BCR_Illinois Valley Living_092119

Living

Illinois Valley

Fall 2019

Patricia Schou

Executive director, ICAHN

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Autumn a favorite season?

Some folks would say it is Winter, spring, summer or fall?

Which season do you like best of all?

When you live in the Illinois Valley, there’s a continual rhythm to the changing of the seasons.

Winter brings snow and the cold-weather holidays, spring the renewal of nature, and summer those long, warm, pleasant days of sunshine, growth, vacation and recreation.

But what of fall?

It has its holidays – Columbus Day, Halloween, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving. It carries spring’s renewal to fruition when the harvest season arrives. And its bracing days of football games and leaf raking, earlier sunsets and longer shadows, are memorable in their own right.

A truly memorable part of autumn is Illinois Valley Living magazine’s Women of Distinction awards luncheon, This year it will be Oct. 17, and for the seventh annual event, the judges chose seven accomplished women to receive recognition for all they do. Read more about them, and this fall’s luncheon, in the succeeding pages of this issue of Illinois Valley Living.

We’re pleased to announce that Patricia Schou, executive director of the Prince-

ton-based Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN), and a former Women of Distinction award winner, will be the keynote speaker.

Fall is a good time for good stories, and this issue of Illinois Valley Living delves into some interesting ones. You can read about a woman who teaches others how to prepare healthy meals, and a man who is excited about growing his first hemp crop. There’s a feature about the 50th anniversary of Lake Thunderbird and all the recreational activities it offers.

Do you like things “old school”? Check out the feature story about the oldest school still in use in the state. Then you can check out stories about a cool pet shop and a farm where they plant vegetable seeds as well as seeds of faith and family.

Autumn in the Illinois Valley is accompanied by its own distinctive air. It’s a season to embrace the distinctive people, unique places and interesting things that inhabit our region.

But could it be someone’s favorite season?

Well, why not? Have an absolutely great one!

— Jim Dunn, editor and general manager, Illinois Valley Living magazine

Living Illinois Valley

PUBLISHER Dan Goetz EDITOR, GENERAL MANAGER Jim Dunn PAGE DESIGN Julie Barichello PUBLISHED BY Bureau County Republican 526 S. Bureau Valley Parkway, Suite F Princeton, IL 61356 815-875-4461

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Patricia Schou will be keynote speaker for Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon Patricia Schou will be keynote speaker for Illinois Valley Living’s seventh annual Women of Distinction Awards Luncheon, scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 17, at The Cider Mill in rural Princeton.

Pat Schou is the executive director of the Princeton-based Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN), the first statewide critical access hospital network established in 2003 and comprised of 57 critical access and rural hospitals.

ICAHN provides a number of hospital support services and educational programs as well as manages the Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility Grant, Small Hospital Improvement Program and several other grant programs on behalf of the Illinois Department of Public Health and other organizations.

Schou is also the executive director of the Illinois Rural Community Care Organization (IRCCO), which is a statewide rural accountable care organization comprised of 28 critical access and rural hospitals.

Schou has more than 40 years of clinical and rural hospital administrative experience and is president-elect of the National Rural Health Association, where she has held several positions.

She was awarded the Calico Rural Leadership Award by the National Rural Research Center in 2013, the Rural Hero Award by the University of Illinois Rural Medical Education in 2016, and she also received the National Rural Health Association’s President Award in April 2015.

Schou serves as chairwoman of her local health board, on the board for the Healthcare Facilities Accreditation Program, National Hospital Survey Accreditation Organization, National Rural Resource Center Board, and Partners for Connected Illinois Board and is a fellow member of the American College of Healthcare Executives as well as a national speaker and facilitator.

Schou was one of Illinois Valley Living’s Women of Distinction award recipients in 2013 and was one of 25 women selected for a Leadership Award for the Peoria area, also in 2013.

Over the years, she has been active locally as a Homestead Festival chair, president of the Princeton Junior Woman’s Club, chair of the Health Department Board, served on the PHS Foundation Board, was president of the Illinois Rural Health Association, and is involved in her church.

Schou started her health care career as a registered nurse in 1974 at Methodist Medical Center (now Unity Point) in cardiac care and then married her husband, Howard, and moved to Sioux City, Iowa, where she also worked in cardiac care.

She and Howard moved to Princeton in 1976, and she started at Perry Memorial Hospital as a staff nurse, then moved to supervisor followed by nurse educator. From 1990 to 1999, she served as vice president for clinical services.

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Patricia Schou In 1999, she was hired by the Illinois Department of Public Health to set up and implement the new federal critical access hospital program for Illinois, which was a new payment program for small rural hospitals.

In 2003, several critical access hospitals wanted to start their own 501(c)(3) corporation, Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network. The new organization’s board hired Schou as the first executive director in December 2003, and the rest is history.

ICAHN now has 22 employees and has its own office building in Princeton. ICAHN is a statewide organization and does consulting work in many states across the country.

“I am passionate about rural health care and focus on keeping our rural communities viable and strong,” Schou said.

“I have wanted to impact health care policy and have an opportunity through my association and rural health work to do so,” she said.

Schou has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Illinois Wesleyan and a Master of Science from Northern Illinois University.

Her husband is a retired CPA and hospital CFO. The Schous have two sons. Chad and his wife, Yiota, have two daughters (ages 5 and 9) and live in the country of Cyprus. Justin lives in Champaign and manages a Tradesman International contracting office.

the Illinois Valley Living Magazine’s September issue and recognized at an awards luncheon in the fall. Date and location to be announced.

MEET OUR 2019 WINNERS OF Please fill out this form completely (use additional paper if necessary) and return by August 18, 2017. Additional forms can be downloaded by visiting www.illinoisvalleyliving.com.

of WOMEN Illinois Valley Living’s

Today’s date:__________________________________________

Education:

A. Nominee’s Personal Information

______________________________________________

Name ___________________________________________________________

______________________________________________

Organization/company/corp. _______________________________________

______________________________________________

Title _____________________________________________________________

Family:

Phone ___________________________________________________________

______________________________________________

City of residence __________________________________________________

______________________________________________

distinction

E-mail __________________________________________________________

Hometown (childhood) ____________________________________________

Please include bio/résumé/vita

Date of birth _____________________________________________________ B. Achievements

Illinois honors the orwomen of theHonors Illinois In the space Valley below, pleaseLiving describe themagazine nominee’s greatest personal, professional job-related achievement. or awardsValley can be included as well as examples of a challenging problem solved, a major project completed or a product produced.

receive the 2019 Women of Distinction Awards.

We are honored that Patricia “Pat” Schou, a It’s no secret the women of the Illinois Val______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ These awards will be given to women who former Women of Distinction award winner, ley______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ are an amazing group. Just ask anyone to have made a difference in the Illinois Valley will be our keynote speaker. Schou is executive name a woman who has made a difference in and who are role models and leaders in their director of the Princeton-based Illinois Critical the______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Illinois Valley, and there’s no shortage of ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ fields and communities. The featured women Access Hospital Network (ICAHN). She plans answers. were nominated by members of the communi- to share her passion for rural health care and Whether they lead business enterprises, ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ agencies, departments, community organizaty and selected by a special committee of previ- her efforts to keep rural communities viable ______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ and strong. tions, institutions or are involved as volunteers, ous Women of Distinction winners.

In the following pages, you will meet each The community is invited to join Illinois they all have a story, and we are always honDEADLINE FOR NOMINATION: C. Nominator Valley Living magazine in celebrating the of our winners. It is our hope you become ored to be able to recognize these women and Augustof18, 2017 achievements our seven Women of Disinspired by these women and find your own share their_____________________________________________________ often amazing stories with you, our *Name Mail: Women of Distinction tinction as well as those of all women in the way to make the Illinois Valley a better place readers.

Title _______________________________________________________ % Illinois Bureau County Valley, whileRepublican enjoying a wonderful to live, work and play.

In 2013, Illinois Valley Living magazine Organization _______________________________________________ P.O. Box 340luncheon, Princeton, Illinois 61356 To further honor these exceptional women, catered plenty of freebies and prizes, decided to take that recognition one step further ______________________________________________________ andAttn: lots ofTerri fun. For tickets, Illinois Valley Living magazine will host an byPhone creating the Women of Distinction Awards.

Simon orsee the reservation form intsimon@bcrnews.com this edition of Illinois Valley Living awards luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Email: To honor those who have made it their pas*Email: _____________________________________________________ Thursday, Oct. 17, at The Cider Mill in rural or call Illinois Valley of Living magazine at 815sion to better the include Illinois to Valley, Illinois Valley *Must be informed if your nominee has been selected Subject line: Women Distinction Princeton.

875-4461.

Living magazine has chosen seven women to

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The Gallery of Women of Distinction Here’s a look at Illinois Valley Living’s Women of Distinction award winners over the years:

2013

Kim Abel Kathy Casstevens Mary Ann Cernovich Lisa Clinton Dawn Conerton Pat Schou Nedda Simon Loretta Volker Judith Wilkins Wright Teresa C. Zearing

2014

Donna Barker Michelle Brady Pam Lange Mary Lanham Eleanor Walker

Carole Yandel

2015

Dr. Linda C. Gustafson Kathy Jo Lindner Betty Jean Pappas State Sen. Sue Rezin Denise Etscheid Sabotta Janice Wamhoff

2016

Sheryl H. Churney Nancy Heiden Joy Kauffman Monico Huber Nunez Barbara White Deb Wood Julia Cain Kim Frey

2017

Marcia Hartwig Debb Ladgenski Jan Martin Lisa Vincent

2018

Leann Bill Joan Fernandez Rita Frank Ginger Freeberg Terry Johnson Annette Schnabel

Lisa Aber Donna Braida Angie Charlet Kirsten Johnston Jane Kunkel Aseret Loveland Mary Jane Thornton

Lisa Aber

City of residence: Buda.

Organization/company: Buda Community Club – founder; Buda Village Board – commissioner; Sheffield Historical Society – president.

Lisa Aber was born and raised in the Illinois Valley.

She was one of nine siblings, so she learned what hard work was at a very young age.

Her father died when she was 11, so she had a strong female role model in her mother early on.

She has had various jobs through the years, including being on a night cleaning crew at Martin Engineering until she began as a clerk at the Sheffield Post Office. She was a driven employee and eventually became postmaster. Later she became postmaster in Neponset and is currently postmaster in Granville. In all offices, she has been very passionate about the Postal

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Service’s annual “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive.

Lisa also served as an EMT on the Buda Rescue Unit. When the area started losing businesses and schools, she saw that all communities, not just Buda, were suffering. So she had the idea to get a group of residents together and brainstorm on how Buda could be revitalized. She

2019

made a Facebook post, arranged a meeting, and the Buda Community Club was born.

Achievements: • Founded Buda Community Club in 2017. This club has really revitalized Buda. The club organizes various events and community projects, such as getting a new concession stand built at Stewart Park, awarding

three $500 scholarships to Buda high school seniors, and hosting a street dance, whose proceeds go toward saving the Buda Mason Memorial Library.

• Led the movement to get major repairs done at Mautino State Fish and Wildlife Area by using social media to spread the word and urging visitors to call local and state representatives.

• Led the movement to get Route 40 repaired by using social media and the Bureau County Republican, and urging residents to call local and state representatives.

• Through her leadership as president of the Sheffield Historical Society, the group was able to bring back the Sheffield Homecoming Celebration in 2017.

Her nominator said: “Her whole life, personally and professionally, is always aimed at giving back and bettering the community around her. If Lisa had a motto, it would be, ‘What can we do next?’”

Donna Braida

City of residence: Princeton.

Organization/company: Per diem retired occupational health nurse for Perry Memorial Hospital.

Donna Braida has been an asset to Perry Memorial Hospital and area communities since she was a teen. She has served Perry in a variety of positions, most recently (since 2012) as an occupational health nurse.

In this role, she has positively influenced the quality of patient care and the health of employees. Her knowledge of the regulations for safety and the kindness in her voice as she listens to concerns of staff have made an enormous impact.

Donna began her career as a candy striper. Once she turned 16, she went to work in the dietary department. She then completed the Certified Nursing Assistant’s program in order to work directly with patients,

which is where her true passion lies. Donna has never met a stranger and could make anyone feel at ease. She continued her passion of caring for others when she achieved her associate’s degree in nursing and began working as a nurse on the medical floor.

As a member of the Perry staff, she became involved with the Auxiliary where she assisted in

fundraising for new hospital equipment.

While working full-time, Donna cared for her husband while he was on his cancer journey.

After he passed, she became the founder and chairwoman of the Jay Braida Golf Outing, which raises funds to assist a community member who is battling cancer.

She was occupational health

nurse at Perry Memorial until her retirement in 2017. She was awarded 2019 Volunteer of the Year with the hospital auxiliary group. She also serves on the Bureau County Board.

Donna also served on the Homestead Planning Committee and volunteered for the Lovejoy Homestead.

She is a member of the Moose Lodge and often volunteers for various events.

She has two daughters, Amanda and Jodi, a son, Dustin, and seven grandchildren.

Her nominator said: “Most people learn the word ‘no’ very early on, but I am not sure that word was often stated by Donna.

She is always willing to help out with anything for others and often puts her own needs on hold until she has a free moment.

If you have ever met her, you would clearly see the kindness in everything she does and would understand why she has been nominated as an Illinois Valley Woman of Distinction.”

project manager and implementation specialist for their Safe Patient Handling program and transport team development.

She later became manager of inpatient services at Perry Memorial Hospital and after that held several positions at Galesburg Cottage Hospital before moving to ICAHN in 2011.

Angie comments: “I never knew the potential of rural health care until I moved into the ICAHN world, I absolutely love what I do and helping others. It still

amazes me how far our rural market has come in the past eight years since I joined the team.

There are so many areas we touch as a team, and I could not do my job without the invaluable knowledge and skills of our entire team.”

She earned a BSN degree from Jacksonville University, has a master’s degree in health care administration from Bellevue University, and master’s and doctorate degrees in business administration from California University.

Angie has two daughters, Samantha and Megan, both of whom are married. She has six grandchildren, three girls and three boys.

Her nominator said: “Angie Charlet is passionate about helping the 57 small and rural hospitals throughout Illinois that comprise ICAHN. This, along with all she does nationally, makes her a true advocate for rural communities and hospitals alike.”

Angie Charlet

City of residence: Kewanee.

Organization/company: Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network, based in Princeton.

Angie Charlet is the senior director of quality and operations at Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network. She is an advocate and national speaker in the rural health care community.

She has a certificate in Lean Six Sigma and leadership coaching. She is the past president of the Illinois Organization of Nurse Leaders, and sat on their board for 12 years. She is currently the vice president of the National Association of Rural Health Clinics and will move into the president’s role in 2020.

Angie also sits as an advisory member for the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy for the quality metrics and reporting. She has completed the John Maxwell Leadership Certification.

She started her health care career as a CNA in a nursing home in 1986, then earned an associate’s degree in nursing in 1991 and worked a variety of careers at the original Kewanee Hospital and in a nursing home.

Angie next worked in a family practice and achieved certification as a diabetic educator, then opened a diabetes clinic and asthma/allergy clinic, providing testing and education, before going to work at OSF Peoria as a registry nurse, functioning as

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Kirsten Johnston

City of residence: Walnut.

Organization/company: Owner and operator of Pass It Along.

Kirsten Johnston is, in many instances, a driving force for the Walnut community. She is a member of the Walnut Bible Church, Working on Walnut (WOW) Committee and the Walnut Chamber of Commerce.

Kirsten loves people and cares about what is happening in their lives. In 2013, she opened the Pass It Along shop in Walnut. This is a very successful non-profit resale shop, which has been able to give back more than $150,000 to the community through student scholarships and donations to local organizations.

Kirsten has taken on the responsibilities of procuring building sites to house the shop as well as making sure the funds are there to keep it running. Her enduring sense of

humor and sincere empathy for others have been huge factors in attaining many hours of help from the dozens of volunteers needed to run such an endeavor.

Her sincere appreciation of volunteers’ time make everyone

feel as if they are part of the plan.

In 2017, the Walnut Chamber honored her with their Walnut Citizen of the Year award.

In 2018, questions were raised on how to enhance the downtown business area and what

improvements were vital to the community that would impact people’s lives financially, socially and physically.

Kirsten helped form the Working on Walnut Committee, otherwise known as WOW. This committee helps update buildings on Main Street, encourages new business enterprises and any ideas that would improve family recreational time, such as the proposed bike path.

Kirsten attended Princeton High School and Stewart’s School of Beauty. She and her husband, Lee, have four children, Hannah Caldwell, Josiah Johnston, Olivia Lennon and Tommy Johnston.

Her nominator said: “Kirsten is a woman of great faith — in God, her family, her community and the innate goodness of people. How blessed we all are whenever we see faith put into action by helping others.

What a warrior, what a woman, what a friend!”

25 years she worked as a dental assistant for four area dentists.

Two of Jane’s interests, gardening and photography, have led to lifelong involvement and service. She is a charter member of the camera club, Photography Unlimited in Princeton, was on the beautification committee for the city of Spring Valley and

part of the General Federation of Woman’s Clubs.

She has combined her knowledge and experience in these fields by presenting slide shows of wildflowers found in Starved Rock State Park. She has also spent hours creating displays in the west entrance of the Richard A. Mautino Memorial Library for patrons to be inspired by and enjoy.

Jane was a first-place winner of the Spring Valley Boosters Photography Contest, depicting a scene in her home of Spring Valley. She also spent many years working part-time for Valley Photo, where her experience was helpful to many customers.

Jane is a member of the Spring Valley Historical Association and knowledgeable about a variety of topics. She has volunteered at many events and has shared photos and memorabilia for many of the museum’s displays.

She was also a member of the former Spring Valley Historical Society.

Her nominator said: “Not many people have lived a life that daily exemplifies the pride of one’s community. Jane Kunkel is truly a woman of distinction.”

Jane Kunkel

City of residence: Spring Valley.

Organization/company: Retired.

Jane Kunkel is a member of the first Catholic church established in Spring Valley, which was the Immaculate Conception.

She was an active church member, and after the church’s closure in 2016, Jane contacted Bishop Jenky of the Peoria Diocese and received permission to take possession of the church’s nativity scene for St. Margaret’s Health. Crafted in 1898, this piece was one of the few things that survived the fire in 1917.

Through Jane’s efforts, this historic part of Spring Valley will be forever a part of the community.

Jane has volunteered more than 50 years at St. Margaret’s Health, helping at blood drives.

In addition to being an 18-gallon donor, she served at the canteen

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and provided homemade treats to blood donors.

Jane was a member of the Thompson’s Rexall Girls Softball team, also known as the Rollo Girls. The traveling team had many successful years before ending.

Jane was a nanny for 16 years for two doctors’ families, and for

Aseret Loveland

City of residence: Spring Valley.

Organization/company: Illinois Valley Community College, assistant director of admissions, records and transfer services.

Students failing to properly transition from high school to college matriculation in the fall are said to “melt away” during the summer.

Illinois Valley Community College is among the first in the state to try to combat “summer melt” with active programming.

On June 19, a group of incoming first-year students became part of IVCC history as the inaugural Summer College Connection cohort. This effort was successfully spearheaded

by Spring Valley native Aseret Loveland, assistant director of admissions, records and transfer services at IVCC. Aseret, who has always been passionate about education,

planted the seed for the idea four years ago when she and fellow IVCC alum Quintin Overocker, director of admissions, records and transfer services, began their careers at IVCC. Her dream came to fruition through the creation of this program, which focuses primarily on assisting first-generation college students getting the resources and support they need to succeed.

The advocacy Aseret has shown

for first-generation college students is rooted in her own persistence to succeed and determination to make a difference.

After graduating from Hall High School, she completed her associate’s degree at IVCC and transferred to Eastern Illinois University, where she majored in sociology. Although Aseret’s original plan was to become a teacher, her involvement with undergraduate student government and on-campus organi-

zations inspired her to earn a Master of Science in College Student Affairs.

Today, the future of IVCC shines brightly with Aseret as a dynamic role model and mentor for both students and staff.

The Spring Valley Rotary Club was fortunate to have had Aseret as an integral piece of its formation and then its leadership when she served as co-president. She volunteered for Spring Valley’s Cinco de Mayo celebrations and serves as a Junior Achievement volunteer at John F. Kennedy School.

Aseret and her husband, David, have a son, Lewis.

Her nominator said: “Aseret has firmly rooted herself in the Illinois Valley and will continue to influence positive change and mentor new leaders in the community for years to come.

Anyone who knows Aseret will concur that she fulfills the roles of mother, daughter, sister, wife, friend and global citizen with incredible dedication, boundless energy, perfect poise and an ever-present smile. The Illinois Valley is beyond fortunate to have Aseret Loveland as a homegrown community leader.”

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Mary Jane Thornton

City of residence: Henry.

Organization/company: Volunteer for Gateway Services of Princeton.

Mary Jane has been a volunteer for Gateway Services for five years. She brings her talents to Gateway’s Henry Community Day Services site at different times during the month. She has helped with projects for the Marshall-Putnam Fair, Bureau County Fair and annual ARC convention.

Additionally, Gateway Services was “Artist of the Month” for The Coffee Hub in Lacon, and individuals were able to sell their art pieces there through Mary Jane’s efforts. She has assisted with grant applications so that Gateway’s program can have much-needed art supplies, and she has filled in the gaps personally when needed. Mary Jane also helps with writing news articles and promoting Gateway’s annual

Trivia Night in Henry.

For nine years, Mary Jane has volunteered for Character Counts in Henry, and she has also served as a board member.

Mary Jane is a very active volunteer and lead organizer for the Veterans’ Walk at Stoner Park in Henry. The walk currently

consists of more than 1,100 flags of veterans with ties to the Henry community. Flags go up each year for Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day and Veterans Day. Mary Jane has volunteered for the Henry Food Pantry where she has packed food for more than

four years. In addition, Mary Jane volunteers her time to teach crafts during vacation Bible school in Henry.

She was heavily involved as a Boy Scouts leader for 15 years when her sons were younger, and later became involved with Girl Scouts.

Mary Jane served as fundraising chairwoman for the Marshall County Youth Football program for nine years, and it was hugely successful!

Her nominator said: “Mary Jane Thornton taught art at Henry-Senachwine Grade School from 1974 until 2010 when she ‘retired.’ She has made a tremendous impact on many youths in that school system, and she is still very well known throughout the entire community as ‘Mrs. T.’ After leaving HSGS, Mary Jane taught art at Leepertown Elementary School in Bureau until 2012. Since then, she has been with Malden Grade School on a limited schedule each month. Mary Jane is a cancer survivor! She was diagnosed in 2008 and has been in remission since 2009. She would be very deserving of sharing the title with other ‘Women of Distinction.’”

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Illinois Valley Living’s

Keynote Speaker

of WOMEN

distinction

Awards Luncheon Save the Date Order Your Tickets Today!

Date: Time: Location: Ticket Price:

Patricia Schou

Executive Director, ICAHN

Thursday, October 17, 2019 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

The Cider Mill at 100 Acre Orchard, Princeton $28 per person

Tickets are available for purchase at the Bureau County Republican office at 526 S. Bureau Valley Parkway, Suite F, Princeton, IL 61356 or by calling 815-875-4461. Seats are limited.

Tickets are non-refundable.

This year’s winners are: • • • •

Lisa Aber of Buda Donna Braida of Princeton Angie Charlet of Kewanee Kirsten Johnston of Walnut

• Jane Kunkel of Spring Valley • Aseret Loveland of Spring Valley • Mary Jane Thornton of Henry

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAVE COOK FOR ILLINOIS VALLEY LIVING

LASALLE — As people rush through their lives in the modern world, eating can begin to seem like just another task to accomplish, and with convenience often prioritized over healthfulness.

To help residents of the Illinois Valley choose more wisely and consider the significant link between eating and well-being, the University of Illinois Extension regularly offers free, nutritionally focused classes at a number of convenient locations, including at their purpose built community teaching kitchen in LaSalle.

Susan Glassman, a nutrition and wellness educator with the Extension for more than 16 years, has presented a multitude of these programs. They have covered a wide range of topics, from managing diabetes to managing holiday leftovers. The common ingredient is the focus on personal health. She’s also a frequent sight at local health fairs.

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“Since I can remember, I’ve always loved cooking and studying nutrition to help people live healthier lives,” Glassman said.

“In college, this led me from studying business to food and nutrition. My bachelor’s degree is in food and nutrition with a specialty in dietetics. I was then accepted into the Health Education and Administration graduate program at Southern Illinois University,” she said.

Glassman has since used her knowledge to build partnerships with local schools and community agencies. Part of the Nutrition and Wellness Team, she works in the Family and Consumer Sciences Team at the U of I College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences. They strive to bring research-based, unbiased educational information to individuals and organizations to encourage people to live healthier lives.

“I’ve been able to share my expertise and teach residents of Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall and Putnam counties to practice healthier lifestyles. I’m supported locally with our amazing staff, and statewide with our team of nine educators,” she said.

The team develops new classes and keeps materials updated so the most current resources can be shared with local communities.

Glassman said the Illinois Valley’s biggest nutritional challenges are its rates of obesity, diabetes and lack of exercise, all of which are statistically higher than state and national averages.

In addition to the helpful programs designed to reduce the prevalence of these conditions, other classes have addressed food safety, heart health, food preservation, cooking for one or two, soups,

p Susan Glassman (foreground) frequently holds nutritional classes at a variety of convenient sites throughout the Illinois Valley, including the one shown here at the Putnam County Community Center in Standard. u Susan Glassman always includes hands-on demonstrations and samples of her cooking suggestions to show those in attendance that healthy eating doesn’t need to be complicated or time consuming. slow cookers, nutrition labels, leftovers, prescription and food interactions, school nutrition, healthy holiday choices and youth classes.

“Some of my favorite classes include nutrition education and cooking together. I serve youths and adults and have found that when we cook together, it opens the door to sharing and learning from each other,” Glassman said.

Sampling the featured recipe ideas is always an anticipated and popular portion of Susan Glassman’s many nutritional classes.

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She frequently prepares food during the classes to demonstrate her methods. They also show her suggestions don’t require a more complicated and lengthy approach. Mindfulness, simplicity and creativity can coexist with tasty meals and result in a healthier lifestyle.

“It’s never too late to make a change, and one of the easiest ways to manage your health is through nutrition. Sometimes simply changing a few things can be the best medicine,” she’s said during a class.

Many members of her diabetes support group have developed both their cooking skills and knowledge of nutrition to successfully lose weight, reduce their blood sugar levels, and become more physically active and healthy.

To help improve health, Glassman recommends writing down what is eaten throughout the day.

“It will help you see your poor choices and then you can begin to develop healthier behaviors,” she said, recommending that people look for patterns including mealtimes.

Advising to layer proper nutri-

tion onto what has been advised by a doctor, Glassman recommends eating “nutrient dense” food, limiting portions, and avoiding carbohydrates, processed food and sugary foods.

She also suggests the use of spices and herbs to help replace the desire for sugary, salty and fatty foods. Using smaller plates is another easy suggestion.

What you drink during the day also makes a significant impact on your health, especially if an abundance of soda and other “sugar-packed” beverages are involved.

“Drinking plenty of water is the No. 1 thing you can do for improved health because it flushes toxins from your body,” said Glassman, recommending people drink eight 8-ounce glasses, or a half-gallon, of water per day and avoiding sodas and other sugary drinks.

“You must remember that, more than anyone else, you are in charge of your health,” she said.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about the U of I Extension’s Nutrition and Wellness programs, online videos and other resources,visitwww.web.extension.illinois. edu/state/nutrition.

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY GOLDIE RAPP FOR ILLINOIS VALLEY LIVING

PRINCETON — It’s been a year since former Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner signed the Industrial Hemp Act, which legalized the growth of hemp in the state.

This past spring, farmers from all over sought out licenses to grow the new crop. Among those was Eddie Diaz, who owns land in rural Princeton.

Diaz said he was eager to try something new. So, he and a business partner, who wishes to remain anonymous, started Illinois Valley Hemp LLC. Together, they invested between $70,000 and $80,000 and purchased 2,300 hemp plants that were planted on roughly two acres.

Their hope is the hemp can be used for premium smoking flower.

“This plant was used back in the day for so many things, and I feel we’ve done a bad job at the ecosystem nowadays,” Diaz said. “This is a big step towards changing that. The stuff that can be made with hemp — there’s so many things you can do with it.”

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Rachel Berry (left) talks about the condition of a hemp plant with farmer Eddie Diaz.

Juan Diaz, father of Eddie Diaz, helps his son with his first hemp crop.

Juan visits the crop nearly every day, playing a huge role in weed control.

t Hemp farmer Eddie Diaz poses amid some of the hemp plants growing in his field. q Rachel Berry (left), founder and CEO of Illinois Hemp Growers Association, speaks with hemp farmer Eddie Diaz (right).

Diaz’s land just happens to be next door to Rachel Berry, who advocated heavily for the Industrial Hemp Act. She is also the founder and CEO of Illinois Hemp Growers Association.

When she learned of her neighbor’s endeavor, the two quickly became acquainted, and Berry ended up offering a portion of her land for Diaz’s crop.

Diaz admits, planting the first crop was more labor intensive than he expected.

“You’re not on a tractor. You’re down there, digging a hole and setting the plant in there by hand,” he said. “It’s very labor intensive.”

But luckily, he has a lot of friends and family that have lent their help along the way, especially with weeding.

Diaz was able to get his first crop in the ground the first week

of July, which was a little later than he wanted, but the wet spring this year held up plans for planting.

Diaz admits he did lose a few plants here and there, while he watched other plants thrive. He said it’s been a learning curve figuring out the secrets of success.

“As a hemp farmer, you have to learn to go with the flow and not take your mistakes personally,” Berry said. “It’s a learning experience for everybody in the state right now.”

One great thing Diaz and his partner have discovered along the way is the huge online support from farmers around the state. They use Facebook to communicate with one another and take pictures when there are issues with the plants as they seek advice from others.

“The hemp community is very willing to help you. You can put a comment out there and people will always come back and say ‘try this’ or ‘try that,’” he said.

The biggest issue many have

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dealt with this year is over-watering the plants.

Berry said for the most part, it seems like farmers are experiencing the same issues at the same time, which is good.

Diaz is looking forward to October, which is when he plans to harvest his first crop. After that, it will already be time to plan for next year.

“Everyone who risked it this year, the gains for next year are going to be so much more,” he said.

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Women in Business play an important role in our community

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For more information go to princetonchamber-il.com i l l i n o i s

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Weekend Or a Lifetime

For a

Lake Thunderbird celebrates its 50th anniversary STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAVE COOK FOR ILLINOIS VALLEY LIVING

LAKE THUNDERBIRD — In 1969, the American Central Development Corp. established the recreational community based around the man-made lake known as Lake Thunderbird.

The developers also created similar communities such Oak Run near Galesburg and several others. The Putnam County area was growing quickly at the time with the addition of a large steel mill and the construction of

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Interstate 180 providing easy access to Interstate 80.

The 115-acre lake was created by the construction of a dam along Senachwine Creek, and the beautifully wooded valley soon provided roughly eight miles of shoreline for its new residents.

“It’s a very diverse group of people who live here, and it’s just a beautiful place,” Lake Thunderbird Association member Jill Hamann said.

“

It’s wonderful to be out there early in the morning when everything is quiet and still.

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Featuring 1,982 lots, Lake Thunderbird offers a variety of homes and options for residents, from beautiful waterfront homes to smaller sites tucked within the surrounding woods, as well as 83 camping sites.

Small, unbuildable lots are also available. These provide their owners with access to the many amenities enjoyed by association members at an affordable price.

A thoughtful balance of everyone’s needs and wants has been established in the community, which consists of roughly half of the members as full-time residents, and half who vacation there on holidays and weekends.

As an example, the lake allows boats that are 19 feet and under, with a limit of 100 horsepower, and pontoon boats 24 feet and

Lake Thunderbird Association members include Mary Dappen (from left), Audrey Kelly, Andy Merek, Sherry Monday, Jill Hamann, Bob Hamann and Barbara Gurrister. under, with a limit of 40 horsepower. However, many residents enjoy canoeing and kayaking, and the wakes from power boats

can lessen their enjoyment. To satisfy both groups of owners, the association established a “no wake� period from 7 to 10 a.m.

“It’s wonderful to be out there early in the morning when everything is quiet and still,� Hamann said.

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Lake Thunderbird offers a number of beautiful lakefront homes and a wide variety of recreational activities for members to enjoy.

Lake Thunderbird strives to make the lake enjoyable for all of its residents. To give kayakers a chance to enjoy their peaceful surroundings, there’s a “no wake” period on the lake from 7 until 10 a.m. each day. After 10 a.m., powerboat enthusiasts are welcome to begin skiing and tubing.

After 10 a.m., boaters can hit the throttle and enjoy water skiing, tubing or touring the lake.

Fishing is a major attraction at Lake Thunderbird, and the conservation-minded association encourages the practice of “catch and release.” The lake is stocked annually. Species within the waters include crappies, blue

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gill, walleye, stripers, flathead and channel catfish, smallmouth and largemouth bass, muskie and more.

Two years ago, the association spent about $500,000 to dredge the lake. This action removed 35,000 cubic yards of silt and resulted in the deepening of increasingly shallow areas and

also noticeably clarified the water.

“The lake is our pride and joy, and we work to keep it healthy,” member Bob Hamann said.

The area was developed in phases as membership in the association grew. According to members, one of the best decisions made in the early days was

the establishment of its own water district.

As with many areas, maintaining the community’s infrastructure provides a financial challenge, especially when the association’s covenant mandates the yearly administrative usage fee can never be more than $26 a year.

Fishing, from either a boat or lakeside, is one of the most popular activities Lake Thunderbird residents enjoy.

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There are a variety of homes and other lots available at Lake Thunderbird.

Association members said the area is roughly equal in the number who live at the lake year-round to those who vacation there on weekends and holidays.

Brenden Piacenti (from left) and Reid Jesse enjoyed angling near the recreational beach where their families were swimming and playing on the waterslide.

“Imagine trying to take care of all of this with just $26 a year from each member,” association member Andy Merek said.

To work around the well-intentioned and affordable mandate, the association had to be creative and establish a variety of other fees to fund the area. Their plan appears to be working because, despite the typical challenges, the community is well maintained and idyllic.

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“We have a great staff of seven full-time workers, and they do a wonderful job of helping us keep everything nice for our members,” member Barbara Gurrister said.

There’s a huge number of amenities at Lake Thunderbird. Residents can enjoy a well-appointed clubhouse, swimming in a heated pool, camping, canoe races, tennis, 5K races, disc golf, nature trails, a staffed beach area with a

The well-appointed clubhouse area offers a heated pool, tennis courts and more. Association members also enjoy nature walk trails, and they’re also in the process of building an 18-hole miniature golf course.

floating dock and water slide, a boat launch, picnic areas, fishing tournaments, fireworks displays, a newspaper and a variety of social activities. In addition, the association is working on the development of an 18-hole miniature golf course.

Members also spoke of men’s and women’s social clubs, wine and cheese tastings, murder mystery dinners, community garage sales, Kentucky Derby and

Super Bowl parties, a monthly food collection that benefits the Putnam County Food Pantry, a Toys for Tots drive at Christmas, fundraising for an animal shelter, the annual corn boil, daily water aerobics, tai chi, line dancing, Zumba classes and more.

The area also celebrates an annual Venetian Night, which features a festive water parade of decorated boats and docks, along with music at the beach.

u The famous Chairtree was a local landmark dating back to the time of the Native Americans who used it as a meeting place along their wooded trails. After the tree recently died, Lake Thunderbird residents wanted to honor and preserve this distinguished history, so they hired an artist to transform it into a sculpture.

Featuring a number of local wildlife species, the sculpture in Chairtree Park continues to be a popular landmark and attraction for visitors.

Lake Thunderbird also has a unique piece of history in Chairtree Park. The focal point of the park is a tree that was used by the Potawatomi and other Illinois tribes as a trail marker. For countless years, the uniquely shaped tree, made so by the native tribes, has fascinated curious visitors.

However, the tree’s fairly recent demise struck a blow to those familiar with its appeal and historical significance related to the famous Chief Senachwine.

To honor that significance and to maintain its appeal, a sculptor was tasked with carving the remains into a suitable tribute.

The twin trunks of the legendary tree now feature colorfully painted reliefs of a number of local animals.

Nature is the true appeal of Lake Thunderbird, and members described regularly seeing an abundance of local wildlife, including bald eagles soaring over the lake. They said the area appears underdeveloped in the way members enjoy.

“It’s a lake in the middle of the woods, what’s not to like?” Bob Hamann said.

FOR MORE INFORMATION about Lake Thunderbird, visit www.lakethunderbird. com.

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It’s Truly

‘Old School’ Allen School in LaMoille, the oldest active school in Illinois, celebrates its history with tours and a bell-ringing ceremony STORY AND PHOTOS BY DAVE COOK FOR ILLINOIS VALLEY LIVING

LAMOILLE — While many school districts in Illinois pursue new educational facilities at great expense, the people of LaMoille have instead conserved and embraced their historical building and its contents.

To honor this history which began in 1887, a bell-ringing ceremony was held in August at LaMoille’s Allen School, which is said to be the oldest active school building in the state.

The antique bell once again rang loud and clear throughout the village, as the day signaled the end of summer vacation for local children.

Tours and a history presentation accompanied the festivities, and numerous visitors were heard sharing memories of their own school days in the notable and remarkably well preserved building.

“What I love most about coming to the Allen Building every day is why it was built to begin with,” Principal Chawn Huffaker said.

Allen Junior High School was named after a 19th-century LaMoille farmer, Joseph Allen (18131887), who bequeathed the funds for construction.

The building was dedicated in August 1888 and is located at 301 N. Main St. in LaMoille.

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According to the district’s website, Allen was born in Massachusetts and moved to Bureau County in 1836. He lived west of Princeton, but soon relocated to a farm less than a mile north of LaMoille.

He began to work in his fields and, with help from his oxen, slowly became a prosperous farmer. Never married and with no children, he stipulated in his will that $35,000 be bequeathed to the village. He requested $25,000 be used to construct a school and the remaining $10,000 be set aside for the new building’s maintenance.

After his death in 1887, ground was acquired to form a town square, and several homes were moved to make room for the new school. It was built under the direction of T.H. Calwell of Ottawa, and it was dedicated to Joseph Allen on Aug. 30, 1888.

Classes began that fall, and for several years the school hosted eight grades, plus a three-year high school. In 1916, it became the LaMoille Community High School with a standard fouryear curriculum. In 1941, a new, much-needed gymnasium was built on the south end of the main An enclosed fire escape slide is shown on the east side of Allen School. building.

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The LaMoille School District held a bell ringing ceremony to honor Allen School’s history and to also signal the end of summer vacation for local children. Tours of the building and a display of various historical items were also offered during the event.

Joseph Allen is honored with a portrait that hangs in the halls of the school bearing his name.

Students sitting at these desks this year are part of the school’s 132nd year of providing an education to LaMoille’s children.

The brick building’s extensive interior wood work is beautifully preserved beneath a deep shine and gives each classroom a special warmth. Several old photos and many other items of memorabilia from the school’s storied past were on display during the event.

However, the most striking examples of how well preserved this school is were revealed by the opening of a locked door that led to the building’s attic and bell tower.

Huffaker provided this behindthe-scenes peek at a wonderful collection representing the entire history of the school. Gathered beneath the expansive rafters constructed from thick wooden beams are the children’s desks from every previous era.

Photos of every graduating class have been neatly stacked, protected and preserved beneath sheets. Huffaker then revealed each logbook and ledger school officials have filled over the many decades had also been safeguarded.

Nearby, there’s an antique brass telescope. While the body is still in good condition, its glass was unfortunately removed at some point. However, next to the telescope is an antique phonograph that, surprisingly, still works.

Resting on a low shelf in the phonograph is an antique orrery, an orbital model of the Earth, moon and sun.

Huffaker then pointed to a beam above this area to show graffiti students had left behind in 1950. While a school would never encourage this type of behavior, Huffaker admitted that at some point, it became another of the school’s historical attractions.

From that area, a narrow and steep staircase leads to an access hatch into the bell tower.

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The bell, made by the Buckeye Foundry of Cincinnati, is sounded by pulling a rope that can be seen extending straight down through the interior of the stairwell to the first floor. Surprisingly, a student in 1923 had managed to gain entrance into the tower to leave their personal mark “HVT 1923.”

“I think this was obviously made by a farm kid because it was done with galvanized paint,” Huffaker said.

Descending back down to the lower floors, and outside to the ceremony, a large crowd could be seen gathered in celebration beneath the shady trees. Superintendent Jay McCracken told the community in attendance they should be proud of the school’s extensive history and that he hoped to make the bell-ringing ceremony an annual tradition.

A student was chosen to lead the crowd in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, and the band performed the national anthem.

Local pastors shared their thoughts on the day, and a local historian provided an extensive history of the site.

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Students left their mark on an attic beam back in 1950, and the graffiti has since become one of the many historical features of the building.

The pictures of graduating classes have been safely stored and preserved beneath sheets in the attic of Allen School since 1888.

The extensive woodwork of LaMoille’s Allen School has been beautifully preserved for more than a century beneath a deep shine, and is one of the highlights of touring this historic building.

Soon after the weekend ceremony, LaMoille’s Allen School saw the beginning of its 132nd school year. The original focus of Mr. Allen hasn’t diminished over the years, and as the current staff moves through the 21st century, the commitment to educating LaMoille’s children remains unchanged.

“Mr. Allen believed in kids and what an education could do for them. He knew a school would galvanize the community and give them not only an identity, but a greater future. His foresight and the history behind it is what I truly love about being in LaMoille, as Mr. Allen and I share the same vision,” Huffaker said.

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LaMoille Principal Chawn Huffaker shows an antique victrola that still works despite many years in the school’s attic.

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The attic wasn’t part of the event’s tours, but it included an abundance of historical artifacts, including the desks from each era, complete ledgers and log books, and much more.

Principal Chawn Huffaker is shown flipping through one of the books from a school year held long ago.

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Lori Boekeloo poses for a photo with her umbrella cockatoo, Laila, who travels with her from home to the pet shop every day.

Tanks Boek-El-Zoo is all about the animal experience

u Mikaylah Graham, a volunteer at Tanks BoekEl-Zoo, handles a snake from the reptile room.

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STORY AND PHOTOS BY GOLDIE RAPP FOR ILLINOIS VALLEY LIVING

PRINCETON — Lori Boekeloo has always had a soft spot for animals. As a kid, she grew up in the country surrounded by farm animals, and when she went on to college, she worked in pet shops where she grew her passion and appreciation for the critters.

It was always a dream of hers to one day own her own pet shop. In January 2018, she turned that dream into reality when she took over Tanks pet shop in downtown Princeton.

The store, known today as Tanks Boek-El-Zoo, fosters a zoo experience where people are welcome to look around and not be pressured to buy anything.

“I have faith that sales will come as people walk through the door. I encourage interaction here,” she said. “I want to sell pets. I don’t want to sell animals.”

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Her business attracts people from miles away, including Peoria, Champaign, Bloomington and even the Chicago area.

Boekeloo said purchasing her own business was a huge leap.

“I kind of use the store as an excuse to get all the animals I never had at home,” she said with a laugh.

Boekeloo’s shop carries an unique assortment of species, including saltwater fish and hand-fed birds.

“I figure we need to be animal heavy, because I can’t compete product-wise with some of the big box stores,” she said. “We try to keep things you can’t find there.”

The only animals the store does not carry are cats and dogs, as Boekeloo is a huge advocate for local animal shelters.

Aside from animals, the shop also carries a variety of products including fish tanks, reptile supplies, feeders, corals, dog and cat supplies, companion birds and bulk food.

Clockwise from top left: • Nemo, the call duck at Tanks Boek-El-Zoo, is one of the main attractions that people enjoy stopping in to feed.

• Tanks Boek-El-Zoo carries a wide variety of fish species, including catfish.

• An iguana at Tanks appears in a reddish light.

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Boekeloo is big on education.

She enjoys hosting school and Scout groups who come to tour her pet shop and learn about the creatures she has.

There’s a learning center full of books in the back of the store where children are welcome to sit back and do research.

She has a unique policy for children who are interested in buying a pet. If they turn in a two-page report on the pet of their choice, they get 10 percent off.

“I feel like that prepares the child more for what they’re getting into,” she said.

A lot of children have taken advantage of this policy. A tack board in the learning center is full of reports written by kids eager to care for their first pet.

Boekeloo is adamant that it’s not all about selling animals to customers, but rather making a difference in the community.

Tanks Boek-El-Zoo is located at 628 S. Main St. Business hours are noon to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.

Lori Boekeloo took over Tanks pet shop in January 2018 and put a fun twist on the name of the store.

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TISKILWA — Peacefully nestled on top of a heavily wooded hill outside Tiskilwa, members of the Seed of Hope Farm have devoted their lives to helping those in need.

Inspired by the Catholic Worker Farms that began in the 1930s, Seed of Hope members Steve and Boo Graham, Jim and Meg Foxvog, and Mike and Helena Marfell are committed to the ideals of “sharing work, food, family and shelter” with each other,

Mike Marfell (from left), Boo and Steve Graham, and Jim Foxvog are shown outside the greenhouse they constructed with a grant from The Closet. The vegetables grown inside will help to provide food for a variety of people in the local community. and anyone else in need of those valuable blessings.

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The Grahams and Foxvogs first met each other at a similar farm in southeastern Ohio, and their children grew up together. Former members of nearby Plow Creek Farm, they moved to the Seed of Hope Farm after their home burned down in 2010.

Today, the farm’s members work their gardens to provide a variety of fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables for themselves, the weekly communal dinner held at the First United Methodist Church in Princeton, the residents of the Bureau County Senior Center and the Princeton Farmers’ Market.

While the group owns 36 acres located elsewhere in the area, the hilltop site is currently rented. A dream of the group is to own all of their land and be able to farm enough in order to sustainably operate.

Boo said donations to the group arrive from “the strangest of places.” They would also like to expand into baking and offering fresh eggs. Recently, they were awarded a grant from The Closet of Princeton, which the members used to construct a new greenhouse.

“We have a lack of land and the equipment needed to grow more food, but we’re hoping to receive a grant we can use to purchase a tractor,” Boo said.

One member from each family must work outside the farm in order to help cover necessary expenses. While this helps the operations continue, she added, it also limits how

Jim Foxvog (left) of Seed of Hope Farm, rural Tiskilwa, gives change to Teresa Schirmer (right) of Princeton, who bought a lemon pepper plant at the Princeton Farmers’ Market earlier this year.

Boo Graham checks the progress of some of the vegetables growing at Seed of Hope Farm. much time is available to work on the farm.

“It’s all about what each member has to contribute,” Boo said.

Jim does weekly ministering at the county jail, in addition to his other work on the farm, and this is one of the many places where people learn of the farm’s opportunities.

Boo said most people learn about the Seed of Hope Farm through word-of-mouth, and often through one of the many local churches.

She added that “visitors are special,” and that each one is unique. Some stay for the night and others for longer.

“Each person is an individual case, and that’s how we treat them. We learn what their needs are and then see what we can manage to offer them. They may provide special challenges, but they also have their own perspectives, talents and gifts they can share with us,” Boo said.

She shared a story of a visitor surprised by how the farm members ate dinner together as a family, and also prayed together before enjoying the meal for which they’d worked.

The visitor told Boo they hadn’t realized there were people who actually did things like that,

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Mike Marfell is pictured in the garden behind his home at Seed of Hope Farm in rural Tiskilwa. and that they’d thought that was just something from a bygone era.

“It was nice to be that for someone who’s never experienced it before,” she said of her communal family.

TO DONATE, OR FOR MORE INFORMATION, visit www. seedofhopefarm.org, their Facebook page or call 815-6464950.

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