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.
NEW Driving Range with 21 Bay Structure
SUMMER 2026 RANGE HOURS
Monday 11:00am to 7:45pm
Tuesday 6:15am to 7:45pm
Wednesday 6:15am to 7:45pm
Thursday 6:15am to 7:45pm
Friday 6:15am to 7:45pm
Saturday 6:15am to 7:45pm
Sunday 6:15am to 7:00pm
Book Your Tee Time at www.golfoakbrook.org
Trackman Coming Soon!
2026 SEASON EVENTS:
Match Play July 11
Club Championship August 8 & 9
Oak Brook Cup October 3 & 4
Chili Open Scramble November 7
Enjoy Patio Season with crisp salads, handcrafted sandwiches, hearty entrees, and refreshing beverages. Now offering gluten-free fare too!
Experience Chicagoland’s Ultimate Sky Show with Spectacular Fireworks and a Dazzling Drone Show
FRIDAY
July 3
Gates Open at 2pm Sky Show at Dusk FREE ADMISSION Plus! Kids Entertainment: Inflatable fun, face painters and more! Live Music featuring
Taste Local Favorites
Private Group Spaces at the Taste of Oak Brook
Host your group in style with a PRIVATE GROUP SPACE and you’ll have your own fenced-in grassy area— ideal for gathering, fun and top-tier Taste enjoyment.
Perfect for families, friends or entertaining guests. This how you do the Taste right.
Each Private Group Space includes:
• 10x10 tent for shade
• Picnic table for dining
• Air-conditioned restrooms
• Two preferred parking spaces
Cost: $850
Choose your tent location at purchase and create your own private oasis.
Limited availability! Secure your Private Group Space today!
his issue opens with a big moment for one of Oak Brook’s most recognizable personalities. Pancake the English Bulldog has officially won the national Pet Lovers’ Choice Award in the Mid-Tier Influencer category. This milestone re flects what many in this community already know. Pancake has built a real following, not just online, but locally. From appearances around Oakbrook Center to brand partnerships and everyday interactions, a connection exists that goes beyond social media.
That sense of visibility and momentum carries through the rest of the issue.
May brings National Police Week, making this an appropriate time to recognize the people, tools, and programs behind the Oak Brook Police Department. We cover the introduction of the Grappler, a vehicle-mounted system designed to safely end high-speed chases. With Oak Brook’s proximity to major highways and the challenges tied to retail-related pursuits, it is a practical investment focused on reducing risk while maintaining control.
There is also a strong sense of place in this issue. Oak Brook Architecture Across Time at the Heritage Center focuses on the few remaining structures from Old Oak Brook and what they represent today. It is a reminder that while buildings change, the ideas behind them often remain.
As the weather shifts, patio season becomes part of the rhythm of Oak Brook. Restaurants across the village move outdoors, from Oakbrook Center to neighborhood spots, creating a setting that defines summer locally.
We also feature Bandit and Ghost, two dogs with very different roles. Bandit serves as a comfort dog, working with officers and the community, while Ghost is trained in tracking, searches, apprehension, and detection work. Together, they reflect the range of responsibilities carried out every day and the level of preparation behind them.
We also take a closer look at the Oak Brook Athlete of the Year program, a tradition that dates back more than 50 years. The story highlights the history of the award and the level of achievement required, while noting that nominations are now open through early June for the next group of Oak Brook seniors who have distinguished themselves at the varsity level.
Healthcare remains a focus as well. Our Noteworthy Doctors section highlights community-based providers and their local role. That sits alongside a broader look at preventative care, as well as features on art used as therapy and our senior living section, each offering a different perspective on health, planning, and overall wellbeing.
On the global music and philanthropy scene, contributing writer Julie Jonlich sat down with Steve Jordan, the legendary drummer for The Rolling Stones and one of the most respected figures in music, for an exclusive interview. Jordan’s story is not about fame; it is about craft and longevity. From picking up percussion at a young age to working alongside Stevie Wonder, Keith Richards, and John Mayer, his career reflects decades of consistency. What stands out just as much is his commitment to giving back through the Jazz Foundation of America, supporting musicians who need it most.
I hope you enjoy this issue and as always, I welcome your comments.
Warm regards,
Scott Jonlich Publisher, Oak Brook Magazine
Guarantee delivery of each issue to your home! Subscribe at www.oakbrookmagazine.com
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Maureen Callahan
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Anna Hughes
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This spring and summer, our agenda is full of fun in the sun. From celebrations highlighting arts and music to family events that support great causes, we have a list of happenings around the suburbs that are sure to inspire your warm-weather plans.
BY ANNA HUGHES
May 9, 1 - 4 PM Meadow Lake Trail mortonarb.org
Stroll through the Morton Arboretum’s Meadow Lake Trail on a beautiful spring day, while also enjoying a unique wine tasting. Ticketholders can select 25 wines to try from over 80 varieties available at the event. Guests can also purchase concessions in Arbor Court and on Tram Road, shop from artisan vendors, and enjoy live music throughout the afternoon. Tickets are available online.
construction vehicles, Park District trucks, and more at this free event. Kids can get an up-close look at the trucks they see every day while meeting the people who operate them. New this year, NEDSRA will provide a dedicated sensory break area in their van, offering families a calming space to rest and recharge during the event if needed.
May 17, 9 AM
May 16, 10 AM - 12 PM Heritage Park obtpd.org
Calling all truck-loving kids! Explore a variety of vehicles from around the community including fire trucks,
The Community House thecommunityhouse.org
The Community House is proud to present the 20th Annual Walk the Walk for Mental Health. This one-mile Color Walk helps raise funds for equitable access to life-changing mental health services for children, young
adults, and families in the community. The event will also feature a health expo with local wellness vendors, a colorful opening ceremony, and a postwalk celebration with food trucks, music, games, and more. Sign up today to join together with neighbors taking a step towards hope, healing, and a healthier, more connected community.
HINSDALE FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
June 6-7, 10 AM - 4 PM
Burlington Park hinsdalechamber.com
The Hinsdale Chamber of Commerce proudly presents the 53rd Annual Fine Arts Festival. Celebrate the first weekend of June with this Hinsdale summer staple that draws people from across the Chicagoland
area. Over 85 artists will be lined throughout the park showcasing their work, so festival attendees are sure to find the perfect addition to their art collection. Expect to see booths featuring ceramics, jewelry, sculpture, photography, painting, and more.
OAK BROOK
ARTISAN MARKET
June 6, 10 AM - 6 PM & June 7, 11 AM - 6 PM
Oakbrook Center oakbrookartisanmarket.com
The Oak Brook Artisan Market showcases the Midwest’s finest artisans in fashion, food, home, and art. The curated show celebrates the ingenuity of independently owned small businesses that channel their passions into creating one-of-a-kind products. Guests can shop directly with the artisans and learn how their unique, functional creations are made, all while supporting small, local, and sustainable businesses.
40TH ANNUAL SCOTTISH FESTIVAL & HIGHLAND GAMES
June 12, 9 AM - 8 PM & June 13, 9AM - 10 PM
DuPage County Fairgrounds chicagoscots.org
The Scottish Festival & Highland Games returns to the DuPage County Fairgrounds June 12–13, bringing a
lively celebration of Scottish heritage to the western suburbs. From caber tossing and Highland dancing to bagpiping championships, Celtic music, and a bustling marketplace, this family-friendly event offers something for everyone. No passport required!
ELMHURST UNIVERSITY
JUNE JAZZ
June 20, 6:30 PM elmhurst.edu
Elmhurst University’s June Jazz, a free annual concert on the Elmhurst University Mall, is the perfect way to kick off the first official days of summer. Come out early with lawn chairs, blankets, and picnic baskets, and bring the whole family to this community tradition. The concert features the internationally acclaimed
Elmhurst University Jazz Band alongside renowned jazz guitarist and vocalist John Pizzarelli.
ROTARY GROVEFEST
June 25 - 28
Downtown Downers Grove rotarygrovefest.com
For the last weekend of June, downtown Downers Grove will once again transform into a carnival extravaganza. This family-friendly event will have rides, musical performances, a beer garden, and a car show. There will also be a nonprofit booth showcasing local charities, as well as a Sunday Service presented by Christian Church of Downers Grove. Hosted by the Rotary Club of Downers Grove, GroveFest redistributes all profits from the festival. Proceeds benefit local, regional, and national charities, including 27 nonprofit organizations that support causes in and around Downers Grove. ■
BY JULIA MAZUREK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE OAK BROOK PARK DISTRICT FOUNDATION
For five decades, the Oak Brook community has celebrated the accomplishments of its young athletes through a tradition that recognizes hometown excellence in sports.
Established in 1974 by Oak Brook founder Paul Butler, the annual Oak Brook Athlete of the Year award honors a male and female high school senior whose athletic achievements have distinguished them among their peers and brought pride to the community.
INSPIRED BY AN OLYMPIC MOMENT
The inspiration of the award program traces back to an Oak Brook Olympian.
In 1968, John Kinsella was a 16-yearold swimmer at Hinsdale Central High School who earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic team competing in Mexico City. Kinsella went on to win a silver medal, becoming the youngest male Olympic medalist in any sport at the time.
Oak Brook residents celebrated Kinsella’s achievement with a parade and an outpouring of pride that eventually sparked the idea to formally recognize outstanding athletes in the community.
More than 50 years later, the award still reflects the original vision.
ROOTED IN EXCELLENCE
“The first and most important criteria is athletic success. We’re recognizing athletes who have truly excelled in their sport,” said committee chairman
Tom Truedson. “These athletes make our community feel proud both on and off the field.”
Winners are honored at the opening ceremonies of the village’s annual Taste of Oak Brook event.
Introduced to the main stage last July were the 2024-25 honorees: Vija Barber and James Philipneri.
Barber was a four-year varsity swimmer and team captain at Hinsdale Central High School. She qualified for the IHSA Girls Swimming and Diving State Finals in both 2023 and 2024, helping her team place 5th in the 200-freestyle relay and 6th in the 400-freestyle relay— performances that rank as the second- and third-fastest relay times in program history. A two-time high school All-American, Vija also
excelled academically as a National Honor Society member, Illinois State Scholar, Outstanding Math Senior of the Year, and magna cum laude graduate. She is now studying mathematics at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, where she continues to swim in the university’s club program.
Philipneri was a four-year varsity tennis player at Hinsdale Central High School, helping lead the team to four consecutive state championships at the IHSA Boys Tennis State Finals. A two-time conference doubles champion and IHSA Scholastic Achievement Award winner, he balanced athletics with service and leadership as a Peer Buddies leader, Special Olympics coach, and tennis instructor at Salt Creek Club. Philipneri also played the saxophone in band, earned the Seal of Biliteracy in Spanish, and was a member of the National Honor Society. He is currently attending Lehigh University studying neuroscience.
Stepping onto the stage as their accomplishments are shared with several thousand people is a moment of pride for the athletes, their families, and the community.
“The athletes and their parents are incredibly appreciative,” Truedson says. “You realize how many early mornings, late nights, practices, and sacrifices went into that moment.”
CHAMPIONED BY THE CHAIRMAN
Truedson’s appreciation for youth sports comes from personal experience.
The Oak Brook Park District Foundation will accept nominations for the 2025-2026 school year through early June. Nominees must be a high school senior and an Oak Brook resident who has earned a varsity letter in an individual or team sport.
A lifelong Oak Brook resident, he described himself as “not much of an athlete” growing up. He spent countless hours participating in Oak Brook Park District programs, but struggled to find his place in organized sports.
He discovered gymnastics as a student at Hinsdale Central High School. Despite being cut during freshman tryouts, Truedson rose to become Hinsdale Central’s top pommel horse gymnast - winning conference, district, and sectional titles. He went on to compete at the University of Oregon, where he earned conference and national championships and was
twice honored as an NCAA Division I All-American.
Truedson credits athletics with shaping his life and career.
“The success I experienced in sports raised my expectations for what I could achieve,” he says.
Truedson became chairman of the Athlete of the Year committee in 2017, joining members John Baar, Ralph Maxson, and the late Walter Barber. Today, six committee members preside over the process of reviewing nominations that pour in from high schools across the area.
The Oak Brook Athlete of the Year is about more than celebrating impressive performances. Recognizing the lifelong skills and qualities that achievements in sports can build in kids has become a favorite annual tradition of pride for the Oak Brook community.
For more information or to submit a nomination, visit obparksfoundation.org. ■
BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF
This spring, the Oak Brook Heritage Center will host a new photography exhibition that offers a look back at the village’s earliest buildings and the ideas that shaped them.
Oak Brook Architecture Across Time, a photography exhibit by William North, opens April 30 and runs through June 30.
The exhibition features a series of photographs documenting the last five remaining buildings from what was once known as Old Oak Brook.
While Oak Brook has grown into a thriving suburban community, much of its original built environment has gradually disappeared as the village evolved.
North’s work captures the few structures that still remain and invites visitors to consider what they represent today.
BROOK
Oak Brook Heritage Center 1112 Oak Brook Road
Grand Opening on April 30: 1 PM - 5 PM
May 2 - June 30th:
10 AM - 2 PM on Wednesdays
10 AM - 12 PM on Saturdays
Free and open to the public
Select photographs available for purchase
“Very little of Old Oak Brook remains,” North says. “No matter how permanent something appears, the work of human hands does not last forever.”
What began as a straight-forward effort to document historic structures soon became something more reflective. As North photographed the buildings, he began thinking about the individuals who built them and the intentions behind their work.
The exhibit encourages visitors to consider a simple question. What can these remaining buildings tell us about the people who created them?
While the physical structures may not last forever, the ideas behind them, such as hard work, practicality, and community, often continue long after the buildings themselves are gone. North suggests these values may be the most lasting part of Oak Brook’s early history.
Visitors to the Heritage Center will find the exhibition both visually engaging and thought-provoking. The photographs offer a chance to slow down and appreciate the architectural roots of a community that continues to grow and change.
For longtime residents, the exhibit provides a connection to Oak Brook’s past. For newer residents, it offers a glimpse into the village’s early years and the foundations that helped shape it.
The exhibition is free and open to the public, and a selection of photographs will be available for purchase. Visit oakbrookhistory.com for more information. ■
BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE GRAPPLER POLICE BUMPER
If you’ve ever witnessed a highspeed police chase, you know how dangerous the pursuit can be – not only to the law enforcement agent and perpetrator, but to nearby motorists as well. The speeding, weaving and split-second decisions required in such chases pose a viable threat to police officers and nearby motorists. In the past, officers have had to use PIT (precision immobilization technique) maneuvers to spin the driver out, which often resulted in cars rolling and crashing.
Enter the Grappler. It’s a new tool used by law enforcement officers to stop chases with no harm to the driver or bystanders. It works by slowing – and eventually stopping – fleeing vehicles. The Oak Brook Police Department (OBPD) recently decided to invest in this valuable piece of equipment.
extends from the police vehicle’s front bumper. From there, a high-strength net shoots from the front of the police car – think of a spider’s web - and catches and entangles the rear wheel of the car in pursuit.
The significant number of heists at Oakbrook Center Mall over the last few years led OBPD Chief Brian Strockis to take a close look at ways to stop high-speed chases. “Due to its proximity to I-88, Oakbrook Center Mall is an ideal opportunity for mall heists, which often end in high-speed chases,” said Strockis.
Last year, OBPD was involved in 48 high-speed chases, down from 60 in 2024.
“The issue with these chases is that sometimes these cars continue on a flat tire for substantial amounts of time at a low speed, but they just keep going,” said Strockis. “Bringing these chases to a quick resolution is where I can see the Grappler being most effective. We’re constantly looking for ways to mitigate those risks and still bring the offenders to justice.”
When the net makes contact, the rotation of the tire actually pulls the net up and around it, entangling it. There’s also a tether that pulls the vehicle to a stop.
While the actual net is a one-time use piece of equipment, the system from which it is deployed is permanently installed on the patrol vehicle’s front bumper. The Grappler apparatus costs around $6,000 per unit, with replacement nets costing around $400 each.
The Grappler, now utilized by more than 70 law enforcement agencies across the country, has sparked such interest that it quickly outgrew its initial production shop in North Phoenix, AZ. Since its start five years ago, business has quadrupled. In its first year, the company manufactured 50 to 100 units a year. Currently, that number is closer to 50 units a month. The manufacturer is having trouble keeping up with the rate of growth.
The next step is to train officers on how to use the Grappler. To save costs, OBPD will partner with a Wisconsin law enforcement agency. Strockis hopes to have the department trained up by mid-May to be fully operational by early June. “We have the equipment installed on two vehicles so far, and we just ordered the training nets and real deployment nets,” he said.
So how does it work? Put simply, an arm lets down an apparatus that
But safety is priceless. It’s comforting to know the OBPD is doing everything in its power to keep our streets safe. “We’re going to utilize tactics and technology to bring offenders to justice,” said Strockis. “I appreciate the continued investment from our elected officials for equipment of this level. The tools we have are second to none.”
“There are so many other police departments that talk about implementing these types of things, but we’re fortunate to have the support of our village board that allows me the flexibility to actually purchase the equipment,” said Strockis.
To see the Grappler in action, visit policebumper.com. ■
BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF
When warm weather arrives, Oak Brook’s restaurant scene moves outside. From lively patios at Oakbrook Center to neighborhood favorites and scenic settings overlooking water and golf courses, outdoor dining is part of the village’s summer rhythm. Here are some local spots to enjoy a meal in the fresh air.
OAKBROOK CENTER
Many Oakbrook Center restaurants were designed with outdoor seating overlooking plazas and walkways, making it one of the easiest places in the western suburbs to dine outside.
Antico Posto
Italian favorites served on a cozy patio tucked along Oakbrook Center’s promenade.
Beatrix
Bright, lively patio known for brunch, coffee, and casual neighborhood dining.
Fogo de Chão
Brazilian steakhouse featuring a spacious patio perfect for warm evening dinners.
Old Town Pour House
Energetic beer hall with a large patio, fire pits, and outdoor TVs.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille
Upscale steakhouse offering elegant patio dining near the center’s main plaza.
Piccolo Buco
Roman-style pizzas and Italian dishes with relaxed outdoor seating.
Pinstripes
Bistro dining with patio seating overlooking the bocce courts and lawn.
The Purple Pig
Mediterranean-inspired small plates and wines with lively outdoor patio seating.
The Table at Crate
Stylish café inside Crate & Barrel with patio seating overlooking the mall.
Violí
Greek restaurant featuring a garden-style patio shaded by a pergola.
Wildfire
Classic Chicago steakhouse with a longtime favorite patio at Oakbrook Center.
Beyond the shopping center, several restaurants across the village offer patios for casual lunches, dinners, and weekend gatherings.
Alter Brewing + Kitchen
Local brewery and kitchen with a laid-back patio for drinks and casual dining.
Blackberry Market
Popular breakfast and lunch café with charming outdoor seating.
Blackwood BBQ
Fast-casual barbecue spot with simple outdoor tables for warm-weather dining.
Brook’s Kitchen & Tap
Modern American menu with comfortable patio seating.
Fat Rosie’s Taco & Tequila Bar
Festive Mexican restaurant with margaritas and two lively outdoor patios.
Kona Grill
American and sushi menu with patio seating near the Oak Brook Promenade.
Labriola Ristorante
Italian restaurant offering seasonal patio dining for lunch and dinner.
Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar
Rustic American comfort food served on a spacious outdoor patio.
Lucca Osteria & Bar
Neighborhood Italian spot with relaxed patio seating.
STK Steakhouse
Modern steakhouse with a stylish patio and a lively, high-energy dining atmosphere.
Wildberry Pancakes & Café
Popular breakfast and brunch spot with casual outdoor seating for daytime dining.
SCENIC PATIOS
These Oak Brook destinations pair outdoor dining with views of gardens, golf courses, and water.
COA at The Drake Oak Brook
Upscale dining with patio seating on the historic Drake Oak Brook property.
Water’s Edge Restaurant at Oak Brook Golf Club
Relaxed patio dining overlooking the golf course and Salt Creek.
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse
One of the area’s largest patios, known for steaks, seafood, and
BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF | PHOTOS BY VICTOR HILITSKI
When Bruno Jham and Beth Dunfee first decided to get a dog, they approached the search with a clear checklist. They wanted a small breed that didn’t bark much, didn’t shed much, and didn’t require a lot of exercise. It was a practical wish list, and a humorous one too, because the moment they landed on the English Bulldog, their lives got a lot funnier — quickly.
Pancake joined the family at three months old and recently celebrated
her fourth birthday. As Jham puts it, “We’ve never laughed so much in our lives.”
Even her name came with a story they’ve never forgotten. The couple was traveling in Brazil when Dunfee tried a local dish called moqueca, a delicious fish stew made with an oil that locals know to consume sparingly. Dunfee didn’t realize that, and when Jham looked over, she was drinking the sauce straight from the plate. The “aftermath” became an inside joke on that trip, and they originally planned to name their future dog Moqueca.
But once they returned home, they realized nobody here would know what it meant. They began thinking of a word that rhymed with it, and that led them to panqueca — the Portuguese word for pancake. It fit perfectly. Today, their Brazilian friends and family call her Panqueca, while local friends know her as Pancake.
From the beginning, Pancake stood out as a puppy with a natural talent for comedy. She was goofy, expressive, and seemed to generate funny moments effortlessly. Jham says he always told Dunfee that if they ever
posted videos of Pancake, she would become a celebrity. “She’s always had the funniest personality and did the goofiest things,” he says. “Beth often says that she has never seen me laugh as much before Pancake arrived.”
Her viral journey began almost by accident. One day, a worker was repairing their sprinkler system, and Pancake insisted on following him around. Jham started filming and happened to catch the exact moment the sprinkler turned on, sending Pancake running straight toward the camera. He joked in the caption that she was supervising the worker and was rushing back to report her findings. The video “went super viral,” and suddenly Pancake’s goofy charm was being shared far beyond Oak Brook.
What people responded to, and still do, is the familiar, lighthearted feel of her videos. “We aim to make the content very lighthearted and funny,” Jham says. They film things that many dog owners experience, and viewers see themselves and their own pets in those everyday moments. The joy in Pancake’s content makes people smile, and that naturally makes them want to share it with others.
Interestingly, they never set out to build Pancake’s social media presence. “We joke that we became creators by accident,” Jham says. About a year and a half ago, they created a pet gate
they hoped to market online. They used Pancake as the model, but the gate didn’t take off. Pancake did. One video after another kept gaining attention, and before long, she was reaching people all over the world. Some of Pancake’s videos happen spontaneously, capturing whatever funny thing she’s doing in the moment. Others take more planning, especially when they take her out for special adventures, like meeting Santa or going on a canine cruise. Those can require filming, scripting, and editing that stretch over a few hours. Whether the video is simple or involved, Pancake makes the process entertaining.
“Pancake thinks the village should increase the scratch tax and that all residents should have to scratch every pet’s belly at least 12 times a day.”
–
BRUNO JHAM ON PANCAKE’S RECOMMENDATION TO THE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK
Even with her growing fan base, her daily life at home in Oak Brook is as predictable and cozy as can be. She wakes up at 7 a.m. for breakfast, heads outside briefly, and then immediately returns to bed. Around noon, she gets up again for a break and some water, then sleeps until 4 p.m. She spends the late afternoon snuggling with her family until dinner, and afterward, she enters what Jham calls “the witching hour,” demanding playtime until she’s happily exhausted and ready for bed by 8 p.m. It is, by all accounts, the ideal bulldog schedule.
The messages they receive from fans remind them that Pancake’s reach goes far beyond laughter. Every now and then, they hear from someone who has recently lost a pet and finds comfort in Pancake’s videos. Those messages stay with the family. They feel heartbreak for the person writing but also gratitude that Pancake is able to bring them a bit of joy during a difficult time.
Pancake’s favorite things are as charmingly simple as her personality. She enjoys goldfish crackers and carrots and loves to play with empty juice and milk bottles, tackling the
challenge of removing the caps. She also has a squeaky chicken she likes to “attack,” and she happily walks around Oakbrook Center and the nearby forest preserves with her family.
Those local outings have led to some of the funniest real-life encounters. Jham says that when they go out with Pancake, “it’s hard to move much!”
People stop constantly to pet her and enjoy her goofy personality. One of the most memorable interactions happened at Oakbrook Center, when a woman became so excited to see Pancake that she immediately FaceTimed her daughter so she could show her. It was one of those moments that made it clear just how much happiness Pancake brings to others.
As for what’s next, Pancake keeps her goals simple. According to Jham, “Pancake’s priorities are to eat and sleep.” Beyond that, she hopes to continue spreading joy. She recently was named the national winner of the Pet Lovers’ Choice Awards in the Mid-Tier Influencer category. And has been working with brands on advertising projects, a fitting evolution for a dog who became a celebrity without ever planning to be one.
And if Pancake could offer one piece of advice to the Village of Oak Brook? Her perspective is definitely on brand: “Pancake thinks the village should increase the scratch tax and that all residents should have to scratch every pet’s belly at least 12 times a day.” It’s a policy proposal many Oak Brook dogs would likely support.
Pancake may not have set out to be famous, but her ability to make people smile both online and around town has made her a beloved part of the community. Through every goofy video, joyful interaction, and accidental viral moment, she continues to remind people of the simple delight of loving a pet.
Follow Pancake's journey @thebabypancake and cheer her on at the Pet Lovers' Choice Awards in June. ■
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www.hinsdalemagazinegroup.com
BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE OAK BROOK POLICE DEPARTMENT
As Police Week and National Pet Month are recognized nationwide, the Oak Brook Police Department highlights two dogs who play vital roles behind the scenes and in the field. Bandit and Ghost each bring a unique skill set that supports both officers and the community.
Meet Pawfficer Bandit, OBPD’s threeyear-old Goldendoodle. The loveable canine comfort mascot provides support to the department. His calm temperament helps officers de-stress after dealing with tough situations. “Chief wanted to be sure we had a friend like Bandit around and available to all officers,” said Officer Katie Yager, Bandit’s ‘personal assistant.’ “Even at night, because high anxiety situations can happen at any time, so he lives here and has a bed in his own office.”
Ghost is a five-year-old German Shepherd who came to live at OBPD from Slovakia in 2022. He has worked alongside his handler, Sergeant Andrew Franczak, ever since. Together, they complete periodic certifications of the American Police Canine Association .
According to OBPD, in every welltrained K9, there is a balance of strength, restraint and obedience. These attributes are vital in the high-stress area of police work Ghost and Franczak work in.
Bandit likes to go along on visits to the local schools to help create a welcoming environment between officers and students. Sometimes the kids read to him. He’s so well known and loved that the art teacher at Butler painted a mural on Bandit’s wall.
But it’s not all business. Halloween and other special events see Bandit dressed up in costumes. He visits local hospitals to cheer up the infirmed at the holidays.
Follow Bandit on Instagram at @Pawfficerbanditk907.
As part of the K9 Unit, Ghost is trained and certified to perform tracking, offender apprehension, building and area searches, and narcotic and evidence searches for items dropped by perpetrators fleeing crime scenes.
While it is estimated that Ghost’s services are used on about 50-75 calls a year, the K9 Unit is on call 24/7. It’s an important part of OBPD that provides mutual aid to other agencies and is part of DuPage County’s MERIT’s Canine Response Unit. K9 also puts on public demonstrations as well as attending DARE functions and educational events at local schools and organizations. ■
Amazon has proposed an exciting new retail superstore development in Oak Brook. Located at the southeast corner of Butterfield and Meyers Roads, the superstore would replace seven outdated and mostly vacant office buildings with 57% less density than the existing uses along a key retail corridor.
This superstore is Amazon’s newest brick-and-mortar concept and would feature both a large-format grocery store, a pharmacy, and a huge selection of other merchandise available for purchase.
Village President Larry Herman shared, “We are delighted that Amazon has chosen Oak Brook for their latest retail concept. Retailers continue to choose Oak Brook as
we offer an incredibly attractive location both in terms of the affluent shoppers we draw, our low sales taxes, and our zero municipal property tax structure.”
The village’s forward-thinking approach helped secure this major retailer in the highly competitive local commercial real estate market. The result is an impactful win for Oak Brook on many levels. This development will be the spark for future transformation along this underutilized stretch of east Butterfield Road. Sales tax revenue will be increased by several million dollars annually, and these collections can be used to address aging infrastructure and help avoid the threat of a future property tax. All sales from this site will be subject to Oak Brook sales taxes, diversifying the sales tax base, which is currently heavily
dependent on luxury goods from the mall, which tend to be cyclical.
Additionally, the redevelopment will bring improved stormwater management, which will be funded by the developer but will benefit downstream areas, including Ginger Creek and Brook Forest subdivisions. Amazon will also bring the first full-service grocery store back to Oak Brook in 50 years. The Amazon superstore will not be a distribution center and traditional Amazon deliveries will not originate from this location.
The project will be vetted through a full public review process before the Village’s Planning and Zoning Commission and the Village Board. Once approved by the Village, construction is expected to start in 2027 with store opening in 2028. ■
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G"The great joy of this work is being a part of the incredible camaraderie of the artists.”
— JOE PETRUCELLI, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, JAZZ FOUNDATION OF AMERICA
In an exclusive recent interview, Hinsdale Magazine Group sat down with legendary musician Steve Jordan. The Rolling Stones drummer opens up about his extensive musical career and his deep commitment to philanthropic work.
BY JULIE JONLICH
Steve Jordan loves making music. This philanthropic, legendary drummer with strong musical ties to Chicago says, “Growing up in New York at the time I did, New York had the best Board of Education. That meant on the first day of school, when you came home, you either had an instrument or a paintbrush, because the arts were an integral part of creating your full personality. That’s the way I grew up, and it enabled me to be creative freely and not think that you were doing something that had no future.”
Regarding whether he picked up drumsticks that first day of school, Jordan admits he was always banging on something. “In my family, and families like mine, music is central to life. Whether you’re a musician or not, you listen to music one way or another. It’s a way to express yourself, and it usually brings joy to the household.”
“If you play or not, music is important.” Able to identify songs he liked from a young age, he notes, “My parents, loving music themselves, were very supportive and would go out and get me records I liked. I started collecting 45s at a very early age. I began studying percussion at the age of eight. My life changed dramatically when I saw The Beatles on Ed Sullivan. That really fueled the fire for my desire to want to make music and take it more seriously.”
One of his first jobs was working at a rehearsal and music rental place on 52nd Street off 8th Avenue called Bill’s Music Rentals. “I was still a student at Fiorello H. LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts, and I worked in the percussion cage after school. Bill was a wonderful guy. He was a champion of mine. He saw something in me that maybe I didn’t even see myself. I got a lot of support when I was growing up. My parents were very supportive. I had people in the neighborhood that were very supportive because they saw my passion for the music. I love making music!”
“In my family, and families like mine, music is central to life. It's a way to express yourself and it usually brings joy to the household.”
— STEVE JORDAN ON GROWING UP AROUND MUSIC
While Jordan was working at Bill’s, Stevie Wonder was rehearsing and auditioning drummers. “Bill thought I should get an audition. Fusion music was in fashion, and Stevie and I broke out playing the song 'Hymn of the 7th Galaxy' by the band Return to Forever. I was in the studio like every night with Stevie Wonder. It was crazy because it was
like a Cinderella thing. I had to leave by a certain time because I only had money to get on the train, and if I didn’t get on it, I wouldn’t be able to get home because I lived in the Bronx. It was very surreal; even when I think of it now, it’s hard to believe.”
Another advocate was Denny Morouse, a horn player who played with Stevie Wonder. “The very first recording session of my career was a record session with Denny in Studio B at Electric Lady,” Jordan recalls. “The players in the session included Stevie Wonder’s bass player Nathan Watts, guitarist Michael Sembello, and my good friend, guitarist Carlos Alomar, who was in David Bowie’s group and co-wrote 'Fame' with Bowie and John Lennon. It was wild!”
While he has too many career highlights to list, he notes, “I’m fortunate enough to say things keep getting better and better. For instance, last year, my wife, Meegan Voss, and I toured with our band The Verbs. We toured Japan, and it was our most successful tour. Probably the most gratifying tour that I’ve ever been a part of. We did 11 shows. We hit all of our favorite Japanese cities. Great crowds, and we debuted some of the new material from the album that we’re making now called Garage Sale. That was amazing.”
“Steve Jordan, where do I start?
The fact that Charlie Watts said 'If I'm not around, Steve is the man' True enough, although I was not expecting it to develop into such a deep friendship and musical collaboration. We love working together, even for fun. I just turn around and see that beaming face...That's Rock'n Roll!!”
— KEITH
Steve Jordan is a worldrenowned drummer for the legendary rock band, The Rolling Stones.
Inaugural member of the Blues Brothers, Paul Shaffer & the World’s Most Dangerous Band, Keith Richards & the X-Pensive Winos, Super Soul Banned, and John Mayer Trio.
Collaborated and worked with icons Chuck Berry, Etta James, Buddy Guy ,B.B. King, Aretha Franklin, Eric Clapton, Bruce Springsteen, Sheryl Crow, Beyoncé, Alicia Keys and many more.
Co-founded the band The Verbs and the record label Jay-Vee records alongside his wife and musical collaborator, Meegan Voss.
Renowned throughout the industry as a Grammy-Award winning producer and an Emmy –Award winning director.
Curator of the ‘Let’s Play Chess’ 75-year Anniversary anthology.
Director for the acclaimed biographical film, Cadillac Records.
Deeply dedicated to honoring and supporting the artists who originally paved the way for modern music.
Serves as the artistic director of the Jazz Foundation of America with his wife, Meegan Voss.
Music director of Michael J. Fox Parkinson’s Foundation.
Serves on the Board of Directors for the National Dance Institute.
“I’ve toured with the Stones a couple of times. Obviously, that’s been incredible. I became friends with Charlie Watts when I was 19 because I was doing SNL. The Stones did the first show of the fourth season of SNL. That’s when Charlie and I met and became friends. So, I’ve known these guys for a long time.”
“I grew up listening to James Brown basically every day, and I can tell you the highlight of my career on television was in July of 1982 playing with him on Late Night with David Letterman. That was his last great performance on television, and he said it was his greatest performance in front of cameras since the T.A.M.I. Show.”
Jordan recently returned from playing with Jon Batiste at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and then Muscle Shoals, Alabama, to record and produce with Robert Cray. “Some of my favorite records were made in
Muscle Shoals. We went to this magical place, FAME Studios, to make this record. I’m so glad I did it. It was an incredible experience thanks to Rodney Hall and his mother, Linda Hall. We had a great time.” He adds, “Speaking of highlights, probably in my recording career, besides creating a record label with Meegan called Jay-Vee Records, and aside from our band, we signed Bettye LaVette, we signed Robert Cray, and we did a record with Mix Master Mike and myself.”
They also have a Tony Joe White record coming out this year and are completing a film about the late R&B architect Willie Mitchell. “I do a lot in Memphis at Royal Studios. I first went down there because I took Keith Richards there to co-produce his first solo album, Talk is Cheap We co-produced it and co-wrote all the songs. He had these beautiful chord changes, and I suggested we put a Willie Mitchell groove to it.
Instead of just trying to emulate his horns in New York, I told Keith, ‘You’re Keith Richards. You can go to Memphis and get Willie Mitchell himself.’” That 1987 trip sparked a lifelong friendship with Mitchell and his family, who embraced them and eventually gave Jordan permission to direct an authorized documentary on Mitchell’s life. "We are going to complete it this year, finally. It’s the first Jay-Vee film. We’re very excited about it.”
“I love producing records. I love being in the studio. I’m very proud of the records I’ve either produced or co-produced. One recording that I’m really fond of is John Mayer’s Continuum. That record has influenced a generation of young musicians. Obviously, John is incredibly gifted in many ways, and to see him grow... I got to witness this guy blossom. It’s just amazing. I call him a very dear friend. He’s like a brother. But it’s exciting to know that you watched this guy
turn into the guy that he turned into. He’s brilliant.”
On the best part of his work, he shares, “The best part of what I do is that you go into the studio with nothing, and then you come out with something. And that’s great! It’s like a blank canvas, and you take your brushes and your paints, and you start painting, you start creating. Whenever the recording process becomes not fun, you shouldn’t do it. The most fun for me in my life is that I married my closest friend. She’s also my partner, my songwriting partner, and my band mate. I knew a relationship like this was possible, and that’s what makes it so much fun. Because the music I care the most about, I make with the person I care most about. So, that’s wild!”
‘The first time I collaborated with the Jazz Foundation of America [which is my primary philanthropic organization] was actually because the Blues Foundation Memphis was putting together a show [at The Apollo] and they didn’t have a New York license. Chicago blues guitarist and singer, Hubert Sumlin was instrumental in helping plan the event, as was Eric Clapton. Hubert passed away before the show. All of us ended up doing a tribute to him during the performance, which included Eric, Keith Richards, James Cotton, Buddy Guy, Gary Clark, - you name it. We put together a fantastic show and raised a ton of money! After that, one thing led to another and my involvement with JFA grew organically”.
Discussing his and Meegan’s roles as artistic directors of the New Yorkbased Jazz Foundation of America, he explains, “I knew that there were a great many people that I was acquainted or friends with that would need assistance one day. Because when I was coming up, everybody was 20 years older than me. Now, everybody I play with is 20 years younger than me. But by the time I started doing this, I saw some of those people having health issues or not working as much. They needed assistance in one way or
another. Health issues, tax issues, mortgage issues, whatever. And to find out that this organization did all that was revelatory. The thing that really sealed the deal for me about JFA was their discretion about their cases. Nobody knows unless you want people to know that you are being assisted by JFA. That to me is extraordinary because, in this society, everybody wants to take credit for something. They were assisting a very dear friend of mine when he got throat cancer. He was a singer. He wasn’t able to sing for a while. He had a kid. He was a first-call kind of singer. And they were helping him, and I had no idea. He never talked about it, and they
didn’t advertise it. Abbey Lincoln and Odetta want people to know JFA is helping them, so you can shine a light on the foundation. Roberta Flack did the same thing. A lot of people think once you have a certain level of stardom, you will never need any kind of assistance. Nothing could be further from the truth. Nothing.”
“Philanthropy to me just means helping people in need, that’s all. It’s very simple. And if you have the means to help, then that’s what you do. Before I had any kind of money, I would try and find a way to help in any way I could, because you can help
people even if you don’t have a single cent. You can be there just to listen to them as they voice their concerns. Some people just need someone to listen to what they have to say. I got that from my parents. They did that for and to everyone they knew. So that just trickled down.”
In addition to the Jazz Foundation’s recently launched Jazz Legacies
partnership with the Mellon Foundation, we are going in that direction. We’re elevating not only our profile but our effectiveness.”
“A lot of people think once you have a certain level of stardom, you will never need any kind of assistance. Nothing could be further from the truth. Nothing.”
— STEVE JORDAN
Fellowship with the Mellon Foundation, “The next thing we’re working on is housing. It will be a complex for artists who need assistance. That’s the next big thing for us. We saw this during COVID. When the clubs shut down, you didn’t realize how many musicians relied on the club to feed them during the sound check and the show, they would get dinner. Now, not only is there no gig, there’s no food!”
If he weren’t involved in music, “I would probably be active in the community politically because when you grow up in New York City, you learn about politics immediately. We talked about it every night at the dinner table.” He attributes his civic-mindedness to his family, noting his sister was a schoolteacher and both parents were civil servants. His father, an architect, became the supervisor of the architectural section of the City of New York, while his mother eventually became the assistant to the commissioner of human rights for the City of New York before she retired. "I’m kind of active anyway. In fact, I’m very active. I’m not an elected official, so I don’t have those constraints on me.”
Jordan fondly recalls a conversation with former JFA Chairman of the Board, Dick Parsons: "One show at the Apollo, we were standing in the wings, and he leaned over to me and said, ‘I want to make this foundation an institution,’ and I’ll never forget that. That’s how I think of the future of the Jazz Foundation. Through our
Feeling fortunate to work with the team at JFA, he adds, “It’s like a family. You don’t get the opportunity to step into a situation like this very often. All I have to do is stay on path and do the right thing, not get in the way, and just do the right thing.” Regarding The Rolling Stones’ upcoming album, Jordan shared that they recorded in May of last year and “had a blast”, which included working with Stevie Winwood. While unsure of the exact release date, he hinted that a second, unreleased track recorded with Paul McCartney during the Hackney Diamonds sessions, which fulfilled a childhood dream of his, might be included in the new record.
“I’m looking forward to working with Buddy Guy again. And, of course, there’s only one Buddy Guy. I haven’t worked with him in about a decade. I just want to do him justice and get the best record outta him. We’re going to celebrate his 90th birthday—it’s gonna be awesome!”
For more information visit info@jazzfoundation.org
Special thanks to Bridget Sullivan, Joe Petrucelli & everyone at JFA. ■
Feeling seen can be transformative. Before her heart attack, Nichole’s physical and mental health hadn’t been her priority. But in the UChicago Medicine AdventHealth ER, the exceptional care that quickly saved Nichole’s life was delivered with such compassion that it restored her health — and her entire outlook.
“UChicago Medicine AdventHealth set me free,” says Nichole. “I’m living the life I was always meant to live.”
Our world-class ER team knows you have a lot of great living left to do. ChicagolandERExperts.com
Welcome to Noteworthy, where we spotlight the physicians and healthcare professionals making a meaningful impact across our western suburban communities. In this issue, we highlight leaders in medicine who are advancing care through expertise, innovation, and a deep commitment to their patients.
From specialized treatments to new approaches in patient care, these professionals represent the evolving landscape of healthcare. Their work not only improves outcomes but also helps ensure that world-class medical expertise is available close to home.
Join Hinsdale Magazine Group as we introduce the individuals behind these practices and explore the dedication
At Authentic Internal Medicine in Westmont, Dr. Michael Alebich practices in a conciergestyle model that prioritizes time, access, and continuity of care. By limiting patient volume and removing many of the administrative pressures common in traditional systems, the practice allows for longer visits, direct communication, and a more proactive approach to care. “It brings primary care back to what it was meant to be,” he says. “A relationship between the doctor and the patient, not one dictated by a schedule or outside pressures.”
That structure supports a level of attentiveness shaped by Dr. Alebich’s broad clinical experience. Having worked in both outpatient clinics and inpatient hospital settings, he has seen the full spectrum of health and disease. “In the outpatient setting, patients are generally stable. In the hospital, you are treating acute and often complex illnesses,” he explains. “That contrast helps me recognize small issues early, before they become something more serious.”
His training at Cook County Hospital further reinforced that perspective. There, exposure to a wide range of conditions from across the globe required a thorough and disciplined approach to diagnosis. “You learn to think through all possibilities,” he says. “That carries over to my current practice, where patients can feel confident that nothing is being overlooked.”
Dr. Alebich’s philosophy is straightforward. “I will do for my patients what I would do for my own family.” He views medicine as both an art and a science, combining deep clinical knowledge with clear communication. “Patients should understand their health and their options,” he says. “When they do, they are in the best position to make informed decisions.”
Preventive care remains a central focus, though his advice is intentionally simple. “Stay hydrated. Eat fresh foods. Get good sleep. Limit screen time. Go outside and enjoy yourself.” These habits, he notes, are often overlooked but essential to long-term health and often the hardest to maintain consistently.
An Oak Brook native, Dr. Alebich now cares for patients in the community he has long called home. “It fulfills the dream I had when I first pursued medicine,” he says. “It is a Norman Rockwell painting come-to-life. Serving this community as an ‘old-school’ doctor is incredibly meaningful.”
Authentic Internal Medicine
375 Quail Ridge Dr., Westmont, Illinois 630-349-6838 |Authenticinternalmed.com
Dr. Michael Byun’s approach to facial rejuvenation is grounded in a deep understanding of anatomy and a commitment to natural-looking results. Trained at Northwestern University Medical School, where he completed an integrated plastic surgery fellowship, he developed a distinct technique known as The Byun Lift—designed to address the limitations he observed in traditional facelifts.
“I was dissatisfied with the unnatural results of traditional facelift techniques,” Dr. Byun explains, noting that many approaches relied heavily on skin tightening and fat grafting, often leading to an overdone appearance. Drawing on both surgical training and an artistic perspective, he began exploring how aging affects the deeper structures of the face, particularly muscle descent.
The Byun Lift focuses on restoring facial anatomy by repositioning underlying muscles rather than simply tightening the skin. Using an endoscopic approach, muscles are moved upward and inward to their original position, creating a more natural and physiologically accurate result. This layered technique allows for longer-lasting outcomes while preserving the integrity of facial tissues.
Dr. Byun’s background in trauma and pediatric reconstructive surgery also informs his ability to address complex cases, including patients seeking correction from previous cosmetic procedures. Through detailed consultations, he helps patients understand their options and what can realistically be achieved.
“Our approach is centered on restoring structure, not altering identity,” he says.
For Dr. Paula Malhotra, dermatology is about far more than treating skin. It is about helping patients feel confident, understood, and genuinely supported at every step of their care.
At SKN Institute in Elmhurst, she blends advanced medical technology with a compassionate, patient-centered approach, ensuring every visit prioritizes both outcomes and experience.
Her passion for dermatology was shaped by her own experiences managing severe acne and precancerous moles, giving her an early appreciation for how skin conditions impact both health and self-confidence. That perspective continues to guide her work as she helps patients navigate medical concerns and cosmetic goals with empathy and expertise.
“One of the things I love most about dermatology is its unique combination of medical, surgical, and cosmetic care,” Dr. Malhotra says. “The skin reflects overall health, and I enjoy helping patients achieve healthier, more radiant skin while restoring confidence. I focus on treating underlying conditions, lifestyle factors, and creating personalized plans that support long-term skin health.”
At SKN Institute, she embraces the latest advancements in dermatology. The practice utilizes technologies such as digital dermoscopy, AI-assisted skin analysis, and advanced laser and energy-based devices to deliver precise, effective care. On the cosmetic side, non-invasive treatments like Sofwave, Fraxel, EmFace, and DiamondGlow provide refined options that enhance appearance with minimal downtime.
“Many people hope for instant results, but meaningful outcomes take time,” she says. “Whether treating acne, managing chronic conditions, or pursuing aesthetic goals, the best results come from consistency, thoughtful planning, and a strong partnership between physician and patient.”
Outside the clinic, Dr. Malhotra enjoys time with her two sons, playing tennis with her husband, and spending time with friends. That balance carries into her practice, where each patient experience is thoughtful, attentive, and tailored with a personal touch.
SKN Institute
Dr. Paula Malhotra 105 S. York Street, Ste 500, Elmhurst, Illinois 630-349-3040 |sknin.com |@skn.institute
NOTEWORTHY DOCTORS
A defining moment during his training at the University of Michigan Medical School set Dr. Justin LaReau on the path to orthopedic surgery. Assisting in a complex joint reconstruction, he saw firsthand how surgery could restore mobility and quality of life. “Seeing the patient’s ability to regain mobility and quality of life after surgery had a profound impact on me,” he says. “The ability to help people move again is incredibly rewarding.”
That perspective continues to shape his approach today. Dr. LaReau prioritizes open communication and realistic expectations, taking time to understand each patient’s concerns and goals. By clearly explaining procedures, recovery timelines, and potential risks, he ensures patients feel informed, comfortable, and actively involved in their care.
Advancements in minimally invasive and roboticassisted procedures have further enhanced patient outcomes. Techniques such as anterior hip replacement and MAKO-assisted knee replacement allow for greater precision, less disruption to surrounding tissue, and often faster recovery times. While these innovations are important, Dr. LaReau emphasizes that individualized care remains the foundation of successful treatment. “Every patient’s body and lifestyle are different, so I create a treatment plan tailored to their needs,” he explains.
Recovery is not always predictable, and Dr. LaReau recognizes the emotional challenges patients may face along the way. Through empathy and consistent support, he helps patients stay focused and confident, even when progress feels slow.
For Dr. LaReau, orthopedic surgery is more than a profession—it is an opportunity to restore movement and improve quality of life for every patient he treats.
Early in her training, Dr. Christina Steil was drawn to basic science research and initially thought she would pursue a PhD and work primarily in a lab. As she moved through medical school and residency, she realized she would miss working directly with people if she continue with a career dedicated solely to research. She came to value the human connection—building long-term relationships and caring for patients over time.
She chose dermatology because it provides a unique window into overall health. She enjoyed seeing how her mentors used the skin exam to help identify complex diagnoses, and she also loved that many dermatologic treatments can produce visible results quickly. That combination of diagnostic problem-solving, procedures, and meaningful patient relationships is what drew her to the specialty.
In her practice, she focuses on prevention and education. She wants patients to understand why a treatment is recommended, how it works, and what they can do at home to protect and maintain their skin. Her goal is to practice proactive medicine, not reactive medicine, so she can prevent problems when possible and support long-term skin health. In addition to using devices and traditional medicine to help patients reach their goals, she is enrolled in a year-long course in integrative dermatology, which studies complementary and alternative approaches to support skin health with science-backed, holistic care.
Since starting her dermatology practice, she’s incorporated device-based treatments and new technologies to address sun damage and improve overall skin health, not just appearance.
New research suggests that some of the treatments offered at CSC Steil Dermatology may do more than improve texture and tone, they may also help lower the risk of certain skin cancers.
These devices don’t just make skin look healthier, they can support healthier skin function. Many treatments encourage the skin to act more like younger skin, improve communication between cells, and strengthen the skin’s local immune response. Together, these effects may help the skin repair damage more effectively and reduce future risk.
Over the years, she has seen these benefits in her patients, which is why she has long offered these treatments as a proactive option—for example, to rejuvenate sun-damaged skin and support healthier skin function.
Dr. Rachel Bognet’s approach to dermatology is rooted in mentorship, curiosity, and a commitment to continual growth. Early influences shaped not only her career path but also how she connects with patients today. “My mentor in residency was most influential in how I practice… with a commitment to fixing even the most challenging cases,” she says, noting that strong clinical fundamentals continue to
That mindset has led to a career defined by both compassion and innovation. Treating conditions like eczema, psoriasis, hair loss, and acne, Dr. Bognet has seen rapid advancements in dermatology—many of today’s most effective therapies were not available when she completed her training. Staying engaged with emerging treatments keeps her work both dynamic and
At CSC Dermatology, patient relationships are central. Open communication and trust ensure patients feel heard and supported when discussing both medical and cosmetic concerns, allowing for more personalized care.
Looking ahead, she sees precision medicine continuing to transform the field, with genetic testing helping tailor treatments and reduce trial-and-error approaches.
“Improving patients’ lives and restoring their confidence through groundbreaking medicines and cosmetic treatments is extremely rewarding,” she says. CSC Steil Dermatology 125 W 2nd St, Hinsdale, IL 5157 Main St, 205, Downers Grove, IL 630-455-0045 |cscdermatology.com
BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF
With the constant stream of technological advancements and the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI), the future of medicine is evolving faster than ever. More and more people are taking a proactive approach towards their health, embracing daily tracking and at-home testing as a part of their routine. For those managing chronic illnesses and other medical diagnoses, this improved technology provides more data than ever before.
Daily wellness tracking has transitioned from a trend to a nonnegotiable for many. From sleek wristbands to jewelry pieces, many users credit their tracking devices with providing invaluable information about their daily lives and habits. By flagging subtle changes, this data can help prevent last-minute doctor’s visits — or warn it’s time to schedule one.
Apple Watch: When the original Apple Watch was released in April 2015, it shocked the market and became the top-selling smartwatch in history. Apple users could now track their steps, monitor their workouts, reply to messages, and answer calls without ever pulling out their phone. Since its release, there have been numerous different iterations of the Apple Watch, with each new version providing an enhanced user experience.
Oura Ring: The Oura ring has found a niche, yet expansive, consumer audience at the intersection of fashion and health and wellness. The sleek design in silver, gold, or rose gold is more than just a piece of bling; it’s a smart ring continually collecting data on 50+ health and wellness metrics that directly impact wellbeing. The Oura ring provides wearers with sleep insights, heart rate monitoring, activity tracking, cycle tracking, and more.
WHOOP: WHOOP’s high-tech, screen-free wristband is a popular choice among athletes and other fitness enthusiasts looking for detailed rest, recovery, and training tracking. Known for comfort and highly personalized data, this fitness wearable gives users a daily recovery score between 0-100% via its companion app, which can help prevent overtraining or physical burnout.
Thanks to a combination of busy lives and booked doctors’ offices, it can be
difficult to schedule a time for a simple blood test or routine check-up. It can also be stressful to wait for answers regarding new symptoms. Because of this, many are leaning towards improved at-home testing options for both prevention and management of illnesses or other medical concerns.
the disease and prevent potentially dangerous outcomes.
CGM: Continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) signal a shift in diabetes management: they represent a proactive approach to testing by providing a constant stream of data for patients. Because a CGM is a wearable device, one can see in real time if they’re trending high or low and take preventative measures. By having access to more data points, CGM users and their doctors can better manage
Blood Testing Kit:
- At-home blood tests allow for certain testing to be done in a comfortable, familiar environment. These tests, which usually require a finger prick, can check general health and wellness, cardiovascular health, the immune system, vitamin levels, hormones, and more. Some tests can deliver rapid results, while others are sent via mail back to a lab for more formal testing. Both are a simple way to get answers quickly.
Blood Pressure Monitor: Monitoring blood pressure at home is key for anyone who has been diagnosed with or is at risk for developing
high blood pressure. Sometimes, doctor’s visits and related nervousness can cause a higher blood pressure reading, so testing at home is a great way to track data in a relaxed state. At-home data is also essential for anyone starting or changing blood pressure medication, so they can accurately report back to their doctors whether or not it’s working.
Portable ECG: A traditional electrocardiogram (ECG) is a quick test that allows doctors to check someone’s heartbeat by monitoring the heart’s electrical activity. But small, handheld, single-electrode devices are available on the market, so ECGs can be recorded at home. These mobile ECG devices can detect heart rhythm disorders, especially atrial fibrillation (afib), which causes a rapid, irregular heartbeat. Early detection and/or monitoring known conditions can prevent emergencies and provide peace of mind. n
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After 50 years of service, a local special recreation association remains an invaluable asset to the community
BY VALERIE HARDY
The South East Association for Special Parks And Recreation (SEASPAR) is a special recreation association (SRA) committed to helping its participants discover abilities, achieve potential, realize dreams, and - perhaps most importantlyhave fun!
In fact, SEASPAR’s first core value is fun, followed by friendships, caring, trust, and accountability. These core values primarily grew out of the results of a 2022 survey that was part of the organization’s strategic planning efforts. Hundreds of SEASPAR participants filled out the survey, which asked them to select, from a list of approximately 40 words, what was most important to them from their involvement in SEASPAR programs.
WHO SEASPAR SERVES
SEASPAR serves both children and adults, but because, in Illinois, schools
provide services to individuals with disabilities through age 22, SEASPAR’s programs are mostly for adults.
Illinois is the only state with legislation enabling multiple park districts or municipalities to form SRAs, and SEASPAR is one of over 25 SRAs in the state. While SEASPAR’s administrative office is based in Downers Grove, the association is comprised of 13 member entities across a 70-squaremile area, including the park districts
of Clarendon Hills, Darien, Downers Grove, La Grange, La Grange Park, Lemont, Lisle, Westmont, and Woodridge, and the villages of Brookfield, Indian Head Park, Western Springs, and Willowbrook.
Any resident with a disability from these entities is eligible to participate in SEASPAR programs. Individuals from unincorporated areas may also participate for a non-resident fee. Registration fees for SEASPAR
programs are typically similar to fees for general park district activities.
Since its inception in 1976, SEASPAR has provided cooperative programs with local schools and special events like an annual holiday party.
Other hallmark SEASPAR offerings are day camps and Special Olympic and adaptive sports programs. “Many longtime favorites, such as bowling, swimming, dances, music lessons and social clubs have stayed popular throughout every era,” SEASPAR’s Executive Director, Matt Corso, said.
SEASPAR grows and adapts its programming to meet communities’ changing needs. “Inclusion services began in the 1990s following the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act and have become an essential part of how we help participants be successful in their home park district programs,” Corso added.
In 2008, SEASPAR launched its EAGLES Adult Day Program, which has grown into its largest program in terms of service hours. Additionally, in response to the increasing prevalence of autism, SEASPAR opened two sensory rooms in 2014 and 2020, respectively.
SEASPAR’s collaborative model enables programming across member communities and in a variety of settings, including gyms, fitness centers, ice rinks, pools, parks, kitchens, and more. Programs also take place beyond member entities’ facilities in settings like schools, YMCAs, bowling alleys, martial arts studios, restaurants, and movie theaters. “The list is long,” Corso said, “and it reflects the spirit of cooperation, communication, and shared commitment that makes SEASPAR’s programs possible.”
It is difficult to pinpoint SEASPAR’s total historical impact, but Corso estimates it has offered around 25,000 programs and served tens of thousands of participants over the years.
“Remarkably, a few individuals who joined us in our earliest years are still active in SEASPAR programs today.”
– MATT CORSO
“Remarkably, a few individuals who joined us in our earliest years are still active in SEASPAR programs today,” he said, “a testament to the sense of belonging, growth, and joy that keeps people connected to our community for decades.”
The same may hold true for staff; Corso has worked for SEASPAR for over 20 years. Besides Corso, “a dedicated team of over 200 staff and volunteers bring [SEASPAR’s] mission to life every day,” he said.
Thanks to SEASPAR, participants experience improved physical and emotional health, increased independence and self-esteem, and opportunities for self-expression,
social skill and relationship development, cognitive and motor skill development, and integration into the community.
This year marks a half-century of operation for SEASPAR. “Our official anniversary date is March 9 – the day in 1976 when the final signature was added to the Joint Agreement that created SEASPAR,” Corso said. “Our very first programs began that fall, and we’ve been growing, evolving, and celebrating our communities ever since.”
SEASPAR is celebrating its golden anniversary throughout the year, starting with the Believe & Achieve Banquet held on January 14. A special presentation during the banquet highlighted memorable moments from SEASPAR’s past five decades.
SEASPAR is featuring a commemorative 50th anniversary logo on all its printed materials in 2026, with each seasonal brochure showcasing a different decade. Additionally, a yearlong series of social media posts is featuring SEASPAR’s history, program highlights, and stories of impact within its member communities.
“And to top it all off, our signature family events – like our Summer Kick Off – will include special touches to honor this milestone year,” Corso said.
To learn more about or donate to SEASPAR, visit seaspar.org. n
For generations, the grounds of King-Bruwaert House (K-B House) senior living community in Hinsdale/Burr Ridge have offered something residents immediately recognize but often find difficult to put into words. Towering legacy trees, quiet pathways, and sunlight filtering through branches that have witnessed nearly a century of life now have formal recognition. K-B House has earned Level 1 Accreditation from the ArbNet Arboretum Accreditation Program through The Morton Arboretum, honoring institutions that meet rigorous standards in cultivating, documenting, and preserving trees and woody plants.
For residents, the recognition feels both exciting and deeply fitting. “Many of us choose K-B House because of its peaceful setting among the legacy trees,” said resident David Boxell. “Walking the grounds, enjoying the changing seasons, and feeling connected to nature is a daily joy. This accreditation supports what we have always known: the beauty of these grounds makes K-B House truly special.”
Founded in 1933, K-B House sits on more than 35 wooded acres. As a Life Plan Community, also known as a CCRC, it offers vibrant independent living in The Gardens’ elegant apartments and The Woods’ charming cottages. Also set within the tree-filled campus are assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, available should residents’ health care needs change.
The accreditation effort formalizes the community’s commitment to environmental stewardship and education. Board president John Grube, a noted environmentalist and philanthropist, encouraged the initiative. The process required months of documentation, including updating a comprehensive tree inventory and enhancing the Tree Care Plan with Bartlett Tree Experts. The campus is home to more than 90 distinct taxa of trees and woody plants.
For leadership, the honor represents more than a title. “Earning ArbNet accreditation affirms our commitment to preserving the natural beauty that makes King-Bruwaert House so special,” said Chief Executive Officer Rebecca Mathis. “Our wooded campus is more than a setting. It is an essential part of the life, wellness, and peace our residents enjoy every day. This recognition underscores our dedication to stewardship, education, and the connection between people and nature.”
For residents strolling beneath towering oaks and maples, the honor confirms what they experience every day: life here is rooted in something truly extraordinary.
King-Bruwaert House
6101 S County Line Rd. Burr Ridge, IL 60527 630-230-9543| kingbruwaert.org
BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF
Deciding how to approach the next stage of life is a meaningful milestone for every family. Senior living is not simply about where you reside — it encompasses housing choices, healthcare planning, financial stability, and staying socially connected.
For many longtime residents, the goal is not to “move away,” but to remain rooted in the community — close to family, familiar shops, favorite restaurants, trusted physicians, and the parks and cultural institutions that have shaped daily life for decades. The conversation becomes less about leaving and more about how to live well in this next chapter.
With more than 50 senior living providers in our area, along with in-home services and community programs, the options are plentiful. Understanding the broader categories
can help make decisions feel more intentional and less overwhelming.
For active adults who require little medical assistance, housing decisions often begin with preserving independence.
Aging in Place allows residents to remain in their current homes by making practical modifications such as first-floor living adjustments, safety upgrades, or mobility supports while supplementing with in-home services as needed.
Illinois residents age 65 and older may qualify for the Senior Citizens Homestead Exemption, which lowers the equalized assessed value of a primary residence and reduces overall property taxes.
SCAN HERE for Hinsdale Magazine Group's West Suburban Senior Living Resource Guide
Income-qualified homeowners may also apply for the Senior Citizens Assessment Freeze Homestead Exemption, which helps limit increases in a home’s assessed value and provides greater predictability in annual tax bills.
In DuPage County, these exemptions are administered through the DuPage County Supervisor of Assessments. Homeowners can download applications and review eligibility requirements at dupagecounty.gov or call 630-407-5858 for guidance. Local township assessor offices can also assist residents with completing and submitting the required paperwork.
For those seeking reduced maintenance with built-in social connection, 55+ Communities and Independent Living communities offer age-restricted neighborhoods where landscaping, snow removal, and
often social programming are managed collectively, without care services.
For those seeking weekly housekeeping, chef-cooked meals, reduced house maintenance, with social programming and support for personal care needs as needed, licensed assisted living is a great option.
Continuing-Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) provide a buy-in campus-style model where residents can transition from independent living to assisted living or skilled care without leaving the property.
Smaller-scale options such as Senior Co-housing or Home-sharing emphasize shared resources and companionship while maintaining private living space.
The right housing choice often depends less on square footage and more on how much daily responsibility one wishes to retain. When additional support is needed, structured environments provide varying levels of assistance.
Assisted Living communities can help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, meals, and medication management in a homelike residential setting designed to maintain dignity, social interaction, and support aging in place as needs change
Nursing Homes offer 24-hour clinical supervision for individuals with more long-term complex medical needs.
Memory Care provides secure environments specifically designed for individuals living with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Skilled nursing or assisted living communities that offer this option are specifically licensed and staffed for this support.
Skilled nursing facilities and some assisted living communities offer respite care, which allows short-term stays following surgery or illness — or temporary relief for family caregivers.
Hospice Care focuses on comfort and dignity for those facing terminal illness. Medicare covers hospice services at home or in licensed communities.
Because health, housing, personal wellness goals, and finances are interconnected, thoughtful planning, ahead of an emergency, is essential.
Taking these steps early for your personal wellness gives you the power to make decisions calmly for yourself and your family rather than under pressure. As adults, we make logistical and financial plans regarding our property, purchases, and professions. Similarly, we also need to plan our preferred hospital, skilled nursing rehab, assisted living, local caregiver support, and funeral arrangements to have a plan in place and have confidence our preferences will be supported.
1. Do Your Research: Use guides like this early, so you avoid “crisis-mode” decision-making.
2. Define Expectations: Are you looking to age in a place that supports your personal wellness, or stay at home with care?
3. Consult Doctors, friends, family, and neighbors: Ask questions related to their experience, lessons learned, recommendations, and what they may have chosen to do differently.
& COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: PURPOSE & CONNECTION
Retirement is not only a housing or healthcare decision — it is also a lifestyle transition. Staying socially connected is one of the strongest predictors of cognitive health and overall well-being.
Across our area, opportunities for engagement are abundant. Volunteer programs through hospitals, libraries, park districts, schools, and nonprofit organizations actively recruit older adults for mentorship and advisory roles. Faith communities and civic organizations provide structured gatherings that encourage connection and purpose.
Many residents discover that this stage of life offers renewed flexibility — time to serve on boards, mentor younger generations, participate in cultural organizations, or deepen involvement in causes that matter. Purpose, structure, and meaningful interaction remain just as important in retirement as they were during working years.
Senior living offers more than options — it offers continuity. With preparation, professional guidance, and thoughtful reflection, the next chapter can feel less like a change and more like a natural evolution of the life you have built. ■
4. Review Finances: Sit with an advisor to discuss Medicare, pensions, veteran’s aid, long-term care insurance, living benefits from your life insurance, and the long-term financial sustainability of your choice.
5. Visit Locally:
Taking these steps early allows families to make decisions calmly rather than under pressure.
Women of Oak Brook recently donated $1,500 to fund t-shirts for the Oak Brook Police Department, supporting its Drone as First Responder program, known as “Blu.” The initiative deploys an autonomous drone to 911 calls ahead of officers, providing live video and real-time insights. This technology enhances situational awareness, improves response times, and supports officer safety. The organization is proud to support innovation that strengthens community protection.
River Forest Country Club prepares to host the Women’s Western Amateur golf tournament
BY VALERIE HARDY | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE WOMEN’S GOLF ASSOCIATION
One of the world’s most prestigious amateur golf championships is coming to Elmhurst this summer. From July 6–11, River Forest Country Club will host the 126th Women’s Western Amateur, widely considered one of the top three events in women’s amateur golf.
While the WWA’s 125th anniversary was last year, its host site is hitting a major milestone of its own this year: a century of operation. RFCC “could not be more excited to be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the club while hosting [the WWA],” said Cari Matykiewicz, the RFCC’s Communications Chair Lead.
In honor of both of these celebratory occasions, Hinsdale Magazine Group’s Valerie Hardy caught up with Matykiewicz.
HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP: WHAT IS THE HISTORY OF THE WWA, AND HOW HAS IT EVOLVED OVER TIME?
CARI MATYKIEWICZ: The Women’s Western Amateur is the oldest women’s amateur event in the country held without interruption. Over the years, we have attracted a stronger field with the level of championship experience we provide. Today,
we are proud to be the third strongest women’s amateur event in the country, behind only the US Women’s Amateur and Augusta National Women’s Amateur.
HMG: WHAT ARE THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS FOR PLAYING IN THE WWA?
MATYKIEWICZ: A player needs to have amateur status and meet a 3.4 handicap or less.
HMG: WHERE ARE PLAYERS IN THIS YEAR’S WWA FROM?
MATYKIEWICZ: So far, the tournament application pool consists of 26 states and five foreign countries.
HMG: CAN YOU SHARE A BIT ABOUT THE PAST WWA CHAMPIONS AND WHAT THEY EARN FOR WINNING THE WWA?
MATYKIEWICZ: The WWA’s list of past champions spans more than a century, and the collective accomplishments include over 340 Ladies Professional Golf Association (LPGA) victories, 135 major championship wins, and 60 appearances in the Solheim Cup. The most recent past champions are 2025: Maelynn Kim, a junior at the University of Houston,
#170 World Amateur Golf Ranked; 2024: Farah O’Keefe, a junior at University of Texas, #4 World Amateur Golf Ranked; and 2023: Jasmine Yoo, a sophomore at University of Southern California, #15 World Amateur Golf Ranked. This year’s WWA champion will earn exemption into the 2026 US Women’s Amateur at The Honors Course in Tennessee, into the next 10 Women’s Western Amateurs, and into the 2027 Elite Amateur Golf Series events.
HMG: WHAT HAPPENS BEHIND THE SCENES IN PREPARATION FOR THE WWA?
MATYKIEWICZ: For the Western Golf Association, tournament prep is year-round. From selecting and securing host sites, attending merchandise shows, collaborating with other women’s events, recruiting players to play in your event, and working with the host club, there is plenty to do!
HMG: HOW CAN THE PUBLIC JOIN IN THE WWA FUN?
MATYKIEWICZ: The event is free and open to the public! Please visit womenswesternamateur.com as the summer approaches for more spectator information. n
Women’s Western Amateur at a Glance
• 126 YEARS RUNNING — Founded in 1901, the Women’s Western Amateur is the longest continuously held women’s amateur championship in the United States.
• TOP 3 IN THE WORLD — Widely regarded alongside the U.S. Women’s Amateur and the Augusta National Women’s Amateur as one of the three premier events in women’s amateur golf.
• 120-PLAYER FIELD — Elite amateurs from across the U.S. and internationally, typically representing multiple states and multiple countries.
• CUT TO 32 After stroke play, only the top 32 players advance to match play.
• 340+ LPGA WINS— Past competitors have gone on to achieve more than 340 victories on the LPGA Tour.
• 135 MAJOR CHAMPIONSHIPS — Alumni of the event have won 135 majors.
Maelynn Kim earns the 2025 WWA title with a 1-up victory over Elizabeth Rudisill.
• 60 SOLHEIM CUP APPEARANCES — A proven pipeline to the highest level of international competition.
• CHAMPION PERKS — The winner earns exemptions into future elite events, including the U.S. Women’s Amateur and other top amateur championships.
• 3.4 HANDICAP (MINIMUM)— While entry requires a 3.4 or better, the actual field is overwhelmingly made up of scratch (0.0) or plus-handicap players competing at the Division I and international level.
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