Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 23 through June 28

It's a super-packed morning, so let's head right into the stories and where to various pieces of information.

I hope everyone had a wonderful week and that an even better weekend is awaiting you.

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): 

 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.

Upcoming events:

Once Timothy Baran is done updating this page, these will listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.

Check out the progress he has made so far. Each square is hand-built. And be sure to "hover" your hand over the first square. Note: this only works (so far) with the desktop version.

But he's also made A LOT of changes to the website. So be sure to roam around a bit.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.com. Again, Timothy is in the process of updating the website, so all titles may not appear. If you have any questions, email me at bryonyseries@gmail.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.

He was who they're looking for
Joliet East alumni surprise fellow classmate Lionel Richie on 'Hello' tour

 "I think he was just so excited and blown away to see us. He was overwhelmed. He really was."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/18/a1440658320d44b98a7c356c71f98e61/index.xml


An Extraordinary Life: A quiet man with priorities in place
Joliet bass drummer was an ardent supporter of the Joliet Junior College community band

In an email Charles Morgan, professor of music and director of bands at JJC, praised Gino's talent and band loyalty.

"Gino was an amazing man, with a passion for music," Charles said. "He played bass drum in the JJC community band for years until his health no longer made it possible.

"After his time as a player he continued to attend every concert as one of our biggest supporters. When I think of Gino, his smile is what comes to mind. It was infectious."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/18/020989a9f21d4efda3180055e20f119a/index.xml


Joliet hospice writing workshop helps people express grief

"Journaling has been found to be an effective way to process your grief," Patrice Martin, director of bereavement services at Joliet Area Community Hospice, said. "And some people may feel more comfortable writing than going to support groups. Writing can help people who are not comfortable processing their feelings out loud and in front of a group."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/18/joliet-hospice-writing-workshop-helps-people-express-grief/ahdp5en/


From classroom to the corporation
Joliet Junior College alum using her culinary skills in the workplace

"I think food is a common ground," Cat Thies said. "Everyone has to eat and everyone has a different way of preparing food, too, so every dish has a story to tell. It's a good icebreaker, and I think that starts other conversation, too."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/26/80de9a2638f44e09b13936eb3575561d/index.xml


Reluctant to put the bicycle away
Bill Lang of Frankfort said: Any time I am on that trike is worth it.'

 "The things you see and the things that happen out there when you're riding is exceptional," Lang said. "You always meet a lot of people and you learn that in the world, 95 percent of the people are very good people, regardless of where they live. I have met a lot of them and it means a lot."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/25/reluctant-to-put-the-bicycle-away/auivxca/


Enjoy a bike ride before cookouts and fireworks
Joliet Bicycle Club's annual event attracts up to 1,000 cyclists

"It's definitely all ages," Bill Lang, one of the Joliet Bicycle Club founders, said. "We have family rides; they don't go very far. Or they can ride to Plattville and back. And we go heavy on the snacks."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/21/enjoy-a-bike-ride-before-cookouts-and-fireworks/az0z3jm/


Kids: show your patriotism with a decorated bike at Plainfield parade

 "We like to give kids an opportunity to see how creative they can get, to see what they can make out of something we haven't thought of," Misty Bartlett, program manager at the Plainfield Park District, said. "And they enjoy showing you what they've created."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/26/0943c1c78a6d407d992b79fdb89e6826/index.xml

LocalLit book spotlight: 'Guarding Prayer' by Ora Holloway of Joliet

Holloway is the founder of the Joliet-based Igniting the Prayer Ministries and believes in "building strong churches of prayer and communities," according to Igniting the Prayer Ministries website at ignitingthefireprayer.com.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/27/locallit-book-spotlight-guarding-prayer-by-ora-holloway-of-joliet/aava5xg/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff