Sterling rock falls living fall winter 2016

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PA I D Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081

MAGAZINE

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Fall/Winter 2016

P.O. Box 498 Sterling, IL 61081

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Business owner looks to leave a legacy in Sterling

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Sterling-Rock Falls

COVER • STORY

MAGAZINE

Publisher Sam R Fisher Advertising Director Jennifer Heintzelman Editor Jeff Rogers

Hard work hits home

Magazine Editors Lucas Pauley Rusty Schrader Page Design Lucas Pauley Published by

Sauk Valley Media 3200 E. Lincolnway Sterling, IL 61081 815-625-3600

16 New Menu … New Choices

Articles and advertisements are the property of Sauk Valley Media. No portion of Sterling-Rock Falls 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.

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Contents 10

5 – Linda Von Holten Artist dabbles in a variety of mediums, including photography and painting

10 – Behrz-Bloomz Longtime local business blooms in new location in Sterling

13 – Dale Dance Studio

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Respected local dance teacher offers classes for all ages to enjoy

16 – Legacy Martial Arts Driven 19-year-old looks to build strong business in downtown Sterling

13

19 – St. Andrew Thrift Store Successful first 6 months raises $40,000 for school and church

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19

Sterling auto shop not just focusing on renovations anymore

29 – Touch of Thai II New restaurant in Rock Falls growing its customer base each day

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25 – Vintage Mechanical Works

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33 – Dead Tree Tavern New bar offers so many drink choices, you might be stumped

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She wonders as she wanders

Sterling native’s artwork draws inspiration from anything and everything

Story By Kayla Heimerman & Submitted Photos of artwork by Linda Von Holten For Sterling-Rock Falls Living

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LITERACY IS FUN FOR EVERYONE • A Program of United Way of Whiteside County •

2016 United Way of Whiteside County Campaign Chair Robbie Minor and his children Aubree, Hadlee and Rhylee.

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a 60 volume set of books beginning with the children's classic The Little Engine that Could (TM). Each month a new, carefully selected book will be mailed in your child's name directly to your home. Best of all it is a FREE GIFT! There is no cost or obligation to your family.

To Sponsor a Child for $30, send your gift to L.I.F.E. at PO Box 806, Sterling, IL 61081 or call the United Way for $30. Call the United Way of Whiteside County 815-625-7973 or log-on to our website www. uwwhiteside.org and search for Imagination Library.

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Who is Eligible? Newborn children to age 5 who are residents of Whiteside County.

Continued from page 5

This piece, inspired by “The Great Gatsby,” is part of Von Holten’s “PrintFilmCanvas” series, which is on display through Oct. 28 in the library at Sterling High School.

L

inda Von Holten looks at the world with an awe, a curiosity, a wonder that most people lose or stifle as they grow from childhood to adulthood.

She sees things that most ignore. And she paints them. Or photographs them. Or mentally stashes them away for just the right time.

Von Holten, 51, is an artist. She’s a painter, a photographer, a singer. She’s also a teacher.

••• Von Holten grew up on a farm south of Harmon; she attended Amboy schools, then Sterling High School, graduating in 1983.

She studied music at Sauk Valley Community College, but quickly decided she didn’t want to teach music. She transferred to Illinois State University, and earned a liberal arts degree, paving a wider, yet more uncertain path to an art-related career.

Von Holten returned to the Sauk Valley and landed a job as an aide in the Sterling school system in 1989. She filled the needs of teachers throughout the district, often assisting with art classes and lessons.

She decided she Linda wanted to teach art, Von Holten so she took more specific art education coursework.

Von Holten then served as the district art teacher for kindergarten through sixth grade from 1996 to 1999.

She next taught art at Newman Central Catholic High School until 2013, when she resigned to pursue her own art.

••• “I’ve always been a painter,” Von Holten said.

“My subject matter has always been whatever…”

She paints a variety of subjects in a variety of styles. She often gets questioned at art fairs and shows about whether the pieces on display are all hers.

Continued on page 9

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For more information

Find Artwork by LVH, which includes paintings, photographs, An Artful Party in-home/on-site painting events, and more, on ...

Facebook: facebook.com/Artwork-byLVH-397811483599348 Instagram: instagram.com/artworkbylvh Continued from page 7

“I don’t know if it’s because it’s so varied,” Von Holten said. “I don’t really fit a mold.”

She likes to paint in a series, though, and she has several in the works.

Her “Raw Naturals” series is based on material, which influenced the subject matter. She stretches a raw, unbleached linen over a frame and secures with bronze brads. She then paints on the linen, as she would on a canvas, images from nature: cardinals, a squirrel, mushrooms.

Her “Liquified History” series is based on the stone slabs along the Thames River in London, which she has photographed and reinterpreted in abstract with matte and metallic acrylic paint.

And her “PrintFilmCanvas” series features scenes or images from movies that were adapted from books.

“So many times, I would see a shot in a movie and think, ‘That would make a great painting,’” Von Holten said.

She has plucked images from such classics as “Pride and Prejudice,” “The Great Gatsby,” and “Alice in Wonderland,” to fantasy works such as the Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter franschises, to more modern thrillers such as “The Bourne Identity” and “Casino Royale.”

The series is on display through Oct. 28 in

As shown by the three pieces on this page, Von Holten paints a variety of subjects in a variety of styles.

She often gets questioned at art fairs and shows about whether the pieces on display are all hers.

the library at Sterling High School.

Von Holten does not simply paint or photograph the world around her, though. Artwork

by LVH, the umbrella under which all of her

artistic ventures fall, also includes teaching.

She long has offered private lessons. She also offers An Artful Party in which she goes to a home or to a venue and conducts a painting party. She has done birthday parties, bachelorette parties, and even small groups, such as a women’s Bible study.

And now, Von Holten is in the middle of a 9-week series called “Cover Me: Artists to Idolize” at Sauk Valley Community College. Participants copy a work from a famous artist, while Von Holten provides an art history and popular culture lesson.

Oh, and she is the fifth- through eighth-grade art teacher at St. Andrew Catholic School in Rock Falls.

“Being born a creative with a sense of wonder is a most incredible gift,” Von Holten said. “No power-off switch exists for the desire to explore, the need to experience, or the urge to express. … I love how the moments we live through converge to mold who we truly are now, and inform who we will be in the future. Helping others tap into that drive and inspiration ... is just one facet of life [for me], as is bringing my own ideas to visual fruition, or doing the same for others and their ideas.

“Getting paid to be a creative with a sense of wonder? Best gig ever.” s

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Stephanie Dusing is the owner of Behrz-Bloomz at 2503 N. Locust St. in Sterling. The business sells crafts, gifts and fresh flowers.

Story By Kacie Long & Photos By Philip Marruffo For Sterling-Rock Falls Living

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Business is blooming Shop feels fresh after change in name, location

B

ehrz-Bloomz, formerly known as Behrens’ Blumen’ Stuff, has gone through a lot of changes over the past few months.

A few things have remained the same though, such as its classic floral arrangements and quality customer service.

On top of a new name, Behrz-Bloomz also moved from its longtime Rock Falls location to a new location on the intersection of Locust Street and Lynn Boulevard in Sterling.

“Our traffic here is just phenomenal,” said Stephanie Dusing, 51, who took over ownership of Behrz-Bloomz after the move.

Jim and Kathy Behren still work in the flower shop, but after 45 years of owning and running the business, they wanted to slow down, after they began thinking about retirement.

“I’ve worked for Jim and Kathy Behrens for 15 years and not only are they my co-workers, we’re friends,” Dusing said. “It just seemed like it was the right time in their lives and mine for me to take ownership.

“I don’t feel like I’m their boss, and I didn’t feel like they were my bosses before. I just look at it like we’re a team.”

Another big change in the business is the amount of merchandise the shop offers.

“We carry a wide array of stuff; It’s not just flowers,” she said. “We’ve got new lines that we have never carried before.”

Some of the new items include lotions, hand soaps, dips, breads, soups, jewelry and boutique-style fashion.

Another benefit the new location offers is plenty of windows, and that means plenty of sunshine, which really perks up the petals that fill the store’s open floor plan.

Behrz-Bloomz still arranges fresh and silk flowers for any sort of occasion or event, and offers tuxedo rentals.

“When we did our grand opening in July, I called Sterling High School and said, ‘Do you have any of your groups that would like to do a fundraiser?’ and the Sterling junior class came and had a cookout [to raise money for their prom],” Dusing said. “The kids told their parents to stop here; we told our customers to go get a pork chop.

“Then, we brought the kids in and handed them a check as a donation and said, ‘Take this

ABOVE: Halloween and fall-related items are on display at the shop. BELOW: Pumpkins not your thing?

No worries. There’s still a wide selection of other items from which to choose.

Holiday open house

Behrz-Bloomz will host a holiday open house from 4 to 7 p.m. Nov. 11; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 12; and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 13 at the shop.

People check out holiday-themed floral decorations and gift items to gain inspiration for their own home decor and gift needs.

Refreshments will be served and there will be door prizes. and put it towards your prom, and hopefully you’ll all come back for your prom and tuxedos.’”

Along with combining community involvement and business promotion, customer service is also a staple of Behrz-Bloomz.

“If you have a problem with anything, we want to know about it,” she said.

What sets this business apart from others, said Dusing, is how it caters to each customer’s individual needs.

Dusing said she remembers a woman coming into the flower shop asking for a flower arrangement for her daughter’s homecoming and remarked on how she strongly disliked her daughter’s bouquet from last year, but couldn’t remember where she got them.

Behrz-Bloomz

Address: 2503 N. Locust St., Sterling Phone: 815-625-5116 Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Saturday Online: On Facebook “I looked at her and said, ‘You got your flowers from here,’” Dusing said. “And she started apologizing and I said, ‘No, I cannot believe you didn’t come back to me.’

“That year, I gave her her flowers for nothing and said, ‘You need to be happy this year.’ I want everybody to walk out of here happy.” s

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Destined to dance Family has been behind Dale Dance Studio for 70 years STORY BY KACIE LONG & PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KRABBENHOEFT FOR STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

I

t takes some people years to find a hobby they are truly passionate about – but not Julie Dale, 74, owner of Dale Dance Studio.

She tapped into her passion early on in life.

Dale Dance Studio was originally started by Julie’s mother, Alice Dale. Julie and her sister, Sharon, followed in their mother’s footsteps and eventually took over Dale Dance Studio.

Sharon retied in 1982, but Julie still carries on her family’s dance legacy.

Julie has instructed hundreds of locals on the art of dance, and this year, the studio is celebrating its 70th anniversary.

“When you come here, we treat you like one of us,” Julie said. “Everyone has a camaraderie. ... They love each other. There’s no bickering, no fighting; it’s a love of dance and a love of one another.”

Julie began passing on her passion to others when she began teaching dance fulltime in 1963. With 53 years of dance instruction under her belt, it’s no wonder she still has students flocking to her studio.

“People should come to our studio because we’re the best,” she said. “I do all ages, from age 3 and a half all the way up to my oldest student, who is 93. Her name is Delores Bartizol and she’s been tap dancing for 5 years.”

ABOVE: Dance instructor Julie Dale leads a class through different moves at Dale Dance Studio in Sterling.

LEFT: Jena Bettner and Brian Dillard practice dance moves at the studio.

Continued on page 15

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Dale Dance Studio

Address: 6 E. 23rd St., Sterling Phone: 815-718-1814 Email: julied12@hotmail.com Continued from page 13

Julie not only teaches students of all ages, she instructs students from all different walks of life.

According to Julie, anyone is capable of enjoying the art of dance, no matter who they are or what they do.

Some of her students include Dana Dillard, a police dispatcher, and Mark Nytko, a state trooper.

“I love dancing because it combines thinking and artistry,” said Dillard. “[It] gives me a chance to escape from everyday stress.”

Nytko said it gives him something fun to do during his free time.

“It’s a good show-off skill to have,” Nytko said.

On top of having years of experience, Dale was president of the Chicago National Dance association for 10 years where she ran conventions, workshops and helped aspiring dance teachers get on their feet and open their own studios.

Dale added that many dance teachers around the area took dance classes at her studio before starting their own studios, such as Paula Eastman, 65, who owns Eastman School of Dance in Dixon.

“I started taking classes with [Julie Dale] when I was 10,” Eastman said. “I worshipped her. She had just come back from college, and she was beautiful and glamorous. She walked into a room and just made a statement.

If you were in Sterling and a teenage girl at that time, taking classes at Dale Dance Studio is just what you did.”

Dale said she has no plans to retire or close her studio anytime soon. She has high hopes that dance will continue to be a integral part of the Sauk Valley.

“I would just like to see the dance business flourish,” she said. “It’s important that we have good educators, and it’s important that the people know how to do dance correctly.” s

Mark Nytko (from left), Dana Dillard, Ed Marquez, Onnica Marquez, Brian Dillard, Jena Bettner, August Ufkin and dance instructor Julie Dale pose for a photo at Dale Dance Studio in Sterling.

Onnica and Ed Marquez practice dance moves at the studio.

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We invite you to stop by and enjoy a multi-level shopping experience 307 First Ave., Sterling Mon.-Fri. 9 - 6p.m., Sat. 9 - 5p.m., Sun. 10 - 4p.m. s t e r l i n g - r o c k

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A New place to kick it

Martial Arts master Jane Dillon, 19, is the owner of Legacy Martial Arts in downtown Sterling. She’s fourth-degree black belt who’s been teaching martial arts for 8 years. She offers adult and children’s classes at her studio as well as self-defense classes for women.

Martial arts master opens Legacy Martial Arts in Sterling

M

STORY BY KACIE LONG & PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KRABBENHOEFT FOR STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

ost 19-year-olds are still trying to figure out how to live on their own, let alone determine what they want to do with the rest of their lives Jane Dillon, owner of Legacy Martial Arts in downtown Sterling, is not your typical 19-yearold.

“I was 7 when I told my parents I wanted to make this a career. It was right before I got my black belt,” Dillon said.

When Dillon was just 2 years old, her father, a police officer in Wheaton and a staff sergeant in the Army National Guard, started taking her to his taekwondo classes where she would watch on the side mimicking her father’s every move.

Seventeen years later, Dillon is now a fourth-degree black belt, has placed in dozens of martial arts competitions and has been teaching martial arts for the past 8 years.

“I graduated high school early and started college when I was 17,” Dillon said.

After taking business and fitness courses at the College of DuPage, Dillon sat down with her parents and discussed using the remainder of her college fund as a business investment.

She came across a building in downtown Sterling that formally hosted the Only the Best consignment shop and decided it would be the perfect place to teach her taekwondo courses.

“I told [my parents] that I wanted to pur-

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chase this building instead of rent. ... I have the funds, I don’t need to go away to a big university and spend all that money on what some people nowadays would consider a worthless degree,” she said. “So instead, I took that money and invested it in that building.”

The building is nearly unrecognizable from the inside after the renovations Dillon has made since August.

The walls are all freshly painted, one of which is emblazoned with the Legacy Martial Arts symbol. The floor is covered with mats, and there are benches on small platforms toward the front of the building where parents can sit and watch their children.

Next to the benches, walls are lined with medals and trophies Dillon has earned for her martial arts accomplishments.

“I will admit, it’s a little intimidating being 19 and opening my own business because I’m in the chamber [of commerce] and surrounded by tons of adults but I have to remember, I’m an adult too, even though I am still a teenager,” she said. “That’s actually my biggest fear: people not taking me seriously because I am so young.”

Dillon said she prefers to look at her youth as a positive attribute to her business instead of a negative one.

“I think being young and being female really helps me to relate to the kids,” she said. “Being younger, I think I have more patience with [kids]. I have been in their shoes more recently than older instructors. I can relate to them and understand some of the difficulties they’re going through.”

Although Dillon offers classes for all ages and genders, she specializes in children’s taekwondo classes as well as women’s self-defense classes, which are separate from her taekwando classes.

“In this day in age, it’s a reality that women are going to be attacked. One in three women will be sexually assaulted in their lifetime. It’s something that everyone needs to be prepared for,” Dillon said.

In Dillon’s eyes, women’s self-defense classes are a necessity, which is why she charges only $5 per class.

“I would teach [the classes] for free if I could, but in reality, this is a business and I have to make money, so I made it as cheap as I could,” she said.

Dillon said one of the personal perks to beginning this new business venture is living directly above her studio.

“My apartment is right upstairs so I can come down here in my pajamas at 2 in the morning and just practice if I want to,” she said. “That’s always been my dream.”

Martial Arts is for anyone, any age, any gender and any body-type, according to Dillon.

“My 80-year-old grandfather wore a white belt and walked in the Fiesta Day parade with us and he was breaking boards,” she said. “It’s something literally anyone can do.”

Dillon wants people to know that she even though she’s young, she knows what she’s doing – if you don’t believe her, come see for yourself.

“I think for me, personally, confidence is the most important thing martial arts can teach you,” Dillon said. “Being confident with yourself and who you are, loving yourself and being confident you can take care of yourself in risky situations. All of that martial arts can teach you – besides the whole self-defense thing.” s

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Address: 21 E. Third St, Sterling Phone: 630-244-0580 Hours: 3 to 9 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday Email: MasterJane.Legacy@gmail.com Online: martialartslegacy.com and on Facebook

Dillon said one of the personal perks to beginning this new business venture is living directly above her studio. “My apartment is right upstairs so I can come down here in my pajamas at 2 in the morning and just practice if I want to,” she said. “That’s always been my dream.”

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St. Andrew Thrift Shop volunteers (from left) Sally Keeling, Doug Rhoades, Mary Starr, Lorrine Gaffey and Wanda Schmitt, all help keep the thrift shop clean and organized.

Suited for success St. Andrew Thrift Shop is on its way to great first year Story By Kayla Heimerman & Photos By Michael Krabbenhoeft For Sterling-Rock Falls Living

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Continued from page 19

S

t. Andrew Thrift Shop in Rock Falls has been up-and-selling for more than 6 months and already has donated $40,000 back to the church and school that share its name.

The idea for a thrift shop came about 5 years ago, when volunteers from St. Andrew Catholic Church took over a booth at the Whiteside County Fair only to have it rain all week; the church tried again the following year, but school started the same week.

“We thought then that we should go with a thrift shop,” said Wanda Schmitt, a volunteer and church member. “We did a lot of research and got information on all the requirements.

And we learned it was all about finding the right place to have it.”

A prime location opened up this past fall, when Focus Services moved out of its space in the Prescott building at 1100 First Ave. “I remembered when it was a grocery store. It was big,” Schmitt said. “We walked in, and we already had an idea of where everything would go. It’s too small now. We have had so many wonderful donations.”

The store is outfitted with shelving and other accoutrements reclaimed from defunct local businesses: The shelving underneath the front counter is from a local doctor’s office. The top of the front counter is from an elk farm south of Deer Grove. Rolling racks that now hold books came from Fashion Bug. Clothing racks came from JC Penney, after the mall suffered storm damage in June 2015. And carts, baskets, and even a cash register came from Sunbeam.

The shop accepts donations of clothing, books, toys and games, household items, small appliances, and furniture.

“It’s coming from everyone, not just St. Andrew’s parishioners,” Schmitt said. “We’ve received wonderful things from Morrison, Walnut, from all over.”

St. Andrew Thrift Shop

The shop has a large selection of men’s clothing (above), and well as furniture, home decor and more.

Address: 1100B First Ave., Rock Falls Phone: 815-622-9181 Online: On Facebook Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday Donations are accepted during business hours (through the front door). Transactions are cash only.

Continued on page 23

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The Rev. Richard Kramer of Harmon shops Sept. 20 at St. Andrew Thrift Shop. He said he enjoys looking for old dishware, antiques and pieces of local history at thrift shops.

Continued from page 21

The shop has received items from several estates, so the store isn’t full of “just clothing and knick-knacks.” It regularly has good-condition furniture, including dining tables and chairs, and household items. The shop also has many items, especially clothing, new in the box or with tags.

“The reason we’re charging only 50 cents for clothes or books is because we have so many things, and we have to keep it moving out of the store,” Schmitt said. “We have people coming in from the Quad Cities to shop, and they are buying cartloads of clothes at a time.”

The St. Andrew Thrift Shop is one of several such stores in the Sauk Valley that benefit a church, school, or other nonprofit organization. But volunteers don’t believe the local market is saturated or competitive.

“We weren’t worried at all,” Schmitt said.

“The Sterling-Rock Falls area needs the help.

And the community is so wonderful. We tell everyone, if you can’t find it with us, then you should go to the other thrift stores in town.”

Proceeds from the store are split 50-50 between St. Andrew Catholic Church and its grade school. The thrift shop so far has donated $20,000 to the church and $20,000 to the school, and volunteers hope to double that by

An antique pump organ is for sale at the thrift store.

the end of the year.

Both the church and the school are old and in need of repairs and upgrades, including a parish hall, so students do not have to eat lunch in their classrooms if there is a funeral during the school day.

Besides, costs are going up, not only for the church and school, but for its parishioners, who still are giving generously to the church.

“But we needed something to help fill in that void, and this store is really helping out a lot,” Schmitt said. s

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424 Locust St., Sterling 815-625-2587 f a l l / w i n t e r

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Lic # 058-157413

201 W. 14th, Rock Falls • 815-626-0897

Ben Linton, owner of Vintage Mechanical Works, works on his Illini State pulling truck at his shop.

Reaching beyond restoration

Vintage Mechanical Works isn’t just wrenchin’ on the classics anymore

STORY BY KACIE LONG & PHOTOS BY PHILIP MARRUFFO FOR STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

V

intage Mechanical Works has been around for the past 10 years, but for the past 2 years, it has been offering more than just vintage car restoration.

New owner Ben Linton, 32, took over the business in January. He hopes to get the word out about all of the services his business has to offer.

Linton grew up in Sterling as a farm boy. He graduated from Sterling High School, as did his wife, Kaci.

He said that growing up, his father always told him, “If you break something you’ve got to learn how to fix it on your own.”

This was the foundation upon which Linton built his career.

After attending Universal Technical Institute in Houston, Texas, and working at Gerber Auto Collision in Rockford, Linton decided it was time to come home and began to work for Vintage Mechanical Works.

Originally, Vintage Mechanical Works specialized solely in the restoration of old vehicles, but in an effort to build its business, it has since broadened its scope.

Vintage Mechanical Works now encompasses all vehicle needs including restoration, custom work (which includes race cars and pulling trucks), collision repair, sandblasting and general auto repair.

“Everybody knows that we do restorations, but nobody really knows that we’re doing

everything else,” Linton said. “The previous owner, ... he never really branched out to bring in work. I’m more energetic. More like, let’s get out there, get the job done; let’s bring in some work.”

Linton has definitely seemed to grab the bull – and the vehicles – by the horns since taking over. He keeps his shop clean, having someone come in and mop during the week and using protective plastic around vehicles when they’re not being worked on.

“I’m very hands-on,” he said. “I’m very particular, I like things done a certain way. I like things perfect.”

s t e r l i n g - r o c k

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RIGHT: Body work is performed on the vehicle at the shop.

Continued from page 25

He ensures this by assigning deadlines to all of the projects in the shop.

He also gives each vehicle a once-over before it leaves his shop.

Although Vintage Mechanical Works now offers more than just restoration, Linton said he has no plans of getting rid of that aspect of his business.

“I don’t want to steer away from restorations because that’s what this business was built off of,” he said. “Restorations are for ... my parents’ generation and my grandparents’ generation.

“I guess you could say it’s a dying breed of all originality,” he said. “My generation is taking the same muscle car era and bringing the new technology into those muscle cars.”

That’s what’s popular now, Linton said.

It’s all about taking a classic car, maintaining its vintage look but modernizing the inside of the car, and its performance, to make it more user-friendly.

Linton said he would like to buy another building within 5 years, so he can use one for restorations and the other for collision repairs.

He also said he would love to see his children Elena, 3, and Zach, 1, become a part of the business in the future.

“Every Saturday morning, my kids are like, ‘Lets go to the shop, Dad!’ They love it,” he said.

He said his business’ slogan is simple: “Vintage Mechanical: Projects built to your specs.”

The shop offers modern performance work, along with collision repair and vintage restorations.

“There’s a lot of shops that push you to do something and I don’t like that,” Linton said. “I like to be able to accommodate your vehicle to your needs.

“I’m selling labor and building friendships. I’m not here to make a lot of money, I’m here to make your dream come true. Whether it’s your Honda Civic or your muscle car.” s

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STORY BY KACIE LONG & PHOTOS BY ALEX. T. PASCHAL FOR STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

From left: Janjiya Jankawekul, Koranath Chirahiranroch, Sawitree Bangthup, Micah Khuntangta and Pavida Pratumrat pose for a photo at Touch of Thai II in Rock Falls.

A

The magic touch

fter years of planning and preparation, Touch of Thai II officially opened its doors at the beginning of June, and so far, the business has been received positively by the community.

Touch of Thai II incorporates authentic, healthy Thai cuisine concocted by cultured chefs – some of whom came straight from Thailand.

The chefs’ talents extend from how they cook the food to how it’s displayed on the plate, with close attention to detail.

Micah Khuntangta, 21, who manages Touch of Thai II and is the son of co-owner Trirong Khuntangta, said customers seem pleased with the food and enjoy having something new to try in the area.

“Every day it gets busier,” Micah said.

Touch of Thai II shares its location with Dead Tree Tavern, which makes for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.

“The building changes character throughout the day.

It’s a nice lunch time setting and it changes to more of a nightlife setting in the evening,” Micah said. “[Dead Tree] has eight craft beers; it can all go well with Thai food.

“People will sit at the bar and order food or sit over here and just drink and maybe get an appetizer.”

Pavida Pratumrat, 34, co-owner of Touch of Thai II and Trirong’s fiancee, said they are very open to suggestions and enjoy hearing feedback from their customers.

One of the adjustments they have made based on customer input is making sure a majority of their menu includes gluten-free options.

New Thai eatery cooks up a unique dining experience

Continued on page 31

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Continued from page 29

“There’s only one dish on the menu you can’t get gluten-free,” Pratumrat said.

Health is a top priority when it comes to how the food is cooked and prepared, according to Pratumrat.

“The most important thing is our food has no MSG. We are very serious about MSG and health,” she said. “The vegetables are fresh and the sushi is hand-rolled” One of the challenges Touch of Thai II has faced is making sure the menu has food with an authentic spice but a familiar taste.

“Finding a good mix between spice and American-izing the food took some time,” Micah said.

One of their most popular dishes is Super Star Chicken, which Micah said is the restaurant’s take on sweet-and-sour chicken.

“It’s close to our best seller,” he said.

Pratumrat said one of the goals she has for her business is to broaden the sushi menu and to incorporate a sushi bar. She would also like to work with Dead Tree to create some food and drink specials.

“People like to eat sushi with their drinks,” she said.

Another new feature Touch of Thai II began to offer shortly after opening is online ordering and delivery service.

“As people find out about the online ordering and delivery, it’s really begun to take off,” Micah said. “It’s [either] pizza or Jimmy John’s around here. ... We’ve been getting delivery orders from hospitals, clinics, banks, Wahl Clipper – orders all of the time.”

According to Micah, what sets the restaurant apart is that you won’t go home and not feel good after chowing down on the food.

“With us, you won’t feel that way,” Micah said. “It’s simple, it’s authentic and nothing excessive.” s

The combo appetizer features shrimp, crab rangoon, egg rolls and potstickers.

r tte pla n i o h sus rag te e D t, and . a h n t gh una r i T is o ins Th onta ot N picy H c ll, S , y Ro nch u Cr

Below, the menu options of Crazy Spaghetti Seafood (left) and Basil Duck, are shown.

Touch of Thai II

Address: 102 W. Second St., Rock Falls Phone: 815-716 8559 Hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

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Brothers Brian (left) and Brent Sisson are the owners/operators of Dead Tree Tavern.

Bar’s roots run deep

Almost 3 years of hard work paying off at Dead Tree Tavern STORY BY KACIE LONG & PHOTOS BY ALEX. T. PASCHAL FOR STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

F

or almost 3 years, Brent and Brian Sisson, along with Trirong Khuntangta, poured their blood, sweat and tears into the Dead Tree Tavern to prepare it for its opening day.

“We were 13 days shy of 3 years,” said Brent Sisson, 38, who co-owns Dead Tree Tavern with his brother, Brian.

The trio broke ground on May 3, 2013, and opened April 20.

Brent and Brian rent part of the building from Khuntangta, which is directly connected to Touch of Thai II. Having a Thai restaurant and tavern directly connected to each other makes for a unique atmosphere.

“We’ve been well-received; we’ve been staying busy. We get compliments from people of all ages,” Brian, 42, said. “What makes us unique is the old-school feel. It’s the original floors, the original ceiling. Even in our bar design, that’s a very old-style bar. It’s not a horseshoe, it’s not a straight bar.”

The Sisson brothers agree their tavern gives off an atmosphere similar to the that of the TV show “Cheers.”

Drinks specials are offered on game days for Chicago’s favorite sports teams.

Continued on page 35

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The unique bar is built around an actual tree trunk, which inspired the name of the business.

Continued from page 33

“It’s kind of got the similar homey feel. ...

When you walk in, you’re comfortable with everyone,” Brian said. “We know a lot of people by name that walk in the door.”

Creating the tavern of their dreams didn’t come easy though. While still working fulltime doing flooring and small construction gigs, the Sissons would come into Dead Tree after a full day of work to continue the renovation.

“We didn’t hire out at all. There isn’t anything in this place from top to bottom that Brian and I, and Trirong, didn’t put our hands on,” Brent said.

Brent did add that they received help through many local friends and family members, especially their father, Doug.

“We would have never made it as far as we did without the help we received,” Brent said.

While working incredibly long days for almost 3 years, the Sissons had to find the funds to pay rent and utilities, in addition to the costs of remodeling.

“The hardest thing was not wavering,” Brent said. “We started this project and we saw it through. A lot of people would have given up a long time ago.”

Brent and Brian have worked together for

Dead Tree Tavern

Address: 102 W. Second St., Rock Falls Phone: 815-716-8572 Hours: 8 a.m. to 1 a.m. Monday through Sunday Online: On Facebook Email: deadtreetavern@gmail.com virtually the past 15 years. Both agree they wouldn’t have it any other way.

The business has a large selection of craft beers.

“Brian and I felt like there was no market in the area for craft beer. ... We have our own beer that’s brewed for us by the Lena Brewing Company, which is the Dead Tree Ale and the Otis T. Bass,” Brent said. “Those two are exclusive for us.”

Customers can stop in and try a pint of one of their many craft beers for $5.

Not only does Dead Tree boast its own exclusive craft beers, it’s decor is also one-of-a-kind.

One of the tavern’s most notable features is a real tree trunk behind the bar, which Brent came across through Ryan’s Tree service.

He wanted to incorporate it somewhere in the bar and said he and his brother kept shift-

ing the tree’s location back and forth unable to decide where to place it.

“I don’t know how many times we moved that tree; it was such a pain. It was a huge, dead tree, it was like a thorn in the side,” Brent said.

“Brian actually came up with the name [of the business]. There’s so much dead wood in here.”

Brent isn’t exaggerating. The establishment is covered with wood accents, from the tables to the walls to the bar itself.

The brothers plan to create a rooftop deck. A stage and bar is already built, and is just waiting for some finishing touches.

Adding even more under one roof, Brent and Khuntangta are opening up a kickboxing/jiu jitsu gym in the basement.

“The young man’s name is Stephen Gladhill who will teach the jiu jitsu classes and Trirong and I will teach kick boxing,” Brent said.

Brian said he truly feels like they have something special with Dead Tree that no other business has been able to create until now.

“I just think we’re out of the ordinary. We have a niche here that needed to be filled,” Brian said. “It’s something that you don’t see in these towns that we have to offer, which is the atmosphere, the drinks and the decor.” s

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2 STERLING LOCATIONS

1901 LOCUST ST NEAR KROGER (DRIVE-THRU)

2501 E LINCOLNWAY NEAR WALGREENS (PICKUP WINDOW)

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CGH Main Clinic Welcomes

Jeffrey Thormeyer, MD Orthopedic Surgery

We are very pleased to announce that Jeffrey Thormeyer, MD has joined CGH Medical Center as an Orthopedic Surgeon. Dr. Thormeyer is now accepting new patients.

Dr. Thormeyer received his MD from George Washington University School of Medicine in Washington, D.C., and both is BA and MA from Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Illinois.

He completed a surgical internship and his orthopedic surgical residency at the University of Illinois in Chicago.

Most recently, Dr. Thormeyer served as an orthopedic surgeon and department chief with the U.S. Army at General Leonard Wood Army Community Hospital in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri.

To schedule an appontment, call toll free

(800) 625-4790 or (815) 625-4790

MAIN CLINIC

www.cghmc.com