COVER STORY
E-EDITION
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2025
Passion Into Action
How one local teen turned old binders into a new schoolwide sustainability project BY VALERIE HARDY What ultimately became an extensive environmental effort started with a simple day of decluttering. The summer after finishing eighth grade, Kendall Kuntz, now a junior at Downers Grove South High School, was helping her family clean out their basement…
The Downers Grove Historical Society
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE DOWNERS GROVE HISTORICAL SOCIETY In recent months, the Downers Grove Historical Society has continued its mission to honor community leaders and preserve the village’s historic character. Historic Homes Program Engages Community On Sept. 24, residents gathered at Alter Brewing for a lively program on researching and preserving historic homes. Presented by…
Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation Annual Luncheon
PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE DOWNERS GROVE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION The Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation hosted its annual luncheon in September to celebrate local business development, recognize companies for their contributions, and discuss the state of the local economy. The annual Cornerstone Awards, which recognize businesses that have demonstrated significant development, were awarded to the…
Building Momentum
How Downers Grove’s Economic Development fuels growth and opportunity BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF The Downers Grove Economic Development Corporation (DGEDC) is a driving force behind the village’s continued growth and prosperity. As a public-private partnership and separate 501(c)6 nonprofit, the DGEDC works hand-in-hand with the Village to attract new jobs and investment, fill vacant…
Keeping Things Local
Life-long resident Erin Venezia heads up Downtown Downers Grove Management Corporation BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN Downers Grove is a sort of gem among the Western Suburbs. We’re known throughout DuPage County for our many great attributes. A big one is our downtown. Linda Kunze, the founding Executive Director of the Downtown Downers Grove Management Corporation, was…
It’s All About the Benjamins
Downers Grove North’s Nora Benjamins follows in her mother’s footsteps in sports and academics BY JEFF VORVA Like mother, like daughter. Downers Grove North senior volleyball player Nora Benjamins admires all that her mother, Maureen, has accomplished. Maureen is a senior research fellow at Sanai Urban Health Institute and is an associate professor of medicine…
A Monumental Movement
The grassroots initiative to construct a commemorative “Macho Man” Randy Savage statue BY VALERIE HARDY “Macho Man” Randy Savage left a lasting legacy as a professional wrestler and pop culture icon. Equal parts charisma and chaos, he presented as a caricature. Beyond his multiple World Heavyweight Championships, “Macho Man” was best known for his raspy…
Mahoney’s Mark
A tribute to Cathy Mahoney’s decades of service BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE DOWNERS GROVE PARK DISTRICT Most of us will never know the feeling of having a building named in our honor. “I was flabbergasted when they told me!” exclaimed Cathy Mahoney, a recent recipient of such an honor. In May,…
Global Impact, Local Roots
CEO Sanjeev Ahuja leads Lions Club International headquartered in Oak Brook BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN Service organizations are a great way to find a place to belong, make friends and contacts, and serve in your local community. Lions Clubs International (LCI), the world’s largest service society, is headquartered right here in the neighboring town of Oak…
Time Well Spent
Finding meaningful ways to serve your community BY DAVE MCGOWAN The not-for-profit industry often refers to an organization’s reliance on people’s time, talent, and treasure to enact its mission. At this time last year, I wrote an article about “treasure” in conjunction with year-end giving. This year, let’s take a look at a potential New…
Cold Pursuits
Bucket list adventures at the top and bottom of the world BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF There are few journeys left on Earth that feel as bold — or as brag-worthy — as a trip to the planet’s frozen extremes. The North and South Poles are still the stuff of explorers and adventurers. Yet these…
Happier for the Holidays
Tried and true tips to help you maintain or reclaim peace and joy during the most wonderful – but often stressful – time of the year BY VALERIE HARDY ‘Tis the season to be jolly, but for many, November and December are far from merry and bright. This time of year often brings increased stress,…
Keep the Wreath Red
A light reminder to decorate safely this season By Valerie Hardy Many local fire departments are giving the green light to keeping the red lights lit on their wreaths this season. They are participating in the “Keep the Wreath Red” program, an annual fire prevention awareness campaign that serves as a reminder for the community…
Santa’s Local Workshop
DuPage nonprofit builds holiday toys for kids BY ANNA HUGHES | PHOTOS COURTESY OF DUPAGE WOODWORKERS While a student at the University of Illinois in the late 1970s, Western Springs resident George Rodgers was inspired by his dormmate’s classwork. “I thought, ‘Boy, this looks like fun,’” Rodgers recalled. That’s when he first picked up woodworking,…
Season of Sparkle
Where to experience dazzling holiday displays this season By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff From glowing gardens to festive zoo trails, Chicagoland comes alive with holiday lights each winter. Bundle up for magical walks, drive-thru wonderlands, and indoor attractions that sparkle with the season’s spirit. Dates and times are subject to change—please confirm details with each…
