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Oak Brook: A Great Place to Grow Up and Come Back To
This month’s cover story highlights Bobby Barber, an Oak Brook native who has come full circle, returning to his childhood home with his own family. Bobby made a big splash at Hinsdale Central as a swimmer and now shares his passion for the sport as a teacher and coach. Swimming is not just a sport for the Barbers; it’s a way of life. The Illinois Swim and Dive Coaches Association has recognized his dedication to the sport.
Highlighting more local athletic success, Hinsdale Central’s Caroline Owens led her golf team to a second-place finish in the Class 2A state championship. She will play for Notre Dame University this fall. Hinsdale’s Cullen Bradley will represent the US in the Deaf World Championships in volleyball in Okinawa this summer.
Summer was made for outdoor concerts. Mia Jones provides a rundown of local live music for summer entertainment, including the popular tribute band Sixteen Candles. If you prefer a night in, Mia also shares unique cocktail recipes.
Mark your calendar for fun in Wheaton. From July 25-28, the DuPage County Fair will celebrate its 70th year. Saturday, August 3, the West Suburban Symphony Orchestra presents a free concert of memorable movie music at Cantigny Park in Wheaton. You can read about the Symphony and Singers in this issue.
Local star quarterback JJ McCarthy of LaGrange Park was the 10th overall pick in the NFL Draft and will play for the Minnesota Vikings.
Many high school athletes from Benet Academy, IC Catholic Prep, Montini Catholic, York Community High School, Downers Grove North, Downers Grove South, Hinsdale Central, and Nazareth Academy are advancing to Division 1 colleges. We congratulate all the local athletes who are taking their talents to new schools next season.
While Oak Brook is a great place to live, it’s also attractive for businesses. Read about why local business leaders chose Oak Brook as their headquarters.
For those passionate about travel, Mayslake Hall offers a unique glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of the Roaring 20s within its 39-room Peabody estate. If you want to venture further, Normandy is a captivating destination rich in history and natural beauty, brought to life by writer Maureen Callahan. For golf enthusiasts, Anna Hughes profiles five of the most stunning and challenging courses in the U.S. Each location promises an unforgettable experience for avid travelers and sports lovers alike.
Finally, we’re excited to welcome Dave McGowan, formerly of the DuPage Foundation, who will provide valuable tips on philanthropy and smarter giving in his new column.
Enjoy this issue and your summer.
Enjoy the words and pictures!
Scott Jonlich, Publisher
Bobby Barber stays true to his roots
On the Cover: Bobby Barber at Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club
Photo by Victor Hilitski
OAK BROOK MAGAZINE
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Scott Jonlich
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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS
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Anna Hughes
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A Hidden Gem
Inside Mayslake Hall at Oak Brook’s Peabody Estate
BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF DUPAGE COUNTY FOREST PRESERVE
DuPage County has a number of extraordinary historic homes built by notable citizens. For those that still stand, the closest most of us will ever get to them is a glance from the curb. To get an up-close look and feel of one of this county’s grandest residences, tour the Peabody Estate’s Mayslake Hall.
This century-old estate was the home of coal baron Francis Stuyvesant Peabody. Mayslake is the namesake of his first wife, May. Be aware—it’s in a state of restoration, so some imagination is necessary to picture this early 20th-century estate in its glory. All the elements of a proper English country home are there—a Tudor Revival design with lead windows, an intricately carved walnut staircase, and a close sense of the outside, even while indoors.
The home is reminiscent of the Roaring Twenties, the period in which it was built. Things were done
up to amaze at that moment in history. The home’s original 39 rooms were state-of-the-art for the day, situated on more than 800 acres, which included several livestock farms.
As a young man, Peabody had delivered coal to Chicago homes. He grew his company with steamships, before he eventually bought his own coal mine. A partnership with Commonwealth Edison’s Samuel Insull led to the purchase of multiple mines. At one point, Peabody Energy was the world’s largest privatelyowned coal company.
A photo of one of his many coal delivery wagons graces a shelf of the home’s scholarly-feeling library. Over the years, many of the mogul’s first editions were given to the Yale University Library, Peabody’s alma mater. Efforts are ongoing to restore his collection of original titles.
Architect Benjamin Marshall –
designer of the ill-fated Iroquois Theater - was hired to bring the millionaire’s ideas to paper. Marshall, whose background was in hotel design, worked many details of the industry into this home.
There are several small, beautifully appointed nooks, such as the one adjacent to the library. A secret stairwell from the second floor to the basement – with stops in between –could provide a quick getaway to a safe room on the lower level, should the millionaire and his family ever need it. What was once the nearby billiard/cards room, next door to the former three-room sauna, reminds visitors that Peabody cut no corners.
Local artists display their work in the living room – now an art gallery. Each six-week showing opens with a reception, offering the community a chance to meet the artists. This room, along with the adjacent dining room and breakfast nook, are now the primary seating areas for banquets.
Mayslake Hall was the retirement home of coal baron Francis Stuyvesant Peabody.
The servants’ wing is a testimony to the amount of help required to run such a home of that day.
As fate had it, Peabody spent less than two years at the residence before he died in 1922. Shortly thereafter, his son sold the estate to the Franciscan Order. For the next 60 years, Mayslake Hall was used as a residence for the order. An additional wing was built onto the west side of the home in the 50s, for visiting retreatants, including a chapel now used as a gathering space.
Two cement pillars, located at the entrance drive, mark the spot of the now-demolished grand gatehouse used for Peabody’s teams of horses. A
miniature replica of Portiuncula Chapel in Assisi, Italy, was added to the property by the Franciscans and dedicated to Peabody four years after his death.
Mayslake Hall and the Peabody Estate were nearly lost to developers in the early 90s. A movement by a preservation-minded group of Oak Brook residents led to its purchase by the DuPage County Forest Preserve, which operates both the land and the estate.
There are multiple lakes on the grounds, and a stream, which welcome
local fishermen. Walking paths make a beautiful place to enjoy nature. Restoration of a wildflower prairie by dedicated volunteers has been ongoing since the 70s. The property is open daily for visitors, and Mayslake Hall is available for public touring and rental for parties, memorials, and small weddings. The DuPage County Forest Preserve periodically offers events, such as art classes and several-week book clubs.
“It’s a real hidden gem,” said Keith McClow, Mayslake Hall Manager. “There’s so much here, and so few know about it.”
For more information about Mayslake Hall, the surrounding forest preserve, and upcoming events, visit DuPageForest.org. ■
The chapel, added in the 50s, can be used for weddings for other events.
Peabody’s library had thousands of first-edition books.
TOP: The beautifully restored sun porch is reminiscent of the 20s. ABOVE: The Portiuncula Chapel is modeled after a church in Assisi.
TAKE NOTE
West Suburban Symphony continues to thrive
BY LARRY ATSEFF
Listening and watching a soloist or a small group perform music live in front of you can be enjoyable. It is something else when you listen to, watch, and feel live music from over 80 musicians and nearly the same number of singers, performing in absolute harmony some of the greatest music ever created in the acoustically perfect Wentz Hall in Naperville.
Such stirring, memorable entertainment from the West Suburban Symphony Orchestra and Singers (WSS) leaves you wanting more. As a result, more patrons are showing up. In fact, at the March 10 concert
this past spring, the entire group performed before a sold-out audience at Wentz Hall.
Aside from Maestro Peter Lipari, the music director and conductor, the musicians and singers volunteer their time, talent, and efforts for free simply because they love music and truly enjoy performing for Lipari. Maestro Lipari has led music selection and rehearsals for the musicians and singers and has conducted live performances for WSS since 2001, longer than any other conductor for this group.
Amazingly, audiences can enjoy such high-quality performances at quite
reasonable prices: Tickets are just $30 for adults, $25 for seniors age 65 and up, and $5 for teenagers. Tickets for children 12 and younger are free. There is also free parking wherever they perform, whether at Wentz Hall or Hinsdale Central High School. When they perform open-air concerts at Cantigny Park in Wheaton, there is no charge for admission, only a nominal charge for parking your vehicle.
The next opportunity to hear the orchestra will be a free concert at Cantigny on Saturday, August 3, at 7:30 pm. Enjoy legendary movie tunes from the mid-20th century onwards, including Erich Korngold’s score from
Maestro Peter Lipari, the music director and conductor since 2001.
Photo by Heidi Peters Photography, courtesy of West Suburban Symphony Society
The Sea Hawk and John Williams’ compositions from Harry Potter, The Cowboys, Lincoln, and Robin Hood and his Merry Men, along with selections from King Kong and Mel Brooks’s The Producers. The Symphony’s popular movie concerts at Cantigny typically draw crowds of more than 1,000, with listeners bringing picnics or taking advantage of the food and drink concessions provided by the park.
For 77 years, the West Suburban Symphony Society has continually encouraged interest in concert music and performance careers among young people. Students in grades 9-12 compete as soloists in string, woodwind, brass, and vocals. The winner receives $500 and performs with the Symphony in the spring.
This year’s winner is Neal Eisfeldt, a 14-year-old Merit Scholarship Fellow at the Music Institute of Chicago’s Academy, who impressed the audience at the symphony’s Soaring concert on May 19, 2024, with his
performance of the first movement of Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto. Eisfeldt is an incredibly talented violinist who made his solo debut at the age of ten at Carnegie Hall. He has won top honors in several competitions all over the world. In the summer of 2022, Eisfeldt composed his first solo piece in collaboration with the Chicago Civic Orchestra and Chicago, From Scratch. The piece “Ukrainian Dream and Cradle” is dedicated to the pain and suffering of the Ukrainian people.
Each Fall, the Symphony presents an educational concert for elementary and middle school students in field-trip groups in grades 3-6. Performances give them the live concert experience and show how players make music together. The 2024 educational concert is on Wednesday, November 6, in Oak Brook. Two 45-minute performances are planned at 9:30 am and 10:45 am. Registration materials will be available soon at westsubsymphony.org, and reservations are required. Some schools have brought students to this annual event for over 15 years.
Combining Maestro Lipari’s leadership with the musicians’ and singers’ talent and dedication is gratifying to see performances selling out.
Visit westsubsymphony.org for more information, to buy tickets for upcoming events, or learn how to support WSS. ■
North Central College’s Wentz Hall in Naperville Photos by Heidi Peters Photography, courtesy of West Suburban Symphony Society
Neal Eisfeldt, West Suburban Symphony’s Youth Solo Competition winner. Photo courtesy of the Eisfeldt family.
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.
Reaching New Heights
Bradley and the USA Deaf Volleyball team take to the court
Hinsdale Magazine Group spoke with 21-year-old Cullen Bradley of Hinsdale regarding his journey to the USA Deaf Volleyball (USADVB) national team. Bradley, who lost his hearing around two to three years old and received cochlear implants shortly after, is a rising senior at Purdue University, where he is studying computer engineering and plays for the club volleyball team.
HMG: According to Jamie Davis, CEO of USA Volleyball, the number of boys in high school volleyball has increased by 40% since 2017, making it the fastest-growing high school sport in the country. How did your volleyball career begin?
offers kids listening and spoken language education while growing up. Fast forward a few years to when Mr. Radomski remembered me and told me about the tryout opportunity. I tried out alongside Chris, and we both made the team. I’m so thankful that Mr. Radomski reached out because this opportunity wouldn’t have been possible without him.
HMG: You are a student in computer engineering through the Honors College at Purdue University and a member of the Purdue Men’s Club Volleyball team. How do you balance that with being a member of the USADVB National Team?
CULLEN BRADLEY: My volleyball career began at the end of my basketball career. I was cut from the Clarendon Hills Middle School 7th grade bas ketball team, which prompted me to try out for the volleyball team. However, I never made the volleyball team in school. That did not stop me. I transitioned to club volleyball, where I began to make serious improvements and found a passion for the sport. I was at a few clubs before landing at Serve City - now 630 Volleyballwhere I spent most of my high school volleyball career. My 630 team finished second at nationals in my senior year when we lost to a very tough Cal-
ifornia club.
HMG:
Last summer, you tried out for the USADVB Indoor National Team in Asheville, North Carolina. What prompted you to try out for the team and tell us about your path?
CB: In my freshman year of college, my volleyball club team at Purdue played in a volleyball tournament at Illinois State. I ran into Adam Radomski whose son, Chris Radomski, is also deaf. Coincidentally, both Chris and I attended Child’s Voice, an organization that
CB: While USA Deaf Volleyball doesn’t meet routinely throughout the school year, I do my best to make sure that I’m in the best shape I can be for the team when it comes time to play. That means I try to play as much volleyball as I can. However, balancing school with volleyball is admittedly a lot. Beyond late-night practices and tournaments for my club team, I practice with the women’s team one to three times a week, depending on my class schedule. It all comes down to time management.
HMG: Your team will play in the 5th World Deaf Volleyball Championship in June in Okinawa, Japan. How does the team prepare for competition at that level?
CB: Because we only have a little time together, a large percentage of the preparation is individual. Everyone is expected to play high-level volleyball independently and stay in shape. Some guys play professionally overseas or at varying levels in college, so
Cullen going for a hit during the NCVA division 1AA national championship game in April.
Photo courtesy of Josh Tseng
they have their own regimens. However, we played together for the first time in the US Open as a team. The tournament’s goal was to figure out and develop team synergy, and we smashed that goal. We ended up finishing 9th overall in the highest division of that tournament and only lost to other top 10 teams. We will also have a training camp in California before the Championships, where we’ll spend a couple of days practicing together. However, one of the biggest barriers for a deaf team is communication. Even though we’re a deaf team, only slightly more than half of us know sign language, and unfortunately, I am not one of them. However, I’ve been practicing, and I’m excited to show my team how much I’ve progressed. Deaf culture is something that I’m very excited to become a deeper part of, and this team will help me to that end!
HMG: Volleyball has been a sport in the Deaflympics since 1969, and the USA has sent a team ever since. Walk us through what needs to happen to compete in the Deaflympics in Tokyo, Japan, in November 2025.
everything we can to guarantee an invite!
HMG: How does representing your country on that national stage feel?
CB: I’ve always loved watching Team USA play and dreamed of playing for that team. Watching incredible players like TJ Defalco and Micah Christensen is something I’ve done for years, and being able to be a part of Deaf team USA feels incredible. It’s a
CB: Our team is playing this summer in the Deaf World Championships in Okinawa, Japan, along with seven other teams. If we can claim a top-three finish at this tournament, we will get an invitation to the Deaflympics. If our team doesn’t get an invite this summer, there is another opportunity at the upcoming Pan Am Games in Canoas, Brazil, this November. If we claim a top-three finish at that tournament, we’ll also get a bid. If we don’t manage to finish favorably in either tournament, it’s still possible to get an at-large bid from the deaf volleyball governing body, but that’s not something we can count on. Our goal is to put our best foot forward and do
dream that I’ve been striving for ever since I began playing the sport. I’m so proud and humbled to have the opportunity to represent both the United States as well as the deaf community, which is such a huge part of my identity.
HMG: Volleyball is a communication-driven sport. What strategies does your team use to create such high-level combination plays?
CB: Since verbal cues are off the table, we’ve had to get creative. Oftentimes, guys on the team will be very dramatic by waving their arms to call for the
ball, and they may even push others out of the way to make sure whatever needs to happen happens. Since positions in volleyball have very distinct boundaries from one another, oftentimes, we have a designated player who should be taking the ball, like our setter or our libero. Another strategy we use to communicate is setter hand signs. The setter will tell us where he wants us to hit/spike on the net, and we listen. We must be more coordinated in between points than other teams because we don’t have the luxury to communicate with our mouths as we play, but it’s a system we’ve worked on in depth, and it’s worked well so far!
HMG: Outside of volleyball, what are your other interests or hobbies?
CB: I’m a very active person. I enjoy lifting weights in my free time, as well as casually shooting baskets. I enjoy being outside and going on hikes, especially on mountainous trails with beautiful views. I’m also a big gamer, and I love to play Rocket League and Apex Legends with my friends. Ironically enough, despite being deaf, I love listening to music. It’s something that I didn’t get into until probably later in middle school, but it’s something that I love now. My cochlear implants even have Bluetooth, which is just so convenient to listen to. Finally, I have one younger sister, Leah, who is entering her sophomore year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. We’ve always been very close, and we both have a sweet tooth, so we get a lot of desserts together!
Although the U.S. Olympic Committee supports efforts in spirit, they cannot offer the USA Deaf Volleyball any financial support. To support Bradley and other athletes on their upcoming travels, visit usadeafvolleyball.com to make a donation. ■
Bradley with teammate Chris Radomski
Around here, “Age is just a number” is more than words; it’s a way of life. Since we take care of household chores, you can spend more time doing what you love. Share experiences and programs with our neighbor, Timothy Christian Schools. Enjoy a concert or lecture. Swim laps or take fitness classes. Have fun at dinner and social events. Stay young at heart at Park Place, Elmhurst’s only Life Plan retirement community.
Moin Haque
Eabad Haque
ON PAR CAROLINE OWENS AND NOTRE DAME
Hinsdale Central star continues her career at Notre Dame
ABY JEFF VORVA
family vacation in the mid2010s helped change the athletic career of Hinsdale Central’s Caroline Owens. She and her older siblings, Grace and Jake, were heavily involved in swimming and figured their careers would be in the water.
But a trip to Florida that featured golf, golf, and more golf changed all of that.
“I was swimming since I was five years old, and I was pretty good at it,” Caroline said. “I was actually ranked. We took this one golf vacation in Florida and I just kind of rode along in the car. I was forced to go, but I ended up liking it. I started to like it better than swimming. I quit swimming when I was 13, and I have golfed ever since.”
Hinsdale Central’s Caroline Owens is heading to Notre Dame to play golf next season.
Photo courtesy of Hinsdale Central
She will be competitive golfing for a little while longer. Owens will continue her career at Notre Dame.
Owens led the Red Devils to a second-place finish in the state in the Illinois High School Association Class 2A state tournament in the fall. She finished third individually with a twoday total of 147. In 2022, the Red Devils were state champions, and Owens claimed 33rd with a 155.
Notre Dame coach Caroline Powers Ellis is looking forward to having Owens in South Bend. “Caroline is exactly the type of student-athlete a coach looks for in a member of the team,” Powers Ellis said in a news release. “She has a laser focus on the course and is willing to hold herself and those around her to the highest standards.”
For Owens, the recruitment was a long process that started in August, 2022 and ended in August, 2023. E-mails, phone calls and visits were a big part of the recruiting process.
“I love it – it’s a perfect fit for me,” Owens said of Notre Dame. “When I was first visiting schools and when I first visited there, I knew I wanted good academics and good athletics. Notre Dame’s tradition of excellence in academics and athletics and the overall sense of community was really great.”
Already, she is receiving love from people after signing.
“Ever since I committed there, I’ve become aware that when I wear my ND hat, everyone who sees it or anyone who has gone there will reach out and say ‘oh, hey’ and are all super nice and kind and always take the time to talk to me and tell me about their experience,” Owens said. “I just really love that.”
She admits that adapting to the sport was hard at first, but with the help of Oak Brook Golf Club swing coach Dan Kochevar, she was able to start to
master the sport.
“It took a while,” Owens admitted. “It took a lot of practice. It was definitely a challenge at first. It could be very frustrating. But thankfully, my swing coach has helped me grow a love for the game and get my swing and mental processes where they are today.”
Owens said that her enjoyment of the sport keeps increasing.
“You get out what you put in, so it is really up to how hard you work.”
– CAROLINE OWENS ON THE GAME OF GOLF
“I love that it’s an individual sport, and you can practice on your own,” she said. “You can decide how long you practice, how much you practice, and what you practice. I think that freedom is really nice. You get out what you put in, so it is really up to how hard you work. I really like that because I’m a super hard worker, and it’s great to see directly how your hard work pays off.”
She also appreciates the mental aspect of the game.
“It’s just as much mental and strategic as it is physical. With swimming, I got burnt out because of the 7 a.m. practices, jumping in a cold pool, and staring at the black lines at the bottom of the pool. It’s a little monotonous for me and physically straining,” she said. “But golf is so different in a way that you can get so creative with it. It’s more of a mental challenge.” ■
Hinsdale Central’s Caroline Owens and her coach, Nick Latorre, pose on Owens’ signing day. Photos courtesy of Hinsdale Central
Caroline Owens poses with the 2023 IHSA Class. 2A second-place trophy.
Next Level
Local area student-athletes continue athletic pursuits
BENET ACADEMY
Marc Iozzo
Miami University (OH) Baseball
Luc Lawler University of Evansville Baseball
Jojo Morlock Northern Kentucky University Cheer
Rocky Rosanova Northern Illinois University Football
Jenna Shilts University of Michigan Golf
Peyton O’Neill Long Island University Hockey
Shannon Earley Notre Dame Lacrosse
Michael Frieri US Air Force Academy Lacrosse
Madeline Jensen University of Michigan Lacrosse
Nora Hanson Stetson University Soccer
Nicholas Roe
Loyola University Soccer
Nina Pesare University of Illinois, Chicago Softball
Christine Pullen University of Illinois, Champaign Volleyball
HINSDALE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL
Vittoria Pigatti
Tulane University Cheer
Aden Bandukwala
Duke University Cross Country/Track
Jack Mulligan Northern Illinois University Golf
Caroline Owens Notre Dame Golf
Alex Rasmussen Loyola University Golf
Madeline Gambla Indiana University Rowing
Martin Montoya
Northern Illinois University Soccer
Ardit Abdullai
Bradley University Soccer
Nate Harris
University of Wisconsin Swimming
Jeffrey Hou University of Pennsylvania Swimming
Elizabeth Lahmann
UMass Amherst Swimming
Brody Marcet
Ohio State University Swimming
Adrian Hernandez Davidson College Tennis
Michael Prieto Cornell University Track
Elizabeth Sessa Brown Brown University Volleyball
Marko Ivanisevic University of Illinois Wrestling
IC CATHOLIC PREP
KJ Parker
University of Iowa Football
John Schmidt
Yale University Football
Eric Karner
Texas A&M Football
Analisa Raffaelli
Colgate University Softball
Ava Falduto
Penn State Volleyball
Michael Calcagno
University of North Carolina Wrestling
MONTINI CATHOLIC
Quinn Boyer
Miami University (OH) Baseball
Cassius Campbell University of Iowa Baseball
Dominic Catalano
University of Illinois, Chicago Baseball
Nick Lombardi
Valparaiso University Basketball
Victoria Matulevicius
University of Southern California Basketball
Cole Stumbaugh
Ball State University Football
Blake Holtquist
Northern Illinois University Hockey
Anthony Sorrentino
Illinois State University Hockey
David Mayora Bellarmine University Wrestling
NAZARETH
ACADEMY
David Cox
University of Illinois, Chicago Baseball
Congratulations to the local student-athletes from the Class of 2024 who will continue their academic and athletic pursuits at the Division 1 collegiate level. It is a remarkable testament to their dedication, discipline, and hard work. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to the community, and we wish you continued success in all your future endeavors. Hinsdale
Nicholas Drtina
University of Louisville
Baseball
Luca Fiore
University of Illinois, Chicago Baseball
John Hughes
University of North Carolina
Baseball
Cooper Malamazian
Indiana University
Baseball
Cole Reifsteck
Belmont University
Baseball
Danielle Scully
Ohio University
Basketball
Olivia Austin
Dartmouth College
Basketball
Brendan Flanagan
Bryant University
Football
Amalia Dray
Boston College
Soccer
Lauren Salata
Illinois State University Volleyball
YORK COMMUNITY
HIGH SCHOOL
Chris Danko
Illinois State University
Baseball
Ryan Sloan
Wake Forest University
Baseball
AJ Levine
University of Pennsylvania
Basketball
Katherine Klimek
Northwestern University
Cross Country/Track
Anna McGrail
University of Texas, Austin
Cross Country/Track
Maggie Owens
Gonzaga University
Cross Country/Track
Micheala Quinn
Indiana University
Cross Country/Track
Lexi Garelli
Butler University
Dance
Emma Rutherford
University of Wisconsin
Dance
Luke Mailander
Illinois State University
Football
Jack Trautman
Northwestern University
Football
Sean Winton
Northwestern University
Football
Stella Kohl
Loyola University
Soccer
Sophia Musian
DePaul University
Soccer
Jayden Waski
DePaul University
Soccer
AnnMarie Czerwinski
Saint Louis University Swimming
Nicholas Maiers
Providence College
Swimming
Elaine Paul
University of Louisiana, Lafayette
Track and Field
Brady Golomb
University of Pennsylvania
Track and Field
Gavin Schaer
Arkansas State University
Track and Field
Emelyn Stettin
Baylor University Volleyball
Gavin Honken
Air Force University
Water Polo
Melanoma Risks, Treatment & Prevention
Dr. Rachel Bognet of CSC Steil Dermatology
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer, and when treated early, it is also the most curable. Dr. Rachel Bognet, a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon at CSC Steil Dermatology in Hinsdale and Downers Grove, specializes in treating skin cancer. We recently sat down with her to discuss risks, treatments, and prevention strategies for skin cancer, specifically melanoma.
Q: What is skin cancer?
Dr. Bognet: Skin cancer is the abnormal growth of cells, often developing in areas exposed to the sun, such as the scalp, face, lips, ears, neck, arms, chest and hands. It can also occur in areas not directly exposed to sunlight, like the palms, soles and beneath the fingernails or toenails. The three common forms are basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and melanoma, the most serious form.
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of melanoma?
Dr. Bognet: The most common sign of melanoma is a change in a mole or the appearance of a new lesion (of any color) that is nonhealing, bleeding, painful/itching, or changing quickly. For evaluating pre-existing moles, I suggest using the ABCDE rule:
A is for asymmetry,
B is for irregular borders,
C is for color changes (like black, blue, or more than one color),
D is for a diameter greater than 6mm, and
E is for evolving size, shape, or color over time.
Q. Who is at risk of melanoma?
Dr. Bognet: Everyone is at risk regardless of skin tone. However, those with fair skin that burns easily, especially blondes or redheads, people with a history of excessive sun exposure or sunburns, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at greater risk. Additionally, having a history of non-melanoma skin cancer increases the risk of developing melanoma.
Q: How do you diagnose melanoma?
Dr. Bognet: Suspicious lesions may be monitored for changes during skin checks or biopsied initially. A simple skin biopsy is a quick, painless, in office procedure that yields results in a few days. Further staining or genetic testing may be done at the pathology lab if indicated. Depending on the depth of the skin cancer, additional testing via sentinel lymph node biopsy or imaging may be needed.
“Before embarking on a treatment course, I encourage open, honest dialogue with the patient and their family about which is most suitable for them.”
DR. RACHEL BOGNET
Q: Are there different stages of melanoma?
Dr. Bognet: Yes, the stages are based on a tumor’s thickness, ulceration, lymph node involvement, and spread to other organs. Luckily, most skin cancers can be caught early before spread has occurred since they are typically visible and palpable on the skin.
Q: What treatment options are available at these different stages?
Dr. Bognet: A surgical excision (removal of skin cells) for melanomas and Mohs micrographic surgery for non-melanoma skin cancers are the mainstays of treatment. Depending on the type and depth of cancer and age, co-morbidities, and lifestyle of the patient, other options area available. Before embarking on a treatment course, I encourage open, honest dialogue with the patient and their family about which is most suitable. At times, chemotherapy topicals, radiation, or even referrals to an oncologic surgeon may be more appropriate.
Mohs surgery for non-melanoma skin cancers involves using the aid of frozen section biopsies to completely remove cancerous cell in a skinsparing manner to minimize scarring and allow for best cosmetic outcome. We specifically use this modality for basal and squamous skin cancers in challenging areas of the head and neck, hands and feet, but also for larger lesions anywhere on the body.
Q: What lifestyle changes or preventive measures should people take to reduce the risk of melanoma or melanoma recurrence?
Dr. Bognet: You can reduce skin cancer risk by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants. Get adequate sleep. Avoid tobacco and limit your alcohol intake.
Protecting your skin from UV light is crucial. Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 daily and reapply every two hours. Choose sunscreens with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as the active ingredients. These are safest for our skin and our environment and pose least risk of allergy. Other measures for high risk individuals may include vitamins (ie. Heliocare, niacinamide), tinting car windows, and photodynamic therapy to prevent the damaging effects of the sun on our skin.
When outside, seek shade, especially during peak sun hours, and wear protective clothing that adequately covers the arms, torso, and legs; wear sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat that provides adequate protection to the whole head.
Avoid tanning beds, as exposure significantly increases the risk of melanoma, particularly early-onset melanoma. Women under 30 are six times more likely to develop melanoma if they tan indoors. The risk increases with repeated exposure.
Check your skin monthly and plan a baseline skin examination at your dermatologist office to determine your risk and ways to protect yourself. n
Lifelong Resident Bobby Barber
One of many Oak Brook residents raising the next generation here
BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN
There’s a comfort to raising your family where you grew up. Your hometown is your children’s hometown. You can be sure of their education. If you’re lucky, at least a few of the people you grew up with are still around. You’re able to share your own memories with your children while making new ones with them at the same time.
It’s even nicer when other families around you are having the same experience. “You really don’t think about the town you grew up in until you’re looking back,” said head swim coach and math teacher at Hinsdale Central, Bobby Barber.
Barber grew up in Oak Brook, on the same street – and in the same house –where he and his family now live. “Growing up, my family moved around a lot until I was about 9,” said Barber. “My dad’s job was relocated, and that’s when we moved to Oak Brook.”
According to Barber, he’s not the only one who lives in his childhood home. It seems like it’s getting to be a trend in this town to keep the family home in the family. “It’s not a bad idea. You know what you’re getting, who sold it to you, and who to contact if you have a problem,” he said as he laughed.
There are so many memories of his hometown. Fourth of July fireworks at the Oak Brook Park District were a highlight of the summer. “The fireworks show put on by McDonald’s Corporation was so much fun,” he remembered. “Running around the field and taking it all in with my neighbors and friends is now a shared memory with my kids and their friends.”
Many hours of fishing at the lakes in Brook Forest and the Peabody Estate also stand out to him. “I fished a lot as a kid,” said Barber, a passion he still holds. “I knew all the hiding spots. I hid fishing poles overnight, so I didn’t have to haul them on my bike every day.”
Barber loves running into people and reconnecting with neighbors he knew while growing up. As a Geometry and Precalculus teacher, he loves to see how many familiar names appear on his class and coaching rosters at the beginning of each school year. “It makes for nice parent/teacher conferences,” said Barber, with a smile. “There’s always a lot of catching up at those meetings.”
As a 25-year veteran swim coach at HC - as well as an accomplished swimmer in his own right – many of the people from his early days in the pool are still very present. Since childhood, swimming has always been a defining sport for Barber’s family. He and his
four older brothers swam to keep in shape during their off-soccer seasons.
Summers were spent at Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club (OBBT), his family’s warm-weather go-to. Much of their social life revolved around the club. Eventually, Barber managed the pool. “OBBT is one of those well-kept secrets that we don’t want to be too secretive because we want it to stay there,” he said as he laughed. “A lot of great times were spent there. And my kids grew up swimming there and had their first jobs there, so they feel the same.”
Barber and his wife, Lara, have three daughters. Not surprisingly, they are all excellent swimmers! All have followed some variation of Barber’s aquatic path. Their oldest, Tessa, recently finished her freshman year at the University of Illinois. She is following her father’s path of secondary education with a focus on mathematics. Vija is a rising senior whose teammates
IN 2022, Barber received the Coach of the Year Award for both Boys and Girls Swimming and Diving from the Illinois Swim & Dive Coaches Association. Photo courtesy of Hinsdale Central
“A lot of us who grew up in Oak Brook came back because we really enjoyed what we had. It’s a great place to raise kids and for them to get a great education.”
– BOBBY BARBER
recently chose to be captain of HC’s Girl’s Swim Team this coming year. Lilia was a state swim finalist and AllAmerican swimmer who also made a trip to Nationals with her club soccer team. In addition to swimming on the team at HC, all three girls also swam on OBBT’s team. All gained valuable experience through time spent on various combinations of other area swim clubs.
The HC team was where Barber formed many lifelong relationships. Several teammates attended Barber’s alma mater – Miami University of Ohio. A few are now swim coaches at various area schools.
“Honestly, this network built in Oak Brook means so much for all of us in our professional careers,” said Barber. The group periodically invites one another to come and observe each
other’s programs and ways of tackling issues. “Normally, you don’t want your competitors doing the same thing you’re doing,” Barber knows. “But we all feel like ‘let’s do all we can to make the sport of swimming better.’ And we all just want what’s best for our teams.”
Now, a quarter of a century into coaching, the evidence is there. “I’m very proud of all we have accomplished,” Barber relayed. “The HC Swim Team is a very dedicated group.”
Barber knows this type of camaraderie and willingness to work together that exists among his colleagues is not particularly common among high school coaches. But he chalks it up to the Oak Brook experience. “I think people would like to gravitate back toward where they came from,” he feels. “But often, the experience would
not be the same for their kids as it was for them. A lot of us who grew up in Oak Brook came back because we really enjoyed what we had. It’s a great place to raise kids and for them to get a great education.”
Barber had a fantastic experience at Butler Elementary, before attending HC. Two of the most influential people in Barber’s career path are from his Butler days. “John Barr was my science teacher who went on to be the principal and was eventually named a trustee of Oak Brook,” said Barber. “Tom Clancy had a big impact on me, too. He was the physical education teacher.” Both were instrumental in Barber becoming an educator and coach.
“Oak Brook is a special place,” said Barber. “Once you get a taste of it, you never want to leave.” ■
Bobby Barber has fond memories of Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club Photo by Victor Hilitski
RIGHT AT HOME
Reasons businesses call Oak Brook home
BY KATIE BOLINGER
In 1966, an advertisement in Forbes magazine showcased the advantages of establishing an office in Oak Brook. The Oak Brook Development Company, in collaboration with Del. E. Webb Properties and Paul Butler Properties, strategically targeted large corporations, highlighting the area’s commercial success. Those advantages are still why companies such as Ace Hardware, Advocate Health Care, Blistex, Chamberlain Group, Elkay Manufacturing, Federal Signal, Hub Group, Inland Real Estate, and many others call Oak Brook home.
ACCESSIBLE LOCATION
Oak Brook is only 25 minutes from downtown Chicago and 15 minutes from O’Hare Airport, yet it feels a world away from the city’s hustle and bustle. The Village is served by a network of major federal, state, and county roads, including the Tri-State Tollway system, the East-West Tollway, and the Eisenhower Expressway. Everyone we interviewed said getting to and from Oak Brook was a breeze, which was a major factor in locating here.
ITSavvy CEO Munu Gandhi stated that when considering relocating their headquarters, they aimed to ensure
employees’ commutes varied by no more than five minutes, plus or minus, from their usual travel to their former Addison location. Oak Brook’s highway access offered an easy commute.
QUALIFIED LABOR POOL
Thousands of highly skilled workers and executives live in and around Oak Brook. According to G. Joseph Cosenza, Vice Chairman of The Inland Real Estate Group, LLC, and President of Inland Real Estate Acquisitions, LLC, “DuPage County has a large employee base.” Indeed, DuPage County has a vibrant labor
The National Headquarters Campus of The Inland Real Estate Group of Companies located at 2901 Butterfield Road
force exceeding 350,000 individuals, with more than half holding a bachelor’s degree or higher. This is significantly higher than the national average of 32.9%.
PRESTIGE
When purchasing a building in 1979, Cosenza asked the seller if he had any other properties he wanted to sell. The seller mentioned two adjoining buildings in Oak Brook at 1919 Midwest Road. Cosenza called his partners and said they could have an Oak Brook address. Cosenza said locating to Oak Brook meant, “Class! When you had an Oak Brook address, it meant you were a big player.” Two weeks later, the Inland Real Estate Group became a big player. Over the years, Inland has thrived and expanded four times. By 1986, they consolidated their operations under one roof in Oak Brook, a testament to their enduring commitment to the community.
Gandhi noted that ITSavvy also chose Oak Brook to elevate its brand for customers, employees, and business partners.
LOW TAXES
Oak Brook boasts the region’s lowest commercial and residential property tax rates, with no municipal property tax burden. Revenue from sales and hotel taxes funds essential services with minimal business impact. Every person we interviewed mentioned this as a major factor in their decision to locate here.
PROPERTY VALUES
In 1966, the Oak Brook Development Company advertised that sensible zoning, building controls, and outstanding community planning protected property values.
Oak Brook’s strict zoning separates homes and businesses on either side of the East-West Tollway (I-88). In residential areas, spacious, tree-covered lots provide a peaceful place to call home.
The zoning code controls the frontage, parking facility design, and building
height in commercial areas. The result is sleek, low-rise office buildings tucked away from the main roads and surrounded by greenery.
Residential property values have grown significantly compared to incomes across most of the country over the past decade. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency, home prices soared by 74% from 2010 to 2022, outpacing the average wage increase of 54%. Oak Brook exemplifies this positive trend, with its home prices ranking among the highest in Illinois and consistently being some of the most prestigious in America. Despite these high costs, Oak Brook proudly maintains an impressive homeownership rate of 95.4%, showcasing the area’s robust demand and real estate stability.
“Why wouldn’t anyone come to Oak Brook?”
— JOSEPH COSENZA
As Oak Brook’s aging population —58.7% are over 45—becomes empty nesters, they no longer need the larger homes that once housed busy families. Cosenza observed, “Those under 45 don’t want the mansions in Oak Brook, so they end up in other suburbs.”
According to Cosenza, “Commercial property values are down, which is not unique to Oak Brook; it’s unique to America. It’s a reaction to COVID. People are working from home more now. This is good for employees. It’s also good for businesses because they don’t need to rent as much office space. It’s bad for camaraderie. It’s also bad for landlords, who still need to pay building mortgages. Oak Brook’s commercial buildings are selling at a loss. That’s not the fault of Oak Brook’s government or the Planning Commission; it’s an overreaction to COVID.”
BUSINESS-FRIENDLY GOVERNMENT
Cosenza attributes The Inland Real Estate Group’s relocation to Oak Brook partly to the Village’s supportive business environment and the proactive engagement of its Chamber of Commerce.
The Village supports businesses opening in Oak Brook beyond a business-friendly tax code. Hub Group, a leading supply chain solutions provider, built its headquarters complex in Oak Brook. To officially celebrate the new office’s opening, a grand opening and dedication of the street for the newly named Hub Group Way were held on July 14, 2022.
The Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Partnership reports that over 100,000 people work or visit Oak Brook daily, boosting the local economy. The Chamber attracts new businesses, creates opportunities for existing ones, collaborates with government officials to support business needs, and identifies transportation and infrastructure improvements that can attract and retain a talented local workforce. Additionally, they develop attractions and marketing initiatives to enhance tourism and economic growth.
BUCOLIC SETTING
Paul Butler dreamed of creating the perfect setting for enjoying the good life, including rolling meadows and
The Oak Brook Development Company’s Forbes Magazine ad from 1966
woodlands. The zoning in Oak Brook preserves serene spaces away from the surrounding bustle, which benefits residents and workers alike. Underground infrastructure minimizes visual clutter, while architectural and landscaping standards maintain a favorable business image. For example, when erecting a new building in Oak Brook, at least 5% of the total project construction cost must be budgeted to purchase and install mature-sized trees, shrubbery, grass, and other suitable landscaping.
Signage in the Village is also strictly regulated. Flashing lights do not illuminate signs here. You won’t find a billboard in Oak Brook, nor will you see a sign on a tree or utility pole, whether on public or private property, looking for a lost cat.
AMENITIES
Oak Brook offers an array of amenities that have become increasingly important post-pandemic. Fitness centers, restaurants, meeting rooms, ample parking, and security in office buildings give employees reasons to come to the office. ITSavvy CEO Munu Gandhi notes, “The fact that Oakbrook Center is so close has been a good thing. Employees can go to lunch, meet after work for a drink, or invite their significant other to go shopping. Some employees even walk on the trails at lunch.”
Oakbrook Center is one of the largest premier shopping destinations in the country. It offers over 160 upscale specialty stores, dining, and entertainment options.
Oak Brook’s restaurants, from McDonald’s to Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse, cater to any budget and appetite. Additionally, eight hotels with over 1900 guest rooms can accommodate out-of-town business partners.
Employees and residents also have ample opportunities for sports and recreation, including one public and two private golf courses, miles of multi-purpose paths, and top-notch village and park district recreation facilities. ■
Hub Group Chairman and CEO, David Yeager is joined by Phillip Yeager, President and COO and Matthew Yeager, Executive Vice President as they officially opened the second headquarters building in 2022.
Labriola Restaurant
An Elevated Dining Experience
In an exciting move that promises to elevate the culinary scene, Rich Labriola, the visionary behind Labriola Café and LaBarra, is merging his eateries to create a new, enhanced Labriola experience. Facing an expiring lease on his Labriola Bakery Café, located next to his LaBarra Ristorante at 3021 Butterfield Road in Oak Brook, Labriola saw an opportunity to enhance his dining offerings for his loyal patrons.
for innovation to sustain profitability.
He decided to merge the most beloved dishes and beverages from both establishments. “It’s the same food you’d find (at Labriola’s) all week. People came for the food. Now, it’s a
“I am drawn to restaurants because I love the creativity part.…you feed people and they are happy. There’s no other feeling like that.”
Maintaining a high-quality, fastcasual experience like Labriola became increasingly difficult in an industry challenged by inflation and fluctuating customer counts. With wages rising and a shift in workplace dynamics postCovid, Labriola recognized the need
— Rich Labriola
very convenient place to be.” Labriola said, “LaBarra wasn’t open for lunch, and Labriola’s strong point was lunch. So, we decided that merging the two and making a new Labriola was the way to go.”
The new Labriola will proudly bear the same logo and branding as the Michigan Avenue location in Chicago and the west-suburban Oak Brook; a testament to their unwavering commitment to the quality patrons have come to love. The menu will feature LaBarra classics alongside exciting new additions to tantalize the taste buds.
Now, with everything on one menu, the choices are plentiful. You can opt for classics like the iconic filet sliders - three petite filets with Maître D’ Butter, nestled within mini-pretzel buns. Or perhaps indulge in the French Dip, featuring thinly sliced roast beef in au jus, with toasted hoagie rolls. For those craving a hearty burger experience, there’s The Richie Burger: Black Angus
HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF | PHOTO BY LAURA MEYERS
beef, hand-formed patties with aged White Cheddar Cheese, lettuce, and tomato, all on a pretzel bun, served alongside a generous portion of handcut fries. The gourmet pizzas and pasta dishes from LaBarra’s menu are also available, which ensures that there’s something to delight every palate. “We’re creating some newer special sandwiches that are really a wow factor. You can buy Chicken Parm on any corner, we are going to elevate it,” Labriola shared. Of course, Labriola’s renowned bread will continue to be a cornerstone.
According to Labriola, “If you love the food there (Labriola), it’s the same food that will be here. It’s not changing, the experience is changing. If you don’t want to have a full-service, the carryout is just the same.”
People can get in and out quickly for lunch and still have the same great
experience that will make them return. Labriola said, “It’s not turning into fine dining; it’s just turning into full-service. It’s still casual dining; you’ll just have a server now.”
Moving the new Labriola into what was previously LaBarra offers a more relaxed, full-service dining experience for lunch and dinner. “Turning the LaBarra space into a larger Labriola space with a patio also gives my patrons more room to host corporate events, engagement parties, banquets, and family gatherings,” Labriola said.
The expansive LaBarra space with a large patio will allow Labriola to host more corporate events, engagement parties, and family gatherings. This past Mother’s Day, Labriola welcomed guests to a special brunch, debuting the patio and offering a memorable experience for moms.
While change can be daunting, Labriola assures fans that the food – the heart and soul of any restaurant – remains the priority. By merging with LaBarra, Labriola is not downgrading but elevating. The new concept will appeal to loyalists and attract a new lunch crowd seeking a full-service experience.
When asked what it is about that restaurant business that makes him successful, he said, “I love the creativity part. The operations part is not that fun for me, but the creativity. You know, you feed people, and they are happy. There’s no other feeling like that. It’s a nice business, it’s an exciting business.”
As Labriola reflects on his journey, from distributing bread out of his car to building a popular brand for thirteen years, to owning Stan’s Donuts, one thing remains constant – a passion for feeding people and bringing them joy. The new Labriola promises to continue that mission, offering a refined yet approachable dining experience.■
Richie Burger
SERENADES OF THE SUMMER
Concert series make their return for another music-filled summer
BY MIA JONES
Sweet summertime calls for ample entertainment opportunities and good live music. Luckily, residents of all different communities are welcome to enjoy the variety of live music this summer. Classics like Hinsdale’s Uniquely Thursdays will continue at Burlington Park with more music and food vendors to make for a perfect evening. The Downers Grove Park District Summer Concert Series will return to Fishel Park after hosting 20,000 visitors last summer. Read on to discover when and where to get groovy this summer.
Downers Grove Park District presents “Summer Concert Series”
The Eric Hamilton Team at Guaranteed Rate presents this summertime concert series at Fishel Park’s Veterans Memorial Pavilion in Downers Grove. The concert series will take place every Tuesday evening through August 13, featuring a wide variety to listen to. From country music with Nashville Electric Company to the best of the 70s from The Disco Circus, there will be something for everyone to enjoy. All the concerts are free entry, and the music will play from 7:00-8:30 p.m., with food and alcohol sales beginning at
CHICAGO-BORN TRIBUTE BAND SIXTEEN CANDLES
PHOTO BY JPM PHOTOGRAPHY
6:00 p.m. Lots of different food trucks and vendors will be available. Free children’s face painting will occur from 7:00-8:30 p.m. Additionally, every week, a veteran and their family will be recognized to honor their service. For more information on performances and food vendors, visit dgparks.org.
The Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce presents “Uniquely Thursdays”
Hinsdale’s Uniquely Thursdays, a free event presented by The Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce, UChicago Medicine, and Advent Health, returns to Burlington Park this summer with a fresh musical lineup. Running through August 22, live bands and food vendors will fill Burlington Park every Thursday evening from 6:00-9:00 p.m. Food vendors, such as Sugar Mama’s and Guiliano’s Ristorante, will be available for purchase, along with beer and wine. Bring blankets and chairs to enjoy watching Kelly Daniels on July 25 or Semple Band on August 15! For more information on additional performances or the event, visit hinsdalechamber.com.
Oak Brook Park District presents “Summer Concert Series”
This concert series will now be held at the brand-new Oaks Amphitheater, located at 1315 Kensington Road. Free concerts
will be held every Thursday evening starting at 6:30 p.m., lasting through August 8. Fantastic live music includes Live Stream on July 11 and Anchors Away on August 1. Make sure to bring your blankets and chairs. For more information on the event and sponsoring, visit obparks.org.
Westmont
Special Events presents “Westmont Cruisin’ Nights & Street Fair”
Head over to Cass Avenue and Norfolk Street in Westmont every Thursday evening between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m. for classic cars, live music, food and drink, and kids’ entertainment! This all-around family-fun event is free for anyone who would like to attend, and it will occur through August 29. For more information, please visit westmontevents.com.
Burr Ridge Village Center presents “Concerts on the Village Green”
These free concerts will be held for the public every Thursday evening from 7:00-8:30 p.m. at the Burr Ridge Village Center at 701 Village Center Drive. The concerts will last through August 1. It is encouraged to RSVP on Burr Ridge Village Center’s Facebook page to receive event updates. However, everyone is welcome to walk in and enjoy the music. Bring lawn chairs and blankets. Rosie & the Rivets and The Chicago Experience are a few of the
awesome performers coming this summer. Participants are welcome to come as early as 6:00 p.m. to get a good spot to relax and enjoy the summer fun. Please visit shopburrridge. com or Burr Ridge Village Center on Facebook for more information.
Brookfield Zoo presents “Roaring Nights”
Attend this summer concert series at the East Mall in Brookfield Zoo to contribute to their mission of providing animal care and environmental education. Live music, food, and drink will help to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Brookfield Zoo Chicago. Concerts will take place from 6:00-9:00 p.m. on Friday, July 12, and Saturday, July 27, featuring Barenaked Ladies and Gin Blossoms. On concert nights, several of Brookfield’s animal habitats, along with the carousel ride, will remain open until 7:00 p.m. This event is an entry with a ticket only, and tickets range in price from $45-$55. For every individual adult ticket purchased, one child 12 and under is free. VIP ticket packages are also available for those over 21 years old. Visit brookfieldzoo. org to learn more.
Elmhurst City Centre presents “Wednesday Nights Live in Elmhurst”
Bring your family and friends to the North York Stage at Elmhurst City Centre every Wednesday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. for free live music. Multiple of Chicagoland’s tribute bands will play under the Umbrella Sky Installation. Performances include, but are not limited to, Funky Monks on July 24 and Fearless, a Taylor Swift tribute band, on July 31. Performances will occur every Wednesday night through August 7.
The Ravinia Music Festival 2024
The Ravinia Music Festival, America’s oldest music festival, returns for another season of summer entertainment in Highland Park. The festival runs from June 7 to September 15, and most events will be held at The Pavilion at Ravinia, including the performance from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. This very diverse festival will include performances from Ben Platt, The Roots, Gaelic Storm, Norah Jones, and The Beach
DOWNERS GROVE PARK DISTRICT PRESENTS “SUMMER CONCERT SERIES” PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DOWNERS GROVE PARK DISTRICT
Boys with John Stamos. Tickets for individual performances are now on sale and can still be purchased via Ravinia’s website. You must have an account with Ravinia to purchase available tickets. Visit ravinia.org for more information on a variety of other concerts and events happening this summer.
The Morton Arboretum presents “Arbor Evenings”
Bring blankets and chairs to Frost Hill to enjoy these performances every Wednesday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. through August 21. If one concert is canceled due to inclement weather conditions, it will be moved to the evening of August 28. Parking is available in Parking Lot 1. Admission into the events begins at 5:15 p.m., and there will be food, drink, and ice cream from different vendors available for purchase if wanted. Outside food is welcome as well, but no outside alcoholic beverages may be brought into Morton Arboretum. Many Chicago-based bands will perform at The Morton Arboretum this summer, including ARRA on July 17, and The PriSSillas on August 14. For those who are members, children through age 12 are free, and anyone 13 and older is $10 a ticket. For guests, infants (younger than 2) are free, children (ages 2-12) are $5, and adults (13 and older) are $15 a ticket. Visit mortonarb. org to purchase member or guest tickets and find more information on the individual performances. ■
LET’S GET THE BAND BACK TOGETHER
Some of the best tribute bands in the Chicago area will soon be near you this summer
By Mia Jones | Photo courtesy of JPM Photography
Sixteen Candles, a Chicago-born tribute band, has been keeping 80s music alive since 2003. The five band members and their team now travel across the country to perform and bring the 80s to their audience for a memorable concert experience. The members each have their own unique and individual talents to bring forth the music from the decade they love into a new, fresh style.
“We shorten some songs that seem to drag on and medley them into other songs. For us, it’s a fun and creative way to perform and keeps everyone on their toes,” said the Sixteen Candles team.
Sixteen Candles continues to come up with new ways to excite its audience at every performance, and they play a different song list every night. “For us, the 80s is just fun music. It was so experimental at the time and people were really writing 'out of the box' type of stuff. Growing up listening to that, it just made sense to go 80s."
"For us, the 80s is just fun music. It was so experimental at the time, and people were really writing 'out-of- the-box' type of stuff. Growing up listening to that, it just made sense to go 80s."
- SIXTEEN CANDLES
With an extensive set list, Sixteen Candles has performed a variety of shows all over the U.S., from Las Vegas to Indianapolis. In the past, they have played at some big venues, including Soldier Field in Chicago. “The home opener halftime show of the Chicago Bears 100th year is our favorite performance we’ve put on. We played in the end zone during halftime,” said the band.
Sixteen Candles will return this summer to Taste of Oak Brook on July 3 at the Village Sports Core Fields. They will also be performing at Warrenville Summer Daze on August 2, and Elmhurst Rock the Block on September 7.
Tribute bands keep hits of the past and present decades alive. They can even repurpose that music into something more distinct, differentiating themselves from other bands. Make sure to check out upcoming performances to avoid missing out on an unforgettable experience and a trip down memory lane.
SIXTEEN CANDLES PERFORMED AT ELMHURST ROCK THE BLOCK 2023.
PHOTO BY JPM PHOTOGRAPHY
A Fair to
remember
It’s 70 years for DuPage County Fairground’s signature celebration
For more than a century and a half, the DuPage County Fair has drawn tens of thousands of Illinois residents for old-fashioned family fun. July 25-28th marks the 70th anniversary of the event being hosted at the DuPage County Fairgrounds in Wheaton. The fair began as a way to celebrate and showcase all things agricultural. The best blueberry pie, largest squash, and most intricate quilt created a spirit of friendly competition among fairgoers.
Over the years, carnival rides, headlining bands, and vendors of all sorts have gradually found places at this huge event. Three-legged races have given way to sports tournaments. But come what may, the theme remains.
BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN
“We’re still an agricultural fair, and we work hard to keep agriculture as our theme,” said Jim McGuire, CEO and Manager of DuPage County Fairgrounds.
It’s obvious. While DuPage County is no longer an agricultural community, McGuire and his staff are determined to keep all things farming at the forefront. At fair time, the barns are full, offering attendants a chance to walk among the animals. Farm Now, from Bensenville, brings in hogs and cattle. Kids are wel come to try their hand at milking a cow.
Dozens of area 4H Clubs will show their carefully nurtured
sheep, goats, and rabbits. From an embryology display where spectators can see chickens hatch to a sheepherding demonstration, it’s a fun way to learn about animals.
“We’ve become too large agriculturally,” said McGuire, “so the opportunity for kids to be able to see animals up close is a great thing. Teaching people about farming and understanding the connection of where food actually comes from is one of our goals.” Hands-on learning opportunities, like grind-
ing and shelling corn, bring agricultural concepts to life. Farm equipment and tractors, from antique to contemporary, will be displayed.
Garden Works, an organization dedicated to teaching others how to grow their own food, offers tours of community gardens on the grounds, which started during COVID. Visitors can learn about raised-bed gardening on a grass field repurposed with fruit trees and berry patches. The garden is cared for by a group of dedicated volunteers who earn a share of the produce and berries harvested annually. Honey harvesting, a recent endeavor, will also be demonstrated by McGuire, the chief beekeeper.
Both kiddie and full-sized carnival rides are always a big draw. A variety of local bands entertain the crowd. Billy Prine will be headlining this year, celebrating the music of John Prine. Santana cover band, Fuse, will also make an appearance.
“We’re still an agricultural fair, and we work hard to keep agriculture as our theme.”
– JIM MCGUIRE, CEO AND MANAGER, DUPAGE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS
dors with a huge variety of food. Lobster rolls to pork chops and just about anything in between can be washed down with a piña colada served in a pineapple. “We have many repeat vendors from years past who know our crowd,” said McGuire.
A spirit of competition has always been present at a county fair. If you think you have the best chocolate cake, most beautiful flowers, most intricate cross-stitch, or an interesting photograph, enter it in the respective category. Experts from each discipline critique and award the best of each category.
The atmosphere of the DuPage County Fair pays great respect to the past. Over the years, however, modern aspects have found their own ways of becoming part of the tradition.
Hispanic Culture will be explored on Saturday, July 27, with Mariachi bands and folk dancers. Be sure to make time for the variety/talent show on Sunday to see local competitors, from acrobats to dancers to magicians, vie for an opportunity to compete at the state fair in Springfield.
Come hungry, as there are over a dozen ven -
Each year, the staff works to incorporate local fads. “Whatever is of current interest, we try to work into the fair,” said 40-year DuPage County Fairgrounds Assistant Manager Norma Cabral. Last year, a pickleball tournament dominated a large section of the grounds. This year, volleyball is the featured sport. An evening drone show telling the history of agriculture in DuPage County will take the place of the usual fireworks display to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the fair being held on these grounds.
“Come on out and celebrate DuPage County in a clean, comfortable, family-friendly place. We’re the one event that truly celebrates this county,” McGuire invited.
For more information about the fair, a schedule of events, and admissions, visit DuPageCountyFair.org ■
DRAFT DAY OK for J.J.
BY JEFF VORVA
Naz star ready to start NFL career with Vikings
While many members of Nazareth Nation gathered in the Stadium in McCook for a J.J. McCarthy watch party on the night of the NFL Draft, they were nervous and anxiously awaiting to find out where their hero would go and to what team.
Meanwhile, McCarthy was with friends and family in Michigan. And if you think the patrons at the Stadium Club on April 25 were nervous…
“I woke up that morning, and I felt like my stomach was in my throat,” McCarthy said. “It was just one of those big days for all of us that were going through this process. It’s once in a lifetime, and you try to soak it all in.”
Yes, all ended well. The LaGrange Park native was taken 10th by Minnesota.
“You know, when that phone call came around, it was something different,” he said at his introductory press conference in Minnesota. “The feeling is something you
can’t describe. It was overwhelming emotions of joy.”
After the announcement, there were cheers and yelling with the McCarthy family. There were cheers and yelling with his extended family in McCook.
“Now I have to root against the Bears a couple of times,” said his for-
mer Nazareth offensive coordinator, Casey Moran. “I think this will be good for him. He’s going to make anything work. He’s so on top of everything. He’ll be in the playbook as soon as he can. It’s going to be good. I’m excited for him.”
McCarthy is a rare breed in that he left the school and transferred to IMG Academy in Florida and is still a popular figure among the Nazareth faithful. Usually, transfers are not treated as well. However, McCarthy left the school because of the uncertainty surrounding football during the pandemic. So, his transfer was not treated as an act of betrayal.
NAZARETH FAITHFUL CHEER WHEN ALUM J.J. MCCARTHY WAS ANNOUNCED AS THE MINNESOTA VIKINGS’ FIRST-ROUND PICK ON APRIL 25 AT THE STADIUM CLUB IN MCCOOK. PHOTO BY JEFF VORVA
And, because he comes back and visits, he is always welcomed with open arms.
“I remember him being involved in more things than football, for sure,” Nazareth President Deborah Tracy said. “He was very smart in the classroom. Very kind. Very considerate. Very respectful. He has carried that through on every visit back home. He comes back. He helps with the camps. He talks to the boys. He helps with the younger kids. He’ll sign every autograph. He never forgets where he came from.”
McCarthy had a stellar career at Michigan, and he helped the Wolverines win the national championship. Throughout the season, his NFL stock rose. In the weeks leading up to the draft, there were dozens of theories – some sound and some crazy -- of where he would end up. Some even thought the Chicago Bears would make him their No. 1 pick. That was one of the crazy theories.
Moran knew the Roadrunners had something special in McCarthy from Day 1 and maybe even before Day 1.
“I saw him play youth football when he was younger,” he said. “He used to come around and watch us when he was younger. He would kind of hang around our quarterback (Carson Bartels) at the time and talk with him. They got along. And then to see him come to Nazareth – I taught him when he was a freshman in math class, and I had the pleasure of coaching him on
Predicting an NFL career, however, is an inexact science.
“We’ve had a lot of good athletes, and we’ve had a lot of good players,” Moran said. “There’s always those kids who you look at and say, ‘they have the talent to play at that level.’ We knew very quickly that he had the talent to play Division I football and big-time football. Like anything else, you have to have some luck. You have to have some health. There’s a lot that goes into it. We definitely knew that it was a possibility, and as time went on, it looked like things were working out for him. It’s getting more and more exciting.”
In May, McCarthy participated in rookie camp for the Vikings. He will be fighting with veteran Sam Darnold for playing time. McCarthy told the media after his first session that he felt comfortable.“It didn’t feel like my first day – we’ve been going over the offense for a long time now,” he said. “But to go out and perform and execute it – that’s new. But it was nothing that was overwhelming.
“This is a dream come true, and you live your dream. Take in the moment.”
the football team.”
KIDS FROM LAGRANGE PARK REACT WHEN JJ MCCARTHY’S NAME IS CALLED DURING THE NFL DRAFT AT A WATCH PARTY AT THE STADIUM CLUB IN MCCOOK.
PHOTO BY JEFF VORVA
NAZARETH SHOWS ITS LOVE FOR J.J. MCCARTHY ON DRAFT NIGHT. PHOTO BY JEFF VORVA
• Completed blow out of
• Haul away grass clippings
•
• Small debris removal
• Seasonal clean-ups
• Complete blow out of yard
• Haul away grass clippings
• Complete debris removal
• Seasonal Clean-Ups
• Weed removal each visit
• Custom and Seasonal fertilizer plans for turfed areas
• Complete detail of yard weekly
DESTINATION: GOLF
BY ANNA HUGHES
From the rugged coastlines of Pebble Beach to the manicured greens of Pinehurst Resort, the United States is home to a myriad of iconic golf courses that have become synonymous with the sport's prestige and allure. Spanning the country's diverse landscapes, these renowned courses offer challenging layouts, rich histories, and breathtaking scenery. We're exploring the unforgettable experiences awaiting golf enthusiasts at some of the country's most famous public courses, creating the perfect getaway with family or friends.
BETHPAGE STATE PARK GOLF COURSE
BETHPAGE BLACK, NY
WWW.BETHPAGEGOLFCOURSE.COM
Less than an hour outside of New York City, golf fans can experience one of the top public courses in the country in suburban Long Island. Bethpage features five 18-hole regulation golf courses, including the world-renowned Black Course, which will be the site of the Ryder Cup in September 2025. Bethpage Black is infamous to casual and professional golfers alike, and the course sports a warning sign recommending that only highly skilled golfers attempt to traverse. Three-time PGA major champion Jordan Spieth thinks the sign is an understatement and considers it one of the top five hardest courses he’s ever played. It’s a great chance to put your skills to the test while enjoying stunning views and a manicured landscape. Approximately 300,000 rounds of golf are played here annually, bringing both local New Yorkers and loyal travelers back to the green again and again.
DESTINATION KOHLER
KOHLER, WI
WWW.DESTINATIONKOHLER.COM
If you need a local getaway, look no further! A two-and-a-half-hour drive north will take you to Whistling Straits, the premier public course in the Midwest. A host to major tournaments, including three PGA championships, Whistling Straits is known for its "open, rugged and windswept terrain, sculpted along two miles of Lake Michigan shoreline." Destination Kohler, the site of four championship courses, including Whistling Straits, is known for combining world-class golf with superb service, extensive amenities, and top-tier relaxation. Take your pick from their variety of lodging choices: choose a full-service resort for ultimate luxury, or opt for one of their private cabins for a romantic or family getaway in the Wisconsin wilderness. Check out their list of accommodation packages to ensure you have the best experience tailored to you.
PEBBLE BEACH RESORT
PEBBLE BEACH, CALIFORNIA I WWW.PEBBLEBEACH.COM
Head across the country to the Pacific coast to play at Golf Digest’s top-ranked public golf course in America: Pebble Beach Golf Links. The stunning scenery, challenging course, and perfectly-kept grounds make this a six-time site of the U.S. Open. Most recently, it was the site of the Women's Open in 2023, and the men's tournament will return in 2027. For over a century, Pebble Beach has been the stage for intense competition, career-changing putts, and loyal golf fans. Play at one of the resort's six courses and perfect your swing with private lessons from experts on site. In addition to an unparalleled golf experience, bring the whole family for an unforgettable stay at The Lodge at Pebble Beach. With delicious dining, relaxation, and a view of an iconic 18th hole, this is a trip you won't regret booking.
TPC SCOTTSDALE
SCOTTSDALE, AZ
WWW.TPC.COM/SCOTTSDALE
Tee up where Tiger hit his famous 1997 hole-in-one at TPC Scottsdale. Within the greater Phoenix area, there are a variety of public courses to choose from, along with some of the country’s most esteemed private ones. TPC Scottsdale stands out among them as a chance to test your skills where all your favorite players have stood. See where you compare to Tiger’s ace when you approach the famous par-3 16th hole, known to be one of the most iconic holes on the PGA Tour. Home to the WM Phoenix Open, TPC Scottsdale provides two courses for play: the Stadium Course and the Champions Course. With a variety of golf packages to choose from, TPC Scottsdale makes for a great trip for business or leisure. Just minutes from Scottsdale’s upscale dining and shopping scene, this year-round gold destination should definitely be at the top of your travel list.
PINEHURST RESORT
PINEHURST, NC
WWW.PINEHURST.COM
Play like the pros at Pinehurst, the site of the 2024 U.S. Open. It's the first time in over a century that the U.S. Golf Association has awarded four opens to a single site during the span of 25 years, which is a testament to the course's beauty and rich history. Play at one of ten 18-hole courses, the Thistle Dhu putting course or the famous short course known as "The Cradle." In addition to world-renowned golf amenities, Pinehurst offers an extensive selection of fun and relaxation both on and off the course. Visit the spa, take a horse-drawn carriage ride with the family, or cool off in one of the two pools on site before a delicious dinner. With a mix of international cuisine and local staples, every meal is served with a side of Southern hospitality. ■
PEBBLE BEACH GOLF LINKS
THE PERFECT TASTE OF SUMMER
A hot summer day, time by the pool or beach, or an evening at home means you need something to sip on. Try out one of these drink recipes for the summertime.
BY MIA JONES
The Salty Dog Cocktail
A zesty and refreshing summer drink
Ingredients:
1 ½ ounces of gin or vodka
3 ounces of grapefruit juice
Salt for the rim
Grapefruit slice for garnish
1. Wet the rim of the glass, and then dip into the salt
2. If you prefer, add ice to the glass, then the gin or vodka, and last the grapefruit juice
3. Don’t shake it up, but gently stir the drink
4. Lastly, add the grapefruit slice as garnish
THE SALTY DOG
Strawberry Basil Lemonade
This drink screams summer
Ingredients (serves four):
10 lemons, juiced, and one cup of fresh lemon juice
¾ cup fine sugar
4 cups warm water
8-10 strawberries, tops removed 1/3 cup fresh basil ½ cup vodka (optional)
1. Juice the lemons and move them into a large pitcher.
2. Add the sugar and water and stir to combine. Let it cool.
3. Add strawberries and fresh basil.
4. Blend the mixture until it turns pink, and the basil is finely chopped. Strain out any basil bits if not wanted. The basil will be infused into the drink.
5. If desired, add in the alcohol and serve over ice. Enjoy!
Strawberry Watermelon Infused Water
The perfect summer thirst-quencher
Ingredients:
Water
Watermelon
Strawberries
Mint leaves
1. Chop up the fruit and place it into a pitcher.
2. Crush the mint leaves to release flavor.
3. Add the water to your pitcher and let everything marinate. Cover the pitcher and let it sit for up to 24 hours. After 24 hours, remove the fruit and leaves.
WATERMELON INFUSED WATER
The Light Citrus Paloma
A healthier, naturally sweetened option for a classic Paloma
Ingredients:
Winter citrus fruit, such as grapefruit, Navel oranges, or tangerines
Natural sweeteners, such as agave, orange peel, or zest Sparkling water or soda Tequila Silver Garnishes, like coarse salt, lemon slices, etc.
1. Juice the fruit, then mix that with agave and tequila.
2. Wet the rim of your glass and dip it in salt.
3. Poor the juice and tequila into the glass (ice is optional).
4. Add in the sparkling water or soda.
5. Finish with a garnish.
Agua de Jamaica (Hibiscus Tea)
A light drink paired easily with different simple syrups and citrus juices
Ingredients:
8 cups of water
1.5 cups dried hibiscus flowers
2/3 cup sugar (can add a little more or a little less depending on sweetness preferences)
1/3 cup fresh orange juice, lime juice, or lemon juice (option)
1. Boil water in a saucepan or pot. Add sugar and stir until it dissolves.
2. Once removed from heat, add hibiscus flowers and stir to combine.
3. Let it steep for about 20 minutes, then remove hibiscus flowers with a strainer.
4. Stir in citrus juice, then refrigerate and serve over ice.
STRAWBERRY
STRAWBERRY BASIL LEMONADE
AGUA DE JAMAICA
THE LIGHT CITRUS PALOMA
Visit Normandy
A calm escape from the hustle and bustle of Paris
BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN
In the wake of this summer’s 80th anniversary of D-Day, it’s all eyes on Normandy. And while history is around every corner here, this gem of a region is known for more than its museums and memorials. It is one of France’s most enchanting corners and the perfect escape to come down a notch after your whirlwind Parisian sojourn.
Miles of rugged, windswept peninsulas along the English Channel give way to gaslit, cobblestoned streets within walled cities. Artisans carry on their trades in small village squares as they did centuries ago. Lilliput-like islands beckon visitors to discover ancient ruins in fields of wildflowers. This is the area Monet brought to light through Impressionism.
Apple and pear orchards, thatched farmhouses, and ruins of centuries-old stone churches dot the landscape of this area, equally accessible by bike or car. Nearly 400 miles of coastline ensure some of Europe’s freshest seafood. So relax with a glass of dry cider, the regional specialty. You may never want to leave.
Normandy American Cemetery
On D-Day, Nazi occupied France was invaded by British, American, Commonwealth and Canadian troops. The result was the beginning of the end of World War II. This world’s most-visited war cemetery is the resting place of more than 9,000 American soldiers. Row after row of immaculate marble crosses dot meticulously kept green laws. The Spirit of the American Youth sculpture, surrounded by a moving memorial, silently tells the story of those who perished on the beaches below.
HARD CIDER (CIDRE DUR) IS HAND CRAFTED AT NUMEROUS FAMILY-OWNED ORCHARDS.
MORE THAN 9,000 AMERICAN SOLDIERS ARE BURIED IN THIS CEMETERY OVERLOOKING OMAHA BEACH.
D-Day Museums
There are ten different area museums related to the epic Allied invasion of Normandy, codenamed Operation Overlord. Two of them tell the story of this historic moment from the Canadian and British point of view. These are good places to get a grasp of the enormity of the event.
Le Mont St Michel
This rock-like fortress crowned by an architecturally magnificent abbey is a tidal island surrounded by quicksand. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is in a bay about one kilometer off the Norman coastline. For a millennium, pilgrims have flocked to Le Mont St Michel to see some of the highest tides in Europe rush 9 miles in from the sea. A cone-shaped route, starting at the base of the structure, forms a medieval tangle of cobblestone paths that culminate in a working abbey at the top.
Bayeux
This small-scale town is full of charm and known the world over for the Bayeux Tapestry. It’s a 224- foot embroidered narrative of the Norman Conquest – the military triumph over England by William, Duke of Normandy, which culminated in the Battle of Hastings.
Monet’s Home & Garden, Giverny
As a child, Claude Monet was encouraged to paint en plein air (outdoors). Fascinated by the illusionary effects of sunlight and weather, he constantly worked against the constraints of changing light on his subjects. The colors of his carefully planned garden provided him with an ever-changing palette. Here he painted the Water Lilies series - his best-known work.
The Cider Route
Dry cider is to Normandy as wine is to Bordeaux. Each orchard makes a house variation. The signposted Route du Cidre links cider-making villages by way of scenic backroads. The route also passes about 20 local producers of the drink who offer tours of their cellars and tastings. Look for signs marked “Cru de Cambremer.” ■
NORMANDY HAS SOME OF EUROPE'S MOST RUGGED SCENERY.
MONET'S GARDENS IN GIVERNY WERE THE INSPIRATION FOR HIS WATER LILIES SERIES.
Open To The Public
OAK BROOK GOLF CLUB
Discover The Grill at Oak Brook Golf Club
Nestled within the serene surroundings of Oak Brook Golf Club lies The Grill, a delightful haven for both golfers and locals alike. This inviting eatery offers a relaxed atmosphere with patio views of lush fairways, making it the perfect spot to unwind or simply enjoy a delicious meal. Live music on select dates this summer, and Fridays feature our mouthwatering fish fry. Reserve your table by calling 630-368-6415. Book a golf tee time at www.oakbrookgolfclub.com.
Scan the QR Code to view the menu
Charitable GIVING
DuPage County’s
Predicted Wealth Transfer Has Huge Implications
BY DAVE MCGOWAN
The 2020 Illinois Transfer of Wealth Study reveals an astonishing trend: DuPage County residents are transferring more wealth than ever before, and this unique moment won't last forever. We're now in the final five years before we reach the peak at the end of 2028.
Back in 2005, only 6% of DuPage County's wealth was transferred. By 2028, that figure is expected to more than double, reaching an impressive 14%, before settling at around 10%. This remarkable growth translates to nearly $53 billion moving through DuPage County estates within a decade.
When the last of a household's spouses passes away, their estate is distributed among heirs, charitable organizations, and taxes. As a fundraiser with 43 years of experience, I'm advocating for more of this wealth to be directed toward charitable causes. If just 5% were allocated to charities, it would generate $2.65 billion for community endowments or to directly support nonprofits addressing hunger, housing instability, and mental health challenges, among other issue areas that may be important to you.
For those considering donations, contact your estate planning attorney to explore giving strategies from your estate. If you don’t already have an attorney, contact: dpestateplan.org/Member-Directory or www.dcba.org/page/FindLawyer.
Nonprofit organizations should engage their loyal donors in conversa-
Charitable Organizations
$2,650,000,000
tions about the significant impact their bequests could make. You don’t need to be an expert in gift planning and tax laws – more than 85% of estate gifts are simple bequests. The donors’ professional advisors will guide you through gift acceptance strategies for more complex planned gifts.
For more information, contact me or your local community foundation at dupagefoundation.org. You can also access the full “Illinois Transfer of Wealth Study” there.
About the Author: Dave McGowan has been prominent in the Chicago-area nonprofit sector since 1981. He is a certified fundraising executive who retired from DuPage Foundation after 25 years before starting a consulting practice serving donors, their advisors, and the nonprofits they support. You can reach Dave at 630-728-2367 or dave@davemcgowanconsulting.com.
Women of Oak Brook
PHOTOS BY 726 VISUALS
The Women of Oak Brook held their inaugural reception, “Sipping into Summer,” in early June at La Barra in Oak Brook. The organization is dedicated to fostering meaningful social connections among women in the community, promoting a sense of unity, and engaging in impactful service and philanthropy initiatives. For more information on how to become involved in the organization, visit WomenofOakbrook.org.
Hinsdale Auxiliary of Brightpoint
PHOTOS BY CURT PATRICK AT ICON3STUDIOS
The Hinsdale Auxiliary of Brightpoint (formerly Children’s Home & Aid) hosted its 69th annual Derby Day party. One of the oldest annual events in the Western suburbs, this year’s event was held at Butterfield Country Club in Oak Brook and raised over $120,000, benefitting Brightpoint’s family-focused programs across 67 counties in Illinois. Formerly operating as Children’s Home & Aid, Brightpoint has served Illinois since 1883. Along with the recent rebrand, Brightpoint has recently refocused its work by focusing on family-based prevention and equity-driven programs and recognizing that families are the most critical asset for child and youth wellbeing. For more information on Brightpoint, visit Brightpoint.org.
Tish
Jonathan Temps
➃
Randy Rucker (Elmhurst), Dan Guistolise (Elmhurst), Jason Guistolise
Dan VanEekeren (Hinsdale), Art Renier (Elmhurst), Pat Jones (Elmhurst), Ric Breunig (Glen Ellyn) ➄ Mike and Natalie Ryan (Oak Brook), Melissa and Chad Gramann (Burr Ridge), Mary and Larry Baron (Hinsdale), and Danene McMahon (Hinsdale) ➅ Members of the Hinsdale Auxiliary of Brightpoint: Susan Cobb (Hinsdale), Kim Doan (Clarendon Hills), Helen Becka (Hinsdale), Tish Newcomer (Hinsdale), Beth Lyons (Elmhurst), Lynn Mayer (Hinsdale), Shari Cornies (Hinsdale), Katy Altemose (Hinsdale), Heather Gould (Hinsdale), and Natalie Ryan (Oak Brook)
➀
Newcomer, Auxiliary President (Hinsdale) and Beth Lyons, Derby Day Co-Chair (Elmhurst)➁ Peter Vazquez and Michelle Abello-Vazquez of Oak Brook ➂ Chris Shramko and
of Hinsdale watch the running of the Kentucky Derby.
