Hinsdale Magazine March/April 2024

INSIDE:

The Courtyard Merchandisers

Clarendon Hills

Centennial

Evans Scholars

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GROWING FAMILY TRADITIONS FOR OVER 50 YEARS.

IAnchoring Communities with a Proud History

n 2024, Clarendon Hills commemorates a significant milestone—the 100th anniversary of its establishment, acclaimed as the "Volunteer Village". Beginning this April, the village is set to offer an array of events and activities, celebrating the rich heritage of Clarendon Hills. Refer to page 25 for a glimpse of what's in store, and stay tuned for more updates as the year unfolds.

The invaluable contributions of the Wellness House have been sustained by the Courtyard consignment shop in downtown Hinsdale, which has notably raised $5.3 million over its 33-year history. Our feature acknowledges Sheila Botti, Nancy Keenan, and Kathy Ryan for their pioneering efforts, and now shines a light on Jamie Ott, Tami Carstensen, and Deb Cassidy, who are set to uphold this tradition, supported by dedicated volunteer Leif Johnson.

Hinsdale has garnered statewide recognition for its impressive high school sports teams at Hinsdale Central, a testament to the talent, coaching, and enduring tradition. The remarkable journey of Daniel Orozco and his sister Riley exemplifies the dedication required for success. Daniel's diligent training and his sister's assistance in refining his long-range shooting skills have shaped him into a remarkably accurate shooter. Despite his senior team's current .500 record, Daniel continues to relish his role in the team, maintaining a high level of play while his younger sister, honing her own skills, is emerging as a promising player.

Another remarkable sports narrative awaits! Discover the compelling story of Stan Mikita, revered as one of the greatest players in the history of the Chicago Blackhawks, and how he played a role in establishing a hockey school for deaf players.

Acts of generosity take diverse forms. For instance, the Chicago Auto Show annually channels its fundraising efforts through First Look for Charity, benefitting up to 18 local charities. This tradition continued this year, bolstering crucial initiatives without exception.

The Mend a Heart Foundation, dedicated to supporting children born with congenital heart defects, recently hosted its Heartfest fundraiser, with 100% of the proceeds directly aiding promising medical research, providing scholarships for heart kids to attend survivor camps, and facilitating high school cardiac screenings in the Chicago area.

For those familiar with late-night TV news in Chicago, the name Allison Rosati is synonymous with excellence. Anna Hughes delves into the untold story of Allison, capturing the essence of her remarkable journey and why she has been a perennial favorite over the years.

For 64 years, the naming of the Evans Scholars has consistently been an uplifting highlight in local sports. The Western Golf Association, in partnership with Charles "Chick" Evans Jr., established the Evans Scholars Foundation to grant full tuition and housing scholarships to exceptional caddies. Learn about their remarkable journeys and the profound impact on their families in the feature story, "Right On Course".

In a heartwarming display of community support, Misericordia organized paddle ball tournaments, yielding an impressive $75,000 to assist children and adults with developmental disabilities.

In a thrilling development, local talent has made a breakthrough into the big leagues! Gain exclusive insights into Ronan Kristufek's remarkable journey as he embarks on a tour with Lord of the Dance. Prior to setting out on this journey, he graciously shared his experiences with Maureen Callahan, reflecting on his transformative path from the OMG School of Irish Dance in Westmont. Not only is he showcasing his talent on tour, but he's also giving back by teaching at the very place where his passion for dance ignited.

Lastly, a friendly heads-up: brace yourselves, as the cicadas are poised to make their presence felt! Indeed, we are bracing for dual invasions this spring and summer—a rare occurrence not witnessed since 1803. Be sure to heed the advice from the Morton Arboretum, as managing this double onslaught will warrant extra caution this year.

We hope you enjoy the stories and please let us know how we’re doing!

Scott Jonlich, Publisher sjonlich@hinsdalemag.com

ALLISON ROSATI At Home

EVERYTHING AND THE KITCHEN SINK

Our

16 TO-DOS Spring Activities

19 INSIDE 60521 The Courtyard Merchandisers

25 MILESTONE Clarendon Hills Centennial

28 PROFILE D aniel Orozco

34 COVER At Home with Allison Rosati

39 ACHIEVEMENT Evans Scholars

45 SNAPSHOT House & Home

51 OUTDOORS Cicadas

55 SPORTS Hocky School for the Death and H ard of Hearing

61 ARTS & THEATRE Lord of the Dance

64 COMMUNITY SCENE Mend a Heart

66 COMMUNITY SCENE Cupid's Court

personality Allison Rosati Photo by Victor Hilinski

Beautify

OUT & ABOUT

Looking to get outside this spring?

Local activities abound.

South Side St.

Patrick’s Day Parade

March 17 @ 12 PM southsideirishparade.org

Calling all lads and lasses! Experience the luck of the Irish and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at one of the largest community-based celebrations outside of Dublin, Ireland. It will kick off at noon at 103rd and Western Avenue, marching south to 115th and Western, and it will last approximately two hours.

Hinsdale Easter Egg Hunt

March 23 @ 10:30 AM

Robbins Park

VillageofHinsdale.org

The Easter Bunny is planning a special stop at Robbins Park on March 23 with lots of eggs for all the kids to find. This spring favorite is a great chance for families to have some free fun and for kids to engage in

some friendly competition. The first group (ages 3 and under) will start at 10:30 AM. Other age groups will follow. This event is best for children 11 and under.

Guys and Dolls

Drury Lane Theatre

April 10 - June 9

DruryLaneTheatre.com

Escape for an evening to 1950s New York City to experience one of Broadway’s best. Guys and Dolls tells the unlikely love stories of gambler Sky Masterson and missionary Sarah Brown, along with nightclub singer Miss Adelaide and her fiancé, craps game organizer Nathan Detroit. This classic musical won the 1951 Tony Award for Best Musical. Showtimes vary by date.

Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club

Disco Dreams

April 20 @ 7 PM - 11 PM

Pella Signature

HJWC.us

Join the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club at their annual benefit presented by CD Peacock to

celebrate local organizations, while supporting and raising money for 2023-2024 grant applicants. Guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, a DJ, as well as a surprise live entertainer and silent auction. Tickets can be purchased on HJWC’s website.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTH SIDE IRISH ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Earth Day Park

Clean-up Day

April 22 @ 4 PM - dusk

VillageofHinsdale.org

Spend an evening keeping Hinsdale beautiful in honor of Earth Day. The community will participate in projects like planting or debris removal. Residents can request to work on a park they feel needs attention. This is a great event for all ages, and it’s a great opportunity for scout groups, church or service organizations, and businesses to give back to the community.

Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club

Denim & Diamonds

April 27 @ 7-11 PM

DGJWC.com

Grab your favorite jeans and jewels to join the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club at their annual fundraiser. This year, proceeds go towards the DGJWC Charity Fund and Young Hearts for Life. Support the ladies of the group by contributing to their mission of helping others throughout the community.

Firefly Race Series

May 3 and May 4

MortonArb.org

Put on your running shoes and support the Morton Arboretum by participating in the Firefly Race Series. Enjoy a challenging and scenic course along the Arboretum’s East Side, while

supporting their mission of promoting a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together. Participants may run or walk, but most importantly, they want everyone to enjoy the beautiful landscape in spring bloom.

Westmont Park District’s

“Race to the Flag”

May 19 @ 8:00 AM

Ty Warner Park

RacetotheFlag.org

For a fun and active Memorial Day weekend activity, sign up for Westmont Park District’s “Race to the Flag” benefitting the People’s Resource Center. Proceeds from the 5K run/walk event benefit neighbors in need right here in our community. As a partner in the community,

PRC helps to meet neighbors’ basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing assistance services. The race is a tribute to the people who selflessly serve our country.

Oak Brook Historical Society Presents: Fullersburg from

1832 to 1862

May 19 @ 2PM

Oak Brook Public Library

OakBrookHistory.com

Join the Oak Brook Historical Society and the Fullersburg Historic Foundation as they present on the Fullersburg Historic District, one of the oldest settlements in DuPage County and the only settlement between Chicago and Naperville along Old Plank Road (Ogden Avenue) in the mid-1830s.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTMONT PARK DISTRICT

PHOTO COURTESY OF VILLAGE OF HINSDALE

WE ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT

HINSDALE MAGAZINE

BANKING BUILT FOR OUR COMMUNITY.

Our community is one of a kind. When the air gets crisp here and the snow starts to fall, it’s truly unlike anywhere else. That’s why we’re happy to give back to the area we call home. From event sponsorships to free financial courses, we’re committed to supporting everyone who plays a part in making our hometown great. After all, this isn’t just home to us; it’s home to all of us.

Consigning to Fight Cancer

The Courtyard, Wellness House’s upscale resale shop, helps cancer patients

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

“Through the years, there’s been a magic to this place. Someone has always been looking out for us.” – Sheila Botti, Courtyard co-founder

Some say hindsight is 20/20 vision. For the three founders of Hinsdale’s Courtyard consignment shop, it’s true. This beautifully upscale resale shop exists entirely to help fund programs for Wellness House (WH), a cancer outreach organization in Hinsdale that offers free programs to patients and their families.

More than three decades ago, Sheila Botti, her sister, Nancy Keenan, and their friend, Kathy Ryan, were mulling over a consignment shop together. “Around that time, we were approached by Suzy Stout, a cancer survivor, about creating an income stream to help fund WH programs,” said Keenan. “So, we took our original

idea and turned it into a non-profit organization to support Wellness House.”

Although it was a busy time of life, they decided to try it for a year. “We had 17 children among the three of us,” said Keenan. “So, we thought we’d just give it a try.”

“We stepped up to this challenge without fully realizing what we were doing,” said Ryan. “Honestly, it just kind of fell into our lives.”

“Looking back, we’re just so glad we did this,” said Botti.

Now, 33 years in, the trio is stepping down, but not out. The elegant business they helped to create is not going anywhere, however. The new managers are only new to their managerial posts. They’ve served the organization in other ways for a while.

This is the kind of place people don’t leave. Once they care, they’ll always care.

Jamie Ott is one of Courtyard’s several recently installed new managers. She became a volunteer here after first working at WH. But cancer gets heavy. “I was looking for something a little

Courtyard founders Kathy Ryan, Sheila Botti and Nancy Keenan, along with longtime Wellness House supporter, Bill Walker

Kathy Ryan, Nancy Keenan, longtime volunteer mover, Leif Johnson, and Sheila Botti

lighter,” Ott relayed. “The opportunity here at Courtyard kind of showed itself to me.”

There are 53 active and very dedicated volunteers. Some, like fireman Leif Johnson, have been around since day one. Staff decorators count on Johnson to do the heavy lifting. Literally. Mondays find him and his crew working with decorators to move furniture around the shop. The results are beautiful displays. “His willing attitude is so important because it’s always a puzzle to arrange the items so people can picture them in their own homes. If pieces are set up attractively, sometimes the entire vignette will sell,” said Ryan.

If a volunteer calls in sick, a text message goes out. It’s not unusual to get five offers in five minutes to fill the shift. WH support is always the overarching goal, but the camaraderie among the volunteers seems to be part and parcel. “You get to know other people well,” said Keenan. “I’m widowed. The Courtyard has become a second family to me.”

Botti, Keenan, and Ryan began as vol-

unteers themselves. Eventually, they moved up to the role of merchandiser. “We’ve had a lot of fun over the years,” said Botti. They quickly learned to embrace the adventure of the hunt. Quests for Courtyard treasures have made great memories. Before resale became popular in the Midwest, Botti and Ryan hunted for antiques while they visited their children at East Coast schools.

According to Ryan, the word got out over time. People funneled items their

SAVE THE DATE

The annual Walk for Wellness House will occur on Sunday, May 5, 2024, at The Wellness House in Hinsdale. Proceeds from the Walk further the WH mission to provide accessible and equitable cancer support to thousands of people each year– every step of the way. To participate or for more information, visit wellnesshouse.org.

New managers Jamie Ott (left) and Tami Carstensen (right) flank merchandiser Deb Cassidy

way. “Once, the three of us drove to a wedding in South Carolina,” she laughed. “As we loaded items from an antique store into our rented truck, an older gentleman on the porch in a rocking chair watched us. He asked if we were those ladies who come down from Illinois to shop.”

Curiosities gathered from flea markets as close as Sandwich and Kane County to as far away as England and Denmark help create a one-of-a-kind experience each time shoppers visit The Courtyard. New inventory arrives each week. One may find anything from a rare Limoges box to a well-built pair of sofas with a solid wood table to put between them. Unique chandeliers, retired Lladró figures, custom stained-glass windows, and other accent pieces are usual offerings.

The Courtyard raises $150,000 annually to support WH programs. Since its

inception, $5.3 million has been donated. According to the staff, there has never been a bad day. Botti laughed as she remembered “one freezing cold day when nobody was out and about, and we only made $29. But we still made money!”

Sales have reached new heights through a visible online presence, finetuned by Ott during COVID. Long days at clients’ homes sorting through possible merchandise have given way to an acceptance process over emailed photos. The result is a different collection of unique, quality items each week. All are priced to sell.

Although the staff loves a good find, they are very honest with consigning clients. People sometimes present items without realizing their value. Over the years, there have been some “big saves,” as Botti phrases it. In pre-internet days, a family brought in a chalk drawing after an auction

house had gone through the deceased’s estate. “They came to us not knowing what that drawing was worth,” she said. “We helped them locate the gallery it had come from in South Carolina. The owner of the gallery flew to O’Hare with $15,000 to buy it from the family.”

Another time, a painting of great value by famed American artist Peter Max showed up. “We pointed the family to an appraiser to assess the value so they could sell it themselves for much more,” said Botti.

Good people are attracted to good causes. For 33 years, Botti, Keenan, and Ryan have exemplified this mantra. Now retired from managing and merchandising, the three are Courtyard’s newest volunteers. They’ll still be keeping an eye on things. “We couldn’t leave,” Botti said as she smiled. “There’s a magic to this place that’s hard to define,” said Ryan. ■

The Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club Beckons

As you feel the weather warming up, and you are thinking about outdoor activities, add the Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club to your list of considerations.

Once upon a time, because so many school districts serve Oak Brook families, the club was an important focal point for children and families to get together. Village President Larry Herman feels it can be a focal point again, despite increased competition.

As he points out, the setting has been modernized, and it still has two beautiful swimming pools, five tennis courts, and a clubhouse, which continues to be an award-winning host to weddings and celebrations.

He says, “It’s a great place for not only kids but the entire family to enjoy. And, it screams bargain.”

UNLIMITED BATH & TENNIS CLUB FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS

For use of aquatics and tennis facilities:

• Oak Brook Family Memberships are $900

• Non-resident Family Memberships are $1600

• Corporate Family Memberships are $1300

• Individual and senior memberships are also available

SWIMMING

Not only does it have the pools, but It also has a swim team, managed by volunteer parents and headed by Lara Barber. As she says, “We plan a balance of instruction and fun for about 125 participants each summer. The team competes with six others during the season and the coaching staff is led by the Head Coach of the Lyons Township High School swim teams.”

TENNIS

The club is a tennis players dream. Each of the five courts are individual and use a Har-Tru surface which is easier on the body and makes for better all-around play because of the slower pace of the ball. Very important: Jim Lezzatte is the Head Tennis Professional and a member of the United States Professional Tennis Association. In a recent interview, tennis players of all ages raved about his teaching techniques and enthusiasm.

So, from the swimming and tennis facilities and the coaching staffs, to a setting for memorable occasions, to reasonable pricing, Oak Brook Bath &Tennis Club is a topnotch option.

CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION

Clarendon Hills commemorates the historic occasion

Clarendon Hills has always been a charming and vibrant village with a rich history and a strong sense of community, and this year, it joyfully celebrates its Centennial. With winding streets purposefully inspired by Central Park’s architecture, numerous parks, and recreational facilities, Clarendon Hills offers an ideal lifestyle for its residents.

Known as the Volunteer Village, Clarendon Hills’ founders were independent, hard-working residents who banded together in its humble beginnings. A volunteer fire department and a lone policeman kept the Village safe while residents rallied together to elect their first board of trustees, volunteer as village staff, and establish their first neighborhoods, businesses, churches, and schools. Today, teams of resident volunteers continue to be a valuable resource.

To celebrate this milestone, the Village of Clarendon Hills will hold events and activities throughout 2024 that will educate residents about its rich history, enable them to connect with each other, and motivate them to keep Clarendon Hills thriving into the next century. In January, The Historical Society kicked things off with a Roaring Twenties program, and the Village proclaimed its 100th Year Celebration at the Village Board meeting with music provided by the Clarendon Hills Middle School Jazz band.

The Village will continue with traditional events throughout the year, but they will incorporate something extra to celebrate this special anniversary.

Visit ClarendonHills.us/centennial to be a part of Clarendon Hills’ history and future. ■

Upcoming Centennial Happenings

• Centennial Amazing Race on April 20

• Time Capsule and Chalk Walk Contest (TBD)

• Centennial Poster Contest on May 15

• Community Day of Service on May 18

• Friends of the Library Plant Sale on May 18

• Historical Society Open House on May 18

• Daisy Day on June 14 and June 15

• Daisy Dash 5K on June 16

• Centennial Celebration in Prospect Park (September)

• Oktoberfest on September 14

• Halloween Walk on October 26

• Holiday Walk on December 6

• Passport Adventure Raffle on December 6

Hinsdale Central's Daniel Orozco, shown at a shootout at Sandburg High School in December, took over as a leader for the Red Devils.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

BY JEFF VORVA

Daniel Orozco is a deadly 3-point shooter on the basketball court. The Hinsdale Central senior has made his mark beyond the arc and, at times, makes it look effortless.

But someone who is that good usually has to work at it. That’s where his younger sister, Riley, comes in. When Daniel was growing up, he would take shot after shot after shot in the driveway or, when it was too cold, the Lifetime gym. Riley, who is four years younger, would rebound and throw the ball back to him to help keep the practices going efficiently.

“I would always shoot with my sister and work on my form,” he said. “And it’s stayed with me at this point.”

Let it be known that Riley was more than just a gofer during these practice sessions. Daniel said he did his fair share of rebounding for her as well, and it's paying off for both as she is a strong eighth-grade player at Hinsdale Middle School, and he predicts someday she could be good enough to play college ball.

As for Daniel and his post-high school basketball career?

As of early February, that was still a fluid situation as he was looking for a good business school where he could still hoop it up but he conceded there was a possibility he could give the sport up if the right situation didn’t present itself. His dream job would be as an investment banker.

Meanwhile, he and another sibling, Dillon, were able to play together

during the 2023-24 basketball campaign. Daniel was connecting on long-distance bombs and receiving accolades – including being named to the 16-team Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic All-Tournament Team. He averaged 17 points per game in the tournament.

Prior to the season, he had a 28-point performance with six 3-point baskets in a Greater Purpose Athletic fall league game, causing the training facility to post, "Made some impressive plays off the dribble against taller defenders. Efficient 3 level scoring guard," on X, formerly known as Twitter.

All-in-all, it’s a team sport, and that’s what I like about this team. I don’t think anyone takes credit for anything.

– DANIEL OROZCO

Orozco still managed to enjoy the season even if the team didn’t post gaudy numbers. The 2022-23 team had an unbelievable senior class, and the Red Devils went 31-4, setting a school record for victories. With the top seven players graduating, it was going to be hard to come close to anything like that.

But when the team came up with a huge summer showing, including going unbeaten in their bracket at

Riverside-Brookfield, there was some hope for fans for a winning season. But playing a killer schedule didn't help the record, as the Red Devils were 11-13 through January.

"It's definitely been a big change, that's for sure," Orozco said, comparing the two seasons. "Most of the games we lost came down to the wire in the fourth quarter. I think there are a lot of little things that we could have done better. Loose balls. Turnovers. Missed shots."

As a senior leader, he had his work cut out for him. But even through the tough losses, Orozco said the team was fun to be around.

“We all just tried to stay together,” he said. “Win or lose, we were very connected as a team. We were always going out for food. We would go to each other’s houses to bond and stay connected. That was the best part of that.”

Earlier in his athletic career, Orozco was a strong runner at Hinsdale Middle School as he won the Hinsdale Central feeder school meet in 2019 as an eighth grader. He won by more than 17 seconds in an event with five local schools and 215 competitors. He also finished fifth when he was in seventh grade.

But basketball became a big sport for him in high school and if Orozco does give up the sport, he will miss it.

"I just love being with a team," he said. "All-in-all, it's a team sport, and that's what I like about this team. I don't think anyone takes credit for anything. I like the bonding aspect of it. How many wins or losses we have, it’s a team sport and I love being with other people.” ■

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Anchored in Gratitude

NBC 5’s Allison Rosati talks farm life, faith and fame

BY ANNA HUGHES | PHOTOS BY VICTOR HILITSKI

For some, 5 p.m. signals the end of the workday and the commute back to the comfort of home. For others, it’s cooking the kids’ dinner or settling down for the evening on your family room couch, flipping to channel 5 for the nightly news.

For Allison Rosati, 5 p.m. means saying hello to Chicago with the same smile she’s greeted viewers with for over three decades. Sitting next to her co-anchor, Stefan Holt, she welcomes you back to NBC for another night of the greatest and grittiest parts of the city.

On television, Rosati is the image of confidence, warmth, and poise, engaging both her coworkers on set and her audience at home. She’s a people-person by every definition. But this didn’t always come naturally to her.

“I was such a shy kid. Like painfully shy,” she admitted.

Rosati grew up on a farm in Minnesota with her parents and four siblings. With a dad in the Air Force and an animated family, Rosati had become a master listener, paying attention to all the details. But each night at dinner, her dad expected her to sit down with something to share. That’s when she learned how to tell a story.

“I do think my love for conversation and listening and being interested in politics and stuff was started there,” she recalled.

Although her broadcasts these days can reach millions of people, her main audience back in the day was much, much smaller. It was God. She spoke with Him frequently, which led to the development of a deep faith she carries with her today.

Motivated by her faith and growing interest in storytelling, she entered an essay contest through the American Legion Auxiliary during her junior year of high school. This was the beginning of a series of serendipitous events, which she calls “God moments.” The essay qualified her for ALA Girls State,

a week-long program focused on citizenship, leadership, and helping current and former service members, which heightened her interest in a public career.

This state-wide recognition garnered some attention for Rosati. During her senior year of high school, she was invited to participate in the Minnesota Junior Miss pageant, and she won. The farm girl, so familiar with cattle and corn, now donned a crown. The scholarship that came with the title was life-changing.

“I ended up getting just enough money to go to college for four years. I didn't have any money at all. That, to me, was a God moment,” Rosati said.

The money, however, wasn’t the only thing she gained from that experience. It was the first time people told her that she should be on television, calling her a natural on camera. Until then, Rosati hadn’t considered it much – or at all. She decided to pursue these talents at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota.

The following year, Rosati was welcomed back to help out at the America’s Junior Miss pageant in Mobile, Alabama. Unbeknownst to her, this was another God moment – one that would change the trajectory of her life. Broadcaster Diane Sawyer served as the keynote speaker of the event, and

Rosati was inspired by her message.

“I was so in awe of her… her baccalaureate address was to dream big, and [she] encouraged us that we would set our own boundaries, like, you can go as far as you want to go. And I was like, that's what I want to do,” she recalled.

Sawyer’s strong femininity in the male-dominated broadcasting industry stood out to Rosati. She returned to college, continuing her degrees in both speech and communications, determined to follow in Sawyer’s footsteps and pave a path for herself in television.

After three and a half years at Gustavus Adolphus, various newsroom internships, and an eye-opening trip to Europe, she had no more prize money but many new skills. Rosati was a girl with one reel tape (it was the mid-80s) and a dream. Her dream was to be on a morning talk show in Chicago (like the Today show), something that did not yet exist at the time.

Rosati began by driving around Minnesota and offering her tape to potential employers. Eventually, she was offered a job at KTTC-TV, a local station based in Rochester, Minnesota. From there, things moved pretty quickly. She spent two years in Rochester until moving to Buffalo, New York, where she worked for three years, reporting and anchoring at WGRZ-TV.

Photo by Fabian Ramirez-Bolivar

Then, a contact from a few years prior at NBC’s WMAQ-TV in Chicago reached out. It was a dream realized, another one of those God moments. After just five years in the business, she was offered a spot on NBC 5’s first-ever morning show, “First Thing in the Morning.” In the 33 years since, Rosati has made a name for herself as a prominent journalist in the national news landscape.

“In my mind, that is nothing short of a miracle,” Rosati said. “I was so grateful … I do think God works in mysterious ways. He really does. And what's meant for you doesn't pass you by.”

shows – happily, Rosati adds – reviewing notes for the next hour's newscast.

Rosati doesn’t mind, though. She was never in it for the glitz and glam. She’s there to tell a story and to be a voice for communities often without one. Most importantly, she knows the weight of this role and the impact she has on Chicago and beyond. She considers it a blessing.

Some of the stories are tough to tell, and they can take a toll on any journalist. Rosati, sometimes in need of an anchor herself, finds peace and power in prayer. Each morning, she visits a

It's not all fame and fortune in the news, however, even when you're a household name in a top television market. Every day, the Emmy Award winner does her own hair and makeup. (The makeup artists were not brought back after the pandemic.) She picks out clothes (that she bought with her own money) from her closet at home. On top of everything, she balances being a mom to her four kids and dog, Remi. She and her coworkers joke about “the glamorous life of television” as they heat up Gladware dinners between

favorite spot around her house to meditate and talk to God. In the summertime, it’s her backyard that reminds her of a simpler life on the farm. In the winter, it’s a sunroom with views of her beautiful Burr Ridge landscape. Taking time to stay grounded and seek guidance motivates her to continue what can often be a grueling grind.

The grind is fueled by gratitude – something Rosati incorporates into each of her morning meditations. She believes that there’s more good than bad, both

in people and in life. She challenges herself to find the good in her everyday stories, in her everyday life, and in every person she meets. That’s what her digital show on NBC 5, “Happy to Report,” is all about. It’s a compilation of all the best news of the week, and she encourages viewers to tune in, especially those who are frustrated by today's media.

“I believe that there are so many people out there trying to do the right thing every day, trying to make the world a better place,” she said.

Rosati lives by these words in her own life. She dedicates her time and talents to several local charities, including the Oak Brook Infant Welfare Society. The desire to give back, without any recognition or fanfare, is something that was instilled in her by her upbringing and faith.

“

[My grandparents] worked in the iron mines of northern Minnesota, but they would be the first people to drop off food to somebody who needed it or help change a tire on the side of a road, but never asked for anything in return,” she said.

Despite all her years in the spotlight, Rosati is the same girl she’s always been. She works hard every day, gives back to the community like her grandparents taught her to, and loves her family and the life she has built for herself with deep gratitude and an appreciation for God.

Rosati's four kids are all grown up now, with dreams and passions of their own. When everyone is together, however, they gather in the kitchen for a homecooked meal from Mom, sweet treats from Kirsten's Bakery, and, of course, stories to tell.

It’s the moments like these that remind Rosati of how far she’s come. They remind her of the shy little girl who, by the grace of God and with the gift of gab, paved the way for generations of future journalists and all young women with a dream.

“I’m grateful every day. Because I know how blessed and how lucky I am to do what I do,” she said. ■

Let’s Design + Build Something Beautiful Together

Crafting Extraordinary Homes for 30 Years

Your house is more than the walls around you. It shapes the lives within it, sculpts the rhythms of your days and weeks, and stands witness to years passed and memories made. What better way to build a life you love than in a custom home designed to reflect everything about you.

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Thank You Neighbors

We’ve had so much fun bringing our passion for hospitality to the western burbs. Four years ago, when we first opened, seems like yesterday. It’s always great to see family and friends (old and new) headed a few miles west to Downers Grove. We wouldn’t be here today without you. Cheers to the past four, and cheers to four more!

Much Love -The Foxtail Team Maya, Todd, Tim & Nate

Local youth caddies awarded with Evans Scholarship

RIGHT ON COURSE I

BY ANNA HUGHES

n 1930, the Western Golf Association and Charles “Chick” Evans Jr. established the Evans Scholars Foundation to provide full tuition and housing scholarships to outstanding caddies. To be awarded a Chick Evans Scholarship, recipients must meet the requirements of having a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need, and outstanding character. Scholarship recipients will attend one of the 24 colleges that partner with the program. (WGA officials ultimately choose each student’s school for them based on interest and enrollment numbers.)

Since its inception, over 12,000 young men and women have graduated as Evans Scholars. We spoke with six local students entering this revered group of students and professionals nationwide.

SAMUEL HEMMERSMEIER

Elmhurst, Montini Catholic High School

During his eighth-grade year at Visitation Catholic School, Sam Hemmersmeier and his buddies decided they wanted to try caddying. Their moms coordinated, as moms do, and it wasn’t long before they started at Butterfield Country Club. Hemmersmeier knew about the scholarship, but at the time, he considered it a “far-off dream.” In the meantime, he worked to balance his schoolwork, football, track, and new job, which he said taught him several important skills.

“You get to learn important social skills, like how to communicate and talk with adults other than your parents… You kind of learn to be responsible, and you know, how to make a mistake, or correct a mistake, and do not waste your money when you get paid,” Hemmersmeier said.

Through this job, he met and networked with successful industry professionals who inspired him to pursue his dreams. The scholarship, once a dream, became a reality, and he now plans to study engineering in college on a premed track. It allows him to fulfill his dream of attending medical school without the financial burden of undergraduate debt.

JOSEPH RINCHIUSO

Elmhurst, York Community High School

Joey Rinchiuso started caddying in the summer of 2021, thanks to a flier his mom found at the grocery store. Although he didn’t know about the scholarship at first, he soon saw other caddies wearing green bibs signaling their Evans Scholar status, which piqued his interest. What was initially a summer job turned into a free ride to his school of choice, the University of Chicago, where he was admitted Early Decision. This “life-changing” scholarship will allow him to study economics and computer science. While at Butterfield Country Club, Rinchiuso sat down with several other caddies and golfers, learning from their success.

“One of the most valuable things that you can do is just listen and learn and intake as much knowledge as you can,” Rinchiuso said.

Not only will he have the support of Butterfield members he’s come to know over the years, but he also will have the backing of thousands of other Evans Scholars who encourage each other to succeed. Rinchiuso said the process has helped him develop self-confidence and enhance his communication skills.

JOHN POPE

Willowbrook, Hinsdale Central High School

John Pope started caddying at just 12 years old, thanks to his uncle with connections at Butterfield Country Club. For Pope, caddying has always been about something to work towards – success and improved skills – just like in the sports he played in middle school. This only intensified when he learned about the Evans Scholarship for the first time; this became his new goal to work towards.

“Being around all these successful people really just taught me how to grow into a man and work hard for whatever I’m working towards. I learned that a lot of these successful people are just like me, and with ambition and hard work, I can go and chase my dream and really get whatever I want in life,” Pope said.

Pope said this scholarship is very helpful for him and his family, and he remembers his parents crying tears of joy when he opened the official letter notifying him of his scholarship. He is proud of the work he’s put in, both academically and on the course, that has allowed him to receive this scholarship. Pope plans to major in finance, which he chose after speaking with many successful businessmen and women he met through his job at Butterfield.

TOM REMI

Darien, Hinsdale South High School

T om Remi began caddying in the summer of 2021 at Edgewood Valley Country Club, but that was not his first experience on a golf course. Remi is also a golfer and has played at Hinsdale South High School for four years. He thinks each role helps the other, especially regarding awareness on the course. His expert caddy skills, phenomenal academics, and professionalism earned him a spot as an Evans Scholar.

The best part about caddying for Tom was the confidence boost he’s experienced since he started nearly three years ago. He said he feels more comfortable talking with people and introducing himself, especially to higher-ups in the golf world and other authority figures.

“[It’s] obviously an incredible opportunity to be going [to college] off a full-ride scholarship. And I mean, but you can’t forget the opportunity that I’m allowed to go to one of these top schools, you know, and study and room and network with like-minded people,” Remi said.

He plans to study computer science, which he knows will open a myriad of doors after he graduates college debtfree.

GIANINA MONTORO

North Riverside, Nazareth Academy

During her freshman year at Nazareth Academy, Gigi Montoro was signed up for golf camp (against her will, she joked). The summer after, Montoro’s mom suggested she sign up for caddying at Chicago Highlands Country Club to make some extra money and talk with potential mentors in the golf world. Both the golf team and caddying gig turned out to be a success – Montoro is now in her senior year and is still doing both.

Montoro credits caddying with breaking down her shell. She’s had the opportunity to talk with a variety of professionals who have given her advice and career insight. Going into high school, Montoro wanted to be a teacher, but time on the course changed her mind. While working, she talked with financial advisors and investment bankers who have inspired her to pursue a different path. Now, she’s planning to study finance and accounting – for free – thanks to her scholarship.

“The financial burden that’s been lifted off of me, it’s been like, I can’t even begin to repay the scholarship committee and Chicago Highlands and everyone for what they’ve done for me. I mean, I literally get to start my life without any sort of debt, which is crazy. Like, I feel like that just sets me so far ahead of where I would have been,” Montoro said.

BELLA RAMIREZ

Chicago, Nazareth Academy

Bella Ramirez started caddying during her sophomore year, but her experience is unique compared to some of her peers. She’s part of the Western Golf Association Caddie Academy, which provides summer caddie opportunities to exemplary high school students.

“From caddying, I learned the importance of hard work and friendship. Not only was I working towards the goal of the Chick Evans Scholarship, but I also made some lifelong friends along the way. I developed the skills of money management, the game of golf, communication skills, and instilled self-discipline,” Ramirez said.

Even though she was part of the Caddie Academy, Ramirez knew that she needed great academics and extracurriculars to continue on this path and become an Evans Scholar. She plays lacrosse, leads the Girls Affinity Group, and is involved with the diversity club. She knows that the support of her family, friends, and Nazareth community has contributed to her incredible success as a caddy, student, and role model for other student-athletes. She said that Nazareth’s four pillars of scholarship, service, spirit, and unity have pushed her towards the success that has ultimately led to receiving this scholarship. She is grateful to have received the scholarship and hopes that this tuition and housing money will allow her to pursue a graduate or law degree after college.

Matt Cook and Nathan Filip

Premier Outdoor Environments

Sometimes, a good idea spirals into a great business. That’s definitely the case for Matt Cook and Nathan Filip of Premier Outdoor Environments. The two began mowing lawns and installing small projects while attending York High School in Elmhurst. They continued after graduation, as they both studied business and horticulture.

“We were careful to grow the business slowly while learning the industry,” Filip said. “This allowed us to expand while also creating a solid foundation.”

Filip and Cook's favorite aspect of the business is working with clients to create a space that meets their needs, whether a small seating area for lounging or a larger area for the whole family. Filip loves the challenge of construction, whether working through the logistics of a heated patio or installing a water feature in a pergola. For Cook, watching the landscape come to life and witnessing the transformation of an outdoor space while overcoming terrain challenges is the best part.

“We’re also incorporating screens and heaters to lengthen the outdoor season.” Technology and product innovation for the outdoor space give their team - and homeowners – an abundance of options.

According to Filip and Cook, COVID changed the way people view their yards. “We’re building multifunctional spaces that might include outdoor kitchens and lounge areas with fire features and entertainment systems,” Cook said.

Both realize the importance of making the space work for clients. They spend much time listening throughout the project, to really understand a client’s vision. “We strive to create outdoor spaces that feel like an extension of their home,” Filip said. "Our goal is to create a personalized retreat for them." Functionality is paramount as well.

Much time is spent making sure the layout and flow are useful and practical. Cook added, “We ask clients how much time they have to dedicate to maintenance. The materials and plants we choose must work in the space, or it won't be enjoyable for them.”

Their favorite project to date? Filip and Cook designed a high tech backyard project for a fun-loving family in Oak Brook. Although they learned a lot from the project, “Most importantly we formed a great bond with the family that continues to this day,” Filip said. ■

Chad Esslinger

Esslinger Design Company

Reality television can make it seem like design and renovation are faster and easier than they genuinely are. Chad Esslinger knows this firsthand as a designer on an episode of HGTV’s House Hunters Renovation a few years ago. He also knows otherwise. Working in the industry for the last 27 years, he understands good design is a marathon and not a sprint.

Although his first 14 years were in the corporate product design world, he followed his personal mantra – and Nike slogan"Just Do It" and gambled on himself to pursue his passion. He launched his own design studio in 2011. Fueled by his burning desire to work for himself, what started as a combination of freelance product design and small residential design projects has morphed into a successful interior design, decorating, and remodeling business. Today, his clients reside all over Chicagoland, and he works virtually with several out-of-state clients.

According to Chad, “Not too many dads do what I do. I bring a family man perspective to my projects, focusing not only on what is aesthetically pleasing but also practical, functional, meaningful, and enduring.” He understands that homes are a reflection of the owner's needs and personalities and helps them

achieve a unique and personal look that is both classic and timeless. "People do not want the same look as their neighbor, and good design infuses personality and character into homes, creating a distinctive space."

Looking back, Chad has no regrets about

launching a venture in design. Although balancing his successful business with home life can be tricky at times, his passion endures. Building his company did not happen overnight. "I took my time learning about the industry over the years, and I am honored to be able to help so many people with their homes.”■

Who’s Trimming Your Hedges?

Your local landscape isn’t what it appears. What you need to know about the quietly shrinking pool of owner-operated landscaping companies.

Stories about large corporations gobbling up their competitors is nothing new. But did you know the hottest sector in mergers and acquisitions is in your own backyard? That’s right – access to a soughtafter demographic and a consistent revenue stream has made the business of residential landscape design and maintenance the “new darling of the market”.

Many local landscaping companies you see around your neighborhood are being bought up by hedge funds and private equity firms. But you would never know it, until now. Tom Lupfer, former President of the Illinois Landscape Contractor Association (ILCA) and Founder of Lupfer Landscaping Company, shares his unique perspective on this industry trend and its impact on businesses and homeowners.

“As the owner of a local landscaping company that’s been entrenched in our community for over 30 years, it’s great to see money come into the industry. But as a life-long resident and industry guy, it’s hard to see those long-time owners leave. The accumulated knowledge that’s lost every time an owner sells is impossible to replace.”

Acquisitions follow various business models. According to Tom, there’s a specific acquisition strategy impacting locally owned residential landscaping companies that is cause for concern. “Basically, what happens is an investment company buys an

established residential landscape business, removes the owner, and doesn’t replace them. Then they “standardize” the work, which means less customer service and limited knowledge about the land they’re

our community let alone at a customer’s house.”

Now that you’re aware of this trend, it’s important to know who’s actually behind the brand that you’ve entrusted to bring your landscaping vision to life. Names of the original owners may still be on the trucks and uniforms, but the original owner may no longer be associated with the company. That human, personalized touch is gone. Thankfully, that’s not the case at Lupfer Landscaping.

“When you hire Lupfer Landscaping, it’s my name on the truck and I’m the person my customers work with. Residential landscape design and maintenance is a very personal service. We help create outdoor settings where families and friends will gather, photos will be taken, and memorable moments will be shared and cherished for generations to come.”

cultivating,” Tom explained. “Then, the investment company pumps up the numbers and sells the package to another private investor. It’s all about their return-on-investment.”

An increasing number of companies are selling out. Many times, the result is not only less personalized service and lower quality output, but sadly, less community engagement too. “These new owners aren’t on the ground with their clients and crews, like me and the few owner-operator colleagues that are left.

These investors are in an office somewhere, nowhere near

When deciding who to hire for your landscaping needs, ask if the company is owner operated. If the name on the truck doesn’t belong to the owner of the company, you may want to hedge your bet on a locally owned and operated landscaping firm instead.

“I know my clients and they know me. I grew up here and my roots go deep in this community. I still have my very first customer,” Tom said. “Years ago, another of my customers asked me to do a special “sprucing” for her daughter’s first communion. I just did another special “sprucing” for the same customer, for her daughter’s wedding.”

For information about Lupfer Landscaping, scan the QR code or visit lupferlandscaping.com.

Tom Lupfer, President of Lupfer Landscaping, and former President of the Illinois Landscape Contractor Association.

Making a

Comeback

The Return of the Cicadas

BY ANNA HUGHES | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE THE MORTON ARBORETUM

Arare ecological event is happening this spring and summer, but it comes with lots of crawly legs and beady eyes. For the first time in 221 years, two broods of cicadas (Brood XIX, which arrives every 13 years, and Brood XIII, which comes every 17 years) will be making their way above ground at the same time. This is the first time this has happened since 1803, when Thomas Jefferson was president. In 2024, the United States will see a trillion cicadas, but what does that mean for us here in Illinois?

Illinois will experience both broods at the same time. The west suburbs of Chicago will experience Brood XIII, which inhabits the northern third of the state and parts of lower Wisconsin. The southern parts of the state will see Brood XIX. While entomologists

recommend enjoying this rare occurrence, they say to expect a lot of noise and a lot of bugs.

Warning: Potential Plant Damage Cicadas, however, are more than just pesky. They can be very damaging to trees and plants during the spring and summer months. We spoke with Morton Arboretum Plant Health Care Leader Stephanie Adams, who offered some advice on how to protect against insect invasion.

1. Avoid planting new trees (if possible) until late summer or fall. This is best to prevent the young plants from experiencing too much damage in their early growth stages.

2. Grab some tulle or netting and wrap up your trees! Female cicadas inject their ovipositor, a

sharp external organ, into a branch just underneath the bark to lay eggs so they're protected. This cuts slits into the underside of small branches. Adams explained it's not normally where people think about looking for insect damage because it's actually on the underside of branches instead of the top. For people with manicured gardens, she suggests buying protective fabric sooner rather than later!

3. Pesticides are not necessarily the answer here. Studies have not proven that pesticides are helpful for large-scale problems like cicadas. As for contact insecticides, they should be avoided because they would likely be damaging more non-target organisms than cicadas.

4. Don't cut off branches that seem to be damaged. Adams said that as long as the leaves are green on the trees, they are still photosynthesizing. It's better to wait until the branch is fully dead to cut it off to avoid doing excess damage to the tree.

The good news is that cicadas are native insects, so native trees should not suffer too much from their emergence. Typical damage is no more than native pruning. It's vital that other trees or plants you may have added to your lawns and gardens receive adequate protection, especially young ones. For those wondering how to properly cover their plants, the Arboretum is a great place to see examples of proper netting.

Which trees do cicadas prefer?

The arboretum's website says that preferred plants for egg-laying include apple, hickory, maple, and oaks. Members of the birch, dogwood, walnut, willow, linden, and elm plant families may also be used. They may also lay eggs in introduced exotic ornamentals such as rose, cotoneaster, forsythia, ginkgo, pear, and lilac. Cicadas tend to avoid plants whose sap or gum may prevent egg hatch or keep nymphs from escaping, such as conifers, sumac, cherries, peaches, plums, and persimmon (Brown and Zuefle, 2009).

—“A Dining Mecca!”

AMERICAN

Alter Brewing & Kitchen 1170 W 22nd St., Oak Brook 630.819.8411 alterbrewing.com

Beatrix

272 Oakbrook Center 630.491.1415 beatrixrestaurants.com

Blackwood BBQ

1715 W. 22nd St. Oak Brook 312.487.4815 blackwoodbbq.com

Game of Irons

3041 Butterfield Rd #104, Oak Brook 630.303.9454 gameofirons.com

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar 1775 22nd St., Oak Brook 630.526.4308 lazydogrestaurants.com

Table at Crate 35 Oakbrook Center 630.590.9444 tableatcrate.com

The Grill At Oak Brook Golf Club 2606 York Rd., Oak Brook 630.368.6400 golfoakbrook.org

True Food Kitchen 105 Oakbrook Center 630.716.3056 truefoodkitchen.com

ASIAN

Bibibop Asian Grill 1725 22nd St., Oak Brook 630.634.5616 bibibop.com

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar 1755 22nd St., Oak Brook 630.791.4721 kurasushi.com

Naansense

1715 22nd St., Oak Brook Phone to come eatnaansense.com

ITALIAN

Antico Posto 118 Oakbrook Center 630.586.9200 antico-posto.com

Labriola Café

3021 Butterfield Rd Ste 105, Oak Brook 630.574.2800

labriolabakerycafe.com

La Barra

3011 Butterfield Rd, Oak Brook 630 861 7617

labarraristorante.com

Pinstripes

7 Oakbrook Center 630.575.8700 pinstripes.com

LATIN

Coa (Drake Hotel) 2301 York Rd, Oak Brook 630.264.1550 coaoakbrook.com

El Tapeo (Le Meridien Hotel) 2100 Spring Road, Oak Brook 630.828.2044 eltapeooakbrook.com

Taqueri Invicto 1715 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook

Phone to come taqueriainvicto.com

STEAKHOUSE

Michael Jordan’s 1225 W 22nd St., Oak Brook 630.828.2932

michaeljordansteakhouse.com

Old Town Pour House 8 Oakbrook Center 630.601.1440 oldtownpourhouse.com

Wildfire

232 Oakbrook Center 630.598.9000 wildfirerestaurant.com

HOTEL DINING

Longitude 87, El Tapeo Le Meridien 2100 Spring Road, Oak Brook 630.368.9900 marriott.com

Hearth Lounge, Hyatt Lodge 2815 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook 630.568.1234 hyatt.com

Water’s Edge, Hyatt Lodge 2815 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook 630.568.1234 hyatt.com

Lakeside Private Parties 2815 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook 630.568.1234 hyatt.com

Residence Inn, Breakfast 790 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook 630 571 1200 marriott.com

Hyatt House H Bar 210 22nd St., Oak Brook 630.590.1200 hyatt.com

Hyatt House Morning Spread 210 22nd St., Oak Brook 630.590.1200 hyatt.com

Doubletree The Lounge at 1909 1909 Spring Road, Oak Brook 630.472.6000 hilton.com

Doubletree Atrium Café 1909 Spring Road, Oak Brook 630.472.6000 hilton.com

The Drake Colonial Room 2301 York Rd., Oak Brook 630.571.0000 thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com

The Drake Coa 2301 York Rd., Oak Brook 630.264.1550 coaoakbrook.com

The Drake Polo Lounge 2301 York Rd., Oak Brook 630.571.0000 thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com

The Drake Aroma de Café 2301 York Rd., Oak Brook 630.571.0000 thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com

The Drake Sunday Brunch 2301 York Rd., Oak Brook 630.571.0000 thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com

BREAKFAST/QUICK SERVE

Blueberry Hill Café 3041 Butterfield Rd, Oak Brook 630.575.8401

blueberrybreakfastcafe.com

Corner Bakery 240 Oakbrook Center 630.368.0505

cornerbakerycafe.com

Jeni’s Ice Cream 521 Oakbrook Center 630.822.7996 jenis.olo.com

Starbucks 2407 W 22nd St., Oak Brook 630.368.1091 starbucks.com

ONE GOAL AT A TIME

Stan Mikita’s Hockey School helps Deaf players gain skills while building community

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

Each June, 80 kids from every corner of the country come to Itasca to participate in Stan Mikita’s Hockey School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. It’s a one-of-a-kind summer camp for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students to participate in an instructional hockey program while just being themselves among other DHH players.

Players of every level of ability, along with their families, have the opportunity to build community. Parents can bounce ideas and solutions to problems off each other. Kids can make other DHH hockey friends who

understand them.

Now in its 50th year, Stan Mikita’s Hockey School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing has broadened hockey opportunities for thousands of DHH players. Half a century ago, former Chicago Blackhawks superstar, Stan Mikita, was approached by his friend, Irv Tiahnybik, a local business mogul and owner of Leon’s Sausage Company. Tiahnybik’s son, Lex, was a goalie who played in a local hockey league. He was Deaf.

Tiahnybik saw Lex being discriminated against due to his hearing loss. He wanted to create a place where Lex could be himself and

2023 marked the school's 50 year anniversary.

spend a week playing hockey and learning new things without worrying about prejudice.

Tiahnybik called his good friend - Chicago Blackhawk, Stan Mikita - and asked him what he was doing that summer. As soon as Mikita heard Tiahnybik’s idea, he jumped at the chance to help.

Stan Mikita had immigrated from Slovakia to the United States via Canada. He rose through the ranks through hard work and grit. The NHL superstar could identify with the struggles his friend's son experienced. “I think my dad was so willing to get involved because, as an immigrant, he knew what a language barrier meant when you're trying to learn a game like hockey,” remembered Stan’s daughter, Jane Mikita Gneiser. “My dad wasn't deaf, but he remembered the struggles he had incorporating into a sport at a language disadvantage.”

Through the combined efforts of Mikita’s hockey contacts and Tiahnybik's business influence, the camp began in the summer of 1973. Kevin Delaney, himself DHH, is the Board President, as well as a program alum. “When I was a kid attending the camp in the 80s, we had some fabulous coaches from the Chicago Wolves and the University of Wisconsin. Other Blackhawks showed up, as their schedules permitted, to help. Gunzo’s Hockey Headquarters, the official outfitters of the Blackhawks, donated any needed equipment. Downers Grove natives Tony and Cammie Granato have also lent their time and talent to this worthy cause,” Delaney relayed. “We’ve been very lucky.”

While players must pay hotel and transportation costs, no coaching or rink fees are assessed for the week. The camp is entirely subsidized through the generosity of a large pool of donors. “

Tiahnybik had a huge group of successful business contacts who helped him cover costs,” said Gneiser. “The donor base has grown over the years.”

To qualify, students must need a hearing device. Most participate in a Deaf program at school. Campers and their

“I think my dad was so willing to get involved because he understood, as an immigrant, what a language barrier means when you’ re trying to learn a game like hockey.”

– JANE MIKITA GNEISER, DAUGHTER OF BLACKHAWKS HOCKEY LEGEND, STAN MIKITA

families stay at the Hyatt Itasca. Each day, they are bussed to The Edge Ice Arena in Bensenville, where they have skills instructions in the morning. Afternoons are spent playing games against local teams. “A few times, the opposing teams were offered earplugs so they could get an idea of what it would be like to play hockey without being able to hear,” said Delaney.

Other than that, it’s regular hockey, with just a few exceptions. To stop play, referees put their hands up in addition to blowing a whistle. There are lights on the boards that flash when play stops. “There's still the typical noise of the game – skates and sticks brushing the ice and pucks slapping the boards,”

said Delaney. “The only thing missing is the yelling between the players you often hear at a regular hockey game,” he laughed. There are interpreters on the bench if needed.

While hockey instruction was the initial reason for the camp, Gneiser sees another important angle. “It’s not just a school for hockey instruction,” she said. “It's about families meeting other families in the same circumstances. My dad got our whole family involved when we were kids. We got to know a lot of those kids’ families and are still friends now,” she said.

“Publicity wasn’t my dad’s forte, but he lent his name to the school, knowing it would help them gain notoriety and therefore get the word out for fundraising and instructional help from other Blackhawks,” said Gneiser. It worked.

There are countless awards to Stan Mikita’s name. But the plaque on his statue outside the United Center immortalizes him the way fans best remember him. ‘Keep your feet grounded and always remember where you are from,’ reads the inscription. It's reminiscent of his attitude toward life, including this project.

Registration for the 2024 Stan Mikita Hockey School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing is ongoing. This year's dates are June 8-15, 2024. For registration information or to donate, visit ahiha.org. ■

Irv Tiahnybik, owner of Leon’s Sausage Company and Stan Mikita, Blackhawks legend

Did you know locally owned and operated landscaping companies are becoming a thing of the past due to mergers and acquisitions? That means less personalized service and lower quality for customers.

Lupfer Landscaping is owner-operated, proudly serving residents in the western suburbs of Chicago for more than 30 years.

“Myrootsinthecommunitygo deep.Iwasbornandraisedhere and have worked in this area myentirelife.It’smynameon thetruck,andI’mtheperson mycustomersworkwith.That’s what makes us different from the rest.”

- Tom Lupfer, Owner and President, Lupfer Landscaping

For a landscaping company that treats you like a person, not a number, contact Lupfer Landscaping.

Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity

This year marks the 116th edition of the Chicago Auto Show, North America's longest-running auto exposition. First staged in 1901, the show brings thousands of people together to showcase hundreds of different vehicles including domestic and imported passenger cars, trucks, sport-utility vehicles, minivans, and experimental and concept cars from more than two dozen manufacturers.

The show, which ran Feb. 10-19, 2024, kicked off with the annual First Look for Charity, a black-tie gala that raises money for 18 local charities, on Feb. 9. This year, the event donations topped $2.8 mil-

lion. In the event’s 32-year history, they have now raised $62 million for local charities and nonprofit organizations in the greater Chicago area.

First Look for Charity allows attendees to view the auto show before it opens to the public. Tickets are $325 per person, and each ticketholder can choose to contribute to all charities or specify one beneficiary. The show also highlights local Chicago businesses by featuring gourmet dishes from fan-favorite restaurants, live music, and deluxe drinks.

Chicago Auto Show co-president and general manager Jennifer Morand explained how board members of the Chicago Auto Trade

Association each elect a charity to benefit from this event. She said they often choose a group they’ve personally supported for many years.

“They're behind this effort, and they want to, you know, raise money and raise awareness for organizations that need it the most,” Morand said. “It makes them feel proud that they get to actually, you know, bring them on because First Look for Charity is so impactful for these groups. And sometimes, in a lot of cases, they actually rely on the event to help them raise money that they use for their programs and services throughout the year.” ■

A Local DANCE LORD

OMG School of Irish Dance’s Ronan Kristufek joins Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

Local resident Ronan Kristufek is currently performing on the world stage. After landing a spot on the high-energy Lord of the Dance North American show tour, he will dance in 36 cities over seven weeks. Kristufek got his start at 9 years old at Onórach Mulhern Geraghty Academy (OMG) School of Irish Dance in Westmont. He now teaches there.

Kristufek has competed at 7 World Irish Dance Championships. While this wildly talented young man loves

the stage, his other great passion is teaching. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing students learn and progress,” Kristufek smiled.

The performer sat down with Hinsdale Magazine’s Contributing Editor, Maureen Callahan, before leaving for his whirlwind tour.

HOW DID YOU BECOME PART OF LORD OF THE DANCE?

A lot of it had to do with the dance resumé I have built over the last few years. I’ve competed quite a bit. The Lord of the Dance show director had

seen me dance at a few competitions. I had reached out to him simultaneously to inquire about the show, too. So, it was a combination of effort on both sides. I danced in Feet of Flames, another Michael Flatley show, in Taiwan last November. It went well. After that show, I was offered a part in the Lord of the Dance North America tour, which kicked off in early February.

HOW DO YOU PRACTICE/ TRAIN FOR THE SHOW?

The choreographers give us the dances to study at home. I practice

Kristafuk starred in Lord of the Dance's Asian tour last fall.

"My best advice would be to always remember what you love about Irish dance and keep it as your focus."

- RONAN KRISTUFEK

about an hour or two a day to learn the steps. You are expected to know 100% of what you’re doing on the first day you arrive. I’m lucky to be a fast learner. There are 1 or 2 days of practice before the show starts, but that’s just for fine tuning. There is one male and one female dance captain and a creative director. They’re there to critique you. In the end, everyone wants to put on a great show, so veteran cast members are very helpful to newer ones.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A DANCER GETS INJURED?

There's a physical therapist who travels with the show that is available to anyone who needs them. The dancers are in very good shape, almost like professional athletes, but something could always happen. If a

dancer has to be out for just a couple of shows, someone on the cast can usually fill in. There are also several understudies who know the numbers in case someone must be out for a few days. If it goes longer than that, there are “reserve” dancers who can fill in.

HOW DO YOU STAY ENERGIZED FOR A SHOW THAT LENGTH?

Lord of the Dance has a running time of about two to two and a half hours. Most of the time, it doesn’t seem as exhausting until you look back at what you’ve been doing the last few hours! With a show like that, there's an energy that comes from the audience, too. At times, you're breathing heavily, but the artistry of the show definitely pushes you forward.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR DANCERS FOLLOWING A SIMILAR PATH?

Obviously, it’s very important to listen to your teachers and practice. I am blessed to have the Mulherns as teachers. They’re the best around. In addition to teaching me, they also helped nurture the love I have for Irish dance. My best advice would be to always remember what you love about Irish dance and keep it as your focus. I passed through some years of competition when I didn’t necessarily win a lot. But I kept at it because I loved it. So, don't give up on yourself when you get frustrated. Dance because you love it.

Kristafuk advises students to dance "because they love it, not for honors."

Photo by Andrea Waala

OMG students, Ronan Kristafuk and Libby Carty, at the 2023 Irish Dance World Championships

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Terrence M. Sullivan and Brian D. Sullivan

Mend a Heart Foundation

A country western hoedown was held in February by Mend a Heart Foundation benefiting kids born with congenital heart defects. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the Heartfest 2024 fundraiser benefit promising medical research, summer camp scholarships for heart kids, and high school cardiac screenings in the Chicagoland area.

Brian and Bridget O'Meara were inspired by their son, Liam, to start the Mend a Heart Foundation in 2007. Liam was born with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome (HLHS), which meant that he was essentially missing half his heart. He has successfully undergone three reconstructive heart surgeries. To date, the foundation has raised more than $1.4 million toward causes that support its mission.

PHOTOS BY LAURA MEYER

Cupid Courts Misericordia

The Cupid Courts Misericordia paddle event was held in early February and, once again, a "smashing" success. This day of non-competitive paddle tennis play has tripled in size over the years. Eight private clubs are now used in the western suburbs for the fundraiser, bringing the paddle tennis community together while supporting a great cause. The event historically raises over $75,000 for Misericordia.

Founded in 1921, Misericordia currently supports 600 children and adults with developmental disabilities in a campus setting rich with activities and opportunities. This most vulnerable population lives in an environment of respect and beauty where they are challenged to be their best, thanks to the loving care of Misericordia staff and volunteers.