Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug 20 to Aug. 26

Good morning!

I have thirteen features and news stories to share with you today - and 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/

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

Last Friday in the middle of the workday, we had to 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 two specialists.

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. So we need her to feel much better soon.

This weekend, I'm hoping to get WriteOn Joliet's sixth anthology ready for proofing and read through the first eighteen chapters of the second book in the BryonySeries "ruthless" trilogy by Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara while Ed is working on the remaining chapters.

He and I met by phone earlier this week to double-check what chapters he'd sent and where to place them in the manuscript since he's renamed and merged some chapters. You can find Ed's first book here.

Also 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.

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.

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.

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, too, are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second is nearly 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 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

Child’s missing toy dog is now a social media celebrity: Joliet Park District seeking owner of the little stuffed dog Odie

Joliet hospice recently tripled the size of its pediatric program: Lightways Hospice and Serious Illness Care in Joliet now in ‘full throttle’ mode for raising funds 

Pets of the Week: Aug. 22, 2022: Will County Rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Baran-Unland: Frances came to the right back door: Many knew Frances as ‘Franny’ at Rock Soul Love in Morris.

Death of Will County Jail inmate remains under investigation: County jail staff found 78-year-old unresponsive

Fire destroys mobile home trailer and motor home on Joliet’s east side; one transported to hospital: Blaze was quickly extinguished

Most Will County college students see Biden’s loan forgiveness as relief

Will County joins lawsuit against CVS, Walgreen’s, other big-name pharmacies for role in opioid epidemic: ‘This case arises from the worst man-made epidemic in modern medical history,’ the lawsuit states

CAPA Housewalk returns on Sept. 10, with signature cocktails and ‘speakeasy tent’: Quinn Adamowski: ‘I think people, after the pandemic, want interesting experiences.’

5 Things to do in Will County: Enjoy the magic of sunflowers this Friday: Plus, a car show, two small festivals and a farmer’s market

Mammo-Palooza fundraiser on Saturday continues the legacy of #Joliet teen’s big heart: Matt ‘Mammo’ Mammosser ‘was aways first in line to lend a helping hand.’ 

Joliet Junior College renovated its police facility, quadrupling its space: Brandon Campbell: ‘The old setup was fragmented’

New Lenox hospital using new technology to diagnose lung cancer at early stage: Patients have 1 minimally invasive procedure and 1 exposure to anesthesia.

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. 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

 

Community News: Feb. 28, March 1, and March 2

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


Need help? Want to help? Here’s a roundup of area food pantries and upcoming events

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/19/need-help-want-to-help-heres-a-roundup-of-area-food-pantries-and-upcoming-events/a7l74l5/


Local faith events: March 1 through March 8

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/26/local-faith-events-march-1-through-march-8/aer2r8o/

Local arts and entertainment March 2 through March 9 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/26/local-arts-and-entertainment-march-2-through-march-9/a6cwpot/

Joliet students and staff recognized for reading

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/02/22/c7d53aaf35784b58be7c744d68de3b5d/index.xml?page=1

Assistant principal named at Bolingbrook school

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/22/assistant-principal-names-at-bolingbrook-school/awomj1v/

Joliet student receives Latino Foundation Scholarship

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/22/joliet-student-receives-latino-foundation-scholarship/a7id99u/

Will County and Grundy County students earn  deans list

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/22/deans-list/air3rw3/

Manhattan Irish Fest Committee announces scholarship recipients, grand marshal

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/02/22/6296779efdc644aaa7732df7c054be65/index.xml

Bolingbrook church celebrates 15th anniversary with 3 days of events

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/02/28/7286b124eabd49d1b24ce02d2b7e9073/index.xml

Joliet Park District honors avid softball fan

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/15/joliet-park-district-honors-avid-softball-fan/ajsek00/

Minooka woman hosts prayer service in response to school violence

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/03/01/minooka-woman-hosts-prayer-service-in-response-to-school-violence/aqgutyz/

Joliet student receives DAR  award 

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/03/01/e95a66f343944b1485fa6d017f972170



Joliet Catholic high school to present 'Grease' 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/03/01/joliet-catholic-high-school-to-present-grease/ame8bar/

Romeoville Fire Academy lands starring role in documentary 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/28/romeoville-fire-academy-lands-starring-role-in-documentary/aosvy39/

Plainfield schools hold Battle of the Books contests 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/28/plainfield-schools-hold-battle-of-the-books-contests/abdlew1/

Joliet area residents take top 3 spots in 2017 photo contest 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/28/area-residents-take-top-3-spots-in-2017-photo-contest/ai3cka0/

Lincoln-Way students win 37 awards in 2018 Scholastic Art Competition 

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/02/28/7c1dea421fbe4e1f98d56bf12c9dd3b1/index.xml

Romeoville hosts Daddy Daughter dance on day of record snowfall 

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/02/28/a69181de8dab4601ae668a37d7328296/index.xml

Joliet church to host Irish Mass and Dinner with bagpipes 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/28/joliet-church-to-host-irish-mass-and-dinner/aoshv4v/


And the 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

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug. 13 through Aug. 18

Last week we bid farewell to intern Jessie Spangler, on Wednesday we did the same to Megan Schuller. The fact they grew in skill and experience is obvious in the way their writing developed this summer, and we wish them well in all their future endeavors.

It's been a week of regular work and making sure I'm ready to take a week or so off to spend it in Raleigh with family (especially my two daughters). After an up and down few weeks health-wise and a second trip back to the doctor, I finally (crossing my fingers) have my electrolytes under control...just in time for vacation!

I won't be posting while I'm gone, so this will give everyone a chance to catch up on their reading (wink). And if you're seeking a good book (or simply an opportunity to read one of mine), you'll find some HERE. 

Onward to features!

 Local events: Health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars: where to find them? Under the sections tab on the left hand side of http://www.theherald-news.com/. Click on "features" and the topics drop down. Assembled by moi.

More local events: Gotta Do It, also by me, runs each Sunday in the People section.

Community news: Again, under the sections tab, under features, and by topic. Updates are posted on these days in print and web and in web on other days as I have the time: Monday (pets), Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (arts and entertainment), and Sunday (people).

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.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News. And for reading this blog. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Doctorate at age 23 thanks to this educational resource

By Jessie Spangler

“I think we do a great job educating our children, but we need special programs, and we need people to participate,”  John Clucas Sr. said. 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/08/10/doctorate-at-age-23-thanks-to-this-educational-resource/a8ble7r/

An Extraordinary Life: Joliet woman made a 'special' difference

"She [Kathy Green] came home one day and said, 'Mom, I know what I want to do when I get big. I want to coach softball,'" Betty Green, Kathy's mother, said. "So all the kids in the neighborhood would come rapping on their door after school with their bats and their balls and say, 'Can Kathy come out and play?' And I would say, 'After she gets her homework done.'"

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/08/11/540deaf646a24201b16ce3d13acc4b2a/index.xml

Pets of the Week: Aug. 14

Read the caption of each photo to find out about that pet, including where he or she can be adopted.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/08/11/402727fe76534688813a5266513b4145/index.xml

From our house to yours: Two appetizers to try

This week, my daughter Rebekah Baran shared her smoked salmon dip. Makes about a pound and a half of dip.

And if you're not crazy about salmon (or even if you are), Rebekah also included a recipe for pesto swirls that serves 12. Enjoy!

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/08/15/7e759bca3d8a4987a1df645af49fce9d/index.xml

Old Central Church preserves historical past

"The windows in there are beautiful," Sue Pritz- Bornhofen said. "Almost three years ago, we did a $80,000 renovation of the windows themselves just to maintain and preserve them. When you have a building like that, the magnitude of what it does, we don’t let it go wayward."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/08/16/7d1d549b83094e2d9e7bb467839aee75/index.xml

Retired Frankfort dentist captures the art of the game

By Jessie Spangler

Steve Lotysz's  most recent painting is for the 2017 PGA Championship, where a white building perched on a grassy hill overlooks a body of water, surrounded by trees.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/08/16/3f00bc3bd6b14c829e8b8fd42bb8c7a6/index.xml?page=1

Artworks: Shorewood teen hits the stage, produces album

By Megan Schuller

Lindsay Kent has been working with the band The Millennials for eight months.

They have performed 40 shows this summer alone, including performances such as Shorewood’s Crossroads Fest and the Taste of Joliet.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/08/12/35c1c7b883e840faa57f035364bbae2c/index.xml

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 2 through April 7

Running a bit behind this morning, not quite up to par yet. I'm the weekend editor, too, so still trying to take it a bit easy AND work, a daunting task.

And now...

First, the non-bylined work: the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at this link:. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/

Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page throughout 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.

Another option: I do post the briefs and calendars on Twitter during the week, so you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61. And of course, I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries.

Just an FYI: On free days, holidays, and Sundays I'm not on call, I only post the blog to my "real" Twitter account, as my company insists we do take time off. I'm less reasonable, so unless I'm on a real vacation, I still post to the BryonySeries accounts.

FYI: videos have not been attaching to my Herald-News stories, although they do run for a time on the home page. You may also find them under the "videos" tab.

If you'd like to watch a video, and it's not showing up for you, message me, and I'll manually attach it. No worries for this week, though, although I will have videos for Sunday.

Thank you for reading The Herald-News.

Frankfort woman and Palestinian native recognized for educational contributions to Arabic youth

Hala Tibi Qato takes a diverse approach when teaching the Arabic language and religion

The students read Arabic literature and listen to Arabic radio broadcasts. They put on skits in Arabic and play charades in Arabic. Qato found the students enjoyed role-playing, which impacted their love for the language.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/03/29/frankfort-woman-and-palestinian-native-recognized-for-educational-contributions-to-arabic-youth/au1pkyt/

An Extraordinary Life: Born in Italy, Irma Kump blossomed in Joliet

Irma Kump lived altruistically and artistically, in her own fashion

Her son Timothy S. Kump said she leaves behind “a spirit of unselfishness” and called her life “a guide to how to treat people and live decently. 

"She was telling me, ‘Everyone is so nasty today,’ ” Timothy said. “ ‘Let’s do a campaign, design a button and tell everyone two words: Be nice.’ ”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/03/22/an-extraordinary-life-born-in-italy-irma-kump-blossomed-in-joliet/aasskq6/

Pets of the Week: April 3

The Herald-News presents this week's Pets of the Week. Click on the caption of each photo to find out about that pet, including where he or she can be adopted.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/03/31/pets-of-the-week-april-3/aeqii8m/

Joliet urologist offers new treatment for enlarged prostate

By Jeanne Millsap

Joliet urologist Dr. Gregory Andros, of Advanced Urology Associates, said he’s been using a new procedure to correct BPH called UroLift and is getting better results than he has seen with other nonsurgical methods of treatment.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/03/31/joliet-urologist-offers-new-treatment-for-enlarged-prostate/adcbc68/

Mystery Diner: Easy to see why Cemeno's Pizza was rated the best

Pizza isn’t the only food option here, it was just the only option I was going after. They also have an assortment of appetizers, from $5.49 garlic breadsticks to $10.99 for eight of Joe’s Hot Wings or the combo snack with onion rings, zucchini, mozzarella sticks, cheddar nuggets and breaded mushrooms.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/02/15/mystery-diner-easy-to-see-why-cemenos-pizza-was-rated-the-best/akepty6/

Joliet's East Side Knights of Columbus still serving up faith, fraternity and fish

At 60, Knights of Columbus Council 4400 active, strong

“It reaffirms your faith,” Rodney Van Der Karr of Joliet, a longtime member, said. “A couple times a year, we meet to say the rosary, stuff like that. There’s good Catholic men there.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/04/04/joliets-east-side-knights-of-columbus-still-serving-up-faith-fraternity-and-fish/adlxrfq/

Joliet school to skate through literature in annual show (VIDEO EXTRA)

‘Through the Pages’ will showcase students’ skating and acting abilities

“I just feel like more of our personalities show,” Cora Menelli, 18, of Plainfield, said. “We all get our own special touches this year.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/04/04/joliet-school-to-skate-through-literature-in-annual-show/a7lk1oq/

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 26 through July 31

Okay, busy morning today! Have to be in Plainfield 9-ish and work (and a walk) to get done before then. So I'll skip the editorializing and get right to the story links.

You can 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/

Also at the link are the community feature briefs I write/edit (no byline). The fourth calendar, Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page through the week.

And now (drum roll, LOL), the stories:

Out of the comfort zone
By Dawn Aulet

Meet a South Wilmington man who likes his "dirt bag" nickname - and read why. Oh, to have gotten a video of this dude! (But no such luck).

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/24/out-of-the-comfort-zone/ap17vmy/


An Extraordinary Life: Shorewood coach taught more than baseball

You have to watch the video extra to the end to fully understand the impact this man made on kids.

http://m.theherald-news.com/2015/07/20/an-extraordinary-life-shorewood-coach-taught-more-than-baseball/a6bbwfy/


Pets of the Week

Looking for that four-footed, furry companion? You just mind find him/her here!

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/24/pets-of-the-week/a17nf4g/


Joliet area runners and experts offer tips for exercising outside
By Jeanne Millsap

It's more than dressing for the weather.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/17/joliet-area-runners-and-experts-offer-tips-for-exercising-outside/aiujehu/


Manhattan church organizes relief concert for Coal City residents

Headlining the event is Peter Mayer, friend of the pastor's.

http://httpwww.theherald-news.com/2015/07/29/manhattan-church-organizes-relief-concert-for-coal-city-residents/an76y7q/


Low-key fun for the entire family at YMCA in Plainfield

A non-threatening triathlon for beginners and those more experienced, children and adults.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/29/low-key-fun-for-the-entire-family-at-ymca-in-plainfield/abwz52g/

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Week of April 26, 2015

For all the non-bylined community news and different calendars, visit www.theherald-news.com and click the "features" tab.

Cover stories are below. And in the words of our editor, Kate Schott, "Thank you for reading The Hearld-News."


Frankfort distillery aims to present a bit of Kentucky charm
By Sean Leary

Derby-themed events have become quite popular. Here's one at a local distillery that will also introduce a brand-new bourban at the event.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/04/24/frankfort-distillery-aims-to-present-a-bit-of-kentucky-charm/aqcl6jc/


An Extraordinary Life: Music was Lockport music director's heart and soul

Tom Secor was known for his quality concert series. He died while one was in the planning. His brother Mark picked up the torch to bring a Russian choral group to the church on May 3.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/04/24/an-extraordinary-life-music-was-lockport-music-directors-heart-and-soul/aqduehv/


Pets of the Week

Seeking that purr-fect, four-footed addition of the family? Well, look no further.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/04/08/pets-of-the-week/aawgu4z/


Pregnancy Resource Center of Will Counter specializes in unexpected pregnancies

Services go beyond pregnancy tests and pamphlets to include parenting classes, mentorship, and post-abortion care.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/04/29/pregnancy-resource-center-of-will-county-specializes-in-unexpected-pregnancies/au4d503/


Fairy festivals: a little bit of magic, a whole lot of fun
By Sean Leary

Two upcoming events for kids of all ages

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/04/30/fairy-festivals-a-little-bit-of-magic-a-whole-lot-of-fun/a7j21xg/