Oak Brook Issue 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…
Read MoreTo-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…
Read MoreSpringtime 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…
Read MoreFight for Air Climb
PHOTOS COURTESY OF AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION On March 9, 2025, hundreds participated in the 32nd Fight for Air Climb at Oakbrook Terrace Tower, Illinois’ tallest building outside Chicago. Climbers ascended 30 floors and 660 steps, supporting the American Lung Association’s mission for clean air and healthy lungs. The Oak Brook Fire Department participated in the…
Read MoreModern 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…
Read MoreTaste of Oak Brook
A celebration of food, community, and entertainment Every July 3rd, up to 40,000 individuals go to the Oak Brook Sports Core to enjoy Chicagoland’s best food, fun and fireworks at the annual Taste of Oak Brook. This spirited celebration of food, community and entertainment brings together local restaurants, food vendors and live music for an…
Read MoreRehabbing the Industry
How Athletico founder Mark Kaufman reshaped the physical therapy field by Anna Hughes Growing up in Olds, Iowa—a rural community with a population of only 200 people—Mark Kaufman never imagined he would reinvent what physical therapy care means to millions of patients. But in August 1991, the physical therapist and athletic trainer recognized a gap…
Read MoreRemembering Oakbrook Center Early Years
The mall is as much of a community builder as a place to shop by Maureen Callahan When Oakbrook Center opened in 1962, it had been specifically designed to give shoppers a park-like setting in the middle of upscale stores. Plots of beautifully manicured lawns surrounded a poured brown stone path. Classic wooden-slat benches offered…
Read MoreA NEW PLAYGROUND FOR ALL
Community support helps Brook Forest Elementary School reach fundraising goals BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN People love it when a plan comes together. It’s even better when it benefits the whole community. Just ask the families of Brook Forest Elementary School who undertook one of the biggest fundraising efforts in the school’s history. The objective – to…
Read More‘We were flying’
Hinsdale Central breaks national record at the state meet BY JEFF VORVA/PHOTOS BY JEFF VORVA Henry Guo had his doubts. The Hinsdale Central senior swimmer and his pals were discussing the possibility of breaking a national record in the 200-yard medley relay event at the Illinois High School Association state meet. Carmel High School in…
Read More