Story Round-Up: Features in The Herald-News, Nov 13 through Nov.18

First of all, social media posting for today and through the weekend will be spotty to non-existent. I have a vacation day today, so I'm spending it and the next two days in a nearby town with one of my sons, his wife, and three of my grandchildren.

And I have to leave the house early today because I'm the chief babysitter of a newborn, toddler, and preschooler while their parents are at work. And before that, I have to shoot a video for work (Hey, it's on the way).

And I'm also teaching tonight, but that will get me in the mood for some late night fiction-writing...and for next weekend, where I intend to embark on Before the Blood writing marathon.

While that may sound awesome, it also means that I have to cram all my deadlines into Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday of next week. Bring on the coffee!

Secondly, videos have not been attaching to stories, although they do run for a time on the home page. If you'd like to watch a video, and it's not showing up for you, message me, and I'll manually attach it.

Here's this week's work summary:

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

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

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

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

Thank you for reading The Herald-News.

Leadership changes coming to Stepping Stones in Joliet (VIDEO EXTRA)

Paul Lauridsen will build on Stepping Stones’ approach to substance abuse treatment

Last year Stepping Stones treated 701 people, Pete McLenighan, executive director, said. Two hundred are on a waiting list, with 120 of them waiting for residential treatment, he added. Furthermore, Stepping Stones continues to follow up with its clients. The era of "28 days and done" is gone.

"Our ultimate goal is abstinence and even that is being modified," McLenighan said. "If someone is being maintained on a medication – typically through a doctor's supervision – and is functioning well and living a stable life, productive life, that's ultimately what we're trying to help people achieve."

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/11/09/leadership-changes-coming-to-stepping-stones-in-joliet/a175dcc/


An Extraordinary Life: Joliet woman was a faithful servant to the end (VIDEO EXTRA)

Kathy Wagner ministered and mentored anyone God placed in her path

"It seemed like Kathy was always just there, doing what needed to be done, faithfully and in the background," Karen Braam of Manhattan said.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/11/11/an-extraordinary-life-joliet-woman-was-a-faithful-servant-to-the-end/apoxrza/

Joliet musician is known for spectacular piano and organ performances (VIDEO EXTRA)

Rose Sochan’s Christmas concert and final CD release party is Sunday

Through the years, Rose has performed pop music at nightclubs, lounges and even in her brother’s rock band. In college, Rose played mostly classical compositions. At church, Rose played Christian music.

Starting 15 years ago, Rose also has played for weddings at the Jacob Henry Mansion Estate in Joliet. But the most difficult pieces Rose ever played were “Here I Am Lord” at her mother’s funeral and “Amazing Grace” at her father’s.

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/11/15/joliet-musician-is-known-for-spectacular-piano-and-organ-performances/ajt7olw/

Easterseals Joliet Region hosting its final American Girl fashion shows this weekend

Tickets still available for two shows

The fashion show has two parts, so during intermission the models change clothes, Teresa  Summers, development associate at Easterseals Joliet, said. Some of them have to change quicker than others, she added.

“There’s a lot of changing of hair ribbons and bows to match their outfits. It gets hectic back there,” Summers said. “But, for the most part, we’re a well-oiled machine. We have a lot of volunteers.”

http://www.theherald-news.com/2016/11/15/easterseals-joliet-region-hosting-its-final-american-girl-fashion-shows-this-weekend/anrwncy/

Homer Glen girl will portray Clara in 'The Nutcracker' at the Rialto Square Theatre in Joliet

Twelve-year-old Reagan Davidson has lead role in ‘The Nutcracker’

“I find her acting ability to be extraordinary for that age,” Ken Von Heidecke, founder and director of the Chicago Festival Ballet, said. “Many children aren’t good at portraying expressing the passion and the feelings, but she’s figured it out.”