BCJ-12-03-2015

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

Thursday, December 3, 2015

Vol. 10 No. 20

Singing the songs of the season The third annual Christmas Carol Sing, hosted by the First Lutheran Church of Princeton, is set for 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at the church, 116 N. Pleasant St., Princeton.

This year will no doubt be a repeat performance of the past two years, as First Lutheran gets ready to invite the entire community to come celebrate the holiday with them through song and music.

The Christmas Carol Sing is First Lutheran’s Christmas gift to the community. The event is free and open to the public. The dress is casual. Organizers stressed it is not a religious-based activity, rather a time for area folks to gather together and sing Christmas carols they know and love.

To add to the incredible sound of an entire church collectively singing Christmas carols, Larry B. Peterson (at right) will again be accompanying the crowd on the organ for the event. Peterson is the director of music for Augustana College Campus Ministries and instructor of organ for the Augustana Department of Music in Rock Island.

To add to the experience, new this year will be the River Bend Bronze Bell Choir of Eastern Iowa/Northwestern Illinois, which will be playing selections for the group to sing along with.

The event should last between an hour and an hour and one-half, and then everyone is invited to join together for conversation and homemade Christmas cookies in the church’s fellowship hall after the Christmas Carol Sing.

The church is completely handicapped accessible at the corner of Putnam and Pleasant streets, and there will be folks on hand to help open the doors and make sure everyone gets inside to enjoy the music and fun.

See a full story on Page 2.

IVS file photo

2 2 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

Illinois Valley Scene

Giving a voice to Christmas First Lutheran’s Christmas Carol Sing is Dec. 6

By Terri Simon tsimon@bcrnews.com

Editor’s note: The following interview and subsequent writing of this story was done prior to the death of Princeton resident, Dick Dorsch, who was one of the organizers of this annual event. Out of respect for Dorsch and the time and energy he put into bringing this event to the area, the BCR is running the story with quotes from Dorsch.

PRINCETON — When it comes to holiday gift giving, our lists are long, often involved and usually filled with monetary constraints. But what if someone wanted to give you a gift from their heart that simplified the spirit of Christmas and didn’t cost a thing?

That’s what First Lutheran Church in Princeton wants to do again. The annual Christmas Carol Sing is First Lutheran’s gift to the community, and the congregation has dug down deep another year to give this gift with much celebration, kindness and fellowship.

Set for 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at First Lutheran Church, 116 N. Pleasant St., Princeton, the third annual Christmas Carol Sing promises to be as impressive as the two before it. This year will no doubt be a repeat performance, as First Lutheran gets ready to invite the entire community to come celebrate the holiday with them through song and music.

“How long has it been since you sang Christmas carols?” asked Dick Dorsch of Princeton, who helped organize the event. “We urge you to come and sing carols in love ...

“There is no freewill offering; this is our (First Lutheran’s) gift to the community,” he continued. “We don’t want people to feel anything other than to come and sing joyfully.

“And this is not a spectator sport,” he added. “We want you to come and participate, sing along and let the carols of the season fill your heart.”

Dorsch said the last two events were nothing short of memorable with the sound of voices filling the sanctuary. He said the reason so many people came was quite simple ... “They were there because they wanted to sing.”

Dorsch encouraged people to come, dress casually and just plan on experiencing the sounds of Christmas.

He stressed the event is not a religious-based activity, rather a time for area folks to gather together and sing Christmas carols they know and love.

“Our Christmas Carol sing is a folksy-type of event,

Photo contributed

The River Bend Bronze Bell Choir is a new addition to the First Lutheran Christmas Carol Sing event, set for 2 p.m.

Sunday, Dec. 6. They will be performing songs in which event-goers can sing along. not stuffy at all,” Dorsch said.

To add to the incredible sound of an entire church collectively singing Christmas carols, Larry B. Peterson will again be accompanying the crowd on the organ for the event. Peterson is the director of music for Augustana College Campus Ministries and instructor of organ for the Augustana Department of Music in Rock Island.

He holds a master’s degree in music from the Eastman School of Music.

Peterson has served as director of music in various Lutheran congregations throughout the country and in various leadership roles in many professional organizations. He has been active as a recitalist, clinician and composition. The father of 10 children, Peterson refers to the event at First Lutheran as “a Norman Rockwell-type of event.”

“This will be less of a concert, and more of a big family

sing-a-long,” Peterson said.

To add to the experience, new this year will be the River Bend Bronze Bell Choir of Eastern Iowa/Northwestern Illinois, which will be playing selections for the group to sing along with.

Dorsch said event-goers should plan for an hour to an hour and one-half of music, and everyone in attendance is welcome to join together for conversation and homemade Christmas cookies in the church’s fellowship hall after the Christmas Carol Sing.

Dorsch said the church is completely handicapped accessible at the corner of Putnam and Pleasant streets, and there will be folks on hand to help open the doors and make sure everyone gets inside to enjoy the music and fun.

The public is invited, and there is no fee or freewill offering taken.“It’s simply our gift to the community,” Dorsch said..

League of Illinois Bicyclists changes name to Ride Illinois Statewide bicycle advocacy organization unveils a new brand reflecting growing popularity of bicycling The League of Illinois Bicyclists, a nonprofit bicycle advocacy organization, announced the rebranding of its organization to Ride Illinois at the fourth annual Illinois Bike Summit on Oct. 28. The organization also unveiled its new name, logo and website, www.rideillinois.org, the same day.

The rebranding reflects the growing popularity of bicycling and the organization’s commitment to reach and represent the broad spectrum of people who ride bikes in Illinois.

Since 1992, the nonprofit organization has been dedicated to one mission — to improve bicycling conditions throughout the state so that more people can safely and easily ride in Illinois.

Over the years, the organization has evolved from a state chapter of the League of American Bicyclists to an independent organization with a strong advocacy voice in Springfield and

municipalities all around the state. In that time, its membership has increased from a few hundred people to more than 2,200 Illinois residents.

“We are committed to expanding our membership and influence even farther,” said Frank Brummer, Ride Illinois Board president.

“Our organization made a bold decision to seek out a new name that would appeal to a wide audience and align them with our mission — a name that would inspire everyone to get on a bike and Ride Illinois.”

Without changing the mission of the organization, the board initiated the strategic rebranding project with the goal of adopting a new name and brand that would appeal to more bicyclists and position the organization for greater membership support and future organizational growth.

“With broader appeal

and greater awareness of our organization, our voice in our advocacy, outreach and municipal bike planning work throughout the state grows more powerful,” said Ed Barsotti, Ride Illinois executive director. “Our work extends to all corners of the state, and we want to better connect with members of those communities and gain their support.”

The result of the rebranding is a simplified name that demonstrates what happens when the organization’s mission succeeds and bicycling becomes safer and more accessible across the state — more people Ride Illinois. The logo prominently features a bicycle in motion against the distant backdrop of one of our state’s bike friendly cities.

The new website, www. rideillinois.org, features a mobile friendly design that visually showcases how people throughout the state Ride Illinois.

“We have a strong desire and responsibility to engage all types of cyclists — from individuals and families that ride recreationally or to commute, to those that ride for exercise and sport.

Our new name Ride Illinois

is equally inspiring to all riders, from the most experienced cyclists to those just beginning,” said Tania Sebastian, Ride Illinois marketing director. “We want them all to know we are working on their behalf in cities, towns, and rural areas throughout the state.”

Ride Illinois’ mission remains the same, and the organization will continue to work for bike friendly roads and trails, favorable policies and legislation, and education on sharing our roads safely.

Over recent years, the organization has achieved a number of accomplishments at the local and state level including: • 3-Foot Passing Law — Ride Illinois wrote and successfully lobbied for the passage of the 2007 state law amending the Illinois Vehicle Code by specifying a minimum 3-foot passing clearance for motorists passing bicyclists.

• Creating bike plans for 17 towns in Illinois including Springfield, Bloomington, Kankakee, Effingham, Buffalo Grove and Ottawa most recently, and providing assistance in dozens more. Currently, Ride Illi-

“We are committed to expanding our membership and influence even farther. Our organization made a bold decision to seek out a new name that would appeal to a wide audience and align them with our mission.”

Frank Brummer, Ride Illinois Board president

nois is consulting on Carbondale’s bike planning efforts.

• Development of over 40 metro area and local bike maps, longer-distance route guides, and other bicyclist resources.

• Providing bike safety education through our online learning tool, BikeSafetyQuiz.com, used by over 40,000 motorists and bicyclists.

• Offering trainings statewide for hundreds of Drivers’ Ed teachers, road planners and engineers, and law enforcement.

• Collaborating on the Illinois Department of Transportation’s State Bike Transportation Plan released in 2014.

• Leading Illinois delegation in D.C. to save federal

funds for trails and bikeways, while preserving over $20 million of these funds at the state level.

• Coordinating the annual Grand Illinois Trail and Parks Bike Tour, Illinois’ top week-long supported ride since 2003.

• Co-hosting the annual Illinois Bike Summit that attracts nearly 300 bike advocates, municipal and private sector planners and civil engineers, government officials and staff for a day of learning and networking on the positive impact of bicycling in Illinois.

Someoddpilot, a branding and design agency in Chicago, was contracted to lead the organization through the renaming process and development the new brand identity and website.

3 Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 3

Illinois Valley Scene

The Illinois Valley Community College Wind Ensemble, directed by Gene Montgomery, will offer a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, in the Cultural Centre.

Selections include the music of Jager, Sheldon, Gabrieli, Williams, Reineke and seasonal favorites.

The ensemble includes IVCC students, local and regional music educators, and community members dedicated to the promotion of quality wind and percussion music. In addition to on-campus concerts, the ensemble also performs at community festivals and events, and works with other universities and community bands in joint concerts.

Bureau County Home & Community Education will hold a giant cookie sale from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 4, and from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, at Prouty Building on Main Street in Princeton. There will be hundreds of dozens of homemade holiday cookies for sale.

The First United Church of Christ in Sheffield will host its monthly community coffee will from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in the UCC Parish Hall.

Fresh-baked cinnamon rolls will be served.

The Council of Catholic Women of St. Louis Church will hold its annual Christmas Cookie Walk from 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, and from 8 a.m. to noon

Sunday, Dec. 6, in the east side of Harkrader Hall. An assortment of homemade cookies will be sold by the pound. Refreshments will be offered on Sunday morning only.

The Princeton High School Music Department’s Madrigal dinner, “The Ghosts of Christmas Past,” will take place at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, and 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, in “The Barn” at Hornbaker Gardens in Princeton. For tickets or other information, contact PHS Music Director Brandon Crawford at 815-8753308, ext. 246.

One Child Matters and Juce TV will present a concert Saturday, Dec. 5, at the National Guard Armory in Kewanee. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m.

The event will include performances by Disiciple, KJ-52, Loftland and The Protest. The guest speaker will be Sean G. Park. Tickets are $10 at the door and are available online at tickets.com.

A flea market will be at Bureau County Fairgrounds in Princeton on Saturday, Dec. 5, with a toy, craft and vendor show. Dealers are welcome and there is both indoor and outdoor

space available. For more information, call 815-3032905. The cost for admission is $1. A concession stand is located in the building. For complete schedule details, visit www. bureaucountyfair.com.

Spring Valley United Church of Christ will hold its annual cookie walk from 7:30 a.m. to noon (if cookies last that long) on Saturday, Dec. 5. A large variety of cookies will be offered at $7 per pound — you choose your own. Their world famous peanut brittle will also be offered for $7 a pound.

The church is located at 227 E. Erie St. in Spring Valley; use the alley entrance.

The Sheffield Lions Club will have a pancake and sausage breakfast from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, at St. Patrick ‘s Hall in Sheffield. Tickets are $6 for adults, and $3 for ages 6-12 with ages 5 and under free. Proceeds will go to community projects.

The First Lutheran Church in Princeton will host its third annual Christmas Carols Sing-Along at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6.

The event is an old-fashioned sing-along, where

those in attendance will have the opportunity to sing traditional Christmas carols they know and love.

Organist Larry Petersen of Augustana College of Rock Island will provide the music, along with the River Bend Bronze, a bell choir with participants from eastern Iowa and northwestern Illinois. A fellowship time after the event will include refreshments. The church, which is handicapped accessible, is located at 116 S. Pleasant St., Princeton.

The public is invited.

There is no fee to attend, and no offering will be taken. Rather, this is the church’s gift to the community.

The Perry Memorial Hospital Auxiliary will host a tour of homes from noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6. All tours begin and end at the Bureau County Metro Center in Princeton. Tour guests will be transported by B.P.A.R.T. to six decorated Princeton homes showcasing the unique, personal décor of the homeowner and their family. Before and/or after the tour, participants are welcome to enjoy complimentary

hot cocoa and cookies in Shoemake Hall and browse the vendor fair featuring local artisans and their one-of-a-kind handmade items. Some vendors will also be selling their products from nationally known companies. Tickets are on sale at the following Princeton locations: Central Bank, Centrue Bank, Princeton Chamber of Commerce and Heartland Bank and Trust (downtown office).

Tickets are $25 per person.

St. Thomas More Parish will present its holiday bake sale from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 12, in the parish hall, 302 Chestnut St., Dalzell. The event will feature Italian pastries, candy, cookies, cakes, succarini cookies, antipasto and all kinds of goodies.

A bluegrass, gospel and country music jam will be from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18, 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 815-875-2057.

‘The Most Wonderful Time of the Year’ OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College’s music and theatre departments will present “The Most Wonderful Time of the Year” at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5, in the Cultural Centre.

The annual holiday revue is free and open to the public and features the combined music and theatre departments for a one night engagement starring Santa and Mrs. Claus. The Choir and the Show Choir open the show together.

Act 1 features the Choir, a combination of IVCC students and staff and community members under the direction of instructor Norman Engstrom. They will present a variety of holiday songs from a wide range of genres.

Selections include a classical flavor with “Silent Night,” a Baroque medley and Tchaikovsky. Some international flair is provided with a Hebrew song and a Caribbean carol. Also included are some humorous

songs and some newer Christmas songs.

Act 2 features the high-energy song and dance troupe, the IVCC Show Choir, under the direction and choreography of Don Grant Zellmer, this year presenting a Pop Holiday. The cast will sing and dance through familiar standards, such as “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree,’ as well as Mariah Carey’s “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” Many cast members are familiar faces to IVCC theatre audiences, having appeared in many shows throughout the year. With sentimental ballads, novelty songs, and familiar holiday tunes, the cast presents an exciting and entertaining salute to the season.

As a finale, both the Show Choir and Choir will recombine to lead the audience in a holiday sing-along, with Santa and Mrs. Claus, the two groups’ directors, Engstrom and Zellmer.

Woodlawn Arts Academy presents Disney’s ‘Little Mermaid Jr.’ DIXON – Woodlawn Arts Academy will present Disney’s “Little Mermaid Jr.” Saturday, Dec. 12, and Sunday, Dec. 13, at Dixon High School.

The Academy is partnering with Reagan Middle School and Madison Elementary in Dixon to produce the musical, which features fourth- through eighth-graders from the two schools. Showtimes are 7 p.m. on Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

This is Woodlawn’s first time partnering with Reagan and Madison schools

for a theatre production. Woodlawn Arts Academy’s production of the show is directed by Brooks Bullock, with music direction by Mardi Huffstutler and stage direction by Faith Morrison.

Tickets are $6 each and go on sale at 9 a.m. Monday, Dec. 7, at Woodlawn Arts Academy and Reagan Middle School. All seating is general admission, and doors open 30 minutes prior to showtime. For questions, call the Academy at 815-6264278.

Sausage orders being taken

ARLINGTON — Members of St. Patrick’s Church in Arlington will be making sausage on Saturday, Dec. 5.

Orders may be placed by calling Lauren Koch at 815-638-2224 or Ann Hunter at 815-638-2691 by Friday, Dec. 4.

Sausage will be available for pick

up on that Saturday at the church hall between 11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. and on Sunday, Dec. 6, after the 10 a.m. Mass.

Members have made sausage to benefit the church in the months of March and December for more than 40 years using “Nuco” Fonderoli’s family recipe.

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IVS photo/Becky Kramer

A little taste of Germany at Christkindl Markt Lily Keutzer (from left) Morgan Forristall and Caroline Keutzer work on gingerbread houses — one of the fun-filled activities held at the Christkindl Markt at the Open Prairie United Church of Christ. Other activities included German food and traditional German sweets, an international cookie bazaar, fair trade coffees and hand-crafted items for sale.

Auction Calendar Dec. 5 – Eric May and Amanda Gross, real estate, 10 a.m., 326 Park Ave. West, Princeton, Tumbleson Auction Company, auctioneers.

Dec. 5 – Miscellaneous sellers, farm machinery auction, 10 a.m., 3761 E. First Road, Mendota, Becker Auction Service, auctioneers.

Dec. 5 – Randy Lafferty estate, lawnmowers, furniture, collectibles and household, 1 p.m., 1807 Fletcher St., Princeton, Tumbleson Auction Co., auctioneers.

Dec. 11 – South Ridge Properties L.L.C., farmland, 10 a.m., Farm Ridge Township Hall located on Sylvan Avenue, Grand Ridge, Bradleys and Immke Auction Service, auctioneers.

Dec. 12 – Clara Mae Ansteth, antiques, primitives, collectibles, miniature sewing machine collection, cast iron collection, vintage iron, enamelware, stoneware, coins, firearms, 9 a.m., Bureau County Fairgrounds, Princeton, Becker Auction Service, auctioneers.

Send your press releases for area events to news@bcrnews.com.

4 4 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

PRINCETON — Friday, Dec. 4, 4 p.m., there will be holiday piano music at the library.

Monday, Dec. 7, 6:30 p.m., Monday movie will feature a crooner and a hoofer who vie for the affections of a beautiful up-and-coming performer at a hotel that is only open on the holidays.

Tuesday, Dec. 8, 10:30

Illinois Valley Scene

a.m., youth services story time and craft —snowman coaster.

Wednesday, Dec. 9, 4 p.m., Friends of the Library Book Club will meet.

Wednesday, Dec. 9, 6:30 p.m., Widmark Wednesday movie.

Thursday, Dec. 10, 6:30 p.m., the Gypsy Coeds and their travels.

The annual Mitten Tree will soon be up. The Mitten Tree is a way to give children in the LaMoille library/school district a merrier Christmas than they might otherwise have. By choosing a mitten from the tree, patrons agree to purchase items on the needed/wanted LAMOILLE — Beginning in December, on the sec- list for that particular ond Friday of each month child, aged newborn to during the school year, the 12th grade. All personal information is kept strictly library will close at 11:45 confidential. a.m. and re-open around Patrons who may know 1:30 p.m. During this time of a family in the district the librarian will be readwho could use some extra ing to the children at Van Orin School. If the sched- help making Christmas ule needs to change, it will brighter for their children, please pass the informabe posted on the library’s tion along.

Facebook page.

For questions, call the library at 815-638-2356 or email library@live.com.

The library will be closed from Thursday, Dec. 24, to Saturday, Dec. 26, for Christmas and Thursday, Dec. 31, and Friday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s.

OHIO — Saturday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m., the library will host its annual Christmas party. There will be treats and crafts. Participants will make Christmas ornaments.

WALNUT — Sunday, Dec. 6, at 9:30 a.m., the library will host a story hour for toddler/ preschool-aged children.

Children must be accompanied by an adult to help

with pasting, painting, cutting, etc.

Call the library at 815379-2159 if planning to bring your children to story hour. Librarians need to make sure they have the correct number of craft items ready for children.

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. Saturday.

The library has computers for patron usage, as well as copier, scanning and fax services. Call 815-6593283 for information. (The fax number is the same as the phone number).

‘Grandma’s Christmas Wish’ It came as a complete surprise to you.

You had no idea. Not a clue, but it made you happy anyway. You didn’t even know it was possible, but there it was: Santa visits Grandma’s house, too. There are always gifts waiting for you at Grandma’s, and in the new book “Grandma’s Christmas Wish” by Helen Foster James, illustrated by Petra Brown, you’ll see what they might be.

Grandma loves you.

That’s important to know. She loves you every day, especially at Christmas because you’re her “Jingle Bells Baby.” She likes spending the holidays with you, hanging stockings and decorating the tree. She likes to play in the snow, catch you when you slide, and watch you open your gifts.

So will Grandma give you presents?

Yes! For sure, snuggles and kisses. Mistletoe and bedtime stories, memories, happiness and everything a kid like you needs at Christmas and beyond. And she gives you the wish of a good Christmas this year, and forever.

But do you know what Grandma wants for Christmas?

It’s not a ball or a doll or a new dress. You don’t have to wrap up candy or perfume. No teddy bears or tricycles.

What Grandma wants is easier to find, and she won’t be taking it back to the store. No, what Grandma wants are “some hugs and kisses from you …” That’ll make her smile — but you’ll never guess what’s Grandma’s best present of all.

Yep, it’s YOU! You make Grandma happy and — should we say it again? She loves you very much. As much as a Christmas star. Even more than snowflakes.

Ten times more than anything you could put in a box.

You are her “twinkle of light” and her “candy cane kiss.”

For Grandma, there’s nothing under the tree that’s better than the gift of you!

Certainly, 32 pages of story doesn’t seem like a good gift, does it? — especially when you consider that the words in “Grandma’s Christmas Wish” are few. But what you don’t know is that there’s so much more to this adorable little book.

The smallest people on your gift list, first of all, are going to love this charming story of a little bunny and his relationship with his Grandmother. Author Helen Foster James uses a sweet rhyme to get the point across, and the artwork is so irresistible that you’ll want to reach inside this book and hug the illustrations by Petra Brown.

The hidden goodness in this book is that, once you’ve read it to your little snowflake, it becomes a keepsake thanks to the lined-and-ready page at the back, perfect for writing a note to your own beloved grandchild.

There’s even ample room to attach a picture you can enjoy during next year’s holiday read-a-thon.

Just imagine the tradition that’ll make.

I believe there are two distinct beneficiaries to a gift like this: the 2- to 5-year-old who’ll unwrap and treasure it, and the Grandma who’ll personalize and give it. For both, “Grandma’s Christmas Wish” is the perfect holiday surprise.

Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer from West Salem, Wis. She may be contacted at bookwormsez@ yahoo.com.

Out and about

Holiday gift sale

MCNABB — The Clear Creek Friends Meeting (Quakers) will have a holiday themed gift sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12, at the Clear Creek house at 14259 County Road 350 North (Quaker Lane).

Proceeds from the sale will benefit the Friends’ outreach program for local families in need. On sale will be many different items, including those which are hand-crafted, sewn or ceramic, as well as homemade pastries and baked goods.

‘Sonnenzimmer — Objects of Practice’ DAVENPORT, Iowa — The Galvin Fine Arts Center will host “Sonnenzimmer — Objects of Practice,” featuring the work of Nick Butcher and Nadine Nakanishi, whose practice merges fine art, printmaking, graphic design, sound art and publishing.

Their work has been exhibited at Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art and in the Art Institute of Chicago, and can be found in the collects of the Art Institute, the Museum of Design Zürich and the Stanford Art and Architecture Library.

This is a Morrissey Gallery Show.

The Galvin Fine Arts Center is located at 518 W. Locust St., Davenport, Iowa.

The exhibit runs through Dec. 18. Hours of the center are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 563333-6444 for more information.

Santa to pose for ‘pawsome’ pictures at mall

PERU — It’s one of those rules our pets agree upon when they have those no-humans-allowed meetings while we’re at work: When you see a camera aimed at you, do not sit still. Wiggle, squirm, roughhouse, pant, jump – any movement will do.

But all pets joining Santa at Peru Mall for a holiday “pawsome” picture will be on their best behavior.

Santa will be available to pose with pets and their humans from 4 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 8, Dec. 15 and Dec. 22 at his holiday home located in center court. No appointments needed.

To ensure event success, Santa has a few requests. Owners and pets must enter and exit through the Bergner’s east parking lot doors near Marshall’s. All animals must be on a leash or in a carrier, and no pets will be allowed beyond the Santa set. Pet owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets.

While visiting Santa is free, professional, state-of-the-art digital photography packages are available to capture Santa visitation moments. All photos are viewable immediately and photo packages are available.

Santa will be in residence at Peru Mall until Dec. 24.

More information about extended holiday hours, Santa’s hours and events is available atwww.perumall.com or 815223-7600.

Cliffnotes “Grandma’s Christmas Wish” by Helen Foster James, illustrated by Petra Brown. 2015, Sleeping Bear Press. $15.99/$16.99 Canada. 32 pages.

Want to see your library news in the Illinois Valley Scene. Send your information to Goldie Rapp at grapp@bcrnews.com.

NEED EXTRA CASH??

Ask About Our $25 Sign-On Bonus.

Routes are available delivering the Bureau County Republican in Cherry, Ladd, Manlius, Princeton, Sheffield & Spring Valley.

Delivery days are Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday mornings by 7:00 am.

No Collecting Involved.

For more information, please call Tom Long, District Manager (815) 875-4461 Ext. 6350

800 Ace Road • Princeton, IL 61356 • 815-875-4461

5 Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 5

Illinois Valley Scene

Judy Dyke

I’ve heard from many folks they are opting for brunch instead of big, heavy dinners during the holidays. We usually have a New Year’s Day brunch, but I think it would be great for Christmas too. Here are some favorite recipes you might want to try if you decide on brunch instead of a dinner.

Overnight Sausage and Egg Bake 1 pound bulk pork sausage (spicy, if you like it) 1 7-ounce box Green Giant Steamers frozen antioxidant blend vegetables 10 eggs 1 cup whole or 2 percent milk 1 20-ounce bag refrigerated O’Brien hash browns 2 cups shredded pepper Jack cheese (I use Monterey Jack) 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves Heat oven to 350°. Spray 13-by-9-inch (3-quart) baking dish with cooking spray.

In an 8-inch nonstick skillet, cook sausage over medium-high heat 5 to 7 minutes, stirring frequently, until no longer pink; drain.

Remove pouch of vegetables from box.

Place pouch, printed side up, on microwavable plate. Do not cut slit in pouch.

Microwave on high about 2 minutes or until just thawed. In large bowl, beat eggs and milk with whisk. Stir in potatoes, cooked sausage, vegetables, 1 cup of the cheese and 1 tablespoon of the basil.

Pour into baking dish. Bake now or cover and refrigerate up to 12 hours.

Bake 60 to 65 minutes, uncovered, until center is set. Sprinkle with remaining cheese during last 5 minutes of bake time.

Sprinkle with remaining basil just before serving.

Chocolate Cinnamon Pull-Aparts 1 17.5-ounce can Pillsbury Grands Flaky Supreme refrigerated cinnamon rolls with icing 1/2 cup miniature chocolate chips, melted 2 tablespoons light corn syrup 1/4 cup miniature chocolate chips 1/4 cup chopped pecans, if desired Heat oven to 350°. Spray 9-inch round cake pan with cooking spray. Open can of rolls. Remove cover from icing; microwave until thin enough to drizzle. In small bowl, mix icing, melted chocolate chips and corn syrup. Spread in bottom of pan.

Separate dough into five rolls. Cut each roll into quarters. Arrange over chocolate mixture. Bake 28 to 32 minutes or until deep golden brown. Turn pan upside down onto heatproof serving plate.

(Replace any topping in pan onto rolls.)

Immediately sprinkle with chocolate chips and pecans. Cool 5 to 10 minutes.

Serve warm.

Sausage Pancake Muffins 1 roll refrigerated sugar cookie dough 1/2 cup buttermilk 2 eggs 1 tablespoon maple extract 1 cup cooked sausage crumbles 1 tablespoon powdered sugar Heat oven to 350°. Let cookie dough stand at room temperature 10 minutes to soften. Spray 12 regular-size nonstick muffin cups cooking spray.

In large bowl, break up cookie dough.

Add buttermilk, eggs and maple extract.

Beat with electric mixer on low speed 1 to 2 minutes or until well blended (batter will be slightly lumpy).

Divide batter evenly among muffin cups. Top each cup with 1 tablespoon sausage crumbles. Bake 20 to 30 minutes or until golden brown and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

Immediately loosen with tip of knife; gently remove from muffin cups. Sprinkle with powdered sugar. Serve warm. Store any remaining muffins covered in refrigerator.

Ham and Eggs Crescent Ring 2 cups cubed ham steak, cut into 1/2inch pieces 1/3 cup chopped onion 8 eggs, slightly beaten 3 ounces softened cream cheese, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 cups lightly packed spinach leaves, stems removed, cut into 1/4-inch strips 1 cup shredded Colby-Monterey Jack cheese (4 ounces) 2 8-ounce cans Pillsbury refrigerated crescent dinner rolls Heat oven to 375°. In 12-inch nonstick skillet, cook ham and onion over medium-high heat 3 to 5 minutes or until onions are translucent. Add eggs to skillet. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally from outside edge to center.

Cook until eggs are set but still moist; turn off heat. Add cream cheese, spinach and shredded cheese; gently mix until just combined.

Unroll both cans of dough; separate into eight rectangles. On ungreased large cookie sheet, arrange rectangles in ring so short sides of rectangles form a 5-inch

Berries and Cream Bubble Bake 3/4 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese 1/2 cup powdered sugar 2 tablespoons milk 1 16.3-ounce can Pillsbury Grands Homestyle refrigerated blueberry biscuits or Pillsbury Grands Homestyle refrigerated buttermilk biscuits 2 cups mixed fresh berries Heat oven to 350°. Lightly spray 13x9-inch (3-quart) ceramic or glass baking dish.

In large bowl, stir together 3/4 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese, 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons milk; set aside.

Separate 1 can biscuits into 8 biscuits.

Cut each biscuit into 8 wedges. Place in bowl with cheese mixture; gently toss to coat. Fold in 2 cups mixed fresh berries.

Pour into baking dish.

Bake 30 minutes or until biscuit pieces are thoroughly baked. Serve immediately.

I hope you’ll one or two of these a try, even if it’s just for a weekend breakfast.

They’re easy, and they don’t take a lot of time. You can reach me in care of this newspaper at P.O. Box 340, Princeton, IL 61356.

AGENT OF THE WEEK MARSHA LILLEY

Spoons dishing up good eats

Enjoy A New Home Home This Winter

By Lyle Ganther

815-878-5459

lganther@bcrnews.com

PRINCETON — Greta (Halberg) Kelly and her husband, Stephen, are the new owners of Spoons at 541 S. Main St. in Princeton.

After buying the building at an auction earlier this year on Jan. 31, the couple renovated the entire building, starting with three upstairs apartments and then the bar and restaurant area on the first floor.

The bar front and bar stools are original to keep the personality of The Spoon — the business which occupied the space for the past several years and was an icon in the South Main Street district — while the rest is new except for an old-fashioned scale where a person puts a penny into it and finds out their weight.

“I came to the sale to buy the scale and turned out buying the whole building,” said Greta, who graduated from Princeton High School in 1987. “I remember coming in here as a little girl with my dad (Gary Halberg) and grabbing one of the coins that were on the bar to weigh myself.”

Kelly also knew John and Jeff Sitterly, the former owners of The Spoon, as friends, and went to PHS the same time as Jeff Sitterly.

Kelly, who lives in Peoria, came to Princeton on that Saturday to the auction not expecting to buy the entire building, but eventually did.

“We wanted to do something here to keep local people in town to eat and not have to drive to Peru,” she added. “We wanted to do something different for the town. We also wanted to draw people to town from other towns in the area.”

To go along with the name of the business, the Kellys have placed spoons of all sizes around the restaurant and bar as

circle in center. (Dough will overlap; half of each rectangle will hang over edges of cookie sheet. Dough ring should look like a sun.)

Spoon mixture on the half of each rectangle closest to center of ring. Bring each dough rectangle hanging over side of pan up over filling, tucking dough under bottom layer of dough to secure it. Repeat around ring until entire filling is enclosed (some filling might show a little).

Gently separate dough perforations on top until filling peeks through. Bake 20 to 25 minutes or until dough is golden brown and thoroughly baked. Cool 5 to 10 minutes before cutting into serving slices.

1221 North Main Street, Princeton, IL

815-875-1221 www.illinoisvalleyhomeshow.com

Price Reduced! $113,000 Princeton! Immaculate 3 BR - move in ready! 3 season sun room, fenced backyard, Roof 2006.

Newer AC. Crawl space. #09006266

Price Reduced! $157,900 Princeton! 3 car garage.

Patio w/ hot tub, open floor plan, granite counter tops, full basement, Brazilian Cherry flooring. #08619022

New Listing! $107,000 Princeton. 3 Br ranch w/ attached 2 car garage & usable basement.

Updated carpet & bath.

Refinished hardwood floors. #09087533

New Listing! $82,000 Princeton. Unique 2 BR on 1/3 acre lot. Finished basement FR w/ original Mary Win Walter mural painting. Furnace 2015. #09089887

$72,000 - Manlius Home!

Wonderful home w/ deck, TWO 2 car garages both in great condition!

Recently updated. Open living area & 3 BR. #08931524

Great Hunting Property!

Wooded trails along Hennepin Canal just east of Tiskilwa. Approx.

137.31 acres (27 acres in CRP). Great opportunity! #09005512

Greta (Halberg) Kelly centerpieces on the tables holding the salt and pepper shakers plus four lifesized spoons hanging on one of the walls.

“We thought it would be a fun thing to do,” she said.

Spoons is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and from 11 a.m. to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Spoons has a Facebook presence. Its website address is www.spoonsrestaurant.net. The phone number is 815-872-9001.

David Jones, the general manager and executive chef of Spoons, used to lived in Milwaukee, Wis. He had also worked at Starved Rock, and is married to Megan Kohr, a native of Princeton.

$249,900 - Country Home! $223,000 - Princeton! $78,000 - Princeton! $45,000 - Mendota!

Winding private drive to Cozy 1 BR (could be 2 BR) Wonderful 4 BR home, Newer Ac & furnace, deck, impeccable 4 BR cedar with built in benches on fenced yard, drive way home w/ great sized deck, deck, lot is approx. .92 through to alley, hardwood home. 20’x40’ in-ground corner lot, new carpet in acre & partially wooded. under carpet, laundry/mud pool, 3 sided deck, brick LR (new owner can select 2nd level balcony. FP in FR. room on main level. 3 Br. patio - all on 6 Acres (mol). color). Great location! #08934289 #09030334 #09023520 #09025145

$250,000 - Country Home $271,800 - Princeton! $115,000 - Princeton!

Princeton! 3 acre lot.

Beautiful in-ground pool, Adorable ranch w/ attached 4 BR, main laundry, patio, deck overlooking 2 car garage. CA 2013, woodburning FP in LR, 1 ravine, hardwood floors, new tilt windows, storage finished room in basement. stone FP, furnace/AC 2012 shed, lovely yard w/ Large barn w/ game room. - all in a rural subdivision. perennials, 22’x14’ LR. 3 #09022313 #09029472 BR. #08684894

$77,000 - Condo Unit!

2 BR & 2 baths, 1 car attached garage, 2012 furnace/AC, new paint throughout, Anderson Windows, woodburning FP, balcony. #09023110

6 Sports 6 • Thursday, December 3, 2015

Illinois Valley Scene

Senior Spotlight Derek Debruhl • Ohio High School Name: Derek Charles Debruhl School: Ohio High School Date/place of birth: April 20, 1997 Princeton, Il. Family: Carol (mom), Brooks (dad), Brady (brother).

Sports: Football, basketball Favorite sport and why: Football, because it’s the ultimate team sport and there’s no better place to play football than Princeton, Ill. Favorite food and where to get it: My mom’s enchiladas, served up at my kitchen table.

Likes: Dwyane Wade fans, and dance parties.

Dislikes: When people say that Dwyane Wade isn’t the third best shooting guard of all time.

Person with the greatest influence on my athletic career (and why): My dad because he’s the one that introduced me to every sport I’ve played and he’s always’ there to give me advice after every game.

Person with the greatest influence in my life (and why): All of my football coaches because they are just great respectable men, and people I’m aspired to be like (sorry I know that’s not just one).

Who’s your dream celebrity prom date: Melissa McCarthy.

Name three historic figures you’d like to meet (and why): Muhammad Ali, because he’s the greatest champion of all time; Gandhi because I think it would be fun to play checkers against him; Ronald Reagan, because I’d like to ask him what he would do if he was president right now.

The last song I listened to: Slum Lord Anthem by K Camp People would be surprised to know I: am a great dancer.

I stay home to watch: Survivor and NCIS Los Angeles/ When I need luck for a big game, I: pray and concentrate on what I need to do to help the team.

The funniest person I’ve ever met (and why): Luke Marselle, he’s just goofy low-key, Coach Foes is pretty funny, too.

What they’ll say about me at school after I graduate: Easy going and smiled a lot. He made the most out of his high school experience.

Most embarrassing moment: When I almost burnt the school down with my science project.

Most unforgettable moment: Shutting out Newman this year in football.

Ultimate sports fantasy: Play Dwyane Wade 1 on 1 What I would like to do in life: Go to college and be an accountant and coach football or basketball.

Three words that best describe myself: Goofy, determined, and loyal.

A look at the upcoming area sports slate: Thursday, Dec. 3 Boys basketball: Junior high - LaSalle at Princeton Logan, 4:30 p.m., BVN at Neponset, 5:30 p.m.

Girls basketball: DePue at Roanoke-Benson, 6 p.m., Erie at BV, Morrison at St. Bede, Hall at Kewanee, Kirkland at LaMoille/Ohio, 7 p.m., Princeton at Amboy, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling: Princeton, Morrision at Erie, 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 4 Boys basketball: LaMoille/Ohio at Kirkland, 7 p.m., DePue at PC, BV at Ridgewood, Kewanee at Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5 Boys basketball: Junior high - BVEC Tournament at

Walnut, tba. High school - BV at Newman, 6:30 p.m.

Monday, Dec. 7 Boys basketball: Junior high - BVEC Tournament at Walnut, tba.

Girls basketball: LaMoille-Ohio at IC, 7 p.m., BV at Rockridge, Morrison at Hall, St. Bede at Princeton, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling: Princeton at Mendota, 6 p.m.

Tuesday, Dec. 8 Boys basketball: DePue at Paw Paw, 5:30 p.m., Sherrard at Princeton, 7 p.m., LaMoille-Ohio at Henry, St. Bede at Orion, 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday, Dec. 9 Boys basketball: Junior high - BVEC Tournament at Walnut, tba.

Thursday, Dec. 10 Boys basketball: Junior high - BVEC Tournament at Walnut, tba.

Girls basketball: DePue at Midland, 6 p.m., HBR at LaMoille-Ohio, 7 p.m., BV at Riverdale, Hall at St. Bede, Morrison at Princeton, 7:30 p.m.

Friday, Dec. 11 Boys basketball: Indian Creek at LaMoille-Ohio, 7 p.m., Lowpoint at DePue, Erie at BV, Princeton at Amboy, Morrison at St. Bede, 7:30 p.m.

Girls basketball: Dixon at Hall, 7:30 p.m.

Wrestling: Hall/PC, Fulton at Princeton, 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 12 Boys basketball: Galva at BV, 7:30 p.m.

Girls basketball: Galva at BV, 6 p.m., L-P at St. Bede, 3 p.m.

7 Sports Thursday, December 3, 2015 • 7

Illinois Valley Scene

Hall to host hitting clinic SPRING VALLEY — The Hall Red Devils will hold a hitting clinic for both baseball and softball players with former pro player and internationally known hitting instructor, Mark Doran.

The baseball portion of the clinic will be Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, and the softball portion will be Sunday, Jan. 24, 2016.

For more information, check the Hall High School athletic website and click on the clinic tab.

Play with the Pros

PEKIN — The Christian Center’s Play with the Pros Baseball Clinic Dec. 19 at the Avanti’s Dome in Pekin will include instruction from World Series champ Ben Zobrist and Zach McAllister of the Cleveland Indians.

Zobrist, who is from Eureka, and McAllister (Chillicothe) are scheduled to be joined by Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Pat Venditte, and area minor league players.

Cost is $110, which includes a shirt, hat, goodie bag and photo with the pros. The clinic runs from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. for ages 8-10, and 1-5:30 p.m. for

ages 11-14. There are 60 spots in season.

Registrations are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis only at the Christian Center, 4100 N. Brandywine Drive in Peoria. For more information, call 309-685-4218, ext. 101.

Indoor golf

PRINCETON — Indoor golf is underway at the Bureau County Metro Center, using the OptiShot golf simulator, which allows golfers to practice their swings while playing some of the world’s best courses. You may call for a tee time or to join a league. For more information, call Nick Davis at 815-872-0840.

Indoor soccer

PRINCETON — The indoor adult soccer league will start Dec. 15 at the Bureau County Metro Center. The league runs through Jan. 19 with games beginning at 5:30 p.m. Cost is $50 per team.

Baseball clinic

SOUTH HOLLAND – South Suburban College head baseball coach Steve Ruzich will be directing a two-day Catching Camp on Wednesday, Dec. 30, and Thursday, Dec. 31, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This clinic will provide catch-

ing instruction in the areas of blocking, calling a game, pick offs, pop throwing times, stance and footwork, drills for practice, pop ups, handling pitchers, and conditioning. In addition to Ruzich’s instruction, Bulldog baseball players will be on hand to help and develop skills. The players’ enthusiasm and expertise always adds to the camp’s success. The Catching Camp is open to boys ages 8-18. All players should bring their glove and gear. All participants should wear baseball or sweat pants and gym shoes, and boys must wear cups.

Ruzich has directed youth camps for the past 29 years and has taught baseball skills at many other baseball camps throughout the state. He was an All-American catcher at the College of St. Francis. He graduated in 1985 and was drafted by the Chicago White Sox. Coach Ruzich had a short stint as a pro catcher before coming to SSC as head baseball coach in 1987, where he has compiled a winning record of 1048-607.

The cost of the Catching Camp is $100, and checks should be made payable to SSC Bulldog Baseball. Enrollment is limited, so early registration is suggested. South Suburban College is located at 15800 S. State St.,

South Holland. For more information, contact Coach Ruzich at 708-225-5843.

I-70 Coaches Clinic

GREENVILLE — Legendary Atlanta Braves pitching coach Leo Mazzone, Jack Leggett (Clemson), Pat McMahon (N.Y. Yankees) and Rick Eckstein (University of Kentucky) are the speakers for the 13th annual I-70 Baseball Coaches Clinic Sunday and Monday, Jan. 17 & 18, 2016, at Greenville High School Auditorium in Greenville.

Mazzone will speak on Sunday night and his topics include “My Pitching Philosophy,” “Leading a Staff,” “Mechanics of a Healthy Pitcher” and “Proper Ways to Teach Different Pitches.”

Leggett, McMahon and Eckstein will all speak on Monday (Martin Luther King Day).

Leggett, an ABCA Hall of Famer, will speak on “Fundamentals and Drills to Improve Infielders” and “Moving Your Team to the Next Level.”

McMahon, formerly the head coach at Mississippi State and University of Florida, will speak on “Baserunners Rules at Each Base,” “Developing a Catcher to Call a Game,” “Strategy and Teaching Players to

Take Charge,” and “When and Why to Use the Short Game.” Eckstein, the former hitting coach of the Washington Nationals, will cover “Hitting Development” and “Coaching Today’s Player.”

The clinic runs Sunday from 6 to 8:30 p.m followed by a coaches social at Greenville Country Club.

Monday’s clinic format runs from 9 a.m. until 3:45 p.m.

Registration for the clinic will begin an hour earlier than starting time. Clinic preregistration fees are $50 per coach, add another $10 for registering at the door. Staff rates (4-6 coaches from same coaching staff) are $175 pre-registered and $220 at the door. The clinic is a fundraiser for the Greenville High School Comets baseball program. Last year’s clinic attracted 320 baseball coaches from 6 different states.

For information or a brochure, please visit www.i70clinic.com, follow on Twitter @i70clinic or contact Joe Alstat at 618-664-5580 or jalstat@ bccu2.org.

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

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Illinois Valley Scene

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