The Community House was where Hinsdale native Dana Reko learned about etiquette, gathered for Girl Scout Troop activities and, most formatively, took fortnightly dance class as a middle schooler.
"I haven't used ballroom dancing since," she admitted with a laugh.
Having now settled in Hinsdale with her own family, Dana appreciates the nonprofit center's services in a way she never did as a youth.
"Our kids, from when they were little, started Tiny Toes music classes there," said the mom of son Charlie, 9, and Kate, 7. "We've had a birthday party there, (Kate's) doing a Stage Door performance, 'Charlie and The Chocolate Factory,' right now. They both do Jodie Harrison Basketball there."
Oh, and her octogenarian mom keeps her bridge skills sharp there as well.
"It appeals to infants and toddlers all the way up to seniors," Dana said.
In response to such personal enrichment, Dana and husband Ryan are serving as co-chairs of The Community House Holiday Ball Dec. 7 at the facility. They are joined in leading this annual fundraiser by fellow co-chairs and Monroe School parents Maureen and Chris Kunitz and Ian and Susie Thorpe. The familiarity with the other couples made their decision to step up a no-brainer.
"It was an easy 'yes'," Dana said. "There's a comfort level among us."
Planning began in late spring and the co-chairs were assisted by a committee of experienced ball handlers.
"They're a well-oiled machine," Dana said. "They've done this for many years."
Ryan said the job has revealed to him just how wide the agency's reach is.
"There are a lot of folks in neighboring towns who participate in Community House programs or will go there for certain events," Ryan said. "It's a pretty broad geographic range that they pull from and very welcoming to anyone that anyone wants to participate."
Speaking of geography, Dana said she broadcast her place of origin on their first date.
"He couldn't believe my Chicago accent," she recalled.
"It was very strong," he said with a smile.
They both extolled the virtues of raising children in Hinsdale. Walking into The Community House for the first time took Dana back to childhood.
"I was like, 'Wow! That main hallway hasn't changed.' So it felt so familiar," she said.
Dana compared the ball, which is already sold out, to a family wedding.
"You look up and you know so many people there," she said.
Ryan said The Community House is local touchstone.
"It does seem like it's a thread that ties people together here just because of how prolific the programming is there," he said.
Dana agreed.
"I think it's hard to find a person or family that hasn't attended something at The Community House," she said.
Ryan considers the ball an opportunity to reflect on the agency's achievements.
"It's really just the community getting together to have a good time and celebrate everything good that's happened during the year," he said.
What about Dana's junior high dancing dreams?
"Maybe at the Holiday Ball!" she exclaimed.
- story bv Ken Knutson, photo by Jim Slonoff