Stories for you
A new documentary captures the story of the Tivoli Theatre and the family behind the scenes
BY VALERIE HARDY | Photos by Victor Hilitski For many attending the sold-out premiere of the documentary film “History Happens Here: The Tivoli Theatre” on May 2, it was a very meta experience. They were watching the full-length feature about the Tivoli Theatre in the Tivoli Theatre, seated near members of the Johnson family, also…
Timothy Christian Schools
Where Children Are Challenged to Realize Their Full Potential By Larry Atseff Photos | by Victor Hilitski Parents certainly want their children to do well in school. In addition, for a large (and growing) number of families, one’s Christian faith is central – the virtues, the values, and the promises of the Bible. When parents…
Joan Walsh Anglund
The local area native who became a world-renowned children’s author By Maureen Callahan What is a friend? The answer depends on who you ask. A friend is someone who helps you. It’s someone with whom you have shared memories and common ground. A friend- above all- is someone who likes you. Joan Walsh Anglund, a…
Coming in from Outside
DuPagePads’ new housing model offers a permanent path out of homelessness By Maureen Callahan For the last 35 years, many in this community remember assisting DuPagePads- formerly known by the acronym P.A.D.S.- Public Action to Deliver Shelter- in their church basements. Scout troops, youth groups and others, made up a cast of thousands of volunteers…
One of a Kind — Architectural Gems in the Western Suburbs
There is no shortage of unique architecture in the Chicagoland area. In this issue, a handful of homes nestled in the western suburbs are featured that either break away from typical design trends or embrace traditional aesthetics. Blackened Steel and Glass House Located in Downers Grove Built in 1974, the home was originally designed by…
Links & Drinks – plus post-round cuisine
BY VALERIE HARDY You don’t have to join a country club to enjoy a round of golf on a beautifully manicured course followed by beverages and bites at a quality clubhouse or onsite restaurant. Whether you’re a scratch golfer or still growing your game, this list of local courses is sure to provide a pick…
Crusaders & Panthers
By Cynthia Maquet Football is like life. It requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and respect for authority.” This was once said by Vince Lombardi, one of the greatest coaches in the history of football. Now over 50 years later, hundreds of youth football players are learning what Lombardi’s famous quote means as they…
Focus on the Filmmaker
Jim Toth moved to Downers Grove in 2015 and spent 20 years as a creative director in Chicago’s advertising industry. During the coronavirus pandemic, however, he was laid off. While unfortunate, these circumstances afforded him the gift of time, and the self-proclaimed amateur filmmaker bought a new camera and began experimenting, largely by filming his…
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…
Summer 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…
Somersaulting 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…
Ghostlight’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…
Ghostlight 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…
Snapshot: 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…
All 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…
