Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 28 to Oct. 4

Good morning!

I have thirteen stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post with more stories going live over the weekend.

So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

But before the stories, I 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!

Event Updates

The BryonySeries Back-To-School display is up at The Book Market. But we are transitioning to a Halloween display soon. So please do check it out.

We are also participating in three events (so far) this month

Oct. 12: Panic at the Plaza in downtown Joliet.

Oct. 22: The Book Market in Crest Hill from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Oct. 30: Spirits with the Spirits at Black Cat Curiosities in Joliet with WriteOn member Cean Magosky as part of the Joliet City Center Partnership's "Spirits with the Spirits" event.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book, with eleven chapters completely edited, and a heavy editing weekend ahead of me. The plan is to submit a proof to KDP by or slightly after next weekend. We are still estimating a late 2024 release date for this book, with copies available for sale at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Dec. 5.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: No updates here in a very long time, mostly because Timothy and Daniel are super busy with school on top of work (and plenty of work-related traveling). However, I outlined a "bonus" book that is intended for distribution at Bicentennial's "Ye Olde Mayfest" event in 2025. Here is a recap of the 2024 event.

Timothy said his concept for the next book in the actual series will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We are also working on the last book in the series (but it's not the final book, if that makes sense). Timothy is actually writing that one. In order to make progress on any of this, Timothy is hoping to schedule a "Cornell breakfast." But Timothy and Daniel are very busy with work and school right now. We've scheduled and broke several Cornell breakfasts in 2023 and 2024. Our last one was July 2022. So we are LONG, LONG, LONG overdue.

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 in April, has already started working on the cover portrait. I've neglected this book for a few months and hope to revisit it soon. We wanted to release it in late 2024, but 2024 has been a challenging year. I'm shooting for early 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.

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.

And finally...

The manuscript for Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara's third book in his Ruthless trilogy is submitted and will be my next editing project once "House on Top of the Hill" is complete. Ed

s first book is "Ruthless," his second is "The Fifth," and he is also the author of "Denise Unland's Irish Genealogy."

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 museum photo exhibit captures early 20th century in Joliet area

Extensive collection of images were taken by resident more than century ago

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/01/joliet-museum-photo-exhibit-captures-early-20th-century-in-joliet-area/

Minooka family loses all 4 pets to house fire

Family wasn’t home at time fire started

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/26/minooka-family-loses-all-4-pets-to-house-fire/

Why fall is the best time to plant trees

Experts: Tree roots get more time to settle in

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/15/this-is-why-you-should-plant-trees-in-the-fall/

Playnfield Players bringing live theater to Plainfield

Plainfield President John F. Argoudelis: ‘It’s right in their own hometown’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/28/playnfield-players-bringing-live-theater-to-plainfield/

Joliet Wish Upon a Star to host pumpkin derby fundraiser on Saturday

Proceeds benefit children with life-threatening illnesses

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/10/01/joliet-wish-upon-a-star-to-host-pumpkin-derby-on-saturday/

New special events venue coming to Shorewood

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/30/new-special-events-venue-coming-to-shorewood/

Pesciolino Osteria in Channahon remodels, updates menu

https://www.shawlocal.com/morris-herald-news/2024/09/18/pesciolino-oseteria-in-channahon-updates-menu-and-remodels/

New Lenox gets new Mexican restaurant

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2024/10/03/new-lenox-gets-new-mexican-restaurant/

New pizza restaurant opens in downtown Plainfield

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/28/new-pizza-restaurant-opens-in-plainfield/

Bolingbrook pop-up store’s weekend special promotion helps veterans

Store proceeds help fund K9s for Veterans programs

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/26/bolingbrook-pop-up-stores-weekend-special-promotion-helps-veterans/

Plainfield road closures for Sunday’s Harvest 5K/10K Run/Walk

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/27/plainfield-road-closures-sunday-for-harvest-5k10k-runwalk/

Will County Pets of the Week: Sept. 30, 2024

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/09/30/will-county-pets-of-the-week-sept-30-2024/

5 Things to Do in Will County: CAPA Beer Walk

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2024/10/03/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-capa-beer-walk/

 

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 25 to July 1

Good morning!

I have nine feature stories to share with you today - and more yet posted, So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news. 

Over the last couple of months, 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/

I also wrote a three-part series on the impact of COVID on kids, which you will at the bottom of this blog.

On the fiction side of things, 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.

Rebekah also uploaed Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones last night, so we are awaiting approval from KDP. 

And Rebekah is also planning to upload Call of the Siren (the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins) today. So, hopefully, both books will be available for purchase in print in a couple of days.

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.

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.

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

Rebekah has completed cover art for two of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second is halfway written, and the rest are outlined. 

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

Now back to the nine 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.

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 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

‘There is probably no more diverse industry than a hospital’: Mark Steadham, retiring CEO and president of Morris Hospital, looks back on his career

‘Every day that I get a treatment gives me another day with my boys’: Minooka mom with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer praying to watch her boys grow up.

5 Things to do in Will County: bikes, birds and the arts: Plenty of inside and outside events to enjoy

Will County community responds to Supreme Court overturning Roe v. Wade: ‘No woman makes this decision lightly’

Pets of the Week: June 27, 2022: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Another free ‘store’ needs a home: Plainfield’s RichEnDeed lost its space in October, compensates with community events 

Asian carp rebranding: fish story or sustainable?: Calling it Copi takes its place among fish rebrands.

A quiet day Tuesday at the Will County polls: The summer election may have “thrown” voters

Dan Aykroyd and James Belushi to perform at Old Joliet Prison Aug. 19: Event proceeds will benefit the Old Joliet Prison and the Joliet Area Historical Museum 

Kids and COVID

COVID-19 didn’t leave kids unscathed: Aschinberg: ‘Like any negative social event, kids who are most at risk bear most of the brunt’

The pandemic was a lonely time for kids: Loss of in-school experiences, sports affected many youth on some level.

Facing the post-pandemic: ‘We know when something is off with our children’: Showing kids how to talk about feelings is a good first step toward protecting their mental health. 

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 18 through Dec. 31

Good morning!

I have twenty-two features stories to share with you today. a few more will be posted over the weekend, so do watch for them.

I used up the last of my vacation days this week and it has been a whirlwind week of catching up on medical tests, getting a hint of new job duties, fiddling with a bit of fiction, and, most importantly of all, beginning the celebration of the Christmas season with my family, which will culminate in some sort of COVID-safe celebration on January 7.

And now, an update on my fiction projects.

I have about half of Call of the Siren (the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy) ready for editing, a pleasant surprise to me this week, when I started scrolling through the manuscript. This book has a different "vibe" from some of the others in the BryonySeries (all of which have their own vibes, to), but I've struggled to get it where I wanted it. I'm anticipating a late spring publication date. 

That may still be an ambitious goal, but publishing the book at some point in 2022 seems very possible. Rebekah has the cover ready to go. Nancy Calkins created the gorgeous cover art.

Sue Midlock has completed the art for Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical Being" (cover looks great, by the way) and has begun the art for Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones. 

Timothy has nearly completed the outline for the next book in the series, a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes). 

Sarah also had a crazy dream that sounded perfect for An Adventure of Cornell Dyer mystery. But she wants time to draw some sketches, a map, and write the "rules." It's called Cornell Dyer and the House of Broken Portals.

Bertrand the Mouse has "returned," and you can read about it here, here, and here. 

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

Rebekah Baran has completed cover art for two of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second is halfway written, and the rest are outlined. 

Now back to the twenty-two 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.

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 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 Will County Go Guide and Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story and Book Review Newsletter at https://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/

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 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.

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-1.

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

Hospitals in Will, Grundy counties have nursing shortages: Here’s how they’re addressing it.

Morris Hospital updates its visitor guidelines again: The update is because of rising COVID-19 cases

All is calm and a lot is bright in downtown Joliet: Not even the COVID-19 pandemic can squelch the holiday spirit

How bad is the nursing shortage at St. Joe’s? It depends on whom you ask: Chief nursing officer says the Joliet hospital is addressing it well. One nurse disagrees.

Join a neighborhood holiday parade today to cheer a 2-year-old with cancer: Meet at Santa’s hut in Lockport. Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead the way.

Looking for work? Looking to hire? This free Will County resource can help: Workforce Service Division of Will County has plenty of programs to get people hired, positions filled.

52 students at Providence Catholic H.S. named Illinois State Scholars for 2022-2023: All 52 students are from the Providence Catholic graduating class of 2022

COVID cases still rising at area hospitals: Silver Cross releases 5-minute video on the current state of COVID-19

Need extra time to renew that driver’s license? Now you have it: Illinois secretary of state extends driver’s license and ID card expiration date

MorningStar Mission in Joliet receives 400 pairs of socks from 4th-graders: Here’s how you can help the mission’s clients during the holidays, too.

Pets of the Week: Dec. 20, 2021: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

Joliet West honor student portrayed Santa Lucia in church festival: Swedish tradition of Santa Lucia ushers in the Christmas holiday 

Minooka resident receives 2021 Heart of our Community award: Heartland Bank and Trust Company in Minooka honors one Minooka resident each year for outstanding volunteerism 

5 Things to do in Will County: story walks, holiday lights, kids crafts and ‘owl prowl’: And bring your ugly sweather and unwrapped toy to SkooterBELLS

Need 11th hour holiday gifts? Will County forest preserve, Grundy chamber can help: Selections include eco-friendly and fair trades gifts and gift cards for local businesses

Most home fires occur during the holiday season. Here’s how to prevent them.: Help the Plainfield Fire Department keep its holiday wreaths red 

Baran-Unland: Good things happen when we support local artists: Be sure to catch the Joliet Focus “Our Community, Your Experience” exhibit at the Joliet Area Historical Museum.

Pets of the Week: Dec. 27: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

Apprenticeship program at Joliet Jr. College is a win-win for students and employers: Meza-Gotto: ‘Turnover is a major issue in our nation. Apprenticeships help reduce that turnover.’ 

Dec. 29 is the 131st anniversary of the Wounded Knee Massacre. Here’s why it matters.: David Kump of Joliet has pledged to spend the rest of his life making sure people don’t forget

Scholarship at JJC covers costs, provides internships, for eligible students: Aguilar: ‘I was skeptical about the program, especially with all the benefits’ 

Five Things to do in Will County: Lots of ways to ring in 2022: And still plenty of opportunity to check out holiday lights in Joliet.

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 10 through April 16

Good morning!

A super packed Friday is in front of me, so I will keep commentary super brief, especially since I do have sixteen stories to share with you today.

On the fiction front, I am finishing up a new book in the BryonySeries The Adventures of Cornell Dyer series: Cornell Dyer and the Whispering Wardrobe.

I am working my way through edits of The Phoenix, the first book in the new BryonySeries series Limbo. These two projects will make up the bulk of the creative part of this coming weekend.

I am very slooooowly drafting the second book in the Limbo series Call of the Siren. I do plan to fidddle a bit with this book this weekend. I'm also part of a writing retreat next weekend and hope to make some progress then, too.

Now back to the sixteeen feature 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.

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 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 Will County Go Guide and Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story and Book Review Newsletter at https://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/

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 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.

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-1.

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 Area Historical Museum offers family friendly fun on weekends

LocalLit book preview: ‘The Neighbor’s Wife’ is a novel that addresses domestic abuse: Review of this thriller by Jeanne Meeks of #NewLenox will be featured in Tuesday’s LocalLit newsletter

And the promised review is here.

D. 202 students in Plainfield are now attending school 5 half days a week: Take a glimpse of their first day back 

Loss of Smith YMCA not a total loss to East Side, CEO saysGreater Joliet YMCA points to neighborhood programs, but others note another pool is gone 

An Extraordinary Life:‘She was tough, but she was sensitive’: Lockport honors the memory of its first female police officer with a fire pit and dedication ceremony

Troy 30-C approves hiring of new administrators: School board approved positions at March meeting

Plainfield nonprofit raises money to rebuild kitchen, feed 174 students at Haiti school: 'Hungry Hearts’ campaign runs through April 30

Pets of the Week: April 12: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption 

Will County making progress in vaccinating brown, Black communities: Health depart. partnering with other social service organizations to coordinate COVID vaccine appointments 

D. 92 board of education waives registration fees for the 2021-2022 school year: Families of incoming kindergarten students must register online

Excellence in the arts is alive and well among Will County students: Students in Joliet and Plainfield earn awards, JCA National Art Honor Society members bring beauty to foster children 

RE/MAX honors #Shorewood agent, Plainfield broker for giving back, community service

Principal at Lockport School created an environment of togetherness and inclusion

Joliet Township High School Class of 1958 to host 80th birthday party reunion: Make reservations now for May 1 event 

Plainfield school will have new assistant principal next year: Erin Allison will serve as assistant principal at Liberty Elementary School 

Joliet author publishes economics book for kids: Review of ‘Abdurrahi’ms ABC Economics for Children’ coming Tuesday

Murder mystery musical, nature programs, charity sewing event: Will County Inside/Outside Guide offers tips for enjoying your weekend and beyond

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 16 through June 21

I hope everyone is having a great week, and has an even better weekend plan.

I have a smattering of things planned. Here's a quick glance:

Transfer my copy edits of the fifth and final installment of Before the Blood from hard copy to manuscript.

Read through the proof copy of Cornell Dyer and the Eerie Lake.

Start the actual writing for Cornell Dyer and the Never Robbers.

Keep working on the outlines for Lycanthropic Summer and the "Limbo" trilogy.

Spend an hour or two with one of my grandsons to assess him for second grade (his parents are planning to homeschool him next year, and I'm helping them plan a curriculum). The trade-off: Joshua is cooking dinner (his famous poor boys, yum!).

Work on Phyllis' memoir.

Bring a friend who has lung cancer a couple surprises.

Visit Ron in the nursing home if he is up to it. For those of you who pray or think good thoughts, please keep him in prayer. This is a trying time for our family.

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

Non-bylined features:

Monday through Saturday I assembled my non-bylined works - brief posts and calendar listings - into one convenient file and posting them on Facebook in the evening, so readers can easily choose the ones they want to read.

One can also find those event listings, the Gotta Do It calendar, as well as the pets, health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars, under the sections tab on the left hand side of http://www.theherald-news.com/. Click on "features" and the topics drop down.  Gotta Do It runs under "people."

Community news? Again, under the sections tab, under features, and by topic. Updates are posted on these days in print and web (and some only on web on other days as I have the time): 

 Social media:

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

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

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

Upcoming events:

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

Check out the progress he has made so far. Each square is hand-built. 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. Again, Timothy is in the process of updating the website, so all titles may not appear. If you have any questions, email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. And if you've read (or plan to read) any of my books. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Giving healing a chance to bloom
Former Joliet man chronicles his grief at the loss of his father

"I know there are a lot of people, adults, who have gone through similar things," Jeff Joutras said. "It's OK to be vulnerable. That's when we experience love and freedom, is when we're vulnerable. To keep all that stuff inside is not very healthy."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/11/5681e028842841b98b06b34bbe81d734/index.xml


An Extraordinary Life: Everyone's faith-filled 'go-to lady'
Rev. Genevieve Brown of Joliet was a woman trailblazing accomplishments

Steve Evans said, "We did not have a lot of things, but she made sure we had love for each other as brothers and sisters, something she stressed through our adult lives. She was an amazing, amazing woman."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/11/0e377858222f40d885552fbf2fdfd634/index.xml


Local 'Prodigal Son' returns home to help
Joliet pastor says, 'No one is born saved. We've all done something.'

Steve Evans said, "During my teens years, I made some bad decisions. I got into scrapes with the law and I was a drug addict for over 30 years. I was an alcoholic, as well. But God delivered me from that – it's been about 27 years now that I've been what they call 'clean and sober.'"

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/06/11/local-prodigal-son-returns-home-to-help/aqs517i/


A 'refined and sophisticated' drink
Joliet Bourbon Club helping museum with its bourbon tasting event

"It's just an informal group of guys that have common love for bourbon," Michael Murray, secretary, said.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/18/dd2c13010f3643a59ab23d78156484be/index.xml


Meet the author, hear his music
Chicago musician Dean Milano set to appear at Joliet theater on June 30 

This event is just one of the many monthly events the Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 is planning to host, said Ron Romero, museum founder and president.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/16/cbeb98c812ce431998c75c65277fcfcb/index.xml


Artworks 'It's 40-year dream finally realized'
David Bellah of New Lenox receives high-profile praise for 1st CD

Bellah said, "I think it takes time for you to take all these musical influences and put them in the blender and go, 'OK, this is Dave being Dave. Not Dave being Steven Tyler or Paul Rogers or whoever.'"

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/16/219eb310c046486ab388744c8d530ba6/index.xml


LocalLit book spotlight: 'My Dad's Rose' by Jeffrey F. Joutras 
Upcoming review of book by former Joliet resident on the grieving process 

In "My Dad's Rose, Joutras shares how the grief affection him for decades, "through his career and through his own journey as a father of five, the loss ultimately manifesting in a depression that he hid for years," the description also said.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/06/20/ec4e4a79bfd145c7b35513539da9da28/index.xml

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

Community News: Dec. 9, 2017

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Tips for keeping your car in the clear this season

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/29/tips-for-keeping-your-car-in-the-clear-this-season/a9emgi7/

Joliet museum to present 'Dark Side Of The Yule' on Dec. 15

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/05/joliet-museum-to-present-dark-side-of-the-yule-on-dec-15/ac61db2/

Lockport American Legion home to Santa's workshop Dec. 10

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/08/lockport-american-legion-home-to-santas-workshop-dec-10/a4t8sl/

Joliet university explains advent

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/05/joliet-university-explains-advent/avix1b/

Hindu temple proposed at former church building in Chicago suburb

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/06/hindu-temple-proposed-at-former-church-building-in-chicago-suburb/a69v26k/

Joliet post office extending delivery hours during the holidays

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/09/joliet-post-office-office-extending-delivery-hours-during-the-holidays/ayzbtiq/

Joliet university deemed military friendly

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/09/joliet-university-deemed-military-friendly/as3rugs/

Timbers of Shorewood to host ballroom dance Dec. 21

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/05/timbers-of-shorewood-to-host-ballroom-dance-dec-21/ak0gy9c/

2017 McBeth scholarship winner teaches special needs students in Plainfield

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/15/2017-mcbeth-scholarship-winner-teaches-special-needs-students-in-plainfield/aash2pt/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony." 

Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Feb. 14 through Feb. 19

Nonstop on-call weekend last week slid into a busy week, which is wrapping up.

I absolutely did peck at Henry's section of Before the Blood. The muse is sparking...hoping it bursts into flames this weekend. Spending time with writerly comrades at WriteOn Joliet last night and writer's workshop always helps, so...

So what else HAVE I been doing all week? Well, writing. And editing.

Check out the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page through the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (Arts and Entertainment), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by the lady of this blog, but only the stories have bylines.

And if you do peek at these stories, to quote our editor Kate Schott, "Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)


Marketing professor at Lewis University in Romeoville bridges distance to make romance work (VIDEO EXTRA)

Not only was I present when he popped the question, I caught it on video. Read on for a very unusual relationship.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/02/09/marketing-professor-at-lewis-university-in-romeoville-bridges-distance-to-make-romance-work/aibym1k/


An Extraordinary Life: Joliet matriarch set the tone for family

She lived a life of various experiences, but family always came first.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/02/12/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-matriarch-set-the-tone-for-family/alysqid/


Joliet and Bolingbrook health experts discuss the problem of prescription drug shortages

An indepth-look at a growing concern from the provider's perspective.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/02/11/joliet-and-bolingbrook-health-experts-discuss-the-problem-of-prescription-drug-shortages/atkc8dh/


Joliet Area Historical Museum to host bingo-themed Catholic comedy (VIDEO EXTRA)

Irreverent? It's co-writer and lead actress doesn't think so. The museum's development director said even "real" nuns are planning to attend. Mary McHale even stopped by The Herald-News in full habit. Watch the video. :)

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/02/10/joliet-area-historical-museum-to-host-bingo-themed-catholic-comedy/aw81ujh/


Lockport branch library to host 2 programs for Downton Abbey fans
By Jeanne Millsap

The show is winding down, but local fun connected with the show is not. Enjoy tea and scones, engaging discussions, and an informative presentation about a Chicago area museum currently displaying many of the PBS' program's costumes.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/02/16/lockport-branch-library-to-host-2-programs-for-downton-abbey-fans/asefldz/

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Week of March 8, 2015

A smorgasboard of writers and stories this week, as I struggle on with IT problems at work, grrrr....

Joliet diocese mission trip provides perspective to college students

By Brittany Keeperman

And here they thought the only ministry was the one they were providing.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/03/joliet-diocese-mission-trip-provides-perspective/ao7ssec/

An Extraordinary Life: Joliet dentist valued faith and family

And golf. Do not forget about golf. ;)

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/06/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-dentist-valued-faith-and-family/axjfy3o/

Pets of the Week (complied by me)

Live in the Joliet area and seeking the purrfect furry companion? Look no further for canines and felines.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/02/pets-of-the-week/acos1j1/

Lewy Body Dementia - indescribable, heartbreaking

By Sean Leary

Often misdiganosed in its early stages, Lewy Body Dementia is as devastating as Alzheimer's.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/06/lewy-body-dementia-indescribable-just-heartbreaking/apynqix/

The Priests bring its unique music ministry to the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet

Timothy first introduced this trio to me on the route. What joy to throw newspapers in the middle of the night to such glorious refrains! He really, really wants to go and take me along, but we just moved, and the money, I fear, is not in the budget.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/11/the-priests-bring-its-unique-music-ministry-to-the-rialto-square-theatre-in-joliet/a21ot9/

Plainfield artist offers art and culture in a fun, hands-on way

By Brittany Keeperman

Dottie Mueller's talent and teaching abilities are diverse. But perhaps the most intriguing part is that she teaches others how to be good, too.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/03/12/plainfield-artist-offers-art-and-culture-in-a-fun-hands-on-way/am2wh1k/?page=1