Tuesday, May 16, 2023
Preparing a Place
Friday, October 30, 2020
Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 18 through Oct. 30
WHEW! What a first week back at work.
Fortunately, I was smart enough (it happens, sometimes) to sift through email and plan my week on Sunday. Sometimes I am smart like that, and the week felt very productive.
Last night, I took my first glimpse at some of The Phoenix that I worked on during the second at-home writing retreat of 2020. Most of these excerpts will only need editing, so I am super pleased about that.
Plans for this weekend: Halloween plans remain uncertain at this point, but Rebekah wants to assemble some Halloween bags for the grandchildren.
I definitely will be working on The Phoenix, as well as Ruthless.
I have to finish the BryonySeries November calendar.
And I have two more editing clients, whose work I hope to start tackling next week - or even this weekend, if the contracts come back in time.
Be sure to check out two amazing reviews for the newly released Lycanthropic Summer.
I hope anyone who is reading this blog is having an amazing morning and that Friday only gets better.
WRITERS
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.
NEWSLETTERS
Sign up for the Will County Go Guide
http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//
Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter
http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/
Sign up for The Munsonville Times
https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times
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.
For 5 years Joliet woman helped the homeless - now she's 1 of them
VIDEO: She lost her home on Friday night
VIDEO: Coming home the day after a fire
K-9 officer at Will County forest preserve retires
Grieving loved ones this year? Honor them with a light of love
Cause of fire that left Joliet family homeless under investigation
Brother, can you spare a ride? Senior Services of Will County seeking volunteer drivers
LocalLit book review: Captain Character, The Legend
Plainfield woman making Ghoulie Gourds to benefit local animal rescues
'I’d rather keep people alive than make a quilt'
Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."
Friday, February 21, 2020
Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Feb. 16 through Feb. 21
But, alas, t'is true!
So no editorializing from me today, just plenty of places to find me on social media and some great features stories to read.
Scroll through this page, click where the interest leads, and enjoy! :)
Have a great Friday readers, writers, and BryonySeries fans.
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.
A program to help Joliet-area teens graduate into life
Upcoming, interactive workshop helps ‘identify the laws of success’
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/10/a-program-to-help-joliet-area-teens-graduate-into-life/ak473gn/
Joliet hospice now has a certified dementia practitioner
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/11/joliet-hospice-now-has-a-certified-dementia-practitioner/amdau2e/
From a Depression-era technical school to a Romeoville university
Lewis University's roots start with a Chicago bishop dedicated to Catholic social justice
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/10/from-a-depression-era-technical-school-to-a-romeoville-university/ais105k/
LocalLit book review: 'The Divine Mercy Chaplet: A Deep Meditation' by James Mark of Braidwood
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/18/locallit-book-review-the-divine-mercy-chaplet-a-deep-meditation-by-james-mark-of-braidwood/a8bi29r/
Joliet Junior College's Thrive delivers upscale food and helps students succeed
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/19/joliet-junior-colleges-thrive-delivers-upscale-food-and-helps-students-succeed/asqdl54/
'It's scary when you think how quickly things can happen'
Experts win Will, Grundy counties discuss grain bin safety
https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2020/02/20/6d0bc180b643443f94fc3b8d5dc9a349/index.xml?page=1
Some Joliet-area fish fries to check out this Lent
And some good reasons for adding more fish to your diet
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/18/some-joliet-area-fish-fries-to-check-out-this-lent/atu7z3o/
Joliet’s Taco Truck serves up excellent tacos
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/19/joliets-taco-truck-serves-up-excellent-tacos/aivzuzx/
Don't limit Harriet Tubman
Joliet theater to host performance based on the life of Harriet Tubman
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/06/dont-limit-harriet-tubman/aubrapb/
Get entertained at Rialto Square Theater in Joliet
(Check out all these upcoming shows!)
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/18/get-entertained-at-rialto-square-theater/a3qdqs4/
LocalLit book spotlight: 'One Shoe Off' by Sue Merrell, formerly of Joliet
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/20/locallit-book-spotlight-one-shoe-off-by-sue-merrell-formerly-of-joliet/agstpq9/
Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."
Wednesday, February 12, 2020
Community News: Feb. 12 and Feb. 13, 2020
If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.
Joliet native is 2019 Military Instructor of the Year
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/05/joliet-native-is-2019-military-instructor-of-the-year/am35bw/
Trinity Services in New Lenox, receives grant from to pilot remote support services in 6 locations
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/05/trinity-services-in-new-lenox-receives-grant-from-to-pilot-remote-support-services-in-6-locations/anec1iv/
Kiwanis Club of Joliet and the Zonta Club of the Joliet Area to hold centennial celebration
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/06/kiwanis-club-of-joliet-and-the-zonta-club-of-the-joliet-area-to-hold-centennial-celebration/anxcfds/
'Don’t assume you can’t still get pregnant'
Lemont doctor offers insights on menopause
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/05/dont-assume-you-cant-still-get-pregnant/a59q19z/
Edward-Elmhurst launches new mobile app, MyEEHealth
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/05/edward-elmhurst-launches-new-mobile-app-myeehealth/agk7v7a/
Joliet hospice to host 'Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans Day Celebration'
https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/06/joliet-hospice-to-host-welcome-home-vietnam-veterans-day-celebration/a8742qt/
NEWSLETTERS
Sign up for the Will County Go Guide
http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//
Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter
http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/
Sign up for The Munsonville Times
https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times
Monday, January 6, 2020
Community News Update with a Sprinkle of Commentary
Speaking of holidays, my family is celebrating our family Christmas tomorrow, a tradition that began a long time ago in our family.
I'll expound why in another post. But our family is not the only family celebrating Christmas tomorrow. Plenty of other families in the Joliet area will be celebrating, as well.
Two years ago, I wrote a story for The Herald-News explaining why.
https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/01/04/72fa64f0ec884df98d8817c50dd03f2e/index.xml?page=1
Be sure to check out some of the Joliet area "community new" below.
If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.
250 students at D. 202 in Plainfield named 2020-2021 Illinois State Scholars
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/18/250-students-at-d-202-in-plainfield-named-2020-2021-illinois-state-scholars/acyr60k/
Longtime Plainfield D. 202 HR director is new assistant superintendent
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/20/longtime-plainfield-d-202-hr-director-is-new-assistant-superintendent/ay7mn38/
Plainfield High School – Central Campus names principal
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/20/plainfield-high-school-central-campus-names-principal/angfe8a/
Lincoln-Way East student completes new AFJROTC flight academy program
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/18/lincoln-way-east-student-completes-new-afjrotc-flight-academy-program/axmjt92/
Joliet students treated to Operation Santa party
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/20/holiday-party/dy4aaw4/
Hufford students collect donations for Joliet rescue
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/24/hufford-students-collect-donations-for-joliet-rescue/a8ojyn2/
Frankfort students explore their names, patriotism
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/11/frankfort-students-explore-their-names-patriotism/dubjiqp/
Joliet Fire Department served up food baskets
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/09/joliet-fire-department-served-up-food-baskets/as7leq8/
Joliet students collect and donate food
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/09/joliet-students-collect-and-donate-food/a5gtzn7/
Frankfort school donates to food pantry
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/24/frankfort-school-donates-to-food-pantry/avankko/
L-W AFJROTC cadets receive orientation flight with the Illinois Air National Guard
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/18/l-w-afjrotc-cadets-receive-orientation-flight-with-the-illinois-air-national-guard/djbwy80/
Lemont lights up for the holidays
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/18/lemont-lights-up-for-the-holidays/ajoraq/
IDNR encouraging pollinator-friendly Habitat on solar energy sites #pollinators
Easterseals Joliet Region held annual meeting
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/18/easterseals-joliet-region-held-annual-meeting/ay7olu5/
Romeoville man receives Senior of the Year award
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/23/romeoville-man-receives-senior-of-the-year-award/a5xhdk6/
Shorewood athlete recognized for exceptional dedication Special Olympics
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/23/shorewood-athlete-recognized-for-exceptional-dedication/ackdhrz/
Joliet preschool students had a fruitful advent season
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/23/joliet-preschool-students-had-a-fruitful-advent-season/aapuioe/
Plainfield parish blessed statue of patroness
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/23/plainfield-parish-blessed-statue-of-patroness/a3dw4rm/
Joliet students make holiday wreaths for Our Lady of Angels residents
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/23/joliet-students-make-holiday-wreaths-for-our-lady-of-angels-residents/a116vbb/
St Nicholas visits Joliet students on his feast day
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/23/st-nicholas-visits-joliet-students-on-his-feast-day/aw95s1q/
District 202 schools in #Plainfield, #Joliet, earn extra supply of 'Stop the Bleed' kits stothe bleed
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/23/district-202-schools-in-plainfield-joliet-earn-extra-supply-of-stop-the-bleed-kits/av0wobv/
Heartland Blood Centers now known as Versiti Blood Center of Illinois
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/23/heartland-blood-centers-now-known-as-versiti-blood-center-of-illinois/al6txp0/
Lockport Township Firefighters Local 1544 donate bleedings kits, teach classes at LTHS
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/23/lockport-township-firefighters-local-1544-donate-bleedings-kits-teach-classes-at-lths/a7upnjk/
Silver Cross awards scholarships to hospital employees/children
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/22/silver-cross-awards-scholarships-to-hospital-employeeschildren/al2xe99/
Silver Cross medical staff elects new officers
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/22/silver-cross-medical-staff-elects-new-officers/a7myc8j/
Too late to get a flu shot? Not at all, said health care expert says
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/23/too-late-to-get-a-flu-shot-not-at-all-said-health-care-expert/anfgzo8/
Jackie Bersano to retire from Joliet hospice
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/12/18/jackie-bersano-to-retire-from-joliet-hospice/aan3n13
Friday, October 4, 2019
Community News: Oct. 4, 2019
If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.
Illinois State Museum to return artifacts to Australian First Nations
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/25/illinois-state-museum-to-return-artifacts-to-australian-first-nations/arb02py/
Bolingbrook resident wins photo contest
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/30/bolingbrook-resident-wins-photo-contest/asaz7qe/
Joliet West's Marching Tigers have successful beginning
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/02/joliet-wests-marching-tigers-have-successful-beginning/aifnpie/
Morris Theatre Guild to perform Poe classic Oct. 4 to Oct. 13
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/03/morris-theatre-guild-to-perform-poe-classic-oct-4-to-oct-13/aknor9h/
Cultural Arts event to be held Oct. 8 in Manhattan
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/10/03/cultural-arts-event-to-be-held-oct-8-in-manhattan/acx6tod/
Joliet hospice to host "Snowflakes and Icicles" character breakfast
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/29/joliet-hospice-to-host-snowflakes-and-icicles-character-breakfast/a5pi6x8/
Keeping haunted amusements scary but safe
Department of Labor and Fire Marshal inspect Halloween’s haunted houses to ensure safety for patrons
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/09/25/keeping-haunted-amusements-scary-but-safe/axs2t1q/
NEWSLETTERS
Sign up for the Will County Go Guide
http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//
Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter
http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/
Sign up for The Munsonville Times
Friday, June 28, 2019
Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 23 through June 28
I hope everyone had a wonderful week and that an even better weekend is awaiting you.
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.
He was who they're looking for
Joliet East alumni surprise fellow classmate Lionel Richie on 'Hello' tour
"I think he was just so excited and blown away to see us. He was overwhelmed. He really was."
https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/18/a1440658320d44b98a7c356c71f98e61/index.xml
An Extraordinary Life: A quiet man with priorities in place
Joliet bass drummer was an ardent supporter of the Joliet Junior College community band
https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/18/020989a9f21d4efda3180055e20f119a/index.xml
Joliet hospice writing workshop helps people express grief
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/18/joliet-hospice-writing-workshop-helps-people-express-grief/ahdp5en/
From classroom to the corporation
Joliet Junior College alum using her culinary skills in the workplace
https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/26/80de9a2638f44e09b13936eb3575561d/index.xml
Reluctant to put the bicycle away
Bill Lang of Frankfort said: Any time I am on that trike is worth it.'
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/25/reluctant-to-put-the-bicycle-away/auivxca/
Enjoy a bike ride before cookouts and fireworks
Joliet Bicycle Club's annual event attracts up to 1,000 cyclists
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/21/enjoy-a-bike-ride-before-cookouts-and-fireworks/az0z3jm/
Kids: show your patriotism with a decorated bike at Plainfield parade
https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/26/0943c1c78a6d407d992b79fdb89e6826/index.xml
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Community News: Dec. 4, 2018
https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/03/local-health-events-dec-4-through-dec-11/alpjwpl/
Will County Health Department recommends taking action against prediabetes
https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/04/will-county-health-department-recommends-taking-action-against-prediabetes/ad6rz2r/
Joliet students raise more than $13,000 for Pink Heals
Joliet Junior College nursing department names citizenship award recipients
https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/12/02/1a2fc695bc6044dcbc29dc1dc62d93ed/index.xml
Will County's PrEP clinic celebrates 1 year anniversary
Senior Star ranks third on Fortune’s 50 Best Workplaces for Aging Services
https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/02/senior-star-ranks-third-on-fortunes-50-best-workplaces-for-aging-services/atkbshj/
Joliet hospice volunteer wins award
https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/02/joliet-hospice-volunteer-wins-award/aemnpgd/
Six Joliet students attend American Heart Association event
https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/02/six-joliet-students-attend-american-heart-association-event/a5h2495/
Lincoln-Way West student nominated for program
https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/02/lincoln-way-west-student-nominated-for-program/alykyld/
Timbers of Shorewood donate to Alzheimer's Association
Lemont nursing home recognized
Antibiotics can’t kill the common cold
https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/11/26/antibiotics-cant-kill-the-common-cold/axzgu6d/
Will County Health Department offers free vaccine
https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/29/will-county-health-department-offers-free-vaccine/aiesnzo/
Sign up for the Will County Go Guide
http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//
Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter
http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/
Sign up for The Munsonville Times
https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times
Friday, November 9, 2018
Community News: Nov. 9, 2018
http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//
Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter
http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/
Sign up for The Munsonville Times
https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Community News: Oct. 25, 2018
Local faith events Oct. 25 through Nov. 1
Joliet hospice guild to host 31st fashion show
https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/17/452dcc6614694ffd90d4b0100025fd66/index.xml
VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Sidney Sklar
Sidney Sklar, University of St. Francis, tells why enjoyed reading to children when he served as Principal for a Day at Joliet Public Schools District 86.
https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/ca18f3ce-eb83-43c2-89fa-4a632da0f7e8.html
VIDEO: Principal for a Day: Taryn Fears
Taryn Fears, Greater Joliet Area YMCA, describes what she saw at the Thompson Center hen she served as Principal for a Day at Joliet Public Schools District 86.
https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/3e2b0aba-990e-45bb-b81a-7348d1d53e8b.html
http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//
Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter
http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/
Sign up for The Munsonville Times
https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times
Tuesday, July 24, 2018
Community News: July 24, 2018
CITGO Lemont Refinery joined together to help kids and adults with muscular dystrophy
Check out the following newsletters:
Sign up for the Will County Go Guide
http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//
Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter
http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/
Sign up for The Munsonville Times
https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times
Friday, June 15, 2018
Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 10 through June 15
Speaking of "on its way," projects are moving along surely, if somewhat slowly.
Before the Blood: All of the first novel is edited and half of the second one is, too. REALLY hope to finish writing chapter 17 of the fifth novel this weekend - and that will be after I attend a grandson's T-ball game and the first meeting of WriteOn Joliet's Gothic book club, which is starting off five members strong.
Interested? One does not need to be a member of WriteOn Joliet to participate in this book club.
For information on the Gothic book club and other upcoming events, visit www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.
Cornell Dyer and the Necklace of Forgetfulness: Two images need adjusting, so hopefully soon!
The Art of the BryonySeries exhibit: Met with two of the four featured artists last night and divided up the space. What was supposed to be a half an hour meeting turned into nearly two hours of great conversation since these two artists, who met for the first time, bonded really well! I'll share more about this visit as we get closer to the event.
Have a beautiful weekend readers, writers, vampire fans!
Non-bylined features:
A longstanding dream comes true
http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/05/9fad8c61877842138e36d3b2d64724cb/index.xml?page=1
An Extraordinary Life: A Joliet band mom for all the students
http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/05/a32185d0a6694a77adc3ca220d714af5/index.xml?page=1
Although the concept of mental exercises and the importance of exercising one's mind isn't new, The Timbers program is unique because it brings these exercises into a social setting.
Mystery Diner Matty's in Shorewood is a pleasant dining experience
http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/11/67a0ca99ef6c4b608d803ca124766569/index.xml
Quilt exhibit showcases nature
http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/13/b367a4124ba247b290277cd3d0727602/index.xml
Check out this photo list for great summer makeup and hair tips. And yes, that's my daughter Rebekah who graciously offered her face and tresses.
http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/15/1288238fe4ed4190ab738388cd616202/index.xml
LocalLit author spotlight: Kevin Trusty of Joliet
http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/12/locallit-author-spotlight-kevin-trusty-of-jo/ay27p3i/
Tuesday, June 12, 2018
Community News: June 12, 2018
Multi-state salmonella outbreak linked to pre-cut melons
http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/11/multi-state-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-pre-cut-melons/ajwowu0/
Senior Star seminar provides training for Chicago Association of REALTORS
http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/11/senior-star-seminar-provides-training-for-chicago-association-of-realtors/axy85he/
http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/11/morris-hospital-recognizes-volunteers-for-dedicated-service/apr8i6c/
2018 Best Places to Work in Healthcare includes Joliet Area Community Hospice
http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/11/2018-best-places-to-work-in-healthcare-includes-joliet-area-community-hospice/a7du8n2/
Tips for having a safe summer
http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/11/tips-for-having-a-safe-summer/aiuogh8/












