Oak Brook Magazine September 2023

NATIONAL JEWELER: HALL OF FAME INDUCTEES

National Jeweler*, the leading New York-based news source for jewelry industry insiders, has chosen the latest group of inductees for its prestigious Retailer Hall of Fame. Stan and Ingrid Razny, second-generation owners of Razny Jewelers, are receiving the 2023 honor as forward-thinking multi-store independent jewelers.*

WATCHPRO FEATURES

TALKING TIMEPIECES: Editor and founder of WatchPro*, Rob Corder, sat with Stan Razny to talk timepieces, discuss the ever-changing landscape of the luxury watch market, and breakdown how family-owned independents provide the value that direct-to-consumer brands struggle to match.

Deemed “The Big Interview,” it also showed how seriously Razny Jewelers takes its position as the only authorized dealer for Patek Philippe in a territory that stretches across Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Wisconsin, surpassing 220,000 square miles.*

RAZNY JEWELERS NAMED TOP 100:

Razny Jewelers is honored to have made this year’s Hot 100 list in the Retail Power Players categoary. Published by WatchPro magazine, the premier publication for news on timepieces and jewelry for collectors around the globe, this designation is reserved for elite American jewelers who display exceptional growth and success.*

AS SEEN IN VOGUE

Over 75 years ago, the Razny family immigrated to America with the vision of building a legacy they could pass on to their children. Today, they are proud to have developed their dream into something far grander than they could have imagined. Ingrid Razny and Christine Razny-Porter share their family’s story in this September’s issue of Vogue Magazine.*

*Links to full articles on razny.com/press

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Oak Brook: A Unique and Vibrant Community

The small village of Oak Brook has much to offer its residents and visitors alike. At the heart of this special place are the people and their dedicated efforts. Oak Brook is home to civic-minded residents and an efficient village government that ensures everything runs smoothly. In this edition, we shine the spotlight on Larry Herman, the newly elected Village President. Gopal Lalmalani, the outgoing President, fully endorsed Larry due to his outstanding work as a Trustee, alongside other Board members, in improving the village's finances and enhancing safety and police protection for everyone in Oak Brook.

Oak Brook's proactive approach continues to attract attention and make the village desirable in numerous ways. One indicator of this success is the high occupancy rate of office spaces in the area. Additionally, Oakbrook Center, one of the most successful shopping malls in the United States, continues to thrive by attracting retailers who want to invest in this vibrant location.

We also feature the transformation of The Drake Oak Brook as we delve into the captivating journey of Tely, her husband Jim Nagle, and their dedicated staff as they breathed new life into the once dilapidated and shuttered Drake Oak Brook.

This incredible team worked tirelessly to turn it into a worldclass destination for unforgettable vacations and remarkable dining experiences. Furthermore, it has become a sought-after venue for hosting important events. Prepare to be amazed as you immerse yourself in the story of this remarkable transformation.

In this issue, we also shed light on the little-known organization that provides invaluable support to the DuPage County Sheriff's Department. The DuPage County Crime Forensic Science Center plays a crucial role in prosecuting criminal acts within the county. Oak Brook Magazine had the opportunity to visit the center and speak with DuPage County State's Attorney Bob Berlin, DuPage County Sheriff Jim Mendrick, and Director Claire Dragovich, who gave us an exclusive tour. It is our hope that by understanding the sig-

nificant efforts put into ensuring our communities' safety, you can sleep better at night.

Oak Brook is a haven of excellence, and one remarkable example is the Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club. Not only does this club boast top-notch facilities for tennis enthusiasts, including eight clay courts, but it is also led by a truly professional individual, Jim Lezatte. Under Jim's guidance, players not only improve their skills but also develop a deep respect for the game. As a result, his students rave about how much more they enjoy playing tennis.

Speaking of enjoyment, we must not forget to mention the recently concluded Taste of Oak Brook event, which was a resounding success according to reports. It is an occasion that brings together the community and offers a delightful experience for all attendees.

If you're in search of leisure travel options beyond Oak Brook, allow us to remind you of Route 66, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. It is worth noting that this iconic highway had its origins right here in the western suburbs. Additionally, we provide an insightful profile of Arizona, making it an enticing option for your next adventure.

While not all events can be joyous, it is important to remember significant moments in history. In commemoration of the tragic Our Lady of the Angels School fire in 1958, we take a moment to reflect. Michael Mason, a student present on that fateful day, later embarked on a fulfilling career with the Downers Grove Fire Department. He recalls the harrowing experience and shares the positive outcomes that emerged from this tragedy, particularly in terms of building design and advancements in construction materials that prioritize safety.

I hope you enjoy reading this special issue. We welcome your comments and suggestions by visiting www.OakBrookMagazine.com

Scott Jonlich, Publisher

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FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

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MANAGING EDITOR

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Maureen Callahan

Valerie Hardy

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Family is a priority at Alan. Eric, his wife Tammy, three children and six grandkids, and Hope, their rescue dog, are all near and dear. Eric also believes in community. Alan is an active member of the Elmhurst Chamber of Commerce and the Spring Road Business Association. The whole family pitches in for Spring Road events like the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Pet Parade, and Christmas at the Gazebo.

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Granddaughter Sammy and Hope, the Alan Energy Services Sweethearts

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Brightly Shining

Diwali reminds us to be a light to darkness

As the leaves turn, thousands of families in the western suburbs celebrate a five-day festival every fall. Diwali, the festival of lights, may encompass diverse traditions and customs by celebrants, but there are a few common themes. Curious about this festival? Read on for some answers to some common questions about this holiday.

WHAT IS DIWALI?

Diwali is a major Hindu festival celebrated by millions of people around the world. It is one of the most significant and widely observed festivals in India and various other countries where Hindu communities reside. The festival of Diwali has multiple cultural, religious, and spiritual meanings, but

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

the most common significance is the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and the human ability to overcome. It is the celebration of the affirmation that light shines in the

WHAT DOES THE WORD DIWALI MEAN?

Diwali comes from the Sanskrit word Deepavali, which literally means ‘row of lights.’

DOES THE FESTIVAL FALL ON THE SAME DAY EVERY YEAR?

Diwali is celebrated over a period of five days, usually in October or November, based on the Hindu lunar calendar. The celebration peaks on the third day with the principal celebration of Diwali (Sunday, November 12 this year).

WHY IS IT CALLED THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS?

darkness and the darkness has not overcome the light. It has been celebrated over 2,500 years by more than a billion people across faiths.

One of the most iconic aspects of Diwali is the illumination of homes and public spaces with oil lamps, candles, electric lights, and decorative lanterns. The

“The kids get the best of both worlds!”

DR. MONICA PATADIA ON KEEPING HER FAMILY'S OUTDOOR LIGHTS FOR DIWALI UP THROUGH THE CHRISTMAS SEASON

LOCAL TRADITIONS

Dr. Monica Patadia of Burr Ridge shares her family’s traditions during the festival of lights.

• The Patadia family celebrates with a lot of light. We usually hang outdoor lights for Diwali and then keep the lights up to celebrate Christmas as well. The kids get the best of both worlds!

• We decorate the inside of our home with colorful lights known as clay diyas, which are lit during prayers, rituals, and ceremonies. These lights are often permanent in houses and temples. The glow of a diya light represents knowledge, enlightenment, wisdom, and prosperity. Many homes light 13 such lights, as this is the number of diyas that must be lit for good health and prosperity. It is also believed that the 13 diyas protect against negative energies and bad spirits.

• Rangoli, uncooked, powdered rice, is also part of our festive décor. It is a type of art popular in India that is often drawn on the ground or sidewalk in front of the home. The symmetry of the designs symbolizes prosperity, growth, and luck. The purpose of Rangoli is to welcome and attract Hindu gods to the household. Rangoli also purifies the atmosphere around a home and summons a particular deity.

• We perform a religious prayer known as a Puja, which usually consists of making an offering of light, flowers, water, or food to an image of a god.

• We also wear traditional West Indian clothing and get together with family and friends with plentiful food and desserts.

lighting signifies the victory of light and knowledge, symbolizing the removal of darkness and ignorance from our lives. Fireworks are also a common part of Diwali celebrations, adding to the festive atmosphere. People burst crackers, light fireworks, and celebrate with joy and enthusiasm.

WHAT IS THE RELIGIOUS SIGNIFICANCE?

Diwali has different religious significance in various parts of India. In some regions, it marks the return of Lord Rama, an avatar of the god Vishnu, to his kingdom after defeating the demon king Ravana. In other regions, it celebrates the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon Narakasura. Diwali is also associated with the worship of Goddess Lakshmi, the Hindu goddess of wealth and prosperity. People clean and decorate their homes to welcome her blessings, and it is believed that she visits and blesses clean and well-lit households.

ARE THERE ANY EVENTS TO CELEBRATE THE CULTURE IN THE WESTERN SUBURBS?

Hamara Parivar was formed in 2015 by friends from the western suburbs of Chicago who all have young children. As children, they grew up going to garbas and learning about the culture from their parents. As parents today, they now aspire to share similar experiences they had as young children. The 9th Annual Garba & Raas will occur at The Community House in Hinsdale on Saturday, October 14. Visit https:// hamaraparivar2015.wixsite.com/ourfamily for more information

The Patadia children light candles in their home in celebration of Diwali.

Dr. Monica Patadia and her daughter Reyna at a family Diwali celebration

Facing The CHALLENGE

Oak Brook officials optimistic about the future of office occupancy rates

BY CHUCK FIELDMAN | PHOTOS BY 726 VISUALS

While office occupancy rate and corporate office operations have continued to decline throughout the Chicago area, Oak Brook officials remain optimistic about the village's future on those fronts.

Offices of all types took a huge hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, as most companies saw a huge slowdown in business, and many workers moved to doing their jobs remotely from home.

While the effects of the pandemic have, at least, slowed down substantially, the return of workers to offices has not been so sizable.

The share of available office space in the suburbs increased during the second quarter of 2023 to a recordhigh 28.9% from 28.5% at the end of March, according to a story in Crain's,

based on data from real estate services firm Jones Lang LaSalle. The new vacancy rate is up from 27.1% a year ago and 22.1% at the beginning of 2020.

In Oak Brook, Village Manager Greg Summers said Co-Star data he was provided in June indicated that office occupancy in Oak Brook is at 87%, representing a healthy office marketplace. Other sources have more recent numbers indicating rates lower than that, but Summers said he is encouraged by a trend showing an increase over the past year.

"The numbers I was given show an increase of 2% over 12 months ago, a sign that the market is trending in a positive direction," he said.

Summers said location is a big key to the village's high office occupancy rate.

"Oak Brook is strategically located at the intersection of two major expressways and is in close proximity to downtown Chicago as well as both Chicagoland airports," he said. "Add to those attributes the total lack of a municipal property tax as well as probusiness and pro-law enforcement elected officials, and it is clear why Oak Brook in DuPage County is the preferred alternative to Chicago and Cook County."

Am George works for Zeller Realty Group as assistant property manager of Commerce Plaza, which includes office buildings at 2001, 2015, and 2021 Spring Road. She said those properties have a current occupancy rate of 90%, and she believes Oak Brook's location and low property taxes make the village attractive for office building tenants.

"It's a great location, close to Oakbrook Center, and there are low taxes and

low crime," George said. "Crime is a big thing, and Oak Brook is also easy to get to. Even if you live downtown, it's easy to get to Oak Brook. It's out of the city, but you can still get everything you need."

Dennis Hiffman of NAI Hiffman in Oakbrook Terrace has been involved in real estate brokerage for more than 50 years, including several projects in Oak Brook. He said Oakbrook Center is a large draw to those interested in office space in Oak Brook.

"It offers a lot of great retail and restaurants," he said.

Village President Larry Herman weighed in with similar comments to Summers and George.

"The starting point for Oak Brook's decades of success is our location, the best of any suburb, with crossroads of I-88 and I-294, close to both O'Hare and Midway," he said. "Add to that a purposely built community that was designed around creating an upscale symbiotic office, shopping, and residential areas."

Herman said the commitment by village officials to low taxes also is key.

"There's both our comparatively low sales tax and hotel tax rates, which makes staying and shopping and dining in Oak Brook attractive, and, of course, our lack of a municipal property tax," he said. "The strong tax base also results in a comparatively lower property tax burden to businesses and residences from all the non-municipal property tax levies."

Herman said aggressive crime-fighting, exceptionally low taxes for businesses and consumers, location, ease of doing business, and the village's high development standards are factors that attract high-end businesses.

"Most importantly, we now have a village government that understands all this and is committed to efficient and effective governance that serves the mutually dependent business and residential community," Herman said.

As for Oak Brook's future in attracting tenants to its office buildings, Summers said the village remains the

premier suburban office destination.

"As companies continue to grapple with how they balance their office environment versus work-from-home requests, we foresee a growing desire for suburban office headquarters and outposts alike," he said. "These convenient locations will provide space for colleagues to gather and spaces where companies can hold meetings, without the need for long commutes to downtown Chicago."

Hiffman offered that possibly the biggest future challenge in continuing to increase office occupancy will be that Oak Brook has some older office buildings that don't offer the same type of amenities as do newer spaces.

"Some of the buildings are 40 to 50 years old, and not all landlords are willing to spend money to update and make improvements," Hiffman said.

While the occupancy rate of office space remains a challenge, businesses with their own corporate offices in the village continue to enjoy having an Oak Brook address. ■

“The starting point for Oak Brook’s decades of success is our location, the best of any suburb, with crossroads of I-88 and I-294, close to both O'Hare and Midway.”

- LARRY HERMAN, OAK BROOK VILLAGE PRESIDENT

LARRY HERMAN

Oak Brook Village President Takes Proactive Approach

BY CHUCK FIELDMAN | PHOTO BY VICTOR HILITSKI

Longtime Oak Brook Village Board member Michael Manzo, who was first elected in 2011 and re-elected in April for a fourth four-year term, said the board has had a very different feel to it over the past two-plus years. "I think the board is more proactive now than it's been anytime since I was first on it," Manzo said. "Ever since the board majority changed some with the victory of Herman, Nagle, and Reddy in the 2021 election, we've been much more proactive in trying to get things done instead of talking about things with not as much action. The combination of the proactive attitude among the board, along with bringing in Greg Summers as village manager (in January 2022), has made a big positive difference for the village."

One huge factor, Manzo said, was the April election of longtime Oak Brook resident Larry Herman to take over as village president for the retiring Gopal Lalmalani, who decided not to run for a fourth four-year term.

Prior to the April election, in which Herman defeated Asif Yusuf and Suresh Reddy in the race for village president, Lalmalani endorsed Herman, calling him "an extraordinary civic leader and an honorable man."

Lalmalani said he felt very comfortable leaving the leadership of the village to Herman.

"As trustee, he has smartly and proactively revamped our budgeting and accounting processes and, in the process, dramatically improved the village's financial position," Lalmalani said in his endorsement. "He has initiated technology advances that have vastly improved our safety and efficiency. Larry has done much more than what other trustees have done in over ten years."

Herman is very supportive of the proactive approach to law enforcement that is preferred by Police Chief Brian Strockis, who was named to the job in June after 22 years of working with the Oak Brook department.

"Over the last year or so, Oak Brook has taken a decidedly more proactive approach to criminal apprehension and enforcement," Herman said. "In partnership with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and his Organized Retail Crime Task Force, we have invested heavily in such resources as undercover police units, camera technology, drones, a K-9 unit, and GPS tracking systems."

Herman said Oak Brook supports and loves its police, and in turn, officers enjoy doing their job. "Throughout this process, our police have deepened their working relationships with retail store loss prevention personnel," Herman said. "Oak Brook has also partnered with neighboring police agencies, sharing resources as a force multiplier."

Herman said the village promotes its crime-fighting successes to get the word out to criminals to stay away from Oak Brook and DuPage County.

"The results speak for themselves," he said. "Over the last year, many major

Larry Herman, Oak Brook Village President

Oak Brook retailers are reporting that their shoplifting rates have dropped markedly in their Oak Brook stores, while the theft rate in stores outside of Oak Brook remains high. Meanwhile, sales at Oakbrook Center and other local stores and restaurants are booming."

Another major focus for Herman has been the efforts to turn around the problematic financial situation of the village's Sports Core. With help from others, that has happened.

" As part of that remarkable financial turnaround, with the guidance of the Sports Core Committee, allied village trustees, and village staff, we accomplished much," said Herman. Efforts have resulted in:

• Implementation of a new pool management agreement with a leading pool management company;

• Establishing a dedicated Bath and Tennis Club website for the first time;

• Introducing new online registration and check-in system to better manage membership;

•Publishing ads and articles promoting the Club, which helped lead to near-capacity 2022 membership.

• Conducting a thorough membership survey at the end of the season, gathering feedback to improve the membership experience for 2023.

• Negotiating a new, more profitable soccer field management agreement

"As a result of these changes, the village increased net revenues from these operations by about $380,000

over the prior 2021 arrangement with the park district," Herman said. He said for 2023, the improvement is forecast to be around $450,000.

"These substantially increased revenues will provide funds to make ongoing capital investments in the facilities, hopefully achieving the financial self-sufficiency that has been elusive for decades."

Manzo said "Larry has a lot of really good ideas, and he’s working hard to bring long overdue accountability and transparency to the village of Oak Brook,” Manzo said. "Business as usual is no longer good enough for our new Oak Brook Village President/ Board. The residents of Oak Brook deserve better." ■

Oak Brook Village President Larry Herman at booming Oak Brook Center in front of CD Peacock multi-million dollar project.

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(L-R) Dr. Christina Steil, MD; Dr. Paula Maholtra, MD and Dr. Rachel Bognet, MD 125 W. 2nd St, Hinsdale | 5157 Main, Suite 205, Downers Grove cscdermatology.com

“There are a lot of options available to treat and prevent hair loss. Our job is to educate and help patients navigate their choices.”

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A Tennis Player's Dream

Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club

In the last few years, the Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club (OBBTC) has made tremendous progress in becoming a viable entity. One real bright spot has been the tennis programming. Simply put, it has become a tennis player's dream.

To start with, the club offers Har-Tru clay courts, which are known for several features. These courts are easier on the body, reducing the risk of injury, and help players develop an allaround court game because of the slower pace of the ball. They also are environmentally friendly. At Oak Brook, eight individual tennis courts are laid out for a private, luxurious feeling.

Then, there are several membership options available. These include an annual family fee for the club of $900 for residents ($1,600 for non-residents) for unlimited pool and tennis usage. Tennis-only memberships range from $170 to $500 for the season from midApril to mid-November.

Finally, there is Jim Lezatte, Head Tennis Professional. He oversees tennis operations, setting court times, and maintaining the courts. He runs men, women, and co-ed programs. Above all, he teaches tennis.

Lezatte has led the tennis program at OBBTC since 2019. His name is familiar throughout south-central DuPage County. For 21 years prior, he was a

professional coach at the Hinsdale Racquet Club. He is a United States Professional Tennis Association member with a Safe Place certification. Hinsdale Magazine Group interviewed Lezatte and several tennis players who have taken lessons from him. They ranged in age from six to their 70s, and they praised his teaching techniques and his enthusiasm for the game.

Karen Mosquera and Lloyd Schooley

of Oak Brook had been away from tennis for a while. Each commented that Lezatte's way of understanding their current game - and giving proper instruction - translated to better playing and enjoyment of the game again. Manish Shah, also of Oak Brook, said, "Jim's enthusiasm got 16 of us signed up for doubles matches on a regular basis." Jordan Murphy, Sports Core Manager and a player herself, said, "Person after person raves about his lessons and how excited they are to play the game."

Elayna Lindstrom came to the courts, saw how Jim treated everyone, and determined that OBBTC was a fit for her. "This is where I want to be. He makes you love the game," she said. Her husband and two sons have since joined.

Darshika Chhabra followed Lezatte when he came from Hinsdale Racquet Club to OBBTC. She said, "Coach Jim is both a mentor and friend to my three boys." Her youngest, Vishnu, said, "He pushes me to my limits, but he is a nice person, and I know he has my best interests at heart."

"I am passionate about the game of tennis. My interest was sparked by watching Andre Agassi and his passion for the game," Lezatte said. "My favorite aspect of coaching is the instant a player understands what is being taught, and I can see them grasp the concept completely." ■

“My interest was sparked by watching Andre Agassi and the passion he had for the game.”

-JIM LEZATTE, OAK BROOK BATH & TENNIS PRO COACH

WELCOME IN!

The Drake Oak Brook’s elegance and charm are back to stay

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

One of the best things about luxury travel is the accommodation. What makes a hotel memorable? Décor? Amazing cuisine? Unparalleled hospitality? To get a local look at all three in the same place, check into The Drake Oak Brook, Marriott Auto-

graph Collection.You’ll feel like you’re at home. And among familyspecifically the Nagle family. It’s likely you’ll see Jim and Tely Nagle, proprietors of The Drake, personally overseeing every detail. They’re in plain sight at any moment, most days. They’ve brought this Oak Brook

landmark back from oblivion. And made it stunning!

Built in 1962, the hotel had several successful decades before falling into derelict condition. It eventually closed in 2009. Four years later, the

Tely Nagle, Drake Hotel Proprietor, in the Romanesque gardens

Photo by Victor Hilitski

Nagles bought the property. “Every investor and hotel company that initially looked at it said this couldn’t be done,” said Jim. “It’s probably a good thing Tely and I weren’t hoteliers to start with,” he laughed. “We didn’t realize all that could have gone wrong!”

At 6 a.m. the day after they signed the papers, the Nagles were at the hotelsleeves rolled up - alongside their workers. Everybody grabbed a hammer, saw, or paint brush and went to work. Having previously owned multiple-unit properties in the city, Jim and Tely had some restoration experience. What they didn’t know, they learned from their helpful crew.

They spent a long time formulating a clear vision of what the property would look like. And little by little, it began to happen, thanks to their laser focus and that of their team. Board by board and wall by wall, it’s always been about teamwork. “I really believe we’re all equal here,” said Tely. “We all have a role to play.”

Fast forward to the pandemic several years later, when they found themselves with a workforce of 120 people and an empty hotel. “We have an amazing staff,” Tely relayed. “We always feel that we’re all in this together. The pandemic was no different.”

Rather than furlough everyone, the Nagles tapped into their retirement fund to employ the team for a massive remodel. Everyone was able to stay employed and keep their health insurance. “We had two team members undergoing cancer treatment at the time,” said Tely. “It would have been devastating for them to lose their health insurance.”

Cooks, waitstaff, and housekeepers began plastering walls and doing other various construction tasks. The result is the hotel’s current stategorgeous!

The lack of turnover from their loyal staff is no surprise. The positive morale on display at this hotel is a study of the trickle-down effect. “The people who work for us love working here,” said Tely. “We’re lucky to have them.” Every day, the staff is in the presence of Jim and Tely on the job. But more as co-workers than supervisors. The result is a staff that would do anything for their employers. “Our staff has as much pride in The Drake as Jim and I do,” Tely believes.

From the beginning, the couple has made no small plans. Once one vision is achieved, the next one is on

the horizon. You’ll feel it in big and small ways.

Each of the hotel’s rooms, in both the main building and annex, has been remodeled to the nines with the inspiration of either a woman’s scarlet ball gown or a man’s gray, flannel suit. All have hardwood floors partially covered in tightweaved rugs, appointed with luxuriously comfortable furniture. The work of a local Hinsdale artist adorns the walls of the guest rooms and hallways.

Guests find a skeleton key waiting in the room when they check-in. "It's the

World-class elegance can be found right here in Oak Brook.

key to your escape," said Jim. "Whatever escape you need- worry, reality, escape into the past." The guest is invited either to keep the key and use it as a keychain or redeem it throughout the hotel to ‘unlock’ their ‘escape’ at the bar or the spa and get something in exchange, such as an appetizer or drink. “People love it,” Tely said.

Sophisticated indoor and outdoor options make dining at the hotel a memorable experience. Menus of varied cuisine, planned by awardwinning chefs, offer something for every palate, all day long, with afternoon tea on weekends. The Colonial Room offers a creative take on American favorites. Dine alfresco on The Patio in warm months, with a view of the gardens.

Beautifully garnished craft cocktails and a wide selection of whiskies make the Polo Lounge the perfect place to relax. Try the organic tequila with freshly squeezed sweet and sour to make any visit feel festive.

Let the aroma of coffee lead you downstairs to Aroma de Café, on the hotel’s ground floor. Where else in the area can you pick up a Starbucks crafted coffee drink, or snack, while you admire the work of artists such as Marc Chagall or Salvador Dali? This is also the country's first point of sale for Oregon's award-winning Tillamook ice cream by the scoop.

And despite all the amazing amenities, there are many more coming. The Nagles are not people of narrow vision.

The property consists of ten acres. A new building is in the works. Residences, similar to those of the Ritz Carlton or St Regis, will be available on the third through sixth floors. The lower level will contain a world-class Roman-inspired spa by Jacuzzi Brand. While Jacuzzi has several world-class European spas, this will be the first spa of its kind the

Well-appointed, chic guest rooms promise a relaxing stay.

company has embarked on in North America.

While the Drake’s outdoor space is already amazing, plans for many more gardens are drawn. Jim has done much of the landscaping alongside his crew, building Romanesque waterfalls and columns. Several more are on the way. Guests will soon be able to stroll through a Vatican Garden-inspired garden. Pools are in the not-so-distant future.

Their newest venture, COA, (the tool used to harvest the blue agave), will be a Spanish/Mexican fusion restaurant- a nod to Tely’s mixed heritage. It will open at the end of September and will be located on the ground floor, featuring a walkout space. The menu will be tapas, with high-end Mexican cuisine, planned by Executive Chef Esequiel Dominguez whom Chicagoans will remember from Café Iburico. The vision is a masculine, bar-centric restaurant featuring both indoor and outdoor seating, where customers will relax on sixty-some bar stools designed by Tely. Private dining will

also be available. “There aren’t a lot of places nearby that are open past 10 p.m., so we’ll be happy to be able to offer that to our guests and people in the area,” said Jim.

And it’s not just the hotel property that’s expanding. The Drake brand is embarking on some new endeavors, having recently signed a licensing

agreement with the largest luxurycharting yacht company in Latin America.

“The Drake is like our baby that will never grow up,” Jim laughed. ■

Later this year, The Drake Oak Brook will welcome guests to their latest offering, COA, blending Mexican and Spanish influences for a truly authentic menu.

The Drake brand is expanding into luxury yachts.

A FOND FAREWELL TO THE GRAUE MILL DAM

BY THE HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF

PHOTOS BY VICTOR HILITSKI

The giant wheel was turned by water flowing over the dam. In turn, the wheel turned buhrstones which crushed corn and wheat into cornmeal and wheat flour.

The year was 1933, and the country was still in the throes of the Depression, and for many Americans, a way to enjoy a Saturday or a Sunday meant something as simple as a walk in the woods. There just wasn’t enough cash to be doing expensive things.

Mr. and Mrs. Frank O. Butler (parents of Oak Brook founder Paul Butler) realized how many folks who lived in the Hinsdale area and surrounding farms enjoyed walking in the woods and around the old Graue Mill and Dam. It was a wonderful way to spend time with the family in all seasons. The mill pond, formed upstream of the dam, provided year-round entertainment. It was a perfect place for canoeing and boating in the summer months and a perfect place for ice skating in the winter. It was also when local ice harvesters cut their big blocks of ice and hauled them out on sledges pulled by draft horses to be stored in local ice houses, wellinsulated by a thick layer of sawdust.

It was in that atmosphere that Frank and Fannie Butler realized how important both the dam and the mill

were to local history and to local recreation too. They decided to transfer ownership of over 85 acres of forested land on both banks of Salt Creek from east of York Road, following the meander of the Creek all the way to Adams Road to the DuPage County Forest Preserve District. It was their often-expressed wish that this incredible place – full of history and such an amazing habitat – would be available in the future for the people of DuPage County.

The dam that is adjacent to Graue Mill was built originally in the 1850s –first to service a sawmill and then to serve a grist mill. Frederick Graue and his grist mill were used by farmers in the area who brought their corn and wheat so it could be ground into cornmeal and flour. Salt Creek is basically a stormwater drainage way, only about 43 miles long, from where it rises in Palatine, Illinois, to where it empties into the Des Plaines River at Riverside.

In order for there to be enough water to actually power a mill wheel, a mill pond had to be created, with water directed through a mill race. The wheel that the water turned weighs

some 8,000 pounds. In 1981, both the Graue Mill and the dam were officially listed on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places as an Illinois Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark. This recognized that there would not be a mill without the dam and the mill pond behind it.

The history of the area is enhanced by the countless animals who make their home in the surrounding habitat –deer, fox, coyote, mink, beaver, raccoons; lots of turtles and frogs and an astonishing array of birds, including an often-seen bald eagle.

The DuPage County Forest Preserve District has licensed local chapters of the Conservation Foundation and the Sierra Club to remove the dam. Despite concentrated efforts expended by many who believe in preserving the history of the area, including over 16,000 signatures on a petition to save the dam, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Chicago Office and the Illinois State Historic Preservation Office have signed off on their request.

Autumn of 2023 will be the last time you will be able to hear the water pouring over the dam. ■

TUSCANY IN CHICAGO

Experience the award-winning Italian restaurant, serving a culinary voyage of classic proportions. The restaurant offers a menu of trend-setting fare, including fresh fish, veal, chicken, award winning steaks and of course, our delicious pastas. Roberto’s Ristorante radiates a Tuscan atmosphere, compliments of its warm decor and impeccable service.

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630.279.8486

The DuPage County Crime Forensic Science Center aids the criminal justice system of DuPage County

When there was a shooting at Oakbrook Center two days before Christmas in 2021, various law enforcement agencies quickly became involved, starting with nearly 300 police officers from Oak Brook and other communities who arrived at the scene.

BY SCOTT JONLICH AND LARRY ATSEFF

PHOTOS BY VICTOR HILITSKI

DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick

The work of officers from several DuPage County departments, the State's Attorney's Office, and the DuPage County Sheriff's Office all were part of the response to the incident and the ensuing investigation. But one other organization, more behind-thescenes than the others, also played a key role in the work that led to two suspects being charged in the incident.

This story takes a look at that organization, the DuPage County Crime Forensic Science Center (FSC) located in Wheaton, Illinois, and a division of the DuPage County Sheriff's Office. Hinsdale Magazine Group Publisher Scott Jonlich and Editor Larry

Atseff met with DuPage County State's Attorney Robert Berlin, DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick, and Crime Lab Director Claire Dragovich to learn how they have become so effective in working together.

A second part of this two-part series will provide insight into how these agencies work together to ensure safe and enjoyable shopping in this upcoming season.

Since 1971, DuPage County has been the only county in Illinois with its own crime lab.

"Having the Crime Lab on the same

THE DUPAGE COUNTY CRIME FORENSIC SCIENCE CENTER IS CONSISTS OF THREE LABORATORY SECTIONS INCLUDING:

campus as the courthouse, the Sheriff's Office, and State's Attorney's Office makes it easier and more efficient for my prosecutors to meet with lab professionals and prepare for trials," Berlin said. "Further, with that access, evidence collected at the scene of a crime, when necessary, can quickly and accurately be processed so that suspects can be properly charged."

Crime Lab Director Claire Dragovich explained how the lab can quickly and thoroughly examine the evidence.

Cloning of mobile devices plays a key role in digital forensics.

The DuPage county Crime Forensic Science Center laboratory

"Fortunately, the Sheriff's office has a staff dedicated to collecting evidence properly from the crime scene and bringing it to the crime lab," she said. "That allows our forensic scientists in the crime lab to focus solely on examining and testing evidence."

Dragovich said forensic scientists in the lab validate new instrumentation and ensure on an on-going basis that all quality control checks are successfully passed prior to using equipment in casework.

"In addition, the equipment used is state-of-the-art and allows us to conduct DNA analysis, drug identification, and fingerprint analysis," she said. "We also have access to fingerprint and DNA databases."

With advancements in DNA profiling techniques, Dragovich said the Crime Lab is better able to extract DNA from various sources, such as blood or saliva, and compare it to a database of known DNA profiles.

"This process helps us to potentially provide investigative leads," she said. "Our DNA analyses have proven instrumental in assisting in solving many high-profile cases."

And in fingerprint analysis, the lab uses traditional methods and state-ofthe-art techniques. "Today, we can examine unique ridge patterns and minutiae points on fingerprints better than ever," Dragovich said.

"We are very thorough and systematic in all of our work, and it all takes time," she said.

Because time was of the essence in the Oak Brook shooting case, Dragovich's staff was called in over the weekend to examine evidence, including two pistols police were able to recover. After following procedures, DNA on the guns was found, which served as important evidence.

"Another key area of expertise is our drug identification and testing. With the widespread issue of drug abuse and the constant emergence of new substances, identifying drugs accurately is crucial. We use sophisticated instrumentation to identify and characterize controlled substances, providing critical evidence for drug-related cases."

Dragovich said that the lab not only has effective examination methods, but staff there also follows strict guidelines in executing chain-of-custody evidence procedures.

"One of the most valuable other technical sources for evidence are cell phones," Sheriff Jim Mendrick added. "Criminals, like everyone, carry phones out of habit. Our ability to track the criminals' patterns as well as their messages is invaluable. We can open virtually any device, clone it, and then collect the data for analysis. Digital forensics extends into computers and other digital devices as well."

In Part 2, in the November/December issue, Sheriff Jim Mendrick will share how the systematic, county-wide training of police in the field fits in well with Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigative Team (MERIT). ■

The Criminalistics Section evaluates and analyzes evidence for the presence of fingerprints, palm prints and footprints.

"One of the most valuable other technical sources for evidence are cell phones"

- SHERIFF JIM MENDRICK

Feeding His PASSION

I graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and received an A.O.S. in Culinary Arts. I received the Richard L. King Award from the Culinary Institute of America for the student "voted most likely to succeed."

Why did you become a chef?

I started cooking when I was only 13 and worked at a local seafood restaurant near our summer home in Maine. During that time, I learned how much food inspired me and how much I was passionate about it. Every day, you can learn something new about food, whether it's a new cuisine, dish, or cooking method. Having the opportunity to create memorable dining experiences and connect with people through the power of food is what makes working as a chef so rewarding.

What are three kitchen tools you cannot do without?

I use my chef's knife the most. I love its handle. It's well-balanced and versatile enough to chop, slice, and make fine cuts. The microplane is my second favorite kitchen tool. The grater can be used to finely grate garlic, ginger, citrus zest, and cheese. Finally, stainless-steel kitchen tongs are indispensable to me. I use them to move pans around the stove, grill meats and vegetables, and execute that last twirl of pasta on the plate just before it goes out.

Is there a chef you admire?

Julia Child introduced classic French cuisine to the American public. She provided helpful tips and advice on cooking French food. I met Julia years ago at a food and wine event we both attended in California. She was very friendly and cheerful. She changed Americans' minds about food and encouraged more women to become chefs.

What is your background?

Before joining Westin Chicago Lombard, I was the Chicago Bears' Executive Chef at the Chicago Bears Halas Hall training facility in Lake Forest. I prepared daily food for football players, coaches, scouts, and front office staff. I used my culinary skills and hospitality experience uniquely.

Before my current position, I was the Executive Chef at the Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook. I managed culinary and stewarding operations for the two restaurants, the expansive banquet area, and more. I also pioneered the farm-to-table movement and redefined regional American cuisine in Chicago as Executive Chef and creator of Prairie Restaurant. In fact, I wrote the popular cookbook  Prairie: Cuisine from the Heartland.

Any industry trends you are seeing?

My culinary identity is characterized by seasonal and local food, and I am excited to incorporate this at the Westin Chicago Lombard. I prepare well-balanced menus emphasizing natural foods that use leaner and healthier cooking techniques. My cooking style is dependent on fresh, local, seasonal, and sustainable ingredients. The demand is higher than ever for properly prepared, healthy, and nutritious foods. In addition, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and organic options are quite common, and the chef must consider them. Increasingly, people are willing to try new foods and flavors, so globally inspired dishes are on the rise. And, of course, comfort foods never go out of style and offer a nostalgic and familiar experience. ■

Newly appointed Chef Stephen takes the helm at The Westin Chicago Lombard

Executive Chef Stephen Langlois

A ROUSING

SUCCESS

Village Officials Thrilled with “Taste of Oakbrook

BY CHUCK FIELDMAN PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK

After moving with his family to the village as child, Oak Brook Village President Larry Herman has attended several of the the annual July 3 Taste of Oak Brook events. This year’s Taste was Herman’s first as village president, and he was very pleased with the end result, calling it “by far the most successful, yet.”

“I've been to many of them over the last two decades, and I was so impressed by just how much everyone enjoyed this year's event, from the Sixteen Candles band, to the new

beer garden, the numerous food vendors, and of course our trademark epic fireworks show,” Herman said.''

Village Board member Michael Manzo, chairman of the Taste of Oak Brook Committee, said he wasn’t surprised that the 2023 event was a big success. “First, we started planning much earlier than we have in the past,” Manzo said. “And the whole attitude of everyone involved was great. All of the village staff who were involved worked hard, and our police department did a great job making sure we didn’t have any problems.”

And very importantly, the one wild card that always is a part of Taste of Oak Brook — the weather — cooperated well.

“We just always hope for good weather because that is so important with outdoor events,” Manzo said. “Fortunately, we had that this year, and it allowed Taste to go on and make for a great day.”

Taste of Oak Brook started at 3 p.m. at the Oak Brook Sports Core fields, 700 Oak Brook Road, and continued through the fireworks show at dusk.

Police Chief Brian Strockis was very proactive in preparing his officers to help make sure Taste attendees were able to enjoy the day without incident. “A large gathering is always a public safety concern, but we had every police employee, including civilians, working this year,” Strockis said.

Two drones were used throughout the event, and the video feeds went to the department’s real-time crime center, which was constantly monitored, Strockis said. “The drones helped us to monitor the

perimeter of the event to ensure the crowd was safe,” he said.

Along with the use of drones, Oak Brook police utilized plain clothes officers for the first time. Those officers blended in with the crowd, and the police department also has seven k9’s and bike officers present. Public works personnel were used to assist with traffic control.

“I don't recall another Taste being more protected and smoothly ran than this years event,” Strockis said. “You couldn't go anywhere in the event without seeing the police.”

Herman thanked Village Manager Greg Summers, the Public Works, Police and Fire departments, the village’s Taste of Oak Brook Committee and others who worked on the Taste.

“Events of this magnitude are also not possible without the support of the community and particularly our corporate partners, such as Wintrust Financial, Flood Brothers, Ace Hardware, Hub Group, and so many others,” Herman said. ■

“I don't recall another Taste being more protected and smoothly ran than this years event.”

- OAK BROOK POLICE CHIEF BRIAN STROCKIS

Authentic Internal Medicine

BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH PATIENTS AND THE COMMUNITY

authenticinternalmed.com

Cindy Lagone, MD, FACP, and Anne Schultz, MD, FACP, are honored to offer direct primary care and concierge medicine at their new practice in Westmont. After working for Northwestern Hospital in internal medicine for a combined 50 years, both doctors decided to open Authentic Internal Medicine with a clear focus on physician-patient relationships.

At Authentic Internal Medicine, Dr. Lagone and Dr. Schultz strive to provide exceptional care by focusing on relationships. "We focus on connections by limiting the number of patients in our practice," said Dr. Schultz. "With easy access and longer visits, we get to know you," added Dr Lagone. With the limited number of patients in their panels, in turn, it is easier to schedule appointments, including same-day/ next-day availability for urgent matters. This accessibility enables the doctors to understand and get to know their patients without being rushed.

As the only female-founded and owned concierge primary medicine practice in the western suburbs affiliated with Northwestern, both doctors remain on the medical staff at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Central DuPage Hospital. But their philosophy extends beyond practicing as board-certified internal medicine physicians. "We are passionate everyday cooks and primary care doctors," said Dr. Lagone. "It made all the sense in the world to us to combine our knowledge in both fields for the benefit of our patients. We love bringing our expertise in the science of health and the science of diet to our patients and the whole community

through these unique sessions."

Beyond teaching simple, affordable, nutritious recipes, their sessions also focus on life skills. Open to Westmont and surrounding communities – and not designed exclusively for their patients - their programs are free and benefit anybody who wants to learn about tools they can use to make incremental changes toward healthy habits for life. "This is something we never had time to do in our traditional medical practices,” commented Dr. Schultz. “We even invite our medical colleagues to speak to our patients and teach. Nothing fancy in the kitchen, just delicious. It gives us such joy to spend time teaching this way.”

Join Authentic Internal Medicine on Thursday, October 5, from 6 - 7:30 pm During the session, the doctors will also discuss breast cancer screening and managing breast cancer-related menopause symptoms in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Dr. Lagone explained, "We plan to do all this while providing hands-on instruction for everyday cooks like us on what the science does and does not tell us about diet and cancer."

For more information, visit authenticinternalmed.com or email info@authenticinternalmed.com. ■

ANNE SCHULTZ, MD, FACP CINDY LAGONE, MD, FACP

375 QUAIL RIDGE DR. WESTMONT

Discover ARIZONA

From Cowboys to Hollywood elite, the American Southwest holds something for everyone

The 1860s gold rush put Arizona on the map. Subsequent discoveries of silver and copper in the decades that followed brought more fortune-seekers. By the 20s, Route 66 offered a direct path out there, dotted with convenient stopping-off points. But it was the mainstreaming of air conditioning for residential use in the 50s that sealed the deal.

That did it! Vacationers discovered the American Southwest and have never looked back.

We’re stunned by its seemingly endless big skies and enchanted by its barren and sometimes hilly landscape, broken up by hundreds of species of bizarrely-shaped cactus. Come enjoy endless sunny days and cool, starry nights.

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

THE ARIZONA BILTMORE

For almost a hundred years, this worldclass desert oasis has been a playground for the most influential people. It’s a setting for memorable experiences. Check in to see how the upper crust relaxes.

Elegance has always been at the forefront. Since 1929, it’s been the place elites go to hide in plain sight. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself expecting

to see Clark Gable and Cary Grant discussing a silver screen collaboration over Tequila Sunrises at The Spire Bar.

The resort was the brainchild of Chicago-born brothers, Warren and Charles McArthur. They hoped to lure guests from the Midwest to the desert in their quest to make Arizona a vacation destination. The stock market crashed just a half year after it opened, an event that forced the sale of the resort to

The Arizona Biltmore is chock-full of history and a magnet for notable guests.

Taliesin West was Frank Lloyd Wright's beloved winter home built in 1937. Photo by Jill Richards

chewing gum mogul, William J Wrigley, one of the hotel’s original investors.

Frank Lloyd Wright was paid $10,000 for the use of his patented, iconic, block design. To this day, the Prairie Style palace pays tribute to the architect at every turn. The long, linear, and wide open spaces that came to be Wright’s calling card lead on to light-filled atriums dominated by arches and fireplaces. Outside, enjoy immaculately kept gardens and grounds.

Now a Waldorf Astoria property, The Biltmore is an historic landmark with an eye toward cool sophistication after recent renovations upwards of $100 million. Now, with 7 pools and 3 restaurants of varied menus for anything from the causal to the gourmet palate, it’s a place that makes it easy to take it easy!

TALIESIN WEST

“Taliesin West is a look over the rim of the world,” Frank Lloyd Wright once said of his winter home and school, now a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s easy to understand the feeling behind the sentiment when one visits the Scottsdale complex- built over many years- by the master architect and his apprentices.

Wright purchased hundreds of acres in Scottsdale’s rural foothills to create his utopia- an homage to the vastness and wild beauty of the surrounding desert landscape. His vision of a close-to-nature-environment in which to train his students resulted in low-to-the earth buildings crafted from redwood, sand, and stone. Even the artwork and mosaics contain local desert materials.

In addition to his office and private home, the compound constantly expanded to include drafting studios, a dining hall, workshops, theaters and apprentice residences. The form-overfunction philosophy he garnered while studying under Louis Sullivan is still evident.

SEDONA

For a day trip from the Phoenix/ Scottsdale area, check out Sedona. Popularized by American Western films, it is now known for its mild cli-

mate, vibrant arts community, and endless offerings of outdoor pursuits. Exotic red rock formations and sculpted cliffs create a seemingly endless backdrop of geological monuments different from anywhere else on earth. While some come for the worldclass spas or alternative healing options, locals know you don’t have to try hard to experience the special energy that surrounds the area.

For an up-close-and-personal look at these giant rocks, check out Red Rock State Park. A trek through the park is the best way to get to know it, although driving is also possible. 400 miles of trails offer anyone, from the novice to experienced hiker, a chance to see the rock monuments up close.

While you’re in the area, check out the unique Chapel of the Holy Cross, built 250 feet atop the red rocks in the mid1950s. It has been called one of the ten most beautiful churches in the world by Architectural Digest.

A year-round calendar of arts and cultural events, 80 art galleries, and international film and wine festivals- peppered with endless nights stargazing some of the world’s brightest stars- make Sedona a worthy stop on your trip.

ANALOGXPERIENCES

If you find yourself thirsty in the desert climate, former Chicagoan and Director of AnalogXperiences, Chris Henderson, can help. This Scotts-

dale-based backyard-to-bar mixologist offers groups an opportunity to learn how to craft their own designer cocktails. Henderson comes to you to do a hands-on demonstration.

For a flat fee, he shows groups how to make 3 different cocktails. He works with the host of the event ahead of time to learn their palate, then advises the client which alcoholic ingredients to buy. Henderson supplies the glassware, simple syrups he makes from local ingredients, and mixers, such as freshly squeezed grapefruit juice from his backyard fruit trees.

A former bartender himself, Henderson is well-versed in which alcohol works with certain mixers and what will accentuate flavors. “To me, pairing alcohol with mixers is kind of like a fun science experiment!” Henderson said. “There are so many different variables to work with. I love helping people create something beautiful that is also a facilitator of conversation.”

For his part, Henderson prefers mezcal- tequila’s smoky, not-as-wellknown cousin- also distilled from the agave plant. “People like mezcal because it’s much less hangover-inducing,” he opines. “It’s made from a number of different plants, each of which has a distinct flavor profile. It’s fun to create various cocktails with it.” Find Henderson on Instagram, @ AnalogXperiences.

Sedona offers stunning red rock formations, outdoor adventures, and a thriving arts and culture scene.

Out of the ASHES

Six and a half decades later, Chicagoans still commemorate Our Lady of the Angels school fire

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

The first day of December ushers in the holiday season. It’s a promise of happiness and celebration. But it’s also the day that Chicagoans pause to honor the memory of 92 children and three nuns who perished in a fire at Our Lady of the Angels School (OLAS) on the city’s near west side. The day was December 1st, 1958. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the day Chicago cried- one of the darkest days in our city’s history. First-grader Michael Mason went on to eventually become a Lieutenant in the Downers Grove Fire Department. He escaped the school as it was burning.

Six and a half decades later, Lieutenant Mason recounted his memories of one of the deadliest fires in American history with Contributing Editor Maureen Callahan:

People always ask if I became a firefighter because of the [Our Lady of the Angels School] fire. To be honest, in the beginning, the answer was ‘no.’ After I got into the fire service, however, I realized more and more what that school fire meant to firefighters. I came to appreciate the aftermath of that school fire and the effect it had on many things.

I still have some recollection of that Fri-

day afternoon. I was in first grade. It was almost time for the school day to end. My classmates and I sensed something was wrong because the nuns were scurrying around nervously. Some kids said they smelled smoke, but nobody in my class saw anything. After the fire was investigated, we learned the path it took. We figured out that it had been burning in the ceiling above our heads, but we didn’t know. The nun that taught us rounded us up to go outside, but she didn’t have us get our coats. It was freezing outside that day.

As soon as we exited the building, the smell of smoke and burning wood was overpowering. There was mass chaos. People were screaming. Glass shattered. Parents in the neighborhood saw the

Lieutenant Michael Mason, Downers Grove Fire Department, Retired

On December 1st, 1958, Our Lady of the Angels School on Chicago's near west side- burned down.

footage on TV and ran to the school to try to find their children. There were people running everywhere, shouting their kids’ names, trying desperately to locate them from the ground outside their classrooms.

I heard a loud banging noise and turned to see the firemen trying to break through a wrought iron fence outside the school. It was later learned that their arrival was delayed due to an erroneous school address given to the first responders by the person who initially called in the emergency. Meanwhile, smoke poured out of the building. I saw a fireman running with a little girl thrown over his shoulder.

People brought ladders from their home garages and put them up to classroom windows. Kids jumped from second-story windows- some to their death and some to lifelong injuries. Inside, students piled up in front of classroom windowsills as they climbed over one another in an effort to escape.

Firemen recounted having to reach far down inside the windows to grab the children- mostly boys because their belt buckles gave them something to grab.

They pulled them out a few at a time and ran them down the ladders. As the fire raged hotter and hotter, they saw time running out and began dropping the children off the ladders as soon as they pulled them out, reasoning that injury was better than death. The near west side was a heavily Italian

grandmother, who watched my sister and me during the day, was in her rocking chair with her rosary in her hands, watching the footage on TV. Not long after, my mom raced in the door and grabbed me. I still remember how hard she hugged me.

People always call me a survivor, but I usually just say I was a witness. There are actual survivors with much worse memories than mine. Another survivor who became the Fire Chief of Elgin was in the north wing, which took the initial brunt of the fire. Those were the third and fifth-grade classrooms- they got the worst of it. He remembers hitting the ground and crawling. He barely made it out. Many of the kids in that wing didn’t make it.

I don’t think anybody in the city slept that night, but definitely not in my neighborhood. You could hear parents wailing in their houses from the street. The smell of smoke was heavy in the air, and sirens continued all night as the firefighters fought the raging flames.

The next day was Saturday, and the weather was warmer. I wanted to play outside. I remember walking down Springfield Avenue, not being able to find my playmates. A friend of mine lived in the apartment above me. I never saw him again. He just wasn’t there anymore. I found out years later he died in the fire.

neighborhood at the time. Families were very close. Neighbors who lived adjacent to the school opened their doors to pull children inside to shield them from the horrific vision.

I walked to school every day with my cousins. That day, I went to our usual meeting place in front of the convent, but they weren’t there. There were so many people. It was bedlam! An elderly man picked me up so I could see what was going on. I’m honestly not sure how I got home that day, but I never found my cousins. When I got back to my family’s apartment, my

Ninety-two children from within a mile and a half radius died the day OLAS burned down. Grief hung in the air. The neighborhood fell apart. Nobody knew what to say to one another, so they didn’t say anything. The community went into a terrible depression.

Our Lady Help of Christians- the next Catholic school over from OLAS- put their own students on a special schedule and took in a bunch of OLAS kids. Others were farmed out to public schools while they waited for the new school to be built. It took two years. My

“After I got into the fire service, I realized more and more the significance the [Our Lady of the Angels school] fire had to fire fighters. A lot changed after that fire.”

-LIEUTENANT MICHAEL MASON, DOWNERS GROVE FIRE DEPARTMENT, RETIRED, AND OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS SCHOOL FIRE SURVIVOR

92 students and three nuns perished in one of America's deadliest school fires.

family hung around for a few more years. By that time, a bunch of families had moved out to Elmwood Park. They couldn’t bear to stay in the neighborhood with all those memories. That’s what my family did after I finished sixth grade.

The really weird thing was that nobody in the school, or the neighborhood, talked about the fire. When the new OLAS school was built, there was no monument, no plaque- nothing to commemorate the lives lost in the fire. The nuns never mentioned it again. For many years on December 1st, Holy

of which schools are built. OLAS, like many schools of the day, had much highly varnished wood that was very flammable. Safer building materials became a requirement for public buildings. Previous to the code, there was often no way to tell if a fire was brewing until it was visible. Alarms for early detection, sprinkler systems, and fire doors and windows became mandatory. Windowsill heights may not exceed 44 inches off the floor, so they may be easily egressed in case of fire. There cannot be any locked gates; everything must be accessible to emergency personnel.

Although Mason believes he did not necessarily become a firefighter because of this tragic childhood event, he now realizes that it somehow helped steer his career. In his early twenties, he lived as a jazz musician in the city. “A few of my buddies were with the Chicago Fire Department (CFD),” said Mason. “They got me to ride along on a few of their calls. They always thought I would make a good firefighter, but I thought they were nuts,” he laughed.

All at once, Mason “was hooked.” He began studying to be a medic in the late 70s and entered Boston’s Fire Academy, as CFD was on strike during the Jane Burn administration. After graduation, he moved back to the area when a position became available in Downers

Grove.

Mason now has 42 years of fire service under his belt. The majority of this experience was in the actual fighting of fires, from which he is now retired. But he is still in the game. Some years back, he founded RICO Fire and Rescue Incorporated. The acronym stands for Rapid Intervention Company Operations. Put simply, it’s a class that teaches firefighters maneuvers and techniques on how to rescue themselves during fires and collapses. “I offer the class during the week of 9/11 every year because of that tragic event,” said Mason. “Firefighters come from all over the world to learn this.”

Also an award-winning jazz musician, Mason collaborated with several other musicians to create Angels of Fire, a CD of music that commemorates the OLAS fire, told through a series of a dozen songs. All proceeds benefit I Am Me Camp (formerly known as Burn Camp), the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance’s children’s summer camp for fire survivors.

“Five survivors of the OLAS fire went on to become firemen,” said Mason. “I don’t think I was necessarily influenced by the fire to join the fire service, but later, I think I indirectly came to know why I went down this road and then used it as a purpose,” Mason believes.

Family Church in Roosevelt Squarethe city’s Fire Department Parish- held a mass for survivors of the OLAS school fire. For years, I attended it with my firemen buddies from Chicago, but after a while, I stopped going. I had to move on.

Out of the ashes of this mind-numbing disaster, however, rose a series of improvements for school designs and fire safety- Life Safety Code 101. These improvements were implemented not only for school buildings but also for public buildings.

The new code changed the materials

RICO teaches firefighters maneuvers and techniques on how to rescue themselves during fires and collapses.

Lieutenant Mason founded RICO Fire Rescue, Inc.

Celebrating A Century of OPEN ROAD

Now in its 100th year, this slice of Americana still beckons travelers

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

The open road. It’s still the holy grail of travel. Route 66 was the first road that made the offer back in 1923. And millions of Americans accepted. Mr Ford had introduced his Model-T over a decade earlier. Americans had the vision to go west. Now they had a way to get there.

“If you ever plan to motor west, travel my way, take the highway that is best. Get your kicks on Route Sixty-Six,” Bobby Troup penned as he traveled with his wife, Cynthia, to California in the 40s. They drove cross-country to L.A. to pursue his dream of becoming a Hollywood writer. Ironically, the bestknown success of his career came out of that car ride. Nat King Cole got his

ear around it, and the rest was history.

(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 is one of the most well-covered songs in music, with hundreds of versions recorded by various artists over the years. It might be because the idea of a cross-country road trip-despite the convenience of air or rail travel- still

appeals to many. Packing up the car and hitting the pavement offers us the chance to feel in charge of our own destiny. And destination.

Route 66 was a road paved by pioneers that attracted discoverers, dreamers, adventurers, and risk-takers. It was a path that appealed to anyone looking for a change- from those wanting to leave the Depression and Dustbowl in the rear-view mirror- to family vacationers. They packed up their cars and headed west across eight states and three time zones.

Route 66 was the main artery running through the heart of America. It followed a diagonal path that combined existing local, state, and national roads.

The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, NM

At that time, most roads were trails blazed by early settlers on their way west.

Stretching from the corner of Jackson and Michigan in Chicago all the way to the Santa Monica Pier, the route spanned 2,248 miles. In between, travelers saw Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona. It was a bumpy journey at first, as the highway was not fully paved until the late 30s.

Word got out about the shortest and most scenic cross-country route. Businesses opened to serve the needs of passersby. Route 66 became America’s Main Street. Small towns- once considered the middle of nowhere- became somewhere.

Along the way, quirky/whimsical landmarks became photo-ops. Over time, they morphed into Route 66 icons. Some still remain:

The Paul Bunyan Muffler Man (Atlanta, IL), a 19-ft-tall fiberglass sculpture of the character, still holds a gigantic hotdog in place of an ax. The Blue Whale (Catoosa, OK), an impressive replica of a giant mammal comprised of tons of rock, sand, and pipe, along with gallons upon gallons of blue paint, makes Ol’ Blue one of the most photographed spots on the journey.

But there are more! The Golden Driller (Tulsa, OK) is 43,500 pounds of concrete and plaster. The 75-ft statue is a steel-framed depiction of an oil worker. It’s also the sixth-tallest statue in the United States.

Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo, TX) features ten graffiti-covered Cadillacs artistically buried nose-first in the dirt at the same angles as the Great Pyramids of Giza.

Prepare to be amazed at Elmer’s Long Bottle Tree Ranch (Oro Grande, CA). Elmer and his father collected memo-

rabilia (read: trash), found over decades on father and son treasure treks in the desert. The results are displayed here. Nearly 200 bottles glimmer in different colors, arranged like a glass forest. You’ll also find vintage gas pumps, junked cars, and figures sculpted from antique signs.

How about the classic roadside momand-pop diners that offered house specialties like prize-winning lemon méringue pie? Yep, they’re around. You just have to know where to look.

The Cozy Dog Drive Inn (Springfield, IL), has Route 66 written all over it. It’s the home of the corn dog on a stick, and they want you to remember it! The U-Drop Inn Café (Shamrock, TX) was the first commercial business that opened after the pavers rolled through. Patrons likely weren’t picky, as it was the only eating establishment within 100 miles at the time. But if

The Paul Bunyan Muffler Man in Atlanta, IL

Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, TX

The Blue Whale in Catoosa, OK

you don’t like their menu, stay on the road until the MidPoint Café (Adrian, TX).

If you’re thirsty, stop into The World Famous Sultana Bar (Sultana, AZ). A former speakeasy during Prohibition, there’s a trapdoor that leads to underground tunnels that held an opium den.

And what happened to the one-floor motels with neon ‘vacancy’ signs that beckon to weary travelers? Look no further than the Wigwam Motel (Holbrook, AZ). Try not to be too disappointed that they’re actually tepees, not wigwams. Or, for a genuine Route 66, 12-unit, L-shaped motel experience, check into The Blue Swallow Motel (Tucumcari, NM).

Over the decades, attitudes about vacation began to change. In the mid-1900s, a major part of any trip was seeing the sights along the way. Single-destination travel via airplane became more appealing to many people. The road began to fall into disrepair. By 1956, Eisenhower signed the Federal Highway Act, which provided funds to construct a 41,000-mile network of interstates. These new highways rapidly became the preferred roads.

Many businesses along Route 66 were shuttered. Board by board and sign by sign, they fell apart. Entire communities were abandoned and became ghost towns. Route 66 was removed from road maps in the mid-80s. While it is no longer an official highway, a trip across the country on the Mother Road is still possible. The places left behind are waiting to be found.

If you decide to go looking for this bit of American folklore, however, bear in mind that sections of the original road are completely gone. The highway has been realigned several times, in varying degrees- from sections that have completely changed direction to the pavement that has shifted less than a block.

The best-preserved parts of the old route remain between Springfield, Missouri, and Tulsa, Oklahoma, where you might still see a real-life cowboy or two. Arizona’s segments west of Seligman and the Oatman Highway through the state’s Black Hills are the best spots to go back in time.

A trek across this great country is not something you’ll soon forget. Route 66 is the one to take for those seeking to understand America for themselves.

ROUTE 66 PLAYLIST:

Going to Chicago Blues (Count Basie)

On the Road Again (Willie Nelson)

This Land is Your Land (Woodie Guthrie)

Oklahoma Sunshine (Waylon Jennings)

Deep in the Heart of Texas (Ray Charles)

Albuquerque (Neil Young)

in Holbrook, AZ

Dancin’ Across the USA (Lindsey Buckingham, from National Lampoon’s Vacation Movies)

Take It Easy (The Eagles-it mentions the corner in Winslow, AZ, that is a stop on the route)

The Painted Desert (10,000 Maniacs)

King of the Road (Roger Miller)

California Dreaming (The Mamas & The Papas)

(Get Your Kicks on) Route 66 (Nat King Cole or John Mayer versions)

Wigwam Motel

M. Sullivan and Brian D. Sullivan

National Night Out

The Oak Brook Police Department and Hinsdale Police Department teamed up with the Oak Brook Park District to bring families fun-filled evening designed to celebrate the community. Both police departments and the park district shared their best pies and “celebrity” kid judges helped choose the winner of the third annual competition. Other family friendly games included included children's sack races, hula hoop contest, water balloon relay, and tug-a-war. ■

DENTISTRY Shine Pediatric

Opening Shine Pediatric Dentistry in 2019 in Downers Grove was a dream come true for Dr. Lynse Briney. As a resident of the community, she has the opportunity to treat and improve the lives of children every day from her hometown and beyond. “I love working with kids and consider it a

privilege to help change children’s minds about going to the dentist,” she said.

Dr. Briney grew up in central Illinois and received her undergraduate degree from Iowa State University. Early in her career, she knew working with children was a priority. After receiving her D.D.S. degree

from the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, she returned to complete her Pediatric Dental Residency while concurrently completing a Masters of Science program in Oral Biology.

Before calling Downers Grove home, Dr. Briney served many communities throughout Chicago, including being an Oral Health Director of a nonprofit organization. A member of several organizations at the local, state, and national levels, including a Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, she has committed to a lifetime of learning to provide her pediatric dental patients with the best dental care.

Recently, Dr. Lexi Nash joined the Shine Pediatric Dentistry team. As Chief Resident at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University, she gained robust experience caring for children. “Together as a team, we can continue our mission to encourage every pediatric patient to be their ‘brightest self’ with a healthy and beautiful smile,” Dr. Briney said.

Dr. Briney is as committed to the community as she is to her patients. She is a member of the Downers Grove Junior Women's Club and supports the efforts of local community schools and non-profits. When not working, she can be found traveling or on the sports field with her husband and two boys.

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LYNSE BRINEY, DDS, MS LEXI NASH, DMD