DG In Every Issue
House & Home — Brita Pagels: Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago
There are some things we’re born to do. Just ask Brita Pagels of Pagels Group. As a fourth-generation broker, she’s been immersed in real estate since birth. “Real estate has always been a part of me,” says the Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Chicago broker. While her path began by sketching buildings and gardens in pre-Kindergarten, crayon…
Read MoreHouse & home
Homeownership is a significant undertaking, whether buying or selling a home or renovating or building one. It is a major life purchase that significantly affects personal and financial levels. Whether you are a first-time buyer or a seasoned homeowner, the journey towards achieving home ownership – and making it your own – can be both…
Read MoreHouse & Home — Tracy Driscoll and Diane Crisp: Platinum Partners Realtors
Tracy Driscoll and Diane Crisp form a powerhouse realtor team with a collective experience of 43 years in guiding buyers and sellers through the real estate landscape of the Western Suburbs of Chicago. For the past 14 years, they’ve seamlessly collaborated to deliver exceptional service, culminating in over $150,000,000 in real estate transactions at Platinum…
Read MoreHouse & Home — Mary Braatz: RE/MAX Enterprises
There are a multitude of things to know when selling your home. Mary understands this market and her community from 37 years of real estate experience. Mary explained, “When I started in real estate, I wanted to work the area near my home in Downers Grove, and since then, I have come to know it…
Read MoreGripping Joy: Alison Miles jumped into socks one foot at a time
By Maureen Callahan About five years ago, Downers Grove resident Alison Miles began feeling tired and weaker than usual. Simple tasks such as lifting a laundry basket had become difficult. Shortly thereafter, she was diagnosed with Pompe disease – a relatively rare genetic disorder that causes progressive muscle weakness. The body is unable to break…
Read MoreEbersold family’s generous donation to the Downers Grove Park District leaves lasting legacy
By Valerie Hardy Located in the center of Downers Grove, Ebersold Park is the only park in town named after the family who owned it, explained Kent Ebersold. Kent is the grandson of Fred and Marguerite Ebersold, who sold the 18 acres of land on which the park is situated to the Downers Grove Park…
Read MoreDowners Grove’s Bill Ludwig continues his family’s legacy in the drum business
BY VALERIE HARDY William F. Ludwig III quite literally marches to the beat of his own drum. Known as Bill or B3, Ludwig proudly wears the title of third-generation drum-maker. Ludwig’s grandfather, William F. Ludwig Sr. (nicknamed “Senior”), played the drums in a circus and toured with a vaudeville act during the offseason. Vaudeville music…
Read MoreDowners Grove Junior Woman’s Club
Teacher grants. High School Senior Scholarships. Junior High Art Awards. Safety Town. These are just a few examples of how the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) gives back to the community every year. The organization – comprised of women in Downers Grove and surrounding areas – embodies the volunteer spirit. Established in 1959, DGJWC…
Read MoreDavid Rokos: A local musician’s new album makes a smooth landing
By Valerie Hardy | Photos by 726 Visuals When his second album, “This Is Landing,” was released in June, David Rokos reflected on his path to this point. Rokos recalled “falling in love with Blink-182” when he first heard their music. He asked his parents for a guitar and began taking lessons at the Lincoln…
Read MoreLore Swieca: Celebrating the turn of a century at the friendly confines
By Cynthia Maquet In 1930, Downers Grove resident Lore Swieca attended her first Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Ninety-three years later, she is still a loyal Cubs fan. On July 16, 2023, Swieca and 54 of her closest friends and family took a charter bus from Downers Grove to the Friendly Confines to celebrate her…
Read More