Elmhurst July/Aug 2026
‘Like Watching Pro Tennis’
Timothy Christian’s Tseng impresses as state champ By Jeff Vorva Timothy Christian sophomore tennis star Hudson Tseng made an impression on his teammates even before he entered the Elmhurst campus his freshman year. As an eighth-grader, he had a chance to work out with members of the Trojans, and he had some of the older…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreWhat’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”…
Read MoreCelebrating 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!…
Read MoreOne Hundred Years of Planting Progress
Now celebrating its centennial year, Elmhurst Garden Club keeps our town beautiful By Maureen Callahan While Elmhurst lives up to its “Tree Town” nickname, this suburb is also known for its beautiful gardens. Many green spaces in town are initiated and carefully maintained by our very own Elmhurst Garden Club (EGC). Now 170 members strong,…
Read MoreJoining 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…
Read MoreFINS 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…
Read MoreBetter 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…
Read MoreHealing on a Higher Note
How ECPA and Freedom Sings turned trauma into art By Laura Michaud and Melissa G. Wilson The Encore Center for Performing Arts (ECPA) is no stranger to bringing powerhouse talent to DuPage County. From Hamilton’s Miguel Cervantes to rock icon Cathy Richardson, they know how to draw a crowd. But their recent collaboration with Nashville’s…
Read MoreIs 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…
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