Author: Valerie Hardy
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Citizen’s Police Academy
The Elmhurst Police Department provides residents a behind-the-scenes look at local law enforcement BY VALERIE HARDY | PHOTOS BY MADELINE CRAIG This spring in Elmhurst,... Read more.

Dr. Rachael Mahmood finishes her term as Illinois Teacher of the Year
BY VALERIE HARDY Dr. Rachael Mahmood grew up in Downers Grove with parents who were both physicians at Good Samaritan Hospital. “Being the child of two doctors,... Read more.

Downers Grove South freshman gets promoted to Eagle Scout
BY VALERIE HARDY When 15-year-old Millan Ananth set his sights on becoming an Eagle Scout, the highest rank within the Scouting America organization (formerly Boy... Read more.

Modern Medicine
From data to diagnosis, AI is augmenting medical professionals’ training and practice by VALERIE HARDY Medical training programs and practices in Illinois are... Read more.

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.