A Winning Combo

Highlighting dynamic duos in the community

One of the more rewarding parts of publishing a local magazine is featuring individuals and how they contribute positively to our community and beyond. In this issue, we take it a step further and feature various dynamic duos who work together to achieve their goals. Some are new partnerships, whereas others have been in lockstep for years. Regardless, we are proud to feature their accomplishments and what the future holds.

It is back-to-school season, and District 99 is ready to hit the ground running under the leadership of Arwen Lyp of Downers Grove South High School and Courtney DeMent of Downers Grove North High School. For the first time in District 99, two women lead the charge for local area high school students. Are they ready? Absolutely. Their enthusiasm for leading these young minds is contagious.

One highlight of summer for many is baseball and softball season. Downers Grove Youth Baseball and D.O.L.L.S. fastpitch softball have a long-storied history in the area and provide an outlet for hundreds of players every year. Perhaps some of these players will find the success of brothers Nick and Zack Burdi, also featured in this issue. These two Downers Grove South High School graduates have risen to the major league and share their journey with us.

Downers Grove Golf Course celebrates its 130th season this year. Many improvements have been made over the years, including the driving range shelter. This structure helps create a great experience to get some practice swings in year-round. Are you looking for lessons? Take it from me. Be sure to reach out to golf pros Jim Festle or Tom

Olms. Although my golf skills are still a work in progress, this duo knows how to bring out the best in your game.

We tracked down several other winning combos in the area, from Jaxon Sydello and Nicole Evans, co-authors of a recently published book, to volunteers from the Downers Grove Area Council of PTAs. A husband and wife powerhouse team who started an energy business from the ground up working side by side is certainly noteworthy. Of course, these partnerships are indeed just a tiny taste of the many that are certainly out there.

Finally, it may sound silly, but one of the reasons we moved to Downers Grove was because of a little shop called Consider it Done. When we were looking at moving here, we stopped in a few of the storefronts to check out the downtown area. I will never forget how B.J. Boyd, the owner, greeted us when we visited and made us feel welcome. We figured this woman has got to be a great representation of the folks here. Fifteen years later, we still know we made the right decision. Thanks, B.J., for making such a strong impression on us. I am happy we celebrate you and your impact on many in this issue.

Next up? The holidays. We will see you in November!

Sincerely, Anne Healy

Associate Publisher anne@HinsdaleMag.com

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