COVER STORY
MARCH/APRIL 2025
Portraits of the Past: Leslie Goddard brings history to life
By Maureen Callahan Most of us dream of finding an occupation we love- something for which we have a heartfelt passion while still making a living. Leslie Goddard has managed to do just that. This home-grown historian brings the past back to life – in a fun and entertaining way – through character impersonations and…
The ladies of Café La Fortuna tell their story
On the evening of October 16th, nearly 100 fans of Hinsdale’s Café La Fortuna gathered at the Hinsdale Library for an in-person book launch of “The Inspiring Story of Café La Fortuna.” It was authored by Proprietor Angela Lavelli and her daughter, Alejandra L. Franco. The book is a behind-the-scenes look at how and why…
Out of the ashes: Six and a half decades later, Chicagoans still commemorate Our Lady of the Angels school fire
By Maureen Callahan The first day of December ushers in the holiday season. It’s a promise of happiness and celebration. But it’s also the day that Chicagoans pause to honor the memory of 92 children and three nuns who perished in a fire at Our Lady of the Angels School (OLAS) on the city’s near…
Let it Snow: A festive and fun-filled end to 2023.
The holidays are here, and we’ve curated a list of local events guaranteed to spread the season’s cheer! From light shows to stage performances, we’ve got you and your family covered for a festive and fun-filled end to 2023. By Anna Hughes IllumiBrew at the Morton Arboretum 11/16/23 – 11/17/23 www.mortonarb.org Be one of the…
On Top of the World: Elmhurst volleyball stars win world title
By Jeff Vorva The waiting was excruciating. The result, however, was exhilarating. Elmhurst residents Abby Vander Wal and Ava Falduto were key players on the USA U-19 team that won the Federation Internationale de Volleyball World Championship on August 11 in Osijek, Croatia. “It’s unbelievable,” said Falduto, a senior libero at Immaculate Conception High School.…
Signs to Bridge Two Worlds
Hinsdale South’s Deaf and Hard of Hearing program is a place to be seen in a sound-based world By Maureen Callahan Everyone wants to belong and feel accepted. This need is especially acute during the high school years. LaGrange Area Department of Special Education, (LADSE), in collaboration with Hinsdale South High School (HSHS), takes these…
Trophy Hunting: Hinsdale Central is now up to 233 state trophies, including 108 state championships
By Jeff Vorva | Photo by Jeff Vorva Here is how the Illinois High School Association postseason opened for the 2023-2024 school year: Hinsdale Central’s boys golfers finished second in the state in Class 3A Oct. 7 at The Den at Fox Creek Golf Course in Bloomington, and on the same day, the girls finished…
Candor Health Education
Candor Health Education (formerly The Robert Crown Center for Health Education) is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024: 50 years of educating and empowering fourth through eighth-grade students, helping them navigate changes associated with growing up. Since the Robert Crown Center opened in January 1974, its mission has been to positively impact young people’s physical,…
Rudy! – 30 years later, Rudy walks on with a new generation
By Maureen Callahan Everybody loves an underdog. Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger is one of the most memorable in the history of film. Thirty years ago, audiences watched him muscle his way into one of the country’s most selective institutions, the University of Notre Dame (UND). This non-scholar of less athletic ability than his teammates worked harder…
Hinsdale Historical Society & Château du Parc
Photos by Marcello Rodarte More than 200 people attended An Evening at Château du Parc in early October at the home of Mimi and Dan Collins at 420 S. Park in Hinsdale. Guests enjoyed libations, hors d’oeuvres and music while learning about the home’s extensive 20-month restoration process, recently completed by the homeowners. The event…
Ringing in the Season: The Agape Ringers: Performing a musical art form
By Maureen Callahan The ceremonial sound of bells elevates any event to a special occasion, especially the particular elegance of a handbell choir. It’s truly an art form that requires a high level of dedication from each ringer, not only to their individual bells but to the group. The Agape Ringers, Chicago’s premier community handbell…
Annual Garba & Raas
Photos by Madeline Craig Hamara Parivar was formed in 2015 by a group of friends from the Western Suburbs of Chicago who all have young children. Their goal? To continue to carry on traditions and educate future generations about their culture. The group hosted their Annual Garba & Raas on October 14 at The Community…
Brooks Strong Foundation
Photos by Marcello Rodarte In late July, 140 golfers descended on the beautiful Hinsdale Golf Club for the Sixth Annual Brooks Strong Invitational Golf Tournament. This marks the fourth year in a row the event has been a sell out. Golfers and their guests enjoyed a wonderful round of golf followed by a beautiful cocktail…
Young Life: Raising money for faith-filled youth programs
By Anna Hughes Hope: that’s what today’s younger generations are searching for, according to Rev. Dr. Dan Meyer. Meyer, the pastor at Christ Church in Oak Brook, gave a compelling speech to local parents at October’s Young Life fundraising event at Hinsdale Golf Club. Young Life, a non-profit Christian outreach for youth, is a staple…
