LETTER from THE ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

A Celebration of Summer… and Achievement Welcome to the summer issue of Downers Grove Magazine. In the past months, our team has meticulously curated content that not only celebrates the summer but also shines a spotlight on the unique achievements of our community members in the realms of education, sports, careers, and organizations. We are…

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The Best of Chicago, for Chicago

Meet Julie Maddox, creator of NBC’s “Chicago Today” By Cynthia Maquet Lifestyle, fashion, food, health, and beauty are just a few of the trending topics that are covered every weekday morning on NBC’s Chicago Today. The show, which first premiered in September of 2019, will begin its sixth season of entertainment this fall with the…

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Dr. Karen Wolowick & Dr. Susan Mitchell

This summer, Susan Mitchell, MD, is joining forces with Karen Wolowick, DO, to begin a new journey for Wolowick Women’s Health. Although the practice’s name will change, its focus on personalized healthcare for modern women will remain steadfast. Welcome, Dr. Mitchell, to Downers Grove. Tell us why you started your own practice in partnership with…

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Dr. Michael Halkias – Naper Grove Vision Care

Tell us about yourself. I grew up here in the Western suburbs, and I have been an owner of Naper Grove Vision Care since 2008. Currently, I live in Hinsdale with my wife, Jessica, and three children. What is the formula for your success? Above all else…attitude. In my work life, success requires persistence, discipline,…

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Hungry to Help: breaking down barriers to food assistance

West Suburban Community Pantry’s Sue Armato, other staff, and volunteers break down barriers to food assistance in DuPage County and beyond By Valerie Hardy  Last year, West Suburban Community Pantry provided approximately 3 million pounds of food to community members facing food insecurity. Located in Woodridge (6809 Hobson Valley Drive, Suite 118), the Pantry has…

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House & Home — Chad Esslinger: Esslinger Design Company

Reality television can make it seem like design and renovation are faster and easier than they genuinely are. Chad Esslinger knows this firsthand as a designer on an episode of HGTV’s House Hunters Renovation a few years ago. He also knows otherwise. Working in the industry for the last 27 years, he understands good design…

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House & Home — Natalie Weber: KW Experience Realty

Hiring the right real estate agent makes all the difference when making your life’s most important sale or purchase. That’s where Natalie Weber comes in. She’s been the #1 Individual Agent in Downers Grove for the last three years and ranked #10 in DuPage County for New Construction Sales in 2023. And she has come…

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A business on a mission

A granola brand created by Downers Grove’s Kiley Fields tastes good and does good By Valerie Hardy  According to food historians, granola was initially created in the early 1860s by James Caleb Jackson, a nutritionist from New York. Originally called “Granula,” Jackson’s invention is often considered the first dry, whole grain breakfast cereal. About 15…

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