A Turn for the Better

Checking in with Alexander Brown and family By Maureen Callahan Last September, we highlighted the family of Matt and Christy Brown, whose son Alexander, now seven years old, has been fighting childhood cancer for the past three years. A recent check-in found Alexander’s progress on the upswing. The Browns continue to make a difference through…

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A League of Their Own

Assistance League Chicagoland West recognized for 30 years of service By Anna Hughes On May 1, the Village of Hinsdale recognized the women of Assistance League Chicagoland West with an official proclamation for three decades of service to the community. “For 30 years, their volunteer-driven work has supported thousands of individuals and families across our…

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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…

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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…

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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…

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Healing 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…

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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…

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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…

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Dr. Paula S. Malhotra

SKN Institute For Dr. Paula Malhotra, dermatology is about far more than treating skin. It is about helping patients feel confident, understood, and genuinely supported at every step of their care. At SKN Institute in Elmhurst, she blends advanced medical technology with a compassionate, patient-centered approach, ensuring every visit prioritizes both outcomes and experience. Her…

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Dr. Justin LaReau

Hinsdale Orthopaedics A defining moment during his training at the University of Michigan Medical School set Dr. Justin LaReau on the path to orthopedic surgery. Assisting in a complex joint reconstruction, he saw firsthand how surgery could restore mobility and quality of life. “Seeing the patient’s ability to regain mobility and quality of life after…

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