June 30, 2025
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Joliet area residents foster healing through painting, poetry and theater

Brooke Ferricks directs the cast during rehearsal for the "The Wizard of Oz" on Sunday. (Paul Bergstrom)

Brooke Ferricks directs the cast during rehearsal for the "The Wizard of Oz" on Sunday. (Paul Bergstrom)

Rebecca Szarzynski (left), who plays the Tin Man, and Abby Varkalis, who plays Dorothy, read from their scripts during the "Munchkin Land" scene at rehearsal for the "The Wizard of Oz" on Sunday. (Paul Bergstrom)

Rebecca Szarzynski (left), who plays the Tin Man, and Abby Varkalis, who plays Dorothy, read from their scripts during the "Munchkin Land" scene at rehearsal for the "The Wizard of Oz" on Sunday. (Paul Bergstrom)

Brooke Ferricks directs the "Munchkin Land" scene during rehearsal for the "The Wizard of Oz" on Sunday. (Paul Bergstrom)

Brooke Ferricks jumps while playing a Munchkin during rehearsal for the "The Wizard of Oz" on Sunday. (Paul Bergstrom)

Brooke Ferricks directs the cast while they learn "Merry Old Land of Oz" during rehearsal for the "The Wizard of Oz" on Sunday. (Paul Bergstrom)

The "Listening Heart Room" is in the emergency department at Presence Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet. With its large windows that allow plenty of natural light and a mural of calming colors, the room provides a private space for families waiting on news of loved ones. In 2015, Tom and Michele Vana and Karl and Marilyn Kurtz, in memory of the Vanas' late son, Jay, donated $100,000 to make the room possible. (Photo provided)

Joliet Central High School alumna Elizabeth Anne Briick has published her second collection of poems, titled, "Where I Have Been and Where I Am Now - A Collection of Thoughts." (Photo provided)

Within her second collection of poetry, Joliet Central High School alumna Elizabeth Anne Briick lets the reader share her journey of struggling, falling and rising. (Image provided)