Contents 26
8
Graue Mill
The Mystery relating to the Underground Railroad
13
Grease is the Word
14
at Hinsdale Central
Racing for a Cause
Joel Weinberger
18 Talking about Beer
Kevin Burke
20
At Home in Hinsdale
Dr. Peter Harnois
24
WeatherTech Founder & CEO
26
Mr. Ambassador
Bill O’Brien
32
Hinsdale Woman
37
Clarendon Hills 60514
38
Mission of Heart in Kenya
32
What Matters to David MacNeil
48
51
Amity Comiskey
Residents sound off on the new 55th Street The Chapel Pastor Jeff Knitt
Men’s Style
William Walker & Steven Potter
Mis Amore for Misericordia
Misericordia Women’s League Annual Benefit
60521
Hinsdale magazine
Founder & Publisher Print Managing Editor Photographer Columnist Lead Designer Designer Cover Art & Designer Correspondent Contributing Writers Advertising Sales
| | | | | | | | | |
Scott Jonlich Mike Ellis Marcello Rodarte William Walker Eriona Baholli-Karasek Julia Sinogeikina Marcello Rodarte Mike O’Connor Errol Janusz | Lisa Stafford Renee Lawrence | Kirby Palait Tammy Kaplan
700 Commerce Drive Ste. 500 Oak Brook IL 60523 phone: 630-655-3400 I fax: 630-622-1300 e-mail: news@Hinsdale60521.com The advertisements,photographs,logos,and any other content inside this publication are not the opinions of Hinsdale Magazine, Inc., unless specified. This magazine may not be reproduced in any way, including ads designed by our graphic staff, and remain the property of Hinsdale Magazine, Inc.
8 Hinsdale Magazine | www.hinsdale60521.com
I
Publisher Letter
n this issue, we turn the spotlight on the men of Hinsdale. On the cover, we feature Dr. Peter Harnois, Kevin Burke and Joel Weinberger—all of whom agreed to share their personal and professional stories with us. Dr. Harnois turns back the clock for us and shares his memories of growing up in his hometown of Hinsdale— the place in which he has practiced dentistry for over 30 years. Burke planted his roots here in Hinsdale 43 years ago, and is an active supporter of Wellness House, while steering his beer distributorship, Burke Beverage. I had the pleasure of meeting him during a conversation at his headquarters in McCook, just a few miles east of Hinsdale. That same week, my conversation turned to Weinberger of Continental Auto Sports. You will read how Joel, a professional race car driver, harnessed his enthusiasm to raise money for DuPage PADS, a local support organization for the homeless. Prior to our interview, he had just completed the United States Air Force Thunderhill Race, a 25-hour race held in San Juan Capistrano, California. As you turn the pages to Bill O’Brien—the Ambassador of Platform Tennis in Greater Hinsdale, you will read about an extraordinary gentlemen who is respected by over 1,000 local men and women paddle players. Many credit O’Brien for bringing the great sport to this area. Bill’s passion for the sport has helped form hundreds of friendships on the paddle courts. David MacNeil of Hinsdale stared the recession in the face over the last several years, and continued to build an auto accessories empire — WeatherTech. He put up impressive sales growth during those years while creating jobs in America at his Bolingbrook-based manufacturing plant. You will read how MacNeil started his company, and how his business philosophy charted a course to international expansion. Finally, Pastor Jeff Knitt of the Chapel Church in Hinsdale takes a spiritual journey to Kenya—a very different world from here and describes his experiences in his own words. Remember to visit our web site Hinsdale60521.com to read more about the people and events that shape Greater Hinsdale. The site is updated daily, so you will find timely content that you may not see in the print magazine. I look forward to your comments and suggestions.
Sincerely, Scott Jonlich, Founder & Publisher Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. | Hinsdale60521.com