author

Chicago suburbs native and now resident of Ohio, Gladys McMahon has found much repose in writing, painting, and taking care of her pet schnauzers. The last eight decades have been a trip for McMahon, confirming that life really is like an onion from which we peel back the layers, and sometimes cry. McMahon’s book, “The Way It Was,” characterizes those well known highs and lows we all face in this whirlwind called life, and reveals insights into getting up and striving to live to the fullest.

Sixteen-year-old Gladys McMahon (left) sits with her mother in a restaurant. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Author Bill Trombello of Wheaton learned to work outside of his element. A former educator and senior instructor with the Electro-Motive division of the General Motors Corporation in La Grange, Trombello is all about the facts when it comes to writing educational books on trains. But for his latest and third book, “The Willow Falls Christmas Train,” Trombello had to learn to write a story. The three-year project is finished, just in time for the holidays, and is available through Trombello’s company, Technical Training Consultants based in Lisle, and through online book stores like Amazon.com. Trombello says the book is up for a possible publishing deal to be distributed in Office Depot stores nationwide.

Children's author and locomotive training specialist Bill Trombello is about to release his third book - a holiday book - called "The Willow Falls Christmas Train." STAFF PHOTO BY JOHN COX

Thomas Keller signs copies of his new cookbook, “ad hoc at home,” on a national tour of Williams-Sonoma stores, including the location in Oak Brook. He is a noted American chef, restaurateur and cookbook author.

The special book signing event begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at Williams-Sonoma at Oakbrook Shopping Center, 142 Oakbrook Center. He will only sign copies of the book purchased at Williams-Sonoma, and proof of purchase is required.

Williams-Sonoma notes its book signings are a unique opportunity to meet leading chefs and authors, get signed copies of the latest cookbooks, and take home new ideas for cooking and entertaining. For more information, call (630) 571-2702.

The Mother’s Club of Geneva presents its 35th annual Holiday Art and Craft Show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 14, at Geneva Community High School, 416 McKinley Ave.

More than 100 artists and crafters will take part. The event also features a lunch and Homestyle Bakery. Local children’s author David Algrim will be on hand to sign his children’s books.

Admission costs $4 for adults, and is free to children younger than 12. Organizers request no strollers. Proceeds from the event will benefit nonprofit organizations in the area. For more information, call Katie Tabor at (630) 345-4020 or visit www.mothersclubofgeneva.com.