A Small Move of the Needle

Good morning!

Last December (as you may recalls), the BryonySeries B.L.O.C.K.S. team organized two holiday children's book drives.

We had a donation box at The Book Market in Crest Hill (spearheaded by Rebekah) to collect BryonySeries children's books (Bertrand the Mouse series, The Adventures of Cornell Dyer series, and Girls of the BryonySeries series) for Santa Services, as we've done in the past.

But we also decided to collect BryonySeries books and other children's books for the Will County Children's Advocacy Center after learning they had a need for them throughout the year.

We finally have the results of our efforts.

We sent fifty Bertrand the Mouse to Santa Services for since Santa loves to give books away at his appearances for low-income families.

A few patrons at The Book Market bought BryonySeries and other children's books for the Will County Children's Advocacy Center. And Jan Staley, the store's owner, donated some, too.

And then Cindy piggybacked and expanded the book drive for the center at her work place, which provided most of the books we wound up donating.

So earlier in April, we brought nearly 250 books (230 from Cindy's workplace) to the Will County Children's Advocacy Center.

We waited this long because the donations at Cindy's workplace kept coming even after the holidays.

Of course, Cindy removed any book appeared damaged before donating them.

Cindy also received donations toward BryonySeries books for events B.L.O.C.K.S. will host or participate in during the year.

As you might recall, Timothy and Daniel participated in the Will County Children's Advocacy Center "Men Who Cook" fundraiser on October 11, 2025.

We remember the date because it was Daniel's thirtieth birthday.

And Daniel worked the event on this milestone birthday with a migraine.

The children's book drive (and other donation events we've hosted) was a lot of work, and we know we're not moving the needle of meeting the need in the world by very much.

We certainly don't have the time and resources of major corporations that can really make an impactful difference.

But we also believe small blessings can, when added up and in due time, yield big results.

Years ago I read it's always better to light one candle than curse the darkness.

So we try not to let our lamp go out at night.

Have a most blessed day!

Angel or Demon? (Again)

"Angel or Demon?" is the name of the sixth chapter in the second installment of the BryonySeries prequel Before the Blood.

And that sixth chapter is the source material for "Missing Person," one of the sketches in WriteOn Joliet's “Shades of Noir" original radio theater production, with show times at 2 and 7 p.m. April 18 at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet.

That chapter is featured in WriteOn Joliet's first anthology, which will be available for sale that day.

However, the first thirteen attendees at the BryonySeries before the 2 p.m.performance and the first twelve attendees at the BryonySeries table before the 7 p.m. performance will receive a FREE booklet called "Angel or Demon" (source material for "Missing Person"), courtesy of The Raven's House, who will also be selling select noir pieces at the BryonySeries table.

The Raven's House is also creating some extra-special "noir" pieces for sale that day. More on that later!

WriteOn Joliet books and anthologies will be available for purchase one hour before the show, during intermission and immediately after the show’s conclusion.

For more information or to purchase tickets (very affordable at $5) visit eventbrite.com.

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Feb. 7 through Feb. 13

Good morning and Happy Calkins Day!

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) - so far:

Feb. 13: Calkins Day: 6 to 8:30 p.m., The Book Market, 2365 Plainfield Road, Crest Hill. Celebrate laughter, creativity, and generosity with Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara. BryonySeries book specials (some free), art raffle, free food, free gift certificates to The Book Market.

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 four chapters are 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 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. We also have a prologue/first chapter sampler of all the BryonySeries novels that's only available at certain events.

Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I 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

Book business sees revival across Joliet area

Independent stores, cafes spur resurgence

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/05/book-business-sees-revival-in-will-grundy-counties/

Something to cluck about: Joliet church to host 110th chicken dinner on Friday

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/12/something-to-cluck-about-joliet-church-to-host-110th-chicken-dinner-on-friday/

‘Make it better’ - Rock Soul Love Luminary Foundation helps those in need feel seen, served

Resale shop now operates nonprofit for Will, Grundy populations

https://www.shawlocal.com/morris-herald-news/2026/02/08/make-it-better-rock-soul-love-luminary-foundation-helps-those-in-need-feel-seen-served/

Shorewood cocktail lounge swaps speakeasy vibes for Victorian elegance and more martinis

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/01/shorewood-cocktail-lounge-swaps-speakeasy-vibes-for-mythological-victorian-baroque/

Businesses donate to Joliet nonprofit fighting food insecurity

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/08/businesses-donate-to-joliet-nonprofit-fighting-food-insecurity/

Photos: Shorewood HUGS 2026 Chocolate Ball's 'Lovely London' event

https://www.shawlocal.com/gallery/2026/02/09/photos-shorewood-hugs-2026-chocolate-balls-lovely-london-event/

Joliet programs get funds for construction and building trades programs

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/07/joliet-programs-get-funds-for-construction-and-building-trades-programs/

Crest Hill plant, wellness store opens new location

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/06/crest-hill-plant-store-hosting-grand-opening-of-new-location/

Get your Will County fish fry event in our Herald-News listing

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/06/get-your-will-county-fish-fry-event-in-our-herald-news-listing/

Will County Pets of the Week: Feb. 9, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/09/will-county-pets-of-the-week-feb-9-2026/

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 31 through Feb. 6

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) - so far:

Feb. 13: Calkins Day: 6 to 8:30 p.m., The Book Market, 2365 Plainfield Road, Crest Hill. Celebrate laughter, creativity, and generosity with Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara. BryonySeries book specials (some free), art raffle, free food, free gift certificates to The Book Market.

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 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. We also have a prologue/first chapter sampler of all the BryonySeries novels that's only available at certain events.

Rebekah is also slowly (very, very slowly) updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts. And she' catching up with Kindles for some of the BryonySeries books. So do watch for those.

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

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

Each Wednesday, we post a new recipe. The recipe is either featured in one of our cookbooks, will be featured in an upcoming cookbook, or is just an "extra" we want to share with you.

Check out the weekly recipe here.

WRITERS

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

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

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

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

ARTISTS

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

NEWSLETTERS

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

Daily updates: I haven't posted anything on Twitter/X (except a daily Bible verse) since September I can no longer schedule posts in advance. I'm not sure yet how to manage the account without that option. But you're welcome to follow me at @Denise_Unland61.

BryonySeries stuff: I 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

Book business sees revival in Will, Grundy counties

Independent stores, cafes spur resurgence

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/05/book-business-sees-revival-in-will-grundy-counties/

Blinking lights at Plainfield house is now a fundraiser for Will County Habitat for Humanity

Donate by Friday to enter raffle

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/05/blinking-lights-at-plainfield-house-is-now-a-fundraiser-for-will-county-habitat-for-humanity/

Shorewood cocktail lounge swaps speakeasy vibes for Victorian elegance and more martinis

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/01/shorewood-cocktail-lounge-swaps-speakeasy-vibes-for-mythological-victorian-baroque/

Plainfield resident speaks out on sustainability after winning international pageant

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/27/plainfield-resident-speaks-out-on-sustainability-after-winning-international-pageant/

Ryder taking on most employees at Minooka warehouse

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/03/ryder-taking-on-most-employees-at-minooka-warehouse/

New Joliet restaurant specializes in Venezuelan, Colombian dishes

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/31/joliet-restaurant-serves-venezuelan-and-colombian-food/

New hibachi restaurant opens in Bolingbrook

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/02/new-hibachi-restaurant-opens-in-bolingbrook/

Silver Cross opens urgent care in Orland Park

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/01/30/silver-cross-opens-urgent-care-in-orland-park/

2 health care-related businesses coming to Shorewood

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/01/2-health-care-related-businesses-coming-to-shorewood/

Will County Pets of the Week: Feb. 2, 2026

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2026/02/02/will-county-pets-of-the-week-feb-2-2026/

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

BryonySeries at Critical Grind on Saturday

Good morning!

I am super excited to participate in Critical Grind Board Game Cafe's Local Author Book Fair with TWO of my favorite authors.

One is WriteOn Joliet member Dale Hansen, who writes devotionals.

The other is children's author C.W. White, whom I met at Calkins Day 2023. I was so impressed with her books, I wound up ordering copies for my grandchildren.

In additon to BryonySeries books, I will have copies of WriteOn Joliet's anthologies (including copies of 2024 and 2025), and information on B.L.O.C.K.S.

Be sure to check out Critical Grind's menu and get yourself something good to eat and drink before you leave with your book purchases.

Because what could be better on these cold dark days than a hot drink and some new good books?

Happy Monday!

New "Ruthless" Book in Progress

So Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, is working very hard on a new book in his Ruthless series.

In Ed's true literary nonsense style, the book will include himself (in Irish vampire and Ruthless dictator format), an eclectic cast of BryonySeries characters (his and mine), and a focus on the Templar Knights, COVID-19, and Kellen Wechsler.

Ed's publication goal is Calkkins Day 2027 (for the unenlightened Calkins Day is celebrated with great festivity from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each February 13 at The Book Market in Crest Hill. Yes, you are invited. Stay posted for details!).

Ed has an idea for a title, which I won't share now because he's not certain he's keeping it.

I will share his working table of contents, which clarifies nothing.

But hopefully you are intrigued.

Happy Saturday!

Table of Contents

Kingdom of the Damned

              First Forward: On Human Sacrifice

1 The King of Cows

2 Tangles and Timelines

3 Time to Talk Templar

4 Shoes of the Fishers

5 A Very Cold Case

6 The Ghost of Almost

7 Trigger Treat

7.5 Retraction of Chapter 7

8 The Internet Never Lies

9 Love, Lose, and the Tourist Industry

Covid Finds Munsonville

              Second Forward; Covid Compliance

              10 On Wearing Clean Socks

              11 Hero’s Forest

              12 The Land of a Hundred Kings

              13 The Privilege of Service

              14 Demise of the Mad King Part I: Dear Me

              15 Demise of the Mad King Part2; Nun Shall Pass

Romance, Sex, and Other Trash

              16 What Must Never Be Told

              17 The Bridegroom Wished He Knew

              18 What Happened to Two Aging Virgins

19 What Boys Do in the Shower

The Children’s Crusade

              20 Show and Tell

              21 The Whereabouts of the Mad King

              22 Direct Orders

 

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"

Free Gifts You Can Give This Holiday Season

For many of us, 2025 has been a tough financial year - and for those of us who like to Christmas shop, we've either trimmed that list in terms of people and/or things.

But the best gifts very often cost nothing than our time - and sometimes even very little of our time.

Here's an opportunity for you for you to give thirty-one unique gifts this month.

Simply visit the BryonySeries calendar, pick a date (any date or the current date), read the giving prompt, and follow the instructions.

Yes, each activity does link back to a BryonySeries book. But that's only for context. You don't need to click the link at all (unless you're curious).

Even one of these activities is a priceless gift you can give to the right person on your Chirstmas gift-giving list.

And these gifts are the types of gifts that really underscore the adage, "It's more blessed to give than to receive."

If you've had recent challenges - or are experiencing challenges (I certainly have) - the reflections are a wonderful way to remind you of the blessings you've experienced - now and in thet past - and give hope of the blessings that await you in the future.

Now, if you do have a few dollars to spend, and if you'd like to give a gift of lasting value, here's a way to give children the gift of reading this year.

Happy Tuesday!

Give Kids the Gift of Reading This Holiday Season

Please check out a very unique display at The Book Market in Crest Hill - and then consider celebrating gratitude with us and blessing a child with a BryonySeries book this holiday season.

For the past several years, the BryonySeries B.L.O.C.K.S. team has donated Bertrand the Mouse books to a local Santa Services, which Santa distributes to events aimed at low-income children.

Last year, we also spontaneously gave away thirty Bertrand the Mouse books to a local food pantry and one hundred books to local foster families.

In 2023, we partnered with The Book Market and invited patrons to also purchase books for Santa, in order to increase donations. Thanks to everyone's generosity, we provided Santa with 147 books that year.

This year, we are once again collecting Bertrand the Mouse books for Santa Services.

And we are also collecting BryonySeries children's books to donate to the Will County Children's Advocacy Center in Crest Hill: Bertrand the Mouse, The Adventures of Cornell Dyer, and the Girls of the BryonySeries books.

We will be collecting books throughout the holiday season.

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

You may also purchase BryonySeries books from Amazon (our store is down) and mail to Denise M. Unland, P.O. Box 2789, Joliet, IL, 60436.

Anyone who purchases any TWO BryonySeries children's books at The Book Market may select one of Bertrand's friends and stocking from the Christmas tree (while supplies last) as our "thank you" gift to you, courtesy of Cindy Phan from Ribbit-Ribbits.

Please reach out to us or chat with Jan Staley at The Book Market if you have any questions.

Together, we can bring the joys of reading to local children this holiday season.

Beause literacy is a gift that that keeps giving long past the expression of gratitude or the end of the book.

Please scroll through photos to see samples of Cindy's homemade stockings and mice.

Actual mice and stockings currently available may not match these photos as each one is unique.

Happy Tuesday!

Tonight: Ask Us About Our...

Gifts! Gifts! Gifts!

Because TONIGHT is WriteOn Joliet's 9th Anthology Release Party.

Here are ten reasons why you should attend.

Here is tonight's menu.

Here is your chance to connect with six small businesses.

And (finally) when you stop at the BryonySeries tables at the party, be sure to ask about the following.

1. Our handmade Christmas mice...

...that come with their own handmade stockings:

2. Our hot chocolate bombs.

3. Our mystery boxes.

All of these items are courtesy of Cindy from Ribbit-Ribbits, her gift to you with select purchases (and she will decide what those purchases are).

None of these items are for sale.

But you might be able to take some of them home (while supplies last).

So...

When you stop at the BryonySeries tables at WriteOn Joliet's 9th Annual Anthology Release Party tonight, be sure to ask about them.