Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 15 through Jan. 28

Good morning!

I have sixteen feature stories to share with you today, with another about a dozen large pieces that hopefully will go live this weekend.

Speaking of weekends, I'm still making nice progress on Call of the Siren. I have twenty of its thirty-two chapters edited, and I hope to have at least one more in good shape by the end of this weekend.

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

Sue Midlock has completed the art for Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical Being" (cover looks great, by the way) and is touching up the art for Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones. Rebekah will format the release them as soon as she can make the time. She has been very busy lately with work and side projects. 

Timothy has nearly completed the outline for the next book in the series, a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes). We were hoping to make some time for a "Cornell Breakfast" over the holidays, but that didn't happen. Maybe later this month. Maybe February? Here's hoping!

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

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

Jennifer Wainright (frontispiece artist for Lycanthropic Summer) has completed two portraits for  "Girls of the BryonySeries" series for tween girls and is currently working on a third. The portraits are beautiful and it shows that artist Jennifer Wainright can draw anything from werewolves to portraits! 

Rebekah Baran has completed cover art for two of "Girls of the BryonySeries" books. They are beautiful! One book in this series of eight books is completely written, a second is halfway written, and the rest are outlined. 

Now back to the sixteen stories. Simply click on the link of the story that looks interesting to you. Happy scrolling!

But before the stories, I have a list of additional resources and information. Please check them out, too -

Finally, if you'd like to find more kindness in your life, consider this book.

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

Sue's Diner is a fictional restaurant in the fictional Munsonville that only exists in the BryonySeries.

Each Sunday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks or will be featured in an upcoming cookbook.

Check out the recipe here.

WRITERS

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to join WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

If you'd like to officially join WriteOn Joliet, we have two tiers of dues. We also have a marketing arm that's getting longer every year, well, except this year. Check us out at writeonjoliet.com.

I also suggest this book: Little Book of Revision: A Checklist for Fiction Writers. It's exactly as it says. Each page some with one suggestion for revision. The rest of the page is blank, so you can add your own notes. All proceeds benefit WriteOn Joliet.

If you need support in your writing, I highly recommend this Twitter group: #5amwritersclub. I  joined it last year. Writers support each other on Twitter and meet every three weeks at 5 a.m. (4 a.m. CST - needless to say, I am often late!) on Zoom.

If you need editing or help with self-publishing, check out dmbaranunland.com.

ARTISTS

If you need an artist for a project, I offer these recommendations.

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide and Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story and Book Review Newsletter at https://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/

Sign up for The Munsonville Times by emailing us at bryonyseries@gmail.com. The newsletter still isn't official yet, so we don't have an actual link on the website - but we are working on it! 

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries.

And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

For books and more information about the series, visit bryonyseries.com.

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/calendar-of-events-1.

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

An Extraordinary Life: Award-winning choreographer put local kids on the Rialto stage: Kenneth von Heidecke always made room for youth who wanted to be part of ‘The Nutcracker’ at Joliet theater 

12 students at Plainfield MS to participate in all-state chorus: All 12 students attend Ira Jones Middle School in District 202 

Pets of the Week: Jan. 24: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

Occupational therapist thinks “outside the box” when it comes to patient care: Morris Hospital named Jenny Kumrow its Fire Starter of the Month for January 2022

5 Things to do in Will County: This weekend is for the birds and Metal Monkey: Enjoy some music and indoor walking, too

Joliet Catholic Academy Students of the Month

JCA announces its October 2021 Students of the Month

JCA announces its November 2021 Students of the Month

JCA announces its December 2021 Students of the Month

Troy School District 30-C

Troy 30-C school board recognizes October 2021 Students of the Month

Troy 30-C school board recognizes November, December 2021 Students of the Month

Joliet Public Schools District 86

D. 86 in Joliet announces its students of the month for October 2021: Students at 10 buildings were recognized 

D. 86 in Joliet announces its students of the month for November 2021: Students at 14 buildings were recognized

D. 86 in Joliet announces its students of the month for December 2021: Students at 12 buildings were recognized 

Joliet Township High School District 204

District 204 in Joliet announces its students of the month for October 2021

District 204 in Joliet announces its students of the month for November 2021

District 204 in Joliet announces its students of the month for December 2021

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Nov. 17 through Nov. 22

A couple of quick plugs and then I'm off to work!

If you're looking for Christmas gifts for children, seek no more! Here's two BryonySeries book recommendations:

Bertrand the Christmas Surprise is picture book about a crocheted mouse who decides to wait for Santa.

Cornell Dyer and the Flu (third grade and up) is a spoof on Charles Dicken's A Christmas Carol. It's Christmas Eve and Cornell dyer, supernatural super sleuth, is sick in the hospital with a mysterious flu that's causing some very strange symptoms. One of the patients takes him on an even stranger journey, leaving Cornell with a life-altering decision to make.

For the adults on your list, why not buy Before the Blood? It's rich world-building and character development tucked into 804 pages makes it great for a long winter's read.

Finally, if you're looking for some free Christmas stories to read, try this post. It contains eight excerpts from the BryonySeries, with a common theme of Christmas. I posted it last year, and it's received views every day ever since.

Have a great day, 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. And be sure to "hover" your hand over the first square. Note: this only works (so far) with the desktop version.

But he's also made A LOT of changes to the website. So be sure to roam around a bit.

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.

Joliet auto body supply shop turns 50

Read about the foundation upon which this business was built and why it's still going strong five decades later.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/12/joliet-auto-body-supply-shop-turns-50/dgvp4gq/


An Extraordinary Life: Joliet couple knew the value of hard work

They founded Arnie's Auto Body & Supply Inc. in middle age and built up the business while raising nine children. Read about their values, tenacity, and frugal ways.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/12/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-couple-knew-the-value-of-hard-work/dr9dahl/


Joliet school using technology to keep students healthy

One smart thermometer plus a program for schools equal better communication and addressing of symptoms.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/06/joliet-school-using-technology-to-keep-students-healthy/anj03xb/

A taste of thanks

Joliet venue offers drinks for the season, hosts toy drive

Four adult drinks reminiscent of traditional Thanksgiving, as well as a chance to give back.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/20/a-taste-of-thanks/dc17pkh/

Gloria Jean's Coffees offering new holiday flavors at stores

I prefer plain and unembellished, but fans of the flavored varieties will find some great choices here.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/18/gloria-jeans-coffees-offering-new-holiday-flavors-at-stores/a67k4py/


'It’s really nice to impress them'
Meet 2 dedicated artists behind the production of 'The Nutcracker' 

“Most people have never seen a ballet. It’s really nice to impress them,” Kenneth von Heidecke said.

 “When I hear people walking out of the theater, especially husbands and teenage boys, saying to their wives or girlfriends, ‘Wow, I didn’t know it was going got be like that. You can take me to a ballet anytime,’ I think that is very rewarding.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/13/its-really-nice-to-impress-them/d6lswwd/


An art and hobby beyond #dollhouses
Manhattan museum hosting an exhibit of miniature displays through December 

The exhibit includes handmade miniature houses, dioramas and creative miniature displays of detailed and, oftentimes, handmade items placed in small rooms and other settings, such as inside teacups and tobacco tins, according to a news release from the museum.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/11/10/29f209d5eb5b42ea9343241246a00593/index.xml?page=1


LocalLit author spotlight: Colleen Robbins of  Joliet

Meet the editor for Before The Blood.and then sign up for the free newsletter and read her short story on Tuesday.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/11/04/locallit-author-spotlight-colleen-robbins-of-joliet/aiqzxid/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 10 through Dec. 15

It's been an intense week!

I am looking forward to tomorrow: fiction, tying up a few loose ends, and an annual feast day dinner with Rebekah Baran.

So many of us have bucket lists, and while I personally do not, the BryonySeries does (yes a BryonySeries Book Marketing Bucket List). I do have one item on that list I'd like to make happen in March, and I will need your help. More on this come Monday.

Speaking of bucket lists and looking ahead, I do have several events scheduled into 2018. One of them is "How to Self-Publish a Book for (Nearly) Free" on Jan. 11. Details are HERE.

If you'd like a sneak peak at the others, visit the Fetes and Feasts page at www.bryonyseries.com and the events page at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries.

Also in 2018, I'll be starting a newsletter. I'm giving away the first chapter of one of the books in the Before the Blood prequel as a "thank you" for signing up. Want to be included? Drop me a line at bryonyseries@gmail.com. Want more information? Visit www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times.

Now some quick information before the stories:

Also in 2018, I'll be starting a newsletter. I'm giving away the first chapter of one of the books in the BTB prequel as a "thank you" for signing up. Want to be included? Drop me a line at bryonyseries@gmail.com

Now some quick information before the stories:

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 in web on other days as I have the time: Monday (pets), Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (arts and entertainment), and Sunday (people).

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.

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

Joliet woman helps others to 'Say It With A Sign'

That's the name LeAnn Ryan of Joliet gave to her business when she founded it nearly a decade ago. But it's also her suggestion for personalizing a present for a loved one.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/05/92f85a98a34749df83b72bd77a4b5997/index.xml?page=1

No place like home for Joliet mom

While many people associate their mothers with home – in her poem, Holly Coop references wonderful food her mother prepared for holidays and ordinary days – the mom/home connection runs especially deep for Janet Butler.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/11/29/88e7c1dbef8f4707bd04e256493fb1a2/index.xml?page=1

Neither water nor land could keep Tibby and Shorewood woman apart

Noelle Viola recently went to Germany to bring home Tiny Tibby, a 5-month old papillon weighing 3.1 pounds, bringing the count of Noelle's current fur babies to five.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/05/a97b43816aca4fc386eb131e0b503ce2/index.xml?page=1


Pets of the Week: Dec. 11 

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

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/08/7648b4aebd6c4518942c5644c261ff2c/index.xml

'Saying goodbye'

Channahon man with ALS decides to come off life support

On Monday Dec. 11, Chief Damon Schuldt and other members of the Kankakee Fire Department visited with Derek Hogg.

That was the same day Hogg, a former Kankakee firefighter, announced on his Facebook page his decision to remove himself from life support. He was intubated Oct. 29 after a cold turned into pneumonia and septic shock.

Hogg was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) in May 2013 shortly after he turned 30.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/12/ebd8e05325e2446cbea7455a980903f6/index.xml?page=1

Sushi N Noodle by OISI in Plainfield offers variety of rolls, homemade ramen

The "one" had been pining to try the homemade ramen, but the venue worked for everyone. That's because one of us is infatuated with Asian culture and cuisine, while another two are adventurous when it comes to trying new foods. Two had a taste for mochi, and if you don't know what that is, well, you soon will.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/11/22c22994767740ce9777ca642a94f748/index.xml

Have you heard what Paul Baltz heard?

Former Joliet resident yearns to hear forgotten Christmas song one last time

Paul Baltz, 77, hasn’t heard or sung his favorite carol in more than 50 years. Worse, no one Baltz knows appears to remember the carol. The carol is called “Across the Hills,” and it was written in the 1940s by a former pastor at the Cathedral of St. Raymond for parish use only.

Read on. Because Baltz is in for a surprise.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/13/27a3e41642d04f0f8e0eb71cc858ba80/index.xml

Former pastor composed only for Joliet parish

St. Ray’s choir director and associate organist reviving the legacy

“Across the Hills” is a Christmas carol written in the 1940s by the cathedral pastor at the time, the Rev. Edwin V. Hoover, who collaborated with his associate pastor the Rev. James Riley.

“It was only ever done at St. Ray’s,” Siegel said. “It was never published, as were none of Hoover’s works.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/12/13/former-pastor-composed-only-for-joliet-parish/a92uqel/

Christian variation of ‘The Nutcracker’ to be performed in New Lenox

"Even if you don't think the first Christmas is factual, this story is so beautiful and so whimsical and so well done, it will bring you into the holiday spirit," Ballet 5:8 artistic director Julianna Slager said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/12/19ecbfb6b1f24e0abdc02088c24bc95e/index.xml?page=1

Joliet superintendent connects with kids through music

"I said, 'Yes,' because I love our music program, and the more I can support it, the better," Therese Rouse said. "Music is such an important part of the learning process, and I want to be able to show the students it's important to me to join them on this tour."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2017/12/12/a2a0176eecc7437f9af1f1951ea7c832/index.xml?page=1

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for Visage or Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

Community News: Nov. 10, 2017

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


Local arts and entertainment: Nov. 10 through Nov. 17

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/04/local-arts-and-entertainment-nov-10-through-nov-17/ajetfsp/

Homer Glen woman wins October photo contest

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/09/homer-glen-woman-wins-october-photo-contest/ajz2jwg/

Will County area craft events

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/09/11/will-county-area-craft-events/a3fil9j/

Santa Sightings

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/06/santa-sightings/a4tt0um/

Joliet Central High School student center addition wins 7th award

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/10/joliet-central-high-school-student-center-addition-wins-7th-award/ahnet5h/

Joliet hospice to hold memorial tribute

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/06/joliet-hospice-to-hold-memorial-tribute/ajjyo5o/

Frankfort ballet company offers new twist on popular 'Nutcracker'

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/09/frankfort-ballet-company-offers-new-twist-on-popular-nutcracker/aw5ky1/

Romeoville university's radio to bring 'Christmas Memories' on Thanksgiving Day

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/11/08/romeoville-universitys-radio-to-bring-christmas-memories-on-thanksgiving-day/alkpmpn/

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Dec. 6 through Dec. 11

WHEW!

That was this week. And that will be this weekend. And next week.

I remember Ron asking me once what EXACTLY do I do in my attic office all day? He reasoned that it didn't take fourteen hours to write two stories.

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 through 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.

And if you do peek at these stories, to quote our editor Kate Schott, "Thank you for reading The Herald-News." :)


Santa's Helpers in Braidwood make and give handcrafted items

THIS is one story I really wanted to videotape. A dozen or so elderly, kind and humble women just celebrated its twentieth anniversary of making and donating lap rugs and other apparel to anyone that needs them. This isn't a token operation. They are permanently set-up with sewing machines in a school and meet weekly. Furthermore, they participate in craft fairs to raise money for materials.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/24/santas-helpers-in-braidwood-make-and-give-handcrafted-items/awqy4gt/


An Extraordinary Life: Joliet man never settled for less than his best

Don Cordano ran his own business, sat on multiple boards, taught,k wrote, and even led his own orchestra. He worked hard for eveything he ever had and showed others the way to success.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/11/20/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-man-never-settled-for-less-than-his-best/aoxa6u3/


Pets of the Week

The puppy in the stocking will melt your heart.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/12/04/pets-of-the-week-for-dec-7/athp7ku/


Joliet hospital offers Watchman device to help prevent stroke in Afib patients
By Jeanne Millsap

In many cases, this means saying, "goodbye," to blood thinners.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/12/04/joliet-hospital-offers-watchman-device-to-help-prevent-stroke-in-afib-patients/abz6gzt/


Manhattan church's 'Travel to Bethlehem' recreates the events leading up to Jesus' birth (VIDEO EXTRA)

You really have to read and see it to fully grasp it.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/12/02/manhattan-churchs-travel-to-bethlehem-recreates-the-events-leading-up-to-jesus-birth/aef8z1e/


Plainfield Dance Academy 9-year-old to play Clara in 'The Nutcraker' (VIDEO EXTRA)

This little girl is a confident and sweet artistic powerhouse. She dances, acts, plays classical piano and has a voice that will blow you away.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2015/12/09/plainfield-dance-academy-9-year-old-to-play-clara-in-the-nutcracker/aseliqf/