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$5 US

VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 5 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

CELEBRATING EIGHT YEARS OF PUBLISHING

DOWNERSGROVEMAG.COM

THROUGH THE YEARS

A visual journey through Downers Grove history

INSIDE: CHARLIE ROHLF

INSIDE CHARLIE ROHLF’S NBA CAREER

LIBRARY

DOWNERS GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY THROUGH TIME

GOLF CHICAGOLAND’S DEEP GOLF ROOTS

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DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

LETTER from THE GROUP PUBLISHER

In This Issue $5 US

VOLUME 8 | ISSUE 5 | SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026

This edition of Downers Grove Magazine offers a look at our community’s past and present, beginning with our cover THROUGH story featuring Greg Elisha’s work. THE YEARS Based on his book Downers Grove: Past A visual journey through Downers Grove history and Present, the photo-driven feature pairs historic photographs with images of the same places today. From familiar streets and buildings to places that have changed considerably over time, the images offer a fascinating look at Downers Grove's evolution. Thank you, Greg, for helping us look back at the Downers Grove of yesterday and see it alongside the community we know today.

CELEBRATING EIGHT YEARS OF PUBLISHING

American golf history. Downers Grove has an important place in that story as the site where Chicago Golf Club began in the 1890s and where golfers still play today at Belmont Golf Club.

DOWNERSGROVEMAG.COM

INSIDE: CHARLIE ROHLF

INSIDE CHARLIE ROHLF’S NBA CAREER

LIBRARY

DOWNERS GROVE PUBLIC LIBRARY THROUGH TIME

That connection to local history continues with our Archives feature on the Downers Grove Public Library. As the library marks its 135th anniversary, we look back at its beginnings and the role Andrew Carnegie’s vision played in establishing a permanent home for the library in Downers Grove. We shift from history to the NBA with our profile of Charlie Rohlf. A Downers Grove North graduate, Rohlf has built a career around the numbers behind professional basketball and today serves as Vice President of Stats Technology Product Development for the NBA. His story takes readers behind the scenes of a part of the game most fans rarely see. Beyond our local features, this issue includes several stories that explore the history, people and places of the greater Chicago area. “Chicago: America’s Quiet Golf Capital” looks at the region’s significant role in

GOLF CHICAGOLAND’S DEEP GOLF ROOTS

We also head west to Nachusa Grasslands for a look at its bison herd and the conservation work surrounding it. Our Recreation feature introduces readers to Chicago Polo Academy, while “The Oldest Places in Chicago” takes us through some of the institutions and landmarks that have endured for generations.

Elsewhere, we look at the role of the DuPage Regional Office of Education, remember Chicago Police Officer and Downers Grove North graduate Ella French, and revisit the work of noted landscape architect Gertrude Kuh. Our Journey feature explores the return of grand travel, while our Trends pages look at how homeowners are creating more retreat-like experiences without leaving home. It’s an issue that moves easily between local history and the people and ideas shaping life today which is a fitting complement to our cover and its look at Downers Grove through the years. We hope you enjoy the fall edition! Happy reading.

Anne Healy GROUP PUBLISHER

anne@HinsdaleMag.com

DON'T MISS AN ISSUE! Guarantee delivery of each issue to your home! Subscribe at www.downersgrovemag.com. 8

DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

"RESTORING YOUR NATURAL YOUTH, WITHOUT ALTERING WHO YOU ARE." — DR. MICHAEL BYUN

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MANAGING EDITOR Larry Atseff larry@HinsdaleMag.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS Maureen Callahan Valerie Hardy Anna Hughes

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Rachel Pavlovich Jennifer Frencl Katie Bolinger

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jeff Vorva Julia Mazurek Jack Rodak Sophia Schiappa

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS Victor Hilitski Atticus Fair, Video Editor Sophia Schiappa

ADVERTISING SALES graphics@hinsdalemag.com

Hinsdale Magazine Group 333 Chestnut, Suite 100 Hinsdale, IL 60521 630-655-3400 www.DownersGroveMag.com No person, organization or publication can copy or re-produce the content in this magazine or any part of this publication without a written consent from the publisher. The publisher, authors, contributors and designers reserve their rights with regards to copyright of their work. Downers Grove Magazine assumes no liability or responsibility for any inaccurate, delayed or incomplete information. The information contained about each individual, event or organization has been provided by such individual, event organizers or organization. The opinion expressed in each article is the opinion of its author and does not necessarily reflect the opinion of Downers Grove Magazine. Comments are welcome, but they should be on-topic and well-expressed. Copyright ©2026 Hinsdale Magazine, Inc.. All rights reserved.

DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

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DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

September/October 2026

Contents

TO DOS Fall Events

HOME GROWN Beth Hatlen & Karla O’Brien

22 ARCHIVES Downers Grove Public Library

24 PROFILE Charlie Rohlf

28 SPOTLIGHT Downers Grove Fire Department

COVER Visual History of Downers Grove

37 SPECIAL FEATURE Chicagoland: The Quiet Golf Capital

43 DID YOU KNOW? Nachusa Grasslands

47 IN FOCUS DuPage Regional Office of Education

50 TRIBUTE Ella French

52 TAKE NOTE Gertrude Kuh

54 RECREATION Chicago Polo Academy

TRENDS Luxury at Home

58 THE LIST Oldest Places in Chicago

JOURNEY The Return to Grand Travel

64 PHILANTHROPY

ON THE COVER: HISTORIC AND PRESENT-DAY IMAGES FROM GREG ELISHA’S DOWNERS GROVE: PAST AND PRESENT

Giving Beyond a Lifetime

65 HOUSE & HOME Understanding Market Forces

66 COMMUNITY SCENE McCollum Park

STAY CONNECTED TO YOUR COMMUNITY! Follow us on Instagram and Facebook. 12

DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

Preserving the Past When the owners of an early-1900s Hinsdale home decided it was time to replace their windows, they weren’t looking to change the character of their house. In fact, preserving it was one of their biggest priorities. The home’s wood windows contributed to its historic aesthetic, but they also required regular painting and upkeep. The homeowners wanted an alternative that would be easier to maintain while still looking appropriate for a home more than a century old. They turned to Woodland Windows & Doors, where Matt Mariotti helped them find a solution that balanced old and new. The homeowners selected bronze Infinity by Marvin fiberglass windows with custom-bent aluminum trim. The project also included a TruStile front entry door. Fiberglass offered an important practical advantage: unlike the home’s wood windows, the new windows won’t require continual painting and are resistant to rot. But the details were equally important. To help retain the appearance of the original windows, Woodland incorporated simulated divided lights that preserved the grille pattern. The new windows also feature double-pane insulated glass, adding modern energy efficiency without dramatically changing the home’s exterior appearance.

After

Before “The goal isn’t to make an older home look new,” said Mariotti. “It’s to introduce modern performance while respecting what makes the home distinctive.” For the homeowners, the finished project provides the benefits they were seeking while maintaining the character that initially drew them to the home. One of the things we love most about our home is its character, so we wanted to work with someone that understood that, said Craig B., one of the homeowners. “We wanted that historic feel but eliminate some of the upkeep. Woodland provided a phenomenal experience during the sales and installation process.” The result is less about transforming an old house than thoughtfully updating it: preserving the details of the past while making the home easier to live with for years to come.

Before After

Woodland Windows & Doors 25W355 Lake St, Roselle, Illinois 17W490 22nd St, Oakbrook Terrace 630-869-1450 | www.woodlandwindows.com

TO DOS | DOWNERSGROVEMAG.COM

FALL INTO COMMUNITY Though the days are getting shorter as summer turns to fall, there’s still plenty of time to fill them with fun events around the community. With a variety of activities and attractions for all ages, there’s plenty of excitement for the entire family to enjoy. Explore the western suburbs of Chicago and make life-long memories and connections this fall. BY KATHERINE MIELKE

Photo courtesy of Nathan Moawad and the Taste of Egypt Festival

DOWNERS GROVE FINE ARTS FESTIVAL September 12–13, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Downtown Downers Grove DowntownDG.org Come peruse a selection of boutiques, art, handmade jewelry, and more at the 49th annual Downers Grove Fine Arts Festival. With no entry fee and a designated children’s art area, this festival is a great activity for the whole family to enjoy without breaking the bank. Check out the local cafes to grab a bite or a refreshing drink as you explore this annual artsy event in the heart of Downers Grove.

DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

TASTE OF EGYPT FESTIVAL September 12, 11:00AM-7:00PM September 13, 12:00PM-5:00PM St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Burr Ridge TasteofEgyptFestival.com Take a trip to Egypt without leaving the western suburbs. Hosted by St. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church, the annual Taste of Egypt Festival features authentic Egyptian cuisine, live music, cultural performances, camel rides, henna art, church tours and family-friendly activities. It’s a unique opportunity to experience one of the world’s oldest cultures through its food, traditions and warm hospitality. FALL FAMILY DAY HARMONY IN THE PARK September 19, 2:00 PM–5:00 PM Oaks Amphitheater in Central Park OBParks.org Enjoy a day of fun with the whole family at the Oaks Amphitheater in Central Park. Spend the afternoon dancing to family-friendly music sets and participating in games and more. Some of the event’s activities include face painting, a bounce house, a photo booth, and arts and crafts.This free event is a great way to meet new people and build community. Come and see it foryourself at the Oak Brook Park District!

CRUISIN’ FOR A CAUSE September 24, 6:00 PM Drury Lane communityassistedrides.org Join Community Assisted Rides (CARS) for their 24th annual fall benefit at Drury Lane. This year’s event is Route 66-themed. CARS is an organization that provides safe and convenient free transportation to local older adults in 22 communities. Come and celebrate this mission of supporting the community at this fun fundraising event. Tickets are available for purchase on the Community Assisted Rides website.

Fall Family Day: Photo courtesy of the Oak Brook Park District

Flannel Fest: Photo by Nissan Simpson

FLANNEL FEST September 26, 6:00 PM–8:30 PM Fishel Park DGParks.org Bring your best flannel and an empty stomach to Fishel Park for Flannel Fest. Enjoy a variety of activities, from live music to mechanical bull rides, at this event for all ages. With food from Midwest Smoke Barbecue and drinks from Goldfinger Brewing Company, you’ll have all you need for an evening of fun. There is no entry fee for this event. FAMILY FALL FEST October 3, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM The Depot at Willow Meadows Trace EPD.org Get ready for a morning of fun and great food at the Elmhurst Family Fall Fest. This outdoor event is a great way to get in the Halloween

spirit. Come enjoy dishes from a variety of food trucks as well as trick-or-treating. Bring your Halloween costume and spend an exciting morning with family and friends. Admission to this event is free. WINE WALK October 8, 5:00 PM–8:00 PM Downtown Hinsdale hinsdalechamber.com/wine-walk Take a walk around Hinsdale while enjoying wine samples at the Wine Walk. Local businesses sponsoring this 21+ event will be stationed along the walk, advertising ways to support and get further involved with the community. Tickets available for purchase online. PUMPKIN SWIM October 16, 6:00 PM–8:45 PM Oak Brook Park District OBParks.org Grab your goggles and head to the Oak Brook Park District’s Swim

Central for an aquatic egg hunt. Kids ages 0-12 can take their chance at winning candy, prizes, and even a full-size pumpkin to take home. After each age group participates, families are invited to stay for a couple of hours of open swim with no additional cost beyond the child’s enrollment fee. Come out for some late-season swimming and friendly competition at this family event. CAMERATA CHICAGO: A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM October 18, 3:00PM Union Church of Hinsdale CamerataChicago.org Celebrate the beauty of autumn with Camerata Chicago’s opening concert of its 23rd season. Mendelssohn’s beloved A Midsummer Night’s Dream comes to life with live narration by Music Director Drostan Hall, alongside Mozart’s Sinfonia Concertante for Four Winds and Tony Payne’s Fantasy on English Melodies. DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

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HOME GROWN || DOWNERSGROVEMAG.COM DOWNERSGROVEMAG.COM HOMEGROWN

Karla O’Brien and Beth Hatlen at Fairmount Elementary School, where they first met as second graders.

Reading Ready

Two former District 58 students turned teachers take literacy instruction to the next level BY VALERIE HARDY

s students at Fairmount Elementary School, Beth Hatlen and Karla O’Brien learned to read together. Today, these childhood friends run a business that helps thousands of other students learn to read. Hatlen and O’Brien co-founded Classmates Educational Group, Inc. under which they have owned and operated Slant System™ since 2021. Slant System – a structured literacy intervention for students with dyslexia or who are otherwise struggling to learn to read – uses the Orton-Gillingham approach, a proven method for literacy instruction dating back approximately a century.

Slant System combines this powerful needs during their collective 40 years literacy intervention for students with in education. a comprehensive literacy training program designed for educators. It Hatlen primarily worked as a kinderwas this training that first introduced garten teacher and then a reading Hatlen and O’Brien to specialist at Indian Trail what they consider “best Elementary School. “This is how all O’Brien started her practice for how all students – and humans children should teaching career in the Hin– should be taught to sdale and Clarendon Hills learn to read.” schools before joining the read,” Hatlen explained. — KARLA O’BRIEN, ON THE Pierce Downer ElemenSLANT SYSTEM™ Before buying Slant tary School staff as a System from its creator, special education resource Marsha Geller, under teacher. It was during their whom they were certified in the mutual time as teachers in Downers unique approach to teaching Grove Grade School District 58 that reading, spelling, and writing skills, Hatlen and O’Brien reconnected after Hatlen and O’Brien gained a deep losing touch following their time as understanding of children’s literacy students within the district. DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

During the 2018-2019 school year, District 58 offered to send teachers to the Slant System training. “It was a very intensive training, taking place after hours and on Saturdays, so only a few teachers in the district took the opportunity,” Hatlen said. She was grateful she and O’Brien were among these few. “Teachers in undergraduate and graduate programs aren’t always taught how to teach reading correctly,” Hatlen said. “Even with a master’s degree in reading, I learned things through the Slant System training I had never learned before about best practices for how reading should be taught.”

While school districts are the biggest clients, “parents also take our course, and so do literacy tutors,” Hatlen said. Slant System's website website even features a database of literacy tutors. O’Brien said five years into running the business – which holds the highest level of accreditation from the International Dyslexia Association – she and Hatlen have seen a significant “ripple effect” from their work. Not only have they helped students and educators across the nation, but these Downers Grove-based literacy

leaders also continue to make an impact close to home, which Hatlen and O’Brien can attest to from both professional and personal perspectives. Hatlen has two teenage children, and O’Brien has five children ages 10-24, one of whom has dyslexia. His teacher in District 58 used the system, which really benefited him. “This is how all children should learn to read,” O’Brien said, “then we wouldn’t have any struggling readers.” Visit slantsystem.com for more information. n

O’Brien equally appreciated the training. She only wished she had done it sooner. Prior to the training, she was never taught how to look for the signs of dyslexia or how to remediate it. After completing the training, she thought to herself, “If only I knew then what I know now, imagine the difference I could have made.” While it’s impossible to go back in time to change their previous approaches to literacy instruction, O’Brien and Hatlen fully committed to implementing the Slant System method going forward. That’s why O’Brien, upon learning of Geller’s plans to retire, immediately texted Hatlen and said, “We have to take [Slant System] over! There are so many more students we need to reach.”

Slant System training in action. Photo by Mark Wierda

Hatlen didn’t need to be convinced, and the two teachers became businesswomen almost overnight. Their first year in business, Hatlen and O’Brien continued teaching in District 58. However, they then made the “really hard decision to leave the schools in order to impact more children,” Hatlen said. “We’re still teachers – just now instead of teaching students, we teach teachers.” Slant System offers professional development at three levels, from a three-day Foundations course to a yearlong Structured Literacy Practicum with One-on-One Coaching. 18

DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

Karla O’Brien reading to students. Photo by Mark Wierda

DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

NOTEWORTHY | DOWNERSGROVEMAGAZINE.COM

Dr. Christine Snow, Dr. Sherif Albert, Dr. Amy Feller

Esplanade Dental Care Walk into Esplanade Dental Care, and you’ll notice something patients often mention before the dentistry itself: familiar faces. For many patients, those relationships have been built over years. As a familyowned practice, Esplanade has created an environment where patients know they’ll be greeted by the same trusted team members, receive personalized attention, and have time to ask questions rather than feeling rushed through an appointment. That philosophy has been at the heart of the practice since the beginning. Dr. Sherif Albert works alongside his sister, Dr. Christine Snow, and Dr. Amy Feller, bringing nearly a century of combined experience in general, cosmetic and pediatric dentistry. Together, they have built a patient-centered practice focused on compassionate care, respect and staying at the forefront of modern dentistry. While relationships remain the foundation, the practice has continued to evolve. Esplanade Dental Care has invested heavily in digital technology that improves accuracy, efficiency and patient comfort while expanding the services available under one roof. The goal is simple: combine the latest advancements 20

DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

in dentistry with a warm, welcoming experience where patients feel confident they’re receiving exceptional care. Looking ahead, Dr. Albert is especially excited about the role artificial intelligence is beginning to play in dentistry. AI is helping dentists identify problems earlier, improve diagnostic accuracy and better educate patients by making treatment recommendations easier to understand. Combined with advances in digital scanning, imaging and restorative materials, today’s technology allows for more precise, efficient and comfortable treatment than ever before. “Dentistry continues to evolve, and it’s exciting to be able to bring those advancements to our patients while continuing to provide the kind of care they’ve come to expect,” Dr. Albert says.

2001 Butterfield Rd #140 Downers Grove, Illinois 331-214-3185 | www.esplanade-dental.com

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BETTER

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ARCHIVES || DOWNERSGROVEMAG.COM DOWNERSGROVEMAG.COM ARCHIVES

Downers Grove Public Library, past and present

BUILT TO LAST

How Andrew Carnegie’s vision helped shape the Downers Grove Public Library BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

local library is someworked several jobs, such as a thing every community telegraph office messenger and later needs. Although it’s a telegraph operator for the Pennimportance and sylvania Railroad. Gradually, he relevance can somegained skills that later contributed times be overlooked, it’s meant to be to his eventual railroad success. a place for everyone. While not formally The idea of steel and “A library outranks educated, Carnegie railroad billionaire was an avid reader any one thing a Andrew Carnegie was who self-educated on to make education – at community can do to topics such as railboth rudimentary and benefit its people,” roads, iron and steel. advanced levels – – INDUSTRIALIST ANDREW CARNE- He was also the accessible to anyone GIE ON THE IMPORTANCE OF who sought it. proverbial man with a LOCAL LIBRARIES plan. Eventually, he Carnegie was born rose to be one of the into a desperately poor family in wealthiest Americans of his day. He Scotland. His family set sail for founded the Pittsburgh-based New York in the 1840s, when he Carnegie Steel Company, which he was twelve. They eventually settled later sold to J.P Morgan. It is estiin Pittsburgh, where young Andrew mated Carnegie was worth upwards 22

DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

of $480 million by 1901. In addition to his monumental success, the tycoon was also recognized as an exceptionally generous philanthropist who donated to a varied landscape of charities. By the time of his death, Carnegie had given away more than 90% of the fortune he had amassed with his own two hands. The steel magnate largely credited his rags-to-riches story to a place to which all have access – our public libraries. Between 1886 and 1919, Carnegie financed more than sixteen hundred new libraries in communities across the country that educated and entertained millions of Americans. The new institutions seemed to lessen the gap between the lower and middle classes, while offering what Carnegie proved to be the most available – and affordable opportunity for education.

In 1915, our own Downers Grove Public Library was the recipient of one such grant from the Carnegie Foundation. Initially, a small reading room of about 700 volumes was founded in 1891 by the Ladies Library Association above the Farmers and Merchants Bank in what is now Pierce Tavern. The grant was used to build the first library building in its current location.

DGPL Milestones 1891 – A small reading room is established above the Farmers and Merchants Bank in the current Pierce’s Tavern building. 1911 – A referendum passes for the establishment of a tax-supported library of about 1500 books – a small building at the southwest corner of Main and Curtiss. 1915 – With the help of a Carnegie Foundation grant, a new library

By 1977, the building needed to be expanded to meet the needs of a rapidly growing population. Since then, DGPL has been renovated and expanded several times. Today, almost a million items circulate annually. This year marks the 135th anniversary of DGPL. Library Journal, a national magazine, gave our library

building at Forest and Curtiss is built for about $11,250. 1956 – A “wrap-around” addition expands the building to accommodate a growing population. 1977 – A new, 40,000 square foot library opens on the site of the former building. During building, the collection was moved to a temporary site just east of the current building. In the space of six years, the Reference Department was moved upstairs to a redesigned second floor.

five stars in a 2022 ranking. The first library Carnegie gifted was to his hometown of Dunfermline, Scotland. Overall, between the philanthropist himself and later his foundation, Carnegie Corporation of New York, an estimated $56 million built more than 2500 public libraries. n

1999 – The passage of an $8.2 million referendum in 1996 reconstructs and updates the library with a 67,738 square foot addition. 2014 – A $2.4 million building renovation passed in 2012 upgrades technology, improves WiFi and adds more study spaces along with a lobby café space. 2016 – DGPL celebrates 125 years! 2025 – DGPL is designated a Historic Site by the Downers Grove Historical Society.

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PROFILE | DOWNERSGROVEMAG.COM PROFILE | DOWNERSGROVEMAG.COM

Home Court Advantage DGN alum Charlie Rohlf connects passions for sports, technology and statistics into a career with the NBA

BY JULIA MAZUREK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF DISTRICT 99

owners Grove native Charlie Rohlf leads one of the National Basketball Association’s most important teams.

He’s not a coach, scout or general manager. Instead, as the NBA’s Vice President of Stats Technology Product Development, Rohlf oversees the software engineers and data scientists responsible for transforming the league’s vast collection of basketball data into insights for teams, broadcasters and millions of fans of the NBA, WNBA, and its affiliate leagues. “My team is responsible for taking a whole lot of data and turning it into insights that are meaningful for our various stakeholders,” Rohlf explains. It’s a dream job that began with a foundation built growing up in Downers Grove. “Thanks to my two incredible parents, my whole childhood was spent in Downers Grove,” he says. “I went to Avery Coonley through eighth grade. I played youth sports. I volunteered at Good Samaritan Hospital. I coached Park District T-ball. It all provided a great foundation for me.” Rohlf was honored this year by Downers Grove North High School with an Alumni Award of Excellence. A member of the class of 2001, Rohlf recognizes the positive impact that DGN had on him. “I loved being at a big school with so many different kinds of people,” he says. “Being exposed to such a tremendous variety of programs and sports and activities really shaped me.”

DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

DGN Class of 2001

Charlie Rohlf returned to Downers Grove North this spring to share how his passions for basketball, computer science and statistics led to a career with the NBA.

“I am very much living my dream as a lifetime basketball nerd who loves computer science and statistics.” – CHARLIE ROHLF

Rohlf embraced every opportunity DGN had to offer. He was co-captain of the golf team, served as vice president of the National Honor Society, competed on the chess team, enjoyed art classes and worked as a student athletic trainer. He also credits teachers who invested in him beyond the classroom.

“English was admittedly my weakest subject,” he adds with a laugh. “But I’m thankful for the incredible teachers at DGN, like my English teacher Jane Rice, who went above and beyond to help me.” Perhaps most significantly, he served as a student manager for the DGN boys basketball team - an experience that would plant a seed for his career. “It was great to be part of the competitive spirit of the team,” Rohlf recalls. “But what I really loved was the stats and the strategy of basketball.”

Rohlf competed on Downers Grove North’s chess team, one of many activities that reflected his lifelong love of strategy and problem-solving.

At Duke University, where he studied computer science, Rohlf continued as a student manager under legendary coach Mike Krzyzewski. “I loved that two days were never the same,” Rohlf adds. “One day I’m taking statistics, the next day I’m rebounding or on the court helping play defense, the next day I’m filming, and then the next day it’s travel logistics.” As he started his career, Rohlf initially worked in finance while continuing to fuel his sports passions by coaching basketball and golf at Nazareth Academy. While earning his master’s degree in computer vision – teaching computers how to interpret images – he used video footage from the basketball team he coached for his thesis. By connecting his education in computer science and his passion for sports, Rohlf’s career charted a new course. He helped build the first player-tracking system for the NBA and started working directly for the league in 2017. “I am very much living my dream as a lifetime basketball nerd who loves computer science and statistics,” Rohlf says. “That I found an intersection of those three things is a dream opportunity.” Every NBA arena is equipped with 20 cameras that track 29 points on every player’s body 60 times each second, generating hundreds of millions of data points every game.

Rohlf compares it to plotting coordinates on a geometry graph. His team’s challenge is turning that flood of information into meaningful insights – whether it’s a statistic shown during a national broadcast, data that helps a coach prepare for an opponent or a feature that helps fans better understand what they’re seeing on the court. “It’s an awesome challenge,” Rohlf continues. “We deliver insights to a lot of different stakeholders. But first and foremost are our fans - we have kind of a north star for our team, which is whatever we’re working on, we want to make sure it engages and educates our fans.” Away from work, Rohlf and his wife, Katie, are raising two children, ages 10 and 8, who are already exploring their own interests in school, sports, and extracurriculars. Rohlf returned to his alma mater this spring to share his experience with students.

“It’s extremely valuable in any career to have cross-functional skills,” Rohlf says. “Don’t be afraid to pursue different passions even if they don’t necessarily seem congruent at the moment.” He also reminds students that participating in athletics isn’t limited to making the team. He adds, “Whether you have an injury or just didn’t make the team, there are so many ways to be involved and be part of the camaraderie and competition that make sports great.” That advice reflects his own journey. Rohlf embraced every opportunity at DGN, discovered that his seemingly unrelated interests fit together, and now has one of the coolest jobs in sports.He is proof that sometimes the most rewarding careers aren’t found by choosing between passions, but by bringing them together. n

The Stats Behind Every Slam The NBA’s Dunk Score - developed by Rohlf’s stats team – analyzes every dunk from every NBA game in real time by combining player tracking technology with NBA data science. “Dunks are one of the most exciting plays in all sports, and we wanted to bring fans closer to that action,” Rohlf said. During his visit to DGN, Rohlf explained to students how gathering X, Y, Z location data points generates a stream of information – including Dunk Scores. Fans can view Dunk Score data on the NBA’s website and app to find out which dunks rise above the rest.

Rohlf demonstrates how the NBA’s playertracking technology transforms X, Y and Z location data into advanced statistics, including the league’s Dunk Score feature.

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The Rec League When The Rec League opens in downtown Downers Grove, guests will find two distinct concepts under one roof, each with its own menu and atmosphere.

garlic and the natural gelatin released from fish as it cooks. Salas pairs mild branzino with the sauce, adding capers, guindilla peppers and lemon.

The latest project from longtime restaurateurs Todd Davies and Tim Canning, the partners behind Cadence Kitchen & Co. and The Foxtail, pairs dining with entertainment in a multi-level space designed for everything from dinner to a little friendly competition.

“The Branzino Pil-Pil represents our take on a classic dish from the Basque region of Spain,” Salas says.

DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

REC LEA

GUE

One dish that captures the menu’s Spanish influence is the Branzino Pil-Pil (shown above). Pil-Pil is a classic Basque-style sauce traditionally made with olive oil,

The Rec League will give guests plenty to explore, whether they come for tapas downstairs or a game and a bite one floor up.

Original small plates will round out the menu, including Sobrasada Rolls filled with spiced pork sausage and finished with honey butter; Crab Garlic Noodles with fideo seco, lump crab and lemon aioli; Grilled Mortadella with olive salsa verde; and Spicy Cucumbers paired with Marcona almonds, Medjool date purée and ñora salsa macha.

Expect dishes such as a Burger Dog, Green Jacket Salad, Wagyu Pigs in a Blanket and a house-made Pizza Puff, along with tavern-style pizzas ranging from classics to more elevated flavor combinations.

T HE

On the main floor, Chef Amanda Salas is developing a Spanish-inspired tapas menu drawing from regions throughout Spain. Familiar dishes will get the kitchen’s own interpretation, including Oxtail Empanadas, Patatas Bravas Frites, Pan Con Tomate and a Truffle Bikini, which is a pressed, toasted sandwich layered with jamón and cheese.

Upstairs, the mood and menu shift. The more casual entertainment level, featuring golf simulators, interactive darts and large screens for watching sports, will lean into Americana and nostalgic favorites.

N E

R S

G R

The Rec League 844 Warren Avenue, Downers Grove @recleaguedg

SPOTLIGHT | DOWNERSGROVEMAG.COM

From One Fire Truck

TO 8,000 CALLS

Downers Grove Fire Department evolves to protect a growing community

BY JULIA MAZUREK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF DOWNERS GROVE FIRE DEPARTMENT

ucked inside the Downers Grove Museum sits a piece of local history: Engine 1, the fire department’s first motorized truck. The 1920 pumper engine manufactured by the White Motor Company is a symbol of a young community investing in protecting its residents. More than 100 years later, the equipment has changed dramatically, but the mission remains the same: being there when neighbors need help. BUILT BY THE COMMUNITY Founded in 1898, the Downers Grove Fire Department has evolved from a small volunteer organization into a nationally recognized department. Some of the department’s earliest growth was shaped by tragedy. After devastating fires at the Dicke

Tool Company in the early 1900s, the seven Dicke brothers all became volunteer firefighters. Grant E. Dicke would later serve as fire chief from 1925 to 1967 and was the namesake of the village’s first permanent fire station at 1110 Warren Avenue. The Grant E. Dicke Fire Station served as the community’s only fire station for more than 25 years. As Downers Grove expanded, the fire department expanded along with it. Paramedic services were added in 1980. By the 1990s, the department transitioned from a volunteer model to a fully professional force of career firefighters and paramedics. Much of this history is chronicled at a permanent exhibit at the Downers Grove Museum. In addition to housing the original fire engine, the Montrew Dunham History Center

on the museum’s campus also celebrates the history of the Downers Grove Fire Department. THE ROLE OF A MODERN FIRE DEPARTMENT Today the department serves over 50,000 residents across 14 square miles. Around-the-clock emergency response is handled by a staff of 83 from four fire stations throughout the village. And today’s fire department’s response encompasses much more than just fires. Last year, Downers Grove’s fire department responded to more than 8,000 calls for service. Of those, over 60% were related to emergency medical services. This reflects evolution in the role of firefighters. All Downers Grove firefighters are also licensed paramedics, often the first responders to arrive during critical moments in a resident’s life. All fire engines and trucks also carry advanced life support equip-

From a single motorized truck – the 1920 pumper engine (left) – to a modern day ladder truck (right), for over 100 years the Downers Grove Fire Department has grown alongside the community.

DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

The department began entirely as volunteers – including the seven Dicke brothers who volunteered in the early 1900’s (Photo courtesy of Downers Grove Museum). Today, 83 firefighters, paramedics, and staff handle 8,000 calls annually.

ment that can provide the same treatments as an ambulance (except for transportation to a hospital). Today’s firefighters also don’t respond alone. Through regional partnerships Mutual Aid Box Alarm System (MABAS) and Combined Area Rescue Team (CART) - neighboring departments work together during large-scale emergencies, bringing additional equipment, specialized rescue teams and extra personnel whenever they’re needed. Fire Chief Scott Spinazola says the department’s focus on preparation is more important than ever. The fruits of this preparation, training, and collaborative efforts were on display this summer following severe weather that swept through the community. “We place a strong emphasis on the health and safety of the public and our team members,” Spinazola said. “This commitment protects those we serve.” RECOGNITION FOLLOWS PREPARATION Today’s DGFD has earned state and national levels of recognition. 28

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The department’s Fire Prevention Division this year earned national accreditation as a Fire Prevention and Life Safety Department - one of only two departments nationwide to achieve this distinction.

“The safest emergency is the one that never happens,” Spinazola added. “Small steps can make a difference - checking your smoke alarm batteries, creating family escape plans, and practicing safe cooking habits.”

For its excellence in cardiac and stroke emergency care, the American Heart Association awarded the department with its Mission: Lifeline Gold Status, the association’s highest level of recognition.

A favorite tradition during Fire Prevention Week is the annual Night at the Firehouse event. Held at fire station #5, children get a chance to climb into fire trucks, meet firefighters, and families learn that safety is a shared responsibility.

“Every second counts during a cardiac or stroke emergency,” Spinazola added. “Our firefighters and paramedics provide exceptional care when residents need it most.” The DGFD also boasts a prestigious ISO Class 1 rating, placing it among the top 1% of fire departments nationwide. “Together these distinctions recognize our commitment to education, prevention, and safety practices,” added Spinazola. FIRE SAFETY October’s National Fire Prevention Week is a culmination of the department’s yearlong community education efforts.

STILL ANSWERING THE CALL Most residents hope they never need the fire department. But behind every emergency call are decades of planning, training and public education - work that often goes unseen until it’s needed most. “We take great pride in serving the Village,” added Spinazola. More than 125 years later, the promise remains: When Downers Grove calls for help, the fire department answers. This year’s annual Night at the Firehouse event will take place on October 7. For additional details, visit www.downers.us/fire-department. n

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COVER | DOWNERSGROVEMAG.COM

Then & Now The familiar places of Downers Grove, seen across generations BY JULIA MAZUREK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF GREG ELISHA, THE DOWNERS GROVE HISTORICAL SOCIETY, THE DOWNERS GROVE PARK DISTRICT AND MICHELLE LYTLE

t’s easy to forget that many Downers Grove streets have served as the backdrop for community life for well over a century.

years working with historic photographs and researching the people and places that shaped the community.

We drive the same streets, pass the same storefronts, wait at the same railroad crossings. But only sometimes do we stop to wonder what occupied those corners decades earlier.

Inspired by the remarkable transformations around town, Elisha set out to create a coffee table book that paired historic images with present-day photographs. The result invites readers to see familiar landmarks through a new lens, revealing both how much has changed, as well as what has endured.

Thanks to the remarkable side-by-side photography in Downers Grove: Past and Present, author Greg Elisha has curated a visual display of the village’s transformation over generations, while also highlighting how the village’s character has endured. For nearly 25 years, Elisha has called Downers Grove home - along with his wife, Audrey, and their three sons. A lifelong history enthusiast and former member of the Downers Grove Historical Society, he spent

DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

Downers Grove's Main Street Station, completed in 1911 in the Classical Revival style, shown here around 1920.

THE VILLAGE HEARTBEAT

Few places have shaped Downers Grove as profoundly as its railroad. Businesses clustered nearby, neighborhoods grew around it. The railroad transformed a once-small farming community into a thriving suburb. Today, thousands of commuters still begin and end their day at the station, proving that while the trains - and the village around them - have evolved, the railroad remains the steady pulse of community life.

The fountain was removed in 1940, paving the way for the Metra train line commuter hub.

More than 7.5 million passenger trips were taken on Metra's BNSF Line in 2025, making it the busiest commuter rail line in the Metra system. Source: Metra Ridership Data 2025

Depot Park was located northeast of Main Street and Burlington Avenue. The fountain was installed in 1876 to commemorate Philadelphia’s Centennial Exhibition.

DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

Levi Mertz and Charles Mochel built the two-story brick store in 1884.

Today, Keller Williams Realty is located at 5122 Main Street

The Penner Building on Main Street is named for Conrad Penner, a harness maker who adapted to the arrival of the automobile by expanding his business to sell tires and repair shoes.

THE EVOLUTION OF MAIN STREET Early Main Street met the needs of its time. In a growing village, hardware stores, shoe shops, pharmacies, and family-owned businesses supplied the essentials of everyday life.

The shops at the Penner Building have changed over the years, but his name still appears on the building.

The storefronts have changed, and today’s downtown may not stock all of life’s necessities. But Main Street’s role as the heart of the community remains constant: it’s where Downers Grove comes together.

The Farmers and Merchants Bank, built in 1892, became a civic hub, including the town’s first public library upstairs.

Today, Pierce Tavern honors the building's history with subtle design touches, including a wall of books recalling Downers Grove's first public library.

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3 33

The First Evangelical Church was built in 1909 and stood at the northeast corner of Main Street.

PLACES REIMAGINED

Some places illustrate the evolution of Downers Grove more dramatically. The appearances and purposes of these places are very different today. These dramatic changes serve as reminders that a community also grows by finding new uses for the places and spaces that shaped it. Legacy can also live on through reinvention.

The stone-clad Gothic Revival structure was demolished in 1960 when the congregation moved to a new facility, making way for a gas station, a park, a parking lot, and now Main & Maple apartments.

Before it became one of Downers Grove's most beloved parks, Gilbert Park was a gravel quarry that supplied material for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad.

The park was named after Gilbert Avenue, which honors Samuel Gilbert who was an early settler and civic leader.

STILL SERVING MEMORIES

The architectural details have been updated, signs have changed, but the experiences remain familiar. These landmarksremind us that while Downers Grove continues to evolve, there's still something special about gathering - whether for a movie or a show, or over a burger or crispy chicken. These community destinations have evolved over time, but continue to bring neighbors together as they have for decades. For decades, the Cock Robin on Fairview Avenue was a summertime tradition for Downers Grove families. Famous for its square scoops of ice cream and "One in a Million" malts, it was one of Chicagoland's most beloved local restaurant chains.

The site continues to serve generations of Downers Grove families as White Fence Farm Carry-Out, keeping the tradition of a quick comfort-food stop alive.

Downers Grove: Past and Present is available to buy locally at Anderson's Bookshop, as well as online, and can also be found at the Downers Grove Public Library and the Downers Grove Museum. n 34 4

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Holiday Events in Oak Brook and Enjoy Our Hoteliers’ Festive Hospitality This Season

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SWING GET BACK IN THE

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SPECIAL FEATURE | DOWNERSGROVEMAG.COM

Hole 17 on the famed Medinah Country Club Course No. 3 Photo by Nick Novelli Photography / Medinah Country Club

CHICAGOLAND:

The Quiet Golf Cap ital of the World BY VALERIE HARDY

hen most people think of worldclass golf destinations, the Midwest probably isn’t the first location to come to mind. Instead, they likely consider courses like St. Andrews in Scotland, Pebble Beach in California, and Pinehurst in North Carolina. However, situated right here in the Second City and its surrounding suburbs are courses with deep history, bountiful beauty, and high-quality golf in equal measure. In a 2023 Golf Digest article, Stephen Hennessey wrote, “Often overlooked in the debate about our country’s best regions for golf is the Chicago area, and that’s unfair.” We couldn’t agree more, Mr. Hennessey. Over the years, Chicagoland has quietly become one of the greatest

golf destinations, not only domestically but internationally. A main contributing factor to Chicago’s standing as a premier region for golf is that it is home to several championship courses at elite golf clubs like Medinah Country Club in northwest suburban Medinah, Olympia Fields Country Club in south suburban Olympia Fields, and Cog Hill Golf & Country Club in southwest suburban Lemont. Medinah Country Club has hosted multiple notable tournaments dating back to 1939, when the 40th Western Open Championship was played there. U.S. Opens, PGA Championships, the 2012 Ryder Cup, and other historic golf tournaments have made Medinah a household name throughout the country and beyond. Later this month, Medinah will welcome the 2026 Presidents Cup, marking a milestone in the club’s

history. It will become the only club in the world to have hosted a U.S. Open, PGA Championship, Ryder Cup, and Presidents Cup, further cementing its reputation as one of the nation’s most iconic venues for championship golf. Olympia Fields is another noteworthy course just outside of Chicago. Home to two famed 18-hole courses, the North Course and the South Course, Olympia Fields has hosted an impressive lineup of major tournaments: two U.S. Opens, two PGA Championships, five Western Opens, and more. Likewise, Cog Hill Golf & Country Club, particularly its famed Dubsdread (Course No. 4), has challenged generations of the world’s best golfers during decades of PGA Tour competition. Beyond these tournament venues, Chicagoland boasts an almost DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

unparalleled collection of exclusive private clubs that consistently rank among America’s finest. Butler National Golf Club in Oak Brook has earned worldwide respect for its immaculate conditioning, strategic design, and long history of hosting elite professional and amateur championships. Neighboring Chicago Golf Club in Wheaton also earns accolades for both its history and course quality. It is most famous for being the first 18-hole golf course (originally established on the Downers Grove site that is now Belmont Golf Club before moving to Wheaton) in North America and one of the five founding member clubs of the United States Golf Association (USGA).

What makes Chicago especially unique, however, is that outstanding golf is not reserved exclusively for private memberships. Public golfers have an equally impressive menu of courses to choose from, including Belmont Golf Club in Downers Grove, a historic nine-hole course on the site where the nation’s first 18-hole course was established in 1893; Oak Brook Golf Club, a semi-private, 18-hole course whose challenging finishing stretch includes a 214-yard par-3 over water; Sugar Creek Golf Course in Villa Park, a nine-hole, par-32 course where a three-acre pond comes into play on four holes; and Arrowhead Golf Club in Wheaton, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary this year. n

THE PRESIDENTS CUP COMES TO TOWN One of the brightest of golf’s international spotlights, the renowned Presidents Cup, will be held September 22-27 at Medinah Country Club’s legendary Course No. 3. The famed biennial PGA Tour tournament features a team representing the top players in the United States and an international team representing the best golfers from the rest of the world except Europe. The U.S. competes against Europe in the Ryder Cup tournament during odd-numbered years, while the Presidents Cup is held in evennumbered years. The Presidents Cup began in 1994 in Virginia. In the years since, the world’s best players have come together to compete for their team, country, and the honor of raising the Presidents Cup trophy. The 2026 U.S. team, led by golfers like Scottie Scheffler and Cameron Young, is entering this year’s Presidents Cup as the defending champion. In 2024, the team claimed its 10th straight Presidents Cup after Keegan Bradley clinched the winning point for the U.S.

Hole No. 3 on the championship South Course at Olympia Fields Country Club Photo by Gary Kellner Imaging

Belmont Golf Club brings more than a century of golf history to the heart of Downers Grove.

Tournament gates open at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 22. After two days of practice, the first round of the tournament will be held that Thursday and the second round on Friday. On Saturday, Round 3 matches will be played in the morning and Round 4 matches in the afternoon. The tournament will conclude with Round 5 matches followed by closing ceremonies on Sunday, Sept. 27.

For more information about the Presidents Cup or to purchase tickets to spectate, visit presidentscup.com.

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Celebrate America’s 250th • Food from local restaurants • Children’s activities • Drone show and fireworks at dusk

’90s Night

Live Music featuring

Funky Monks & Rearview Mirror

Saturday, September 12th Gates open at 5pm Oak Brook Sports Core 700 Oak Brook Road

Free Admission

DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

MEDICAL EXPERTS | SPONSORED CONTENT

Reset & Restore

4 Essential Ways to Help Your Skin this Fall BY DR. CHRISTINA STEIL AND DR. RACHEL BOGNET

As the crisp autumn air settles moves in, our daily routines naturally begin to shift. We trade lightweight clothing for warmer options, and spend more time indoors. While updating our wardrobes comes naturally, we often forget that our skin also requires a similar seasonal transition. Fall marks a critical turning point for skin health. The sudden decline in ambient humidity, combined with cold outdoor winds and drying indoor heating systems, creates a perfect storm for skin barrier disruption. Here is a comprehensive guide to addressing fall’s four most common skin challenges with expert care, medical-grade home solutions, and cutting-edge clinical technology.

1. Reversing Summer Pigmentation & Repairing Sun Damage While a sun-kissed summer glow feels rewarding in July, the bill often comes due in September. Extended UV exposure accelerates cellular damage that becomes glaringly obvious as summer tans fade. Many patients notice the sudden appearance of sun spots, uneven skin tone, and stubborn melasma flare-ups. Melasma is a common skin condition characterized by brown or blue-gray patches, usually appearing on the cheeks, forehead, nose, and upper lip. Heat and ultraviolet rays stimulate pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) during summer, making these patches darker and more pronounced heading into fall. 40

DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

The At-Home Fix: Fall is the ideal time to revamp your topical regimen. Incorporate high-potency antioxidants like Vitamin C in the morning to neutralize residual environmental free radicals, and introduce targeted retinoids or non-hydroquinone brightening agents at night. To ensure your home routine yields real results, we offer physician-curated, medical-grade formulations directly through our office and online store. Our team can develop a curated skincare program for you and track your progress with our Visia Skin Analysis System. The Clinical Solution: Dermatologists affectionately refer to fall as “laser season.” Because patients spend less time in direct sunlight, the risk of post-treatment hyperpigmentation drops significantly, making it the safest time for light and laser therapies. BBL HEROic/ BBL HERO Photofacial (Intense Pulsed Light): Targets pigment issues (age spots, sunspots, freckles, uneven tone), vascular concerns (small veins, broken capillaries, redness, rosacea), and skin quality (dullness, elasticity, fine lines). With regular maintenance you can reverse and delay the skin-aging signs of sun-exposure. Moxi/ LaseMD®: A non-ablative fractional laser that creates micro-channels in the skin to break up stubborn deep pigment, refine overall texture, and revive dull, tired skin with minimal downtime. These lasers will also target the worst side-effect of sun-damage: precancerous lesions such as actinic keratoses (AKs) and, in some studies, have been associated with reduced incidence of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

2. Deep Barrier Repair

& Intelligent Hydration

When ambient humidity drops, a process known as transepidermal water loss (TEWL) accelerates. Moisture actively evaporates from the deeper layers of your skin into the dry air around you, leaving your complexion feeling tight, rough, reactive, or flaky.

Genius® RF Microneedling: Combines microneedling with targeted radiofrequency energy to deliver precise heat directly into the dermis. This dual action tightens sagging tissue, smooths fine lines, refines pore size, and dramatically improves post-acne scarring. Ultraclear: This cold-fiber ablative laser is our most advanced treatment. It targets early skin laxity, mild and deep textural concerns and helps to lighten stubborn pigment.

When your skin’s outer layer—the lipid barrier—is depleted of essential moisture, microscopic cracks 4. Clearing Seasonal Acne develop. This compromised barrier not only lets vital & Calming Inflammatory Flare-Ups hydration escape but also allows everyday environmental pollutants and bacteria to enter, leading to unexpected The turn of the season frequently brings unwelcome sensitivity and inflammation. skin breakouts. A combination of fluctuating hormones, shifting oil production, heavier clothing layers, and The At-Home Fix: Put away thin, watery summer gels indoor heating can trap dead skin cells and bacteria and transition to richer, lipid-replenishing barrier inside pores. Furthermore, sudden temperature shifts creams. Look for formulations packed with ceramides, often trigger inflammatory conditions such as rosacea, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and essential fatty acids. The Epionce® barrier renewal products available at CSC eczema, and psoriasis. Derm are specifically designed to repair the skin’s natural The Clinical Solution: Managing seasonal breakouts protective lipid matrix without clogging pores. doesn’t always require prolonged courses of oral antibiotics or heavy prescription medications. The Clinical Solution: Surface creams work best when applied to a clean, well-exfoliated canvas. AviClear®: An FDA-cleared, revolutionary 1726 nm laser treatment designed to treat mild, moderate, and severe Dermalinfusion: This advanced 3-in-1 technology acne directly at the source. It selectively targets and simultaneously exfoliates dead, dry skin cells, vacuums suppresses overactive sebaceous (oil) glands, significantly away debris from clogged pores, and deeply infuses reducing ongoing oil production without damaging customized, medical-grade hydrating serums into freshly surrounding tissue. This offers a long-term, medicationprepared tissue. Unlike traditional facial treatments, it free solution for patients seeking clear skin heading into delivers immediate hydration and plumpness without winter. irritation, making it an excellent seasonal reset for compromised skin. Medical Dermatology Care: For patients experiencing severe eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea flare-ups, our board3. Structural Tightening certified dermatologists provide medical evaluations & Collagen Renewal and custom treatment plans to calm inflammation and stabilize the skin barrier quickly. As we prepare for the busy holiday social calendar, autumn serves as the strategic window for deep skin tightening and collagen remodeling treatments. Because real collagen synthesis takes several months to mature, undergoing treatments in September or October ensures your skin looks visibly firmer, lifted, and refreshed right when seasonal gatherings begin. The Clinical Solution: Non-invasive structural rejuvenation relies on energy-based devices that reach deep into the dermal layers where collagen and elastin reside, prompting your body’s natural healing response to build new structural support. Ultherapy® Prime: The latest advancement in microfocused ultrasound technology. It precisely targets deep tissue layers beneath the skin—the same layers addressed in surgical procedures—without disrupting the surface. It lifts and tightens tissue along the jawline, submental area (under the chin), neck, and brow line.

About the Authors:

Dr. Christina Steil is a board-certified dermatologist specializing in medical and cosmetic dermatology.

Dr. Rachel Bognet is a board-certified dermatologist and Mohs surgeon, focusing on comprehensive medical dermatology and skin cancer surgery.

CSC Steil Dermatology 125 W 2nd St, Hinsdale 5157 Main St 205, Downers Grove (630) 455-0045 | www.cscdermatology.com DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

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Bison roaming the Nachusa Grasslands Photo by Charles Larry

A Home Where the

BISON ROAM Illinois’ prairie at Nachusa Grasslands has been restored over the past 40 years thanks to The Nature Conservancy

here are few places left in the Midwest where you can hear the uninterrupted breeze moving through waist-high grasses and spot a herd of American bison grazing as they did centuries ago. Yet less than an hour-and-a-half drive west of Chicago’s western suburbs, nature lovers, bird watchers, photographers, hikers, families looking for an outdoor adventure, or anyone simply craving a break from the busyness of the burbs can find just that at Nachusa Grasslands, one of Illinois’ most unexpected treasures. PRECIOUS PRAIRIE Located in Franklin Grove and managed by The Nature Conservancy, a global environmental

BY VALERIE HARDY

possible when science, long-term stewardship and community support come together,” said Bill Kleiman, The Nature Conservancy’s Nachusa Grasslands director.

nonprofit, Nachusa Grasslands boasts 4,000 acres of one of the largest and most biologically diverse prairie ecosystems in the region.

Operational since 1986, the preserve has been steadily expanding and restoring the land toward its authentic prairie state. “What was once fragmented habitat among farm fields before The Nature Conservancy acquired the first 400 acres four decades ago is now home to thousands of native plant, bird and bee species, as well as a herd of more than 100 bison,” Kleiman explained.

“Nachusa Grasslands, one of the Midwest’s prairie restoration success stories, shows what’s

BISON SPOTTING Bison were brought to Nachusa Grasslands in 2014. Visitors may view

Visitors learn about vegetation native to Illinois prairie lands through signage along the trails at Nachusa Grasslands. Photo by Carolina Menapace

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ecologist” from Oak Park travels to Nachusa regularly March-December to help with field work, often staying in volunteer housing during his typical three-day visits.

During a workday at Nachusa Grasslands, volunteers pick prairie drop seed from a large propagation garden. Photo by Dee Hudson

the bison at designated lookout points along the road adjacent to the Grasslands. The magnificent mammals may also be observed from Nachusa Grasslands’ five designated hiking trails, each featuring 60-350 acres to traverse and explore.

management of the preserve. Visitors are encouraged to wear long pants, sturdy shoes, and a hat and bring water, insect repellent, and sunscreen. Binoculars may also optimize the experience. Pets are not permitted on the property.

NOTHING BUT NATURE Visiting Nachusa Grasslands is a multisensory experience – the landscape bursting with color and the air alive with birdsong and other insect and animal vocalizations. Besides bison, the property is home to approximately 250 different bird species. One of the preserve’s functions is to protect rare and threatened species, such as the bobolink, a migratory songbird, and the ornate box turtle. Over 700 native plants are also thriving at Nachusa Grasslands, many identified with signage along the trails.

“To watch the land come back and express itself through this amazing vegetation…is extremely satisfying.”

TAKE A TOUR Visitors to Nachusa Grasslands may explore on their own or, with advance registration, take a prairie and bison tour offered by Friends of Nachusa Grasslands, a nonprofit founded by volunteers dedicated to helping provide for the long-term care and

A visit to Nachusa Grasslands is fun for the whole family. Photo by Carolina Menapace

– BERNIE BUCHHOLZ, LONGTIME NACHUSA GRASSLANDS VOLUNTEER

MAKE A MARK Consider not only visiting but volunteering! At last count, the annual volunteer hours at Nachusa Grasslands totaled 8,400. Volunteers collect native prairie seed, remove invasive plants, assist with prescribed fire management, help lead educational programs, and more. Volunteer opportunities range from single-day workdays to regular shifts. Bernie Buchholz, a longtime volunteer and founder of Friends of Nachusa Grasslands, became “smitten” after participating in a workday over 20 years ago. Since then, the finance professional turned “self-taught field

What keeps Buchholz and other volunteers coming back? For some, it’s therapeutic, Buchholz explained. Also, “to watch the land come back and express itself through this amazing vegetation…is extremely satisfying,” he said. “It’s also the community; volunteers at Nachusa are extremely well supported by staff or other volunteers.” To learn more about volunteering at, visiting, or donating to The Nature Conservancy’s Nachusa Grasslands, visit nachusagrasslands.org. n

BISON BASICS Bison have many habits that help sustain the prairie. For example, their patchy grazing makes room for a higher diversity of plants leading to a healthier prairie. Here are some other fun facts about the mighty bison. It’s the largest land mammal in North America, with the males weighing up to 2,000 pounds. Bison can run up to 35 mph, and their typical lifespan is 15-20 years. Bison’s fur is so thick that snow on it doesn’t melt. People often refer to bison and buffalo interchangeably, but they’re two distinct animals. To spot the differences, note that bison are bearded but buffalo are beardless. Also, consider these 3 H’s: • Humps: Bison have one at their shoulders for their heads to function like snowplows in the winter, while buffalo do not have humps. • Horns: Bison have short, sharp horns, while buffalo have longer, arced horns measuring up to over six feet. • Homes: Bison are native to North America and Europe. Buffalo are indigenous to Africa and Asia.

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Step Into the Shadows of History This October The Annual Historic Cemetery Walk Saturday, October 24 4-7pm Sunday, October 25 4-7pm This October, take a lantern-lit stroll through Bronswood Cemetery as costumed actors bring local legends to life. Experience powerful true stories of the pioneers who shaped our community — all portrayed by GreenMan Theatre Troupe. 1-Hour Guided Walk Live Performances at Every Stop Complimentary Seasonal Refreshments Tickets: Adults $25, Students $10, Children under 10 FREE with a paying adult Presented by Bronswood Cemetery and The Oak Brook Historical Society

Featuring Players from GreenMan Theatre Troupe

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Honoring DuPage’s Best

EDUCATORS Downers Grove North’s Jeff Grant Named Educator of the Year

BY JULIA MAZUREK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF DUPAGE REGIONAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION

hen Jeff Grant’s biology students head outside for class, they’re not taking a break from learning – they’re stepping into one of the most unique classrooms in DuPage County. Just beyond the grounds of Downers Grove North High School, Grant has transformed a neighboring prairie into a living laboratory where students investigate ecosystems, conduct field research, and discover that science extends far beyond textbooks and test tubes. His hands – on approach encourages curiosity, critical thinking, and a lasting appreciation for the natural world.

challenges like environmental sustainability, Grant’s classroom emphasizes exploration over memorization.

`Climate of Hope’ was a professional development session for area science educators led by DGN teacher and Educator of the Year honoree Jeff Grant.

Grant, who teaches AP Biology and Anatomy, accepted the award with characteristic humility. “Their curiosity is what makes teaching science both rewarding and

Grant was one of several educators recognized during the celebration. Matt Davidson, superintendent of Timothy Christian Schools in Elmhurst, was named DuPage County’s Private and Parochial Educator of the Year. Davidson called the recognition “very humbling,” saying it reflects “the community of Timothy Christian Schools and God’s faithfulness.”

That philosophy earned Grant, a 23-year veteran of Community High School District 99, the distinction of 2026 DuPage County Educator of the Year. The honor was presented by the DuPage County Regional Office of Education (ROE) during its second annual Educator of the Year celebration, which recognized exceptional educators from both public and nonpublic schools across DuPage county.

“Jeff Grant represents the very best of our profession,” said DuPage Regional Superintendent of Schools Amber Quirk. “He is deeply committed to his students, constantly pushing them to think critically and engage meaningfully with the world around them.”

Superintendent Amber Quirk checks in with an attendee at a job fair hosted by the Regional Office of Education.

fun,” he said, crediting the support of his colleagues and the enthusiasm of his students for creating a classroom where discovery takes center stage. Whether students are designing complex experiments, conducting research, or tackling real-world

While the awards celebrate outstanding educators, it also shines a light on the DuPage Regional Office of Education and the support and services it provides. The ROE serves as a nonpartisan link between the Illinois State Board of Education and 42 local school districts, providing resources and specialized support that help schools, educators, students, and families across the county thrive. For educators, ROE may be most commonly known for services that DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

keep schools running smoothly - like teacher licensing, professional development requirements, and compliance with state and federal mandates across 256 schools and more than 140,000 students countywide. But Regional Superintendent Amber Quirk says those responsibilities represent only part of the office’s mission. The ROE also offers value-adding services that support a range of needs that reach far beyond compliance. “The ROE does so much to connect people to resources in order to support students,” Quirk said. “Our goal is to provide the support that schools need so educators can focus on teaching and students can thrive.” The ROE’s role in connecting schools with resources covers a wide

In addition to honoring Jeff Grant and Matt Davidson, the DuPage Regional Office of Education also recognized these five outstanding educators in 2026: Kerry Gustafson • Educational Support Person of the Year • Paraprofessional at Washington Junior High School, Naperville

range of needs, including safety planning, social-emotional learning initiatives, college and career readiness programs, and more. The ROE also helps schools support their students who are experiencing complex challenges like truancy or homelessness. The department also runs an alternative educational school for students who require a different learning environment.

by Grant. His session – ‘Climate of Hope’ - was a collaboration on teaching science in meaningful and impactful ways. This leadership and mentoring of fellow educators also demonstrate Grant’s impact beyond Downers Grove North.

For this year’s institute day, the science conference was spearheaded

For more about the DuPage Regional Office of Education, visit .dupageroe.org. n

Davidson’s impact also stretches beyond Timothy Christian. He serves as the chairman of the Illinois Coalition of Nonpub“Not every district lic Schools and is the “Their [students’] has the resources to state represencuriosity is what makes Illinois offer every specialtative for the Council teaching science both for American Private ized program or address every need,” rewarding and fun.” Education. added Quirk, who brings to her role “Both Jeff’s and Matt’s – JEFF GRANT COMMUNITY HIGH over 20 years of leadership extend well SCHOOL DISTRICT 99 experience as an beyond the classroom educator in both the classroom and as and their buildings,” added Quirk. a principal. “By providing those “Their influences are far-reaching and services regionally, we’re able to help deeply impactful in their own schools students and families access the and schools throughout the county.” support they need.” The Educator of the Year awards The office also coordinates profescelebrate excellent individuals, but also sional development opportunities highlight the network of educators, that allow educators to learn from administrators, and community one another. One example is an partners working together for students. annual county-wide institute day in The DuPage County Regional Office of February, which brings together Education helps make that work nearly 300 educators to share possible - supporting the people who innovative teaching strategies. shape the next generation.

Katie Poch • Elementary/Early Childhood Educator of the Year • Carl Sandburg Elementary School, Wheaton David James • Middle School Educator of the Year • Hill Middle School, Indian Prairie School District 204 Todd Holmberg • High School Educator of the Year • Naperville Central High School Dr. Elizabeth Vander Woude • Administrator of the Year • School Association for Special Education in DuPage County (SASED) 48

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DGN science teacher Jeff Grant was honored for bringing to life unique learning experiences for students and mentorship to fellow educators.

Timothy Christian Schools’ superintendent Matt Davidson was recognized for his leadership in a non-public school, grounded in commitment to faith and community.

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Remembering

ELLA FRENCH Five years after her daughter’s death, Elizabeth French heals through helping police BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

n the night of August 7, 2021, Chicago Police Officer Ella French and two other officers conducted a routine traffic stop while on patrol in Englewood. Officer French and one of her partners that evening, Officer Carlos Yanez Jr., were shot after the situation escalated. Officer Yanez’s injuries later resulted in the loss of his eye. Officer French passed away at the scene.

Ella and Bella, her Bulldog puppy she rescued from a stray she helped on duty.

French was the first female Chicago police officer killed in the line of duty in almost three and a half decades. “We talked that evening – the night Ella passed away – while she was on her way to work,” Elizabeth French, Ella’s mother and Westmont resident, relayed. “She had just bought a house in the south suburbs about three months earlier and had been working a side job in security to fix it up. She was talking about it. We were also thinking about where to go on vacation.” Elizabeth adopted Ella at four years old after she had fostered her since she was eight months. “The social workers tell you straight up their main goal is to return the child to their original home. After being with me that long, there was no way she was going anywhere,” said Elizabeth with a smile. “I changed her name to Ella Grace, partly because of Ella Fitzgerald.” Elizabeth had also fostered and adopted a son, Ella’s brother Andrew. 50

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Growing up in Brookfield, Ella first became interested in law enforcement by chatting with police officers around town during her middle school years. “I was working full time when she started high school, and I was worried about the path she was on, so I sent her to military school,” Elizabeth relayed. Ella returned home

for her senior year of high school and graduated from Downers Grove North in 2009. One year at Western Illinois University was enough for her to know the traditional route wasn’t for her. She began her career in the Cook County Sheriff’s Office, where she

finally raising enough money to start refurbishing it. We’re working on retrofitting the benches inside to be insulated coolers for water and beverages,” said Elizabeth. “We would like to install a bathroom so officers don’t have to try to find one when they work at all-day events.”

A bronze statue of Officer Ella French and her dog, Bella, was dedicated in Wentworth Park in 2025.

“Light the Line is a sort of ‘thanks for all you do/we’re here if you need us’ group,” Elizabeth explained.

stray dog she had worked for about a “I’ve learned you just helped while she was year. “It was good experience, as she don’t get over some on duty.” learned to see that things. But maybe you About three years things aren’t can get through them. ago, Elizabeth and always black and Officer Yanez white,” said She’s with me founded a group Elizabeth. “Someevery day.” called Light the Line. times there’s gray. Their primary Ella never made – ELIZABETH FRENCH mission is to put excuses for those police officers first by assisting who were there serving time, but I them in various ways. The group think she learned to see them as goes to parades, street festivals, or people with issues who did bad conventions and supplies officers things. But people, nonetheless.” with water, snacks, and other She had looked into a few suburban comfort items. They also show up to crime scenes and hospitals to police departments, but in the end offer moral support. Ella knew she belonged with the Chicago Police Department (CPD). Recently, Light the Line purchased Partly because she loved the an ambulance at an auction. “We’re vibrancy of the city, but also because she felt CPD was where she could make the most difference. Eventually, she was accepted to the Chicago Police Academy, from which she graduated in 2019. “She could appear to be tough. But she had a big heart for underdogs. Ella spoke sternly to parents of abused or neglected children whenever she was on a call,” said Elizabeth. “Abandoned animals were always on her radar, too. She ended up adopting a puppy from a

The Chicago Police Foundation established the Ella French Scholarship to assist high school students of active, retired, or fallen Chicago police officers to offset any high school expenses. A statue of Ella and her Pit Bull mix, Bella, was dedicated in Wentworth Park in Garfield Ridge on what would have been Ella’s 34th birthday in August of last year. The street outside the Leighton Criminal Court building (26th Street at California Drive) is now designated The Honorary Ella French Way. “It was where she started her career, so it seemed fitting,” said Elizabeth. For her part, Elizabeth goes to every dedication for her daughter. “I was in Washington, D.C., for Police Week in May,” said Elizabeth. “People always want me to speak, but that’s out of my comfort zone. I do some speaking now, but it’s not my favorite thing.” The mother of the fallen officer was overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support, both from CPD and total strangers. “I have met so many wonderful people through this tragedy. So many notes and letters – blankets, teddy bears, and other things. Some are from foreign countries,” said Elizabeth. “I’ve learned you just don’t get over some things. But maybe you can get through them. She’s with me every day,” said Elizabeth. “I’m hoping she’s pleased with what I’m doing.”

Light the Line’s mobile support unit provides comfort and resources to law enforcement officers at events and critical incidents.

For more information on Light the Line, or to donate, please visit lighttheline.org. n DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

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A Legend Etched in

LANDSCAPE Gertrude Kuh remains one of the most notable women in landscape design

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE DEIMEL FAMILY ARCHIVES

utdoor landscaping is what makes a house a home. A century ago, the name Gertrude Kuh became well known, particularly on the North Shore. As one of the first women in her field, she created more than 400 landscapes from small flower gardens for single-family residences to intricate, multiple-acre designs for sprawling estates. “She was truly an artist,” said Kuh’s grandson, Thomas Deimel. “She didn’t have much to do with women of her time because she felt they were petty. She was always surrounded by men because that’s who worked in landscape design.” While time has all but eroded Kuh’s work, there are still some homes that have the outlines of her elegant and naturalistic landscape style. She was known for her creative innovation and ability to work with the physical environment in which she was presented. She had great respect for the native environment of a setting and tended toward an earth-toned color palette that complemented the scene. Gertrude Eisendrath Deimel Kuh was born in Racine, WI, in the early 1890s as the youngest of six children to wealthy Jewish immigrants. The family moved to Chicago’s affluent Hyde Park neighborhood as she started school. After graduating from University High School (now University of

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Gertrude Kuh on an overseas trip, circa 1930.

Chicago Laboratory School), Kuh went on to study at Lowthorpe School of Horticulture and Landscape Design in Groton, Massachusetts. Among other horticultural studies, Kuh learned planting, design, grading and land surveying. She apprenticed for Ellen Biddle Shipman – the first well-re-

spected woman in the field - during summer breaks. “We found a reference to Shipman having created designs for Martin House - a Frank Lloyd Wright home in Buffalo, New York, which Wright often referred to as his masterpiece,” Deimel said. “My

Kuh's watercolor landscape plans are works of art in themselves.

grandmother interned around that time, so it’s very possible she helped Shipman with those designs.”

and her son moved north to The Hotel Belmont on Lake Shore Drive to be closer to her clientele.

After a two-month internship in Des Moines, Iowa, following graduation, Kuh returned to Chicago and set up her business in Hyde Park in the 20s. Her first marriage to Jerome Deimel resulted in her son John, who was Kuh’s only child. Her husband passed away after just two years of marriage.

In the years following the death of her second husband, Kuh’s design business grew exponentially. She hired associate Mary Long Rogers – another single woman raising a son close to her own son’s age - to assist in drafting projects and consultation on construction and drainage. The pair collaborated on over 200 designs over the next two and a half decades as they built a lifelong friendship.

Kuh became very active in social circles and clubs, particularly the North Shore Garden Club. She served a stint as president of the organization, during which the renowned naturalist and landscape artist Jens Jensen spoke at their annual meeting in 1930. Several of Kuh’s designs won the blue ribbon at the Navy Pier Flower Show. The North Shore Garden Club proved to be a valuable avenue for Kuh in gaining the early commissions of wealthy homeowners of those neighborhoods. Family contacts also helped her gain the confidence of Julius Rosenwald (Sears, Roebuck & Company owner) and Irving Florsheim (shoe magnate), both of whom hired her to design gardens on their estates in the early 30s. A second marriage to clothing manufacturer George Kuh lasted only four months. After he died, she

Kuh was a member of the American Society of Landscape Architects, a respected organization with few women on their roster. Long-term professional relationships played an important role for Kuh in gaining clients. Ernest

Grunsfeld, designer of the Adler Planetarium, was Kuh’s neighbor when she moved to the north side. The two professionals worked together on many designs. A few times, clients contacted Kuh for a landscape project and requested that she find an architect who then designed a house around it. When space permitted, Kuh was known for creating “an outdoor room,” which she thought should be extensions of the homes themselves. Regardless of the size of the project, she insisted on meticulously drawn plans and excellent craftsmanship. Kuh never took on more work than that to which she could give her undivided attention. Clients learned to wait in line for her services. “My grandmother was truly an artist,” said Deimel. “Her apartment was like an art museum. She knew Georgia O’Keeffe from stints she spent in New Mexico, often with Mary Long Rogers.” Over her 50-year career, Kuh earned a place of distinction in Chicago’s landscape. A fountain, along with two other remembrances of her can be found at the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe. After her death, her family gifted her paintings, drafts, and other memorabilia to The Art Institute of Chicago, where they are held today. Kuh is buried among other great Chicagoans in Rosehill Cemetery. n

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MAKING POLO More Accessible Introducing a new generation to one of the world’s oldest sports PHOTOS BY COURTNEY KELLY

hicago Polo Academy is helping introduce a new generation of players to the sport. Located in Maple Park, Illinois, the academy hosts scheduled competitive tournaments and offers riding lessons, polo instruction, and practices for students under the direction of Thomas Rubenacker, who came from Córdoba, Argentina, to establish the program. The academy operates on Old Oak Brook Farm in Maple Park, property owned by Douglass Giebel, president of McFarlane Douglass, based in Burr Ridge, Illinois. An active player himself, Giebel shares the same passion as Rubenacker, having grown up playing the sport as a young man, and has opened his grounds to the Chicago Polo Academy for practices, lessons, and matches. Chicago Polo Academy also invites spectators to join the welcoming party, an opportunity to meet the players and learn more about the sport of polo, featuring a traditional Argentinian barbecue and bringing the polo community closer together while linking newcomers with its rich traditions. For more information, visitwww.ChicagoPoloAcademy.info.

Thomas Runenacker, Owner Chicago Polo Academy

Douglass Giebel and Seamus Tuohy of Douglass McFarlane 54

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Luxury at Hom Bringing the resort and country club experience home BY HINSDALE MAGAZINE GROUP STAFF

uxury living today is less about square footage and more about creating ahome that rivals a five-star resort. Homeowners are investing in spaces that promote wellness, recreation, and everyday enjoyment, bringing experiences once found only at luxury hotels and private clubs into their own homes.

Wellness at Home INFRARED SAUNAS More energy-efficient than traditional saunas, infrared models have become a staple in luxury wellness suites. COLD PLUNGE POOLS Often paired with saunas, cold plunges are one of today’s fastestgrowing home wellness features for recovery and relaxation. TEAM SHOWERS Think aromatherapy, chromotherapy lighting, digital controls and built-in

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sound systems—all inside the primary bath. RECOVERY ROOMS Dedicated spaces featuring massage chairs, stretching areas, compression therapy and wellness equipment. HOME FITNESS STUDIOS Boutique-style gyms with rubber flooring, mirrored walls, integrated technology and spaces designed for strength training, yoga or Pilates.

CIRCADIAN LIGHTING Smart lighting that automatically adjusts throughout the day to mimic natural sunlight and support healthy sleep patterns.

The Private Club Experience GOLF SIMULATORS Play Pebble Beach in January or fine-tune your swing with profession-

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+ Scullery – A second prep kitchen hidden behind the main kitchen

+ Hidden Pantry – Concealed storage that keeps kitchens clean and uncluttered

+ Retractable Walls of Glass – Entire walls slide open to blend indoor and outdoor living.

+ Dog Wash Room – Built-in grooming stations for pets

+ Heated Driveway – Snow

and ice melt automatically in winter

+ Whole-Home Water

Filtration – Filtered water from every faucet

+ Collector Garage –

Climate-controlled garages with lifts and showroom lighting

+ Circadian Lighting –

Smart lighting that mimics the natural rhythm of daylight

al-grade launch monitors and virtual courses. WINE & BOURBON ROOMS More than storage, these are intimate tasting rooms with climate control, custom cabinetry and lounge seating. HOME THEATERS Acoustic wall treatments, luxury recliners and cinema-quality projection systems create an immersive movie experience.

INDOOR SPORTS COURTS Basketball, pickleball and multisport courts are becoming increasingly common in custom homes. INDOOR-OUTDOOR BARS Complete with beverage refrigerators, ice makers, taps and pass-through windows that connect seamlessly to patios. n

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A Guide to Some of the OLDEST PLACES IN CHICAGO Explore the landmarks, hotels, businesses, and institutions that have preserved Chicago’s rich history for generations BY SOPHIA SCHIAPPA

Buckingham Fountain Photo by Stephen Walker

TIMELESS TOURIST ATTRACTIONS Buckingham Fountain Buckingham Fountain is a monumental Beaux-Artsstyle fountain located in Grant Park, Chicago. Dedicated in 1927, it is one of the largest fountains in the world and a defining feature of Chicago’s lakefront landscape. Known for its spectacular water displays and nighttime light shows, it serves as a central landmark symbolizing the city’s brilliance.

BAROQUE BUILDINGS The Monadnock Building The Monadnock Building is a historic high-rise office building in Chicago, Illinois. It is celebrated as a pivotal example of late 19th-century commercial architecture. Completed in two stages between 1891 and 1893, it embodies the transition from traditional masonry construction to steel-frame skyscraper design, marking a milestone in urban engineering and aesthetics.

Art Institute of Chicago The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the oldest and largest art museums in the United States, located in downtown Chicago along Michigan Avenue. Known for its impressive collection of impressionist and post-impressionist art, the Art Institute attracts visitors and locals alike.

Water Tower The Chicago Water Tower is a historic landmark and one of the few surviving structures from the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. Built in 1869 from yellow Joliet limestone, it stands as a symbol of the city’s resilience and an early example of Gothic Revival civic architecture. Even though the Water Tower is not in use in the municipal water system, the interior serves as an art gallery that is managed directly by the city of Chicago.

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HISTORIC HOTELS The Drake Hotel The Drake Hotel is one of Chicago’s most iconic historic hotels, anchoring the north end of the Magnificent Mile where Michigan Avenue meets Lake Michigan. Since its opening, the hotel has welcomed royalty and celebrities for more than a century while retaining its grand, old-world elegance. Guests are drawn to its ornate architecture, legendary Palm Court afternoon tea, classic Coq d’Or lounge, and unbeatable location steps from Oak Street Beach and the city’s premier shopping and dining.

Monadnock Building seen from VanBuren Street.

Palmer House Hilton The Palmer House Hilton, located in Chicago’s Loop, was built originally in 1871 by Potter Palmer as a wedding gift for his wife, Bertha. Celebrated as North America’s longest continuously operating hotel, key highlights include its grand Gilded Age lobby, the birthplace of the original brownie, and a prime location near Millennium Park. OLDEST ORGANIZATIONS Chicago Historical Society The Chicago Board of Trade was founded in 1848 and is the oldest organized futures exchange in the United States. Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, it sparked standardized futures contracts and became a foundation of modern commodities and financial derivatives trading worldwide.

University Club of Chicago The University Club of Chicago is a private social and athletic club located in downtown Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1887, it is one of the city’s oldest and most prestigious membership clubs, known for its Collegiate Gothic-style clubhouse and deep ties to Chicago’s cultural and professional communities.

Chicago Yacht Club Photo courtesy of Chicago Yacht Club

Chicago Yacht Club The Chicago Yacht Club prides itself on keeping boating accessible to residents of all ages and backgrounds. It stands as one of the oldest and most prestigious yacht clubs in the United States. The club boasts two locations located on Monroe Street and Belmont Avenue with amenities such as dining, meeting spaces, and social events year-round. A BOLD BUSINESS Central Camera Co. Central Camera Co. is one of the oldest camera stores in the United States. Opening in 1899, founder Albert Flesch vowed to offer the most up-to-date camera equipment to his customers. A devastating fire completely destroyed the company’s original location on 31 E. Adams St., but it quickly rebuilt after receiving donations and support from members of the local community. After its reopening, Central Camera Co. has remained a hotspot for photography enthusiasts across the Chicago metropolitan area. n DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

Mary Braatz has been reliable, steady, and detailed throughout the entire home selling process. I’ve been fortunate to have Mary Braatz as my agent on several occasions over the last 13 years, the most recent resulting in a condo sale in Downers Grove in May of this year. Mary’s years of experience were invaluable in this recent sale. Her feedback on painting, flooring & carpeting, I believe, ultimately made the difference in the sale and the pricing. She has an eye for detail, is a problem solver, and knows of companies to turn to when any number of services are required. If I’m in need of a real estate agent once again in the future, I have her number. She is a professional at what she does and brings years of experience along with her.

— Downers Grove Home Seller

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JOURNEY | DOWNERSGROVEMAG.COM

A Return to

GRAND TRAVEL

or decades, travel was about being efficient. Travelers raced to check destinations off of their bucket lists by taking the fastest flights there. Any delays were seen as inconveniences. With the Covid-19 pandemic locking down travel for several years, there’s a growing appreciation for “grand travel.” Journeys that thrive off of elegance and history make for their own unique experience because they force those to slow down. While inspired by icons like the Orient Express, today’s travel trends are fueled primarily by social media. Younger travelers are beginning to seek more meaningful experiences while also fulfilling desires to disconnect from everyday life.

As the standards of traveling continue to change, locals are increasingly appreciating a different way to enjoy their vacations. BY SOPHIA SCHIAPPA

Because the pandemic shut down travel entirely, it changed how the public thought about travel. After years of restrictions and uncertainty, there was more appreciation for the experience of traveling itself. Instead of trying to squeeze as many destinations as possible into one trip, many travelers began seeking longer stays, quieter destinations, and more meaningful experiences. As restrictions began to be lifted, travel began to make its return. Many young Americans began to take advantage of study abroad programs as a way to experience travel in a new light. From experiencing new cultures to learning new perspectives, students use their experiences abroad as a vessel for growth and change. Furthermore, living in Europe for an extended period of time often means relying on local transportation such as rail

Photo courtesy of Belmond Ltd.

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Photo courtesy of Galena County Tourism

networks, buses, and ferries. As students learn to navigate new countries through weekend trips, they are able to prioritize the journey just as much as the destination, which is a sharp contrast to the fast-paced vacations that many grew up with. Social media has further accelerated the resurgence of grand travel. Videos showcasing overnight train rides,

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boutique hotels, and picturesque European villages have transformed slow travel into an aspirational lifestyle. It has also been a trend among study abroad students to showcase their extravagant travels. Rather than emphasizing how many destinations can be visited in one trip, creators often highlight the experience itself by showing themselves dining in restored rail cars and

spending a weekend in a historic lakeside town. For many travelers, the image of the Venice Simplon-Orient Express is the first thing that they think of when considering grand travel. Since its debut in the late nineteenth century, the luxury European rail service has come to symbolize a style of travel defined by elegance, prime

service, and the belief that the journey itself is just as meaningful as the destination. Even though few Americans will ever board the famous train, its legacy has shaped modern ideas of luxury travel and inspired a renewed interest in scenic rail journeys, boutique hotels, and historic destinations around the world. Although the Orient Express remains the world’s most recognizable symbol of grand travel, its influence extends far beyond Europe. While only a few Midwestern travelers are boarding the Orient-Express, the ideals it represents are increasingly internalized even in the United States. Destinations like Galena, Illinois, and nearby Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, invite visitors to slow down, stay in historic hotels, stroll through preserved downtowns, and treat the journey as part of the experience rather than a chore.

Galena, with its well-preserved nineteenth-century architecture and boutique inns, offers visitors a chance to step away from the expectations of everyday life. Known for its rolling hills and historic Civil War sites, the town offers activities year-round. In the summer, visitors are able to hike the miles of trails, kayak through the Galena River, or even horseback ride through the scenic fields. In the winter, those seeking an adrenaline rush can ski or snowboard down Galena’s historic Chestnut Mountain Resort. Rather than rushing from one attraction to another, travelers can also spend their trip exploring locally owned shops, dining in historic buildings, and taking in the town’s rich history. Just across the state line, Lake Geneva has also served as a retreat for Chicago-area residents who are seeking a getaway. Following the

Great Chicago Fire, Lake Geneva was once a summer destination for only the wealthy Chicago industrialists. The lakeside town still reflects that legacy through its grand estates, waterfront resorts, and scenic walking paths. Visitors can learn about the history of the grounds through boat tours with the Lake Geneva Cruise Line or seeing one of the many museums that preserve its history. These destinations demonstrate that grand travel does not require crossing an ocean or booking a luxury rail journey through Europe. Instead, they offer the same underlying philosophy: slowing down, appreciating a destination’s history and character, and allowing the experience itself to become the highlight of the trip. As travelers continue to prioritize meaningful experiences over packed itineraries, places like Galena and Lake Geneva show that the spirit of grand travel is also present in places much closer to home. n

Photo courtesy of Visit Lake Geneva

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PHILANTHROPY | DOWNERSGROVEMAG.COM

most likely be a game-changer for the charitable organization.

Lasting Legacy Giving Beyond a Lifetime BY DAVE MCGOWAN

id you know that approximately 10% of estates include a provision for a charitable distribution? It’s a great way to leave your legacy and to ensure that the organizations you supported during your lifetime will continue to benefit from your generosity. As I mentioned in my May article, most organizations deposit all or a majority of estate gifts into their endowments, which continue that support by generating earnings for annual distributions. According to the National Association of Charitable Gift Planners, America’s earliest immigrants brought with them a long tradition of providing a charitable bequest: four Mayflower Pilgrims made gifts to their churches through their written wills in the 1600s. Grateful trustees renamed their new college

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in honor of John Harvard’s bequest in 1638. From 1636 to 1712, Harvard College received three times as much money from bequests as from lifetime gifts. As reported by Giving USA, charitable bequests have consistently represented between 7% and 9% of total giving in the United States over the past four decades. Your estate has the potential to be distributed among three categories of recipients: your heirs, charitable organizations, and the government through estate taxes. Distributions to charitable organizations decrease the amount you can provide for your heirs. For example, a couple with two children and an estate valued at $2 million could bequeath $100,000 to charitable organizations and $950,000, rather than $1,000,000, to each child. Hopefully, that’s not a game-changer for the children, but the $100,000 will

And why disinherit the organizations and causes that mattered to you during your lifetime? Typical charitable beneficiaries include one’s house of worship and alma mater but can also include your local food pantry, museum, and social service agency, among others. If you aren’t sure which organizations you wish to support, you can make a charitable distribution to your local community foundation into its unrestricted grantmaking fund or into a field-of-interest fund such as animal welfare, arts, education, environment, health, and/or human services. The best asset to use for charitable giving from your estate is your retirement account (IRA, 401(k), or 403(b)). Your plan administrator can assist you with the process, but it is usually quite easy to change or add beneficiaries and their percentages online. Other ways include naming a charity as the beneficiary of a life insurance policy or as a beneficiary in your will or trust. It is recommended that you discuss your charitable planning—both during your lifetime and through your estate—with your financial planner and estate planning attorney. You should also contact the organizations you wish to provide for in your estate plan, especially if you are restricting your gift, to be sure the organization can honor your restriction. n Dave McGowan has been a Chicago-area not-for-profit executive since November 1981. He is a certified fundraising executive who retired from DuPage Foundation after 25 years in December 2022, before starting davemcgowanconsulting.com, serving donors, their advisors, and the not-forprofits they support. Dave can be reached at dave@davemcgowanconsulting.com.

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The Reshaping of Real Estate Understanding the market forces changing the way homes are bought and sold BY AMY ROBEY OF MAINSTREET REALTORS®

f you’ve heard anything about the housing market over the past several years, you know it’s a difficult time to buy.

High mortgage rates, coupled with low inventory, have posed a challenge, particularly for first-time homebuyers, to enter the market. Inventory in the Chicago metro area is down 9.5% year-over-year, while prices continue to skyrocket. Affordability has become such an issue that a March 2026 Illinois REALTORS® poll found 41% of Chicago-area residents now rank housing costs as their top worry, edging out crime for the first time in years. If they weren’t before, candidates on the 2026 ballot are taking notice. First-time homebuyers are now at a record low of 21%, according to the 2026 National Association of REALTORS® Generational Trends report. Meanwhile, Boomers are taking the market by storm, now making up 42% of buyers through largely equity-based purchases, per the same report. The changes in the market are not just about increasing sales prices or who is buying or selling. There have been massive shifts in the real estate industry itself that are also impacting how you might shop for, stage or list your home. Since August 2024, buyers need a formal agreement with their licensed real estate professional before they can walk through homes together. This gives buyers a clearer picture of costs before they commit to a showing. The way you search for homes online is also changing. For many

years, when homes were listed, they hit sites like Zillow, Redfin, Realtor. com and others within one business day. Last year, the National Association of REALTORS® made a change allowing sellers to delay public listings or list exclusively through one office instead, like their agent’s brokerage. This means some home listings never reach popular home search sites or the general market. As a result, Zillow has filed a lawsuit against Compass, one of the largest brokerages, along with MRED, the multiple listing service that gives Chicago-area associations, including Mainstreet REALTORS®, listing access for their real estate professional members. The dispute centers on how listings are shared with the public, and its outcome could influence how buyers access homes online in the future. One resource that may be helpful to consumers navigating these changes is ChicagolandHomes.com,

a regional home search platform recently launched by Mainstreet REALTORS®. AI is also reshaping how people search for, stage and sell their homes. More than 80% of buyers now use some kind of AI tool during their home search, according to a Realtor.com survey, whether that’s comparing mortgage rates, visualizing renovations, or getting a first pass at negotiation strategy. But AI hasn’t replaced the value of an agent. Nationally, 88% of buyers purchased through one, and 91% said they would use that person again or recommend them, per NAR’s 2026 Generational Trends report. On the seller side, 91% worked with an agent, and homes sold for a median 99% of list price. As housing affordability, technology and industry practices continue to evolve, buyers and sellers who stay informed will be better prepared to navigate the market. n DOWNERS GROVE MAGAZINE

COMMUNITY SCENE | DOWNERSGROVEMAG.COM

MCCOLLUM PARK PHOTOS COURTESY OF DOWNERS GROVE PARK DISTRICT

McCollum Park welcomed visitors back to a newly transformed playground and recreation area this summer. Improvements included inclusive play equipment, expanded accessibility, a new pavilion, an upgraded outdoor fitness area, renovated game areas and added shade structures. The project was supported by a $600,000 state OSLAD grant.

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YOUR DOWNTOWN DOWNERS GROVE

REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST Local Expertise. Proven Results. For the past 12 years, I’ve called Downtown Downers Grove home. I know this community, its neighborhoods, and the lifestyle that makes it so special. My clients benefit from local insight, strong relationships, and a results-driven approach.

DEEP LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS.

SOLD

1204 GILBERT AVENUE* Sold for $2,000,000

SOLD

1904 HITCHCOCK AVENUE Sold for $1,200,000

SOLD

1240 HAWTHORNE LANE Sold for $1,240,000

SOLD

1903 ELMORE AVENUE Sold for $1,625,000

SOLD

5248 CARPENTER STREET Sold for $1,400,000

5348 BROOKBANK ROAD * Sold for $1,100,000

224.374.9408 lmcgreal@atproperties.com *Buyer represented

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