BryonySeries

Friday, February 15, 2019

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

Heading into a holiday weekend, so LOTS to do!

Here's the "writerly weather report."

Wrote the first draft of the third "Adventures of Cornell Dyer" book last weekend. Hope to finish that this weekend along with...

Meeting with my editor (Colleen Robbins) for Before the Blood to go over the edits for the third installment. My plans are to incorporate them AND get all of the formatting down over the long weekend so I can start reading through the book to check for errors over the next couple of weeks (I need more time because this book is nearly twice as long as the first BTB installment).

Also, after I meet with Colleen, I have a lesson in calligraphy. THAT'S a story on its own and for another time.

Plus, I'll need to address any lingering work projects, a few home projects, along with recapping our Calkins Day limerick match/slam and meeting with Sue Midlock to plot out a collaborative project (more on that later).

Now, here's where to find information and after that, the stories.

Non-bylined features:

Monday through Saturday I assembled my non-bylined works - brief posts and calendar listings - into one convenient file and posting them on Facebook in the evening, so readers can easily choose the ones they want to read.

One can also find those event listings, the Gotta Do It calendar, as well as the pets, health, faith, and arts and entertainment calendars, under the sections tab on the left hand side of http://www.theherald-news.com/. Click on "features" and the topics drop down. Gotta Do It runs under "people."

Community news? Again, under the sections tab, under features, and by topic. Updates are posted on these days in print and web (and 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.

Frankfort man undaunted by injury

Despite a spinal cord injury, Nick Younglove is returning to his former active life.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/02/06/4c278de5f5a94d6e8ab3f2d3237e7a08/index.xml

An Extraordinary Life: Kay Thomas always said 'yes'

Crest Hill founder was 'the first one standing in line to help out'

"She was one of those selfless people who saw that something needed to be done and did it," Tina said. "She never questioned why it needed to be done or why wasn't someone else hadn't done it. She just did it."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/02/06/e75d42949ced4cccbb4973bc7150fa9d/index.xml?page=1

Mokena service group connects homeschoolers with people who need their help Missions Possible

"My husband and I always thought it's very important for our girls to think about other people besides themselves," Amanda Rosenthal said. "So this seemed like a good way to get them involved and thinking about other people."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/02/12/506b55ad507a4de6bb61ba051d9748a2/index.xml

Having a heart for fitness
Plainfield school promotes a healthy lifestyle with fun events

Ridge kicks off the three-week program with a huge heart-shaped obstacle course in the gym. Using mats, hoops, ladders, tunnels and bean bags, students in their physical education classes experience the workings of a heart.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/02/12/0f39c36a40744043afcc89b2a7b943b2/index.xml

Dietitian at Silver Cross Hospital in #NewLenox discusses latest diet trends

Which diet is right for you? What are the pros and cons?

Read on!

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/29/bd874c0487ba44a0a0837e111f852768/index.xml

Joliet history is preserved in banknotes
Steve Vesely will display collection at annual coin show on Feb. 24

But he won't sell anything from that collection. Read on for details about some of the pieces.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/02/12/05a7181be32740b4bfc61dd8e8b57e0f/index.xml

'The Edge of Middle' by Tom Hernandez

Featured book review in Tuesday's LocalLit newsletter.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/02/14/d1392a2d22a642c9a105b76d2130976f/index.xml

RECIPES

Double-decker cookies are sure to please

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/13/double-decker-cookies-are-sure-to-please/autx1hb/

For a chocolate dessert that sparkles, turn to edible glitter

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/13/for-a-chocolate-dessert-that-sparkles-turn-to-edible-glitter/ahirenj/

Have a minty, no-bake dessert in minutes with just 3 ingredients

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

Thursday, February 14, 2019

Community News: Feb. 14, 2019

It's all about the recipes today!

First up are the ones we prepared in our kitchen at home.

And then check out some different ones we added online.

Happy Valentine's Day!

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

OURS

Double-decker cookies are sure to please

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/13/double-decker-cookies-are-sure-to-please/autx1hb/

For a chocolate dessert that sparkles, turn to edible glitter

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/13/for-a-chocolate-dessert-that-sparkles-turn-to-edible-glitter/ahirenj/

Have a minty, no-bake dessert in minutes with just 3 ingredients

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/13/haev-a-minty-no-bake-dessert-in-minutes-with-just-3-ingredients/akkoapz/

Try this festive twist for this kid friendly dessert

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/13/try-this-festive-twist-for-this-kid-friendly-dessert/ann8h5i/

Need quick no-bake dessert? Try this Valentine's Day bark

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/13/need-quick-no-bake-dessert-try-this-valentines-day-bark/ayoeo19/

THEIRS

Retool the classic pound cake to make it ultra-chocolatey

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/12/retool-the-classic-pound-cake-to-make-it-ultra-chocolatey/al6cpgi/

Try this dimpled, chewy, herb-topped deep-dish focaccia

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/12/try-this-dimpled-chewy-herb-topped-deep-dish-focaccia/aggk1te/

For more streamlined chicken enchiladas, use a slow cooker

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/12/for-more-streamlined-chicken-enchiladas-use-a-slow-cooker/a4njpvh/

This vegetable curry has bold flavors to keep everyone happy

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/12/this-vegetable-curry-has-bold-flavors-to-keep-everyone-happy/a21d6v5/

The perfect rich, meaty ragu achieved with baby back ribs

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/12/the-perfect-rich-meaty-ragu-achieved-with-baby-back-ribs/a8ht9tv/

Recap or Review? That is the Question

Should I recap last night's extremely fun limerick match?

Or should I post the latest review from my BryonySeries super fan for the second installment of Before the Blood?

I'm going with review and leave the limerick match update for Saturday, which is the Steward of Tara's day anyway.

But I will say this: it was fun, hilarious, creative, and I met some really great people last night who weren't afraid to think up ridiculous rhyme on their feet and dramatically recite it for the entire cafe to hear.

When I returned home, I had a notification for this review. But I share it, I'll say this: I have a reviews fans have posted about the books they love, and I'm sure some of these people have written reviews similar to this one.

But I have never come across a fourteen-paragraph book review from a fan that has the depth and enthusiasm this one communicates. Like many writers, I want my words to be read and appreciated by readers who resonate with my style of storytelling.

This may sound strange for a writer to say, but I truly have no words to accurately express how humble this makes me feel. There is something truly magical about taking vague ideas and concepts, translate them into written sounds and syllables, and then watch them spark another's imagination.

May all writers find the readers who connect with their prose. Because...

It's a marvelous thing.

A deep psychological thriller that will paralyze you with terror

February 13, 2019

Verified Purchase

Stephen King has dreamed up some horrifying characters -- Pennywise, Randall Flagg and Leland Gaunt, for example. Yet, not a single one comes close to Kellen Wechsler in sheer skin-crawling creepiness. If you savor tales that terrify you into sleeping with the lights on, you'll love "Before the Blood: Kellen Wechsler." (BTB)

Kellen Wechsler was introduced in Denise Baran-Unland's amazing "Bryony" trilogy. In the trilogy, he was an Old World vampire who maintained the illusion of humanity by feeding off the protagonist. Without a doubt, he was a fascinating and disturbing character. Though it will give you a point of reference (and an amazing read), you do not actually have to read the trilogy to understand this book as it is a prequel .

Wechsler is born into the life of serfdom in 17th Century Bavaria. His childhood is miserable, filled with poverty, abysmal abuse, neglect and disillusionment. His “widowed” mother, Metta, works for the landowner while young Kellen serves as caretaker for his blind grandmother. There is little joy and even less hope in their lives.

Wechsler marries young. His wife Caterin is merely a repository for his lust. He sires scores of children, many of whom die. He stops even trying to remember their names and exists in a state of quasi-somnambulance. As he toils in the fields, Wechsler frets and obsesses over the land-owner's red-haired wife, Frau Voll-Bauer, who once stopped and spoke to him as he toiled in the fields.

Later, he experiences a vision that he interprets as a sign from God, indicating his life will change for the better. Little does he know.

When plague strikes the village, Wechsler loses everything, including - it seems - his mind. With no explanation, we find Wechsler in the Twentieth Century, with little idea how he arrived. It's a dizzying transition that knocks the wind out of the reader.

Unland writes in layers. The more you read between the lines the more complex – and terrifying – the story becomes. Reality is superimposed over the horror story in a very subtle manner. You will question which is more terrifying - Wechsler as husband and father or Wechsler as predator.

On a very basic level, BTB is a cautionary tale. The underlying premise is one of dysfunction and how a child's early development is affected by neglect and abuse. Had Wechsler been wanted and loved, the story might have taken a very different turn. Then again, maybe not. It's all open to interpretation.

As in all of her books, the author motivates the reader to think by posing deep philosophical questions. Can we be tricked into selling our immortal soul? Do we exist only to feed others? Do our illusions and desires have the power to destroy us? Why are we most mesmerized by what we can never possess? The questions raised are profound. They will make you think.

Spots of humor lend a surreal element. A description of Wechsler perfuming his hairy bits to disguise the stench of corruption throws the reader off balance. Is his apparent vanity merely a ruse to trick humans into believing he is mortal? Or, is he remembering a girl wrinkling her nose in disgust at him when he was a boy?

The book is so rife with symbolism that you’ll be compelled to read it at least a couple of times to catch the subtleties. Music plays an important role in this book and, indeed, throughout the series. It’s difficult to pinpoint exactly why voracious predators are drawn to the sublime, even at their own peril. Does music soothe the savage beast? It certainly appears to attract them. And, indeed, Wechsler is drawn to music as a moth to a flame.

The characters are also memorable. Wechsler himself is at times both attractive and repellent. You feel for him as a boy and perhaps in his terror at realizing what he has become. Then again, his lust and manipulation are repulsive. Frau Voll-Bauer is a prototype of sorts. Her personality is vague. Yet, she plays a mysterious role in Wechsler's life and is central to the plot itself.

Coincidentally (or not), Wechsler's mistress, Margaret, is also an elusive character who resembles Frau Voll-Bauer. She has her own issues with lust and vast insecurity. It becomes clear that Margaret is an enabler - a woman drawn to dangerous men. If you've read the "Bryony" trilogy she may well remind you of the protagonist, Melissa.

Perhaps, the most disturbing character is Dr. Thradgort/Gothart, who also makes guest appearances "Bryony." The man - if indeed he is human - is decidedly creepy. He seems to exist outside time and space. He plays the role of "divine narrator," giving the reader clues. He has the dirt on everyone and fears no one.

With a nod to Alfred Hitchcock, the crows that appear to emerge from Wechsler's person put on quite a macabre show. But, what is their deeper significance? They're not the triggered specimens from "The Birds," violently exacting revenge on earth-murdering humans. They're something even more sinister, but what?

This is a frightening and highly disturbing book. It's not a tale that should be read as a lark. It's the perfect read for cold, snowy days when you can dedicate your mind to the tale alone. When reading an Unland book, it pays to remember, almost nothing is as it appears. When you believe you've figured something out, the rug is pulled out swift and mercilessly.

Like the "Bryony" trilogy and "Before the Blood: John Simons," this book is more than the sum of its chapters. With every reading you learn something new. I predict that one day soon the series will become a classic.

Wednesday, February 13, 2019

Open Mic Night 2018 2: Colleen Robbins

Tuesday, February 12, 2019

Community News: Feb. 12, 2019

Check out upcoming events and the awesome things people are doing.

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

Around Town: McKinley Woods in Channahon

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/11/around-town-mckinley-woods-in-channahon/a7rhank/

Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox announces medical staff appointments

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/02/11/5e54b04a1b6f474f82bdf8e806626adb/index.xml

Joliet preschoolers celebrate the 100th day of school

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/11/joliet-preschoolers-celebrate-the-100th-day-of-school/a6qxmyo//lists/2019/02/11/5e54b04a1b6f474f82bdf8e806626adb/index.xml

Joliet students recognized for their faith in January 2019

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/11/joliet-students-recognized-for-their-faith-in-january-2019/ahy71gn/

Lockport OB nurse retires from Edward Hospital

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/11/lockport-ob-nurse-retires-from-edward-hospital/a6547gz/

Illinois Eye Associates in Manhattan and Peotone welcomes new employees

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/11/illinois-eye-associates-welcomes-new-employees/a9w3n5o/

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

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

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

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

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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

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

Princess Party

On Saturday night, we hosted a "princess party" for my two granddaughters: Jessica and Riley (the latter, born on my birthday).

This was basically a sleepover (their first) with preschool spa treatment that included bath bombs, bubbles, facial masks in animal shapes, manicures, and overall pampering.

The fun began with satiny bags Jasmine bought from the dollar store that she filled with more fun items from the dollar store: fuzzy animal slippers, sleep masks, bath scrungies, both bombs, animals crackers, apple juice, yogurt drinks, plastic pearls, and pink bath towels.

Cindy added some princess snacks, such as princess goldfish. Rebekah brought out her Little Mermaid blanker from her childhood.

Ultimately, the girls became Elsa and Anna from Frozen (their choices).

Here's a quick photo recap.

Monday, February 11, 2019

Community News: Feb. 9 and Feb. 11, 2019

Guardian Angel in Joliet receives special grant

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/08/guardian-angel-in-joliet-receives-special-grant/acfuvi9/

Meet a dean of students at #Bolingbrook High School

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/08/meet-a-dean-of-students-at-bolingbrook-high-school/achvd98/

Troy 30-C staff learn conversational Spanish

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/08/troy-30-c-staff-learn-conversational-spanish/a5hg5gp/

Bolingbrook students collaborate

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/08/bolingbrook-students-collaborate/abn9oiy/

Special education teacher at Bolingbrook High School receives designation

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/08/special-education-teacher-at-bolingbrook-high-school-receives-designation/abgmwff/

Joliet native honored at Pentagon's Hall of Heroes

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/08/joliet-native-honored-at-pentagons-hall-of-heroes/aqjldz4/

Troy Special Olympics athlete to compete at state

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/08/troy-special-olympics-athlete-to-compete-at-state/asefbcw/

Bolingbrook teacher earns special designation

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/08/bolingbrook-teacher-earns-special-designation/akq2d53/

Frankfort students create rain forest murals

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/08/frankfort-students-create-rain-forest-murals/adjirof/

Pets of the Week: Feb. 10

Click on the captions to read the descriptions.

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

You Really Can't Go Home Again

Well, yeah, physically, you can.

But when we've moved past, and grown from, certain experiences, we can't return to the old perspective and enjoy them the same way.

The other night, I picked up a novel I had enjoyed in childhood, one I had wanted to re-read for a long time, and settled into bed with it. The title is unimportant, but it's a favorite novel, one that inspired me to write the type of fiction I write, and one that inspired me to write, period.

This book goes so far back into my childhood enjoyment that I remember my sister and I playing Miss America with our babysitter. When the babysitter asked me who I most wanted to meet in the entire world, I gave this author's name.

And yet the other night, I closed the book at page three and put it away.

Had I stuck with it, I'm fairly certain the story, and the way this author told it, would have wrapped me in its magic. That wasn't the problem.

The problem was, right there on page one, in this beautifully hard-bound traditionally published book with stunning pen and ink illustrations, was a typo.

Yes, a typo, On page one.

I took a breath, kept reading, and turned to page two.

And there was another.

And another.

I was done.

Now I'm not being judgmental. It's not the typos that bothered me, or rather, it's not the fact the book had typos that bothered me.

As a self-published author, I can't tell you the number of times I've read about the advantages of traditional publishing, with pristine editing being one of them.

As a self-published author. I struggle (and fail) to produce copy completely error-free. In fact, I told my editor for Before the Blood," I can live with a few typos (because, you know, I'm self-published)."

But the reason why I hired this particular editor was less about the catching typos (although she does) and more about catching plot holes, inconsistencies in characterizations, etc. The major types of stuff that ruin a story.

Since I'm not a huge publishing house with an elaborate staff of talented editors, I have to pick and choose my priorities.

I'll take a flawless story and characters that leap off the page over a few typos.

So why did I put the book away?

Not because the book has changed. But because I have changed.

I am no longer a child reaching for that book to get wrapped up in its wonder.

I am now an adult that creates some of that wonder for others.

But I am now also a self-published author who can move past the hand-wringing worry about publishing a perfect book.

Such a book doesn't exist. It didn't exist in the 1960s. And it doesn't exist today.

Yes, of course, I will write and edit as clean a story as possible and ruthlessly seek and weed out every mistake, every lesser word.

Too many word weeds will overtake a great story and choke it.

But a few? Depends on the reader and his or her tolerance for typos.

Apparently mine is a bit higher than most (I was good at grammar as a child).

Maybe in a month or so, I'll reach for the book again. I'm guessing I'll enjoy it on several levels.

With better understanding of how good books come to be.

With a probable chance I'll be analyzing its sentence structures...and marveling.

With gratitude to the author who has long since past on...

And with a bit of my nine-year-old self reading along with me and simply enjoying the journey.

Sunday, February 10, 2019

Community News: Feb. 7 and Feb. 8, 2019

With few exceptions (scroll waaaay down)about food and Valentine's Day today. Check it out! :)

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

Celebrate 2019 Joliet Area Restaurant Week

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/30/celebrate-2019-joliet-area-restaurant-week/an22n6t/

Local venues offering Valentine's Day menus

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/04/local-venues-offering-valentines-day-menus/aux01nl/

Corn syrup in beer: It's for fermenting, not as a sweetener

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/05/corn-syrup-in-beer-its-for-fermenting-not-as-a-sweetener/ab4owbc/

OUR RECIPES

Who can resist a heart-shaped salad?

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/06/who-can-resist-a-heart-shaped-salad/agzwfh2/

Serve ordinary French toast in an extraordinary way

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/06/serve-ordinary-french-toast-in-an-extraordinary-way/a180amo/

A heart-shaped sandwich ads a festive touch to tomato soup

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/06/a-heart-shaped-sandwich-ads-a-festive-touch-to-tomato-soup/a649q9t/

This easy chocolate cherry cake starts with boxed mix

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/06/this-easy-chocolate-cherry-cake-starts-with-boxed-mix/ad5aupr/

A pizza that expresses love in every bite

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/06/a-pizza-that-expresses-love-in-every-bite/afg3so2/

MORE RECIPES

A Dutch oven may be key to a better butternut squash soup

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/05/a-dutch-oven-may-be-key-to-a-better-butternut-squash-soup/aftp2ls/

Great tasting oatmeal doesn't need to comes in a packet

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/05/great-tasting-oatmeal-doesnt-need-to-comes-in-a-packet/awotjkf/

Peanut blossom cookies with a more robust peanut flavor

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/05/peanut-blossom-cookies-with-a-more-robust-peanut-flavor/a9pim8d/

Rethinking Chicken Florentine with clearer, brighter flavors

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/05/rethinking-chicken-florentine-with-clearer-brighter-flavors/a9qxvfh/

Skip the boxed mac and cheese and make your own at home

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/05/skip-the-boxed-mac-and-cheese-and-make-your-own-at-home/akglkvk/

ETC:

Initial harvest results of the 2018 to 2019 deer season

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/07/initial-harvest-results-of-the-2018-to-2019-deer-season/ac3ogl9/

Plainfield students participated at music festival in January

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/01/31/plainfield-students-participated-at-music-festival-in-january/ai1sx5y/

Plainfield student musicians to perform in Romeoville

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/08/plainfield-student-musicians-to-perform-in-romeoville/aaqjbpc/

Plainfield student organizes crochet club for his school

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/07/plainfield-student-organizes-crochet-club-for-his-school/axw5nyy/

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

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

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

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

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Friday, February 8, 2019

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Feb. 3 through Feb. 8

Good chilly Friday morning, everyone!

I have so many stories and videos to share this morning, I'll make the rest of this post brief.

1) The second installment of Before the Blood is out! After all the back and forth we had with KDP for the first book the second was approved less than 12 hours after we submitted it.

You can buy the first one HERE and the second one HERE.

2) I'm meeting with my editor in two weeks to review copy edits for the third book, which now has an April release date. Books four and five will be released in June and August.

3) WriteOn Joliet is working on a series of collaborative projects, which will be on display through the month of May at the downtown branch of the Joliet Public Library. The display will include a copy of the long-awaited "baby cheetah" anthology and will end with a meet and greet on May 30 (along with a chance to purchase books, including the anthology).

4) Speaking of WriteOn Joliet, our March author of the month had to cancel, so since we promised The Book Market one signing a month from our group, I'm stepping up. Details aren't yet finalized, but when I have them, I'll certainly share.

5) And last, but certain not least: Celebrate Ed Calkins Day with us. We're hosting a limerick match from 6 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet. All ages are welcome. We'll have token prizes (compliments of the cafe) and costumes are encouraged. If you have not yet met the Steward of Tara (the real one), you're in for a treat!

Now, here's where to find information and after that, the stories.

Non-bylined features:

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.

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.

How to send information to the features section

From time to time, I receive questions from readers on how to submit information or how long it takes for an event or news release to be published.

Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/02/how-to-send-information-to-the-features-section/a1vji0q/

An Extraordinary Life: You always knew you had a friend in Holly'
Joliet family raising money to pay for their daughter's funeral

“It was always a good time,” Tiffany DAug of Joliet, Holly's cousin, said. “She was a beautiful person inside and out. She was very easy to talk to, very outgoing. She [knew] what to say at the right time.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/29/7efa314e6f164f1b9e1190f651128319/index.xml

Bringing healing to people in their own community
Two Joliet nurses set to open their 2nd immediate care on Feb. 11

April Kubinski said, "What makes us unique is the sacrifice, hard work, love and faith that goes into our clinics."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/28/cbebb5aafaf2419791435af7516e789f/index.xml

'Shaped and changed by God's love'
#Channahon church has mission to share that love with all people

Rev. Ben Ingelson said: "We try to meet people where they're at and have some fu. And just keep finding ways to serve our neighbors and be there for people."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/02/04/bd502e14dde843ba874e62f7859436d7/index.xml

'Enough cake for everybody'

Plainfied teen starts nonprofit to celebrate people's most special days

Kahlil Diab, executive director of the Boys and Girls Club of Joliet, said: "A lot of kids get overlooked on their birthdays. This makes them fee; empowered. They feel celebrated, they feel valued."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/01/29/e88b020ea08d41199fee13da9e44413c/index.xml

Meet a new generation of organists
Lockport school district offers students opportunity to learn the organ

"The main thing is trying to encourage the love or organ to a lot of people," Sarah Randolph, the district's music and choral director, said.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/02/07/a314964f36614f8a88dce1f03e409cca/index.xml

Artworks Lemont college student has written and recorded music since age 13
Loupakos said, 'It's just how I express myself'

Jackie Loupakos said, "The ultimate goal is if someone comes back to me and says they really believe what I was talking about in my music. The emotions, the lyrical content is really a big part of it, too."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/02/06/5150e828ab0a49f2bff04522c9796cc5/index.xml?page=1

VALENTINE'S DAY RECIPES

Who can resist a heart-shaped salad?

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/06/who-can-resist-a-heart-shaped-salad/agzwfh2/

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

Thursday, February 7, 2019

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Vampire Bat Facts

Vampire Bats Facts

The vampires Melissa Marchellis encounters in Bryony have much in common with vampire bats. Both flee when the victim awakens, and both contain saliva with particular properties: a numbing agent and an anticoagulant to allow the blood to freely flow. The similarities, however, end there.

Unlike the vampires in Bryony, vampire bats never attack and, when they do regurgitate a meal, it’s to share their food with a vampire bat that didn’t get one that night. Vampire bats, said Sharon Peterson, elementary school teacher, librarian, and bat expert trained by Bats Conservation International, roost in very tight colonies and display caring behavior toward each other. Adult bats, for instance, will groom other bats.

Other vampire facts Peterson shared include:

· There are three species of vampire bats: common vampire bat, hairy-legged vampire bat, and the white-winged vampire bat. All three live in Latin America ranging from Mexico to the southern areas of South America. They do not live in Europe.

· Two species of vampire bats drink mainly from the blood of birds. The other drinks the blood of mammals.

· Vampire bats can run short distances before leaping into flight.

· Vampire bats ignore the fatty areas of their victims. Instead, they settle on areas where blood vessels are close to the surface. That would be the feet in birds, on the hooves or near the tails for cows, and the fingertips for humans.

· Scientists are experimenting on ways to use the anticoagulating properties in vampire bat’s saliva as an alternative to traditional blood thinners. Unlike these medicines, the anticoagulant in bat saliva targets only clots.

· Vampire bats are very shy. They will not come near a victim that is awake.
· Vampire bats are not carnivorous. Other bats might scoop up a lizard or mouse and fly away with it, but not vampire bats.

For over ten years Sharon Peterson, along with her husband Dan Peterson and their two Egyptian fruit bats, has been giving presentations on bats. Sharon and Dan are both licensed through the USDA as Class C exhibitors. To schedule a presentation or for more information on bats in general visit http://www.incrediblebats.com/.

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Wednesday, February 6, 2019

Community News: Feb. 6, 2019

Illustration by Kathleen Rose Van Pelt for "Bryony."

Open Mic Night 2018 2: Sue Midlock

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

Community News: Feb. 5, 2019

Test your home for radon with these $8 kits from the Will County Health Department

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/04/test-your-home-for-radon-with-these-8-kits-from-the-will-county-health-department/a8253ah/

Plainfield 7th-grader brings awareness of syndrome

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/12/02/plainfield-7th-grader-brings-awareness-of-syndrome/a3u0tm3/

Knights of Columbus donate to LCSRA sensory room fund

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/04/knights-of-columbus-donate-to-lcsra-sensory-room-fund/axx3yax/

Lemont school's academic bowl team excelled

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/01/lemont-schools-academic-bowl-team-excelled/a5qryif/

Applications open for 2019 Environmental Grant Program

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/03/applications-open-for-2019-environmental-grant-program/amzmjm4/

Register now for Senior Valentine’s Bingo in Lockport

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/03/register-now-for-senior-valentines-bingo-in-lockport/a3mnl1h/

City of Joliet Historic Preservation Award accepting nominations

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/02/03/city-of-joliet-historic-preservation-award-accepting-nominations/amq1ran/

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

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

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

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

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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

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