Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, June 3 to June 9

Good morning!

Today I have ten features and news stories to share with you today. More stories will be posted over the weekend since I'm working straight through to Tuesday. So be sure to check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

And if you missed my stories for The Herald-News' "Thank You, Teachers" edition on May 4, links are available at the very bottom of this post.

Thank you to those who stopped by the BryonySeries table last Friday night at New Orleans North in Downtown Joliet and on Tuesday at The Book Market in Crest Hill. We sold fourteen books total between the two events, and people left very happy with the purchases, so that makes us happy, too.

Last night eight members of WriteOn Joliet hung out in the digital media center at the downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library to record the radio play we presented at the Billie Limacher Bicentennial Park Theatre in Joliet on April 22.

We learned that recording a radio play is very different from performing one (more on that later). A few of us will go back into the studio next week to edit. I'm super excited!

Plus, we made some good connections at the library last night. The only downside is that I left my script behind, so I'm tracking that down today.

Here is a recap of my BryonySeries projects so far.

House on Top of the Hill: Third book in the BryonySeries Limbo trilogy. I now have a good working draft of the entire book and one chapter ready to edit. Hoping to sink into a second over this long weekend.

Cornell Dyer and the Howls of Basketville: The next book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer subseries. Timothy and I drafted it months ago, and I currently have seven solid chapters ready to go and hoping for a seventh by the end of this weekend. Sue Midlock has already sent all the interior and cover. As always, the art is amazing and perfect for the series.

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. 

Karla Joins In: The fourth book in The Girls of the BryonySeries series. Seven chapters are completed and a hope to make progress on a seventh this weekend.

BryonySeries reference/guide book: Welcome to Munsonville: the People, Places, and Things of the BryonySeries. I'd love to have this one ready by the end of the year. Pecking slowly at it.

A Year of Shadows and Moonlight, of Gathering Blooms in the Woods: A rather unusual, poetic novella in the second person. Half of it is written and edited and another half is loosely written. Rebekah is also playing around with art for the cover. This is typically a Friday night project - so hoping to play with it tonight.

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 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 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

Joliet man striving to improve Joliet’s South side for its youth: Jaron Nabors: ‘I want to give kids something to do’

Plainfield store for active lifestyle opens rental venue for small events: Owners previously used the space for store events and a yoga instructor 

Joliet man in serious, stable condition following motorcycle crash

Lockport’s Old Canal Days runs through Sunday, culminates with fireworks show 

Joliet nonprofit is hosting 3rd annual Great American Big Wheel Race on July 22: Anastasia Tuskey: ‘Where else can you see adults competing on Big Wheels?’

Joliet church giving away free gasoline on June 24: Pastor Jonas Jones: ‘This is just something God has put on our hearts to do.’

Lemont celebrating 150th anniversary this week : The celebration should appeal to a wide variety of people

Lockport H.S. announces special recognitions for class of 2023: Students were recognized during Lockport Township High School District 205′s 2023 graduation ceremony on June 3.  

Pets of the Week: June 4, 2023: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption

5 Things to do in Will County: Lockport’s Old Canal Days is Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday: Plus 4 more suggestions for enjoying your weekend

THANK YOU, TEACHERS

Joliet Central special needs teacher visits and raises money for orphans in Uganda: Assistant vice principal: ‘She’s remarkable, so full of love’

Plainfield’s District 202 director of student services committed to students’ social emotional health: ‘He has really been a leader and he will continue to keep it at the forefront for all of us’ 

Associate professor at Lewis University in Romeoville is a role model for future special education teachers: Jennifer Buss: ‘My goal was just to provide more doors being opened’  

Joliet’s District 86 hires its first French bilingual English language resource specialist: Kira Cloonan: ‘Once I found out this job was available, I just had to try for it’

Lincoln-Way West social worker ‘just lifts everyone’: Chrissy Hack promotes social-emotional health wherever she can

District 86 teacher shares her Colombian culture in Joliet classroom: Teacher Jenny Cuesta Hernandez said her Sator Sanchez students love learning new songs and games

Valley View special education teacher has taught every grade in 30-year career: Jennifer Foster ‘helps to build the whole child’  

Troy ELA teacher brings language to life for her students: Jennifer Lowe: ‘I so love getting kids up on their feet and getting them to engage’

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, July 30 to Aug. 5

 Good morning!

I have seventeen features and breaking news stories to share with you today - and more not yet posted.  So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news. 

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

Joliet neighborhood enjoys its first Porch and Park Music Fest: Vickie Haire: ‘Whoever organized this was a genius.’

Walmart’s InHome program now offers grocery delivery straight to your refrigerator: 5 Will County store locations offer the service 

8 RE/MAX Ultimate Professionals brokers receive America’s Best awards: Rankings of participating agents and teams in the U.S. are based on 2021 numbers

Joliet home health nurse donating a kidney on Wednesday to someone she’s never met: Julie Lakomiak hopes her story inspires others to donate, too.

Pets of the Week: Aug. 1, 2022: Will County Rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Gardner woman pursued dental career because her father believed in her. Chelsea Schultz also received two awards at graduation.

Plainfield pancreatic cancer survivor to throw 1st pitch at Joliet Slammers game on Saturday: Frank Wiltse was opening day pitcher in the 1993 movie, ‘Rookie of the Year.’ 

Morris Hospital progressing with surgery department renovationsL Morris Hospital has recently completed a number of additional renovations.

Mystery Diner in Crest Hill: Mickey’s Gyros serves up more than gyros

New Lenox, Homer Glen saw brunt of Wednesday’s storms: Joliet had some overcast skies and rain

BREAKING NEWS

5 Things to do in Will County: festivals all weekend long: Also, the Forest Preserve District of Will County will host a ‘Sensory Sunday’

Joliet man dies after being shot multiple times

Motorcyclist killed in Joliet crash ID’d by coroner: Avontae E. Baker fondly remembered by childhood friend

On-duty Joliet police officer injured in car crash: Officer in good condition, according to Joliet PD

Joliet detectives investigate shooting early Saturday in 100 block of South Hammes: 28-year-old man with life-threatening injuries was taken to hospital

Crest Hill home uninhabitable after heavy fire

Aurora man charged with 2 counts of first-degree murder of Bolingbrook man arrested Tuesday

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. 

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, March 20 to March 25

Good morning!

I have twenty-four feature stories to share with you today and about half a dozen or so not yet posted. So do check back on The Herald-News site: shawlocal.com/the-herald-news.

I also have abour a dozen long-ish pieces I'm writing and editing for a special section in The Herald-News for early May along with a quarterly enterprise story. I'm working the weekend shift on the local side, but I'm hoping for a quiet weekend so I can concentrate on these projects.

Oh, and my oldest daughter arrived in town late last night and leaves Monday night. I haven't seen her since 2019. So I'm taking Monday off to spend some time with her and hoping to squeeze in a little extra time in the evenings.

But it will definitely be an extra coffee type of day. I was up before four o'clock this morning to catch the #5amwritersclub meeting (which meets 5 a.m. EST every three weeks) and listen to a program by editors Julia F. Green (juliafgreen.com) and D.J. McPhee (wordswithcharacter.com).

On the fiction front, I'm still making nice progress on Call of the Siren. I have all but two chapters edited. I may fiddle with the novel a bit this weekend in odd pieces of time. But it's unlikely I'll tackle anything too deep until next weekend.

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

We plan to release Cornell Dyer and the Calcium Deficient Bones and Cornell Dyer and the "Mistical" Being very soon. Both Rebekah and our artist Sue Midlock have gone through health issues this past year, which has caused publication delays. But I'd rather have delays and healthy collaborators. Please send up good thoughts for them both.

Next up in the series: a Sherlock Holmes parody (the main character is Sherman Homes). Timothy is ready for a Cornell breakfast to share his ideas. He and I just need our time off schedules to sync.

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

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

Now back to the twenty-four 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 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.

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

Edward Foundation awards $26,000 in nursing scholarships: Local scholarship winners are from Crest Hill, Plainfield and Romeoville. 

47 Joliet Central students were inducted into honors society on March 16: The students were inducted into the National French Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. 

Superintendent at D-86 in Joliet receives award at 2022 ILMEA conference: Theresa Rouse is committed to giving students a quality music experience

Plainfield Police Station displays 3-panel paintings by D. 202 art teacher: Lindsey Brown’s artwork replaces a mural by PHSCC Dean Tod Schnowske 

New principal named for Timber Ridge M.S. in Plainfield for upcoming school year: District 202′s board of education approved Catie Peterson’s appointment at its regular meeting on March 21 

Joliet woman with Lynch syndrome is still fighting for more colon cancer screening: Wenora Johnson’s colon cancer was found before she was old enough for the recommended screening

Trinity Services to host forum on resources for people with developmental disabilities: The event will be held March 30. Registration is required.

Pets of the Week March 21: Will County rescues have dogs and cats for adoption.

Channahon man uses social media to support other amputees: Tom Carlson: ‘A lot of people don’t talk to others about their amputation’ 

Project Acclaim, Village of New Lenox honor Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox: Hospital recognized for COVID-19 efforts, 125 years of service, 10-year contributions to New Lenox community 

Special Mass Friday at Joliet cathedral is part of consecration of Russia and Ukraine: The Mass will be held at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonnatus in Joliet

9 students from D-86 in Joliet qualify for regional science fair: All 9 students received gold medals at D-86′s STEM Extravaganza. 

5 Things to Do in Will County: ChoralWinds, Beatles tribute, Christian comedy, concert: Plus, take a walk in the woods and try to glimpse a woodcock.

Board at D. 202 in Plainfield approves the hiring of 4 new district administrators: Administrators will replace peers who are retiring and help fill top-level district administrative team 

Scholarships available for Romeoville residents: Students applying for these Romeoville-based scholarships must be high school seniors

D-86 in Joliet announces its students of the month for February: Students at 13 buildings were recognized 

9 students at D-202 in Plainfield named 2022 National Merit Finalists: Awards will be announced this spring. 

Students artists from Plainfield and Joliet win Scholastic awards: The Scholastic Art & Writing Awards were founded in 1923 to recognize creative teens throughout the U.S. 

Forest Preserve District of Will County celebrating 95th anniversary with long-distance trail challenge: Be sure to keep track of your miles.

2 Joliet Central H.S. students qualify for state drafting competition: Joliet Central placed 1st and 3rd in regional drafting contest

D-202 in Plainfield seeks nominees for 2 annual awards: Nominations for both awards are due March 21. 

Morris Hospital Radiation Therapy Center creates Tree of Hope for patients: Sherah Stice: ‘The butterflies represent hope and change’

PSHS earns 3rd place at SW Prairie Art Conference: 25 students at D. 202 in Plainfield earn top honors 

An Extraordinary Life: Mokena woman put her faith into action: ‘God was the biggest part of her life every day’ 

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage"

The Piece I'm Writing Today...

...is the type of piece that makes me thankful God gifted me with the ability to listen and to communicate what I've heard.

And that is all.

The past week has been a blur of work and helping another family member address a work crisis.

But even then, when I shared what had transpired to another laborer in the field, the response was, "I applaud her for standing up and doing what'd right."

May people always feel the same about us.

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

A Federal Judge Altered the Course

The topsy turvy events of this week remind me of this scripture verse: "I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content." Philippians 4:11

On Monday I received the news that this coming Sunday I would become hourly instead of salary and had to modify my job duties and watch my hours.

Last night, my supervisor called to tell me I'm still salary.

http://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2016/11/22/503081151/federal-judge-blocks-obama-administrations-overtime-pay-rule.

I definitely feel many workers are way, way underpaid for the work and hours they put in. But mandating it doesn't make money magically appear, especially in some small businesses and in certain struggling industries. 

Furthermore, when staff is tight and job duties are myriad, trying to manage the nuances of life and work is stressful without adding clock-watching to the mix. So I, for one, for now, am glad the law is blocked, just as I was glad earlier in this week for new opportunities.

That said, I'm still looking at changing a few things up in 2017.

Last year, I resolved to find an hour each week day to work on my fiction. That didn't happen, but I've been successful with half an hour. In the coming year, I will make that hour happen.

Also, since I put editing services out there, I also resolve to take on some select limited projects. I think the experience will be good for me, and I feel my experience could benefit other writers. If you're interested or have questions, message me at bryonyseries@gmail.com.

These are my thoughts on an extremely busy "going into the holiday" Wednesday. Have a most blessed day, vampire fans. :)

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Oct. 23 through Oct. 28

A full day ahead followed by my monthly fiction writing workshop tonight and then a full Saturday of fiction writing, the first in over a month. Even so, it will be a day of deadlines, as I'm wrapping up details for the launch of my two children's series (The Adventures of Cornell Dyer and Bertrand the Mouse) next month. And I'll be doing some preparation on WriteOn Joliet's mic night in December.

Still, the goal is to get lost in Before the Blood for part of that time. So we shall see. And now, on to the "real" writing.

First, the non-bylined work: the health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars. Three of them can be found at the link below. http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/ Gotta Do It, runs each Sunday and often stays on the home page throughout the week.

Feature briefs for Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (Arts and Entertainment), and Sunday (People) are also edited (texted and photos) by the lady of this blog, but only the stories have bylines.

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

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

Thank you for reading The Herald-News.

Joliet teacher recognized for her mission of inspiring students to be their best

Patti Edwards guides her students into making the world a better place

“It’s a passion of mine to help people be the most they can be, that they have a purpose and make an impact on others by the words they say and their actions,” Edwards said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/20/joliet-teacher-recognized-for-her-mission-of-inspiring-students-to-be-their-best/awqecay/

An Extraordinary Life: Morris woman let God's grace shine through her cancer experience (VIDEO EXTRA)

Rene' Genau's prayers were answered

“Her primary concern was that she glorify God with her life,” Ed Genau, Rene’s husband, said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/14/an-extraordinary-life-morris-woman-let-gods-grace-shine-through-her-cancer-experience/aufp6ol/

Diocese of Joliet director of vocations is also the Catholic chaplain for the Chicago Cubs

The Rev. Burke Masters cares for the spiritual needs of the Cubs

“God doesn’t take away our passions. God doesn’t take away the things we’re good at,” Masters said. “Instead, he brings out the best possible use of our gifts and talents. In my wildest dreams I never imagined it, but in God’s plan, I think he planned this all along.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/25/diocese-of-joliet-director-of-vocations-is-also-the-catholic-chaplain-for-the-chicago-cubs/ajyej6k/

Plainfield church offers program to welcome fallen-away Catholics back to their faith (VIDEO EXTRA)

‘Catholics Returning Home’ welcomes non practicing Catholics

Kathy Marcucci enrolled in the program – and literally felt as if she’d come home. Marcucci credits the program’s leader, Deacon Tom O’Connell, for his safe, supportive, nonjudgmental compassion

“It was like sitting down and talking to your father about anything,” Marcucci said. “I left the cradle part of Catholic at the door that night and have been a practicing Catholic ever since.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/14/plainfield-church-offers-program-to-welcome-fallen-away-catholics-back-to-their-faith/a184m9f/

Lockport church showcases 50-year organ with a showing of 'The Bat' (VIDEO EXTRA)

See ‘The Bat’ to live organ accompaniment Saturday

Even if someone has seen “The Bat,” John Devona, the church's interim music director, feels the addition of Warren will make another viewing worthwhile.

“If you listen to any movie, like ‘Star Wars,’ it’s the music that gives cues to the viewer on what’s happening,” Devona said. “Because people don’t speak in silent movies, the music means so much more. It conveys emotions; it conveys suspense and special effects, like when a door opens or when something falls or when a doorbell rings.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/10/26/lockport-church-showcases-50-year-organ-with-a-showing-of-the-bat/ajpkhyu/