Experience the award-winning Italian restaurant, serving a culinary voyage of classic proportions. The restaurant offers a menu of trend-setting fare, including fresh fish, veal, chicken, award winning steaks and of course, our delicious pastas. Roberto’s Ristorante radiates a Tuscan atmosphere, compliments of its warm decor and impeccable service.
THANK YOU TO ALL OUR SPONSORS FOR THE 2026 TASTE OF OAK BROOK. SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!
ummer has a way of bringing people together.Whether it’s gathering at a local festival, cheering on hometown athletes, exploring a favorite shopping destination, or simply spending an afternoon outdoors with family and friends, this season reminds us how important community can be.
That spirit is at the heart of our cover story featuring Jonathan and Lynna Smith, the founders of the Oak Brook Artisan Market. What began as an idea to support local makers has grown into a destination that connects artists, entrepreneurs, shoppers, and neighbors. Their story is a reminder that strong communities are often built one relationship at a time.
As I looked through this issue, another theme emerged: people who invest in something larger than themselves.
We are especially excited to feature celebrated food writer Harold McGee, whose groundbreaking work has helped generations of chefs and home cooks better understand the science of cooking. His story offers a fascinating look at curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning.
We also highlight the MERIT Program, a countywide law enforcement task force that brings together highly trained personnel from agencies across DuPage County. Their work reflects the importance of preparation, collaboration, and public safety when communities face major incidents.
We celebrate the achievements of Oak Brook’s Athletes of the Year, recognize residents stepping forward to serve through local government, and introduce the Village’s inaugural class of interns, who represent the next generation of community leadership. We also explore the growing influence of Oakbrook Center through the first installment of our special series examining how social media, consumer behavior, and emerging trends are shaping one of the region’s premier destinations.
Several stories also remind us of the traditions that connect generations. From our behind-the-scenes look at Wrigley Field to a feature on the Chicago Area Tandem Society and a visit with the enthusiastic members of the Chicago Parrot Head Club, this issue celebrates the passions, hobbies, and shared experiences that bring people together.
MISS AN
Perhaps no story captures the meaning of community and remembrance more powerfully than our feature on Oak Brook’s Healing Field. As the village prepares to commemorate the 25th anniversary of September 11, thousands of American flags will once again transform the Polo Grounds into a place of reflection, gratitude, and remembrance. It is a moving tribute to those who served, sacrificed, and continue to inspire us.
Finally, I want to recognize Alan Rocca’s 50 year anniversary as an artist and a jewelry designer at 3824 York Rd. in Oak Brook. Alan is a Hinsdale Magazine Group sponsor and we salute his fantastic milestone.
Enjoy this issue and all that summer in Oak Brook has to offer.
Scott Jonlich Publisher, Oak Brook Magazine
Guarantee delivery of each issue to your home! Subscribe at www.oakbrookmagazine.com
Than You Think
Who says you have to travel far to enjoy a memorable summer escape? Oak Brook offers the perfect summer getaway destination right in your own backyard, with premier shopping, exceptional dining and unique entertainment. Make your family memories close to home this summer and discover why Oak Brook is the ideal place to enjoy summer in full swing.
Find your perfect stay at one of Oak Brook’s seven hotels. Whether you’re looking for luxury, spacious suites, in-room kitchens, a relaxing pool or pet-friendly accommodations, Oak Brook has the perfect place to call home during your visit.
From patio dining and upscale restaurants to casual favorites, Oak Brook’s diverse culinary scene offers something for every taste. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a family dinner, you’ll find plenty of flavors to explore.
No getaway is complete without a visit to Oakbrook Center, Chicagoland’s premier open-air luxury shopping destination. Home to more than 160 retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues, the center also hosts popular summer events including Movies on the Lawn, Fitness on the Lawn, and Music on the Lawn.
Summer fun comes naturally in Oak Brook. Spend the day swimming, golfing at the Oak Brook Golf Club, or exploring the scenic trails of Fullersburg Woods. For a unique indoor experience, visit the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art and its summer exhibit, Enduring Symbols: Liberty Set in Stone. Then keep the fun going with mini golf, bowling, bocce, virtual reality adventures, escape rooms, and more!
plan your summer getaway, visit
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As we enter the dog days of summer, it can be hard to beat the heat while keeping the whole family entertained. Whether you’re in the market for a family-friendly outing or a low-key date night, we’ve rounded up a list of hometown happenings that are sure to be a hit.
BY ANNA HUGHES
July 18, 4:00 PM
Wilder Park
epd.org
No kids allowed at this game night!
Adults are invited to Wilder Park for a night of friendly competition, good food, and delicious drinks. Whether you’re there to win it all or just relax and enjoy some music with friends, this event is great for anyone 21+. Attendance is free, and food and drinks will be available to purchase.
July 17–18, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Downtown Hinsdale hinsdalechamber.com
Hinsdale’s favorite shopping event is back for the summer. During this two-day event, stroll through the streets of downtown Hinsdale to find the newest additions to your summer wardrobe at great prices. The sales aren’t limited to the sidewalk, so be sure to stop in to your favorite boutiques and see all they have to offer.
July 19, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM Cantigny
cantigny.org
Cantigny will celebrate French culture during its annual French Festival, transforming the park into a vibrant showcase of art, music, and family fun. Guests will enjoy live performances, ballet and can-can dancers, a makers market, and plein air artists. Interactive activities, French-inspired games, photo opportunities, and an Eiffel Tower replica will offer entertainment for visitors of all ages.
July 23, 5:30–7:30 PM Heritage Park
obtpd.org
Decorate your bikes, scooters, and strollers for an evening of family, fun, and movement! Family Bike Night is a chance for kids to cruise around the
park at their own pace, while the whole family enjoys a relaxing summer night outdoors. A bike decorating station will be available, along with music and light snacks. This event is free, and no registration is required.
July 23–25 (hours pending)
Downtown Downers Grove Management Group downtowndg.org
Downtown Downers Grove’s annual Sidewalk Sale will return in July, offering shoppers the chance to explore special promotions and discounts from local retailers. Visitors will stroll the downtown district while discovering unique merchandise, seasonal finds, and exclusive deals. The event will showcase the vibrant small businesses that make downtown a popular destination.
July 30, 4:30–7:00 PM Central Park obparks.org
August 8–9, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Burr Ridge Village Center shopburrridge.com
Enjoy a summer evening wine walk during a casual guided tour of Central Park (about a 1.5-mile walk). During the tour, guests will experience a selection of several wines with light food pairings from favorites like Antico Posto and Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse. The event starts at the park’s Ginger Creek Pavilion and will end with a summer concert at the Oaks Amphitheater. Anyone interested (21+) can register online, where tickets and time slots are available.
The Burr Ridge Art Fair returns August 8–9, featuring over 80 artists from across the region, showcasing paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and more. Guests can enjoy live art demonstrations, interactive experiences, and family-friendly activities while exploring the open-air center throughout the weekend.
August 15, 4:00 PM–8:00 PM Berens Park epd.org
Say goodbye to summer with a super fun sendoff! Join Elmhurst Park District in Berens
Park for live music including School of Rock and Bon Journeyed, kids activities, games, a beer garden and more. Food trucks will be on site with a variety of options like pizza, ice cream, shaved ice, tacos, and more.
July 18, 4:00 PM-11:00PM
The Forge Lemont Quarries forgeparks.com
Forge Fest will return to The Forge: Lemont Quarries on July 18 with two exciting celebrations. Kids Fest, from 4 to 7 p.m., will feature family-friendly activities and entertainment for younger guests. Forge Fest will follow from 5 to 11 p.m., with live music, food vendors, outdoor fun, and a spectacular fireworks display to close out the evening.
The Oak Brook Park District Foundation recognizes two remarkable athletes whose accomplishments set them apart
BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF
Presented annually by the Oak Brook Park District Foundation, the Athlete of the Year Award recognizes the community’s top male and female student-athletes. Selection is based primarily on athletic accomplishment, with academic performance, leadership, and extracurricular involvement considered when candidates are otherwise closely matched. This year’s honorees, Nico Castaldo and Valeria Monroy, have distinguished themselves through outstanding athletic achievements while serving as leaders within their schools and communities. The winners will be recognized with a permanent display at the Oak Brook Park District featuring their names and photographs for the coming year.
A standout in both football and track and field, Nico Castaldo capped off an exceptional athletic career at Montini Catholic. As a senior wide receiver, he started all 14 games for the Broncos, earning All-State, All-Area, and All-Conference honors while leading the team with 64 receptions and 11 touchdowns. Castaldo helped guide Montini to back-to-back IHSA Class 4A State Football Championships and served as a team captain during his senior season. In track and field, he was a member of Montini’s 2024 IHSA State Championship team, earned All-Conference recognition, and helped set a school indoor record in the 4x200 relay. Beyond competition, Castaldo maintained honor roll status, volunteered at youth summer camps, and participated in community service initiatives through the football program.
Fenwick senior Valeria Monroy has built an impressive athletic résumé through her dedication to swimming and water polo. Throughout her high school career, she consistently competed at a high level, earning conference and sectional success while helping her teams achieve strong finishes. Her accomplishments include runner-up finishes in the Metro Catholic Aquatic Conference and sectionals, a third-place finish at the USA Water Polo Junior Olympics with her club team, and a second-place finish in the Midwest League Premier Division as a senior with Elmhurst Aquatics. Monroy’s commitment extends beyond athletics as well. A member of the National Honor Society, she served as president of Fenwick’s French Club, mentored younger students through the school’s Friar Mentor program, and volunteered with organizations serving children and families throughout the Chicago area.
BY DR. MICHAEL BYUN
When consumers search for a premier Deep Plane Expert, standard medical marketing falsely presents the Extended Deep Plane Facelift as the ultimate “gold standard.” In the true hierarchy of facial architecture, a standard deep plane lift is merely a baseline tool. True master innovators do not choose between a deep plane lift and advanced vertical midface restoration—they use the deep plane as a basic component to ascend to an entirely different dimension of craniofacial surgery.
These procedures are not “apples and oranges” or equivalent alternative choices. Their relationship is defined by a strict law of Total Inclusion and Evolution . The advanced tier completely encompasses the basic tier, but the basic tier cannot perform the reverse.
To understand what makes my work truly exceptional, consider what happens when surgical skill reaches the level of mastery:
A PhD mathematics professor has a second-nature command of basic arithmetic. They can perform and teach the basics flawlessly. Advanced calculus does not replace arithmetic. It incorporates it as part of a more sophisticated mathematical framework. The master uses the deep plane as basic arithmetic, then layers on multi-vector calculus to reposition the dynamic facial muscle engine.
A fighter jet pilot moving at Mach 2 possesses an immaculate command of basic aerodynamics and can easily pilot a single-engine commercial helicopter. The principles of flight remain the same, but supersonic aviation incorporates additional layers of speed, complexity, and systems management.
A master structural engineer who builds a 100-story skyscraper fully understands foundation pouring, soil bearing capacity, and basic framing. They can build a standard single-family home perfectly. A high-rise incorporates those same foundational principles while introducing additional structural forces, load calculations, and engineering complexities.
Before Pablo Picasso revolutionized modern art, he was a classically trained prodigy who could paint the human figure with photorealistic accuracy. That mastery gave him the authority to deconstruct tradition and elevate art to a higher plane. His groundbreaking work did not replace classical technique. It expanded upon it.
The Surgical Reality: Deep Plane is Just the Basics
When applied to facial restoration, the conclusion is absolute:
The Standard Deep Plane Surgeon has mastered a reliable, single-vector lateral pull. They move a flat block of tissue sideways. It is a necessary, fundamental skill—but it stops there.
As a Multi-Vector Master Architect, I understand the fundamentals completely and then advance the entire surgery to another dimension separating individual moving muscle fibers, calculating dynamic expression vectors, and anchoring the active kinetic engine of the face directly to the bone structure.
About the Author:
Dr. Michael Byun, MD, is a boardcertified plastic surgeon. Selected as Northwestern University’s first-ever integrated plastic surgery fellow, he now directs Chicago Cosmetic Surgery. To view his work, visit chicagocosmeticsurgery.com.
When stepping into the world of Moderne Living, visitors experience a carefully curated approach to contemporary home design. Established in 2005, the company operates with a clear mission: to help clients define and fully realize their dream homes. More than a furniture showroom, Moderne Living offers an immersive environment where architectural solutions, bespoke furnishings, and innovative design come together to create exceptional living spaces. Their showroom presents a sophisticated perspective on modern living, featuring some of Europe’s most respected manufacturers and design brands.
The company’s sourcing process reflects a deep commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and engineering excellence. Moderne Living selectively partners with premium European manufacturers and internationally recognized design houses, including Reflex, Pininfarina Home Collection, Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors, Rexa Design, and Res Italia. Produced in state-of-theart facilities, these collections combine innovative design, exceptional craftsmanship, and rigorous quality standards to deliver architectural solutions and furnishings of enduring beauty and performance.
Beyond aesthetics, Moderne Living places a strong emphasis on wellness and environmental responsibility. Many of the featured architectural systems and furnishings meet the world’s highest standards for sustainability, safety, and indoor air quality. Beautiful wood veneers, premium materials, and advanced manufacturing processes are selected to minimize environmental impact while maintaining exceptional
performance. For discerning homeowners, this means interiors that are not only visually striking but also healthier, safer, and designed for long-term living. The expansive collection covers every corner of the modern home, from bespoke kitchens and luxurious wardrobes to architectural bathrooms, integrated wall systems, concealed doors, lighting solutions, and curated furnishings. The showroom also features transformative living concepts, including multifunctional furniture, expandable tables, and space-efficient solutions designed for contemporary lifestyles. Whether furnishing a single room or designing an entire residence, Moderne Living works closely with architects, designers, builders, and homeowners to guide every project from initial concept through final installation. Supported by a trusted network of installation professionals, the company successfully delivers and installs projects throughout the United States, ensuring a seamless experience from design development to final completion.
With a balance of European sophistication, technical expertise, and personalized service, Moderne Living has become a trusted destination for those seeking elevated residential design. Every project is approached with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each space reflects the client’s vision while delivering lasting beauty, comfort, and functionality.
222 W. Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois 312-380-0058 | moderneliving.com
Not long ago, suburban shopping centers largely followed a familiar retail formula: national brands, department store anchors, and established dining concepts designed to appeal to broad consumer audiences. Today, however, the brands and restaurants gaining momentum with younger consumers are often the ones first discovered online through TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and influencer culture.
BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF
Retail analysts now point to Gen Z consumers as major drivers of this shift. For example, a 2025 Boston Consulting Group and Women’s Wear Daily report projected that consumers age 28 and under will account for 40 percent of U.S. fashion spending within the next decade, underscoring how younger shoppers are reshaping the fashion market.
The impact is visible in real time at shopping destinations across the country. Brands that gain strong
engagement online, particularly through creators, viral styling videos, “haul” culture, or influencer partnerships, are increasingly translating that momentum into physical retail expansion. Fashion retailer Edikted, which opened this past April at Oakbrook Center, is one example. Built largely through social media visibility and Gen Z awareness, the brand reflects how online popularity can quickly translate into physical retail growth.
“Influencers help drive extra excitement about new retailers we introduce at Oakbrook Center. When evaluating brands, we also prioritize digital relevance and how they engage with the customer in addition to sales productivity,” shares Justin Lushing, Associate Vice President of Leasing for GGP.
“Edikted is a great example of a brand with a significant following on social media. Oakbrook Center is their only physical store in the Chicago market, and this new location has already increased traffic and attracted new customers to the center. Edikted recognized the value of establishing a presence at one of the premier shopping centers in the country, where buzz and attention are already deeply established.”
That evolution extends well beyond apparel. Dining concepts, beauty brands, and home décor retailers are increasingly shaped by online engagement across social media. A restaurant that trends on TikTok can generate immediate awareness and complement broader marketing efforts, including traditional advertising, public relations, and community visibility. Likewise, visually distinctive storefronts and dining concepts are increasingly designed with social sharing in mind.
“We’ve found that our customer (especially the gen-z customer) comes to Oakbrook to share their experience on social media,” says Lushing. “Whether it’s dining at The Purple Pig, shopping at Skims, Alo, or visiting the Restoration Hardware rooftop restaurant, social media is a clear driver of awareness, visitation, and it’s part of our real estate strategy.”
Research suggests the trend is not slowing down. At the same time, Gen Z consumers are helping drive renewed interest in physical shopping
destinations, particularly centers that feel social, interactive, and visually engaging. Discovery may begin online, but many younger consumers still want to experience brands, restaurants, and environments in person.
“Experiences like the installation of floral arches has been a natural photo moment, consistently driving tagged posts from both creators and everyday visitors,” says Lushing. “It consistently drives engagement and provides us UGC to use on our feeds.”
“Influencers are drawn to Oakbrook because it offers multiple content opportunities in one visit, with trend-driven retail and dining in a walkable layout.”
– JUSTIN LUSHING
Influencer partnerships are no longer limited to national celebrity campaigns or major fashion brands. Increasingly, retailers and restaurants are working with local creators who have built highly engaged suburban audiences around food, fashion, wellness, design, and lifestyle content. For shopping destinations like Oakbrook Center and their partners, those partnerships can help generate awareness in ways that feel more authentic and community-driven than traditional mass marketing alone.
“Influencers are drawn to Oakbrook because it offers multiple content opportunities in one visit, with trend-driven retail and dining in a
walkable layout. The steady flow of new openings makes it the perfect destination for social media content,” says Lushing. “We have noticed an increase in engagement with brands, followers, and others when new stores open or a retailer is active on social media.”
A post on Oakbrook Center’s Instagram announcing the opening of Edikted, for example, generated over 215K views and 8,300 interactions. 90% of the engagement on that post came from people who did not follow Oakbrook but presumably followed Edikted. In a recent 90-day period, the content team noticed an uptick in Oakbrook Center being tagged across social media.
The improved performance could be attributed to a few key moments. The property hosted an exclusive event featuring a premier screening of The Devil Wears Prada 2, which generated a strong wave of organic content and influencer coverage. The event included a happy hour at The Table at Crate followed by the private screening, which turned out to be a great success.
“Local influencers gravitate towards Oakbrook Center for its elevated feel, mix of luxury and aspirational retailers, and because there is always a photo-worthy moment for them to create content,” says Lushing. “The Floral Arches are significant content drivers. Plus, patios like the RH Mansion restaurant, Table at Crate and Violi draw a lot of attention.”
For retailers and shopping centers alike, the message is becoming increasingly clear: digital influence no longer sits outside the shopping experience. It is now deeply intertwined with how consumers discover, evaluate, and engage with brands both online and in person. ■
BY DR. CHRISTINA STEIL AND DR. RACHEL BOGNET
Summer has a way of bringing skin changes into sharper focus. More daylight, more time outdoors, and more exposed skin can make brown spots, redness, freckles, visible blood vessels, and uneven tone more noticeable. Some of these changes are familiar parts of a person’s natural complexion. Others may be signs that the skin has recorded years of ultraviolet exposure.
That is one of the reasons dermatology and aesthetics often overlap. Patients may come in because they are bothered by a spot, patch of redness, or uneven tone, but the first question should not be, “How do we remove it?” The first question should be, “What is it?”
Freckles are often part of what makes a complexion distinctive. They are strongly influenced by genetics and are especially common in people with fair skin, lighter hair, red hair, blue or green eyes, or complexions that burn easily before tanning. Freckles tend to be smaller, lighter brown spots that become more visible after time in the sun and may fade when sun exposure decreases. Many people associate freckles with youth, personality, and a natural, sun-kissed look. They are not automatically a problem, and they can be a beautiful part of someone’s natural skin pattern.
At the same time, freckle-prone skin deserves thoughtful sun care. The same complexion that freckles easily
may also be more vulnerable to UV damage, sunburn, and the gradual development of sunspots over time. Having freckles from childhood can also make it harder to notice when a new or changing spot appears. For that reason, people with freckled skin should not ignore dermatologic care simply because they have “always had spots.” Regular skin checks help patients understand what is normal for their skin and what deserves a closer look.
Sunspots are different from freckles. Also called age spots or solar lentigines, they are usually more persistent areas of pigmentation that develop after repeated UV exposure. They often appear on the face, chest, shoulders, arms, and hands, which are the areas that receive the most sun over time. Unlike freckles, sunspots usually do not fade much on their own. They may be cosmetic, but they are also a visible sign of cumulative sun exposure.
That distinction matters because brown spots should be understood before they are treated cosmetically. A new, changing, irregular, scaling, bleeding, very dark, or rapidly growing spot should be evaluated by a dermatologist. At CSC Steil Dermatology, patients can receive both medical and cosmetic dermatology care, allowing our team to evaluate the health of the skin before recommending an aesthetic treatment plan.
For patients bothered by sunspots, redness, broken capillaries, or uneven tone, we offer several technologybased options. These treatments are not one-size-fitsall. The right approach depends on the patient’s skin type, the depth and color of the discoloration, whether redness or blood vessels are present, and how much downtime the patient can reasonably manage.
BBL HEROic uses broadband light to target common concerns such as sun damage, age spots, redness, uneven texture, freckles, and visible blood vessels. The treatment delivers calibrated pulses of light below the skin’s surface, where pigment and blood vessels absorb the energy and gradually fade as the body clears them. BBL HEROic can be used on areas including the face, neck, chest, hands, and arms, which are often the same areas most affected by years of sun exposure.
sun damage does not only affect color. Over time, ultraviolet exposure can contribute to changes in collagen, elasticity, and the smoothness of the skin’s surface. Depending on the patient’s needs, resurfacing treatments may help improve tone and texture while supporting the skin’s natural renewal process. And renewing the collagen layer and waking up the skins fibroblasts not only makes the skin look younger and healthier- it has been shown to reduce our risk of developing non-melanoma risk cancer.
Freckles can be charming. Sunspots deserve a closer look. The best first step is knowing the difference.
The best treatment plan often begins with a conversation, not a device. Two patients may both describe “sun damage,” but one may have freckles, another may have solar lentigines, another may have melasma, and another may have redness from rosacea or visible blood vessels. Each concern behaves differently. Each requires a different level of caution. That is why an evaluation with a dermatologist is an important first step.
Preparation before your treatment matters, especially in summer: Patients should use broad spectrum sunscreen every day, especially before and after any light- or laserbased treatment.
For patients whose concerns include rough texture, sun damage, fine lines, pigmented lesions, or sunspots, non-ablative or ablative laser treatments may also be considered. Moxi and LaseMD are nonablative fractional laser treatments designed to improve tone and texture while creating microchannels below the skin’s surface without harming the surface layers. It is customizable, with minimal down-time, and can be used on all skin types. UltraClear is a cold-fiber ablative laser that can be used on both superficial and deep settings to treat stubborn sun-spots and deeper wrinkles.
Redness may require a different approach. Some patients are not only dealing with brown discoloration but also persistent redness, flushing, rosacea-related changes, or broken capillaries. The Cutera excel V+ laser targets vascular and pigment concerns, including facial redness, flushing, broken capillaries, rosacearelated redness, brown spots, sunspots, and age spots. For patients who notice both red and brown discoloration, a dermatologist can determine whether a vascular laser, broadband light, resurfacing treatment, or combination plan makes the most sense.
Skin resurfacing may also play a role for patients whose sun exposure has contributed to texture changes, fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, or dullness. While pigment is often the most visible concern,
No treatment replaces sun protection. Daily broadspectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, shade, and avoiding tanning beds remain the foundation of skin health. Sunscreen should not be reserved for beach days, vacations, or poolside afternoons. It belongs in the daily routine, including on cloudy days and during ordinary errands, commutes, and walks outside.
Summer is often when people notice skin changes most, but prevention and treatment are year-round conversations. Freckles can be charming. Sunspots deserve a closer look. The best first step is knowing the difference, and a dermatologist can help patients understand both the beauty and the health of their own skin.
About the Authors:
and
focusing on comprehensive medical dermatology and skin cancer surgery.
CSC Steil Dermatology 125 W 2nd St, Hinsdale 5157 Main St 205, Downers Grove (630) 455-0045 | www.cscdermatology.com
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BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF
For decades, Oak Brook has stood as one of the western suburbs’ premier business destinations. Corporate headquarters, professional service firms, and regional offices were drawn to its polished campuses, central location, and seamless access to major highways.
Today, those same buildings are undergoing a quiet but significant transformation.
Walk up to any office directory along 22nd Street or York Road, and the shift is immediately visible. Where law firms and financial services once dominated, medical practices are increasingly taking their place, including orthopedic groups, dermatology clinics, imaging centers, and outpatient surgical suites. Spaces originally designed for board meetings and corporate operations are now being reimagined as centers for patient care.
The change is not happening by accident. It reflects two powerful trends unfolding simultaneously.
“Healthcare tenants are very ‘sticky,’ meaning they commit for longer terms because it’s expensive to relocate once they’ve built out their space.”
– BRIAN EDGERTON
First, the traditional office market has been recalibrating. In the years following the pandemic, many companies reduced their physical footprint as hybrid and remote work became more common. Even organizations maintaining office space often require less of it, leaving portions of suburban buildings underutilized.
At the same time, healthcare delivery itself is evolving. Advances in technology, procedures, and patient care models have made it possible for many treatments to move beyond hospital campuses into outpatient settings.
“Lower-acuity services—like primary care, pediatrics, and urgent care—are increasingly moving closer to where patients live and work,” said Brian Edgerton, Executive Vice President of NAI Hiffman, a commercial real estate firm active in suburban office and medical leasing. “It’s a more convenient and cost-effective way to deliver care.”
That evolution has created a natural alignment between healthcare providers and suburban office environments.
Office buildings already offer many of the fundamentals medical users need: accessible locations, ample parking,
elevators, and professional, easy-to-navigate interiors. For patients, that often translates to a simpler, more efficient experience compared to large hospital campuses.
That alignment is particularly strong in Oak Brook.
Positioned at the intersection of several major highways—including I-294, I-355, I-88, and I-55—the village provides convenient access from across DuPage County and surrounding communities. Patients from Hinsdale, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Clarendon Hills, and Burr Ridge can reach Oak Brook quickly, often without the congestion associated with downtown medical centers.
The corridor is already home to a growing concentration of healthcare providers, including major outpatient facilities from Northwestern Medicine and Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, further reinforcing its role as a regional destination for care. Nearby, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago has also announced plans for a new outpatient facility in Downers Grove, reflecting the broader regional shift toward accessible, community-based care.
From a real estate perspective, those advantages are hard to replicate.
“These areas offer strong demographics, high household income, and proximity to both patients and major healthcare systems,” said Perry Higa, Executive Vice President of NAI Hiffman.
Industry experts consistently point to the same combination of factors, like access, visibility, and affluence, as key drivers behind healthcare’s expansion into the Oak Brook corridor.
For building owners, the shift also represents a strategic opportunity.
Medical tenants tend to operate differently from traditional office users. While corporate tenants may
downsize or relocate based on workforce trends, healthcare providers often make long-term commitments tied directly to patient populations and infrastructure investments.
While healthcare has become a growing solution for some properties, it is not a one-size-fits-all answer. Not every office building is ideally suited for medical use without thoughtful planning, infrastructure, and longterm investment.
“Healthcare tenants are very ‘sticky,’ meaning they commit for longer terms because it’s expensive to relocate once they’ve built out their space,” Edgerton explained.
Those buildouts are not insignificant. Converting office space into medical use often requires substantial upgrades, from additional plumbing systems and specialized exam rooms to improved accessibility and patient drop-off areas. Buildings may also need to accommodate higher parking demand, longer operating hours, and increased daily foot traffic.
While those requirements can be complex, they often result in stable, long-term occupancy—an increasingly valuable asset in today’s evolving office market.
The transformation is also reshaping the patient experience.
Instead of navigating sprawling hospital campuses, many appointments now take place in smaller, more focused outpatient environments. These settings are designed for efficiency, offering streamlined visits, convenient parking, and locations closer to home.
In many ways, the shift reflects a broader rethinking of how and where care is delivered. Healthcare is becoming more decentralized, moving into communities and adapting to the rhythms of everyday life.
Oak Brook is uniquely positioned within that evolution.
What began as a corporate hub is steadily becoming a hybrid environment and one where business and healthcare coexist, and where buildings once defined by boardrooms are now equally associated with exam rooms, imaging suites, and same-day surgical care.
The change is subtle in appearance but significant in impact.
And for residents across the western suburbs, it represents something increasingly important: access to high-quality care, closer to home, in a place they already know how to reach. ■
Memorial flags will return to Oak Brook to commemorate the event that changed the country forever
BY SOPHIA SCHIAPPA | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Thousands of American flags will cover the grounds of Oak Brook once again this summer to honor military personnel, first responders, and victims of 9/11. Arranged in near-
perfect rows, the memorial invites visitors to reflect, remember, and honor those who have served their communities and country.
The display, known as the Healing Field, transforms Oak Brook’s Polo
Grounds into a sea of red, white, and blue. American flags fly in sync, with each representing the lives touched by sacrifice, courage, and resilience. For visitors, the experience is both visually striking and deeply emotional. Jerry Christopherson, the
president of True Patriots Care Foundation, started the project while he was working as the building manager at a local high school.
“All the schools were closed the rest of the week after 9/11, but the following week they wanted to get everything back to normal. We had a football game scheduled for Friday night, and I thought we should do something for the lives that were lost,” said Christopherson.
Christopherson and his team were able to secure 1,000 American flags in less than a week. Between games that Friday night, players and cheerleaders lined up, each carrying a flag and candle in remembrance of the lives lost.
“I thought we should do something for the lives that were lost.”
– JERRY CHRISTOPHERSON
That first tribute planted the seed for what would eventually become the Healing Field. As the fifth anniversary of 9/11 approached in 2006, Christopherson began exploring ways to create a large-scale display of American flags. His initial plan involved mounting thousands of flags on metal conduit poles until a friend pointed out a potential flaw.
“You do realize that if you use metal conduit, you’re basically installing 3,000 lightning rods?” his friend joked. “If there’s a storm in Rockford, the lightning will find your field.”
The idea was quickly shelved, but Christopherson remained determined to find a way to bring his vision to life. A short time later, he discovered the Colonial Flag Foundation in Sandy, Utah, which had created a similar display using seven-foot PVC poles instead of metal. The concept provided the solution he had been searching for. “The rest is history,” Christopherson said.
Five years later, Christopherson hosted his first Healing Field in West Dundee to mark the 10th anniversary of 9/11 in 2011. Among those in attendance was Oak Brook’s police chief, who encouraged him to bring the tribute to Oak Brook. The Healing Field debuted in Oak Brook the following year and returned in 2016 and 2021 to commemorate the 15th and 20th anniversaries of the September 11 attacks.
The Healing Field has become a meaningful tradition in Oak Brook, drawing veterans, families, first responders, and community members from across the Chicago area. Presented in partnership with the True Patriots Care Foundation, the event honors military personnel while also recognizing police officers, firefighters, healthcare workers, and
others who have dedicated themselves to serving others. This year’s display carries added significance as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.
As guests walk among the flags, many pause to read dedication messages or reflect quietly beside the memorial displays. Christopherson and his staff regularly update biographies of the victims, helping ensure their stories continue to be remembered. Unlike a traditional memorial ceremony held for only a few hours, the Healing Field allows visitors to experience the tribute at their own pace over several days. The display is open to the public from September 9 through September 13.
In addition to the flag display itself, past Healing Field events have included opening ceremonies, musical performances, guest speakers, and tributes recognizing veterans and first responders. For many visitors, the Healing Field serves as both a memorial and a place of connection. Veterans, military families, and community members often share stories and reflections while walking through the field, while parents use the display as an opportunity to teach younger generations about service, sacrifice, and the lasting impact of 9/11. Although Oak Brook hosts the Healing Field every five years, smaller displays are held throughout Illinois.
When the flags rise once again over Oak Brook this September, they will represent more than a patriotic image. Together, they will stand as a communal tribute to sacrifice, service, and healing.
Visit the Healing Field from September 9 – 13 at the Oak Brook Polo Grounds. For more information, visit truepatriotscare.com. ■
t the May 19th meeting of the Village Board of Trustees, Village President Larry Herman appointed longtime Oak Brook resident John Anos to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of James Nagle.
Anos has been actively involved in the Sports Core Committee for the last decade, most recently as chairperson. He’s proud of the Sports Core’s positive financial transformation that has resulted in more transparency and user experience improvements such as the swimming pool climbing wall at the Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club and the new covered hitting bays at the Oak Brook Golf Club driving range.
Most weekends, you’ll find Anos, a left-handed golfer, on the course at
Oak Brook Golf Club. His favorite hole at the course is the par 5 13th hole. “That hole is a test of every shot you have in your bag. It is the most challenging.”
His passion for Oak Brook Golf Club led him to raise his hand for the community: “I love the saying ‘You don’t do it for the applause, you do it for the cause.’” Continuing on, he shared that “Oak Brook has a lot of talented people and I encourage my fellow residents to get more involved. Come to meetings, talk to trustees and see how you can make a difference.” In his new role as trustee, Anos will prioritize Village safety and the continued success of the Sports Core.
Anos and his wife Pat raised their family in Woodside Estates. Careerwise, he is a lifelong sales professional in the packaging and
paper industry. Today, Anos resides in the Oak Brook Club and loves dining out in Oak Brook at favorites such as The Purple Pig, Lucca Osteria, Gibson’s Steakhouse and Wildberry.
Village President Larry Herman shared, “When making this appointment, I wanted someone with a proven record of involvement and service in our community. John Anos was raised in Oak Brook and has been an active and engaged resident who has devoted significant time and effort to Oak Brook. His leadership as Chair of our Sports Core Advisory Committee was instrumental in radically improving the Sports Core’s financial stability. His commitment to the Village has been evident throughout his years of service and I am confident he will bring that same dedication to his role as Trustee.” ■
There are some new faces in the Butler Government Center this summer as the Village of Oak Brook has welcomed its inaugural class of interns. The group was chosen this spring via an extensive candidate selection process that included in-person interviews, letters of recommendation and essays.
Lauren Kottke lives in Trinity Lakes and is a rising senior at Timothy Christian High School. At school, Lauren serves as captain of the softball team and is active with the DECA Business Club and National Honor Society. Lauren will be serving as an intern with the marketing department.
Sachin Rao lives in Brook Forest and will be a senior at Hinsdale Central
who will be working with the Village’s IT Department this summer. Sachin has excelled in math competitions as both an individual and a team member and has studied Python, a computer programming language. He has also held the title of JV Captain for Red Devils Soccer.
Jane Shannon lives in Heritage Oaks and is also a rising senior at Benet Academy who participates in track, flag football, and the National Honor Society. Jane has learned customer service and other valuable skills via her paid and volunteer work with organizations such as Windy City Hospitality, West Suburban Harriers and Helping Hand. Jane will work in the Village Administration this summer.
The intern’s first day included a tour
of Village facilities including the Butler Government Center, Library, Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club and Oak Brook Golf Club. Work has commenced on assigned individual projects as well as a collaborative capstone project, which will be presented to elected officials at the end of the summer.
Village President Larry Herman shared, “One of the most rewarding aspects of this internship program is that everyone learns from the experience. Students develop leadership, communication, and professional skills that will benefit them for years to come, while Village staff gain valuable insight from a younger generation whose fresh ideas and perspectives help us better connect with and serve our community.”
BY LAURA MICHAUD AND MELISSA G. WILSON
The Encore Center for Performing Arts (ECPA) is no stranger to bringing powerhouse talent to DuPage County. From Hamilton’s Miguel Cervantes to rock icon Cathy Richardson, they know how to draw a crowd. But their recent collaboration with Nashville’s Freedom Sings wasn’t just another show on the marquee. It was the most intimate, emotionally charged night the community has seen yet.
Freedom Sings operates on a beautifully profound premise: when words fail, music speaks. For veterans battling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and emotional distress, traditional therapy sometimes hits a wall. Songwriting therapy cracks that wall wide open. By pairing veterans with elite musical talent, the organization has helped birth over 600 songs, transforming painful, unspeakable memories into anthems of resilience.
For this exclusive event, ECPA brought award-winning Nashville songwriters to town to match minds and hearts with local veterans.
The magic happened in a whirlwind 10-hour window:
• The Session: The morning began with intense, one-on-one sessions orchestrated by Co-Chairs Laura Michaud and Craig Wilson. Songwriters sat with veterans, listening to stories often too painful to repeat to loved ones and wrote original songs to be performed that very evening.
• The Stage: At 7:00 pm, those raw narratives debuted live as original songs. The songwriters took the stage to perform these custom tracks, dedicating each piece directly to its veteran co-creator.
The atmosphere in the room was nothing short of electric.
Armed with catchy melodies and cutting, honest lyrics, the music struck an immediate chord. The performance didn’t just entertain; it connected, leaving the audience in tears and paving the way for a night of heartwarming, deeply personal conversations between the patrons, artists, and veterans.
OF THE EXPERIENCE.
Christine Seagrave, a Desert Storm Army veteran, recounted, “Knowing that supporters of the arts would put together such an event touched me deeply. I will never forget the experience. It was truly healing. I can’t thank ECPA enough for this opportunity”.
Staci Boyer, a Navy Hospital Corpsman in the Persian War, said it best: “Today for me was a very healing moment. I have struggled with what this song provided. This experience was unbelievable as it allowed me to feel and I needed to. This ECPA Project is remarkable in how it connects with men, women, different ages, different situations - where we’re all trying to heal.”
While the evening was an undeniable emotional triumph, it also shone a spotlight on a larger mission. Laura emphasized the importance of ECPA securing its own permanent theater. Having a dedicated home would
enable the organization to continue expanding the arts and to host these unique, therapeutic, and compelling performances across Chicago’s western suburbs.
To close out the evening, ECPA’s president, Mark George, asked the crowd if they wanted to see the show return next year. The response was a room-shaking, unanimous “Yes!” ■
About the authors: Laura Michaud is a founding member of the Encore Center for Performing Arts and Stage 773. Melissa G. Wilson is a performing arts enthusiast, author, and renowned networker. For more information visit EncoreCenterforPerformingArts.org
How an Oak Brook couple curated a premier destination for makers, artists, and small businesses
BY JULIA MAZUREK
On an early June weekend at Oakbrook Center, well over 100 artisan vendors lined the lawn and walkways of Oakbrook Center, in what has become a favorite semi-annual shopping event and destination.
Thousands of shoppers meet and shop from talented local and Midwest artisans who pour their passions into creating one-of-a-kind products in food, fashion, home goods & art.
“That passion shines through,” says Jonathan Smith, who co-founded the Artisan Market series with his wife Lynna. “Shoppers can meet the person making the product, or hear the stories of how solving a problem in their own life became the inspiration for creating it, or find custom products they’re not likely to find in stores.”
First inspired as a response to small business needs, the Artisan Market has grown into a thriving event series that annually hosts 15 markets at six locations across Chicagoland, with more events and locations on the horizon.
“We were working in digital marketing and events with a lot of small business clients,” Jonathan recalls. As real estate taxes and rents went up, they noticed increasing demand for ‘pop-up’ opportunities over traditional brick-and-mortar locations.
“The small business eco-system in Chicago is amazing, and I just thought it could be really special if we could showcase that,” Jonathan says. His online searches for ‘artisan market’ revealed an opportunity that he and Lynna could address. “This was not going to be your grandma’s craft fair,” he adds with a laugh.
In 2018, Jonathan and Lynna launched the Chicago Artisan Market at Morgan MFG in Chicago’s Fulton Market neighborhood. In its first year alone, the Chicago Artisan Market hosted three successful events.
On the heels of this success, the Smiths recognized additional opportunities closer to home.
“As longtime residents of Oak Brook, we noticed that some pop-ups and art festivals held at Oakbrook Center had either failed, declined or closed in recent years,” Lynna recalls.
“Oakbrook Center is one of the top 5 shopping centers in the country. So we thought we could do our brand of artisan market here and succeed where others had failed.”
That vision became the Oak Brook Artisan Market, which launched in May 2019.
The path wasn’t always smooth. During the market’s first weekend at Oakbrook Center, an unexpected 55-mile-per-hour spring storm swept through.
“It wasn’t even in the forecast,” Jonathan says. “It appeared on radar two hours after we opened.”
Then came COVID-19.
The Oak Brook Artisan Market had hosted three events before the world shut down in March 2020. Like many small business owners, they found themselves uncertain about what lay ahead. Their solution came through a
unique partnership with The Drake Oak Brook.
With weddings and events paused during the pandemic, the hotel offered its expansive grounds as a temporary home for the market. A series of outdoor monthly markets were hosted across the property’s 10 acres with vendor tents placed 15 to 20 feet apart.
“We used to joke that we were safer than a supermarket,” Lynna says. “We were outdoors, spread out, and people were craving connection.”
The response exceeded expectations. Vendors flourished during an incredibly difficult period, and shoppers continued showing up.
“For many of our vendors, the markets became a life preserver during COVID,” Jonathan says. The markets continued at The Drake in 2021 and spring 2022. As the world slowly opened back up, the event returned to Oakbrook Center in fall 2022.
Since then, the Artisan Markets have become known not just for unique shopping, but also for connection - an experience increasingly rare in today’s world of online retail.
“Our markets are such a great way for people to connect while shopping small and local,” Lynna adds about the spots intentionally set up at their events for people to chat over coffee or new purchases.
The incredible growth of the Artisan Markets is shaped by the vendors and shoppers who bring it to life.
“We work with over 1,000 artisanvendors every year,” Jonathan adds. “They come from all different backgrounds. Some do their artisan business full-time. Some moonlight around their day job.”
And shoppers travel to the Oak Brook Artisan Market from more than 200 communities across Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, Michigan, and beyond. Adds Jonathan, “shoppers not only have the opportunity to find great
Check ChicagoArtisanMarket.com for full details.
Jul 12
Chicago Artisan Market –Fulton Market
401 N. Morgan Street., Chicago
Sep 19-20
Naperville Artisan Market –CityGate Centre
2135 CityGate Centre, Naperville
Oct 3-4
Oak Brook Artisan Market –Oakbrook Center
100 Oakbrook Center
Oct 18
Chicago Artisan Market –Fulton Market
Nov 15
Chicago Artisan Market –Fulton Market
Nov 28-29
Chicago Artisan Market –Ravenswood
4325 N. Ravenswood, Chicago
Dec 13
Chicago Artisan Market –Fulton Market
products, but they also get to help make someone’s dreams come true.”
The couple’s own roots in Oak Brook are woven into the market’s identity. Lynna grew up in Brook Forest in a large Cuban-American family, one of seven siblings. Before moving to Oak Brook in 2014, the family frequently biked from La Grange through local trails to spend weekends in town.
“We already knew and loved the community long before we lived here,” Jonathan says.
Their son, AJ, attended Brook Forest Elementary and Butler Junior High before graduating from the University of Illinois this spring with a finance degree. Along the way, he worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor at the Oak Brook Park District.
The Artisan Markets are a full-time commitment for Jonathan and Lynna. When they do catch some downtime at home in Oak Brook, you’ll often find them gardening or sprucing up the landscaping in their Cambridge Drive cul-de-sac.
Planning, building, and cultivating their outdoor spaces is not unlike the work that has gone into successfully growing their artisan markets.
They credit much of their success to the work ethic instilled by their families - something Jonathan and Lynna recognize in the artisans they support.
“In many ways, our vendors are a reflection of Oak Brook residents - they come from all over the world, from all different backgrounds, ethnicities, and religions, and they work hard to succeed,” Lynna adds.
The Artisan Market has also solidified Oak Brook as a destination. Adds Jonathan, “the location, accessibility, free parking, low sales tax — Oak Brook has all the ingredients of a true regional attraction.”
Looking ahead, the Smiths continue to seek opportunities to grow, actively working with municipalities and commercial property owners to bring artisan markets to new communities and venues.
As the Artisan Market series grows, the mission remains the same: to create an intersection for creativity, entrepreneurship, and community.
“We love hearing our vendors joyfully tell us that their sales at the Oak Brook Artisan Market are their highest sales of the year,” Jonathan adds. “There’s something really special about helping small businesses succeed.” ■
Head groundskeeper Dan Kiermaier cares for baseball's most iconic field
BY JULIA MAZUREK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO CUBS
At Wrigley Field, every blade of grass tells a story. And Dan Kiermaier ensures each blade is ready for every day at the iconic field.
Before the ivy stirs and before the first crack of batting practice, Wrigley Field’s head groundskeeper is already at work. He has checked the forecast, walked the field, and begun the meticulous process of preparing one of baseball’s most legendary fields as the Chicago Cubs celebrate their 150th anniversary as a National League franchise.
For Kiermaier, the path to becoming head groundskeeper of the Chicago Cubs started with a traditional teenager’s summer task: mowing
lawns in his neighborhood in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
“Working for this organization at Wrigley Field is literally a dream come true for me.”
- DAN KIERMAIER
“At the time, it was just a way to make some extra money,” he recalls. “I didn’t think of it as a career.”
At Purdue University, Kiermaier started down a path to become a physical therapist. A friend studying turf science introduced him to an entirely different world - one where science, sports, and the outdoors meet.
“That got me thinking back to those summers mowing lawns,” recalls Kiermaier. “I realized how much I enjoyed being outside and working in that environment.”
Kiermaier shifted his studies at Purdue to turf management and science. Summer jobs further cemented his career path, with an internship at a golf course and later a job with the Staten Island Yankees, a minor league affiliate team.
“That was the best summer of my life,” Kiermaier says. “I had more fun doing that job than anything I had done before.”
After graduating in 2012, Kiermaier built his career the way many in the industry do: one ballpark at a time.
He learned the nuances of turf, weather, and more, while also learning baseball operations and building relationships. He was hired in 2015 as a member of the grounds crew at Wrigley Field.
“Growing up a Chicago Cubs fan, getting the opportunity to work at Wrigley Field was a dream come true,” he adds.
Kiermaier was named Head Groundskeeper in late 2019. “My emotions went from pure elation to some anxiety about the pressure of the position,” he says.
Of all the job’s challenges, Chicago’s weather is the most relentless. The wide variety of weather throughout the baseball season presents unique challenges.
Spring brings fluctuating temperatures, persistent rain, and even snow, all of which can make it difficult to manage the moisture of the clay and create consistent growth and recovery in the grass.
With summer’s heat and humidity, the strategy shifts to retaining moisture so the clay areas don’t dry out, especially with the number of daytime games under intense sun. Sometimes thunderstorms roll in under the radar, which can delay or stop game play.
“Managing weather is easily the most difficult part of my job,” Kiermaier admits.
His day begins with a check of the forecast. The weather often sets off a chain reaction of communications with team personnel and front office staff. When he arrives at the ballpark, he walks the field to assess what needs attention and plans the hours ahead.
“I talk with the players and coaches every day about the field,” he adds. “It’s all a very collaborative process.”
The crew spends the early part of the day getting the field ready for batting practice, then ensuring it is ready for the game itself. Before the first pitch, Kiermaier briefs the umpires on weather conditions and takes one final look across the diamond.
Then the game can begin.
But Wrigley is not just a stage for baseball. As a year-round entertainment venue, the ballpark hosts dozens of concerts and large-scale events.
The grounds team plans months in advance to transform the field to accommodate thousands of fans, heavy equipment, and staging structures. Protective flooring is installed, the infield is stripped and covered, and the grass is trimmed strategically to withstand days without sunlight.
“After a concert, our grounds crew works tirelessly to get the field back to game-ready condition,” says Kiermaier. It’s labor-intensive, but when done right, fans never notice the transition. And that’s exactly the point.
The oldest of three sons, Kiermaier and his brothers grew up in a sports-loving home. The boys played football, basketball and baseball. Dan’s brother Kevin played in the MLB and was on the 2024 World Series-winning LA Dodgers team.
“I became a huge Cubs fan while watching the Sammy Sosa - Mark McGwire home run race in 1998,” Kiermaier recalls. “Working for this organization at Wrigley Field is literally a dream come true for me.”
Some of Kiermaier’s favorite moments are the simplest ones.
A standout memory is when Dan and his wife Kristy watched their young kids run across the field and through the sprinklers, blissfully unaware of the history beneath their feet. Simple moments like these will become more meaningful as his family grows; Dan and Kristy are expecting another baby in August.
When the stadium is empty and quiet, Kiermaier gets to experience Wrigley Field in a way few ever do - as a caretaker.
“Wrigley Field is magical when filled with fans, but there is something extremely special about an empty ballpark,” Kiermaier adds. “It’s when I can just be a groundskeeper and do what I love to do at one of my favorite places on Earth.” n
World-renowned kitchen scientist and writer Harold McGee has Elmhurst roots
BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN |
PHOTOS COURTESY OF HAROLD MCGEE
Have you ever wondered why you like your chili extra spicy while someone else would require a half roll of Tums to get through the bowl? Or why a sommelier might use words such as “leathery” or “floral” to describe a particular wine? And why DO onions make us cry?
Kitchen scientist Harold McGee wondered all of these things. While he studied applied sciences like chemistry and physics in school, he became much more curious about the science we use in everyday life, such as when we cook.
For McGee, we all become chemists when we cook. He has given the last five decades of his life to a discipline he helped to create - kitchen science. Not surprisingly, his name is now among the most respected in the field of gastronomical education.
What exactly is kitchen science, you might wonder? While some might mistake it for food science – the study of food composition, quality and safety – McGee’s area of study focuses on the science of what happens when food is cooked and why. “Right now, we’re in a
moment in time when science is having this strange and highly publicized impact on cooking,” said McGee. “In reality, the relationship between science and cooking goes way back.”
“ I wanted to study astronomy but ended up putting a “g” in front of it,”
– HAROLD MCGEE ON HOW HE WENT FROM APPLIED SCIENTIST TO KITCHEN SCIENTIST.
For a long time, culinary studies were not paid much respect by academia. McGee’s work did a lot to change that. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important people in the world of food.
McGee’s interest in science began at an early age. While he currently lives near San Francisco, he grew up in Elmhurst, which he remembers as having big green spaces and dark skies at night.
The York High graduate became interested in astronomy at an early age, which guided his path to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). As he hammered away at the typical science and mathematics courses alongside his freshman classmates, he realized he wasn’t as interested in the nuts and bolts of astronomy as he was in the effect astronomy has on us as people.
Although he almost left the university to pursue a more humanities-based course of study at a liberal arts college, his professors persuaded him to stay and finish at Caltech. “They knew I would be able to take courses there that I would never find anywhere else in the world,” said McGee.
He went on to Yale the following year, where he earned a PhD in literature. He taught everything from writing to poetry to Homer and James Joyce at Yale, as he hoped to find a tenured position.
“Tenured track positions were as difficult to come by then as they are now,” said McGee. “So, I decided to write about the science of everyday life – food and cooking.”
McGee was curious as to why Julia Child always recommended using a copper bowl when making a meringue. What difference would it make to use a glass bowl? A dead-end library search on the science of protein foam inspired him to perform his own experiment in his kitchen with the help of some friends. A hypothesis tested that night led to a tongue-in-cheek paper the group submitted to Nature Magazine.
And that’s how it started. If life is about timing, McGee’s was perfect.
On Food and Cooking (1984)
The groundbreaking book that helped establish kitchen science as a serious field of study.
The Curious Cook (1990)
A collection of experiments, myths and answers to common cooking questions.
Keys to Good Cooking (2010)
A practical guide to understanding cooking techniques and solving kitchen problems.
Nose Dive (2020)
An exploration of the science of smell and its connection to taste.
There was plenty of room on the uncharted frontier of kitchen science back in the 70s. This was the pre-specialty coffee drink era. Boutiques that carry dozens of types of olive oil hadn’t opened yet.
“I started writing when the food scene was still kind of quiet,” said McGee. “The whole culture of food and cooking was in the process of changing just as I began to write.”
Another experiment employed the help of some physicist friends simulating heat transfer on a computer through foods. The group proved that the faster they flipped a steak on the grill, the faster and more evenly it cooked through.
McGee left his teaching job in 1984 to write his first book about kitchen science, On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen. But the book was slightly ahead of its time. “It sat on the shelves for a while,” McGee recalled. “Food was just becoming something people were interested in on all fronts.”
While it took some time for people to see the science of cooking as a worthwhile subject, it was all worth it. Now in its eighth hardcover edition, On Food and Cooking is required reading in culinary schools and universities across the world and is translated into several languages. It began to be recognized as the book culinary students used to answer questions they hesitated to ask their professors.
In his second book, The Curious Cook, published in the 90s, McGee dispels many culinary myths and helps the reader learn how to keep salads greener and meats tender while braising. The book led to a spinoff column of the same name in The New York Times, written by McGee, in which readers could have culinary questions answered.
A third book, Keys to Good Cooking, published in 2010, takes the particulars of culinary chemistry and applies them to everyday situations with alternative techniques. Don’t want to waste quarts of water and
energy to boil pasta? Try adding just enough water to cover the noodles and heat the mixture.
Just as a physician’s scope is bigger than his practice, McGee’s books cover a huge breadth of topics most kitchen manuals would never touch, such as the difference between Scottish Whisky and its Irish counterpart or how to make a sauce similar to a heavy French hollandaise without the hassle.
Topics such as tips on everything from help choosing ingredients to safety tips on storing food to suggestions on improving imperfect recipes can be found in his work.
While McGee has been recognized as Bon Appétit Magazine’s Writer of the Year, he is ironically bothered by the concept of the perfect recipe. As a matter of fact, McGee’s approach is almost the opposite of that of most cooking magazines. “People want different things from their food,” McGee has learned. “Sometimes the process is as import-
ant as the result. The more readers understand, the more they can make their own decisions.”
His most recent book, Nose Dive: A Field Guide to the World’s Smells (2020), explores the science of smell and taste, a subject that has piqued his interest throughout his career.
While McGee’s path might have meandered more than a traditional one, he managed to create his own niche in the market – the science of cooking -just as the space became available. n
Before becoming one of the world's leading kitchen scientists, Harold McGee was a typical Elmhurst kid.
"I attended Edison, Sandburg and York," McGee recalls. "I climbed the backstops and hit golf balls in the open space between them. Our family would sometimes have picnics at
Wilder Park, and I spent a lot of time in the library there."
He also remembers visits to the newly opened Lizzadro Museum, afternoons at East End Pool, movies at the York Theatre, and stopping at a nearby diner for a Coke and fries.
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BY JULIA MAZUREK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO AREA TANDEM SOCIETY
wo seats, two sets of pedals, perfectly synchronized: a moving display of teamwork and trust.
Tandem cycling demands coordination, communication, and a shared rhythm. Every pedal stroke is a partnership. Riders quickly learn that the success of riding a tandem isn’t just about strength or endurance. It’s about connection.
Connection has been at the heart of the Chicago Area Tandem Society (CATS) for more than four decades.
The local club was founded after the 1984 Midwest Tandem Rally. What began as a single event sparked something bigger: a desire for tandem enthusiasts to continue riding together long after the rally ended.
Today, CATS remains a welcoming, connected community of 35 tandem teams who value the rides and the friendships formed along the way.
CATS Members Greg and Jeanne Browning have been involved with the club for nearly 20 years.
“We’d always enjoyed bike riding, but our lives got busy raising kids,” says Greg Browning. “As we found more time to take bike rides again, we found that we rode at different speeds. So we decided to try tandem riding - and we wound up discovering a shared passion.”
After attending the annual Midwest Tandem Rally years ago, the Brownings became more and more active with CATS.
Many members live in the greater Chicagoland area, but the club’s reach extends beyond state lines, drawing riders from neighboring regions who share a love for
tandem cycling. Experience levels vary, but what unites them is a shared sense of fun and an openness to connection.
“We usually have a couple of club rides each month during the warmer months,” shares Browning. “The rides typically range from 25 to 45 miles. Some people are faster, and some people are slower - and that’s all OK.”
Designed as much for socializing as for cycling, the rides typically include a stop for lunch, whether at a local restaurant along the route or a gathering at a member’s home. These stops offer riders a chance to share stories, laugh, and deepen friendships. And one thing holds true: no one rides alone.
This sense of belonging extends beyond Illinois. Across the Midwest, tandem clubs have formed their own unique identities, often with a sense of humor to match. The club in Minnesota is named for the state bird: the LOONS. Wisconsin riders call themselves COWS: Couples on Wheels. Indiana’s club is called HOOTS: Hoosiers Out On Tandems. In Iowa, it’s PIGS: Paired Iowans Going Somewhere. And Michigan riders go by MUTS: Michigan United Tandem Society.
The highlight of the year is the Midwest Tandem Rally, the very event that inspired CATS’ founding. The
event takes place over Labor Day weekend and is hosted by a rotation of tandem clubs throughout the region; this year’s event will be hosted by MUTS in Kalamazoo, Mich. With over 200 teams participating, the extended weekend of riding and socializing is a reminder of how far the tandem community reaches.
Some CATS members have taken their tandem passion on roads well beyond the Midwest.
“Our tandem can be ‘de-coupled’ or deconstructed into separate pieces that can fit into two standard suitcases for checking on a plane,” Browning explains, and elaborates on their tandem experience in Switzerland last fall. Zurich served as their start and end point, where they secured and left behind their large suitcases and loaded necessities to the back of their tandem. They spent two weeks riding from one Swiss town to the next.
CATS members Bob and Nancy Hoel have also traveled via tandem in the Netherlands several times.
“It is such a pleasure to ride in Europe, especially the Netherlands, because everyone bikes there, and drivers are very respectful of cyclists,” the Hoels explain. “Cycling also gives you a better opportunity to meet locals and visit sites that you may miss in a car.”
The appeal of tandem cycling is layered. It is inherently social. It is practical for riders who have different endurance levels or prefer varying speeds. It requires mental and physical presence and participation - your partner depends on you. Tandem riding fosters unique trust, whether riding with a spouse, friend, or someone you’ve just met.
UPCOMING CATS TANDEM RIDES
July 12
Long Ride to Long Grove Long Grove, IL
July 25 Lake2Lakes Ride
Silver Lake County Park, WI
August 26 Meet in the Middle Ride Inverness or North Aurora, IL
September 4-7
Midwest Tandem Rally
Kalamazoo, MI
September 8-10
Minnesota Root River Ride
Lanesboro, MN
September 20
Plowing Match Ride
Big Rock, IL
October 3 Kenosha Lakeshore Ride
Kenosha, WI
October 4
Fall Meeting and Wrap-Up Ride Willowbrook, IL
December 12
Holiday Lights Ride Arlington Heights, IL
“We’re always happy to welcome new members,” says Browning, adding that newcomers are welcomed no matter their level of experience or riding style. “It is a great group of people. If you ride a tandem, it’s likely a passion. To be surrounded by people doing something they have a passion for is just really enjoyable.”
The group shares a willingness to move forward together, in perfect rhythm, one mile at a time. And most importantly – to enjoy the journey.
For more information about CATS, or to join an upcoming tandem ride, visit chicagotandems.com n
BY ANNA HUGHES
DuPage County is home to a one-of-a-kind, crime-fighting task force. Founded in 2019, the Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigative Team (MERIT) enlists highly skilled law enforcement personnel from 37 agencies across the county. Together, these officers collaborate efficiently and effectively to ensure public safety for the communities they serve.
“It really is what I like to call a pooling of our public safety resources in DuPage, so that we can surge them together and respond to major incidents adequately,” Elmhurst Chief of Police Mike McLean said. “That really allows us to handle things that require a lot of staffing: things like murder investigations, SWAT callouts, hostage negotiations, or crisis responses.”
McLean, who serves as the Chairman of MERIT, said that the task force allows for a proactive approach to major incidents. MERIT’s 12 different units each have specialized teams with the proper staffing, equipment, and training to respond to high-level situations.
“We take the best from each police
“The most important thing about MERIT is the fact that we share resources and manpower.”
- DEPUTY CHIEF MIKE PENTECOST, GLENDALE HEIGHTS
create a best-of-the-best team to respond to the incident,” McLean said.
All of these units undergo regular advanced training, so they are ready to respond whenever a call occurs.
MERIT has been called into action over 1,000 times since 2019, including 142 times over the last year.
“Some of [those instances] were criminal investigation assistance, some of them were fatal traffic crash investigations, some of them were SWAT call-outs, some of them were assistances by our canine team or drone team to search for suspects,”
regularly to assist our member agencies. It’s something that has become kind of a routine matter of business for DuPage County, which I truly believe leads to the high-quality law enforcement and public safety that we have.”
Mike Pentecost, Deputy Chief in Glendale Heights, serves alongside McLean as MERIT’s Deputy Coordinator of Investigative Operations. A detective himself, he oversees the Major Crimes Unit, which includes the Public Integrity Unit, Forensic Investigations Unit, and Digital Forensics Unit. Pentecost holds himself to the highest standard in this role.
“My job as the deputy coordinator is to make sure that my component commanders and every member of the units I oversee are put in the best position to succeed,” Pentecost said.
“Not only am I trusted by the board, I’m trusted by my component commanders, and I’m trusted by every member of the units, as well as the community that we all serve, to make sure that we are in the best position to successfully conclude any task that is given to us.”
Pentecost said MERIT helps fill in gaps he’s watched develop throughout
“When I first started 26 years ago, the crime, especially here in Glendale Heights, seemed to be more local, so we’re able to handle a lot of the stuff on our own,” Pentecost said. “Now, the way crime has shifted, it’s very, very transient and mobile, so usually when we’re getting hit with crimes, so are the surrounding communities, so the collaboration between departments becomes more and more important.”
“There are many cases that we [Glendale Heights] are not financially, as far as manpower and equipment, capable of investigating on our own,” he continued. “So, the most important thing about MERIT is the fact that we share resources and manpower.”
McLean said MERIT has been contacted in recent years by law enforcement agencies across the country who are looking to adopt a similar task force within their own communities. Both he and Pentecost would recommend it to others. MERIT unites 37 DuPage County law enforcement agencies under a shared mission of regional collaboration and public safety.
MERIT is not a separate full-time law enforcement agency, McLean explained. Rather, it operates alongside the everyday duties of each local agency.
“Every role within MERIT I would classify as part time and voluntary,” McLean said.
Despite the extra time, effort, and training required, McLean said members look at their involvement as an honor.
“It’s a compliment to be told, ‘Hey, you’re an expert, we want you, we want your expertise as part of this task force,’” he said.
“It’s been nothing but successful as far as our end,” Pentecost said.
“Many, many other counties should really copy our model here. It’s worked out quite well for us.” n
MERIT PROVIDES ASSISTANCE IN 12 SPECIFIC AREAS OF EXPERTISE
• Metro SWAT
• Crisis Negotiation Team
• Major Crimes Investigation
• Public Integrity Unit
• Crime Scene Forensics
• Digital Forensics Unit
• Major Crash Reconstruction
• Planned Events
• Incident Management
Assistance Team
• K-9 Team
• Drone Team
• Peer Support Team
BY VALERIE HARDY
It’s always island time for the Chicago Parrot Head Club. Instead of simply wasting away in Margaritaville, though, this group of local Jimmy Buffett superfans operates under the motto, “Party with a purpose.” They always keep the fun in fundraising, and in addition to French fried potatoes, big kosher pickle, and a cold draft beer, members make sure to add a side of service to their cheeseburger in paradise.
The Chicago Parrot Head Club (CPHC) raises money and awareness for numerous charities, and its approximately 150 members also engage in various volunteer opportunities throughout the year. The club meets monthly at Another Round Bar & Grill in Downers Grove, each meeting featuring social
time, an agenda focused largely on planning for upcoming social and service events, and a 50/50 raffle. The winner receives half of the ticket-sale proceeds, while the rest is donated to a selected charity.
The CPHC also holds a weekend-long celebratory fundraiser
called "Summer Chi-ILL at the Beach" (summerchi-ill.com). This year, it will be held July 31-August 2 at the Illinois State Beach Resort and Conference Center to benefit K9s for Veterans.
The CPHC dates back to 1993, “when a group of Jimmy Buffett fans in the Chicago area realized that ‘Sweet Home Chicago’ needed a little more island attitude,” explained the club’s president, Joe Klen. “More than 30 years later, we’re still going strong – fins up, music on, and always looking for ways to have fun while giving back to the surrounding community.”
Buffett’s trademark changes in attitude (laidback philosophy and focus on philanthropy) proliferated beyond Chicagoland as well. Over
200 Parrot Head clubs operate today, “supporting live music and giving back through charity, whether being a local event, house concert, or traveling to other club events across the country,” said Billy Brehm, former CPHC president and current president of Parrot Heads in Paradise, Inc. – the board that oversees all Parrot Head clubs worldwide.
“The goal is always the same: good people, good music, good works, and good times.”
– JOE KLEN, CPHC PRESIDENT
Members converge at the organization’s annual convention: Meeting of the Minds. This is a giant party in Gulf Shores (formerly in Key West), featuring live music, raising money for local and national charities and the club’s annual scholarship, and including elements like a blood drive and a walk to support breast cancer research. Through breakout sessions and informal conversations, members swap ideas with other clubs.
The Parrot Heads committed to “keep the party going,” even after Buffett’s 2023 death, explained John Sheridan, a CPHC member since 2011 and former club secretary.
While the CPHC’s roots are in a shared love of Buffett’s music and the island culture, there are no membership prerequisites. One needn’t own a boat or know all the lyrics to “Son of a Son of a Sailor” to join. “What matters most is a willingness to have fun…and help support causes bigger than ourselves,” Klen said. “Whether we are gathering at a monthly meeting, attending a house concert, raising money for veterans, or spending a weekend at the beach, the goal is always the same: good people, good music, good works, and good times.” n
“The Chicago Parrot Head Club is often described as a social club, but it feels more like a phamily.”
– JOE KLEN, PRESIDENT
“It’s a tight-knit community. It’s where we turn for friendships, mutual support, and impactful charity work.”
– CHERYL WEGNER, MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR
“We’re never bored! There’s something for those who work and people who are retired, things for people with children or grandkids (what we call parakeet-friendly events).”
– PEGGY FARRELL, LONGTIME MEMBER
“I have found being a part of the organization a way to make new friends as an adult – not related to work, or being a parent.”
– ANGELA LOVELESS, MEMBER SINCE 2021
“You meet like-minded people, and there’s no judgment. I’ve met CEOs and custodians, and everyone’s treated the same. There’s no ranking at a tailgate party!”
– JOHN SHERIDAN, MEMBER SINCE 2011
“It has created a great sense of worth for myself by helping others through CPHC.”
– CHRISTY FRISONI, MEMBER SINCE 2021
“The people in the club are so fantastic and welcoming, and not just the local clubs but people from other clubs I’ve met.”
– LORA BAK, TREASURER
THESE CHICAGOLAND DESTINATIONS TRANSFORM
DINNER INTO SOMETHING MEMORABLE
BY SOPHIA SCHIAPPA
3155 North Halsted Street in Chicago
The first surprise at 2D - House of Teriyaki isn’t the food – it’s the feeling that you’ve walked straight into a comic book. Located in Lakeview, this restaurant is one of the first two-dimensional inspired eateries in the United States. The entire interior was handdrawn by award-winning designer Vanessa Thanh Vu. Thanh Vu and her husband, Kevin Yu, are partners in running the restaurant, with Yu being the kitchen’s executive chef. Customers flock from all corners of Chicago to try the Japanese mochi doughnuts. 2D - House of Teriyaki offers an immersive dining experience while also serving gourmet food inspired by Asian tastes.
110 West Hubbard Street in Chicago
For those wanting a less conventional dining experience, Dining in the Dark is the place for you. Nestled in Chicago’s River North, guests are seated at their tables and blindfolded while the kitchen staff serves them a mystery three-course meal, including a starter, main course, and dessert. The menu consists of only three course options categorized by color, with each choice being curated differently to test the diner’s taste buds based on the chosen color. The restaurant is designed to enhance your other senses, creating a unique immersion.
5050 North Clark Street in Chicago
At Chicago Magic Lounge, dinner and drinks come with a side of illusion. Designed after a vintage speakeasy, the venue offers classic American bites and unique cocktails. Magicians roam from table to table performing hand tricks before audiences gather in the main showroom for larger stage acts that blend storytelling and impossible illusions. Combining theater, dining, and interactive performance, the Chicago Magic Lounge has become one of the city’s most distinctive destination experiences.
1755 West 22nd Street in Oak Brook Kura Revolving Sushi is not your typical sushi restaurant. There are no waiters or waitresses –only a conveyor belt that serves your food, and a robot, named Kur-B the KuraBot, that serves your drinks and anything else needed. While the technology and novelty draw customers in, Kura emphasizes authenticity in its menu by only serving the finest Japanese ingredients to give customers a premium dining experience. The combination of innovative service, interactive dining, and authentic Japanese cuisine has made Kura one of the most popular sushi restaurants in the Chicagoland area.
905 West Irving Park Road in Schaumburg
At Pilot Pete’s, dinner comes with a front-row view of the runway. Located beside Schaumburg Regional Airport, the aviation-themed restaurant gives guests the chance to watch planes take off and land while enjoying classic American dishes. Known for its hearty menu and family-friendly environment, Pilot Pete’s serves everything from burgers, steaks, and seafood to weekend brunch favorites. Whether you drive in or fly in, everyone’s welcome at Pilot Pete’s.
203 South Main Street in Bartlett 450 North Main Street in Glen Ellyn Nostalgia is served right alongside the burgers and fries at 2Toots Train and Whistle Grill.
Catering to diners of all ages, 2Toots Train and Whistle Grill uses toy trains to deliver their delicious food. Owners Dale Eisenberg and Mike Ventre opened their first location in Downers Grove, but soon relocated to Bartlett to accommodate their increasing customer base. Combining classic American comfort food with interactive dining, 2Toots has become a destination for families, train enthusiasts, and anyone chasing a dose of childhood nostalgia. n
BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF
f your trunk doubles as a locker room and your weekends are spent fieldside, a little preparation goes a long way. From smart hydration to recovery tools and sun protection, these simple upgrades keep athletes and parents comfortable, organized, and ready for a full day of play.
BUILD A GRAB-AND-GO TRUNK BIN
Keep sunscreen, bug spray, bandages, electrolyte packets, and an extra hat in one handled container so nothing gets left behind in the morning rush.
FREEZE YOUR WATER BOTTLES
Load them the night before. They keep the cooler cold and are perfectly chilled by the first whistle.
REAL FOOD, NOT JUST SNACKS
Wraps, cut fruit, pasta salad, and protein boxes provide steady energy through doubleheaders and eliminate last-minute concession runs.
CREATE INSTANT SHADE
A sideline umbrella or compact tent lowers the temperature fast and offers needed protection during long stretches in the sun.
ROLL, DON’T FOLD
Rolling uniforms and extra layers saves space and makes it easy to find what you need between games.
PACK A SHOE SWAP
Slides or recovery shoes give tired feet a break and keep muddy cleats out of the car. A dry sweatshirt or lightweight joggers make the ride home far more comfortable.
DON’T MISS THE HIDDEN SUN ZONES
Scalp, ears, lips, hands, and the back of the neck are the quickest places to burn during all-day tournaments. A quick reapplication makes a big difference.
BRING A RECOVERY BAG
A foam roller, resistance band, and small massage ball help reduce soreness and keep athletes loose between games.
TRACK YOUR GEAR WITH AN AIRTAG
Slip a small tracker into a sports bag, bat pack, or equipment tote so nothing gets left behind at a field or tournament complex. It is a simple upgrade that saves time, money, and last-minute panic at the end of a long day.
KEEP A CLEAN-UP KIT IN THE CAR
Baby wipes, paper towels, a small towel, and a reusable bag for muddy gear make the trip home much easier. ■
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PHOTOS BY SOPHIA SCHIAPPA
The Hyatt Lodge Oak Brook welcomed guests to a patio celebration marking the debut of its newly renovated guestrooms. Attendees enjoyed live music, nature-inspired cocktails, seasonal bites, interactive experiences, guided room tours, and prize giveaways, including a one-night stay with breakfast for two, all set within the property’s lush surroundings.
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www.hinsdalemagazinegroup.com
BY SOPHIA SCHIAPPA
Oak Brook Historical Society Vice President Lisa Griffith and Board Member John Baar led Brookfield Elementary fourth graders on a local history field trip through Oak Brook. Students visited Mayslake Peabody Estate, Graue Mill and Museum, Fuller House, Fullersburg Woods, and the Butler School during the educational field trip.
