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“PRSRT.STD.” US POSTAGE PAID NO. 486 PRINCETON, IL 61356 SHAW MEDIA
Thursday, December 4, 2014
Vol. 9 No. 20
A splash of color A sea of poinsettias waits at Color Point in Granville. Many of these flowers will receive homes in Putnam County when the county’s Rotarians deliver poinsettias to seniors and in-bound residents on Dec. 6. Poinsettias have long been associated with Christmas, with an estimated 80 percent of poinsettias sold each year being purchased during the six weeks prior to Christmas. An estimated 34 million poinsettias are sold each year, making it the most popular holiday flower. Leonard VanWingerden at Color Point said the florist ships about 900,000 poinsettias during the holiday season to locations throughout the world. The flower is native to Mexico where it is known as “La Flor de la Nochebuena,” or Flower of the Holy Night. It is Mexican Holiday mythology which ties the poinsettia to the Christmas holidays. Contrary to popular belief, the poinsettia plant is not poisonous. A study at Ohio State University concluded a 50-pound child would have to eat 500 leaves before any ill effects would take effect. The leaves also taste awful to humans. The leaves can induce diarrhea and vomiting in animals, so it’s best to keep the flower out of Rover’s reach. IV Scene photo/Ken Schroeder
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2 2 • Thursday, December 4, 2014
Illinois Valley Scene
Photo contributed
Circa ‘21 presents ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas’ ROCK ISLAND — While evening audiences are currently delighting to the joys of Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas,” the Circa ‘21 Dinner Playhouse is set to present additional holiday stage magic with the venue’s new family musical “’Twas The Night Before Christmas.” Running through Dec. 27, this hilarious and heartwarming show – one making its area debut – will be filled with colorful costumes and seasonal merriment, and is being brought to life by a sensational cast. Circa ‘21 will offer morning and afternoon presentations of “’Twas The Night Before Christmas” on scheduled Tuesdays through Sundays through Dec. 27. Noon brunch performances will take place Dec. 7, 14, 21 and 27; 10 a.m. show-only performances will be held Dec. 5, 6, 12, 13, 16, 20 and 27. Tickets for the brunch shows are $20 for adults, $18 for ages 6-18 and $15 for ages 5 and under, with discounts available for groups of 12 or more. Show-only tickets are $10.50 per person and $9.50 each for groups of 12 or more, with extra discounts available for school groups during weekday performances. To reserve tickets, contact the Circa ‘21 ticket office at 1828 Third Ave., Rock Island, or call 309786-7733, ext. 2. “’Twas The Night Before Christmas” takes its title from the first line of the timeless holiday poem “The Night Before Christmas,” which tells us that all through the house, “not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.” But in this fresh and funny take on the traditional Christmas story, a mouse is indeed stirring, because Santa
Prairie Arts Center cast members Bianca Lanham, Maya Martin, Mia Bowen, Savanah Sims and Vicki Tieman as gypsies and fairies singing “Santa Baby!”
‘Finding Christmas!’ performance added for Dec. 6 PRINCETON — With so few tickets left, opening night quickly approaching and a sold out Sunday matinee, the 2014 Prairie Arts Council holiday musical extravaganza, “Finding Christmas!” will add a performance at 3 p.m. Dec. 6. Don’t miss your chance enjoy a massive cast of 34 area children (from Princeton, Tiskilwa, Mendota, Wyanet, Walnut and Shef-
Claus didn’t visit his house last year! Before you can shout “Merry Christmas!,” the show blasts off into a series of wild adventures involving that mouse Amos, his twin brother also named Amos, an elf and a spunky little girl who won’t take no for an answer! The show’s author is Tony-nominated playwright Ken Ludwig, famed for such popular stage farces as “Lend Me a Tenor,” “Moon Over Buffalo” and “Leading Ladies.” As with those productions, Ludwig received wonderful reviews for ‘”’Twas The Night Before Christmas.” Directing Circa ‘21’s holiday comedy is longtime venue favorite Kimberly Furness, whose previous family entertainments for
the venue include “Freckleface Strawberry: The Musical,” “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley,” “If You Give a Mouse a Cookie” and “Miss Nelson Has a Field Day.” Aaron Randolph III supplies original music while Andrea Moore serves as choreographer, and the cast is composed of five talents, four of them veterans of the Circa ‘21 stage: Brad Hauskins, Janos Horvath, Allison Nock, Daniel Rairdin-Hale, and venue newcomer Emily Baker. Circa ‘21 knows audiences of all ages will delight in this debuting holiday production for kids of all ages, and urges audience members to make reservations early for what is sure to a most special wintertime smash.
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field), ages 8-13, as they become fantastical creatures who overcome the material and commercial world of the holiday season to discover the joy and love of Christmas. “Finding Christmas” is an original fast-paced, comical story suited for all ages that incorporates holiday classics like “Blue Christmas” and” “Santa Baby” and newer tunes
Photo contributed
‘Rounding Third’ continues through Dec. 6 Robert Tobin (left) and Patrick Doolin, returning Festival 56 cast member, rehearse for Festival’s 56’s “Rounding Third.” The show is directed by another returning Festival member, Kody C. Jones. “Rounding Third” is sponsored by WZOE and runs through Dec. 6. The box office is open Fridays from noon to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon and by calling 815-879-5656. Tickets are available online at www.festival56.com.
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such as “Born to Shop” to tell a story that banishes the “gimmies” and ushers in true Christmas spirit. Tickets can still be ordered for performances at 7 p.m. Dec. 5 and 3 and 7 p.m. Dec. 6 by calling 815-8752787. Tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and children. The Prairie Arts Council Theater is located at 24 Park Ave. East in Princeton.
Rich, Bill & Dale Vlastnik Family owned & operated since 1925
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3 Thursday, December 4, 2014 • 3
Illinois Valley Scene
Coffee, music and more The Princeton Coffeehouse offers up a variety of musical entertainment in an eclectic setting By Zita Henneberry zhenneberry@bcrnews.com
PRINCETON — The Princeton Coffeehouse is a unique blend of culture and community. Once a month, people from all over come together to listen to local and celebrated artists in the Open Prairie United Church of Christ at 25 Marion St. in Princeton. Bill Beneke, Steve Gunning and Paul Kautz work together to provide the community with exceptional musical experiences. Beneke said he believes the coffeehouse could greatly broaden the musical horizons of young people in the area. The cultural and musical experiences offered at the coffeehouse offer a vast variety of traditional musical styles. “I don’t like labeling music,” said Beneke. He finds music to have fused its genres over time and labeling to only reinforce stereotypes. He said folk music and other genres have expanded greatly, incorporating more than traditional stereotypes. The creation of Rick and Lynn Reha, the coffeehouse first opened in June of 1993 at the Anne Thomas Gallery on North Main Street in Princeton. After a brief hiatus with no music, Gunning, Kautz and Beneke aimed to breathe new life into the coffeehouse when they
reopened it in April 2003. For $15, people are welcomed in to enjoy the musical entertainment and buy from a table of catered refreshments every fourth Saturday of the month. Volunteers supply food and refreshments, while Beneke, Gunning and Kautz organize and facilitate the events. Beneke said, “It’s trying at times,” referring to effort and unpredictable attendance rates. Beneke explained planning the events would be simpler if he could predict the crowd turnout. One event may have 40 attendants while the next has 90 to 100, said Beneke. However, Beneke said he has great pleasure in booking and hosting the events. He has booked about a year in advance at this point. Beneke said he schedules artists that he would enjoy listening to, but attempts to offer a wide variety of genres. “I don’t like to categorize music, but our primary focus is acoustic music, so our audience probably would say that it is primary folk music,” Beneke continued, “It’s also primarily American music ... but I can’t say with precision we’re limited to American music.” Beneke takes pride in offering such a unique exposure to great musical talent in this area. He said there’s really nothing like
IV Scene photos/Zita Henneberry
the coffeehouse in the Illinois Valley. Beneke is most proud of the music quality found in the coffeehouse. He has had Grammy-winning artists and full-time professional musicians on a regular basis. Beneke said, while his base demographic is of an older generation, he believes certain performers at the coffeehouse such as Sarah MacDougall in February or Ana Egge in the spring would appeal to a younger audience as well. Beneke also believes young people would benefit from the exposure to
such artists. This last Saturday, Pop Wagner and Bob Bovee entertained the large crowd with their cowboy style music. The talented musicians engaged their audience with comical and musical prestige. These returning musicians offered a folk and country twist, in a John Prine style of music, heard nowhere else in this area. For more information on the coffeehouse, go to www.theprincetoncoffeehouse.com. Comment on this story at www.bcrnews.com.
4 4 • Thursday, December 4, 2014
Illinois Valley Scene
IVSO holiday concert scheduled for Dec. 13 Princeton Christian Academy will present its annual Christmas program at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. The junior high girls’ choir will present a short concert featuring Celtic songs and selections from Handel’s “Messiah.” The junior high instrumental students will present a Christmas selection as an ensemble, and then the entire school will present the musical, “The Christmas Cross” by Jeff Slaughter. Acting parts will be performed by junior high students, while the choral selections will be sung by students in kindergarten through sixth grade. The public is invited to this special production directed by Christina Batchelor, Kathey Cook and Marty Kiser, junior high choir director. Bowl for the Cure, a 9-pin tournament, will be held Saturday, Dec. 6, at Crown Lanes in Princeton. The cost is $20 per person. The first squad will bowl at 1 p.m. and the second squad, if needed, will bowl at 3:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome. You may come as a four-person team or as an individual. There will also be a 50/50 and a silent auction. For more information, call Anna Flaig at 815-878-3521, Sherry Allen at 815-878-1230 or Holly Swanson at 815303-3825. All proceeds will benefit the fight against breast cancer. The Illinois Valley Community College Wind Ensemble, directed by Gene Montgomery, will offer a free concert at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, in the Cultural Center. The ensemble includes IVCC students, local and regional music educators and community members dedicated to the promotion of quality wind and percussion music. The Mineral-Gold Fire Department will host a breakfast with Santa from
7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7, at the Mineral Community Center. The Princeton High School Guidance Department will hold its annual financial aid meeting at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, in the Sally Skinner Council Auditorium. Parents of PHS junior and senior students are encouraged to attend. Federal, state and local financial aid opportunities will be discussed. For more information, call 815-875-3308. Stage 212 will kick off the holiday season with their special production of “The Best Christmas Pageant Ever.” Performances will be Dec. 11-14 at Stage 212, 700 First St., LaSalle. Thursday, Friday and Saturday evening performances begin at 7 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday matinees begin at 1 p.m. Tickets are currently on sale for $8 each. Box office hours are Monday from 4 to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon. Tickets may also be purchased online by visiting the Stage 212 website at www.stage212.org or reserved over the phone. The Prairie Wind Ensemble will present its second concert of the season at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 12 at the Grace Presbyterian Church, Route 91, Peoria. The ensemble is directed by Joseph Manfredo. Joining the Prairie Wind Ensemble for the concert are organist Kristin Stewart, the Peoria Civic Chorale Youth Chorus, soprano Leslie Manfredo and Lee Wenger. Traditional music of the holiday season will be performed. The Snowman Parade will take place at 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, as part of “There’s Snow Place Like Ladd” 2014 Ladd Christmas Walk. The parade will begin on North Main Street and end at Ladd Memorial Park.
For more information, call 815-894-2092 or email hocking4@comcast.net. The 2014 Ladd Christmas Walk will take place from 3 to 7 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, in Ladd. Activities include horse drawn wagon rides, kids’ crafts and activities plus pictures with Santa. Winners of the holiday lighting contest will be announces and maps of Ladd’s best lit holiday homes will be available. The walk also includes a holiday prize hunt at Ladd businesses and a 50/50. The St. Lucia Festival at the Evangelical Covenant Church, 24 N. Main St. in Princeton, will be Saturday, Dec. 13. The annual breakfast will begin at 9:30 a.m. in the vestry of the church. The Women’s Ministry of the church is sponsoring this annual event. Malena Wheeler will portray Saint Lucia. Elise Blocki, Anna Rosendal, Hailey Schultz and Mallory Wheeler will serve as Lucia’s attendants during the breakfast. Limited tickets are available and reserved seating is required. Tickets are $8 per person and must be paid for and picked up by Dec. 12. Reservations can be made by calling Joan Eggers at 815-875-2168. A bake/craft sale will begin at 9 a.m. in the Happy Hands Preschool room and will continue after the program. St. Bede Academy will hold its Breakfast with Santa from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 13. The cost is $12 per person and includes the breakfast meeting Santa, make and take crafts, movies, readers and a ride on the Starved Rock Trolley. For an additional $5, Valley Photo will be taking pictures with Santa. This event is sponsored by the St. Bede Bedan Club. For more information or tickets, see any Bedan Club
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Auction Calendar Dec. 6 – Farm machinery consignment, 9:30 a.m., 401 W. Main St., (The Shed), Wyanet, Rediger Auction Service, auctioneers. Dec. 6 – Bonnie and Howard Doty, real estate, 10 a.m., 406 N. East St., Dover, Tumbleson Auction Co., auctioneers. Dec. 6 – F&A Kettman Trust, recreational real estate, 10:30 a.m., 11711 Holiday Fin Road, McNabb, McConville Realty, auctioneers. Dec. 9 – Cheryl Lindner Trust, farmland, 10 a.m., auction held at 401 W. Main St., (The Shed), Wyanet, Rediger Auction Service, auctioneers. Dec. 12 – Ruth Straw Estate, farmland, 10 a.m., auction held at 10684 W. Edgewood Road, (Edgewood Golf Club), Polo, Rediger Auction Service, auctioneers. Dec. 13 – Peter and Darlette Mathisen, two properties (three buildings), 10 a.m., 106 W. Washington St. and 406 & 408 S. Bloomington St., Streator, Tumbleson Auction Co., auctioneers. Dec. 18 – Bill Wiggins, farm machinery and equipment, 10:30 a.m., 14321 Rt. 26 S., Princeton, Rediger Auction Service, auctioneers.
duction of La Casa Lirica Opera Venezuela. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Butler University, where he performed with Butler Opera Theatre, and a master’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he was active in the UI Opera Studio. Sue Gillio is the owner of Music Suite 408 in Peru, flute instructor and director of the Illinois Valley Flute Choir. She is a graduate of LaSalle-Peru High School and Western Illinois University, where she studied with Gerald Carey and earned both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in flute performance. She is principal flute of the Illinois Valley Symphony and has performed in the Quad City Symphony, Heartland Philharmonic, Knox-Galesburg Symphony and Peoria Symphony. She has been a guest soloist with members of the Chicago Symphony and Northwest Indiana Symphony, performing Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 and has performed in Italy as part of the Rome Festival Orchestra, Opera, and Ballet. Gillio is on faculty at Illinois Valley Community College. She was a guest clinician at the 2006 Western Illinois University “Living Legacy” tribute to Gerald Carey, presenting a lecture on “Developing a Successful Music Studio,” and has been published in Flute Talk magazine. She founded the Annual Summer Flute Retreat in 1999 and is on the faculty at flute camps in San Diego and at Westminster Choir Conservatory in Princeton, N.J. Sue began flute studies at age 9 and her first teacher was Ruth Moyle, now retired band director of Oglesby schools. Admission to the concert is by season subscription or individual ticket, available at the door or online at ivso.org. Adults tickets are $15 and student K-college are $5 with ID.
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member or visit the St. Bede Academy Development Office. Arc Light Productions will present “Christmas on the Green” — a madrigal dinner feast — at 6:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 13, and at 1 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14, at Coyote Creek Golf Course, Bartonville. Tickets are $35 per person or $265 for a table of 8. Reserve tickets by Dec. 8 by calling 309455-4095.
OTTAWA — The Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra is pleased to present Dane Suarez, tenor, and Sue Gillio, flute, as soloists for its holiday concert to be held on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 4 p.m. in the Ottawa High School auditorium. Under the direction of Lucia Matos, music director and conductor, Suarez will perform Mille Cherubini in Coro, Maoz Tzur, “O Holy Night” and “White Christmas,” and Gillio will be featured soloist in John Rutter’s Suite Antique. Additional holiday favorites will complete the program. Suarez is a graduate of Princeton High School, where he was a member of various band and choral ensembles and performed in a number of musicals and plays. He has been seen in Homestead Festival musicals and Prairie Arts Center productions and was involved in the premiere season of Festival 56. He is a 2014 National Semi-Finalist in the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions. In summer 2014, he made his role debut as Don José (Carmen) at Aspen Music Festival. For the 2014-15 season, he stars as the Duke of Mantua (Rigoletto) at Opera in the Heights and will make his main stage debut with Fort Worth Opera in Thomas’s Hamlet. Currently residing in Washington, D.C., this season he will also perform the roles of Tsar Berendey (The Snow Maiden) and Paolo (Francesca da Rimini) with Bel Cantanti Opera. Last season, Suarez was the tenor artist-in-residence at Opera Memphis and joined Maestro Lorin Maazel at the Castleton Festival in Virginia where he sang Henrik (A Little Night Music) and appeared with the Castleton Festival at the Royal Opera House Muscat in Oman, where he performed in La Bohème. He was also seen as Rinuccio (Gianni Schicchi) in the inaugural pro-
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5 Thursday, December 4, 2014 • 5
Illinois Valley Scene
‘Leaving Time’ How about some different potato dishes to prepare for your Christmas dinners? Try something new to keep everyone guessing.
Easy German Potato Casserole 1 10 3/4-ounce can cream of potato soup 1 1/2 cups sour cream 3 tablespoons white vinegar 1 32-ounce package southern style hash browns, thawed 1 8-ounce package shredded Swiss cheese 8 slices cooked Oscar Mayer bacon, crumbled, divided 6 green onions, sliced, divided 2 cups french fried onions Heat oven to 350°. Mix soup, sour cream and vinegar in large bowl until blended. Add hash browns, cheese, half of the bacon and 1/2 cup green onions, mix lightly. Spoon into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish sprayed with cooking spray. Bake 50 minutes or until heated through, topping with French fried onions after 20 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining bacon and green onions. Can use any other white cheese such as white American or Mozzarella cheese.
Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey & Cinnamon 4 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling over potatoes
after cooked 1/4 cup honey 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Salt and freshly ground black pepper Preheat oven to 375°. Lay the sweet potatoes out in a single layer on a roasting tray. Drizzle the oil honey, cinnamon, salt and pepper over the potatoes. Roast for 25 to 30 minutes in oven or until tender. Take sweet potatoes out of the oven and transfer them to a serving platter. Drizzle with more extra virgin olive oil.
Mashed Potatoes 5 pounds Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut into large pieces 1 cup whipping cream 1/4 cup butter 2 ounces white chocolate 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary Place potatoes in a 6-quart Dutch oven. Add water to cover and 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to boiling, reduce heat. Simmer 18 to 20 minutes or until tender. Drain completely return to pot. Cover to keep warm. In a small saucepan stir together cream, butter and chocolate over low heat until butter and chocolate begin to melt. Add to hot potatoes. Mash with a potato masher until desired consistency. Stir in rosemary, 1 tablespoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Makes 8 to 10 servings.
Executive Sweet Tator Casserole 3 cups cooked, mashed sweet potatoes 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla
Judy Dyke
1/3 cup milk 1/2 cup oleo 1 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup flour 1/3 cup oleo 1 cup pecans Combine potatoes, sugar, eggs, vanilla, milk and 1/2 cup oleo. Beat until smooth. Turn into casserole. Combine brown sugar, 1/3 cup oleo and flour. Mix until crumbly. Crumble mixture over potatoes. Sprinkle pecans over the top. Bake at 350° for 30 minutes.
Caramelized Onion Scalloped Potatoes 1 tablespoon butter 2 ponds sweet onions, sliced 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk, divided 1 cup low sodium chicken broth 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves 5 pound russet potatoes, peeled and sliced 1/8inch thick 1/2 cup grated Pecorino Romano cheese Preheat oven to 350°. Spray a 13-by-9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook, stirring occasionally for 1 hour or until golden brown. In a small bowl, whisk flour
into 1/2 cup evaporated milk in a medium saucepan. Combine remaining milk, chicken broth, pepper and salt; bring to a boil over medium high heat. Whisk in flour mixture reduce heat to medium and cook whisking constantly for 5 minutes or until thick. Arrange one fourth of potatoes slices in the bottom of the baking dish. Spread one-fourth milk mixture over potatoes. Sprinkle one-fourth onions over sauce. Repeat layer 3 more times. Cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes; uncover and bake 45 minutes longer or until casserole is bubbly and potatoes are tender. 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.
A good mother loves her child unconditionally. She cares for her little one, making sure the baby is dry, safe, and comforted. She feeds her child and tends to him, no matter what time of day or night. You can add to this list at will, because we all know what a good mother does. But, as in the new book “Leaving Time” by Jodi Picoult, a good mother does not abandon her child. Thirteen-year-old Jenna Metcalf had a routine that she kept every morning: she got dressed and logged on to the Department of Justice website to see if her mother had been found yet. A decade before, after one of the caretakers at their elephant sanctuary was trampled by accident, Jenna’s mother, Alice, was found nearby, unconscious, and was taken to the hospital. When she regained her wits, Alice bolted from the building and disappeared. It haunted Jenna ever since. What kind of mother abandons her little daughter? Was Alice hurt or killed? That was something Jenna absolutely needed to know — and so, old enough to have saved money from babysitting and birthday gifts, she
hired a psychic and a detective. Once upon a time, Virgil Stanhope was proud of his career. He’d been Terri one of the lead Schlichenmeyer detectives on the death of the elephant caretaker and the disappearance of Alice Metcalf — but he was having second thoughts. He knew back then that he’d done a hack job. Why hadn’t he dug further into this case? It had been a long time since The Dead had spoken to Serenity Jones, and she missed it. Ever since a brash, egotistical mistake ruined her TV career, she couldn’t get a human to talk to her, much less a spirit. So when Jenna showed up on Serenity’s doorstep, asking for help, and messages began whispering in Serenity’s head, what could the seer do but listen? For most of her life, Alice Metcalf was devoted to the study of elephants. They were fascinating to her, and the ultimate reason her life had turned out as it had. She saw so many parallels between pachyderms and humans: love, joy, grief. Especially grief … Got a calendar?
Leaving Page 6
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6 6 • Thursday, December 4, 2014
PRINCETON — Thursday, Dec. 4, Wild with Words with Martha Burnell will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. This is a creative writing group that uses writing prompts and other intuitive, improvisational techniques to bring out the writer in everyone. Saturday, Dec. 6, The Lions Club movie for kids will be from 10 a.m. to noon and feature a computer animated classic Christmas story about a young boy on Christmas Eve who boards a powerful, magical train that’s headed to the North Pole. Tuesday, Dec. 9, Amanda McNeil, author of the recently published book, “Life Sketches,” will lead a novel motivation class from 6:30 to 8 p.m. for anyone who has ever said, “Someday I’d like to write a book.” This program could be the nudge you need to start or finish that novel. Wednesday, Dec. 10, Widmark Wednesday will be from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and will feature a comedy-drama about the young son of a divorced industrialist who places the boy in a daycare center. A budding romance between his teacher and father is nearly waylaid when an ex-wife demands money in exchange for custody of their son. Thursday, Dec. 11, Friends of the Library Book Club will meet from 4 to 5 p.m. and will discuss, “The Mockingbird Next Door” by Marja Mills. Also Thursday, family craft night will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Participants will make circle-woven friendship bracelets (ages 6 and up. All materials supplied). SPRING VALLEY — Thursday, Dec. 4, the Richard A. Mautino Memorial Library will sponsor a two-part Christmas program featuring the Melikin
Illinois Valley Scene
Puppets. The show begins at 6 p.m. in the children’s area of the library. Part one is the quaint Brothers Grimm Christmas story of “The Shoemaker and the Elves.” Part two is the ever popular, all-time Christmas classic, “The Night Before Christmas.” The Melikin Puppets are the creations of Mel and LaVerne Biske, along with sons, Neal and Jeff. They have presented puppet theater to thousands of children from coast-to-coast in schools and libraries for the past 46 years. TISKILWA — Tuesday, Dec. 9, the library board will meet at 4:30 p.m. If anyone is interested in serving as a library trustee, stop by the meeting for more details. The packet of information and petitions for running for a trustee are available at any time the library is open. Saturday, Dec. 13, the community of Tiskilwa will be hosting its annual Christmas Walk. The library will host Santa from 10 a.m. to noon. Kids will be able to have their picture taken with Santa and do a craft. Library hours will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. that day. LADD — The Ladd Public Library will be resuming preschool story times in December. Programs will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesdays in the children’s department. These programs will feature a variety of activities including stories, songs, crafts and much more. Come welcome new storyteller, Anna Dempsey. Friday, Dec. 5, the library will host a Christmas craft and story time from 10 a.m. to noon. Stop in and enjoy Christmas stories and make a craft to take home. Younger children should be accompanied by an adult. Saturday, Dec. 13, the
Days of Future Past,” and “Muppets Most Wanted.” The library also has many Christmas movies for the upcoming season for patrons to borrow. BUREAU — The Leepertown Township Public Library is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday library will host an open from 2 to 6 p.m., Thursday house in conjunction with from 5 to 7 p.m. and on the Ladd Christmas Walk Saturday from 11 a.m. to 2 from 3 to 7 p.m. Storyteller p.m. The library has comTricia Kelly will entertain puters for patron usage, with Christmas stories from as well as copier, scanning 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. and fax services. Those interested in the Call 815-659-3283 for library book club may information. (The fax numcontact the library at 815- ber is the same as phone 894-3254. number). In order to make room LASALLE — The LaSalle for new selections, the Public Library will host a librarians are working on a concert during the City of “weeding out” project and LaSalle’s Miracle on First are adding selections to Street celebration. Singer/ the book sale area. Patrons songwriter/historian Barry are encouraged to look Cloyd returns to the library through these selections. at 11 a.m. on Saturday, BUDA — The Mason Dec. 6 with his musical/ Memorial Public Library story performance, “A has added new books Celtic Christmas: A Holiday to its collection. Here is Celebration in Story and a list of just some of the Song.” Along with some of new items: “The Mistletoe the most beloved and wellPromise” by Richard Paul known Christmas songs, Evans, “Private India: City Cloyd will give the audiof Fire” by James Patterence the “rest of the story” son and Ashwin Sanghi, with the tales behind “The Cinderella Murder” the songs. The program by Mary Higgins Clark is made possible by the and Alafair Burke, “The Alwin C. Carus Charitable Escape” by David BaldaTrust. Light refreshments cci, “Revival” by Stephen will be served. For more King, “Gray Mountain” information, call the library by John Grisham, “Pegat 815-223-2341 or visit at asus” by Danielle Steel, 305 Marquette St. “Leaving Time” by Jodi HENNEPIN — Thursday, Picoult, “Sidney Sheldon’s Chasing Tomorrow” by Sidney Sheldon and Tilly Bagshaw, “The Drop” by Dennis Lehane, “Burn, No. 7” by James Patterson From Page 5 and Michael Ledwidge, Clear it. Cancel your “What I Remember Most” plans. Once you’ve got by Cathy Lamb, “The “Leaving Time” in your Fortune Hunter” by Daisy hands, you won’t want Goodwin, “Sweet Water” to do anything but spend by Christina Baker Kline, “Private Down Under, No. time with this book. Through the voices of 7” by James Patterson and four main characters, Michael White and many author Jodi Picoult gives more new books. readers the kind of novel New DVDs at the library they’ve come to expect, include: “Jersey Boys,” but with a twist: there’s “How to Train Your Dragon some mystery in this 2,” “Maleficent,” “Planes book. We aren’t sure Fire & Rescue,” “Mr. Pea- what happened to Alice, body & Sherman,” “X-men if she’s a killer, a victim, First Class,” “Transformor something else. That ers: Age of Extinction,” keeps-you-guessing factor “The Fault in Our Stars,” appears in every Picoult novel, but in this book, “Divergent,” “X-men:
Dec. 4, when the Hennepin Library will host an art night for teens, highlighting the artwork of Jasper Johns, specifically, his painting titled, “Flag.” The fun begins at 6 p.m. After learning about the artist, participants will make a piece of art that symbolizes what each feels represents America, using the styles and techniques of Jasper Johns. For more information, call 815-925-7020. After-school activities are held from 4 to 5 p.m. Activities are ideal for students in elementary school. For more information, call 815-925-7020. Preschool story times are every Tuesday at 2 p.m. and Friday at 10:30 a.m. Join the library for stories, crafts, games and more. This program is ideal for children ages 3-5 years. 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 on Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. Join the library on Thursdays at 10 a.m. for 30 minutes of stories and songs. This program is ideal for little ones under 3 years of age. For more information, call 815-3392038. MCNABB — Children in elementary school are invited to the library
every Saturday morning at 10 a.m. at the McNabb Branch Library. November will be filled with projects that include musical instruments, wacky science experiments and awesome art projects. Come join them. Preschool story times are ideal for children ages 3, 4 and 5 years old, with adult participation. Enjoy stories and make a small craft to take home. The program is at 11 a.m. on each Saturday. For more information, call 815-8822378. MAGNOLIA — Magnolia Branch Library will have homework hour from 4 to 5 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday nights throughout the school year. Children have the opportunity to have their completed homework checked or help them understand homework in progress. The library provides materials and equipment for help with school homework and projects. For more information, call 815-8693038. CONDIT (PUTNAM) — Winter is in the air. Enjoy winter with seasonal books on a variety of topics — stop in at the Condit library. The Condit Branch Library is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesdays, from 2 to 6 p.m. Thursdays and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. For more information, call 815-437-2811.
Leaving
Cliffnotes “Leaving Time” by Jodi Picoult. 2014, Ballantine Books. $28/$30 Canada. 416 pages.
it’ll make you page back to see how you didn’t catch the clues and to marvel at where you went in the meantime. And I’m going to stop there. I can’t bear to ruin your enjoyment of unwrapping the layers in this excellent book. Just know that if you’ve got “Leaving Time,” you’ll
only want everyone to leave you alone to read. Terri Schlichenmeyer is a book reviewer from West Salem, Wis. She may be contacted at bookwormsez@yahoo.com.
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7 Sports Thursday, December 4, 2014 • 7
Illinois Valley Scene
Senior spotlight • A.J. Gaeta Name: A.J. Gaeta School: Hall High School. Date/place of birth: Dec. 4, 1996; St. Margaret’s Hospital in Spring Valley. Hometown: Spring Valley. Family: Dayna, mom; Angel, dad; Ricky, brother; and Elena, sister. Sports: Football, basketball, baseball. Favorite sport and why: Baseball because that’s the sport I have been playing the longest, and I love every aspect of the game. Favorite food and where to get it: Pizza. Little Sicily’s in Spring Valley. Likes: Sports, hanging with friends, exploring the outdoors, watching movies. Dislikes: Reading, losing. Person with the greatest influence on my athletic career (and why): My brother, Ricky, because I was always watching him play sports as I grew up. Person with the greatest influence in my life (and why): My mother, Dayna, because she’s always been there for me and always supports me in everything I do. The last song I listened to: “The Boys of Fall” by Kenny Chesney. IVS photo/Kevin Hieronymus
A.J. Gaeta keeps busy year round at Hall, playing football, basketball and baseball. He says the person with the greatest influence on is athletic career is his brother, Ricky, because “I was always watching him play sports as I grew up.” The person with the greatest influence on his life, is his mother, Dayna, because “she’s always been there for me and always supports me in everything I do.”
Here’s a look at the upcoming area sports slate:
Thursday, Dec. 4
Boys basketball: Junior high — Princeton Logan at LaSalle Lincoln, 4:15 p.m., El Paso Gridley at PC, 5:30 p.m., Lostant at PCA, 6 p.m. Girls basketball: Amboy at Princeton, Hall at BV, DePue at Roanoke-Benson, St. Bede at Newman, Midland at PC, 6 p.m.
Friday, Dec. 5
Boys basketball: High school — Hall at Bureau Valley, Princeton at Byron, PC at Depue, 6 p.m. Wrestling: Morrison, Erie at Princeton, 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 6
Boys basketball: BV, Princeton, PC at Eastland Shootout, TBA; LaMoille-Ohio at Amboy Shootout, TBA. Girls Basketball: Somonauk
at PC, 1 p.m.
Monday, Dec. 8
Boys basketball: Junior High — PC at Marseilles, 5 p.m. Freshman — Marquette at PC, 6 p.m. High School — Hall vs. Chicago Alcott (Colmone Classic), 6:30 p.m. Girls basketball: HIgh school - Princeton at St. Bede, Kewanee at BV, Hall at Amboy, LaMoille-Ohio at Somonauk, DePue at Henry, 6 p.m. Wrestling: Mendota at Princeton, 6 p.m.
Tuesday, Dec. 9
Boys Basketball: Junior
high — Princeton Logan at Spring Valley JFK, 4:15 p.m. High school — ROWVA at St. Bede, Henry at LaMoille-Ohio, Princeton at Rochelle, Paw Paw at DePue, 6 p.m. Colmone Classic: Hall JV vs. Mendota, 6:30 p.m., Hall vs. Stark County, 8 p.m. Girls basketball: PC at Wethersfield, 6 p.m.
Wednesday, Dec. 10
Boys basketball: High school — BV at Annawan, 6 p.m. Colmone Classic: Hall JV vs. Longwood, 5 p.m. Wrestling: Amboy and PC at Alleman, 5:30 p.m.
Thursday, Dec. 11
Boys basketball: Freshman — Henry at PC, 6 p.m. Girls basketball: High school — BV at Princeton, Hall at Ottawa, La Moille-Ohio at Hiawatha, St. Bede at Kewanee, Midland at DePue, PC at Henry, 6 p.m.
People would be surprised to know: I’m a quick person off of the field. I stay home to watch:
“Dexter.” When I need luck for a big game, I: Listen to motivational music. The funniest person I’ve ever met (and why): Grant Garland because everything he does or says is hilarious. What they’ll say about me at school after I graduate: I hope they would say I was a good student, a good leader and a good athlete. Most embarrassing moment: Tripping over my own feet on the pitcher’s mound during my sophomore year. Most unforgettable moment: Winning first home football playoff game since 2006. Ultimate sports fantasy: Being drafted into the MLB. What I would like to do in life: Graduate college with a major in accounting and later start a family and raise my kids. Three words that best describe myself: Outgoing, athletic, humble.
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8 Sports 8 • Thursday, December 4, 2014
Basketball
Colmone Classic SPRING VALLEY — The Colmone Classic starts up Monday, Dec. 8 at Hall High School, bringing eight teams to Red Devil Gymnasium. The White Pool consists of Hall, Fieldcrest, Chicago Alcott and Stark County. In the Red Pool will be Mendota, Mooseheart, Chicago Longwood and the Hall JV. Hall is the defending champion, defeating Mendota in last year’s title game 56-54. The schedule for Monday, Dec 8 is: 5:00 - Mendota vs Chicago Longwood 6:30 - Hall vs Chicago Alcott 8:00 - Fieldcrest vs Stark County The schedule for Tuesday, Dec 9 is: 5:00 - Mooseheart vs Longwood 6:30 - Hall (JV) vs Mendota 8:00 - Hall vs Stark County The schedule for Wednesday, Dec 10 is: 5:00 - Longwood vs Hall (JV) 6:30 - Fieldcrest vs Alcott 8:00 - Mendota vs Mooseheart The schedule for Friday, Dec 12 is: 5:00 - Stark County vs Alcott 6:30 - Hall (JV) vs Mooseheart 8:00 - Hall vs Fieldcrest The schedule for Saturday, Dec 13 is: 3:00 - 4th place White Pool vs 4th place Red Pool 4:30 - 3rd place White Pool vs 3rd place Red Pool 6:00 - 2nd place White Pool vs 2nd place Red Pool 7:30 - 1st place White Pool vs 1st place Red Pool.
Illinois Valley Scene
District youth basketball league for Grades 1-6 runs Saturday mornings through Dec. 6. Emphasis will be on teamwork and sportsmanship. To sign up for both activities, call the Metro Center at 815-872-0840.
YMCA Youth basketball PERU — The Illinois Valley YMCA Youth Basketball will be held Saturday mornings through Dec. 21. Practices will be held Thursday evenings. Players may sign up individually or as a team. Cost is $30 for Y members and $40 for non-members. For more information, contact the Y at 815-223-7904, ext. 40, or by email at moorej55ymca@yahoo. com.
Soccer
Met soccer league PRINCETON — The Bureau County Metro Center will be the site for an indoor soccer league for all ages to run Tuesdays and Thursdays, Dec. 2 through Jan. 29. To sign up, call the Metro Center at 815-872-0840.
YMCA soccer league
PERU — The youth soccer league at the Illinois Valley YMCA will be held Sunday afternoons through Dec. 22. Players may sign up individually or as a team. Cost is $40 for Y members and $50 for non-members. For more information, contact the Y at 815-223-7904 ext. 40 or by email at moorej55ymca@yahoo.com.
Etcetera
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. Teams from Aurora, Bloomington, Davenport, Ladd, Jacksonville, Joliet, LaSalle-Peru, Lincolnway, Marseilles, Mendota, Morris, Naperville, Newark, Normal, Orland Park, Oswego, Ottawa, Pontiac, Princeton, Putnam County, Rockford, Sterling, Streator, Tinley Park, Winnebago and Yorkville have participated in Running Rebels competitive events. To register your team(s), visit http:// www.runningrebelsbasketball.com/ team-registration-form.html . Entry into one of our events will be confirm upon receipt of team entry fee. For more information, call Eric Rombach at 815-326-1527.
Met Youth basketball
PRINCETON — The Princeton Park
Sports of all sports 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 on Tuesdays, Wednesday and Thursdays.
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
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.
Photo contributed
Malden Tournament champs LaMoille Allen Grade School opened the boys basketball season by winning the annual Malden Tournament.