DIXON-JULY 2013-SAUK VALLEY SUN

Sauk Valley Sun 459 Il. Route #2 Dixon, IL 61021

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Sauk Valley Sun DIXON - STERLING - ROCK FALLS

July 2013 | Vol. 1 Issue 4

View our special sec on star ng on page 14

A Memorial Day to remember

INSIDE

Whiteside County FEMA Assistance deadline July 9 Whiteside County was added to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Areas on June 3. The county was amongst the last to be declared a disaster area. see page 6

SVCC hosts two college for kids camps Sauk Valley Community College explores the possibilities with exciting programs offered by the Discovery Center Museum and the Burpee Museum of Natural History as part of Sauk’s College for Kids. see page 24

Runners, walkers to participate in Memorial Day in Dixon was a sight and sound spectacular as bands, marching units, and military personnel representing Reagan Run 5K Sarah Nelson photo

various branches of the service and eras of history created a parade worth watching. All had marched from the Rock River where a Memorial Wreath had been placed at the Oak Hill Cemetery. Flags were placed at the entrance and at the sites of each veterans’ grave. There was a gun salute, a memorable speech by Dixon resident Ann Lewis plus a stunning display See pages 8-9 of flags of local units and organizations. It was a Memorial Day to remember.

More than 1,500 participants are expected for the annual Reagan Run 5K on Saturday, July 6 in downtown Dixon.

Local

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Get ready for the Spin Doctors

see page 7

see page 7

Pets

Local

Business

Local

Dining

Love on a Leash therapy program

Oregon Trail Days Festival arrives July 20-21

K’s Korners - Wanna buy a caboose?

Truly “Service Above Self” for Oklahoma volunteers supported by Tri-City people

Best burger at Flynnie’s Diner

see page 19

(815) 288-3366

see page 24

see page 26

ONE PRICE ONE PLAN ONE GOAL

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see page 12

see page 25

Our best price upfront and displayed on every vehicle every day.

To sell all vehicles without having the pressure of negotiating a price.

To provide a hassle-free vehicle buying experience.

489 Il. Route 2, Dixon, IL

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local Event Calendar for July 1st - 7th 2nd 5th 6th 11th 12th 13th

15th - 31st 19th

20th - 21st 25th

25th - 27th 25th - 28th 26th

49th Annual Petunia Festival in Dixon Deadline for Raw & Cooked at the Next Picture Show Musical Fridays on Dixon Riverfront featuring Ray Rose 14th Annual Reagon 5K Race/Walk in Dixon 32nd Annual Nuts about Arts in Dixon Movies at the Grandon Civic Center Musical Fridays on Dixon Riverfront featuring Drew Dawson Second Saturdays in Dixon Benefit for Spc. Michael Shoemaker Jr. Judy Dixon One Woman Show at the Next Picture Show Musical Fridays on Dixon Riverfront featuring Eileen Quest Oregon Trail Days Festival Movies at the Grandon Civic Center Main Street Music Fest in Sterling Lee County 4-H Fair & Jr. Show in Amboy Fourth Fridays in Sterling Musical Fridays on Dixon Riverfront featuring Jay Vonbrushhaeuser

Dixon Petunia Festival Calendar - July 3-7 3rd 6 am - 11 am

Thanks!

Keep up the good work!

Love the variety.

Glad you are free.

Comments such as these are what we are privileged to hear as we interact with our friends, neighbors, customers in our travels around Rock Falls, Sterling and Dixon.

Didn’t you feel your own

the care of animals seriously as in the feature about barn cats?

All is captured in our mission of connecting our communities, focusing on what is good and bringing value to your lives as people and as business owners.

When you purchase goods or services from our advertisers, we hope you will thank them for bringing you the good news of our communities every month.

Taste Trail on the Riverfront

6 pm

Charity No Limi Hold ‘Em Tournament at the Dixon Elks Lodge

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Back Country Roads at the Riverfront Stage

4th 6 am - 11 am

Dixon Area Garden Club Pancake Breakfast at the Pancake Tent

10:30 am

7th Annual Bean Bags Tournament - corner of River Street & Hennepin

Noon - Midnight

Taste Trail on the Riverfront

1 pm - 11 pm

North American Midway Entertainment Carnival on Lincoln Statue Drive

Noon - 3 pm

Bingo at the Dixon Elks Club; Bounce

Noon

Brush, Bloom & Boom on First Street in Downtown Dixon Woodlawn Academy Bands on the Riverfront Stage

It’s good to be a part of something good that is larger than yourself! sense of goodness enhanced as you heard about the mission trip championed by Abiding Word Church in Sterling?

Isn’t it encouraging as you enjoy the youngsters’ art in the middle section of this July issue? It is said that 100% of our future is in the hands of our young people. Let’s notice and applaud every good thing they accomplish.

Don’t you love how people care about animals and take

5 pm - Midnight

9:30 pm - 11:30 pm Brushfire at the Riverfront Stage

Publisher’s Note Judy Bell Publisher

Dixon Area Garden Club Pancake Breakfast at the Pancake Tent

2 pm - 4 pm

Burn ‘N Bush on the Riverfront Stage

4 pm - 6 pm

Tristan Bushman & the UncleBroDaddies on the Riverfront Stage

5 pm - 6:30 pm

The Annual Dana Stonesifer Classic Girls Game on Dixon High School’s AC Bowers Field

6:30 pm - 8 pm

The Annual Dana Stonesifer Classic Boys Game on Dixon High School’s AC Bowers Field

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Robbie LeBlanc & the Real Live Show on the Riverfront Stage

9:30 pm - 11:30 pm Aaron Williams & the Hoodoo on the Riverfront Stage Various* 5th 6 am - 11 am

29th Annual KSB Tennis Classic on the Emma Hubbs Courts in Page Park Dixon Area Garden Club Pancake Breakfast at the Pancake Tent

Noon - 3 pm

Bingo at the Dixon Elks Club

4 pm - 11 pm

North American Midway Entertainment Carnival on Lincoln Statue Drive

5 pm - Midnight

Taste Trail on the Riverfront

5 pm

Ice Cream Social on the Old Lee County Courthouse Lawn

5 pm - 7 pm

Family Fun Night on the Old Lee County Courthouse Lawn

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Gina Venier & the Gentlemen on the Riverfront Stage

7 pm

Dixon Municipal Band Concert on the Old Lee Courthouse Lawn

9:30 pm - 11:30 pm Dot Dot Dot on the Riverfront Stage 6th 6 am - 11 am

Dixon Area Garden Club Pancake Breakfast at the Pancake Tent

8 am - 10 am

Elk’s Fishing Derby between W. Peoria & N. Galena Bridges

8 am

Registration for Reagan 5K Race/Walk

9 am - Noon

Midland States Bank’s Kids Day at Washington School

9 am - 4 pm

32nd Annual Nuts about Art at John Dixon Park

Noon - 3 pm

Bingo at the Dixon Elks Club

Noon - 2:30 pm

Acoustic Circus on the Riverfront Stage

1 pm - 11 pm

North American Midway Entertainment Carnival on Lincoln Statue Drive

3:30 pm - 5:30 pm

Trippin Molly on the Riverfront Stage

5 pm - Midnight

Taste Trail on the Riverfront

6:30 pm - 8:30 pm

Noyz Boyz on the Riverfront Stage

9:30 pm - 11:30 pm Spin Doctors on the Riverfront Stage Various* 7th

29th Annual KSB Tennis Classic on the Emma Hubbs Courts in Page Park

Free Admission to Festival Grounds - Family Fun Day 6 am - 11 am

Dixon Area Garden Club Pancake Breakfast at the Pancake Tent

8 am - 4 pm

Antique & Flea Market at John Dixon Park

9 am

Community Worship Service at the Riverfront Festival Area

1 pm

Parade

1 pm - 11 pm

North American Midway Entertainment Carnival on Lincoln Statue Drive

3 pm - 10 pm

Taste Trail on the Riverfront

3 pm - 5 pm

Lyle Grove & the Rhythm Ramblers on the Riverfront Stage

6 pm - 9 pm

South of Disorder on the Riverfront Stage

9:30 pm

Fireworks

Various*

29th Annual KSB Tennis Classic on the Emma Hubbs Courts in Page Park

* www.dixonparkdistrict.recdesk.com

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

The Street Beat

Local Upcoming events and activities in Dixon

by Josh Albrecht, Executive Director of Dixon Main Street

Annual Reagan Run 5K features unique course Brush, Bloom, and Boom!

More than 1,500 participants are expected for the annual Reagan Run 5K on Saturday, July 6 in downtown Dixon. The traditional race that is part of Dixon’s Petunia Festival draws runners and walkers alike and has developed into the premier 5K race in the Sauk Valley area.

The race begins at 8 a.m. with the start line located just steps away from Ronald Reagan’s Boyhood Home, 810 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon. The unique course takes runners through downtown Dixon, across the Rock River, through wooded paths and finishes in Haymarket Square in the downtown. Racers continue to rave year after year about this classic and fun course that offers a changing landscape as you run.

The race is a benefit that helps several groups in Dixon including: The Dixon Athletic Boosters, Dixon Main Street, Dixon Park District and the Dixon YMCA Strong Kids.

Online registration is available at www.getmeregistered.com or www.reaganrun.com.

Early race packet pickup will be Friday, July 5 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Dixon Family YMCA. Race Day Registration can be done up until 7:30 a.m. on the morning of the race at Haymarket Square. No registrations will be available at the start line at the Reagan Home.

For more information, call Dixon Main Street at 815-288-2308.

Sterling Main Street Music Fest and more!

Janna Groharing Sterling Main Street Promotions Chair There’s so much going on with Sterling Main Street this summer we can’t wait to share it all with you!

Fourth Fridays…where People and the Arts Collide continues to take over the sidewalks and storefronts of the downtown each 4th Friday of the month. If you have not been to this ongoing, monthly event you simply must check it out. It is the perfect opportunity to visit the shops of the downtown after hours and see the work of many of our gifted hometown artisans. We anxiously await the opening of the new and improved Sterling theatre as well. Seeing the tower lights lit up, once again, over the past few months brings the downtown to life.

On Saturday, July 27, 2013 Central Memorial Park and the Grandon Civic Center in Downtown Sterling will once again become the home for Sterling Main Street Music Fest! This all-ages festival will be the “can’t miss” event of the summer!

Headlining this year’s festival is the Matthew Skoller Band. Matthew Skoller

is one of Chicago’s most respected harp blowers and blues bandleaders. For the past 20 years he has played in all of Chicago’s heaviest showcase venues and toured much of the world with his super tight ensembles. Supporting bands include: the local youth phenom band, Route 88; Elephant Gun, a nine-piece rock band whose music has been described as “Americana-baked, ballroom swagger” and “metalinfluence folk pop;” and the indie-folk sounds of Exit Ghost, voted one of Paste Magazine’s “10 Illinois Bands You Should Listen To Now.” New to the festival this year will be an arts & crafts show. Arts and Crafts vendors are invited to request an application to show and sell their wares at Central Memorial Park during the event. Space is limited and is being offered on a first come, first served basis.

Additional food vendors are also being sought for the day-long event.

The gates will open at 1:00 p.m., with the first band hitting the stage at 2:00 p.m.

Tickets are just $5 and are available in advance at the Sterling Main Street Office or at the gate. Bring a blanket or lawns chairs

A new event called Brush, Bloom and Boom is set for this year on July 4. The event will allow budding artists to take to First Street and decorate 4 foot by 4 foot squares. Cost is $10 an includes your painting supplies. Winners will be named and prizes will be awarded.

Get the details at www.petuniafestival.org/brushbloomboom.

Midsummer’s Drawdown

Dixon Main Street and the Dixon Riverfront are partnering for a fun night on the Riverfront in downtown Dixon. The Midsummer’s Drawdown will be held on Saturday, July 20, starting at 6 p.m. Dinner by Mama Ciminos, drinks by Crystal Cork, music by Acoustic Circus highlight this great evening. Tickets are $50 each and include 2 dinners. Only 300 drawdown tickets will be sold. There will be 50 winning tickets, $6,000 in winnings, 1 in 6 tickets will be a winner. General entry is $20 each and includes 1 dinner. Proceeds support Dixon Main Street and Dixon Riverfront Contact the DMS office at 815-288-2308 or Kay Miller at 815-973-0931 for more information.

Bridge of Art Celebrates 100 Years of the Lincoln Highway

As part of the Lincoln Highway’s 100th anniversary, the Bridge of Art group has coordinated window art displays in Fulton, Prophetstown, Rock Falls, Sterling, Dixon, and Franklin Grove from May 28-Sept. 3. The project encourages families to hit the road for this multi-city art show and scavenger hunt. The shows theme is Amazing Art of Recycling. Details can be found at www.bridge-of-art.com or www.bwcvb.com. In Dixon, the participating businesses include: Sherwin-Williams, Dixon Main Street, Books on First, Crystal Cork, Touch of Thai, Marceile’s, and C&N Supply.

Other Great Art events in Dixon this Summer! and make a day of it. No outside food or beverage is allowed, however, there will be multiple food vendors on site, as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase.

Friday, August 3rd is Hot Dog Days in Downtown Sterling. From 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., for just 25 cents each, enjoy a hot dog and soda from Downtown Sterling area merchants.

“Like” Sterling Main Street on Facebook for more details as the date draws near.

Movies at Grandon continue on the 2 nd and 4 th Thursday each month, with show times beginning at dusk. This is a wonderful, free, family event that has been a great addition to the community.

For more information on the Music Festival, becoming an Art or Food Vendor, purchasing tickets, or other Main Street programs or events, please contact the Sterling Main Street office at 815-626-8610, or visit our Facebook page.

Dixon is full of art throughout the year, but there are several great art events to mark on your calendar now.

Second Saturdays summer dates are July 13, August 10 and September 14. Second Saturdays is always from 6-8 p.m. in downtown Dixon. For more details go to www. second-saturdays.com.

Annual Nuts About Art Show is a highlight of the Petunia Festival each year. Held at John Dixon Park on July 6, the show features a wide variety of artists. For more information, call the Next Picture Show at 285-4924.

Gardenstock Music & Art Festival -- Held at Distinctive Gardens on August 17, this art and music festival continues to grow each year as the beautiful grounds at DG is the perfect setting for a festival that raises money for the Sinnissippi Youth Garden Project.

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Lunch Hours: 11am-3pm 1101 N. Galena Ave. Dixon, IL 61021

Phone: 815-285-1625

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local

Our flag – its history and meaning Carol Chandler Whether it’s called the “Stars and Stripes,” “Old Glory,” “The Red, White and Blue,” or “The Star Spangled Banner,” our flag is one of our nation’s most widely recognized symbols.

It began on June 14, 1777 when the Marine Committee of the Second Continental Congress passed the Flag Resolution and today, 236

years later, it waves proudly across our nation and around the world. In fact, it also was placed on the moon on six different occasions and was even placed on the planet Mars on September 19, 2012!

Many of our citizens have given up their lives to keep this flag as a symbol, not only of our independence, but our faith in our nation, its freedoms and its values.

On the Fourth of July, our

country celebrates our independence from Great Britain and the beginning of the United States. The flag has endured many changes as our country has grown from the fledgling few colonies on the eastern seaboard to this great country that stretches from coast to coast today.

Our flag consists of thirteen equal horizontal stripes of red alternating with white and a blue rectangle bearing

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50 five-pointed stars representing the 50 states. The 13 stripes represent the thirteen British colonies that declared independence from Great Britain and became the first states in the Union. Custom states that white stands for purity and innocence, red for bravery and strength, and blue for watchfulness, perseverance, justice and freedom.

There are many claims as to who made our first flag.

For years it was thought to be Betsy Ross, but that has been fairly well discounted.

Another possibility is Mary Young Pickersgill. Mary was the daughter of a seamstress and was asked to make a flag to fly over Fort McHenry.

This was the flag that was the inspiration for the “Defense of Fort McHenry,” later to become known as The StarSpangled Banner. This flag is on display at the Smithsonian

Institution in Washington, D.C. A third possibility is Francis Hopkinson, Chairman of the Continental Navy Board’s Middle Department.

He designed a flag in 1777 and requested a quarter cask of the public wine for his effort.

There is a contemporary designer also! When Alaska and Hawaii were being considered for statehood in the 1950’s, President Eisenhower received about 1,500 designs for the “new” flag.

One was submitted by 17 year-old Robert G. Heft of Lancaster, Ohio in 1958 as a school project. His design was chosen and adopted by presidential proclamation in 1959. Sadly, Mr. Heft passed away in 2009.

Some basic rules for displaying our flag: It is the custom to display the flag only from sunrise to

sunset. It may be flown 24 hours a day if it is lit at night.

The flag should not be displayed if the weather is inclement.

Our national symbol should never be allowed to touch the ground or anything below it.

The flag should not be dipped to any person or thing.

A new law enacted on October 30, 2008 authorizes veterans and active-duty military not in uniform to give a military-style hand salute to the flag, If you have a flag that is old and faded, you may take it to a military organization near you and they will dispose of it in a manner that shows respect.

HONOR OUR FLAG SO MANY HAVE GIVEN THEIR ALL TO PROTECT IT!

Internationally recognized cellist to perform Michael Andrews of Miami Beach, Florida, will present a cello concert on Friday, July 26, at 7 pm at St. Peter’s Church, 8225 So. Main St., Grand Detour. Andrews is a performer and cello teacher with three-years experience in El Sistema, the Venezuelan Youth Orchestra brought to international attention by Gustavo Dudamel. Andrews currently plays in the Miami Symphony and is artistic director and founder of the South

Beach Chamber Ensemble in Florida. He established South Beach Up North, a summer string program in Wausau WI, where he spends summers.

The concert will be open to the public. No tickets are being sold, but freewill donations will be welcome. The sponsor is St. Peter’s Church Preservation Committee, a not-for-profit organization in Grand Detour. St. Peter’s Church is air-conditioned and seats ninety.

In addition, Andrews will offer a master class for string players and ensemble groups of all ages on Saturday, July 27, beginning at 10 am, also to take place at St. Peter’s Church in Grand Detour.

The master class is open to the public. Persons desiring more information, especially concerning participating and playing for Mr. Andrews, should contact David Nelson of Grand Detour, telephone 815-652-3031.

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Sterling Merchants

Friday, August 2

25¢ HOT DOGS 25¢ SODAS Cooking from 11:00am-2:00pm at these locations: Air Play Sports 115 East 3rd St.

Grummert’s Hardware 424 Locust St.

Golden Key 702 West 4th St.

Main Street Wine Cellar 1 East 3rd St.

Showplace Antiques 307 1st Ave.

Sidewalk Sales at these participating locations:

9

7

4

8

11 1

13

W. 2nd St.

18 East 3Rd St. 115 East 3rd St.

206 East 3rd St.

14

414 Locust St.

12

E. 3rd St.

3rd Ave.

2 W. 3rd St.

Central rk l Pa m e M oria

E. 4th St.

3

5th Ave.

6

4th Ave.

1st Ave.

Locust St. W. 4th St.

2nd Ave.

E. 5th St.

W. 5th St. 5

3rd Ave.

10

Map not to scale

E. 2nd St.

320 Locust St.

501 Locust St.

5 East 3rd St.

307 1st Ave.

1. AirPlay Sports 115 E. 3rd St. 2. Cynthia’s Hair Studio 18 E. 3rd St. 3. D&E Furniture 320 Locust St. 4. Dress Code 5 E. 3rd St. 5. Golden Key 702 W. 4th St. 6. Grummert’s Hardware 424 Locust St. 7. Main Street Wine Cellar 1 E. 3rd St. 8. Massage Works 206 E. 3rd St. 9. Mead’s Bike Shop 414 Locust St. 10. SBM 501 Locust St. 11. Showplace Antiques & Treasures 397 1st Ave. 12. Smitty’s Sew-N-Vac 505 E. 3rd St. 13. Tuff Dog Baker 7 E. 3rd St. 14. The Warehouse 20 E. 3rd St.

702 West 4th St. 424 Locust St.

505 East 3 St. rd

1 East 3rd St.

20 East 3rd St.

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local

An Unsung Hero Salute to the honored service of Ralph Contreras

By Jeff Coester Ralph Contreras was born at home and raised in the Tiger Alley neighborhood of old Dixon near the cement factory where his father worked. Life was challenging. Ralph enjoyed playing baseball in Tiger Alley among the simple block homes.

The Ford Hopkins Drug Store employed Ralph, not yet 17, as a dishwasher.

Working ten hour days six

days per week provided $10.00 per week while Ralph eagerly learned aspects of the drug store business. Predating chain restaurants and big box stores, this was a thriving center of social activity.

War raged in Europe.

Pearl Harbor was attacked.

Life changed! While friends rushed to join other branches of Service, Ralph chose the Marines, but was initially rejected for being underweight. He returned to the

drugstore determined to bulk up on shakes and banana splits. He was called into service one day before his eighteenth birthday.

To insure he would serve as a Marine, Ralph enlisted for the duration of the war plus six months. He said at this time in his life baseball held his interest more than girls or his choices might have been different. Following basic training in San Diego, Ralph went to Pearl Harbor to await his deployment.

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Ralph Contreras, a WW II veteran, has medals, citations and flags that remind him of his military career as a U.S. Marine. Today he still serves as a part of the firing squad for veteran burials and has participated in hundreds of ceremonies over fifty plus years.

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The beauty of Hawaii was marred by barbed wire on the beaches and other evidence of war, but it was paradise compared to what Ralph would see. Battles would follow at Eniwetok, Guadalcanal, Guam and Okinawa for the 1st Platoon Company, 1st Battalion 22nd Marines, 6th Marine division, with whom Ralph served. The 6th Division is unique as the only Division formed overseas and disbanded overseas.

Ralph went back to Hawaii 25 years after the war to see sites he had admired such as The Royal Hawaiian Hotel. By then it was dwarfed by modern structures. This passing of time and the horrors of combat always left him with a sense that God protected him.

Risk in the field of battle was constant. As a jeep driver, vehicles behind him in a convoy were often destroyed by landmines he somehow missed. Normally, he was part of a crew as a qualified mortar gunner, but

one morning they trained him with a flamethrower.

This made PFC Contreras a clumsy enemy target. First use of his new weapon revealed the equipment was faulty. The flamethrower was useless. He dove for a 20 round Browning automatic rifle to engage the fight. The risks of the day, spent carrying cumbersome equipment, had been taken in vain, “but God protected me,” he emphasized.

His unit was preparing for the invasion of Japan when the war ended. He finished that last six months in China. Ralph returned home with The Purple Heart, The Presidential Unit Citation for service in Okinawa and The Navy Unit Citation for service in Guam. His story, while remarkable is not the reason he is our Unsung Hero.

Ralph has profound respect for the men and women who serve in all branches of the Armed Forces. This respect caused him to be-

come a charter member of The Marine Corp League Dixon Area Detachment.

This group is now led by Ralph and Eddie Nicklaus, a Vietnam veteran. These Marines provide a firing squad whenever veterans are buried. The American Legion and The VFW provide the Honor Guard. Ralph has participated in hundreds of these observances over more than fifty years. Two were scheduled to follow the day of this interview.

He views his service as “no big deal,” stating, “It is the least we can do for our veterans. The guys we left behind are the greatest heroes. I continue to be involved because every time I hear the firing squad salute and taps it moves me to think of them.” To the families of these veterans, this service is a big deal.

Write to Jeff Coester with suggestions for the Unsung Hero column at hardhat1@ juno.com

Whiteside County FEMA Assistance Deadline July 9 Whiteside County was added to the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Disaster Areas on June 3. The county was amongst the last to be declared a disaster area.

H o w e v e r, W h i t e s i d e County residents must register before July 9 to be eligible for any assistance

for wind/water/etc. damage which occurred in storms between April 16 and May 5.

Dick Gifford, Joint Field Office of FEMA said, “The easiest registration is to call 800-621-3362 or use the www.disasterassistance.gov web site.”

Residents must register

before July 9th to be considered for assistance After registration a FEMA person will inspect the damage. Assistance will be determined by FEMA. The Illinois Farm Bureau’s web site: www.ILFB. org/resources has additional information about the effects of storm damage.

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local Get ready for The Spin Doctors

By Spencer Schein On Saturday, July 6, 2013, when the sun goes down, and the lights go up, Dixon will start to ROCK as The Spin Doctors take center stage.

The Spin Doctors, a hitmaking band that has toured the world and played in arenas across the country for the past 20 years, are the headlining band for the 49th Annual Petunia Festival, and the band is looking forward to the gig.

In an exclusive interview, original founding band member Aaron Comess, drummer, answered a few questions just for readers of the Sauk Valley Sun. Q: Can you explain what it means to keep touring?

A. We feel fortunate to have great fans that have stuck with us, and all the new younger ones that are just now discovering us. It’s great to get out on the road and get to play for you.

Q. Is the thrill still there when the lights go down and your start your set? Can you describe this feeling?

A. That feeling never goes away. When the lights go down and we hit the stage and the adrenaline starts flowing, it’s a healthy addiction that I never get tired of.

Q. How do you travel, and what is that like? Is it still the same, or different?

A. We do a lot of flying these days, which is nice because you get to enjoy a nice bed in a hotel room or home instead of sleeping on a bus with a bunch of stinky dudes.

Q. What can your fans expect to hear when you play July 6, 2013 at the 49th Annual Dixon Petunia Festival in Dixon, Illinois? Will songs from the latest album be mixed in with your hits?

A. We will be playing all the hits as well as many of the new material off the new record. The new and the old are working great in the set; it’s going to be a great show.

Q. Your fans love hearing you perform “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” and “Two Princes.” Do you still love playing it for them?

A. We love those songs,

they have kept us going all these years and I never get tired of playing them.

And of course people come to hear those songs, so we always play them with pleasure in our shows.

Q. Dixon has a population of about 15,500. Is this the smallest community you have played? I am sure at times the Spin Doctors have played at bigger arenas.

A. Coming to small towns like Dixon are actually my favorite type of shows. In big cities everyone is used to big acts coming through town so it’s not big deal, but when the “circus” rolls into Dixon it’s going to be on.

Q. Has your sound taken another direction over the years?

A. We have always had a definable sound that each of us contributes to and as a whole we make that sound together. We have grown a lot as a band and individually as artist but to me we just sounds like The Spin Doctors.

Q. Can you describe some crazy things fans have done at your shows?

A. We have had a few couples propose to each other on stage; very cool.

Q. Do you have any message to say to your fans who

will show up to your show in Dixon?

A. I say come and get ready to have a great time with The Spin Doctors cel-

ebrating this great tradition of American Rock ‘N’ Roll in the great city of Dixon.

We can’t wait.

Eric Schenkman, Aaron Comess, Chris Barron, and Mike White

The Spin Doctors are Aaron Comess (drums and percussion), Eric Schenkman (guitar and vocals), Mark White (bass) and Chris Barron (vocals).

The band’s sixth studio album, “If The River Was Whisky,” scheduled for a

May 2013 release, was recorded in Comess’ New York studio. The 10 blues songs, recorded over a three-day period in July 2012, are a mix of new and “very old” material.

The group’s biggest hits on the Billboard Hot 100 chart

Courtesy photo

were “Two Princes” (reached No. 7) and “Little Miss Can’t be Wrong” (peaked at No. 17), both released in 1991 on the group’s “Pocket Full of Kryptonite” album.

For information on tickets, go to www.petuniafestival. org.

Runners, walkers to participate in Reagan Run 5K More than 1,500 participants are expected for the annual Reagan Run 5K on Saturday, July 6 in downtown Dixon. The traditional race that is part of Dixon’s Petunia Festival draws runners and walkers alike and has developed into the premier 5K race in the Sauk Valley area.

The race begins at 8 a.m. with the start line located just steps away from Ronald Reagan’s Boyhood Home, 810 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon. The unique course takes runners through downtown Dixon, across the Rock River, through wooded paths and finishes in Haymarket Square in the downtown.

Racers continue to rave year after year about this classic and fun course that offers a changing landscape

as you run.

The race is a benefit that helps several groups in Dixon including: The Dixon Athletic Boosters, Dixon Main Street, Dixon Park District and the Dixon YMCA Strong Kids.

Online registration is available at www.getmeregistered.com or www.reaganrun.com. Early race packet pickup will be Friday, July 5 from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at the Dixon Family YMCA. Race Day Registration can be done up until 7:30 a.m. on the morning of the race at Haymarket Square. No registrations will be available at the start line at the Reagan Home.

For more information, call Dixon Main Street at 815288-2308.

Courtesy photos

Related Events Kids Fun Run (For kids 9 and under) 1. Saturday, July 6, 2013 7:30 a.m.

2. Registration ends at 7:15 a.m.

3. Free t-shirts to the first 100 registrants KSB Corporate Challenge 1. Run in conjunction with the Reagan Run 2. Requires five participants from the same company

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8

July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local Memorial Day Remembrances Memorial Day speech given

by Ann Lewis at at Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon.

Ann Lewis Thank you for asking me to speak this Memorial Day and to remember those who gave their all for America. It is quite an honor.

As I thought about what I would say, four men came to mind. Three I knew, one quite well, and one I never met.

David Lee Wilkerson sat behind me in chemistry class at Palm Beach High School in West Palm Beach, FL. David was drafted into the army after graduation and trained for Light Weapons Infantry in the 101st Airborne. His tour began July 4, 1967. He came home to West Palm on R&R to celebrate his 21st birthday in February,1968. He returned to Vietnam at the beginning of March and died in battle on March 24, 3 weeks after he arrived.

David was the first person I knew who had died in war.

Fast forward to last month, I went to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial site and there was David. They had his yearbook picture, so he was

People Helping People

David Lee Wilkerson

Billy Tittle

William Clinton Fields

still 18. I had aged; he had not. They have a section called Remembrances. I felt compelled to write something, so I told whoever might read it that this Memorial Day 2013, in Dixon, IL, I would tell the people about David’s sacrifice and even though 45 years have passed, he is not forgotten.

Another friend, William Edward Tittle and his family were refugees from Castro’s Cuba in 1950. William, also known as Billy, was active in our youth group and choir at church. After college, he was commissioned as a warrant officer. In April 1969, he began his tour of duty with the 227th Assault Helicopter Battalion as a medivac pilot. Five months later, a heat-seeking missile

hit Billy’s helicopter. All on board died. Billy was 24.

The church had standing room only at his funeral and the cars extended for 3 miles in the procession to the cemetery. Billy gave his all for his adopted country.

William Clinton Fields was my father. He served on a destroyer in the South Pacific in WWII. After high school graduation, my dad got a job as a reporter for the HeraldAmerican newspaper in Chicago. On December 7, 1941, Pearl Harbor was bombed.

Three weeks later, my dad went to Great Lakes and enlisted in the Navy along with 60,000 other volunteers. He trained to become a radioman. Dad was then shipped to San Francisco

and assigned to the U.S.S. Putnam. The Putnam (DD757) was named in honor of Charles Putnam who was born in Freeport, IL. On December 30, 1944, the USS Putnam sailed beneath the Golden Gate Bridge to take her place with the Pacific fleet. Being a trained reporter, my dad kept a journal. So I will let him tell his story by reading some passages.

Please e-mail information for a benefit to info@sauksun.com Or mail information/flyer to: People Helping People c/o Sauk Valley Sun 459 Illinois Rt. #2 Dixon IL 61021

Benefit for Rob (Robin) Wagenecht (former Wags & Whiskers), 11 am- 7 pm July 7th at the Rock Falls Community Building. For information regarding all the events including auction, 50-50, bake sale, etc. at this benefit contact Diane Oakland, 815-718- 4745. * “Welcome Home Wounded Warrior” benefit July 13 for Spc. Michael Shoemaker Jr., US Army. Parade Dixon High School to waterfront, then to Dixon VFW, 1560 Franklin Grove Road. Events: 11-4 pm Kids Play; 4 pm-1 am live bands, 50-50, auctions, etc.

Contact: Sandra Shoemaker, 815-703-2548. * “Face of Autism Palooza” July 27, Mt. Morris Moose Family Center, noon- 12 am.

Five bands; giveaway of Ipads to kids with autism in need, food, kids fun fair, etc. Benefit for The Autism Program (TAP) of Easter Seals and Kreider Services (ear plugs and a quiet room are available). Admission $5 or $20 per family includes ticket for door prize drawing.

Contact: Kim Zera 815-440-7590.

15 Feb 1945-We left Saipan for Guam where we will pick up reinforcements which will be needed for the coming invasion of Iwo Jima. To say we are not afraid would be a lie, for we are; yet it is not as bad as earlier apprehension as this waiting--waiting--waiting has keyed up our nerves to the breaking point. We feel fear from the Jap aircraft, torpedo boats and subs, yet the noise of action will be a panacea to our nerves.

Each man feels confident that he will come through without a scratch; that may or may not be true. The next 4 days will tell. At this point in most of our lives, blood, death, war has been a strange, alien condition, not even imaginable. Now, suddenly, it has become first-hand in all its rawness.

Now we know it is for keeps, no holds barred; get him before he gets you.

18 Feb 1945-We are on our way from Guam to Iwo Jima. The invasion begins at 10am, Monday.

Over FOX the other night came a message originating from Great Lakes. It made me homesick; wish I was getting off duty now, catching a Northshore train, hurrying home. I haven’t been off this ship since Pearl Harbor. It will be a matter of months before I get off again. The beachhead landing comes in one hour. All hands wear life belts, installed with soda capsules, when punctured they expand 400 times, inflating the belt. We carry our knives, whistles, lights, gas masks and steel helmets.

We sleep in our dungarees, socks, shirt and most of the gear named above in case of GQ. We are used to hearing “Man your battle stations.

This is a drill.” Now it’s strange to hear, “Man your

American Cemetary in Florence, Italy

Grave of Eugene August Rooth in Florence, Italy

battle stations.” We wait for the rest, but out here, it doesn’t come.

24 Feb 1945-We arrived at Iwo Thursday. Our part in the battle wasn’t parlor reading. It’s a big jumble, a sleepless horror. I doubt if I will ever forget it.

27 Feb 1945-We are on a high speed run to Guam, carrying Secretary of the Navy Forrestal and a party of 7 admirals and correspondents to meet Admiral Nimitz. I’ve never seen a rougher sea. There is a storm brewing.

30 March 1945-Iwo Jima was a tea party compared to our next operation, Okinawa. We formed into task groups at Leyte. We are one of 45 ships. D Day falls April 1st. Iwo was to last 3 days and stretched into 26.

Okinawa is to last 120 days, what will it stretch into?

12 April 1945-This is Black Friday. One hour ago we heard the saddest news of the decade, the death of President Roosevelt. Liberty has lost its champion.

The world will never forget him.

26 April 1945-A Jap suicide plane started a run on us from 9000 feet, fell in the water, in flames, 2000 yards aft. The Japs did bomb a hospital ship.

21 May 1945-We are at GQ, I’m sick in my bunk with a fouled up liver; haven’t eaten a square meal in 6 days. I lost 10 pounds.

My morale is sky-high even if I am sick.

27 May 1945- 60 planes shot down. 10 ships hit.

Another of our squadron was hit 37 hours after it arrived...does the Putnam lead a charmed life? Either before we arrive or after we depart, all hell breaks loose.

I’m still confined; there’s talk about transferring me to a hospital ship, but I would rather not go. They need those ships for more serious cases then mine.

29 May 1945-We are now on fire support at the top of Okinawa; now have tommy guns instead of pistols for suicide swimmers with grenades. I feel fear being alone in this compartment. It’s not bad in the radio shack where others are around, but the prospects of being trapped below deck with fire, water or a high explosive plane all possibilities---I try to keep my mind occupied with writing or reading, praying or thinking.

16 June 1945-Right after sundown, a torpedo dropped from a low-flying Japanese plane struck the USS Twiggs to port and exploded her Number Two magazine. The Putnam quickly closed the stricken ship. Exploding ammunition made rescue operations hazardous, but of the 188 Twiggs survivors snatched from the flaming, oily sea, Putnam accounted for 114 of them. A Godawful sight.

15 August 1945-This morning we heard that Japan had accepted “unconditional surrender.”

WHOPEE!!; Hirohito gave a radio address announcing to the Japanese people the surrender of Japan. The occupation of the Japanese home islands has become the immediate concern. Putnam will serve as a guide and rescue destroyer for Tokyo-bound transport planes.

2 September 1945-The Japanese formally surrendered aboard the USS Missouri see MEMORIAL, page 9

9

July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local MEMORIAL from page 8

Memorial Day parade

3 Sept 1945-We escorted the Battleship New Jersey into Tokyo Bay. Tokyo Bay is nothing but a lot of ship masts coming up from the bottom, nothing floating and the city is burning. I’ll never forget the smell. The locals cleared a beach and we had limited liberty. I am looking forward to going home.

My last remembrance: Eugene August Rooth was born in Nebraska, graduated from high school in 1938, and married his high school sweetheart, Dorothy. He enlisted in the Army in 1942.

Gene served in Europe as a top turret gunner in a B24, Liberator. In July, 1944, his plane was hit. Gene & 2 other crew members were shot as they parachuted from the disabled aircraft. Three months later, Gene’s son was born. Because there were so many American deaths in Italy, the Italians gave the United States 70 acres outside of Florence.

4,400 Americans are buried there plus 1400 missing in action. These represent 39% of the U.S. Fifth Army.

In 2001, my husband, Don and I planned a tour of Italy. My cousin, Dee, asked if while we were in Florence, we would go to the American cemetery.

No one had ever visited the grave of her Uncle Gene.

We agreed and one afternoon while in Florence, we took a bus to the end of the line and walked 2 miles to the cemetery. It was 4:30 when we arrived. A retired Army officer greeted us and gave us the location of Eugene Rooth’s grave. It was on the top of the hill and just as we reached his row, Taps began playing. I looked at his headstone and read “Eugene A. Rooth Nebraska July 20, 1944” Here was a man I had never met, who left home thinking he would return to a wife and a new-born son, but it was not to be. I turned around and looked over the wooded hills with the long shadows of the setting sun and saw 1000’s of crosses and stars of David, marking those graves. I thought about all those men and women who had served and never came home and the tears started flowing.

This is what Memorial Day means to me: lives interrupted and cut short.

This Memorial Day, 2013, we honor our veterans for their dedication to America and their sacrifice. Today, we think of those actively serving our country, promoting peace and freedom. Let us pray for their safety and strength for our troops, for God’s blessings on them and their families and for those who have lost loved ones.

Speaker Ann Lewis presents her Memorial Day comments (speech on opposite page) as spectators listen at Oakwood Cemetery, Dixon.

Ronald Reagan Middle School marching band

Sarah Nelson photos

WWII Veterans honored during reenactment Move it along. Next!’ And that was that.”

He said he didn’t know at that moment he was the lucky one. His friends, who he grew up with in Sterling, were also his classmates and neighbors. They became paratroopers but never made it to the ground on D-Day.

At 18 years old, Forrest Frank was drafted in 1942.

He went with a couple friends from high school and they decided, as long as they had each other, they could handle leaving home to go to war.

Through the line, the other two boys were processed first, as military personnel stamped their paperwork, “Army.” Then it was Frank’s turn. He looked at his papers, they had been stamped, “Navy.”

Tears filled his eyes as he recalled, “My heart dropped.

I said, ‘No, I want to go in the Army. I was supposed to go with them.’ But he told me, ‘Shut up! You’re in the Navy.

“And here I am, all this time later. How that happened, I’ll never know,” he said.

On June 22, Frank and Army Veteran Raymond Kulas, were the guests of honor at the Elks Page Park annual WWII Reenactment. Each was given a certificate of appreciation.

1637 Plock Road Dixon, IL 61021 815-288-4673 www.homeo opeonline.com

SUPPORTING THOSE TOUCHED BY CANCER Home of Hope is reaching out to local businesses and individuals to become a sustaining member to our organiza on. With a gi of 25 dollars you will receive a beau ful window cling to display in your business entryway, home or auto. This will let your friends know you support Home of Hope!

$25 Gi to Home of Hope Army Veteran Raymond Kulas of Rock Falls, (left) and Navy Veteran Forrest Frank of Sterling, cut up and tell stories to a group of attendees at the annual WWII Reenactment on June 22. Both discussed their time serving in the military and were given a certificate of appreciation, honoring them for their service. Staff photos “German soldier,” Mike Kaczorowski, 26, of Aurora, takes a sip of water while at camp awaiting battle. He is one of dozens of reenactors who participated in the annual Elks Page Park WWII Reenactment, June 21 - 23.

Originally from Poland, he said history and evidence of war are very prevalent to this day in his homeland, which is what piqued his interest to participate.

Business/Name Address Contact Phone Send gi to: Home of Hope 1637 Plock Rd Dixon, IL 61021

10

July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local Brad’s BEAT

Brad Monson Some people go to almost any effort to keep their cus-

tomers happy: at Wizard of Paws Grooming Salon in Rock Falls they have installed a walk-in tub for the use of their larger dogs.

Large dogs, it seems, do not like to be lifted. With the walk-in…well they just walk into the tub, it is filled and they are happily bathed. Do you think these considerate and fun-loving professionals will have a pet Jacuzzi next?

We are always enjoying service with a smile at Gazi’s in Rock Falls. We also applaud the food pre-

pared by Primo and Ricky… thanks guys!

Grab your kids and run, don’t walk, to the White Pines Inn Restaurant: kids may eat FREE from the kids’ menu between 2 and 5pm for the month of July in celebration of the 25th year of the White Pines Inn. Beth Henderson, proprietor, is creating a monthly celebration…what fun for all of us to enjoy!

By the way, ladies, if you need a gift or something special just for little ole

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you…drop into Amanda’s Beautiful You Boutique, Sterling. She has lots of unusual gifty items, scarves.

If you see one from one of her local vendors, but want it in a different combination of colors she’ll have it made for you in a jiff.

While there recently with some friends, we didn’t believe what we were seeing…standing in Amanda’s Beautiful You Boutique, Sterling, we spied a man on his knees working on her tires. “What,” we asked, is happening?”

“Oh, that’s the gentleman from Tire Tracks, Sterling, I had work done and there

wasn’t time to check the lug nuts…so he said he’d come over later and so that’s him,” Amanda said. Running to the truck we complimented the workman and later called the manager Craig Peppers commenting on the impressive action and attitude his company demonstrated by willingly accommodating a time-crunched customer.

Craig said that was their way of doing business: Put the customer’s need first.

At Advanced Animal Health Care, Rock Falls, Dr. Haenni reminded us to keep treating for fleas until the ground is frozen and that prevention is easier (on

everyone) than treatment.

We never thought about it yet: Frary Lumber, Sterling, has almost everything to build the house of your dreams. When we were there recently they were starting FIVE NEW HOMES. They even have a draftsman on staff who can take your ideas and make them into construction drawings from which your home can be built. Angie Rosengren, Kitchen Specialist, can help you make choices from the many options available for your kitchen and bath(s).

Keep the cards and letters coming….that’s all from Brad.

‘Capturing the Rock’ exhibit presents glimpse of life along Rock River

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STERLING – Woodlawn Arts Academy’s 2013 Summer Art Exhibit, “Capturing the Rock” is now open and runs through August 16th.

The exhibit features photography and 2D art depicting life in the Rock River Valley.

More than 100 pieces of art will be on display in the halls and lounge of Woodlawn Arts Academy. “‘Capturing the Rock’ has an interesting mixture

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of historical photographs and contemporary art that fit well together,” said Molly Cunningham, Woodlawn Arts Academy Facilities Manager. “I decided to display an exhibit that would correlate with our 2013-2014 theme of ‘Art Rocks’ here at the Academy and ‘Capturing the Rock’ rocks!”

“Capturing the Rock” can be viewed during nor-

mal business hours, 9am8pm Monday-Thursday, 9am-6pm Fridays, and 9amnoon Saturdays.

“Art Rocks” is the theme for the 2013 Annual Appeal for Woodlawn Arts Academy, an agency of United Way of Whiteside County.

To find out how you can help support the arts, visit www. woodlawnartsacademy.com.

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Opinion

11

Shou

Appreciate efforts to honor the veterans’ sacrifices While planning my recent trip to a motorcycle rally in North Carolina, I ran across information on the internet about a very nice memorial to veterans located in Dixon, Illinois, so I decided to take a little detour from running down Interstate 39. As a Vietnam veteran, I always appreciate the efforts made by communities to honor the sacrifices made by those who have served their country and the beautiful memorial you have in Dixon certainly did not disappoint.

A photographer was at

the memorial that day. We talked for a bit, and the photographer took a photo of me at the memorial. Imagine my surprise a week or two later when they contacted me to say that picture would be on the front cover of your newspaper! Thank you for letting me know, and for supplying an online link so I could read the entire paper. I especially enjoyed reading about SSG David Geesey’s service with the National Guard, and Spec 5 John Buyers’ work with the Red Cross Blood Drive

(my sympathies to the Buyers family on John’s passing).

While in Dixon, I also enjoyed visiting the Lincoln Memorial and Ronald Reagan’s Boyhood Home, both of which I stumbled upon while heading to the Veterans Memorial. I will definitely remember my trip to Dixon, and thanks, again, for honoring those who have served with your beautiful memorial.

Roy Randorf Wisconsin Rapids, WI

www.BrandywineDixon.com

441 IL Rte. 2 - Dixon

Thank you for focusing on the positive Your focus on the good is so refreshing. Please keep up the good work. It was with appreciation the honor you presented to the late John Byers for his donation of blood to the Red Cross Blood Bank. In past years, I was a volunteer for bloodmobiles. I appreciated

getting to know some of the regular donors. There were some I felt should be recognized for their faithful giving. They would have had their stories to tell, given the chance. John was always cheerful and his presence was inspiring to others. His brother also was a donor and

some where along the way I met the “mother.” I enjoyed visiting her as she resided in the nursing home. Thank you for remembering John and thank you for the focus on our loving community in which we live.

Mary Helen Wade Sterling

Editor’s Note: Opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the Sauk Valley News staff. We invite opinions on all sides of an issue. If you have an opinion, please send it as e-mail to sauksun@gmail.com. All letters must include the author’s name, address and phone number. The Sauk Valley Sun reserves the right to edit letters as necessary to fit the publication’s format.

CORRECTIONS

In the June edition of the Sauk Valley Sun two persons were incorrectly identified or names misspelled.

Vicki Mandrell, founder

and owner of Tuff Dog Bakery was incorrectly named as Jane Mandrell.

Merle Haggard’s name was incorrectly written as

Merle Haggert.

We apologize for any inconvenience these errors may have caused.

Judy Bell, Publisher

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local

Truly “Service Above Self” for Oklahoma volunteers supported by Tri-City people Judy Bell Publisher Tri-City folks on a recent mission trip for “whatever needed doing” for people in the tornado-affected area near Moore, Oklahoma would do it again. Gary Presley, Dixon, said, “Even with the 13-hour bus trips and the 8-plus hour workdays in 97 degree heat (and high humidity), I’d do it again next week if needed.”

“It was the most fulfilling thing I have ever done,” Gary said.

Gary went with 54 men, women and middle-school children from 10 years old to 67 years old. The trip was orchestrated and organized

by Pastor Scott Porter, Abiding Word Church, Sterling.

“I went knowing two people and came back having 54 ‘best friends.’ Others on the mission drove in their own trucks. A total of 55 people

were a part of the mission.

Before the trip Gary made his mission known to friends, his Dixon Rotary Club (Gary became Dixon Rotary Club President in mid-June) and his State Farm Insurance business associates. He said he was “blown over” by peoples’ generosity in providing money and products the team would need to care for themselves as they did whatever work was assigned when they arrived. The team

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even brought people who were designated the “cooking crew.” Housing arrangements had been made in advance at a local church.

The area Gary and crews worked was in Pecan Valley, some miles from Moore.

On the day to return to the Tri-Cities, the bus drove into the outskirts of Moore.

“It was total devastation,” Gary said. “Where we were working, the losses were not complete and people will likely rebuild their lives which may take 2, 3, or more years as compared to Moore with total losses….there is nothing to rebuild. They will have to start over. It may be easier to simply start over,” he said as he remembered how much needed to be done in many places around Moore…including Pecan Valley.

“Go back? In a heartbeat…and they need us and they will for sometime.” he said. Gary was excited to hear that a Rock Falls Methodist church raised over $2,000 for relief work in Oklahoma shortly after the mission team returned.

“If you have the opportunity…GO!” Gary concluded. “You will always be happy that you did.”

Rotary’s international

Tanya Strader (left) and Gary Presley (right) take a break from work of clearing trees, brush, etc from an area near Moore, Oklahoma. They were part of a Tri-City team organized by Abiding Word Church, Sterling for a recent short-term mission to Oklahoma.

Courtesy photos

There’s little left after the tornado went through this neighborhood in Moore, Oklahoma. Volunteers drove around outskirts of the city prior to returning to Tri-Cities.

motto is “Service Above Self.” Gary and the Oklahoma mission trip lived that motto as they loved their

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

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Stronghold Traveling Day Camp Are your kids bored and driving you insane this summer? The Presbyterian Church in Dixon will be holding a day camp at Stronghold for community children entering kindergarten through entering sixth grade. The camp will

start on July 15 and will end on July 19 . Registration will be open until the day camp begins.

There are no fees for this camp.

Any questions call the church office: 815284-7741 from 9-noon Monday through Friday.

Similarly to Paint the Town in Morrison, during the Petunia Festival, Dixon will be having Brush, Bloom & Boom. Beginning at noon on the 4th of July, anyone of any age will be able to paint their own 4 foot by 4 foot

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local

Man Behind the Badge - Dixon Acting City Manager – Dan Langloss

Dan Langloss

Courtesy photo

By Jill Horn While the city of Dixon is undergoing some governmental changes, Dan Langloss is the Acting City Manager while Lieutenant Sibley is the Acting Assistant Police Chief. Dixon will have a new City Manager in the next six months, but until then Chief Langloss is the City Manager.

Langloss has always wanted to be a police of-

ficer since he was 10 or 11 years old. He grew up in Peoria Heights, Illinois and as a youth, he participated in the Police Explorer program in that community. He went to Western Illinois University (WIU) and graduated in 1995 with his degree in criminal justice. He started looking for jobs with different police departments and took a job with the Dixon Police Department (DPD) in 1996 and married his wife,

who is from Sterling, that same year also. She is the reason he came to this area.

He started out as a patrol officer after going to the police academy, became detective and then sergeant. As sergeant, he spent most of his time as a detective sergeant where his main duty was to oversea investigations.

In 2008, Langloss became the Dixon Police Chief. He says, “I love being chief; I love the city of Dixon. I believe being chief give me the biggest chance to create positive change in the city of Dixon.”

The DPD has three goals.

They are exemplary citizen service, proactive police strategies, and community policing initiatives. The citizens of Dixon are customers of the DPD so the department must serve them at the highest level possible.

The DPD has several strategies to make Dixon a safe place to live. They have a proactive philosophy about gangs, drugs, and crimes against children and other crimes. For example, the DPD knows who the

drug dealers are, what cars they drive, and where they live. They can keep a close eye on these people and as a result, we have a low crime rate.

Connecting with community and instilling trust in the citizens so that they will contact the DPD when they have information the police need is the basis of the community policing initiative.

The police need the community to be involved. Without community involvement, the police cannot accomplish as much. The DPD has several programs for the community. One is Peer Jury. A group of youths from the high school are chosen to be the jury. These youths are trained extensively on their duties and responsibilities as a juror. When a person under the age of 17 commits a first offense that is a nonviolent crime, the juvenile has the opportunity to be judged by the peer jury rather than a judge. The juvenile must agree to certain stipulations to be able to participate. He/ she makes an admission of guilt and agrees with at least

one parent to attend 12 hours of family-focused counseling. The jury spends little time talking about the crime itself but more about why the youth committed the crime and the jury also looks at every aspect of the juvenile’s life. What activities is he involved in? Who are her friends? What hobbies does he have? What is her home life like? Then the jury determines what dots aren’t connected in the juvenile’s life, which typically are for other young people who don’t commit crimes. Then the jury decides on what the treatment must be. The juvenile has already agreed to do whatever the jury decided so then must proceed with the verdict. The treatment will enable the juvenile to see the big picture and how his/ her behavior affected many people. Nationwide communities that have a peer jury have a 90% reduction in recidivism. This program has proven to be very effective.

Erin’s Law is something that Langloss helped to bring about and something

he is very passionate about.

This recently passed legislation will make is mandatory for children to receive age appropriate information about sexual abuse and prevention in schools. Erin is a girl who was abused sexually as a child and Langloss heard her speak at a conference and after he heard he started to work on legislation that would make us all more aware and proactive in preventing child sexual abuse. Langloss also received the Champion of Children award in 2010 because of his efforts.

When Langloss is not working, he is spending time with his family. His family is very supportive of his involvement in the community. He is a coach for his daughter and son’s traveling soccer teams.

After interviewing several law enforcement officers and especially Chief Langloss, I am asking myself what else I can do for my community and what I can do to be a better citizen.

Tornadoes - What you need to know Carol Chandlerword Research by the State Climatologist Office for Illinois shows us that Illinois is ranked high in terms of the number of tornadoes and tornado impacts. In fact, the “Land of Lincoln” has experienced some of the worst tornadoes in United States history.

In my research, the worst tornado that I was able to find was in Whiteside County on March 29, 1981 and determined to be an F4. The “F” Scale, or Fujita Scale, rates tornadoes determined by the amount of destruction they cause.

In 1973, Dr. Allen Pearson and Dr. Fujita published updated research that added in factors related to the width

and length of the tornado path. It’s known as the EF scale. It identifies intensity and damage as: F0 - Gale tornado with winds of 42 - 72 mph F1 - Moderate tornado with winds of 72 - 112 mph F2 - Significant tornado with winds of 113 - 157 F3 - Severe tornado with winds of 158 - 206 mph F4 - Devastating tornado with winds of 207 - 260 mph * F5 - Incredible tornado with winds of 261 - 318 mph (This was the level of the tornado on Moore, Oklahoma.)

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: SAFEST LOCATION IN A BUILDING - There is no one corner of a home that is

the safest. Go to an interior room on the lowest floor of the building, under a staircase, I-beam or sturdy piece of furniture if possible.

OPENING WINDOWS WILL NOT REDUCE TORNADO DAMAGE Even in the most violent tornadoes, there is only a pressure drop of ~10% and this can be equalized in most structures in about three seconds. If there is a significant difference, the windows will blow out first and equalize the pressure.

HIGHWAY UNDERPASSES ARE NOT SAFE AS A SHELTER - Overpasses may be the worst place to be during a violent tornado! This is because they are higher than the surrounding landscape and the

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wind speed increases with height. Also, the design of the overpass may create a “wind tunnel” effect under the span. A further problem may be created when people stop underneath overpasses and block the flow of traffic and put others in danger.

AVOID TRYING TO ESCAPE A TORNADO IN A VEHICLE - If you can see the tornado approaching from a long distance away you may avoid it by driving at a 90 degree angle to its apparent movement. If you are driving and see a tornado nearby, abandon your vehicle and seek shelter in a ditch or a culvert or a substantial shelter. High profile vehicles such as buses and tractor trailors are very vulnerable to high winds.

In the years since 2000, my research has shown a total of 40 tornadoes within a 50 mile radius of our cities.

In 2004 alone there were 14 in this area!

Signs to look for: 1) hail or heavy rain followed by either a dead calm or a fast, intense wind shift; tornadoes may be wrapped in heavy

Tornado in Rockford Illinois about 40 miles from Tri-Cities

Tornado in Monmouth Illinois west of Tri-Cities Courtesy photos

precipitation and can’t be seen. 2) loud or continuous roar or rumble that lasts longer than thunder 3) greenish/black sky)

TO REPORT A TORNADO OR ROTATING CLOUDS, CALL 911.

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Cassi Appelquist and her family feel they owe a deep debt of gratitude to March of Dimes, and now they’re paying some of it back.

Dimes provided that she gladly agreed that they would serve as the Lee and Whiteside County ambassador family during 2013.

Cassi, KSB Hospital’s File Room Specialist in Medical Imaging, and her husband, Ryan, gave birth to son Rayden on Feb. 25, 2012, 10 weeks ahead of his May 4 due date. As a result, Rayden’s lungs were significantly underdeveloped.

Serving as the March of Dimes ambassador family means representing them throughout the year at fundraising walks and other area events.

For instance, at the March of Dimes’ Walk for Babies in May, Cassi gave a speech talking about the triumphs and struggles they have experienced and then Cassi, Ryan, Rayden and his 5-year-old sister, Ava, led the walk.

K-Mart, a national sponsor of the walk, asked the Appelquists to visit the Sterling store and tell their story to employees. They also brought along treats for the employees.

“The March of Dimes, through their research, founded a drug called surfactant that matures an infant’s lungs when they are born prematurely,” Cassi explained. “Rayden ended up needing to have a dose.

“They gave it to him through his breathing tube. We are so thankful for March of Dimes. We feel it’s because of them that Rayden had a chance to live and to grow like he has.”

Premature babies are given just one dose of surfactant, Cassi explained. After Rayden received his, he remained hospitalized in the neonatal ICU at Rockford Memorial Hospital for 67 days.

Now, however, almost 16 months later, he is, as Cassi laughs, “all boy. He likes to get his hands on anything that moves or turns. He’s very mechanical. We put everything up high and with lids or locks on them.

“He has a million-dollar smile, all teeth. We tell him all the time, ‘we’re so thankful you are here and doing so well.’ We give him lots of hugs and kisses.”

With the exception of some scar tissue on the lungs and the prospect of using an asthma inhaler the rest of his life, Rayden shows little ill effects from his premature birth.

Cassi feels so strongly about the support and help that the March of

“They were so excited to see us,” Cassi said. “It was very heartfelt. I couldn’t believe we would get that kind of welcome.”

Cassi and her family also have appeared at Culver’s in Dixon to distribute March of Dimes pamphlets and speak with diners about their story and at the Child Fair at Sauk Valley Community College.

She said there will be other events in the coming months.

“Prevention is the key,” emphasized Cassi, who suffered from preeclampsia and resultant high blood pressure. “One of the things I talk about is how expecting mothers can do things to take care of themselves and lessen the risk to the baby.

“It’s a big deal, a very big deal. For instance, it took eight months for my blood pressure to come down.”

As for Rayden, he is growing into an active, smart little boy.

“He is a natural class clown, a little show-off,” Cassi added. “We are so thankful for the nurses at Rockford Memorial and for the support of the March of Dimes. Everyone has been so helpful and supportive.”

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

KSB Hospital and the Sa artwork young people created to

July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

auk Valley Sun present illustrate “My Sauk Valley Sun”

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Why choose KSB Hospital for your healthcare needs?

Youngsters attending the Sauk Valley Community College Child Fair earlier in the year were given the opportunity to draw “My Sauk Valley Sun.” The drawings were collected and evaluated by a professional artist.

The 12 drawings were selected as the best. Gift certificates were sent to each artist as a “thank you” for their participation.

The artists are: LEFT PAGE Top left: Bruce Delaney, 6, Dixon Top right: Nora Fordham, 7, Dixon Middle left: Brayden Swaim, 9, Morrison Middle Right: Hana Ford, 6, Rock Falls Lower left: Ashley Zentz, 10, Dixon Lower Right: Lily Willett, 5, Morrison RIGHT PAGE Top left: Quincy Sue Robbins, 8, Tampico Top right: Peyton Davis, 8, Sterling Middle left: Olivia Buyno, 8, Sterling Middle Right: Nevaeh Herrera, 5, Rock Falls Lower left: Allie Considine, 13, Dixon Lower Right: Carmen Lewis, 10, Dixon

Have you heard?

If you have been walking around KSB Hospital recently, chances are you heard a few bars of Brahms’ “Lullaby” over the loudspeaker system.

The hospital has adopted the practice of playing the familiar song every time KSB’s The Birth Place welcomes a new baby.

The Birth Place at KSB Hospital delivers hundreds of babies a year, taking them to the full term of 40 weeks whenever medically possible.

That’s one reason why Director of Obstetrics and Pediatrics Sandy Dennis decided almost three years ago to submit KSB’s name for a March of Dimes grant to lower the number of elective deliveries under 39 weeks.

Officially called the Eliminate Non-Medically Indicated (Elective) Deliveries Before 39 Weeks initiative, KSB was one of only five hospitals in Illinois selected to participate in the program.

And once processes were put in place in late 2010, KSB excelled at getting babies to full term.

In 2010, the year before the study started, 28% of KSB’s patients that were delivered electively did not have medical indication or reason to be delivered before 39 weeks.

The next year, in 2011, the percentage was reduced to a meager 0.9% as there was only one elective delivery that occurred before 39 weeks that should not have out of 111 elective deliveries.

“Our doctors did well, but it wasn’t always easy,” Dennis explained. “We had to get everybody to come around to the understanding that a lot of pregnancies are uncomfortable, but that’s not a good enough reason to deliver early.”

It’s those last several weeks that make a big difference in development, Dennis noted.

“The brain grows the most between 35 and 40 weeks and all of the body’s systems get fully developed and function much better the closer you get to 40 weeks,” she said. “Long-term, we know it’s better for the kid to let nature takes its course. Nature gets it right.”

KSB’s physicians played a key role in eliminating nearly all non-essential elective early deliveries thanks to the leadership of Shirley Stone, M.D., who was and continues to be the physicians’ champion for this project.

After the tremendous success of the test period, KSB chose to continue with the under-39-weeks initiative going forward. Apparently the lessons have taken hold because in 2012 there were no elective deliveries before 39 weeks’ gestation unless they were medically indicated out of a total of 113 elective deliveries.

“It feels so good to be a part of this March of Dimes project,” she added. “It gave us a gigantic head start on where other hospitals in the state and the nation are at.

We didn’t realize what a good thing this would end up being.

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Pets

Love on a Leash Jill Straw Love on a Leash is a therapy program through CGH Medical Center in which handlers bring their dogs to visit patients. Since September 1, 2012, there have been 2,392 patient visits through this program.

Janel Yordy owns “alpha” dog Spike. Spike was the first Love on a Leash dog. Janel was actually the individual who brought the idea of the Love on a Leash program to Sterling. She and Spike had taken part in a dog therapy program at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Rockford. This was the first hospital nearby that had a dog therapy program.

In September 2012, CGH Medical Center has had its own program. To be eligible to receive a visit from one of the dogs in the program, patients must meet certain criteria, such as not having allergies, an infection, or an open wound.

Each time a Love on a Leash volunteer goes to the hospital, there will be a list available on each floor of patients who want a visit.

Each patient visit lasts about

Tex and Daniele Rossi Courtesy photos

Spike

Sadie, a Love on a Leash therapy dog, is owned by Pam Steinhaus.

ten minutes. The volunteers generally stay at the hospital for no more than two hours.

Each volunteer that shared their experiences said that they averaged twenty patient visits at a time. Janel shared that Spike “acts better in the hospital than he does at home. His manners are better.”

Tex is a miniature poodle belonging to Daniele Rossi.

He was in the first group of 11 dogs out of about 34 that passed the training process.

Dogs are tested on temperance. They must not react to food, strange sounds, or unfamiliar people, among other criteria. Sue Jakobs, owner of Dog Builders, does the dog testing and training for CGH. Daniele shared one particular incident in which a patient had just

passed: “We entered a room full of family but the patient had just passed away. I was amazed to watch faces turn to soft smiles seeing Tex. I sensed a need to stay yet realized I should depart. I apologized for their loss and turned to leave. Several family members asked that we wait, and for a brief moment grief was softened, conversation changed, and

two young children had an opportunity to pet Tex and receive dog cards. Thank you, Lord, for putting us where we need to be.”

Wendy Anderson’s Cally Lanae is a Cavalier King Charles, part of the Spaniel family. Wendy said, ”A slow day can have nine patient visits, but a normal day has seventeen to nineteen.

Cally loves going to the hospital. Love on a Leash is great for both Cally and the patient because the love of the dog radiates back to the patient.”Pam Steinhaus

Barn Cats program serves “Outside” Cats Jill Straw There are about ten cats at Happy Tails animal shelter that are part of the Barn Cat program. These cats are able to be adopted, but would not be able to live inside a house due to behavioral issues. These issues could be with humans or pertain to living inside the house. For example, the cats may refuse to use a litter box or may claw up furniture. All of the cats that are eligible for the program are adult cats and are over a year old. These are not feral cats. They are just cats that do better living outside rather than inside.

To adopt a cat through the Barn Cat program, stop by

Happy Tails animal shelter at 1408 McNeil Road in Rock Falls. A short application will need to be filled out. After the application is processed, a volunteer from Happy Tails will come out to check your property. The cat will need access to shelter and must be provided with food and water. According to the Happy Tails website, “Those interested in adopting a cat must agree to have them vetted on a yearly basis to ensure their health. All barn cats are spayed/neutered, micro chipped, and vaccinated before leaving our shelter.”

Cat adoption prices are $25 for senior cats and $50 for adult cats.

ADVANCED ANIMAL HEALTH CENTER Small Animal Medical and Surgical Care Emergency Care Available 24 Hours

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Wizard of Paws and Tuff Dog Bakery When two business profiles were recently published, contact information was omitted.

For your convenience and shopping ease, here is that pertinent information: Wizard of Paws Dog Grooming 119 West 2nd Avenue, Rock Falls 815-716-8490

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Tuff Dog Bakery 7 East 3rd Street, Sterling 815-625-5725

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has been involved since the program started. Her dog, Sadie, is a collie. Pam shared that Sadie will get animated when she enters the hospital. Sadie will get “very talkative due to excitement.” Pam said that, “Sadie will not bark while in the hospital, but will whine/ talk at nurses and staff.”

Sadie “loves people.” Each volunteer shared how beneficial Love on a Leash has been both to their dogs and to the patients at CGH medical center.

CHARLES RASER, D.V.M.

Patricia Lewis (815) 285-2659

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Health & Beauty

The value of getting down to the floor Nancy Nesyto-Freske Certified Yoga Instructor

their cell phones with them, in case they fall and then can’t get up.

None of them seemed particularly fragile, or had any obvious chronic problems such as severe arthritis or back problems. They were just at “that age” that getting on the floor is unthinkable.

As I said, this conversation really made me sad.

There is no reason that these folks cannot get down to the floor and then easily get up.

The reality is – they’ve sim-

Last month, my husband and I were on holiday in southern Florida. One evening, while at dinner, I overheard the people at a table next to us talking about something that made me quite sad.

They were three friends.

The two men and one woman looked to be in their late 70s or early 80s. The discussion was about keeping

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ply forgotten how to do it.

Their muscles are probably weaker and it would require a great deal of effort for them to do this activity now.

However, if they practiced, they could certainly do it. It may not be pretty at first, but if they continued to work at it, it wouldn’t be long before they would be able to do it.

A few years ago, I had a student in my Seniors class.

In this class, they got up and down off the floor in every class. This particular student, I’ll call her Betty, struggled, yet she did it, each time. Some days she needed a chair to support her, other days she could do it without the chair.

When that class ended, Betty became a student of mine in individual sessions.

Each week she came to a session and one day she confided in me how she used to hate when I’d say, “Okay, let’s get to the floor.” This was hard for her and she didn’t like it. Now, Betty was able to get up and down with no assistance from a chair and she no longer complained. When she realized it, she was thrilled. Each week in class she got up and down. With each individual session I had her get on the floor. At home she practiced her program faithfully, and it got easier and easier. About a year ago, Betty’s daughter had a baby, and Betty was thrilled that she could get

down on the floor and play with that baby. And what was even more exciting, she could hold the baby and get up off the floor!

So, here’s my challenge to you – get down to the floor at least once a day!

If you are unable to do it now, please check with your doctor or physical therapist on the best way for you to do this.

Also, sit on the floor, with your legs crossed too. It will be great for your hips.

Our society is so used to sitting in chairs, that this has become one of those difficult tasks as well. Sit with your back against a wall at first, prop some pillows or folded blankets under both thighs to support your legs and breathe, play with your kids or grandkids – or, play a game with a friend or a loved one while on the floor!

Don’t take this activity

for granted because one day you may realize that you’ve forgotten how to get down, or get up, once on the floor.

This can be terrifying to people, because now they are stuck. Once they are down, they have to wait for assistance from someone.

If you have any questions or comments about this article, I would love to hear from you. You can email me at Nancy@ journeyyogastudio.com.

Nancy Nesyto-Freske is a Certified Yoga Instructor and Certified Yoga Therapist – specializing in helping people get out of pain and also helping people “get the kinks out”. Her studio in Dixon, IL is located at 103 S. Peoria. She can be reached by phone at 815-509-6479.

Visit her website at www. journeyyogastudio.com.

Healthy eating and active living in the workplace Workplaces are an ideal opportunity to support healthy eating and active living, considering how much time adults spend at their worksites. Worksite wellness programs give employees opportunities to be physically active, eat healthy foods and live tobacco free. Employers and their employees can both benefit from such programs.

We Choose Health will fund and support local community groups to partner with local employers to implement worksite wellness policies.

We Choose Health is a multi-year Illinois Department of Public Health initiative to encourage and support the implementation of proactive health programs that fall under three categories: Healthy Eating and Active Living; Smokefree Living; and Healthy and Safe Built Environment.

The concept of worksite

wellness programs stems from extensive research.

This research demonstrates a high return on investment when dollars are spent by a company to improve the overall health of its employees. Comprehensive worksite wellness programs can yield a 27% reduction in sick days, a 26% reduction in health care costs, and a 32% reduction in workers compensation and disability claims.

Whiteside County Health Department in collaboration with Lee, Ogle, Stephenson and Carroll counties are conducting a Worksite Wellness Initiative.

Seventeen employers and over two thousand- five hundred employees in the area are committed to making their worksite, a healthy worksite!

Chronic disease may result from poor lifestyle choices, such as smoking,

inactivity, and poor nutrition. Worksites have joined the battle to reduce chronic disease and thereby improving the overall health of their employees.

Simple steps to making your worksite, a healthy worksite can be as easy as only offering healthy food choices at meetings and in break rooms. Placing signs at elevators reminding people that the stairs are a healthier choice is a proven method of encouragement.

Providing exercise breaks during the work day and implementing “walking” meetings is another easy way to get employees moving!

To find out more about Worksite Wellness please visit our website at: www. wechoosehealth.org or Call Whiteside County Health Department at 815-6262230.

What's on your mind? What does your community need?

Expires 7/31/13

Letters to the Editor is just the forum to express your views! Email us at sauksun@gmail.com

Sauk Valley Sun

DIXON - STERLING - ROCK FALLS

21

July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Health & Beauty

The Doctor is In: The ears have it

Dr. Don Lewis Special to the Sauk Valley Sun To begin with, the ear canal is supposed to be dry with a coating of earwax and dead skin cells on their way out to the ear canal opening.

It is supposed to be acidic, as in acids. Considering that acids are the opposites of

bases and soap and shampoos are basic, when you get soap or shampoo in the ear canal, you change the environment. Then, if you use cotton-tipped applicators, bobby pins, paper clips, or other objects because your ears now itch, you remove the earwax, likely scratching the skin of the canal that was formerly unbroken, setting yourself up for more itching and perhaps even swelling and infection. Cotton tips actually only remove a portion of the wax, pushing the rest back deeper towards the eardrum, which can hurt and even decrease your hearing.

Retained water in the ears,

especially in humid, warmer weather, can lead to growth of fungus within the canal.

There are a few basic things to do to keep this problem from arising. The first is to stop using cotton tips or, at the very least, use them only at the very opening, not in the canal itself.

Earplugs worn in the bath or shower can prevent soapy water from getting in.

If you know that you are going to get your ears wet a great deal, perhaps because you swim a lot, you can make up a 50:50 solution with rubbing alcohol and white vinegar. A few drops after each shower or swim

will get rid of trapped water as the alcohol evaporates and the white vinegar leaves behind mild acidity, which the canal is supposed to have in the first place.

For people with dry, crusty-like ear wax problems, putting a few drops of virgin olive oil in the ear canal a few times a week, probably at night, may help keep the wax flowing and decrease itching.

Before I close this column, I would like to say

a little bit about avoiding hearing loss and ringing in the ears caused by noise-exposure. Many military veterans and farmers, as well as people who used to work in factories, prior to 1967, suffer high-frequency hearing loss and ringing in the ears.

In warfare, this is hard to avoid, but otherwise we all need to take steps to avoid damage where and when we can. The people who drive by with the stereos in their cars boom-boom-booming

might as well cruise on over to the hearing aid place, as they are going to end up there anyway! The same goes for those who wear ear buds with the music cranked up high. I recommend that people wear earplugs when they mow the lawn or use any machinery and that sound-protective earmuffs are worn when shooting guns. Keep music low and block out dangerous noise.

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When not to get a massage...

Some of the most common conditions/situations not appropriate for massage are: • fever • acute infection/illness • inflammation from recent (within 72 hrs) sprain, strain, whiplash, or

• • • • • • • • • • •

traumatic accident (see a Dr. first) nausea communicable skin conditions sunburn over large portion of your body pregnancy (first trimester) recent surgery broken bones severe osteoporosis uncontrolled high or low blood pressure bleeding disorders deep vein thrombosis cancer (*palliative oncology massage may be appropriate with Dr. approval)

Massage can produce so many positive mental and physical benefits, but it does facilitate changes in your body tissues and body chemistry. So, when your body is healing or when your immune system is in overdrive, be sure to support your body by giving yourself time and rest to recover to a healthier state before seeking a massage. If you are ever unsure if you should receive massage, please consult your doctor first.

Submitted by Anita Shore, Licensed Massage Therapist, 815-440-7662.

Meghan Crisham, DDS

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Receiving a massage is a wonderful way to ease muscle tension and to help your body enter into a restorative state. Since a massage can affect the metabolic processes of your body, there are times when receiving a massage should be delayed or avoided.

James Hey, DDS

Menards

TO DIXON

4204 E. Lincolnway Ave, Suite D • Sterling, IL 61081 In front of Menards

22

July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Health & Beauty

Staying safe with fireworks and giving instructions on how to use them.

4. Never try to make your own fireworks.

5. In case of fire, always have a water source handy.

6. Always use fireworks outside 7. Never point or throw fireworks at anyone.

8. Don’t hold fireworks in your hand or carry them in your clothing.

9. Light only one firework

Carol Chandler, BSN, RN, AAS Fireworks are as American as apple pie and we look forward to the Fourth of July to celebrate our American independence. This can be a fun time with great memories, but everyone needs to know about fireworks safety as they are the leading cause of eye injuries and are the most common preventable cause of blindness. Also, did you know that two out of five fires reported on the fourth are started by improper use of fireworks?

The risk of fireworks injury is highest for children ages 5 to 19 and adults from 25 to 44 years of age.

Surprisingly, nearly 90% of emergency room fireworks injuries involve fireworks

CHIROPRACTIC

FURTHER INSTRUCTIONS. KSB Hospital: 815-288-5531; CGH Medical Center: 815-625-0400.

We need to follow common sense rules in our holiday celebrations and be responsible for the safety of our families, friends and ourselves. My best wishes for a safe and fun Fourth of July!

Lady Missiles power to State Championship Cody Cutter

Sparklers can reach temperatures of up to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.

that consumers are permitted to use.

Rules for safety are: 1. Leave fireworks to the professionals; do not use them at home. Attend a public display that is conducted by those specially trained in firework safety.

2. Sparklers may seem safe for small children to

NATURAL FAMILY MEDICINE

use, but they can reach temperatures of up to 1800 degrees (remember water boils at 200 degrees). Third degree burns can result from improper handling.

3. Buy only legal fireworks. Illegal fireworks usually have no label, but legal ones will have a label showing the manufacturer

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at a time and never re-light a dud.

10. Alcohol and fireworks don’t mix. Save your drinks for afterwards.

11. FOR EYE INJURIES: DO NOT TOUCH, PRESS, OR RUB THE EYE AND DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN TO DO SO. DO NOT TRY TO REMOVE ANY FOREIGN BODY. CALL YOUR EMERGENCY ROOM OR 911 FOR

FINNEY WELLNESS CENTER

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For the past 37 years, the image of an Illinois high school softball state championship being won depicts a mob gathering somewhere within the infield dirt. Yells, screams and other loud cheers compliment that typical setting.

However, Milledgeville didn’t experience that particular picture at this year’s IHSA Class 1A State Finals at East Peoria’s EastSide Centre.

They dreamed about it, alright. At 26-3, the Lady Missiles were back at the State Finals after finishing in third place last year. Their first game was with the Tigers of Illini Bluffs High School of Glasford, Ill. The Tigers struck first with a 1-0 lead. But the Missiles would come back in the next at-bat. Consecutive singles by Morgan Adolph and Kayleigh Leddy paved the way for Kelsey Hayen’s rocket shot to center field.

Adolph scored on the play, but Leddy was gunned down at the plate. The Missiles would get that go-ahead run though when Liz Bryant’s groundout created the scene for Hayen to dart home successfully.

From there, the Lady Missiles cruised to a 10-3 win.

Breyana Henson and Ally Bush each had RBI doubles, and Emily Bush and Courtney Swalve each had RBI singles. Adolph finished the game with three RBI and three hits.

“We’re pretty confident in our lineup one through nine,” Adolph said. “We know we can produce runs, and we expect everyone to have hits and contribute to the team. Once we do that, we know we have control of the game and we can do whatever we want. We can pretty much win any game that we want to.”

One more win to go.

With one out in the first inning of the state championship game against Cumberland High School of Toledo, Ill., Taylor Grenoble reached base when her

The Milledgeville Lady Missile Softball team won the IHSA Class 1A championship in June.

Cody Cutter photo

chopper to third base was misthrown. Then Emily Bush came aboard when her liner to left field was almost caught but not.

After Swalve struck out, Adolph continued her offensive power trip by taking the first pitch she saw from Cumberland pitcher Kaylee Carlen and crushed it deep to the left-center field berm.

She equaled the RBI total of her last game on one swing to take an early 3-0 lead.

“We know that when we come out and we have hits in the first inning, we set the tone for the game,” Adolph said. “That’s how we want to play. We want to come out first and we want to score first. We give ourselves a lot more confidence knowing that we have control of the game when we come out and score first.”

Although Cumberland countered back, Milledgeville would get the goahead run in the fourth inning. Leddy and Hayen led off with singles before Bryant and Henson struck out. With a 1-2 count, Ally Bush laced a single into the outfield to score Leddy.

By the sixth inning, the rain had started to get a little heavier. The game was halted at 2:34 p.m. Two and a half hours of heavy rain fell on the diamond

before the first evaluation could properly take place.

The tarp only covered the infield, and the outfield grass and dirt became a concern.

The wet, muddy field was simply unplayable. The game was over. At around 7:30, Milledgeville was crowned the Class 1A State Champion.

The celebration took place in a parking lot. The dream was finished in a parking lot. Not exactly the visual ending that was dreamt of.

“We never thought it would end like this,” Milledgeville head coach Brad Grenoble said. “The IHSA tried doing everything they could, but the fields weren’t just good enough to play on or were safe. And they couldn’t (play Sunday), I guess because the rule says that you have to finish it the same day.

“It started at the end of last year. These girls came and hit the cages 3-4 times a week all winter, even the girls that play volleyball and basketball; they’re still in the cages three times a week. They knew they were close and had to get some better stuff.”

Also on the team are Jenna Bibler, Kaylee Hayen, Kristen Geary, Shannon Graff, and Taylor Murphy.

23

July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Government

The legislature struggles toward pension reform

Representative Tom Demmer (R-Dixon) The sun is out, the days are long, and summer is here.

I’d usually add to that “and the legislature has finished its business.” But I can’t say that’s true this year. We adjourned our regular session on May 31, just like we do every year. But with the

issue of pension reform still unresolved, we still have work left to do.

Governor Quinn called the legislature back into special session last Wednesday to talk about pensions. As you remember from my legislative updates earlier in the year, a wide variety of pension reform proposals have been debated in the last few months.

Speaker Michael Madigan first offered bills that would have entirely eliminated cost of living adjustments, or COLAs, raised retirement ages across the board, and suddenly increased employee contributions. I didn’t support those proposals, and almost no one but the Speaker voted in favor of those bills.

House Republican Leader Tom Cross and Democratic

Rep. Elaine Nekritz worked together on a bi-partisan pension reform proposal that would preserve COLAs but cap them, stagger in a higher retirement age for young workers, and phase in increased employee contributions, along with some other reforms. That proposal was mostly incorporated into a new Madigan bill that passed the House with bipartisan support.

Meanwhile in the Senate, President John Cullerton put together another pension reform proposal that would offer a series of choices to both retirees and current employees and included some COLA freezes, increased employee contributions, access to health insurance in retirement, among other give-andtake options. That proposal

had the support of many public employee unions, but was still criticized as unconstitutional by at least one retiree group. That measure won bipartisan support and passed the Senate.

However, neither bill passed in the other chamber. And no bill made it to the Governor’s desk for his signature. Because of the legislature’s inability to enact meaningful pension reform, two bond rating agencies downgraded Illinois in the week after we adjourned.

They specifically cited our lack of pension reform as the reason Illinois has the lowest bond rating of any state in the country.

When the legislature reconvened for a special session last Wednesday, we activated a seldom-used

legislative option called a conference committee. A conference committee is designed to find common ground between the House and the Senate when an amendment passes in one house but is defeated in the other. The conference committee consists of five members of the House and five members of the Senate, with a ratio of six Democrats to four Republicans. Those ten members will meet, review various proposals, and seek to find a compromise solution to bring back to the full body.

Governor Quinn has requested that the conference committee complete its work

by July 9, in order to allow the legislature to vote on pension reform during a likely second special session on

July 8 and 9.

While I’m hopeful that the group of ten can find a compromise solution, I’m also realistic about the significant challenge they face. We’ve been debating and weighing in on pension reform proposals for months, if not years.

Honest disagreements stem from honest differences in beliefs and policies. The gridlock isn’t because we’ve ignored reform, it’s because reform isn’t easy.

As always, I’ll keep you updated on the latest developments and explain to you my reasons for supporting or opposing certain bills, even if we may disagree. So while we all enjoy the hot daytime sun and warm summer nights, the legislature will keep working to do our job and restore Illinois.

WeCan adopts “You’re Never Alone in the Neighborhood”

Skip Lee Mayor of Sterling Earlier this year, WeCan adopted as its 2013 priority a program we called “You’re Never Alone in the Neighborhood.” The purpose of this program is to encourage the

citizens of Rock Falls and Sterling to get to know their neighbors.

Many of us grew up in an era where neighbors knew each other, cared for each other, and helped each other in times of need. While that time era has passed, there is no reason that the caring “network” of neighbors has to disappear. Unfortunately, in many neighborhoods, people don’t even know the names of their neighbors. It is the goal of WeCan and the cities of Sterling and Rock Falls to reestablish caring neighborhoods.

The presence of caring neighborhoods can help to increase the quality of life

and decrease the presence of crime for our citizens. To begin the process, the goal is for every citizen in Sterling and Rock Falls to get to know the four neighbors bordering their property. It is an ambitious yet attainable goal for all of us.

On April 27th, as Step 1 of this program, sixteen churches opened their doors to their “neighbors” to show they cared about the neighborhoods bordering their properties. I would like to thank the churches and the many citizens who participated in this first step. Much work was put in by these congregations to make themselves available.

Now the time has come to implement Step 2 of the process. June is “Know Your Neighbor” month. We would like to encourage every citizen to host an event for their four neighbors. It could be as simple as getting together for drinks on the porch to a more elaborate potluck supper. The goal, whatever one does, is for neighbors to get to know each other.

Some neighborhoods are putting together a neighborhood “directory” of contact information. Others are just learning each other’s names.

The beauty of this program is that each neighborhood determines what works best.

If you are going to host an

event and would like some suggestions for topics, please feel free to contact me at slee@sterling-il.gov and I will send you a packet we have put together.

Ask yourself these questions: “If something happened to me, do my neighbors know me well enough to help me?” or “If something suspicious, like a burglary, was taking place at my home in my absence, do my neighbors know me well enough to call authorities?” or “If you see something that ‘just doesn’t seem right’ at your neighbor’s house, do you know who to call? If your answer to any of these questions was “no” then getting to know your neigh-

bors could be very helpful.

Step 3 of this program is going to be our community celebration of “National Night Out” in our city parks on August 6th. This repeat of last year’s successful event will give neighborhoods the chance to come together for food, activities, and fellowship in area parks.

We need safe caring neighborhoods. We can’t have them unless neighbors know each other. I would urge all of you to help your city by participating in a neighborhood event this month. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them with me at the email I gave above. Thank you.

Everyone working together creates a better community

William B. Wescott Mayor of Rock Falls This year marks the 146th Anniversary of our city.

Founded in 1867 by A. P. Smith, today our City boasts a population of 9,250 residents that call Rock Falls home. Located in Northwestern, Illinois on the south bank of the Rock River, we boast a small town atmosphere, just as our founding fathers and earliest residence experienced, our neighbors know their neighbors and are always willing to help one another in times of need.

A lot has changed in the community since the early

days, we have been through economic upturns and down turns over the years and even today, the economy is different, but it has not gone away. Things have changed, as we have had to adjust to the loss of industrial based businesses located here in Sterling and Rock Falls, Northwestern Steel and Wire, National Manufacturing, Lawrence Brothers and the RB&W. We have all had to adjust our way of living.

But let us not forget, that we have faced the loss, made adjustments, and continue to look to the future with great expectations.

Over the past several years, the City has worked very hard to complete the demolition of the old industrial properties along its Riverfront and have begun the transformation of the Riverfront Bike and Walk District (RB & W). This area will become a focal point and destination for future development and a center for community events to

include a splash park and amphitheater along the historic Rock River, recently recognized as a National Water Trails System. The community has been anxious for revitalization along the Riverfront and is now beginning to see that come to pass. A pedestrian/bicycle trail on the riverfront can take you to the Hennepin Feeder Canal dedicated in 1895. You can travel to the Mississippi River some 100 miles in distance spanning five (5) counties as part of the Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park, all of which helps to improve the quality of life for residents and visitors to the Rock Falls/Sterling area, helping to promote local and regional tourism efforts in the process.

It’s so easy today to become distracted by all the negativity that surrounds us that we ignore the good things. People are often so quick to point out what is wrong with our community, but do not have the time

of day to talk about the good things going on around them. Take a moment to stop and think about it and take a little pride in the place we live, which, when you get right down to it, is a wonderful community. We have

our own municipal utilities, which contrary to popular belief, are lower than surrounding communities that rely on other providers to deliver services and have no voice in how those services are provided.

Making a community a better place takes work., not by the elected officials alone, but a community working together to make our city a better place. Won’t you please join us in that effort?

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24

July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local

Oregon Trail Days Festival arrives July 20-21

The Oregon Trail Days Festival is chuck full of Wild West excitement and American Indian Culture

that kids of all ages will enjoy. Bring your whole family out to the Lowden State Park in Oregon, Illinois on

July 20-21 and be prepared to be entertained.

The Blackhawk Performance Group will show off their hand-made regalia and American Indian Drumming and Dancing Talents.

The festival features every manner of Cowboy imaginable, from cowboys shooting up a Wild West town, to cowboys on horseback, singing cowboys, whipping cowboys, a medicine man cowboy and even a little “dummy” cowboy.

You will be captivated by the how the Mountain Men and Women lived in the Tipis from long ago. Real life demonstrations of life on the plains and how these folks coped with everyday life.

Your family can have the experience of sleeping in

an authentic Tipi. Over 25 Tipis available for camping Thursday – Sunday night.

Lots and Lots of Kid’s activities from Pony Rides to a Photo Emporium and Pioneer Games, Pioneer Crafts, and more.

Bring your water wings and try your hand at paddeling our Voyager Canoe – a great way to see the Black Hawk Statue from the Rock River.

Don’t forget our Saturday Night Outdoor Saloon & Eatery featuring Terry Lee Goffe as Johnny Cash.

Terry is the embodiment of Johnny in looks, sound and mannerisms. Great local foods and beverages available.

For more information visit www.oregontraildays.org

The best rainy day activity, ever!!!

Larry Hammelman photos

Spring has sprung and kids gardens have begun Larry Hammelman Now that the weather is nice, it’s time to get out and enjoy all the benefits of being outside. In addition to all of the other activities for kids to enjoy, like baseball, tennis and bicycling, another summer activity that is being enjoyed is gardening, yes, that’s right, gardening.

Around the Sauk Valley area this summer there are several gardening projects designed for kids. I am a member of the University of Illinois Whiteside County Master Gardeners and I am working with Kelsey Scanlan, who is also with the University of Illinois Extension as the 4H Youth Program leader. The project that we are working on this summer is at the YMCA in Sterling. The “Y” has a great summer program, and gardening is a part of it.

The program is designed to be more than just digging in the dirt and planting some seeds. Yes, we do that, but there is more that is included.

This is a nine week program that covers things such as planting seeds, recycling/ composting, fruits & vegetables, and worms & insects,

Tricia Lewis

Larry Hammelman photo

just to mention a few.

The first part of the session is to go outside to check the garden for anything new happening, like new sprouts or weeds, or maybe there might just be some bugs.

That really seems to be a big hit with all of the kids, (who would have thought?).

After checking the garden and going over the theme subject for the day, the kids go inside where they have a session with Jo Owens and

Linda Whitmer, who are both also from the University of Illinois Extension office and they teach the Illinois Nutrition Education Program. This is where the kids learn all about the nutritional benefits that come with the fresh plants that they are growing. To wind up the weekly program, we go outside with the kids and play a game that relates to the things that they have been learning.

I feel this is a great program that not only helps to teach the kids that they can grow some of their own food, but also how to do so.

Melissa Ryan, the program director at the YMCA, and her staff do a terrific job getting all of these projects lined up for all of the kids to enjoy during the summer months.

Oh no! Another rainy day. What shall I do with my grandchildren who are bouncing off the walls?

What about bowling? We had a great time bowling the other evening! Bowling is a fun activity that the whole family can enjoy from a two year old to the grandparents who are here for a visit. Our girls said, “That was fun grandma! Maybe, it will rain tomorrow too!”

Did you know that bowling is one of the oldest and most popular games in the world? Bowling is a sport that can be dated back to 3200BC. In the 1930’s, a British anthropologist by the name of Sir Finders Potris discovered a collection of objects in a child’s grave in Egypt. They appeared to be used for a primitive form of bowling. This means that the origin of bowling could be more than 5,000 years old.

Enough of the bowling trivia. Off to the bowling

alley for some fun with my grand daughters. The bowling alley rents shoes that are small enough for little feet and bowling balls light enough for little children to roll them down the lanes.

The lanes have bumper pads to prevent the ball from going into the gutter for little kids (maybe, for grandma’s too!).

There are several bowling alleys in our area to chose from: Fulton Recreation Lanes: (815) 589-3215 Hilltop Lanes: (815) 7722217 P a o n e ’s B l a c k h a w k Lanes: (815) 625-0771 Plum Hollow Family Center: (815) 288-7102 Polo Bowl: (815) 9463614 Town & Country Lanes: 815) 734-7787 All of the bowling alleys have special programs for the summer. Be sure to check with them for specific times and special events.

Sauk Valley Community College hosts two college for kids camps Sauk Valley Community College explores the possibilities with exciting programs offered by the Discovery Center Museum and the Burpee Museum of Natural History as part of Sauk’s College for Kids.

Sauk and the Discovery Center will offer a Science Camp for fourth through sixth graders. Participants will enjoy three days of incredible science exploration and fun hands-on projects.

Camp classes can be taken as a series or independently for $35/day. This camp will feature: Angry Birds, Monday, July 1. Participants will learn about how to have fun with physics as they take this online game to a whole new level. Build catapults, assemble slingshots and more!

Whoosh, Tuesday, July 2. Campers will harness air with a hovercraft and pit

their strength against air pressure.

Kaboom!, Wednesday, July 3. Campers will experiment with explosions, launch mini rockets, construct a potato popper, and discover what puts the color in fireworks!

Sauk and the Burpee Museum will offer a Dino Camp for first through third graders. Participants will learn about dinosaurs with fun hands-on activities. The

cost of the Dino Camp is $89 for all four days. This camp will feature: The World of the Tyrannosaurus rex, Monday, July 8. Participants will discover what the world was like when Tyrannosaurus rex roamed what is now Montana. Learn about the T rex’s bit and habitat too.

Mysteries of the Horned Dinosaurs, Tuesday, July 9.

Get the low down on current theories for these dinosaurs’

massive frills and numerous horns and be able to touch real frill, triceratops bones and create a Ceratopsid model.

SuperCrocs, Wednesday, July 10. Fossil evidence of the late Cretaceous now shows a predator that was not another carnivorous dinosaur but a crocodile.

Explore these Supercrocs, experiment with bite force, and examine real crocodile and alligator skulls and

teeth. Make your own Supercroc and its habitat.

Digging for Dinosaurs, Thursday, July 11. Here participants will learn how dinosaur bone is fossilized and go through the process of excavating bones, and learn how to carefully remove the matrix from the bone.

All camps will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. To register, call SVCC’s Business and Community Education Office at 815-835-6212.

25

July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Dining

Best burger at Flynnie’s Diner

By Spencer Schein

The Bacon, Egg and Cheese Burger, served on a pretzel bun, served at Flynnie’s Diner, 609 Depot Rd., Dixon.

Served as a half-pound burger in the photo, Flynnie’s also makes its special creation as a quarter-pounder.

Recently I had the best burger I have ever had at Flynnie’s Diner on Depot Road in Dement Town in Dixon What makes a great burger? The meat? The toppings?

The bun? The appearance?

The taste?

You get all five and more when ordering the Bacon, Egg and Cheese Burger, served only at Flynnie’s Diner, 609 Depot Road, D i x o n , o p e n Tu e s d a y through Sunday.

The burger is made to order, but having it with everything is the best way to enjoy a fulfilling meal, one that will last you two meals for the day.

The toppings are a typical breakfast, while the burger, with lettuce, tomato, onion and pickle, are a typical burger. Combined with a pretzel bun, and you get the best burger ever.

When ordering, you have your choice of type of egg –

The sign over the diner.

Spencer Schein photos

over easy, medium or hard.

Your choice depends on how much yolk you want to drip over the burger. I chose medium, thinking I wanted to have some yolk, but not the whole yolk.

I was also asked if I wanted the “other” toppings, which I did. The meal comes with really tasty French fries and a choice of cottage cheese or Cole slaw.

When it came time for the bun, a regular bun, Kaiser or pretzel were the options.

I chose pretzel based on a recommendation and I was not disappointed. Think of a great warm oversized pretzel in the shape of a bun.

The burger filled with its concoctions, including a thick slice of bacon and cheddar cheese covering the top, stood about two and a half inches tall. Yolk started to drip out upon my first bite, but what a first bite.

The tastes of egg, bacon, cheese and the seasoned half-pound burger were great, as was the bun. I never tasted a pretzel bun, and this was as much the same taste as an unsalted pretzel.

It was as if I was having breakfast and lunch at the same time.

However, I was having

the burger at 1:30 p.m., and the meal acted as my lunch and dinner for the day.

Flynnie’s Diner is a homestyle family-owned restaurant with seating split into two distant styles. There are oversized booths on the far side, large tables in front and back, and tables with stools and a counter up front.

Breakfast is served from 6 to 11 a.m. Tuesday through Friday and Saturday and Sunday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. The restaurant closes at 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and stays open until 9 p.m. Friday.

Specials are served daily, along with a menu of sandwiches, chicken fingers and dinner entrees. Senior discounts are available on Tuesdays. If you like burgers, get the best they have.

You won’t be disappointed.

Flynnie’s Diner 609 Depot Rd., Dixon Phone: (815) 973-8129 Hours of Business: Monday: CLOSED Tuesday to Thursday: 6 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Friday: 6 a.m. – 9 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday: 6 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Jimmy Johns Customer Appreciation Day – and the rest of the story!

Sauk Valley Sun

DIXON - STERLING - ROCK FALLS

www.saukvalleysun.com Staff Judy Bell Publisher Ken Hauck VP Operations Katie Hauck Administrative Manager Julie Reeder Editor Robert Bell Distribution Manager Joshua Hauck Marketing Representative Maddie Richmond Intern Production Karina Ramos Art Director Samantha Gorman Graphic Artist Website John Yada Web Developer/IT Support Writers/ Contributors Donald R. Lewis, MD, FACS Carol Chandler, RN Jill Horn Rev. Scott Porter Pastor Jeff Coester Bobby Dillon Spencer Schein Nancy Nesyto-Freske Josh Albrecht Ann Lewis Brad Monson Jill Straw Greg Smith Tom Demmer Patricia Lewis Cody Cutter © Sauk Valley Sun, 2013 www.saukvalleysun.com The opinions expressed in the Sauk Valley Sun do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sauk Valley Sun staff.

Sierra Welker stands near the sidewalk with the $1 sub sandwich sign.

Carol Chandler WOW! I wasn’t sure what all the hubbub was about - a Hollywood award ceremony? Ticket outlet for the Packers? Why were cars lined up in the street with their turn signals on? Wait, there’s Sierra Welker standing near the sidewalk with a sign - it’s the $1 sub sandwich Customer Appreciation Day event at Jimmy John’s in Dixon! A dollar for one of their freshly made subs?

You’ve got to be kidding!

I waited my turn to go into the parking lot and grabbed a space when someone left it. I walked inside and the smell was wonderful! There was a long line, but everyone was talking to each other and smiling as they waited. It seemed like everybody was

Friends enjoying time together.

Tasty is right!!

there - friends and families enjoying time together. It was more like a celebration than a sales event! I asked to speak to Li, the boss, but was told, “He’s in the back washing dishes.”

I took a number of pictures and enjoyed watching the people and, of course, got a sandwich for myself.

It was great! I returned the next day to talk with Li and found out that they had sold a sandwich every 12.24 seconds! A new record! But, it was somewhat later that I discovered, as Paul Harvey would say, “the rest of the story!”

It all began with the immigration of Li’s grandfather, Pedro Arellano, from Mexico in the early 1900’s as a migrant worker. He became a pastor and worked to help those less fortunate. He raised six boys and invested in them the work ethic that

The rest is history.

Today, Li has a wonderful wife and two delightful daughters in addition to a successful business. He demonstrates a strong sense of responsibility and a duty

would reap many rewards.

Li’s father, Liandro Arellano, Sr., became a pastor as well and continued to act as the role model for success for his children.

Li raked lawns, delivered newspapers, worked as a dishwasher at the White House, and later did roofing and construction. But he never gave up his goal for a college education. He attended the University of Michigan with working and academic scholarships. But the attack on September 11, 2001, brought out his love of his country and he joined the Army reserves and was sent to Iraq. A second tour took him to Baghdad. Meanwhile, he was given the opportunity to purchase a Jimmy John’s franchise in Dixon. With a long history of working in restaurants, he felt like he was qualified to start this business venture.

Carol Chandler photos

to his country. He feels very blessed that his family came to America and knows that with hard work you can accomplish almost anything.

And that’s the rest of the story!

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Sauk Valley Sun 24,000 copies published monthly 22,300 copies direct-mailed to homes and business addresses in Dixon and Sterling Postage paid at Dekalb, IL Permit No. 321 Phone (815) 888-4403 Fax (815) 572-0153 Address: 459 Illinois Route #2, Dixon, IL 61021 Email: info@sauksun.com

26

July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Business

K’s Korners - Wanna buy a caboose?

STERLING — To passersby, K’s Korners looks like something out of the wild west.

The ground-level, covered porch, outhouse with a crescent moon cut into the door and complete blacksmith station are a perfect backdrop for the Younger family’s business.

Descendants of the JamesYounger Gang who ran with Jesse James, Marvin “Cole” Younger, 82, bought the property 41 years ago. Ten years ago he sold it to his son Andy.

Husband and wife team, Andy and Marion run the business with four employees.

But if someone stops by and asks, “How much you want for that?” in reference to the big red caboose outside or any of the antiques inside, they say, “I have to get my father.”

Andy and Marion take on all of the day-to-day responsibilities of the small liquor store, tavern and restaurant.

Marvin who has collected antiques from “just about everywhere you can think of,” for the past 40 years, still handles that part.

He has everything but the

kitchen sink. Then again, he may have one of those too.

The Korean War Veteran has relics from all of the wars and many western antiques. Although he claims to not remember where he acquired every single piece, he sure tells a story about a good portion of them.

Standing behind an 1898 bar he bought in Iowa, he wove a tale of the bullet holes marring up the front.

“Buffalo Bill was supposed to have been the one to shot the holes in that,” he said with a raise of his eyebrows.

“He is like one of those American Picker guys,” Marion said of her father inlaw. “He goes places finds stuff and buys or trades.”

The caboose everyone inquires about can be dismantled for easier transport.

“I guess I’d take $30,000 for that,” he said.

The one antique Marion hopes to see stick around for a long time is the woodburning cook stove. Beside the caboose and old saloon bar, that stove is one of the items everyone seems to notice, he said.

The latest addition to catch everyone’s eyes are the five video gaming ma-

Inside of an old red caboose at K’s Korners, Marvin Younger has many antiques including this July 1941 McCalls Magazine.

All items are for sale.

chines. Marion said they have brought in many new faces.

“K’s Korners has become Vegas on the Korner,” Marion joked.

The kitchen is open “Just about all the time,” said bartender Ashley Sanders.

The average price of meal is about $6. Their menu includes burgers, pulled pork sandwiches, grilled chicken, hotdogs, fries and potato wedges.

In the store they also have what they call “a fisherman’s paradise,” beer, bait and ice.

Standing at an 1898 bar he bought in Iowa that is rumored to have bullet holes courtesy of Buffalo Bill, Marvin Younger points out his favorite antique, a Marie Antoinette lamp. It is one of many items he has acquired over the span of 40 years.

[Right] Gaming has become the latest craze at K’s Korners. Dubbed ‘Vegas on the Korner’ by owner Marion Younger, she said they have brought in a lot of new faces since February when they were installed.

Oregon Soap Shoppe - Love lavished in local soap!

Jill Straw Lynnel Camling has been making cold-pressed soap for over 23 years. She started out making soap in her basement for her family and then for friends. Lynnel, now a retired nurse, took a correspondence course in aromatherapy and essential oil science out of Great Britain. She asked questions so that she would understand how to make the very best soap to help people with various skin issues. Some of the most common issues are

acne, psoriasis, and eczema.

There are also soaps for sunburn, dandruff, and rashes.

Conversations with customers will lead Lynnel to find a soap that will work for them or a family member. Baby Taylor’s Soap was created following a conversation she had with a customer whose grandchild had skin issues.

At the start of her soapmaking career, Lynnel made her soap so that it could also be used as a shampoo bar. As far as it is known, her products are the only handmade soaps on the market that can

be used in this manner. As interest in her soap grew, Lynnel sold her soap from home, Conover Square, and craft fairs. About nine years ago, a friend talked her into purchasing the storefront where Oregon Soap Shoppe and Green Art, Ect. is now located. She now makes her soap in the back of the store.

Customers can watch her if they want. A hole was cut out of the back wall of the sale area so that Lynnel can observe the store while making soap. While soap can be made during the day, Lynnel

did share that soap is often made after-hours as well.

Honey and beeswax is put into each bar of soap.

This allows the soap to be naturally antibacterial and “humectant.” A sign posted on the wall of the shop provided this information. After reading it, I asked Michael about the shop being mentioned by Diane Sawyer for a Made in America segment.

He did not know how they received that recognition, but guessed it had to do with a customer blogging about Lynnel’s soap.

In addition to soap, other products are available in the store. Lynnel also makes sugar scrubs, bath salts,

shaving cream, lip balms.

She sells essential oils and will let those who are interested know what these oils can be used to do. Essential oils can be used to make cleaning solutions.

If customers ask, Lynnel or Michael will give them the “million dollar” green cleaning formula.

Besides products that Lynnel makes, customers can purchase locally made or American made products, including Go-glass bottles.

These are unbreakable glass drinking bottles that are encased in a rubber holder.

They are made in Wisconsin. There is Paloma pottery, which is recycled pottery

that is made on the West coast. Purses, knit wash cloths, pumice stones, tea, candles, and honey are also available.

While I was in the store, a first-time customer came in and purchased several bars of soap for an out-of-town friend. She was able to send the package of soap by mail through the store. Michael said that that would be the fifth time that day that the store had mailed a package for a customer. With the cost of gas these days, mailing soap was a cost-effective method. Gift wrapping is free. One of the shop’s slogans is “customer service doesn’t make us nervous.”

4-H Program precedes fair Jill Straw 4-H members are just as busy as the rest of us preparing for fair season.

While 4-H fairs are technically separate from county fairs, they are held a day or two before the regular county fair takes place. Dr. Emily Bocker, KSB, was involved in the Carroll County 4-H society while she attended Eastland High School. She said that 4-H fairs have the same dis-

plays as regular fairs: quilting, sewing, floral design, cake decorating, canning, livestock, vegetables, and plants.

Lee County 4-H is gearing up for the fair in Amboy July 25-28. The first session of K-4th grade camp at Camp Clover for Dixon, Amboy, and Franklin Grove began June 11, 2013.

The second session was this week. Campers had lessons in aerospace, visual arts, horticulture, first

aid, health, and animals.

There is also a Prince/ Princess and King/Queen contest coming up. Eligible members will be judged on their levels of involvement, outside activities, and volunteering. The individuals who are elected to these positions represent 4-H for the year. For more information, go to www.web.extension. illnois.edu/clw/lee4h/.

27

July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Business Rock Falls Farmer’s Market Now Open – Gardeners, Farmers, Crafters, & Vendors WANTED! The Rock Falls Farmer’s Market is now open for business, Wednesday, Friday, & Saturday, starting at 7 am at the corner of W. 2nd Street & 4th Ave in Rock Falls. This year will be a little different. Farmers, vendors, crafters, and gardeners, are welcome to come sell their goods at the market any of the business days with no need to register or pay fees.

“Last year, as a group, the

Rock Falls Farmer’s Market Committee made it a goal to be more inclusive. This year, we are seeing this goal accomplished as different types of sellers are welcomed to the market with no fees to participate. The Rock Falls Farmer’s Market has been the perfect venue where everything from locally grown produce to homemade crafts can be sold and small business

ventures can share their goods. The RFFM has been working for the good of the community and small time sellers for nearly thirty years. Some local nonprofits even use the space for fundraisers. We are proud to make it free for use again,” says Bethany Bland, Rock Falls Chamber President/ CEO. While the Rock Falls Farmer’s Market is open

now, the schedule of sellers depends mostly on produce. As more produce becomes available, more sellers will attend. For more information about seller rules, or how you can support local people by shopping at the Rock Falls Famer’s Market, contact the Rock Falls Chamber (815) 625-4500.

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Home & Garden

A cook looks at books Fire It Up is grilling with A+ expert cook / teachers

By Judith Bell, M.S. Food and Nutrition Editor David Joachim and Andrew Schloss are heroes within the culinary profession as well as within the cooking public. Together they have written or collaborated on 43 cookbooks.

They have won numerous awards and accolades. Their names are legendary! Their first grilling book, “Mastering the Grill,” was published in 2007; “Fire It Up” came four years later.

Both credit their agent, my friend Lisa Ekus, of The Lisa Ekus Group, for sparking their interest in grilling cookbooks (Chronicle Books 2011). Both books are well worth your perusal or purchase. Both are relatively inexpensive.

“Fire It Up” was the focus on my culinary partner, Larry Dunphy, Books on First, Dixon, and me. We agreed that vegetables usually are ignored for a grill meal, yet the flavors of vegetables are often enhanced by the grill-

ing process.

You can be FIRST in your neighborhood to grill Italian-style tomatoes and make them into a sauce to be brushed on…hold your breath…..grilled corn on the cob! It is a subtle sauce that could easily be used with other vegetables. However, the novelty of using it instead of BUTTER (no one tell Land’o‘Lakes) is worthy of your time and effort. The only caution would be to use fully ripe Italian-style tomatoes. Less-than-ripe tomatoes will have minimal flavor. As Larry said, “When you want to impress people with sweet corn…this combination will do it.” We both love having the extra sauce in the fridge!

Corn on the cob in its husks is a cinch on the grill.

You only need to be prepared in advance to dispose of the blackened corn husks outside and away from other food for the blackened husks seem to fly in uncontrolled directions.

Grilled Tomato Oil 4 ripe plum tomatoes, halved ½ cup extra virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic, coarsely chopped 1 large spring fresh oregano or thyme ½ tsp. honey ¼ tsp. coarse salt

Charred Corn on the Cob with Grilled Tomato Oil 4 ears corn, husk left on ½ cup Grilled Tomato Oil (below)

Light grill for direct medium-high heat, about 425 degrees.

In a small bowl, toss tomatoes with l tablespoon of the oil.

Brush the grill grate and coat with oil. Grill the tomatoes, cutside down, directly over the heat until nicely grill-marked, 3 to 4 minutes. Flip and grill until the other side is nicely marked, about 3 minutes more. Return to the bowl.

Transfer the grilled tomatoes and oil (from the bowl) to a small food processor and puree until fairly smooth. Strain the sauce though a food mill or push gently through a finemeshed sieve into a small saucepan, leaving behind most of the solids. Add the garlic and oregano to the pan and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the liquid is reduced by half, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat and strain the liquid into a small container with a tight-fitting lid, such as a canning jar. Add the honey and salt, stirring until dissolved. Let cool, then whisk in the remaining olive oil. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. If the cold oil becomes cloudy, it will clear when returned to room temperature.

Light grill for direct medium-high heat, about 425-degrees.

Grill corn in their husks directly over the heating, turning every 5 minutes, until the husks are blackened all over, 15-18 minutes total. During the last 5-8 minutes, put on grill mitts and peel back the outer blackened husks to expose some of the corn kernels. Continue grilling until some of the corn kernels are browned and lightly charred.

Remove from the grill and let cool slightly. Remove husks and brush generously with the Grilled Tomato Oil.

This column is sponsored in part by Books on First, Dixon, 815-285-2665 . Continued on the next page.

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

plemented with a French combination of parsley and garlic. The combination could be served hot or tepid

which gives it great flexibility in menu planning and there is nothing to “spoil� so storage is a non-issue.

GOING ON NOW THROUGH JULY S

Grilled Carrot Planks Persillade 3 large carrots, ends, trimmed 1 tablespoon olive oil Âź tsp. coarse salt 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper Pinch of nutmeg Âź cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 2 tablespoons minced garlic Cut the carrots lengthwise into planks about 3/8-inch thick, and then toss with the oil, salt, pepper and nutmeg. Light the grill for direct medium heat (350 degrees). Grill

the carrot planks directly over the heat until tender, turning once or twice, about 10 minutes total. Combine the parsley and garlic.

Transfer the grilled carrots to a platter and immediately scatter the parsley and garlic on top.

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Community-wide Praise & Worship Event with “America’s Lead Worshiper� taken to defray expenses.

Dennis, nicknamed by a pastor as “America’s lead worshiper,� has written songs, such as “You Are My All in All,’ “Nobody Fills My Heart Like Jesus,� “Thank You,� and “We Will Worship the Lamb of Glory,� as well as hundreds of others, are sung, literally, all over the world. Routinely, multiple songs from Jernigan rank in the Top 100 on the Church Copyright Licensing (CCLl) charts for the most performed songs in churches.

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Dennis and his wife Melinda, along with their nine children make their home in Muskogee, Oklahoma where they serve Christ through the local body of believers.

A local group, The New Vocal Blend will be the opening act! Some refreshments will be made available for purchase by the Big Red Church.

Sterling singer, songwriter to kick off Summer Midwest tour S i n g e r, s o n g w r i t e r, and worship leader Julie Bernstein (Neahring) is excited to announce that she will be kicking off her summer Midwest tour at East Jordan United Methodist Church (EJUMC). Julie, a Sterling native and former EJUMC member, is excited to kick off her first tour at the church where she got her start. Julie is the daughter of Jay & Cheri Book of Sterling. Everyone is invited to hear Julie on Friday July 5th at 7 pm as she presents her original songs along with a few favorites.

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suggested donation of $5 per person would be appreciated.

More information about Julie, her music, and her summer tour plans can be found on her website at juliebernsteinmusic.com.

Julie will also lead worship on Sunday morning at EJUMC at 10:45 am. Pastor Dave says: “To have one come back to her beginnings is exciting, not only for the folks she grew up with but for those who aspire to similar success. We are all excited for her arrival and ministry.�

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Worship artist, songwriter and author Dennis Jernigan, will be in concert on July 13, 2013, 6 -8 pm at the Grandon Civic Center in Sterling. The community-wide praise and worship event is open to the public. For more information, contact The Big Red Church First Congregational of Sterling, IL, who is hosting the event, at 815-625-5112 Dennis Jernigan will be leading the worship service at The Big Red Church, two blocks from the Grandon Civic Center, 311 2nd Avenue, the following morning, Sunday, July 14, 2013 at 10 am. There is no admission charge to either event. A free will offering will be

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Faith

THE HARDHAT PARENT Treat children with respect Jeff Coester Pastor of The Big Red Church The Bible talks about the importance of teaching a child to be obedient to parents and responsive to authority. On the surface it sounds like being obedient demands more from a child, but the parent is the one with the great blessings of opportunity and obligation.

The matter of teaching children obedience is a long conversation, not a manipulative demand or a quick sound byte. We taught our children that thoughtful, respectful, intelligent obedience to authority was a requirement. The emphasis is on intelligent.

If children do not learn obedience life is hard for parent and child. If children do not learn intelligent obedience they will be easily manipulated. It is difficult for children to respond to the God they cannot see if they do not have a loving, respectful relationship with the parents they can see.

The parent who sees themselves as a commander and the child as one to be

ruled is likely to have a child who is angry and bitter.

The beauty of the Bible is simple. When you teach it properly, it always produces balance in the life of the person who is taught. The New Testament challenge to parents reflects this balance.

Ephesians six tells parents not to provoke anger in their children. This means do not exasperate them or cause them to feel resentment. In Colossians we are reminded not to cause them to lose heart.

How can parents hold the line, asking for obedience and yet avoid inciting anger? The answer lies in maintaining a respectful relationship. Children are not miniature adults. In theory we understand that children have less maturity than the adults in their lives, but we often expect them to respond as though their maturity is greater.

We ask children who have none of our impulse control to touch nothing in a store with thousands of attractive items, when we could not be so disciplined. Think of the difference in the heart of a

child between being scolded for indulging their curiosity or having a parent help them discover the world around them because they were taught to ask, “Will you help me touch that?” The answer cannot always be yes, but the child is not an intrusion in your life. The child is your life. Teaching them is not a formal experience. Teaching them and bonding with them happens innocently and purposefully on life’s path.

Again I say, a child cannot respond with more maturity than a parent. If an action or incident would anger or embitter you, it is likely to have the same effect on your child. Think of this when you tell friends and neighbors how miserably Junior is failing in school. Do you respond with a sweet spirit when someone exposes your embarrassing secrets as though they were the news of the day? Does this motivate you? Immaturity responds with more anger not better performance. A child will act out when they have not learned to act better.

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Make a list of things your boss, government, or anyone with a controlling influence or authority in your life does that offends you even though you are a mature adult with perspective; and you will have a new awareness of how you should interact with your child to protect their heart. You may love your boss and your country, but still react bitterly to mistreatment or

perceived slights.

When you are wronged, you have recourse. If someone calls you stupid, screams at you, or treats you unfairly, you can respond in any way your mind can imagine. You may scream, curse, walk away, get drunk, go fishing, change jobs, or forgive.

A child can only take it. The parent, who is the authority, must also be the

advocate and guarantee fair treatment or the child can only internalize the normal anger anyone would feel.

Then relationships are broken. The parent who loves the child wonders why.

Rev. Jeff Coester is The Pastor of The Big Red Church in Sterling. Like them on Facebook! Send Questions to hardhat1@ juno.com

God Has Other Plans

By Jill Horn Back in 1999 when my sister, Judy Lenn, and her family moved to Papua New Guinea (PNG) to be missionaries, they thought they’d stay there until they retired. God has other plans.

They now believe God is calling them back to the United States just as clearly as He called them to the mission field 14 years ago.

In July of 1999, Judy, her husband, Gary, and daughters, Megan and Erin sold their belongings and said good-bye to family and friends and moved to the other side of the world to Ukarumpa, PNG. Megan was 4 years old and Erin was only a few months old. Their brother, Micah, was not yet born. He came along in 2005 while the family was living in PNG. There is an international school in Ukarumpa, where Gary started teaching middle school and high school science classes. Megan started in the preschool.

Gary continued to teach science and Judy helped out whenever and wherever she could. Gary eventually became principal of the school. They have made many friends from around the globe during their time as missionaries. They have been to the US on furlough several times since 1999, always staying in Morrison, where Judy grew up and our parents still live.

Life in Ukarumpa is different from life here in many ways. The Lenns live inside a mission center where Wycliffe Bible Translators has its offices and school.

Most missionaries live inside this community. There is one grocery store on the center. It’s not always well stocked. If the item they want isn’t at the store, they simply do without for a while. There are no restaurants on the center, so they rarely go out to eat. There’s no movie theater or Netflix or Family Video or shopping mall. There is a library at the school and also a place where missionaries can

The Lenns, 2013, front row, Micah, Megan, back row, Gary, Erin and Judy Courtesy photo

check out DVD’s. I believe the main form of entertainment is the school and their activities and fellowship with other missionaries.

There are horses within the Wycliffe center so people can ride horses. There are tennis courts as well and phones and Internet too.

Some highlights for Judy and Gary and family have been attending Bible dedication ceremonies. When one of the Bible translations is finished in one of the villages, the Bible dedication is planned. These ceremonies are very important to the people of the village and to the missionaries who have both worked very hard for many years to complete the translation. Sometimes a long journey involving a helicopter ride (since many villages are very remote) and also a long hike is necessary to attend the ceremony. In the ceremony, some villagers dress in native costumes and look like someone from National Geographic. Then the Bible is brought forth and read in a language everyone in the village can understand. This

ceremony may be the first time some have heard their native language read aloud.

So what is the next step for the Lenns? They travel back to the US in June and eventually make it to the Sauk Valley area in July.

Megan will start college at Indiana Wesleyan as a freshman in August where she will study nursing. Judy and Gary plan to be involved in ministry of some kind here. They are also deciding which schools Erin and Micah will attend.

The Lenns will make a new home for themselves in a place they used to live.

It is impossible to come back and take up where they left off. They are different people than they were in 1999 or even in 2011, the last time they were in the US. They will have a big adjustment. They will have the support of family and friends and many prayers on their behalf. They will struggle at times in the next few years as they adjust, but God has a plan for them, and God is enough.

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July 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Pastor Scott’s Corner Love of God is shown in helping others Pastor Scott Porter Abiding Word Church On May 20, 2013 an EF5 tornado with winds as high as 210 miles per hour hit the Oklahoma City suburb of Moore, Oklahoma, killing 24, and injuring hundreds. This storm was linked to a weather system that had spawned a tornado in Shawnee and Newala, Oklahoma the previous day.

On May 31, an EF5 tornado touched down at El Reno, Oklahoma, just west of Oklahoma City. This tornado was a record 2.6 miles wide (the widest ever measured) and had winds measured at nearly 300 miles per hour.

Professional meteorologists said that the El Reno tornado, would have caused damage of “biblical proportions” if it had hit just a few miles to the east in the state capital of Oklahoma City.

I had heard about the tornado in Shawnee, OK and then watched the live TV broadcast the next day of the next tornado. The May 20 twister seemed to be roaring across the prairie in a rural area not hurting anything.

When the helicopter headed back west, and hovered over Moore. It was easy to see that the devastation was real. As I sat on the couch in the family room of my home, I looked down at my hands. I had on

my work gloves. Monday is the “alleged day off” in my life, and I was busy working in the yard, mowing the lawn, etc on the first “good weather Monday” we’d had in weeks.

The gloves I wore were familiar to me. They were the same gloves I wore on a Tornado Relief trip to Joplin, Missouri in 2011 after the 7 th most deadly tornado in American history hit that town.

I knew then and there, that our crew from Abiding Word Church would be headed to the great state of Oklahoma.

I call it that, because it IS a great state. I went to college in Tulsa, and the people of Oklahoma are some of the best in America in my opinion. 20 of us went to Missouri in 2011.

This time, 55 of us headed to the Sooner state.

On June 8 th, right after church service, we prayed, packed, and boarded a Cheeseman motor coach and headed south! We arrived in Shawnee, OK at 1:20 am, where we bunked down at a local church.

Over the next 3 days we arose early, ate breakfast, had a devotional meeting, and headed to the field to help those in the Shawnee/Newala area that had great needs. Back at the church (Evangelistic Center Church) a part of our crew worked in organizing a massive food pantry to bless the community.

Each night, our crew would

arrive back at the church, hot, sweaty, dirty, tired, but with a great sense of accomplishment. I truly believe that the love of God is shown, when you help someone in need, and they have no way to repay you. You just help them, to bless them, expecting nothing in return.

We toured the area of damage in Moore, OK on the 12th.

As soon as we entered the devastation zone, only one word came to mind….Joplin.

We were so blessed by so many people and organizations from our area in making the trip. Abiding Word Church, Dixon McDonald’s, the Dixon Wal-Mart, various members of the Dixon Rotary Club, the Rock Falls United Methodist Church, St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Polo, Rock Falls Eagles Club, Astrovend, KSB Hospital, CGH Medical Center, Dixon Culver’s, Dixon Kiwanis Club, and Mama Ciminno’s As a group, we had many ups and downs on the trip.

Broken air conditioners, heat exhaustion with the team members doing heavy work in 95+ degree weather, and a myriad of other things, but with God’s help, we overcame them all. Thank you to our community for your prayers and support! God bless you all.

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