Donna Vickroy

Pamela Steinmetz Peckman's grandfather had to have strenght and perserverance to leave Germany at age 13 to come to America as did she in overcoming many hurdles while researching, writing and publishing her book on his life, "Stronger."

Vickroy: Writing a book about her German grandfather’s move to America proved arduous for his granddaughter too

February 16, 2023 at 5:44 p.m.

In our most trying, most vulnerable moments, we learn how strong we truly are. In 1893, George Steinmetz spent his 13th birthday on a ship en route to America. Upon...

"A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman comes highly recommended by Orland Park librarian Mary G. Adamowski. It tells the tale of a man enveloped in profound sadness whose new neighbors are determined to melt his cold heart, she says.

Vickroy: Looking for a good book? We ask the experts — local librarians — about what they recommend

February 10, 2023 at 8:16 p.m.

We all have one. Many of us have at least one. Books that changed our lives. A mesmerizing character. An unforgettable plot. A message that reverberates. They are works that...

Aldonna Janulis, right, befriended a doctor while touring Lithuania in 1993. After she was told how difficult it was to find nice clothing in the newly freed Eastern European country, Janulis traded the physician one of her stylish dresses for some fabric. When Janulis passed away a few years later, her daughters shipped all of their mother's dresses to her new friend in Lithuania.

Vickroy: Frankfort woman learned the life-lifting value of a dress from her Lithuanian mother. Now she wants to donate clothing to Ukraine.

February 7, 2023 at 8:54 a.m.

Fabric is a commodity. A beautiful dress, on the other hand, can be a product of change. For Jan Look, the war in Ukraine brings back a flood of memories,...

Lorraine Kane, 101, loves to play cards with her friends at Smith Crossing senior living complex in Orland Park and says that and the companionship there help keep her brain sharp.

Vickroy: Happy, grateful and embarrassed by the fuss, but local 100-year-olds from Elgin, Orland Park can’t explain their longevity

January 27, 2023 at 7:24 p.m.

It seemed half the population of Elgin helped Alice Eichhorst celebrate her 100th birthday earlier this month. Police officers, the mayor, a county commissioner, even a police dog were on...

All Stories

Vickroy: Writing a book about her German grandfather’s move to America proved arduous for his granddaughter too

Vickroy: Looking for a good book? We ask the experts — local librarians — about what they recommend

Vickroy: Frankfort woman learned the life-lifting value of a dress from her Lithuanian mother. Now she wants to donate clothing to Ukraine.

Vickroy: Happy, grateful and embarrassed by the fuss, but local 100-year-olds from Elgin, Orland Park can’t explain their longevity

Vickroy: Local communities making effort to become Dementia Friendly as cognitive impairment numbers grow

Vickroy: Centenarian found purpose and friendship amid the tomatoes and pumpkins of a church garden

Vickroy: The fear, violence and what-ifs of Jan. 6 still haunt but we must be grateful for what didn’t happen

Vickroy: Maybe it’s me, but does the work, worry and expense of Christmas equal what we get out out it?

Vickroy: Christmas cheer from the mouths of babes can’t help but remind you of the reason for the season

Vickroy: After ‘nightmare’ dining experience, truths are learned about post-pandemic world for restaurants