Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 26 through July 31

Okay, busy morning today! Have to be in Plainfield 9-ish and work (and a walk) to get done before then. So I'll skip the editorializing and get right to the story links.

You can check out the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/

Also at the link are the community feature briefs I write/edit (no byline). The fourth calendar, Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page through the week.

And now (drum roll, LOL), the stories:

Out of the comfort zone
By Dawn Aulet

Meet a South Wilmington man who likes his "dirt bag" nickname - and read why. Oh, to have gotten a video of this dude! (But no such luck).

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/24/out-of-the-comfort-zone/ap17vmy/


An Extraordinary Life: Shorewood coach taught more than baseball

You have to watch the video extra to the end to fully understand the impact this man made on kids.

http://m.theherald-news.com/2015/07/20/an-extraordinary-life-shorewood-coach-taught-more-than-baseball/a6bbwfy/


Pets of the Week

Looking for that four-footed, furry companion? You just mind find him/her here!

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/24/pets-of-the-week/a17nf4g/


Joliet area runners and experts offer tips for exercising outside
By Jeanne Millsap

It's more than dressing for the weather.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/17/joliet-area-runners-and-experts-offer-tips-for-exercising-outside/aiujehu/


Manhattan church organizes relief concert for Coal City residents

Headlining the event is Peter Mayer, friend of the pastor's.

http://httpwww.theherald-news.com/2015/07/29/manhattan-church-organizes-relief-concert-for-coal-city-residents/an76y7q/


Low-key fun for the entire family at YMCA in Plainfield

A non-threatening triathlon for beginners and those more experienced, children and adults.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/29/low-key-fun-for-the-entire-family-at-ymca-in-plainfield/abwz52g/

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 5 through July 24

Yep, I did it again: fell behind in posting features.

But I took on some extra duties through the week and weekend to help out, so that took time. And I'm shooting more video, which I love, And as I'm posting these stories, I realize I've written most of them .Any remaining moments in the day went to the other elements of my life: God, family, friends, my novel, and a little "me" time.

Sooooooo....

You can check out the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/

Also at the link are the community feature briefs I write/edit (no byline). The fourth calendar, Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page through the week.

This time, I'm only posting the latest Pets of the Week.


Check back with www.theherald-news.com each day for new event listings. And now, without further ado....(TA DA!): the stories!


New Lenox women energeized to help veterans after finding her grandfather's diary
By Christine Johnson 
With video extras

Her grandfather was only seventeen when he served in World War II, and he wrote from that persepective.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/02/new-lenox-woman-energized-to-help-veterans-after-finding-her-grandfathers-diary/at6cd6n/


An Extraordinary Life: Former Minooka woman's niche was helping others

Despite her own health woes, this woman made it her business to ease the health woes of others.

http://ww.theherald-news.com/2015/06/29/an-extraordinary-life-former-minooka-womans-niche-was-helping-others/alh6u3u/


Twelve-year-old girl with hydrocephalous raises money and awareness
With video extras

Adults should have half the courage, strength, and dedication this young lady has.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/02/twelve-year-old-joliet-girl-with-hydrocephalus-raises-money-and-awareness/avn5oul/


Romeoville pastor and chaplain takes sabbatical for self-ministering

Now that she's helped her church through crisis and betrayal, this pastor is taking a time-out for healing.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/07/romeoville-pastor-and-chaplain-takes-sabbatical-for-self-ministering/aohibty/


M&R Rush brings high-energy show back to Joliet after 30 years
By Kevin Beese

After missing fame and fortune by an inch, the "it" band around the Joliet-area throttled back. Now with a different midset, M&R Rush is rocking stages once again.

http://httwww.theherald-news.com/2015/05/21/mr-rush-brings-high-energy-show-back-to-joliet-after-30-years/aqrymt3/


Former New Lenox resident drums for band with presence in the Smithsonian
By Dawn Aulet

In doing so, he's making a certain era come alive for modern audiences.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/09/former-new-lenox-resident-drums-for-band-with-a-presence-in-the-smithsonian/avfi2bm/


An Extraordinary Life: Joliet woman had strong, caring heart

That strength came from love and the overcoming of personal tragedies.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/06/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-woman-had-a-strong-caring-heart/a4cuv4f/?page=1


New Lenox man converts to orthodoxy to find history and majesty in ancient faith
With video extra

And that led his brother and mother into a deeper relationship with God.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/14/new-lenox-converts-to-orthodoxy-to-find-history-and-majesty-in-ancient-faith/a3wjoey/


The fine art society of Carillon Lakes in Crest Hill opens annual art fair to the public
With video extra

This weekend: Come see the work this senior group does and help support a local youth art program.

http://httpwww.theherald-news.com/2015/07/14/the-fine-art-society-of-carillon-lakes-in-crest-hill-opens-annual-art-fair-to-the-public/aoizzy7/


Morris senior is puzzle whiz
With video extra

To him, there's nothing puzzling about how to do it.

http://textalerts.theherald-news.com/2015/07/16/morris-senior-is-a-whiz-at-puzzles/a1uggrt/


An Extraordinary Life: Joliet man embraced reovery and the community
With video extra

Likie Hezekiah in the Bible, God granted Michael Pinnick fifteen more years. Read to see how he spent it.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/17/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-man-embraced-recovery-and-the-community/avfk3mf/


Joliet-area mental health experts discuss mental illness in teens
By Jeanne Millsap

Know the difference between moodiness caused by fluctuating hormones and a serious problem that needs addressing.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/10/joliet-area-mental-health-experts-discuss-mental-illness-in-teens/a889b3l/'


Catholic baseball camp in New Lenox teaches skills and faith
With video extras

Bats, balls and mitts aren't enough for this camp. One also needed rosary beads, a pentient heart, and the Eucharist.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/21/catholic-baseball-camp-in-new-lenox-teaches-skills-faith/avkg1gv/?page=1


Plainfield-based band to play Vans Warped Tour

A local teen pop artist I'd showcased in the past is all grown up and is taking his career to the next levels. BTW, Vans Warped Tour is Saturday in Tinley Park. Details in story.

http://seoplus.theherald-news.com/2015/07/22/plainfield-based-band-to-play-vans-warped-tour-on-saturday/aw5j5ox/

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Week of June 28, 2015

In theory, this is a day off...as soon as I get some work done, LOL!

Below is a recap of my non-fiction activities this week. All the feature briefs, along with the event calendars - health, faith, and arts and entertainment - can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ The fourth, Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday.

Check back with www.theherald-news.com each day for new event listings.

And now, the main stories:


Joliet motivational speaker wants seniors to embrace new experiences
By Dawn Aulet

Think certain opportunities have passed you by? Rufus Stephens wants you to think again. Everything you've done up to this point has been training for the next project, Stephens feels.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/06/25/joliet-motivational-speaker-wants-seniors-to-embrace-new-experiences/amu1itl/


An Extraordinary Life: Pastor emeritus of Joliet church lived the joy of his faith

One of those joys was taking kids to camp, where they could sit under the stars and bask in the glory of God's creation.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/06/23/an-extraordinary-life-pastor-emeritus-of-joliet-church-lived-the-joy-of-his-faith/aqjei84/


Pets of the Week

I had inadvertantly written "Pests of the Week," which a reporter caught and fixed. But for those that have pets...or wish they had pets...

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/06/25/pets-of-the-week/aw8fusn/


Joliet treatment and recovery center has success with holistic approach
By Sean Leary

Learn not only what Stepping Stones has done for one man, read what this man now does for Stepping Stones.

http://www.jolietheraldnews.com/2015/06/19/joliet-treatment-and-recovery-center-has-success-with-holistic-approach/affwpbn/


Lockport woman runs ministry to provide inner city youth with basic needs.
By Allison Selk

How basic? How about a drive to collect 1000 pillows? Find out why this is so important to this woman.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/01/lockport-woman-runs-ministry-to-provide-inner-city-youth-with-basic-needs/au03whz/


Youth with special needs becomes superheroes at a Lemont camp

To watch students who are confined to wheelchairs soar across a stage was powerful.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/06/24/youth-with-special-needs-become-superheroes-at-a-lemont-camp/apteliq/

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Week of June 14, 2015

A long/short week of surprises and delights, working much of Saturday to take a few writing days off and working into the weekend with an unusally longer list of duties accompanying my being the editor on call this weekend.

But with all three of my youngest young adults working the weekends now (except church) amongst those duties, I will definitely be working on Before the Blood.

With the exception of my column, the stories below are all written by my freelancers (just the way the budget fell this month), but I was pleased with each one of them. Two of the writers have only previously covered events, so these were their first feature stories, and they are well done.

I also put together four event calendars each week: health, faith, and arts and entertainment. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ The fourth, Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday.

Check back with www.theherald-news.com each day for new event listings.

Finally, a few last remarks.

Recently, An Extraordinary Life column won third place at the Illiinois Associated Press Awards last week and one of my feature stories won second place at the Illinois Associated Press Awards:

http://www.theherald-news.com/2014/02/04/cardiologist-heals-broken-relationship-with-god/anpnyig/

While anyone that knows me also knows that I don't work for money, awards, or titles, and that I have shunned contests, etc., with one hundred percent consistency, these events are part of working for a company and part of the reocgnition that goes along with working in this particular industry.

In short, it was encouraging to see that, in my professional career that has spanned nearly two decades and is only "official" in just the past year and a half, my writin g could stand up to the scrutiny of judges. It was a nice affirmation.

Crest Hill couple still going strong after 75 years

By Christine Johnson

They officially met in a cemetary and attended girlie shows together? 

Say what?

Meet one couple that is still deeply in love with each other after all these years, and learn their secrets for staying happy together. With video extra.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/06/09/crest-hill-couple-still-going-strong-after-75-years/apqclfm/

An Extraordinary Life: One man's musical path

Read how a personal tragedy and an opportunity at a funeral became a lifetime of blessing others.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/06/12/an-extraordinary-life-one-mans-musical-path/alb18mc/

Pets of the Week

For that purrfect canine or feline companion, search no more.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/06/11/the-herald-news-pets-of-the-week/av8ukdy/

New Lenox woman who fought debilitating fibromyalgia takes part in triathlon

By Allison Selk

A fantastic photo by our photo editor Eric Ginnard is the perfect lede into this story, which must be read to the end to see how this New Lenox champion of herself fared.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/06/11/new-lenox-woman-who-fought-debilitating-fibromyalgia-takes-part-in-triathlon/abzs06x/

Pastor focuses on the people

By Dawn Aulet

A community-minded minister recently had an experience that significantly expands the community he now serves.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/06/11/pastor-focuses-on-the-people/ay4mrqe/

Joliet Area Community Hospice hosts annual garden walk for pediatric programs

By Mauverneen Blevins

A profile of one of the thirteen gardens featured on this walk, along with descriptions of the others. See how the concept one set of grandparents has blossomed into a still-growing legacy.

http://httpwww.theherald-news.com/2015/06/11/joliet-area-community-hospice-hosts-annual-garden-walk-for-pediatric-programs/a4jdiw3/

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Week of February 1, 2015

It's been a busy week (huff and puff), and the catch-up Friday I had planned has turned into a huff and puff already-behind Friday.

But first, a peek back at some of my activities this week, along with a few video "extras" shot by me.


New cookie bakery in Shorewood to participate in annual fundraising chocolate ball
By Dawn Aulet
Two videos: tips for better cookies

A Shorewood resident with a successful homemade, mail order cookie business finds success in her new storefront and will participate tomorrow in a non-profit's annual chocolate ball.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/01/28/new-cookie-bakery-in-shorewood-to-participate-in-annual-fundraising-chocolate-ball/atsk4yv/


More than a foot of snow recorded in parts of Will County
Also Lauren Leone-Cross
Two vidoes: Joliet resident practices what he preaches. Siblings enjoy the snow.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/02/01/snow-fall-more-than-a-foot-of-snow-recorded-in-parts-of-will-county/ao6uol6/


An Extraordinary Life: Joliet woman never turned down opportunities to help

The original, "Just say 'yes,'" lady, Helen Lakota did it all, from singing in the church choir to serving as sheriff deputy.

http://ww.theherald-news.com/2015/01/23/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-woman-never-turned-down-opportunities-to-help/ant40sm/


Former Joliet pastor explores male stereotypes
By Brittany Keeperman
Video: compassionate advice to boys who are being bullied

Written by a former student of mine, this story is a firsthand glimpse into how male stereotypes have affected Steve Hinkle and his plans to empower men.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/01/28/former-joliet-pastor-explores-male-stereotypes-with-video/an59ak5/


Mokena-based band plays with guests and substitutes
By Jeanne Millsap

These guys aren't afraid to mix it up - and their musician pool has some high-profile names.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/01/28/mokena-based-band-plays-with-guest-and-substitute-musicians/aqdpp6/