SVM_Everyday Heroes Magazine_092818 by Shaw Media

Hidden among us ... There’s a lot of people working to improve the lives of those most in need ... Asking nothing in return...

Sept. 28, 2018 • Vol. 1 Issue 1

THEY ARE

EVERYDAY

HEROES 11

inspiring tales

f r i d a y , s e p t e m b e r

2 8 , 2 0 1 8 • e v e r y d a y

A SPECIAL PUBLICATION OF SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

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OUR HEROES! 4

Kim Ellis

David Swegle

Dana 6

Brent reuter, Nora Balayti, Brandon Reuter

Brian Tribley

Chacon

Dennis Fulrath

Annette Yount

Josie Whaley 22

Christie Lenox

Betty Clementz

Carmilla Nelson 31

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR HEROS

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KIM ELLIS WHEN THIS DIXON WOMAN DECIDED TO CLEAN UP AND MAINTAIN THE FORMER DIXON STATE SCHOOL, SHE APPROACHED THE EFFORT WITH THE DETERMINATION AND POWER OF THOR.

secret identity Age: 48 Residence: Dixon Family: Husband, Tim; two daughters, two stepchildren; three grandchildren Day job: Dixon Walmart

Give Her a Hand Find Honoring Fallen Angels on Facebook for more information on how to volunteer, or to donate flowers for next year’s ceremony, planned for May 25.

PHOTO AND ILLUSTRATION • ALEX T. PASCHAL/apaschal@saukvalley.com Q&A • CODY CUTTER/ccutter@saukvalley.com

im Ellis, 48, of Dixon, had family members who worked at the former Dixon State School. Inspired by her family’s connections, last year Ellis started Honoring Fallen Angels, a project to clean up and maintain the old school cemetery, to help remember the former residents. The school ceased to be a mental health center in 1983 and now is Dixon Correctional Center, and the cemetery is south of the complex on Washington Avenue. Tell us about Honoring Fallen Angels: I started it because my mother, Ginger Classen, took in a lady from

Everyday Heroes

the Dixon State School after she was released, in 1972. I was 2. Elizabeth Smajda came to the restaurant that my mom worked at, and asked for a job. My mom gave her a job as a dishwasher. After a couple of weeks of working with her, my mom realized that she didn’t have a home of her own. My mom, a very kind-hearted lady, moved her into our home. She lived with us and was part of our family for my entire life. When my mom passed away, we moved Elizabeth into a couple of different places, and she ended up in a nursing home. She was diagnosed with leukemia and died September of last year.

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When she died, there was no insurance money. There was no money to bury her, no money for the funeral service, no money for anything like that. With the help of Joe McDonald from McDonald Funeral Homes, working with me, we were able to get her cremated. With the help of memorial gardens in the Quad Cities, she was able to be buried next to my mom, which was where she wanted to be. Me, my husband, Tim, and the groundskeeper were there to bury her. When the groundskeeper left, I looked at my husband and asked, “This can’t be all there is.” I told my husband, no matter what, no matter what it takes, I’m going to make her life mean something more than just this. That’s when I came up with the idea of putting flowers on all of the graves at the Dixon State School cemetery. What was the initial response? I got a lot of Facebook messages, and people didn’t realize [the graves] were of State School residents, or patients. They thought they were prisoners. Many of them probably aren’t marked? They’re marked, but you can hardly tell what most of them say. Some of them are fallen over. We had to dig some out to straighten them up. Some of them were sunk [a few inches]. One of the gentlemen [helping] said that they were in wooden caskets. We decided to go out there and see what it was going to take to clean it up a little bit. I did some research online, and found that there were supposed to be 2,189 graves out there. That’s a lot of sites. How big was the challenge? After my husband and I went out there for about a month, every Sunday with people from Jack Mabley Developmental Center, we had 30 volunteers who would help out and uncover some

“ME, MY HUSBAND, TIM, AND THE GROUNDSKEEPER WERE THERE TO BURY HER. WHEN THE GROUNDSKEEPER LEFT, I LOOKED AT MY HUSBAND AND ASKED, ‘THIS CAN’T BE ALL THERE IS.’ I TOLD MY HUSBAND, NO MATTER WHAT, NO MATTER WHAT IT TAKES, I’M GOING TO MAKE HER LIFE MEAN SOMETHING MORE THAN JUST THIS.” markers. Between a certain number of years, the markers became flat and you couldn’t even see them. We made sure it was OK with the prison – with this being put on Facebook – and asked the Dixon Police Department if it would be a location to drop off flowers. What did the prison think about all of this? They were fine with it, as long as we followed certain rules and didn’t go beyond a certain point. You could see the guards at the towers, making sure that’s what we were doing. They helped us mow; we went out there a week before with our own mowers. I was out one morning, and two inmates and a guard were out there mowing, too. How did the May 27 memorial service go? Jack Mabley donated a beautiful angel statue. We had probably 30, 35 people there. Kathy Cecchetti sang a couple of songs. Bunyan Cocar, First Baptist Church pastor, said a few words and opened us up with a prayer. Mike Wilcox from the Dixon Police Department played the bagpipes. It was a nice thing. About a week after it was over, I came home to four or five huge garbage bags of flowers in my driveway. I thought, “Oh my God, someone went there and took all of the flowers off of the graves, bagged them up and threw them in my driveway.” Then I opened the bags, and they were new flowers. We’re starting to collect for next year, I just hope that it’s not as hot. How would you suppose your work has helped better the community? I think it has helped shine a light on

people who lived there. A lot of people thought those graves were of prisoners. A lot of people are still around from when it was still a school, and I’ve gotten numerous Facebook messages from people who worked out there. We had a lot of fun times out there. We brought some of the people home for Christmas. You think of a State School as something bad, but they actually had a decent life, from what I understand. From what I’ve heard from people who have helped with this, they all had awesome stories, and it was nice to come out and remember them. What do you think you’ve learned about yourself from doing all of this? I’ve learned that I have more of my mom’s heart in me than I once thought. There are more people out there willing to help if someone gives them the opportunity. They just don’t know how to go about starting it. I think this gave people that opportunity. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Probably to change all of the bad into good, somehow. Who are your role models in life? My parents. They’ve taught me a lot. Definitely my husband, Tim; he has stuck by me when I said that I was going to put flowers on every one of those graves. He said, “What in the world are you thinking, how are you going to do that?” I said, “I don’t know.” Even though it seemed like a huge task, we made it happen, and it turned out to be a fun time, meeting new people.

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DAVID SWEGLE secret identity Age: 17 Family: Parents Teri and Mark Swegle, sisters Jill Hays and Janice Swegle Career: At the moment, Newman Central Catholic High School senior. Volunteer work: Reagan Boyhood Home tours, fixing tombstones at Oakwood Cemetery, 416 S. Dement Ave; also altar serving and lecturing at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, both in Dixon.

THEY SAY THE FUTURE OF AMERICA IS IN OUR YOUTH. IF THAT’S THE CASE, WE’RE IN GOOD HANDS WITH KIDS LIKE DAVID SWEGEL AROUND. PHOTO AND ILLUSTRATION • ALEX T. PASCHAL/apaschal@saukvalley.com

help out The Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, 810 S. Hennepin Ave. in Dixon, is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday through Oct. 1. Admission is $8 for 13 and older; $5 for ages 5-12 and for veterans, and free to acttive-duty military, law enforcement and firefighters. Volunteer tour guides are needed, as are donations for the home’s ongoing restoration work. Find it on Facebook, go to reaganhome. org or call 815-2885176 to donate, volunteer or for more information.

Q&A • JESSIE KERN/For Sauk Valley Media

avid Swegle, 17, of Sterling, is a senior at Newman Central Catholic High School who fixed damaged tombstones at Oakwood Cemetery as his Eagle Scout project. He also volunteers as a Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home tour guide. Tell us about your project: I asked Reagan Home Executive Director Pat Gorman for ideas for my Eagle Scout project, and he suggested I help him fix up deteriorating tombstones because he had already started working on them. Some of them we actually take completely out of the ground. They might be fallen over, so we take them out and take them to Pat’s garage. Then we clean them, get all the dirt off them and then we use a special cleaner to get the algae and different build up off, to make them readable again. Some of the tombstones are in such bad condition that they fall apart and we have to contact the families to get them replaced, and some families have found out about our work and have offered to pay to have the tombstones cleaned.

Everyday Heroes

Now I’m done with the Eagle Scout part of it, but we want to continue on just to do it for fun and keep doing it in the summers when I’m home from college. What drew you to volunteer at the Reagan Home? I just really like Reagan, I’ve always liked Reagan, so to kind of be able to be in his house is just really cool, but then also to be able to tell other people about him. How has your work made the community better? With the tombstones, it’s more so that it’s kind of just a shame that they’re in such bad shape and just that the family members might never know that we fixed them up, but just so that someone will come by maybe someday and be actually able to read what they say, it kind of just helps. Who is your role model? Pat, because I’ve known him a very long time and he does a lot of work in the community, and does a lot of the same things I like to do.

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Everyday Heroes

DANA CHACON PHOTO AND ILLUSTRATION • ALEX T. PASCHAL/apaschal@saukvalley.com Q&A • GAVIN T. JENSEN/gjensen@saukvalley.com

ana Chacon, 42, has served on the Petunia Festival board for 15 years, the first 2 as a parade volunteer and the past 2 as its president. She also volunteers with Buddy Bags of Dixon and with the Dixon, Rock Falls and Sauk Valley Area chambers of commerce, is on the Dixon YMCA board, Sauk Valley Community College Community Leadership board and participates in mission trips to Guatemala. Tell us about your work: As the board president, I’m involved with everything that has to do with the Petunia Festival. It’s a year-round job to coordinate volunteers, sponsors, partnerships, businesses and other entities to bring the festival to Dixon. What drew you to it? I volunteered for the parade 15 years ago with the thought of giving back to the community. I’ve always thought that if you can give back, you should. It’s the right thing to do. How has your work made the community better? The Petunia Festival is a

done our job.

pitch in To learn more about, donate to or volunteer for the Petunia Festival, call the Dixon Chamber of Commerce, 815248-3361, the festival number, 815-2887465, go to petuniafestival.org or find Dixon Petunia Festival Inc. on Facebook.

true community event, it really brings everyone from all walks of life to celebrate Independence Day. For Buddy Bags, we pack food for children who don’t have food on the weekend. We do what we can to make sure they don’t go hungry, in hopes that some day they will do the same for others. As for the other volunteering like chamber and board involvement, we grow with others as we try to make the community better because a community is only as strong as the people in it. If we can build that sense of community, then we’ve

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What do you want others to know that they may not? The Petunia Festival is all made possible by volunteers, from the board to the police and fire department and all everyone in between. It really is a true community event because we have members from all walks of life. What have you learned about yourself or others by doing it? I never saw myself as president, it was a step outside of my comfort zone because I feel like I don’t deserve the credit.

secret identity Age: 42 Residence: Dixon Family: Husband; Art Chacon, 45, children; Brenan, 23, Lauren, 19 Day job: Dixon Thrivent Financial financial consultant Volunteer/community activities: Petunia Festival president; Dixon YMCA board member; board member of Sauk Valley Community Leadership, a Sauk Valley Community Collge program; For the Love of Mateo mission trip volunteer; Buddy Bags of Dixon; works with area chambers of commerce. Church affiliation: St. Anne’s Catholic Church in Dixon See DANA CHACON, Page 20

BE A UNITED WAY COMMUNITY HERO Find the superhero within and make Lee County stronger by volunteering or donating to the United Way campaign. Help improve the quality of life for all.

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LIKE SILK SPECTRE, THIS UNASSUMING LOCAL HERO KEEPS WATCH OVER BIG THINGS, LIKE THE PETUNIA FESTIVAL IN DIXON AND THE BUDDY BAGS PROGRAM.

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DENNIS FULRATH secret identity Residence: Rock Falls Education: Rock Falls High School, Class of 1965; attended DeVry Institute of Technology for engineering; Sauk Valley Community College, associate degree in industrial technology; Illinois State University, bachelor’s degree in education and industrial technology Experience: Lifelong resident and homeowner; spent 35 years as a senior consultant to the manufacturing industry – domestic U.S. and globally; extensive experience with multimillion-dollar budgeting, financial analysis and all functions within manufacturing operations Family: Sister, Lana Fulrath Nugent, of Morrison; brother, Gary Fulrath, of Polo

PHOTO AND ILLUSTRATION • ALEX T. PASCHAL/ apaschal@saukvalley.com Q&A • CODY CUTTER/ccutter@saukvalley.com

ennis Fulrath, of Rock Falls, has served on the Sauk Valley Community College Board of Trustees since April 2015. Fulrath, a graduate of Sauk and former student body president, has more than 35 years of consulting experience in the manufacturing sector, in the United States and globally, as well as extensive experience with multimillion-dollar budgeting, financial analysis and all functions within manufacturing operations. See DENNIS FULRATH, Page 12

IF THIS ROCK FALLS RESIDENT AND MAN OF THE SAUK VALLEY IS FEELING SUPER THESE DAYS, IT’S BECAUSE OF THE WORK HE DOES AS A TRUSTEE AT SAUK VALLEY COMMUNITY COLLEGE, AND THE PROJECT OF PASSION TO ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO TAKE MORE STEPS. 10

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• DENNIS FULRATH Continued from Page 10 Tying his work with education and manufacturing, Fulrath hopes to make the local manufacturing sector better. In fact, he is writing a college-level textbook to combine his two passions – education and manufacturing – into a curriculum. In addition to giving back to the community through his background, Fulrath also has donated time to setting up rest benches in Rock Falls, to encourage more walking and exercise. Tell us about organizing the benches in Rock Falls: There’s one on my property, and two at RB&W District Park. We, at any age, need to walk more. I looked at Eastern Europe, or India, or South America, wherever I’ve gone, they walk a lot more. They don’t have the luxury of the cars that we have. We don’t walk enough. It shows in our physical being against their physical being. They are to encourage people, and remind people, to walk more. Even the elderly and disabled still need to walk, but there is a bench in your neighborhood that you can rest on. Do you hope it inspires more people to do the same? I would like to see more people in the neighborhoods put benches in their yards. How has your work with Sauk’s Board of Trustees helped make your community better? I work in conjunction with my six other trustees, and our duty is more to evaluate, approve and disapprove all monies and any large amounts of money spent, as well as hiring and firing. President David Hellmich and his staff do an excellent job in what they feel the college should have. They present to us, and we have to approve, disapprove, dis-

“WE, AT ANY AGE, NEED TO WALK MORE. I LOOKED AT EASTERN EUROPE, OR INDIA, OR SOUTH AMERICA, WHEREEVER I’VE GONE, THEY WALK A LOT MORE. THEY DON’T HAVE THE LUXURY OF CARS THAT WE HAVE. WE DON’T WALK ENOUGH. IT SHOWS IN OUR PHYSICAL BEING AGAINST THEIR PHYSICAL BEING.” all people, and especially my community.

IT’S SUPER TO LEARN MORE Go to svcc.edu/ about/board-oftrustees to learn more about the Sauk Valley Community College Board, of which Fulrath is a member.

cuss, or tear apart. I compliment Dr. Hellmich on bringing Sauk out of the dark ages. Do you feel like you had a little something to do with that? I don’t like taking any credit. I feel involved and encouraging. I have ideas that I’ve presented, as well as a few of my thoughts, to them, but it’s got to come back from them to the board. I would like to have a large homecoming ball, utilizing the whole college. I think we could have 1,000 people come, whether they graduated or not. Back in the day, when we began, we had three large balls every year. And we didn’t even have a nice facility, we had to rent. Do you wish Sauk athletic events had the same atmosphere of high school sports events? I would like to see the community come out and support our athletic programs and events. We all have lives and responsibilities. I enjoy going to going to the activities and encouraging students. What have you learned about yourself from all of the work you do with Sauk? It’s confirmed my belief that I am a caring person to

You like to say that you’re a “resident of the Sauk Valley,” as opposed to being from one place. Why? I’m proud to have grown up in Rock Falls, but I am so active in all of the Sauk Valley, whether it be Amboy or Prophetstown, or Sterling or Dixon. To me, home is the Sauk Valley. Who are some other people who you think deserve some credit in assisting with what you do? Melissa Dye: She is our chief financial officer and she is where the dollars are. Anything that happens at Sauk, Melissa is wellinvolved. She’s a name most people don’t know, but if it’s going to happen, Melissa puts a lot of time into the pluses and minuses into the finance. Josh West is coming on quite well as a dean, and heading up our multicraft program for manufacturing skills. As a manufacturing professional, it’s not just about teaching manufacturing, it’s about teaching skill sets for a couple of departments within manufacturing. We teach a few skill sets in a couple of departments in manufacturing. But you have to understand manufacturing to understand that. The area’s young people have seen the demise of Northwestern Steel and Wire, National Manufacturing, Lawrence Brothers and RB&W. Some schools have phased out labor-based education. Do you wish that would come back? Yes. It’s sad for our com-

Everyday Heroes

munities to see the demise of these companies, that happens in life in many communities. You look at Freeport, and the manufacturing that was there was similar to what we experienced. We still need to keep teaching our youth the skill sets, whether it be more technical, or CAD/CAM, to have better-paying jobs, to be able to have a skills valued not only in manufacturing, but also supply chain and other aspects, so they can earn more income, raise a family, stay in the community, and live a quality life. We, at Sauk, are taking over a lot of the things that were offered at the area vocational center; they’re now part of our multicraft program. Any role models? I guess if I had one role model, it would be Nikola Tesla. He got a bad shake in life. Our society wasn’t ready to accept his more modern ways that fit into today. He didn’t live a good elderly life, but he was brilliant. Do you have a favorite quote or philosophy about life? My truest belief and passion, and I live it daily, is the education of our youth, and the ongoing education of all ages. The education of our youth to give them knowledge to become better adults in the family and community. The ongoing education for all ages, even if you’ve been working a job for 10 years, or whatever, to keep coming back to school and getting educated on things for the community, in your own life, of for your job. Manufacturing is my second-biggest passion.

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X-FORCE: THIS TERRIFIC TRIO MADE SURE THEIR VISION FOR A DISC GOLF COURSE FOR THE DIXON PARK DISTRICT TOOK FLIGHT.

PHOTO AND ILLUSTRATION • ALEX T. PASCHAL/apaschal@saukvalley.com Q&A • RACHEL RODGERS/rrodgers@saukvalley.com

rothers Brandon and Brent Reuter and Nora Balayti joined forces to bring a nine-hole disc golf course to Lowell Park after partnering with the Dixon Park District and raising $6,800 from 15 sponsors in a short period of time.The trio hopes to inspire others to pursue projects aimed at bettering the community. What was the process for bringing disc

Brandon Reuter, Brent reuter, Nora Balayti

Everyday Heroes

golf to Dixon? Brent: Park Board member Rodney Frey, a family friend, reached out to us to come to the table with the board and talk about disc golf. They wanted to see if there was interest in the community, and we came back with a petition with more than 200 signatures. Brandon: We had all of the sponsors we needed in 3 weeks.

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Brandon: We had all of the sponsors we needed in 3 weeks. Nora: We were blown away by the support we had. How do you think the course benefits the community? Brent: It’s the first course in the area that you can access via the river, and it’s a chance for people to enjoy and learn and play and practice. It’s a little niche that changes the community in a positive way, and adds something fun for people to do. Brandon: Not only does it give members in the community something more to do, the whole family can play together, make an outing or whole day of it. Nora: A huge part of the disc golf community is growing the sport. It’s something for people from all walks of life, it’s inexpensive and stress-free and gets people outdoors. There are so many great things about it; it’s not just the game, it’s everything that goes with it. Why do you think the project is important? Nora: We all spend tax dollars on parks, and they’re underused. This gets people outside more with fresh air and makes them stop looking at their phone screen. Brandon: It shows people what can be accomplished pretty easily. When you get people motivated, it’s easy to get things done.

Their Bright Future

secret identitIES NORA BALAYTI Age: 35 Residence: Dixon Family: parents Bob and Patti, brother Colin Day job: muralist Church affiliation: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church BRANDON REUTER Age: 31 Residence: Dixon Family: parents Theresa Reuter and stepfather Lenny Roux, late father Dennis Reuter, uncle Mike Cleary, brother Brent Day job: co-owner of Stewart’s Heating and Air Conditioning Church affiliation: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church BRENT REUTER Age: 29 Residence: Dixon Family: parents Theresa Reuter and stepfather Lenny Roux, late father Dennis Reuter, uncle Mike Cleary, brother Brandon Day job: sales representative at Addison Automotive in Harmon Church affiliation: St. Patrick’s Catholic Church

See X-FORCE, Page 19

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BRIAN TRIBLEY PHOTO AND ILLUSTRATION • ALEX T. PASCHAL/apaschal@saukvalley.com Q&A • CODY CUTTER/ccutter@saukvalley.com

rian Tribley, 43, of Rock Falls, started the nondenominational Firehouse of God Ministries in 2004. Its mission is to reach out to those who don’t have a church, and to the homeless, the hungry, and others less fortunate. Tribley, a Rock Falls Fire Department firefighter and chaplain, combined his career and his calling into a single program. The church at 306 Fifth Ave. in Sterling has a Community Light Program, serving free dinners from 5 to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday; Men’s Rescue Mission; Council House Caring at Self-Help Enterprises, a Fire Museum at at 403 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, and numerous service and community outreach programs.

Tell us about your work with Firehouse of God Ministries: I’m the senior pastor and president of the corporation. We started the ministry 14 years ago, from scratch. I just felt a calling to go into that type of ministry. The first part of our ministry has been dealing with the homeless, rescue missions, housing and feeding programs, and going out and doing service projects for the city of Rock Falls. We have our fire museum, which we renovated after that building was due to be totally scrapped and demolished. That’s where we keep all of our firetrucks, and our safety smoke house. We do firetruck rides, we do tours and kids activities. It’s become a big part of our community. Our church is in Sterling, and now we have the

secret identity Age: 43 From: Dixon Residence: Rock Falls Family: Wife, Elzabeth; children, Callie, Sarah and Andrew Day job: Part-time firefighter, Rock Falls Fire Department Church affiliation: Firehouse of God Ministries

museum in Rock Falls. We’re in both cities, which is nice. See BRIAN TRIBLEY, Page 18

Beth Fiorini is what one might call, an Everyday Hero. Not only is she a loving and compassionate woman, but she is one who believes in helping everyone in need. Whether it is her family, her employees, the patients she serves or members of this great community, Beth’s efforts go unmatched. For the past 28 years, Beth has strived to ensure that there is affordable healthcare to all individuals in this area. While many people struggle to find the healthcare that they need, Beth is welcoming them with open arms regardless of their current situation or financial standing. Having started her career with the Whiteside County Health Department in 1990, the transformation that she has helped to achieve is unforeseen by any other. What started out as a Health Department has grown to include a multifaceted Community Health Clinic that not only provides great Medical Care, but also offers Behavioral Health Services, a Dental Clinic and Family Planning. Her keen business sense and strong work ethic ensure that anything she sets her mind to, she will achieve. Through countless hours of brainstorming, planning and grant writing, the services that are available to all can be accredited to the passion, hard work and efforts put forth by Beth. The multiple awards of recognition that she has received over the years cannot possibly express what this woman deserves for everything she has given back to this community. Thank you for going above and beyond with everything you do Beth. The future of healthcare in this community is much brighter because of you.

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Everyday Heroes

• BRIAN TRIBLEY

CHURCH, MUSEUM HOURS

Continued from Page 17

Services at the Firehouse of God Ministries are at 10:30 a.m. Sunday at 306 Fifth Ave. in Sterling. The Fire Museum, 403 W. Second St., Rock Falls, is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, June to August, otherwise by appointment by calling 815622-9490. Admission is free, but donations are appreciated. Find Firehouse of God Ministries on Facebook, or go to firehouseofgodministries.com for more information.

When did you go into firefighting? Was it something you wanted to do growing up? About 15 years ago, I became a part-paid, on-call. I just love doing that, and the activities of that. I wanted to be a firefighter as a kid, but I didn’t want to go full time anywhere because I just wanted to have other avenues of stuff. I worked for the Rock Falls Water Department for 9 years before I was called into ministry. I tell people I’ve got the best of both worlds. How did your calling come about? I was assistant superintendent at the water company, and was making good money. All of a sudden, I was ready to give all of that up and go into the calling. I felt that tug. I remember one day I was helping out with being a youth sponsor at the church that I was going to. That’s where it all began, and I remember one day sitting on the step on West Second Street in Rock Falls, next to the Crossroads Youth Center downtown. I talked with the senior pastor and had that calling, that tug, and even tearing up realizing that

my life was going to transform and change forever. I resigned and started my studying for pastoring. I knew that God wanted to use me for more of a purpose in the community, and that’s how we started Firehouse of God Ministries. How do you think your work has helped this community? We’ve done a lot of outreach programs, and a lot of reach-out from the firetruck rides. My goal was to make

families happy and joyful. I’ve always said that my theory was, if you can put a smile on a kid, you’ll make the parents happy. My goal was to interact firefighting with ministry. What better way to connect families and kids, because a lot of kids love firefighting. My thing is to be a positive force wherever you go, no matter if you’re in Sterling, Rock Falls, or going to other surrounding communities. I believe you need to be a light and a positive force wherever you go, and with whatever you do. What is something you think many people don’t realize about what you do? I want people to know that we are an operating church. We have church service, kids ministry, and all of the functions of a normal church. We’re just big on being outside of the church. Who are some other people who assist with what you do? I’ve always had great volunteers who have worked with me. The main guy always gets the credit, but it’s a team work. It’s a team of people that get the credit. See BRIAN TRIBLEY, Page 21

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• X-FORCE

“IT’S A WAY FOR PEOPLE TO SEE SOMETHING NEW COME TO TOWN AND SOMETHING SUCCEED. THE COMMUNITY HAS STRUGGLED WITH THE RITA CRUNDWELL SCANDAL, AND IT’S GOOD WHEN THE COMMUNITY CAN SEE THINGS PAN OUT FOR THE BETTER.”

Continued from Page 15 Tournaments can also bring more business and tourism to town. Brent: It’s a way for people to see something new come to town and something succeed. The community has struggled with the Rita Crundwell scandal, and it’s good when the community can see things pan out for the better. It also grows support for the Park District, and brings in more opportunities for local businesses. Is there anyone you think deserves some credit with the project? Brent, Brandon and Nora: Duane Long, executive director of the Park District If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Brent: flight Brandon: teleportation Nora: telekinesis (I’d be making aces all day!) Who are you role models? Brent: My brother. He always puts everybody before himself, he’s always been there and he’s a positive influ-

more info Find Dixon Disc Golf on Facebook for more information about the disc golf course in Lowell Park or to connect with players.

ence on the community. It feels like I’ve always been his sidekick. Brandon: Family and friends. There are so many good and supportive people out there. Nora: My parents, for sure. They’ve always had a great relationship, they’re genuine, responsible, fun-loving people, and very generous. We all come from families of entrepreneurs, and we’ve all seen them make something out of nothing. Brandon: They’ve always encouraged us and said if you believe in something

and have passion, you can get anything done you want. Brent: We hope we inspire others to do the same thing. What is your favorite quote or your philosophy about life? Brent: The greatness of a man is not in how much wealth he acquires, but in his integrity and his ability to affect those around him positively – Bob Marley Brandon: Well, what’re you waiting for? – Marty Stuart Nora: A true artist is not one who is inspired, but one who inspires others – Salvador Dali How long have you been playing disc golf? Brent: 10 years Brandon: 13 years Nora: 18 years and 50 different courses

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L I V I N G

•

M E M O R Y

Everyday Heroes

C A R E 19

• DANA CHACON

all of our efforts make this successful.

Continued from Page 8

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? I’m not sure what to call this superpower, but the ability to end world suffering, hunger, thirst and poverty. I would pick that because of what I witnessed on mission trips to Guatemala, and in our own backyard.

Also, that titles don’t mean much, because from board members to volunteers, everyone works together and I wouldn’t ask someone to do something that I wouldn’t do myself. Who are some other people who you think deserve some credit? I would say the entire board, volunteers, community volunteers, sponsors and partners. It’s a group effort;

Who are your role models? I have many that have shaped and guided my life. First, my family, but also friends, coworkers and the per-

Sauk Valley

sonal and profession books I’ve read. But probably the biggest role model is my late aunt, Joanie Hipple. She impacted my life the most. She was the epitome of service over self. She was always there for people and just generally happy, I try to be like her as much as possible. What is your favorite quote? My favorite quote is from John Wesley: “Do all the good you can. By all the means you can. In all the ways you can. In all the places you can. At all the times you can. To all the people you can. As long as you ever can.”

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with them has been a huge asset. They trust me, and I trust them. We work good together, and that’s why we’ve done a lot of service outreach programs. The Fire Museum wouldn’t have been possible if they didn’t trust me to renovate that.

• BRIAN TRIBLEY Continued from Page 18 My wife, Elizabeth, has been by my side, and has helped me out through all of this, and stood by me through the trials and tribulations of life. My kids grew up in ministry, and they’ve went with us on all of the outreaches we’ve been on. I’ve been part of the city of Rock Falls, first with the water department and now with the fire department, for 24 years. The relationship I’ve built

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Being in the field of ministry, I think we have superpower, but probably aren’t using it. God has given us the abilities to tap into the same power

that Jesus had. We can do the same things Jesus did: We can heal people, we can pray for people. I think we have superpowers, but aren’t tapping into it as a society. That’s why it’s important for ministers and people who believe in Jesus Christ to say that we can be a superhero in peoples’ eyes, but be positive and be a light for your community and family. Who are your role models? My father and mother brought me up well. They taught me well.

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SHE HAS FOCUSED ON SOCIAL ISSUES FOR MOST OF HER LIFE. NOW, SHE’S HELPING TO MAKE SURE LEE COUNTY’S RESIDENTS IN NEED STAY FED.

secret identity Age: 69 Town of residence: Dixon Family: Husband, George, 80, retired police officer; two children, George Whaley Jr. and Pam Whaley; and two grandchildren, Ashlynn Whaley, 14, and Daven Whaley 12. Day job: Retired from working in social services at San Angelo/Tom Green County Health Department in Texas. Volunteer/community activities: Member of Catholic Women’s Club at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dixon, assisting with funeral and other luncheons; also a Eucharistic minister at St. Patrick; board member of Dixon Food Pantry; and member of Dixon Planning Commission. Church affiliation: St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dixon.

To help Dixon Community Food Pantry is at 2001 W. Fourth St. in Dixon. Call 815288-4848 or find it on Facebook to donate or to volunteer, or for more information.

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JOSIE WHALEY PHOTO AND ILLUSTRATION • ALEX T. PASCHAL/apaschal@saukvalley.com Q&A • PHIL HARTMAN/phartman@saukvalley.com

osie Whaley, 69, of Dixon, volunteers at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dixon, helping with meals for special occasions. She’s also a member of the Dixon Community Food Pantry Board, helping to provide food to Lee County residents in need. Tell us about your work: I’m a member of the Catholic Women’s Club at St. Patrick Catholic Church for probably the last 10 years. We provide funeral luncheons, receptions, food for St. Patrick’s Day and a St. Patrick’s Day tea. I’m also on the board at Dixon Community Food Pantry. We receive food through River Bend Food Bank. We have four mobile food banks each year, two at St. Patrick and two at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dixon, each open to Lee County residents.

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What drew you to it? I’ve been involved in social issues my whole life. My mother did the same when I was growing up. I have a sense of service to my community and God. I love people, and I love being around people. When people need a boost, we need to be there to give them that boost. How has your work made the community better? When kids come to the food pantry, at least they’ll be fed for 7 to 10 days. No child should go hungry. What do you want others to know that they may not? We always could use volunteers. Everyone has an hour here or there they can give. It’s not for recognition, it’s just to do a good turn daily.

Everyday Heroes

What have you learned about yourself or others by doing it? Has it changed you? It’s made me really humble. It’s the little things. I gave some grapefruit and apples to a person, and it was the biggest thing to her. Who are some other people who you think deserve some credit? Doris Freed, Sheryl Petrasko, and Renee Hill with the Catholic Women’s Club. Delores Kness, Bev Eykamp, Ruth Contreras, and Tom Frehll at the food pantry. Tom goes to pick up food from Walmart. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Healing, to heal all the illness in the world.

ANNETTE YOUNT YOU CAN’T HELP BUT MARVEL AT ALL THIS MOUNT MORRIS WOMAN IS DOING THESE DAYS. WHEN SHE’S NOT TAKING CARE OF KIDS AT HER HOME DAY CARE, SHE’S RAISING MONEY TO BUILD A RETREAT FOR COMBAT VETERANS.

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PHOTO AND ILLUSTRATION • ALEX T. PASCHAL/apaschal@saukvalley.com Q&A • PAM EGGEMEIER/peggemeier@saukvalley.com

nnette Yount, 53, of Mount Morris, owns and operates Wee Sprouts Daycare from her home. She volunteers for several organizations, including the Darkhorse Lodge, a nonprofit that is raising money to build a retreat for combat veterans of all branches to visit for relaxation, recreation and the sharing of experiences with other veterans. The Christa Heitter Pink Up the Pace 5K fundraiser in Mount Morris also is important to Annette. It honors her friend and fellow day care provider who died at 38 of breast cancer. Funds raised help meet the financial needs of families fighting cancer. Tell us about your work. What do you do? How long have you done it? I had worked at Quebecor and I was looking for something different and meaningful. I have done day care for 11 years and now have a wait list of 13 kids. What drew you to it? What keeps you going? I love working with children, teaching them new skills, and watching them grow in a safe and nurturing environment. There is an extreme need for quality day care, and my love for teaching kids keeps me going. How has your work made the community better? I’m giving people in the community a loving home and safe environment for their children when they can’t be there. I’m teaching them the things they need to know to become happy and successful adults. I’m bringing families from all walks of life together and some of the kids will be lifelong friends. Our volunteer work brings awareness of deserving charities that need support.

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to help

secret identity Age: 53 Town of residence: Mount Morris Family: Husband, Jude; three daughters, Emily, Whitney and Tiffany; son, Austin Day job: Operate Wee Sprouts Daycare in Mount Morris Church affiliation: RiverStone Christian Church in Oregon

What do you want others to know that they may not? The Darkhorse Lodge is being built in honor of 25 Marines from the 3/5 Darkhorse unit who were killed in action on Oct. 14, 2010, in Afghanistan, including Lance Cpl. Alec Catherwood of Byron. Catherwood’s parents came up with the idea and started the organization. The bedrooms in the five cabins will be named after the 25 Marines who were killed. I also want people to know that 22 veterans commit suicide every day. What have you learned about yourself or others by doing it? Has it changed you? I’ve learned that if you put your mind to something, you’ll get results. I also discovered that many people are willing to help if you just ask. The Darkhorse Lodge organization has made me think more about what war does to families and entire communities. We don’t hear the personal stories of most of the people killed in combat. I’ve had the chance to meet some of the vets Alec served with, and the stories are heart-wrenching. Who are some people who help in the endeavor who you think deserve some credit? Amber Holder of Winnebago got me involved in Darkhorse. Jerry Oleson of

Find Darkhorse Lodge on Facebook for more information on the project or on how to donate.

Byron is a Darkhorse board member who inspires me. Donna Jasper of Dixon Sue Sugden of Mt. Morris and Lynne Kowalczyk of Rochelle also deserve credit.

Do you have a role model? Dawn Merrill, a first-grade teacher in Oregon. She always thinks outside the box and finds ways to allow children to learn in the ways they are most comfortable.

If you could have any superpower, what would it be? I would like to be able to read people’s minds, because I don’t think everyone is completely truthful.

What is your favorite quote, or your philosophy about life? Life is much better with grandchildren. I have seven, and I can’t imagine life without them.

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AS THE FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SAFE HAVEN IN STERLING, THIS SUPERHERO PROVIDES A FAITHBASED SHELTER FROM THE STORM FOR LOCAL WOMEN AND CHILDREN.

CHRISTIE LENOX show support Donations to Safe Haven Home for Women can be made at yeshuasgrace.com or mailed to P.O. Box 1194, Sterling, IL 61081. Call 815-622-8463 for more information about Safe Haven’s ministry.

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PHOTO AND ILLUSTRATION • ALEX T. PASCHAL/apaschal@saukvalley.com Q&A • PAM EGGEMEIER/peggemeier@saukvalley.com

hristie Lenox, 47, of Sterling, is the founder and executive director of Safe Haven in Sterling, a faith-based transitional home for women and children. She is the founder and CEO of the local branch of Yeshua’s Grace Ministries. Christie has also been a Sunday school teacher and a client advocate for Help Life Center. Tell us about your work: We minister to women and give them a place to stay while they are dealing with substance abuse, domestic violence and other situations that leave them temporarily in need of shelter and assistance. We hold Bible studies, pray, teach life skills and handle referrals with other agencies. Safe Haven opened in May 2017 and about 50 women have been through our program.

hope. I’ve gained a difference kind of confidence that comes from having the faith to rely on God to take care of our needs. This whole house is a miracle – we started with $400, and God just kept blessing us. I’m a big believer in the holistic approach to recovery.

secret identity Age: 47 Town of residence: Sterling Family: Husband, Ted; daughters, Katelyn and Jessica; son, T.C. Day job: Executive director of Safe Haven home for women, founder and CEO of local Yeshua’s Grace Ministries Church affiliation: New Hope Baptist Church in Como

What drew you to it? What keeps you going? As a child, I was molested, and I’ve wanted to be able to share the help I received with others who are struggling. If not for my counselor, I don’t know what I would have done. She taught me to forgive and made me free of anger. With God’s help, there is hope. God keeps me motivated to do this every day. The people who are commit-

ted to changing also keep me going – especially when they say “thank you for loving me and not giving up on me”. How has your work made the community better? Many of the women who came here have become independent and gotten jobs. Most were homeless and had to completely start over. What do you want others to know about it that they may not? People might not know that we reach out into the community and help other women and children who don’t stay here. Through my church, we have a program called The Landing, a group for teens who are recovering from abuse. What have you learned about yourself or others by doing it? Has it changed you? I’ve learned that where there is breath, there is

Who are some other people who help in the endeavor who you think deserve some credit? Rock Falls Police Chief Tammy Nelson, Brian Tribley of Firehouse of God Ministries, John Mattingly, pastor at New Hope Baptist Church, and Deacon John Wetzell have been great leaders and advisers in this ministry. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? I would like to be able to read minds so that I could tune in better to what it takes to make the women we work with want to change their lives. Who are your role models? My counselor, Julie, has been a huge inspiration. She is the reason I wanted to become a Christian counselor and help others. Pastor Cal Reynolds, who was at Maranatha Baptist Church in Yeowardsville, encouraged me to get my counseling certificate and was behind me all the way. My parents and grandparents were always big influences in my faith.

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Everyday Heroes

Over 30 years of experience 27

BETTY CLEMENTZ secret identity Age: 76 Town of residence: Lives outside Coleta Family: Husband, Tom; one daughter, Kim, who is married to Dennis; and their two children, Hugh and Kate Day job: After 29 years as a French teacher at Rock Falls High School, I began working at Regional Office of Education of Whiteside County, which is now ROE 47, where I am part time. Church affiliation: Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church of Rock Falls.

YOU’VE HEARD HER NAME SPOKEN OFTEN, AND READ ABOUT HER IN THE NEWSPAPER. EVER WONDER WHAT THIS WHITESIDE COUNTY WOMAN DOES? WELL, IT’S PLENTY!

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Everyday Heroes

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PHOTO AND ILLUSTRATION • ALEX T. PASCHAL/apaschal@saukvalley.com Q&A • PHIL HARTMAN/phartman@saukvalley.com

longtime member of the Whiteside County American Cancer Society, retired teacher Betty Clementz, 76, also is active in the United Way, Rotary, and other groups. She lives outside Coleta, and continues to work at the Whiteside-Lee-Ogle Regional Office of Education in Sterling. Tell us about your work: My community involvement is in many areas – Rotary, locally and internationally, End Polio Walk annually, church, United Way, reading to students weekly, Pink Heals volunteering in CGH Auxiliary, American Cancer Society, LIFE, etc. I was asked to join the Whiteside County American Cancer Society board in 1994. That was the year that a new fundraiser was instituted, Relay For Life.

This event brought together teams of friends, coworkers, relatives, neighbors who each had one purpose – to be a community joining together to fight back against cancer through donations, education, awareness of patient services available, and advocacy for cancer patients. I was drawn to this event as a breast cancer survivor and have remained with it for now going into my 24th year. During that time I have been team captain for a team that has grown to gather and earn more than $10,000 annually; I have held almost every committee position except financial or sponsorship. The second volunteer community service I want to address is United Way, with its campaign yearly. I serve in the campaign as overseeing Rock Falls schools and

parochial schools in Sterling. As a former teacher who made annual contributions, I always have believed in every member of our community being a part of the donations to provide services to those who are in need. With the LIFE program, which provides books monthly to children in Whiteside County from birth to age 5, I was convinced putting books into parent’s hands would build literacy and a stronger relationship between child and parent in preschool children and make children more ready for kindergarten. When the number enrolled increased during each of those initial 5 years, it became an expensive program to promote through United Way. Director Russ Siefken had heard of a program known as Power of the Purse, which would be

an auction of purses stuffed with services and coupons in the community to women who would come for a ladies’ Night Out to enjoy a meal and support, in many cases, either their own children’s receipt of books or perhaps their grandchildren’s. That was the start of a now very successful fundraiser that I have chaired to support this literacy program in Whiteside County. What drew you to it? In all my volunteer work what draws me to it is a passion for that cause. I believe in the value of the volunteer program and want to be involved in bringing it to success. What keeps me going is knowing that what I am contributing is making my community a better place to live. See BETTY CLEMENTZ, Page 30

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Heritage Square would like to express sincere appreciation of our own Hometown Hero, Raymond Wolf. Raymond has been employed with due diligence in the maintenance department for the past 23 years. Raymond tools around the community in a helpful spirit. Raymond frequents the Riverfront for a chat with John , Stops at Venier’s to restock gift box inventory, does lunch and post office runs. He also shovels snow and mows lawn for several elderly, Volunteers for Meals on Wheels, Volunteers at Franklin Grove Church and Helps with Family Farm and 4th of July Parade. Raymond frequents BBY and Even has an Honorary counter spot at Red Apple restaurant. By the way: Raymond turns 75 on September 30.

“HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAYMOND, We Love You!” Bonnie O’Connell, Administrator 620 N. Ottawa, Dixon Il (815)288-2251 • heritagesquaredixon.com

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Everyday Heroes

Continued from Page 29 In the case of Relay For Life, our event has offered since its inception a free dinner to any and all cancer survivors. That is an opportunity to share experiences and realize that you are never walking alone through a diagnosis, as ACS is there, as are many brothers and sisters who have survived the disease. That event and the first lap of each relay is proof that cancer can be beat, as research continues with a healthy lifestyle and screenings annually and if diagnosed early enough. How has your work made the community better? The community has grown during both of these events over the years. The sharing of cancer education and helping through publicity the encouragement for everyone to take charge of their own life has made the Relay For Life one of my favorite volunteer activities. LIFE program is a basic literacy need in our county being met through the Dolly Parton Foundation of Imagination Library taking on the orchestration of mailing books monthly. In fact, this literacy program has been embraced by Rotary International as one way for local clubs to support literacy efforts in their community. What do you want others to know that they may not?

Relay For Life is not a relay in that it a competitive race of any sort. It is an evening of teams that come together to celebrate survivors, fight back through advocacy and fundraising, and to remember those who have lost their battle with cancer. Everyone is welcome to attend the relay events, but I would caution anyone who comes for the first time, you will be hooked! One feels empowered to be doing something to support our loved ones who have heard those three little words: You have cancer. As for LIFE, I see it as a community project, as increasing the literacy skills of children will make more successful students and eventually adults. Isn’t that we want for every child in our county?

s n o i t a l u t a r g n o C ffrom rom the gang at the Reag Home! David Reagan

What’s your favorite quote? “It is what it is!” One can only do what one can do. We can only hope that we have made a difference in bettering lives of people through our efforts.

If you could have any superpower, what would

* Life Insurance * Investments * Long Term Care * * Medicare Supplements * Group & Individual * IRA Rollovers

Larry L Ybarra

What have you learned about yourself or others by doing it? I have changed through all the volunteering I have done. I have met so many wonderful people in every activity who are as impassioned as I am about why we do what we do. Sometimes a person needs only to be asked. I have discovered that it is never about being the on the committee or in a leadership role, but always, always it is about the why this is so important and that the outcome will be able to better our community. Who are some other people who help in the endeavor who you think deserve some credit?

it be and why? That there would be no more cancer, no more hunger, no more wars, no more violence in our world and that we would return to a world of respect for one another and for self.

There are so many that I cannot state one, for there would be 40 more as deserving. In the world of volunteerism, it is always about a committee where every member is a link in the chain. Each is needed to be accountable or the chain falls apart. Every committee member of any of the volunteer projects I have worked upon deserve a huge pat on the back!

Serving the Sauk Valley Area for over 40 Years lly202003@yahoo.com 815-626-8772 cell 815-535-1231 1811 E Fourth Street Sterling, IL 61081

“Great Deals, Great Service, Since 1926”

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• BETTY CLEMENTZ

Rt. 52 N. Sublette, IL Ph. 815/849-5232 1-800-227-5203 After 6, 849-5251

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Everyday Heroes

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CARMILLA NELSON PHOTO AND ILLUSTRATION • ALEX T. PASCHAL/apaschal@saukvalley.com Q&A • PHIL HARTMAN/phartman@saukvalley.com

armilla Nelson, 85, used to be an in-home day care provider for Dixon children. She now greets new arrivals to Countryside Manor in Dixon, where she lives. Tell us about your work: I welcome new people who move into Countryside Manor, and tell them the rules. I was the youngest when I moved in. As long as I’m able to do it, I’ll do it. I’m the treasurer of the manor’s Friendship Club. When someone goes to the hospital, I get them a card. When someone dies, I get them a sympathy card. When there’s blood pressure checks, I get cookies and coffee. What have you learned about yourself or others by doing it? They other residents appreciate what I

do. It makes me feel better. Who are some other people who help in the endeavor who you think deserve some credit? Fellow resident Julia Contreras. If you could have any superpower, what would it be? I’d like to be stronger. I’d like to be able to do more than I do now. Who is your role model? My mom, Blanche Hansen. She was a good, strong woman, always giving for others. What is your favorite quote, or your philosophy about life? Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.

secret identity Age: 85 Town of residence: Dixon Family: Three children, seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two great-grandchildren Day job: Retired; formerly provided at-home child care Church affiliation: St. Patrick Catholic Church in Dixon

WHEN NEW RESIDENTS ARRIVE AT COUNTRYSIDE MANOR IN DIXON, THIS GREETER IS ANYTHING BUT INVISIBLE.

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DUSTIN DREW BRANDON J. REUTER

288-2735 SM-ST1577942

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