Music to Our Ears

The harmonious history and ongoing offerings of the Downers Grove Music Club By Valerie Hardy For nearly a century, the Downers Grove Music Club (DGMC) has been striking a chord within the community. Founded in 1927, this nonprofit promotes music education, brings live music to the public, and supports local musicians. Concerts After the DGMC…

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Inspired Giving Events

Creative fundraising abounds for local area not-for-profit organizations By Dave McGowan The necessity to raise funds brings out the creativity of our area not-for-profit organizations. Here are a few examples: Hinsdale’s own Assistance League of Chicagoland West hosts its Books & Brunch every November, and it’s a community favorite featuring interesting conversations with book authors.…

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A Mission for Literacy

DuPage nonprofit offers free, personalized English tutoring to help adult learners achieve their goals By Audrey Gorey One woman opened her home. Another offered to teach. What started as a small act of kindness soon grew into Literacy DuPage, when a Wheaton resident took in a refugee from Southeast Asia in 1972 and enlisted a…

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A Local Indiana Jones

Dr. James Henry Breasted spent a lifetime in pursuit of history’s mysteries By Maureen CallahanPhotos Courtesy of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures of the University of Chicago Most towns cannot claim a local Indiana Jones. Downers Grove is very proud of the legacy of Dr. James Henry Breasted. This world-renowned explorer, archeologist,…

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“Sister” Cities

Areas and landmarks with the same name, but a different story By Maureen Callahan Have you ever wondered about other towns named the same as yours? We did a little research and learned that each of the towns under Hinsdale Magazine Group’s umbrella has at least one “sister/twin” town, neighborhood, or area of the same…

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Take the Stage

Rediscover passion, purpose, and performance—at any age. By Laura Michaud & Melissa G. Wilson “It’s never too late to start something new.” That timeless encouragement takes on deeper meaning in the world of performing arts. Whether you’re pulling a long-lost instrument out of storage, stepping into a spotlight for the first time, or returning to…

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The Drake Legacy: From Chicago to Ethiopia

By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff Twelve years ago, a young man from a small village in Ethiopia walked through the doors of the Drake Hotel in Oak Brook, Illinois. He didn’t wear a suit. He didn’t know who owned the building. He only knew one thing: he wanted to be part of something great. That…

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Drive Time

Oak Brook Golf Club driving range offers year-round play For nearly a century, golf has been a way of life in Oak Brook, bringing together precision, passion, and community. At the heart of this tradition is Oak Brook Golf Club, a public gem with a private feel that blends rich history with an exciting future.…

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Midwest Style, National Spotlight

Oakbrook Center Named Top U.S. Destination By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff, Photo courtesy of Brookfield Properties Oakbrook Center has earned national recognition, ranking No. 4 in USA TODAY’s 2025 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards for Best U.S. Shopping Centers. As the only Illinois destination to make the top 10, Oakbrook stands out for its unique blend of…

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Next Chapter, New Home

Should you upsize or downsize after the kids move out? By Amy Robey, Vice President, Marketing & Communications at Mainstreet REALTORS® Considering moving once your kids are officially out of the house? You aren’t alone. After owning their homes for a decade or more, and often raising a family there, buyers are dipping their toes…

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