Stories for you
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…
Jim 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…
Ebersold 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…
Downers 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…
Downers 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…
Where 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…
Oak 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…
The 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…
Downers 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…
Grove 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…
Education: Montini Catholic High School
Independent and private schools continue to prosper There are several exceptionally strong schools in the western suburbs. Many schools have a rich history and are recognized throughout their communities for academic excellence, various extracurricular programs, and inspiration for learning. Families and students have many great options for selecting a private or independent school. Visits to…
Ring in a happy and healthy New Year
Top ten habits to start the year off right By Cynthia Maquet 1 Movement Take the short walks, take the stairs, march in place – whatever you have to do – MOVE. Movement is the KEY to success. Ten minutes every hour adds up! It keeps your metabolism awake, which in turn gives you the…
Hello Winter
Willowbrook Ice Arena Public Skate Fridays from 7:15 – 8:45 PM and Sundays from 1:30-3 PM willowbrookicearena.com For ice skating that isn’t dependent on the weather, head to the Willowbrook Ice Arena to learn new skating skills or sharpen up old ones! All ages can enjoy this public skating opportunity for a low cost through…
DuPage Foundation Annual Benefit
Photos courtesy of DuPage Foundation DuPage Foundation hosted its 2023 Annual Benefit: Under the Sea in November at The Westin Chicago Lombard. With generous sponsorships and contributions, the evening was a night to remember, grossing more than $565,000 for DuPage Foundation operations and programs aimed at raising the quality of life throughout DuPage County. The…
Chicago Auto Show: First Look for Charity supports the Turning Pointe Autism Foundation
By Anna Hughes Approximately one in 36 children across the United States will receive an autism diagnosis. This news is burdensome for families who have a myriad of questions: Will my child be able to attend a regular school? Can they live a normal life? What extra care and attention will they need? Because autism…
EDUCATION: Downers Grove Christian School – Downers Grove
Independent and private schools continue to prosper There are several exceptionally strong schools in the western suburbs. Many schools have a rich history and are recognized throughout their communities for academic excellence, various extracurricular programs, and inspiration for learning. Families and students have many great options for selecting a private or independent school. Visits to…
EDUCATION: St. Mary of Gostyn School
Independent and private schools continue to prosper There are several exceptionally strong schools in the western suburbs. Many schools have a rich history and are recognized throughout their communities for academic excellence, various extracurricular programs, and inspiration for learning. Families and students have many great options for selecting a private or independent school. Visits to…
EDUCATION: St. Joan of Arc School – Lisle
Independent and private schools continue to prosper There are several exceptionally strong schools in the western suburbs. Many schools have a rich history and are recognized throughout their communities for academic excellence, various extracurricular programs, and inspiration for learning. Families and students have many great options for selecting a private or independent school. Visits to…
EDUCATION: St. Joseph School
Independent and private schools continue to prosper There are several exceptionally strong schools in the western suburbs. Many schools have a rich history and are recognized throughout their communities for academic excellence, various extracurricular programs, and inspiration for learning. Families and students have many great options for selecting a private or independent school. Visits to…
Iceland
By Maureen Callahan Consider checking out this European destination in winter. You’ll need to outfit carefully for outdoor activities, but average temperatures are not much different than here. Expect fewer crowds, better prices, and stunning, frosted landscapes. Daylight is sparse this time of year, but there are definite advantages to visiting in the low season.…
Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot
Thousands joined the 40th annual Dan Gibbons Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving morning bringing the community together on a day for giving thanks. To date, The Dan Gibbons Foundation has donated approximately $4 million dollars to local charity organizations within the County of DuPage. Funds raised will go to eradicating hunger and to promote long-term sustainability…
