BryonySeries

Friday, May 17, 2019

Community News: May 16 and May 17, 2019

It's all about the food, fun, and the arts today!

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.

Plainfield Giving Gala raises money for local charities

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/20/plainfield-giving-gala-raises-money-for-local-charities/ane9z2e/

Plainfield D. 202 elementary school students earned prizes in short story competition

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/04/03/plainfield-d-202-elementary-school-students-earned-prizes-in-short-story-competition/aqqx412/

Minooka students Compete at literary festival

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/16/minooka-students-compete-at-literary-festival/ajknxiv/

Enrollment open for #Plainfield Parks Summer Day Camp

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/16/enrollment-open-for-plainfield-parks-summer-day-camps/a3orcmw/

Plainfield East HS to host summer art studio

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/16/plainfield-east-hs-to-host-summer-art-studio/ape99ca/

Plainfield HS – Central Campus to host art camp

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/16/plainfield-hs-central-campus-to-host-art-camp/ajvuvz6/

Troy Heritage Trail Elementary to offer summer camp

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/16/troy-heritage-trail-elementary-to-offer-summer-camp/av77d1m/

RECIPES

Perfect burgers depend on the right meat. Here's a pro tip
https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/13/perfect-burgers-depend-on-the-right-meat-heres-a-pro-tip/aaym70r/

Vegetable kebabs with a crisp exterior and juicy interior

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/13/vegetable-kebabs-with-a-crisp-exterior-and-juicy-interior/at9iy0y/

Zucchini or summer squash makes for a colorful pasta dish

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/13/zucchini-or-summer-squash-makes-for-a-colorful-pasta-dish/aujchlc/

A spicy, smoky Jamaican jerk starts with bold ingredients

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/13/a-spicy-smoky-jamaican-jerk-starts-with-bold-ingredients/ahmby8o/

Cheesecake without the fuss? Enter the no-bake cheesecake

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/13/cheesecake-without-the-fuss-enter-the-no-bake-cheesecake/aoipfhn/

BRYONYSERIES COOKBOOK

"Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'" benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at bryonyseries.com.

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

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 12 through May 17

This weekend is shaping up to be a BryonySeries weekend.

I am meeting with Colleen Robbins (who just released this book and this book and has a fourth in review), the editor for Before the Blood, to review her edits for the fifth and final installment.

And I have to finish the reading through the proof copy of the fourth installment of BTB so that can be ready for an early June release.

AND, if all goes well, Timothy and I still have half of Cornell Dyer and the Never Robbers to finish outlining (besides, I'm eager to find out what happens).

I'd also like to spend some time on Phyllis' memoir, too.

Have a great weekend readers, writers, and BryonySeries 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):

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:

Once Timothy Baran is done updating this page, these will listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.

Check out the progress he has made so far. Each square is hand-built.

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is at www.bryonyseries.com. Again, Timothy is in the process of updating the website, so all titles may not appear. If you have any 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.

When mom-to-be has an opioid addiction

Dr. Jyoti Randhawa, chief medical officer, said “everyone’s alarms tend to go off” when a woman with an addiction becomes pregnant. People want to “strip away” “anything or everything” that can cause harm to the mother or baby.

“But the rule of thumb is you treat the patient in the best interest of their life quality, even if a woman is pregnant and is having substance abuse issues,” Randhawa said. “You still want to follow the general protocol.”

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/10/when-mom-to-be-has-an-opioid-addiction/apmbknw/

Building family legacy and heritage
New Lenox woman looks back at 10 decades

Part of Katherine Shanahan's birthday celebration included seeing Tony Bennett at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet and then meeting him after the show. She has no plans for the future, nor is she anxious about it.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/07/e1abf07974d848e4aa5261ba4b119492/index.xml

An Extraordinary Life: The art Clara Matay of Joliet left behind her

Not until after Clara Matay's death on Sept. 3, 1988, did Dee Philiph of New Lenox find her mother's find some of her mother's artwork while sorting through her Clara's belonging.

Those pieces now are displayed at The Book and Bean Cafe in Joliet, where they will remain through June.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/11/ab32b6cedbd94c57baa70effd9a37c09/index.xml

More than a table centerpiece

Flowers can safely be used as food if you know the do's and don'ts

The use of edible flowers is not limited to chefs. Home cooks can use them, too, if they use common sense and take the right precautions.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/15/9033ce9035f94e7da5618e5e588bf904/index.xml?page=1

Windows into the Rialto world
Joliet theater partners with student artists at JJC and Lewis University

"They look fantastic," Micah McDade said, marketing manager for the Rialto said. "With the community as close-knit as Joliet, it seemed a natural fit to include local artists and, even better, artists-in-training, these students. It gave them an outlet to present their work for the hundreds and thousands of people who walk past every year."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/15/358df8a926be4038942fe864b69509ac/index.xml

Artworks: Photographer Bob Campbell gets his start at Joliet Jam

"I was just getting into photography," Campbell, a Joliet Junior College student at the time of the concert, recalled. "I had gotten a telephoto lens, in addition to some other lenses. I was allowed back state so I got to talk to them."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/15/artworks-photographer-bob-campbell-gets-his-start-at-joliet-jam/aguqh8v/

LocalLit author spotlight: Carolyn Hill of New Lenox
Hill returns with another story with a #patriotic theme

Hill said: “Mademoiselle Liberty and Me" is the subject of a larger message magnified by a colossus as great as the country she represents.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/04/16/locallit-author-spotlight-carolyn-hill-of-new-lenox/aqjtmvz/

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

Thursday, May 16, 2019

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: My Fiction Playground

Monday, June 20, 2016

My Fiction Playground

This morning, I posted the following link on WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page:

http://pbackwriter.blogspot.com/2016/06/journal-as-playground.html

Which got me thinking about why I enjoy writing my fiction. It's play, the type of free, childhood play of lying in the grass, watching clouds in the sky, and letting the imagination wander where it will.

It's has elements in common with daydreaming, except I don't exist in that world.

Unlike daydreams that stay in the mind, I reconstruct where my thoughts go, word by word by word: a series of adding, subtracting, deleting, rewriting.

It's absorbing, exhilarating, frustrating, fun.

Wednesday, May 15, 2019

Community News: May 15, 2019

Check out the awesome things people are doing.

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

Shorewood Lions Club announces Troy 30-C March Students of the Month

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/09/d4bacf23312244118f21d583a4974800/index.xml

Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce honors JCA and JTHS Students

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/04/16/f61c4242ddc14de38c6e89b7b70eea52/index.xml

Plainfield students create prosthetic hand for student

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/13/7dd54d2aa8764e028d6915b2b0d46d13/index.xml

The Timbers of Shorewood honors 2 volunteers

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/14/3d92d9e3395e4b4d97a0110c503a5d53/index.xml

Local students earn dean’s lists in 2018

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/04/16/local-students-earn-deans-lists-in-2018/aqhww4h/

Local students earn dean’s lists for fall and winter 2018 and 2019

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/03/24/local-students-earn-deans-lists-for-fall-and-winter-2018-and-2019/a3bb0zj/

Local students graduate from colleges and universities

https://www.theherald-news.com/2018/10/16/local-students-graduate-from-colleges-and-universities/aytdjke/

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

Open Mic Night 2019: Bob Hafey

Tuesday, May 14, 2019

Community News: May 14, 2019

Check out the awesome things people are doing.

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

Principal at St. Joseph School, Lockport, honored

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/13/principal-at-st-joseph-school-lockport-honored/ae507zx/

St. John Church in Joliet to host memorial service on May 19

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/13/st-john-church-in-joliet-to-host-memorial-service-on-may-19/av71z05/

IDPH working to increase vaccination rates

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/13/idph-working-to-increase-vaccination-rates/aqf6er7/

Troy school raises more than $6,000 for cancer research

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/13/troy-school-raises-more-than-6-000-for-cancer-research/ashok4v/

Wilmington boy makes big impact on public policy

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/13/wilmington-boy-makes-big-impact-on-public-policy/al0vcih/

Edward Cancer Center to offer annual Camp Hope

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/13/edward-cancer-center-to-offer-annual-camp-hope/avoon82/

New Lenox students 'perform surgery' as part of their reading lesson

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/13/917138b5b81e4570bebd1441754db23f/index.xml

Registration open for Edward’s Camp Breathe Easy for kids with asthma

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/13/registration-open-for-edwards-camp-breathe-easy-for-kids-with-asthma/aia5r2z/

Troy school raises more $8,000 to donate for research on childhood cancer

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/13/troy-school-raises-more-8-000-to-donate-for-research-on-childhood-cancer/ay39odv/

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

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

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

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

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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

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

An Exchange of Ideas

Sunday night, as I drifted off to sleep, it occurred to me that my son Timothy and I spent many happy hours this past weekend engaged in nothing more than the verbal transfer of ideas.

Now, we did spend a few dollars on breakfast Saturday morning and Gloria Jean's coffee Sunday afternoon. But even if we'd skipped these activities, we still could have spent that same time.

For hours, Timothy verbally shared his scene-by-scene outline for the fourth book in the Adventures of Cornell Dyer series: Cornell Dyer and the Never Robbers.

For hours, I transcribed his thoughts into a note file on my phone.

Occasionally, Timothy checked the notes on his phone.

Occasionally, he asked if the plot was too complicated for kids.

Occasionally, I had a question from a reader's perspective.

We only made it to chapter five (about halfway) in the approximately six hours we spent on it.

No gadgets (except the notes stores in our phones and the above mentioned refreshments).

And now I have to wait until this weekend (at least) to pick the story back up and see what happens! (argghhhh!).

All this from a person who once needed help from me to support his little infant neck!

We seem to live in an age where people bemoan social media and the lack of in-person conversation (especially among the generations), especially when people bemoan it on social media, and where technological entertainment appears to prevail.

And yet these tools, too, are just one more means of sharing the thoughts of one to another: for edification, enjoyment, or both.

It's really sublime, isn't it?

Monday, May 13, 2019

Community News: May 11 and May 13, 2019

Gotta Do It: May 13 through May 20

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/06/gotta-do-it-may-13-through-may-20/aqnygsr/

Local arts and entertainment: May 13 through May 20

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/06/local-arts-and-entertainment-may-13-through-may-20/ag3r1xv/

Local pet events: May 13 through May 20

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/06/local-pet-events-may-13-through-may-20/ac61jkn/

Local health events: May 14 to May 21

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/06/local-health-events-may-14-to-may-21/a1zjtix/

Local food events: May 13 through May 20

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/06/local-food-events-may-13-through-may-20/aavtawe/

Local faith events: May 13 through May 20

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/06/local-faith-events-may-13-through-may-20/atf9kmy/

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

Mother's Day Weekend Snapshots

I had just five plans for Mother's Day weekend: work, stopping at The Book Market for Jennifer Russ' book signing (which went extremely well, eleven copies sold), Phyllis' memoir, working on my werewolf story, and copy editing the fourth installment of Before the Blood, as it was due on my doorstep on Saturday.

And walking, but that's a given. And I had a tentative breakfast with Timothy on Saturday to plot out the fourth book in the Adventures of Cornell Dyer series.

Here's what really happened.

Timothy and I did meet for an early breakfast on Saturday morning. After a couple hours, we were still in chapter three of Cornell Dyer and the Never Robbers. But we did pick it up for about four more hours on Sunday afternoon. We are still not through chapter five. And we had a great time!

Then I went home and worked for a few hours, and Timothy ran errands. When I found a ride to take some photos for a story in Monday's Herald-News, I also stopped at The Book Market to take photos of Jennifer Russ for the WriteOn Joliet Facebook page.

When I'd met all my deadlines for work, I turned my attention to the memoir for a couple of hours. Unfortunately, I did not pick this back up the rest of the weekend. So I did not accomplish as much as I'd wished.

When I went downstairs to reheat my coffee and check the mail, the Amazon truck was pulling up. I am now halfway through the proof copy of a book that's over 90,000 words. BTW, the font isn't crooked, the cover is now curled from frequent handling and resisted staying in place for the photo.

After Jasmine and Rebekah got off work, we went to my oldest son's house in Mazon for an impromptu birthday party for one of my grandsons, who turned 7 on Friday and did NOT want to smile for my camera.

On Sunday, while I accompanying Timothy on some of his errands, I received this "BryonySeries" sweet from mall staff. I saved it to split with Rebekah. It's actually a Rise Krispies treat.

In late afternoon, I forsook my usual Sunday work (I usually spend the afternoons working to get a jump on Monday) in favor of a long "Cornell" talk with Timothy (and to drink the Gloria Jean's coffees he bought for us, and to eat up nearly an entire loaf of the banana bread with chocolate chips Rebekah baked after the birthday party) and housework after he left with Jasmine for a Mother's Day celebration on her side of the family.

But I also received another Gloria Jean's coffee from the Rebekah and Jasmine when they arrived (so now I have leftovers for today). I should also mention Timothy bought me a dark roast from Brewed Awakenings in Morris on the way to Mazon (the dark roast of the day was from Honduras. And it was delicious).

Along with this card and gift card:

And plenty of flowers: from Jasmine, Rebekah, and Daniel. Don't judge the plastic pitcher/makeshift vase, LOL. The baggie on the left is the remaining banana bread. BTW, We had banana bread because Rebekah made two loaves as a Mother's Day gift for a woman at her work. She also made two pumpkin pies on Saturday night, one for us and one for another woman at work, also for a Mother's Day present. I just wanted to add this because Rebekah and Jasmine have worked twelve to fourteen hour days since Thursday because of the holiday.

I also talked to my own Mon via phone and twice with Sarah (Saturday and Sunday). And her son Lucas called me to wish me a Happy Mother's Day.

After I did housework, I popped popcorn, Rebekah grated cheese, and we sat down to hear about her day. Then Daniel came home with more flowers (we were out of vases, having lent one, so we used the pitcher) and a gift from him and Timothy.

I foolishly abandoned the Sunday work for the evening and settled down to watch four episodes with Daniel (whose favorite character is Bert), Rebekah (who also loves the show), and Timothy (who was mildly surprised we started without him) when he returned from his event.

From time to time, we had to pause the viewing for one last lovely surprise: updates on the cover for Cornell Dyer and the Eerie Lake (the third book, which is just waiting for art), from illustrator Sue Midlock, which I kept showing to Timothy for his comments, too.

I woke up this morning to a nice Mother's Day text from Joshua. And I received (and sent) texts from other mothers I know and love.

I did not get any work done on the werewolf story, but one can't have everything. But I DID have a lovely writerly weekend filled with family time and sprinkled with delightful surprises.

I didn't write this post to brag about the terrific weekend I had. But I did want to give those who follow this blog a glimpse what I value in life: giving and receiving love. And this past weekend was filled with examples of it.

Because, yes, even my books qualify. My ability to write is a talented I've worked hard to develop to ultimately inform, inspire (my feature stories for The Herald-News, Phyllis' memoir), and entertain (readers of the BryonySeries).

And now Monday is tightly packed because I didn't work yesterday.

But I will have plenty of Gloria Jean to help me through it.

Have a blessed Monday, readers, writers, and BryonySeries fans! :)

Saturday, May 11, 2019

Community News: May 10, 2019

Check out the awesome things people are doing.

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

Joliet Central band director chosen for award

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/04/11/joliet-central-band-director-chosen-for-award/avvufvi/

Joliet man’s landscape picture wins April portion of Forest Preserve photo contest

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/08/joliet-mans-landscape-picture-wins-april-portion-of-forest-preserve-photo-contest/a1yj81h/

Joliet West High School hosts local filmmaker Jason Pittman

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/09/025f5e09d6e341559085d16381dde614/index.xml

Seventh-grader at Aux Sable Middle School in Plainfield publishes book

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/08/40bbc8c0bd0f4391847e53c67498d0e8/index.xml

Joliet West Group interpretation team prepared for 2019 Sectionals

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/09/5d3f7ba671f9434196f330990e84f3f6/index.xml

Joliet Central music news

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/08/joliet-central-music-news/aktz7sd/

NEWSLETTERS

Sign up for the Will County Go Guide

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

Sign up for the LocalLit Short Story Newsletter

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

Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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

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

Bridie Gallagher - A Mother's Love's A Blessing

Friday, May 10, 2019

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, May 5 through May 10

A BryonySeries weekend awaits me!

I woke up this morning to a message from Amazon that the proof copy for the fourth installment of Before the Blood has shipped and should arrive tomorrow.

If deadlines weren't enough to keep me motivated today, this was!

Timothy has scheduled a planning breakfast tomorrow morning for the fourth book in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer chapter book series.

After that, I'll stop at The Book Market to replenish my books and chat with WriteOn Joliet member Jennifer Russ, who will be selling and signing books from noon to 2 p.m.

By then, "Henry" should be on my doorstep. If not, I'll get to work on the memoir.

Basically my plans for the next two days are to alternate copy editing BTB with finishing up (I hope) the first draft of the memoir.

Cannot wait!!!

Non-bylined features:

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.

Upcoming events:

Once Timothy Baran is done updating this page, these will listed here: https://www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.

Check out the progress he has made so far. Each square is hand-built.

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.

Impacting the people she serves
Antoinette Morris recognized for her work at Trinity Services in New Lenox

Antoinette Morris said:"Knowing I make an impact on the people I serve on an everyday basis so they can eventually do everyday things independently is enough of a reward for me."

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/01/impacting-the-people-she-serves/a5c6tkf/

Help keep someone else's light on
Minooka woman hosting Zumba event in #Joliet to raise money for suicide awareness

"This is a Christian family, a solid Christian family," Sonya Dejirolami said. "They adopted a girl from China. You'd think they're an All-American family. But this hit them and it hit them hard. It was just shocking to the community. Sometimes mental health can be disguised as something else and people give up on these people."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/01/983faa5b4b3b456bb5fd7fcffd704b6b/index.xml

Joliet hospice chaplain writes guide for living life to the end

"We all have challenges," Rev. Jim McGuire said. "How do we remain calm in the midst of them? In the book, I will give you some ideas on how to maintain calmness."

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/04/30/809c5c5b645248ffaf2048fce98d0a92/index.xml

One of the girls
Special needs girl joins Brownie troop and volunteers at Joliet thrift store

Thanks to Vicki Gacki, a volunteer at the St. Vincent de Paul thirft store on Jefferson Street in Joliet and former co-leader of New Lenox Girl Scout Troop 75208, a special needs girl became a Brownie and a helper all in the same day.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/07/380d255a4dbb48e7ac55df3c33141753/index.xml

VIDEO: Helpers for a Day

Ron Moore, store manager at a St. Vincent de Paul thrift store in Joliet, explains the store's mission to New Lenox Girl Scout Troop 75208.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/8b5a0091-0465-476f-ade2-cb9fa6de4181.html

VIDEO: Welcoming Abigail

New Lenox Girl Scout Troop 75208, along with honorary Girl Scout Ron Moore, store manager of St. Vincent de Paul thrift store on Jefferson Street in Joliet, welcome a special needs girl into the troop.

https://www.theherald-news.com/video/id/0d7bd795-42a0-4830-b789-339e0d1cbfc2.html

The many shades of David Gray
He's managed food services, transportation services and much more for D. 204 in
Joliet

As Gray prepares to retire, check out the many roles he's assumed, many of them simultaneously.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/07/27d0cfc9d4634e899ad7d0646f06ec00/index.xml

Joliet area artisans offer ideas for Mother's Day gifts

About half a dozen suggestions for you.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/09/2fdf23d6ea014aca94fa895f6d82e23b/index.xml

Artworks: quilts that break traditional quilting rules
Darcy Berg is exhibiting her art quilts at Joliet cafe

Where traditional quilts must meet perfectly; art quilts are praised for their perfect imperfection.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/08/642b86ebe7ae406499a9914695d10f01/index.xml

LocalLit book spotlight: 'Fang Face' by Norm Cowie of Chicago

So knowing I'm a fan of good vampire stories, Chicago author Norm Cowie sent me a copy of his young adult novel "Fang Face." Last week, I finally had a chance to read it. In this Tuesday's LocalLit newsletter, I'll review it.

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2019/05/09/d74886909e2c46dba11bebfc33703b55/index.xml?page=1

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

Thursday, May 9, 2019

Community News: May 9, 2019

It's all about the food today!

Check out five recipes you can try.

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.

Braising can maximize the freshness of spring vegetables

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/07/braising-can-maximize-the-freshness-of-spring-vegetables/ab757o8/

How to make sinfully rich brownies for real chocolate lovers

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/07/how-to-make-sinfully-rich-brownies-for-real-chocolate-lovers/ah33lwc/

For a nutritious version of artichoke dip, look to navy bean

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/07/for-a-nutritious-version-of-artichoke-dip-look-to-navy-bean/azdca8t/

You won't miss the meat when you make this mushroom burger

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/07/you-wont-miss-the-meat-when-you-make-this-mushroom-burger/aiw5vdf/

Juicy, tender chicken with plenty of sweet, smoky-flavor

https://www.theherald-news.com/2019/05/07/juicy-tender-chicken-with-plenty-of-sweet-smoky-flavor/ax6hx1t/

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 "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from "Bryony." Follow him at www.facebook.com/artbymattcoundiff

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: An Almost-Forgotten Interview from 2013

I have known Allison Rios for many years.

When I was a freelancer, she was one of my contacts in the public relations department of a local hospital. In 2005, I wrote An Extraordinary Life story about Allie's mom when she died of brain cancer.

I can remember the day Allie asked to talk to me about a non-newspaper subject: self-publishing. She had an idea for a book and wanted information.

She has since written a fiction series about healing, produced a compilation of true stories about brain cancer as a fundraiser for the American Brain Association, blogged, and is the author of her recent novel, Fifteen Years.

I also featured Allie last year as a LocalLit author.

But from time to time, Allie has also promoted local authors on her author Facebook page. While looking for something else this week, I found this gem. I had nearly forgotten it.

It made me smile. Hope it makes you smile, too.

Featured Author: Denise Baran-Unland

September 8, 2013 at 3:21 PM

Let me introduce you to Denise Baran-Unland, an exceptionally talented writer (in my opinion!). I have read Denise's book "Bryony," in which "the main character, 1970s teen Melissa Marchellis, trades her blood with a Victorian vampire for a trip back into time". I enjoyed the book, and especially the time and research Denise very obviously put into writing it. The details really brought the book to life and allowed me to envision what life was like in the Victorian era.

A little about Denise: she is a fulltime freelance writer that contributes to several newspapers, a hospital chain, and several non-profits. She's self-published two books in the BryonySeries - a third will be released by December - and a companion cookbook that is a fundraiser for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. She's taught features and creative writing and has overseen a newspaper for a homeschool cooperative and mentored homeschool high school students for the Herald News' former "Teen Scene" section. She is also a founding member of WriteOn Joliet, a local writing group.

The links to her books are at the end of this article - you won't be disappointed in the read! You can also check out the reviews on Amazon (via the links). If you check out her stories, be sure to share your thoughts in a review on Amazon - that's the best way to help an author! Read more about authors and literature on my blog, www.amijustmom.blogspot.com.

And now, for Denise's interview!

What is your background in writing?

I've worked as a fulltime freelance writer since 1998. I write for several newspapers--primarily the Herald News in Joliet, IL, Adventist Midwest Health and several non-profits. I also take on selected independent projects.

My fiction writing began in childhood. I wrote short stories in grade school and a novella, "The Inheritance," in the 8th grade. Much of mine "fun" writing fell off in high school and college. I was expecting my third child when I had the idea for the BryonySeries, a young adult, gothic vampire story about a teen girl that trades her blood with a Victorian vampire for a trip back into time.

What books have you written?

Books one and two, Bryony" and "Visage," are both published. The third book, "Staked!" is in editing. A companion cookbook, "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from 'Bryony,'" is a fundraiser for "Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties." We also released a "holiday edition" to "Visage," but that is now out of print. I'm currently working on two spinoff series: "The Adventures of Cornell Dyer" and "Bertrand the Mouse."

What is your most recently published piece?

"Visage."

Why you chose to self-publish?

I enjoy the creative control. My freelance work is for traditional arenas, so self-publishing provides me with the opportunity to gain knowledge in a different area of publishing and to develop new skills.

What do you love about writing?

The fact that the right words can make people laugh, cry, smile, become angry, open their wallets, fall in love, etc. It's so much fun!!!!!

What is the best book you've read?

That's hard one. Probably "Gone with the Wind."

What types of books do you read?

My favorite is pre-20th century vampire and ghost stories.

What genre(s) do you write and why?

My non-fiction, freelance work is people centered features. My fiction (so far) is classic, gothic vampire.

What does a book need to be considered great?

Have well-written, realistic characters that leap off the page.

Who are some of your favorite authors (Indie and otherwise)?

Leo Tolstoy, O. Henry, H.P. Lovecraft

Synopsis

"Bryony": A 70’s teen trades her blood with a Victorian vampire for a trip back into time.

"Visage:" After trading her blood with a Victorian vampire, a 70’s teen plunges into a misleading contract, trapping her into another bargain to save a life.

Buy

All BryonySeries books are available at www.bryonyseries.com/Dalton_s_Dry_Goods.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BryonySeries

Bryony: http://amzn.com/0985274808

Visage: http://amzn.com/0985274824

Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles from Bryony: http://amzn.com/0985274816