Why I Like St. Joe's:
[by the First Grade class]
Site Map
Copyright © 2008
Saint Joseph School of Downers Grove
Writer Pat Bellavia Visits
Writing Club!
Growing up in the Bridgeport area of Chicago, writer Pat Bellavia often visited the public library with her mother. In fact, it was a very frequent occurrence. The library time with her mother helped her develop a love for reading.
While raising her own two daughters, Bellavia became known by friends and family as a terrific storyteller. Now her grandchildren are among her favorite listeners. So when her grandchild, Doug asked her to come to his fifth grade CCC Writing Club at St. Joseph School, she didn't hesitate.
Her grandson knows his grandma as a writer. Bellavia's storytelling turned into book writing. She's got six under her belt. Although she earned her income as a restaurant owner, writing will always be her favorite way to spend her time working. Bellavia dedicated one of her books to Doug and his sister, and when mentioning this to Doug's writing club friends, she heard applauds!
Doug's mom, Jill says of her mother, "She can get any child interested
about reading, writing, or storytelling. She can be really engaging
when it comes to using your imagination."
Bellavia's lifelong dream was to be a teacher, and although she never taught a classroom, grandson Doug gave her a sense of what that would have been like by inviting her into his classroom. Of her visit Bellavia said, "I was excited to be a part of it and just had a ball with the kids."
St. Joseph School sends heartfelt thanks to Doug's grandma for sharing her time with Doug and his friends in our CCC Writing Club!