Oak Brook Issue Mar-Apr 2025
POWER IN UNITY: Oak Brook resident Kaarina Lebrun helps bring the community together
By Anna Hughes When Kaarina Lebrun first moved to Oak Brook 16 years ago, she was excited about all the village had to offer for her family. Since then, it has exceeded every expectation—so much so that Lebrun calls it “the best-kept secret in the western suburbs.” More importantly, however, she’s incredibly proud to call…
Read MoreThe Last Frontier: An unforgettable summer adventure awaits
By Katie Bolinger Alaska’s immense size is matched only by its natural beauty. With space to fit 19 states, it’s a land of icy fjords, towering mountains, and lush forests. Despite its vastness, its population is sparse; DuPage County, Illinois, has 200,000 more residents than the entire state. It’s the perfect destination for solitude, cool…
Read MoreCourse Material: A Look into the Oak Brook Golf Club
By Anna Hughes Golf has been a staple in Oak Brook for a century. The sport, which blends precision and passion, composure and camaraderie, has been the backdrop for many a business outing, girls’ weekend, and friendly family feud in the village since the early 20th century. Its courses have stood the test of time,…
Read MoreOak Brook Kennel Club offers a second home for its special guests
By Bill Esbrook You might call it a drop-dead gorgeous “country club” for dogs. Or maybe a better name for the facility would be “Woof in the City,” considering Aly Solle and Beth Eggers sign off their emails with the salutation “woof.” No matter what the nickname, it’s clear that the two friends and business…
Read MoreLights. Camera. Action. – Movie magic awaits in Oak Brook
By Bill Esbrook Oak Brook is, most if not all residents would agree, replete with historic sites, art, culture, and great natural beauty. From the Mayslake Peabody Estate, Drury Lane Theatre, Oak Brook Polo Field, Oak Brook Center, Fullersburg Woods, the Graue Mill Museum, the Drake Hotel, and on and on, the village is a…
Read MoreOak Brook native, two-time Olympic medalist, looks back on legendary career
By Anna Hughes When 16-year-old John Kinsella returned to Hinsdale Central High School in the fall of 1968, his classmates looked at him differently. They marveled as his 6-foot-3-inch frame casually walked down the hallways as if nothing had changed. They wondered if he had. After all, he had just won an Olympic silver medal.…
Read MoreDoubletree, Marriott Hotels: Giving back to the community
Hospitality is the cornerstone of success within the hotel business. Unique and memorable service leads to happy guests. Vinayaka Hospitality owns and operates the 428-room DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago – Oak Brook and 350-room Chicago Marriott Oak Brook, the two largest hotels in the community. For years, both of these hotels have been pillars…
Read MoreOak Brook Golf Club: The Upcoming Season is on the Tee
Spring is just around the corner, and Oak Brook Golf Club is gearing up for another incredible season! Throughout the offseason, the Village and Club staff have worked diligently to enhance the golfer experience by planning and introducing exciting new features that will elevate this beloved course. “Thanks to another incredible season, pro-active staff management,…
Read MoreGroundbreaking: Protecting Oak Brook’s Borders
For a century, multiple radio transmitter towers have stood on 19 acres of unincorporated DuPage County land near the Saddle Brook subdivision. Many longtime residents fondly recall school trips to the site where light bulbs lit themselves. When plans began to emerge to decommission the towers permanently, the Village of Oak Brook Village Board swiftly…
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…
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