BCJ-07-09-2015

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

Thursday, July 9, 2015

Vol. 9 No. 51

Racing to tons of fun The 94th annual Marshall-Putnam Fair is bringing a variety of new and familiar attractions to the “Barn-in-the-U.S.A” Fair which is set for Wednesday through Sunday, July 8-12, at the fairgrounds along Route 29 in Henry.

Harness racing (pictured at right) is a favorite at the fair, and will again, be featured in the grandstand at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 8.

And that’s just the beginning ...

A host of favorite fair attractions will be back for event-goers to enjoy. Those favorites along with a host of new activities for fair-goers of all ages are sure to bring smiles, as the Marshall-Putnam County Fair makes its 94th annual appearance.

New events you won’t want to miss this year are the Broken Horn Rodeo, which offers seven different exciting events and is a World Champion Rodeo sanctioned by the International Pro Rodeo Association. Another new attraction will be Solution Action Sports, LLC’s BMX bike show, where stunts will be performed by professional BMX athletes throughout the fair.

And if you have ever wanted to experience the thrill of driving in a NASCAR race, then stop by the commercial building where you will find the Chapman Motor Sports Racing Legends of The Last Century Chevrolet Hall of Fame Museum. Included with this museum is a NASCAR simulator where you are behind the wheel, experiencing the thrill of extreme speeds around the track.

Besides the new events, many of your favorite attractions will be returning. For a full schedule of events, visit the fair’s website at marshallputnamfair.org.

IV Scene photo/Mike Vaughn

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2 2 • Thursday, July 9, 2015

Illinois Valley Scene

The invasion of the Logans Meet Logan, the grandson of Harry and Judy Ioder of Walnut

Cool Kids’ Cinnamon Chocolate Cake Shortening to grease pans 2 tablespoons flour, to flour cake pans 2 eggs 1 1/4 cups water 1 1/2 sticks butter or margarine, softened 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 2/3 cups sugar

2/3 cup unsweetened baking cocoa 1 1/4 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 container ready to spread frosting

Younger children: You might need help from an adult.

Stuff you will need: 2 round cake pans, measuring cups, measuring spoons, mixing bowl, electric mixer, spatula, pot holders.

Instructions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease the pans with shortening and sprinkle the 2 tablespoons flour over the bottom of the pans. Shake the pans back and forth to spread the flour over the bottom and sides. Turn pan upside down and tap the bottom to knock out extra flour.

Crack eggs into the bowl. Add water, butter, 2 and 1/4 cups flour, the sugar, baking cocoa, baking soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon and vanilla to the egg. Beat with the mix on low speed for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Turn off mixer and scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Then use mixer on high speed for three minutes. Pour the mixture evenly into pans.

Bake cakes for about 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick poked in the cake comes out clean.

Take the cake out of the oven using pot holders, or have an adult help you. Cool the pans on a stove, on top of pot holders or on top of a wire cooling rack.

After the cakes have cooled for about 15 minutes, run a knife alongside the edges of the cake to loosen the cake from the pan. Flip the pans over to get the cake out.

Let the cakes cool all the way before you frost them. After you have frosted the top of the first cake, stack the other cake on top of that one and frost the top of it and the sides of the whole cake.

Want to see your name in the paper?

Hey, kids!

My name is Logan Serpette. I am a fifth-grade student at Henry-Senachwine Grade School, and I am the author of Cool Kids’ Corner.

Do you have something you want to see in the newspaper? Email your jokes, recipes and other items to me at coolkidscorner@ outlook.com. I can’t wait to read your stories and try your recipes.

When you email me, make sure you include your name, your hometown and how old you are, so you can be famous in the newspaper.

Hello, readers: I met a Logan from Idaho that was visiting his grandma and grandpa in June. They live on a farm in Walnut, and Judy Ioder called to see if I would like to meet her Logan. I said I would, and I’m glad I did. I made a new friend, and Logan even gave me a present — a dinner bell that he made.

Meeting another Logan was fun. I asked him these questions, and here are his answers, so you can get to know him too.

Cool Kids’ Corner (CKC): Where do you live?

Logan: Twin Falls, Idaho.

CKC: How old are you?

Logan: 10.

CKC: What do children do in Idaho for fun?

Logan: In the winter, you have snowball fights or you stay in the house.

In the summertime, you go to water parks or you stay inside.

CKC: What do you do during your summer breaks?

Logan: I usually go visit people that are far away.

Logan (left) and Logan CKC: What is the hardest thing you’ve ever done?

Logan: I built a 490piece Lego set that was a helicopter. It had pieces that looked the same.

CKC: What is your favorite movie?

Logan: “Comanche” (an

Jokesters My new friend, Logan from Idaho, submitted a story he wrote.

I think you will enjoy it.

By Logan, grandson of Harry and Judy Ioder Jokesters Hi. My name is Joke, and I’m in a club called Jokesters. It’s a comedian club. This is one of my best jokes: What do you get when

you cross a zombie and a library?

Dead silence.

This is a weird one: What do you get when you cross a Sasquatch and a centipede?

Bigfoot ... foot ... foot.

I have six members in

old Western).

CKC: What is your favorite book?

Logan: The “I Funny” series by James Patterson.

CKC: What has been your favorite part of your trip to Illinois?

Logan: Driving the Gator on the farm.

my club, including me.

One day, I woke up with a sinus infection, and I awoke with a big golf ball on my head and my eyes were swollen shut, and people were zombies ... they were so slow. Also on this day, balloons could talk and walk around. But then I woke up and everybody said, “Surprise!”

It’s my birthday. Now I can play. See you all later.

Goodbye.

LOL jokes Q. What is a pirate’s favorite place to eat?

A. Arrrrrrby’s.

••• Teacher: What are the four seasons?

Student: Football, basketball, baseball and soccer.

••• Teacher: If you stood with your back

to the north and faced due south, what would be on your left hand?

Student: Fingers.

••• Student to mother: The principal thinks I’m very responsible.

Mother: Really?

Student: Yes, every time something wrong happens, she says I am responsible.

3 Thursday, July 9, 2015 • 3

Illinois Valley Scene

PRINCETON — Thursday, July 9, at 2:30 p.m., “Read to the Rhythm: Draw the Music.” What does music look like?

Spend an hour drawing or painting to different styles of music.

Thursday, July 9, at 4 p.m., Friends of the Library Book Club will discuss “Saving CeeCee Hunnicut” by Beth Hoffman.

Thursday, July 9, at 6:30 p.m., “Read to the Rhythm: Moving Through Time.” Move through history by listening to popular tunes, talking about the time in which they originated and learning some dance steps.

Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Saturday Morning Book Walk: How do you Wokka-Wokka. Come to the Zearing Park walking trail anytime between 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. to walk and read at your own pace.

It’s a Wokka-Wokka party as a sidewalk rhyme with an urban beat.

Sunday, July 12, from 2:30 to 4 p.m., the YA/ Children’s Book Club for adults will meet at the Flour House Bakery.

Monday, July 13, at 6:30 p.m., there will be a Monday Night Movie.

Tuesday, July 14, at 10:30 a.m., Story time Bandwagon: Stories,, movement and interactive music for prekindergarten to second grade (older siblings are welcome).

Tuesday, July 14, at 2 p.m., Read to the Rhythm: This is the first part of a two-part young people’s performance program where secondthrough eighth-graders can perform poems written for multiple voices.

This afternoon is to assign parts. Sign-up in advance.

Tuesday, July 14, at 6:30 p.m., Ken Kramer will talk about the history and making of cigar box guitars.

Wednesday, July 15, at 3:30 p.m., Junior High Book Club will meet.

Thursday, July 16, at 10 a.m., Fairy Day: Come to Hornbaker Gardens in rural Princeton for stories, songs, ring dances, games, “fairy tea,” a scavenger hunt and a fairy door craft in a beautiful outdoor setting. Sign up in advance. Sponsored by Norberg Memorial Home.

Thursday, July 16, at 6 p.m., Read to the Rhythm: This is the second part of a twopart young people’s performance program

where second- through eighth-graders can perform poems written for multiple voices. Rehearsal starts at 6 p.m., and the live performance is at 7 p.m.

Thursday, July 16, after the Read to the Rhythm program, there will be open mic readings for Coffee & Couplets.

SPRING VALLEY — Summer reading events are as follows: Monday, July 13, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., for first- through third-grade students there will be pin strummers craft.

Tuesday, July 14, from 5:30 to 6 p.m., for prekindergarten and kindergarten students, there will be musical chairs painting.

Wednesday, July 15, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., for fourth- through sixthgrade students, there will be a decoupage music notebooks craft.

Thursday, July 16, from 5 to 6 p.m., for seventh- through 12th-grade students, there will be a sheet music collage craft.

Thursday, July 16, at 6 p.m., Pier Giorgio Ardeni will be at the library to make a presentation on his book, “Across the Ocean to the Mine Land: Stories of Italian Migration from the Mountains of Bologna and Modena to America at the Turn of the Twentieth Century.” It is a book of stories, a book of 5,000 individual histories that, all together, made history. The book will be sold for $25 at the presentation. Otherwise, on Amazon for $32.

Friday, July 17, at 11 a.m., the library will host Illinois Valley Cellular for a program titled, “Using today’s smart phones with a rotary phone brain.” During this time, representatives from IVC will talk about the evolution of phones and then demonstrate how to set up a smart phone, what the buttons do and basic applications. If time allows, there may be a one-on-one training.

DEPUE — The Selby Township Library is continuing the summer reading program.

Tuesday, July 14, at 10 a.m., there will be a music extravaganza. Children will have a chance to play a variety of musical instruments and learn about the different types of music.

Check back for future events.

An English as a Second Language class will begin on Tuesday, July

7, from 6 to 8 p.m. The classes will continue for six weeks. Any adults who would like to improve their English speaking skills are encouraged to attend.

The library is also hosting Rocket Readers!

This club uses computer games, activities and story time to encourage elementary students to improve their reading skills. The club is open to elementary students in second through fifth grades. The club meets on Tuesdays from 5 to 6 p.m.

All programs are free and open to residents of Selby Township. For more information on the summer reading program, call the library at 815-4472660.

New books for July include: “Paper Towns”

by John Green; “All the Light We Cannot See”

by Anthony Doerr; “In the Unlikely Event” by Judy Blume; “The Martian” by Andy Weir; “The Wright Brothers” by David McCullough; “Finders Keepers” by Stephen King; “Blueprints” by Barbara Delinsky and “Piranha” by Clive Cussler and Boyd Morrison.

SHEFFIELD —The Sheffield Public Library is currently hosting its summer reading program.

Children ages 5-7 meet on Tuesday mornings from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Children ages 8-11 meet on Wednesday mornings from 9:30 to 11 a.m.

Summer hours at the library are: from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday, closed on Thursdays, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday.

LAMOILLE — The library is currently hosting its summer reading program.

The program will be going on until Friday, July 31.

Compete with friends, meet a goal and collect prizes.

Tuesday story hours will be held until Tuesday, July 21. Prekindergarten through third grade meet at 10 a.m., and fourth grade and up meet at 2 p.m.

WALNUT — The Walnut Public Library has an ongoing coupon exchange. Even if coupons are expired, bring them to the library. The expired coupons are sent to troops serving overseas.

TISKILWA — The Tiskilwa Public Library has kicked-off its sum-

mer reading program for tweens, from fifth to eighth grades. Readers will meet on Tuesdays.

Sessions are from 2:30 to 4 p.m.

A full schedule is available on the library website under the events page at www.tisklib.org.

LADD — During the Ladd 125th celebration, the library will be open additional hours to allow the public to view historical items.

In addition to regular hours, the library will be open from 4 to 6 p.m.

Thursday, July 9; from 1 to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 11; and from 3 to 5 p.m.

Sunday, July, 12.

Library items to be displayed include a replica of the tapestry which hung in the Ladd theatre, the 75th anniversary bunting, copies of the Ladd 1990 centennial book, class photos from most Ladd grade school classes 1939 through 1985, various village and school photos, a collection of Ladd school newsletters and more.

Friday, July 10, at 1 p.m., the library will host storyteller Mick Henneberry.

Monday, July 13, at 1 p.m., Movie Monday.

Friday, July 17, at 1 p.m., Tween Trivia.

The library continues to hold story times on Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and the Junior Book Club at 1 p.m. on Tuesdays. Currently, the club is reading “Holes.”

BUREAU — The Leepertown Township Public Library is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday; and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Satur-

day. 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 the phone number).

LASALLE PUBLIC LIBRARY — The LaSalle Public Library is also hosting its first summer reading program for adults.

The program runs until Monday, Aug. 31.

On Tuesdays in July, the library offers preschoolers and their caregivers Story time Express, an interactive mix of stories complemented with a variety of engaging activities like crafts, flannel boards, rhymes, songs and puppets. Story time Express will be offered most Tuesdays from 11:45 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.

Call 815-223-2341 on Monday of the program week to ensure enough craft kits will be available for all participants.

The LaSalle Public Library invites families to join in stories with the library’s “Reading Loving Therapy Dogs!” The reading dog teams will be at the library at 4 p.m.

Thursday, July 9; 6 p.m.

Tuesday, July 14; and 4 p.m. Thursday, July 16.

Thursday, July 9, at 6 p.m., the library will host “Mexican Folk Music for Families!” Performed and interpreted by Maria and Yahvi, Old Town School of Folk Music teachers and multi-instrumentalists, this program invites audiences to enjoy and learn about the traditional music of Mexico.

Wednesday, July 15, from 2 to 4 p.m, the library will host “You’re in the Picture! Art with Mrs. Adams.” For kids 8 and older, this art workshop utilizes software in tandem with artists’ original works to develop truly unique and fantastic artworks. Limited to 20 participants. Registration is required.

MAGNOLIA – The Magnolia Branch Library is hosting a summer reading program every Tuesday from 3 to 4 p.m. Any questions, call Peggy at

815-869-3038. Snacks and refreshments are served after the program.

The library hosts a preschool story time at 10 a.m. every Saturday morning. Stop in to enjoy a short story and related craft activity.

HENNEPIN – The Hennepin Book Club meets Thursday, July 9, at 7 p.m. at the library. The group discusses a title that all participants have read together and selects a title for the following month.

Preschool story times are at 2 p.m. every Tuesday and at 10:30 a.m. on Friday. Join the library staff for stories, crafts, games and more.

Afternoon activities are from 4 to 5 p.m. on most Thursdays. This program is for children 8 years and younger. Come for stories, related crafts, activities and games.

GRANVILLE — Join the Granville library for preschool story time at 10 a.m. Tuesdays.

Family night is at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. There will be guest readers.

Join the library at 10 a.m. Thursday mornings for 30 minutes of stories and songs. This program is ideal for little ones under 3 years of age.

MCNABB – Wednesday, July 15, at 5 p.m, the McNabb Branch Library will show the classic film, “The Music Man.” The story of a con man who comes to a Midwestern town with a scam using a boy’s marching band program, however things don’t go according to plan. Popcorn and drinks will be served at this free, open to the public event.

Story time programs are held at 10 a.m. Saturday mornings. Preschool story times are held at 11 a.m.

Saturday mornings.

PUTNAM (CONDIT) – Stop in at the Putnam (Condit) Branch Library on Saturday, July 11, for coffee and pleasant conversation. Books & Brunch offers patrons an opportunity to discuss great books, new reads and old favorites with friends over.

4 4 • Thursday, July 9, 2015

Illinois Valley Scene

Upcoming A bluegrass, gospel and country music jam will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 17, at the First Lutheran Church at 116 N. Pleasant St. in Princeton.

Jams will continue the third Friday of each month.

Players and listeners are welcome. Snacks and soft drinks available. For more information, call 815-8752057.

The Spring Valley Municipal Band will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 17, in the Downtown Mini-Park. Seating is limited; lawn chairs are recommended.

This Week The Ladd 125th Celebration will hold a pageant Thursday, July 9. Miss Ladd, ages 13-17, and Mini King and Queen, ages 5-8, titles will be on the line. Entry forms are available at the Ladd Library, Ladd Grade School and the village of Ladd office; they can be downloaded at www. villageofladd.com. The deadline for entry forms is Monday, June 1. Participants must be a resident of Ladd. For more information, call Julie Hollinger at 815-894-2379.

The Spring Valley Municipal Band will pres-

ent a concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 10, in the Downtown Mini-Park.

Seating is limited; lawn chairs are recommended.

Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center presents music on the Veranda with The Steve Sharp Band from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 10, at Starved Rock Lodge. Grill will open at 11 a.m. The Steve Sharp Band will perform on Jimmy Buffet Night.

A fair in the park will be featured during Ladd’s 125th anniversary celebration from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, July 11, in the park area to the south

of the Ladd Community Center.

Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center presents music on the Veranda with Tommy n’ The Nitecaps from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at Starved Rock Lodge.

Grill will open at 11 a.m.

Tommy n’ The Nitecaps perform R&B favorites.

The Bureau Valley Volunteer Hospice will host its monthly grief and loss support group at 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 13, in the chapel at Perry Memorial Hospital in Princeton. Anyone who has lost a loved one is invited to attend.

The Princeton Public Library Friends of the Library book sale will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, July 17, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 18.

Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center presents music on the Veranda with 3-Day Weekend from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday, July 17, at Starved Rock Lodge. Grill will open at 11 a.m. 3-Day Weekend performs dance music for everyone.

Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center presents music on the Veranda with Brian and Mark from 8 to 11 p.m. Saturday, July 18, at Starved Rock Lodge.

Grill will open at 11 a.m.

Brian and Mark perform the hits from the 90s and now.

Shop for SIDS awareness in support of the Aden Lamps Foundation will be from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, July 19, at Senica’s Oak Ridge Golf Course, 658 Route 6, LaSalle.

There will be handmade and retail items for sale as well as raffles. For more information, contact Tiffany Lamps at 815-993-8433, email tiffany_lamps@ yahoo.com or visit www. facebook.com/adenlampsfoundation.

The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from noon to 5 p.m. Tuesday, July 21, at the Illinois Valley Chapter Donation Center, 1530 Fourth St., Peru.

The Princeton Moose Lodge will host a bingo night at 7 p.m. Tuesday, July 21. 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 American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday, July 24, at Allegion-LCN,

1224 N. Main St., Princeton.

The Spring Valley Municipal Band will present a concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, July 24, in the Downtown Mini-Park. Seating is limited; lawn chairs are recommended.

Auction Calendar July 9 – Delbert Morris, real estate and personal property, 5 p.m., 223 S. Euclid Ave., Princeton, Rediger Auction Service, auctioneers.

July 11 – John Regenhardt estate, antique and modern furniture, primitives, collectibles, household, snowblower and tools, 10 a.m., 209 E. Sixth St., Mendota, Tumbleson Auction Co., auctioneers.

July 12 – James Lord estate and Barb Oleson estate, antiques, collectibles, primitives, wicker furniture, crocks, stoneware, Christmas villages, vehicles, furniture, appliances, tools, yard and miscellaneous, 11 a.m., sale held at Tri-County Fairgrounds, Mendota, Becker Auction Service, auctioneers.

July 12 – Harold and Marton Duffell, furniture, collectibles, tools and tool-related items, 1 p.m., 926 Grant St., Peru, Tumbleson Auction Co., auctioneers.

5 Thursday, July 9, 2015 • 5

Illinois Valley Scene

Favorites returning to this year’s Sweet Corn Festival in Mendota Festival set for Aug 6-9 Just for something fun to do, why not try making some different popcorn treats for the family. Not only will it keep everyone busy and looking forward to some good treats, but the smell in your kitchen from that popcorn always brings out the best in hungry friends and family members.

Chocolate – Peanut Butter Popcorn Balls 4 quarts freshly popped corn 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup light corn syrup 3 ounces chocolate or chocolate fudge instant pudding mix 1/2 cup butter at room temperature 1 cup creamy peanut butter 2 cups confectioners’ sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/4 cup heavy cream Put the popcorn in a large bowl. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper or a silicone baking sheet and set aside. Combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup and pudding mix in a medium size saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Remove the pan from heat and pour the sugar mixture over the popcorn. Stir with a wooden spoon until the popcorn is coated. With buttered hands shape the popcorn into golf ball size servings.

Place on the baking sheet, and use your thumb to make an indentation in the center of each ball. Allow to cool on the baking sheet. To make the peanut butter filling, in a medium size bowl, cream the butter and peanut butter together. Add one third of the confectioner’s sugar and mix well to incorporate. Add the vanilla and half of the cream. Blend thoroughly.

Add another third of the confectioner’s sugar and mix well. Add the remaining cream and blend thoroughly. Slowly add the remaining confectioner’s sugar until the desired consistency is reached. If the filling is too loose, add more sugar, if it is to hard, add more cream. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the peanut butter filling into each popcorn ball indentation and serve.

Death by Chocolate Popcorn Balls 4 quarts freshly popped corn 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons sugar 6 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped into 1/4-inch pieces 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 cup cocoa powder 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips Put the popcorn in a large bowl. Line a baking sheet with waxed paper or a silicone baking sheet and set aside. Prepare the ganache by heating the cream, 2 tablespoons of the butter and 2 tablespoons of the sugar in a medium size saucepan over medium high heat, stirring until the sugar has fully dissolved. Bring to a boil. Place the chocolate pieces in a large stainless steel bowl, Pour the cream mixture over the chocolate and allow to stand for 5 minutes. Stir until fully combined and smooth. Allow the ganache to cool to room temperature, 20 to 25 minutes. In a large saucepan, combine the remaining butter, remaining sugar, corn syrup and salt over medium heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Boil for 2 minutes, continuing to stir. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the vanilla, baking soda and 3 tablespoon of the cocoa powder with a wooden spoon.

Pour the sugar mixture over the popcorn, add the chocolate chips and stir until the popcorn is coated. With buttered hands, quickly form the popcorn mixture into

Judy Dyke

tennis bass size servings and hand to a helper. Have the helper make a well in the center of each ball with her thumb and quickly spoon in the ganache to fill the well halfway. Mold the popcorn to cover the hole and enclose the ganache. Roll each ball in the remaining cocoa powder and allow to cool on the baking sheet.

No Kettle Kettle Corn 3 tablespoons popcorn kernels 1 teaspoon canola oil 1/2 tablespoon sugar Generous pinch salt In a small bowl, combine the kernels and oil, stir to coat. Transfer the kernels to a clean paper lunch bag, fold over the top of the bag 1/2 inch and then fold again another 1/2 inch. Seal the bag with a small strip of cellophane tape. Place the bag in the microwave, folded side up, and cook on high for 2 to 3 minutes or until there are 5 seconds between pops.

Open the bag sprinkle the sugar and salt over the popcorn and shake a few times to coat.

American Pie Mix 4 quarts freshly popped corn 2 cups dried apple chips, roughly broken 1/3 cup butter, melted 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon salt Preheat the oven to 300°. Line a baking sheet with foil or a silicone baking sheet and set aside. In a large mixing bowl, combine the popcorn and apple chips, tossing to mix. In a small bowl, whisk together the butter, cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. Drizzle the butter mixture over the popcorn, stirring well to coat.

Sprinkle the brown sugar and vanilla over the popcorn, stirring well to coat. Spread the popcorn mixture evenly on a baking sheet and bake until the popcorn is dry, about 10 minutes, stirring once. Transfer to a large bowl, sprinkle the salt over the popcorn and toss to coat.

If you need to reach me you can email me at judyd2313@frontier.com or drop a line to my attention to the BCR, P.O. Box 340, Princeton, IL 61356. Happy Popping.

MENDOTA — Whether you are young or just young at heart you will enjoy some past favorites that are returning to entertain at this year’s Mendota’s Sweet Corn Festival.

Professional Magician Cory Leonard is sure to dazzle audiences with his comedy magic and close-up illusions. Magic

by Cory will be performing feats of magic as he strolls the midways from noon to 2 p.m. on Friday of Festival weekend.

Cory began his magical journey 36 years ago at an early age by watching television performances of such greats as Doug Henning and David Copperfield. He discovered magic requires misdirection and timing to fool the eyes.

Intrigued by the legendary escape artist Harry Houdini, Cory would later in life include a trick in his act of extricating himself from a straight jacket. As a member of the U.S. Navy aboard the USS America, he was asked to entertain the 7,000 men aboard. He got his chance to saw the captain of the aircraft carrier in half. Now he does more than 100 performances a year and also teaches his craft to others.

Also on Friday of the festival, visitors will be able to enjoy some of the talents of veteran balloon twister Billy Pirrello of Rockford. Billy the Balloon Guy, as he is known, will be twisting his unique creations for festival goers free of charge thanks to the generosity of Shimmer Inc. of Mendota. You will find him on the corner of Illinois Avenue and Jefferson Street from 1 to 5 p.m.

Billy can create the ordinary: dogs, bunnies, etc., but he can also conjure up baskets of fruit, tractors, golf bags full clubs and vases full of flowers.

FacePainting by EngleArt of metropolitan Chicago will be another of the returning fun events on Saturday, Aug. 8. They will create their masterpieces free of charge for festival goers from noon to 3 p.m. at the corner of Washington Street and Indiana Avenue. EngleArt will transform you into your favorite animal, super hero or create a colorful and beautiful design on your little one’s face.

Tom Engel’s unusual craft has been featured on ABC Channel 7 and on the Discovery Channel. He has worked for numerous festivals, and for the Chicago White Sox, Bulls, Blackhawks and Bears.

His work has been part of events at The Palmer House, Chicago’s museums, the Shedd Aquarium and for WGN and the U.S. Navy Seals. His artwork includes cheek, full face, parts, full body and character, which he applies with brushes, sponges and even airbrushes. He uses water based pastes which wash off easily with soap and water.

Also on Saturday of festival weekend, you will again find Mr. Steve’s Magic at the corner of Illinois Avenue and Jefferson Street. Mr. Steve armed with a funny grin, a contagious laugh and an impish childlike enthusiasm will bring his musical comedy show to Mendota thanks to Illinois Valley Cellular. He will have three performances — noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.

Steve Lundquist, a Rockford native, has 25 years of experience which has taken him all over the United States and to Africa. He performs at fairs, festivals, corporate events and schools. He is an accomplished recording artist with a 29 song CD to his credit and is an author of a children’s book. Mr. Steve’s fun, fast-paced, innovative show is full of side-splitting audience participation songs, silly magic and family involvement.

OPEN HOUSES

www.illinoisvalleyhomeshow.com

1221 North Main Street Princeton, IL 815-875-1221

Saturday - July 11th 1 PM - 2 PM 310 S. Pleasant Princeton 2 PM - 3 PM 527 W. Central Princeton Sunday - July 12th 1 PM - 3 PM 200 S. Chestnut Princeton 13981-1400 N. Ave. Wyanet

Congratulations to

Rachel Nelson Winner of Our 15th Anniversary Photo Contest

New Listing! Walnut New Listing! $279,900 $110,000 Beautiful 2 BR Princeton! Elegant 3-4 BR, home w/ finished basement. office, finished walkout, Newer FR addition w/ FP & gorgeous 3/4 wooded acre lot, screened porch. Gorgeous 2 tier covered deck w/ FP, LR backyard. Oversized garage w/ woodburning FP. Hardwood w/ workshop. #08960580 floors. #08772641

New Listing! $129,900 Princeton! Single family home or 2 apts. or main floor business (residential on 2nd floor). Oak woodwork, pocket doors, walk up attic finished.

Roof 2008. #08963363

New Listing! $144,900 Lake Thunderbird. Great turn key vacation home w/ 2 BR, double lot. New furnace, AC, siding. Enjoy paradise of swimming, boating, fishing, tennis & more. #08967613

New Listing! Country Home $168,000, Neponset. Park like 7.25 acres w/ trees & wildlife. Newly installed kitchen, deck, new windows, updated bath. 177’ well. 2+ car garage 2001. #08965246

New Listing! Country Home Wyanet - $228,000. 10 Acres set for horses ( 4 paddocks, arena & water system) plus creek. Amazing sunroom, 3 FP, 5 car garage spaces. 2 BR. #08963831

New Listing! $89,500 New Listing! $115,000 Price Reduced $110,500 Price Reduced! $129,900 Princeton! REHAB! Just Wyanet! Big house & Big Yard! Wyanet! 3 BR & 2 baths.

Princeton! Updated Home! 3 bring furniture & call it home! 4 BR, 2 baths, lots of updates! Many updates. 4 full lots.

BR, 2 baths, sun porch, full Everything done! Wonderful Hickory kitchen, newer Open floor plan, huge LR / partially finished basement, lot. Plus now a 2nd floor appliances, new front porch, FR (14’x26’), wrap around whole house fan, new furnace adding 2 additional bedrooms. front & back stairs, privacy deck. Includes stainless steel 2013, vinyl siding. - located at (3 BR total). #08965795 fence (2sides). #08968357 appliances. #08819502 edge of town. #0892543

6 6 • Thursday, July 9, 2015

Illinois Valley Scene

Sheffield C League Sponsored by Michlig Grain & Custom Wash 1 Sheffield team Lineup card

1 Aspen Balensiefen 2 Emma Stabler 3 Kate Salisbury 4 Camryn York 5 Madelyn Mahnesmith 6 Samantha Stabler 7 Lauryn Hartz 8 Abigail Krus 9 Maddie Krus 10 Maryssa Bell 11 Brooklynn Cade 12 Addison Hicks 13 Courtlynn Carrell

Meet the Sheffield C League Members of the Sheffield C League, sponsored by Michlig Grain and Custom Wash are (front row, from left) Courtlynn Carrell, Camryn York, Brooklynn Cade, Aspen Balensiefen, Abigail Krus, Madelyn Mahnesmith and Kate Salisbury; and (back row) coach Nathan Balensiefen, Maryssa Bell, Maddie Krus, Emma Stabler, Addison Hicks, Lauryn Hartz, Samantha Stabler and coach Derick Hicks.

Emma Stabler slides in for a run for the Sheffield C Leaguers in a recent home game against the BVN Thunder.

IVS Photos/ Becky Kramer

Lauryn Hartz gets her swings in for Sheffield.

Photos contributed

New Princeton Tiger basketball coach Mike Fredericks recently held his Tiger Basketball Camp, including divisions for Grades 3-5 (above) and 6-8.

...mmm...Steak! www.primequarter.com 250 Backbone Road • Princeton (minutes from I-80)

815-872-3500 Open Monday thru Friday for dinner 5 pm-10 pm • Lounge opens at 4 pm Open Saturday for dinner 4 pm-10 pm Open Sunday for dinner 4 pm-9 pm Lounge opens at 3:30 pm

7 Thursday, July 9, 2015 • 7

Illinois Valley Scene

Westside 2-on-2 PERU — The third annual West Side 2-on-2 will be at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 11, at Sunset Park in Peru. The 16-team, double-elimination tournament has one division for men ages 18 to 50 plus.

Entry fee is $15 and includes a T-shirt. The winning duo will be awarded champion’s T-shirts. Cousins Alec Schwab and Noah Lamboley of Peru won the tournament in 2014 and Schwab and Clint Dalrymple of Plainfield won in 2013.

To register, text 815-3261945 or email fran_brolley@ ivcc.edu.

Ladd 5K Run/ Walk

LADD — The Ladd 125th Celebration will include a 5K Run/Walk starting at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 11, at Ladd Grade School. Checkin begins at 6:30 a.m. The pre-registration fee of $20 should be submitted by Saturday, July 4.

For more information, call 815-878-2068 or by email to www.runsignuo.com/ladd125.

Olds-Bohm 5K Run/Walk

WYANET — The Nancy Olds-Bohm 5K Run/Walk will start at 8 a.m. Saturday, July 11, at Memorial Park in Wyanet. Pre-registration and packet pickup will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday, July 10, at the park. Race day registration will be from 7 to 7:45 a.m. Check-in begins at 6:30 a.m.

For more information, call Karen Russell 815-719-0757, Margaret DeVenney 815-8661146 or by email at oldsbohm5K@yahoo.com.

Braida Golf Outing

PRINCETON — A collection of autographed sports memorabilia will be a part of the auction to raise donations for the sixth annual Jay Braida Memorial Golf Open, which will be held Saturday, July 11, at Chapel Hill Golf Course in Princeton with a noon shotgun start.

This year’s recipient is Kamden Wahlgren of Princeton. His parents are Erick and Staci. He has two other siblings, Kaiden, 10, and Emma, 5. Kamden is in second grade and was diagnosed with pediatric auto-immune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with strep in 2012. He was recently diagnosed with Lyme disease and toxic encephalitis.

The Braida Committee is looking for help to raise money for the Wahlgren family. Any one who would like to donate something other than money such as a silent auction item or would like to be a hole sponsor or T-shirt sponsor is asked to visit www. gofundme.com/jaybraidamemorial.

For more information or a registration form, visit the Braida Golf Outing’s Face-

nities and schools. Each participant will receive a camp T-shirt if the registration form and fee are received by July 1. If registration forms and fees are received after that date, no T-shirt will be provided for the athlete but walk-ins or late arrivals are welcome.

Checks should be made payable to Chris Walker. For more information, contact Walker at 309-264-7171.

The Z Tour

Photo contributed

Two-time defending champion Alec Schwab drives on Greg Oseland in the 2014 Westside Tournament. book page or webpage at https://sites.google.com/site/ jaybraidamemorialopen.

Jimmy D Golf

SPRING VALLEY — The 33rd annual Jimmy D Golf Day will be Sunday, July 12, at Spring Creek Golf Course and Deer Park Country Club in Oglesby.

The event is held in memory of James A. “Jimmy” DeAngelo, who died at age 37 in 1983 after fighting cancer. It was the wish of Jimmy and his family to raise funds for cancer patients. The event raised $20,677 last year and more than $658,000 over the past 32 years.

This year’s goal is $22,000.

The proceeds will benefit the Esophageal and Colon Cancer Center at St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley.

Event organizers are seeking golfers as well as sponsors. The golfer donation is $95 prepaid or $100 on July 12. For more information, contact Diane Janz at St. Margaret’s at 815-664-7260 or by email at djanz@aboutsmh.org.

PRINCETON — On Saturday, July 18, the Zearing Child Enrichment Center will again be sponsoring the Z Tour Bike Ride, a bicycle road ride originating in Princeton and including many surrounding communities.

The event will begin at Zearing Park and will include the registrant’s choice of a 10-mile (group ride at 10 a.m.), 30-mile, 50-mile, 62-mile (metric century) and 100-mile (century) ride on specified routes throughout Bureau County.

The Z Tour Bike Ride will feature themed refreshment stops, mobile emergency first aid, water, air and bike transportation. At the conclusion of the ride, each rider will be provided lunch at Zearing Park. A limited quantity of dri-fit T-shirts, cycling socks, and newly designed Z Tour Bike Ride jersey can be ordered in advance or purchased the day of the event.

Registration forms are available at the Zearing Child Enrichment Center. On-line registration is open at www.ztour.org.

For updates, like the Z Tour Bike Ride Facebook page. Questions can be sent via email to ztourinfo@gmail. com.

PC softball camp

Tiger Tennis Classic

MCNABB — The Putnam County All Skills Softball Camp will be July 20-22 at Putnam County Junior High School in McNabb.

The camp will be under the direction Lady Pumas and Panthers head coach Chris Walker and assistant coaches Lynette Olson, Angie Augspols and Venessa Voss.

Session 1 is for girls entering Grades 4-6 from 9:30 to 11 a.m., with an extra pitching session for those interested from 11 to 11:30 a.m.

Session 2 is for girls entering Grades 7-9 from noon to 1:30 p.m., with a pitching session at 1:30 to 2 p.m.

The camp will include individual instruction on hitting, position defense, pitching, catching and base running. A separate 30-minute session for pitching will be provided, if interested, on each day of the camp. There will be hitting, bunting, throwing and speed contests in each division. Ribbons and other awards will be given for excellence in each event and a cookout on the last day will be offered to the campers.

The cost of the camp is $40, and it is open to players from all surrounding commu-

PRINCETON — The Princeton High School tennis program will host the Tiger Tennis Classic held Saturday, July 25 for doubles and Saturday, Aug. 1 for singles.

There will be junior and adult divisions. In the junior division (boys & girls) there will be three age groups: 14 & under, 16 & under and 18 & under. In the adult division there will be two age groups: under 40 and over 40.

The doubles tournament held July 25 will have men’s doubles, women’s doubles, junior boys & girls doubles and adult mixed doubles.

The singles tournament Aug. 1, will have men’s singles, women’s singles and juniors boys & girls singles.

Awards will be given to first and second place in the main draw and consolation in each division.

The tournament costs per person are: adult singles, $14; adult doubles and junior doubles, $12; junior singles, $10 plus one can of balls per event.

To sign up for the tournament visit www.tigertennisclassic.com or call 815879-2701, 815-878-6120 or 815-878-5900.

BV South eighth-grade sectional champions The Bureau Valley South eighth-grade girls captured the sectional championship this spring. Team members are (front row, from left) Isabella Gross and Yely Osorio; (second row) Marissa Endress, Saige Barnett, Hannah Williams and Tatum Primo; and (back row) Madell Carman, Kristy Mathas, Madisen Thomas and Tori Bitting, manager.

BV South seventh-grade sectional champions The Bureau Valley South seventh-grade girls captured the sectional championship this spring. Team members are (front row, from left) Alicia Backer, Ashlin Lundeen, Isabella Gross, Savanna Birkey and Jamie Allicks; (second row) Saralyn Elmore, Lily Pickard, Brooke York, Jade Aber and Lauren Wirth; and (back row) Yeli Osorio, Tatum Primo and Alyssa DeSplinter.

8 8 • Thursday, July 9, 2015

Illinois Valley Scene

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