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Schools

Grandma Helps Lace School's Library Run Smoothly

A student's grandmother volunteers her time at school.

You’d never know by her activity level that Bessie Wido will be 82 at the end of the month.

Wido, a Downers Grove resident, volunteers every Tuesday in the library at where granddaughter Gina Guagliardo attends. 

“My daughter Debbie said they needed volunteers here, so I came,” Wido said. 

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Lace School Principal Marty Casey describes Wido as “spry and very nice” and explained that she’s also donated her time over the past two years to Thanksgiving food drives and bake sales. 

“Our school depends on and appreciates volunteers,” Casey said. 

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Wido and her fifth-grade granddaughter spend two days a week together before and after school when Gina’s parents are at work.  

She purposely volunteers during the time that Gina’s class is in the library. 

Gina’s teacher Bob Johnson said it’s nice to see the grandmother-grandchild relationship. 

“There’s a kindness there that makes it all the more special,” Johnson said. 

Casey explained that the two other schools in District 61 -  and share one librarian.  

Pat Strittmatter divides her time between schools, making volunteers imperative, Casey said. 

Wido went through a training session to learn to use the computers to check out the students’ library books and locate authors  

“And a lot of things I learn as I go along,” Wido added. 

Usually the transactions are uneventful, but occasionally a computer glitch hinders the process. 

Wido laughs recalling one day in particular. 

“I had a real rough time because the students had five minutes until the end of class and the computer wouldn’t let them check out their books,” Wido explained.   

The grandmother of two grown boys, in addition to Gina, said she doesn’t mind helping out at the school.

“I have a lot of time on my hands,” Wido said. “And it only takes me five to eight minutes to get here.”  

She explained that she’s always been very involved in her grandchildren’s lives, acting as part-time caregiver since they were infants. 

Outside of caring for Gina and volunteering at the school, Wido likes to keep busy baking and playing bingo. 

Wido laughs that sometimes she wonders how much “help” she is when she can’t figure out a computer issue. 

Bob Johnson gave a an opposite evaluation. 

“It’s a nice gift that [she] comes in to help,” he said.

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