2014/11/01/4-hero-moms-november-2014-by-kristen-kucharski
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She is cherished by her family and admired by the community. She demonstrates strength, courage, and concern for others. Meet the hero inside these local moms.... KERRY QUIRIN, DOWNERS GROVE Fight Brenna Fight Life threw a curveball at Kerry in 2012 when her daughter Brenna was diagnosed with Burkitt’s lymphoma. She did what any mom would do and encouraged her daughter to strike back and hit hard. Spearheading the battle for Fight Brenna Fight, Kerry led the path for raising funds for CureSearch, an organization that conducts research on childhood cancers. She will stop at nothing to ensure a healthy and happy life for her daughter and other children afflicted by cancer. KIM WOLF, NAPERVILLE Turning Pointe Autism Foundation After her son Jack was diagnosed with autism, Kim had many questions about his development, as well as what opportunities would be available for him as he grew older, so she co-founded Turning Pointe Autism Foundation in 2007. With a goal of providing autistic individuals with the tools necessary to achieve a more independent adult life, Kim was instrumental in the 2012 opening of the new Education and Career Development Center in Naperville. SAMANTHA CHEATHAM, HINSDALE Hinsdale Humane Society Samantha is a single mom raising a daughter who has autism, while working tirelessly at Hinsdale Humane Society. Because of Samantha’s unending commitment and care, hundreds of dogs and cats find loving homes each year. As assistant operations manager, she ensures animals are placed in forever homes, even if that means adopting them herself…her cat Dunka and Chihuahua Joey are HHS rescues. Samantha extends her work in the community with volunteer events throughout the year. WENDI DWYER, GENEVA Lost Boys Rebuilding South Sudan Wendi, mother of four, is an advocate for refugees and the executive director of Lost Boys Rebuilding South Sudan and is working diligently to help raise the literacy rate in South Sudan. She was inspired by the Lost Boys’ perseverance in the face of adversity and quickly realized that no one can be free without access to education. She has been instrumental in funding, training, and research for the organization. -Photos Submitted #HeroMomstoKnow

HERO MOMS TO KNOW | November 2014

She is cherished by her family and admired by the community. She demonstrates strength, courage, and concern for others. Meet the hero...

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A Colorful Affair, More than Painting Many of us have experienced the sip & paint events around town, but A Colorful Affair in Naperville has added new artistic opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy. Regardless if you are a preschooler who wants to finger paint or a senior who wants to reconnect with your creative side, there are a variety of project experiences to be found here. The tween group seemed very drawn to making their own candles, while I was personally drawn to trying out a fused glass project, as I have never worked with this type of art medium before. The energy and excitement in the studio was high as we viewed our options, which included designing our own jewelry, crafting a set of coasters, or a glass platter with sheet glass, rods, and stringers. Making your own candle or customized body scrub was like selecting the toppings at a frozen yogurt shop – trimmings and choices galore to completely personalize your scents, colors, textures, and style. Kids can make their own cupcake soaps, personalize a night light, or paint a penguin. The options were endless and the atmosphere was light and fun. You could literally spend several hours just hanging out – bring your own lunch or snack and unleash your creative side. If you are in the area but don’t have time for a specific project, you can stop by and play with the sidewalk chalk outside the front door. As the weather turns cooler and the holidays approach, the girls are excited to come back and make Halloween decorations, Thanksgiving centerpieces, and Christmas gifts. Personally, I was thinking it would be a great place to hang out with my adult friends, as they offer Ladies Nights Out events too. So whether you have a toddler or a grandma living in your house, it is likely you will find happiness and fun for everyone here! THE DETAILS Location: A Colorful Affair, 3027 English Rows, #105, Naperville, IL 60564 Phone: (630) 806-1915/(331) 229-3524 Website: www.colorfulaffair.com Hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; private parties available Prices: Prices dependent on creative project selected Description: A creative space offering classes, events, and open studio times using a variety of art media such as canvas, ceramics, soap, scrubs, fused glass, and candle making! Sip & paint events offered several times per month. about the writer Naperville mom Kristen Kucharski graduated from Illinois State University in 1992 with an International Business Degree. She is married and has two energetic daughters and her house is always full of children. Kristen joins Glancer Magazine with her column titled, Mom's Little Black Book, a monthly feature written for moms who are looking for ways to keep their kids busy.

MOM'S LITTLE BLACK BOOK, October 2014 | by Kristen Kucharski

A Colorful Affair, More than Painting Many of us have experienced the sip & paint events around town, but A Colorful Affair in Naperville...

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She is cherished by her family and admired by the community. She demonstrates strength, courage, and concern for others. Meet the hero inside these local moms.... CECILY MORSE, NAPERVILLE Committed to Community Using her experience as a corporate event planner, Cecily co-chaired the Hobson School of Naperville’s 50th anniversary gala. The play-based cooperative school relies heavily on parent volunteers and receives no outside funding. With Cecily’s help, the gala was well-attended and raised nearly $25,000 via corporate sponsors and raffles, as well as live and silent auctions. All three of Cecily’s children have attended the school and her years of volunteering and dedication help keep the school thriving. NECIA MUNRO, DOWNERS GROVE Helping Hallie Special Needs Trust Necia’s daughter, Hallie, has hetetotaxy with polysplenia, a genetic syndrome where none of her organs formed correctly or in the right location. Necia also has two sons with special needs, so medical appointments and expenses are abundant. With the creation of the Helping Hallie Special Needs Trust, Necie is hoping to manage the costs of frequent doctor visits and extensive hospital stays through fun and fundraising events such as the upcoming 5K and craft bazaar this month. ANNA RASMUSSEN STANSBURY, HINSDALE Duchene’s Muscular Dystrophy Sam Rasmussen may have Duchene muscular dystrophy, but he has learned to make the most of every day after the loss of his father in the 9/11 tragedy. He receives strength and support from his mother, Anna Rasmussen Stansbury, who demonstrates through actions that life carries on and regardless of disability, anything is possible. Duchene’s muscular dystrophy has made huge strides in research thanks to the many fundraisers championed by Anna, who has helped raise nearly $500,000. JANET WAGNER, GLEN ELLYN International Adoption After becoming a mother alongside practicing commercial law, Janet decided she wanted to do more for families with children with special challenges. As a result of her personal passion and the interest she developed through her own experience in international adoption, Janet pursued an advanced law degree in child and family law. She currently serves as the co-vice chair of the school law committee of the DuPage County Bar Association and the governance task force for Bridge Communities. -Photos Submitted

HERO MOMS TO KNOW | October 2014

She is cherished by her family and admired by the community. She demonstrates strength, courage, and concern for others. Meet the hero...

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