ILLINOIS VALLEY
Boomers
TODAY August 2021
CAR SHOWS A SEASON TO SHINE
Also: n
The Igloo Diner: An iconic Illinois Valley restaurant
n Common
eye problems for those 50 and older
n Places
in the Illinois Valley for grandparents to take their grandchildren
publication
Make protecting your eyes a priority With the big 5-0 just a couple of years away for me, I’m starting to realize my body needs much more maintenance than I thought it would at this stage. During my early 40s, I felt great – even better than I did for much of my 30s. But in the last year, I’ve noticed more aches and pains when I wake up in the morning and take those first steps, or even move around after sitting down to watch a television show. I mistakenly thought those nagging pains wouldn’t start until I hit 60 or even 65 if I was lucky. Just as bad as the aches I’ve experienced is the recent development of my eyesight beginning to fail a bit. With four brothers and four sisters, I was always a bit smug about the fact that I was the only one in my fam-
ily who hadn’t needed glasses. I’ve attributed my excellent eyesight to eating countless carrots almost every day when I was younger. Admittedly, my carrot consumption has curtailed considerably since I’ve reached adulthood. Whether that’s the reason my eyes have started to catch up to my age, I’m not sure. In the past months, I’ve noticed I have trouble reading the time on the digital clock in my kitchen. When I grab a book to read at night, the words are fuzzy until I hold the book a little further away. Despite these changes, I’ve been hesitant to go to an eye doctor. I shouldn’t be, and I know that. My dad had macular degeneration, and that’s been a worry of mine after seeing him struggle. I’m not scared to go to an eye doctor – I knew that this day would come. It’s just the hassle of having to go to one more annual appointment that gives me pause. But I know it’s time to face the music – having to go to more medical appointments is just a part of getting older.
Boomers Today
Contents
Publisher Dan Goetz
Being Easy on the Eyes 4
Niche Editor Shannon Serpette sserpette@shawmedia.com
Shifting Gears Midlife 8
426 Second Street La Salle, Illinois 61301 (815) 223-3200 (800) 892-6452 www.newstrib.com
Scheduling an eye appointment has been in the back of my mind ever since I’ve noticed a change in my eyesight, but during my interview with an eye doctor for this magazine issue, I realized I shouldn’t wait much longer to make that call. Hearing about how you can experience permanent vision changes by not catching eye issues before they snowball too much was the wake-up call I needed. Even worse, many of those eye changes begin in middle age, not just your golden years. Scheduling my eye doctor appointment is now on my official to-do list for this fall. With any luck and some help from the experts, I’ll keep my eyes in working order so I can stay active, independent, and enjoying life during my next chapter. If you, like me, haven’t had an eye exam in years, it’s time to consider adding it to your to-do list as well. An annual visit is a small price to pay for healthy eyes. Best wishes, Shannon Serpette, Niche Editor
A regular trip to the optometrist can save your vision.
Advertising Director Jeanette Smith jmsmith@shawmedia.com
Owning The Igloo Diner was a career change for Rich and Christine Decker.
Considering the Classics 14
Car shows let locals showcase their vehicles from another era.
Writers David Cook Shannon Serpette Tara Traughber
A Grandparent’s Love is Forever 20
Local activities provide opportunities for bridging the generation gap and creating memories.
Photographers Scott Anderson David Cook Shannon Serpette Designer Liz Klein
On the cover: The Hennepin Fourth of July car show was only the third time out for Jim and Sharon Gallup’s 1940 Ford Coupe following a lengthy restoration.
Published by: est. 1851
PHOTO BY DAVID COOK
2 August 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
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Routine check-ups – those that are done consistently even before a patient suspects they may have a vision issue – are the key to successfully maintaining your eyesight as much as possible. That’s why Elise Corgiat, a doctor of optometry at Blanco Kays Corgiat Eyecare, LLC, said it’s important to see an eye doctor regularly.
Being Easy on the Eyes A regular trip to the optometrist can save your vision Story and photos by Shannon Serpette
I
t’s easy to neglect your eyes when they’re working well – people tend not to pay attention to any body part unless it’s giving them trouble. But you could be protecting yourself against silent vision loss with a simple annual trip to the eye doctor. Some people don’t realize how prevalent serious vision issues are, so they think it might not happen to them. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as many as 93 million U.S. adults are at high risk of experiencing serious vision loss. Despite that sobering number, the CDC states that only half of those at-risk people went to an eye doctor in the past year, even though they were in the high-risk category. While vision care is important at all ages, the older a person is, the
4 August 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
likelier it is to have vision issues. Elise Corgiat, a doctor of optometry at Blanco Kays Corgiat Eyecare, LLC, which has offices in Spring Valley and Morris, wants everyone to understand how important regular eye care visits are. With some conditions, irreversible damage can be done to the eyes before the patient is even aware they have an eye condition. “Many of the conditions are silent, such as glaucoma,” she said. “It’s a good idea to stay ahead of these problems, even though growing old gracefully can be a challenge.” There are a number of conditions that are commonly diagnosed in those 50 years and See EYES page 6
Elise Corgiat, a doctor of optometry, shows how a magnifier can help middle-aged and older people. Inset: Magnifiers such as these can be valuable to those who are struggling with low vision.
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | August 2021 5
Eyes
FROM PAGE 4
older. Corgiat explained what each condition is and pertinent facts Boomers should know. PRESBYOPIA Presbyopia is an inability to focus on nearby objects up close. A common complaint might be the inability to read a book up close until the reader moves it to arm’s length. Typically, the onset occurs somewhere between 35 to 45 years old, according to Corgiat. “Headaches or tired eyes may be the first signs it’s starting,” she said. Glasses can often help with this condition, Corgiat said. GLAUCOMA Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to blindness. It can be spotted through annual eye exams before a patient has any signs or symptoms. “It’s a silent vision loss. It happens so slowly you don’t know it’s happening,” Corgiat said. The vision loss is also permanent, with the peripheral vision the first to go. “There is no regaining of the peripheral vision if lost,” Corgiat said. The loss of peripheral vision can cause people to lose their driver’s license. That’s a high price to pay for a condition that has treatment options that can slow the progression of the disease. Early diagnosis can preserve your eyesight, reducing your odds of experiencing severe vision loss. Treatment options include interventions such as medication drops and laser treatment. The onset age tends to be random, and family history of the condition is a red flag that people shouldn’t ignore. DRY EYE DISEASE This condition is often caused by a gland you’ve probably never heard of – meibomian glands. These are the oil glands that sit along the edge of the eyelids by the eyelashes. They are responsible for making the fatty oil in your tears, and without enough oil, your tears won’t lubricate and keep your eyes hydrated enough. The meibomian glands can start to atrophy and narrow around the age of 50, according to Corgiat. Symptoms can be itchy eyes, blurred vision, or red eyes. “It can be any one of those; it may not be all of them,” she said. A proper diagnosis requires an eye expert, and treatment recommendations vary based upon each individual case. Some treatment options might include an increased intake of Omega-3 fatty acids, hot compresses, and the use of artificial tears. AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION AND OTHER RETINA PROBLEMS Age-related macular degeneration is serious business, and taking steps in the early onset can help protect your vision as much as possible.
6 August 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
“It’s the leading cause of blindness in those 65 and older in the U.S.,” Corgiat said. “The beginning signs may start at 50. It’s a progressive disease.” The steps patients take can have a huge impact on the progression of their macular degeneration. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, avoiding tobacco use, and taking specific vitamins can give them their best chance to preserve their vision. Those in the beginning stages may progress at some point to the intermediate phase. But even at that stage, many people are able to keep their independence. “Intermediate vision loss would still allow one to drive in the daytime hours, but not at night,” Corgiat said. Magnifiers can help patients to some extent take care of day-to-day tasks, like reading or paying bills. With various stages and types of macular degeneration, patients shouldn’t assume they’ll have the same course of treatment or outcomes as others they know who have the condition. That’s why it’s important for patients to see an optometrist regularly to come up with the best individualized plan. Symptoms of macular degeneration can include blurred vision, distorted vision, loss of fine details that can make it hard to recognize faces, a need for brighter lights in order to see, loss of central vision, or not seeing color the same way as in the past. “It’s different for every single person,” Corgiat said. “It could be a blurred spot that doesn’t move or go away. It could be a lack of color or contrast.” CATARACTS “Cataracts are a yellowing of the natural lens behind the iris,” Corgiat explained. They are often related to aging, although they can develop from other conditions such as diabetes or having an injury to the eye. “With cataracts, it may start to appear in the eye exam around 50,” she said. People with cataracts may notice a shift in their vision that changes their glasses prescription. Those who have cataracts may notice cloudy vision, halos around streetlights, and the need for extra lighting while reading, she said. Cataracts can be completely curable with surgery. FLOATERS At around 60 years old, the collagen in the vitreous starts to shrink, and tiny fibers in the vitreous begin to clump and cast shadows, called floaters, on the retina. Floaters can appear like dots, threads, specks, or cobwebs. “They move when the eye moves,” Corgiat said. But if you notice new floaters, it can be a good idea to have an eye doctor check for retina detachment since that’s the worst-case situation for new floaters. Most floaters, though, are harmless but annoying. Occasionally, surgery will be recommended to remove one, but the risks versus benefits to the patient should be weighed before making that determination, she said. “The floater will appear to the patient less and less over approximately 12 months,” she said.
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A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | August 2021 7
Rich Decker made a conscious decision to keep the retro look of The Igloo Diner when he and his wife, Christine, purchased the restaurant more than 10 years ago.
Shifting Gears Midlife Owning The Igloo Diner was a career change for Rich and Christine Decker Story by Tara Traughber Photos by Shannon Serpette
R
ich and Christine Decker were nearing 50 years of age when they took a gamble a decade ago and made a midlife career change. Rich left his 30-year career at McDonald’s, and Christine left the banking industry to pursue becoming the new business owners of The Igloo Diner in Peru. Before working in the banking industry, Christine
also worked in the food industry, so the pair was already well-versed in the ins and outs of the food industry. “We were just kind of tired of doing it for someone else,” Rich said. “I knew that for my future, I needed to make a veer in the road. It was the right time and the right circumstance.” Rich and Christine were
8 August 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
familiar with the history of the local landmark – it was a turnkey business with a solid customer base. The Igloo opened in 1937 and was owned and operated by the same family until the Deckers bought it. “We knew what we were getting into. We just had to learn the place,” Rich said. A big concern the couple had was whether the cus-
tomers would still support the business once it changed hands, Christine said. “The customers welcomed us,” Rich said, adding that they continued to support their business through the pandemic. The couple was careful not to alienate that loyal customer base. They purposely were slow to make changes to the beloved establishment. “It took me three years to put a TV up on the counter section,” Rich said. They wanted to keep the atmosphere that the customers had grown to love. They remodeled about four years ago, keeping that 1950s vibe. Some family members of the first owners gave their blessing after seeing the changes. “They said, ‘This is perfect,’” Rich said. Rich and Christine said their favorite thing about owning The Igloo Diner is the people they meet. They love getting to know their customers and the employees who work for them. “The customers are just phenomenal,” Rich said. Their employees range in age from high school kids to adults, and the Deckers have had the privilege of watching employees develop and grow throughout their employment with them. The Deckers also enjoy that their cash register doesn’t tell the employees how much change is owed and that employees have an opportunity to practice their math skills. The couple went from 20 employees to one during the shutdown, as did many establishments. It is no secret that many industries are struggling with a labor shortage since reopening, but the pair states they have fared better than most. They pride themselves on being good employers and have maintained that reputation over the years. The Deckers are grateful for the supportive community that welcomed them and has continued to support them throughout the
The Igloo sign draws a lot of attention and has become a beloved symbol of this historic eatery. years. While it was a scary leap of faith to stop working for someone else and become business owners during a time in life when many people are already starting to envision retirement, the Deckers have no regrets about pursuing their dream. “Nothing beats being your own boss,” Rich said. While some husbands and wives might have problems getting along in the workplace, that hasn’t been a problem for the Deckers. They each have their own strengths – Rich is driven while Chris is detail-oriented. “We get along great,” Rich said. “There’s such a flow between us.” The couple encourages anyone else contemplating a midlife risk to come up with a plan and take the leap. “Do it,” Rich said. “Don’t leave it on the shelf.”
The new path will not be without challenges, but it will be worth it, he said, adding that they survived a pandemic, a challenging labor market, and food cost fluctuations since taking the reins at The Igloo. He said people should be prepared to put the work in to make their dreams come true. At times, Rich and Christine have put in close to 100-hour workweeks. “Be ready to jump in,” Christine said. You must also be ready to adjust your plans as things change or new challenges come up, they said. The Deckers said they only have one regret – they didn’t make this radical change 10 years earlier. For those who haven’t been to The Igloo before, the restaurant is best known for its hand-pounded pork See IGLOO page 11
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | August 20 021 9
Many husbands and wives would have a difficult time working together, but Rich and Christine Decker said too much togetherness isn’t a problem for them. They have no trouble working together peacefully.
10 August 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
Igloo
FROM PAGE 9
tenderloins, but serves a wide variety of other comfort foods, such as Philly cheesesteak sandwiches, barbecue, BLTs, burgers, and chicken strips. In 2019, The Food Network released 50 States of Diners, naming The Igloo the best diner in the state of Illinois. The Deckers don’t believe in taking shortcuts with their food. They use fresh ground chuck for their burgers and hand-cut their fries, Rich said. “It is definitely a labor of love,” Rich said. Rich and Christine are both 60 years old now, with two grown children. Their children were college-bound at the time of this journey, so they weren’t a big part of it but were very supportive. The pair is not in any hurry to call it a day, sell the restaurant, and start their retirement. While that’s not on the table right now, they will make that decision when the moment comes. “We’ll know when the time is right,” Rich said. For right now, they are enjoying their success, welcoming challenges as they arise, and continuing to build the legacy of The Igloo together.
The Deckers made sure not to change too many things about The Igloo Diner when they took it over more than a decade ago. Many of the old-time, nostalgic touches people loved about The Igloo are still there.
“It is definitely a labor of love.” Rich Decker, owner
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | August 2021 21 11
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A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | August 2021 13
Over a 10-month period, Sheffield’s Karl Wollerman impressively turned an ordinary Ford Torino into the famous ‘70’s law enforcement muscle car from the Starsky and Hutch television show.
Considering the Classics Car shows let locals showcase their vehicles from another era Story and photos by David Cook
C
lassic cars find their caretakers through a variety of ways, but one phrase heard repeatedly from owners during a recent show illuminated the most common origin — “Well, my dad…”. That “dad” helped spark so many initial automotive journeys shouldn’t come as much of a surprise, but fathers seem to play an important role in developing a lifelong interest in cool cars. If dad loved them, there’s a good chance his offspring will as well. Hennepin’s Fourth of July
all their lives while others are chasing a memory, the feeling of being younger and behind the wheel of dad’s car, or maybe it was the first one they could call their own. “It’s a time machine. It brings you back in time to the feeling of when you first saw one, and it makes you think of the people you were with back then,” Steve Thompson of Granville said. Thompson was driving a brilliantly orange 1969 PonTHE OWNERS tiac GTO and added he had Some owners have been parking classics in their garage nine other classics at home in car show, part of the village’s weekend-long celebration, was the perfect place to find a variety of cars and owners from the Illinois Valley. Vehicles on display included the classic and modern, the original and modified, the restored and unrestored, American and European, historic military, motorcycles, bicycles, and since we’re in the Midwest, a few tractors.
14 August 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
Princeton’s Jim Rahn was more than happy to hop in his classic Jag at a recent car show and fire the engine for appreciative bystanders.
While some owners prefer to trailer their classics to a car show, many prefer to get there the way they were intended, by driving them, as this sign indicates.
what must surely be a colorful garage. His love of Pontiacs was inherited. “My dad worked at Pontiac in Pontiac, Michigan, and I remember meeting John DeLorean,” he said. Other owners parted ways with their special car when they started families, and there are also those who’ve wanted their dream car since seeing one somewhere as a kid. “I’ve wanted this car since I was 16. I’m so happy to have it now and I absolutely love driving it whenever I can,” Jim Rahn of Princeton said about his black 1970 Jaguar E-type,
It’s not easy to keep an engine bay this spotless, and there are also the exterior, interior, and undercarriage to worry about. Cleaning is one challenge to owning a classic car to which all owners can relate.
a car that’s always in the discussion of most beautifully designed automobiles. There’s no shortage of those who sold in their youth what was to later become a highly desirable collectible, but it’s just as likely to be a less distinctive and much more affordable model. Many times, they come to regret these decisions later in life, but once the kids are grown and gone and the mortgage is paid off, those decisions may be more easily reversed. Owners are as varied as the cars that filled the shady Hennepin park. Magnolia’s Jim and Sharon
Gallup arrived at the show in a gorgeous 1940 Ford Coupe that had recently undergone a six-year restoration. Owned for 25 years, Jim said he’d wanted one since grade school and that his dad had driven one. After being asked what his ultimate fantasy car would be, Jim pointed to his Ford and said, “This one right here, you can’t get any better than a ‘40 Ford.” All the owners spoken to at the show said they enjoyed gathering with other owners and agreed that everyone See CARS page 17
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | August 2021 15
Jim Winslow drove from Toulon for the Hennepin 4th of July car show in his 1965 Pontiac.
Steve Thompson’s ‘69 GTO is powered by a 496-cubic-inch Pontiac engine. Thompson’s resto-mod also has plenty of power available for cruising.
Rudy Svadbik of Princeton has been around old cars his whole life, and his dad owned a body shop and gas station. His first car was a 1951 Mercury, a highly desirable model now. “They were just cars then, nothing special,” he said. He’s currently driving a 1963 Plymouth Valiant and has plans to paint it after restoring the interior and making some mechanical repairs. “This is a peppy little car. It starts right up, there’s lots of room, and it feels like a big car,” he said.
16 August 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
Historic military vehicles are a common sight at car shows, but they still manage to stand out with their olive drab paint despite being parked amongst the many wildly colored classics.
Cars
Vintage bicycles and motorcycles are also commonly seen at an average car show.
considering buying a classic. The first is military vehicles. Driving something like a WWII FROM PAGE 15 Jeep allows those with an appreciation of history to combine has their own tastes when that with their love of old cars. it comes to cars. Most also These vehicles are common acknowledged a challenge sights along parade routes. familiar to anyone who has The second would be the ever owned a high-profile car celebrity car, a recognizable – keeping them clean, a nevvehicle featured in a movie er-ending process. or television show. While the “People always want to actual vehicle that appeared in touch them,” Gallup said of a movie or show can be had, the serious breach of etiquette they’re often in museums or in the car world as he polished terribly expensive. An example the Ford’s shapely fender in on the extreme end of this subpreparation for the show. ject would be the original 1966 He also offered advice for Batmobile, which sold at aucanyone looking to buy their tion for $4.6 million in 2013. first classic car. There are businesses now “Buy one that’s already specializing in recreating done and restored. Restoa number of the most popration is a lot of work, takes ular movie cars, and there a lot of time, and you’ll never are also large fan groups get the money you put into it that routinely organize back out of it,” he said. meet-ups.,However, there are It was a sentiment shared by much more affordable ways a few other owners, but many to drive a celebrity car. Buyadvocated the “learn and do ing a regular version in anit yourself” approach. Regard- other color and restoring it as less of which is chosen, ownan homage to the original can ing and maintaining a classic result in a vehicle that draws car takes time and money; the far more interest from spectaeffort involved truly has to be tors than it would otherwise. a labor of love for the car. Karl Wollerman of Sheffield arrived at the Hennepin car THE CARS show in a 1976 Ford Gran There are a seemingly endTorino that had undergone less number of ways to catea transformation to look like gorize collectible vehicles, but the famously red and white there are a few that stand out car featured in the popular at any show and which may be ‘70’s detective show ‘Starsky easily overlooked when first and Hutch.’
“Ten months ago, it was blue, dented, and rusty, but I’ve always wanted the ‘Starsky and Hutch’ car. I did most of the work myself and was even able to track down the correct police equipment for it and managed to get it in one complete set,” Wollerman said as the vintage red police light slowly revolved on the roof. If considering purchasing a classic car, most of the owners interviewed advised that it’s in your best interest to do your research and know as much about your dream car as possible. If you’re mechanically minded, another benefit is you might be able to do some, most, or even all of the work yourself. In a somewhat ironic twist of new car owners not being able to work on their cars themselves because of advancing technology, a few owners of classics mentioned difficulty in finding mechanics willing to work on their older cars. “You can easily bite off more than you can chew. Pay as much as you can afford and know that nothing is cheap. But, find what you like, take it home and love it,” Rahn said. He added that he hopes enough members of younger generations start to appreciate classic cars and become willing to care for them when it’s their time. “I’m just the caretaker,” he said.
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | August 2021 17
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A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | August 2021 19
PHOTO BY SCOTT ANDERSON
Two-year-old Bennett Ebener, his mom Abby Ebener of Galesburg, and his grandmother, Carol Ebener of LaSalle, played at the Splash Pad in Peru recently. Abby is originally from Peru and comes back to the Illinois Valley to see family. She loves that her son has close ties with all of his grandparents.
A Grandparent’s Love Is Forever Local activities provide opportunities for bridging the generation gap and creating memories Story by Shannon Serpette
T
To establish a tight bond between a grandchild and a grandparent, there needs to be plenty of interaction. Shared activities are a great way to make memories and create tight ties, despite the difference in years. Abby Ebener, originally from Peru but now living in Galesburg, comes back to the Illinois
20 August 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
Valley as often as she can to see family and to help her son, Bennett, who is 2 and a half years old, establish a close connection with his grandparents. “We are so fortunate that all of Bennett’s grandparents live in the same area we grew up and are only 1.5 hours away,” Abby said. “It’s
Annie’s Little Pots in Princeton offers grandchildren and grandparents a place where they can come together to paint pottery while having conversations. PHOTOS BY SHANNON SERPETTE
incredible how much Bennett remembers and how often he talks about his grandparents. I love how much they are a part of his life and am excited to see their relationships grow in the upcoming years.” The Illinois Valley is home to many places that make excellent settings for nurturing a close relationship between grandparents and grandchildren. But what interests one child will bore another one. The following activity categories will help grandparents find a location that will be a home run with their grandchildren – no matter what their interests are. FOR THE CRAFTY KID Not all children love sports and physical activity. For grandparents who have a craft-loving kid in their family tree, there are plenty of bonding opportunities for exploring creativity in the Illinois Valley. One of the gems that should interest various generations is Annie’s Little Pots in Princeton. Owner Ann Crosby loves that her shop can
provide a place to explore a shared love of painting and crafts. “I have enjoyed seeing grandparents paint pottery with their grandchildren,” Crosby said. “Not only is it a creative moment, it is peaceful and encourages discussion. I’ve been blessed to see many of these young children grow up over the years and see the love between grandparents and grandchildren.” Grandparents with an aptitude for sewing can pass on that skill to their grandchildren. With a few simple tools and materials, plus some lessons from their grandparents, grandchildren will be able to cherish their sewing lesson memories for the rest of their lives. The Illinois Valley has top-notch places to buy sewing materials, such as Quilting in the Valley in LaSalle. With so many fun fabrics to choose from, grandchildren will be entertained getting to pick which material they want for an easy-to-make pillow project or See GRANDPARENTS page 22
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | August 2021 21
Grandparents FROM PAGE 21
whatever other lesson their grandparent decides to teach them. FOR BOOK LOVERS Reading is an activity that can be enjoyed at any age, and it’s an important skill for children throughout school. Grandparents can help encourage their grandchildren to develop a love of reading and do better in school by reading to them or sharing their favorite books. The libraries in the Illinois Valley offer an opportunity to find suitable books for every age group. If you’re not sure which newer books are popular with kids, librarians are a wonderful resource for that. Plus, the libraries in Peru, Spring Valley, Putnam County, Princeton, and LaSalle always have activities for kids to go to with their grandparents. Many offer story hours geared toward young readers. Children also can earn fun prizes through various library programs, such as Peru Library’s 1000 Books Before Kindergarten, which can be exciting for them and inspire them to read more than they would normally. FOR A SWEET TOOTH Ice cream is a near-universal kid-pleaser, and the Illinois Valley has many spots to stop for a cone or treat. Some excellent places to take grandchildren locally – although not an exhaustive list – include the Tastee Freez in Spring Valley, Grandma Rosie’s Sweet Treats in Spring Valley and Princeton, The Rootbeer Stand in Oglesby, Sisler’s Ice Cream shop in Princeton, and Bruce & Ollie’s ice cream shop, which is located in the old Bickerman Hardware building in Utica.
“This is the first time we have been to the Splash Pad in Peru and everyone loved it,” Abby said. “The Splash Pad is accessible, safe, and fun for all ages, including grownups, and this will likely be a repeat stop when we are in town.” FOR MOVIE FANS If there’s one activity people of all physical capabilities can agree upon, it’s movies. You might not have the same taste in flicks, but a family-friendly blockbuster is usually a safe bet, especially if you’re taking grandchildren of different ages to the movie theater. Movies do more than entertain – they can inspire children to tackle challenges they never dreamed possible. It also gives them a place to explore their wildest fantasies or see their favorite book characters brought to the screen. The Apollo Theater in Princeton has been used for more than a century to entertain people, as a movie theater, opera hall, and vaudeville stage at different points in its existence. If a grandparent went to movies as a kid at the Apollo, it can be a great starting point for a conversation with their grandchild about how things have changed, from the movies that were shown to the concession snacks that were offered.
FOR NATURE APPRECIATION Kids may spend a lot of time indoors these days, but that doesn’t mean they don’t like being outside. The Illinois Valley has some gorgeous spots to take in the great outdoors and is lucky to be home to both Starved Rock and Matthiessen State Park. If you have a young hiker on your hands, a walk through either of these natural areas may be a big hit. For outdoor play activities and a learning opportunity, Boggio’s Orchard in Granville has plenty to offer families. FOR STAYING ACTIVE “Our orchard is a place where grandparents Bowling is a sport that can unite various and their grandchildren can make wondergenerations, and if a child can’t avoid the gutful memories together year after year with ter, you can request bumpers. Both the Illinois our many classic fall activities for all ages,” Valley Super Bowl in Peru and Ladd Lanes are Denise Boggio, the owner of the orchard, excellent places to introduce children to how said. “From the petting zoo, barrel train, and much fun it is to knock over some pins. corn bin for the little ones to the corn maze, If your child is fascinated by the water, apple cannon, and jumping pillow for older swimming and water fun can be found in children, along with family activities such as several spots locally. The indoor pool at the hayrack rides, apple and pumpkin picking, YMCA in Peru lets your child get some swimthere’s fun for everyone.” ming in, rain or shine. Boggio’s Orchard sets the stage for a dayPeru’s Splash Pad is a favorite spot for long adventure because it offers all kinds of children and is a place of inclusivity for food, so children can recharge their bodies children with disabilities. With hundreds before heading back for more fun. of water jets spraying, make sure to bring a “There’s also plenty of opportunity for towel or a change of clothes before heading grandparents to spoil their grandchildren with back in your car at the end of the day. And our famous cider or pumpkin donuts, homeremember to pack a camera to catch those made kennel corn, fresh-squeezed apple cider, priceless expressions of joy and delight on cider slushies, and other treats,” she said. “We your grandchild’s face. also have a food stand with homemade chili, Abby Ebener, her grandson, and one of his hot dogs, burgers, brats, and more, and also grandparents, Carol Ebener of LaSalle, rehave various food trucks visit the orchard cently went to the Splash Pad and had a great throughout the fall so grandparents and their time together. grandchildren can make it a full-day trip.”
22 August 2021 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
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