Community News: Dec. 31, 2017

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


Trinity Christian School honors veterans

 http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/27/c2e95651fa354f549e37643cc19f26c1/index.xml


Romeoville hosts Winter Wonderland

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/28/caedf05dc8ab4ef482218c1c4174fd0b/index.xml


Children’s book drive for National Hook-up of Black Women/Silver Cross reading rooms

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/30/childrens-book-drive-for-national-hook-up-of-black-womensilver-cross-reading-rooms/ae2t3o5/


Jesse White urges motorists to celebrate the holidays safely
Message to motorists—Don’t 'drink and drive'

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/30/jesse-white-urges-motorists-to-celebrate-the-holidays-safely/awljpr2/


New Lenox hospital adopts visiting restriction due to flu

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/30/new-lenox-hospital-adopts-visiting-restriction-due-to-flu/a9b0wpn/


Ring in the New Year safely

Impaired driving and seatbelt patrols planned for New Year’s weekend 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/30/ring-in-the-new-year-safely/ad6u4nu/


Cold weather tips to prevent frozen pipes and meters

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/30/cold-weather-tips-to-prevent-frozen-pipes-and-meters/ad6mg0x/


Mighty Acorns nature education program available next summer at Joliet YMCA

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/30/mighty-acorns-nature-education-program-available-next-summer-at-joliet-ymca/aq95x8n/


Lockport high school held its annual College and Career Fair

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/30/lockport-high-school-held-its-annual-college-and-career-fair/aq9ll6o/

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

Thank You, Thank You

In 2010 I reluctantly started a blog because I'd read authors should have blogs.

My daughter Sarah Stegall, who was teaching herself the technical side of BryonySeries things (web design, social media, SEO, keywords, all the while collecting recipes for the BryonySeries cookbook) researched blogs, narrowed it down to WordPress and Blogger, and decided on the latter, for many reason, none of which are important here.

But I had a bigger problem. I had no idea what to write. Features, fiction: fine; ideas abound. But, blogging? Is't that like "Dear Diary," but online?

Sarah had ideas. Write about anything and everything connected to me writing: my work writing, my fiction writing, the setting, the plot, the characters, the themes (Victorian, 1970s, food, Irish, leprechauns, blood, roses, piano, white cats, fishing and fishing villages, gothic architecture, gothic literature, and so on), self-publishing, my struggles, my victories, and some of me personally.

People would want to read that? Sarah assured me they would. And she was afraid.

Still, I was afraid of being spammy, a fear that persists to this today and helps keep me on track. For instance, here's a piece I'd bookmarked four years ago: http://annerallen.com/2013/10/social-media-secrets-for-authors-par/

We decided to launch the blog Aug. 1, several months in advance of a November release date, never guessing my June surgery would be postponed until August and that the small I press that was readying Bryony for publication would push the release date out a year (and eventually go out of business).

Still afraid of running out of material, I prewrote the first month's worth of posts. Except for some exceptions in 2013 when we were losing our home, I've blogged every day. I haven't run out of ideas and have some new (and will be resurrecting some old) ideas for 2018.

Sarah and I together cheered the first couple of post views, then cheered again when views hit double digits (Ten people read it??? Really???) We cheered when we hit 50 views and when we hit 100. We celebrated 100,000 all-time views in mid-2016 and watched the numbers continue to climb.

Before the holidays, the blog averaged 13,000 views a month. And we almost closed out the year at 200,000 all-time views. I can't tell you how humbling that is.

And yes, even when one doesn't count the Throwback Thursdays (another of Sarah's ideas), some of those older posts still get views. Amazing

I'm convinced the experience Sarah received from learning this stuff helped her land the job (and manager's role) she has today in her company; I'm convinced I work as a features editor today because of the skills I acquired while writing, editing and marketing novels.

Although Sarah is now too busy to play "web administrator" to the BryonySeries anymore (her exact current title is "web administrator emeritus"), my other daughter Rebekah Baran has stepped up into that role.

Rebekah designed the current website at www.bryonyseries.com. She does most of my book formatting and cover creation. She formats and uploads the eBooks. And she's gradually teaching me how to do these things, only calling on Sarah when she runs into a snag.

I never could/can do this without my girls. Their help, expertise, willingness to learn, and ease of navigating technology is invaluable and appreciated beyond measure.

Why am I sharing all this?

Because if you're a writer, hang in there. Be persistent; be consistent. Take the long view of building a writing/editing business. While overnight successes are rare, this industry has a way of rewarding those who keep learning and improving, possibly because the competition quits too soon.

While I'm far, far, far from being a household name, I spend most of my hours (weekdays and weekends) writing and editing something, which is the career I've wanted ever since I was a little girl. The career grows a bit more each year.

If these are your goals, too, I want to help you get there. Because it's possible, you know.

If you'd like to self-publish a book this year for little cost, and you live in the Joliet area, check out this event on Jan. 11: https://goo.gl/aRY4uC

If you're a WriteOn Joliet writer, I want to hear your writing, editing, and marketing goals so we can help each other in 2018. We have local memberships (for those who can attend meetings) and remote memberships (those who live far away and cannot). So the group is open to all adults writers age 18 and up. For more information, visit www.writeonjoliet.com.

If you're a reader, I'm humbled with gratitude.

Thank you for finding something worthwhile to read here.

Thank you for checking back each day.

Both add up to encouragement to me. Page views help let me know what readers are enjoying; they help shape the future of this blog. They fuel my inspiration for yet another post on another day.

Ultimately this blog is meant to entertain you, provide you with information, share great stories from the greater Joliet community, and help connect us with each other.

So readers, if there's something you'd like to see on this blog, message me at bryonyseries@gmail.com. I'd love to hear your feedback and ideas.

For me, 2017 was a hard, challenging year for my adult children and me in terms of work. In fact, as soon as I post this blog, I'm working the rest of this day. Praise God it's work I enjoy!

But.

I'm leaving 2017 with sharper skills than I began it and so are my kids. I hope 2017 brought, for you, many blessings, even if they came disguised.

I look forward to journeying the new year with you. Here's to 2018! (virtually cliinking my coffee mug against yours).

Community News: Dec. 30, 2017

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


Local arts and entertainment: Dec. 29 through Jan. 5, 2018

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/23/local-arts-and-entertainment-dec-29-through-jan-5-2018/ato494p/

Lions Club donates bench to New Lenox park district

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/28/lions-club-donates-bench-to-new-lenox-park-district/abbeqsk/

Plainfield students win awards at JJC art exhibit

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/28/tudents-win-awards-at-jjc-art-exhibit/avlm8cd/

Local students perform 'Jingle Bell Juke Box'

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/28/c1a9a22ca0864fa890926c0fe0a1b3d3/index.xml

Joliet teachers win awards

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/27/joliet-teachers-win-awards/asd6iji/

Holiday petting zoo held at the Timbers of Shorewood

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/23/8cc5dffa2212456eba741324611953b5/index.xml

Will County Trail Riders, Salvation Army form team

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/15/30361f47d85e4c53a5196b6e173bfb68/index.xml

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for Bryony.

The Coventry Carol played on Penny Whistle (Tin Whistle)

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 24 through Dec. 29

One more week of holiday deadlines culminating in working the holiday and then a little time off the following weekend for our family's Christmas and Rebekah's birthday, followed by a day off a week later in honor of my anniversary with the company (going into my fifth year, how about it?).

A quick look ahead: I do have several events scheduled into 2018 and will share those here soon. If you'd like a sneak peak, visit the Fetes and Feasts page at www.bryonyseries.com and the events page at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries.

Also in 2018, I'll be starting a newsletter. I'm giving away the first chapter of one of the books in the Before the Blood prequel as a "thank you" for signing up. Want to be included? Drop me a line at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

And some quick information before 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 in 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.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Channahon man has an answer for those with hurting hearts

Last spring, Brian Birkey stepped out in faith and sent one of his poems to The Herald-News, hoping someone would publish it, saying it would “be a dream come true.” This why.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/15/channahon-man-has-an-answer-for-those-with-hurting-hearts/ama5hsv/

'That spells Christmas to me'

Three weeks ago, Bobby, who has autism, told his parents Robert and Nora Thiesen that he planned on keeping only one present from Santa this year, that he wanted poor children and sick children in hospitals to have the rest.

"I wanted to do this," Bobby said, "Because all these kids don't have any toys."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/22/e76c4ded7fb54897ab9bd235de2bcc65/index.xml?page=1

Born on Christmas Day, Karl Henning of Joliet had unlimited love for all people

"I rubbed some water on his head," said Eric Postulek, pastor of Harvest Bible Chapel in Joliet, where Karl belonged. "Two or three hours later, he went to be with the Lord."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/23/409da6fc6f894144961a92d094001ad7/index.xml

Pets of the Week

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

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/16/6465161bd8674fe49d364954c808521a/index.xml

Joliet experts help Santa get fit with routines for seniors

In an email, Matt Mickas, certified strength and conditioning specialist at facility manager at Athletico Joliet, explained why.

“Santa has the challenging task of delivering presents to families across the whole world in one night,” Mickas wrote, “which puts his body at risk for overuse injuries and could prevent him from making next year’s Christmas deliveries.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/23/joliet-experts-help-santa-get-fit-with-routines-for-seniors/atmmceh/

Public Landing in Lockport: quality comfort food and premium service in an upscale atmosphere

The Public Landing website said this about itself: "Located on the old I&M Canal in the historic district of downtown Lockport, our family of service professionals bring their combined knowledge, talent, and hearts to ensure a memorable dining experience for each and every guest."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/18/b62c331eb4b442c180016ab9754d0779/index.xml

Good reasons to pray

Earlier this month, the media reported that a new drug, although in the early clinical trial stages, just might slow the disease’s progression.

Unfortunately, Beverly Sliepka won’t live to see it and her family isn’t expecting it, even if I prayed 100 times for that miracle.

So why pray?

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/26/good-reasons-to-pray/a4nzn90/

Looking ahead to the new year

Lots of fun planned in Will, Grundy counties

Post-holiday blues already getting you down? Spirits feeling as droopy as old tinsel?

Take heart. The fun hasn’t ended; it’s only beginning. Check out some of what the area’s venues have in store the January.

 http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/23/looking-ahead-to-the-new-year/acfo8i3

Artworks: Illness doesn't stop Seneca senior from writing poetry

Now 85 years old, Burden, of Seneca, estimates he's written 200 poems over the years. He wrote a poem when his daughter was born, and he's written poems to honor people he admires and the work they do.

"It's an old man's way of saying 'Thank you' to a lot of people," Burden said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/28/4c2745c82be64f9bb4a9b767a0d00d2f/index.xml?page=1

Community News: Dec. 28, 2017

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

Local faith events: Dec. 28 through Jan. 4, 2018

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/23/local-faith-events-dec-28-through-jan-4-2018/adojc6d/

Lemont school places 2nd and 3rd at academic bowl

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/27/lemont-school-places-2nd-and-3rd-at-academic-bowl/am55l6o/

Joliet school honors October Students of the Month

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/27/joliet-school-honors-october-students-of-the-month/a1myr65/

Joliet group takes pilgrimage to Holy Land

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/27/a96ba589dd8946c09228c2e8a859a79a/index.xml

IsrAction Day held at Joliet’s Peter Claver Center 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/19/israction-day-held-at-joliets-peter-claver-center/alyvs0d/

Bolingbrook school nurse saves student's life

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/23/bolingbrook-school-nurse-saves-students-life/avod7yp/

Silver Cross Hospital execs wrap toys for Joliet foundation

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/23/b16f44035bc446fb80eecf470b255d75/index.xml

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for Bryony.

Open Mic Night 2017: Joshua Henderson

Community News: Dec. 27, 2017

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

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/21/need-help-want-to-help-heres-a-roundup-of-area-food-pantries/alhukr0/

Troy fourth-graders donate to Operation Care Package

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/20/troy-fourth-graders-donate-to-operation-care-package/ad14rp/

Sons of the American Legion Squadron 1080 donates to WCVAC

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/20/sons-of-the-american-legion-squadron-1080-donates-to-wcvac/aitglr8/

Plainfield Lions program reaches 138 families

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/19/plainfield-lions-program-reaches-138-families/ahqdxmo/

Frankfort students learn about Christmas around the world

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/19/a82f082a56894abb97832115ebafddf2/index.xml

Childerguild raises more than $221,000 for Silver Cross in New Lenox

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/23/childerguild-raises-more-than-221-000-for-silver-cross-in-new-lenox/av6dgpc/

VNA Health Care expands Bolingbrook clinic  

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/23/vna-health-care-expands-bolingbrook-clinic/a6lotn8/

Lincoln-Way Central students host toy drive for New Lenox hospital

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/20/lincoln-way-central-students-host-toy-drive-for-new-lenox-hospital/a2vj7id/

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for Bryony.

Ed Calkins Sends a Christmas Limerick

This arrived late Christmas Eve from the Steward himself, but it's sentiment is evergreen. 

For those who didn't know, Ed "doubles" as Santa during the holiday season. I'm not a big fan of candy canes most of the year, and even then, I prefer the large ones. 

And I hardly ever miss ye olde task of delivering newspapers in the middle of the night seven days a week. 

But come each December, I do miss seeing Ed running around the distribution center in a Santa cap handing out mini candy canes with the route books. Amazing to think we'd probably not be friends (and I'd probably barely recall him) had I not written him into the BryonySeries.

It's interesting how God brings people together...

For His birthday we crave peace on earth

And then praise Him for all that we're worth

But what might give Him pause

Is this fool 'Santa Claus'

But I mean well and have the right girth

Merry Christmas!

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara

Community News: Dec. 26, 2017

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


Gotta Do It: Dec. 24 through Dec. 31

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/17/gotta-do-it-dec-24-through-dec-31/axe8ir5/

Local pet events: Dec. 25 through Jan. 1, 2018

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/23/local-pet-events-dec-25-through-jan-1-2018/a3cld5k/

Local health events: Dec. 26 through Jan 2, 2018

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/23/local-health-events-dec-26-through-jan-2-2018/ahyxbyd/

Lincoln-Way East students donate to Frankfort Township Food Pantry

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/20/7b5337ee9582483ea29b938373cf1f05/index.xml

Frankfort students learn about Christmas around the world

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/19/a82f082a56894abb97832115ebafddf2/index.xml

Heritage Trail students run Mitten Tree campaign for homeless 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/20/heritage-trail-students-run-mitten-tree-campaign-for-homeless/al330hh/

William B.Orenic Intermediate School students collect toys 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/20/william-b-orenic-intermediate-school-students-collect-toys/arwo3pj/

Lincoln-Way Central students host toy drive for New Lenox hospital

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/20/lincoln-way-central-students-host-toy-drive-for-new-lenox-hospital/a2vj7id/

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for Bryony.

"We Are the Shepherds"

This is what I used to tell my children back in the newspaper delivery days on Christmas Eve in the middle of the night when we were out on the road instead of nestled all snug in our beds with visions of sugar plums dancing in our heads.

We were outside doing the type of job no one wanted to do at the time of night and time of year when most people were doing something else.

True, others were working, too: firefighters, police officers, and those in health care. But rolling newspapers in a dirty warehouse and then slinging them into driveways or running them up to people's porches didn't feel as noble.

Apparently, I wasn't far off the mark:

http://www.stpaulcumc.org/shepherds-one-of-the-original-dirty-jobs/

https://vimeo.com/18100139

The point is that the angels didn't appear and announce Christ's birth to the "important" people of the world. No, they chose the lowly people, the ones society didn't laud, while they were keeping watch at night and doing a dirty job.

I'd tell the kids that if Christ's birth happened in our day, we might be the ones visited by angels. It helped to change our perspective.

So here's the thing. All of us have components to our vocations that we don't want to do. But as long as we're faithful and keep an interior watch, I believe something of heaven can touch our clay. For WE are the shepherds.

And for a true, cool story.

One Christmas Eve, with Daniel in the car, we were delivering old Channahon and coming up to a part of Canal Street that ended in a "T." The house has a large lighted nativity scene in front. On either side sat two life-size deer, perfectly positioned on either side of the stable, slightly to the front.

We sat a moment, enjoying the view and this non-customary addition to a traditional creche, when one of the deer moved. Before we could react, they both bolted.

Yes, the deer were real.

Sue's Diner: Darlene's Cookies by Rebekah Baran

In Bryony, decorating Christmas cookies for nursing home residents is the perfect time for a mother-daughter, heart-to-heart chat.

Try it on the Sue's Diner page 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.

Community News: Dec. 21, Dec. 22, and Dec. 23, 2017

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

Local faith events: Dec. 21 through Dec. 28

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/17/local-faith-events-dec-21-through-dec-28/awsi6ok/

Local arts and entertainment: Dec. 22 through Dec. 29

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/17/local-arts-and-entertainment-dec-22-through-dec-29/a7q2w6q/

Santa Sightings

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/17/santa-sightings/aba1rq/

Providence Catholic students named 2018 Illinois State Scholars

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/13/providence-catholic-students-named-2018-illinois-state-scholars/amg2isg/

Minooka troops 'Scout for Food' to benefit church food pantry

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/20/minooka-troops-scout-for-food-to-benefit-church-food-pantry/aojda8f/

Joliet 8th-graders make snowmen for nursing home residents

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/20/joliet-8th-graders-make-snowmen-for-nursing-home-residents/az8q8k7/

Shorewood school blesses those in need

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/19/3f86cdc441a2403caf77020e17ac985e/index.xml

Minooka church renovates two rooms at Joliet DCFS office

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/20/2670b579aec74cf39aef81f3d6aa8a84/index.xml

Joliet Knights donate to Compassionate Friends

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/20/37e5c04b727c44b5840a0d2cc48aec1c/index.xml

Joliet Jewish Congregation participate in menorah lighting at Grundy County courthouse

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/20/c7e0e5f54db645698d00ee80aa0b2d1d/index.xml

Zonta of Joliet accepting scholarship applications

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/20/zonta-of-joliet-accepting-scholarship-applications/avgxom5/

New Lenox quilting club donates to food pantry

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/20/324fa48ca1374aa28410b4d2bf892378/index.xml

IDPH posts Legionnaires’ disease reports

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/22/idph-posts-legionnaires-disease-reports/a4zmb2r/

St. Edward’s and Christ Church of Joliet and Kendall County will celebrate 3 Christmas services

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/19/st-edwards-and-christ-church-of-joliet-and-kendall-county-will-celebrate-3-christmas-services/a579ld7/

Plainfield Fire Protection District receives Toys for Tots donation

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/22/plainfield-fire-protection-district-receives-toys-for-tots-donation/ar32m7q/

IDOT’s Annual Traveler Opinion Survey Available

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/07/idots-annual-traveler-opinion-survey-available/ataz34d/


'Santa' blesses Joliet seniors

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/23/30df9ca459794313818a37f9efea80f1/index.xml

IDPH announces preliminary test results for Legionella bacteria at veterans' home

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/23/idph-announces-preliminary-test-results-for-legionella-bacteria-at-veterans-home/a10fan4/

Plainfield church announces Christmas Eve, Christmas Day Masses

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/19/plainfield-church-announces-christmas-eve-christmas-day-masses/adm2knk/

Archery fall turkey harvest update

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/06/archery-fall-turkey-harvest-update/aayg51q/

Sara Evans to appear at Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/23/b6d61fe7ec624502bdd5ea2a3e194a30/index.xml

Forest Preserve District’s ‘Snow Day Festival’ debuts Jan. 20 at Plum Creek Nature Center

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/23/forest-preserve-districts-snow-day-festival-debuts-jan-20-at-plum-creek-nature-center/aogex1b/

Lincoln-Way Marching Band to host first Tournament of Roses fundraiser 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/23/lincoln-way-marching-band-to-host-first-tournament-of-roses-fundraiser/azgdjm1/

Workforce Center of Will County to host LinkedIn speaker

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/23/workforce-center-of-will-county-to-host-linkedin-speaker/ayjvrae/

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for Bryony.

Ed Calkins and the Queen of Christmas

Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, from Ed Calkins Steward of Tara (and me)

But sleep and the chance to escape the avalanche of horrible knowledge eluded him. As the boy contemplated the ceiling cracks, he hoped for early trucks and quick delivery, but John-Peter abandoned that hope after Ed’s shouting jolted him awake. A steady stream of snowflakes floated past his window.

            Ten minutes later, the roads were already thick with the slippery mass. Ed peered between the frozen smears his old wipers left on his windshield as he guided his car toward Main Street.

            “John-Peter, it’s a good thing Irishmen have an abiding sense of tragedy. It sustains them through temporary periods of joy.”

            “I never heard that saying.” The yawn escaped his lips before he could stop it. “Did you make it up?”

             “No, ‘tis as old as the hills of Ireland.”

            The boy huddled deeper within his coat and leaned his head against the frozen window. A thirty minute nap was more welcoming than listening to Ed quote Irish proverbs. He woke with a start. Shivering, he pulled the musty old burlap that served as a blanket around his neck and peeped into the parking lot. Thick layers of heavy, still-falling snow covered the vehicles. Carriers, eyes at half mast to block the driving wetness as they left the building’s shelter, struggled to push their carts through the slush.

            A cart handle scraped the car, but the carrier kept going without a single apology. John-Peter opened the door, stepped out, and sank halfway to his knees. He wasn’t surprised, only cold and damp. Intense snowfalls were a part of every winter he'd ever known. He shuffled and slid to the center and then blinked against the bright lights.

            Ed Calkins, standing tall on a work station, cupped his hands around his mouth, and called out, “The Queen of Christmas!”

            The winner was one of the new carriers, a tiny woman who barely reached John-Peter’s shoulder. Her girlish giggling at being honored in this manner belied the oily, gray strands drooping onto her forehead. With mincing steps, the woman approached Ed Calkins, climbed onto the station beside him, and allowed him to place a jingle bell tiara on her head.

            “All hail Gloria Nefstead, our new Queen of Christmas!”

            One carrier yelled, “Hurray!” A few more clapped their hands. Most ignored the festivities as they hurriedly double-bagged their papers. Clutching the back of the work table, Ed lowered himself to a sitting position and then bounced to the ground. That’s when he noticed John-Peter.

            “Good. You’re awake. Three new drivers need to sign my petition. Can you bag the Munsonville Weeklies while I go hunt them up?"

            "Sure, Uncle Ed.”

             “Don’t forget. Double bag.”

            The plows were working their way down the main roads, and the sky was hinting at a few pink streaks by the time Eircheard's Emporium came into view. Eircheard was just setting two freshly baked loaves as John-Peter and Ed slid through the door. John-Peter devoured the first loaf with half the contents in his water jug before Ed made his first deal of the day.

            “Got any elf costumes?”

            The little old man leaned back in his chair and relit his pipe, puffing on it a few times before he spoke. “Didn’t you buy one last year?”

            “Look how the boy has grown. He’s not going to fit into that costume. Hey, you didn’t sell that collection of Irish toasts I was reading here yesterday?”

            “I’ve seen plenty an Irish lad grow big and strong on my bread. And, no, I didn’t sell the book yet. It’s around here somewhere.”

            John-Peter swallowed the last mouthful and cut a thick slice from the second loaf. He didn’t doubt the superiority of Eircheard’s bread. He tasted heaven with every bite.

            Ed sifted through a table of paperbacks. "So what about that elf costume?"

            Eircheard rose to his feet and spoke around his pipe. “I’ve got a leprechaun costume in the back that might fit him. He could wear that with your elf’s hat.”

            “No!” John-Peter shouted before he could squelch it.

            Ed dropped the paperback, and Eircheard’s hand, already on the curtain, paused. Surprised at his outburst, John-Peter slid his hand down his jeans and over the bump in his right pocket. Guard your mouse.

            “The boy is right, Eircheard. ‘Twouldn’t be right.”

             John-Peter spread a thick slab across the last piece of bread. “I can wear a green shirt with my suit coat and your hat. That’s more elfish than any leprechaun costume.”

             Lucky for him, the Steward of Tara agreed.

From Staked! by Denise M. Baran-Unland

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for Bryony.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 17 through Dec. 23

Lots to look at this week, and lots of extra deadlines to meet today!

So today I'll just "wave" and continue right onto the stories.

Oh, wait! I do have some very exciting news to share. Bertrand received his very first Christmas present yesterday at WriteOn Joliet's annual Christmas party. And, no, the gift wasn't from me. Check it out on Bertrand's Instagram page, information below.

A quick look ahead: I do have several events scheduled into 2018 and will share those here soon. If you'd like a sneak peak, visit the Fetes and Feasts page at www.bryonyseries.com and the events page at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries.

Also in 2018, I'll be starting a newsletter. I'm giving away the first chapter of one of the books in the Before the Blood prequel as a "thank you" for signing up. Want to be included? Drop me a line at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

And some quick information before 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 in 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.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Telling of their yuletide treasure

We’re long past the days of hanging German mercury glass ornaments or lighting candle stubs on the Christmas tree.

Ornaments today serve more purpose than decoration – they’re treasured keepsakes holding lifetimes of memories.

So I posed this question on Facebook: Do you have a special ornament (or collection of ornaments) you hang every year?

Here are the responses. Enjoy!

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/14/a666f9038c374f31bca49085c50c0939/index.xml

Plainfield native leaves Roosevelt a changed man

Sam Grzelak owes his transformation to Roosevelt, he said.

“I was afraid to talk on the phone before,” Grzelak said. “Well, I got past that.”

addressed

Enough to address more than 400 fellow graduates on Dec. 15 at Roosevelt University’s Auditorium Theatre in Chicago.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/15/plainfield-native-leaves-roosevelt-a-changed-man/aihzhx3/

No one could match this New Lenox woman's kindness

Jim Chuporak, coordinator at the Drop In program at Trinity Services until he retired in 2014, said he met Maria in 2003 and that her kindness "will never be matched by anyone else."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/15/f97941ac87344a2693775559dcb0c1e3/index.xml?page=1

None of them naughty, all of them nice

Local pets pose with Santa

A visit with Santa: What would the holiday season be without it?

And it’s not just for kids anymore. If the following photos show anything, it’s that pets like to pose with the jolly man in the red suit as much as the children do.

And Santa is happy to do it.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/16/5f314b4888314cd89944c52525a8a57d/index.xml?page=1

Despite ALS, former Kankakee firefighter impacted others

By the time Derek was hospitalized, he had a feeding tube and communicated with eye-controlled assistive technology. The former Shorewood resident died Dec. 15. He was 34.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/18/despite-als-former-kankakee-firefighter-impacted-others/a851nbz/

Pets of the Week: Dec. 18

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

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/11/bd86ed91587a40d7aa2903d5eff14937/index.xml

New Lenox, Lemont boutiques offer peace and beauty to breast cancer patients

Each time a customer buys a necklace, he or she is asked to write a positive or encouraging note. These notes are attached to necklaces, which are then boxed together and given to cancer patients at Advocate Christ Medical Center.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/12/85b35c0c6aad4bbba30353315ea98ca2/index.xml

Doc Watson's Smokehouse in Romeoville has a clear barbecue philosophy

From the moment you reach the door at Doc Watson's Smokehouse in Romeoville, it's clear their barbecue philosophy.

ttp://www.theheraldnews.com/lists/2017/12/19/b92880eaf909464bb94cc834c1d588e4/index.xml?page=1

See Christmas through the eyes of a child

Check out the artwork by local youth.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/15/2265a76221864d68b0f4eb36a709bb5a/index.xml

Plainfield band mixes meaning with music

The band’s current passion is raising money for the USO through benefit concerts.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/10/28/plainfield-band-mixes-meaning-with-music/awnsqi7/

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Edward Cullen is Coming to Town: A Twilight Christmas Carol

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Edward Cullen is Coming to Town: A Twilight Christmas Carol