16 minute read
Library News
LOCAL DONATION
Ogle Democrats donate to pantr ies
For the second consecutive year, the Ogle County Democratic Central Committee has taken holiday party contributions and turned them into a donation to benefit eight area food pantries.
Each food pantry received a donation of $100. The food pantries that received donations were Polo Lifeline Food Pantry in Polo, Rochelle Christian Food Pantry in Rochelle, Loaves and Fishes Food Pantry in Mt. Morris, New Life Community Center in Forreston, People Helping People in Byron, Immanuel Lutheran Good Samaritan in Lindenwood, Lifeline Food Pantry in Oregon, and Bread of Life Food Pantry in Stillman Valley.
For more information about the Ogle County Democrats, visit Oglecountydems. org.
Photo supplied David Donald, treasurer of the Ogle County Democrats, presents Kathy Wragg, director of the Polo Lifeline Food Pantry, a check for $100.
OREGON LIBRARY
Oregon Public Library Procedures
Masks are required upon entering the Library. Hand sanitizing is requested. Please call 815-732- 2724 for any questions. Holds can be placed online through the catalog, or over the phone with library staff, or through our the mobile App - PrairieCat Mobile. Remember to check our Facebook posts or the local papers for new releases!
Library Book Clubs
The 2WBC Book Club meets Wednesday, March 9 at 12:30 p.m. to discuss Echo Wife by Sarah Gailey.
The Afternoon Book Club meets Wednesday, March 16 at 1 p.m. to discuss The One Hundred Years of Lenni and Margot by Marianne Cronin.
Books On Tap will meet Thursday, March 24 at 6 p.m. at Cork N Tap to discuss Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Preschool StoryTime - (18 months- 5 years)
StoryTime now meets on Mondays at 9:30 am. Registration and masks are required.
Yoga on Mondays - 9:30 a.m. Krystal Casey will be teaching a Monday morning yoga class at the library. We are all human; we are all part of something greater; we are all connected. Her personal mission is to inspire a spirit of oneness, acceptance, love, and peace among the community and empower all Americans to live their dream lives, every day. Registration is required, 815-732-2724. Space is limited.
Sensory Strategies for the Classroom – March 9 at 6 p.m. - Either In-Person or via ZOOM - Join us for this informative session as we discuss and explore considerations for supporting students with sensory issues in the classroom. Often, the environment presents challenges and opportunities that we need to evaluate and modify to meet the students every changing needs. We dive in deep to address those modifications, accommodations and share many strategies for success for all students.
Check Family Matters website at www.fmptic.org. soon to get a link to register. This program is in collaboration with Easter Seals, Family Matters, and Florissa. If you are unable to participate in ZOOM, please contact the library at 815-732-2724 and accommodations can be made for viewing in the library.
POW Camps in Illinois – Thursday, March 10 at 1 p.m.
Nearly 400,000 prisoners were shipped to the United States and detained in camps across the country. There were 175 Base camps in the U.S. Twenty-one of these camps were in Illinois. One of the Base Camps was Camp Grant in Rockford. A Branch Camp was in Lanark, IL which was under Grant. Join us as we learn more about these camps from Carol Chandler. Registration required, 815-732-2724 or visit www.oregonpubliclibrary.com.
St. Patricks Day TRIVIA - 12:30 p.m. at Rock River Center - Test your knowledge of sports, history, movies and much more. Come alone, bring your friends and make a team of 4, or join a team when you arrive. Registration required, call 815-732-2724. Contact the Rock River Center to have lunch before trivia at 815-732-3252, by 10:30 a.m. on March 14, limited seating.
Puzzle Library - The library now has a free puzzle library. Take a puzzle, leave a puzzle. This is open to anyone in the community.
Book Review: Everything Everything by Nicola Yoon
Reviewed by Emma, Grade 9 - “ I would recommend this book to others. It’s a great book. It makes the reader reflect on their own life to a point. It makes you put yourself in her shoes…And is just overall a great read. 5 stars!”
Oregon Public Library StoryWalk®
StoryWalk® was created by Anne Ferguson of Montpelier, Vermont in 2007, and developed in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle & Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library. Current story is Jamie O’Rourke and the Big Potato by Tomie DePaola.
Special Procedures - Masks are required in the library for everyone over the age of two. Polo Library’s programs and services are for everyone. If you require an access service to fully participate or have any questions about accessibility, please contact Ellen Finfrock at 815-946-2713.
Library Services - Converting VHS to DVD - With VHS and other videotape formats disappearing fast now is the perfect time to preserve your videos and other important memories. This new service will allow us to convert your videotapes to DVD for you. For $5 per tape library staff will convert your memories to a more manageable format. Tapes may be dropped off during regular library hours.
Explore More Illinois allows Polo Library cardholders to reserve free and discounted admission, parking, and gift store purchases from cultural attractions in Illinois, including museums, cultural centers, zoos, aquariums, gardens, historical societies, park districts, and more. Go to https://exploremoreillinois.org/ or call the library for more information.
Tax season is upon us and forms and instructions have arrived. If you need a form other than 1040 library staff will be happy to print it for you at no cost. If we print multiple forms for you a donation is appreciated. Public computers are available for doing your own taxes but keep in mind you will need a current email address to file online.
Adult Programs - Friday Book Discussion Group will meet on March 11 to discuss The Women’s March by Jennifer Chiaverini. Monday Afternoon Book Club is reading Once and Future Witches by Alix Harrow and will meet on March 28. These programs are open to anyone who is interested, no registration required. Stop in to pick up a copy and join us!
Genealogy Assistance - Are you interested in researching your ancestors but don’t know where to start? Do you have a start and need help with your research? Stop by the first Wednesday 5-7 p.m. or the third Saturday 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and let Donna help with your project. Polo Library is now a FamilySearch Affiliate Library which allows access to more digital records when you’re researching at the library.
Jigsaw Puzzle Swap - Are you bored with the same old puzzles you have at home? Bring your gently used puzzles to the library and leave with new-to-you puzzles. Each puzzle to swap must: be primarily at least 500 pieces, be complete, no missing pieces; be placed in a zip-lock bag within its container; include an image of the completed puzzle - picture on box, poster or photo. Please bring donated puzzles to the circulation desk. Don’t have a puzzle to swap? Come pick one out and swap it back when you’ve finished with it. Jigsaw Puzzle Swap is located in the display cabinet in the Congress Street foyer.
Children’s Programs - Storytime Saturdays are in person at the library on March 12 and 26 at 10:30 a.m., come join Ms. Melanie for a story, a craft, and other hands-on activities.
Children’s Library Area Open House - March 26, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Kicking off in April - Spring Reading Program “Bloom into Reading”. This program will run April 9th to May 21st.
March is Women’s History Month - Be on the lookout in our children’s library area for book displays of remarkable women and their contributions to our society, culture, and history that lives on through their countless efforts.
New Books in March
Steal by James Patterson
Death of a Green-eyed Monster by M.C. Beaton
Diablo Mesa by Douglas Preston
The Paradox Hotel by Rob Hart
The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley
Oregon Woman’s Club donates to Pegasus Special Riders
Members of the Oregon Woman’s Club recently heard a presentation by Sara Morris, the new administrator of Pegasus Special Riders – a therapeutic horseback riding facility located south east of Oregon.
Club members learned that therapeutic horsemanship develops a special relationship between the riders, the horses and the instructors that helps people of varying abilities to engage to promote his or her confidence and self-esteem, and help improve posture, balance, hand-eye coordination and muscle tone.
“The lessons and riding experiences are also useful for relaxing muscles, increasing joint mobility, and developing concentration, coordination, concentration and self-discipline,” Morris said. “Our programs are open to both children and adults who are physically, mentally and/or emotionally challenged. The weekly lessons include both riding and the care of the horses, which helps develop the bond between the rider and the horse.”
Pegasus’ horses are specially trained to work with the special-needs riders. “The horses are ‘bomb proof’” Morris said. “That is they are chosen for their calm, gentle temperaments and are trained not to startle easily or to be upset by loud noises or unusual situations.”
Pegasus Special Riders is a nonprofit organization funded solely through contributions, and staff are all volunteers. “We need volunteers for everything from barn chores, working with clients on riding lessons, fundraising events, newsletter preparation and all the other functions that keep us going,” Morris said.
The facility is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. Check the website at www.pegasusspecialriders.org for more information about special events, including a golf outing at Prairieview Golf Course on June 20 and a picnic and open house on July 23.
The Pegasus barns and riding facility are located at 6668 South Carthage Road (just off Daysville Road) in Oregon. They are open from April 19 through October/November, depending on the weather.
Pegasus Special Riders is just one of the community organizations that the Oregon Woman’s Club supports throughout the county.
Photo supplied Oregon Woman’s Club treasurer Sandi Brubaker presents Pegasus Special Riders administrator Sara Morris with a $200 check to support the therapeutic horse-riding program, while OWC members look on. Members present for the presentation were (front row): Fran Strouse, Valdean Fletcher, Marge Wilhelm, Sharon Lung and Jan Larson. Middle row: Audrey Taylor, Rosemary Underwood, Pegasus Administrator Sara Morris and OWC Treasurer Sandi Brubaker. Back row: Maja Shoemaker, Krista Young, Joyce Dixon, Jan Steward and Sandi Chasm.
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Waste reduction, recycling grants available
Waste Reduction/Recycling Grants for 2022 are available to Ogle County businesses, schools, churches and nonprofit groups wanting to establish or improve on waste reduction and recycling programs and services.
The grants are up to $2,000, and funds are limited, so they will be awarded on a competitive basis in amounts from $100 to $2,000 in three rounds or until funds are depleted.
The matching fund grant pays 80% of the total project cost up to $2,000, and the applicant must provide a minimum 20% match of the total project cost. Example: Total project cost – $2,500; grant amount $2,000; applicant matching amount $500.
The deadline for submittal of applications for the first round of grants is 4 p.m. Thursday, April 7.
The application for the grants is simple and flexible. Businesses could use grant funds to help purchase waste reduction and recycling materials and equipment such as collection bins, carts, balers and storage containers.
Equipment needed to switch from disposable packaging to reusable packaging for products and supplies also could be considered. Businesses are encouraged to consider projects to reduce food waste or implement food waste recycling programs.
Waste hauling companies could use grant funds to improve the quantity and quality of materials collected in their curbside recycling collection programs. This could be done through promotional efforts, instructional stickers for carts and bins, direct mail and other educational efforts.
Schools may seek funds for special projects that will further a student’s understanding of how to reduce the amount of trash sent to the landfill.
The requests may be for materials and equipment, such as recycling bins/carts, videos, books, worm (vermicomposting) bins, composters, or other waste reduction or recycling equipment.
Municipalities seeking to improve commercial, curbside or multifamily recycling programs are encouraged to apply. Grant applications for equipment and materials needed to improve electronics recycling options in Ogle County are also encouraged since most electronics have been banned from landfills since 2012.
For information, contact the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department at 815-732-4020, solidwaste@oglecounty.org, or visit www.oglecounty.org to download the application.
Scholarship applications for Performing Arts Guild are now available at the Oregon High school guidance office or can be downloaded from the website at www. performingartsguild.com.
These scholarships are limited to individuals living in Mt. Morris and Oregon or attending Oregon School District 220.
Applications are open to anyone interested in studying the arts. This includes, but is not limited to, performing, directing, teaching drama, music, visual arts, technical crafts, set design, etc.
The deadline for applications is April 4. Scholarships will be awarded May 18, during the OHS Honors Night Assembly.
OBITUARIES
LARRY W. ROBERTS
Larry W. Roberts, 72, of Polo, passed away Wednesday, February 23, 2022, at his home. Larry was born June 1, 1949, in Dixon, IL. He was the son of George and Virginia Roberts. Larry married his high school sweetheart Joy Scott on February 12, 1972, in Polo marking 50 years of marriage this year. Larry cherished spending time on the farm from feeding cattle with his dad as a child to raising hogs and grain in his married years. He enjoyed reminiscing about his years driving truck out west and hauling cattle and grain. After retirement he always enjoyed taking his morning stroll around town, “Arlyn’s Route,” and talking with friends, whether it be in their shop or his own. Larry was blessed with many cherished friendships over the years and would always help them anyway he could whether that meant driving a tractor or a truck, running for parts, working auctions, or just simply going out for breakfast. His proudest achievement was driving train for Bocker Ruff Grain - something he never dreamed possible. The only thing he loved more than any of this was his family. He was always so proud of his kids and his eyes lit up every time any of his grandchildren entered the room. He never met a stranger, and his laugh will be missed by all.
Survivors include his wife, Joy; daughter Melissa (Derick) Newton of Rock Falls; son Scott (Ellie) Roberts of Polo; sisters Linda (Rick Sarver) Powell of Dixon and Cindy (Elmer) Stauffer of Polo; 4 grandchildren, Parker and Trevor Newton, and Ava and Carly Roberts.
He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Kenny, in infancy.
A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, April 9 at Barnacopia from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Larry will be laid to rest at Fairmount Cemetery in Polo.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in his name.
PEGGY OELKE
She is survived by her brother, Don Oelke (Lisa) of Oregon; sisters, Pam Black of Oregon and Pat Ingram of Byron; nieces and nephews, Carissa Oelke, Jennifer Ingram and Amy Ingram; and nephew, David Leonardy and Jason and Clint Ingram. She also has 5 great-nieces and great-nephews. She is also survived by her special friend, Charlotte Oakley; and by her 3 cats, Precious, Princess and Patch.
Cremation rites were performed by Stateline Cremation.
A celebration of life will be held at the Oregon VFW on Saturday, March 5th from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m.
Peggy Oelke, age 59, died Saturday, February 19, 2022 at her home in Oregon. She was born September 2, 1962 in Oregon, the daughter of Calvin and Grace Oelke.
Peggy graduated from Oregon High School. She was employed as a CNA at Oregon Healthcare center and Pinecrest Community prior to her illness.
She was predeceased by her parents.
She is survived by her brother, Don Oelke
SHARICE LYNN GHIBELLINI
MT. MORRIS, IL –Sharice Lynn Ghibellini, age 79, passed away on Tuesday, March 1, 2022 in Serenity Hospice & Home, Oregon, IL with her family by her side. Shari was born on February 16, 1943 in Peru, IL, the daughter of George & Lucille (Borneman) Williams. She married Mike Ghibellini on July 13, 1963 in the First Lutheran Church,Granville, IL.
Shari owned and operated Smart Wear Dress Shop in Mt. Morris, before she worked for Plum Electric & Kable News Company, where she retired. She treasured her boys and her grandchildren more than anything. Shari enjoyed golfing, gardening, and coloring. She was a tenacious player of Aggravation and Scrabble games. Shari was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church, Mt. Morris, IL and the Red Hat Society.
Shari is survived by her husband: Mike Ghibellini, Mt. Morris, IL; son: Joseph (Missy) Ghibellini, Mt. Morris, IL; step mother: Ursela Williams, Oglesby, IL; grandchildren: Kennedy (Tyler) Ghibellini-Burkhart ,Oregon, IL; John Ghibellini, Mt. Morris, IL; Jacob Osborne, Salt Lake City, UT,and Danielle (Jacob) Miller, Saratoga, WY; great grandchildren: Barrett andOden Miller; brother in law: Gary (Chris) Krejsa, Marina, CA; sister in law:Connie Ghibellini, Charleston, IL; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Shari is preceded in death by her parents; son: John Ghibellini; and grandparents: Oscar (Helen) Borneman and Ray (Sara Jane) Williams.
Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 5, 2022 at 11:00 A.M. in Finch Funeral Home, 405 East Hitt, Mt. Morris, IL with Rev. Steven Erickson officiating. Burial will be held in Plainview Cemetery, Mt. Morris, IL. Visitation will be held on Saturday March 5, 2022 from 10:00 A.M. until service time in Finch Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Sunset Golf Club and/or Serenity Hospice & Home.
The family would like to thank the staff ofSerenity Hospice & Home for their loving and comforting care.
