COVER STORY
MARCH/APRIL 2025
POWER IN UNITY: Oak Brook resident Kaarina Lebrun helps bring the community together
By Anna Hughes When Kaarina Lebrun first moved to Oak Brook 16 years ago, she was excited about all the village had to offer for her family. Since then, it has exceeded every expectation—so much so that Lebrun calls it “the best-kept secret in the western suburbs.” More importantly, however, she’s incredibly proud to call…
The Last Frontier: An unforgettable summer adventure awaits
By Katie Bolinger Alaska’s immense size is matched only by its natural beauty. With space to fit 19 states, it’s a land of icy fjords, towering mountains, and lush forests. Despite its vastness, its population is sparse; DuPage County, Illinois, has 200,000 more residents than the entire state. It’s the perfect destination for solitude, cool…
Course Material: A Look into the Oak Brook Golf Club
By Anna Hughes Golf has been a staple in Oak Brook for a century. The sport, which blends precision and passion, composure and camaraderie, has been the backdrop for many a business outing, girls’ weekend, and friendly family feud in the village since the early 20th century. Its courses have stood the test of time,…
Oak Brook Kennel Club offers a second home for its special guests
By Bill Esbrook You might call it a drop-dead gorgeous “country club” for dogs. Or maybe a better name for the facility would be “Woof in the City,” considering Aly Solle and Beth Eggers sign off their emails with the salutation “woof.” No matter what the nickname, it’s clear that the two friends and business…
Lights. Camera. Action. – Movie magic awaits in Oak Brook
By Bill Esbrook Oak Brook is, most if not all residents would agree, replete with historic sites, art, culture, and great natural beauty. From the Mayslake Peabody Estate, Drury Lane Theatre, Oak Brook Polo Field, Oak Brook Center, Fullersburg Woods, the Graue Mill Museum, the Drake Hotel, and on and on, the village is a…
Oak Brook native, two-time Olympic medalist, looks back on legendary career
By Anna Hughes When 16-year-old John Kinsella returned to Hinsdale Central High School in the fall of 1968, his classmates looked at him differently. They marveled as his 6-foot-3-inch frame casually walked down the hallways as if nothing had changed. They wondered if he had. After all, he had just won an Olympic silver medal.…
Doubletree, Marriott Hotels: Giving back to the community
Hospitality is the cornerstone of success within the hotel business. Unique and memorable service leads to happy guests. Vinayaka Hospitality owns and operates the 428-room DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago – Oak Brook and 350-room Chicago Marriott Oak Brook, the two largest hotels in the community. For years, both of these hotels have been pillars…
Oak Brook Golf Club: The Upcoming Season is on the Tee
Spring is just around the corner, and Oak Brook Golf Club is gearing up for another incredible season! Throughout the offseason, the Village and Club staff have worked diligently to enhance the golfer experience by planning and introducing exciting new features that will elevate this beloved course. “Thanks to another incredible season, pro-active staff management,…
Groundbreaking: Protecting Oak Brook’s Borders
For a century, multiple radio transmitter towers have stood on 19 acres of unincorporated DuPage County land near the Saddle Brook subdivision. Many longtime residents fondly recall school trips to the site where light bulbs lit themselves. When plans began to emerge to decommission the towers permanently, the Village of Oak Brook Village Board swiftly…
New Tax Incentive to Support Your Local Community Forever
Illinois donors now have a compelling reason to con-tribute to local community foundation endowments. The Illinois Gives Tax Credit (www.tax.illinois.gov/programs/illinoisgives) launched on January 1, offering significant state tax relief for contributions to permanently en- dowed funds at qualified Illinois community foundations. This new program provides a tax credit of up to $100,000 per taxpayer in…
More than a century later, Sears homes are still hiding in plain sight
By Maureen Callahan If you live in the western suburbs, chances are that you’ve seen a Sears house. They’re in many Midwestern communities. Often, we drive right by these historical gems without ever seeing them. They blend right in on any suburban block until you know what they look like. Sears houses are unique. They…
Celebrate warmer weather with family fun events in the western suburbs.
We’ve gathered a list of happenings that you won’t want to miss. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee March 12 – April 27 Copley Theatre ParamountAurora.com Six quirky contestants vie for the spelling bee championship of a lifetime in this hilarious fan-favorite musical. With coming-of-age themes that all current or once-upon-a-time adolescents can relate…
DuPage County nonprofit celebrates 35 years of local and global service
By Valerie Hardy Kay McKeen of Wheaton has been proudly “talking trash” for over three decades. Founder and executive director of SCARCE – a nonprofit organization committed to environmental education, conservation, and literacy – McKeen’s mission is to “turn trash into treasures,” keeping as much waste as possible out of landfills while getting as many…
Navigating Seasonal Allergies: When to treat at home and when to call a doctor
By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff As the flowers bloom and trees bud, the annual struggle with seasonal allergies begins. Pollen fills the air, triggering sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and runny noses for millions. While over-the-counter medications provide relief for most, some cases require professional medical attention. Knowing when to visit the drugstore and when to…
DuPage County Historical Architecture A few local architectural gems
A few local architectural gems By Maureen Callahan Old DuPage County Courthouse, Wheaton This building, opened in 1896, replaced the original structure from 1868. It was built on land purchased from Warren L. Wheaton and is one of the rare Richardsonian Romanesque styles in northern Illinois. The duration of this design was short-lived as buildings…
The Power of Unity: How suburban theaters are rewriting the script on collaboration
By Laura Michaud & Melissa G. Wilson Chicago’s western suburbs have long embraced collaboration within individual communities, with local chambers and cities integrating performing arts into events. However, a larger opportunity lies in building a network of cross-community artistic partnerships, potentially transforming the region’s cultural landscape. For example, the Salt Creek Ballet of Westmont performed…
Charred Oak Brook: Stop in to sample Le Meridien’s private label bourbon
By Maureen Callahan There’s something about a private label. It’s unique. Bar patrons love to sample spirits made especially for their favorite place. Charred Oak Brook, Le Meridien’s private barrel bourbon, is distilled exclusively for the hotel’s El Tapeo Modern Spanish Kitchen and Longitude 87 restaurants. General Manager, Dick Turner, describes Charred Oak Brook with…
The Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in DuPage and Beyond
May 4th at 2:00 PM Oak Brook Village Hall – The Dean Room Visit OakBrookHistory.com/Events to RSVP The Oak Brook Historical Society, in collaboration with the Oak Brook Public Library, proudly presents a compelling discussion on The Freedom Seekers and the Underground Railroad in DuPage and Beyond as part of the Society’s esteemed Audrey Muschler…
