ILLINOIS VALLEY
Boomers
TODAY February 2021
HIKING IN A WINTER WONDERLAND Top spots to hike in the Illinois Valley
Also: n
Why you shouldn’t let COVID cause you to skip regular health screenings
n St.
Patrick’s Day recipes
n Why
you need to plan early for 2021 backyard improvements
n Tips
for improving your green thumb
publication
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Keep moving forward As spring nears and people are beginning to think about getting to spend time again in the outdoors without heavy coats and gloves, many of us are wondering when we’ll finally be able to do the things we loved to do pre-pandemic. The answer is – we don’t know yet. That uncertainty is leading me to focus on home improvements rather than hoping it will be safe enough to travel for a family vacation this summer. My husband and I are spending the money we’d normally use for traveling to install an above-ground pool and hot tub in our backyard this year. Since we’ve been unable to spend much time away from our home, we’re going to make sure it’s a place where we have opportunities to unwind and get some exercise. Last year, we tried to get a pool for our backyard and couldn’t – there were none available by the time we were ready to commit. Even if we had secured one, the installation team was
booking about 12 weeks out. We learned our lesson and decided to start our search this January for our pool and hot tub. It’s a good thing we did – we learned there is a wait for both those items and for the installation. We’re still looking at April before the pool can be installed and June for the hot tub, but at least we’re on the list now. I’m not alone in wanting to make home improvements. We’re in an era when we have spent more time than ever before in our homes, and business is booming for companies that can supply our demand for home projects. Whether you’re looking for lumber for a home addition, composite materials for that dream deck you’ve always wanted, or a backyard swimming pool or hot tub, the time to do it is now. If you don’t get on the list, you may not be able to get it in 2021. The home improvement businesses we talked to for an article in this issue said last year was one of the busiest years they’ve had, and they think that 2021 will be another year where it’s hard to meet the growing demand or to reserve some of the low supply that’s out there. Another hot trend right now is
planting backyard vegetable gardens. While some people have always had a backyard plot, others jumped on the bandwagon in 2020 when they became concerned about a food shortage. If you’re thinking about getting into gardening, you won’t want to miss our article about it in this issue. I’ve had a small vegetable garden in my backyard for several years now, and I love getting fresh produce and herbs whenever I want them. There’s something so satisfying about planting a small seed and watching it quickly sprout. If you are eyeing some home improvements this year or you’re going to try to plant your first vegetable garden, good for you. It’s wonderful to stay focused on your goals and try new things. While we may not be able to travel or see our family or friends as much as we’d like, at least we can still keep working toward the future we want to see for ourselves. And, for me, a big part of that is embracing new experiences and planning ahead for my dream backyard and my vegetable garden. I hope you’re able to keep dreaming for the future, too, as we wait to see the coronavirus cases start to dwindle. Shannon Serpette, niche editor
Contents
Boomers Today
426 Second Street La Salle, Illinois 61301 (815) 223-3200 (800) 892-6452 www.newstrib.com
Making Your Home Your Castle 4
The popularity of backyard home improvements spiked last year, and 2021 looks just as busy.
Publisher Dan Goetz
Growing A Green Thumb 7
Niche Editor Shannon Serpette sserpette@shawmedia.com Advertising Director Jeanette Smith jmsmith@shawmedia.com Writers Ali Braboy Shannon Serpette Tara Traughber
Gardeners say the hobby is a popular one during the pandemic.
Jumping On The Gardening Bandwagon In 2021? 10 Read these tips from local gardeners.
Take A Hike 12
The best spots to combine exercise and nature in the Illinois Valley.
Routine Screenings Can Be A Lifesaver 18
Local doctor urges people not to skip screenings because of COVID fears.
Photographers Scott Anderson Shannon Serpette
Irish Recipes 20
Designer Liz Klein
St. Patrick’s Day eating options.
Published by:
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SCOTT ANDERSON
est. 1851
On the cover: Sue Flaherty, of Peru, takes a winter hike to St. Louis Canyon at Starved Rock State Park on Wednesday, Jan. 13. Some of the waterfalls in the canyons are beginning to freeze.
2 February 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
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Pergolas, such as this one sold in a kit at Maze Lumber, were popular with homeowners looking to make their backyard space special in 2020.
Making Your Home Your Castle The popularity of backyard home improvements spiked last year, and 2021 looks just as busy Story and photos by Shannon Serpette
A
s the pandemic forced people to rethink their travel plans for 2020 and, in many cases, work remotely, all that time spent at home had a big side effect – people began implementing home improvement projects. Backyard projects, especially ones that led to recreational activities, were on fire last year. The demand for items like sheds that people were turning into makeshift offices and swimming pools were as hot as socially-distanced vacation vehicles like
boats and RVs. Some people who inquired about getting swimming pools and decks were unable to get them in 2020, either because the products were unavailable due to demand and coronavirus shut-downs or because the professional installation services were already fully booked for the year. Area home improvement professionals think 2021 will be an extremely busy year – and they’re urging people who want to do home projects this year to start early.
Dave Munson, operations manager at Maze Lumber in Peru, said Maze Lumber sold a lot of decks in 2020. Some of those decks were new builds, but many were also to people who were swapping out their treated wood decks for composite. “A hot one this year is building a deck around the pool,” he said. “I’ve been dealing with decking for ten years now, and, by far, this (2020) was my best year.” See Home page 6
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“
A hot one this year is building a deck around the pool. I’ve been dealing with decking for ten years now, and, by far, this (2020) was my best year.
”
Dave Munson, Operations Manager at Maze Lumber
Left: Dave Munson, operations manager at Maze Lumber in Peru, stands near some of the store’s outdoor living material samples.
Right: Maze Lumber offers natural stone veneers that can improve your backyard’s look without requiring the higher price tag of having real natural stone installed.
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Home
“I would say now is the best time. I’m actually quoting decks right now. While snow is FROM PAGE 4 on the ground, it’s a good time to start,” Munson said. Maze Lumber was selling He anticipates that judging more than just wood and com- by the number of people he’s posite for decks, however, in seen doing home projects, 2020. Other backyard items 2021 will be another extraordithat offered recreational value narily busy year. were also moving, such as “I think this year could be backyard bars, which peoas much of a challenge as last ple could turn to when they year or worse,” he said. “That couldn’t visit their favorite demand is so high, and they watering hole in their town. can’t catch up.” Other sought-after items were At Illinois Valley Fence pergolas, which Maze Lumber and Pool in Utica, manager sold in a kit that had instrucJeff Palmieri said last year tions for people who wanted to was a busy year, even though put up their own, and outdoor the business no longer sells fireplaces, Munson said. pools. The company now only The demand for many of the handles fencing needs. While items and the lack of supply, fencing may not have been the which had slowed because hot-ticket recreational item of the pandemic, resulted in like swimming pools and hot many people being squeezed tubs in 2020, the demand was out of their dream improvestill there. ments. Local stores ran out And although the demand of products. And the second hadn’t skyrocketed as was wave of the pandemic isn’t the case for decks and pools, helping that situation. the pandemic led to problems “We’re kind of waiting on with getting fencing products. everything because of the new Sometimes the wait for prodpandemic,” Munson said. ucts was as long as 15 to 16 As a result, people planning weeks, he said. Getting wood to do backyard home projects fencing proved especially proband improvements in 2021 lematic, he said, because the should be getting started now. pandemic led to shut-downs Munson urges people to plan in sawmills, leading to a shortahead and start moving soon age in wood. To compensate on the materials they’ll need for that shortage and to help because if the pandemic worstheir customers, Illinois Valley ens, supply might be further im- Fence and Pool offered deals pacted. For example, although on their vinyl and aluminum we’re barely into 2021 at this fences, he said. point, Munson already thinks Those who are thinking it will be hard to get composite about getting fencing put in materials this year for decks. at their house in 2021 may Also, contractors are quickly want to start moving on the filling up their calendars – some project now. of them, depending on the “We’re pretty much already project, may be fully booked by slammed for the spring,” PalmMarch or April, he said. ieri said.
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Growing a green thumb Gardeners say the hobby is a popular one during the pandemic Story by Ali Braboy
“It worked out really well from that end,” Tinker said. Customers did come to the greenhouse to Many people went back to the basics in purchase as well. The business opens in early 2020 by taking up gardening while they were forced to stop other activities. That led April and typically runs until the middle or end of June. Tinker attributes the rush for supto a rush to snatch up the dwindling supplies of gardening tools, seeds, and plants at plies to many people being at home and wanting to do activities. local stores. In addition to many older adults, Tinker “The demand was so crazy. We were empty by Memorial Day weekend,” said Tad said, “There were a lot of new younger faces, Tinker, owner of Seatonville Greenhouses in so it seems like there’s a new generation of people getting interested in gardening again.” Seatonville. He expects 2021 to be equally busy because The business, which has been in operation of the popularity of gardening right now. for more than 60 years, has unique annuals, “All inside indicators are saying it’s going to perennials, shrubs, and hanging baskets, as be very much the same way,” Tinker said. well as vegetables and geraniums. Tinker Lorraine Farley, a member of the Mendota recalled wondering in March 2020 if they’d Garden Club, said she finds gardening relaxing be able to open, so he put together an online store for curbside pickup orders. Some days there were 15 to 20 orders for curbside pickup. See Garden page 8
Seatonville Greenhouses (pictured) has unique annuals, perennials, shrubs, and hanging baskets, as well as vegetables and geraniums. SUBMITTED PHOTO
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Garden FROM PAGE 7
and gratifying. Plus, she appreciates having a healthy food source. “I know where it came from. I know it’s not full of pesticides. That’s the biggest thing for me,” she said. Farley referred to gardening as a lost art. “I think a lot of people got away from it because it’s so convenient to get food at the store and get what you need,” she said. Gardening can be an individual activity, but it can also help you meet a new network of friends. Many gardeners opt to join clubs to expand their knowledge base and social circle. Robbin Keenan, a member of the Utica and Ottawa garden clubs, is also a University of Illinois Extension master gardener and master naturalist. She said the pandemic affected the regular activities of her clubs. But she did get a lot of time in last year working on her gardens. “My gardens have never looked better. I didn’t have anything else to do last summer,” Keenan laughed. “My garden got weeded every
“We do have a lot of fun,” Deutsch said. “Hopefully, we can get back to normal and start having meetings.” The Mendota, Ottawa, and Utica garden clubs, which each have a Facebook page, are always looking for members. Joe Hochstatter, a member of the Mendota Garden Club, said he noticed how popular gardening became this past year. “I think more people have gardened this year than in the past because trying to find seeds and trying to find lids and canning supplies … everyone was out of everySUBMITTED PHOTO thing. I’m trying to stock up The palette is a sculpture by Susan Burton in downtown Ottawa, and now on my canning stuff,” the garden club maintains the planting bed and flowers in the palette. he said in mid-January. He assumes more people in touch and encourage one gardened last year because day, and I got a lot more another.” things planted.” they wanted something to do It wasn’t just the Ottawa The Ottawa Garden Club when home quarantining or Garden Club members who used to meet once a month isolating and because some missed the socialization of in person before the panpeople were possibly afraid demic. But members haven’t their gatherings in 2020. The of running out of food. annual Garden Walk, Faire, been able to meet together Ottawa Garden Club corand Plant Sale in Utica is as a big group since – alresponding secretary Sue though some members have usually a place people beCoughlin thinks more peomet outside while practicing come aware of the Utica ple may consider growing Garden Club and want to social distancing and weartheir own vegetable gardens join, said Diana Deutsch, a ing masks. this year. former president. “We want to meet. We “They have less to spend, The event was canceled in costs at the grocery stores miss each other. We’ve all become really great friends,” 2020 due to the pandemic. have gone up, and farmers’ said Sharon Stevenson, pres- They were still able to do markets may have limitaident of the Ottawa Garden some projects outside and tions just as they did last Club. “We are trying to stay held a quilt raffle. year,” Coughlin said.
Robbin Keenan’s food garden is pictured during the late spring/early summer of 2019. She said every year is different when it comes to gardening. One year, none of her tomatoes ripened, leaving her with many pounds of green tomatoes. She had to search for green tomato recipes so that her harvest didn’t go to waste. SUBMITTED PHOTO
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Robbin Keenan stands next to her broomcorn this past fall. She is a member of both the Utica and Ottawa garden clubs and encourages others to join gardening clubs and ask questions. SUBMITTED PHOTO
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Jumping on the gardening bandwagon in 2021? Read these tips from local gardeners DON’T FORGET TO TILL NEW SOIL If you’re going through sod, you’ll probably need to till the area a couple of times, says Lorraine Farley, a member of the Mendota Garden Club. If you’re having someone else till the garden, she suggests cutting your grass as short as you can in the area you want tilled, so there’s less of a chance of the grass re-rooting. FIGURE OUT WHICH SEASONS TO PLANT THE CROPS YOU WANT If you’re interested in planting vegetables this spring, some good options are potatoes, onions, and cabbage, as those foods don’t like the heat of the summer, Farley said.
CUT OFF DEAD BLOOMS It’s best if you cut off all the dead blooms on flowers, said Margaret Frick, member of the Mendota Garden Club. She said she learned the term “deadhead” from the garden club. When you cut off dead blooms, the flower will continue to bloom again. LEARN TRICKS FOR EACH PLANT YOU’RE GROWING For instance, Frick is a fan of peonies and has a whole bed of them. Her grandmother taught her there’s one main bud for a peony, and if you pick off the little buds around it and keep the one bud, it makes a great, big peony.
PLAN FOR THE SPACE YOU HAVE Plants need room to grow and don’t do well when they are crowded out. Plan for the needed space in your garden, so that there’s adequate space for your plants to grow, Farley said. USE SNOW FOR NEW TREES Consider putting snow around newly-planted trees and shrubs to provide some extra water if the spring starts out dry, said Farley. But don’t do this for the garden, as it will pack the dirt down and make the ground hard. JOIN LOCAL GARDEN CLUB GROUPS AND ASK QUESTIONS This is a great way to learn, Robbin Keenan, a member of both the Utica and Ottawa garden clubs, said. New gardeners can find the answers to almost any question they have by asking more experienced gardeners in the club. REMEMBER THAT EVERY YEAR IS DIFFERENT Just because your garden thrived one year doesn’t mean it will the next. Nature is always throwing out curveballs. Keenan remembers one year when none of her tomatoes ripened. She had a surplus of green tomatoes and had to search for recipes so the harvest didn’t go to waste. Some years are wetter, so you get mildew on things or a mold that kills off a whole family of plants. REMEMBER TO TROUBLESHOOT Keenan said if someone has a bad year, they can relocate the plants next year or try to figure out what caused the problem. She never figured out why the tomatoes didn’t ripen, but she knows the same problem happened to others, so the cause may have been the weather.
PHOTO BY SCOTT ANDERSON
Steve Lauer uses steel wool on the front part of a garden hoe in his garage. TAKING CARE OF YOUR TOOLS IS IMPORTANT Maintaining tools will lead to an easier, better job when gardening, said Steve Lauer, president of the Mendota Garden Club. He wants to maintain his tools, so he cleans them, removes rust, and oils them to prevent them from rusting again. He does not clean his tools after every use, though.
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If interested in gardening this year, you might want to consider getting ready early. Last year, the Seatonville Greenhouses (pictured) in Seatonville sold out of inventory by Memorial Day weekend. SUBMITTED PHOTO
The general rule of thumb is if you don’t think you’ll use it in a couple of weeks, clean off the tool. If tools sit dirty for a prolonged time, they’ll rust, or the wood handle will rot. It’s also not good to put tools away wet – make sure to dry them. But don’t leave them in direct sunlight longer than necessary. Lauer said steel wool, muriatic acid, Coca Cola, vinegar solution, and baking soda all work when it comes to getting the rust off. After removing rust, you’ll want to oil your tools to prevent rust in the future. Linseed oil is good, and vegetable oil will work if that’s what you have handy.
CONSIDER NATIVE PLANTS Native plants help pollinators, according to Vicki Stacy, a member of the Ottawa Garden Club. Stacy is also a University of Illinois Extension master gardener and master naturalist. Pollinators, like hummingbirds and butterflies, are anything that helps carry pollen from the male part of the flower to the female part of the same or another flower. Stacy said it’s not necessary to have your whole garden or all flowers be native. “It’s nice to intersperse those things in with your annuals or perennials you’ve had over the years that you really love,” she said.
SANITIZING ISN’T JUST FOR HANDS Even before the COVID-19 pandemic, Lauer learned the importance of sanitizing his tools from a horticulturist. Sanitizing your tools with bleach or other household cleaning products prevents you from spreading bacteria from one plant to another.
START OUT SMALL, AND GROW THINGS YOU LIKE TO EAT Joe Hochstatter, a member of the Mendota Garden Club, offered this tip to new gardeners. It’s best not to put too much effort into things you won’t eat. Being overwhelmed because you planted too much and can’t keep up with your garden is also a way to dampen your love of gardening.
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Take a
HIKE The best spots to combine exercise and nature in the Illinois Valley Story by Tara Traughber Photos by Scott Anderson
d W
hen you’re stressed or feeling unmotivated, a hike can give you the break you need to unwind and recharge. Illinois Valley residents are fortunate enough to have their choice of several top-notch hiking spots. Although this isn’t an exhaustive list of those spots, it does highlight some of the favorite locations for locals to view the scenery while getting some exercise.
DAYTON BLUFF PRESERVES Dayton Bluff Preserves is located just north of Ottawa and can be accessed off of Route 71. This nature preserve boasts 253 acres that sit along the Lower Fox River. There are 100 acres of open prairie and 150 wooded acres to enjoy. This popular hiking spot is rich in history, according to David Manigold, volunteer coordinator for Friends of the Dayton Bluffs, the volunteer organization that maintains the preserves. The site has deep ties to Native American history and contains a pioneer cemetery. It also has a connection to the telegraph lines of the 1800s and a glacial erratic boulder. In addition to the history of the preserves, another unique aspect is that the play/learn area is constructed by volunteers of Dayton Bluff with its own timbers. “Something I enjoy is the changing of the prairie through the summer and trees in the fall,” Manigold said. Dayton Bluffs welcomes leashed See Hike page 14
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Greg Bohn of Peru walks his dog, Sam, on the Illinois and Michigan Canal towpath in January. Freezing rain and fog caused snowfall to stick to the trees and create a winter picture postcard across Starved Rock Country. A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | February 2021 13
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Hike
FROM PAGE 12
dogs and hikers of all levels to enjoy its 2.7-mile loop-style trail. It is open year-round, and there is a master plan in place for future development. HENNEPIN CANAL The Hennepin Canal Parkway State Park runs 104.5 miles through Bureau, Lee, Henry, Rock Island, and Whiteside counties. It was built from 1892 to 1907 and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The canal is a favorite spot for locals to hike. It’s free and gives excellent water views, with many entry points, including Bureau, Tiskilwa, Wyanet, and the visitor’s center near Sheffield. You generally don’t have to fight the crowds, and it’s easy to find a stretch of a trail suitable for people of all fitness abilities. DIXON WATERFOWL REFUGE AT HENNEPIN-HOPPER LAKES Nature lovers and bird watchers love this scenic hiking spot two miles south of Hennepin, accessible by Route 26. This site is a restoration project that turned this land from farmland back into the natural wetlands that once sat on the property. This site includes hiking trails, a boardwalk that carries hikers over the wetlands, and a bird observation tower.
Shelby O’Hara of Midlothian walks over a bridge on the trailhead to St. Louis Canyon at Starved Rock State Park on Jan. 13.
PUTNAM COUNTY CONSERVATION DISTRICT NATURAL LANDS AREA The Putnam County Conservation District Natural Lands Area, which is located three miles west of McNabb and can be accessed off of the McNabb blacktop, sits on 270 acres. It offers five miles of hiking trails, but also is a popular camping site. Tent camping is allowed there, as is RV camping. The site also has See Hike page 16
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A frozen waterfall forms in St. Louis Canyon at Starved Rock State Park on Jan. 13th. A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | February 2021 15
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Hike
most iconic state parks in Illinois. Located in LaSalle County, it sits along the Illinois River bluff and has cultural history that dates back to 8000 B.C. Numerous connecting trails take hikers through breathtaking canyons and awe-inspiring overlooks. This park has 18 canyons and over 13 miles of combined trails. Starved Rock even did the work for you and mapped out multiple hiking plans, from less than one mile to hiking the entire park in a day and everything in between.
FROM PAGE 14
private cabins that can be rented out. The Natural Lands Area also has horse trails for area riders and is a good place for cross country skiing. CATLIN PARK Although it won’t work for winter walking, Catlin Park is another place for hiking when the weather warms up. Open seasonally from May 1 to Oct. 31, it is composed of 333 acres with 14 distinct trails and many connecting trails. This park lies just south of Ottawa, off of Route 71. The trails are wide enough to accommodate horseback riding, and the park has also been utilized for high school cross country meets. Catlin Park is a favorite of Aubrey Stiennen of Ladd, who said the park is well-maintained and has beautiful ravines, a prairie,
A bridge spans across the Hennepin Canal at the Lock 11 access area near Tiskilwa. and woodlands, but never seems to be busy. “It’s like a diamond in the rough,” she said. ILLINOIS & MICHIGAN CANAL STATE TRAIL Like many of the area’s trails, the Illinois & Michigan Canal trail is full of history for hikers to enjoy while taking in the gorgeous scenery.
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MATTHIESSEN STATE PARK Like nearby Starved Rock, Matthiessen State Park is also located in LaSalle County. It features canyons, streams, wooded areas, and great hiking trails. While Starved Rock has earned greater fame, many locals love Matthiessen for its beauty and smaller crowds. It’s an excellent stop for geology buffs because of the rock formations.
You’ll see water, wildlife, historical sites, and varying landscapes. The official trailhead for this hiking spot is the Channahon State Park. As with the Hennepin Canal, there are several access points in different cities, including LaSalle and Ottawa. STARVED ROCK Starved Rock is one of the
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Why THIS Is An Ideal Time for Laser Rejuvenation Of Your Face Look at your calendar for the next three months. It is probably the emptiest it has ever been and scattered question marks are plentiful. If you have been looking in the mirror lately, and wondering what happened to your youthful appearance, now is the time to do something about it. Dr. Norris at Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa told us that her schedule has been very busy the last six months of 2020 because patients are more willing than ever to have a little down time to rejuvenate their look. Not only are our social calendars lean, but we are still wearing masks in most public places. Dr. Norris explains, “In my non-surgical cosmetic office, we offer a plethora of anti-aging procedures. In the past, the most popular procedures have been the ones with the least down-time, even though it takes multiple treatments to see the reward of younger looking skin. Since COVID entered the picture and stunted our social lives, patients are much more willing to do more aggressive procedures to reach their cosmetic goals. More intense nonsurgical anti-aging procedures might involve needles or lasers and may require a weekend of staying home. Many patients don’t want others to know they had something done. Prior to 2020, downtime use to be a lot to ask of my busy patients, but not now!” Dr. Norris continues, “One of our most effective skin rejuvenation procedures is laser resurfacing done with a fractional ablative CO2 laser. Skin is one of our few regenerative body parts. When it is injured, the body reacts by making brand new skin. With this specific procedure, a fractional laser is used to ablate a fraction of the skin with heat energy after it has been numbed. The body recognizes this injury and immediately begins a robust response to heal and make new skin in the treated area. The patient who is ideal for this is someone who has lines, loose skin, loss of collagen and/or acne scarring. This type of laser is only safe to use on lighter skin types in patients who are willing to protect their skin from the sun after their procedure. After an in-depth consultation, the patient and I decide on how many days they will need to stay home after their procedure so their face can heal properly. This is one of my favorite procedures because of the marked improvement patients see in the mirror over the next month. These patients not only get younger looking skin, but they get a spring in their step!”
Some patients may not be a good candidate for laser resurfacing to make them appear refreshed. Dr. Norris explained further, “There are other ways to injure the skin and stimulate the body to make new skin. Microneedling for anti-aging is very popular in our office because there is really only part of a day that we ask you to not wear make-up. This treatment is done by a device that injects very small needles in numb skin at different depths. Microneedling is done in a series of 3-6 treatments yearly and can be done on any skin type. Another option to naturally turn back the hands of time are chemical peels. Chemical peels are essentially an injury to the skin with brief applications of different strengths of acids. Patients will have some eraser shaving-like peeling 3-10 days depending on the strength of the peel. Chemical peels are also done in a series building up to stronger peels. There is not down-time with chemical peels because your skin just looks a little dry 2-3 days after. Some patients even do a combination of these procedures to get the results they want. Since all these procedures, including laser resurfacing, microneedling and peels, require our own body to rejuvenate us, it is impossible to look over done!” If you are looking for natural skin rejuvenation and want to take advantage of your sparse social calender, call Nicole Norris MD Medical Spa for your consultation with Dr. Norris. If you are a new patient, your $99 consultation fee for skin rejuvenation will go toward your procedure or package over $399 in March! We offer Care Credit for your procedures with terms of 0% interest for 6 months. Please call us to learn more, visit NicoleNorrisMD.com or follow us on Facebook or Instagram. A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | February 2021 17
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Routine screenings can be a lifesaver Local doctor urges people not to skip screenings because of COVID fears Story by Shannon Serpette
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ith people working remotely and picking up food curbside to avoid going into grocery stores, it can be a hard sell to convince them to book an appointment to see their doctor unless they are sick. Routine medical screenings have been another victim of the pandemic, with some people hesitant to book appointments while COVID, a more immediate threat, is looming. But skipping screenings can have dire consequences down the road. Screenings are important because they can catch a problem while it is treatable, which could ultimately save lives. Dr. Robert W. Morrow of St. Margaret’s Family Health Center in Spring Valley wants to highlight the importance of continuing with routine medical screenings even during the pandemic. “The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has altered the landscape of healthcare across the world. Since March, primary care physicians have expressed concern that patients are missing follow-up visits for management of chronic medical problems and routine health screenings,” Morrow said. Morrow said he has noticed that trend locally as well. “My observation, and the observation of other primary care physicians in the Illinois Valley, is that patients have been reluctant to come to the physi-
PHOTO BY SCOTT ANDERSON
Dr. Robert Morrow poses with an otoscope in a patient room at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley. He recommends that people continue with their regular health screenings during the pandemic. cian’s office for routine checkups out of fear of exposure to the coronavirus,” he said. The professional consensus, however, is that patients should continue to see their doctor for screenings. “The American College of
Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics have both promoted the continued follow-through of patient interactions with their physicians to complete their routine screenings during the pandemic,” he said. “The
18 February 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
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advice that I offer patients is that they should continue to follow up as planned for their medical conditions and routine preventative screenings whenever possible.” Medical professionals are adapting to the pandemic by implementing stringent safety protocols and finding innovative ways to provide patient care. “Medical establishments, hospitals, clinics, and ambulatory care facilities that provide medical care are taking great care to limit both patient and staff exposure to patients who test positive for the novel coronavirus,” he said. “Since the pandemic began, healthcare facilities across the United States have utilized virtual visits for those patients unable or unwilling to be seen face-to-face in a healthcare establishment. These visits are very useful, especially for the patients who have great difficulty traveling.” While virtual visits are an important tool, there are times when it is best to be seen in-person by a doctor. “Unfortunately, some information is best gathered in person. Patients should not be afraid to attend a visit with their provider in the office,” Morrow said. “Healthcare agencies across the country are following the advice of public health officials with regard to decontamination of high contact surfaces and are utilizing appropriate personal protective equipment to protect both providers and patients alike.” Those who have been asked to have physician-recommended health screenings
“The advice that I offer patients is that they should continue to follow up as planned for their medical conditions and routine preventative screenings whenever possible.” Dr. Robert W. Morrow St. Margaret’s Family Health Center in Spring Valley should do their best to make it happen, for their own sake. “Health screenings have been recommended based on population health statistics that show people are at higher risk of certain ailments at specific ages and times of their lives,” he said. These timely routine screenings can help catch an issue now instead of letting it snowball to a bigger problem later. Morrow acknowledged that some people who try to set up their screenings have had to experience delays. “Unfortunately, the pandemic caused high utilization of resources and staffing shortages across the country. Hospitals and clinics needed to scale back health screenings to provide staff to support their acute care efforts. Delayed screenings could lead to delayed diagnosis of preventable illnesses,” Morrow said. To find out which routine screenings are recommended for you, your best bet is to talk to your doctor. They’ll know your risk factors and will be able to let you know which screenings you should complete. Most women, for instance, know they should talk to their doctor about when and how often
We Are Your Medicare Supplement Specialists Medicare Supplements can be changed ANYTIME throughout the year.
they should have check-ups such mammograms and pap smears done. But that doesn’t cover all the routine screenings they need. “There are a number of routine health screenings recommended in the United States,” Morrow said. “Your physician will discuss the various recommendations at your health screening appointment.” Morrow provided a few examples of screenings that are recommended by the United States Preventative Task Force for those in the Boomers age category. These include: • Screening for abdominal aortic aneurysm with ultrasound in men age 65 to 75. This is recommended for
men who have any history of smoking. • Screening for colorectal cancer starting at age 50. This continues through age 75 and potentially longer depending on your history and health. • Screening for lung cancer with low-dose CT scan in patients age 55 to 80 who have a 30-pack-year history of smoking or more. This applies to both those who currently smoke and those who quit smoking within the last 15 years. • Screening for osteoporosis with bone mineral density testing to prevent osteoporotic fractures in women 65 and older. • Since prostate cancer screening recommendations can vary, Morrow recommends that people talk to their health care provider about what is best for them. You should also make sure you’re touching upon your mental health needs while considering routine appointments. “One last thing would be the importance of screening for mental illness, especially during these difficult, stressful times,” Morrow said.
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ivymca.com A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | February 2021 19
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Irish Recipes Story by Tara Traughber • Photos by Shannon Serpette
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aint Patrick’s Day is traditionally known for corned beef and cabbage, beer, and the color green. But the traditions people associate today with this holiday began with the Irish community in America. In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day was a religiously observed holiday, and the pubs were all closed in honor of the Saint who brought Christianity to Ireland. Much of Ireland eventually decided to capitalize on tourism and adopted America’s traditions for marketing purposes. Corned beef and cabbage became synonymous with the Irish culture. Due to this, it’s hard to find a pub or a restaurant that doesn’t have some
form of corned beef on the menu in March. Those traveling through Utica have excellent St. Patrick’s Day eating options at Lodi Tap House. Veronica Henneberry of LaSalle, who works there, said St. Patrick’s Day is a popular holiday at the restaurant. “I feel like we have a really big Irish community,” she said, adding that her favorite aspects of the holiday are the green beer and the overall festivities and mood. One of the sandwiches they are serving this year is the Shillelagh, a wrap loaded with corned beef, Cajun potato
salad, swiss cheese, and blackened coleslaw, according to Adam Marlett, head manager/ head cook at Lodi. For those making corned beef at home this year, Marlett shared some tips on making it flavorful and tender. He recommends making sure your vegetables are fully submerged in chicken stock and covering them and the beef tightly while cooking. “You want that seal,” he said. See Recipes on page 22
For an Irish-themed lunch or dinner, one of the dishes offered at Lodi Tap House is the Shillelagh, a wrap loaded with corned beef, Cajun potato salad, Swiss cheese, and blackened coleslaw.
Adam Marlett, head manager/head cook at Lodi Tap House, tries to have an assortment of St. Patrick’s Day dishes for people to try. 20 February 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
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Irish Punch INGREDIENTS: 2 ounces Copper Fiddle rum 6 ounces pineapple juice 1 ounce Blue Curacao DIRECTIONS: Shake all the ingredients together and pour over ice.
Lodi Tap House in Utica serves a drink called Irish punch for people looking for a green-colored cocktail instead of the typically-served green beer.
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | February 2021 21
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Recipes FROM PAGE 20
RECIPES Those who aren’t heading to a restaurant in March may want to try these St. Patrick’s Day-inspired recipes.
Corned Beef and Cabbage in an Instant Pot INGREDIENTS: 4 to 5 cloves of garlic 4 cups water 2.5 to 3 pounds corned beef brisket, with a spice packet 2 pounds baby red potatoes, cut in quarters 3 cups of baby carrots 1 head green cabbage, sliced into big wedges
DIRECTIONS: Put the corned beef, spice packet, garlic, and four cups of water into an instant pot. You can use the rack, so the corned beef doesn’t rest on the bottom of your pot. Cook the beef for 90 minutes on the meat or stew setting or on high pressure. After the 90-minute cooking time, quick release the pressure. Put the corned beef on a platter, covering with foil. Let it sit while the vegetables cook. After removing the rack, put the potatoes, carrots, and cabbage in the liquid that’s already in the pressure cooker. Cook the vegetables at high pressure for 4 to 5 minutes. Make sure to do a quick pressure release before taking the vegetables out.
Stout-Flavored Bangers and Mash INGREDIENTS: For the bangers: 1 pound of sausage, preferably uncooked bratwurst 1 tablespoon olive oil 3 ounces stout beer For the mashed potatoes: 4 potatoes, peeled and sliced 2 tablespoons butter ½ cup milk For the stout gravy: 1 onion cut into thin slices 2 tablespoons of butter 2 tablespoons of flour 1 cup of stout beer 1 cup of beef broth DIRECTIONS: To make the sausages, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat in a pan. Put in the sausages and stout. Put a lid on the pan, cracking it a bit to let the steam out. Keep cooking for 10 minutes, turning once midway through. After 10 minutes, take the lid off
and reduce the liquid by continuing to cook. The liquid should coat the sausages after it has reduced. When there is almost no liquid left, lower the burner to medium-low and keep cooking with the lid on. Turn the meat as needed, cooking until fully done and evenly browned, which may be another 10 to 15 minutes. While the meat is cooking, melt the butter in another pot on medium-high and add in the onions. Cook until they turn light brown, about 10 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the top of the onions and cook for three more minutes. Put in the stout, scraping the bottom of the pan. Then pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for 15 minutes. In another pot, fully submerge the potatoes in water, bringing to a boil. Cook them until they are soft. Drain them and add milk and butter, and then mash them as much as you prefer. Serve the potatoes topped with sausage and gravy.
22 February 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
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Irish Cottage Pie INGREDIENTS FOR THE COTTAGE PIE: 1 and one-half pounds lean ground beef One-fourth cup diced onions 2 carrots, diced small 1 cup celery, diced 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon tomato paste 1/2 cup dry red wine 2 cups beef broth 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce 1 teaspoon dried thyme 2 bay leaves Pre-made mashed potatoes INGREDIENTS FOR THE MASHED POTATOES: 3 pounds peeled and diced Yukon gold potatoes 1/2 cup milk 1 to 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING THE MASHED POTATOES: Submerge the potatoes in a big pot of cold water. Bring to a boil and let it cook until the potatoes are soft. Drain the water off of the potatoes. Put them back in the pot or a bowl, and put in the butter, milk, cheese, and nutmeg. Mash with a hand masher or electric mixer. DIRECTIONS FOR MAKING THE COTTAGE PIE: Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a big skillet, cook the ground beef until it isn’t pink. Put in the onions, carrots, garlic, and celery. Cook the mixture for three minutes, then add the rest of the ingredients. Keep cooking and stirring over medium heat until the majority of the liquid is gone. Take out the bay leaves and put the
and brush it over the top of the dough. Bake for 30 minutes or until golden brown.
Beef and Cabbage Dinner
mixture in an oven-safe dish. Top with the already-made mashed potatoes and bake for approximately 30 minutes.
Irish Soda Bread
INGREDIENTS: 1 pound ground beef 1 chopped onion 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 head of cabbage, chopped 5 carrots, cleaned and diced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon pepper 1/2 teaspoon caraway seeds 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 cup ketchup 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
INGREDIENTS: 2 cups of flour 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons of butter, cold and cut into smaller pieces 2 eggs, using one in the mix and one for the top of the bread 3/4 cup milk 1/3 cup raisins (optional)
DIRECTIONS:
DIRECTIONS:
INGREDIENTS: 14 medium slices cinnamon-raisin bread 4 large eggs 2 cups whole milk 1/2 cup sugar 1 ounce brandy 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 2 tablespoons chopped crystallized ginger 1/2 cup golden raisins Cooking spray
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees. Mix together the flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Cut the butter into the dry ingredients until it looks like coarse crumbs. In another bowl, whisk one egg and the milk. Add it to the flour and stir it until it is moistened. If you’re adding raisins, stir them in. On a lightly-floured surface, knead the dough six times. Form it into a round loaf and put it on a greased baking sheet. Whisk the last egg
In a big pot, cook the beef until still a little pink, and then drain the grease off. Put in onions and garlic, cooking for a few more minutes. Then place the cabbage, carrots, olive oil, and seasonings in the pot and continue cooking until the vegetables are semi softened. Stir in ketchup and vinegar and cook uncovered for five minutes.
Simple Bread Pudding
DIRECTIONS: In a bowl, whisk the milk, eggs, and brandy. Add in the sugar, ginger, raisins, and cinnamon, and mix well. Cut the bread into one-inch pieces. Stir the bread pieces into the egg mixture. Let it stand for 15 minutes and stir it occasionally. As the bread soaks, preheat the oven to 350 degrees. When the oven is ready, put the pudding into an 8-inch square baking dish that has been coated with cooking spray. Bake it for 45 to 50 minutes. You can serve it by itself or with vanilla ice cream.
Alcoholic Shamrock Shake INGREDIENTS: 1 and one-half cups of vanilla ice cream 1/2 cup of milk 2 ounces of green crème de menthe ¼ teaspoon of peppermint extract (optional) 5 drops green food coloring (optional for a brighter green color) Whipped cream DIRECTIONS: Put all the ingredients except the whipped cream in a blender. Pour the blended contents into a glass and top with whipped cream.
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | February 2021 23
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Care Built on Our Community from m People You Know & Trust.
While St. Margaret’s Hospital and Illinois Valley Community Hospital (IVCH) have new names, St. Margaret’s Health – Spring Valley and St. Margaret’s Health – Peru, rest assured you can expect the same compassionate care from the physicians and medical staff you’ve always trusted with your health. In addition to the Peru hospital campus, you will find the names of all locations changing soon to reflect the affiliation. Be at ease knowing you will see your physician at the office where you have always seen them. Should any changes arise concerning your medical provider, St. Margaret’s Health will make it a priority to let you know.
For the latest news and announcements, as well as a complete list of all our locations and providers, visit: aboutsmh.org SM-LA1854659
24 February 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
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