The Drake Legacy: From Chicago to Ethiopia

By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff Twelve years ago, a young man from a small village in Ethiopia walked through the doors of the Drake Hotel in Oak Brook, Illinois. He didn’t wear a suit. He didn’t know who owned the building. He only knew one thing: he wanted to be part of something great. That…

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Next Chapter, New Home

Should you upsize or downsize after the kids move out? By Amy Robey, Vice President, Marketing & Communications at Mainstreet REALTORS® Considering moving once your kids are officially out of the house? You aren’t alone. After owning their homes for a decade or more, and often raising a family there, buyers are dipping their toes…

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The Real-Life Overlook Hotels Shine On

No evidence of Red Rum at the Stanley Hotel or Timberline Lodge By Maureen Callahan | Photos courtesy of the Stanley Hotel and Timberline Lodge “…..we all shine on, like the moon and the stars and the sun….” It’s likely John Lennon had no idea his song, “Instant Karma,” would inspire the title of one…

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Head West for Fall Fun

West on I-90 to Route 20 for a great fall getaway By Maureen Callahan Thinking of heading out for a weekend this fall? Most Chicagoans leaf-peep in Michigan or Wisconsin. This year, take I-90 west to Route 20 west for some fun fall destinations. Rockford Originally named Midway, due to its situation halfway between Chicago…

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Menus with a Mission

At one of Dave Sloan’s restaurants, every meal means more By Anna Hughes Every morning, Elmhurst native Dave Sloan wakes up with the same goal: to make other people happy. To him, that’s the essence of the restaurant industry—where he’s spent the past 15 years building a name and a mission. “I found my passion…

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13 Going on 30

In its rookie year, Butler Business Professionals Club earns national title By Anna Hughes At the start of the 2024-25 school year, math teacher Ken Shum introduced Business Professionals of America (BPA) to Butler Junior High in Oak Brook. Inspired by his own experience with the organization as a student at Hinsdale Central High School,…

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A New Look

Oak Brook Beautification Initiative Underway Images Courtesy of The Village of Oak Brook The Village of Oak Brook has launched an exciting beautification initiative to revitalize key public spaces and enhance the community’s appeal for residents, visitors, and businesses. With the last major beautification effort taking place over a decade ago, the Village Board of…

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Swing into Summer

Oak Brook golf shines with upgrades and an elevated experience With summer in full swing, Oak Brook Golf Club is filled with golfers enjoying an elevated experience this summer due to improved leadership and fiscal management by the Oak Brook Board of Trustees. For the first time, revenues generated by golf operations have been reinvested…

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Empowered in Portrait

Local photographer captures the beauty of motherhood By Anna Hughes Sharing photos on social media has become second nature to millions. What started as a fun way to keep in touch with family and friends has launched many amateur creators into unexpected careers. In a way, that’s exactly what happened to Kinda Arzon. The Oak…

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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…

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