DIXON-APRIL 2012-SAUK VALLY SUN

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DayByDay Media, LLC 1620 Sauk Rd. Dixon, IL 61021

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Sauk Valley Sun ECRWSS

April 2012

SHOPPER

Vol. 1 Issue 2

Dixon Edition

The little shopper with the big impact

Will You Be My Friend?

What’s Inside...

Hi. You might not know me. My name is Katie Hauck and I am the publisher of this paper. I am happily married to a wonderful man and have amazing children, but am in need of a friend. My family attends Abiding Word Church in Sterling. We love this church as the Pastor and his wife are caring, down to earth people, and the other attendees always make us feel like we are part of a big family. Our kids get to go to their own age appropriate classrooms to learn about Jesus in a fun, safe environment. The best part of all is that my husband and I get to hear the Word taught without having to worry about keeping the kids from jumping around and talking during the service - something all kids seem to want to do!

So, here’s my dilemma...On April 15th (the Sunday after Easter) Abiding Word is having “Friend Day”. Everyone is supposed to invite a friend to come and check out the church.

My problem is that I am so busy with work that I don’t really have a lot of friends, so I don’t have anyone to invite. I’m hoping that you will be my friend and join me on Friend Day. Don’t worry about getting all dressed up - I normally just wear jeans. And don’t worry if you are not “churched” because that’s what this place is all about. Reaching the unchurched.

I’ll be standing by the front doors of the church, so please come and introduce yourself and let me know that you decided to be my friend! I look forward to meeting you!

Abiding Word Church is located at 806 East Lynn Blvd in Sterling.

Feel free to email me and let me know ahead of time that are will be joining me: sauksun@gmail.com

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Page 2

Sauk Valley Sun Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center: Champions for Children Walk and Garage Sale Extravaganza It is once again time for the “Champions 4 Children Walk” in Dixon. This year is the 5th year for the walk. We welcome everyone to come and participate in the event. It will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at Lowell Park in Dixon, IL. The Champions 4 Children walk was created to give a voice for victims of child sexual abuse. Do you know that one in four girls and one in six boys will be the victim of sexual abuse by the time they turn 18 years old? You can register on-line for the walk at cacionline.org.

Registration is $20.00 per person. We invite you to put together a team with family, friends or coworkers.

Check in will begin at 8:00 AM with the walk starting at 10:00 AM. For more information contact Shining Star CAC at 815-284-1891 or shiningstarcac@yahoo.com. You can also see us on FACEBOOK @ Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center for daily updates and important information.

The children’s advocacy center in Dixon is called “Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center”. They are the front line defense for these children and their families. The money raised will ensure the Center will be able to keep helping these child victims.

The team members at Do it Best Corp. in Dixon have been working for the past year to prepare for our fund raising event. This is the third year for our garage sale. What happens when a huge garage sale gets bigger? You end up with a Garage Sale Extravaganza. The sale will be in the gym behind Bethel Church, located at 131 North Court Street in Dixon, Illinois. The sale will be held on April 26 -28, 2012. The early bird sale will start on Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 4:00 PM and end at 8:00 PM. We ask for an admission donation of one non-perishable food item or cash for the early bird sale. The food and money from the admission donation for the early bird sale will be given to the Dixon Food Pantry. The sale will continue on Friday and Saturday with free admission. The sale on Friday starts at 6:00 AM and ends at 6:00 PM. The hours on Saturday will be from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Be sure to stop by for the discounted prices on Saturday, April 28, 2012 starting at noon and ending at 4:00 PM. Many of the items will be discounted half price starting at noon on Saturday.

This is not your normal garage sale. Over 60 families from our community have donated items for the sale. In addition you will find hardware and household items from Do it Best Corp. at great prices. There will be lots of spring merchandise to help you with your outdoor activities and projects.

We have the merchandise and a great location. The indoor location makes it easy to shop regardless of weather conditions. We need your help in making this year’s garage sale a success.

Be sure to bring your family or friends to the event. There should be something for everyone. It will take a semi trailer to deliver all of the items to this sale. It was not unusual for people to be at last year’s sale for hours and return on the second day. The expanded hours this year will give you more opportunities to shop.

We will have door prizes, games, raffle items, and of course the bake sale. On Friday and Saturday there will be food items available for purchase. Mark your calendar so you do not miss this event. A Garage Sale Extravaganza for a Great Cause. Come join in the fun. We are looking forward to seeing you this year.

The PAPER ESCAPE

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YOUR AD COULD “BEE” HERE! Call Now To Advertise In The Sauk Valley Sun. Great Rates -

Sauk Valley Sun is published monthly by DayByDay Media, LLC. - 459 IL Rte. 2, Dixon, IL 61021. Publishers are Kenneth and Katie Hauck.

Please contact us with any questions at sauksun@gmail.com

Total Market Coverage!!

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New Company... Same Excellent Service

Eric Bird Broker/Owner 815-973-6768

Great Traffic Count!

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Acreage & Location!

Header

Approx. 28,095 sq ft bldg located on US Rt. 30 in Rock Falls. Used as a bowling center & includes all lanes & bowling equipment currently on site. Good condition & lots potential uses. Ample parking.

Great traffic count and location. $270,000 MLS # 118128

114.68 acres in Clinton TWP, Dekalb County. Approximately 112.1 acres tillable with Class A soils & frontage on Lee and Leland Roads. Co-listed with Total Realty. Priced at $8,982 per acre, open for 2012 crop year. $1,030,000 MLS # 118152

Freshly painted & ready for you and your family! 3 beds, 1 3/4 baths, separate large family room all on the back 9 of Rock River Golf & Pool. Call Jo to view!

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Nice 4 bedroom ranch home in quiet edge of town - Sterling. Many features including 2 car attached garage plus 1.5 garage w/ 8”6’ garage door. Newer roof, windows, open kitchen/family room make this home A MUST SEE! $129,900 MLS # 118447

So much to offer! 3 beds, 1 3/4 bath, 3 garage stalls, huge lot and so many updates. A must see - In Walnut!

Call Jo to view!

If you are looking for space in a great location, take a look at this 4-5 bedroom with living room plus family room in lower level. The 2 car insulated garage is heated with newer door and even cable. $99,900 MLS # 118587

Attention Investors! This is not a drive by. Come take a look! 3 bedrooms, newer roof & flooring. Call Jo for details.

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Don’t miss looking at this 5 acre property with home, 3 car garage, outbuilding with corn crib in a great NW Sterling location not far from Lakeview Golf course. Newer roof & windows. Neat features - Take A Look! $134,900 MLS # 118323

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Sauk Valley Sun

Bright Beginnings Christian Daycare & Preschool

What Are Your Kids Doing This Summer?

SUMMERCAMP

Page 3

John A. Haglund - Financial Advisor 735 N. Galena Ave - Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 285-3930

You’ve got until April 17 to contribute to your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) for the 2011 tax year. That’s not a lot of time, but if you have some money available, and you haven’t completely funded your IRA for 2011, consider doing so before the deadline. And once you’ve “maxed out” on your IRA for last year, why not get a jump on 2012?

Where Love,

Actually, you could have started contributing to your 2012 IRA as early as Jan. 2. In fact, if you can get into the habit of fully funding your IRA each January, you’ll give your money 15 extra months of growth potential, as opposed to waiting until mid-April of the following year. If you factor in all the years you’ll be contributing to your IRA before you retire, those extra months of growth opportunities, repeated over decades, could end up providing you with a fair amount of extra cash when you start tapping into your IRA at retirement.

Education & Christianity

Call For Details. Limited Availability.

Early IRA Funding Can Pay Off Over Time

Meet

1033 Franklin Grove Rd-Dixon (815) 285-1033 PROFESSIONAL HEARING & AUDIOLOGY CLINICS CELEBRATES 60 YEARS IN PRACTICE Dixon, IL Professional Hearing & Audiology Clinics are proud to announce their 60th year in business.

The practice was founded by Donald R. Kleindl, Sr., BC-HIS in 1952, and now, 60 years later, has grown to be one of the nation’s oldest and largest family owned clinics. Today the practice is overseen by his son, Donald R. Kleindl II, BC-HIS, ACA, MCAP. Donald R. Kleindl II, BC-HIS, ACA, MCAP said, “Our Company’s mission is to provide the hearing impaired the best hearing rehabilitation available. Our services are provided by Audiologists, Audioprosthologists, and Hearing Instrument Specialists equipped with the education and experience needed to offer expert care.”

In honor of their 60th Anniversary, Professional Hearing & Audiology Clinics are offering courtesy hearing examinations now through April 30, 2012. They can be contacted at (815) 288-1111.

Of course, you may not find it all that easy to come up with the full IRA contribution amount at one time. (In 2012, you can put up to $5,000 into a Roth or traditional IRA, or $6,000 if you’re 50 or older.) But if you look at your entire financial picture, you may be able to think of some resources. Here are a few suggestions: •Put your tax refund to work. In 2011, the average tax refund was about $3,000, according to the IRS. If you received that amount in 2012, and you applied it toward your IRA, you would already have met half the contribution limit (if you are 50 or older) or more than half (if you’re younger than 50).

•Take advantage of interest payments or dividends. If you own income-producing investments, you may find that they can help you fund your IRA early. For example, if you own dividend-paying stocks, and you don’t typically reinvest the dividends, consider putting some of these funds into your IRA. (Keep in mind, though, that stocks can reduce or discontinue dividends at any time). And you can do the same thing with any interest payments you receive from bonds.

•Put other “windfalls” into your IRA. If you receive a windfall, such as a bonus from your employer or a gift of cash, think about putting it into your IRA. If none of these options present themselves, and you can’t afford to write out a big check to fund your IRA very early in the year, do the best you can to reach the contribution limit as soon as possible. To make this happen, consider setting up a monthly automatic transfer from your checking or savings account into your IRA. Even if you were to divide these transfers into 15 equal payments totaling $5,000 (or $6,000 if you’re 50 or older), you would still be funding your IRA more quickly than if you would have scrambled to contribute in the last few months before the tax filing deadline.

No matter when you do it, fully funding your IRA is a great way to help build resources for retirement. But the earlier, the better — so do whatever you can to beat that tax deadline each year.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by local Financial Advisor, John Haglund.

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Page 4

Kelly’s

by Nancy Nesyto-Freske

Whole Lot Of Fun!

218 Locust St - Sterling 625-7969 or 625-9720 Jill Horn Independent Distributor Dixon, IL (815) 441-3959

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Restaurant Hours: Monday - Thursday 11am-9pm Friday 11am-10pm Saturday 10am-10pm Bar Hours Monday - Saturday 8am-1am Closed Sunday

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Sauk Valley Sun

Yoga With Nancy

Featuring Fine Mexican Food & American Favorites

A Little Bit Of Irish...A

This new monthly column will be all about improving your health through Yoga.

But first, I would like to clarify some things about Yoga. It seems there are quite a few misconceptions about what Yoga is about. So, let’s clear the air.

1. Is Yoga a religion?

No, Yoga is an ancient practice that helps to bring peace and clarity to a person through breath and movement, which in turn helps to calm the mind.

2. I’m not flexible, I can’t do Yoga.

Unfortunately, we often see young women portrayed on the front of Yoga magazines in poses that we feel are impossible. That is not reality. The goal of Yoga is not to twist yourself into a pretzel, but to be in a pose, no matter how small, and feel calm in your body, your breath and your mind.

3. I’m too old to do Yoga.

Most of my clients are over the age of 50, with the majority of them being in their 60s. I’ve even taught a woman who was 94 years old! My classes are gentle, the movements are small, making them accessible to people of all shapes, sizes and abilities.

4. Yoga is too hard.

Unfortunately many people in the West use Yoga as a form of exercise. There are Yoga boot camps, there is hot yoga and all sorts of hybrids. That was not the original intention of Yoga postures. The postures were really only to help the body move in such ways so it would be comfortable sitting for long hours in meditation – not to have a sculpted body.

5. I have shoulder/back/hip/knee (or other) pain, I can’t do Yoga.

Whether you have back pain or fibromyalgia, hip pain or cancer, finding a therapeutic Yoga teacher can bring great relief to your daily movement. The key is in the teacher and the type of Yoga she or he teaches. A “regular” Yoga class may certainly not be appropriate for you. Find a teacher who is knowledgeable about helping you get out of pain, and stay out of pain. This is also where Yoga can be a great complementary practice if you see a physical therapist, chiropractor or massage therapist to help you with your condition.

Hopefully this article has helped to answer some of your concerns about Yoga.

If you have any additional questions about Yoga and your health, please contact Nancy at nancy@dixonyoga.com.

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Sauk Valley Sun

}

Page 5

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Did you know SAUK offers FREE Adult Education Services?

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GED, ABE and ESL classes offered at convenient times and locations Tutoring is available through Project VITAL (Volunteers in Tutoring Adult Literacy)

New Students and Tutors are welcomed!

For more information check out our website at svcc.edu or call 815.835.6312 or 815.835.6241

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Page 6

   

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Sauk Valley Sun

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LESS THAN AN HOUR FROM ROCKFORD ON 30 ACRES

Monte is not your average therapist. Her quest to help her clients relieve stress, deal with addictions, and find inner peace takes them both down a different path.

Monte is a psychiatric nurse with a B.S.N., is a counselor, and has worked in the ER doing psych assessments, worked in forensics at a high-security prison for eight years, in addiction services at a local facility and many other areas of mental health.

Monte is a Reiki Master, teaches all four levels and does chakra treatments and readings. She also does Myofascial Therapy (a physical therapy that works with connective tissue). She has been personally taught by, and worked with, John F. Barnes, who started this therapy 48 years ago. Monte is also an Ericksonian Hypnotherapist. She uses it to help her patients lose weight, quit smoking, and deal with phobias. This training led her to study Brian Weiss’ work, and she has been doing Past Life Regression for several years.

She also does personal and couples therapy.

Monte offers a free tour of the Center to anyone who would like to call and make an appointment:

MONTE RAE FAIVRE 815-456-2646 We are located at 201 W. Stone Barn Rd. (a dead end) Franklin Grove, IL 61031 (call for directions)

Proud Member Of The Dixon Chamber Of Commerce

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES! Our technicians have over 20 years combined experience serving Dixon and the Sauk Valley area’s computer technology, networking needs, & much more!

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Sauk Valley Sun

Page 7

www.thedixondentist.com

815-284-1995 I Believe I Can Fly...A Little

By Chuck Miller

A

t the age of fifty-five and far exceeding the AMA’s “ideal weight for height” guidelines, joining our church basketball team seemed a silly idea. My older brother Jim had signed up so there was a saving grace that I wouldn’t be the oldest player on the court. Yet, after seven weeks I have become the eighth best man in Baptist Bobcats history.

I managed to survive week one without any embarrassment or cardiac arrest. Week two I took a hard foul from Father Time as I pulled a calf muscle. My wife Andrea (who runs half marathons just for kicks!) was readily available with simple words of advice. Number one, “You need to start stretching”. Number two, “Stretching for your morning yawn doesn’t count”. Andrea was right (please don’t tell her, I’ll never hear the end of it), and I’m back to 100%.

The Bobcats are lead by our center, Pastor Bunyan Cocar. He is one of the best centers I’ve ever met, but also one of the best individuals I’ve ever met as well. The rest of the team resembles a picture of a family reunion, all ages, all sizes, and even everyone’s favorite girl cousin Natalie. Don’t let the pretty face fool you, she can really play the game!

We’ve won more games than we’ve lost and my toes outnumber my combined point total. Hey Jim, pass me the rock!

I was thinking during the warm-ups of the first game why I was trying to recapture my youth. Now as the season draws to a close I realize it won’t happen. I have however captured more than I could have imagined. The friends and camaraderie of being part of a team. The good kind of tired your body gets after physical activity and the pure exhilaration of playing a game you love. GO BOBCATS!

Puff…Puff…Quit!

Whiteside County Health Department, along with CGH Health Foundation, wants you to consider making 2012 the year YOU quit smoking.

Making a plan to quit smoking is the single most important thing that you can do for yourself.

Register for a smoking cessation class taught by a certified tobacco treatment specialist. Together we can create YOUR plan for quitting.

The key to success is good planning.

Classes are held at 6:30 p.m. the third Monday of the month at Whiteside County Health Department, 1300 W. Second St., Rock Falls.

To register or for more information, please call: (815) 625-0400, ext. 5716.

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Page 8

DIXON

DIXON

Immanuel Lutheran Church ELCA - Pastor Frank Langhoff 1013 Franklin Grove Road.

(815) 284-2804 Saturday Service at 5:30 p.m.

Sunday Services at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.

Immanueldixon.org

Sauk Valley Sun

local churches STERLING

Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church LCMS - Pastor David Andermann 2035 IL Rt. 26 N (815) 284-4554 Sundays Service at 9 a.m.

The Big Red Church Pastor Jeff Coester 311 2nd Ave. (815) 625-5112 Sunday School 9 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10 a.m.

Tuesday Prayer Mtg 6 pm Tuesday Bible Study 7 pm

STERLING

Abiding Word Church Pastor Scott Porter 806 E. Lynn Blvd.

(815) 626-1827 Saturday Service at 6:00 p.m.

Sunday Services at 10:00 a.m. abidingwordchurch.org

Want to see your church listed? Only $99 per year. Call 815-888-4403.

www.BrandywineDixon.com

441 IL Rte. 2 - Dixon

Mother’s Day Brunch Sunday, May 13th The Brandywine 441 IL Rte 2 Dixon, IL 815-284-8484

For More Details Visit: www.BrandywineDixon.com

Other Upcoming Events At The Brandywine Dixon Municipal Band Fundraiser Save The Date - May 18th, 2012 Ticket requests and event information inquiries should be directed to Cathy at 815/622-1681 or cathyjames76@yahoo.com

Sauk Valley Sun

Singles Of Sauk

I’ll Bet You Didn’t Know!

I sure didn’t! What company in our area manufactures very specialized equipment that it ships not only to 42 universities, 35 zoos, 7 aquariums, 2 museums, and others in the U.S. (actual count 145), but also to 22 foreign countries from Canada to New Zealand? It also partners with a growing number of research, exotic animal and marine mammal facilities around the world!

Can you guess what kind of business it is if I tell you that some of its products are leg poles, dorsal padded props, tie loops, looped hobble sets and removable cutouts? I’ll give you a hint - when the famed race horse Barbaro broke a leg they used one of these products in an effort to save him. Another hint what can you use to restrain a 2,000 pound bull so that you can lay it on its side to operate on it? One more hint - a customer in Dubai uses two of the products for their million dollar racing camels. Still haven’t guessed? It’s Shank’s Veterinary Equipment Inc., in Milledgeville!

This business started in 1957 as the Shank Machine Company. It was purchased by Mark and Alvin Dettman in 1989 and was moved to a 2,500 square foot facility in this little town of 900. But it has grown substantially since then, and a new 20,000 square foot facility was built in 2004. They manufacture four basic surgery tables with numerous customized and standard accessories and enlarged their product line in 2004 to include heavy duty stall doors, gates, stocks, transfer carts, foam pads as well as a number other products. Mark commented, “We customize a lot of things.” Some of their tables have set the standard for the treatment of large animals. Their customers include the Stables of the Crown Prince in Saudi Arabia and the Animal Health Trust in England whose most important patron is Queen Elizabeth! But their main concern is the treatment of large animals here in the United States.

Shank’s is concerned with both the economy and the environment in that it makes a determined effort to buy only components that are produced in the United States and the air in the facility is processed through an intensive filtration system and recycled through the work area.

Wow! I was impressed! A business that is known around the world, strives to support the U.S. economy and is concerned about our environment!

I didn’t know that!

By Carol Chandler

Page 9

S.O.S.

Mission Statement: To encourage and create a safe singles gathering in a friendly environment for fellowship and wholesome activities.

Location & Events Always Changing!

All Ages Welcome!

Check out www.saukchurch.com Or Call Linda at 815-631-1541 or Dave at 815-719-5083

An Affordable Assisted Lifestyle Community For The Older Adult Of All Income Levels!

2205 Oak Grove Ave. Sterling, IL For More Information Call Diane At 815-625-7045

Autobody Repair, Estimates, Insurance, Paintless Dent Removal, 24 Hr. Towing, Courtesy Pick Up, Customer Satisfaction www.slimnhanks.com

Sterling 625-1851 Dixon 288-3211

Page 10

Art is the word in Downtown Dixon

Sauk Valley Sun

street beat

Upcoming Event & Activities In Dixon

by Josh Albrecht

Over the course of the last few years, the downtown Dixon art scene has exploded with an array of opportunities. From the Next Picture Show hosting monthly art openings to the Second Saturdays group hosting their Art Happenings throughout the downtown each month, our local art scene is thriving.

Public Arts Project -- Art-Cycle One of the latest art adventures in the downtown is coming this May. Dixon Main Street and Second Saturdays are teaming up for a Public Arts Project titled “Art-Cycle”. This project will call upon local artists, groups, and businesses to create their own art creation out of old bicycles. Thanks to a partnership with Green River Adventure Sports in downtown Dixon, DMS and SS have plenty of great old-school and new-school bikes for our artists to transform. The bikes will be displayed around Downtown Dixon from May 12 to June 9, after which the bikes will be auctioned off at the June SS Street Fair on June 9. Proceeds from the auction will help to support Second Saturdays events and activities. Prizes will be awarded to First, Second and Third Place and a special category for the Sweetest Ride. Deadline to sign-up and get your bike is April 30. If you are interested in being a part of this great Public Art Project, contact the DMS office at 815-288-2308.

Art with Flavor Another event for art enthusiasts will be on Saturday, April 28 at the Crystal Cork will host the first Art with Flavor art auction event. Starting at 7 p.m., the evening will feature an elegant meal by Basil Tree Ristorante, wine and beer tastings by the Crystal Cork and an auction featuring work by local and regional artists. Each guest will also receive a $100 art voucher for the auction.

Art With Flavor will be a unique evening focused on highlighting great food and great art, all the while raising funds for Shining Star, Dixon Main Street and the Dixon Riverfront. Tickets for the event will be $100 per person. Attendees will not only have great dinner and drinks, but each guest will receive a $100 auction voucher for the night, too. With only 48 tickets available, early reservations are encouraged. Reservations can be made by calling Dixon Main Street at 288-2308, The Crystal Cork at 285-3496, or Trein’s Jewelry at 284-6626.

Other Dixon Main Street Events ...

April 11 -- 5th Annual Founders’ Day Celebration at the Dixon Historic Center will highlight Dixon’s heritage with a program on local history. DMS will name this year’s McAlpine Award for downtown revitalization and the Langan Award for Excellence in Local Historic Preservation. And back again this year will be the Soup and Sandwich dinner catered by Fern’s Cafe. The dinner will be served from 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. and is a $10 donation. Proceeds from the dinner will go to support the John Dixon Statue Project. Following the dinner, the awards and program will begin at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free for those only wishing to attend the program.

During the evening, the Historic Center exhibits will be open for the public to view.

April 27-28 -- Save the date for Dixon’s Spring City-Wide Garage Sales event sponsored by Sauk Valley Properties. The sales will be from 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. both days. To register a sale, cost is $20 and includes a 20 word listing and placement on the sales map. Forms can be picked up at Waterfront Gifts, Books on First or Dixon Main Street. For more information, call 815-288-2308.

Around the Community ...

April -- The Phidians will hold their 65th annual art show starting on Tuesday, April 3, at the Loveland Community Building. Come check out the great artwork displayed through April 10.

April 10 - Dixon Riverfront and Lee County Council on Aging will host a luncheon with Dr. Rifaqat Khan on “Enhancing the Quality of Life after 50” from 11:30 a.m.

- 1:30 p.m. at the Post House Ballroom. Tickets are $8 in advance, $10 at the door. For more info, call Kay at 973-0931.

April 20 - The Expressions Art Sale and Reception is the first of two major fundraisers for the Sinnissippi Foundation, starting April 10, when art and silent auction items go on display at The Next Picture Show gallery, 113 West 1st Street in Dixon. The event concludes with an evening reception on Friday, April 20 at The Next Picture Show from 6 to 9 p.m.

April 21 -- Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center is planning their annual dinner for Saturday, April 21. It will be 6-10 p.m. at the Brandywine in Dixon. For details, call 288-4673.

May 4 -- The Dixon Chamber of Commerce will hold a Cinco de Mayo fiesta gala on Friday, May 4 at 6 p.m. at the Dixon Elks Lodge. The event will feature cocktails, dinner, dessert, live & silent auction. Business casual attire; $55 per person. RSVP by April 18 to the Chamber at 815-284-3361.

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Sauk Valley Sun

green living Eliminating Chemicals In Our Home

by Jill Horn

Earth Day is April 22nd so I thought I’d write about using safe cleaners and why this is important other than the obvious: chemicals in our home eventually end up in the Earth whether we use them or not. I also wonder about the safety of breathing in products that can’t be disposed of in a normal way (like throwing them in the garbage).

The chemicals many of us use to clean must be disposed of if unused at special drop off points.

I once listened to a CD with the speaker talking about how he moved into a Green Condominium. Before moving into the building, he had terrible allergies. After moving into the building, the allergies disappeared.

He said the allergies were the result of chemicals we use in our homes and chemicals that are in carpeting and furniture, just to name a few. I hear people all the time, tell me they have allergies or sinus problems. There are several things they can try besides over the counter medication (more chemicals). I usually recommend switching laundry detergent and also cleaning products.

Here is an alarming fact: 81,000 chemicals registered with the EPA in the last 30 years, and fewer than 20% have been tested for toxicity. Even fewer have been tested for their interaction with each other. I will tell you some of the results of that. Karen Sandifer has a five-year-old grandson who had terrible eczema for three years. A friend came in and washed everything he touched with safe laundry detergent made from corn and coconut and without phosphates. In two days, the eczema was gone. When the grandson visited a relative who washed his clothes in a store bought cleaner, the eczema returned. After rewashing the clothes in the safe detergent, the eczema disappeared again. You can draw your own conclusion.

The schools in Illinois have been mandated to use safer cleaners. There is a good reason for this. It has been shown that using toxic chemicals (like the wipes most classrooms still have) will cause children’s writing to look like the child has a learning disability. See example below.

Page 11

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An allergy to a cleaning product affected this 5 year olds printing:

I will list some of the area businesses that I know use at least some, if not all, of these healthier cleaners: Bright Beginnings Preschool, Vegas Tan, Back to Health Chiropractic, River’s Edge Inn, Sterling Township, Kreider Services Inc. and the Hope Life Center.

Another advantage to switching to some of these cleaners is they are usually concentrated and considerably less expensive than store brands. They use a lot less plastic since you mix the products with water and keep reusing spray bottles that won’t go into the landfill but are being reused. A good guidebook to switching over to brands that are safe is “Everything Goes With Green” by Sloan Barnett.

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THIRD WARMEST WINTER IN ILLINOIS

Sauk Valley Sun

By Jane Sheaffer

You’ve likely noticed this year the unusual and temperate winter we’ve had. The months of November, December, and January have, in fact, turned out to be the third warmest on record for Illinois. The average temperature for our state was 34.2 degrees. That temperature was 5.2 degrees above normal. Temperatures actually below freezing occurred in only a few places. The coldest, minus 6 degrees, was found in the northwest corner of the state in Galena and Elizabeth. Not only did the northern-most areas of Illinois have the coldest temperatures, they also were the snowiest during the month of February. Woodstock, Stockton, and Mt. Carroll all had snowfall greater than 27 inches. Two feet of snow sounds like a lot, but consider that snowfall was still only 50 to 75 percent of winter normals for many of our northern counties.

And how do we know all this? We know thanks to the folks at agencies such as the Illinois State Climatologist Office. They are the people who study climate for us.

They use historical data going back to the 1890s to understand past events and assist in planning research activities that allow us to learn about all sorts of weather related matters. Also, current climate conditions are monitored based on the data collected by people who are called “cooperative observers.” These people train with the National Weather Service to accurately collect specific weather data, using National Weather Service equipment. So, if you have a volunteer “cooperative observer” in your community, then you will have a record of your local weather on file with our state. Eventually, the results end up in the National Archives in Washington, DC. And why does any of this matter? Here’s what Dr. Jim Angel, our Illinois State Climatologist, says: “Variability and change are natural features of climate. However, there is growing concern about the threat of human-induced climate change. An understanding of past climate change in Illinois as well as potential future climate change using climate models is critical in determining the impacts on Illinois. Useful and accurate climate information will be important in addressing ongoing and new climate issues in Illinois.”

Since climate can dramatically vary throughout the state from region to region, town to country, back yard to front yard, and even foot to foot, and given that the state of Illinois spans 385 miles in length with five different plant hardiness designations, you might expect that averages for the whole state may not necessarily be significant to us state northerners. Unfortunately, Dixon has not had an official collection station for the last couple of years, and neither Sterling nor Rock Falls seem ever to have had a weather data volunteer, or “cooperative observer.” But based on data from other state collection sites, including our nearest site in Morrison, Dr. Angel was able to offer a few observations that are pertinent to our area as well as the state as a whole. See what you think. Have you made any of these same observations?

Dr. Angel says that there are now fewer days below 0 degrees. He says that we are having more uniformly severe weather as well as more moisture, not only in Illinois but also in the Midwest in general. In addition to more moisture, we are experiencing an increase in the number of days of high humidity. Although he does concur with other experts that there is a global warming trend, Dr. Angel says that over the last 100 years, Illinois residents are seeing only a .7 degree Fahrenheit rise in average temperatures, a very small but steady change. There doesn’t seem to be a trend in really hot days as with the 2 to 3 degree increases the West has seen, but finding a pattern of any kind is difficult, because from year to year, the conditions in Illinois are so changeable. In other words, perennial inconsistency is the norm.

He goes on to say, “Illinois has a highly variable climate that provides both opportunities and challenges. The climate is ideal for growing major crops and supports a wide range of economic activities. However, events such as heat waves, winter storms, drought, and floods can have a significant impact on the state economy, environment, and the health and safety of Illinois residents. Research indicates that our society is becoming more sensitive to weather and climate over time.”

There are two kinds of actual long-term change in our climate, Dr. Angel explained. There is natural climate change like the ice ages we’ve had in the past, sun variation, and random atmospheric cycles. These kinds of changes go on whether humans are on the planet or not. The second kind of climate change is the human induced kind. Our Illinois landscape used to be predominantly prairies, woodlands, and swamps but now it is soybeans and corn and urban concentrations. These landscape changes contribute to greenhouse gas creation and some of the negative climate changes we are now experiencing.

When asked what individuals and communities can do about global warming, he replied, “Regardless of your thoughts on greenhouse gasses, whether you consider them to be a serious detriment to our environment or not, why pay more for energy than you need to?” Dr. Angel suggests taking typical energy conserving steps such as being sure the windows and doors in buildings don’t leak air; providing structures with good insulation; driving fuel efficient cars; and utilizing alternative energies like geothermal, solar panels, and windmills whenever possible.

And while precise future conditions are impossible to predict because of numerous variables, including coming changes in our human culture that may influence climate either positively or negatively, we get some pretty reliable forecasts from weather people – and that is why we continue to consult with them.

AUTHOR’S NOTES: Data provided by the Illinois State Climatologist’s Office, a part of the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) located in Champaign and Peoria, Illinois, and on the web at www.isws.illinois.edu/atmos/statecli. If you would like to learn more from our state climatologist, Dr. Angel, go to his blog at http://climateillinois.wordpress.com.

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Sauk Valley Sun

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a tidbit about our writers...

Through the years we’ve only had poodles because I’m allergic to most dogs. I’m highly allergic to cats! The 13 year old poodle we have now was once a fluffy black adorable puppy! We named him Joey! A lady I ‘happened to’ speak to on the phone told me how to housebreak a dog & it worked so I’d like to pass this on! This will require someone being home every two hours to take the dog outside. If or when the dog does his or her thing, praise him. Don’t scold if they do nothing, just bring them back out in another two hours. If they have an accident, don’t scold, just pick them up & gently take them outside. Remind them “potty outside” or words similar to these. After you’re out there with the dog for a little while, bring them in and then in another two hours, take them out again. Remember if something gets accomplished while they’re outside, praise them! I hope this works for you and your dog as well as it did for Joey and me. Darlene Rego

Zander was our 75lb lap dog; a tender-hearted mixed breed who knew many tricks & wanted to be near you if you were sick or sad. He became crippled & in pain. In February we could not stand to take him to the vet so Randy went. When Zander got agitated Randy asked him the question from his favorite trick, “Zander, would you rather be a cat, or be dead?” Zander calmly laid his head down, stretched his legs out and went peacefully to sleep. Jeff Coester

I live on a 13 acre hobby farm in rural Sublette. We have 25 chickens, 4 horses, 4 ducks, 6 guinea fowl, 3 goats (one will have kids in May) and 7 cats, along with our dog, Sophie. Sophie is a 12 year old English Lab, we adopted when she was 10 months old. She was going to be an arson dog, but she had some “excitement” issues, so she came to live with us. Out of the above “pets” on the farm, mine are an 11-year old Light Brahma hen named Laura, and a 12-year old Oberhasli goat named Luna. All of our animals are allowed to roam on the property. Even the horses and goats are kept out on pasture with the barn for shelter. They are not kept in stalls. The chickens can go just about anywhere (except the garden).

Nancy Nesyto-Freske The first few years of our marriage, my husband and I must have been flying under the radar. For the past 19 years, however, we’ve had a myriad of ill, neglected, abused, abandoned, and/or homeless animals entwine themselves in our lives. Some have died in our arms, been welcomed into other households, or moved on for their own unrevealed reasons. Many have stayed. Currently we have 8 cats, one dog, and a fish, all of whom, except for the fish, chose us. Jane Sheaffer

This is a pic of me, and our family dog Reagan. Reagan is a Yorkshire Terrier. He is 8 years old. When my daughters were little, they wanted a dog. I told them, that I didn’t want an ‘inside’ dog, because of shedding, and hair everywhere. Well, my daughters were smart, and did their studying on the internet. They found that Yorkshire Terriers don’t shed like other dogs, leaving hair everywhere, but shed much like a human. Being a man of my word, we started our search. We found Reagan at a pet store in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, and took a Sunday afternoon trip 8 years ago. Reagan is a feisty little guy, and yes, he is named after Ronald Reagan! ;) Scott Porter This picture shows my two dogs, Kelpie &Shady Lady on the right. Unfortunately, my Kelpie died two years ago, but Shady is still with me at age 17 & my cat Maya is 19, but thinks that she is ten! All are rescued animals & have brought much joy into my life. I encourage anyone who wants unconditional love to go to a shelter and rescue an animal. My animals think that they are the lucky ones, but I know that I really am. Carol Chandler I have a 4 year old Shih Tzu. His name is Bradley. He very rarely barks even though we live on Barker Ave. here in Dixon...lol. His big assets are his great sense of smell and he has quick reflexes.

When we cut his hair, he looks about half his size and he gets self-conscious about it.:) Brad Monson

Though I am an animal lover, I am much too self absorbed to maintain a pet. I once had a pet rock that ran away after two weeks due to neglect.” Chuck Miller

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IT’S A DOG’S LIFE Hi everybody. I’m Joe. They call me Joey around here. I’m a dog. I think the easiest way to tell you about me is to give you a quick look at my typical morning. This morning started when I woke up, as all my mornings do. As quick as I could I ran to look for Daddy. He’s the old guy that lives here. I wanted to give him one of my pitiful puppy-dog looks, so he would feel sorry for me, and give me a cookie. I usually don’t get my cookie until I’ve gone outside. Well, wouldn’t you know it, just as I spotted Daddy, I heard Mommy calling me. Mommy’s the old gal that lives here. She said that I need to go outside first, then I can have my cookie. I was very disappointed and quite disgusted, but....being the obedient dog that I am, I very slowly walked to the door where Mommy was waiting for me. She hooked me up, and I went outside. But....little did she know, when I was just out of her sight, I laid very still and simply looked around at the day before me. When I thought I had used up a sufficient amount of time, I scambled to the door. Mommy then unhooked me, and said I was such a good boy..(little does she know). She tried to cuddle me then, but I had no time for cuddling. After all, Daddy was waiting with my cookie.

I scarfed down that cookie, then I had a big drink of water. Then, of course, I needed to go outside. When I came in Mommy was so proud. We even cuddled. I’ll sit on Daddy’s lap later, and who knows, I may even get another cookie. Yep, it’s a dogs life, and I love it.

By Darlene Rego

Page 14

Local Talent!

Sauk Valley Sun

Centerstage Dance Studio is well into their 2011-2012 dance season with both recreational and competitive dancers. In February, the competitive dancers attended a Tribute Regional Talent Competition in University Park, IL. Centerstage entering 39 routines with all numbers receiving points high enough for Gold and Platinum awards. The duet “The One That I Want” performed by Logan Moeller and Brooklyn Fritts-Lachat received 1st Overall for the Petite duo/trio category winning $100. A Small Group Jazz routine “Make It Shine” taught by Cheryl Moeller won 1st Overall in the Junior Small Group category taking home $125. “Wikked Little Girls” choreographed by Nikki Spindean-Meagher took home 1st Overall in the Teen Small Group, with winnings of $125. Nikki also had “River Deep” with 21 dancers on stage that won 1st in the Line division with $150. Cheryl Moeller received a choreography award for a Clogging entry to “Hit Me With Your Best Shot”. The crowd was in tears as the Schaefer family (Lance & Kathleen) of Dixon was surprised with a $900 cash award titled “A Tribute To My Parents”. Essays written by both daughters, Anna & Abbey, can be viewed on the website for Tribute National Talent www.tributetodance.com. The dancers represented the studio very well in a number of events against some very creative Chicago area dance studios. Kayla Bowlin, Anna Schaefer, Lynae Merdian, and Molly Jacobson all earned a “Supreme First” award for their solos. Two of the studio’s small groups also were awarded this placement. You may see the Centerstage trailer around town. It travels to all competitions hauling numerous large and small dance props. It is pulled by Matt Moeller. This year prop/stage crew is Brian Blackbourn, Jim Shuck, Corey masters, Lance Schaefer and Matt Moeller. The dancers also attended Hollywood Connection Dance Convention in Wheeling, IL the first weekend in March. This dance company is based out of Hollywood, CA and gives dancers the opportunity to take two full days of classes from some of the best choreographers and dance teachers in the business. Many of the dancers also prequalified for the opportunity to travel to California this summer to audition for representation by a talent agent. Some of the highlights for the weekend were: VIP AWARD: Jenna Pitman & Dakota Shuck Earned one free convention weekend during the 2013 season. STARDOM AWARD: Mekenzie Harden Tuition for 2012 National Finals will be paid. HC DANCER AWARD: Kayla Bowlin & Mariza Trancoso. Will assist with all classes and perform at the Wrap Party at next year’s convention. ICON AWARD RUNNER-UP: Sesily Gaffey, Mariza Trancoso, Lynae Merdian, Molly Jacobson, Kayla Bowlin. These dancers are eligible to compete for the Hollywood ICON of the Year at National Finals. WORLD STILLETTO ENTERTAINMENT: Anna Schaefer, Molly Jacobson, Lynae Merdian, Mariza Trancoso.

This award allows chosen dancers the opportunity to be seen by the Stiletto casting supervisor as well as the possibility for a six-month contract at sea. MAKEOVER AWARD: AnaMarie Augustyn, Allie Betz. Will receive a photo shoot at Nationals with top photographer, Erik Hyler. CREATING OPPORTUNITIES ELITE AWARD: Molly Jacobson, Mariza Trancoso, Anna Schaefer. These dancers will have the opportunity to participate in an intensive workshop with choreographers to further develop their dance careers. LA LAKER GIRLS: Anna Schaefer, Molly Jacobson, Lynae Merdian, Mariza Trancoso. Qualified for the possibility to audition for Los Angeles Laker Girls director, Lisa Estrada. FAME AWARD: Kayla Bowlin, Anna Schaefer, Molly Jacobson, Lynae Merdian, and Mariza Trancoso. Will audition for representation with DDO Artists Agency. The dancers will also be attending Legacy Talent Competition’s Regional Event in Madison, WI at the end of March with hope of bringing home more awards. Team Teachers at Centerstage are Cheryl Moeller, Nikki Spinden-Meagher, Janelle VanWassenhove and Heidi Hernandez.

Facts & Beginnings

by Marty Thomas

THE REEL DEAL - With the early arrival of spring, a person’s fancy turns to dreams of sitting on a placid body of water and tossing a line into the depths of it in anticipation of what may be dangling on the end of a hook. What we don’t give consideration to is the advancements that have been made in field of fishing and how long it has had to progress, especially in casting equipment. It was during the second century AD, the Chinese invented the crank handle so it is not so surprising that in the third century they developed a small windlass. This invention is depicted in a painting titled “Angler on a Wintery Lake” by Ma Yaun, a Chinese artist, dating about 1195 AD and is considered the oldest surviving picture showing use of a fishing reel and the painting clearly shows it usage. Interestingly enough, there is no depiction known of the use of a fishing reel in the West before the middle of the 17th century. In the book, Lives of Famous Immortals, of which parts of this book have been dated to 35 BC, they refer to the fishing reel. This means that the reel could be older than the book itself. If that were not enough, a forerunner of the fishing reel is mentioned as early as 320 BC in a book on warrior-philosophers. The original reel was used in warfare by the Mohist, developers of many wartime innovations. As the javelin, a popular wartime weapon was considered so valuable, they were retrieved for reuse by use of a windless and a chord which was attached to the javelin as opposed to leaving them imbedded their opponent’s chest. The fishing reel made an interesting journey from a warlike item to one that symbolizes a peaceful pastime.

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Sauk Valley Sun

“Still Waiting For Winter”

by Jane Sheaffer

Page 15

green scene

“Is it winter yet? For months now, I swear my grass has remained green. The snow shovel stands idle most of the time, saving our resident snow shoveler’s back from ache. I have been spared the typical winter nosedives to the ground while we have had mud where there should have been ice and frozen ground. I’ve needed to wear my “good-to-20-below zero” coat only once or twice. February has come and gone, and the flu season has not yet begun. Recently, I have stood outside in only shirtsleeves, and although the wind was often blowing, it was above 80 degrees for several days in March. One can’t help but be glad about this unexpected ease, of course. In spite of the strong winds, all in all, it’s hard to know if we’ve really had a winter. I guess we can feel lucky! Or can we?

It may be difficult to imagine after the relatively easy season we’ve had that there really is a price to pay for enjoying a more comfortable northern Illinois winter of higher temperatures and lack of snowfall. Continuing to hope for that ease is tempting. And we may have a similar winter again next year - with typically variable Illinois weather, we just don’t know. While there may be positive aspects, we will undoubtedly pay some kind of price for continued winter mildness.

As insects redistribute themselves in conjunction with climate changes, we may be faced with new types of risks to the health of our landscapes, gardens, and commercial crops with an increase in undesirable insect populations. Some pests, such as Japanese beetles, need plenty of consecutive days of freezing temperatures to kill their upcoming generation. The recent appearance of bagworms on trees and shrubs in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin is another case in point.

Eggs of iris borers and fungal disease spores are also able to over-winter more successfully, and warmer temperature can encourage earlier than usual emergence of certain destructive insect species. On the other hand, greater populations of beneficial insect pollinators will also be surviving.

Both desirable and undesirable plant species that do well in a particular area may no longer flourish or even survive, while those acclimated to warmer or cooler temperatures may expand their populations to new locations. As is happening this year in our area, when warm temperatures cause fruit bearing trees to bud and flower before mid April, the final frost-free date, the entire crop of fruit can be ruined if there are freezing temperatures again.

Shorter or greater snowfall levels can impact the level of ground water. Springtime plants that we have been growing here for years can be stressed at the time when they need their energy to grow. Some of our Illinois ecological systems such as bogs and White Cedar fens require cool, moist conditions to thrive. We may lose these rarities along with the wildlife that inhabit them in consistently warmer and drier conditions.

However, should their habitat endure, greater numbers of animals can survive warmer winters, and if our winters continue to be mild, we could see an increase in certain wildlife populations. Climate change of any kind can have a negative impact on migration timing for birds, affecting their life cycle and even their survival.

More and more, as we are forced to examine not only the impact climate has on us but also the impact we have on our climate, our universities and scientists who study plants, insects, and wildlife will warrant greater support. As the U.S. and other nations invest more in renewable energy sources, we can reduce carbon emissions, control water consumption and pollution, deforestation, and other detrimental influences by being conscientious and informed consumers. We can reduce, reuse, and recycle relentlessly. We can use our voting power and insist on a clean environment and sustainable energy policies from our legislators. We can re-learn some aspects of gardening, and create innovative accommodations for wildlife. Changing the dates of annual tulip, maple syrup, and other seasonal festivals may be necessary. If April showers come in March, then May flowers will come in April, and our colloquialisms will need amending. And, we can learn to appreciate how all the components of nature fit together. It’s simply a matter of adaptive re-visioning.

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Are you planning on expansion into the vibrant and growing Sauk Valley area?

So, the next time you find yourself cursing frigid temperatures, snowy days, and wall-shaking gales, remember that these temporary discomforts are all instrumental in creating a healthy winter climate for established plant, animal, and human life. A robust winter contributes to a functioning, balanced environment.

We humans are part of that environment and, like it or not, we rely on all the inconvenient aspects of it to provide the ultimate contents of our cupboards and the nourishment on our dinner plates.

AUTHOR’S NOTE: To read my interview with our state climatologist, please see “Third Warmest Illinois Winter“ elsewhere in this issue. I would like to thank the following for their contributions: Dr. John Hilty, host of www.illinoiswildflowers.info; Michael E. Gray, Department of Crop Sciences, University of Illinois; Dr. James Angel, Illinois State Climatologist; Illinois State Water Survey at www.isws.illinois.edu; and Illinois County Extension employees at http://web.extension.illinois.edu.

For a complete list of resources, contact me at GreenSceneColumn@gmail.com.

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Sauk Valley Sun

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