Sauk Valley Sun

Sauk Valley Sun P.O. BOX 678 Dixon, IL 61021

FREE Take One!

***** ECRWSS *****

POSTAL CUSTOMER

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID ROCKFORD IL PERMIT NO 28

Check out our new website at: saukvalleysun.com

Sauk Valley Sun

DIXON - STERLING - ROCK FALLS

DIXON - STERLING - ROCK FALLS …the community’s newspaper April 2014 | Vol. 2 Issue 4

Sauk Valley 30th Child Fair: Color it fun!

INSIDE

Ronald Reagan sculpture propsed Dixon Tourism is spearheading a project to place a 7 ft. high statue of Ronald Reagan in a lifeguard pose in the 240-acre Lowell Park. see page 3

Free garden plots for Veterans Any veteran who wants a garden this year may have a free garden plot near Dixon, water and gardening advice.

This extraordinary offer comes with “no strings.”

“My family believes in supporting veterans and this is what we can do,” said Jerry (Gerald) Stuff. see page 2

Jockey wins equal of Kentucky Derby

Kylee Zellhofer, 2, of Amboy, uses as many crayons as she can hold to design a turtle at the Lutheran Social Services Illinois (LSSI) and Project LEAD (Leaders Encourage Abstinence from Drugs). They were one of dozens of organizations at the 30th Annual Child Fair giving kids creative experiences.

See page 32

Soon the Kentucky Derby will be run. Prizes and money will be won. Jerry (Gerardo) Rodriguez, Sterling, won the equivalent of the derby in 1991, the All-American Futurity which is to quarter horses what the derby is to thoroughbreds. see page 24

Community

Art

Entertainment

Business

Family

Home & Garden

Part one of Sterling veteran Scott Hibbard recounting his last mission in Middle East.

The Phidian Society celebrates its 67th Annual Art Show open to the public.

Rout 38: Local band found inspiration in a road sign to name their group.

Wheelock owner loves retail, contributes to the community.

Two local women celebrate 100th Birthdays. Timeline spans WWI to 21st century.

Like a “baby” greenhouse, local gardener creates a “Hoop House” for plants.

see page 28

see page 28

see page 21

see page 16

see page 29

see page 10

DIXON FORD LINCOLN VOLKSWAGEN MAZDA HAS EXPANDED SERVICE HOURS TO SERVE YOU BETTER! New service hours: Monday 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM / Thursday 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM Saturday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays are still 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM

DIXON

Your Authorized Dealer for Sales & Service!

05/31/14.

05/31/14.

05/31/14.

2

A

Va

Community Brad’s Beat

Brad Monson Does a massage work for you? Maybe you want to call Massage Works, Sterling and give it a try. We have

found that a massage works wonders for us for relaxing after a tough week, after our deadlines, after a busy day in the garden and‌most assuredly as a great gift. Ask for Becky.

You probably remember the poetic line, “Good fences make good neighbors.�

For a local fence builder we are very impressed with the number of DIFFERENT fences you can have from Sterling Fence. From the traditional picket fence (of various materials), chain link and even custom wood fences, Sterling Fence has

it‌and then some. And, now is probably a very good time to consider where and when you want to get a fence designed and installed. Give them a ring‌they’ll do a good job.

Walk into Jim Prescott’s BBQ store, Sterling and you’ll think spring and summer have arrived. The showroom is chockfull of all kinds of patio furniture, bbq units, lots of those Big Green Egg cookers, patio and yard lighting plus he even has plastic ware for tabletops.

In addition, check out his

extensive selection of BBQ gadgets and gizmos. These can be perfect for yourself (if you are the chief BBQer) or for Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gifts.

This week the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, Dixon opens. If you’ve never been there, you might be shortchanging yourself‌ seeing the home fully restored, going to the Visitor’s Center and just believing for a bit of time that you share the space our President shared‌.it is more than worth the very small admission fee. And, if you

have visitors coming from now through fall, be sure to take them, too! Not many people can visit a former President’s home with such ease, affordability and comfort as Ronald Reagan’s Boyhood Home. And, be SURE to bring your children and your guests’ children.

The Visitor’s Center is full of “cool stuff� for kids.

Stop us if you’ve heard the joke about teaching your wife to drive! Well, the same is likely true about teaching your teen all of the rules of the road and life and how to drive, too. Leave that to the

pro at Drive Safe Driving School, Dixon. Steve is a truly gifted teacher and turns out kids who take driving seriously. He knows the responsibility he has with each student. He knows driving can be a life and death matter. He works at preparing them to drive and live long lives. He also teaches anyone who is court-ordered to take safe driving classes.

Happy 22 years in business for Diane Schnake, The Frameworks, Dixon. We picture you happy!

Aloha -- Brad

Free Garden Plots for Veterans near Dixon

206 E. 3rd Street, Sterling, Illinois 61081

+

~ On Your Desktop ~ On Your Smartphone ~ Accessible 24/7 ~ Purchase Instantly ~ Design the Perfect Gift Instantly!

815.626.3269

WIERSEMA CHARTER SERVICE

15049 Lyndon Rd. Morrison, IL 61270-9550 www.wiersemacharter.com

2014 DAY TRIPS

CUBS GAMES

June 10 Museum of Science & Industry Chicago

May 21

vs. New York

June 12 Sunshine Boys

Old Creamery Theatre-Amana

June 6

vs. Miami

June 24 Classic Oldies

Celebration Belle cruise

June 21

vs. Pittsburgh

June 25 Driving Miss Daisy

Fireside Dinner Theatre

July 11

vs. Atlanta

June 27 NHRA Nationals

Route 66 Raceway

July 25

vs. St. Louis

July 26

vs. St. Louis

July 31

vs. Colorado

July 9

Mystery Trip

Aug. 7

Smokey Joe’s Cafe

Fireside Theater

815-772-2232 800-829-2130

Any veteran who wants a garden this year may have a free garden plot near Dixon, water and gardening advice.

This extraordinary offer comes with “no strings.� “My family believes in supporting veterans and this is what we can do,� said Jerry (Gerald) Stuff. Jerry, a member of the Stuff family’s 3rd generation and an architect was the primary restorer of the 1905 farmhouse on the property.

Jerry is an avid gardener.

He believes that gardening is good for the soul, therapeutic and rewarding. “There is nothing like growing something that, for me, brings such deep joy and satisfaction,� he said. “We have the Hillcrest Farm from the Starner and

Stuff families. The farmhouse is fully restored to its 1905 beauty and it is surrounded by 100 acres. We will divide what is needed into 5 x 10 ft plots. Each veteran may have one plot for starters. If they want more, it is likely that we will be able to accommodate them. A 5 x 10 plot can be enough to keep weeded and watered,�

Jerry said.

The Gardens for Veterans project is designed to help veterans and their families learn to garden, care for the environment, grow

duce and provide an environment for veterans to meet and socialize with other veterans and their families.

Assistance with gardening will be provided by local Master Gardeners and the University of Illinois Extension personnel.

The garden plot will become available in middleto-late May. Veterans and their families who want more information or who are interested in having a free garden plot may contact Jerry Stuff at 800-578-5123 or 317-796-6198 (cell/text) wstuff@iupui.edu.

and cultivate their own food, market any excess pro-

Dixon’s city-wide garage sales set for April 25-26 The Annual Dixon Citywide Garage Sales are set for April 25-26. Deadline to sign up for the sales is April 18.

Cost to register a sale is $20 and includes a listing and a description of the sale. The garage sale information will be distributed through a newspaper and

at select businesses the week of the sale, along with online at www.dixonmainstreet.com and www. facebook.com/dixonmainstreet. The garage sales will be held rain or shine.

More than 50 sales are held each year during this weekend.

Registration forms are

available at Roxies, Waterfront Gifts, and Books on First. Forms are also available online at www. dixonmainstreet.com or www.facebook.com/dixonmainstreet. For more information, call Dixon Main Street at 815-2882308 or email mainst@ grics.net.

Mention you saw this ad in the Sauk Valley Sun!

Publisher’s Note

“Your Best Shot!�

Hope springs eternal Judy Bell Publisher The word that keeps springing up amongst people in the Tri-Cities is hope! Where there is life, there is hope. The coming spring season brings us hope in many ways.

It could be that some hope for a spring season that unfolds a bit slowly. With our wonderful and beautiful Rock River touching the Tri-Cities, a slower spring might avert A spring that develops day by day will give all of us a chance to catch

up with winter’s messiness as it is so much easier to remove fallen twigs and leaves without an explosion of spring growth in the way.

We can better prepare our garden plots and soil to be ready for planting. Farmproperly. Muck isn’t fun for anyone except maybe toddlers.

A progressive spring will allow each of us to appreciate each day fully. After all, we did experience a long and tough winter. The thought of luxuriating in spring’s potentially gentle breezes and almost perfect temperature tempts one to

daydream of early childhood‌those simple carefree days.

Let’s all give ourselves plenty of time to shop small and shop local. Our faithful retailers kept the doors open, kept the shelves stocked, kept employees in jobs and believed we’d return.

Let’s do it for them AS we do it for ourselves. With thriving local businesses we are all improving our communities. Almost any money that leaves the TriCities to be spent elsewhere does not benefit anyone here, does it?

Throughout this issue there are numerous events

to attend, charities to support, places and organizations that need volunteers.

May we hope that each of us is willing to participate fully in their community, church, park system, governmental or civic needs.

The key to how the TriCities may thrive is that we truly become people of hope, people who decide to become a TEAM‌Together Everyone Achieves More.

In abiding hope, Judy Bell Publisher

Whatever, whomever, whenever you have a “good shot� that you want to share with the TriCities, it could be printed.

Simply send your photograph with a minimum of 300 dpi as an attachment to: Communityeditor@ thesaukvalleysun.com.

Include a personal note giving permission to print and display in digital formats.

We thank you and your fellow citizens thank you for sharing “Your Best Shot!�

3

A

Va

Community

Reagan statue as lifeguard proposed for Lowell Park site, 2015 James G. Burke Dixon Mayor Dixon Tourism is spearheading a project to place a 7 ft. high statue of Ronald Reagan in a lifeguard pose in the 240 acre Lowell Park.

The statue would be placed overlooking the beach were the former president served as a lifeguard for 7 consecutive summers.

The $200,000 endeavor ÂŹwill be funded from private contributions. It has received national publicity.

Dixon Mayor Jim Burke said, “Lifeguarding and Lowell Park played a significant role in developing the character traits that stayed with Reagan throughout his life.�

The nationally known Fine Art Studio of Rotblatt-

Statue of Reagan proposed for Lowell Park.

Visit www.saukvalleysun.com The Sauk Valley Sun website has recently been expanded to include up to date information including obituaries plus now offers and business use. Also there is a “streaming� of information that you can simply “click on� and it takes you right to that feature or advertisement or information. “With these enhancements, it’s really a very cool website,� said Julie Reeder, the Sauk Valley Sun Edi-

tor. Julie has worked with everyone‌. editorial, marketing. IT and Independent Contractors who contribute and collaborate with the Sauk Valley Sun to help the website design team to create a responsive, lively and interesting website.

It goes across all platforms...computer, tablet and mobile making it useful wherever you may be in your daily life, she noted.

There are “responsive connections� on the web-

Amrany, Highwood, Illinois, that sculpted the

committee to complete the statue. The committee in-

Michael Jordan statue at the United Center in Chicago, was selected by the statue

cludes Vicky Turner, Ann Lewis, Larry Reed, Josh Albrecht, Ron Pritchard, John

Weitzel, Colleen Brechon, Jeff Lovett and Mayor Burke.

The committee’s goal is to complete the fundraising by the end of the summer and then to authorize the sculptors to start the project for completion and dedication in 2015. Anyone interested in the project can contact the mayor’s office, 815288-1485 or james.burke@ discoverdixon.org.

Accents

Northland Mall 2900 East Lincolnway Sterling, IL 61081 Phone: 815-625-1999

ACCENT-UATE THIS SEASON WITH ACCENTS!

Bridal Registry We offer a wide selection of items for newlyweds!

site so the community can make comments, request marketing information and connect with Sauk Valley Sun people. is lots more to come,� Julie said. “Just keep coming to the Sauk Valley Sun website as often as you like: www. saukvalleysun.com. We’ll probably have something to keep you interested and coming almost every day!�, she concluded.

Creative Writer’s Group seeks members The Sauk Creative Writer’s Group is looking for new members interested in helping others with their manuscripts, screenplays, short stories, flash fiction and poetry.

The group meets 2 to 4

p.m., every other Saturday at Books on First, Dixon.

The meetings slated for this month will be on April 5 and April 19. There is no charge to join.

The meetings provide writers a chance to meet

others working on similar projects and to provide and receive valuable feedback on how to improve.

If interested, please contact Greg Smith at saukwritersgroup@gmail.com.

Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home 816 S. Hennepin Ave. Dixon, IL | 815-288-5176 | www.reaganhome.org

Open Daily Starting April 1, 2014 Guided Tours for Individuals or Groups Visitors’ Center Video Presentation Reagan Memorial Park Free Parking Gift Shop Walk in President Reagan’s footsteps Ask, “Where does my path lead?�

30th Anniversary Collectible Gifts Available at gift shop or on the on-line store: reaganhome.org If you wish to be a volunteer: 815-288-5176

4BUVSEBZ t "QSJM

QN QN

'PS UJDLFUT UP UIJT HSFBU 3PUBSZ GVOESBJTFS QMFBTF DPOUBDU Gary Presley Melissa Glessner

'PPE 4FSWJDF JT QN QN $BSSZPVU BWBJMBCMF QN QN

The menu consists of all you can eat shrimp, Award Winning Chili, and the fixn’s!

,OJHIUT PG $PMVNCVT )BMM t 8FTU SE 4USFFU t %JYPO *MMJOPJT

%JYPO 3PUBSZ $MVC D I X O N

I L L I N O I S

2 0 1 4

Proceeds will benefit Dixon Rotary project including college scholarships.

4

A

Va

Community

Reagan Boyhood Home celebrates its 30th anniversary Ann Lewis The Reagan Boyhood Home opened for the season on April 1st. This is the 30th anniversary of President and Mrs. Reagan and the president’s brother, house.

In 1980 while Ronald Reagan was campaigning for President of the United States, U.S. Postman, Lynn Knights, realized that the 1891 Queen Anne style home at 816 South Hennepin was the first home where the Reagan family lived in Dixon. He also

“Where does your path lead?â€? is a theme selected by the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home Foundation, says Ann Lews, President of the Board of Directors of the Foundation. The theme is to demonstrate that people can achieve high goals‌ even become President of the United States‌ even if their life has a humble beginning. Visitors to the Ronald Reagan Home will have an opportunity to be video taped as young and old alike respond to the question.

saw that it was for sale.

Lynn organized a group of local residents, created the Reagan Home Preservation and Restoration Committee and purchased the home for $29,000.

As the cost of renovating the home sky-rocketed, President Reagan asked Norm Wymbs to help.

Norm became the president of the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home Preservation Foundation. Ten million dollars later, the home opened in 1984.

The running of the home has been an evolving process. Volunteers have always been the heart of the home. More than 80 Home volunteers helped to restore the home. Today, there are 40 volunteers who give tours and run the gift shop, plus groups like the Kiwanis come yearly to help with “spring cleaning� and the Fox Valley Model T Club restored our 1919 Ford Model T, “Bessie.�

As part of our celebration, we have decided to make some changes that are aimed at younger visitors to

SERTAÂŽ MATTRESS

Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home, Dixon, opened for the season this week. Parked in the drive is the 1919 Model T, “Bessie,� restored by the Fox Valley Model T Club. The 1891

the home. We want to show them that people with humble beginnings can go on to achieve high goals. We will be asking and video-taping our visitors answering the question,�Where does your path lead?� We are exploring making a new video to be shown in the visitors’ center. We are exploring expanding our visitors’

mat tress event

brating the past and dreaming of the future. For those of you in northern Illinois who have not visited the Reagan Boyhood Home, please come. Check out our website: reaganhome. org for exciting events and special 30th anniversary gifts. If you would like to be involved, we are always looking for volunteers.

Lee County Tourism notes April is an exciting month now that the snow has begun to clear! While some events are scheduled to change, here are a handful from the Lee County Tourism Council:

Elevate &$ave

center into the Reagan Illinois Heritage Museum with youth-friendly displays.

In 1981, President Reagan said, “If we’re free to dare---and we are---if we’re free to give---and we are--then we’re free to shape the future and have within our grasp all that we dream that future will be.�

This year, we are cele-

On April 10th, the Annual Phidian Art Show is being held at the Loveland Community Building, 513 W. 2nd St., Dixon; April 11th is hosting the Dixon’s Founders Day

Celebration at the Dixon Historic Center, 205 W. 5th St., Dixon; On April 19th, Distinctive Gardens is hosting a Container Garden Class from 10-12pm.

Make A Wish 5k Run/Walk registration ends May 2nd The 3rd Annual Make a Wish 5k Run/Walk is being held on Saturday, May 17th, 2014. The Dixon event begins at 8:00am at Washington

Elementary School, 703 East Morgan Street, Dixon, IL. The deadline for signing up is May 2nd. Participants may register online at

www.getmeregistered. com. For any further questions, Race Director Trevor Belzer can be reached by phone at (563) 343-2897.

Employee of the Month April Brian S. Hawkins

at tress

Wheelock furniture 101 W. 2nd St. Rock Falls, IL 61071

Open 7 Days a Week!

Hi! My name is Brian Hawkins and I joined Hawkins-Cassens Insurance in 2004. I have 16 years of experience in the insurance industry. I am able to assist you with your personal, commercial, life and health insurance needs. I live in Sterling with my wife, Jaime and have two daughters, Carlee and Jovee. I can be reached at the office or by email at brian@hci-agency.com.

Contact us at 815-625-7474 Hawkins-Cassens Insurance 2321 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, IL 61081

5

A

Va

Events

Events and National Volunteer Week

PhiLLiP Sitter The “Mayhem 4 Midway� fundraiser will be from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, April 5, at the Corner Spot, 510 Chicago Ave. in Dixon.

All proceeds will be donated to the Midway DriveIn toward their $125,000 digital projector fund. The Drive-In has to convert to digital projection technology or it will be forced to close.

Supporters of the DriveIn can come and destroy a car and bid on silent auction items to help preserve Midway Drive-In. Tickets will be $5 per swing or $20 for 5 swings to hit the vehicles with provided items.

Go to www.TheMidwayDriveIn.net or call 847-6473124 for more information or to donate.

The Woodlawn Arts Academy Rhythm-Quest Rocks bands, under the direction of Ramiro Marti-

nez, will offer a free concert from 6pm-9pm Tuesday, April 6 in the J. Mark Beaty Performance Center at Woodlawn Arts Academy.

The bands feature students 12 years and older from across the Sauk Valley.

The Summer Session of Rhythm-Quest Rocks begins Tuesday, May 27.

Students are encouraged to have their own instrument and some experience. An end-of-session concert is set for Tuesday, July 15 at Woodlawn Arts Academy.

Registration for the Summer Session begins at 9am Monday, May 5, online at apm.activecommunities. com/woodlawnarts or by calling Woodlawn at (815) 626-4278. You also may visit the Academy during normal business hours of 9am-8pm Monday-Thursday, 9am-6pm Fridays and 9am-noon Saturdays.

Woodlawn Arts Academy is supported by United Way of Whiteside County.

Enjoy the process of planting, harvesting and cooking with food straight from the inaugural Woodlawn Arts Academy Garden through the From Garden to Table class. This class will focus on the joy, simplicity and flavor of unprocessed foods. While meeting time, there will be multiple opportunities to meet beyond that all summer long as Mother Nature does not know or care about our calendar. Impromptu texts & e-mails will be sent all season to join if you are available to harvest and prepare something from the garden. Students will receive Woodlawn Arts Academy Gardeners Tshirts for participating in this class.

From Garden to Table is for all ages, and will have scheduled class times from 5-6pm Mondays, beginning April 7, at the Farmhouse at Woodlawn Arts Academy.

Dixon Rotary Shrimp Boil and Chili Bowl: All-You-Can-Eat Event funds local scholarships Those who come to the Dixon Rotary’s Shrimp Boil and Chili Bowl event Saturday, April 5th will not leave hungry. It’s an AllYou-Can-Eat event with all funds going toward local scholarships for higher education for local kids. A ticket for the event offers on-site dining or carry-out service from 5-7:30 pm at the Knights of Columbus

Hall, 506 W. 3rd Street, Dixon.

In addition to food, there are chances to win money

from the Mega Raffle that offers 35 cash prizes, raffle prizes and a silent auction.

Adult tickets are $15; 6-12 year old children are $5 and children ages 5 and under are free.

For information and tickets call Gary Presley (815-284-6883) or Melissa Glessner (815-284-2587).

Our menu changes everyday!

Specialty baked goods

609 Depot Avenue, Dixon, IL

815-973-8129

Friday-Night Dinners

Soup and Salad Bar with All Meals

gage in their communities, be at the center of social change and discover and actively demonstrate their collective power to make a difference.

This year AdvilÂŽ, as part of the AdvilÂŽ Relief in Action program, is the lead sponsor of National Volunteer Week.

National Volunteer Week, a program of Points of Light, was established in 1974, making 2014 the 40th anniversary.

AdvilÂŽ is encouraging everyone to share inspiring photos that capture Relief in Action through Facebook, Twitter and Instagram with hashtag #ReliefInAction.

For more information on the Relief in Action campaign visit www.Advil. @ReliefInAction on Twitter and Instagram or like AdvilÂŽ on Facebook.

For more information contact Jennifer Geckler at

NOW CELEBRATING 29 YEARS

Brent’s UPHOLSTERY

Parrot MINIKIT Neo Voice-Controlled BluetoothÂŽ Hands-free kit

BOAT COVERS

No Drill Mud Flaps & Floor Liners

815-625-3169

405 Elm Ave., Sterling

bruph@comcast.net

SERVING ROCK FALLS, AMBOY, DIXON, FRANKLIN GROVE, MORRISON, OREGON, AND STERLING

WE TREAT:

Quality Chiropractic with that Gentle Touch Dr. Sid Kirkland, D.C.

FREE

CONSULTATIONS Call today to schedule your free chiropractice treatment is right for you!

Fresh food for you...

Enjoy

Tuition is $64. Registration is available online at apm. activecommunities.com/ woodlawnarts or by calling Woodlawn at (815) 6264278. You also may visit the Academy during normal business hours of 9am-8pm Monday-Thursday, 9am6pm Fridays and 9am-noon Saturdays.

N a t i o n a l Vo l u n t e e r Week, April 6-12, is about inspiring, recognizing and encouraging people to seek out imaginative ways to en-

Hours

Monday: Closed Tues-Thurs: 5am-3pm Friday: 5am-7:30pm Sat-Sun: 6am-2pm (Sunday is breakfast all-day) Service stops 30 minutes before closing. Thank you!

Over 18 Years Experience!

Treatment for the Whole Family!

Try Our 24-Day Weight Loss Challenge & See Great Results!

www.advocare.com/13129611 1503 1st Avenue, Suite C Rock Falls

815.380.2180 WWW.KIRKLANDCHIROPRACTICROCKFALLS.COM

6

A

Va

Community

Arbor Day‌ trees shade, protect, beautify Carol Chandler Chairman, City of Dixon Tree Commission Arbor Day is celebrated each year and encourages people to plant trees. It Nebraska by Julius Sterling Morton. Nebraska had few trees and he planted orchards, shade trees and wind breaks on his farm and urged his neighbors to do the

same. He proposed that a special day be dedicated to planting trees and increasing the importance of trees. On the first Arbor Day, more than one million trees were planted! A second Arbor and the young state made it an annual legal holiday in and is now celebrated in all countries including Aus-

tralia, Japan, Israel, Korea and Yugoslavia. In Illinois it is celebrated on the last Friday in April. The event is scheduled to coincide with the best planting weather; Alaska celebrating the third Monday in May and South Friday in December.

April is a good time to assess the trees on your property and determine if they need some attention or that

you may want to plant more.

Trees are very important: they reduce erosion by wind and water; lower heating and cooling costs; protect us from harsh cold winter winds and hot summer sun; clean the air that we breathe; produce oxygen; reduce the ozone and provide habitat for wildlife. They are a renewable resource for paper and wood products for our homes, fuel and many biodegradable products. They increase property values and enhance the economic vitality of the business areas and beautify our communities. Trees are a source of joy and spiritual renewal.

Take a walk in the woods and you will see this is true.

Many people plant trees as a memorial to loved ones or for special occasions.

The City of Dixon Tree Commission has planted over the last eight years and is dedicated to making our community a leader in beautifying the environment. If

On-lookers gather at a Dixon tree planting celebrating Arbor Day. These trees are part of 51 trees planted on Route #26 North. Tree Commission welcomes volunteers.

you enjoy the trees along the highways as you enter Dixon or in your neighborhood, they were all planted for you to enjoy. If you want to plant a tree, call a local tree nursery for the information on what would work best for you. Freshly

dug trees grown in this area tend to thrive better than trees raised in other places that are shipped here.

SHOP LOCAL - PLANT A TREE!

Bell joins Reagan board

Get a new lease on renters insurance.

Gary Presley Ins Agcy Inc Gary Presley, Agent 221 Crawford Avenue Dixon, IL 61021 Bus: 815-288-1020

Just pennies a day.

The Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home Preservation Foundation’s Board of Directors has appointed Robert Bell of Dixon to serve as a director.

Mr. Bell has a background in board service in Illinois, California and Minnesota since 1972. Before moving to Dixon, he served as a California-Poland Chamber of Commerce board member in San Diego CA; he currently serves on the Dixon Tree Commission.

He was trained in architecture with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Minnesota and a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. He also has continuing education from Harvard University. He has been a Project Designer and

Architect in Minneapolis, Chicago, Dallas and San Diego.

Mr. Bell has served as a Critic at the University of Texas and an instructor at the University of Minnesota. He has been a member of design teams that have won a number of national A1A Honor Awards. Some of Bell’s personal drawings are in the architectural collection of the Burnham Library at the Art Institute of Chicago.

Robert Bell joins other directors: Ann Lewis, President; John Thompson, Vice President; Joe Rudolphi, Treasurer; Jim Burke; Jeff Lovett; Tom Demmer; Genesis Hey; and Brandi Langner, Executive Director.

This year, the Reagan Boyhood Home is celebrat-

Robert Bell, new director Reagan Boyhood Home.

April 1st. To join the team of volunteers or contribute success of the home, please contact Brandi Langner at brandi@reaganhome.org.

Did you know your landlord’s insurance only covers the building? Protect your stuff.

There’s no reason to take a chance. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.Ž

CALL ME TODAY.

Spring Into A Co ok’s Corner For All Your Kitch en G adget Needs!

t 8F IBWF B OJDF TFMFDUJPO PG Cookie Cutters & Sprinkles GPS UIF DPPLJF CBLFST

t Aprons BSF WFSZ GBTIJPOBCMF BOE XF DBSSZ B OJDF TFMFDUJPO t /FX UP PVS HPVSNFU MJOF Davis & Davis Dip & Drink Mixes!

Girls Night Out! "QSJM SE t QN QN Gourmet Samples, Shopping & Door prizes 0901142.1

State Farm Fire and Casualty Company, State Farm General Insurance Company, Bloomington, IL

Brides, come create your bridal registry with us!

7

A

Va

Community

SVCC hosts free annual careers fair & career exploration day Sauk Valley Community College will hold two career-oriented events Thursday, April 17 on campus for the public to attend for free.

The morning event, Career Exploration, will be with a limited number of seats open to high school students and community members. This will be a

special program featuring hands-on skills activities, networking opportunities and job preparation workshops. Participants will also get to meet with select employers before the large-scale career fair starts, as well as SVCC students and faculty to learn about education and skill requirements needed in various fields. Lunch

will be provided. Register for the morning event career-explore.

Following the morning program, SVCC will host its annual “Sauk Careers�

Fair from 3-6 p.m. in the SVCC West Mall. This free event is an opportunity for the public to learn about Sauk’s career programs and degrees as

The Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce recognized the Bridge the Community Run as the project of the year for 2013. Jack Spencer and Gayla Kolb are pictured here with the award.

well as network with over will give attendees an opportunity to find out why education is important in a career and also what skills are necessary in different fields. Computer labs will be available for online application processes. Also, consider bringing resumes as several businesses attending the “Sauk Careers�

Fair are currently collecting applications and filling positions. Professional attire is suggested.

Those who attend the “Sauk Careers� Fair will have a chance to win professional and educational prizes including an AppleŠ Ipad, SVCC credit hours and more.

For additional information about the Career Fair

or Sauk career programs, c o n t a c t A n i t a C a r n e y, SVCC Career and Business Service Coordinator, For information about the Career Exploration Day contact Sarah McFar-

I should buy a latte. & SE 4U 4UFSMJOH BJSQMBZTQPSUT DPN

2nd Annual

TEAM JESS DAY! Team Jess Day honors Jessica Strader, wife and mother of two who also taught Special Education at Sterling’s Jefferson School. She fought her battle with dignity and true grit. Now we remember her and celebrate her life. All proceeds from the raffle will go to help her young children and others fighting breast cancer.

815.284.2052 WHERE WE SERVICE WHAT WE SELL!

With all proceeds going to the families.

Selling March 24 – April 5, with the drawing at 5PM on April 5th.

$1 per ticket / $5 for 6 / $10 for 15 Team Jess memorabilia also available

TEAM JESS... ‘TIL THERE’S A CURE!

enny

ane

"OUJRVFT t $PMMFDUJCMFT t $SBGUT 0ME .FNPSBCJMJB NOTARY SERVICES AVAILABLE 0QFO BN QN $MPTFE 4VO 8FE

4 1FPSJB "WF %JYPO *

FREE ESTIMATES

on all replacement and new installation of furnaces and air conditioners We have

24/7 SERVICE available on all makes and brands of furnaces

1245 N. GALENA AVE. DIXON, IL 61021

farleysappliance.com

8

A

Va

Education

Where will they go?

Jill Horn What is the class of 2014 going to do once they graduate?

Kirsten and Kaitlynne Pitman, twins graduating from Dixon High School in June, plan to go to different colleges. Kaitlynne plans to attend the University of Wisconsin, Parkside and pursue a degree in nursing.

She has earned an academic scholarship and will most likely receive a track or cross-country scholarship.

She went to visit a friend from the cross-country team who is already there and liked the campus and felt it was not too big and not too small and about the right distance from home.

Kirsten is planning to go to St. Ambrose in Davenport and study physical therapy.

She has an academic scholarship as well and is trying out for a cheerleading scholarship. She wants to go to St. Ambrose because it is the right distance from Dixon and is a smaller

school with a good teacherto-student ratio. The twins wanted to see what it was like to be apart from each other even though they will miss each other. They are both eager to begin the path to their perspective careers.

These teenagers have a good idea about what they will do in life and where they will go.

Next month we’ll catch up with other young people to see where they will go... and what they plan to do after high school.

Kaitlynne and Kirsten Pitman, pictured, are taking different paths after graduation from Dixon High School. Kaitlynne will pursue a nursing degree in Wisconsin. Kirsten will go to Iowa to study physical therapy. Both are eager to begin their careers.

Scholarships are still available Jill Horn

There are still many scholarships that can be applied for and many scholarships go unawarded every year because no one has applied for them. Here is some information that can help in applying for those scholarships.

Morrison Tech has three internal scholarships: academic, performance and family. These scholarships are due by May 1, 2014 and applicable to graduating high school seniors.

If awarded, and continual progress is met based on the

Angie Harrison 815-973-6070

criteria, they are awarded for four semesters while in attendance at Morrison Tech.

Several internal scholarships are available at Sauk Valley Community College, SVCC. There are also several external scholarships available for a variety of subject areas and criteria. Go to https://www. svcc.edu/students/finaid/ scholarship-information. html for information about both. There is information regarding scholarships to SVCC, but also for anyone attending college in the fall and going to any college

Shawney Evans 815-973-0383

of their choice. This is a good source of information for anyone, not just those attending SVCC. Because there are too many scholarships to list here that can still be applied for, this article will list those that have a due date in April.

morial Scholarship Deadline: April 30, 2014 Healthcare Scholarship Deadline: April 30, 2014 Scholarship Deadline: April 30, 2014

Fountainhead Essay Contest Deadline: April 26, 2014 Fountainhead Essay Contest Deadline: April 26, 2014 ScholarshipExperts.com Deadline: April 30, 2014 ties Council Block Grant Deadline: April 19, 2014

Gary Davey 815-440-3687

First Command Foundation Deadline: April 7, 2014

Laura Bock 815-973-8033

Sue McCoy 815-440-4144

Spouse Scholarship Deadline: April 30, 2014

ship Deadline: April 30, 2014

acy Scholarship Deadline: April 15, 2014

Nursing Deadline: April 30, 2014

Scholarship Caccomo Family Deadline: April 15, 2014

Nursing Scholarship Deadline: April 30, 2014

dation Scholarship Deadline: April 30, 2014

Scholarship Deadline: April 30, 2014

Caucus Institute Deadline: April 16, 2014

For a full list of hundreds of scholarships, go to https://www.svcc.edu/

ence Hall Nursing Scholar-

information to start the application process.

Kirk Staples 815-440-0803

Melissa Plock 815-677-1364

We sell

and we want Edyie Madden 815-973-2352

Wendy Olson 815-994-2700

View all listings online at www.saukvalleyproperties.com

Deb Herwig 815-973-4240

Michelle Wilson 815-440-8193

Beth Wilson Broker/owner

815-440-8307 Beth@SaukValleyProperties.com

Curt Repass 815-622-8318

Billie Hipple 815-499-0558

Sauk Valley Properties

Wilson & Associates

Jay Krick 815-973-4791

Sid Heaton 815-440-3850

Lucy Henning 815-288-2235

335 W. Everett St. Dixon, IL 61021 Office: 815-288-2881 Fax: 815-288-2011

9

A

Va

Home & Garden

CAUTION: Spring Ahead!

Gary Scott

6 feet to 8 feet encompassing the areas where water pipes

There’s a primal urge that emerges in us every year about this time. The weather begins to warm and we yearn to be outside again to enjoy our lawns and gardens. And, after experiencing a seemingly endless winter, what could possibly be better for us? The feel of the soil; the fresh air; the spring sun all speak to that urge.

Without fail, each year in the greenhouse we have customers coming through the doors after a few days of 60 degree temperatures asking for things like tomatoes. In fact, just two Springs ago, the temperature was 82 degrees on St. Patrick’s day and we had to turn away anxious vegetable gardeners as tomato crops are not planted until now. So, what advice do we give these folks who are seeking garden nirvana this early in the year? Simple: Patience is our most valuable garden tool!

If you’re like me, you know someone in the area and they have been without water service for quite some time. This winter’s temperatures have guaranteed that the ‘frost line’ or the depth to gone into the soil to a depth of

few and mostly come down to waiting until the soil thaws.

Plumbing professionals have told me that we should expect to see this around the end of April and into the beginning of May. As the earth in our area begins to warm, we must keep in mind that it is crucial to many of our ‘warm weather’ crops and plants that the soil temperatures are at least 6575 degrees in order to prevent stunting, cold-burn and general failure. While there are some crops that enjoy cool weather (lettuce, kale, peas) that pesky ‘patience’ word should creep into your head as you read about and attend garden centers and begin to spy tomato plants and herbs on the shelves of the big box stores. Browse, look, touch, enjoy. but delay your purchase(s) until our night temperatures (yes the NIGHT temperatures) become stable above 50 degrees.

After you have drooled over the delicious blossoms and plants at favorite garden haunts, bid them a ‘til we meet again’ as it’s time to head home and begin taking on some tasks that will support your outdoor passions.

Do your general post-winter cleanup of debris in your lawn and garden areas, but be careful not to uncover perennials that you mulched for protection that can come a bit later. Take a look at your garage and/or garden shed where your tools are stored.

Do they need cleaning? Is it time to pick up new tools?

Are the spades sharp? (if not, take them to the hardware store and have them sharp-

orthwest territory Nh istoric ceNter Research - Discovery Heritage - Legacy

Learning - Insight Tradition - Enrichment

In Ronald Reagan’s beautifully restored boyhood South Central School building.

A memorable visit includes: “Dutch� Regan’s Restored Classroom Walgreen History Room Rock River Assembly Diorama Original Reagan Movie Posters Chautauqua Assembly Building Model Original Ronald Reagan Diplomas Earth from Space Poster Exhibit Beautifully Restored Gymnasium Dixon-1846 Diorama Museum Store and Art Gallery President Reagan History Room Historical Paintings on every floor Veterans Interview Center

Please plan a visit soon! # ."5 ., .5 ( 5 ! (5 35R5 #2)(5 &&#()#-

Open All Year: Tuesday-Saturday 9am-4pm

815-288-5508

#( )H(." 8),!5R51118(." 8),!

plastics and take them to the recycle center. Inspect your outdoor containers to ensure they are in good shape and take some time to clean them completely.

According to the National for our area, the last average member what averages are from math class? In other words, could be much earlier or much later. We ‘cover’ our plants to protect against frost

in the autumn so that we can eek out the last bit of production and enjoyment. However, launching tender young plants into their season when it’s too early only causes them temperatures 32 and below is There’s lots to do and enjoy outdoors during April if we can harness the energy involved with our primal spring urges. Enjoy the sun and the fresh air – and ap-

proach spring of 2014 with Sauk Valley-savvy caution!

Gary Scott holds an advanced degree in Horticulture Sciences and is co-owner/head grower at Palmyra Greenhouse located at 489 Palmyra Rd. in Dixon.

He can be reached at 815285-2800 or email questions to him at info@sauksun.com or gary@palmyragreenhouse.

com.

10

A

Va

Home & Garden

A homegrown greenhouse is, owner says, his Hoop House dollars and have already saved that much in growing our own plants and the harvest of our own vegetables.

As it is with any project, our hoop house came with it’s own unique set of challenges. The

Tracey Montgomery We have enjoyed many evenings sitting in our hoop house during the past few weeks with temperatures exceeding 75 degrees entertaining conversations of which seeds to get planted and when.

Yes, I said our “Hoop House.�

A hoop house is similar to a greenhouse and yet it’s not. Ours is a semi-circular rigid structure covered in UV resistant plastic that is most often heated only by the sun.

We have enjoyed our hoop house for years now and the advantages are numerous.

Building your own hoop house is much cheaper and much easier than a greenhouse.

We built our (12’x8’x30’) hoop house at a cost of $1,500

to control the temperatures to accommodate the plants.

In the Spring, the house allows us to plant seeds much earlier with daytime temperatures reaching 80 degrees but, the night time temperatures can reach well below freezing.

To overcome this problem, we purchased a snap together greenhouse (10’x6’x20’) that smaller structure allows us to heat it at night with a digital oil-filled radiant heater. In case of a real bad frost, we can cover the structure with furniture blankets providing some insulation factor to prevent heat from escaping.

The only other real challenge we faced was the 100 plus temperatures during the summer months. Although the side doors can be opened for ventilation, it was still too

hot. So, we installed solar panels on each end of the hoop house to power two internal solar fans. A shade 40% of the sun’s rays. And mist system to the ridge pipe that was activated by a water timer. With these additions, the temperature was reduced by almost 15 degrees.

Before committing to building your own hoop house, you may want to know that plants grown in a hoop house grow big and fast. They require constant attention like fertilizing, watering and repotting to larger pots. We thoroughly enjoy our hoop house and what we have accomplished, but it may not be for everyone.

Tracey Montgomery is an avid gardener and a professional printer. Tracey and Toni Montgomery are owners of Creative Printing, Dixon.

Creative Printing 213 West First Street Dixon 61021 815-284-5040

Don’t S Compromise

'

Over 500 Fabrics & 21 Leathers to choose from!

CUSTOMIZE!!

Get the furniture YOU WANT in the fabric YOU WANT in 21 days OR LESS!!

Furniture by

custom sofas starting at

~ Furniture & Mattresses In Sterling Only~

699

We Accept

STERLING 3614 E. Lincolnway

815-626-5631

MON.-THURS. 9-6, FRI. 9-8, SAT. 9-5, SUN. 11-4

*Approved credit required. See Knie for details.

www.ShopKnies.com

POLO

LYNN BL VD.

Special Financing Available!*

in the Proudly Made USA

$

McCORMICK'S IL. T. R 2 / E. LINCOLNW AY ALDI'S

MON.-FRI. 8:30-5:00, SAT. 8:30-3:00

MENARDS

11

A

Va

Health

Eat a healthy diet to reduce your medical costs Carol Chandler, B.S.N., R.N., A.A.S With the costs of medical care skyrocketing, emphasis is being placed on prevention. One of the best ways to prevent medical problems is to learn about and practice a healthy diet. So many times we read about “low carbohydrate diets, high protein diets� or “low fat diets,� but do we know what carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins or minerals do in our body? Let’s check it out.

CARBOHYDRATES Carbohydrates are the most ies, but cannot be stored

in large amounts. They increase energy reserves in muscles and the liver and prolong the onset of exhaustion. High “carbs� such as white bread, pasta, rice, cakes, pies, lasagna, mac and cheese and many snacks are mostly empty of nutrition. In excess, they can lead to obesity, heart disease and diabetes. Complex carbs are an important part of a diet and examples are: brown rice, whole grain breads, beans, cheese, eggs, milk, yogurt, fruit and vegetables and nuts.

FATS - Fats are the most concentrated and abundant form of energy in the body.

Stored fat reserves are the primary fuel burned with intense physical activity.

Too much fat intake is a health risk and often makes physical activity difficult.

There are good fats and bad fats. Good fats are: ol-

and peanut oils. Bad fats are: dairy products such as cream, cheese and butter; lard, coconut oil, palm oil and chocolate. Palm oil is about the worst and is in many low-priced snack items. Carrie Grobe, KSB Hospital Wellness Dietician,

says, “People should look for partially hydrogenated fats as well.� Check your labels!

MINERALS - Minerals are necessary for your body’s processing of food.

Iron is required for transporting oxygen to your cells and sodium and potassium are essential for maintaining the fluid balance in your body as well as your heart function. A varied diet usually provides most of the minerals that your body needs with the possible exception of iron. Women, especially, should be sure to have enough calcium in their diets.

VITAMINS - Vitamins are

needed by our bodies to process carbohydrates, protein and fat. Supplements are not usually necessary as long as your diet is varied, balanced and high in complex carbohydrates. Vitamins do not build muscles or provide energy and large doses do not improve athletic performance.

There you have it! Eat a well-balanced diet and stay as healthy as possible. Take care of yourself because this is the only body you will ever have! If you have any concerns about your nutrition, consult your doctor, a registered dietician or other licensed healthcare provider.

Buron, national Autism expert, to present seminar in Dixon

The Autism Program at Kreider Services announced that Kari Dunn Buron, a nationally known expert on Autism will come to Dixon April 22nd for a one day training seminar. She will speak about “When My Autism Gets Too Big.�

She will address social cognition and emotional regulation using the 5-point scale and other systems.

The one day training is designed for family members, teachers, professionals or anyone effected with autism in their lives. The training will be at the Dixon Elks Lodge 1279 Franklin Grove Road, Dixon. It is a $40.00 fee for family members and

a $60 fee for professionals.

The event is from 8:30 a.m.

- 4:00 p.m. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Lunch is included in the registration fee.

Six Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) are available for a variety of professionals. Advance registration is required to attend.

Autism Spectrum Disorthe areas of social thinking, relationship building, and emotional regulation. The presentation will address

Shop Now ~ Great Selection!

these three areas of need as they impact a person’s ability to function in the highly social environments of school, home and community.

Having a problem of social cognition impacts a person’s competence in almost all social situations. to explosive behavior and even aggression. Kari will present a brief overview of the social thinking research, and autism learning

theories emerging from the new field of educational neuroscience. She will then describe and illustrate six systematic approaches to teaching social information, and increasing a person’s ability to understand and regulate their emotional responses. The strategy discussion will focus on the use of the 5-Point Scale and also include literacy, video self modeling, 5 Stars, relaxation, and direct teaching of relationship skills.

If you are interested in attending or for more information regarding this event, please contact Janet O’Donnell (815) 288 - 6691 ext. 240 or odonnellj@ kreiderservices.org. or visit Kreider Services website at www.kreiderservices.org.

COMMERCIAL, RESIDENTIAL & FARM FENCE

Be ready for patio season

FREE ESTIMATES & FREE DESIGN SERVICE

ATHENS DEEP SEATING

MeadowcraftÂŽ Classic Furniture for The Great Outdoors

(815) 625-2201 DOGWOOD

Big Green Egg!

Jim Prescott’s

Barbecue Shop QUALITY GRILLS & PATIO FURNITURE

815-625-7778 1910 E. 4th Street, Sterling, IL

www.sterlingfence.net 2704 North Locust, Sterling, IL 61081 - Licensed, insured & bonded

12

A

Va

Health

Distinguishing and treating sores in the mouth have some latent (dormant) herpes virus somewhere in our body, and it can be activated by stress, fever, trauma, hormonal changes and even exposure to a lot of sunlight. When fever blisters reappear, they tend to come back in pretty much the same place. The virus Donald Lewis, MD FACS I would like to tell you about fever blisters (“cold sores�), canker sores and a few other oral problems. It is important to be able to distinguish one from another. on the lips. Yes, they can occur on the gums or the roof of the mouth, but this is pretty rare. They are painful, and this pain can come on before you even see the spot. The blisters then rupture within hours and start crusting over. This whole thing lasts about seven to ten days. It is important that you understand that this is communicable. You can pass it from one person to another because this is caused by one of the herpes simplex viruses, either type 1 or type 2. Many of us

person’s eyes or genitals as well as to other people if you are kissing or sharing silverware, cups or glasses.

The treatment consists of treating the area with 5% acyclovir ointment. There is not any cure now, but scientists are working on trying to develop one. There are some immunizations used for other applications that may hold promise. In treating this, or at least dealing with it, you want to avoid pinching it, squeezing it or picking at the blisters and you want to wash your hands a lot so that you do not transfer it to your eyes, genital area or another person.

Canker sores or “aphthous ulcers�, are very different.

They are small, red or white, shallow ulcerations. They occur on the tongue, soft palate and inside the lips or cheeks. They do not usu-

ally occur on the roof of the mouth or the gums and do not usually occur on the visible part of the lips. Some 80% of the U.S population especially young people, get is that they are not caused by a classic bacteria or a classic viral agent but are thought to occur by a strange organism into either one of those categories. Fortunately, it is not transmissible. The evidence is that canker sores result because the immune system, at least in that local area, has been decreased in its strength by virtue of stress, trauma or irritation or even acidic foods like tomatoes, citrus fruits, etc. Treatment of canker sores is different.

Efforts are directed towards relieving discomfort or guarding against infection.

There are a variety of overthe-counter preparations but your doctor may prescribe a corticosteroid preparation that is in very sticky dental paste. One such is Kenalog in Orabase 0.1%.

A physician should be contacted if a mouth sore has not healed within two weeks. If nothing else, mouth sores provide an easy

way for other germs to get in the body. People who drink a lot of alcohol, smokers, smokeless tobacco users, people on radiation and chemotherapy, bone marrow or stem cell recipients and people with a generally weak immune system should be sure to have their practitioner examine their mouth and upper aerodigestive tract regularly. Of course, it is best to not smoke or chew tobacco and certainly not drink in excess, and it is a good idea to have a regular dental examination.

The doctor, dentist, or other practitioner will also be looking for something like leukoplakia. Leukoplakia simply means white plaque, but it is a thick, whitish colored patch which forms on the inside of the cheeks, gums or tongue and is caused by excess cell growth. It can be due to irritation of a rough tooth, an who habitually chew on the inside of their cheek. It can be more common in tobacco users, but the important thing is that leukoplakia can eventually progress to a cancer. Another white sort This is, in fact, a yeast infection. This is a white patch, actually often several white patches in the mouth. You can scrape it off with your

WEDNESDAY SENIOR DAY

fingernail only to have it come back. We often see this in people who have been on antibiotic treatment for a long time because that decreases the normal bacteria in the mouth and lets the yeast overgrow. The easiest remedy is to rinse the mouth with either white vinegar or

to have an upper denture made the torus may need to be ground down.

Oral cancers can appear as red patches or white patches of tissue in the mouth, even beginning as a small ulcer that initially looks like a canker sore. The most common areas are the lips, the

real yogurt, acidophilus milk and even go to the pharmacy and get some probiotics. By increasing the good bacteria in the body, one can decrease the likelihood that bad bacteria and fungi will overgrow.

There is another thing, an ugly brown area on the top of the tongue, called “brown hairy tongue�, which is associated with overgrowth of the taste buds and is associated with poor oral hygiene, i.e., people who do not brush their teeth a lot, chronic oral irritation such as people who chew tobacco, or smoking.

Often, a certain type of yeast also overgrows in this malady. Brush the tongue and stop using tobacco in any form to see whether this helps it. Vinegar rinses are also useful.

A hard bony overgrowth on the roof of the mouth is not cause for alarm. This is a torus palatinus, a very, very common thing that rarely needs treatment at all.

However, if a patient needs

tongue. That is why I said that if one of these lesions, which I mentioned earlier, does not clear in two weeks, a practitioner needs to be seen. Of course, if there ing, speaking or chewing or something in the mouth that looks like a wart or even hoarseness that lasts more than a few weeks, see someone sooner.

Like so many other things in the head and neck, tips to prevent or at least deal with mouth sores are to stop smoking, reduce stress, be very gentle with your toothbrush, but indeed, do brush your teeth frequently.

Chew slowly and try to eat a really well balanced diet.

That means lots of fruits, lots of vegetables and lots of fruit juice. Always drink plenty of water.

A good source of further information on this topic may be found at www. entnet.org. See you next month.

“Strong Bones� exercise class to be offered in Sterling CGH Medical Center’s Community Services Department and the CGH Health Foundation are pleased to announce that a “Strong Bones� class will be offered in Sterling beginning April 14. “Strong Bones� is an 8-week exercise class designed for women who would like to improve

their bone strength, balclass was developed by award winning researcher Dr. Miriam Nelson of the Tufts University School of Nutrition and Physical Science. Dr. Nelson is also the author of several best-selling books on the subject of strength training.

The class will meet on Mondays and Wednesdays at 5:00 p.m. The instructor is Sherry DeWalt, ACE certified group fitness instructor. The fee for the class is $16.00. Preregistration by April 4 is required and class size is limited. Please call (815) 625-0400, ext. 5716 for more information.

Every Wednesday Seniors 60+ receive

15% Off Regularly Priced Items Enjoy complementary coffee & refreshments, and FREE blood pressure testing, too!

301 North Galena Avenue, Dixon, Illinois 61021

t XXX TOZEFS QIBSNBDZ DPN STORE HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 8:00am - 9:00pm Fri. & Sat. 8:00am - 10:00pm Sun. 10:00am - 6:00pm

1SFTDSJQUJPO %FMJWFSZ "VUPNBUJD 3FĂśMMT 4QFDJBM 0SEFST

PHARMACY HOURS: Mon.-Fri. 9:00am - 7:00pm Sat. 9:00am - 6:00pm Closed Sunday

'SFF #MPPE 1SFTTVSF 5FTUJOH "DDFQU .PTU *OTVSBODF .FEJDBSF % 1MBOT

-BSHF 4FMFDUJPO PG 8JOFT -JRVPST t /FX $SBGU #FFS %BJMZ 8BML *O #FFS $BWF t #VJME B 1BDL

Let our state of the art therapies be your stepping stone...

From hospital to home.

We proudly offer private, one-bed suites; physical, occupational, and speech therapies seven days a week, and our 24 hour skilled nursing care is here to help you recover from surgery or an acute illness.

Sterling Pavilion, Ltd. 105 E. 23rd Street, Sterling, IL (825) 626-4264 www.sterlingrehab.com

13

A

Va

Health

What’s in a stretch?

Nancy Nesyto-Freske What’s in a stretch? This is a loaded question, really it is.

In my classes we do some “stretching.� It’s not the type of stretch you’ll experience in the gym or

other types of classes. I call it “Mindful Stretching.� The reason I do this is because believe it or not, when we have tight muscles, the more we stretch, the tighter they get!

You may say, well, that’s not true. I stretch and I feel good. My hamstrings are tight, I stretch them out and then I feel great.

Okay, my question is — if stretching works, why are your hamstrings still tight?

When we start pushing our “edge� and really get into the stretching, guess what happens? We trigger

the spindle reflex in our muscles and they tighten up just to protect themselves. That’s exactly what happens, and we wonder why we don’t ever find permanent relief.

There may be some temporary relief from tight muscles, but the truth is, if they are tight, or chronically contracted, they aren’t going to release any more. We have to retrain the nervous system to let go of the chronic contractions. And when that happens, boy oh boy does that feel good! Not only does

it feel good, but it becomes permanent — as long as we don’t fall into our same old movement patterns and habits. Then, those long standing patterns will win out and there you are, back to square one!

Think about flexibility.

Now that is an article all by itself. However, for the sake of this article, we’ll stick to the main point. When people tell me they’re not flexible, what they’re really saying is “I have chronically contracted muscles�, although they don’t know that. They

just think they’re not flexible. “Guess what?�

As people age and they get tighter and stiffer — guess what folks — it’s not “age� that does this, it’s years and years of habitual unconscious movement that has caused chronically contracted muscles. We just attribute this to aging.

So consider how your body feels, what you feel your limitations are and most likely you have chronically contracted muscles.

To make a change, seek out a qualified person who

really understands this and can help guide you!

a healthy and well-balanced diet, and spending time with others. Other suggestions include: meditation, practice positive self-talk, participate in enjoyable activities and keep a journal. Get enough exposure to light, maintain a sense of humor, learn to forgive and get involved with helping others are also ways to bounce back.

When helping others, one could offer emotional and practical support, give a listening ear, have social interaction, an optimistic outlook, and if that doesn’t work, encourage the person to seek professional help.

The Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living is located at 412 Locust St., in Sterling.

Nancy Nesyto-Freske is -

Blues, Blahs and Bouncing Back Spencer Schein The start of Daylight Savings Time should help some people who suffer from Seasonal Affective Disorder. “For people who suffer from SAD, this has been a relatively long winter for them,� said Janice McCoy, Educator of Family Life, of the University of Illinois SAD affects people between September and April, with symptoms more prevalent in the darker months of December, January and February.

McCoy was the guest speaker for “Blues, Blahs and Bouncing Back,� a recent program co-hosted by and Northwestern Illinois Center for Independent Living.

Here’s what she had to say: “Everyone from time-totime feels blue, down or a little sad. That’s a part of our normal human experience.

The Bobby McFerrin song, ‘Don’t Worry, Be Happy’

may have its own point of view, but it’s unrealistic to be happy all the time.

Types of blues or depression include: the everyday blues, stress, SAD, holiday blues, postpartum depression, grief and depression.

Stress is a normal part of life and can be physical or emotional. Physical stress can happen in people who don’t get enough rest, don’t eat properly or are ill; while emotional stress can occur when someone wor-

problems with family. Some stress can be labeled as good stress, such as starting a new job, getting married, or adding children to the family.

Holiday blues can occur with people who feel sad or lonely during the normal happy time of the year, while others can suffer holiday blues once all the excitement has passed and they start feeling let down.

Grief is a normal part of everyone’s life and it’s important to recognize the

der, ‘Bright Light Therapy’ helps in 85 percent of SAD cases. The sun provides Vitamin D. The therapy can be minimal to offer maximum effects. We really only need

The long winter affected some people more than others according to Janice McCoy, University of

difference between normal grief and depression.

Depression is highly treatable and affects one in every ten adults. It starts in the late teen years of 18 to 25, can impact people in middle age and also when they are in their elder years.

The treatable part is asking for help. Especially someone who has thoughts of suicide or hopelessness - they should get help immediately. I always say a strong person asks for help when they need it.

For people who suffer Seasonal Affective Disor-

Earth Day Special!!!

BASIC H IS:

The 1st official Earth Day cleaner Made from corn and coconut No-rinse, no-residue, streak-free patented formula Can be used to clean windows, floors, bathtubs, pots and pans and as a bug spray and 994 more uses!!!

Used as a window cleaner, costs less than 2 cents per gallon Used as an all-purpose cleaner costs less than 21cents per gallon Part of the Shaklee Get Clean product line!

This Earth Day Month:

25% OFF

BUY ANY 2 DIFFERENT GET CLEAN CLEANING PRODUCTS, AND GET Entire Purchase up to $100 This coupon is only for new customers or customers who have never tried the Shaklee Get Clean products before, including the Get Clean Water Filtration System. Offer expires April 8, 2014.

Contact Me To Get Started!

Jill Horn 815-441-3959 www.jillhorn.myshaklee.com jillhorn1211@yahoo.com

the sun to get an adequate amount of Vitamin D. Ways to bounce back from the ‘blues and blahs’ include: exercising, getting enough sleep, maintaining

14

A

Va

Pets

Protecting your pets from heartworm disease Dr. Nathan McClain, DVM River Ridge Animal Hospital Heartworm disease is now more widespread in the U.S. than at any time in the past. It has been diagnosed in all 50 states, many in which the infection rate is rising.

Heartworms are spread to dogs (and sometimes cats) when bitten by a mosquito that is carrying the parasite.

Infected dogs, foxes, and coyotes act as a reservoir for heartworms in the environment. When an infected mosquito bites a dog, it transfers larval ‘baby’ heartworms just under the skin.

In untreated pets, those larvae make their way to blood vessels and eventually to the heart, where they grow into adults. Adult heartworms their host, which often leads to death if untreated.

Heartworm preventative medications are used monthly to kill the larval heartworms. The preventative medications work by killing any heartworm larvae that have accumulated over the previous month.

They are not able to prevent or kill larvae that the dog will be exposed to in the

future, making it critical to give the dose monthly on the same date each month.

Current data shows that a single treatment with a heartworm preventative, even though highly effective, may not be 100% effective as once believed.

This may be due to the metabolic and digestive differences between individual pets (i.e. a pet may have vomited the medication or not absorbed it properly).

Some researchers have theorized that certain populations of heartworms may be developing resistance to current medications. However, repeated, monthly treatments are likely to maximize the efficacy of heartworm preventatives, so year-round prevention is more important than ever.

Annual testing is an integral part of ensuring that heartworm prevention has been achieved.

If your pet tests positive, treatment, when instituted early in the disease process, limits damage to your dog’s health, and is much more likely to be successful. giving heartworm preventatives year round is intestinal parasite control. Most pre-

ventatives help eliminate intestinal parasites such as roundworms, hookworms and even whipworms. Intestinal parasites can be spread all year long and some of them are also a human health threat!

The key points to remember why to give heartworm

preventative year-round are: 1. The medications may not be 100% effective as a single dose.

2. Weather changes may allow infection well into fall and early winter, as well as early spring.

3. Taking your pets to warmer locales in the winter

means they will continue to be exposed to mosquitoes.

4. Heartworm preventatives help eliminate intestinal parasites that may affect humans.

5. Year-round prevention is recommended by many experts and the American Heartworm Society.

(www.heartwormsociety. org for more information) 6. Annual testing is extremely important in ensuring that prevention is achieved and to minimize the effects of heartworm disease.

FREE RENT

Move In SpeciAL River Ridge Apartments Quiet & Peaceful - 2 Bedrooms All Electric - Laundry Facility Garages Available Only $495 per month!

3602 River Rd-Sterling Next To Aldi CALL TODAY 815-414-2288

Sign a 12 month lease and get your

First Month Free with approved application & Security deposit

15

A

Va

Community

Muddy Paws: Grooming and Spa for animals opens in Rock Falls Imagination, experience and opportunity came together for Donald Czyzki as he developed his concept to create Muddy Paws Grooming and Spa, Rock Falls. “There is nothing like Muddy Paws,� Donald said. “It is unique and that makes it attractive for all kinds of pet owners,� he continued.

The new pet grooming business uses an exclusive brand of “spa� products for

animals which include a bubble bath with white tea tree oil, a tearless cucumber foaming facial and hydrating butter for skin and coat. In selecting each product, Donald’s concern was “what is best� for our (animal) clients.

Donald’s pet spa concept was also created to make his grooming salon unique in the area.

The salon will handle the needs of dogs and cats plus

(Left) Rita Reyes, Groomer and Large Breed Specialist; Yvonne Podolski, Shop Manager and Head Groomer; Angie Leaptrot, Sr. Groomer.

do toe nail clipping on small mammals and clip bird wings.

Donald’s love of animals began when he was a teenager. He volunteered at HooHaven, a wild life rehabilitation center near the Wisconsin-Illinois border. At 15 years old he was part of their educational program. At a dog waste removal service in Rockford. “It was quite successful,� he said.

Five years ago he moved to the Rock Falls area with his partner. Immediately Donald joined the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce and became a Chamber Ambassador.

Active membership in both organizations connected him with people looking for someone with his experience to handle a management position with a local pet store.

Meanwhile, he also met Dr. Laurainne Haenni, co-owner of Advanced Animal Heath Center (AAHC) in Rock Falls and the resident veterinarian at Happy Tails Pet Rescue (formerly known as the Humane Society). Happy Tails is in its 26th year and supported solely by donations.

Donald serves as Operations Manager for the shelter. He is also an enthusiastic fund raiser. Donald said, “Every dollar counts!�

Vacation-In-Town: Here’s fun for all! t (JBOU *OnBUBCMFT t $MFBO t 4OBDL #BS j u m p t (SPVQ 0VUJOHT f u n t 8BML *O 1MBZ t ,JET 1BSUJFT . q s 0 t 1SJWBUF &WFOUT 4 1 , 8 eet!

After Hours f

Come To Our Indoor Inflatable Playground!

Bounce & Party With Us!

F

clients. “When everyone is on deck we can handle 25-35 animals. The total number depends on the state of the animal’s hair and the breed. “Saturday is our big walk-in day,� Donald said. “Yet, we always seem to accommodate everyone,� he continued.

Donald has created a VIP program that gives customers perks and discounts on services and products for clients who bring their animals on a regular basis.

Every animal receives a bandana upon departure. “We want each animal and owner to feel special. The bandana makes the animals look cute‌and the owners love that little touch,â€? Donald concluded.

Muddy Paws Pet Spa and Grooming Salon 601 West Route 30 Rock Falls Saukvalleygrooming.com

RAMEWORK Celebrating 22 Years

5VF 'SJ QN 4BU QN t 4VO QN

S

OUR BEST PRICES EVER!

Register To Win Two $25 Gift Certificates!

Memory Care and Award Winning Assisted Living Comfort. Experience. Professionalism.

That’s so rare these days.

At LifeHOUSE Liberty Court, you will be connected with community, friends and family, giving you the opportunity to enjoy and contribute to one another’s well-being.

At LifeHOUSE Liberty Court, you will experience a wide range of social, recreational and therapeutic services in a caring environment.

LifeHOUSE communities offer the world renowned Montessori Based Dementia Care Program.

Call today to set up a personal tour.

Get One Month

FREE!

Call for de

413*/( #3&",

-JLF V PO 'B T DFCPP L for 8 -ZOO #MWE n otifica

tions!

8BML JO 1MBZ ,JET 1BSUJFT

4FF PS UF G XFCTJ hours! extra OKVNQ VT GV XXX

When visiting AAHC, Donald and Dr. Haenni saw the possibilities of an interior remodeling that would provide space for the pet spa and grooming salon. The plished and Donald’s business opened several weeks ago.

The pet grooming and spa now has four groomers. Having a full staff, they seldom have to turn away potential

Liberty Court – Dixon, IL LifeHouseLibertyCourt.com Call 1-877-258-1180

tails.

16

A

Va

Business

100+ years later, Wheelock is still an exciting furniture retailer Daehle Reitzel has always been a people person.

Twelve years ago, Wheelock, a popular downtown furniture store, came up for sale. At the same time, he and his wife, Angie were ready for a new business venture.

The store offers more than 100 years of history. He credits the strong foundation built by previous owners and their dedication to the community and servicing them, which is what he and Angie

hoped to replicate.

In keeping with tradition, he and his staff, some of whom have been at Wheelock for decades, kept the momentum going by keeping customer service their number one priority. And along the way, he has made some great friends. “I’ve always loved retail,� he said. “But it’s the people who keep coming back that make us strive to be better.

We have kids come in who say, ‘I’m looking for a sofa

or chair, and my parents told me to come here, and said you’d treat me fair. ’ We have at least three generations of customers now.�

It’s that repeat business he said comes from providing customers with what they need and helps a store withstand tough economic times in a small town.

Competing with conglomerates in cities like Chicago and Rockford, he said his staff is able to give people time, which is something he

Daehle Reitzel, owner of Wheelock Furniture for the past dozen years, has served on the Rock Falls City Council for six years. Dedication to community and customer service are among the things he said makes a successful business.

feels they appreciate.

The councilman, who has served for six years and has been on various committees, also sells real-estate. He is the former owner of the Video Villager stores and owned a couple of gas stations. Those positions have taught him how valuable time is to give.

Speaking of time he said, lock stand the test of time. “Just the other day we had a man in here getting repairs on his recliner that he bought here 25 years ago.�

Reitzel takes in furniture shows periodically to see what’s new. Flexsteel recliners, his personal favorite, are built to last he said. “There’s none better! The power recliners really boosted sales during the economic struggle. Everyone loves them.�

They feature a button on the side rather than traditional stick handles. The button gently lifts the footrest and reclines the back simultaneously, opening and closing the chair slowly while someone is seated.

Wheelock Furniture is also an authorized dealer of Broyhill, Serta, Howard Miller, Peters Revington, Fashion Bed and Style Craft, just to name a few.

What is a Polar bear doing at Wheelock’s Furniture, an upscale furniture store in downtown Rock Falls? Ask Daehle Reitzel, owner, he’d likely love to tell you the story.

The father of 5, grandfather of 9, and great-grandfather to 6 said he would advise anyone who runs a business or is thinking about it to, “Take care of people, don’t cheat anybody or lie.

Be honest. And above all, be a good citizen.�

Wheelock Furniture 101 West 2nd Street Rock Falls 815-625-0129

Oliver’s Corner Market: customer service, quality products

Tricia L Lewis Oliver’s Corner Market has been in business for 27 years. It is owned and operated by Patty and Tim Oliver who are husband and wife.

Over the years many family members have worked in the store as well.

It is located on the corner of Brinton and Bradshaw Streets in Dixon.

Oliver’s Corner Market is known for the excellent quality of meat that is sold at their store. Only Angus beef is sold. Their butchers grind the ground beef and make the pork sausage themselves.

Their priorities when selling meat to their customers are two fold: 1) the handling of the meat to ensure it is always safe to eat and 2) the quality of the meat to

ensure excellent taste for their customers. With regard to cooking, they can tell you how it should be done.

Several restaurants in the Dixon community purchase their meat from Oliver’s.

BombDigity Bar and Grill and Flynnie’s Diner buy their ground beef there.

Oliver’s Corner Market may not be quite as large as some of the big box stores, but they are much bigger on customer service. Some of the services that are provided are grocery delivery on Mondays and Fridays for $5.00 plus the price of the groceries. The deli department is a full-service

deli and will cater family celebrations.

In the spring, summer and fall, every weekend is booked for a fundraiser the food sold goes directly to the agency that is hosting the cook out. Over the years Patty and Tim were active in supporting Little League Baseball as well.

Patty Oliver says she, “Feels very lucky to be in business for 27 years.�

She says that she doesn’t try to compete with the bigger stores, but rather that personal customer service and quality products have

Patty and Tim Oliver owners of Oliver’s Corner Market, Dixon. (815) 288-2815

been their main focus.

Oliver’s accepts WIC

and food stamps as well as checks and debit cards.

17

A

Va

Business

Edward Jones has financial services for young and old Towana Ernst “The younger that you start the better, and while you might not think you can save for retirement, I might argue that you can’t afford not to save for retirement,� commented Sam Meier.

stand the philosophy of Ed Jones. As in Sam Meier’s branch, the Edward Jones approach allows the advisor to work one-on-one with the client. Sam is able to get to know his clients and their families, as well as

time through tax favorable investments.� The approach is what enables Edward Jones advisors to thrive in smaller cities and towns.

Sam’s goal is to be the #1 choice for serious long term investors, whether those are

mutual funds, CDs and cash related investments to help clients achieve a variety of goals. “We work with young people saving for retirement, maybe saving people who are retired or thinking about retirement

or well into retirement and planning on how to pass money on to loved ones.

Really anything that relates

30 and 40 (101 E. Route 30, Rock Falls, Illinois). This location allows his clients to locate and access the of-

says.

Sam’s office is located in the Lou Pignatelli law

a wonderful woman, Laura, who teaches kindergarten at Dillon Elementary School in Rock Falls.

This is an ambiguous title not well understood by the general public. What is a is Sam trained to provide services to individuals both young and old?

Sam Meier is from Pontiac, Illinois and grew up in Sigourney, Iowa. He graduated from Northern Iowa in Cedar Falls, IA. He joined Edward Jones in cally moved to Sauk Valley in February 2010. A local Edward Jones advisor was nearing retirement and Sam acquired his investors and sor, Sam is licensed through Financial Industry Regulator Authority (FINRA) to

Ed Jones founded Edward Jones in 1922 with Missouri. Ed’s son, Ted, are now more than 11,000 branch offices. Edward Jones has been in Sauk Valley since 1980. Rich Jones advisor and retired in November, 2013. There two in Rock Falls, two in Dixon, and one in Morrison. Each branch has one branch office administrator. Edward Jones is not a publicly traded stock, it is a partnership that is owned by the employees.

In order to better understand what sets an Edward Jones agent apart from others, we need to under-

retired just last November. The organization is a partnership owned by the employees. Edward Jones Advisors have information, education and products that are appropriate who want to plan how to pass money on to loved ones.

Pictured, top row (left to right): Nicolas Lareau, Susan Lyon, Tom Wold.

Bottom row (left to right): Jim MacPherson, Aaron Young, Mike Loos, Chad Weigle, Sam Meier.

assists any individual with investment needs and he states he focuses on four things, “Saving for retirement and building the nest egg, planning for college expenses for children and grandchildren, managing income in retirement, and keeping more money in the pockets of his clients at tax

are a full service brokerage

products. We work with people across the spectrum.

There are a variety of resources to educate yourself and you need good, clear, transparent information.�

Essentially Edward Jones advisors use stocks, bonds,

College Students!

saukcommons

Student HouSing AcroSS From SAuk VAlley community college

TIME

GAS

1608 Sauk Rd. Dixon, IL

* 2 bedroom: $499 per student * 4 bedroom: $425 per student FREE

Request MoRe InfoRMatIon at:

mud h s u sl rain y k c u y Spring Solution: NEW

Washer & Dryer!

PRESCOTT’S

18

A

Va

Business

Studio 404 Salon celebrates 25 innovative years in Dixon

Tricia Lewis “Consistenct innovation, teamwork and customer brand,� say Sally Montavan, co-owner of Studio 404 as she describes the salon.

Over the past 25 years, Studio 404 has been a salon with many “firsts� in the Sauk Valley with its commitment to innovation. Sally states that “Studio 404 serves many busy professionals who require progressive and convenient services and technology, I work diligently to keep my hand on that pulse. In business, making timely smart changes is the difference between survival and extinction.�

The salon was named Studio 404 because it began

at 404 N. Galena Ave in Dixon. It relocated to 112 E. Fellows Street to accommodate the salon’s growth.

Within the last eight years, two additions have been added to the salon to provide an even more exceptional salon environment for both staff and guests.

Studio 404 is a family

be more skillful with their hair at home. People feel when they love their hair.

We want our guests to enjoy their salon experience. This is where a team approach makes all the difference�.

Studio 404 offers the following services: technicians.

manager. Sally has been a hair stylist for 20 years and is responsible for training, customer service as well as marketing.

Sally and Bill have a strong belief that a team of people can better serve a guest than only one person.

Sally states that “we want people to love their hair every day! This means that every visit is an opportunity to teach our guests how to

orists.

3) Premier sponsor of annual 10K “The Hair Buzzy Run�.

4) Studio 404 has a rewards program in which guests earn points when they purchase services and products, pre-book their appointments or refer people to the saloon.

These points can be applied to future service pur-

chases.

5) Club 404 is a free membership for teens which allows members 20% off all purchases anytime during the year.

6) Blow Dry Bar-blow out signature styles are featured on their website www.studio 404salon.com.

7) Magic Mondays where featured stylists offer hair services at 50% off during this event on the last Monday of every month.

Studio 404 is a “unique� teaching salon. All stylists are required to complete a 41-week training curriculum once they have received a cosmetology license. Once a stylist has completed this program they have the equivalent of 5 years “behind the chair� experience. metology Scholarship of $500 that will be awarded annually to a recipient for select area cosmetology programs.

Studio 404 has been named as one of Salon Today magazine’s Top 200 Fastest Growing salons and is the #5 top Pureology salon in the United States. All of their services, products and prices are easily available on their web site: www. studio404salon.net.

A cozy, comfortable and modern environment (above) blending warm and cool tones , visual entertainment and state-of-the-art products enhance the experience for Studio 404 customers. As a teaching salon, Studio 404 stylists (below) complete a rigorous in-house training that provides important experiences that translate into the very best customer care. Sally Montavan, co-owner with husband Bill, says that making timely smart changes is key difference to their business success over the past 25 years.

www.edwardjones.com

When it comes to your to-do list, Protect your savings with

put your future first.

FDIC coverage up to $1.5 million.

Decisions made in the past may no longer be what’s best for the future. To help keep everything up to date, Whether you’reoffers savingafor an upcoming vacation, a review.

Edward Jones complimentary financial wedding or just a rainy day, our Insured Bank Deposit

A program financialoffers review a great opportunity to sit face to theisassurance of Federal Deposit face with an Edward Jones financial advisor and Insurance Corporation (FDIC) protection. develop strategies help keep your finances in line When choosing thisto interest-bearing savings solution, with your shortand long-term goals. you also get the convenience of having your savings and investments on one statement. This can mean less

Topaperwork find outforhow your financial goals you to andget a more organized approach to help ensure your assets are working together to on track, call or visit today. support your financial goals.

Sam Meier

Tom Wold, AAMSÂŽ

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor

Getting started is easy. Call today to learn more.

.

Deposits are FDIC-insured up to $1.5 million or. $3 million for joint accounts of two or 102 Route 30 Suite 2 2522 East program, Lincolnway moreEpeople.

More information about the Insured Bank Deposit including the program disclosure, is available from your financial advisor or at61081 www. edwardjones.

Rock Falls, IL 61071 Sterling, IL com/bankdeposit. For more information about FDIC insurance, go to www.fdic.gov.

815-535-0776

Tom Wold, AAMS Chad Weigle, CFP 2522 E. Lincolnway 203 W. 1st Street Mike Loos Dixon Sterling 815-564-0487 815-288-3838 Financial Advisor .

815-564-0487

Jim McPherson, CFP 316 1st Ave. Sterling 815-622-7948

Nick Lareau Aaron YoungSuite BSusan Lyon 4204 East Lincolnway 415 Locust Street 735 N. Galena Ave. 907 W. Rt. 30 IL 61081 Suite Sterling, C Suite 110 Rock Falls Sterling Dixon 815-626-4822 815-564-0336 815-626-1588 815-285-3930

Mike Loos 4204 E. Lincolnway Suite B Sterling 815-564-0336 Sam Meier 102 E. Rt. 30, Suite 2 Rock Falls 815-535-0776

Member SIPC

19

A

Va

Business

Recycling, reusing, renewal are daily choices at Cartridge World Jill Horn Cartridge World celebrates Earth Day everyday of the year. A laser cartridge thrown into the years to decompose. Why not bring them in to Cartridge World and earn some money and help reduce the amount of cartridges in the Cartridge World accepts old cartridges and has several collection boxes at school and churches as well as other non-profit agenhave a collection box, Cartridge World will come and collect the cartridges every month and then count them and write out a check to the agency for the amount of cartridges collected. For those customers who bring

their old cartridges in to the store, they will receive a discount on a cartridge they purchase or a refund if the cartridge is a needed one.

Not all cartridges are needed at the store in Sterling.

The higher the demand for a cartridge the more money the customer receives for it. “We have new cartridges and recycled ones but the customers save a lot of money when purchasing recycled cartridges,� says storeowner, Doug Watson. “Each cartridge can be We thoroughly clean and dry each cartridge before refilling it.� If the store in Sterling doesn’t need the cartridge or it can’t be recycling facility that will crush it and make it into a new cartridge.

Cartridge World also recycles old cell phones and their batteries. The customer can receive money for a newer cell phone. All kinds of cadmium batteries can be recycled at the store, not just cell phone batteries.

Drill batteries and other equipment batteries are also recyclable.

Bringing old cartridges into Cartridge World saves the customer money and save natural resources.

It takes one gallon of oil to make a new cartridge.

About 70% of used printer cartridges are currently being thrown out. 100% of out more about Cartridge World, logon to www.cartridgeworld.com or call

Doug Watson, owner, Cartridge World, Sterling provides the Tri-Cities an option to make every day “Earth Day� as his company works to reduce waste in the cartridge and computer ink part of business. Cartridge World also repairs and purchases used cell phones, sells printers and faxes and even printer paper.

Sterling.

Just Imagine...

Tricia Lewis Imagine a world without trees. What if the rain forest and all of the exotic plants and colorful animals that call it home suddenly did not exist? It may be hard to imagine that before 1970, a factory could spew black clouds of toxins into the air or dump tons of toxic waste into nearby streams and that it was perfectly legal. The

factories could not be taken to court to stop it. How was this possible? It was possible because there was no EPA, no Clean Air Act or no Clean Water Act. There were no legal or regulatory mechanisms to protect our environment. “For several years, it has been troubling me� Gaylord Nelson wrote in a 1962 article “that the state of the

environment is simply a non-issue in the politics of our country�. “The idea that became Earth Day� said Nelson “occurred to me while on a conservation speaking tour in the summer of 1969�.

In September of 1969, at a conference in Seattle, he announced that he would stage a nationwide grassroots demonstration on behalf of

Snowy Owls Two photos of snowy owls taken recently in NE Lee County. The photos of these owls were provided by Peter Paladino.

the environment. It would take place the next spring.

He invited everyone in the audience to attend.

On April 22, 1970, more than twenty million demonstrators and thousands of schools and local communities participated in Nelson’s demonstrations to save the

environment.

In December 1970, Congress authorized the creation of a new federal agency to tackle environmental issues, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. It was established by President Nixon and Congress in response to the growing public

demand for cleaner water, air and land.

Thanks to Gaylord Nelson’s commitment to the environment, Earth Day is now recognized internationally and the memory of its founder has become an inspiration for environmental activists around the world.

MERLIN'S Spring Open House Great Greenhouse Selection

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, Sat 8am-3pm, Closed Sundays www.merlinsgreenhouseandflowers.com

20

A

Va

Automotive In The Market For A Used Car Or Truck?

Gary Davey In todays’ market we have the luxury of a CARFAX report, this is basically the history of the vehicle i.e. damage, repairs, services etc. Also Kelly Blue Book which gives an approximation of its value. This is great information, but what about the current condition of

the vehicle? Growing up back in England, I spent alot of time working for my father who sold used cars on his car lot.

Now times change and vehicles have advanced at a great rate. But they still have the same basic funamentals: engine, transmission, axles, brakes, tires etc.

Here are some basic

tests that can be easily carried out.

Let the engine idle for 20mins or so, to see if any “knocking� or other “noises� develope from the engine. Then pull forward and check the road for stains of oil or other fluid leakage.

Use a completely empty car lot for the next tests, with the vehicle in motion, light-

ly grip the steering wheel, see if it drifts to one side (possible steering, tracking issue?). Next, brake hard, watch for shuddering, pulling to one side or grating noises. (possible brake problem).

Check the tires for uneven tread wear. (possible tracking issue?).

Obviously these are

DRIVE SAFE Driving School (815) 288-6067

Are you turning age 15 before May 15, 2014?

20th Anniversary SPECIAL

Call for details

Class Starts April 19th Over 5,000 students and adults from over 50 cities have completed the course at Drive Safe Driving School.

815-285-4900 Downtown Dixon

Mon-Fri 9AM-6PM / Sat 9AM-1PM / Sun Closed

Johnson Oil Company In the Rock River Valley

mundane inspections/ tests that most “Punters� can do themselves.

W h i c h leads to one of the best pieces of advice, which was from Jeff White of C.A.R.S, that is before you buy, take it to a recognized

mechanics workshop, and let them carry out anything from a basic 27 point

inspection (or more). At a cost of $30+, could save you a lot of heartache and a lot more dollars.

Used Car Buying Simplified Randy Ernst Buying a used vehicle can rate right up there with the top stressors of life – divorce, moving, new job, etc. but it doesn’t have to be. With the knowledge we can gain from experts on the subject, we’re getting a great price on a great car or truck. I have personally owned over 200 vehicles in my young life, some from dealers but most from private owners and thankfully, not all at the same time! “Let the buyer beware� applies no matter who you buy your “new� (new to you) vehicle from. Let’s start with some basics.

First, what are you going to use the vehicle for most of the time? If you’re only going to tow something very rarely, it would make more sense to rent a pick up for a day rather than have it the other 364 days a year and pay more for gas than you you need to use a pick up the majority of the time then a Prius is a silly choice. We owned a cargo van back in the 90’s because we had a lot of kids but when my wife and I took a road trip over a few days, we rented an economy car – it saved miles on the van and we got 15 more miles to the gallon.

So, decide what you’re going to use the vehicle for – this simple exercise will help you narrow your choices and help you decide which vehicle is right for you.

Next, do you want raw power or good gas mileage, lots of room or good gas mileage, increased safety by sheer virtue of size (picture pick up vs a Scion in a headon collision) or good gas mileage? Your preferences for overall fuel economy vs ‘whiplashingly’ fun V-8 power need to be considered – especially if you plan on keeping this car for the length of the loan. While we’re on the subject of a car loan, here’s a smart tip that will save you a lot of money.

Whether buying new or used, Think about it for a moment.

If your sales tax is $1,000

and you roll it into the loan, two very negative things happen. First, you now owe a lot more than your “new� car is worth simply because cost - not value - is added to your loan. Second, now you’re paying interest on your taxes! If at all possible, pay cash for the sales tax.

Now that you’ve decided what matters most, size, power, safety, comfort, economy, etc., you can start picking out the exact car or truck you want to buy. Let’s say you’ve decided on a 60,000 miles on it. The warranty is expired but it looks well maintained: no noticeable dents or scratches, tires look newer, no cracks in the glass and everything works.

This particular model has a V-6 engine so you should reasonably expect to get 20 -22 miles per gallon.

It’s peppy and fun to drive.

So what’s it worth? Smart shoppers go online before heading to the dealership.

You can look up average values for the vehicle you’re interested in on two trusted websites: www.nada.com and www.kelleybluebook. com. On either site you’ll be asked to plug in your zip code, the make, model, year, mileage and any optional equipment the car has that you’re looking at. These values are guides but are pretty reliable. Then you’ll see the values that range from poor condition to average retail.

If you can pay anything less than “average tradein� you’re probably getting a good deal if the car is in good condition. On “beater� cars that I’ve used just for work, I’ve taken my chances and 95% of the time I’ve come out OK. Common sense plays into taking your chances – does the motor make noise or smoke? Stay away from that deal! Does the car hesitate when it should be shifting into gear, or does the transhave a burned smell to it?

Do doors close properly, is the interior clean with reasonable wear and tear? If you’re unsure about the dependability of the car, take

it to your favorite mechanic for a quick “look see.� Your mechanic can tell you in ten minutes or less what he sees as problems or potential problems that could end up costing you a lot of money.

Sometimes individuals are honest and will tell you upfront what’s wrong or what will need to be replaced.

That’s nice, but for anything other than a “beater� I’m going to get my mechanic’s opinion. If the dealer or person has a problem with you taking the car to your mechanic – well, that’s a problem – walk away.

Now, your mechanic says he can’t find any major problems. Nothing jumps out at him that indicates trouble in the near future.

You like the car, it runs good and you want it. So, how much should you pay for it? It’s been my experience that an individual will sell for 10-20% less than the asking price. So offer 30% less and work your way up during the negotiation. If you offer too much to start with, the price can only go up. Dealers are harder to deal with but if you hold them cash – sometimes cash can speak very loudly.

Here’s a sure way to get a decent discount: Go to your own bank or credit union before you even start shopping for that “new� car and get pre-approved. They’ll tell you how much they would be willing to loan if you tell them the type of vehicle you’re interested in purchasing. When you go to buy the car and you have your own financing prearranged, you’re in control of the sale. You are a “qualiof buyer every seller wants.

The sale “closes� when you and the seller agree on the price. Hold out for an honest discount and be willing to get up and leave if you don’t get your price.

I hope you get the vehicle you want for a great price – it can be done.

I know it to be true – “trust me!�

21

A

Va

Entertainment

Rout 38 Serves Up Live Music... Dixon Style

By Cody Cutter

I recorded in my head,�

Loomis said. “That was at five years old. By the time I was eight I had my own drum set, by the time I was nine I was playing on stage.� “I heard (Joe) one night down the street and I wondered ‘what’s all that music?’ And it just kind of happened,� Givens recalled. “Joe asked me what I had done before. I had played in clubs. He said we ought to start a band.� Jacobs joined in March 2010. “I had been singing for a little over 10 years, and did a lot of stuff in high school and college,�

Jacobs said. “I wound up

Between songs during a February concert at Kickback Saloon in Tampico, Mike Jacobs couldn’t help but notice that something across the bar did indeed look right as it should be.

The lead singer gave a special shout-out to the venue for spelling the name of their band correctly.

Having fun, such as moments like this, is what Rout 38 does with its mix of country and rock songs they perform for local audiences during the year.

Having fun is the kind of atmosphere the band aims to create with every performance, both within the band itself and for the audience.

Loomis (lead guitar) and Craig Givens (acoustic guitar) are original members of the band, which formed in 2009. Loomis has played in bands for over 40 years, starting at home as a kid playing drums with his brothers. Since then, he has played with Warrant and Trickster, and with various other bands in such music hot spots as Branson, MO and Nashville. “Everything they played,

went on Craigslist and happened to see the ad the Joe posted and answered that I auditioned and have been with them ever since.�

Buddy Boyd (bass) joined in 2012. He had played with Loomis since they were kids. “What got me into music was him, actually,� Boyd said, pointing to Loomis.

Joe when we were about 15 years old. I played drums, he played guitar. Then a little later on in the years, I

played guitar and he played drums.�

Pat Anderson, who has played with the band since November, shares vocal duties with Jacobs and provides another acoustic guitar on stage. “I moved to Dixon three years ago. I’ve played guitar since high school and in my buddy’s college band down in Decatur. I was doing my own acoustic stuff around the Dixon area, and ended up opening for these guys at Jeff’s Refs in Polo. After that show, they were like, ‘what are you doing?’ ‘Playing by myself, I guess.’�

A typical Rout 38 concert begins with country songs and transitions into a rock feel before their finale.

With fun before, during, and after it all. “It’s like a Pringles can,�

Anderson said. “Once it starts going, it doesn’t stop until 12:50 at night.� “It’ll never be the same twice,� added Givens.

Rout 38 has played both within the Tri-Cities and beyond. Since their very Porky’s in Dixon, the band has played throughout Illinois and Iowa, and have

Authentic Taste of Mexico in the Sauk Valley

with Flavor!

Fiesta from May 3rd-May 10th Margarita Specials Special Dishes with Special Values

Mother’ s Day

All moth ers r FREE frieeceive ice creamd !

a l m P s a L hentic Mexicas

Aut

Restaurant

an

200 Keul Road, Dixon, IL (815) 284-0881 Near Wal-Mart

performed at such festivals as the Country Thunder music festival in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin in July 2013.

One memorable gig was a festival in Epworth, Iowa in front of 6,000 fans.

Rout 38 will also be opening for Tracy Lawrence at the Carroll County Fair in Milledgeville on Aug. 5-9th.

Rout 38 maintains a website at www.rout38.com, with photos, tour dates and information about themselves. They are also on Facebook.

Maintaining a interactive presence factored into the naming of the band. Loomis got the name from looking at a Route 38 sign, but the name was changed to drop the “e� after a website was already created for another band with a similar name. “When we looked for a domain name, there was a ‘Route 38’ somewhere,�

Givens said. “So we took the ‘e’ off, and that changed the meaning of the word.�

As with any band, the goal is to make it big. “All I told them was, ‘Guys, hold on. I’ll take you somewhere you’ve never been,’� Loomis said.

Rout 38 April Concert Dates: Apr. 4 - The Cooler Rock Falls Apr. 5 - Whiskey Roadhouse Rockford Apr. 11 - Henry’s Double K Mt. Carroll Apr. 12 - Dirty Ernie’s Farley, IA Apr. 19 - Corner Spot Dixon Apr. 26 - Jeff’s Refs Polo

The Greatest Hip Hop Tribute Band of all time is coming to the Historic Dixon Theatre...

TOO WHITE CREW

and featuring wicked rock n’ roll by

30 West

Historic Dixon Theatre – Dixon, IL

April 18 – 6:30 p.m. doors / 7:30 p.m. showtime Tickets: $15 in advance / $20 at the door Available at Venier Jewelers, Trein’s Jewelry, Roxie’s and www.dixontheatre.com Bar Service provided by Val’s Place

Fiesta Cancun Authentic Mexican Food

3203 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, IL (815) 625-4482

Sauk Valley Sun

22

A

Va

Dining

Al And Leda’s in Dixon for really good Italian food

By Spencer Schein Pizza, spaghetti, and all the best sandwiches you can get can be found at Al & Leda’s of Dixon.

Delicious pizza, freshest ingredients, real Italian meat sauce and spices make Al & Leda’s, 325 W. Everett St., Dixon, among the best pizzas you may ever have.

I have eaten there about 10 times and have never been disappointed with the food, the service or the atmosphere, which looks like an old clubhouse: one American Legion hall.

This restaurant also is welcoming to big parties of families; little league baseball teams, girls’ soccer teams, and still has room for its many regulars and people like me who go once in a while.

On many occasions I have gone there when tables were set-up for parties of six, eight, 10, even 20 people.

That is no problem for the restaurant.

Recently a friend and I went there for dinner on a Sunday evening, and the place was pretty full. I ordered the large spaghetti, which comes with a meat-

ball and a little loaf of bread.

My friend ordered an Italian Beef sandwich with mozzarella cheese, served on a warm sandwich roll.

The spaghetti was served sauce. My friend said he enjoyed his sandwich, adding that the Italian beef was a very good choice, with its tion.

We had soft drinks, Pepsi and Diet Pepsi, served in with ice. The restaurant also serves beer and wine.

One great thing about ordering the large spaghetti, I was able to bring half of it home for a second meal.

On other visits to Al and Leda’s, I have enjoyed their I had the Leda’s Special, which is a supreme-type of pizza with sausage, pepperoni, onion, mushroom and green pepper. I was able to taste each of the ingredients and the crust made this one of the best pizza’s I’ve phenomenal.

I thought it was the best pizza I had ever had, and then on another visit I had what I now consider the best pizza I have ever had, the Meat Eater, which is unlike

any other pizza.

The Meat Eater consists of sausage, hamburger, roast beef, pepperoni, ham and bacon. It has a great aroma and each of the ingredients comes out tasting great. I truly like this pizza above all others and would rate it as high as any ratings can go.

Although there are other specialty pizzas, you can order pizzas with regular toppings as well. They are made to order from a baby size up to the Big Al, which at 20-inches is the largest pizza at Al and Leda’s.

One of the appetizers I have tried as well, is the cheesy garlic bread. It is really, really good and priced right. The cheese is bubbly and tasty, and the toasted bread is just delicious.

Al & Leda’s has pasta dishes served for individuals and in buckets for parties, a full line-up of sandwiches and a couple salads, too.

They are open for lunch and dinner seven days a week. To place a carryout order or plan ahead for a party, call Al & Leda’s at (815) 284-3032. Delivery is limited. Al & LedaÕs is located at 325 Everett Street, Dixon.

Above: With a “clubhouse� feel, Al and Leda’s serves groups as easily as smaller family units.

Below:

www.BrandywineDixon.com

441 IL. Rt. 2 - Dixon, IL

Celebrate Easter!

Special Easter Brunch Menu

Baked Sugar Cured Ham (Hand carved)

April 20th, 2014 Limited Seating - Call Early

y l n O $19.99

Seniors $18.99 Kids 10 & Under Only $8.99

CALL NOW FOR RESERVATIONS On Illinois Route 2 Between Dixon & Sterling

815-284-8484

23

A

Va

Food

A variety of menus for joyful Easter celebrations Easter Supper

Judy Bell, M.S. Food and Nutrition Editor Easter baskets, Easter bonnets and Easter brunches, lunches and dinners‌.what a lovely and joyful day for family and friends to share.

For cooks, this is the day to splurge on of linens and extensive, if not elaborate menus.

So, here are some menus to consider. The preparation and serving notes are included so that you enjoy the day, too. Remember, too, that area bakeries and supermarkets have convenience foods available so that you don’t have to do “everythingâ€?‌choose the menu, choose what you want to prepare and make arrangements to purchase the rest of the items.

With a European Flair Herb Roasted Leg of Lamb Pan Gravy Couscous with Pine nuts and Chopped Mint Saute of Zucchini and Red Bell Pepper Artichoke Hearts on Bed of Red Leaf Lettuce Creamy Garlic Salad Dressing Crusty French-style Bread Butter, Olives, Pickled Crab Apples Fruit and Custard Tarts Notes: Day ahead set table, prepare couscous ingredients, wash and trim vegetables and salad. Remove lamb from the oven and allow to rest 15-20 minutes, covered, for easiest carving.

A Spring Feast Honey Glazed Ham Baked Sweet Potatoes Green Peas and Tiny Onions in Cream Sauce Chilled Asparagus Spears on Watercress with garnish of roasted red pepper and chopped hard cooked egg Toasted Sesame Seed Salad Dressing Whipped Honey Butter Olives, Pickles, Stuffed Celery Lemon Pudding Cake*, Fresh Raspberry Garnish Notes: Make cream sauce for vegetables in advance. Lemon Pudding Cake* (recipe follows) is best served warm. Prepare it so that it goes into the oven as dinner is served.

Roast Cornish Game Hens Pan Saute New Potatoes with Chervil and Sage Cheddar Cheese sauce Tossed Salad with spring lettuce, grape tomatoes, pistachios, ripe olives Vinigrette Dressing Parker House Rolls Butter, Pickles Raspberries, Strawberries, Angel Food Cake and Fresh Lemon Sauce* Continued on page 34

Notes: Make Cheese sauce the day before. be may the day ahead by blanching in boiling water 4 minutes and a deep chill in ice water until no heat remains. Drain well and refrigerate overnight in plastic bag with paper toweling at the bottom. Warm only to serving temperature. *Fresh Lemon Sauce can be prepared in advance (recipe on page 34).

Since 1987

Simple Salmon Dinner Baked Salmon Fillet Rice Pilaf with Almonds and Herbs Steamed Asparagus Avocado, Orange sections, Hearts of Palm on Boston Lettuce Honey Orange and Celery Seed Salad Dressing Sesame Seed Breadsticks Butter, Olives, Carrot sticks Crème brule or Baked Custard with Caramel Sauce

t

Beat the Elements!

We Deliver!

Let us brave the cold - we deliver everywhere in Dixon & the surrounding suburbs for just $5.00!

Deliveries run Mondays & Wednesdays.

Call ahead to schedule.

Corner of Brinton & Bradshaw in Dixon

815-288-7480

Notes: Asparagus will taste fresher and cook more quickly if peeled prior to steaming. Baked Custard may be prepared the day ahead and chilled overnight.

Joyful Easter Brunch Sliced Ham, Sage Sausage and AppleSmoked Bacon Scrambled Eggs Sliced sautĂŠed Red Potatoes and Red Onions Steamed Asparagus Spears and Broccoli Hollandaise Sauce (or melted butter with fresh grated lemon rind) Hot Cross Buns Croissants Butter Jam Jelly Pickles, Olives, Stuffed Celery Desserts: Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting Lemon Meringue Pie Strawberry Shortcake

NEW Spring & Summer Hours Starting 4/1/14

Bags League & Pong League Starting Soon!

Delicious Fresh Pizza Healthy Lenten Choices 104 South Peoria, Dixon www.mamaciminosdixon.com

CARRY-OUT

DELIVERY

Patio now OPEN!

DAILY SPECIALS

continued on page 34

Mondays

DINE-IN

M ea t s e Fresh

Butcher of choice for Flynnie’s Diner & BombDigity Bar & Grill

Free Kids Meal with Each Adult Entree Purchase.

Kids 12 & Under

Tuesdays Appetizers Half Price!

Live Music & Karaoke Friday and Saturday we will have live music or karaoke. Check the event calendar on the BombDigity web site for more info.

Ask about our Senior & Military Discounts!

Sun - Thurs 11am - 10pm Fri - Sat 11am - 1am

Thursdays Ladies Night! $5 Rum Buckets & $2 Domestic Bottles

Download our App! JUST VISIT BOMBDIGITYDIXON.COM from any mobile device & follow the simple instructions

628 Palmyra Rd. Dixon, IL 61021

815-288-6300 www.bombdigitydixon.com

24

A

Va

Sports

Jockey won Futurity‌ an equal to the Kentucky Derby Carol Chandler Soon the Kentucky Derby will be run. Prizes and money will be won.

Jerry (Gerardo) Rodriguez, Sterling, won the equivalent of the derby in 1991, the All-American Futurity which is to quarter horses what the derby is to thoroughbreds. “That’s when my dreams came true,� Jerry said as he told about earning his lifetime best of $168,000 as he rode horses that won $1,600,000 that year.

He was inducted into the All American Futurity Hall of Fame as the leading jockey in the nation that year.

Jerry was born in San Luis, Potosi, Mexican. He came to Sterling in 1977 after visiting his brother Willie who lived here. Jerry started riding horses owned by his father in Mexico.

A friend introduced him to Bob Payne who started him as a jockey for quarter horse racing in 1979. His Cities.

Then he got a job that took him to Oklahoma. He started racing at Blue Ribbon Downs in Sallisaw. He won the Oklahoma Futurity in 1984. He then went to ride in

Next Generation of Red Cross Training First Aid/CPR/AED for Workplaces, Communities, Professional Rescuers and Health Care Providers

Training Course Schedule April 2014 - Rock Falls, IL As a jockey for 26 years Jerry Rodriquez was a winner in many races‌one that the equal to the Kentucky Derby.

Semi-retired Jerry works at La Familia in Rock Falls where some of his photos and awards are displayed.

the circuits of New Mexico, Texas and California. “My favorite horse was ‘Raise Impudent.’ I rode him in New Mexico in my early days. Out of nine races we second once.

Another favorite was was the horse Jerry rode to make his dream come true. “He (the horse) won a million dollars for the owner and $105,000 for me in 21 seconds,� he said.

Jerry’s favorite racing track was Redoso Downs in New Mexico.

The difference, Jerry ex-

plained, between a quarter horse and other breeds is that a quarter horse is based on speed and is smaller and stronger. “They race up to 45-50 miles per hour,�

Jerry said.

Jerry has fond memories of his 26 years as a jockey.

Today, he is semi-retired and works part-time with “mi amigo� owner, David of La Familia Restaurant, Rock Falls.

Today he says, “I am a happy man. I have a really, really good life with my children and my wife.

Life is good.�

In Business Since 1939 with Over 100 Years Combined Experience

Call us today to schedule your heartworm checkup!

BLENDED LEARNING CLASSES (online content/exam and in-class session)

Course

Date

Adult First Aid/CPR/AED

BABYSITTING BASICS (web based) All course activites are completed online. No skills session scheduled.

Babysitting Basics (web based)

Courses, times and locations subject to change.

Vot #1 Sa 3 year VOT ed s u ED i k n 201 4's Valley a row #1 f Sau Veter or the k Va ina lley rian Gro ! om er!

Dr. Erin Graves Zoomer’s mom!

Zoomer

Dr. Chris Gunnon

Dr. Nathan McClain

Grooming & Doggie Daycare 815-288-3394 273 IL Route 2, Dixon, IL 61021 www.RiverRidgeVets.com Like us on Facebook!

Web based class

call 1-800-RED CROSS or visit redcross.org/takeaclass.

Dr. Bill Kuhfus

Dr. Sarah Fassler

Cost

Adult CPR/AED

Zoomer says, if you love your pet like my mom loves me, get them a heartworm checkup and use prevention year round.

Dr. Phil Fassler

Location

Adult and Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED

and See our article on heartworm prevention in this issue!

Time

See what else Zoomer has to say on Twitter! @RiverRidgeVets

25

A

Va

Government

Illinois can do better: create pro-business environment

Tom Demmer State Representative -90th District The primary election has come and gone, and we have several months until the general election in No-

vember. For a short window between campaign seasons, we can focus on the real issues facing our state. And we don’t have to look far to find them.

Illinois is tied for the second-worst jobless rate in the country, at 8.7 percent. That means almost one in ten people can’t find a job. An unemployment rate like that puts stress on families, communities, and the state.

But we have to do more than just point out the negatives. We must look

for real solutions. We can reduce the fees and paperwork associated with starting a business. We can pass real workers compensation reform and take that huge budget pressure off of job creators.

We can do better. All we need to do is look at our neighbors around the Midwest to see what a real recovery looks like. From 2012 to 2013, every one of our neighbors saw an improvement in the unemployment rate. Illinois didn’t. In fact, we were

one of only two states in the nation who got worse in the last year. With new leadership, we can start a real recovery.

ful Medicaid reforms that passed with strong bipartisan support. The Quinn Administration has been slow to implement the SMART Act reforms and has caused us to fall well short of the projected $2.7 billion in savings from that bill.

We h a v e s i g n i f i c a n t budget challenges this year. Our projected revenue is about $1.4 billion less next year. The pension reform bill that was signed in to law is on hold—along with the $1.3 billion in first year savings—for a court case.

Over the next few months, we’ll spend a lot of time in session in S p r i n g f i e l d . Ta k e t h e chance to catch up on state news and follow as the budget process happens. It will help you be

We’re pushing for implementation of meaning-

well informed before this fall’s election.

I’d also invite you to share your thoughts on the issues that are important to you. Whether you care about an item in the budget, overall government spending, education, healthcare, or any other item, please feel free to email me at tom@tomdemmer.com and share your input. I appreciate your perspective and work hard to represent all the people of the 90th district.

Gehlbach testifies about small Dixon Mayor Burke has hopes to attract new industries that The more funding will be estate recommendation produce jobs and existing found to support the Dixon 2985 requires a person ex-

Gary R. Gehlbach of Dixon Senate Judiciary Committee

Feb. 25 about a bill he recommended to State Sen. Tim Bivins (R-Dixon). Senate Bill

to list and classify the debts of the decedent. The bill requires all valid claims against the decedent’s estate to be paid before any distribution is made to any heir or person receiving any portion of the estate. Passed by a unanimous vote of the Committee members, Senate Bill 2985 now moves to the full Senate for further consideration.

industries will grow and expand.

That large-scale resident development and grow with happen on the Northeast side of Dixon.

That continued commercial develop will take place in the I-88 Interchange Business District.

That more street repaving and infrastructure replacement will continue.

James G. Burke Dixon Mayor Hopes for Dixon: That Dixon will continue

School system.

That the Central Business District and Heritage Crossing will become a destination point That our quality of life will reach new heights.

That Dixon will establish an Entrepreneurial Center to encourage and support entrepreneurs with concepts, ideas or businesses they want to establish.

Affordable Dining!

Tri-Cities’ Most

More Cluck for Your Buck!

The BEST chicken in the Sauk Valley!

ried Don’s GOLDen F od!

Chicken & Seafo Here’s a sample from our huge menu!

Biggest Tenderloin in Town ............................. $3.95 1/4 lb. Hamburger ........................................... $1.60 Chicken Filet Sandwich Grilled, Fried, BBQ ...... $2.95 Fish Sandwich Grilled, Fried......................... $2.95 Chili Dog.......................................................... $2.95

Seafood/ Chicken Dinners

(include roll, choice of coleslaw, macaroni salad or cottage cheese; steak fries, hash browns or baked potato)

Seafood 2 pc Alaskan Pollack (fresh batter-dipped).. $5.95 3 pc Alaskan Pollack (fresh batter-dipped).. $6.95 5 pc Fantail Shrimp ....................................... $7.25 Chicken 1/2 Chicken .................................................... $7.50 2 pc Chicken................................................... $5.75 3 pc Chicken.................................................... $6.50 5 pc Chicken Strips ....................................... $7.50

Great Seafood, too!

Family Size Chicken Dinner

14 pc chicken or chicken strips with steak fries, l pint coleslaw or macaroni salad ................ $16.95

Serving Sterling area for 21 Years!

Don’s Seafood & Chicken 815-622-0258 | 1501 W. 4th St., Sterling

.PO 5IVST BN QN t 'SJ BN QN t 4BU QN QN t $MPTFE 4VOEBZ

26

A

Va

Government

David Nord, Dixon City Administrator Since beginning my position with the City of Dixon, I have been grateful for the welcome that has been extended by the citizens of Dixon, the employees of the city government and the Everyone (to a person) has wished me well and has expressed their strong afthat everyone cares for this

community and wants to see it move beyond unforThough not particularly “headline grabbing� the City of Dixon is undertaking numerous steps to improve operations including updating its employee handbook, formalizing its policies/ procedures, and will be seeking community input though the upcoming

The goal is to have the community identify what the future of Dixon should look like, and what steps Being a shared future, everyone within the area should provide their

as we celebrate the end of the school year with Monsters University! Movies at Grandon will then continue on with its traditional every other Thursday evening begin at dusk; (around 8:30 and pre-movie activities will begin each night around 7:00

son of Movies at Gran-

The snow is melting and our thoughts are turning to a Sterling Main Street is happy to announce its partnership with the City of Sterling in bringing you a third sea-

don has quickly become a much anticipated event for Downtown Sterling, drawing hundreds of families out for an evening at the park! son on Monday, June 2nd

has taken several steps to improve its future, but it’s ultimate goal is to serve the

Contact me at 815-288-

encourage residents to make their suggestions known by contacting City

Rediscover Downtown Sterling

Janna Groharing Executive Director Sterling Main Street

Hall, or reaching out to one of the elected or appointed

activities are still in the planning stages, so follow each of the movie nights on Facebook for all the details on activities, our sponsors and concessions for each

don Civic Center in Central at Grandon is a FREE comSponsorship and advertising opportunities are available to help us continue this If your business would like to learn more about investing in this program as a means to promote your business, please contact the at 815-626-8610 or e-mail -

is available, but you can also feel free to bring your lawn chairs or a blanket to

school or community organization to raise money by helping provide our conces-

movies are held at the Gran-

may contact Sterling Main

Representative Tom Demmer presents Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home President Ann Lewis with the State of Illinois House of Representatives Resolution No. 764 recognizing the 30th anniversary of the home, its status as a historical, tourism and educational site and the value of its volunteers

Street for more information Dog Days will return to 5th year of this event approaches, we realize that celebrating our “furry friends� has become a tradition in ly event will be held from will feature activities and demonstrations, along with pet-related informational

we are excited to feature several bands which will bring home Sauk Valley natives to play for a hometown this column next month for more information!!

If you can’t wait until May, you can visit us on out on Facebook for all the

Sterling Main Street Music Fest returns to the Grandon Civic Center at Central

Build Your

NOW LEASING!

Dream Home D EER V ALLEY G OLF C OURSE Special price promotion for construction started this year

N ORTHLAND H ILLS - P HASE VII Off of Palmyra Road, Lee County Tax Rate, Sterling Schools

Country Lane Apartments

1br $217-$320, 2br $266-$410, and 3br $331-$550 a month Developed By:

Yost Management Company www.yost-management.com

T IMBERLAND D RIVE Off of Woodlawn Road, Sterling Township Tax Rate

R OCK R IDGE E STATES Off of Gualrapp Road, Montmorency School District

Plan that new house this year! www.unitedcountry.com

Chris King

1016 Yost Court, Sterling

Managing Broker/Owner

Sauk Valley Realty

Call today to list your property

815.626.1771 110 Dixon Ave. Rock Falls, IL 61071

27

A

Va

Real Estate

Illinois Central Railroad arches the skill of the stone cutters and builders, the massive gether so perfectly that there has been no noticeable shift in them since being put into place 160 years ago.

There is a fourth arch that few people know exists. It is near the river, and was necessary so that trains on the railroad spur line that serviced businesses and the cement plant, could pass under the IC mainline. That

Laundrymat Business

Photos by Larry Hammelman

the pyramids of Egypt, they will remain as a testimony to man’s ingenuity and building skill at a time when brute strength was the way things were done before engines and labor-saving machines arrived on the scene.

During the 1850s the communities in the Rock River valley anxiously waited for railroads to begin service to the area. If the communities were to grow, they needed a better means of transportation to distant places other than horses traveling over roads that were almost impassible during the wet and winter seasons of the year.

Railroads were the answer, and one of them, the Illinois Central, would bisect the state from Cairo to Dunleith (East Dubuque). In this area, the I.C. passed through

FOR SALE

Sublette, Amboy (a division point), Eldena, Dixon, Woosung, and Polo.

One of the greatest construction obstacles was bridging the Rock River at Dixon. Plans called for the track to be 56 feet above ordinary water level. The ground on the south side of the river at this point is fairly level, therefore the grade had to be gradually raised to meet the elevated bridge deck. The raised elevation began near present-day Seventh Street. This meant the approach had to pass over existing streets—West 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, necessitating overpasses. The railroad company decided to build stone arches at these street crossings, and hired Robert F. Laing to do the job, in

Priced at $59,500

815-440-4144

su ng

suemccoyhomes@comcast.net

Properties

Wilson & Associates 335 W. Everett St. Dixon, IL 61021 Office: 815-288-2881

t .BOZ VQEBUFT GFBUVSFT t 'JOJTIFE XBMLPVU MPXFS MFWFM t HBSBHF TUBMMT

t $MBTTJD TUZMF QSPQFSUZ t 1MVT TFQBSBUF HVFTU IPVTF t BDSFT DMPTF UP UPXO

t .BJO ĂŹPPS GBNJMZ SPPN t %FDL QPPM QFSHPMB t 4FDPOE HBSBHF

t 2VJDL QPTFTTJPO t .BJO ĂŹPPS GBNJMZ SPPN t 8BMLPVU MPXFS MFWFM t BDSFT

t #J MFWFM DBS HBSBHF t Y MPU t $POWFOJFOUMZ MPDBUFE CFUXFFO %JYPO BOE 4UFSMJOH

t TUPSZ TR GU t CFESPPN CBUISPPN t DBS HBSBHF

t 3PPG UPQ QBUJP t 'PSNBM MJWJOH GBNJMZ SPPNT t 'JOJTIFE MPXFS MFWFM

t t CFESPPN t (BSBHF

mp ton

t UJMMBCMF BDSFT t *ODMVEFT TUPSZ IPNF t .POSPF $FOUFS

36

Eld

Ac

res

27 6.4 9A cre s

AssociAte

Sauk Valley

Wo o

t 0QFO ZPVS CVTJOFTT IFSF t -PBET PG VQEBUFT t -BSHF QBSLJOH MPU t &EHF PG UPXO MPDBUJPO

Sue McCoy

Ta mp ico

t %PXOUPXO MPDBUJPO t *ODMVEFT CBS LJUDIFO FRVJQNFOU t TR GU

Co mm erc ial

Co mm erc ial

massive piers for the 1,056foot railroad bridge. Galena limestone, taken from John Dement’s quarry northeast of Dixon, was used for both the arches and the piers.

Due to the contour of the land, the street clearance of the three arches varies from 12 feet on 3rd Street, to 15 feet on 2nd Street, to 14 feet on 1st Street. As a tribute to

Co

Reminders of the past take on many forms. Some are just memories passed on from one generation to the next. Some are buildings that, if not cared for, crumble and lose the battle against time and the elements. But how about things that are impervious to these destructive forces, such as the stone arches on Dixon’s near southwest side? Have you ever wondered what purpose they served in an earlier day? Or who built them? They were a vital piece of a railroad history that connected Dixon to the outside world in the 1850s.

But now, almost 30 years after the last train crossed them and the tracks were removed, they remain as silent reminders of what once was. Like

regular train service to Dixon began early in 1855. The last Illinois Central train rumbled through Dixon on December 21, 1985. The track and the

bridge superstructure were removed shortly thereafter, but the arches remain as a visual reminder of another phase in the history of the community.

Application was made to have the arches listed on the National Record of Historic Places and this was granted in 1987. A plaque commemorating the arches is located adjacent to the 2nd Street arch.

en a

Duane Paulsen

line no longer exists.

Robert Laing was a native of Scotland. While working on this building project, he decided that Dixon would be a good place to raise his family, and moved his wife and children here and remained for the rest of his life.

SOLD

Shawney Evans Broker/AssociAte Cell: (815) 973-0383

S

V

Wilson & Associates

t t 1SPQFSUZ JT JO NPWF JO DPOEJUJPO t 0WFSTJ[FE HBSBHF

28

A

Va

Community

Remembrance of a last mission Scott Hibbard On July 11, 2009, we prepped for our last mission-one last time to meander west on Route Jeep. Centuries old, Jeep is no better than a twisted dirt path. A mountain trail littered with remains of old firefights, IEDs and bad memories.

Our first TIC (Troops in Contact) was Jan 31, when the ABP (Afghan Border Patrol) got hemmed up in a Wadi (creek bed) to our 12 o’clock. So we lit up the mountainside and let the fun begin. We were denied artillery and air support was too far away to make a difference, but it was sent anyway and then diverted.

The fight fizzled out and we left. “We will take care of you Hibbard�-a lie, a potential truth, the theology of a god-like organization that cares just enough to make it plausible.

The terrain is a mountain goat’s play ground - sheer cliffs and narrow paths. Pakis and Afghanis have mastered this route. We haven’t.

We drive in vehicles built by the Navy for Iraq. Enemy activity has made the route black meaning it is too dangerous to travel alone - it has been red for months.

Black routes can’t be traveled without the escort of an RCP (Route Clearing Package). Against my best efforts to leave days before, we will be leaving July 12th, guaranteeing the enemy an immobile and clumsy target caught between cliffs and

our own blown-up vehicles.

I have been up and down this route so many times I have stories of my own.

The take down of a Taliban tured illegal checkpoints, IEDs, driving over a British anti-tank mine with 3 rockets tied to it, kids throwing rocks at us like we are a game at a carnival. I know this route. We’ve met. Today Jeep will have more victims remembered mostly in shades of gray. The memories of RCP 6 and PRT 1-6, call signs to people over the radio, are now faded just like they should be.

On the afternoon of July 11, I sent the replacement LT with my squad leader to go to the operations order in the TOC (Tactical Operations Center) of the RCP. He needed to learn the ropes without me and meet the people he would have to work with. I took a security team into Orgun-e to do our last foot patrol in the downtown. Orgun-e tried it’s best to mimic a raggedy old cow town from a 60s western. of goodbye “f you� from the insurgency. Nothing happened. The Taliban just watched. Everyone else just ignored us and got on with their life, a poor and miserable one. The kids do what they always do – beg for money “America! Wwuuun dollar.�

That evening I went through the vehicles with my squad leader and the new guys. We checked weapons

and did some “what if� scenarios and what I expected of them. I directed most of my comments to the new guys. By that time my squad leader and I had over 200 missions a piece under our belt. We were like an old married couple. We knew what the other would do and think.

The new guys were only partially interested, already thinking that they knew it all and didn’t need to be lectured by a 1LT. Route Jeep was no place for a high opinion of yourself. Enemy contact has a way of shaking plans and people like a snow globe--to the point you don’t know what’s up or down initially because the terrain is perfect ambush material. These guys had “experience� and it didn’t matter if 1LT Hibbard or his platoon had the most TICs in our company or the third most in the battalion. They were here for us. To save us from ourselves, lead the way. I hated their attitude and them. They would soon be tested and come to understand the hard way that the only experience that matters is the one you’re in now.

We left July 12 with RCP 13. A RCP is a route clearing package. Their mission is to scan the road ahead of the main element searching for IEDs and when found blow them in place. Secondly, they provide security for unarmed local delivery drivers. These loads are contracted by the military.

Originating from ports in

Scott Hibbard and his family before his deployment to Middle East.

Pakistan the loads are then delivered all over Afghanidrivers are routinely targeted and killed for helping July 12 our column was long and we were piggybacking the RCP to get back to the main FOB (Forward Operating Base). Our vehicles were at the end of the column; a good place to be when you need to maneuver on a position. We normally could take this route from point to point in 2hr 20 min.

It takes units unfamiliar with the route about 6 hrs. Today it would take 18.

Our convoy bypassed Orgun-e and started to weave our element through a narrow draw and into the belly of the beast. It reminded me of Moria in Lord of the Rings. The terrain just

swallows you up. It is a the defense. I said nothing as the TOC called in the Intel saying the Taliban were getting ready to ambush us.

They knew our column had 14 vehicles. Burke laughed as he looked out the hatch, “Those bastards can’t even count, I only see 13.� Then the realization hit – we were number 14. I laughed as Burke and Colon mocked the Intel. We laughed out of unbelief, but mostly because we didn’t care anymore.

Maybe today our number would be up--the ticket punch we’ve learned to expect. I said nothing and just watched the kids wave at us and the dust billow from underneath our vehicles like angry dragons. after the gay hotel and dance

club that local drivers used for their homoerotic nighttime fun. A mud hut dressed up like a month-old Christmas tree with trucks parked all over. This should have thing was up. When the routes are laced with IEDs, locals don’t use it. The locals knew, but just watched as we passed by. Few Afghans would ever intervene to help. To think for a minute that the men and money we were dumping into their country was for them. So they watched and we drove into inevitability.

---------------------------------End of Part One – Story to be continued in May issue-----------------Submitted by Scott Hibbard.

To contact him email shibbard71@hotmail.com

Judge announced for 67th annual Phidian Art Show, April 10th Penny Schopp Phidian Art Show Committee The Phidian Art Club has selected Diana Garrett to judge the 67th Annual Phidian Art Show to be held on April 10, 2014 at the Loveland Community Building in Dixon. Ms. Garrett is a Fine Art Consumer Specialist for Prismacolor Fine Art Products. She travels the Eastern half of the United States educating art students, teaching professionals, artists, and retailers about Prismacolor’s portfolio of awesome colorful products.

Ms. Garrett began her career in education with a degree from Illinois State University.

She was head of the Art Department and taught art and math at LaSalle-Peru High School in LaSalle. In search of the greater art scene, Diana studied in New York City.

She received her degree in Administration and Supervision with a Visual Arts Focus in a collaborative program at Bank Street College and Parsons School of Design.

Left: A photo of last year’s’ Phidian Purchase Award winner, a watercolor by Ellen Mumford, “Last Snow�, as it hangs in the Ladies’ Lounge (the Phidian meeting room) just to the left of the door as you enter. The Phidian Club purchases a piece every year from the show. This was their purchase from 2013.

The piece is then donated to the Loveland Community Building.

Diana has spent recent years in the art materials industry and has held seminars across the country at colleges, trade shows, artist studios, and town halls.

Ms. Garrett has always been an artist. She works in many media including colored pencil, pastel, watercolor, mixed media, digital media, and has recently mastered the Prismacolor Art Marker and Illustration Marker. Her work has been exhibited at Artspace Gallery, ArtHaus, The Burpee

Museum of Natural History, Midway Museum, the Bare Walls and Bank Street College. The Rockford Chamber of Commerce purchased one of her works for the Rockford Airport.

The public will again have an opportunity to choose a “People’s Choice Award� by voting for their favorite entry prior to the award presentation and judge’s critique of winning artworks. Doors open at 6:00 pm for viewing and voting. Presentation of awards begins at 7:00 pm.

Artwork will be received in the lower gallery of the Loveland Community House on April 3 from 2:00-6:00

pm and April 4 from 2:006:00 pm. Entry fee is $15 for one artwork and $25 for two artworks with a two artwork limit. Artwork will remain on display in the Loveland Building through April 30, 2014.

Artwork must be original, not produced under the direction of an instructor, no

more than five years old, have never been entered in the Phidian Show, ready for hanging by wire, no larger than 48� in width nor exceeding 25 lbs. Artist must live within 35 driving miles of Dixon and be 17 years or older. Only two-dimensional paintings or drawings, in any

medium, will be accepted. No photography, crafts, sculptures, computer generated art or three-dimensional art will be accepted.

For more information, guidelines and entry forms, please contact Joy Meyer at 815-973-0537 or Ellen Allen at 815-652-2002.

Brunch in the Woods

Visit www.reynoldswood.org for a coupon worth $2.50 off one adult meal.

Complete our annual survey, and enter for a chance to win a $25 Wal-Mart Gift Card or a Gift Certificate for 3 to Mother’s Day Brunch in the Woods.

Prayer Retreat for Adults May 2-4, 2014

$84 per person for 2-night weekend includes meals and lodging Deadline: April 21, 2014 621 Reynoldswood Rd. Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 284-6979

29

A

Va

Family

Berniece “ Bee� Martin celebrates her 100th birthday

Photos by Larry Hammelman

Berniece “Beeâ€? Martin celebrated her 100th year birthday in March. A native of Chicago, “Beeâ€? has lived in Dixon since the 50’s. She remains positive, engaging and active‌especially at the bridge table.

Just 100 years ago and a few days, Berniece “ Beeâ€? Martin was born in Chicago. On March 5th she celebrated her 100th birthday. Bee said, “Now that I reached that milestone‌.I wonder what is next?â€?

Bee has been known by her nickname since the time a young niece was attempting to say her name and couldn’t get it right.

Bee said she told the little one, “Just call me Auntie Bee� and it stuck. She is Auntie Bee to many family members and Bee to the rest of the world. ters in Bee’s nuclear family.

She was a twin to Blanche.

She met her husband when one of her sisters brought some friends to their home and Leroy Martin followed along. They dated for four years because it was the time of the Great Depression and neither wanted to marry until Leroy had a full-time job that could support the couple.

Bee is known as a skilled bridge player and some weeks she might play two or three times. She said that she learned from her twin sister. “Blanche was dating someone who told her if she was going to be a part of his family, she’d need to learn to play bridge.

He gave her a book about bridge, she learned to play from the book and she became very, very good. “Playing cards‌even poker‌was good inexpensive entertainment for us during those early years.

And, now it is just fun.�, Bee said.

Today Bee is a resident at Heritage Square in Dixon where age has its own reward. “When you reach 100 years of age, you get to go to the head of the food service line‌so there are

two of us who do it. It’s just a fun little perk,� Bee said with a smile.

Younger women have been known to whisper in Bee’s ear, “When I grow up I want to be just like you.â€? These women admire Bee’s positive attitude, her willingness to help and her sunny smile. Bee is an active volunteer at her church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Dixon. She is the “callerâ€?. Every week she has a list of persons who have commitments for the church‌coffee host, usher, etc‌and she calls each one to remind them of what they have said they would do. Bee said at one time she was in charge of the “prayer chainâ€? and whenever the group was called to pray for someone, she had to call 10 women and they had to call 10 and so on. “The church was larger in those days‌yet the same spirit of caring is present today at St. Luke’s,â€? she said.

Surely all who know Bee wish her a happy days as she heads toward what might be her 101st birthday continuing to inspire those younger to maintain a positive view of life.

Emma Padgett and her one hundred years

Emma Padgett in her home. She still lives alone with frequent visitors stopping by.

Carol Chandler What’s it like to live one hundred years? What do you think made it possible? What’s the one thing that you longed to do, but weren’t able to accomplish?

These were some of the questions posed to Emma Padgett who celebrated her 100th birthday on March 19th.

Emma’s son used to sit behind me in grade school and so his mom has been known to me since the late 1940’s. We lost touch for many years, but reconnected last year and Emma shared the story of her life.

Emma’s father came to the United States in 1905 by way of Ellis Island and her mother came in 1911.

Immigrants at this time “usually came on an immigrant train. One-half of the railroad car was for animals and the other half was for your furniture.� Emma said. Her parents met at a

relative’s home and traveled to Sterling in a horse and buggy to get married only three months later. Emma, was born on March 19th, 1914. Since her parents were not yet citizens of the United States, she was considered an alien.

Emma started school in 1918. Because only German was spoken at home, Emma knew no English. Her teacher thought that she was “backwawrd� and called for a meeting with her parents before she understood the situation. The transition the language barrier but also because “People harbored a hatred for Germans.� Emma said. This was immediately after World War One. Emma met her husband Glen in Dixon at a “free show� and they were married on November 30, 1939.

They lived at 1203 West Seventh Street in Dixon. A year later Emil arrived, fol-

lowed by Fred in 1942 and twins Keith and Karen in 1944. Sadly, she lost Glen on June 14th, 1974 and Fred in l981. During her marriage, Emma worked at the Brown Shoe Company, J. C. Penney’s and the Dixon State School. Emma said, “It was hard working at the Dixon State School, but I loved it. I was a psych aide.� She retired in 1983.

When asked what her favorite things are, she replied, “Ordinary food, sauerkraut and ribs and stuff like that.� (As far as chocolate is concerned - we’re not even going to go there!) She credits “hard work� for her long life. As far as what she wished she could have done but didn’t accomplish, she replied, “I wish that I would have been a nurse.�

Emma still remains remarkably alert even if she does eat cookies and drinks a glass of chocolate milk every morning for breakfast.

Emma lives in Dixon in a beautiful old Victorian that has been her home for over forty years. She is surrounded by family pictures and memories of her past. She lives alone with frequent visits by her many friends.

GOD BLESS YOU EMMA AND BEST WISHES ON THIS YOUR MOST SPECIAL DAY!

www.saukvalleysun.com

World War I ends 1918

Color TV invented 1940

The Beatles form 1957

Berlin Wall falls1989

21st Century begins

1914 1916 1918 1920 1922 1924 1926 1928 1930 1932 1934 1936 1938 1940 1942 1944 1946 1948 1950 1952 1954 1956 1958 1960 1962 1964 1966 1968 1970 1972 1974 1976 1978 1980 1982 1984 1986 1988 1990 1992 1994 1996 1998 2000 2002 2004 2008

Staff Judy Bell Publisher Patty Bridgeman Publisher’s AssistAnt Ken Hauck VP OPerAtiOns Katie Hauck AdministrAtiVe mAnAger Julie Reeder editOr Robert Bell distributiOn mAnAger

Penicillin discovered 1928

Production Karina Ramos grAPhic designer Joseph Doane Gary McDaniel lAyOut Artists Liz Davis grAPhics AssOciAte Website Tony Winstead VP Of digitAl mArketing John Yada Web / it suPPOrt

World War II ends 1945

Writers/Contributors Lindsay Aiello Josh Albrecht Carol Chandler, RN Pastor Jeff Coester Cody Cutter Gary Davey Tom Demmer Randy Ernst Towana Ernst Larry Hammelman Jill Horn Ann Lewis Donald R. Lewis, MD, FACS Patricia Lewis Lonnie Miller Brad Monson Nancy Nesyto-Freske Frances O’Dorrell Rev. Scott Porter Spencer Schein Greg Smith Jill Straw Š Sauk Valley Sun, 2014 www.saukvalleysun.com The opinions expressed in the Sauk Valley Sun do not

Moon landing 1969

Sauk Valley Sun staff.

Advertising Policy: Acceptance of an advertisement by Sauk Valley Sun does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of its sponsors or the products offered. We will not knowingly publish advertisements that are fraudulent, libelous, misleading, or contrary to the policies of Sauk Valley Sun. We reserve the right to reject any advertisement we all advertising inquiries and correspondence to the address below.

Editorial Contributions, Letters to the Editor, and Advertising Inquiries: Please submit all

Global Internet 1991

e-mail, at info@sauksun.com.

All correspondence must be dated and signed and include the writer’s full address and phone number in order to be considered for publication. Email would also be helpful. All editorial content publication’s format. Word count for letters is 250.

Sauk Valley Sun 25,250 copies published monthly 24,400 copies direct-mailed to homes and business addresses in Dixon, Sterling, Rock Falls, and Galt Postage paid at Rockford, IL Permit No. 28 Phone (815) 888-4403 Address: PO BOX 678,

Dixon, IL 61021 Email: sauksun@gmail.com

30

A

Va

Faith

The Hardhat Parent: I miss being the dad Jeff Coester I love my grandchildren.

Loving Jaden, Jaxen, Lena, Lincoln, Logan and Julianna as you list them in their birth order, does not make me unique. Talking about them puts me at risk of being annoying.

I find special pleasure in watching my children parent them. There is a difference between being a parent physically and being one who lovingly practices parenting skills; teaching a child at every age to develop skills and practice them.

This reminds me that I miss being the dad from day to day. I am still a father, but I am no longer a parent who

shapes the life of a growing youngster each day.

My wish for every person who is a parent is to choose to be passionate about parenting. I see a progression that robs parents of their happiness. Most are happy to discover conception has occurred. The birth of a child will bring family from the ‘four corners’ to share in the moment. A one year old covered with chocolate birthday cake is worthy of presents, pictures and celebration. This is all such fun! Suddenly your child is The parents do not know what to do. The answer if often, have another child.

After all. It is time. The

clock is ticking; and new ones are more fun. So the process is repeated.

Often parents experience frustration when a child begins to demonstrate needs beyond those of a helpless child, but this is where I believe the parent can take the most joy. When the child shows a need, weakof skill, they have shown you what they need and this is where parenting truly begins.

Parenting begins with one simple understanding. You need to be happy when your child shows you they have a need. This should be true no matter how they show you. When children show

you they have a need you can teach them to respond properly in the world and grow. You are building and shaping the person they will become either by intention or by neglect. Since, I have no doubt you love them intentional action to shape them is the better choice.

When they are small this requires the parent constantly and kindly demonstrating that they have a stronger will than the child. As they get older it is more engagement, but they are still blessed by the wise, strong willed parent.

Our son is a nuclear reactor operator; our daughter an emergency room nurse.

We did not push either of

them toward these careers.

We simply supported their interests and taught the charcompanying circumstances.

Jeffrey went through school with his primary interest being sports. We taught sportsmanship, respect for authority, teamwork, hard work, discipline. With his friends I lifted weights and discussed why we develop strength to protect the weak. He went through high school on a smile and a jump shot. It was a surprise when the Navy made him a reactor operator. The character he developed carried him.

Christine had wider and like guitar lessons and band.

We were ‘all in’ encouraging with words, our presence; and the reminder that doing our best was important, but obsession was not a virtue.

Some things we held no affection for like pet mice, but the cages, tunnels, wheels and accessories soon appeared. From this, came lessons of cleanliness, compassion, consideration and responsibility. As a young child her favorite toy was a Drs. bag. She began receiving medical newsletters at age 9. I miss being the dad.

Rev. Jeff Coester is The Pastor of The Big Red Church in Sterling. Like them on Facebook! Send Questions to hardhat1@ juno.com

Trivia night at Christ Lutheran School Jill Horn Christ Lutheran School in Sterling will be hosting their annual Trivia Night on Friday, April 11th with an optional dinner catered

by La Familia beginning at 5:30pm. La Familia will be serving enchiladas, tacos, beans, rice and a beverage

in the school cafeteria for those who would like to dine there before trivia begins. The dinner must be prepaid by Wed. April 9th. The cost of the dinner is $10 per person. Trivia begins at 7pm. The maximum number of persons on a team is eight. A team can register for $75 or $10

per person. Individuals who would like to play but have no team will be put on a team that has less than eight players.

All teams sign up with the hope of having fun.

Others sign up hoping to win. Here are some strategies for the more competitive teams. They

First Congregational Church of Rock Falls 905 Dixon Ave. Rock Falls (815) 625-3314 Pastor Al Campbell

Palm 10:00 AM Sunday April 13 Maundy 6:00 PM Thursday 7:00 PM April 17

Easter Sunday April 20

8:30 AM 10:00 AM

“Audience of One�

Easter Cantata Potluck Dinner Joint Service with First Congregational, Sterling (at First Congregational, Rock Falls) Continental Breakfast Celebration Service with Ragtag Choir

Immanuel Lutheran Church, Rock Falls 501 8th Ave. Rock Falls (815) 625-3575 Pastor Henrietta Milner

Palm Sunday April 13 Maundy Thursday April 17 Good Friday April 18 Easter Sunday April 20

WE

9:00 AM

12:10 PM 6:30 PM

Worship with procession and dramatic reading Worship with stripping of the Alter

6:30 PM

Worship with readings and candles

9:00 AM

Easter worship with special music

should consist of people in a variety of ages, teenagers and up. The more decades a team spans, the better chance of answering all questions. When least two alternates. It’s not unusual for people to have something come up and not attend at the last minute.

He Is R I S E N

WELCOME YO U TO O UR

There will be other fundraisers that evening including a dessert auction beginning at approximately 7:30pm and a silent auction that will begin when people arrive and continue until approximately 8:15pm. Winners will be announced during Trivia Night.

To join in the fun and help raise money for Christ Lutheran School, 2000 18th Avenue, Sterling, call 815-625-3800. Register by April 9th to be guaranteed a table for dinner. Walkins on Friday night will be

St. Paul Lutheran Church 1701 16th Ave. Sterling (815) 625-3069 Pastor Brandon Nelson

Palm Sunday April 13 Maundy Thursday April 17 Good Friday April 18 Easter Sunday April 20

9:00 AM

Worship

12:10 PM 6:00 PM

Service

6:00 PM

Service

9:00 AM

Easter Service

Grace Episcopal Church 707 1st Ave. Sterling (815) 625-0442 The Reverend Peg Williams

Palm Sunday April 13 Wednesday Tenebrae April 16 Maundy Thursday April 17 Good Friday April 18 Saturday April 19 Easter Sunday April 20

9:00 AM Worship 7:00 PM Worship 7:00 PM Thursday Seder and Eucharist 7:00 PM Worship 7:00 PM Great Easter Vigil 6:00 AM Easter Sunday 9:00 AM Service

E A S TE R C E L E BR AT IO N S

31

A

Va

Faith Parents moving in - cabin fever activities Christian Women Plan Lonnie Miller The disappearing winter weather means we aren’t going anywhere fast. In fact, we just aren’t going anywhere. Snow and ice are not easily navigated with walkers, canes and old, tired, arthritic bones. Coats are never warm enough, and the heater setting in my car does not go high enough to ward off the chill that settles into frail bodies. Kati Akers Benelli, an activities specialist for geriatric clients, describes some of the indoor activities that she and her clients share during this chilly weather. “I play word games, such as One Word Challenge. Take a long word, like “watermelon�. Have them come up with as many words as they can, using the letters from that word. This can be done on a dry erase board, and with more than one person. You can also play Word Jumble, where you mix the letters of the word up and they have to What about making cook-

Can your parent see easy things they can participate in, such as stirring and pouring.

Simple craft projects are good activities for dexterity and cognitive exercise.

Pinterest is a great resource, and these are a few that my clients have enjoyed.

We made snowmen out of tube socks, using red felt for scarves, and applied buttons, wiggly eyes, and pipe cleaners for arms. These can be given to grandkids for presents.

Handkerchief dolls are easy and my Elders really love making them. Instead of sewing, we use tacky glue, which is easily found in a store’s craft section. A favorite part of this project is creating the necklaces.

Get a box of assorted pony beads and plastic thread and wide enough for them to hold, and the pony beads have holes large enough for them to string. Tie a pony bead at the end, so they don’t fall off. When done, untie the bead, and secure with knots.

glue works well for this project. And when they’ve completed their part, sew it together to make a beautiful table runner.

Once, I took a bunch of gourds, cut large holes in the sides, cleaned them, and had the clients paint the outside with acrylic paint.

Sphagnum moss was then hot glued on the inside, and a little bird, purchased at a craft store, placed by the opening. They then had lovely gourd birdhouses.

How about custom made ing dye in various colors, an eye-dropper, rubbing alcohol, and a spray can of polyurethane varnish. Pour alcohol on the tile. Take an eye-dropper and different paint colors, and drop a few drops of each color on the tile. Let it dry. Spray 2 coats of varnish on the tile and glue felt on the bottom.

These can be made in sets of 4. When I did this project, the Elders were amazed and

absolutely loved it. Some gave them to family for presents and some kept them to enjoy for themselves.

We also have indoor horseshoes, corn-hole, and other games. I would suggest a ring toss game, as the rings are lightweight and easy to throw.�

All of these activities tience on your part, but will build lasting memories while you wait for warmer weather.

Luncheon for National Day of Prayer May 1st The Dixon Area Christian Women’s group is sponsoring a celebration of the National Day of Prayer on May 1st. People are invited to come to the flag pole at the old Lee County Courthouse at 11:30 for a brief prayer time and then go to the Holloway Center, St. Patrick’s Church, 612

Highland, Dixon for a luncheon and presentation.

Tickets for the luncheon are $6.

Josie Whaley and the leadership of the Dixon Area Christian Women are sponsoring this event.

For ticket information call Josie Whaley at 815-2847197.

March Topics

Lessons from the life of jesus

311 2nd Ave., Sterling 815-625-5112

Teaching Us to Pray Feeding the Five Thousand Explaining the New Birth Love for an Outcast The Good Samaritan

Sunday School 9:00 am Worship Service 10:00 am A First Aid and CPR trained employee from Gaffey Health Service along with one of our members provides child care in our nursery for children age 4 and under.

us on Facebook Visit our website: bigredchurchsterling.org

Clear-eyed faith Jeff Coester Easter is the ultimate statement that faith need not be blind. True faith is seldom blind. True faith operates based on solid logic.

The resurrection of Jesus Christ from the grave after three days is the foundation stone of the Christian faith.

The Apostle Paul, who wrote the bulk of the New Testament said, First Corinthians 15:13-17, if there is no resurrection, the people who follow this faith have wasted their time and have lied to everyone. People say they like the teaching, example and leadership of Jesus, but those things were never the core issues.

Uneducated followers of Jesus who spent less than four years with Him were completely controlled by fear at the time of the crucifixion. Three days later these men and women began a movement which changed the world.

Some have abused the fruit of their labor, but they sought no power, political advantage or wealth. They preached kindness, selfity and love. They gave up safety, comfort, reputation and often their lives.

The logic is simple. They and hundreds of others were witnesses to a man who was clearly and without dispute dead. He became alive,

exhibiting supernatural gifts and wisdom. This occurred in front of hundreds of witnesses for weeks. In the presence of hundreds of eye-witnesses, Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven with the promise that He would return.

Jesus challenged His disciples to live differently and share their faith based on the actual things they had experienced. Their faith was logical and life changing. Time has not diminished that logic. Today we speak of our faith experience with a Living Savior.

It is a wonderful mystery, but it is not blindness that brings us to worship.

703 Third Avenue, Sterling

Saint Luke’S epiScopaL church 175 Years Young!

211 S. Peoria St., Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 288-2151 Palm Sunday Service: April 13, 2014, 10:15am Maundy Thursday Service: April 17, 2014, 6:00pm Stations of the Cross: April 18, 2014, 12:15pm Good Friday Service: April 18, 2014, 6:00pm Easter Vigil Service: April 19, 2014, 7:30pm Easter Sunday Service: April 20, 2014, 10:15am

(815) 625-2634

Easter Services April 13 Palm Sunday 9:30 am with breakfast after worship.

Sponsored by Youth Group April 17 Maunday Thursday 6:15 pm April 18 Good Friday 6:15 pm April 20 Easter Service 9:30 am

Evangelical Lutheran Church in America God’s work. Our hands.

www.stlukesdixon.org

32

A

Va

Kids

K-Kids meet Mark Knie with gifts for area animal shelters

Child Fair kids

The K-Kids of Lincoln Grade School in Sterling invited a representative from Granny Rose Animal Shelter in Dixon and Happy Tails animal shelter in Sterling to attend their meeting in this winter. The children had been working on a project

the shelter. They recycled them with Catnip and also tied small fleece blankets for the kitties to have in their shelter. The children decorated a box, made cards

Mr. Knie, from Granny Rose Animal Shelter spoke with the children about animal shelters and what they do in the community. He spent time talking with the children and helping them with their project for the animals.

cards, toys and blankets.

(Above) The outdoor petting zoo featured sheep, miniature horses, ducks, chickens and bunnies.

(Left) Hannah Conderman, touches on her picture for the Sauk Valley Sun’s coloring contest.

(Right) Iggy, a certified therapy Maltese that works at CGH entertaining patients, got plenty of love and pets from several adorning children and their parents.

First United Methodist Church Dixon 202 South Peoria

Take advantage of our 0.99% APR intro rate Home Equity Line of Credit* for 6 months!

After that, rates as low as 4.194%†APR. Now’s a great time to pay off those high rate credit card balances, finish that that home improvement project or take your dream vacation! See a Sterling Federal Bank Loan Professional today.

Join us for Easter Worship 5pm

April 19

7am

April 20

10am April 20

Easter Saturday CHAPEL (off Peoria) Sunrise Service (location TBA 815-284-2849) Easter Sunday Service SANCTUARY (Parking Lot Entrance)

815-284-2849 www.fumcdixon.org Handicapped accessible

*Offer good on new HELOCs only. All loans subject to credit approval. Your rate and credit limit will be determined based on individual creditworthiness. Homeowners insurance is required. The APR includes interest only and no other costs and is based on the value of the Federal Cost of Funds Index and is current as of 1/29/2014 and could change at any time. In no event will the regular Annual Percentage Rate be less than 3.25% or more than the lesser of 18% per annum or the maximum rate allowed by applicable law. A $5,000 initial advance is required to obtain this introductory rate. At the beginning of the seventh month, your APR will be determined by a margin added to the current index rate. Offer good through June 30, 2014. †Rate based on current index plus margin.

33

A

Va

Coupons

M

STEAKS

& SPIRITS

Downtown Sterling 14 E. 3rd St. Sterling 815-632-0761

Friday & Saturday Nights Enjoy Live Music Les Wilson’s Musical Genius

Th, Fri,Sat 11-2 pm T,W, Th, F, Sat 4-9 pm Sunday Brunch 10-2 pm FREE WI-FI!

$

20 M Family Dinner Coupon

20

$

STEAKS

& SPIRITS

Tuesdays / Wednesdays 5-9pm

16 Chicken Strips For Only 4 Servings French Fries 4 Servings Cole Slaw 4 Servings Garlic Toast

$

$

20

20 $

Expires 4/30/2014. Please bring in coupon.

K & T Auto Repair

20

BUSINESS /COUPONS Buy Any Large 1 Topping Pizza

with 4 Domestic Beers

for $19.99 Dine-in Only

JOHNNY’S 815-626-7767 BAR & GRILL

707 Freeport Road (Near Rt. 2) Sterling, IL www.JohnnysBarAndGrill.net

30 Years Experience

Tune-ups Engine Brakes Transmission L.O.F. & Alternators

815-499-7776

and

Excellent

Owner

Complete Autowerks Repair Services Diagnostic Testing / Brakes Struts / Engine / Tires Transmissions

FREE ESTIMATES

Jeff & Leanne White Owners jltjm5@hotmail.com

2310 W. 4th St. Dixon, IL 61021

Call 815-440-3018

Processing Plant

BEEF – PORK – SHEEP 2VBSUFST )BMWFT PG #FFG t )BMWFT 8IPMF 1JHT 201 Illinois Rt. 40, Chadwick, IL

Tel: (815) 684-5183

We are seeking nominations for

31 Years of Business

Built on Honesty, Integrity & Service 12420 W. Penn Rd. Polo, IL (815) 946-3081

OF THE YEAR!

Send nominations with a brief summary of why you think your nominee should be chosen Mother of the Year to LASC - P.O. BOX 1040, Sterling, IL 61081

N

S

O

EST. 1951

CA

AME N L.A.S.C. RI

LAT I

Northern Illinois' Most Trusted Propane Company

Johnson's

Sterling, Illinois

C IA

B

C.A.R.S.

L CL

U

2708 W. 4th St. Sterling, IL

(815) 625-8290

Winner will be selected by independent judges. Cash prize, gifts and recognition will be bestowed to winning nominees on May 10th at the LASC Mother’s Day Dance. Winner will be revealed at 10PM the night of the dance.

34

A

Va

Food continued from page 23 This is one of those somewhat fussy desserts that are best made at home with fresh ingredients. It is also best when served warm. Everything can be ready to combine just as main course is ready to be served. It then emerges from the oven ready to be enjoyed as the main course is cleared.

Lemon Pudding Cake 3 lemons ž cup sugar 3 large eggs, separated 1 cup milk

4 tbsp. butter or margarine, melted 1/8 tsp. salt Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease an 8-inch square baking dish.

Grated rind from lemons (1 tbsp) and juice (1/3 cup juice) In large bowl, combine With wire whip beat in egg yolks, milk and melted butter, lemon peel and juice.

In a small mixer bowl, beat egg whites and salt until soft peaks form when beaters are lifted. With

rubber spatula, fold onethird of egg whites into lemon mixture; gently fold in remaining egg whites just until blended.

Pour batter into prepared baking dish.

Put baking dish into medium roasting pan. Very carefully pour enough very hot water into roasting pan so that it comes up to halfway of baking dish. Bake in preheated oven about 40 minutes, or until top is golden and set. Cool in pan on rack 10 minutes. Serve hot. Makes 6 servings.

Whenever there is an

occasion for a fruit desthat comes to mind is this extraordinarily simple sauce made from fresh lemons (or oranges).

Lemon Sauce ½ cup sugar 1 tbsp. cornstarch 1 cup water Ÿ cup fresh lemon (or orange) juice Grated rind of 1 lemon (or orange) Pinch of salt 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into pieces Stir sugar and cornstarch in a small heavy saucepan

Sterling Main Street Fourth Fridays, April 25th In an effort to encourage additional business participation in the monthly Fourth Fridays activities, Sterling Main Street and the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce are working together to create a city-wide shop local promotion on the Fourth Friday of each month. The new format will be a day-long event and is open to ALL area businesses.

Our hope is that in addi-

tion to those who continue featuring the local arts community, you might instead choose to offer a discount on products or services, free or discounted consultations for appointments scheduled on a Fourth Friday, a special activity or promotion at your business, etc...

Anything Goes! Our goal is to promote Fourth Fridays shop local and support your community. Your level of involvement from month

to month is up to you. By being a Chamber member and/or Main Street Partner we will help promote your business and your Fourth Friday “event�.

The revamped day-long Fourth Fridays shop local event will launch April 25.

If you would be interested in participating in the NEW Fourth Fridays, or for additional information, please contact the Chamber at 815625-2400.

to break up any lumps.

Stir in water, juice, rind and a pinch of salt.

Stirring constantly with a heatproof spatula or wooden spoon, bring sauce to a boil. Cook until thickened. Stir in butter. Serve at once. Or, let sauce cool, then cover and refrigerate. Keeps up to one week.

To reheat, warm over low heat, stirring so sauce does not scorch.

Kiwanis cook book, a food and historical connector

“Connected by a River�

Cookbook was created and designed as a reminder of the close historical and interdependence of Rock

Falls and Sterling. It was a project of the Kiwanis service organization. It has recipes from our area residents as well as historical information sprinkled throughout the Cook Book. “We received the cookbooks early in November last year and had sold almost 2/3 by the end of December They are now available at Cooks Corner and Airplay Sports in Sterling as well as through any Kiwanis member. Donna

Ripley), Susan Atchley, Carol Stauter, Judy Martin and Sue Klock headed up the cookbook committee and would love to sell and deliver the cookbook. Dave Gaumer and Nicole Green (non-Kiwanians) were also part of the working committee. “ Connected by a River� would make a nice gift to people here as well as people who have connected to the Tri-Cities.

For information call Donna Ripley 815-626-6529.

Dixon’s First United Methodist Church family-friendly With programs for the young to the not-so-young, the First United Methodist Church in Dixon is said to be one of the “friendliest family churches� in the Tri-Cities. There are education and social functions for adults and children, a teen program and a Sunday School program for the little ones.

Three different choirs add to the worship services. The Chancel Choir is known for singing God’s blessings, the Bell Choir rings out God’s blessings and the Ladies Ensemble brings smiles and applause

from the congregation.

Pastor Mike Jones teaches the word of God in scripture and prayer. He is also known as an almost-alwaysenthusiastic person. One seldom sees Mike without a smile on his face. Pastor Stan Rodabaugh, Visitation Pastor, takes smiles and comfort to those in the congregation who can’t come to church services.

First United Methodist Church has a Saturday evening service at 5 pm in the Chapel that is accessed from Peoria Avenue. The regular Sunday service is at 10 am in the church’s Sanc-

tuary most easily accessed from the adjacent parking lot. The church has recently installed a new elevator/ lift to make different levels of the church accessible to those who are handicapped.

On Easter, the church will have a service at sunrise.

The location is yet to be determined.

Call the church office, 815-284-2849, for further information about the Easter services or any other question you have about the church. The First United Methodist Church is located at the corner of Second and Peoria, Dixon.

World Leader in Refilling and Remanufacturing Ink and Toner Cartridges!

3307 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, IL 61081

Affordable Oasis for Everyone Responsive Web Design Mobile Websites E Commerce Websites Hosting & Support Photography & Video Digital Marketing S e e m y p o r t f o l i o o n To n y W h o . c o m

815-994-8851

design@tonywinstead.com

Make Heritage Woods of Sterling Your Home. “A TRUE OASIS FOR SENIORS 65 AND OLDER�

To arrange a visit, call Denise Garcia

815-625-7045

2205 Oak Grove Ave. Sterling, IL 61081 hw-sterling-slf.com

Heritage Woods of Sterling

35

A

Va

Hauck Homes, Inc

Beautiful, Safe, Affordable Neighborhoods Dixon 2bed/1bath On The River! $29,900

Dixon 2bed/1bath Coming Soon $9,900

Mt. Morris 3bed/1bath Big Yard! $550 per month

Mt. Morris 3bed/1bath Affordable! $19,900

Dixon 4bed/2.5bath Price Reduced! $45,000

Dixon 3bed/2bath HUGE YARD! $899 per month

Mt. Morris 2bed/1bath Come See Me! $12,900

Lyndon 3bed/2bath Like New! $795 per month

Dixon 2bed/1bath Starter Home $9,900

Dixon 3bed/2bath BRAND NEW! $33,900

Dixon 3bed/2bath Must See! $44,900

Mt. Morris Morrison 3bed/1bath 3bed/1bath Great Rental Low Price! $550 per month $395 per month

Dixon Mt. Morris 3bed/2bath 3bed/2bath BRAND NEW! Beautiful Home! $600 per month $24,900

Our inventory is always changing.

Call us today!

A two year lease is required to purchase these homes at the listed prices. A security deposit and one year lease is required on rentals.

All applicants must be approved to live in the community.

www.HauckHomes.com Welc Homome e

CALL TODAY 815-284-2000

A

Va

SL STAGE LEFT

DIXON STAGE LEFT..is a new special event ‘black box’ venue in downtown Dixon.

The vintage second-floor space will feature cabaret-style seating with informal groups of chairs and small tables so patrons can enjoy a relaxed, adult night out.

Monthly events will feature cabaret, jazz, and intimate productions of sophisticated dramas and comedies.

What’s left to do in Dixon? Stage Left!

-

-

M DIXON L k

DIXON ei

dixonstageleft.com Z

By Jack Heifner