Serving a Great Cause

paddlewomen

Cupid Courts Misericordia brings together paddle players to rally for a cause

By HM Staff

One Friday every February, the paddle community of the western suburbs put aside their competitive nature and enjoy a day of fun paddle tennis play for a good cause. For the past 12 years, a group of women passionate about the game of paddle tennis and lead by Gretchen McCarty and Katy Lee, have hosted Cupid Courts Misericordia, a day of friendly paddle play to raise money for Misericordia Home. This event has grown in popularity and raises over $75,000 a year. Participants include almost 150 women from Hinsdale, Clarendon Hills, LaGrange, Western Springs, Oak Brook and Burr Ridge. Paddle tennis pros from the area donate lessons, equipment and time to this event each year along with over 50 business and families who sponsor and donate raffle items.

Patti Cella, Katie Hartigan, Sarah Estep, Emily Collins, Colleen Murphy, Colleen Quinn at the 2021 event

Misericordia’s rich history of care is a credit to the kindness of thousands of generous supporters. Founded in 1921, Misericordia currently supports over 600 children and adults with developmental disabilities from diverse racial, religious, and socio-economic backgrounds. This most vulnerable population lives in an environment of respect and beauty where they are challenged to be their best, thanks to the loving care of Misericordia staff and volunteers. This year, organizers are anticipating over 150 women will support and participate in this all-lever paddle tennis mixer on Friday, February 10 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.. Lunch will be served following play and raffle prizes. A men’s evening event began in 2021 and will be expanded this year to three local area clubs. Visit cupidscourt2023.givesmart.com for more information.

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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

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