ILLINOIS VALLEY
Boomers TODAY December 2025
A Winter Wonderland • Snow blowers to the rescue • Beat the winter blues • A look at Nellie Roberts Curiosity Shop • Hot roll recipes for a cold day
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2 December 2025 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
Contents
Boomers Today 426 Second Street La Salle, Illinois 61301 (815) 223-3200 (800) 892-6452 www.newstrib.com
Be Shovel-ready This Winter 4
General Manager/ Advertising Director Jeanette Smith jmsmith@shawmedia.com
Snow blowers can help safely keep driveways clear.
Beat the Seasonal Blues 7
Staying active and engaged can help you make it through the long winter.
Niche Editor Shannon Serpette sserpette@shawmedia.com Writers Katlyn Sanden Shannon Serpette
Nellie Roberts Curiosity Shop 10
Photographers Katlyn Sanden Shannon Serpette
A one-stop antique shop.
Designer Liz Klein
On A Roll 14
Make your kitchen feel warm and cozy.
On the cover: Snow covers the bridge behind Starved Rock Lodge. PHOTO BY SCOTT ANDERSON
Published by: est. 1851
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A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | December 2025 3
Be Shovel-ready This Winter Snow blowers can help safely keep driveways clear Story and photos by Shannon Serpette
W
hile some people may love the sight of a beautiful snowfall, others dread it because it means they’ll soon be outside trying to remove the snow from their driveways and sidewalks. For seniors who can afford it, hiring someone to help with snow removal is an attractive option. Those on a tighter budget, however, or who take pride in doing the work themselves, can invest once in a high-quality snow blower to see them through each winter, provided they are healthy enough to do the snow removal. Choosing a snow blower is no easy task, as there are many models available. You’ll have to make decisions such as whether you want a gas- or battery-powered snow blower, what clearing width would be suitable for your driveway size, how much maintenance you’re willing to do on your equipment, and more. You’ll also need to decide if you want a single-stage snow blower or one with multiple stages. Joel Smith of Smith’s Sales and Service in Peru says there is no universally “right” snow blower for everyone – which one would work best for each household depends on a number of factors. Having an assortment of snow blowers to choose from can help you compare features and find the one that’s right for you. “We sell a wide array of snow blowers,” Joel said. The staff at Smith’s Sales and Service can help answer questions about snow blowers and steer customers toward one that is best suited for their needs. For example, a battery-powered snow blower would be a good choice for someone who wants one that is easy to use and requires very little maintenance, Joel said. They won’t have to add gas or do tune-ups, saving time and frustration for people who don’t consider themselves handy. On the other hand, Joel said, the run time of a battery-powered snow blower will be limited compared to a gas model. If your battery dies, you’ll need to wait for it to recharge before you can resume clearing snow. But this isn’t a reason to avoid battery-powered snow blowers, if that’s the type you’re leaning to-
4 December 2025 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
Smith’s Sales and Service is stocked with snow blowers to keep your driveway clear this winter. Choosing the right snow blower for your needs can be tricky because you’ll have to consider several factors. The experts at Smith’s Sales and Service can help pinpoint which model might be best for your circumstances, and they also have a sign in their store to help shoppers narrow it down.
ward, because you can buy extra batteries to have charged and ready to go if the first one drains, Joel said. Whether you have a lot of drifting in your driveway is also a consideration when deciding which snow blower to buy, Joel said. Those who are worried they don’t have the upper body strength to operate a snow blower might be surprised at how maneuverable some models are. “Most of them are self-propelled to a certain extent,” Joel said. Tom Smith of Smith’s Sales and Service said that self-propelled units will keep up with your pace. “It can go faster than expected on hills,” he added.
Those who aren’t sure they want a full-fledged snow blower but would like more performance than an ordinary shovel offers might want to consider buying a power shovel. Power shovels don’t offer as much performance as snow blowers, but they are more affordable. They are also lightweight, convenient, and easy to operate. “It’s an alternative,” Joel said. If you’re looking for a power shovel or snow blower this winter and aren’t sure which option would be best suited for you, the staff at Smith’s Sales and Service will be happy to help you learn more, Joel said.
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | December 2025 5
6 December 2025 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
Beat the Seasonal Blues Staying active and engaged can help you make it through the long winter Story by Shannon Serpette Getting through the winter is no easy feat for those who struggle with the seasonal blues. The dark days of winter can affect your energy levels and mood. Experts routinely recommend exercise to lift your spirits when you’re feeling depressed, but it can be tricky to find places to stay active when the weather outside is cold and snowy. Staying social and learning something new can also help beat back those winter blues. If you’re looking for places to visit in LaSalle County that will help improve your mood this winter, here are some recommendations. This is just a few of the places you may want to check out this winter – you’ll find many other spots not on this list because every city in LaSalle County has its own gems. THE WESTCLOX MUSEUM Westclox was founded in Peru and operated for almost a century there. The Westclox Museum, housed in a part of the Westclox building, pays tribute to the company’s impact on the Illinois Valley and the country as a whole. See BLUES page 8
A 90-foot frozen ice column waterfall formed in Wildcat Canyon on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2025 in Starved Rock State Park. Ice climbers were scaling the enormous frozen waterfall. PHOTO BY SCOTT ANDERSON
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | December 2025 7
Blues
winter blues. Both Starved Rock and Matthiessen offer natural beauty, plenty of opportunities for exercise, and a great chance to socialize with other nature lovers. “I have gone to Starved Rock many times, and in the winter months, it is absolutely fascinating to go eagle watching,” Loch said.
FROM PAGE 7
Peru Mayor Ken Kolowski recommends a trip to the Westclox Museum for those looking to keep their minds active during the colder months. He said it’s worth the stop, even if you’ve been there before, because you can always learn something new. “It’s really an amazing place. Every time I go there, I see something different. A lot of people don’t know how important Westclox was to the efforts of the war. At one point, they were making detonators and bomb fuses,” Kolowski said. THE PERU MALL On the days you don’t want to battle the elements just to get some physical activity, the Peru Mall can be a lifesaver. By walking around the mall, you can beat the cold and reach your daily step goal. Plus, you’ll have a chance to socialize and indulge in some retail therapy. Laura Loch of Peru enjoys going to the Peru Mall, espe-
PHOTO BY SCOTT ANDERSON
The Westclox Museum offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into local and national history. cially because of the AMC theater there. “It’s been remodeled with very comfy seats, so it’s a great place to go to, especially in the winter months,” Loch said. BAKER LAKE PARK When the temperatures rise just enough to help you brave the weather for outdoor activities, Baker Lake Park is a good stop. It
allows you to take an easy stroll around the walking path while enjoying the beautiful scenery. For those who want to do something a little more physically challenging, there is also a disc golf course. STARVED ROCK AND MATTHIESSEN STATE PARKS Seeing the overwhelming beauty of nature can be a great way to combat the
The main entrance to Starved Rock State Park off of Route 178 near Utica looks like a winter wonderland. PHOTO BY SCOTT ANDERSON
8 December 2025 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
ILLINOIS VALLEY YMCA Getting a membership at the Illinois Valley YMCA can be a great investment in your overall physical and mental health and is another one of Kolowski’s recommendations for staying active during the winter. “Our YMCA always has activities year-round,” Kolowski said. Whether you find motivation through a group exercise class, consulting a personal trainer, or exercising on your own, the YMCA has plenty of options to keep you moving and thriving through the colder months. With several sports, like pickleball and basketball, to choose from and a pool for aquatic activities, you’ll have enough variety to avoid exercise boredom.
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www.mazelumber.com Water Street, Peru (815) 223-1742 A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | December 2025 9
Nellie Roberts Curiosity Shop, a one-stop antique shop Story & Photos by Katlyn Sanden
H
istory comes alive at Nellie Roberts Curiosity Shop in Princeton. This one-of-a-kind antique mall offers hard-to-find treasures from almost every major time period in history. The shop’s repertoire includes books, primitive stuff, Victorian items, dolls, mid-century modern pieces, vintage toys, automobile paraphernalia, oil cans, signs, vintage jewelry, costume jewelry, clay pottery, crockery, and much more. Owners Maggie and Mark Williams said when you find a treasure in their shop, you are getting so much more than just an item – you’re getting a real piece of history and a story. “A lot of the excitement is about the history with us,” said Mark. “We’ve been collecting for a long time, and it isn’t in the monetary value – it’s the historical value. We have china that was imported from See SHOP page 12
h
Even though their shop features several antique vendors, Maggie and Mark Williams are picky about who and what they allow so they can create a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.
10 December 2025 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
Maggie and Mark Williams opened Nellie Roberts Curiosity Shop on January 1, 2024.
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | December 2025 11
Shop
FROM PAGE 10
England to St. Louis, sold to people on their trips west. People would come out on wagon trains and buy things, and you think about that being in families for hundreds of years, and we have some of that.” The couple bought the property where the shop currently sits in 1993. Except then, it was a dry cleaner, which they also operated. They knew the building would transition nicely into an antique shop for their retirement years. “Both Mark and I grew up in families that enjoyed antiques and history,” Maggie said. “The night we met, we knew we were a match made in heaven because we talked history and antiques all night long. That’s always been a part of our relationship. That’s what we do. We go to historic sites, museums, reenactments.” Even the name they chose for their shop is a historical one. “Mark is a major Charles Dickens fan, and he wrote a book in the 1840s called ‘The Old Curiosity Shop,’ which in that time meant antique shop,” said Maggie. “The main character is named Nell. That’s how it evolved, but there’s a more regional connection. A lot of people don’t know Charles Dickens had a brother who lived in Amboy. When he was on his American tour, he did come up and visit his brother.” Whether you’re looking for that missing piece for your collection or looking for home décor that tells a real story, Nellie Roberts Curiosity Shop, located at 625 N. Main Street in Princeton, might have what you’re looking for.
“The night we met, we knew we were a match made in heaven because we talked history and antiques all night long. That’s always been a part of our relationship. That’s what we do. We go to historic sites, museums, reenactments.” Maggie Williams
In addition to antiques, they also offer old-fashioned candy, licorice, bubble gum, coffee, and teas.
12 December 2025 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
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By Shannon Serpette During the winter months, a pan of rolls hot out of the oven can almost make you forget how cold it is outside. Whether it’s a basic white roll or something with a little more pizzazz, the scent will fill your house, and the baking time will make your kitchen feel warm and cozy. Here are some recipes to try the next time you have a craving for a toasty roll.
Honey-Topped Rolls
INGREDIENTS 2 packages of active dry yeast 2 cups warm water 1/3 cup sugar 1/3 cup butter 2 and 1/2 teaspoon salt 2/3 cup nonfat dry milk 5 to 6 cups flour 1 egg Topping Ingredients 1/2 cup honey 1/3 cup granulated sugar 3 tablespoons butter 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
INGREDIENTS 2 packages active dry yeast
DIRECTIONS
In a large mixing bowl, combine yeast and water using an electric mixer. Allow it to rest for 5 minutes. Add the sugar, butter, salt, dry milk, 2 cups of flour, and egg. Beat until smooth. Add 3 and 1/2 cups of flour in stages, using 1 cup at a time, then beat it in. Put the dough on a floured surface and knead until smooth. Brush the butter on the dough, put it back in the bowl, and cover it with a dish towel. Let it rise in a warm spot until the size of the dough has tripled.
Form the dough into the shapes you’d like by either cutting or molding it. Put the rolls on greased baking sheets and brush the tops with melted butter. Let them rise for 1 and 1/2 hours. Mix together the honey, sugar, butter, and ground cinnamon if you’re using it. Heat thoroughly, but do not boil. Allow it to slightly cool. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees and bake the rolls for 10 minutes. Remove them from the oven and spoon the glaze over the top. Bake the rolls for 10 minutes more or until golden.
Irish Pan Rolls
2 cups warm water 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup shortening or margarine 1 egg 2 teaspoons salt 6 and 1/2 cups flour Topping ingredients 1/4 teaspoon garlic salt 1 tablespoon melted butter or margarine
DIRECTIONS
Sprinkle yeast on warm water in a large mixer bowl; stir to dissolve. Add sugar, shortening, egg, salt, and three cups of flour. Beat with an electric mixer at medium speed until smooth, about 2 minutes, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl occasionally. With a spoon, beat in enough remaining flour, a little at a time, until the soft dough is easy to handle. Place in a greased bowl; turn the dough over to grease the top. Cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for at least 2 hours before using. Dough
14 December 2025 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
may be kept as long as three days, but punch it down occasionally as it rises. When you’re ready to make the rolls, take one-fourth of the dough from the bowl in the refrigerator if you only want to make one pan of rolls. Shape the dough into one-inch balls. Place in lightly greased 8-inch round cake pan. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 35 minutes. Combine garlic salt and melted butter. Brush lightly over the tops of the rolls. Cover and let rise for about 5 minutes. Bake in a 400-degree oven for about 15 minutes or until done. Remove from the oven and place on a rack.
Garlic Parmesan Rolls INGREDIENTS 2 and 1/4 cups flour 1 envelope rapid-rise yeast 1 and 1/2 tablespoons sugar 1 and 1/2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 cup water 1/2 cup milk 1 tablespoon butter, softened 1 egg white 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese DIRECTIONS Stir 1 and 1/2 cups of flour, undissolved yeast, sugar, salt, and garlic powder in a mixer bowl. Warm the water, milk, and butter until the mixture reaches 120 to 130 degrees. Add the milk mixture to the dry ingredients and beat for two minutes. Stir in enough of the remaining flour to
make a soft dough. Place the dough in a bowl, cover it, and let it stand for 10 minutes. Separate the dough into 12 greased muffin cups. Cover and let rise until doubled in size – about 40 minutes.
Whisk the egg white with one tablespoon of water. Gently brush the tops of the rolls with the egg mixture and then top each one with Parmesan cheese. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes or until lightly browned.
Knead the dough on a floured surface until it is smooth, about 10 minutes. Cover the bowl with a dish towel or plastic wrap and let it stand for 15 minutes. Divide the dough into 12 pieces and roll them into balls. Place the dough balls in a greased 8-inch round pan. Cover and place in a warm area of the kitchen and
let the dough rise until doubled in size, approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees during the last few minutes of rising time. Bake the rolls for about 20 minutes until golden brown. Brush with melted butter if desired.
Classic Rolls INGREDIENTS 2 cups flour, divided 2 tablespoons sugar One .25-ounce envelope of rapid-rise yeast 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup milk 1/4 cup water Butter, two tablespoons and additional for brushing DIRECTIONS Combine 3/4 cup of flour, two tablespoons of sugar, the undissolved yeast, and salt in a big mixing bowl. Heat the milk, water, and two tablespoons of butter in a pan on the stove until it reaches 120 to 130 degrees. Beat the warm milk mixture into the flour mixture for approximately two minutes with an electric mixer. Add 1/4 cup of flour and beat for two minutes more. Add enough of the leftover flour to make a soft dough.
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | December 2025 15
16 December 2025 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication