Showing posts with label Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. Show all posts

Friday, February 28, 2025

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Feb. 22 to Feb. 28

Good morning!

I have ten feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post, with more stories going live this weekend, especially since I am working through the weekend (yes, again). 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!

Event Updates

Calkins Day 2025 took place at The Book Market in Crest Hill and it was a wonderful celebration of laughter, imagination, generosity, and the release of "Recovering Ruthless," the third book in the BryonySeries Ruthless series by Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara.

The book display will remain up at The Book Market through St. Patrick's Day. And we now have some Irish-themed ribbit specials, that you can purchase at a discounted price with every book purchase.

Plus, I will be hanging out at The Book Market from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 4. So "march forth" and see me!

BryonySeries books-in-progress

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finishes his master's degree...which is today, HURRAY!

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. But I'm hoping to finish the book in 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."

Bertrand the Mouse: I have tons of Bertrand photos and books in progress. The goal is to release at least two new ones this year.

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

Midewin Prairie restoration halted due to federal funding freeze

Pause affects local jobs as payments stalled

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/02/21/midewin-prairie-restoration-halted-due-to-federal-funding-freeze/

Employees at Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie let go by Trump administration speak out

Harsha Pandaraboyina: ‘I had planned to be with the forest service for decades’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/02/25/terminated-employees-at-midewin-national-tallgrass-prairie-speak-out-about-job-loss/

Uncertainty colors local businesses' reaction to potential trade war

Most businesses are awaiting consequences, but not all forecast doom and gloom

https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2025/02/21/uncertainty-colors-local-businesses-reaction-to-potential-trade-war/

UrgentVet opens Joliet location

New option for pets with non-life-threatening emergencies

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/02/24/urgentvet-opens-joliet-location/

Lockport venues offering Restaurant Week specials

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/news/business/2025/02/26/lockport-businesses-offer-restaurant-week-specials/

Plainfield District 202 high schoolers to get 8th class period

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/02/27/plainfield-district-202-high-schoolers-to-get-8th-class-period/

Joliet family hosting fundraiser for pediatric cancer patients

Antonio Tinajero: ‘It’s a celebration of resilience, hope and the power of community'

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/02/27/joliet-family-hosting-fundraiser-for-pediatric-cancer-patients/

University of St. Francis in Joliet names new president

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/02/24/university-of-st-francis-in-joliet-names-new-president/

Will County Pets of the Week: Feb. 24, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/02/24/will-county-pets-of-the-week-feb-24-2025/

5 Things to Do in Will County: A Gnome & Leprechaun Walk Into A Bar

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2025/02/27/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-a-gnome-leprechaun-walk-into-a-bar/



 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

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Friday, February 17, 2023

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Feb. 11 to Feb. 17

Good morning!

Today I have just ten features and news stories to share with you today with more to be posted over the weekend. I've also been working on stories for a new edition The Herald-News will begin in March and a new "Thank You, Teachers" edition in May.

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

Also, here is a "save the date" event for people in the general Will County area:  WriteOn Joliet will host its first radio-style reading on April 22 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park in Joliet. 

I'll share details as they jell. But for now, read this post. 

We held our annual Calkins Day celebration on Feb. 13 at The Book Market in Crest Hill. If you don't know what Calkins Day is, read this post and then read this post.

This year, we built our celebration around the local authors and independent authors in order to help build up Ed's library of such authors and provide a little exposure for these authors.

Authors were invited to gift Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara with one of their books. In turn, they could take home any one of five books Ed either wrote or appeared in. Readers could talk Ed out of a book.

Tomorrow I will recap the event. And over the next few weeks, I'll dedicate separate posts to these authors and give them additional exposure on social media.

So please watch for these posts. They may just lead you to your next favorite book.

Fiction projects are coming along very slowly, but they are coming along. I'm also working simultaneously working on five books (and a new Bertrand book), a first for me.

So here's the latest update:

I now have completed rough drafts for the first seven chapters of the final book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy: House on Top of the Hill and hope to get another done this weekend.

I am in the process of writing the next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer subseries: Cornell Dyer and the Hounds of Basketville and made some progress on that story on Monday. Sue Midlock sent all the interior art and it is stunning! Sue is currently working on the cover.

I have also completed two chapters for the fourth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries series.

You can find other titles in the series here. Timothy has not yet added our latest titles to the BryonySeries bookstore. But all titles are also on Amazon. 

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. I have written and edited a fourth of it. But that's all I'm sharing about it for now.

Rebekah is also slowly 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 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 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

‘Comedy for the Critters’ benefits animal rescues in Will, Cook counties
Traveling exhibit at Isle a la Cache Museum in Romeoville shows how mobility shaped the U.S.: Sara Russell: ‘It’s so important to know where we came from.’

Illinois Native Plant Society seeking students for paid internship opportunity" The internship give students ‘ground level’ experience in plant science.

Joliet fire chief says today’s home fires are deadlier than 50 years ago: Top causes of fires are cooking, heating, electrical, smoking and candles

Get 15 free seed packets from the Will County extension office on Saturday.: The extension office has given away more than 75,000 packages of free seeds since 2016.

Wanted: Will County fish fries: The Herald-News invites churches and organizations to submit their fish fry information

Diocese of Joliet seeking organizations or parishes to apply for anti-poverty grants : The process is now open to parish-based projects.

Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington seeking applicants for 2023 Youth Conservation Corps: Registration closes March 18.

Pets of the Week: Feb. 13, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

5 Things to do in Will County: Joliet theater to host performances of ‘She Kills Monsters’: Plus, local churches offering a chicken dinner, pancake breakfast



Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"




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Friday, March 4, 2022

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Feb. 26 through March 4

Good morning!

I have just fourteen feature stories to share with you today, with more scheduled to go up this weekend. So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

On the fiction front, I'm still making nice progress on Call of the Siren. I have all but five (and part of a sixth) chapter edited, and I hope to have at least one more in good shape by the end of the weekend.

I did post a more detailed update earlier this week. You can read it here.

Call of the Siren is the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy). I'm anticipating a late spring publication date, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins.

We plan to release Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones and Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being very soon.

Rebekah simply needs to incorporate the edits in "'Mistical' Being" (we've gone through the proof) and she needs to format "Calcium Bones."

Timothy has also completed the outline for the next book in the series, a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes). We were hoping to make some time for a "Cornell Breakfast" over the holidays, but that didn't happen - maybe next weekend? However, he did finish the bulk of his overhaul of the BryonySeries website. You can read more about that here.

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. 

Jennifer and I texted back and forth yesterday, and she is making good progress on the third cover art. I will start releasing this series when I have three completed books. 

Now back to the fourteen 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 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.

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

An Extraordinary Life: Former Channahon resident saw nursing as a vocation, not a job: ‘The health of the patient was most important to her’ 

Illinois Rock & Roll Museum to host ‘Women Who Rock’ concert on March 4: The event will be held at The Forge in Joliet and will celebrate International Women’s History Month 

JCA announces its January 2022 Students of the Month: Students recognized by 3 Joliet area service clubs for leadership in the classroom and in the community

Sign language interpreter joins D. 202 board of education meetings: Administration at the Plainfield school district wanted to ensure equal access

Blood donations urgently needed, here are 2 opportunities to donate: Joliet university, Plainfield chapter of Women of the Moose, hosting blood drives 

Pets of the Week: Feb. 28: Will County Rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Shorewood 8th-grader participates in ‘Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day’ at Argonne: Presentations and science experiments were part of this 20th anniversary event 

Louis Joliet Chapter DAR names 6 students a ‘Good Citizen’ for 2021-2022: Students were honored Feb. 5 at the American Legion Marne Post 13 in Plainfield.

Morris Hospital updates its visitor guidelines: The update is due to decreasing COVID-19 cases at the hospital and in the community

Applications now open for 2022 Youth Conservation Corps at Midewin: The team will help with land restoration projects where Joliet Arsenal was active

Forest Preserve District of Will County’s nature show expands its TV audience: WJYS reaches 11 million people in Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, the district says

Looking for a fish fry in Will County? Here are some suggestions: Because what’s Lent in Will County without a fish fry? 

5 Things to do in Will County: Celebrate Irish heritage with 2 events this weekend: Plus enjoy musical performances and/or take a tour of Joliet Iron Works

Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox revises its visitor policy: Revision is because COVID cases continue to decline in Will County.











Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"






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Friday, July 23, 2021

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 17 through July 23

Good morning!

I have twenty-one feature stories to share with you today - with another eight that haven't posted to The Herald-News website yet, so watch for them over the weekend.

Here's a quick summary of where I'm at, fiction-wise. 

I'm waiting for Rebekah to read and approve Cornell Dyer and the Mistical Being (she's worked a lot of extra hours this month and is chilling this weekend as she had her second COVID shot yesterday), and I'm waiting for Sue Midlock, the artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer series, to feel well enough to work on art.

Sue had surgery a few weeks back, and she is still struggling with a lot of pain. Please send her good thoughts. 

Timothy has Cornell Dyer and the Calcium-Deficient Bones mentally worked out. We just need our schedules to sync up.

And then, for down the road, Sarah had a crazy dream that sounded perfect for An Adventure of Cornell Dyer mystery. Bur 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 is still missing, but Bertrand's Uncle Bartie is in town to help find his mischievous little nephew.

I'm currently working on tons of character outlines for all the new characters (and returning minor characters who now have secnodary or major role) in the second book of the Limbo trilogy: Call of the Siren. 

I have in my possession the first piece of completed cover art for the "Girls of the BryonySeries" series for tween girls. It's beautiful and it shows that artist Jennifer Wainright can draw anything from werewolves to portraits! She's working on art for the next two books (I have eight planned in all).

Now back to the twenty-one 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

An Extraordinary Life: Plainfield cancer patient created trust fund for young son: Register now for Inaugural Jamie Marie Memorial Golf Benefit

Loved ones say slain man was kind, laid-back, family-oriented: ‘It’s a really big loss for anyone who knows him’

Open house scheduled for Lead Service Line Replacement Program: The village of Frankfort received funding From the Illinois EPA

Long-tenured employee of Manhattan bank retires: Bee Robbins was the ‘face of the bank’

Pets of the Week: July 19: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

Silver Cross advisory board celebrates 130 years of service and support: Board was founded on July 6, 1891, as the Board of Lady Managers

Register now for the 38th annual ‘Kids Klassic’ golf outing: Proceeds for the Aug. 4 event benefit Easterseals Joliet Region 

LocalLit book preview: the how-tos of good dementia care: 'Moments’ by Rosemary Dunne will be reviewed in LocalLit newsletter on Tuesday 

Kimberly Napolski to become asst. principal at #Plainfield school: Napolski currently teaches English at Plainfield East HS 

7 RE/MAX Ultimate Professionals agents recognized for transactions: Agents honored in REALTrends + Tom Ferry “America’s Best Real Estate Professionals” Rankings

30th anniversary Silver Cross Charity Golf Classic raises $294,000: Block Electric in #Shorewood, Bob Filotto and Frank Margaron honored at event  

Lockport students bring home 1st national gold medal at SkillsUSA: The annual National Leadership and Skills Competition was held virtually in June

Baran-Unland: I really wanted to avoid the COVID-19 vaccine. But now I’m fully vaccinated. Here’s why.

Parent’s petition against face mask mandate for students gets notice: District 122 in New Lenox intends to provide as much normalcy to students as possible

Unknown shooter ‘opened fire’ into nonprofit’s office: Warehouse Workers for Justice in Joliet surpassed fundraising goal for repairs in 7 days 

5 Things to do in Will County: a Hawaiian experience in Plainfield: Plus get ‘Strung Out’ on ‘70s music and ‘Margaritaville’ and head outside for ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ and volunteer projects

7 ways to have fun at the Will County forest preserve this weekend: Will County Inside/Outside Guide offers suggestions for enjoying your weekend

Make sure kids are up-to-date on their vaccinations: Will County Health Department encourages families to make appointments now 

Celebrate the forgotten #pollinators this week: Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie is hosting programming for National Moth Week

5 civilians, first-responders honored for water rescue: Recognition given at #Plainfield Fire Protection District’s board of trustees July meeting 



Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."


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Tuesday, September 22, 2020

In, About, and Around the Community

So not everything I write for The Herald-News has my byline.

Part of my job some of the time is to rewrite news releases submitted by various organizations and individuals in our coverage area.

For those who live in The Herald-News readership area - and for those who say "there's only negative things in newspapers," I give you these.

Have a great day! :)


Learn how to be a photo naturalist while enjoying fall colors
Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie in Wilmington hosted how-to webinar Sept. 15



Giving back once wasn't enough for these 6 scouts
Channahon and Minooka Eagle Scouts channeled gifts into troop fundraiser

Learn how to reduce child firearm deaths with free 'Be SMART' presentation

YMCA seeks volunteers to join its learning mentorship team 

D. 86 in Joliet promotes 4 administrators 

IDNR launches new ‘Hunt Illinois’ website

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/09/10/idnr-launches-new-hunt-illinois-website/a2nfo8p/


Sweets & Savory Crawl returned to Lockport for the 7th year

Gary Allen at Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet rescheduled for 2021



Lauren Scanlan named new Troy 30-C assistant principal



Rock Run Greenway Trail reopens on Joliet’s west side 



Joliet Jewish Congregation announces new rabbi
Current rabbi, Charles Rubovits, wishes to retire



D. 86 in Joliet now provides meals for any child 18 or younger  



Silver Cross Foundation to host BBQ & Brews fundraiser Sept. 24 in New Lenox 



Franciscan sister in Frankfort enjoys a private concert in Frankfort on her 105th birthday



High school students 16 and older at D. 202 in Plainfield can be election judges 



Many opportunities for helping local food pantries in September



Plainfield High School-Central Campus holds outdoor band practice 



Spirits come to life with Joliet park's adaptation of 'Spoon River Anthology'
Outdoor event is free, reservations required 



Joliet church donates school supplies to local students



Joliet Catholic Academy seniors named finalists in scholarship competition



Founders of Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox support hospital’s dialysis program 



Forest Preserve police reunite lost tortoise with #Shorewood owners 




Illustration by Christopher Gleason for "Staked!" Follow him at artworkbytopher.com.



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Tuesday, July 14, 2020

A Week of Positive News

This morning: sixteen pieces of positive news around the Joliet-area community.

And for those who enjoy my fiction, a quick round-up of my writing weekend.

I made some good progress on The Phoenix on Friday night and into Saturday morning: less than I'd hoped, but I think my hopes are too ambitious at times.

I didn't touch Lycanthropic Summer at all because I had some work for clients and because Timothy wound up scheduling a "Cornell" meeting.

For those who don't yet know, Timothy and I are collaborating on a series of BryonySeries chapter books: The Adventures of Cornell Dyer. The way Timothy described it on the website is:
Join the incredible, impossible, and marvelous Professor Cornell Dyer as he unravels mysteries, untangles myths, and decides what to have for lunch.

Timothy made a list of fifty titles he'd like to tackle (does he think I'll live to be 100?), which includes one book Rebekah started a few years ago (Cornell Dyer Meets a Vampire) and the book Timothy is writing - the last one: Cornell Dyer in the Shadow of the Mountain.

Our goal was to write a three years. We published the last one at Christmas. So we are definitely far behind! (OK, a pandemic did happen).

Thanks to Sue Midlock (our artist for the series), each book does have its own branding logo:



And I finally updated all of the BryonySeries calendar for July on Sunday. I also worked on Sunday.

So I think I can cut myself some slack for not tackling werewolves, too. Right? Right!

OK, onward to Tuesday - and some of the wonderful things happening in the community.


Grant project studies how food retailers work with food banks

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/06/grant-project-studies-how-food-retailers-work-with-food-banks/a5oe6ri/


 Troy Craughwell students write “Poe-Tree” poems

 https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/06/troy-craughwell-students-write-poe-tree-poems/agogdgg/


July Is National Bison Month: here's how to celebrate 

 https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/06/30/july-is-national-bison-month-heres-how-to-celebrate/ac588zm/


The work never stops at D. 202 in Plainfield, not for summer, not for COVID-19 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/06/the-work-never-stops-at-d-202-in-plainfield-not-for-summer-not-for-covid-19/d8zgagl/


Grace United Methodist Church in Joliet welcomes new pastor

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/07/grace-united-methodist-church-in-joliet-welcomes-new-pastor/a1aoum0/


 Joliet native serves aboard USS Rafael Peralta

 https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/07/joliet-native-serves-aboard-uss-rafael-peralta/ajevbn0/


 Students at Dirksen Junior High in Joliet receive scholarships 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/08/students-at-dirksen-junior-high-in-joliet-receive-scholarships/a91jc1k/


 Illinois DNR announces 5-year #waterfowl seasons plan for 2021-2025

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/08/illinois-dnr-announces-5-year-waterfowl-seasons-plan-for-2021-2025/aj7uzyv/


 Joliet Elks to offer free children’s orthopedic assessment clinic on Aug. 4

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/09/joliet-elks-to-offer-free-childrens-orthopedic-assessment-clinic-on-aug-4/arw3u51/


 Take sidewalk art to a new level
Village of New Lenox to host 2nd annual Chalk the Walk event on July 18

 https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/09/take-sidewalk-art-to-a-new-level/aqe58w6/


 NuMark Credit Union raises $2,500 for Northern Illinois Food Bank 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/09/numark-credit-union-raises-2-500-for-northern-illinois-food-bank/ah7oq3q/


 Silver Cross Urgent Care Center now open on hospital’s New Lenox campus 

 https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/08/silver-cross-urgent-care-center-now-open-on-hospitals-new-lenox-campus/aoq4mdo/


 Troy 30-C names new assistant principals
Matthew Stortz, Jessica Knobbe named to positions

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/09/troy-30-c-names-new-assistant-principals/ajpi6c6/


 Minooka Community High School held in-person graduation ceremonies this past weekend

 https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/10/minooka-community-high-school-to-hold-in-person-graduation-ceremonies-this-weekend/awxsrxn/


Forest Preserve District of Will County offers range of July programs 

 https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/09/forest-preserve-district-offers-range-of-july-programs/ags3jxj/
ATI Physical Therapy welcomes new vice president of supply chain and procurement

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/07/09/ati-physical-therapy-welcomes-new-vice-president-of-supply-chain-and-procurement/a8nk8x0/



Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."
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Monday, March 2, 2020

Community News: Feb. 28 and Feb. 29, 2020

Check out the awesome things people are doing.

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.

At the bottom of these links is an outstanding piece by WriteOn Joliet member Holly Coop.


Escanaba in da Moonlight’ opens March 6 in Morris

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/26/escanaba-in-da-moonlight-opens-march-6-in-morris/a8g8w53/


Troy school hosts daddy-daughter dance

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/19/troy-school-hosts-daddy-daughter-dance/atb0gxm/


 Grundy County SWCD to host fish and tree sales

 https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/26/grundy-county-swcd-to-host-fish-and-tree-sales/afek0pp/


 Joliet West speech team wins 4th consecutive conference championship

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/26/joliet-west-speech-team-wins-4th-consecutive-conference-championship/a356sfd/
Apply now for the youth corps at Midewin in Wilmington 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/26/apply-now-for-the-youth-corps-at-midewin-in-wilmington/as0h8vz/


 Multistate E. coli outbreak Linked to sprouts at Jimmy John’s

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/27/multistate-e-coli-outbreak-linked-to-sprouts-at-jimmy-johns/avibvbd/


 Troy 30-C coach named 2020 Distinguished Middle School Coach of the Year

 https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/19/troy-30-c-coach-named-2020-distinguished-middle-school-coach-of-the-year/a5h7xfj/



And check out this brief post by Holly Coop for a bit of inspiration:

 "I decided to turn over a new attitude instead of a new leaf."

https://writerbeeme.blogspot.com/2019/01/what-are-you-reading-these-days.html?m=1&fbclid=IwAR3jGjlRvdHD_q6wpzgAfJqNyJq1jHKolSUViCBDzNvi3wJvOyhN9FZbCvY



 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 Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

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Tuesday, February 4, 2020

Community News: Feb. 1, Feb. 2, and Feb. 4, 2020

Check out the awesome things people are doing.

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.


 Chess club at Plainfield elementary going strong

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/29/chess-club-at-plainfield-elementary-going-strong/as4wu06/


Pets of the Week: Feb. 3

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/29/pets-of-the-week-feb-3/dhbp1b0/


Many species maximizes diversity
Volunteers on Wilmington prairie sort, mix seeds 

 https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/21/many-species-maximizes-diversity/dctc4mo/


Highlights from Will County Wildlife Facebook Group

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/31/highlights-from-will-county-wildlife-facebook-group/dke6923/


Christian school in Shorewood announces its students of the month

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/29/christian-school-in-shorewood-announces-its-students-of-the-month/an5161e/


Providence HS in New Lenox announces Students of the Month

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/29/providence-hs-in-new-lenox-announces-students-of-the-month/aoivqo5/


St. Mary Nativity in #Joliet announces its Students of the Month for December 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/29/st-mary-nativity-in-joliet-announces-its-students-of-the-month-for-december/agjbgm9/


 Minimally invasive treatment for enlarged prostate now available
Silver Cross in New Lenox to host free lecture on #prostate artery embolization 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/29/minimally-invasive-treatment-for-enlarged-prostate-now-available/ao351qy/


Morris Hospital opens new infusion therapy center

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/01/29/morris-hospital-opens-new-infusion-therapy-center/av24cku/


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 Christopher Gleason for "Staked!" Follow him at artworkbytopher.com.

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