MAY/JUNE 2025

Field of Dreams
Cooperstown marks milestone moments for youth baseball players Nicknamed “America’s Hometown,” Cooperstown is more than just a small village in Central New York: It’s a rite of passage for young baseball players across the country. Home to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and one of the most prestigious youth tournaments in the sport, Cooperstown…

To-Dos
By Anna Hughes With summer break fast approaching, we’ve curated a list of local activities for the entire family to enjoy. Whether you’re looking for memorable musical performances or fun in the sun, we’ve got all that and more on this season’s selection of the best in the western suburbs. Cats Paramount Theatre Aurora April…

Elmhurst University Community Breakfast
PHOTOS BY VICTOR HILITSKI The 55th Annual Elmhurst University President’s Community Breakfast took place on March 8. Featuring keynote speaker Dr. Troy VanAken, Elmhurst University President, the President’s Community Breakfast is a yearly celebration of the partnership between Elmhurst College and the larger community. Also in attendance was Mayor Scott Levin, who shared opening remarks…

Remembering Doug Peterson
Honoring his legacy and contributions to the community BY ANNA HUGHES The Elmhurst community is mourning the loss of local legend Doug Peterson, who was known as a dedicated community member and avid supporter of the arts. Most importantly, though, he is remembered by family and friends as a kind, genuine, selfless man, as well…

MAKING A BIG SPLASH
York swimmers and divers win first sectional in program history BY JEFF VORVA Elmhurst’s boys swimming and diving team could be on the cusp of something big. For the first time in program history, the Dukes won a sectional title on February 22 as they captured the Downers Grove North Sectional. By the slimmest of…

Founded in Faith
Immaculate Conception Grade School celebrates 125 years BY ANNA HUGHES | PHOTOS COURTESY OF ICGS The year was 1900. William McKinley was serving as the 25th president. The Great War was still 14 years away. Automobiles were an exciting new invention. That same year, a small one-room schoolhouse—heated entirely by coal—opened on York Street. It…

Curating Curiosity
Meet Elmhurst History Museum’s new leader of learning By Elmhurst Magazine Staff Since its founding in 1957, the Elmhurst History Museum has been focused on sharing the vibrant backstories of the city through thoughtful collection, enlightening exhibits, and diverse educational experiences. The Museum plays a vital role in the community by showcasing the richness of…

The Way the Cookie Crumbles
Elmhurst resident Lisa Garber bakes love into Belden Avenue Bakery BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN “I’m Italian. My love for others comes through food.” A truer statement was never spoken by Lisa Garber, Elmhurst resident and owner of custom decorated cookie company Belden Avenue Bakery. Garber comes from a family who understands the importance of good cooking.…

Citizen’s Police Academy
The Elmhurst Police Department provides residents a behind-the-scenes look at local law enforcement BY VALERIE HARDY | PHOTOS BY MADELINE CRAIG This spring in Elmhurst, CPA has had a meaning completely unrelated to Tax Day. It stands for the Citizen’s Police Academy, which is a 12-week program offered twice annually to “pull back the curtain”…

Springtime Selling in Chicagoland
BY CONTRIBUTING PARTNER MAINSTREET REALTORS As the ground thaws and Chicagoland’s yards begin to awaken, homeowners have a golden opportunity to transform their properties and capture the attention of potential buyers. Curb appeal isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a critical factor that can significantly impact your home’s marketability and final sale price, especially during the busy…

Modern Medicine
From data to diagnosis, AI is augmenting medical professionals’ training and practice by VALERIE HARDY Medical training programs and practices in Illinois are on the cutting edge when it comes to considering how artificial intelligence (AI) can enhance patient care and physician functionality. For example, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign’s Department of Bioengineering was…

From Caddying to College
Local students are awarded the prestigious Evans Scholarship By Valerie Hardy Three local high school seniors shot for the green and made it. In this case, “the green” is not on the golf course but rather refers to money, which Downers Grove’s Colin Finn and Elmhurst’s Chloe Cummins and Matthew Hamblin have much more of…

An Icy Miracle
45 years later, Jack O’Callahan remembers Team USA’s Olympic victory and one of sports’ biggest upsets By Maureen Callahan “Do you believe in miracles?!!” Anyone who watched Team USA beat Team USSR – the world’s best hockey team at the time- remembers Olympic commentator Al Michaels deliriously shouting this question to viewers from their tube…

Path to Healing
How live performances can help mental health By Laura Michaud & Melissa G. Wilson According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 1 in 5 adults live with a mental illness each year. The most common mental health conditions include anxiety disorders (31.6%), major depression (15.3%), substance use disorders (18.1%), and bipolar disorder…

A Night to Remember
A Sneak Peek at the Taste of Oak Brook 2025 By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff Oak Brook will come alive this summer with one of Chicagoland’s most anticipated events—the Taste of Oak Brook. On Thursday, July 3rd, 2025, thousands of people will gather to enjoy an unforgettable evening of food, music, and entertainment. With gates…

The 250th Anniversary of the United States Army
Over hill, over dale, as we hit the dusty trail, and those Caissons go rolling along… The United States Army, America’s oldest and largest branch of armed forces, will celebrate its 250th birthday this summer. On June 14, 1775, more than a year before the Declaration of Independence was signed, the Second Continental Congress approved…

Argonne X-rays Advance Disease Monitoring
Using the Advanced Photon Source, researchers are creating smart proteins to better monitor diseases like cancer and thyroid disorders. By Contributing Partner Argonne National Laboratory A team led by Nobel Prize winner David Baker used artificial intelligence and the Advanced Photon Source to design proteins that sense key molecules in the body. This work could…