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DIXON - STERLING - ROCK FALLS

Thursday, November 28

December 2013 | Vol. 1 Issue 9

INSIDE

Ten Designer Decorating Tips for the Holidays

Challand’s Gebhardt on the fast track

In a group of about 5,000 kids that share the same interest, and each wanting to compete for the honor of being the best out of all of them, Jake Gebhardt can say that he is at the top of the class. see page 7

Maria’s Pizza a favorite in Sterling A pizza that smells right, tastes right, and makes you feel good after taking a few bites is what is best. For me, that has to be the pizza from Maria’s Pizza Italian Restaurant, 119 E. Third St., Sterling. No matter what size you get, or the toppings, the pizza is going to be so spectacular you are never going to forget it. see page 16

Christmas memories

Ryan Fenn photo

Ten stress-free ways to decorate in order to make the holidays special

See page 22

Christmas is rapidly approaching, and it is a time for all of us to reflect on the many varying aspects of Christmas and how over the years, they have had an impact on our immediate and extended families. Christmas more so than any other holiday, is a time that has at least for me been filled with memories that I would like to share. see page 29

Local

Education

Local

Home & Garden Entertainment Business

Sauk Valley Shop Small about “Building Community.”

Festival recognizes top music students.

Remembering our soldiers.

Holiday Meals: Here’s a day-to-day countdown for stress-free happy holiday meals. see page 10

see page 4

see page 5

(815) 288-3366

see page 6

Great Snowball Drop to highlight 25th Anniversary Dixon Christmas Walk.

ONE PRICE ONE PLAN ONE GOAL

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Local designers create bright, colorful wreaths for the holidays.

see pages 12

see page 26

Our best price upfront and displayed on every vehicle every day.

To sell all vehicles without having the pressure of negotiating a price.

To provide a hassle-free vehicle buying experience.

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2

December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local Brad’s Beat

Brad Monson What a goofball a person can be…we know Larry Dunphy is owner of Books

on First, Dixon. So, what caused it to be named something else here….we’ll not repeat the error. Oh my… thankfully they are kindly folk!

Over at Snyder’s Drug Store you can load up on “stocking stuffers”…they have trial-size containers of a variety of products…. just the ticket for useful yet inexpensive items.

Thanks Kevin, for all the “cool stuff” you have selected for us.

Speaking of shopping…. you can (literally) shop-tilyou-drop by going to every Sauk Valley Shop Small business….there are more than three dozen local businesses in the group and all will have special promotions on Small Business Saturday November 30th….don’t miss out on the fun!

If you’ve seen men with sparkly glitter on their face, like Terry from Golden Key Gifts, Sterling or Bud from Distinctive Gardens,

EVERYTHING For The Office

& Gifts!

Dixon….its because these guys have been decorating their stores for the holidays.

And, we all know how glitter scatters.

While it may not be cool to be “cheap” it is good to be a savvy shopper. So, shoppers…check out lunch and affordable dinners at Martin’s in Sterling. Martin’s may offer the most affordable lunch in downtown Sterling…and you’ll dine in quiet elegance.

If you missed Merlin’s Holiday Open House (in Oregon)…count the days until next year’s event…and don’t miss it. What a blast!

And, with the Premier night designed as a fundraising event, Merlin’s raised $1750 for charities in the area.

SBM had a super Open House, too! If you’ve not been to SBM lately, buzz on over to SBM in Ster-

ling….get your Holiday cards printed, shop in their amazing gift department and pick up all manner of unique and unusal gifts for your friends, and office mates.

Karma’s Salon and Spa, Rock Falls, is having an evening Open House December 7… it will be an almost onestop-shop for beauty stuff for the girls (and guys) in your life.

One of friendliest and most respected automotive specialists is right here in the Tri-Cities: Brent’s Upholstery, Sterling. People drive miles and miles for Brent to work on their automotive interiors…especially replacing or repairing convertible tops. On a recent visit Brent was just finishing work on the WHITE interior of an antique Ford. Wow…a prize winner for sure! Brent has those remote starters,

too….. you can get the car warm BEFORE you open the door. Truly a genius was the one who created that cold-weather-almost-anecessity accessory.

Danny and his family at Galena Steak House, Dixon, welcome you as if you were their family. A warm welcome, the great salad bar (with soup!), consistently well-prepared food and cozy atmosphere make this a good choice for “date night” or “cook’s night off”.

Continuing with their 25th Anniversary Celebration at White Pines, anytine you dine at White Pines you’ll receive a “silver” coin valued at $5 to spend at the restaurant before 12/22.

Happy 25th to one of area’s most beautiul attractions!

Aloha…keep the cards and letters coming – BRAD.

Christmas Walks Dec. 1 Amboy Christmas Walk noon to 3 pm Dec. 6 25th Annual Dixon Christmas Walk 6 pm to 9 pm Dec. 6 Sublette Christmas in the Village 5 pm to 8 pm Dec. 7 Ashton Christmas Walk 2 pm to 8 pm Dec. 13 Christmas in the Grove (Franklin Grove) 5 pm to 8 pm Dec. 13 Paw Paw Annual Christmas Festival 5 pm to 8 pm To see a full listing of holiday events, visit www.seelee.info

TOURISM COUNCIL 815-288-1840

Happy Holidays from all of us at the Sauk Valley Sun! sauksun@gmail.com

3

December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local

Thanksgiving Meals For All Lonnie Miller The Dixon Knights of Columbus (KC’s) will be hosting a Thanksgiving Dinner on Thanksgiving Day from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. at their hall, 506 West 3rd Street, (behind the Citgo Station).

Everyone is welcome as there are no income guidelines. The main focus of the free meal is fellowship for anyone who would like to join the food and fun.

Gary and Jean Gornik, Tory and Shelly Koehler, Tony Cook, and a host of other Knights and their wives, friends and families have been hosting this event for the past five years. Before that the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church Youth group sponsored the event for more than 20 years.

The group starts meeting in October of each year to get their supplies and plans in order. They start by getting monetary, and other types of support, from the community, from media outlets, newspapers and many

businesses. Additionally, it takes about 100 volunteers and over 300 hours of work to put on the event each year.

In 2011 the KC’s won an International Award for the effort put into this annual Thanksgiving Dinner.

Each year, over 300 pounds of fresh turkeys are matched up to awaiting roasters at 5 a.m. on Thanksgiving morning. The many other menu items such as cranberry sauce, dressing, sweet potatoes, potatoes & gravy, corn, green beans, salads and pies are also prepared, some on Thanksgiving, some the day before.

It’s typical for 80-100 volunteers to help on-site on Thanksgiving Day. Some cook, some serve, some drive to make deliveries or bring folks to the dinner, and some clean. Each volunteer is valued and necessary to the team.

In addition to the meals served on-site at the KC Hall, the group offers carryout and home delivery for homebound folks who want

the meal. To arrange for delivery call 815-288-1821 and leave your name, address and phone number so someone can call you to confirm any details.

Lee/Ogle Transportation is offering bus rides to and from the dinner too.

You must call Lee/Ogle Transportation by Tuesday 11/26/13 at noon to arrange for free transportation. You can call Jennifer at 815-2889236 or the transportation office at 815-288-2117.

You will get a return call on Wednesday to confirm what time your ride will arrive on Thursday.

There is no charge for the meal or for the transportation, but donations are welcome for either. Funds that are collected at the KC Hall that day are used for the event, and any extra funds are donated to Loaves and Fishes, (a group that provides free meals each Monday evening, 5-6:30 p.m. at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dixon), or to the Dixon Food Pantry. Any hot

Grateful: Embraced, Encouraged and Enthusiastic How filled can you be with gratitude? Can it feel as if it is spilling over like bubbling oatmeal? As gratitude is a feeling, does it surround invisibly like love?

Can anyone else feel another’s gratitude?

The simple truth: words cannot describe our gratitude for you and the communities you serve.

You encourage, embrace and give us cause to be enthusiastic because we have the same mission, the same goal and the same values. We all committed to building our communities.

We know that there are no limits on the good, creative, fun and inspired thinking that can occur when people are aligned, responsive and involved. When we collectively think positively and creatively…amazing results happen.

Look at the Sauk Valley Shop Small (SVSS) group.

Once it was a concept. Then folks created one event.

Now there is a group of more than three dozen local business owners who are acting as one, in four promotions a year, including: Small Business Saturday on November 30th. You’ll be thrilled to see what these business people have put to-

Accents

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Blue Heron Crystals & Minerals Crystals and Minerals Himalayan Salt Lamps Tibetan and Crystal Singing Bowls Dowsing Pendulums and Rods Chakra and Meditation Stones Sage and Smudging Supplies

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Publisher’s Note Judy Bell Publisher

food left over is donated to the local homeless shelters, to Loaves & Fishes or to individuals who can benefit from the gift. Extra donations of frozen turkeys, canned goods and such are given to the local Good Fellows Organization that puts together holiday food baskets for the needy.

To donate, please call Gary Gornik at 815-9941368 or Tory Koehler at 815-284-1597.

gether for you… so get to as many as you can and thank them for the value they bring to our community… every day!

This issue is jam-packed with events, opportunities to serve, and inspiring stories about those who live, work, and have their being in Rock Falls, Sterling and Dixon.

What better way to celebrate the holiday than where we give thanks for all that we have received, acknowledging that your initial and continuing acceptance is a treasure beyond measure.

Thank you, thank you, and thank you…..Happy Thanksgiving from all of us to all of you.

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December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local Sauk Valley Shop Small about “Building Community”

By Frances O’Dorrell

nual Small Business Saturday gives all 50,000 (est.) citizens the opportunity to show their support of these “mom and pop” businesses.

They are, after all, the business model of what has built and continues to build the American economy. Locallyowned small business is also at the heart of the “American Dream” that is bandied world-wide as an opportunity to succeed.

Every business in the Shop Small group has a reason for

Hats off to our Sauk Valley Shop Small (SVSS) community of locally-owned businesses! They have banded together to bring awareness to the value and enhancing quality of life they bring to our Tri-Cities…every day!

Originally the group started in 2011 by participating in the national Small Business Saturday. This year the promotional event is next week.

November 30th the An-

you to come visit them this Small Business Saturday.

One of the easy ways to tap into the enthusiasm that is being generated is to visit the Facebook page of the group: Sauk Valley Shop Small.

You can “like” business you know and appreciate.

At the same time you can get acquainted with all 38 businesses. Each has their own Facebook page which will provide additional information… a “glimpse” if you will… of the business,

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In July of this year, Janna became Executive Director, Sterling Main Street.

With creativity, enthusiasm and commitment Lisa and Janna have helped establish the framework of SVSS and remain excited about its future.

One outgrowth is the Sauk Valley Shop Small blue buttons and cards with location maps now at each SVSS location. “That was not my idea….it was one of our participants’ ideas and now we all have it,” Bud said.

Why do people invest time

and effort in the Sauk Valley Shop Small group?

“For us its about giving back. We have been blessed. It is a blessing to give. We feel compelled…obliged and eager to contribute as we all know what is developing now is only the beginning. The mind-set to do good for the community is thriving. “ “Small business is the building block of community. So as we work together everyone benefits,” Bud continued.

The Sauk Valley Shop Small group now has four promotions a year.

“It is starting to ‘snowball’…and we all love it,” Lisa said, noting that she and Bud believe that “shop small” could become an everyday choice for folks to the greater benefit of the communities they serve and are committed to build.

Sauk Valley Shop Small (SVSS) community of locally owned businesses

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its owners and why they do what they do in our community.

“Looking back to the beginning, what we have helped to create is a wonderful example of how working together benefits all,” said Lisa LeFevre, Distinctive Gardens, Dixon. In 2011 Lisa, active with Dixon’s Second Saturdays worked with Janna Groharing, active with Sterling Main Street, to help Sterling create Fourth Fridays.

A bit later that year Distinctive Gardens made in “big-time” with an American Express contest, “The Big Break.” Lisa and her husband Bud LeFevre experienced “the power of community growth.”

Lisa and Janna continued to work together, helped create the first event and connected businesses that would become the nucleus of SVSS.

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DIXON 1. River Ridge Animal Hospital 273 IL Rt 2 (815) 288-3394 2. Distinctive Gardens Inc 2020 Lowell Pk Rd. (815) 2850014 3. Studio 404 112 E. Fellows St (815) 2844247 4. Dixon Furniture Mart 2400 W. Fourth St. (815) 2882488 5. Flynnie’s Diner 609 Depot Ave. (815) 964-2252 6. Baker Street 111 W. First St. (815) 285-2253 7. Trein’s Jewelry, Inc. 201 W. First St. (815) 284-6626 8. The Crystal Cork Wine Shoppe 219 W. First St. (815) 285-3496 9. Roxie’s 302 W. First St. (815) 288-1886 10. C & N Supply / FarmChains.com 105 S. Peoria Ave. (800) 6485429 11. Rosbrook Studio Co-op 105 S. Peoria Ave. (815) 9734476 12. Second Saturdays A monthly cultural event 13. Mama Cimino’s - Dixon 116 S. Peoria Ave. (815) 2884448

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ROCK FALLS 22. Rock River Golf & Pool 3901 Dixon Ave. (815) 625-2387 23. FrameScapes of Rock Falls 606 Emmons Ave. (815) 4417305

25. Kidder Music 2901 E. Lincolnway (815) 622-7625 26. Bushel Basket Candle Co. 2900 E Lincolnway (815) 6225996 27. Health & Nutrition Plus 2522 E. Lincolnway (815) 625-3409 28. Candy Bouquet 2522 E. Lincolnway (815) 632-3577 29. A Cook’s Corner 2501 Ave E (815) 625-7040 30. Jamie’s Candle Loft 2713 Locust St. (815) 626-0048 31. Campbell Performance Tire 29909 Penrose Rd (815) 632-7175 32. Sauk Valley Reiki 907 7th Ave (815) 200-8676 by appointment or online only 33. Twin City Farmers Market 106 Avenue A 34. Golden Key Gifts 702 West 4th St. (815) 622-3903 35. SBM callsbm.com 501 Locust St. (815) 625-4375 36. Sterling Main Street / Fourth Fridays (815) 626-8610 37. Tuff Dog Bakery 7 East 3rd St. (815) 625-5725 38. Showplace Antiques & Treasures 307 1st Ave. (815) 564-9376 39. Air Play Sports & Espresso 115 E 3rd St. (815) 585-4327

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December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local Festival recognizes top music students

Mikio Martinez (7th grade, viola) Abby Nitz (8th grade, violin) Zaina Rumbloz (7th grade, violin)

IMEA stands for the Illinois Music Educators Association. There are nine districts in the state of Illinois that comprise IMEA. Sterling is in District VIII, which includes a wide area of schools. Every other year, orchestra combines with District II, which includes a wide range of schools including Peoria and Rock Island. Every year, each district holds a festival to recognize the top students in its district. If selected, students participate in one of the best musical experiences for their ages by participating in a festival.

This year the orchestra festival was at Augustana College on November 9th and the band and choir festival was held at Northern

Illinois University on November 16th.

It is a great honor to be accepted to perform at this festival. In order to be in the festival, students must audition; auditions are held in October. Students audition on scales and on audition music which will be part of their concert performance at the Festival. Students work for months in preparation for these auditions.

Students participating in IMEA 2013 are: Orchestra: Sonia Olivo (7th grade, violin) Liam Estes (7th grade, cello) Amber Kuhn (7th grade, cello)

Band: Zachary Wade (8th grade, saxopohone) Akira Tanton (8th grade trombone) Emma Boze (8th grade clarinet) Shelly Saathoff (7th grade clarinet) Choir: Sydney Johnson (8th grade Soprano) Abby Nitz (8th grade Soprano) Mitchell Clodfelter (8th grade baritone) Bradley McClenton (8th grade baritone) Brianna Chandler (7th grade soprano) Anna Mohr (7th grade, soprano) Madeline Geil (7th grade, soprano) The music teachers at Challand Middle School are: Orchestra, Barb Lauff Choir: Rex Neff Band: Erik Oberg

What is Boxing Day? land. Historians say, 15th century or thereabouts.

When on Saint Stephens Day, December 26th, the Churches emptied the coins from the collection boxes and gave the money to the poor. So the Boxing Day tradition evolved through to this day.

In Victorian times the wealthy families waited upon the house servants, to appreciate their efforts of the previous day.

Gary Davey Firstly, if you are not from England, from English decent or have an English friend, you probably have no idea what Boxing Day is, or when and what it stands for, other than reading it on a yearly calendar.

To my knowledge, (born in London, England, grew up on Canvey Island), Boxing day dates back to the Middle Ages in Eng-

I can remember growing up (back in England) and watching my father place money (in an envelope, not a box, but the thought was there!) it was put out for the coalman, milkmen, dustmen etc. I also remember my first of several jobs back in the 1970s, receiving a Christmas Box (Bonus), and then leaving a Christmas Box for the deliverymen!

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6

December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local

Remembering Our Soldiers ly placed on the north bank of Rock River facing south between the bridges. Unfortunately, hardly anyone knew that it was there and so it was moved to Veterans Memorial Park last month.

However, I was drawn into the celebration of all the soldiers in our area and joined more than one hundred people there. At first I felt sorry for myself as I had not expected to be outside that long – I was very cold and had not worn

Carol Chandler I originally went to the veterans’ celebration in Dixon’s Veterans Memorial Park to take a picture of the Marine Memorial that was erected for all our soldiers who lost their lives in Beirut. (Actually, of the two hundred forty-one that gave their lives, two hundred and twenty were U. S. Marines, thirteen were in the U. S. Navy and three were in the U. S. Army.) It was original-

a head covering or gloves.

Then I thought of all our soldiers who had endured days and nights in this type of weather. Suddenly, I didn’t feel sorry for myself any more. I just wondered what our vets have gone through to protect not only my freedom and rights, but also those of my children and grandchildren.

The playing of “Taps” and a twenty-one gun salute opened the ceremony and after a prayer by Pastor

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Frank Langholf and comments from several local dignitaries including Senator Tim Bivins, and Major General Micheal R. Smith spoke. I was astounded to hear that over one million soldiers have been lost since the Revolutionary War and more than one hundred fifty million have been wounded.

Major General Smith said, “We owe them a debt we can never repay. They were called for a service greater than themselves.”

There was also the unveiling of the WW1 Memorial listing forty-nine names of soldiers from Lee County who gave their most precious gift - their lives - for our freedom. The memorial was initiated and researched

by Pat Gorman, past president of the Lee County Genealogical Society and current president of the Lee County Historical Society.

The crowd was hushed as all forty-nine names were read aloud.

“From Bunker Hill to Afghanistan, our soldiers have stepped into the breach to defend our country.” said Major General Smith. I say a prayer every night for our soldiers, past and present. I may not be able to be right beside them, but I will always remember them. GOD BLESS OUR VETS.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

A memorial to military veterans who gave their lives in 1983 in Beirut, Lebanon: 220 Marines, 18 Navy and 3 Army personnel. It was rededicated and placed in the Veterans Memorial Park in the late fall. It was previously located on the North Shore of the Rock River in Presidents Park.

4:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.

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Senator Tim Bivins and Major General Michael Smith uncovering the memorial plaque for those soldiers in Lee County who lost their lives in WW1. Carol Chandler photos

The True Meaning of Christmas Jill Horn My first Christmas in Guatemala I missed Christmas music in English more than anything else. I left to come here in July and didn’t think of bringing my Christmas CD’s with me. It didn’t really seem like Christmas until I got back home because there was no snow in Guatemala, it wasn’t cold and I wasn’t with my family.

The Christmas decorations just seemed tacky since some were behind razor wire or fences. I thought later, “Is this what Christmas is all about? Snow, music and decorations.” None of these things have anything to do with the true meaning of Christmas.

It was December and I was about to go home for the holidays. It was a magical time of the year even if it wasn’t the same.

It finally felt like Christmas when I got back home and could listen to Christmas music in English, there was even a little snowfall

my second day home. I went shopping that day at my favorite mall. It wasn’t too crowded. The stores were decorated for Christmas and had Christmas music playing. Santa was in the mall also. People were trying to get their last minute shopping done. Everything seemed the way it always was but I noticed more since I missed many of these things.

During my Christmas vacation, I went ice-skating and ate Christmas cookies.

I remember preparing for a family Christmas dinner with my mom, sisters and sisters-in-law. We were all in

the kitchen fixing the meal.

It smelled heavenly. There was Christmas music playing in the background and a forecast for snow. It felt so much like Christmas. All these things still had nothing to do with the true meaning of Christmas though. We all prepared ourselves for the Christmas Eve service at church. We sat together filling up one long pew. During the candlelight service the Pastor read, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you (Luke 2:11, NIV).” Then I remembered the real reason for Christmas.

7

December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local Holiday Workshops Take Over December 7th At Woodlawn Arts Academy

STERLING – Head out to Woodlawn Arts Academy to make homemade gifts this holiday season! Participants in Elves at Work on Saturday, December 7th, will have the opportunity to make unique gifts for family members and friends. This year’s Elves at Work offers gift options as well as culinary workshops.

The Gift Day runs from 10am to noon in the J. Mark Beaty Performance Center at Woodlawn Arts Academy.

Participants will have several opportunities: • Create unique crafts • Fill up and make your own label for treat jars,

such as dry cookie mix and cereal mix • Bring your own photos to make a special scrapbook page • Bring your own photos and order a one-of-akind DVD with music • Get your photo taken and make a frame for it • Get help wrapping your gifts There is no need to register for this event! Just stop in anytime between 10am and noon on Saturday, December 7th, and make your gifts!

Children under age 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

All items range in price

from $2 to $20. This event is organized by Janel Stahr.

For more information, e-mail her at jstahr@woodlawnartsacademy.com.

Throughout the course of the day, you can also participate in a number of culinary workshops designed just for the holidays.

A Cookie Art Workshop for ages 14-adult runs from 9am to 11:30am in the Farmhouse at Woodlawn Arts Academy. Participants will turn simple cut-out cookies into show stoppers, learning to decorate with royal icing and the color flow method.

Tuition is $22.50.

Sweet Treats for the Holidays Workshop runs from noon to 1pm for ages 5-8, and from 1:30-3pm for ages 9-adult. Those taking this workshop will learn fun, creative recipes to make giftgiving extra special! Tuition is $15 for the first Sweet Treats workshop, and $22.50 for the second one.

To register for Cookie Art or Sweet Treats for the Holidays, visit www.woodlawnartsacademy.com, call (815) 626-4278 or visit the Academy during normal

business hours of 9am-8pm Monday-Thursday, 9am6pm Fridays and 9am-noon Saturdays. Registration for the culinary workshops is required by Wednesday,

December 4th. Woodlawn Arts Academy is proud to be supported by United Way of Whiteside County.

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December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local

Safe toys and gifts for small children Carol Chandler, BSN, RN, AAS As the holidays approach, we start thinking about what Santa is going to bring for our babies and toddlers.

What toys are safe? What do I look for as far as size and materials? What safety precautions should I be aware of? Since I have a great-grandchild who will be sixteen months old when we celebrate this most important holiday of the year, I

am concerned as well. Here are some tips: Toys to avoid are balloons, small balls and those with small parts. Magnets and small batteries in electronic devices are especially dangerous. Check stuffed animals that have features such as eyes or noses that may be easily pulled off.

Up to age five, children have a tendency to put everything in their mouths, so it is important to check the labels to see what materials

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Are cloth animals flame retardant?

Toys should not only entertain, but also educate and promote hand-eye coordination. Push toys are usually enjoyed as well as “put-in and take-out” toys. Toys manufactured in the U.S. are

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December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local 238th birthday of U.S. Marine Corps celebrated in Polo

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Dixon Tourism is pleased to be sponsoring a “Color the Town” Dixon coloring book Tourism of Dixon is to capture the amazing amenities our great community has to offer and to also share with people of all ages, but especially young people, in our community what Dixon is all about by offering them a visual display of Dixon that they may not be exposed to.

Not only is Dixon blessed by great attributes from our rich presidential history, and our beautiful Rock River, but also unique structures like the Dixon Arch, the Dixon High School, and one of my favorites the Dixon Library. So we

hope that those in our community will spotlight one or two of their favorites things about the Dixon area to be featured in a Color the Town Dixon Coloring Book featuring their very own black and white renderings.

We know how creative the Dixon area people can be and look forward to their amazing work. Perhaps it will be an architectural drawing of their favorite building in Dixon, or a modernistic view of their favorite activity or event.

We look forward to their unique expression of Dix-

on. We have received some amazing submissions and hope to receive even more.

We are looking for talent from everyone, no matter the age. Once we have compiled the submissions, a group of judges will choose the art for publication in our Dixon Coloring Book. It will be available at the Dixon Welcome Center and used for children visiting the center, school field trips and will be used by KSB who is partnering with Dixon Tourism on this fun artistic endeavor.

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December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local Holiday Meals: Here’s a day-to-day countdown for stress-free happy holiday meals

By Judith Bell, M.S. Publisher Football coaches, presidential candidates, generals and scientists all know and value planning. So do home cooks…especially during the holidays. Producing a lovely meal is just that….a production of sometimes epic proportions. And, sometimes the cook can’t control everything….the weather, length of the church service,

or the traffic to grandma’s house. Still, you can have a plan in place.

While we may all have vastly differing menus for the holidays, we are all given only 24 hours in each day.

So, the playing field is level.

What makes the difference between holiday entertaining that seems effortless and that which looks stressful is thinking ahead, doing ahead, engaging others (family and friends for key points of as-

sistance) and being prepared for slight deviations from the plan.

Here is a plan for the next six days similar to what we organized for last year. Or, use the plan for six days prior to fancy meal). Planning works… if you work your plan.

With thanks to the Lord for all He provides here are suggestions that have worked well for many years:

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Holiday Menu Hot and/or cold appetizers Roast Turkey*, Roast Beef, Roast Pork Loin Gravy Dressing Whipped Potatoes Sweet Potatoes (in casserole) Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots with Cheese Sauce Cranberry Sauce Relishes Hot rolls** with Butter Honey Jellies Pies Cakes Holiday Puddings Beverages

Day One Decide on final menu.

Consider asking friends or family to make specific items to bring to the meal.

Prepare grocery list in two stages: “Dry shop” to be done now…even today and “fresh” shop for up to three days prior to meal.

Phone ahead and order turkey or other main dish item.

If frozen, allow 3-5 days for thawing in the refrigerator.

Call Butterball Turkey Talk Line for any questions: 1-800-Butterball (1-800288-8372) or www.butterball.com Make pastry for pies and

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Do pre-preparation work for appetizers, as applicable.

Do “dry shop” for groceries and sort onto trays, bowls or pans (9x13 inch pans work well) according to recipe.

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December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local arrangements to be picked up two days prior to the holiday (or delegate task to family or friends).

Inventory refrigerator and construct meals for the next several days. Refrigerator needs to be almost empty by Day Four to accommodate fresh items and items that will be prepared in advance.

Plan soup or do-ahead casserole meal for dinner for Day Six. Day Two Create a staging area for serving. Place all serving pieces (include silverware) in this area.

Create and set area for serving drinks, beverages, coffee with all items necessary for use except items (cream, ice, etc.) that need refrigeration. If serving cocktails, remember napkins, canned or bottled cocktail items. For wine, wash and dry glassware and store on a tray upside down.

Locate wine opener and

place in bar area.

Find, clean and set aside all dinnerware and specialty serving pieces such as gravy boat, carving platter, etc.

Polish all silver items (or delegate task to family member).

Wash and press linens as needed. (Or delegate task to family or a friend to be brought to you the day before the holiday.)

Day Three Measure, label and set aside all dry ingredients for any recipe that is being prepared such as Indian Pudding or a special Holiday Cake.

If possible, set table and chairs into place. Do not place linens on the table.

For auxiliary seating, place table, chairs and linens in the closest out-of-the-way area (guest room).

Start thawing large turkey (15-18 lb.) in refrigerator.

Day Four Shop for “fresh” ingredi-

ents such as fruits and vegetables. Clean vegetables as they are put away.

Prepare Julia Child’s Gravy*, if using.

Prepare cranberry sauce or gelatin salads.

Prepare ingredients for stuffing: cube bread, sauté onion and celery. Refrigerate onion and celery.

Thaw pie dough in the refrigerator.

Start thawing smaller turkey (12-15 lb.) duck, roasting chicken, etc.

Day Five Set aside one hour with a list (and a cup of tea or coffee) to review all plans and “what needs doing” eliminating any tasks which at this point cannot be easily accomplished.

Prepare meats for roasting.

Refrigerate.

Prepare Sweet Potato casserole. Refrigerate.

Trim vegetables and store in plastic bags for cooking Day Seven.

Vacuum and dust as necessary.

Day Six Prepare tables, floral arrangements and table settings. Turn glasses upside down as they are placed on the table.

Clean bathroom(s) to be used by guests. Ask family to use another bathroom if available.

Tidy up front entrance, fluff pillows, lay logs in fireplace (place note to remind you to “open the flue”).

Prepare holiday clothes for self and tell others to do the

same if over 12 years of age.

Assist younger ones. Polish shoes as necessary.

Prepare appetizers and condiments.

THE DAY Up early to bake pie(s).

Prepare roll dough for proofing. Proof in oven and bake, if possible. Or, depending on recipe, baking after entrée has been baked and is “resting” prior to carving.

Go to church and give thanks.

Put turkey in oven and roast as directed.

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Julia Child’s Turkey Gravy Bake I’ve used this method of making a base for turkey gravy for many years. I do it several days in advance and then finish off with the drippings from the roasted turkey.

And, I always have plenty of turkey gravy.

This recipe is adapted from the cookbook “From Julia Child’s Kitchen ( Alfred A. Knopf publisher).

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Julia Child’s Turkey Gravy Base Turkey giblets and extra turkey necks or wings ¼ cup cooking oil (not olive oil) 1 cup chopped onion 1 cup chopped carrot 2/3 cup dry white vermouth 2 cups chicken stock Water as needed 1 bay leaf ½ tsp. thyme ½ tsp. sage 3 tbsp. cornstarch ¼ cup Port wine or cold chicken broth

Chop nect into 2-inch pieces, quarter gizzard and half heart. Dry well in pa-

per toweling. Heat oil in a heavy 3-qt. saucepan. Stir in giblets and brown well.

Remove and add vegetables. Cover and cook slowly about 8 minutes. Then uncover, raise heat and brown lightly for several minutes. Return giblets to pan.

Add wine, chicken stock and enough water to cover ingredients by l inch. Salt lightly. Add bay leaf, thyme and sage.

Simmer partially covered for about 3 hours. Strain. Refrigerate. Scoop off fat and discard. There should be about 3 cups liquid. Heat just until warm. Combine cornstarch with Port wine or chicken broth. Blend until smooth. Add to stock mixture. Bring to a boil, stirring, until slightly thickened. Cook for 2 minutes.

Cool and then refrigerate. Use as a base for the gravy for the turkey.

To finish, spoon excess fat from roasting pan. Pour in the thickened prepared gravy base and cook over moderate heat for several minutes, scraping bottom of pan with wooden spoon to gather browned bits into the sauce. Strain into a saucepan.

Taste, correct seasonings and serve.

*BUTTERBALL TURKEY TALKLINE will answer any question about roasting a turkey, leftovers, etc. The number is 800-288-8372. You may read blogs, sign up for text messages, send e-mails and view Webcasts at www.butterball.com. ** Marilyn Mork’s Butter Scones (Crescent Rolls) published 11/13/2008 in this column would be a great choice for holiday meals. Time the proofing so that the rolls are to be baked as the turkey comes from the oven and then keep warm until serving.

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quence, prepare vegetables, casseroles and sauces (exact order determined by your specific menu). Or enlist aid of family or friends to bring specific menu items.

The turkey will require “resting time.” This can be as much as 30 minutes. This is the time to bake rolls, heat casseroles, finish off gravy, bake a shallow casserole of stuffing, etc.

Enjoy your happy and pleasant holiday, giving thanks for your plan as well as to God who provides all.

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December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Entertainment Great Snowball Drop and Lighted Holiday Parade to highlight 25th Anniversay Dixon Christmas Walk on Dec. 6 Josh Albrech DMS Executive Director The 25th Annual Dixon Christmas Walk presented

by Dixon Main Street, Dixon Chamber of Commerce, and Sauk Valley Bank has been set for Friday, Dec. 6 from 6 p.m. – 9 p.m. with lots of great activities for the whole family being planned as downtown Dixon businesses stay open late with a host of activities.

The night will kick-off with a Tree Lighting Ceremony at KSB Hospital and feature the arrival of Santa Claus and songs by the Reagan Middle School choir.

The countdown to the tree lighting is always a magical experience. The kids in the crowd are always amazed to see Santa Claus arrive on the fire truck. Since this is the 25th Anniversary, the Christmas Walk committee has decided to

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host a special Lighted Holiday Parade at 7 p.m. during the Christmas Walk. Business, organizations and individuals who would like to be a part of the parade can contact the Main Street office.

The popular Great Snowball Drop will be back again this year, but it will be moving to the west end of First Street as the Drop will take place in front of Dixon Paint Company’s new location in the former

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Wermer’s Building near the corner of First and Peoria Avenue. Many great prizes are in store for snowball catchers from local businesses along with a few special “money snowballs” with cash prizes.

And back is the top prize of a $500 Shopping Spree!

Other highlights include: The Loveland Community Houses Christmas Open House, cookie decorating at the Next Picture Show, Hot Wheels races at Sherwin-Williams, Santa at the Mini Mall, Jeremy the Amazer, blacksmith demonstration from John Deere Historic Site, The Rock River Valley Barbershop Choir, DHS Madrigals, and much more. A full listing and details and map will be available at the DMS website in mid November (www.mainstreet.com) Come back downtown on Saturday, Dec. 7 for Breakfast with Santa at the Lee County Senior Center and Post House Ballroom. There will be a pan-

cake breakfast, pictures with Santa and much more. And the Dixon Municipal Band will hold their annual holiday concert that evening at 7 p.m. at the Historic Dixon Theatre.

For more information, call 815-288-2308 or mainst@ grics.net.

Christmas Walk Timeline of Events Friday, Dec. 6 6 p.m. – KSB Tree Lighting Ceremony as Santa arrives for the official start of the Christ-

mas Walk.

6 p.m. – Shops are open and offering various treats and specials. Wagon rides begin.

7 p.m. – Lighted Holiday Parade 8 p.m.. – The Great Snowball Drop 9 p.m. -- Christmas Walk 50/50 drawing Saturday, Dec. 7 8 a.m. – Breakfast with Santa begins at the Post House 7 p.m. – Dixon Municipal Band concert at the Dixon Theatre

You’re invited - Sights & Sounds has something for everyone Randy Ernst Sights & Sounds is an annual Sterling Chamber of Commerce sponsored community event held at The Big Red Church (1st Congregational).

This year, Thursday, December 5th is the big day and if you have never joined us, you couldn’t have picked a better year to attend than this one! The overall theme, of course, is Christmas.

The beautiful sanctuary will have been decorated with greenery and a nice sized tree. Candles will provide a cozy ambience and Christmas songs of all types and styles will be played and sung. Last year the group, New Vocal Blend sang, “Put Another Log on the Fire” and a group of lady line dancers rocked around the Christmas

tree, so you really never know what could happen.

Now, I’m not going to give everything away here, but you can count on hearing several traditional and contemporary Christmas songs performed by several church choirs, NVB will be back, and there will be several ensembles including one that uses chimes.

If you have children, bring them! There will be an impromptu bells number for any child who wants to participate. As for every service, we have a professionally staffed nursery for the little ones who would rather play than try to sit still. We even have a wheelchair lift for those who don’t do steps well.

This is just a great time to come together as a community and enjoy some beauti-

ful Christmas music. Like Christmas, it only comes once a year.

The doors open at 5 pm and the concert starts at 6 pm. Following the program, everyone is invited to stay and partake of some scrumptious holiday treats provided by the ladies of The Big Red Church.

The following night, Friday December 6th, The Big Red Church serves a delicious chili supper complete with a dessert - available for a small donation. You can eat your chili on the steps of the church while watching the parade go by. So come one, come all – kick off the Christmas season right this year with the Sights & Sounds Concert. For any questions concerning Sights & Sounds, call 625-5112.

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December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local For the Benefit of Many Jeff Coester The Hope Life Pregnancy Centers of Sterling and Dixon held their Annual Fund Raising Banquet, October 24th, at the Deer Valley Country Club.

The evening began with an upbeat crowd casting votes for dessert choices.

Debbie Case, Executive Director of Hope Life Centers, enthusiastically greeted the crowd with a reflection on how the Hope Life Center began, and what their services looked like from day to day.

“Thirty years ago our founders, Mark and Laura Petigoue, asked God to show them how to provide women facing unplanned pregnancies with alternatives to abortion.

From those faithful prayers said so many years ago has sprung what we know today as Hope Life Center. In the twenty seven years since our doors opened we have shared the love of Jesus with thousands of men and women in our community and saved many babies from abortion.

What an incredible heritage we celebrate this evening!”

Case went on to compare the work of Hope Life Center to giving a cup of cool water to the thirsty as Jesus encouraged His disciples to do as they spread the good news. “These words perfectly describe the ministry we do everyday at Hope Life Center.

It is a large work to save the

lives of the unborn. It is a large work to save the lives of these children’s parents through the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And this large work is accomplished by doing a small thing well, giving a cup of water to someone who is thirsty.”

The cool water is a metaphor for the service Hope Life Center offers. Words of encouragement and truth are shared with the fearful and lonely. Men and women are challenged to, “Choose life that you and your descendants might live.”

Everyone is met with a loving hand. Post-abortion support is provided for those traumatized by their choice.

STD testing is also available.

Expectant young mothers are taught essentials of prenatal care so mother and baby can be healthy at delivery.

Parenting classes are taught to help them “become the parents that they may not have seen modeled in their own homes.” This lifts the community by stopping the cycle of abuse many have experienced.

Case reported, “Because of our partnership with many in this room . . . in the past 12 months . . . we were able to touch the lives of 414 men, women, and children in the name of Jesus. This number represents a 52% increase from the year before!”

Case went on to outline strategies for the coming year, listing the cost involved. “Our

investment in reaching these women and their unborn children will be $75,000. $53,000 of this will be used for our operating budget. $22,000 will be used to reach out to these women through our new marketing initiative.”

A video was shown offering the testimony of someone who was served by Hope Life Center. The crowd was visibly moved. Case was full of appreciation for volunteers and staff, without whom, this work would be left undone.

A tasty dinner of tossed salad, rolls, pork loin, with gravy, baked potato and California blend vegetables was served by the attentive Deer Valley Staff.

The speaker, Shawn Carney of Tyler Texas, author of 40 Days for Life, challenged those in attendance with the importance of the cause and told stories of lovingly engaging those who have disagreed with his views. Carney emphasized repeatedly that loving people was the key to success.

Pledges were taken at the end of the night. A report was made to churches and the information made available to everyone. This is Hope Life Center’s most successful fund raising effort, bringing in pledges of more than 50% of the budget goal. You may reach Debbie Case at (815) 625-5300, or information@ hopelifecenter.com

Join Woodlawn’s Academy Accents For Caroling & Pizza STERLING – Woodlawn Arts Academy’s show choir, The Academy Accents, will host an evening of caroling and pizza this December.

Those who wish to participate should meet at Woodlawn Arts Academy at 6:20 pm Thursday, December 19th. The Academy Accents will lead caroling from 6:30-7:30 pm around the Woodlawn Arts Academy neighborhood. Lyrics sheets will be provided by the Academy. Remember to

dress for the weather! After caroling, we will return to the Academy for pizza.

“This is a great opportunity for our community to share holiday songs with friends and family just before Christmas,” said Janel Stahr, Academy Accents music instructor. “Our show choir is excited to host this event and we might even surprise our guests with a performance while we are enjoying pizza together!”

The fee to join this event

is $2 per person to cover the cost of pizza. Registration is not necessary; just pay on the 19th. Those wishing to join the event who are not already participating in Woodlawn activities are asked to create a family account at apm. activecommunities.com/ woodlawnarts in advance so the Academy has emergency contact information on file.

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

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

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14

December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Entertainment

Armchair Adventures

Vegas & Hawaii provide great golf, entertainment Colleen Brechon As you all know, I am a HUGE fan of vacations to Hawaii and the islands of Hawaii have some of the most beautiful golf courses in the world.

The island of Maui is home to The Plantation Course at Kapalua. This is the course where the PGA tour is traditionally started

every year. Not only does it have this distinction but is it a very spectacular location and one of the most televised. The coastal views from the course are eye popping. And, Maui is the island for golfers. However, on Oahu the Koolau Golf Course has just as dramatic views and I have read that par on this course is all but impossible.

Remember a Hawaii golf vacation is so much more then just golfing. Each island has unique sights that golfers should not miss.

When people spend the time and money traveling to Hawaii they need to see all that is offered. Book your tee times in the early hours so you have the time to spend at the beach or sightseeing. Don’t miss

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Or, ferry from Maui to the islands of Lanai or Molokai for another island golf adventure. And, consider the Kauai’s Princeville area offering golf for Dad, spa treatments for Mom and Keiki programs for kids.

Everyone has a great experience golfing in Paradise.

Moving on to another destination that offers a great deal of golf and adventure, let’s ponder what is new on the Las Vegas scene. What a destination with a lot going on all the time!

Some of the extreme adventures now in Vegas are AIR COMBAT USA, where you can become a fighter pilot for a day and experience air to air combat. Or VEGAS INDOOR SKYDIVING in a vertical wind

tunnel that simulates free falling.

If you want to try your hand at street racing the Las Vegas Motor Speedway has DREAM RACING, allowing you to drive a street legal version of a Ferrari or Porsche on the track. Also new in Vegas is VOODOO ZIPLINE at the RIO, sending riders soaring from one hotel tower to another - 400 feet in the air at 33 mph. Try the new SKYJUMP at the Statosphere, a free-falling attraction plumeting the rider 855 feet at 40 mph. Or DINNER IN THE SKY; dining on two, seven-ton, openair tables suspended 180 feet in the air. Lastly, but not least, is the HIGH ROLLER observation wheel, inspired by the London Eye, featuring 28 spherical glass balls that carry 40 passengers each and opening in 2014.

For those who travel at

a slower pace, Las Vegas now has the Mob Museum, officially called The National Museum of Organized Crime and Law Enforcement featuring a fascinating 90 minute guided tour on Mob history. And shopping is not to be missed with the newest entrants ‘The Shops at Crystals’ in City Center and the newly remodeled ‘Appian Way’ shops at Ceasar’s Palace.

For those of us who love chocolate take a walk thru an 18ft Reeses Peanut Butter Cup and into the Hershey’s Chocolate World opening at the New York, New York Hotel and Casino. And early in 2014 a new open-air retail, dining and entertainment complex called the LINQ will be opening, located between the Flamingo and the Quad and home of the new HIGH ROLLER.

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15

December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Entertainment

Mr. Blotto to play Nov. 30 Rosbrook Studio will host the regionally acclaimed band, Mr. Blotto, for its music and art party in celebration of their Third Anniversary Sauk Valley Shop

Small Saturday Jam. Sauk Valley Shop Small Business Saturday® received national attention for their efforts to promote November 30th Small Business Sat-

urday in the Sauk Valley.

Rosbrook Studio is an artist co-op, with roots extending into the very beginnings of Dixon and the Sauk Valley area.

Gift Boxes from Church of the Brethren Mr. Blotto will be performing at 107 S. Peoria Ave. on Saturday, Nov. 30.

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815-625-4482 Jane Pomazal shows off the 68 gift boxes that The Dixon Church of the Brethren has for the 17th year in a row. They were collected for “Operation Christmas Child”. Since 1997, the church has prepared over 1200 such boxes to be shared with children around the world that might not otherwise have such gifts.

Chuck Pomazal photo

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16

December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Dining

Maria’s Pizza a favorite in Sterling Spencer Schein Everyone who loves pizza has his or her place - the place they know they will get the same pizza that is to their tasting.

A pizza that smells right, tastes right, and makes you feel good after taking a few bites is what is best.

For me, that has to be the pizza from Maria’s Pizza Italian Restaurant, 119 E. Third St., Sterling.

No matter what size you get, or the toppings, the pizza is going to be so spectacular you are never going to forget it.

From fresh ingredients to the taste and texture of the crust, Maria’s Pizza is clearly among the best in the area. And the prices are reasonable, especially the specials which can add toppings to a pizza for a minimal extra charge.

The pizzas are cut into rectangle and squares,

with a large pizza serving a group of three or four easy.

On a recent Saturday I placed an order for a large pepperoni, and 20 minutes later it was ready.

The pizza had a chance to cool a bit on its ride back to my home, but was still steaming hot when I opened the box.

The sauce used for the pizza has a real Italian flavor, and authentic cheeses and spices and ample

I’m not cooking, let’s have pizza!

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slices of pepperoni, all combined with the greattasting crust for a great slice of pizza.

Maria’s Pizza tastes great hot, and also cold from the refrigerator for that late night snack. It reheats very well for those who have leftovers.

You cannot go wrong when you order from Maria’s, whether it is a pizza or one of its sandwiches.

I have had the Italian beef many times. It’s about the size of two sandwiches, and I always ask to have it cut in half.

The Italian beef sandwich at Maria’s comes without toppings, which is to my preference. You can order it with any veggie topping at Marias, such as banana peppers, which add a little kick with a great flavor.

Maria’s Pizza Italian Restaurant is open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday-thruThursday, 11 a.m.-to-2 a.m. Friday, 12 p.m. to 2 a.m. Saturday and 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday.

For more information, or to place an order for delivery or carryout, call Maria’s Pizza at (815) 625-5050.

17

December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Challand’s Gebhardt on the fast track

Sports

Cody Cutter In a group of about 5,000 kids that share the same interest, and each wanting to compete for the honor of being the best out of all of them, Jake Gebhardt can say that he is at the top of the class.

His eighth-grade class, that is.

Gebhardt, 13, a student at Challand Middle School in Sterling, competed at the Illinois Elementary School Association Cross Country State Meet at Maxwell Park in Normal on Oct. 19.

Blazing through regular season meets was a common occurrence for Gebhardt. Blazing through the Sectional field was another.

Blazing away from every single eighth-grade Class 3A runner in Illinois? Gebhardt did just that to win the state championship, winding around the two-mile course at the park in 10 minutes, 19 seconds, winning by nine seconds over the runner-up.

“It’s really awesome,” Gebhardt reflected on his state championship win.

“Just knowing that you’re the best in the state, and winning by a lot, too. It feels cool just being able to call myself a state champion.”

One final left turn and the home stretch represented the longest straightaway of the entire course. As the finish line visually appeared larger and larger ...

“I was thinking to myself that ‘I got this’, and knowing that I’m not going to let anyone catch up,” Gebhardt said. “I just had to give it my all until the finish.”

Challand cross country coach Barb Lauff saw Gebhardt’s image grow larger from watching behind the finish line, and with each stride the goosebumps started to appear in pure excitement. Those goosebumps still come up while thinking back on that moment more than a month later.

“I can’t stress the importance and the significance

Jake Gebhardt with coach Barb Lauff of Challand Middle School, Sterling

of what he has achieved,” Lauff said. “It’s extremely impressive running three years at State, and in the third year you win it. Nobody else in the entire state can say that. He forever will be a state champion.”

Gebhardt is Challand’s first cross country state champion, and the accomplishment accompanies a pair of top 20 finishes at State in as many years he has been at Challand. As a sixth grader, Gebhardt finished 18th with a time of 10:52. As a seventh grader, Gebhardt finished third with a time of 10:36. One year after cutting 16 seconds from his first State Meet time, Gebhardt cut 17 seconds from his second State Meet time.

“That’s not a one-week process,” Lauff said. “That’s a three-year process that we worked on.”

Lauff ’s philosophy of competing to improve toward reaching goals is one that her kids have bought into. The Challand program operates on fun and improvements, rather than focusing on accumulating accolades.

“We never talk about winning races,” Lauff said.

“Jake and I never talked about winning State. Our goal was always time goals.

We never talk about places.

The good stuff happens if you work on your time goals. He has progressively lowered his times. It’s hours and hours of planning.”

The 10:19 that Gebhardt pounded the grass at State

became the fastest time, by four seconds, of any middle school runner in Illinois regardless of classification. Competing in the IESA’s highest class, Gebhardt competed against runners from much larger schools than Challand and proceeded to mark his spot in the history book. Only four runners in IESA cross country history have turned in a better State Meet time than Gebhardt’s 10:19. Two of them went on to become professional runners.

Not bad for a football convert that didn’t think running cross country would work out for him early on.

However, running in Lauff’s Music in Motion 5K event would become the stepping stone toward the accomplishment of winning a state championship.

“I ran her 5K,” Gebhardt said. “She had asked me in fifth grade but I was playing football. I decided that year that I was going to go out for cross country the next year.

I did well at it and stuck with it.”

Starting out wasn’t easy.

“I’ve pushed myself harder and been more dedicated over the summer to run and find more people to run with,” Gebhardt added. “In sixth grade, I wasn’t really dedicated to run because I didn’t think that I was going to turn out as good of a runner as I am now. Over the years I got more dedicated.

“It’s enjoyable to do and is fun for me.”

Jake Gebhardt is winner of the eighth-grade class 3A cross-country state championship of Illinois

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18

December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Home & Garden

Bright and blooming holidays!

Gary Scott You know it’s the holiday season when you enter the grocery store and they’ve got poinsettias grouped and ready to go home with you. Already in the past few weeks, I’ve spotted several cropping up in different Sauk Valley locations. It’s certainly not my favorite plant, mostly due to the way it appears – as well as being considered a ‘throw away’ plant that most people discard not long after the

holiday season ends.

However, these bright plants (Euphorbia pulcherrima) are available in several colors and styles continue to hold a certain degree of popularity at this time of year.

That being said, one notion or ‘myth’ that needs to be busted is that the poinsettia is highly poisonous plant. NOT true.

According to studies used by national poison control centers, a child weighing 50 lbs. would need to ingest upwards of 500 poinsettia leaves

in order to reach any sort of potentially toxic level. As for your pets, while certainly not good for them (and not tasty, by the way) and may cause them to be temporarily ill, poinsettias are not considered a poison threat.

It’s been thought that perhaps myths like this may have started long ago when poinsettias first became available to the general public. Consider at that time, they were costly and somewhat of a novelty.

We all know how fragile they

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can be; branches breaking very easily. Why chance that the kids while roughhousing would damage this prize? Tell them its poison!

There’s a huge selection of ‘holiday’ plants that hail from all over the globe. Many of them are not considered ‘throw away’ plants and can actually be enjoyed as a lovely houseplant throughout the rest of the year.

Consider if you will the ‘Paperwhite.’

Paperwhites are a part of the narcissus family, which includes daffodils. These lovely blooming plants are usually available at greenhouse and garden centers at this time of year as a bulb which, when planted, will bloom with highly-fragrant white blossoms in about 3-4 weeks.

The bulbs, usually not much larger than a golf ball, are considered ‘tunicate’ – much like an onion with several layers of tissue surrounding the prospective blossom and leaves inside. Seek out bulbs that are firm, but not dried out – and certainly not soft which may indicate rot.

Care of Paperwhites is actually quite simple. The bulbs can be planted in soil so that their ‘neck’ is sticking out from the soil but can also be grown in glass containers using some sort of rocks in the bottom – and water. Again, their ‘necks’ need to be above the water line. Post-blossom, cut back the flower stems and continue to grow the plant just like you would any other houseplant. Come Spring, I usually plant my holiday paperwhites directly into the garden outdoors so that I can enjoy them in bloom again the following Spring.

Amaryllis (hippeastrum ssp.) – the queen of holiday bulbs! If you have never grown and enjoyed an amaryllis blossom, you are missing one of the most beautiful (and very easy) flowering plants

to have in your home. If my own mother (who has a selfproclaimed brown thumb) can have success with this one – anyone can. Quality bulbs are available at this time of year and are traditionally given as gifts for friends and family to watch and experience the rapid growth and development of the plant – and the flowers are

often 4-6 per stem and up to 8” across. There’s been a lot of hybridizing of this plant native to Central American regions allowing your ‘gift’ to come in many colors, single-flowered and double-flowered.

Amaryllis care is very similar to that of Paperwhites.

Shop for a bulb that’s about the size of a small grapefruit and try to avoid those ‘kits’ found at the big-box stores. In most cases, you’re paying more for the ugly plastic pot and poor soil included than anything else. If you’re giving the plant as a gift – the bulb alone is most welcome. However, if you wish to plant the bulb for your gift recipient, choose a well-draining container and use a good potting mix to plant the large bulb so that the ‘neck and shoulders’ of the bulb are above the soil line. Water this fresh planting well and place in a warm and bright area of the home. New growth should emerge from the bulb within about a week – and the amazing blossom within 8-9 weeks from starting this

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Gary Scott holds a degree in Horticulture Sciences and is coowner/head grower at Palmyra Greenhouse located at 489 Palmyra Rd. in Dixon. Gary can be reached at 815-285-2800. You may email questions to him at sauksun@gmail. com or gary@palmyragreenhouse. com. Interested in knowing more about the plants around? Check out the winter extension class offered through Sauk Valley Community College – ‘Home Horticulture.’

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process. With proper (and quite easy) care, the bulb can repeat this process for several years – making your holiday ‘gift’ a lasting one.

Cyclamen (cyclamen persicum) is another excellent choice for a long-lasting blooming plant for your holidays and beyond. These beautiful plants come in a wide variety of colors and hold their flowers proudly above lovely green and mounding foliage. While originally native to the Mediterranean regions, Cyclamen have long been the chosen holiday plant in Sweden. In fact, the market for poinsettia in that country is practically non-existent! The plant springs from a small tuber planted in the soil and will produce blossoms over a very long period of time.

After the flowering has stopped and the plant begins to look a bit sad, stop watering altogether to help the tuber go dormant.

(Yes, they are seeking a siesta as a normal part of their cycle).

Store the plant in a cool and dry place for about 2-3 months at which time you can ‘wake’ it up again by placing it back into a warmer spot and starting to water again (usually about September).

Azaleas, Gardenias, holiday cacti and Norfolk Island Pines also make great choices for plants that will perform for you in your home environment throughout the holiday season and beyond, thus avoiding having to toss out more things as you reclaim your house from holiday decorations.

May your holiday season be blooming and bright!

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19

December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Home & Garden

Historic Victorian open for holiday tour On Sunday, December 8, from 12-6, at 1502 Sixth Avenue, Sterling, a historic Victorian home will be open to the public for a tour. The mid-1800s Italianate style home, owned by Cheryle and Roger Colmark, has been furnished and decorated with antiques dating to the late 1800s. The home will be beautifully decorated for Christmas, featuring several trees, each trimmed in a different style, and a large collection of one-of-a-kind

Santa Claus figures.

The couple decided to open their home to the public for two reasons: 1) to share a piece of history with the community 2) support the American Cancer Society.

The American Cancer Society Relay For Life team, “Up All Night For a Reason,” will be hosting the tour and all proceeds will be donated to the American

Cancer Society.

Tickets are available at the door, $5 for adults, $4 for seniors (60+) and children (3-12). Refreshments will be served at the end of the tour.

Please plan to attend Sunday, December 8, to hear an amazing story about this historic home and support the American Cancer Society.

If you need more information, please contact Cheryl at 815-625-5498.

Christmas in Germany Tricia Lewis My great grandfather was from Germany and was a minister. Many well-loved Christmas customs come from Germany, including the tradition of the Christmas tree.

It has been said that on Christmas Eve, Martin Luther was so moved by the beauty of a snow-covered fir tree that he cut it down and took it home for his children. Then he decorated the tree with lighted candles to represent stars.

As children, my sister

Candace and my cousins began looking forward to Christmas around the end of November. We received Advent calendars to use for counting the number of days until Christmas.

We also made an Advent wreath that held four red candles, one for lighting on each of the four Sundays before Christmas.

But, it was December 5th that was the most fun because that was the day that Saint Nicholas would come.

My sister and I would wait with excitement and anticipation for Saint Nicholas,

or Sinterklaus to make his appearance.

Saint Nicholas was a tall bearded man who wore a bishop’s robe and hat. He made his rounds riding on a white horse and carried a bag filled with candy, cookies and nuts.

Before going to bed, my sister and I would leave our shoes outside our bedroom door. Often,we would leave a bowl of water for Saint Nicholas’ horse. In the morning, my sister and I would find small toys inside our shoes!

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Sweden’s Lucia Day Tricia Lewis Lucia Day, which falls on December 13, marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Sweden. This holiday honors Lucy, the “Saint Of Light” who brings brightness and hope at the

darkest time of the year.

Early in the morning, the oldest daughter of the house dresses in a white robe with a red sash to play the role of Lucy, On her head, she wears a crown of evergreens topped with lighted candles Then, she is accompanied

by her sisters and brothers carrying plates of traditional Lucia buns and cups of hot coffee to all the adult family members who are still in bed. As the children walk through the house, they sing the Swedish version of “Saint Lucia”

My favorite Christmas tradition

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Jeff Coester Throughout each year Mary and I are on the lookout for little things that will please our children and grandchildren. We find them and stuff them in large Christmas stockings.

Eyes brighten when

people see things chosen with their tastes and preferences in mind. Some gifts hearken back to childhood memories. Other things are more practical. They are useful to the tasks or hobbies that are current. I value this because 10 to 15 small things remind people

you thought of them and spent time thinking of them; more than one large gift that might have been chosen because something must go under the tree can.

I have wanted the grandchildren to enjoy Santa, but it seems at times they don’t.

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December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Home & Garden Sauk Valley Sun

DIXON - STERLING - ROCK FALLS

www.saukvalleysun.com

Staff Judy Bell Publisher Ken Hauck VP Operations Katie Hauck Administrative Manager Julie Reeder Editor Robert Bell Distribution Manager Production Karina Ramos Art Director Samantha Gorman Graphic Artist Forest Rhodes Layout Artist Website John Yada Web Developer/IT Support 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

Holiday decorating on a budget Lonnie Miller Decorating your home for the holidays does not require that you spend huge amounts of money. In fact, it doesn’t require that you spend ANY money. As a caterer, I have had to come up with ideas for decorating at the very last moment. I’ve arrived at an event, and found nothing at all to help put together a pretty table. I’ve had to pull together decorations for an entry way or a signup table. Most of the time, the client’s budget and my time constraints don’t allow for extra shopping. Often, I have repurposed other items for decorating. Here are a few ideas you might find useful.

Pull a pretty bowl from your cupboard, or a bas-

ket. Fill it with pinecones or fresh-cut greenery, or Christmas ornaments for a centerpiece. A pretty candle or bow in the center, or along the side will add color and dress it up a little.

Set the bowl on a glittery doily from your craft box, or a seasonal cloth napkin, a piece of fabric, even a pretty hand-towel or any kind of scarf will suffice.

Tuck in any odd corners to create a pooled and finished look around the base of your vessel.

For height, which can add drama, use a box in the appropriate size, or a larger bowl with a sturdy flat bottom. Turn the bowl upside down and place your plate or vessel on it. If you’re concerned about the top dish moving or tipping, double sided tape or

floral putty will hold the two pieces together. If you use a box, cover it with a cloth large enough to totally hide all sides, or wrap it in appropriately themed wrapping paper and use it for height. In the catering business almost always use “risers.” Variety of heights and shapes will create an interesting table. Ribbons, garland, greenery or beads can be woven in or through your risers to add color.

Clusters or vases with fresh herbs and flowers can be sprinkled throughout, or any of nature’s offerings can be used. Totally free is amazingly beautiful! Your yard or a nearby timber can yield treasures to beautify your home or table. We’ve spray-painted tree branches and used them in vases or to hang from the ceiling

Use what’s available to decorate!

with ornaments attached, homemade paper stars or tiny wrapped boxes to create themed gift packages.

Go through your old holiday decorations for ideas too. We once used silver and white garland, white Christmas tree balls and a set of Snowman salt-andpepper shakers to create a winter vignette on our table.

Old candle-sticks, pretty dishes or baskets and trays can all be used to decorate.

Go through your house, or call in some help! Family dinners are a great opportunity for pooling resources.

It gives others a chance to contribute and they will love to help you come up with creative, budgetfriendly ideas!

as you have found it is not taking care of your problem.

Fungal gnats lay their eggs just below the soil line in the plant’s pot allowing the tiny hatching larvae to feed on the fine root-hairs of your plant. As they reach maturity, they can be seen around the plant.

The gnats can, over time, cause your plant to lose its vigor so its best to address this problem as soon as you see the tiny pests flying around. Generally, you need to cut back on the amount of water you are giving your plant. You’re most likely keeping your plant too wet and the gnats adore and reproduce quickly in a moist environment! Grow your plant on the ‘very dry’ side (almost to the point of wilting) for the next several weeks and make sure you have no dead leaves, decorative moss or other debris covering the soil.

You may also wish to carefully remove and dispose of the top inch or so of soil surrounding the plant – rather than a total repot.

Use some good fresh soil to

replace what you have taken out. At this point you’re probably a bit spooked about bugs in the house – so you can sterilize your new soil prior to use by putting it in the microwave on medium for about 1-2 minutes.

If all else fails using the methods described here, you can use a 10% bleach solution as part of your normal watering (again on the lighthanded side!) regime. A low concentration of bleach will not harm the plant but will help eliminate the pest population.

Ask a horticulturist!

Gary Scott Sauk Valley Sun reader Mary B. from Sterling asks: ‘HELP! There’s fruit-flies all around my plant! I’ve tried safe insecticides and they aren’t working. This is one of my favorite plants and I hate to give up and throw it

out. Should I repot it or just give up?

A: Great question, Mary.

We actually hear this a lot from customers coming into the greenhouse – and especially at this time of year.

What you have are not actually ‘fruit-flies’ but

‘fungal gnats.’ They’re very small relatives of the common fruit fly but the major difference is they prefer to infest your plants rather than food scraps in the kitchen.

Fungal gnats are a common pest to most plant enthusiasts. I applaud your use of a safe insecticide, but

© Sauk Valley Sun, 2013 www.saukvalleysun.com The opinions expressed in the Sauk Valley Sun do not necessarily reflect the opinions of 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 find unsuitable. Please direct all advertising inquiries and correspondence to the address below.

Editorial Contributions, Letters to the Editor, and Advertising Inquiries: Please submit all correspondence to our office by 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 is subject to editing to fit the 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 Dekalb, IL Permit No. 321 Phone (815) 888-4403 Address: PO BOX 678, Dixon, IL 61021 Email: info@sauksun.com

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Gary Scott hold a degree in Horticulture Sciences and is co-owner/head grower at Palmyra Greenhouse located at 489 Palmyra Rd. in Dixon. Gary can be reached at 815-285-2800.

You may email questions to him at info@sauksun.com or gary@palmyragreenhouse. com. Interested in knowing more about the plants around? Check out the winter extension class offered through Sauk Valley Community College – ‘Home Horticulture.’

21

December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Home & Garden

Wizard Of Paws

The Caring Center lives up to its name in integrity, service and quality

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Lindsay Aiello It is a Monday morning and a long line of people can be seen stretching around the building on the corner in anticipation of 10am.

The reason for the long line is the opening of the Caring Center each Monday and Wednesday from 10 am to 3:30 pm where Irene Nusbaum, Manager for the Caring Center, and Donna Smith, Assistant Manager for the Caring Center, along with 20 volunteers can be seen serving members of the Sauk Valley and surrounding communities.

Located for the last two years in Sterling at 210 1st Ave, the Caring Center was born out of a faith-based mission to meet the material needs of individuals and families. Receiving heavy church support in the form of monetary and material donations, individual donations and fundraisers, the center freely provides a variety of items: Men’s clothing, women’s clothing, baby/toddler clothing, toys, baby furniture, girls’ and boys’ junior clothing, bedding, furniture, small household items, kitchenware, curtains, artwork, medical supplies, jewelry, purses, music records and much more(For example, to provide for the season, the center even offers holiday decorations, wrapping paper, holiday cards, and ornaments!)

The Caring Center is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. The center is run as a store, with high standards for quality products, outstanding customer service and meticulous organization.

Since the center operates with the same characteristics as a store, each individual is allowed to “purchase” (at no cost), 20 items. Some items may have different values then others and may allow for an individual to receive more items than 20. For example, stationary items

1st Ave.

Manager Irene Nusbaum (right) and Assistant Manager Donna Smith (left).

.

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119 W. 2nd St. • Rock Falls, IL Phone: (815) 716-8490 Dawn’s Cell: (309) 525-4603 Mon Tues Thur Fri Sat 9am-3pm

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The Caring Center, located at 210 1st Ave., Sterling

such as pens and pencils can count as 1 credit for a bundle, rather than 1 credit for 1 pen or pencil. Each individual must register at the front desk. This is for the purpose of restocking inventory, tracking progress and increases from month to month, and making sure that individuals do not overstep the rules of the Caring Center by returning more than twice in one month.

Monetary donations are always appreciated. The merchandise quality is made evident in the knowledge that a team of volunteers carefully sift through the donations, making repairs on zippers and buttons, ensuring cleanliness, and promising neither holes nor stains.

Furthermore, the center aims to be as communityminded and eco-friendly as possible. The clothing items that cannot be used in the center due to poor quality are recycled. Any cardboard boxes leftover from donation drop-offs are recycled through Self-Help and any metal donations are recycled through Cimco Recycling in Galt, IL. A remarkable characteristic of the Caring Center is how true the organization is to its mission. The Caring Center’s mission statement reads “When you did it to one of the least of these my brother and sister, you were doing it to me” (English Standard Version, Matthew 25:40).

The context of this verse is spoken by Christ Jesus and was intended to distinguish the difference between those who failed to provide for others in need and those that really

demonstrated love to others by serving those “of the least,”; that is, when you cared for the sick, visited the imprisoned, clothed the naked, gave the thirsty a drink and the hungry food to eat, you also do to Him (Matt 25:31-40). The Caring Center strives to live this mission statement in providing, at no cost, for those from all walks of life, not excluding anyone based on age, sex, race, religion, income or background.

Since the Caring Center is primarily fueled by donations, the number of items able to be given away may vary from month to month.

However, the numbers of those whose needs are being met are impressive. In October alone, the center averaged 200 people a day, with a total of more than 1,500 registered visitors.

Additionally, over 16,000 items were given away! In contrast, the center received 350 donation drop-offs.

The organization’s mission is contingent upon donations and the center appreciates each and every donation received. The center accepts new or gently used clothing for all ages.

Any household furnishings must be clean and in working condition. If interested in donating, drop-off times are between 10am-3:30pm Mondays and Wednesdays or by appointment. For further information on donating, shopping or how you can volunteer, manager of the Caring Center, Irene Nusbaum will be happy to answer any questions.

She may be reached at (815)499-4953.

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December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Faith

Image of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos visits St. Mary Church St. Mary Church in Sterling had long sought to have Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos visit and recently this came to pass.

Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos is an image of the Blessed Virgin located in the state of Jalisco in the central part of Mexico. San Juan de los Lagos is a small town and one of the most popular sites of pilgrimage in Mexico. Sterling is blessed to have many citizens with historic and current family ties to this area.

The visit of this traveling image of the Virgin to Sterling was long hoped for and meaningful to all Catholics, but especially for those who felt the touch of family and history as their faith was stirred.

In 1542 a Father Miguel de Bologna brought the image of The Virgin of The Immaculate Conception to the village, then called, San Juan Mezquititlan Baptist.

The name was changed in 1623, The story is told of the healing of a young girl which brought the veneration of the statue. Pilgrimages began in the 17th century.

Three days of celebration began with an evening welcome on a Monday in late fall by local people with

ties to the community of Lagos de Moreno, Jalisco.

This was followed by a procession with the image of Nuestro Padre Jesus del Calvario; meaning Our Father Jesus of Calvary. The procession was followed by a thank you Mass for The Lady’s visit, and a reception at Bales Hall afterward.

The next day began the start of visits, Mass in honor of The Virgin and confessions after Mass. People came long distances to honor their faith and celebrate with family. That evening

Father Federico Pons spoke in church with those who gathered. A procession of children with an offering of flowers preceded the Mass for the sick and the confessions which ended the evening.

The last day meant more visitors and farewell to The Lady with a procession in the evening by local people with ties to the communities of La Piedad, Michoancan, and La Laguna, Guanajuato.

A farewell Mass was followed by a reception.

Such a visit is a rare and

precious thing. Though this image is a replica of the one in San Juan de los Lago, it is treated with the utmost respect.

Few locations are chosen for these visits, and special arrangements are made for travel. Priests are specially chosen to travel with the Virgin to inform and bless the crowds who come. On this trip The Virgin came to Green Bay, WI, Blue Island, 3 places in Chicago, Elgin, Joliet, Cicero and Sterling.

Ten Designer Decorating Tips for the Holidays Dave and Diane Fenn Special Contribution First, select your color scheme; we like to pull a color from the room and work around it. Sometimes we will pull an unexpected color from the room like a Tiffany blue, Plum or maybe a Teal as the primary color.

It needs to be an accent that works within the room. Then you should select a metallic to enhance it. Platinum and Champagnes are the trend right now or even a mixture using Platinum, Cham-

pagnes and Gold. Doing Christmas décor is a great opportunity to use those colors you want to test but don’t live with all year. We almost always start a theme by choosing the ribbons first.

2. Select a theme or icon that works with those colors, whether it’s angels or Santa, wild animals or a religious theme, you tie those in with the colors you’ve chosen.

For instance, the last few years we’ve done a lot of burgundy, which works well with Tuscan décor and religious themes.

Coppers and golds work well for safari themes with animals, lions, tigers, leopard patterned ornaments, decorations, etc.

3. Focus on areas where your family congregates or where you would entertain. Obviously one focus area would be where most people come together in the morning to open gifts, that’s where the tree should go.

Don’t forget areas like the kitchen or breakfast room and the entry way is important. First impressions always set the mood.

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4. Keep your family involved and in mind. When we do a formal tree, we’ll also suggest another family tree that is more hands-on with ornaments collected over the years from kids, traveling, etc. You want to keep the family happy and have a tree that the kids/ grandkids will have fun with.

5. Keep guests in mind.

Remember to decorate areas like the guestroom and powder room. You can use a 3’ tree on a dresser or an arrangement in the room, a garland over a door, or a wreath over the guest bed.

It doesn’t need to be extravagant to be festive, keep it simple.

6. Most people collect ornaments for a lot of different reasons. After you’ve chosen your colors, make sure to keep them in mind while you are shopping and collecting ornaments and decorations.

Also keep your theme in mind and shop accordingly.

7. Don’t be afraid to spend money on quality ornaments.

The average price for a nice ornament now is about $12.

Remember these ornaments will last as you keep them in the family for years to come and pass them down to your children and grandchildren as keepsakes. It’s something they remember and enjoy seeing year after year. They

trigger warm fuzzy holiday memories of family, food, giving and tradition. Ornaments are also good Christmas presents.

8. Remember as you decorate that more is not always better. When you’re putting up your decor you want to keep it clean and simple.

If you go overboard you are going to get tired of it quickly and be anxious to take it down or pack it up.

It’s usually comes off more sophisticated if it’s simpler.

9. Don’t forget about lighting. If you are buying a pre-lit artificial Christmas tree, buy clear lights which will last year after year. This goes for pre-lit garlands as well. If you change your color themes you can mix in colored lights with the clear, but if you buy a pre-lit tree with multicolor lights and you want to change the colors, you have to change

Ryan Fenn photos

the lights or the tree.

10. Keep it fun--Many people get uptight decorating their homes for Christmas and wind up alienating the family. If that’s you, send everyone away for the day until you are done, or better yet hire a service or a professional to come in and do the job for you.

Remember the reason you are decorating is to make the holidays special, but not more stressful!

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December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Faith

Concert restarts passion for God

H Street/ Mike Swag / Sonia

BRL Quad Cities

Jeff Coester The City of God Church recently hosted a concert called Restart 2013 which has become an annual event.

The primary organizer was Michael Harts, son of Pastors Larry and Marchet Harts who lead this joyful City of God congregation.

Michael was not alone

in preparing for the event.

Many volunteers covered the city posting advertisements, offering warm invitations to anyone who would chat. The concert had outgrown its previous location and a change was needed. Because of a friendship between pastors, the Restart Concert was held at The Big Red Church in downtown Sterling. Both

The Hardhat Parent Holiday Lessons you might value Jeff Coester As a child I did not appreciate potpourri. Mom would leave it simmering on the stove. If you asked me if I liked the smell of the house, I would sniff the air, take notice of the pleasant scent and make some kind of statement of appreciation.

Most times, I did not know there was potpourri on the stove. Had you told me the potpourri existed and asked that I guess the ingredients that made the house fragrant, I would be clueless. Today I appreciate Mom for improving quality of life.

Philosophies can challenge our thinking at the holidays and add value to life. Some are not so obvious; perhaps a few will bless us.

While you enjoy your giving, children can be taught appreciation. A new item has a limited ability to please us. If you need something new to be happy, then you can never be happy.

Everything that has been received is no longer new.

The only things that are new to you are those things outside your grasp. Children can be taught that the greatest joys we have are in the pleasantness of appreciating what we have.

Some of our readers grew up in difficult financial

times. Toys were limited, but levels of appreciation were high. The imagination was used and people enjoyed life. If children practice that they must possess that which is new to have joy, then life will be plagued by self-created frustrations of unthankfulness and unneeded debt.

The holidays cause us to engage frustrated people.

Home for the holidays is not always easy. We can face those difficult relationships with anger and a desire to be punishing. The alternative is to give our children a great gift. We can teach them how to handle the difficult person with dignity and grace.

We cannot know what job our child will hold in the future. Will they be given a raise as a nurse because their skill in handling the elderly with kindness reflects the skills a patient parent taught them as a child? Will they be a fine salesman because they learned the art of redirecting a conversation when the rude uncle began to spout his foolishness? Irritation is a common experience, but practicing what irritation is prone to produce in us seldom brings more to us than conflict. The season is about love and peace.

We become greater heroes to our children when we practice what we preach, and teach them life skills in

the process.

The holidays remind us of the common dignity of humanity. All people are worthy of love and respect.

Most people from Christian to Humanist would agree on this. We are the same.

The Bible describes us as one blood. It offers nothing to those who would defend racism!

Yet, when it comes to celebration, we celebrate differently. I believe we are being crippled by political correctness. But, some of that has come because personal courtesy has need to be practiced and many people failed to extend personal courtesy.

I honor the freedom and sincerity of the Jew who celebrates Hanukah. When I meet a friend, like Margo, on the street, I do not greet her with Merry Christmas, but Happy Holiday. I also honor the freedom and sincerity of the Atheist who thinks my belief is silly. We send soldiers to defend that freedom. God demands we honor their dignity. Children learn more than receiving!

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

Dixon Area Christian Women’s Brunch December 6 A f es tiv e C hr is tmas Brunch is being hosted by Dixon Area Christian Women on Friday December 6th

at 9:30 am. The brunch will be at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church, 421 South Peoria.

Tickets are $3. Reservations

are requested by Nov 29th Call Gerry French, 815288-3480.

All are welcome.

churches are grateful for the bond of friendship between the congregations.

When you stepped in the door, the energy flowed.

The music had volume and spirit. Everything sang was meaningful and uplifting in its content. Professionals, amateurs and children performed. People moved with the music on stage and in the seats.

The artists showed genuine talent. The organizer, Michael Harts, performs under the stage name Mike Swag. His brand of rap offers a hopeful, realistic view of life, without using the negative elements that can be present in this genre.

Mike learned as a boy that “character is who you are when no one is watching,” and Mike has incorporated

this belief not only into his life, but into his music as well.

Mike’s personal definition of the word swag is “fresh or cool in whatever you do.”

Despite the negative connotation that sometimes come from the word being used to boast about amounts of women, cash or fame, Mike willingly attaches “swag” to his music, his brand and his image. Fittingly so, his approach brings a fresh, new and genuine take on hip-hop.

In addition to working alone, Mike Swag has collaborated with both his siblings. His brother, who goes by H-Street, travels to concerts and performs with Mike, and his sister, London Bridges, appears on his albums as well. A new addition to Mike Swag’s traveling team is Mike Swag’s girlfriend Sonia, her powerful vocals bringing more depth to the team. Having his family work with him provides Mike with a unique situation in which he can express his music the way it is meant to be projected.

Also appearing was BRL Quad Cities who hope to reach young people by presenting an alternative, and educating them about not

only their potential. BRL wants young people to know that this life is a dress rehearsal for our lives in eternity. We therefore believe that we should not get too attached to the things of this earth, because soon, Jesus will return.

Miracle Leach has performed gospel songs and poems all over the Midwest area. She shares form her own life experiences, to create a powerful God given art.

Miracle has a wide range of vocal reach and the ability to touch the lives of many people with her powerful testimony.

The CYIC Dance Team is a part of City of God Church They bring the gift of dance to congregations all over the area. They have a passion for Christ to reach all ages through dance. They dance to worship music, hip hop, rock and all other Christian genres. They have truly been a blessing to all who’ve seen them.

The Restart Concert hoped to help people refocus and restart with God. Mission accomplished! It was clear people of all ages had a good time.

Saint Luke’S

epiScopaL church 211 S. Peoria St., Dixon, IL 61021 815) 288-2151

Advent Lessons & Carols

December 1, 5:30pm Join us as we meet to prepare for the coming of Christ with meditative scripture readings, hymns, chant, and choral music (provided by St. Luke’s Choir and Chant Schola).

A light reception will follow the service.

Christmas Carol Singing

Christmas Eve, December 24th, 8:00pm A joyful service to gather to sing some of the most beautiful and popular songs about the Birth of Jesus Christ.

Christmas Service with Holy Communion & Hymns Christmas Day, December 25th, 10:00am This celebration will include communion, carols and a sermon by Rev. Thomas Lamb.

175 Years Young!

Sunday Service 10:15 AM Sunday School 10:00 AM Wednesday Healing Service 10:00 AM

www.stlukesdixon.org

Join Us For

Sights & Sounds Community Concert

Thursday, December 5, 2013

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

Annual Chili Supper Friday, December 6 5:00-8:00 PM • Donation $6.00

Sponsored by the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce and Sterling Main Street Hosted by the Big Red Church

This free concert features local church groups, community ensembles & individuals, and more singing Christmas songs.

It begins at 7:00 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

Sunday School 9:00 am Worship Service 10:00am Our Christmas Program will be December 15, during the Worship Service. You are invited!

Refreshments will be served following the program.

us on Facebook

Check out our new website: bigredchurchsterling.org

Pastor Jeff & Mary Coester

24

December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

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December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

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26

December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Business

Local designers create bright, colorful wreaths for the holidays Corrections officer makes deco mesh wreaths at home in Dixon Spencer Schein A correctional officer who deals with inmates during overnights found something to take her mind off of work when she came home during the day.

Looking at different crafts, April Daniels, originally from Amboy, said she saw some fanciful wreaths about two years ago and decided to give it a try.

“I decided I would teach myself how to make them.

I’ve been making them and selling them for over a year now,” said Daniels, who lives in Dixon with her husband, Jeff, also a correctional officer, and their children, Hayley 13, Dylan 9, and Kabe 6.

“Years ago I started crafting, making handmade

cards, scrapbook pages, hair bows, tutus and other items, and now it has turned into my wreath business,” she said.

“I work nights and sleep a few hours during the day when kids are at school.

Then I work on wreaths, or on my two days off. This has become a fun hobby for me and keeps me busy during the day while my kids are in school,” Daniels said.

It takes Daniels about an hour to make one wreath she said.

“I get ideas from my customers or, of course, the internet,” Daniels said.

While her wreaths look like they could just blow away in the wind, they are made to hang inside and outside a family’s home.

“I use a mesh that is called

Deco Mesh; it’s stronger and weather-proof. I use flowers, ribbon and just about anything I can put on the wreaths,” she said.

Daniels has received orders for Chicago Bears themed wreaths, and wreaths with ribbons and decorations for the Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox and other sports teams.

“I’ve been asked to do Cowboy-themed wreaths and even farm animals,” Daniels said.

Daniels is searching for more ways to get the word out about her wreaths.

“I always have a ton of seasonal orders each year: Fall, Halloween, Christmas. I had 16 orders for my Halloween witch wreath,” Daniels said during the interview.

April Daniels with her Chicago Bears wreath

Witch wreath for Halloween

“I have sold at a couple of craft fairs, but right now I’m so busy with orders I never have enough inventory to take to craft fairs,” she said.

On the Internet, Daniels said that she has an

or send her an e-mail at aprildaniels1978@hotmail. com. Customers also can view Daniels wreaths on Etsy by searching for “deco mesh wreaths.”

Etsy page, which she has just started, at the moment doesn’t have a lot there, and she has a Facebook page.

To place an order, customers can contact Daniels on Facebook by searching for “Beautifulhangups”

Dietary manager makes deco wreaths at home in Sterling Spencer Schein Looking for a way to make a little money and fill some spare time, Tawnya Bottoms went to the Internet to see what she could find.

What drew Bottoms’ attention to making fantastical deco mesh wreaths was be-

ing amazed at seeing one at her job.

“I started making these wreaths about 6 months ago when I saw one on a resident’s door where I work,” said Bottoms, dietary manager at Resthave Nursing Home in Morrision.

“I went home that day and

looked it up on YouTube on how to make them and it took off from there,” she said.

Since starting, business has been pretty good.

“I just recently made a web page on Facebook ‘Custom Wreaths by Tawnya.’ I am trying to get my name out there more. I really enjoy making www.edwardjones.com www.edwardjones.com

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them and I love to see the final product after it’s done,” Bottoms said.

The material used in the wreaths is deco mesh which Bottoms’ purchases from a local craft store.

“I usually try to make a trip for supplies every couple of weeks. They have lots of stuff to embellish them with,” Bottoms said.

She also uses a local company that makes custom plates for her for remembrance or sports teams.

“The process of making one of these wreaths usually takes me a couple hours depending on what all I put on them and how picky I get.

I make these at home on my dining room table in my spare time or on the weekends,” she said.

Tawnya Bottoms

Tawnya Bottoms is a lifelong Sterling resident. She has worked at Resthave Nursing Home in Morrison for the past 8 years. She said she has a “very supportive” boyfriend, Less Denning, who works at Sterling Commercial as a union roofer. They have been together for 12 years.

Bottoms has two children Daniel Bottoms, 21, and Dakota Bottoms, 19.

“I am a new grandma to a beautiful baby girl named Selena Rose,” she said Bottoms has been selling her wreaths on her Facebook page, and prices them according to the amount of time she

spends and the amount of embellishments she puts on each wreath.

“Eventually I would like to try a craft show where I can display and sell my wreaths.

I’m hoping with Christmas around the corner I can get more orders. They would make awesome gifts or just to add to your holiday decorations,” she said.

Anyone interested in ordering a wreath from Bottoms can go to her Facebook page “Custom Wreaths by Tawnya” or send her an e-mail at tawnyab@yahoo.com.

“I would love to make one for you,” she said.

Community Bulletin Board

those residents.

Contributions to a 529 plan may be eligible for a state tax deduction or credit in certain states for those residents.

To learn about all the holiday gift options available, call or visit today.

To learn about all the holiday gift options call or visit today.

Sam Meier Tomavailable, Wold, AAMS® Financial Advisor Financial Advisor Tom Wold, AAMS Chad Weigle, CFP Jim McPherson, CFP Mike Loos Sam Meier Tom Wold, AAMS® 2522102 E. Lincolnway 1st Ave. 4204 E. Lincolnway E Route 30 203 SuiteW. 2 1st Street 3162522 EastAdvisor Lincolnway Financial Advisor Financial Rock Falls, IL 61071 Sterling, IL 61081 Suite B Sterling Dixon Sterling 102 E Route 30 815-288-3838 Suite 2 2522 East Lincolnway 815-535-0776 815-564-0487 815-564-0487 815-622-7948 Sterling Rock Falls, IL 61071 Sterling, IL 61081 815-564-0336 815-535-0776 Aaron Young 815-564-0487 Nick Lareau Susan Lyon Nicolas Lareau 415 Locust Street 735 N. Galena Ave. 907 W. Rt. 30 Sam Meier Financial Advisor Rock Falls 102 E. Rt. 30 Suite Nicolas C Suite 110 Lareau 415 Locust Street Suite C Sterling Dixon 815-626-4822 Suite 2 Financial Advisor Sterling, IL 61081 815-626-1588 815-285-3930 Rock Falls 815-626-1588 415 Locust Street Suite C 815-535-0776 .

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Established and successful restaurant needs a experienced professional baker. The position could be an excellent opportunity for the right person. Ideally this baker is self-motivated, creative and ready to be challenged by producing high volume quality baked goods in the Tri-Cities.

Reply with resume: Baker 111213, Salk Valley Sun, PO Box 678, Dixon Illinois 61021

Who loves to teach how to play the auto harp? Local person is seeking basic lessons. She is also interested in purchasing a used auto harp. Reply in writing: Auto Harp 201, Sauk Valley Sun, PO Box 678, Dixon IL 61021

An adult woman is seeking economical small, clean apartment in Tri-Cities or large bedroom with private bathroom and kitchen privileges for January occupancy. Person to rent is a non-smoker and has personal references. Reply with description and contact information: Apartment 1234 , Salk Valley Sun, PO Box 678, Dixon Illinois 61021

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December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Business Prescott, a name you can trust

satellite business. He primarily sold big dishes until 1994 when Direct-TV launched.

In 1996 he got involved with dish network, then added guns and ammunition just this year after moving from Prescott’s TV, Appliance and Mattresses to his own building in Rock Falls located at 1114 1st Ave, 815-626-2996.

The name of the gun business is 626-GUNS and the slogan is “Give us a shot”.

Jim has been involved in competitive shooting off and

on since 1990.

“Our customers usually fall into one of three categories: hunters, competitive shooters, or collectors,” says Jim Jr. “We continue to focus on providing excellent customer service and being friendly.” I have found this to be a trademark of any business that bears the Prescott name. Jim’s children Austin and Katelyn also work at the business.

Stop in and take a look around at what these businesses have to offer. They

have served the Tri-Cities well for the past six decades and want to provide for your needs.

Jim Prescott’s BBQ Shop, 815-625-7778 at 1910 E. 4th Street in Sterling.

Prescott’s Appliance, TV and Mattresses, 815-6262996 at 3610 E. Lincolnway, Sterling.

Prescott’s Direct TV and 626-GUNS, 1114 1st Ave, Rock Falls 815-626-4492.

GOT STUFF?

Dixon Storage Jim Jr., Owner of 626-GUNS

Jill Horn Jim Prescott Sr., owner of Jim Prescott’s Barbeque Shop, is now 81 years old and feels blessed to be involved in something people can enjoy.

He started his business in 1956 with his cousin. Jim says, “We sold used anything.” Once Northwestern Steel and Wire started to expand and people were coming here from all over the country Jim expanded his business to include new furniture and appliances.

“The people would come here and not have anything, so we needed an inventory we could control and started supplying new furniture and appliances or whatever the people needed to furnish their homes,” stated Prescott.

Prescott’s TV and Appliance then went on to become the largest Maytag dealer in the area, and then became a Frigidaire dealer. Then Prescott’s expanded and became a Zenith dealer. At first they had black and white television sets, then once color TV arrived, they stocked color TVs. They became an Amana dealer and sold mi-

crowaves by the truckload.

Then VCRs became popular. Prescott stated, “I’d get in 100 VCRs and a week later, they’d be sold. There were several earthshaking products that I capitalized on. That will probably never happen again in such a short amount of time.”

Prescott’s has served several generations of his loyal customers over the years.

“I have contact with people regularly that I’ve known for 50 years and others I’ve never met before,” stated Prescott.

Jim’s son, Pete, works at the BBQ shop and will most likely take over the business once his dad is ready to retire.

Rick Renner, the present owner of Prescott’s TV, Appliance and Mattresses, had worked for Jim Sr. for several years and knew he could buy the business at any time.

About seven years ago Rick bought the business from Jim Sr. who took the grills with him that were in the inventory and started the Jim Prescott’s Barbeque Shop, 1910 E. 4th Street, Sterling.

He added wrought iron furniture and patio furniture and has increased his inventory.

Almost 100% of the inventory is made in North America, and of that, most are made in the USA. Rick Renner is the current owner of Prescott’s TV, Appliance and Mattresses.

Both Jim Junior’s Direct-TV business and the appliance store were together under one building until April 2013.

Rick states, “Our business had been growing steadily for the past three years.”

There wasn’t room for both Jim’s and Rick’s businesses to grow and stay in the same building, so Jim moved to Rock Falls and expanded to include guns. Rick stayed in Sterling, is still expanding and growing and wants to continue to make customer service a priority.

In 1985, Jim Sr. had a heart attack and couldn’t run the business. Jim Jr. was 23 years old and took over running everything until his dad was ready to come back. He took over during the time VCRs and video rental was at its height. He ran five different stores. In 1990, he left and was self-employed as an electronic equipment repairman.

Later, he pursued the home

Unit rentals start at $45 a month 1888 Paulsen Road Dixon, IL 61021

815-288-6977

email: dixonstorage@comcast.net web: www.dixonstorage.com

WELCOMES

ALLISON B. FAGERMAN To their legal team Mrs. Fagerman joins Managing Partner Louis F. Pignatelli, Associate Lindsay Gorsline, & Associate Beth Uhrich Allison will be accepting new clients in December 2013.

Allison distinguished herself in law school graduating Magna Cum Laude and was in the top 10 % of her graduating class.

While serving in the Public Defender’s Office, she has attained statewide and national prominence litigating cases in the specialized area of indefinite civil commitments.

Dear Customers,

We're like extended family at Hawkins-Cassens Insurance, and this Christmas we would like to give our thank you to the treasured family of Hawkins-Cassens – our customers!

Furthermore, we cannot wait to meet your needs and exceed your expectations in customer service and excellence this upcoming new year! Merry Christmas!

With appreciation,Your extended-family at Hawkins-Cassens Insurance

2321 E. Lincolnway, Sterling, IL 61081 815-625-7474

Allison was admitted to the Illinois Bar in 2005.

She earned her J.D. from Northern Illinois University, College of Law She will be concentrating in the areas of Criminal, Real Estate, Probate, Litigation, Worker’s Compensation, Personal Injury—Plaintiff, Domestic Law and Appellate Practice.

Office: 815-626-0500

Email: afagerman@nilawyers.com 102 E. Route 30 Rock Falls, IL 61071

28

December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Education

Books make great holiday gifts for children Carol Chandler Reading to children has become increasingly important as the amount of time that they spend in front of a TV, on a computer, iPod or video game has grown greater with the advent of modern technology. Some experts are now saying that you should read to your children before they are born! At just a few months of age, an infant can look at pictures and listen to your voice. I feel that one of the most important aspects of reading to children is the time spent together.

In doing research for this article, I have come up with the following list. Reading

to a child: 1) builds a stronger relationship between the child and the reader; 2) creates a higher aptitude for learning in general; 3) reinforces basic speech skills through sound recognition; 4) teaches reading left to right and top of the page to the bottom; 5) enhances better communication with others and increases their ability to express themselves; 6) increases understanding of the fundamentals of language; 7) promotes the ability to understand abstract concepts, recognize cause and effect and establish good judgment; 8) helps them to accept new experiences such as moving, a new sib-

ling or starting school; 9) increases concentration, self-discipline, longer attention span and better memory retention; 10) teaches that reading is fun.

Children who are read to are much more likely to choose books over other forms of entertainment.

While visiting with another columnist, Tricia Lewis, I read a story to one of her granddaughters. Tricia is also an ardent advocate of reading to children and one of her favorites is "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss. (You can't have a list without this all-time favorite.) Anita Elgin of the Sterling Library suggested "The Day the Crayons

Mrs. Claus (aka Carol Chandler) reads to the children at the Dixon Library every Christmas season.

Quit" by Oliver Jeffers for pre-schoolers and the "Big Nate" series by Lincoln Peirce for grades one to four.

Tricia is a faithful reader

to her grandchildren. She gave me some quotes and I thought that this one was especially meaningful: Jackie Kennedy Onassis said,

"There are many ways to enlarge your child's world.

Love of books is the best of all." Don't read TO your children, read WITH them.

Seven top sellers to consider for holiday gifting Larry Dunphy Proprietor, Books on First, Dixon BULLY PULPIT: Theodore Roosevelt, Howard Taft and The Golden Age of Journalism Doris Kearns Goodwin Roosevelt used the bully pulpit to break up monopolies, stare down money brokers and corrupt politician…only to see his

anointed successor Taft dilute many of the reforms he put into place.

THE BROTHERS: John Foster Dulles, Allen Dulles and their Secret World War Stephen Kinzer John Foster, Secretary of State and his brother Allen, CIA Director, led the United States in foreign adventures during the peak of the Cold War.

O

g n i pen

THINGS THAT MATTER: Three Decades of Passions, Pastime and Politics Charles Krauthammer Krauthammer’s first collection of more than 30 years is a great introduction to the columnist’s writing.

RELENTLESS ENVIOUS DEATH A. K. Thompson Read about the founding of KSB Hospital and the

o S

n o

C

murder that gave rise to the Bloody Gulch Road.

KILLING JESUS Bill O’Reilly O’Reilly details the events leading up to the murder of Jesus of Nazareth.

THIS TOWN: Two Parties and a Funeral Plus Plenty of Valet Parking!

In America’s Gilded Capital Mark Leibourch A funny, interesting and

demoralizing book: Read this and you won’t vote for either party.

HOW TO GET FISH RICH IN RISING ASIA Mohsin Hamid Like all Hamid’s novels, it takes place in Pakistan and is a tale of a man’s journey from poverty to corporate tycoon.

n o i t a r b e el at

The Brandywine

FEATURING: FOOD, SPIRITS & VIDEO GAMING! How Can We Help YOU Celebrate? www.BrandywineDixon.com

Call for Details (815) 284-8484 441 Illinois Route 2, Dixon, IL 61021 Between Dixon and Sterling on Illinois Route 2

Like us on Facebook!

29

December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Government

Christmas memories

Bill Wescott Rock Falls Mayor Christmas is rapidly approaching, and it is a time for all of us to reflect on the many varying aspects of Christmas and how, over the years, they have had an impact on our immediate and extended families.

Christmas, more so than any other holiday, is a time that has at least for me been filled with memories that I would like to share.

It is a time when we decorate our homes, share gifts, go caroling, eat way too much and of course, go to church. It is also a good time to tell stories, share pictures, videos, pick up the phone and call an old friend. All of these bring back such powerful memories because they come alive again through our senses. The images, tastes, and smells of the season have made such a deep impression that are not easily forgotten. I can clearly remember the cold of winter, the feeling of wet snow on our faces and the heat rising out of the furnace grates as we attempted to recover from our venture outside to build the biggest snowman on the block.

But before there could be

any family Christmas, there was baking to be done.

Memories of Christmas are filled with smells of pine and berry – scented candles, of candy and spiced drinks; the mouthwatering aromas from the kitchen. Both my mother and grandmother Mabel, as did most made the cookie dough from scratch. We helped to roll it out on the kitchen table and had several flour fights along the way. Then utilizing all of the treasured cookie cutters, Santa, candy canes, wreaths, bells came to life in the dough. Into the oven and soon the aroma filled the house. Next the frosting, utilizing the food coloring with frosting, cinnamon breads and a variety of the other necessary ingredients bring the cookies to life. Always had several mince meat pies which added to the menu.

Next, we loaded up the car with gifts and headed over Sterling to Uncle Jim and Aunt Ruth’s house.

When everyone was there the place was packed. We filled every spot on the floor around the tree, with the lights, tinsel and paper chains; throw in all the presents, a child’s dream come true. As an adult you look back today and wonder just how we all fit in there. As compact as it was, the love was even greater. Many of the family are gone, Grandpa Everett, Grandma Mabel, Aunt Audrey, Mike and of course Dad. Following the festivities of the family, it was back home to get ready for Christmas Eve Church

services. Hearing the yearly tale of the Birth of the Christ child. And do remember the oranges and candy canes that were handed out at church, I’ll bet you do. Following church services, we would go home and prepare for the greatest night of the year. Every child’s dream, would I get all of the items I had seen in the Sears catalog and at the 5-10 store?

“Twas the night before Christmas and all through the house, not a creature was stirring” …. But that did not mean we were really asleep. The long night seemed to creep toward morning. The excitement of waiting to get up on Christmas morning is something we all know about, don’t we. Many times at our house, we had to wait for Dad to get home. He was a Firefighter and worked 24 on and 48 off. Sometimes he would be late, because of a call, but we waited just the same, because it was important to have the whole family there; Mom. Dad, Jo Lynn, Jeff, Beth Ann and Jimmy. As I grew older, I figured out that if you looked through the floor vents one could see the magic happen right before your eyes. I am sure that my brothers and sisters figured that out as well, in their own time.

As an adult now looking back, I appreciate more than ever, the extra hours, the second job that both Mom and Dad worked to make sure that we never lacked for anything at Christmas. Life’s lessons are sometimes most realized after it is too late to say

The implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act

Tom Demmer State Representative -90th District As we move forward into the winter season, many residents across the state are wondering whether or not they will continue to retain the health insurance coverage they purchased. With the October grand opening of Obamacare Exchanges, many people have received notices from their insurers informing them that their current health insurance

coverage will expire on January 1st 2014, or their premiums will increase to an unaffordable level.

This is a step in the wrong direction; which is why I co-sponsored legislation calling on the Illinois Department of Insurance to disclose the actual number of Illinois families who are losing their health insurance during this very rocky implementation of the new law.

The implementation of the federal Affordable Care Act, also called the ACA or Obamacare, imposed costly new mandates upon individual health insurance policies and those provided by employers, forcing many Illinois families to make important decisions with little time to think. House Resolution 680 urges the federal government to delay the implementation of the

Affordable Care Act individual mandate for further examination. There are too many questions about increased costs for Illinois’ private health insurance policyholders as a result of the ACA mandates, considering many of these policies were substantially cheaper prior to the new ACA policies.

It is not fair to the many Illinois residents and families who are losing their current health coverage due to the new ACA mandates.

These people purchased what was necessary and what they could afford, free from the new government regulations. Action must be taken to ensure the protection of every Illinois family who wants to keep their existing health coverage, and we must protect them from price gauging policies and unnecessary regulation.

thank you directly.

Christmas was and remains a magical time of the year for me. We always went around and visited the neighbors on Christmas, delivering cookies, candy canes, and divinity, and always getting back the same in return. There was a lof of thoughtfulness with the neighbors. We sent out Christmas cards, and would get what seemed like hundreds from family and friends. Special plates of

cookies for the mail man, milk man, the mechanic that worked on the car to keep it running, pastor, teachers.

And in the end, when Christmas was done, it was time to savor the memories and reflect on the true meaning of the season. The story of that first Christmas family adoring a newborn baby while an angel appeared to shepherds to bring good news. The stories we have heard from those who came before us. The stories

of Christmas past, and the stories of Christmas present that we share in our families today. Together, all of the stories we share at Christmas comprise the greater story of a much greater family; and we should all never forget that. Take the time this Christmas to share these memories with your family.

From my family to yours, make this year special and have a wonderful holiday season.

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Whiteside County Public Transportation

Adopt-A-Rider Program

WHITESIDE COUNTY PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION IS A NOT-FOR-PROFIT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICE FOR RESIDENTS OF ALL AGES THROUGHOUT WHITESIDE COUNTY. We have members of our community that are not able to make important destinations, such as medical appointments, the grocery store, place of employment, school and many other resources.

Help a member of our community meet their needs this Holiday season by adopting a rider. Your donation will support children getting to school, hard working parents, dialysis patients, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, friends, and family!

Adopt-A-Rider Program If you’re interested in donating to this cause, please complete this form:

NAME ADDRESS I would like to donate:

$10____ $20____ $40____ $60____ $100____ Other $____ PLEASE MAIL OR BRING DONATIONS TO:

ys from a d i l o H y p Hap WCPT! t a s u f o l al

Whiteside County Public Transportation 1207 W. 9th St. Sterling, IL 61081

For more information, please contact Tori McDaniel, Director of Transportation at (815) 625-7433 ext. 105

30

December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Health

CGH Medical Center to provide Veterans (VA) Audiologic Diagnostic Services STERLING- The Audiology Department of CGH Medical Center ’s Main Clinic, Sterling, is pleased to announce that they have entered into an agreement with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide audiologic diagnostic services to area Veterans who qualify for VA services.

In the past, Veterans in the Sauk Valley area have been

referred to the VA Clinics of Iowa City and Madison for hearing aid services, but the long road trips to these locations often prove to be a hardship. CGH’s Main Clinic can now provide Audiology hearing evaluations close to home.

“For an evaluation at the CGH Main Clinic, Veterans simply need to obtain a voucher from the VA, and

then call us to set up an appointment” said CGH Clinical Audiologists, Dr. Laurie Zollinger and Dr. Mary Martin. “We are proud of our Veterans and feel privileged to work with them.”

The Audiology Department, located on the second floor of the CGH Main Clinic, has been a part of CGH Medical Center and the former Sterling-Rock

a r o f s it u

s i v Holiday e m Dessert Buffet o C Sunday, Dec. 22 1:30-4:00 PM

Tours & Maybe a visit from Santa!

CGH’s Clinical Audiologists, Dr. Laurie Zollinger and Dr. Mary Martin are specialists in the assessment and treatment of hearing disorders.

Falls Clinic since the early 1980’s. Currently they provide hearing evaluations, dizziness evaluations and treatments, and hearing aid

dispensing to patients from birth through geriatric ages.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact Mary Martin, AuD,

FAAA or Laurie Zollinger, AuD, FAAA at CGH Main Clinic Audiology Services, (815) 632-5400.

Whiteside county line dancers

Call 815-622-2800 for details

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The dancers are as follows (from left to right): Susan Atchley, Priscilla Olinger, Lynda Norton, Fadra Law, Lindsay Anderson, Nancy Potter, Joan Nielsen, and Marjorie Little.

How Yoga Can Help with Holiday Stress

Nancy Nesyto-Freske Certified Yoga Teacher With the Holidays fast approaching, many people start to notice their stress levels increasing. No wonder—parties, shopping, and too much food and drink can disrupt our regular schedule.

Even grieving over the loss of a loved one intensifies over the holiday.

I would like to share a few tips to help alleviate some of the stress: • Remember to breathe – funny as that sounds, whenever stress increases, our quality of breath de-

creases. Put up sticky notes in obvious places to get yourself in the habit of remembering to breathe – and do this easily. Don’t try to take in a huge volume of breath.

• When you do breathe, notice if your inhales are longer than your exhales.

You can find this out quickly by just counting as you inhale, then counting as you exhale. If the inhales are longer, focus on making the exhales longer. Do this gradually. This will allow for relaxation. It will also help when you are having a hard time sleeping.

• If there is too much going on and you are having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, notice what you are thinking about. Are you planning, counting, trying to remember? Have a pen and some paper next to the bed (with a flashlight) to jot down notes so you won’t be concerned about

forgetting. Then you can focus on your breath and fall back to sleep.

• Say “No” — Don’t say “Yes” to all requests.

• Look at your calendar – is every minute penciled in with an activity? Be sure to plan in time just to be alone, to be quiet, even if it is for 5 minutes. Write it on the calendar.

• Go to my website: www. journeyyogastudio.com to see some simple and gentle movements you can do to help with stress or to help calm your breath.

Any will work.

Make this Holiday season one you will remember as being fun and stress-free!

Nancy Nesyto-Freske is a Certified Yoga Instructor and Certified Yoga therapist, specializing in Yoga Therapy and helping people reduce pain, aches, kinks and stress. She can be reached at 815-509-6479 or at nancy@journeyyogastudio.com.

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December 2013 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Health

The doctor is in: Conjunctivitis

Dr. Donald Lewis, MD FACS Special to the Sauk Valley Sun Conjunctivitis, also called “pinkeye,” is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and the whites of the eyes.

Conjunctivitis can affect children and adults. All types of conjunctivitis cause a red eye, although not everyone with a red eye has conjunctivitis. Let’s look at the types: Viral conjunctivitis – A person may have symptoms of conjunctivitis alone, or as part of a general cold, with swollen lymph nodes (glands), fever, a sore throat, and runny nose. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious, spread by contact often when the infected person touches their eye and then touches another surface. Symptoms include redness, watery or mucus discharge, and a burning,

sandy, or gritty feeling in one eye. The other eye usually becomes infected within 24 to 48 hours. There is no cure for viral conjunctivitis.

Recovery can begin within days, although the symptoms frequently get worse for the first three to five days, with gradual improvement over the following one to two weeks for a total course of two to three weeks.

Bacterial conjunctivitisThis is highly contagious, often affecting multiple family members or children within a classroom. Bacterial conjunctivitis is spread by contact, as mentioned above, and is much more common in children than in adults. The most common symptoms include redness and thick discharge from one eye, although both eyes can become infected. The discharge may be yellow, white, or green, and it usually continues to drain throughout the day. The affected eye often is “stuck shut” in the morning. Most cases resolve quickly and cause no permanent damage when treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointment.

Allergic conjunctivitisThis is caused by airborne allergens that come in con-

tact with the eye. Symptoms are most commonly redness, watery discharge, and itching of both eyes, and may be seasonal, or year-round, depending upon the allergen.

Non-specific conjunctivitis It is possible to develop a red eye and discharge that is not caused by an infection or allergy. The most common causes include dryness or the presence of a foreign body such as dust or an eyelash. These problems generally improves within 24 hours, once the foreign body is flushed out.

People with the following signs and symptoms may have a more serious problem: Eye tenderness Difficulty seeing clearly Difficulty keeping the eye open or sensitivity to light Severe headaches with nausea Recent trauma to the eye Treatment First, if you have any of the symptoms listed above or are in any doubt, see your doctor. She or he will diagnose and treat you, or recommend an eye specialist if necessary. In general, however: Viral conjunctivitis -A

topical antihistamine/decongestant eye drop may help to relieve the irritation of viral conjunctivitis. These drops are available without a prescription in most pharmacies. However, particular care must be taken to avoid spreading viral infections from one eye to the other.

Apply drops only to affected eye and wash hands thoroughly after application. Similar to cold medicines, this treatment may reduce the symptoms but does not shorten the course of the infection. Another option is to use warm or cool compresses, as needed.

Bacterial conjunctivitis- Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually treated with an antibiotic eye drop or ointment. When started early, treatment helps to shorten the duration of symptoms, although most cases do resolve spontaneously if no treatment is used. Adults are usually treated with an antibiotic eye drop or ointment for five to seven days.

Redness, irritation, and eye discharge should begin to improve within 24 to 48 hours. If there is no improvement or if the condition worsens within this time, the person should be evaluated

by an ophthalmologist.

Non-specific conjunctivitis - the eye may feel better faster when it is treated with a lubricant, such as drops or ointments. These products are available without a prescription in most pharmacies. Lubricant drops can be used as often as hourly with no side effects. The ointment provides longer lasting relief but blurs vision temporarily. For this reason, some people use ointment only at bedtime.

Allergic conjunctivitisThere are over-the-counter and also prescription drops for this. Ask your pharmacist or see your physician.

Return to work/ school — The safest approach to avoid spreading viral and bacterial conjunctivitis to others is to stay home until there is no longer any discharge from the eyes.

No such precautions are required for allergic conjunctivitis, which usually responds rapidly to appropriate drops.

Prevention— Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are both highly contagious and spread by direct contact with secretions or contact with contaminated objects.

Simple hygiene measures can help minimize transmission to others. Do not share objects and wash the hands frequently.

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