Elmhurst Magazine March/April 2024

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BUILDING

THE FUTURE

EElmhurst Community Bursting with Talent

ach individual has a unique story, as the saying goes, and this issue is brimming with them. For instance, if you have a penchant for audiobooks, you won't want to miss the feature on Elmhurst resident Kristina Klemetti. She has skillfully leveraged her vocal abilities, acting prowess, Finnish/Latina heritage, and fruitful collaborations with authors and fellow narrators to forge a thriving career as an audiobook narrator.

Additionally, we are honored to highlight the remarkable contributions of Dick Dufort, a cherished resident of Elmhurst since 1972 who also happens to hold the esteemed position of Elmhurst Fire Chief.

In the realm of sports, our particularly captivating cover story revolves around the Elmhurst Bears, a program that has injected fresh energy into youth football in our community over the past five years. This transformation is a testament to the dedication of parents, siblings, and the Elmhurst community itself.

the spirited competition.

On a different note, we proudly present the courageous narrative of Alex Pancoe, who recently engaged in a conversation with columnist Anna Hughes. Pancoe graced Arc'teryx at Oakbrook Center to recount his experiences as a world-class mountain climber and his altruistic efforts to raise funds for Lurie Children's Hospital.

BUILDING THE BEARS

One of the most joyous occasions in local sports over the past 64 years is the announcement of the Evans Scholars. The Western Golf Association, in collaboration with Charles "Chick" Evans Jr., established the Evans Scholars Foundation with the aim of providing full tuition and housing scholarships to exceptional caddies. Discover the inspiring stories of these scholars and the profound impact on their lives and families in the feature, "Right On Course".

Meanwhile, Alex Keiser charted a unique path to collegiate sports. As a graduating student from Timothy Christian School, he has secured an athletic scholarship to play basketball at the nearby Olivet Nazarene University, affording him the opportunity to pursue his career aspirations in environmental conservation.

In other sporting endeavors, guest columnist Bill Esbrook shares the heartwarming tale of mature residents at the Oak Brook Club who initiated a Fantasy Football League, and are now eagerly embracing the excitement of March Madness in college basketball "bracketology". Not only did they relish the games with their peers, but they also involved their younger family members in

The highly anticipated Showcase 2024 event unfolded at Medinah Country Club in early February. This fundraiser is integral to Foundation 205's mission of ensuring that all students in Elmhurst Public Schools have access to innovative opportunities for educational excellence. At this year's event, Deirdre Churchill was honored with the Friend of the Foundation Award, recognizing her seven-year tenure on the Board of Directors and her enduring legacy and contributions to the organization.

The cicadas are coming, the cicadas are coming. That’s right, we have two invasions this spring and summer—first time since 1803. Make sure you read the advice from the Morton Arboretum because this double dose will require some extra caution this year.

When you watch the Chicagoland nightly news on tv, you know the name Allison Rosati. Anna Hughes spent some time with her off-camera at her home and shares the back story of Allison and why she has been so successful over the years.

We conclude with two stories of organ donations. One is for Amy Kilmer, a woman in need of a kidney transplant. The other is for John Hickey, for a liver transplant. These stories of givers and recipients, by Valerie Hardy, are extremely uplifting, and highly recommended.

I hope you enjoy this edition and as always, please let us know how we’re doing!

Respectfully,

Scott Jonlich, Publisher Elmhurst Magazine

16 TO-DOS Spring Events

19 INSIDE ELMHURST Kristina Klemetti

25 SPOTLIGHT

Fire Chief Dick Dufort

29 PROFILE

Alex Keizer

34 COVER Elmhurst Bears

37 ACHIEVEMENT Evans Scholars

42 PROFILE

At home with Allison Rosati

47 HEALTH Organ Donation

51 ARTS & THEATRE Lord of the Dance

55 JOURNEY Alex Pancoe

58 PHILANTHROPY

First Look for Charity

60 TRAVEL The List

62 OUTDOORS Cicadas

64 COMMUNITY SCENE Foundation 205 Showcase

66 COMMUNITY SCENE Chef Fest

Scott

Anne Healy anne@HinsdaleMag.com

Larry Atseff larry@HinsdaleMag.com

Maureen Callahan

Valerie Hardy

Anna Hughes

Jennifer Frencl

Rachel Pavlovich

Adam Andrzejewski

Chuck Fieldman

Candice Kuhnen

Jeff Vorva

Victor Hilitski

Greg Kozlick

Cynthia Maquet

True Italian food is not fussy - it’s not fancy - but when done right, it delivers unsurpassed flavors and a true culinary experience.

By starting with the freshest ingredients, it’s easy to stand by our quality. At reasonable prices with great customer service, we take care of everyone who walk in our doors like you’re family.

940 N York St., Elmhurst, IL 60126

630-834 - 4374

LUNCH DINE IN HOURS

Monday- Friday: 11am-2pm

DINNER HOURS

Monday-Thursday: 4pm to 9pm

Friday-Saturday: 4pm to 10pm Sunday: 3pm to 9 pm

OUT & ABOUT

Looking to get outside this spring?

Local activities abound.

South Side St.

Patrick’s Day Parade

March 17 @ 12 PM southsideirishparade.org

Calling all lads and lasses! Experience the luck of the Irish and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at one of the largest community-based celebrations outside of Dublin, Ireland. It will kick off at noon at 103rd and Western Avenue, marching south to 115th and Western, and it will last approximately two hours.

Hinsdale Easter Egg Hunt

March 23 @ 10:30 AM

Robbins Park

VillageofHinsdale.org

The Easter Bunny is planning a special stop at Robbins Park on March 23 with lots of eggs for all the kids to find. This spring favorite is a great chance for families to have some free fun and for kids to engage in

some friendly competition. The first group (ages 3 and under) will start at 10:30 AM. Other age groups will follow. This event is best for children 11 and under.

Guys and Dolls

Drury Lane Theatre

April 10 - June 9

DruryLaneTheatre.com

Escape for an evening to 1950s New York City to experience one of Broadway’s best. Guys and Dolls tells the unlikely love stories of gambler Sky Masterson and missionary Sarah Brown, along with nightclub singer Miss Adelaide and her fiancé, craps game organizer Nathan Detroit. This classic musical won the 1951 Tony Award for Best Musical. Showtimes vary by date.

Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club

Disco Dreams

April 20 @ 7 PM - 11 PM

Pella Signature

HJWC.us

Join the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club at their annual benefit presented by CD Peacock to

celebrate local organizations, while supporting and raising money for 2023-2024 grant applicants. Guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres, cocktails, a DJ, as well as a surprise live entertainer and silent auction. Tickets can be purchased on HJWC’s website.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SOUTH SIDE IRISH ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE

Earth Day Park

Clean-up Day

April 22 @ 4 PM - dusk

VillageofHinsdale.org

Spend an evening keeping Hinsdale beautiful in honor of Earth Day. The community will participate in projects like planting or debris removal. Residents can request to work on a park they feel needs attention. This is a great event for all ages, and it’s a great opportunity for scout groups, church or service organizations, and businesses to give back to the community.

Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club

Denim & Diamonds

April 27 @ 7-11 PM

DGJWC.com

Grab your favorite jeans and jewels to join the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club at their annual fundraiser. This year, proceeds go towards the DGJWC Charity Fund and Young Hearts for Life. Support the ladies of the group by contributing to their mission of helping others throughout the community.

Firefly Race Series

May 3 and May 4

MortonArb.org

Put on your running shoes and support the Morton Arboretum by participating in the Firefly Race Series. Enjoy a challenging and scenic course along the Arboretum’s East Side, while

supporting their mission of promoting a greener, healthier, and more beautiful world where people and trees thrive together. Participants may run or walk, but most importantly, they want everyone to enjoy the beautiful landscape in spring bloom.

Westmont Park District’s

“Race to the Flag”

May 19 @ 8:00 AM

Ty Warner Park

RacetotheFlag.org

For a fun and active Memorial Day weekend activity, sign up for Westmont Park District’s “Race to the Flag” benefitting the People’s Resource Center. Proceeds from the 5K run/walk event benefit neighbors in need right here in our community. As a partner in the community,

PRC helps to meet neighbors’ basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing assistance services. The race is a tribute to the people who selflessly serve our country.

Oak Brook Historical Society Presents: Fullersburg from

1832 to 1862

May 19 @ 2PM

Oak Brook Public Library

OakBrookHistory.com

Join the Oak Brook Historical Society and the Fullersburg Historic Foundation as they present on the Fullersburg Historic District, one of the oldest settlements in DuPage County and the only settlement between Chicago and Naperville along Old Plank Road (Ogden Avenue) in the mid-1830s.

PHOTO COURTESY OF WESTMONT PARK DISTRICT

PHOTO COURTESY OF VILLAGE OF HINSDALE

Sound Familiar?

Kristina Klemetti, an audiobook narrator who works under two pseudonyms, gives voice to her vocation

BY VALERIE HARDY

Kristina Klemetti may be a familiar face around town, but her voice is one that is well-known worldwide. Klemetti, an Elmhurst-based audiobook narrator, has recorded approximately 400 books, including New York Times Bestseller “Carrie Soto Is Back” by acclaimed author Taylor Jenkins Reid.

However, while Klemetti’s voice may be recognizable to avid audiobook listeners, her name is likely one they have never heard. Klemetti records under two other names: one “that is all romance, and I don’t tell anyone that one,” Klemetti said with a laugh, and another, Stacy Gonzalez, which is primarily young adult and literary fiction.

While Klemetti’s given name reflects her Latin (Kristina) and Finnish (Klemetti) ancestry, she explained that her most prominent professional pseudonym combines her mother’s maiden name, Gonzalez, with a more “Anglo-sounding name, Stacy,” and was born out of a conversation with the coach she worked under after deciding to make the shift from stage acting to audiobook narration. “She knew my heritage, that my mother is from Colombia, and she said I should take advantage of the fact that I speak conversational Spanish,” Klemetti recalled.

There was a market for “somebody with my background and with my skill set,” Klemetti said, and there was “a movement in audiobooks for truth in

casting.” For example, if there is a fictional character that is “half Latin, [publishers] want to find somebody who is half Latin to do the narration.”

When Klemetti began narrating under the name Stacy Gonzalez, she worried she might be exploiting her heritage in doing so. However, when those thoughts crept into her mind, Klemetti reminded herself, “My heritage is mine. It’s who I truly am… I should embrace it, enjoy it, and celebrate it.”

Klemetti found that others in the industry honored her Latin background as well, and after assuming her pseudonym in 2017, about six months after entering the audiobook narration field, she noticed an uptick in job offers.

Kristina Klemetti narrates audiobooks from her in-home recording booth. Photo by Carolina Menapace

Today, she estimates about 70 percent of her work has some sort of Latin connection.

Two other factors contributed significantly to Klemetti’s career growth: her investment in an at-home recording booth and the shift of audiobook recording from studios in New York and Los Angeles to virtually anywhere as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2019, Klemetti ordered from Spain the components to create an in-home recording studio. The package with the recording booth equipment arrived to her Elmhurst home on March 24, 2020. “When everybody pivoted to home

Klemetti has a regimented approach to her narration process. She always reads the book before beginning recording. “I cast it in my head, with either famous people or people I know,” she said. “It’s helpful for me to have a vision of that person – what they look like, what they sound like.”

If a publisher or author wants to consult directly with her or provides her with a manuscript with specific notes about the vision for the audiobook narration, she will consider those as part of her creative process. Klemetti approaches recording like a day job. Once her 12-year-old son leaves for

recording, I could put my hat in the race with the legitimacy of a home studio, not just a closet where I recorded,” Klemetti said.

She has been busy recording ever since, narrating across genres: romance, young adult fantasy, nonfiction, and more.

Her favorite style to narrate in is “something called duet,” Klemetti explained. For example, in a novel with a female perspective and a male perspective represented, Klemetti would record all of the chapters from the female character’s point of view and the female dialogue in the male chapters, and the male narrator would record all of the chapters from the male character’s standpoint and the male dialogue in the female chapters.

school, she spends weekdays in her recording booth, narrating an average of 20,000 words per day. A devoted wife, mother, and homeowner, Klemetti hangs up her headphones and moves away from the microphone in the evening and on the weekend in order to spend quality time with her family.

In addition to audiobook narration, Klemetti also does some commercial voiceover work, including for ComEd, Speedway, and Illinois Lottery. “The commercial stuff you go and record for an hour, but it’s ‘said it and forget it’ and on to the next project,” Klemetti said.

Audiobook narration, on the other hand, sticks with Klemetti because “it is an art,” and one in which she has proven highly skilled. Her narration of

“Full Moon Over Freedom” by Angelina M. Lopez was named on the Best of 2023 list for “AudioFile Magazine.”

If you’re looking for a listen, check out Klemetti’s recently recorded “Anita de Monte Laughs Last” by Xochitl Gonzalez, which was released earlier this month. “It has two story lines, one that’s in the late 1990s and one that’s in the 1970s, and my narration is the part in the 90s where a girl from a Latin background is going to Brown University as an art history major and one of the only people in that department that isn’t white,” Klemetti shared. “She discovers an artist named Anita de Monte, whose story gets fleshed out in the 70s chapters, and her outlook changes on how we interpret art history – no longer from the white male gaze but through an understanding of Anita de Monte’s experiences and perspective.”

“If audiobook narration was just about a pretty voice, AI could do it.”

– KRISTINA KLEMETTI

What’s next for Klemetti? She has already achieved one of her major professional goals – narrating a Taylor Jenkins Reid novel – but her bucket list continues to grow. She aspires to continue working with top publishing houses like Penguin/Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Macmillan. She would also “love to” narrate a Donna Tartt novel.

Klemetti is also committed to preserving the integrity of the audiobook narration industry. She adamantly opposes having artificial intelligence narrate audiobooks or the voices of narrators like herself used for AI purposes. “If audiobook narration was just about a pretty voice, AI could do it,” Klemetti said, “but it’s an emotional connection. It’s what you – a person with a soul –can do with it.” ■

A Massachusetts native who studied theater at Bard College in New York, Kristina Klemetti moved to Chicago 20 years ago to pursue acting.

Photo by Ian McLaren

Tradition

Since 1956

Introducing Armand’s “Grandma’s Thick Crust Pizza”

You have to try it to believe it! The golden-brown thick crust almost melts in your mouth.

Angela Cecola, proprietor of Armand’s on First Street, says, “I thought this would be a good time for Elmhurst to start enjoying our special thick-crust pizza.”

“We follow the same secret recipe my grandmother used when we started years ago. It goes with any of our 24 freshly made topping ingredients, measures 14 x 10 inches, and is almost 2 inches thick, so there is plenty to go around.”

“That’s how it has been for all our menu items for 66 years, and it will never change.”

Natalie Trombetta, who has been with Armand’s for 20 years, proudly presents “Grandma’s Thick Crust Pizza.”

Matt Cook and Nathan Filip

Premier Outdoor Environments

Sometimes, a good idea spirals into a great business. That’s definitely the case for Matt Cook and Nathan Filip of Premier Outdoor Environments. The two began mowing lawns and installing small projects while attending York High School in Elmhurst. They continued after graduation, as they both studied business and horticulture.

“We were careful to grow the business slowly while learning the industry,” Filip said. “This allowed us to expand while also creating a solid foundation.”

Filip and Cook's favorite aspect of the business is working with clients to create a space that meets their needs, whether a small seating area for lounging or a larger area for the whole family. Filip loves the challenge of construction, whether working through the logistics of a heated patio or installing a water feature in a pergola. For Cook, watching the landscape come to life and witnessing the transformation of an outdoor space while overcoming terrain challenges is the best part.

“We’re also incorporating screens and heaters to lengthen the outdoor season.” Technology and product innovation for the outdoor space give their team - and homeowners – an abundance of options.

According to Filip and Cook, COVID changed the way people view their yards. “We’re building multifunctional spaces that might include outdoor kitchens and lounge areas with fire features and entertainment systems,” Cook said.

Both realize the importance of making the space work for clients. They spend much time listening throughout the project, to really understand a client’s vision. “We strive to create outdoor spaces that feel like an extension of their home,” Filip said. "Our goal is to create a personalized retreat for them." Functionality is paramount as well.

Much time is spent making sure the layout and flow are useful and practical. Cook added, “We ask clients how much time they have to dedicate to maintenance. The materials and plants we choose must work in the space, or it won't be enjoyable for them.”

Their favorite project to date? Filip and Cook designed a high tech backyard project for a fun-loving family in Oak Brook. Although they learned a lot from the project, “Most importantly we formed a great bond with the family that continues to this day,” Filip said. ■

Meet the Chief

Dick Dufort take takes the helm at the Elmhurst Fire Department

BY ANNA HUGHES

Since 1972, Dick Dufort has called Elmhurst home. And that’s something he’s very proud of.

His colleagues joke that his car stops running when it reaches the Elmhurst city limits. He grew up here. He raised his family here. He, his mom, and his adult children all live within a few minutes of each other. He stops and talks to people on the street most times he leaves the house, partly because he knows everyone, but also because he’s just a friendly guy.

“My entire life, I’ve always been a helpful person ... I grew up in this town. You know, I’ve never left this town, and I feel the need to serve the town.”

– ELMHURST FIRE CHIEF DICK DUFORT

He loves Elmhurst and the people in it. That’s why it was such an honor when he got a call one Friday afternoon in April asking him to serve as interim Elmhurst Fire Chief. Itt was even more exciting when, after an internal inter-

view process with city officials, he officially earned the job. It was the opportunity of a lifetime for a man who wants nothing more than to serve the city he loves so selflessly.

Elmhurst Fire Chief, Dick Dufort

“My entire life, I’ve always been a helpful person ... I grew up in this town. You know, I’ve never left this town, and I feel the need to serve the town,” Dufort said.

Dufort remembers his first interaction with the fire department vividly. There was a blaze in the wooded area across from his childhood home (where his mom still lives today). Naturally, all the neighbors ran out of their houses, concerned about where it could go. But the firefighters weren’t. To them, it was just another day on the job.

very conducive schedule for doing other things … I think if they spent some time talking to our younger guys, they would realize it’s a pretty nice job,” Dufort said.

There are 44 people on staff at the Elmhurst Fire Department including a chief, a deputy, three battalion chiefs, and six lieutenants. The rest are firefighters and one administrative assistant. The youngest firefighter is 22. Dufort said the hardest thing about being in charge is navigating the behaviors and expectations of younger generations. Growing up with a father in the Marines, he’s always been “old school” and a rule follower.

“I have to look at things different now as a chief, to try to motivate those type of people or try to appeal to them in their beliefs and what they think is right for the fire department,” Dufort said. “What’s nice about it is [the young firefighters] bring a fresh attitude … That’s what’s exciting to me, is to see that enthusiasm coming out in this younger generation now.”

“All I remember is the fire department coming up, getting out doing their business, picking up their stuff, and then just leaving. So it was like, calm, cool, collected. They got there, they did their job. Once they got done, they got in the rig and they pulled away,” Dufort said.

After high school, Dufort wanted to be a police officer, like many kids his age at the time. But, that memory of the stoicism and bravery displayed by the firefighters that day stayed with him. In 1993, he officially joined the fire department thanks to influence from a childhood friend, Jeff Hayes, and Jeff’s brother-in-law, Mike Kopp. Both were already in the department.

Since joining, Dufort said he has been lucky enough to work every position. After 19 years as a blue shirt, he was

promoted to lieutenant in 2012, then battalion chief in 2017, and finally chief in 2023.

“You can sit there all day and say you know, ‘Oh, yeah, I want to be the chief, I want to be the chief.’ But, you know, that path is different for everybody. And not that I necessarily saw myself as the chief, but I definitely wanted to be in a leadership role,” Dufort said.

As the department leader, he spends his days at city hall. It’s the first time in a long time that he works a normal day shift. He’s used to the 24-48 schedule required of all firefighters (24 hours working and then 48 hours off). It’s the kind of schedule that deters a lot of young people from joining the team. Dufort assures anyone considering this career path that the pros outweigh the cons.

“Young people right now, they don’t want to be there for 24 hours. What they don’t realize is, you know, is it is a

Dufort is the perfect person to show them the ropes. He said he’s been fortunate enough to see and do a lot in his career, so he feels prepared every day to lead this team. It’s also why his family feels safe with his work.

“[My wife’s] always been, ‘I don’t worry about you so much because I believe you know what you’re doing,’” he said.

He looks forward to shaping the next generation of firefighters, especially at such a historic and prestigious department. He is also proud each day to keep the Elmhurst community safe. He knows the weight of his role, and he’s happy to be a positive influence on not only his team but also the entire Elmhurst community that he cherishes so deeply.

“There’s not one part of this town that I’d ever be afraid of my children going to. And I think that speaks volumes,” Dufort said. ■

Chief Dufort along with Deputy Chief Steve Reynolds and Battalion Chief Bill Oeffling

Oath of Office: Newly hired firefighters give their “Oath of Office” at City Hall in early February.

—“A Dining Mecca!”

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

The Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club Beckons

As you feel the weather warming up, and you are thinking about outdoor activities, add the Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club to your list of considerations.

Once upon a time, because so many school districts serve Oak Brook families, the club was an important focal point for children and families to get together. Village President Larry Herman feels it can be a focal point again, despite increased competition.

As he points out, the setting has been modernized, and it still has two beautiful swimming pools, five tennis courts, and a clubhouse, which continues to be an award-winning host to weddings and celebrations.

He says, “It’s a great place for not only kids but the entire family to enjoy. And, it screams bargain.”

UNLIMITED BATH & TENNIS CLUB FAMILY MEMBERSHIPS

For use of aquatics and tennis facilities:

• Oak Brook Family Memberships are $900

• Non-resident Family Memberships are $1600

• Corporate Family Memberships are $1300

• Individual and senior memberships are also available

SWIMMING

Not only does it have the pools, but It also has a swim team, managed by volunteer parents and headed by Lara Barber. As she says, “We plan a balance of instruction and fun for about 125 participants each summer. The team competes with six others during the season and the coaching staff is led by the Head Coach of the Lyons Township High School swim teams.”

TENNIS

The club is a tennis players dream. Each of the five courts are individual and use a Har-Tru surface which is easier on the body and makes for better all-around play because of the slower pace of the ball. Very important: Jim Lezzatte is the Head Tennis Professional and a member of the United States Professional Tennis Association. In a recent interview, tennis players of all ages raved about his teaching techniques and enthusiasm.

So, from the swimming and tennis facilities and the coaching staffs, to a setting for memorable occasions, to reasonable pricing, Oak Brook Bath &Tennis Club is a topnotch option.

MOVING FORWARD

Outdoor-minded Keizer chooses Olivet Nazarene University for basketball

BY JEFF VORVA

Timothy Christian senior Alex Keizer says he loves the outdoors. As a matter of fact, he hopes for a career in environmental sciences so he can be outside quite a bit in his career.

“I like the idea of helping the environment and helping wildlife,” he said. “I love being around conservation and being outside.”

Keizer is also a baseball and basketball player at the Elmhurst school. So, when he had to make a choice for college, he had to forego the outdoors for an indoor sport. Keizer is committed to playing basketball at Olivet Nazarene University in Bourbonnais.

Don't worry; he will get outside a fair share during his time at ONU.

“They have a great environmental sci-

ence program,” Keizer said. “They are really good at that. They own their own forest preserve.”

On the court, ONU has been owning opponents as the Tigers have become regulars in the nation's top 20 among NAIA schools.

Speaking of outside…Keizer, a 6-foot-4 wing player for Timothy Christian, has always been a deadly outside

Alex Keizer of Timothy Christian looks for an open teammate against Sandburg in December. Photo by Jeff Vorva

shooting threat, but in 2023-24, he worked on his inside game as well to help prepare for college.

“His strength is for sure the ability to shoot,” Timothy Christian coach Scott Plaisier said. “He has one of those naturally pure shots that looks like it is going in every time it leaves his fingers. It’s pretty effortless, and he has some good range with it, and he’s been able to quicken it up over the year. This season, he has added more ways to score,” Plaisier added. “He gets a handful of buckets a game with his back to the basket. On a few of those plays, he developed a mid-range game where when defenders crowd him off the line, he’s able to get downhill a little bit and knock in a 15- or 16-footer off of one or two dribbles.”

Keizer comes from a basketball family with a rich history. His father, Denny, played at Timothy and went to North Park. He was inducted into the North Park Hall of Fame in 2019 and had a

career in which he earned All-America honors. His older brother, Trey, is a sophomore at Wisconsin Lutheran College after spending a year at St. Norbert.

Alex will always have fond memories of his sophomore season at Timothy Christian when Trey was a senior and Denny was a sophomore coach for the Trojans but would be on the bench for the varsity games.

Game night was family night for the Keizers.

“It was fun playing with my brother my sophomore year, and it was a dream of mine to play with him and for my dad to be my coach,” Alex said. "I'm just happy that happened. All the training that I do with them, and all of the practice, have prepared me for who I am now.”

Alex’s basketball education started at an early age. “Kindergarten was all

basketball all the time,” Alex said. That included playing games at the historic St. Joseph gym in Westchester.

Soon, he was taking – and making –long-distance shots.

“My dad taught me how to shoot –he’s one of the best shooters I know,” Alex said. “He helped me work on my footwork and my form and post fades and all that. Trey is the guard in the family, and I'm the post and the shooter. That's what everyone says.”

After playing countless games and attending countless practices with Timothy Christian, as well as his AAU team, the ET21 Buckeyes, Alex still has a love for the game.

“I love how every game is different,” he said. “Nothing is given to you. You have to work for it the whole game.” ■

Timothy Christian wing Alex Keizer has a laugh with teammates in a game against Sandburg in December.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

BEAR DOWN, ELMHURST BEARS!

Local youth football organization gives “safety” in football a whole new meaning

BY ANNA HUGHES | PHOTOS BY VICTOR HILITSKI

It started with four dads and a dream: a dream of safe football, a dream of camaraderie and teamwork for young kids around Elmhurst, and a dream of something bigger than themselves and their families.

So, they formed the Elmhurst Bears.

In 2019, Jason Judycki and Bob Gollias called up Mark Galasso and Justin Allen with an idea to revitalize a declining sport: youth football. With so much in the media about concussions and the dangers of contact sports, fewer parents were allowing their kids to play. They knew safety had to be a big piece of their

organization to ensure its growth in town, so they pursued partnerships with coaches and equipment companies to make this dream a reality.

They decided to invest in the top-ofthe-line equipment and technology. Through Riddell, they adopted the use

Elmhurst Bears founders Jason Judycki, Bob Gollias, Mark Galasso, and Justin Allen

of special helmets with “InSite Analytics.” These helmets have six different sensors that allow the coaches to understand if a child is taking a hard hit or to get them to tackle properly.

“Those were things that we didn’ t see in other organizations. And why we wanted to develop those partnerships to bring football back to being a sport that people that parents want their kids to be a part of,” Allen said.

It started with nine kids. Then it grew to 60 in the first season. Now, there are over 300 athletes in the Pop Warner program, including football

and cheer teams for a variety of age groups, making the Bears the fastestgrowing youth football program in the Midwest. But it’s not only about youth football here in Elmhurst; they want to change how it’s done everywhere. Beyond safety, they focus on top-tier coaching, fair opportunities for all kids, and education.

“I think what helps us grow is that everyone knows that if you’re coming here, there is no preferential treatment whether you’re on the board, or whether you’re a volunteer, whether you ’re a parent coach, we as a board operate to also ensure that everything is fair,” Galasso said.

“We wanted to get away from organizations that we call ‘daddy ball,’and [players’] dads were a heavy influence on whether they started, how they played, or anything else; maybe they got coached more directly because it was their kid,” Allen added.

To ensure this fairness and achieve their goals of developing skilled football players, they had to call in the pros. Judycki called on Immaculate Conception College Prep head football coach Bill Krefft, asking if he'd be interested in partnering with their new program. With six state championships under his belt, he and his team were the perfect fit for this

“But it’s more about the future of these kids. And that’s that’s why we started it. That’s why we’re here. And that’s why we’re hoping it continues.”

– MARK GALASSO ON STARTING THE ELMHURST BEARS PROGRAM

Bears players display their orange and blue jerseys and championship rings.

undertaking. Along with NFL veteran Matt Bowen and a gaggle of other skilled assistant coaches, Krefft set the standard for what player growth and development would look like for the Bears.

Thanks to this top-tier coaching staff

and structure, they’re on track to have over 500 kids enrolled in the various programs in 2024. While it’s fun for the kids, especially as the program grows, it’s been no easy task for the dads.

“With Justin, Bob, Jason, and myself,

we all have four separate personalities, and we all bring something to the table,” Galasso said. “We've all probably put in 60 hours a week for the last five years on top of our jobs, especially during the season.”

After five years of hard work and

The competitive cheer teams placed 5th and 7th in Pop Warner Nationals in December.

dedication to this team, Galasso and Allen are retiring as board members. They feel the organization is in a great spot to let the next generation of leaders take over. To them, it’s never been about creating Division I athletes (though that would be a bonus), but it’s about making every player and cheerleader feel like they’re part of the community.

“We obviously want to win. Obviously, we want to do well; we want the kids to win in their sports and have winning seasons, which we do. But it's more about the future of these kids. And that's that's why we started it. That's why we're here. And that's why we're hoping it continues,” Galasso said.

President Gollias and Vice President Judycki are sad to see them go and thankful for everything they did to make this organization what it is. They know that Galasso and Allen leave a legacy not only for the next group of parent leaders but also for the kids who have grown up playing football with the Bears. Through tough conversations, hard decisionmaking, and differing opinions, the founders have stayed driven on their mission. They've also stayed friends.

“Sometimes the conversations got heated, but it was a good way,” Judycki said. “I mean, it was always about the

kids and about the program.”

Five years in, it’s exciting to see the positive impact that the program has had on the kids involved. They hope this feeling isn’t fleeting.

“[We hope] that they have this just extra special experience so that when they look back on it, and five years from now, or ten years from now, they remember, ‘Hey, the Elmhurst Bears gave me more than just a trophy. They gave me some that I’ll remember forever,” Gollias said.

For the players, it’s always about more than just football. It’s about friendship.

“Through everything, like all the wins and losses, at the end of the day, my friends and I are still having fun," 14-year-old Hilton McAdoo said.

McAdoo has been playing with the Bears since their first year, and he’s formed close bonds with the boys with whom he shares the field. Friendship, security, teamwork – these are all things the founders hoped would be at the core of their program.

“I feel like it’s better to play with your friends because you have more of a sense of trust with your friends, and trust is a big thing in football," McAdoo said.

Trust is important in cheerleading, too. It’s what ensures perfect stunts and team success. The trust and teamwork exemplified by the Bears cheerleaders led to two teams taking trophies home from Pop Warner 2023 nationals in Florida.

“Florida was definitely a lot to take in,” 13-year-old team member Nora Decker said. “It was the first time the Bears ever went, and it’s only the third year of the competition team. So it was really fun. We were the first Bears to ever step on the mat. I mean, I don't think we expected to win because we knew there were a lot of good teams out there. But we did beat our rivals, which was very important.”

Decker, a seventh grader at Sandburg Middle School, is the oldest on the cheer team, but that doesn’t bother her. She said it’s a great opportunity to be a leader to the younger girls, which is a skill she’s hoping to cultivate going into high school.

“I think it's really fun [being the oldest] because they all look up to me a lot. And they're like, my little children. I love it,” Decker said.

These students embody the mission set by the founders five years ago. From their viewpoint, everything is going exactly as they dreamt it –maybe even better. Gollias knows it's all thanks to the Elmhurst community, which rallied behind them and showered them with support and assistance where needed. It’s the community that will keep the legacy of the Bears going for generations.

“One of Mark’s things he always says is, “In 20 years, I want to go to the bar and, you know, see an Elmhurst Bears plaque or a helmet at the bar, and point at it, like, you know, I did that. I was part of that,’”Judycki said.

For more information on the Elmhurst Bears and how you or your kids can get involved, visit www.elmhurstbears. com. ■

Bears players show off their Pop Warner Chicagoland Spring Championship rings.

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Local youth caddies awarded with Evans Scholarship

RIGHT ON COURSE I

BY ANNA HUGHES

n 1930, the Western Golf Association and Charles “Chick” Evans Jr. established the Evans Scholars Foundation to provide full tuition and housing scholarships to outstanding caddies. To be awarded a Chick Evans Scholarship, recipients must meet the requirements of having a strong caddie record, excellent academics, demonstrated financial need, and outstanding character. Scholarship recipients will attend one of the 24 colleges that partner with the program. (WGA officials ultimately choose each student’s school for them based on interest and enrollment numbers.)

Since its inception, over 12,000 young men and women have graduated as Evans Scholars. We spoke with six local students entering this revered group of students and professionals nationwide.

SAMUEL HEMMERSMEIER

Elmhurst, Montini Catholic High School

During his eighth-grade year at Visitation Catholic School, Sam Hemmersmeier and his buddies decided they wanted to try caddying. Their moms coordinated, as moms do, and it wasn’t long before they started at Butterfield Country Club. Hemmersmeier knew about the scholarship, but at the time, he considered it a “far-off dream.” In the meantime, he worked to balance his schoolwork, football, track, and new job, which he said taught him several important skills.

“You get to learn important social skills, like how to communicate and talk with adults other than your parents… You kind of learn to be responsible, and you know, how to make a mistake, or correct a mistake, and do not waste your money when you get paid,” Hemmersmeier said.

Through this job, he met and networked with successful industry professionals who inspired him to pursue his dreams. The scholarship, once a dream, became a reality, and he now plans to study engineering in college on a premed track. It allows him to fulfill his dream of attending medical school without the financial burden of undergraduate debt.

JOSEPH RINCHIUSO

Elmhurst, York Community High School

Joey Rinchiuso started caddying in the summer of 2021, thanks to a flier his mom found at the grocery store. Although he didn’t know about the scholarship at first, he soon saw other caddies wearing green bibs signaling their Evans Scholar status, which piqued his interest. What was initially a summer job turned into a free ride to his school of choice, the University of Chicago, where he was admitted Early Decision. This “life-changing” scholarship will allow him to study economics and computer science. While at Butterfield Country Club, Rinchiuso sat down with several other caddies and golfers, learning from their success.

“One of the most valuable things that you can do is just listen and learn and intake as much knowledge as you can,” Rinchiuso said.

Not only will he have the support of Butterfield members he’s come to know over the years, but he also will have the backing of thousands of other Evans Scholars who encourage each other to succeed. Rinchiuso said the process has helped him develop self-confidence and enhance his communication skills.

JOHN POPE

Willowbrook, Hinsdale Central High School

John Pope started caddying at just 12 years old, thanks to his uncle with connections at Butterfield Country Club. For Pope, caddying has always been about something to work towards – success and improved skills – just like in the sports he played in middle school. This only intensified when he learned about the Evans Scholarship for the first time; this became his new goal to work towards.

“Being around all these successful people really just taught me how to grow into a man and work hard for whatever I’m working towards. I learned that a lot of these successful people are just like me, and with ambition and hard work, I can go and chase my dream and really get whatever I want in life,” Pope said.

Pope said this scholarship is very helpful for him and his family, and he remembers his parents crying tears of joy when he opened the official letter notifying him of his scholarship. He is proud of the work he’s put in, both academically and on the course, that has allowed him to receive this scholarship. Pope plans to major in finance, which he chose after speaking with many successful businessmen and women he met through his job at Butterfield.

TOM REMI

Darien, Hinsdale South High School

T om Remi began caddying in the summer of 2021 at Edgewood Valley Country Club, but that was not his first experience on a golf course. Remi is also a golfer and has played at Hinsdale South High School for four years. He thinks each role helps the other, especially regarding awareness on the course. His expert caddy skills, phenomenal academics, and professionalism earned him a spot as an Evans Scholar.

The best part about caddying for Tom was the confidence boost he’s experienced since he started nearly three years ago. He said he feels more comfortable talking with people and introducing himself, especially to higher-ups in the golf world and other authority figures.

“[It’s] obviously an incredible opportunity to be going [to college] off a full-ride scholarship. And I mean, but you can’t forget the opportunity that I’m allowed to go to one of these top schools, you know, and study and room and network with like-minded people,” Remi said.

He plans to study computer science, which he knows will open a myriad of doors after he graduates college debtfree.

GIANINA MONTORO

North Riverside, Nazareth Academy

During her freshman year at Nazareth Academy, Gigi Montoro was signed up for golf camp (against her will, she joked). The summer after, Montoro’s mom suggested she sign up for caddying at Chicago Highlands Country Club to make some extra money and talk with potential mentors in the golf world. Both the golf team and caddying gig turned out to be a success – Montoro is now in her senior year and is still doing both.

Montoro credits caddying with breaking down her shell. She’s had the opportunity to talk with a variety of professionals who have given her advice and career insight. Going into high school, Montoro wanted to be a teacher, but time on the course changed her mind. While working, she talked with financial advisors and investment bankers who have inspired her to pursue a different path. Now, she’s planning to study finance and accounting – for free – thanks to her scholarship.

“The financial burden that’s been lifted off of me, it’s been like, I can’t even begin to repay the scholarship committee and Chicago Highlands and everyone for what they’ve done for me. I mean, I literally get to start my life without any sort of debt, which is crazy. Like, I feel like that just sets me so far ahead of where I would have been,” Montoro said.

BELLA RAMIREZ

Chicago, Nazareth Academy

Bella Ramirez started caddying during her sophomore year, but her experience is unique compared to some of her peers. She’s part of the Western Golf Association Caddie Academy, which provides summer caddie opportunities to exemplary high school students.

“From caddying, I learned the importance of hard work and friendship. Not only was I working towards the goal of the Chick Evans Scholarship, but I also made some lifelong friends along the way. I developed the skills of money management, the game of golf, communication skills, and instilled self-discipline,” Ramirez said.

Even though she was part of the Caddie Academy, Ramirez knew that she needed great academics and extracurriculars to continue on this path and become an Evans Scholar. She plays lacrosse, leads the Girls Affinity Group, and is involved with the diversity club. She knows that the support of her family, friends, and Nazareth community has contributed to her incredible success as a caddy, student, and role model for other student-athletes. She said that Nazareth’s four pillars of scholarship, service, spirit, and unity have pushed her towards the success that has ultimately led to receiving this scholarship. She is grateful to have received the scholarship and hopes that this tuition and housing money will allow her to pursue a graduate or law degree after college.

Anchored in Gratitude

NBC 5’s Allison Rosati talks farm life, faith and fame

BY ANNA HUGHES | PHOTOS BY VICTOR HILITSKI

For some, 5 p.m. signals the end of the workday and the commute back to the comfort of home. For others, it’s cooking the kids’ dinner or settling down for the evening on your family room couch, flipping to channel 5 for the nightly news.

For Allison Rosati, 5 p.m. means saying hello to Chicago with the same smile she’s greeted viewers with for over three decades. Sitting next to her co-anchor, Stefan Holt, she welcomes you back to NBC for another night of the greatest and grittiest parts of the city.

Photo by Fabian Ramirez-Bolivar

On television, Rosati is the image of confidence, warmth, and poise, engaging both her coworkers on set and her audience at home. She’s a people-person by every definition. But this didn’t always come naturally to her.

“I was such a shy kid. Like painfully shy,” she admitted.

Rosati grew up on a farm in Minnesota with her parents and four siblings. With a dad in the Air Force and an animated family, Rosati had become a master listener, paying attention to all the details. But each night at dinner, her dad expected her to sit down with something to share. That’s when she learned how to tell a story.

“I do think my love for conversation and listening and being interested in politics and stuff was started there,” she recalled.

Although her broadcasts these days can reach millions of people, her main audience back in the day was much, much smaller. It was God. She spoke with Him frequently, which led to the

development of a deep faith she carries with her today.

Motivated by her faith and growing interest in storytelling, she entered an essay contest through the American Legion Auxiliary during her junior year of high school. This was the beginning of a series of serendipitous events, which she calls “God moments.” The essay qualified her for ALA Girls State, a week-long program focused on citizenship, leadership, and helping current and former service members, which heightened her interest in a public career.

This state-wide recognition garnered some attention for Rosati. During her senior year of high school, she was invited to participate in the Minnesota Junior Miss pageant, and she won. The farm girl, so familiar with cattle and corn, now donned a crown. The scholarship that came with the title was life-changing.

“I ended up getting just enough money to go to college for four years. I didn't have any money at all. That, to me,

was a God moment,” Rosati said. The money, however, wasn’t the only thing she gained from that experience. It was the first time people told her that she should be on television, calling her a natural on camera. Until then, Rosati hadn’t considered it much – or at all. She decided to pursue these talents at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota.

The following year, Rosati was welcomed back to help out at the America’s Junior Miss pageant in Mobile, Alabama. Unbeknownst to her, this was another God moment – one that would change the trajectory of her life. Broadcaster Diane Sawyer served as the keynote speaker of the event, and Rosati was inspired by her message.

“I was so in awe of her… her baccalaureate address was to dream big, and [she] encouraged us that we would set our own boundaries, like, you can go as far as you want to go. And I was like, that's what I want to do,” she recalled.

Sawyer’s strong femininity in the male-dominated broadcasting industry

stood out to Rosati. She returned to college, continuing her degrees in both speech and communications, determined to follow in Sawyer’s footsteps and pave a path for herself in television.

After three and a half years at Gustavus Adolphus, various newsroom internships, and an eye-opening trip to Europe, she had no more prize money but many new skills. Rosati was a girl with one reel tape (it was the mid-80s) and a dream. Her dream was to be on a morning talk show in Chicago (like the Today show), something that did not yet exist at the time.

Rosati began by driving around Minnesota and offering her tape to potential employers. Eventually, she was offered a job at KTTC-TV, a local station based in Rochester, Minnesota. From there, things moved pretty quickly. She spent two years in Rochester until moving to Buffalo, New York, where she worked for three years, reporting and anchoring at WGRZ-TV.

back after the pandemic.) She picks out clothes (that she bought with her own money) from her closet at home. On top of everything, she balances being a mom to her four kids and dog, Remi. She and her coworkers joke about “the glamorous life of television” as they heat up Gladware dinners between shows – happily, Rosati adds – reviewing notes for the next hour's newscast.

Rosati doesn’t mind, though. She was never in it for the glitz and glam. She’s there to tell a story and to be a voice for communities often without one. Most importantly, she knows the weight of this role and the impact she has on Chicago and beyond. She considers it a blessing.

Some of the stories are tough to tell, and they can take a toll on any journalist. Rosati, sometimes in need of an anchor herself, finds peace and power in prayer. Each morning, she visits a favorite spot around her house to meditate and talk to God. In the summer-

out there trying to do the right thing every day, trying to make the world a better place,” she said.

Rosati lives by these words in her own life. She dedicates her time and talents to several local charities, including the Oak Brook Infant Welfare Society. The desire to give back, without any recognition or fanfare, is something that was instilled in her by her upbringing and faith.

“

[My grandparents] worked in the iron mines of northern Minnesota, but they would be the first people to drop off food to somebody who needed it or help change a tire on the side of a road, but never asked for anything in return,” she said.

Despite all her years in the spotlight, Rosati is the same girl she’s always been. She works hard every day, gives back to the community like her grandparents taught her to, and loves her family and the life she has built for her-

“I do think God works in mysterious ways. He really does. And what’s meant for you doesn’t pass you by.”

- ALLISON ROSATI

Then, a contact from a few years prior at NBC’s WMAQ-TV in Chicago reached out. It was a dream realized, another one of those God moments. After just five years in the business, she was offered a spot on NBC 5’s first-ever morning show, “First Thing in the Morning.” In the 33 years since, Rosati has made a name for herself as a prominent journalist in the national news landscape.

“In my mind, that is nothing short of a miracle,” Rosati said. “I was so grateful … I do think God works in mysterious ways. He really does. And what's meant for you doesn't pass you by.”

It's not all fame and fortune in the news, however, even when you're a household name in a top television market. Every day, the Emmy Award winner does her own hair and makeup. (The makeup artists were not brought

time, it’s her backyard that reminds her of a simpler life on the farm. In the winter, it’s a sunroom with views of her beautiful Burr Ridge landscape. Taking time to stay grounded and seek guidance motivates her to continue what can often be a grueling grind.

The grind is fueled by gratitude – something Rosati incorporates into each of her morning meditations. She believes that there’s more good than bad, both in people and in life. She challenges herself to find the good in her everyday stories, in her everyday life, and in every person she meets. That’s what her digital show on NBC 5, “Happy to Report,” is all about. It’s a compilation of all the best news of the week, and she encourages viewers to tune in, especially those who are frustrated by today's media.

“I believe that there are so many people

self with deep gratitude and an appreciation for God.

Rosati's four kids are all grown up now, with dreams and passions of their own. When everyone is together, however, they gather in the kitchen for a homecooked meal from Mom, sweet treats from Kirsten's Bakery, and, of course, stories to tell.

It’s the moments like these that remind Rosati of how far she’s come. They remind her of the shy little girl who, by the grace of God and with the gift of gab, paved the way for generations of future journalists and all young women with a dream.

“I’m grateful every day. Because I know how blessed and how lucky I am to do what I do,” she said. ■

The Greatest Gift

Organ donation saves lives daily, as Amy Kilner and John Hickey know first hand

BY VALERIE HARDY

March holds National Awkward Moments Day and April National Read a Road Map Day. Fittingly, March is National Umbrella Month (and, less fittingly, National Noodle Month). Poetry and Car Care Awareness are both nationally recognized in April.

Some of these “holidays” are silly, but others promote critical issues, like National Organ Donor Day (observed each Valentine’s Day) and National Donate Life Month (April). These raise awareness about the need for organ donors and celebrate those who have given the lifesaving gift of organ (or tissue, marrow, platelet, or blood) donation. Organ recipients, like Amy Kilner and John Hickey, also help promote such causes.

AMY’S STORY

Like her mom, Mary Sobut, a special educator in Elmhurst, Amy Kilner felt called to teach. The Naperville resident, who grew up in Downers Grove, taught special education at Herrick Middle School for nearly 30 years before resigning a few years ago for health reasons.

Amy’s medical issues date back to the early 2000s. She has kidney disease, specifically IgA Nephropathy. Before her kidney failure necessitated a transplant, Amy had brain surgery for a brain tumor blocking her vestibular nerve. Meanwhile, Amy’s kidney function deteriorated. She joined the national transplant waiting list. The U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration reports 85 percent of people awaiting a transplant need a

kidney. The average wait time for a kidney? Three to five years.

To speed up the process, people requiring a transplant often seek living donors through their personal networks. This approach paid off for Amy; her mother’s college roommate’s son-in-law, Paul Gierstorf, called to say he was a viable and willing donor.

“If I’ve ever felt called to do anything, it was this,” Paul said of his decision to donate a kidney to Amy, whose strength inspired him.

He recognizes that donating an organ

is a “tremendously personal decision” but said, “if a possible donor has two healthy kidneys, strong support systems…and the willingness to commit to a healthy lifestyle, then the path to donate is fairly clear.”

Amy and Paul’s respective surgeries were through Loyola Medicine in June 2017, and they jointly named the kidney “Verona” after Paul’s favorite Starbuck’s roast and because “the kidney looks a bit like a (coffee) bean,” Paul explained.

Post-transplant, Amy returned to teaching, and her health stabilizeduntil 2018, when she developed a

Close family friends Amy Kilner and her living kidney donor, Paul Gierstorf, visit while in the hospital.

“terrible infection” that, her mother said, “almost killed her.” Then, in 2020, she received an endometrial cancer diagnosis.

Amy began experiencing extreme exhaustion. “I had been pregnancy tired…Prednisone tired,” she said, but now she felt like she was “wearing concrete shoes.”

She was in rejection, her transplanted kidney failing. In 2021, she spent months at Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, gaining back strength and weight. She required kidney dialysis until this December, when a kidney donation coordinator alerted her that a deceased donor kidney was a good match. Amy underwent her second transplant. She returned home to her husband and teenaged daughters four

days later and continues to recover and advocate for organ donation.

Though Amy struggled with her first transplanted kidney failing (“you feel like you failed”), she is grateful for her new kidney, which she named “Tenny,” because its donor was from Tennessee.

JOHN’S STORY

Few people would be grateful for a bout of gallstones, but Naperville’s John Hickey was. In 2021, John sought medical attention for what he assumed were gallstones. He did have gallstones, but imaging also yielded an unexpected and uncertain diagnosis: primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC), a rare liver disease. He was also diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma.

This was the same combination of diseases that fatally affected Chicago Bear Walter Payton. By the time symptoms arise, the disease is typically too advanced for the patient to be eligible for a liver transplant. Fortunately, John’s early diagnosis qualified him for a transplant, but time was of the essence.

Upon receiving news of John’s situation, nearly two dozen people offered to get tested to see if they would be a match. John said he “tried to talk them all out of it, especially the young ones.”

“If I’ve ever felt called to do anything, it was this.”

– PAUL GIERSTORF, ABOUT HIS DECISION TO BECOME A LIVING KIDNEY DONOR

However, his efforts to dissuade friends and family failed. A few proceeded with testing, and his niece, Mary Hickey, then 20 years old, emerged as a match.

Mary was in college, and once she learned she was a match, she talked to her professors, who were “flexible and supportive.” They allowed her to submit her end-of-semester assessments early, finishing the semester by Thanksgiving break.

“I honestly looked forward to the surgery in December,” Mary said, and less than eight months after his diagnosis, John’s liver transplant was complete.

With John’s wife, Mary Ann, as their personal caregiver, uncle and niece recovered and celebrated together,

Amy Kilner marks her first anniversary postkidney transplant with a thematic celebration.

including Mary’s 21st birthday, which was a couple weeks post-surgery. She had to wait a few months before consuming alcohol but said her recovery was easy and speedy. She was back in the gym, with “lots of energy,” after a week.

Donating was a “no brainer” for Mary, especially because the remainder of her liver and the segment transplanted into John’s body would both regrow and regain normal function. The best part for Mary, however, was seeing her uncle healthy and enjoying retirement and travel.

“If more people knew how good of a feeling it was…we would have a world of donors!” Mary said. She became an ambassador with Gift of Hope – an organization that advocates for organ donation and supports families through the donation process. She spreads awareness about living donation, particularly of the liver.

John is also paying it forward. He recently became president of Organ Transplant Support, Inc. (OTS), a Naperville-based, volunteer-run nonprofit dedicated to providing education, support, and resources for transplant patients and their families, and raising donation awareness.

OTS’s motto is “No one should go through this alone,” and John wholeheartedly agrees. Just months after his transplant, he became an OTS mentor to others going through the transplant process. It was his way “to express gratitude and give back to the community” that had supported him, he said.

OTS’s meetings, speakers, and other events are often virtual, so it supports people in Chicagoland and from coast to coast. To learn more about OTS or seek its services, visit organtransplantsupport.org. ■

Living liver donor Mary Hickey and her uncle, John Hickey, the liver recipient, joke around as they recover from their surgeries at the University of Chicago Medical Center.

John, and mary hickey, along with john’s wife mary ann, celebrate their first “liverversary” (one year post-transplant).

A Local DANCE LORD

OMG School of Irish Dance’s Ronan Kristufek joins Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

Local resident Ronan Kristufek is currently performing on the world stage. After landing a spot on the high-energy Lord of the Dance North American show tour, he will dance in 36 cities over seven weeks. Kristufek got his start at 9 years old at Onórach Mulhern Geraghty Academy (OMG) School of Irish Dance in Westmont. He now teaches there.

Kristufek has competed at 7 World Irish Dance Championships. While this wildly talented young man loves

the stage, his other great passion is teaching. “There is nothing more rewarding than seeing students learn and progress,” Kristufek smiled.

The performer sat down with Hinsdale Magazine’s Contributing Editor, Maureen Callahan, before leaving for his whirlwind tour.

HOW DID YOU BECOME PART OF LORD OF THE DANCE?

A lot of it had to do with the dance resumé I have built over the last few years. I’ve competed quite a bit. The Lord of the Dance show director had

seen me dance at a few competitions. I had reached out to him simultaneously to inquire about the show, too. So, it was a combination of effort on both sides. I danced in Feet of Flames, another Michael Flatley show, in Taiwan last November. It went well. After that show, I was offered a part in the Lord of the Dance North America tour, which kicked off in early February.

HOW DO YOU PRACTICE/ TRAIN FOR THE SHOW?

The choreographers give us the dances to study at home. I practice

Kristafuk starred in Lord of the Dance's Asian tour last fall.

"My best advice would be to always remember what you love about Irish dance and keep it as your focus."

- RONAN KRISTUFEK

about an hour or two a day to learn the steps. You are expected to know 100% of what you’re doing on the first day you arrive. I’m lucky to be a fast learner. There are 1 or 2 days of practice before the show starts, but that’s just for fine tuning. There is one male and one female dance captain and a creative director. They’re there to critique you. In the end, everyone wants to put on a great show, so veteran cast members are very helpful to newer ones.

WHAT HAPPENS IF A DANCER GETS INJURED?

There's a physical therapist who travels with the show that is available to anyone who needs them. The dancers are in very good shape, almost like professional athletes, but something could always happen. If a

dancer has to be out for just a couple of shows, someone on the cast can usually fill in. There are also several understudies who know the numbers in case someone must be out for a few days. If it goes longer than that, there are “reserve” dancers who can fill in.

HOW DO YOU STAY ENERGIZED FOR A SHOW THAT LENGTH?

Lord of the Dance has a running time of about two to two and a half hours. Most of the time, it doesn’t seem as exhausting until you look back at what you’ve been doing the last few hours! With a show like that, there's an energy that comes from the audience, too. At times, you're breathing heavily, but the artistry of the show definitely pushes you forward.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU HAVE FOR DANCERS FOLLOWING A SIMILAR PATH?

Obviously, it’s very important to listen to your teachers and practice. I am blessed to have the Mulherns as teachers. They’re the best around. In addition to teaching me, they also helped nurture the love I have for Irish dance. My best advice would be to always remember what you love about Irish dance and keep it as your focus. I passed through some years of competition when I didn’t necessarily win a lot. But I kept at it because I loved it. So, don't give up on yourself when you get frustrated. Dance because you love it.

Kristafuk advises students to dance "because they love it, not for honors."

Photo by Andrea Waala

OMG students, Ronan Kristafuk and Libby Carty, at the 2023 Irish Dance World Championships

PEAK

PERFORMANCE

Alex Pancoe reaches new heights for a cause

BY ANNA HUGHES

Meet Alex Pancoe: husband, father, philanthropist, and adventurer. Pancoe, a Highland Park native, is not one to shy away from a challenge. He’s scaled all seven summits, faced near-death experiences, braved inhumane temperatures, and more, all while raising money and awareness for Lurie Children’s Hospital, where he was treated at only 18 years old for a brain tumor. The Northwestern University alum now lives in Lake Forest with his wife, Nina, his 18-month-old son Zephyr, and their four dogs. He spoke at Arc’teryx in Oakbrook Center in January, sharing his story. Now, in an exclusive Oak Brook Magazine Q&A, he recounts his astonishing resume and shares his toughest challenge yet.

Elmhurst Magazine: Firstly, can you tell us a little bit about your brain tumor diagnosis?

Alex Pancoe: I was diagnosed at 18 years old, before my sophomore year at Northwestern. It was a huge shock and totally unexpected. I was treated at what was then Children’s Memorial by Dr. Tadanori Tomita – a legend in the field!

EM: What was the medical process after you found out you had the tumor? How long was recovery?

AP: I didn’t understand cancer much at that point, so when it was surgically removed, I didn’t realize the significance of the biopsy results – benign or malignant. Luckily it was benign, and I was back to normal within a few weeks.

EM: What made you decide to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? What was that experience like, and how did it feel standing at the summit?

Approaching the summit of Mt. Blanc

Photo by Hannah Burrows-Smith

Summit of Forbidden Peak, Washington State

Photo by Brian Muller

AP: My whole life, I had operated under the assumption that success was primarily career-driven. I was at a point in my life where I felt very unfulfilled and wanted to push myself and try something totally new. Kilimanjaro is the easiest of the seven summits, but I had never pushed myself physically in my life, and I doubted I would succeed. When I stood on the summit, achieving something I had thought I could never do was a life-changing experience, and “impossible” isn’t part of my vocabulary now.

EM: What made you decide to complete “The Explorers Grand Slam?” This is an unbelievable physical feat!

AP: After Kilimanjaro, I wanted to see how much further I could go, so I set my aim for Aconcagua, the highest mountain in South America. It’s more hiking than climbing, like Kilimanjaro – but 3000 feet taller! (22841 feet). When I succeeded, I knew I wanted to climb Mt. Everest and the seven summits. Skiing to the North and South Poles to complete the Grand Slam was something that captured my interest as I continued my journey.

AP: What is the training process like to prepare your body for these dangerous expeditions?

EM: I am too familiar with high-rise stairwells and stair machines! Physically, I train 10-20 hours a week, increasing the load as I get closer to

a climb or expedition. But no amount of time in a gym is a substitute for the real world and building climbing techniques and skills. I try to climb as often as I can, from Alaska to the Cascades, keeping fresh.

EM: What do you consider to be the hardest thing your body has ever encountered?

AP: I had a near-death experience on Snowmass mountain, a Colorado 14er, and nearly lost my life and leg. I was evacuated off the mountain in a Black Hawk Helicopter by the National Guard. Currently, however, it’s leukemia. I was diagnosed this past year, and that’s the current mountain I am climbing.

EM: With all these adventures, you raise awareness for Lurie Children’s Hospital. Why is it so important to you to bring awareness to individual patients and the medical team there?

AP: Only 4% of cancer funding goes toward pediatric research. As a recent father, I can’t imagine anything harder than what some of these kids and their families are going through. Lurie’s brings hope both through its clinical results, as well as holistically for the kids and their families.

EM: If someone was going to take one piece of advice away from your inspiring journey, what would you want it to be?

AP: It might be cliché, but you don’t know if you don’t try. Those impossible dreams might not be impossible. 10 years ago, I would have laughed if you told me I would stand on top of Mt. Everest. My journey was truly something I never entertained as possible.

To support Pancoe’s mission and goal of raising $1 million for Lurie Children’s Hospital, visit peaksofmind.org. ■

Summit of Mt. Vinson Antarctica

Photo by Steve Moffat

Approaching the Hillary Step (or what remains post 2015 Earthquake) on the Summit Ridge of Mt. Everest.

Photo by Rob Smith

Skiing towards the South Pole

Photo by Andy Cole

Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity

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

The show, which ran Feb. 10-19, 2024, kicked off with the annual First Look for Charity, a black-tie gala that raises money for 18 local charities, on Feb. 9. This year, the event donations topped $2.8 mil-

lion. In the event’s 32-year history, they have now raised $62 million for local charities and nonprofit organizations in the greater Chicago area.

First Look for Charity allows attendees to view the auto show before it opens to the public. Tickets are $325 per person, and each ticketholder can choose to contribute to all charities or specify one beneficiary. The show also highlights local Chicago businesses by featuring gourmet dishes from fan-favorite restaurants, live music, and deluxe drinks.

Chicago Auto Show co-president and general manager Jennifer Morand explained how board members of the Chicago Auto Trade

Association each elect a charity to benefit from this event. She said they often choose a group they’ve personally supported for many years.

“They're behind this effort, and they want to, you know, raise money and raise awareness for organizations that need it the most,” Morand said. “It makes them feel proud that they get to actually, you know, bring them on because First Look for Charity is so impactful for these groups. And sometimes, in a lot of cases, they actually rely on the event to help them raise money that they use for their programs and services throughout the year.” ■

Spring Break TRAVEL ESSENTIALS A

s the days get longer and trees start to bloom, we know that spring and summer travel are right on the horizon. Whether you're planning a weekend couples getaway, a road trip, or a beachy spring break vacation with the family, having the right travel essentials can make your journey smoother and more enjoyable. In this guide, we'll explore the must-have items to pack for your adventures – wherever they may take you.

CAPSULE CLOTHING:

No one wants to place their checked luggage onto the scale just to see it's a few pounds overweight. To avoid a jam-packed suitcase and enjoy a lighter travel experience, opt for your capsule closet. By mixing and matching a pair of jeans, linen pants, and a few fun tops or light sweaters, you'll have a week's worth of outfits in no time. Add a versatile sneaker, a pool or hotel slip-on, and a dressier option if needed. Some versatile accessories like a classic crossbody, cashmere scarf, or cool sunglasses are ways to add excitement to your outfit while taking up limited space.

Photo by Pexels Alexander

SUN SAFETY

As summer approaches, many are desperate to display their summer tan, but you shouldn't ditch sun protection in search of a beautiful glow. Pack a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to shield your skin from harmful UV rays, especially if you're headed south. Additionally, sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat can provide extra protection and serve as a fashionable accessory. Even if your destination is chilly, slather on the sunscreen! A day on the slopes can be even more dangerous to your skin than the beach.

HYDRATION, HYDRATION, HYDRATION!

It's easy to get dehydrated while traveling, whether you're in the sun all day or enjoying a few extra piña coladas. Consider bringing a reusable water bottle along for the trip, even if it seems obnoxious to travel with. Many options keep your water cold for hours and are perfect for a long car ride, a sporty day on the slopes, or a day at the beach. Additionally, pack electrolyte drink mixes to help replenish essential minerals and aid in hydration while you're away. Your body will thank you for the extra hydration!

DON'T MISS THE MEMORIES:

Whether you're venturing to the the Caribbean or the Bahamas, photo opportunities are guaranteed on every trip. Don't miss capturing a stunning sunset or starry night because your phone is dead! Bring a compact and lightweight charger with multiple USB ports to ensure you never miss a family photo, a right turn, or a late-night Uber.

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS KIT:

While relying on hotel convenience stores or the local Walgreens for forgotten essentials is typical, take charge by packing your own "just in case" kit. Add some ibuprofen, antacids, and your daily vitamins to make sure you're feeling your best throughout your trip. Also, consider a small first aid kit, including Band-Aids, Neosporin, and bug bite cream, tailored to your destination. This one is crucial for college kids on spring break!

STAY ORGANIZED:

One of the best ways to have a smooth trip is by prioritizing organization. Whether you have a bonus toiletry bag or travel compact, keep passports, IDs, cards, and cash in a safe place. This includes all travel information, like plane tickets and bag tags. Most importantly, make sure all these things are stored in your personal carry-on item (for those flying).

Whether you're exploring a big city or unwinding on the beach, the right travel essentials can help you make the most of your adventures and create lasting memories. With diligent preparation and organization, the focus of your trip can be making lasting memories with the people you love.

Photo by Marissa Groote

Making a

Comeback

The Return of the Cicadas

BY ANNA HUGHES | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE THE MORTON ARBORETUM

Arare ecological event is happening this spring and summer, but it comes with lots of crawly legs and beady eyes. For the first time in 221 years, two broods of cicadas (Brood XIX, which arrives every 13 years, and Brood XIII, which comes every 17 years) will be making their way above ground at the same time. This is the first time this has happened since 1803, when Thomas Jefferson was president. In 2024, the United States will see a trillion cicadas, but what does that mean for us here in Illinois?

Illinois will experience both broods at the same time. The west suburbs of Chicago will experience Brood XIII, which inhabits the northern third of the state and parts of lower Wisconsin. The southern parts of the state will see Brood XIX. While entomologists

recommend enjoying this rare occurrence, they say to expect a lot of noise and a lot of bugs.

Warning: Potential Plant Damage Cicadas, however, are more than just pesky. They can be very damaging to trees and plants during the spring and summer months. We spoke with Morton Arboretum Plant Health Care Leader Stephanie Adams, who offered some advice on how to protect against insect invasion.

1. Avoid planting new trees (if possible) until late summer or fall. This is best to prevent the young plants from experiencing too much damage in their early growth stages.

2. Grab some tulle or netting and wrap up your trees! Female cicadas inject their ovipositor, a

sharp external organ, into a branch just underneath the bark to lay eggs so they're protected. This cuts slits into the underside of small branches. Adams explained it's not normally where people think about looking for insect damage because it's actually on the underside of branches instead of the top. For people with manicured gardens, she suggests buying protective fabric sooner rather than later!

3. Pesticides are not necessarily the answer here. Studies have not proven that pesticides are helpful for large-scale problems like cicadas. As for contact insecticides, they should be avoided because they would likely be damaging more non-target organisms than cicadas.

4. Don't cut off branches that seem to be damaged. Adams said that as long as the leaves are green on the trees, they are still photosynthesizing. It's better to wait until the branch is fully dead to cut it off to avoid doing excess damage to the tree.

The good news is that cicadas are native insects, so native trees should not suffer too much from their emergence. Typical damage is no more than native pruning. It's vital that other trees or plants you may have added to your lawns and gardens receive adequate protection, especially young ones. For those wondering how to properly cover their plants, the Arboretum is a great place to see examples of proper netting.

Which trees do cicadas prefer?

The arboretum's website says that preferred plants for egg-laying include apple, hickory, maple, and oaks. Members of the birch, dogwood, walnut, willow, linden, and elm plant families may also be used. They may also lay eggs in introduced exotic ornamentals such as rose, cotoneaster, forsythia, ginkgo, pear, and lilac. Cicadas tend to avoid plants whose sap or gum may prevent egg hatch or keep nymphs from escaping, such as conifers, sumac, cherries, peaches, plums, and persimmon (Brown and Zuefle, 2009).

Foundation 205

Showcase 2024, Imagine and Inspire, took place in early February at Medinah Country Club. The fundraising gala supports Foundation 205’s mission to ensure all Elmhurst Public School students have access to innovation and opportunities for educational excellence. This year, Deirdre Churchill was the recipient of the Friend of the Foundation Award for her seven-year tenure on the Board of Directors and her lasting legacy and impact on the organization.

PHOTOS BY LAURA MEYER

➀ Event Co-Chairs Angie Martino and Megan Farley ➁ Friend of the Foundation Award Winner Dierdre Churchill ➂ Executive Director Kate Knicker, Jill Martin, Associate Director Lauren Johnson, Angie Martino, Michael Haarlow, Megan Farley, Emcee Kerry Sayers, Kelly Stetler, Board Chair Heather Stotts, and Melissa Ptsasiensk ➃ Michael Haarlow and Melissa Ptasienski ➄ Jeff Bryk, Kate Knicker and Lyle Weseloh ➅ Athena Arvanitis, Mark Anglewicz, Rosie Anglewicz

Here at Authentic Growth Wellness Group, we strive to provide personalized, compassionate, evidenced-based approaches to counseling and therapy that ensures you have a safe, nonjudgmental, shame-crushing, and calm space to help you authentically grow in alignment with yourself and your goals .

Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation

The Elmhurst Memorial Hospital Foundation set a record by raising more than $110,000 from 400 attendees at Chef Fest, which was held on February 1 at the Drury Lane Theatre & Conference Center in Oakbrook Terrace. The event included a variety of signature menu items produced by 26 chefs from prominent local restaurants, bakeries and caterers who donated their time and talent. Proceeds from Chef Fest support future service enhancements to ensure Elmhurst Hospital maintains its commitment to delivering state-of-the-art healthcare to the community.

Chef Fest featured 26 area restaurants including ➀ The Lucca Osteria & Bar in Oakbrook and ➁ Roka Akor in Oakbrook. ➂ Wes Lieberher, Executive Chef, prepares to serve some of the culinary offerings from Endeavor Health Elmhurst Hospital’s Wildflower Café. ➃ Rossana D’Amore of Lombard and Nina Magas of Elmhurst enjoy some of the culinary offerings.

EVERYTHING AND THE KITCHEN SINK

Our