Stories for you

Anchored in Gratitude: Allison Rosati
NBC 5’s Allison Rosati talks farm life, faith and fame By Anna Hughes | Photos by Victor Hilitski For some, 5 p.m. signals the end of the workday and the commute back to the comfort of home. For others, it’s cooking the kids’ dinner or settling down for the evening on your family room couch,…

Watch out, Millennials: Fantasy Football, March Madness finds new niche
By Bill Esbrook Fantasy Football and college basketball ‘Bracketology’ is just for Millennials and Gen Z, right? Some residents of a local condominium complex are pushing back on that theory. The upscale Oak Brook Club (OBC), a 316-unit association across from Oak Brook Mall, is a tranquil 25-acre oasis with numerous walking paths and sprinkler-laden…

Hall of Famer: Bruce Patterson
Bruce Patterson, a rock star at Butler National By Jeff Vorva Some of the best golfers and local celebrities played at least one round of golf with Bruce Patterson. Arnold Palmer? Yep. Jack Nicklaus? Affirmative. Phil Mickelson? You bet. Michael Jordan? Check. Mike Ditka? Yes sir. And there were many others too numerous to mention.…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Out & About: Looking to get outside this spring? Local activities abound.
South Side St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 17 @ 12 PM southsideirishparade.org Calling all lads and lasses! Experience the luck of the Irish and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at one of the largest community-based celebrations outside of Dublin, Ireland. It will kick off at noon at 103rd and Western Avenue, marching south to 115th and…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

Stan Mikita’s Hockey School helps Deaf players gain skills while building community
By Maureen Callahan Each June, 80 kids from every corner of the country come to Itasca to participate in Stan Mikita’s Hockey School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. It’s a one-of-a-kind summer camp for Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) students to participate in an instructional hockey program while just being themselves among…

Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity
This year marks the 116th edition of the Chicago Auto Show, North America’s longest-running auto exposition. First staged in 1901, the show brings thousands of people together to showcase hundreds of different vehicles including domestic and imported passenger cars, trucks, sport-utility vehicles, minivans, and experimental and concept cars from more than two dozen manufacturers. The…

Anchoring Communities with a Proud History
In 2024, Clarendon Hills commemorates a significant milestone—the 100th anniversary of its establishment, acclaimed as the “Volunteer Village”. Beginning this April, the village is set to offer an array of events and activities, celebrating the rich heritage of Clarendon Hills. Refer to page 25 for a glimpse of what’s in store, and stay tuned for…