Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 24 through May 8

Good morning readers, writers, and BryonySeries fans!

I have more than a dozen stories to share this morning (and two more that haven't gone online yet), so you won't need any editorializing from me; plenty to read here.

I hope everyone checking into this blog is doing well: physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.


We are living in unprecedented times and making history as we live it.

Go forth and live well today.

Non-bylined features:

Search by topic (people, pets, A and E, faith, health, and food) at theherald-news.com.

Once a week, I do combine a week's worth into a single blog post.

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 join 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 BryonySeries events:

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts. 

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is 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

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.

Will County teen did not die from coronavirus

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/05/02/will-county-teen-did-not-die-from-coronavirus/asp6bof/


Illinois hospitals prepare to restart elective surgeries: You'll need a COVID-19 test before surgery

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/05/03/illinois-hospitals-prepare-to-restart-elective-surgeries/adu3obz/


Will County reports 97 more cases of COVID-19

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/05/03/will-county-reports-97-more-cases-of-covid-19/a3ljmpj/


An Extraordinary Life: Joliet #chaplain was 'greatest man in the world' 

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2020/04/29/5f3cab2c2c294fb7a21d201ffa99b2b8/index.xml?page=1


Northern Illinois Food Bank not running out of food, seeks monetary donations

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/05/02/northern-illinois-food-bank-not-running-out-of-food-seeks-monetary-donations/accj2go/


Coronavirus putting routine childhood vaccine schedule at risk
Pediatricians urge parents not to delay shots, offices have safety measures in place

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/05/02/coronavirus-putting-routine-childhood-vaccine-schedule-at-risk/aanl0hi/


Joliet's 'Bagels for Bravery' program went the distance on Tuesday
A community parade will accompany the weekly donation of bagels and cream cheese, 2nd parade is next week 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/05/03/joliets-bagels-for-bravery-program-going-the-distance-on-tuesday/awtgo2k/


Social distancing parade held for 72nd birthday of Joliet woman on dialysis 24 years

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2020/05/03/3e3fb16adc5b46bc8f91307354b96ea5/index.xml?page=1


Why there are shortages in acute care nursing
Joliet area experts give insight into this evolving profession 

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2020/05/05/23681d4643c648999fa0054dc750208d/index.xml?page=1


Surprise 'adoptions' make Channahon, Minooka 8th-graders feel special 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/05/03/surprise-adoptions-make-channahon-minooka-8th-graders-feel-special/dj9xs3s/


OLA in Joliet has no cases of COVID-19
Here's what this independent, assisted and skilled nursing community is doing to prevent it

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/23/ola-in-joliet-has-no-cases-of-covid-19/apcjwof/


Treat your mom to a drive-in church service this Sunday
Crest Hill church offering 2 events in 1 week to bring community together

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2020/05/07/b0f824f04fab40d88a7b1988ee842749/index.xml?page=1


LocalLit: Resources from libraries in Will County 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/29/locallit-resources-from-libraries-in-will-county/apvsor5/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for Visage.

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: My Favorite Poem about Mothers

Friday, May 13, 2011 

My Favorite Poem about Mothers

(along with flowers that Rebekah and Jasmine brought to  me last year).

Rock Me to Sleep

By Elizabeth Akers Allen 1832–1911



Backward, turn backward, O Time, in your flight,

Make me a child again just for tonight!

Mother, come back from the echoless shore,

Take me again to your heart as of yore;

Kiss from my forehead the furrows of care,

Smooth the few silver threads out of my hair;

Over my slumbers your loving watch keep;—

Rock me to sleep, mother, – rock me to sleep!



Backward, flow backward, O tide of the years!

I am so weary of toil and of tears,—

Toil without recompense, tears all in vain,—

Take them, and give me my childhood again!

I have grown weary of dust and decay,—

Weary of flinging my soul-wealth away;

Weary of sowing for others to reap;—

Rock me to sleep, mother – rock me to sleep!



Tired of the hollow, the base, the untrue,

Mother, O mother, my heart calls for you!

Many a summer the grass has grown green,

Blossomed and faded, our faces between:

Yet, with strong yearning and passionate pain,

Long I tonight for your presence again.

Come from the silence so long and so deep;—

Rock me to sleep, mother, – rock me to sleep!



Over my heart, in the days that are flown,

No love like mother-love ever has shone;

No other worship abides and endures,—

Faithful, unselfish, and patient like yours:

None like a mother can charm away pain

From the sick soul and the world-weary brain.

Slumber’s soft calms o’er my heavy lids creep;—

Rock me to sleep, mother, – rock me to sleep!



Come, let your brown hair, just lighted with gold,

Fall on your shoulders again as of old;

Let it drop over my forehead tonight,

Shading my faint eyes away from the light;

For with its sunny-edged shadows once more

Haply will throng the sweet visions of yore;

Lovingly, softly, its bright billows sweep;—

Rock me to sleep, mother, – rock me to sleep!



Mother, dear mother, the years have been long

Since I last listened your lullaby song:

Sing, then, and unto my soul it shall seem

Womanhood’s years have been only a dream.

Clasped to your heart in a loving embrace,

With your light lashes just sweeping my face,

Never hereafter to wake or to weep;—

Rock me to sleep, mother, – rock me to sleep!


Posted by Denise M. Baran-Unland at 5:10 PM

"So, a Funny Thing Happened on the way to The Open Mic..." Nancy

Some COVID-19 News, Some Non-COVID-19 News

Good morning readers, writers, and BryonySeries fans!

I spent a lovely day working on The Phoenix (the first in the Limbo trilogy, which is part of the BryonySeries). And it really was most of the day.

Except for scheduling social media and taking a walk with Rebekah in the morning, answering less then ten emails/messages, talking to a my very first fan (who is now a dear friend) on the phone for an hour in the afternoon, and watching an hour's worth of Three Lives, Three Worlds, Ten Miles of Peach Blossoms with Rebekah at bedtime, I spent the rest of the day writing, about ten or so hours worth.

The intent is to do the same today and, maybe more, since it's pouring outside, a lovely backdrop to writing fiction with vampire themes.

And after posting this blog, I'm taking a social media break today, too.

Below is some of the submitted content I posted on The Herald-News site over the last week. Skim through the posts and click on those that interest you.

Have a wonderful day!


NON-COVID-19 NEWS

Manhattan 4-H member awarded state honor

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/30/manhattan-4-h-member-awarded-state-honor/a2pe9u/


Wilton Center 4-H member awarded state honor

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/30/wilton-center-4-h-member-awarded-state-honor/awen56h/


5 things pet owners need to know about pets and marijuana 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/30/5-things-pet-owners-need-to-know-about-pets-and-marijuana/anhrn47/


Pets of the Week: April 27

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/23/pets-of-the-week-april-27/dz7amsh/


Pets of the Week: May 4

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/05/02/pets-of-the-week-may-4/dqdm5y0/




COVID-19 NEWS

Timbers of Shorewood celebrated centenarian's birthday in January
Employee at Univ. of Chicago during 1st nuclear chain reaction

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/03/27/timbers-of-shorewood-celebrated-centenarians-birthday-in-january/a9r2fje/


Silver Cross Adds ‘Nursing and COVID-19’ to informational video series 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/30/silver-cross-adds-nursing-and-covid-19-to-informational-video-series/aw8pw4m/


Morris Hospital unveils financial recovery plan

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/30/morris-hospital-unveils-financial-recovery-plan/arp6csl/


'Committed to Serve' initiative purchases meals from small businesses in Joliet

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/30/committed-to-serve-initiative-purchases-meals-from-small-businesses-in-joliet/atwmk5/


Immediate need for volunteers to staff testing sites in Joliet

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/30/immediate-need-for-volunteers-to-staff-testing-sites-in-joliet/a7i7qu4/


Morris Hospital seeks cloth mask donations

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/29/morris-hospital-seeks-cloth-mask-donations/avcf6mh/


Drive through the 'Field of Hope' in Crest Hill

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/29/drive-through-the-field-of-hope-in-crest-hill/a6sxmnf/


Siblings at D. 202 in Plainfield hand-make face shields for frontline workers

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/29/siblings-at-d-202-in-plainfield-hand-make-face-shields-for-frontline-workers/a36v23/


D. 86 in Joliet distributed 143,036 meals to children since March 17

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/22/d-86-in-joliet-distributed-143-036-meals-to-children-since-march-17/ap2uaz9/


New Lenox team hands out 1,000 free lunches

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/23/new-lenox-team-hands-out-1-000-free-lunches/al4ue8q/


Will County comedian delivers prayer instead of jokes during COVID-19

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/22/will-county-comedian-delivers-prayer-instead-of-jokes-during-covid19/a7g7s1v/


Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox discharges 1st inpatient COVID-positive patient

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/29/silver-cross-hospital-in-new-lenox-discharges-1st-inpatient-covid-positive-patient/aikgbp/


A group of musicians came together to benefit Plainfield
See how you can help, too.

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/22/online-concert-on-saturday-to-benefit-plainfield-area-organizations/a5gqjio/


Plainfield church to offer white, blue Masses

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/23/church-to-offer-white-blue-masses/acmsd8y/


Social worker at Plainfield elementary school organizes food drives for Bags of Hope 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/22/social-worker-at-plainfield-elementary-school-organizes-food-drives-for-bags-of-hope/agl9vvi/


New Lenox bank supports Will County COVID-19 Response Fund

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/10/new-lenox-bank-supports-will-county-covid-19-response-fund/akpaki6/


Joliet Area Community Hospice responds to the COVID-19 outbreak

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/23/joliet-area-community-hospice-responds-to-the-covid-19-outbreak/adsorz7/


Salem Village in Joliet appreciates its staff

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/23/salem-village-in-joliet-appreciates-its-staff/allve4b/

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

The Doll Room

Last Monday, my "An Extraordinary Life" story was about Andrea Magosky, who recently died from complications of COVID-19.

Andrea and her husband Pat Moagosky owned and operated the P. Seth Magosky Museum of Victorian Life an Joliet History in memory of their son Seth, who owned the house and was slowly transforming into a museum at the time of their death.

The Magoskys were very supported of the BryonySeries. We filed the Bryony book trailer and music video there; they (along with the Joliet Junior College theater department) lent us costumes for VampFest (our launch event, which raised $1,400 for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties), hosted a book signing, and had stacks of my original business cards near the front door.

Andrea especially loved dolls and devoted one room in the museum to them. I love dolls (as a child I played with dolls as much as I read), so I loved to wander this room and revel in her collection.

When the Magoskys lost the museum, they also lost the dolls. Here are photos of some of those dolls:

Ed Calkins: Voter Fraud and the "Lost" Telegram (Steward Setback Saturday)

Saturday, May 19, 2018

Ed Calkins: Voter Fraud and the "Lost" Telegram

Note: When sifting through old email for the Bryony-themed play Ed Calkins wrote and sent to me in 2011, which I thought I posted and hadn't, I found this gem, also from 2011 and unopened. Very ironic, as you will see when you read it.

Dear MOMI:

Hard as it may be to believe, I have been accused of unethically influencing the Queen of Christmas nominations. Naturally, I promised a full and speedy investigation from an independent, fair, and reputable investigator.

Only after making that promised did I wonder if I knew anyone like that! But, of course, I do. You, Denise, have the journalistic chops that should impress even the most skeptical of my critics.

Your mandate is simple! Look for evidence of corruption or misdealings in the nomination process of 2011 on my behave. Remember, I promised a full and speedy investigation, so you must respond with your findings within my deadline.

Also you must grant as full of review as can be made on a 2008 budget, which, if you've opened this email, you're already over. (Sorry, you will not be reimbursed.)

Be fair and impartial, but remember you're not getting paid for this and its not worth your time, When the deal (five minutes after you receive this) has expired, you need not respond if not a shred of evidence is found, your silence will be understood that way.

However, if you do find wrong doing, you must report it to the proper authorities. Should you consider me as too prejudiced to receive your finding, consider your ex publicist or Amazon.com. I'm sure that can right this in a timely manner.

P.S  Should you actually look in to this, do not be concerned about the ballots found in the garbage, as poor handwriting clearly disqualified them.


Ruthlessly yours,

Ed Calkins,

Steward of Tara

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 24 through May 1

Just a few stories this week as I have several on a regional level that are still in production for this weekend or early this week.

I'm working on a hybrid of projects over the next couple days, the result of working for a news publication during a pandemic.

Today and tomorrow: Part "real" work and part finishing up the first round of edits (non-fiction book) for a client. A smattering of fiction if time and the muse allows.

Sunday: "Real" work and fiction, if the above applies.

Monday and Tuesday: Fiction.

Also on Monday, a phone call with my "original" BryonySeries fan. Not my lone SUPER fan, but the very first person who found me by chance and read the original "drop of blood" trilogy.

She is not on social media too much these days, but she sent me a lovely college of virtual purple roses, said I'd been on her mind, and we scheduled a time to talk.

Quick thought, more later: As an indie author, I hear so much about the frustrations of marketing,, the "secrets" to marketing, etc.

But my biggest fan and my longest fan both found me by random. I wrote something that resonated with them and made it visible so they could discover it.

The fact that, nearly ten years later, someone could think of me with a trope from the BryonySeries means more to me than sales that mean nothing to the readers.

Be safe, be well, be blessed.

Non-bylined features:

Search by topic (people, pets, A and E, faith, health, and food) at theherald-news.com.

Once a week, I do combine a week's worth into a single blog post.

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 join 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 BryonySeries events:

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts. 

Books and Such

Information on my books (including where to buy) along with upcoming events is 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

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.

An Extraordinary Life: History buff died from COVID-19

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/26/an-extraordinary-life-history-buff-died-from-covid-19/dq88ntq/


Edward Hospital nurse shares her experience in fight against COVID-19

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/23/life-on-the-front-lines/ahojbql/


Joliet subdivision is 'beacon of hope' for dark pandemic times

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2020/04/28/5068a45f94a94c93a830c89870166a44/index.xml?page=1


COVID-19 pneumonia is more insidious than regular pneumonia

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/29/covid-19-pneumonia-is-more-insidious-than-regular-pneumonia/afvoriz/


Baran-Unland: How to work out inside your house
Don't let fitness slide while sheltering in place and social distancing

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/29/baran-unland-how-to-work-out-inside-your-house/a52qhqn/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: "The Portrait" - Silent Horror Film 1915

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

The Portrait - silent horror film 1915

"So, a Funny Thing Happened on the way to The Open Mic..." Rebecca Baran

Fun, Inspirational, and Not By Me

In addition to writing and editing for fun and for profit, I read A LOT (I blame my asthmatic childhood, but see? Good can come from bad) and follow the blogs of my fellow indie authors.

Here are some of the blog posts I've read over the past couple of weeks, as well as a link to all four WriteOn Joliet anthologies and a plug for my WriteOn Joliet co-leader's latest book.

Happy reading!


Discover new voices with a WriteOn Joliet anthology

This adult critique group I co-lead with Tom Hernandez currently has four available. Check them out! :)

https://www.writeonjoliet.com/anthologies


The Weekly Fruit and Vegetable Report

If you're a grandparent or a grandparent-to-be, you'll love this new book by Tom Hernandez

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B086K3FJC9/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i0


"Positively Quarantined"

http://maureenblevins.blogspot.com/2020/03/positively-quarantined.html


"Positively Drawing"

http://maureenblevins.blogspot.com/2020/04/positively-drawing.html


"The Silent Treatment" by Holly Coop

https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=8479028856898515303#editor/target=post;postID=5212989981083659267


"Promoting Before Publishing" by James Pressler

http://www.writingandtheprocess.com/2020/04/i-recently-started-dialogue-with-up-and.html?fbclid=IwAR1zIe4DgSCczYf-sQNNkt14NCu_VO3Eri9LAqDbyR0WSRf0YVZdJSZGnQ0


And a series of  short stories and humorous blog posts by Ken McGee: BTW, the "FAQS" post is, hands down, the best author interview I have ever read.


"Don’t Worry, Dear, It Was Only a Small Fire" by Kenneth Lee McGee 

https://kennethleemcgee.com/dont-worry-dear-it-was-only-a-small-fire/


"The Typewriter Virus" by Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/the-typewriter-virus/


"Lots of dust in that gym," by Ken McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/swish-nothing-but-net/


"The Lost Treasure of Perkins MacGhee" By Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/the-lost-treasure-of-perkins-macghee/


"The Capture of Perkins MacGhee" By Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/the-capture-of-perkins-macghee/


"Lifetime Achievement Awards" by Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/lifetime-achievement-awards/


"Grandpa and the Lost Lonely Lions Return"

https://kennethleemcgee.com/grandpa-and-the-lost-lonely-lions-return/


"A Tale Of Two Canals – The Erie & The Root" by Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/a-tale-of-two-canals-the-erie-the-root/


"FAQs – The Top Ten (or eleven, whatever)"

https://kennethleemcgee.com/faqs-the-top-ten-or-eleven-whatever/


"Don’t Worry, Dear, It Was Only a Small Fire" by Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/dont-worry-dear-it-was-only-a-small-fire/


"To ?, or Not To ? That Is the ?" by Kenneth Lee McGee

https://kennethleemcgee.com/to-or-not-to-that-is-the/

Community News: Yes, COVID-19, But Positives, too

The great thing about the community where I live is that it responds with good when the bad happens.

Below are links that underscore my first sentence.

Hope this bring hope to your Monday! :)


Shorewood offers Utility Relief Program in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/22/shorewood-offers-utility-relief-programin-response-to-the-covid-19-pandemic/adrrwlv/


Kuusakoski Recycling in Plainfield celebrated Earth Day

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/23/kuusakoski-recycling-in-plainfield-celebrated-earth-day/aheg59m/


Social worker at Plainfield elementary school organizes food drives for Bags of Hope 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/22/social-worker-at-plainfield-elementary-school-organizes-food-drives-for-bags-of-hope/agl9vvi/


Illinois to provide $112 million more in nutrition benefits for children

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/21/illinois-to-provide-112-million-more-in-nutrition-benefits-for-children/a80ewnf/


Will-Grundy Medical Clinic awarded $5,000 grant from Community Foundation of Grundy County

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/20/will-grundy-medical-clinic-awarded-5-000-grant-from-community-foundation-of-grundy-county/aksmf1r/


Aunt Martha’s in Joliet offers drive-thru COVID-19 testing for high-risk patients
Plan targets populations and communities disproportionately affected by pandemic

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/22/aunt-marthas-in-joliet-offers-drive-thru-covid-19-testing-for-high-risk-patients/awjk0yr/


Lockport’s Old Canal Days festival in June canceled Lockport 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/22/lockports-old-canal-days-festival-in-june-canceled/acykfy8/


How to combat loneliness and protect your health while social distancing

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/21/how-to-combat-loneliness-and-protect-your-health-while-social-distancing


Plainfield East HS junior creates face mask ear guards with 3D printer 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/21/plainfield-east-hs-junior-creates-face-mask-ear-guards-with-3d-printer/a535h0n/


Lockport city council approves Small Business COVID-19 Grant and/or Loan Program 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/21/lockport-city-council-approves-small-business-covid-19-grant-andor-loan-program/ax4e3iu/


Symphony requesting national guard assistance to test patients to combat virus spread Joliet

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/23/symphony-requesting-national-guard-assistance-to-test-patients-to-combat-virus-spread/al48eyl/


Working from home with kids: 10 tips for parents

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/23/working-from-home-with-kids-10-tips-for-parents/alrr8th/


Don't let other medical conditions backslide during COVID-19

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/22/dont-let-other-medical-conditions-backslide-during-covid-19/a4u4064/


Edward-Elmhurst Health daffodil project puts hope on display

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/22/edward-elmhurst-health-daffodil-project-puts-hope-on-display/dxs8fhw/


Plainfield ES teacher delivers educational goody baskets to her students 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/22/plainfield-es-teacher-delivers-educational-goody-baskets-to-her-students/d8we0a/

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

An Irish Vampire Speaks Out about COVID-19

Dear MOMI,


The COVID-19 break out has a crazy vampire thinking he is saner than the world he lives in. The virus has been hell on the living and undead alike.

              
I’ve been trying to do my part. I heard the Red Cross needed blood, so I made an appointment to donate. What I didn’t expect is they were only interested in the blood inside of me, not inside my refrigerator. Such misunderstanding between the undead and its prey come in clearer light in this time.

              
So I made a suggestion that has not been well received. Wouldn’t it be better if COVID-19 positive vampires only bit victims with the disease? A simple tattoo would across the jugular vein could slow down the spread. 

Failing in that, victim and vampire could inform each other of their COVID-19 status before the neck biting begins. If they match, the usual business may resume; if not, the two could agree to meet at the same time two weeks in the future.

Can you believe it? I’m an essential worker…and I thought I was only a paper boy. After years of being told by my bosses, that if it wasn’t for the high cost of bananas, they could get a better job done by replacing me with a stupid monkey (not just any monkey but a tupid one), I'm now essential. For the same number of years, subscribers have reminded me that they did my job better when they were in grade school; now they thank me.

              
How different life is now than it was a year ago in the United States.

              
The other day I was waiting in line at the bank, six feet away from where two men wearing masks were having a hard time expressing themselves to the baffled teller. The pair showed her their guns and demanded money. She must have taken them for angry, law-abiding citizens, as they were dressed as the government mandated, and assured the pair that their stimulus check was in the mail.

Getting nowhere, one of the men shouted at her, “We’re bank robbers! Give us the money!”

“Ah, you’re self-employed,” she concluded. “Why didn’t you say so.”

The teller just gave them a knowing nod, left the cage, and returned with a ‘Paycheck Guarantee’ application for small businesses. The men calmed down a little when the teller told them they could qualify for ten grand each, but the size of the form made them nervous. 

The polite teller told them to “chill out," as she would help them through the process. I’m not familiar with today’s slang, but apparently "chill out" means smoke a joint, as the robbers lit one up and shared with the teller and everyone still waiting in line.

Finally, the police came, just as the bank robbers were endorsing their checks. The police saw the guns, noted the masks, smelled the pot, but could do nothing as the pair had not broken any laws. 

But before the police could leave, the teller shouted out. “Stop those men, their checks bounced.” 
Yes, the Paycheck guarantee act had run out of money. Passing bad checks might still be illegal but the police still couldn’t arrest the men. 

After a long discussion while passing a joint throughout the bank, the police admitted that there was no room in the lock up to hold anyone, as people have been accusing themselves of imaginary crimes to escape their children and spouses.

              
“Look, just come back here in six months and we’ll straighten it all out then,” the wise cop offered. “Where did you buy the pot? Not bad.”

              
So everyone left stoned, broke, and six feet apart.

              
I hope in six months we can go back, and everything will be straighten out. Stay ruthlessly safe.

                                                                        

Ruthlessly yours,

                                                                       
Ed Calkins, Steward of Tara

Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, April 18 through April 23

It's been an especially busy week - with a lot of coverage on the many COVID-19 cases and deaths at Symphony of Joliet.

For your convenience, I have grouped all those stories together.

But there's plenty of other good stories, covid-related and otherwise.

There's information and suggestions on how nursing homes could enhance communication between families and residents (and information on what they're doing right).

There's information about covid-related antibody testing.

There's a heart-rending Extraordinary Life feature about a special needs young woman who died from the virus - and an inspirational story about a young woman who has forged community and corporate sponsorships to connect food resources with the people on the streets who need food the most.

There's some great advice on how to survive these challenging times from a teen with muscular dystrophy, who enjoyed the parade of cars from family, friends, and school staff and students as they wished him a happy golden birthday.

And if you're feeling "stranded," I have a book recommendation for you.

On the non-Herald-News side of the writing and editing life: I just received the graphic for Phyllis' memoir, so another proof copy should go out to the family this weekend.

I'm editing a rather disturbing novel (disturbing in the right way) for a client about a young man who suffered a life of sexual abuse.

And I'm also traveling the world (three countries so far) by editing a travel/food book for a client.

This weekend, I plan to work some more on my two novels-in-progress this weekend (The Phoenix, which is the first in the Limbo trilogy and Lycanthropic Summer, a standalone werewolf novel), which are both part of the BryonySeries.

Timothy has great ideas for the sixth and seventh books in The Adventures of Cornell Dyer chapter books series (one is a Narnia spoof and the other is about zambies - and no, that is NOT a typo), so we MAY start on those this weekend.

That should keep me home, safe, and caffeinated, n'est-ce pas? (as John-Peter might say).

As for everyone else: Be safe, be well, be blessed.

Non-bylined features:

Search by topic (people, pets, A and E, faith, health, and food) at theherald-news.com.

Once a week, I do combine a week's worth into a single blog post.

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 join 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 BryonySeries events:

A full month of virtual events can be found at bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts. 

Books and Such

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

Newsletters:

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


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


Sign up for The Munsonville Times

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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.

Antibody tests and treatments now available in Illinois

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/17/antibody-tests-and-treatments-now-available-in-illinois/ajznyiy/


Families seek more information on loved ones at nursing homes

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/18/families-seek-more-information-on-loved-ones-at-nursing-homes/a527iqt/


An Extraordinary Life: Lisa Maffeo was 'an unusual light'
Plainfield woman dies from COVID-19

https://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2020/04/13/b85ae5f6c2be444ab2ca056acc344cdd/index.xml


Joliet family learns loved one had COVID-19 after he dies in Symphony facility

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/17/joliet-family-learns-loved-one-had-covid-19-after-he-dies-in-symphony-facility/dja76rp/


Joliet man said his uncle was finally tested Friday following his former roommate's death at Symphony of Joliet

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/17/joliet-man-said-his-uncle-was-finally-tested-friday-following-his-former-roommates-death-at-symphony-of-joliet/an5zbl6/


‘They said he was fine,’ but he died 4 days later
Symphony of Joliet nursing home resident had COVID-19, had sheltered in place with roommates

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/20/they-said-he-was-fine-but-he-died-4-days-later/aevdyoq/


Symphony of Joliet responds to community concerns

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/21/symphony-of-joliet-responds-to-community-concerns/aj0r9u6/


Joliet West special needs athlete celebrates golden birthday with a parade

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/16/joliet-west-special-needs-athlete-celebrates-golden-birthday-with-a-parade/dqw3qfj/


COVID19 doesn't stop her from feeding the homeless
Support the program with drive-thru donations on April 26 at Joliet church

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/05/covid-19-doesnt-stop-her-from-feeding-the-homeless/dhq058u/


LocalLit book spotlight: 'Stranded,' an anthology featuring #Joliet writer Todd Hogan

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/16/locallit-book-spotlight-stranded-an-anthology-featuring-joliet-writer-todd-hogan/av295hp/


LocalLit book review: 'Stranded,' an anthology featuring Joliet writer Todd Hogan

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/20/locallit-book-review-stranded-an-anthology-featuring-joliet-writer-todd-hogan/at6huvz/

Illustration by Matt Coundiff for "Visage."

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Four-Step Recipe for a Miracle

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Four-Step Recipe for a Miracle

1) Take an impossible need,

2) Ask God to supply it.

3) Thankfully accept the gift.

4) Repeat as necessary.


Yes, we are having a good day today. :)

"So, a Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Open Mic..." ME!

Community News: Mostly Related to COVID-19

"Delivering" plenty to read this morning.

The novel coronavirus continues to be the topic that's most interesting to people, and most of these briefs I put together for The Herald-News over the last week are related to that.

So if the coronavirus doesn't interest you, read the first three and close out.

On the side projects/fiction front I'm just waiting for one graphic from Phyllis' family to complete a memoir. I should complete the first and second rounds of two books I'm editing for clients this weekend, and I made some good progress on the werewolf novel (Lycanthropic Summer) this past weekend.

I did nothing on The Phoenix, though, because that story is more complicated and requires longer periods of time to stay focused, which I did not have this past weekend.

And if you're a grandparent to grandparent-to-be, my WriteOn Joliet co-leader has released his fourth book with topics you're sure to like.

Stay well, stay safe, keep reading!



Pets of the Week: April 20

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/pets-of-the-week-april-20/drf11dq/


CAPA now accepting 2020 scholarship applications

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/capa-noow-accepting-2020-scholarship-applications/a61ra5r/


Neither snow nor rain keeps the Easter Bunny down in Plainfield

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/17/neither-snow-nor-rain-keeps-the-easter-bunny-down-in-plainfield/a30r272/


TCC offers free mental health consultations during pandemic 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/tcc-offers-free-mental-health-consultations-during-pandemic/a1qn6ge/


Data shows feline respiratory claims remain static, despite COVID-19 positive tiger

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/data-shows-feline-respiratory-claims-remain-static-despite-covid-19-positive-tiger/an8a63k/


Fresh produce pop-up distribution this Saturday in Joliet

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/fresh-produce-pop-up-distribution-this-saturday-in-joliet/aw1xjh1/


Salvation Army’s food pantry requests jump by 500%

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/salvation-armys-food-pantry-requests-jump-by-500/a3rq688/


Cleaning product exposures up 30% in Illinois due to COVID-19 pandemic

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/cleaning-product-exposures-up-30-in-illinois-due-to-covid-19-pandemic/apx2xgu/


COVID-19 testing at Joliet drive-thru site now by appointment only

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/covid-19-testing-at-joliet-drive-thru-site-now-by-appointment-only/asd87z2/


Are pregnant women an at-risk population for COVID-19? 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/are-pregnant-women-an-at-risk-population-for-covid-19/akl8t53/


COVID-19 pandemic increasing mental health concerns, Morris social worker says

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/13/covid-19-pandemic-increasing-mental-health-concerns-morris-social-worker-says/aldjaib/


Joliet Township High Schools Foundation cancels golf outing 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/10/e-joliet-township-high-schools-foundation-cancels-golf-outing/afjzjrk/


Plainfield 8th-grader makes face shields for local nurses 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/plainfield-8th-grader-makes-face-shields-for-local-nurses/djlq7jh/


Drive-Thru Food Drive at Providence Catholic in New Lenox supports health care workers

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/10/drive-thru-food-drive-at-providence-catholic-in-new-lenox-supports-health-care-workers/atwncm1/


'Expedition Mars' canceled due to COVID-19 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/expedition-mars-canceled-due-to-covid-19/a8ekn9z/


New Lenox-area Snow Angels are now shopping angels

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/new-lenox-area-snow-angels-are-now-shopping-angels/az4udxm/


Plainfield 3rd grade teacher leaves 21 students chalk messages

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/plainfield-3rd-grade-teacher-leaves-21-student-chalk-messages/a2kv9f3/


Plainfield East HS leaders write COVID-19 letters to all 540 seniors 

https://www.theherald-news.com/2020/04/15/plainfield-east-hs-leaders-write-covid-19-letters-to-all-540-seniors/a3l47zz/



NEWSLETTERS

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