Downers Grove Magazine Issues
Moose Cruise Nights
Photos by 726 Visuals Through September 1, downtown Downers Grove will host classic car shows that feature old favorites and new cars alike. The Moose Cruise nights, sponsored by the Loyal Order of Moose Downers Grove Lodge, features cars from the 1950s to the 1990s, including muscle cars, hot rods, and more on Friday nights…
Read MoreSummer Concert Series
Photos by 726 Visuals Attendees enjoyed a night of fun at the free live summer concert on June 6th sponsored by the Downers Grove Park District. Chicago Tribute Anthology played throughout the evening as concertgoers kicked back and relaxed at Fishel Park in downtown Downers Grove. The free concerts are held Tuesday evenings through August…
Read MoreSomersaulting into Film Making
A trio of Downers Grove residents found success making children’s films By Maureen Callahan Finding one’s reason-to-be is often a lifelong search. Michael and Lillian Moats and JP Somersaulter- the trio behind the Somersaulter-Moats Film Collection- were lucky to find theirs early on. From 1973 – 1991, the Downers Grove residents created predominantly short, animated…
Read MoreGhostlight’s New Home
Mayor Bob Barnett (right) joins Ghostlight’s founding partners – William Hunter Evans, Colleen Gibbons, Micki Doherty, Carolina Menapace, and Alex Bahaveolos – at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for their new space. Doherty, Ghostlight’s artistic director, said, “We are so excited to be in downtown Downers, and the welcome from the community has been incredible… So many…
Read MoreGhostlight Educational Theatre Collective continues to give back to the community
Two Years and Counting BY VALERIE HARDY | Photos by CM Stage Photography Drive through Downers Grove and surrounding suburbs and you will see the hallmark yellow, black, and white logo of the Ghostlight Educational Theatre Collective (ETC) on yard signs and window decals. Celebrating its second anniversary this month, Ghostlight may be one of…
Read MoreSnapshot: Davanti Enoteca
47 East Chicago Avenue in downtown Naperville www.davantienoteca.com Be transported to the Italian countryside. From the moment you enter Davanti Enoteca in Naperville, guests enjoy an authentic atmosphere that provides an exceptional dining experience. This lively wine bar and restaurant offers shareable, contemporary twists on rustic Italian cuisine so patrons experience the different regions of…
Read MoreAll Heart: District 58 teacher Jon Belonio spreads his love of art
By Valerie Hardy Around Downers Grove, Jon Belonio is somewhat of a celebrity, especially among the 12 and under crowd. Wherever he goes in town, Mr. Belonio (as he’s known to his students) is likely to run into a child he has taught in art class at some point during their elementary school years. In…
Read MoreGrand Finale: Downers Grove North band director Brayer Teague will leave a lasting legacy when he retires
BY VALERIE HARDY | Photos courtesy of Brayer Teague For District 99 students, school will soon be out for the summer, but for Downers Grove North High School’s longtime band director and fine arts department chairman Brayer Teague, school is about to be out forever. Teague is set to retire at the end of the…
Read MoreGaining Momentum – Hinsdale Alum Cathy Richardson
By Scott Jonlich | Photos by Victor Hilitski Cathy Richardson is one of Hinsdale Central’s most famous Hall of Fame members. She lived in Burr Ridge while attending Hinsdale Central and graduated in 1987. To quote her induction statement as a 2020 Hall of Fame inductee, “Her music career was in full swing at Central,…
Read MoreNeat Kitchen and Bar
neatkitchenandbar.com 246 North Cass Avenue downtown Westmont Lifelong friends John Taylor and Matt Verde, owners of Neat Kitchen and Bar in Westmont, met in sixth grade at Immaculate Conception Grade School in Elmhurst. After graduating together from high school, their careers took them separate ways, but both pursued careers in the restaurant industry. Between John’s…
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