SVM_Sterling-Rock Falls Living_070119 by Shaw Media

Sterling-Rock Falls *****ECRWSSEDDM***** Postal Customer

PUBLICATION • SUMMER 2019

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The owner of a bed and breakfast does more than just give guests a relaxing place to rise and dine, she goes the extra country mile to make them feel right at home

ALSO INSIDE ... Sterling car wash uses its Power for good

When the community needs help, a local group gets around to it

A Whiteside County department head is an animal’s best friend

The glass is always half full for a Rock Falls club

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103 West 3rd Street Sterling, IL 61081 815-548-9550 SM-ST1669169

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FEATURE•STORY

Sterling-Rock Falls

Publisher Don T. Bricker General Manager/Advertising Director Jennifer Heintzelman Magazine editors Rusty Schrader & Kathleen Schultz Page design Rusty Schrader

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Published by Sauk Valley Media 3200 E. Lincolnway Sterling, IL 61081 815-625-3600

The owner of a bed and breakfast does more than just give guests a PAGE relaxing place to rise and dine, she goes the extra country mile to make them feel right at home

Do you have story ideas for Sterling-Rock Falls Living? Let us know. Call 815-625-3600, ext. 5535, or e-mail us at news@saukvalley.com

Articles and advertisements are the property of Sauk Valley Media. No portion of Sterling-Rock Falls Living Magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of Sauk Valley Media. The information in this magazine 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.

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More inside Their glass is A Power of good always half full Cleaning isn’t the only reason for

the Seasons. Sterling’s newest car wash also makes it a point to give something back to its community.

If there’s a project that’ll help make a better tomorrow for the community, a Rock Falls group is ready to step in today and help.

Animals’ best friend The Whiteside County Animal Control director’s pet project has become a ‘gold standard’ for other counties throughout the state that are looking to improve animals’ quality of life.

What goes around comes around A lot of people say they’ll get things done when they get around to it. For a Sterling club, there’s no time like the present.

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The owner of a bed and breakfast does more than just give guests a relaxing place to rise and dine, she goes the extra country mile to make them feel right at home STORY BEGINS ON PAGE 7

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STORY SHELBY KUEPKER PHOTOS ALEX T. PASCHAL | FOR STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

hether you’re looking for a romantic weekend getaway, a hot spot to reunite with high school friends, or a relaxing pit stop on a family vacation, House in the Country is for you. The beautifully restored, cheery yellow Queen Anne farmhouse in rural Sterling, built in 1911, has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, dining room, living room, library, and parlor. What’s available? Anything from “a single room” to “the main floor for a quiet work space” to “the whole house for a college mate’s wedding,” owner Christina Bystry said. With new renovations in the works, Bystry also plans to allow guests to host “showers, retreats, weddings, and other small gatherings.” The two-and-a-half-acre property is filled with adventures waiting to be had and memories waiting to be made. Guests can relax on the large decks or snuggle up around a fire pit for summertime s’mores. The home can accommodate up to 12 people in the four spacious bedrooms on the second and third floors. After a cozy night’s sleep, guests will wake to the fresh smell of breakfast and baked goods made by Bystry herself. Bystry’s hospitality is unmatched. Continued on pages 8-9

House in the Country owner Christina Bystry (left) has worked hard to create an inviting and relaxing atmosphere at her bed and breakfast in rural Sterling. “It’s an eclectic collection of comfort,” she said.

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Guests at House in the Country will want for nothing during their stay – except maybe for more time. Owner Christina Bystry has gone to great lengths to make the house feel like home, including a rustic dining room table that seats eight, a comfy living room, restrooms with country charm, plush beds, and a library area where you can relax with a good book.

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“I was leaving for work at 4:45 a.m., and she made me breakfast sandwiches the night before so I had something to eat on the way,” one guest posted on the B&B’s website. She also works hard to create an atmosphere that’s a comfortable balance of old-world charm and modern amenities, decorating and furnishing the entire home with beautiful works of art and cozy furniture. “It’s an eclectic collection of comfort,” Bystry said. Bystry also hides a pineapple or two into every room – “it’s the international symbol of hospitality,” she said. She’s also incorporated one into her business’s logo. Since buying the property in 2017, Bystry has been relentlessly improving it. “I recently painted the veranda floor, installed new two new stairs, and will soon be designing and installing the skirting,” she said. She also added a 16-by-16-foot checker/ chess board and an L-shaped patio between two of her outbuildings. The warm summer days have given her the perfect opportunity to work on even more projects. “Two patios are in the works and should be finished soon,” Bystry said. “The next planned renovation will be putting a new foundation under the big barn.” She’s done most of the work herself, with the help of family and friends for the bigger jobs. Bystry grew up in Coleta, then spent her early

Guests who feel like stretching their legs and taking in some fresh country air can stroll the grounds around House in the Country and enjoy the scenery.

life living all over the world. She settled in Waterman for 21 years, until a “life-changing event” and a yearning “to be closer to some very special people” brought her back to Whiteside County 2 years ago. She noticed immediately that a property she had her eye on for many years was up for sale. Retirement was in her near future and she “wanted to purchase a property that would provide an income,” so Bystry took the leap and created House in the Country. The past couple of years have been an adventure, she said, but her favorite part of her B&B business is “the flexibility – as well as meeting the people who come to stay.” n

MORE INFORMATION House in the Country is 3 miles north of Sterling at 20213 Hickory Hills Road, just down the road from the First Lutheran Church of Jordan. Check-in is from 3 to 6 p.m., with check out by 11 a.m. For those with an infant, a cradle is available. Pets are not allowed. Contact owner Christina Bystry at houseinthecountry18@gmail.com or 815-970-0305. Lean more about her restored Queen Anne farmhouse, prices and packages, at houseinthecountry18.com or on Facebook.

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P wer f good

Cleaning isn’t the only reason for the Seasons. Sterling’s newest car wash also makes it a point to give something back to its community

STORY CODY CUTTER PHOTOS ALEX T. PASCHAL | FOR STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

aking vehicles glimmer and sparkle isn’t the only mission at Four Seasons Power Wash. Sterling’s newest car wash does more than use top-of-the-line equipment and soap and wax concoctions to make vehicles look good – it also works to improve the quality of life in the community. Continued on page 12

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Continued from page 10

Owners Chris Williams and Kevin Yepsen of Williams & Yepsen Management LLC of Galva and General Manager Bob Conklin of Sterling have made their business active in the community through fundraising for local schools and organizations. In the first 3 months since its March 8 opening, Four Seasons has helped raise nearly $1,000 for Home of Hope Cancer Wellness Center in Dixon and the Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA. More organizations have signed on to utilize Four Seasons for fundraising opportunities in the summer and fall. Four Seasons sets aside a timeframe, typically on a Saturday, where a portion of sales will be donated to the organizations. “It’s a great way for organizations to make several hundreds of dollars without any work,” Williams said. “It’s a great way for us to give back to the community. Continued on pages 13-14

Four Seasons Power Wash co-owner Chris Williams (at right, with co-owner Kevin Yepsen, left, and General Manager Bob Conklin) said the company’s approach to business is to do more than just clean cars. “We don’t want to just be the wash where we just wash cars. We’ve taken it a step beyond in terms of how we try to give back.”

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Once customers pay, the Four Seasons Power Wash staff gives vehicles a pre-wash before a conveyor carries them the rest of the way through the tunnel-like set-up, where multi-colored foam is applied, brushes whisk away dirt, and 950,000 BTU dryers apply the finishing touch.

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Continued from page 12

“We don’t want to just be the wash where we just wash cars. We’ve taken it a step beyond in terms of how we try to give back.” Four Seasons works as community teammates, and the teamwork concept extends outside of the business plan – it’s how the employees conduct themselves, which is a point of pride for Conklin, who runs day-to-day operations. “I just love all of the kids here,” Conklin said. “They’re friendly, nice, neat and courteous. You don’t get that [elsewhere].” After customers make their payment and arrive at the front of the 150-foot bay, which can accommodate duallies and large-size sport utility vehicles, one of the

workers will pre-treat the vehicle with an bug-breaking solution around the car. It’s a concentrate specifically designed to rehydrate the bugs that have been dried onto a vehicle before high pressure hoses push them away without any scratches. Sometimes even Conklin or Williams will step out of the office to handle the bug juice. “Being a rural town like Sterling, and with people coming in from the country, some front ends we see are all bugs,” Williams said. “Getting the bugs off is the hardest part of the whole wash,” Conklin added, “but we get them off.” Customers can remain in their vehicles during the washand-dry process, which might feel like a carnival ride for the little ones. Once inside the bay, a pair of workers will spray water from hoses for a prewash before the vehicle gets on a 100foot conveyor belt for the major cleaning. Along the ride, the customer is treated to a colorful view: a series of water sprays lighted in neon colors, soap sprays that sprinkle rainbowcolored solutions, and large brush and sponge apparatuses. The wash concludes with blasts from 950,000 BTU dryers. Chemicals in the wash are designed to maximize effectiveness of cleaning materials.

MORE INFO Four Seasons Power Wash, 2410 35th Ave., Sterling, is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Cash, debit or credit, or AirPay via the Four Seasons Power Wash mobile app are accepted, Call 815-6323189, find it on Facebook or go to fourseasonspowerwash.com for more information.

Continued on page 15

You can’t live in the Midwest without gnats, skeeters and all sorts of insects getting your vehicle all gobbed up. That’s why Four Seasons’ staff pre-treats vehicles with a Bug Prep solution, to help loosen the squashed pests. “Getting the bugs off is the hardest part of the whole wash, but we get them off,” General Manager Bob Conklin said.

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Packages at Four Seasons range from $8 for a basic wash to $18 for the works, and customers can pay with cash, credit or debit cards, or they can use Four Seasons Power Wash phone app. Continued from page 14

It’s large enough to do 100 vehicles an hour, end-to-end, and it’s a type of car wash commonly found in bigger cities, Williams said. Packages range from $8 for a basic wash to $18 for the works. Customers can pull up to one of two manned pay stations with cash, credit or debit cards or the Four Seasons Power Wash phone app, available from Google Play or the Apple App Store. A loyalty program also is available. Customers also can use one of 17 pull-up vacuum stalls for free. Four Seasons also will open a wash in Clinton, Iowa, in the summer, and it has plans to expand to Freeport, the Plano-Sandwich area, and Dubuque, Iowa, in the near future. So far, they like what’s going on at its first location, Williams said. “It’s proven out to be what we thought it would be.” n

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STORY BEGINS ON PAGE 18

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STORY SHELBY KUEPKER | FOR STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

or more than 2 decades, a group of dedicated women have made a point of getting around to helping their community, sooner rather that later. The 45 members of the nonprofit Sterling Roundtuits hold annual fundraisers with the goal of giving to local charities while offering social opportunities for their members. Each year, the Roundtuits decide on a fundraiser that they all take part in planning and executing. The money made, in addition to the $20 membership dues each woman pays, is then distributed to numerous local charities. For the past few years, the Roundtuits rummage sale has been the club’s most profitable venture. “In the past we’ve done a fashion show luncheon, but with the amount of work and the money made, it didn’t seem as worth it,” said Pat VanCoillie, membership coordinator and a member for 5 years. Roundtuits and community members donate items for the sale, but we “only take the good stuff,” VanCoillie said. The sale is held at a member’s house and the entire crew brings it to fruition. Last year, the sale raised around $1,350, and this year’s, held the first weekend of May, did even better: $1,500. Continued on page 19

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SUBMITTED

Sterling Roundtuits members (above) Sue Nestor, Jackie Staats, Karla Anderson and (at right) Marilyn Elderkamp and Susan Keese work at one of the group’s rummage sales. For the past few years, the Roundtuits’ rummage sales have been the club’s most profitable venture. Money from the sales is donated to local charities.

I loved what I saw I moved to Resthave 9 months ag ago to be closer to my daughter an and I’m so glad I did. Everyone in including the staff and residents ar are genuine and friendly. Th They made me feel at home ri right away. I have made some fr friends and have had great co conversations. There are activities everyday Th and I especially enjoy fitness. an The food is good and you have Th a say in what you eat, which is a plus. pl I loved lo d what wh I saw the he minute min inut I walked in the building. The facility is clean and bright. The staff is very nice and care about ut you.

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Continued from page 18

“Anything we have left over we give to the Emporium (the Whiteside County Senior Center thrift store), Stage Two (a thrift store that benefits Self Help Enterprises) and The Caring Center (which gives clothing and household goods to people in need.) They’re always thrilled to get what we have for them.” After the sale, the members vote on which organizations will receive the money. Last year, they gave $200 to each of 12 agencies, including Good Neighbors, the Whiteside County Senior Center, Friends of Ferals, and Coats for Kids. “We always give each the same amount, because they’re all so worthy,” said VanCoillie, who will take over as the club’s president in the fall. “We try to do as much as we can. Every year we hope to get more money so we can do more for the community.” In October, the women assemble cookie jars for the Festival of Trees, and they help with other local events and groups as needed. “We give a monthly donation to the Sterling Food Bank. One time we gave 20 boxes of pancake mix, because that’s what they needed more than anything.” The Roundtuits meet the second Monday of the month (except for July and August, when they take a break), and after a half an hour of social time and breakfast, they discuss their

GET AROUND TO IT: JOIN THE CLUB The Roundtuits meet the second Monday of the month, September through June, at the clubhouse at Regency Care of Sterling, 612 St. Mary Road. The next meeting is Sept. 9. Call Pat VanCoillie at 815-626-0620 for more information.

newest plans. They also invite a guest speaker to each meeting, to talk about something they all are interested in learning more about. For example, “we had a woman come a few weeks ago that spoke about how different generations interact with each other, and another who talked about how humor can help your life,” VanCoillie said. “One of our members had just gotten back from India on a mission trip, so she talked about what she had learned there and shared her experience.” The Roundtuits also meet for lunch once a month at a different restaurant, strictly to socialize. It’s obvious the women of the Roundtuits care about the community, but the

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delight they get from that socializing radiates from VanCoillie, and they also have formed numerous other clubs: a Euchre Club, a Bridge Club, a Walking Club and a Book Club, to name a few. “We have more than enough things to keep everyone busy and happy,” VanCoillie said. Like most Roundtuits members, she learned about the Roundtuits from a close friend who encouraged her to “just attend one meeting and see what it’s like.” That one meeting got her hooked. “I really enjoyed it. I knew a couple of people that were there, and all of a sudden my circle of friends increased. I’ve made so many more friends since joining.” n

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Animals’ best friends

The Whiteside County Animal Control director’s pet project has become a ‘gold standard’ for other counties throughout the state that are looking to improve animals’ quality of life

And you can too! We’re hiring, go to www.halo.com/careers for details.

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STORY SHELBY KUEPKER PHOTOS MICHAEL MICHAEL KRABBENHOEFT | FOR STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

hiteside County Animal Control has a reputation, and it’s not the one that often comes to mind when you think about “the county dog catcher.” Animal Control staff ’s passion for the humane treatment of animals, instilled and sustained by its director, makes it one of the state’s most progressive animal control departments – one that other departments are looking to as an example of what to do right. In fact, Director James Garcia recently was awarded the Humane Society of the United States’ Humane Law Enforcement Award – an award typically given to a law enforcement officer, not an animal control warden. Animal Control is a branch of the Whiteside County Health Department. It is required to handle duties such as “rabies control, potential rabies exposure through wildlife, making sure all animals are vaccinated, helping with animal bites” and “responding to complaints from the public or other agencies,” Garcia said. His team includes three animal control officers and the office secretary. As director, Garcia oversees animal control, helps answer calls and fields complaints from the public.

Angella Schultheis (left) James Garcia (center) and Toni Jones stand with Stella outside of the Whiteside County Animal Control Building in Rock Falls. Garcia is quick to give credit to his coworkers for the role they’ve played in helping make Whiteside County a more humane place for animals. “It’s their hard work; they are the ones that are out there every day bringing the ordinance to life,” he said.

Continued on page 22

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Since becoming director in September 2017, Garcia also has worked to find alternatives to euthanizing the animals that find their way to the kennels at the Animal Control facility at 1701 Industrial Park Road. He works hard collaborating with other agencies such as Happy Tails Humane Society to find them new homes. He and his team also have lead the effort to revise, update and implement the county’s animal control ordinance. “We wanted to really improve the quality of life for the animals in the county,” Garcia said. “Some people throw an animal in their backyard and forget about them. We even find some animals strangled in bushes, where they can’t move.” “We wanted to hold people to a higher standard of how they treat their animals.” It seems to be working: The code was passed June 1, 2018, and in the past year, his department has seen six to eight people prosecuted for cruelty and neglect. At one time, all Whiteside County municipalities had their own animal control rules and regulations. In the early 1990s, the county took over, and a uniform code was created, but it lacked details, and had little enforcement power. Garcia and Happy Tails Humane Society President Mark Razo “talked about what we’d

Marc Ayers (left) Illinois State Director of the Humane Society presents James Garcia, Whiteside County Animal Control director, with an award Feb. 28 for his humanitarian efforts in the county.

like to see changed in our county, because our ordinances had not been updated in many years. There was nothing in there for humane treatment of animals,” Garcia said. So the crew went to work. “We started looking at other ordinances. Some things we liked, and some things we wanted to see more of. We went really progressive compared to other counties, and even some large cities. Hours of editing resulted in a much better code. “We wanted to be at the highest standard and beyond,” Garcia said. “We created a section called ‘Humane Care and Treatment of Animals.’ We now have in-depth expectations of what we expect of a pet owner.”

The new ordinance not only adds rules and definitions governing the humane care of animals, but also tackles “companion animal” hoarding, breeders and fosters, excessive or habitual violations, strays, and feral cats. For example, it specifies how animals must be sheltered – when outside, they must be protected from sunlight, with ample room to move around, with proper food and water. “Not only are proper food and water required, but also social interaction and care,” Garcia said. “Unfortunately, a lot of animals are left outside without attention and are neglected.”

Continued on page 23

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One of his favorite additions to the code states that “no dog may be left outdoors in the case of extreme weather” – and not only when the weather is bad, but when there are warnings of potential wind chills, thunderstorms or tornadoes. There are also new requirements for tethering a dog – the line must be at least 10 feet long – there must be proper attachments, such as rotating toggles to keep the line from getting tangled, and pinch collars are not allowed. “These are things many people might not think much of, but it really makes a difference in the quality of life of an animal,” he said. Garcia came by his job MORE at Animal Control came by INFORMATION chance. “It was just one of those weird flukes. I acciThe Whiteside County Animal Control office dentally stumbled into it.” and animal shelter is He earned a criminal at 1701 Industrial Park justice degree from Sauk Road in Rock Falls. It’s Valley Community Colopen from 9 a.m. to lege, and then a bachelor’s 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. in behavioral sciences from Go to whitesidehealth. National Louis University in org or call 815-625Chicago. 3507 for more infor“I needed a job, and there mation on the new was a part-time position county regulations. open [at Animal Control]. It was nothing I planned, and it just kind of happened.” Garcia has worked there more than 12 years, the past 2 as its director. Beth Fiorini, the outgoing Whiteside County Health Department administrator, is Garcia’s boss. “He cares very much about the program, staff and the animals. We’re very proud of him,” Fiorini said. Garcia, for his part, thanks Fiorini for helping get the new ordinance passed, and his coworkers for their daily effort to make Whiteside a humane county. “It’s their hard work; they are the ones that are out there every day,” bringing the ordinance to life,” he said. “We are the gold standard for counties. The Humane Society of the United States shares our ordinances around the state, and counties want to emulate us. We want everyone to be a ‘Humane County by 2020.’ We’re all coming together to improve the lives of animals.” n

About the ordinance Whiteside County’s new ordinance, based in part on the Illinois State Humane Care for Animals Act, makes it easier for animal control officers to keep tabs on breeders, to enter homes where hoarding is suspected and to take cases to court, where more stringent punishment than fines and fees may apply. The county also now has a trap, neuter and return program for stray and feral cats that will reduce the population without mass euthanization. The full text is available at whitesidehealth.org. Here are some of the highlights: • Anyone owning more than eight companion animals – “dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters rats, mice, ferrets, birds, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and species that a reasonable person would consider to be a pet” – must notify animal control. (This applies primarily to dog and cat owners, not to people with, say, seven hamsters and two guinea pigs.) • Anyone convicted in court of hoarding, and failing to provide adequate food, shelter, water or care may be required, upon court order, to participate in animal cruelty prevention or education programs, undergo a behavioral health examination, forfeit or sterilize their animals, be banned from having animals for a period of time, or any combination the court deems fit. • Anyone who sells dogs or puppies, or breeds or offers a dog for breeding or stud purposes, must obtain a $100-a-year, nontransferable permit. Professional breeders are considered those who produce three or more litters within a year; “backyard” breeders are allowed two or more before such a license must be obtained.

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• Anyone who fosters shelter animals must obtain a license. When it comes to humane care, the ordinance: • Does not allow dogs to roam untethered or unconfined in most open truck beds. • Requires drivers who hit a cat or dog to render aid when possible and to immediately notify the owner, law enforcement or Animal Control. • Requires anyone picking up a stray dog with identification, including a microchip or tattoos, to turn it over to Animal Control the next business day if the owner is not readily found. Dogs without identification must be turned over that business day, or, if it is after hours or during a holiday, law enforcement must be notified. • Allows law enforcement or Animal Control agents to break into a vehicle “by any reasonable means under the circumstances” if officers believe an animal’s life or health is threatened. • Requires dogs be tethered on ropes, chains or other tethers 10 feet or longer that is fixed to a collar with a rotating toggle attachment. • Prohibits cat owners from abandoning cats, failing “to exercise reasonable care to guard against their cats creating a nuisance,” or allowing them “to roam unsupervised off their property.” Most violations come with fines ranging from $50 to $500, and potential prosecution. Three or more violations, and the owner’s animals can be removed and the owner banned from owning animals for a set period of time and/ or not allowed to own animals in the future until an investigation by an animal control officer or state humane investigator is complete.

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STORY SHELBY KUEPKER PHOTOS MICHAEL KRABBENHOEFT | FOR STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

t’s an old club with an emphasis on youth. At 72 years old, the Rock Falls Optimist Club continues to engage the community by sponsoring youth activities such as Little League, junior bowling, cleanup projects along U.S. Route 30 and its annual Touch-A-Truck fun fest. The group’s focus goes beyond fun – it also has helped 609 students by raising $354,475 in scholarships for Rock Falls and Newman Central Catholic high school students, President Kelly Keaschall said. This year, the club awarded $15,650 in scholarships to college-bound graduates, but Keaschall said he wished more students took advantage of the club’s vocational Shoemaker Scholarship. “We think giving young people skills and knowledge is investing in our future, and we invest in our future by investing in our youth,” Keaschall said. He also wishes more people would get interested in the club’s mission: At 36 members, the club’s enrollment is the smallest he’s seen since joining in 1992. Continued on page 26

Among the most popular events the Rock Falls Optimist Club is involved in is the annual Touch-A-Truck event, which lets kids get up close to more than 50 muscle machines from dozens of different places – fire engines, construction equipment, semis and more. Here, John Egert of Sterling was clearly pleased with the big rigs he saw at 2017’s Touch-A-Truck. TURN TO PAGE 26 FOR DETAILS ON

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The Optimist Club “isn’t hurting” for members,” Keaschall said, but he wouldn’t mind if others who have a passion for community showed up to club meetings. Jack Spencer, a member for 27 years, says commitment to the group is TOUCH-A-TRUCK what has held RETURNS IN JULY the club togethROCK FALLS – Big rigs, tracer at a time tors, firetrucks and more will be when many on hand – and under eager little other “traditionhands – at this year’s annual Opally organized timist Club of Rock Falls Touchgroups have A-Truck fun fest, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 27 in a new location fractured.” – Hinders Field, the Rock Falls “It’s been a High School athlectic field, at struggle, but the 400 15th Ave. Optimist Club The free event will feature around 65 vehicles from various has stayed pretty professions that kids can look healthy.” at, learn about, and of course, Of course, touch. there’s always The club will sell food, and there will be giveaways. room for new For more information, find Opmembers, Spentimist Club of Rock Falls on Facecer said. book as the event gets closer. “It’s a fun bunch, and we enjoy working together on projects,” Keaschall said. “If there’s something you have a passion for or what not, we’re willing to try anything that benefit the youth.” n

LEFT: The Little Punks dance group of Cathrine Cheshier, Angel Doyle, Emma Everly, Kalianna Myers, Shannon Rinehart and Angelina Smessaert perform in 2018’s Rock Falls High School Junior Optimist Talent Show. BELOW: Belen Mendoza performs a traditional Mexican dance during the show. The annual show shines a spotlight on Junior Optimists’ talents.

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BECOME AN The Rock Falls Optimist Club, a member of Optimist International, participates in numerous projects and activities. Among them: • Sponsoring the Rock Falls Junior Optimist Club through Rock Falls High School. • Establishing and maintaining Optimist Park, at 14th Avenue and Prophetstown Road in Rock Falls. Optimists provided equipment, and help maintain the park and several other parks. • Sponsoring participants to the Boys State and Girls

State programs. • Organizing an annual youth fishing derby in September, with all participating youth receiving prizes. • Working with the Illinois Department of Transportation’s highway cleanup program four times a year on a 1-mile section of U.S. Route 30 East. • Sponsorship of several Rock Falls Little League teams, since the league’s start in 1954. • Sponsoring the free annual Touch-a-Truck event, which features more than

PTIMIST

PTIMIST CREED

emergency and other 60 vehicles, and attract 500 to 600 people each year. This year it will be held on July 27 in a new location – Hinders Field, the Rock Falls High School athletic field, at 400 15th Ave. The local club, chartered on April 29, 1947, meets at 6 p.m. the second and fourth Monday of the month at Triple P BBQ, 3312 W. Rock Falls Road/U.S. Route 30. Members order from the menu and pay for their meals. During the summer, the club meets at one of the

local parks for cookouts, with one meeting a month as a family picnic at a park or a member’s home. Officers include a president, vice president, second vice president, secretary, treasurer, sergeant of arms, and a seven-member board of directors. Annual dues are $70 per year, with the club year running from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. Find Optimist Club of Rock Falls on Facebook or call Jack Spencer, 815-625-5100, for more information on activities and membership.

Promise yourself … To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind. To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet. To make all your friends feel that there is something in them. To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true. To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best. To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own. To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future. To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile. To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others. To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

PTIMIST HISTORY “As industrialization and urbanization brought many new problems to society, citizens began forming voluntary organizations to address the needs of their communities. In some areas, groups took the name “optimist club” to express their desire for a positive outlook in the face of all these problems. The first official Optimist Club was formed in Buffalo, New York, in 1911.

Impetus for a nationwide Optimist movement began when the Optimist Club of Indianapolis, Indiana, was formed in May 1916. Envisioning a nationwide organization, founders of the Indianapolis club moved ahead in the summer of 1916 to start Optimist Clubs in many other major cities. These clubs quickly grew to more than 100 members each. As a result, a national

conference of the American clubs took place in 1917 in Indianapolis. [The time after World War I was one of] optimism. The association of clubs that is known today as Optimist International was formed on June 19, 1919, when representatives of 11 clubs held a convention in Louisville, Kentucky, and adopted the name International Optimist Club. During the conven-

tion, William Henry Harrison, a descendent of the ninth president of the United States bearing the same name, was elected the first International President of Optimist international. Over the next 3 years, the organization grew to 49 clubs and 4,000 members.” Today, the organization has more than 80,000 members in clubs around the world. – Source: www.optimist.org

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