COUNTRY VS. TOWN: ELIZABETH DZIEDZIC

ELIZABETH DZIEDZIC’S story began in Fairborn, Ohio, near Dayton’s Wright Patterson Air Force Base where she grew up in a close-knit subdivision amid a lively and social neighborhood of U.S. and British Air Force families. This unique community offered a mix of traditions and sparked her interest in traveling, leading to a trip around the world in 2000.

Summers saw her lifeguarding from dawn to dusk, while annual family vacations took her to NYC, the Jersey Shore and Nantucket. After Miami University, she launched a marketing career, leading a team in the 401(k) division at Fidelity Investments in Cincinnati and Dallas. She married Tom in a New York City destination wedding and, after 22 years in the working world, retired to welcome their daughter, Anna Claire in 2009.

Hinsdale became their home in 2012 after six months in corporate housing on State Street. Their Hinsdale decision was influenced by close friends whom they visited when they were engaged in 2005, who described Hinsdale as a modern-day Mayberry. Anna Claire was two years old when they moved. She is now a sophomore at Benet Academy. Their mini bernedoodle, Kazzie, joined the family in 2021.

Elizabeth’s time as a stay-at-home mom has been enriched by various volunteer fundraising roles including Hinsdale Junior Woman’s Club, St. Isaac Jogues and National Charity League. More recently, much of her focus has been relocating and caring for her mom, who has advanced vascular dementia. She initiated a support group at her mom’s senior living facility, and she looks forward to helping shape a new program at The Community House for supporting the aging parent process.

Do you have a mantra? My friends tease me about my endless quips, but the standout is, “the best friendships start with the phrase ‘me too.’” Meaning during your first conversation, you quickly find a commonality. I met some of my closest Hinsdale friends bonding over shared stories of our childrens’ activities. Another favorite? Assemble your own personal board of directors for life’s decisions, big or small. On your reading stack? Newspaper articles my husband Tom clips for me. What organizations do you support? We attend several fundraising events each year, but most of my volunteer time is with Anna Claire’s school, National Charity League, and I look forward to helping The Community House this winter. What’s your signature entertaining style? A few friends over for a quick afternoon pick-me-up before school pick-up from 1pm – 3pm with fun music, Toni’s sweet treats and bubbly. Any daily rituals that make you feel centered? Daily visits to my mom at Birches memory care remind me to live fully. They’ve inspired my “nursing home prevention kit”— learning new things (most recently Mahjong!), boosting strength, taking hormone replacement therapy, and staying social with regular friend dates. Music you love? Don’t hand me the AUX cable – I am not good with music but love to dance to trendy songs. Favorite holiday/winter traditions? On Christmas day, we travel to NYC every year to soak in the spirit of the holiday at our wedding day hotel and spend time with our extended family.

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

What’s your go-to outfit? Black turtleneck, drapey scarf, wide leg jeans and sneakers. Usually all purchased at TJ Maxx. Is there anything you can’t leave the house without? Tucked in my purse is a cherished angel medallion, a gift when my dad passed away in It reminds me of his life’s mantra, “The magic never stops!” The phrase he’d exclaim during big boisterous events or marvel at in awe of small happy moments. Where do they know you by name? Il Mio bar area where Tom and I steal away when Anna Claire has plans. Favorite work out? Three spots are on rotation: Reformer Village Pilates, Energie Pilates, and Spark Fitness. Do you have a favorite memory of living in the area? The days I met my ‘me toos’! Favorite festival or special event? It is a tie between two events: The Alzheimer’s Association RIta Hayworth Gala and The Sparkle of Hope luncheon benefiting Together at Peace. If an ad agency asked you to write a commercial for your town, what would you say? Nestled just a 22 minute express train ride from Chicago, Hinsdale offers the perfect blend of small-town charm and big-city amenities. Stroll through our picturesque downtown, brimming with boutique shops, a variety of restaurants, pretty parks and grand homes.

WHEN IN TOWN

Do you wear any outfits or accessories that look like too much day to day but are perfect for the city? Leopard print coat. What’s in your bag? Angel medallion. View that never gets old? The walls of RL restaurant. Shop? P.O.S.H on State Street. Best quick bite or hidden gem? The Aster Hall Bar & Study on Level 6 of the 900 Michigan Shops is a quick bite and a hidden gem. You can order anything from the Level 5 food hall, savor it with a drink and lake views, and even take your wine to any of the shops. Quite the treat! Do you have a favorite museum? The Art Institute Modern Wing and, while not a museum, we recently enjoyed a day art gallery hopping in West Town. What is your favorite movie filmed or set in Chicago? About Last Night.