Author: Valerie Hardy
Author
Once-worn formalwear gets a second chance through a nonprofit prom boutique run by Hinsdale’s Jen Chillo
By Valerie Hardy “Never in a million years” did Jen Chillo, a 16-year resident of Hinsdale, think she would end up teaching at the high school she attended.... Read more.
Center brings seniors together for information, food, fun, and friendship
By Valerie Hardy It is never too late to try something new, and seniors in Downers Grove Township are a case in point. Many come out to take advantage of the variety... Read more.
DuPage County nonprofit celebrates 35 years of local and global service
By Valerie Hardy Kay McKeen of Wheaton has been proudly “talking trash” for over three decades. Founder and executive director of SCARCE – a nonprofit... Read more.
A Heart Warming Story
A local teen with a congenital heart condition is surprised with a VIP Bears Experience By Valerie Hardy O’Neill Middle School eighth-grader Jonah Davis was... Read more.
Melissa Gorman creates a supportive resource for people living with cancer
By Valerie Hardy United by Unique” is the three-year theme for the annual World Cancer Day, which is held on Feb. 4. The alliterative credo reflects the fact... Read more.
Beverly Kim’s journey from Downers Grove to becoming one of Chicago’s top chefs
Beverly Kim’s path to becoming a James Beard Award-winning chef began at the Barnes & Noble in Downers Grove in the 1990s, back when she was a student at Downers... Read more.
Bringing Hollywood Home
The Martin brothers returned to Downers Grove to share their film with local viewers By Valerie Hardy Three brothers who grew up in Downers Grove before heading... Read more.
65 & Still Serving
The Downers Grove Junior Woman’s Club celebrates a milestone anniversary and its founder By Valerie Hardy | Photography by Carolina Menapace On Sept. 24, Emmett’s... Read more.
Hope After Heartache
The EM5 Fly High Foundation spreads kindness and joy in memory of Evan Melau By Valerie Hardy When Evan Melau was fatally struck by a vehicle while riding his... Read more.
What’s Brewing
Local Oktoberfest celebrations have fun for the whole family on tap this fall When September hits, Oktoberfest isn’t far behind. The famed fall festival... Read more.