On March 13 in Libertyville: ‘How to Write a Personalized Front-Page Story’

Longtime journalist and public relations professional Matt Baron will lead a free workshop, “How to Write a Personalized Front-Page Story,” on Wednesday, March 13, at Cook Park Library, 413 N. Milwaukee Ave., Libertyville

In the hourlong interactive session, which begins at 1 p.m., Baron shares the interviewing, storytelling, and organizational insights to help attendees create an unforgettable keepsake.

To register, visit cooklib.libnet.info/event/9552740.

Among other takeaways, Baron will emphasize the importance of focusing on end goals and how to avoid getting bogged down in the process.

“Crafting a truly memorable, well-rounded story about someone’s life can be daunting, even overwhelming,” Baron said. “Where do you begin? By sharing the blueprint of how I’ve created these keepsakes, I break it down into bite-size pieces and communicate the big payoff: how beloved and treasured these gifts are.”

As a journalist, Baron’s work has appeared in dozens of publications, including Time, USA Today, the Chicago Tribune and the Daily Herald. But he has most enjoyed penning dozens of personalized stories for friends and relatives as birthday, wedding, graduation or “just because” gifts. He began this tradition in 1992, when a former newspaper colleague got married.

Nearly 20 years ago, as he launched his Inside Edge PR + Media business, Baron incorporated the service with “Your Front Page,” later renamed Spotlight Tribute. Since then, he’s created a variety of custom “front pages” for clients honoring friends and family members.

“Typically, it’s a milestone birthday or anniversary that is being celebrated,” Baron said. “Time and again, people have been grateful not only at the time of the initial celebration, but years later, such as when their loved one has passed away and the personalized piece is shared at memorial services.”

To learn more about the Spotlight Tribute service, visit insideedgepr.com/spotlight-tribute.