Oak Brook Magazine November/December 2023

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PORTRAITS OF THE PAST

HISTORIAN LESLIE GODDARD

+ Rudy Ruettiger Volleyball World Champs History Vault: Out of the Ashes

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New Oris X Bracenet Oris is delighted to unveil a partnership and product collaboration with Bracenet. A sustainability organization based in Germany.

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LETTER from THE PUBLISHER

How We Celebrate This Season

A

s the end of the year approaches, we have the good fortune of being able to celebrate the holiday season, and give back and help others in meaningful ways.

This season is exceptional, and to help you celebrate, we have a handy listing of some of the best local holiday events you should know about called “Let It Snow.”

We also have an opportunity to acknowledge a number of local women in this issue. First, meet Melissa Martin, who has just been appointed by Village President Larry Herman to fill the seat he vacated on the village’s Board of Trustees. Martin brings an excellent background in finances; she is an Associate Professor of Accounting at the University of Illinois, Chicago.

She is also a working mother and served for six years on the Sports Core Committee.

These additional backgrounds are also useful perspectives as the village is on the cusp of generational change, as noted by President Herman.

Next, the Oak Brook Historical Society hosted four women in a roundtable to share how women have contributed to the community since the beginning of the village, and they asked those attending to get more involved in the future.

One very active women’s group is Zonta International, Oak Brook Chapter. In addition to supporting women’s rights, they partner with women’s groups in the area such as DuPage Family Shelter Services, and they offer assistance to women coming back into the workforce through Poised For Success.

Also, when this time rolls around, the Oak Brook Chapter of the Infant Welfare Society will be hosting their famous fashion show and fundraiser at Drury Lane in late November.

Since shopping will be on everyone’s list these days, we have a positive story focused on the comfort and joy of shopping in Oak Brook this season, thanks to the Oak Brook Police Department's efforts in security and the efforts of all the retailers throughout our community. For a little more on shopping, the Elmhurst History Museum’s current exhibits is a visit back to the days of Marshall Fields, Sears, and Carson Pirie and Scott.

The exhibit was curated by local historian Leslie Goddard,

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OakBrookMagazine.com | OAK BROOK MAGAZINE

who shares her fascinating story.

Since we are emphasizing women, we want to make you aware that we have two world champions in girl volleyball from nearby Elmhurst. Abby Vander Wal, from Timothy Christian, and Ava Falduto, from Immaculate Conception, were key players on the USA U-19 team that won the Federation Internationale de Volleyball World Championship on August 11 of this year in Osijek, Croatia.

Everyone loves a winner, and they also love an underdog — especially one who wins. One sports film that stands out is the movie “Rudy.” Maureen Callahan interviewed “Rudy” Ruettiger, of Joliet, who succeeded against really long odds; this was not only on the Notre Dame football field, but also he succeeded in bringing the film to life after a sportswriter told him that he had enough of a story for a movie.

To ring in the season, we tell you the story of the Agape Ringers, a group that uses handbells to make the beautiful holiday music you love to hear. KC Congdon leads the group, plus six others, for good measure and credits the groups for their unusual talent. Check out their performance on Dec. 9 in Elmhurst.

Young Life, a non-profit Christian outreach for youth is thriving. At a recent October gathering, several young members shared their testimonies.

Rev. Dr. Dan Meyer, pastor of Christ Church in Oak Brook, encouraged families to donate to this powerful mission through his speech focused on the importance of today’s younger generations.

Finally, we share a touching story to honor the memory of 92 children and three nuns who perished in a fire on Dec. 1, 1958, at Our Lady Of Angels School in Chicago. This story is told through the lens of a student who was in the school that day, escaped, and eventually became a fireman in Downers Grove.

Enjoy the holiday season, and we look forward to sharing more stories with you in the new Scott Jonlich, Publisher

November/December 2023

Contents 61

16 TO DOS Let it Snow

23 INSIDE OAK BROOK Oak Brook Historical Society

27 SPOTLIGHT Melissa Martin

32 GIVING BACK Zonta Club

36 SNAPSHOT Lions Clubs

39 COVER Leslie Goddard

43 PROFILE Rudy

47 SPECIAL FEATURE Comfort and Joy

50 ARTS & THEATRE Agape Ringers

53 SPORTS Volleyball Champions

56 COMMUNITY SCENE Young Life

58 EDUCATION St. John Academy

61 ARCHIVES Out of the Ashes

65 RIBBON CUTTING United Real Estate

66 PREVIEW Mistletoe Medley

43

50

On the Cover: Historian Leslie Goddard portrays a stewardess for Pan Am in the 1960s.

Photo by Victor Hilitski.

FOR THE LATEST NEWS, HAPPENINGS AND PHOTOS, VISIT @OAKBROOKMAGAZINE 10

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CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Maureen Callahan Valerie Hardy Granddaughter Sammy and Hope, the Alan Energy Services Sweethearts

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TO-DOS | OAKBROOKMAGAZINE.COM

LET IT SNOW The holidays are here, and we’ve curated a list of local events guaranteed to spread the season’s cheer! From light shows to stage performances, we’ve got you and your family covered for a festive and fun-filled end to 2023.

BY ANNA HUGHES

Grove Express 5K

IllumiBrew at the Morton Arboretum

11/16/23 - 11/17/23 www.mortonarb.org Be one of the first to enjoy 50 acres of lights, colors and sounds at the 11th annual edition of Illumination: Tree Lights at The Morton Arboretum at IllumiBrew. This 21-and-up event allows tasting ticketholders to try a variety of beers, ciders and meads from popular Chicagoland breweries stationed along the Illumination trail.

11/23/23 @ 8:30 AM www.groveexpress.com There’s no better way to start the day of thanks than by giving back to the community. Bring your family, friends and pets to the annual Thanksgiving Day 5K to get some exercise and fresh air before enjoying an evening of turkey and football. The race benefits local education and youth programs across the Downers Grove community.

Winter Lights at Central Park

11/23/23 - 1/7/24 @ 4:309:30 PM www.obparks.org If you dream of walking in a winter wonderland this holiday season, Oak Brook Park District has just the thing for you. Each night, the half-mile path through Central Park will be filled with decorative lights and the holiday spirit – a perfect free outing for all ages

and accessibility levels. Donations benefiting the People's Resource Center and The Oak Brook Park District Foundation will be accepted.

“A Christmas Carol”

Drury Lane Theatre 11/24/23-12/30/23 www.drurylanetheatre.com “A Christmas Carol” is a Christmas classic. Enjoy this holiday staple during its 30th-anniversary run at the beautiful Drury Lane Theatre in Oak Brook. Watch the journey of Ebenezer Scrooge unfold, reminding everyone of the importance of Christmas joy.

Showtimes vary by date.

GROVE EXPRESS IN DOWNERS GROVE

JOFFREY BALLET’S “THE NUTCRACKER” PHOTO BY TODD ROSENBERG

Clarendon Hills Chamber Holiday Walk

12/1/2023 @ 5-9 PM www.clarendonhillschamber.com Get ready to kick off the holiday season with the Clarendon Hills Chamber Holiday Walk. Bring the whole family to meet Santa, enjoy the Christmas tree lighting, and shop!

Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker”

12/2/23-12/27/23 www.joffrey.org The Joffrey Ballet’s “The Nutcracker” is a two-hour extravaganza of music and dance.

Two-time Tony Award-winning choreographer Christopher Wheeldon reimagines the Christmas classic, bringing this holiday tradition to life at the historic Lyric Opera in Chicago.

Showtimes vary by date.

Hinsdale’s Winter Wonderland

Katherine Legge Memorial Park 12/3/23 @ 9 AM - 1 PM www.villageofhinsdale.org It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Katherine Legge Memorial Park. Hinsdale’s “Winter Wonderland” event will have pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, live reindeer, visits with Frozen’s Anna, Elsa, Olaf and Kristoff, and so much more! The Village of Hinsdale and Hinsdale Police Department will be collecting toys for a Toys for Tots Drive; attendees are encouraged to

bring a donation for the drive. Preregistration is required for this event.

Elmhurst Tree Lighting

12/7/23 @ 5:30 PM www.epd.org Join Elmhurst Park District in Wilder Park to ring in the holiday season with the lighting of community trees. Families, businesses and organizations are invited to decorate one of the 60 trees along the park

pathway. The “People’s Choice Award” returns after Dec. 3, and community members can vote for their favorite of these trees on Facebook.

ILLUMIBREW AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM PHOTO COURTESY OF THE MORTON ARBORETUM OAK BROOK MAGAZINE | OakBrookMagazine.com

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eat. drink. & be merry PLAN YOUR HOLIDAY EVENT WITH US!

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Destination Your Staycation

7 Great Places to Stay, Play, Shop, Dine and More

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630.975.0088 kris.berger@compass.com krisbergergroup.com Kris Berger is a Real Estate broker affiliated with Compass. Compass is a licensed Real Estate broker with a principal office in Chicago, IL and abides by all applicable Equal Housing Opportunity laws. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only. Information is compiled | are OakBrookMagazine.com from sources deemed reliable but is subject to errors, omissions, changes in price, condition, sale, or withdrawal without notice. No statement is made as toOAK the accuracy BROOK of any description. AllMAGAZINE measurements and square footages approximate. This is not intended to solicit property already listed. 23 Nothing herein shall be construed as legal, accounting or other professional advice outside the realm of Real Estate brokerage. One Grant Square, Suite #201, Hinsdale IL 60521. Source, Real Trends 500, as of 2021 based on closed sales volume.

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS at The Drake Oak Brook

Celebrate the holiday season this year at The Drake Oak Brook and create a lifetime of memories and new traditions.

Featured Events Thanksgiving Brunch

Thursday, November 23rd from 10am-3pm $102/Person | $35/Child 6-12 | Free/Child 2-5

Holiday High Tea After the Shopping Spree

Friday, November 24th from 10am-3pm $75/Person | $32/Child 4-12 | Free/Child 3 & under

Celebrate Thanksgiving with a delectable brunch menu perfect for the whole family. Enjoy Chef Esequiel’s carving stations, seafood bar, omelet stations, fresh waffles stations, an assorted dessert table and much more.

Champagne and mimosas are included.

Take a break from your shopping and join us for Black Friday High Tea, featuring all of your holiday tea favorites, chef’s exclusive finger sandwiches, and desserts. Our elves will be ready to wrap 2 small/medium size gifts while you relax and enjoy your tea.

Holiday High Tea

Dickens Christmas Dinner

$75/Person | $30/Child 4-12 | Free/Child 3 & under

$96/Person

Join us this holiday season for traditional British high tea, where you can enjoy an assortment of holiday pastries, fruit bread, scones, and chef’s exclusive assorted finger sandwiches.

Nothing says Christmas like a traditional dinner while our holiday carolers are serenading throughout the evening.

Choose from an exclusive Prix Fixe holiday menu.

Friday-Sunday in November & December

Brunch with Santa & Mrs. Claus December 10, 17, & 23 from 10am-2pm $85/Person | $45/Child 6-12 $25/Child 3-5 | Free/Child 2 & under Spread the holiday cheer with Santa and Mrs. Claus at our annual Christmas Brunch. Enjoy a delectable spread for the whole family to enjoy and a kid’s room to keep your little ones entertained.

December 8 from 5pm-9pm

Outdoor Heated Igloos Available for Lunch & Dinner beginning November 3

Experience a winter wonderland adventure this season. Introducing new heated igloos offering a blend of delectable cuisine and crafted cocktails.

Visit thedrakeoakbrook.com to view all of our holiday events and to make your reservations.

2301 York Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523 | 630.571.0000 | thedrakeoakbrook.com | @thedrakeoakbrook

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SPOTLIGHT | OAKBROOKMAGAZINE.COM

A Fresh Perspective New Oak Brook Trustee is first woman on Village Board in ten years

T

BY CHUCK FIELDMAN | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK

he June appointment of Melissa Martin checked some open boxes for the Oak Brook Village Board.

Martin, 43, is the first woman to serve on the Board since Elaine Zannis opted not to seek re-election ten years ago. Martin is also the only trustee with children in elementary school, and she brings a strong background in finance to the table.

“As the only village trustee with children in elementary school, she represents a diverse perspective that is needed within the community,” said John Anos, chairman of the village’s Sports Core Advisory Committee, on which Martin served before being appointed to the Village Board.

Anos said it was a pleasure serving on the Sports Core Advisory Committee for six years.

“During that time, Melissa collaborated with the committee through difficult financial times, and she was an invaluable asset to our work,” Anos said. “When previous board liaisons tried to turn over the management and revenue to the park district, Melissa presented an alternative view to the village that demonstrated this was not a sound financial decision. I believe Melissa is a valuable appointed trustee for the Village of Oak Brook.”

The appointment of Martin to the Village Board came about two months after she ran unsuccessfully to become a trustee on a slate headed by two-year Board member Larry

Herman, who was elected Village President.

Martin said she wasn’t surprised that she wasn’t elected to the Board in April.

"Local government and the election

process was not a natural transition for me," she said. "While I made every attempt to eloquently provide my position on the issues at hand, I did not engage in many of the political agenda items. In this way, I probably limited my visibility. I am a strong believer in collecting all relevant

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public safety. I look forward to furthering my knowledge of village operations to inform my decisionmaking as a trustee," she added.

"I will continue to look for ways to innovate and modernize Oak Brook through sound financially minded decisions that pay homage to the rich traditions of the village."

– MELISSA MARTIN, OAK BROOK VILLAGE BOARD MEMBER

information on a given topic and speaking only when an informed opinion can be provided. I hope to show the community this type of reserved and informed decisionmaking throughout my term, instilling a sense of trust with the community."

Herman didn’t hesitate when he was elected village president to recommend Martin to fill the remaining two years of the four-year trustee term he won in 2021.

“In a short period of time, Melissa has proven to be the fantastic addition to the Village Board that I expected when I endorsed her candidacy,” Herman said. “Anyone who has watched our recent Village Board meetings can observe that she is a quick study and asks thoughtful questions that get to the heart of the issues we address.”

Martin’s profession as an Associate Professor of Accounting at the University of Illinois-Chicago gives her an impressive and helpful knowledge of finances.

"Her financial acumen is an invaluable asset to the Board," 28

Herman said. "While we are fortunate to have a woman back on the Board, the more salient asset she brings is her representation of the young families that are the future of our village. We are on the cusp of generational change in Oak Brook, and Melissa is the perfect Board member to help us navigate it in pursuit of Oak Brook's continued greatness."

Martin said that in her role as a university professor, she has considerable experience understanding governance within a public institution.

"In addition, my background in accounting provides a solid foundation for fiscally grounded decision-making," she said. "I will continue to look for ways to innovate and modernize Oak Brook through sound financially minded decisions that pay homage to the rich traditions of the village."

"I pair this more global knowledge with specific experience serving the village. As a six-year member of the Sports Core Committee, I gained an understanding of village operations, ranging from public works, administrative staff, budgeting, and

OakBrookMagazine.com | OAK BROOK MAGAZINE

Village Board member Michael Manzo, who successfully ran for re-election in April while supporting Herman and Martin, said the new Board appointee was a great choice to fill the vacant seat. "She already has experience working with village staff and budgets as a member of the Sports Core Committee," he said.

"Her background as a Certified Public Accountant, as well as being a widelypublished tenured professor of accounting at University of IllinoisChicago, is impressive, too.”

Martin said she didn’t expect to be asked to take Herman’s spot on the Board.

"I did not expect to be asked, but was delighted when it came,” she said.

“Larry was such an engaged and influential trustee, and you can see this in the start of his term as president. He has provided large shoes to fill, and I hope I can be an outlet for voices from the community and be a trusted official engaged in continuing to improve Oak Brook.”

Martin said she is glad to have the opportunity to serve on the Board, both as the first woman in several years and as the parent of school-age children.

“I hope to increase the representation of these groups in village matters and motivate my peers to serve the community as well,” she said. “I do think it is a shame that there has been such a long gap between female trustees. That being said, I think it is important to have a set of trustees that responsibly advocates for the interests of our residents. I bring as much the perspective of a younger working resident and a parent of

school-age kids as I do a solely female perspective. The former are probably used much more in shaping my opinions on village matters."

Martin believes her experience on the Sports Core Advisory Committee will be helpful in her new role as a Village Board member. “I absolutely believe this experience has and will continue to help me in my role as a trustee,” she said. “In the Sports Core Committee, we regularly interact with a large portion of village staff, including the village manager, public works, etc. Having first-hand experience with these functions of the village was a great primer to the trustee position.”

In her limited time on the Board since being appointed in June, Martin said

the experience has been relatively close to what she expected.

“I am still generally surprised sometimes by the parties who overly politicize benign issues, however, I think this is inherent in the nature of government,” she said. “I hope to continue to make ethical decisions that build the community’s trust in my leadership.”

Hearing from community members about issues of interest to them is one of the aspects Martin said she most enjoys about being a trustee.

“I have also enjoyed learning more about aspects of the village I was unaware of before,” she said.

“President Herman also asked me to serve as a trustee representative to the

library, which has been fantastic. We are frequent users of the library, but I have enjoyed learning much more about the leadership team and future plans."

Between her Board service and occupation, Martin's schedule is pretty full. But her family — husband of 19 years, D. Erik Martin, and children, Charlie, 11, and Everett, 8 — remain her top priority and interest.

“My kids are probably my greatest hobby, but I also love to cook and travel," she said. "You will also likely find me exercising or walking our giant dog." ■

Museum Shop Hours Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Closed Monday Closed Christmas Eve Visit the Museum Shop online at www.lizzadromuseum.org

1220 Kensington Road,Oak Brook, IL 630- 833-1616 info@lizzadromuseum.org And don’t miss “The Artful Soul of Faust” cameo exhibit through January 7, 2024!

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GIVING BACK | OAKBROOKMAGAZINE.COM

Zonta International Oak Brook Chapter An organization for the advancement of women worldwide

Z

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

onta International is a global organization founded as The Confederation of Zonta Clubs in 1919 in Buffalo, New York.

Eight years later, Zonta had expanded across the border of Canada. Europeans began founding local groups shortly thereafter, with Australia not far behind. The centennial anniversary was celebrated just before the pandemic.

Today, Zonta International is a global organization of over 27,000 people in more than 1100 local chapters spread over 62 countries.

The group’s main purpose is to make the world a better place by empowering women via service and advocacy for women’s rights through equality,

education, and ending child marriage and gender-based violence.

Their Global initiatives include resistance to violence against women and girls and closing the gender gap in education worldwide.

According to Zonta’s Oak Brook Chapter President, Kathy Raker, the group is very involved with the advancement and care of women.

The chapter meets monthly and usually has a program related to the mission and vision of the organization.

“We have 18 members- it’s a very nice diverse group of women. There are accountants, small business owners, nurses, and retired government workers, to name a few occupations,” said Raker. "We meet monthly in board meetings and membership Equal Pay Day March 2019

meetings, and we usually have programs that are related to our mission and vision."

There are several non-profit groups with whom Zonta partners. The group plans to hold a computer recycling event with Compudopt. This national non-profit organization provides technology access and education to at-risk schools and families in need through recycled and refurbished computers. “Whenever possible, we try to get corporations involved, as they typically replace their computers every few years, so it’s wonderful to help them recycle them to people who are very grateful to receive them,” said Raker.

Another partnership exists with DuPage Family Shelter Services, which provides help and hope to victims of domestic violence in need of shelter. “For the ten years we have been a club, we have supported them with collections for things they might need, as well as our time.

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Zonta Oak Brook Chapter 10th Anniversary Celebration

2023 Gala

Zonta also sponsored DuPage Family Shelter Service’s gala last spring,” said Raker.

Poised for Success is a local nonprofit grateful for the assistance of the local Zontians. The organization assists women returning to the workplace after personal issues such as divorce or death in the family who might be struggling to get back on track. The nonprofit receives donations of work clothes, shoes, and accessories from individuals or stores. Agencies refer clients to come and receive one-on-one consultation services in dressing for job interviews and the workplace. “The idea is that you look the part for the job you want,” Raker stated.

The organization participated in #lovepurse, a project to deliver purses to women staying in shelters filled with personal products that might be otherwise hard to obtain.

“One year, we got stores to donate the purses," said Raker. In other

years, fundraising dollars have been put toward this worthy cause.

Zonta’s main fundraiser is an International Women’s Day breakfast at The Westin, Lombard. This year’s event was very well attended and featured DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick as the keynote speaker.

In addition to partnering with service organizations, Zonta sponsors scholarship opportunities, both for students in public affairs and gradu-

ating high school students. Their Women in Business Scholarship is open to applicants of any age, regardless of her stage in life, who wish to pursue education for the purpose of a business degree.

With a vision to aid, advance, and empower women throughout the world, Zonta of Oak Brook carries out the mission of Zonta International with creativity and integrity.

■

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I want my philanthropy to ____________________ END POVERTY in DuPage County.

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SNAPSHOT | OAKBROOKMAGAZINE.COM

Lions Clubs International Foundation

W

hen over 1.4 million people from around the world join together to serve others, the results are powerful.

That’s exactly what Lions International members have been doing since 1917. Being a Lion is about leading by example, building relationships, and improving the world through kindness. Founded in 1968 to take the work of Lions to new heights, Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) aids these Lions through grant funds that expand their compassionate works and empower their service at home and worldwide.

Headquartered in Oak Brook, LCIF has awarded over 20,000 grants totaling more than $1.2 billion over their 50 years of service. LCIF’s history is filled with high-impact projects, meaningful partnerships, and the kindness and efforts of Lions. The foundation has multiple life-changing accomplishments, including making 9.7 million cataract surgeries possible, awarding more than $140 million in disaster relief funding, and helping youth and educators in more than 100 countries through Lions Quest, LCIF’s premier youth development and social

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and emotional learning program. This is all part of carrying out their mission: to empower Lions clubs, volunteers, and partners to improve health and well-being, strengthen communities and support those in need through humanitarian service and grants that impact lives globally, and encourage peace and international understanding.

LCIF proudly supports Lions’ life-changing service in eight main cause areas: childhood cancer, diabetes, disaster relief, environment, hunger, vision, youth, and other humanitarian areas. It is the only foundation that empowers 49,000 clubs in over 200 countries, and it is made possible by donations. Most of the funding comes from Lions members, corporate partners, and others who support the transformative work that they do.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps Lions continue to change the world – one act of kindness at a time.

To learn more about LCIF or make a donation to support the foundation’s work, visit lcif.org. ■

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COVER STORY | OAKBROOKMAGAZINE.COM

Goddard as entrepreneur and fashion designer Lilly Pulitzer

Retail stores

BACK in TIME Leslie Goddard brings history to life

M

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

“I knew, however, if I ever wanted to teach, it would be history,” said Goddard.

ost of us dream of finding an occupation we love- something for which we have a heartfelt passion while still making a living. Leslie Goddard has managed to do just that. This home-grown historian brings the past back to life - in a fun and entertaining way - through character impersonations and lectures.

History has always been special to Goddard. After earning a BA from Stamford, this Hinsdale Central graduate earned two master’s degrees- one in Theatre History and Literature from the University of Illinois and a second in Museum Studies from the University of Leicester, UK.

That led to the final stop on her educational journey - the Interdisciplinary PhD program at Northwestern, where she graduated with a doctorate in U.S. History, Women’s History, American Studies, and Theatre.

Time spent as the Director of Oak Brook Graue Mill confirmed her path.

“I used to imagine how great it would be to live there,” Goddard laughed. “I really loved it.”

Goddard as Betty the Pan Am Stewardess

Stints at other suburban history museums helped her hone her curatorial skills. One day at Evanston History Museum, co-workers learned she had OAK BROOK MAGAZINE | OakBrookMagazine.com

39

A Sears Department Store in downtown Elmhurst

studied theater. She was asked to portray a local woman who had been active in the temperance movement for an upcoming exhibit. Goddard was fascinated by the 19th-century fashions that accompanied the role and made compelling arguments for the temperance movement to the audience rather than just presenting it as a lecture.

The Walnut Room at Marshall Field’s in 1945

characters she portrayed and historical lecture topics based on her own interests. A few years in, however, she realized the value of specialization.

While some of her historic characters go back as far as Louisa May Alcott and Amelia Earhart, Goddard has

“I learned there was a market for living history.”

The presentation turned out to be Goddard’s aha moment. “I learned there was a market for living history,” she said. “I started getting offers from women’s clubs and book clubs to deliver portrayals of historical characters.”

– LESLIE GODDARD ON HER CHARACTER IMPERSONATIONS OF HISTORICAL FIGURES THROUGH TIME

In the beginning, Goddard chose the come to find a niche in mid-century American history.

Amelia Earhart is just one of the firstperson portrayals performed by Goddard.

She keeps a steady rotation of historical characters in her repertoire. At any given moment, about a dozen or so significant women from the past can be met through Goddard’s performances. “It takes me about a year to get another personality researched and cued up to present,” she said. “I find my costumes and accessories on eBay and in vintage stores. I have an entire garage full of props, too,” she laughed.

Among the current characters on the

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docket is Pan Am Betty, a stewardess who can tell you about the strict height and weight requirements of 1960s flight attendants, along with the hijinks that ensued while transporting celebrity passengers. Julia Child is happy to relay her misadventures of learning to cook in Paris in an almost entirely male industry. Have you ever wondered how the huge collection of Tupperware stuffed into a kitchen drawer in virtually every American home got there? Shrewd saleslady Brownie Wise can provide that answer, along with the story of her rise from single mother to head of Tupperware Home Parties.

Jacqueline Kennedy, Eleanor Roosevelt, Lady Bird Johnson, and Georgia O’Keefe are also available for hire.

Fashion mogul Lilly Pulitzer is the most recent leading lady to have found her way into the lineup.

When asked her favorite character to impersonate, Goddard laughed as she replied, “I can’t choose. It would be like picking a favorite child.”

In addition to her mid-century characters, Goddard also lectures on historic pop culture, such as Riverview Amusement Park, Chicago candy companies, and historical retail stores. Elmhurst History Museum will host "Lost Chicagoland Department Stores" from

October through January. This nostalgic exhibit will bring visitors back to the era of in-person shopping in Chicago department stores. Through photos, memorabilia, and artifacts, visitors will be whisked back in time to Marshall Field’s, Sears, Carson Pirie Scott, and the other usual suspects that were part and parcel to seven legendary blocks of shopping in the Loop.

The exhibit promises to be a fun stroll down memory lane for visitors, and one which Goddard enjoyed creating.

It evolved from research performed during the pandemic. Like many others, Goddard found herself with time to finally delve into a project. “My grandfather worked at Marshall Field’s for most of his career, so I had his stories to work with,” said Goddard, “but I needed more.”

With historical archives shuttered, she began reaching out to people of that era to hear their personal stories. She found that in addition to the merchandise people took away from the store, they acquired just as many memories.

“Everyone seemed to have a story about Marshall Field’s at Christmastime-dressing up and taking the train into the city, admiring the windows and, if they were lucky, having lunch under the Christmas tree in the Walnut Room,” said Goddard. “I realized that these department stores provided the backdrop for memories made by thousands of Chicago families.

They’re a sort of thread that binds Chicagoans together.”

Enough research was gathered about Marshall Field’s alone to create Goddard’s first book, Remembering Marshall Field’s. Readers are offered an up-close look into the gone-but-notforgotten era of the city’s retail icons in "Lost Chicago Department Stores."

Chicago’s sweeter past can be relivedfrom Frango Mints to Lemonheads and everything in between- through the pages of Chicago’s Sweet Candy History, a book dedicated to the Windy City’s chief confectioners.

Goddard as environmental scientist Rachel Carson, circa 1960s.

The Elmhurst History Museum’s exhibit, “Lost Chicagoland Department Stores,” in collaboration with Goddard, will be on display at the museum through Jan. 28, 2024.

Visit elmhursthistory.org for more information. For more information on Goddard and her list of engagements, visit lesliegoddard.info.

OAK BROOK MAGAZINE | OakBrookMagazine.com

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PROFILE | OAKBROOKMAG.COM

RUDY!

30 years later, Rudy walks on with a new generation

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

E

verybody loves an underdog. Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger is one of the most memorable in the history of film. Thirty years ago, audiences watched him muscle his way into one of the country’s most selective institutions, the University of Notre Dame (UND). This nonscholar of less athletic ability than his teammates worked harder than anyone around him. Coach Ara Parseghian was able to see beyond Rudy’s 5-and-a-half-foot, 165 lb. stature to see the oversized heart of this walk-on football hopeful, ready to give his all at every turn.

Ruettiger graduated third from the bottom of his high school class. “I got into Notre Dame because I forged a path other than the traditional route,” said Ruettiger. “I didn’t have SAT scores and high grades. I found people at Holy Cross College who helped me. I had to work very hard, but I also managed to build relationships which ultimately opened the golden door for me.”

“Eventually, they let me in to Notre Dame,” Ruettiger relayed, “because at some point, people don’t care what you know when they know how much you care. When they see that, you’ll succeed, because others will help you get where you want to go.”

How close is the movie to real life?

Since Rudy’s release in the fall of 1993, we’ve watched him chase down his dream. According to Ruettiger, we’ll be able to share new moments as the director’s cut of Rudy will soon be released.

“They just called me the other day to let me know,” he said, smiling.

I did grow up in Joliet. I attended Joliet Catholic. We were a huge family- 14 kids. My family was more behind my ambitions than was depicted in the movie, however. My mom always understood the importance of dreams.

She told us to think big. The idea of me going to UND wasn’t realistic to my father, though, so he couldn’t really get behind it. My brothers and sisters supported me, though.

On the eve of this classic sports film’s 30th anniversary, Hinsdale Magazine Group Contributing Editor, Maureen Callahan, interviewed the most loveable underdog in the history of college athletics.

For anyone who ever thought their dream was out of their reach, there’s Rudy.

The takeaway message of Rudy is hope.

That was crystal clear. We had to change some things to make the movie work, however.

Were the characters accurate?

It would have been impossible to fit everyone that impacted Rudy’s story into the movie- for better or for worse.

Some of the characters were amalgamations of people. For example, Rev. John Cavanaugh, CSC, the priest who helped Rudy figure out how to get into

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the university, represented several priests who watched out for Rudy.

D-Bob, the tutor Rudy met early on at Holy Cross, is a real guy. The two became lifelong friends. He represented the people who helped Rudy.

Rudy's brother, Frank Ruettiger's character, was written as the nemesis. He actually supported Rudy in real life.

The writers needed a representation of the people who criticized Rudy, however, so that was assigned to Frank.

Fortunately, we found very credible actors that carried the story. Sean Astin, who played the title role, was perfect because he wasn’t the greatest athlete as a kid but tried the hardest for his coaches. His childhood wasn’t easy as the son of Patty Duke, who struggled with mental illness. He didn’t have a perfect life.

Ned Beatty, who played Rudy's father, started out in real life as a struggling actor with 8 kids. Finally, he made it in Hollywood. It made him plausible, as

“People don’t care how much you know when they know how much you care.”

- DANIEL “RUDY” RUETTIGER

my real father was a man who lived under much stress.

Charles Dutton, who played Fortune, the stadium groundskeeper, had spent time in prison before getting paroled and becoming an actor. He was kind of a tough guy, beat up by life, so that edge he showed was real. But like his character, he didn’t let life get him down.

Was there any pivotal part of your story that was left out?

Yes. After high school, I was in the Navy for a while. It gave me a mindset of complete structure and discipline.

My Lieutenant Commander was a UND graduate. One day I noticed his class ring. I asked him how I could get one. He said, ‘study hard and you can do it.’ He also called me a leader among midshipmen, which built up my confidence. And that’s when I started dreaming. When you believe in yourself, you dream big.

Whose idea was Rudy?

Mine. A sports writer was in the locker room after the final game of the season when I was carried off the field. After hearing some of my story, he said, “this only happens in Hollywood.” That’s how I first got the idea.

How did you go about getting the movie made?

It almost didn’t happen. At first, I couldn’t get UND to agree to let us

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film on campus. They didn’t understand my vision. The only movie ever filmed on the university’s campus was Knute Rockne, All American that starred Ronald Reagan in 1940. They weren’t interested in another football movie, particularly one that starred a walk-on. It didn’t fit with their brand of All Americans.

So, I did what I always do. I found another way.

I went out to Hollywood to try to sell the script. I told a lot of people my story. Ironically, the manager of the hotel where I was staying was the brother of Angelo Pizzo, who wrote Hoosiers. He told Pizzo about the script.

Eventually I met with Pizzo. I had to convince him. He said he didn’t want to get pigeonholed as a writer of Indiana sports films. Also, he didn’t like Notre Dame. I knew he liked my story, though, so I built a relationship with him over the next two years. One day I

came home to a message from Pizzo on my answering machine that the movie was greenlighted. He onboarded David Anspaugh, who directed Hoosiers, and we went from there.

At that point, the producers gave me 48 hours to get UND on board. After two days, they were going to scrap the project. I had to convince the priests to let the film crews onto campus. It took some tall talking, but eventually they came around. We had to get things right in a short time. The entire last scene at the football game was shot in one take during halftime of the 1992 UND vs. Boston College game.

In the end, it went well and UND is happy about it now!

on faith and going for our dreams.

Don’t ask permission for your dream, reach out and grab it. And if the obvious path doesn’t work, find another one. I had to work very hard, but I got into UND because of the relationships I built. I made the football team because Coach Parseghian and the others saw that I was willing to give my all at every turn.

We’re all successful in one way or another. Some of us just don’t see it because we’re comparing ourselves to other people. Don’t judge yourself by other people’s successes. Do your best, figure out a way to overcome the obstacles and collaborate with others. And have hope. That’s what Rudy is all about.

What advice do you have for underdogs?

Life is about leaping out

OAK BROOK MAGAZINE | OakBrookMagazine.com

45

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COMFORT & JOY

Shopping This Holiday Season In Oak Brook, and elsewhere in DuPage

T

he holiday season is a feelgood time for many people.

And several measures have been put into place in Oak Brook over the past two years in an effort to ensure the safety and security of shoppers, visitors and employees of local businesses. These measures are important year-round, but especially so during the holiday shopping season.

First, as explained by Mark King, Oak

BY LARRY ATSEFF

Brook Deputy Police Chief, there is a large placement of security cameras in place at every intersection leading into Oak Brook. An integral part of the camera system is data on suspicious vehicles that may be coming into the area. These are called LPRs, or license plate readers, that identify vehicles and license plates for vehicles that have been stolen.

In addition, the police department is constantly patrolling the streets of

Oak Brook and has worked with many Oak Brook homeowner associations to install LPR and security cameras at the gates.

Secondly, Oakbrook Center itself has a large robust camera system and 24/7 security team that patrols inside and outside the mall. Recently, Oakbrook Center partnered with the Oak Brook Police Department to install LPR cameras at every entrance to the property.

OAK BROOK MAGAZINE | OakBrookMagazine.com

47

In addition, of course, many retailers have installed security camera systems and alarms to alert the police whenever needed, in Oakbrook Center and all other retail outlets.

Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, all the security systems just mentioned have now been seamlessly combined into a master surveillance system utilized by the Oak Brook Police Department called Fusus, which is an ancient Greek term for a spindle, which is used to weave together disparate threads to form a stronger thread.

Fusus combines data and cameras in use from all surveillance sources in the area into one master camera and data system which enables police and security to quickly identify suspicious activity and vehicles. This digital coordination alerts police at Oak Brook Police Headquarters and is in use in every police vehicle on patrol when potential problems are identified.

How effective has the stepped-up surveillance been?

In a July 20 op-ed published in the Chicago Tribune, Oak Brook Village President Larry Herman made several observations, including these specific points: “Over the last year or so, Oak Brook has taken a decidedly more proactive approach to criminal apprehension and enforcement. In partnership with Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul and his Organized Retail Crime Task Force, we have invested heavily in resources such as undercover police units, camera technology, drones, a K-9 unit, and GPS tracking systems. Oak Brook supports and loves its police, and, in turn, they enjoy doing their job.

Throughout this process, our police have deepened their working relationships with retail store loss prevention personnel. Oak Brook has also partnered with neighboring police agencies,

sharing resources as a force multiplier.”

“If you shoplift in Oak Brook, you will get caught and likely jailed. Working with DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin, we will prosecute both misdemeanor and felony levels of shoplifting and other crimes.”

“Over the last year, many major retailers are reporting that their “shrinkage”, or shoplifting, rates have dropped markedly in their Oak Brook stores while the theft rate in stores outside Oak Brook remains high. Meanwhile, sales at the Oakbrook Center shopping mall and other local stores and restaurants are booming. While North Michigan Avenue suffers, there is a waiting list of stores seeking to lease in our mall.”

Editor’s Note: Mr. Berlin was recently honored by the Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce as its Denny Hiffman Inspiring Leader Award winner for 2023.

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T

he ceremonial sound of bells elevates any event to a special occasion, especially the particular elegance of a handbell choir. It’s truly an art form that requires a high level of dedication from each ringer, not only to their individual bells but to the group.

The Agape Ringers, Chicago’s premier community handbell choir, was founded more than three decades ago

by David Weck, editor of Hope Publishing, a sheet music publishing company. Weck needed a recording choir for new musical demos. He invited a group of local directors who regularly played his music to form the group.

Enthusiastically, they agreed.

The group has since been incorpo-

Ringing in the SEASON The Agape Ringers: Performing a musical art form

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

Lifelong musician, KC Congdon, has directed the Agape Ringers for four years.

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rated as a non-profit organization.

They hold performances and workshops regularly. Each year, the group tours to a different domestic or international destination to perform.

Anyone with a love of music and appreciation for the camaraderie of a small group is welcome to audition.

KC Congdon has had the Agape Ringers under her baton for the last four years. Her appreciation of the nuances of the bells is a big reason this group’s well-earned reputation of excellence, started under Weck, is intact. “Directing a handbell choir works best if you’ve been on the

didn’t know what it was, but it sounded fun,” Congdon recalled. A few years later, Congdon’s church was gifted a memorial of handbells. As the only person who knew how to play them, she was asked to conduct the choir as a high school senior.

The camaraderie of a handbell choir is palpable.

other side of the table, so you know what the ringers are experiencing,” Congdon knows.

She knows because she’s been there.

Having been a founding member, Congdon has firsthand knowledge of her ringers’ experience. She knows what each ringer can handle. She acknowledges their challenges and shares their joy in perfecting pieces.

It’s how she gets the elegant sound for which the Agape Ringers have come to be known.

A handbell is exactly what the name implies - a bronze bell designed to be rung by hand. To get the sound, the ringer grasps the bell by its flexible handle and moves his or her arm to make the hinged clapper strike the inside of the bell. Each bell produces a single note.

With only two hands and one or two bells for each, a ringer can usually play up to two to four notes and their sharps and flats. To be successful requires focus. If a ringer is responsible for more than two notes, they must be coordinated enough to put one bell down and pick up another before the previous note appears again in the music.

missed because nobody else can cover your part; they have their own bells.”

There’s a great sense of accountability to playing in a handbell choir.

“The bonding is different in handbells than anywhere else I have seen.”

She has been directing ever since.

Congdon now directs six handbell choirs of various ages and stages of life. She literally teaches students from kindergarten through retirement. Her favorite age group is high school and college students. “They want to learn things, and they’re not afraid to try new things,” Congdon observes. But she also appreciates watching older adults learn from their much younger fellow ringers. “It’s fun to watch a 10-year-oldteach the senior citizen standing next to them what a symbol in the sheet music means,” she smiled.

“I love to watch the interaction.”

Congdon loves what she does. “I give the music director at my church credit for seeing the potential in me to direct that first church choir when I was so young,” said Congdon. “He could have gone to an adult. I’m always grateful he took a chance on me.”

– AGAPE RINGERS DIRECTOR, KC CONGDON, ON THE SENSE OF COMMUNITY OF A HANDBELL CHOIR.

Congdon is a lifelong musician. She began studying piano at five years old.

In middle school, her teacher asked her to join her handbell choir. “I

The Agape Ringers will perform their annual Christmas Show on Dec. 9 at 4:00 p.m. at Elmhurst Christian Reform Church.

For tickets, more information, or recordings, please visit their website at agaperingers.org

The group performs regularly, both locally and internationally.

That’s one of the things that makes this type of music so community-building. Congdon loves the bells because “there’s only one of each bell.

If you’re not there to play, you’re OAK BROOK MAGAZINE | OakBrookMagazine.com

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SPORTS | OAKBROOKMAGAZINE.COM

ON TOP OF Elmhurst volleyball stars THE WORLD win world title

BY JEFF VORVA

T

he waiting was excruciating.

The result, however, was exhilarating.

Elmhurst residents Abby Vander Wal and Ava Falduto were key players on the USA U-19 team that won the Federation Internationale de Volleyball World Championship on August 11 in Osijek, Croatia.

“It’s unbelievable,” said Falduto, a senior libero at Immaculate Conception High School. “It’s something I’ve always dreamed of as a little kid. Just going out there and representing this country was a dream come true, and winning on top of that was a feeling I can’t even describe.”

To get there had some angst.

Flashback to late July.

The two were at a training facility in Colorado Springs with 17 other athletes on pins and needles, awaiting the news of who would make the final cut for the 12-member team.

To have two athletes from Elmhurst to just get an invite to the camp was huge. To have both make the team?

That would be special. Especially when they were the only representatives from volleyball-strong Illinois.

“That whole day was pretty nerve-wracking and pretty scary,” said Vander Wal, a junior outside hitter at

Timothy Christian’s Abby Vander Wal and Immaculate Conception’s Ava Falduto hug after winning a world championship in volleyball.

basketball circuit for the Lombard-based Breakaway Basketball program.

“Back then, we both played volleyball at a different age level,” Vander Wal said. “We obviously didn’t know something like this would happen. She (Falduto) is one of my best friends, and we have gotten to be super tight over the last two years. We have grown close, and making this special trip with her has been amazing.”

“Just going out there and representing this country was a dream come true, and winning on top of that was a feeling I can’t even describe.”

- AVA FALDUTO ON WINNING THE VOLLEYBALL WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

Elmhurst residents Abby Vander Wal and Ava Falduto formed a friendship seven years ago and won a world championship in volleyball in August. Photo by Victor Hilitski

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Timothy Christian High School.

“Everyone was feeling nervous. They were supposed to send us a text message at 4 in the afternoon.”

freaking out. Abby’s didn’t load either.

When mine finally loaded, I ran over to Abby, and she didn’t get it yet, so I got to tell her, so that was pretty cool.”

Vander Wal said most of the players roamed by themselves at the Colorado Springs facility, waiting for the text because they wanted to be alone to deal with their feelings if there was bad news.

The two hugged when they got the good news.

Falduto said that when the text finally came, technology threw a curveball.

“We had no idea we would make the team because everything was so close,” Vander Wal said. “There was no guarantee for anything. We didn’t know what to expect. We gave each other a big hug. It was a really cool moment.”

“I was on a bench, but before that, I was pacing back and forth,” she said.

“It wasn’t loading, and I didn’t have the best connection, so when (coach Jamie Morrison) sent it out, it was just loading for a few minutes, so I was just

Vander Wal said that although they were never teammates until being selected to the USA team, they met seven years ago in Atlantic City when her brother, Ben, and Falduto’s brother, Johnny, played on the travel

OakBrookMagazine.com | OAK BROOK MAGAZINE

The 5-foot-7 Falduto is heading to Penn State and has plans to enroll there early. The 6-foot-3 Vander Wal has made a verbal commitment to the University of Texas but has some volleyball left in her at Timothy Christian.

The USA beat Türkiye 20-25, 23-25, 25-22, 25-16, 15-10 in a come-from-behind marathon to claim the gold medal. Vander Wal had 15 kills, two blocks, and two aces and was named the tournament’s MVP. Falduto was a defensive wizard throughout the tournament.

The USA went 9-0 in the tournament and matches against Korea, Serbia, Brazil, and the title match against Türkiye went five games.

“The girls were great, and we had a really good connection on and off the court,” Falduto said. “We all got along, and it was really fun to play with them.” ■

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COMMUNITY SCENE | OAKBROOKMAGAZINE.COM

YOUNG LIFE

Raising money for faith-filled youth programs

BY ANNA HUGHES

Hope: that’s what today’s younger generations are searching for, according to Rev. Dr. Dan Meyer. Meyer, the pastor at Christ Church in Oak Brook, gave a compelling speech to local parents at October’s

➊

Young Life fundraising event at Hinsdale Golf Club. Young Life, a non-profit Christian outreach for youth, is a staple in the Chicagoland area; year after year, it brings generations of teenagers closer together and closer to God. In his speech, Meyer listed the other five things “Gen Z” and “Generation Alpha” are looking for. The second, after hope, is healing. The third is growth, then inner peace, purpose, and truth, respectively. Research shows, Meyer said, that these kids are searching for identity: who are they in this world of technology, where they have access to the highlight reels of everyone’s lives? They are staunch advocates for mental health education and destigmatization while dealing with their own trauma, anxieties, and more. These WyldLife and Young Life participants (junior high and high school students) are experiencing a time of confusion, and many are left wondering: where do they fit into it all? Young Life aims to combat this thinking, teaching them that their identity, first and foremost, is as a child of God. The annual Young Life budget sits just under $300,000 — made manageable thanks to the generosity and continued support of families in the community. One of those supporters in particular is Bob Walsh. Walsh, a former camper turned board member, was honored with the Hinsdale Area Lifetime Achievement Award for his years of financial support and volunteering. Everyone in the room had nothing but praise for Walsh, who has helped hundreds of students grow in their relationship with God. Some of those students were in attendance at the fundraising event, sharing their testimonies on a poster board. On one side, they shared how they felt before joining Young Life— lost, alone, insecure — and on the other side, how they’ve grown through the program — now filled with love, joy, confidence, and the desire to know God. Meyer said that 60% of young people truly desire to make a positive impact in the world, and these high school students are certainly part of this majority.

Meyer also recounted his testimony; he’s one of many who can proudly say that Young Life changed his life for the better. Thanks to generous donations from the community that allowed him to attend camp, he was inspired to turn his life into service to God and the local community. You, too, can be one of the people who changes a young life by helping support this organization.

The event raised almost one-third of the needed annual budget, and they still have a long way to go. The committee is hoping for more support. Any gift is extremely appreciated and will help Young Life continue to help our community’s kids grow in this amazing faith-based program.

To support Young Life and WyldLife, please visit giving.younglife.org/easterndupage.

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➋

➌

➍

➀ Rev. Dr. Dan Meyer - lead pastor at Christ Church ➁ Bob Walsh was honored with the Hinsdale Area Lifetime Achievement Award at the event. ➂ ➃ Attendees shared their testimonies on personal growth after joining Young Life. ➄ Attendees gathered at Hinsdale Golf Club for the Young Life fundraising event.

➎

OAK BROOK MAGAZINE | OakBrookMagazine.com

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EDUCATION | OAKBROOKMAGAZINE.COM

St. John’s campus, featuring Neo-Gothic style buildings, is just 30 minutes west of Milwaukee and two hours from Chicago.

St. John’s Northwestern Academies:

W

An enriching educational experience

ith its rich history and commitment to instilling discipline and leadership in its students, St. John's Northwestern Academies (SJNA) in Delafield, Wisconsin, has been a beacon of academic and personal development for the young men and women who have passed through its gates since 1884.

Praise from a local SJNA Alum Oak Brook native Frank Mungo remembers his time at St. John’s fondly. Mungo, at a crossroads during his youth, bravely took the leap to attend a school outside of the Chicagoland area in search of muchneeded change. He describes himself at the time as “unbridled” and resistant to his parents. Together, they made a decision that Mungo said changed his life for the better.

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“St. John’s was a really good path for me. In fact, a very positive path for me to redeem myself,” Mungo, who graduated from the school in 1983, said.

St. John’s Northwestern Academies offers more than just education and discipline; it is also about lifelong friendships and transformative spiritual and character growth. Mungo said his two years at SJNA stand out in his life more than any other time.

Mungo’s passion for his alma mater is evident, so much so that his son, Frankie, decided to follow in his footsteps.

“I didn't push him to go there. It has to be a choice... It has to be a personal decision,” Mungo said.

Frankie attended the Raider School summer camp, which is one of three

OakBrookMagazine.com | OAK BROOK MAGAZINE

summer camp programs that provides a taste of life at St. John’s Northwestern. This cemented his decision to attend SJNA and pursue a father-son bond rooted in their shared experience at this prestigious institution.

“At St. John’s, I have been able to mature and grow in ways that I wouldn’t have been able to before. I also have been introduced to many different cultures due to the plethora of cadets from all around the world,” said Frankie.

Evolving with the Times Although it was once an all-boys military academy, Mungo said that St. John’s Northwestern has evolved with the times. He is thrilled that Frankie, now a junior cadet, will reap the benefits of the updated school, especially under the leadership of the school’s president, Robert Fine.

SJNA Students: Students at SJNA can follow one of two paths: military or prefect.

“[Fine] is able to look at all the different aspects: what's important to a kid, how to make a kid grow ... what to offer them, how to encourage and mentor young minds, and he's very good at it,” Mungo said. "President Fine has elevated St. John's Northwestern to yet another level of success and his education and leadership staff is in step with him."

Left to right: Frankie, Kathleen, Frank and Ava Mungo

“You can’t find a finer family than the Mungos, and their family’s story (as it relates to SJNA) is one that we see often. The reasons why generations attended may be different, but the outcomes of success remain steadfast,” said President Fine.

Beyond a Military Mission St. John’s mission is to educate and develop young men and women to be responsible citizens, as well as moral and ethical leaders who are inspired to take advantage of today and tomorrow’s opportunities. Students can choose to pursue this through the military or prefect academies; both offer college preparatory classes to ensure that students are prepared for the path they choose to take after St. John’s. Both academies, whose students interact on a daily basis, offer a rigorous course of study to meet SJNA’s four pillars: academic excel-

lence; enriching spiritual and character development; outstanding athletic programs; and premier leader development training in a secure, nurturing and inclusive environment.

To learn about how your student can benefit from an education at St. John's Northwestern Academies or to schedule a tour, call 262-646-7199 or visit sjnacademies.org. ■

St. John’s Northwestern Academies 1101 Genesee Street Delafield, WI 53018 262-646-7199

Frank Mungo and his son, Frankie, share a special bond thanks to their education at St. John’s.

OAK BROOK MAGAZINE | OakBrookMagazine.com

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ARCHIVES | OAKBROOKMAGAZINE.COM

Out of the

ASHES

Six and a half decades later, Chicagoans still commemorate Our Lady of the Angels school fire

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

T

he first day of December ushers in the holiday season. It’s a promise of happiness and celebration. But it’s also the day that Chicagoans pause to honor the memory of 92 children and three nuns who perished in a fire at Our Lady of the Angels School (OLAS) on the city’s near west side.

The day was December 1st, 1958. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the day Chicago cried- one of the darkest days in our city’s history. Firstgrader Michael Mason went on to eventually become a Lieutenant in the Downers Grove Fire Department. He escaped the school as it was burning.

Six and a half decades later, Lieutenant Mason recounted his memories of one of the deadliest fires in American history with Contributing Editor Maureen Callahan: People always ask if I became a firefighter because of the [Our Lady of the Angels School] fire. To be honest, in the beginning, the answer was ‘no.’

After I got into the fire service, however, I realized more and more what that school fire meant to firefighters. I came to appreciate the aftermath of that school fire and the effect it had on many things.

I still have some recollection of that Fri-

ON DECEMBER 1ST, 1958, OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS SCHOOL ON CHICAGO'S NEAR WEST SIDE- BURNED DOWN.

day afternoon. I was in first grade. It was almost time for the school day to end. My classmates and I sensed something was wrong because the nuns were scurrying around nervously. Some kids said they smelled smoke, but nobody in my class saw anything. After the fire was investigated, we learned the path it took. We figured out that it had been burning in the ceiling above our heads, but we didn’t know. The nun that taught us rounded us up to go outside, but she didn’t have us get our coats. It was freezing outside that day.

As soon as we exited the building, the smell of smoke and burning wood was overpowering. There was mass chaos.

People were screaming. Glass shattered.

Parents in the neighborhood saw the

LIEUTENANT MICHAEL MASON, DOWNERS GROVE FIRE DEPARTMENT, RETIRED

OAK BROOK MAGAZINE | OakBrookMagazine.com

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during the day, was in her rocking chair with her rosary in her hands, watching the footage on TV. Not long after, my mom raced in the door and grabbed me. I still remember how hard she hugged me.

92 STUDENTS AND THREE NUNS PERISHED IN ONE OF AMERICA'S DEADLIEST SCHOOL FIRES.

People always call me a survivor, but I usually just say I was a witness. There are actual survivors with much worse memories than mine. Another survivor who became the Fire Chief of Elgin was in the north wing, which took the initial brunt of the fire. Those were the third and fifth-grade classrooms- they got the worst of it. He remembers hitting the ground and crawling. He barely made it out. Many of the kids in that wing didn’t make it. footage on TV and ran to the school to try to find their children. There were people running everywhere, shouting their kids’ names, trying desperately to locate them from the ground outside their classrooms.

and ran them down the ladders. As the fire raged hotter and hotter, they saw time running out and began dropping the children off the ladders as soon as they pulled them out, reasoning that

I don’t think anybody in the city slept that night, but definitely not in my neighborhood. You could hear parents wailing in their houses from the street.

The smell of smoke was heavy in the air, and sirens continued all night as the firefighters fought the raging flames.

I heard a loud banging noise and turned to see The next day was Satthe firemen trying to urday, and the weather break through a was warmer. I wanted to wrought iron fence play outside. I rememoutside the school. It ber walking down was later learned that Springfield Avenue, not their arrival was being able to find my delayed due to an erroplaymates. A friend of neous school address -LIEUTENANT MICHAEL MASON, DOWNERS GROVE FIRE DEPARTMENT, mine lived in the apartRETIRED, AND OUR LADY OF THE ANGELS SCHOOL FIRE SURVIVOR given to the first ment above me. I never responders by the persaw him again. He just son who initially called wasn’t there anymore.

I found out in the emergency. Meanwhile, smoke injury was better than death. years later he died in the fire. poured out of the building. I saw a fire- The near west side was a heavily Italian man running with a little girl thrown neighborhood at the time. Families over his shoulder. were very close. Neighbors who lived Ninety-two children from within a mile adjacent to the school opened their and a half radius died the day OLAS People brought ladders from their doors to pull children inside to shield burned down. Grief hung in the air.

The neighborhood fell apart. Nobody home garages and put them up to class- them from the horrific vision. knew what to say to one another, so room windows. Kids jumped from second-story windows- some to their I walked to school every day with my they didn’t say anything. The commudeath and some to lifelong injuries. cousins. That day, I went to our usual nity went into a terrible depression.

Inside, students piled up in front of meeting place in front of the convent, classroom windowsills as they climbed but they weren’t there. There were so Our Lady Help of Christians- the next over one another in an effort to escape. many people. It was bedlam! An elderly Catholic school over from OLAS- put man picked me up so I could see what their own students on a special schedFiremen recounted having to reach far was going on. I’m honestly not sure ule and took in a bunch of OLAS kids. down inside the windows to grab the how I got home that day, but I never Others were farmed out to public children- mostly boys because their belt found my cousins. When I got back to schools while they waited for the new buckles gave them something to grab. my family’s apartment, my grand- school to be built. It took two years.

They pulled them out a few at a time mother, who watched my sister and me My family hung around for a few more

“After I got into the fire service, I realized more and more the significance the [Our Lady of the Angels school] fire had to fire fighters.

A lot changed after that fire.”

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years. By that time, a bunch of families had moved out to Elmwood Park.

They couldn’t bear to stay in the neighborhood with all those memories.

That’s what my family did after I finished sixth grade.

The really weird thing was that nobody in the school, or the neighborhood, talked about the fire. When the new OLAS school was built, there was no monument, no plaque- nothing to commemorate the lives lost in the fire.

The nuns never mentioned it again.

For many years on December 1st, Holy Family Church in Roosevelt Square-

which schools are built. OLAS, like many schools of the day, had much highly varnished wood that was very flammable. Safer building materials became a requirement for public buildings. Previous to the code, there was often no way to tell if a fire was brewing until it was visible. Alarms for early detection, sprinkler systems, and fire doors and windows became mandatory. Windowsill heights may not exceed 44 inches off the floor, so they may be easily egressed in case of fire.

There cannot be any locked gates; everything must be accessible to emergency personnel.

Although Mason believes he did not necessarily become a firefighter because of this tragic childhood event, he now realizes that it somehow helped steer his career. In his early twenties, he lived as a jazz musician in the city. “A few of my buddies were with the Chicago Fire Department (CFD),” said Mason.

“They got me to ride along on a few of their calls. They always thought I would make a good firefighter, but I thought they were nuts,” he laughed.

All at once, Mason “was hooked.” He began studying to be a medic in the late 70s and entered Boston’s Fire Academy, as CFD was on strike during the Jane Burn administration. After graduation, he moved back to the area when a position became available in Down-

ers Grove.

Mason now has 42 years of fire service under his belt. The majority of this experience was in the actual fighting of fires, from which he is now retired. But he is still in the game. Some years back, he founded RICO Fire and Rescue Incorporated. The acronym stands for Rapid Intervention Company Operations. Put simply, it’s a class that teaches firefighters maneuvers and techniques on how to rescue themselves during fires and collapses. “I offer the class during the week of 9/11 every year because of that tragic event,” said Mason. “Firefighters come from all over the world to learn this.”

Also an award-winning jazz musician, Mason collaborated with several other musicians to create Angels of Fire, a CD of music that commemorates the OLAS fire, told through a series of a dozen songs. All proceeds benefit I Am Me Camp (formerly known as Burn Camp), the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance’s children’s summer camp for fire survivors.

“Five survivors of the OLAS fire went on to become firemen,” said Mason. “I don’t think I was necessarily influenced by the fire to join the fire service, but later, I think I indirectly came to know why I went down this road and then used it as a purpose,” Mason believes.

LIEUTENANT MASON FOUNDED RICO FIRE RESCUE, INC.

the city’s Fire Department Parish- held a mass for survivors of the OLAS school fire. For years, I attended it with my firemen buddies from Chicago, but after a while, I stopped going. I had to move on.

Out of the ashes of this mind-numbing disaster, however, rose a series of improvements for school designs and fire safety- Life Safety Code 101. These improvements were implemented not only for school buildings but also for public buildings.

The new code changed the materials of

RICO TEACHES FIREFIGHTERS MANEUVERS AND TECHNIQUES ON HOW TO RESCUE THEMSELVES DURING FIRES AND COLLAPSES.

OAK BROOK MAGAZINE | OakBrookMagazine.com

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RIBBON CUTTING | OAKBROOKMAGAZINE.COM

United Real Estate Grand Opening United Real Estate Chicago celebrated its Grand Opening last month at 1600 W.16th Street in Oak Brook. The event was hosted

by Rick Williams, Designated Managing Broker, along with Rick Haase, President of United Real Estate, and Leigh Ann Brogan, Director of Strategic Project Management.

Over 270 friends and surrounding agents were greeted by 50 staff members and agents. The Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce and its President, David Carlin, highlighted the event with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Oak Brook President Larry Herman welcomed United Real Estate Chicago and congratulated the company with event sponsors John Noldan from Guaranteed Rate along with Chicagoland Property Law. Flavah-Elmhurst catered for the ceremony, and Blackberry Market donated desserts. Pinstripes Oak Brook and Maggie Ward Farmers Insurance donated gift baskets and raffle items. Neighorhood Loans captured the excitement in video to share the event with attendees.

United Real Estate Chicago celebrated its grand opening in Oak Brook with a ribbon cutting ceremony. The Greater Oak Brook Chamber of Commerce and Oak Brook Village President, Larry Herman was in attendance among special guests.

“It was great to see the community and so many business professionals come out to support our new location,” said Williams.

“United Real Estate Chicago looks forward to serving our wonderful customers from our state-of-the-art facility in Oak Brook.”

Chris Scherrer, Designated Managing Broker, and Valerie Scherrer, owner from the Indianapolis were also in attendance.

Williams told Hinsdale Magazine Group the facility will foster creativity, collaboration and innovation for the benefit of its clients, team members, and partners.

OAK BROOK MAGAZINE | OakBrookMagazine.com

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PREVIEW | OAKBROOKMAGAZINE.COM

A MAGICAL DREAM

Oak Brook Chapter to host annual Mistletoe Medley ➊

The Oak Brook Chapter of the Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago presents its seasonal fundraiser, Mistletoe Medley, on November 28 at Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace A longtime favorite with attendees from the western suburbs and beyond, the event attracts over 500 guests annually and features raffles, a fashion show, shopping, and lunch. This year’s benefit promises to be another great success. A perennial favorite, NBC 5 News Anchor Allison Rosati returns to the podium as our Master of Ceremonies. This year’s theme, “A Magical Dream” pays homage to a holiday favorite, the Nutcracker Ballet. The event will feature a short performance by the highly renowned Salt Creek Ballet.

For more information and online reservations visit oakbrookchapterinfantwelfare.org.

➀ Allison Rosati will return as Master of Ceremonies in 2023. ➁ Zzazz Productions will produce the runway fashion show.

Photos by Marcello Rodarte from the 2022 event

➋

A Magical Dream

Featuring a performance by The Salt Creek Ballet

M I ST L ET OE M ED L EY 2 0 2 3 Featuring a short performance by the Salt Creek Ballet