Hinsdale Magazine March/April 2025

INSIDE:

Young Community Changemakers

Brightpoint Derby Day

Noteworthy: House & Home

TASTE OF TRIUMPH

Sophia Karbowski, Co-Founder of realsy

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THinsdale’s movers and shakers

his issue is filled with great stories about some movers and shakers in Hinsdale.

We begin with our cover story featuring recent Hinsdale alumna Sophia Karbowski, who is a co-founder of Realsy, an award-winning graband-go snack that is truly healthy.

We highlight the impressive accomplishments of Hinsdale Central athletes. Vincas Buzelis, a senior basketball player for Hinsdale High School, is following in the footsteps of his older brother, Matas Buzelis, who is now playing for the Chicago Bulls.

Another Hinsdale Red Devil, Mike Skokna, was a starting receiver on the North Central College football team, which has recently won the NCAA Division III championship.

A group of local teens is experiencing the satisfaction that comes from doing volunteer work for area nonprofits under the guidance of the Community Memorial Foundation.

information about noteworthy companies in real estate, landscaping, interior design, home building, and outdoor pergolas.

In terms of giving back, we present plans for the Hinsdale Auxiliary's 70th Derby Day fundraiser in support of Brightpoint, which raises money for those in financial need.

We also introduce you to SCARCE, a DuPage County nonprofit that turns “trash into treasure.” They encourage donors to bring items to the SCARCE resale shop. These items, ranging from books to appliances and everything in between, were originally intended for disposal. They also travel to various groups to educate them on the many ways to help preserve the environment.

Jen Chillo, a resident of Hinsdale, teaches at Morton West High School. She has fostered the idea of “Say Yes to the Dress” by collecting gently used formal wear for a prom boutique that allows students to acquire formal wear at affordable prices.

Teenager Isabella DeSilva learned to play the harp from her mother, Nicola. Now, she plays the harp for the District 181 orchestra. Both are part of a thriving group that is teaching more and more people how to play the harp in the area.

Just in time for your home this spring, we bring you

TASTE OF TRIUMPH

This issue also takes you on a tour of historical architecture in DuPage County. Last but not least, we provide you with everything you need to know about why you should consider heading north to Alaska for an unforgettable vacation.

Finally, I want to thank you, our readers, for bringing Hinsdale Magazine into your homes since 2011. Your support has allowed us to tell the stories of greater Hinsdale and we look forward to serving you for another 14 years! Please remember to support our loyal advertisers, who also make it possible for us to bring you these editions.

Enjoy this issue of Hinsdale Magazine and let us know what you think.

Scott Jonlich Publisher

Sophia Karbowski, Co-Founder of realsy

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

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Valerie Hardy

Anna Hughes

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SPRING HAS SPRUNG!

Celebrate warmer weather with family fun events in the western suburbs. We’ve gathered a list of happenings that you won’t want to miss.

BY ANNA HUGHES

THE 25TH ANNUAL PUTNAM COUNTY SPELLING BEE

March 12 - April 27

Copley Theatre ParamountAurora.com

Six quirky contestants vie for the spelling bee championship of a lifetime in this hilarious fan-favorite musical. With coming-of-age themes that all current or once-upon-a-time adolescents can relate to, this Tony Award-winning musical is wildly comedic and equally touching. Showtimes vary by date.

DOWNERS GROVE NORTH FRIENDS OF FINE ARTS DESSERT SHOWCASE

March 22 from 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM Downers Grove North High School Commons

DGN-FOFA.org

DGN Friends of Fine Arts (FOFA) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to supporting the fine arts students at Downers Grove North High School. This special event will

feature gourmet desserts, a student art show, and live performances by DGN’s talented music students. It’s an evening celebrating the arts while supporting the community’s next generation of creators and performers. Funds from ticket sales, raffle items, individual and company sponsors, and event donations go to DGN FOFA’s scholarship and clinician support, as well as summer grants and college scholarships.

ROBBINS PARK

EGG HUNT

April 12 from 9:45 AM - 11:30 AM Robbins Park in Hinsdale VillageofHinsdale.org

The Hinsdale Parks and Recreation Department and The Community House present the 2025 Egg Hunt! Children 11 and under and their families are invited to hunt for treats and visit with

the Easter Bunny. Times are scattered for each age group. Visit the village website for more information.

DOGGIE

EGGSTRAVAGANZA

April 19 from 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Berens Park in Elmhurst ExploreElmhurst.com

The Elmhurst Park District is making sure that no family members are left behind when it comes to spring festivities, including your furry friends! Dogs of all sizes can join in the fun by hunting for eggs in the park. Note that all dogs must be kept on a non-retractable leash, be current on all vaccinations, visibly wear tags, and must be accompanied by at least one person age 16+. No registration is required for this paw-some free event!

COUNTRY IN THE PARK

May 3 from 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Downers Grove Museum DGHistory.org

The Downers Grove Park District, Downers Grove Public Library, and Downers Grove Historical Society

present Country in the Park, which is part of the annual Downers Grove FoundersFest celebration. Families have an opportunity to visit with farm animals and try out 1850s pioneer-era games, live music, and more! Take a trip back in time with this free event and celebrate the history of Downers Grove.

ART IN WILDER PARK

May 3-4 from 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Wilder Park in Elmhurst ElhurstArtMuseum.org

Elmhurst Art Museum presents the 28th Art in Wilder Park. The free twoday event draws thousands of visitors from all over the Midwest, with artists sell-

Art in Wilder Park

Photo courtesy of the Elmhurst Art Museum

Walk for Wellness House Photo courtesy of The Wellness House

ing one-of-a-kind jewelry, paintings, sculptures, ceramics, prints, fiber arts, and delicious treats from local food vendors. The event is about uniting creativity and community and will feature booths by over 80 Midwest artists, 10 nonprofits, 10 food vendors, 10 Kids Court participants, and 20 other local business partners.

WALK FOR WELLNESS HOUSE

May 4 at 8:00 AM Home of Hope WellnessHouse.org Walk or run your way through the streets of Hinsdale for the annual Walk for Wellness House fundraiser. Wellness House offers no-cost services as a complement to medical treatment to educate, support, and empower individuals impacted by cancer. Since 1990, Wellness House has supported over 41,000 people. Every donation made to the Walk for Wellness House ensures that there is absolutely no charge for all programs and services.

MAY THE FOURTH (AND FORCE) BE WITH US ALL

May 4 at 3:30 PM Hinsdale Central High School WestSubSymphony.org

Calling all Star Wars fans! Join the West Suburban Symphony in a tribute to the epic music of Star Wars and film composer John Williams, led by Maestro Peter Lipari. They’ll showcase two amazing medleys of Star Wars music from the original trilogy of movies: A New Hope, The Empire Strikes Back, and Return of the Jedi. They’ll also bring you Williams’ Raiders March and Liberty Fanfare. Costumes are welcome! Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for seniors age 65 and up, and $5 for teenagers. Children 12 and younger can enjoy it for free.

OAK BROOK PARK DISTRICT ANNUAL PINK 5K

May 10 at 8:00 AM Central Park in Oak Brook OBParks.org

Help fight breast cancer by participating in the Oak Brook Park District Annual Pink 5k. Runners/ walkers can enjoy this fun, family-friendly, scenic race while feeling confident

they’re making a difference. 100% of the net profits from registration will be donated to the Hinsdale Hospital Foundation Open Arms Breast Cancer Outreach Fund. This outreach fund was established in 2011 to support breast cancer patients and their families. Every $250 donated provides a free mammogram to women in need.

West Suburban Symphony

Photo courtesy of the West Suburban Symphony

WANNEPATIOREFRESH?

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Explore bestselling brands like Berlin Gardens, NorthCape, Winston, Hanamint, Patio Renaissance, Ebel, and Ow Lee. Don’t forget the outdoor cushions, pillows, umbrellas, and decorative pieces to make your patio shine!

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GROWING FAMILY TRADITIONS FOR OVER 50 YEARS.

GAME FACE ON

Vincas Buzelis is serious on the court and serious about joining his brother in the NBA

BY JEFF VORVA

Vincas Buzelis is asked quite a bit about his brother. And he doesn’t mind it.

Vincas is two years younger than his brother, Matas, who is a rookie with the Chicago Bulls.

“I’m always proud of him,” he said. “Anything he does, I’m proud of. Before my season, I was able to go to almost every one of his games.”

Growing up, the two would go at it hard in the front yard, Vincas said. And in open gyms with the Full Package AAU program, he would request to be paired up against Matas.

“I would say, put me on him – I’m guarding him,” Vincas said. “It doesn’t really matter. It’s open gym. No cameras. I just want to be the best player I can be. If I’m being honest, I didn’t get the best of him a lot of times.

Sometimes I could score on him a little bit, but now I’m starting to get a lot better, and my shot is getting better. I’m getting a lot more athletic. It was getting difficult for him.”

The two stopped playing because Vincas said there was no reason to risk injuries.

Matas played just one year at Hinsdale Central before playing in New Hampshire and Kansas after COVID19 hit and went to the NBA G League.

Vincas, a senior, is dazzling the area with his play.

He is the leader of a Hinsdale Central squad that was 24-2 through Feb. 6, including winning the Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic in December. Buzelis was named the tournament’s MVP. Dillon Orozco joined him on

the All-Tournament team. Buzelis had a 40-point performance in the semifinals as the Red Devils beat Niles North 78-77. He added a team-best 18 points in a 52-51 win over Brother Rice for the title.

While he was all smiles and laughing it up after that tournament, he is very serious on the court.

“I’m all business,” Buzelis said. “When it comes to competing – anyone who is in front of me I want to kill. That’s my purpose. They are trying to take my job, and I’m trying to take their job. I’m trying to provide for my family, and they are trying to provide for their family.”

He said he had his game face since he was a swimmer when he was seven.“I hated everyone against me,” he said.

Hinsdale Central’s Vincas Buzelis tries to drive around a Brother Rice player in the Hinsdale Central Holiday Classic championship game.

Photo by Jeff Vorva

“He works exceptionally hard. He does the necessary training and puts in extra time with the machines and weights. What you’re seeing is the result of hundreds of hours of work effort and for stuff that he does on his own.”

- NICK LATORRE, COACH OF THE RED DEVILS, ON BUZELIS AND HIS WORK ETHIC

Interestingly, swimming led to basketball in an odd way. He was swimming in Indianapolis and received a call from Full Package coaches who were in town and needed an extra player.

“I scored 20 points and never turned back,” he said.

Red Devils coach Nick Latorre doesn’t view Vincas as Mata’s younger brother. The coach looks at him as a player who puts in his time to be great.

“He works really hard at his game,” Latorre said of Buzelis. “You know all of the successes he is having is because of how hard he works. He works exceptionally hard. He does the necessary training and puts in extra time with the machines and weights. What you’re seeing is the result of hundreds of hours of work effort and for stuff that he does on his own.”

Buzelis’s long-range goal is the NBA, like his brother. But aside from that, he doesn’t think too far ahead.

“I don’t think about the next game or the next quarter,” he said. “I just think about the next possession. If I’m on defense, I want to get a stop. If I’m on offense, I want the team to score.”

Matas shot up from 6-foot-3 as a high school freshman to 6-10 as an NBA player.

Vincas is listed at 6-foot-5. Will there be any more growth in his future?

“I don’t really know, and I don’t really care,” he said. “I just want to hoop. If teams don’t like me because of my height, it’s their fault. I’m a dog, and

I’m just going to go out there and play.”

He has committed to the University of South Dakota, and that school’s coaches watched him while he was playing for Full Package in Wisconsin. “They didn’t think they could get me,” he said. “But a couple of months later, they offered me, and I came to visit. It was a great facility. Great coaches. Great program.

“The coaches are like a family. They joke a lot, but it’s strictly business on the court. That’s what I love.” ■

Above: Vincas Buzelis receives a hug from Bob Hardy after he wins the Justin Hardy MVP Award. Below: Vincas Buzelis (No. 4), usually serious during games, laughs with his teammates after Hinsdale Central won its holiday tournament in December. Photos by Jeff Vorva

Buzelis is hoping to follow in his brother’s footsteps and make it to the NBA.

Primary Care, Personalized

At Rush Concierge Medicine, we take your health care personally.

We understand that your health and well-being affect every aspect of your life. We will work with you to prioritize your health by focusing on your wellness goals. Whether you want to stay active, better manage a chronic condition, or seek a more personalized health care experience, we are by your side. Rush Concierge Medicine is a membership-based primary care practice that focuses on highly personalized, accessible care. Our clinic is conveniently located in downtown Hinsdale.

As a member, you’ll have a personal physician and nurse navigator as your partners in every aspect of your health. Your team is always a simple call, email or text away — 24 hours a day, seven days a week. With same- or next-day appointments available, they’ll prioritize your concerns quickly.

“With concierge medicine, you have access to your doctor and nurse any time, and we really serve as your quarterback in care,” says Luan Elezi, MD, family medicine physician with Rush Concierge Medicine. “Our goal is to help you open up and discuss your health concerns so we can establish an open relationship and true partnership.”

Better Access, More Time

To build this partnership, Rush Concierge Medicine is tackling two of the biggest challenges in health care: difficulty accessing care and not having enough time with your doctor.

“Our patients are in the office for 90 minutes to two hours for their comprehensive physical,” says Marie Runyan, RN, BSN, concierge nurse navigator. “Many concerns come out when you have more time together, so that helps us really get to know you.”

The goal of breaking down these time and access barriers is to foster a strong partnership between you and your care team — which can ultimately help improve your overall health and wellness.

“Concierge medicine is more personalized and convenient,” Runyan says. “For example, if you wake up not feeling well, we’ll get you in right away. You’ll see your physician who knows you, your health history, your medications and your background.

Concierge medicine also makes it easier to manage the complexities of health care. “We will help you navigate everything from annual wellness exams to chronic illnesses and beyond,” Runyan says. “Knowing we’re there as your partner takes the pressure off of you to juggle it all.”

Investing In Your Health

A lot of people find their way to concierge medicine when they are ready and able to invest in their health. “Our goal is to optimize your health and focus on prevention so we can help you be more proactive with your health rather than reactive,” says Elezi.

To do this, Rush Concierge Medicine provides recommended screening and prevention testing specific to your needs. Your care team will work with you to determine if a deeper dive into different aspects of your health would be helpful based on your history and risk factors.

“Many of our patients are prioritizing their health, and they come to us looking for ways to prolong their life through prevention,” Elezi says. “By offering much more comprehensive testing, we can do more proactive disease prevention because we have more data to guide it.”

Concierge medicine can also be a game changer if you’re managing chronic conditions. Your concierge medicine team will help you coordinate appointments with your specialists and navigate the system, ensuring that nothing falls through the cracks.

“When you’re seeing five different specialists, there’s so much information, and there can be so much disconnect between providers,” Elezi says. “We know exactly who you see, all your medications, all your concerns, and all your appointments. That allows us to collaborate with your specialists, advocate for you and make sure everyone is on the same page.”

Become a Member

If you’re interested in becoming a member of Rush Concierge Medicine, you can schedule a complimentary meet-and-greet with the concierge medicine team to get a feel for the practice and providers.

To schedule a meet-and-greet or to learn more about Rush Concierge Medicine, visit rush.edu/concierge-medicine or call (630) 724-1680. Rush Concierge Medicine is located at 32 E. 1st St. in Hinsdale.

PASSION + FASHION

Once-worn formalwear gets a second chance through a nonprofit prom boutique run by Hinsdale’s Jen Chillo

BY VALERIE HARDY

“Never in a million years” did Jen Chillo, a 16-year resident of Hinsdale, think she would end up teaching at the high school she attended. However, she considered it “serendipitous” when she was offered a position at her alma mater, Morton West High School, the week of her 20-year high school reunion.

Now in her seventh year at Morton West, Chillo serves primarily as a freshman biology teacher. However, one of her favorite parts of returning to her old school falls beyond the classroom.

Each spring, Chillo collects gently used formalwear and runs a prom boutique, which she dubbed “Say Yes to the Dress” after the wedding show on TLC. The boutique at Morton West is open before school, after school, and during lunch periods, so juniors and seniors can easily “shop” for dresses, suits, ties, shoes, and accessories, allowing them to put together the perfect prom ensemble without spending a dime.

Chillo had thought about starting a nonprofit prom shop at Morton West for years since nearly 80 percent of the student body qualifies for free or reduced-price lunches based on

“people go to a lot of events, get photographed in dresses they may never wear again, then probably get new ones,” Chillo said. “This town is so social and so generous.”

Always confident her fashion-forward friends, neighbors, and other community members would contribute to a nonprofit formalwear drive to benefit the students with whom she worked, it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic hit that Chillo brought the prom boutique idea into actuality.

Maddie, Jen, and Leighton Chillo showcase prom gowns at the “Say Yes to the Dress” fashion show. Left: Donations make Morton West’s “Say Yes to the Dress” prom boutique and fashion show possible.

Tearing up, Chillo explained how the boutique came to life when Morton West stayed open “all throughout COVID because the students didn’t have internet access. The school was such a hub for the kids, but [due to social distancing requirements, their learning] was all on screens. It was distanced and lonely.”

Recognizing how much “connection was missing,” Chillo wanted to bring students together. She shared the prom boutique idea with her students, “a great group of freshmen who were really excited to be involved.” Six or seven of them took on leadership roles, spending their lunch and supervisory periods organizing donated apparel by color and size.

“It was just a really sweet, organic thing that happened because it was a time with a void for everybody,” Chillo explained of the boutique’s beginnings. To further help lift students’ spirits during the boutique’s inaugural season, Chillo and student volunteers decorated the “changing room” (Chillo’s lab prep room) with affirmations like “you are the hero of your own story” and “you are beautiful.” They also provided food that was donated, so the students “felt pampered while they were shopping,” Chillo said.

She was surprised by how quickly donations came in, allowing “Say Yes to the Dress” to give away 30 dresses

for fashion and her dedication to the students, it wouldn’t be possible.”

Chillo, however, credits the boutique’s success to the formalwear and monetary donors as well as the staff and student volunteers who helped her vision become a reality.

These volunteers include Chillo’s daughters, Maddie (17), Gabby (15), and Leighton (12). Maddie, a junior at Hinsdale Central High School, got involved with the boutique when she was in middle school. “I learned how much good my community can do when we work together,” she said.

that first year. In 2024, the boutique displayed over 200 dresses, and approximately 70 were given away, along with men’s formalwear.

Contributing to this growth was the addition of a fashion show, in which boutique volunteers model looks that will be available. One of these volunteers is Morton West junior Isabella Salcido, the student leader of the “Say Yes to the Dress” initiative, who described the boutique as a “welcoming and comfortable place” for students to stop “stressing about assignments and simply enjoy being with friends and picking out an outfit for a core memory that is soon to be made.”

Salcido expressed gratitude for Chillo and her annual efforts around the prom boutique: “Without her passion

Maddie loves seeing photos of the Morton West students dressed up for prom and described the boutique as a “great way to turn old clothes into new opportunities for those that deserve it the most!”

The boutique has existing inventory from past years, thanks to generous donations courtesy of residents and businesses from Hinsdale and surrounding communities, but additional gently used formalwear and accessory donations are still needed to ensure students have access to a variety of sizes and the latest styles.

To learn more about helping with the boutique or arrange donation drop-off or pick-up, contact Jen (jenchillo@yahoo.com) or Maddie Chillo (maddiechillo1@gmail.com), or direct message Project Say Yes to the Dress’s Instagram account (@psytdd). 

Maddie Chillo and Samantha Douglas of Hinsdale Central High School help set up for the Morton West prom boutique.

Jen Chillo (right), Isabella Salcido (center), and Morton West staff and student prom boutique volunteers

THE GENERATION OF GIVING

Students give back through local nonprofit’s high school program

BY ANNA HUGHES

It ’s no secret that Gen Z wants to change the world. They’re passionate, informed, and active in their communities, with hopes of building better lives for themselves and their neighbors.

This mindset inspired leaders of the Community Memorial Foundation to create a program focused on just that: giving young people in the western suburbs an opportunity to create lasting, meaningful change for others in their communities.

The Young Community Changemakers (YC2) program was founded seven years ago as an extension of the work that the Community Memorial Foundation does every day: utilizing grant-making and community work to advance its mission of improving the health and well-being of 27 communities across western Cook and southeastern DuPage counties. YC2 gives 60 juniors and seniors at Hinsdale Central High School, Lyons Township High School, Nazareth Academy, and Riverside Brookfield High School an inside look at the nonprofit space through the lens of leadership development and philanthropy.

“This initiative really does lift up the best of philanthropy, gratitude, empathy, partnership, community, and hope,” Community Memorial Foundation President and CEO Greg DiDomenico said. “That is our hope: that this engagement with teens, this program with teens, really lifts up the best that philanthropy brings and that our community experiences as a result of it.”

Interested students apply every fall to participate in the 10-week program, which includes weekly meetings, site visits, and the opportunity to provide $30,000 of grant money ($15,000 per cohort of 30 students) to an organization of their collective choosing. It’s a chance for them to not only learn and discuss local issues with their peers but also work hands-on in the community.

“When we’re reading the applications, we’re really looking for a student that has the heart, the mind, and the interest in the nonprofit and philanthropic sector,” Program and Communications Officer Beth Murin

said. “So, you might not need to be the quarterback of the football team with straight As, but you need to have some understanding or desire to understand the needs of your community and how we can collectively work and collaborate to meet those needs.”

Ayla Mushtaq, a senior at Hinsdale Central, was part of 2024’s YC2 crew. This program allowed her to embrace her interest in philanthropy and engage with students from other schools.

“I feel like I did learn a lot about how to make a difference locally, but I also feel like I learned a lot about what philanthropy is,” Mushtaq said. “The

Ayla Mushtaq speaks at the program’s graduation dinner.

other thing that I really gained from the experience was realizing how it’s kind of inspiring to sit in a room full of kids that are your age, that also care about giving back to the world, care about making it a better place.”

DiDomenico and Murin are mesmerized each week as they watch these passionate students like Mushtaq, who give up a few precious hours of their Sundays to be a part of this program.

“We tell them, ‘Everyone is a philanthropist. Everyone has the opportunity to be a philanthropist, right?’” Murin said. “I think typically people think of Warren Buffett or Bill Gates or people that have a ton of money, but I always tell them, by being there on a Sunday, they’re philanthropists because they’re giving their time, their talents, their relationships, their ties, and then this treasure to the community.”

Murin said these teens’ top priorities are often mental health resources and widespread access to healthcare. She treasures their unique viewpoints and relishes the powerful conversations they create each week.

“I love working with young people,” Murin said. “This generation, they’re so smart, they’re so hopeful. They really get it.”

“I love working with young people. This generation, they’re so smart, they’re so hopeful. They really get it.”

- BETH MURIN, COMMUNITY MEMORIAL FOUNDATION PROGRAM AND COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER

Although the students are there to learn, sometimes it’s their turn to teach—whether or not they realize it.

“When I sit into the session where they decide where they’re going to distribute the grants, I learn so much. I’m taking notes, writing down, just thinking, ‘Wow, that’s a great way to look at it.’” DiDomenico said. “It offers us, as a foundation, an opportunity to learn from them and be inspired by them.”

Many students find a true passion for this work throughout the program, hoping to incorporate their newfound knowledge into future plans. Mushtaq, who will start college at Northwestern in the fall, said this experience will certainly influence her studies.

“I definitely want to major in something like history, philosophy, or social sciences-oriented,” Mushtaq said. “I think [YC2] really spiked my interest in some of the philosophical kinds of issues or ideas behind the problems that people are facing today.”

The takeaways from these classes, however, expand beyond philanthropy. They’re simply just lessons for life.

“I think the one thing that I really, really took away from this is, like, the importance of listening to people and listening to their stories,” Mushtaq said.

That pillar of empathy is central to the mission of the Community Memorial Foundation. And with young adults like Mushtaq and her cohort of Gen Z visionaries, there’s certainly plenty to go around.

Community Memorial Foundation has invested over $90 million in the community since its founding in 1995. They are grateful to The Burjan Family, Moira & Paul Naffah, and Corlyn & Jeff Simmons for facilitating the YC2 program.

For more information about the Foundation and YC2, visit CMFDN.org. ■

Juniors and Seniors in high school can apply every fall for the program with selected members announced in early January. Last year's YC2 Class of 2024 featured above.

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In the Water

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• Aqua climbing wall

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Back by Popular Demand:

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• Pool Obstacle Course

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HARP-STRUCK

D181’s Harp Program flourishes at local schools

BY ANNA HUGHES

Nicole DaSilva and her daughter Isabella have a special thing in common: they both play the harp.

DaSilva started playing the harp at 12 years old after being mesmerized by it at a symphony performance. She studied music in college and played professionally for a bit, later working at a harp-making company.

When Isabella, currently in 8th grade at Clarendon Hills Middle School, expressed her own interest in learning to play when she was just eight years old, DaSilva was thrilled.

“It is such a dream come true,” DaSilva said. “For her to get to share something that I love has been very special, and both of us find so much joy in it. It’s wonderful.”

Isabella is one of the original students of District 181’s harp program, which launched in 2020. Led by orchestra director Meghann Talbot, a harpist herself, the program allows students to try their hand at what is often considered to be an intimidating instrument. However, its beauty tends to override other potential concerns.

“How it looks…I think that draws students to it; it’s pretty and unique compared to all the other instruments,” Talbot said. “It sounds pretty the minute you pluck a string, you know, it sounds good. And I think that helps, too.”

Talbot’s harp experience is one of the key components of this program’s growth. It allows her to have a personal understanding of the instrument’s requirements and a deep knowledge of what students need to succeed in their lessons.

“I think that it helped that I’m a harpist,” Talbot said of starting the program.

“You don’t often see that many orchestra teachers who play the harp. They’re usually a violinist or, you know, a cellist. So I think that was an advantage.”

In 5th grade at D181 elementary schools, students are given the option of joining the orchestra. Those interested in the harp try out a variety of string instruments, as well as the harp, to ensure that it’s a good fit. Talbot said a piano background is encouraged because it makes learning the harp a bit easier, however, any student who wants to learn is more than welcome. Talbot’s mindset when it comes to sharing this beautiful instrument is simple: the

more, the merrier!

“It fills my love of the harp and passion for the harp,” Talbot said. “And I’m really lucky that our district provides this opportunity for the kids and me.”

Talbot said the district has been incredibly supportive of this program, allotting a portion of the orchestra budget each year to purchasing more harps. They’ve been able to buy affordable harps that remain at school, so students don’t have to worry about transporting the large instrument back and forth—something that is often a deterrent to potential young harpists.

Nicole DaSilva and her daughter Isabella pose with their harps.

“We’re very lucky. We have the largest harp company in the world in Chicago,” Talbot added. “So we’re able to rent harps if we need to, or we’re able to buy or purchase used harps from them. So if anything breaks, they’re really close by. So we have a lot of things going for us.”

Parents of harp students, like DaSilva, are thrilled by the opportunities provided to their children through this program, as well as the friendships and bonds formed over a love of music at a young age.

“Meghann does a phenomenal job finding things that just the harps can do together as a harp ensemble, which is so unique, and then also integrate them into the orchestra, which I just am thrilled about,” DaSilva said. “I did not have the opportunity to perform in an orchestra until I was in college…It just really is so unique, and it’s very rare.”

Since Talbot is currently only working at the middle schools, DaSilva volunteers her time teaching harp lessons at Walker Elementary School as much as she can. It’s a chance for her to support

“It fills my love of the harp and passion for the harp, and I’m really lucky that our district provides this opportunity for the kids and me.”

- MEGHANN TALBOT, D181 ORCHESTRA TEACHER

the program and share the beauty of her beloved instrument while watching the art of music-making through the eyes of excited young people.

“The harp always stood out to me specifically because it was so unique, and it made me feel so special that I got to play something that was very unique,” DaSilva said. “I think the harpists feel that as well, that they’re a part of something that’s very unique and special, and that makes them feel very confident and want to share what they’re learning with others.”

DaSilva is excited to see Isabella join the orchestra at Hinsdale Central in the fall, along with her other classmates who are choosing to pursue the harp at a higher level. It’s a collaborative effort between the middle and high school districts, as well as the orchestra teachers. Talbot is confident that as the harp program grows at the elementary and middle school levels, it will flourish at the high school level. Seeing the passion and continued interest of these students is all she could have ever asked for when starting the program.

“I think that’s the best part of being a teacher,” Talbot said. “Seeing them excited about playing an instrument… makes you appreciate being a teacher. Then, just watching them grow and, you know, maybe have a hard time getting the music, and then see them practice and work really hard and then achieve that. And it’s just a great feeling.”

Middle school students at HMS and CHMS have the option of taking orchestra as an elective class in their schedule. Anyone interested in the program should contact their school for more information. ■

Harp students practice their technique during orchestra class as well as during weekly harp-specific lessons.

Sophia Karbowski, CEO and Co-Founder of realsy

Hinsdale Central Alum and CEO, Sophia Karbowski, Makes Forbes 30 Under 30 List

For realsy!

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

CEO and Co-Founder of realsy, Sophia Karbowski, got tired of searching for a nutritious grab-n-go snack.

“My business partner, Austin Patry, and I often walked up and down grocery store aisles as we searched for something healthy. We always ended up in the produce section trying to piece together a snack,” Karbowski relayed. “We usually bought some type of nut butter along with the fruit to make it more substantial, but a lot of those products have fillers in them. It negated the quality of a fresh fruit snack.”

Constantly finding themselves back at square one, they dreamt up a healthy snack that combined produce with protein. The result is a fresh, pitted Medjool date filled with almond butter, peanut butter, or a peanut butter/ cacao mix.

The dates have gained a ton of traction with those seeking better snacking alternatives. It’s been a journey – with ups and downs - but a positive one with success around every corner. Now, with realsy dates available in almost two-thousand locations nationwide, Karbowski and Patry stand to revolutionize the snacking industry.

Huge accolades came late last fall when the pair appeared on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. It’s the place any serious young entrepreneur wants to be as company visibility increases exponentially. All winners must be under 30 years of age, but even for these young industrialists, getting there is a monumental task.

Approximately 10,000 hopefuls across 20 categories are nominated. Karbowski and Patry were two of 600 winners to receive the honor.

The process is a lengthy one. It starts by getting nominations – lots of themand not just from friends and family. “We tried our hand at getting the award last year, but we didn’t really give it our all,” said Karbowski. “I don’t know that our sales were actually there in 2023,” she said. But for realsy, 2024 was a different story altogether. The now-profitable company closed the

books in 2024 with $1.5 million in revenue. And this year’s estimates are upwards of $8 million.

“This year, some friends of ours in the industry nominated us. A few past winners of the Food & Drink category also sent nominations on our behalf, so that probably carried more weight to the judges,” Karbowski explained.

After a company applies, they hope to catch the eye of the judges. Stand-outs are notified to fill out more comprehensive forms. “It’s a very detailed application. They read through the growth and discrepancies from the previous year,” Karbowski relayed. If they find an enterprise particularly interesting, they request samples. “From there, you wait,” she said. “Everyone finds out at the same minute of the same day.”

That day is the Tuesday after Thanks-

giving. Karbowski and Patry were thrilled to hear the big news. “I called Austin (who lives in Fort Worth) right away, and we congratulated each other.”

Shortly afterward, they met up in New York to celebrate with the other winners. Although it’s on the winner’s own dime to attend the victory festivities, Karbowski and Patry recommend it. This year, Chelsea Pier Lighthouse, an event space with million-dollar views of the Manhattan skyline, hosted the celebration. “A former Food & Drink category winner held an event for this year’s successes the night before,” said Karbowski. “Ours was the only category who did something together before the big celebration for everyone.

It was great to actually meet a lot of impactful people. Forbes set up a channel for all of us to create a community

Karbowski and business partner Austin Patry at the Forbes 30 Under 30 event.

to keep in touch, too, so it’s been very helpful.”

It’s not surprising Forbes would notice these two. Last year saw so much growth for realsy. The company added around 800 new retailers. And not just in the typical outlets of grocery chains, Amazon and direct website orders. Karbowski and Patry have creatively brainstormed their way into non-traditional channels in the food service and convenience sector, such as airport concourse stores. Professional NBA and NHL franchises are also among their clients, both for their players and as a concession item at their stadiums.

They’re also selling to corporate cam puses – think Spotify, Gap, Netflix, Meta, and Bank of Amer ica – for employee snacks. The snacks are often avail able at no cost to employ ees, so it’s a giant no-risk trial. And campuses are now looking for healthier snacks in substitution for historically processed and unhealthy work snacks.

For realsy, success in this setting required flexibility – something that doesn’t faze Karbowski and Patry. A budget-friendly version for compa nies pricing in-house snacks for employees had to be created. To make this possible, a single-wrapped date option in every flavor was added to the product line – another big change last year.

fruit purée, mixed with various ingredients such as other fresh fruit, prepared in a food truck. The two pooled their savings, along with funds raised through an Indiegogo Campaign (an online fundraising platform). They parked the food truck down the street from TCU campus. It gained instant popularity. Eventually, additional items such as smoothies and avocado toast were added to the product line.

A year after graduation, TCU allowed

But even then, these two pivoted quickly to learn how to ship frozen items from their line, such as smoothies, to grocery stores across the country.

The Forbes honor is a sure sign these two are building a solid venture. What’s next for realsy? “We’ve gotten some random requests from café chains in London and Madrid. We haven’t done an international push yet, although the opportunity is there down the line,” said Karbowski. “We’ve looked casually into launching in Canada, but in the end, we still have so much growth opportunity here.” New products for the line are also on the horizon. One thing is for sure – realsy is a promising channel for anyone looking for healthy

“We knew it would be worth it for the number of people we would reach,” said Karbowski. “So, we adapted to fit their budget parameters.”

By now, this pair knows how to adapt to what works. realsy is not their first rodeo. Karbowski and Patry met as business students at Texas Christian University (TCU) in Fort Worth eight years ago. Both realized the lack of healthy food options available at the university and in the school’s vicinity. As classmates in an entrepreneurial major, they decided to help fill the gap in nutritious food themselves.

Their first joint venture, Rollin' Bowlin,’ was acai bowls, a Brazilian

realsy dates are currently flying off the shelves at Jewel-Osco and Fresh Thymes in the Chicagoland area.

For a more comprehensive list of locations or to order online, visit EatRealsy.com. ■

realsy closed the books with $1.5 million in revenue in 2024.

Our mission is to change the financial trajectory of our agent’s and brokers’ careers and sometimes their lives.

Chicago is part of the largest fully integrated network of real estate and auction professionals in the nation. The company has been an innovator in real estate marketing since 1925. United’s management team knows the needs of agents in urban and metropolitan markets. We address those needs by providing powerful marketing programs along with technology-based services that are unique to the industry. We are excited to serve you at our new Oak Brook location!

Contact us at 630-748-4660 or www.unitedrealestatechicago.com

1600 16th Street, Ste. #7 Oak Brook, IL 60523

Managing Broker: Rick Williams@UnitedREchicago.com

NO DOUBTING THOMAS

Skokna waits his turn to help lead North Central College to national football title

By Jeff Vorva

Let’s try to keep this all straight. Hinsdale’s Thomas Skokna is one of 10 children in his family.

There are seven boys – all named after the Apostles. There is Matt, John, Luke, Mark, Thomas, Peter and James. There are three girls – Theresa, Joan, and Gabby. All went to, or are going to, Hinsdale Central.

Five of the boys played football, and four went on to play college football. Got all of that?

Skokna is also related to another large family, so he has eight cousins. More math. More sports.

Growing up, the family gatherings usually followed some kind of sports theme.

“We were constantly running around and playing sports,” Skokna said. “We put together little baseball games and football games. It was fun. I miss it every day.”

Growing up in an environment like that, it was easy to fall in love with

Hinsdale resident Thomas Skokna had three catches for 94 yards in the NCAA Division III National Championship game in January in Houston.

Photo by Steve Woltman for North Central College

Thomas Skokna, a Hinsdale Central grad, worked his way up to be a starting receiver for NCAA Division III champion North Central College in Naperville. Photo by Jeff Vorva

sports. Skokna opened 2025 by winning a national championship in football as a starting receiver for North Central College in Naperville.

The Cardinals capped a perfect 15-0 season with a 41-25 win over Mount Union on Jan. 5 to win the NCAA Division III National Championship (also known as the Stagg Bowl) at Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. It was NCC’s third championship in the past five seasons.

While Skokna, a 5-foot-9, 174-pound junior, did not score any touchdowns, he was still a huge threat, nabbing three catches for 94 yards, including a 46-yard catch in the third quarter. That reception kept a drive going, and the Cardinals eventually scored to take a 21-10 lead, and they dominated the rest of the way.

For the season, Skokna finished with 57 catches for 961 yards and 13 touchdowns.

In 2002 and 2023, he saw scant playing time and had four catches for 59 yards.

In an age where athletes are transferring left and right, he said he never thought about leaving the Naperville school. One of his older brothers, John, played for the Cardinals, and Thomas grew up watching the program flourish.

“My first two years, I was a backup and would try to help the team any way I could,” Skokna said. “Some guys graduated, and my spot opened up, and I took advantage of it. I have a great team that makes me look good. It’s like another home to me. I love it here, and I don’t have any plans on leaving, and I never did.”

Thomas said of John. “Even after he played here, he was coaching me a lot and made me the player I am today.”

Skokna has one more year of eligibility and is eyeing a return to the team with the hopes of a championship repeat.

“I love it here, and I don’t have any plans on leaving, and I never did.”

– THOMAS SKOKNA ON CONTINUING HIS COLLEGE FOOTBALL CAREER AT NCC

John played for the Cardinals in 2013 and 2014. He started out as a receiver but toward the end of his final year, he was switched to cornerback.

“I always looked up to him, so getting to play here after him is really cool,”

NCC coach Brad Spencer said that Thomas waited patiently for this breakout season.

“He’s been behind some really good receivers the past couple of years,” Spencer said of Skokna. “Now, this year, he is showing people what he can do. He has a great quarterback in Luke (Lehnen) throwing to him and a good running game around him as well. Tommy has put the work in, and he has put himself in a position to be ready. I’m really proud of him. He was a standout player at Hinsdale Central when he came out, and every coach in the area texted me to recruit him. So, when you have people doing that, it shows he was well respected and a good player.” 

North Central’s College’s Thomas Skokna helped lead North Central College to a national championship.

Photo by Steve Woltman for North Central College

Thomas Skokna flies through the air during one of his three receptions in the NCAA Division III National Championship game. Photo by Steve Woltman for North Central College

NOTEWORTHY

Owning a home is both an exciting milestone and a significant commitment. As a long-term investment, homeowners face numerous decisions on the path to creating their ideal living space. Fortunately, the western suburbs offer a diverse selection of neighborhoods that cater to various lifestyles. This area is also home to many local professionals who specialize in crafting functional and beautiful spaces. Whether looking to purchase, build, renovate or upgrade, Hinsdale Magazine Group highlights local industry leaders who can help turn your house into the perfect home.

CNC Landscapes

Hinsdale Magazine (HM): What made you choose the landscaping industry as a career, and what keeps you motivated?

CNC Landscapes: Chad Uthe began his journey in the landscape business over 20 years ago, starting with just a pickup truck and a passion for outdoor spaces. Today, CNC has grown into a multifaceted company specializing in residential and commercial lawn care, landscape design and construction, and snow services. The continuous transformation of outdoor environ-ments and the ability to bring clients’ visions to life keeps me motivated every day.

HM: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to build their first home regarding outdoor space/ living?

CNC: Plan for the big picture from the start, then work toward it in phases that fit your schedule and budget. While projects can be completed in sections, having a comprehensive plan from the beginning helps avoid unnecessary rework and ensures a cohesive outdoor space.

HM: Are you involved in community service, volunteer work, club memberships, or school activities?

CNC: CNC is committed to giving back to the community by supporting charity benefits, youth sports, and local events. Being actively involved in the community is an important part of our company’s values. We are proud to support numerous local initiatives, including Clarendon Hills Daisy Days, the Infant Welfare

League, Prospect Elementary School, Clarendon Hills Middle School Pizza Wars, Walker Elementary School, and Clarendon Hills Little League.

HM: Name one aspect of the business that will never be replaced by technology.

CNC: The craftsmanship of skilled workers will always be irreplaceable. While technology can generate beautiful designs, only the hands of experienced craftsmen can bring those plans to life with precision, artistry, and attention to detail onsite.

For more information: : CNCLawnCareInc.com ) (708) 478-5775 * theresacnclandscapes@gmail.com

Ann Pancotto COMPASS | The Pancotto Group

Hinsdale Magazine (HM): What motivated you to pursue a career in real estate, and what continues to drive your passion today?

Ann Pancotto (AP): I chose real estate as a career at the age of 27, 32 years ago. Growing up, my mother was a successful Real Estate Managing Broker. The decision to become a realtor was rooted in my early interactions with her work, but also in my desire to help clients with integrity, expertise, and ex-ceptional service. I’m proud to have been the top agent at COMPASS in the Western Suburbs for properties closed in 2024.

HM: How do you ensure client satisfaction throughout the process?

AP: My approach to client satisfaction is hands-on and collaborative. I work to ensure they receive personalized attention with unparalleled service. When my client needs guidance, I am ready to make their transactions as seamless - and stress-free - as possible.

HM: What’s your favorite neighborhood, and what makes it stand out?

AP: My favorite neighborhood is the one that best aligns with my

clients’ preferences. I believe the focus should be on helping my clients find “their perfect home in their ideal neighborhood.” My priority is always their satisfaction, and I work tirelessly to ensure they find a home that suits their needs and desires.

HM: Can you describe your dream house?

AP: My dream house is one that radiates love, peace, and laughter—qualities that make any house a true home. While the aesthet ics of a house are important, the atmosphere it fosters is what truly defines it as a dream home. Without love, peace, and joy, a beautiful house will never feel truly fulfilling.

HM: How are you involved in your community?

AP: I am actively involved in several local Chambers of Commerce and churches, and I make it a point to volunteer for any charitable causes. Caring for my 93-yearold mother, who is battling dementia, has become a central focus of my life. It is both a challenge and a blessing to be able to serve and support her during this time.

HM: In your opinion, what is one aspect of the real estate business that technology will never replace? AP: Integrity is an essential value that technology can never replace. No matter how advanced digital tools become, the foundation of trust, honesty, and ethical behavior will always be at the heart of any successful real estate transaction. Integrity is not just a professional principle—it’s a cornerstone of my relationships and my life.

HM: What does an ideal workday look like for you?

AP: An ideal day for me starts waking up knowing I get to help people make one of the biggest decisions of their lives. By the end of the day, I know I’ve made a difference in someone’s life. It’s not just about the transactions. It’s about building relationships and making connections. Reach out any time. My door is always open.

For more inforamiotn: : PancottoRealEstate.com ) (630) 479-4393 * annpancotto@gmail.com

Green Grass Landscape

Green Grass Landscape has been proud to serve the local community with dedication, quality, and excellence for the past 30 years. This milestone wouldn’t be possible without the support of their loyal customers, hardworking team, and valued partners.

Hinsdale Magazine (HM): How has Green Grass evolved through the years with your clients?

Green Grass Landscape (GGL): Over the past 30 years, we have built lasting relationships with our clients. Initially, we focused on landscape design and installation, eventually expanding to offer comprehensive maintenance services. As trusted advisors, we help align outdoor spaces with our client’s evolving lifestyles. Many have entrusted us not only with their primary residences but also with designing and maintaining their family members’ homes or their vacation homes. Whether it is creating functional outdoor living spaces, improving curb appeal, or enhancing property value, we continue to grow and adapt to meet our client’s needs with the same dedication and personal touch they’ve come to rely on.

HM: What separates us from other professionals?

GGL: Our commitment to exceptional customer service and clear communication. We prioritize understanding each of our client’s needs, ensuring every project reflects their vision while staying within budget and timeline. From the initial consultation to project completion, we keep clients informed and provide expert guidance. Our goal is to build long-term relationships through trust, reliability, and attention to detail. By actively listening and maintaining open communication, we create an experience, making the landscaping process stress-free and enjoyable for our clients.

HM: Name one aspect of the business that will never be replaced by technology?

GGL: Technology will never replace the passion and creativity of our team. While advancements can improve efficiency, they cannot replicate the human touch, intuition, and dedication we bring to every project. Our team takes pride in transforming outdoor spaces with craftsmanship, care, and a deep understanding of

our client’s unique vision. We do not just install landscapes—we create living, breathing environments that enhance homes and communities. It is our passion, attention to detail, and personal connection with clients that make each project special, something no machine or algorithm can ever replace.

HM: How do you stay ahead of trends?

GGL: Every landscape is different. It has to do with existing elements and the needs and wants of our homeowners. No matter the size of the project, a detailed com-prehensive landscape plan is the key to a successful landscape con-struction project. Our team is well versed in all aspects of landscape architecture. With over 30 years of experience, we are committed to delivering a Green Grass quality outdoor oasis for your home. u

For more information: : greengrasslandscape.com ) (630) 353-1709 * contact@greengrasslandscape.com

Magdalena Kiebala Interiors

HM: How has your role evolved over the years in terms of working with clients and the design process?

MK: Early in my career, I focused on aesthetics—colors, furnishings, and finishes. Over time, my approach has become more holistic. Now, I focus on how spaces function and improve daily life, ensuring they reflect my clients’ lifestyles and comfort. I aim to create homes that feel uniquely theirs by truly understanding their needs.

HM: What sets your design services apart from others?

MK: I deeply care for my clients and their spaces. Every project feels personal to me, and I approach challenges with a solution-oriented mindset. By building strong relationships with clients, I design spaces that reflect their personalities, and I truly appreciate the trust they place in me.

HM: What’s the biggest change you’ve noticed in interior design trends?

MK: There’s been a shift toward functionality-driven luxury. Homeowners now prioritize features that enhance daily living, like gourmet kitchens, cozy lounges, workspaces, home gyms, and smart technology. Luxury today isn’t just about aesthetics but blending beauty with practicality.

HM: How do you stay ahead of the latest design trends?

MK: Travel is my biggest source of inspiration. Having explored over 25 countries, I integrate cultural influences, architectural details, and design philosophies into my work, offering clients globally inspired designs.

HM: What’s the most luxurious feature you’ve designed?

MK: A hidden “prep kitchen” behind the main kitchen. It allows for

effortless entertaining while keeping the mess out of sight, maintaining a pristine, luxurious primary kitchen.

HM: Any funny or memorable stories from your career?

MK: Designing my parents’ home in Poland remotely was both challenging and rewarding. Coordinating everything from abroad pushed my creativity and proved that great design has no boundaries.

HM: What aspect of interior design will never be replaced by technology can’t replace?

MK: The human connection. Technology can’t replicate the trust, intuition, and understanding that comes from building relationships with clients. Great design is about listening, interpreting emotions, and creating spaces that truly feel like home.

For more informantion: : MagdalenaKiebala.com ) 773-680-6769 * maggiekiebala@gmail.com

Lichtenberger Homes

Hinsdale Magazine (HM): What made you choose home building/ improvement as a career, and what keeps you motivated every day?

Lichtenberger Homes (LH): At Lichtenberger Homes, our passion for crafting unique living spaces has driven us for over 38 years. The joy of transforming clients’ visions into tangible realities fuels our daily motivation. Seeing families thrive in homes we’ve built or renovated is the ultimate reward.

HM: What approach do you follow to ensure client satisfaction?

LH: We consider the guts of the home (framing, mechanicals, insulation, selection of materials, etc.) equally as important as the design and functionality of the home. It enhances the home’s durability and comfort.

HM: How do you stay ahead of trends?

LH: Staying ahead of trends involves continuous learning and adaptation. We prioritize historic preservation and incorporate modern technologies to keep homes distinct and timeless. Engaging with industry developments and understanding client desires allows us to blend traditional with contemporary features seamlessly.

HM: What’s one piece of advice you’d give to someone looking to build their first home?

LH: Building your first home is a significant milestone. We advise clients to focus on quality foundational elements and thoughtful floorplans that enhance luxury living. Choosing superior craftsmanship and durable materials ensures longevity and satisfaction in your new home.

HM: What’s the most rewarding aspect of helping people create their dream homes?

LH: The most rewarding aspect is witnessing the transformation of a client’s dream into reality. Whether it’s a custom home, renovation, or addition, seeing the excitement and satisfaction on our clients’ faces as their vision comes to life is truly fulfilling.

At Lichtenberger Homes, our dedication to quality and client satisfaction remains unwavering as we continue to build and renovate homes that stand the test of time.

For more information: : LichtenbergerHomes.com ) (630) 444-1566 * JLL@LDCHomes.com

Skyvi Pergolas

Hinsdale Magazine (HM): Why Pergolas?

Greg Kaminski, co-owner, Skyvi Pergolas (GK): We are in the home building industry. We saw the potential for Pergolas was strong and growing.

HM: Why are Pergolas becoming so popular?

GK: Pergolas have come a long way in recent years, in terms of design and quality of materials. Pergolas today are designed to be structures that can add character to the outdoors of your property and easily blend with existing architecture. Pergolas are a versatile solution that will work in single-family exterior spaces, as part of terraces or patios, but also in commercial facilities, creating a modern and practical garden or exterior space in cafes or restaurants. Thanks to the possibility of using side shutters such as screens or glass sliding panels, the pergola can be used regardless of the prevailing weather conditions.

HM: Tell us about Skyvi Pergolas. GK: Our pergolas offer endless customization possibilities, allowing you to design the perfect structure for your home or garden. Our innovative extruded aluminum construction features a sleek design with invisible connections, a hidden drainage and drive system, adjustable louvers from 0-135°, and integrated LED lighting. The water management system uses the beams and posts to collect water so that it can be drawn away from the unit.

HM: Can Skyvi Pergolas be customized?

GK: Absolutely. Each Skyvi Pergola is built from scratch within the parameters of an individual unit which measures 23’ x 16’ x 9.0’ high. You have choices of materials and styles. And, the units are also modular for easy add-ons.

HM: What about the quality of Skyvi Pergolas?

GK: The quality of the materials that go into a Skyvi Pergola are second to none. They are built with durable powder-coated aluminum profiles and stainless and galvanized steel components that provides a tough, long lasting surface that resists chipping and peeling, ensuring a sleek, low-maintenance finish. The process Skyvi uses is environmentally friendly making it a sustainable choice. They are built to withstand winds up to 68 miles an hour. The designs speak for themselves, and you can see Skyvi Pergolas at our gallery showroom in Chicago at 834 N. Ashland Avenue.

For more information: : skyvi.us

) (630) 332-8600

* contact@skyvi.us

Greg Kaminski and Jakub Razniak co-owners of Skyvi Pergolas

Trupower Generator Service

Hinsdale Magazine (HM): Why purchase a standby generator?

Jim and Diane Broton, owners of Trupower Generator Service (TGS): In 2024, the U.S. experienced nearly 1.5 billion hours of poweroutages, the highest since 2010. A standby generator can protect your home or business during these outages. When the power goes out, you’ll be prepared. With automatic operation and support from Trupower, a backup generator provides you with added security in an increasingly uncertain world.

HM: Why choose Trupower Generator Service?

TGS: With more than 30 years of experience in the construction industry, Trupower has a comprehensive understanding of home design and construction. This extensive knowledge gives us a competitive edge in building design and infrastructure. Additionally, we have over 20 years of experience in installing, servicing, and repairing generators. Our technicians are factory-trained and certified by

Generac, ensuring that we provide topquality installations, warranty work, repairs, and preventive maintenance to keep your power system operating at peak performance.

HM: How do you ensure client satisfaction?

TGS: We pay close attention to our clients’ needs to deliver tailored standby generator solutions at competitive prices. Our commitment to exceptional customer service means we are responsive to our clients and punctual for scheduled appointments.

HM: Why choose a Generac Standby Generator?

TGS: Generac standby generators are known for their reliability and are manufactured in the USA. Established in 1959, Generac Power Systems is a leading energy technology company based in Wisconsin. They offer backup and prime power products for both home and business applications, as well as energy monitoring and management devices and services.

HM: What is the one thing you wish more clients knew before they purchased a generator?

TGS: We frequently encounter issues with improperly installed or maintained generators. Ensure that your installer or service technician is a certified Generac dealer.

HM: What other products does Trupower Generator Service carry?

TGS: Trupower now offers and installs Generac’s Electric Vehicle Charging System, portable generators, and power stations. We also provide ecobee smart thermostats that integrate seamlessly with Generac standby generators, ensuring a more comfortable, secure, and efficient home. We invite you to visit our new showroom at 720 W. 63rd Street in Westmont to experience the quality of Generac’s latest products in person.

For more information: : TrupowerGenerator.com ) (630) 235-2397 * MaryB@trupowergenerator.com

FAMILY FIRST

Hinsdale Auxiliary’s 70th annual Derby Day fundraiser supports Brightpoint

BY ANNA HUGHES

More than 1.4 million people across Illinois live in poverty. Over 424,000 are children (Illinois Department of Human Services).

These families face housing and food insecurity, economic instability, and unreliable child care; many are exposed to the harrowing realities of addiction, abuse, and unrelenting trauma. Children in these conditions are more frequently subject to maltreatment, including neglect and abuse.

These hardships are often compounded by widespread bias and poor treatment from the systems designed for support, making it difficult to emerge from underneath the poverty line.

That’s where Brightpoint comes in.

Brightpoint started as Children’s Home & Aid in 1883, where their work was primarily focused on finding safe homes for children suffering from forms of abuse. Their recent rebrand reflects a shift in their mission: helping to heal families burdened by painful circumstances while simultaneously working on family-based prevention policies and advocacy. Brightpoint understands that navigating obstacles like poverty, trauma, and systemic barriers can be challenging, so they’re here to help every step of the way. Each year, Brightpoint serves over 34,000 children and families across Illinois through a variety of programs: parent support, child welfare, mental health and wellness, early childhood care and education, and youth services.

Although the value of their work is priceless, donations and community support help keep Brightpoint flourishing year after year. One group dedicated to assisting their mission is right here in town: the Hinsdale Auxiliary of Brightpoint. The Auxiliary, which has been active for 70 years, raises money and awareness for Brightpoint to ensure more families across Illinois thrive as a unit.

“I really appreciated the cause itself… [it] being a preventative, proactive organization and keeping families together was very inspiring,” Auxiliary President Tish Newcomer said. “And 100% of the donations go to families in Illinois, so you’re able to feel that you’re contributing to families and programs and resources that are immediately trickling into commu-

nities and supporting individuals in our state.”

Newcomer has been a member of the Auxiliary for six years and president for the last two. As a mom and fulltime employee of a global organization, Newcomer wanted to give back. Brightpoint’s mission, along with the passion of the other Auxiliary members, is inspiring for her as a leader.

“The ability for a group to raise so much money, for a group of this size to provide such an impact to an organization that really makes such a differ-

“One hundred percent of the donations go to families in Illinois, so you’re able to feel that you’re contributing to families and programs and resources that are immediately trickling into communities and supporting individuals in our state.”

- TISH NEWCOMER, HINSDALE AUXILIARY OF BRIGHTPOINT PRESIDENT

ence in families’ lives, in trying to keep the family unit together and out of foster care [is really rewarding],” Newcomer said.

The Auxiliary’s biggest fundraiser is their annual Derby Day, which returns for its 70th anniversary on May 3. Emulating the fashion and fun of a day in Churchill Downs, guests can expect bright-colored clothes, extravagant hats, and, of course, a derby viewing party. Families who have benefitted from Brightpoint’s services will share their testimonies; it’s a powerful, firsthand look into the organization’s mission and, in turn, their success. There’s also dinner, dancing, auctions, entertainment, and an

option for interested attendees to place a trifecta bet.

But the best bet anyone is placing that day is on Brightpoint families. Their attendance and donations are one way of saying: “We see you. We support you. We’re rooting for you.”

Last year’s Derby Day raised $120,000. The Auxiliary works directly with Brightpoint staff throughout the year, who then delegate the money based on need throughout the organization.

The annual Derby Day fundraiser will take place on May 3, 2025, from 4:30 to 10:30 P.M. at the Marriott Burr Ridge. For more information about Brightpoint or to get tickets, visit BrightPoint.org. ■

A Look Back: Last year’s event held at Butterfield Country Club in Oak Brook raised over $120,000.

Photos by Curt Patrick at Icon3Studios

Above: Rich and Danielle Tuck, Jamie and Tish Newcomer, Phil and Shari Cornies, Mark and Denise Pacioni, Mark and Kassandra Fisher, David and Kelly Gilbert Left: Heather Ryan, Allison Peters, Beth Lyons, and Tish Newcomer take advantage of the photo booth Below Left: Phil and Shari Cornies with Kassandra and Mark Fisher

LOCAL FLAVORS

Q&A with Chef Ian Schlegel of Cadence Kitchen & Co.

Who influenced you early on?

Food has always been a big part of my life. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my mom, where helping cook was the rule if you were around. Cooking quickly became second nature to me. I also cherished time at my grandma’s house, especially making Droby, a traditional Slovakian potato sausage. To this day, my family makes Droby annually for all our celebrations.

Tell us about your culinary journey.

In high school, a cooking class confirmed my passion for the kitchen. After graduating, I attended the College of DuPage and joined a culinary program in Tuscany, Italy. Inspired, I returned to complete their professional program, training with master chefs and working at Montecatini Palace in Via Puccini, Italy. While studying, I worked for The Doughboy restaurant group, starting at Labriola Café and finishing at Labarra.

I later moved to Denver, holding roles like Executive Chef at Hotel Teatro and in the Bonanno Restaurant Group. Back in Chicagoland, I served as Chef de Cuisine at Che Figata and The United Center’s premium clubs. Now, I’m proud to be at Cadence Kitchen & Co.

You recently came on board at Cadence Kitchen & Co. this past summer. What drew you to Downers Grove?

Todd Davies. He reached out to me with interest in me being the Executive Chef here at Cadence Kitchen & Co. Seeing how Downers Grove has come to be what it is today, it is a great up-and-coming place to be. With all of the charity work that the restaurant participates in, such as the involvement with the schools and organizations in the area, Cadence is a great place to be and grow.

What is your signature or favorite dish to prepare at Cadence? What do people love about it?

Making fresh pasta is one of my favorite things to do. Being at Cadence, our contemporary American style is a great place to let the culinary imagination go. With both of these ideas coming together, the Short Rib Ragu is my favorite dish right now. I took the idea of pot roast, a classic traditional American classic, and turned it into a pasta dish. The diced root veggies and horseradish cream are a great combination of American comfort food and pasta.

What is your favorite ingredient among those you use that you like to work with best?

I would have to say that octopus is my favorite ingredient. When prepared right, the tenderness and flavor it has are awesome. With other elements on the plate, it is bright and balanced both with flavor and textures.

What’s in store?

Of course, we will change some menu items monthly to keep up with the seasons and keep our menu exciting. Our “Wine Dinners” have been a big hit, and we will continue to highlight some of the wines that helped us win the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence at these exclusive events.

As we approach the spring season, we are looking forward to many opportunities to provide seasonally inspired specials and experiences to our guests! To note a few, we are hosting various multi-course themed wine dinners and crafting unique Easter & Mother’s Day features. Many exciting things are happening, and so much more is to come. ■

VIVA ITALIA

Catching up

with Pete Deruvo Executive Chef at Francesca’s Restaurants, Mio Modo and Vinny’s Clam Bar

How did you decide to become a chef?

I’ve always had a love for food, people, and different cultures, even from a young age. Becoming a chef allowed me the peace and opportunity to create, cook, and continuously develop myself.

Do you have any memorable moments that impacted your decision to pursue a career in hospitality?

One of the most impactful moments was when I was working at Al Forno and had the incredible opportunity to cook for Julia Child. It was both an honor and privilege. My head chef looked at me and said, “What you’re feeling now is how you need to treat every guest who walks through the door, providing the same level of pride and service.” That moment left a lasting impression on me, and I’ve always aimed to apply that same dedication in my cooking and customer service.

What sets Francesca’s Restaurants apart from others?

Francesca’s was founded by Scott Harris with the idea of bringing fresh, simple Italian cooking and exceptional service to the table. This legacy continues in each of our locations today.

What can customers expect when they visit Francesca’s Amici?

At Francesca’s Amici, guests can expect an exceptional experience—great food, outstanding service, and an appreciation for what simple, well-crafted Italian food can offer. While everything on the menu is fantastic, some of my personal favorites to prepare are Ossobuco di Agnello, Broccoli ala Pugliese, and Risotto Contadina.

What’s your favorite part of the culinary journey— working with the team, interacting with guests, or something else?

I love teaching, creating, and mentoring younger team members. It’s truly rewarding to see them grow and develop their skills.

How do you balance innovation with tradition, especially when working with classic dishes or regional cuisines?

I focus on preserving essential culinary techniques to maintain the integrity of classic dishes. Then, I use fresh, seasonal products to add my own unique twist, constantly elevating the dishes through new ingredients.

Can you describe your cooking philosophy and how it influences the dishes you create?

I believe in using the best seasonal ingredients and staying true to the age-old philosophy of “keeping it simple.” This philosophy shapes everything I create in the kitchen.

Vinny’s Clam Bar in Tinley Park opened nearly a year and a half ago with a fantastic response. What makes it unique to the area?

Vinny’s Clam Bar stands out not only for its old-school vibe but also for its hospitality. The atmosphere is all about that classic feel, with great music, the aroma of oysters and jumbo shrimp roasting on the hearth, and classic cocktails with a modern twist. When you come to Vinny’s, it’s not just a meal—it’s an experience. u

SCARCE Helps in Abundance

DuPage County nonprofit celebrates 35 years of local and global service

BY VALERIE HARDY

Kay McKeen of Wheaton has been proudly “talking trash” for over three decades. Founder and executive director of SCARCE - a nonprofit organization committed to environmental education, conservation, and literacy - McKeen’s mission is to “turn trash into treasures,” keeping as much waste as possible out of landfills while getting as many books as possible into the hands of students and teachers in need.

HOW SCARCE STARTED

McKeen’s background is in physical therapy, but environmentalism is in her blood. She recalled how three generations of her family, herself included, “really hated waste.” Her two grandmothers “kept everything. One even saved banana peels, which she then boiled and used to water her roses,” she shared.

A conservationist at heart, McKeen had long enacted the mantra “little things add up” regarding her personal impact on the environment, but it wasn’t until 1990 that she began to spread this message. She started teaching students in DuPage County

“Little things add up.”

– KAY MCKEEN, FOUNDER & EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SCARCE

schools about recycling and other environmental concerns. While visiting schools, she noticed countless unused books in classrooms or storage destined for a landfill. In response, she started the Book Rescue program to transfer these texts to under-resourced schools and students.

INCREASING THE IMPACT

McKeen explained, “If I’m not working, I’m reading or researching,” which contributed to SCARCE’s

rapid growth. The nonprofit opened a warehouse - which doubled as a store - in Glen Ellyn, where community members and businesses could donate items rather than throw them away.

SCARCE functions like a resale shop, with one side open to the public and the other reserved for educators and representatives of nonprofit organizations. Donated items are available for purchase at inexpensive prices. For example, McKeen shared that five educators from an Illinois town “with no Target and no library” recently left SCARCE with over 930 books for only $40.

Before donated items are shelved, SCARCE staff and volunteers evaluate their condition. “We want things that are clean, safe, and working,” McKeen explained.

SCARCE founder Kay McKeen provides energy conservation education.

The price is right for the gently used goods resold at SCARCE.

SCARCE loans its blue education boards to libraries and businesses to help raise environmental awareness.

SCARCE’s “Puzzle Posse” volunteers take home donated puzzles to check for missing pieces. School supplies, instruments, and other items must be in “good enough condition for my grandkids to be on the shelf,” McKeen said.

Many items with missing pieces or other imperfections are repurposed as art supplies. Crayons without tips or wrappers are melted in various-shaped molds and made into “super crayons,” which are donated to nonprofits like the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation or purchased by teachers.

Items ineligible for reuse or resale due to water or smoke damage or exposure to toxins are recycled at SCARCE’s expense.

A NEW HOME

Due to an influx of donations and an increase in volunteers, SCARCE outgrew its 7,000-square-foot Glen Ellyn location and moved to a nearly 19,000-square-foot space in Addison in 2020. McKeen is grateful that it is accessible and has many windows, unlike the prior location. “Environmentalists without windows is a problem!” she quipped.

Another celebrated attribute of the Addison space is a large classroom dedicated to environmental education.

TAKING THE SHOW ON THE ROAD

While student groups enjoy visiting SCARCE, environmental educators also travel to schools. SCARCE customizes programming to fit schools’ needs, but the “goal is always environmental education…hands-on learning, and fun!” McKeen said.

SCARCE also brings learning and literacy to the community via its Literacy at the Laundromat program; laundromats are outfitted with a bookcase filled with books, so “we can meet kids where they are,” McKeen said.

PAYING IT FORWARD

SCARCE helps run an annual Sustainable Design Challenge for DuPage

County high schoolers. Students submit and present sustainable design projects, which are judged in various categories by professionals from environmental design fields.

McKeen also extends SCARCE’s impact by mentoring interns interested in conservation, sustainability, and environmental education. To date, SCARCE has had more than 40 interns in what McKeen calls her “posse.”

“These extraordinary young people make me hopeful about the future,” she said.

THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE PROJECTS

SCARCE employs six full-time and four part-time staff members, and approximately 115 volunteers contribute in various capacities.

McKeen’s husband volunteers almost daily, and her daughter is SCARCE’s chief operating officer. All five of McKeen’s grandchildren and numerous other family members

and friends have also volunteered at SCARCE. “Nobody can run a nonprofit without all hands on deck,” McKeen said.

SCARCE also relies on donations from and partnerships with corporations and community organizations. The Hinsdale Public Library donated some furniture at SCARCE, and the baskets available for shoppers came courtesy of Trader Joe’s in Downers Grove. SCARCE works with numerous villages to run holiday light recycling programs and annual pumpkin smash events as well.

A GLOBAL IMPACT

SCARCE supports approximately 300 nonprofit organizations and hundreds of teachers each year. While SCARCE is based in DuPage County, its reach is much broader. SCARCE has provided aid to every state in the U.S. and to 115 countries. For example, McKeen and her team have provided multiple shipments of supplies to schools on the Navajo Nation and Pine Ridge reservations and helped start a school in Costa Rica. McKeen shared that the founder of a Nigerian nonprofit school comes to SCARCE twice a year for supplies.

LAW & POLICY

McKeen and SCARCE also create environmental ripples through advocacy for eco-friendly laws. Since 2004, they have contributed to 12 pieces of legislation. Among these are the Mercury Fever Thermometer Prohibition, Smoke Free Illinois, Excessive Idling, and Food Donation Acts. McKeen is currently advocating for a state ban on the sale or manufacture of garden hoses containing lead.

HOW TO BE PART OF THE PROGRESS

Whether through volunteering, donating, or recycling, SCARCE encourages everyone to join its mission to create a cleaner, greener world – one where books are readily accessible.

Visit SCARCE .org for more information. 

The classroom at SCARCE provides students with a rich environment in which to learn about environmental issues.

DUPAGE COUNTY Historical Architecture

A few local architectural gems

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

OLD DUPAGE COUNTY COURTHOUSE, WHEATON

This building, opened in 1896, replaced the original structure from 1868. It was built on land purchased from Warren L. Wheaton and is one of the rare Richardsonian Romanesque styles in northern Illinois. The duration of this design was short-lived as buildings of this type were expensive to construct. The red brick exterior features a bell tower and multiple turrets. These details are deliberate to remind the community of the purpose of defending law and justice. The tower was struck by lightning in 1988 but was rebuilt. The building served as the DuPage County Courthouse until a new building opened in 1990.

IMMANUEL HALL, HINSDALE

Formerly known as Immanuel Evangelical & Reformed Church at the corner of Third and Grant Streets, this gem of a Gothic-style church rose up from the efforts of immigrants from northwest Germany. The same builders also built many other homes and businesses in the Village of Hinsdale. A pipe organ was added in the 20s, and ten stained glass windows, created by Chicago’s Flanagan & Biedenweg Studio, were installed in the nave a decade later. The lower level of the former church now houses The Roger and Ruth Anderson Architecture Center as well as the office and archives of the Hinsdale Historical Society.

THE AVERY COONLEY SCHOOL, DOWNERS GROVE

There is a common misconception that Frank Lloyd Wright played a prominent role in the design of The Avery Coonley School. Architect Waldron Faulkner was not a student of Wright’s, nor was the famed architect involved in the project, although Faulkner admitted Wright somewhat influenced him. It seems likely, by the abundance of long, linear, wide-open spaces, that came to be Wright’s calling card. Light-filled atriums are dominated by arches and fireplaces. Long brick walls and metal-framed casement windows contribute to this style. The horizontal lines and simple, geometric shapes were intended to complement the building’s natural outdoor setting, designed by Jens Jensen, in forested surroundings.

MAYSLAKE PEABODY ESTATE, OAK BROOK

This Tudor Revival style estate was designed by the Marshall & Fox design firm and was built between 1919 and 1922. The estate, located on 87 acres of nature preserve and wetland, was a country home for the family of wealthy coal magnate Francis Stuyvesant Peabody. It was loosely modeled after a country estate in Warwickshire, England. Tall, narrow windows, half-timbering, high ceilings, and an abundance of carved walnut wood are hallmarks of the home. A wildflower garden grows outside of Portiuncula Chapel, a miniature replica of St Francis Church in Assisi, Italy. After Peabody’s death in 1922, the home and estate were sold to the Franciscan Order.

ARDMORE AVENUE TRAIN STATION, VILLA PARK

This inviting stone structure was commissioned by Ballard and Pottinger Real Estate Firm in 1910 as a waiting structure for the railroad. The idea was to create a house-looking building showcasing the English-style homes they sold. It featured a wood-burning fireplace and electric lighting – two amenities that would attract any would-be homeowner of the day. A wooden cornice gave the feel of a residence as well. It worked, as enough homes were commissioned to incorporate Villa Park in 1917. The station served the CA&E railway until it abruptly shut down in 1957. Today, the building houses the Villa Park Chamber of Commerce.

ROBBINS PARK HISTORIC DISTRICT, HINSDALE

Real estate tycoon William Robbins purchased 700 acres of land, a section of which he used to build a home for himself. The Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad added a railway station in Hinsdale in 1864. A population boom followed a few years thereafter when the Great Chicago Fire inspired a mass exodus to the suburbs. More than 300 buildings are included in this survey of land, most of which are homes, except for four churches. Most houses in the district are from the late Victorian era. Several others, including Robbins’ own home, represent the Gothic Revival style. Another 63 reflect the Colonial Revival style. Craftsmen and bungalows somehow worked their way into the mix, as well. There are just a few others of Italianate design.

DUPAGE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM, WHEATON

The museum is housed in the former Adams Memorial Library and was designed by Charles Sumner Frost, who also designed the town’s railroad station. The library was named after its donor, real estate developer and miller John Quincy Adams, who was the fourth cousin of President John Quincy Adams. The building re-opened as The DuPage County History Museum in 1967. The architecture is of Richardsonian Romanesque style – distinguished by rough-hewn stone blocks, horizontal lines, wide-rounded arches, and detailed ornamentation. Each façade has a tall stone gable with pinnacles on either side near the base. Each gable has an arched window. Inside, the main hall features marble and oak wainscoting, oak floors, and plaster ceilings. 

The Last Frontier

An unforgettable summer adventure awaits

BY KATIE BOLINGER

Alaska’s immense size is matched only by its natural beauty. With space to fit 19 states, it’s a land of icy fjords, towering mountains, and lush forests. Despite its vastness, its population is sparse; DuPage County, Illinois, has 200,000 more residents than the entire state. It’s the perfect destination for solitude, cool summer temperatures, and breathtaking views.

Traveling to Alaska is easiest during summer, with direct flights to Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). Off-season trips to catch the Northern Lights or watch dog sledding are possible but usually require connecting flights.

Accommodations in Alaska suit every traveler. Apps like Airbnb and Vrbo offer unique options, from cozy cabins to secluded lodges,

Moose roam free in Alaska and can occasionally be seen in populated areas. A male moose can be 7’ tall and weigh up to half a ton.

Alaska’s Chugach National Forest covers 5.4 million acres, which is roughly the size of New Hampshire. It is home to thousands of glaciers and has more than 500 miles of trails.

often near nature. Rentals are practical for families or groups, with kitchens to cut costs and amenities like fishing gear or kayaks. Hosts often provide insider tips, making the experience even more enriching.

For flexibility, consider renting an RV. It’s a convenient way to combine transportation and lodging, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Boondocking—camping in designated roadside areas—is a popular choice for adventurers. Resorts offer another level of comfort with curated activities like glacier tours, fishing trips, and cultural workshops. Many also provide all-in-one packages combining relaxation, adventure, and expert guidance.

Alaska’s landscapes are best experienced through various activities. Flightseeing via small planes or helicopters offers unparalleled views of Denali National Park and glaciers. Helicopter tours often include glacier landings, providing close-up encounters with nature’s wonders. Day cruises are equally enchanting, gliding past glaciers and wildlife like whales, seals, and even bears. Witness the unforgettable thunder of glaciers calving into the sea.

Road-tripping lets you experience Alaska at your own pace. Whether driving an RV or car, the highways reveal stunning mountains, forests, and rivers. Hidden gems await, like the Flattop “Glen Alps” trailhead in Chugach State Park, just 30 minutes from Anchorage, or the Musk Ox Farm in Palmer, where you can buy qiviut, the world’s softest yarn.

Endless summer daylight amplifies every moment, whether you’re hiking, fishing, or simply soaking in the serene beauty. With its vast wilderness and unique experiences, Alaska promises an unforgettable summer adventure. ■

Some flightseeing planes land on glaciers so visitors can get out and explore.

View of Denali from Anchorage’s Earthquake Park on Cook’s Inlet 134 miles away.

Fireweed is a wildflower that symbolizes resilience and beauty in Alaska. It’s known for its vibrant pink or magenta blooms, which brighten the landscape in late spring and summer.

The thunderous sound of a large chunk of ice breaking off and calving into the sea is awe-inspiring.

Wedding Planning Guide

WEDDING DRESS 

Fifi Papadopoulos, a talented seamstress from Greece, opened Fifi's Bridal & Custom Tailoring in Elmhurst, Illinois, 16 years ago. Fifi Specializes in wedding gowns and all garment alterations, she offers a stunning selection of bridal and mother-of-the-bride dresses. Fifi’s friendly, expert service makes every client feel like family!

446 N York St, Elmhurst, IL

630-280-0705 or 630 903 6236 | FifisBridal.com

WHERE THE PREP BEGINS 

With 15 years experience in the beauty industry, Cosmetically Ink’d is a brow and lash studio that specializes in permanent makeup, lash extensions, brow waxing and lash lifts.

10710 31st Street, Westchester, IL

630-864-2025 | cosmeticallyinkd.com

TUXEDO 

Custom Wedding Suits and Tuxedos for your special day. Reserve your 2025 date now!

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630-968-6333 | Louisformen.com

REGISTRY 

Registering your wedding on Etsy allows you to create a personalized gift registry filled with unique, handcrafted items from small businesses, letting you curate a list that reflects your individual style and supports artisans while giving guests the opportunity to buy thoughtful, highquality gifts that align with your tastes. Esty is also a great place to find gifts for your wedding party.

esty.com

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Eventective helps you find your perfect venue by searching for what matters most to you.You can browse local venues and event pros—including pricing, reviews, event spaces and more.

eventective.com

PHOTOGRAPHER 

Courtney Fitzpatrick has been photographing and filming weddings in Chicagoland for over 10 years. She is known for her calming presence, innate ability to capture authentic moments, and a timeless editing style.

website: courtneyfitzpatrick.com

email: courtney@courtneyfitzpatrick.com instagram: @courtneyfitzpatrickphoto

HONEYMOON 

The "Luxe Report," an annual forecast published by Virtuoso, a luxury travel agency network, has named Italy, Greece, Bali, French Polynesia, and the Maldives as the top honeymoon spots of 2025.

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Illinois Gives Tax Credit

New Tax Incentive to Support Your Local Community Forever

Illinois donors now have a compelling reason to contribute to local community foundation endowments. The Illinois Gives Tax Credit (www. tax.illinois.gov/programs/illinoisgives) launched on January 1, offering significant state tax relief for contributions to permanently endowed funds at qualified Illinois community foundations.

This new program provides a tax credit of up to $100,000 per taxpayer in a household, allowing a maximum household credit of $200,000. The credit applies to contributions made to new or existing endowed funds that support unrestricted grantmaking; specific fields like arts, education, or health; or particular charities. Donor-advised funds are excluded. Taxpayers can take advantage of this credit whether they itemize deductions or opt for the standard deduction, making it accessible to a broad range of residents.

To qualify, donors must apply online through MyTax.Illinois.gov and obtain a Contribution Authorization Certificate (CAC) from the State. Once they have the certificate, donors must complete their gift to a Qualified Community Foundation

within 10 business days. The State has allocated $5 million in credits annually, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Twenty-five percent of these credits are reserved for gifts up to $25,000, while the remaining 75% are earmarked for larger contributions up to $400,000.

Each community foundation is eligible to certify up to $750,000 in tax credits annually, which translates to $3 million in gifts from donors. The program is expected to stimulate $20 million in annual charitable giving across Illinois, generating $100 million in donations and $25 million in tax credits between now and December 31, 2029, when the program sunsets unless extended.

Illinois is following the lead of other states like Iowa, which introduced a similar program in 2003. Iowa’s Endow Iowa Tax Credit has spurred nearly $360 million in donations from taxpayers since its inception, showcasing the potential impact of such initiatives.

The Alliance of Illinois Community Foundations (allianceilcf.org) was instrumental in bringing such a tax credit to Illinois. Local community foundations such as the DuPage Foundation (dupagefoundation.org),

Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley (cffrv.org), and Oak Park-River Forest Community Foundation (oprfcf.org) have been certified by the Illinois Department of Revenue to process these tax credits. All three are compliant with National Standards for U.S. Community Foundations and are prepared to assist donors through the process. With the program expected to be highly popular, these tax credits are anticipated to be claimed quickly.

If the process seems overwhelming, don’t worry—your local community foundation can help. Their staff can guide you step-by-step to ensure you maximize this opportunity and avoid leaving “money on the table.” ■

About the Author:

Dave McGowan has been a leader in Chicago-area nonprofits since 1981. As a certified fundraising executive and former President & CEO of DuPage Foundation, he now consults with donors, advisors, and nonprofits. For more information email dave@davemcgowanconsulting.com

The Power of Unity

How Chicago’s suburban theaters are rewriting the script on collaboration

By Laura Michaud & Melissa G. Wilson

Chicago’s western suburbs have long embraced collaboration within individual communities, with local chambers and cities integrating performing arts into events. However, a larger opportunity lies in building a network of cross-community artistic partnerships, potentially transforming the region’s cultural landscape.

For example, the Salt Creek Ballet of Westmont performed The Nutcracker alongside the New Philharmonic Orchestra of Glen Ellyn last December, illustrating the power of such partnerships. There’s potential for more collaborations, such as professional singers from Brightside Theater of Naperville performing with the Elmhurst Symphony, not just sharing stages but fostering a more vibrant, interconnected arts community.

According to Arts DuPage Director Debbie Venezia, “The arts are a panacea,” providing more than just entertainment and economic development; they build bridges between communities. The success of the Cleve Carney Museum of Art’s Andy Warhol exhibit at the College of DuPage in 2021, which attracted 100,000 visitors and generated $10 million in just three months, supports this idea.

When artistic groups collaborate, they break down traditional boundaries, combining resources, talent, and creative visions to create something greater than the sum of its parts. By sharing stages and ideas, they forge dynamic, cross-pollinated communities that

lead to bolder, more innovative productions. This model transforms the theatrical experience and deepens the connection between performers and audiences.

Resource sharing is another key element of collaboration. The York High School theater program, for instance, shares costumes with neighboring communities, maximizing impact and minimizing redundancy. Such partnerships help elevate productions while fostering a sense of community among various organizations.

Furthermore, cross-genre collaborations have emerged as a powerful way to expand audiences and enrich cultural experiences. Rather than competing, organizations are finding creative ways to merge different art forms, creating performances that appeal to broader audiences and showcasing how varied genres can complement one another.

By collaborating across community lines, art organizations can reach new audiences and create unique artistic synergies. A successful chamber music series in Hinsdale, for example, may find an eager audience in Oak Brook, while a popular community theater production could tour multiple suburban venues, broadening its reach.

WHAT YOU CAN DO TO SUPPORT THE ARTS:

1. Stay informed about local events— explore arts happenings in nearby communities you might otherwise miss.

2. If you’re part of a performing arts group, consider reaching out to organizations in different genres to explore creative collaborations.

3. Support arts organizations beyond your immediate area—your ticket purchase contributes to the region’s cultural vitality.

4. Artists and event organizers: expand your reach by participating in events across multiple communities.

The collaboration seen in Chicago’s western suburbs proves that when theaters and communities unite, everyone benefits—the artists, audiences, and the broader region. As the West Suburban Theater Connection continues to grow, this new era of collaboration shows that, in art and life, the whole can truly be greater than the sum of its parts. ■

About the authors: Laura Michaud is a founding member of the Elmhurst Centre for Performing Arts and Stage 773. Melissa G. Wilson is a performing arts enthusiast, author, and renowned networker. For more information visit ecpa-elmhurst.org and networlding.com.

The Nutcracker performed by the Salt Creek Ballet of WestmontPhoto courtesy of Salt Creek Ballet

A New Standard in Laser Hair Removal now

available at CSC Steil Dermatology

Laser hair removal has become an increasingly popular solution for those seeking smooth, hair-free skin without the constant need for shaving, waxing or plucking. The process works by using concentrated light beams to target pigment in hair follicles. The absorbed light damages the follicles, preventing future hair growth. Because hair grows in cycles, multiple sessions are required to achieve optimal results.

At CSC Steil Dermatology, boardcertified dermatologists Dr. Christina Steil and Dr. Rachel Bognet now offer advanced laser hair removal services using the cutting-edge

Clarity II™ laser system. This stateof-the-art device is designed to deliver fast, effective hair removal for all skin types while ensuring uniform treatment across large areas, reducing the risk of patchy results. One of the key advantages of the Clarity II™ system is its speed and efficiency. Traditional laser hair removal systems often require long treatment sessions, but Clarity II™ operates with high power and rapid repetition rates, allowing procedures to be completed in nearly half the time. This makes it an excellent option for treating larger areas such as the back, legs or chest while still providing precise results for smaller, more delicate areas like the face or bikini line. It is a very effective

treatment for razor bumps due to shaving.

Unlike older laser technologies that require numbing gels or cooling agents to ease discomfort, Clarity II™ incorporates advanced cooling technology with real-time Temperature Sensing to protect the skin throughout the procedure. This innovation significantly enhances patient comfort, minimizing the stinging sensation that some patients may experience during laser hair removal. This feature along with real time IntelliTrak technology ensures treatment efficacy and safety.

People are opting for laser hair removal to achieve longer-lasting

results compared to traditional methods. Shaving requires frequent upkeep, while waxing can be painful and lead to ingrown hairs. Laser treatments provide a more permanent reduction in hair growth, making them an attractive option for those who want to save time and effort in their grooming routines. Additionally, athletes such as swimmers and cyclists often remove body hair to enhance performance, while others seek hair removal for personal comfort or medical reasons, such as reducing irritation from shaving.

For those considering laser hair removal at CSC Steil Dermatology, the process begins with a consultation to assess skin type, hair color and treatment goals. While laser hair removal is safe for most individuals, results can vary depending on factors such as hair thickness, skin tone and hormonal influences.

Each session typically lasts between 5 and 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. Patients may experience mild redness or sensitivity immediately following the procedure, but these side effects generally subside within a few hours. Since hair grows in different phases, multiple treatments, usually spaced four to six weeks apart, are necessary to achieve longterm results.

The cost of laser hair removal varies based on the size of the area being treated and the number of sessions required. During a consultation, the team at CSC Steil Dermatology will provide a personalized quote and answer any questions about the procedure.

CSC Steil Dermatology, founded in 2002 by Dr. Steil, has always been committed to providing quality, patient-centered dermatological

care. The practice serves patients in Hinsdale and Downers Grove with a comprehensive range of minimally and noninvasive skin treatments. With a focus on state-of-the-art technology, the team offers solutions for a wide variety of skin conditions, from medical dermatology needs to aesthetic concerns.

“Patient comfort has always been our top priority.”

— Dr. Christina Steil

Dr. Steil is a skilled dermatology expert with years of experience in cosmetic and medical treatments, known for her caring approach to patient care. Dr. Bognet focuses on both medical and aesthetic dermatology, customizing treatments to fit each patient’s needs. Together, they provide personal attention and

top-quality care for every patient. With the latest technology, expert dermatologists and a patient-first approach, CSC Steil Dermatology offers a safe and effective solution for those looking to reduce unwanted hair. The practice’s use of the Clarity II™ laser ensures high-speed, comfortable and long-lasting results, making laser hair removal a convenient and worthwhile investment.

For individuals ready to experience the benefits of laser hair removal, scheduling a consultation with CSC Steil Dermatology is the first step toward achieving smooth, hair-free skin. : cscdermatology.com ) 630-455-0045 * staff@steilderm.com

Dr. Rachel Bognet, MD and Dr.. Christina Steil, MD