Celebrating 12 Years

This month’s cover story tells how Hinsdalean Diane Heffernan combines her longtime passion for philanthropy and running by helping blind runner David Kuhn realize his dream of running in marathons. David now even competes in Ironman contests.

“New Beginnings” are the personal stories of four local families as they adopted and welcomed children, resulting in new and rewarding experiences for all. We report on the success of the Oak Brook Chapter of the Auxiliary of the Infant Welfare Society of Chicago, as they mark 50 years with their acclaimed fashion show/luncheon fundraiser. This year’s Mistletoe Medley event, complete with shopping boutiques, was entitled “Hearts of Gold”. Allison Rosati, noted Channel 5 TV newscaster, has hosted the spectacular for over 10 years and explains why it is so special.

Speaking of anniversaries, we tell how the village of Hinsdale started 150 years ago. It is an amazing story of opportunity meeting preparation that turned Hinsdale into one of the most desirable suburban towns in the greater Chicago area. All year long, we will bring you more information on the history of this town, with special thanks to the Hinsdale Historical Society. We also acknowledge how a group of Platform Tennis players again will raise substantial funds for Misericordia.

Now that winter is here, it’s time to embrace all the area has to offer outside…as well as inside. Be sure to read our “TO-DOS” and all the contacts and dates you need to know. Briefly, you can go to Downers Grove and get outside for some sledding at any of their three parks. Or just walk downtown Downers Grove and take in Ice Fest and all the ice sculptures on display. You can even see how they do it. Go to Burns Field in Hinsdale for some ice skating. On weekends, the Warming House is open. Of course, you can enjoy the Morton Arboretum all lit up. By the way, the Oak Brook Park District and the Brookfield Zoo also offer outdoor lighting displays.

Indoors, there is a lot to do as well. The opera “Hansel & Gretel” is playing at the Lyric Opera House in downtown Chicago, just steps from Union Station. If you are into model trains, head out to the DuPage County Event Center & Fairgrounds. for the Great Midwest Train Show. There will be hundreds on display and running. For craft beer enthusiasts, Ty Warner Park in Westmont offers its Winter Beer Festival.

And if you want to really get into shape at the start of the new year, the Oak Brook Park District offers the “TRI”. It is an indoor triathalon that includes rowing for 2000 meters, cycling on stationary bikes for 2.5 miles and a run/walk of 1.25 miles.

Looking Back At The Last 12 Years

To complete this issue, we bring you some of the favorite stories our readers have enjoyed over the years. Inside, you will find covers of a dozen past stories that you will be able to access online by scanning the QR code at the bottom of the page. Please note while we started publishing in the summer of 2011, the digital platform was not available until August 2013. In the meantime, enjoy this first issue of 2023 and visit online at www.hinsdalemag.com

Scott Jonlich Founder & Publisher sjonlich@HinsdaleMag.com