Oak Brook Magazine March/April 2024

INSIDE:

Golf Legend

Bruce Patterson

Out of the Bullpen: Paul O'Malley

Evans Scholars

EVERYTHING AND THE KITCHEN SINK

Beautify

ECommunity Leaders and Highlights

veryone has a story. This issue is full of them. Some people you know, others you may be meeting for the first time.

If you watch Chicagoland nightly news, you know Allison Rosati. Anna Hughes visited her home in our area and shares the back story of Allison and why she has been so successful over the years in a feature off-camera interview.

This issue also features a sports story by guest columnist Bill Esbrook who shares the story of mature residents at the Oak Brook Club and how they created a Fantasy Football League and are now gearing up for March Madness in college basketball "bracketology". Not only do they enjoy the games with their fellow seniors, but they also engage in the fun with their younger family members.

Another highlight in the sports arena is Bruce Patterson, who served as the director of golf for 38 years at the nearby Butler National Golf Course. He co-founded the Illinois PGA Foundation and was the founding president of First Tee. In November 2023, he was inducted into the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame in recognition of his well-deserved achievements.

We also shine a light on the generous contributions of Stan Mikita, one of the all-time greatest players for the Chicago Blackhawks, in making hockey accessible to players who are deaf.

In other news, Butler Junior High School continued its tradition of International Lunch Day on February 19. Students savored cuisine from Italy, Greece, the Mediterranean, Mexico, and India. Additionally, the Parent-Teachers Organization made headlines with its largest annual fundraiser, with proceeds supporting field trips, technology upgrades, assemblies, school wish lists, and more.

In addition, there's a familiar figure from the sports world among us - former major league pitcher, Paul O’Malley. Having played baseball at Niles North High School, he attended Illinois State on a scholarship and was drafted by the Houston Astros as a pitcher, spending six years with the organization, including several years with the major league club. After retiring from baseball, he pursued a career in teaching and education, inspired by the quality of coaches and teachers he met along the way. Since 2019, he has been serving as the superintendent of Butler Elementary School District 53.

The naming of the Evans Scholars has been a long-standing source of joy in local sports for the last 64 years. The Western Golf Association and Charles “Chick” Evans Jr. established the Evans Scholars Foundation to offer full tuition and housing scholarships to exceptional caddies. Discover more about these scholars and what this opportunity means to them and their families in the feature story, “Right On Course”.

A local young sensation, Ronan Kristufek, has made it to the big time. Currently on tour with Lord of the Dance, he shared his journey with Maureen Callahan before leaving, recounting his start at OMG School of Irish Dance in Westmont and his return to teach where he began.

Anna Hughes had the opportunity to interview Alex Pancoe, a world-class mountain climber, at the Arc’teryx outdoor apparel company in nearby Oakbrook Center. He shared his experiences and his support for Lurie Children’s Hospital in a compelling conversation with the writer.

In addition, we draw attention to three other noteworthy causes:

- The Mend a Heart Foundation, which assists children born with congenital heart defects, hosted its Heartfest fundraiser, with 100% of the proceeds allocated to impactful initiatives such as promising medical research, summer camp scholarships for heart kids, and high school cardiac screenings in the Chicago area.

Finally, an important heads-up for everyone: the cicadas are coming! We are set to experience two invasions this spring and summer, marking the first occurrence of this double event since 1803. Be sure to review the guidance from the Morton Arboretum, as this unique situation will necessitate additional caution this year.

Enjoy the words and pictures!

Scott Jonlich, Publisher

At home with news personality Allison Rosati

Photo by Victor Hilinski

OUT & ABOUT

Looking to get outside this spring?

Local activities abound.

South Side St.

Patrick’s Day Parade

March 17 @ 12 PM southsideirishparade.org

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

Hinsdale Easter Egg Hunt

March 23 @ 10:30 AM

Robbins Park

VillageofHinsdale.org

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

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

Guys and Dolls

Drury Lane Theatre

April 10 - June 9

DruryLaneTheatre.com

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

Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club

Disco Dreams

April 20 @ 7 PM - 11 PM

Pella Signature

HJWC.us

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

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

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

Earth Day Park

Clean-up Day

April 22 @ 4 PM - dusk

VillageofHinsdale.org

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

Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club

Denim & Diamonds

April 27 @ 7-11 PM

DGJWC.com

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

Firefly Race Series

May 3 and May 4

MortonArb.org

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

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

Westmont Park District’s

“Race to the Flag”

May 19 @ 8:00 AM

Ty Warner Park

RacetotheFlag.org

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

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

Oak Brook Historical Society Presents: Fullersburg from

1832 to 1862

May 19 @ 2PM

Oak Brook Public Library

OakBrookHistory.com

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTMONT PARK DISTRICT

PHOTO COURTESY OF VILLAGE OF HINSDALE

Watch out, Millennials Fantasy Football, March Madness finds new niche

BY BILL ESBROOK

Fantasy Football and college basketball ‘Bracketology’ is just for Millennials and Gen Z, right? Some residents of a local condominium complex are pushing back on that theory.

The upscale Oak Brook Club (OBC), a 316-unit association across from Oak Brook Mall, is a tranquil 25-acre oasis with numerous walking paths and sprinkler-laden ponds. A terrific setting and a great place to call home, but possibly not the first place one would think of as a hotbed for sports gaming interest.

“They say the older you get, the more you should take on challenging things and learn something new.”

- JAN O’CONNELL ON HER FIRST TIME PARTICIPATING IN A FANTASY FOOTBALL LEAGUE

Not so fast.

The OBC, which has its fair share of mature residents, just finished up its inaugural Fantasy Football league, and next up is a March Madness pool. Jan O’Connell, who describes herself as “in my 80s” but is still very youthful, had never before participated in the popular points-based gridiron pastime but wound up finishing in second place,

Jan O’Connell, in her Oak Brook Club condo, basks in the glow of her runner-up finish in Fantasy Football.

just falling short in the championship game. O’Connell admitted that she knew little about football in general prior to the 2023 NFL season but did some catching up in a hurry.

“When I was approached about joining the league,” she said, “I thought it would be fun. They say the older you get, the more you should take on challenging things and learn something new.”

So O’Connell did her research and was able to draft top stars such as Christian McCaffrey and Jalen Hurts - and impress her family in the process. “During Sunday dinners,” said O’Connell, “my grandsons and son-in-law would ask how the league was going. Quite often, I was able to tell them, ‘I’m still number one.’”

Another first-time player, John Glavanovits, agreed that the competition became family bonding time. “It was great to spend time with my sons,” he said, “strategizing for the week’s moves. Being involved in the league sure made watching football more fun.”

Most assuredly, now, there will be a ton of interest in the upcoming March Madness pool as college basketball sprints closer to its season-ending tournament. Whereas Fantasy Football necessitates a multi-week commitment, March Madness requires that you just complete your bracket with the hope of picking enough winners to earn bragging rights.

The OBC has a long history of team-building initiatives such as bridge and bunco, book clubs, seasonal parties and water aerobics. But Leslie Pollard, the facility’s property manager, likes the plan of adding sports into the mix. “It’s a great way to bring the community together and have people meet each other,” she said. “I’m thrilled with the idea and am excited about keeping it going.” ■

Despite the cold and snow, Mike Brandt looks forward to March Madness and rooting for his favorite school, Oklahoma.

HALL OF FAMER

Bruce Patterson, a rock star at Butler National

BY JEFF VORVA

Some of the best golfers and local celebrities played at least one round of golf with Bruce Patterson.

Arnold Palmer? Yep.

Jack Nicklaus? Affirmative.

Phil Mickelson? You bet.

Michael Jordan? Check.

Mike Ditka? Yes sir.

And there were many others too numerous to mention.

Patterson was the director of golf at the Butler National Golf Course in Oak Brook for 38 years. He’s retired now, but he was like a Bruce Springsteen-like rock star when it came to his popularity in his heyday.

If you wanted to play a round at that famed course, Patterson was your guy.

“He was always the go-to person for that,” his wife, Dru Patterson, said. “His reputation was just stellar. People loved him.”

During his extremely long and distinguished career, he was co-founder of the Illinois PGA Foundation and

Bruce and Dru Patterson stand near Bruce’s photo on the night he was inducted into the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame.

founding president of First Tee, which helped more than 50,000 youngsters in the Chicago area.

Patterson, who turns 68 in May, was inducted into the Illinois Golf Hall of Fame in November at the Glen Club in Glenview.

It was a night of joy mixed in with a little sadness.

Patterson is now in a memory care center, and the millions of stories he has hobnobbing with some of the biggest names may never get told.

But he made it to the event. Although he didn’t speak publicly, he appeared to enjoy himself, Dru said. With his children attending, it made it even more special.

“I think he totally enjoyed being back at the Glen Club,” Dru said. “He saw all of these familiar faces, but I don’t think he knew many of the names. But he knew that he knew them from his career and all of his time spent with the Illinois PGA.

“There were a lot of Butler members that came out whom he knew.”

Some may not have known about his memory issues that night as he greeted well-wishers.

“He put on a show,” Dru said. “He went from table to table and talked to people – even those he didn’t recognize or know. He said ‘hello’ to everyone. That’s just what he does.”

It's been a tough time for Dru, watching a man she loves and many people admire wrestling with memory problems. She said it weighs on him, too.

“Bruce is still the graceful man that he always was,” she said. “He’s always looking to make somebody smile and make somebody happy. He's not aggressive, and he’s not angry. I think he's sad that he's in the situation that

he’s in. He says, ‘I just want to be me, again.’”

Author Tim Cronin, who is chairman of the Hall of Fame selection committee, was the master of ceremonies at the event.

“He is a gentleman,” Cronin said of Patterson. “He has infinite patience. He proved it by playing golf with me many moons ago at Butler National. In forming the foundation, and seeing it come of age, showed he had a vision far beyond fairways and greens.”

According to his Hall of Fame biography, Patterson was a two-time Illinois PGA Professional of the Year in 1993 and 1996.

He was instrumental in creating and nurturing the Illinois PGA Foundation.

The longtime head PGA professional and director of golf at Butler National Golf Club spent a decade as president of the foundation and was also the section president in 1995-96.

He was a PGA of America regional director and was named the Illinois PGA Teacher of the Year in 2001.

Also inducted were Margaret Abbott Dunne, Harry Collis, Dr. Randy Kane, Tim O’Neal, and Dave Ryan.

A video was shown highlighting Patterson’s career, and he received plenty of adulation.

“We could applaud Bruce all night, and it wouldn't be enough,” Cronin said. ■

Bruce Patterson has played rounds of golf at Butler National with some of the best, including Arnold Palmer (right).

OUT OF THE BULLPEN

PBY CHUCK FIELDMAN

aul O’Malley spent some time in the bullpen warming up, both figuratively and literally, before becoming superintendent of Butler Elementary School District 53 in 2019.

District 53 Superintendent has fond memories of his baseball days

Above: District 53 Superintendent, Paul O'Malley (right) O'Malley's baseball card.

Before taking the top administrator's job in Oak Brook, O'Malley served as associate superintendent of schools at Oswego Community Unit School District 308, assistant superintendent for business services at Niles Township High School District 219 and Glenbard Township School District 87, and director of finance, operations, and human services for the Ridgeland School District in Oak Lawn.

Right before coming to District 53, O’Malley served as superintendent of Norridge Elementary School District 80. He began his education career teaching high school chemistry, natural science, and physics, first at Maine South High School, then at Stevenson

"In my last year of playing professionally, I knew that I wouldn't spend my career in MLB," he said. "You hit a point in time where you have peaked, and you are not making the progress that is necessary to compete at the next level. I knew that I would not be able to continue playing professionally and needed to

O'Malley enjoys watching baseball as a Cubs fan and particularly focusing on the international players that are coming to the U.S. and changing the dynamic of the sport.

He began playing baseball at an early age. “I have been playing baseball since I can remember, especially with my five older brothers in the park," he said. "It has been a part of my life for a considerable amount of time, but I first started playing organized baseball for Skokie Youth Baseball during grade school."

O’Malley took to playing baseball early and continued to enjoy it for many years. “Aside from spending time with my brothers and watching them play baseball from a young

“There is nothing like being ahead or behind with an inning left and knowing you need to give it your all to work from behind or to come out on top.”

– PAUL O'MALLEY ON WHAT HE MISSES ABOUT THE GAME OF BASEBALL.

High School.

While he has an impressive resume as an educator, O’Malley didn’t enter that world directly upon graduating from Illinois State University in 1995. Instead, after an impressive showing at the collegiate level, he was drafted by the Houston Astros baseball organization and spent the 1994-99 seasons compiling a 36-40 record while pitching 672 innings. His best season was in 1996 while playing for the Astros minor league team in the Quad Cities. O’Malley finished the year with an 11-9 record and a 3.34 earned run average in 178 innings pitched.

think about a different career path."

O’Malley’s decision to pursue a career as an educator wasn’t a difficult one to make when he decided it was time to move on from baseball.

"During my high school and college careers, I was fortunate to have incredible coaches and teachers that played a big part in being role models in my life," he said. "I knew I wanted to be one of them for future generations of students and studentathletes. I even coached high school baseball early on in my career as an educator."

Although he no longer plays,

age, I loved being outside and with friends,” he said. “These were the moments that made baseball so enjoyable for me. That, and cheering for the Chicago Cubs.”

Early in his baseball days, O'Malley was primarily a pitcher, shortstop, and catcher. “At a young age, I always loved playing catcher because I never went home clean and took in the view of the entire field from behind home plate,” he said.

It was during his sophomore year at Niles North High School in Skokie that O’Malley really began to blossom as a pitcher. "I really started to change the dynamics of baseball and lean

Paul O'Malley Baseball Card

into the role as a pitcher," he said. "Compared to my teammates, I started to evolve my pitching tactics, throwing the ball with speed and precision. I always was a pitcher and always wanted to be a pitcher, even when playing with my brothers. Every single play starts from the mound and through the pitcher. You develop leadership skills and analytical skills and take risks based on the type of pitch. Then, you learn to react accordingly."

O'Malley played varsity baseball at Niles North during his junior and senior years, earning All-State honors as a senior right before graduating in 1991.

“There were a lot of really good players on the varsity team at Niles North, many of whom did not go on to play Division 1 baseball,” he said. “It was a true honor to be recognized and one that I am incredibly proud of.”

After high school graduation, O’Malley moved on to Illinois State University, and knowing he would be playing baseball there was “definitely the primary driver for my college career and attending Illinois State University,” he said. “Not only was the scholarship available for playing baseball, but ISU was in the Missouri

O’Malley’s high school coach, Jim Sakas, has continued working with pitchers over the years and considers the righthander from the 90s among the best.

“Paul had the ability as a young pitcher to take the hitter’s aggressiveness and use it against him,” Sakas said. “He came in as a freshman, weighing about 112 pounds, and he had to learn how to pitch. But he worked hard at it and was very focused. He developed into an outstanding pitcher.

Sakas said O’Malley’s velocity on his pitches increased to 86-88 miles per hour as a senior, which added to his effectiveness. “That was throwing pretty hard at that time,” Sakas said. “Paul was a great competitor and a great athlete."

Valley Conference, which had some of the most competitive baseball teams in the college sport.”

While at Illinois State, O’Malley added his name in the Redbirds’ record book in multiple places:

• Tied for 7th most career complete games with 8

• Tied for 26th in career games, started with 26

• Tied for 22nd in career innings pitched with 210.2 over his career

• Led the team in innings pitched (88.0) during the 1993 season

• Led the team in strikeouts during the 1993 and 1994 seasons, respectively, with 62 (1993) and 72 (1994).

• Named All-MVC Second Team following the 1990 season

• Awarded MVC Pitcher of the Week honors during the 1994 season

It’s been 30 years and more since O’Malley showed his stuff as a high school and college pitcher, but he has great memories of those days.

“There are so many to choose from during the playing career, but overall, I enjoyed the camaraderie and teammates," he said. "We always had a lot of fun on the field and off the field. I made some great friendships that I still carry today. You learn a lot about each other when you are traveling, on the road, and competing together.”

After college, O’Malley was drafted by the Astros in the fourth round of the amateur baseball draft as the 110th overall pick. He stayed with the team’s organization for six years and won a total of 36 games.

With his impressive baseball playing days behind him, O’Malley doesn’t hesitate when asked what he misses most of that time. “The thrill of competition,” he said. “There is nothing like being ahead or behind with an inning left and knowing you need to give it your all to work from behind or to come out on top. The adrenaline rush and excitement are something that you can't recreate every day.” ■

Photo courtesy of Illinois State University

Anchored in Gratitude

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

BY ANNA HUGHES | PHOTOS BY VICTOR HILITSKI

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Motivated by her faith and growing interest in storytelling, she entered an essay contest through the American Legion Auxiliary during her junior year of high school. This was the beginning of a series of serendipitous events,

which she calls “God moments.” The essay qualified her for ALA Girls State, a week-long program focused on citizenship, leadership, and helping current and former service members, which heightened her interest in a public career.

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

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

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

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

the keynote speaker of the event, and Rosati was inspired by her message.

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

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

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

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

Photo by Fabian Ramirez-Bolivar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“

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

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

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

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

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

The Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club Beckons

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

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

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

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

UNLIMITED BATH & TENNIS CLUB FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS

For use of aquatics and tennis facilities:

• Oak Brook Family Memberships are $900

• Non-resident Family Memberships are $1600

• Corporate Family Memberships are $1300

• Individual and senior memberships are also available

SWIMMING

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

TENNIS

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

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

—“A Dining Mecca!”

AMERICAN

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

Beatrix

272 Oakbrook Center 630.491.1415 beatrixrestaurants.com

Blackwood BBQ

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

Game of Irons

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

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

Table at Crate 35 Oakbrook Center 630.590.9444 tableatcrate.com

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

True Food Kitchen 105 Oakbrook Center 630.716.3056 truefoodkitchen.com

ASIAN

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

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

Naansense

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

ITALIAN

Antico Posto 118 Oakbrook Center 630.586.9200 antico-posto.com

Labriola Café

3021 Butterfield Rd Ste 105, Oak Brook 630.574.2800

labriolabakerycafe.com

La Barra

3011 Butterfield Rd, Oak Brook 630 861 7617

labarraristorante.com

Pinstripes

7 Oakbrook Center 630.575.8700 pinstripes.com

LATIN

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

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

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

Phone to come taqueriainvicto.com

STEAKHOUSE

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

michaeljordansteakhouse.com

Old Town Pour House 8 Oakbrook Center 630.601.1440 oldtownpourhouse.com

Wildfire

232 Oakbrook Center 630.598.9000 wildfirerestaurant.com

HOTEL DINING

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BREAKFAST/QUICK SERVE

Blueberry Hill Café 3041 Butterfield Rd, Oak Brook 630.575.8401

blueberrybreakfastcafe.com

Corner Bakery 240 Oakbrook Center 630.368.0505

cornerbakerycafe.com

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

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

ONE GOAL AT A TIME

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

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

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

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

understand them.

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

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

2023 marked the school's 50 year anniversary.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TASTY,

SCRUMPTIOUS & LIFE CHANGING MEALS

RIGHT ON COURSE I

Local youth caddies awarded with Evans Scholarship

BY ANNA HUGHES

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

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

SAMUEL HEMMERSMEIER

Elmhurst, Montini Catholic High School

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

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

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

JOSEPH RINCHIUSO

Elmhurst, York Community High School

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

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

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

JOHN POPE

Willowbrook, Hinsdale Central High School

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

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

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

TOM REMI

Darien, Hinsdale South High School

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

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

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

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

GIANINA MONTORO

North Riverside, Nazareth Academy

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

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

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

BELLA RAMIREZ

Chicago, Nazareth Academy

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

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

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

Spring Break TRAVEL ESSENTIALS A

s the days get longer and trees start to bloom, we know that spring and summer travel are right on the horizon. Whether you're planning a weekend couples getaway, a road trip, or a beachy spring break vacation with the family, having the right travel essentials can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. In this guide, we'll explore the must-have items to pack for your adventures – wherever they may take you.

CAPSULE CLOTHING:

No one wants to place their checked luggage onto the scale just to see it's a few pounds overweight. To avoid a jam-packed suitcase and enjoy a lighter travel experience, opt for your capsule closet. By mixing and matching a pair of jeans, linen pants, and a few fun tops or light sweaters, you'll have a week's worth of outfits in no time. Add a versatile sneaker, a pool or hotel slip-on, and a dressier option if needed. Some versatile accessories like a classic crossbody, cashmere scarf, or cool sunglasses are ways to add excitement to your outfit while taking up limited space.

Photo by Pexels Alexander

SUN SAFETY

As summer approaches, many are desperate to display their summer tan, but you shouldn't ditch sun protection in search of a beautiful glow. Pack a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to shield your skin from harmful UV rays, especially if you're headed south. Additionally, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat can provide extra protection and serve as a fashionable accessory. Even if your destination is chilly, slather on the sunscreen! A day on the slopes can be even more dangerous to your skin than the beach.

HYDRATION, HYDRATION, HYDRATION!

It's easy to get dehydrated while traveling, whether you're in the sun all day or enjoying a few extra piña coladas. Consider bringing a reusable water bottle along for the trip, even if it seems obnoxious to travel with. Many options keep your water cold for hours and are perfect for a long car ride, a sporty day on the slopes, or a day at the beach. Additionally, pack electrolyte drink mixes to help replenish essential minerals and aid in hydration while you're away. Your body will thank you for the extra hydration!

DON'T MISS THE MEMORIES:

Whether you're venturing to the the Caribbean or the Bahamas, photo opportunities are guaranteed on every trip. Don't miss capturing a stunning sunset or starry night because your phone is dead! Bring a compact and lightweight charger with multiple USB ports to ensure you never miss a family photo, a right turn, or a late-night Uber.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS KIT:

While relying on hotel convenience stores or the local Walgreens for forgotten essentials is typical, take charge by packing your own "just in case" kit. Add some ibuprofen, antacids, and your daily vitamins to make sure you're feeling your best throughout your trip. Also, consider a small first aid kit, including Band-Aids, Neosporin, and bug bite cream, tailored to your destination. This one is crucial for college kids on spring break!

STAY ORGANIZED:

One of the best ways to have a smooth trip is by prioritizing organization. Whether you have a bonus toiletry bag or travel compact, keep passports, IDs, cards, and cash in a safe place. This includes all travel information, like plane tickets and bag tags. Most importantly, make sure all these things are stored in your personal carry-on item (for those flying).

Whether you're exploring a big city or unwinding on the beach, the right travel essentials can help you make the most of your adventures and create lasting memories. With diligent preparation and organization, the focus of your trip can be making lasting memories with the people you love.

Photo by Marissa Groote

Butler Junior High International Lunch

For its size of a little more than 8,000 residents, Oak Brook has an extraordinary cross-section of residents from all over the world. As an ongoing reminder, above the tables in the lunchroom are flags from more than 50 countries that represent where Oak Brook residents have come from.

The tradition of international gatherings started back when Paul Butler turned Oak Brook into a worldwide destination for polo teams from all over the world to play his Oak Brook Polo teams. Internationalism continued and expanded when word spread, and successful international businessmen, medical professionals, and the like were attracted to Chicago and found Oak Brook to be a wonderful place to live and bring up their families.

In the late 1950s and early 1960s, families from different cultures would have picnics, according to Karen Bushy, the first Village President. Residents would bring food and drink from their countries of origin to share with neighbors.

While that tradition is no more, once a year, Butler Junior High celebrates an International lunch menu sponsored by the Butler Parent Teachers Organization, according to Principal Melissa Mzaniewski.

This year, the lunch took place on January 19. Foods were prepared by nearby professional caterers and restaurants, which are known for their authenticity, along with students and families.

This year, students moved from station to station and enjoyed Mexican delicacies of ground beef with carrots

and potatoes, various cheeses, and salsa verde. Italian fare included pizza, penne pasta, and meatballs of beef and veal. They helped themselves to Mediterranean dishes such as falafel, hummus, baba ghanoush, kafta kabobs, and yellow rice made with turmeric. From India, they had a

chance to enjoy Biryani, a vegetable dish, and Halal butter chicken. They also enjoyed Gyros with tzatziki sauce the way it is enjoyed in Greece.

At the end of the lunch, students were also treated to a concert of Mexican music and songs.

PEAK

PERFORMANCE

Alex Pancoe reaches new heights for a cause

BY ANNA HUGHES

Meet Alex Pancoe: husband, father, philanthropist, and adventurer. Pancoe, a Highland Park native, is not one to shy away from a challenge. He’s scaled all seven summits, faced near-death experiences, braved inhumane temperatures, and more, all while raising money and awareness for Lurie Children’s Hospital, where he was treated at only 18 years old for a brain tumor. The Northwestern University alum now lives in Lake Forest with his wife, Nina, his 18-month-old son Zephyr, and their four dogs. He spoke at Arc’teryx in Oakbrook Center in January, sharing his story. Now, in an exclusive Oak Brook Magazine Q&A, he recounts his astonishing resume and shares his toughest challenge yet.

Oak Brook Magazine: Firstly, can you tell us a little bit about your brain tumor diagnosis?

Alex Pancoe: I was diagnosed at 18 years old, before my sophomore year at Northwestern. It was a huge shock and totally unexpected. I was treated at what was then Children’s Memorial by Dr. Tadanori Tomita – a legend in the field!

OB: What was the medical process after you found out you had the tumor? How long was recovery?

AP: I didn’t understand cancer much at that point, so when it was surgically removed, I didn’t realize the significance of the biopsy results – benign or malignant. Luckily it was benign, and I was back to normal within a few weeks.

OB: What made you decide to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? What was that experience like, and how did it feel standing at the summit?

Approaching the summit of Mt. Blanc

Photo by Hannah Burrows-Smith

Summit of Forbidden Peak, Washington State

Photo by Brian Muller

AP: My whole life, I had operated under the assumption that success was primarily career-driven. I was at a point in my life where I felt very unfulfilled and wanted to push myself and try something totally new. Kilimanjaro is the easiest of the seven summits, but I had never pushed myself physically in my life, and I doubted I would succeed. When I stood on the summit, achieving something I had thought I could never do was a life-changing experience, and “impossible” isn’t part of my vocabulary now.

OB: What made you decide to complete “The Explorers Grand Slam?” This is an unbelievable physical feat!

AP: After Kilimanjaro, I wanted to see how much further I could go, so I set my aim for Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America. It’s more hiking than climbing, like Kilimanjaro – but 3000 feet taller! (22841 feet). When I succeeded, I knew I wanted to climb Mt. Everest and the seven summits. Skiing to the North and South Poles to complete the Grand Slam was something that captured my interest as I continued my journey.

AP: What is the training process like to prepare your body for these dangerous expeditions?

OB: I am too familiar with high-rise stairwells and stair machines! Physically, I train 10-20 hours a week, increasing the load as I get closer to

a climb or expedition. But no amount of time in a gym is a substitute for the real world and building climbing techniques and skills. I try to climb as often as I can, from Alaska to the Cascades, keeping fresh.

OB: What do you consider to be the hardest thing your body has ever encountered?

AP: I had a near-death experience on Snowmass mountain, a Colorado 14er, and nearly lost my life and leg. I was evacuated off the mountain in a Black Hawk Helicopter by the National Guard. Currently, however, it’s leukemia. I was diagnosed this past year, and that’s the current mountain I am climbing.

OB: With all these adventures, you raise awareness for Lurie Children’s Hospital. Why is it so important to you to bring awareness to individual patients and the medical team there?

AP: Only 4% of cancer funding goes toward pediatric research. As a recent father, I can’t imagine anything harder than what some of these kids and their families are going through. Lurie’s brings hope both through its clinical results, as well as holistically for the kids and their families.

OB: If someone was going to take one piece of advice away from your inspiring journey, what would you want it to be?

AP: It might be cliché, but you don’t know if you don’t try. Those impossible dreams might not be impossible. 10 years ago, I would have laughed if you told me I would stand on top of Mt. Everest. My journey was truly something I never entertained as possible.

To support Pancoe’s mission and goal of raising $1 million for Lurie Children’s Hospital, visit peaksofmind.org. ■

Summit of Mt. Vinson Antarctica

Photo by Steve Moffat

Approaching the Hillary Step (or what remains post 2015 Earthquake) on the Summit Ridge of Mt. Everest.

Photo by Rob Smith

Skiing towards the South Pole

Photo by Andy Cole

Making a

Comeback

The Return of the Cicadas

BY ANNA HUGHES | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE THE MORTON ARBORETUM

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Which trees do cicadas prefer?

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

We’re dedicated to providing personalized, professional and compassionate services to help lighten your burden and support you through the difficult times that follow the loss of a loved one. You can rely on us to provide your family with the highest quality care and service in your time of need.

Terrence M. Sullivan and Brian D. Sullivan

A Local DANCE LORD

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

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

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

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

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

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

HOW DID YOU BECOME PART OF LORD OF THE DANCE?

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

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

HOW DO YOU PRACTICE/ TRAIN FOR THE SHOW?

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

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

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

- RONAN KRISTUFEK

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

WHAT HAPPENS IF A DANCER GETS INJURED?

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

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

HOW DO YOU STAY ENERGIZED FOR A SHOW THAT LENGTH?

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

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

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

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

Photo by Andrea Waala

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

Foundation 205

Showcase 2024, Imagine and Inspire, took place in early February at Medinah Country Club. The fundraising gala supports Foundation 205’s mission to ensure all Elmhurst Public School students have access to innovation and opportunities for educational excellence. This year, Deirdre Churchill was the recipient of the Friend of the Foundation Award for her seven-year tenure on the Board of Directors and her lasting legacy and impact on the organization.

PHOTOS BY LAURA MEYER

➀ Event Co-Chairs Angie Martino and Megan Farley ➁ Friend of the Foundation Award Winner Dierdre Churchill ➂ Executive Director Kate Knicker, Jill Martin, Associate Director Lauren Johnson, Angie Martino, Michael Haarlow, Megan Farley, Emcee Kerry Sayers, Kelly Stetler, Board Chair Heather Stotts, and Melissa Ptsasiensk ➃ Michael Haarlow and Melissa Ptasienski ➄ Jeff Bryk, Kate Knicker and Lyle Weseloh ➅ Athena Arvanitis, Mark Anglewicz, Rosie Anglewicz

Butler District 53 PTO

PHOTOS

The Oak Brook Butler District 53 PTO held its biggest annual fundraiser for the school district in early February at Highland Golf Club. This year’s theme, “Hollywood Nights,” proved to be a fun and eventful fundraiser for the students and families. The proceeds from the evening help fund field trips, technology upgrades, assemblies, school wish lists, and more.

➀ D53 PTO Social Committee (Back Row) Nami Ramani, Amy Marr, Jaleela Jawadi, Nadia Kalish, Jamie Arthurs, Helen Sandberg, Shawna Zsinko, Kavitha Neerukonda (Front Row) Nicole Vlahos, Jennifer Hurtado, Sarah Ahmed, Tina Martinez, Shika Ventrapragada, Abby Jung ➁ Nicole and Dean Vlahos ➂ Emma Underwood, Courtney Gurke, Andrea Prola, Beth Mouw, and Phyllis Sutton ➃ Matthew Marr and Rey Martinez ➅ Trudy Tosch and Victoria Kirkpatrick ➅Jennifer Hurtado, Sarah Ahmed, and Amy Marr ➆ Courtney Gurke, Dave and Shelly Rokos

Mend a Heart Foundation

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

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

PHOTOS BY LAURA MEYER

Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation

The Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation set a record by raising more than $110,000 from 400 attendees at Chef Fest, which was held on February 1 at the Drury Lane Theatre & Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace. The event included a variety of signature menu items produced by 26 chefs from prominent local restaurants, bakeries and caterers who donated their time and talent. Proceeds from Chef Fest support future service enhancements to ensure Elmhurst Hospital maintains its commitment to delivering state-of-the-art healthcare to the community.

Chef Fest featured 26 area restaurants including ➀ The Lucca Osteria & Bar in Oakbrook and ➁ Roka Akor in Oakbrook. ➂ Wes Lieberher, Executive Chef, prepares to serve some of the culinary offerings from Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital’s Wildflower Café. ➃ Rossana D’Amore of Lombard and Nina Magas of Elmhurst enjoy some of the culinary offerings.