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

A quick few pieces of news to share and then onto the stories.


1) The WriteOn Joliet website has a new look. check us out! www.writeonjoliet.com.

2) Come meet some of us in person. We have a table at the Will County Celtic Fest tomorrow and volunteers will be running the booth from noon to 9 p.m. We have books for sale, information about us and some of our upcoming events.

3) Slooooooowly making my way through proofreading Cornell dyer and the Necklace of Forgetfulness. It's been a busy month socially, and my main focus right now is Before the Blood. Although I do hope to finish Cornell this weekend since I'll be on the road (not driving).

4) And speaking of Before the Blood, the goal is to plug up all the composition gaps in the last book during my second at-home writing retreat in early September. In the meantime, I've been rereading and editing...and liking what I'm reading and editing! Finally, right?

5) The Art of the BryonySeries exhibit goes up early September and will remain in place through Halloween. Be sure to check out the wide variety of art: four artist, many different types of work and mediums. Also, a reception will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 27. Stop in to say "hi," meet some local talent, and inquire about commissions, since all four artists are taking them. And yes, they do book illustrations and cover design.

Onward to the "real" writing. Where to find it?

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.

Upcoming events: 

These are listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events 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.

Taking a BikeAround memory lane Romeoville assisted-living facility offers virtual program for its clients

It’s supposed to be especially beneficial to patients with dementia because BikeAround lets them travel back to places that have significant meaning to them or speak to their hearts.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/08/17/4391864bddd14b139273c67b3f94b0dd/index.xml

Joliet man ‘wanted to be helpful’

Louis Derlinga did his part to make his community a better place

"My mom didn't want to put him in a home," Terri Derlinga said. "She wanted him in the community. That's why everybody knew him."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/08/14/8cb8d06221b3458ca9616d36133e2c37/index.xml?page=1

A doggone great event

Joliet ReStore site of 3rd annual Homes for the Hounds 

"Tracy will be here with her K9 dog Cody and she'll do a demonstration with her dog that day," Heidi Serena, store manager, said. "And Officer Dean Klier from the Forest Preserve District of Will County and his K9 dog Jullo will be here, too.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/08/20/d07bc9635e3a48fe82f795553bf5d06e/index.xml

'It's just my way of giving back'

Channahon man has donated over 20 gallons of blood since 1986 

"One time I had to delay it because of poison ivy," Fremarek said. "And another time I had to delay it a couple of days because my father-in-law died. Other than that, it's been pretty regular."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/08/14/3ca5248beab4407fbaa1f93e8be857ef/index.xml


Maciano’s in Shorewood keeps dining simple and good 

We decided to try a 12-inch spinach classic pizza, which was described as a “zesty trio of spinach, garlic, and fresh tomato” with a double dough crust. The pizza was hot and was indeed zesty, with a perfect seasoning of garlic.

The spinach on the pizza was plentiful. Our server brought the pizza to us hot out of the oven, with golden brown cheese and crust. The pizza was filling and we had enough to take home.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/08/20/81b6d47427314ea6a353c4d6509c7d57/index.xml


St. Joseph Academy in Joliet starts the school year in a new home 

"There are children who are square pegs trying to fit into round holes, children who learn differently," Jan Novotny, principal and teacher, said. "We have the opportunity to explore different ways of educating children that, if we had a school of 500 kids, we would not have that luxury...we can write our own story."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/08/21/4824792bb414469b8164cae5fe0ea2de/index.xml


Celebrate a day of Irish music and culture on Saturday at Will County Celtic Fest 

Although this story doesn't have my byline, I creatively assembled it from several emails containing photos, event information, and performer links. In print, it ran as a photo page. Online, it's a photo list. check it out! :)

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/08/24/c124790c88bb47feaaf362dce28448b6/index.xml



Artworks: 'Energy, attitude and some jams'
Joliet's Righteous Hillbillies to play Will County Celtic Fest on Saturday

Founder Brent James said, Our live show is full of energy, attitude and some jams. We like to stretch out the songs a bit and see where things go and offer existing fans the opportunity to see and hear something new each time."

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/08/23/artworks-energy-attitude-and-some-jams/aj766b8/


LocalLit author spotlight: J.Terence of Plainfield

J. Terence said, "I try to examine such experiences from a number of vantage points and to incorporate metaphorical, philosophical, historical, artistic and even chronological elements to flesh-out the meaning (s) I’m driving at in order to lead the reader along both a diverging and converging path that’s hopefully rich and at least a little thought-provoking."

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/08/locallit-author-spotlight-j-terence-of-plainfield/ajo40f5/

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

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 3 through June 8

Quick "weather report:" It's raining in Joliet but not on my parade!

Yesterday Rebekah worked on formatting the second book in the Adventures of Cornell Dyer series, Cornell Dyer and the Necklace of Forgetfulness.

And I got absolutely no editing done on Kellen this past week, but am planning to spend Sunday afternoon on it. In tupical "He loves me, he loves me not," fashion, I kept going back and forth with, "It needs lots of work, it does not," until I was messing around with it too much and altering its basic premise.

So I decided to back off and not rush it, to play with it when I could give it focused attention.

Tomorrow, I'm watching a grandson's T-ball game early in the morning (if it's not called on rain), cooking with Rebekah later in the day, and working on the fifth and final novel of Before the Blood when I'm not doing any of the above.

And church. And sleep.

Have a beautiful weekend readers, writers, vampire 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): 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) along with upcoming events 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. And for those who came out to WriteOn Joliet's open mic night last night. Your support is greatly appreciated.

New book focuses on Dellwood Park in Lockport

"The "Dellwood Chronicles" is a 198-page book divided into eight sections Caneva called epochs. Caneva will sell and sign copies of his book during Lockport's Old Canal Days, which runs from June 14 to June 17 this year.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/30/00b7a4d7e816450b93628c1ca0ce80ca/index.xml

An Extraordinary Life: Jessie's still bringing kids to Christ 
Memorial scholarship fundraiser keeps Frankfort teen's mission alive 

During that last trip, Karolyn Nelson recalled one little girl who never smiled, except when she was around Jessie, which made the trip for Jessie.

“She was so excited,” Karolyn said. “She put so much time and effort into that little girl. ... I remember her crying when we left after our last VBS with them, and she said, “I may never get to see them again, but you know what? Because of this, I may get to see them in heaven one day.’ You look back at that as an adult and think, ‘It’s pretty cool to think she was that young and that’s where her heart was.’ ”

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/03/c515fc28b80f4f788d02fddea6c13d54/index.xml?page=1 

For the love of pets
2nd annual Paws on 66 Pet Rescue Day is June 9 in Joliet

"It's not just dogs and cats but rabbits, too," Peggy Grandahl said. "We like to people know they can get a wonderful animal of any age: puppies and dogs, seniors, special needs dogs, purebred dogs. Just because a dog is from a rescue or shelter doesn't meant he won't make wonderful pet.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/03/68d1d0966e134541a5b8920272873d38/index.xml

Romeoville senior living facility offers 2 new programs 

One is an exercise class just for hands. The other has to be read to be believed.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/03/bec386517f9349dfb92d6e99258086a8/index.xml

Cinnamon Stix rule at Jet's Pizza in Joliet

Herald-News staff were divided on the pizza (some people prefer thin crust), but everyone loved the dessert.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/22/62c4e53147664979b3564dc893c5eccd/index.xml 

A sweet taste of  Victorian

Try these 3 easy ice cream recipes from the 19th century at home 

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/05/d1cb7bad83a842588ded00835366af95/index.xml

How to make culinary memories with your kids 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/05/how-to-make-culinary-memories-with-your-kids/arebz0t/

A Plainfield art league of their own 

"For kids who don't' do sports, this is their big game," Mueller said. "This is their moment of recognition. It gives them a chance to be noticed."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/05/076d7d0a2d52491281e9328558e84e3b/index.xml?page=1

New Lenox woman is happily developing her passion 

Maureen Blevins won an honorable mention at the gala opening on June 2. she was thrilled, especially the since Gold Pitcher was a spur of the moment shot.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/05/c117f0495e2942e7822bb9b7bf080e9d/index.xml?page=1

LocalLit author spotlight: Carolyn Hill of New Lenox

Former columnist. Ghost writer. Fiction writer.

Read her short story next week by signing up for the newsletter today.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/16/locallit-author-spotlight-carolyn-hill-of-new-lenox/ay57kuh/