COVER STORY
E-EDITION
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025
Brook Forest Elementary Ribbon Cutting
On Monday, August 18, Brook Forest Elementary officially unveiled its new, fully accessible playground in a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Families, staff, and community members gathered to celebrate inclusive design that enables play for all students. The project was made possible by community fundraising, with support from the school’s PTO, sponsors, and donors. Author Magazine Staff The…
Making History
Local Oak Brook player reaches World Series stage The Clarendon Hills Little League team, including Oak Brook resident Matthew Kalish, advanced to the Little League World Series after a strong summer run through district, sectional, and regional tournaments. Representing Illinois, the team competed in Williamsport against top programs from across the United States. While they…
Making History: Local Oak Brook player reaches World Series stage
On July 3, over 30,000 people gathered at the Oak Brook Sports Core for the annual Taste of Oak Brook. The event featured local restaurants, food vendors, live music, and family fun. Children enjoyed free face painting and inflatables, while adults visited the expanded Alter Brewing Beer Garden. Musical acts included Fearless and Sixteen Candles.…
Inspired Giving Events
Creative fundraising abounds for local area not-for-profit organizations By Dave McGowan The necessity to raise funds brings out the creativity of our area not-for-profit organizations. Here are a few examples: Hinsdale’s own Assistance League of Chicagoland West hosts its Books & Brunch every November, and it’s a community favorite featuring interesting conversations with book authors.…
A Mission for Literacy
DuPage nonprofit offers free, personalized English tutoring to help adult learners achieve their goals By Audrey Gorey One woman opened her home. Another offered to teach. What started as a small act of kindness soon grew into Literacy DuPage, when a Wheaton resident took in a refugee from Southeast Asia in 1972 and enlisted a…
A Local Indiana Jones
Dr. James Henry Breasted spent a lifetime in pursuit of history’s mysteries By Maureen CallahanPhotos Courtesy of the Institute for the Study of Ancient Cultures of the University of Chicago Most towns cannot claim a local Indiana Jones. Downers Grove is very proud of the legacy of Dr. James Henry Breasted. This world-renowned explorer, archeologist,…
A HEALING HOME
Wellness House has supported cancer wellness and holistic healing for 35 years By Anna Hughes, Photos by Victor Hilitski For the last 15 years, Elaine Adams has been volunteering at Wellness House in Hinsdale. On Wednesdays, she works the front desk. On Mondays and Thursdays, she helps women experiencing hair loss from cancer treatment find…
“Sister” Cities
Areas and landmarks with the same name, but a different story By Maureen Callahan Have you ever wondered about other towns named the same as yours? We did a little research and learned that each of the towns under Hinsdale Magazine Group’s umbrella has at least one “sister/twin” town, neighborhood, or area of the same…
Building Bonds in Oak Brook
National Night Out Brings Residents and First Responders Together for Fun, Safety, and Community Spirit The Oak Brook Police Department held National Night Out on Tuesday, August 5 at the Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club. Supported by the Village of Oak Brook Community Engagement Committee, the event was a resounding success, and many Oak…
Oak Brook Unites in Celebration of Cultures
Second annual International Festival brings global traditions to the heart of the village The International Festival of Oak Brook is back for a second year and looks to build upon its successful launch last year. Led by a dedicated group of enthusiastic residents, the festival will be held this year on Sunday, September 14th from…
The Wedding Planner
A Hyatt Lodge bride’s workplace wedding By Anna Hughes | Photos courtesy of Tiana Conforti Tiana Conforti went to work on her wedding day. And she couldn’t have imagined it any other way. When her now-husband, Joey Conforti, proposed in May of 2023, she knew exactly where they would host their reception: the Hyatt Lodge…
History Comes Back to Life at Bronswood Cemetery
Join Oak Brook Historical Society for a literal blast from the past this Halloween By Maureen Callahan There are several ideas about the origins of Halloween. The holiday is thought to have been rooted in the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, around two millennia ago. Sometime in the ninth century, All Saints Day (November 1st)…
Take the Stage
Rediscover passion, purpose, and performance—at any age. By Laura Michaud & Melissa G. Wilson “It’s never too late to start something new.” That timeless encouragement takes on deeper meaning in the world of performing arts. Whether you’re pulling a long-lost instrument out of storage, stepping into a spotlight for the first time, or returning to…
The Drake Legacy: From Chicago to Ethiopia
By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff Twelve years ago, a young man from a small village in Ethiopia walked through the doors of the Drake Hotel in Oak Brook, Illinois. He didn’t wear a suit. He didn’t know who owned the building. He only knew one thing: he wanted to be part of something great. That…
Next Chapter, New Home
Should you upsize or downsize after the kids move out? By Amy Robey, Vice President, Marketing & Communications at Mainstreet REALTORS® Considering moving once your kids are officially out of the house? You aren’t alone. After owning their homes for a decade or more, and often raising a family there, buyers are dipping their toes…
The Real-Life Overlook Hotels Shine On
No evidence of Red Rum at the Stanley Hotel or Timberline Lodge By Maureen Callahan | Photos courtesy of the Stanley Hotel and Timberline Lodge “…..we all shine on, like the moon and the stars and the sun….” It’s likely John Lennon had no idea his song, “Instant Karma,” would inspire the title of one…
Head West for Fall Fun
West on I-90 to Route 20 for a great fall getaway By Maureen Callahan Thinking of heading out for a weekend this fall? Most Chicagoans leaf-peep in Michigan or Wisconsin. This year, take I-90 west to Route 20 west for some fun fall destinations. Rockford Originally named Midway, due to its situation halfway between Chicago…
