Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 19 through May 24

FYI, I'll be a little less present on social media this weekend.

I have extremely tight deadlines today due to the upcoming holiday, but once they're met, I have some very narrow plans for the next few days: one dinner with family, two coffee dates, and working on four books: readying the entire fifth and final installment of Before the Blood, so I can send for a proof copy, working on Phyllis' memoir, MAYBE (if Timothy has time), completing the outline we started on Mother's Day for the fourth book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer series, and finally, some pecking at Lycanthropic Summer.

I have not had an entire three days off since last September, so I am looking forward to a rejuvenation period. That, and a proper observation of Memorial Day, are my only plans.

Have a great weekend readers, writers, and BryonySeries fans. :)

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.

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.

'My story is not a private one'
Refugee to speak on May 22 in Crest Hill

JC Afternoon Inspiration: Lori Lucchetti, the executive director of Building Peaceful Bridges, said this about Ahlam Mahmoud: ""After everything she has gone though, she sits here with a smile on her face and the energy to do more."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/14/c6008c97ba9d4b83b8170b2a53afa53a/index.xml


An Extraordinary Life: Willing to push through anything
Joliet Junior College alumna and former Channahon resident gave breast cancer the fight of her life 

“She was willing to push through anything,” Ted Allen, Colleen Allen's husband, said.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/14/f415c45abc3843d4b756c45a032bf9ee/index.xml


Healing Abigail: Joliet teen finds her smile and shares message

Ever since Abigail Pike was recognized on March 23 at the Face the Future Foundation annual gala, she's been eager to share her story and empower other people who feel different, too.

"Everybody has something that's different with our bodies," Abigail, pictured many years ago with her mother Lois Pike of Joliet, said. "People might have diabetes or be born with a disability. But people can inspire others with their stories.

"I think that's the whole reason and purpose why people are born different. What brings us together is to spread love and kindness and positivity."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/14/77a84535bbd94295b227c8ca7681080c/index.xml?page=1

Joliet Junior College chef professor shares his best grilling advice

Use Bucci's tips for perfect food this weekend 

Plus, learn about the ONE STEP many people overlook that will make a difference in food taste and presentation,

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/22/6f6f8c1df73a4d6391112965509c3484


A full-scale retirement hobby
Shorewood man paints wooden and metal commemorative axe heads

One project extremely close to Ray Antolik's heart is a special " Pulaski " axe for the town of Yarnell, Arizona, and the memorial the town is creating to honor the 19 Granite Mountain Hotshots that lost their lives fighting a blazing wildfire that burned over 8,000 acres of land in 2013.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/21/ef75b79bda114e6795ae37072a0397a0/index.xml?page=1


Artworks: Plainfield man's song encourages patriotism

"I never served in the military," Joe Ambroggio said. "But my dad and grandfather and uncle are all veterans. I was always taught to respect where we lived and to respect the people who fought to keep us safe."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/21/artworks-plainfield-mans-song-encourages-patriotism/auy6lua/


LocalLit book review spotlight: 'Carry On' by Dr. Daniele de Girolami

"Oddly enough, I'm not a poet. I practice cardiology. Moreover, when these poems popped into my head, I wrote them down feverishly, as if a scribe, to get all the words down to paper. Overwhelmingly, most of the poems were written within about five minutes!

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/24/locallit-book-review-spotlight-carry-on-by-dr-daniele-de-girolami/a8w9w8q/

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