Community News: March 5 and March 6

Check out the awesome things people are doing.

If you live within the Herald-News' coverage area (most of Will and Grundy counties in Illinois), and you'd like to share your organization's news or upcoming events, email the information to new@theherald-news.com.



Dine at Culver’s donate to Silver Cross in New Lenox 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/25/dine-at-culvers-donate-to-silver-cross-in-new-lenox/aqq4yti/


Learn about cultures, taste new food, at Frankfort event

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/03/03/learn-about-cultures-taste-new-food-at-frankfort-event/avk8q8p/


D.157-C encourages spread of positivity during Frankfort Kindness Project 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/27/d-157-c-encourages-spread-of-positivity-during-frankfort-kindness-project/a9580em/


D. 202 in Plainfield to host musicals this spring

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/26/d-202-in-plainfield-to-host-musicals-this-spring/akg7hq6/


Plus three new stories that posted:

This library's gone to the dark side 
White Oak Library district to offer 'Monsters and Myths of March' 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/03/03/this-librarys-gone-to-the-dark-side/ajjoro2/


'I see the world through a rectangular frame'
Homer Glen photographer exhibiting artwork at Joliet cafe

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/02/25/i-see-the-world-through-a-rectangular-frame/dvl55j1/


LocalLit book review: 'Mouse in the House' by J.L. Callison of Aurora

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/03/02/locallit-book-review-mouse-in-the-house-by-j-l-callison-of-aurora/aqzwawp/



NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/will-county-go-guide/#//


Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

http://www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/


Sign up for The Munsonville Times

https://www.bryonyseries.com/munsonville-times

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

BryonySeries at the 2nd Annual White Oak Author Fest

As they saying goes, "A good time was had by all."

Today we spent the day at the 2nd Annual White Oak Author Fest at the Crest Hill branch. I had a wonderful time last year and was thrilled to receive an invitation to return this year.

People stopped and had a good time talking. Many left with cards.

Bertrand had a good time.

Rebekah had a good time.

Didn't Rebekah do a great job with the table display?

Several WriteOn Joliet authors attended, too. To see their photos, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/writeonminooka/

Did I sell any books? Yes. Two.

And I gave away many, many, many cards and informational flyers for BryonySeries events and WriteOn Joliet events. Quite a few people signed up for the upcoming BryonySeries newsletter, too. And one author I'll be calling for a story.

So, yeah, it was a great day. :)

Community News: Sept. 12, 2018

Check out these food resources and recipes!

Sign up for Joliet Pack-a-Thon 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/09/11/sign-up-for-joliet-pack-a-thon/aj46ypw/

Help Plainfield help the hungry

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/09/11/help-plainfield-help-the-hungry/a3lhm3d/

White Oak Library District to offer 'Foods of Illinois' program

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/09/11/white-oak-library-district-to-offer-foods-of-illinois-program/auht6ai/


White Oak Library District to program on basic canning 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/09/11/white-oak-library-district-to-program-on-basic-canning/akci97r/ 

RECIPES

A multicooker helps make a deeply flavorful tortilla soup 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/09/11/a-multicooker-helps-make-a-deeply-flavorful-tortilla-soup/a6xg07p/

Tart cranberries and sour cream make pound cake sparkle 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/09/11/tart-cranberries-and-sour-cream-make-pound-cake-sparkle/a8ppzlg/

Pan roasting chicken produces moist meat and crisp skin

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/09/11/pan-roasting-chicken-produces-moist-meat-and-crisp-skin/awn7c4c/

For a nutty, risotto-style dish, reach for the farro 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/09/11/for-a-nutty-risotto-style-dish-reach-for-the-farro/a2cmu38/

This Spanish-inspired seafood dish is a simple one-pot meal 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/09/11/this-spanish-inspired-seafood-dish-is-a-simple-one-pot-meal/afecyql/


Pot Pie of Beef

https://www.bryonyseries.com/sue-s-diner


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

Community News: June 29, 2018

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

Local arts and entertainment June 29 through July 6 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/27/local-arts-and-entertainment-june-29-through-july-6/a1ogdy2/

Frankfort photographer appointed to committee of World Photographic Cup 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/28/frankfort-photographer-appointed-to-committee-of-world-photographic-cup/a4vmoqw/

Crest Hill Women’s Civic League's donation helps summer reading program 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/28/crest-hill-womens-civic-leagues-donation-helps-summer-reading-program/awb4iru/

Romeoville High School alumni return for video sequel

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/28/romeoville-high-school-alumni-return-for-video-sequel/atija19/

Swim lessons available at the Lockport Township Park District

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/28/swim-lessons-available-at-the-lockport-township-park-district/aq33a2w/

Lockport Township Park District offering day trips

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/28/lockport-township-park-district-offering-day-trips/acax8m4/

JTHS offers free summer academy for 6th, 7th and 8th-graders

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/28/jths-offers-free-summer-academy-for-6th-7th-and-8th-graders/a1ael51/

Lockport teacher to go exploring in Pacific Ocean

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/31/lockport-teacher-to-go-exploring-in-pacific-ocean/a1gbboc/


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 Christopher Gleason for "Staked!"

Unfrozen Ice Cream and Community News: May 26, 2018

Today Rebekah made a Victorian vanilla ice cream recipe from the BryonySeries cookbook, Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from Bryony.

I was going to post the results on Sue's Diner so others could try it, too.

But she started it later in the day than she anticipated, and it isn't completely frozen yet. One more day...

Quick reminder: the last two stops of the first BryonySeries blog tour are tomorrow and Tuesday. Thank you for taking this virtual trip with me.

In the meantime, check out the following local feature briefs. And stay cool!


Shorewood Lions Club announces Troy April Students of the Month

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/18/shorewood-lions-clubannounces-troy-april-students-of-the-month/a7v6ctn/

Joliet Public Library’s Star Wars Day set for June 2

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/26/joliet-public-librarys-star-wars-day-set-for-june-2/am8c9kk/ 

Forest Preserve’s 35th “Island Rendezvous” set for June 9 in Romeoville

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/26/forest-preserves-35th-island-rendezvous-set-for-june-9-in-romeoville/awmt2td/

White Oak Library District to host summer reading program

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/26/white-oak-library-district-to-host-summer-reading-program/a114yik/

Boys and Girls Club of Joliet offering summer session

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/26/boys-girls-club-of-joliet-offering-summer-session/aqqpiam/

Plainfield Public Library District receives grant

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/26/plainfield-public-library-district-receives-grant/adjicl8/

Air Pollution Action Day Alert for Will and Grundy counties

Conditions likely to continue through Memorial Day weekend

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/26/air-pollution-action-day-alert-for-will-and-grundy-counties/apjudxn/

Rockdale School District 84 awarded state funds for music and art programs

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/26/rockdale-school-district-84-awarded-state-funds-for-music-and-art-programs/ay4vhnu/

Plainfield Fire Protection District discusses barbecue and fire pit safety

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/26/plainfield-fire-protection-district-discusses-barbecue-and-fire-pit-safety/arj0yqa/


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 Matt Coundiff for "Visage." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

Community News: March 3, 2018

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

Troy school to perform 'Shrek the Musical'

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/03/03/troy-school-to-perform-shrek-the-musical/a683wx1/

Save the date for first showing of entire national parks quilt exhibit in Illinois 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/03/03/save-the-date-for-first-showing-of-entire-national-parks-quilt-exhibit-in-illinois/a74buai/

Frankfort school celebrates Johnny Appleseed birthday

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/01/17/ad9c169a20ed40a6805660f736d1a852/index.xml

Program about Social Security and retirement April 26 in Romeoville

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/03/03/program-about-social-security-and-retirement-april-26-in-romeoville/ar5wsxu/

Lincoln-Way Central takes part in Say Something Week in partnership with Sandy Hook Promise

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/01/29/lincoln-way-central-takes-part-in-say-something-week-in-partnership-with-sandy-hook-promise/a3u7f2r/

'In and Out' at Silver Cross Outpatient Testing Center

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/01/in-and-out-at-silver-cross-outpatient-testing-center/atyvd19/

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."

Community News: Feb. 21, 2018

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


Need help? Want to help? Here’s a roundup of area food pantries and upcoming events

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/13/need-help-want-to-help-heres-a-roundup-of-area-food-pantries-and-upcoming-events/ak4xa9u/

Learn 'How to Save for College' on March 15 in Romeoville

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/21/learn-how-to-save-for-college-on-march-15-in-romeoville/asaduis/

Career Fair today at AMITA Health Adventist Medical Center Bolingbrook

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/21/career-fair-at-amita-health-adventist-medical-center-bolingbrook/ab52976/

Presence to join Amita Health

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/21/presence-to-join-amita-health/a7cgvrd/

Improv Comedy Night at The HOPE Center in Bolingbrook

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/21/improv-comedy-night-at-the-hope-center-in-bolingbrook/afjfhun/

Plainfield Fire Protection District offers tips for snow and ice safety

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/21/plainfield-fire-protection-district-offers-tips-for-snow-and-ice-safety/a59zeij/

Plainfield school to host concert March 1

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/02/21/plainfield-school-to-host-concert-march-1/ag8x8ka/

Plus, check out my free 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."

Community News: Oct. 19, 2017

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

Local faith events: Oct. 19 through Oct. 26

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/10/13/local-faith-events-oct-19-through-oct-26/ahri1ho/

Suits for Success helps inmates ‘break the cycle’

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/10/18/suits-for-success-helps-inmates-break-the-cycle/ajag2iy/

Joliet West student ranked nationally in French contest

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/07/20/joliet-west-student-ranked-nationally-in-french-contest/a4p7x7d/

Local students graduate in spring 2017

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/08/16/local-students-graduate-in-spring-2017/auuxsvj/

NuMark Credit Union raises money for Northern Illinois Food Bank’s Foodie 5K

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/09/26/numark-credit-union-raises-money-for-northern-illinois-food-banks-foodie-5k/al7nywl/

Edward-Elmhurst named again as one of Most Wired Hospitals and Health Systems

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/09/03/edward-elmhurst-named-again-as-one-of-most-wired-hospitals-and-health-systems/acvtznm/

'The Ghosts of Route 66' program at the White Oak Library District in Lockport

http://www.theherald-news.com/2017/10/12/the-ghosts-of-route-66-program-at-the-white-oak-library-district-in-lockport/as6zlox/

Anthology, Author Fairs, and Giveaways, Oh My!

Looking for some great autumn reading? Read on!

ANTHOLOGY

WriteOn Joliet will release its first anthology Write Where We Are in approximately six weeks. The editing/formatting is nearly done; the cover art is being designed, and the goal is to upload the manuscript to Createspace this weekend.

The anthology will contain essays, poetry, short stories, one novella, and one excerpt from my BryonSeries prequel in progress, Before the Blood.

Copies should be available online Nov. 1 with autographed copies on Nov. 17 at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party, 6 p.m., at The Book Market, 2365 Plainfield Road in Crest Hill.

But you don't have to wait that long to score some great reads.

AUTHOR FAIRS

A number of WriteOn Joliet authors (including moi) will be participating in the following events. I'll be raffling off a basket of BryonySeries stuff and giving away a chapter from Before the Blood as a thank you gift for signing up for my newsletter, which begins in 2018.

White Oak Author Fest:

When: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.,

Where: White Oak Library, Crest Hill Branch, 20670 Len Kubinski Drive, Crest Hill

​

Etc: Local authors, talks (book preservation and Illinois Author Project), and bookish crafts. BryonySeries books and other merchandise for sale, giveaways and raffle baskets. Free to attend.

​

Contact: bryonyseries@gmail.com

​

Visit: whiteoakauthorfest.org.

Oswego Literary Festival

When: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Oct. 7

Where: Oswego Public Library, 32 Jefferson St., Oswego

Etc: Local authors, BryonySeries books and other merchandise for sale, giveaways and raffle baskets. Free to attend.

​Contact: bryonyseries@gmail.com

Visit: www.oswegoil.org

Indie Author Day

What: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 14

Where: Plainfield Public Library, 15025 S. Illinois St., Plainfield

Etc: Local authors, BryonySeries books and other merchandise for sale, giveaways and raffle baskets. Free to attend.

Contact: bryonyseries@gmail.com

Visit: plainfieldpubliclibrary.org

WriteOn Joliet Open Night Mic

When: 6 p.m. Nov. 2

Where: Book and Bean Cafe, 3395 Black Road, Joliet (inside the Joliet Public Library)

Etc: WriteOn Joliet will read excerpts from their works and share information about the upcoming anthology and Nov. 17's anthology release party.

Contact: bryonyseries@gmail.com 

Visit: writeonJoliet.com or www.bryonyseries.com

GIVEAWAYS

One item in the BryonySeries raffle basket are these Bryony-themed coffee holders, with two complimentary Keurig cups, one to drink and one to share. Here they are, ready to ship from their creator to me. Aren't they pretty?