Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 5 through April 11

Good morning!

I have just ten feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post - and more will go live this weekend, especially since I am working this weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Before the stories I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

And if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

Events

National Poetry Month: I've been invited to read and display BryonySeries and WriteOn books at the second National Poetry Month Open Mic & Festival: 6 to 10 p.m. April 12 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet. Admission is free, so stop out if you can.

The Book Market in Crest Hill: I'll be hanging out at The Book Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 15 . Pop in, check out our "spring into reading" display complete with Cindy's Easter Ribbit-Ribbits - and let's chat!

We Can Be Heroes: WriteOn Joliet's third original radio-style theatre performance will take place at 7 p.m. April 25 and 2:30 and 7 p.m. April 26 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet. I'll be sharing more details about this event in the coming weeks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: Last weekend, Rebekah and I created a very special Bertrand the Mouse book that I'm hoping to give away at a special event. The proof arrived last night moments before I had to leave for WriteOn's radio play rehearsal, and it looks great! Yes, I'm STILL being mysterious about it...for now.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (three more this week - our life is like a novel!).

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping to finish the book in 2025.

Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."

Bertrand the Mouse: I have tons of Bertrand photos and books in progress. The goal is to release at least two new ones this year.

Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues and two ways to attend meetings. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I used to curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter/X at @BryonySeries and still post assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

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.

FEATURES

Will County, Joliet District 204 responding to tuberculosis case: Parents in ‘a little panic mode’

Contacts of the 1 affected student notified but health department hit with hundreds of testing requests

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/07/joliet-west-student-diagnosed-with-tuberculosis/

Will County nonprofits plant pinwheels to raise awareness of child abuse

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/04/will-county-nonprofits-plant-pinwheels-to-raise-awareness-of-child-abuse/

Need something repaired? Bring it to Joliet Junior College’s Repair Cafe on Saturday

Free event held at Romeoville campus

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/10/need-something-repaired-bring-it-to-joliet-junior-colleges-repair-cafe-on-saturday/

New Lenox Trinity Services staff recognized for their work

Trinity Services president and CEO praised their dedication

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/08/new-lenox-trinity-services-staff-recognized-for-their-work/

Joliet’s Jefferson Street to get another pancake house

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/local/2025/04/10/joliets-jefferson-street-to-get-another-pancake-house/

Driver flees accident scene in Plainfield

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/04/driver-flees-accident-scene-in-plainfield/

Romeoville welcomes new Mexican bar and grill

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/local/2025/04/05/romeoville-welcomes-new-mexican-bar-and-grill/

Joliet museum to host Route 66 Centennial Summit

Guests may also attend optional pre-summit activities

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/03/joliet-museum-to-host-route-66-centennial-summit/

Will County Pets of the Week: April 7, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/07/will-county-pets-of-the-week-april-7-2025/

5 Things to Do in Will County: National Poetry Month Open Mic & Festival

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/04/09/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-national-poetry-month-open-mic-festival/

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

WriteOn Joliet Radio-Player: Steve Cordin

Good morning! 

In the next couple of weeks leading up to showtime, I'm planning to introduce you to each of the 2025 WriteOn Joliet Radio-Players and flood this blog with show details.

Are you ready? Here goes!

Ten members of WriteOn Joliet will present “We Can Be Heroes," an original radio theater production, at 7 p.m. April 25 and 2:30 and 7 p.m. April 26 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.

Admission is $5.

One of the author/performers is Steve Cordin.

Steve usually lurks in the outskirts of Joliet, Illinois, to pay the bills and bar tabs. He has worked in banking as a repo man, foreclosure guru, and fraud investigator.  

He writes about fraud and crime, and he also writes horror fiction. Cordin is currently working on a collection of crime fiction short stories. 

Steve was a contributor to Jacked: A Crime Fiction Anthology. The book is available on Amazon. 

Another of Steve's crime fiction, Tiger by the Tail, was recently published by Storiaverse, a new platform for read-watch stories.

Contact Steve Cordin at sjcordin@gmail.com.

The other authors and performers on April 25 and April 26 are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Edward Calkins, Holly Coop, Diana Estell, Cean Magosky, Colleen H. Robbins, Jenny Russ, and Duanne Walton.

Director is Anne Magosky

Production assistant is Rebekah Baran.

Lobby doors open at 6 p.m. Concessions and drinks available for purchase. WriteOn Joliet books and anthologies will be available for purchase one hour before the show, during intermission and immediately after the show’s conclusion.

The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre is at 201 West Jefferson Street, downtown Joliet, 60432.

For tickets and more information, visit bicentennialpark.org or contact the office: 815-724-3761 or bipark@joliet.gov.

Sue's Diner: Homemade Pierogies

This week we are featuring a recipe that is a favorite in our family: homemade pierogies.

A pierogi is simply a stuffed dumping. Pierogies are popular in Eastern European cuisine. Some cultures call them pirohi.

Traditional pierogi fillings include potato and sauerkraut, but you may use any filling you like.

I learned how to make pierogies from a cookbook when my oldest son, now forty-three, was about eighteen months old. I always included the kids in making them. 

The ones from the cookbook were dry and heavy, so we adapted the recipe through the years.

My two preschoolers (Sarah and Joshua) helped me make two hundred of them one afternoon in the 1980s when one of our friends was being ordained to the priesthood.

I even had a regular customer for a short time, which provided some extra money for me.

You can try our pierogi recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website. 

This recipe does not appear in Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From "Bryony" which benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place.

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

WriteOn Joliet Radio-Player: Holly Coop

Good morning! 

In the next couple of weeks leading up to showtime, I'm planning to introduce you to each of the 2025 WriteOn Joliet Radio-Players and flood this blog with show details.

Are you ready? Here goes!

Ten members of WriteOn Joliet will present “We Can Be Heroes," an original radio theater production, at 7 p.m. April 25 and 2:30 and 7 p.m. April 26 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.

Admission is $5.

One of the author/performers is Holly Coop, for whom touching hearts with words has become a life purpose.

Holly writes and publishes inspirational poetry, motivational quotes, and spiritual insights. As the author of five poetry collections, Holly hopes her words will stir hearts and inspire others in their purpose.

She also enjoys sketching, creating photo notecards and art, and featuring her poetry. at hollycoopcards.Etsy.com.

At hollycoopauthor.wordpress.com, Holly shares reflections, nuggets of wisdom, and anything that comes to mind.

Holly resides in Joliet, Illinois with her husband, children, and furry friends.

Her poetry collections are available for purchase at: HollyCoopBooks.com and The Book Market Sales and Trading Center in Crest Hill.

Holly's books are also available in the local author collection at the Joliet Public Library. 

The other authors and performers on April 25 and April 26 are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Edward Calkins, Steve Cordin, Diana Estell, Cean Magosky, Colleen H. Robbins, Jenny Russ, and Duanne Walton.

Director is Anne Magosky

Production assistant is Rebekah Baran.

Lobby doors open at 6 p.m. Concessions and drinks available for purchase. WriteOn Joliet books and anthologies will be available for purchase one hour before the show, during intermission and immediately after the show’s conclusion.

The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre is at 201 West Jefferson Street, downtown Joliet, 60432.

For tickets and more information, visit bicentennialpark.org or contact the office: 815-724-3761 or bipark@joliet.gov.

WriteOn Joliet Radio-Player: Mauverneen Blevins

Good morning! 

In the next couple of weeks leading up to showtime, I'm planning to introduce you to each of the 2025 WriteOn Joliet Radio-Players and flood this blog with show details.

Are you ready? Here goes!

Ten members of WriteOn Joliet will present “We Can Be Heroes," an original radio theater production, at 7 p.m. April 25 and 2:30 and 7 p.m. April 26 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.

Admission is $5.

One of the author/performers is Mauverneen Blevins.

Mauverneen (or Maureen as she is generally called) has spent most of her life in the Midwest, although she loves to travel and does so at every opportunity. 

Her interest in photography was sparked at an early age by a beloved uncle, and has developed into a passion over time, earning her a number of photography awards. 

Following in her mother's footsteps, who was also a published writer and author of four books, she began writing and has been published in various magazines and anthologies. 

Mauverneen is the author of "I KNOW That Bird!: Introducing Young Children to some common birds of the backyard," which is available for purchase on Amazon.

Her weekly blog, Positively Tuesday, is an ongoing attempt towards encouraging more positive thinking, one Tuesday at a time. 

She is the mother of three beautiful daughters, and foster mom to her adorable dog, Bailey. 

Mauverneen also created these beautiful individual radio-player cards I will be posting.

The other authors and performers on April 25 and April 26 are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Edward Calkins, Holly Coop, Steve Cordin, Diana Estell, Cean Magosky, Colleen H. Robbins, Jenny Russ, and Duanne Walton.

Director is Anne Magosky

Production assistant is Rebekah Baran.

Lobby doors open at 6 p.m. Concessions and drinks available for purchase. WriteOn Joliet books and anthologies will be available for purchase one hour before the show, during intermission and immediately after the show’s conclusion.

The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre is at 201 West Jefferson Street, downtown Joliet, 60432.

For tickets and more information, visit bicentennialpark.org or contact the office: 815-724-3761 or bipark@joliet.gov.

For more information, visit mauveonthemove.com, maureenblevins.blogspot.com, and writeonjoliet.com.

The Windmills of Your Mind / Michel Legrand (piano cover)

Wild Mountain Thyme - whistle version by Leyna Robinson-Stone

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 29 through April 4

Good morning!

I have just eleven feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post - and more will go live this weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Before the stories I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

And if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

Events

National Poetry Month: I've been invited to read and display BryonySeries and WriteOn books at the second National Poetry Month Open Mic & Festival: 6 to 10 p.m. April 12 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet. Admission is free, so stop out if you can.

The Book Market in Crest Hill: I'll be hanging out at The Book Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 15 . Pop in, check out our "spring into reading" display complete with Cindy's Easter Ribbit-Ribbits - and let's chat!

We Can Be Heroes: WriteOn Joliet's third original radio-style theatre performance will take place at 7 p.m. April 25 and 2:30 and 7 p.m. April 26 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet. I'll be sharing more details about this event in the coming weeks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: Last weekend, Rebekah and I created a very special Bertrand the Mouse book that I'm hoping to give away at a special event - and the proof copy is on its way, hip, hip, hooray! Yes, I'm being mysterious about it...for now.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (three more this week - our life is like a novel!).

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping to finish the book in 2025.

Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."

Bertrand the Mouse: I have tons of Bertrand photos and books in progress. The goal is to release at least two new ones this year.

Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues and two ways to attend meetings. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I used to curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter/X at @BryonySeries and still post assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

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.

FEATURES

Joliet’s former fire chaplain Brother Ed ‘created community’ everywhere

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/28/joliets-former-fire-chaplain-brother-ed-created-community-everywhere/

Gas leak at Crest Hill home may have been caused by animals living there

20-30 cats and dogs found alone at residence

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/03/gas-leak-at-crest-hill-home-may-have-been-caused-by-animals-living-there/

“I Heart Downtown Joliet Video Premier Party

Special event is Friday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/local/2025/04/02/i-heart-joliet-video-promotes-downtown-businesses/

Joliet bank hosting gold coin sale

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/local/2025/04/03/joliet-bank-hosting-gold-coin-sale/

Joliet American Legion Band to host fundraising concert

Spring performance at Old Central Church

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/28/joliet-american-legion-band-to-host-fundraising-concert/

New Lenox’s Uniquely You mental health practice serves neurodivergent community

Brooke Garren: ‘We are the specialists’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/31/new-lenox-uniquely-you-mental-health-serves-neurodivergent-community/

Will County voter turnout on Tuesday at just over 15%

Early voting is increasing in Will County

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/01/will-county-says-14-of-registered-voters-cast-ballots-on-tuesday/

Joliet Township Animal Control discounts pet adoptions in April

Special Saturday hours added

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/04/01/joliet-township-animal-control-discounts-pet-adoptions-for-april/

Northern Illinois Food Bank leader joins Global FoodBanking board

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/local/2025/03/25/northern-illinois-food-bank-leader-joins-global-foodbanking-board/

Will County Pets of the Week: March 31, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/31/will-county-pets-of-the-week-march-31-2025/

5 Things to Do in Will County: Gliding Through Space Ice Show

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/04/03/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-gliding-through-space-ice-show/

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

BryonySeries Books and Easter Ribbits at The Book Market

Now that winter is behind us, be sure to pop into The Book Market in Crest Hill soon and check out the BryonySeries "spring into reading" display.

We've curated seven books for all ages to help stir up some reading fever along with spring fever. All books tuck nicely into an Easter basket - as do Cindy's Easter-themed Ribbit-Ribbits, which are free when paired with BryonySeries book purchases (while supplies last).

See Janet Staley, owner of The Book Market for details and pricing.

Oh, and I'll be hanging out at The Book Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 15 and can answer questions about the series, read an excerpt, or listen patiently to critiques if you already have read a BryonySeries book (or two or three, etc.).

Here's a peek at the books.

Nine Months of Kindness: They say “kindness” begins at home, and home starts with the person in the mirror. In “Nine Months of Kindness,” writer/editor Denise M. Baran-Unland spent part of 2020 exploring ways she could become kinder to herself and the people in her life. She shares her experiences, and her reflections, in this book.

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, Of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: You place the snowy candle in the center of your palm and hold it high. You gaze across the bubbly foam over the azure lake. And you take the first step to who you are, what you lost, and why all your magic can’t bring it back

Cornell Dyer and the Whispering Wardrobe: While investigating a home with mysterious whispers, supernatural super sleuth Cornell Dyer stumbles upon its source: an antique wardrobe in a room all by itself. But when Cornell steps inside, he discovers the wardrobe is more than a wardrobe and a whisper is more than a whisper. Even if Cornell solves the mystery, will he ever go home?

Cornell Dyer and the Necklace of Forgetfulness: A heartbroken lover wants to forget. Supernatural super sleuth Cornell Dyer desperately tries to solve a mystery as his memory vanishes. Meanwhile, he keeps showing up at places he's certain are clues but can't recall how or why he arrived. In this "back to front" story, Cornell races his fading mind to save the day - but which will win?

Bertrand and the Hunt for the Great Golden Egg of Cheese: One night, Bertrand dreamed the Easter rabbit left a golden egg in the grass, just for Bertrand. He woke up that morning wondering if it were true. So he decided to find out for himself.

Bertrand and the Lucky Clover: Bertrand is tired of fighting for his share of cheese. But when Frances, a very wise cat, offers a solution, Bertrand's luck begins to change.

Squeak! Twelve Mouse-Themed Recipes: Wash your hands, put on your apron, and join Bertrand the Mouse in preparing twelve recipes that will delight humans and crocheted mice alike. Recipes either feature cheese or mouse shapes. Cooking safety tips are included.

Happy Thursday!

Sue's Diner: Roast Rabbit With Sour Cream Gravy

Today's recipe for Roast Rabbit with Sour Cream Gravy is one we haven't tried at home - yet.

In fact, I've only ever eaten rabbit once. I was four years old, and my family and I were eating at their neighbor's house two doors down. I was amazed at eating rabbit (I loved seeing rabbits hop in my yard) although my mother said I initially thought I was eating chicken.

This recipe for Roast Rabbit with Sour Cream Gravy was modified from the Bohemian-American Cookbook by Marie Rosicky, published by the Automatic Printing Company (www.autoprintomaha.com). 

It also appears in the BryonySeries cookbook Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony," which is a permanent fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties.

And it's perfect for Eastertide - as long as you don't tell anyone you've cooked the Easter Bunny.

Here is a summary of where it appeared in Bryony:

 Although Simons Mansion hosted most of Munsonville’s festivities, the villagers reciprocated one summer with a celebration in honor of John and Bryony Simons, with John providing the entertainment. A torn dress kept Melissa away from the refreshment table, but, except for the cake, we doubt she would have eaten anything from it, anyway. 

Try the recipe on the Sue's Diner page on the BryonySeries website.

But try the recipe this week. It will be gone some time next week. A new recipe will take it's place. 

If you have any troubleshooting questions or comments, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. 

By the way, Sue's Diner is only real in the BryonySeries world. But didn't Timothy do a great job making the page look like a real menu at a vintage diner?

Here is the full diner page: bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner. You can't really order, of course (wouldn't it be great if you could?).

For more BryonySeries recipes, check out our three cookbooks at our BryonySeries bryonyseries.com/general-store.

WriteOn Joliet Presents "We Can Be Heroes"

Two years ago, WriteOn Joliet did something very unusual for a writer's group.

Eight WriteOn Joliet members presented original readings in a radio theater style performance at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park in Joliet, which you can watch here and here.

The response was so positive, Bicentennial Park invited us back with a new show in 2024 for two performances instead of one. 

Each member of the original cast returned. A ninth WriteOn Joliet member joined us.

And sooooooo...

In 2024, WriteOn Joliet presented “Fragments of Time,” another original radio theater production, at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre in Joliet, which you can watch here and here.

Well, we're back in 2025 - and we've added a THIRD show.

Ten members of WriteOn Joliet will explore various aspects of heroism in original radio-style stories and poems at 7 p.m. April 25 and 2:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. April 26  at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre.

Admission to “We Can Be Heroes” is $5.

Authors and performers are Denise M. Baran-Unland, Mauverneen Blevins, Edward Calkins, Holly Coop, Steve Cordin, Diana Estell, Cean Magosky, Colleen H. Robbins, Jenny Russ and Duanne Walton.

Director is Anne Magosky.

Production Assistant is Rebekah Baran.

Lobby doors open one hour before performances. Concessions and drinks are available for purchase. WriteOn Joliet books and anthologies will be available for purchase one hour before the show, during intermission and immediately after the show’s conclusion.

The first 15 attendees at each performance will receive a free copy of WriteOn Joliet’s 2024 anthology “Write Where We Are,” courtesy of Saporta Law Offices in Joliet.

The Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park and Theatre is at 201 West Jefferson Street, downtown Joliet, 60432.

For tickets and more information, visit bicentennialpark.org or contact the office: 815-724-3761/ bipark@joliet.gov.

WriteOn Joliet is a welcoming, diverse group of writers of varied skills, interests and experience. The group includes professional journalists, fiction novelists, bloggers, screenwriters, musicians and poets. We promise a safe, comfortable and supportive atmosphere to share your work, and constructive feedback so that everyone can benefit from our shared knowledge.

WriteOn Joliet is a proud partner of the Joliet Public Library and The Book Market in Crest Hill.

 For more information, visit writeonjoliet.com.

Stop out if you can! We strive to entertain and inspire you!

Bertrand Photo Shoot For New Book

Rebekah and I spent the bulk of the last two weekends "helping" Bertrand the Mouse create backdrops and costumes for a very special new book - and then we shot it all yesterday, too.

Or as Daniel said, we spent many, many, many hours "doing arts and crafts."

The kitchen was full of our supplies.

My bedroom was full of our supplies.

The hall was full of baskets of laundry.

Poor Faith hid under the bed during the shooting (the lighting was best in my room, especially once we utilized the closet and bathroom lights, too). so I moved to her food and water to her (which she ignored).

Bertrand loved the "making" of the backdrops but was less enthused about the "picture-taking."

He complained that his costumes were too hot (nice try, he wore the main one two days in a row last year at a 100-degree event), that it was taking too long, that he was bored, that he had to pee, that he was thirsty, that he was hungry etc. - and the irony of consistently repeating, "Say cheese!" over and over for many retakes was not lost on him.

Since this is an extra-special Bertrand book, I'm not divulging its topic or subject matter right now.

But I will share five outtakes that barely hint at the work involved and the (overall) fun we had.

Happy Monday!

Ost.The heirs - Love is (piano cover)

A Walk In The Irish Rain

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 22 through March 28

Good morning!

I have just eight feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post, since I was in the hospital for a few days, last week, and I'm still catching up.

But I did write more than eight stories this week - and some will go live this weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Before the stories I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

And if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

Events

Inkwells and Espresso: I'm planning to hang out with local writers and work on copyediting tomorrow from 10 a.m. to noon tomorrow at Critical Grind Board Game Cafe in Shorewood.

National Poetry Month: I've been invited to read and display BryonySeries and WriteOn books at the second National Poetry Month Open Mic & Festival: 6 to 10 p.m. April 12 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet. Admission is free, so stop out if you can.

We Can Be Heroes: WriteOn Joliet's third original radio-style theatre performance will take place at 7 p.m. April 25 and 2:30 and 7 p.m. April 26 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet. I'll be sharing more details about this event in the coming weeks.

Plus, BryonySeries has a new display up at The Book Market in Crest Hill (complete with Cindy's Easter ribbits - more on this next week). And I plan to hang out and sign books one day in April and one in early May (dates to be announced). I'm having surgery in mid-May, so additional events will be scheduled after that.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: Barring any further emergencies in our life, I am working on a special Bertrand the Mouse book this weekend that I'm hoping to give away at a special event. Yes, I'm being mysterious about it...for now.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (three more this week - our life is like a novel!).

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects. But I'm hoping to finish the book in 2025.

Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."

Bertrand the Mouse: I have tons of Bertrand photos and books in progress. The goal is to release at least two new ones this year.

Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues and two ways to attend meetings. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I used to curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter/X at @BryonySeries and still post assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

Again, not sure yet about the direction of the BryonySeries Twitter/X account. Still mulling that over.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

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.

FEATURES

‘I’m not going to be broke’: Former homeless mom shares strategies in Joliet

Diane Nilan and Melissa Agunloye shared their experiences, knowledge at Daybreak Center

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/25/joliet-shelter-founder-former-homeless-mom-shared-strategies-for-families-at-daybreak-center/

Where to catch a fish fry in Will County during Lent

Some also offer chicken meals

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/05/will-county-fish-fries-to-try-this-lent/

Joliet Junior College music teacher to be honored with new scholarship program

The goal is to raise $15,000

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/22/joliet-junior-college-music-teacher-to-be-honored-with-new-scholarship-program/

Romeoville getting new hotel on Normantown Road

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/local/2025/03/26/romeoville-getting-new-hotel-on-normantown-road/

Joliet Chamber announces Councilman Cardenas as recipient of community leadership award

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/local/2025/03/25/joliet-chamber-announces-councilman-cardenas-as-recipient-of-community-leadership-award/

Joliet toy drive nets 1,000 toys for local children

Joliet Junior Woman’s Club led effort

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/23/joliet-toy-drive-nets-1000-toys-for-local-children/

Will County Pets of the Week: March 24, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/03/24/will-county-pets-of-the-week-march-24-2025/

5 Things to Do in Will County: Hoo Haven Owl Program

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/03/27/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-hoo-haven-owl-program/

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"