COVER STORY
MARCH/APRIL 2025
TASTE OF TRIUMPH: Sophia Karbowski, Co-Founder of realsy
By Maureen Callahan CEO and Co-Founder of realsy, Sophia Karbowski, got tired of searching for a nutritious grab-n-go snack. “My business partner, Austin Patry, and I often walked up and down grocery store aisles as we searched for something healthy. We always ended up in the produce section trying to piece together a snack,” Karbowski…
The Last Frontier: An unforgettable summer adventure awaits
By Katie Bolinger Alaska’s immense size is matched only by its natural beauty. With space to fit 19 states, it’s a land of icy fjords, towering mountains, and lush forests. Despite its vastness, its population is sparse; DuPage County, Illinois, has 200,000 more residents than the entire state. It’s the perfect destination for solitude, cool…
Vincas Buzelis is serious on the court and serious about joining his brother in the NBA
By Jeff Vorva Vincas Buzelis is asked quite a bit about his brother. And he doesn’t mind it. Vincas is two years younger than his brother, Matas, who is a rookie with the Chicago Bulls. “I’m always proud of him,” he said. “Anything he does, I’m proud of. Before my season, I was able to…
Once-worn formalwear gets a second chance through a nonprofit prom boutique run by Hinsdale’s Jen Chillo
By Valerie Hardy “Never in a million years” did Jen Chillo, a 16-year resident of Hinsdale, think she would end up teaching at the high school she attended. However, she considered it “serendipitous” when she was offered a position at her alma mater, Morton West High School, the week of her 20-year high school reunion.…
Students give back through local nonprofit’s high school program
By Anna Hughes It’s no secret that Gen Z wants to change the world. They’re passionate, informed, and active in their communities, with hopes of building better lives for themselves and their neighbors. This mindset inspired leaders of the Community Memorial Foundation to create a program focused on just that: giving young people in the…
Harp-Struck: D181’s Harp Program flourishes at local schools
By Anna Hughes Nicole DaSilva and her daughter Isabella have a special thing in common: they both play the harp. DaSilva started playing the harp at 12 years old after being mesmerized by it at a symphony performance. She studied music in college and played professionally for a bit, later working at a harp-making company.…
Skokna waits his turn to help lead North Central College to national football title
By Jeff Vorva Let’s try to keep this all straight.Hinsdale’s Thomas Skokna is one of 10 children in his family. There are seven boys – all named after the Apostles. There is Matt, John, Luke, Mark, Thomas, Peter and James. There are three girls – Theresa, Joan, and Gabby. All went to, or are going…
Hinsdale Auxiliary’s 70th annual Derby Day fundraiser supports Brightpoint
By Anna Hughes More than 1.4 million people across Illinois live in poverty. Over 424,000 are children (Illinois Department of Human Services). These families face housing and food insecurity, economic instability, and unreliable child care; many are exposed to the harrowing realities of addiction, abuse, and unrelenting trauma. Children in these conditions are more frequently…
New Tax Incentive to Support Your Local Community Forever
Illinois donors now have a compelling reason to con-tribute to local community foundation endowments. The Illinois Gives Tax Credit (www.tax.illinois.gov/programs/illinoisgives) launched on January 1, offering significant state tax relief for contributions to permanently en- dowed funds at qualified Illinois community foundations. This new program provides a tax credit of up to $100,000 per taxpayer in…
More than a century later, Sears homes are still hiding in plain sight
By Maureen Callahan If you live in the western suburbs, chances are that you’ve seen a Sears house. They’re in many Midwestern communities. Often, we drive right by these historical gems without ever seeing them. They blend right in on any suburban block until you know what they look like. Sears houses are unique. They…
Celebrate warmer weather with family fun events in the western suburbs.
We’ve gathered a list of happenings that you won’t want to miss. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee March 12 – April 27 Copley Theatre ParamountAurora.com Six quirky contestants vie for the spelling bee championship of a lifetime in this hilarious fan-favorite musical. With coming-of-age themes that all current or once-upon-a-time adolescents can relate…
DuPage County nonprofit celebrates 35 years of local and global service
By Valerie Hardy Kay McKeen of Wheaton has been proudly “talking trash” for over three decades. Founder and executive director of SCARCE – a nonprofit organization committed to environmental education, conservation, and literacy – McKeen’s mission is to “turn trash into treasures,” keeping as much waste as possible out of landfills while getting as many…
Navigating Seasonal Allergies: When to treat at home and when to call a doctor
By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff As the flowers bloom and trees bud, the annual struggle with seasonal allergies begins. Pollen fills the air, triggering sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and runny noses for millions. While over-the-counter medications provide relief for most, some cases require professional medical attention. Knowing when to visit the drugstore and when to…
DuPage County Historical Architecture A few local architectural gems
A few local architectural gems By Maureen Callahan Old DuPage County Courthouse, Wheaton This building, opened in 1896, replaced the original structure from 1868. It was built on land purchased from Warren L. Wheaton and is one of the rare Richardsonian Romanesque styles in northern Illinois. The duration of this design was short-lived as buildings…
The Power of Unity: How suburban theaters are rewriting the script on collaboration
By Laura Michaud & Melissa G. Wilson Chicago’s western suburbs have long embraced collaboration within individual communities, with local chambers and cities integrating performing arts into events. However, a larger opportunity lies in building a network of cross-community artistic partnerships, potentially transforming the region’s cultural landscape. For example, the Salt Creek Ballet of Westmont performed…
