Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 3 through Jan. 9

 Good morning!

I have ten stories online to share with you today. More stories will go live over the weekend and next week. 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!

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.

For January, all activities center around becoming your best self.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

We typically don't host in-person events in January to give us time to recoup and prepare for tax time - but we are participating in one!

Jan. 31: Critical Grind Winter Local Author Fair: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Critical Grind Board Game Cafe, 852 Sharp Drive No. L, Shorewood.

We also encourage you to 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. 

Please note: Bookshop does not carry all of our books.

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 outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright has finished the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects. But the goal is to release "Brainy Ann" in 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

Stepping Stones in Joliet looks to open new center for mothers in recovery

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/22/stepping-stones-in-joliet-looks-to-open-new-center-for-mothers-in-recovery/

Joliet Chamber not bringing back New Orleans North festival

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/06/joliet-chamber-not-bringing-back-new-orleans-north-festival/

Joliet tax advisors to host grand opening ribbon cutting

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/07/joliet-tax-advisors-to-host-grand-opening-ribbon-cutting/

CITGO refinery in Romeoville, once owned by Venezuela, sold in December

Government there contesting the sale

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/06/citgo-refinery-in-romeoville-once-owned-by-venezuela-sold-in-december/

Hollywood Casino Joliet announces winner of Gala Giveaway

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/06/hollywood-casino-joliet-announces-winner-of-gala-giveaway/

Eyes on Enterprise: Three Rivers Association of Realtors announces Top 100 Realtors

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/04/eyes-on-enterprise-three-rivers-association-of-realtors-announces-top-100-realtors/

Plot Twist Books, new independent bookstore, opens in Lockport

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/27/plot-twist-books-new-independent-bookstore-opens-in-lockport/

Mr. Auto Care opens in Crest Hill

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/29/mr-auto-care-opens-in-crest-hill/

Joliet library’s Black Road branch reopening Monday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/02/joliet-librarys-black-road-branch-to-reopen-monday/

Will County Pets of the Week: Jan. 5, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/05/will-county-pets-of-the-week-jan-5-2026/

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 20 through Dec. 26

Good morning!

I have eleven stories online to share with you today. More stories will go live over the weekend and next week. 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.

During this holiday season, please consider becoming a "Herald Angel" in Will County or Grundy County. The need for your help is high and - in some cases - truly unprecedented.

I am happy to report we gave Santa Services fifty Bertrand the Mouse books to distribute to events for low-income children.

But we are still collecting BryonySeries children's books for the Will County Children's Advocacy Center through the holiday season as they give books to children throughout the year.

However, we will be taking collection box for books (and the tree with the adoptable mouse) at The Book Market in Crest Hill out of the store sometime today.

But you can still order BryonySeries children's books from Amazon (our BryonySeries store is being renovated) and ship to and to Denise M. Unland, P.O. Box 2789, Joliet, IL, 60436.

For bulk rates and more information, email us at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

We will be collecting books throughout the holiday season.

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!

BryonySeries/WriteOn Joliet Christmas/Holiday Books

Bertrand and the Christmas Surprise

Cornell Dyer and the Flu

Write Where We Are: Holiday Edition: Stories, poems, and essays for the holiday season

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.

For December, all activities center around giving.

To participate, visit bryonyseries.com/ourcalendar.

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

We have no more events scheduled until 2026 (but lots of exciting plans are in the works for next year!).

But please consider popping into The Book Market and donating a BryonySeries children's book (or two) to kids in need.

For details, please read this post.

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 outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright has finished the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects. But the goal is to release "Brainy Ann" in 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

Be a Herald Angel: Help Will County United Way meet ‘unprecedented’ community need

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/11/26/be-a-herald-angel-help-will-county-united-way-meet-unprecedented-community-need/

Be a Herald Angel: Help Grundy County United Way meet high community need

https://www.shawlocal.com/morris-herald-news/2025/11/25/be-a-herald-angel-help-grundy-county-united-way-meet-high-community-need/

Stepping Stones in Joliet looks to open new center for mothers in recovery

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/22/stepping-stones-in-joliet-looks-to-open-new-center-for-mothers-in-recovery/

Photos: Downtown Joliet dressed up in holiday style

https://www.shawlocal.com/gallery/2025/12/19/photos-downtown-joliet-dressed-up-in-holiday-style/

Photos: Crest Hill day care hosts winter ball

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/25/crest-hill-daycare-hosts-winter-ball/

Mokena entrepreneurs win 4 awards

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/21/mokena-entrepreneurs-win-4-awards/

Silver Cross Foundation appoints 2 new board members

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/20/silver-cross-foundation-appoints-2-new-board-members/

Joliet police seek help in finding missing man

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/25/joliet-police-seek-help-in-finding-missing-man/

Plainfield Lions provides 192 families with holiday grocery gift cards

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/24/plainfield-lions-provides-192-families-with-holiday-grocery-gift-cards/

Crest Hill Fit Foundation seeking donations for Christmas dinners

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/19/crest-hill-fit-foundation-seeking-donations-for-christmas-dinners/

Will County Pets of the Week: Dec. 22, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/12/22/will-county-pets-of-the-week-dec-22-2025/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Feb. 24 to March 1

Good morning!

I have thirteen 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.

It's been a topsy turvy year so far with a few health challenges. Overall, this has been a stable week for me (not at baseline, but stable), even though the colonoscopy had to be pushed out to the end of next month due to said health challenges. 

So I'm hoping for a productive weekend, fiction-wise, over the next couple of days. I'm editing a manuscript for a client, and I'd like to work on my own projects, too. Hoping!

Here are the 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 this 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. The first chapter is written, hurray! 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 novelette in the second person is completed and just needs final copyediting. 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'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

$10,000 waiting for Shorewood couple through ICash: ICash connects unclaimed property with the rightful owners

Baran-Unland: I had unclaimed money in ICash twice: It’s certainly worth a few minutes to look

Will County Irish society awards scholarships for study abroad program: IASCW has awarded scholarships to 56 students since 1983

Stepping Stones Joliet showcases renovations at treatment center: The total cost was $3.5 million

Minooka woman’s Zumbathon to benefit special-needs prom: Providing a free prom for 160 local people with special needs costs about $8,000

Silver Cross cardiologist shares her own heart experience, expertise: Dr. Reema Sheth is skilled in transradial cardiac catheterization

Family of late Silver Cross CEO files complaint against Chicago hospital: The complaint included a letter from an expert dated Feb. 12

Former coach at St. Jude Joliet honored at final home basketball game: Bob Tyrell, St. Jude principal: ‘Our kids shook Mr. Long’s hand and thanked him’

Rock Circus at The Forge in Joliet to benefit Concussion Legacy Foundation: The organizer has post-concussion syndrome

 Find a Lenten fish fry across the Joliet region

Register now for Joliet Zonta’s 3rd annual film festival: The event is formerly known as LUNAFEST

Pets of the Week: Feb. 26, 2024: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

The Local Scene: Get the Led Out at Joliet’s Rialto

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

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

This weekend is shaping up to be a BryonySeries weekend.

I am meeting with Colleen Robbins (who just released this book and this book and has a fourth in review), the editor for Before the Blood, to review her edits for the fifth and final installment.

And I have to finish the reading through the proof copy of the fourth installment of BTB so that can be ready for an early June release.

AND, if all goes well, Timothy and I still have half of Cornell Dyer and the Never Robbers to finish outlining (besides, I'm eager to find out what happens).

I'd also like to spend some time on Phyllis' memoir, too.

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

Non-bylined features:

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

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

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

 Social media:

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

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

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

Upcoming events:

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

Check out the progress he has made so far. Each square is hand-built.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.com. Again, Timothy is in the process of updating the website, so all titles may not appear. If you have any questions, email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

When mom-to-be has an opioid addiction

Dr. Jyoti Randhawa, chief medical officer, said “everyone’s alarms tend to go off” when a woman with an addiction becomes pregnant. People want to “strip away” “anything or everything” that can cause harm to the mother or baby.

“But the rule of thumb is you treat the patient in the best interest of their life quality, even if a woman is pregnant and is having substance abuse issues,” Randhawa said. “You still want to follow the general protocol.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/10/when-mom-to-be-has-an-opioid-addiction/apmbknw/

Building family legacy and heritage
New Lenox woman looks back at 10 decades 

Part of Katherine Shanahan's  birthday celebration included seeing Tony Bennett at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet and then meeting him after the show. She has no plans for the future, nor is she anxious about it.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/07/e1abf07974d848e4aa5261ba4b119492/index.xml


An Extraordinary Life: The art Clara Matay of Joliet left behind her

Not until after Clara Matay's death on Sept. 3, 1988, did Dee Philiph of New Lenox find her mother's find some of her mother's artwork while sorting through her Clara's belonging.

Those pieces now are displayed at The Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet, where they will remain through June.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/11/ab32b6cedbd94c57baa70effd9a37c09/index.xml

More than a table centerpiece

Flowers can safely be used as food if you know the do's and don'ts

The use of edible flowers is not limited to chefs. Home cooks can use them, too, if they use common sense and take the right precautions.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/15/9033ce9035f94e7da5618e5e588bf904/index.xml?page=1


Windows into the Rialto world
Joliet theater partners with student artists at JJC and Lewis University

"They look fantastic," Micah McDade said, marketing manager for the Rialto said. "With the community as close-knit as Joliet, it seemed a natural fit to include local artists and, even better, artists-in-training, these students. It gave them an outlet to present their work for the hundreds and thousands of people who walk past every year."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/15/358df8a926be4038942fe864b69509ac/index.xml


Artworks: Photographer Bob Campbell gets his start at Joliet Jam

"I was just getting into photography," Campbell, a Joliet Junior College student at the time of the concert, recalled. "I had gotten a telephoto lens, in addition to some other lenses. I was allowed back state so I got to talk to them."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/15/artworks-photographer-bob-campbell-gets-his-start-at-joliet-jam/aguqh8v/


LocalLit author spotlight: Carolyn Hill of New Lenox
Hill returns with another story with a #patriotic theme

Hill said: “Mademoiselle Liberty and Me" is the subject of a larger message magnified by a colossus as great as the country she represents.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/04/16/locallit-author-spotlight-carolyn-hill-of-new-lenox/aqjtmvz/

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

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

First of all, social media posting for today and through the weekend will be spotty to non-existent. I have a vacation day today, so I'm spending it and the next two days in a nearby town with one of my sons, his wife, and three of my grandchildren.

And I have to leave the house early today because I'm the chief babysitter of a newborn, toddler, and preschooler while their parents are at work. And before that, I have to shoot a video for work (Hey, it's on the way).

And I'm also teaching tonight, but that will get me in the mood for some late night fiction-writing...and for next weekend, where I intend to embark on Before the Blood writing marathon.

While that may sound awesome, it also means that I have to cram all my deadlines into Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week. Bring on the coffee!

Secondly, videos have not been attaching to stories, although they do run for a time on the home page. If you'd like to watch a video, and it's not showing up for you, message me, and I'll manually attach it.

Here's this week's work summary:

First, the non-bylined work: 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.

I also put together an extra calendar, a listing of area craft fairs for 2016: http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/09/13/area-craft-events/aei3pml/

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

Thank you for reading The Herald-News.

Leadership changes coming to Stepping Stones in Joliet (VIDEO EXTRA)

Paul Lauridsen will build on Stepping Stones’ approach to substance abuse treatment

Last year Stepping Stones treated 701 people, Pete McLenighan, executive director, said. Two hundred are on a waiting list, with 120 of them waiting for residential treatment, he added. Furthermore, Stepping Stones continues to follow up with its clients. The era of "28 days and done" is gone.

"Our ultimate goal is abstinence and even that is being modified," McLenighan said. "If someone is being maintained on a medication – typically through a doctor's supervision – and is functioning well and living a stable life, productive life, that's ultimately what we're trying to help people achieve."

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/11/09/leadership-changes-coming-to-stepping-stones-in-joliet/a175dcc/


An Extraordinary Life: Joliet woman was a faithful servant to the end (VIDEO EXTRA)

Kathy Wagner ministered and mentored anyone God placed in her path

"It seemed like Kathy was always just there, doing what needed to be done, faithfully and in the background," Karen Braam of Manhattan said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/11/11/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-woman-was-a-faithful-servant-to-the-end/apoxrza/

Joliet musician is known for spectacular piano and organ performances (VIDEO EXTRA)

Rose Sochan’s Christmas concert and final CD release party is Sunday

Through the years, Rose has performed pop music at nightclubs, lounges and even in her brother’s rock band. In college, Rose played mostly classical compositions. At church, Rose played Christian music.

Starting 15 years ago, Rose also has played for weddings at the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate in Joliet. But the most difficult pieces Rose ever played were “Here I Am Lord” at her mother’s funeral and “Amazing Grace” at her father’s.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/11/15/joliet-musician-is-known-for-spectacular-piano-and-organ-performances/ajt7olw/

Easterseals Joliet Region hosting its final American Girl fashion shows this weekend

Tickets still available for two shows

The fashion show has two parts, so during intermission the models change clothes, Teresa  Summers, development associate at Easterseals Joliet, said. Some of them have to change quicker than others, she added.

“There’s a lot of changing of hair ribbons and bows to match their outfits. It gets hectic back there,” Summers said. “But, for the most part, we’re a well-oiled machine. We have a lot of volunteers.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/11/15/easterseals-joliet-region-hosting-its-final-american-girl-fashion-shows-this-weekend/anrwncy/

Homer Glen girl will portray Clara in 'The Nutcracker' at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet

Twelve-year-old Reagan Davidson has lead role in ‘The Nutcracker’

“I find her acting ability to be extraordinary for that age,” Ken Von Heidecke, founder and director of the Chicago Festival Ballet, said. “Many children aren’t good at portraying expressing the passion and the feelings, but she’s figured it out.”

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Sept. 27 through Oct. 2

All-righty, here we go!

Below are cover stories and the link to the feature briefs and event calendars, which I write/edit. The fourth calendar, Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page through the week.

The link to features briefs and calendars: http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/

Great stuff happening in the Joliet area by some outstanding people. See below:


Volunteers maintain gardens at Joliet Area Community Hospice (VIDEO EXTRA)

Part of compassionate care for the dying and their families is adding beauty and serenity. Meet some of the dedicated people who do just that - with so many video clips, you'll swear you were touring the gardens.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/09/24/volunteers-maintain-gardens-at-joliet-area-community-hospice/a1dvjk4/


An Extraordinary Life: Joliet composer, writer and painter was a good artist and a great man

Robert Baher never pursed a professional career as an artist, but his legacy lives in in perpetuity to bless another who will.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/09/25/joliet-composer-writer-and-painter-was-a-good-artist-a-great-man/a93x5tv/


Newly retired addictions counselor at Joleit treatment center shares evolutions in treatment

Virginia Brocks speaks as a recovering alcoholic, too, on everything from alcohol addiction to heroin.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/09/24/newly-retired-addictions-counselor-at-joliet-treatment-center-shares-evolutions-in-treatment/ail9


New Catholic high school in Frankfort offers high quality, affordable options

It's a college prep program with an emphasis on academics, theology, liberal arts, and character development. It's missing a few mainstays at most high schools, on purpose. Read on!

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/09/29/new-catholic-high-school-in-frankfort-offers-high-quality-affordable-option/a80w3mj/


House band for Plainfield club plays in and out of the house  (VIDEO EXTRA)

Accomplished musicians every one, these guys just want their audience to have a good time.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/09/01/house-band-for-plainfield-club-plays-in-and-out-of-the-house/atru2wf/

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Week of June 28, 2015

In theory, this is a day off...as soon as I get some work done, LOL!

Below is a recap of my non-fiction activities this week. All the feature briefs, along with the event calendars - health, faith, and arts and entertainment - can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ The fourth, Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday.

Check back with www.theherald-news.com each day for new event listings.

And now, the main stories:


Joliet motivational speaker wants seniors to embrace new experiences
By Dawn Aulet

Think certain opportunities have passed you by? Rufus Stephens wants you to think again. Everything you've done up to this point has been training for the next project, Stephens feels.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/06/25/joliet-motivational-speaker-wants-seniors-to-embrace-new-experiences/amu1itl/


An Extraordinary Life: Pastor emeritus of Joliet church lived the joy of his faith

One of those joys was taking kids to camp, where they could sit under the stars and bask in the glory of God's creation.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/06/23/an-extraordinary-life-pastor-emeritus-of-joliet-church-lived-the-joy-of-his-faith/aqjei84/


Pets of the Week

I had inadvertantly written "Pests of the Week," which a reporter caught and fixed. But for those that have pets...or wish they had pets...

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/06/25/pets-of-the-week/aw8fusn/


Joliet treatment and recovery center has success with holistic approach
By Sean Leary

Learn not only what Stepping Stones has done for one man, read what this man now does for Stepping Stones.

http://www.jolietheraldnews.com/2015/06/19/joliet-treatment-and-recovery-center-has-success-with-holistic-approach/affwpbn/


Lockport woman runs ministry to provide inner city youth with basic needs.
By Allison Selk

How basic? How about a drive to collect 1000 pillows? Find out why this is so important to this woman.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/07/01/lockport-woman-runs-ministry-to-provide-inner-city-youth-with-basic-needs/au03whz/


Youth with special needs becomes superheroes at a Lemont camp

To watch students who are confined to wheelchairs soar across a stage was powerful.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/06/24/youth-with-special-needs-become-superheroes-at-a-lemont-camp/apteliq/