Binding Legacies helps families preserve their pasts

Diane Dassow's business involves asking a lot of questions.

The Lombard woman operates Binding Legacies, a company designed to help people preserve their family memories. Her work usually takes the form of a hardbound book.

"It's a way of connecting the generations," she said.

Often Dassow's clients are in there 40s or 50s requesting that she create a book about their parents. "People come to me and say, 'I want my parents to tell their story,' " she said.

Dassow interviews the subject while recording the conversation. She then transcribes the interview into a narrative, writing it in the first person. She then reviews the text with her client and scans in family photos or other important documents.

Dassow then desktop publishes it and has it printed and bound. The business owner said the process could take six months to a year, depending on the project. She offers a variety of options.

Instead of the more expensive hard-bound book that can cost $5,000, she also offers a scrapbook style product that ranges from $300 to $500. With the scrapbook, she uses high-quality archival paper. "You want this to last," she said.

Dassow first offers a consultation to find out exactly what the client wants and outlines the costs. She also offers an online service through her Web site, www.bindinglegacies.com.

Dassow has always been intrigued with the interview process. In the past she has written newspaper and magazine articles. While working on her stories, she often wanted to ask more about the person she was interviewing.

"The stories I did in the past were always brief. I had a longing to know more," she said.

The entrepreneur is a member of the Association of Personal Historians, a growing organization with 650 members. She finds the books she creates are highly valued by children and grandchildren. "It's a missing link for a lot of people," she says.

Dassow and her husband, Ed, have a daughter, Ellen, 21.

For more information, call (630) 932-1523.

Pumpkin treats: Several area Starbucks stores will host Pumpkin Patio Parties.

Children and their parents are invited to gather at the coffee houses to decorate pumpkins, listen to Halloween stories and decorate trick-or-treat bags.

Free holiday-themed beverages and pastries will also be served.

The events take place at the following stores:

• In Aurora from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday at 1480 N. Orchard Road.

• In Downers Grove from 4 to 6 p.m. Wednesday at 5002 Main St.

• In Glen Ellyn from 3 to 5 p.m. on Oct. 29 at 536 Crescent Blvd.

• In Itasca from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 31 at 102 E. Irving Park Road.

• In Naperville from noon to 2 p.m. Oct. 27 at 22 E. Chicago Ave.; and from 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at 559 Fairway Drive.

• In Warrenville from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at 28341 W. Diehl Road.