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 21, 2015

Packed day, running behind. Below is a snapshot to my 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.


Joliet man opens his home, heart to orphans

The story must be read to be believed, the first time I've told it from the dad's point of view. Below, a link to a story on the same family that I wrote in 2008.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/06/11/joliet-man-opens-his-home-heart-to-orphans/azed4pd/?page=1

http://equalityforadoptedchildren.org/documents/Herald_News_May29_2008.pdf


An Extraordinary Life: A servant to others

Susan McNabb dedicated her life to the special needs community. This is an instance where I wish I could have recorded a video clip of one of the classes her foundation offers for special needs adults, but illness (my part) and the Coal City tornado (God's part) eliminated that opportunity.

-http://ww.theherald-news.com/2015/06/11/extraordinary-life-a-servant-to-others/aj6m0gj/


Pets of the Week

The place to find the purr-fect four-footer for your family.

http://ww.theherald-news.com/2015/06/19/pets-of-the-week/aev3g52/


Running out of options: Two with ties to Braidwood battle aggressive brain tumors
By Kevin Beese

A story by one of my new freelancers shows how devastating one common brain cancer can be...with links on how to help these families.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/06/11/running-out-of-options-two-with-ties-to-braidwood-battle-aggressive-brain-tumors/abjgtx6/


Pastor in his 80s still preaching and reaching out
By Kevin Beese

Joliet's David Downey is a white man that was recently honored for a nearly six-decade outreach to the black community, and he ain't done yet.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/06/11/joliet-pastor-in-his-80s-still-preaching-and-reaching-out/a1497kj/


Bolingbrook venue hosts third annual BaconFest
By Sean Leary

A mouthwatering story promoting America's favorite food written in Leary's humorous style. Read it and smile, even if you don't like bacon.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/06/22/bolingbrook-venue-hosts-third-annual-baconfest/a4ionz9/

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Week of May 3, 2015

Another busy week flown past - a busy weekend looms!

On the horizon is a huge family party on Saturday, Mother's Day celebration on Sunday, some work, some unpacking and as much fiction as I can squeeze in amongst all the rest.

In addition to the stories below, I also assemble the event calendars and all the briefs that run in features. To check them out, click "features" at The Herald-News site: www.theherald-news.com.

Below is this week's features round-up:


Joliet grieving support group's founders say, 'you need not walk alone.'
By Andrew Hanton

Three high school friends all lost their sons when the sons were in their 20s. The story's writer and photographer were both in their mid-20s. If you've lost a child or know someone who has, this story is for you.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/04/22/joliet-grieving-support-groups-founders-say-you-need-not-walk-alone/a908efi/


An Extraordinary Life: Joliet woman had a lot of compassion

Sarah Ellen Taylor advocated for a special group of women, and she advocated with passion and conviction.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/31/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-woman-had-a-lot-of-compassion/aehi0tu/?page=1


Pets of the Week

Search no more for that perfect four-footed addition to your family!

http://ads.seoplus.theherald-news.com/2015/04/30/pets-of-the-week/av0kx4l/


Morris survivor of mystery ailment helps raise awareness and funds
By Sean Leary

Researchers could never find enough survivors to study. Social media changed that.

http://seoplus.theherald-news.com/2015/04/29/morris-survivor-of-mystery-ailment-helps-raise-awareness-funds/audv3um/


Kathryn White's road to priesthood nt the customary path

She's had multiple careers, blends art and ministry, isn't daunted by menial labor, and is just overall energetic and adventurous. At 64, this woman isn't slowing down.

http://seoplus.theherald-news.com/2015/05/06/kathryn-whites-road-to-priesthood-not-the-customary-path/aftvb7k/


Greg's Fender Benders plays 60s rock in the Joliet area
By Sean Leary

They play for fun and they play for benefits. Be certain to check out the band's "mascot."

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/05/05/gregs-fender-benders-plays-60s-rock-in-the-joliet-area/a4alq5r/

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Week of April 26, 2015

For all the non-bylined community news and different calendars, visit www.theherald-news.com and click the "features" tab.

Cover stories are below. And in the words of our editor, Kate Schott, "Thank you for reading The Hearld-News."


Frankfort distillery aims to present a bit of Kentucky charm
By Sean Leary

Derby-themed events have become quite popular. Here's one at a local distillery that will also introduce a brand-new bourban at the event.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/04/24/frankfort-distillery-aims-to-present-a-bit-of-kentucky-charm/aqcl6jc/


An Extraordinary Life: Music was Lockport music director's heart and soul

Tom Secor was known for his quality concert series. He died while one was in the planning. His brother Mark picked up the torch to bring a Russian choral group to the church on May 3.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/04/24/an-extraordinary-life-music-was-lockport-music-directors-heart-and-soul/aqduehv/


Pets of the Week

Seeking that purr-fect, four-footed addition of the family? Well, look no further.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/04/08/pets-of-the-week/aawgu4z/


Pregnancy Resource Center of Will Counter specializes in unexpected pregnancies

Services go beyond pregnancy tests and pamphlets to include parenting classes, mentorship, and post-abortion care.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/04/29/pregnancy-resource-center-of-will-county-specializes-in-unexpected-pregnancies/au4d503/


Fairy festivals: a little bit of magic, a whole lot of fun
By Sean Leary

Two upcoming events for kids of all ages

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/04/30/fairy-festivals-a-little-bit-of-magic-a-whole-lot-of-fun/a7j21xg/

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, Weeks of March 15 and 22 2015

Okay, vampire fans, time to catch up!

It's been a busy couple of weeks. Here's a round-up of my work at The Herald-News - my stories and the stories I've been privileged to edit:

Former educator for Joliet Public Schools District 86 repairs and donates toys

By Mauverneen Blevins

An ordinary trip with his wife to Good Will to buy clothes turned into a whole new avocation.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/13/former-educator-for-joliet-public-schools-district-86-repairs-and-donates-toys/am182dw/

An Extraordinary Life: New Lenox man was so enamoured with the drums

While playing for fun and profit, as well as teaching children the skill, Tom Goodwin managed to put family first.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/13/an-extraordinary-life-new-lenox-man-was-so-enamoured-with-the-drums/an52ugu/

Lockport woman begins grassroots ministry

By Sean Leary

She has one goal: to give and praise to God and encourage others to do likewise.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/17/lockport-woman-begins-grassroots-ministry-plainfield-pastor-to-perform-at-event/at59ilr/

Joliet photographers' gallery works a very mixed bag

By Brittany Keeperman

For forty years, Bob Campbell has been shooting portraits in his unique style, and that career began with a Beach Boys concert.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/17/joliet-photographers-gallery-works-a-very-mixed-bag/a49wqxe/

Joliet neighbors are hobby bird breeders, toymakers

In a story reminiscent of If You Give a Mouse a Cookie, the venture started more like this: if you take a friend to a bird fair...

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/03/joliet-neighbors-are-hobby-bird-breeders-toymakers/a8hfjlr/

Stroke response care and neuro care available in Will County

By Jeanne Millsap

Ten years ago, neurosurgeons that performed cranial surgery had vanished from the area, due to unafforable malpractice insurance premiums. Today, hospitals in Will County offer university-level care at the community level. Read one woman's amazing story...

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/17/stroke-response-care-and-neuro-care-available-in-will-county/ablrdjc/?page=1

Two Joliet pastors form community initiative to stop gun violence

One reached out to New Town after the school shootings, another has been the victim of gun violence. But both pastors are saying, "Enough is enough!"

p://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/24/two-joliet-pastors-form-community-initiative-to-stop-gun-violence/adttw5s/

Retired Mokena pastor teaches adults to play at Joliet church

Nancy Pfaltzgraf believes the secret of youth is not in jars and creams, but in a child-like, playful spirit.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/02/25/retired-mokena-pastor-teaches-adults-to-play-at-joliet-church/al600eo/

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Week of January 18, 2015

In case you missed the stories I either wrote or edited (the "real" work I do, not the hanging out and about with vampires on weekends), here ya go!


Romeoville boy stars in new WTTW television show for kids

Here's a fun and imaginative way for kids to learn science...and the boy has some tips for child actors, too.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/01/09/romeoville-boy-stars-in-new-wttw-television-show-for-kids/ac78814/


An Extraordinary Life: Morris man was accomplished farrier and fabricator

This man did not grow up on a farm, but he loved horses so much, he set aside other occupations for the one in his heart.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/01/13/an-extraordinary-life-morris-man-was-accomplished-farrier-and-fabricator/au80epo/


Silver Cross Hospital physician explains winter health risks
By Jeanne Millsap

It's not just the snow and ice that can hurt. Read on!

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/01/16/silver-cross-hospital-physician-explains-winter-health-risks/aggbg9o/


Joliet man publishes book so other addicts can find hope in God
By Jeanne Millsap

Ralph Carey wandered into WriteOn Joliet with a manuscript full of inspiration and encouragement he hoped to publish...and did

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/01/13/joliet-man-publishes-book-so-other-addicts-can-find-hope-in-god/a8lv5kq/


Two Plainfield boys dance with Chicago BullsKidz
By Sean Leary

These two 11-year-olds have such a commitment to their passion, even adults can learn from them.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2014/12/13/two-plainfield-boys-dance-with-chicago-bullskidz/auuzdzy/