Hinsdale Magazine March 2023

GOING THE EXTRA MILE FROM LESS THAN A MILE AWAY

Our e orts come in a variety of forms, from financial investments to support economic growth to traditional philanthropy and volunteer hours contributed by our team members. We strive to provide community banking as it should be.

History and Good Works are Hinsdale Hallmarks

Hinsdale marks 150 years in 2023. The Hinsdale Historical Society is giving a gift to all of Hinsdale to honor the occasion: A magical moving light show of Hinsdale highlights over 150 years, to be shown in Immanuel Hall from April 20 – 23.

In addition, because March is National Women’s History Month, we are honoring one of Hinsdale’s most famous women. She is someone you may never have heard of: Loie Fuller. She made her mark as an outstanding European dancer in the late 1800s and early 1900s, using special movements in her Serpentine Dance, complete with special lighting that she created.

In terms of good works, there is our cover story as Gina Angeletti, and Arpi Thukral explain how Wellness House helped the family members of each lady cope with cancer. They are giving back by co-chairing this year’s Wellness Walk on May 7.

Another worthy cause in the spotlight is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and how organizations in the area are helping people of all ages cope. Autism is a condition that can impede communication and social interaction, and it occurs in various degrees of severity. Local organizations such as Giant Steps in Lisle are of great help. One major donor, Jerry Rich, of Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove, has generously donated some of his lands so that Giant Steps can enhance their services.

A third organization, the Hinsdale Auxiliary of the Children’s Home and Aid, will hold its 68th annual Derby Day party, on May 6, at Butterfield Country Club in Oak Brook. This organization serves some 30,000 families throughout Illinois.

more to be done, but the shelter can continue helping pets and their owners.

Other topics covered in our March/ April issue include tips on getting a good start on your garden from the Morton Arboretum and solid advice from home remodelers and builders on making good decisions on housing needs.

After many delays due to the pandemic, weddings are on the rise. Contributing Editor Kristina Taheri, an expert in special events planning, reports on the trends. Finally, with the coming St. Patrick’s Day, we have two appropriate features: Irish Dancing Schools in the area and a grand tour of Ireland, in case you are in the mood for a jovial vacation.

A fourth non-profit, the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, Oak Brook Auxiliary Chapter, reports that their Annual Fashion Show raised $175,000 as they celebrate 50 years of raising over $5 million for needy families in Chicago.

Yet another group, Mend a Heart Foundation, explains how it successfully addresses the cause of congenital heart defects research as it celebrates 16 years of support.

Speaking of celebrations, the Hinsdale Humane Society is celebrating its 70th year. It is happy to report that pet lovers have come to the rescue by responding to the S.O.S. (Save Our Shelter) effort. There is

Remember to visit www.HinsaleMag.com to read about all the stories and happenings in and around Hinsdale.

Thanks for dropping by,

Scott Jonlich Founder & Publisher sjonlich@hinsdalemag.com

Photo

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

Scott Jonlich sjonlich@HinsdaleMag.com

ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Anne Healy anne@HinsdaleMag.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Larry Atseff larry@HinsdaleMag.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Maureen Callahan

Valerie Hardy

Julie Jonlich

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Jennifer Frencl

Rachel Pavlovich

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Adam Andrzejewski

Chuck Fieldman

Julie Janoski

Kristina Taheri

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Victor Hilitski

Greg Kozlick

Marcello Rodarte

ADVERTISING SALES

Brian Ade

Gino Cosentino

Renee Lawrence

Cynthia Maquet

No person, organization or publication can copy or re-produce the content in this magazine or any part of this publication without a written consent from the publisher. The publisher, authors, contributors and designers reserve their rights with regards to copyright of their work. Hinsdale Magazine assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by such individual, event organizers or organization. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Hinsdale Magazine. Comments are welcome, but they should be on-topic and well-expressed. Copyright ©2023 Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved.

In full

BLOOM

Make your garden grow this spring

BY JULIE JANOSKI, PLANT CLINIC MANAGER AT THE MORTON ARBORETUM

Gone are the days of using a calendar to decide when to provide care for your trees and plants. A month-by-month gardening checklist is no longer recommended – or even necessary. Unpredictable weather due to climate change has rendered the calendar an unreliable resource. For example, in some years, the last frost date is in May; in some years, it’s in February. Sometimes the area gets lots of moisture in the spring; sometimes, it’s droughty.

Instead, The Morton Arboretum’s Plant Clinic encourages gardeners to observe what is happening in their own yards.

For example, check soil temperatures for good times to plant and mulch; keep your eye on the amount of rainfall your yard gets or use a rain gauge to know when to water your plants. Observe indicator plants, which will let you know there is a problem (the canaries in the coal mine), to understand when certain pests and diseases pop up; and start monitoring Growing Degree days, which measures the accumulation of heat that can be used to predict plant and insect development rates during the growing season.

If that all seems like too much work, take a shortcut by subscribing to the Plant Clinic’s northern Illinois Plant

Health Care Report, published bi-weekly from April through September on the Arboretum’s website, mortonarb.org.

Now that you have a foundation for yard monitoring, here’s a list of the Plant Clinic’s Top 10 things to do in your garden in the spring and summer.

OBSERVE AND EVALUATE

Spring is a perfect time to see what’s going on in your yard. This needn’t be tedious. Pick a nice day and stroll around. (Tip: enjoy a cup of coffee or glass of wine during the process.) Every time you look at your garden critically, you learn something and understand how to make it better. Take notes or photos and ask yourself questions, like, did some plants not return after the winter? Are there areas that are flooded for days at a time? Is that shrub beyond saving?

You may save yourself a lot of time, effort, and money by observing your garden and only doing what is needed when it is required. For instance, most plants in northern Illinois only need annual fertilization if they are particularly heavy feeders or your soil has been tested and lacks specific nutrients. Many newer cultivars are pest or disease resistant and don’t need regular pesticide applications. Annual pruning may not be required if you have selected plants that will only get as big as the space you have.

GARDEN CLEAN-UP

Waiting until spring to clean up the garden has several advantages. Unraked leaves left over from winter have several benefits. They protect the root zones of plants during cold periods, provide good insects with debris for overwintering, or birds may eat the seeds or fruit from uncut plants. Resist the urge to work in the garden if the soil is wet, as that can damage the structure of the soil, leaving it compacted. Like humans, plants need air and water, which are absorbed through their root systems. Compacted soil doesn’t have the porosity – or air holes – needed for that process to take place.

START A COMPOST PILE

Composting allows you to keep garden waste on your property and – when used properly – can supply your garden with a steady supply of nutrients. It doesn’t have to be complicated or even put in a pre-made bin. Use chicken wire and stakes, an old garbage can with holes punched in it, or stacks of bricks to corral your compost pile. To learn more about composting, visit the Arboretum’s website and search “composting.”

CREATE NEW GARDEN BEDS

Planting more gardens can benefit your health, enjoyment of your yard, and the environment. By creating new garden beds in the spring or early summer, you will have all season to enjoy them. Start a small vegetable bed

to encourage healthy eating at your house. Create shade and eliminate some lawn space by planting a tree with a garden around it. Eliminating lawn space will save you money and time, as it requires water, fertilizer, and regular maintenance. Encourage pollinators, such as bees, butterflies, and other insects, by planting a garden that provides needed food sources, like the nectar from flowers.

PUT DOWN A LAYER OF MULCH (or don’t!). Mulching provides numerous benefits for your plants, such as providing an insulation layer, conserving soil moisture, improving soil fertility, preventing erosion, and reducing root competition. However, mulching doesn’t necessarily have to be done every year. Check to see how much of the old mulch is still there. If there is still a three- to four-inch layer around trees and shrubs and a one- to two-inch layer in perennial or groundcover beds, put off mulching until the fall or next spring.

Do the Weeding Early. Small weeds are so much easier to control than fullgrown weeds. Being somewhat vigilant about pulling weeds early in the season will lessen the overall amount of effort required to keep the garden clear of invaders throughout the year.

PLANT AND TRANSPLANT Spring has traditionally been considered the time to plant, but as long as temperatures have warmed, it’s not too hot, and you will be available to water them, you can plant throughout the growing season in this area.

Plant or transplant trees and shrubs once the soil temperatures reach about 45 degrees to allow their root systems to start growing immediately. Divide perennial plants at this time as well, but wait to divide spring-blooming perennials until after they bloom. Warm-season vegetables, annuals, and containers should wait until the last threat of frost has passed. The AVERAGE frost date in northern Illinois is

around Mother’s Day, but it has ranged from March to early June.

WATER WHEN NEEDED

Watering on a schedule can sometimes create more problems than it solves. Overwatering plants can leave the roots gasping for air and encourage diseases. Watering frequently but lightly may not supply trees and shrubs with adequate moisture. The best schedule for watering plants is need-based. Check the soil regularly by inserting a hand trowel or your finger a few inches into the soil to see if it’s dry. If the soil is still moist, you don’t need to water them yet. Watering deeply and less frequently will allow it to reach the root zone, giving you better results.

PRUNE EVERGREENS, AND SPRING FLOWERING TREES AND SHRUBS

Most plants are best pruned when dormant – during winter or early spring. Evergreens put on new growth in the spring and are best pruned after winter is over. For trees and shrubs that bloom in the spring, waiting to prune until soon after they bloom will eliminate the risk of pruning off the flower buds.

RELAX! No garden is perfect. Bugs chew holes in leaves; plants don’t always grow the way you expect; new trees and shrubs can take some time to reach their full potential. Having a little tolerance for imperfection can lead to a garden that requires fewer inputs and lower maintenance, giving you more time to relax and enjoy it.

Julie Janoski is the manager of the Plant Clinic, a leading source of science-based advice about trees, plants and landscapes at The Morton Arboretum. Call or email your tree and plant questions at 630-7192424 or plantclinic@ mortonarb.org. ■

FRESH STYLES & BUDDING INSPIRATIONS

AT THE 29TH ANNUAL SPRING HOME & GARDEN SHOW!

Saturday & Sunday, March 11th & 12th, 9AM-5PM

Get Inspired!

This year’s event features MODERN & CLASSIC DESIGNS brought to life with IMMERSIVE DISPLAYS.

Spring into New Styles!

All season long, we’re featuring a huge selection of INDOOR-OUTDOOR DÉCOR, GRILLS & more.

Build the Perfect Patio!

Visit our show floor for PATIO FURNITURE brands like Berlin Gardens, NorthCape & more.

GROWING FAMILY TRADITIONS FOR OVER 50 YEARS.

BY THE NUMBERS

• The Varsity squad finished first overall in Illinois West League Play the last two out of three years.

• The Varsity squad made it to the Sweet 16 State Tournament the last four out of five years.

• Year in and year out, 50% or more of players make Honor Roll.

• The Red Devils had five players in the top 15 players in Illinois West League Play this year.

HOCKEY WITH HEART The Hinsdale Red Devils celebrate 50

years

Febrating its 50th year of hockey. Although Hins dale Central supports many athletic teams, the Club acts independently of the high school. The program is fully funded thanks to the families’ generosity and the com munity’s support through fundraising.

According to Jim Swoyer, Red Devils Hockey Director, “We owe a huge debt of gratitude to so many families, coaches, and players that have transformed this hockey program into

something very special. After 50 years, this community has a special hockey program that has set extremely high standards in how we compete and carry ourselves on and off the ice. As a member of the Hinsdale community, I am very proud to

The Red Devils hire independent coaches to develop athletes from the Hinsdale Central district. Swoyer is in his sixth year of the program and is also this year’s recipient of the Illinois West President’s Award for service above and beyond to the Club and league. Rounding out the staff are Spencer Anderson, Varsity Head

Coach, and former Ontario Hockey League Juniors player and Central States Hockey Coach. Dane Sana is the Junior Varsity Coach and Hinsdale Class of 2013 and a former American Collegiate Hockey Association player with the University of Alabama. ■

2023 Seniors

Loie Fuller

The most famous Hinsdalean you’ve never heard of

BY MATT STOCKMAL

Loie Fuller is the most famous person from Hinsdale that you have never heard of. In the dead of winter in 1862, Loie was born in the community preceding the official organization of Hinsdale: Fullersburg. Loie was born at the Castle Inn, the only building in town with a cast iron stove hot enough to hold the -40 degree temperature outside at bay. The Castle Inn was located at the current intersection of York and Ogden, specifically around the Ogden entrance to the Shell gas station. She recounted her birth in her memoirs stating the proto-Hinsdaleans had “transformed the bar into a sleeping room, and there it was that I first saw light. On

that day, the frost was thick on the window panes, and the water froze in dishes two yards from the famous stove.”

Loie spent her first two years of life in Fullersburg as her father Rueben and the rest of the Fuller family worked to make the area an inviting to travelers along the Old Plank Road from Naperville into Chicago, now known as Ogden Avenue. However, upon the decision of Burlington railroad executives to lay their new railroad one mile south of Fullersburg, Loie’s father, Rueben, was devastated and decided to pick up and move his family into the city. Though she was only two at the time, Loie remembered “the time that the rail-

Loie Fuller and the serpentine dance

Photo by Samuel Joshua Beckett

road put the station a mile away from us. Father was terribly hurt about it and disappointed. He had worked to put that little place [Fullersburg] on the map.”

After her departure in 1864, it would be over sixty years until her return to Hinsdale in 1925 for just a 24-hour layover on her way to the San Fransisco Centennial. But within that time, Loie had traveled the world multiple times and, more importantly, changed dance, modern art, and technology forever.

Throughout her life, Loie had always been a performer. Progressing from reciting “Mary had a Little Lamb” on the stage of a Chicago Progressive Lyceum as a toddler to giving lectures on temperance as a teen, and finally onto the stage professionally as both an actress and dancer. She spent her twenties traveling the country performing in various plays and variety shows such as Buffalo Bill’s Prairie Waif, or as Little Jack Shepard in Nat C. Goodwin’s 1886 burlesque by the same name. However, Loie struggled to find a niche for herself in traditional theater. She did not have the stunning looks, grace, and athleticism to be a spectacular dancer. Nor did she have a breathtaking operatic voice. She was simply a short, plump, bright, perfectly average midwestern girl who had a fire within her to perform whenever and however the opportunity arose and curiosity in a revolutionary technology taking over major cities around the world: electricity.

Experimenting with cutting-edge stage lights she colored herself, and large flowing Chinese silk, Loie had created a genre-bending hybrid of burlesque skirt dancing, abstract art, and up-lit Parisian fountains, which became known as “The Serpentine.” Loie would stand on stage wrapped with hundreds of yards of white silk; the stage lights would dim, and the spotlights of ever-changing color would shine upon her alone. She would then begin to flow the fabric into various ethereal patterns representative of the shapes of nature. On stage, she would transform into a serpent, a flame, a lily,

and even the moon. With the serpentine, Loie had finally created her niche. And this niche would go on to become a worldwide phenomenon in Belle Époque Paris.

From her debut at the Folies Berège music hall in 1893 through the Exposition Universelle of 1900, Loie Fuller was the sensation of Paris and the art world as a whole. Critics raved about her sold-out performances night after night and the art community was inspired by her ability to bring the abstract ideals of nature’s ever-changing beauty, flowing lines, and effervescence to life. Jules Chéret and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec made prints of her. She inspired and became lifelong friends with sculptor Auguste Rodin. She was also embedded within Paris’s scientific community, becoming friends with Marie and Pierre Curie due to her fascination with radium as a potential artistic medium. For over 20 years, “La Loïe” was the epicenter of Parisian culture, and her innovative combination of new technology still inspires today.

“I love how you can carve a dancer’s body from the stage with light and support the choreography’s artistry. And Loie was the first lighting designer,” said Megan Slayter, a lighting designer and dance historian at Western Michigan University. Slayter and her team worked to recreate many of Loie’s dances in the modern era. “She used movement, lights, and costumes equally to create a single vision in the eye of the audience. It wasn’t just lighting layered on top of choreography. You couldn’t take any one of these elements away and still have Loie’s art”  Even outside of her dance, Loie’s courage and personality can inspire modern artists and Hinsdaleans alike. “She was an absolutely phenomenal woman. She had guts. She was brave. She was brash. She was not afraid to advocate for herself. And in that way, you can’t help, but you can’t help but admire her,” said Slayter. ■

Editors Note. Loie Fuller's descendents are today's Fuller family in Hinsdale. This article honors Loie Fuller in this March issue because it is Women's History Month.

“How the Stage is Lighted” Sketch by Louis Gunnis December 30,1896 V & A Images/Theatre Museum, London

Fuller at the Folies Bergère, poster by PAL (Jean de Paléologue)

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BY LARRY ATSEFF | PHOTOS BY MARCELLO RODARTE

Left to right: Alexis Braden, Trustee, Emily Bower, Co-Vice President, Carrie Rozich, Co-President, Kristen Laakso, Co-President and Katherine Andrew, Society Manager, toast the Village with this gift, as it celebrates 150 years.

On the occasion of the 150th anniversary of the Village, the Hinsdale Historical Society has commissioned a first-of-its-kind digital display on the history of Hinsdale. It will be on view at Immanuel Hall from April 20-23, at 302 S. Grant Street, Hinsdale. The Hall is one of three historic buildings managed by the Society.

“The show is the Hinsdale Historical Society’s gift to Hinsdale at 150 years,” said Carrie Rozich, Co-President. “The way you are shown key milestones and key people in Hinsdale’s history, projected on the walls of Immanuel Hall, then followed by a digital streaming over 150 years, complete with narration, is very original and memorable,” added Co-President Kristen Laakso.

Matt Stockmal (Hinsdale Central

class of 2016), a resident of Hinsdale, worked with Alexis Braden, Katharine Andrew, Molly Begala Haworth, and others to put the entire production together. The digital loop takes nearly thirty minutes. It took over 150 hours to assemble and produce the show. Matt has a degree in digital culture from Arizona State and says, “I love history and working with digital technology. This has been a great opportunity.”

The Society will host a ticketed premium night opening; other days will have a recommended donation. ■

Audio-Video Projection Mapping Artist Matt Stockmal, his dog Honey, and Katherine Andrew, Hinsdale Historical Society Manager.

“The show is the Hinsdale Historical Society’s gift to Hinsdale at 150 years,”

-CARRIE ROZICH, CO-PRESIDENT.

Rich Support Rich

Giant Steps and the Canopy Adult Day Program provide services for individuals with autism spectrum disorder

BY VALERIE HARDY

Based in Lisle, Giant Steps is a therapeutic day school certified to exclusively serve students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) as their primary diagnosis. Since its inception in 1996, Giant Steps has upheld its commitment, as noted in its vision statement, to “providing individuals with autism spectrum disorders, and their families, superior educational and therapeutic services focused on improving the quality of daily life from early childhood through adulthood.”

The Giant Steps day school offers elementary, junior high, and high school programming, with the central goal of enhancing students’ ability to interact, communicate, and develop both

academic and daily living skills. Giant Steps takes an individualized and integrated approach, incorporating five key components: autism education, various therapies, recreational activities, life skills training, and other guidance and support for individuals and families touched by ASD, as well as training for schools and other community organizations that support individuals with autism.

These programs at Giant Steps are available to students up to the age of 22; per federal law, public school students with special needs who have an individualized education program (IEP) are entitled to special education services until they reach the age of 22. However, that does not mean individuals’ need for educational and

transitional supports ends when they turn 22 years old.

Theresa McClear, a Hinsdale resident, described the challenges that face young adults with autism and their families after the students age out of programs like the ones at Giant Steps. McClear’s 23-year-old daughter with autism lives at home, and McClear explained the difficulty her family had trying to find work opportunities and adult day programs for individuals beyond age 22 that were appropriate for her daughter’s needs. Many programs “have long waiting lists,” she said, and “many parents have to stop working to support their adults with disabilities.”

McClear praised Giant Steps for

Canopy program participants take part in specialized equine therapy through Christine's Dream Equine Program. The program is led by an experienced PATH International-certified instructor and supported by caring volunteers.

extending services to adults with ASD through the Canopy Adult Day Program held at Rich Harvest Farms in Sugar Grove. Founded in 2012, the Canopy program was largely possible thanks to the donation of space at the world-renowned Rich Harvest Farms golf course and estate courtesy of the property’s owner, Jerry Rich.

Dr. Sylvia Smith, Giant Steps

Executive Direc-

tor, expressed deep gratitude for Rich’s generosity. “I still have a hard time believing he is so selfless,” Smith said. “A remarkable thing about Jerry is that he doesn’t have anyone in his family that has special needs or autism. He is just doing it because he sees a need.”

Rich, a self-made entrepreneur who developed an integrated computer system for Wall Street traders, is a golf enthusiast. When he initially learned about the adult day program through Giant Steps and that its participants were learning golf skills on asphalt, he wondered why. When he met some of the participants, “he just kind of fell in love with [them, and wanted them to have greater access to natural space for golf and other activities],” Smith said.

Most programs for adults with autism are in “industrial areas with very little green space around,” Smith said. “What Jerry has given us is green space.”

Not only did Rich donate land and building space for the Canopy program’s use, but he also donated four golf carts. “Our guys would do anything to ride in those golf carts,” Smith said about the joy the Canopy participants get from riding in the carts.

The Canopy program affords adults with autism a vast variety of leisure and occupational experiences on the Rich Harvest Farms grounds. One of the most notable elements of the program is participants’ access to horses at the Christine’s Dream Equine Center, an equine therapy program offered through Giant Steps in partnership with Rich Harvest Farms. Through this program, participants engage in a variety of activities appropriate for their interests and readiness. They can learn grooming and other non-riding horsemanship skills,

“Patterning and layering of skills is really important.”

–DR. SYLVIA SMITH, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF GIANT STEPS

The Rich Harvest Farms ponds provide a beautiful backdrop for leisure and learning.

Canopy participants and staff Enjoy fishing on the rich Harvest farms property.

One of Canopy participants’ favorite activities during the summer is riding the golf carts along the paths at Rich Harvest Farms.

horseback riding, and other targeted educational and vocational skills at the Equine Center.

Canopy participants also spend time in the community – for example, going to eateries and learning to order from the menu – in order to continue cultivating their life skills. Smith articulated the importance of accessible programming for adults with ASD in order to avoid gaps in service. “Patterning and layering of skills is really important,” Smith said. “Without reinforcement, their learning regresses rapidly.”

The Canopy program serves participants ranging in age from 22 to 37. “We do not take anyone 8-10 years older than our oldest participant,” Smith said, adding that after their time in programs like Canopy, many individuals with ASD “will go into a residential program, because as they age, their parents are aging too.”

Currently, the Canopy program can only support 60 individuals. “Because the need is so great, and the waiting list is long, Canopy is raising money to build an activities center that will help them grow their Adult Day Program with the capacity of servicing 150 adults per day,” McClear said.

The Canopy Capital Campaign is in place to raise funds for a new and expanded program. The fundraising goal is approximately $7 million.

To help with the Canopy program’s fundraising efforts and to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Giant Steps organization, the Silver Jubilee Gala is being held on April 22 at 6 p.m. at the Embassy Suites in Naperville, “just a skip and a hop from our school,” Smith said. At the Gala, guests will be able to take pictures in front of a car from Rich’s extensive collection.

Visit mygiantsteps.org to learn more or make a donation. ■

A quick Q & A with Canopy program benefactor Jerry Rich

Hinsdale Magazine: How did you come to connect with Giant Steps and the Canopy Adult Service Program?

Jerry Rich: I connected with Giant Steps on the recommendation of two longstanding Members at the golf course I own, Rich Harvest Farms. They worked for Navistar, whose worldwide headquarters is located very close to Giant Steps. Through this connection, I learned that there were an incredible number of individuals living with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who were going to age out of state and federal support. As soon as they turned 22, they often had nowhere to go except back home, where they would lose the social, vocational, and personal skills they developed at places like Giant Steps.

I heard of Giant Steps’ plan to combat such an issue in the form of their Canopy Adult Services Program, but, at the time, they didn’t have a dedicated space for it. I own 1,820 acres out in Sugar Grove though, so I was more than happy to offer it up for the advancement and expansion of Canopy. Currently, they utilize the building I own at 264 S. Main St. in Sugar Grove. In the future though, I have put aside land behind St. Katharine Drexel Catholic Church in Sugar Grove for Giant Steps to build an ASD-specific community to serve the long-term needs of adults impacted by autism.

Hinsdale Magazine: Why was it important to you to support this program and its participants?

Jerry Rich: When I was just 10 years old, I sought work at a local golf course where I met a man who welcomed me onto the course and taught me about caddying. This man could have easily dismissed me, but instead gave me a pull cart and a chance to learn the game. That day, I made $1.10 in tip money, but, more importantly, I fell in love with golf, fueling a life-long passion for the sport. I credit that man with changing the entire course of my life. I see my partnership with Giant Steps as offering these individuals living with ASD the same opportunity I was given in my youth — a chance to grow and thrive.

Going the Extra Mile

Gina Pongetti Angeletti, MPT, and Arpi Thukral, MD, step up to co-chair this year’s Walk for Wellness House

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN PHOTOS BY MARCELLO RODARTE

Each spring, the first Sunday in May sees the streets bordering the north side of Hinsdale Hospital transform into the route of the annual Walk for Wellness House (WH). People afflicted by cancer, their families, friends, and WH staff gather for a morning of companionship, light exercise, and fun.

The act of walking is symbolic. Cancer is a journey on a route with many travelers. It’s a period of life marked by heavy burdens.

But on walk day, the tone is light. It’s a day to celebrate, cheer for, interact with, and remember others on a similar path. Everyone here is in the same boat. All are affected by the same common denominator. Survivors support those not as far along on the trek. Those currently in treatment reap wisdom from others with more experience. All have the opportunity to write messages and record memories on the Wall of Life. Little ones have fun with the children’s activities. New friends are made, and connections are solidified.

Co-chairing this year’s walk is Physical Therapist, Gina Pongetti

Angeletti, and Board-Certified Radiation Oncologist, Arpi Thukral. Each in their second of six-year terms as WH Board Members, they bring a clinical perspective to the group. Each has first-hand knowledge of the gravity of cancer, both professionally

2023 Hinsdale Wellness House co-chairs, Arpi Thukral and Gina Pongetti at the Wellness House in Hinsdale

and personally. To meet them once is to understand their dedication to fighting the disease in ways respective to their individual disciplines. But while both work in heavily academic, science-based practices, they also realize the value in accompanying holistic treatments.

Both Gina and Arpi are committed to assisting patients dealing with the part-and-parcel aftermath of cancer’s destructive wake. Each promotes the ancillary benefits of WH to their patients. Said Gina, “Wellness House is an example of an institutional and cultural change in the way we treat cancer. We offer a way to incorporate all sides of cancer- the hard medical is already being addressed, and we balance the emotional, nutritional, spiritual, familial, and whole-body health that allows one to thrive.”

Meet them on the following pages, then join them for the walk on Sunday, May 7. If circumstances of distance from Hinsdale make the walk impossible, participants can sign up to walk from a location of their choice! Choose between a 3K walk, 5K runtimed or untimed- or Walk Your Way, in which the course is up to you. Registrants will receive a long sleeve drifit Wellness Walk t-shirt. For information and to register, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/event/ wfwh2023. All are welcome!

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO WH?

WH means a lot to me. My father passed from cancer a few years ago. Lauren Haarlow, the former WH president, was a patient and friend of mine. She told me about it when he was diagnosed. My parents and I all took part in WH programs, which helped tremendously in coping. One of my best friends and office manager,

Craig Kruse, died last year of glioblastoma. To hit even closer to home, my husband worked his way through tonsil cancer last year. For each of these instances, we received much help from WH. Cancer affected our family, and learning how to navigate continuing through life, parenting, supporting your relationship, anxiety, and the unknown, and trying to keep life going for the kids was as much a need for us as the treatment itself. WH thinks of everything-every aspect of support and possible challengesand offers a way to not only learn how to handle those things but to be surrounded by those traveling the same road.

WOULD YOU SHARE A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE?

I have a Master of Physical Therapy,

as well as a Bachelor of Communication from Marquette University. I also hold a Master of Public Health Communication from Michigan State University. I got interested in this discipline after being a gymnast for 14 years. I suffered two back fractures. At first, I thought I wanted to be a doctor, but then I realized the connection PT’s form with patients during rehab. The way in which my practitioners motivated me and the entire process of healing made me want to be a PT.

But I wanted to be a different type of PT, with a focus on the psychology of the injury, but also the social impact of it. I wanted to be an agent of change, not only physically for people, but for their journey itself- mindset, impact on life, return to activities, and overall body health. It triggered something in me. Not just the physi-

GINA PONGETTI ANGELETTI, MPT

Walk participants are offered options, from walking with a wheelchair or stroller to a timed run.

Wellness Walk brings friends at all ages and stages of life together for a morning of hope and encouragement.

be offered to all that walk through the doors of WH.

cal nature of getting there but also the prevention and mind-body connection of helping the injured. It’s what we’re about at Achieve Orthopedic Rehab Institute.

To me, it’s a gift to be able to open patients’ eyes to my process of rehab. It must be mind, body, spirit, physical and social. Those are the five tenants we work on with patients in my practice. In many practices, it’s very straightforward: a practitioner diagnoses, reads the MRI, discusses the injury, and presents the exercises. Perhaps the patient feels stronger after that course of treatment, but what if that patient is afraid of re-entering the activity? My therapists work to help alleviate those fears for our patients.

I have the privilege of treating world champions, Broadway actors, touring artists, and Olympians. Whether patients see us three times a week for months or through check-ins and for proactive health, they trust that not only my hands are involved on their journey of wellness. I appreciate their trust and do my very best to treat their whole being.

My mindset of treatment closely aligns with the WH mission- thriving through life, not just surviving. Treating the person and the situation, not just the diagnosis. The fundraising that takes place during the Walk allows these services and this care to

ARPI THUKRAL, MD MPH

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO WH?

WH is a beautiful place of support for cancer patients and a cause that I strongly believe in. It’s close to my heart. As a practicing radiation oncologist, I see cancer every day, and I know that caring for my patients requires a multi-disciplinary approach. I have a strong interest in issues relating to the quality of life and supportive care for patients and their families as they undergo radiation therapy.

In addition to myself and other doctors, cancer patients benefit from the care of a whole team, including nurses, social workers, psychologists, nutritionists, counselors, physical therapists, and many others. We’re all working to create the best possible outcome for our common patient. Part of that is looking for additional resources that patients and families can use.

WH is a resource right here in our community that offers accompanying holistic treatments and psychosocial care for oncology patients and their families. The services provided complement the care we give in our local cancer centers. One of the greatest

features is that all resources are free of charge for patients, survivors, and families. So, outside of the ongoing issues of living with cancer- or being in remission- patients have access to a wide array of services here, such as counseling and support groups, yoga, exercise, and nutrition classes, to name a few.

When people are going through cancer treatment, medical bills run up quickly. It’s an amazing thing to have a resource like this, that is completely donor-funded. WH is a place to which I often refer my patients. Sometimes, they’re not ready for it. They want to get through treatment first. I remind them at follow-up visits. I tell them about all the helpful resources for their spouses, children, or even their own parents or siblings. The organization has what it takes to get people through the emotional and physical burdens of cancer.

It’s common for the outside world to fixate on the cancer being gone once treatment is finished. They sometimes forget about all that goes with it. Often, the anxiety of cancer takes a long time to dissipate. Navigating the challenges resulting from a cancer diagnosis and life after cancer treatment is what we call survivorship. It can be just as hard as getting through the actual medical treatment.

I also appreciate WH on a personal level, having lost dear family members to cancer. I understand the fear, anxiety, and confusion that cancer brings to families. I have experienced it myself. I lost my uncle, who was like a second father to me, a few years ago. I also helped a very close cousin

“Navigating the challenges resulting from a cancer diagnosis and life after cancer treatment is what we call survivorship. It can be just as hard as getting through the actual medical treatment.”

– WH BOARD MEMBER AND BOARD-CERTIFIED RADIATION ONCOLOGIST, ARPI THUKRAL.

Radiation Oncologist and WH Board Member Arpi Thukral and family

through hospice at the end of a long battle with breast cancer. She left behind an 11-year-old son, who watched his mother suffer through her last breaths. I wish both of my relatives and their families had had the resources available to them in their communities that WH provides.

WOULD YOU SHARE A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR PROFESSIONAL LIFE?

I am a board-certified radiation oncologist. I currently work at Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center and Proton Center in

Warrenville. I’m a member of a large private practice group called Radiation Oncology Consultants. We serve many hospitals in the greater Chicago area. I treat all types of cancer, but my area of focus is breast and gynecological cancers. I graduated from the University of Michigan medical school. I also earned my Master of Public Health from there as well.

During medical school, I spent a year working at the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, MD. I was able to shadow doctors in radiation oncology. I was fascinated by this

field and being able to blend the use of medicine and technology to minimize side effects while efficiently targeting tumors. When I returned to medical school the following year, I took some electives in radiation oncology. I knew it was the field for me!

I completed my residency at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. After that, my husband and I moved to the area. I spent many years working at Good Samaritan Hospital’s Cancer Center, which was where I first became aware of WH. A few years ago, I moved to Northwestern Cancer Center in Warrenville, and I have been able to expand the scope of my practice to use proton radiation therapy and enroll patients in clinical trials in an academic setting.

I’m the first to admit that cancer is scary. People are going through a vulnerable time. Many don’t understand radiation very well at first and how it plays a role in their cancer care. The word itself is frightening. Sometimes, even convincing people to have treatment can be a challenge. Often, they have to get through denial, anger, and other emotions, as well. As their physician, I know this. I see the human side minus the scientific jargon. Being able to ease the fears of patients and guide them, as well as their families, through cancer treatment and life after is very meaningful to me. It is an art. The art of medicine and being able to provide this to families is what attracted me to being an oncologist. WH is a part of that. I’m glad to be able to direct my patients to ancillary coping mechanisms not necessarily found in hospitals.

There’s an understood idea that WH isn’t a club you would want to join. But it’s nice to know about it if there is ever a need. And for Gina, Arpi, and the incredible WH staff that go the extra mile, it’s truly their mission. ■

The Wall of Life allows participants a tangible way to remember friends afflicted by cancer

OFF to the RACES

Hinsdale Chapter Of Children’s Home and Aid to Hold

68th Annual Derby Day Party

BY KATY ALTEMOSE

PHOTO BY BONNIE ROBINSON

The Hinsdale Auxiliary of the Children’s Home and Aid will hold its 68th annual Derby Day party on Saturday, May 6 at Butterfield Country Club in Oakbrook, IL.

“We are thrilled to continue our rich tradition this May of celebrating the Kentucky Derby while also raising much-needed funds for such a worthy non-profit,” said Laura Glenn, President of the Hinsdale Chapter of Children’s Home and Aid. “We hope that even more residents from Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, Oakbrook and other surrounding areas will attend our event this year, or consider a donation to Children’s Home and Aid,” Glenn added.

Founded in 1883, Children’s Home and Aid currently services approximately 30,000 families throughout the state of Illinois. The organiza -

tion offers welfare services, counseling and treatment programs, support for parents as well as childcare and early education programs.

The local Derby party has historically had between 130 and 150 guests and has raised an average of $125,000 in recent years.  This year, the group hopes to increase attendance to 200 people and raise $150,000 or more. Organizers plan to achieve this goal through a live auction, wine auction, raffle, and through sponsorships from generous individuals and businesses.

The event will begin with a cocktail hour, when guests can watch the Kentucky Derby, buy raffle tickets and participate in the wine auction. Dinner and dancing will follow, along with a live auction run by NBC Chicago affiliate Lauren Petty Stoltz. Guests will also hear stories about those who have benefited from Children’s Home and Aid so

they can learn about the organization’s enormous impact.

“Our mission at Children’s Home and Aid is to end the need for foster care,” said Sara Irmen, who spearheads the fundraising at Children’s Home and Aid. “We know that the family unit is the largest asset to any child, so if we can support parents so they can continue living with their children, then we’ve achieved our mission,” Irmen added

For more than 140 years, Children’s Home and Aid has helped Illinois families at home, in the classroom, and in the community. The organization has more than 60 programs throughout the state of Illinois and serves nearly 30,000 children and families each year in over 65 counties.

To purchase tickets to this year’s Derby party or to donate, please visit: www. childrenshomeandaid.org/events.  ■

Natalie Ryan (2022 Event Chair), current Hinsdale Chapter President Laura Glenn, and Anne Fiascone (2022 Event Chair) at the Derby Day event last year

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.

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

Dr. Rachel Bognet

Dr. Christina Steil

The Western Suburbs Step into IRISH DANCE

dance card is full- of success, camaraderie and positive life lessons

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN | PHOTO BY 726 VISUALS

The Irish year is planned around St Patrick’s Day. Nothing could be truer for

dent matters. From beginners to world qualifiers, they each get the same attention.

Eileen Mulhern

O’Kane and Coleen Mulhern Malloy, sisters and proprietors of Westmont-based OMG (Onórach Mulhern Geraghty) School of Irish Dance. And there’s no downtime on the horizon. Once the whirlwind of St Patrick’s Day performances and parades has passed, the sisters will accompany 28 of their dancers (18 American and 10 Irish) to Montreal, less than three weeks later, for the Irish Dance World Championships.

Anyone who has spent even a little time in the company of these two former world champion contenders knows that the success of their dancers is largely due to their dedicated

teachers. Now about to embark on their 19th trip to World Finals over the last 23 years, one thing has never changed: the mantra that every stu-

Obviously, hard work and consistency are the hallmarks of champions. Dancers must put their time in. But long before that, the happiness of the dancer came first, not the promise of talent. All students are paid the same careful notice. “If they come into the studio, we’ll make a dancer of them,” said Eileen. “How far they go is ultimately up to them.”

It’s true. From the start, OMG teachers take the rapport with their students seriously. They respect the children while keeping the tone light. They’ve learned, over the past two decades, how to read kids. Achievement will follow, particularly for little

OMG SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE, 2023 WORLD QUALIFYING CLASS

OMG’s

Maeve and Rory hone their jumps with the beginning jig.

ones starting out, if they’re having fun. Games and contests are worked into classes to head off boredom or frustration. If concepts don’t come right away, other methods are employed until it clicks.

As they progress, challenges put out to students are met. “This is how success is built,” stated Coleen. So it goes, with one year leading on to the next. Often, beginners evolve into world champions.

The methods taught by OMG are traditional, with an eye toward beauty and aesthetics for the girls. The traditional male approach to Irish dance is one of strength. This is the presentation in the “lads only” classes, which teach beginning boys strong fundamentals apart from the girls. The tried-and-true learning techniques, along with the school’s integrity of practice, stand out in the world of Irish dance.

These qualities, coupled with the fondness Coleen and Eileen have for their students, prompted a group from the Twin Cities to recruit them a few years ago. The group had observed OMG’s teacher-student interactions at competitions over the years. They wanted to hire the sisters. Already juggling full schedules and children of

their own, they began trading off flying to Minneapolis on Wednesday mornings and returning late the same evening. The Minnesota branch of their school was born.

Just before the lockdown, they were noticed once again by another school that also liked their style. Brian Geraghty- the “G” in OMG- reached out and convinced them to merge with his enterprise in Dublin and Roscommon, thereby launching the Irish branch of the school.

And the “O” stands for “onórach,” the Gaelic word for “honorable.” It’s no misnomer.

Eileen and Coleen Mulhern are the youngest two of a family of seven siblings. For them, like many children of Irish immigrants, “the dance” has deep roots. Their first steps were taken at family events to keep up the old-world tradition. Having shown

fame. They remember him fondly as an amazing teacher, not only of dance but also of the fiddle and tin whistle. “Flatley built up so much confidence in his students,” Eileen recalled. “He really gave us the dream and the means to attain it, not only in dance but music as well.”

Under Flatley’s tutelage and alongside the world-renowned Liz Carroll, both sisters qualified for the World Irish Music Championships. They were able to make only one such journey in a year; however, their performances on the world stage were limited to dance.

promise at an early age, friends suggested to their parents that they enroll the girls at Dennehy School of Irish Dance, one of the few organizations training competitive dancers at the time.

“Our parents had never even heard of competitions for Irish dance,” Eileen laughed. “So, when my teacher suggested they take me to New York for Oireachtas (regional finals), our parents didn’t know what to say.” It was all downhill from there. Eileen won Oireachtas every year that she competed, with Coleen turning up similar results. Both hold medals from World Championships.

Along the line, they began to train with the legendary Michael Flatley, who later went on to Riverdance

Eileen and Coleen realize that every child who enters the studio will likely, at some point, finish Irish dance. But their joint hope is that it stays with their students, in some capacity, throughout their lives. “The life lessons of hard work, cooperation, and respect will do them well not just for dancing but for their education and, eventually, their professional lives,” said Coleen. “It’s unlikely they’ll be able to do every dance forever, but hopefully, they will always be able to identify and relate to it.”

Please visit OMG’s school website at  www.omgirishdance.com for more information.

IRISH DANCE SCHOOLS IN THE WESTERN SUBURBS:

Bentley Academy of Irish Dance

https://bentleyacademydance.com/

McNulty School of Irish Dance

http://www.mcnultyirishdancers.com/

Trinity Academy of Irish Dance

https://www.trinityirishdance.com/

“Every child needs a success story in life, a way to feel positive. We’re not just teaching kids to dance; we’re giving them a positive experience,”

– EILEEN MULHERN O’KANE, CO-OWNER OF OMG SCHOOL OF IRISH DANCE

OMG dancers always place well at Oireachtas (regional finals).

To live and dream. To play and rest. To connect and grow. To welcome bigger, better things.

HOUSE & HOME

Finding a house is a significant undertaking and a major milestone. As a long-term investment, house hunters are faced with a myriad of decisions to fulfill their dream home vision.

Luckily, the western suburbs offer a variety of neighborhoods to choose from that fit a range of lifestyles. Thankfully, it is also home to many local expert resources, including realtors who advise their clients

through the buying or selling process and interior designers who help create a harmonious and functional space. If looking to modify a current home, architects may map out a new layout and design, or professionals that remodel, renovate and restore are available to assist.

Hinsdale Magazine Group proudly features some of these noteworthy local industry leaders in this edition to help make your house your home.

GREG

CUTLER

Sterling Studio Kitchen & Bath

It’s been said that you can buy a home, but not a neighborhood. People often become vested in an area and don’t want to move. A current trend in the housing market that sees homeowners renovating their living space instead of putting the house up for sale, packing and moving, strongly supports this concept.

No one understands this better than Greg Cutler of Sterling Studio Kitchen & Bath. A lifelong Downers Grove resident, Cutler understands the remodeling needs of those who want to stay in their home but have changing needs. His team works to create a thorough, full-service, home renovation experience. Thousands of decisions make up a well-thoughtout design, followed by the selection of materials, to the eventual project installation. Careful planning,

paired with an easy-to-follow process, is paramount. “There are no shortcuts when it comes to executing an impressive design build project,” Cutler believes. These days, many people wish to ‘age in place’- remain in their existing home- rather than downsize or relocate. Often, however, the home needs to be replanned to suite the homeowner’s current lifestyle. Cutler and his team take pride in whole house re-designs, space by space, to meet clients’ needs.

Sterling also specializes in dream kitchens, lux bathrooms and whole house renovations. They also have experience with basement bars, open concept kitchens and first-floor remodels. Anything a client needs to make a home more comfortable at that moment in time, is possible.

From the demolition of the old space to the framing, and all the small details that accompany a project, Cutler loves when a plan comes together. “It’s really priceless, after working hand in hand with a customer through the whole process, to see their excitement at their newly re-imagined house,” he said.

After earning a marketing degree from the University of South Florida, Cutler worked in corporate sales before chasing his true passion in home building. “My favorite home is my own home because it’s where my wife and I are raising our family,” he said. “Home is where the heart is!” Cutler looks forward to continuing to build a successful business that prides itself on partnering with clients to create the perfect home for any stage of life. ■

PHOTO BY CAROLINA MENAPACE

expressed an interest in creative projects and home design since a young age. He graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Industrial Design. After spending years in the development of home décor products, he left the corporate world to venture into his own design business. Today, he has people throughout Chicagoland and also works with clients nationwide to design, decorate, and renovate their spaces.

His goal is to make spaces feel classic and curated. According to Chad, “I like to create spaces that are contemporary but also timeless. Your space should feel current but also stand the test of time. Nobody wants to redo a kitchen every five years.” Lately, Esslinger has incorporated the trend of warmer, richer colors and materials in his work, with sterile and pristine spaces taking a backseat. “The home means different things to different people these days and it needs to be productive and functional, but also a

CHAD ESSLINGER

sanctuary to escape. It must be a place to gather with family and friends but also might need to function as a workspace, some or all of the time,” he said.

To Chad Esslinger, the most rewarding part of his job as an interior designer is the partnership he formulates with people and families to make their house a home. “It is a special thing to be invited into a home and help a vision become a reality,” he said. From choosing

paint colors, furniture, and décorto designing layouts and specifying products and materials for home renovations and new constructions - his clients are his inspiration and the spaces he creates are extensions of their personalities and experiences.

A native of Illinois, Esslinger has

Esslinger is no stranger to personal projects, either. The design project nearest and dearest to his heart?

“My own home,” he said. “It was built in 1999 and when we moved to Downers Grove in 2014, it had all the original finishes and features. Over the years, we’ve updated just about everything with just a couple more rooms to renovate.” ■

Chad Esslinger Design

PHOTO BY LIFELENSANDLOVE PHOTOGRAPHY

STEVE

into a new industry, and I believe we successfully accomplished that,” he said.

The key to their success is predicated on three key principles. First, dedication to clients before, during, and after their build is paramount. “We don’t just walk out of our client’s lives when we hand over the keys,” he said. Oakley’s proven t rack record of new business stemming from client referrals is a testament to this commitment. Success also starts with accountability. The entire team at Oakley feels a deep responsibility to work hard to keep their clients’ best interests in mind. Finally, predictability and efficiency. “We pride ourselves on being on schedule or earlier. Our business is constantly evolving and we are always working to improve our processes to deliver on our promises to clients.”

SOBKOWIAK

Oakley Home Builders

While cruising through the streets of the Western Suburbs, there is a strong likelihood that you will pass a house designed by Oakley Home Builders. For the last 19 years, Steve Sobkowiak, co-owner, has worked with over 200 clients to make their vision a reality through the creativity that designing a custom home entails.

Sobkowiak grew up in Downers Grove and attended Montini Cath-

olic High School. A proud University of Iowa alum, he majored in marketing and human resources. A brief stint in the corporate world led him to his future business partner, Ryan Dunham, and the two started Oakley Home Builders in 2004. Their time on the corporate ladder allowed them to master project management, sales, and taught the importance of accountability. The result? “We were convinced that we could create a more efficient custom build process by transferring what we learned from the corporate world

Sobkowiak himself is a proud Oakley homeowner, but his favorite project to date is the Downers Grove home he built for his parents. With insider knowledge of how his parents and extended family would utilize the home, he was thrilled to be able to execute their vision. Today, he gets to experience their joy firsthand.

Now expanding into Naples, Florida, Oakley Home Builders has broadened its operations to the sunshine state to meet the needs of clients. “It’s a well-known vacation spot for area families and it just felt like a natural fit for us,” Sobkowiak said. ■

BY KRISTINA TAHERI

Wedding TRENDS T

here are ever-changing trends for a lifetime event that has remained fundamentally the same. A couple meets, love happens, and a proposal is forthcoming. Excitement ensues as dates are set for engagement soirees, showers, ceremonies, and receptions; all celebrating a new life together for the bride and groom-to-be. The wedding planning begins! But where to start?

Let’s look at some specific trends for 2023.

SIZE:

Micro weddings are not necessarily going away after trending due to the pandemic. These charming events are not always about saving money, but about the intimacy which can be created by a ceremony shared with those closest to you.

That being said, after the wedding boom year of 2022, we are now seeing a trend toward maximalism in décor, lighting, music, food, and guest count in response to the pent-up demand and shortage of options of the past three years. Let’s go bold is on the mind of many!

VENUES:

2023 is about reinventing the wedding rush of the recent past. There is now slightly more time to lock in a choice of venue and available dates. The more relaxed process of seeking a location and personalization should enhance the experience. For those desiring a destination wedding, the dollar is presently strong and travel restrictions are easing substan-

PHOTO BY KRISTIN LA VOIE

tially. A villa in Italy surrounded by vineyards, a historic Spanish Parador with mountain views, or a tropical beach in Costa Rica are all, more than ever, within reach. Scatter the event with local cultural touches, and your guests are sure to be delighted.

DATES:

Couples have recently had to realize that flexibility of dates, days of the week, and timeframes could be a plus in planning. More venue choices are available on a Friday or Sunday. Late morning or early afternoon ceremonies allow guests to rest up for a festive nighttime reception. A sophisticated champagne brunch in a chic setting with jazz playing or a rustic Ralph Lauren-inspired outdoor lunch with interactive entertainment can be memorable and

unexpected settings following the ceremony.

DÉCOR:

Mirrored or artistic dance floors with dramatic overhead ceiling décor are in vogue. Large ceiling fixtures in brass, crystal, or drum shades draw the eye up. Swaths of lush mixed florals hanging over the bridal table or other clustered areas define the spaces for added dimension. And while classic soft bridal pallets of white mixed with organic green foliage or textured neutral tone-on-tone decor are timeless, vivid colors are coming on strong for 2023. Flowers in sophisticated but seasonal shades of deep purple, hot pink, sunny gold, or vivid orange are adding excitement. And, if patterned linens, custom lounge seating, espresso martini bars, and rockstar bands sound like a night of disco;

that may well be the appeal for some party-on clients. Whimsical designs and esthetics are taking center stage as this year progresses.

And let’s not neglect the importance of many bridal couples’ thoughts toward more stainability. Eliminating items of single use, preferring large potted plants placed around the room for refreshing décor, and donating floral arrangements after the reception to note a few.

INVITATIONS:

No longer just a destination wedding concept, guests today may receive a suite of invitations. Formal requests to attend events such as themed icebreaker welcome parties, rehearsals, the main draw, or a day of golf or spa activities for those with spare time may be extended. Many recent invitations are showing high-touch personalities like custom water-color crests, witty wording, and vibrant hues for 2023, yet online response tracking is a-ok with our tech-savvy couples.

FASHION AND JEWELRY:

Brides are starting to go all out in whimsical gowns with an emphasis on their personalities. From classic Kate Middleton to chiffon ball gowns with full sleeves to flowing florals. Silk pastels are everywhere in flattering baby blue, pink, and ivory. Veils are going longer and edgy slits are showing up in full gathered skirts. The attire change to a chic white cocktail-length dress with feathers or the satin pantsuit adds unexpected sophistication. And brides may be curating their outfits in white to complement each special event ranging from the engagement party to the big day.

The wedding party is more frequently encouraged to show their own personality. Given general guidelines for individual selection of attire based on color, fabric, or pattern, bridal attendants’ own style can be more clearly appreciated. For men at the party, more velvet, dark blue, and even dark green is becoming more popular this year.

CATERING:

The oversized wedding cake is back

PHOTO BY OLIVIA LEIGH

PHOTO BY STUDIO THIS IS

and heavily decorated. Multiple tiers are showing up with texture, décor, sentimental toppers, and swirls of cascading flowers. Ethnic food trucks for snacks toward the tail end of an outdoor tented wedding are catching on and vegan and vegetarian dinner options at receptions are more popular than ever. Brown bars, carts of specialty drinks rolled between guests, and interactive food presentations will be big this year.

BEAUTY:

Brides are leaning toward a more natural look in skin, make-up, and hair. A more sophisticated version of their typical hairstyle is being buffed up for the day. The same is being done with makeup as it is being professionally applied. Makeup that is too unnatural or a heavily sprayed and pinned up hairstyle does not offer today’s brides the feeling of wanting to look like themselves…but just a little more glamorous!

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Many bridal couples now want to capture this magical time more naturally. They want fewer interruptions for posed groups and formal photos. The bride walking solo prior to joining her parents halfway down the aisle, friends bent over with laughter, the young ring bearer nearly dropping the rings, or an elegantly dressed guest looking suspiciously at her ten-year-old in his first suit as he sidles dangerously close to the wedding cake. Candid shots more realistically capture the day. And don’t forget the couple’s pet pooch which has become a big part of the festivities. In Blur Motion style or vivid realistic photos, time is lovingly preserved.

Kristina Taheri, of Kristina Taheri Special Events, is located in Hinsdale, Illinois. With over twenty years of planning and executing elevated wedding, social and business events, Kristina is equally comfortable working with clients hosting intimate gatherings or hundreds of guests in a luxury hotel or trendy setting. Educated at Cornell University in hospitality management and having lived and worked in France, New York, San Francisco, and now Chicago for a decade, Kristina incorporates sophisticated trends in her work and pairs with some of the hottest venues and talents in the area. Her personalized service takes each client’s unique inspiration into account to present flawless events.

GIFT REGISTRY:

Gifts of fine China, crystal, and candlesticks are taking somewhat of a backseat. Couples now seem to be opting for more casual household pottery and goods as well as items such as camping gear, funded experi-

ences, or donations to personally meaningful organizations.

In summary, we advise our couples to always consider fresh, current ideas but balance choices so that your wedding tips towards timeless vs. trendy. ■

EXPERTS' INPUT from local industry expert Magnificent Milestones

"It's fun to be fun! While I prefer traditional text for the main invitation, I enjoy weaving whimsical wording into the accompanying pieces such as reply cards and additional inserts. It provides an extra touch of personality from the couple to their special guests."

– Kara Gordon, Owner + Designer, Magnificent Milestones

www.magnificentmilestones.com

PHOTO BY OLIVIA LEIGH

(FORMERLY

ASHLEY’S CUSTOM STATIONERY)

VISIT IRELAND

Rugged coastlines, windswept landscapes and legendary hospitality

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

For a relatively small island, Ireland’s influence is far-reaching. Scores of immensely talented dancers, musicians, and artists either call this island-nation home, or have descended from it. The chill in the air is not for the faint of heart, but there’s plenty of wool for sale, and the world-renowned warmth of new friends understates it.

Read on for a few suggestions of places to visit in this land of celebrated poets, playwrights, storytellers, saints, and sinners. These are the people who discovered-or invented-humor, so relax and don’t plan to take much seriously- the Irish certainly don’t!

OUTDOOR SITES

The Burren, County Clare

You’ll come away with an understanding of why “burren” evolved from a Gaelic word meaning “rocky

place.” Walk on the giant limestone slabs, pick some of the wildflowers growing between them, and take photos of the giant dolmen (stone, megalith monuments) that dot this moon-like landscape. You’ll likely visit the Cliffs of Moher and The Burren is only 40 minutes inland.

Giant’s Causeway, Country Antrim Drive to the area, then get out and walk some of Europe’s most rugged coastline. This 33-mile stretch consists of thousands of tightly-packed hexag-

onal shaped columns that slope down into the sea. It feels like the edge of the earth. Walk 30 meters above the water across the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, that binds the mainland to a tiny island of the same name.

Rock of Cashel, County Tipperary

AKA “St Patrick’s Rock,” it’s among Ireland’s most significant historic sites. Here, St Patrick converted King Aengus to Christianity in the fifth century, although most of the remaining structure dates to the 1200s. Surprisingly, many of the walls are still intact and worth a wander. Sunset is a great time to explore the castle-like cathedral structure and ancient graveyard.

LIBATION TOURS

Guinness Brewery, Dublin

Start thinking of the toast you’ll offer as you raise a pint of the freshest Guinness on earth. By the end of the 250-year-old stout’s 7-story museum

PHOTO BY JASON-MURPHY

tour, you’ll understand why it’s the world’s highest-selling libation.

Old Bushmills Distillery, Country Antrim

The word “whiskey” evolved from a Scottish-Gaelic phrase meaning “water of life.” After 400 years, Bushmills takes triple-distilling whiskey as an art. Take in a tour of Northern Ireland’s scenic, jagged cliffs, then stop in to warm up with a glencairn of Northern Ireland’s smoothest whiskey.

Vintage Tea Trips, Dublin & Cork

Although tea is not a libation, it’s Ireland’s most available beverage. Therefore, it’s worthy of an entire afternoon. Sip your favorite kind as you tour either Dublin or Cork on a vintage, two-story bus. Sit back in time while you nibble local pastries and listen to jazz.

ISLANDS

Blasket Islands, Dingle Peninsula

The ideal place to escape the modern world, with plenty of unspoiled nature. Visit on a sunny day, via the ferry ride from Dunquin, West Kerry. It is a good place to bird watch and catch glimpses of dolphins and whales. Visit the abandoned stone houses.

Aran Islands, County Galway

The ancient forts on top of these islands’ cliffs are some of Ireland’s oldest archeological remains. The islands first became populated when Oliver Cromwell’s decrees made the mainland dangerous for the Irish people. Listen to hear traces of Ireland’s native tongue as you visit the 38 national monuments found here.

Skellig Michael, County Kerry

Home to the ancient St Fionan’s Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this archeological settlement is definitely worth the trek. Climb the 600-plus steep, uneven steps to the top to understand how this community of monks lived a cloistered- but likely fitexistence until their departure 800 years ago.

EXPERIENCES

The Quiet Man Cottage & Museum, County Mayo

It’s almost possible to hear the banter of John Wayne and Maureen O’Hara while visiting an exact replica of White O’Morn, The Duke’s cottage from this country’s most iconic film. Walk back into 1950s Ireland as you visit this “Graceland” of sorts. Hop on a walking tour of filming locations from here. Locals tell tales of how the whole town (and virtually all of Ireland!) was included- one way or another- in John Ford’s Hollywood masterpiece.

National Famine Memorial, County Mayo

On the banks of Clew Bay, pause for a moment at this somber, bronze memorial to the “coffin ships,”- vessels which earned their names from the number of people buried at sea while attempting to flee Ireland during the potato famine. Human skeletons depicted as the ship’s rigging are a stark reminder of food insecurity and those desperately seeking passage to

the United States.

Titanic Belfast Museum, Belfast

This museum showcases the world’s most recognizable ship from the exact spot from which it was designed, built and launched in the Belfast shipyards, now known as Maritime Mile.

MERRY-MAKING

Doolin, County Clare

Doolin is renowned as the unofficial capital of traditional Irish music and dance. Music sessions- informal, often unplanned meet-ups of random musicians- happen every evening in the area. Though they often look like groups of musicians huddled together, very informally, locals love when Americans show interest, so bring your fiddle, bodhrán (Irish drum), or tin whistle and join in.

Piper’s Corner Pub, Dublin

This place is the real deal, as Gaelic is actually spoken here. The pints and tunes are always flowing. Uillean pipers (Irish version of the bagpipes) use this as a home base. ■

KILEANY AND THE BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPE OF INIS MÓR ISLAND IRELAND

Infant Welfare Fashion Show Raises $175,000

Oak Brook Chapter Thanks Supporters For Success

BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE STAFF | PHOTOS BY MARCELLO RODARTE

Expectations were high for the Oak Brook Chapter’s 50th Anniversary Mistletoe Medley benefit, “Hearts of Gold” on November 29 at Drury Lane. The Chapter reported that it raised $175,000, enabling it to reach an astounding $5 million in donations to the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago in 50 years.

Chapter Co-Presidents Marge Tresley and Linda Layland thank members, guests, donors, sponsors, advertisers, exhibitors, raffle contributors, and friends for their support. Members are already hard at work on Mistletoe Medley 2023, scheduled for November 28.

Behind the scenes: just a few of many who made the Infant Welfare Fashion Show a success. Left to right, Cherie King, Tracey Tarantino DiBuono of ZZAZZ Productions, Candace Jordan, Jeanie Porter, Margo Mathews, Peach Carr and Mary Ann Sartor.

M. Sullivan and Brian D. Sullivan

HIGH EXPECTATIONS Le Meridien Hotel, Oak Brook

BY LARRY ATSEFF | PHOTOS BY VICTOR HILITSKI

Marriott is known worldwide for its quality of hotels and service, especially among seasoned corporate business travelers as well as leisure travelers. The 104 Le Meridien hotels within the Marriott portfolio are yet another step up.

As Dick Turner, Le Meridien’s Oak Brook General Manager likes to say, “For travelers looking for a better travel experience, we have the right hotel, the right people, and the right location.”

“We have the right hotel, the right people, and the right location.”

DICK TURNER, LE MERIDIEN OAK BROOK GENERAL MANAGER

Mural by Chicago artist Justus Roe greets guests as they enter the main lobby.

Easy access to airports, the Chicago area itself, a location right next to Oakbrook Center, over 170 luxury rooms and suites, a knowledgeable staff, two restaurants with fine food and hand-crafted beverages, a spa studio for massage, and an upscale workout room, all combine to make heavy travel schedules much more bearable.

When you enter the lobby, you immediately notice differences. A large mural by Chicago artist Justus Roe catches your eye depicting the metropolitan feel of Chicago. On purpose, furnishings recall the bygone era of international luxury travel when Air France founded the hotel chain in 1972 in Paris. El Tapeo, on the top floor, specializes in Spanish cuisine. When you work out, it is on a Peloton bike. If you wish, you can make an appointment with a professional massage therapist. Each hotel has a restaurant that is named for the exact longitude of the hotel’s location, recalling the origins of the chain. In Oak Brook, it is Longitude 87.

The photographs tell the story.

Aside from taking care of business and leisure travelers coming to the Chicago area, Le Meridien is also gaining popularity among local residents. “More and more locals come to our hotel for a weekend, our cuisine, and for our spa massage experience,” said Turner. “We have regulars stopping by on a monthly basis.”

Turner said his hotel gives special attention to wedding celebrations with his experienced staff. “We book weddings of up to 150 guests, and only one at a time for the ultimate in a memorable occasion.”

He is proud of his entire staff. Of the 23 Le Meridien hotels in North America, the guest satisfaction experience of the Oak Brook location continually ranks in the top 5. Turner personally replies to comments on guest satisfaction forms from travelers. He smiles when he says, “Guests are a little surprised when they get a response from me. It is one of many

ways we say to our guests that you are important to us.”

For more information, please call 630-368-9900. The website address is www.lemeridien.com/oakbrook

The restaurant website is  www.eltapeooakbrook.com ■

Executive Chef Billy Bothwell specializes in Spanish cuisine.

Paella de Mariscos: mussels, clams, shrimp, and vegetables, accompanied by a Mallorca Melon Sangria.

Ensalada de Pera: poached pear, cranberry cheese, candied walnuts, dried cherries, accompanied by a Honey Nut Old Fashioned.

Mardi Gras Ball

Notre Dame Catholic School hosts second annual ball

PHOTOS BY 726 VISUALS

Notre Dame Catholic School hosted its Mardi Gras Ball February 11. This ‘feast before the fast’ invited all parish, school, and community members for an evening of dinner and dancing at Ruth Lake Country Club in Hinsdale.

As it’s largest annual fundraiser the ball featured a cash raffle and live auction paddle raise, with all proceeds benefiting the parish school. Notre Dame has provided a faith-based education to families of Clarendon Hills from preschool through eighth grade for over 60 years. It was a night to remember for all. ■

Above: Chris Domke & John Cashman

Left: Kelly Yates, Brittany Carl, Kirstin Johnston, Quillen Rahal, Charlene Ecker

Amanda Paul, Brittany Carl, Fr. Mark Bernhard, Charlene Ecker

Emily Kelly, Deacon Frank Pusateri Keith & Julie Shannon

Amanda Paul

Heartfest 2023

The Mend a Heart Foundation celebrates its Sweet 16

The Mend a Heart Foundation held its 16th annual Heartfest fundraiser on the first weekend of February at The Hyatt Lodge in Oak Brook. More than 280 guests attended including cardiologists, surgeons, pediatric nurses, heart families, and long-time family and friends. The event raised more than $180,000 to support congenital heart defect research, local area high school cardiac screenings, and Camp Odayin, a medically-supervised camp for heart kids. The Mend a Heart Junior Board, comprised of 40+ high school students from six different high schools, managed event check-in and check-out, raffle ticket sales, a wine pull game and more. The Mend a Heart Foundation’s mission is to extend and enrich the lives of children born with congenital heart disease. The organization has raised more than $1.5 million to date and is run by a dedicated team of volunteers. Learn more at mendaheart.org. ■

Mend a Heart Junior Board members Amelia McGaughlin and Carter Knotts checking in attendees.

Liz Henning, Lois Henning, Caitlin Wizniewski, Mia Burk, Jon Burk, Veronica Burk, Cillian Henning, Madisyn Burk and Dylan Jones

Amy Waldron and Kyla Pedergnana participated in the wine pull game.

Left to right: Meghan Miller, Bridget O’Meara, Stacy Wyent, Candyce McLaughlin

Elizabeth Beargie and Tiffany Knaul

Jan Morel of @properties sponsored the “16 Things” raffle pictured with Scott Marshall who emceed the evening and his wife Jennifer.

Front row: Kathy Thompson, Janie Vulich, Joe Vulich, Gayle Vasil, Colleen Fritzsche, Bill Asleson, Diane Asleson, Back row: Kevin Grogan, Mark Thompson, Bernie VanEtten, Ray Vasil, Bob Fritzsche.

ALL THAT JAZZ

Hinsdale students perform winter concert

On February 16th, the Hinsdale Central High School jazz bands rocked their annual winter concert. With directors Grace Adduci and Matt Kurinsky, all seven bands pulled off an amazing night. Hinsdale Central offers four teacher-directed jazz groups of varying experience levels:

Jazz Lab, Jazz Band, Jazz Ensemble, and D Major & the Minors. In addition, there are three student-led combos that meet after school. In total, over 50 students participate in the Hinsdale Central jazz program. Occasionally, professional jazz musicians, Todd Howel and Nate Lepine, drop in to share tips on technique, improvisation, different forms of jazz, and improving lyrical expression. Visit hcmusic.org to hear a recording of the concert and to find information regarding upcoming performances. ■

WORDS AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY ATTICUS FAIR

TRINITY’S MISSION STATEMENT

Trinity High School, in the Sinsinawa Dominican tradition, challenges young women to seek faith, knowledge and truth.

The school community guides young women in developing skills for lifelong learning, an ethic of care and the desire for excellence.

Each student is recognized as unique. In a nurturing, Catholic, college preparatory environment, she is encouraged to become self-directed toward responsible participation in the global community in order to impact society, Church and family in the twenty-first century.

Whether you are an old friend, or visiting our website for the very first time, I know you will find many things on these pages that will help you get to know Trinity High School better.

When I began the process of interviewing for the position of President, one of the things the board of directors asked of me was to look at the mission statement, then tell them what it meant to me.

Trinity High School, in the Sinsinawa Dominican tradition, challenges young women to seek faith, knowledge and truth.

The school community guides young women in developing skills for lifelong learning, an ethic of care and a desire for excellence.

Each student is recognized as unique. In a nurturing, Catholic, college preparatory environment, she is encouraged to become self-directed toward responsible participation in the global community in order to impact society, Church and family in the twenty-first century.

Having been in and around Catholic Schools for more than a decade, not counting the 12 years I was a student in Catholic Schools, I have seen a few mission statements. Lifelong learning, global community and impacting society are things that many other schools will also say in their mission statement. But to see what makes Trinity special is what you see when you strip away the phrases and clauses, revealing the very basic tenets of what it means to be educated at Trinity.

HINSDALE HUMANE SOCIETY TURNS 70

BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE STAFF

Hinsdale Humane Society (HHS) is proud to announce that after a challenging fourth quarter and an S.O.S. (Save Our Shelter) call for help, the organization is on more solid footing thanks to our supporter’s generosity. We are poised to celebrate the 70th anniversary with a series of events, culminating in a gala on September 22 at The Community House.

“While we are by no means out of the woods financially yet,” said Jacki Rossi, Executive Director, HHS, “thanks to the support of so many wonderful adopters, donors and businesses, we are in a position to start building a bridge to the future. Our goal is to be here for the next 70 years and beyond.”

Kathy Hanley, Development Director, HHS said “We’re planning a Pet Parade event, a golf outing and our big September gala. Plus we’ll have special naming opportunities to commemorate our milestone and much more!”

national fame as the spokescat for 9Lives.

In 1982, HHS expanded to help people through a new program: Pet Therapy. The Therapaws Pet Therapy program continues today helping children with reading, students with anxiety, patients, healthcare providers and the elderly.

The move to a larger facility allowed for the adoption of more than 1900 pets annually, which is well over double the number in the original, smaller shelter. Additionally, HHS supports other rescue organizations throughout Chicagoland, as well as pet families in surrounding communities with programs, services and resources like medical care and pet food.

hinsdalehumanesociety.org

In September 1959, a new shelter was built for $25K and became the first Humane Society in DuPage County. Morris the Cat, previously named Lucky, was adopted from that facility in 1968 and went on to

“With an exciting year of celebrations ahead to honor our 70-year milestone, we are thrilled to be able to reconnect in person with everyone who has helped us get here, as we usher in a new decade of hope, healing and love,” said Rossi. “But, we can’t do what we do without the financial support of our communities. We are an independent non-profit and rely on donations, so fundraising will be forefront in the year ahead as we shore up our foundation for the decades to come.” ■

“If you don’t help them, they can’t help us. If you have given, Thanks.”

The Hinsdale Humane Society seeks support from local communities. Photo courtesy of the Hinsdale Humane Society.

Friday, April 14th - Sunday, April 16th

CHICAGOLAND’S MOST ANTICIPATED BRIDAL JEWELRY EVENT

S hop the area’s largest collection of women’s and men’s wedding bands from the bridal industry’s top designers.

Appointments encouraged.

Visit razny.com for more details.