COVER STORY
MARCH/APRIL 2025
PLOTTING SUCCESS: Homegrown author David Ellis
By Valerie Hardy It is common advice to avoid judging a book by its cover, but it is rare to have the privilege of covering a book by a judge. Downers Grove Magazine got to do just that, however, when we caught up with New York Times bestselling author David Ellis after his recent novel,…
The Last Frontier: An unforgettable summer adventure awaits
By Katie Bolinger Alaska’s immense size is matched only by its natural beauty. With space to fit 19 states, it’s a land of icy fjords, towering mountains, and lush forests. Despite its vastness, its population is sparse; DuPage County, Illinois, has 200,000 more residents than the entire state. It’s the perfect destination for solitude, cool…
A League of Our Own: The Downers Grove Chryslerettes
Downers Grove Magazine and local area partners search for information By Maureen Callahan Downers Grove has accomplished an objective for which many have long been striving: the local girls’ team, the Borman Chryslerettes (alias Downers Grove Chicks), is now affiliated with the Greater Chicago League of Illinois,” a local paper boasted sometime around 1950. Apparently,…
Center brings seniors together for information, food, fun, and friendship
By Valerie Hardy It is never too late to try something new, and seniors in Downers Grove Township are a case in point. Many come out to take advantage of the variety of programs and services, specifically designed to enhance the quality of life for those aged 55 and over, offered through the Township’s Center…
Downers Grove North grad Sean Ryniec is the nation’s best NCAA DIII kicker
By Jeff Vorva Downers Grove’s Sean Ryniec put a lot of time into his baseball career in high school. His game was at a high level, and at one time, the right-handed pitcher was on the Cangelosi Sparks Black travel team that featured standouts including Cole Van Assen (now at Purdue), TJ Schlageter (Louisville), and…
Greener Grove raises environmental awareness while building community and inspiring change
By Maureen Callahan Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world.” Cultural anthropologist Margaret Mead voiced these sentiments more than half a century ago. But their echoes are timeless. A few years back, concerned Downers Grove resident Louise Kelly noticed a lack of environmental awareness around town. The…
A sneak peek at the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club inaugural House Walk
By Downers Grove Magazine Staff This spring, Downers Grove will open its doors to an unforgettable experience that blends the beauty of local architecture with the spirit of community giving. On Friday, May 2, the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) will host its first House Walk fundraiser, which promises to be an event like…
New Tax Incentive to Support Your Local Community Forever
Illinois donors now have a compelling reason to con-tribute to local community foundation endowments. The Illinois Gives Tax Credit (www.tax.illinois.gov/programs/illinoisgives) launched on January 1, offering significant state tax relief for contributions to permanently en- dowed funds at qualified Illinois community foundations. This new program provides a tax credit of up to $100,000 per taxpayer in…
More than a century later, Sears homes are still hiding in plain sight
By Maureen Callahan If you live in the western suburbs, chances are that you’ve seen a Sears house. They’re in many Midwestern communities. Often, we drive right by these historical gems without ever seeing them. They blend right in on any suburban block until you know what they look like. Sears houses are unique. They…
Celebrate warmer weather with family fun events in the western suburbs.
We’ve gathered a list of happenings that you won’t want to miss. The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee March 12 – April 27 Copley Theatre ParamountAurora.com Six quirky contestants vie for the spelling bee championship of a lifetime in this hilarious fan-favorite musical. With coming-of-age themes that all current or once-upon-a-time adolescents can relate…
DuPage County nonprofit celebrates 35 years of local and global service
By Valerie Hardy Kay McKeen of Wheaton has been proudly “talking trash” for over three decades. Founder and executive director of SCARCE – a nonprofit organization committed to environmental education, conservation, and literacy – McKeen’s mission is to “turn trash into treasures,” keeping as much waste as possible out of landfills while getting as many…
Navigating Seasonal Allergies: When to treat at home and when to call a doctor
By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff As the flowers bloom and trees bud, the annual struggle with seasonal allergies begins. Pollen fills the air, triggering sneezing, congestion, itchy eyes, and runny noses for millions. While over-the-counter medications provide relief for most, some cases require professional medical attention. Knowing when to visit the drugstore and when to…
DuPage County Historical Architecture A few local architectural gems
A few local architectural gems By Maureen Callahan Old DuPage County Courthouse, Wheaton This building, opened in 1896, replaced the original structure from 1868. It was built on land purchased from Warren L. Wheaton and is one of the rare Richardsonian Romanesque styles in northern Illinois. The duration of this design was short-lived as buildings…
The Power of Unity: How suburban theaters are rewriting the script on collaboration
By Laura Michaud & Melissa G. Wilson Chicago’s western suburbs have long embraced collaboration within individual communities, with local chambers and cities integrating performing arts into events. However, a larger opportunity lies in building a network of cross-community artistic partnerships, potentially transforming the region’s cultural landscape. For example, the Salt Creek Ballet of Westmont performed…
