Assistance League Chicagoland West

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Photos by Michelle James

The Assistance League Chicagoland West hosted its annual Books & Brunch in early November at The Abbington in Glen Ellyn. Close to 500 attendees joined the lively conversation with Pulitzer Prize Winner Jonathan Eig as well as authors Luis Urrea and Libby Fischer Hellmann, and moderator Andrea Thome.

The Assistance League Chicagoland West supports DuPage and western Cook Counties through programs like Operation School Bell, aiding students with clothing, literacy, and necessities.

Other initiatives include New Start for housing essentials, Scholars Support scholarships, Community Outreach crisis aid, and Assisteens, where teens develop community service projects, fostering education, stability, and self-sufficiency. Visit ALCW.org for more information.

Assistance League charter members Marilyn Krafthefer and Jan McGivern

Assistance League members Laura Morse and Patricia St. Cyr

Guest Gina Bucciarelli and Assistance League member Inga Haveric

Assistance League members Gopi Ahuja and Bijal Bhuva-Doshi

Books & Brunch Emcee Andrea Thome, Books & Brunch Co-Chairs JoAnn Barranco and Susann Oakum, Assistance League President Yvonne Mayer

Jewelry Raffle Winner Mridu Garg, Michelle Kovach and Amy Malfese from Bella Cosa Jewelers

Author

Beautiful mature spouses hugging outdoors while walking in summer park, happy senior couple embracing and looking away, older husband and wife enjoying time together, having romantic date outside

Aging Authentically

Manu Lail

Time Compounds Everything

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A Glimpse into Moderne Living

Restaurateurs and longtime business partners Todd Davies and Tim Canning have helped shape the evolution of downtown Downers Grove through a growing collection of hospitality concepts built on community.
<i>Photo by Victor Hilitski</i>

Flavors of Downers Grove

Hudson Tseng serves during the second round of the IHSA state tournament, where the Timothy Christian sophomore finished as the Class 1A state champion.
<br><i>Photo by Jeff Vorva</i>

‘Like Watching Pro Tennis’

Jen Lambert and her daughters continue carrying the family tradition forward through the family’s treasured 1908 Lambert Roadster.

Lambert Legacy

Jonathan and Lynna Smith founded the Oak Brook Artisan Market in 2019, creating a destination that celebrates local makers, artists, and small businesses.
<br><i>Photo by Victor Hilitski</i>

Small, Local and Sustainable

Dan Kiermaier prepares the field at historic Wrigley Field during the club’s 150th anniversary as a National League franchise.

The Keeper of Wrigley

Harold McGee, an Elmhurst native and internationally  recognized kitchen scientist, has spent decades exploring the chemistry behind everyday cooking.

What’s Cooking?

30-1 DGJWC House Walk

Building Community, One Home at a Time

Among the Trojans teammates pictured, Ryann Wendt (far left), Violet Mitchell (third from left), Maggie Fleming (
fourth from left), and Kate Gross (fifth from left) shared both friendship and success on the court.

From Downers Grove North to March Madness

Remembering Chuck Kalousek, whose warmth and craftsmanship made Busy Bee Bakery a cherished part of Downers Grove.

A Tribute to Busy Bee Bakery