Assistance League Chicagoland West

Books-Brunch-7-e1736470683942

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

Executive Chef Stephen Langlois

Feeding His Passion: Newly appointed Chef Stephen takes the helm at The Westin Chicago Lombard

By DuPage Magazine Staff | September 8, 2023
The Blue Swallow Motel in Tucumcari, NM

Celebrating A Century of Open Road: Now in its 100th year, this slice of Americana still beckons travelers

By Maureen Callahan | September 8, 2023
Tely Nagle, Drake Hotel Proprietor, in the Romanesque gardens Photo by Victor Hilitski

Welcome In! The Drake Oak Brook’s elegance and charm are back to stay

By DuPage Magazine Staff | September 8, 2023
ATJMAH_CM_2223

Striking the Right Note: The Chicago Youth Orchestra shapes the lives of aspiring young musicians

By DuPage Magazine Staff | September 8, 2023
The camaraderie of the volunteers often keeps them involved after their student graduates

Always Boosting: Hinsdale Central’s Booster Club helps fill gaps in student activity and athletic budgets

By DuPage Magazine Staff | September 8, 2023
Anne Schultz, MD, FACP Cindy Lagone, MD, FACP

Authentic Internal Medicine: Building relationships with patients and the community

By DuPage Magazine Staff | September 8, 2023
Hair loss problem after covid search Instagram Post Minimalist -

Is hair loss on your mind? Reclaim Your Crowning Glory

By DuPage Magazine Staff | September 8, 2023
Kristina and Matthew Bailey began reading books to their son, Owen when he was six months old— they haven’t stopped. Owen turned 4 in June and recently received an award from the Clarendon Hills Public Library for having had 1,000 books read to him before starting kindergarten. The library’s 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge is one of a few reading challenge programs offered in Clarendon Hills, where the Bailey family has lived for the past 2 1/2 years. Kristin Bailey said she saw an ad about the 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge and decided it was a good fit for Owen. “He’s always been really into books,” Bailey said. “He had a natural interest in books at nine months old. That’s when COVID started, and he didn’t get out much, so reading books to him worked out very well. He’s a naturally curious kid, and imagination-building is important. The reading allows him to learn and explore new things, and he really wants to learn to read now.” Krista Devlin, the Clarendon Hills library’s youth services librarian, said there’s a specific reason The Friends of the Library-sponsored 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge was started in 2022. “Reading aloud to a child is one of the best ways to help develop important early literacy skills, which will prepare them for kindergarten,” Devlin said. “It is also a great way to bond with your child and to encourage a love of reading.” Devlin said Owen was the second child to reach the challenge of having 1,000 books read to him before starting kindergarten. He was awarded a certificate, a crown, and his picture was taken to recognize his accomplishment. Bailey, who said she is “a big reader,” said her family usually goes to the library once a week. Reading three books each night to Owen, along with a book before nap time, is the household normal. “Consistency in our routine has been good and is important,” she said, adding that Owen’s two sisters, ages 2 1/2 and 1

An open book: Clarendon Hills four-year-old earns library recognition

By DuPage Magazine Staff | September 8, 2023
Charlie Tomfohrde and his array of house plants for sale at the Hinsdale Farmers Market

A Budding Entrepreneur: Charlie Tomfohrde’s plant business continues to grow

By DuPage Magazine Staff | September 8, 2023
Terri Doney (left) and co-founder Barb Thayer are “sisters” in the group, My Breast Cancer Sisters

Breast Cancer survivors: Hinsdale area group looking for others to help

By DuPage Magazine Staff | September 8, 2023
Maxx Klein and Jack Klein

Airoom’s New Design Space Maxx and Jack Klein take the helm of their family’s business

By DuPage Magazine Staff | September 8, 2023
IMG_4543

Oak Brook Bath & Tennis Club A Tennis Player’s Dream

By DuPage Magazine Staff | September 8, 2023