Tip me off to intriguing stories around Glen Ellyn

When my children were younger, I used to delight in bringing home the finest storybooks to read to them at night. One we loved was called "The Treasure" by Uri Shulevitz, a beautifully illustrated tale of a man who goes off and searches far and wide to find a rich treasure. After looking for years, he comes to realize that the treasure existed all the time in his own village -- he simply needed to be wise enough to see it.

I still have the book somewhere, although my two daughters are now off to college. I have never forgotten the lesson of the story.

I think that message best explains my approach to writing about the people, places and things in Glen Ellyn: everyone, with no exceptions, has a valuable story to tell. All you need do is ask.

I have applied that life lesson many times in the last six years as I served my community as a columnist for a weekly publication, The Glen Ellyn News.

Learning from the character in the book, I try to never pre-judge the potential of a story. Over the years I have discovered that in Glen Ellyn, anything is possible.

That neighbor down the street? He just might have been a hero in Vietnam -- a dashing rescue-pilot in his day, with a harrowing story of survival and saving the lives of others. If you ask, he might share his story.

That piece of property for sale nearby? That could have been the former home of one of the many families who contributed to the rich history of Glen Ellyn.

The creative ad you saw on television? That might have been the brainchild of a Glen Ellyn advertising executive.

The lady organizing the children's charity? She may not have mentioned that she's dying of cancer and this cause will be her legacy. Let's give her the opportunity to leave a lasting imprint on her world.

Yes, those are some of the topics that have come up in my columns over the years. Glen Ellyn is anything but ordinary, and the people are special indeed.

There will never be a shortage of news from Glen Ellyn. In our village there are many social service organizations and groups that deserve to be highlighted, and events that must be promoted. The spirit of generosity and the level of giving in Glen Ellyn is boundless. Volunteers give of their time in so many ways.

I have learned to deeply appreciate the contributions of service organizations such as the Jaycees, Kiwanis, The Rotary, The Lions and others who give their time so unselfishly to causes and the community. As a perennial volunteer, I can appreciate what they do.

I have lived in Glen Ellyn for almost 20 years and have been involved in many ways with the community. As a young mother, I was a Brownie leader, then a school volunteer. (Part of me still misses decorating the bulletin boards at Westfield Elementary School.)

I became a member of the League of Women Voters in 2001 and shortly after I began writing my column. I co-founded the peace group DAWN, DuPage Against War Now, and DAWN Voter Advocates. I joined the Kiwanis Club of Glen Ellyn a little more than a year ago.

One of the other things that has become more and more clear: we are living among some really remarkable people who have made and are making some significant contributions to the community. There is a rich history in our area that dates back to when it was just a wild prairie. Exciting things are happening here and now.

Glen Ellyn is a treasure trove of stories -- individual and group accomplishments that should be recognized. There are stories that should just be told, if only for fun!

In the coming weeks and months, I hope to write about them. I invite you to contact me with leads related to Glen Ellyn and look forward to hearing from you.

Please e-mail your story ideas to me at Kslovick@msn.com.