Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 5 through July 18

Good afternoon!

I have ten news and feature stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post. More stories will go live this weekend.

So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Before the stories I also have a list of additional updates, resources, and information. Please check them out, too.

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

And have a great Friday!

Events (or where to find the BryonySeries)

The BryonySeries will be appearing at three events in August: Kidz Fest (Aug. 2), New Orleans North (Aug. 15) and Porch and Park Festival (Aug. 16).

When I say "BryonySeries" that could mean me or any combination of our team members. That depends on my recovery from surgery. Stay tuned!

I'm also hoping to schedule Bertrand's Back-To-School bash in late August in honor of Bertrand's birthday and his mission to bring the joys of reading to children. But that, too, depends on my recovery.

What is the BryonySeries?

Please read "Books of the BryonySeries: A Quick Overview"

BryonySeries books-in-progress

Bertrand the Mouse: We have plenty of Bertrand photos and ideas. Several are at the top of the list. That's all I'm saying for now.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: Cornell Dyer and the House of Horreur" (because the toymaker's last name is "Horreur.") is stalled until Timothy finished his master's degree, which he did. So now we just have to stop having family emergencies (they just keep coming) and carve some time for a Cornell breakfast (it's been three years since our last one, way, way too long). I'm having surgery July 17, so I'm hoping we can make that happen before then, just to get the process moving and give Sue Midlock ideas for art (she illustrates all the Cornell books).

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world last year, is nearly done with the cover portrait. I let this book slide for other BryonySeries projects...and I'm still letting it (overall) slide, I'm afraid. But I'm hoping to finish the book this year, fingers crossed.

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

Will County Head Start responds to Trump administration’s exclusion of undocumented kids in program

Head Start doesn’t ask for children’s immigration status

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/15/will-county-head-start-responds-to-trump-administrations-exclusion-of-undocumented-kids-in-program/

Shorewood distribution center laying off 150 employees

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/15/shorewood-distribution-center-laying-off-150-employees/

Joliet nonprofit Including You to host family festival at Bicentennial Park

Includes entertainment, kids activities, vendors, speciality drinks

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/16/joliet-nonprofit-to-host-festival-at-bicentennial-park/

Register now for ‘Marching into Mondays’ at Workforce Center of Will County

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/18/register-now-for-marching-into-mondays-at-workforce-center-of-will-county/

Kiddie Academy looks to expand to Lockport

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/13/kiddie-academy-looks-to-expand-to-lockport/

Shorewood issues 4 new business licenses

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/13/shorewood-issues-4-new-business-licenses/

Where to dine with dogs in Will County

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/13/where-to-dine-with-dogs-in-will-county/

Joliet gallery opens new ‘satirical’ cartoon collage exhibit

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/11/new-exhibit-at-joliet-gallery-opens-saturday/

Home-based business in Shorewood baking up traditional bagels

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/12/home-based-business-in-shorewood-baking-up-traditional-bagels/

Will County Pets of the Week: July 14, 2025

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2025/07/14/will-county-pets-of-the-week-july-14-2025/

 

 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug. 24 to Aug. 30

 Good morning!

I have ten stories to share with you today at the bottom of this post with more stories going live over the weekend, especially since I'm working this Saturday and Sunday. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

But before the stories, I have a list of additional updates, 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!

Event Updates

The BryonySeries Back-To-School display is now up at The Book Market. So do check it out if you're in the area.

Also, we held Bertrand's Back-To-School Birthday Bash at The Book Market last Saturday, so here is a recap of that event.

We also have four events in September (so far). I'll share more about those events next week.

BryonySeries books-in-progress

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book, with all but eight chapters that are ready for final edits. I should be able to finish the eight at the next at-home writing retreat in early September. We are still estimating a late 2024 release date for this book, with copies available for sale at WriteOn Joliet's anthology release party on Dec. 6.

The Adventures of Cornell Dyer: No updates here in a very long time, mostly because Timothy and Daniel are super busy with school on top of work (and plenty of work-related traveling). However, I outlined a "bonus" book that is intended for distribution at Bicentennial's "Ye Olde Mayfest" event in 2025. Here is a recap of the 2024 event.

Timothy said his concept for the next book in the actual series 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. In order to make progress on any of this, Timothy is hoping to schedule a "Cornell breakfast." But Timothy and Daniel are very busy with work and school right now. We've scheduled and broke several Cornell breakfasts in 2023 and 2024. Our last one was July 2022. So we are LONG, LONG, LONG overdue.

Brainy Ann: The fifth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries is outlined and the first chapter is written, hurray! Jennifer Wainwright, who welcomed her first child into the world in April, has already started working on the cover portrait. I've neglected this book for a few months and hope to revisit it soon. We'd like to release it in late 2024, but 2024 has been a challenging year. We shall see.

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.

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.

And finally...

Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara, has sent me twenty-one chapters to edit for his third book in his Ruthless trilogy. His first book is "Ruthless," his second is "The Fifth," and he is also the author of "Denise Unland's Irish Genealogy."

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 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

Joliet-area sweets shops say caramel apples hot sellers during heat wave

Michael Tessone, Candy and Corn: ‘I didn’t expect that at all’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/29/joliet-area-sweet-shops-say-caramel-apples-hot-sellers-during-heat-wave/

New family-owned Plainfield OT and speech therapy clinic opens

PFG Therapy provides ‘individualized therapies across the lifespan’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/26/new-family-owned-plainfield-clinic-sees-potential-for-greatness/

Trisha Dust named executive director for Shorewood YMCA

Dust: ‘I think of the YMCA as a friendly and community-oriented environment’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/25/trisha-dust-named-executive-director-for-shorewood-ymca/

These Will County restaurants cater to canines

Jackie Daley, Trails Edge Brewing: ‘We welcome our four-legged little customers’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/22/these-will-county-restaurants-cater-to-canines/

5 tips for dining with dogs in Will County

Dave Harris, Backroads Burger & Bar: ‘The patio can be a safe space for everyone’

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/24/5-tips-for-doggie-dining-in-will-county/

Pagoda House restaurant in Lockport up for sale

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/27/pagoda-house-restaurant-in-lockport-up-for-sale/

Will County Pets of the Week: Aug. 26, 2024

Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/2024/08/26/will-county-pets-of-the-week-aug-26-2024/

5 Things to Do in Will County: Concerts on the Hill season finale

https://www.shawlocal.com/thescene/2024/08/28/5-things-to-do-in-will-county-concerts-on-the-hill-season-finale/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Jan. 7 to Jan. 20

Good morning!

Today I have just thirteen features and news stories to share with you today. Most of these stories are from the past week and will be posted over the weekend. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

Last Tuesday, my sister and I flew out of state quiet abruptly when Sarah received word that my father was failing rapidly. Fortunately, we made it in time. But it's been an intense week.

We flew back very late Friday night, and I jumped right into the weekend shift. We did have Monday off for Martin Luther King Day, so I caught up on a few "life" things. Tuesday was a day of doctor appointments from beginning to end, with more tomorrow morning.

But after all that, I am looking forward to some unstructured time.

In the meantime, here is a quick recap on BryonySeries projects in the works.

I now have rough drafts for the first five chapters of in the final book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy: House on Top of the Hill and hope to get another done this weekend.

I am in the process of writing the next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer subseries: Cornell Dyer and the Hounds of Basketville and made some progress on that story on Monday. Sue Midlock almost has the art done, too. But I will adjust and get that book written soon.

You can find other titles in the series here. Timothy has not yet added our latest titles to the BryonySeries bookstore. But all titles are also on Amazon. 

I'm also working on a guide book to the series called: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries.

And I'm also working on a novella. But I'm not sharing any details yet. 

Rebekah is also slowly updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts, so watch for those.

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

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

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

And have a great Friday!

RECIPE OF THE WEEK

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

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter at @BryonySeries and assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

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

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

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

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Soaring egg prices: bird flu is mostly, but not completely, to blame: Inflation, demand and labor costs also factor into the increase

Northern Illinois breakfast restaurants, grocers reeling from increase in egg prices: USDA: Shell eggs remain at historically-high levels.

District 86 school board in Joliet to place $99.5 million referendum question on the April ballot: The bulk of the funds would be used to replace 2 junior high schools. 

Cheap Trick’s Rick Nielson will light up giant guitar sculpture on top of Illinois Rock & Roll Museum on Route 66 in Joliet: Ron Romero: ‘We wanted to produce something people could be proud of in Joliet.’

Joliet MLK event focused on ways to ‘cultivate a collective impact.’: Author and community activist Ernest Crim III moderated the panel.

See bald eagles up close Jan. 14 with Will County Forest Preserve District program: Jess McQuown: ‘It’s exciting to see a bald eagle in real life’ 

Eagle Watch program in Will County attracted 1,000s on Saturday: The event was free and open to people of all ages and abilities.

Minooka woman raising money for her young dog’s surgery: Kathy Vanoskey: ‘He does have something for pain. But he can’t stay on that forever.'

Driver flees after crash on Joliet’s west side: No injuries were reported, Joliet police said.

Dog walker finds skeletal remains of missing Frankfort Township man: Will County Sherriff’s Office deputies also found a bicycle that matched the description of Padilla’s bicycle.

5 Things to do in Will County: Cheap Trick’s lead guitarist Rick Nielson will light giant guitar in downtown Joliet: The public is invited to the 30-minute ceremony

Pets of the Week: Jan. 16, 2022: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Pets of the Week: Jan. 9, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Aug 6 to Aug. 12

Good morning!

I have just eight stories to share with you today - and two more not yet posted.  But most are fairly comprehensive and took time to write.

So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news. 

If you're in the area, stop out at Willow Fest on Saturday and Sunday. Ed and Nancy Calkins will have a table or two. Nancy is selling her artwork and Ed is selling BryonySeries books. 

This past spring, I also wrote an additional nineteen stories for a special "Thank You, Teachers," edition that will ran in print and online on May 5. You can check out all those stories at this link: https://www.shawlocal.com/the-herald-news/thank-you/teachers/

I also wrote a three-part series on the impact of COVID on kids, which you will at the bottom of this blog.

On the fiction side of things, we recently released Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being. It's not available in the BryonySeries bookstore yet, or on Kindle yet,  but it is available on Amazon.

We also released Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones. It, too, is not available in the BryonySeries bookstore yet, or on Kindle yet,  but it is available on Amazon.

And we also  released Call of the Siren (the second book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy, with gorgeous cover art by Nancy Calkins). It, too, is not available in the BryonySeries bookstore yet, or on Kindle yet,  but it is available on Amazon.

I'm currently outlining the final book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy: House on Top of the Hill. 

And I'm also working on a guide book to the series called: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries.

Next up in the series: a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes), which has a solid outline. Sue Midlock is already working on the cover and the interior art: Sherman Homes and the Howls of Basketville.

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

Rebekah is also working on updating the BryonySeries YouTube and Pinterest accounts, so watch for those.

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

SOCIAL MEDIA

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

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries on Twitter at @BryonySeries and assorted related content at facebook.com/BryonySeries, youtube.com/user/BryonySeries, and themes of each book in the BryonySeries at pinterest.com/bryonyseries.

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

BRYONYSERIES BOOKS

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

BRYONYSERIES EVENTS

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

QUESTIONS

Email me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

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

FEATURES

Shorewood family giving away 2,000 tickets to Military Appreciation Night at Joliet field: Frank Pastorello: ‘Let’s honor those who have served and remember those we have lost’

Will County school districts respond to Illinois’ new sex education policy

Pets of the Week: Aug. 8, 2022: Will County Rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Dog daycare/boarding franchise with an ‘all-day play’ model opened Monday in Plainfield: John Quinn: ‘Dogs are just social creatures.’ 

Why the discrepancy of gas prices in the Will County area?: The answer is multifaceted.

How helpful was Illinois’ sales tax holiday for school supplies for Will, Grundy County parents?: Only select items qualified for the reduced state sales tax rate.

5 Things to do in Will County: barns, bargains, magic and music: Enjoy secondhand deals, live entertainment this weekend

Team Lawson Sizemore wins Great American Big Wheel Race in Joliet: Sizemore: ‘I’m grateful we got a great team together’

Kids and COVID

COVID-19 didn’t leave kids unscathed: Aschinberg: ‘Like any negative social event, kids who are most at risk bear most of the brunt’

The pandemic was a lonely time for kids: Loss of in-school experiences, sports affected many youth on some level.

Facing the post-pandemic: ‘We know when something is off with our children’: Showing kids how to talk about feelings is a good first step toward protecting their mental health. 

The Monkees - Gonna Buy Me a Dog

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 27 through April 2

Good morning! Woke up extra early today for an extra early meeting, so extra coffee is sounding like a great idea - starting at about now.

A few times a year, WriteOn Joliet (which meets the first and third Thursday or every month) and the 5 a.m. writers club (which meets at 4 a.m. CST every third Friday) are back to back. This week was one of those times, so the combination makes for a bleary Friday morning until my brain fully wakes up. But it's getting there!

On the workfront, I have eighteen stories to share with you today (at the end of this post). Plus, I have eight more that haven't psted yet, so be sure to check back later today at shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

On the "editing for clients" front, I'm editing (of all things) a book about baseball history. Now, I scarcely know a baseball from a football, but, like many good books, the book really isn't about baseball at all - even though it is. 

Because what is the history of anything? It's facts, certainly, but it's memories and perceptions and the people who made the history. So it's really a fun read.

On the fiction front, I'm hoping to finish the first draft of Cornell Dyer and the Whispering Wardrobe this weekend. And Timothy is already creating the storyboard for the next two books, Cornell Dyer and the Miraculous Pot of Coffee and Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones. Sue Midlock will soon be very busy drawing (she does all the cover and interior artwork for The Adventures of Cornell Dyer series).

In the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy, the second book (Call of the Siren) is progressing very slowly, but it is progressing. Even more exciting is that the proof copy of the first book (The Phoenix) is scheduled to arrive Monday.

Of course, I'm hoping it really arrives on Saturday, so I can read through it this weekend. Otherwise, it may have to sit near the computer for a week or so, as I'm working next weekend.

But for now, I'm drowsing over a nearly empty cup of coffee. And I hope to sneak in a walk (or two) later today.

Now back to the eighteen feature 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.

How about a week of birds, bikes, fishing and fungi?

New Lenox caterer and food truck opens shared kitchen facility: Owners of Smokin’ Z BBQ has space available for rent at Cookin’ Z Kitchen

Photos: A look inside a new shared-use commercial kitchen in New Lenox

No deal for Seneca man on long-running game show: Robert Anselme will appear on virtual wall of ‘Let’s Make a Deal’ on Tuesday and in April

Pets of the Week: March 29: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

An Extraordinary Life: ‘She always said she wanted to marry a farmer – and she did’: Born and raised in Joliet, Cecelia Dollinger helped manage farms in Plainfield, Channahon

Carol Turney stood by her man and 1 police organization is thankful: Illinois Fraternal Order of Police recognizes Joliet woman’s ‘selfless dedication’ 

Joliet, Plainfield students earn awards at 2021 SPC Journalism Championship: Here are the winners from District 202 and District 204 

Joliet mission has new registration date for ‘Jump on the Bus’: Register for school supplies on June 9 

Sensory friendly and fully accessible: Will County Health Department held special needs vaccine clinic on Saturday

Dirksen school in Joliet chooses student council: Members recently held toy drive for Joliet mission 

100+ Women Who Care of Will County donate $6,000 to 4 K.I.D.S. Sake

LocalLit book preview: Hogan’s Hope is not just another book about dogs: Retired teacher taught rescue dalmatian American Sign Language

Silver Cross Hospital opens new heart care center: Hospital holds virtual celebration on Wednesday 

CEO Watts will end 40-year YMCA career in Joliet: Greater Area Joliet YMCA begins search for new chief executive officer 

Ridge Elementary teacher will be 1st assistant principal at Wallin Oaks: Jennifer Lewis will serve next year at new D. 202 elementary school

‘It really truly was like everything just stopped, time just stopped’: Video series depicts impact of COVID-19 on #Plainfield School District 202

An in-person, self-guided cross walk for Good Friday: Frankfort camp and resort to hold annual, all-age event

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

Raise the woof! First Christmas song for dogs

A Smile for You on Monday Morning

Came across this yesterday, one of those chuckles passed around online.

I found it on several sources, including this link, but you have to scroll way down to find it.  For your convenience, the text is pasted after it.

https://forums.catholic.com/t/cats-are-in-the-bible/217950/7

And Adam said, "Lord, when I was in the garden, you walked with me everyday. Now I do not see you anymore. I am lonesome here and it is difficult for me to remember how much you love me." 

And God said, "No problem! I will create a companion for you that will be with you forever and who will be a reflection of my love for you, so that you will know I love you, even when you cannot see me. Regardless of how selfish and childish and unlovable you may be, this new companion will accept you as you are and will love you as I do, in spite of yourself."

And God created a new animal to be a companion for Adam. And it was a good animal. And God was pleased.

And the new animal was pleased to be with Adam and he wagged his tail. 

And Adam said, "But Lord, I have already named all the animals in the Kingdom and all the good names are taken and I cannot think of a name for this new animal." 

And God said, "No problem! Because I have created this new animal to be a reflection of my love for you, his name will be a reflection of my own name, and you will call him DOG."

And Dog lived with Adam and was a companion to him and loved him. And Adam was comforted. 

And God was pleased. And Dog was content and wagged his tail.

After a while, it came to pass that Adam's guardian angel came to the Lord and said, "Lord, Adam has become filled with pride. He struts and preens like a peacock and he believes he is worthy of adoration. Dog has indeed taught him that he is loved, but no one has taught him humility."

And the Lord said, "No problem! I will create for him a companion who will be with him forever and who will see him as he is. The companion will remind him of his limitations, so he will know that he is not worthy of adoration."

And God created CAT.

And Cat would not obey Adam.

And when Adam gazed into Cat's eyes, he was reminded that he was not the supreme being. And Adam learned humility.

And God was pleased. And Adam was greatly improved. And Dog wagged his tail.

And Cat did not care one way or the other.

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

Proof copy for the third installment of Before the Blood arrived last night!

Two typos found in chapter one with more I'm sure to weed out before the weekend is done.

Last night, I stopped into the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet for a reception for the two featured artists, both members of WriteOn Joliet. If you live in the area and have a chance to stop, please do!

The owner is cheery, the is coffee terrific, and the art (photography, mostly) is phenomenal.

Have a wonderful Friday, readers, writers, and vampire 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): 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.

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:

These are listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.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.

These boots were made for Woodie

Joliet Junior College students creating prosthetic paws for a dog who's missing two

During the meetings with Woodie and the Grelcks, Christina Bunde discussed with them their goals for Woodie's future and their expectations from the prosthesis. Once Bunde had that information, she began experimenting with designs and materials.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/07/3f0ae2687c1243fe9b3c8835b7b33f9f/index.xml

Plainfield doctor cared for the very poor
Dr. Imran Qureshi performed medical relief in Bangladesh

Qureshi said: "The Rohingya people, for all the losses that they’ve endured and deaths that they’ve suffered, are incredibly resilient people. It’s inspiring to see their strength, given what they’ve gone through, and its quite humbling. And, as I’ve mentioned before, this grounds us in our own reality. as well. It makes us incredibly thankful for what we have back home."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/05/b2efb9e165544055a356e9e657cb95e0/index.xml


Joliet Junior College chef achieves his lifetime dream
Timothy Bucci is now a certified master chef

Bucci said, "I felt the judges were all very supportive. They want you to do well. They want you to pass. But you have to take the information they're giving you and adopt it the next day. If you take something personally, it isn't going to end up well for you."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/12/2c7ca8a338e54ce6976d0c2620671874/index.xml


Bacon and Cheddar Irish soda bread? You bet! 

Bacon, cheddar cheese and green onion add a hearty taste to traditional soda bread.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/13/9f8e66ac84d34592b1e857021c69ce84/index.xml


Adding Guinness makes Irish soda bread even more Irish

This makes a dense loaf, similar to pumpernickel, but moister and sweeter.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/13/2a9f1d61cf8341969bbbce32eb71ac0e/index.xml


Make traditional Irish soda bread with or without raisins

We made our favorite recipe (without) and then changed it up.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/13/cb0c02ad89c34ce088b0bb9dfcdaf81a/index.xml


A community celebration of art
Artworks 2019 will include exhibits, demonstrations and performances 

This fine arts festival, which takes place at Lincoln-Way East High School, will include 900 pieces of student art, kindergarten through grade 12; performances by school choirs, youth strings and jazz combos; and art demonstrations and workshops.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/12/6b8f346579aa4632a8b612a164920378/index.xml


Artworks: From dog hair to paper filigree 
Lemont fiber artist will demonstrate the ancient art of quilling 

"I thought, 'What can't you buy at K-Mart? Well, you can't buy dog hair spun into yarn at K-mart,'" Betty Burian Kirk said.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/12/62c5738120a347a3abae15ea6db486e9/index.xml


LocalLit book spotlight: The Heart's Bone' by Jennifer Russ

Not many authors can tackle such an edgy topic and do it well.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/03/12/63ca53eb0c6d4270bcff1d7dafde748e/index.xml

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