Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 11 through Oct. 17

Good morning!

I have nine stories online to share with you today - and more stories will go live over the weekend, since I'm working 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.

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!

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

Oct. 25: BryonySeries Pre-Halloween Book Party: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill. Pop in anytine before October 25 to decorate one of our crocheted pumpkins (while supplies last, all free, no purchase necessary).

Nov. 8: Local Author Panels: Tips and Tricks to Getting Your Book Published: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Downers Grove Public Library. This event is a series of panel discussions designed to help authors move forward. I will be part of the panel on book marketing, and we will have information about BryonySeries, WriteOn Joliet and B.L.O.C.K.S. This is strictly an information session. No one will be selling that day.

Nov. 22: BryonySeries "Day of Gratitude" at The Book Market: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

Nov. 28: Christmas Market: 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Renaisssance Center, 214 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. This event is part of the Joliet City Center Partnership's "Light Up the Holidays Festival and Parade."

Dec. 4: WriteOn Joliet Anthology Release party: 6 to 8 p.m., Joliet Public Library, 150 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet. Everything is free at this event unless you buy a book: free chef-created small bites, free photos with Santa, free opportunity to chat with local authors, who will also be selling their books and other products. WriteOn Joliet will also be selling its 2025 anthology, along with all other anthologies from 2017 onward, including its holiday anthology and "cheetah" anthology.

Dec. 20: BryonySeries "A Gift of Reading" Christmas Party, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., The Book Market in Crest Hill.

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 stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (they just keep coming) and carve some time for a Cornell breakfast (it's been three years since our last one, way, way too long). I'm had surgery July 17 and that further stalled the process. But I'd love to give Sue Midlock ideas for art (she illustrates all the Cornell books), especially since she's actually eager to get drawing.

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...and I'm still letting it (overall) slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping we release it early 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 I have an idea for a BryonySeries Christmas anthology that I'd like to release in 2026.

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 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

‘The government came down with a hammer’ - Immigration crackdown fears affecting Illinois restaurant industry

https://www.shawlocal.com/news/2025/10/15/the-government-came-down-with-a-hammer-immigration-crackdown-fears-affecting-illinois-restaurant-industry/

‘Just fewer and fewer of us’: Joliet Franciscan sisters built lasting legacy, but not accepting new members

President says it’s been 16 years since order has added new member

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/11/just-fewer-and-fewer-of-us-joliet-franciscan-sisters-built-lasting-legacy-but-not-accepting-new-members/

Disability advocates in Joliet celebrate ADA anniversary while citing concerns over federal cuts, protections

Event recognized 35th anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/13/disability-advocates-in-joliet-celebrate-community-of-fighters-while-calling-for-protections-to-ada/

‘A fun place to hang out’: Goodfellas Cigar Lounge opens in Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/09/a-fun-place-to-hang-out-goodfellas-cigar-lounge-opens-in-joliet/

Bays Tower in Joliet celebrating grand opening

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/15/bays-tower-in-joliet-celebrating-grand-opening/

Joliet rabbi responds to news of ceasefire

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/13/joliet-rabbi-responds-to-news-of-ceasefire/

Senior Services of Will County appoints new executive director

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/11/senior-services-of-will-county-appoints-new-executive-director/

New bar and grill opens in Joliet

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/09/new-bar-and-grill-opens-in-joliet/

Will County Pets of the Week: Oct. 13, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/10/13/will-county-pets-of-the-week-oct-13-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 4 to March 10

Good morning!

Today I have just ten features and news stories to share with you today with more to be posted over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

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.

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. 

And now we are officially on Bicentennial Park's calendar, which you can see here.

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.

Over the next few weeks, I'll dedicate separate posts to these authors and give them additional exposure on social media. Here is one such post from two weeks ago, one post from last week, and one post from this week, which has details about the author's book signing tomorrow. So do it check it.

And please watch for more 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 just released a new Bertrand the Mouse book just in time for Easter and am eagerly awaiting my copies.

However, you can buy it now on Amazon. 

So here's the latest update on the other books:

I now have completed rough drafts for the prologue and first thirteen 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 fleshing out 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. Timothy and I drafted it months ago, and I currently have three solid chapters. Sue Midlock sent all the interior art and it is stunning! Sue is currently working on the cover.

I have also completed three 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 and have about anothe rthird of it loosely written. 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

Candlelight vigil held Wednesday in Bolingbrook for 3 victims of Sunday’s triple murder: Kathy Freeburg: ‘The community has to pull together.’

Joliet Schools District 86 teacher named Golden Apple finalist: The award honors outstanding teachers

Religious women from the Catholic Diocese of Joliet discuss future of religious vocations: Jeanne Connolly: ‘Religious life is evolving; it isn’t dying.’ 

Silver Cross in New Lenox starts clinic for patients with advanced heart failure: Individual appointments are offered several times a week.

District 202 Plainfield to host Board of Education candidates’ forum on March 16: A moderated question and answer session will be included in the forum

Plainfield, New Lenox park districts receive grants for park, recreation projects: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources administers Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development grants 

Joliet Catholic Academy inducts 5 alumni into its business hall of fame: Alumni honored for accomplishments in their professional careers 

Auto shop’s holiday contest benefit 3 New Lenox nonprofits: Sheri Templin: ‘Giving back to the communities that we serve is just a small token of our gratitude.’

Pets of the Week: March 6, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

5 Things to do in Will County: show your Irish spirit this weekend: Plus, check out Pride of the Prairie Quilters annual show on Saturday and Sunday

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 25 through Oct. 1

Good morning!

Despite a trip to the ER late Friday night, a second trip on Wednesday night, an appointment with a specialist on Thursday, and feeling a bit under the weather all week, I have eighteen stories to share with you today and a few not yet posted, so watch for them over the weekend.

Now my exercise workout has been a bit compromised, and I've accomplished very little fiction since my first at-home writing retreat of 2021 a couple weeks ago - although I (almost) wrapped up Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones last weekend (but it didn't need much).

So here are my weekend plans:

I'll reconnect with Call of the Siren (the second book in the Limbo series) tonight by reading through my previous work. And then I'll start working, in a very up close and granular way, on all the areas I've sectioned off. I have no timetable for getting this done because this is where the quality of the writing counts.

Sue Midlock, artist for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer is nearly down with the art for Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being, co-written by Rebekah, who has recovered very nicely from surgery), so I'm eager to pass along the art ideas for  Cornell Dyer and the Calcium-Deficient Bones (co-written by Timothy). 

However, Sue is still experiencing some issues from her surgery in June, so the art is coming along slowly. Please keep the good thoughts/prayers coming for Sue. 

Timothy is currently outlining another Cornell Dyer story. This one is another parody and features a character named Sherman Homes.

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

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

Jennifer Wainright (frontispiece artist for Lycanthropic Summer) has completed two portraits for  "Girls of the BryonySeries" series for tween girls. It's beautiful and it shows that artist Jennifer Wainright can draw anything from werewolves to portraits! 

She was working on art for the third book (I have eight planned in all and two in progress). Jennifer is also recovering from a motorcyle accident, so please send up good thoughts for her, too!

Now back to the eighteen 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

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

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

Haunted house at Old Joliet Prison opened Saturday with 2 attractions: Thirteenth Floor Entertainment says might be too scary for ages 12 and under 

Fox TV’s ‘The Big Leap’ premiered Monday with glimpses of Joliet theater: A number of scenes in Fox TV’s new show were filmed at the Rialto Square Theatre 

LocalLit book review: 5 books you should read now: A quick recap to 5 previously reviewed books that are worth a 2nd glance

Get free dental care in Romeoville on Oct. 15: Care is provided on a first-come, first-served basis

It’s not every day someone turns 105 - and this Joliet resident celebrated in style: Granddaughter said Gertrude Chandler also beat COVID-19

LocalLit book preview: adoptive mom tries to free son from abusive past: Plainfield author Betsy Naglich said ‘The Length of Our Staircase’ is based on true events

‘Have you considered donating blood?': Supplies of blood products at historic low, donors desperately needed 

The Joliet Franciscans elected and appointed new leaders — here’s who they are: Installation ceremony for the 6 sisters was Sept. 4

Worn out American flag? Give it the respectful retirement it deserves: Plainfield American Legion Marne Post 13 held ceremony on Sept 2. Here’s how to host your own.

Celebrate the changing of the seasons at a local pumpkin farm: Pumpkin patches, hay rides, corn mazes and haunted barns are some of the features you might see in Will County, Grundy County

Eat pizza on Wednesday and help a veteran: 4 Rosati cousins will celebrate their purchase of Rosati’s Pizza in Romeoville by donating 25% of sales on Wednesday to American Legion Post 52 

LGBTQ couple crowned homecoming king and queen at Plainfield South - or were they?: Despite their sashes and crowns, District 202 said Emily Novak and Gianna Pometta were named senior attendants

5 Things to do in Will County: Get creative, scared and entertained this weekend: Haunted events, scarecrow decorating and Shakespeare are some of the highlights

Head to your local library this weekend for plenty of free, fun activities: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

Don’t miss these 2 events at Lewis University in Romeoville: Hear stories of transformation and forgiveness learn how scientists and engineers make sense of religion 

Have questions about Medicare? These volunteers can help: Morris Hospital is sponsoring local SHIP volunteers 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Community News: April 16, 2019

Check out upcoming events and 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.


Joliet Franciscans to host annual tea

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/04/15/joliet-franciscans-to-host-annual-tea/agfkrvf/


Silver Cross Healthy Community Commission in New Lenox offers health care scholarships

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/04/13/silver-cross-healthy-community-commission-in-new-lenox-offers-health-care-scholarships/avzs2fy/


Silver Cross offers health screenings in April

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/04/15/silver-cross-offers-health-screenings-in-april/asdjt02/


Midwestern Tooth Fairy payouts drop a full $1

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/04/05/midwestern-tooth-fairy-payouts-drop-a-full-1/aivrwqn/


Salmonella outbreak linked to pre-cut melon

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/04/14/salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-pre-cut-melon/ah6iiwb/


JJC Foundation in Joliet funds equipment for empathy training

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/04/15/jjc-foundation-funds-equipment-for-empathy-training/a4cm8t/


Approved drug may help cystic fibrosis patients

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/24/approved-drug-may-help-cystic-fibrosis-patients/a4s3hkl/


High medical care costs revealed for this group
Affects children with co-existing mental health and substance use disorders

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/04/05/high-medical-care-costs-revealed-for-this-group/a6rv3z4/


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 www.artworkbytopher.com.

Community News: Oct. 19, 2018

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.


Local arts and entertainment Oct. 19 through Oct. 26 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/17/local-arts-and-entertainment-oct-19-through-oct-26/ap2xv8l/


Faith-based Ballet 5:8 in Frankfort receives grant 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/09/26/faith-based-ballet-58-in-frankfort-receives-grant/ao146sf/


Troy band, choir students chosen for ILMEA Junior Music Festival

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/17/troy-band-choir-students-chosen-for-ilmea-junior-music-festival/ax5dv91/


Troy band students included in orchestras 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/17/troy-band-students-included-in-orchestras/arejgle/


Students at District 202 in Plainfield to take part in music festival 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/17/students-at-district-202-in-plainfield-to-take-part-in-music-festival/aa5hxml/


Harvey Brooks Motivation & Development Foundation in Joliet to host celebration 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/19/harvey-brooks-motivation-development-foundation-in-joliet-to-host-celebration/ayga0gl/


Around Town: Joliet Junction

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/19/around-town-joliet-junction/ajmx0aw/


Metropolitan Youth Symphony to feature music of Leonard Bernstein and Mike McFerron 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/19/metropolitan-youth-symphony-to-feature-music-of-leonard-bernstein-and-mike-mcferron/aopkmxl/


Hot N’ Cole – The Music of Cole Porter – Prairie Bluff Golf Club  in Lockport

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/19/hot-n-cole-the-music-of-cole-porter-prairie-bluff-golf-club/atimfo0/


Wizard of Oz – Paramount Theater, Aurora 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/19/wizard-of-oz-paramount-theater-aurora/a9ffswn/


Morris Lions Club will host Halloween Costume Contest on Oct. 25 

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/10/18/d07c207b4bc7486db2963fac3d97f5d7/index.xml


Joliet Franciscans to host fundraiser 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/19/joliet-franciscans-to-host-fundraiser/aox7e2z/



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."

Community News: July 19, 2018

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

Local faith events July 19 through July 26

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/18/local-faith-events-july-19-through-july-26/ammyikb/

Joliet Franciscan sisters celebrated their jubilees

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/18/cb27dd1ebf00454e80d6af1a7f46f557/index.xml

Morris businesses offering hope to those in need

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/07/18/d40f38727c5d4cf694b631f9d2fbab31/index.xml

JTHS Alumni Spotlight: Dr. John M. Sayles

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/31/jths-alumni-spotlight-dr-john-m-sayles/a30e5pl/

JTHS Alumni Spotlight: Derrick Brown

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/06/jths-alumni-spotlight-derrick-brown/awwuuid/

JTHS Alumni Spotlight: Richard L. Chavez

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/06/jths-alumni-spotlight-richard-l-chavez/ahe88vu/

JTHS Alumni Spotlight: Eron Hodges

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/07/06/jths-alumni-spotlight-eron-hodges/av5dywn/


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

Community News: May 17, 2018

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

Local Faith Events: May 17 through May 24

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/16/local-faith-events-may-17-through-may-24/ap293cy/

Lockport church features student orchestra

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/16/lockport-church-features-student-orchestra/adkd5vw/

Joliet Catholic Academy student wins academic scholarship

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/10/joliet-catholic-academy-student-wins-academic-scholarship/a2moimu/

The Herald-News is seeking Vacation Bible School submissions

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/25/the-herald-news-is-seeking-vacation-bible-school-submissions/agi2br9/

Joliet church host annual neighborhood prayer event during Lent 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/02/joliet-church-host-annual-neighborhood-prayer-event-during-lent/ao35w6v/

Joliet Franciscans recently held 6th annual tea

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/16/c5ef72a321834a8fa1a9ade5325f2680/index.xml

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 Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 12 through March 17

I pronounce this past week as "sick week" and happy to leave it behind.

I worked from home for part of last week and this, but I'm feeling much better now and ready for a partial Saturday of writing fiction. It's partial because I am covering an event Saturday afternoon.

However, before I get to that point, I'll have a late Friday playing a bit of catch up from the rest of today. One of my sons was admitted to the hospital last night with blood poisoning, (an appropriate finale to "sick week"), so prayers, nice thoughts, the sacrificing of goats, etc. all appreciated.

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.


Elwood woman publishes a book about her miracle rescue dog  (VIDEO EXTRA)

‘Eva’s Heart’ has uplifting message for all ages

Milo was uncertain of Eva’s breed, saying that Eva “is a brindle and has beautiful coloring.” But that didn’t matter to Milo. She couldn’t believe several families had rejected a dog that remained so calm and loving, despite being returned several times to the shelter.

But Milo had an explanation for it.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/02/28/elwood-woman-publishes-a-book-about-her-miracle-rescue-dog/apq6cjt/

An Extraordinary Life: Frankfort woman helped anyone, anytime, anywhere

Terri Rossi epitomized selfless generosity

"It didn't matter how busy she was or how spread thin she was," Amanda Marshall of Orland hills, Terri's daughter said. "She always told everyone, 'Sure, no problem. I can do that.' "

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/03/07/an-extraordinary-life-frankfort-woman-helped-anyone-anytime-anywhere/as6t88s/


Morris dentist discusses the changing face of oral health
Dr. Keith Jaeschke looks back on 30-plus years of dentistry

Jaeschke said in those early days, dentists practiced "wet-fingered," meaning no gloves and no masks.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/03/12/morris-dentist-discusses-the-changing-face-of-oral-health/ao2z457/


Mystery Diner: Fire Water BBQ has some outstanding brisket

For starters, the restaurant is set up like a picnic, with picnic and square tables set up throughout and bar stools near the windows. Then there’s board after board of menu options, written in different colored chalk.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/01/19/mystery-diner-fire-water-bbq-has-some-outstanding-brisket/abjpy5i/

Joliet Franciscan publishes guide for family and friends of incarcerated people

Former director of Center for Correctional Concerns authors book

“Everybody thinks it happens to other people,” Ujcik said. “But one out of every 32 people ends up interacting with the system and one of every 100 ends up spending time there.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/03/08/joliet-franciscan-publishes-guide-for-family-and-friends-of-incarcerated-people/auexzxd/


Joliet area residents celebrate their Irish spirit

Lots of people post pictures of their children on Facebook, and Marianne Uthe of Manhattan is no exception.

But it was the photo of her son Corey Uthe, 17, of Manhattan, that made me remember a story I wrote several years ago, about a Joliet resident that dressed up as a leprechaun for charity.

If there's two, I mused, there's gotta be more.

So I asked on Facebook: "Does anyone in Will/Grundy counties have photos of themselves dressed as leprechauns? If I can get several, I'd like to run them in this Friday's Herald-News. Please message me."

And people responded. Happy St. Patrick's Day and enjoy!

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/03/16/9ecd09e717a545489461ca9ea0d3b269/index.xml

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 5 through March 11

Short commentary by moi this morning. I have a cold, I'm dragging,and I'm a bit behind.

Well, this last might have happened anyway. ;)

No fiction yesterday and probably no fiction today as I head into another working weekend. Yes, I know I worked last weekend, but there's only three of us editors, and I offered to make it more fair to someone else. Besides, I'm covering an event on Sunday, which pushes Sunday's work to Saturday, so I might as well work all of it.

I'll catch up with fiction, family, and friends over the next couple of weeks, so it's all good.

That said, I'm hoping Rebekah has time THIS weekend to finally work with me to finish the first Cornell. Remember that book? (LOL).

Still planning on picking at Before the Blood this weekend, as well as a couple new projects for my features section I want to launch, with my managing editor's permission.

If all of this sounds hard, it really doesn't sound hard to me. The only part that sounds hard is getting dressed, the consequence of being sick, I guess. I worked from home yesterday, and hope to do so again today, but I do have a mandatory meeting to attend, and it won't do showing up in pajamas.

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.

Joliet area chefs showcased their finest at Center for Disability Services benefit   (VIDEO EXTRA)

Joliet chef coordinated his 22nd tasting party to benefit people with disabilities

Larry Burich, interim CEO, said last year’s Great Chefs Tasting Party & Auction raised about $90,000 for CDS, and he hoped this year would be closer to $100,000. One possible allocation for some of the proceeds would be toward the purchase of additional TAPits (Touch Accessible Platform for Interactive Technology).

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/03/04/joliet-area-chefs-showcased-their-finest-at-center-for-disability-services-benefit/a1kfsk3/

An Extraordinary Life: Local builder helped shape the face of New Lenox

Bill Bolker developed family-friendly communities in New Lenox

Bill’s daughter, Bev Judge of New Lenox, said her father was born and raised in a 950-square-foot house on Vine Street with his parents and his two brothers.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/02/28/an-extraordinary-life-local-builder-helped-shape-the-face-of-new-lenox/a7oln35/

Pets of the Week: March 6

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/2017/02/26/pets-of-the-week-march-6/a64q1a5/

Mystery Diner: Hot Pan Noodles & Dumplings are made to order, from scratch

I had the fried noodles and beef as well, but selected only broccoli and cabbage for my vegetables. When it arrived with an extra ingredient I hadn’t ordered, the owner immediately whisked it away and prepared a second dish in minutes.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/02/18/mystery-diner-hot-pan-noodles-dumplings-are-made-to-order-from-scratch/azgaq1c/

Three Joliet Franciscan centenarians reflect on their ministry and relationships to God  (VIDEO EXTRA)

 “We gave up being married. We gave up having children. We gave up much of doing our own will,”  Sister Mariarthur Hamann said. “For many years, we lived by the vow of obedience. I think God blessed us because we were doing someone else’s will and we were doing it willingly.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/03/07/three-joliet-franciscan-centenarians-reflect-on-their-ministry-and-relationships-to-god/au2gimv/

Owner of Joliet insurance agency is first-time participant in Men Who Cook

Joe Garbin cooks for the love of cooking

Garbin’s main culinary focus is “old-school Italian cooking,” which he learned from his now-deceased grandmother Carmela Garbin, who came from Sicily.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/03/07/owner-of-joliet-insurance-agency-is-first-time-participant-in-men-who-cook/a3k5mos/

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 3 through July 8

What happened to the week??? It feels like yesterday I was crunching holiday deadlines.

Enjoyed a mellow three days (ish) off: a nice mix of a movie with the kids, a couple of assignments, putting together a cople of calendars, two fireworks shows, time with family, shaping a couple of new social media projects for BryonySeries, and working on Henry's story in Before the Blood.

 My first day back was actually spent offsite working on a new project. That left three days of the five for everything else. Yikes!

A few less stories this week. No secondaries. And ran wire for Thursday after not one, but TWO Faith stories weren't quite ready for publication. (On one, the main source asked me to hold off a couple weeks, the second couldn't be photographed until Thursday).

WriteOn Joliet last night meant booking out of work a little early; insomnia last night will make addressing the significant amount of "everything else" today rather interesting.

And now...

Check out the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page 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 if you do peek at these stories, to quote our editor Kate Schott, "Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)

Joliet attorney installed as 140th president of the Illinois State Bar Association

As president of the ISBA, Vincent Cornelius will focus on education

"Watching my mother engage in our community and help everyone she could in every way she could – I wanted to be in a profession where I could do that.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/29/joliet-attorney-installed-as-140th-president-of-the-illinois-state-bar-association/amjag0v/

Joliet Franciscan dedicated her life to Our Lady of Angels Retirement Home

To Sister Peter Didier, OLA was home and ministry

“If licensing for nurse practitioners was part of the medical scene in the 1970s, she would have passed the exam hands down,” Sister Albert Marie Papesh said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/30/joliet-franciscan-dedicated-her-life-to-our-lady-of-angels-retirement-home/a1u5j6l/


Pets of the Week: July 4

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/2016/06/30/pets-of-the-week-july-4/a63scjt/

Frankfort pet blogger running 24-hour marathon for canine cancer treatment

Frankfort blogger raising money for cancer treatment after it helped her corgi

Carleen Coulter did some research and learned about Canine T-Cell Project through Facebook. According to Coulter, this treatment is an immunotherapy procedure for dogs with B-cell lymphoma. It is not effective for dogs with T-cell lymphoma.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/22/frankfort-pet-blogger-running-24-hour-marathon-for-canine-cancer-treatment/ag8xk58/

Channahon musician, music director and music teacher is quarterfinalist for award (VIDEO EXTRA)

Jones a quarterfinalist for The Recording Academy and Grammy Foundation award 

“I think music teaches everybody to be kinder, to be more well-rounded, more of aware of the world and how we perceive things, how we work through our daily lives – conflicts, problems, sadness,” Janet Jones said. “I think music just makes people very happy. It’s always made me happy.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/07/01/channahon-musician-music-director-and-music-teacher-is-quarterfinalist-for-award/a9yx4ex/

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 26 through July 1

Week in review: It's all below, really.

That and reshaping some description detail on Henry's story in Before the Blood.

Looking forward to this weekend: spending time with the kids (fireworks, at least one movie), working on the prequel, one event coverage (with Divine Liturgy) and one in-person interview.

Oh, yes, and I have a couple BryonySeries marketing projects I'm planning to work on, too. If I get that far, I'll share after the fact.

It's a nice mix for a three-day holiday weekend, dontcha think?

Ahem.

Check out the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page 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 if you do peek at these stories, to quote our editor Kate Schott, "Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)

Providence High School alumni celebrate 60th anniversary at monthly gathering (VIDEO EXTRA)

Jan Lisdero Ciarlette of Lockport called it a miracle.

It was Ciarlette’s turn to say the rosary at Providence High School, then located at 169 N. Ottawa St. in Joliet.

Ciarlette had recently transferred from Lockport Township High School. She knew how to recite the rosary, but she felt nervous anyway.

Suddenly, the ceiling fell down and the rosary was canceled.

“I’ll never forget it,” Lisdero Ciarlette said. “They never asked me to do it again.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/23/providence-high-school-alumni-celebrate-60th-anniversary-at-monthly-gathering/a5m6si


Volunteers remodel house for Morris family that doubled in size after death of loved ones

“A part of me is having a hard time picking out material and stuff because it’s bittersweet,” Jennifer said. “If my sister hadn’t passed away, I wouldn’t be doing this.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/20/volunteers-remodel-house-for-morris-family-that-doubled-in-size-after-death-of-loved-ones/a1gjqhq/


Shorewood woman was honest, funny and giving

Carol had no idea the significant impact she made on people, Eve, of Antioch, said. Carol was direct, honest, funny and had a gift of making people feel at ease.

In short, Eve said, Carol was a true friend.

“She was an extraordinary person,” Eve said. “She was the most forgiving and humble individual you will ever meet.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/20/shorewood-woman-was-honest-funny-and-giving/afwvk1q/


Bike ride through Channahon, Minooka and Morris raises funds for Friedreich's ataxia

In 2008, when she was 12, Emily Young was diagnosed with Friedreich’s ataxia, a genetic condition that causes progressive damage to the nervous system.

But it doesn’t keep Young, of Gibson City and now 20, from riding a recumbent bicycle and fundraising for a cure.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/21/bike-ride-through-channahon-minooka-and-morris-raises-funds-for-friedreichs-ataxia/akyzbj7/

Joliet Franciscans install new governing board, discern new direction

In the order’s 2016 directional statement, the sisters committed to “recognizing and confronting all forms of violence and injustice, such as racism, oppression of women and girls, human trafficking and hostility toward refugees and immigrants,” to minister to people of all ages as Christ would and to be “generous stewards and witnesses for peace.”

It’s a tremendous commitment in a changing world.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/22/joliet-franciscans-install-new-governing-board-discern-new-direction/aycgc68/


Rev. Gómez performs horse blessing on horseback

More had planned to attend the free 25-minute service at The Forest Preserve District of Will County’s Hadley Valley - Gougar Road Access, but by 10:30 a.m. it was already 90 degrees, Bochenek said.

“So we took a picture of those horses and father blessed them, even though those horses were in the picture frames,” Bochenek said. Gómez also said a blessing prayer for the horses that had passed on.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/29/rev-gomez-performs-horse-blessing-on-horseback/a20j41f/


Lemont church to present 'The Adams/Jefferson Letters'

Rev. Thomas Koys wrote, “The Adams/Jefferson Letters,” a 90-minute historical presentation he adapted from actual letters between Adams and Jefferson. Koys portrays John Adams in the production. He feels his church is an appropriate place to showcase history.

“Faith has a lot of light in it,” Koys said. “Our nation is in trouble and it needs light in order to steer a course for the future. And some of that light can be found in history.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/06/30/lemont-church-to-present-the-adamsjefferson-letters/a7mhtpe/