The Most Moving Stories of 2013

Read the rest of the baby's triumphant return home.

Baby Born at 10 a.m. on 11/12/13

One baby made a particularly well-timed entrance into the world at Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove.

Meet Joshua Hunter White, who arrived at 10 a.m., on the 12th day of the 11th month, in 2013. Or, in other words: 10 a.m., on 11/12/13. And to top it off, Joshua weighed in at 9 pounds. (Make that 9, 10, 11/12/13). 

Find out more about why Joshua's parents were told they should play the lottery.

'A Tribute to Downers Grove North Hospitality, from a Mt. Carmel Alum'

A lesson I try to impart onto my own children is as follows: “It is relatively easy to give to someone you know and love but a truer act of kindness is giving to a stranger or maybe someone you may not necessarily like. In your fine example Downers Grove North, an adversary. This is an infective virus that can spread like an epidemic and bring a sense of elation to both the giver and the receiver of the kindness. It can bring communities together and propel schools, teams, and fans to new heights. This is exactly what you did, Downers Grove North. Thank you and my hat is off to you. 

Grab a tissue before you dive into this Mt. Carmel fan's letter to Downers Grove North fans. 

Downers Grove Ranked as One of Top 10 Places to Live in Illinois

Downers Grove residents, pat yourselves on the back. You chose one of the top 10 Illinois cities to make your home. 

Downers Grove landed at number 8 of 10 on real estate blog Movoto's list, based on residents' friendly attitudes, high school graduation rate and low crime rate (among other factors). 

Find out why you're tops, Downers Grove.

Don't miss other "Good News" from Downers Grove Patch!

If He Builds It, They Will Strum

Alexander McCracken, 85, builds instruments in his spare time. He can't play them, so he asks others to demonstrate the sounds of his creations.

The arthritis is starting to tighten its grip on McCracken. The retired carpenter's hands are gnarled from years of sanding, sawing, and hammering away at building houses. But that hasn't stopped him from taking up a new craft.

McCracken builds instruments, handcrafted with American woods such as mahogany, cherry and pine. He doesn't know the technique to pluck one of his guitars, violins, violas, banjoes, mandolins, or the more exotic Russian stringed instrument, the balalaika. But he studies the intricacies of his creations, from the length of a violin's neck to the height of the bridge, spending hours to get each measurement just right. 
Read more about what makes McCracken special in the eyes of District 58 music staff.

Downers Grove Native Shines in U.S. Air Force Holiday Flash Mob

Kristin Bowers was always a standout student to her teachers in Downers Grove District 58.

The red-haired clarinetist was focused and dedicated beyond her years when Herrick Middle School music and band teacher Jon Ball taught her from fifth through eighth grade. Bowers had a passion for the clarinet from the beginning.

"It was obvious that she was going to be successful at anything she did," Ball said. "She was a tremendous student all around."

So it was no surprise to Ball to see Bowers starring in a YouTube video of a United States Air Force band holiday flash mob, which has now gone viral with over 1 million views. The band stunned visitors at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum with a five-minute flash mob performance incorporating 120 musicians.

Check out the video in which Bowers stars!

Downers Grove Residents Fill 7 Buses with Tornado Relief Supplies

Randall Park neighbors thought they could fill 2 school buses with tornado relief supplies to send to Washington, Ill. Boy, were they off.

They didn't fill two buses—they filled seven. 

Donations began pouring in at 11 a.m.—two hours before the start of the Nov. 22 drive—and didn't stop until 6 p.m. 

"It was amazing how so many came together to help thousands of others!" wrote effort coordinator Christie Benish. 

Read more about the group's massive effort!

Students Hope Film Will Help Teens 'Break Free' from Struggles

Downers Grove North student Alex Duta is working with a team to create a film aimed at inspiring peers to stay positive through turmoil.

Duta has watched as teens have reflected on eating disorders, self-harm, suicide, depression, pressure to be perfect—some struggling under the weight of it all. 

And he wants to help. 

Working with a team, Duta is producing a short film, called Project Break Free, aimed at giving peers a compassionate glimpse of common teen struggles told through flashbacks and multiple teens telling their own stories. 

Read more about Duta's inspiring effort.

It wasn't all "Good News" this year. Read this post's counterpart: Top Stories that Shocked You in 2013.

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