COVER STORY
E-EDITION
JULY/AUGUST 2026
Small, Local and Sustainable
How an Oak Brook couple curated a premier destination for makers, artists, and small businesses By Julia Mazurek On an early June weekend at Oakbrook Center, well over 100 artisan vendors lined the lawn and walkways of Oakbrook Center, in what has become a favorite semi-annual shopping event and destination. Thousands of shoppers meet and…
The Keeper of Wrigley
Head groundskeeper Dan Kiermaier cares for baseball’s most iconic field By Julia Mazurek | Photos courtesy of the Chicago Cubs At Wrigley Field, every blade of grass tells a story. And Dan Kiermaier ensures each blade is ready for every day at the iconic field. Before the ivy stirs and before the first crack…
What’s Cooking?
World-renowned kitchen scientist and writer Harold McGee has Elmhurst roots. By Maureen Callahan | Photos courtesy of Harold McGee Have you ever wondered why you like your chili extra spicy while someone else would require a half roll of Tums to get through the bowl? Or why a sommelier might use words such as “leathery”…
Joining Forces
Local agencies work together in a unique task force to tackle crime BY ANNA HUGHES DuPage County is home to a one-of-a-kind, crime-fighting task force. Founded in 2019, the Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigative Team (MERIT) enlists highly skilled law enforcement personnel from 37 agencies across the county. Together, these officers collaborate efficiently and effectively…
Answering the Call to Serve
Oak Brook Village Board welcomes new Trustee John Anos At the May 19th meeting of the Village Board of Trustees, Village President Larry Herman appointed longtime Oak Brook resident John Anos to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of James Nagle. Anos has been actively involved in the Sports Core Committee for the last…
From Boardrooms to Exam Rooms
Why medical offices are moving into corporate space By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff For decades, Oak Brook has stood as one of the western suburbs’ premier business destinations. Corporate headquarters, professional service firms, and regional offices were drawn to its polished campuses, central location, and seamless access to major highways. Today, those same buildings are…
Excellence in Competition
The Oak Brook Park District Foundation recognizes two remarkable athletes whose accomplishments set them apart By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff Nico Castaldo Montini Catholic High School A standout in both football and track and field, Nico Castaldo capped off an exceptional athletic career at Montini Catholic. As a senior wide receiver, he started all 14…
Oak Brook’s Healing Field
Memorial flags will return to Oak Brook to commemorate the event that changed the country forever By Sophia Schiappa | Photo courtesy of the Village of Oak Brook Thousands of American flags will cover the grounds of Oak Brook once again this summer to honor military personnel, first responders, and victims of 9/11. Arranged in…
FINS UP!
The Chicago Parrot Head Club channels the fun and philanthropic spirit of late music legend Jimmy Buffett BY VALERIE HARDY It’s always island time for the Chicago Parrot Head Club. Instead of simply wasting away in Margaritaville, though, this group of local Jimmy Buffett superfans operates under the motto, “Party with a purpose.” They always…
Better Together
Inside the Chicago Area Tandem Society BY JULIA MAZUREK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO AREA TANDEM SOCIETY Two seats, two sets of pedals, perfectly synchronized: a moving display of teamwork and trust. Tandem cycling demands coordination, communication, and a shared rhythm. Every pedal stroke is a partnership. Riders quickly learn that the success of…
Is Your Charitable Gift Making an Impact?
How to evaluate not-for-profit organizations before you give BY DAVE MCGOWAN You just received a request to make a gift to a not-for-profit organization and, while you are interested in and believe in the cause, you wonder if your charitable gift would be a good investment. So, how will you know? Well, there are many…
Is Your Charitable Gift Making an Impact?
How to evaluate not-for-profit organizations before you give BY DAVE MCGOWAN You just received a request to make a gift to a not-for-profit organization and, while you are interested in and believe in the cause, you wonder if your charitable gift would be a good investment. So, how will you know? Well, there are many…
Game Day Survival Kit
Sideline-tested essentials for long tournament days By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff If your trunk doubles as a locker room and your weekends are spent field-side, a little preparation goes a long way. From smart hydration to recovery tools and sun protection, these simple upgrades keep athletes and parents comfortable, organized, and ready for a full…
