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 March 29 2015

This week was sooooo not about me, and I'm glad.

I really enjoy the privilege of refining another writer's works. I learn all the time from someone else's approach and continually learn something new from it.



Lewis students stand where history was made and participate in Selma anniversary
By Sean Leary

Let's just call this "a field trip extraordinaire."

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/17/lewis-students-stand-where-history-was-made-participate-in-selma-anniversary-march/a19w4kj/


An Extraordinary Life: Joliet woman turned tragedies into opportunities

Life certainly didn't keep Margaret Duncan down, and she didn't fear challenges. Maybe a childhood trip to Starved Rock had something to do with it.

http://ads.seoplus.theherald-news.com/2015/03/27/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-woman-turned-tragedies-into-opportunities/a32y6a4/


Morris Hospital removes guesswork at its Dining with Diabetes Fair and Exhibit
By Jeanne Millsap

The event is past, but this story contains good tips for finding menu choices compatible with diabetic diets.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/24/morris-hospital-removes-guesswork-at-its-dining-with-diabetes-fair-and-exhibit/ay88mr4/


Plainfield church jazzes up Easter celebration
By Hannah Kohut

And the music will do the preaching...

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/25/plainfield-church-jazzes-up-easter-celebration/ao5ulii/


Joliet artist displays three seasons of oil paintings, which she created outdoors at Hadley Valley
By Sean Leary

Maggie Capettini couldn't find her creative niche, until she took a landscape painting class and found a beautiful place to hang out with her kids. Now Capettini is displaying he first solo exhibit, and she couldn't be happier.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/17/joliet-artist-displays-three-seasons-of-oil-paintings-which-she-created-outdoors-at-hadley-valley/agmazpg/

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/

VampFest is Approachin'...It's a Busy Week in Munsonville!

LOTS of interviews scheduled early this weeek, so I can loosen my deadline schedule a bit as the week progresses. Still, I have one I didn't finish over the weekend and two other stories to edit.

A galley of the the official "Bryony" cookbook, "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from 'Bryony,'" was sitting inside my inbox this morning with a lovely note from Serena Diosa, author of the "Tinkey's Goldfish" series.

Serena did all the formatting for both "Bryony" and the cookbook. Since she did such a lovely job with the novel, I can't wait to peek at the cookbook.

We're still hoping to have "Bryony" for VampFest. Proof copies arrived Thursday, but there's an issue with the ISBN number, so it's back on the phone with Bowker this morning. Please pray for a speedy resolution.

I have two radio interviews this week, and two newspaper stories will be published this week, thanks to freelance writer Jeanne Millsap. Jeannne and I had lunch last week, bemoaning the fact that our busy schedules don't seem to allow more than one lunch together a year.

I'm blessed that a such a good friend handled my first interview (I hope I didn't botch it too much) and that she was sooo excited to hear about "Bryony" and the story behind the book.

Tonight, we're having a pre-VampFest costume party at my mother's house. Since she no longer has a house full of kids (and cats), she had graciously consented to the the keeper of the clothes until all our volunteers are properly garbed.

Sarah, Bryony's web administrator, who just flew in to help with the silent auction and final details, couldn't wait until tonight to select her costume and emailed me a photo of her dressed in her vamp outfit of choice. If she has a moment, I'll have her post a picture.

Heather Frelichowski, owner of Crafty Moms, Inc. and official "Bryony" seamstress, will be there, too, making temporary adjustments to costumes (they belong to a local college theatre) and (hoping with fingers crossed) fitting my daughter Rebekah (our Melissa for the night) and me with our ball dresses.

Rebekah wanted to wear the first dress Melissa found herself when she went back in time: yellow, trimmed in lace and pearls. Mine is deep purple with flecks of glitter. We can't wait!!!

Oh yes, and there's still a few last minute silent auctions to pick up.