SERVING HINSDALE, BURR RIDGE, CLARENDON HILLS & OAK BROOK
HINSDALE’S FIRST MAGAZINE $5 US VOLUME 10 ISSUE 4 Special Edition
Hinsdale Reopens
In the Secret Service
Tim McCarthy’s story
Hinsdale Central LEAP Club
Hockey on Ice
Sports and COVID-19
Grieving and Loneliness During COVID-19 Pandemic
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630.291.9289 colleen@colleencwilcox.com 630.291.9289 colleen@colleencwilcox.com colleen@colleencwilcox.com Duong Kim Global is a team of Real Estate agents affilia ed with Compass. Compass is a licensed Real Estate broker with a principal offi e in Chicago, IL and abides by all applicable Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only, is compiled from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, and changes without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other Duong Kim Global is a team of Real Estate agents affilia ed with Compass. Compass is a licensed Real Estate broker with a principal offi e in Chicago, IL and abides by all applicable Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes professional advice outside the realm of Real Estate brokerage. Duongfrom Kim sources Global isdeemed a team reliable of Real but Estate agents to affilia ed omissions, with Compass. Compasswithout is a licensed Estate broker with principal offi e are in Chicago, IL andThis abides byintended all applicable Equal Housing Opportunity laws. Allherein material presented hereinasislegal, intended for informational only, is compiled is subject errors, and changes notice.Real All measurements and asquare footages approximate. is not to solicit property already listed. Nothing shall be construed accounting or other purposes is compiled sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, and changes without notice. All measurements and square footages are approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professionalonly, advice outside from the realm of Real Estate brokerage. professional advice outside the realm of Real Estate brokerage.
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LETTER from THE PUBLISHER
HOW QUICKLY OUR WORLD CAN CHANGE Then, on the day after Memorial Day, the horrific killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer was etched in our memory forever. Protests followed in large cities and small towns throughout our great nation. In downtown Hinsdale, several hundred peaceful protesters marched with signs and cries for peace and justice, as they walked along Hinsdale Ave., Washington Street, Garfield Street and First Street.
left to deal with Gov. J.B Pritzker’s orders to keep the threat of COVID-19 at bay. Life as we knew it was abruptly turned upside down. All restaurants and bars in Illinois closed for dine-in service on March 16. Professional, college, high-school and youth sports were put on hold. Community events and gatherings were stopped, while masks and social distancing measures were introduced. Crowds of ten or more in certain situations were prohibited. You will read on p. ___ of Hinsdale Magazine’s interview with Brian Sullivan of Sullivan Funeral Home how families going through the grieving process were unable to haveGETTING many of their family members say goodbye to loved ones.
Hundreds of residents watched as the protesters gathered in Burlington Park. They are our friends, neighbors, coworkers and high-school students. It is reassuring to our humanity that we as a people can endure such BACK TO hardships and continue to stand together in our community, knowing ToNORMAL add to the confusion, groups we have to come through this of ten or more were allowed in together. Only together can we truly other places, such as grocery stores GETTING BACK and your local Home Depot. Some prosper. Economies may be crushed, TO NORMAL retail businesses like marijuana but the human spirit can never be extinguished. Each small community dispensaries were considered in our nation can set an important “essential,” while your local florist example for the entire country to or bakery was “not as essential.” In witness. The two peaceful Hinsdale some places of business, you could In the Hockey on Ice Secret Service protests we witnessed did not have serve customers by appointment Grieving and Hinsdale Central Loneliness During any violence, and did not consist of only, while other merchants had to LEAP Club COVID-19 Pandemic any bad influences from outside the close, with no appointments allowed village. They were led by good people at all. with a message of peace and positive Local non-profits saw donations drop and awaited change. Some store owners understandably boarded up government stimulus funds to serve their communities. their windows, having witnessed looting and property Educators introduced E-learning to students after damage in Naperville, Cicero and Chicago on every schools were told to close. Parents found themselves media channel. juggling schedules between learning and home activities, After publishing our March issue, the pandemic was including planning strategic errands that kept social announced, and local businesses found themselves in contact at a minimum. You will read on p. ___ how the middle of a crisis. Restaurants and bars in Illinois a local learning specialist, Sarina Renaldi, has been closed. Immediately, our Hinsdale Magazine staff adjusting to her tutoring and learning practice, and on decided to publish daily online at www.HinsdaleMag. p. ___ how a local Clarendon Hills mom fared during com and through social media, with articles and posts the Illinois “shelter in place” phase. on current events nationally and locally. Restaurants In our feature story, it was only a few months ago that had only carry-out and pick-up services available. Dental we were reading about the front-line workers and heroic practices were told to shut down. Auto dealerships, first responders to COVID-19 victims. Unfortunately, jewelers, retail stores and non-essential businesses were SERVING HINSDALE, BURR RIDGE, CLARENDON HILLS & OAK BROOK
HINSDALE’S FIRST MAGAZINE $5 US VOLUME 10 ISSUE 4 Special Edition
Sports and COVID-19
Tim McCarthy’s story
10
HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE
HINSDALE REOPENS FOR BUSINESS those same police officers are not getting the credit they This issue of Hinsdale Magazine is a celebration of deserve after George Floyd's murder. Before Floyd’s the reopening of Hinsdale and our neighboring towns. tragic death, I interviewed former Secret Service agent On May 29, Phase 3 allowed the reopening of retailers, and current Orland Park police chief Tim McCarthy offices, manufacturing, barbershops and salons, summer on the 39th anniversary of the day he saved President programs, outdoor recreation activities and bars and Ronald Reagan’s life. McCarthy risked his life, taking restaurants for outdoor seating. Hinsdale Magazine a bullet to the chest in the assassination attempt on photographer Marcello Rodarte captured the reopening, Reagan. You will read the exclusive and we hope that the spirit of our story on p.___ about McCarthy’s community continues to support "We are stronger account of this historic time in local business and all the people who our country’s history. work and live here. During uncertain together. And side times of unforeseen threats to our by side we will be Today, small business owners health and safety, we must remember throughout the country are the national slogan we first heard in unbroken, and can fighting for their survival. Now March: “We are stronger together.” more than ever, “shop local” is a do anything togeather." necessary reality, and not just a And side by side we will be unbroken, marketing campaign coined by and can do anything togeather. American Express. Local businesses find themselves Scott Jonlich competing for dwindling dollars, while online merchant Founder & Publisher Amazon as the online behemoth has emerged one of the sjonlich@hinsdalemag.com few “winners” during the pandemic, raking in billions in record profits. And while storefronts closed, Google now owns 70 percent of the online ad spend.
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
CONTENTS | 10 PUBLISHER’S LETTER 35 HINSDALE CENTRAL LEAP CLUB 18 HINSDALE REOPENS 42 FEATURED STORY
In the Secret Service
18 42
58 EDUCATION
46 SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM 48 PEACEFUL PROTESTS 52 REGIONAL ROCK STARS
Five questions with Sarina Renaldi
61 BUSINESS
The new SECURE Act
63 SPORTS
Hockey on Ice
67 GRIEVING AND LONELINESS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC
52
56 HOME WITH THE O'MEARA FAMILY DURING SHELTER IN PLACE
18
ON THE COVER: Hinsdale Opens for Business Photography by Marcello Rodarte
FOR THE LATEST NEWS, HAPPENINGS AND PHOTOS, VISIT HINSDALEMAG.COM 12
HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE
200+ Whiskeys & Bourbon 100+ Bottle wine list 18 Wines by the glass 40 Beers + Ciders FOUNDER & PUBLISHER
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Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. 3 Grant Square, #201 Hinsdale, IL 60521 630-655-3400 www.HinsdaleMag.com Serving Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, Clarendon Hills and Oak Brook. No person, organization or publication can copy or re-produce the content in this magazine or any part of this publication without a written consent from the publisher. The publisher, authors, contributors and designers reserve their rights with regards to copyright of their work. Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by such individual, event organizers or organization. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. Comments are welcome, but they should be on-topic and well-expressed. Copyright Š2019 Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved.
WANNEMAKEDADSDAY? FIRE UP THE GRILL FOR FATHER’S DAY! Get dad the ultimate outdoor gift at Wannemaker’s. Is dad a GRILLMASTER? A GARDENER? An OUTDOORSMAN? Wannemaker’s has you covered for the perfect Father’s Day gift.
Your Father’s Day headquarters has: • MORE THAN 50 KINDS OF GRILLS TO SUIT DAD’S STYLE AND YOUR BUDGET • PLENTY OF GRILLING ACCESSORIES, INCLUDING DELICIOUS SAUCES & RUBS • PATIO FURNITURE, FIREPITS, TREES, SHRUBS— EVERYTHING YOU NEED FOR DAD’S OUTDOOR OASIS Wannemaker’s is OPEN DAILY for safe, in-store shopping. We also offer free assembly & local delivery on grills. Explore our complete outdoor selection at Wannemakers.com.
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Customers along First St, in downtown Hinsdale await to dine at Fuller House.
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
Hinsdale Magazine | Community Scene
A walk along Garfield Street is not only for patrons of downtown businesses.
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
Lyons resident Steve Terak enjoys a pleasant afternoon reading his paper on the steps of Starbucks on Hinsdale Avenue.
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
Hinsdale Magazine | Community Scene
Remnants of a peaceful protest on the boarded up windows of Corner Bakery at the corner of Garfield St. and Hinsdale Avenue.
Tables waiting for dining patrons at Il Pogiollo in downtown Hinsdale on First Street.
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
Hinsdale opens during Phase 3 with outdoor dining at several downtown restaurants and businesses along side First Street.
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
A new dining patio alongside Hinsdale Avenue greets customers with a view of the Hinsdale train station.
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
Hinsdale Magazine | Community Scene
Hinsdale residents Jennifer Rediger and fiance Peter Bersich enjoy shopping with their dog in downtown Hinsdale.
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
Washington Street and Hinsdale Avenue, Hinsdale.
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
Hinsdale Magazine | Community Scene
Ready to serve. Waiters began serving dining customers at Fuller House.
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
Giuliano’s Restaurant now serving customers on the patio alongside Village Place, Hinsdale
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
Hinsdale’s finest ready to serve and protect. Pictured: Officer Kevin Berland, Deputy Chief Thomas Lillie, Officer Andy Gallik, Officer Dan Mazepa
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
Hinsdale Magazine | Community Scene
Courtney Jo Donkoh strolls down Village Place in front of Cafe LaFortuna on a beautiful day in Hinsdale with her daughter and friend.
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
BIOLOGIC THERAPIES:
Leading Edge Techniques In Minimally Invasive Sports Medicine Biologic Therapies are regeneration techniques which use your body’s natural healing powers by precisely targeting them to your injured joint areas. Dr. Ronak Patel has embraced these fast growing Biologic Therapies because he believes whole-heartedly in restoring your mobility in the safest, least invasive way possible. His advanced training at the world renown Cleveland Clinic make him extremely well qualified in applying these therapies, whether dealing with torn cartilage, injured muscles, tendons or ligaments. In addition, he has applied them to slow down joint degeneration, and improve and delay the need for surgery, all while reducing pain. Targeted Biologic Therapy techniques include stem cell injections, PRP injections (Platelet-rich plasma) and injections of other growth factors, using regenerative fluids found in your tissues, usually obtained from your bone marrow and blood. Dr. Patel uses ultrasound imaging as well as no-incision in-office arthroscopy to diagnose problems and to guide injections into the most favorable locations for maximum effect. Of course, as a board certified orthopaedic surgeon, Dr. Patel will also perform surgery, as needed. For more, please go to drronakpatel.com
For a consultation with Dr. Patel to discuss your joint issues,
call 630 929 2249 | 550 W. Ogden Avenue, Hinsdale IL 60521
Ronak Ronak M. Patel, MD,M. Patel, MD, Orthopaedic Surgeon Orthopaedic Surgeon
Hinsdale Magazine | Community Scene
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
Children frolic at the Burlington Park fountain in downtown Hinsdale.
Hinsdale Memorial Building
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
Always ready, Fire Engine T84 at the Hinsdale Fire Station. Pictured: Lieutenant Tom McCarthy, Fire Fighter/Paramedic Cameron Russell, Fire Fighter/Paramedic Mike Karban, Captain Jon Carlson, Fire Fighter/Paramedic Patrick Schaberg, Fire Fighter/Paramedic Nicole Hladik
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
Hinsdale Magazine | Community Scene
Visit the Hinsdale Farmers Market every Monday in Burlington Park.
The staff at Grill 89 in Westmont is ready to serve on their outdoor patios.
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
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Nationally Recognized Expert on Robotic Knee Replacement Robert J. Daley, M.D. Caring for the Patient with Knee Pain Dr. Daley gained national prominence when, as team physician for the Chicago White Sox, he performed Bo Jackson’s Total Hip Replacement, allowing him to successfully return to playing professional baseball. He also performed Artificial Knee Replacement surgery on Dan Hampton, a Hall of Fame NFL defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears. Dr. Daley is involved in the design and development of surgical implants for several manufacturers, giving him additional insight into determining the best solutions for his patients. He is a regularly featured speaker on orthopaedic topics related to arthritis and knee replacement.
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“We understand the concerns our patients have about COVID-19 and our entire staff wants to make them feel safe and comfortable the moment they walk into our dental practice. To us they are more than just patients. They are family and friends that we have had the privilege of serving for over thirty years.� - DR. PETER HARNOIS, DDS
need for them to stay at home if they are sick. Our staff is trained to know the proper steps to take if a patient has COVID-19 symptoms. Dr. Peter was on the first committees in 1985 to advise OSHA of the best practices & protocol, and has stayed ahead of these guidelines ever since. Per the Center for Disease Control (CDC), anyone can have mild to severe symptoms. Older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions, including heart or lung disease, or diabetes seem to be at higher risk for developing serious complications from COVID-19 illness.
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STUDENTS IN SOUTH AFRICA DO AN EXPERIMENT IN CHEMISTRY CLASS
Hinsdale Central LEAP Club Reaching Out Across Continents
N
early 8,500 miles from Hinsdale, South African schools receive support from volunteer students and staff of Hinsdale High School District 86. Since 2006, the Hinsdale Central LEAP Club has built a partnership with six schools in impoverished areas of Cape Town and Johannesburg. Founded by South African John Gilmour, the LEAP program opened its first high school in 2004. This year, the Central club’s spring fundraising efforts have been challenged by Coronavirus social-distancing measures, but according to LEAP club president Olivia Ostrowski, they made the best of it. “Largely being student-run, we have taken a big hit," Ostrowski said. "Normally, our fundraisers have been in the spring, with our neon dance, silent auction and tomato sales. We had to cancel the dance and auction, but we decided to conduct our tomato sales online instead of in-person. In the end,
BY SCOTT JONLICH
we had a successful online sale this year.” Each year, Hinsdale residents Tom and Judy Casten grow the tomatoes in their yard at Washington and Third Street. The Castens have supported LEAP throughout the years, raising much-needed funds for the program. The club’s goal is to transform South African students, who are financially and socially disadvantaged, into role models and leaders of change in their country. “The LEAP club has instilled a deep sense of gratitude, and [I] fell in love with its message,” Ostrowski said. “We are lucky growing up in Hinsdale to have security and stability. Then, traveling to South Africa, I was exposed to the egregious conditions the South Africans live in, and that was extremely eye-opening to me. It taught me to be extremely grateful for what I have.” Ostrowski said people can get involved by helping out with fundraisers. "Currently, we are the only LEAP club in the world, and want to spread the word to new volunteers and supporters," she said. "We still have tomato plants at the Castens' home. In the fall, we will be back in full swing when the school year begins.”
Pam Kalafut, the club sponsor and former activities director at Central, said, “When we first went to South Africa, we did not go there with the attitude 'we’re going to save you.'—We want to be your friends, work together to improve our lives and share good between us. We don’t see it as a charity; we see it as a friendship." Hinsdale Central faculty member Heather Fehrman, who was in attendance for the tomato sale with Ostrowski and Kalafut, said, “I went to South Africa a couple of years ago as part of a teacher exchange program. A handful of teachers from District 86 were able to go down there as part of a global teachers’ institute conference, and we were able to meet teachers from all across South Africa who are doing amazing things there for their kids. Our contribution is to give them additional financial resources.” For the entire LEAP club leaders and the Castens, the efforts from a newlyarriving Central class is always inspiring, as Ostrowski described seeing families living in tin shacks without running water HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com
35
or electricity. “There are six schools throughout the nation that are remnants of Apartheid, and we select six students who are very ambitious and are goal-oriented," she said. "They know they can change the community they are in. These kids don’t have the kind of educational opportunities we have in the United States, so we give them opportunities to succeed, so they can bring it back to their community." Tom Casten was struck by the disparity between schools in the United States and South Africa, and believes the current threat of COVID-19 will create a greater crisis. “These schools are in deep trouble in South Africa," Casten said. "How can you socially-distance yourself when you have seven people living in a small 7-foot by 10foot container, and you have a neighbor
three feet away? We have to find a way to succeed and to help them.” Judy Casten told Hinsdale Magazine the personal growth offered in the South African schools have made amazing progress over the decade. The children can talk about their feelings and challenges, as the schools provide social and emotional learning. Casten recalled John Gilmore saying, “You can’t teach a child when you can’t get his attention. Many of the students come from very difficult households in many ways. How do you get the students to trust one another with the trauma of abuse they experienced? You can’t build a community if you don’t trust the other person." “When children experience abuse at home and the child is in trauma at that age, how are you going to learn chemistry that day?” Tom Casten said. “The later
Volunteer at the Casten home tomato garden during a Hinsdale Central LEAP Club annual fundraiser. Heather Fehrman, Olivia Ostrowski, Pam Kalafut, Tom Casten, and Judy Casten. 36
HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE
the age of a student, the more difficult it is for them to adjust and trust the educator. We can’t solve that problem for [students], but it’s not the end of the world. Now they can concentrate on learning without judgment. We want our community to adopt this LEAP program as a sister organization.” ■
Photography by Marcello Rodarte
Stacey Keeler, RN Program Coordinator, Cardiac Innovations & Structural Heart Center®
No matter where we are, we never really leave our patient’s side. Stacey Keeler may be done working for the day, but in her head she’s still with her structural heart patients, finding all the little ways she can treat them less like patients and more like family. It’s that never-off-the-clock attitude that’s led Edward-Elmhurst Health to become a nationally recognized leader in heart care. Take your free HeartAware Assessment at ThisIsPersonalEEH.org
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HM MEDICALPROFILES SPECIAL ADVER TISING FEATURE
Jeffrey Fitzer, MD Obstetrics-Gynecology
Locations 8 Salt Creek Ln., Suite 301, Hinsdale 303 W. Lake St., Addison 133 E. Brush Hill Rd., Suite 308, Elmhurst 755 N. York St., Elmhurst Phone 331.221.9002 Web www.EEHealth.org
About JEFFREY FITZER, MD, a board-certified obstetriciangynecologist with Elmhurst Clinic, sees patients at his offices in Hinsdale, Addison and two locations in Elmhurst. Dr. Fitzer is accepting new patients at Edward-Elmhurst Health Centers in Hinsdale at 8 Salt Creek Ln., North Elmhurst at 755 N. York St. and in Addison at 303 W. Lake St. Dr. Fitzer also sees patients in the West Medical Office Building on the Elmhurst Hospital campus, 133 W. Brush Hill Rd. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Fitzer, visit www.EEHeealth.org/Schedule or call (331) 221-9002.
Dr. Fitzer earned his medical degree from the University of IllinoisCollege of Medicine. He completed his residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Illinois Masonic Medical Center. “I strive to provide excellence in healthcare by educating patients and assisting them to make healthy lifestyle choices from adolescence through menopause,� says Dr. Fitzer. Dr. Fitzer offers a full range of obstetric and gynecologic services, including preconceptual counseling and complete prenatal care (both low- and high-risk pregnancies), well-woman care including annual exams and contraception, as well as gynecologic surgery (including minimally invasive laparoscopic procedures and robotics), and menopause care. He also speaks Spanish. Elmhurst Clinic is a multi-specialty medical group with more than 100 physicians who practice in more than 20 specialties at 12 locations in Elmhurst, Addison, Bloomingdale, Lombard, Oak Park, Hinsdale, Naperville and Westchester. For more information, visit www.EEHealth.org/ElmhurstClinic.
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HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE
HM MEDICALPROFILES SPECIAL ADVER TISING FEATURE
Julie Afridi, DO Medical Director, Integrative Family Medicine
Locations 8 Salt Creek Ln., Suite 302, Hinsdale 1200 S. York St., Suite 4260, Elmhurst Phone 331.221.6135 Web www.EEHealth.org
JULIA AFRIDI, DO is board certified in family medicine and osteopathic manipulative treatment. She is a member of Elmhurst Memorial Medical Group (EMMG) and is the Medical Director of Elmhurst Hospital’s Integrative Medicine Clinic. Dr. Afridi is accepting new patients at EMMG’s offices in the Edward-Elmhurst Health Center in Hinsdale, 8 Salt Creek Ln. and the Elmhurst Center for Health, 1200 S. York St. on the campus of Elmhurst Hospital. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Afridi, visit www.EEHealth.org/Schedule or call (331) 221-6135.
About
Dr. Afridi received her osteopathic medicine degree from the Midwestern University Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine in Downers Grove. She completed her internship and residency at Advocate Christ Medical Center.
Her clinical interests include integrative medicine, holistic medicine, obesity, osteopathic manipulation, osteopathic spinal manipulation, pediatrics, school physicals, chronic pain management, family care, weight management and women’s health. “It is important for me to address the whole patient,” says Dr. Afridi. “To see everybody as more than parts that need fixing. I approach each patient with a treatment plan that is uniquely tailored to each individual. I incorporate integrative and holistic medicine where appropriate and with a patient who is open to it. It is not just about feeling healthy and well, but also about the experience of getting there.” For more information, visit www.EEHealth.org/Services/ Integrative-Medicine. Dr. Afridi is a Diplomate of the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine and member of the American Academy of Family Physicians, Illinois Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Osteopathic Family Physicians and Academy of Integrative Health and Medicine. Dr. Afridi speaks French and Spanish. Elmhurst Memorial Medical Group (EMMG) is a physician practice of Edward-Elmhurst Health with 16 board certified physicians who provide primary care for infants through seniors. EMMG has offices in Elmhurst, Hinsdale and Oak Park. For more information, visit www.EEHealth.org/EMMG.
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HM MEDICALPROFILES SPECIAL ADVER TISING FEATURE
Briana Peper, PA Integrative Medicine
Locations 8 Salt Creek Ln., Suite 302, Hinsdale 1200 S. York St., Suite 4260, Elmhurst Phone 331.221.6135 Web www.EEHealth.org BRIANA PEPER, MPAS, PA-C, a physician assistant with Elmhurst Memorial Medical Group (EMMG) who specializes in family medicine, sees patients at Elmhurst Hospital’s Integrative Medicine Clinic. Peper is accepting new patients at EMMG’s offices in the Edward-Elmhurst Health Center in Hinsdale, 8 Salt Creek Ln. and the Elmhurst Center for Health, 1200 S. York St. on the campus of Elmhurst Hospital. To schedule an appointment with Peper, visit www. EEHealth.org/Schedule or call (331) 221-6135.
About
Peper earned a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies from the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine.
Her clinical interests include autoimmune disorders, digestive problems, disease prevention, family care, holistic medicine, integrative medicine, pediatrics, polycystic ovarian syndrome, weight management, women’s health and thyroid disease. “It is important to me to help every patient reach their
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health goals,” says Peper. “I enjoy working as a team with patients to design a plan to help them improve their overall health. I am passionate about incorporating integrative and holistic medicine when appropriate to help treat the whole person including body, mind and spirit.” For more information, visit www.EEHealth.org/Services/ Integrative-Medicine. Peper is a member of the American Academy of Physician Assistants and Illinois Academy of Physician Assistants. Elmhurst Memorial Medical Group (EMMG) is a physician practice of Edward-Elmhurst Health with 16 board certified physicians who provide primary care for infants through seniors. EMMG has offices in Elmhurst, Hinsdale and Oak Park. For more information, visit www.EEHealth.org/EMMG. The $20 million, three-floor, 33,000-square-foot Edward-Elmhurst Health Center in Hinsdale, which opened in 2016, provides numerous other services, including Immediate Care, primary care physicians and specialists, Linden Oaks Behavioral Health, imaging (digital x-rays, mammograms, ultrasound, DEXA bone density scan), physical therapy, occupational health and lab. Edward-Elmhurst Immediate Care is a convenient option for nonlife threatening illnesses and injuries such as cuts, broken bones, high fevers, minor burns, earaches, colds, flu, sinus infections and urinary tract infections, among others. Our Immediate Care provides a calm, quiet atmosphere where expert care meets exceptional convenience. We treat all ages, including infants and young children. No appointment is necessary. For more information, visit www.EEHealth.org/Hinsdale or call (331) 221-2500.
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Hinsdale Magazine | Feature Story
In the Secret Service The day Tim McCarthy, fellow agents, and doctors saved Ronald Reagan’s life and preserved the course of history. BY SCOTT JONLICH JULIE JONLICH, CONTRIBUTING WRITER PHOTOGRAPHY BY JIM PRISCHING
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he fate of the free world may have come down to a coin-flip. In March, Hinsdale Magazine sat down with Orland Park police chief Timothy McCarthy to talk about his amazing career of service to the country, punctuated when he stood in the path of a bullet that wounded him, and protected President Ronald’s Reagan’s life. Special agents McCarthy and Joseph Trainor Sr. both had administrative duty the morning of March 30, before the John Hinckley Jr.'s attempted assassination of America’s 39th president. According to historic archives, Reagan was seriously wounded by a .22 long rifle bullet that ricocheted off the side of the presidential limousine and lodged in the left underarm, breaking a rib, puncturing a lung and causing serious internal bleeding. McCarthy recounted the morning, which was only the 69th day into Reagan’s presidency. “It was a rare occasion when we had extra agents to work the shift," he said. "There’s an advance team that goes out a week ahead of time no matter where the President goes to set up the security. And there’s a team of agents that goes wherever the President goes, and we had one extra. We both had the same rank, so we flipped a coin.” Trainor won the coin toss, and took his post beneath the Oval Office, the Secret Service communications command post. McCarthy donned the now-infamous blue suit he had purchased days before, and went about his duties on protective detail for Reagan's trip to the Hilton to give a speech to the AFLCIO in Washington D.C. McCarthy continued his story, which might have changed the course of history if the casual exchange between two special agents went differently. “The shift leader said, 'Well, you are both equal to the rank of a sergeant; you’re the number one position around the President; one of you has to go. You’re both briefed up, so it doesn’t matter—everyone is interchangeable.' So, we did flip a coin. "It was raining that day, and the only reason I didn’t want to go was because the follow-up car was a big, open Cadillac which had a plastic
roof that leaked. It was going to leak. It was raining, and I had a lightcolored suit on. It was brand-new—I mean, brand-new.” A son of a South Side police sergeant, McCarthy’s light-blue suit remains in the Ronald Reagan library today, and has been cataloged into American history. McCarthy revealed how his Secret Service training and quick actions, along with his fellow agents, saved the life of one of the most popular presidents in recent history. Years later, after the assassination attempt, Reagan stared down the communist Soviet Union when on June 12, 1987, he stood at the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin and told the world, “Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.” The speech led to the fall of communism on Nov. 9, 1989.
"It’s not protecting a republican or a democrat. It’s protecting the office of the president to ensure they serve their term constitutionally. And that’s what it’s all about." - ORLAND PARK POLICE CHIEF AND FORMER SECRET AGENT TIM MCCARTHY
Asked if he ever wonders what his actions meant in the course of world history, McCarthy put it into perspective and said, “My role of a Secret Service agent is to ensure the President of the United States, once elected, serves four years and may get reelected. It’s not to be changed other than an election or an impeachment, and certainly not by a moment of madness by a gunman. So, that’s the role of a secret serviceman. "It’s not protecting a Republican or a Democrat—it’s protecting the office of the President to ensure they serve their term constitutionally. And that’s what it’s all about."
This March marks the 39th year since McCarthy was wounded by one of six bullets from Hinckley’s gun. The videos that we have all seen countless times show McCarthy squaring off to the shooter with his arms spread, shielding the President with his body as special agent in charge Jerry Parr pushed Reagan into an awaiting limousine in front of the Hilton Hotel. Initial news reports said McCarthy was shot in the abdomen and fell to the ground, but McCarthy told Hinsdale Magazine he was shot in the right chest. “What happened, the bullet bounced around and went down through my lung, liver and diaphragm, so the pain was in the lower abdomen in the liver, and thus I reached down there, and it’s been the common myth that I was shot in the stomach or abdomen," he said. “It was a small-caliber, and heavier calibers tend to [go] through [the body] sometimes, depending on the velocity, and others bounce around, and this one bounced around and ended up in my lower back.” The bullet missed McCarthy’s heart by an inch. He said he was “lucky,” and when asked how he felt at the moment when the shooting took place, he replied, “It was one of those things that you never think it's going to happen to you." "You never think you are going to be in that position," he said. "You are trained for it intensely, on-going training all the time. Then it happened, and you hope that you only respond to your training, because it's not a natural action to get in the way of a bullet." McCarthy said the military is trained to "hit the deck," and most police are trained to "hit the ground;" while in Secret Service agents are trained to cover and evacuate the President. “If you notice, the military aid took cover and natural reaction— he’s military, so they take cover and return fire," he said. "It’s not quite that way in a civilian world, to be able to indiscriminately return fire, but our job was to cover the President. ... That’s the training.” McCarthy’s described the moment the bullet entered his body, and he fell to the pavement.
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"Everyone gets involved with critical incidents, and it's how you deal with that type of thing." - TIM MCCARTHY
Continued from the previous page “It feels like a hot ice-pick, would be the only way I would be able to describe it; because you can feel [the bullet] moving around," he said. "Not that I knew exactly what’s happening, but I knew where the pain was.” McCarthy said Hinckley was about ten feet away from him when he heard the gunfire, but testified to a grand jury that he never saw him shoot, though the sound gave him an indication of where the bullets were coming from. Video footage later revealed that Hinckley was behind the ropes, and came forward behind a few people, partially shielded. McCarthy described in detail the events that were unfolding during the commotion, as he laid on his side with his hands clutching his stomach, all while hearing his fellow agents on the radio shouting out commands. “My ear-piece was still in, and 44
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I could hear everything that was happening [on the radio] that they were initially going to the White House," he said, "and then Jerry Parr frisked the President, and all of a sudden, he saw frothy blood coming from his mouth.” Moments later, McCarthy was picked up by an ambulance, which drove him to George Washington Hospital, where he would later talk to President Reagan after both went into emergency surgery. The barrage of six bullets also wounded Reagan’s press secretary James Brady and Washington D.C. police officer Thomas Delahanty. Hinckley’s first bullet hit Brady in the head above his left eye, passing underneath his brain and shattering his brain cavity, exploding on impact. Delahanty was struck in the back of the neck by the second shot, ricocheting off his spinal cord. Miraculously, he survived, but with
permanent nerve damage to his left arm. The fourth bullet went into the armored window of the car, absorbing the bullet with its bullet-proof glass. The fifth round glanced off the right rear quarter panel, and hit Reagan as he was being pushed into the car by Parr. “In that car, the door opened backward, so there was an area of about four inches between the frame of the car and the open door,” McCarthy said. The sixth shot went across the street, hitting a business office window without injuring anyone. The bullets were all designed to explode after hitting their target. Only the bullet that hit Brady exploded on contact. As the President’s car raced away, three men lay wounded, and it appeared at that moment that Reagan was safe and on the way to
the White House. McCarthy was still on the pavement, in pain, and could hear the radio messages back and forth. A female voice inquired, "Has the President been shot?" And a male voice in the car responded, “There's no indication the President has been shot.” According to reports from Parr, he initially checked the President and couldn't find a bullet wound, but Reagan kept complaining of pain in his side, and was coughing up frothy blood. Parr believed he may have broken a rib when he pushed the President into the limousine, so he redirected the car from the White House to George Washington Hospital. McCarthy's and Brady’s ambulance soon followed, and emergency surgeons would await them. McCarthy had no communication with the President for about 11 or 12 days. Reagan was there another week or so after that, but on the last day, McCarthy and his wife were asked to come down and see the President and Mrs. Reagan before they left. The hospital room had bullet-proof
glass installed and tinted green in those days. “Two of our kids at the time, I think, were ages 2 and 3," McCarthy said. "And the President was still hooked up to a lot of machines that were flashing red, green and so forth, which attracted the attention of youngsters. We were having a nice conversation with him and Mrs. Reagan. "The President was talking about springtime in Washington, the Cherry Blossom Festival and that they will miss the parade. I mentioned how he is going to be fine, and that he’ll see many more. My wife was getting nervous, because the kids [were] really getting into the machines, and I thought my kids might finish off what John Hinckley started." “The great communicator,” as Reagan was called by the press, had some final witty words for McCarthy as he walked out of the President’s hospital room. “Hold on a minute," Reagan said. "It was McCarthy, Brady, Delahanty, Reagan—what the hell did this guy have against the Irish?”
McCarthy said Reagan had a way of using humor to deal with difficult situations. “Everyone gets involved with critical incidents, and it’s how you deal with that type of thing,” McCarthy said. “There are theories about how one-third of [people] can never really go back to what they were doing after a critical incident. As we now know, [those people suffer from what is] called PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). "[For] another one-third, it has a minor effect on them, and [they] can recover from counseling. [And] for another one-third, [it] has no effect on them—and it had no effect on the President at all." McCarthy's father was a Chicago police sergeant, and learned that policing was a job with dangers, and he was anxious to recover and get back on the job. McCarthy went through recovery and agility tests for about three months before getting back on the presidential detail over Reagan’s two terms and George H.W. Bush’s first term.
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SMALL BUSINESS RELIEF GRANT PROGRAM A program to support DuPage County small businesses and independent contractors impacted by COVID-19.
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o assist small businesses and independent contractors impacted by COVID-19, DuPage County in conjunction with Choose DuPage is providing grants to use for employee retention payroll, utilities, and rent. According to DuPage County Board Member Greg Hart, small businesses with fewer than 15 full-time employees and less than $1.5 million in annual gross revenue may apply for a grant up to $15,000. Independent contractors with more than 50% of their annual gross income coming from 1099 work and an annual gross income of less than $100,000 may apply for a grant up to $7,500. Businesses and contractors that have received other funds intended for this purpose (i.e. PPP, EIDL) are not eligible. “The first tranche launched May 12 with over 1000 application submitted in a matter of a week which is incredible and speaks to the need for a program like this,” said Hart, who represents District 3 communities in the southeastern portion of DuPage County, including Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Burr Ridge, Westmont and parts of Naperville and Bolingbrook. Another round of funding is expected in mid-June.
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Hart said the county recognized a demand beyond the dollars coming through from the Paycheck Protection Program. “We have small businesses here in DuPage, as well as in the country, who are the backbone of our economy and we wanted to make sure those business owners have an opportunity to get the support they need to continue operations.” Hart said Reinvest DuPage wanted to allot a portion of the $170,000,000 federal CARES Act money allocated to DuPage as forgivable grants to DuPage-based businesses. “We understand businesses might need multiple sources of funding but we want to make sure that we’re helping as many people as possible. We want to give the first option to people and businesses that have not received any level of support,” Hart concluded. The initial round of small business investment of seven million will likely be the first of additional rounds as more applications come in. The federal government determines the county CARES Act allotment based on its population and needs in response to the Covid-19 pandemic. For more information or to apply, visit www.ChooseDuPage.com/ reinvest-dupage ■
TO FIND OUT IF YOU QUALIFY, ANSWER THESE QUESTIONS: • Are you a business or 1099 independent contractor located in DuPage County, Illinois? • Were you in business as of February 15, 2020? • Has your business been affected by COVID-19, making this grant request necessary to support your ongoing operations? • If you are a small business, do you have less than 15 full-time employees, and less than $1.5 million in gross annual revenue? • If you are a 1099 independent contractor, does at least 50% of your gross income come from 1099 work, and is your annual gross income less than $100,000? If you answered YES to all of the above, you could be eligible to receive a grant from this program. Note: you are not eligible if you have received other funds intended for this purpose (i.e. PPP, EIDL).
P U T Y O U R H E A LT H I N YO U R H A N D S When it comes to your health, there is so much confusion out there. At Edward-Elmhurst Health we’re here to be a trusted voice. So if you need care, COVID or otherwise, please don’t hesitate to schedule an in-person appointment or video visit with the MyEEHealth app today. We’re here to help, and we’ve taken every precaution for your wellbeing and ours.
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'Black Lives Matter' peaceful demonstrations
During the first week in June, protest marches organized by current students and former students at Hinsdale Central grew in numbers over three days. They were in response to the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25. Many carried signs saying “Black Lives Matter� and as each day passed, more people joined in and up to 500 were involved by the end of the week. According to Hinsdale Police Chief Brian King, police officers were present at all three demonstrations and provided minimal crowd control. Marches took place in downtown Hinsdale, where several stores took extra precautions by boarding up windows.
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IT’S YOUR TIME NOW. At SteilDermatology, we understand it’s been a difficult time for families during this COVID-19 period. Schedules have been turned upside down with school, e-learning, work, family activities and yes, even your personal health. Dr. Christina Steil and Dr. Rachel Bognet invite you to make an appointment today at one of our convenient locations in Hinsdale and Downers Grove. Our friendly and conscientious staff will make you feel safe and comfortable the moment you enter our medical practice. Dr. Rachel Bognet
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e all know one—a neighbor, colleague, co-worker, friend—who is making a difference with acts of kindness, hope and gratitude. These are the folks you talk about around your kitchen table, the ones you’ve seen on social media, the people helping people you are thinking about right now. As businesses, organizations and neighbors adjusted to the COVID-19 pandemic, these individuals ignited hope and inspired action, and they are the people we want to lift up and recognize during this time. We invite you to share the stories of these individuals who have been making a difference in our community so that 52
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we can recognize them and be inspired by the ways they are bringing the entire region together. Collaborating on this effort are AMITA Health, Community Memorial Foundation, the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce, the West Central Municipal Conference and the West Suburban Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Collectively, we have been sharing these stories with our stakeholders and partners. Individuals will be recognized at a community celebration at the end of the year. ■
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D I V E H E A RT I N D E P T H
Navy veteran finds way A life with Diveheart family, post 9/11 BY WENDY FOSTER
NAVY VETERAN JESSE KOLEK
Diveheart helped Navy veteran Jesse Kolek find his way. A non-profit organization, Diveheart provides scuba-diving instruction and opportunities for children and adults with disabilities and wounded veterans. Diveheart's office is located in Downers Grove, and the organization has chapters around the world. Following the events of Sept. 11, 2001, Jesse enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a diver. "My primary duties included experimental, salvage, husbandry and rescue-diving," he said. Jesse was honorably discharged in 2011 due to a service-related disability, and he subsequently struggled to figure out his future. "Diving was all I knew and cared about," he said. "I attempted attending community college, but had difficulty focusing and struggled in class. My main desire was to somehow get back into the Navy as a diver. It took a while to realize
that wasn't going to happen." It was through his involvement with an employment program at the local Hines VA Hospital that Jesse connected with Diveheart. In helping identify meaningful civilian employment, Eric Kulesza, the job coach with whom he worked, listened carefully to Jesse's interest and skills. Familiar with Diveheart, Eric approached the organization, sharing Jesse's navy experience, and inquiring about possible employment. "Founder/president Jim Elliott, and executive director Tinamarie Hernandez were receptive to the VA program, and carved out a role to help me be part of Diveheart's mission of helping individuals with disabilities through scuba-diving," Kolek said. "Although I am not performing the same duties as I was in the navy, I still find meaning being involved in diving." Jesse began with Diveheart volunteering as an office assistant. He switched to managing equipment and operations,
something he said he was more "interested and proficient in." The next year, Diveheart secured funding enabling them to hire him part-time. "My duties consist of organizing and maintaining inventory in the gear locker, which is Diveheart's storage facility," he said. "I prepare and stage the equipment for upcoming dive events. I'm also welcome to participate in local weekend dive events." Jesse said that working at Diveheart has been good for his mental health. "Other areas of my life have also seemingly improved since I've been there," he said. "For example, I now have two beautiful girls and own a home in Bolingbrook with my girlfriend Heather. ... "Jim and Tinamarie have been very understanding of my needs and abilities. They are flexible whenever I have medical appointments or parenting responsibilities, and overall, are extremely supportive. I am so glad Diveheart is continuing to expand and benefit more and more people." â– HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com
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Home with the O'Meara family in Clarendon Hills during 'shelter in place'
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rowing up, my dad always burned scented candles and piped music throughout the house. My earliest memories are of The Carpenters and ABBA. Then, he went through a phase of Christopher Cross, Mary Black and U2, eventually settling on classical musicians. And of course, around the holidays, nonstop Christmas classics were on the dial. In the summers, when my dad was still cutting the grass himself, the lawn was always boxed. My mom’s gardens rivaled those pictured in her gardening magazines. The garage floor was immaculate, and every yard accessory was neatly stored behind cabinets my dad built and painted himself. The basement fridge was always stocked with what seemed like every imaginable type of pop. The kitchen counter usually housed a tin or two of my mom’s baked goods, and she kept a hidden stash of candy in the napkin drawer (she still does). The house usually smelled of a turkey, roast or new dish my parents had cooked together, drawing on some new skill or recipe they
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BY BRIDGET O'MEARA
picked up at a recent cooking class. And there were the special occasions when my mom made Grandma Frances’s rolls. She reserved half the dough for butter horns and the other half for cinnamon rolls. I often helped her place a dollop of butter on each triangular cutout before rolling them up. Well before it became in vogue to sustain from carbs, my brothers, sister and I devoured these rolls. A sure scene in the family room was my dad at the end of the workday, with the newspaper hiding his face and our Schnauzer Gretel sitting in his lap. She was never invited into his lap, but he never shoed her away either. My mom usually had a load or two of laundry she was folding on the kitchen table, while trying to finish the day’s crossword puzzle—calling out to my dad, “Who’s a pop star, four letters and starts with 'A?'” I guess it was more than the ambiance of home that always made me feel good: it was the sense of comfort and security I felt. I always knew I was loved and protected within the walls of my childhood home. I
was held accountable to high standards, but I knew I had family that had my back. Now having been quarantined with my three boys and husband in the home we’ve made our own, I found myself channeling my parents more so than ever before—trying to make our home a safe haven—a place that feels secure and comfortable for our boys. I've been baking more than I typically do, trying to stock the cupboards with “good” snacks, playing our favorite Pandora channels, doing my best to cook a variety of tasty meals, encouraging meaningful dinnertime conversation, suggesting activities to fill the time gaps and lighting scented candles. And perhaps more important than all of that, I've been loving the people around me, and trying to be a calming force and a source of hope that all will be okay in these uncertain times. ■ Bridget O’Meara resides in Clarendon Hills with her husband Brian, three boys and two labradoodles.
Hinsdale Magazine | Education
Five Questions with Sarina Renaldi Sarina M. Renaldi & Associates | Learning Specialist Services BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE STAFF
Hinsdale Magazine: How did your students handle the transition from school closing to E-learning? Sarina M. Renaldi: Much depends on their age and grade. My younger students like E-learning, because they enjoy being home with their family and dogs, cats, etc. They are sometimes in their pajamas, they eat snacks, and often move about their house from their bed to the couch or kitchen table. They finish their daily work fairly quickly, which gives them the rest of the day to 58
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play. On the other hand, many of my middle-school, high-school, and college students do not like E-learning, as they feel they must often “teach themselves” the materials; there is little structure to their daily schedule; they miss the social interaction with their classmates and teachers; and they are much less motivated to put forth their best effort, since the grades for the E-learning assignments “can do no harm,” or negatively impact students’ academic standing.
HM: What technology did you implement to make the transition easier? Renaldi: I have used Zoom to work remotely with all my students, and it has been a wonderful means to continue the learning process with my students. When the stay-at-home order was first implemented, I was greatly concerned for my students, knowing they would lose many of the academic skills we had worked so hard to develop during our one-on-one in-person sessions. Many of my students have learning challenges
such as dyslexia, ADHD, struggles with organization, reading comprehension, written language, math, working memory, visual-spatial abilities, nonverbal learning disabilities and autism spectrum disorders. These children need to continually practice new skills in order to develop and master them. They must work much harder to overcome their learning challenges, keep up with their peers, and perform at their optimal level. Any significant periods of time off from developing their deficit areas will set them back many months, and they will lose much of the progress they’ve made. However, with the Zoom platform, I am able to continue my one-on-one sessions remotely, and have found it to be a highly effective tool, enabling me to do nearly everything remotely that I normally to do in-person with each student. With Zoom, we are engaged in face-to-face learning. We can share our screens, use the writing tools, use a white-board to teach lessons, access Google Classroom, Canvas, online educational websites, and work together to complete any E-learning assignments in which the students need assistance. Additionally, each week, I scan and e-mail materials from my office, which are custom-tailored to my students’ specific skill development areas. My students complete these pages for homework, which I then review with them at our next Zoom meeting. HM: Generally, what expertise do you provide for students that has enabled them to carry over skills into the classroom? Renaldi: As a learning specialist, I feel it is critically important to connect with each of my students through their strengths and interests. I want them to feel happy, comfortable, confident and enjoy the time we spend working together. Learning can be fun, interesting and exciting; it can also be challenging, frustrating and stressful. I want my students to understand that everyone learns differently, and has unique strengths and weaknesses. I help my students believe in themselves, learn resilience and perseverance, develop a strong work ethic and most importantly, develop an enjoyment of the learning process. I believe in pushing and challenging my students to achieve at a high level, while also providing them
support, and teaching them to use tools and strategies which will aid their success. I want them to understand that nothing and no one should ever stand in their way of pursuing their dreams. They are highly capable of accomplishing whatever they set their sights on, as long as they are willing to work hard, never give up and do their best. My greatest reward is seeing how proud they are of themselves with the academic successes they experience. I feel tremendous pride watching students I worked with throughout various years of their education head off to college and pursue their careers. HM: Can you discuss your background and why you decided to start your business? Renaldi: I have worked as a learning specialist in private practice in Hinsdale for nearly 20 years. After earning a bachelor of arts in English at the University of Chicago in 1984, I continued my studies in the university's social sciences department, and pursued a master of arts in teaching. After having a son with significant learning challenges, I gained an intense interest in understanding his special needs, and learning how to best help him to overcome his deficit skills. After he entered middle school, I returned to graduate school, attending Northwestern University’s School of Communication, and earning a master of science in communication sciences and disorders, with a specialization in learning disabilities. My vision was to open a private practice to provide diagnostic evaluations and specialized interventions for children and adolescents with various learning needs. I wanted to work with children struggling with learning disabilities by utilizing specialized methods and interventions to develop their deficit skills, so they could achieve at their optimal ability. I also wanted to help families gain insight into their child’s needs, become advocates for their children and support them through the process of raising a child with special needs.
of famous individuals across many career fields who were diagnosed with (or are suspected of having) dyslexia and/or ADHD. Many of the following individuals are on both of these charts. Some of the famous dyslexics include Bill Gates, Steve Jobs, Richard, Branson, Walt Disney, Henry Ford, Leonardo DaVinci, Pablo Picasso, Muhammad Ali, Babe Ruth, Magic Johnson, [Ludwig van] Beethoven, [Peter Ilyitch] Tchaikovsky, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, Stephen Hawking, Sir Isaac Newton, Gen. George S. Patton, George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill, Nelson Rockefeller, Hans Christian Anderson, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemmingway. Some of the famous individuals with ADHD include Sylvester Stallone, Will Smith, Tom Cruise, Vincent Van Gogh, Michael Jordan, [Wolfgang Amadeus] Mozart, [Sergei] Rachmaninoff, Steven Spielberg, Galileo, Gen. Dwight E. Eisenhower, the Wright brothers, Napoleon [Bonaparte], Charles [Prince of Wales], Benjamin Franklin and Abraham Lincoln. When I meet with new students who have a diagnosis of ADHD and/or dyslexia, or any type of learning disability, they sometimes feel discouraged, embarrassed, anxious or have low self-confidence. After I show them these posters, and they recognize the names of these famous and highly-accomplished individuals, they begin to look at having dyslexia, ADHD or learning disabilities in a different light. They realize they may actually have a gift in the sense that they are more creative, think outside the box, are problem-solvers, have developed great coping and perseverance skills, and even though they may struggle academically, they are smart, capable individuals whose learning challenges can be addressed and will not stand in their way of success. I always try to inspire these students by showing them that anything in life is possible through hard work, and that perhaps one day when they grow up, their names will be on these posters along with these legends. ■
HM: Can you talk about some of the famous people on your wall poster who have been diagnosed with learning disabilities, but have become successful? Renaldi: I have two posters on the wall in my office which display the names HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com
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Hinsdale Magazine | Investing
The new SECURE Act and your retirement BY LARRY ATSEFF
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HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE
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ithout much fanfare, the SECURE Act (setting every community up for retirement enhancement) became law in late December 2019. Because it can affect retirement plans, Hinsdale Magazine thought it would be worthwhile to sit down with financial advisors Dick and Jessie Barrett of The Barrett Group of Wells Fargo Advisors in Hinsdale for their thoughts on the law, since they specialize in helping people deal with their retirement. “The concern we hear most is that people worry about whether they will have enough money for retirement," Dick Barrett said. A couple of statistics back him up. The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that only 55 percent of the adult population even have a workplace retirement plan. Those that do have a plan usually do not put enough of their paycheck into retirement. According to Vanguard, the median 401(k) balance for those 65 and older is just over $58,000.
with at least 500 hours per year, and must start tracking part-time employees starting in 2021," Jessie Barrett said. Another important feature, according to Jessie Barrett, is that the age at which retirement plan participants need to take required minimum distributions (RMDs) has been increased from 70½ to 72, (for those who are not 70½ by the end of 2019.) It also allows traditional IRA owners to keep making contributions, as long as they have earned income, or their spouse if filing jointly. This is effective for tax year 2020 and going forward. “Yet another important change [is], except for a few exceptions, the
act is, if the client makes a deductible traditional IRA contribution after age 70½, the amount of their eligible QCD is reduced by the amount of any deductible contribution," Barrett said. Two other features worth noting, according to Barrett, are that the new law allows the use of tax-advantaged 529 accounts for qualified student loan repayments up to a lifetime maximum of $10,000, and it permits penalty-free withdrawals of up to $5,000 from IRAs and qualified retirement plans such as a 401(k) to cover the costs of having or adopting a child. “As you can see, there are a lot of new aspects to this law," he said, "and we at Wells Fargo Advisors work with clients and their legal and tax professionals to determine how these changes can impact their retirement and estate-planning goals.” ■
“Overall, the SECURE Act makes it possible for more retirees to increase their access to their tax-advantaged accounts, which, in turn, could help them improve their retirement plans.”
“Among the key components [is], it encourages employers to provide retirement plans," Barrett said. "They now are allowed a maximum tax credit of $500 per non-highly-compensated employee when they create a 401(k) or simple IRA, with automatic enrollment. The act also raises the cap on automatic contribution increases from 10 to 15 percent of compensation after the first year of participation. It even allows multiple employers to band together to offer retirement plans. To further encourage employers, they now can offer a lifetime income option, and the law has reduced a sponsor’s liability if the insurer cannot meet its financial obligations.” “In addition, for the first time, the law enables many part-time workers to participate in an employer retirement plan work either at 1,000 hours per year, or have three consecutive years
-Jessie Barrett
Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Co. CAR-0320-01296
new law mandates most non-spouses inheriting IRAs must take distributions that empty out the IRAs within ten years after the death of the original account holder," he said. "This provision will impact estate-planning approaches for IRA owners, as well as how beneficiaries manage the tax implications of their inherited IRAs.” Jessie Barrett further said that people with traditional or inherited IRAs who are at least 70½ and older will still be eligible for qualified charitable deductions (QCDs), which allow individuals to distribute up to $100,000 per year from their IRA to a non-profit organization with no federal income-tax consequences. Additionally, QCDs may satisfy all or part of a required minimum distribution (RMD), or exceed it. "One change as a result of the new HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com
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TURN FRUSTRATION INTO CONFIDENCE R or emot In e Ses -Offic sio e ns
Sarina M. Renaldi & Associates, Inc. LEARNING SPECIALIST SERVICES
Individualized Assessment and Specialized Intervention for Children and Adolescents with Learning Disabilities
Dyslexia • Reading Comprehension • Written Language • Math • ADHD/Executive Functioning Nonverbal LD • Autism Spectrum • Gifted-Enrichment • Educational Consultation Test Prep • Remote or In-Office Sessions
Sarina M. Renaldi, M.A., M.S.T. 62
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| 11 N GRANT ST, HINSDALE | 630.323.4480 | SRENALDI@AOL.COM
Hinsdale Magazine | Sports
Juli Konroyd and son Stephen Konroyd, 19
Hockey on Ice Hinsdale family's hockey tradition sustains them during COVID-19 BY SCOTT JONLICH | HINSDALE MAGAZINE
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rofessional and youth sports programs have come to a halt since the Coronavirus pandemic put the economy and our society in uncertainty. Hinsdale-area resident Stephen Konroyd, son of retired Chicago Blackhawks player Steve Konroyd, is in a holding pattern, with the NHL season having been suspended since March 12. “I feel bad for hockey fans and those college hockey seniors," said Steve Konroyd, who works as a pre- and postgame analyst and color commentator for Blackhawks games. "I miss it, and I hope
we can get started up again at some point. We missed the best part of the [NHL] year, because the Blackhawks had about a dozen games to go, and typically that last stretch is kind of like playoff hockey.” Konroyd said the Blackhawks were on the “outside looking in as far as the playoff spot goes.” “They were playing some good hockey, and made some trades at the trade deadline," he said. "The guys weren’t willing to give up." At the same time, 19-year-old Stephen Konroyd was playing his second year of junior hockey in Victoria, British
Columbia, when he got traded to the Boston Jr. Bruins of the National Collegiate Development Conference (NCDC). The 5-foot, 11-inch, 175-pound forward plans on returning to Boston in the hopes of earning a scholarship. The youngest of the five Konroyd children, Stephen has dreams of following in his father’s footsteps. “Unfortunately, I never saw my dad play in the NHL, as I was born in 2000," he said. "But I always wanted to follow in his footsteps and play at a high level of hockey, and that’s what I have been dreaming of my whole life.” HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com
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Stephen started at Hinsdale Central, and after his junior year, he attended Belmont High School in British Columbia while playing hockey on the west coast of Canada. Junior hockey has been canceled across the country until next year. "Unfortunately, our season was canceled right as we were entering the playoffs, and that should make us hungry to start the season" he said. Konroyd has one more year of junior hockey eligibility. Currently, he takes college courses online. The Illinois shelter-inplace gave the Konroyds more time together to reflect on the past and think about the future. In the meantime, Konroyd has found time to work out, while keeping in close contact with his advisor Colby Drost of Paragon Sports. “In hockey, they like looking at kids at age 19 and 20, because the kids are mature and done growing," he said, "and by the time they end their college career they will be 24—and that’s kind of an advantage for some hockey teams to have some older players on their team." A Hinsdale resident since 1988, Konroyd has been doing TV for the Blackhawks for the past 14 years. He retired in 1995, before radio broadcasting in 1996 for the Phoenix (now Arizona) Coyotes. Reflecting on his NHL career, he appreciates the slower pace of life now with his wife Juli and Steve Konroyd of the his children. Chicago Blackhawks “[Broadcasting] was nice, because it was a way of staying involved with the game," he said. "It’s great, because you don’t have the same pressure as a coach or player. It’s great when your team wins, but you don’t take the game home with you. I know coaches—they live and breathe with wins and losses. With broadcasters, when the game is over, you come home, park it and enjoy your life.” Stephen The Konroyds' enjoyment Konroyd of now comes from watching the Victoria Stephen's hockey games live on Grizzlies
HockeyTV, which is convenient, considering Canada and its time zone. They talk to him after every game, and said, “It’s the next best thing to being there.” “It’s great playing hockey up in British Columbia,” said Stephen, whose father hails from Toronto. “Canada is the hockey capital of the world, and it’s nice to be surrounded by a culture that fully embraces the support and has a passion for it. The beauty of British Columbia, with its mountains and atmosphere, is unbelievable, and a huge change for me.” While he misses playing hockey during the Coronavirus threat, Stephen and his family are enjoying family time like most Americans. His mother Juli, a lifelong resident of Hinsdale and a 1982 Hinsdale Central graduate, has watched her share of hockey over the years. “It was fun watching my husband playing for the Blackhawks," she said. "Our neighbors would join us for games, while Stephen would have his own, private cheering section from my hometown. I appreciate every moment from my husband’s playing years, and to now watching my son play.” While our nation awaits professional and youth sports starting up again, fans and families like the Konroyds will continue to reminisce about the championships, and perhaps watch game highlights for moments of glory and inspiration. Fans and amateur athletes will borrow from the inspirational feats of those legendary athletes and parents that once played the game, so that we may take some of that inspiration onto the playing field again. ■
“We missed the best part of the (NHL) year because the Blackhawks had about a dozen games to go and typically that last stretch is kind of like playoff hockey.” -Steve Konroyd
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Grieving and loneliness during COVID-19 pandemic
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BY SCOTT JONLICH
uneral homes in Illinois are essential services that have an unfortunate and difficult challenge with the COVID-19 pandemic. Both the families who have lost loved ones and the funeral home operators themselves face daunting obstacles during the grieving process. Brian Sullivan of Sullivan Funeral Home Services in Hinsdale is a fourth-generation owner and operator in the family business. Sullivan talked with Hinsdale Magazine to discuss the increased challenges and hardships families now face when grieving. It is almost impossible to think that only a few months ago, we would see the last of large public funerals and wakes for the near future. “Anytime there is a loss, it’s tough for a family," Sullivan said. "Not only is there a loss, but we are under restrictions during a time when a family gets together with friends to express feelings and emotions, and it's very tough when they are limited to groups of ten and under. We all understand the guidelines, and it’s the right thing to do now; but it’s really affecting the grieving process for families.” Sullivan said before Illinois went to the ten person and under rule, funeral homes were under the restriction of 50 people at a time, and even at 50, it was difficult for families to pick and choose who
could come. "Thankfully, families had the opportunity to say prayers and remember their loved ones in a close and personal way," he said. Sullivan said his company is "trying to think outside the box" in its desire to make the families more comfortable as they honor their loved ones. “We had people spread out during the procession down the block, holding signs, hearts and pictures," he said. "Some of the things that friends and neighbors have done in the community [have] really been neat.” Sullivan and his staff are doing their best to work with the restrictions, but the thing that hits him the most is that widows and widowers who lost a spouse under the restrictions cannot be around grandkids. “They are at home right now, and they can’t even be around their friends, which is a tough thing in a grieving process," he said. Sullivan said the Illinois guidelines are “absolutely appropriate,” and thinks the ten and under order is what needs to be done for safety. “I think it's our job as funeral professionals to get creative," he said. "We have been doing live-streams. People have done FaceTime. I had a group of kids in a parking lot just waving during the procession. If we have to do things in shifts with 30 people in a family, we have them come in 20-minute shifts, ten at a time.”
But it's not just the emotional toll families are dealing with during the funeral services: it’s the days and weeks after that are the most difficult for those who remain in solitude, with only their thoughts about the one they just lost. "I say this to every spouse, every son and daughter, and that’s to keep your mom or dad busy,” Sullivan said. “Make sure you take them out to dinner or to your house in the next couple of days, weeks and months. They can’t do that right now, so every family that I have been working with, I tell that family to keep calling. For those who could not come to the service, because it had to be private, I tell them to keep reaching out to them; send them a card. "What happens a lot when people experience a loss, their friends come to the wake, and they’re all there for the service; but a lot of time friends are afraid to call for awhile, because they want to give that person some privacy, some space.” Sullivan said that people think the widows and widowers are being bombarded by phone calls, so they leave them alone. He hears from families that it gets quiet afterwards. “I can only imagine how quiet it is right now," he said. "It’s important that if you know the family who experienced a loss, just check on them. Call them and see how they are doing.” ■ HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com
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