COVER STORY

PANCAKE

E-EDITION

MARCH/APRIL 2026

Pancake’s goofy charm and sweet personality make her a favorite everywhere she goes in Oak Brook.

PANCAKE

Meet Oak Brook’s most lovable bulldog celebrity BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF | PHOTOS BY VICTOR HILITSKI When Bruno Jham and Beth Dunfee first decided to get a dog, they approached the search with a clear checklist. They wanted a small breed that didn’t bark much, didn’t shed much, and didn’t require a lot of…

OB _IN THE KNOW - taste

Taste of Oak Brook

Dining, music, and fireworks in a standout setting The Taste of Oak Brook has firmly established itself as one of the premier summer holiday celebrations in the Chicagoland area—an event that goes beyond fireworks to deliver an elevated, community-centered experience. Known for its exceptional lineup of top-tier restaurants and dynamic live music, the Taste consistently…

Steve with Keith Richards and The Rolling Stones in 2022.
<br><i>Photo by J. Bouquet</i>

Groove Foundation

In an exclusive recent interview, Hinsdale Magazine Group sat down with legendary musician Steve Jordan. The Rolling Stones drummer opens up about his extensive musical career and his deep commitment to philanthropic work. By Julie Jonlich Steve Jordan loves making music. This philanthropic, legendary drummer with strong musical ties to Chicago says, “Growing up in…

<i>Photo courtesy of Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse</i>

Patio Season in Oak Brook

Where to dine outdoors this summer By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff When warm weather arrives, Oak Brook’s restaurant scene moves outside. From lively patios at Oakbrook Center to neighborhood favorites and scenic settings overlooking water and golf courses, outdoor dining is part of the village’s summer rhythm. Here are some local spots to enjoy a…

The 2024-25 winners were honored at Taste of Oak Brook last July.  Vija Barber (l) and James Philipneri (c) on stage with committee chairman Tom Truedson (r).

Honoring Excellence

The Oak Brook Athlete of the Year Program By Julia Mazurek | Photos courtesy of the Oak Brook Park District Foundation For five decades, the Oak Brook community has celebrated the accomplishments of its young athletes through a tradition that recognizes hometown excellence in sports. Established in 1974 by Oak Brook founder Paul Butler, the…

A representative image of the library fireplace at Mayslake Manor, featured in the new exhibit. <br><i>Photo courtesy of William North</i>

Old Oak Brook Reflections

Photography exhibit explores village’s architectural past By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff   This spring, the Oak Brook Heritage Center will host a new photography exhibition that offers a look back at the village’s earliest buildings and the ideas that shaped them. Oak Brook Architecture Across Time, a photography exhibit by William North, opens April 30…

<i>Photo courtesy of Amazon</i>

A New Retail Era

Amazon’s proposed superstore signals transformation along Butterfield Road by Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff Amazon has proposed an exciting new retail superstore development in Oak Brook. Located at the southeast corner of Butterfield and Meyers Roads, the superstore would replace seven outdated and mostly vacant office buildings with 57% less density than the existing uses along…

Bandit

Paws on Patrol

Meet the dogs behind the badge By Maureen Callahan | Photos courtesy of the Oak Brook Police Department As Police Week and National Pet Month are recognized nationwide, the Oak Brook Police Department highlights two dogs who play vital roles behind the scenes and in the field. Bandit and Ghost each bring a unique skill…

The Grappler Police Bumper is a specialized vehicle-mounted, net-based system designed to safely end high-speed police chases.

Safety is Priceless

Oak Brook Police Department to be outfitted with the newest safety device By Maureen Callahan | Photos courtesy of the Grappler Police Bumper If you’ve ever witnessed a high-speed police chase, you know how dangerous the pursuit can be – not only to the law enforcement agent and perpetrator, but to nearby motorists as well.…

Shared SEASPAR

Celebrating SEASPAR

After 50 years of service, a local special recreation association remains an invaluable asset to the community By Valerie Hardy The South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation (SEASPAR) is a special recreation association (SRA) committed to helping its participants discover abilities, achieve potential, realize dreams, and – perhaps most importantly – have fun!…

Leslie Spears of the Women’s Western Golf Association helps direct play at the WWA last summer.

A Mature Amateur

River Forest Country Club prepares to host the Women’s Western Amateur golf tournament By Valerie Hardy | Photos courtesy of the Women’s Golf Association One of the world’s most prestigious amateur golf championships is coming to Elmhurst this summer. From July 6–11, River Forest Country Club will host the 126th Women’s Western Amateur, widely considered…

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Navigating Your Next Chapter

A Guide to Senior Living By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff Deciding how to approach the next stage of life is a meaningful milestone for every family. Senior living is not simply about where you reside — it encompasses housing choices, healthcare planning, financial stability, and staying socially connected. For many longtime residents, the goal is…

Harmonica sitting on guitar

A Song Can Save a Life

How Freedom Sings USA transforms veterans’ stories into music By Laura Michaud and Melissa G. Wilson The phone rang in the middle of the night. On the other end, a veteran’s voice, raw, quiet, alive. “Brother,” he said, “you just saved my life. I had the gun in my hand, finger on the trigger. Then…

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