LETTER from THE ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Hello, New Year
It’s hard to believe we are heading into our seventh year of publishing Downers Grove Magazine. You would think by now that we struggle with finding unique and interesting stories, but it is the opposite. Every edition, we’re proud to feature many people and organizations from the community and stories with regional appeal, and this issue is no different.
When I was a high school senior, I admittedly had a touch of “senioritis.” I was not running a business with products found in about 500 stores nationwide. But, meet local entrepreneur and Downers Grove North senior Ava Dorsey. She is. Ava’s Pet Palace is an eco-friendly pet treat company offering organic, natural snacks for cats and dogs. This teen trailblazer had an idea when she was six years old and has managed to launch a successful company. Clearly, Ava does not struggle with “senioritis”.
Beverly Kim, a talented chef from Top Chef Season 9, is celebrated for her Korean-American fusion cuisine. A Downers Grove South alum, her passion for storytelling through food shines at her and her husband’s Chicago restaurants, Parachute Hi-Fi and Anelya. Thanks to Valerie Hardy for detailing Kim’s journey, which showcases resilience, creativity, and dedication.
Speaking of resilience, we feature local teen Jonah Davis in honor of American Hearth Month in February. Despite a congenital heart condition, Jonah does not dwell on that with a “super optimistic outlook,” according to his Mom. Read about the Davis family, their strength and positive attitude, and how one doctor nominated him for a special VIP Chicago Bears experience this past fall.
Hope’s Front Door celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. This nonprofit organization provides emergency assistance and essential resources to individuals facing financial crises. It is a beacon of light and hope for those who need food, transportation, housing referrals, and job readiness programs. Thank you to Janell Robinson, Executive Director, and her team for empowering those in need to regain stability, and congratulations on the Silver Jubilee.
We visit a few pages out of history in this edition as well. In honor of Black History Month, we feature the Underground Railroad in DuPage County, a crucial network of safe houses and abolitionist efforts that helped enslaved individuals escape to freedom. Additionally, International Holocaust Remembrance Day is January 27th. Contributing Editor Maureen Callahan had the opportunity to sit down with local Holocaust survivor Eric Blaustein, who endured unimaginable hardships but “survived something horrible, but went on to live a full life.”
As I perused this edition’s pages to write this letter, it finally dawned on me that the theme of the issue is resilience. So many stories to share that reflect this message. And what a way to kick off the New Year.
Wishing you and yours the very best in 2025.
Sincerely,
Anne Healy
Associate Publisher
[email protected]
