COVER STORY

1COVERDownersGroveMagazine_Jan_-Feb_2025-1

Teen Trailblazer Ava Dorsey & Ava’s Pet Palace

Stories for you

1COVERDownersGroveMagazine_Jan_-Feb_2025-2

Teen Trailblazer Ava Dorsey & Ava’s Pet Palace

Some of the best ideas are inspired by small things. For Downers Grove North senior, and founder of Ava’s Pet Palace, Ava Dorsey, that small beginning was a little orange tabby cat. “I was two years old when my parents adopted Pumpkin,” said Dorsey. “He was the first animal I ever had and the inspiration…

Feature_CHEF-IAN

Chef Showcase: Local Flavors

Q&A with Chef Ian Schlegel of Cadence Kitchen & Co. Who influenced you early on? Food has always been a big part of my life. Growing up, I spent a lot of time in the kitchen with my mom, where helping cook was the rule if you were around. Cooking quickly became second nature to…

Photo-1-IMG_0962extend-e1736476758592

A Heart Warming Story

A local teen with a congenital heart condition is surprised with a VIP Bears Experience By Valerie Hardy  O’Neill Middle School eighth-grader Jonah Davis was born with only half a functioning heart, but he is a wholehearted football fan. However, Jonah cannot play football or other contact sports because of his critical congenital heart condition:…

Untitled design

Melissa Gorman creates a supportive resource for people living with cancer

By Valerie Hardy  United by Unique” is the three-year theme for the annual World Cancer Day, which is held on Feb. 4. The alliterative credo reflects the fact that behind every diagnosis is a distinctly individual human story. The campaign aims to raise awareness and inspire action, specifically toward placing people at the center of…

Photo-1-JohnnyBeverlyParachute20231-e1736473443654

Beverly Kim’s journey from Downers Grove to becoming one of Chicago’s top chefs

Beverly Kim’s path to becoming a James Beard Award-winning chef began at the Barnes & Noble in Downers Grove in the 1990s, back when she was a student at Downers Grove South High School and still “trying to figure out [her] own place in the world,” she said. One of her sisters suggested she would…

Photo-1-IMG_4465-e1736476407234

Hope’s Front Door serves the needs of area clients in the short and long-term

By Maureen Callahan | Photos courtesy of Hope’s Front Door No generalizations. No judgment. No two people are the same, and no two stories are exactly alike. That’s what the Hope’s Front Door (HFD) team sees. An individual person or family with a unique story. HFD is a million little things. At its heart, it’s…

Feature_DGCS-Snapshot-Photo-January-2025-IMG_4846

Snapshot: Downers Grove Christian School

There’s just something about “new” that always catches interest. Such is the case at Downers Grove Christian School. Mr. Joshua Peel has assumed leadership as principal and has proven to be a driving force committed to upholding Downers Grove Christian School’s mission and vision. Additionally, The First Baptist Church of Downers Grove, which serves as…

Photo-2-DuPage-Foundation

DuPage Foundation

In early November, the DuPage Foundation celebrated its Annual Benefit: Through the Looking Glass at The Westin Chicago Lombard, welcoming over 425 guests. The event raised nearly $700,000, with additional contributions expected. These funds are vital to supporting the Foundation’s efforts in addressing community challenges and opportunities while aiding donors and businesses in achieving impactful…

IMG_99999_295

Clearing the Air: The American Lung Association and the local Fight for Air Climb

By Anna Hughes | Photos courtesy of the American Lung Association It’s not easy having to fight for air. It’s unfair when the most basic human need—breathing—becomes a daily battle. Unfortunately, that’s the reality for tens of millions of Americans living with a variety of lung health conditions: lung and respiratory diseases, asthma, and lung…

Montini-Snapshot-Photo

Snapshot: Montini Catholic High School

Being a teenager today is more challenging than ever and the Lasallian approach to education that Montini Catholic has provided since their founding – knowing, seeing, supporting, and loving each student – is more relevant than ever. Located in Lombard, Montini Catholic High School is a family-centered, coeducational, college preparatory high school rooted in the…

Photo-1-Pierce-Downers-Homeexpandbwtest

The DuPage County Underground Railroad

Local Underground Railroad stations invite visitors to hear freedom seekers’ stories By Maureen Callahan From the start of slavery, freedom seekers (formerly known as enslaved people) sought a better situation than the one into which they were born or sold. The 1860s found the nation embroiled in the Great Civil War, with slavery as a…

Feature_NotreDameSchool

Snapshot: Notre Dame School

Under the patronage of Our Blessed Mother, Notre Dame School partners with parents, the primary educators, in the sacred mission of guiding their children to Heaven. Our Catholic classical liberal arts education engages students’ natural desire for truth, beauty, and goodness. Through the integration of faith and reason, we form wise, virtuous, and free students…

Photo-1-23DGIceFest-27

The Ice Thing about Downers Grove winters

Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures makes artistic fun of ice at Downers Grove Ice Festival By Maureen Callahan | Photos by 726 Visuals If you’ve ever visited the Downers Grove Ice Festival, you’ve seen Jim Nadeau’s dream solidified – at least until the sun has its say. Nadeau’s Ice Sculptures in Forest Park began almost four and…

image from Pexels

The Transformative Power of Live Performing Arts

by Laura Michaud and Melissa G. Wilson Live performing arts have a profound impact on both individuals and communities. From the artists who express themselves through their craft to the children who grow by sharing their talents, everyone involved is touched meaningfully. Audiences, too, benefit by gaining new insights, emotional connections, and life experiences. Whether…

Wedding-7

2025 Wedding Trends

Although any wedding should be unique to the happy couple, trends often sneak their way into the celebration. We’ve rounded up a list of some  wedding trends to be on the lookout for during the 2025 wedding season. By Anna Hughes Elongated Diamonds For the past few years, oval diamonds have been the leading pick…

Eric-Blaustein_2-USE-THIS-PHOTO-Have-approval

After the Ashes: Holocaust survivor Eric Blaustein

By Maureen Callahan The Holocaust was among the darkest hours in history. How survivors carry their memories is as varied as the individual stories themselves. In honor of Holocaust Remembrance Day – January 27 – local resident Eric Blaustein reflected on the five months he was imprisoned at Buchenwald Concentration Camp near Weimar, Germany as…

galina-n-AgWVcQz1bOA-unsplash

Beat the Winter Blues

By Anna Hughes Nothing’s better than a hot chocolate by the fireplace on a cold winter day, but we’ve rounded up a list of events that certainly come close. For a couples date night, family weekend, or unexpected snow day, check out these local events that are sure to bring warmth and fun to the…

Feature_StJoanKids

Snaphot: St Joan of Arc Catholic School

  St. Joan of Arc Catholic School is dedicated to providing a comprehensive, research-backed education that nurtures both the academic and personal growth of every student. Our curriculum is grounded in the Science of Reading, ensuring that students receive a structured approach to phonics and spelling through Foundations in the early grades. As they advance,…

SMG-DGMagazinePhoto

Snapshot: St. Mary of Gostyn School

 St. Mary of Gostyn School (SMG) combines exceptional academics with a strong faith-based environment. SMG students experience a Catholic culture, including daily prayer, religion class, and weekly Mass. They also encounter a challenging curriculum that inspires them to excel academically, develop confidence and a strong sense of self, build personal relationships, and serve others. The…

St-Joseph-Snapshot

Snapshot: St. Joseph School

Established in 1910, St. Joseph School provides excellence in education founded on the Catholic faith to Downers Grove and neighboring communities. For the seventh year in a row, St. Joseph School was voted the Finest Grade School and Preschool in Suburban Life’s 2024 Reader’s Choice contest. Over the years, the school has grown from a…

Timothy-Christian-Schools

Snapshot: Timothy Christian Schools

Partner With A School That Aligns With Your Family’s Values Timothy Christian Schools is a PS-12th grade, nondenominational, college preparatory school committed to Biblical virtues and values. Timothy’s mission is to uphold Biblical truth, ignite academic growth, and inspire courageous leadership—one student at a time. At Timothy Christian Schools, you don’t have to choose between…

Vine-Academy

Snapshot: Avery Coonley School

  Established in 1906, The Avery Coonley School (ACS) is known as a leader in gifted education and offers advanced learners in preschool through eighth grade a curriculum with the depth, pace, and complexity to challenge them to the fullest. Unlike most schools that only offer gifted education in pullout subjects, Avery Coonley is gifted…

E-EDITION

Noteworthy

OB-Movie-Launch-Page-scaled-1

Lights. Camera. Action. – Movie magic awaits in Oak Brook

John-Kinsella-Cover-Option

Oak Brook native, two-time Olympic medalist, looks back on legendary career

The Brook Forest Elementary School first annual Holiday Greeting Card Contest was a success within the community.

Doubletree, Marriott Hotels: Giving back to the community

Oak-Brook-Golf-Club-Photo-1-

Oak Brook Golf Club: The Upcoming Season is on the Tee

In-the-KNow-Borders-Photo-2-DSC01275

Groundbreaking: Protecting Oak Brook’s Borders

Skycube-2

Elmhurst Art Museum’s Skycube, 2015, celebrates ten years

Golf-Preserve-Oak-Meadows-PHOTO-1

The Preserve at Oak Meadows celebrates over 100 years

14-e1741305392828

Vander Wal ready to please volleyball crowds at Texas

Old-World-Quality-Andy-Photo-1

Local entrepreneur gives more than just the gift of good food

Griffin-Photo-1

Of Her Own Design: Marion Mahony Griffin, Frank Lloyd Wright’s apprentice

March2025-WIP

New Tax Incentive to Support Your Local Community Forever

extend-Sears-Home-Vallonia-PHOTO-1-1036-catalogres

More than a century later, Sears homes are still hiding in plain sight

TO-DOS-PHOTO-1-Wellness-Walk-Photo-To-Dos-Photo-1

Celebrate warmer weather with family fun events in the western suburbs.

Photo-1extend

State park and trail commemorate the 16th President of the United States

SCARCE_Photo_1_-_Kay_McKeen_2-e1741313883258

DuPage County nonprofit celebrates 35 years of local and global service

Your paragraph text

Navigating Seasonal Allergies: When to treat at home and when to call a doctor

DuPage_County_Courthouse

DuPage County Historical Architecture A few local architectural gems By Maureen Callahan

Salt-Creek-Ballet_Nutcrcaker_-3

The Power of Unity: How suburban theaters are rewriting the script on collaboration