BryonySeries: Holly Club

Showing posts with label Holly Club. Show all posts

Friday, June 13, 2025

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 7 through June 13

Good morning!

I have just fifteen news and feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post, as well as six Thank You, Teachers stories from our special edition on May 8.

More stories 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 (or where to find the BryonySeries)

I have no events booked over the next week or so since I was supposed to be out-of-town this weekendm for Lucas' graduation.

However, please read how WriteOn Joliet authors are supporting reading in Will County.

And consider helping us in our efforts.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. That's all I'm saying 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 (they just keep coming) and carve some time for a Cornell breakfast (it's been three years since our last one, way, way too long). I'm having surgery July 17, so I'm hoping we can make that happen before then, just to get the process moving and give Sue Midlock ideas for art (she illustrates all the Cornell books).

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 (overall) slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping to finish the book this year, fingers crossed.

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."

Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But I have an idea for a BryonySeries Christmas anthology that I'd like to release in 2026.

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

After 136 years of service, Joliet Holly Club going away

Nonprofit struggling to attract members, raise funds

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/06/136-year-old-joliet-holly-club-going-away-after-final-fundraiser/

New Lenox’s new sports complex at I-355 ‘off to a great start’

Tournaments booked into next year, open house scheduled for June

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/04/new-lenoxs-new-sports-complex-at-i-355-off-to-a-great-start/

Nonprofit seeks to transform Joliet’s east side neighborhoods

Ezio Community Development Services wants to remodel, build homes

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/12/nonprofit-seeks-to-transform-joliets-east-side-neighborhoods/

Babes Tap in Coal City to hold monthlong fundraiser for Pens family

Accessible van desperately needed for 2 members with rare disease

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/10/babes-tap-in-coal-city-holding-month-long-fundraiser-for-pens-family/

Joliet ‘Voices of the Village’ pledge to end gun violence

Group aims to ‘take the power out of the streets’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/08/joliet-voices-of-the-village-pledge-to-end-violence/

Dollar Tree comes to Shorewood

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/07/dollar-tree-comes-to-shorewood/

Shorewood business owner Zonta Woman of the Year

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/08/shorewood-business-owner-zonta-woman-of-the-year/

Michaels acquires JOANN fabrics brands

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/10/michaels-acquires-joann-fabrics-brands/

Cooper’s Hawk restaurant now open in Plainfield

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/12/coopers-hawk-restaurant-opens-in-plainfield/

Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox renames center for women’s health

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/08/silver-cross-hospital-in-new-lenox-renames-center/

Plainfield woman hopes to break Guinness World Record on trivia

Looks to for title as ‘Longest Marathon as a Quiz Master”

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/05/27/plainfield-woman-hopes-to-break-guinness-world-record-on-trivia/

Two Joliet residents die in crash

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/07/joliet-crash-leaves-one-person-dead-woman-in-critical-condition/

Bolingbrook police say Lombard man charged after punching officer

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/07/bolingbrook-police-say-lombard-man-charged-after-punching-officer/

Will County Pets of the Week: June 9, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/06/09/will-county-pets-of-the-week-june-9-2025/

5 Things to Do in Will County: Free fishing days

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/06/11/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-free-fishing-days/

THANK YOU, TEACHERS

Five Joliet District 86 couples juggle work, home lives teaching at same schools

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/05/08/five-joliet-district-86-couples-teach-at-same-school/

Couple dedicated to teaching bilingual education at Plainfield school

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/05/08/bilingual-couple-teaches-at-same-plainfield-school/

Shorewood teacher ‘has a heart that is bigger than the school’

Joey Ancel decided in preschool to become a teacher

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/05/08/shorewood-teacher-has-a-heart-that-is-bigger-than-the-school/

Plainfield ELA teacher recognized by state as one of south suburbs top educators

Jennifer Gruca personalizes literature for her students

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/05/08/plainfield-ela-teacher-recognized-by-state-as-one-of-south-suburbs-top-educators/

Troy District 30-C bilingual teacher ‘is very aware of what her kids need’

Sandra Almazan also wants ‘kids recognized for their accomplishments’

https://www.shawlocal.com/thank-you/teachers/2025/05/08/troy-district-30-c-bilingual-teacher-is-very-aware-of-what-her-kids-need/

St. Mary in Plainfield teacher creates ‘community of caring’

Lisa Phad makes ‘every student feels valued and motivated’

https://www.shawlocal.com/thank-you/teachers/2025/05/08/st-mary-in-plainfield-teacher-creates-community-of-caring/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, October 14, 2022

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 8 to Oct. 14, 2022

Good morning!

So "Stranger Things" has continued happening to me this week

Meaning, if you've been following the national news on the Plainfield, Illinois, couple's "floating Max" mannequin, you'll also want to check out the six stories I've written on this topic so far. Because interest in these stories is off the charts compared to any other topic I've tackled in my decades of professionally writing features (since 1998).

Those six stories are part of the fourteen total features and news stories I'm sharing with you today - and a couple more not yet posted. So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

This past spring, I also wrote an additional nineteen stories for a special "Thank You, Teachers," edition that will ran in print and online on May 5. You can check out all those stories at this link: https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/teachers/

We recently and unexpectedly euthanize our oldest cat. She had an amazing and somewhat mysterious life. You can read details here.

Also, please send up good thoughts/prayers etc. for Rebekah. She's had a challenging couple years, health-wise (especially the last twelve months). Her latest bloodwork was all over the place, more was ordered, and she now needs to see three specialists, had a stress test today (as if she weren't stressed enough already), was back in the ER Saturday for a generalized allergic reaction, and had another ER yesterday and is at the hospital this morning getting more tests down.

Rebekah is absolutely integral to the BryonySeries, not to mention our family. She oversees its all its financial aspects, handles all book production, manages two social media accounts, and is the go-to person at events. Plus, she's a wonderful person. We need her to feel much better soon.

We pulled back WriteOn Joliet's anthology from production to add a memorial page to one of our active members who died suddenly last month. We also lost two former members this year, one of whom was an original member. All three deaths were sudden. Please send up good thoughts/prayers for their families.

If you're in (or will be) the Joliet area on Dec. 8, please consider stopping at WriteOn Joliet's annual anthology release party, which will be held at the Joliet Public Library, one of our community partners. Details are here.

One the fiction side of things, I'm taking an at-home writing retreat, the first of 2022, starting tonight. Instead of focusing on just one book during this retreat, I have several BryonySeries projects on the schedule, along with some "rest time" built in because 2022 has been an intense year.

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, is almost done with a first draft of his second novel. Ed's feeling a bit discouraged because he wanted to release his second book by Calkins Day 2023 (Feb. 13). But as any creative person knows, good art doesn't always happen on our timetable.

Last night Ed said that, one hundred years from now, he'd feel less worse about delaying publishing than publishing a book less good than the first one.

You can find Ed's first novel here.

Also, we recently released Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being. It's not available in the BryonySeries bookstore yet, or on Kindle yet, but it is available on Amazon.

We also released Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones. It, too, is not available in the BryonySeries bookstore yet, or on Kindle yet, but it is available on Amazon.

Next up in the series: a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes), which has a solid outline. Sue Midlock is already working on the cover and the interior art: Sherman Homes and the Howls of Basketville.

And we also released Call of the Siren (the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins). It, too, is not available in the BryonySeries bookstore yet, or on Kindle yet, but it is available on Amazon.

I'm currently outlining the final book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy: House on Top of the Hill.

And I'm also working on a guide book to the series called: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries.

And I'm also working on a novella. But I'm not sharing any details yet.

Jennifer Wainright (frontispiece artist for Lycanthropic Summer) has completed three portraits for "Girls of the BryonySeries" series for tween girls and is currently working on a fourth. The portraits are beautiful and it shows that artist Jennifer Wainright can draw anything from werewolves to portraits!

Rebekah has completed cover art for three of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They, too, are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second should be ready for production this weekend (I had some formatting issues last weekend) and the rest are outlined.

We hope to release the first three books in this series at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party in early December.

Rebekah is also working on updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts, so watch for those.

Now back to the stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too -

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

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

Each Sunday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks or will be featured in an upcoming cookbook.

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. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year, well, except this year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

If you need support in your writing, I highly recommend this Twitter group: #5amwritersclub. I joined it last year. Writers support each other on Twitter and meet every three weeks at 5 a.m. (4 a.m. CST - needless to say, I am often late!) on Zoom.

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 do post the briefs 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 on Twitter at @BryonySeries and assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

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

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

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

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events.

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

Parade-goers enjoy sunny skies, mild weather for 70th annual parade: The Plainfield Homecoming Parade had a new route, increased security this year.

Joliet hospice to host annual fashion show Nov. 6: Deadline to buy tickets is Oct. 18.

Tinley Park woman talks about breast cancer battle: Ericka Moore will share her story at Silver Cross on Oct. 19; stresses importance of getting screened

Joliet man who died in motorcycle accident lived for his young son: Ashley Ruiz: ‘He turned everything around for that 6-year-old.’

Free breast health discussion to be held Oct. 13 at Romeville cancer care center: Men and women of all ages are invited to attend.

DNA testing identifies man from 1974 cold case, Will County coroner announces: Cause of death is still undetermined.

Lockport students help preserve endangered #monarch butterfly: St. Dennis Catholic School created the monarch way station in 2015.

Tickets available now for 12th Men Who Cook food sampling event: All proceeds benefit the Will County Children’s Advocacy Center.

Holly Club of Joliet invites community to ‘Party with a Purpose’ on Nov. 4.: A dressy casual fundraiser replaces annual ball for 2022.

5 Things to do in Will County: Fall fun includes Oktober Fest, pumpkin fun run, pre-Halloween party: Plus, pick up some bargains at Our Savior Lutheran Church’s rummage sale.

Pets of the Week: Oct. 10, 2022: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Shots fired in Plainfield on Monday: No one was injured as far as police know.

STRANGER THINGS

Haunted house in New Lenox inspired ‘Stranger Things’ display in Plainfield: Jeff Eggener: ‘I made my house the main prop.”

Neighbor’s complaints prompt Plainfield couple to take down ‘Floating Max’ from ‘Stranger Things’: Dave and Audrey Appel won’t have a Halloween display this year.

Plainfield family isn’t taking down ‘Stranger Things’ display: Dave and Aubrey Appel plan to make final announcement on their TikTok account on Wednesday

Plainfield couple announces hours for their ‘Stranger Things’ yard display: Joliet police remind the public to be respectful during viewing times.

Hundreds flocking to Plainfield home? ‘Stranger Things’ has happened.: Fans of the TV show have come as far as Colorado to see ‘floating Max.’

How Plainfield couple made ‘floating Max:’ Local physics professors weigh in and Dave Appel, the prop’s co-creator, shares his secret.

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, December 13, 2019

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 8 through Dec. 13

Curiouser and curiouser!

That's the best way to describe this week (thank you, Alice and Lewis Carroll for the phrase).

It's been a week with more twists than a corkscrew (or a good novel). Ever have a week like that?

It's not necessarily been a bad week, just an interesting one (and in many ways a good one).

No, I'm not playing the social media "beg me to tell you." There's nothing in particular to tell - it's just been an interesting week in a way that would interest only me.

But here's something: Even though the day is super-packed I am, from the early morning side of things, right on time and not behind at all.

How 'bout 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):

Social media:

Daily updates: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries. And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to jon WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/writeonminooka/?ref=bookmarks. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

Upcoming events:

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

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

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

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.com. 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.

A 130-year tradition continues
For over a century, the Holly Club has helped people in the Joliet area

The story of who founded and ran it is even more amazing.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/24/a-130-year-tradition-continues/dcun3yd/

An Extraordinary Life: 'He just had that will, I guess'
Joliet man served community through martial arts and mentoring

When when he had days to live, Ozzie Mitchell was at The Peter Claver Center.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/03/an-extraordinary-life-he-just-had-that-will-i-guess/d579auh/

'That’s why it’s a ministry for me'
Gospel artist gives insight into her longstanding career success

It all started with a vision her mother had when she was pregnant.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/02/thats-why-its-a-ministry-for-me/dn2o06i/

Good Barbecue
Taste and atmosphere pleasing at Crest Hill venue

A pictorial glimpse at Fire Water BBQ N Brew

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/12/11/1574bb1c27e34036bdc1e819ab9354ea/index.xml?page=1

'You will live in happiness, too'
Joliet school promotes the fun of reading with One School, One Book

Generally I'm not a fan of "over the top" literary initiatives. But this one is too fun to pass up.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/09/you-will-live-in-happiness-too/d5tx2f4/

Artworks: Joliet, Crest Hill businesses get 'merry and bright'

Spending a night looking for businesses that have decorated for the holidays is becoming an annual pre-Christmas tradition for Timothy and me.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/11/artworks-joliet-crest-hill-businesses-get-merry-and-bright/dfvf7j0/

LocalLit book spotlight: 'Whitewallsville' by Jennifer Russ

Not everyone can tackle mental illness well in a novel.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/12/locallit-book-spotlight-whitewallsville-by-jennifer-russ/aavedka/