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SUMMER 2018

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New director has long history with band Nail boutique joins skin care studio Dixon runners get a hometown shop

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SUMMER 2018

Publisher Don T. Bricker General Manager/Advertising Director Jennifer Heintzelman Editor Jeff Rogers Magazine Editors Lucas Pauley Rusty Schrader Page Design Lucas Pauley Published by Sauk Valley Media 3200 E. Lincolnway Sterling, IL 61081 815-625-3600 Articles and advertisements are the property of Sauk Valley Media. No portion of Dixon Living Magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher.

Ad content is not the responsibility of Sauk Valley Media. The information in this magazine is believed to be accurate; however, Sauk Valley Media cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. Sauk Valley Media cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this magazine.

Longtime municipal band member takes center stage

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More inside 5 Katie’s Skin Care Studio & Plum Nail Boutique

19 New leader at Shining Star Longtime local detective takes on executive director role at center

Downtown businesses share space, similar philosophies

9 Stone Bridge Running

23 Revive Boutique Business owner loves making her customers feel good

Business owner wants to be a resource for prospective runners

27 Dan Gascoigne helps campaign

13 Winifred Bird Author leads workshops on nature writing for local wordsmiths

Man builds barrels to hold beads given to children who have cancer

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Take care of YOURSELF

Kate Tobias (left) of Kate’s Skin Care Studio and Dana Ryan of Plum Nail Boutique share a space at 92 South Hennepin Ave.

Nail boutique joins skin care studio Story By Jessie Kern & Photos By Michael Krabbenhoeft For Dixon Living

Kate’s Skin Care Studio in downtown Dixon.

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hen it comes to their body of work, a pair of Dixon business owners share the same philosophy: to not only help customers feel more comfortable in their own skin, but healthier in it too.

Kate’s Skin Care Studio and Plum Nail Boutique each focus on different parts of the beauty experience – one’s about skin care and one’s about nail care – but the owners approach their work much the same way, each aiming to help their customers look good and feel good.

And they don’t have to go far to share beauty tips; they’re in the same space.

Continued on page 7

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Product sits on display at Kate’s Skin Care Studio.

Continued from page 5

Kate Tobias, 44, of Dixon, opened Kate’s Skin Care Studio at 92 S. Hennepin Ave. 2 years ago and Dana Ryan, 42, joined her in March, opening Plum Nail Boutique.

Tobias focuses on skin treatment, customized facials and eyebrow work, while Ryan uses nontoxic polishes and focuses on all-natural nail care for her manicures and pedicures. She makes her own scrubs, butters, cuticle and massage oils and soaks in her Plum Spa Apothecary, using organic oils and other natural products.

“It’s a cleaner, it’s a healthier beauty experience,” Ryan said.“It’s more mindful about what you’re putting on your body.”

Neither woman pushes their products on their customers. “People really do appreciate that

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Plum Nail Boutique is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, and by appointment. Call 815-590-0215 or find it on Facebook.

Kate’s Skin Care Studio is open by appointment. Call 773-936-1596 or find it on Facebook. we’re not pushy, about anything really,” Ryan said. “We trust what we do is at such a good level that they’re going to come back in, and that’s what we want.”

Both women strive to go beyond traditional customer service, encouraging their clients to not just treat themselves, but to take care of themselves.

“It’s really like a relationship,” Tobias said.

“You get to know your clients and think of them more as friends than clients.”

Ryan agrees. Because their work is so clientfocused, sometimes it feels more like hanging out with girlfriends, she said. “I’m just so blessed that this is my job.”

Tobias feels the same way.

“Sometimes I’m at work and I think, ‘I can’t believe this is my job.’” s

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Dixon native Grace Crowe, 34, turned her love of running into a business, and opened Stone Bridge Running on May 15 at 107 S. Hennepin Ave.

Run in by the river Store for runners opens on South Hennepin Story By Jessie Kern & Photos By Alex T. Paschal For Dixon Living

M

Stone Bridge offers gear in brands such as 361 Degrees, Altra, and Topo, including compression socks, recovery sandals, hydration packs, polarized sunglasses, gym bags, specially designed dog leashes – and, of course, shoes, shoes, shoes.

ost business owners are happy enough if they can keep their business running, but a Dixon shop owner likes to keep her customers running, too.

Owner Grace Crowe is the owner behind the store that caters to a fast-paced crowd: Stone Bridge Running, at 107 S. Hennepin Ave. The store offers gear for running enthusiasts, both the casual and the serious, in brands such as 361 Degrees, Altra, and Topo. Shoes, compression socks, recovery sandals, hydration packs, polarized sunglasses, gym bags, and specially designed dog leashes are either on the shelves or will be soon, Crowe said.

Continued on page 11

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In addition to shoes and other running gear, the shop also sells polarized sunglasses.

Continued from page 9

Crowe open the store to both fill a need – other running supply stores are at least an hour away – and because there is a strong running community here, a community she proudly counts herself among. Plus, she’s always wanted to run a business.

“I love the running community. I think the camaraderie is amazing, and so I wanted to bring that to the area.”

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“That’s really what we tapped into – that local was what we wanted to do,” Crowe said.

Running can be intimidating for beginners, and Crowe, 34, a member of Yeti Trail and Ultra Runners in Dixon, wants to be a resource to answer their questions and help them figure out what gear they need.

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In fact, the shop will cater to and encourage runners of all skill levels – even walkers.

There are a lot of great places in the area to run and enjoy nature, the 2002 Dixon High grad said.

“To get out and experience our nature that’s around us, I think it’s important.” s

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WORDS by which to walk

Author leads workshop on writing about nature at Franklin Creek

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Story By Lucinda Hall & Photos By Breanne N. Hunter For Dixon Living

inifred Bird shared a gentle, yet powerful, message on a warm Saturday morning at the Franklin Creek State Natural Area on the edge of Franklin Grove.

“Nature is so content and makes its own rules – untroubled and adaptive.”

Bird, 38, was there hosting a nature writing workshop that took participants on an adventure to reflect and write about the physical and inspirational messages the earth has to offer. The petite writer, expecting her first child in July, is hopeful that people will become more aware of what is beyond their human communities by understanding the importance and magic of nature.

As an accomplished journalist and translator, she now resides in Oregon after a decade of living in Japan. She has written on topics ranging from wildlife and agriculture to nuclear disaster and environmental issues for national and international publications.

Continued on page 15

TOP: The women went on a hike into the woods to let nature inspire them. ABOVE: Kate Gross of Franklin Grove nestled on the creek bed for the writing exercise. Gazing at the sunlight beaming through the trees above her, she waited for inspiration to strike.

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Continued from page 13

Bird began the interactive workshop by having the group of five women read aloud from the “A Sand County Almanac,” written by Aldo Leopold in 1949. He is credited as one of the first ecologists of the conservation movement.

A second reading by poet and environmentalist Gary Snyder set the tone for a discussion of the emotions spring elicits. The group was then encouraged to write about and share their personal connection with spring as an annual rebirth of nature.

After a hike into the thriving forest, under a canopy of trees and a carpet of vegetation, the women sought solitude to write about their surroundings. Some chose a seat on a rocky cliff along a meandering stream, another at the edge of a pond, green with algae. The only sounds came from the rustling of leaves, streaming creek, scurrying of small animals in the undergrowth, insects and the flight and songs of birds.

“When you’re not talking, you become more aware of nature,” Bird said. “Essential to writing is being able to focus and be in that moment. It is an opportunity to let go of being judgmental of yourself and getting in the right zone.”

Online

Go to winifredbird.com for more information on Winifred Bird.

The event was presented by Franklin Creek Conservation Association. Go to franklincreekconservation.org or find it on Facebook for more information.

The women regrouped appearing somewhat changed by the experience.

Nancy Wadsworth, who lives in rural Dixon, defines herself as a free spirit. She had never participated in a writing workshop but wanted to take advantage of a beautiful day in a new way. She came away feeling rewarded by the experience.

“Writing about nature is really off my radar,” she admitted. “But the whole experience led me to think about creation in a new way.”

Another participant, Kate Gross of Franklin Grove, had a particularly interesting reaction.

“I felt like my feet were rejoicing on the trail.

Singing praise to the ground below,” she said.

“Nature is so reassuring and brings balance to our lives.”

For Bird, she accomplished her two-fold mission of encouraging a greater respect for nature and appreciating writing as a way to interpret a person’s physical surroundings.

Moreover, she has an impressive resume beyond her work for conservation causes.

As a skilled translator, she is proficient in Japanese-to-English translations. Initially, she concentrated on translating academic texts, but has added translating fantasy fiction as an additional outlet for her skill.

Bird also volunteers for Project Vital at Sauk Valley Community College – a program focused on adult literacy and mastering the English language. Her empathy for students resulted from her own experiences in Japan when she arrived knowing little Japanese. She had an important need to learn the language quickly so that she could integrate and communicate more effectively during her stay in the country.

A skilled journalist, she has an appreciation for writing based on facts and research, avoiding political or activist bias. Going forward, she is looking forward to writing essays that will allow her to take more reflective and personal positions to advance environmental causes about which she is passionate.

Bird aspires to share the joyfulness of nature with others and an understanding of the partnership people share with the earth.

“We need to take care of the earth so it can take care of us.” s

Oregon-based environmental journalist Winifred Bird discusses a writing sample from famed environmental poet Gary Snyder during a free writing workshop on May 26 at Franklin Creek State Natural Area. She guided participants through several writing exercises and reviewed work from various great nature writers of the past.

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Directly from

DIXON New director Mark Dempsey leads the Dixon Municipal Band on June 7 at its first concert of the season.

New director never dreamed he’d be leading the band Story By Lucinda Hall & Photos By Peter Balser For Dixon Living

M

ark Dempsey, 35, has a whole new view of the Dixon Municipal Band.

After nearly 2 decades of playing in the band, he is now the new director, facing the musicians with his baton in hand.

“The band has been such a big part of my life, and I never dreamed I would someday be the director,” he said.

Mark Bressler, director of the band until 2017, first approached Dempsey with the idea several years ago. Knowing he was going to eventually retire, Bressler wanted to leave the band in good hands.

“It was humbling, but it really meant a lot that he wanted me to succeed him,” Dempsey said.

It has been an interesting and rewarding journey for Dempsey, a Dixon native and music graduate from Bradley University in Peoria. He is also looking forward to beginning a new teaching career this fall as the band and

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FOR MORE INFORMATION

Go to dixonmunicipalband.com or find the band on Facebook for more information and a complete schedule of the band’s remaining concerts. choir director for the Ashton-Franklin Center School District for grades five through 12.

He started playing the trombone in fifth grade and never looked back. By the time he was in high school, he was already playing in the Dixon Municipal Band.

And he’s not the only one. It’s in his DNA. His three siblings have also played in the band and his wife, Jessica, plays the baritone saxophone. The Dempseys are hopeful their daughter, Alorya, 5, will share their love of music.

His favorite “happy place”? Where else? The Page Park bandshell on the shore of the Rock River for Thursday evening concerts in the summer.

“The atmosphere of being outside, performing for all our listeners in whatever weather we have is just amazing to me,” he said. “There are times I wish I could be sitting in a chair, relaxing and listening to the band. Looking out after our first song and just seeing all the support we have, from younger kids to older adults, is just an awesome sight to see.”

As director, Dempsey is also the architect of each concert. He focuses on finding the right balance for each concert for both the audience and the band members. He is grateful for the support of music librarian Ruth Johnson, who is charged with finding and providing music for each performance – up to 500 pages per concert. Johnson also plays horn in the band.

Band members gather for rehearsals the Monday before each concert, tasked with learning nine to ten new pieces each week. A typical season will include 80 to 100 pieces of music.

“The next week, we start all over again,” Dempsey said with a smile.

“You don’t want to make it too difficult, but you also want to challenge the band,” he said.

“You want to make certain to include music the listeners are familiar with, but also expand their knowledge of music they may not have heard before.”

Members range from high school students to retired teachers and community members.

“Anytime I have a high school student tell me they are having a great time and thank me for inviting them to play, it makes me happy to have given them these opportunities,” Dempsey reflected.

Dempsey is very cognizant of the band’s role in the community and the need to reach out to the city and the community to assure funds are available to support the future of the band.

Fundraising will also be a key focus for the new director.

“We are servants of the city, but we need the community’s help,” he said. “City funding for the band has been reduced, so we are actively looking for alternative, additional funding to make certain we can continue.

We’re willing to step up to make certain the band continues and we’re interested in building lasting community partnerships to help us achieve that. It’s an investment in the community.”

Dempsey believes he has a good team in place to help the band navigate the future challenges.

Band announcer Don Johnson has been instrumental in heading up fundraising initiatives. Those efforts have included sponsorships available for businesses and individuals, as well as fundraisers. The band members also self-funded concert shirts this year with support from Nancy Burnett, who designed the logo and coordinated the

shirt purchase. Her brother, Don Burnett, supports the public relations and marketing efforts of the band. The team is rounded out by band manager Cathy James, who not only handles the accounting, but is the lead clarinetist. As its historian, James Higby has documented the band’s history from its start in the 1850s.

Not surprising, Dempsey has a broad and diverse appreciation for music of all types.

“I always love the patriotic concert on the Dixon Courthouse lawn,” he said. “That is always our best attended concert and the music is just so much fun to play.”

His tastes in concerts, though, couldn’t be more diverse.

“Beethoven is my favorite composer of classical music, but I am pretty open to all kinds of music,” he said. “My favorite two concerts were the Chicago Symphony Orchestra’s performance of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. The other was seeing Metallica perform at the Iowa Speedway!” s

A crowd gathers in preparation for the band’s first concert.

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Jessica Friday (right), a former Dixon police detective, recently took over as executive director for Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center, a role Shelly Brantley has held the past 6 years.

Both women drew high praise from those who know them.

Shining Star steps in Former Dixon detective takes over children’s advocacy center

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Story By Kathleen Schultz & Photos By Alex T. Paschal For Dixon Living

hen children have been hurt in unspeakable ways, you want to be assured that the people caring for them have compassion and experience, in equal measure.

In that regard, Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center has been fortunate.

Shelly Brantley, executive director of the center for 6 years, has stepped down.

After 20 years of advocating for physically and sexually abused women and children – Brantley was director of crisis services for the YWCA of the Sauk Valley, managing the domestic violence and sexual assault programs for 14 years before Shining Star – the 44-yearold will be taking the summer to spend with her two children, ages 8 and 9, then she and

ABOUT SHINING STAR Established in 2002, Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center’s multidisciplinary team interviews, assesses and provides individualized counseling, treatment and follow-through for victims of physical and sexual abuse, and their families.

If you know of or suspect such abuse, you can call the center’s hotline at 800-252-2873.

Shining Star also provides presentations and professional training to businesses, civic groups and organizations, and the center, in Commerce Towers in downtown Dixon, is available for guided group tours, by appointment.

Find it on Facebook, go to shiningstarcac.com or call 815-284-1891 to donate, or to learn more. her husband, Chris, plan to open a coffee shop in Dixon sometime in the fall. Her last day was June 29.

Her replacement comes with an impressive background of her own.

Jessica Friday, who stepped down as a Dixon Police Department detective to take on this new role, took over as executive director July 2.

Continued on page 21

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DOUGLAS & FRYE MOTORCYCLE ENG. 1902 NORTH LOCUST | STERLING, IL 815-625-4426 VISIT POLARIS.COM FOR MORE OFFERS *Offers vary by model. Rebate and finance offers valid on select 2014-2019 new and unregistered models purchased between 7/1/18-7/24/18.

See your authorized dealer for complete details. **Rates as low as 2.99% APR rate: $29.08 per $1,000 financed; and with a 60-month term at a 5.99% APR rate: $19.33 per $1,000 financed. An example of a monthly payment with $0 down, no rebate, an APR of 2.99% APR for 36 months of a MSRP of $12,299 is $357.62/mo total cost of borrowing of $575.16 with a total obligation of $12,874.16. Down payment may be required. Other financing offers may be available. See your local dealer for details. Minimum Amount Financed $1,500; Maximum Amount Financed $50,000. Other qualifications and restrictions may apply. Financing promotions void where prohibited. Tax, title, license, and registration are separate and may not be financed. Promotion may be modified or discontinued without a notice at any time in Polaris’ sole discretion. WARNING: Polaris off-road vehicles can be hazardous to operate and are not intended for on-road use. Driver must be at least 16 years old with a valid driver’s license to operate. Passengers, if permitted, must be at least 12 years old. All riders should always wear helmets, eye protection, and protective clothing. Always use seat belts and cab nets or doors (as equipped). Never engage in stunt driving, and avoid excessive speeds and sharp turns. Riding and alcohol/drugs don’t mix. All riders should take a safety training course. Call 800-342-3764 for additional information. Check local laws before riding on trails. 2018 Polaris Industries Inc.

Jessica Friday a former Dixon police detective, took over July 2 as executive director for Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center.

Continued from page 19

Friday, 35, was on the force 12 years, the last 10 1/2 primarily handling investigations of crimes against children – which is how she became so familiar with, and passionate about, Shining Star, its mission and its impact on the community, she said.

She also has been on Shining Star’s board for more than 2 years, and so has become as well-

versed in the nonprofit’s budget, programs and operations.

Her focus will be on expanding the services the center offers, reaching out to the community and fundraising, she said.

The former Jessica Baker and her husband, retired police officer Trenton Friday, have two children, ages 9 and 13.

“Working in the field to fight child abuse is incredibly taxing on all team members,”

We invite you to stop by and enjoy a multi-level shopping experience

Lee County State’s Attorney Matt Klahn said in a letter to Sauk Valley Media announcing changes.

“Shelly has always been the glue that kept us together, focused, and moving forward.”

Klahn also had high praise for Friday.

“Jessica is one of the most respected law enforcement officers in the Sauk Valley area.

Her dedication to the fight against child abuse is second to none,” he wrote. s

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the knowledge you need the service you deserve

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Serving Lee, Whiteside, Carroll, Bureau and Ogle Counties L to R Katie Leffelman--Trust Assistant, Amanda Walter--Assistant Trust Officer, Sara Wittenauer--Trust Assistant, Cathy Lauer--Senior Trust Officer

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Advance EMS of Dixon, Inc. began in 1983 with one ambulance and five employees.

To date, they have five ambulances and 25 employees. Advance EMS of Dixon, Inc. provides advanced life support not just to Dixon but also the surrounding communities.

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REVIVE A fashion revival: Sterling woman is dressed for success at Dixon women’s clothing shop

A

Sterling woman has revived her passion for fashion, and she’s doing it at her own women’s clothing store.

Jamie Shierry, 30, opened Revive Boutique in November. The store sells clothing from tops to bottoms, as well as footwear and accessories.

A self-proclaimed lover of fashion, Shierry has worked in the retail business for the past 10 years, honing her craft and sharing her love for fashion.

“I love shopping, clothing and dressing people,” she said, “ It makes me feel good to help others feel and look good.”

Shierry has made her life about fashion, and after leaving the retail world, it wasn’t long before she jumped back in, this time as a business owner.

and thrive

Story By Gavin T. Jensen & Photos By Alex T. Paschal For Dixon Living Before opening Revive Boutique, self-proclaimed lover of fashion Jamie Shierry worked in the retail business for 10 years, honing her craft and sharing her love for fashion. “I love shopping, clothing and dressing people,” she said. It makes me feel good to help others feel and look good.”

Continued on page 25

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Daily Specials

Trivia Night Every Wednesday at 7:30 Prizes awarded to the winning teams 87 S. Galena Ave., Dixon • 815-288-9329 thestablesbar.dixon@gmail.com

Salesperson Taylar James displays some of the outfits available at Revive.

Continued from page 23

“I just couldn’t get away from the fashion world,” she said.

Early last year, Shierry decided to open up a shop, and location was important.

“I think this is a great location for a business,” she said. “I want to help grow the thriving, east side of Dixon.”

In addition to her retail storefront, Shierry’s also embraced social media and online shopping. Customers can check out new arrivals and order merchandise on her Facebook page and the store’s website, and she’s created a First

REVIVE BOUTIQUE

Address: 116 E. First St., Dixon, Contact: 815-590-1493, info@revive-815.com Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 10 to 7 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday and Monday.

Online: revive815.com, and find Revive Boutique and Revive: First Dibs on Facebook Dibs Facebook group, where members get first whack at checking out and ordering new arrivals.

Shierry said a key part of the business was

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the inspiration for it all – herself.

“This store is me, from the product, to service and the storefront, I’m reviving myself through my business.” s

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79 S. Hennepin Avenue, Dixon • 815.288.1119 Serenity patient Rosemarie’s smile lit up the room.

Her passions were her children, cooking and gardening.

Serenity helped Rosemarie and her family put the focus back on living! *Volunteer Opportunities *Resources for families *Serving you at home or in our beautiful home.

Learn more at our Dixon office M-F 9:00-4:30 101 W. 1st St.

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Whiteside County Fair

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Wednesday August 15

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Summoning up some Courage

Dixon man rolls out the barrels to help young cancer patients Story By Gavin T. Jensen & Photos By Alex T. Paschal For Dixon Living

T

he smell of smoke filled Dan Gascoigne’s garage as he stippled the side of a small barrel with his wood burner.

“This is the first time a box is going to someone that I know,” Gascoigne said.

At the request of a family friend, the 67-year-old retired carpenter was making another barrel for Beads of Courage, a nonprofit support program for children being treated for cancer.

The program lets children choose a bright-colored bead every time they are treated, or hit a treatment milestone.

Each color is significant – white for a round of chemotherapy, yellow for an admission to the hospital, silver for a blood draw, brown for hair loss, even glow in the dark for radiation treatment. A child can accumulate hundreds, even thousands, before treatment is over.

And they need a special place to keep those keepsakes.

That’s where Gascoigne and his handmade barrels comes in.

Continued on page 29

Dan Gascoigne of Dixon talks about the process in which he builds wooden barrels for the Beads of Courage campaign.

LEARN MORE ONLINE

According to its website, “Beads of Courage helps more than 60,000 children in eight countries record, tell and own their stories, using colorful beads as meaningful symbols of courage and hope along their treatment journey.”

Find it on Facebook or go to beadsofcourage.org for more information on the program, or to donate or buy products that support the program.

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Continued from page 27

Izzy Doyle, now 2, was diagnosed with leukemia at 15 months.

She has accumulated her fair share of beads while undergoing treatment at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, where Gascoigne sends his barrels.

Izzy’s barrel is made of red oak, hand-turned on a wood lathe, dyed a leathery shade of brown and sealed with lacquer. The inside is waxed to seal in the odor from the finishing methods, the outside is decorated with handburned bands and hearts.

Four years ago, the Chicago Woodturners Club was looking for volunteers to make the barrels, and Gascoigne jumped at the opportunity.

His first barrels were small, and meant for two patients. When he was asked to build more, he discovered that one patient had to use two because of the sheer amount of beads she had accumulated.

Using a wood burner with a ball tip, Gascoigne stipples bands into the barrel. He also uses this technique to add patterns to the lid.

Continued on page 29

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Gascoigne uses a bird’s-mouth bit to angle off a bit of wood from each stave before joining them in a concentric pattern.

He then glues and clamps them together before the barrel goes to the lathe to be smoothed out.

Continued from page 29

“So I made them bigger,” Gascoigne said.

Monday, he had a dozen barrels-in-progress lying around his garage, all in different stages. It

takes a couple hours to complete one, he said.

Inside each barrel is a list explaining what Beads of Courage are, and what each means.

Gascoigne’s finishing touch is a hand-written note to each child who will get his barrel.

JAMES O. HEY, JR. D.D.S.

“Helping bring new life into this world is a pretty amazing feeling. Everyone here works togetherr to make every mother’s experience the bestt it an. As an can be, because that sticks with a woma obstetrics nurse, living and working here means sometimes mothers stop me out in the communitty and remember I was there at their bab by’s birth.

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It’s FINALLY Grilling Season!

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“It’s my signature style.”

When the Woodturners Club calls for more barrels, he’ll head right back to the garage and start the process all over again.

“I do it because the kids need it.” s

Tim & Patty Oliver

Our meat department sells ONLY THE HIGHEST QUALITY of MEAT.

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We invite you to stop in, if you haven’t already, and try our meat. Please come and discover the value of quality meat!

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