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Spring 2020
Kaleidoscope
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Kaleidoscope Spring 2020
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Kaleidoscope Spring 2020
Spring 2020 PUBLICATION
A sign of respect
Publisher Don T. Bricker
Sterling senior spearheads project to spread a simple message: Be kind
General Manager/ Advertising Director Jennifer Heintzelman
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Page Design Rusty Schrader Articles and advertisements are the property of Sauk Valley Media, 113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL, 61021, 815284-2222. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of Sauk Valley Media. The information in this guide is believed to be accurate; however, Sauk Valley Media cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. Sauk Valley Media cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this magazine.
Brain gains
Lunch time
5 things we learned about Alzheimer’s disease in 2019
It’s a meal fit for a senior at a new local Lifescape dining site
PAGE9
PAGE11
He called it
On the road
A local sports official has earned his stripes
Tech and tools can keep seniors behind the wheel longer
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Kaleidoscope Spring 2020
A
sign
of
respect
Sterling senior spearheads project to spread a simple message: BE KIND
S
BY PAM EGGEMEIER peggemeier@saukvalley.com 815-632-2533 | @pam_eggemeier
ometimes the simplest messages are the ones that resonate with people. Two simple words – “Be Kind” – are becoming etched in minds throughout the Sauk Valley, thanks to red-and-yellow yard signs that seem to be springing up everywhere. The signs are a project of the Church Women United of Sterling-Rock Falls, an organization with members representing 16 local churches. The idea for the project came from the local group’s president, Leona Dirks, 81, a lifelong member of The Big Red Church in Sterling. Dirks also wrote a grant that paid for 500 of the signs to be made. “I was in Clarksville, Tennessee, last June visiting relatives when I saw a large billboard that said ‘Be Kind’,” Dirks said. “It was started by a radio station there, and I brought the idea of putting it on signs back to our group.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 6 4
Leona Dirks, president of Church Women United of Sterl ingRock Falls, stands wi th a box of “Be Kind” signs that the group is distributing thr oughout the area. The organiza tion received the signs at the begin ning of November and the po pularity of the simple message ha s members trying to figure ou t how to find the money to buy more.
Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com
Kaleidoscope Spring 2020
Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP), the professional summer theatre of northwestern Illinois, has the shows you will love: hot new shows just leaving Broadway, great American plays, everyone’s “old favorite” musicals, and the best in country, pop, and rock ‘n roll with our new expanded “Concert Series”. Join us for “Christmas in July” with our World Premier of What a Wonderful World. Timber Lake Playhouse hires the best young theatrical talent from all over the United States, and we regularly bring back talented alumni who have gone on to stellar careers on Broadway, TV and Film. Noted past performers are Tony Winning Actress Jayne Houdyshell, Michael Gross (Family Ties), Jennifer Garner and Saundra Santiago (Miami Vice, Guiding Light, The Sopranos, and Broadway's Evita and more). Santiago last appeared at TLP in 2016 as Rose in Gypsy. Located just south of Mount Carroll, Illinois about 10 miles from the Mississippi River, TLP is a short drive from Fulton, Sterling and Rockford, Illinois. The current theatre building opened in 1975 with 371 seats. The building is fully air conditioned, and the fifteen-acre wooded campus is perfect for any other activity you and your guests desire. From picnicking on the deck overlooking beautiful Timber Lake to attending a pre-show activity in our newly acquired rustic barn, TLP is a great destination for a day of fun. Check out our website at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org for more information about our shows and other activities.
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Kaleidoscope Spring 2020
3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 4 Fall arrived and the message took on a sense of urgency for the organization. There had been several suicides in the area at that time and it was weighing heavily on their minds. “We were hearing so many sad stories about young people who are bullied to the point that they feel they just can’t go on,” Dirks said. “Our goal became to encourage young people and adults to be kinder and treat people with respect – especially at home, because it seems that families are drifting apart.” There was consensus on doing the project – the next step was figuring out how to pay for it. An anonymous benefactor, upon her death, left a large donation to the state CWU organization. A grant program was set up last year, which Dirks learned of through discussions with the state treasurer. Dirks had never written grants before, but in September she decided to give it a shot. She received $2,500, which covered the creation of 500 signs. “We got them the first week in November and passed some out at the World Community Day event,” Dirks said. “Our members took some to their churches and word spread quickly.” The Sterling and Rock Falls chambers of commerce started keeping some in
“We were hearing so many sad stories about young people who are bullied to the point that they feel they just can’t go on. Our goal became to encourage young people and adults to be kinder and treat people with respect – especially at home, because it seems that families are drifting apart.” Leona Dirks
Presidents, of Church Women United of Sterling-Rock Falls their offices. People from churches in several other towns started asking for them, and now they can be spotted in Milledgeville, Polo and as far away as Aurora. “A lot of people are coming into our church office and calling to find out where they can get the signs,” said Janet Clites, The Big Red Church secretary and treasurer of the local CWU group. “Some people even want to pay for them, but we tell them we don’t accept donations.” Dirks has been busy this year writing grants for other local CWU projects. The state organization gave about $65,000 to the community in the last year through its grant program. A $25,000 award
helped the YMCA send 19 kids to Camp Benson in Mount Carroll this summer. Dirks and CWU brought home $25,000 that was split between 14 area food pantries and the Sauk Valley Food Bank. That money went a long way in stocking the shelves just in time for the holidays. A $10,000 grant funded a Literacy Is Fun For Everyone endeavor that offers free books each month for 5 years to every baby born at CGH Medical Center. A $2,000 CWU grant paid to bring international students to town for the holiday through its International Thanksgiving Fellowship Program. A bus brings the students from the Chicago area who have no place to go for Thanksgiving. They come in on the Wednesday before the holiday and stay until Sunday. “I really don’t know what we’d do without Leona,” said Jeff Coester, pastor of The Big Red Church. “She does so much in Church Women United and in our church.” The women always are looking for new ways to make a difference in the community, but they might have their hands full for a while with the “Be Kind” campaign. It appears that kindness is contagious – only 40 signs remain and the requests keep coming. CONTINUED ON PAGE 84
Welcome to a gracious affordable assisted lifestyle in your community Debra started her journey with Heritage Woods after she was having difficulty entering and moving around at her home. Her family was familiar with our program and the process began. Debra moved into her “mansion” as she calls it, about a year ago and wishes that she would have moved here a long time ago. Deb loves to show off her studio apartment - although she is rarely in her room. She is too busy visiting with family and friends, exercising, playing card games and Bingo, watching movies and listening to music and entertainment. She tells everyone she loves it here. Debra does love her mansion, but she really, really loves her independence!
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Kaleidoscope Spring 2020
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Kaleidoscope Spring 2020
TAX HELP | WHITESIDE & LEE COUNTIES
3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 6 The women now are trying to figure out how to pay for more to be made. “I don’t know if we can get another grant for the same project, but we’ll be talking about this at our next meeting on Monday,” Dirks said. The Big Red Church office is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. A few signs remain at the Sterling and Rock Falls chamber offices. n
Church United Women
Church Women United, founded in 1941, is an interdenominational organization with a broad stated goal of empowering diverse women of faith to advance social justice in their communities and globally. The first local organization traces its roots to 1911, when it went by the name Missionary Women of Sterling-Rock Falls. The local organization has three annual events that are the foundation for its mission: World Day of Prayer in March; May Friendship Day; and World Community Day in November. Janet Clites is secretary and treasurer of the local CWU group. She can be reached at First Congregational Church of Sterling, a.k.a. The Big Red Church, at 815- 6255112.
Free tax help available to Sauk Valley seniors Whiteside County
AARP Tax-Aide Volunteers will provide free income tax return preparation services during 2020 at these sites: Whiteside County Senior Center in Sterling – Mondays from Feb. 3 through April 13, by appointment only, call 815-622-9230. Sterling YWCA – Thursdays from Feb. 6 through April 9, by appointment only, call 815-625- 0333. Odell Public Library in Morrison – Wednesdays from Feb. 5 through April 15. Please note this site is now by appointment only. Call 815-6314570 for an appointment, and if your call is not answered, leave your name and phone number so you can be called back. In order to prepare an accurate and complete return for you, please be sure you have the following with you: photo identification, social security cards for everyone on your return, all income related documents, all expense related documents, a check with your name printed on it for direct deposit and a copy of your last year’s tax return.
MOVING
FORWARD WITH YOU! LOTS! The public transportation provider for residents of all ages in Lee and Ogle Counties. LOTS gets you to where you need to go. For medical appointments, to your community college, the bank and so much more, including regular scheduled trips to Rockford, DeKalb and Sycamore! LOTS O F F E R S M A N Y CO N V E N I E N C ES : • Cost Effective – Low Cost Fares • Medicaid/Medicare Accepted • Clean, Handicap Accessible Buses Ask us about Greyhound Connect routes to Chicago and other destinations.
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Lee County
LCCOA is happy to once again host the AARP Tax Aides. The AARPtrained Aides will help low and middleincome taxpayers successfully file their Federal and State 2019 taxes for free. LCCOA will be setting appointments for the Tax Aides on Mondays only, starting Feb. 3 and ending on April 13 from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. To make an appointment, stop into LCCOA at 100 W. Second St., Dixon, and pick up your envelope of instructions and forms. You will need to bring completed form with you to your appointment. The AARP Tax Aides will help with individual taxes, but not for businesses, farm income, rental income, partnerships or other business concerns. They do not work on health savings accounts, minors’ investment income, extensive stock sales (more than 8), some cancellation of debts, some K1’s, or moving expenses. Taxpayers are reminded to show up at least 15 minutes before their appointment time and to bring their completed forms, their Social Security card, and all relevant tax paperwork.
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Kaleidoscope Spring 2020
I
things we learned about ALZHEIMER’S
in 2019
BY STATEPOINT
n 2019, researchers discovered meaningful insights into the causes, risk factors and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Here are five of their important discoveries: 1. Lifestyle may play a major role in reducing risk. We’re told that eating a healthy diet and exercising are good for overall health, but did you know that these habits may also reduce one’s risk for cognitive decline and dementia? Research reported at this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference suggested that making multiple healthy lifestyle choices – including eating a low-fat, high vegetable diet, not smoking, getting regular exercise and engaging in cognitive stimulation – may decrease dementia risk and may even offset increased risk caused by genes or exposure to air pollution. This year, researchers also learned that intensive high blood pressure treatment can significantly reduce the occurrence of mild cognitive impairment, which often leads to dementia. CONTINUED ON PAGE 10 4
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Kaleidoscope Spring 2020
3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9 2. A blood test is on the horizon. Researchers are working at full speed to develop a simple blood test that can detect signs of Alzheimer’s early and accurately. Blood tests are cheaper, easier to administer, less invasive and more accessible than many advanced technologies currently available for Alzheimer’s research and diagnosis. Once these tests become available in doctors’ offices, they may also play a role in early detection of dementia, giving individuals and families more time to plan for the future and get needed care and support services, and potentially increase their chances of participating in clinical trials. 3. Alzheimer’s is different in men and women. Two-thirds of people living with Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. are women, but scientists aren’t exactly sure why. This year, researchers learned about a number of differences in progression and risk between women and men, including newly identified sex-specific risk genes, sex-based differences in how Alzheimer’s may spread in the brain and cognitive benefits for women who participate in the paid workforce. 4. Vision and hearing loss may increase dementia risk. Most older adults experience some form of vision and/or hearing loss later in life. New research suggests these sensory impairments may increase risk for cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s, especially if you experience both. Sensory impairment screening may help identify older adults at higher risk of developing dementia, thereby encouraging early detection. This new knowledge opens
the possibility that preventing or correcting sensory impairments may reduce dementia risk. 5. Researchers are looking at new drug targets. Researchers are taking a fresh look at the possible causes for dementia and how drugs might be used to stop the disease in its tracks. More than 500 new candidate drug targets have been identified that address everything from reducing inflammation in the brain to protecting nerve cell health. The Alzheimer’s Association’s Part the Cloud awards help fund this type of out-of-the-box research and move findings from the laboratory, through trials, into possible therapies for people. Researchers are poised to uncover even more this year and beyond. Increased funding for research from the federal government and nonprofit organizations is driving the rapidly growing body of knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. n
Steve Y. Chung MD ILLINOIS UROLOGIC HEALTH SURGEONS 215 East First St. Suite 211 Dixon, Illinois 61021 Our office is located within the Commerce Towers at KSB Hospital.
For an appointment Call Illinois Urologic Health Surgeons at 815-285-5499 Dr. Steve Chung specializes in adult Urology. With board certified, fellowship trained physician Steve Chung M.D., our professional staff ensures that all patients are given thoughtful, quality care.
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Kaleidoscope Spring 2020
11
LUNCH time in OGLE COUNTY
It’s a meal fit for a senior at a new Lifescape dining site
OREGON – Lunch is served, and seniors in Ogle County are
pretty happy about it. In its ongoing effort to help provide older adults access with hot, nutritious meals and more opportunities to socialize, Lifescape has been serving meals at Rock River Center, 810 S. 10th St., since Jan. 6. And judging by the reaction, it’s been so far so good. “I think it’s wonderful,” Donna Wright said. “They closed that place in Mount Morris. I used to go there for breakfast probably three days a week.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 124 STORY BY Jeff Helfrich | Shaw Media | jhelfrich@oglecountynews.com
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Kaleidoscope Spring 2020
tious than here. It’s a very reasonable price. It’s a suggested donation.” The meals are free, but donations – $2 or $3 sugFiesta Palace in Mount Morris had been hosting gested – are welcome. meals before it closed down, leaving Rochelle as the Lifescape Executive Director Mike Hughes hopes lone Lifescape dining site in Ogle County. to see the lunch crowd grow. Lifescape works “To me, it’s a in partnership with home run for both senior centers, of our organizachurches, high rises, tions,” Hughes said. and restaurants to “I think it’s defioffer dining sites in nitely needed,” Winnebago, Boone, Darlene said. “But Ogle, and Lee counI think it’s going to ties. The meals at take awhile to build Rock River Center it back up because are served from they haven’t had it. 11:30 a.m. to noon People have been Monday through so disappointed Friday. not having it and Darlene Raney and they’ve gotten out her husband, Doug, of the habit of using of Oregon were at Jeff Helfrich/Shaw Media it and wanting to Rock River CenDarlene and Doug Raney (left) and Don and Myrle Fuller (right) use it.” ter’s first lunch last eat lunch on the first day of Lifescape’s senior dining program Lifescape and the month. The couple at Rock River Center in Oregon. Rock River Center said they have plan to continue missed having a Lifescape location closer to home. to try to get the word out to get seniors out of their They used to go to the Mount Morris location quite homes to get active and socialize. a bit. They plan to come to the center at least once “Get up, get dressed, get out and you’ll live a lonor twice a week. ger life,”Rock River Center Executive Director Jamie “We’ve eaten at home more,” Darlene said. “We Nobis said. “That’s the message we’re trying to get would just have a sandwich – something less nutriout to people.” n
3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 911
Jones Funeral Homes
No meals
Rock River Center has a regularly scheduled potluck luncheons on the second and fourth Tuesday of every month. Also, The Etnyre Foundation sponsors free food Friday the first Friday of every month. The Rock River Center will not host Congregate dining on the potluck days or Free Food Fridays.
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Kaleidoscope Spring 2020
T Dedication is the name of the game for an Ogle County sports official who’s been making calls for 50 years
13
BY ANDY COLBERT Shaw Media acolbert@oglecountynews.com
here aren’t a lot of guys like Don Cook. In fact, he’s only one of a handful in the entire state – and he’s got a gold watch to prove it, a fitting tribute for a man who’s put in a lot of time as an IHSA official. How much time? A half-century, which is a pretty amazing feat in a field that faces its fair share of challenges when it comes to finding people to keep an eye on the games. On Jan. 10, Cook was on the gym floor again, but he wasn’t making calls. He was called out before the Forreston-Polo game when Forreston Junior-Senior High School Travis Heinz brought Cook out of the bleachers and into center court to recognize his years of service as an IHSA official and his contributions to local high school sports. CONTINUED ON PAGE 144
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Kaleidoscope Spring 2020
3CONTINUED FROM PAGE 13 Catching Cook off guard was no easy feat. But luckily, no one blew the whistle on the surprise. “I knew nothing about this,” said the longtime fixture at Forreston sporting events. Joining Cook at center court was his family, who also surprised him. “Don has officiated football, girls basketball and softball state championships,” Heinz said. “Thank you for all your years of service to the Forrestville school district and the IHSA.” After the game, a reception was held in the school library for Cook and well-wishers, one of whom was long-time partner on the court, John Fritts of Dixon. Fritts started with Cook in 1988 and stayed with him until recently retiring from officiating. “Don always seemed to enjoy doing games,” said Fritts. “He never went in with a grudge and he did his homework before games. He let us know if we had a tough game or not.” In 1990, basketball went to 3-person crews, and joining the pair was Tom Smargiassi, now athletic director at Lena-Winslow. “One thing we discussed is how boys and girls have gotten so much faster and quicker,” Fritts said. “When we first started, it was a free throw contest in girls games. They’ve gotten so much better.” A much more important partner Cook’s life has been his wife of 59 years, Judy. And while she’s not into sports herself, she’s one of her husband’s biggest fans. “I don’t enjoy sports myself. I can count on one hand the number of games I’ve went to that Don has officiated,” Judy said. “I was fine with him being gone, though. He really loved and it was an extra source of income. I was busy with family. We had six kids.” Judy shared a story about a time she was washing her husband’s
Going on vacation?
uniforms, and as a joke,she told him she accidentally laundered his red penalty flags (this was before they were yellow) with his white pants, causing them to turn pink. Thinking he was going to have to wear pink pants to officiate, Cook wasn’t happy. “I thought he was going to explode,” said Judy, who eventually let him in on the joke. Through it all, Cook has managed to survive in what is becoming a vanishing breed of dedicated servants to high school sports. Last year, at the annual state convention for officials, Don was only one of six out of 1,700 who had 50 years of service. His reward: a gold watch from the IHSA. “I always enjoyed doing it. It’s not work to me,” said Cook, who’s done double duty as a scheduler of officials. “You’re always going to get fans and coaches saying things to you. That’s part of the game. It’s important that we remain in control as officials. We have a responsibility to the integrity of the game.” As for the sometimes less-than-friendly fan behavior, one of Cook’s favorite memories was from a North Boone-Winnebago girls game many years ago. “I had enough from one of the fans and told him he had to leave,” Cook said. “When I was showering after the game, the Winnebago principal wanted to leave me a note. I thought it might be from the angry fan, but it was from one of the players congratulating me on kicking Mr. so-and-so out. They were so glad I did because they were fed up with him too.” To make it 50 years is a testament to Don’s physical conditioning, his zest for young people and thick skin. Forreston athletic director Kyle Zick, like other ADs all over Illinois, knows how difficult it has become to find qualified officials. “He’s a staple of our community,” Zick said. “He’s always been there for the kids and the IHSA is lucky to have him.” n
BIRDS ARE CHIRPING, FLOWERS ARE BLOOMING,
And Our Residents Are Flourishing Springtime creates a lot of yard and house work, let us do the work for you. Enjoy our beautiful courtyard and gardens! At Morningside of Sterling, you’ll discover new friendships around every corner. With activities and events personalized to your interests, it’s easy to see how our residents flourish here.
Keep in touch with the news of the Sauk Valley!
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Kaleidoscope Spring 2020
15
Keeping your eyes on the road Tech and tools can make driving safer for seniors, and keep them behind the wheel longer
D
Metro News Service
riving provides an almost unrivaled level of independence. For teens, it’s that first taste of freedom on the open road. For seniors, that independence is even more precious. While teens look forward to their newfound independence, seniors dread losing their freedom. Few things diminish senior dignity and independence faster than losing the ability to drive. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Despite popular misconceptions, seniors are some of the safest drivers around. The experts at Hartford Auto Insurance indicate that the number of accidents involving older drivers actually decreases as age increases. It’s the risk factors like medical conditions, medication usage and reduced physical function that increase the risk for accidents and injuries involving older drivers. Thanks to technology and some other well-designed devices, seniors may be able to continue driving longer than the aging drivers of years past. The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, a
nonprofit research and education association, says roughly 90 percent of seniors don’t take advantage of simple, often inexpensive features that can greatly improve safety and extend their time behind the wheel. Here are some considerations. • Cushions and seat pads: Cushions do more than just alleviate hip and back pain while sitting. Cushions and pads can raise drivers up and improve their line of sight over the dashboard. Swivel pads can make it easier to enter and exit the car as well • Adaptive cruise control: This feature can adjust speed automatically to maintain a consistent space between vehicles • Adaptive headlights: These headlights, also known as steerable headlights, can improve visibility by changing the direction of the light beam with the movement of the steering wheel. • Pedal extenders: Extenders help short drivers reach the pedals while maintaining a safe distance from the steering wheel and potential airbag deployment. • Hand controls: Whether one has sensory changes in the feet from surgery or a
medical condition, adaptive hand controls can move the “pedals” up to the steering column. • Blind spot warning and other sensors: Today’s cars can be equipped with any number of sensors that can detect oncoming traffic, cars to the left or right of the vehicle, items or cars behind the vehicle when reversing, and even if the vehicle has drifted out of the lane. These are all great safety features for any driver, but may be especially helpful to seniors. • Parking assist: Parking assist technology can steer the vehicle into a space with little input from the driver. • Voice control: Avoiding distractions and keeping hands on the wheel is enhanced by voice controls, which can be set up to do things like turn on the radio or adjust climate control. • Convex mirrors: Special mirrors increase the field of vision. Seniors have many tools available to make driving safer and more comfortable, which can prolong their years behind the wheel. n
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SM-ST1745138
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Kaleidoscope Spring 2020
A rechargeable hearing device for
morning walks ks to midnight strolls
Introducing Oticon Opn S.™ More natural hearing your whole day through. Imagine being able to experience the many, wonderful sounds in your environment in a more natural, comfortable way with one super-fast charge. Thanks to the next-generation microchip technology in the Oticon Opn S, sounds and conversations will feel more balanced and natural all around you – not just the ones directly in front of you. Our new lithium-ion battery lets you enjoy a whole day of power on a single three-hour charge*.
Lydia Sitter, Au.D. KSB Audiologist
Call KSB Audiology at (815) 285-5918 to learn how you can try Oticon Opn risk-free!
With Oticon Opn S, you can enjoy speech understanding on par with normal hearing.**