COVER STORY
JULY/AUGUST 2025
Mission Accomplished
After scouring the Midwest, Molinari finds her school By Jeff Vorva Ashley Molinari went on a fact-finding mission all over the Midwest to find a perfect college/soccer fit for her. Some of the stops the Downers Grove South defender made were Iowa, Northwestern, Indiana, Nebraska, and Illinois, among others. These weren’t just get-to-see-the-campus meetings. These…
Life Under the Golden Arches
JJC Family Restaurants owns and operates 19 area McDonald’s locations By Maureen Callahan “One in eight Americans have worked at McDonald’s. You might see the golden arches and think, ‘big, global corporation,’ but it’s us behind it,” said West suburban businessman, John Carnagio. “All across the world, these [individual McDonald’s restaurants] are family businesses.” You…
Where Community Thrives
Downers Grove’s new Civic Center and the legacy of Mayor Betty Cheever By Catherine Dobrez Photos Courtesy of the Village of Downers Grove Home of the Village Hall, Police Department, and District 58 Administration, the newly constructed Civic Center lies at the heart of Downers Grove (850 Curtiss St.). This 80,000-square-foot building operates Monday-Friday from…
The Friendly Confines
Tales of a Wrigley Field groundskeeper By Maureen Callahan Ever wonder what the Friendly Confines are like long after the fans have left the ballpark? The stadium always looks great because of the dedicated grounds crew that takes care of the National League’s second-oldest ballpark. Whether it’s before, during, or after a game or concert—day…
Fishing for Memories
Sergeant Tommy’s Kids introduces children of military and first responders to the outdoors By Maureen Callahan Local heroes are a defining part of the fabric of a hometown. For Downers Grove, a great measure of this respect will always belong to Sergeant Thomas “Tommy” Gilbert, United States Marine Corps (USMC). Tommy grew up in Downers…
Q&A with State’s Attorney Bob Berlin
Justice in Focus Hinsdale Magazine Group last caught up with DuPage County State’s Attorney Bob Berlin in January 2022. In this issue, we revisit Berlin in a wide-ranging discussion on how his office works daily to protect local residents. Hinsdale Magazine Group (HMG): What are the most pressing school safety concerns facing DuPage County today,…
Decades of Dining
Historical restaurants and eateries in Chicago By Anna Hughes With dozens of new restaurants popping up across the city and beyond, consider returning to the basics and visiting some of Chicago’s oldest restaurants, eateries, and bakeries. These Windy City staples have been serving generations of Chicagoans, providing top-notch food, quality service, and a classic Chi-town…
Dwell at Home with Iconic City Foods
DwellSocial makes all your favorite city cuisine possible again, without the hassle. By Maureen Callahan Our favorite foods can transform any day into a celebration. Or just make dinner easier. If you have ever lived in the city, you know how easy it is to order from your favorite places. Many restaurants deliver, but if…
A Man with Great Taste
Going back to the table with former Chicago Tribune restaurant critic Phil Vettel By Valerie Hardy Photography by Victor Hilitski For over three decades, Phil Vettel shaped Chicagoland’s dining scene. An acclaimed restaurant critic for the Chicago Tribune, Vettel – also a longtime Downers Grove resident – is now “mostly retired,” but he still enjoys…
From Oak Brook to Africa
The Drake Luxury Brands bold global leap By Hinsdale Magazine Group Staff The Drake Oak Brook has been a symbol of elegance in the western suburbs, known for its rich history, classic architecture, and timeless charm. Under the ownership of Jim Nagle, a former Chicago attorney and third-generation lawyer, the iconic hotel has undergone a…
A Global Company with a Local Flavor
The Western Suburb’s FlavorChem is a family business in a worldwide market By Maureen Callahan “We make flavors from A-Z,” said Eric Larson, Production Manager at FlavorChem. “We don’t actively sell a zucchini flavor yet, but we do sell a Greek Yogurt flavor, so technically, I guess we’re A-Y,” he jokes. FlavorChem is an international…
The Sky’s the Limit
Fly with the Woodland Aero Modelers Club without ever leaving the ground By Maureen Callahan It’s a bird, it’s a plane…well, yes, it is! If you regularly hike or cycle at Waterfall Glen Forest Preserve, you might have seen members of the Woodland Aero Modelers (WAM) radio control (R/C) flying club honing their craft. Literally.…
Paws for a Cause
DuPage Paws for People’s therapy dog teams support students with vision and hearing loss By Valerie Hardy A dog may be a man’s best friend, but it can also be one of a child’s best teachers. This has been the case within the School Association for Special Education in DuPage County (SASED) classrooms serving children…
The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club
The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club held its highly anticipated House Walk this May, drawing a crowd of 750 attendees. The event, which showcased five beautifully decorated homes throughout Downers Grove, raised an impressive $71,250 to support local causes. With the generous backing of 37 unique sponsors, the House Walk was a true community effort,…
