figure it out. By junior year, he was ready for varsity.”
While being a third-round pick is impressive, Amegadjie may have gone higher if he would have showed scouts a little more during the 2023 season. But he only played four games due to an injury and surgery.
The Athletic’s draft expert, Dane Brugler, said that despite missing time with the injury, Amegadjie was still an impressive player. “From a size and athletic standpoint, Amegadjie pops on film because of his rare length, light feet, and smooth body control,” Brugler said and added that Amegadjie is projected as a backup left tackle who could end up being a starter someday. Amegadjie knows the road ahead of him will be tough.
“I think I’m a confident person,” he said. “I think I’m a great player, but I’m not a finished product. I’ll never be ashamed of that. Every day is a work ethic thing. It’s about getting better. My ceiling is extremely high. For me, it’s about what I can do every single day to achieve that.” ■
Kiran Amegadjie (right) played for Hinsdale Central and is now a member of the Chicago Bears. Photo courtesy of Hinsdale Central
Kiran Amegadjie was drafted in the third round by the Bears, a team the Hinsdale native grew up cheering for.
Photo courtesy of Yale University
• Completed blow out of yard
• Haul away grass clippings
• Complete blow out of yard
• Haul away grass clippings
• Small debris removal
• Seasonal clean-ups
Lawn Mowing
• Complete blow out of yard
• Haul away grass clippings
• Complete debris removal
• Seasonal Clean-Ups
• Weed removal each visit
• Custom and Seasonal fertilizer plans for turfed areas
• Complete detail of yard weekly
CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
Clarendon Hills puts history front and center
BY CHUCK FIELDMAN
In his own way, Chuck Brand has been a part of Clarendon Hills’ history for many years as the village celebrates its Centennial in 2024.
Brand has lived in Clarendon Hills for 68 of his nearly 70 years and has been involved with the village’s Historical Society for the past 15 years, including eight as board president.
Both of those factors have made this year’s 100th anniversary of Clarendon Hills quite special for him.
“As a longtime resident, it’s an opportunity to reflect on the past — what a great place to grow up and raise my family,” said Brand, whose lone two years living outside of Clarendon Hills were when he and his wife lived in Hinsdale after getting married, before buying a home in Clarendon Hills in 1979.
“The Centennial is a great opportunity to learn how early residents volunteered and worked together to build our community and to educate our younger residents about what a special community we have.”
The history that has made up the past 100 years, since the area previously known as West Hinsdale became incorporated as Clarendon Hills, named for a Boston suburb, on Jan. 22, 1924, has become more front and center because of the Centennial celebration. And as a longtime board member of the Historical Society, Brand is pleased with that.
“The Society is dedicated to preserving, discovering, and sharing information about the history of Clarendon Hills,” he said. “We do this to promote and encourage the knowledge of the history of Clarendon Hills and the preservation of its antiquities. And to aid in the
dissemination of historical information in Clarendon Hills.”
Chuck Brand has lived in Clarendon Hills for 68 of his nearly 70 years and has been involved with the village’s Historical Society for 15 years.
Peat bog fires plagued Clarendon Hills firefighters and other residents in the early days. The smoke caused eye irritation not to mention an offensive acrid odor. One such fire lasted for more than two years at the site of Prospect Park. The smoldering area was finally extinguished by a smothering snow fall. Once a fire started it was nearly impossible to bring it under control due to the nature of the peat bogs. The sun is barely visible through the haze.
When the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad began service in the area in 1864, farmers initially used it as a milk stop, according to historical information from the village. The scenic terrain soon attracted speculators, headed up by James M. Walker, then president of the railroad, who hoped to develop a commuter suburb.
The area was platted in 1873 with a design inspired by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted. Accordingly, numbered lots of various shapes and sizes were placed along winding streets that followed the natural contours of the land.
The 1880 census reported 14 families for a total of 66 residents in the village, according to information from the Historical Society, which was founded 50 years later by members of Friends of the Library, who recognized the importance of preserving village history.
The first police officer was appointed in 1924, the same year the village was incorporated. Orrin Goode was the first village president, and a business district was developed to serve the growing population of commuters. Village Hall was built at 1 N. Prospect Ave. in 1965 and added onto in 1992. The first Village Manager was Lloyd Church in 1959.
A real boom in Clarendon Hills followed World War II, as the population increased from 933 in 1930 to 5,885 by 1960.
Along with a continued effort to keep the history of the village alive, the Clarendon Hills Historical Society has been involved in several events to celebrate the village’s Centennial. In addition, village officials formed a Centennial Committee for the year chaired by Suzanne Austin, who also is president
In the late 1800s, a new sport was quickly conquering the hearts and minds of the American public. On October 15th, 1898, the Hinsdale Golf Club, located in Clarendon Hills, was chartered by the State of Illinois. This photograph is of the third club house after fire destroyed the previous two. The brick and stone Tudor style club house, built in 1923, was designed by architect R. Harold Zook
of the Clarendon Hills Park Board.
Austin said the Committee was formed because village trustees wanted to make sure that the Centennial would be a meaningful and memorable year for residents.
“They did not have the capacity or time to plan and execute all of the details, and they wanted input from resident leaders in the community,” she said. “Fortunately, longtime residents with varied backgrounds have stepped up to lend their experience and their
The miniature train constructed from odds and ends was used in the joint Walker and Prospect Schools parade and carnival which was enjoyed annually beginning in 1953. The train built by volunteers included three passenger cars, a fire bell, and functioning smokestack. It belonged to the village and was recognized by the fire department assigning it as engine number 347 jr. Helping to complete the project from left, are Al Hurd, D.J. Anders, John Mix, Robert B. Baeker (kneeling), J. Willis Haythorn and Paul W. Coultrap. Children include Kenny Wirt and Tommy and Bonnie Baeker.
time putting together a fabulous Centennial calendar that has something for residents of all ages.
“All of the Centennial events planned are focused around three pillars: educating our citizens about our town’s history and the people that helped build it over the past 100 years, connecting our residents by bringing us together through our series of events throughout 2024, and motivating our residents to be volunteers and leaders of the future."
Austin said residents probably first became aware of the Centennial when special light post banners were installed throughout the downtown area heading into the new year.
“Social media, digital media, and print media sources have also helped to publicize the events being hosted during the Centennial year,” she said, adding that several Facebook group pages have also featured information for the community.
Various activities for the Centennial have been ongoing since the beginning of the year and will continue for the rest of 2024.
More information about villageplanned events is available online at www.clarendonhills.us/484/Centennial.
The Brownson Lumber Company was purchased in 1928 by Charles Dillon from Edward Mochel. In 1963 it became Parlenbey Lumber and Construction Company. Dillon’s son-in-law, Robert Parsons, was president. In the 1980s Parsons developed the property into Park Avenue Station, the first village residential condominiums.
September will bring the Centennial year to a close with two very special events, Austin said. The Centennial Committee is planning The Amazing Centennial Race, at which teams of residents will go from stop to stop throughout the village, where they will be asked to answer special questions and perform unique challenges.
Also, the capstone event, a Ravinia-style Centennial Concert in the Park and drone fireworks show is being planned. Dates and further information about these two events will be forthcoming, Austin said.
September 1, 1961, Trans World Airlines flight 529, a Lockheed Constellation, departed Midway Airport destined for Las Vegas, Nevada. The aircraft carrying 78 passengers and crew crashed just southwest of Clarendon Hills Road and 59 street. All perished. At the time it was the deadliest single-plane accident in the country’s history.
A Clarendon Hills Village Centennial History Book is in the works and will be available by this Fall. Books cost $50 each and may be ordered online at www.clarendonhillshistory.org/ order-book for pickup, and those who order the book will be notified when and where it may be picked up. The paperback book will be in full color with a glossy cover.
In addition to the book, a documentary about the village’s history was planned for a premier showing at the June 14-15 Daisy Days festival. And a time capsule is planned, with details to be announced.
Some younger residents got involved in the Centennial with submissions by students in grades 4-8 for a Centennial Art Competition with the theme, “What inspires you most about Clarendon Hills.”
The artwork will be on display at Village Hall through the end of the year. ■
Seventh-grader Bella Li, won a first place in the Clarendon Hills Centennial Art Competition for “Spring at the Library.”
The Clarendon Hills area was referred to as Daisy Fields by persons who passed through on the train. Likewise, florists also called the area Daisy Fields. They came to gather the beautiful flowers for resale. It was called Daisy Fields by Chicago residents and others who made annual pilgrimages to view the site, perhaps have a picnic, and return home with arm loads of daisies.
You’re warmly greeted by the doormen as you enter this luxurious, fully-renovated penthouse in a worldrenowned building. Smart home technology. Floor-toceiling windows with automatic blinds. Three bedrooms, four bathrooms. Stunning 11–13 foot ceilings. Openconcept kitchen with million-dollar views. High-end appliances and exquisite materials throughout. Move-in ready with every detail addressed. 24-hour room service. Mail deliveries to your door. Easy stroll to the lake, boutiques, and restaurants. Luxury living at its finest in one of the world’s most dynamic cities, with the amenities of an iconic hotel at your fingertips.
SERENADES OF THE SUMMER
Concert series make their return for another music-filled summer
BY MIA JONES
Sweet summertime calls for ample entertainment opportunities and good live music. Luckily, residents of all different communities are welcome to enjoy the variety of live music this summer. Classics like Hinsdale’s Uniquely Thursdays will continue at Burlington Park with more music and food vendors to make for a perfect evening. The Downers Grove Park District Summer Concert Series will return to Fishel Park after hosting 20,000 visitors last summer. Read on to discover when and where to get groovy this summer.
Downers Grove Park District presents “Summer Concert Series”
The Eric Hamilton Team at Guaranteed Rate presents this summertime concert series at Fishel Park’s Veterans Memorial Pavilion in Downers Grove. The concert series will take place every Tuesday evening through August 13, featuring a wide variety to listen to. From country music with Nashville Electric Company to the best of the 70s from The Disco Circus, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. All the concerts are free entry, and the music will play from 7:00-8:30 p.m., with food and alcohol sales beginning at
CHICAGO-BORN TRIBUTE BAND SIXTEEN CANDLES
PHOTO BY JPM PHOTOGRAPHY
6:00 p.m. Lots of different food trucks and vendors will be available. Free children’s face painting will occur from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Additionally, every week, a veteran and their family will be recognized to honor their service. For more information on performances and food vendors, visit dgparks.org.
The Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce presents “Uniquely Thursdays” Hinsdale’s Uniquely Thursdays, a free event presented by The Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce, UChicago Medicine, and Advent Health, returns to Burlington Park this summer with a fresh musical lineup. Running through August 22, live bands and food vendors will fill Burlington Park every Thursday evening from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Food vendors, such as Sugar Mama’s and Guiliano’s Ristorante, will be available for purchase, along with beer and wine. Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy watching Kelly Daniels on July 25 or Semple Band on August 15! For more information on additional performances or the event, visit hinsdalechamber.com.
Oak Brook Park District presents “Summer Concert Series”
This concert series will now be held at the brand-new Oaks Amphitheater, located at 1315 Kensington Road. Free concerts
will be held every Thursday evening starting at 6:30 p.m., lasting through August 8. Fantastic live music includes Live Stream on July 11 and Anchors Away on August 1. Make sure to bring your blankets and chairs. For more information on the event and sponsoring, visit obparks.org.
Westmont
Special Events presents “Westmont Cruisin’ Nights & Street Fair”
Head over to Cass Avenue and Norfolk Street in Westmont every Thursday evening between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. for classic cars, live music, food and drink, and kids’ entertainment! This all-around family-fun event is free for anyone who would like to attend, and it will occur through August 29. For more information, please visit westmontevents.com.
Burr Ridge Village Center presents “Concerts on the Village Green”
These free concerts will be held for the public every Thursday evening from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Burr Ridge Village Center at 701 Village Center Drive. The concerts will last through August 1. It is encouraged to RSVP on Burr Ridge Village Center’s Facebook page to receive event updates. However, everyone is welcome to walk in and enjoy the music. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Rosie & the Rivets and The Chicago Experience are a few of the
awesome performers coming this summer. Participants are welcome to come as early as 6:00 p.m. to get a good spot to relax and enjoy the summer fun. Please visit shopburrridge. com or Burr Ridge Village Center on Facebook for more information.
Brookfield Zoo presents “Roaring Nights”
Attend this summer concert series at the East Mall in Brookfield Zoo to contribute to their mission of providing animal care and environmental education. Live music, food, and drink will help to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Concerts will take place from 6:00-9:00 p.m. on Friday, July 12, and Saturday, July 27, featuring Barenaked Ladies and Gin Blossoms. On concert nights, several of Brookfield’s animal habitats, along with the carousel ride, will remain open until 7:00 p.m. This event is an entry with a ticket only, and tickets range in price from $45-$55. For every individual adult ticket purchased, one child 12 and under is free. VIP ticket packages are also available for those over 21 years old. Visit brookfieldzoo. org to learn more.
Elmhurst City Centre presents “Wednesday Nights Live in Elmhurst”
Bring your family and friends to the North York Stage at Elmhurst City Centre every Wednesday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for free live music. Multiple of Chicagoland’s tribute bands will play under the Umbrella Sky Installation. Performances include, but are not limited to, Funky Monks on July 24 and Fearless, a Taylor Swift tribute band, on July 31. Performances will occur every Wednesday night through August 7.
The Ravinia Music Festival 2024
The Ravinia Music Festival, America’s oldest music festival, returns for another season of summer entertainment in Highland Park. The festival runs from June 7 to September 15, and most events will be held at The Pavilion at Ravinia, including the performance from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This very diverse festival will include performances from Ben Platt, The Roots, Gaelic Storm, Norah Jones, and The Beach
DOWNERS GROVE PARK DISTRICT PRESENTS “SUMMER CONCERT SERIES” PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DOWNERS GROVE PARK DISTRICT
Boys with John Stamos. Tickets for individual performances are now on sale and can still be purchased via Ravinia’s website. You must have an account with Ravinia to purchase available tickets. Visit ravinia.org for more information on a variety of other concerts and events happening this summer.
The Morton Arboretum presents “Arbor Evenings”
Bring blankets and chairs to Frost Hill to enjoy these performances every Wednesday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. through August 21. If one concert is canceled due to inclement weather conditions, it will be moved to the evening of August 28. Parking is available in Parking Lot 1. Admission into the events begins at 5:15 p.m., and there will be food, drink, and ice cream from different vendors available for purchase if wanted. Outside food is welcome as well, but no outside alcoholic beverages may be brought into Morton Arboretum. Many Chicago-based bands will perform at The Morton Arboretum this summer, including ARRA on July 17, and The PriSSillas on August 14. For those who are members, children through age 12 are free, and anyone 13 and older is $10 a ticket. For guests, infants (younger than 2) are free, children (ages 2-12) are $5, and adults (13 and older) are $15 a ticket. Visit mortonarb. org to purchase member or guest tickets and find more information on the individual performances. ■
LET’S GET THE BAND BACK TOGETHER
Some of the best tribute bands in the Chicago area will soon be near you this summer
By Mia Jones | Photo courtesy of JPM Photography
Sixteen Candles, a Chicago-born tribute band, has been keeping 80s music alive since 2003. The five band members and their team now travel across the country to perform and bring the 80s to their audience for a memorable concert experience. The members each have their own unique and individual talents to bring forth the music from the decade they love into a new, fresh style.
“We shorten some songs that seem to drag on and medley them into other songs. For us, it’s a fun and creative way to perform and keeps everyone on their toes,” said the Sixteen Candles team.
Sixteen Candles continues to come up with new ways to excite its audience at every performance, and they play a different song list every night. “For us, the 80s is just fun music. It was so experimental at the time and people were really writing 'out of the box' type of stuff. Growing up listening to that, it just made sense to go 80s."
"For us, the 80s is just fun music. It was so experimental at the time, and people were really writing 'out-of- the-box' type of stuff. Growing up listening to that, it just made sense to go 80s."
- SIXTEEN CANDLES
With an extensive set list, Sixteen Candles has performed a variety of shows all over the U.S., from Las Vegas to Indianapolis. In the past, they have played at some big venues, including Soldier Field in Chicago. “The home opener halftime show of the Chicago Bears 100th year is our favorite performance we’ve put on. We played in the end zone during halftime,” said the band.
Sixteen Candles will return this summer to Taste of Oak Brook on July 3 at the Village Sports Core Fields. They will also be performing at Warrenville Summer Daze on August 2, and Elmhurst Rock the Block on September 7.
Tribute bands keep hits of the past and present decades alive. They can even repurpose that music into something more distinct, differentiating themselves from other bands. Make sure to check out upcoming performances to avoid missing out on an unforgettable experience and a trip down memory lane.
SIXTEEN CANDLES PERFORMED AT ELMHURST ROCK THE BLOCK 2023.
PHOTO BY JPM PHOTOGRAPHY
Labriola Restaurant
An Elevated Dining Experience
In an exciting move that promises to elevate the culinary scene, Rich Labriola, the visionary behind Labriola Café and LaBarra, is merging his eateries to create a new, enhanced Labriola experience. Facing an expiring lease on his Labriola Bakery Café, located next to his LaBarra Ristorante at 3021 Butterfield Road in Oak Brook, Labriola saw an opportunity to enhance his dining offerings for his loyal patrons.
for innovation to sustain profitability.
He decided to merge the most beloved dishes and beverages from both establishments. “It’s the same food you’d find (at Labriola’s) all week. People came for the food. Now, it’s a
“I am drawn to restaurants because I love the creativity part.…you feed people and they are happy. There’s no other feeling like that.”
Maintaining a high-quality, fastcasual experience like Labriola became increasingly difficult in an industry challenged by inflation and fluctuating customer counts. With wages rising and a shift in workplace dynamics postCovid, Labriola recognized the need
— Rich Labriola
very convenient place to be.” Labriola said, “LaBarra wasn’t open for lunch, and Labriola’s strong point was lunch. So, we decided that merging the two and making a new Labriola was the way to go.”
The new Labriola will proudly bear the same logo and branding as the Michigan Avenue location in Chicago and the west-suburban Oak Brook; a testament to their unwavering commitment to the quality patrons have come to love. The menu will feature LaBarra classics alongside exciting new additions to tantalize the taste buds.
Now, with everything on one menu, the choices are plentiful. You can opt for classics like the iconic filet sliders - three petite filets with Maître D’ Butter, nestled within mini-pretzel buns. Or perhaps indulge in the French Dip, featuring thinly sliced roast beef in au jus, with toasted hoagie rolls. For those craving a hearty burger experience, there’s
HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF | PHOTO BY LAURA MEYERS
The Richie Burger: Black Angus beef, hand-formed patties with aged White Cheddar Cheese, lettuce, and tomato, all on a pretzel bun, served alongside a generous portion of hand-cut fries. The gourmet pizzas and pasta dishes from LaBarra’s menu are also available, which ensures that there’s something to delight every palate. “We’re creating some newer special sandwiches that are really a wow factor. You can buy Chicken Parm on any corner, we are going to elevate it,” Labriola shared. Of course, Labriola’s renowned bread will continue to be a cornerstone.
According to Labriola, “If you love the food there (Labriola), it’s the same food that will be here. It’s not changing, the experience is changing. If you don’t want to have a full-service, the carryout is just the same.”
People can get in and out quickly for lunch and still have the same great
experience that will make them return. Labriola said, “It’s not turning into fine dining; it’s just turning into full-service. It’s still casual dining; you’ll just have a server now.”
Moving the new Labriola into what was previously LaBarra offers a more relaxed, full-service dining experience for lunch and dinner. “Turning the LaBarra space into a larger Labriola space with a patio also gives my patrons more room to host corporate events, engagement parties, banquets, and family gatherings,” Labriola said.
The expansive LaBarra space with a large patio will allow Labriola to host more corporate events, engagement parties, and family gatherings. This past Mother’s Day, Labriola welcomed guests to a special brunch, debuting the patio and offering a memorable experience for moms.
While change can be daunting, Labriola assures fans that the food – the heart and soul of any restaurant – remains the priority. By merging with LaBarra, Labriola is not downgrading but elevating. The new concept will appeal to loyalists and attract a new lunch crowd seeking a full-service experience.
When asked what it is about that restaurant business that makes him successful, he said, “I love the creativity part. The operations part is not that fun for me, but the creativity. You know, you feed people, and they are happy. There’s no other feeling like that. It’s a nice business, it’s an exciting business.”
As Labriola reflects on his journey, from distributing bread out of his car to building a popular brand for thirteen years, to owning Stan’s Donuts, one thing remains constant – a passion for feeding people and bringing them joy. The new Labriola promises to continue that mission, offering a refined yet approachable dining experience. ■
Richie Burger
DRAFT DAY OK for J.J.
BY JEFF VORVA
Naz star ready to start NFL career with Vikings
While many members of Nazareth Nation gathered in the Stadium in McCook for a J.J. McCarthy watch party on the night of the NFL Draft, they were nervous and anxiously awaiting to find out where their hero would go and to what team.
Meanwhile, McCarthy was with friends and family in Michigan. And if you think the patrons at the Stadium Club on April 25 were nervous…
“I woke up that morning, and I felt like my stomach was in my throat,” McCarthy said. “It was just one of those big days for all of us that were going through this process. It’s once in a lifetime, and you try to soak it all in.”
Yes, all ended well. The LaGrange Park native was taken 10th by Minnesota.
“You know, when that phone call came around, it was something different,” he said at his introductory press confer-
ence in Minnesota. “The feeling is something you can’t describe. It was overwhelming emotions of joy.”
After the announcement, there were cheers and yelling with the McCarthy family. There were cheers and yelling with his extended family in McCook.
“Now I have to root against the Bears a couple of times,” said his for-
mer Nazareth offensive coordinator, Casey Moran. “I think this will be good for him. He’s going to make anything work. He’s so on top of everything. He’ll be in the playbook as soon as he can. It’s going to be good. I’m excited for him.”
McCarthy is a rare breed in that he left the school and transferred to IMG Academy in Florida and is still a popular figure among the Nazareth faithful. Usually, transfers are not treated as well. However, McCarthy left the school because of the uncertainty surrounding football during the pandemic. So, his transfer was not treated as an act of betrayal.
NAZARETH FAITHFUL CHEER WHEN ALUM J.J. MCCARTHY WAS ANNOUNCED AS THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS’ FIRST-ROUND PICK ON APRIL 25 AT THE STADIUM CLUB IN MCCOOK. PHOTO BY JEFF VORVA
BY JEFF VORVA
And, because he comes back and visits, he is always welcomed with open arms.
“I remember him being involved in more things than football, for sure,” Nazareth President Deborah Tracy said. “He was very smart in the classroom. Very kind. Very considerate. Very respectful. He has carried that through on every visit back home. He comes back. He helps with the camps. He talks to the boys. He helps with the younger kids. He’ll sign every autograph. He never forgets where he came from.”
McCarthy had a stellar career at Michigan, and he helped the Wolverines win the national championship. Throughout the season, his NFL stock rose. In the weeks leading up to the draft, there were dozens of theories – some sound and some crazy -- of where he would end up. Some even thought the Chicago Bears would make him their No. 1 pick. That was one of the crazy theories.
Moran knew the Roadrunners had something special in McCarthy from
Day 1 and maybe even before Day 1.
“I saw him play youth football when he was younger,” he said. “He used to come around and watch us when he was younger. He would kind of hang around our quarterback (Carson Bartels) at the time and talk with him. They got along. And then to see him come to Nazareth – I taught him when he was a freshman in math class, and I had the pleasure of coaching him on
Predicting an NFL career, however, is an inexact science.
“We’ve had a lot of good athletes, and we’ve had a lot of good players,” Moran said. “There’s always those kids who you look at and say, ‘they have the talent to play at that level.’ We knew very quickly that he had the talent to play Division I football and big-time football. Like anything else, you have to have some luck. You have to have some health. There’s a lot that goes into it. We definitely knew that it was a possibility, and as time went on, it looked like things were working out for him. It’s getting more and more exciting.”
In May, McCarthy participated in rookie camp for the Vikings. He will be fighting with veteran Sam Darnold for playing time. McCarthy told the media after his first session that he felt comfortable.“It didn’t feel like my first day – we’ve been going over the offense for a long time now,” he said. “But to go out and perform and execute it – that’s new. But it was nothing that was overwhelming.
“This is a dream come true, and you live your dream. Take in the moment.”
the football team.”
KIDS FROM LAGRANGE PARK REACT WHEN JJ MCCARTHY’S NAME IS CALLED DURING THE NFL DRAFT AT A WATCH PARTY AT THE STADIUM CLUB IN MCCOOK.
PHOTO
NAZARETH SHOWS ITS LOVE FOR J.J. MCCARTHY ON DRAFT NIGHT. PHOTO BY JEFF VORVA
A Fair to
remember
It’s 70 years for DuPage County Fairground’s signature celebration
For more than a century and a half, the DuPage County Fair has drawn tens of thousands of Illinois residents for old-fashioned family fun. July 25-28th marks the 70th anniversary of the event being hosted at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. The fair began as a way to celebrate and showcase all things agricultural. The best blueberry pie, largest squash, and most intricate quilt created a spirit of friendly competition among fairgoers.
Over the years, carnival rides, headlining bands, and vendors of all sorts have gradually found places at this huge event. Three-legged races have given way to sports tournaments. But come what may, the theme remains.
BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN
“We’re still an agricultural fair, and we work hard to keep agriculture as our theme,” said Jim McGuire, CEO and Manager of DuPage County Fairgrounds.
It’s obvious. While DuPage County is no longer an agricultural community, McGuire and his staff are determined to keep all things farming at the forefront. At fair time, the barns are full, offering attendants a chance to walk among the animals. Farm Now, from Bensenville, brings in hogs and cattle. Kids are wel come to try their hand at milking a cow.
Dozens of area 4H Clubs will show their carefully nurtured
sheep, goats, and rabbits. From an embryology display where spectators can see chickens hatch to a sheepherding demonstration, it’s a fun way to learn about animals.
“We’ve become too large agriculturally,” said McGuire, “so the opportunity for kids to be able to see animals up close is a great thing. Teaching people about farming and understanding the connection of where food actually comes from is one of our goals.” Hands-on learning opportunities, like grind-
ing and shelling corn, bring agricultural concepts to life. Farm equipment and tractors, from antique to contemporary, will be displayed.
Garden Works, an organization dedicated to teaching others how to grow their own food, offers tours of community gardens on the grounds, which started during COVID. Visitors can learn about raised-bed gardening on a grass field repurposed with fruit trees and berry patches. The garden is cared for by a group of dedicated volunteers who earn a share of the produce and berries harvested annually. Honey harvesting, a recent endeavor, will also be demonstrated by McGuire, the chief beekeeper.
Both kiddie and full-sized carnival rides are always a big draw. A variety of local bands entertain the crowd. Billy Prine will be headlining this year, celebrating the music of John Prine. Santana cover band, Fuse, will also make an appearance.
“We’re still an agricultural fair, and we work hard to keep agriculture as our theme.”
– JIM MCGUIRE, CEO AND MANAGER, DUPAGE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
dors with a huge variety of food. Lobster rolls to pork chops and just about anything in between can be washed down with a piña colada served in a pineapple. “We have many repeat vendors from years past who know our crowd,” said McGuire.
A spirit of competition has always been present at a county fair. If you think you have the best chocolate cake, most beautiful flowers, most intricate cross-stitch, or an interesting photograph, enter it in the respective category. Experts from each discipline critique and award the best of each category.
The atmosphere of the DuPage County Fair pays great respect to the past. Over the years, however, modern aspects have found their own ways of becoming part of the tradition.
Hispanic Culture will be explored on Saturday, July 27, with Mariachi bands and folk dancers. Be sure to make time for the variety/talent show on Sunday to see local competitors, from acrobats to dancers to magicians, vie for an opportunity to compete at the state fair in Springfield.
Come hungry, as there are over a dozen ven -
Each year, the staff works to incorporate local fads. “Whatever is of current interest, we try to work into the fair,” said 40-year DuPage County Fairgrounds Assistant Manager Norma Cabral. Last year, a pickleball tournament dominated a large section of the grounds. This year, volleyball is the featured sport. An evening drone show telling the history of agriculture in DuPage County will take the place of the usual fireworks display to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the fair being held on these grounds.
“Come on out and celebrate DuPage County in a clean, comfortable, family-friendly place. We’re the one event that truly celebrates this county,” McGuire invited.
For more information about the fair, a schedule of events, and admissions, visit DuPageCountyFair.org ■
DOLCE Restaurant & Wine Bar
13 North Cass Avenue
Downtown Westmont
DolceWestmont.com
Carrie Fleck had a longtime desire to open a small wine bar offering an intimate atmosphere with good food and wine. In 2018, she and her husband, Stephen, were presented with an opportunity to co-own an existing spot focused on rustic, refined food and an exquisite wine selection. Dolce Restaurant & Wine Bar, conveniently located in their hometown of Westmont, was the chance to make these dreams a reality.
A few years later, the Flecks became the sole owners of Dolce. Visitors will often see them on-site talking to guests, ensuring they’re having an enjoyable dining experience, which - at Dolce - is guaranteed.
The Dolce menu favors Italian cuisine, but they don’t limit themselves to any region or flavor palettes. They actually consider themselves to be more Italian-American fusion by
putting a spin on traditional Italian dishes. Three popular favorites from the menu are the short rib pappardelle, the mushroom toast, and the blackberry and camembert pizza. They also have an extensive wine list, which is always changing to offer a unique variety. In addition, their craft cocktails have become a popular attraction to customers. Many guests love the craft cocktails created for local businesses. It’s a fun way to collaborate with the community and get creative with marketing. Their newest drink is the "Get Lit Spritz" for BRLighting & Design located at 40 S. Cass Ave, Westmont.
The restaurant space itself is very unique to the area. It offers a formal-looking front dining area (great for date night or intimate ambiance), which includes a baby grand piano with live performances every Friday and Saturday night. They also have a casual bar with seating and hightops, as well as their popular year-round outdoor patio, which is covered and temperature controlled.
Dolce aims to offer an elevated food experience in a nonformal space. It’s a place where many locals run into each other and end up staying to share a drink. It’s a place where new customers become friends. It’s a place focused on community and quality, and it should be on any local’s shortlist for their next date night or get-together. ■
THE FOXTAIL
5237 Main Street
Downtown Downers Grove
TheFoxtailDG.com
The Foxtail is a contemporary restaurant that draws inspiration from the Mediterranean, offering something for all tastes. Operating from Tuesday to Sunday for both lunch and dinner, the restaurant is conveniently situated in downtown Downers Grove, making it the perfect stop before or after exploring the shopping scene.
Owners and Chefs Tim Canning and Todd Davies, innovative take on Mediterranean flavors, grounded in classic culinary principles shape the food and wine offerings at The Foxtail. The Foxtail - and sibling establishment Cadence Kitchen & Co. - also showcase a deep appreciation for local farmers, ranchers, and artisanal ingredients. The result? Tim and Todd deliver a refreshing dining experience for the residents of the western suburbs fueled by their culinary passions.
Despite the unprecedented challenges posed by the pandemic, The Foxtail, which opened its doors just three weeks prior to the outbreak, demonstrated remarkable
resilience. Now celebrating its four-year anniversary, Todd reflects, “The support from both the staff and the people of Downers Grove and other surrounding communities was a lifeline during that difficult period.”
With unique craft cocktails and a diverse menu, The Foxtail has emerged as a local favorite. According to Todd, “One of the unique aspects of The Foxtail’s menu is that everybody seems to have a different favorite dish – it’s difficult to say and depends on who you talk to!” Nevertheless, some distinctive items on the menu include Grilled Octopus, Taleggio Flatbread, Grilled Halloumi Salad, Beef Shawarma, and Hamachi Crudo.
More than just a place to eat, The Foxtail offers a unique dining experience that caters to a variety of occasions. It’s a magnet for diverse groups, from casual get-togethers to special celebrations like birthdays and showers. The restaurant’s vibrant and trendy atmosphere, coupled with live music several nights a week, brings a dash of urban energy to the suburban setting, making every visit a memorable one.
“We’ve had so much fun bringing our passion for hospitality to the town,” said Todd. “It is always great to see family and friends – old and new – at The Foxtail.” ■
NEAT Kitchen + Bar
246 North Cass Avenue Downtown Westmont NeatKitchenandBar.com
Matt Verde and John Taylor met in the sixth grade at Immaculate Conception Grade School in Elmhurst. These lifelong friends grew up to pursue restaurant careers that led them down different paths, but they ultimately reunited in 2018 to open Neat Kitchen + Bar. After hearing the previous owners had closed the doors, Matt and John knew this was their chance to collaborate and bring Westmont a welcoming restaurant atmosphere based on fantastic food and excellent service.
Neat specializes in craft cocktails and beer, as well as unique burgers, sandwiches, salads, and more. Their signature items are the Neat Burger, made with their triblend patty, cheddar cheese, crispy fried shallots, house mayo, and a fried duck egg on a buttery toasted brioche bun. Pair it with their popular Neat Old Fashioned, created with muddled Luxardo cherries and orange, 100-proof
bourbon, and the perfect balance of sweetness, and you’re guaranteed to come back for more.
“Our approach to food and beverage is to take what is considered familiar and approachable and make it “NEAT,” Matt said. “Add a unique twist, spice, or splash to make it better than the rest, make it NEAT!”
In addition to neat takes on fan-favorite dishes, their atmosphere is inviting thanks to a dedicated staff focused on providing an impressive experience. Like many others, the Neat team was hit hard by the pandemic restaurant closures. Although it was difficult, they pulled together and navigated through, learning many valuable lessons about themselves and the community that helped them through it.
“We came out of the pandemic with a different appreciation for the community we are in and have committed to showing that appreciation by being involved, giving back and being a service and hospitality leader in the community,” Matt said.
Community is what their restaurant is all about. With daily specials, live music, trivia, and happy hour discounts, it’s the perfect spot for family dinners, date nights, work parties, and – of course – catching up with old friends. ■
Close to the HEART
Improved youth heart screenings continue to grow
BY LARRY ATSEFF
Experts in children’s heart disease, in partnership with hundreds of volunteers, are the pillars of Young Hearts For Life (YH4L). The organization offers free ECGs to all students—not just athletes—to detect conditions that may cause sudden cardiac death. Over 320,000 students in DuPage County and Chicagoland have been screened due to YH4L, with over 3,400 identified for further medical support.
Recently, in late April, at a YH4L screening at Hinsdale Central High School, the O’Meara family of the Mend A Heart Foundation and the Brindley family of Just1Mike were in attendance, as was Dr. Frank Zimmerman, Medical Director of YH4L. They all agreed that unselfish, dedicated volunteers committed to YH4L allow the program to thrive.
Along with countless other supporters, the O’Meara and Brindley families are among many who have dedicated their time and financial support to ensure all students have access to this free, potentially life-saving screening through YH4L. Brian and Bridget O’Meara’s son, Liam, was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS) and successfully underwent three reconstructive heart surgeries. They started the Mend A Heart Foundation to help fund pediatric congenital heart research and support YH4L. Kristy and Bob Brindley’s son, Michael, passed away at age 17 from sudden cardiac arrest. They started Just1mike in honor of him and promote and support ECG screening, CPR, and AED (Automated External Defibrillator) awareness, education, and placement of AEDs in the community.
Dr. Joseph Marek, who founded YH4L in 2006, was aware of cardiac issues in young adults that could cause cardiac arrest and death. He began a very practical approach to screening as many young people as possible for heart problems—at no charge—with help from volunteers, schools, and parents.
The model of creating awareness, conducting the screenings, reading the ECGs, and then taking future steps to help has worked well. Today, pediatric
electrophysiologist Dr. Frank Zimmerman carries on the tradition and has helped focus screening techniques to be ever more effective. He is modest in saying, “I just helped fine-tune the important markers using the latest screening techniques and standardizing the screenings.” His approach is becoming adopted across the country.
For more information on how to support their important efforts or volunteer, visit mendaheart.org, just1mike.org, and yh4l.org. ■
Bob and Kristy Brindel of Just1mike, Dr. Frank Zimmerman of YH4L, and Bridget and Brian O’Meara of Mend a Heart Foundation.
Charitable GIVING
DuPage County’s
Predicted Wealth Transfer Has Huge Implications
BY DAVE MCGOWAN
The 2020 Illinois Transfer of Wealth Study reveals an astonishing trend: DuPage County residents are transferring more wealth than ever before, and this unique moment won't last forever. We're now in the final five years before we reach the peak at the end of 2028.
Back in 2005, only 6% of DuPage County's wealth was transferred. By 2028, that figure is expected to more than double, reaching an impressive 14%, before settling at around 10%. This remarkable growth translates to nearly $53 billion moving through DuPage County estates within a decade.
When the last of a household's spouses passes away, their estate is distributed among heirs, charitable organizations, and taxes. As a fundraiser with 43 years of experience, I'm advocating for more of this wealth to be directed toward charitable causes. If just 5% were allocated to charities, it would generate $2.65 billion for community endowments or to directly support nonprofits addressing hunger, housing instability, and mental health challenges, among other issue areas that may be important to you.
For those considering donations, contact your estate planning attorney to explore giving strategies from your estate. If you don’t already have an attorney, contact: dpestateplan.org/Member-Directory or www.dcba.org/page/FindLawyer.
Nonprofit organizations should engage their loyal donors in conversa-
Charitable Organizations
$2,650,000,000
tions about the significant impact their bequests could make. You don’t need to be an expert in gift planning and tax laws – more than 85% of estate gifts are simple bequests. The donors’ professional advisors will guide you through gift acceptance strategies for more complex planned gifts.
For more information, contact me or your local community foundation at dupagefoundation.org. You can also access the full “Illinois Transfer of Wealth Study” there.
About the Author: Dave McGowan has been prominent in the Chicago-area nonprofit sector since 1981. He is a certified fundraising executive who retired from DuPage Foundation after 25 years before starting a consulting practice serving donors, their advisors, and the nonprofits they support. You can reach Dave at 630-728-2367 or dave@davemcgowanconsulting.com.
TAKE NOTE
West Suburban Symphony continues to thrive
BY LARRY ATSEFF
Listening and watching a soloist or a small group perform music live in front of you can be enjoyable. It is something else when you listen to, watch, and feel live music from over 80 musicians and nearly the same number of singers, performing in absolute harmony some of the greatest music ever created in the acoustically perfect Wentz Hall in Naperville.
Such stirring, memorable entertainment from the West Suburban Symphony Orchestra and Singers (WSS) leaves you wanting more. As a result, more patrons are showing up. In fact, at the March 10 concert
this past spring, the entire group performed before a sold-out audience at Wentz Hall.
Aside from Maestro Peter Lipari, the music director and conductor, the musicians and singers volunteer their time, talent, and efforts for free simply because they love music and truly enjoy performing for Lipari. Maestro Lipari has led music selection and rehearsals for the musicians and singers and has conducted live performances for WSS since 2001, longer than any other conductor for this group.
Amazingly, audiences can enjoy such high-quality performances at quite
reasonable prices: Tickets are just $30 for adults, $25 for seniors age 65 and up, and $5 for teenagers. Tickets for children 12 and younger are free. There is also free parking wherever they perform, whether at Wentz Hall or Hinsdale Central High School. When they perform open-air concerts at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, there is no charge for admission, only a nominal charge for parking your vehicle.
The next opportunity to hear the orchestra will be a free concert at Cantigny on Saturday, August 3, at 7:30 pm. Enjoy legendary movie tunes from the mid-20th century onwards, including Erich Korngold’s score from
Maestro Peter Lipari, the music director and conductor since 2001.
Photo by Heidi Peters Photography, courtesy of West Suburban Symphony Society
The Sea Hawk and John Williams’ compositions from Harry Potter, The Cowboys, Lincoln, and Robin Hood and his Merry Men, along with selections from King Kong and Mel Brooks’s The Producers. The Symphony’s popular movie concerts at Cantigny typically draw crowds of more than 1,000, with listeners bringing picnics or taking advantage of the food and drink concessions provided by the park.
For 77 years, the West Suburban Symphony Society has continually encouraged interest in concert music and performance careers among young people. Students in grades 9-12 compete as soloists in string, woodwind, brass, and vocals. The winner receives $500 and performs with the Symphony in the spring.
This year’s winner is Neal Eisfeldt, a 14-year-old Merit Scholarship Fellow at the Music Institute of Chicago’s Academy, who impressed the audience at the symphony’s Soaring concert on May 19, 2024, with his
performance of the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. Eisfeldt is an incredibly talented violinist who made his solo debut at the age of ten at Carnegie Hall. He has won top honors in several competitions all over the world. In the summer of 2022, Eisfeldt composed his first solo piece in collaboration with the Chicago Civic Orchestra and Chicago, From Scratch. The piece “Ukrainian Dream and Cradle” is dedicated to the pain and suffering of the Ukrainian people.
Each Fall, the Symphony presents an educational concert for elementary and middle school students in field-trip groups in grades 3-6. Performances give them the live concert experience and show how players make music together. The 2024 educational concert is on Wednesday, November 6, in Oak Brook. Two 45-minute performances are planned at 9:30 am and 10:45 am. Registration materials will be available soon at westsubsymphony.org, and reservations are required. Some schools have brought students to this annual event for over 15 years.
Combining Maestro Lipari’s leadership with the musicians’ and singers’ talent and dedication is gratifying to see performances selling out.
Visit westsubsymphony.org for more information, to buy tickets for upcoming events, or learn how to support WSS. ■
North Central College’s Wentz Hall in Naperville Photos by Heidi Peters Photography, courtesy of West Suburban Symphony Society
Neal Eisfeldt, West Suburban Symphony’s Youth Solo Competition winner. Photo courtesy of the Eisfeldt family.
Hinsdale Kitchen Walk
PHOTOS BY LAURA MEYER
The Hinsdale Historical Society has been devoted to collecting, preserving, and promoting the history of Hinsdale for more than thirty years. In its 19th year, the Kitchen Walk remains one of Hinsdale’s most popular fundraisers hosted by the Society, where guests can see the first floors of six illustrious homes. Attendees enjoyed beautiful weather combined with an inside peek of the dream homes at the annual event on Saturday, May 10.
Wellness House
Over 3,000 people came together at the annual Walk for Wellness House held on May 5 to help support cancer survivors, families, and friends. The day was filled with encouragement, hope and community as runners and walkers took to the pavement in the streets surrounding Wellness House’s main location in Hinsdale, raising over $750,000. Funds raised will help support free programs where individuals and family members can choose from over 500 programs a month in areas such as nutrition, exercise, support and counseling, child and family support. Donations are still being accepted at wellnesshouse.org/walk.
Hinsdale South Young Life
A rainy evening did not dampen Hinsdale South Young Life’s Annual Fundraiser on April 18th in Burr Ridge. The evening celebrated the past year with a focus on the future for “Every Kid, Everywhere, For Eternity.” The impact this organization has been making on the community was evident through the heartfelt words shared by the leaders and students at the event. Student after student expressed how they had grown in confidence and faith. Over $30,000 was raised by the end of the evening. However, the effort is not over yet, as Hinsdale South Young Life continues to seek help in reaching its goal of $50,000 before the start of school in the fall.
Visit giving.younglife.org/hinsdalesouth to make a donation, or reach out hinsdalesouthyl@gmail.com to get involved with the organization.
The Community House
BY MIA JONES PHOTOS BY 726 VISUALS
The Community House’s 18th annual Walk the Walk for Mental Health turned out with 700 participants this year, walking to help support access to mental health services for the local community. The walk began with local fitness and health and wellness vendors, an opening ceremony, and then ended with a post-walk ceremony featuring food trucks, games, music, and face painting. Held from 8:30-11:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 19, it was a special one-mile Color Walk to recognize mental and physical wellness, mental health services, and to end the stigma surrounding conversations about mental health with loved ones.
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