Hilary Decent

This is the house in Stratford-upon-Avon where William Shakespeare grew up as one of eight children. A trip to this English town makes it easy to imagine what life might have once been like, as columnist Hilary Decent recently learned.

Decent: Visiting the town where Shakespeare once lived leads to a vision of what life might have been like

November 17, 2023 at 7:21 p.m.

On a recent visit back to England, I was keen to spend a day in Stratford-upon-Avon because I thought I could share some of its rich history with you by...

Benny White imagined a career in corporate America when he first went to West Point military academy, but the experience led to a lifetime of service instead. The Naperville City Council member is pictured here at a military ball at Joliet West High School, where he is an instructor.

Decent: A military career — and what follows — is so much more than just training for war, Naperville councilman says

November 10, 2023 at 5:29 p.m.

What started as a dream to play Division 1 football turned into a lifetime of service for Naperville City Councilman Benny White. When he was given a full scholarship to...

James LaChapelle, who has fixed and serviced clocks for more than 25 years through his Elgin Clock Repair business in Naperville, says he and his partner opted to close their shop because they just couldn't keep up with the work demand. However, their main location in South Elgin remains open.

Decent: Master clock repairman closes his shop because there’s too much work and not enough time

November 3, 2023 at 6:26 p.m.

Time has run out for a clock business that's been part of the Naperville community for more than 25 years. Elgin Clock Repair closed Saturday and has moved all repairs...

There's no place safer to go trick-or-treating than Naperville, a new report says, a tradition that's as fun for the kids as it is for the parents.

Decent: Yes, Naperville’s a safe place to trick-or-treat, but it’s also got that great neighborhood vibe, moms say

October 27, 2023 at 2:35 p.m.

There's nothing scary about trick-or-treating in Naperville. In fact, product research company Chamber of Commerce has announced it is the safest city in the nation in which kids can go...

Joe and Jean Stubits in the wedding photo on Oct. 10, 1953. Now living at Naperville's Monarch Landing, they said they plan to take their family on a cruise to celebrate.

Decent: Naperville couple talks about 70 years of wedded life and the secrets to a happy union

October 20, 2023 at 5:55 p.m.

The year 1953 was a big one. Dwight Eisenhower was sworn in as the 34th president, Dr. Jonas Salk created the polio vaccine, Hugh Hefner published the first Playboy magazine...

No one decorates for spring or summer, but it's now become something everyone seems to do in fall, columnist Hilary Decent says.

Decent: Rituals of fall — house decorating, apple picking, pumpkin-spiced everything — are starting to get out of hand

October 13, 2023 at 7:07 p.m.

Here it is again — fall — everyone's favorite season. Even though it seems like we are barely put away our snow boots, the gold and orange leaves are back....

Taking home a doggie bag of leftovers is a very American thing, says columnist Hilary Decent, who prefers the smaller portions served in England, where taking home uneaten food isn't done.

Decent: Even after all these years, the little quirks that make England different than the U.S. still jarring

October 6, 2023 at 7:55 p.m.

It's no longer the big differences I note when I visit England after living in the U.S. for so long. It's the little things. From driving a car to crossing...

Gerry Turner, the star of ABC's" The Golden Bachelor," poses with the 22 women who are vying for his heart in the premiere episode that aired Thursday.

Decent: If only ‘The Golden Bachelor’ took place in the real world — then we’d have some ‘must-see TV’

September 29, 2023 at 5:42 p.m.

Did you catch the latest incarnation of "The Bachelor" franchise, the one with a more mature contestant who's politely referred to as "The Golden Bachelor," when what they actually mean...

Dave, Tony, Quentin and Mike Hacker make up the family who keeps the heart of the Martin Avenue Apartments complex in Naperville beating. Mike and Tony are father and son, Mike and Dave are brothers and so are Tony and Quentin.

Decent: Hacker family’s dedication to people in Naperville senior complex helps make apartments feel like home

September 21, 2023 at 11:38 p.m.

As the Martin Avenue Apartments complex celebrates its 50th anniversary this month, I met the family who has been at the heart of the organization for most of that time....

Revelers throwing beads from the wrought-iron balconies in New Orleans' French Quarter is not just limited to Mardi Gras.

Decent: Hard not to miss the ‘sleazier’ side of New Orleans, but its charms remain unlike any other U.S. city

September 15, 2023 at 6:51 p.m.

When you're planning a city vacation, it makes sense to stay where the action is. And since you know you'll be doing plenty of walking as you explore during the...

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