Out of the Bullpen: Superintendent has fond memories of his baseball days

By Chuck Fieldman Paul O’Malley spent some time in the bullpen warming up, both figuratively and literally, before becoming superintendent of Butler Elementary School District 53 in 2019. Before taking the top administrator’s job in Oak Brook, O’Malley served as associate superintendent of schools at Oswego Community Unit School District 308, assistant superintendent for business…

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Butler District 53 PTO

Photos by Laura Meyer The Oak Brook Butler District 53 PTO held its biggest annual fundraiser for the school district in early February at Highland Golf Club. This year’s theme, “Hollywood Nights,” proved to be a fun and eventful fundraiser for the students and families. The proceeds from the evening help fund field trips, technology…

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A Local Dance Lord

OMG School of Irish Dance’s Ronan Kristufek joins Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance By Maureen Callahan Local resident Ronan Kristufek is currently performing on the world stage. After landing a spot on the high-energy Lord of the Dance North American show tour, he will dance in 36 cities over seven weeks. Kristufek got his…

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Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation

The Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation set a record by raising more than $110,000 from 400 attendees at Chef Fest, which was held on February 1 at the Drury Lane Theatre & Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace. The event included a variety of signature menu items produced by 26 chefs from prominent local restaurants, bakeries and…

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Mend a Heart Foundation

Photos by Laura Meyer A country western hoedown was held in February by Mend a Heart Foundation benefiting kids born with congenital heart defects. One hundred percent of the proceeds from the Heartfest 2024 fundraiser benefit promising medical research, summer camp scholarships for heart kids, and high school cardiac screenings in the Chicagoland area. Brian…

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Peak Performance: Alex Pancoe reaches new heights for a cause

By Anna Hughes Meet Alex Pancoe: husband, father, philanthropist, and adventurer. Pancoe, a Highland Park native, is not one to shy away from a challenge. He’s scaled all seven summits, faced near-death experiences, braved inhumane temperatures, and more, all while raising money and awareness for Lurie Children’s Hospital, where he was treated at only 18…

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Spring Break Travel Essentials

As the days get longer and trees start to bloom, we know that spring and summer travel are right on the horizon. Whether you’re planning a weekend couples getaway, a road trip, or a beachy spring break vacation with the family, having the right travel essentials can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. In…

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Foundation 205

Photos by Laura Meyer Showcase 2024, Imagine and Inspire, took place in early February at Medinah Country Club. The fundraising gala supports Foundation 205’s mission to ensure all Elmhurst Public School students have access to innovation and opportunities for educational excellence. This year, Deirdre Churchill was the recipient of the Friend of the Foundation Award…

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Making a Comeback: The Return of the Cicadas

By Anna Hughes | Photos courtesy of the The Morton Arboretum A rare ecological event is happening this spring and summer, but it comes with lots of crawly legs and beady eyes. For the first time in 221 years, two broods of cicadas (Brood XIX, which arrives every 13 years, and Brood XIII, which comes…

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