Open Mic Night 2018: Peggy Lindgren

Community News: July 19, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Local health events: June 19 through June 26

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/18/local-health-events-june-19-through-june-26/alv3pix/

New Lenox hospital employees honored for milestone years of service

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/18/new-lenox-hospital-employees-honored-for-milestone-years-of-service/a91ue61/

Doctor Joins Sanitas Medical Group

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/18/doctor-joins-sanitas-medical-group/aewfsny/

New Lenox hospital announces medical staff appointments

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/18/new-lenox-hospital-announces-medical-staff-appointments/ae9gcl4/

Doctors join DuPage Medical Group in Homer Glen and Plainfield

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/18/doctors-join-dupage-medical-group-in-homer-glen-and-plainfield/a2gikf9/

New dental office opens in Romeoville

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/05/19/5b4de62317f7484f934b0373b6d5b5e2/index.xml

Will County Health Department’s Community Health Center announces new staff members 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/04/will-county-health-departments-community-health-center-announces-new-staff-members/a6g98op/


And the 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!"

TurnAboutTour: Robert Hafey

Community News: June 18, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Gotta Do It: June 17 through June 24

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/13/gotta-do-it-june-17-through-june-24/aqvo77f/

Local pet events June 18 through June 25

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/17/local-pet-events-june-18-through-june-25/arlrgpu/

Meet Taco the turtle

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/15/meet-taco-the-turtle/asuelh6/

Pets of the Week: June 18

Read the caption of each photo to find out about that pet, including where he or she can be adopted.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/13/f9828e49bff6449f899a39be2a26d1e5/index.xml



And the 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."

TurnAbout Tour: Vanessa Stephens

It's funny how things work out.

During the week, I stay pretty nose to the grindstone, working under the delusion that I'll get everything done and then can spend long interrupted time working on fiction.

So when plans don't work out according to my vision, I get a little grumpy.

The view from Friday night was discouraging. But the view from Sunday night was amazing. My goal was to finish chapter 17 in the fifth novel of Before the blood, and I very nearly did. I say "very nearly" because it took off in a few different directions than the original intention, and I simply ran out of time to explore those directions fully.

And that was even with going back and adding more depth to some newer characters.

I should be finished editing novel No. 2 by the weekend and plan to write chapter 18, too - but we shall see. The next two weeks are especially busy (more than the usual busy), but I do better at everything else when I can spend some time writing fiction.

I liken it to lying in the grass watching clouds. It relaxes my mind. I like when said aging mind is relaxed and ready for a fresh work week.

And now, enough about me.

The BryonySeries' first TurnAbout Tour continues today with Vanessa Stephens.

What is a TurnAbout Tour?

Well, it's something I made up, as my "thank you" to the writers who graciously and generously hosted the BryonySeries on their blogs last month.

During the Mondays and Tuesdays in June, I'm sharing links to three pieces I especially liked by these writers, giving them additional exposure without them have to write additional pieces. We're on stop No. three today, so if you missed the first two, please scroll back and catch up.

Today's stop: fellow Gothic writer Vanessa Stephens.

According to her website, Stephens is an aspiring writer who spends much of her time writing flash fiction, short stories, working on her debut novel, or spending time with her family. She lives in the Joliet area with her husband and daughter.

And here is a good place to add that Vanessa's daughter is a fan of Bertrand the Mouse. And Bertrand is a fan of hers.

Stephens is new to blogging, but I still had no trouble finding three posts I really, really enjoyed, all of them different in topic and tone. I hope you enjoy them, too.

Weather Vane

This is a piece of flash fiction with one of those great "surprise endings" that make me read a piece again just to get to the ending. The last line, WOW!

https://www.vanessajcstephens.com/life-in-the-flash-lane

Got Books?

This is a short piece on Stephens' discovering of a Little Free Library in her neighborhood.

If you don't know what a Little Free Library is, Stephens' explains it.

If you do, Vanessa's honest and sincere excitement in the discovery will make you smile.

https://www.vanessajcstephens.com/blog/got-books

Four Week Meditation Renewal

I've mediated for years and so has Stephens - until she fell away from it.

In this post, Stephens discusses why she is returning and her plans for persistence.

Again, for me, the liking of this post is less about the mediation and more about Stephens' desire top be a better person, a desire I can truly respect.

https://www.vanessajcstephens.com/blog/four-week-meditation-renewal

Community News June 16

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Lincoln-Way cadets earn 'Cadet of the Quarter' title

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/08/bd3bf663ee1d4befbe08f071f3c2beff/index.xml

Frankfort students dig into STEM  

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/08/a0a1d47c59a14fa18d3e1af0bf4bba67/index.xml

New Lenox students learn to apply writing skills to real world

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/08/92dd482407d2458eafa7ae029eb4dc76/index.xml

Joliet students attend Black Teen Leadership Summit

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/08/1507445253944cfda8562b37f777da1a/index.xml

Plainfield 8th-grader earns spot at national energy conference

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/08/plainfield-8th-grader-earns-spot-at-national-energy-conference/aky9tlj/

Troy Hofer in Shorewood hosts first STEM night

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/08/36f6a6a7844c453091c3aa9baa275614/index.xml

Joliet's Wish Upon A Star doing well 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/08/joliets-wish-upon-a-star-doing-well/agcyl0l/

Lockport mathlete named in Top 100 math students in state

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/08/lockport-mathlete-named-in-top-100-math-students-in-state/auscvkd/

Frankfort students learn through

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/08/frankfort-students-learn-through-reading/ampdonl/

Joliet high schools earn award for financial reporting

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/08/joliet-high-schools-earn-award-for-financial-reporting/ahkwzbm/

Frankfort students compete in geography bee 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/08/frankfort-students-compete-in-geography-bee/av4cdz/

Joliet Township High School announces Students of the Month for May 2018

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/08/joliet-township-high-school-announces-students-of-the-month-for-may-2018/a7dpfb7/

Joliet school celebrates 40 years

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/08/joliet-school-celebrates-40-years/a7eawxt/

NuMark Credit Union raises money to honor veterans

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/08/numark-credit-union-raises-money-to-honor-veterans/a8df0pq/

Shorewood school hosts career day

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/31/shorewood-school-hosts-career-day/aeq94nh/

Lockport police chief received award 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/31/lockport-police-chief-to-receive-award/aob02x5/


And the 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 

Sue's Diner: Marinated Peppers and Mushrooms

Neither Melissa nor Brian felt at ease during the unfamiliar church services in memory of their grandmother. The array of delicious food at the potluck luncheon that followed was more appealing. This was especially true for Brian, who had heaped his plate high with the following dishes. 

Note from Sarah Stegall: “My mom (Denise M. Baran-Unland) first made this salad for a church dinner. We were told to stay out of the fridge, but we didn’t. Mushrooms were expensive, and she only bought them to treat the church. We figured we probably wouldn’t get any of them, so three of us pilfered the mushrooms out of this salad as a midnight snack before the newspaper routes.”

Try the recipe HERE.

Photo by Timothy Baran

From "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'"

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. www.bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com.

Gothic Book Club: First Meeting

Several members of the critique group WriteOn Joliet write in a genre one might describe as "Gothic."

Not a popular genre in the 21st century. Nor do we care.

But we did want a forum where we could gather with the like-minded and discuss out works. No such entity exists in the area.

So we made our own: WriteOn Joliet Gothic Book Club. We had three attendees, enough for a thoughtful discussion, with questions moderated by the author.

And yes, the woman on the right is playing with Bertrand. He couldn't pass up cheese and crackers.

The club is open to anyone who enjoys Gothic fiction. One need not be a member of WriteOn Joliet. We aren't charging dues.

 However, keep in mind we will be reading books written by WriteOn Joliet members, and reading the book is a requirement. We are currently reading Birthright by Sue Mydliak. Today we discussed the first seven chapters. 

Our next meeting is from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. July 7. We will discuss chapters eight through fourteen. \

For more information, visit https://www.facebook.com/groups/2094850277406343/.

Awesome meeting space, huh?

Community News June 15

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Local arts and entertainment June 15 through June 22

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/13/local-arts-and-entertainment-june-15-through-june-22/acb5tpr/

Plenty of summer festivals scheduled in Will, Grundy counties for 2018 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/12/plenty-of-summer-festivals-scheduled-in-will-grundy-counties-for-2018/amk1fbd/

Joliet Slammers to host three youth skills camps 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/14/joliet-slammers-to-host-three-youth-skills-camps/arsbian/

The 14th Annual John Whiteside Memorial Golf Outing will be June 27 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/14/the-14th-annual-john-whiteside-memorial-golf-outing-will-be-june-27/as75xvn/

Joliet's Wish Upon A Star to host golf outing 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/14/joliets-wish-upon-a-star-to-host-golf-outing/ae19n8b/

Joliet bandshell dedicated to Tom Drake

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/14/joliet-bandshell-dedicated-to-tom-drake/aa29i4f/

IDNR to conduct auction of confiscated and abandoned property

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/14/idnr-to-conduct-auction-of-confiscated-and-abandoned-property/aovgmop/

Troy students win Trivia Kahoo

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/14/troy-students-win-trivia-kahoot/aof8o13/


And the 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, June 10 through June 15

Hope everyone had a great week with an ever better weekend on its way!

Speaking of "on its way," projects are moving along surely, if somewhat slowly.

Before the Blood: All of the first novel is edited and half of the second one is, too. REALLY hope to finish writing chapter 17 of the fifth novel this weekend - and that will be after I attend a grandson's T-ball game and the first meeting of WriteOn Joliet's Gothic book club, which is starting off five members strong.

Interested? One does not need to be a member of WriteOn Joliet to participate in this book club.

For information on the Gothic book club and other upcoming events, visit www.bryonyseries.com/fetes-and-feasts.

Cornell Dyer and the Necklace of Forgetfulness: Two images need adjusting, so hopefully soon!

The Art of the BryonySeries exhibit: Met with two of the four featured artists last night and divided up the space. What was supposed to be a half an hour meeting turned into nearly two hours of great conversation since these two artists, who met for the first time, bonded really well! I'll share more about this visit as we get closer to the event.

Have a beautiful weekend readers, writers, vampire fans!

Non-bylined features:

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

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

Community news? Again, under the sections tab, under features, and by topic. Updates are posted on these days in print and web (and some only on web on other days as I have the time): Monday (pets), Tuesday (health), Thursday (faith), Friday (arts and entertainment), and Sunday (people).

Social media:

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

BryonySeries stuff: I post curated content relating to the BryonySeries at @BryonySeries. And assorted related content at www.facebook.com/BryonySeries. And of course, please follow the adventures of Bertrand the Mouse on Instagram at bertrand_bryonyseries.

If you're a writer anywhere in the world, you're welcome to jon WriteOn Joliet's Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/groups/writeonminooka/?ref=bookmarks. We're based in Joliet, Illinois, but we love to meet and interact with writers outside our area, too.

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. And for those who came out to WriteOn Joliet's open mic night last night. Your support is greatly appreciated.

A longstanding dream comes true

Joliet Area Community Hospice installs veterans memorial garden

Jackie Bersano, senior director of development and communications, said Sue Bustin, a medical caseworker with Joliet Township Government, was instrumental in helping JACH receive the grant. Up until that point, JACH had raised around $50,000 for the garden but needed $200,000, Bersano said.

"She has a warm spot in her heart for veterans," Bersano said. "She loves to do anything for them."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/05/9fad8c61877842138e36d3b2d64724cb/index.xml?page=1


An Extraordinary Life: A Joliet band mom for all the students 

Don Stinson, director of bands at Joliet Central High School, said this about Janice Uffelmann: "One of the significant things about Jan and knowing her is that she was very resilient. She wouldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer if it was something she really wanted to do.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/05/a32185d0a6694a77adc3ca220d714af5/index.xml?page=1

Gone, Not Forgotten: Westie helped Channahon woman through sad time

Although Kristen Koppers had pets growing up, Molly was unique in other ways and not just because she helped Kristen through the infertility.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/05/185a04ebc8d24cf4961dc969b0797dfd/index.xml

Seniors keep mentally fit at Timbers of Shorewood

Although the concept of mental exercises and the importance of exercising one's mind isn't new, The Timbers program is unique because it brings these exercises into a social setting.

"We're working the puzzles together. No one sitting alone quietly," Linda McCluskey, activities director, said. "We have residents in their 70s, 80 and 90 and we have caregivers in their 30s and 40s doing them. I'm in my 50s and I'm doing them right alongside them."

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/05/2cbce31826ec4b6b80ba2c4dafc88d16/index.xml


Mystery Diner Matty's in Shorewood is a pleasant dining experience 

Our server was very friendly and efficient. Our glasses were never empty and refills were plentiful. The manager also came around to inquire about our meal, and we were happy to tell him that everything was excellent.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/11/67a0ca99ef6c4b608d803ca124766569/index.xml


Quilt exhibit showcases nature

Forest Preserve District of Will County displaying 177 #quilts depicting national parks 

Non-quilters are most welcome. The exhibit is perfect for a variety of audiences, including nature lovers and supporters of the National Park Service. It’s really for anyone who has an appreciation for fabric art and/or our natural areas. Children are definitely welcome as well.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/13/b367a4124ba247b290277cd3d0727602/index.xml

Plainfield makeup artist shows how achieve a natural look for summer

Check out this photo list for great summer makeup and hair tips. And yes, that's my daughter Rebekah who graciously offered her face and tresses.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/15/1288238fe4ed4190ab738388cd616202/index.xml


LocalLit author spotlight: Kevin Trusty of Joliet

TRusty said, " really love writing about baseball history and have recently caught the bug for short horror/mystery fiction again. But really any story in any format where the concept ends up working and it flows sensibly is fun to write.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/12/locallit-author-spotlight-kevin-trusty-of-jo/ay27p3i/

Community News: June 14, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Local faith events: June 14 through June 21 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/13/local-faith-events-june-14-through-june-21/a7cayws/

Christian university adds new concentration

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/31/christian-university-adds-new-concentration/a2vg3mq

Minooka Knights of Columbus donate to charity

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/06/minooka-knights-of-columbus-donate-to-charity/a47h3c7/

Lockport fifth-graders attend technology conference

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/13/5b57488fe2c044f19c777baf99d5c6fc/index.xml

Plainfield 7th-graders visit Springfield

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/13/plainfield-seventh-graders-visit-springfield/ae926nd/

Shorewood school performs 'Seussical Jr.'

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/13/cccbdfd86c044242bf23d7a6f1873c20/index.xml

Share your church's Vacation Bible School photos with our readers 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/13/share-your-churchs-vacation-bible-school-photos-with-our-readers/abeodnj/

Joliet students beautify God's creation

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/13/joliet-students-beautify-gods-creation/aiv10lw/

And the 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!"

BryonySeries Throwback Thursday: Three Vampire Quotes by Three Vampire Creators

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Three Vampire Quotes by Three Vampire Creators

"I've seen little pieces of Interview with a Vampire when it was on TV, but I kind of always go yuck! I don't watch R-rated movies, so that really cuts down on a lot of the horror." Stephenie Meyer

"The vampire was a complete change from the usual romantic characters I was playing, but it was a success." Bela Lugosi

"The whole theme of Interview with the Vampire was Louis's quest for meaning in a godless world. He searched to find the oldest existing immortal simply to ask, What is the meaning of what we are?" Anne Rice

 

Community News: June 13, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.


Roundup of food pantries in Will and Grundy counties

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/04/11/roundup-of-food-pantries-in-will-and-grundy-counties/ae82fg9/

Five recipes to try

http://www.theherald-news.com/lifestyle/food/


And the 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 or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

Open Mic Night 2018: Holly Butler Coop

Community News: June 12, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Local health events: June 12 through June 19 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/11/local-health-events-june-12-through-june-19/akg8xda/

Multi-state salmonella outbreak linked to pre-cut melons

5 cases confirmed in Illinois, linked to Indianapolis 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/11/multi-state-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-pre-cut-melons/ajwowu0/

Senior Star seminar provides training for Chicago Association of REALTORS 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/11/senior-star-seminar-provides-training-for-chicago-association-of-realtors/axy85he/

Morris Hospital recognizes volunteers for dedicated service

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/11/morris-hospital-recognizes-volunteers-for-dedicated-service/apr8i6c/

2018 Best Places to Work in Healthcare includes Joliet Area Community Hospice

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/11/2018-best-places-to-work-in-healthcare-includes-joliet-area-community-hospice/a7du8n2/

Tips for having a safe summer

IEMA encourages families to prepare for extreme heat, severe weather and more 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/11/tips-for-having-a-safe-summer/aiuogh8/

And the 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 or @MattCoundiff on Twitter.

TurnAbout Tour: Tom Hernandez

The BryonySeries' first TurnAbout Tour continues today with Tom Hernandez

What is a TurnAbout Tour?

Well, it's something I made up, as my "thank you" to the writers who graciously and generously hosted the BryonySeries on their blogs last month.

During the Mondays and Tuesdays in June, I'm sharing links to three pieces I especially liked by these writers, giving them additional exposure without them have to write additional pieces. We're on stop No. four today, so if you missed the first three, please scroll back and catch up.

Like last month's blog tour, I'll be archiving this tour on my website once I can make the time. ;)

Today's stop: ,my WriteOn Joliet co-leader Tom Hernandez.

According to his biography on his website at tomhernandezbooks.com, Tom Hernandez is a writer, public speaker, performer and communications professional.

Born and raised in Joliet, Illinois, Tom has been writing personally and professionally since childhood. He was a reporter for 10 years at several suburban daily and weekly newspapers, and wrote a “slice of life” column for another 11 years for two community newspapers. He now serves as the Director of Community Relations for a large suburban Chicago public school district.

Tom is the oldest of three sons. His writing explores the many complicated facets of life — marriage, family, relationships, identity, aging, parenting, faith, social justice and politics.

He and his wife, Kellie have two adult daughters and welcomed their first grandchild in 2018. They live in Plainfield, Illinois.

Now unfortunately, Tom has never posted my most favorite piece on his blog, so I can't share that one with you today. I like that particular piece so much, I tacked it up by my computer at work, and retacked it up last year when I moved work stations.

However, I really like these three posts, too. I hope you do, too.

Essence

A poem that eloquently sums up the foundation of all we do.

https://tomhernandezblog.wordpress.com/2017/09/


Dear Riley


No new baby gift ever rivaled Tom's first letter to his first grandchild.

https://tomhernandezblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/


A Line

A poem that begs for forgiveness from the reader, my second all-time favorite of Tom's writings.

https://tomhernandezblog.wordpress.com/2018/05/

Community News: June 11, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Local pet events June 11 through June 18 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/08/local-pet-events-june-11-through-june-18/awlfkpd/

Pets of the Week 

Read the caption of each photo to find out about that pet, including where he or she can be adopted.

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/04/5598d16f974b4eb1b1071f5213bd78c3/index.xml

S.L.A.M. Club donates to the Humane Society

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/08/s-l-a-m-club-donates-to-the-humane-society/ad1rkwm/

And the 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!"

TurnAbout Tour: Sue Mydliak

The BryonySeries' first TurnAbout Tour continues today with Sue Mydliak.

What is a TurnAbout Tour?

Well, it's something I made up, as my "thank you" to the writers who graciously and generously hosted the BryonySeries on their blogs last month.

During the Mondays and Tuesdays in June, I'm sharing links to three pieces I especially liked by these writers, giving them additional exposure without them have to write additional pieces. We're on stop No. three today, so if you missed the first two, please scroll back and catch up.

Today's stop: fellow vampire writer Sue Mydliak.

According to her blog, Sue Mydliak was born in Flint, Michigan. She came to Illinois when she was a little girl and graduated from Downers Grove South.

It wasn't until the book Twilight came out did she develop her interest in writing. She published her first book, Birthright,  2011, which led to Sue developing the story into a trilogy.

She has written two other books, Night Games and an anniversary book, Forever, which is Birthright's story, but whose story line is different and geared more for adults. She is currently writing two other books, Eternal and Secrets and has finished illustrating a new children's book, JellyBean Turns Three (see her children's book website, http://susiebbooks.strikingly.com/)

Not mentioned on Mydliak's blog are anthologies and her hilarious southern shorts, which Sue recently released.

Sue is also a poet, and it's three of her poems I'm sharing with you today. What I like best about Sue's poetry are her great, slight of hand, O. Henry-type surprise endings.


Alone

A bleak poem that takes the reader to a place the words don't suggest.

http://theunbeatenheart.blogspot.com/2013/10/alone.html


My Days Woe

The last line will stay with you. It has with me.

http://theunbeatenheart.blogspot.com/2016/11/my-days-woes.html


Wickedness

One wouldn't think a poem with this title ends on a positive, triumphant note.

But it does.

http://theunbeatenheart.blogspot.com/2017/04/wickedness.html

Community News: June 9 and June 10, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.



Gotta Do It: June 3 through June 10 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/30/gotta-do-it-june-3-through-june-10/au9vhj/

Chess club building math minds at Troy school

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/07/92fcc06b44cd4f5d9e670b4f4b94c714/index.xml


Romeoville schools held McTeacher's Night on May 10

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/07/476c53103dc240a58eaa2eae4a823672/index.xml


10 teachers in District 202 receive grants

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/25/10-teachers-in-district-202-receive-grants/awzc9ez/

Joliet students remember the Holocaust

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/31/joliet-students-remember-the-holocaust/azfuf4u/

Local students named to dean’s lists for fall 2017 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/31/local-students-named-to-deans-lists-for-fall-2017/av7aae/

Juan J. Gloria receives INSPRA award for his contributions to the Joliet community

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/31/juan-j-gloria-receives-inspra-award-for-his-contributions-to-the-joliet-community/aj17ucs/

Plainfield East HS grad earns full ride to Vanderbilt University

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/31/plainfield-east-hs-grad-earns-full-ride-to-vanderbilt-university/aeln430/

Program helps Joliet high school students prepare for college

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/31/program-helps-joliet-high-school-students-prepare-for-college/apmuqn3/

Troy robotics clubs win at competition

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/31/troy-robotics-clubs-win-at-competition/aod42jc/

Lockport principal earns doctorate

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/31/lockport-principal-earns-doctorate/ac5afra/

Stone City VFW Post 2199 in #Joliet celebrates Memorial Day

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/31/stone-city-vfw-post-2199-in-joliet-celebrates-memorial-day/a5q1c7y/

Joe and Donna Marshall received service award June 5 in Crest Hill

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/31/joe-and-donna-marshall-to-receive-service-award-june-5-in-crest-hill/amyqt9y/

Lockport school took part in technology conference

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/31/lockport-school-took-part-in-technology-conference/a89mc8/

Joey Horn named asst. principal at Bolingbrook school

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/31/joey-horn-named-asst-principal-at-bolingbrook-school/a5b9cay/

Plainfield students earn honors for Spanish exam

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/05/31/plainfield-students-earn-honors-for-spanish-exam/aj5tpsf/



And the 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!"

Sue's Diner: Fruit Fritters

The Munsonville Times was so impressed by the spread John Simons served for his wedding to Miss Bryony Marseilles that the newspaper listed each item, including this one for fruit fritters.

Editor's note: OK, so this recipe has been on my wish list ever since I compiled the cookbook. We made them yesterday (with modifications from Timothy, who fried them), and they are really, really, really good.

BTW: We used chopped frozen strawberries for these.

Try the recipe HERE.

From "Memories in the Kitchen: Bites and Nibbles From 'Bryony'"

All proceeds benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters of Will and Grundy Counties. www.bbbswillgrundy.org.

Order the cookbook at www.bryonyseries.com.

Fred Rogers’ 2002 Dartmouth College Commencement Address

Community News: June 8, 2018

Check out upcoming events in the Joliet area, as well as the awesome things people are doing.

Local arts and entertainment June 8 through June 15

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/06/local-arts-and-entertainment-june-8-through-june-15/ax3dj10/

Catholic Charities to host annual "A Swing and a Prayer" on Aug. 23 in Joliet 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/07/catholic-charities-to-host-annual-a-swing-and-a-prayer-on-aug-23-in-joliet/at2t97x/

Lockport park district pools are open 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/07/lockport-park-district-pools-are-open/aryypo2/

Providence Catholic High School in New Lenox offering sports camps

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/07/providence-catholic-high-school-in-new-lenox-offering-sports-camps/af9oryu/

Channahon bike path to make use of federal funds

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/07/channahon-bike-path-to-make-use-of-federal-funds/aimb8pg/

Fountaindale Public Library offers free summer fun to Bolingbrook residents

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/07/fountaindale-public-library-offers-free-summer-fun-to-bolingbrook-residents/au9r0c9/

Montessori of Frankfort and Montessori of Plainfield host 17th Annual Daddy Daughter Dance

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/07/montessori-of-frankfort-and-montessori-of-plainfield-host-17th-annual-daddy-daughter-dance/ah18kol/

Old Canal Days’ #Lockport city cemetery tours take visitors back in time 

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/07/old-canal-days-lockport-city-cemetery-tours-take-visitors-back-in-time/aet3q5z/

Lockport park district offering day trips

http://www.theherald-news.com/2018/06/07/lockport-park-district-offering-day-trips/a1jvplh/

DuPage River Trail segment linking Will and DuPage county preserves is now open

http://www.theherald-news.com/lists/2018/06/07/2b45c4f8bccc47a1bd7af0feb86b2a1d/index.xml?page=1


And the 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."