Living
Illinois Valley
Spring 2019
Bearing ‘witness’ to a historic tree
Bureau County’s pioneers beheld it, and so can today’s residents of the Illinois Valley
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Living
We need a little spring, right this very minute
Illinois Valley
Haul out the baseball gloves, bicycles, garden hose, and spirit of adventure. The long-awaited season of spring has finally arrived. For survivors of the rough and tumble Winter of 2018-19, it comes none too soon. Begone, sub-zero temperatures and white-out conditions. Go away, snow drifts and icy storms. Get lost, static electricity and dry skin. We’re ready to trade the polar vortex for the solar vortex. Welcome, red, red robins who come bob, bob, bobbin’ along. Good to see you, crocuses and wildflowers. Glad you’re here, longer days and sunnier skies. Illinois Valley Living magazine celebrates the arrival of spring, with its day trips, bicycle rides, green grass, tulips, daffodils, dandelions, trips to the park, and visits to local attractions. We’re ready to put Groundhog Day behind us in favor of Opening Day, Earth Day and Mother’s Day. After a winter like this, we need a little spring, don’t we? Here’s hoping this edition helps to put a little spring in your step. — Jim Dunn, Editor and general manager, Illinois Valley Living magazine
PUBLISHER Dan Goetz EDITOR, GENERAL MANAGER Jim Dunn PAGE DESIGN Jim Dunn PUBLISHED BY The Bureau County Republican 526 S. Bureau Valley Parkway, Suite F Princeton, Illinois 61356 815-875-4461
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Pioneers saw it; so should you Put a trip to visit the Witness Tree in western Bureau County on your list Story & Photos By Goldie Rapp For Illinois Valley Living Brush off the winter blues this season and take a short road trip to witness one of Bureau County’s real historic gems. The Witness Tree, a burr oak, is older than the Declaration of Independence. It’s said to be more than 250 years old and still standing strong. It’s located about three and one-half miles south of Mineral. In the village, head south on County Road 10. The tree is on left side just before the intersection at 1300 North Avenue. What’s its story? When the railroad was being built in Mineral, the Witness Tree was used as a “witness” point or reference. The tree also sits on the old Sauk Fox trail, and said to be the meeting place for Chief Shabbona and the Fox and Sauk tribes. The tree was gifted to the Bureau County Soil and Water Conservation District by the Merl Heise Family.
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Granville’s Jim Wall is pictured with some of his finely detailed hardwood sculptures. In 2018 the center sculpture, titled “Beyond the Reflection,” earned Wall the “Best Sculpture” award at the Omni for the Arts show in Ottawa; the “Best of Show” award at the Valley Carvers Association’s annual show held at Starved Rock State Park; and a top-three finish at an international show in Iowa.
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Finding beauty within the wood Sculptor Jim Wall has taken his carving into the realm of impressionistic fine art Story & Photos By Dave Cook For Illinois Valley Living GRANVILLE — Wood is the medium in which he works, and carving is the method, but make no mistake about it, Jim Wall is a finely skilled artist. He began carving ducks in the early 1990s with the late Charles Bray of Ottawa as his friend and mentor. One of the most valuable skills Bray taught Wall was how to use the wood itself to compliment the overall look of the piece. After carving ducks for many years, Wall was eventually drawn to more stylized and abstract work. “It was a big change to go from ducks to the abstract and impressionistic, but I wanted to do
something different and branch out. I’ve found my niche,” Wall said. Before his recent, award-winning abstract works are mentioned further, it should be known that Wall’s ducks aren’t simple decoytype of carvings. They’re beautifully finished pieces with intricate and flowing details that are enhanced by the wood’s natural warmth and grain. “A duck usually takes me about 40 hours to complete,” he said. His noteworthy abstract sculpture, titled “Beyond the Reflection,” was inspired by an unusual reflection that was cast onto his wall. He competed in three carving and art shows with it in 2018. He placed in the top three at an international show in Iowa; was awarded “Best Sculpture” at the Omni for the Arts show in Ottawa; and earned the “Best of Show” award at the Valley Carvers Association’s annual show held at Starved Rock State Park.
”Beyond the Reflection” is carved from a single piece of walnut and was inspired by a reflection cast onto a wall. The narrow clearances between the flowing elements of this sculpture are part of what helped it earn multiple awards for Jim Wall in 2018.
That he competed against hundreds of other pieces and sculptors and won is a testament to his talent with finding the beauty within a block of hardwood. Continued on page 8
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“I love the warmth of wood, that it’s touchable and that you don’t always know what to expect with it. Sometimes you have to work around what the wood wants and then figure out how to get there,� he said. As Wall transitioned into his newer style of work, he received encouragement, advice and constructive critiques from Father Joseph Hyde, an art teacher at St. Bede Academy. Since finding his niche in the abstract, he’s gone on to create many pieces that are highly appealing in a visual and tactile sense. However, he’s currently working on a piece that will blend birds with a flowing and stylized abstractness defined by the raw and multicolored piece of wood from which they’re taking flight. He also often incorporates the wooden bases of his sculptures to compliment the overall effect of the winding, twisting and curving lines of the piece. One of his most complex sculptures took roughly 100 hours to complete and is basically a hollowed-out cylinder. The complexity comes from the walls of the cylinder being comprised of a continually twisting and turning web that encourages you, as all his work does, to keep running your hands over it. Wall works with a combination of power and hand tools and uses a number of different hard-
Close-up of a wooden duck created by Granville artist Jim Wall.
woods because of an appreciation for the variety they offer. He has worked with cherry, walnut, Kentucky coffeewood, tulipwood, bloodwood, red elm, butternut, juniper and many more. “You want a hardwood that’s difficult to sand because that means you’ll get a nice finish when you oil it,� he said. A challenge of working with wood are the flaws and variations that Wall said can either be a good surprise or, in the worst cases, the end of the piece. “Sometimes I’ll get frustrated with a piece and set it aside for a while and then come back to it later. Other times you hit a rotten spot you didn’t expect or find a blemish while finishing it. That’s tough after spending a lot of time on something,� he said. When asked if there was a favorite work, Wall answered it was easiest to say the latest piece, but then said it was a sculpture he has made several times. Frequently given as a gift or a charitable donation, his “cross within a heart� works are
simpler than his more complex creations, but they’re still identifiably in his style. However, it’s the satisfaction received through giving them as gifts, often at weddings, which has earned them a warm spot in his heart. Wall also makes small prayer crosses that are also given as gifts. He credited their look to another carver, but they’re similar to his style and equally comforting to hold and handle. He’s also taken his creativity and abstract style into the negative space. At first glance, two sculptures on his wall appear as abstract as any. Further inspection, along with a hint from Wall, reveals the empty space within their boundaries are faces in profile, the other a baby in the womb. Asked if there was anything he didn’t like about working with wood, he was quick to answer. “Absolutely the dust, no question. I spend as much time sanding as carving. It’s nice out in the shop, though, when the doors are open and there’s a breeze blowing through it. Then it’s not a problem,� he said. His daughter, Aubrie, is herself an accomplished carver. If her skills continue to develop into the fine art status of her father’s work, there undoubtedly will continue to be award-winning wood carvings coming from the Wall family for many years to come.
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Welcome back, baseball
With Opening Day around the corner, a longtime baseball fan shares his sentiments Story By Kevin Hieronymus For Illinois Valley Living
Babe Ruth famously said, “Baseball was, is and always will be to me the best game in the world.” Like the 714 home runs he hit over his legendary career, the Bambino hit it out of the park with those sentiments. Baseball is the best game of them all, and there’s none other like it. It’s the only game that is timeless (at least for now). There’s no clock, no final buzzer to end the game. It’s nine innings, extra innings if needed. Whoever scores the most runs wins. Fans know they can sit in their seats for about three hours. One day you may have a pitcher’s duel that moves along a little quicker. On another day, it may be a slugfest that lasts a little longer. Baseball is where you go to leave all your troubles behind. It’s a game for fathers and sons and daughters, at the big league park as fans, or in the backyard having a catch. If you build it, they will come. There’s no crying in baseball. Baseball is 60 feet, 6 inches and 90 feet.
It’s three strikes and you’re out. And four balls and you take a walk. The grass at the ballpark is greener than any other place, with its white lines and yellow foul poles adding to its color imagery. And you know hot dogs simply taste better at the ball park. Baseball is the game where ballplayers are simply known by one name like Ozzie, Catfish, Dizzy and Mickey or other nicknames such as the Sultan of Swat, Blue Moon, Mudcat, Hammerin’ Hank, the Splendid Splinter, the Yankee Clipper, the Georgia Peach and Three Fingers Brown. It’s the Cardinals vs. the Cubs, the Red Sox vs. the Yankees and the Dodgers vs. the Giants. It’s the game that can draw someone who didn’t know a team’s starting shortstop the year before to fly a white “W” flag from their front porch after they win their first World Series in 108 years. It’s the Hot Corner and batter’s box. It’s a can of corn and Texas Leaguer. It’s a double play and round-tripper. It’s the best game, and there is none like it. Take Me Out to the Ball Game, and I don’t care if I ever come back. Note to readers: Kevin Hieronymus is sports editor of the Bureau County Republican.
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The Place for everyday bicyclists The Bike Place serves people who use bikes for affordable transportation Story & Photos By Goldie Rapp For Illinois Valley Living PRINCETON — Tucked back in a small shop within the Windchimer Building is a new bicycle support center that’s focused on advocacy, rather than making a profit. When Rick Brooks moved to Princeton in 2015, he took a look around at the bicycling infrastructure. It was no secret that improvements needed to be made. Since then, Princeton’s bicycling atmosphere has come a long way. The Bicycle Pedestrian Commission formed and is actively working on strategic ideas to make the city bicycle-friendly. Princeton also got a special visit from Ed Barsotti of Ride Illinois who toured the city, gave ideas for bicycling improvements, and opened Brooks’ eyes to the three general cat-
egories of bike riders: bike rider enthusiasts, which tend to be athletes who enjoy the sport; recreational riders, such as families who enjoy bicycling for fun; and those who bicycle as an alternative mode of transportation. That last category of riders is really what inspired Brooks to think about those who couldn’t afford a new “top of the line” bike, but were still interested in riding; and those who couldn’t make it over to Peru’s Bike Works (the closest bike repair shop), because they had no other mode of transportation. Thus, came the The Bike Place, which strives to connect people to affordable methods of bicycling. Brooks’ business model, which is based off nonprofit bike shops from around the country, takes in unused or broken bicycles and refurbishes them to resell at an affordable price. With the help of three volunteers, bike repairs are also offered at low cost. Aside from those projects, the volunteers provide community service to The Closet resale shop by fixing bicycles that come through their door in disrepair. The bicycles are taken
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in, repaired, cleaned and given back to be sold through the resale shop, which donates its profits to local charity organizations. Brooks said his crew has given back anywhere between 80 and 90 bikes to The Closet. “We like to keep them supplied so that they are safe, attractive and parents can buy them for their kids or for themselves,” he said. The Bike Place also loans stock on a shortterm basis. This past summer, Festival 56 crew members borrowed bikes as a mode of transportation around town. A group of riders who signed up for the annual Z-Tour ride also were also loaned bikes for the day through The Bike Place. Brooks is also an active member in the community educational outreach programs for bicycling safety and repair. He’s currently looking to get more youths involved in the mission at The Bike Place. He said kids could receive community service hours for their volunteerism and learn important lessons on bike maintenance and repair. To find out more about the mission, visit thebikeplace.org.
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Carl Anderson (from left), Gary Mordt and Rick Brooks discuss repairs for a bicycle inside The Bike Place in Princeton. The nonprofit bike shop was started up last year by Brooks.
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Ring in spring with these fun things A guide to upcoming Illinois Valley events Story & Photos By Dave Cook For Illinois Valley Living Note: The following list is comprised of a variety of upcoming events being held throughout the Illinois Valley and is not intended to be comprehensive. After months of hiding indoors from ice, snow and sub-zero temperatures, residents and visitors to the Illinois Valley are eager to see the return of spring. Accompanying the warmer weather is also a more abundant choice of activities and events, including the following highlights: April 5 The Prairie Arts Center in Princeton will host the reception for the April exhibition of the paintings of local artist Carlotta Dodels from 6 to 8 p.m. This free exhibition will feature a style of work that Dodels has described as Art Deco. For more information about Dodels or the PAC, visit www.frontdoor.biz/ pac. April 13 Get ready to rumble with the most exciting fundraiser in the area, Rumble For The Kids, an annual event at Logan Junior High in Princeton to benefit local children. The event (this will be the last one) will feature an exciting roster of dedicated wrestlers, and fans will be cheering and jeering as their favorites fly from the ropes to pin their opponents. General admission tickets are $10, the doors open at 4 p.m., and the bell rings at 5 p.m. April 14 From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Starved Rock Visitor Center, Nancy Johnson, of Princeton’s 2nd Hand Ranch and Rescue, will present her
Frankie the Chi-Town Hitman (right), organizer of Rumble for the Kids, delivers a punishing blow to an unsportsmanlike heel of a wrestler at last year’s event. The Hitman’s intervention allowed his opponent time to recover and emerge victorious to the approval of cheering fans.
free program, “Living with Wildlife: A Balance of Helping Nature.” She’ll share her experiences as a wildlife rescuer to help others understand how to live peacefully with wildlife, as well as what to do if an injured or orphaned animal is found. For more information, visit www. starvedrocklodge.com. April 18-28 ABBA fans won’t want to miss IVCC’s presentation of the hit musical “Mamma Mia” in the Dr. Mary Margaret Weeg Cultural Centre. Performances will be April 18, 19, 20, 24, 25, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. and April 28 at 2 p.m. For more information, visit www.ivcc.edu.
April 27 From 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. at the Starved Rock Visitor Center, botanist and SIU instructor Chris Benda will host the free program, “Ecology of Spring Ephemeral Wildflowers,” a discussion of the life cycles and adaptations of the beautiful variety of local wildflowers that can be found in Illinois. The seventh annual Habit for Health 10K Run and 3-mile Fun Run/Walk will be held at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley. For more information, visit www.aboutsmh.org or contact Gina Mudge at gcmudge@gmail.com. Continued on page 13
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May 4 The Midwest Morel Fest will be held at Ottawa’s Jordan Park from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Activities will include opportunities to go on a guided hunt for the prized mushrooms. There will also be several vendors, food, music and a homebrew beer tasting and competition from noon to 4 p.m. For more information, visit www.pickusottawail.com May 4-5 The guided hikes of Starved Rock State Park’s annual Wildflower Pilgrimage will leave the Visitor Center at 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on both days. Featured hiking areas will be Starved Rock and French Canyon (3/4 mile round-trip), Eagle Cliff and Lovers Leap Overlooks (1.4 miles round-trip) and Wildcat Canyon with overlooks (2 miles round-trip). Scenic attractions will include waterfalls, mossy canyons, beautiful overlooks and wildflowers. The hikes will be hosted by the experienced naturalists of both park staff and Starved Rock Foundation volunteers. The Prairie Arts Center will host a free reception from 1 to 4 p.m. to welcome the month’s colorful exhibition of fabric art created by Jacqueline Hughes. For more information about Hughes or the PAC, visit www.frontdoor. biz/pac. May 11 The Princeton Coffeehouse and Blue Jay Way Records will host the release party for Jason Ringenberg’s “Stand Tall” CD, followed by a concert. Tickets are $10 each,
A vintage U.S. Air Force jet flies over the Illinois Valley Regional Airport in Peru at last year’s TBM Avengers Reunion and Salute to Veterans Air show.
the doors open at 7 p.m., and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. The Princeton Coffeehouse is located at 25 E. Marion St. in Princeton. May 17-18 The Illinois Valley Regional Airport in Peru will be hosting the fourth annual TBM Avengers Reunion and Salute to Veterans Air Show. Along with opportunities to see the classic World War II dive-bombers in the air, as well as a variety of other aircraft, this year’s show will include a Friday night aerobatic flight demonstration from pilot Matt Younkin. May 18 Ottawa’s Reddick Mansion Association will host an 18-hole, four person golf scramble fundraiser at Pine Hills Golf Course. Beginning with a shotgun start at 9 a.m., entry fees are $75 a golfer or $60 for Pine Hills members. This includes the round of golf, a cart, prizes and a pizza buffet. Proceeds will help restore the historical, landmark mansion. For more information, visit www.reddickmansion.org or www.ottawa pinehillsgolfclub.com.
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May 27 The starting pistol will fire at 8 a.m. for the Streator Family YMCA Memorial Day 5K Run/2K Walk. The course will consist of one hill out and back as it winds through the Streator countryside. Water will be available near the one- and two-mile points. Showers will be available to participants following the event. For more information, visit www. starvedrockrunners.org. June 7-9 The annual 2 Rivers Wine Festival at Ottawa’s Jordan Park
will feature more than 100 wine selections from nearly 20 Illinois wineries, live music, vendors and a variety of food choices that will include freshly grilled lobster. For more information, visit www. pickusottawail.com. June 14 The Ottawa Area Chamber of Commerce will host a 9-hole golf outing at Prairie Lakes Country Club. For more information, visit www.ottawachamberillinois.com. June 15-16 Motocross fans will surely want to visit Walnut’s Sunset Ridge MX track as they host the high-flying ATV Nationals. For more information, visit www.sunsetridgemx.com. June 21 Princeton’s Festival 56 will begin its presentation of “Pinkalicious: The Musical.” Based on the popular children’s books, it tells the tale of a girl who loves pink so much that she’s diagnosed with pinkitis after eating too many pink cupcakes. This musical will please children and, of course, any lover of the color pink.
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ABOVE: The Bureau County Historical Society Museum at 109 Park Ave. West in Princeton has reopened for the season. Museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. RIGHT: Sam Clark stands in front of his Princeton residence, which later would become the home of the Bureau County Historical Society Museum. (Photo at right and other vintage photos with this article courtesy of the Bureau County Historical Society Museum.)
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Elegant county museum has been open for 7 decades Historic Clark-Norris mansion has attracted visitors since the 1940s Story & Current Photos By Goldie Rapp For Illinois Valley Living For 70 years now, the Bureau County Historical Society has been fortunate to own the historic Clark-Norris mansion and have it be home to its museum. The notable manor sits prominently on the courthouse square in downtown Princeton and attracts visitors, both local and from all over the country, who wish to tour the area’s history. Before the museum was located inside the beautiful house, its items were displayed in a crowded space within the basement of the Bureau County Courthouse. Grace Clark Norris, a well-known philanthropist in Princeton, who was an active member in the historical society through the early 1900s, recognized the need for a more spacious and permanent home for the county’s history. So, upon her death in 1946, she bequeathed her home to the historical society. The board of directors was granted full control over the property. It was first opened to the public in 1948. Today’s museum holds a rich history in itself. The home was originally built in 1900 by S.P. and Ann Poole Clark of Dover. They had the
Grace Clark Norris
home built upon retirement as farmers and horse breeders. It was a house that reflected their considerable wealth and was very modern at the time it was constructed. It was built of buff colored brick, has a slate roof, dormer windows and several small balconies. Its curved glass windows are complimented by a large, curved veranda that in 1971 was glassed in to accommodate some of the museum’s collections. The architecture style is Colonial Revival with Prairie Style features. The woods used throughout the house are oak, walnut and sycamore, and the floors, which were restored in 2008, are of maple, oak and walnut. The light fixtures use both gas and electricity. The house was originally and is still heated by a hot-water system.
In 1915, the Clarks’ only living child, Grace Clark Norris, and her husband, Alfred, moved in to care for her aging parents. The Norrises never had children. Many of the furnishings on the first floor belonged to the Clarks and Norrises, while items on the other floors have been donated by Bureau County residents over the years. The Norrises were well-known for their philanthropic acts to the Princeton community. They spread their wealth among local churches, organizations, struggling families, young people craving an education and small youths. In a contributed column that ran in the Bureau County Republican on Oct. 31, 1947, after Grace’s passing, it stated, “(Grace and Alfred’s) hospitality was unequaled and was extended not only to the hosts of friends gathered around beautiful tables — but just as often to some hungry tramp at the rear door. For two long weary years after the passing of her husband, Grace carried on alone — battling against cruel odds — forgetful of self — and to the end planning for the welfare and happiness of others, with judgment so keen and fair that her good works seem never to have been misplaced.” The Bureau County Historical Society is now open for the season. Visitors can explore local history, take a tour or browse the research library inside the historic Newell-Bryant home, which is located next door to the Clark-Norris home. Museum hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s located at 109 Park Ave. West in Princeton.
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CLOCKWISE FROM UPPER LEFT: On the porch of the museum, visitors can view local Native American artifacts. An old carriage greets visitors at the Bureau County Historical Museum. The dining room is shown, set with an antique display of ruby crystal china. An early 20th century phonograph adorns the front room at the museum.
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250 Marquette St., LaSalle, IL 61301 www.eurekasavings.com MEMBER FDIC
Call Saralyn K. Shetterly Asst. Vice-President NMLS #461067
ABOVE: Members of the Bureau County Historical Society pose for a photo outside the museum in 1960. RIGHT: Two members of the Bureau County Historical Society prepare for an open house in the 1950s inside the Clark-Norris home. The home was opened to the public as the county’s historical museum in 1948.
Know your
• NEW HOMES • GARAGES • ROOFING • SIDING • ROOM ADDITIONS • POLE BUILDINGS • REMODELING
neighbor?I’M THERE
™
Henry A Hackman, Agent
1712 Fourth Street, Peru, IL 61354 Bus: 815-223-1900 henry.hackman.b0cc@statefarm.com
Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® State Farm – Bloomington, IL statefarm.com®
SM-PR1633270
Whether you need a question answered, a problem solved or a claim reported, my job is to make it happen. CALL FOR A QUOTE 24/7.
Post Office Box 114 Walnut, IL. 61376 Email: haroldrollo@yahoo.com Website: www.rolloconstruction.com
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•FREE ESTIMATES• Home: 815-379-9317 Ans. Machine: 815-379-2350 Cell Phone: 815-303-9321
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What Jack Frost hath wrought Photos By Mike Vaughn For Illinois Valley Living Frigid weather, such as what the polar vortex visited upon the Illinois Valley on Jan. 30 and 31, is tough on the nose and toes, but brings beauty to windows — if you happen to be a fan of the crisp artwork of Jack Frost. With temperatures hovering near 25 degrees below zero, photographer Mike Vaughn paid a visit to the large windows at Tanks Pet Supply and Songbird Gifts in Princeton to chronicle the frosty patterns. Here is a sampling of his photos, which will serve as one last look (or so we hope) at the Winter of 2018-19.
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Meeting needs of every woman, every child,
Every stage of life
At Perry Memorial Hospital and Illinois Valley Community Hospital, we understand the lifelong health needs of women and children during every stage of life. Together, we provide a wide range of obstetrics, gynecological and pediatric services to meet those needs of women in Princeton and our surrounding communities.
Illinois Women’s Health Care Center 815-223-3944 | www.ivch.org
Hoffma Hoff ffman, Cert. rt.. Midwife rt Mid M idwife wi Dana Hoffman,
Dr. K Kem emoria Granberry, Gr berry, Gran rry, OB/GYN rry, OB/G /GYN /G YN Dr. Kemoria
Perry Memorial Family Health Clinic 815-875-4531 | www.perrymemorial.org
Dr Anju Anj nju uP Pat atel atel el,, M.D. M.D. Dr. Patel,
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Anna Free Fr Freeman, man, FNP, P, A P ANP NP
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Build The Home That Fits Your Lifestyle! Model H
NOW O ome in Pr PEN
inceton!
CUSTOMIZE YOUR HOME! Single Family Homes FOR SALE in an age restricted community.
The unique features of The Villas include: • Membership to AJ’s Fitness Center, located on site • Spacious 2-3 bedroom floor plans • Attached garage • Full size kitchens • Design for accessibility and safety 140 N. 5th St., Princeton • Active community for those 55 or better 815.875.6600 2322 N. Eastwood Dr., Streator
815.672.1900 3230 Becker Dr., Peru Call for more information on The Villas and to schedule your tour.
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815.224.2200 www.simplythefinest.net