Oak Brook Magazine May/June 2024

• Completed blow out of

• Haul away grass clippings

•

• Small debris removal

• Seasonal clean-ups

• Complete blow out of yard

• Haul away grass clippings

• Complete debris removal

• Seasonal Clean-Ups

• Weed removal each visit

• Custom and Seasonal fertilizer plans for turfed areas

• Complete detail of yard weekly

WBring on Summer

e did it. We made it through another Illinois winter and the random, but always expected, April snow showers. By now, we can confidently put our cold weather clothes away and prepare for the summer, which is exactly what we’re doing with this May/June 2024 issue.

Actor and comedian Dan Aykroyd is this month’s cover story. He made an appearance here at Oakbrook Center’s Wonderverse. Larry Atseff and I were able to chat with him, and we’re excited to tell you more about it.

We know that students are patiently (or not so patiently) waiting for the dismissal bell signaling summer vacation. We have a fantastic list of summer events coming up in both Oak Brook and surrounding communities that are perfect for the whole family. Until then, we take you inside HCHS, and introduce you to junior Charlie Russ. His talent and poise are far beyond his age, and he’s using his piano skills to bring joy to people across the community.

Brook Historical Society will be lecturing on Fullersburg (now Hinsdale and Oak Brook) from 1832-1862 on May 19. Moving just a few miles over during the same time period, we showcase the Downers Grove Plow Boys, who played an early version of the game we all know and love: baseball. Fast forward to today, and we highlight the Nazareth Academy varsity baseball team, who are proud back-to-back state champs. Head Coach Lee Milano lets us in on their secret to success.

Whether you prefer watching the game, or getting involved yourself, there’s something for everyone. That’s why pickleball has risen in popularity so much in recent years; in fact, it’s the fastest growing sport in the world. All you need is a group of friends, a racket, and a nice day. If you prefer a more relaxed game, check out the Oak Brook Golf Club for everything you need to enjoy a great day on the course.

We have all this and more in the coming pages. As always, thank you for your continued readership and support. We hope this issue finds you with an ice cold drink in hand enjoying the soonto-be summertime.

One of Oak Brook’s trademarks is its rich history. In this issue, we take you back to the start of Oakbrook Center, and how it’s stronger now than ever before. Going back a century, the Oak

Scott Jonlich, Publisher sjonlich@hinsdalemag.com

At Oakbrook Center's Wonderverse

OAK BROOK MAGAZINE

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IN FULL BLOOM

Summer is right around the corner, and we’ve rounded up the best events of the summer including live music, fresh food, and family fun.

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Paramount Theatre

April 24-June 16 paramountaurora.com

Enjoy an evening at one of Chicagoland’s most highly esteemed theatres for their production of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical. This Tony and Grammy-award-winning show tells the true story of King’s rise to fame, starting from her days dreaming of stardom in Brooklyn. Set to the soundtrack of King’s work, this is a must-see jukebox musical. Showtimes vary by date.

Spring Road and Elmhurst Kiwanis Pet Parade

May 18, 11:30 AM-2 PM springroad.com

Pets and parades! What could be better than that? The Spring Road Business Association

and Elmhurt Kiwanis agree that this is a fan-favorite event in Elmhurst. Bring your furry friends - dogs, cats, bunnies, birds (you name it!) - on out for fun contests, cool costumes, arts and crafts, and an opportunity to spend time with other pet parents. Registration is open now.

Cori's Kids Triathlon

Oak Brook Park District

June 1, 8 AM obparks.org

Calling all kids who love to run, swim, and bike: it’s time to test your skills! This triathlon is a great way for kids 6-14 (split into different age groups) to experience some friendly competition while enjoying exercise in a fun and energetic way. Participants’ ages will determine distances for each portion of the race.

Hinsdale

Fine Arts Festival

June 1-2, 10 AM-5 PM Burlington Park hinsdalechamber.com

The Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the 51st annual Fine Arts Festival. This summer staple brings people from all over the Chicagoland area to Hinsdale. Walk through Burlington Park and enjoy a variety of booths featuring unique art, while enjoying new food truck additions!

Elmhurst Cycling Classic & Elmhurst Twilight Mile

June 8

elmhurstcyclingclassic.com

DuPage Cycling Foundation presents this fantastic, free cycling event to anyone wanting to enjoy a full day of exciting bike racing around some of Elmhurst’s prime destinations: Elmhurst University, scenic Wilder Park, and the historic Wilder Mansion. The race serves as the Illinois State Championship venue, meaning

ROTARY GROVEFEST l PHOTO BY ATTICUS FAIR

Local Car Shows

Check out some of the street fairs and car shows happening this summer! With so many local dealerships and a fantastic selection of vehicles, there’s always something new to see. Visit Westmont Cruisin’ Nights on Thursdays from 5-9 PM from June to August. On Friday nights starting May

31 from 4-8 PM, Moose Cruise Nights in Downers Grove always has a unique selection of hot rods and classic cars. Also, on May 26, Supercar Sunday returns to Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook sponsored by Chicago Motor Cars. See local listings for more shows. UNIQUELY THURSDAYS l

athletes from all over Illinois will make the trip to compete. The event’s goal is to raise money for local charities in the community.

Uniquely Thursdays

Thursdays, June 13-August 22 Burlington Park hinsdalechamber.com

One of Hinsdale’s most popular events is back and better than ever with new music groups, food trucks, and more. Presented by UChicagoMedicine/ AdventHealth Hinsdale & the Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce, Uniquely Thursdays is a great opportunity for the whole family to enjoy a summer concert right in your backyard.

Rotary GroveFest

June 20-23

Downtown Downers Grove rotarygrovefest.com

The heart of downtown Downers Grove will turn into a fullfledged carnival for four days to kick off the start of the summer. The event is fitting for all ages, from kiddie rides to musical performances and a beer garden. All proceeds from the event benefit 27 nonprofit organizations in and around Downers Grove. Presale carnival tickets are on sale now.

PHOTO FROM HINSDALE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

WESTMONT CRUISIN’ NIGHTS

PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTMONT SPECIAL EVENTS

A Lesson in History

Fullersburg Historic District

BY LARRY ATSEFF

On Sunday, May 19, at 2 pm, at the Oak Brook Public Library, three local historians will share why Fullersburg from 1832-1862 was so pivotal to the area’s history, which today includes Hinsdale and Oak Brook. Lecturers include Sue Devick, Elizabeth Arts, and Don Fuller.

This was a period when the Fuller family of 15 came from New York State to settle in the area in 1835. Ben Fuller purchased some 800 acres over time and platted it in 1851. His family built the home, which is now situated in the Graue Mill parking lot. In 1842, Fred Graue and his family came from Germany and proceeded to start construction of his grist mill. It became a gathering place as farmers waited for their

grains to be processed.

As the Black Hawk War concluded in 1832, Gen. Winfield Scott asked Lt. Sherman King to keep an eye on the Potawatomi around the area where the largest Native American village in DuPage County had existed. By 1862, Benjamin Fuller lobbied the C. B. & Q. Railroad for a stop in Fullersburg, which had become a hub for business and transportation.

All of these events and more are what caused such rapid change during these 30 years. Come to the lecture and find out about all of it.

Lecturers are courtesy of the Fullersburg Historic Foundation and the Oak Brook Historical Society. ■

COURAGE, SPIRIT AND HEART

Chicago Storm Special Hockey is truly special

BY LARRY ATSEFF | PHOTOS LAURA MEYER

When you visit the Chicago Storm Special Hockey website, the first headline that greets you asks the question:

“Want to be part of something AWESOME?”

Zachary Millard, Ryan Slattery, Junior Coach Marcus Weller, and Christopher Donisch

According to Michelle Willard, who co-chairs the group with her husband Wayne, the organization exists so that over 100 children and adults with Autism, Down Syndrome, and other intellectual disabilities can learn to play and enjoy ice hockey. Players range from 5 to 55 and include boys and girls, men and women.

The group, now in its 24th year, is supported by the families of the players, plus coaches, including junior coaches. All are volunteers. They play at hockey rinks from Chicago to Rockford to Glen Ellyn to Orland Park to Gurnee. There is even international travel.

According to Willard, “Everyone puts in the effort to raise funds for all the equipment, uniforms, and rink rental, as well as rooting for the team during games. We teach the game properly with all the supervision needed to keep the game safe for the players. As a result, we all feel like we are just one big family supporting each other and getting the satisfaction of seeing players grow and gain confidence and skills and having fun.”

Part of the family are junior coaches who play high school hockey. One such coach is Marcus Weller, who plays for the Hinsdale Hockey Club and is a junior at Hinsdale Central.

When he heard about the program, he started coaching on Saturdays. “I teach beginners how to skate and another group how to play hockey,” he said. “They look up to us and really enjoy what they are learning. It’s not a job; it’s fun. The other day, I saw one player lying on the ice and hurried over, and he said, ‘I am just stretching.’ It is a joy to the heart.”

If you are interested in supporting Chicago Storm Special Hockey, visit chicagospecialhockey.com. A fundraiser will take place on June 2 at Top Golf in Naperville, with all proceeds benefiting the team. ■

Junior Coach Marcus Weller on the ice with his players

Experience the award-winning Italian restaurant, serving a culinary voyage of classic proportions. The restaurant offers a menu of trend-setting fare, including fresh fish, veal, chicken, award winning steaks and of course, our delicious pastas. Roberto’s Ristorante radiates a Tuscan atmosphere, compliments of its warm decor and impeccable service.

Patient Care Closer to Home

New Northwestern Medicine Outpatient Center opens in Oak Brook

Northwestern Medicine’s Outpatient Center, at 1001 Commerce Drive, Oak Brook, parallel to 31st Street, is now open.

“This beautiful, 80,000 square foot outpatient center bridges the gap between Northwestern Memorial Hospital downtown and Northwestern’s hospitals in the western suburbs,” says Patrick Towne, MD, president of Northwestern Medicine Regional Medical Group. “With easy access to major expressways, residents no longer have to travel 10 to 20 miles for Northwestern Medicine’s world-class health care.”

The facility houses immediate, primary, and specialty care and offers diagnostic imaging, physical therapy, and a laboratory.

The Immediate Care Center, open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to the

BY LARRY ATSEFF | PHOTOS BY VICTOR HILITSKI

Katherine Lammie, Director of Operations, Northwestern Medicine Regional Group, in the lobby of the Oak Brook Outpatient Center

The Northwestern Medicine Outpatient Center is located at 1001 Commerce Drive where the McDonald’s multistory building once stood.

last registration at 7:30 p.m., offers routine walk-in availability and innovative accessibility with virtual visits. The first floor also features a Health Lab draw site and diagnostic imaging services, including ultrasound, mammography, CT, MRI, and DEXA bone density scan.

The Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center Oak Brook fills the entire seventh floor. The hematology and oncology clinic has nine exam rooms, a procedure room, a pharmacy, and a laboratory for onsite diagnostic services. Patients receive cancer treatment from oncology-trained nurses in one of 10 private infusion rooms with large windows allowing for natural light. Additional support services include social work and nutrition counseling.

The sixth floor is devoted to orthopaedics, spine care, and rehabilitation services. X-ray is located just steps from the eight exam rooms to provide rapid evaluation and diagnosis of musculoskeletal pain and disorders.

A large therapy gym provides ample space for exercise and equipment. The rehabilitation services team includes physical, occupational, and speech therapists. In addition to orthopaedic interventions, specialty services include custom orthoses fabrication as well as treatment of oncology, lymphedema, vestibular, neurological, and movement disorders.

Level five is a multidisciplinary floor with cardiology, cardiac testing, neurology, primary care, and pediatrics. The cardiology clinic features four exam rooms and an imaging reading room for cardiologists

and specialists from the nationally recognized Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute. Cardiac testing includes echocardiograms, stress tests, and stress tests with echo.

Katie Lammie, Director of Operations at Northwestern Regional Medical Group, says, “The centralization of all these disciplines is not only more convenient for everyone, it encourages more collaboration among the medical staff, which, in turn, leads to more effective and more timely outcomes for patients. In addition, the setting is warm and welcoming, and because it is all new, it boasts the latest in equipment and procedures in patient care. I think we have pretty much thought of everything, including plenty of free indoor parking. It all follows our motto, ‘What makes us better, makes you better.’”

Oncologists from Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center Oak Brook meet with the on-site lab team. Syed Mohi Ahmed, MD, PhD, Annabelle A. Veerapaneni, MD, Jenelyn Babar, MLS, Kristina Adams, MLS, Jessica L. Garcia, MD and Jamie Goudy, MLS

The cardiology clinic offers on-site cardiac testing.

The building is designed for spacious comfort including lobbies that offer spacious seating and workspaces.

Tunes for Seniors

HCHS student shares musical talent with local retirement communities

On a sunny Saturday afternoon in March, many high school students are spending time with friends, relaxing from the hectic week prior, or enjoying the slightly warmer weather.

Charlie Russ, on the other hand, spent his day a little differently.

Russ, a Hinsdale Central High School junior, spent the afternoon of March 9 playing piano at LaGrange Pointe retirement community. He’s the founder of TunesForSeniors, an initiative for local students to volunteer their time and talent to bring music to

BY ANNA HUGHES | PHOTOS BY LAURA MEYER

retirement communities around the area. He and his two friends, Andrew Kim on the saxophone and Manny Eden on the trombone, performed various songs from “Linus and Lucy” to “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

“We just thought [TunesForSeniors] will be a good way to integrate music and community service and also giving back to retirement communities just like this,” Russ said about starting the program.

Russ, a talented, classically trained pianist, plays all 20 songs on the set by memory (yes, including Bohemian Rhapsody). He’s been developing his

skills since he started playing at six years old. He recalls a disconnect with classical training, saying it felt like homework. At age 11, he started focusing on jazz, and that’s when everything changed.

“I also enjoyed [jazz] more as being able to kind of play more freely and just play more what I want,” Russ said. “I feel like I started flourishing from there.”

Russ has played over 20 shows at nine retirement communities throughout the suburbs in the last few months. LaGrange Pointe excitedly welcomed him back for a second performance.

Charlie Russ performs all 20 songs on the set from memory.

“We just thought [TunesForSeniors] will be a good way to integrate music and community service and also giving back to retirement communities just like this.”

- CHARLIE RUSS

Residents sang along to familiar tunes, smiling and clapping after each piece. The music is not only entertaining but also healing. It provides cognitive stimulation, reduces anxiety, and has been shown to increase mood, memory, and mental alertness (Johns Hopkins Medicine).

“The residents absolutely love their performance. There were more people

here than last time because they talked about the first performance,” LaGrange Pointe property manager Maria Haraus said. “We really appreciate it.”

Haraus said it’s very telling of the boys’ characters that they would willingly spend their free time brightening up others’ lives. For Russ, that’s what it’s all about. He said it feels great to

give back to his community, especially getting to do it with his friends. It’s also a fantastic opportunity to hone in on skills and get additional performance experience.

“When you’re practicing at home, when no one’s watching, you just doodle around, you can do whatever,” Russ said. “But when you’re at a concert … it’s a really different experience and it’s a good experience. It’s good exposure.”

Russ isn’t sure what the future holds, but he knows music and piano will be a part of it. In the meantime, he continues to play with the Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra’s Jazz Orchestra, Hinsdale Central’s Jazz Band, and as many retirement communities as he can. He hopes that Tunes for Seniors will live on after he leaves for college next year.

“Our hope is for it to be a self-sustainable actual club,” Russ said. “We hope to schedule times for many different groups. It doesn’t have to just be jazz. It could be choir groups, just regular school band, orchestra, it can be anything. It’s all going to be appreciated.”

For more information about TunesForSeniors, visit tunesforseniors.com. ■

Charlie Russ, Andrew Kim, Manny Eden performed at LaGrange Pointe retirement community on March 9.

LaGrange Pointe residents enjoy the boys’ performance.

A SPANISH FUSION WITH LATIN FARE

THE BOYS ARE BACK (TO BACK)

Nazareth Academy Roadrunners return with hopes of defending their repeat state titles

BY ANNA HUGHES

It takes a lot to make a great baseball player: determination, grit, talent, and commitment.

The Nazareth Academy varsity team has lots of those. They’re the back-to-back IHSA 3A state champions (2022 and 2023). With two trophies in just two years, they’re a force to be reckoned with.

Led to victory by led Coach Lee Milano, the boys are pursuing a “threepeat” in the 4A division this spring, although that’s not their focus just yet.

“Our job is to focus on today. And then the next day and then the next day and go from there. And then the byproduct of it is, hopefully we’re in Joliet on the second Saturday in June,” Milano said.

Milano is in his 25th year as head

coach. Over 150 of his players have gone on to play at the collegiate level. A dozen have hit the jackpot and played in the pros. The culture he’s created both on and off the field is what inspires his players to trust him and dedicate themselves to the team.

“They have to buy in, right? They have to buy into, you know, something much bigger than themselves,” Milano said. “We talk about playing for the guys before us, playing for the guys next to us, and playing for the future guys that come after us.”

Four-year varsity seniors Luca Fiore (University of Illinois Chicago), Cole Reifsteck (Belmont University), Nick Drtina (University of Louisville), Cooper Malamazian (Indiana University), David Cox (University of Illinois Chicago), and John Hughes (University of North Carolina)

The team celebrates after their championship win in 2023.

These teenage boys come to him, glove and dreams in hand, asking for an opportunity to prove themselves as players, and, eventually, as men. During their few years together, Milano understands the weight of his role in their lives. They look up to him as a teacher, a coach, and a friend.

“To play college Division I baseball, like college baseball at all, it’s a small percent. To go on and play pro ball, it’s an even smaller percent. To make it to the majors, even smaller, right?” Milano said. “But everybody’s gonna go on and be an adult, hopefully a productive citizen, a good family member. And that’s kind of what we try to instill in them.”

Next to Milano in the dugout is the Roadrunners’ secret weapon: MLB Hall of Famer Jim Thome. Thome’s son, Landon, is a sophomore on the team.

“I think for us academically, you know, Nazareth, the school…speaks for itself,” Thome said. “Yes, the baseball was a big part of that. But I think there’s so many great things that Nazareth has to offer.”

Milano and the team appreciate the wisdom, experience, and unparalleled skill that Coach Thome brings to the field. The boys greet him with a high five walking into practice, where Thome gets to focus on being a coach and a dad, and he’s happy that his son is part of this specific group of guys.

“When they’re out of school or off the field, they hang together. They just

have a really, really close, close-knit bond and friendship,” Thome said.

Their success is about more than just talent; it’s about the connection, trust, and the bond these young men share –especially the six seniors who have played all four years on the varsity team.

“I can confidently say each and every player I’ve crossed paths with in the program throughout [my] time is one of my brothers. They are more than friends… I call them family,” four-year varsity starter Cooper Malamazian (Indiana University) said.

Every Friday night, the team gathers at a different player’s house for dinner. Sometimes it’s a home-cooked meal; other times it’s catered food fit for a group of growing student-athletes. Before each meal, the boys join hands in prayer. They all share what they’re thankful for: friends, food, a good grade on a hard test. It’s how they incorporate Nazareth’s mission outside of the classroom and off the field.

“[Nazareth] is a very unique, very unique place. I’m a true believer in this

education here,” Milano said. “My four boys all graduated from here. So, you know, I bleed blue. Because I believe in this place. We have phenomenal kids.”

Milano’s philosophy is certainly working. The six, four-year varsity players are all headed off to play D-I baseball in the fall. But they’re taking more than just their gloves with them.

“Each coach has put their utmost into making us better athletes over the years,” John Hughes (University of North Carolina) said. “But since day one, the coaches have also instilled my teammates and me with the values and lessons to have a successful life past baseball and have made us better men.”

It takes determination, grit, talent, and commitment to make a great player. But it takes more – loyalty, dedication, friendship, faith and love – to make a great team. ■

At the time of publication, the Roadrunners had a 21-0 record for the season.  The IHSA Regional Finals begin on May 22.  Visit nazarethacademy.com for more information on their upcoming game schedule. Assistant Coach Jim Thome, Joe Milano, Head Coach Lee Milano, Dominic Milano, and Anthony Milano

The Nazareth Academy Roadrunners pose with the 2023 IHSA 3A State Championship trophy after their win.

Still Going Strong

Oakbrook Center continues to thrive, as more malls close

BY CHUCK FIELDMAN

The roster of Chicago area shopping malls continued to get smaller recently with the March closing of 44-year-old Spring Hill Mall in West Dundee/Carpentersville and the April shutting down of the 43-year-old Stratford Square Mall in Bloomingdale.

The challenges of successfully operating most any retail business, including shopping malls and the stores within, have become even greater in recent years, with the boom of online shopping. And the COVID 19 pandemic, which began about four years ago, only created more obstacles to retail success.

But Oakbrook Center, which opened in 1962, continues to be a very strong presence in the retail and restaurant world and a major presence in the western suburbs.

“Not only does Oakbrook Center

continue to thrive, it has become the region’s destination of choice for best in class retail, dining and entertainment,” said Serge Khalimsky, Oakbrook Center’s senior general manager.

“Since 1962, Oakbrook Center has evolved with our community, and we purposefully curate the best experience for our guests. That’s what keeps us so strong. Right now, we offer luxury, firstto-market physical locations of digitally native brands, entertainment concepts, state-of-the-art fitness (Life Time Fitness), and home furnishings (Restoration Hardware). When brands, experiences, or restaurants want a presence in Chicago, they want to be here.”

Oak Brook Village President Larry Herman, who grew up in the village, said the success of Oakbrook Center is not by accident or luck. “The mall and commercial sector were thoughtfully conceived and located by Oak Brook

founder Paul Butler, sitting at the crossroads of some of Chicago’s major thoroughfares,” Herman said. “In its early days, the mall was more oriented to everyday living needs, including not only department stores like Marshall Fields and Sears but even a Jewel grocery store. It drew most of its customers from the immediate surrounding suburbs. I recall in the 1970s going to the mall to get a haircut, have shoes repaired, and purchase hardware.”

Herman said that in recent years, as many of the traditional department stores have closed, Oakbrook Center has become a decidedly more upscale shopping area, with many exclusive stores not found elsewhere in the Chicago area.

“Coupled with a burgeoning dining scene, the mall is now drawing customers from much farther distances for its unique experience,” he said. “We

are also seeing increased traffic from those who previously would shop in Chicago but prefer the relative safety and convenience of Oak Brook — not to mention the ample free parking.”

While some outdoor malls in the Chicago area were later enclosed, Oakbrook Center has maintained its outdoor presence, something that has worked out just fine for its owner.

“At Brookfield Properties, the demand for traditional and open-air centers is benchmarked against the pre-Covid (2019) baseline,” Khalimsky said. “We are currently surpassing those 2019 levels of success in all venues, traditional and outdoor. Our outdoor centers throughout the portfolio are thriving, and we still see solid and steady demand for traditional properties.”

Oakbrook Center has lost some of its stores along the way, including major player Sears, which closed five years ago but has managed to march on.

“While we are always sad to see a tenant leave, we see it as an opportunity to repurpose the space and offer something new to our community,” Khalimsky said. “We are in a unique position because Oakbrook Center is a place where brands want to be, and we are in constant communication with different retailers, so we can be very thoughtful about how we fill our center.”

While Brookfield Properties doesn’t share its occupancy rates, Khalimsky said Oakbrook Center is in the top tier of the company’s assets “by every metric we measure.”

While the perception of Oakbrook Center as a “high-end mall” isn’t baseless, Khalimsky said there’s more to it than that specific description. “When we say Oakbrook Center has something for everyone, we mean it,” he said. “Yes, we have a large luxury offering and higher-end dining options, but we have a wide variety of retail, dining, and entertainment at different price points.”

And while some formerly popular retail businesses, such as Sears, have gone out of business and vacated Oakbrook Center, the mall continues to be an attractive to location for many retail,

entertainment, dining, and fitness, health and beauty operations.

Among the impressive roster are retailers C.D. Peacock, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Restoration Hardware, Vuori, Zara, Alo, Reformation, Psycho Bunny, and Travis Mathew; entertainment businesses Puttshack, AMC, and Sony Wonderverse; eateries Wildfire, Beatrix, Violi, The District food hall; and fitness operations LifeTime, Mario Trococi Spa, Aesop.

Khalimsky said in late March that additions expected soon at Oakbrook Center are CD Peacock Mansion, Buck Mason, Byredo, Swatch, Ichiddo Ramen, and Breitling.

Along with its impressive variety of businesses, Oakbrook Center management has done an outstanding job of offering community events that have made the mall somewhat of a gathering place in a village that doesn’t have a downtown.

The summer 2024 schedule includes weekly Movies on the Lawn, a summer music series, artisan markets, a Father’s Day car show, interactive displays, and yoga on the lawn.

As for the future of Oakbrook Center, Khalimsky said Brookfield Properties is excited.

“We are always looking for ways to evolve, whether that is leasing or development opportunities,” he said. “We really have two types of customers — our guests and our retailers. We want both to be happy, thrive, and have an excellent experience at our center. We are far more than a landlord that collects rent from tenants. We are a partner to our retailers and work with them to help them become successful. Their success is our success.” ■

A TIMETABLE OF SIGNIFICANT CHANGES AND IMPROVEMENTS AT OAKBROOK CENTER SINCE 2013:

2013 – 2014: Full mall common area redevelopment, including the construction of three glass pavilions and the creation of The Lawn with an 18’ x 32’ Daktronics video screen overlooking the new open space. We use The Lawn for a variety of experiences for our guests, including movie nights and art installations/experiences.

2013: Redeveloped the Bloomingdale’s Home building into The Container Store and new inline GLA.

2013: Converted the lower level of Neiman Marcus into two restaurants (Perry’s Steakhouse and Old Town Pour House).

2016: A new 12-screen AMC Theater and The District food hall were added, along with the renovation of the common area surrounding the additions.

2016: Upgraded parking decks with new lighting, color identification, and Park Assist program.

2017: Redeveloped the former Sears box to create new inline GLA and large entertainment use space. Replaced former Sears Auto Center footprint with new Lifetime Fitness.

2021: LifeTime Fitness opened (in April), RH Design Gallery opened (in September), and Puttshack opened (in November).

2021 - 2022: Completed redevelopment of former Lord & Taylor box, adding new restaurants (Piccolo Buco, Sweetgreen), entertainment (Puttshack), and retail (Arhaus).

2023: Opened Wonderverse in the former Sears box.

Center Stage

Dan Aykroyd at Oakbrook Center’s Wonderverse

BY LARRY ATSEFF

There is absolutely no substitute for talent. And there is no substitute for being a genuinely nice guy. That is Dan Aykroyd in a nutshell.

His oeuvre as a comedian, actor, writer and director speaks for itself. Think about all the laughs you have had watching him on Saturday Night Live and in movies like Blues Brothers, Trading Places, Spies Like Us, as well as Ghostbusters I and II, among others. Aykroyd has even earned an Academy Award nomination for his supporting role as Boolie Werthan in the 1989 film, Driving Miss Daisy.

Many of the storylines, scenes and dialogue in skits and films are his. And, according to all reports, he is generous in his praise of his collaborators.

On Monday night, April 8, Hinsdale Magazine Group Publisher Scott Jonlich and I watched his nice-guy side, first- hand, for about an hour. He pleasantly enjoyed speaking with interviewers and dozens of fans. He

was signing autographs and taking pictures during a promotional stint for his new Crystal Head Vodka. Appropriately enough, it took place at the Ghost Trap, Ghostbusters-themed speakeasy.

“I don’t really think about legacy. I think about the future. I think about how I can impact people’s lives by maybe creating another piece of entertainment or two. And just living a happy, healthy life and everything in moderation.”

— DAN AKROYD

When asked about his legacy, Aykroyd said, “I don’t really think about legacy. I think about the future. I think about how I can impact people’s lives by maybe creating another piece of entertainment or

two. And just living a happy, healthy life and everything in moderation.”

Ghostbusters is part of Wonderverse, Sony Entertainment’s first “immersive entertainment” venue, which happens to be located in Oakbrook Center, in Oak Brook.

You can go to the Ghostbusters VR Academy and be a Ghostbuster with two reality experiences. In one

experience, you suit up and get armed with proton packs so you can outsmart spirits together with other visitors , to capture Ghosts. In another experience, you hop into the driver’s seat of Blitz, and Ecto Hovercraft, and you compete to see who is the fastest, most skilled driver in a high-speed race. For Aykroyd’s appearance, there was even an Ectomobile with several Ghostbusters on hand.

Another immersive theme is the Pacific Playland Arcade, the site of the final scene from the movie Zombieland. It comes complete with giant video classics like Pac-Man and Space Invaders, to customized claw machines and Skee Ball. You can also get into Zombie bumper cars. If you keep from getting bumped, you escape becoming “infected”.

Wonderverse is all part of a trend that seems to be taking hold at shopping centers around the country.

Last fall, Jeffrey Godsick of Sony Pictures put it this way, “We are in the midst of an explosion in the experiential economy. People today, especially millennials and Gen Z, are much more interested in spending their money on experiences than acquiring just material goods.”

Sony chose Oakbrook Center because it is extremely successful and draws big crowds daily and year-round, according to Serge Khalimsky, senior manager for the shopping center. He also points to Puttshack, Escape the Room, Immersive Game Box and Sandbox VR. ■

The "Ghostbusters" made a special appearance at Oakbrook Center's Wonderverse. Photo by Oak Brook Magazine Staff

Fans check out Windy City Ghostbusters

AMERICAN

Alter Brewing & Kitchen

1170 W 22nd St., Oak Brook

630.819.8411 alterbrewing.com

Beatrix

272 Oakbrook Center

630.491.1415 beatrixrestaurants.com

Blackwood BBQ

1715 W. 22nd St. Oak Brook

312.487.4815 blackwoodbbq.com

Game of Irons

3041 Butterfield Rd #104, Oak Brook

630.303.9454 gameofirons.com

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar 1775 22nd St., Oak Brook

630.526.4308 lazydogrestaurants.com

Table at Crate

35 Oakbrook Center

630.590.9444 tableatcrate.com

The Grill At Oak Brook Golf Club 2606 York Rd., Oak Brook

630.368.6400 golfoakbrook.org

True Food Kitchen

105 Oakbrook Center

630.716.3056 truefoodkitchen.com

ASIAN

Bibibop Asian Grill

1725 22nd St., Oak Brook

630.634.5616 bibibop.com

Kura Revolving Sushi Bar 1755 22nd St., Oak Brook

630.791.4721 kurasushi.com

Naansense 1715 22nd St., Oak Brook Phone to come eatnaansense.com

ITALIAN

Antico Posto

118 Oakbrook Center

630.586.9200 antico-posto.com

Labriola Café 3021 Butterfield Rd Ste 105, Oak Brook 630.574.2800 labriolabakerycafe.com

La Barra 3011 Butterfield Rd, Oak Brook 630 861 7617 labarraristorante.com

Pinstripes 7 Oakbrook Center

630.575.8700 pinstripes.com

LATIN

Coa (Drake Hotel)

2301 York Rd, Oak Brook

630.264.1550 coaoakbrook.com

El Tapeo (Le Meridien Hotel)

2100 Spring Road, Oak Brook

630.828.2044 eltapeooakbrook.com

Taqueri Invicto

1715 W. 22nd St., Oak Brook Phone to come taqueriainvicto.com

STEAKHOUSE

Michael Jordan’s 1225 W 22nd St., Oak Brook

630.828.2932 michaeljordansteakhouse.com

Old Town Pour House

8 Oakbrook Center

630.601.1440 oldtownpourhouse.com

Wildfire

232 Oakbrook Center

630.598.9000 wildfirerestaurant.com

HOTEL DINING

Longitude 87, El Tapeo Le Meridien 2100 Spring Road, Oak Brook 630.368.9900 marriott.com

Hearth Lounge, Hyatt Lodge 2815 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook 630.568.1234 hyatt.com

Water’s Edge, Hyatt Lodge 2815 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook 630.568.1234 hyatt.com

Lakeside Private Parties 2815 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook 630.568.1234 hyatt.com

Residence Inn, Breakfast 790 Jorie Blvd, Oak Brook 630 571 1200 marriott.com

Hyatt House H Bar 210 22nd St., Oak Brook 630.590.1200 hyatt.com

Hyatt House Morning Spread 210 22nd St., Oak Brook 630.590.1200 hyatt.com

Doubletree The Lounge at 1909 1909 Spring Road, Oak Brook 630.472.6000 hilton.com

Doubletree Atrium Café 1909 Spring Road, Oak Brook 630.472.6000 hilton.com

The Drake Colonial Room 2301 York Rd., Oak Brook 630.571.0000 thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com

The Drake Coa

2301 York Rd., Oak Brook

630.264.1550 coaoakbrook.com

The Drake Polo Lounge 2301 York Rd., Oak Brook

630.571.0000 thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com

The Drake Aroma de Café 2301 York Rd., Oak Brook 630.571.0000 thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com

The Drake Sunday Brunch 2301 York Rd., Oak Brook 630.571.0000 thedrakeoakbrookhotel.com

BREAKFAST/QUICK SERVE

Blueberry Hill Café 3041 Butterfield Rd, Oak Brook 630.575.8401 blueberrybreakfastcafe.com

Corner Bakery 240 Oakbrook Center 630.368.0505 cornerbakerycafe.com

Jeni’s Ice Cream 521 Oakbrook Center 630.822.7996 jenis.olo.com

Starbucks 2407 W 22nd St., Oak Brook 630.368.1091 starbucks.com

Plowing Through

Baseball. It’s the American game. Not only is it the country’s earliest seriously organized sport (there were cricket leagues before it), but, as Civil War and baseball historian Bruce Allardice points out, the game helped heal a fractured country after a war.

The Downers Grove Plow Boys, a political organization that enlisted in the Civil War, also had the first baseball team.

WHO WERE THE DOWNERS GROVE PLOW BOYS?

The Plow Boys were actually a political social club that occasionally played baseball. They were young Republicans. They actively campaigned for Abraham Lincoln’s 1860 victory. They went to rallies/ parades with a horse-drawn cart

decked out as a float. They sang as they walked. These social clubs were common then. They had a primary focus, which in this case was politics. Most of these clubs played baseball to be physically active, but it wasn’t their principle purpose.

WHAT ROLE DID THE PLOW BOYS PLAY IN THE CIVIL WAR?

The Plow Boys were a close group of friends who enlisted together in the Civil War as a company. Walter Blanchard and Theodore Smith Rogers, two early Downers Grove founding figures, were leaders and captains of the company. Jordan James Cole (1833-1901), a Downers Grove merchant, was later captain of the Union Army and mayor of Downers Grove. The Cole House at 710 Maple Ave. is a town landmark today. Theodore Smith Rogers (1831-1917), a prewar farmer and

schoolteacher in Downers Grove and the postwar county sheriff, is also recorded as having played.

HOW DID BASEBALL TEAMS EVOLVE FROM CLUBS LIKE THIS?

These social clubs met for other purposes – in this case, politics – but they played baseball to keep in shape. They figured out, however, that it was a lot more fun if you won games! So, clubs started recruiting. If a member knew of a good player, they would offer to pay the club dues to get the guy into the club and, therefore, onto the team. Somehow, players from competing teams would get jobs in particular towns that had good teams. Eventually, clubs started hiring players from other teams who wanted to play for them. Often, they would ask a member of a newspaper staff to play on the team so that the

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN I PHOTOS COURTESY OF DOWNERS GROVE HISTORY MUSEUM

Downers Grove’s Baseball History

A FRATERNITY DRESSING AS THE PLOW BOYS FOR THE DOWNERS GROVE CENTENNIAL IN 1932.

game would get news coverage.

WHAT WAS THEIR RECORD?

Believe it or not, there are only four documented games we are sure the Plow Boys played: 1858 against the Union Club of Chicago, 1859 against the Club of Danby (Glen Ellyn), 1870 against the Red Stockings of Fullersburg (Hinsdale), and 1870 against Naperville. But that’s not to say they

didn’t play more games. Newspapers at the time didn’t report much on sports; it wasn’t seen as newsworthy. It was considered a kids’ activity.

WAS THEIR VERSION OF BASEBALL THE ONE PLAYED TODAY?

Not really. Bat and ball games have been around for centuries. Much longer than the game of baseball we know today. It was more like softball at that point with all underhand pitching. Every town team had different rules. At the start of the game, teams agreed on how many runs they would play to, so if it was 70, games could last for days! Before 1868, shoemakers made baseballs, mostly from cork or rubber. They varied in size. Each team brought

their own ball, so if you had a team that wasn’t great at fielding, they probably brought a slower ball. The winning team often took the ball since they weren’t easy to come by. That was the prize.

Eventually, teams began to see uniforms of cotton or wool. No zippers or buttons. Shirts would sometimes have a team name but not the player’s name. After all, if the team was made up of ten local players, spectators would have known everyone who was playing. They wore spikes on everyday shoes.

WHAT EFFECT DID THE CIVIL WAR HAVE ON BASEBALL?

The war had a paradoxical effect on baseball. On the one hand, it wiped out a lot of the teams, especially most southern teams. Play was all but suspended during the war. The idea was that if you were young and strong enough to play baseball, you should either be enlisted or work in a factory toward the war effort. On the other hand, the war also increased baseball’s exposure. NY and IL soldiers suddenly played together during their leisure time in the camps, and they learned the NY rules, which largely became the rules that the MLB eventually adopted. After the war, northern and southern teams found a common identity in their love of baseball. So, the game contributed to a sort of reconciliation between the North and South.

HISTORIAN BRUCE ALLARDICE

Civil War and sports historian Bruce Allardice is a former South Suburban College professor of history and political science. He is also a sports historian with a special love for baseball. “I remember my grandfather quizzing me at eight years old on the batting averages of every player in the American League,” Allardice smiled. He’s a lifelong White Sox fan who has co-authored Scandal on the Southside: The 1919 Chicago White Sox, a book about the Black Sox scandal. He is involved in numerous historical organizations and serves as the Vice President of the Chicago Civil War Roundtable. For more information, or to check out the books Allardice has authored, visit CivilWarBruce.com.

DOWNERS GROVE PLOW BOYS BANNER FROM 1860

THEODORE SMITH ROGERS, EMERSON OTIS STANLEY, AND JORDAN JAMES COLE WERE REPORTEDLY ON THE TEAM, BUT ONLY STANLEY HAS BEEN CONFIRMED BY HISTORIAN BRUCE ALLARDICE.

The Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club Beckons

As the sun graces us with its warmth and thoughts turn to outdoor fun, make sure to include Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club in your plans!

The Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club stands strong, boasting modernized facilities and timeless amenities. We invite you to cannonball into the Dive Well, swim a lap in the Main Pool, or splash in the Wading Pool. Soak up the sun at the Beach area, do a little fishing, or take a kayak around the Pond. You can perfect your serve on one of our Har-Tru Clay Tennis Courts.

And the best part? We offer all this at a reasonable price! Experience premium recreation without breaking the bank.

Join the legacy, and let’s create new chapters of community and family fun together.

Membership

There are a range of membership packages tailored to the needs of any family or individual interested in participating in activities at the Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club. Visit our website at www.oakbrookbathandtennis.com for more information.

Swimming

A wide variety of swimming lessons are offered by British Swim School, from introducing your infant to the water to advanced swimming skills for older children. Their professional instruction is available for all ages and skill levels. The Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club also hosts a swim team. Managed by volunteer parents and headed by Lara Barber, who said, “We plan a balance of instruction and fun for about 125 participants each summer.” The Barracudas compete in the Inter-Suburban Swim Conference with six other similar Clubs.

Looking for a place where fun knows no limits? Look no further! We are thrilled to announce the latest additions to our facility:

Ӻ Obstacle Course: Get ready to challenge yourself on our brand new 50-foot inflatable obstacle course in the pool.

Ӻ Theme Nights: Experience something new with our themed

nights, from ‘80s throwbacks to superhero showdowns, there will always be something exciting happening.

Ӻ Movie Nights: Join us under the stars near the beach for family fun. Grab some popcorn and enjoy an evening with your friends and family watching the latest blockbusters.

Ӻ New Food Service Vendor: Say goodbye to boring snacks and hello to delicious eats. Fig Boz, our new food service operator, brings a fresh menu of tasty and nutritious options.

Ӻ Bags and Ping Pong: Show off your bean bag tossing skills or get your game on with our new ping pong table. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, these are perfect for some friendly competition.

Tennis

The Tennis Courts are set in a tranquil wooded area. The Har-Tru courts, which are easier on the body than other types of courts, are immaculately maintained and available to all members for no additional charge. The skilled Tennis Professionals offer drills, lessons, and programs for all ages and levels of play.

Whether you’re seeking a refreshing swim, a spirited match, or a memorable event venue, Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club has something for everyone.

Fostering LOVE

Two local families offer foster children a safe place to belong

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

The second Sunday in May is the day we honor Mom. Hers is the first love we know in this world.

There’s a special group of moms also recognized this month – foster moms. May is National Foster Care Awareness Month. Hinsdale Magazine Group takes its hat off to the foster moms (and dads) who open their hearts – and doors - to the realization that families come in all shapes and sizes.

Foster parents have the power to change a life when it’s most needed. Just ask West suburban resident, Marnie Jamison. For almost three decades, she has cared for foster children –two of whom she eventually adopted - as she raised her now-grown three biological children. Jamison sees each of the 89 children she has fostered as part of her family. “I always decorate

the child’s room before they arrive,” she said. “I put their name on their bedroom wall, so they feel part of the family, and they always have clothes and shoes waiting for them.”

When asked how she became interested in fostering, Jamison relayed that she learned the importance of a mother by not having one. “I didn’t have a mom, so I wanted to be a mom – to everyone!” she laughed. And she’s on track. Prior decades only allowed foster parents to have six or eight kids over several years. “But they always seemed to give me another one, because they knew I could handle it,” Jamison said with a smile. “The agencies always knew me as the ‘yes’ lady because I have almost never refused a child.”

Over the last few years, Jamison has been involved in the therapeutic fostering program. It’s arguably the most challenging tier of the foster care sys-

tem. These are kids who have been hospitalized, often multiple times.

“I once got a baby boy who was born with addiction,” Jamison remembered.

“He couldn’t sleep because his medicine made his stomach cramp. I was up all night, every night, singing to him. I worked with his doctor to get his meds adjusted to get him on the right track.”

The goal of the therapeutic foster program is to prepare the foster child for an adoptive family. The foster parents and child work with a life skills coach, a counselor, a psychiatrist, and a caseworker, to set behavioral goals. Charts and rewards are

MARNIE JAMISON

used to track and change negative behavior. “Therapeutic foster parents are the cheerleaders and enforcers of these changes,” said Jamison. “We try to help stabilize the child so they can move on to a permanent home.”

While the targeted length of stay for a foster child in a therapeutic home is six to nine months, a longer stay is often needed. And it’s something Jamison takes very seriously. “I always work with the agency to have the child stay longer if they’re not ready,” she said. “Behaviorally, they have to be ready to join a family.”

When asked if it’s hard to see a child move on, Jamison nodded thoughtfully. In her experience, the breadth of correspondence after a child leaves, varies greatly. Some kids stay in touch, and some just want to move on. She relayed anecdotes of a few kids she still sees, who are now in their late 20s. “We have had some who still send me Mother’s Day cards and treat my family like their own. Others prefer to for-

A HINSDALE FAMILY FOSTERING TO ADOPT

Patrick McDonald and his wife, Jill, recently opened their Hinsdale home – as well as their hearts – to foster parenting. Not wanting their nine-year-old son, Will, to grow up alone, they decided to foster-to-adopt a brother and sister a few years younger than him. “Will loves them,” said Jill. “And he helps us figure things out.” The McDonalds admit it’s been an adjustment to go from raising one child to three children in the space of a single day. “Some days are easier than others,” said Patrick. “But after a tough day, when we see them smile and they tell us they’re glad to be here, it’s all worthwhile. Knowing they’re safe and happy keeps us going.”

get this component of their lives (foster care). So, I have to understand and accept that too,” she knows.

“My friends are always telling me I can’t save the world. And I say, ‘why not?”

-MARNIE JAMISON, FOSTER PARENT OF 89 CHILDREN

But as Jamison knows firsthand, that’s often easier said than done. There are a wide range of emotions from getting to know a child, to liking them, and then loving them, all the while preparing the child to leave. “I guess I’m somewhat ‘used to it,’” she feels, “but depending on the child, it still hurts when they leave.” Sometimes it’s hard on her family – which Jamison describes as the toughest part of this situation. “When one of our foster children moved on a few years back, my 13-year-old - one of the children I adopted – was heartbroken,” she said. “It’s been a while, but she is still very sad about it.”

But on the other hand, Jamison pointed out that when a child leaves, they go on to something good - either to an adoptive family or back to a sta-

ble family member who has agreed to raise them.

Still, every step up is a step out. And each child leaves their mark on her family.

Although there are ups and downs to fostering, Jamison gets a lot of satisfaction from it. She’s glad to be a hand to hold onto. “I’m grateful to be able to make a difference in a child’s life who might not have had that chance otherwise,” she said. “To watch a child grow and eventually leave differently than when they arrive is a gift to that child.”

Jamison would eventually like to have a group home – a residence in which a staff of nurses, psychologists and others caregivers oversee a group of seven or eight kids at a time. She sees the power and opportunity to change lives. Jamison says, “we really need good foster parents. If I don’t do it, who will? That’s how I feel.”

Being a foster parent may be challenging, but the rewards are enormous. Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois  improves the well-being of people across the state by protecting children, strengthening families and building futures for those who have experienced trauma. To learn more, visit LCFS.org ■

JILL

AND PATRICK MCDONALD WITH THEIR NINE-YEAR-OLD SON, WILL

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A CALLING FOR COUNTRY

Local writer makes a name for herself in Nashville music scene

BY ANNA HUGHES

Alison Bonaguro had always known she wanted to be a writer. With a degree in journalism and 15 years of experience in ad copywriting, she decided to chase a dream that combined her passion for storytelling with her love for country music. Bonaguro and her husband have lived in their Clarendon Hills home since 1993, where they raised their three kids and "fell madly in love with life in a small town." Bonaguro tells us more about her career, her time in Nashville, and her book in this Q&A with Hinsdale Magazine.

Photo by Victor Hilitski

HINSDALE MAGAZINE (HM): Where did you study journalism, and how long did you know you wanted to pursue a career in storytelling?

ALISON BONAGURO (AB): I've always known I wanted to be a writer. So, I went to Marquette University and graduated with a degree in journalism. From there, I put in about 15 years as an advertising copywriter, and then country music came along. The stories in the songs made me want to write about the music and the people who make it.

HM: How long have you been a country music fan? What makes country music so special to you?

AB: I started listening to country in 1989. I felt like I was the one who discovered it. I love the stories, especially the sad ones. And the songs that let me live vicariously through them. I've never been in a rodeo, obviously, but I'll sing a song like "Good Ride Cowboy" at the top of my lungs as if I have.

And ever since, I've been able to make a living out of loving country music.

HM: Who are your favorite interviewees?

AB: There isn't room in this magazine for that list. But if I had to narrow it down, I'd say the best artists I've interviewed have been Garth Brooks, Chris Stapleton, Blake Shelton,

EricChurch

Brooks & Dunn, Kacey Musgraves, Luke Combs, Luke Bryan, and Dierks Bentley. But the list of artists I listen to regularly includes Morgan Wallen, Tim McGraw, Miranda Lambert, Kenny Chesney, Carrie Underwood, Eric Church, Carly Pearce, David Nail, Kelsea Ballerini, and so on.

HM: How do you prepare to interview A-list singers? Do you still get nervous?

I don't get nervous anymore because I treat every interview more like a conversation between friends. Plus, I do so much homework in advance that I know everything about the artist and then some.

Brooks & Dunn

HM: Please share a little about your career paths before entering the country music scene.

AB: My advertising career was exactly what I wanted until it wasn't. I'd always just wanted to write. I never cared how or where. But when I realized how much I loved country music, I had an epiphany that I could write about something that mattered to me. And that mattered.

HM: When did you know you could combine your passion for storytelling with your love of music?

AB: In 2003, while I was still a creative director at an ad agency in Chicago, I had a burst of courage and thought I'd be a natural to review country concerts for the Chicago Tribune. So, I started emailing story pitches to the entertainment editor incessantly. He didn't reply at all until three years later. In 2006, he asked me to cover the Keith Urban show, and that was the start of a great run at the Tribune.

HM: What's your favorite memory from your time in the music industry? And what was your first "pinch-me" moment?

AB: My favorite memory is from 2014. I interviewed Garth Brooks for the first time when he was in Chicago to play at the Allstate Arena. In the course of that conversation, he asked me if I wanted to hand out front-row tickets to the fans in the way back. He promised to leave them for me at the

hugged me, and told me that it was good to see me.

HM: What made you decide to write your book, Backstaged: My 15 Years Behind the Scenes in Country Music? How was that writing process different from your everyday stories?

AB: As my career in the music industry started to gain momentum, I started keeping track of all the things happening behind the scenes. Nothing

for everyone, from honky-tonks to vineyards to music to shopping (I'm ashamed of how many pairs of cowboy boots I own from the stores on Lower Broadway). But for me, Nashville has become a place where I feel at home and where I've made some of my best friends. And it's such a small city and tight-knit community that you never know who you might bump into. I've been seated next to a country star at a wedding, I've run

to grab a pair of tickets and go share the country music joy. But he didn't leave me a pair. He left me six pairs. I still remember how happy I was to make those 12 fans happier than they'd ever been at a concert.

One moment that still feels like one of those how-is-this-my-life nights was in 2017 when I was doing red carpet interviews at the Academy of Country Music Awards. I'd interviewed Tim McGraw a handful of times by then, and he'd always been friendly. But as he was walking down that red carpet, ignoring every TV camera and journalist with a recorder, he abruptly stopped when he saw me, backtracked,

sordid, just the backstage shenanigans that I never wrote about in my official stories. So when the pandemic showed up, I had enough spare time to document them all and realized it might be enough for a book. It was so much easier than my day job because I wasn't writing to please an editor or staying on an artist's publicist's good side.

HM: How would you describe Nashville to someone who has never been?

AB: Nashville's my second home, so I'm the unofficial tour guide when my Chicago friends want to head down there. There is really something there

into a Grammy-winning songwriter at Whole Foods, and I've seen a few singers singing at church.

HM: What's your advice to someone looking to combine their passions with work? How has this improved your life?

AB: My advice would be the same advice Cody Johnson gives in his song "'Til You Can't": If you've got a dream, chase it. Because a dream won't chase you back.

For more information about Alison or to purchase a copy of her book, visit alisonbonaguro.com. ■

Luke Brian

BrianKelley

Carrie Underwood Garth Brooks

Luck Combs

FACING HIS FEARS

Josh Bey goes all out to set state records after a tough go in world competition

Here’s how good Hinsdale Central’s Josh Bey is. He finished sixth in the world – THE WORLD –in the 200-yard breast stroke with a time of 2 minutes 14.56 seconds in September in Netanya, Israel at the World Junior Swimming Championships.

And he was emotionally crushed.

While many would think that was an impressive effort, Bey was so devastated that on Feb. 24, the day of the Illinois

BY JEFF VORVA | PHOTOS BY JEFF VORVA

High School Association state swim meet finals, he knew exactly how many days it was when he had what he called a “really harsh” race in Israel that played with his mind for a while.

“My basic principles for swimming have been to take a race as fast as you can and give it all you got,” Bey said at the state meet. “When I did that in Israel, I was in second place in the last length of the swim, and my body just fell apart, and I lost it all. I went from second down to sixth. It was really harsh. It put me through a lot of stuff. It

was 170 days ago – I’ve been counting. And throughout those 170 days I’ve been doing whatever it takes to get back to where I was. I was just scared to go hard at a race again.”

But he built himself up and went back to his old principles. He was a part of three state records at the state meet, which took place at the FMC Natatorium in Westmont. He was a huge part of the Red Devils winning their 20th state title as they racked up a state-record 337.5 points, way ahead of runner-up New Trier’s 210.5.

“My basic principles for swimming have been to take a race as fast as you can and give it all you got.”

– JOSH BEY

Josh Bey of Hinsdale Central smiles and takes a breather after setting the state record in the 100-yard breaststroke event.

“I decided to face my fears,” Bey said of reverting back to his old style. “It paid off, and I’m really happy about that. It’s really emotional, but I’m really happy.”

Bey, a junior who verbally committed to Indiana, set a state record in the 100 breaststroke with a :52.98 and 200 individual medley with a 1:44.89. He was also the first man up on the 200 medley relay team along with sophomore Matthew Vatev, senior Jeffrey Hou, and senior Brody Marcet, which set the tone for the day by setting a state record with a 1:29.13. Last year’s 200 medley relay team set the previous record of 1:29.40.

“That team had two beasts on it who graduated,” Bey said, referring to Vidar Carlbaum and Andrew Gilbert. “They

were monsters. If you saw them, you would have thought they were seniors in college.

“Our relay was made up of smaller guys and managed to somehow beat them. And we’re going to keep better and better.”

For the Red Devils, this was the first time in the history of the meet that anyone ever had more than 300 points. To be fair, this was the first year of a new scoring system and more points were available to be gobbled up.

Time will tell if that 338 is going to hold up but for now, it looks like a score that will be hard to beat. Last year, the Red Devils won their first title since 2015 scoring 253 points.

“Our goal was to be better this year than last year, and last year was amazing,” Hinsdale Central coach Bob Barber said. “We had three state records. This team is also amazing, and we have a bunch of well-rounded kids who busted their butts to try to be as successful as last year.”

Bey makes winning and setting state records look effortless.

But even though his parents were swimmers, things have not come easy for Bey. He didn’t just hit the pool setting records.

“I was awful when I started,” Bey admitted. “I would go to meets and see all of these kids swimming and I was like ‘how are they doing this?’ After a year or two, I was like ‘Oh, I got this.’ It was like boom. The snap of a finger.”

The same thing happened at the state level and, as witnessed in Isreal, on the world stage as well. He had a chance to erase that memory some more as he was scheduled to participate in the USA Olympic team trials in June.

Meanwhile, Barber is happy to have Bey as a part of the Central team.

“He’s learning how to focus more, and he’s such a talented athlete,” Barber said of Bey. “We’re very fortunate to have him as a part of the program.” ■

The Red Devils swim team basks in the glory of winning another state championship.

Hinsdale Central’s Brody Marcet reacts after helping his 200 medley relay team set a state record.

Hitting the Links

A New DAwN At the OAk BrOOk GOlf CluB

BY LARRY ATSEFF

Golfers often like an early start in the morning…even a new dawn. And, for certain, there is a new dawn at the Oak Brook Golf Club. While keeping many staff members, the Village has made key changes in the management of Golf Operations and has approved several recommendations to improve the entire golf experience.

Meet Rob Michalak, the new PGA Head Golf Professional. He has run Salt Creek Golf Club in Wood Dale and has been an Assistant Golf Pro at Bridges of Poplar Creek Country Club in Hoffman Estates. New PGA Assistant Golf Professional, Scott Fleck, has been the General Manager at Indian Boundary Golf Course.

Here’s how golfers can experience a round at the club, from reservations to relaxation.

To start, reservations can now be made online. Tee times are constantly updated during the day, and the system allows for better management of golfers who make reservations but fail to show up. All of this is to make for more tee times and happier golfers right from the beginning.

In addition, ride in true comfort thanks to 80 brand-new golf carts. They are all-electric and operate with less noise. They also come with individual seats instead of benches, making the ride on the last few holes a little more comfortable.

Sean Creed, the Superintendent of Grounds for the Sports Core, continues to manage the course as he has for 33 years (he manages the Oak Brook Golf Course, the soccer fields, and the polo fields too). The course is in excellent shape, from the grass on the course

to the greens. The driving range continues to use real grass instead of mats. “I know all the course nooks and crannies,” Creed said. “I have learned how to handle problem areas in-season and off-season. We strive to be like a private course.”

There will also be a new emphasis on the pace of play. Players will be courteously encouraged to move along, so there is less standing around and waiting for the next hole.

Several changes have been made to the clubhouse as well. The atmosphere has

been improved by reducing noise levels inside so golfers can relax and better enjoy conversation after 18 holes. The kitchen is now run by Chris Bozonelos and Chris Figaro, who have managed clubhouse kitchens for Mt. Prospect Golf Club, the Mt. Prospect Park District, and their restaurant in Mt. Prospect. According to Bozonelos, the emphasis will be on fresh, delicious food and beverages that golfers like to relax and enjoy. Featured are some of the most popular starters, burgers, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and a Friday fish fry. Now that the dining area and bar are set apart from the pro shop by glass doors, it can also stay open longer.

To improve your game, Ian Grant (iansgolf@aol.com), Gary Pinns  (garypinns@mac.com), and Dan Kochevar (dankoch@flash.net) are all back at the course.

Michalak and Fleck have heard the call for more club tournaments which are in the future. In the meantime, come out and play. ■

Scott Fleck, and Rob Michalak show off one of the brand new golf carts.

Turning a New Page

Three local authors work themselves into three interesting and diverse book genres

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

Kelly K. James –

Downers Grove

Ever wondered if you pushed the envelope too far at work? Worried you might get fired for saying what you think or for disagreeing with your boss? Not long ago, Downers Grove writer Kelly K. James found

herself in the same position. Her upcoming memoir, The Book That (Almost) Got Me Fired: How I (Barely) Survived a Year in Corporate America, gives the details. It’s the true account of a lawyer-cum-selfemployed-writer who returns to the corporate world after decades of working from home.

A seasoned freelance writer and author of a dozen books, most being service journalism – how to lose weight, how to make money freelancing, etc., The Book That (Almost) Got Me Fired is a departure from her usual beat. It’s part how-to guide for surviving re-entering corporate America after being self-em -

and part mid-life memoir.

The Book That (Almost) Got Me Fired is a candid look at switching gears mid-career while learning to adapt to a workplace in which you’re one of the oldest but not necessarily one of the wisest. To prepare for this new style of writing, James studied several best-selling memoirs. A journal that consisted of dozens of meticulously detailed entries - over a one-year span - helped her develop the workplace characters and keep track of the corporate shenanigans that morphed into the book’s narrative arc.

It’s an entertaining read, peppered by anecdotes - mostly humorous, sometimes poignant, but always honest –about what it takes to reshape oneself back into corporate America these days, as well as how to cope with single parenthood, middle-aged worries, and finding love again with a man who may or may not be the next “Mr. Right.”

James confessed that “letting go of worrying what people would think of me when they read the book” was the greatest challenge of this project. “I had to set aside the fear of what readers would think and focus on the story I wanted to tell,” she said. “I wanted to write something I would enjoy reading.”

James hopes readers go along for an enjoyable ride and learn how to thrive in corporate America, as well as the rest of their lives. “Initially, I planned to write about the transition from being self-employed to becoming a corporate drone, but I ended up including a lot of other aspects of my life, too.

“The bonus was that when something crappy happened at work, I would kind of cackle silently to myself and think, ‘Well, that’s going in the book!’” James relayed, laughing. At least she warns us. This is someone whose bumper sticker reads, “Careful, or you’ll end up in my novel.”

James will read from the book at the book launch at Frugal Muse Books, 7511 Lemont Road, Darien, on Tuesday, June 18, at 7:00 p.m. You may order the book from any brick-andmortar or online bookstore. Learn more about the author at KellyKJames.net.

Roger Day Bain –Clarendon Hills

Like every other Little Leaguer growing up in Clarendon Hills, Roger Day Bain aspired to pitch for the Cubs. As a Plan B, he enrolled at the University of Kansas, after which he embarked on an early retirement of sorts. “I wandered around and kind of did retirement before a career. I wanted to do it while I was young,” he said.

Hardly Working is an autobiographical sketch of Bain’s life, filtered through the lens of work. The pages describe 40 different jobs he held over five decades in various destinations around the country in humorous detail. There’s even a brief jaunt to South America. Some jobs occupy an entire chapter. Others are a brief blurb. “I’ve had tons of jobs. Some as short as a day, a week, or a month, and I have lived in some pretty crazy places,” Bain said, laughing. “So, there was plenty to write about.”

“I thought my kids could read it and hopefully gain something from it,” Bain relayed.

Bain didn’t realize it at the moment, but he was living the fodder that would eventually fill the pages of his first book, Hardly Working.

The story begins with his summer jobs caddying at Hinsdale Golf Club and working in an uncle’s car dealership. Readers go on a colorful employment journey over the next several years, detailing dozens of Bain’s dead-end jobs. Eventually, Bain talked himself into the cable TV system in Lawrence, Kansas. It was there that he finally found himself. “I discovered my creative side when I got into video,” said Bain.

After a long stint in ad sales, Bain and his wife moved back to the area, where he started his own advertising agency in the early 90s. Clients like Dairy Queen and United Auto Insurance hired Bain to use his creativity while writing product songs and jingles.

Hardly Working also invites readers into the social history of the years it covers. “The book talks about events like Vietnam and the draft and Nixon. Whatever was in the backdrop at that moment,” said Bain.

In honor of his hometown’s anniversary, he

also self-published a manuscript entitled I Grew Up in Clarendon Hills. It’s an account of Bain’s childhood from 1949-1969. “Nobody has written anything like this about Clarendon Hills, so I think anyone who grew up here in that era would appreciate it,” he said. The piece is currently being reviewed by the Illinois Library Association’s ‘Soon to be Famous’ author project.

For more information about Roger Day Bain or to order your copy of Hardly Working, visit RogerDayBain.com. To listen to his catchy tune about Clarendon Hills, “I Grew Up in Clarendon Hills,” please visit SoundCloud.

An entire soundtrack with the anecdotal stories of his book by the same name, “Hardly Working,” can also be found on SoundCloud.

Caryn Rivadeneira –Elmhurst

Caryn Rivadeneira is an Elmhurst resident and author of 25 books. Her career as a magazine writer and editor took a different turn when a friend invited her to rewrite an adaptation of Noah’s Ark as a work-for-hire project. “I loved it, and it opened the world of children’s book writing to me,” said Rivadeneira. She is the author of Helper Hounds, an eightbook series in which her past dogs have inspired the heroic main characters. Each one helps young readers find wisdom in themes such as bullying and making new friends, with the help of a canine protagonist.

As a mother of three, parenting has helped her flesh out stories in this genre. “I tap into conversations I’ve had with my kids or little things they

find funny or amusing,” Rivadeneira relayed.

Her latest series, FrankinSchool, is officially aimed at an audience of second through fifth graders, but “I’m always cautious to comment on a target reading level because every student is different,” Rivadeneira knows. The series, in which her son shares a name with the main character, evolved from inklings of real-life scenarios he experienced as a young child. “What-if” poems they wrote together when he was little evolved into plot events. His dilapidated grade school building with ‘roped-off twisty staircases, creepy, sneaky doors, and spooky spaces’ provided a perfect setting for the main character, Fred, and other characters inspired by classmates.

“The series uses the power of pretending because readers don’t necessarily know if a plot event is actually happening or if it’s all imagined,” Rivadeneira points out. “To me, it doesn’t really matter because readers are using their imagination. When we say ‘what if,’ we allow ourselves to wonder about the world!” The third of this four-book series is due out in August.

In addition to reading, Rivandeneira’s other love is helping students write and develop their own stories through mini-writer workshops. Currently, she is working on this endeavor with a school in the western suburbs. “Writing is its own sort of magic that happens when we allow ourselves to say, ‘What if?’”

For more information, follow Caryn Rivadeneira on Facebook.

THE THRILL of the Dill

The unexpected rise of Pickleball

BY CYNTHIA MAQUET

For the third year in a row, Pickleball has earned the title of the fastest-growing sport in the nation. Is the pickleball phenomenon all that it’s cracked up to be? The rapid growth and increase in popularity seems to point in the direction of “YES.” But let’s get to know a little more about pickle so you can decide for yourself if you want to be part of the craze.

THE HISTORY OF PICKLEBALL

In 1965, three fathers, Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum were looking for an activity to keep their bored children occupied during summer break and decided to combine elements of badminton, tennis and

table tennis to form a fun and easy game for all ages. What started as a simple game in their backyard would turn into a sport that is still spreading across the nation 60 years later.

THE NAME “PICKLEBALL”

There are two versions of the origins of the pickleball name involving pickle boats and a family dog. Pickle boats used in crew races were for the oarsmen, who were not quite good enough for the main team. The families found this similar to how their newly created game was a hodgepodge of different elements from other racquet sports. Alternatively, it is said that the game was named after the Pritchard family dog Pickles.

Either way, the sport is a household name today.

THE RISE OF PICKLEBALL

From backyards to retirement communities to school playgrounds, the popularity of Pickleball grew in the 1990s. But it was the pandemic of 2020 when Pickleball really took off. The socially- distanced and outdoor aspect made it a sport for all ages and abilities to connect during a time when people needed it most.

The pickleball boom is real. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), more than 13.6 million people played Pickleball across the US in 2023. Pickleball par-

ticipation rates are now right up there with traditional sports such as golf and basketball. Celebrities like LeBron James and Reese Witherspoon are bringing attention to the pickleball craze by investing in professional pickleball teams or actually being seen playing pickle themselves!

THE DILL WITH DELIGHT

There are many positive factors that contribute to why pickle is such a delight to play. First off, it is easy to learn and can be tailored to all skill levels. The pickleball community gives off the vibe that all are welcome, which makes it social and fun. Once people try, the addiction is real. There is always room for growth and to take it up a notch to the competitive levels. Pickleball is not only great exercise but also great for mental health. Plus, the inexpensive side of it makes it a huge draw.

THE PICKLE OF PICKLEBALL

While the hype is real, some people tend to think there is also a sour side of pickle. Some people think it is “cult-like” taking over their commu-

nities. Pickleball is causing disputes over real estate and public places where courts are taking over. Tennis and basketball courts are being converted for pickleball use, and the noise level has not been appreciated by homes nearby. As Pickleball’s popularity has skyrocketed, so has the number of serious game-related injuries among players.

GETTING PICKLED RIGHT HERE IN THE BURBS

Local parks, swim clubs, and rec centers are just a few of the hundreds of places popping up to play in DuPage County. The newest facility, Net Game, has recently opened up in Westmont. Net Game is a one-stop shop for pickle enthusiasts, which has it all. It combines a vibrant atmosphere, a stocked bar, and delicious food for on-the-go.

“Net Game is the largest dedicated indoor pickleball facility in DuPage county boasting nine full-size regulation courts,” according to co-founders Jill Livingston and Dorothy Foster. Net Game has its own pro,

leagues, drills, party rooms and open play. An added bonus – you don’t have to worry about being kicked off the court!

STILL IN A PICKLE?

There is no talk of the pickle craze fading anytime soon. Rumor has it pickle might even be a sport in the 2032 Summer Olympics - definitely giving you some time to acquaint yourself with the game.

NET GAME IS A ONE-STOP SHOP FOR PICKLE ENTHUSIASTS NOW OPEN IN WESTMONT.

UNLIKE TENNIS OR BADMINTON, PLAYERS USE A SOLID PADDLE MADE OF GRAPHITE, CARBON FIBER, FIBERGLASS, OR WOOD. THE BALL USED IS SIMILAR TO A WIFFLE BALL WITH HOLES THROUGH IT.

OH MY! Pets, Parades and Prizes

Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst and Spring Road Business Association gear up for the 31st annual Pet Parade

BY ANNA HUGHES

The Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst has been serving the local community for 92 years. Their group is part of Kiwanis International, an organization dedicated to changing the world –one community and one child at a time. Kiwanis International has more than 600,000 members serving in more than 16,000 clubs in 93 countries. Elmhurst Kiwanis is dedicated to doing their part to bring positive impact to the local community and beyond.

Kiwanis treasurer Andrea Pokrefke said that 85% of fundraising and

membership dues go right back into the Elmhurst community, yet many people are still unaware of the role they serve. By participating in local community events, they are bringing attention to their mission, all while having a lot of fun.

They knew the perfect community event to sponsor: the Elmhurst Pet Parade. The parade, put on by both Kiwanis and the Spring Road Business Association, is a family-friendly, fan-favorite annual event for all ages.

The Pet Parade was started in 1988 by John DeVries, the former owner of

DeVries Animal Hospital. Since then, it’s been a SRBA event, bringing out hundreds of pet owners and pet lovers for the occasion. After the pet influenza outbreak in 2015 and 2016, which caused the parade to be canceled, there was decreasing dedication and direction for the event. So, in late 2019, Brenda Garcia of the Elmhurst Independent stepped up to chair the parade.

“I didn’t want this event to go away,” Garcia said. “And nobody was stepping up. And if I didn’t step up, it wouldn’t no longer be here. I was a pet owner and I just couldn’t see this fun event not continue.”

Determined to revitalize the parade, she called up Pokrefke, who works at Elmhurst Bank, to join the team. They had it all planned out for 2020, but the cards were not in their favor that year. They returned for 2022, and that’s when Garcia knew she needed a bigger team to help plan this event. Now, she co-chairs the event with Pokrefke and Amy Schiller of The Schiller Team real estate group.

Mayor Scott Levin and his dog Lola line up for the start of the parade with the two Grand Marshals from Pet Parade 2023.

“I didn’t want this event to go away, and nobody was stepping up. And if I didn’t step up, it wouldn’t no longer be here.”

- BRENDA GARCIA, PET PARADE CO-CHAIR

With this dedicated team of women, they’re able to think outside the box and bring the parade to a new level.

The SRBA frequently puts on events for the community because it’s great for business owners to go out and meet customers face to face. Many of the events they do are for families and kids, much like Kiwanis, but Garcia said this one is different.

“This one is special, because it involves pets, and for many of us who are pet owners, and may not

have kids, it’s a great way to also come out and be a part of the community, even if you don’t have kids,” she said.

The parade has lots of fun, from special tricks to pet costumes to awards. Animals in attendance range from dogs and cats to birds, flying squirrels, lizards, and more. But it’s more than just fun; it’s also about bringing awareness. There will be pet rescues

at the event with animals on site ready for adoption. In addition, money from concessions will be donated to local rescues to carry out the mission of finding animals their forever homes.

“I don’t know of any other town that’s doing anything that is like this, but that is so well put together,” Pokrefke said. “And it’s something that the community really does look forward to every year.”

With so much support from local businesses, city officials including Mayor Scott Levin, York High School students, and other generous volunteers, they’re looking forward to a great event on May 18. ■

(From L to R): Brenda Garcia, The Elmhurst Independent, Amy Schiller, The Schiller Team of @Properties, and Andrea Pokrefke, Elmhurst Bank and Kiwanis Club of Elmhurst

Fetching Tails, one of the parade’s featured animal shelters, brings some of their dogs that are ready for adoption to Pet Parade for people to see.

Hinsdale Infant Welfare Society

CHARLIE BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY

More than 400 guests packed the Drake Oak Brook Hotel in early March for the Hinsdale Infant Welfare Society’s Tablescapes Ooh La La event for an afternoon of shopping, bidding and dining. All proceeds benefit the Angel Harvey Family Health Center located in Logan Square in downtown Chicago. The center provides high-quality medical dental, vision and mental health services to children and adults and impact on the lives of thousands of Chicagoland women and families who need critical healthcare services. For more information on the Hinsdale Infant Welfare Society, and their fundraising and support of the Angel Harvey Family Health Center, please visit hinsdaleiws.com.

➀ Laura Preusser (IWS Past President), Kassandra Fisher (IWS Current President), Candace Mueller (IWS President Elect)

➁ Melissa and Matt Goebel who was the event emcee

➂ Kerry Lynch, Kristine Jeka, Amity Comiskey, Shelly Perkowski, Marta Petrushchak, Cara Omiecinski

➃ Laura Preusser, Jane Hartschuh, Linda Davis

➄ Danielle Tuck, Cindy Klima, Lindsay Oosterban

PHOTOS BY

DUPAGE PADS

At this year’s Taste of Hope event in late February, DuPagePads once again proved the power of a community that believes everyone deserves a safe place to sleep and a way to journey back to a home of their own. The organization continues to break records, raising more than $340,000 this year. Funds will be utilized to update client living spaces at DuPagePads’ Interim Housing Center. The center provides full meals with an on-site kitchen, clean and healthy rooms with wipeable floors and furniture, and beds that can accommodate guests of all ages—from newborns to seniors.

To learn more about DuPagePads, visit dupagepads.org.