Z-Downers Grove
Back in Time: Leslie Goddard brings history to life
By Maureen Callahan Most of us dream of finding an occupation we love- something for which we have a heartfelt passion while still making a living. Leslie Goddard has managed to do just that. This home-grown historian brings the past back to life – in a fun and entertaining way – through character impersonations and…
Read MoreRudy! 30 years later, Rudy walks on with a new generation
By Maureen Callahan Everybody loves an underdog. Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger is one of the most memorable in the history of film. Thirty years ago, audiences watched him muscle his way into one of the country’s most selective institutions, the University of Notre Dame (UND). This non-scholar of less athletic ability than his teammates worked harder…
Read MoreCrushing It: Downers Grove native, Chrishon Lampley, celebrates her successful wine label’s first decade
By Maureen Callahan Wine shopping can be complicated and intimidating if you don’t know what you’re looking for. Former Downers Grove resident and owner of Love Cork Screw Wine, Chrishon Lampley, has changed that. She’s spent the last ten years moving ahead in a crowded industry by making wine shopping simple and fun. Her labels,…
Read MoreCommunity Scene: Westmont Chamber of Commerce
Welcome to Westmont: a tight-knit community of hard-working business owners and an intimate downtown of familiar faces. At least, that’s how Chamber of Commerce President Becky Rheintgen sees it. Rheintgen, owner of Oakwood Electric & Generator, leads approximately 230 chamber members, who represent the best of what Westmont and its surrounding communities have to offer. From…
Read MoreAWE Autumn
Oktoberfest Sponsored by the Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 Friday, September 15 from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Saturday, September 16 from 12:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Oktoberfest, held in downtown Downers Grove on Burlington Avenue between Main Street and Forest Avenue, is a two-day German themed celebration with live music, entertainment Kids…
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 MoreIn the Spotlight: The Downers Grove Fire Department and its recent field-based training opportunity
By Valerie Hardy According to the National Fire Protection Association’s website, the annual Fire Prevention Week is scheduled for the second week in October “in commemoration of the Great Chicago Fire, which began on October 8, 1871.” The weeklong observance aims to educate community members of all ages about ways to stay safe from fire.…
Read MoreIs Hair loss on your mind? Reclaim Your Crowning Glory
In a world where first impressions matter, the loss of hair can be a challenging journey to navigate. Your hair is more than just a part of your appearance; it’s a reflection of your identity, personality, and self-confidence. CSC Dermatology understands the impact that hair loss can have on your life and offers effective solutions…
Read MoreBehind the Scenes: Meet the Downers Grove Magazine Team
Our goal at Downers Grove Magazine is to feature stories about you. But as we head into our fifth year of publishing, we peel back the curtain and give you some insight into this team and why these individuals dedicate their time and energy to the publication. They have researched, interviewed, and written about a…
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