Sauk hometown headliners 03 26 18

H

ometown eadliners Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

Sauk Valley Media shines a light on people who breathe

LIFE

into their community.

Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

2

Q&A | PADS EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR TERRA LORENZEN

Building relationships with residents T

BY CODY CUTTER ccutter@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5552 @CodyCutter35

erra Lorenzen, 41, has been executive director of the PADS Homeless Shelter in Dixon for 2 years.

PADS has two locations, its main shelter at 805 W. First St., and a home for women and children in the works at 203 W. Everett St. Tell us about PADS and your role in the organization.

I am the executive director, and I see that the houses are safe, oversee the intake of the residents, and work with the residents closely to make sure they get jobs and the resources they need.

How and when did you first get involved with PADS? Two-and-a-half years ago, I felt led to become involved here in some capacity. When I talked to the director at the time, we decided to start a mentoring program. We did that twice a month, and I met with all of the resi-

dents. I taught life skills, cooking skills, and different things like that.

What happened 2½ years ago to make you come to this?

I was sitting in a Bible study at church, and I had been feeling led to lead a Bible study, or something. I couldn’t quite figure out what it was. I never really found anything that sparked my interest. I was sitting there watching a Bible study, and it was about God’s heart for the less fortunate. It just came upon me – go to the shelter and see what I could do there!

What’s the hardest part of your job?

Seeing residents fail the program, and not make the positive step to move out of here in the right way. It’s hard to see them fail.

What’s something that you do that not a lot of people know about? Is it more than just a desk job?

LORENZEN continued on 34

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Terra Lorenzen, 41, of Dixon, is the director of the PADS homeless shelter in Dixon, which is in the process of opening a second location. She also is the children’s ministry director at Hope Bible Fellowship in Dixon, and has a full-time at-home job, Christian Care Ministries.

Practice Makes Perfect NORTHERN ILLINOIS RETINA Serving the Northern Illinois Area for 27 years

Susan Fowell, MD Board certified in Ophthalmology, Fellowship Trained in Vitreoretinal Surgery

Your Full-Time, Full-Service Fellowship Trained Retina Specialist.

Practice limited to the diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the Vitreous and Retina, including Macular Degeneration, Diabetic Retinopathy, Retinal Detachment and Ocular Trauma.

1235 N. Mulford Rd., Suite 100, Rockford, IL 61107 SM-ST1516734

815-226-4990

t

Bring your best friend for a stay in the country!

3 Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

Very much so. I’m always running residents around. We try to build relations with them, because a lot of times loneliness is what creates a situation, and I’m letting them know that somebody cares about them, and will support them. I don’t just provide a place for them to sleep and eat. It’s more than that. I care.

How much of your day does this job take?

Between the phone calls and the texts, it’s 24 hours a day. When I’m not here, I’m still working, speaking at different events, raising awareness about what we do here, and raising funds – especially for the new women’s and children’s shelter – and just finding more and better resources for the residents. We get calls in the middle of the night. It’s never-ending.

Does it get stressful?

There are times, but it comes with the territory of dealing with 16 people at a time, kind of being a mom to them all.

What does it take to operate a successful shelter?

Compassion, having the heart, concern, and care for the residents.

If you’re not providing a growing atmosphere for them, how are they ever going to change their current sit-

uation? We try to provide a home for them, not just a building.

What’s one of the your more interesting memories from your directorship?

I had done a lot of mentoring, and that was easy and fun; but to be the director, I was scared. My first 2 weeks here, the lord provided. People were filling me with knowledge and the tools that I needed to be more confident in what I was doing.

What do you do in your free time?

Be lazy with my family. I’m also the children’s ministry director at Hope Bible Fellowship in Dixon, and I work a full-time job at home, Christian Care Ministries.

How do you balance all of that?

I work for three nonprofit Christian entities, and they’re all understanding of what I do and support me, and they’re all flexible and great. If it wasn’t for them, and my husband Eric’s support, none of this would work.

If you were president for a day, and could sign one executive order, what would it be?

I would do what I could to change the laws in the program on drug addiction. I believe our country’s got it wrong on how to handle addicts.

They’re starting to come around to where they’re offering rehab, but we lock them up and put them in horrible environments, and don’t do anything to address the addiction.

45 indoor/outdoor runs 6 acres to run on 24 hour security

Dogs under 12lbs - $12/night Dogs under 40lbs - $14/night Dogs over 40lbs - $16/night Now taking reservations for Spring Break!

CHUCKWAGON COUNTRY INN

DOG BOARDING

815-288-5870

SM-ST1512284

LORENZEN

CONTINUED FROM 2

815-622-6887

550 U.S. Rt. 30, Dixon (3 1/2 miles west of intersection Rt. 26 on Rt. 30) Open Every Day 8am-Noon & 4pm-8pm

First Class Hugh F. Miller Insurance Insurance Agency Milledgeville Agency, Inc. 815-225-7777 Rock Falls Dixon 815-626-1300 815-284-7070

Dimond Newcomer Sauk Valley Harrison Hawkins Brothers Insurance Insurance Insurance Cassens Insurance Agency Services Group Insurance Agency Dixon Dixon Dixon IL Sterling Ohio 815-284-4343 815-288-2541 815-284-7737 815-625-7474 815-376-2954

SM-ST1513883

We have protected area farm families for over 150 years and will continue to do so for many more.

Find out how important local, hometown insurance can be. Call one of our friendly agents today!

Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

4

eritage Square

Serving Our Community for 44 Years

“We Care for Those You Love”

620 N. Ottawa, Dixon • (815) 288-2251 www.heritagesquaredixon.com

Q&A | LYLE GROBE, MUSICIAN

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

90 YEARS!

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

FOR OVER

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

Rt. 52 N. Sublette, IL, Ph. 815/849-5232 or 1-800-227-5203 After 6, 849-5251

www.vaessenbrothers.com VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

Cars, Trucks, Crossovers & SUVs

Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

SERVING OUR COMMUNITIES

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

GROBE continued on A64

NOW...2018

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

yle Grobe, 80, of Polo, is a longtime local musician with a legacy of playing music most people can only dream about.

The frontman of Lyle Grobe and the Rhythm Ramblers grew up in Woosung and Grand Detour, and began playing music in the mid1950s.

He’s been a Petunia Festival staple for decades, playing the “Dixon Petunia Festival Song” every year, and has entertained countless people at local clubs throughout the Sauk Valley.

When and why did you start playing music?

Well, my mother was quite a musician and probably when I was 12, she and I used to go around and do little things. And then in the mid-’50s, is when I got going ... getting serious about it.

What are some of your favorite

venues to play in the area?

I like Moose clubs now and clubs like that, because of the clientele, more my age. We play a lot of fairs and things in the summertime.

Besides being a musician, what other things have you done for employment?

Started out hauling coal. Everybody burned coal in the middle ‘50s.

Did a little timber work. Worked at WIXN radio for quite a while. Did a lot of broadcasting. Our whole band would play on WIXN FM. In them days, in fact, most Friday and Saturday nights we would play. A lot of people enjoyed it because some friends in the steel mill couldn’t get the AM station because of the interference and they would listen to us on Friday and Saturday nights.

And I suppose that’s how we got so well known. People still remember them days. And just anything to scratch out a living.

THEN...1926

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

L

BY LUCAS PAULEY lpauley@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5576 @LucasJayPauley

“Great Deals - Great Service Since 1926”

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

Longtime local musician talks greatest gigs, more

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

Peter Balser/pbalser@saukvalley.com

Lyle Grobe plays with the Rhythm Ramblers during a show March 17 at Sterling Moose Family Center. Venues like this one are among Grobe’s favorite places to play these days. “I like Moose clubs now and clubs like that, because of the clientele, more my age,” Grobe said.

5

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

VAESSEN BROTHERS CHEVROLET

Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

6

GROBE

CONTINUED FROM 5 t

How supportive has your family been about your music?

Oh, I think pretty good. My wife, Barb, always goes along and she used to be the roadie. Now, I don’t expect her to carry a lot of stuff. I got a lot of kids and grandkids and great-grandkids, and they show up every now and then.

What are your thoughts on the state of country music today and what’s popular on the radio now?

We started out with Merle Haggard, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and all that kind of thing.

And in that time, we were doing anything that was new. And now, there’s very few new songs today that interest me.

We do some Garth Brooks and my sister-in-law, Lisa Grobe, does Pontoon and Girl Crush and the newer stuff.

As far as the brand new stuff, we just don’t get into it. It’s just not country as we knew it.

Who are artists that inspired you to play music?

That would be those same folks. We had a club back in the ‘70s and we would bring in artists – Ricky Nelson, Chubby Checker, a lot of artists (who would play in Chicago or some other place) would stop in in them days for a few hundred dollars.

We backed up a lot of bands that would come in in the early ’60s. And in them days, a lot of people drove around in a car. They didn’t have the big ole bus. That’s where we would have had our chance to try for the big time. Some of them would ask us to travel with them. And at that time, we were starting families, had jobs. You know, a job was a big thing.

You didn’t want to leave a job.

I’m glad it turned out that way.

There was a club called Route 30 or something down south of Rock Falls on Route 30. They would bring in artists and we were playing there at that time – probably every weekend – and they would bring artists in and we would back them up. That’s where I met Little Jimmy Dickens for the first time. I think Tom Paul and the Glaser Brothers were there and Charlie Walker.

They were big names at that time.

What are some of your favorite songs to play and who are some of your favorite artists to cover?

A lot of the early, classic country.

Haggard, George Jones, Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash. We play all kinds of music. We don’t just play country music, but when it comes to country, we’re pretty much the early, classic country.

What are some of shows,

Peter Balser/pbalser@saukvalley.com

Lyle Grobe and the Rhythm Ramblers play mostly more traditional country music. “As far as the brand new stuff, we just don’t get into it,” Grobe said. “It’s just not country as we knew it.” the house and help other people.

I’ll sit there and watch them.

More online What do you watch/read/listen to? Otherwise, I’ve videotaped tons of The TV show that I really shows on the TV, mostly country Lyle Grobe answers more enjoyed was called “Sun Records.” music shows, and I’ll watch them questions in this story on It was on for a couple of seasons. all the time. saukvalley.com.

It took me back to when we first I don’t read a lot, probably started. But nowadays, ... whatshould. I like to watch History throughout the years, that stick ever my wife watches, of course Channel a lot. out in your mind as the best?

I guess some of the small fairs. I think what I enjoy most is the Petunia Festival. When that started, they Thank you for your selflessness, had what they called a beer tent in dedication, and passion for the Page Park for years. It just seemed like every year, we were there.

Dixon community and KSB Hospital.

Boy, there are a lot of places I guess I could mention. Some Your KSB family is so proud clubs, we played week after week of your accomplishments! for 3, 4, 5 years. Every weekend, Friday and Saturday nights. The VFW in Dixon was one of them. We broadcast out of there from 1965 to 1975. That’s what we do.

When we were playing a club, we would hook up a phone line and broadcast from that club. And that kind of gave us an in. Those clubs would say, “Boy, it’s going to be on the radio.”

What I had to do was sell enough advertising to pay for the phone line. At 9, 10, 11 o’clock at night on FM, it didn’t take a lot of money to run it. So, I just would always come up with enough sponsors to pay our way.

In your free time, away from work, what’s your favorite thing to do?

Well, we traveled a little bit. I did so much traveling, I’m kind of a homebody. I like to go fishing now and then. I don’t do a lot of hunting anymore. A lot of television. A lot of listening to music. I like to putter around and do stuff around

congratulations TIM BROOS 2018 Dixon Citizen of the Year

Promoting volunteerism, leading by example

T

BY RACHEL RODGERS rrodgers@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5529 @rj_rodgers

im Broos, 61, was named Dixon’s Citizen of the Year for outstanding leadership and dedication in the community.

He has been involved with several organizations and worked at KSB Hospital for more than 3 decades before retiring last year.

How did you feel when you found out you were named Dixon’s 2017 Citizen of the Year?

Very honored and surprised.

What groups or organizations have you been involved in?

Dixon Family YMCA, United Way of Lee County, Junior Achievement, Rotary, Dixon Chamber of Commerce, Dixon Country Club What motivated you to be involved with community organizations?

Darryl Vandervort, longtime KSB CEO, pushed that as part of our KSB Hospital culture and got me involved, which I am glad he did.

I am also a big proponent of helping people and promoting our community.

How has that involvement shaped who you are today?

It has made me appreciate the many folks who work selflessly in the organizations that support our communities and their people.

What were your different roles at KSB? Director of data processing, vice president of support services, director of decision support, director of medical imaging How would you describe the importance of volunteerism in the community?

Doing more for our communities....

BROOS continued on 84

815-849-5476 Woodhaven Lakes Realty is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Woodhaven Association that provides a full array of real estate services for property owners and clients.

Real estate services include:

• Listings of Woodhaven and residential properties • Multiple Listing Service for all properties RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES • Buyer Representation for Woodhaven and residential properties • Comprehensive Woodhaven tours • Closing-only services • Confidential and caring service!

RESORT PROPERTIES

and more for you!

The First National Bank in Amboy

Our mission remains constant: To provide our clients with prompt, professional and confidential services in order to buy or sell Woodhaven or residential properties according to each client’s specific needs and desires.

Amboy, Dixon, & Franklin Grove 815-857-3625 • www.fnbamboy.com

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES

509 LaMoille Road, PO Box 110 Sublette, IL 815.849.5476 | www. woodhavenlakes.com Mary Lovgren, Broker 815-994-1449 Anna Tokarczyk, Broker 630-965-6054 Bonita Willis, Managing Broker 815-343-1966

SM-ST1516127

7 Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

Q&A | TIM BROOS, DIXON CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

8

1245 N Galena Ave, Dixon • 815-284-2052

Peter Balser/pbalser@saukvalley.com

Dixon’s 2017 Citizen of the Year, Tim Broos, speaks at the Best of Dixon awards ceremony Feb.9 at the Post House Ballroom. The event was hosted by the Dixon Chamber of Commerce and Main Street, and The Telegraph.

BROOS

CONTINUED FROM 7 t

Extremely important. It comes in the form of participating on boards and committees, but also involves giving your time to actually doing things … fundraising, participation in events, Day of Caring, showing up to things to show support, etc.

What are your goals for the future?

Enjoy my retirement and still be involved in community organizations.

What do you think is unique about your community?

Midwestern and set on a river …. like the city in my all-time favorite movie “The Music Man” … set in River City, Iowa!

In your free time, what’s your favorite thing to do?

I enjoy golfing and bow hunting the most. They are both extremely challenging, and you never “accomplish” the ultimate in either, so you always have to keep working on them. Those two things also bring me together with groups of friends.

Do you prefer TV, movies, music or books?

I like movies and made a Top 50 trivia game of my favorites for my retirement for groups of employees at KSB. The movies pretty much represent the past 50 years and nearly all of them include music, comedy, and romance.

I am not as much into recent

“Darryl Vandervort, longtime KSB CEO, pushed [involvement with community organizations] as part of our KSB Hospital culture and got me involved, which I am glad he did.”

Tim Broos movies or TV shows, but one that I recently watched that symbolizes our community is “Doc Hollywood”, which highlights the differences between the “coastal elites” and the “Heart of America” hometown folks … and ultimately Michael J. Fox chose the community like ours!

If you were president for a day, and could sign an executive order accomplishing anything you wanted, what would you do?

Give incentives to folks to recycle all aluminum cans.

How would you describe Dixon to a stranger?

Small enough to where everyone “knows each other,” but big enough to where our only “restaurant” and gas station isn’t just a Casey’s (which I love, also!).

You are granted free travel for a month. Where do you go?

I go south in the winter (Florida, Mexico, California, Arizona) and north in the summer (Canada, Michigan) where I golf and eat dinner and enjoy the weather.

FREE ESTIMATES ON ANY NEW OR REPLACEMENT FURNACE OR AIR CONDITIONER!

24 HOUR - 7 DAYS A WEEK SERVICE AVAILABLE ON ALL MAKES OF FURNACES & AIR CONDITIONERS

Q&A | UNITED WAY OF WHITESIDE COUNTY CEO DIANA VERHULST

D

BY JEFF ROGERS jrogers@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5591 @EditorJeffSir

iana Verhulst has been chief executive officer of United Way of Whiteside County since January 2017, the organization’s first new leader in more than 2 decades.

Verhulst, of Prophetstown, grew up in rural Stephenson County, and before joining the United Way she was an executive director of the American Red Cross in both Rockford and Freeport, a newspaper reporter at The Journal-Standard in Freeport, and director of advancement at Pinecrest Community, a continuing care retirement community in Mount Morris.

The United Way of Whiteside County fell just shy of its fundraising campaign goal in 2016. For 2017, the bar was actually raised from $720,000 to $725,000. And on March 14, your organization announced that $752,000 had been raised. First, why did you increase the goal that hadn’t been met the prior year, and how did you accomplish exceeding the goal in 2017?

We increased the goal because we sought and secured new corporate partners and knew they would be a part of our campaign. I always set a bar higher and longer than before, too.

We accomplished our goal by placing an emphasis on grant-writing, story-telling, and focusing our efforts on bringing new people to the table. And we are not done. Growth, in every direction – and retention of our best and brightest – is critical to our continued success.

You’ve been CEO of United Way

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Diana Verhulst of Prophetstown has been chief executive officer of United Way of Whiteside County since 2017. The organization’s Sterling office is filled with United Way knick knacks and photos. for a little more than a year. What have you learned about the organization that you didn’t know before?

What surprised me the most, I guess, is the status, credibility and depth of penetration this United Way holds. For instance, our association and leadership with the Whiteside County Healthier Communities Partnership came as a pleasant revelation.

WCHCP is a coalition of leaders from a variety of countywide civic and nonprofit organizations who come together to identify and

solve problems; it is very effective at mobilization. I’d like to see the newspaper take a fresh look at the partnership, which is now led by my predecessor, Russ Siefken Jr. The other surprise for me is the type of relationship we have with our national headquarters. While we pay a price to wear the logo, in return, we receive a LOT of support, and it’s collaborative rather than controlling. We have a lot of freedom to adopt – or not – their concepts but we are often persuaded their direction is sound

and based on exhaustive research.

In a previous life, you were a newspaper reporter. How did that work help prepare you for this job?

Although it may not be evident from reading my answers in this interview, it helped me be succinct.

“Ten words or less” were my orders when pitching a story to an editor.

Journalism also taught me to listen more and talk less, multitask, persist, go behind the scenes, and highlight the diamond in the rough.

VERHULST continued on 124

LLY LOCA

WHEN YOU HEAL BETTER, YOU FEEL BETTER.

OWNED FOR OVER 30 YEA

RS!

YOUR GO TO FURNITURE STORE & SO MUCH MORE! JUST A FUN PLACE TO SHOP!

If you have a wound that won’t heal, ask your doctor for a referral to the CGH Wound Healing Center, or for more information call (815) 564-4002

Two Locations

A Furniture Store & More New & Used Furniture, Antiques, Books, Jewelry, Glassware, Pictures, & So Much More!

DIXON FURNITURE MART

2400 W 4th St. Dixon 815-288-2488

STERLING, IL - 1809 N. Locust Street

DIXON, IL - 1321 N. Galena Avenue

SM-ST1513346

Mon-Fri 10-4 • Sat 10-3

Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

United Way is fundraising, and much more

9

Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

10

K&B Seamless Gutters

Have you checked your gutters lately?

Serving the Sauk Valley Area Since 1981

815-625-8604

Gutters by the Experts!

815-622-0250

Free Estimates!

Residential • Commercial • Institutions •Apartments • Restaurants • Industrial

27 Years Experience Credit Cards Accepted Licensed, Bonded & Insured SM-ST24548-0326

SM-ST24537-0326

• Roofing • Siding • Windows • Doors • Additions • Garages • Drywall • Decks and more Illinois License #104.016127 Bonded/Insured

Maid & Janitorial Services

We provide Residential Maid Service As well as Professional Janitorial Services Give us a call or text for a free estimate!

Call 815-632-3822 or Text 779-245-2584 For Appointment 10% off Spring Cleaning

Free Estimates 815-213-0556

SM-ST24538-0326

During the Month of April

11

* Fully Insured * Hot Water

The Softener Man

Repair on all makes & models

Service Call Special $19.95

Serving The Area For Over 30 Years

SOFT WASH HOUSE WASH We do everything including house washing, gutters, pool areas, brick/stone walls, decks & patios and commercial businesses.

Professional industrial equip.

SM-ST24539-0326

Done right the first time!

We now offer Soft Wash Roof Washing & Commercial Awning Cleaning

Call 815-441-0246

GUTTERS

and then some •G Gutter t Cleaning, Repair Service & Installation • Gutter Guard Installation • Power Washing & More...

RUDY SWANSON - OWNER

$200 OFF

any water conditioner or iron filter!

815-323-1622

T&M PAV I N G LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED • Asphalt paving & patch work • Seal coating • Skid loader/Dump Truck Work • Concrete Removal, Dirt and Gravel Hauling CALL FOR FREE, NO OBLIGATION ESTIMATES

815-535-0911 SM-ST24533-0326

• FREE ESTIMATES • BONDED & INSURED

EXPIRES 5/1/18

815-499-7195

SM-ST24540-0326

Over 25 Years Asphalt Experience Fully Insured

Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

• Residential • Commercial • Industrial

VERHULST

CONTINUED FROM 9 t

What would you like readers to know about the United Way of Whiteside County that they might not already know?

Well, we offer a free pharmacy assistance program that kind of flies under the radar. We also offer start-up grants to qualified nonprofits that are almost there but not quite ready to finance their entire operation. For instance, a venture grant was instrumental in aiding April House in Morrison get off the ground, and we just gave a $10,000 grant to Woodlawn Arts Academy to assist with furnishing its satellite location at the Loft 112 in Morrison.

How would you describe the state of local philanthropy?

Is there enough money to go around?

I feel like there is enough, yes. Right now, our core programs are being met, but I’ll admit, sometimes I’m anxious about attaining our goal.

As long as there are existing needs and new problems to solve, such as the opioid crisis, increased donations will be needed, and it’s my job to secure them.

Of course, the new tax law is of concern, and so we work on increasing our relationships with foundations far and wide to continuing moving that bar up, rather than down.

Just like the fluctuating economy, we have to be adaptive to changes in cycles and be prepared to meet new challenges. The money is there, yes. Ensuring its application is devoted to problems that effectively advance cures is my focus.

Money cannot be wasted.

Where do you think the region excels?

The Sauk Valley is excellent at creating effective, collaborative focus groups, and here I’m referring to the collaborations between corporations to bring

Diana Verhulst answers more questions in this story on saukvalley.com. youth into the workforce through, for instance, the MORE. program, CEO, through WACC, and the variety of economic development groups and active Chambers of Commerce in the county.

I’m also impressed by the collaboration that led to the loft apartments in downtown Sterling and the phenomenal economic developments in Rock Falls I heard Mayor Bill Wescott talk about at the annual dinner last month.

I’m inspired by these regional efforts, so much so that I’m considering a fall campaign theme “We Do More Than Talk About It.” I think it defines the body of people who strive to improve our region both from an economic development and social services standpoint.

What is the region in most need of, and how can you and United Way help it attain that?

Social service agencies have a huge role to play in helping relieve the burden on government by identifying need and moving philanthropic dollars to meet it. Our greatest regional focus should be continued economic growth and youth retention.

There are a lot of shuttered businesses, and our population has decreased 3.4 percent countywide in the past 8 years. Our efforts to bolster those challenges can be thought of like a series of chain links: At one end of the chain are our children and students, at the other end is our workforce and social community.

Our workforce leaders and parents need to make sure we have the links in place to lead the next generation one link at a time from childhood to productive adulthood.

From my perspective, excellence begins at home with our children – the beginning of the chain – and bleeds into academic achievement

Russ’ Automotive Service & Towing

and ultimately, the workforce.

That’s why we’re launching parent academies this fall called Born Learning, a series of parent academies that teach parents how to be their child’s first teacher.

United Way will help build the chain by expanding programs that shape childhood learning in measurable ways. Once we are fully accomplished in this sector, I’d like to see us focus on the growing boomer population that will soon need more sophisticated elder day care sites.

In your free time, away from work, what’s your favorite thing to do?

I like to clean, oddly. It gives me a sense of order and freshness in my life. Aside from that, I like to root for the Green Bay Packers and binge-watch Netflix and Amazon media. I love to watch hair-cutting tutorials on YouTube – how weird is that? I’m learning to like yoga, and I get a massage once a week – it keeps me sane.

I like to grow my relationships with friends, both male and female, who discuss ideas rather than gossip. I’m a news and weather junkie.

What do you watch/read/listen to?

When I’m ready to be entertained, the scenario is something like this: a TV in front of me (usually muted with sports on, but only during football season and only when the Packers play), a binge-worthy series playing on my Chromebook, a pile of nonfiction from the library next to me (usually with an overdue fine), and my music playlist hovering in the background on Amazon.

I have embraced the digital entertainment world.

I listen a lot to musician Kevin Kern while working, and I’m a huge Sugar Ray fan, although just about anything can make me tap my toe. While driving, it’s NPR. The very best book I’ve read is “Control of Mother Nature” by John McPhee, a book that details the strategies people use to control nature, such as dams and levies.

A chapter on the 1969 California mudslides in my old neighborhood called Glendora, when 1 million cubic meters of rock and mud slid down a hillside, is gripping. Think boulders and cars inside houses.

If you were president for a day, and could sign an executive order accomplishing anything you wanted, what would you do?

Erase all debt nationwide so people and businesses can start fresh.

Diana for president!

We bring life to products.

TM

Sensient Flavors LLC serves customers worldwide. Sensient Flavors in Amboy is a specialty plant making a full range of flavors, flavor bases, inclusions, fruit preps and sauces for ice cream, yogurt and other sweet applications.

Since 1968

• Towing • Oil Changes • Tires SM-ST1513874

Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

12

Online extra

• Exhaust • Shocks • Starters

319 W. Everett, Dixon • 815.288.9345 Hours: Mon-Fri 7am-5pm, Sat 7am-Noon

F l a v o r s

25 E. Main St., Amboy, IL 815-857-3691 www.sensient-tech.com

Serving the area’s best BBQ Triple P BBQ 3312 West Rock Falls Rd. Rock Falls, Illinois

815-625-7138

www.triplepbbq.com

greatfood@triplepbbq.com

The Railside Bar & Grill

SPECIALS (5-9PM)

207 S. BUTLER NELSON, IL 815-251-4633

Lunch & Dinner Served Daily Closed Mondays Regular Menu Available Wed-Sun

Tuesday - Tacos Wednesday - Wacky Burgers Thursday - ½ Chicken & Spaghetti Friday - Grilled or Fried Fish Seats up to 200 Saturday - Prime Rib Sunday - Biscuits & Gravy Until 11:00am

Banquet Room

SM-ST1515544

To Sign Up and Get Great Deals Text FAMILY to 90421

REMEMBER PAPA MURPHY’ MURPHY MURPHY’S FOR YOUR PARTIES!

$2.00 OFF

ANY REGULAR PRICE FAMILY SIZE PIZZA

SM-ST1515589

SM-ST1515206

102 W 2nd St Rock Falls, IL 61071

Papa Murphy’s Take and Bake Pizza 212 Keul Road Dixon, IL • 815 677-9650

Mama Cimino’s Dixon SERVING 9 AM - 2 PM

815-716-8559

Easter Sunday, April 1st 2018 JOIN US FOR EASTER BUFFET: Scrambled Eggs • Bacon • Sausage • French Toast • Biscuits • Homemade Gravy • Beef Brisket Chicken Strips • Ham • Cheesy Hash Browns Baked Ziti • Corn • Breadsticks • Salad Bar • Fresh Fruit • Dessert Bar

Get Free!

“Thai Donut Lover” with every delivery order

ADULTS $12.99 | SENIORS $10.99 | KIDS (10 - 4) $6.99 3 & UNDER FREE! Served in our Banquet Room & seating is limited.

MAKE YOUR RESERVATIONS TODAY!

815-288-4448

www.touchofthai2rockfalls.com Tue-Thu 11am-3pm; 4:30pm-9pm • Fri. and Sat. 11am-9:30pm • Sun. 12pm-8pm • Closed Mon.

SM-ST1515199

SM-ST1517619

Online Ordering at grubhub.com | Download our new Mama Cimino app

Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

Dining and Entertainment in the Sauk Valley

13

Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

14

Q&A | GARY FARRAL, WHITESIDE COUNTY HONOR FLIGHT PRESIDENT

Making sure veterans properly honored G

BY CODY CUTTER ccutter@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5552 @CodyCutter35

ary Farral, 70, of Erie, is president of Whiteside County Honor Flight, and served in Vietnam with the U.S. Navy from 1966 to 1970.

After Vietnam, Farral worked in computer science and nursing, and also served in the Army National Guard, Air Force Reserve, and Naval Reserve. He retired from military service in 2002 as a staff sergeant in the National Guard.

When did you get started with Whiteside County Honor Flight?

I was there from the start, in 2009. The two gentlemen who started the idea did not want to have a leadership position. Then-Sheriff Roger Schipper took the lead and made me his assistant.

He and some of the others at the start were mainly concerned with the World War II vets. We got that pretty much accomplished, and we’re starting on Korea and Vietnam. The mantle was dropped to me, and I’ve been the president for all but 1 year.

Talk about your main responsibilities as president.

We still have to gather as many applicants as we can.

It’s a trickle now, not like when we started with the World War II vets. We did a lot of fundraising in the beginning, and then the Honor Flight headquarters hooked up with Hy-Vee and had all the money they needed and told us to slow down.

FARRAL continued on 154

Peter Balser/pbalser@saukvalley.com

Gary Farral, president of Whiteside County Honor Flight, poses in front of the Lyndon War Memorial on the grounds of Lyndon City Hall. What’s the greatest challenge for the Honor Flight organization today? “Right now, we don’t publicize enough,” Farral said.

“Some may not even know we exist.

IT’S JUST

BUSINESS AS USUAL

Research - Discovery Heritage - Legacy

Thrivent Financial named one of the “World’s Most Ethical Companies” For the seventh straight year, Ethisphere Institute has recognized Thrivent Financial for our leadership in promoting ethical business standards and introducing innovative ideas to benefit the public.

At Thrivent, we take great care in delivering on our promises to our members, and helping them be wise with money and live generously.

Contact us to learn about the Thrivent difference.

2000 Locust St Sterling, IL 61081

A

MEMORABLE VISIT INCLUDES:

Learning - Insight Tradition - Enrichment In Ronald Reagan’s beautifully restored boyhood South Central School building.

New Bison Room Exhibit

“Dutch” Reagan’s Restored Classroom Rock River Assembly Diorama Chautauqua Assembly Building Model Dixon - 1846 Diorama President Reagan History Room Walgreen History Room Original Reagan Movie Posters Original Ronald Reagan Diplomas Blackhawk Exhibit (Native American Blackhawk War)

Larry A Cooper

Ashley L Ottens

815-625-2200

815-499-6605

FIC, CLTC® Financial Associate

MBA, FIC Financial Associate

“World’s Most Ethical Companies” and “Ethisphere” names and marks are registered trademarks of Ethisphere LLC. For details, visit Ethisphere.com.

Appleton, Wisconsin • Minneapolis, Minnesota Thrivent.com • 800-847-4836 27343AD R2-18

Early American Farming Exhibit Beautifully Restored Gymnasium Museum Store and Art Gallery Historical Paintings on every floor

.nthc.org NTHC is formerly Dixon Historic Center

Fifth Street and Reagan Way, Dixon, IL • 815-288-5508 info@nthc.org • www.nthc.org See our website for Hours • Free Admission • Donations Accepted

Peter Balser/pbalser@saukvalley.com

Gary Farral reads over names etched into the Lyndon Veterans Memorial on the grounds of Lyndon City Hall.

FARRAL

CONTINUED FROM 14 t

Right now, we don’t publicize enough. Some may not even know we exist. When we have a flight from Whiteside County, the media will come down and take pictures, they put stories in newspapers.

That’s the only time they really know we’re active.

Do you do more than just flights?

We’ve had an annual picnic in Morrison for 5 years with all of these people who’ve been on a flight. We’ve had people come and ask the vets about their experience. Sometimes the families come with them.

What’s the biggest accommodation you’ve had to make for a participant?

This gentleman I was on a flight with ... was a large man, wheelchair-bound. The lady who came with him as a nurse tried to do his blood glucose before they fed him, and wasn’t getting anything.

She had forgotten that, in a pressurized cabin, you’re not going to get much blood out. So I had to do some things, as a nurse, to get enough blood so that we could test him.

How many administrative duties are there for a guardian on an Honor Flight?

There are X number of people you have to watch. Sometimes it’s one-to-one, sometimes it’s threeto-one, it depends on how mobile they are. You have to be first out of the bus, get the wheelchairs out, get the people in their wheelchairs, pick up the people you’re supposed to be escorting, get them around, get them back on the bus, get them fed and watered, put the wheelchairs away – and that’s at

every stop.

What do you hope the veterans get out the whole experience?

To feel that they have been honored, respected, and acknowledged for what they have done, be it peace time or war time.

What was it like for you to visit the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall?

The first time I saw The Wall, it was back when I interviewed for a job. We made a special stop, and I just stood there silently reading the names, board to board to board. We lost two people for certain in that era, and there was a third one that wasn’t declared dead until many years later.

I wondered about the families, and how they dealt with it.

I thought about me being over there. I had gone through Counterinsurgency, Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape school, and I wrote to my folks and said, “Don’t ever assume if you get a message that I’m missing in action that I’m dead, because I will fight to the death.”

You are guaranteed free travel for a month. Where?

I’d like to go along our northern border. Another place would be my parents’ ancestral home, Lebanon. I’d find out whatever I could about our family.

If you were president for 1 day and could sign an executive order for anything you want, what would it be?

I learn to lead by example, having moved in the ranks in the military.

People who are powerful in that position, in any country, you make sure your people are fed, clothed, housed, and educated. Whatever social programs necessary to make that happen, that’s what I would sign an executive order for.

Private Suites Available

We Offer:

Skilled Care • Short Term Rehab Traditional Care • Speech Occupational and Physical Therapies

Formerly Coventry Living Center 5 STAR RATED FACILITY BY MEDICARE!

612 W. 23rd Street, Sterling, IL 61081 • 815-626-9020 www.regencycaresterling.com Visit medicare.gov/nursinghomecompare to see how we rate SM-ST1515858

Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

We Care For Loved Ones Like Family!

15

Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

16

Q&A | LEANDRA ‘LE’ HARTMAN, CEO CLASS FACILITATOR

Guiding the Sauk Valley’s future CEOs L

BY GAVIN T. JENSEN gjensen@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5523 @GavinTJensen

eAndra “Le” Hartman, 61, of Sterling, facilitates the Whiteside Area Career Center’s wildly popular CEO class, now in its fifth year. CEO stands for creating entrepreneurial opportunities; the goal of the class is to give seniors hands-on experience researching and creating their own small businesses, including making and marketing the resulting products or services, under the mentorship and guidance of local business, manufacturing and community leaders.

What are your responsibilities as the CEO facilitator?

As a facilitator I guide students’ learning. I rarely present material, but rather help students use resources to find the answers they need.

Each year students visit about 40 businesses, meet more than 60 professionals who share their expertise, and are matched with a Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com business mentor. My job is to coor- Le Hartman leads students in a work session during a CEO class at the Whiteside Area Career Center. dinate all of that.

I also locate the “home base” classroom, which is always in a business setting and changes about four or five times a year.

Those tasks are made pretty easy because I get such a great response from the communities. I take lots of pictures of students doing amazing things and produce a weekly digital newsletter.

This nationwide program is set up to put kids in business settings, working on real businesses. It is student-driven to find answers, make mistakes, and learn. So when students ask me questions, I often say, “You decide.” Or “Who have you met?” or “Where could you look for the answer?”

It takes practice to not just want to give them the answers, but the program is not meant to work that way. We want kids to struggle and learn from failure, if it happens.

What’s a typical work day like?

That’s a funny question because there is no such thing as “typical” in CEO. Some weeks we are in five different locations, somewhere different each day.

Class is 90 minutes first thing in the morning. If we are not on a Educating Pre-K Thru 12th Grade 7881 S. Green Street tour, it might mean setting up the Linda Foster, Principal • Pastor Jon Marx, Superintendent classroom for whatever activity or Dixon, IL 61021 7571 S. Ridge Rd. • Dixon • 815-652-4806 speaker we may have.

A Place Where Students Can S.O.A.R.

Come as you are Contemporary Worship

Biblical Teaching 815-652-4488

HARTMAN continued on 174

faithgranddetour.org

S- Safe, Nurturing Environment O- On-Going Christian Development A- Academic Excellence R- Real-Life Service Opportunities www.fcsfalcons.com

HARTMAN

CONTINUED FROM 16

After class, there’s lots of emailing and follow-up phone calls and meetings with the professionals that make this class work.

I spend some time editing photos and working on the newsletter.

Students write in their journal weekly – they’re great to read and I try to respond to everyone.

Students know they can email or text me if they have questions or thoughts relating to class.

What parts of your job do you find most challenging?

Like other teaching positions, there is never enough time. Also, it is always challenging for an educator to make class meaningful to every student.

As this program has grown, it has become more and more challenging to keep track of all the contacts and people involved. With 4 years of alumni, it is more and more difficult to keep track of them.

What do you find most enjoyable about your job?

High school students are the best!

I especially enjoy hearing and learning from them – their big ideas and thoughts about all sorts of things.

Truly, they make me smile every day.

I feel extremely fortunate to partic-

I consider myself creative. I love interior design and architecture and usually have at least one project going at home and dreaming about a few more. My mom taught me to sew at a very young age. I have made gowns for bridal parties, including saving a few bridal gown disasters, and have altered almost anything you can think of.

After a challenging project, it’s especially rewarding to see a happy client. All of my family, live somewhere else – 45 minutes up to 3 1/2 hours away. Of course planning weekends with any of my family members is a favorite thing.

What do you watch, read and listen to?

Of course, HGTV with my love for housing and interior design, but “Project Runway� is right up my alley! I always think I could come up with a better design then some of the contestants (ha!).

I’m more of a doer than a reader and often wish that weren’t the case. I like leadership books. “Leadership Excellence� by Pat Williams was recommended to me by one of our CEO business speakers, Steve Schreiner. I keep rereading parts of it and like it a lot.

If you were president for a day, and could sign an executive order accomplishing anything you wanted, what would you do?

I’m not going to touch anything that has to do with politics! Since education is near and dear to me, I would have to consider something in the area of higher education costs.

How would you describe your community to a stranger?

I consider my community the Sauk Valley, mostly because I enjoy shopping and dining in Sterling, Rock Falls and Dixon. Where do I start?

Great food! And all you have to do is open the paper to see new initiatives and businesses popping up.

There are agencies working on all sorts of projects to improve community life, from addressing workforce skills and employment to the opioid crisis.

Sterling has the best trails and parks for outdoor fun. My house is 5 minutes from hopping on a trail.

I use the beautiful walking bridge by the Dillon home all the time. I love all of that.

If you were are granted free travel for a month, where would go and what would you do?

Going back to Germany and Switzerland to visit friends would be the first thing on the list. Stateside, New Orleans for seafood, music and southern hospitality. Back to the museums in Washington D.C. and Napa Valley to see relatives.

Then Maine for the fall colors. That would probably fill up the month.

24 mo.

Law Office of Allison B. Fagerman P.C. • Criminal • Felonies * Misdemeanors • DUI/Traffic • Juvenile * DCFS Investigations • FOID • Card Denials • Drivers License Reinstatement • Family Law • Bankruptcy, Ch. 7 • Real Estate • General Practice

• Experienced and Dedicated Trial Lawyer • Bar admissions: Supreme Court of the United States of America, Northern District of Illinois (Federal Court), and all Illinois State Courts. • Graduate: Magna Cum Laude (Top 10% of graduating class), Northern Illinois University College of Law 2004 • Interprete Espanol Disponsible Si Es Necesario

1.

APY*

%

APY* AP Y*

35%

APY*

Grow your nest egg with these special rates!

Schedule your appointment today.

3/31/2 018

Freeport | Sterling | South Beloit 800.711.3277

100 East Fifth Street | Rock Falls, IL | 815-632-3672

justicestartshere.net

2.

60 mo.

*APY=Annual Percentage Yield. New money only. Other rates & terms available.

cornerstonecu.org

17 Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

t

ipate right along with the students, touring and learning so much about the Sauk Valley that I would have never known or experienced without this class. What a privilege!

Hearing from alumni who remember something we did, find it applicable later, and bother to let us know – those moments are the best.

Any negatives to your job?

There are many, many details, which I find overwhelming at times. It is very difficult to turn off the “CEO brain.� My students laugh when I ask them if they have CEO dreams – later, they get it.

What is your professional background?

My degree is in family and consumer sciences. My first job out of college was at Eastland High School (then, Lanark). I stayed 33 years and loved it all.

Why did you decide to work for WACC? I am one of those very fortunate people who followed a career path that ended up suiting them wonderfully. High school educator is my dream job. After I retired, I really missed working with students and saw the CEO facilitator position advertised. After researching it, I really felt I was up for the challenge of this brand new, nationwide initiative.

What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time?

Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

18

Q&A | TOM WADSWORTH, STUPOR BOWL ORGANIZER & SPELLING BEE PRONOUNCER

Peter Balser/pbalser@saukvalley.com

The smile displayed here by Tom Wadsworth of rural Dixon is probably similar to the look on his face during the annual Stupor Bowl trivia contest fundraiser for the Dixon Schools Foundation. “It just ends up putting a smile on my face,” he says of the event.

He has all the answers, and the best words

L

BY GAVIN T. JENSEN gjensen@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5523 @GavinTJensen

ocal orator, history-lover and all-around Sauk Valley brainiac Tom Wadsworth, 65, might best be known for creating and running the annual Stupor Bowl trivia contest, a major fundraiser for the Dixon Schools Foundation, but he’s also pronouncer at the Lee-Ogle Whiteside Regional Spelling Bee, and emcees the

Illinois State Senior Spelling Bee regionals.

The Dixon High grad lives in Dixon with his wife, Nancy, where he owns and operates Wadsworth Communications. He’s also a former communications manager at Raynor Garage Doors in Dixon, a former station manager at WSDR radio in Sterling, and a one-time minister and current theology student.

Where did the name ‘Stupor Bowl’ come from?

WADSWORTH continued on A194

415 Locust St Sterling, IL 815-622-7222

NEED HELP?

DIAL 2-1-1 Food Assistance

Mental Health Services

Housing Assistance & Shelters

Substance Abuse Help Becoming a Foster Parent

Employment Help Heating & Utility Help H

Where to Get Medical Help

Abuse Prevention

Earn Income Tax Credit

Elder Care

Disaster Services

findhelp211.org

Free & Confidential Dial 2-1-1

WADSWORTH

CONTINUED FROM 18 t

We were looking for an ideal time of year, which was the dead of winter, where we wouldn’t be competing with other events. That happened to be the day before the Super Bowl.

What does it take to run the Stupor Bowl?

A lot of organization and developing the questions, as well preparing food for the entire day.

How has the Stupor Bowl impacted the Dixon community?

The funds we raise produce visible results every year when the schools are able to purchase classroom tools.

What do you love about the Stupor Bowl?

That this is something that I thought of 20 years ago that brings together many people all day working for a great cause. It just ends up putting a smile on my face.

What was your most memorable year?

The best year is always the most recent one, because we tweak it every year.

What do you do in your free time?

I’m going back to school to for my Ph.D in the New Testament and theology What do you prefer to do, watch movies, listen to music or read?

GREAT SERVICE

goes a long way!

Quality work & honest value are the driving forces behind our success.

Pillars Repair, Inc.

1022 E. Route 30, Rock Falls, IL

815-626-6154

Compete, Trained Mechanics • All Parts & Work Guaranteed • Free Written Estimates

H.I. Lincoln Store Established 1860 General Store

24 HOUR TOWING

Lincoln Highway Association National Headquarters

LIVE MUSIC 3rd Friday of Each Month Downtown Franklin Grove Hrs: Mon-Sat 10am-4pm, Sun 12pm-4pm Lynn Asp,Director

815-456-3030

GERDESSALES.COM For Great Vehicles And Great Prices!

815-857-3722 TAKING SERVICE THE...

EXTRA MILE!

SM-ST1513082

19 Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

Peter Balser/pbalser@saukvalley.com

As emcee Tom Wadsworth looks on, Gov. Bruce Rauner delivers some remarks at the 2018 Stupor Bowl on Feb. 3 at Reagan Middle School. Rauner was still in town after the previous night’s annual “An Evening to Remember Ronald Reagan” at the Dixon Elks Lodge.

I like watching movies. Recently I saw “The Greatest Showman” and “Game Night.”

If you were president for a day, and could sign an executive order accomplishing anything you wanted, what would you do?

Mandate bipartisan involvement on all legislation. We are too polarized and don’t work with each other, which is an atmosphere that bleeds down to main street USA. How would you describe Dixon to a stranger?

Dixon is a very distinctive, quaint, small community with rich historical roots. Ronald Reagan, Abraham Lincoln, John Deere and Charles Walgreen – very few communities can compare with that kind of distinction. This is a great place.

You are granted free travel for a month. Where do you go?

My wife and I have been fortunate to go traveling. Ancient culture fascinate me. New Zealand and Australia might be on the list because the geography would be fun to see.

Otherwise, Hawaii is a paradise and other South Pacific islands for their perfect climates.

Any place in the U.S. that you’d like to see?

I haven’t been to Yellowstone National Park. The state of Oregon has some appeal and I haven’t made it there yet.

Sauk Valley Media • March 26, 2018

20

SM-ST1515866

Call 288-2735 to schedule you appointment today!

for Updates and Giveaways