Building Community, One Home at a Time

House Walk success fuels record giving across Downers Grove Photos by Thomas Clark Productions If you were anywhere near Downers Grove this spring, you could feel the excitement surrounding one of the village’s newest traditions: the Downers Grove House Walk. Hosted by the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC), the annual event transformed the community’s…

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From Downers Grove North to March Madness

Four former Trojans reunited on college basketball’s biggest stage By Bill Esbrook Call it serendipity, good fortune, or a happy twist of fate. More likely, it’s a combination of talent, ambition, and a strong work ethic. Ryann Wendt, Maggie Fleming, Kate Gross and Violet Mitchell were friends and teammates on the Downers Grove North varsity…

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A Tribute to Busy Bee Bakery

The sweetheart of Downers Grove By Gary King In the heart of Downers Grove, just steps from the town’s bustling Main Street, there once stood a little bakery that was bigger than its ovens.  Busy Bee Bakery wasn’t simply a place to buy bread and pastries; it was a ritual, comfort, a daily joy, and…

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Forty & Flourishing

Community Adult Day Center celebrates four decades of compassionate care and connection for local seniors By Valerie Hardy One-third of older adults have Alzheimer’s Disease or another type of dementia by the end of their lives. Living with dementia is often challenging for individuals and their families. Thankfully, local compassionate care options are available, including…

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Artistic Accolades

District 99 students achieve top honors in the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards By Valerie Hardy Most teenagers take a fine arts class only because it’s a high school graduation requirement. Likewise, most teens only write when assigned, with their primary goal being to earn a particular grade. However, Aili Flannery and Ananya Kharat…

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6 Chicago Restaurants Worth Experiencing

These Chicagoland destinations transform dinner into something memorable By Sophia Schiappa 2d Restaurant – House of Teriyaki 3155 North Halsted Street in Chicago The first surprise at 2D – House of Teriyaki isn’t the food – it’s the feeling that you’ve walked straight into a comic book. Located in Lakeview, this restaurant is one of…

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Joining Forces

Local agencies work together in a unique task force to tackle crime BY ANNA HUGHES DuPage County is home to a one-of-a-kind, crime-fighting task force. Founded in 2019, the Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigative Team (MERIT) enlists highly skilled law enforcement personnel from 37 agencies across the county. Together, these officers collaborate efficiently and effectively…

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Oak Brook’s Healing Field

Memorial flags will return to Oak Brook to commemorate the event that changed the country forever By Sophia Schiappa | Photo courtesy of the Village of Oak Brook Thousands of American flags will cover the grounds of Oak Brook once again this summer to honor military personnel, first responders, and victims of 9/11. Arranged in…

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FINS UP!

The Chicago Parrot Head Club channels the fun and philanthropic spirit of late music legend Jimmy Buffett BY VALERIE HARDY It’s always island time for the Chicago Parrot Head Club. Instead of simply wasting away in Margaritaville, though, this group of local Jimmy Buffett superfans operates under the motto, “Party with a purpose.” They always…

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Better Together

Inside the Chicago Area Tandem Society BY JULIA MAZUREK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO AREA TANDEM SOCIETY Two seats, two sets of pedals, perfectly synchronized: a moving display of teamwork and trust. Tandem cycling demands coordination, communication, and a shared rhythm. Every pedal stroke is a partnership. Riders quickly learn that the success of…

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