Hinsdale Magazine August 2021

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HINSDALE’S FIRST MAGAZINE August 2021 $5 US

A SEASON TO REMEMBER Daker and Montesantos Lead Hinsdale Red Devils

+

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Oh! Oak Brook!

Celebrating its Rich History

“Giving Back” Success Stories

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

Patient Care is our Top Priority

A

t Hinsdale Dentistry, we understand dental settings have unique characteristics that warrant specific infection control considerations.

Therefore, with respect to our valued patients, we prioritize the most critical dental services. This allows us to minimize harm to patients from delaying care, as well as harm to both patients and personnel from potential exposure to COVID-19. Dr. Harnois and Dr. Kowalczak proactively communicate to both personnel and patients the

“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.

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

WHY PATIENTS TRUST HINSDALE DENTISTRY AND DR. PETER HARNOIS FOR THEIR

SMILE MAKEOVERS

Hinsdale Dentistry transforms hundreds of smiles per year. Just why are so many patients choosing this practice for cosmetic dentistry? Because they know that Dr. Harnois is an esthetics expert—not just regionally, but internationally. Combine his authority with the top-tier technologies available at his practice, and the decision becomes crystal clear.

Hinsdale Dentistry has long been setting a standard for comfortable patient care, with the aid of multiple dental lasers and the iTero digital scanner for digital impressions. These tools provide more comfortable, precise and efficient treatment and give patients of all ages a new understanding of dental care. Whether Hinsdale Dentistry’s patients are children receiving fillings prepared with a water laser and no painful shots, adults prepping teeth for crowns or veneers, or anxious patients hoping to whiten their teeth without sensitivity or to avoid traditional impressions, the practice’s minimally invasive technologies revolutionize their experience.

Dr. Harnois’ mastery of these tools has led to him becoming a sought-out trainer for emerging dental technologies and techniques. He travels throughout North America teaching other doctors to provide similarly exceptional treatment, sharing his skills as a clinician and esthetics authority.

DR. HARNOIS’ INTERNATIONAL LECTURING As a clinical trainer and lecturer for The American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, and DenMat, the manufacturer of Lumineers, Dr. Harnois provides handson training and education to dental and medical professionals across the country. He shares his philosophy that every patient deserves the most gentle and minimally invasive cosmetic and metal-free dental treatments with natural results, and enables other dentists to elevate their patient care.

THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF COSMETIC DENTISTRY (AACD) Dr. Harnois is a 10-year member of the AACD, which is considered the highest body of knowledge of esthetic dentistry. He is also one of the main presenters at their annual educational symposium each year.

THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF FACIAL ESTHETICS (AAFE) Dr. Harnois is the President of the Illinois American Academy of Facial Esthetics and trains dentists in Botox and dermal filler techniques. He is a nationally recognized leader in minimally invasive total facial esthetic techniques. Dr. Harnois has instructed thousands of healthcare

professionals through both lecture and hands-on courses and is an outstanding instructor who is known for his coherent and interactive style.

DENMAT, LUMINEERS MANUFACTURER Dr. Harnois partners with DenMat to train other dentists in minimally invasive esthetics. He provides hands-on preparation and placement of minimally invasive, ultra-thin, highly esthetic veneers, and educates other dentists on smile design and case consultation and evaluation. He has also authored their educational platforms for the last four years.

As an educational leader for current dental technologies and minimally invasive procedures, Dr. Harnois is able to truly transcend and provide patients with unparalleled dental care. If you’re interested in learning more about a noninvasive smile makeover or full mouth rehabilitation, reach out today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

We are offering specials on Lumineers smile makeovers—reach out today to learn more!

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

LETTER from THE PUBLISHER

CELEBRATING THIS SPECIAL SUMMER OF FREEDOM Never has an entire, large population like the US, with extraordinarily diverse levels of sophistication, education, income, and different races and political leanings, experienced such confinement and restrictions like we collectively just have gone through in the past 15 months. While we haven’t been dealing with 5 years of World War II, the Covid-19 pandemic has taken a full range of tolls on our lives, our families, our jobs, our health, our possessions and finances.

You never fully appreciate how good you have it until you have lost it. Not everything is rosy. There has been a terrible cost among families who have lost members to Covid-19. Some businesses in Illinois and in our community will not reopen. People’s jobs have been lost. And, in the background, we are still warned that Covid-19 variants may be on the horizon.

Cubs? Well maybe next year? In any event, you certainly can now have fun again at the ballpark. We’ll give you a look at activities both are offering this season, including the City Series of six games between the two. Why, you can even go to the Iowa site of the movie “Field of Dreams” and watch the Sox play the Yankees on August 12.

And, of course, we have a full range of activities in DuPage County and downtown Chicago. We’ll remind you of the many places and activities you can enjoy once more. Maybe just more walks around the block are in order.

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Nevertheless, we’re getting out from under.

Let’s take a little time to reflect a bit. Then, let’s look ahead to the rest of the summer and beyond.

A SEASON

If you’re interested in a large family vacation home, we have one for you. Located on Green Lake in Wisconsin. Hinsdale’s Johnston family have enjoyed the home since the sixties. Naturally the family has grown and outgrown the location so they recently decided it was time to remodel. They engaged a special group to re-imagine and expand their home to bring it up to date. You’ll see how beautifully it has been done. And, yes, you can inquire about rental.

Some habits have changed. Shopping TO REMEMBER online has picked up which has affected how We’re putting a special emphasis on Oak Daker and Montesantos businesses offer their services. Parents and Brook, the village envisioned by Paul Butler.

Lead Hinsdale Red Devils children have learned how to zoom, which, Last month, we recounted how he created + in turn has affected how we do our jobs and what is now Oak Brook. This month we want students learn. We’ve learned that zooming to remind you about what makes Oak Brook is better for some situations at a job and in so special today. And, with an interesting school situations, and face to face is still better for other situations. map, we’ll recount and illustrate how Oak Brook slowly but surely It is all shaking out as companies and employees and students/ grew into the village it has become as it annexed land surrounding parents/school boards look at how hybrids of zoom and in- the original core in 1958. And, we’ll recount how Butler National person can best suit each set of situations. became part of the PGA tour for almost 20 years when it hosted the Western Open.

Fortunately, surveys show that, in general, people are getting optimistic. There is pent-up demand and money to be spent as As is our custom, we’ll update you on our worthy non-profits the weather is better and people are interested in getting out and such as Misericordia, Wellness House, Hinsdale Junior Woman’s about, and getting back to enjoying life again.

Club, Hinsdale Community House, and the Hinsdale Historical Society Kitchen Walk. And remember, you can revisit all of this Baseball Symbolizes Our Return To Good Times on www.HinsdaleMag.com.

There is no better symbol for summer and outdoors and fun than baseball, our national pastime. Right on cue, the Hinsdale Isn’t it great to have our freedom again!

Central baseball team enjoyed their greatest season record.

Congratulations to them! We’ll give you a recap of the season they Scott Jonlich just had.

Founder & Publisher Oh! Oak Brook!

Celebrating its Rich History

Cubs & White Sox Baseball is Back

In addition, we’re fortunate to have the White Sox and Cubs in town. The Sox look like they will get to the post season. The 8

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Local Organizations Are Opening Up

sjonlich@hinsdalemag.com

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CONTENTS 10 PUBLISHER’S LETTER 14 COVER STORY-SPORTS

Hinsdale Central earns conference and regional titles 14

Baseball symbolizes our return to good times 22 Jim Fannin

26 OUT AND ABOUT

10 events that will make this one a summer to remember 26

DuPage County 28

Beyond Words dance company wins regional honors

32 CELEBRATING OAK BROOK

24 BACK TO SCHOOL

30 OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE

Oh Oak Brook 32

PAUL BUTLER-The father of Oak Brook and much more 36

How Oak Brook grew from 1958 to 2008 42

44

44 CELEBRATING FREEDOM

Hinsdale Fourth of July Parade 44

Military history weekend returns 47

48 GIVING BACK

52

14

Transfer of wealth study reveals prime opportunity for local charitable impact 48

Luminaries light the night for Wellness House 50

It's a wrap 51

A night to remember 52

Hinsdale Cooks! 54

58 THINKING OF HOMES

58

Green Lake home remodel 58

MK Construction 62

ON THE COVER: Daker and Montesantos of the Hinsdale Red Devils

FOR THE LATEST NEWS, HAPPENINGS AND PHOTOS, VISIT WWW.HINSDALEMAG.COM 10

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

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Letter of Correction Dear Readers, The August 2021 print edition of Hinsdale Magazine included an article about a private concert benefiting Lurie Children’s Hospital and was printed in error.

The article should not have appeared in the issue and was not requested by the event coordinator.

Hinsdale Magazine regrets any inconvenience this may have caused.

Sincerely,

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

Scott Jonlich sjonlich@HinsdaleMag.com CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Larry Atseff Mike Ellis mike@HinsdaleMag.com CREATIVE DEPARTMENT

Scott Jonlich, Publisher, Hinsdale Magazine

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Hinsdale Magazine | Cover Story-Sports

A SEASON TO REMEMBER Hinsdale Central Red Devils post its best season record

BY SCOTT JONLICH I PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCELLO RODARTE

14

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

T

he 2021 Hinsdale Central Red Devils baseball team recorded the best record in its school’s history.

Coming off a 2020 COVID-19 pandemic year that wiped out spring sports, the club was uncertain that the baseball season would even come to fruition due to Illinois restrictions. It was only in mid-March of this year when the school was informed there would be high-school baseball in the spring.

took the backburner [to the pandemic] when something as important as your health comes up.”

The Hinsdale Central baseball community came out in droves to support their Red Devils with an eagerness for baseball as hundreds of faithful fans surrounded the field for the playoffs in early June. Central

on June 11 to Brother Rice was witnessed by nearly a thousand locals, as the Red Devils' season ended at the hands of the Catholic League powerhouse packed with Division I prospects. Hinsdale Central manager Jason Ziemer said his baseball club responded to the community support.

“It was great to see the community come together over our national pastime," Ziemer said. "Over the past year, I have seen our community divided over a number of different issues regarding COVID, schools and athletics. It was great to see people of all ages come out and come together over our team."

“You don’t have to worry about passed balls, you don’t have to worry about location because (Daker) is going to frame it. He’s gonna do whatever you can to get the strike.”

Despite the uncertainty that baseball would be played at all, the club finally beganpracticing on April 5. The seniors coming back included team captain and catcher Brian Daker, who was just getting to know some teammates. While they had limited workouts in 2020, game experience between teammates was not possible. Before the 2021 season, they had to work fast and furious with seven practice dates to be game-ready for the seasonopener on April 17 at Oak Park-River Forest High School.

Despite the long layoff, the Red Devils finished the 2021 season with a 23-4 overall record and 15-3 in conference play, led by junior pitcher Lucas Montesantos. The right-hander earned conference player of the year honors with a perfect 5-0 record in the regular season, plus a victory in the playoffs, 6-4, against Downers Grove South.

His battery-mate Daker went on to become the team’s most valuable player and runner-up to conference player of the year.

Ziemer said his team of young men is a great example of what the community has produced.

defeated Glenbard East 8-2 in a regional semifinal on June 4, and cruised past Oak Lawn, 9-2, for the school’s first regional championship in 15 years.

Downers Grove South proved to be a tougher challenge, but the Red Devils prevailed, 6-4, in a sectional semifinal on June 9.

“Many of them have played baseball together for over ten years, and coached by many in the community over that time," he said. "Also, these guys are exceptional young men off the field and in the classroom, which is a testament to the community. The public high school in any community can be a great unifying force. It was great to see the community unify around the

The season-ending 6-2 sectional loss

Continued on page 17

- LUCAS MONTESANTOS

“The success that we had this year wasn’t based on talent as much as it was based on heart and the ability to come together.”

- BRENT KITTEL, HINSDALE CENTRAL COACH

“I remember being in my practice facility with my club team (Rake City) in the winter,” Montesantos said. “It was probably February when I learned we were going have a season. We didn’t know what to expect coming into this season, because of what happened in sports. It HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

15

Hinsdale Magazine | Cover Story-Sports

2021 Varsity Hinsdale Central Red Devils

Height Weight Class

Jake Adams

6'2" 180 2021

Luke Adams

6'4" 205 2022

Tommy Ambrose

5'11" 165 2021

Teddy Andrews

6'3" 185 2022

Carson Boggs

5'11" 190 2021

Clay Cash

5'10" 195 2021

Evan Chatterjee

6'1" 175 2021

Ethan Chow

5'8" 140 2022

John Costello

6'1" 210 2021

Brian Daker

5'9" 180 2021

Jack Doppke

6'1" 162 2021

Blake Edmonds

5'11" 190 2022

Harry Fandre

6'1" 195 2022

Andrew Goliak

5'11" 145 2022

Tucker Hawthorne

6'1" 180 2022

Noah Issa

5'11" 180 2021

Luke Jurack

5'10" 165 2024

Parker Jurgenson

5'8" 175 2021

Quinten Lane

5'10" 200 2022

Christopher Malcolm 5'7" 140 2022 Lucas Montesantos 6'0" 180 2022 Nicholas Mulvihill

5'11" 165 2021

Benjamin Oosterbaan 6'4"

16

185 2022

Jay Randle

6'3" 135 2021

Aiden Rowe

6'2" 220 2022

Chris Schaub

5'10" 157 2021

Patrick Whelan

5'11" 180 2022

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

“Our coaches kept it simple. They told us to give it everything we had. Forget who we’re playing. It doesn’t matter if we’re playing the best team or the worst team.

Respect your opponent and just go out there.”

- BRIAN DAKER, Hinsdale Central Catcher

“It was great to see the community unify around the local high school team of exceptional individuals.”

- JASON ZIEMER, Hinsdale Central Varsity Baseball Head Coach

Continued from page 15 local high-school team and this group of exceptional individuals.”

Ziemer’s assistant coach Brent Kittel is one of the individuals who has been a mentor to much of the roster as an instructor with the local Devils Baseball Club. Kittel worked closely with the pitchers, calling pitches in his first full year with the Red Devils alongside Ziemer and coach Bill Kloska.

Kittel was impressed with how the team jelled together.

“The success that we had this year wasn’t based on talent as much as it was based on heart and the ability to come together," he said. "These guys believed in each other more than any team I’ve ever coached, and there’s a certain bond and a love that these guys have.”

“Our coaches kept it simple,“ said Daker, a senior who will be playing in IMG in Bradenton, Fla. during his gap year, as he hopes to land with a Division I college by graduation. “They told us to just give it everything we had—forget

who we are playing. It doesn’t matter if we’re playing the best team or the worst team: just respect your opponent, and go out there and give it everything you have.”

Montesantos referred to Daker, his trusted receiver and team MVP as "Buddha," a tribute to his catcher’s ability to handle pitchers.

“If I am not noticing the catcher or an umpire, then you know they are doing a good job," Montesantos said. “I didn’t have to worry at all what my catcher was doing.—And that’s a blessing in this sport, because a lot of the time, that doesn’t happen, and you can just really put ultimate trust into what’s going on behind the plate. You don’t have to worry about passed balls, you don’t have to worry about location, because [Daker] is going to frame it. He’s going to do whatever you can to get the strike.”

to work with the then-junior Daker during the COVID-19 winter and spring workouts, until early this year.

Reflecting on the team’s success this year, Daker gave Montesantos props on his ability to locate pitches and lead the team.

“Monte has the best change-up with a lot of sink to it," Daker said. "His slider goes east-west, and it’s unlike a curveball that goes north-south. He has the best stuff I have ever seen, and when we see his competitiveness, we all want to play our best.” ■

Daker and Montesantos were happy to finally be battery-mates after a year that was not meant to be in 2020.

Montesantos was a sophomore last year, and did not have the opportunity HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

17

Dr. Ronak M. Patel, Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon

TRUST

When it comes to your health and dealing with pain, you want the best. Someone you can trust. When Dr. Patel was at the esteemed Cleveland Clinic, world class professional athletes trusted Dr. Patel.

Since joining Hinsdale Orthopaedics in 2015, parents at five local high schools have trusted Dr. Patel as the attending physician for their student-athletes.

When you go to his website, testimonials attest to his expertise and his caring approach in treatment. Peers trust him for his knowledge of minimally invasive techniques. Go to drronakpatel.com and learn why you can trust Dr. Patel.

Congratulations to the Hinsdale Central Baseball Team!

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Hinsdale Magazine | Cover Story-Sports

Baseball Symbolizes Our Return To Good Times

BY LARRY ATSEFF

Guaranteed Rate Field on June 16 when the White Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays in a 10 inning thriller 20

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

T

here is no better symbol for summer and outdoors and fun than baseball. Right on cue, the Hinsdale Central baseball team enjoyed their greatest season ever.

Congratulations to them!

We’ll give you a taste of the season they just had.

In addition, we’re fortunate to have two professional baseball teams in town. The White Sox look like they will be getting to the post season. The Cubs situation is a little more uncertain. We’ll give you a look at activities both are offering this season, including the City Series.

The Southside Rises Again With A White Hot White Sox Team At the All-Star break, the White Sox were in first place in the American League Central Division, 19 games over .500.

Tim Anderson, All-Star Shortstop models new City Connect jersey

We recently took in a day game when the Sox beat the Tampa Bay Rays in an extra inning thriller on June 16. This was before they were allowed to play before capacity crowds, but it was great fun to be in the bleachers and joining a crowd that made it sound like the stadium was full.

And, think of this.

On August 6, 7 and 8, the Sox and Cubs play at Wrigley, and the Cubs visit Guaranteed Rate Field

on August 27, 28, 29.

In between, the Sox are playing in a Field of Dreams Game in Iowa at the site of the 1989 movie on August 12 against the Yankees.

The Sox can also boast new uniforms.

Just as Hinsdale Magazine staff attended a recent Sox game, we also sent a contingent of baseball players from local area Hinsdale teams to Wrigley Field to watch the Cubs take on the Philadelphia Phillies for a night game on July 8.

It was an unseasonably cool night

at the “Friendly Confines”, but the stands were almost full, and fans were there in full voice.

The field was immaculate and the ivy never looked greener, under the lights. Unfortunately, the Cubs fell to the Phillies, but that didn’t take away from the enjoyment of being at the old ballpark. After the game the kids walked around and saw various statues of Ernie Banks, and other Hall of Famers as well as the classic scoreboard.

Hope springs eternal that the Cubs will still make it to the postseason. No wonder baseball is called our national pastime. ■

Anthony Rizzo, Javiar Baez, Jason Heyward, Joc Pederson and Willson Contreras model the new Cubs City Connect uniforms

HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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708-354-4525

www.HoganWoodwork.com

Discover unparalleled quality workmanship for all woodwork creations.

Hinsdale Magazine | Back to School

12 Tips to Keep Stress From Your Kids W

BY JIM FANNIN

ith everchanging C OV I D - 19 protocol, hectic schedules, loss of jobs, reduced income (for most), information overload, remote working, social uncertainty, financial uncertainty, and peer pressure, negative stress is at an all-time high. According to the American Psychiatric Association, “74% of Americans are experiencing symptoms of chronic depression.”

ZoneCoach Analytics, a division of ZoneCoach, LLC, has been surveying major companies for high and low levels of Self-discipline, Concentration, Optimism, Relaxation, and Enjoyment. Each participant survey-taker has complete anonymity as they record their answers to our fiveminute survey. With overwhelming results, low relaxation leads as being the biggest issue for the companies surveyed.

Negative stress is rampant, and it is 24

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wreaking havoc on corporate America.

Of course, stress runs downhill. We are taking it home and it’s reaching our children in alarming ways. Our children’s ability to cope is underdeveloped and the after-effects of negative stress are obesity, poor grades, bullying, delinquency, insomnia, wild mood swings, apathy, opioid and or alcohol addiction, and even chronic depression. Yikes! An ounce of prevention equals a pound of cure.

Here are 12 tips to help keep stress from your kids:

1. KEEP IT PRIVATE: Avoid adult arguments, disagreements, and especially loud confrontations in front of your children. Create a key phrase with your significant other that signals to take the conversation to a private place.

2. BE THE PALM TREE: Just like a palm tree in a hurricane, absorb the negative words, dirty looks, eye rolls from your children for 90-seconds.

By staying calm, lowering your voice

and then dealing with the situation calmly but firmly, you will show how to handle stress situations and how NOT to fly off the handle.

3. THE 90-SECOND RULE™: If you’ve been away from your children for at least two hours, the first 90-Seconds you see them has more influence and impact on them than spending hours with them later. Make your last phone call in the driveway, put down your cell phone, mentally close the door on work and give your kids 100% of your attention. Be ready to be positive! Now, look each child in the eye long enough to discern eye color. In this first 90-Seconds, mirror their verbal and non-verbal communication. If they are sad, then act sad. Now you can bond with them and help positively raise their mood more easily. If they are happy, then be happy. And remember…if you have a teenager, you may only get a focused 90 seconds…so make it count!

4. I BELIEVE IN YOU! What is heard,

thought or felt in the last 30 minutes before deep sleep will be replayed 1520 times during the night. Obviously, you want your children to think positive thoughts. Walk into your child’s bedroom just before they fall asleep. Lower your voice to a whisper.

Touch or rub the skin or hair while you say, “ I believe in you.” That’s it. No more. Use this judiciously (2-3 times) during the week. By focusing on your child’s beliefs, it takes their thoughts and feelings away from negative stress and will help them handle it when and if it arrives.

5. BE COOL AT MEALS: Preparing a meal for a family and eating a meal all together (especially when busy schedules interfere) can be extremely stressful. This is the time to be cool. Slow down as much as possible.

Keep your voice low. Ban negative discussion. Ban discussing adult subjects such as work or finances.

Allowing stress to enter the dinner table will wreak havoc on a family. Everyone will eat faster, chew their food less and consequently digest their food poorly. Be cool at all meals!

stride. Everything does NOT have to be perfect. And lastly…plan ahead. No undue, added stress.

8. PERFECTION: When planning anything, most of us visualize what we want. We see it, as it will be.

With repetition this vision becomes indelibly etched in our minds. And if we see that reality does not match our imaginative vision, we can become irritable, impatient, anxious, and outwardly upset. The internal conflict of one’s expectations not meeting reality has a profound impact on our children. Learning to adapt and

about finances, the kids, your job or anything negative about the past or future. Wow! Doesn’t leave much…you might think. Be peaceful during this time. Be loving. Be kind. Be gentle.

Be happy that you are together. This positive nightly experience will be replayed 15-17 times while both of you are asleep. This will help you wake up refreshed, positive and ready to have an awesome tomorrow. This nightly ritual will have a dramatic impact on your children. Trust me on this one.

11. TENSION RELEASE: If you feel stress ravaging your body, try this 90-second tool. Tense the muscles in your feet while holding your breath then release the muscles with a long exhale. This takes only five seconds. Next tense both calves of your legs and repeat the tension-release.

Five more seconds. Repeat for your thighs, buttocks, lower abs, upper abs, chest, biceps and fists. 35 seconds.

Then shrug your shoulders toward your neck, squeeze and then release. Five more seconds. Next, scrunch all the muscles in your face and then release. Five seconds. Finally, tense every muscle simultaneously and then release. Do this for five seconds twice. The technique of tension-release works before bed for a better night’s sleep and anytime you feel stress overtaking your body. Take care of your stress before it hits your family.

“When we’re stressed one of the first things to go is our willingness to listen and observe. Listen and look for signals of stress in our children.”

6. MIRROR, MIRROR ON THE WALL: When we’re stressed one of the first things to go is our willingness to listen and observe. Listen and look for signals of stress in our children. They could very well be mirroring your own stress. “I hate this.” “I’m sick of that.”

If your children are putting themselves down or they are being a victim or judge, they are exhibiting stress. Where did it come from? Probably your home environment is the answer. Look in the mirror. You may need to change your own behavior before the behavior of your kids can be changed.

7. BACK TO SCHOOL: With a new school year come the stresses of a new schedule, being with other stressed classmates, in-person social interactions, new morning routines, and the normal pressure of tests, homework and grades. These stressful times, although designed to be educational and fun, can easily spill into the minds of our children.

Be cool! Slow down. Take things in

- JIM FANNIN

adjust to the everchanging conditions, circumstances and situations are the keys. Look for these internal conflicts and help your child cope by adapting and adjusting.

9. ROAD TRIP: “Honey, pack the car.

Let’s head to grandma’s house.” Right!

What is more stressful than a carload of kids with a long destination and a timeline to be met? You know the answer. Not much! Make your family trip just that…a trip planned by the family and organized by the family.

Allow for imperfection. Make the trip less rigid in terms of timeline. Give plenty of time to free-lance the agenda.

Make sure you and your spouse are fully engaged in the trip. No email or cell phone business every five minutes.

No bickering over minute details. Go with the flow. Experience this family experience in the present tense. This also includes a family trip to the mall, movies or other short destination.

Enjoy your children while you can.

12. BE ALONE: Sometimes you just need to be alone. Go for a walk.

Take a long, hot bath (bubbles/wine optional). Get a massage. Work in your garden. Physically workout. Being alone can relieve stress that won’t find its way to your children.

If you sense the need for you or your children, don’t hesitate to contact a professional mental health expert. askjim@jimfannin.co © copyright. All rights reserved.

ZoneCoach, LLC 2021 ■

10. GOODNIGHT SWEETHEART: Go to bed happy! That’s right. During the last 30 minutes before deep sleep, spend time with the person you love…. your significant other. Avoid talking HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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Hinsdale Magazine | Out and About After a long year of lockdowns and isolation, summer is finally here and events are back on the calendar. Hinsdale Magazine has curated some of the best. From Bike the Drive to Movies in the Park, here are 10 don’t miss events:

BY KERRIE KENNEDY

Rockin’ In the Park

Bike the Drive

Parkway Bank Park, Rosemont’s 200,000 square-foot entertainment complex, hosts a series of free outdoor concerts on the lawn this summer featuring top cover bands, food from the venue’s 15 different restaurants and fireworks after every show. Highlights include Beatle’s tribute band American English on Thursday, Aug. 5, Elton John tribute performer Elton Rohn on Thursday, Sept. 2 and The Boy Band Night (which covers NSYNC, Backstreet Boys and New Kids on The Block to Boys 2 Men, One Direction and more) on Sept. 12. All shows are from 7-10 PM.

Parkway Bank Park, Rosemont’s 200,000 square-foot entertainment complex, hosts a series of free outdoor concerts on the lawn this summer featuring top cover bands, food from the venue’s 15 different restaurants and fireworks after every show. Highlights include Beatle’s tribute band American English on Thursday, Aug. 5, Elton John tribute performer Elton Rohn on Thursday, Sept. 2 and The Boy Band Night (which covers NSYNC, Backstreet Boys and New Kids on The Block to Boys 2 Men, One Direction and more) on Sept. 12. All shows are from 7-10 PM.

Through Sept. 12 www.rosemont.com/thepark

Sept. 5 www.bikethedrive.org

Wheaton’s Shakespeare in the Park

Aug. 26 -28 www.wheatonparkdistrict.com/events/shakespeare

The Wheaton Park District and Wheaton College’s Arena Theater will present Shakespeare’s Henry IV, Part 1 in Wheaton’s newly renovated Memorial Park Bandshell. The free performances begin with a puppet show at 6:45. Bring the kids, lawn chairs and blankets.

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Ravinia Festival

Through Sept. 25 www.ravinia.org

After a year of being silenced by the pandemic, Ravinia is back with a great lineup. Highlights include Counting Crows on Aug. 19, The Beach Boys on Aug. 21 and 22, Train on Aug. 27 and 28, John Legend on Sept. 5 and 6, Indigo Girls on Sept. 10 and the Joffrey Ballet on Sept. 17.

Movies in the Parks Through Sept. 14 www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/movies

Get your popcorn and lawn chairs ready!

Movies in the Park is back, bringing dozens of free movie screenings to neighborhood parks across the city. Among the standouts include “Field of Dreams,” Aug. 11 at Mozart Park; “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” Aug. 21 at Eckhart Park; “Clueless,” Aug. 28 at Bartelme Park and “In Old Chicago” — which follows the O’Leary Brothers on the eve of the Great Chicago Fire — Sept 14 in LIncoln Park.

Naper Nights

Aug. 13-14, Sept. 17-18 www.napersettlement.org

Featuring cold drinks, great food and performances by top tribute bands, Naperville’s summertime tradition is back. Highlights this year include John Mellencamp tribute band Mellencougar and Beach Boys tribute band Sounds of Summer on Aug. 14 (6-7:30 PM and 8-10 PM respectively) and on Sept 1 7, The Doors tribute band Of Perception (6-7:30 PM) followed by The Rolling Stones tribute band Rocks Off from 8-10 PM.

Oktoberfest

Oct. 1 -2 www.napersettlement.org

Kick off Fall inside the annual Naperville event's signature beer tent featuring live music, traditional German cuisine, live polka bands, rock music at night, themed contests, and a selection of local and traditional Oktoberfest beer varieties.

HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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Hinsdale Magazine | Out and About

DuPage County

BY EMMA WOLF

N

ow that the world is returning to some sense of normalcy after spending over a year in “Pandemic mode”, there is lots to be done in DuPage County! Whether you’re looking for a new activity or a new favorite restaurant, there is something for every reader.

the experience.

Searching for the ultimate self-care day? Be sure to check out the upscale Kohler Waters Spa in Burr Ridge for the most luxurious spa experience.

Trying to get the kids out of the house?

in natural habitat exhibits. Now that movie theaters are open again, the historic Tivoli Theatre is nestled right in the heart of downtown Downers Grove. Also in downtown Downers Grove, The Foxtail is a hot new choice that offers the perfect date night atmosphere.

Illinois’s first winery, Lynfred Winery, is perfect for all wine enthusiasts!

The Hampton Social in Burr Ridge features the signature “Rosé All Day” lounge with an upscale nautical atmosphere with food, cocktails, and live music perfect for a girl’s night out.

■

“If you’re looking to explore your wild side, the Morton Arboretum and Blackwell Forest Preserve”

If you’re looking to explore your wild side, the Morton Arboretum and Blackwell Forest Preserve have much to offer outdoors. Featuring handmade, lifelike Human + Nature sculptures and outdoor arboretum yoga, the time has never been better to visit the Morton Arboretum in Lisle.

One of the most popular forest preserves in the county, Blackwell Forest Preserve in Warrenville boasts tubing, hiking, camping, and picnicking options with countless bird species and amphibians to enhance

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- EMMA WOLF

The DuPage Children’s Museum and Cosley Zoo make excellent daytrips that will get the kids off their devices!

The DuPage Children’s Museum, located in Naperville, features handson learning and exploration for kids of younger ages.

Nestled on five acres of land in Wheaton, Cosley Zoo houses farm animals and native Illinois wildlife

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Hinsdale Magazine | Outstanding Performance

Beyond Words Dance Company Wins Regional Honors

B

BY LARRY ATSEFF I PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRIAN LIPCHIK

eyond Words Dance Center is a dance studio in Lyons which teaches students from 2 through adult how to dance. Led

by Kate Jablonski and a talented group of instructors, the studio has a well-known reputation in the western suburbs, including our circulation area.

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HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

Dancing is a challenging physical activity, and because the pandemic has required masks during practice and competitive events, dancing has been that much more challenging this past season.

In early May, Beyond Words competed in a regional dance event, LA Dance Magic, in Indianapolis.

Over 25 troupes and 400 dancers

competed. At this event, the dancers were able to perform without a mask for the first time. Jablonski said it was as though her group was finally really free to dance and show their true emotions through their faces. Did they ever! They received numerous overall awards and scored with elite honors.

For more information, go to beyondwordsdancecenter.com. ■

AUDREY CHAMPION

JULIA SCHWARTZ

SOPHIE ATSEFF

HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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Hinsdale Magazine | Celebrating Oak Brook

OH, OAK BROOK! Why everyone naturally loves the village Paul Butler created

T

hanks to the vision of Paul Butler, the little village of Oak Brook, (population just over 8,000 residents) is so well thought out, that you really don’t have to go anywhere else.

In fact, the world of polo has come to Oak Brook for years, attracting the best teams. The world’s best golfers came to Butler National for 17 years for the Western Open. And Oakbrook Center is still regarded as one of the finest shopping malls in Chicagoland.

BY LARRY ATSEFF

And, right now, life-size reproductions of the works of Michaelangelo from the Sistine Chapel are on display at the former Sears store in the mall. Even if you have been to Vatican City to see the work, you have a much closer, better view than looking up at the ceiling in Italy.

There are 34 large-scale reproductions and dozens of other scenes in actual size that enable you to appreciate the genius, imagination and talent of Michaelangelo. You also appreciate the immense effort…it took him

THE SISTINE CHAPEL EXIBITION AT OAKBROOK CENTER 32

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

from 1508 to 1512 to complete the works.

You can actually see the brush strokes as he brought so many famous scenes from the Bible to life.

“We get at the stories he was trying to tell,” said Dakota Laurin, manager of business development for SBX Group, which has partnered with Los Angeles-based SEE Global Entertainment to tour the exhibit.

You walk through at your leisure and you can take as many pictures as you want. Each scene

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@thedrakeoakbrook

Hinsdale Magazine | Celebrating Oak Brook has an explainer card and diagram showing where it is actually located in the Chapel. The exhibit is open through August 15, and comes complete with educational materials about Michaelangelo himself, his life and times.

Of course, there is so much more about Oak Brook to like. There are housing developments with expansive lots and beautiful homes with streets winding through just as nature created the land…just as Butler thought it should be.

You can also work in Oak Brook minutes away from your home, thanks to Butler’s foresight in planning low-rise office complexes,

THE SISTINE CHAPEL CEILING 34

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set apart from the homes. No factories.

Again, thanks to Butler, there is the sports core, complete with bath and tennis club, public Oak Brook Golf Club, private Butler National golf club, and polo fields with a complete season in swing through September. He also made sure there were public parks throughout the village as well.

Oakbrook Center is home to over 170 stores, including the most complete collection of upscale retailers you will find anywhere.

This includes some of the finest restaurants in the area. And, in and around Oakbrook Center, there

are additional smaller malls with still more stores and restaurants.

There is a quite a selection of fine hotels for visitors, conventions, business meetings and celebrations of weddings and anniversaries.

Last, but not least, there is live entertainment just minutes away at Drury Lane, which is resuming its long famous run of great Broadway plays and musicals this fall, as well as fine dining.

Not only is all of this completely planned out for everyone’s pleasure, the sales taxes collected mean no property taxes for Oak Brook’s residents. ■

THE CREATION OF ADAM IS A FRESCO PAINTING BY ITALIAN ARTIST MICHELANGELO, WHICH FORMS PART OF THE SISTINE CHAPEL'S CEILING, PAINTEDC. 1508–1512. IT ILLUSTRATES THE BIBLICAL CREATION NARRATIVE FROM THE BOOK OF GENESIS IN WHICH GOD GIVES LIFE TO ADAM, THE FIRST MAN.

630-229-2962

Hinsdale Magazine | Celebrating Oak Brook

THE FATHER

of Oak Brook and much more

PAUL BUTLER

BY LARRY ATSEFF

O

nce upon a time, spanning much of the 20th century, a true visionary came on the scene in what is now the Village of Oak Brook. Paul Butler was the Father of Oak Brook—but he accomplished a whole lot more. What follows is a reminder of some of what he did, and how he did it all.

Karen Bushy, the last president of Oak Brook to know and spend time with Butler, has contributed many of the observations in this piece. Bushy was a person that Butler trusted during the years when his ideas were being translated into reality, as the dream began to be implemented on the scale he had imagined. Bushy met Butler

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shortly after moving to Oak Brook in 1973. They became good friends and remained so for the rest of Butler’s life.

The Butler Paper Company Before there was a Paul Butler, there was the Butler Paper Company.

Butler’s grandfather Julius Wales Butler and great uncle Oliver Morris Butler founded the J.W. Butler Paper Co. in the 1800s in the Chicago area.

It grew to become one of the largest family-owned paper companies in the country until Paul Butler sold it in 1960. Nevertheless, Butler Paper was the foundation that enabled Butler to add companies and follow pursuits in a number of eclectic directions.

Paul Butler arrives on the scene Tom and Mary Sterling, authors of Hinsdale & the World, relate that Butler was born on June 23, 1892 to Frank and Fannie Butler of Hinsdale, owners of the Butler Paper Co. “When Paul and his brother, Julius, were still children, their father bought land on the west bank of Salt Creek as the site for their future home,” the Sterlings write. “The tall oaks surrounding the area together with the babbling brook gave it the name later shared with an entire village—Oak Brook. Frank Butler’s Oak Brook was a farmhouse like any other, consisting of a house, stables, and fields. When Frank bought nearby Natoma

Dairy from George Robbins, son of Hinsdale’s founder William Robbins, he acquired Natoma’s lucrative dairy operation along with its fine herd of prize-winning dairy cows. The name Natoma, by the way, comes from the Indian word meaning ‘running water,’ no doubt a reference to Salt Creek. When Paul eventually acquired Natoma Farm from his father, he used it as headquarters for both the Butler Co. and his sports core, as he began systematically to develop the area.”

The influence of polo and horsemanship According to a biography by the Oak Brook Polo Club, Butler attended the University of Illinois from 1910 to 1911, where he studied agriculture. He also served as a lieutenant in the 106th cavalry, which was known as the Black Horse Troop during the First World War. He also became a captain and a pilot during the war. After serving, he also spent time on Butler ranches in the Dakota territory and oversaw Montana ranches in the 1940s.

“The game of polo captured the heart of Paul Butler, whose enthusiasm for the game would shape the evolution of a village,” the Sterlings say. “As a member of the Wheaton polo team, in 1915, young Paul Butler helped lead his team to victory over a team from Onwentsia. His love for the game led to the creation of the Oak Brook Polo Club, and, in 1929, organizers put him in charge of setting up polo matches for the 1933 Chicago World’s Fair, which hoped to feature ‘games of every sport from archery to polo…with the greatest athletes from all nations competing.’”

When he played actively, he won six U.S. Open Polo Championships and four Butler Handicap titles, according to the biography.

Polo provided the Village of Oak Brook a lifestyle appeal—a social sporting scene, attracting people from across the country and polo teams from around the world. In many ways, polo created what became Oak Brook. The Oak Brook Polo Club was the largest polo plant in the world from 1954 to 1979, and would be billed the “polo

A RECENT MATCH AT OAK BROOK POLO CLUB, 700 OAK BROOK ROAD

capital of the United States,” or “polo town.” Not only did the club host polo every week during the season, but it also “rode to the hounds” in full regalia with regularity.

By 1956, the Oak Brook Polo Club had 14 polo fields and stabling for 400

Patrick Beresford, King Hussein, the Maharaja and Maharani of Jaipur, Audrey Hepburn, Vivien Leigh, and others visited the club. Mick Jagger was a frequent guest, as was Susan St. James. Butler’s Oak Brook team also traveled far and wide to support other clubs, and Oak Brook hosted international teams from Argentina, Mexico, England, and India.

Butler’s approach to business and Oak Brook As noted, Karen Bushy moved into the village in 1973 and got to know Butler and his family as neighbors.

What follows are her recollections about how Paul Butler worked with neighbors and others who could help him realize the dream of a special Oak Brook and other successes.

horses, with games, played six days a week during the season. The club also included grandstands, bleachers and box seats, a clubhouse, and 36 miles of tree-lined trails. Butler joined the two polo fields closest to Oak Brook Road (31st Street) and York Road so they could be used as an airstrip for incoming guests. Those guests included royalty, dignitaries, celebrities, and professional golfers, who loved playing at Butler National Golf Club.

Over the years, Prince Charles, Lord Cowdray, Maj. Ronald Ferguson, Lord

She says, “If you lived in Oak Brook, Butler considered you a ‘neighbor’.

His friend and then village president George Howell had named Bushy to the plan commission, and Butler loved the idea that young people moving into the village were eager to catch his vision for what this could become. He gladly shared with those who cared to participate in what he called his ‘grand experiment’.”

Continued on next page HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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Hinsdale Magazine | Celebrating Oak Brook

CRATE & BARREL AT OAKBROOK CENTER

Continued from the previous page “For Paul, it just made straightforward, practical sense to him to work where he lived,” Bushy said. “His polo operations were right nearby. He loved the surroundings— the trees, the water, and the earth itself—the reason the Oak Brook Polo Club colors were blue and green with a bit of brown accent. Here he could meet with his nearby friends, farmers, and landowners. One of the low-slung, rather unremarkable buildings that were part of the old dairy operation was actually the general headquarters for all of the far-flung Butler enterprises and interests. Known locally as ‘the GHQ,’ it was where Paul and others had their office—offices that were very, very casual: blue jeans and boots— never suits and ties, to be sure.”

course. And so in 1972, Butler National Golf Club was created.”

turn off on to the gravel road that led deep into the woods.”

Butler National hosted the Western Open from 1974 to 1990, and in May 2007, Golf Digest rated Butler No. 21 on its list of “America’s 100 Greatest Courses.”

Elsewhere on the “sports core” property, Butler had built the Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club, a membership-only place for summer rest and relaxation and a lovely amenity to the polo operations, along with a small nine-hole executive golf course he’d built on the property. It became the site for the Sunday afternoon parties after the conclusion of the last polo game of the day.

She recalls, “In the same compound as the GHQ, folks from Oak Brook and others who knew it was there enjoyed one of the best restaurants around: The Oak Brook Saddle Club. Known for its ‘best available steaks’, and even more for the neighborly camaraderie, Friday and Saturday nights you could always find friends and neighbors enjoying drinks and dinner at the Saddle Club, an atmosphere that grew over time, to be sure. You just had to know where to

Bushy said Butler “almost always” enjoyed a good relationship with local residents.

“As they saw how he was developing the area, they looked to him when they

Bushy said the GHQ contained a conference room that Butler called the “chart room.” One whole wall was covered with an aerial photograph of the Butler landholdings in the area, allowing Paul and those there to do business with him a chance to really appreciate the “big picture.” Two of the people there helped keep Paul “on track,” secretary Ann Spurrier, and his “houseman” Kenyon.

“His larger vision beyond polo and riding to hounds was to develop more activities at the sports core,” Bushy said. “He had the land and thought it could be turned into a world-class golf 38

HinsdaleMag.com | HINSDALE MAGAZINE

PAUL BUTLER'S OAK BROOK HOME

wanted to sell their farmland,” she said.

“Eventually, Butler Co. owned 3,600 acres in the area, simply by offering to buy their land when they wanted to sell. He interacted frequently with the neighbors, who had formed the Oak Brook Civic Association.”

An important quality about Butler that Bushy noted was his willingness to change his mind when he realized he made a mistake.

For example, as companies moved their headquarters out to Oak Brook, he was adamant that the buildings be only one or two stories, square, boxy and white.

After a few went up, he admitted it was a “terrible idea”.

Polo activities and ranch holdings took Butler all over the country. That’s where his training as a pilot came in handy, enabling him to fly to often remote locations. Ever curious and observant, Butler noted that all these small airports had the same needs in terms of equipment, fuel, buildings and hangars, and so Butler Aviation was born.

on a grand scale. Lot sizes would be substantial. Homes would be set back from the roadway and generous separation between the homes was expected, for both privacy and beauty. He wanted the land to be left just as nature created it. There would be no leveling of hills and dales, no

with several experts to complete a comprehensive plan for Oak Brook.

The idea was to work out a plan for a well-organized commercial area that would support the homes and recreational areas. His vision was a village of no more than 10,000 residents.

“The beauty of the open fields, the magnificent stands of old-growth oak forests, were to be preserved for the future, so he worked with George Howell, and they crafted an agreement to sell the sports core to the people of Oak Brook, provided the land would ‘in perpetuity be green space, owned by and for the benefit of the people of the Village of Oak Brook.’ That preserved another 270 acres in the center of the village.”

In the same vein, Butler wanted to make sure that there would be plenty of natural land settings throughout Oak Brook.

He donated the land that would become a large tract of forest preserve, which adjoins Fullersburg Woods to the south in Hinsdale.

The side of the preserve facing 31st Street has been named Paul Butler Nature Area.

Butler also donated land for what would become Christ Church of Oak Brook. He hoped for a large church that would welcome all who came to Oak Brook.

He thought that more appropriate than several small denominational churches. In the years when the Western Open was hosted in the village and international polo was In 1986, Paul sold — KAREN BUSHY, former President of Oak Brook being played throughout Butler Aviation to North the summer, another of his American Ventures for $140 million in ideas manifested: golfers, broadcasters, cash and stock. The company, based straight roads and streets. Instead, polo players, and fans alike all found a in Montvale, N.J., grew to provide there would be winding roads and place to worship in town, alongside the technical and management services paths, following the natural contours “local folks.” to airports, marine, energy, electronics of the land. The residents who would and telecommunications, employing become the decision-makers for the Butler further donated land for 10,000 people with estimated revenues village understood his goals and his schools, and was involved with his vision, and they were the ones who father and uncle in building both the of $400 million. implemented those ideas and codified first and second Butler School. The By the time Bushy got to know them into what became known as the original school at Spring Road and Butler in the ‘70s, he had developed subdivision control ordinance that 31st Street is now the home of the Oak three major subdivisions in the village: governed all aspects of development in Brook Historical Society.

Ginger Creek, York Woods, and Brook Oak Brook.

Forest. Butler never wanted to build “Paul did not want there to ever be “His eager collaboration with those development on his beloved sports the homes; instead, his focus was on the land and keeping everything as who lived here and who were willing core,” Bushy said. “The beauty of the to devote their time to giving life to his open fields, the magnificent stands natural as possible. dreams made for a beautiful, forward- of old-growth oak forests, were to be Starting with so much raw land, looking village,” Bushy said. preserved for the future, so he worked much of it wooded and rolling, Butler with George Howell, and they crafted Concerned with the encroachment was able to implement his vision of the suburbs, Butler also consulted Continued on next page HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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Hinsdale Magazine | Celebrating Oak Brook Continued from the previous page an agreement to sell the sports core to the people of Oak Brook, provided the land would ‘in perpetuity be green space, owned by and for the benefit of the people of the Village of Oak Brook.’ That preserved another 270 acres in the center of the village.”

“Part of Butler’s vision was attracting businesses to the area to create a tax base. The fanfare of sporting activities was a natural springboard for contacts for bringing business headquarters out to Oak Brook. Companies were quick to recognize the ingenuity of Butler’s plan, which meant that property owners in the village, both residential and commercial, would pay no property taxes to operate the village. All of the revenues needed to sustain operations came from sales tax-producing commercial enterprises, which the business community greatly appreciated. All of this made Oak Brook even more attractive for companies to relocate.”

“As residential and commercial development evolved, Oak Brook was incorporated in 1958, and in the early 1960s, Oakbrook Center was developed into as a very desirable upscale shopping mall.”

Paul Butler’s children

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Paul had four children: Michael, Jorie, Frank, and Norman. Michael and Jorie followed in their father’s footsteps in their own way.

Like her dad, she is also very committed to conservation efforts.

As you might expect, with all of his contacts with notables through Polo and his many pursuits, Paul found time and interest to back a number of successful Broadway shows including Kismet, Peter Pan, and The Music Man. Paul’s son Michael followed his father by promoting the sport of polo, volunteering his talents to the US Polo Association, and supported the arts.

In fact, Michael became an American theatrical producer best known for bringing the rock musical Hair from the public theater to Broadway in 1968.

One of Paul Butler’s many passions was photography. Each year, he would select a photograph he’d taken, and have it made into a Christmas card that was sent to every home in the village. Sharing what he loved about nature and Oak Brook was important to him, and he hoped others would enjoy it and appreciate it as much as he did. In a terrible irony, on June 21, 1981, he was standing in the middle of Oak Brook Road, right in front of his old homestead, taking photographs of the sunset, when he was struck by a car and killed.

His daughter Jorie, became an excellent rider and polo player herself and was rated by the US Polo Association in 1969. She organized the USPA Polo Pony Championship and helped establish its rules and registry.

She served on the board of directors for the National Polo Museum and the Hall of Fame selection committee.

Jorie also developed the Hunter Trails subdivision.

In 1971, she married Geoffrey Kent.

He too was a polo player, and with him, she helped build a very successful travel business specializing in luxury photography safaris all over the world.

Last Observations

Almost 40 years have passed since that date—enough time to see how many of his innovative ideas have become the accepted standard in so many of the areas he influenced.

“Paul Butler was a true visionary, a true Renaissance man,” Bushy said, “not only the Father of Oak Brook, but even more than you ever imagined.” ■

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EXCERPTS FROM HISTORICAL TIMELINE PROVIDED BY WILLIAM WATSON 2008

I

n the 1940’s as Paul Butler took over management of the Butler Company, he continued to purchase land so that eventually the company owned approximately 3600 acres of what is now Oak Brook. In 1942 a community wide organization called “The Oak Brook Civic Association” was created to serve the area between Hinsdale and Elmhurst as a World War II civil defense operation.

It marked the first time that the words ‘Oak Brook’ were used to identify anything other than polo.

In 1945 following World War II, the Oak Brook Civic Association was incorporated as a “not for profit corporation”. It flourished as a “quasi-governmental” organization that held monthly meetings at the Butler School.

In 1946-47 Theodore “Ted” Mohlman was hired by Paul Butler as General Manager of the Oak Brook division of the Butler Company. He became responsible

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for the polo operation, ‘The Base Farm’, York Golf Course, and Upland Game Hunting facility.

In 1951, Butler convinced the Illinois State Tollway Commission authorities to move the Tri-State road east to the DuPage-Cook County line, and re-locate the EastWest road north to the 22nd Street corridor.

In 1955 Marshall Field & Company purchased the vacant 150-acre Otto Ahren’s farm located at Route 83 and 22nd street for a future store and what became known as Oakbrook Center.

The original village of Oak Brook became a reality on February 21, 1958 when it consisted of one square mile and had only 103 residents. It is framed on the map in dark lines.

Because the proposed shopping center was not contiguous to the village, it was not included on the petition. In turn, Paul Butler and Ted Mohlman convinced several residents of Utopia (subsequently

renamed Oakbrook Terrace) to disconnect themselves from Utopia and were annexed into Oak Brook.

They brought with them the vacant land on which the shopping center would be built.

In April 1958, Ted Mohlman was elected first president of the Village of Oak Brook. During 1958 and 1959, Paul Butler annexed all of his property into the new Village.

Roosevelt Road

Route 83

Cass Avenue

York Road

Midwest Road

Oakbrook Center

Ogd

Construction began in 1960 on the shopping center which opened in 1962.

as part of its tax base. Butler also donated land for a new elementary school on York Road.

In 1961, Paul Butler created the Oak Brook Park District that was co-terminus with the village borders. This prevented the newly formed Oakbrook Terrace Park District from including his vacant land holdings, some of it extremely valuable commercial properties,

In 1977, the village residents voted for the first village tax in order to purchase bonds to acquire the 270- acre Sports Core from Paul Butler at a cost of $11 million. Since that time, the Sports Core has been operated by the village to include the Bath & Tennis Club, an 18-hole

ven A n e

ue

public golf course, fields for polo and other athletic events. As you look at the map, it indicates when blocks of land and subdivisions were annexed over the years. ■

HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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Hinsdale Magazine | Community Scene

Celebrating Freedom

T

PHOTOS BY MIKE ELLIS

housands of area residents watched the return of the Hinsdale Fourth of July parade a day early on July 3.

Until late this spring, the fate of the parade was uncertain, as the state only progressed to Phase 5 of the "Restore Illinois" plan last month.

The parade consisted largely of familiar acts and faces, including Hinsdale village president Tom Cauley, Burr Ridge mayor Gary Grasso and DuPage County board member Greg Hart.

The Hinsdale Central marching band and color guard delivered their first parade performance in nearly two years, followed by the Central and Hinsdale Falcons cheerleaders.

The Medinah Shriners and trick bicyclists bedazzled spectators with their entertaining maneuvers and daring stunts, while Civil War re-enactors returned to startle the crowd with their buzzing cannon.

Although the parade contained little of novelty, the environment felt fresh nevertheless, with families, friends and neighbors elated at the chance to gather again on the Fourth of July. ■

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HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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Dr. Rachel Bognet

Dr. Christina Steil

We Keep Your Skin Looking Its Best Dermatologists Christina Steil and Rachel Bognet, and their staff can help you and your skin, no matter your age. Providing the appropriate cosmetic and medical skin care to patients suffering from various skin ailments, they help you achieve a more beautiful, healthy, natural look.

If you are younger, they emphasize prevention with an individualized skincare regimen. For middle years, a combination of techniques is used to both prevent and correct aging problems. More mature age groups have the most skin issues such as dryness, thinning, wrinkling, loss of elasticity and spottiness - and some of those spots can even be skin cancers. The team encourages these patients to have a skin cancer check prior to treatments to cosmetically treat their skin.

At age 65, team member Kathy Mandarino, RN is a great example of how taking proper care of your skin throughout your lifetime will prevent

the typical changes expected.

Kathy, who is fair-skinned, started using sunscreen in her late 20’s and skin care products in her early thirties. In fact, when she sent her daughters off to college, she sent vitamin c serums with them. She has been getting Intense Pulse Light treatments (IPL/BBL) bi-annually since age 46, and has treated patients with the IPL/BBL devices just as long. As CSC Dermatology has adopted the latest and most advanced skin care devices and treatments, she added new treatments to her regimen.

proof that treatments, combined with healthy skin care habits, do work.

Treatment can be started at any age, and with the right program, you too will have your best skin. You are never too young or too old to take care of your skin.

Drs. Steil and Bognet and the staff at CSC Dermatology look forward to helping you keep your skin beautiful.

Favorites include the CoolMini and Ultherapy that colleague Amber Maloni treated her with, to maintain her jawline and avoid developing a double chin; the Silhouette Instalift that Dr. Bognet treated her with, to lift her jowls and the fillers done by Dr. Steil to maintain her natural lift and volume without being overfilled.

Kathy’s treatment plan has helped her to keep her beautiful skin and is

Kathleen Mandarino, RN, BSN

Locations: 125 W. 2nd St, Hinsdale 5157 Main, Suite 205, Downers Grove Phone: 630 455 0045 Web: cscdermatology.com

Hinsdale Magazine | Community Scene

MILITARY HISTORY WEEKEND RETURNS See Authentic Re-Enactments Of Battle Scenes From The Civil War, WW II and Vietnam

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BY LARRY ATSEFF

or the past 15 years, the Lockport Park District has been host for two days of authentic battle reenactments from the Civil War, World War II, and Vietnam.

rescues. Each battle scene has been documented based on how soldiers remember the actual battle scenes as they occurred. Participants rehearse for weeks so they re-enact the scenes faithfully.

On this weekend, as many as 25,000 will attend, including veterans.

This year is particularly noteworthy because this weekend falls on Saturday, September 11, as well as September 12.

In addition to the battle scenes, there are recreations of what the USO did for the troops, including re-enactments of the music of the times and the talent that performed for the troops, especially during World War II.

Participants wear battle uniforms that are exact replicas of what was worn during these conflicts for US troops as well as the enemy. Participants speak the language of the combatants. You will see equipment such as tanks, jeeps, artillery, even horses, in action.

Guns and authentic replicas of blank ammunition, and pyrotechnically created explosives are used. You will see fixed wing aircraft attacking and helicopters attacking and performing

First and foremost, these weekends are organized and repeated annually to honor those who fought in these wars and other military conflicts. All veterans can attend at no charge and they can enjoy themselves at a Veterans Hospitality Tent. For all others, there are modest admission fees.

Naturally, over the years, these weekends have served additional purposes. For some veterans, these

weekends have become reunions with their war buddies. For other veterans, the weekends have had positive therapeutic effects, often bringing closure. And, for those veterans who may be suffering from post-traumatic syndrome from being in battle, there is a Mental Health Forum, that is on hand to assist. In fact, the forum is also open to all first responders who, like soldiers, can be affected by the stress they face in their jobs. These weekends have also inspired people attending to choose the military as a career.

Our military has performed well in battles which were fought for our freedom and way of life. These weekends are valuable reminders of the sacrifices that have been made on behalf of all of us who live in this country. For tickets and information, go to www.lockportpark.org/MHW, or call 815 838 1183. ■ HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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Hinsdale Magazine | Giving Back

Transfer of Wealth Study Reveals Prime Opportunity for Local Charitable Impact

BY ALICE WOOD, JD

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B

enjamin Franklin once wrote, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Although he has been gone for more than 200 years, his words still ring true. Given the talk of increased taxes and an unprecedented transfer of wealth expected to take place over the next 10 years, now is the time to consider how to maximize benefits for yourself and your loved ones as well as see more impact for your community and favorite causes.

According to a new study titled “Illinois Transfer of Wealth Opportunity,” published by LOCUS Impact Investing with support from Forefront, the Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations and others, it is estimated that $434 billion will transfer through Illinois estates over the next 10 years, with nearly $53 billion passing through DuPage County estates alone.

Create a Legacy

support.

My former career as an estate planning attorney has been a real eyeopener regarding the transfer of wealth from one generation to the next.

Working with competent advisors can make all the difference. People need

Another easy way to make a difference is through DuPage Foundation’s Legacy Society which exists to provide people who share a love for our community a means in which to unite in making transformational change by committing a charitable gift from their estates.

“The idea that five percent of our estate or an inherited windfall can be donated to create a lasting impact for our community is something we should all consider. DuPage Foundation is a fantastic partner to help people explore their charitable options and see more impact with their philanthropy.”

Consisting of 171 known members and representing tens of millions of dollars in commitments, the Legacy Society honors generous and forward-thinking donors who have included DuPage Foundation in their estate plans.

Work with DuPage Foundation and your attorney, financial planner, and other advisors to facilitate your wishes. From naming DuPage Foundation in your - CARSON R. YEAGER, will or trust to including it as a Retired Senior Executive, The Northern Trust Company, DuPage beneficiary of your retirement Foundation Trustee Emeritus and Legacy Society Member assets, or a life insurance policy, there are a number of to make sure they are looking out for ways in which you can see more impact any special circumstances involving While it’s hard to know what the their beneficiaries, including those with for the causes and organizations you tax ramifications will be, imagine what disabilities. Minimizing taxes always love—throughout our community and good could come from this transfer of seems to be top of mind, but thoughtful beyond. wealth if as little as 5 percent of it were planning includes having the foresight It’s As Easy As a Phone Call directed to charitable causes. Although to be prepared for all of the “what ifs” death and taxes will never go away, we including what if we take advantage of Please join us and become part of the each have the ability to take advantage this monumental transfer of wealth to DuPage Foundation family by increasing of existing opportunities to benefit our do a little something to make our world your charitable impact and partnering loved ones, support our community and a better place? with us in Doing a World of Good in make our mark.

Our Own Backyard®. Call us today At a local level, just five percent of that estimated wealth to be transferred could create a $2.65 billion community endowment to annually support DuPage County’s most pressing needs and other causes that enrich our local quality of life: from area food banks and homeless shelters, to mental health service providers, humane societies, arts and cultural groups, educational programs, environmental organizations, and scores of other worthwhile organizations. Furthermore, as this endowment grows over time, 20 years from now it could generate as much as $151 million annually in vital grant

How Can You Help?

We are so much more impactful when we combine our resources to meet the needs of our community. That’s what DuPage Foundation does best— matches passions and resources with needs and opportunities. Whether you choose to give in support of the DuPage Forever Fund, which addresses all of DuPage County community’s needs, or through a particular field of interest, or a fund to accomplish your personal goals, together we can raise the quality of life for the residents of our county for generations to come.

at 630.665.5556 or visit the website at dupagefoundation.org to learn more.

About the Author: Alice Wood, JD, is director of gift planning for DuPage Foundation. Prior to joining DuPage Foundation, Alice founded Wealth Watchers International®, a company dedicated to promoting financial education and financial literacy. She authored Wealth Watchers – A Simple Program to Help You Spend Less and Save More. Alice received her law degree from DePaul College of Law and practiced as an estate planning attorney for many years. ■

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Hinsdale Magazine | Giving Back

Luminaries Light the Night for Wellness House Under One Sky, One Evening for Wellness House - Three Unique Locations

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ellness House is bringing its annual fall fundraiser to the western suburbs! As a change of pace, this year’s event will be on Friday, October 15, and will occur “Under One Sky” at 3 suburban locations: Butterfield Country Club, Chicago Highlands Club and Hinsdale Golf Club. Led by eight Luminaries with a profound history of supporting Wellness House, guests at all locations will enjoy cocktails and seated dinner, wine auction, program and live auction, before dancing the night away. While the attire is cocktail, the event will be elegant, refined and reminiscent of the Wellness House Ball that traditionally takes place in October.

Under One Sky for Wellness House will help fund over 485 programs a month, including Information and Education, Exercise, Nutrition, Stress

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BY DEB KWIATT

Management, Child and Family, and Support Groups and Counseling.

All Wellness House programs are evidence-based and help people with cancer reduce side effects, learn coping and relaxation techniques, exercise safely for increased energy, and feel less isolated. During the pandemic, all programs moved online with over 50,000 visits made between March 2020 and March 2021. The transition to online programs during the pandemic removed geographic barriers to participation and increased access to programs.

Now, online and in-person programs connect people wherever they may be located. The event name speaks to the connection program participants maintained throughout online programming as well as the 3 locations that will be connected throughout the evening. The event signifies a shared commitment to help people affected by

cancer thrive – all Under One Sky for Wellness House.

“A very special thank you to all the wonderful Luminaries: Angie & Wes Breton, Stephanie & Freddie Brzozowski, Lauren & Matt Houder, Debbie & Jim Hultquist Jenna & Ken Julian, Briana & Peter Murray, Lori & Clay Naccarato, Beth Sharp.

The Luminaries leading Under One Sky for Wellness House are members of our Board of Directors that have demonstrated a deep commitment to the mission and success of Wellness House. They were selected for their ability to inspire and influence others to join them in their support of Wellness House” said Lisa Kolavennu, Executive Director, Wellness House.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit wellnesshouse.org/ball2021 ■

It’s a Wrap Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club

S

everal dozen Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club (HJWC) members celebrated the conclusion of a recordbreaking fundraising year at the club’s annual “It’s a Wrap” party at the new Compass Arena in Willowbrook on May 20.

The HJWC benefit committee announced that it raised more than $305,000 through its “Platinum Unplugged” benefit in late April, breaking the previous mark set in

BY MIKE ELLIS

2019 by more than $25,000.

Outgoing HJWC president Lauren Kavanaugh said membership topped the 200 plateau for the first time in several years, and the record fundraising total enabled the HJWC to award nearly $296,000 in grants to 27 regional non-profit organizations.

Grant recipients included Lutheran Child & Family Services, Wellness House, The Home 2 Home Project, Center for Independence, All Our Children's Advocacy

Center, Reclaim13, Share Our Spare and Simply from the Heart.

Michelle Riley of Hinsdale is succeeding Kavanaugh as president, and will be followed by incoming vice president Jaclyn McNamara, also of Hinsdale, who will serve as president in 2022-23.

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

HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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Hinsdale Magazine | Giving Back

A Night to Remember Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club defies odds in hosting inperson benefit—sets fundraising record in the process

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BY MIKE ELLIS I PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCELLO RODARTE

ince March 2020, in-person galas have been basically non-existent in Illinois, due to state restrictions and general public fears over the Coronavirus pandemic.

But one local non-profit organization pivoted and exercised its ingenuity to stage a successful in-person benefit—and even set a club fundraising record in the process.

The Hinsdale Junior Woman's Club (HJWC) is known locally for organizing one of the premier parties in Chicagoland each year at its annual benefit, with proceeds fulfilling a series of grant requests submitted by regional charities.

"It's this day every year that we all just celebrate," 2021 benefit managing co-chair Courtney Casey said. "Everyone goes to dinner beforehand, and a lot of people have after-party plans. It's a really fun day to get together with your friends."

The HJWC was one of the few

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organizations that enjoyed an in-person gala in 2020, holding its benefit in February, just a month before the world was turned upside-down.

But when the pandemic hit, like all other clubs, the HJWC was forced to rethink its programming for the year ahead.

"We didn't know what this year was going to bring," 2020-21 club president Lauren Kavanaugh said. "We didn't know if we could have benefit; we didn't know what the fundraising challenges would be."

Benefit managing co-chair Courtney Casey said the club monitored restrictions, and adjusted accordingly throughout the year, and Kavanaugh said the club opened meetings and events to as many members in-person as feasible.

"People still wanted to get out, but get out safely," Kavanaugh said. "So when we were able to have 50-person meetings, all 50 slots were full, and the rest of our

membership was on Zoom."

In October 2020, the HJWC benefit committee unveiled a plan to host an event for several hundred guests the following April in Chicago, where the club had held its last seven benefits, dating back to 2014. The theme was a Grammys-inspired "Platinum Unplugged."

"Our members wanted something safe and in-person," Kavanaugh said.

But in January, with restrictions still in place, and the Coronavirus showing no signs of evaporation, the committee approached Kavanaugh to discuss contingency options. Kavanaugh replied that she had a "feeling" of the "pulse of the club."

"The pulse of the club was that they wanted an [in-person] event," she said.

Watching other organizations continue with virtual events, Kavanaugh said "we felt as though our April 24 date was out

far enough where we would be able to have an in-person event in accordance with state guidelines."

Kavanaugh conveyed her thoughts to the benefit chairs, and the committee began exploring options for restructuring the gala.

Casey said the committee discussed how it could create an event for those that wanted to participate in-person, while also providing an element to include others uncomfortable with gathering. She said "local" was a major talking-point during their conversations, and observing that Hinsdale businesses were struggling under pandemic conditions, the committee elected to bring the benefit back to the western suburbs for the first time in eight years.

would attend the same event in one-hour intervals.

everyone at the old cycle shop appeared happier at the end of the evening.

Vaccine supply increased shortly before the benefit was held on April 24, bolstering vaccinations and confidence in the pandemic trajectory.

"We really enjoyed ourselves," Casey said. ... "We had no expectations this year, because everything kept changing. We planned one event, and that completely changed."

What ensued was an event that celebrated the HJWC, while more generally seeming to mark the return of inperson gatherings as well.

"The energy Kavanaugh said.

was

undeniable,"

Kavanaugh said the club received "only positive feedback—which never happens."

"Everyone had a great time," she said.

"People were able to have dinner with one group; go to the event, experience it with a different group; and then afterward, attend an after-party with a different group. People who wanted to see their friends that spanned different subgroups within the club within the club were able to experience that."

“We didn’t know what this year was going to bring. We didn't know if we could have benefit; we didn't know what the fundraising challenges would be.”

"Platinum Unplugged" reaped farther-reaching social - LAUREN KAVANAUGH, 2020-21 club president dividends than the interaction "It felt like the town came out to that transpired at Burdi Clothing. Casey celebrate," Casey said, adding that "it's said some friends from the city reached been a unique year for everybody," and out to her, inquiring how the benefit According to Casey, the committee "people are craving that connection" after committee was able to execute an inoriginally mulled a "business crawl" experiencing more than a year with limited person event, desiring to recuperate their concept throughout downtown Hinsdale, social interaction. own gatherings as well. but determined that this would have been Guests pre-registered for gift cards to The benefit also yielded the richest "logistically very complicated." sundry downtown stores and restaurants, harvest for a single year in the more than "We want to be able to go out to dinner here, and not have to go outside our community," Casey said. "We love that about our community."

For a couple of weeks, Kavanaugh said the club explored staging multiple parties simultaneously at a handful restaurants or country clubs spanning from La Grange to Clarendon Hills. But due to the limited number of benefit committee members, they realized it would have been immensely challenging to adequately staff each facility.

which they procured at the "red carpet preparty" main event at Burdi Clothing.

"All the local restaurants' reservations were full from 5 p.m. to closing time, with people all dolled up, coming to or from our event," Casey said.

"It felt really on the pulse of what we wanted to do with the theme of the event," Casey said, adding that the committee was grateful when owner Rino Burdi consented to host the benefit.

Ladies came attired in their full sartorial splendor, having waited patiently to dress up for a night out on the town. DJ Matt Roan supplied musical entertainment for attendees, who browsed the new store, while visiting with friends and neighbors in public in some cases for the first time in more than a year. Perhaps the most popular attraction for ladies was a "360 glam cam" that provided a unique twist on a photo booth. The carousel-like camera produced a panoramic moving picture for friends that joined together on a small hexagonal base, to their great delight and entertainment.

At this stage, in-person events were limited to 50 people indoors at a time, so the committee settled on a rotating gala, whereby four separate groups of 50

That evening, some benefit committee members initially expressed hesitation about having the endurance to essentially repeat the same party four times; but

"That's when they went back to the drawing board—again—to figure out the structure that we eventually went with," Kavanaugh said.

Ultimately, the benefit committee found the new Burdi Clothing space that opened in the former Hartley's Cycle Shoppe property on Hinsdale Ave. in 2020.

70-year history of the HJWC, as the club announced in May that it raised more than $305,000, eclipsing the $300,000 plateau for the first time. This total was employed to fund grant requests from 27 regional nonprofit organizations, including Assistance League, Center for Independence, The Home 2 Home Project, Reclaim13, Simply from the Heart and Wellness House.

Kavanaugh said what ultimately made the benefit so comprehensively successful was that the club's outlook for the entire season was consistently "what can we do."

"We didn't know what this year was going to bring," she said. "We didn't know if we could have benefit; we didn't know what the fundraising challenges would be.

With this team that we built...everyone just kept working together and moving forward, and saying, 'How can we do this?'

And we did—and we broke records."

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

HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

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Hinsdale Magazine | Giving Back

Hinsdale Cooks!

Kitchen Walk Luncheon Hinsdale Historical Society Women’s Board

D

BY MIKE ELLIS I PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCELLO RODARTE

ozens of ladies from Hinsdale and surrounding c o m m u n i t i e s participated in the Hinsdale Cooks! Kitchen Walk luncheon on May 7.

Ladies volunteered their homes as ambassador hostesses for the luncheon, which was spread across numerous households in response to ongoing Coronavirus restrictions.

Homeowners that hosted up to

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ten guests in their homes received additional perquisites.

Presented by the Hinsdale Historical Society (HHS) Women's Board, the event commenced with a blitz of social media content in the month leading up to the luncheon promoting the work of prominent interior designers in the Chicago metropolitan area.

The women's board partnered with Hinsdale-based Vistro Prime to supply prepared meals for the luncheon.

In addition to private homes, Immanuel Hall in Hinsdale, home to the historical society's archives, also served as an event site.

Proceeds from the luncheon were directed towards the historical society, which is currently in the process of renovating the R. Harold Zook Home & Studio at Katherine Legge Memorial Park in Hinsdale.

For more information about the Hinsdale Historical Society, visit www. hinsdalehistory.org. ■

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Hinsdale Magazine | Thinking Of Homes

How A Wisconsin Lake Home Has Been Beautifully Re-Imagined

I

n the 1960s the Johnston family began vacationing at Green Lake, Wisconsin. In the late 1970s, Tom and Edie Johnston of Hinsdale, his brother and father and her mother purchased land on the lake. The extended family together built a home where the family gathers every year and where now even great-grandchildren and third cousins get to know and play together.

After forty years, the home needed updating and Tom and Edie’s children Beth, Tom and Julie decided to undertake a renovation. The clients’ desire was to create a midwestern lake house with a contemporary flair, which was beautifully achieved by the design team.

The home needed updates both aesthetically and functionally in order to truly highlight its spectacular location and utilize the expansive space the house offered. With the home being a year-round vacation destination, strategic additions were thought out to accommodate the changing family needs.

The clients had worked with Janie

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BY LARRY ATSEFF

Petkus on eight previous projects and so it was natural to start with her. From there, the design team fell into place with Cyrus Rivetna of Rivetna Architects, and Gail Drury of Drury Design. The clients and design team toured Green Lake to understand its character and architecture. They visited homes, peeked in windows, and toured by boat.

They had all worked together on earlier projects and designer Janie Petkus did a good job of coordinating and keeping everyone on task.

The team for this project has many ties to Hinsdale: the clients and architect Cyrus all grew up in Hinsdale; Janie

Petkus opened up her Hinsdale-based design firm in 1975; and Gail Drury has worked with Janie Petkus since the 80’s to design countless kitchens and bathrooms in the Hinsdale area since opening Drury Design in 1987.

The Design Team imagined a midwestern lake house, specifically planned for vacation living of a large extended family. Additional bathrooms were added to allow every one of the eight bedrooms to have its own bath.

The design team also focused on maximizing the size of the gathering spaces where the family comes together.

The kitchen is large to allow for cooking

THIS KITCHEN IS NOW LARGE ENOUGH TO COOK FOR 20.

The high ceilings and wood paneling were incorporated on all walls and ceiling to give the space a lake house look. The white oak paneling has a hand-applied driftwood wash that allows the character of the wood grain to show through. It compliments with white oak flooring, stained a slightly darker tone. All of these selections opened up and brightened the space but the original stone fireplace remains a highlight of the design and room. To maximize lake views, large full-length windows were added throughout the kitchen and first floor.

THE GREAT ROOM HAS RETAINED A CLASSIC STONE FIREPLACE, AND ADDED MORE SPACE FOR VIEWS OF DECKS AND THE LAKE.

for up to 20, and spacious to allow for many cooks (and cleaners) in the kitchen. Decks are expansive for leisure and play

to grow through the deck, and becomes a focal point. Railings are kept minimal, so they do not obstruct views.

An addition gives the Great Room the space needed to accommodate dining/sitting for twenty, and creates a perfect spot for family games and singing. The addition opened views over the deck and out to the lake. The existing stone fireplace was fit with a new stone mantle and stone hearth, and provides the warmth a lake house needs. The Great Room is capped by wood and steel trusses that subtly divide the space into cooking, living, and dining.

“The home needed updates both

Key design features addressed in this remodel included highlighting beautiful views of the Lake, brightening up the space, and modernizing the design to fit the needs of a family that loves to entertain.

According to Janie Petkus, material selection was crucial for this design. All materials chosen needed to be natural but durable enough to withstand the humidity associated with living on a lake and used by a large extended family. "Really, durability was of primary importance for this vacation home; people want to relax and not think about their behaviors!" says Gail Drury, CMKBD.

aesthetically and functionally in order to truly highlight its spectacular location and utilize the expansive space the house offered. With the home being a year-round vacation destination, strategic additions were thought out to accommodate the changing family needs.”

Architect Cyrus Rivetna imagined a cathedral to nature. Windows are tall and slender, inspired by the slender trunks of old-growth oaks that dot the site, and they allow views of the lake and the treetops. The forest green siding and bronze details were chosen to situate the house comfortably within nature and not fight it. A low stone base anchors the house to the ground. Expansive decks provide ample space for outdoor living and dining and are designed to bring the family together outdoors. Rather than remove an old-growth oak, it is allowed

— GAIL DRURY, of Drury Design

This home regularly fills with adults and children. The kitchen needed to function well for multiple cooks as well as large family gatherings.

Therefore multi-work areas and large expanses of countertop space for buffets were a must.

These design ideas paired with lots of seating at the island and the oversized table give enough room for everyone.

Continued on next page

THE REDESIGN MADE THIS ENTERTAINMENT SPACE A THIRD GATHERING PLACE. HINSDALE MAGAZINE | HinsdaleMag.com

59

Hinsdale Magazine | Thinking Of Homes color abstract rug give warmth but still maintain a light feel. Contemporary artwork, lighting, and fabrics kept a fresh new look to the living areas.

Three bathrooms were added bringing the total to 8 bedroom suites. Unused attic spaces were opened, and dormers added to the upper floor bedrooms to create taller ceilings that provide fun spaces for kids. “The kid’s bedroom and bathroom are clad in painted bead board, and create a casual bunkroom feel, perfect for hiding away”, says Cyrus Rivetna.

Continued from the previous page A multimetal hood with an antique patina was included to add an element of WOW to the space. A large multiburner stove, two large sinks, two dishwashers, and three waste receptacles were strategically located in multiple locations so multiple family members could use the space simultaneously. An area off to the side in the family room that was designated as a desk was multipurposed to function as a buffet area for the large family dinners.

Navy leather sofas and a multi-

THERE IS A COMPLETE SECOND KITCHEN WITH SEATING.

The new design also included updating a second kitchen with stateof-the-art appliances, which offers more room for the growing family to gather and enjoy each other's company. In addition, an entertainment space was added which included a 121” television so that all family members could congregate for viewing.

Making the house accessible to everyone was a primary goal. Discrete and convenient ramps are seamlessly incorporated into the house, and are convenient for not only wheelchairs, but also for strollers, coolers, and luggage. Instead of an eyesore, they enhance the design so that all spaces are accessible to everyone.

ATTIC SPACE WAS CONVERTED SO THAT THE HOME NOW INCLUDES 8 BEDROOMS.

This beautiful family lake house now serves as both an inviting and luxurious destination for the entire Johnston family and guests to gather all year round.

Design Sources Janie Petkus, Janie Petkus Interiors 421 West Maple St., Hinsdale, IL 60521 630-272-8585 • janie@janiepetkus.com Cyrus Rivetna, AIA Rivetna Architects Inc. 340 E Randolph St Ste 505, Chicago IL 60601 312-341-9006 • crivetna@rivetna.com Gail Drury, Drury Design 512 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 630-469-4980 • gail@drurydesigns.com ■

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EACH BEDROOM HAS ITS OWN COMPLETE BATHROOM GREEN LAKE IS A BEAUTIFUL SETTING FOR THIS RE-IMAGINED, SPACIOUS LAKE HOME.

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Hinsdale Magazine | Thinking Of Homes

NEW HOME OR REMODEL? UPDATE FROM A BUILDER

I

n this unprecedented, volatile housing market, it continues to be difficult to make the best decisions for either building or remodeling.

Because so much is at stake that will be life changing, extremely expensive and time consuming to completion, you want to make the smartest best decisions.

Couple those concerns with positives such as interest rates continue to be low, homes are still selling at a rapid clip, and just in the last few weeks, at last, lumber prices are dropping as mills pick up the production slack.

What to do now, as we get out from under the pandemic, and we soon will be heading into 2022? What is your best direction?

Build or remodel?

Among others, you can turn to real estate agents who have their finger on the pulse of what is selling now. You can turn to lenders who have insights into trends in rates. And, you can turn to builders, who are facing all these issues, and interact 62

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with all the players in the housing market.

It may be smart to talk to all three types of experts in the housing market.

When it comes to builders, you may want to consider Marcin Kawa, owner of MK Construction that he founded nearly two decades ago.

Here are a couple of his key observations.

1. “I try to stay on top of trends in new

home construction and remodeling markets. For example, in an article by Robert Hughes, American Institute for Economic Research, June 21, quoting Refinity Datastream, let me quote you: ‘Sales of new singlefamily homes fell sharply in May, decreasing 5.9 percent to 769,000 at a seasonally-adjusted annual rate from a 817,000 pace in April. Weakness over the last few months in sales of new single-family homes is consistent with signs of slowing in the market for existing single-family homes as well. Nevertheless, sales are still up substantially vs. a year ago for both.’

In my opinion, the record high prices are a key factor in slowing sales and helping to push up inventory of both existing homes and new home construction.

If you are trying to sell your singlefamily home, that means there is more competition which is reducing the rate of price increases. Those high prices have also driven some people out of the market for the time being. I see a moderation of the rush out of dense urban areas like Chicago, where we build, to the suburbs.

The slight slowing in sales is also due to the recent slight increases in mortgage rates. But some people see those rising interest rates and say maybe I need to act now.

2. I also pay very close attention to the

costs of construction. There has been a lot of talk over the past several months that the price of lumber has made new construction and remodeling so expensive that consumers and builders are holding off. However,

in just the past few weeks, believe it or not, lumber prices have started to come down. Let me quote you from an article from the New York Times,

by Matthew Phillips using data from the Commerce Department, Federal Reserve notes: ‘Lumber futures surged to unprecedented heights, peaking at more than $1,600 per thousand board feet in early May. Lumber prices in the futures market, for example, are down more than 45 percent from their peak, slipping below $1,000 for the first time in months as saw mills ramp up supplies.’

In other words, supply and demand is at work at many levels. If you want to stay up with trends, I would be glad to talk with you so you can make decisions on whether to build or remodel, and when.”

“You have been cooped up with your family for last year, more than ever before, so you have gotten to know everyone a little better and vice versa. You know yourself and your significant other better.

You know the kids a lot better. That means you know what interests each family member has and what they don’t like.

“Or should a dining room or dining area be the focal point? Is a lot of open space the future for a new home? Is a home office/ study area a permanent requirement, or will that space go for other activities? Is the company you work for going to allow you to still work at home. Or, will you be commuting and going back to an office?

Or, is your work situation going to be a hybrid of work from home and work from the office?

“There are a lot of other decisions.

What kinds of cabinets, flooring, roofing, appliances, fixtures, landscaping, on and on. Then there are the inevitable “hidden costs” unless you have planned exceedingly well.”

Here again, from Marcin, are some of the practical pros and cons of building a new home vs. remodeling.

The Pros of a New Home There are several reasons people choose when it comes to building a new home.

“First, and foremost: Appropriate customization. This assumes you have thoroughly thought through your potential future for the next 20 to 30 years, beyond the last unusual 12 months.”

- MARCIN KAWA, Founder and Owner, MK Construction & Builders

We all know how important the kitchen is in most homes. How important has the kitchen been the last 12 months? Has it become the nerve center for the family, where the meal making takes place as well as meal eating takes place? Is it a study center? When things get back to ‘normal’, will family members still want to get together as much in a central place like a kitchen?”

How about your bedrooms? Is there a great desire to have not only a great bedroom suite but also a spa/ bath where you can get away and luxuriate? Separate bath for the kids? Study areas in bedrooms for the kids? Is it a family room? Or is it a tv/tv games room? Or a workout room? Or all three?. Or do you need separate rooms?”

“How about not so mundane factors such as lighting and windows and landscaping? Do you like to have the outside view of a beautiful backyard, or do you want more privacy? Do you want both?”

“Are you big into outdoor play and entertaining, inside and around the home? What kind and what size patio would you like to have in the future? How important is “grilling” to you? How about the location of outdoor entertaining relative to the kitchen? How about the garage? Besides the cars, has it become the mud room, back-pack room, and outdoor

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play equipment room? Should it?”

“The last 12 months have been a stress test, not only for the family, but the home you are living in.

You’ve learned a lot about your home and how it has survived … or not. This not only includes the home itself, but all your furnishings and appliances. How have they performed? It is all part of an experience you can use to your advantage in thinking through your customization for a new home. Now you know better which appliances to buy.”

“Obviously, those who want new vs. remodel have concluded that new is the better answer.”

“Besides newer, more energy-efficient appliances, there will be newer, better materials for flooring, cabinets, more modern fixtures and furnishings, and decorating schemes, just to your liking because you are installing just what you like.”

To sum it up, there is real excitement and expectation that comes with new and better!

And last, but not least, you can cross house tours and the stress for competing for a home, off your list.

How About The Cons of New Construction?

“First of all, when you decide on a new home, statistics from the Census Bureau 64

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and the National Association of Home Builders indicates that the sales cost of a new home vs. an existing home will continue to be tens of thousands of dollars more. That just makes sense, if only from the standpoint that new housing is using materials that cost more than when existing homes were built.

“Not only that, National Association of Home Builders statistics indicate the physical construction of a new home can take an average of 7 months from start to finish, and that doesn’t include planning and approval stages. That length of time could also involve arrangements in selling where you currently live, and the potential of having to rent.”

“In addition, you might not have the “wiggle room” to negotiate on price on a new home vs. an existing home. On top of all that, there is the continual inconvenience of visiting and revisiting a home in progress…not always the neatest experience. And there are lots of decisions to be made along the way. Where to find a lot…which is becoming scarcer and scarcer here is the western suburbs, in a location you like. Then there is actual design of the home. What square footage will you need for the next 20-30 years and will you be able to afford it? Or do you plan for the future, in stages?”

“There are a lot of other decisions. What kinds of cabinets, flooring, roofing, appliances, fixtures, landscaping, on

and on. Then there are the inevitable “hidden costs” unless you have planned exceedingly well.”

“Do you know or can you get referrals for a designer, architect? How about a lender?

Do you know a realtor you can trust?”

“Then there is finding a builder you can trust. MK Construction and Builders is renowned for building excellent housing and is recommended by architects and designers.”

“We pride ourselves in providing the finest construction techniques and the finest building materials, no matter the project. We also pride ourselves in our willingness to listen closely to our customers and then work with them to realize their dreams. We are very price competitive on a comparable basis. Please go to our website to see the testimonials.”

“We also always have spec homes where customers can actually see some of our homes for the quality of design, construction and materials.”

Marcin concludes, “Of course, in the end, you decide on whether to build a new home or remodel. Don’t let anyone talk you into something you don’t really want.”

For more, please go to mkconstructioninc. net or call 773-817-1861. ■

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