Sauk Valley Sun

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

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Sauk Valley Sun

DIXON - STERLING - ROCK FALLS …the community’s newspaper June 2014 | Vol. 2 Issue 6

Veterans of all ages and all generations are heroes!

INSIDE

Rock Falls Lands Holiday Inn The City of Rock Falls entered into a development agreement with the Rock Falls Hotel Group, LLC for the development and construction of 68 room Holiday Inn Express and Suites…

see page 22

KIDS - EarlyAct Makes Cash for Others Children attended a Dixon Rotary luncheon to tell members about why they joined EarlyAct and what their group hopes to accomplish…

see page 34

Lincoln Leaves Dixon Legacy Photo: Larry Hammelman

One of the many participants of the Dixon Memorial Day Parade was VietNow, Veterans Helping Veterans, Rock River Valley Chapter. The crowd enjoyed their smiles and waves. To see more parade photos, go to saukvalleysun.com.

Illinois is the Land of Lincoln and Springfield is the heart of Lincoln Country with Lincoln’s Presidential Library and Museum…

see page 6

Business

Dining

Automotive

Home & Garden Pets

Entertainment

The 60th Anniversary for SBM Business Products cause for celebration.

Orom is joy for diners’ taste, eye and affordability.

Kharmann Ghia from 1973 is a family’s mobile treasure and it is still going strong.

Diggin in the Dirt has practical advice for almost any gardener.

CGH Love on a Leash is a pet therapy program that brings pleasure.

It is going to be a REALLY big concert with legend Lyle Lovett and band.

see page 15

see page 20

see page 23

see pages 32

see page 8

see page 5

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

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June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Community Brad’s Beat

Brad Monson Oh my gosh….Graduations, Father’s Day, weddings, Summer…after our LONG winter, the activities

and events happening daily feel like a fireball bursting in every direction.

A MUST for us is to participate in the 60th Anniversary Celebrations for SBM in Sterling! Hooray for Wendy, Rod and Herb who have made their business into such a success by providing the products we need with amazing customer service. We honor you and your staff!

Need a unique gift?

“Books on First” Dixon has a huge selection for

grads and dads. How about the all-time best seller for grads, “Oh the Places You’ll Go” by Dr. Suess… PLUS a gift card for an introductory flight from Crystal Aero Services, Dixon. It would be a gift no one would ever forget. Don’t we all remember our first flight?

Specialty retailer, Medical Products Group, Dixon, is there when you need them.

What a relief not to have to leave the Tri-Cities to get what might be required for our health needs. They have

a sale right now…20%-75% discounts with certain exclusions. They might have something you need.

Circle your summer calendar now for the Reagan Run as registration is due

by July 2nd…that’s just four weeks from now.Then move forward in your calendar to September. Circle September 13 to watch, support or participate in the “Bridge the Community 10K/5K” or Bridge Kids Run. All are the brain child of Jack Spencer, Rock Falls State Farm agent. Jack is tireless in his efforts and the community support is awesome.

Both Mayor Wescott and Mayor Lee are regular attendees at the organizational meetings. The collaboration by all is inspiring. Thanks Jack Spencer for your vision!

Speaking of vision, remodeling gives a new look to your home and can truly perk up your life. It is can be a bit messy yet worth it.

Look to Cutting Edge Interiors… they will do it right, on time and on budget… with a minimum of mess.

When your family needs a funeral home, consider the Jones Funeral Homes of Dixon and Amboy. We have had occasion to use their services and found them kind, compassionate and caring.

For obituary information we direct you to www. saukvalleysun.com. There you will find constantly undated obituary information from the Tri-Cities. We are happy to provide this service to our community. Also on the website are ALL of the features in the Sauk Valley Sun plus police reports,

classified advertising, fun surveys and even a place for you to tell your story. Check it out!!!

There are some situations one wants to avoid, yes? One is slipping and falling.

Two of the most dangerous places for falls are bathtubs and hard-surface flooring.

To prevent those “slippery when wet” episodes, Grip Master Floor Solutions could be your answer.

The application is said not to change the color of the materials…just help to prevent slipping and sliding. For more information contact Grip-Master representative Matt Nutial at 815-535-7974.

Keep those cards and letters coming, Brad

The Elephants Go Marching Two

By Two…HOORAH!

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The Carson & Barnes Circus has been a Rock Falls tradition for nearly 25 years. Enjoy wild tricks, intrepid talent, and more.

This event creates opportunities for local folks to see unique performances rarely seen anywhere, but in huge

People are saying…

“You know, I’ve been impressed by the on-line Sauk Valley Sun. Now that I’ve seen the paper, I’m doubly impressed. It’s a newsy, attractive publication – and so much work. Bravo!” Diane Taylor “Told a high school classmate that I was working on the Sun. His comment: ‘That’s a great paper! I really like it. I love reading the articles.’” Gerald Knox

Thrivent Financial representatives are licensed insurance agents/ producers of Thrivent Financial, the marketing name for Thrivent Financial for Lutherans, Appleton, WI. They are also registered representatives of Thrivent Investment Management Inc., 625 Fourth Ave S., Minneapolis, MN 55415. For additional important information, visit Thrivent.com/disclosures.

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“I spread the word about the “SUN” anytime someone asks about advertising.

I just mentioned it to someone in our lobby this morning and our customer said, ‘More local news than anyone in the area.’” So, keep up the GREAT WORK! Tracey Montgomery, Creative Printing

Publisher’s Note

Get Naked! Get Real! Get Honest!

“Get Naked” is the concept of a new marketing book that suggests that nakedness (in the outside world) is being open, honest, transparent and direct with customers. The concepts are worthy of adoption by everyone. Consider how much more easily we might communicate and get along if these attributes became more and more a part of our culture.

Get Real!

When we consider being “real” we begin to eliminate falseness, being someone

or something we are not and even liking who we are as we practice self-acceptance. Getting “real” may also mean that we accept that which (at the moment) we can not change.

There is, too, the idea that we do not have to approve of that which we accept. We simply need to accept it. That’s all.

Get Honest!

Do you live in Sterling and have not visited the Dillon Home?

Did you know it is on the National Register of Historic Places?

Democrat or Republication, do you live in Dixon and have never been to the Ronald Reagan Boyhood Home?

What about the wonderful

Community State Bank locations (Rock Falls, Sterling, Dixon and Morrison), Gieson Motorsports, and the Rock Falls Chamber. For more information contact Bethany (815) 625-4500, or visit www.rockfallschamber.com

“It has a lot of positive, regional news and information from local people about different subjects that I really enjoy.” Roy Bridgeman

Jeanine Pitman CLTC®, FIC Financial Consultant 404 N. Galena Ave. Suite 230 Dixon, IL 61021 815-288-2211

Judy Bell Publisher

cities. The Circus rolls into town on June 24th at Gieson Motorsports (800 E.Route 30, Rock Falls) and tickets are available in advance for a 30% discount. Adult tickets will be $12 and children’s will be $6 in advance.

Ticket outlets include all

Northwest Territory Historic Center?

Do you live in Rock Falls and have you visited the Hennepin Feeder Canal built in 1895? It, too, is on the National Register of Historic Places.

So, get honest! When you begin to think about what to do or where to go…stay around home and find out what is here in our Tri-Cities. We challenge you to be a walking testimony to the history, and fabric of the area.

We are glad for our visitors and want more of them. We can also be “visitors” in our hometown.

Invest your time and money in this historically-rich area and be grateful. So many other people in other places have so much less.

We rejoice in the richness of the Tri-Cities. We love our shopkeepers and service people! We honor them Saturday with the Shop Small Shop Local quarterly event.

We know each person has the opportunity and freedom to be who he or she wants to be because of our veterans.

Do what you can within your circle of influence to be sure that our veterans know they are appreciated and supported in every possible way. As we know, freedom isn’t free.

Lastly, we are grateful for the opportunity to be your community’s newspaper!

Judy Bell, Publisher

2014 County Fair dates • Stephenson County Fair: July 8-13 in Freeport • Lee County 4-H Fair: July 24-27 in Amboy • Ogle County Fair: July 30-August 3 in Oregon • Carroll County Fair: August 5-9 in Milledgeville • Whiteside County Fair: August 12-16 in Morrison • DeKalb County Fair (Sandwich Fair) September 3-7 in Sandwich

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June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Community Rock Falls River Chase and Summer Splash events Area residents and visitors alike will be glad to know that the River Chase and the Summer Splash events will make a return to the Rock Falls Riverfront in June of 2014. Having seen the need for a community event on the beautiful Rock River, Terry Hicks, a Rock Falls resident, took the initiative to bring back the River Chase. Many years ago, the River Chase was one of the highlights in our community. Thousands packed in to watch boats race along the river at the family friendly event.

This year, the fast paced fun makes a great return!

Summer Splash, hosted by the Rock Falls Chamber

will also be returning to the Riverfront again this year.

Its unique menu of alligator, elk, and buffalo, as well as its focus on family friendly entertainment has made it a much anticipated event.

This year, will be double the fun as the River Chase and Summer Splash team up to bring great activities to our community all in one weekend, June 27-29th on the Rock Falls Riverfront.

“When we heard what Terry had planned with the River Chase, we quickly saw the value in his efforts. The River Chase was always an exciting, uniting activity for our community.

Getting that event back is valuable and important and

we want to do everything we can to make it a success. As we began talking, it became clear that tethering our existing Summer Splash event with the River Chase would be a great fit and benefit to each other,” says Bethany Bland, President/CEO of the Rock Falls Chamber.

Expect a full weekend of fun in the sun with lots of free activities for all ages at this year’s Summer Splash & River Chase along the Rock Falls Riverfront June 27-29th. No, tickets, or admittance fees, free activities for kids, delicious food, easy parking and shuttle service, lots of vendors, arts, crafts, entertainment, and so much more.

Poem at Veteran’s service Do not stand at my grace and weep, I am the swift uplifting rush I am not there; I do not sleep.

Of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the soft stars that shine at night.

I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glint on snow, Do not stand at my grace and cry, I am the sunlight on ripened grain, I am not there; I did not die.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

Mary Frye, 1932 When you awaken in the morning’s hush

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June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Community

Buddy Bags: Innovative way to nourish kids on the weekend Jill Straw Over 1,200 students in the Dixon School District receive free or reduced lunches. Janet Wittenmyer, pastor of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Dixon, organized the Buddy Bags of Dixon program to provide takehome food for these children on weekends during the school year. The program began at Washington School with the kindergarten and 1st grade students. Application forms were given to qualifying students by their teachers. These names are kept anonymous from the volunteers. Once a week during the school year, volunteers gather to pack food in bags. These bags are then delivered to Washington School. On Fridays, the teachers will pack the bags in the appropriate backpacks. Each bag contains enough food for two breakfasts, two lunches, and two

snacks per weekend.

This service is essential to the community. Volunteers provide food so that children do not have a lack of food.

Both groups and individuals volunteer throughout the school year to pack the bags.

Kelli Draper, a member of St. Paul, said that leftover food that hasn’t passed its expiration date at the end of the school year is given to the local food pantry. In keeping with Health Department requirements, all donated food items must be individually wrapped and shelf stable. The food items should also be in easy-open containers.

“The outpouring from the community has been phenomenal,” Pastor Wittenmyer said. Food is donated from churches, individuals and companies. Walmart Distribution Center of Sterling has donated food. Do-It-Best of Dixon recently donated

The Buddy Bag idea shows community caring and sharing. Throughout the school year, volunteers pack lunches for children.

From left: Assistant Coach Monica Wolfley, Maddie Wolfley, Hilary Houk, Tayna Klenz, Head Coach Michelle Dewey. shelves for the storage of food. Dixon area churches that are involved with the Buddy Bags program are Immanuel Lutheran, Grace United Methodist, 1st United Methodist, 2nd

Baptist, St. Paul Lutheran, 1st Presbyterian and the Church of the Brethren.

Immanuel Lutheran Church in Amboy will soon start its own program.

Buddy Bags of Dixon

operates out of St. Paul Lutheran at 421 S. Peoria Avenue. The primary contacts are Rev. Janet Wittenmyer (815) 288-2757, Barb Fane (815) 288-4341, Jane McCaslin (815) 440-0252,

and Jen LeMoine (815) 677-0497. Gwen Weidman is the contact for volunteers. She can be reached at (815) 541-2122.

spend a few nights without curtains on the bedroom windows. We put sheets

up on the windows instead.

Another day in Guayo, a member of the church I at-

tended, came over and put up a towel rack in the bathroom. He had also helped me move some furniture in and as a result didn’t have much time to work on hanging towel racks and curtain rods so he also ran out of time before he could finish. So I called Wayne a few days later hoping this would be the last of the handymen to come over and work. Wayne came over and finished hanging the curtain rods in the bedrooms. Yeah! The curtain rods were finished and curtains were in all the rooms.

Finally when I thought everything was ready in my apartment, my roommate used the washing machine and it wasn’t level and the water drained out through

a hose into the back patio.

I called Dale. Dale was another missionary who went to my church. He came over one day after work and made the washing machine level and hooked up a hose to the washing machine so the water drained properly.

Thank goodness I could wash clothes and have curtains instead of sheets in the windows!

Before moving to Guatemala if I was moving into a new apartment, my dad would have done all of these things the day I moved in. I never knew what a blessing this was until I didn’t have it anymore and I realized my dad did the job of four men. This Father’s Day, I am thankful for my dad who is equal to four men!

Thanks, Dad! Jill Horn When I was a child, one of my favorite books was, “My Father Can Fix Anything” by Mabel Watts.

I have always believed that my father could fix almost anything. When I moved away to Guatemala, I learned just how much I depended on this fact.

My first Thanksgiving in Guatemala when asked to say what I was thankful for I said, “I’m thankful for my dad. He’s equal to four men.” I explained further that when I moved into a new apartment a month earlier, I needed to have curtain rods and towel racks hung.

I also needed a washing machine hooked up properly.

One day Hector, someone

who I worked with, came over and put up one curtain rod in the living room. This was a difficult task. Hector and I had to make a trip back to the school to get the right tools. My roommate and I also had to make a trip to the hardware store to get plastic anchors needed to put on a screw before drilling it into a cement wall. Of course, the anchors were the wrong size so we had to return to the store and get a different size. I think my dad would have gotten the right size to begin with. In fact, he would have already had the right tools and made the trip to the hardware store the day before. Hector needed to get back to the school after only putting up one curtain rod. So we had to

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June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Community

“Let’s Feed Our Children” - A United Way of Whiteside County program aimed at providing lunch for children over the summer Towana Ernst Just wondering if we remember those children who receive free or reduced lunches during the school year when it comes time for summer and there is no school? These are the same children that arrive at school early to eat their breakfast and continue through to the lunch period when they receive a meal that will hopefully tide them over until their dinner. What about children whose caregivers have lost their jobs and are no longer even living paycheck to paycheck? Who will help provide relief from this burden during the summer months?

In 2002 when the mill closed in Sterling, there was a committee formed on which Russ Siefken served that

accepted these challenges.

The answer to some of those questions was answered when a program was developed through the United Way of Whiteside County called, “Let’s Feed Our Children.”

Russ states, “I asked, with all these people out of work what about the children?”

Let’s Feed Our Children is a summer lunch program serving the Sterling, Rock Falls, Prophetstown, Tampico and Morrison population. This year, Fulton has requested to be included in the distribution. These lunches are intended for young people, aged 4-10. When the program started, the rule was established, Russ says, that “no questions were to be asked.” This program is managed by the United Way from their office in Sterling.

The products that are in

the lunches are a result of donations. On Mother’s Day and Father’s Day 63 local churches gather from their parishioners donations of smooth peanut butter, grape jelly, and fold over sandwich baggies. These are delivered to the Sauk Valley Food Bank. Monetary donations are accepted at the United Way. The Wal-Mart distribution Center in Rock Falls donates fresh fruit. Early in the spring, individuals who are interested in assisting with this program have a meeting.

At that time, churches such as The Big Red Church in Sterling, send a representative who selects two or three weeks during the summer to provide the volunteers.

These people arrive at the distribution site, prepare the meals, distribute to the children, and clean the work

area. One of the volunteers from The Big Red Church in Sterling, Sue Topping, says, “I’ve known a lot of the children over the years that have used the program and in many cases they might not get a square meal if it wasn’t for this program.”

Beginning the second week of June, items are delivered to each of the locations that prepare and distribute these lunches. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, volunteers arrive at around 9:30 am to begin preparing the approximately 150 paper sack lunches per site. Doors are open from 11:30 am to 12:30pm and lunches are shared with those that come in and ask for them. In both Sterling and Rock Falls there are mobile sites and these lunches are picked up and delivered to

those sites by the volunteers of Firehouse of God ministries, under the direction of Pastor Brian Tribley. He says, “The volunteers keep returning every year because of the joy and smile on the children’s faces. I have one couple that does it every year just because of the kids. They get to know each other and build friendships and relationships. It is just a joyful experience for our volunteers and the kids are really appreciative of the meals. There is a bond created.”

In 2013, Let’s Feed Our Children provided 32,532 lunches. Distribution starts this year for Sterling sites June 3-August 14, 2014, Sterling sites are: Broadway Methodist at 501 Broadway, Macedonia Church at 1313 Woodburn, St. Paul’s Church at 1701 16th Av-

enue. Sterling mobile sites are SterLynn, Douglas Park, Steelton, and Wallace School playground area. Rock Falls runs from June 10-August 14. Rock Falls sites are: Coloma Homes at 401 West 18th and Rock Falls Methodist at 210 Fourth Avenue.

Rock Falls mobile sites include Country Acres, CedarWood, Easy Living, and Yeowardsville. Tampico will provide lunches June 4-August 14 at the Tampico Community Building. Morrison has a site at the Crave Building on Market Street. Fulton and Prophetstown will also have a distribution site.

For further questions, to donate, or to volunteer for this program, please don’t hesitate to contact Russ at the United Way of Whiteside County, 815-625-7973.

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band to headline 2-day music event in Dixon, August 3-4

Lyle Lovett and His Large Band are headed to Dixon on Monday, August 4, to headline a two-day music event presented by The Crystal Cork at the Heritage Crossing Park along the Dixon Riverfront.

They will perform at 8 p.m. on Aug. 4. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Crystal Circle Seats are $55 and limited to just 500 seats. General admission tickets are $30.

Tickets will be available online at www.thecrystalcork.com or in person at The Crystal Cork, Trein’s Jewelry or Dixon Main Street in downtown Dixon. Tickets go on sale May 20 at Noon.

“We are extremely excited to bring Lyle Lovett and His Large Band to downtown Dixon,” said Josh Albrecht, Executive Director of Dixon Main Street. “He is an Americana music legend and it will be exciting to see him bring his unique style of country and folk music to our community.”

Admission to the Monday night concert includes the Sunday, August 3, evening pre-party from 4 p.m. – 11 p.m. featuring music, food, and art. A full line-up of mu-

sic will be announced soon at www.dixonmainstreet. com and www.thecrystalcork.com. Admission to the August 3rd pre-party is $5 for those without a Lyle Lovett and His Large Band ticket.

“This will be an amazing event for Dixon. We anticipate tickets to go fast for this unique concert experience,” Albrecht said.

The concert event will be a part of the five year anniversary of the opening of Dixon’s Riverfront in downtown Dixon. Vendors and sponsors interested in being a part of this event can contact Dixon Main Street at mainst@grics.net.

Lyle Lovett is a singer, composer and actor. Lovett has broadened the definition of American music in a career that spans 14 albums.

Coupled with his gift for storytelling, the Texas-based musician fuses elements of country, swing, jazz, folk, gospel and blues in a convention-defying manner that breaks down barriers.

Lovett has appeared in 13 feature films, and on stage and television. Among his many accolades, besides the four Grammy Awards, he was given the Americana Music Association’s inaugural Trailblazer Award, and was recently named the Texas State Musician.

Garden & Gun recently called Lovett “one of America’s most beloved singer/songwriters,” and he was featured in the coveted “What I’ve Learned” column in the February 2012 issue of Esquire.

Lovett has been touring in support of Release Me since its release in February, 2012. The album was #1 for several weeks on the Americana charts. Produced

by Nathaniel Kunkel and Lovett, Release Me represents the end of an era as it

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Who: Lyle Lovett and His Large Band When: August 4, 2014 Where: Downtown Dixon Riverfront Tickets $55/$30 Available May 20 at Noon

Pre-Show Party August 3, 2014 Downtown Dixon Riverfront Tickets: $5 (or free with Lyle Lovett ticket purchase) Available starting May 20 at Noon

was his last record for Curb/ Universal Music Group after being on the label for his entire career. Release Me is quintessential Lyle, mixing a

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ents, but also the diversity of his influences, making him one of the most infectious and fascinating musicians in popular music.

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June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Community Self-guided tour brochure:

Lincoln’s heritage includes Dixon sites Ann Lewis The first of a two-part story…

Illinois is the Land of Lincoln and Springfield is the heart of Lincoln Country with Lincoln’s Presidential Library and Museum, home and tomb. Our area, northern Illinois, can also lay claim to Lincoln as a solider and as a campaigner. During the Blackhawk War in 1832 and later as a campaigner in the 1850’s, Lincoln was in Dixon, Sterling, Amboy, Polo, Oregon, Ottawa, Freeport, Galena, Stillman Valley, Elizabeth, Rockford and Chicago.

Here in Dixon, we have identified ten locations with Lincoln connections.

Let’s go back to the beginning. Born in Kentucky, raised in Indiana, in 1830, the Lincoln family moved ten miles west of Decatur, IL. Abe stayed with the family until he was 22 when he struck out on his own.

He was hired to take goods by flatboat from Springfield on the Sangamon River through New Salem to New Orleans. It took three

months. Afterward, he returned to New Salem and worked at a general store until 1832 when the business failed. Lincoln was out of work and around the same time, the Black Hawk War erupted. Black Hawk was leading a group of 450 warriors along with 1500 women and children to reclaim traditional tribal lands in Illinois.

Governor John Reynolds called up the Illinois Militia; 9,000 answered the call, including Lincoln.

He volunteered for the Sangamon County Rifle Company under General Samuel Whiteside. Whiteside County is named for him. Lincoln was voted captain of the unit. In 1850, he commented that being selected by his peers as captain was “a success which gave me more pleasure than any I have had since.”

On April 30, 1832, Lincoln’s company was ordered to Ft. Dixon on the Rock River. Because of its central location and ferry, Ft. Dixon was named the main command post. The surrounding forts were: Fort Dearborn in Chicago, Fort Armstrong in Rock Island, Apple River

Fort in Elizabeth, Fort Johnson in Ottawa and Fort Clark in Peoria.

The Illinois Militia worked with the United States Army, with General Henry Atkinson in command. Fort Dixon was under the command of Colonel Zachary Taylor, later to be the 12th president of the United States. A young lieutenant, Jefferson Davis, later to be president of the Confederacy, had a brief role in the war and was charged with delivering Black Hawk to St. Louis after his capture.

With Lincoln, three future presidents were at Ft. Dixon during the Black Hawk War. Lincoln’s company arrived at Dixon’s Ferry on May 12. On May 14, the first engagement of the Black Hawk War occurred, the Battle of Stillman’s Run. Major Isaiah Stillman and 275 Illinois militia fought the Sauk; 12 militia men were killed and the remainder of the militia fled back to Dixon’s Ferry. On May 15, Lincoln’s company was ordered back to the battle site to bury the dead. They found the militia dead, scalped and mangled.

Afterwards, they returned

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to Dixon’s Ferry. Lincoln met Father John Dixon.

There is an entry in Dixon’s business ledger that shows Lincoln bought supplies on credit for $7.50. There is no record of the debt ever being paid.

Then the rifle company was ordered to Fort Johnson in Ottawa where on May 27, Lincoln was mustered out of the rifle company and immediately re-enlisted into a company of mounted volunteers. He was reduced in rank to private under the command of Captain Elijah Iles.

On June 7, Captain Iles’ company returned to Dixon’s Ferry. On June 8, the company was ordered to check on the citizens of Galena; the people were demoralized but safe, so the troop returned to Dixon’s Ferry.

Next, Captain Iles’ company was ordered to Fort Wilbourn in Oglesby where they were taken out of service on June 16. Lincoln enlisted as a private in Captain Jacob Early’s “independent spy company.”

LINCOLN continued in the July issue of the Sauk Valley Sun

Several guest conductors for Sterling Municipal Band concerts Jill Horn The Sterling Municipal Band (www.sterlingmunicipalband.com) will be having free concerts at the Grandon Civic Center in Sterling again this summer. The first concert will be Wednesday, June 11 beginning at 7:30pm. The concerts usually last about two hours. The last concert will be August 13. There are refreshments available

for purchase during the evening as a fundraiser for a school or organization.

There will be several guest conductors during the summer. Colonel Lowell Graham is the guest conductor for the concerts during June. Colonel Lowell Graham is director of orchestral activities at the University of Texas, El Paso. He has a long and distinguished career as a conductor and served as Commander and

Conductor of the United States Air Forces premier musical organization in Washington, D.C. The patriotic concert is July 2. This concert features patriotic music and ends with the canon being fired.

On August 6 and 13, Steve Hawk will be the guest conductor. He will be the soloist on August 6.

Come and enjoy a night under the stars listening to area musicians of all ages.

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Hillcrest Farm is ideal for a Victorian country wedding, weekend family retreat, family reunion, romantic weekend... and whenever you want peace and serenity!

Close to Dixon, Polo, Mt. Morris...Hillcrest Farm is near White Pines State Park, the Wedding Canyon and Lowell Park.

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June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Arts

Lee County Small Museum Conference – A great success Patrick Gorman The Loveland Community House & Museum in Dixon hosted the first ever Lee County Small Museum Conference. The event was

held in early May and was the brainchild of retired Lee County educator Roger Taylor of Rock Falls. The Lee County Genealogical Society & the Lee County Historical Society were co-

(Above): The Loveland Center, Dixon, was the site for the first Small Museum conference attracting 60+ persons from Illinois and Iowa.

Bonnie Parr, Historical documents expert, demonstrated how to care for documents including “old book” care and handling including the pages inside and book covers.

sponsors of the conference along with the Loveland.

The day was kicked off with a welcome to the 64 attendees, from all over Illinois and Iowa, by Steve Wilson, Loveland Building Manager & Curator.

Four of the most knowledgeable archivists in the state of Illinois were on hand to make presentations.

The day’s first speaker was Danielle Spalenka, Curator, and Regional History Center Director from Northern Illinois University. Danielle spoke on archive basics: “Principals, Policies & Disaster Planning.”

Next, Pat Miller, Director of the Illinois Heritage Association in Champaign, spoke on collection care, “Enemies of Objects”, are your hurting the things you treasure?

After a lunch catered by Arthur’s Garden Deli of Dixon, the next speaker of the day was the newly named Director of the Ste-

phenson Co. Historical Society in Freeport, Sharon Welton, who spoke on textile care and preservation.

Bonnie Parr, Historical Documents Conservator, from the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library & Museum in Springfield, was the fourth speaker of the day. Bonnie gave an interesting demonstration on document preservation

and storage, old book care and handling, plus cleaning of the pages and outside.

The last topic of the day was on old photographs: the dating, preserving and storage of your family pictures.

It was presented by Sharon Welton who showed the audience many examples of old photographs starting with the earliest Daguerreotype and ending with those

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LIVE MUSIC by Jay Williams from 6-8pm

2014 is The Next Picture Show’s 10th anniversary year

WA R M W E A T H E R IS HERE! The Next Picture Show presents the 6th Annual Swinging for the Arts golf tournament on Friday, June 13th at Timber Creek Golf Club in Dixon.

2014 ILLINOIS WATERCOLOR SHOW: The artwork of the Illinois Watercolor Show will again grace the walls of TNPS. Fifty-eight pieces will be shown this year.

WATCH KITTO PAINT OUR MURAL! In the front of the gallery, member and artist Kitto is working on a mural that will be installed on the back, outside wall of TNPS facing the Beanblossom Parking Lot. The subject matter is the history of the Beanblossom from the 1800’s.

Deadlines for TNPS Shows For 2014: Farms and Barns 10, sponsored by 1st Farm Credit-Oregon is an allmedia show that asks artists to consider the farm and rural setting in their artwork.

The deadline for this show is August 5, 2014.

Architecture and More is and all-media show that asks artists to explore architecture in all its manifestations.

The deadline for this show is September 2, 2014.

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The Next Picture Show began to celebrate its 10th year in 2014! There have been lots of events and fun-filled happenings to celebrate this special year. Call Bonnie at 815-285-4924 to join the gallery.

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June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Pets

CGH Love on a Leash Therapy Program

Where sometimes a fur coat helps as much as a white coat Story after story of love and affection can be recounted by CGH Medical Center’s Love on a Leash Dog Therapy Program.

Since September 2012, volunteers and their trained dogs, have been visiting patients, family members and staff at CGH.

“Before we even make it to the floor, we are stopped by lots of people wanting to meet Tex,” said Danielle Rossi of her black miniature poodle. “He enjoys it as much as I do.”

“Love on a Leash, a CGH Health Foundation program, was created to bring

joy, comfort and companionship to our patients and their family members,” said Deb Keaschall, Auxiliary Coordinator. “Not only have we found that our dog teams help reduce stress and pain levels, but they improve patient and staff communication as well.”

Fifteen dog teams make visits to patients as part of the CGH Medical Center Love on a Leash program, including from left, Karen Palmer with her Golden Retriever, Deuce, Daniele Rossi and her Miniature Poodle, Tex, and Wendy Johnson and Cally Lanae, her Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

“It is an experience that can be very moving and very rewarding,” said Wendy Johnson, who visits with Cally, her very affectionate Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

If you and your dog are looking for a meaningful way to volunteer together in the community, please download an application at www.cghmc.com/dogs. To ensure that the program’s health, safety and training requirements promote the well-being of patients, as well as the dog/handler team, there is a comprehensive application, screening and training program.

Following this process, qualified teams will be asked to participate in a temperament and obedience evaluation, currently scheduled for July 16 or September 10.

For more information, please visit www.cghmc. com/dogs or call (815) 6250400, ext. 5727.

(Above): Sadie, a Collie, teams up with owner Pam Steinhaus on their visits. (Below): Spike, a white Shih-Poo, was the first dog enrolled in the Love on a Leash program.

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June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Pets

6th Annual Show ‘N Show Off Day at Granny Rose Animal Shelter June 7th with all-new rally obedience On Saturday, June 7th, at 9:00 am, the Granny Rose Animal Shelter will host its Sixth Annual Show ‘N Show Off Day. This funfilled day will give one and all the opportunity to show their dog in obedience, showmanship, agility or the all-new Rally Obedience! All events will be held within fenced arenas and will be open to anyone ten years of age or older. Classes are divided so youth do not compete against adults. If you enjoy watching dogs and handlers working as a team, this is a wonderful spectator opportunity! Bring a lawn chair and enjoy the fun! Food and drinks will be available.

This event, held rain or shine, will definitely be good experience for 4-H members, those seeking AKC show style experience or anyone that just wants to have fun with their dog!

This year’s event will be even more AKC compliant than in the past! Whether you would like to participate or just watch, this will be an exciting day for both dogs and owners alike!

There will be ‘Goodie Bags’ for all who enter as well as ribbons and prizes for each class. Judges for this year’s event include Rita Dauphin, Jim Stenfeldt and Billie Jean Cardot.

Dogs do NOT have to be registered or purebred. In keeping with the spirit of Granny Rose, all mixes are welcome!

Canine Good Citizen, CGC, certification will be offered by Sue Jakobs for a $10 evaluation fee. This evaluation fee will go directly to Granny Rose Animal Shelter as a donation.

Therapy Dog Evaluations will be conducted by Sue Jakobs through Bright and Beautiful Therapy Dog Testing services.

A Microchip Clinic, sponsored by Lee County Animal Control, will also be held again this year between 9:00 and 11:00 am.

For just $20, you can have permanent identification for your beloved pet that can help it be returned home in the unfortunate event that it becomes lost.

Granny Rose Animal Shelter wishes to thank Wahl Clipper Corporation, Economy Trophy, Tuff Dog Bakery, River Ridge Animal Hospital and the Veterinary Clinic of Prophetstown, P.C. for being generous corporate sponsors for this year’s event.

Granny Rose Animal Shelter is a 501 (c)(3) not for profit organization serving the Lee, Ogle and Whiteside county area. The shelter exists solely through the generous donations from local individuals and businesses, as well as, various fundraisers held throughout the year. All donations are fully tax deductible.

For Participants: The rules are simple. All dogs must have the correct equipment, such as a training collar and 6’ leash (no prong or electric collars allowed). Dogs must be leashed or crated when not competing. Female dogs in season will not be allowed to participate. A run-off will be held in the event of a tie for total score. AKC rules will be used as a guideline for judging. All dogs must have current vaccinations.

Unruly dogs will not be permitted and may be excused by the Judge.

Showmanship Classes (Confirmation Handling) will be judged starting at 9:00 am in the following categories: Junior Showmanship for ages 10 – 13; Senior Showmanship for ages 14 – 18; and Adult Showmanship for those

over 18 years of age.

Agility Classes will be held starting at 10:00 am in the following two categories: Beginners (on-leash – classes divided by jump height) and Advanced (offleash – classes divided by jump height).

Obedience Classes will be judged starting at 10:30 am in the following categories: Youth ages 10 – 18 (Adults will be judged separately from youth); Beginner Novice I and II (All exercises done on leash for 4-H.) Signs will be used; Pre-Novice; Novice; Graduate Novice; Pre-Open and Open classes. Also this year, Graduate Open; PreUtility and Utility classes will be offered.

Ribbons will be awarded for first, second, third and fourth place in each class with additional prizes to be announced the day of the show.

Advanced entry fee (be-

fore June 4th) is $5.00 for the first class with a $1.00 charge for each additional class entered with that same dog. After June 4th, the fee will be $10.00 for the first class with a $1.00 charge

for each additional class entry for that same dog.

Entries will be accepted the day of the event from 8:30 through 9:30 am – subject to availability.

For entry forms and ad-

ditional information, please contact Granny Rose Animal Shelter, 613 River Lane, Dixon, IL, call 815288-7387 or e-mail grannyroseanimalshelter@ hotmail.com.

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June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Health

Oh, the woes of bunions and hammertoes

Dr. Brandon Gumbiner Some food for thought (pun intended): the term

Bunion is derived from a Latin word bunio, meaning turnip. A bunion is an enlargement of bone and/or tissue at the level of the big toe joint. This enlargement can be irritated by pressure in shoe gear, become red, painful, inflamed, and with a stretch of the imagination could appear similar to a turnip. A hammertoe is a flexion deformity involving the joints of the second through fifth toes on the

foot. This deformity is termed hammertoe when there is involvement of the proximal joint, mallet toe with involvement of the distal joint, and claw toe when there is involvement of both joints. Both bunions and hammertoes are common disorders and contribute to millions of patients seen and hundreds of thousands of surgeries performed by podiatric physicians nation wide. The bunion deformity

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as underneath the metatarsal heads. Hammertoes can be progressive in nature as well.

Conservative treatment options for bunions include wearing proper fitting shoe gear. Most people wear shoes that are too small and too narrow. With a bunion deformity the correct width of a shoe becomes imperative. A quick and easy way to make sure that the width of your shoe is adequate is to pull the insole out of the shoe and step down on it. Your foot should not be wider than the insole, if it is you need a wider shoe.

Bunion pads will help keep pressure off of the boney prominence. Custom orthotics will help improve the function of the foot and

assist in dampening the progressive tendency of the deformity. Ultimately, when conservative treatment options fail, surgery is indicated to realign the joint, restore function, and decrease an individual’s pain.

The conservative treatment options for hammertoes also include wearing proper fitting shoe gear.

Most individuals will need an extra-depth shoe with a wide toe box to accommodate the deformity and reduce extra pressure and pain. Soft accommodative insoles in the shoes can also

help as well as padding such as toe crest pads, silicone toe sleeves, donut padding (without acid/medication), and tube foam; all available at a local pharmacy. When conservative treatment options have failed, surgery can be utilized to reduce the deformity and decrease pain.

Our feet are the pillars in which we move, stand, walk, run, and play. When an individual experiences foot pain, he or she is easily reminded of how they take their feet for granted.

Bunions and hammertoes are but one small part of the many pathological processes that manifest themselves in our feet. If there is ever any question or concern as to your individual foot pain,

consult with a podiatrist.

Brandon Ray Gumbiner, DPM practices at KSB Hospital Foot and Ankle Center. Dr. Gumbiner has extensive education and training in forefoot, rearfoot reconstructive, trauma, pediatrics, and foot and ankle arthroscopic surgery.

Dr. Gumbiner completed his undergraduate work at Indiana University in Bloomington, Indiana and received his Doctorate of Podiatric Medicine from Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine in North Chicago, Illinois. He completed his surgical residency at St. Joseph Hospital/VAMCNorth Chicago where he acted as Chief Podiatric Resident for three years.

“The mystery involved in the medical care of the patient, is solved by caring for the patient. I place great merit in treating my patients like family.”

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is most commonly associated with a deviation of the great toe towards the second toe. Multiple theories as to the root cause of a bunion deformity have been published and include hereditary, shoe-gear, foot structure, and lower extremity biomechanics and function. The typical foot structure of a person with a bunion deformity demonstrates an increased distance between the first and second metatarsal. The more prominent first metatarsal head can demonstrate an overgrowth of bone as the body responds to the extra pressure present in shoe gear. This gapping between the first and second metatarsals also causes a tendon imbalance pulling the great toe towards the second toe as previously discussed. Individuals will complain of difficulty finding shoes that fit, pain due to pressure in shoe gear, and with time degenerative and arthritic changes will occur to the big toe joint and cause significant discomfort and pain. Bunions are typically progressive, meaning the deformity and the pain can get worse as time progresses.

Hammertoes are a direct result of tendon imbalances on the forefoot. Biomechanically speaking there are three root causes of a hammertoe deformity that are based on how an individual’s foot is structured and/or functioning.

Most hammertoe deformities begin as a flexible deformity, meaning they can be reduced and the toe is straightened while weight bearing. Over time these toes can become rigid in nature and degenerative/ arthritic changes can occur about the joints themselves.

Individuals will complain of pain in shoe-gear, as the toes will press against the toe box and cause irritation, form callouses, and sometimes even wounds.

Hammertoes can also contribute to extra pressure on the tips of the toes as well

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June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Health

Kreider Service’s new pediatric developmental center serving kids infant to 18 years coming to the Sauk Valley area The Autism Program at Kreider Services of Dixon announced on Friday, May 23rd the plans for a new service program, the “Pediatric Developmental Center.” This new program is the result of a recently received federal implementation grant.

The “Pediatric Developmental Center” will serve children (infant to age 18) in Lee, Ogle, Carroll and Whiteside Counties who exhibit developmental, emotional, social, and/or behavioral concerns. The goal of the Pediatric Developmental Center project is to make specialized pediatric servic-

es more accessible and decrease the time for children to receive accurate diagnosis and treatment. The grant will allow network partners to shift services to a centralized office location which will house a pediatrician, psychiatrist, early intervention staff, The Autism Program of Kreider Services, speech and occupational therapist and a behavioral health clinician. The location of the new PDC is still to be determined.

The Pediatric Developmental Center is a program that will be implemented by the Rural Health work Network Partners; Kreider

Services, KSB Hospital, Sinnissippi Centers, Lee County Special Education Association, Ogle County Education Cooperative, Lee County Health Department,

Easter Seals Metropolitan Chicago/Rockford Region Family Supports Programs, Child and Family connections and the IL State Board of Education.

The announcement and celebration of the new PDC was held at the Basil Tree Ristorante at 123 East 1st Street in Dixon.

In attendance were Rural

Health Work Network partners, CEO’s of participating partner programs, representative from Senator Durbin office and other invited officials.

Hey! It’s free and it’s great for Summer Camp for Children your health! with Diabetes Carol Chandler BSN, RN, AAS No, it’s not some superduper new pill, exercise machine or diet that promises to make you thin, give you clear skin, radiant hair or a “six pack.” It’s laughter!

Research on the effects of laughter on one’s health has shown some dramatic results! It is very important to both our mental and physical health. Some studies have found that up to 70% of illnesses are caused by negative stress or distress.

Need pills, alcohol or cigarettes to reduce our stress?

Think about this laughter helps you relax and reduces depression and anger. A hearty laugh reduces physical tension, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes. It releases endorphins and promotes an overall sense of wellbeing and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies and so improves

your resistance to disease.

Laughter can also improve the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow which can help protect your heart. It triggers an unusual breathing pattern - you breathe deeply and empty your lungs of any residual air. This helps those with chronic lung problems.

Laughter moderates your

reaction to pain.

Laughter is very important to your psychological health as it increases your energy and helps you to remain focused and accomplish more. It helps to release inhibitions and allows you to express your

feelings; you can’t feel anxious, angry or sad when you’re laughing! It gives you a feeling of calmness and peace and lifts up your spirit.

There are social benefits from laughter too. Funny people receive positive attention and admiration and their ability to create and appreciate humor also influences those around them.

Laughter is infectious; it’s more contagious than any cough, sniffle or sneeze.

When you share laughter, it brings people together and increases happiness and intimacy. It strengthens your immune system, boosts your energy, diminishes pain and protects you from the damaging effects of stress. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free and easy to use! That old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine.” is really true!

Tricia Lewis Lee County Health Department is in partnership with For a Healthy Lee County and Camp Reynoldswood in Dixon for a free summer camp for children with diabetes.

The camp accepts registration for children diagnosed with diabetes entering 2nd through

10th grade. The date of the camp is July 11 from 8:00AM until 12:00PM. There are many fun activities planned including human foosball, scavenger hunts, tie dyeing, healthy snacks, archery and more!

One of the goals of the camp is for children to learn how to live with diabetes and

how to lead a healthy and physically active life. Parents will be able to meet other parents who have children with diabetes. Drug representatives from different drug companies will be present to discuss the various medications available to children with diabetes.

Call 815-284-3371 for more information.

June is Men’s Health Month Hi guys…you are not doing yourself any favors by avoiding physical checkups!

The statistics prove it.

You may die earlier than you need to…just because you will NOT get a physical exam that could detect deadly conditions in time to take positive action.

On average men die almost six years younger than women. Men also suffer higher mortality rates for the top causes of death, according to the Men’s Health

Network (MHN).

MHN is a non-profit educational organization of physicians, researchers, public health workers, health professionals and interested individuals.

Their website is www.menshealthmonth.org.

Three points of focus of MHN: eat healthy, get moving and make prevention a priority.

This information is provided by Gabe Billiet, PharmD, Snyder’s. Gabe oversees the Snyder ’s

Health Information Billboard near the pharmacy.

Information is posted each month to help consumers know about health concerns and actions they may take.

Register for the 2014 Reagan Run Today!!

Race is Saturday, July 5th at 8 a.m.

Register at www.reaganrun.com

12

June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Education

Why not learn something this summer?

Jill Horn There are a variety of activities available throughout the Tri-Cities area for children during the summer months. Why not take the opportunity this summer to learn something?

Woodlawn Arts Academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road, (815-626-4278) in Sterling is offering Camp Invention the week of July 21-25 from 9AM - 3:30PM. This program is for students entering first grade through sixth grade. At Camp Invention, children go through four different modules each day where they work in diverse

groups to investigate, experiment and meet challenges.

For more information or to register, go to campinvention.org. The camp director at Woodlawn is Janel Stahr.

University of Illinois Extension and SVCC will be offering a College for Kids and 4-H classes at different locations throughout Lee and Whiteside Counties for children from grades three to six. All these classes are two weeks long on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. For more information contact Mimi Hicks, 4-H Youth Development Educator, University of Illinois Extension, 173 IL Rt. 2,

Dixon, mimih@illinois.edu, (815) 835-2070.

Amazing Arts, put on

by U of I Extension, is a program designed for children to learn about different forms of media and to learn to make their own creations.

Amazing Arts will be in Amboy at the Lee County Extension Building July 7 - 16 from 9AM - 12:30PM and in Franklin Grove on the same dates and times at the Women’s Club Community Building.

Crazy Cookin’ is another class offered through the U of I Extension. Students in this class will learn to prepare different recipes

that they will eat for snack that day and also learn about nutrition. This class will be offered in Amboy at the Lee County Extension Building on June 9 - 18 from 9AM 12:30PM and on the same dates at SVCC from 9AM - 11AM. Wacky Wilderness is a camp designed to explore the outdoors. Children will learn about ecology, insects, sports fishing and forestry.

This class is offered at the Extension building in Amboy on June 23 July 2 from 9AM - 12:30PM and on the same dates at SVCC from 9AM-11AM. SVCC will also host a

Health and Fitness class on June 9 - 18 from 1PM - 3PM. Children will learn the benefits of balance, coordination and flexibility.

Students will also learn how to eat right, stay active, how to make healthy choices, create a first aid kit and share a healthy habit that will give them a lifetime of rewards.

College for Kids at SVCC will also host a Science class from June 23 - July 2 from 1PM - 3PM. Students will participate in a mixture of indoor and outdoor science experiments and activities. The experiments are interactive and committed to a high-energy program

to keep kids active while encouraging genuine learning about the sciences and careers in science.

The last program will be at SVCC from July 7 - 16 from 1PM - 3PM. Come and learn all about aerospace, wind speed, rockets, and the amazing wonders each have in store. Students will create a stomp rocket and complete experiments that will show them how to measure wind speed and much more!

There are many opportunities for the children to learn something during summer vacation in the TriCities area.

Ken Hauck resigns from the Sauk Valley Sun

Ken Hauck, an initial investor and on the Board of Directors of the Sauk Valley Sun has sold his

stock and resigned from the corporation according to Julie Reeder, Editor.

Julie and Judy Bell, Pub-

lisher, have expressed joint appreciation of Ken’s support and vision as the Sauk Valley Sun began 15 months ago.

“It was great to work with Ken as we began,” Judy said, noting that Ken has an extensive

background in newspapering dating back to when he was a young person in the suburbs of Chicago.

‘He has a belief in the power of print and a passion for newspapers,” Julie said.

Ken replied, “It was the right time for me to fully resign from the daily opera-

tions of the paper and focus on our other businesses. We will fully support and be regular advertisers in the Sauk Valley Sun now and in the future.”

Ken and his wife Katie were the founders of the original Sauk Valley Sun “shopper” in 2012 and were

very supportive of Judy Bell and Julie Reeder’s re-launch as a community newspaper.

Ken and his wife Katie are also owners of three local businesses: Hauck Homes Inc., River Ridge Apartments and The Brandywine.

Hauck Homes’ Revitalization Program

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Call JamieToday 815-284-2000

13

June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Community

5th Annual Oregon Trail Days Festival to offer music, entertainment, teepee camping, quilt and art shows for all ages Plans are under way for the 5th Annual Oregon Trail Days Festival held at Lowden State Park on Saturday, July 19 and Sunday, July 20. This Two-Day event will feature Native American music and cow-

boy entertainment plus teepee camping, a Pioneer Gathering, a Mountain Man Encampment, One Woman Quilt Show, Art Show and Breakfast at Lorado Taft Field Campus. There is surely something for cow-

boys and cowgirls of all ages to enjoy.

Special features this year include a Sunday Brunch at the Lorado Taft Field Campus from 8 a.m. to 10:30. Cost will be $18 and will include entry into

the Festival as well as a full delicious buffet lunch complete with Taft’s famous homemade cinnamon rolls.

Children six and under have discounted rates.

For additional information about Oregon Trail Days please visit www. oregontraildays.org. All registration information for vendors, merchants, artists and demonstrators, and the 5K Rugged River Run are available at this site as well as information on camping in an authentic Native American teepee. Questions

can be submitted to info@ oregontraildays.org or by

calling 815-238-8672.

(Bottom Left, Right): (Above): Guides demonstrate proper canoe techniques in a calm part of the Rock River as a part of the educational and entertainment components of Oregon Trail Days. This is a 2-day regional event that happens July 19th and 20th.

On the train, cowboys used whips for various tasks. The skill learned because the basis for competitions and demonstrations. Here, a brave girl holds a flower in her mouth that the skilled “Whip Guy” will cut in two pieces without harming the girl.

Native Americans young, older and not-so-old don authentic clothing as a part of the heritage they share with as a part of their involvement in the 5th Annual Oregon Trail Days.

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14

June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Business

Dixon man creates amazing designs out of wood Spencer Schein At 36 years old, Adam Loescher is turning his life around. Instead of staring at an empty bottle, Adam is now making professionallooking wood plaques and lawn ornaments. “This is my job right now,” said Loescher of Dixon. “It’s like a hobby that helps pay the bills.”

Self-taught, Adam began by making small wooden pieces, such as carved and decorated wooden dowels and designs in wooden trivets. He then started to work on large logs. In his outdoor workshop, Loescher can take a hardwood log and make it into a special kind of art that any family can enjoy

for generations and generations. Having the family’s name hand-drawn and carved into a huge log that sets on the front lawn is quite a conversation piece. Making the customer happy is what Loescher said he does, adding that he can make almost anything customers want to appear on a log.

Loescher said that he gets his wood from a farm in Grand Detour and also a hardwood shop. Oak, ash and hard maple are the types of wood he uses to make large plaques and larger log fronts. What is his method?

First sanding off the outside bark, he then splits the wood in half with a chainsaw and uses a sander to make the wood smooth to the

touch. He uses graph paper to transfer the letters of the family name and the emblem or logo they choose. With the wood secured, Loescher uses a hand-router to carve the letters and design into the wood. Colors are added at a customer’s request, and then a clear coat of varnish is used as a final seal. He also carves two wooden feet for the log to set on so it doesn’t touch the ground.

Spending about six to eight hours a day woodworking, Adam said that it can take between five to six days to complete a project.

“Within a week I can do one,” he said.

Loescher met a farmer in Grand Detour who owns an 11-acre farm and granted

Adam Loescher, of Dixon, stands next to a split-log he made into a personalized plaque.

him use of certain trees.

The farmer offered Adam one of the cabins to use as a workshop and store, letting Loesher work inside. Adam is hoping to join forces with his brother, Brian, another

wood worker, in making desks, tables and other large items.

Already with a client list of satisfied customers, Loescher is encouraged. Finding work mainly through word

of mouth recommendations, he has also shown his work at the Dixon Tractor Supply company’s weekend craft show. Adam Loescher can be reached at (815) 4403291.

Travel agency provides extras that make a difference Colleen Brechon Owner, Travel Consultants Warm weather destinations are stilll the favored choice of the American traveler. After several difficult years the US market is continuing to recover.

For the Caribbean the US

traveler is still the most important source of visitor with 50% share over the last several years. However, the momentum has slowed and the airlift is in need of improvement for many islands.

There is a difference in the experiences between the French Caribbean, Spanish

Caribbean and those island with British and American heritage. Most travelers are now looking for the cultural experience. And, then, there are those traveling for specific purpose ie: destination weddings, romantic getaways, family and adventure travel.

With so many choices your local travel agent can be of immeasureable help.

Travel agents have resources that will help you make the right destination and resort choice. And, this will make a big difference in the experience. Some travel sites are not accurate

and many travelers have bad experiences because they just made bad choices.

For information on the islands and what they have to offer visit your local travel agency or go the the island official website. The Caribbeantravel.com is a new and beneficial site.

When booking your next vacations make sure you have your priorities in order.

Budget, type of experience, all inclusive or non, family or couple only resorts, quiet and seculed or booming with activies. And, remember you get what you pay for.

Celebrating 50 years of Pink in Dixon!

Here are some of the exciting things returning to the Petunia Festival this year!

16 Bands on the Riverfront stage Bingo Art / Crafts Show Taste of Sauk Brush Bloom and Boom Band Concert & Ice Cream Social

Bags Tournament Carnival Parade Fireworks Family Fun Night Family Day Pancake Breakfast

Harley Raffle – get your tickets today!

Charity No Limit Hold’em KSB Tennis Classic Dana Stonesifer Classic Nuts about Art Reagan Run

And be sure to take part in some of our new events, too!

Historic Display on 50 Years at the Loveland Community Center – starts in June!

Reception for all 50 Years of Board members and Royal Court

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Tickets available for purchase at the Dixon Main St. office, 115 S Hennepin Ave. Dixon Daily from 10 -2 Monday - Friday

815- 288-2308

15

June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Business

SBM celebrates 60 years In 1954, Richter’s Office Appliance opened its doors at 416 Locust Street in Sterling. Entrepreneur, Wendelin Richter began his small business venture selling typewriters and calculators.

Sixty years later, SBM Business Equipment Center, has grown into a large enterprise, featuring 40 distribution centers across the U.S. Dedicated to community, its headquarters remain in Sterling, now at 501 Locust Street.

Although business has expanded beyond the immediate community, there is an evident loyalty to its roots. SBM participates in numerous fundraising

efforts and programs with area not-for-profits.

Richter’s daughter Wendy Johnson, president of the corporation said, “It is pretty exciting that we’ve made it 60 years. A lot of things happen in the community, and it has been difficult for a lot of people; like the mill closing, it affects everyone. We are very fortunate to have found a way to make it.”

Realizing her father’s vision, she keeps the momentum going. With the consumer in mind, she has kept those high standards at the forefront by having an educated and customerservice oriented staff.

“When you walk into

Today SBM Business Equipment Center location has a fresh and friendly look with a handsome awning, lovely shade trees, curb and near-by parking.The location is the same as it was 60 years ago as SBM’s President Wendy Johnson’s father began his office products company.

SBM, you see how caring our staff is,” Johnson said.

“Whether they are here

(Left): Founder Wendelin Richter pictured at a check-out area of what was to become SBM Business Products Center. (Right): A circa 50’s photo captures the home of fledging Richter’s Office Appliance company formed in 1954 in Sterling by entrepreneur Wendelin Richter. Richter’s business was the forerunner of today’s SBM Business Products Center.

for a day or 15 years, they want to make sure they are doing a good job for you.

Once you’ve experienced that quality of service that you aren’t experiencing in as many places as you used to, there is a level of appreciation your customers give and they come back.”

Having grown far beyond its humble beginnings, SBM offers office supplies from staplers, paper clips, pencils and pens, to cash registers, multi-function printers and fax machines. Any furniture and machines needed for a large corporation or a small home-office is also available.

It carries unique gift items, holiday cards, wedding invitations, thank you cards and kids games, many of which can be seen in its storefront. It is where many customers get printing and copying needs taken care of in mere moments.

Johnson said SBM takes great pride in service and providing the newest technologies to help streamline business for their customers.

Due in part to the willingness of its staff to become experts in the field by undergoing ongoing training — on and off site, via webinars and education sales training, adds to its longevity.

“Our staff is very approachable and there for our customers. They understand

the importance of being flexible because they know not everybody is on the same time clock,” she said.

“It’s really my people who make SBM a success, some of whom have been here since 1975.”

One of them is her husband Rodney who began in 1975, three years after they married. She began working for her father in 1981, becoming president in 1991.

Richter retired in 1993.

“This is our family,” she said of the business, her staff

and customers. “I am like a proud mama when I get an email, note, or someone approaches me when I am out and says, ‘So and so is so wonderful!’ It is a priceless feeling you get to know that the employee cares as much about the company as you do.”

For more information about the products and services offered by SBM, located at 501 Locust, Sterling, call 815-625-4375, or visit www.callsbm.com.

SBM owners (left to right) Herb Richter (Vice-President), Wendy Johnson (President) and Rod (Rodney) Johnson (General Manager). Wendy started working for her father in 1981. Ten years later she became President of the company.

Rod has been with the company since 1975. Wendy and Rod married three years after he joined the company.

5 generations gather at BombDigity Bar & Grill

Wow! When women representing five generations of a family go to lunch, where do they choose for the occasion? Recently a 5-generation family group choose BombDigity Bar & Grill, Dixon. The women (left to right) are Dawn Nielsen, grandmother; Nichole Nielson, mom; Skylur Nielsen, daughter; Tom Conley, owner BombDigity; Judy Mills great grandmother and Lorraise Fullgraf, great, great grandmother.

16

June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

17

June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Business

Marketing Tech Talk: Does your business need a website?

Websites Improve Customer Confidence & Business Image.

With a professional website, you will improve your overall impression to the public and, in turn, your customers will develop a greater sense of confidence in your organization.

Tony Winstead Websites Help Establish More Customers.

According to the Small Business Administration, 50% of Internet sales are from new customers. Having a website significantly improves your customer reach no matter what services or products are offered.

Small Businesses Have Higher Revenue.

According to the Small Business Administration, small businesses that have websites are averaging $1.07 million more per year in sales than small businesses not online. That equates to 39% higher revenue.

“Just Google It.” More than ever before, people are turning away from traditional means of finding information and looking online, especially by way of mobile devices.

Your business should be at their fingertips when they look in the search engines.

Your Top Competitor Has A Website.

If you are in direct competition with another business that has a website, they have a clear advantage - especially if they are adequately marketing their website. Your business is being graded by your website or lack of one.

Unmatched Power and Reach.

What other form of ad-

mation visit us the web at www.theirbusiness.com?”

Why is that? Because your company website can serve up and deliver your latest information in an interactive, multimedia experience, on a multitude of devices and on a global scale.

So in conclusion, the answer would be YES! Your business needs a website.

This is a definite no brainer vertisement and information about your business is always there when your potential clients need it 24/7/365? What else offers the most current up to date information potential? Or text, photos, audio, video and live streaming capabilities about your products and services? Can anything else generate around the clock sales income with no employees and global reach rather than national or regional? There are over 32,000 smartphones in the Sauk Valley area alone.

More Bang for your Buck.

Have you noticed that all other forms of advertising tell you “For more infor-

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for any and all businesses.

A good responsive website is by far the best investment you can make when it comes to your advertising budget. Anyone in business for very long finds out quickly that more exposure means more sales.

Check out the Web site www.SaukValleySun.com.

Employee of the Month June Tabitha Walker

Contact us at 815-625-7474

Hi, my name is Tabitha Walker. I have been with Hawkins-Cassens since 2006 and have over 25 years of experience. I have lived in the Sterling-Rock Falls area all my life. I have 2 children, Denny Parvin of Rock Falls and Paige Parvin of Sterling. I have two grandsons, Benzson and Hayden.

I enjoy the outdoors, fishing and being with my family. Stop in and see me today!

I can be reached at the office or by email at tabi@hci-agency.com.

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18

June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Home & Garden

Peppers and cucumbers anyone?

Tracey Montgomery Peppers are the second most desirable vegetable in our garden. Did you know that there is no such thing as a ripe green pepper? Green peppers are actually picked before they reach full maturity. All peppers will eventually turn a different color when fully ripe. Peppers when left to ripen will turn red, orange, yellow, brown or purple and their taste will change from bitter to sweet.

Let’s move on to some dos and donts about growing peppers. Peppers do not like high nitrogen fertilizer.

If you use something like Miracle-Gro plant food, you will be rewarded by the

biggest, bushiest, greenist, pepper plants the world has ever seen ... but don’t be surprised when you have very few peppers. We recommend using Alaska Mor-Bloom Liquid. It contains no nitrogen (0-10-10) and you’re pepper plants will flourish with blossoms and fruit.

Peppers are susceptible to blossom end rot just like their family cousins the tomato and potato. We suggest sprinkling some Epsom salt at the rate of 1 tablespoon per plant and mix into the top soil.

Remove leaves that may eventually touch the ground.

Remove the first few small peppers to promote growth.

Avoid watering the foliage,

water at ground level.

Mulching with dried grass clippings (avoid using fresh clippings) and remove fully developed peppers immediately to promote more production. Using a rod and plant clip will prevent your peppers from being snapped off in heavy winds.

Plant clips can be purchased from www.farmtek. com. Search for “tomato clips.”

Cucumbers are the fourth most desirable veggie in our garden (#3 is the onion).

Though you can buy cucumber plants, they do not transplant well. So, this places them into a category of direct planting from seed or pre-germinated seed.

Seeds can be pre-germinated by rolling seeds up in a wet paper towel and placed in a warm area. A hot water heater can work very well.

Seeds will germinate in two to three days. Sow pre-germinated seeds outdoors after the last chance of frost. Bury them approximately one inch deep. Two methods are most common: hills or rows.

If planted in hills, place three to four pre-germinated seeds per hill. If planted in rows, space seeds 12” apart. Cucumbers will grow by either spreading out on top of the ground or they can be trained to climb and attach to fencing. Your #1 challenge or enemy will be the cucumber beetle (yellow

& black striped or spotted).

This beetle’s sole purpose in life is to destroy your cucumbers. The cucumber beetle can be the #1 reason your cucumbers will all of a sudden croak ... the plant suddenly browns up and dies. So, how do we avoid the cucumber beetle? Simply plant later ... cucumber beetles emerge from the soil between May 15th - June 1st and they look for plants to ingest. If you don’t have plants, they go elsewhere to feed.

As the season matures, we enjoy a salad of cut tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, onions and Italian Dressing.

Mmmmhhh Good! The joys of harvest!

Aprons of today have beginning in medieval times Carol Chandler Who knew that aprons they have a history going back into medieval times?

What is an apron? The definition that I found is, “An apron is an outer protective garment that covers primarily the front of the body. It may be worn for

hygienic reasons or in order to protect clothes from wear and tear.” The apron is commonly part of the uniform of waitresses, domestic workers, homemakers, healthcare providers and to protect a worker’s clothes from damage such as those worn by butchers.

Aprons can be made from a variety of materials. Cot-

tons are commonly worn by women today. Rubber aprons are used by persons working with dangerous chemicals. Lead aprons worn by people who work near radiation. Some aprons have two simple pockets for usual household chores and some worn by carpenters have many pockets. Some aprons cover the entire body

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as women fashioned elaborately decorated aprons that were even treated as family heirlooms to be passed down through the generations. In the American colonial era, aprons were mostly from the waist down (half aprons). Still a little later, during the settlement of the American West, material was scarce and clothes made from homespun were treasured. Aprons were a standard part of a woman’s daily attire. There was little change for many years until cheaper clothes and washing machines made aprons less common.

Today, there are women who collect and treasure old aprons. My sister is one of them. Pleasant memories of my grandmother cooking on the old wood-fired stove with her apron on are brought to mind. The aroma of her potatoes fried in butter would fill the air.

The next time you put on an apron, think about how you are continuing a custom that is hundreds of years old. If only our old aprons could talk… Each tear and stain has a story behind it. If only we knew!

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from neck to knees and some only from the waist down. Some are colorful and some are plain. There doesn’t seem to be any end to them!

We can trace aprons back to medieval times when they consisted of square or rectangular cloths tied around the waist and were worn by both men and women. Since cloth at that time was woven at home on narrow looms, every scrap of material was used and there was no time or money for fancy decorations. Often one can trace the history of clothing through old paintings but most often, those who were wealthy enough to have their portraits done never did manual labor and never wore an apron. In the late 1500’s, however, more elaborate aprons with lace and embroidery appeared as symbols of status.

In the 1600’s, when the Pilgrims began immigrating to the “new world”, their aprons were long, plain and white. But a little later, Quaker women wore long colorful aprons. Then the pendulum swung again in the reign of Louis the XIVth,

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The Twin Cities Farmer’s Market in Sterling has locally produced meat, poultry, eggs, produce, baked goods, crafts, and more!

They are open year around from 8am - 12pm every Saturday morning. Located in the historic Twin City Produce Building at 106 Ave “A” in Sterling.

The Rock Falls Farmer’s Market is open during the growing season every Wed., Fri. and Sat. from 7 am to 1pm. Location is the corner of 2nd Street & 2nd Ave,

Rock Falls. Produce, crafts, and more! Registration required for vendors. Call (815) 625-4500.

The Dixon Riverfront Farmer’s market is presented by KSB Hospital, Dixon Riverfront and Dixon Mainstreet this summer.

It will be at the Riverfront on Fridays, 10 am-2 pm and Saturdays 7 am-1 pm. Beginning July 9th, the Farmer’s Market will also be on the Riverfront Wednesdays from 7 am-noon.

Interested vendors: contact Rob Ennenga, 815631-8349.

www.saukvalleysun.com Staff Judy Bell Publisher Robert Bell Co-Publisher Patty Bridgeman Publisher’s Assistant Julie Reeder Editor Production Karina Ramos Graphic Designer Joseph Doane Jerry Knox Layout Artists Liz Davis Graphics Associate Website Tony Winstead VP of Digital Marketing John Yada Web / 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 Dr. Brandon Gumbiner Tracey Montgomery Kimberly Watley Patricia Lewis Lonnie Miller Brad Monson Nancy Nesyto-Freske Frances O’Dorrell Spencer Schein Greg Smith Jill Straw © Sauk Valley Sun, 2014 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 Rockford, IL Permit No. 28 Phone (815) 888-4403 Address: PO BOX 678,

Dixon, IL 61021 Email: sauksun@gmail.com

19

June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Home & Garden

Zoning out in the Sauk Valley Gary Scott Sauk Valley Sun reader Bob B. of Dixon writes in asking: ‘My five butterfly bushes seem “dead”? What could have happened? What shall I do?’

I am assuming your ‘bushes’ are actually a species named ‘buddleia’ and are believed to have originated in the Caribbean Islands and subsequently brought to England during the Victorian high age of botanical exploration. Modern Buddleia have been hybridized to expand the color selections as well as height and form. However, these plants are considered a Zone 5 hardy plant. This means they thrive well all the way down in temperature from -20 to -25F. Your Buddleia patch just experienced a winter with repeated temperatures to -27F. Since they are at the edge of where they would be considered a safe bet plant in the garden, they are known as a ‘marginal’ plant here in our area. It is possible that your plants behaved much like what is known as a ‘herbaceous perennial’ and died

back to the ground. Check around the base of where each of your plants are in the ground and see if there is any indication of new shoots emerging from the ground.

If there are none present by say….Father’s Day, it is likely your plantings have been frozen out and you will need to replace them. If you are seeing new shoots, the plants are still alive and will recover – albeit not spectacular this year, perhaps next. Consider a mild cut-back and covering all your ‘marginal’ plants such as buddleia each autumn to protect them from harsh temperatures.

A few years ago, the USDA revised the ‘Zone Hardiness’ maps for the continental USA. Based on data collected, our area was moved from a 4A (-30 to -25F) to a 5A (-20 to -25F).

Being the plant guy that I am, I’m always cautious about purchasing plants, trees and shrubs that are outside of the 4A hardiness zone temperature levels – and this past winter reinforced my feelings on that.

While it is fun and interesting to toy with marginal

plantings, when I purchase and plant them, I do so with the understanding that it only takes one of our brutal northern Illinois winters to cause major damage and death. Mulching and other protections will not guarantee survival of plants which cannot handle extremes.

We’ve had a huge number of customers come into the greenhouse this Spring claiming damage to multiple types of evergreens (including stately pine trees) as well as numerous garden perennials that seemed to have succumbed to our now-passed winter. There’s a lot of brown out in the landscape right now caused by winter-burn and sunscalding. Think back if you will at how many times we have had the type of snowfall where you could build a snowman? Our humidity was zilch and coupled with high winds and extremely low temperatures. Evergreens burned from this type of situation and other trees and plants took damage as well. Brown branches and growth can be pruned out to an extent but if your plantings look terrible and

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Always make sure you are purchasing items that can handle extreme temperatures and consider my way of thinking….a beautiful garden here in the Sauk Valley begins by thinking USDA Hardiness Zone 4A

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Enjoy your garden season! ___________________ Gary Scott holds an advanced degree in Horticulture Sciences from the University of Minnesota and is co-owner/head grower

We are remodeling our 20 year old home.

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20

June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Dining

Orom Restaurant – joyful dining experience Mr & Mrs. Let’s Eat Out Distinct, delicious food in an elegantly chic Chicago “Metro-look,” Orom (orumm) Dixon makes dining an art form of pure pleasure.

Likely this is the passion of Chef Mark Framke and his wife Lisa sought after when they opened the restaurant two years ago this spring.

They have created an elegant culinary experience that is tempting yet not intimidating.

At a recent lunch we had enjoyed potato soup, fish tacos, Lake Perch and a chocolate pudding. Not overly esoteric, yes? Consider the soup…it was potato and leek soup luxuriously smooth, slightly sweet and with a swirl of olive oil as a surface garnish enhanced with subtle sprinkling of chives. We both thought we could “make a meal” of the soup.

There are fish tacos and then there are FISH tacos. Orom’s Fish Tacos featured the delicate and not-at-all fishy tile fish.

Not had tile fish lately? No surprise! Tile fish come from deep waters off the coast of Florida. Tile fish is seldom on any restaurant’s menu because it is difficult to obtain too far from any major airport. Chef Mark said his fish arrives at the restaurant at 6 am. He explained that Dixon’s location off the interstate made it possible for his purveyor (who is located almost next door to O’Hare airport) to deliver fresh fish “on the way” to other restaurants to the West. What a happy circumstance for Orom and those who love fresh fish. The delicately cooked fish was teamed with tiny halved sautéed cherry-style tomatoes giving the taco a slightly sweet and most enchanting flavor.

Having heard from others about Orom’s excellent fish, we passed the main dish salad with hummus and the grass-fed burger on a pretzel bun to zero in on another fish entrée: Lake Perch fillets served with a caper sauce and sautéed

Photos: Tony Winstead

Chopped chives and a swirl of olive oil garnish silky smooth potato and leek soup at Dixon’s Orom Restaurant. The restaurant is open for lunch Tuesday through Friday, dinners are Tuesday through Saturday.

skin-on brown potatoes.

The smallish fillets were dredged in a light delicately seasoned cornmeal mixture, and sautéed perfectly. They were tender, moist and delicate.

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like creation topped with a small mountain of handwhipped cream. Thankfully, we shared the dessert.

It is hard to imagine one person eating the whole serving. It was nearly a sublime pinnacle of a perfect dessert. We both licked our spoons!

Orom is a fine restaurant in our Tri-Cities that more than equals what big cities may offer. The experience is affordable, the ambience upscale yet not pretentious and the food as good as it gets in the trained, thoughtful and talented hands of a passionate professional.

We agreed that a special visual treat is that much of the restaurant’s artwork is by Syndi Reubin, Lisa Framke’s daughter. Syndi studied at the art school in Milwaukee, was a winner in the recent Phidian competition. She has an unusually fine technique with her oils when she paints water as part of a painting’s background. Syndi also helps

as a server and sous chef when needed.

One translation of the Hungarian word Orom is ‘joy.’ For us, Orom gives

its customers a joyful and and memorable experience.

Orom Restaurant is located at 308 West 1st Street, Dixon, 815-677-9341.

At Orom’s Restaurant a trio of tile fish tacos makes a satisfyingly simple luncheon fare...especially when an elegant chocolate pudding is a a diner’s dessert. Orom’s menu changes frequently based on seasonal foods and their availability.

*Mr. & Mrs. Let’s Eat Out represents two to four persons who go to a restaurant to sample its menu and write about their collective experience.

The Mr. & Mrs. group always represents male and female persons. The restaurant being sampled does not provide the food gratis nor does it know in advance that Mr. & Mrs. Let’s Eat Out team is coming.

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21

June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Dining

Whiskey or Whisky?

Jeff Bridgeman Distilled spirits in Latin were known as aqua vitae or water of life. Through translations they became known as usquebae and then, because of poor pronunciation, became whiskey. Regardless of how we arrived at the name whiskey, I am just happy that we have been blessed with such a wonderful liquid in so many different interpretations. We can argue about which country makes the best and those discussions will probably become more lively as we empty the bottle. I prefer my whiskey to be brown and wet, preferably served in a glass with three small ice cubes.

Is it whiskey or is it whisky? The spelling is decided based on the regional language in the area that it comes from. I tend to like whiskey, which is the spelling used in the United States and Ireland, while whisky comes from Canada, Scotland, India and Japan.

The spelling doesn’t designate style or quality and sometimes falls outside of the guidelines from above.

The definition of the whiskey you choose to drink

comes from the country in which it is made. I’ll explain.

Bourbon must be made in the United States from a minimum of 51% corn, distilled at no higher than 160 proof, aged in new charred American oak barrels, and when entered into the barrel can be no higher than 125 proof. No flavoring or coloring can be added to Bourbon. Rye whiskey must be a minimum of 51% rye, wheat whiskey must be a minimum of 51% wheat and corn whiskey a minimum of 80% corn.

Single Malt Scotch must be made in Scotland from 100% barley malt, from a single distillery and aged a minimum of three years.

Canadian whisky must be made in Canada and aged a minimum of three years.

Flavoring and coloring is permitted.

Irish whiskey must be made in Ireland, distilled no higher than 189.6 proof and aged a minimum of three years.

With the exception of bourbon, all types of whiskey can be aged in used barrels. The age statement on any bottle shows the youngest whiskey to go into

the blend.

The United States has a rich history with whiskey wrapped into it. For instance, George Washington built his first still in 1797 and made rye whiskey. Johannes Bohm (later Beam) sold his first whiskey in 1795. In 1791, one of the first acts of the original congress was to pass a tax on distilled spirits that caused the Whiskey Rebellion.

Thomas Jefferson eliminated that same tax in the early days of his presidency. The Louisiana Purchase was made in part because of Pirates stealing whiskey and escaping into French territory. Taxes from liquor and tobacco completely funded the American government from 1864 to 1914. In 1964, John F. Kennedy signed a bill that made “Bourbon America’s Spirit”.

In the early years, the two main types of whiskey were made from rye and corn.

Rye whiskey was made on the east coast and corn whiskey in the Mid-West.

The name Bourbon comes from Bourbon County, Kentucky. In the early years old pickle and sardine barrels were used to transport the whiskey. First they were

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charred to eliminate any off flavors; then filled, stamped with the name Bourbon and shipped down the Mississippi to Louisiana. The wood mellowing softened the whiskey and the French began to request softer, sweeter Bourbon instead of the spicier Rye.

With more than 50 different whiskies in my bar at home, here are a few of my favorites: Cyrus Noble Bourbon– Craft distilled in small batches with a recipe that is over 160 years old. Full flavored with notes of caramel, toasted hazelnut and toffee.

Redemption Rye – 95% rye with toasted oak mellowing and spice on the finish.

Baker’s – Named after Baker Beam the grand nephew of Jim Beam. Silky smooth with an aroma of fruit and vanilla.

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22

June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Community

Mr. Webster in his dictionary defines renaissance in the following manner; to be born again, revival, and rebirth. What does that have to do with my article this month? Let’s look at the journey and see how exactly did we get to our final destination? First was the Russell, Burdsall & Ward Bolt & Nut Company, which became Reliant Fastener. They left a run down, industrial site full of environmental contamination. The City of Rock Falls received a judicial deed to the property, so that it could team up with the Illinois and Federal EPA to remediate all of the environmental issues left in place. After spending $6.2 million dollars on clean up, the 17+ acre canvass was ready to be developed.

Rock Falls Mayor Bill Wescott

On May 6, 2014, following many years of hard work by the City and the Rock Falls Community Development Corporation the long awaited announce was made. After months of being referred to as Project Maple, the development which would become the first piece of the renaissance was finally revealed. The City of Rock Falls entered into a development agreement with the Rock Falls Hotel Group, LLC for the development and construction of 68 room Holiday Inn Express and Suites. The Hotel project will be the anchor project for the RB&W Riverfront Development.

What does this development mean for the City of Rock Falls and its citizens and other business owners?

Job creation: the development will create 20 permanent jobs and approximately 75 construction jobs which includes local contractors.

The 10 year economic impact on the City is estimated

to produce $2.3 million dollars in return. That figure represents $1.0 million estimated property taxes, $700,000 in hotel/motel taxes and $600,000 in utilities (electric, sewer and water).

The amount of additional economic impact that cannot be calculated, is the other projects that will follow the hotel this site, as well as the impact that guests will have on the Uptown businesses.

Shortly after the construction gets underway which is estimated to be in July of this year, it is estimated that it will take 5-7 months to complete the hotel. In the meantime, the greenspace project will begin its development. The City is looking to construct an amphitheater for future concerts along the Riverfront, public restrooms, splash pad, possibly a skateboard/BMX park and bike and walking trails that will connect to the Hennepin Canal and other bike/walk trails in the City.

Let me address the next question that you who are reading this article will ask, how will all of the greenspace development be paid for? I suppose that you are going to raise our property taxes, NO. The entire Riverfront area is in what is called a Tax Increment Financing District (TIF). Simply stated all property taxes from the hotel and any other businesses or development will go into a special use only fund. Those TIF funds will be used to then pay for the completion of the RB&W greenspace, not causing any additional taxes by the residents to complete.

Everyone connected with this project, City Employees, Elected Officials, the RFCDC group, as well as past Administrations deserve a pat on the back. It is a great start to a bright future of development here in Rock Falls. It will bring us new businesses opportunities, jobs, rejuvenate existing businesses and produce an influx of new monies into the City. Thank you to all who have contributed in any manner to this success, it has truly been a TEAM effort.

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Mayor Wescott: Persistence brought Holiday Inn to Rock Falls

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23

June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

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Don’s beautiful 1973 Volkswagon Karmann Ghia takes a breather at the park.

was working on her teaching certification at NIU and there was no interstate to get you there. With the car being a rear engine, she hated driving it on Rt 38 because every time she passed an oncoming semi, the car would get blown around as there was no weight in the front end.

She found the car equally pleasurable when she went grocery shopping as she could not fit a gallon of milk in the trunk because it was not deep enough and the hood would smash the milk. It had been the car she always wanted and she quickly realized it was just not practical.

I begged my parents to sell it to me for years, and finally in 1989 they agreed.

Long since retired as my mother’s only means of transportation, they had been keeping the car in North Carolina at their summer home. I drove down with my mom and returned with the Ghia. When I purchased it, it had roughly 45,000 miles, so needless to say, I have not driven it a lot.

on a very 70s looking smiley face pillow just so she could see out the windshield as she is only 5’2”. I also have a lot of memories borrowing the car from my dad to cruise around Dixon - I even borrowed it for my senior prom.

Short of new wheels and tires, the car remains as it was when I purchased it 25 years ago from my father at the market price which had doubled since he had bought the car. Now 41 years old, it was already appreciating at the youthful age of 25.

Since then it has been a part of my home much like a family pet - hence the license plate Ghia Pet. The best part of driving the Ghia is certainly not the abundance of creature comforts but rather the smiles on peoples’ faces when they see such a happy looking car going down the road. Given its orange color (and lack of A/C), fall is the Ghia’s favorite season and Halloween its favorite holiday. I am sure it will always be in our family and I am proud to own such a fun piece of family history.

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At the time my mother

It still is very original right down to the convertible top.

Although still impractical, this car holds so many memories for my family. My sister used to drive it to DHS and my dad would make her park it at Dixon National Bank so it wouldn’t get door dings in the high school parking lot. She had to sit

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T

he Karmann Ghia is quite possibly one of the most exotic sounding names given to an automobile. The Karmann Ghia evolved through the combination of the hand-built bodywork of the German coach-builder Karmann. The actual shape, styling and design by Luigi Segre from the Italian Carrozzeria Ghia and the Volkswagen chassis and mechanicals of the Type 1 Beedle. Produced from 19571974, just over 80,000 convertibles were produced, compared to the Volkswagen Beetle where over 1,000,000 were made in 1961. That makes the Karmann Ghia a semi-rare vehicle, which then leads us to the story of a Dixon family and their Karmann Ghia. At this point I would to give special thanks to Don Lovett for collaboration with this article.

24

June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Veterans

Honor Guard raises the colors

Front Row L to R

Back Row L to R

1) George Gallant (Honor Guard) 2) Dennis Moss (Honor Guard) 3) Bob Hoyle (Honor Guard) 4) Barry Henderson (Honor Guard) 5) Bob Hibbard (Honor Guard) 6) Mike McCarty (Honor Guard)

1) Tom Whelan (Member) 2) Jim Devine (Post Commander) 3) Al Teiken (Honor Guard) 4) Mike Barney (Honor Guard) 5) Marvin Williams (Honor Guard) 6) Ross Bovey (Plumbing contractor who assisted) 7) Pat Gorman (Lee Co. Genealogical & Historical Societies)

Photos submitted by Patrick Gorman

Not Iwo Jima but…

Members of the Honor Guard from Dixon’s American Legion Post #12 raising the colors over the American Legion Burial Plot in Oakwood Cemetery. Members of the post, Oakwood staff and City of Dixon Street Department, Ross Bovey and Patrick Gorman worked to get the flagpole repaired before Memorial Day. The flag raising and dedication was held Wednesday, May 14th.

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25

June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Family

Foster grandparents make a difference Senior Corps Week took place in May. This was an opportunity to thank Senior Corps volunteers for their service and to recognize their positive impact and value to our communities.

The Tri County Opportunities Council’s Foster Grandparent Program is one such program.

The Foster Grandparent Program was authorized by Congress in 1965 as a way to enable low income older adults to receive benefits

while serving children with special needs.

The Foster Grandparent Program of Western Illinois that is sponsored by Tri County Opportunities began in 1966 with 10 volunteers at Dixon State School. The program quickly grew to 100 plus Foster Grandparents that began volunteering in the local school districts in 1974.

Foster Grandparents provide one-on-one mentoring, nurturing and support to

children with special or exceptional needs, or who are at an academic, social or financial disadvantage.

Foster Grandparents help young children succeed in school, tutor children in literacy and math, and serve as a caring and consistent adult presence in a child’s life.

This support can help a child gain confidence and skills to be successful in school and later in life. In turn, Foster Grandparents derive significant emotional and health

benefits from their service.

In 2013, 90 Foster Grandparents volunteered in 19 schools, (16 public and three faith based), four public preschools, one Head Start classroom, two public day care centers, and two faith based day care centers. The grandparents volunteered a total of 81,520 hours in Amboy, Byron, Dixon, LaSalle, Princeton, Ottawa, Rock Falls, Savanna, Sterling, Shannon, and Thomson.

The grandparents tutored, mentored, nurtured, and gave their undivided attention to 253 children during the school year. During the summer months 37 grandparents volunteered in local libraries, summer schools, day care centers, park districts,

“Grandpa Ron” listens intently to a “grandchild” in a class at Franklin School, Sterling. Foster Grandparents, in its 49th year nationally, began one year later at the Dixon State School. Last year there were 90 foster grandparents volunteering a total of 81,520 hours in 19 schools including those in the Tri-Cities plus Amboy, Byron, LaSalle, Princeton,Ottawa, Savanna, Shannon and Thompson.

YMCAs and Exceptional Care and Training Centers and touched hundreds of children’s lives.

Of the current 67 active grandparents, 33 have received the Presidents Lifetime Service Award by volunteering a minimum of 4,000 hours.

To become a Foster Grandparent one must be retired, 55 years of age or older, meet income guidelines, pass a background check and be willing to

serve 15 to 40 hours a week providing one-on-one supportive services to children needing additional attention.

Participants receive a Federal and State tax free stipend of approximately $225 to $450 monthly, transportation, paid holidays, sick and vacation leave, free meals and a paid physical.

For more information contact Barb Wolcott, Foster Grandparent Program Director at 815-625-7830 extension 40.

Surrounded by her “grandchildren”, Foster Grandma Coco, helps young children succeed as she serves as a caring and consistent adult presence in the children’s lives.

Foster Grandparents also provide one-on-one mentoring, nurturing and support to children with special or exceptional needs or who have an academic, social or financial disadvantage.

26

June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Agriculture

Garden spin club QUICK QUIZ! Do you know what a plant really is?

Are flowers edible? Name ten ways a plant is used other than for eating! Why don’t plants sweat? Name four ways to make your garden flowers last all summer and even longer! So how did you do? Come spend time outdoors with us and get your hands dirty! We will be learning the answers to

all these questions, growing our own plants in the garden and even planting some to take home! The Garden SPIN Club will be taking place at the Plum Creek Arboretum in Dixon on Friday mornings beginning June 6 from 9-10:30. The SPIN club is open to 3-6th graders wanting to learn more about gardening and the plants around them. Cost is $5 for

4-H or SPIN club members and $25 for non-4-H’ers.

How do you become a SPIN club member? Attend at least one SPIN club through the Lee County Extension office since September 1, 2013. If your child is interested, register online at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/clw. Hurry! Space is limited.

Join the fun at Summer Camp Clover Families have the opportunity to choose from themed programs that will interest their child. Camp Clover will take place at the Lee County Extension Office in Amboy, Sauk Valley Community College and the Women’s Club Community Building in Franklin Grove. Camp themes include Wacky Wilderness, Crazy Cookin’ and Amazing Arts.

Wacky Wilderness is a camp designed to explore the outdoors beginning June 9th. Children will learn

about ecology, insects, sport fishing, forestry and wacky events in our environment.

Stir up some kitchen goodies while practicing recipes that you can share with your family beginning June 23rd with Crazy Cookin’. Learn about nutrition while sharpening your kitchen skills!

In Amazing Arts, beginning July 7th, students will learn about different forms of media and make a variety of creations that will include: no sew blankets, mason jar lights and canvas

creations! Check this class out for some great fun and amazing artwork!

Visit us online or call for more information and registration details regarding this summer’s Camp Clovers!

They are sure to be a blast for the kids! http://web. extension.illinois.edu/clw.

Registration fee is $20 per camp. Register for more than one camp and get the second or third camp for ½ price ($10). Hurry! Space is limited to the first 20 campers.

Family Fun Night The Lee County 4-H Federation is sponsoring a Family Fun Night at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park located at 970 Green Wing Road, Amboy. The event will take place on Monday, June 9 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. The rain date will be June 10.

All Lee County 4-H families are welcomed to attend. The 2013 Lee County 4-H Outstanding Junior and Senior recipients will receive free admission and water slide pass. All other 4-H members, siblings and non-members are $5, payable at check-in. Swimming, paddle boats, miniature golf and many other activities are available. A meal will also be provided for all attendees.

Please register by Tuesday, June 3 at http://web. extension.illinois.edu/clw/ or call the Lee Co. Extension Amboy branch office at 815-857-3525.

Whiteside 4-H Show Craft and Vendor Day The University of Illinois Extension, Whiteside County 4-H would like to invite all Crafters, Bakers, Artists, Community Organizations,

Businesses and more to register for a booth at the Whiteside County 4-H Show, Craft and Vendor Day. The Event is from 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Saturday, July 19thth, at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds in Morrison. Cost for a booth is: a Non-Profit group is $5.00 and a For-Profit group is $30.00. Registration after July 1st will be an extra $10.00 late fee. No registrations will be allowed after July 11th. For more information check out our website at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/clw/ under “Today’s Features.” Hope to see you there! Any questions contact Allie Lancaster 815772-4075 or email her at lancast@illinois.edu Whiteside 4-H Show, Taco/Nacho Cook-off The University of Illinois Extension, Whiteside County 4-H would like to invite any businesses, organizations or community members who might be interested in registering for a booth at the Whiteside County 4-H Show, Taco/Nacho Cook-off.

The Event is from 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday July 18th, at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds in Morrison.

Cost for a booth is: $25.00.

Please make checks payable to “Whiteside County Friends of 4-H.” No registrations will be allowed after July 4th. To try some delicious tacos and nachos, cost will be $1.00 per ticket or $5.00 for six tickets.

For more information check out our website at http://web. extension.illinois.edu/clw/ under “Today’s Features.” Hope to see you there! Any questions contact Allie Lancaster 815-772-4075 or email her at lancast@illinois.edu

Babysitting Clinic Offered by Univ. of IL Extension The University of Illinois Extension Whiteside County Office will be hosting a babysitting clinic on Monday, June 9th from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Whiteside County Farm Bureau Building. The workshop is open to youth, grades 6-8 and the cost is $20. Pre-register by June 2 by signing up at http://web. exttension.illinois.edu/clw/ or by calling the Extension Office at 815-772-4075.

Participants will learn basic babysitting skills, activities to use with children, basic safety procedures and how much to charge.

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Real Estate

The origins of Polo intention to settle on it with his family. This was witnessed by the signature of one or two others of his party. Ankeny returned to Smallpox Creek, near Galena to gather his family.

When John Ankeny returned with his family a month after making his claim, he found Isaac Chambers cutting logs and preparing to build on the claimed land. Chambers had traveled through the area in 1827 and had fallen in

Jill Straw In December 1829, John Ankeny made the first claim in Buffalo Grove, Illinois, west of Dixon. Ankeny and his travel companions named the area after the vast quantity of buffalo bones found near the grove and creek where they camped.

Ankeny peeled back the bark of a tree near the campfire, wrote his name, date, claim, its extent and his

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love with the land and the abundance of timber. Both men were surprised by the presence of the other. According to the book Polo Illinois: A Historical Tribute, “the tree upon which was inscribed the claim and intentions of Mr. Ankeny had been felled.” Mr. Ankeny went down the creek a short distance and made another claim. After John Ankeny built a cabin on the new claim and made rails

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by giving land for its right of way.

Zenas Aplington, the sawmill hand, gave the Illinois Central Railroad its right of way through his land.

He was given the honor of naming the new town.

The name of this new town was Polo, after Marco Polo, the Venetian traveler. A newspaper article from 1962 stated “By 1856 Polo was a thriving town with 2,500 people, 500 homes, three churches, 25 stores, three hotels, several schools, three sawmills and two flour mills.” Some citizens wanted to move the Buffalo Grove Post Office to Polo.

There was a lot of controversy concerning this issue.

The post office was moved to Polo in the middle of the night to S.K. Yeakle’s store on the south side of Mason Street. The Aplington family home, built in 1853 on the northeast corner of Mason and Franklin Streets, is now the Aplington House Museum.

Zenas Aplington later became a State Senator for

Ogle, Boone, Carroll, and Winnebago Counties. Once his term ended, Aplington raised an independent army of cavalry. After being incorporated into the Seventh Illinois Cavalry, Aplington and his company entered United States service September 13, 1861. Aplington was commissioned one of the majors. Zenas Aplington died in May 1863 in the Battle of Corinth. He was survived by his wife and six children.

Polo later became the trade and cultural center of Ogle County. The public library was opened April 15, 1871, one year before Chicago had its own library.

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for his farm and crops the following season, the family went to their only neighbor, the Chambers, to purchase provisions. Mrs. Chambers cut short the negotiations and shut off contact between the two families until the following May. According to the above source, the families later settled the misunderstanding when they had to join forces to cultivate the land.

Both men had difficulties with their plows and oxen.

According to the publication Polo Centennial 18571957, however, rivalry and jealousy continued as long as both families lived in Buffalo Grove. According to this second book, “Each did his best to drive customers away from the other and into his own hotel. Each chopped down trees so they fell across the other’s road and other irritants were employed.” Chambers sold his property to Oliver Kellogg sometime around 1831 and moved six miles northwest.

A young man who moved to Buffalo Grove in 1837 as a sawmill hand owned a farm northwest of Buffalo Grove in 1851. The leaders in Buffalo Grove refused to welcome the railroad

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June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

History

Dement Town Duane Paulsen

Dement Town is an area of southwest Dixon intersected by West 7th Street and Depot Avenue. In 1857 this area was referred to as Dement’s Addition - and Dement Town. The Chicago and Northwestern and Illinois Central railroads had recently put their lines through Dixon and erected their depots and freight stations here. It was a bustling commercial area with several new hotels. John Dement owned much of the land and had recently purchased the Shabbona House, changing its name to the Dement House. He

and his partners erected a foundry and machine shop, Union Eagle Works, in the triangle of land bordered by railroad tracks.

Dement Town was outside Dixon city limits at the time without a central water supply. Col. Dement placed a large reservoir on top of one of the foundry buildings, laid pipes to all parts of the village and supplied them with drinking water.

A one block business district developed along Depot Avenue to cater to the needs of this growing area. Today, businesses in several of these old brick buildings are still going strong.

The Illinois Department of Transportation District headquarters occupies a block of land along Depot Avenue.

The Foundry became the Grand Detour Plow Company but sold out to J. I. Case Company in 1919. Case left the area in 1933. The Henry Pratt Company was the last to occupy the site until it too left the area some years ago.

Several of these buildings are still standing, a reminder of what once was.

Though Dement Town has changed with the evolving economy of the area, it is another small part of the interesting history of the area.

Swissville Duane Paulsen

Dixon native George Page built a condensed milk factory in Cham, Switzerland in the late 19th century. In 1888 he returned to Dixon with equipment and established a condensed milk factory on the northwest side near the Illinois Central Railway line. He brought along a core of 18 Swiss managers and technicians

Veteran’s “Dog Tags” being returned 63 years later.....a twist of fate Did you ever have something important from the past find you again? Did you ever have some cherished momento get lost in the shuffle of a move?

Well, this one ended very happily. It all starts with Deb Bryan of Polo. Deb attended an auction in Polo several weeks ago and bought a little tin box with old military memorabilia in it for her brother Bill, who is a WWII collector. The box contained military insignias, badges and various other articles, including two sets of dog

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tags bearing the name “George Welsh, 1951-52.”

Fast forward to last week.

Deb and her mother, Carol Chandler, were visiting Deb’s daughter, Sarah, in the hospital when Carol mentioned that she was going to ICU to visit George Welsh, a fellow member of the Lee County Genealogical Society. Deb mentioned that she thought that that was the name on the dog tags and promised to check when she got home. Carol mentioned it to George and he said, “I had a

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tin box like that.” A couple of days later, Deb brought the box and gave it to her mother who turned it over to Pat Gorman, the military guru of the LCGS. The little box of cherished memories is being given to George’s daughter, Valerie, to return to her father who resides in a nursing home. One of our nation’s finest who was willing to put his life in jeopardy to protect our rights and freedoms now has his precious memories back. Together again – 63 years later.

Gary Davey 815-440-3687

Laura Bock 815-973-8033

to operate the new Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk plant. More Swiss citizens migrated to Dixon to work at the plant. To accommodate them, the company built 12 houses on the edge of Dixon near the IC Railway.

Two short streets, Anglo and Swiss, intersect in this area which became known as Swissville. Swissville was incorporated into the city of Dixon in the 1950’s. The

railroad no longer exists, but Swissville can be found by driving on West Everett to Squires Avenue, which is just west of the former railroad overpass, turn left and after several blocks Squires becomes Swiss Street.

The Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Company was sold to the Borden Company in 1902 and is now owned

by Bay Valley Foods.

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Jay Krick 815-973-4791

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Lucy Henning 815-288-2235

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

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June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Faith

THE HARDHAT Parent

Summer Vacation Bible Schools in June

Teach Children to Grieve Rev. Jeff Coester Grief is like a sub-compact automobile. It can get you where you are going, but it is not the place you want to live. Children should be taught principles of effective grieving or they can be overwhelmed by the experience. Many emotions are connected to grief such as anger, bitterness, stress, disappointment, fatigue, personal loss, or a decline in skills.

Grief is a reality that must be acknowledged. We should not ignore it. Witty comments and tired platitudes do not serve a healing purpose until someone feels comforted by your presence and understanding. Proverbs 14:10 helps explain that no one truly understands the height or depth of another person’s emotions. Never say to a child, “I know exactly how you feel”. This makes their experience seem trivial. It creates barriers between people and increases the potential for sadness in one who is grieving. Having sympathy and compassion is not the same as specific

knowledge.

Sorrow in the human heart may not exist in proportion to the loss or pain. Grief may be overwhelming because we have not managed it well. The Bible says comfort is available; and comfort may be refused. Children can develop habits of accepting comfort rather than indulging their reactions.

Children throw things or whine when disappointed.

People tend to isolate themselves when sad. Fred (Mr.) Rogers was good to explain that children should talk about their feelings. There is a proper way to express our feelings when we suffer.

Invite children to talk. Let there be some uncomfortable silence and wait them out if they are not quick to share. Children push people away hoping the ones they push will not move.

Remind them, people deal with grief best when they share that grief with others.

Romans 12:15 encourages us to “…weep with those who weep.” Practicing isolation develops alienating habits of isolation

and increasing loneliness.

Since the beginning, “it is not good that mankind be alone”.

Grief teaches compassion for the suffering of others.

Jesus wept with Mary and Martha for their brother Lazarus. Jesus would raise Lazarus from the dead, yet Jesus shares their grief rather than say they lack faith.

The book of James is written by a Pastor known for toughness, yet his book is full of compassion and hope.

In 4:9-11, I paraphrase his words and offer comments.

James offers three valuable things.

1. Accept the necessity of mourning. There is nothing to suggest we are heroic if we refuse to grieve. It is a matter of mental health.

2. Meet God privately. If you take your grievance to Him humbly He will lift you up. People today air their grievances on social media and show a lack of consideration for others. They may gain a moment of adrenaline fueled relief.

3. Do not be punishing toward others who grieve.

People may share the same experiences in life but it does not mean they interpret them the same way. Each person’s experience is different, so the grief of each person must be unique. If we act in a punishing way toward those who grieve, we harm the person and undermine our own character.

People experience two types of grief. We grieve what we enjoyed that is now gone. We grieve what we expected to enjoy and did not experience. This truth shows us why mourning over lost loved can be challenging.

The experience of grief can remind us of the great value of what we held dear. It can also remind us not to neglect those things we wish we had valued.

Rev. Jeff Coester is the Pastor of The Big Red Church in Sterling. Like them on Facebook!

Send Questions to hardhat1@juno.com

Grace United Methodist, Dixon

Bethel E.C. Church, Dixon

Date: June 8th Time: 9:45-11:00AM Ages: 3yrs-5th grade Call church for information 815-284-2849

Date: June 16th-20th Time: 9:00PM Ages: 3yrs-6th grade Call church for registration information 815-652-8770

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, Sterling

First United Methodist Church, Dixon

Date: June 16th-20th Time: 5:30PM-8:30PM Ages: Pre-K-4th grade Call church for registration information 815-625-3376

Date: June 16th-20th Time: 9:00AM-11:30AM Ages: 4yrs-4th grade Call church for information 815-284-2849

First Congregational Church of Sterling

Rock Falls United Methodist

Date: June 16th-18th Time: 5:30PM-9:00PM Ages: Preschool-5th grade (wrap up on Sunday morning) Call church for information 815-625-5112 Note: a light super will be served before vacation bible school at 5:00PM

Date: June 23rd-27th Time: 10:00AM-11:30AM Ages: Pre-K-8th grade Call church for information 815-625-0114

First United Methodist Church, Dixon Date: June 16th-20th Time: 9:00AM-12:00PM Ages: 4yrs-4th grade Call church for registration information 815-264-2809

Saint Paul Lutheran Church, Dixon Date: June 23rd-27th Time: 9:00AM-12:00 noon Ages: Pre-K-6th grade Call church for information 815-288-2757

orthwest territory Nh istoric ceNter Surprisingly Affordable Assisted Lifestyle Living Caring Makes the Difference “I have EVERYTHING I need here at Heritage Woods!” Ila H. “Heritage Woods is a WONDERFUL place to live when you can’t be home alone anymore!” Betty H. “Heritage Woods gives me the comfort of knowing that I am safe, yet still living independently!” Lulu B. To arrange a visit, call Denise Garcia

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

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

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31

June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Sports

Get ready for the FIFA World Cup! Gary Davey Every four years the FIFA World Cup competition is held. That’s where the finest football teams from all over the world compete for the title of World Champions.

It began back in the 1920s, with the idea formulated by a group of French football administrators known as “the Fédération Internationale de Football Association,” led by Jules Rimet, from which the golden cup was named.

The first World Cup competition was held in Uruguay in 1930, and except for a 12-year absence due to the Second World War, it has been played every 4 years. To the present day,

this year’s World Cup is being held in Brazil, June 12,, 2014. There will be 32 countries from around the globe competing for the most prestigious cup in sporting history. Looking back in history, there have been many great games and footballing upsets. This includes the USA beating England in 1950 and England winning the World Cup in 1966 after beating what was then West Germany with England’s Geoff Hurst becoming the only player in World Cup history ever to score a hat-trick in the final itself.

Brazil, after winning the World cup for the third time in Mexico in 1970, retained permanent pos-

session of the Jules Rimet trophy. Then FIFA commissioned a new trophy for the 1974 competition, and regulated that it remains with FiFA. The cup itself is made of solid 18-carat gold, weighs 6175 grams, and has the name of each FIFA World Cup winner engraved on it since 1974.

As previously mentioned, this year’s World Cup is being held in Brazil. Listed are the eight groups of four teams. After the group stages, the top two teams proceed to the knock-out rounds where they compete until the remaining two teams play in the final for the trophy.

Group A BRAZIL CROATIA MEXICO CAMEROON

Group B SPAIN NETHERLANDS CHILE AUSTRALIA

Group C COLOMBIA GREECE COTE D'IVOIRE JAPAN

Group D URUGUAY COSTA RICA ENGLAND ITALY

Group E

Group F

Group G

Group H

SWITZERLAND

ARGENTINA

GERMANY

BELGIUM

ECUADOR

BOSNIA

PORTUGAL

ALGERIA

FRANCE

HERZEGOVINA

GHANA

RUSSIA

HONDURAS

IRAN

USA

KOREA

NIGERIA

World Series gamble worked for winter coat Spencer Schein Reading a story back in December about Sears planning to spin-off of an old Lands End promotion, brought back memories of what seemed like a failed promotion to the company in 1985 but turned into a great buy for me. It was fall and I had already stopped focusing on baseball with the White Sox having anoth-

er less than stellar showing.

However, an advertisement in the Chicago Tribune caught my attention. Lands End, a long-standing Chicago area clothing store, advertised a promotion tied to the 1985 World Series.

It was a wool pea coat, resembling a Navy shipman’s winter jacket, available in either navy blue or grey.

Regularly priced at $120, Lands End offered to automatically deduct $40 off the price of the coat if the World Series went at least four games. The promotion went on to state that if the series lasted seven games, the price would drop $70 and the coat would be

marked down to $50! “…as long as the supply of coats remained.”

Knowing I was in need of a winter coat that year, and tired of the ones I had in the past, I played the waiting game. Not knowing if they

would have coats left or even my size, I figured it was worth a shot to wait and see how far the World Series would go. I was willing to get the jacket if the World Series went five games, at a price of $70.

In 1985 the World Series was a Missouri Classic featuring the Kansas City Royals and the St. Louis Cardinals. With the Royals losing the first two games at home, it appeared there would be no sale price for the jacket, and the lowest it would be was $80. After four games, St. Louis led three games to one for the Royals, meaning there would for sure be a fifth game, and the price of the coat was going to be $70.

It looked like I was going to get that jacket but then I thought, the Royals won game five meaning there would be a game six and a jacket price of $60. That was less than I thought I might have to pay but why get the jacket then and not attempt to get the full sale price?

Guess I was hooked on

Join Us for Vacation Bible School June 16, 17, 18, 2014

For information and registration call the office of The Big Red Church at 815-625-5112

Pre-school through Fifth grade Light Supper served for children and families at 5:00 VBS 5:30-8:00PM

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

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playing the waiting game.

A friend of mine couldn’t wait any longer… He got a jacket following game five.

Game six was close, and the Royals won by a score of 2-1 with two close calls that went their way.

I didn’t bother to wait for game seven to even be played. After all, Lands End

didn’t base their promotion on who won the World Series, it was just about getting to game seven. So, I drove to the Lands End store near my home to find that they had the jacket in my size in navy, but not in grey. Turns out that was okay. I wanted the navy anyway. Paid $50 plus sales tax for the jacket.

It was a great price for me and I realized the store was still making a profit.

Wore the jacket all that winter and a few winters after that until eventually it was donated to a local coat drive. Funny how reading current news can bring back old memories.

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32

June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Home and Garden

Playing in the dirt Kimberly Watley This column from now through November will touch on topics for greenhorn green thumbs, seed sultans and everyone in between. Gardening ideas, tips and your questions will be answered. Email watleykimberly@gmail.com or post on Facebook at www. facebook.com/saukvalley. sun. Timely questions will be responded as quickly as possible. General questions will be answered in the next edition of Playing in the Dirt.

It snowed on May 16.

I just had to say it to believe it happened and get it out of my system. I realize this is the Midwest and the weather is as unpredictable as a toddler without a nap, but come on! Lucky for us, Zone 5 takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’, and our plants are used to the harsh and ever-changing climate.

If you lost a few things, don’t fret, they are only plants. The first couple of years I was overly attached to every single seed. That takes a lot of the fun out of things when we get too serious… even a doctor loses a patient from time to time.

For those of you just getting started, you need to hurry. Plan before plant, scout

location, research sun/shade needs, prepare soil, set a boarder or boundary, and if necessary install chicken wire or enclosure to keep animals out of your veggies.

Since it’s too late in the game for tulips, daffodils and those other popular early spring bloomers, wait until fall to plant those – don’t forget to leave room in your schematics.

Once your location is set, plant tall to low-lying, and

give them space between so there is ample room to grow, along with enough space for you to pull weeds, harvest crop and work it as needed.

I have large stones strategically placed throughout my gardens to walk on. They also help to stunt plants that tend to take over. They also make a nice place to sit should I need to rest my back or legs during a marathon weed pulling session.

You can use sprays, pel-

Photos: Kimberly Watley

lets and other weed killers.

For me, I enjoy pulling them under a sunny sky and being lost in thought. (But no thank you in advance, I don’t want to come over and pull yours too.)

At this point of the year, you’re better off beginning with starter plants from garden centers than with seeds.

There just isn’t enough time for them to mature.

Dig slightly deeper than

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the roots, turn them out of containers, gently tap the roots to help the spreading process, stick them in the dirt and pack them in stopping at the base of the stem; not too deeply. It really is that simple.

After everything is where you want it, water thoroughly and plan to water every night or early morning at least for the first week. Subsequent watering can take

place every few days, once they are established; unless there is a major heat wave or high winds dry things out too much. Adding mulch, compost or grass clippings on top of the dirt will help hold in moisture and provide additional nutrients.

You shouldn’t water or mow grass under sunny skies because it dries everything out quickly, scorching old and new foliage.

Reynolds United Methodist 150th anniversary celebration: all invited!

Reynolds United Methodist Church is celebrating its 150th anniversary Saturday, June 21st at 4pm. The church is located at 2496 Reynolds Road in Ashton, IL. There will be pork chop meals for $8 and hot dog meals for $4. To stave off the heat, homemade ice cream will also be available. There will be music

by Burn ‘n’ Bush from 4pm-6pm and the Martins at 7pm. Any wishing to attend are reminded to bring lawn chairs. Parents need not worry about a babysitter as this is a family event and there will be plenty of activities provided for children in the Kids Zone!

All are encouraged to attend the Sunday service

following on June 22nd.

Sunday school begins at 9:00 am and worship service begins at 10:00 am.

For further information about tickets or the church, please call (815) 453-2513, or email at reynoldsumc@ oglecom.com or visit the website at www.reynoldsumc.net.

The first organized services began in 1864 and the first church building was erected in 1871. Most of the area’s residents were either born in Germany or born into homes that were German descent, and hence, services, hymnals, Sunday school and the Bible were all in German. It was not until 1912-1913 that English began replacing

German as the predominant language. The first Harvest Home Festival plan was discussed by the Reynolds Church council of Administration on October 10, 1950.

C u r re n t l y, R e y n o l d s church offers a wide variety of groups and activities to be a part of: • Sunday School for ALL ages • Nurturing Team • Confirmation Class • Youth Group for Teens • KID ROCK for all children • Bible Study • Adult groups: B.O.B, Free to Be, Homebuilders, etc.

• Nurturing Team • Mission Team • Praise Team

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June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Community

Camp Love ‘n Loss helps grieving youth Camp Love ‘n Loss is a unique and innovative summer day camp program designed specifically for children who have suffered the loss of a loved one.

The mission of this camp is to provide children with the resources to help them cope with their grief and to allow them to spend time with other children who

are experiencing a similar situation.

Children grieve differently from adults and that grieving has no set timeframe. A common misconception is that bereavement camps are full of tears and sadness. Not true! Camp is full of fun, good times and friendship! Most kids don’t know that they’re not alone

until they come to camp.

“We want each child who attends our camp to leave with a sense of hope, that they are not alone in their grief, and hope that they will continue to seek help in their journey towards healing,” said Nina Setchell, Hospice of the Rock River Valley grief counselor and camp coordinator.

Looking for something See Lee County!

June 6-7

32nd Annual Ashton Summer Celebration

June 20-22

World War II Recreated at Elks Page Park, Dixon

July 2-6

50th Annual Petunia Festival, Dixon

July 4

13th Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence, at Franklin Grove

July 4

Amboy Fireworks Festival

Music, Farmers Markets, Nature Walks and more than you’d ever guess happens in Lee County! See our website for details.

Our service is available to ALL children between 6 and 13 years of age who have experienced a loss and need support. A mixture of fun activities, including games, discussions, and focused arts and crafts, allows children to express feelings and concerns, identify supportive people, and find appropriate ways to

use memories for healing and growth; with the theme of offering true HOPE for their future.

Since loss knows no bounds, our camp is provided free of charge to all and is sponsored and facilitated

by Hospice of the Rock River Valley, an agency of United Way of Whiteside and Lee County.

Jeff Bright

to do?

RV CENTER

Camp Love ‘n Loss will be held on Thursday, June 12 at the Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA and is hosted by Hospice of the Rock River Valley (HRRV).

Camp applications are due May 30th. However, they will be accepted until spaces are full. Contact Nina at (815)288-3673 or online at www.hospicerockriver.org.

815-626-7878

www.jeffbrightrv.com

2109 Industrial Road Rock Falls

Visit www.seelee.info for detailed information on these events and more throughout the summer!

Acres of Recreational Vehicles of all kinds and sizes for your pleasure!

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Responsive Web Design Mobile Websites E Commerce Websites Hosting & Support Photography & Video Digital Marketing

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815-994-8851

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

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June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Kids

EarlyAct makes cash for others

(Left): EarlyAct Members are from left to right Ethan F, Connor C, Taylor G, Madison S, Gizell C. Autumn A, Jenna C and Alivia R. as they attend a Dixon Rotary luncheon to tell members about why they joined EarlyAct and what their group hopes to accomplish.

(Right): The Jefferson School EarlyAct™ Club held a fundraiser recently to raise funds for Heifer International. Members donated baked goods to sell along with popcorn and drinks during a ‘game day’.

Students could donate $1 to bring items from home such as games, pillows, and stuffed animals. They were able to raise over $1,300! Proceeds will be used to purchase a heifer, a pig, a sheep, chickens, honey bees, geese, and ducks for developing countries.

Great job, kids!

EarlyAct™ is a Dixon Rotary Club sponsored program for grade school students in 4th and 5th grade. The mission of EarlyAct™ is to “promote goodwill, understanding and peace through the active participation of its student members so that with committed citizenship and effective leadership they may improve the quality of life of their school, local and global communities.”

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June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Kids

Senator Bivins welcomes Dixon students to capitol State Sen. Tim Bivins (R-45th District) welcomed two groups of eighth-grade students from Reagan Middle School in Dixon to the State Capitol Building May 20. The students met with Bivins (in back row, middle) outside the Senate Chambers in front of the largest painting in the Capitol.

Senator Bivins with students and teachers Brigitte Renkes, Chris Bishop and Nathan Geeves.

The painting by Gustav A. Fuchs, a German immigrant from Chicago, depicts George Rogers Clark negotiating with Native Americans at Fort Kaskaskia in 1778.

Senator Bivins with students and teacher Diane Conklen and Principal Andy Bullock.

Celebrating 50 years of Pink in Dixon!

Here are some of the exciting things returning to the Petunia Festival this year!

16 Bands on the Riverfront stage Bingo Art / Crafts Show Taste of Sauk Brush Bloom and Boom Band Concert & Ice Cream Social

Bags Tournament Carnival Parade Fireworks Family Fun Night Family Day Pancake Breakfast

Harley Raffle – get your tickets today!

Charity No Limit Hold’em KSB Tennis Classic Dana Stonesifer Classic Nuts about Art Reagan Run

And be sure to take part in some of our new events, too!

Historic Display on 50 Years at the Loveland Community Center – starts in June!

Reception for all 50 Years of Board members and Royal Court

ON TICKETS W SALE NOPetunia

ted for ticke ents!

Fest ev

Luau Drive in Movie Night Family Movie on the Riverfront DCI Drum & Bugle Show

For a complete list of all Petunia Festival Events,

visit www.petuniafestival.org

Tickets available for purchase at the Dixon Main St. office, 115 S Hennepin Ave. Dixon Daily from 10 -2 Monday - Friday

815- 288-2308

See our t: a website mp.us nju www.fu

f u n

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Bounce & Party With Us! • 6 Giant Inflatables • Walk-In Play • Clean • Kids’ Parties • Snack Bar • Private Events • Group Outings After Hours

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505 W. Lynn Blvd. • (815) 632-3630 SUMMER HOURS • June 1 until Sept. 2!

Tues-Fri 2pm-6pm • Sat 10am-6pm • Closed Sun & Mon

CALL TO BOOK SPECIAL PARTIES AT SPECIAL TIMES!

June 2014 • www.saukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

STEVENSON JAZZ TRIO June 5-6-7 THURSDAY 7PM ¥ FRIDAY & SATURDAY 8PM DIXON STAGE LEFT ¥ 306 W 1st St ¥ DIXON, IL Beverage Service Provided by THE CRYSTAL CORK TICKETS $20 ¥ TreinÕs Jewelry ¥ The Next Picture Show ¥ The Crystal Cork This vintage second-floor space (up stairs next door to …ršm Restaurant!) got rave reviews from the patrons at our Grand Opening in April. The intimate theater seats 60 in cabaret-style seating with informal groups of chairs and small tables so patrons can enjoy a relaxed, adult night out.

DonÕt Get LEFT Behind! The Opening Shows Sold Out!