LETTER from THE ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
Hello Fall
Welcome to the fall issue of Downers Grove Magazine. The community members never disappoint when sharing their personal stories with our readers.
Grace Ginex and Whitney Buha are up first. I rarely attend interviews for our stories and let our very talented writers take the lead, but I requested to tag along with Valerie Hardy for this one. Why? As a social media follower of these two women (among thousands of others), I wanted to get their take on the rapid transformation of how we consume content.
What began as a hobby or a means of self-expression for both has evolved into a full-fledged industry, with them paving their own path with no rulebook or guidelines. Their journey through the social media jungle, from the early days of blogging to the current era of influencer marketing, is a fascinating one for any aspiring entrepreneur.
Seeing a friend in passing led to yet another story in the magazine. She had mentioned a lovely crossing guard in her neighborhood that she would see daily but had yet to learn her back story. Now she will.
Meet Maureen Brdlik, who has been a crossing guard at the intersection of Oakwood and Prairie in the morning and in the afternoons for the past 31 years. Her dedication and service are an inspiration to us all, and it is an honor to share her story with the community.
Drive for 155 is one of the most unique fundraisers I have ever heard about…and I have attended quite a few in my day. The annual go-kart race held at Autobahn Country Club in Joliet raises money for DuPagePads, a local organization dedicated to ending homelessness in DuPage County.
The Studio21 Architects team has sent two teams in the last few years led by Bill Stycznski. The race is the second-largest annual fundraiser for DuPagePads, and the funds raised go towards providing shelter, support services, and a path to housing for homeless individuals and families in our community.
Fall marks the beginning of yet another school year, which provides an excellent opportunity to feature some school related stories. As Dr. Hank Thiele heads into his final years as Superintendent of District 99, we look at his accomplishments since he started at the helm in 2016.
Additionally, the District 99 Education Foundation, now in its 30th year, continues to push the district forward with innovative programs. Finally, Blessings in a Backpack continues to help close the weekend hunger gap for students in all 13 schools in District 58. Learn how you can help this organization as we head into a new school year.
Rounding out our fall theme, plan a visit to the “sunset coast” of Michigan, a picturesque region known for its stunning sunsets and charming small towns. Also, you can read the spooky story of Chicago’s most famous ghost-in-residence – Resurrection Mary, a local legend that has fascinated and terrified Chicagoans for decades. Don’t forget about local Oktoberfest celebrations – we list plenty to visit – where you can drink German beer and sport some lederhosen.Have a wonderful fall season full of football, fests and fun.
Sincerely,
Anne Healy
Associate Publisher
anne@HinsdaleMag.com
