Downers Grove Issue Jan-Feb 2024
Gripping 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 MoreJim Peterik
Award-winning songwriter and musician, Jim Peterik, has had a remarkable journey in the music industry, including collaborations with renowned artists and experiences born out of chance encounters. In an exclusive Elmhurst Magazine interview, Peterik revealed some captivating stories and insights into his illustrious career. Recently, Jim Peterik wowed audiences with an exceptional performance at Elmhurst…
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 North coach happy for the community after a big finish
By Jeff Vorva It’s funny that a man who graduated from Downers Grove South is now one of the toasts of the town at Downers Grove North. Coach Joe Horeni, a South grad, helped guide the 2023 North football team to the Illinois High School Association Class 7A state football championship game. Though the Trojans…
Read MoreWhere Are They Now? Catching up with local personalities featured over the years
By Maureen Callahan & Valerie Hardy Dr. Kevin Russell September 2019 Edition District 58 has made some significant accomplishments over the last few years, largely due to the leadership of Superintendent Dr. Kevin Russell. Featured in the premiere issue of Downers Grove Magazine – and his first few months on the job – Dr. Russell…
Read MoreOak Brook: A True Dining Mecca
Oak Brook offers residents and visitors an array of nearly 80 dining destinations, from fine dining to quick-serve restaurants. It has evolved into a dining mecca over several decades. According to former Chicago Tribune Dining Critic Phil Vettel, a major reason is the proximity to downtown Chicago. “I had a ringside seat over 30 years…
Read MoreThe rundown on Downers Grove’s high school cross country teams and their various victories in 2023
By Valerie Hardy Though somewhat ironic, running is used as a punishment in many sports. For cross country, however, running IS the sport. Just ask the cross-country runners from Downers Grove North and Downers Grove South High Schools. To them, running is passion, power, and purpose, not punishment. That said, running can be a bit…
Read MoreDowners Grove Tree Lighting Ceremony
Photos by 726 Visuals Residents from Downers Grove attended the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony on Nov. 24 at Main Street Station. Friends, family, and neighbors kicked off the holiday season with a visit from Santa and friends, along with music from the District 99 marching band and Downers Grove Choral Society. Thanks to those…
Read MoreGrove Express 5K
Photos by Dianne Hlinsky LaPointe The Grove Express 5K was held on Thanksgiving morning in Downers Grove. Starting on Main Street and ending on Curtiss Street, the race took place throughout Downtown Downers Grove. More than 7,000 community members attended this year’s event, a significant increase from last year’s 5,000 attendees. In 2021, the Grove…
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