Stories for you

Portraits of the Past: Leslie Goddard brings history to life
By Maureen Callahan Most of us dream of finding an occupation we love- something for which we have a heartfelt passion while still making a living. Leslie Goddard has managed to do just that. This home-grown historian brings the past back to life – in a fun and entertaining way – through character impersonations and…

On Top of the World: Elmhurst volleyball stars win world title
By Jeff Vorva The waiting was excruciating. The result, however, was exhilarating. Elmhurst residents Abby Vander Wal and Ava Falduto were key players on the USA U-19 team that won the Federation Internationale de Volleyball World Championship on August 11 in Osijek, Croatia. “It’s unbelievable,” said Falduto, a senior libero at Immaculate Conception High School.…

Let it Snow: A festive and fun-filled end to 2023
The holidays are here, and we’ve curated a list of local events guaranteed to spread the season’s cheer! From light shows to stage performances, we’ve got you and your family covered for a festive and fun-filled end to 2023. By Anna Hughes IllumiBrew at the Morton Arboretum 11/16/23 – 11/17/23 www.mortonarb.org Be one of the…

Young Life: Raising money for faith-filled youth programs
By Anna Hughes Hope: that’s what today’s younger generations are searching for, according to Rev. Dr. Dan Meyer. Meyer, the pastor at Christ Church in Oak Brook, gave a compelling speech to local parents at October’s Young Life fundraising event at Hinsdale Golf Club. Young Life, a non-profit Christian outreach for youth, is a staple…

Breaking into the Boys’ Club: Oak Brook Historical Society Hosts Women’s Roundtable
By Anna Hughes If there’s one thing the Oak Brook Historical Society is sure of, it’s this: it takes a village to build a village. Inside the Oak Brook Heritage Center, the group’s home base, portraits of polo players and local leaders decorate the old school house. But next to every well-known man honored throughout…

St. John’s Northwestern Academies: An enriching educational experience
With its rich history and commitment to instilling discipline and leadership in its students, St. John’s Northwestern Academies (SJNA) in Delafield, Wisconsin, has been a beacon of academic and personal development for the young men and women who have passed through its gates since 1884. Praise from a local SJNA Alum Oak Brook native Frank…

Out of the ashes: Six and a half decades later, Chicagoans still commemorate Our Lady of the Angels school fire
By Maureen Callahan The first day of December ushers in the holiday season. It’s a promise of happiness and celebration. But it’s also the day that Chicagoans pause to honor the memory of 92 children and three nuns who perished in a fire at Our Lady of the Angels School (OLAS) on the city’s near…

A Fresh Perspective: New Oak Brook Trustee is first woman on Village Board in ten years
By Chuck Fieldman | Photo courtesy of the Village of Oak brook The June appointment of Melissa Martin checked some open boxes for the Oak Brook Village Board. Martin, 43, is the first woman to serve on the Board since Elaine Zannis opted not to seek re-election ten years ago. Martin is also the only…

Zonta International Oak Brook Chapter
An organization for the advancement of women worldwide By Maureen Callahan Zonta International is a global organization founded as The Confederation of Zonta Clubs in 1919 in Buffalo, New York. Eight years later, Zonta had expanded across the border of Canada. Europeans began founding local groups shortly thereafter, with Australia not far behind. The centennial…

United Real Estate Grand Opening
United Real Estate Chicago celebrated its Grand Opening last month at 1600 W.16th Street in Oak Brook. The event was hosted by Rick Williams, Designated Managing Broker, along with Rick Haase, President of United Real Estate, and Leigh Ann Brogan, Director of Strategic Project Management. Over 270 friends and surrounding agents were greeted by 50…

A Magical Dream: Oak Brook Chapter to host annual Mistletoe Medley
The Oak Brook Chapter of the Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago presents its seasonal fundraiser, Mistletoe Medley, on November 28 at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace A longtime favorite with attendees from the western suburbs and beyond, the event attracts over 500 guests annually and features raffles, a fashion show, shopping, and…

Lions Clubs International Foundation
When over 1.4 million people from around the world join together to serve others, the results are powerful. That’s exactly what Lions International members have been doing since 1917. Being a Lion is about leading by example, building relationships, and improving the world through kindness. Founded in 1968 to take the work of Lions to…

Rudy! – 30 years later, Rudy walks on with a new generation
By Maureen Callahan Everybody loves an underdog. Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger is one of the most memorable in the history of film. Thirty years ago, audiences watched him muscle his way into one of the country’s most selective institutions, the University of Notre Dame (UND). This non-scholar of less athletic ability than his teammates worked harder…

Comfort & Joy: Shopping This Holiday Season In Oak Brook, and elsewhere in DuPage
By Larry Atseff The holiday season is a feel-good time for many people. And several measures have been put into place in Oak Brook over the past two years in an effort to ensure the safety and security of shoppers, visitors and employees of local businesses. These measures are important year-round, but especially so during…

Ringing in the Season: The Agape Ringers: Performing a musical art form
By Maureen Callahan The ceremonial sound of bells elevates any event to a special occasion, especially the particular elegance of a handbell choir. It’s truly an art form that requires a high level of dedication from each ringer, not only to their individual bells but to the group. The Agape Ringers, Chicago’s premier community handbell…