Stories for you
Doors Open: Transition 99 Celebrates New Facility
BY VALERIE HARDY PHotos by Carolina Menapace District 99 students, educators, and community members celebrated the expansion of the Transition 99 Center (4232 Venard Road) at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Oct. 23. Construction began in the spring in order to provide space to accommodate the Transition 99 Program’s growing enrollment of students ages 18-22 who…
Best of 2023: Readers’ Choice Awards 2023 Winners
We asked, you responded. For the fourth year in a row, we have completed our annual Readers’ Choice Awards survey. With hundreds of responses, we wanted to share with you your favorites as voted on by our readers. From restaurants to boutiques, many in our community frequent these places as first time guests to “regulars.”…
Ringing in the Season: The Agape Ringers: Performing a musical art form
By Maureen Callahan The ceremonial sound of bells elevates any event to a special occasion, especially the particular elegance of a handbell choir. It’s truly an art form that requires a high level of dedication from each ringer, not only to their individual bells but to the group. The Agape Ringers, Chicago’s premier community handbell…
Checking into the Hall of Fame: Jon Grzbek earns a spot in hockey history
By Maureen Callahan If you’re looking for a local hockey team to follow, the Benet Red Wings are your ticket to an exciting game! And it’s no mystery why. Coach Jon Grzbek, recently inducted into the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame, has a lot to do with this team’s success. Grzbek is a member of…
Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club
Teacher grants. High School Senior Scholarships. Junior High Art Awards. Safety Town. These are just a few examples of how the Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club (DGJWC) gives back to the community every year. The organization – comprised of women in Downers Grove and surrounding areas – embodies the volunteer spirit. Established in 1959, DGJWC…
Let it Snow: A festive and fun-filled end to 2023
The holidays are here, and we’ve curated a list of local events guaranteed to spread the season’s cheer! From light shows to stage performances, we’ve got you and your family covered for a festive and fun-filled end to 2023. By Anna Hughes IllumiBrew at the Morton Arboretum 11/16/23 – 11/17/23 www.mortonarb.org Be one of the…
Welcome In! The Drake Oak Brook’s elegance and charm are back to stay
By Maureen Callahan One of the best things about luxury travel is the accommodation. What makes a hotel memorable? Décor? Amazing cuisine? Unparalleled hospitality? To get a local look at all three in the same place, check into The Drake Oak Brook, Marriott Autograph Collection. You’ll feel like you’re at home. And among family- specifically…
A cornerstone of the community
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church celebrates 75 glorious years of faith and service in Downers Grove BY VALERIE HARDY | Photography by Madeline Craig Founded in 1948, Gloria Dei Lutheran Church initially operated out of Downers Grove’s Masonic Temple. Carl Otterness, a septuagenarian who has been a member of the church since birth, recalls how during…
West Suburban Humane Society Barkapalooza
By Anna Hughes | Photos by 726 Visuals For three decades, the West Suburban Humane Society has been hosting the Barkapalooza: a fundraiser to help bring homes to animals in need throughout the Chicagoland area. Over 500 people gather yearly for the 5K, the Waggin’ Tails Walk, the pet costume parade, and more. The event…
Downers Grove Oktoberfest
By Anna Hughes | Photos by 726 Visuals The Education Foundation of Downers Grove District 58 presented the village’s 10th annual Oktoberfest, where residents got to experience a traditional German atmosphere right in their hometown. While enjoying beer and brats, music groups spanning genres from classic rock to traditional German polka serenaded attendees. The event…
Lego Art Installation
Photos by 726 Visuals If driving down Belmont Road the last few months, you may have wondered about the life-size Lego building just north of the train tracks. Thanks to one of Downers Grove’s newest businesses, The Lytle Auditorium, the construction of the building turned into a temporary Lego Art Installation visible to many in…
Remembering Linda Kunze: A special resident who had Downers Grove first in her heart
By Maureen Callahan Linda Kunze was the kind of person every town needs. The connector of people she knew should meet. The organizer of festivals and community-building activities. The welcoming recruiter who constantly looked for ways to improve the look and feel of Downers Grove. “Downers Grove was kind of like our third child,” laughed…
Back in Time: Leslie Goddard brings history to life
By Maureen Callahan Most of us dream of finding an occupation we love- something for which we have a heartfelt passion while still making a living. Leslie Goddard has managed to do just that. This home-grown historian brings the past back to life – in a fun and entertaining way – through character impersonations and…
Rudy! 30 years later, Rudy walks on with a new generation
By Maureen Callahan Everybody loves an underdog. Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger is one of the most memorable in the history of film. Thirty years ago, audiences watched him muscle his way into one of the country’s most selective institutions, the University of Notre Dame (UND). This non-scholar of less athletic ability than his teammates worked harder…
