Downers Grove Magazine November 2021

CHAMPION KENDALL GRETSCH

Downers Grove native claims

gold medal at Paralympic Games

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

I have always been fascinated by athletes. Fierce competitors who work hard day in and day out to accomplish something. They want to reach a goal. They want to cross the finish line. Or, in this case, to go for the gold. At Downers Grove Magazine, we are honored that Kendall Gretsch, a Downers Grove North alumna, was open to working with us on this issue. This past summer, Kendall competed in her first Paralympic triathlon in Tokyo but is no stranger to the sport, having won three world championships previously. In a thrilling end to the wheelchair race (after the swim portion and the bike leg on her handcycle), Kendall beat her opponent to the finish line by one second. Kendall is now part of a distinct group of athletes. Her achievement this past summer makes her the fifth American to win a gold medal at both the summer and winter Paralympic Games. Congrats Kendall! And thank you for sharing your story with us.

When investigating stories to pursue for this issue, we decided our approach would be to seek out those trying to make a difference. In Josephine Shaw’s case, this remarkable 99-year-old veteran has been doing so all her life. Her story is truly awe-inspiring, and I hope to live vibrant and active life just like her. We are happy that we uncovered her story after residing in Downers Grove for 63 years.

Three teenaged girls are also featured. They are forging their own path as an app developer, explorer and environmentalist, and upcoming musician. All three are phenoms in their own right. At their age, I struggled to figure out how to make it to school on time—not determining how I could change the world. Bravo to these three teens.

Although I have lived in Downers Grove for 14 years, this will only be the second time our family will be home for Thanksgiving. When I heard the news that the Bonfield Express would be discontinued after 17

years, I was crushed. The one year we could participate! Thankfully, three amazing organizations stepped up to keep the tradition going. I know that I am not the only resident grateful that the legacy will live on with the Grove Express 5K. Thank you to the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, the Roadrunners Soccer Club, and the Downers Grove Rotary Club for your efforts and commitment!

I will also confess a deep dark secret. I am one of those people that listen to holiday music before Thanksgiving. My husband hates it. Tremendously. I have to sneak in a few songs when nobody is around on 93.9 Lite FM. Yes. I still listen to the radio. Hopefully, this issue will get you into the holiday spirit a bit early too. Be sure to check our local holiday gift and entertaining tips, as well as a story on Boy Scout Troop #89 and their annual tree lot.

It has been an incredible year for Downers Grove Magazine, thanks to our advertising partners and readers. We will be on a brief “hiatus” until our March issue in the spring and look forward to bringing our readers more unique stories focused on our very own. I also would like to personally thank the staff at the magazine, including Maureen Callahan, Valerie Hardy, Carolina Menapace, and Emma Wolf, for their hard work and dedication this year. Cheers to a fantastic team!

Sincerely,

Anne Healy Associate Publisher anne@hinsdalemag.com

Derm Consult

Presented by CSC Dermatology Questions from the community answered by doctors

Q: What is a dermal filler?

A: Dermal fillers restore facial volume to smooth skin lines and wrinkles as well as enhance areas like the lips, chin, or jawline. This is done with gel-like materials that dermatologists inject under the skin at different depths. Fillers are seemingly unlimited when it comes to applications. They can be used to lift cheekbones, improve hollowness of the facial skin in areas like the temples and under the eyes.

Moreover, fillers can be used to treat areas like the neck and chest to restore skin health and diminish the appearance of finely wrinkled and thin skin. Lastly, fillers can also be used to rejuvenate the hands.

Q: What is in a dermal filler?

A: Fillers are made with FDA approved substances injected beneath the skin. These include Hyaluronic Acid, Calcium Hydroxylapatite, and Poly-L-Lactic Acid. Poly-L-Lactic Acid also known as Sculptra is Dr. Steil’s favorite dermal filler. It is biocompatible, which makes it completely safe to use. It is a totally biodegradable synthetic substance,which means it dissolves. Lastly, it works by stimulating skin to rebuild the natural collagen resulting into smoother skin and greater volume.

Almost 20 years ago, Dr. Steil learned from the best, Danny Vleggar, MD. He was a trained Poly-L-Lactic Acid Specialist who taught her how to apply the filler like an expert. For aging facial skin, Poly-L-Lactic Acid can add volume, structure, balance and lift. For younger patients, it can be used to improve facial symmetry.

Q: Are fillers going to make my face look fake?

A: “I have been injecting in Hinsdale for

20 years, and everyone says the same thing— I don’t want people to know and I want to look natural. At CSC, we will make your treatment look natural,” says Dr. Steil.

The physicians at CSC Dermatology, Dr. Steil and Dr. Bognet, have a combined 30 years of experience treating patients with fillers. They both agree that the best results are when you don’t look like you’ve had a filler. To make this possible, CSC offers only the most professional opinions and treatment styles in all of their procedures. The bottom line— experience matters. “Sometimes a filler is not the solution,” says Bognet and “we tell the patient no. An overfilled face is not on our style.”

Q: What does it feel like?

A: Getting a filler is a very comfortable experience. The filler material is mixed with numbing medication which makes it virtually painless. In addition, applying ice prior to a more sensitive area like the lips helps to aid in numbing.

Q: How much do fillers cost?

A: Filler treatments can range from

$500-$2000 per session depending on the exact product and the number of syringes used. “We often layer products to achieve the best result so more than one type of product may be used during a treatment session,” says Dr. Steil.

Q: How long will fillers last?

A: On average, fillers can last from six months to two plus years. After being injected, your body gradually and naturally absorbs filler particles. Factors that affect longevity include the product used, how much was injected, and where it was injected. Depending on your age and your goals, treatments are often repeated yearly.

Appointments are beginning to fill fast. Fall is here and it’s time to plan for the holidays.

Call 630 455 0045 now to book a session at either one of our prominent locations in Hinsdale or Downers Grove.

Dr. Rachel Gognet

Dr. Christina Steil

STUBHY PANDAV

Photo by Mark Reis

Crisp & Bright

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

Scott Jonlich sjonlich@hinsdalemag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Anne Healy anne@hinsdalemag.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Maureen Callahan

Valerie Hardy

Julie Jonlich

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Larry Atseff

Cindy Maquet

Emma Wolf

CREATIVE DEPARTMENT

Marco Nunez

Julia Sinogeikina

Dennis Stromberg

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Carolina Menapace

ADVERTISING SALES

Larry Atseff

Renee Lawrence

advertise@HinsdaleMag.com

TO•DO•LIST

Illumination

Tree Lights at the Morton Arboretum

11/20 – 1/2

4:30 p.m. to 8:30p.m.

www.mortonarb.org

Guests can explore 50 acres of the Arboretum’s majestic trees during a one-of-a-kind spectacle of color, light and sound. This year’s exhibition returns to a walking experience, featuring five new exhibits, including a special Human+Nature display lit at night, an Arbor Court photo opportunity and festive music throughout the entire Illumination trail.

Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn

Drury Lane Theatre

11/19 – 1/9

www.drurylanetheatre.com

Based on the classic film, Irving Berlin’s Holiday Inn follows retired song-and-dance man Jim’s efforts to bring entertainment to his small Connecticut town.

WINTER 2021

With the help of talented schoolteacher Linda, he turns his farmhouse into an inn and puts on spectacular shows celebrating all holidays. This joyous, familyfriendly musical features thrilling dance numbers, laugh-out-loud comedy, and a parade of Irving Berlin’s hit songs, including the Academy Award-winning “White Christmas.”

Grove Express 5K

Downtown Downers Grove

11/25

8:30 a.m.

www.groveexpress.com

The Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, Downers Grove Rotary Club, and the Roadrunners Soccer Club invite all to participate in the 2021 Grove Express 5K Run/Walk.

Continuing the Thanksgiving Day tradition of the Bonfield Express, this year’s Grove Express 5K will be held on Thanksgiving Day,

November 25, 2021. The direct donations and proceeds from the Grove Express 5K will uphold the mission to invest in education, youth programs and scholarships.

Visits with Santa

Downtown Downers Grove Saturdays and Sundays in December 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

www.downtowndg.org

Bring your camera and stop on by to see if you have been naughty or nice. Visits are complimentary thanks to the Downtown Downers Grove Management Corporation.

2021 USA Cycling Cyclocross National Championships

Cantigny Park

12/7 – 12/12

10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

www.cantigny.org

Cantigny welcomes USA Cycling and roughly 1,800 amateur

ILLUMINATION TREE LIGHTS AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM WILL FEATURE A WALKING EXPERIENCE THIS YEAR.

Photo courtesy of The Morton Arboretum

and professional athletes for the 2021 Cyclocross National Championships, a first-time event for DuPage County. Cyclocross is a discipline of cycling that combines both on- and off-road riding with various course features, some natural and some constructed. Spectators are welcome for this family-friendly event in a highenergy, festival atmosphere. Food trucks and craft beer will be on-site, along with a health and wellness expo and USA Cycling’s free “Let’s Ride” introduction to cycling camp for children.

Dave Rudolf’s Totally Cracked Up Christmas

Downers Grove Public Library 12/21

2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.

www.dglibrary.org

Dave Rudolf is a long-time performer and a multi awardwinning singer/songwriter who is releasing his 40th Album. He’s a Gold Record, Grammy nominated artist, and a 15-time

nominee for Entertainer of the Year awards from NACA (The National Association for Campus Activities). Join Dave for a hilarious skewering of Christmas and winter tunes. Featuring parodies and funny original music, Dave takes on the yuletide season in this entertaining show.

New Philharmonic New Year’s Eve Concert

McAninch Arts Center at the College of DuPage 12/31

1:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

www.atthemac.org

Ring in the New Year with New Philharmonic as they welcome back baritone Ted Allen Pickel, who sang the title role from the production of The Mikado on stage. Maestro Kirk Muspratt conducts waltzes, polkas, arias, light classical and pops… reflecting back and propelling you forward as only music can.

The Rat Pack is Back Rosemont Theatre

1/28 at 8:00 p.m.

www.rosemont.com

The Rat Pack is Back in its 20th year in Las Vegas and returns to the Rosemont Theatre on Friday, January 28th. This incredible show recreates the legendary Rat Pack performing at the Sands Hotel in Las Vegas. Frank, Sammy & Dean sing all their hit songs with their amazing band some extra Rat Pack antics thrown in. This show comes to Rosemont every year but missed 2021 due to the Pandemic.

CANTIGNY PARK HOSTS THE 2021 USA CYCLING CYCLOCROSS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP IN DECEMBER.

Photo courtesy of USA Cycling and Discover DuPage

A Time to Celebrate

The Downers Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony tradition continues

Ever wonder how that tree just magically appears in the fountain by the Main Street Train Station?

Anne Healy, Publisher, had the opportunity to speak with Elizabeth Chalberg, President of the Downers Grove Historical Society, as well as Douglas Kozlowski, Communications Director of the Village of Downers Grove, regarding the history of this longtime event in Downers Grove and the process to make the tradition come to life every year.

How did the tradition begin and how does it continue today?

Elizabeth: According to historical articles in The Downers Grove Reporter, the tradition started in 1918. The goal was to show appreciation for the many from the village who fought in the First World War. A community tree was proposed. 103 years later, this tradition continues.

Doug: For many years the event has been held the day after Thanksgiving. In keeping with this tradition the 2021 Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony will be on Friday, November 26 at the Main Street Train Station.

How is the tree transported?

Elizabeth: Originally, a tree was put up at the Congregational Church on Curtiss Street across from the library so all could view it.

Walter Scott Bryan, the caretaker of the Marshall Field Estate, donated an evergreen tree worth about $30.00 the first year. The large tree was placed on two hayracks and carefully set in place. It was decided later that future trees would be erected by the train station as moving a tree was quite a feat.

Doug: Each year a tree is selected from a list comprised of local residents interested in donating a tree from their property. The Village Forester looks for a tree that is about 30 feet tall with a full canopy. While being cut the tree is secured and suspended in the air by a large crane so that it does not fall to the ground. It is then gently placed on flatbed trailer for a ride through town. The tree is typically cut on a Friday so that it can be placed at the Main Street Station bright and early Saturday morning.

How is the tree decorated?

Elizabeth: When the tradition first launched, ornaments had to

be collected from the community. A committee led by Mrs. Minnie Prince requested families to provide some durable ornaments. The ornaments would be saved and used in the future. The tree was lit by 300 10-candle-power bulbs.

Doug: The tree is festooned with 10,000 lights (100 strands of 100 lights each) and hundreds of handmade ornaments from residents of all ages.

How many would gather for the tradition?

Elizabeth: During the days before Christmas, programs were planned around the tree and on Christmas night more than 1,000 people came to see singing songs as the bells of all the churches and schools rang out.

What entertainment will be provide at this year’s ceremony?

Doug: Performances by the Trojan Marching Band and the Downers Grove Choral Society will definitely add to the festive mood. And Santa Clause will be taking time out from his otherwise busy schedule to help light the tree. ■

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE OF DOWNERS GROVE

One Tough Cookie

99-year-old Downers Grove resident, Jo Shaw, shares her experience of being an Army nurse, a mother of five, and an overall globetrotter

BY EMMA WOLF PHOTOGRAPHY BY CAROLINA MENAPACE

“She is the rock and foundation of our family,” Douglas ‘Doug’ Shaw said when asked to describe his mother, Josephine ‘Jo’ Shaw.

99 years old, no cane, no glasses, no dentures, and no grey hairs in sight, Shaw is the epitome of a “tough cookie”. Born on August 25th, 1922, to first-generation Italian immigrants, Shaw was a “career woman” long before it was socially acceptable for women to be such a thing.

Growing up on the East coast, Shaw lived in Connecticut and Massachusetts, where she worked as a nanny for wealthy, high-class families in the Hamptons back when the nannies would take the children in separate areas of the beach so the moms could have a combined social hour/ cocktail hour.

After high school, Shaw decided to become a registered nurse (RN) and studied at Quincy Hospital in Quincy, MA. After completing her education on the East coast, she decided to enlist in the Army and became a 1st LT Army Nurse during WWII. Shaw served in the Army from June 1944-February 1946.

“At 18, going to nursing school 15 miles away from home was quite a challenge because I was severely afflicted with home sickness,” Shaw said.

After nursing school, Shaw gained firsthand nursing experience at Bellevue Hospital in NY overlooking the Hudson River with her three classmates that soon became her best friends.

Soon after completing their field experience, the four young nurses were called to serve in the Army, as the troops needed nurses. They worked in a hospital in Lincolnshire, England that was built on a massive estate donated to the Army by a Duke who owned four estates. The estate also included an Old English castle that was built in 1530.

“The calling in my heart was greater than the need to stay near home. It was my duty to serve my country,” Shaw said. “It was my most treasured experience of my career. I felt the gratitude in each soldier’s eyes as I served them.”

One of Shaw’s dearest memories is getting to fly in a Boeing B-17 bomber along with the pilots and other nurses during the

war. According to Shaw, the pilots took the nurses along with them for joyrides during which the nurses occasionally got to steer the wheel.

Miraculously, Shaw and her friends stayed together all through the war and developed long-lasting friendships that they still have today. When the war ended in 1945, Shaw decided to move to Chicago to take acting classes under the GI Bill, an educational assistance program for veterans.

After adding “acting school” to her resume, she became a train RN stewardess on the City of New Orleans Train, which ran from Chicago to New Orleans. Back then, it was a requirement for stewardesses to be registered nurses so they could attend to any potential medical emergencies while en route.

On October 28th, 1950, Shaw married the love of her life- Elwood Shaw, who was also a WWII veteran and a POW. They met at a dance in Chicago and were married after. This began a beautiful new chapter in Shaw’s life, which consisted of marriage and motherhood.

Having five children (four sons and one daughter) pretty much back-to-back led Shaw to take a much-needed break from all her career excitement and become a stay-athome mother.

Never one to sit on the couch and do nothing, after her children were grown, Shaw decided to return back to her muchloved nursing career, but in a different way this time.

“I decided to go a different route and become a private duty nurse,” Shaw said. “This allowed me to form close-knit relationships with all my patients, which was something I had never done before. I met lots of truly great people during this.”

As a private duty nurse, Shaw assisted patients either inside their homes or inside their own private hospital rooms. This closeness inevitably led her to form the relationships that she so fondly cherishes today.

As for “fun”, Shaw no longer does the activities she used to do, as aging is inevitable. She does, however, fondly look back on the memories she has made. She was a Sweet Adeline singer, where she met many new acquaintances. Sweet Adelines International is a worldwide organization

of women singers that was established in 1945 in Tulsa, OK.

Shaw is very much family-oriented and always remembers to appreciate where she is at this stage of her life. Being the only living sibling left as her two brothers and one sister have all passed away, Shaw never takes one day for granted.

She enjoys spending time with her five children, 11 grandchildren, and eight great grandchildren. A common thought among all of Shaw’s family members is how amazing it is to see how great of shape she is in at nearly 100 years old.

“I am very thankful that I am still living in my own home after all these years,” Shaw said. “I love living here in Downers Grove for a simple reason-it means home to me.”

Driving until the age of 97, never having lived in a nursing home, and still able to read, write, and dress herself, Shaw’s toughness is one thing that has stayed with her throughout the years. A truly remarkable woman, Shaw sees the beauty in her life, which has been nothing short of monumental.

For those interested, additional information is available on the 162nd General Hospital Jo Shaw worked at as an Army nurse in Lincolnshire, England:

https://www.med-dept.com/unithistories/162d-general-hospital/ ■

A PHOTO OF SHAW AT UNION STATION IN CHICAGO FROM HER DAYS AS AN RN TRAIN STEWARDESS

Ringing in The Season

For over 20 years, Boy Scouts have decorated the community

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF BOY SCOUT TROOP 89

For more than two decades, the holiday season in Downers Grove has been synonymous with Boy Scout Christmas tree and wreath sales. The lot, located at Prairie and Fairview, opens on Black Friday of Thanksgiving weekend, and stays open until everything is sold-traditionally about two weeks.

The sale is put on by Troop 89, sponsored by St. Mary of Gostyn Church. Most of the approximate thirty members are students at St. Mary’s School, but the troop welcomes others from outside the parish community. Firmly rooted and supported by the parish, the troop retains strong ties to its former scouts and scoutmasters, who help with events and service projects throughout the year.

Troop Scoutmaster Eric Linder, himself an Eagle Scout, sets a positive tone. Linder’s oldest son, Issac, now claims the rank of Eagle himself, with younger brother Simon heading down the same path. Their sister Leah will join the troop as a cub scout this year. “I’ve been involved in scouting all my life,” Linder stated. “The things I learned from my own scoutmasters and the examples they set are ingrained in my mind.”

Linder emphasized that rather

than having different ranks of scouts selling popcorn or participating in other fundraisers throughout the year, and therefore competing against one another for sales, it works best to combine efforts during the holiday season and really work together. “Our troop alumni come back to help us out,” Linder said. Shifts are typically three hours long, every day of the week. This endeavor has been amazingly successful and seems to grow stronger with each passing year. About 75% of Troop 89’s budget comes from profits raised over the two-week period. “We subsidize our own dues with the Christmas sales,” Linder said. “Not all troops do that.”

The holiday sales afford scouts an opportunity to put skills acquired through their years in the organization to the test. Tying trees to the top of a car means deciding which knot to use. At that point, their knots merit badge takes on a meaning. “Knots aren’t just a secret handshake with no practical use. It’s great to see the things they learn come to life,” Linder emphasized.

Then there’s customer service. Helping would-be buyers locate the exact tree they envision can be challenging. Some of the scouts have “regular customers,” they work with year after year, making the work more

personal. “People will sometimes comment that a kid has grown since last year,” Linder said. “So, they kind of get to know people from the community, too.”

It takes a real all-hands-on-deck approach to get things ready to open the lot before the first tree is ever sold. Setting up the stands and arranging the merchandise takes a whole day- usually in freezing cold November conditions. Linder laughed as he pointed out that “there’s a shared misery in working in cold conditions that brings the kids closer together.”

In the end, it’s all about help. The many hands of parents, scouts and volunteers, make light work. As Linder pointed out, “helpful” is the only characteristic repeated in both the Boy Scout Oath, as well as the Boy Scout Law. “One of the primary points about scouting is helping,” Linder commented. “The qualities scouts try to live up to are about “we,” not “me.”

There are many opportunities to buy Christmas trees and wreathes in the area. Stop by the lot this year for some holiday trimmings and to observe this service in action. Hours are: weekdays 6 p.m to 8 p.m. and weekends 8 a.m to 8 p.m. All proceeds benefit an organization focused on faith, hard work and community service. ■

Back Up and Running

Downers Grove’s Thanksgiving Day 5K tradition will continue under a new moniker

Across the nation, Thanksgiving has come to mean food, fun, and football with family and friends, but for more than a decade and a half in Downers Grove, Thanksgiving Day has become synonymous with the Bonfield Express 5K. Thousands have made it an annual tradition to kick off the festivities early and earn their slice of pumpkin pie by running or walking the race’s 3.1-mile course through downtown Downers Grove, Denburn Woods, and other surrounding neighborhoods. Even when the pandemic prevented the large-scale event from taking

BY VALERIE HARDY

place, the Bonfield Express lived on. Last year, a virtual version of the race allowed participants to run or walk five kilometers at the time and location of their choice, report their results electronically, and share race photos to the Bonfield Express Facebook page.

However, in July, the Bonfield Express Foundation announced the discontinuation of the annual race after a strong 17-year run. Annette Bonfield –president of the Foundation and wife of the late Jim Bonfield for whom the race was created as a memorial tribute – said she had originally thought the Bonfield

Express “might be able to get to 20 years, but with the pandemic and everything, it was a good time to end. And,” she added with a laugh, “I’m not getting any younger.”

Though grateful for all that the Bonfield Express Foundation put into organizing the 5K for so many years, community members of all ages expressed deep disappointment at the news. They envisioned a Thanksgiving Day that would feel incomplete without the Bonfield Express. Continued on next

THE 2019 BONFIELD EXPRESS STARTING LINE. PHOTO BY DIANNE HILINSKY

Continued from the previous page

Within days of learning that the Bonfield Express had reached its finish line, numerous individuals and organizations approached the Foundation and the Village of Downers Grove to express their desire to see an in-town Thanksgiving Day race continue and to request permission to be involved in the process. Among

these organizations reaching out were the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, the Rotary Club of Downers Grove, and the Roadrunners Soccer Club.

Roadrunners treasurer Don Renner explained that each of the organizations submitted independent applications to the village in hopes of becoming the new host organization for the race. Ultimately,

“the village brought us all together,” Renner said.

He added that he was initially skeptical about how it would work for three separate nonprofit groups to coordinate one event and disperse the proceeds, but “within half an hour of meeting, it was apparent that we would work well together.” Thus, in August – just a few months before the Nov. 25 race day – the newly minted Grove Express, an unincorporated association, was formed to continue the beloved community tradition.

In addition to Renner, leading the Grove Express are Janet Alikpala, board president of the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58, and Jonathan Twitty, president of Downers Grove’s Rotary Club. Beyond the mutual goal of keeping the tradition of a Thanksgiving 5K alive and continuing to raise funds in support of education, each of the Grove Express founders had an individual interest in seeing an event similar to the Bonfield Express continue.

JONATHAN TWITTY, JANET ALIKPALA AND DON RENNER HELP KEEP THE ANNUAL TRADITION ALIVE.

PHOTO BY DIANNE HILINSKY

COSTUMES ABOUND AT THE 5K. SUPERHEROES AT THE BONFIELD EXPRESS IN 2016.

PHOTO BY DIANNE HILINSKY

Twitty only participated in the Bonfield Express once, but he recognized “how big it is for the community,” he said. “From a Rotary perspective, we want to expand upon what the Bonfield has created.”

Renner has had a front row set for the race for years. He lives near the intersection of Maple Ave. and Brookbank Rd. on the 5K’s route. Both his family and his wife’s come in town for Thanksgiving and have a combined total of roughly 20 runners participate in the race each year. Feeling “personally disappointed” that the Bonfield Express would no longer take place, Renner thought, “Why can’t Roadrunners get involved? We have resources and manpower…”

For Alikpala, the motivation to reach out about continuing the race was also personal. “I’ve known the Bonfields… and I felt personally connected to carrying on Jim Bonfield’s legacy,” she said.

Annette Bonfield had hoped to see the Thanksgiving 5K tradition continue and happily passed the baton to the Grove Express organizers. In fact, Annette Bonfield and others from the Bonfield Express Foundation – including Race Director Will Kupisch and Marketing and Communications Director Debbie Hare – have met multiple times with Alikpala, Renner, and Twitty’s team to ensure a smooth transition.

Hare was touched by the outpouring of community response the Bonfield Express Foundation received. “We knew people liked having a Thanksgiving Day race but maybe didn’t understand how much they enjoyed doing this race. The members of the community loved this race as much as we loved putting it on,” Hare said.

Describing her work with the Bonfield Express Foundation as a true pleasure, Hare said, “The best way to put it: there is a new group of people who now get to experience that joy. A very good group of people.”

The Grove Express organizers aim to bring the community a familiar experience. “If you’ve got a good thing, there is no reason to recreate it,” Renner said. Besides

the name of the event, the only difference runners and walkers should expect is, once again, a new color of race shirt, he added.

While the Grove Express is the new race in town, the Bonfield Express Foundation remains. They have given out $966,500 to date, including 319 scholarships, annual donations to each District 58 and 68 school, and funding for District 99’s multi-needs program. Last year the Foundation also provided monetary support to various local nonprofit organizations struggling due to the pandemic.

his son Jim and a friend to many. After he passed away in 2003 of complications from Hodgkin’s disease, leukemia, and rheumatoid arthritis, his family, friends, and neighbors came together to create the Bonfield Express 5K and corresponding nonprofit organization. Annette Bonfield said it “made something that was negative into a positive” and explained that the specifics of the race stemmed from the fact that Jim Bonfield’s favorite holiday was Thanksgiving, and “although it wasn’t his main sport, he loved running.”

Annette Bonfield expects to surpass the Foundation’s lifetime goal of giving away at least $1 million when they issue their annual scholarships this spring. She said, “We wouldn’t dissolve the Foundation until we’re out of money.”

While the Bonfield Express Foundation continues to disperse existing and any newly contributed funds, the proceeds from the first- ever Grove Express 5K will be split evenly across the three nonprofit organizations behind it and used to support youth and education in much the same way the Bonfield Express Foundation has: keeping the “three Cs” that were so important to Jim Bonfield – “character and commitment to community” – at the core.

Both Jim and Annette Bonfield were longtime educators within the community. Jim not only served as a teacher during his 32-year career at Downers Grove South High School but was also a dean and athletic coach. He was a loving father to

The Bonfield Express grew from approximately 400 participants to 6,200 participants. Alikpala said the Grove Express hopes to see this steady growth continue. “If the Bonfield could do it for [17 years] from the ground up, I think we can try to do so for the foreseeable future,” she said.

As for the Bonfield family, they wish the Grove Express the utmost success but plan to sit out this year’s race. “It’s weird,” Annette Bonfield said. “My son and I both agreed about ending the race, but now he asked what we are going to do that day.” Her answer: “Same as everyone else. Not get up at 4 a.m.”

Grove Express registration is open through race day. To register, visit groveexpress.com.

Not in town for Thanksgiving? Consider making a direct donation instead. Contact info@ groveexpress.com for more information. To learn more about the Bonfield Express Foundation or to make a donation, visit bonfieldexpress.com. ■

“We knew people liked having a Thanksgiving Day race but maybe didn’t understand how much they enjoyed doing this race. The members of the community loved this race as much as we loved putting it on.”

— DEBBIE HARE Marketing and Communications Director, Bonfield Express Foundation

WILL KUPISCH AND LANE BLONDELL (RACE DIRECTOR AND ASSISTANT) AT THE 2018 BONFIELD EXPRESS PACKET PICKUP. PHOTO BY DIANNE HILINSKY

Going for the Gold… and Getting It (AGAIN)!

Former Downers Grove resident Kendall Gretsch has three Paralympic gold medals, with no plans to slow down!

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE GRETSCH FAMILY DOWNERS

You might have seen the very exciting near-photo finish of former Downers Grove resident and Paralympic gold medalist Kendall Gretsch, in triathlon, at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Summer Games this past August. If you haven’t, get to YouTube and watch it. Right now! It’s one of those iconic Olympic moments that goes down in history.

She’s getting used to it! Gretsch made her Olympic debut at the 2018 PyeongChang Paralympic Winter Games. She took gold in biathlon and distinguished herself as the first-ever American to medal in an Olympic or Paralympic biathlon event. Hers was also the first gold medal won by Team U.S.A. at those games. Another gold, in Nordic skiing, made two medals that trip.

Gretsch is now the third American woman to win gold at both the winter and summer Paralympic Games. In Tokyo, she started the triathlon literally four minutes behind the current world champion, Australian Lauren Parker, only to win by less than one second!

Paralympic athletes are classified due to disability, in at least one of nine categories. Athletes undergo a battery of tests during evaluation. International boards govern these determinations for each sport. They also decide which athletes are eligible for which sports and how they are grouped together for competition. Gretsch, who was born with spina bifida and Parker, who suffered a spinal cord injury which resulted in paralysis, are in different disability classifications.

There are two heats of starting times for the Paralympic triathlon. Gretsch was in the later one. “I knew I was going to be starting later than Lauren, due to our different disability classifications,” said Gretsch, “so my coaches and I had to figure out how I could make up a minimum of 4 minutes while I was training.”

Meet Gretsch once, (or watch one of her many online interviews), and you’ll notice her laser-sharp focus, tempered with a palpable generosity of spirit. She sought out Parker in the Australian section of the Olympic Village the day after winning the triathlon, to trade podium jackets with her- an Olympic tradition. The two had a

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KENDALL WINS THE TRIATHLON AT THE LAST SECOND AT THE 2020 SUMMER PARALYMPIC GAMES PHOTO BY MARK REIS

chance to chat and get to know each other.

That’s who Kendall Gretsch is -an excellent athlete and person of high character who prefers to fly under the radar.

Downers Grove Magazine Contributing Editor, Maureen Callahan, interviewed Kendall in Colorado via Skype and her parents, Rick and Patty Gretsch, in their Downers Grove home.

Interview with Rick and Patty Gretsch:

When asked what it’s like to have a Paralympic athlete in the family, Rick and Patty Gretsch are very humble. “To be honest, it’s a lot easier these days since she made the Paralympic team,” laughed Rick. In the beginning, Patty and Rick schlepped

For a while, Rick also acted as Kendall’s “handler,” -the person who assists the triathlete during the transitions of the three events of swimming, cycling, (using a handcycle) and running, (using a racing wheelchair). But since Kendall made the team, “they transport everything for her, and the coaches, nutritionist, and bicycle mechanic travel with the team, too,” Patty said. “So, I was fired,” Rick laughed.

When asked what kept their daughter motivated all these years, her parents believe a big reason is the camaraderie. “She loves meeting athletes from other countries. There’s a great sense of community among them,” Patty commented.

These days, Rick and Patty are thrilled to cheer-on their daughter at the Paralympics, whether in person, like at the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Games, which saw the entire Gretsch family in South Korea, or through a “watch party” at their home, when restrictions in Tokyo made in-person attendance impossible.

Interview with Kendall via Skype:

What is it like to win a gold medal?

It’s honestly a whirlwind of emotions. Some parts I remember well, but there are entire conversations I have forgotten! In the end, winning is the result of countless decisions an athlete makes to get to that moment, each time. I’m always very grateful.

I didn’t know her very well before the games, as she is rather new to the sport. I had a chance to get to know her a little more after the event. She’s a great athlete, though, so I’ll definitely see her again.

Where do you live now?

I moved from Downers Grove to Colorado Springs to be near the U.S. Paralympic Training Facility. My coaches and the team are here. However, from November to March, I live in Bozeman, MT to train for cross-country skiing for the winter games.

How did you get started in sports?

I was always an active kid. I played basketball and was on the DOLLS softball league. I swam on the neighborhood swim team, then the swim team at DGN and later with Express Swim Club.

How did you get involved in triathlons?

I started while I was in college. I joined a group during my sophomore year called Dare2tri that someone at Express Swim Club told me about. After that, I went to a camp to train and did my first triathlon. I’ve been competing ever since.

How did you decide to train for the 2018 PyeongChang biathlon?

all their daughter’s equipment- including two types of wheelchairs- around from race to race themselves.

Do you know Lauren Parker, the silver medalist, on a personal level?

The director of Nordic skiing actually reached out to me. I learned that my disability classification was not going to be a triathlon event in the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Summer Games, so I started training for the biathlon, which is the winter games.

KENDALL VISITS WITH HER SISTERS, SARAH AND STEPHANIE

THE CYCLING PORTION OF TRIATHLON ON THE HANDCYCLE IN TOKYO PHOTO BY MARK REIS

What is the energy like amongst the athletes at the games?

Everyone there is very competitive; they probably wouldn’t be there otherwise. On the other hand, it makes your disability a non-factor. So, there are intense rivalries, but you’re used to it. It’s a good energy. Is there much opportunity to visit the host countries after the games?

We toured around South Korea as a family after PyeongChang, which was amazing. The South Korean people are so wonderful. It was kind of a bummer in Tokyo, because no international spectators were allowed, and athletes had to leave 48-hours after their last event. I would really like to get back to Japan. A highlight for me were the volunteers. They smiled the whole time, were so helpful, made encouraging signs. They went out of their way to be sure everyone felt welcome.

Are you able to meet athletes from other countries?

The games were obviously different due to restrictions, but you still see other athletes around the Olympic Village. Pin trading is a great way to start a conversation with someone from another country, because you might not even need words. Athletes put pins on their credential lanyards that they want to trade with others. It’s a big thing to do outside the dining hall. You kind of have to jump on it early, while people still have pins for trading, though. I got a late start on it, so I only ended up with about ten or so. (Kendall laughed).

Do you prefer the winter or summer Olympics?

I can’t really pick. It’s tough to compare the winter games to the summer games. There’s a different vibe at each one. During the winter games, I had 6 different events over a ten-day period, versus only one event in the summer games, so I guess you could say summer is more pressure.

What was it like in the Tokyo Olympic Village? Are there any differences between the Olympic versus Paralympic Village?

The “para” in “Paralympics,” is short for “parallel.” So, the Olympic athletes live in exactly the same village we do. The event venues are all the same, too. In

Tokyo, the athletes were housed in tall towers built for the Olympics to eventually sell off as housing to the general population. I’m pretty sure Team U.S.A. had a full building. We all stayed together, assigned to suites according to sport teams. There were five other triathletes in my suite.

Are there many amenities in the Village?

There’s a store, a state-of-the-art fitness center, a sports medicine clinic if we need taping or anything, a nutrition area, to name a few. The dining hall was amazing! Two floors, open 24/7, with any kind of food station you can think of -Asian, pasta, pizza, desserts, etc. There are

hard, for them and for me. After I got home from Tokyo this summer, my family spent a week in Michigan together. I think my dad watched the video of the race hundreds of times- just that week! (Kendall laughed). My whole family -my sisters Sarah and Stephanie and their families- came to PyeongChang in 2018. We had a great time touring afterward. It was great to be together as a family.

What would you say to younger generations?

literally hundreds of menu items. I was surprised by the pizza in Tokyo. It was great! I had it a few times.

Do you work outside of your Olympic training?

I graduated from Washington University in St Louis with a degree in Biomedical Engineering. I worked for Epic, a healthcare software company for four years, and was still consulting for them after I moved out here (Colorado). Right now, I’m focused on training for the 2022 Beijing Winter Games in February.

How about your family?

My parents are honestly my biggest fans. I think not being able to come to Tokyo was

You have to find something you’re passionate about, because then you’ll enjoy the day to day of practicing it. Don’t limit yourself; it doesn’t have to be a sport.

What’s next on your schedule?

I’m leaving for Germany next week to train for the 2022 winter games. There’s a great facility there with indoor frozen ski tunnels where we practice. The winter Olympics are only a few months away, so that’s kind of crazy, but due to the summer games being delayed a year, this is how it is. After that, I’m looking toward the Paris 2024 Summer Games. Hopefully things will be a little more normal and we will be able to look around afterward, because I haven’t been to Paris yet.

Be sure to catch Kendall in biathlon and Nordic skiing events in the upcoming 2022 Beijing Winter Paralympics! ■

“I was always an active kid. I played basketball and was on the DOLLS softball league. I swam on the neighborhood swim team, then the swim team at DGN and later with Express Swim Club.”

— KENDALL GRETSCH

KENDALL COMPETES IN THE BIATHLON AT THE 2018 WINTER PARALYMPICS.

GOLD MEDAL, 2018 PYEONGCHANG PARALYMPIC WINTER GAMES, BIATHLON

PHOTO BY GLENN HOFFMAN

If you are on any form of social media, you likely know of –and may even have celebrated – a national or international “holiday” such as Siblings Day, Bring Your Child to Work Day, Taco Day, or even Clean Out Your Fridge Day. However, one that may not receive as much attention as it deserves is the International Day of the Girl Child. Held annually on Oct. 11, this day aims to amplify the voices of young women across the world and celebrate the differences they are making in society. Such young women are always worth recognizing though, including these three from our community.

Striking a Chord

Briley Steffes, 12, Downers Grove

Briley Steffes quite literally uses her voice within the community. Steffes – whose stage name is just “Briley” –has been bringing both cover songs (some crowd favorites include Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” and Maren Morris’s

GIRL POWER

Local adolescents are following their passions and making an impact

BY VALERIE HARDY

“My Church”) and original songs (like “Lost and Found,” which is about how her pet cat came to join their family) to audiences throughout Downers Grove. She has taken the stage at Rotary GroveFest, Wasabi Restaurant & Bar, and Ballydoyle Irish Pub & Restaurant on both St. Patrick’s Day and during open mic nights. Briley has also performed at various block parties and other private events, all free of charge. However, she is open to receiving tips as she is trying to save up to attend another singer-songwriter program at Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan (she attended Interlochen this past summer and is eager to continue learning and growing in her craft).

Briley began singing in choirs before she could read, but a choir was not required for her to be singing. In second grade, her teacher asked her to bring gum to class as a way of quieting her because she was always humming,

whistling, or singing. Another time, Briley said she accepted “a dare to sing ‘Oh Danny Boy’” at a family member’s wake. “There was an old lady there from another funeral that asked if I could perform for their wake too,” Briley added. So, she went in and sang in front of a room full of strangers.

Briley said she does not get nervous performing in front of crowds. This onstage comfort came in handy when she encountered last year’s “America’s Got Talent” runner-up Austin Edwards (Broken Roots) while in Michigan with family. Edwards invited her to sing a duet of the song “Shallow” with him in front of a few hundred people at a backyard party (and another time soon after at The Fremont Bar & Grill in Westmont).

Briley said the reason she does not get nervous is that she practices… a lot. After performing at GroveFest, her

THANKS TO 1126 ENTERTAINMENT, BRILEY ENTERTAINS THE CROWS AT WASABI IN DOWNTOWN DOWNERS GROVE.

PHOTO BY VALERIE HARDY

father told her to take the day off; it was probably the first day she had not practiced in six months, he said.

Briley, who proves that big voices can come in small packages, also recently added guitar to her repertoire. When the world slowed down due to the coronavirus pandemic, her mother taught herself how to play guitar so she could turn around and teach Briley. While Briley does not see herself teaching music to others, she said she definitely sees a future that involves performing, “maybe with a band behind me. That would be really fun.”

For more information about Briley and where she is playing next, visit brileymusic.com.

Definitely Driven Gina Liu, 16, Downers Grove

When Gina Liu got her driver’s permit last Nov. and began to log her hours behind the wheel as mandated by the state, she found the process of manually timing her drives, noting whether they occurred during the daytime or nighttime, and documenting the weather conditions for each trip to be cumbersome. Liu felt that there had to be an easier way, and so – together with her father – she created one: the Road Buddy app.

Liu’s dad, who taught himself –and to a lesser extent Liu – computer programming, created the backend components of the app while Liu

“designed the layout of the app, the visual aspect of it,” she said. This was right within Liu’s wheelhouse; she has her own design business through which she helps clients with branding.

Liu served as the primary tester for the Road Buddy app, a natural fit since it is intended for teen drivers. She also markets the app. “I go around to my friends and talk to the drivers’ ed. teachers at [Downers Grove North High School] and in the District also,” Liu said. Additionally, she has been in contact with Top Driver, a local private driving school, to allow more driving students to benefit from the app.

Road Buddy, which is available free of charge on the App Store and Google Play, is used by new drivers throughout the country. Liu said Washington, D.C. currently has the most users and noted that the app gets international use as well - in locations such as Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

In addition to providing a userfriendly way for student drivers to log their behind-the-wheel hours, Liu said, “We also want to promote driver safety, so we want to put some safety tips in the front of the app.”

The father/daughter team is working on the next version of the Road Buddy app, which will include various “driving challenges or missions,” Liu said. For now, one of Liu’s main missions is simply to enjoy driving around with friends, transporting herself to tennis, and taking her younger sister to her activities – all as an officially licensed driver (who is no longer required to document her time on the road).

Changing the World is in Her Nature

Sita Mylavarapu, 14, Oak Brook

Sita Mylavarapu knows exactly how her love of national parks first sparked. When she was about 6 years old, her family made an unexpected stop at Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky) while on a road trip. Mylavarapu cherished being in nature and having time to bond with family.

Fast forward to today. Mylavarapu has more than doubled in age, taken nearly 20 national park trips, and hiked over 600 miles of trails. The terrain, altitude, and strenuousness of the hikes vary, but a constant is her desire to spend as much time in nature and away from her devices as possible. “We have become slaves to technology, but the best things in life are truly free: air, water, sunlight, soil. That’s the element I realized I want to live my life in,” she said.

There have been some grueling moments, but Mylavarapu would not change a thing. She recalled hiking Yosemite National Park when she was 11 years old – starting at 5 a.m. and not finishing until 1 a.m. There had not been time or a good place to stop to use the restroom. She said, “I ended up peeing in my pants with a few hours

TEEN DRIVER GINA LIU TAKES TO THE ROAD AND MAKES LOGGING BEHINDTHE-WHEEL HOURS EASIER FOR OTHER NEW DRIVERS.

PHOTO BY CAROLINA MENAPACE

BRILEY AND HER MOM, TARA STEFFES, ARE MASTERING GUITAR-PLAYING TOGETHER.

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left to go.” Though uncomfortable, Mylavarapu said this incident and many others from her hikes have taught her to persevere. “I realized to what lengths I’m willing to go for nature,” she said.

The nature-loving teen is willing to go to great lengths to protect nature. She has committed to bringing nature awareness to others, especially millennials. What started as a personal blog to share her travels with family

and friends has grown into a platform through which to share the 60-second environmental education videos she creates and produces. She said she works with various schools and nonprofit organizations across the nation to raise awareness regarding the “little things we can do in our daily lives to help nature.” Followed and supported by National Park Services, various nature conservationists, and renowned National Geographic photographers, Mylavarapu’s efforts are gaining momentum.

“We don’t have to save the earth,” Mylavarapu said. “We just have to stop spoiling it.” What Mylavarapu does not want to stop is her nature-centered travel. Up next for her? Everest Base Camp this spring and Kilimanjaro this summer.

To keep apprised of Mylavarapu’s outdoor adventures and recommendations for protecting the environment, follow her on Instagram (@ chalkbagsntents). ■

SITA MYLAVARAPU ENJOYS THE MAJESTY OF NATURE ON A HIKE AT OLYMPIC NATIONAL PARK IN WASHINGTON IN AUGUST.

SITA MYLAVARAPU SHOWS OFF THE BADGES SHE HAS ACCRUED FROM HER NUMEROUS NATIONAL PARK VISITS.

MARIA CHAVEZ

Local McDonald’s Employee Spreads Kindness through a Drive- thru Window

BY CINDY MAQUET PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE REILLY FAMILY

Imagine yourself sitting in the drivethru of McDonald’s thinking of your never-ending to do list, yelling at your children in the back, when all of a sudden you hear a soothing voice saying, “Welcome to McDonald’s. What can I get started for you?” You place your order with the woman on the speaker and pull up to see Maria Chavez - “McDonald’s Maria,” as many refer to her - with a smile from ear to ear. Something about her smile reassures you that today is going to be a good day.

Maria goes out of her way to talk to and make her customers feel just as important as her family. That is why she feels like family to some, especially Downers Grove Resident Anne Reilly.

When Reilly’s father – who made daily trips to McDonald’s with her sister with special needs Katie a tradition – passed away this past spring, Maria “was legitimately crushed. She even came to my dad’s memorial” Reilly said.

Maria always knew Reilly’s dad’s order: “a medium diet coke – and an occasional apple pie if his wife would let him,” Maria said with a smile. She also surprised Katie with special gifts on various holidays. Katie shared, “Maria is so nice. I love her.” She loved

her so much she did not want to go on Wednesdays – the day Maria had off!

Maria loves any kind of holiday and is always the one on the McDonald’s

was the only one in line because most people were probably not out of bed yet. She and Maria chatted about their night and their goals and plans for the new year. Maria made her feel so important and acted like she truly cared. She said, “That is what Maria does best - makes you feel like she really cares about you. She even knows it is me when I say my order!”

“I really don’t deserve this attention; I was just doing my job, but I love what I was doing and what I do,” said Maria who did not know a word of English when she moved here in 2002 from Guanajuato, Mexico. When she moved here at age 18, the first thing she did was enroll in the ESL program at Harper College to learn to speak English. At that time, she also landed her first job at the McDonald’s in Palatine, Illinois. Soon after she decided to enroll in a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program while continuing to work part time.

staff to show it by wearing her cloverleaf bow tie for St. Patty’s Day or bunny ears for Easter. Maria even embraced maskwearing during the pandemic by always matching hers to the holiday season.

Another one of Maria’s customers said on New Year’s Day morning she

When Maria and her family moved to Romeoville, their family friend Janeth Escamilla, who happened to be the manager at a Downers Grove McDonald’s, asked Maria to come work full time for her. Maria, who describes herself as quiet and shy, said the 30-minute ride to work was well worth it. There was

MARIA DELIVERS AN EASTER BASKET.

something about the Downers Grove customers that took her out of her comfort zone because they are so easy to talk to. Escamilla commented, “All the customers love Maria. We are lucky to have Maria as part of our team.”

Maria now works as a CNA at River Crossing in Joliet where she continues to spread her kindness and bring joy to the residents that live there. One resident in particular said he will only get out of bed on the days she works.

Maria makes people feel like home where ever she might be – whether it is the nursing home or the drive-thru – she continues to make a difference in the lives of those she meets along the way. ■

KATIE AND MARIA FORGED A FRIENDSHIP THROUGH THE DRIVE THRU WINDOW.

“I really don’t deserve this attention; I was just doing my job, but I love what I was doing and what I do. ”

— MARIA CHAVEZ

LOOKING BACK

at

DINING OUT

Phil Vettel Reviewed Fine Dining In Chicago For 31 Years

We recently had the opportunity to sit down with Phil Vettel, who recently retired after writing dining reviews for the Chicago Tribune for 31 years.

Naturally, we picked out a comfortable neighborhood spot, known for its food, Sam Vlahos’ Pierce Tavern in Downers Grove.

Phil started out covering general news topics for the Suburban Tribune in 1979. Stories included restaurant reviews.  As the Tribune consolidated operations, Phil then moved to headquarters on Michigan Avenue in 1983, covering entertainment beats, which again included restaurants.  In 1989, he was offered the opportunity to review restaurants on a full-time basis,

and the rest is the following history.

Imagine. Eating at quality dining establishments regularly, and getting paid for it.  He estimates he’s done about 1500 reviews over time.

“I’ve met with some of the brightest, most interesting people who cook, savored “well prepared” food, and even learned how to become a good cook myself He says modestly, “My friends think I am good, but I don’t think I am quite ready to have over one of those special chefs I’ve met.”

“Over time, I have been to the fanciest, most expensive, as well as the restaurants that offer excellent meals that are not the most expensive. My goal always has been to give the average reader an honest, useful review that tells them what the restaurant is

good at, what’s the price point, and what to expect.  I didn’t write for the chefs, I wrote for the typical reader.”

Things Phil has learned about chefs and the restaurant business

“First and foremost, the chefs at the top restaurants are artists, just as much as a painter, or a ballet dancer, or a musician. They are very creative.  They know how to combine ingredients in ways that make food taste special, unique, and wonderful.  They know how to present the ingredients of a meal so that colors and textures entice, and set the stage for eating. To put it simply, for these chefs, you would be astonished at how much thought goes into an appetizer, an entrée, or a dessert.  Presentation is so important to these chefs, that you’ll often see them stationed at the ‘pass thru’, just before

BLARRY ATSEFF I PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCELLO RODARTE

PHILL VETTEL OF DOWNERS GROVE HAS BEEN A CHICAGO TRIBUNE FOOD CRITIC FOR OVER 30 YEARS.

it is taken to the diner’s table. If the presentation is not right, back it will go.”

The ‘best of the best’ make every item on the menu taste great. A perfect example is Rick Bayless and Frontera Grill Restaurant.  After spending years in Mexico, learning about ingredients and how to cook them, he brought his knowledge and several Mexican chefs to town and introduced authentic Mexican cuisine to Chicago in 1987. He practices the saying, ‘if it grows together, it goes together’.”

“Then, there are the chefs who are excellent at certain dishes. They grew up with the meal, or they learned it along the way.  The rest of the menu may not stand out, but they are known for signature dishes. These chefs are businessmen; they know how to make money.”

“Then there are the chefs who know what the customers in their neighborhood like, and they give them what they like at a reasonable price.”

“No matter the level of cuisine expertise and creativity, the successful ones also know how to manage a kitchen, from training the staff to instilling enthusiasm for preparing food.  In many ways, when it is busy, they are like a conductor, leading an orchestra.   On a personal level, they’ve also learned to be ready for anything; including even solving a plumbing problem on a busy Saturday night.”

Vettel says his timing as a reviewer was perfect. “I had a ring-side seat and watched as Chicago evolved as a dining mecca and top chefs started coming to town Like Bayless, they saw Chicago as a place to conquer. Of course, there was Charlie Trotter, who was self-taught. In addition, restaurants like Gordon’s, in River North, led by Gordon Sinclair, became known not only for great food, but also for great chefs; people like John Terzcak, Ron Blazek, Michael Smith, Stewart Parsons, and Don Yamauchi.”

Another factor in attracting top chefs: Chicago rents are far more reasonable than New York, San

Francisco, Paris, Tokyo, or Bangkok. Not only that, in crowded cities like those, people live in small quarters with virtually no room for decent kitchens.  Therefore, dining out, including fine dining, is part of their culture. In Chicago, fine dining can be more of an occasion.”

For Phil, in choosing restaurants, several factors came into play. If it was a new restaurant, that was news, which made it easy. He would also select by type of cuisine, geography, and price point.  He made sure that he rotated selections on those bases, over time. He also developed a couple of traditions. During the summer, as people put out lists for “summer reading”, he would put out lists of restaurants for “summer eating”. For New Year’s Eve, when it was hard to get reservations, he would list restaurants who would honor reservations if they called and asked

explore that part of the restaurant experience as well.”

Over the years, Phil has seen restaurants make mistakes and then recover.  When restaurants with Michael Jordan’s name first came on the scene, the menu reflected food that diners would find at a stadium, and they catered to visitors to Chicago. It became a tourist trap. Jordan wanted a restaurant where he could take prominent friends. Today, Michael Jordan’s is a solid steak house restaurant in Oak Brook.

When asked about the current state of affairs of restaurants, Phil remarked, “As you might expect, the pandemic has made the tough business of running a restaurant even tougher.  Restrictions on guest seating and social distancing in the dining room and the kitchen have meant fewer customers and fewer wait staff and kitchen help available to work, despite the fact that rent stays the same or is even higher.”

for a Phil Vettel table, on a first-comefirst-serve basis.”

When preparing for a review, he made sure the restaurant had no idea he was coming. He followed this routine: he made reservations, never in his name. Second, he used several credit cards with other names. Third, he would go back 2 or 3 times just to make sure he captured the character of the place. And fourth, he would talk to the chef before publishing the review. If the experience was not a good one, the review would never see the light of day.

Interestingly, when doing a review of a meal, early on, Phil would have some wine. He adds, “In the last 10 years, as the cocktail culture really took off in the US in general and Chicago in particular, I found it important to

On the plus side of trends, he says “New American Cuisine has been growing. It is a cuisine that speaks to today’s approach of less is more and healthy. The food is sophisticated in the sense that it is locally sourced, simply prepared, and light on sauces. When used, sauces are vegetable-based.”

Also, on the plus side, he offers this suggestion. “People are getting tired of just accumulating more stuff. Instead of more stuff, have a dining experience. Go to a fine dining restaurant. Here are a couple of relatively new ones I am planning to try. There’s Claudia, led by chef Trevor Teich, who just opened in Bucktown. He features a tasting menu approach with four different Modernist meal experiences from the chef’s table at around $225 per person. Another is Monteverde, with superb pastas by James Beard Award-winning chef Sarah Grueneberg. Or, you can come to a great neighborhood restaurant like Pierce Tavern in Downers Grove and enjoy a grilled cheese brisket.” ■

“Over time, I have been to the fanciest, most expensive, as well as the restaurants that offer excellent meals that are not the most expensive. My goal always has been to give the average reader an honest, useful review that tells them what the restaurant is good at, what’s the price point, and what to expect. I didn’t write for the chefs, I wrote for the typical reader.”

— PHIL VETTEL

The Sam Vlahos Approach To Neighborhood Restaurants

BY LARRY ATSEFF I PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARCELLO RODARTE

hen talking with Phil Vettel about his experience as a restaurant critic, we chose Sam Vlahos’ Pierce Tavern in downtown Downers Grove to sit down and talk.

Sam joined us and we got some perspective from him about running a successful restaurant, as an owner of three different neighborhood operations.  Restaurants have been in his family for years.

He developed a winning formula in Hinsdale with Fuller House which he opened in 2015 with his sister and business partner Patricia Brown.

“As Phil says, when you are running a neighborhood restaurant, you better know your neighborhood. When I opened Fuller House, that meant a place that would attract families as well as a young adult crowd. I wanted to keep the name of the hardware store that had been in the space. That way, everyone knew where it was. I call the atmosphere casual rustic. We feature

Wwood-fired pizza, craft beer, and sports on tv.  Besides pizza, we offer other comfort food that is absolutely delicious at a reasonable price.   You can sit at the bar and order happy hour drinks and food and enjoy the game.  We have a large area for outdoor seating that has attracted a good crowd when the weather is right.

“About a year ago, I decided to look for another place where I could duplicate the formula, but it didn’t have to have the same look as Fuller’s.  In my backyard of Downers Grove, I heard that Pierce Tavern was coming available. The interior has that “rustic look”, it had a bar, and when some nearby space became available, I added the addition and opened it.   Just like Fuller’s, the menu features comfort food for the whole family and some specialties like the Grilled Cheese Brisket you had for lunch. Other specialties that are doing well include Buffalo Shrimp and West Coast Burger. I like to hold on to the memory of a place, and just like Fuller’s, I decided to give a nod to the fact that at one time

the space was the original Downers Grove Library.We have dedicated a whole wall with library books that are opened up with the spines attached to the wall and the pages open to everyone in the restaurant.”

“As it happens, I just now opened Bar Chido, right next door.  Chido is Mexican for ‘cool fun’. I call it a modern take on Mexican street food. We serve Chido hot chips, we use authentic ingredients like Oaxaca and Cotija cheese, and offer a variety of handheld ‘legit’ tacos. We also offer large plates of carnitas and fajitas. At the bar, we have several Mexican beers and wines, and we make just about every Mexican tequila cocktail you can imagine.”

While the theme behind each is a little different, the approach is the same: give diners what they like to eat and drink and prepare it so it will be delicious every time. We add a couple of new items that they think they will also enjoy. The atmosphere is totally relaxed, and the service is fast. It is working and we’re enjoying a nice following at all three locations. ■

RESTAURANTEUR SAM VLAHOS CHATS WITH HINSDALE MAGAZINE AND PHIL VETTEL IN PEIRCE TAVERN IN DOWNERS GROVE.

How A Wisconsin Lake Home Has Been Beautifully Re-Imagined

BY LARRY ATSEFF

In the 1960s the Johnston family began vacationing at Green Lake, Wisconsin. In the late 1970s, Tom and Edie Johnston of Hinsdale, his brother and father and her mother purchased land on the lake. The extended family together built a home where the family gathers every year and where now even great-grandchildren and third cousins get to know and play together.

After forty years, the home needed updating and Tom and Edie’s children Beth, Tom and Julie decided to undertake a renovation. The clients’ desire was to create a midwestern lake house with a contemporary flair, which was beautifully achieved by the design team.

The home needed updates both aesthetically and functionally in order to truly highlight its spectacular location and utilize the expansive space the house offered. With the home being a year-round vacation destination, strategic additions were thought out to accommodate the changing family needs.

The clients had worked with Janie

Petkus on eight previous projects and so it was natural to start with her. From there, the design team fell into place with Cyrus Rivetna of Rivetna Architects, and Gail Drury of Drury Design. The clients and design team toured Green Lake to understand its character and architecture. They visited homes, peeked in windows, and toured by boat. They had all worked together on earlier projects and designer Janie Petkus did a good job of coordinating and keeping everyone on task.

The team for this project has many ties to Hinsdale: the clients and architect Cyrus all grew up in Hinsdale; Janie

Petkus opened up her Hinsdale-based design firm in 1975; and Gail Drury has worked with Janie Petkus since the 80’s to design countless kitchens and bathrooms in the Hinsdale area since opening Drury Design in 1987.

The Design Team imagined a midwestern lake house, specifically planned for vacation living of a large extended family. Additional bathrooms were added to allow every one of the eight bedrooms to have its own bath. The design team also focused on maximizing the size of the gathering spaces where the family comes together. The kitchen is large to allow for cooking

for up to 20, and spacious to allow for many cooks (and cleaners) in the kitchen. Decks are expansive for leisure and play

Key design features addressed in this remodel included highlighting beautiful views of the Lake, brightening up the space, and modernizing the design to fit the needs of a family that loves to entertain. According to Janie Petkus, material selection was crucial for this design. All materials chosen needed to be natural but durable enough to withstand the humidity associated with living on a lake and used by a large extended family. "Really, durability was of primary importance for this vacation home; people want to relax and not think about their behaviors!" says Gail Drury, CMKBD.

Architect Cyrus Rivetna imagined a cathedral to nature. Windows are tall and slender, inspired by the slender trunks of old-growth oaks that dot the site, and they allow views of the lake and the treetops. The forest green siding and bronze details were chosen to situate the house comfortably within nature and not fight it. A low stone base anchors the house to the ground. Expansive decks provide ample space for outdoor living and dining and are designed to bring the family together outdoors. Rather than remove an old-growth oak, it is allowed

to grow through the deck, and becomes a focal point. Railings are kept minimal, so they do not obstruct views.

The high ceilings and wood paneling were incorporated on all walls and ceiling to give the space a lake house look. The white oak paneling has a hand-applied driftwood wash that allows the character of the wood grain to show through. It compliments with white oak flooring, stained a slightly darker tone. All of these selections opened up and brightened the space but the original stone fireplace remains a highlight of the design and room. To maximize lake views, large full-length windows were added throughout the kitchen and first floor.

An addition gives the Great Room the space needed to accommodate dining/sitting for twenty, and creates a perfect spot for family games and singing. The addition opened views over the deck and out to the lake. The existing stone fireplace was fit with a new stone mantle and stone hearth, and provides the warmth a lake house needs. The Great Room is capped by wood and steel trusses that subtly divide the space into cooking, living, and dining.

This home regularly fills with adults and children. The kitchen needed to function well for multiple cooks as well as large family gatherings. Therefore multi-work areas and large expanses of countertop space for buffets were a must. These design ideas paired with lots of seating at the island and the oversized table give enough room for everyone.

Continued on next page

“The home needed updates both aesthetically and functionally in order to truly highlight its spectacular location and utilize the expansive space the house offered. With the home being a year-round vacation destination, strategic additions were thought out to accommodate the changing family needs. ”

— GAIL DRURY, of Drury Design

THE GREAT ROOM HAS RETAINED A CLASSIC STONE FIREPLACE, AND ADDED MORE SPACE FOR VIEWS OF DECKS AND THE LAKE.

THE REDESIGN MADE THIS ENTERTAINMENT SPACE A THIRD GATHERING PLACE.

Continued from the previous page

A multimetal hood with an antique patina was included to add an element of WOW to the space. A large multiburner stove, two large sinks, two dishwashers, and three waste receptacles were strategically located in multiple locations so multiple family members could use the space simultaneously. An area off to the side in the family room that was designated as a desk was multipurposed to function as a buffet area for the large family dinners.

Navy leather sofas and a multi-

color abstract rug give warmth but still maintain a light feel. Contemporary artwork, lighting, and fabrics kept a fresh new look to the living areas.

Three bathrooms were added bringing the total to 8 bedroom suites. Unused attic spaces were opened, and dormers added to the upper floor bedrooms to create taller ceilings that provide fun spaces for kids. “The kid’s bedroom and bathroom are clad in painted bead board, and create a casual bunkroom feel, perfect for hiding away”, says Cyrus Rivetna.

The new design also included updating a second kitchen with stateof-the-art appliances, which offers more room for the growing family to gather and enjoy each other's company. In addition, an entertainment space was added which included a 121” television so that all family members could congregate for viewing.

Making the house accessible to everyone was a primary goal. Discrete and convenient ramps are seamlessly incorporated into the house, and are convenient for not only wheelchairs, but also for strollers, coolers, and luggage. Instead of an eyesore, they enhance the design so that all spaces are accessible to everyone.

This beautiful family lake house now serves as both an inviting and luxurious destination for the entire Johnston family and guests to gather all year round.

Design Sources

Janie Petkus, Janie Petkus Interiors

421 West Maple St., Hinsdale, IL 60521 630-272-8585

• janie@janiepetkus.com

Cyrus Rivetna, AIA Rivetna Architects Inc. 340 E Randolph St Ste 505, Chicago IL 60601

312-341-9006

• crivetna@rivetna.com

Gail Drury, Drury Design

512 N. Main St., Glen Ellyn, IL 60137 630-469-4980

• gail@drurydesigns.com

THERE IS A COMPLETE SECOND KITCHEN WITH SEATING.

ATTIC SPACE WAS CONVERTED SO THAT THE HOME NOW INCLUDES 8 BEDROOMS.

EACH BEDROOM HAS ITS OWN COMPLETE BATHROOM

GREEN LAKE IS A BEAUTIFUL SETTING FOR THIS RE-IMAGINED, SPACIOUS LAKE HOME.

Holiday

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BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF THE PANDAV FAMILY

ON A GOOD NOTE

The future is clear for Stubhy Pandav, lead singer and songwriter for Lucky Boys Confusion

STUBHY PANDAV, WIFE ANDREA, AND DAUGHTER LEELA DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

You never know where you’ll find a rockstar. How about Downers Grove? For almost three decades, Stubhy Pandav of Lucky Boys Confusion, called this community home.

According to him, his coming up wasn’t necessarily “typical” of this town. Raised by immigrant parents, Stubhy’s father was one of the first people granted scholarship to the United States after the Civil Rights Movement. “I wasn’t really your standard Indian kid of that era. I didn’t want to be a doctor or a lawyer,” he reminisced. Despite very high test scores while attending Kinglsey school, then eventually trudging through the honors track at Downers Grove South, academics were never really his thing. “I probably wasn’t the easiest kid to raise,” he laughed.

Today, he is the lead singer and songwriter of Lucky Boys Confusion, and a soon-to-be-published author. He also holds five professional trading licenses. Despite all his lyrical success, he didn’t grow up musical, having only been exposed to Bollywood music in his traditional Indian household. Around 14 years old, he discovered western music through friends. “I was hooked,” he remembered. “I would spend hours just listening to all sorts of music, but it was the melancholier stuff, like The Cure, that I really identified with.” Unlike most musicians and songwriters who hone their craft from an early age, Stubhy really wasn’t aware of his talent until late in high school. Already a poet and self-proclaimed music junkie by that point, he wrote a song.

To his great surprise, others really liked it.

Having been part of several other bands along the way, Lucky Boys Confusion, a rock band from Downers Grove and Naperville, is his huge success. The group has spanned many different genres but rests heavily within pop rock and punk rock these days. Lucky Boys Confusion is known for high energy music, both live and on record, with lyrics inspired by growing up and living in the Chicagoland area.

Initially unsure of how a career in music would pan out, Stubhy began working at the Chicago Mercantile Exchange after high school. While training to get his trading badge, Lucky Boys Confusion got signed to Elektra Records. Mulling over the prospect of taking the plunge, Stubhy brought it up to his boss. “He said if I didn’t leave, he would fire me,” Stubhy laughed. “So, he helped me make the decision.” Shortly thereafter, the band left for California to begin recording their first album, Throwing the Game .

It was all downhill from there. 25 years and several albums later, the band still performs.

Days he’s not performing are spent working with TB Ameritrade, his daytime gig. Home is in Skokie with wife Megan, a teacher, and Leela, their two-year-old daughter. “They’re my everything,” he smiled. Leela inspired a solo album written during the pandemic; a new project for Stubhy, who typically gets together with bandmates to write songs. The idea for the album started during the pandemic, while singing Leela to sleep at night. “I kind of ran out of songs one night,” Stubhy recalled. “I was

wracking my brain for a song, and I just kind of looked out the window at something outside and started to make one up.” He added a little more every night, and it evolved into Mr Ms & The Infusions, (pronounced Mister Mizz & The Infusions), a play on words referencing his 2018 diagnosis with Multiple Sclerosis.

Although Stubhy discovered he had a serious type of MS, he also learned that loss of mobility would be unlikely,

STUBHY IS A GRADUATE OF DOWNERS GROVE SOUTH

THE EVENT RAISED OVER $30,000 FOR THE CONDITION.

Continued on next page

due to the positioning of the lesions on his spine. “As bad as it is, I got lucky. So, I wanted to give something back,” Stubhy stated. “MS Sucks, Singing for a Cure,” was a fundraising show Lucky Boys Confusion organized the following year, which raised $33,000 and much awareness of the condition. A dozen or so local bands gathered at Chicago’s Bottom Lounge to loan time and talent to fundraising efforts for the Accelerated Cure Project, an organization that facilitates research that determines the causes and mechanisms of MS. Finding local talent to fill the roster that night was easy. Lucky Boys Confusion has a reputation of being the “nice guys” in the business, opined singer Courtney Boyers of Take the Reigns, a punkinfused rock-n-roll band. “They had us open for them in 2018 at The Metro. It helped us gain visibility,” Boyers gratefully stated.

Stubhy recently started parlaying his song-writing talents into story writing. Along with his diagnosis came a serious push to accomplish bucket list items. “Then I found out I would most likely be okay, but it still reminded me of things I want to do,” he said. He used the extra time afforded by the pandemic to write a one-hundred-thousand-word book. A performer by nature, he plans to leave readers wanting more. Stubhy smiled as he stated, “I’m not showing them all I’ve got just yet. The book will have a couple follow-ups, but I haven’t decided in what way.” Next comes finding a literary agent for this project before starting sequels.

So, what’s upcoming? A show at Bottom Lounge (1375 W Lake St, Chicago) on November 5th and 6th. Lucky Boys Confusion will be appearing with The Dog & Everything, Gelheads and Til Morning. Stubhy’s brother’s band, Temple of Dome, will also be playing that night. There are most likely more solo albums on the near horizon. “As long as the songs keep coming, I’ll keep going,” Stubhy said. “I know what I want, and failure doesn’t scare me.” ■

PANDAV AND TOM HIGGENSON OF THE PLAIN

WHITE T’S, SINGING AT MS SUCKS, SINGING FOR A CURE.

Photography by Krista Sobkowiak

Rotary GroveFest

The Rotary Club of Downers Grove held its Rotary GroveFest Special Edition in August in downtown Downers Grove. This sensational community event gave everyone an opportunity to celebrate summer and the return to normal after challenging times and featured 12 live bands in the entertainment area and a Midway with carnival rides. With the generous support of individual sponsors, the local business community and over 300 volunteers, the club redistributes the funds raised in this event to support causes in and around Downers Grove.

Downers Grove Swim & Racquet Annual Regatta

The Downers Grove Swim & Racquet Club held its second annual Boat Regatta in August. This event requires that participants to only use duct tape and cardboard to create a floatable device. The goal? To make it across the pool in a record setting time.

7TH HEAVEN PERFORMS ON THE STAGE AT GROVEFEST.

THE WALUS FAMILY ATTENDS THE EVENT.

ANDREW AND CAITLIN MADIGAN ATTENDS THE EVENT. CAROLINE AND HEIDI GROENEWOLD

THE HACKETT FAMILY

DR. KEVIN RUSSELL, DISTRICT 58 SUPERINTENDENT AND DR. HANK THIELE, DISTRICT 99 SUPERINTENDENT, VOLUNTEER AT ROTARY GROVEFEST.

Fine Arts Festival

The Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival celebrated 44 years in September.

Always a local favorite, this year the attendees enjoy the work from a live street chalk artist as well as a Kids’ Art Booth.

Many favorite artists returned, after a year off from Covid-19, from a variety of different specialties including printmaking, wood working, jewelry and metal working.

Community Adult Day Center’s Community Day

The Community Adult Day Center, a Downers Grove nonprofit serving older adults and their families living with cognitive and physical challenges, celebrated its 35th year of service to the community by hosting “Community Day” on Sept. 18.

The main festivity was a “Shop N Stroll” fundraising event showcasing downtown Downers Grove businesses while bringing awareness to the vital work done at the Center. Event registrants were asked to visit at least 10 participating merchants. A drawing was held and prizes awarded including: one $1,000 and two $500 Downtown Gift Certificates as well valuable gift certificates to local businesses.

BRIANA KESTERSON OF TWISTED EVERGREEN ART SHARED HER SIDEWALK CHALK ARTISTRY

LOCAL RESIDENT JENNIFER LARKIN OF PAPER PEONY BROUGHT HOME THE BEST OF SHOW AWARD ALONG WITH MAYOR BOB BARNETT

HILARY AND FRANKIE VENEZIA AT THE INDIAN BOUNDARY YMCA CRAFT BOOTH

CADC VICE CHAIRMAN DEBBIE HARE, DUPAGE COUNTY BOARD MEMBER LIZ CHAPLIN AND CADC EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SUSAN SINDERSON AT SHOP N STROLL SIGNUP

The Grove Foundation

28th Annual Golf Outing

The Grove Foundation held its 28th Annual Golf Outing fundraiser at the Downers Grove Golf Club on Saturday, Sept. 11.

Guests enjoyed beautiful golf weather, a delicious Skuddlebutt’s barbecue, and abundant prizes donated by local merchants. Proceeds directly fund the Foundation’s annual grant program which provides financial support to a variety of local non-profits and programs that enhance the quality of life in Downers Grove.

The Grove Foundation is celebrating its thirtieth year of operation. www.thegrovefoundation.org.

Photography by Christina Powell.

GEOFF NEUSTADT, BRYAN KUNZE, MIKE KUNZE, AND MATT NEUSTADT

GROVE FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBERS CATHY MAHONEY (SECRETARY) AND LOIS KOPIS (VICE-PRESIDENT)

ALICIA HOLMES, ELIZABETH JONES, JEN HAMILTON, AND MARY ELLEN WALKER IN FRONT OF THE “HOLE IN ONE CAR” DONATED BY OGDEN LINCOLN OF WESTMONT

STRATIS BAHAVEOLOS, NADINE BAHAVEOLOS, BRIAN MANSFIELD, AND DAWN MANSFIELD

DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

Home for the Holidays

How to add some festive flair to your home this season

BY VALERIE HARDY

‘Tis the season to entertain family and friends. This is definitely a jolly time of year, but it can also sometimes feel overwhelming to know where to begin with holiday décor and fare. Luckily, with the help of some local design and baking experts, adding extra holiday cheer to your home this year is as easy as peppermint pie.

Holiday Decorating Tips

For easy yet festive touches for any room in your home, take these top tips from Chad Esslinger Design.

Add Wreaths.

“I like to use simple boxwood wreaths to add some festive color throughout the home,” Esslinger said.

Go for the Gold (and Silver).

“I use gold or silver ribbon to hang wreaths in front of mirrors and windows,” Esslinger noted.

Accent Away.

According to Esslinger, “pillows are a favorite way to add in color and texture any time of year. During the holidays, I swap out the everyday accent pillows with holiday-inspired ones.”

Photography courtesy of Picture Perfect House.

Tablescape Tips

Follow these tips, courtesy of Michelle Gentile Interiors, to transform your everyday table into an elegant centerpiece around which to savor the holidays with your loved ones.

Decide on a Color Theme.

This can be easy by starting with linen selection. Keep it neutral or get playful with colors

For the tablescape pictured, the theme is “Playful Elegance,” Gentile said. “I decided to use a festive textured runner to keep it casual, and I didn’t want the harsh contrast with white napkins, so I used cream napkins with pretty stained glass napkin rings.”

Start with the Centerpiece and Work Outward.

“I like to use layers in my centerpieces,” Gentile explained. “[The one pictured] consists of a tray with a magnolia leaf wreath on top, a large bowl, then a large hurricane. I used simple plastic ornaments to fill around the hurricane and added some gold and white stars to add drama.”

Mix Glassware and Plates for a Playful Feel.

For the table pictured, Gentile decided to use wine glasses that have a fun, festive pattern and add contrast with the water glasses made from recycled glass. She said, “The contrast makes a fun mix, and the white pattern stands out from the cream plates and napkins.”

Think outside the box. Rather than use all the same place settings, add in smaller plates or serving dishes from different sets “Mixing styles is fun and unexpected,” Gentile said. “Just make sure the colors coordinate.”

Create Moments by Adding in Fun Items and Candles.

“The centerpiece is the show-stopper, but on either end of the table you can create ‘little moments’ - like adding a glitter tree, a rustic bird, and add ambience with votive candles,” Gentile said.

It’s All in the Details.

Adding the miniature trees, silverware rests, or place cards gives the design a custom feel. Gentile “had custom name tags made by a local calligrapher, Nancy Belda. It makes the guests feel important and like you thought about them before the party.”

Photography by Krista Sobkowiak. Tablescape styled by Michelle Gentile Interiors with accessories from Maple Home Market. Laura Hernandez Denk assisted.

ACCENT AWAY WITH FESTIVE PILLOWS

TABLESCAPE IN THE HOME OF ERIN MIKE KOLSCHOWSKY

Merry & Bright DIY Prosecco & Sorbet Cocktail Bar

Cranberry Buckle Recipe

Whether you are searching for the perfect wintery breakfast treat or a dessert to cap off your holiday dinner, look no further than this beautiful cranberry buckle. This sweet yet tart single-layer cake with a streusel topping is a charming classic that is sure to delight the palate of any guest (including kids from 1 to 92). Recipe courtesy of Jen Johnson - @levaindg.

Makes: 8-10 servings

Prep time: 15 min.

Cook time: 60 min.

Streusel Topping

⅓ cup flour

⅓ cup sugar

¼ tsp kosher salt

5 Tbsp unsalted butter – cold

¼ cup walnuts (optional)

Give your holiday guests an after-dinner drink and dessert all in one with these festive adaptations of the traditional Italian intermezzo (palate cleanser): Sgroppino, which consists of vodka and Prosecco topped with a scoop of lemon sorbet, often garnished with fresh mint.

All you need to make a chilled and cheery Prosecco & Sorbet Cocktail is:

• Prosecco

• Vodka

• Assorted flavors of sorbet such as cranberry, raspberry, lime, & cinnamon

• Garnish options such as fresh cranberries, raspberries, lime wedges, mint leaves, sprigs of rosemary, & cinnamon sticks

Recipe:

Approx. 1 cup Prosecco - chilled

2 Tbsp vodka – chilled

1 scoop seasonally flavored sorbet (⅓ - ½ cup) Accent garnish to taste

1. Pour Prosecco and vodka into a champagne flute.

2. Add scoop of sorbet.

3. Top with garnish and serve.

The Cake

1 ¾ cups flour

1 tsp baking powder

½ tsp baking soda

½ tsp kosher salt

1 ½ sticks unsalted butter –room temperature

1 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 ½ tsp vanilla

¾ cup whole milk Greek yogurt

8 oz cranberries – fresh or frozen

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Cut a circle of parchment paper to fit a 9” round cake pan and place in bottom of pan. Butter or spray pan with cooking spray.

2. Make the streusel topping: Mix flour, sugar, and salt. Rub butter into dry ingredients until crumbly. Add walnuts if desired. Refrigerate until ready to use.

3. Make the cake: Sift together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. In a mixing bowl with paddle attachment, beat butter and sugar for approx. 2 min. Add eggs, one at a time, and mix to incorporate. Add vanilla and yogurt: beat on lowest speed. Add dry ingredients (best if you add half and mix, then add the rest and mix again).

Gently fold in cranberries. If using frozen cranberries, let them thaw a bit before folding in.

4. Spread batter in prepared pan. Sprinkle streusel over top. Add some cranberries if desired. Bake for approx. 60 min. The top should be golden brown and no longer jiggly in the center.

5. Allow to cool for approx. 15 min. When sufficiently cooled, invert on a plate, then turn right-side up on a serving platter. Serve in wedges. NOTE: If time allows, cover and let sit for one day to allow flavors to more fully come together before serving.

JEN JOHNSON BAKES A CRANBERRY BUCKLE, A FAMILY FAVORITE FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

COCKTAIL

Domners Grove Magazine’s 2021

Shop Local GIFT GUIDE

The holidays are officially here, and ‘tis the season for shopping and checking off that lengthy list. This season, we’ve got you covered. Easy as 1-2-3 by shopping local with our partners.

Simply Beautiful Day Spa

Give the gift of wellness and relaxation this holiday season. This peaceful day spa has been in business for over 25 years. It is a perfect selfcare oasis with many therapeutic services including massages, facials, advanced skin treatments, salt therapy sessions, body treatments, manicures, pedicures, electrolysis, waxing, and cosmetics. As well as a variety of spa packages!

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Rybell’s Blow Dry Bar

Put a little pep in her step. Give Rybell’s Blow Dry Bar gift certificates to those that need a wash, blow, style, and go approach. Purchase $100 in gift certificates and receive a $20 credit. A gift for you too.

5221 Main Street in Downers Grove

Charlie and Grace Children’s Consignment Boutique

Shop up to 60% off name-brand children’s clothing, outerwear, shoes, and accessories at Charlie & Grace. Brands available include The North Face, Patagonia, Ugg, Bogs, Boden, Vineyard Vines, Under Armour, Athleta Girl, Tea Collection, and many more. This holiday season, Charlie & Grace is offering 15% off of gift card purchases.

937 Curtiss Street in Downers Grove

Phillips Flowers

Deliver a winter’s day delight. This sweet bouquet includes red carnations and miniature white carnations accented with noble fir tips, white pine, holly, and assorted greens.

524 North Cass Avenue in Westmont

Maple Home Market

These glasses are a great addition to your drinkware collection this season. Feel like a rock star during the holidays with these AMAZING handmade, blown glass tumblers. Designed by Federica Marangoni from Milan. Exclusively yours at Maple Home Market.

1015 Maple Avenue in Downers Grove

Orchid Heart Boutique

Send her out in style for the New Year! Orchid Heart Boutique offers plenty of apparel and accessories for the woman that wants to be noticed. Now under new management, this boutique is stocked up for the holidays and the winter beyond with plenty of finds.

5121 Main Street in Downers Grove

Tobias

Music and Garage Band U

Give the gift of music! Founded in 1978 in Downers Grove, Tobias Music is a familyowned and operated music store specializing in stringed-instrument sales, service, and lessons programs. Tobias Music also offers an excellent teaching staff for guitar lessons, bass, mandolin, banjo, and drum lessons.

5013 Fairview Avenue in Downers Grove

Downtown Downers Grove Management Corporation

Are you having a tough time knowing what to give some loved ones? Let them choose! Downtown Downers Grove Management Corporation offers downtown Gift Certificates that are redeemable at most downtown businesses. These gift certificates make the perfect gift for everyone, young and old.

933A Curtiss Street

Caring For Your Family’s Smile Since 1968

30 DENTISTS AND SPECIALISTS CARING FOR YOUR FAMILY’S SMILE- FROM THE FIRST TOOTH TO THE GOLDEN YEARS!

At Grove Dental, our staff of multispecialists provide comprehensive and compassionate dental care in a state-of-theart environment.

$99 Exam, Cleaning & Xrays

Includes regular cleaning, xrays and exam for adults and children. Adults regularly $199. Pediatric patients may include fluoride and 2-bite wing x-rays. Regularly $257. All other x-rays at additional cost. New patients only.

Free Orthodontic Exam & Evaluation

Includes orthodontic exam and panoramic x-ray, treatment recommendations (including Invisalign), estimated treatment time and fees.

$199 Zoom! Whitening

With our in-office teeth whitening procedure, your teeth can be brightened several shades in just one appointment — and, for only $199.