Showing posts with label MorningStar Mission. Show all posts

Friday, July 10, 2026

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 4 through July 10

Good morning!

I have nine stories online to share with you today, with more stories likely going live over the weekend. So please check back at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

To see the stories that ran in print this week and aren't online yet, click on the e-edition option at the top of The Herald-News website.

On July 3, the BryonySeries/B.L.O.C.K.S. team hosted the children's games for the fourth year in a row at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet. Despite breaking down early due to lightning and approaching stores, we had a very successful night.

And 14 people (by my account) attended "Book Publishing 101 Saturday at the Joliet Public Library on June 27, and the library was very pleased. Thank you to all who attended. The feedback was very positive.

The library is planning to reschedule this presentation at a later date. So if you missed it, you will likely get another opporunity.

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!

Calendar

The BryonySeries calendar offers links to games, crafts, music, activities, science experiments, and recipes that pick up themes to one or more of our books.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

Events (or where to find the BryonySeries) - so far:

Aug. 1: Kid Fest: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., City Square, Downtown Joliet. For the third year in a row, WriteOn Joliet will have a tent at the annual Kidz Fest celebration. Write your own story with our unique, one-of-a-kind, made-just-for-us story manipulable story blocks. And be sure to pick up one (or more) WriteOn Joliet-authored books (titles for all ages), which we will distribute for free.

Sept. 19: Fountaindale Public Library Author Fair: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Fontaindale Public Library District, 300 Briarcliff Road, Bolingbrook.

Oct. 17: Halloween Night Market: 3 to 8 p.m.., Channahon Tractor Supply, Channahon

In addition, please check out our books by popping into The Book Market in Crest Hill (if you live in the area) or bookshop.org or Amazon if you don't.

Also, many titles are available at the Joliet Public Library and the Downers Grove Public Library.

Please note: Bookshop and the libraries do not carry all of our books.

And if you missed it, please check out the "Shades of Noir" photos.

What is the BryonySeries?

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

For more information on the developing "parent brand" that is removing some of the heavy marketing lifting from me, visit bryonyseries.com/blocks.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. At some point, we will assemble and release some more.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is finally begun, although albeit very slowly. I'd like to get enough done over the next month or so to finally give Sue Midlock (our artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer) some ideas for the book's cover and chapter heading illustrations.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is nearly drafted with some partial editing already begun. We plan to release this book in 2026.

Jennifer designed the cover portraits for "Julie and the Too-Hard Homework," "Katie and the Big Fear," "Summer Sisters." and "Karla Joins In," as well as the frontispiece for "Lycanthropic Summer."

Other books: I am not writing a novel this year. But we plan to release a BryonySeries Christmas anthology around the holidays. This will be Christmas excerpts from existing BryonySeries novels along with a few bonus chapters only available in this anthology.

We also have a prologue/first chapter sampler of all the BryonySeries novels and an novel excerpt (so far) that's only available at certain events and another sampler cal;led "Angel or Demon" that is also only available at select events.

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 weekly 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'm gradually reviving BryonySeries on Twitter/X at x.com/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.
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 chef finds new calling in cooking meals for those
in need at MorningStar Mission
‘We didn’t just want someone to come in, cook and punch out.
We wanted someone to mentor the guys.’
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/09/joliet-chef-finds-new-calling-in-cooking-meals-for-those-in-need-at-morningstar-mission/
New aromatherapy shop in Joliet inspired by owner’s
journey of healing
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/05/aromatherapy-shop-opens-new-storefront-in-joliet/
Romeoville business owner continues to invest in Valley
View District 365 STEM programs
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/04/romeoville-business-owner-continues-to-invest-in-valley-view-district-365-stem-programs/
K9s for Veterans outlet store reopening in Promenade
Bolingbrook
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/08/k9s-for-veterans-outlet-store-reopening-in-promenade-bolingbrook/
Chamber hosts ribbon-cutting for Joliet home-based bakery
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/08/chamber-hosts-ribbon-cutting-for-joliet-home-based-bakery/
African American Business Association of Will County
gives out Juneteenth awards
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/04/african-american-business-association-of-will-county-gives-out-juneteenth-awards/
Riverfront Manor in Plainfield offers boutique
accommodations
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/03/riverfront-manor-in-plainfield-offers-boutique-accommodations/
Joliet Chamber seeking Athena nominations
https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/05/joliet-chamber-seeking-athena-nominations/
Will County Pets of the Week: July 6, 2026
Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/07/06/will-county-pets-of-the-week-july-6-2026/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, August 2, 2024

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 27 to Aug. 2

Good morning!

I have ten stories to share with you today with stories posting over the weekend, especially since I am working on Sunday. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Currently, I am also writing two more stories just for print. One is called "Eye on Enterprise" and it runs on Wednesdays. The other is a print version of "5 Things to do," which is slightly different from the online version.

"Eye on Enterprise" is a roundup of local business development, as wells as businesses that are opening or closing.

People outside our coverage area and those who don't subscribe to a physical newspaper should know The Herald-News also has an e-edition. This is an online version of the print publication with virtual pages that actually turn.

You can access The Herald-News e-edition here: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/enewspaper.

In the BryonySeries world:

BryonySeries was one of the sponsors for Bicentennial Park's Independence Celebration on July 3 and we had a fantastic night! I will recap the details for next week (FOR SURE).

But the short summary is that we gave away sixty-five BryonySeries books, ran four games, and sold twenty-two WriteOn Joliet anthologies. We are definitely looking forward to next year.

We also have a special BryonySeries Summer Book Sale at The Book Market was "enhanced," this week. So if you live in the area, do check it out. And stay tuned for the updates!

Also, BryonySeries will be part of two larger WriteOn Joliet events. One is Kidz Fest on Saturday in downtown Joliet. The other is New Orleans North on Aug. 16 at the Slammers stadium, also in downtown Joliet.

Finally, here is an update on my BryonySeries book projects:

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 nearly two-thirds that are ready for final edits. I've done some minor editing since the at-home writing retreat, but June was a super packed month, which I anticipated. July (so far) has also been packed, but I did get another chapter and a half in good shape and some minor editing on several other chapters. We are estimating a late 2024 release date for this book, which is looking a little impossible since the end of July is quickly approaching. But I still have two more at-home writing retreats, so I'm not pushing the release date out yet.

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'd like to release it in late 2024.

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...

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, has sent me twenty-one chapters to edit for his third book in his Ruthless trilogy. His first book is "Ruthless," his second is "The Fifth," and he is also the author of "Denise Unland's Irish Genealogy."

Now back to The Herald-News stories 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 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.

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

Joliet musician seeks home for historic Chicago theater organ

Taylor Trimby helping to re-home a Wurlitzer console from former Oriental Theatre in Chicago

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/07/30/joliet-musician-seeks-home-for-historic-chicago-theater-organ/

5 Will County business owners share lessons learned on first job

Jennifer Joho, owner of J.Joho Boutique in Plainfield: ‘Everyone at some point must do the ‘grunt work’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/07/28/5-will-county-business-owners-share-lessons-learned-on-first-job/

Joliet 11-year-old will teach at tech conference for 2nd time

Student at Trinity Christian will present at THAT Conference in August

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/07/26/joliet-11-year-old-will-teach-at-tech-conference-for-2nd-time/

Sale of Joliet Jewel store pending as Kroger and Albertsons merger stalls

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/01/closure-of-joliet-jewel-store-on-hold-as-kroger-and-albertsons-merger-stalls/

Joliet MorningStar Mission hosts progressive dinner to raise funds for programs

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/07/31/joliet-morningstar-mission-hosts-progressive-dinner-to-raise-funds-for-programs/

Plainfield hosting competitive bike race Saturday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/07/31/plainfield-hosting-competitive-bike-race-on-saturday/

Joliet hospital renames its ‘heart hospital within a hospital’ for Jay and Lori Bergman

The couple’s most recent donation will provide equipment for the cardiac catheterization lab

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/07/30/joliet-hospital-renames-its-heart-hospital-within-a-hospital-for-jay-and-lori-bergman/

Rockdale Pancake House hosted grand opening on Sunday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/07/26/rockdale-pancake-house-to-host-grand-opening-sunday/

Will County Pets of the Week: July 29, 2024

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/07/29/will-county-pets-of-the-week-july-29-2024/

5 Things to do in Will County: Joliet Kidz Fest

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2024/08/01/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-joliet-kidz-fest/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, February 2, 2024

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan.27 to Feb. 2

Good morning!

I have ten news and features stories to share with you this week. But more will be posted over this weekend, especially with me working this weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

I am thrilled to report that "The Fifth," the second novel by Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, is now live on Amazon and available for purchase.

We did order copies for the 2024 Calkins Day celebration on Feb. 13. And we're hoping they will arrive in time. Please hope with us!

If you're new to the BryonySeries and this blog, here is a post that with links that explains Calkins Day.

Other BryonySeries book updates:

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book and four chapters and a prologue that are ready for final edits. We are estimating a late 2024 release date.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Timothy said the next book 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. We had a tentative "Cornell breakfast" scheduled for last weekend, which didn't happen. We are trying again for next weekend. We've scheduled and broke several in 2023. Our last one was July 2022. So we are LONG overdue.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and ready for some serious writing in 2024. I wrote one chapter this past weekend and hope for a second this weekend. Jennifer Wainwright has already started working on the cover portrait. That one is called "Brainy Ann."

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.

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novella in the second person. Three-fourths of it is written and edited and another fourth is in the developmental stage. Rebekah is also playing around with art for the cover. We are estimating a mid-2024 release date.

Rebekah is also 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.

Now back to The Herald-News stories 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 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

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.

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

‘A place I need to be’ says Joliet MorningStar Mission’s new development director: Erin Shade, MorningStar Mission: ‘You can’t thank enough times’

Joliet Zonta honoring Amirrah Abou-Youssef at Mardi Gras fundraiser: Pat Perrier of Joliet Zonta: ‘She has done some extraordinary work’

Channahon mom creates care packages for NICU babies: Kristina Lowman: ‘It grew more than I ever imagined’

Shorewood custom T-shirt company Big Frog celebrates 10years: Gail Girard, owner: ‘Along the way, I have met some absolutely wonderful people’

Joliet Rialto announces movie lineup for 2024: Tickets go on sale Jan. 29

Silver Cross New Lenox gets a No.1 ranking for surgical care: Healthgrades evaluates hospitals solely on patient outcomes

Companions sought for homebound seniors in Will, Grundy counties: Volunteers provide companionship only

Joliet District 204 to host 8th grade information night Wednesday: Resources tables with school and community information also will be available.

Pets of the Week: Jan. 29, 2024: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

The Local Scene: Will County Stamp Show: Here are 5 things to do this weekend

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Friday, September 1, 2023

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug. 19 to Sept. 1

Good morning!

I'm sharing eleven features and news stories today in this first story roundup in two weeks. I took my first vacation week last week and, after the challenging year I've had, it felt good to relax without any emergencies cropping up.

But after the rest, it also felt good to return to work. I actually like working on Labor Day. It's my gift to my work mates, and it's also my way of honoring my love and respect for the work I perform most days of the year.

So more stories will be posted today and over the weekend into Monday as I'm working all three days of the holiday weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Now before my vacation began, I did spend two days in the hospital again with more tests and the hint that they might lead to surgery. While I did not have surgery, I did miss Bertrand's Back-To-School Birthday Bash. If you missed it, too, please check out the recap on this blog.

And tomorrow, WriteOn Joliet will give another performance of its radio play at 10 a.m. at the Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. The event is free, but the library is asking for registration. You may register here: A Morning with WriteOn Joliet: - Joliet Public Library (libnet.info).

WriteOn Joliet also returned to the digital media center at the downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library in the beginning of August to finish editing the radio play we presented at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet on April 22.

But when we did the final editing, we realized one reading didn't save and another part was missing. So we still have a bit more to go.

Here is a quick recap of BryonySeries projects 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 and two chapters that are ready for final edits.

Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville: Production is complete for the next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer subseries, and the proof is ordered and marked up. I hoping to correct the manuscript one evening over the weekend. The book is called Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville (yes, a Sherlock Holmes parody). We can't wait to release it into the hands of readers.

Timothy said the next book will be slightly dark ("slightly" because it's for kids, too) and will involve an old toy store. We hope to schedule a "Cornell breakfast" soon.

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.

Karla Joins In: The fourth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries series. Eleven of the twelve chapters are completed. and ready for their final edits. Jennifer Wainright is working the cover. I never thought I'd revisit Karla and John-Peter's friendship again (albeit from an earlier time in their lives), so I'm very excited to read the final draft.

Jennifer designed the covers for Julie and the Too-Hard Homework, Katie and the Big Fear, and Summer Sisters, as well as frontispiece for Lycanthropic Summer. I can't wait to see her "Karla" illustration.

BryonySeries reference/guide book: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries. I'd love to have this one ready by the end of the year. Pecking slowly at it and hope to peck a little faster next week when I have two days off.

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novella in the second person. Half of it is written and edited and another half is loosely written. Rebekah is also playing around with art for the cover, and made some progress last night.

Rebekah is also 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.

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 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

Joliet American Legion Band repeats as national champions: Lauri Bank, band member: ‘Wow, we did it again!’

Joliet grief camp helps kids cope with loss: Patrice Martin, grief support director: ‘It’s hard for kids, sometimes, to put things into words’

Raising awareness of Joliet homelessness with overnight camp out: MorningStar Mission hopes to raise awareness with ‘Box City of Hope’ event

Joliet Jewish Congregation held open house, library program

Lockport District 205 adds 4 students to school board, committees: Sup. Robert McBride: ‘It is a vocal and visible reminder that we are here to serve students.’

Silver Cross community health organization marks 15 years

Plainfield schools name new assistant principals across district

Pets of the Week: Aug. 28, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

Pets of the Week: Aug. 21, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

5 Things to do in Will County: Frankfort Fall Festival: Plus 4 more suggestions for enjoying your weekend

5 Things to do in Will County: Joliet VFW, Bicentennial Park host concerts: Plus 4 more suggestions for enjoying your weekend

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

The (Overall) Good News in our Community: More Than 30 Pieces to Inspire You

With Thanksgiving Day just a couple days away, and looking very different for many people this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it's good to remember we can still give thanks.

For instance, good people are still doing good things on the local level. Here are some examples:

Joliet Catholic Academy hosted 'Meet the Angels and Hilltoppers' event for 7th and 8th-graders

Silver Cross Charity Golf (un) Outing Raises $116,550 for heart care @SilverCrossHosp

PHSCC French Club encourages exercise via Tour de Plainfield

Terri King and Teena Mackey honored for their roles with NAMI Will-Grundy

Joliet resident sworn in as a midshipman at United States Merchant Marine Academy

Local churches donate to D. 86 in Joliet

Joliet Catholic Academy Habit for Humanity Club organizes Operation Takeout

Plainfield special education students visit grocery store virtually

Boy Scouts refresh veterans monument at Oakwood Cemetery in Joliet

Administrators from D. 86 in Joliet featured at IASB meeting

Shorewood offers more assistance to small businesses: $350,000 grant pool now available