Z-Downers Grove
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…
Read MoreA 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…
Read MoreNew 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…
Read MoreMore 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…
Read MoreCelebrate 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…
Read MoreDuPage 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…
Read MoreNavigating 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…
Read MoreDuPage 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…
Read MoreThe 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…
Read MoreTeen Trailblazer Ava Dorsey & Ava’s Pet Palace
Some of the best ideas are inspired by small things. For Downers Grove North senior, and founder of Ava’s Pet Palace, Ava Dorsey, that small beginning was a little orange tabby cat. “I was two years old when my parents adopted Pumpkin,” said Dorsey. “He was the first animal I ever had and the inspiration…
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