BCJ-01-15-2015

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“PRSRT.STD.” US POSTAGE PAID NO. 486 PRINCETON, IL 61356 SHAW MEDIA

Thursday, January 15, 2015

Vol. 9 No. 26

We have a dream The Princeton Peace and Justice Roundtable will host the second annual community observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19 in the Prouty Building, 435 S. Main St. Princeton.

All are invited to attend this program honoring the legacy of American civil rights leader, world humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize winner, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Appropriate for all ages, the program will last one hour.

The gathering will include short readings from Dr. King’s speeches, songs and reflections on the continuing relevance today of Dr. King’s philosophy of non-violence and racial and economic justice.

Pictured are members of the Princeton Peace and Justice Roundtable, including (front row, left to right) Mary Susan Webster, Jessica Grey, Sarah Cooper, Christine Smith and Kate Webster. In the back row (left to right) are Barry J. Mayworm, Mark Horwitz, Doug Ostrom and Larry Smith.

IV Scene photo/Goldie Currie

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Illinois Valley Scene “official troubadour,” Mark Dvorak, at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24 at Open Prairie UCC, 25 E. Marion St.

This Week The Parkinson’s Support Group will meet at 4 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 15, at OSF Saint Luke Medical Center’s east and west conference rooms. The meeting will be hosted by Brea Cinnamon, DPT. Spring Valley poet Marydale Stewart will launch her new poetry collection “Let the Thunder In” at 6:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, at Four and Twenty Cafe in Princeton. The evening will include a meet and greet with Stewart and readings by Stewart and friends at 7:15 p.m. The event is sponsored by the Princeton Public Library.

The Friends of the Library, Princeton Public Library, will have its January book sale from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17.

This sale gives area readers a chance to replenish their reading material for the winter. The Friends have been restocking the shelves and will have the entire sale room open with plenty of books to choose from.

The LaSalle County Genealogy Guild will meet at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at the Guild Library, 113 W. Glover St. George Romano, a member of the LaSalle County Genealogy Guild, will speak. He will discuss his Italian heritage.

The Rotary Club of Walnut will host Bruce McVety at 7 a.m. Saturday, Jan.

17, at the Walnut Cafe.

McVety, a former police officer, cleric and presently the executive director of Freedom House will present a program on how to deal with angry people.

The public is invited to attend.

Starved Rock will host a winter wilderness weekend at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 17, and Sunday, Jan. 18. Starved Rock guides will hike to overlooks and canyons throughout the park.

There will be live bald eagle viewing from the top of Starved Rock and, if conditions permit, see icefalls in the canyons. Hikes leave from the Starved Rock Visitors Center.

The Princeton Moose Lodge will host a bingo night at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and sandwiches will be available for purchase. The lodge will continue to host bingo the first and third Tuesday of each month. The lodge is at 1339 N. Euclid Ave. in Princeton. For more information, call the lodge at 815-879-5261.

The Bureau Valley Volunteer Hospice will host its monthly grief and loss support group at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 20 in the Chapel at Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton. Anyone who has lost a loved one is invited to attend.

Upcoming The Princeton Coffeehouse will host Chicago’s

Starved Rock will host an eagle watch weekend Saturday, Jan. 24, and Sunday, Jan. 25, from the top of Starved Rock. Live bird of prey shows and various family activities will take place at the Starved Rock Lodge, Illinois Waterway Visitor Center and the Starved Rock Visitor Center. For more information and the full event schedule, visit www.illinoisaudubon.org.

Twin Rivers ABATE will host its eighth annual motorcycle swap meet from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 25, at the Moose in Sterling, 2601 E. Lincoln Way. Admission is $5 and children under 12 are free. All makes and models, new and used parts, leathers and biker clothes, decor and more will be sold. Breakfast, lunch and refreshments will be available. To be a vendor o for more information, call 815-7163588 or 815-625-4943.

southeast of the Starved Rock Visitors Center.

The Princeton Moose Lodge will host a bingo night at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 3. Doors will open at 5 p.m. and sandwiches will be available for purchase. The lodge will continue to host bingo the first and third Tuesday of each month. The lodge is at 1339 N. Euclid Ave. in Princeton. For more information, call the lodge at 815-879-5261.

Dave Peterson, a local musician, will lead an interactive drum circle featuring African Percussion and Native American flutes at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 15, at the Starved Rock Visitors Center. Drums will be provided.

Auction Calendar

Jan. 20 – Leonard and Anita Petitjean, farmland, 10:30 a.m., sale held at 2209 N. Main St. (Wise Guys Banquet Room), Princeton, Rediger Auction Service, auctioneers.

Jan. 24 – Myrle W. Plotner estate, farmland, 10 The American Red Cross a.m., sale held at Bradford will hold a blood drive Legion Hall, Bradford, from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 Tumbleson Auction Co., p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 27, at auctioneers.

St. Margaret’s Hospital in Jan. 27 – Don Stoner Spring Valley. estate, tractors, trucks, equipment, miscellaneous The Bureau County Farm tools and equipment, 9:30 Bureau will hold its 100th a.m., sale held 1.5 miles annual meeting Thursday, east of Wyanet on Route 6, Jan. 29, at Wise Guys Bar Rediger Auction Service, and Grill, 2205 N. Main auctioneers.

St., Princeton. The meetJan. 31 – John Sitterly ing will begin at 6 p.m.

(The Spoon), real estate with dinner. The business plus equipment, 10 a.m., meeting will immediately 541 S. Main St., Princeton, follow. At the meeting, Tumbleson Auction Co., officers as well as direcauctioneers. tors will be elected for the Feb. 6 – Richard and upcoming year. For more Valerie Ehorn, farmland, information or to purchase 10 a.m., sale held 401 a ticket, call the Bureau W. Main St. (The Shed), County Farm Bureau at Wyanet, Rediger Auction 815-875-6468.

Service, auctioneers.

Feb. 10 – Patricia WamThe Spirit Siberian Reshoff, Glenn Lovgren, Vircue will return for a sled ginia Becker, Trina Owens dog demo Sunday, Feb. 1, and Nicole Fischer, farmat Starved Rock. There will land, 10 a.m., sale held at be seminars in the LaSalle 308 Howard St. (LaMoille Room. An outdoor sled Lions Club building), LaMdog demo will take place oille, Rediger Auction Seralong the sea wall just vice, auctioneers.

Bluesman Studebaker John to perform Jan. 17 PRINCETON — The Chicago blues band, Studebaker John and the Hawks, will appear in concert at the Grace Performing Arts Center, 316 S. Main St., Princeton, at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17.

Studebaker John Grimaldi grew up listening to the gritty Chicago brand of the blues at the iconic Maxwell Street Market and derives his stage name both from the late ‘50s classic roadster (which he still owns) and from an early inspiration and mentor, J. B. “Hawk” Hutto.

An acknowledged master of the slide guitar and harmonica, Grimaldi began his playing career in the early ‘70s, drawing on other Chicago West Side legends such as Big Walter Horton and Hound Dog Taylor.

Recognizing that Studebaker John reaches beyond his ‘50s Chicago roots, Guitar One magazine has said of him, “he makes original music that is both timeless and rel-

evant.” Bruce Iglauer of Alligator Records adds, “John captures the raw grit of the classic blues musicians but pumped up to a rocking energy level.”

Studebaker John’s most recent Blind Pig recording, “Waiting on the Sun,” is described as “containing, for the first time, slide guitar with Latin rhythms, raw blues grooves, and rock and roll with a touch of jazz.”

Tickets for the show are $15. They can be obtained online at www.festival56. com, by leaving a phone message with the box office at 815-879-5656, ext. 11, or at the Grace the night of the performance.

There is no reserved seating. All prior sold tickets will be honored in limiting ticket sales at the door, if necessary.

Beer and wine will be available for purchase in the Grace’s Lobby Bar. The Grace Performing Arts Center is completely accessible and ample free parking is available nearby.

Princeton Coffeehouse host Mark Dvorak Jan. 24 PRINCETON — The Princeton Coffeehouse welcomes Chicago’s “official troubadour” Mark Dvorak to its concert series at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at Open Prairie UCC, 25 E. Marion St., Princeton.

“We’ve had Mark on our ‘wish list’ for some time,” said coffeehouse director Bill Benecke. “We’re thrilled to be able to bring him back to Princeton.”

“He’s the real deal,” said Bau Graves, executive director of Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music. “Mark has made music his life and livelihood. He’s been a top faculty member at the school for more than 25 years. His performances are elegant, rich and powerful.”

Dvorak has released 16 albums to date and

performed in 38 states, and in Canada, Ireland and Finland. In 2013 he published his first book of essays and poetry, “Bowling for Christmas and Other Tales from the Road.” Also in 2013 he was honored by Folk Alliance International with the FARM Lantern Bearer Award for his contributions to folk and community music.

Dvorak plans to release three new projects in the coming months.

General admission to the concert is $12. To make a reservation or for more information, call 815-875-4555. Visit the Princeton Coffeehouse online at www.theprincetoncoffeehouse.com.

For more information on Mark Dvorak, visit www. markdvorak.com.

3 Thursday, January 15, 2015 • 3

Illinois Valley Scene

PRINCETON —Thursday, Jan. 15, Barry Cloyd, a singer/songwriter and historian, will give a musical performance to present “A Brief History about the Blues” from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Cloyd explores the story and song of America’s iconic roots music through a journey that begins in Africa, extends through the deep South, touching on New Orleans Voodoo and the migration north that created the legendary Chicago Blues sound.

Friday, Jan. 16, Friends of the Library book sale will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Also Friday, there will be a poetry night at the Four & Twenty Cafe from 6:30 to 7 p.m. A reception and book-signing for Marydale Stewart’s new collection of poems, “Let the Thunder in.” At 7 p.m. there will be readings by Marydale and friends. At 7:45 p.m. there will be open mic reading.

Saturday, Jan. 17, Friends of the Library book sale will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 19, the library will be closed for Martin Luther King’s Birthday.

Tuesday, Jan. 20, there will be a talk about program at 6:30 p.m. The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) can help you save money. CUB staffers will speak to consumers about a wide variety of utility issues. Come to this free community meeting for resources and get the facts. CUB is a non-profit consumer group created by the state legislature to fight for the rights of utility consumers throughout Illinois.

Thursday, Jan. 22, former Tiskilwa residents and author Tom Schwerbrock will talk about his new book, “A Joker and Four Aces” at 6:30 p.m.

SPRING VALLEY — The Richard A. Mautino Memorial Library Board meets the second Tuesday of every month at 8 a.m. in the library. The following is a list of the meeting dates for 2015: Feb. 10; March 10; April 14; May 12; June 9; July 14; Aug. 11; Sept.

8; Oct. 13; Nov. 10 and Dec. 8.

TISKILWA — The library has had several

donations made recently, so stop in and check out the new books, DVDs and audios the library has acquired. Donations are always accepted in good usable condition.

LADD — The Ladd Public Library has resumed preschool story times.

Programs are held at 10 a.m.

Tuesdays in the children’s department.

Programs feature a variety of activities including stories, songs, crafts and much more. The theme for the Jan. 20 story time program will be hot cocoa.

Patrons who haven’t tried the library’s eBook programs yet should stop in and speak with Amy. The library offers eBooks through the OMNI consortium and also e-Read Illinois.

OHIO — The Ohio Public Library is offering free technology courses. Some of the upcoming topics of classes include: Windows 7/8 basic functions, Microsoft Office basics, tablet basics, Internet safety and resume writing. To get signed up, stop by the library.

BUREAU — The Leepertown Township Public Library is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 2 to 6 p.m., Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The library has computers for patron usage, as well as copier, scanning and fax services. Call 815-659-3283 for information. (The fax number is the same as phone number).

PERU — The Peru Public Library is offering basic instruction on using a computer, email or the Internet. During twice a month sessions, patrons can schedule times to learn computer basics.

Tuesdays with Computers is every first and third Tuesdays from January to April, between 10 and 11 a.m. Call to schedule a session; walk-ins welcome as space allows.

MAGNOLIA – Magnolia Branch Library will have homework hour on Tuesday and Thursday nights

from 4 to 5 p.m. throughout the school year. Children have the opportunity to have their completed homework checked or seek help understanding homework in progress.

The library provides materials and equipment for help with school homework and projects.

HENNEPIN – Preschool story times are every Tuesday at 2 p.m. and at 10:30 a.m. on Fridays.

Join the library for stories, crafts, games and more.

This program is ideal for children ages 3, 4, and 5 years of age.

After-school activities take place most Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. for children in early elementary school. Come to the Hennepin Library for stories and related crafts, activities and games.

The Hennepin Book Club meets at 7 p.m. on the second Thursday of every month at the Hennepin Library headquarters. The group discusses a single title all participants have read together and selects a title for the following month.

Mark the calendar for movie night at the Hennepin Library at 6 p.m. Jan. 22. The library will show, “Earth to Echo,” rated PG; running time is 91 minutes. The movie revolves around a trio of boys who begin receiving a strange series of signals on their phones before discovering a small alien who has become stranded and needs help to find his way home. This journey, full of wonder and adventure, is their story and their secret.

GRANVILLE– Join the library for stories and crafts. The preschool program is ideal for children ages 3, 4 and 5 years old.

The more, the merrier – bring friends. Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m.

The Granville Favorites Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Wednesday of every month at 6:30 p.m.. Each month the group meets to discuss favorite and not-so-favorite titles participants have read.

Join the library on Thursday mornings at 10 a.m. for stories and songs.

This program is ideal for little ones under 3 years of age.

MCNABB – Every Saturday at 10 a.m. the McNabb Branch Library features youth programming for children in early elementary school. Preschool story times are held at 11 a.m. Saturdays and are ideal for children ages 3, 4, and 5 years old with adult participation.

Enjoy stories, and make a small craft to take home.

It’s never too early to foster a love for learning (StatePoint) It may be too soon to start thinking about sending your baby off to kindergarten, but kids are never too young to develop a love of learning. The way you play with them during the early years can enrich their development substantially, say early childhood experts.

“Brain development is never more rapid than in the first few years, so these formative experiences during infancy and preschool are extremely important,” says Dr. Lise Eliot, an early childhood development expert and member of the Expert Panel at VTech, a leader in age-appropriate and developmental stagebased electronic learning products for children.

Certain games and toys can truly engage children, giving them a head start in learning. Whether your child is an infant or preschooler, there are many ways to encourage growth and development through playtime.

Language Children use words to express themselves, but also to learn about the people and world around them. Reading helps build their vocabulary, so read to your children daily until they can on their own.

Also, consider toys like the Lil’ Speller Phonics Station, which features fun sounds, melodies and animations that reinforce vocabulary and encourages interactive learning. With help from the

toy’s Spelling Bee feature, kids can learn to spell more than 200 common three-letter words.

Math Math can be fun, especially if the foundation is set early. Help kids learn to count while identifying objects. For example, “how many doggies are in the park today?”

New toys, such as the Chomp & Count Dino from VTech, can also help kids get excited about math. Play in food or counting mode and the dino responds with sounds and phrases, introducing colors, numbers and shapes. Kids can answer the dino’s questions by feeding a specific food or number of pieces to show what they’ve learned.

Music Music can stimulate a baby even before they’re born, so be sure to continue the exposure to help form a well-rounded education. Baby and toddler music lessons can improve verbal skills, motor skills and increase confidence.

For an at-home alterna-

tive, consider the GrowAlong Music Center, which lets children pretend to be musicians. As they sing into the microphone, five colorful lights correspond to children’s voices, or they can play with wacky voice-changing and amplifying effects. Rock out with three instrument buttons that play guitar, drum and saxophone sounds.

Get moving Physical activity is a key building block to coordination and motor skills, and hones brain pathways for smooth, purposeful movement. If little ones are too young to play catch, simply sit on the floor facing each other and roll a ball back and forth. For infants, soft building blocks and other toys can encourage motor development.

You can also encourage movement with toys like the Sit-to-Stand Smart Cruiser, which transforms from a floor play toy with detachable steering wheel activity panel to a rideon toy. It features driving, learning and music modes that introduce animals, opposites and first words.

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4 • Thursday, January 15, 2015

Illinois Valley Scene

Yum yum recipes Chocolate covered fruit

Meet the author Hi! My name is Logan Serpette. I am in charge of the new Cool Kids’ Corner featuring jokes, facts, puzzles and more.

In my free time when I’m not working, I usually build Legos or play electronics. I like many sports, except for volleyball.

I have a little sister named Lexi and a big sister, Mandy. I also have a cousin named Emerson that is like a brother to me.

I am in fourth grade.

I hope you like the Cool Kids’ Corner. Celebrate being a kid!

LOL jokes Why was Tigger looking in the toilet?

He was looking for Pooh.

What did the boy octopus ask the girl octopus?

Can I hold your hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand?

What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire?

Frost bite.

Knock knock.

Who’s there?

Who. Who who?

Sorry to disturb you, Mister Owl.

What do you call a slow skier?

Slope poke.

Send your jokes to Logan at coolkidscorner@ outlook.com. Make sure you include your name, your hometown and how old we are, so we can let readers know who submitted the joke.

Jumble mumble

Can you unscramble these words?

What’s in the kitchen? Unscramble these words to find something in your kitchen. Don’t cheat because I put the answers down below. Just put your hand over the answers, and then when you’re finished, you can check to see how good you did.

1. nopos _______________________ 2. doof ________________________ 3. lmik ________________________ 4. kins ________________________

5. veost _______________________ 6. otp _________________________ 7. nap _________________________ 8. ltape ________________________

1 pint strawberries 5 bananas, each cut in four chunks 3 oranges, peeled and separated into segments 1/2 cup chocolate chips 1 teaspoon shortening Rinse and dry strawberries. Melt chocolate chips and shortening in saucepan on low. Keep stirring as it melts. Dip half of each fruit piece into chocolate mixture. Place on cookie sheet lined with wax paper. Put in refrigerator for about 30 minutes until chocolate sets. Enjoy.

Remember: Anytime you use the stove or anything sharp, you have to have an adult help you. Do you have a favorite recipe? Send it to me at coolkidscorner@outlook.com.

Artwork by Greg Wallace

We the people Learn about famous people

Mark Twain

That’s a fact, Jack Fun facts about the world • The main crops in Italy are wheat, corn, rice, grapes and olives.

• Mt. Etna is in Italy.

• There are a lot of fishing ports on the coast of Italy.

• Myna is a bird that can talk and mimic other birds and humans.

This bird is often a pet.

Want to see your name in the paper?

Submit a joke, fact, poem or story Hey, Kids!

Do you have something you want to see in the newspaper? Email your jokes and other items to me at coolkidscorner@outlook.com.

I can’t wait to see your drawings, read your jokes and other fun stuff kids will like.

This joke was given to me by Lexi Serpette of Henry: Knock knock.

Who’s there?

Boo. Boo who?

Why are you crying? It’s just a joke.

Mark Twain’s real name is Samuel Langhorne Clemens.

He was born Nov. 30, 1835, when a comet called Halley’s Comet appeared. It appears every 76 years or so.

He was born two months early and was not expected to survive. Instead, three of his six brothers and sisters didn’t make it through childhood.

When he was a small child, he moved to Hannibal, Mo. He didn’t pay attention in school, but he was good at spelling and reading. He and his friends had a lot of fun sneaking away to an island to fish, swim and smoke corncob pipes.

When he was 11, his dad died, so he had to work as a reporter to make money for the family.

As he became an adult, he was a busy man. He was a steamboat pilot, a gold miner and a newspaper reporter for several different places. One of his remaining brothers died because the boilers blew up on a ship named Pennsylvania.

He started writing columns, and they were funny. On Feb. 3, 1863, he decided to write under the name of Mark Twain for his stories. He traveled around the world and gave famous lectures.

He was America’s greatest storyteller and writer. You might recognize him as the author of “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and “The Adventures of Tom Sawyer.”

“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” was based on his life in Hannibal. In that book, Tom Sawyer went in a cave and met the bad guy. In real life, Mark Twain went in the cave and explored it. Many people he knew in his town were turned into characters in his book.

Mark Twain always said he came in with Halley’s Comet, and he would go out with Halley’s Comet. On April 20, 1910, Halley’s Comet passed by, and he died.

Here’s one of Mark Twain’s famous quotes: “When I was younger, I could remember anything whether it happened or not.”

Make sure you read his books!

* The answers are 1. spoon, 2. food, 3. milk, 4. sink, 5. stove, 6. pot, 7. pan and 8. plate

bcrnews

Visit us at www.bcrnews.com for the stories that people are talking about!

com

5 Thursday, January 15, 2015 • 5

Illinois Valley Scene

Tips for families to get healthy this year

I like to have a breakfast casserole on weekends, or they’re great if you have company in for breakfast. It’s so easy to stick in the oven and let it bake while you visit or prepare the rest of the meal. We had a wonderful casserole for our New Year’s Day Brunch this year. You make it the night before and then just pop it in the oven in the morning.

Holiday Brunch Casserole 4 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed 1 pound bulk pork sausage, cooked and drained 1/2 pound bacon strips, cooked and crumbled 1 medium green pepper, chopped 1 green onion, chopped 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided 4 eggs 3 cups 2% milk 1 cup reduced fat biscuit/baking mix (Bisquick) 1/2 teaspoon salt In a large bowl, combine potatoes, sausage, bacon, green pepper and green onion; stir in 1 cup cheddar cheese. Transfer to a greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish.

In another bowl, whisk eggs, milk, baking mix and salt until blended. Pour over top.

Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Refrigerate, covered, overnight. Preheat, oven to 375°. Remove casserole from refrigerator while oven heats. Bake, uncovered, 30 to 35 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before cutting. This is very good with sour cream and diced tomatoes on top. Serve with some biscuits. Wonderful.

Sunrise Breakfast Casserole 2 12-ounce packages Johnsonville breakfast sausage links 9 eggs 3 cups milk 1 1/2 teaspoons ground mustard 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 30-ounce package frozen shredded hash browns, thawed 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded four-cheese Mexican blend cheese 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions Salsa or picante sauce (optional) Arrange sausage on an ungreased 15-by-10-inch baking pan. Bake at 375° for 15 to 20 minutes, turning links once or until sausage is cooked through and lightly browned. Drain. Allow to cool slightly. Slice sausage into 1/4-inch coins.

In a large bowl, whisk eggs, milk and seasonings. Add sausage, hash browns, cheese, bell pepper and onions. Pour into a greased 13-by-9-inch baking dish.

Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from refrigerator 30 minutes before baking. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 65 to70 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serve with salsa or picante sauce.

Judy Dyke

Cheesy Hash Brown Breakfast Casserole 8 frozen hash brown patties 6 eggs 2 cups milk 1 cup sour cream 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1 teaspoon ground mustard 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper 6 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled 2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided 3 green onions, thinly sliced Place hash brown patties in single layer in a 13-by-9-inch baking dish, sprayed with no stick cooking spray. Bake in preheated 450° oven for 20 minutes or until browned, turning hash brown patties after 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Let stand 5 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350°. Beat eggs in large bowl with wire whisk. Add milk, sour cream, garlic powder, mustard and pepper, mix well.

Stir in bacon, 1 1/2 cups of the cheese and onions. Pour over hash brown patties.

Sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup cheese.

Bake 40 to 50 minutes or until center is set and edges are golden brown.

Scrambled Egg Hash Brown Cups 1 20-ounce package refrigerated Southwest style shredded hash brown potatoes 6 eggs 1/2 cup 2% milk 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon butter 10 thick slicked bacon strips, cooked and crumbled 1 1/4 cups (5 ounces) shredded Cheddar Jack cheese, divided Preheat oven to 400°. Divide potatoes among 12 greased muffins cups.

Press onto bottom and up sides to form cups. Bake 18 to 20 minutes or until light golden brown. Meanwhile, in a bowl, whisk eggs, milk and salt. In a large nonstick skillet, heat butter over medium heat. Pour in egg mixture, cook and stir until eggs are thickened and no liquid egg remaining. Stir in bacon and 3/4 cup cheese. Spoon into cups, top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese. Bake 3 to 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cool 5 minutes before removing from pan. Serve with sour cream, ketchup sliced green onion or Sriracha. What ever you choose for toppings.

I even like these casseroles for an evening meal. If you need to reach me, my email is judyd2313@frontier.com or you can drop a line to my attention to the BCR, P.O. Box 340, Princeton, IL 61356.

Cooking shortcuts Keep these food items in the refrigerator and pantry for fast meal prep: • Pre-cooked beef roast, roasted whole chicken, fried chicken pieces and smoked salmon (slice and use for fajitas, soups, salads, sandwiches and casseroles) • Canned salmon, clams, tuna, shrimp and oysters (use in jambalaya, casseroles, fried rice and appetizer recipes) • Frozen meatballs, chicken nuggets, fish fillets, minute steaks and pre-formed hamburger patties (meat and freezer aisles) • Skinless, boneless chicken breasts

and thinly cut beef and pork for stir-fried (meat aisle) • Betty Crocker Complete Meals, including Chicken & Buttermilk Biscuits, Chicken Fettuccine Alfredo, Ham & Au Gratin Potatoes, Homestyle Dumplings & Chicken and Stroganoff (bake in the oven, skillet or microwave) • Pre-assembled vegetable and meat kabobs (in the meat aisle) • Pre-cooked shrimp (seafood case) • Thick-sliced deli ham, turkey and roast beef (deli aisle)

(StatePoint) New Year’s resolutions often focus on personal improvement. This year experts are encouraging entire families to consider making a pledge to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle.

Parents have more potential than anybody else to influence their children’s behavior — including their eating habits — according to a study by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. In fact, parents outrank sports celebrities as the people most children would most like to be, according to the survey.

“You are the most influential role model in your child’s life,” says Kim Larson, registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy spokesperson. “Modeling healthy eating behaviors encourages children to adopt and choose healthy behaviors that will benefit them for a lifetime.”

Setting realistic goals Small steps add up, and Larson recommends making healthy lifestyle changes that are realistic and easy to stick with for the long-haul. Try adopting healthy changes for the entire family, such as: • Make sure your kids know they are part of the team and that health and fitness are a family affair.

• Encourage children to help plan meals -- from developing the menu to shopping to preparing and

serving the meal.

• Serve regular, balanced meals and snacks with a variety of nutrient-rich foods.

• Eat breakfast daily.

• Enjoy family dinner together each night or as often as possible.

• At each meal, fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables.

• Make at least half of the grains you eat whole grains.

• Get active. Incorporate physical activity where you can in your day, whether taking a family walk after dinner or hitting the gym.

Remember, children and teens should get at least 60 minutes of physical activity per day, and adults should get two and a half hours per week.

Focus on overall health, not weight alone

According to the experts, good nutrition, health, and fitness fun should be the focus of your family’s goals, not calorie counting, food restriction or working out.

“You don’t want your kids to think that a healthy lifestyle is only about how much they weigh,” Larson says. “Concentrate on delicious nutrition and fun physical activities,” says Larson.

For a personalized plan tailored to your lifestyle, food preferences and the unique needs of your family, consider consulting a registered dietitian nutritionist. You can find one in your area at www.EatRight. org.

This New Year, you can get the whole family together by committing to a healthier lifestyle as a team.

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6 Sports 6 • Thursday, January 15, 2015

Illinois Valley Scene

Senior spotlight Annie Miller (Putnam County) Here’s a look at the upcoming area sporting events:

Thursday, Jan. 15

Boys basketball: Junior high - PC 7th/8th at Little Tri-County Tournament (Lowpoint -Washburn). PC 7th at Little Tri-County Tournament (Fieldcrest). Princeton Logan at SRC Tournament (Mendota).

Girls basketball: High school - Amboy at BV, Hall at Kewanee, Princeton at Newman, L-O at Serena, Henry at DePue, 6 p.m.

Volleyball: Junior high - PC vs. JFK, 4 p.m., Dimmick at PCA, 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 16

Boys basketball: High school - Peoria Christian at DePue, Hall at Princeton, HBR at L-O, St. Bede at Amboy, 6 p.m. PC at Lowpoint Washburn, 6 p.m.

Junior high - PC 7th/8th at Little Tri-County Tournament (Lowpoint-Washburn). PC 7th at Little Tri-County Tournament (Fieldcrest).

Wrestling: Princeton, Rockridge at Kewane, 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Jan 17

Boys basketball: Freshman - PC at Eureka Tournament.

Junior high - PC 7th at Little Tri-County Tournament (Fieldcrest).

Girls basketball: High school – DePue vs. Peoria Christian at Tri-County Tournament, noon (Marquette); St. Bede at Byron MLK Tournament, tba.

Volleyball: Junior high Coates Invitational at Logan, 9 a.m.

Wrestling: PC/Hall at Kewanee Invitational, 9 a.m., Princeton at Rockford Lutheran (quad), 10 a.m.

Monday, Jan. 19

Boys basketball: High school – Peoria Christian at PC, 6 p.m.

Girls basketball: High school – DePue, PC at Tri-County

Ticket Page 7

IVS photo/Ken Schroeder

PC senior Annie Miller says the person with the greatest influence on her athletic career was her grandpa, because “he always supported me and came to all my games. He loved being there.”

Name: Annie Miller Hometown: Granville.

Family: Parents, Fort and Julie Miller; sister, Allyson Miller.

Sports: Volleyball, basketball, softball.

Favorite sport and why: Volleyball and softball, because I’ve been playing them for so long.

Favorite food and where to get it: Fettuccine Alfredo.

Likes: Food, family, friends, my phone, my puppies.

Dislikes: Spiders.

Person with the greatest influence on my athletic career (and why): My grandpa. He always supported me and came to all my games. He loved being there.

Person with the greatest influence in my life (and why): My parents. I am so grateful to have such a wonderful family.

If stranded on a deserted island, I would have to have my: Boat.

The last song I listened to was: “Chandelier.”

People would be surprised to know: I can do the wave on my stomach.

I stay home to watch: “Criminal Minds.”

When I need luck for a big game I: Talk to my friends and family.

The funniest person I’ve ever met (and why): My uncle, he is so carefree and he always can make me laugh.

Most unforgettable moment: Last year’s Spirit Week.

What I would like to do in life: I would like to play either volleyball or softball in college and then get married and have a family.

Three words that describe me: Determined, driven, quiet.

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7 Sports Thursday, January 15, 2015 • 7

Illinois Valley Scene

Basketball

YMCA Youth League PERU — A youth basketball league will start up at the Illinois Valley YMCA on Saturday, Jan. 17, running through Feb. 22.

Practices will be held Thursdays at the YMCA. The fee is $30 for members and $40 for non-members.

Junior Tigresses camp

PRINCETON — Two weeks remain for the Princeton High School girls’ basketball program Winter Junior Basketball Camp.

The camp is open to all girls from grades 2-8.

The next session will he be held Sunday, Jan. 18 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at Prouty Gymnasium. The final session will be held Sunday, Jan. 25 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

For more information, call head coach Kevin Hieronymus at 815-872-9400.

Running Rebels Basketball

OTTAWA — Registration is now open for the Running Rebels third annual Winter Boys

Basketball League which starts in January. There will also be three competitive tournaments (Jan. 3, March 7, March 27).

Rebels events are open to feeder teams, school teams and travel teams. To register your team(s), visit http://www. runningrebelsbasketball.com/ team-registration-form.html.

Entry into one of these events will be confirmed upon receipt of team entry fee.

For more information, call Eric Rombach at 815-326-1527.

Miscellaneous

Coaches clinic MANLIUS — The Bureau County Track and Cross Country Coaches Clinic will be held Feb. 7 at Bureau Valley High School.

Clinic cost is $70 if mailed by Jan. 28 and $95 after or at the door. Registration will start at 8:15 a.m. with the first speakers beginning at 9 a.m.

Speakers include Bureau Valley’s own Jeff Ohlson (weights), Tony Holler of Plainfield North, son of former Princeton High coach Don Holler, and Tyler Gaumer, son of former Princeton Max Gaumer.

For more Information, contact BV coach Dale Donner at

309-895-2037 or daledonner@ yahoo.com or visit www.bureauvalleytrack.net.

and sportsmanship. To sign up, call the Metro Center at 815872-0840.

PRINCETON — The Princeton Soccer Academy, formerly Illinois Valley United Soccer Club, is underway with practices held Monday evenings at Princeton Logan Junior High School. The Academy is for ages 8 and older. For more information, visit the academy’s Facebook page.

PRINCETON — Eleni Leigh, a former British soccer camp instructor, will teach children ages 3-8 on how to play a variety of sports at the Bureau County Metro Center. The class will be held March 3-12.

Soccer Academy

Hockey lessons

SPRING VALLEY — Hockey lessons will be given at Echo Bluff Park located on Route 29 between Spring Valley and DePue on Thursdays from 6 to 7 p.m.

For more information, contact Jan Martin at 815-447-2115 or via email at echobluffpark@ gmail.com.

Sports of all sports

Swim lessons

PRINCETON — The Princeton Park District will offer swim lessons for all ages and levels at the Bureau County Metro Center.

Weight training

PRINCETON — Beginning adult weight training is available at the Bureau County Metro Center. Call the Met at 815-8720840 for more information.

Karate lessons

At the Met

Youth basketball PRINCETON — The Princeton Park District youth basketball league for Grades 1-6 will start back up on Saturday mornings from Feb. 14 through March 21.

Emphasis will be on teamwork

PRINCETON — The Princeton Park District is offering karate lessons for all ages at the Bureau County Metro Center.

Lessons will be taught on Mondays and Thursdays. Call the Met at 815-872-0840 for more information.

Fitness classes PRINCETON — The Princeton Park District offers a variety of water and land fitness and spin classes. Call the Met at 815872-0840 for more information.

Youth dodgeball

PRINCETON — The Bureau County Metro Center is hosting a youth dodgeball league for Grades 1-6 on Fridays from Jan. 23-Feb. 27. The fee is $15.

Call the Met at 815-872-0840 for more information for all park district programs.

Adult volleyball

PRINCETON — A recreational adult volleyball league will be held at the Bureau County Metro Center on Sundays starting Feb. 1. Fees are $50 per team.

Soccer league

PRINCETON — The Bureau County Metro Center hosts an indoor youth soccer league through Jan. 29.

••• Items for the Happenings section can be emailed to sports@ bcrnews.com.

The Perfect Storm The Bureau Valley South eighthgrade boys basketball team went undefeated in both seventh- and eight-grade seasons, capped off with this year’s BVEC championship win over sister school BVN. Team members include (front row, from left) cheerleaders: Madison Mares, Hannah Williams, Preslie Pond, and Becca Bitting; (second row) Robert Aukes, Jace Rediger, Gage Aber, Tyler Gustafson, Kale Barnett, Matt Kruger, Seton Younggren, and Saige Barnett (manager); and (back row) Ethan Ainley, Blake Delgado, Thomas Gosch, Trevor Griffen, Tate Glenn, and Nate Paup-Caudill Coaches: Frank Gebeck, Dave Mussche, Meghan Mussche, and Adam Franklin. Not pictured are cheerleaders Madisen Thomas and Emma Mussche.

Photo contributed

Ticket From Page 7 nament; St. Bede at Byron MLK Tournament, tba; BV at Hall, Princeton at Amboy, 6 p.m.; LaMoille-Ohio at LTC Tournament, tba.

Tuesday, Jan. 20

Boys basketball: Junior high – PC at Northlawn, 4:15 p.m. High school - BV at St. Bede, Newman at Hall, Kewanee at Princeton, LaMoille-Ohio at Newark, 6 p.m.

Girls basketball: High school – St. Bede at Byron MLK Tournament, tba.

Volleyball: Junior high – Roanoke-Benson at PC, 4 p.m., Henry at Logan, 4:15 p.m., PCA at Deer Park, 6 p.m.

Wednesday. Jan. 21

Girls basketball: High school – BV at Newman, 6 p.m.

Wrestling: Seneca at HalPC, 5:30 p.m.

Thursday, Jan. 22

Boys basketball: Freshman – Princeville at PC, 6 p.m.

Girls basketball: High school – DePue, PC at Tri-County Tournament; BV at Kewanee, Amboy at Hall, St. Bede at PHS, 6 p.m.

Volleyball: Junior high - Mendota Northbrook at Logan, 4:30 p.m.

Wrestling: Princeton at L-P, 6 p.m.

Friday, Jan. 23

Boys basketball: High school - Amboy at BV, DePue at Marquette, Hall at Kewanee, Princeton at Newman, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 24

Boys basketball: Freshman – PC at Eureka Tournament. Junior high – PC at regionals.

Girls basketball: Rockford Christian Life (varsity only), 2:30 p.m., Eureka at PC, 6 p.m.

Volleyball: Junior high Lady Puma Classic, 9 a.m.

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8 8 • Thursday, January 15, 2015

Illinois Valley Scene