JULY/AUGUST 2025

A Taste of Home
Hinsdale resident gives more than just the gift of good food By Anna Hughes Fresh, natural food: That’s what Andy Koziarski noticed was missing from American grocery shelves. When he first immigrated to the United States from Poland in 1994, the Hinsdale resident was surprised to see that the ingredient lists on packaged foods were…

Hinsdale’s Healing Home
Wellness House has supported cancer wellness and holistic healing for 35 years By Anna Hughes For the last 15 years, Elaine Adams has been volunteering at Wellness House in Hinsdale. On Wednesdays, she works the front desk. On Mondays and Thursdays, she helps women experiencing hair loss from cancer treatment find the right wig. Each…

The Hart of Hinsdale
Get to know the new village president By Anna Hughes For the first time in 16 years, there’s a new leader at the helm of Hinsdale. At just 37 years old, Greg Hart is the youngest president in village history. His millennial mindset provides a fresh perspective to local government, and he’s honored to represent…

Staging a Dream
BAMtheatre grew from backyard players to the western suburbs’ premier youth theater By Maureen Callahan It’s not often a childhood dream becomes a reality, or a hobby becomes a career. But it is possible. Just ask Melanie Lamoureux, founder and Artistic Director of BAMtheatre, the western suburbs’ award-winning and nationally recognized educational theater program. It…

For the time of your life, get to Greece!
By Maureen Callahan The influence of this nation has reached every corner of the earth. Greece is one of humankind’s oldest and most powerful ancient empires. Its mark on the world is indelible. This is the birthplace of some of the world’s greatest philosophers who shaped the republic. Few other places can claim the contributions…

Q&A with State’s Attorney Bob Berlin
Justice in Focus Hinsdale Magazine Group last caught up with DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin in January 2022. In this issue, we revisit Berlin in a wide-ranging discussion on how his office works daily to protect local residents. Hinsdale Magazine Group (HMG): What are the most pressing school safety concerns facing DuPage County today,…

Decades of Dining
Historical restaurants and eateries in Chicago By Anna Hughes With dozens of new restaurants popping up across the city and beyond, consider returning to the basics and visiting some of Chicago’s oldest restaurants, eateries, and bakeries. These Windy City staples have been serving generations of Chicagoans, providing top-notch food, quality service, and a classic Chi-town…

Dwell at Home with Iconic City Foods
DwellSocial makes all your favorite city cuisine possible again, without the hassle. By Maureen Callahan Our favorite foods can transform any day into a celebration. Or just make dinner easier. If you have ever lived in the city, you know how easy it is to order from your favorite places. Many restaurants deliver, but if…

A Man with Great Taste
Going back to the table with former Chicago Tribune restaurant critic Phil Vettel By Valerie Hardy Photography by Victor Hilitski For over three decades, Phil Vettel shaped Chicagoland’s dining scene. An acclaimed restaurant critic for the Chicago Tribune, Vettel – also a longtime Downers Grove resident – is now “mostly retired,” but he still enjoys…

From Oak Brook to Africa
The Drake Luxury Brands bold global leap By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff The Drake Oak Brook has been a symbol of elegance in the western suburbs, known for its rich history, classic architecture, and timeless charm. Under the ownership of Jim Nagle, a former Chicago attorney and third-generation lawyer, the iconic hotel has undergone a…

A Global Company with a Local Flavor
The Western Suburb’s FlavorChem is a family business in a worldwide market By Maureen Callahan “We make flavors from A-Z,” said Eric Larson, Production Manager at FlavorChem. “We don’t actively sell a zucchini flavor yet, but we do sell a Greek Yogurt flavor, so technically, I guess we’re A-Y,” he jokes. FlavorChem is an international…

Oak Elementary School Spring Fling
The Oak Elementary School PTO held their Spring Fling Fundraiser on May 16. Led by Kacy Baker and Heather Beck, the successful event drew 160 attendees to the Chicago Highlands Club, including Oak parents, staff, and several D181 Board of Education members. The event raised approximately $70,000, which will be used for the construction of…

Memorial Day in Hinsdale
Photos by Atticus Fair Hinsdale commemorated Memorial Day on Monday, May 26, beginning with a 7 a.m. service at Bronswood Cemetery. A 10 a.m. procession stepped off at Third and Garfield, ending at the Memorial Building, where a ceremony followed. Highlights included a reading of “Flanders Fields,” performances by the Hinsdale Chorale and marching band,…