Hinsdale Magazine July/August 2026

WANNEGRILLOUTMORE?

FIRE UP YOUR SUMMER AT WANNEMAKER’S!

Explore our huge selection of Weber and Traeger grills, BBQ rubs and sauces, grill tools and cookware, Breeo Smokeless Fire Pits, and more at our family-owned Downers Grove store.

Dr. Paula S. N

Beautifying the Chicago-Land Area for Over 40yrs

McFarlane Douglass and Companies is a family-owned landscaping and decorating company with over 40 years of experience across the Chicagoland area. Rooted in Burr Ridge, we are excited to offer our expertise with our neighbors and your home or business this year.

From award-winning green walls and iconic airport holiday decor, to affordable office plants, we can handle any sized project. We offer commercial interior plant rental, exterior landscaping, holiday decorations, flower arrangements and more.

Rush Concierge Medicine

Personalized, Patient-Centered Care

Rush Concierge Medicine is a premier membership-based healthcare experience anchored in the heart of downtown Hinsdale. More than just a healthcare program, Concierge Medicine offers personalized, high-touch membership plans that places your well-being at the forefront. Benefit from same-day or next-day appointments, 24/7 communication with your provider, and virtual consultations.

Schedule a Meet and Greet

Call (630) 724-1680 to schedule a meet and greet. To learn more, go to rush.edu/concierge-medicine, or scan the QR code.

SThe Best of Summer

ummer issues are always some of my favorites to put together.

Maybe it’s because so many of the stories naturally center around things that feel distinctly American: baseball, hometown traditions, summer festivals, family history, community service, and gathering around food and drink with friends and neighbors.

As I looked through the lineup for this issue, one theme kept surfacing: legacy.

Sometimes legacy is measured in generations. Our cover story introduces Hinsdale resident Jen Lambert, whose family history traces back to John W. Lambert, credited by many historians as the inventor of America’s first gasoline-powered automobile. More than 130 years later, she continues preserving that remarkable piece of American history.

the people and institutions that continue to set a high standard year after year.

We are especially excited to feature celebrated food writer Harold McGee, whose groundbreaking work has helped shape the way generations of chefs and home cooks understand the science of cooking. His story is a fitting addition to our annual Food & Drink issue, which also includes the latest edition of  The Dish.

Other times, legacy is built one person at a time.

The women of Assistance League Chicagoland West have spent 30 years quietly serving families throughout our area. The impact of their work can be measured in coats, books, school clothes, household essentials, and, most importantly, lives changed. Likewise, the Brown family’s continued advocacy for childhood cancer research is creating hope for families far beyond their own.

You’ll also find stories that celebrate excellence and tradition. From behind-the-scenes at Wrigley Field to another impressive run by Hinsdale Central’s tennis program, this issue highlights

We also spotlight the MERIT program, an organization dedicated to helping talented students pursue careers in law through mentorship, education, and professional development. Their mission serves as an appropriate lead-in to our annual  Noteworthy Lawyer s feature, where we recognize attorneys making an impact throughout our communities.

Summer has a way of bringing people together. Whether it’s around a dinner table, at a ballpark, at a local event, or through a shared commitment to serving others, the stories in this issue remind us of the connections that make our communities special.

Finally, I want to recognize Alan Rocca’s 50th anniversary as an artist and a jewelry designer at  3824 York Rd. in  Oak Brook. Alan is a Hinsdale Magazine Group sponsor, and we salute his fantastic milestone.

I hope you enjoy the issue and find time to enjoy everything summer has to offer.

Scott Jonlich Publisher

FOUNDER & PUBLISHER

Scott Jonlich sjonlich@HinsdaleMag.com

GROUP PUBLISHER & EDITOR

Anne Healy anne@HinsdaleMag.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Larry Atseff larry@HinsdaleMag.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS

Maureen Callahan

Valerie Hardy

Anna Hughes

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS

Jennifer Frencl

Rachel Pavlovich

Katie Bolinger

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Julia Mazurek

Jack Rodak

Sophia Schiappa

Jeff Vorva

FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Victor Hilitski

Atticus Fair, Video Editor

Arthur Maiorella

ADVERTISING SALES graphics@hinsdalemag.com

Hinsdale Magazine Group 333 Chestnut, Suite 100 Hinsdale, IL 60521 630-655-3400 www.HinsdaleMag.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. Hinsdale 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 Hinsdale Magazine. Comments are welcome, but they should be on-topic and well-expressed. Copyright ©2026 Hinsdale Magazine, Inc. All rights reserved.

William Seyfarth

Managing Partner, VistaWealth O ce™

312-895-3001 X 103

High-Net-Worth Services wseyfarth@vistamarkllc.com

Sean McEvilly, CFA Managing Partner, Director of Research

Co-Founder smcevilly@vistamarkllc.com

312-895-3001 X 102

Matthew Rice, CFA, CAIA Managing Partner, Chief Investment O cer

Co-Founder mrice@vistamarkllc.com

312-895-3001 X 101

Vistamark Investments LLC was built on a simple conviction: families and institutions deserve better. After decades at Fiducient Advisors, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, Bernstein and NEPC, our partners witnessed firsthand how the industry had drifted — away from clients and toward scale, shareholder returns, and standardized solutions.

Vistamark is the answer to that drift. We are a purpose-built, partnerled investment firm — combining institutional-caliber research with the accountability of working directly with the people who own the outcomes.

INNOVATION WITH INSIGHT

We retired the bureaucracy-driven models of large firms and replaced them with proprietary systems built over 25 years of real-world Chief Investment O cer experience:

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TheVistaWealth O ce™: Our private wealth division — a coordinated team of partners delivering investment management, tax strategy, estate planning, and philanthropic advisory as one integrated service.

SERVING FAMILIES AND INSTITUTIONS

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Our name says everything: Vistamark represents a Vista of Insight and the Mark of Excellence. We take a broad view of every client’s financial picture and hold ourselves to an uncompromising standard of execution.

Ryan Walter Partner, Director of Institutional Advisory Endowment, Foundation & Pensions rwalter@vistamarkllc.com

312-895-3001 X 104

As consolidation reshapes the industry, many firms are chasing scale at the cost of service. We believe the opposite — that genuine accountability requires staying close to clients, keeping teams lean, and letting partners, not junior sta , lead every relationship.

We also serve financial institutions directly. As an Outsourced CIO for RIAs and Bank Trust Departments, we provide institutional research, manager due diligence, and portfolio oversight at a fraction of the cost of an in-house team — enabling our partners to deliver more without sacrificing the customization their clients expect.

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SUMMER LOVE

As we enter the dog days of summer, it can be hard to beat the heat while keeping the whole family entertained. Whether you’re in the market for a family-friendly outing or a low-key date night, we’ve rounded up a list of hometown happenings that are sure to be a hit.

BY ANNA HUGHES

BAGS, BREW AND BBQ

July 18, 4:00 PM

Wilder Park

epd.org

No kids allowed at this game night!

Adults are invited to Wilder Park for a night of friendly competition, good food, and delicious drinks. Whether you’re there to win it all or just relax and enjoy some music with friends, this event is great for anyone 21+. Attendance is free, and food and drinks will be available to purchase.

SIDEWALK SALE

July 17–18, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM Downtown Hinsdale hinsdalechamber.com

Hinsdale’s favorite shopping event is back for the summer. During this two-day event, stroll through the streets of downtown Hinsdale to find the newest additions to your summer wardrobe at great prices. The sales aren’t limited to the sidewalk, so be sure to stop in to your favorite boutiques and see all they have to offer.

VOYAGE EN FRANCE

July 19, 10:00 AM–4:00 PM Cantigny

cantigny.org

Cantigny will celebrate French culture during its annual French Festival, transforming the park into a vibrant showcase of art, music, and family fun. Guests will enjoy live performances, ballet and can-can dancers, a makers market, and plein air artists. Interactive activities, French-inspired games, photo opportunities, and an Eiffel Tower replica will offer entertainment for visitors of all ages.

FAMILY BIKE NIGHT

July 23, 5:30–7:30 PM Heritage Park

obtpd.org

Decorate your bikes, scooters, and strollers for an evening of family, fun, and movement! Family Bike Night is a chance for kids to cruise around the

park at their own pace, while the whole family enjoys a relaxing summer night outdoors. A bike decorating station will be available, along with music and light snacks. This event is free, and no registration is required.

DOWNERS GROVE SIDEWALK SALE

July 23–25 (hours pending)

Downtown Downers Grove Management Group downtowndg.org

Downtown Downers Grove’s annual Sidewalk Sale will return in July, offering shoppers the chance to explore special promotions and discounts from local retailers. Visitors will stroll the downtown district while discovering unique merchandise, seasonal finds, and exclusive deals. The event will showcase the vibrant small businesses that make downtown a popular destination.

A WALK IN THE PARK WINE TOUR

July 30, 4:30–7:00 PM Central Park obparks.org

BURR RIDGE ART FAIR

August 8–9, 10:00 AM–5:00 PM Burr Ridge Village Center shopburrridge.com

Enjoy a summer evening wine walk during a casual guided tour of Central Park (about a 1.5-mile walk). During the tour, guests will experience a selection of several wines with light food pairings from favorites like Antico Posto and Fogo de Chão Brazilian Steakhouse. The event starts at the park’s Ginger Creek Pavilion and will end with a summer concert at the Oaks Amphitheater. Anyone interested (21+) can register online, where tickets and time slots are available.

The Burr Ridge Art Fair returns August 8–9, featuring over 80 artists from across the region, showcasing paintings, sculpture, photography, jewelry and more. Guests can enjoy live art demonstrations, interactive experiences, and family-friendly activities while exploring the open-air center throughout the weekend.

PARK PALOOZA

August 15, 4:00 PM–8:00 PM Berens Park epd.org

Say goodbye to summer with a super fun sendoff! Join Elmhurst Park District in Berens

Park for live music including School of Rock and Bon Journeyed, kids activities, games, a beer garden and more. Food trucks will be on site with a variety of options like pizza, ice cream, shaved ice, tacos, and more.

FORGE FEST

July 18, 4:00 PM-11:00PM

The Forge Lemont Quarries forgeparks.com

Forge Fest will return to The Forge: Lemont Quarries on July 18 with two exciting celebrations. Kids Fest, from 4 to 7 p.m., will feature family-friendly activities and entertainment for younger guests. Forge Fest will follow from 5 to 11 p.m., with live music, food vendors, outdoor fun, and a spectacular fireworks display to close out the evening.

Summer Skin Has a Memory

How dermatologists address sunspots, redness, and uneven tone after years of UV exposure

BY DR. CHRISTINA STEIL AND DR. RACHEL BOGNET

Summer has a way of bringing skin changes into sharper focus. More daylight, more time outdoors, and more exposed skin can make brown spots, redness, freckles, visible blood vessels, and uneven tone more noticeable. Some of these changes are familiar parts of a person’s natural complexion. Others may be signs that the skin has recorded years of ultraviolet exposure.

That is one of the reasons dermatology and aesthetics often overlap. Patients may come in because they are bothered by a spot, patch of redness, or uneven tone, but the first question should not be, “How do we remove it?” The first question should be, “What is it?”

Freckles are often part of what makes a complexion distinctive. They are strongly influenced by genetics and are especially common in people with fair skin, lighter hair, red hair, blue or green eyes, or complexions that burn easily before tanning. Freckles tend to be smaller, lighter brown spots that become more visible after time in the sun and may fade when sun exposure decreases. Many people associate freckles with youth, personality, and a natural, sun-kissed look. They are not automatically a problem, and they can be a beautiful part of someone’s natural skin pattern.

At the same time, freckle-prone skin deserves thoughtful sun care. The same complexion that freckles easily

may also be more vulnerable to UV damage, sunburn, and the gradual development of sunspots over time. Having freckles from childhood can also make it harder to notice when a new or changing spot appears. For that reason, people with freckled skin should not ignore dermatologic care simply because they have “always had spots.” Regular skin checks help patients understand what is normal for their skin and what deserves a closer look.

Sunspots are different from freckles. Also called age spots or solar lentigines, they are usually more persistent areas of pigmentation that develop after repeated UV exposure. They often appear on the face, chest, shoulders, arms, and hands, which are the areas that receive the most sun over time. Unlike freckles, sunspots usually do not fade much on their own. They may be cosmetic, but they are also a visible sign of cumulative sun exposure.

That distinction matters because brown spots should be understood before they are treated cosmetically. A new, changing, irregular, scaling, bleeding, very dark, or rapidly growing spot should be evaluated by a dermatologist. At CSC Steil Dermatology, patients can receive both medical and cosmetic dermatology care, allowing our team to evaluate the health of the skin before recommending an aesthetic treatment plan.

Treating the Signs of Sun Exposure

For patients bothered by sunspots, redness, broken capillaries, or uneven tone, we offer several technologybased options. These treatments are not one-size-fitsall. The right approach depends on the patient’s skin type, the depth and color of the discoloration, whether redness or blood vessels are present, and how much downtime the patient can reasonably manage.

BBL HEROic uses broadband light to target common concerns such as sun damage, age spots, redness, uneven texture, freckles, and visible blood vessels. The treatment delivers calibrated pulses of light below the skin’s surface, where pigment and blood vessels absorb the energy and gradually fade as the body clears them. BBL HEROic can be used on areas including the face, neck, chest, hands, and arms, which are often the same areas most affected by years of sun exposure.

sun damage does not only affect color. Over time, ultraviolet exposure can contribute to changes in collagen, elasticity, and the smoothness of the skin’s surface. Depending on the patient’s needs, resurfacing treatments may help improve tone and texture while supporting the skin’s natural renewal process. And renewing the collagen layer and waking up the skins fibroblasts not only makes the skin look younger and healthier- it has been shown to reduce our risk of developing non-melanoma risk cancer.

Freckles can be charming. Sunspots deserve a closer look. The best first step is knowing the difference.

The best treatment plan often begins with a conversation, not a device. Two patients may both describe “sun damage,” but one may have freckles, another may have solar lentigines, another may have melasma, and another may have redness from rosacea or visible blood vessels. Each concern behaves differently. Each requires a different level of caution. That is why an evaluation with a dermatologist is an important first step.

Preparation before your treatment matters, especially in summer: Patients should use broad spectrum sunscreen every day, especially before and after any light- or laserbased treatment.

For patients whose concerns include rough texture, sun damage, fine lines, pigmented lesions, or sunspots, non-ablative or ablative laser treatments may also be considered. Moxi and LaseMD are nonablative fractional laser treatments designed to improve tone and texture while creating microchannels below the skin’s surface without harming the surface layers. It is customizable, with minimal down-time, and can be used on all skin types. UltraClear is a cold-fiber ablative laser that can be used on both superficial and deep settings to treat stubborn sun-spots and deeper wrinkles.

Redness may require a different approach. Some patients are not only dealing with brown discoloration but also persistent redness, flushing, rosacea-related changes, or broken capillaries. The Cutera excel V+ laser targets vascular and pigment concerns, including facial redness, flushing, broken capillaries, rosacearelated redness, brown spots, sunspots, and age spots. For patients who notice both red and brown discoloration, a dermatologist can determine whether a vascular laser, broadband light, resurfacing treatment, or combination plan makes the most sense.

Skin resurfacing may also play a role for patients whose sun exposure has contributed to texture changes, fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, or dullness. While pigment is often the most visible concern,

No treatment replaces sun protection. Daily broadspectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, shade, and avoiding tanning beds remain the foundation of skin health. Sunscreen should not be reserved for beach days, vacations, or poolside afternoons. It belongs in the daily routine, including on cloudy days and during ordinary errands, commutes, and walks outside.

Summer is often when people notice skin changes most, but prevention and treatment are year-round conversations. Freckles can be charming. Sunspots deserve a closer look. The best first step is knowing the difference, and a dermatologist can help patients understand both the beauty and the health of their own skin.

About the Authors:

and

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

A League of Their Own Assistance League

OChicagoland West recognized for 30 years of service

n May 1, the Village of Hinsdale recognized the women of Assistance League Chicagoland West with an official proclamation for three decades of service to the community.

“For 30 years, their volunteer driven work has supported thousands of individuals and families across our area,” Village President Greg Hart said via social media. “It is a great reminder of the impact that committed community members can have when they come together with a shared purpose.”

Founded in 1996, ALCW is one of 95 chapters of Assistance League, a national organization that has been

BY ANNA HUGHES

transforming lives since 1935. Each chapter works independently to identify and target the most important issues facing its local community.

“We consistently look at what the needs are in the community and develop new programs or expand current programs.”

- PRESIDENT-ELECT ERIN JAMES, ASSISTANCE LEAGUE CHICAGOLAND WEST

“[Our chapter] was pretty small [when it started], and it was basically providing essentials for school kids for winter coats, hats, and gloves. And from there, as we gained in membership and started raising more funds, we thought, ‘What else can we do?’” president-elect Erin James said. “We consistently look at what the needs are in the community and develop new programs or expand current programs.”

The organization serves over 11,000 people in Western Cook and DuPage counties through programs that support education and self-reliance. From giving books to preschool and elementary-aged students without any at-home resources, to stocking social workers’ closets with extra clothing

and personal hygiene products, to providing new kitchen essentials to those leaving homelessness for independent living, all of their programs strive to create an equitable, safe, and supportive environment.

“We did about 269 kitchens last year [for] people leaving homelessness, and we work with local agencies like Catholic Charities, or Pads, or BEDS Plus, or Bridge Communities,” James said. “We even provide a cookbook, so that the day they move in… they can cook a meal for their family.”

But it’s about more than just donating a book or a coat. Each volunteer takes time to read with each student and ensure that each coat fits perfectly. These moments are memorable for both the women of ALCW and the recipients.

“Our teachers tell us that [students] wore their coat home, even though it was 60 degrees,” James said. “Sometimes they give you a hug, or they’ll look at you, and they’ll go, ‘I remember you from last year.’”

The personal nature of ALCW is what drew James to join, and she said the same is true for many of their 125 members.

“They like the idea that it’s hands-on, you’re not just writing a check, we’re not just raising money to give money

to other worthwhile organizations,” James said. “We love when people do that, because we hope we benefit from that! But the money we raise, we put back into the community in terms of things.”

Last year, the organization had a budget of $500,000, and 86 cents of every dollar went directly into the community. Much of that funding is generated at their annual Books & Brunch event, which raised $275,000 last November.

“We had a video [at Books & Brunch] that talked about each of our programs, and we had some of the recipients in that video, and people were literally moved to tears and writing checks,” James said.

During the 2024-2025 fiscal year— thanks to generous donations and the dedication of members, who contributed 12,500 volunteer hours—nearly 2,000 elementary school students received new winter coats, hats, and gloves; 389 middle school students purchased new school clothing; 103 homeless high school students participated in their Holiday Shopping Day; 585 students brought a new book home; and so much more.

“I love working with these women,” James said. “They’re smart, they’re kind, and they know how to get stuff done.”

For more information on Assistance League Chicagoland West and the work they’re doing in the community, visit ALCW.org. ■

At Northwestern Medicine Cancer Center Oak Brook, a team of experts works together to support you through every stage of your cancer journey. Designed for your comfort and convenience, the center offers access to clinical trials, advanced imaging, an infusion center, and on-site pharmacy and lab. It’s all under one roof to minimize stress and travel time.

Excellence doesn’t stop at clinical care. The center also offers support services such as patient navigation, social work, nutrition, genetics and financial counseling. Here, we deliver leading-edge care with compassion and expertise.

To learn more or schedule an appointment, call 331.732.4490 or visit nm.org/OakBrook by scanning the QR code above.

A Turn for the Better

Checking in with Alexander Brown and family

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN

Last September, we highlighted the family of Matt and Christy Brown, whose son Alexander, now seven years old, has been fighting childhood cancer for the past three years. A recent check-in found Alexander’s progress on the upswing. The Browns continue to make a difference through various avenues of advocacy.

“We’re just back from Alexander’s clinical trial in St Louis,” said Christy. The clinical trial he was involved in

was to prevent relapses after he finished chemotherapy. Two years of treatment and 12,000 pills later, things are looking up. “So much of life was remembering to give our son his meds and having to lug them around wherever we went,” said Matt. “Then occasionally we would find a stray pill left behind that he somehow missed, so no more worrying about that!”

Since Alexander finished chemo, he has had to return quarterly to St Jude’s in Memphis for a CT scan to be sure no cancer cells have returned. The

family lives under the worst stress imaginable – “scanxiety”- in the days leading up to these scans. Since the scans have been clear so far, Alexander’s doctors feel comfortable moving them to every six months from every three months.

“The curve is flattening,” said Matt. “Life just feels different. We know we can’t fully breathe easily, and we’ll never be stress free about it, but having a six-month lease on life really allows you to look forward and worry less than we did at three months intervals.”

But that’s not to say there aren’t struggles. Alexander’s hearing in his left ear has declined in certain frequencies, so new hearing aids are required. Under normal circumstances, his level of hearing loss could be aided by a cochlear implant. That’s a future possibility that must wait, however, as such a device could mask his brain scans.

Although it won’t be necessary, big sister Charlotte, 13, was the first to offer to learn Sign Language to communicate with her little brother. Since the beginning of his childhood cancer journey, she has been there for Alexander in any way possible. Twice last year, the family traveled to Washington D.C. to advocate for childhood cancer research.

One such event, Climb the Hill, found Charlotte and Alexander walking hand in hand up the steps of Capitol Hill and through the halls of Congress to knock on doors and speak personally to lawmakers. The goal is for kids to tell their stories from their own honest points of view without parents there to polish their narratives.

Results of events such as this are becoming apparent. The most recent Senate appropriations bill, passed in February, included the Give Kids a Chance Act as a rider. Give Kids a Chance aims to accelerate childhood

cancer research by requiring drug companies to study combinations of cancer drugs in children. It’s a huge victory!

Christy continues to serve on the board of New Moms, an organization that provides housing, job training and family support to help young moms build confidence and break the poverty cycle. “I stay involved because I’ve seen how hard parenting can be, even in the best moments,” Christy said. “I can’t imagine being a mom in our program and facing something as terrifying as childhood cancer. That kind of strength is why New Moms matters.”

In late fall, the Browns - in collaboration with Wellness House - hosted Dr. Jim Olson, a pediatric oncologist from Seattle Children’s Hospital. Olson presented his team’s research toward advancing a potential breakthrough for some of the most aggressive and “untreatable” forms of cancer. Development of an “off-the shelf” therapeutic designed to bridge the gap between a patient’s own immune system and deadly tumor cells is underway.

The goal to launch clinical trials for this type of treatment is September 2027. Olson’s team is working double time to narrow the chasm between laboratory discovery and patient care.

The timeline is ambitious and relies entirely on securing the necessary funding today.

Hope is on the table, and the Brown family is leading this charge. Their early and passionate support has truly catalyzed a movement that reminds us that while science happens in the laboratory, it’s the community that fuels the momentum. Their commitment has inspired families and donors across the country to join the mission.

“In the beginning, it seemed like nothing was going right,” said Matt. “We just couldn’t catch a break. That mindset can be tough to deal with, so for us to be here, thinking the odds might be shifting is a great feeling. But it’s sure strange.”

To join the Brown family in accelerating the breakthrough of cancer therapeutics, please scan this QR code. ■

The Deep Plane Expert Hierarchy

Why Multi-Vector Muscle Repair Transcends the Standard Lift

BY DR. MICHAEL BYUN

When consumers search for a premier Deep Plane Expert, standard medical marketing falsely presents the Extended Deep Plane Facelift as the ultimate “gold standard.” In the true hierarchy of facial architecture, a standard deep plane lift is merely a baseline tool. True master innovators do not choose between a deep plane lift and advanced vertical midface restoration—they use the deep plane as a basic component to ascend to an entirely different dimension of craniofacial surgery.

These procedures are not “apples and oranges” or equivalent alternative choices. Their relationship is defined by a strict law of Total Inclusion and Evolution . The advanced tier completely encompasses the basic tier, but the basic tier cannot perform the reverse.

To understand what makes my work truly exceptional, consider what happens when surgical skill reaches the level of mastery:

The Mathematics Tier

A PhD mathematics professor has a second-nature command of basic arithmetic. They can perform and teach the basics flawlessly. Advanced calculus does not replace arithmetic. It incorporates it as part of a more sophisticated mathematical framework. The master uses the deep plane as basic arithmetic, then layers on multi-vector calculus to reposition the dynamic facial muscle engine.

The Aviation Tier

A fighter jet pilot moving at Mach 2 possesses an immaculate command of basic aerodynamics and can easily pilot a single-engine commercial helicopter. The principles of flight remain the same, but supersonic aviation incorporates additional layers of speed, complexity, and systems management.

The Architectural Tier

A master structural engineer who builds a 100-story skyscraper fully understands foundation pouring, soil bearing capacity, and basic framing. They can build a standard single-family home perfectly. A high-rise incorporates those same foundational principles while introducing additional structural forces, load calculations, and engineering complexities.

The Artistic Tier

Before Pablo Picasso revolutionized modern art, he was a classically trained prodigy who could paint the human figure with photorealistic accuracy. That mastery gave him the authority to deconstruct tradition and elevate art to a higher plane. His groundbreaking work did not replace classical technique. It expanded upon it.

The Bottom Line: The Operator is Everything

The Surgical Reality: Deep Plane is Just the Basics

When applied to facial restoration, the conclusion is absolute:

The Standard Deep Plane Surgeon has mastered a reliable, single-vector lateral pull. They move a flat block of tissue sideways. It is a necessary, fundamental skill—but it stops there.

As a Multi-Vector Master Architect, I understand the fundamentals completely and then advance the entire surgery to another dimension separating individual moving muscle fibers, calculating dynamic expression vectors, and anchoring the active kinetic engine of the face directly to the bone structure.

About the Author: Dr. Michael Byun, MD, is a boardcertified plastic surgeon. Selected as Northwestern University’s first-ever integrated plastic surgery fellow, he now directs Chicago Cosmetic Surgery. To view his work, visit chicagocosmeticsurgery.com.

Time changes many things, including the way we look and feel. Skin may show the effects of tanning, regrettable tattoos, and a natural loss of firmness and glow. Hair may appear where we do not want it and thin where we do. Changes in urinary or sexual health can also affect confidence in very personal ways. At BIS Aesthetics, my approach is to provide medically guided, personalized treatments that help patients feel healthier, more comfortable, and more confident as time goes on.

Skin Care Without Injections or Fillers

Many patients want younger-looking skin, but they do not want injections, fillers, or painful procedures. I do not offer injectables. Instead, I focus on treatments that support the quality of the skin itself, including options that improve tone, texture, sun damage, discoloration, fine lines, acne-related concerns, and overall radiance.

One treatment I use is microchanneling, a gentle skinrejuvenation option that creates very small channels in the skin to help deliver targeted serums more effectively. It is not as deep as microneedling, making it a good option for patients who want visible skin support without the discomfort associated with more aggressive treatments.

I use Toskani, a European professional skin-care line developed through ongoing scientific research. Based on each patient’s needs, I select customized “cocktails” of serums to support hydration, brightening, age-related skin concerns, and overall skin revitalization.

Hair Growth

Hair can be one of the most frustrating parts of aging. It may thin on the scalp, while unwanted hair appears on the face or body. I offer treatment options for both hair restoration and unwanted hair reduction.

Laser energy is absorbed by pigment in the hair and

Aging Authentically

Feeling and Looking Good as Time Goes On

BY BEATA STYKA, MD

skin. You can think of pigment as metal and the laser as a magnet. If the hair is gray, white, or very light, there may not be enough pigment for the laser to target effectively.

Hair removal and hair restoration both require multiple treatments because hair grows in cycles. Hair restoration treatment plans are also based on the patient’s hair pattern, goals, and response.

Urinary and Sexual Health

Authentic aging also includes concerns patients may feel embarrassed to discuss, including urinary leakage, urgency, pelvic floor weakness, and changes in sexual wellness.

I offer Emsella, a noninvasive treatment that uses electromagnetic energy to stimulate and strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. Patients remain fully clothed during treatment, and there is no surgery or downtime. Emsella is designed to improve urinary incontinence in both men and women. Some patients also report improvements in sexual wellness as pelvic floor strength improves.

Additional services available at BIS Aesthetics include IPL and laser facials, plasma skin rejuvenation, laser skin resurfacing, body contouring, scar and stretch mark treatment, acne repair, and tattoo removal.

About the Author: Beata Styka, MD, is a board-certified physician and founder of BIS Aesthetics.

BIS Aesthetics

201 E. Ogden Ave. Ste. 214 Hinsdale, Illinois 630-574-6696 | beautyisimple.com

Hidden Damage

How Acids, Airway Issues, and Health Conditions Impact Your Teeth

BY DR. JEFFERY WELLER

While many people associate dental damage with cavities alone, some of the most significant threats to our teeth come from less obvious sources, acid exposure, systemic health conditions, and sleep-related breathing disorders.

Acid is one of the primary culprits in tooth wear. Frequent consumption of acidic foods and beverages, such as soda, wine, citrus, and sports drinks, can gradually dissolve enamel, the protective outer layer of the teeth. Even more concerning is internal acid exposure from conditions like acid reflux. Often occurring during sleep, this silent process repeatedly bathes teeth in stomach acid, leading to accelerated erosion, thinning enamel, and increased sensitivity.

Beyond chemical wear, mechanical forces also play a major role. Teeth that appear worn, flattened, or chipped are often the result of bruxism—chronic grinding or clenching. This condition may be related to stress, but it is also frequently associated with airway compromise during sleep.

Sleep apnea, in particular, has emerged as a significant contributor to dental breakdown. When the airway becomes restricted, the body responds by activating jaw muscles in an effort to reopen it. This repeated clenching places excessive pressure on the teeth, leading to fractures, mobility, and long-term structural damage.

Importantly, these issues rarely occur in isolation. Many patients present with a combination of acid erosion, grinding, and bite instability, all of which compound over time. Without proper diagnosis, treatment may only address symptoms rather than the underlying cause.

Comprehensive dentistry today focuses on identifying these root factors early—and offering solutions tailored to each patient. Dental sleep appliances are available to help manage sleep apnea and reduce the damaging forces of nighttime grinding. For patients who have already experienced significant enamel loss, worn teeth can be predictably rebuilt using porcelain veneers and crowns, restoring both strength and aesthetics.

Equally important is addressing the lifestyle and health factors contributing to the damage. Diet plays a critical role, and many patients are unaware that daily habits are slowly breaking down their teeth. In some cases, collaboration with medical or mental health professionals is necessary to identify and manage underlying conditions such as reflux, stress,eating or sleep disorders before restorative treatment is completed.

Your teeth are constantly responding to what is happening in your body. Recognizing and treating these hidden sources of damage not only protects your smile— but supports your overall health for years to come.

About the Author:

Jeffrey Weller, DDS, founder of Weller Dental, is a cosmetic and restorative dentist.

Weller Dental 920 N. York Rd., Suite 310 Hinsdale, Illinois 630-654-2900 wellerdental.com

NETTING ANOTHER PRIZE

Hinsdale Central wins 56th top-3 state trophy

BY JEFF VORVA

Another year, another state trophy.

True, it wasn’t quite the state trophy Hinsdale Central’s boys tennis team was looking for. But it still kept a remarkable streak alive.

The Red Devils had one streak snapped – their string of four straight state championships-when they were runner-up to New Trier in Class 2A at the Illinois High School Association state meet, which concluded May 30 in Palatine.

But their amazing string of 14 top-3 finishes remained intact. It was a

streak that started in 2012 and has been going strong ever since. It’s the state-record 56th  top 3 trophy the program has won.

Second-year coach Pete Alex knows that his players were disappointed with not winning the state championship, but he is hoping it’s a good learning experience.

“It’s a sport, but they can learn life lessons,” Alex said of his players. “If I can push them in the right direction of success in their future, I want to hear about their awesome stories and journeys when they come back.”

New Trier had 36 points to nudge out the Red Devils, who finished with 34.

Hinsdale’s doubles teams packed a wallop in the state meet as Kyle McCain-Nicholas Marringa placed second in the state for the second straight year while Logan MiltonAmir Khan took fifth, winning five straight matches after getting knocked into the consolation bracket in the third round.

On the singles side, Davis Waterman made it to the consolation semifinals while Barry Zhu made it to the consolation quarterfinals.

There is pressure every year for the Red Devils, but it’s also a good thing to be able to compete in such a storied program.

“It’s definitely a privilege to play for a strong team,” Khan, a junior, said. “We’re expected to win. That means a lot. When I do step on the court, people know who I am, and people know our school. It’s great to build on that pressure and adversity.”

Alex is a former state qualifier for Hinsdale South, but his father, Bill, was a doubles champion for Central in 1979 and is now an assistant for Pete.

So, Pete knows all about the dominance of Central’s program.

“Because of our history, we’ve learned to deal with the pressure,” Pete Alex said. “It’s not to say we never feel the pressure, but learning how to handle the pressure is what makes champions. These boys live under the pressure, and they have learned to play the best when it matters the most.”

Marringa, who is giving up competitive tennis to concentrate on engineering at Purdue, said being able to play for the Red Devils has been an honor.

“It means a lot,” he said. “But a lot of this is representing our school the best way we can and being positive and mature role models for the underclassmen.”

He enjoyed being able to pick up an elite finish at the state tournament.

“It’s a good feeling,” he said. “I played only two matches as a freshman. Sophomore year, I played state and was just glad to be here. It was exciting to play and win and see the arc and progress.”

McCain will be heading to Emory University, a top-10 team in NCAA Division III that won six national championships. Former Red Devil Dean Kamenev was a senior on the Eagles roster this season.

McCain’s older sister, Kendall, also played tennis at the Georgia school.

“It’s a great mix,” Kyle said. “There are great academics, and I can play tennis there. And it’s warm, too. It’s a perfect fit.”

Milton is heading to Colorado College, and the fifth-place finish capped off a successful high school career for him.

He said that he and Khan butting heads with McCain and Marringa every day in practice helped their game this year.

“It’s good for us to have the No. 1 (seeded) team in the state on our own team,” he said. “We have something to work for each time we come to practice.” ■

•

LAMBERT LEGACY

The invention of the first gasoline automobile six generations later

BY JULIA MAZUREK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF JEN LAMBERT

On a summer weekend in a small Ohio town, a bright red 1908 Lambert Roadster rumbles down Main Street. At the wheel of the crank-start car is Hinsdale resident Jen Lambert, accompanied by her daughters, Evelyn and Eden, and her Uncle Billy – three generations connected by one remarkable family story.

For Jen, the annual pilgrimage to Ohio City for the Lambert Days Festival & Parade is more than a nostalgic tradition. It is a responsibility, a celebration, and a living tribute to her great-greatgrandfather, John William Lambert - the man many historians credit with building America’s first gasoline-powered automobile.

“Since my father passed, it’s my responsibility to get the car there,” Jen says. “I know where I’ll be every third weekend in July for the rest of my life.”

The sense of legacy runs deep in the Lambert family.

John W. Lambert is credited by many sources with creating America’s first gasoline-powered automobile in 1891.

two years before the Duryea brothers first successful automobile in 1893, and several years before Ford built his first car in 1896.

“My great-great-grandfather lived in a unique time in history where the invention of a gas-powered automobile was revolutionary,” says Jen. “His other known inventions included the carburetor, and he earned recognition in his time as the Father of the friction-drive transmission, which also revolutionized the automotive industry.”

John Lambert earned more than 600 patents related to gasoline engines and automobiles, and his ambitions grew into a large manufacturing business. At its peak, the Lambert Automobile Company employed more than 1,000 workers in a facility in Anderson, Ind., producing thousands of cars and trucks annually. Over the years, Lambert also owned the local grain elevator, an implement store, the town’s opera house, the town hall, jail and a lumber company. The family business expanded to include additional factories in Ohio and California and produced a wide range of materials, including fire engines, trucks, gasoline engines, and farm tractors.

“John Lambert was a true entrepreneur. Inventing and manufacturing the Lambert automobile was only one of his business ventures,” Jen says.  That entrepreneurial spirit continues to shape her life today.

John W. Lambert

Long before Henry Ford revolutionized American manufacturing by introducing the assembly line which allowed for mass-production of automobiles, John W. Lambert was already experimenting with gasoline-powered transportation in rural Ohio. In 1891, Lambert drove his three-wheeled, horseless carriage down the streets of Ohio City. This was

Jen grew up in Dayton, Ohio, surrounded by family stories of innovation and business ownership.

After graduating from Ohio State, she owned & renovated her own rental properties and entered

the higher-ed publishing world, a role that brought her to Chicago periodically. It didn’t take long for her to realize where she wanted to build her own future.

“I just knew Chicago was where I wanted to be,” she says.

Jen has spent decades building businesses of her own. She now owns commercial real estate properties in Hinsdale and Downers Grove and operates building service companies, like Skyward Building Maintenance, which was just sold to private equity. Her latest venture is Lot Lynx

Services, an exterior-focused building services company, which is currently working with the Village of Hinsdale on an infrastructure project to install public Tesla EV charging stations.

This intersection of Jen’s entrepreneurial ancestry and automotive innovation is close at heart.

“I’d love to know what my greatgreat-grandfather would think about today’s technology like EV and self-driving cars,” Jen says.

With very few Lambert cars known to still exist today, the family is deeply proud of their two heirlooms.  Jen’s grandfather, William Lambert, purchased two Lambert automobiles for his two sons: a red Roadster for Jen’s late father, Steve, and a yellow touring one for her Uncle Billy.

“I had the yellow four-seater for over 30 years, and I took it to the Ohio City Lambert Festival for many of those years,” says Bill, the patriarch of the Lambert family.  He also grew up in Dayton, Ohio, where he practiced law and owned commercial real estate for 18 years. He lives in Indianapolis, where he continued the family’s entrepreneurial spirit by

purchasing a large pool company.  He is now retired - and so is his yellow Lambert, which is displayed at the Indiana State Museum in Indianapolis.

Jen’s red 1908 Roadster was inherited from her late father, Steve, who owned the family business, Lambert Manufacturing, and commercial real estate as well.  This car was featured on the cover of a 1960 issue of  Antique Automobile  magazine.  In the accompanying article, the wellrespected automotive historian L. Scott Bailey carefully documented John Lambert’s legacy following five years of dedicated research.

The family has worked carefully to preserve the Lambert history.

“For me, the memories over the years are a series of images that build a tapestry of the past,” says Bill.  “It is great to see Jen taking such an interest in the car and in serving as the family historian.”

“All of us Lamberts have little pieces of archives,” Jen adds.  “I inherited cabinets full of newspaper clippings, books, cassettes, and VHS tapes of interviews with relatives who knew John and other family members.”

Jen’s daughters, Evelyn (15) and Eden (14), have both learned to drive the 2-cylinder crank-start Lambert.

Getting the Lambert Roadster ready for its annual moment in the summer spotlight requires unique effort.

The car gets an annual tune-up by  Bob Lederer, an antique car enthusiast, collector, and owner of Coachcraft & Precision Services in Elk Grove Village.  The car is then transported to Ohio on a trailer that was custom-built to carefully haul it.

The costs and time to preserve the Lambert Roadster are not insignificant, but to Jen and her family, the efforts are priceless in

connecting her to her family's history and preserving these memories for generations to come.

These efforts are rewarded as the Lambert Days Festival and Parade transforms the tiny town of Ohio City into a celebration of American invention and ingenuity.  The event is also a reminder that sometimes innovation and entrepreneurship take shape in family businesses and communities far outside the spotlight.

“John Lambert’s story really is a fun all-American story that people love to hear,” says Jen.

More than 130 years later, that story is still driving forward. ■

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The Keeper of WRIGLEY

Head groundskeeper Dan Kiermaier cares for baseball's most iconic field

BY JULIA MAZUREK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO CUBS

At Wrigley Field, every blade of grass tells a story. And Dan Kiermaier ensures each blade is ready for every day at the iconic field.

Before the ivy stirs and before the first crack of batting practice, Wrigley Field’s head groundskeeper is already at work. He has checked the forecast, walked the field, and begun the meticulous process of preparing one of baseball’s most legendary fields as the Chicago Cubs celebrate their 150th anniversary as a National League franchise.

For Kiermaier, the path to becoming head groundskeeper of the Chicago Cubs started with a traditional teenager’s summer task: mowing

lawns in his neighborhood in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

“Working for this organization at Wrigley Field is literally a dream come true for me.”

- DAN KIERMAIER

“At the time, it was just a way to make some extra money,” he recalls. “I didn’t think of it as a career.”

At Purdue University, Kiermaier started down a path to become a physical therapist. A friend studying turf science introduced him to an entirely different world - one where science, sports, and the outdoors meet.

“That got me thinking back to those summers mowing lawns,” recalls Kiermaier. “I realized how much I enjoyed being outside and working in that environment.”

Kiermaier shifted his studies at Purdue to turf management and science. Summer jobs further cemented his career path, with an internship at a golf course and later a job with the Staten Island Yankees, a minor league affiliate team.

“That was the best summer of my life,” Kiermaier says. “I had more fun doing that job than anything I had done before.”

After graduating in 2012, Kiermaier built his career the way many in the industry do: one ballpark at a time.

He learned the nuances of turf, weather, and more, while also learning baseball operations and building relationships.  He was hired in 2015 as a member of the grounds crew at Wrigley Field.

“Growing up a Chicago Cubs fan, getting the opportunity to work at Wrigley Field was a dream come true,” he adds.

Kiermaier was named Head Groundskeeper in late 2019. “My emotions went from pure elation to some anxiety about the pressure of the position,” he says.

Of all the job’s challenges, Chicago’s weather is the most relentless. The wide variety of weather throughout the baseball season presents unique challenges.

Spring brings fluctuating temperatures, persistent rain, and even snow, all of which can make it difficult to manage the moisture of the clay and create consistent growth and recovery in the grass.

With summer’s heat and humidity, the strategy shifts to retaining moisture so the clay areas don’t dry out, especially with the number of daytime games under intense sun. Sometimes thunderstorms roll in under the radar, which can delay or stop game play.

“Managing weather is easily the most difficult part of my job,” Kiermaier admits.

His day begins with a check of the forecast. The weather often sets off a chain reaction of communications with team personnel and front office staff. When he arrives at the ballpark, he walks the field to assess what needs attention and plans the hours ahead.

“I talk with the players and coaches every day about the field,” he adds. “It’s all a very collaborative process.”

The crew spends the early part of the day getting the field ready for batting practice, then ensuring it is ready for the game itself. Before the first pitch, Kiermaier briefs the umpires on weather conditions and takes one final look across the diamond.

Then the game can begin.

But Wrigley is not just a stage for baseball. As a year-round entertainment venue, the ballpark hosts dozens of concerts and large-scale events.

The grounds team plans months in advance to transform the field to accommodate thousands of fans, heavy equipment, and staging structures. Protective flooring is installed, the infield is stripped and covered, and the grass is trimmed strategically to withstand days without sunlight.

“After a concert, our grounds crew works tirelessly to get the field back to game-ready condition,” says Kiermaier.  It’s labor-intensive, but when done right, fans never notice the transition. And that’s exactly the point.

The oldest of three sons, Kiermaier and his brothers grew up in a sports-loving home.  The boys played football, basketball and baseball. Dan’s brother Kevin played in the MLB and was on the 2024 World Series-winning LA Dodgers team.

“I became a huge Cubs fan while watching the Sammy Sosa - Mark McGwire home run race in 1998,” Kiermaier recalls.  “Working for this organization at Wrigley Field is literally a dream come true for me.”

Some of Kiermaier’s favorite moments are the simplest ones.

A standout memory is when Dan and his wife Kristy watched their young kids run across the field and through the sprinklers, blissfully unaware of the history beneath their feet. Simple moments like these will become more meaningful as his family grows; Dan and Kristy are expecting another baby in August.

When the stadium is empty and quiet, Kiermaier gets to experience Wrigley Field in a way few ever do - as a caretaker.

“Wrigley Field is magical when filled with fans, but there is something extremely special about an empty ballpark,” Kiermaier adds.  “It’s when I can just be a groundskeeper and do what I love to do at one of my favorite places on Earth.” n

What’s Cooking?

World-renowned

kitchen scientist and writer Harold McGee has Elmhurst roots

BY MAUREEN CALLAHAN |

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HAROLD MCGEE

Have you ever wondered why you like your chili extra spicy while someone else would require a half roll of Tums to get through the bowl? Or why a sommelier might use words such as “leathery” or “floral” to describe a particular wine? And why DO onions make us cry?

Kitchen scientist Harold McGee wondered all of these things. While he studied applied sciences like chemistry and physics in school, he became much more curious about the science we use in everyday life, such as when we cook.

For McGee, we all become chemists when we cook. He has given the last five decades of his life to a discipline he helped to create - kitchen science. Not surprisingly, his name is now among the most respected in the field of gastronomical education.

What exactly is kitchen science, you might wonder? While some might mistake it for food science – the study of food composition, quality and safety – McGee’s area of study focuses on the science of what happens when food is cooked and why. “Right now, we’re in a

moment in time when science is having this strange and highly publicized impact on cooking,” said McGee. “In reality, the relationship between science and cooking goes way back.”

“ I wanted to study astronomy but ended up putting a “g” in front of it,”

– HAROLD MCGEE ON HOW HE WENT FROM APPLIED SCIENTIST TO KITCHEN SCIENTIST.

For a long time, culinary studies were not paid much respect by academia. McGee’s work did a lot to change that. Today, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential and important people in the world of food.

McGee’s interest in science began at an early age. While he currently lives near San Francisco, he grew up in Elmhurst, which he remembers as having big green spaces and dark skies at night.

The York High graduate became interested in astronomy at an early age, which guided his path to the California Institute of Technology (Caltech). As he hammered away at the typical science and mathematics courses alongside his freshman classmates, he realized he wasn’t as interested in the nuts and bolts of astronomy as he was in the effect astronomy has on us as people.

Although he almost left the university to pursue a more humanities-based course of study at a liberal arts college, his professors persuaded him to stay and finish at Caltech. “They knew I would be able to take courses there that I would never find anywhere else in the world,” said McGee.

He went on to Yale the following year, where he earned a PhD in literature. He taught everything from writing to poetry to Homer and James Joyce at Yale, as he hoped to find a tenured position.

“Tenured track positions were as difficult to come by then as they are now,” said McGee. “So, I decided to write about the science of everyday life – food and cooking.”

McGee was curious as to why Julia Child always recommended using a copper bowl when making a meringue. What difference would it make to use a glass bowl? A dead-end library search on the science of protein foam inspired him to perform his own experiment in his kitchen with the help of some friends. A hypothesis tested that night led to a tongue-in-cheek paper the group submitted to Nature Magazine.

And that’s how it started. If life is about timing, McGee’s was perfect.

HAROLD McGEE'S ESSENTIAL WORKS

On Food and Cooking (1984)

The groundbreaking book that helped establish kitchen science as a serious field of study.

The Curious Cook (1990)

A collection of experiments, myths and answers to common cooking questions.

Keys to Good Cooking (2010)

A practical guide to understanding cooking techniques and solving kitchen problems.

Nose Dive (2020)

An exploration of the science of smell and its connection to taste.

There was plenty of room on the uncharted frontier of kitchen science back in the 70s. This was the pre-specialty coffee drink era. Boutiques that carry dozens of types of olive oil hadn’t opened yet.

“I started writing when the food scene was still kind of quiet,” said McGee. “The whole culture of food and cooking was in the process of changing just as I began to write.”

Another experiment employed the help of some physicist friends simulating heat transfer on a computer through foods. The group proved that the faster they flipped a steak on the grill, the faster and more evenly it cooked through.

McGee left his teaching job in 1984 to write his first book about kitchen science, On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen. But the book was slightly ahead of its time. “It sat on the shelves for a while,” McGee recalled. “Food was just becoming something people were interested in on all fronts.”

While it took some time for people to see the science of cooking as a worthwhile subject, it was all worth it. Now in its eighth hardcover edition, On Food and Cooking is required reading in culinary schools and universities across the world and is translated into several languages. It began to be recognized as the book culinary students used to answer questions they hesitated to ask their professors.

In his second book, The Curious Cook, published in the 90s, McGee dispels many culinary myths and helps the reader learn how to keep salads greener and meats tender while braising. The book led to a spinoff column of the same name in The New York Times, written by McGee, in which readers could have culinary questions answered.

A third book, Keys to Good Cooking, published in 2010, takes the particulars of culinary chemistry and applies them to everyday situations with alternative techniques. Don’t want to waste quarts of water and

energy to boil pasta? Try adding just enough water to cover the noodles and heat the mixture.

Just as a physician’s scope is bigger than his practice, McGee’s books cover a huge breadth of topics most kitchen manuals would never touch, such as the difference between Scottish Whisky and its Irish counterpart or how to make a sauce similar to a heavy French hollandaise without the hassle.

Topics such as tips on everything from help choosing ingredients to safety tips on storing food to suggestions on improving imperfect recipes can be found in his work.

While McGee has been recognized as Bon Appétit Magazine’s Writer of the Year, he is ironically bothered by the concept of the perfect recipe. As a matter of fact, McGee’s approach is almost the opposite of that of most cooking magazines. “People want different things from their food,” McGee has learned. “Sometimes the process is as import-

ant as the result. The more readers understand, the more they can make their own decisions.”

His most recent book, Nose Dive: A Field Guide to the World’s Smells (2020), explores the science of smell and taste, a subject that has piqued his interest throughout his career.

While McGee’s path might have meandered more than a traditional one, he managed to create his own niche in the market – the science of cooking -just as the space became available. n

ELMHURST MEMORIES

Before becoming one of the world's leading kitchen scientists, Harold McGee was a typical Elmhurst kid.

"I attended Edison, Sandburg and York," McGee recalls. "I climbed the backstops and hit golf balls in the open space between them. Our family would sometimes have picnics at

Wilder Park, and I spent a lot of time in the library there."

He also remembers visits to the newly opened Lizzadro Museum, afternoons at East End Pool, movies at the York Theatre, and stopping at a nearby diner for a Coke and fries.

Celebrating Over 75 Years of Excellence

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Healing on a Higher Note

How ECPA and Freedom Sings turned trauma into art

BY LAURA MICHAUD AND MELISSA G. WILSON

The Encore Center for Performing Arts (ECPA) is no stranger to bringing powerhouse talent to DuPage County. From Hamilton’s Miguel Cervantes to rock icon Cathy Richardson, they know how to draw a crowd. But their recent collaboration with Nashville’s Freedom Sings wasn’t just another show on the marquee. It was the most intimate, emotionally charged night the community has seen yet.

THE HEALING POWER OF A SIX-STRING

Freedom Sings operates on a beautifully profound premise: when words fail, music speaks. For veterans battling Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and emotional distress, traditional therapy sometimes hits a wall. Songwriting therapy cracks that wall wide open. By pairing veterans with elite musical talent, the organization has helped birth over 600 songs, transforming painful, unspeakable memories into anthems of resilience.

For this exclusive event, ECPA brought award-winning Nashville songwriters to town to match minds and hearts with local veterans.

TURNING STORIES INTO SONG

The magic happened in a whirlwind 10-hour window:

• The Session: The morning began with intense, one-on-one sessions orchestrated by Co-Chairs Laura Michaud and Craig Wilson. Songwriters sat with veterans, listening to stories often too painful to repeat to loved ones and wrote original songs to be performed that very evening.

• The Stage: At 7:00 pm, those raw narratives debuted live as original songs. The songwriters took the stage to perform these custom tracks, dedicating each piece directly to its veteran co-creator.

The atmosphere in the room was nothing short of electric. Armed with catchy melodies and cutting, honest lyrics, the music struck an immediate chord. The performance didn’t just entertain; it connected, leaving the audience in tears and paving the way for a night of heartwarming, deeply personal conversations between the patrons, artists, and veterans.

THE VETERANS

THEMSELVES SPOKE TO THE IMPACT OF THE EXPERIENCE.

Christine Seagrave, a Desert Storm Army veteran, recounted, “Knowing that supporters of the arts would put together such an event touched me deeply. I will never forget the experience. It was truly healing. I can’t thank ECPA enough for this opportunity”.

Staci Boyer, a Navy Hospital Corpsman in the Persian War, said it best: “Today for me was a very healing moment. I have struggled with what this song provided. This experience was unbelievable as it allowed me to feel and I needed to. This ECPA Project is remarkable in how it connects with men, women, different ages, different situations - where we’re all trying to heal.”

A VISION FOR THE WESTERN SUBURBS

While the evening was an undeniable emotional triumph, it also shone a spotlight on a larger mission. Laura emphasized the importance of ECPA securing its own permanent theater. Having a dedicated home would

enable the organization to continue expanding the arts and to host these unique, therapeutic, and compelling performances across Chicago’s western suburbs.

To close out the evening, ECPA’s president, Mark George, asked the crowd if they wanted to see the show return next year. The response was a room-shaking, unanimous “Yes!” ■

About the authors: Laura Michaud is a founding member of the Encore Center for Performing Arts and Stage 773. Melissa G. Wilson is a performing arts enthusiast, author, and renowned networker. For more information visit EncoreCenterforPerformingArts.org

Welcome to The Dish, a curated look at the restaurants, chefs, and culinary experiences defining the local dining scene.

In this special section, we spotlight standout dining destinations known for exceptional flavor, thoughtful hospitality, and a distinct sense of place. Each feature offers a closer look at the people, inspiration, and details behind the dishes readers will want to discover.

From refined dining rooms to beloved neighborhood tables, The Dish celebrates the restaurants that make dining close to home feel memorable, personal, and worth savoring.

Cadence Kitchen & Co

At Cadence Kitchen & Co., people tend to settle in and stay awhile. What starts as cocktails and appetizers on the patio can easily turn into a full evening in downtown Downers Grove. Eight years after opening, the restaurant has settled into a rhythm that feels both energetic and comfortable. Lively enough for a night out, but familiar enough to feel like a neighborhood staple.

For owners Todd Davies and Tim Canning, that atmosphere has always been part of the goal. Their restaurants are built around experience as much as food. Places where guests can relax, celebrate, and genuinely enjoy being out together. That personality carries over into Cadence, from the steady buzz of the dining room to the packed patio on weekends.

“We’ve always wanted Cadence to feel like a place people can come together and enjoy themselves,” Davies says. “Whether it’s dinner on the patio, brunch with friends, or cocktails after work, we want people to feel comfortable staying awhile.”

The menu reflects that same balance. Contemporary American dishes sit alongside comfort-driven favorites, seasonal specials, and playful cocktails like Girls on Fire, Purple Rain, and Tangled Up in Blue, which add to the restaurant’s “good beats, great eats” atmosphere.

The Gochujang-Glazed Baby Carrots are just one example of the creativity found throughout the Cadence menu. For Chef Ian Schlegel, the dish is an exercise in balance.

“This dish is built around the idea that ingredients can make one another more expressive,” he says. “The result is a dish that celebrates depth, balance, and the way thoughtfully paired ingredients can unlock new dimensions of flavor.”

Beyond the dining room, Cadence has continued to expand its reach through wine dinners, private events, catering, and the Wine Spectator’s 2024 and 2025 Awards of Excellence. That combination of energy, topnotch food, and consistency has helped the restaurant remain one of downtown Downers Grove’s most reliable dining destinations eight years after opening.

Coastal Bay Seafoods

For home cooks, dinner can now start with a stop at Coastal Bay Seafoods. Located at 12 Grant Square in Hinsdale, in the former Burhop’s space, the neighborhood seafood market opened in February 2025 under the ownership of Ruth Arichabala, a food industry veteran with 20 years of experience in the seafood industry.

Coastal Bay is a woman-owned, family-run market built around fresh seafood, friendly service and practical options for meals at home. Ruth’s husband, Dimas Arichabala, who brings more than 25 years of cooking experience in Chicagoland Italian restaurants, has added culinary expertise to the shop’s prepared food offerings.

The market offers a rotating selection of fresh, frozen, prepared and take-and-bake seafood, including Salmon, Halibut, Branzino, Cod, Grouper, Lake Perch, Mahi Mahi, Octopus, Pacific Sole, Red Snapper, Scallops, Spanish Mackerel, Swordfish, Trout, Tuna, Whitefish and Walleye. With fresh fish arriving six out of seven days each week, Coastal Bay gives customers access to seafood selected with quality and consistency in mind.

Customers will also find prepared items designed to make dinner easier, from cooked cocktail shrimp and seafood salads to smoked fish spreads, bruschetta, crab cakes, crab-stuffed mushrooms, soups, sauces and takeand-bake Salmon Wellington. The shop also carries

oysters, clams, mussels, herring, tinned fish, crackers, condiments and kitchen tools.

Early response has been encouraging. “The store is family-owned and run, and the staff are very welcoming and helpful,” wrote Lauren V. in a Yelp review. “I’ve been shopping there regularly for the past 6 months, and the fresh fish is excellent.”

For customers who know exactly what they want, Coastal Bay offers familiar seafood staples. For those who are less confident cooking fish at home, the knowledgeable staff can answer questions, offer recommendations and help shoppers choose seafood for everyday meals or special occasions. It is the kind of neighborhood market that makes seafood feel less intimidating, more flexible and easier to bring into the regular dinner rotation.

Whether the plan is a simple salmon dinner, seafood for entertaining or something a little more special, Coastal Bay Seafoods gives Hinsdale a fresh new reason to shop local.

COASTAL BAY

12 Grant Square, Hinsdale (630) 601-6332 | coastalbayseafoods.com

Vistro Prime & Petite Vie

Hinsdale Magazine (HM): What inspired you to expand into catering, and how does it reflect your culinary philosophy?

Paul Virant (Virant): I’ve always believed in celebrating the seasons, supporting local purveyors, and letting ingredients shine. Catering gives us the opportunity to bring that philosophy—developed through years at Vistro Prime and Vie—directly to guests in their homes, backyards, or chosen venues. It’s about creating a restaurant-quality experience that’s deeply personal and memorable.

HM: You offer a range of experiences, from backyard barbecues to elegant multi-course meals. What sets your catering approach apart from others?

Virant: It’s the attention to detail and the level of customization we offer. Whether it’s a casual gathering or a black-tie dinner party, our menus are driven by the season and rooted in Midwestern ingredients. We work closely with each client to design a thoughtful, tailored experience—from the food to the presentation.

HM: Can you share a few standout offerings or styles that have been most popular so far?

Virant: Our hors d’oeuvres like Truffle Gouda Gougères, Tomato Jam & Smoked Cheddar Crostini, and Tuna Tartare have been crowd favorites. For appetizers, the Scallop Grenobloise, Parisienne Gnocchi, and Crab Cakes are often requested. In addition, customers love

Vistro Prime 112 S Washington St Hinsdale, Illinois 630-537-1459

vistroprime.com

to have a classic salad from either Vistro Prime or Petite Vie to enhance their experience, such as the Wedge or the Lyonnaise. Entrees such as the Sea Bass with artichoke barigoule, Portuguese Marinated Chicken Breast with arugula salad and the 6oz Filet Mignon with asparagus and bordelaise sauce, showcase our commitment to seasonal and high-quality ingredients. Desserts like the Molten Lava Cake, the legendary Gooey Butter Cake and Key Lime Tart provide a sweet finish to the meal.

HM: How do your catering offerings connect to what you’ve created at Vistro Prime and Petite Vie?

Virant: There’s a clear thread. Vistro Prime focuses on steakhouse fare and something for everyone, while Petite Vie leans into refined French cooking. Catering allows us to bring both perspectives to the table, adapting the experience to the occasion while staying true to the quality and hospitality we’re known for.

HM: What types of events are best suited for your catering services—and how can people get started?

Virant: We’re equipped to handle everything from intimate dinner parties and birthdays to weddings and corporate events. It starts with a conversation - clients can reach out through our website or email us directly, and from there we guide them through the process, helping to craft a menu and experience that’s uniquely theirs.

Petite Vie 909 Burlington Ave Western Springs, Illinois 708-260-7017

petite-vie.com

Your Summer Getaway

Who says you have to travel far to enjoy a memorable summer escape? Oak Brook offers the perfect summer getaway destination right in your own backyard, with premier shopping, exceptional dining and unique entertainment. Make your family memories close to home this summer and discover why Oak Brook is the ideal place to enjoy summer in full swing.

STAY

Find your perfect stay at one of Oak Brook’s seven hotels. Whether you’re looking for luxury, spacious suites, in-room kitchens, a relaxing pool or pet-friendly accommodations, Oak Brook has the perfect place to call home during your visit.

DINE

From patio dining and upscale restaurants to casual favorites, Oak Brook’s diverse culinary scene offers something for every taste. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite or enjoying a family dinner, you’ll find plenty of flavors to explore.

SHOP

No getaway is complete without a visit to Oakbrook Center, Chicagoland’s premier open-air luxury shopping destination. Home to more than 160 retailers, restaurants, and entertainment venues, the center also hosts popular summer events including Movies on the Lawn, Fitness on the Lawn, and Music on the Lawn.

FAMILY FUN

Summer fun comes naturally in Oak Brook. Spend the day swimming, golfing at the Oak Brook Golf Club, or exploring the scenic trails of Fullersburg Woods. For a unique indoor experience, visit the Lizzadro Museum of Lapidary Art and its summer exhibit, Enduring Symbols: Liberty Set in Stone. Then keep the fun going with mini golf, bowling, bocce, virtual reality adventures, escape rooms, and more!

To plan your summer getaway, visit

TINSIDE THE CHICAGO AREA TANDEM SOCIETY

BetterTogether

BY JULIA MAZUREK | PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE CHICAGO AREA TANDEM SOCIETY

wo seats, two sets of pedals, perfectly synchronized: a moving display of teamwork and trust.

Tandem cycling demands coordination, communication, and a shared rhythm. Every pedal stroke is a partnership. Riders quickly learn that the success of riding a tandem isn’t just about strength or endurance. It’s about connection.

Connection has been at the heart of the Chicago Area Tandem Society (CATS) for more than four decades.

The local club was founded after the 1984 Midwest Tandem Rally. What began as a single event sparked something bigger: a desire for tandem enthusiasts to continue riding together long after the rally ended.

Today, CATS remains a welcoming, connected community of 35 tandem teams who value the rides and the friendships formed along the way.

A SHARED CONNECTION

CATS Members Greg and Jeanne Browning have been involved with the club for nearly 20 years.

“We’d always enjoyed bike riding, but our lives got busy raising kids,” says Greg Browning. “As we found more time to take bike rides again, we found that we rode at different speeds. So we decided to try tandem riding - and we wound up discovering a shared passion.”

After attending the annual Midwest Tandem Rally years ago, the Brownings became more and more active with CATS.

Many members live in the greater Chicagoland area, but the club’s reach extends beyond state lines, drawing riders from neighboring regions who share a love for

tandem cycling. Experience levels vary, but what unites them is a shared sense of fun and an openness to connection.

“We usually have a couple of club rides each month during the warmer months,” shares Browning. “The rides typically range from 25 to 45 miles. Some people are faster, and some people are slower - and that’s all OK.”

Designed as much for socializing as for cycling, the rides typically include a stop for lunch, whether at a local restaurant along the route or a gathering at a member’s home. These stops offer riders a chance to share stories, laugh, and deepen friendships. And one thing holds true: no one rides alone.

This sense of belonging extends beyond Illinois. Across the Midwest, tandem clubs have formed their own unique identities, often with a sense of humor to match. The club in Minnesota is named for the state bird: the LOONS.  Wisconsin riders call themselves COWS: Couples on Wheels. Indiana’s club is called HOOTS: Hoosiers Out On Tandems. In Iowa, it’s PIGS: Paired Iowans Going Somewhere. And Michigan riders go by MUTS: Michigan United Tandem Society.

The highlight of the year is the Midwest Tandem Rally, the very event that inspired CATS’ founding. The

event takes place over Labor Day weekend and is hosted by a rotation of tandem clubs throughout the region; this year’s event will be hosted by MUTS in Kalamazoo, Mich. With over 200 teams participating, the extended weekend of riding and socializing is a reminder of how far the tandem community reaches.

TRAVELING BY TANDEM

Some CATS members have taken their tandem passion on roads well beyond the Midwest.

“Our tandem can be ‘de-coupled’ or deconstructed into separate pieces that can fit into two standard suitcases for checking on a plane,” Browning explains, and elaborates on their tandem experience in Switzerland last fall. Zurich served as their start and end point, where they secured and left behind their large suitcases and loaded necessities to the back of their tandem.  They spent two weeks riding from one Swiss town to the next.

CATS members Bob and Nancy Hoel have also traveled via tandem in the Netherlands several times.

“It is such a pleasure to ride in Europe, especially the Netherlands, because everyone bikes there, and drivers are very respectful of cyclists,” the Hoels explain. “Cycling also gives you a better opportunity to meet locals and visit sites that you may miss in a car.”

TANDEM APPEAL

The appeal of tandem cycling is layered. It is inherently social. It is practical for riders who have different endurance levels or prefer varying speeds. It requires mental and physical presence and participation - your partner depends on you. Tandem riding fosters unique trust, whether riding with a spouse, friend, or someone you’ve just met.

UPCOMING CATS TANDEM RIDES

July 12

Long Ride to Long Grove Long Grove, IL

July 25  Lake2Lakes Ride

Silver Lake County Park, WI

August 26  Meet in the Middle Ride  Inverness or North Aurora, IL

September 4-7

Midwest Tandem Rally

Kalamazoo, MI

September 8-10

Minnesota Root River Ride Lanesboro, MN

September 20

Plowing Match Ride

Big Rock, IL

October 3  Kenosha Lakeshore Ride Kenosha, WI

October 4

Fall Meeting and Wrap-Up Ride Willowbrook, IL

December 12

Holiday Lights Ride Arlington Heights, IL

“We’re always happy to welcome new members,” says Browning, adding that newcomers are welcomed no matter their level of experience or riding style.  “It is a great group of people.  If you ride a tandem, it’s likely a passion. To be surrounded by people doing something they have a passion for is just really enjoyable.”

The group shares a willingness to move forward together, in perfect rhythm, one mile at a time.  And most importantly – to enjoy the journey.

For more information about CATS, or to join an upcoming tandem ride, visit chicagotandems.com n

JOINING FORCES

Local agencies work together in a unique task force to tackle crime

BY ANNA HUGHES

DuPage County is home to a one-of-a-kind, crime-fighting task force. Founded in 2019, the Metropolitan Emergency Response and Investigative Team (MERIT) enlists highly skilled law enforcement personnel from 37 agencies across the county. Together, these officers collaborate efficiently and effectively to ensure public safety for the communities they serve.

“It really is what I like to call a pooling of our public safety resources in DuPage, so that we can surge them together and respond to major incidents adequately,” Elmhurst Chief of Police Mike McLean said. “That really allows us to handle things that require a lot of staffing: things like murder investigations, SWAT callouts, hostage negotiations, or crisis responses.”

McLean, who serves as the Chairman of MERIT, said that the task force allows for a proactive approach to major incidents. MERIT’s 12 different units each have specialized teams with the proper staffing, equipment, and training to respond to high-level situations.

“We take the best from each police

“The most

important

thing about MERIT is the fact that we share resources and manpower.”

- DEPUTY CHIEF MIKE PENTECOST, GLENDALE HEIGHTS

create a best-of-the-best team to respond to the incident,” McLean said.

All of these units undergo regular advanced training, so they are ready to respond whenever a call occurs. MERIT has been called into action over 1,000 times since 2019, including 142 times over the last year.

“Some of [those instances] were criminal investigation assistance, some of them were fatal traffic crash investigations, some of them were SWAT call-outs, some of them were assistances by our canine team or drone team to search for suspects,”

regularly to assist our member agencies. It’s something that has become kind of a routine matter of business for DuPage County, which I truly believe leads to the high-quality law enforcement and public safety that we have.”

Mike Pentecost, Deputy Chief in Glendale Heights, serves alongside McLean as MERIT’s Deputy Coordinator of Investigative Operations. A detective himself, he oversees the Major Crimes Unit, which includes the Public Integrity Unit, Forensic Investigations Unit, and Digital Forensics Unit. Pentecost holds himself to the highest standard in this role.

“My job as the deputy coordinator is to make sure that my component commanders and every member of the units I oversee are put in the best position to succeed,” Pentecost said. “Not only am I trusted by the board, I’m trusted by my component commanders, and I’m trusted by every member of the units, as well as the community that we all serve, to make sure that we are in the best position to successfully conclude any task that is given to us.”

Pentecost said MERIT helps fill in gaps he’s watched develop throughout

“When I first started 26 years ago, the crime, especially here in Glendale Heights, seemed to be more local, so we’re able to handle a lot of the stuff on our own,” Pentecost said. “Now, the way crime has shifted, it’s very, very transient and mobile, so usually when we’re getting hit with crimes, so are the surrounding communities, so the collaboration between departments becomes more and more important.”

“There are many cases that we [Glendale Heights] are not financially, as far as manpower and equipment, capable of investigating on our own,” he continued. “So, the most important thing about MERIT is the fact that we share resources and manpower.”

McLean said MERIT has been contacted in recent years by law enforcement agencies across the country who are looking to adopt a similar task force within their own communities. Both he and Pentecost would recommend it to others. MERIT unites 37 DuPage County law enforcement agencies under a shared mission of regional collaboration and public safety.

MERIT is not a separate full-time law enforcement agency, McLean explained. Rather, it operates alongside the everyday duties of each local agency.

“Every role within MERIT I would classify as part time and voluntary,” McLean said.

Despite the extra time, effort, and training required, McLean said members look at their involvement as an honor.

“It’s a compliment to be told, ‘Hey, you’re an expert, we want you, we want your expertise as part of this task force,’” he said.

“It’s been nothing but successful as far as our end,” Pentecost said.

“Many, many other counties should really copy our model here. It’s worked out quite well for us.” n

MERIT PROVIDES ASSISTANCE IN 12 SPECIFIC AREAS OF EXPERTISE

• Metro SWAT

• Crisis Negotiation Team

• Major Crimes Investigation

• Public Integrity Unit

• Crime Scene Forensics

• Digital Forensics Unit

• Major Crash Reconstruction

• Planned Events

• Incident Management Assistance Team

• K-9 Team

• Drone Team

• Peer Support Team

NOTEWORTHY

This special Noteworthy Lawyers feature recognizes attorneys whose work is defined by judgment, discretion, and trusted counsel.

As the nation marks 250 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the role of law remains central to how individuals, families, businesses, and communities move forward. Across practice areas, these legal professionals guide clients through consequential decisions with clarity, strategy, and a deep commitment to service.

This feature highlights the lawyers helping clients navigate complexity with confidence while upholding the principles of trust, advocacy, and justice across Chicago’s western suburbs.

Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy

Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy focuses on providing personal legal representation to individuals and families facing difficult circumstances following serious injuries, workplace accidents, medical malpractice, and other personal injury matters.

With more than 100 years of combined experience, the firm has built a reputation for combining trial experience with a handson, client-focused approach.

“Our mission is simple: to provide exceptional, personal legal representation to people during some of the most difficult times in their lives,” says attorney Tom Chute, who has more than 30 years of trial experience. “We prioritize transparent communication and make sure clients understand the strength of their case without making empty promises.”

The attorneys at Chute, O’Malley, Knobloch & Turcy believe that accessibility and responsiveness distinguish the firm from larger, more corporate law firms. Attorneys remain directly involved at every stage of a case, taking time during evaluations to understand not only the legal issues at hand but also the physical, emotional, and financial impact that injuries have had on clients and their families.

To strengthen cases and pursue the best possible outcomes, the attorneys work alongside medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and other specialists when needed. The firm’s experience handling complex injury matters allows the team to guide clients through both the legal process and the challenges that often follow serious accidents or medical issues.

Over the years, the team has secured millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients. More importantly, the firm measures success by helping individuals move forward after devastating injuries and difficult life events. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing clients in court, the attorneys remain committed to advocating for those in need with honesty, compassion, and experience.

Family law matters are rarely just legal disputes; they are deeply personal, emotionally charged turning points. For decades, Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC (MKFM Law) has stood as a trusted beacon of support for individuals navigating these challenging transitions. What truly sets the firm apart is its unique ability to combine compassionate representation with rigorous, strategic advocacy.

Recognizing that every family situation is unique, their dedicated attorneys invest the time necessary to understand each client’s specific priorities, whether that means protecting children, securing a financial future, or simply restoring peace of mind. By tailoring their approach to the specific emotional and financial landscape of each case, the firm remains deeply committed to guiding families forward with dignity.

The firm handles a full spectrum of domestic relations, ranging from traditional divorce, legal separation, and complex property division to child custody, parenting time, spousal support, guardianship, and adoption. Furthermore, their legal team is highly skilled in complex matters involving high-net-worth individuals, business ownership, and fiercely contested custody battles. Throughout these difficult situations, MKFM Law emphasizes empathy, clarity, and consistent communication, providing a steady hand

and emotional reassurance to ensure clients feel heard, supported, and fully informed at every single step. To improve the overall family law experience, the firm actively embraces alternative dispute resolution practices, including collaborative divorce and mediation. These modern methods can significantly reduce conflict, save time, and preserve vital family relationships for the future.

For anyone currently considering a divorce or facing a family law issue, MKFM Law strongly advises seeking experienced counsel early. Securing legal guidance ahead of time prevents costly mistakes and protects your rights far better than a reactive approach, particularly when children or long-term finances are at stake. By preparing clients for what lies ahead, the firm helps demystify the legal process and empowers individuals to make informed decisions for their futures.

While MKFM Law has built a strong reputation in family law, they also provide experienced representation in employment law, criminal law, and school law matters.

Mirabella, Kincaid, Frederick & Mirabella, LLC

1737 S. Naperville Rd, Ste 100, Wheaton, Illinois 630-665-7300 | mkfmlaw.com

Peck Ritchey, LLC

Few families expect to face a dispute over a loved one’s estate, questions surrounding capacity, or disagreements about how assets should be managed and distributed. Yet these situations arise more often than many people realize, particularly when life doesn’t go according to plan.

NOTEWORTHY LAWYERS

Major life transitions such as remarriage, retirement, downsizing, illness, a dementia diagnosis, or the death of a loved one often bring difficult conversations to the surface. Questions surrounding inheritance, caregiving, financial decisionmaking, and long-term wishes can be uncomfortable to discuss, causing many families to postpone them until circumstances force them into the open.

When expectations are not clearly communicated, misunderstandings can quickly escalate into conflicts. Adult children may have differing views about a parent’s care. A second marriage can introduce competing interests between a spouse and biological children. Family members may disagree about inheritance, asset management, or whether a loved one’s wishes are being properly honored. These situations are deeply personal, emotionally charged, and more common than many people realize.

At Peck Ritchey, LLC, attorneys help families navigate these challenges and provide experienced counsel when disputes arise.

Even the most carefully crafted estate plan can become the subject of litigation. Peck Ritchey, LLC represents clients in will contests, trust disputes, guardianship matters, and other estate-related conflicts involving allegations of undue influence, lack of capacity, or fiduciary misconduct. Whether challenging a document that may not reflect a loved one’s wishes or defending a valid estate plan against contest, the firm’s attorneys work to protect both their clients’ interests and the intentions of those who created the plan.

“A well-crafted estate plan is only effective if a person’s wishes are ultimately honored. Whether we are helping families plan for the future or resolving disputes after a loved one’s death, our goal is to protect those intentions and provide clarity during difficult times,” says Managing Partner Kerry R. Peck.

From proactive planning to courtroom advocacy, Peck Ritchey, LLC helps families protect loved ones, preserve legacies, and navigate life’s most difficult conversations while delivering winning solutions in and out of the courtroom.

“W hat’s your style?” Pull it all together with Clover Interior Design

With

OAK BROOK’S HEALING FIELD

Memorial flags will return to Oak Brook to commemorate the event that changed the country forever

BY SOPHIA SCHIAPPA | PHOTO COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE OF OAK BROOK

Thousands of American flags will cover the grounds of Oak Brook once again this summer to honor military personnel, first responders, and victims of 9/11. Arranged in near-

perfect rows, the memorial invites visitors to reflect, remember, and honor those who have served their communities and country.

The display, known as the Healing Field, transforms Oak Brook’s Polo

Grounds into a sea of red, white, and blue. American flags fly in sync, with each representing the lives touched by sacrifice, courage, and resilience. For visitors, the experience is both visually striking and deeply emotional. Jerry Christopherson, the

president of True Patriots Care Foundation, started the project while he was working as the building manager at a local high school.

“All the schools were closed the rest of the week after 9/11, but the following week they wanted to get everything back to normal. We had a football game scheduled for Friday night, and I thought we should do something for the lives that were lost,” said Christopherson.

Christopherson and his team were able to secure 1,000 American flags in less than a week. Between games that Friday night, players and cheerleaders lined up, each carrying a flag and candle in remembrance of the lives lost.

“I thought we should do something for the lives that were lost.”

– JERRY CHRISTOPHERSON

That first tribute planted the seed for what would eventually become the Healing Field. As the fifth anniversary of 9/11 approached in 2006, Christopherson began exploring ways to create a large-scale display of American flags. His initial plan involved mounting thousands of flags on metal conduit poles until a friend pointed out a potential flaw.

“You do realize that if you use metal conduit, you’re basically installing 3,000 lightning rods?” his friend joked. “If there’s a storm in Rockford, the lightning will find your field.”

The idea was quickly shelved, but Christopherson remained determined to find a way to bring his vision to life. A short time later, he discovered the Colonial Flag Foundation in Sandy, Utah, which had created a similar display using seven-foot PVC poles instead of metal. The concept provided the solution he had been searching for. “The rest is history,” Christopherson said.

Five years later, Christopherson hosted his first Healing Field in West Dundee to mark the 10th anniversary of 9/11 in 2011. Among those in attendance was Oak Brook’s police chief, who encouraged him to bring the tribute to Oak Brook. The Healing Field debuted in Oak Brook the following year and returned in 2016 and 2021 to commemorate the 15th and 20th anniversaries of the September 11 attacks.

The Healing Field has become a meaningful tradition in Oak Brook, drawing veterans, families, first responders, and community members from across the Chicago area. Presented in partnership with the True Patriots Care Foundation, the event honors military personnel while also recognizing police officers, firefighters, healthcare workers, and

others who have dedicated themselves to serving others. This year’s display carries added significance as the nation marks the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

As guests walk among the flags, many pause to read dedication messages or reflect quietly beside the memorial displays. Christopherson and his staff regularly update biographies of the victims, helping ensure their stories continue to be remembered. Unlike a traditional memorial ceremony held for only a few hours, the Healing Field allows visitors to experience the tribute at their own pace over several days. The display is open to the public from September 9 through September 13.

In addition to the flag display itself, past Healing Field events have included opening ceremonies, musical performances, guest speakers, and tributes recognizing veterans and first responders. For many visitors, the Healing Field serves as both a memorial and a place of connection. Veterans, military families, and community members often share stories and reflections while walking through the field, while parents use the display as an opportunity to teach younger generations about service, sacrifice, and the lasting impact of 9/11. Although Oak Brook hosts the Healing Field every five years, smaller displays are held throughout Illinois.

When the flags rise once again over Oak Brook this September, they will represent more than a patriotic image. Together, they will stand as a communal tribute to sacrifice, service, and healing.

Visit the Healing Field from September 9 – 13 at the Oak Brook Polo Grounds. For more information, visit truepatriotscare.com. ■

6 CHICAGO RESTAURANTS worth experiencing

THESE CHICAGOLAND DESTINATIONS TRANSFORM

DINNER INTO SOMETHING MEMORABLE

BY SOPHIA SCHIAPPA

2d Restaurant -House of Teriyaki

3155 North Halsted Street in Chicago

The first surprise at 2D - House of Teriyaki isn’t the food – it’s the feeling that you’ve walked straight into a comic book. Located in Lakeview, this restaurant is one of the first two-dimensional inspired eateries in the United States. The entire interior was handdrawn by award-winning designer Vanessa Thanh Vu. Thanh Vu and her husband, Kevin Yu, are partners in running the restaurant, with Yu being the kitchen’s executive chef. Customers flock from all corners of Chicago to try the Japanese mochi doughnuts. 2D - House of Teriyaki offers an immersive dining experience while also serving gourmet food inspired by Asian tastes.

Dining in the Dark

110 West Hubbard Street in Chicago

For those wanting a less conventional dining experience, Dining in the Dark is the place for you. Nestled in Chicago’s River North, guests are seated at their tables and blindfolded while the kitchen staff serves them a mystery three-course meal, including a starter, main course, and dessert. The menu consists of only three course options categorized by color, with each choice being curated differently to test the diner’s taste buds based on the chosen color. The restaurant is designed to enhance your other senses, creating a unique immersion.

Chicago Magic Lounge

5050 North Clark Street in Chicago

At Chicago Magic Lounge, dinner and drinks come with a side of illusion. Designed after a vintage speakeasy, the venue offers classic American bites and unique cocktails. Magicians roam from table to table performing hand tricks before audiences gather in the main showroom for larger stage acts that blend storytelling and impossible illusions. Combining theater, dining, and interactive performance, the Chicago Magic Lounge has become one of the city’s most distinctive destination experiences.

Kura Revolving Sushi

1755 West 22nd Street in Oak Brook Kura Revolving Sushi is not your typical sushi restaurant. There are no waiters or waitresses –only a conveyor belt that serves your food, and a robot, named Kur-B the KuraBot, that serves your drinks and anything else needed. While the technology and novelty draw customers in, Kura emphasizes authenticity in its menu by only serving the finest Japanese ingredients to give customers a premium dining experience. The combination of innovative service, interactive dining, and authentic Japanese cuisine has made Kura one of the most popular sushi restaurants in the Chicagoland area.

Pilot Pete’s

905 West Irving Park Road in Schaumburg

At Pilot Pete’s, dinner comes with a front-row view of the runway. Located beside Schaumburg Regional Airport, the aviation-themed restaurant gives guests the chance to watch planes take off and land while enjoying classic American dishes. Known for its hearty menu and family-friendly environment, Pilot Pete’s serves everything from burgers, steaks, and seafood to weekend brunch favorites. Whether you drive in or fly in, everyone’s welcome at Pilot Pete’s.

2Toots Train and Whistle Grill

203 South Main Street in Bartlett 450 North Main Street in Glen Ellyn Nostalgia is served right alongside the burgers and fries at 2Toots Train and Whistle Grill.

Catering to diners of all ages, 2Toots Train and Whistle Grill uses toy trains to deliver their delicious food. Owners Dale Eisenberg and Mike Ventre opened their first location in Downers Grove, but soon relocated to Bartlett to accommodate their increasing customer base. Combining classic American comfort food with interactive dining, 2Toots has become a destination for families, train enthusiasts, and anyone chasing a dose of childhood nostalgia. n

FINS UP!

The Chicago Parrot Head Club channels the fun and philanthropic spirit of late music legend Jimmy Buffett

BY VALERIE HARDY

It’s always island time for the Chicago Parrot Head Club. Instead of simply wasting away in Margaritaville, though, this group of local Jimmy Buffett superfans operates under the motto, “Party with a purpose.” They always keep the fun in fundraising, and in addition to French fried potatoes, big kosher pickle, and a cold draft beer, members make sure to add a side of service to their cheeseburger in paradise.

The Chicago Parrot Head Club (CPHC) raises money and awareness for numerous charities, and its approximately 150 members also engage in various volunteer opportunities throughout the year. The club meets monthly at Another Round Bar & Grill in Downers Grove, each meeting featuring social

time, an agenda focused largely on planning for upcoming social and service events, and a 50/50 raffle. The winner receives half of the ticket-sale proceeds, while the rest is donated to a selected charity.

The CPHC also holds a weekend-long celebratory fundraiser

called "Summer Chi-ILL at the Beach" (summerchi-ill.com). This year, it will be held July 31-August 2 at the Illinois State Beach Resort and Conference Center to benefit K9s for Veterans.

The CPHC dates back to 1993, “when a group of Jimmy Buffett fans in the Chicago area realized that ‘Sweet Home Chicago’ needed a little more island attitude,” explained the club’s president, Joe Klen. “More than 30 years later, we’re still going strong – fins up, music on, and always looking for ways to have fun while giving back to the surrounding community.”

Buffett’s trademark changes in attitude (laidback philosophy and focus on philanthropy) proliferated beyond Chicagoland as well. Over

200 Parrot Head clubs operate today, “supporting live music and giving back through charity, whether being a local event, house concert, or traveling to other club events across the country,” said Billy Brehm, former CPHC president and current president of Parrot Heads in Paradise, Inc. – the board that oversees all Parrot Head clubs worldwide.

“The goal is always the same: good people, good music, good works, and good times.”

– JOE KLEN, CPHC PRESIDENT

Members converge at the organization’s annual convention: Meeting of the Minds. This is a giant party in Gulf Shores (formerly in Key West), featuring live music, raising money for local and national charities and the club’s annual scholarship, and including elements like a blood drive and a walk to support breast cancer research. Through breakout sessions and informal conversations, members swap ideas with other clubs.

The Parrot Heads committed to “keep the party going,” even after Buffett’s 2023 death, explained John Sheridan, a CPHC member since 2011 and former club secretary.

While the CPHC’s roots are in a shared love of Buffett’s music and the island culture, there are no membership prerequisites. One needn’t own a boat or know all the lyrics to “Son of a Son of a Sailor” to join. “What matters most is a willingness to have fun…and help support causes bigger than ourselves,” Klen said. “Whether we are gathering at a monthly meeting, attending a house concert, raising money for veterans, or spending a weekend at the beach, the goal is always the same: good people, good music, good works, and good times.” n

THE PERKS OF BEING A PARROT HEAD

“The Chicago Parrot Head Club is often described as a social club, but it feels more like a phamily.”

– JOE KLEN, PRESIDENT

“It’s a tight-knit community. It’s where we turn for friendships, mutual support, and impactful charity work.”

– CHERYL WEGNER, MEMBERSHIP DIRECTOR

“We’re never bored! There’s something for those who work and people who are retired, things for people with children or grandkids (what we call parakeet-friendly events).”

– PEGGY FARRELL, LONGTIME MEMBER

“I have found being a part of the organization a way to make new friends as an adult – not related to work, or being a parent.”

– ANGELA LOVELESS, MEMBER SINCE 2021

“You meet like-minded people, and there’s no judgment. I’ve met CEOs and custodians, and everyone’s treated the same. There’s no ranking at a tailgate party!”

– JOHN SHERIDAN, MEMBER SINCE 2011

“It has created a great sense of worth for myself by helping others through CPHC.”

– CHRISTY FRISONI, MEMBER SINCE 2021

“The people in the club are so fantastic and welcoming, and not just the local clubs but people from other clubs I’ve met.”

– LORA BAK, TREASURER

Hinsdale Kitchen Walk

PHOTOS BY ARTHUR MAIORELLA

The Hinsdale Historical Society welcomed guests to its 2026 Hinsdale Kitchen Walk, “Legacy Illuminated,” featuring a tour of beautifully designed and historically significant homes throughout the village. The annual event celebrated Hinsdale’s architectural heritage while raising funds to support preservation efforts, educational programming, and the Society’s ongoing community mission.

Oak Elementary School Benefit

Oak Elementary School families and supporters gathered at Oak Brook Manor for “Denim After Dark,” the school’s biennial fundraising benefit. Proceeds supported plans to modernize the school library into a more engaging learning space while helping sustain the programs and academic excellence that earned Oak School national Blue Ribbon recognition.

Moderne Living glimpse

When stepping into the world of Moderne Living, visitors experience a carefully curated approach to contemporary home design. Established in 2005, the company operates with a clear mission: to help clients define and fully realize their dream homes. More than a furniture showroom, Moderne Living offers an immersive environment where architectural solutions, bespoke furnishings, and innovative design come together to create exceptional living spaces. Their showroom presents a sophisticated perspective on modern living, featuring some of Europe’s most respected manufacturers and design brands.

The company’s sourcing process reflects a deep commitment to quality, craftsmanship, and engineering excellence. Moderne Living selectively partners with premium European manufacturers and internationally recognized design houses, including Reflex, Pininfarina Home Collection, Roberto Cavalli Home Interiors, Rexa Design, and Res Italia. Produced in state-of-theart facilities, these collections combine innovative design, exceptional craftsmanship, and rigorous quality standards to deliver architectural solutions and furnishings of enduring beauty and performance.

Beyond aesthetics, Moderne Living places a strong emphasis on wellness and environmental responsibility. Many of the featured architectural systems and furnishings meet the world’s highest standards for sustainability, safety, and indoor air quality. Beautiful wood veneers, premium materials, and advanced manufacturing processes are selected to minimize environmental impact while maintaining exceptional

performance. For discerning homeowners, this means interiors that are not only visually striking but also healthier, safer, and designed for long-term living. The expansive collection covers every corner of the modern home, from bespoke kitchens and luxurious wardrobes to architectural bathrooms, integrated wall systems, concealed doors, lighting solutions, and curated furnishings. The showroom also features transformative living concepts, including multifunctional furniture, expandable tables, and space-efficient solutions designed for contemporary lifestyles. Whether furnishing a single room or designing an entire residence, Moderne Living works closely with architects, designers, builders, and homeowners to guide every project from initial concept through final installation. Supported by a trusted network of installation professionals, the company successfully delivers and installs projects throughout the United States, ensuring a seamless experience from design development to final completion.

With a balance of European sophistication, technical expertise, and personalized service, Moderne Living has become a trusted destination for those seeking elevated residential design. Every project is approached with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that each space reflects the client’s vision while delivering lasting beauty, comfort, and functionality. 222 W. Superior Street, Chicago, Illinois 312-380-0058 | moderneliving.com

Hand

Helping Hand celebrated its 27th Annual Gala on April 24, bringing together supporters, families, and advocates for an evening centered on inclusion and opportunity. The event raised more than $400,000 toward a new outdoor sensory space for adult clients, inspired in part by Hinsdale mother Colleen Sieger and her son, Jack, whose heartfelt story emphasized the importance of movement, engagement, and accessible environments.

Wellness House welcomed 3,500 participants to its annual Walk for Wellness House in Hinsdale, raising a record amount to support free cancer wellness programs. The event featured a 3K walk, 5K run, and family activities, bringing together survivors, families, volunteers, and community members in a meaningful show of connection, compassion, and support.

Wellness House

Candor Health Education hosted its Dueling Pianos fundraiser in April at Katherine Legge Memorial Lodge in Hinsdale, welcoming supporters for an evening of dinner, dancing, and philanthropy. The event raised $70,000— surpassing its goal by $10,000—to help bring Candor’s health education programs to schools that otherwise would not have access across the Chicagoland area.

Candor Health

Is Your Charitable Gift Making an Impact?

How to evaluate not-for-profit organizations before you give

BY DAVE MCGOWAN

You just received a request to make a gift to a not-for-profit organization and, while you are interested in and believe in the cause, you wonder if your charitable gift would be a good investment. So, how will you know? Well, there are many factors, financial and otherwise.

The first place to go is the organization’s website. Is it comprehensive and up to date? Does it list the organization’s paid and volunteer leaders, describe its programs, present its financial statements/ audited reports, annual reports and include its current strategic plan?

Also, look for the organization’s Form 990, Return of Organization Exempt from Income Tax, which can be found by searching on propublica.org under its Nonprofit Explorer. This is where you can see the net income or loss (under “Summary” in Part I), top salaries being paid (under “Compensation” in Part VII), and the percentage of expenses dedicated to programs vs. the costs of fundraising and administration (under “Statement of Functional Expenses” in Part IX).

As for the latter, there are many misconceptions. Any organization, for-profit or not-for-profit, needs to spend money on people, activities, and items not directly related to the provision of products and services. For a not-for-profit, the target should be 15–25%, with 75-85% going to program delivery.

Look at multiple years, as the organization may have a particular year that is considered an outlier. All-volunteer organizations may have lower fundraising and administrative costs than large, national organizations, which can capitalize on efficiencies. Start-ups may have above-average costs of fundraising and administration as they begin setting up and growing the business.

Still looking for an assist?

Here are some not-for-profit watchdog groups: candid.org, charitynavigator.org, give.org, givewell.org and charitywatch.org. Their recommendation for the maximum cost of fundraising and administration is 35%. Several of them also offer ratings of not-forprofit organizations.

more significant gift, there is nothing like a face-to-face meeting with the organization’s principals in your discernment process.

Additionally, what would one of my articles be without a nod to your local community foundation?! It will know the local organizations well and can help you make informed decisions. I’m proud to report that DuPage Foundation’s fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, had a cost of fundraising and administration of 8%!

Of course, there is nothing like reaching out directly to the not-forprofit you are considering supporting. How responsive, informative and transparent are the organization’s representatives? If it’s a local organization and you are considering a

At the end of the day, the ultimate criterion for supporting an organization should be its success in meeting its mission. 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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