Wednesday, January 31, 2018

Community News: Jan. 31

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.



Need help? Want to help? Here's a roundup of area food pantries



Carter Larry selected as VVSD safety director



Lockport school recognizes Winter Breakfast Club 2017-18 members



Joliet students recognized



Shorewood Lions Club recognizes November Troy Students of the Month



Joliet culinary arts professor pens textbook



Plainfield Park District receives Illinois Distinguished Accredited Agency Award






Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Open Mic Night 2017: Denise M. Baran-Unland

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Community News: Jan. 30

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.



Local health events: Jan. 30 through Feb. 6 



DCFS: ABCs of safe sleep for infants could save a life



Will County Health Department recommends radon testing this winter 



New Lenox hospital honors 500 Club volunteers 



Joliet Catholic Academy to host Tax Credit Scholarship Application Jan. 31 



Morris Hospital environmental services associate honored for excellence



59th Annual Will County Coin Club Show is Feb. 25





  
Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter

Let's Be Social Media Friends

If you've read this blog, you know a little about me.

But if you're alsointerested in Joliet-based feature stories and events, writing, or in any of the topics revolving around the BryonySeries, here's where you'll fine me online and in social media:

The Herald-News: As the features editor/writer/calendar assembler for this publication, you will fid bylined and non-bylined information I've written, edited, or compiled here: http://www.theherald-news.com/

Twitter: @Denise_Unland61 and  BryonySeries at @BryonySeries.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/denise.unland www.facebook.com/BryonySeries.

I'm also the administrator for Joliet Connect at https://www.facebook.com/groups/1521908851451776/

And one of the founding members and administrators for WriteOn Joliet: https://www.facebook.com/groups/writeonminooka/?ref=bookmarks. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

Instagram: bertrand_bryonyseries. This account is solely devoted to Bertrand the Mouse.

BryonySeries books, events, recipes, and more: www.bryonyseries.com.

Upcoming BryonySeries newsletter: Information and signup at https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times.


Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from 'Bryony.'" Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

(Because Matt wants to be friends, too).

Monday, January 29, 2018

Community News: Jan. 29

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.


Gotta Do It: Jan. 28 through Feb. 4



Local pet events: Jan. 29 through Feb. 5 



Pets of the Week: Jan. 29

Read the caption of each photo to find out about that pet, including where he or she can be adopted.



Tips for keeping pets safe this winter



3rd Annual Spayghetti & No Balls Benefit is Feb. 24 



Plainfield teacher earns grant for sensory chairs



Greater Joliet Area YMCA receives $10,000 grant




Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Wanted: Good Home for Book Series (Overview)

As members of WriteOn Joliet prepare to delve into marketing this year as well as critiquing (and the much drinking of coffee), the looming question is: Now that we've written the best books we can write, how do we find the readers longing to read them?

Maybe you know someone who'd like one of these. Feel free to share! The links below have the decriptions with new titles in the works.

BryonySeries trilogy (young adult and up): https://www.bryonyseries.com/the-bryonyseries-trilogy

Adventures of Cornell Dyer chapter book series (young readers): https://www.bryonyseries.com/the-adventures-of-cornell-dyer

Bertrand the Mouse series (children): https://www.bryonyseries.com/bertrand-the-mouse

BryonySeries cookbook (1970s and Victorian recipes in one volume): https://www.bryonyseries.com/bbbs

Not sure? Try this short story for free:

"Snowbell:" https://www.bryonyseries.com/snowbell


Have a great Monday readers, writers, and vampire fans!



Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for Bryony.





Sunday, January 28, 2018

Sue's Diner: Best Ever Chocolate Cake By Janet Cooney

In Bryony, while Melissa peruses the library for vampire information, Brian is at home with Steve making his first chocolate cake. The recipe was a tradition in Steve’s family and probably every bit as good as this cake.

This was especially true for Brian, who had heaped his plate high with the many dishes., including the one below. Simple to make and sooooo good. 

Find the recipe HERE.





From "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'"

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. www.bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com.

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Community News: Jan. 26 and Jan. 27, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.




Bolingbrook students learn about butterflies

Ed Calkins Looks Forward To Calkins Day 2018

Dear MOMI,
As I look forward to the festivities on Calkins’ Day, I wonder if it might be appropriate to bring a tray of my (1st) wife’s famous Gaelic Garlic Bread (and the recipe as well) to the thousands or so lined up for the book signing. (and the recipe as well).
I have a few things to comment about that. 
Firstly, I’d like to reveal my frustration. It would have been so in character for the Steward of Tara to estimate that over a million people attended this signing and any reports of lower numbers were "fake." I’m over a year late. 
Secondly, I’d like to clarify the notion of an Irish vampire bring ‘garlic’ at all. I might say that doing so would weed out vampires of other ethnicities. Better that I should mention the lore of vampires change from culture to culture. 
For example, if you’re being chased by a Chinese vampire, you might throw a rice ball over your shoulder but continue running very fast. Chinese vampires are obsessive/compulsive and would be compelled to count the grains, but they are also very fast with numbers. 
Conversely, were you to throw a beer behind you, and the Irish vampire ceases to chase you, it’s not because he’s counting the drops. Likely he was chasing you because you were holding a beer.
Going back to Joliet is bring back memories of Goddess’ service as a carrier and the other great carriers times present and past: Stan the mighty, Audrey the magnificent, Rene and her "snow tiger" are but a few that come to mind.
Strangely, I’m reminded of the 12th Carrier of Gettysburg who gave his service about 150 years ago. Many might not know the tale, but simply he was the news carrier that finished the Gettysburg route, which the other eleven failed to finish because of the battle and their mortality. 
The ninth might be worthy of note because, although wounded many times, he did most of the route before he bled to death. While the paper’s publisher did commend him, the customary ten dollars per wet paper was deducted from his final annual pay check. 
One might think names should be connected to this tale, but as President Lincoln said in a speech a few months later, “The world will little note nor long remember who delivered here, but they will never forget when their newspaper fails to arrive in a timely fashion."

Ruthlessly yours,
Ed Calkins,
Steward of Tara
Readers note: "The Goddess" to whom the Steward refers is none other than the BryonySeries author herself Denise M. Baran-Unland, dubbed as "paper goddess," because she delivered more newspapers on any given day than any other carrier. Each day, Ed presented her route book to her on bended knee and bowed head.

CALKINS DAY BOOK SIGNING

WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 13, 2018

WHERE: Book and Bean Cafe, 3395 Black Road, Joliet

​ETC: Meet BryonySeries' real Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara and first (and only) Irish vampire on Calkins Day. Buy signed copies of his yet untitled or released book about author Denise M. Baran-Unland's "Irish" genealogy. Refreshments and great coffee for sale. The evening will celebrate Ed's birthday, limericks, Celtic lore, and all things fun and creative. Irish garb (Irish apparel, dressing as leprechauns and other Celtic mythological characters) encouraged.

CONTACT: bryonyseries@gmail.com




Friday, January 26, 2018

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 22 through Jan. 26

Quick week recap:

Saturday: Cornell Dyer meeting with Timothy Baran, the "idea guy" for the stories to plan the next book. Art ideas for cover and chapter heading illustrations sent to artist/writer Sue Midlock. First acting lesson, talked myself hoarse. A bit of Before the Blood. And "real" work.

Sunday: No fiction, just church and work.

Monday through Friday: No fiction. Have fallen out of my 30-minutes-a-day routine and need to slide back into it somehow. Pitched a new idea at work that has benefits of multiple platforms, and that seems to be a go. Will share when the kinks are worked out. Signed up for an open mic night for the end of Feb. 28 at the Plainfield Public Library. Figure I can practice my acting progress so far without boring members of WriteOn Joliet with a familiar reading. Teaching tonight. Acting lesson and covering a story later in the day tomorrow. Writing fiction for at least half of the day before it.

A reminder of an upcoming event:

Calkins Day Book Signing

​WHEN: 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 13, 2018

WHERE: Book and Bean Cafe, 3395 Black Road, Joliet

​ETC: Meet BryonySeries' real Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara and first (and only) Irish vampire on Calkins Day. Buy signed copies of his yet untitled or released book about author Denise M. Baran-Unland's "Irish" genealogy. Refreshments and great coffee for sale. The evening will celebrate Ed's birthday, limericks, Celtic lore, and all things fun and creative. Irish garb (Irish apparel, dressing as leprechauns and other Celtic mythological characters) encouraged.


CONTACT: bryonyseries.com


And now, the stories....

Non-bylined features:

Monday through Saturday I assembled my non-bylined works - brief posts and calendar listings - into one convenient file and posting them on Facebook in the evening, so readers can easily choose the ones they want to read.

One can also find those event listings, the Gotta Do It calendar, as well as the pets, health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars, under the sections tab on the left hand side of http://www.theherald-news.com/. Click on "features" and the topics drop down.  Gotta Do It runs under "people."

Community news? Again, under the sections tab, under features, and by topic. Updates are posted on these days in print and web (and some only on web on other days as I have the time): Monday (pets), Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (arts and entertainment), and Sunday (people).

Social media:

Daily updates: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries. And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to jon WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/writeonminooka/?ref=bookmarks. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) is at www.bryonyseries.com

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.


An Extraordinary Life: Love kept this Joliet woman going

Rev. James Loller James said being a Christian means accepting what Christ did on the cross and allowing His love to fill permeate one’s being in order to love others.

“That was true with Sharon,” James said of his wife. “She was a genuine Christian, a born-again believer. She had God in her life and God showed forth from that life because of that. She had a walk with the Lord and that manifested itself with herself and her relationship with others. Sharon was always positive, always upbeat, always thinking of others, always had a smile on her face.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/01/21/love-kept-this-joliet-woman-going/aqeqm0w/


Mystery Diner: Happy Place Cafe in Shorewood: great food and service in a family atmosphere

The venue is warm and inviting but in an airy, almost upscale way and yet sufficiently down-to-earth to display daily specials on a chalkboard.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/01/20/3be23a53f47a435692bc4915671e6846/index.xml



Channahon woman 'called' to write worship book

“I thought that if children, when they were young, could get into that [worship] mindset, when they’re old and adults, it would already be part of their psyches,” Jennifer Abbott said.



Not content with 40 percent
Joliet contestant on Netflix show now tackles the next challenge

How did this 23-year-old indie actor wind up on a television show?

It started in August 2015 when he began training to audition on "American Ninja Warrior.




Nights of mystery, magic and Anthony
Joliet teen is a working magician

This isn’t a cute kid who knows a few card tricks.

This is a young man serious about pursuing a career as a magician.




Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Community News: Jan. 24 and Jan. 25, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.




Joliet West Band Booster to host spaghetti dinner Feb. 3



'Cozy Comfort Foods' cooking demo is Jan. 30



Chili  Cook-Off and Family Movie Night on Jan. 27


Trinity Services Inc. names new chief operating officer



Rezin hosts public policy event for high school students 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/01/11/rezin-hosts-public-policy-event-for-high-school-students/abfskug/



The Polish Carolers spread cheer in Joliet



Joliet church participates in 5th national Latino ministry 



Wilmington resident introduces flying to young people



Romeoville resident achieves Eagle Scout rank



Romeoville university honors Plainfield student





 Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from 'Bryony.'" Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter. Order the cookbook from www.bryonyseries.com.

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Lucas Makes a Vampire Valentine

Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Bryony Artist Wednesday: Lucas Makes a Vampire Valentine

 
On Monday, I received the following text Sarah Stegall, Bryony's online administrator:
 
Lucas made a Valentine for a vet at the library. It sports a vampire bat heart, polka dots, and a coonskin cap. Some veteran is going to be pretty happy or creeped out, LOL!
 
Yesterday, Rebekah noticed as I hit "publish," that yesterday's blog was the 999th post. A friend commented that today's post should be epic. I already planned to run Lucas' Valentine today. Anyone that knows Lucas would agree there is no one more epic than he.
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Community News: Jan. 23, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.


 Local health events: Jan. 23 through Jan 30



Romeoville senior athletes earn over 100 medals



Plainfield resident earns Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree



Grundy County welcomes first baby of 2018 on Jan. 1



Aspire in Channahon provides mental health services to all



Joliet school hosts Business Management & Information Systems Academy Week



Graduates at Romeoville university receive advice



Multi-state salmonella cluster
Illness associated with #sprouts served at Jimmy John's

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/01/19/multi-state-salmonella-cluster/a3ws03y/


Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter

Jigsaw Puzzle Writing With Sprinkles of Contemplation

Many years ago when I was a young mother, I read a story about a woman who wrote a book about mothering while she was raising a large family.

When others expressed amazement at her accomplishment and asked how she managed it, this woman said she had learned to "use small modules of time." It's a phrase that has stuck with me and one I've implemented through my adventures in not only writing, but parenting and homeschooling.

And, for now at least, it's become my new normal, for two reasons.

One, I often don't have the luxury of large unscheduled bits of time, except (maybe) one day a week when I'm able to plan for it.

Two, I'm finding the final novel in my Before the Blood prequel challenging to write. Since it's the culmination of the trilogy as well as the prequel, it's not just another novel. The story arc, characters, plot, pace: all of these most have a more compelling tone and "feel." 

And it just ain't happening yet.

So here's what's emerging from the confusion. I focus on bits of the story and write that well and allow the rest to simmer in the back of my mind until it becomes clear and crisp, sort of like assembling a jigsaw puzzle while cooking soup.

They're two separate activities that somehow will fit together in the end. Each has its own time, rushing the process spoils both.



Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Monday, January 22, 2018

Community News: Jan. 22, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.


Gotta Do It: Jan. 21 through Jan. 27



Local pet events: Jan. 21 through Jan. 29



Pets of the Week: Jan. 22



2nd-graders learn about adoptions from humane society



Internationally renowned educator visits Joliet school



USF librarian appointed to speakers bureau



Joliet talent search program has successful semester




Lockport man honored for work with veterans




Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

Music, Book, and Candle

Are you planning to read (or re-read) the BryonySeries this year?

Consider two other related products for a complete experience: a CD of ten original BryonySeries piano songs by James Onohan and a soy candle in one of five BryonySeries scents.

First, the backstory behind the CD:

After Mrs. Clements had already returned Melissa’s library card, she reached under the counter. “I almost forgot. Here’s something else you might like.” She handed Melissa a record album. “This just came.”

The top of the cover read, "The Best-Loved Compositions of John Simons," and featured a picture of the musician sitting at a piano. Melissa turned the album over to the back and blinked in disbelief. She was face to face with her grandmother’s music box.

Ladies and gentlemen, James Onohan created the CD for us. For more information on James, the music, and how to buy the CD, go HERE.

Second, we have soy candles in several sizes available for purchase in five BryonySeries scents, all created by Valeries's Heavenly Scents.

The five scents are Bryony, Purple Rose, Sue's Diner, Lake Munson, and Simons Woods.

For more information on the BryonySeries line, including sizes, pricing, and ordering, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Now try reading the series by flickering candlelight with piano music in the background.

Have a beautiful Monday, readers, writers, and vampire fans! :)







Sunday, January 21, 2018

Sue's Diner: Ravioli Lasagna

In Bryony, neither Melissa nor Brian felt at ease during the unfamiliar church services in memory of their grandmother. The array of delicious food at the potluck luncheon that followed was more appealing. 

This was especially true for Brian, who had heaped his plate high with the many dishes., including the one below. Simple to make and sooooo good. 

Find the recipe HERE.





From "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'"

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. www.bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com.


Saturday, January 20, 2018

Community News: Jan. 20, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.


Morris Hospital cardiologist explains leg pain


New Lenox chiropracter recognized






Bolingbrook aquatic park earns 5-Star award


Vegas Night is Feb. 3 at St. Joseph School in Manhattan


Meet the Real Ed Calkins on Feb. 13

If you've read the BryonySeries, you've met Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, first (and only) Irish vampire, who ruthlessly insults his victims via bad limericks instead of, well, you know, the usual way vampires terrorize victims.

What many people don't know is that Ed Calkins is a real person (although not a real vampire).

He really wrote my pretend Irish genealogy in 2011, which will really be available in a very short nonsensical chapter book on Feb. 13, the real Calkins Day (which is not a real holiday. It's real in Ed's mind. Even in the BryonySeries).

Ed and I will be hanging out from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Book and Bean cafe in Joliet, greeting anyone who stops in to meet him and signing a few books (whether or not anyone buys some).

Confused? Then do come out Feb. 13. You'll be even more confused.



Friday, January 19, 2018

Community News: Jan. 18 and Jan. 19, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.


Local faith events: Jan. 18 through Jan.25


Local arts and entertainment: Jan. 19 through Jan. 26



Joliet students help Ronald McDonald House families  


Lockport students get special guest  


Frankfort ballet company receives grant




Northwest Homer Fire Protection District receives grant


Joliet Junior College selected for national award


Lockport students named AP Scholars
Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 14 through Jan. 19

Not much of a story round-up this week, as far as full-length feature stories go.

Besides having a couple days off, I've been catching up on other work I had to let slide during the holidays in order to focus on the holiday work, as well as start an events newsletter for The Herald-News.

BTW, the newsletter is free. Interested? Sign up at http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//

On Monday, I also met with my WriteOn Joliet co-leader Tom Hernandez to outline plans for this calendar year. Among the projects: a second anthology (buy our first one HERE), two open mic nights at Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet, and a marketing arm to the group.

Also since, the self-publishing seminar went so well, we'd like to offer it again later this year, as well as a few others, such as self-editing, etc. So if you're a writer reading this blog, stay tuned!

Oh and a local acting teacher in town has agreed to work with me to improve and enliven my readings. The first lesson starts this Saturday. She wants to record it, as do I, to track my progress.

I also accepted a ghostwriting project, writing the memoirs of a local woman who turned 92 in June. I'd written about this woman a couple times years ago and found out after the first story ran that she was a neighbor to Sarah Stegall.

Not to mention I'll be starting a BryonySeries newsletter later this year (details HERE) -- as well as the Calkins Day celebration on Feb. 13. Details are HERE.

These are some of the reasons why I agreed. So 2018 is shaping up to be a busy year.

Needless to say, I didn't get completely caught up this week, of course, but enough to stay the course over the next few weeks.

Now where do you find features, fiction, and me?

Non-bylined features:

Monday through Saturday I assembled my non-bylined works - brief posts and calendar listings - into one convenient file and posting them on Facebook in the evening, so readers can easily choose the ones they want to read.

One can also find those event listings, the Gotta Do It calendar, as well as the pets, health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars, under the sections tab on the left hand side of http://www.theherald-news.com/. Click on "features" and the topics drop down.  Gotta Do It runs under "people."

Community news? Again, under the sections tab, under features, and by topic. Updates are posted on these days in print and web (and some only on web on other days as I have the time): Monday (pets), Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (arts and entertainment), and Sunday (people).

Social media:

Daily updates: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries. And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) is at www.bryonyseries.com

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you're read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Here are the two stories that ran in features this week. For the briefs, scroll back to this week's community news posts.


Channahon teen quick to say three magic words

This teenage boy not only joined the family for prayers, including recitation of the rosary, he prayed on his own, too.

"He always had such a close relationship with God," Aideth Lopez, Aiden's mother,  said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/01/14/277094b182c44ce99cbaaeaa07e98e27/index.xml


Mystery Diner: Plenty of variety at Westfield Family Restaurant

For the first time ... ever, my kids already knew what they wanted and I had no idea.



Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter