Opinion / Editorial


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  • Hinsdale rich in reasons to salute Parks & Rec

    Updated Jul 10, 2024

    Feeling the urge to get out and play in the park? Lean into that spirit as July is Park and Recreation Month, a national effort to promote building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of these cherished public resources. For Hinsdaleans that comes in the form of 122 acres of dedicated parkland at 18 sites and the Hinsdale Community Pool. The Hinsdale Parks & Recreation department is highlighting how parks and recreation programs enhance quality of life, promote healthy lifestyles, and foster community...

  • Unofficial anthem asks us all to do better

    Updated Jul 3, 2024

    Katherine Lee Bates, an English literature professor at Wellesley College, was inspired to write a poem she titled "Pikes Peak" after making a trip to Colorado in 1893. The stanzas describe the stunning landscape she saw both on her train trip west and from the 14,000-foot summit. The poem first appeared in print July 4, 1895, in The Congregationalist, a weekly newspaper. Her work quickly gained in popularity. As was the custom at the time, people sang the words to "almost...

  • Reading adds enjoyment - and prizes! - to summer

    Updated Jun 19, 2024

    Are you a fan of John Grisham? The late Michael Crichton? Danielle Steel? All three have new books out this summer (Grisham’s “Camino Ghosts” and Crichton’s “Eruption” are available now, with Steel’s “Resurrection” due June 25.) Perhaps you have yet to read Hinsdale author Cristina Henriquez’s latest novel, “The Great Divide.” Or maybe you’re a middle schooler working your way through the “Percy Jackson” series or a preschooler sounding out words in your first “I Can Read!” book. Regardless of your age or preference, readin...

  • Whatever nation's mood, Stars and Stripes is never flagging

    Updated Jun 12, 2024

    Hats off! Along the street there comes A blare of bugles, a ruffle of drums, A flash of color beneath the sky: Hats off! The flag is passing by! — from “The Flag Goes By” by Henry Holcomb Bennett Tomorrow, June 14, is Flag Day. On June 6 our nation marked the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when the members of the Greatest Generation carried the flag into the crucible of the Normandy beaches to turn the tide of World War II. The following year, on Feb. 25, 1945, the iconic photo “Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima” was taken of six U.S....

  • Remember the sacrifices made in Normandy

    Updated Jun 5, 2024

    On this day in 1944, the land, air and sea forces of the United States and 11 allies conducted what became known as the largest amphibious invasion in military history. Some 155,000 Allied troops stormed five separate beaches at Normandy on D-Day, with the Americans landing at Utah and Omaha beaches and the British and Canadians at Gold, Juno and Sword beaches. By the end of June, the Allies had sent 850,000 men, 148,000 vehicles and 570,000 tons of supplies to the Normandy shores. The success of the invasion created a path...

  • Hinsdale finds its happy place in the summer

    Updated May 29, 2024

    May brought the Northern Lights and noisy cicadas to remind us of just what a fascinating planet we inhabit. Now on the doorstep of summer with June’s arrival Saturday, let’s remind ourselves of how much fun the community rolls out this season. The 51st annual Fine Arts Festival is in Burlington Park this weekend, featuring works by 85 participating artists (see story on Page 21). Monday, June 3, sees the return of the Farmers Market, another chamber event, at its familiar home on Chicago Avenue along Burlington Park. The...

  • Honoring those lost in effort to keep all free

    Updated May 24, 2024

    In Flanders Fields In Flanders fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place; and in the sky, The larks, still bravely singing, fly, Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the Dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe: To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high. If ye break faith with us who die We shall not...

  • Spring the perfect time to enjoy al fresco dining

    Updated May 15, 2024

    If you didn’t enjoy a meal outside during Hinsdale Restaurant Week in April (it was still pretty chilly), now is the time to enjoy one outdoors. Al fresco dining has not always been part of the downtown Hinsdale landscape, but it was born of necessity during the pandemic in 2020. And Hinsdale residents, restaurateurs and officials found it to be a welcome addition. The outdoor dining scene took another step forward in 2022 when the Hinsdale Village Board instituted new design standards for outdoor eateries on public p...

  • Greenspon wants more time, but clock is ticking

    Updated May 2, 2024

    A lot has happened since Cat Greenspon was elected to her first term as president of the Hinsdale High School District 86 Board just one year ago. Superintendent Tammy Prentiss was put on paid administrative leave. An interim superintendent resigned after working only 59 days in the district. Two board members resigned — one less than sixth months after she was elected. The assistant superintendent of human resources, the communications director and the Hinsdale South principal all resigned. The board has been the subject o...

  • Help wanted: Nonprofits are in need of volunteers

    Updated Apr 24, 2024

    April is National Volunteer Month. We hope you were inspired by the stories of the four volunteers we shared on Page 5. In case you were, we’ve compiled a list of volunteer opportunities at the six largest nonprofits in Hinsdale. Many also have junior boards open to teens. Candor Health Education The nonprofit organization educates students, their trusted adults and communities on the topics of puberty, sex and substance abuse prevention. Like all nonprofit agencies listed here, Candor relies on volunteers to serve on its b...

  • Become an organ donor and a potential life saver

    Updated Apr 17, 2024

    April is National Donate Life Month, established in 2003 to bring attention to the critical shortage of organs and tissue for patients through various activities and events, and encourage individuals to become organ/tissue donors. Ceremonies are held to honor those who have donated and saved lives, to mourn those who have died while waiting for a transplant, to provide support for patients whose lives depend on finding a donor, and to celebrate the lives saved and improved due to donation. According to the Health Resources...

  • How do we love the library? Let us count the ways

    Updated Apr 10, 2024

    We are big fans of the Hinsdale Public Library and know residents are, too. In honor of National Library Week this week, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 things we love about the library. 10. Super subscriptions — why pay a fortune to subscribe to some fancy service when the library offers monthly book boxes with a curated book and swag for adults, teens and students in third through fifth grade? 9. • I Spy cases — these creations from members of the Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club give kids — and their parents — the chanc...

  • Avoid the stress of the season with healthy habits

    Updated Apr 3, 2024

    The arrival of spring for many ushers in a rising level of activities, obligations — and stress. April is National Stress Awareness Month to bring attention to the negative impact of stress. The National Institutes of Health want people to recognize that managing stress is an essential component of a healthy lifestyle — and that knowing how to manage stress can improve mental and physical well-being as well as minimize exacerbation of health-related issues. Mental Health America provides a Stress Screener (ww...

  • Ninety-day minimum sounds right for house rentals

    Updated Mar 27, 2024

    Next month the Hinsdale Village Board is likely to take action on short-term rentals, changing the zoning code to prohibit people from renting Hinsdale homes for fewer than a specified number of days. Trustees, in referring the matter to the plan commission for a public hearing, suggested that threshold be 180 days. Plan commissioners said they think 90 days is a more appropriate number, and we agree. The complex nature of this issue was evident at the March 13 public hearing. First, it’s tough to determine exactly how many H...

  • Make a break for it - close to home

    Updated Mar 21, 2024

    A spring break staycation may be just the way to play this year, enjoying a less crowded, more relaxed local vibe. Your favorite community spots also have special programs especially for kiddos. The Hinsdale Public Library, 20 E. Maple St., always has a slate of fun activities during spring break week. To register or for more information on the following programs, visit www.hinsdalelibrary.info or call (630) 986-1976. • Youth in grades three through five will learn to make sweet and savory snacks in Kids Can Cook from 2 to 3...

  • Sunshine Week shines light on transparency

    Updated Mar 13, 2024

    This is National Sunshine Week — and not because we have an extra hour of daylight following the start of daylight saving time Sunday. Sunshine Week is an initiative launched by the American Society of News Editors in 2005 to promote conversation about the importance of open government and freedom of information. The date coincides with the March 16 birthday of James Madison, known as the “Father of the Constitution” for his role in drafting and promoting the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Freedom of the press is one o...

  • Paper presents local awards in advance of Oscars

    Updated Mar 6, 2024

    A host of actors, filmmakers, composers, costume designers and other talented individuals will take home an Academy Award Sunday night. With Hinsdale being such a high-achieving community, we thought it only right that some local people, places and things receive an award as well. So, without further ado — or a big opening number or jokes from Jimmy Kimmel — we recognize the following: • Best performance during an election — Cat Greenspon presented herself as a reasonable individual whose priority was district student...

  • Learn Leap Day history, lore on this Feb. 29

    Updated Feb 28, 2024

    We all know there are 365 days in a year, right? Well, not exactly. It takes the Earth 365 days, five hours, 48 minutes and 56 seconds to orbit the Sun. We account for those extra hours every four years by adding an extra day to the end of February. For the first time in The Hinsdalean’s history, Leap Day is also publication day! To celebrate, we’ve compiled this list of little known facts to provide both education and cocktail party conversation for the weekend. Happy Leap Day! • The Julian calendar, which Julius Caesar intr...

  • Make space to embrace Black history this month

    Updated Feb 21, 2024

    Black History Month is not simply asking, “How can I remember and learn about Black people?” It is all of us asking, “How can we love Black people by seeing them, hearing them, relishing in them and creating a world where Black people feel loved, inspired and protected?” — writer Danté Stewart February is National Black History Month, an occasion to celebrate the contributions of Black Americans to the evolution of our nation across all areas of society. Locally, stop by the Hinsdale Public Library’s Youth Services Department...

  • Try to protect Robbins Park before it's too late

    Updated Feb 14, 2024

    The Robbins Park neighborhood in Hinsdale undoubtedly is a special place. The northern half was platted in 1866 by Hinsdale founder William Robbins and contains some of the oldest housing in the village, according to the village’s website. The southern half, the William Robbins Park Addition, was platted in 1870, with curved streets and landscaping designed by Horace Cleveland. One hundred and thirty-nine homes were considered “significant” when the neighborhood was declared a National Register Historic District in 2008....

  • A little bit of love goes a long way to help others

    Updated Feb 7, 2024

    As is The Hinsdalean’s tradition the week before Valentine’s Day (next Wednesday, don’t forget!), we hereby issue our own “valentines” to those helping to make the community a more kindhearted place. Here are this year’s honorees as nominated by organizations in the village. • Amy and Emily Lohan, the mother-daughter team that works with the Hinsdale Humane Society’s trap/neuter/return program, manage a colony of feral cats to helps reduce cat overpopulation and euthanasia. It’s a side of rescue work that many people may not...

  • February a time to feel the love - for your heart

    Updated Jan 31, 2024

    February is a month devoted to matters of the heart. With Valentine’s Day on Feb. 14 — wait, that’s not what we’re talking about here! February is American Heart Month, a time when people are encouraged to focus on cardiovascular health. For those who didn’t pay attention in health class — or are too many years removed to remember — the heart is the primary organ in the circulation system, pumping blood throughout the body, carrying oxygen to every cell. After delivering the oxygen, the blood returns to the heart, which sends...

  • Candor's impact healthy as ever on 50th birthday

    Updated Jan 24, 2024

    Candor Health Education is marking a milestone this year. Exactly a half-century ago, the organization’s precursor, the Robert Crown Center for Health Education, moved into 21 Salt Creek Lane in Hinsdale, becoming the nation’s first fully independent health education center. According to the agency’s website, the moniker was a tribute to the Robert Crown Family, who had provided funding for the groundbreaking endeavor. The agency’s actual incarnation dates back to 1958 as the Hinsdale Health Museum, a locally organiz...

  • Here's hoping for better weather in District 86

    Updated Jan 17, 2024

    It’s been a stormy eight months in Hinsdale High School District 86, but we see signs that the skies are clearing. Board members say they’re excited about their superintendent hire, Michael Lach, who currently works as assistant superintendent for curriculum, instruction and assessment in Township High School District 113. Lach, in turn, says he’s very excited about the opportunity. So what could go wrong? Well, we won’t dwell on that answer. But we will say that the board must remain as committed to working with Lach as...

  • Get new year flowing with a blood donation

    Updated Jan 10, 2024

    According to the American Red Cross, the country is experiencing an emergency blood shortage as it faces the lowest number of people giving blood in 20 years. With January’s designation as National Blood Donor Month, this is the perfect time to help address this critical situation with a donation of blood and/or platelets to help alleviate the shortage and help ensure lifesaving medical procedures are not put on hold. “One of the most distressing situations for a doctor is to have a hospital full of patients and an empty blo...

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