Downers Grove Issue Jan-Feb 2025
Teen 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…
Read MoreChef Showcase: Local Flavors
Q&A with Chef Ian Schlegel of Cadence Kitchen & Co. Who influenced you early on? Food has always been a big part of my life. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my mom, where helping cook was the rule if you were around. Cooking quickly became second nature to…
Read MoreA Heart Warming Story
A local teen with a congenital heart condition is surprised with a VIP Bears Experience By Valerie Hardy O’Neill Middle School eighth-grader Jonah Davis was born with only half a functioning heart, but he is a wholehearted football fan. However, Jonah cannot play football or other contact sports because of his critical congenital heart condition:…
Read MoreMelissa Gorman creates a supportive resource for people living with cancer
By Valerie Hardy United by Unique” is the three-year theme for the annual World Cancer Day, which is held on Feb. 4. The alliterative credo reflects the fact that behind every diagnosis is a distinctly individual human story. The campaign aims to raise awareness and inspire action, specifically toward placing people at the center of…
Read MoreBeverly Kim’s journey from Downers Grove to becoming one of Chicago’s top chefs
Beverly Kim’s path to becoming a James Beard Award-winning chef began at the Barnes & Noble in Downers Grove in the 1990s, back when she was a student at Downers Grove South High School and still “trying to figure out [her] own place in the world,” she said. One of her sisters suggested she would…
Read MoreHope’s Front Door serves the needs of area clients in the short and long-term
By Maureen Callahan | Photos courtesy of Hope’s Front Door No generalizations. No judgment. No two people are the same, and no two stories are exactly alike. That’s what the Hope’s Front Door (HFD) team sees. An individual person or family with a unique story. HFD is a million little things. At its heart, it’s…
Read MoreSnapshot: Downers Grove Christian School
There’s just something about “new” that always catches interest. Such is the case at Downers Grove Christian School. Mr. Joshua Peel has assumed leadership as principal and has proven to be a driving force committed to upholding Downers Grove Christian School’s mission and vision. Additionally, The First Baptist Church of Downers Grove, which serves as…
Read MoreDuPage Foundation
In early November, the DuPage Foundation celebrated its Annual Benefit: Through the Looking Glass at The Westin Chicago Lombard, welcoming over 425 guests. The event raised nearly $700,000, with additional contributions expected. These funds are vital to supporting the Foundation’s efforts in addressing community challenges and opportunities while aiding donors and businesses in achieving impactful…
Read MoreClearing the Air: The American Lung Association and the local Fight for Air Climb
By Anna Hughes | Photos courtesy of the American Lung Association It’s not easy having to fight for air. It’s unfair when the most basic human need—breathing—becomes a daily battle. Unfortunately, that’s the reality for tens of millions of Americans living with a variety of lung health conditions: lung and respiratory diseases, asthma, and lung…
Read MoreSnapshot: Montini Catholic High School
Being a teenager today is more challenging than ever and the Lasallian approach to education that Montini Catholic has provided since their founding – knowing, seeing, supporting, and loving each student – is more relevant than ever. Located in Lombard, Montini Catholic High School is a family-centered, coeducational, college preparatory high school rooted in the…
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