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M A G A Z I N E Spring 2015

Self-taught artist to do mural work for Sterling series

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www.edwardjones.com

m Meier

Member SIPC

ancial Advisor

2 E Route 30 Suite 2 ck Falls, IL 61071 5-535-0776

Help Elderly Loved Ones Avoid Financial Abuse

www.edwardjones.com • Member SIPC

It’s unfortunate, but true: The elderly population may be the most vulnerable group in our society. In fact, in Nations has designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. If you have older parents, or even grandparents, can you do to anything to help prevent them from being victimized, especially with regard to Actually, there’s a lot you can do. First and foremost, you need to maintain good communications and a trusting relationship with your older family members. As long as these elements are present, you should feel free to make the following suggestions: to me.” But the facts suggest otherwise: Some 20 percent of Americans over the age of 65 admit to having Guard private information — Ask your parents or grandparents to not divulge personal information over the phone. In fact, urge them to get caller ID, if they don’t have it already, and tell them that if they don’t recognize Don’t send money. Exhort your parents or grandparents to never wire money to a random account — no exceptions. act immediately. These offers are often overblown at best and may be fraudulent at worst.

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Publisher Sam R Fisher Advertising Director Jennifer Baratta Editor Larry Lough Magazine Editor Kathleen Schultz Page Design Robin Norburg Matt Lindstrom

COVER • STORY

A Heart for Art

Published by

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

Local artist can do just about anything

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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A Healing Touch ... naturally

A heart for art beats in teacher

Local massage therapists trained to bring relief to cancer patients

Local artist can do just about anything

Help is here to promote wellness

Four decades later, a hall of famer

The Community That Cares: Helping families’ futures

Chicken Coop makes it good

These Snowbirds ride in winter

Giant chicken, ginormous taste served at Brenda’s place

When they’re not riding, club members maintain

The main vibe is Eclectic

The dog house never felt so good

Antiques and art - recycled, upcycled or just plain funky

Grooming, daycare, vet services, even massage for your pet

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Whiskey Barrel’s atmosphere rustic/modern and fun, fun, fun

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A Healing Touch T

he battle against cancer changes everything, and for many, the stress involved can greatly impact their mental health and well-being.

Licensed massage therapists Carol Wright-Kielsmeier and Leslea Wallace Massage Message... understand how much relaxation can aid in the healing process, and using a licensed massage Licensed massage therapists therapist with certification in oncology is the best Wright-Kielsmeier and Leslea way to receive a relaxing, safe experience, they say.

Wallace practice at Karma Salon Oncology massages employ different strokes & Spa, 1512 Fifth Ave. in Rock Falls. and techniques, but the goal is the same: to give clients a mentally grounding experience, Call 815-622-7500 for an and alleviate their pain. appointment or more information.

“Massage releases endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers. It also removes toxins through the body by stimulating the lymph nodes to filter lymphatic fluid,” Wallace said.

A person “can fight As a guy, I used to think massage could better if they feel better,” Wright-Kielsmeier be a little weird or uncomfortable. added.

Don’t hesitate because you That’s a think you’re too manly to benefit. philosophy cancer DAVE SHERRICK survivor Dave

“

“

Local massage therapists trained to bring relief to cancer patients

BY CASSANDRA ZIMMERMAN SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING Leslea Wallace is an oncology massage therapist who practices at Karma in Rock Falls.

Sherrick now understands well.

Sherrick was diagnosed with stage 3 melanoma in December 2011. After undergoing Interferon treatment, doctors found a malignant tumor on his right groin. Removal of his lymph nodes in his right leg left him cancer-free, but with severe swelling, numbness and no way for the lymphatic fluid in his right leg to move or be filtered.

He decided to try something new, something he never thought he would.

“My wife, Laurie, had been seeing Carol for massage occasionally for some time. I began going for massage occasionally as a relaxing ‘escape’ from the physical and emotion stress of the whole cancer thing,” Sherrick said.

“I soon discovered that each time following an appointment with Carol, my leg’s swelling was less. Additionally, I was regaining feeling, which was something my surgeon told me would likely never happen.

“As a guy, I used to think massage could be a little weird or uncomfortable, he said.

But no more. “Don’t hesitate because you think you’re too manly to benefit,” he advises his fellow men.

Wright-Kielsmeier and Wallace have taken the first of a three-part course, taught

by Institute of Integrative Oncology in Chicago, on the proper techniques to help cancer patients. Part two begins in October.

The knowledge gained so far helps them give effective massage without hurting or injuring the lymph nodes, Wallace said.

They recommend that clients talk about massage treatments with their doctors before signing up. They also suggest that clients talk to their massage therapists about the treatment they have received or are receiving, if they have had surgery and where, and if they have had any lymph nodes removed.

Those details will affect how the massage is rendered.

For example, if more than three nodes have been removed, the technique used to help lessen swelling and damage to compromised areas is different, Wright said. Clients with high red blood cell counts bruise easily.

Still, for those battling cancer, just being touched can be a benefit in itself.

“Many people are worried about hurting someone who has cancer, or worried about spreading germs,” and so don’t want to touch their loved ones, Wright said.

“It feels good to just have someone touch you after going through so much pain.” s Left: Carol Wright, massage therapist at Karma Salon in Rock Falls, is a specialist in therapy for people fighting cancer.

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HELP IS HERE

Photo by Alex T. Paschal/Sterling-Rock Falls Living Family care coordinators Irene Lewis-Wimbley (left), Laura Smith Jennifer Bubrick (right) help Community that Cares Coordinator Connie Davis (second from right) with cases at Sinnissippi Centers.

The Community That Cares: Helping families build bridge to the future

T

BY CASSANDRA ZIMMERMAN SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

“The smallest success in changing a life in a more positive way helps me remember I am making a difference,” Bubrick said.

As part of the goal of early identification and intervention, CTC has developed strong working relationships with area schools. Through Second Step social and emotional learning curriculum, children learn social skills, basic anger management, and how to express feelings in a healthy manner.

Activities include brain puzzles, puppets, videos, songs and more.

Studies have shown that children who participate in social and emotional learning curriculum have high GPAs, are less likely to use drugs and alcohol, have better attendance and graduate.

“Studies show that these same students are also able to better cultivate more significant relationships, problem solve, and are better able to control their emotions, lessening aggressive behaviors,” Davis said.

Patrick Phelan is Sinnissippi Centers’ president and CEO. “Every child is a CTC child, because the wellness of one child can positively impact every other child around them, not just in school,” Phelan said.

“The project is tailored to individual children and their needs that screen positive for concerns and their families. It is about helping every child.

“I would like the community to be aware of CTC and be proud of what we have. This is the biggest collaboration for children’s mental health that I have ever seen and it exists here. It helps members of our own communities.”

By providing screenings and supporting families, the CTC is working toward allowing children to reach their full potential while working to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.

The project participates in numerous community events, including Taste of Fiesta in Sterling in September.

CTC also offers Parent Cafés, in which parents get support from other parents in similar situations, and has provided five Youth Mental Health First Aid training sessions.

By recognizing concerns and providing assistance to families early on, the CTC is creating a bridge for children Do you care? who may not flourish otherwise. And by allowing children to receive the education and wellness they need, the next For more information on Community That Cares, call Connie Davis at 815-284-6611.

Go to www.secondstep.org for more information on Second Step. generation will be better able to contribute to the society in To learn more about Youth Mental Health First Aid, go to www.mentalhealthfirstaid.org. which they live. s

he Community That Cares project, funded in part by the Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation, is a truly unique endeavor.

One of the few multicounty projects of its kind in the state, Community That Cares is dedicated with the vision of improving overall community health and wellness by providing mental health services to children and families through a coordinated system of care that includes early identification, delivery of needed services, family support, and communitywide prevention and education efforts.

This year alone, CTC has screened about 20,000 children in Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties, Project Director Connie Davis said.

Gloria Martin is CTC’s director of child and adolescent services at Sinnissippi Centers.

“The project has a goal of screening as many children as possible of the 35,953 children in the four-county area,” Martin said.

“CTC members and partners believe healthier, happier children lead to more successful adults, which support stronger communities. Improved social and emotional functioning in younger children leads to fewer substance-abuse problems in adolescence, fewer juvenile arrests, fewer teenage pregnancies, and better overall academic performance.”

All families with children in the four counties can reach out to family care coordinators in times of need or stress. They are Jennifer Bubrick, Irene Lewis-Wimbley, and Laura Smith. Family care coordinators provide support to all children and their families, and to pregnant women, free of charge.

They can help families with housing, utilities, educational assistance, and any other support needed in difficult situations. They have, in fact, helped more than 500 families since the beginning of the project in 2012.

Many times, the most significant help they provide is just listening. This provides a safer environment for children, not only at home, but also in their communities.

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Parkway Center

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BY JERMAINE PIGEE SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

B

renda Plock, owner of Brenda’s Chicken Coop in Rock Falls, says she knows what good food tastes like.

And, “If you know what good food tastes like, you can cook it.”

Plock has been making home-cooked meals for the past 40 years.

So, when visitors come to Brenda’s Chicken Coop, they will get just that – a fresh, homecooked meal.

“Everything is made here in the restaurant,” says Plock, 53. “It’s all our batter, and we do it all right here.”

Plock has been cooking for herself since she was a teenager. She has been on her own since she was 16, and by the time she was 19 she had her own family.

Continued on page 11

Photos by Michael Krabbenhoeft/Sterling-Rock Falls Living Brenda's Chicken Coop in Rock Falls serves a variety of homemade-style foods in a family atmosphere. The restaurant also does carryout, delivery and catering.

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424 Locust St., Sterling

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1112 1st Ave., Rock Falls

815-625-2040

Continued from page 9

In February, the restaurant celebrated 8 years in business. You know you have found the restaurant when you see a giant white chicken perched out front. There might also be children getting their picture taken next to it.

The inside of the restaurant feels like walking into a family member’s home. There are decorative light fixtures on the ceilings and art on the walls, including plenty of uplifting sayings, such as “Homemade goodness made with love.”

“We are about family here,” Plock says. “We are family-oriented, and it’s a family-based restaurant. We are your home away from home.”

The menu is filled with homemade food, which includes large chicken strips with a special dip called coop sauce.

Slow-roasted St. Louis ribs are a crowd-pleaser, slow-cooked, grilled and topped with a signature sauce.

Side dishes include a variety of salads and potato options.

The menu also features “samitches,” as Plock calls them, that include a pork tenderloin, walleye samitch and the coop burger, which is a 1/3-pound charbroiled angus burger.

All of the dishes are made with Plock’s signature recipes. She will not compromise on quality, using only the freshest ingredients.

If you want chicken made the right way, Brenda’s Chicken Coop is definitely worth trying. s

THE DETAILS Restaurant: Brenda’s Chicken Coop, 208 W. 10th St., Rock Falls Hours: 4 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday Atmosphere: People in the restaurant keep to themselves, and there is not a lot of loud chatter It’s also really clean Service: Friendly staff. Food is made to order, so allow extra time for dinners Sound level: It’s a small, quiet restaurant.

Most popular appetizer: Onion rings Chef recommends/house special: The restaurant specializes in chicken Drinks and wine: The restaurant does not serve alcohol. It offers various soft drinks Salad bar: Yes Video gaming: No Reservations: Reservations can be made, but they are not necessary Website/Facebook/Twitter: Find Brenda’s Chicken Coop on Facebook s t e r l i n g - r o c k

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The vibe is

Antiques and art – recycled, upcycled or just plain funky and old – fill downtown Sterling shop

BY ASHLEY POSKIN SPECIAL TO STERLING ROCK FALLS LIVING

W

afting from the former Hart Jewelry building in downtown Sterling can be heard the sweet sounds of Louis Armstrong. Step past the big glass windows full of great antique pieces and into Eclectic, grab a complimentary coffee, and begin to roam. The shop lives up to its name.

Owner Zachary Olson saw the opportunity to turn the rooms inside into a mall for antique dealers, artisans, and craftsmen, to offer a unique shopping experience for locals, as well as a creative outlet for himself.

Olson, a 1998 Sterling High School grad, started his working life

as a chemist in the suburbs. About 5 years ago, he decided it wasn’t quite his passion and decided to pursue other interests.

He’d always admired the legacy of hard work that was antique furniture, and longed to build and work with his hands, so he tried contracting for a few years. During that time, he realized his passion was for preserving and restoration, and began to pursue that as a fulltime career.

When the property downtown became available, he and his brothers David, Matt and Rob jumped at the opportunity to make the purchase.

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It is our goal to accomodate every guest, whether it’s distributing medication or just a simple belly rub. The happiness of our guests is important to us. We welcome you to stop by for a tour today! Our open door policy allows you to see where your furry loved ones will sleep and play! We hope to see you soon!

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Continued from page 13

They had planned to use the lower level as an additional location for David’s second law office (he practices in Freeport), but when David’s plans changed, Zachary suggested the antique mall.

Olson had seen the business model work in the area, and with his passion for antiques and history, was excited to pursue the new endeavor. It was perfect timing, with his construction experience, he was able to completely remodel the interior and give the building new life.

A sign that reads: “Eclectic: Selecting what appears to be best in various methods or styles” hangs over the entrance of one of the rooms, and highlights what Olson wants his customers to experience.

Olson has brought in a few pieces in that he has upcycled, but admits that most of his larger pieces don’t get leave his house because his wife, Jennifer, always gets first dibs.

When he isn’t running the store, you’ll find him spending time with his family (the couple has a baby boy, Lincoln, who turns 1 in June, and a daughter, Emma, 8) or working on new pieces for the shop.

There you’ll find an impressive selection of antiques and collectibles, ranging from high-end furniture to small, affordable trinkets and glassware.

Pottery is displayed throughout the store, as well as handmade jewelry and cards, seasonal wreaths, and vintage kitchen items.

Most of the furniture in the shop is vintage, antique, or upcycled, but you can find a few newer pieces as well. It’s a great source for that one, unique piece for your home.

And, if you don’t find exactly what you’re looking for, just ask Zachary – he does custom woodwork.

In addition to providing space for dealers, Eclectic offers a range of specialized services, such as eBay listings, consignment sales, furniture repair, handmade children’s chairs, step stools, and custom stencilling. s

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Looking for awesome?

Eclectic, 19 E. Third St., is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Call 815-535-6337 or find it on Facebook.

Owner Zachary Olson is looking for artists, antique dealers and others to fill his walls and his 20-some booths with highend antiques as well as handmade items such as repurposed goods, furniture, soaps, paper, jewelry, metalwork, photos, paintings ... “pretty much anything awesome,” he has said.

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Local artist can do just about anything

BY ASHLEY POSKIN SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

A Heart

J

ohn Gragert was 12 when he sold his first sign, for $45. but John was business-savvy even then. He invested his earnings

in supplies to make and sell more signs.

He’s kept to the path ever since.

Over the span of his career, he’s been fortunate to work in various mediums for a range of clients, he’s had the opportunity to travel statewide for different companies, and he teaches art to students at Rock Falls Middle School, where

for

he not only highlights the freedom and possibilities of artistic expression, but also encourages students to be savvy and to seek out the potential of making art their business.

Art

Few of us are so lucky to find our calling at such a young age, but to John, making art is like breathing – he’s always done it; it’s his “normal.”

He calls it a “pulse” – when the ideas come he has to reach for his grinder, granite slab, or at the very least his notebook, so he can jot down his ideas.

He admits that inspiration comes so freely that it can sometimes be a struggle to have to shelve that idea until time allows him to explore it.

Continued on page 19

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Summer Hours: Tues. - Fri. 2-6 • Sat. 10-6

Bounce & Party with us!

815-632-3630

ANTIQUES - ART DECOR - CONSIGNMENT 19 EAST 3RD STREET | STERLING, IL 61081 815.535.6337 | sterlingeclectic@gmail.com

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505 W. Lynn Blvd. Sterling • www.funjump.us

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In some cases though, there’s no stopping it. Gragert’s eyes lit up when he recalled a time recently when he was washing dishes at home, staring out the window at big hunk of limestone in his backyard. As soon as the dishes were done, he grabbed his grinder and put it to work on the limestone and began carving.

Everything is inspiration to him, and his knowledge of working in different sculpting and carving mediums is so vast that it really makes his work one-of-a-kind.

Over the years, he’s been fortunate to work for a vast array of companies.

His glass etchings can be seen in a range of venues from the Friendship House restaurant in Rock Falls to high-end million-dollar homes in the suburbs.

He’s done engravings on monuments for companies all over the state, and is working on projects for his son at Family Stone Memorials in Rock Falls.

It’s really a treat to hear his process when working up an original design.

His approach is that of an artist: He wants his clients to be wowed by the end product, so he strives to incorporate as much detail into the piece as possible.

He also owns Gragert Designs, where he supplies local business with premier signs, where his work ranges from vinyl signage to hand-carved, one-of-a-kind-pieces.

He recognizes the importance of the vinyl work, but prefers working All Photos by Ashley Poskin Sterling-Rock Falls Living Above: Gragert works on a personal project, a hand-painted replica of a vintage Indian Motorcycle sign.

Gragert works on a sketch for the 20th mural in Sterling, focusing on Lincoln and his overnight stay in the area.

with his hands to carve or engrave signs – the artisan approach.

You’ve more than likely seen his signs around town: The new 3-G grape sign hanging above The Grapevine Wine and Martini Bar in Rock Falls is his.

Gragert is self-taught: He graduated from Rock Falls High School in 1984 (where he started the school’s art club) and worked a stint in Las Vegas, but then he returned to the Sauk Valley area and married his childhood sweetheart, Becky Urrutia. The couple, who met at a skating rink when he was 14 and she was 12, have four boys – Gaston, 25, Bradon, 21, Kylon, 17 (a “phenomenal portrait artist,” dad says), and Nolan, 12.

Although he thought continuing his education would be fun, he really didn’t see the point. He already had a very clear idea

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of what he wanted successful in his crafttoand in business. skill outweighs your business savvy, to butdo, forwas Gragert, the two seem be just about as equal as theyboth possibly Balancing can can. sometimes be difficult, especially if your artistic Because of this, he’s an even bigger asset to the after-school art proskill outweighs your business savvy, but for Gragert, the two seem gram at Rock Falls Middle School, where he teaches the kids art, yes, to be justthem abouttoasseek equal theyinpossibly can. can turn their but also encourages outasways which they Because of this,into he’spotential an even careers. bigger asset to the after-school art passion, for art or otherwise, For instance, he had some of hisSchool, studentswhere draw and sell caricaprogramonce at Rock Falls Middle he teaches the kids art, tures at the Sterling High School prom. They had a good time doing yes, but also encourages them to seek out ways in which they can turn what they loved, and came home with a Benjamin each that night. passion, art or otherwise, into potential careers.memorial, a So their whether you’reforlooking to commission a one-of-a-kind he had of his draw and sign forFor yourinstance, business,once or a mural for some your wall (yes,students he does murals, too sell – among others, the murals the American Grill in Rock caricatures at he thedidSterling HighatSchool prom. Bar Theyand had a good time Falls, and look for him as he makes the 20th addition to the Sterling doing what they loved, and came home with a Benjamin each that night.

Mural Society at the Manahan Home this summer) you can expect an So approach, whether you’re commission a one-of-a-kind memorial, artistic top oflooking the linetowork, and stellar customer service from a sign for Gragert. s your business, or a mural for your wall (yes, he does murals, too – among others, he did the murals at the American Bar and Grill in Rock Falls, and look for him as he makes the 20th addition to the Sterling Mural Society at the Manahan Home this summer), you

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Four

Sterling man is Tennessee university’s newest hall-of-famer

decades later,

stellar pitcher gets a

home

run

BY ROB LAIRD SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

E

Photo by Philip Marruffo/Sterling-Rock Falls Living Steve Valadez of Sterling was recently elected to the Union Universitiy Hall of Fame. Valadez was a 4-year pitcher for the baseball team.

very once in a while, Sterling’s Steve Valadez will be presented with a reminder of his brief time as a standout pitcher on the baseball field.

Perhaps he’ll hear from former long-time Minnesota Twins bench coach Rick Stelmaszek, who was Valadez’s catcher at Mendel High School 48 years ago. Maybe he’ll read a newspaper that references former Atlanta Braves’ general manager John Schuerholz, who was the GM of his minor league team in 1973. In years past, he’d turn on the television and see one of the umpires from his college days, Rich Garcia, donning the blue in the major leagues.

But none of those reminders have ever triggered the reaction, nor the pride, that Valadez felt when he learned Union University would induct him into its athletic Hall of Fame.

“I was flabbergasted, of course,” said Valadez, who was formally inducted in a ceremony Feb. 13.

Valadez set a number of records during his time at Union, a 4-year Christian university in Jackson, Tennessee. “It’s just not something I ever expected, but I was very excited to go down there.”

Valadez’s senior season in 1973 featured his biggest claim to Union fame: He won nine games that year for the Bulldogs with no losses, allowing just 0.56 runs per nine innings.

He even got the chance to pitch against some major leaguers, including Boog Powell, when the Baltimore Orioles played Union in an exhibition game during spring training in 1971. Valadez pitched seven shutout innings before allowing a single run in the eighth for a 1-0 loss in a game that was broadcast on the radio in Jackson.

“Our first baseman told me he was looking forward to shaking hands with the big leaguers when they got on base,” Valadez said.

“He came up to me as the game went on kind of joking that nobody had gotten on base, so he couldn’t shake any hands.”

Valadez earned All-American honors in ’73 for his efforts at Union and was signed by the Kansas City Royals to play for their rookie-level minor league affiliate in Kingsport, Tenn., a 400-mile drive east across Interstate 40 from Union.

But a brief post-high school military stint left him older than most college graduates at 24, relatively ancient for rookie ball, so the Royals released him after the season despite strong statistics.

“I had a winning record, but I was one of the older guys, and they were really pushing their younger players,’” Valadez said. “[Schueholz] told me, ‘If you were a left-hander, I’d keep ya.”

Valadez latched on for one more minor league season, playing in the Mexican League (which is considered to be Triple-A) for one year in 1975, when he helped lead Tampico to the league title.

After that last dance with organized baseball, it was off to the working world for Valadez, who spent 5 years near his home neighborhood in Chicago as a teacher at James N. Thorpe Elementary School for youths with social and behavioral issues.

For the past 24 years, he’s worked for Aflac Insurance, for which he operates a Rock Falls office.

And, every once in a while, he’ll be reminded of his old baseball career, one that he can now accurately describe as a Hall of Fame career. s

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When they’re not riding them, club members maintain 110 miles of trails

M

BY DAVE FOX SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

ost people think snowbirds are elderly retirees who migrate south for the winter.

On the other end of the spectrum is the Whiteside County Snowbirds, a group that actually embraces cold weather and snow – the more, the better, in fact.

The Whiteside County Snowbirds snowmobile club consists of about 40 members whose purpose is to maintain trails, to promote safety tand respect for the land, and above all, to have fun playing in the snow.

Club President Jeff Laleman spoke with excitement about the club during a recent interview at his home south of Rock Falls.

“The club started in the early ’70s, and there was basically just a trail somewhere around Morrison that ended up somewhere over around Fulton at that time,” he said.

“We [Laleman and his wife, Sandy] joined around 2004, when the club was just about done. There had been some rough years with no snow, and membership was really down, but there were a couple

st He

r o f re

r e t n i W e th

of original members who really wanted to keep it going.

“We started working on trails, getting more of them, and more members.” Things are much much better now, he said with a smile.

The couple are veteran riders. Laleman has enjoyed the sport since1983, while Sandy, a native of the Chicago area, has been riding since the ’70s.

“It’s fun to go snowmobiling, just because it’s fun to get on and ride,” Laleman said.

“There’s the camaraderie and the friendships that develop, and you get to go all kinds of places and see all kinds of things that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to see. It’s just a great way to get outdoors in the winter months and have a lot of fun.”

Locally, the club has brought the sport a long way.

“The main trail in this area at one point was the Hennepin Canal,” he said. “I lived in Geneseo way back, and the big thing back then was to ride the canal to Tampico to eat at the Dutch Diner. The feeder canal was actually a state-designated trail.”

Tampico “used to really be a hot spot for snowmobilers back then,” he said. “Everyone would gather there. There even used to be a couple of dealers there at the time.”

At one point, Laleman suggested the club connect the canal trail to an older Snowbirds trail that went through Sterling and up around the village of Emerson.

“They appointed us to do that, so that became our project,” he said with a grin.

Continued on page 25

Photos submitted by Travis Hanrahan, secretary of the Whiteside County Snowbirds Whiteside County Snowbirds (from left) Aaron Hanrahan, Max Jones, Sam Jones and Kaitlin Hanrahan, all of Prophetstown, stop for a scenic photo on the Hennepin Canal tow path at state Route 92.

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Continued from page 23

’Birds ride along the the Hennepin Canal, shown here at Lock 22 outside Mineral.

Now the Snowbirds maintain about 110 miles of trails in what’s known as Region Six, which makes up the northwest corner of the state.

“Within the last 3 or 4 years, a group from Prophetstown put in another 28-mile loop to connect them with Tampico and Lyndon,” he said. “It just keeps getting bigger.”

Trail maintenance is done in the summer and fall, “so sometimes [snowmobiling] seems like a year-round activity.”

The club owns a 12-foot wide Rotera, similar to a roto-tiller, which is attached to a tractor. In the fall, after fields have been harvested and chisel-plowed, the device is run over the trails to help keep them smooth and level.

Then, there are the signs.

Orange “blazers” keep the trails marked, and stop signs are placed appropriately for the safety of the sledders and other traffic. “Reminder” signs keep sledders mindful of staying on the designated trails and off private property.

“We also have to maintain bridges for the snowmobiles, because there are a lot of creeks along our trails,” Laleman said.

“Maintaining the signs can be a chore. People run over them once in a while, and we have to replace them at an average cost of $8 each. There are between 1,500 and 2,000 signs along our trails just in Whiteside County alone.”

Landowners who allow access to their property for the trails get a lot of appreciation and respect from snowmobilers, he said.

“Without the landowners, we’re in deep trouble. State law allows us to ride along roadways, but that’s no fun. Who wants to do that?

“When our trails go over private land, we have to get permission from the landowner to do that. Once we get permission, we add them to our own liability insurance policy,” he said.

“We keep in touch with landowners to see if there are any problems we might not be aware of,” he said. “It’s really important for all sledders to stick to the designated trails, so we don’t impose on the landowners and lose our privileges.”

Thanks to the system of trails developed and maintained in this part of the state, snowmobilers now can ride from the Quad Cities to the Wisconsin border and beyond, and even connect with Wisconsin trails to go farther north if they want.

“Respecting the landowners and staying on the trails is one of our biggest things,” Laleman said. “If people don’t respect the land, we could end up losing lots of trail space and end up with lots of problems.” s

Let’s Ride!

The Whiteside County Snowbirds meet at 7p.m. the third Tuesday of the month, September through April, at Longshot, 3312 W. Rock Falls Road (U.S. Route 30) in Rock Falls.

Membership is open to anyone, and the club is always looking for new members.

In addition to having access to miles of trails, the club has monthly meetings, a number of get-togethers and parties, and two fundraisers a year – a swap meet and a poker run, which help raise money for trail maintenance.

Dues are $30 a year, and include club membership, access to trails, the Illinois Association of Snowmobile Clubs magazine and other perks. Because the club is a member of the IASC, its members get special deals on equipment and services, as well as networking opportunities with other clubs.

Those interested may call club President Jeff Laleman at 309-314-3625 or attend a meeting to learn more.

Snowbirds Kaitlin Hanrahan (left) and Aaron Hanrahan, both of Prophetstown, enjoy a day on the trails after a big snowstorm in early February.

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T

BY CASSANDRA ZIMMERMAN SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

he furry friends who frequent Muddy Paws Pet Complex have much to look forward to in the coming months and years. Owner Donald Czyzyk has bright plans for the future of the newest doggy spa and day care.

While his roots are in Rockford Czyzyk moved to Sterling for his life partner, Mark Razo, and quickly realized the potential that the area had.

After becoming the director of Happy Tails and working with Advanced Animal Health Center in Rock Falls, he realized that the warehouse at 301 W. Third Ave. in downtown Sterling was the perfect space to expand his business.

The boutique sells pet toys, treats, clothes and food, including Precise dog foods, one of the few dog food companies in the United States

s in uddy Paw forehead of his groomer, Yvonne Podols ki, at M

.

Sterl i ng

to never have a recall.

Although plans for a 20,000-square-foot indoor dog park are on hold, Czyzyk has other features that sets Muddy Paws apart from other area dog groomers.

Yappy Hours, for instance, allows pet parents to spend time with their pet and other local parents in a fun environment. The doggy day care allows owners to drop off their pets at Muddy Paws to spend the day playing and relaxing, rather than sitting in a kennel all day.

“Many of our pet parents work 9- or 12-hour shifts. By bringing their pets here, they know that they are having fun and getting plenty of exercise,” Czyzyk says.

Muddy Paws also offers a chiropractor on the first Saturday of the month. He's licensed to treat both human and animals, allowing clients to enjoy the experience with their pets.

“Our chiropractor sees a lot of animals that have visited the vet and have been recommended to seek a chiropractor. A lot of them have back problems, or may be limping."

The service costs $35, regardless of whether the massagee is animal or human.

A veterinarian will be on hand the third week of every month

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

Continued on page 29

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Dogs relax on a couch at Muddy Paws in Sterling.

Continued from page 27

to provide low cost vaccines.

“It is important that 100 percent of all animals are kept up-to-date on shots," Czyzyk says. "An unvaccinated animal equals an unhealthy community.”

Then there's the grooming. Yvonne Podolski, a graduate of Paragon School of Pet Grooming and a groomer for 13 years, and Brittany Cox, a groomer for 6 years, make sure that every pet’s experience is as enjoyable as possible.

Janice Martinez is a loyal client.

“We take our shihtzus there to be groomed, and they do a wonderful job. My favorite part is that they really focus on how the dog looks when they leave, including putting bows in their hair," Martimez said.

"Yvonne is fantastic, and the dogs always look wonderful afterward.

I also really appreciate the promotions that they send by text message.”

Such promotions are routine at Muddy Paws, Czyzyk says.

“We run regular newspaper and radio ads, as well as run specials through our Facebook and text message offers. These help our business grow.

"I feel that it is important to stay in touch with the community.” s Top Right: Yvonne Podolski dries Mojo, after grooming him at Muddy Paws in Sterling.

Bottom Right: Muddy Paws sells a variety of Precise brand dog food.

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Above: Along with providing pet services, Muddy Paws also sells, dog food, treats, toys and accessories.

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1503 1st Ave., Suite C, Rock Falls Located in the professional building next to Arthur’s Deli

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Whiskey Barrel’s vibe rustic/modern and fun, fun, fun!

BY ASHLEY POSKIN SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

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M

y fella and I decided to wander down to Whiskey Barrel Saloon one evening after a much anticipated taco fix at La Familia (because nothing goes better with carnitas tacos than whiskey - obvi).

The bar, at 305 W Second St., is nestled among some of the longtime favorites but definitely stands out as being very much new, and different.

The owners, Jackie and Raul Molina, of Sterling, describe the vibe as “rustic and modern” – and they’ve nailed it. From the design of the interior to the whiskey selection and live music on the weekends, it’s a little bit country, a little bit rock ’n’ roll.

If you’re wondering, “So, what’s with the whiskey? Is that all they serve? When consumed, whiskey turns me into Lord Voldemort and I just can’t release that energy into the world again” – fear not.

While the Whiskey Barrel offers a large selection of the hooch, it also offers just about every single other libation you can possibly imagine (and they also have a MASSIVE drink specials board that is worth checking out).

Raul is especially proud of the Micro Matic Pro-line refrigeration system, essentially a giant walk-in cooler that keeps the kegs nice and cool. Warm beer? Not here. Raul’s keepin’ it cool like the other side of the pillow.

Speaking of keepin’ it cool, let’s talk about Raul. He’s been in the bar biz for quite a while now. He and his father were members of the Latin American Social Club, so he was always around the scene and just kind of grew up learning the business.

After putting in years at Northwestern Steel and Wire, and most recently working for a transportation company, he and Jackie began to discuss opening a bar of their own.

After 10 long years of planning, dreaming, discussing, they decided it was time. They bought three properties on Second Street, scrapped the existing buildings, which were in bad shape, and built the bar. A beautiful, rustic/modern bar.

The Molinas worked with an architect and really thought of everything when they planned out the space. There is a smallish cabana type area that eventually will become the kitchen.

Raul plans to serve a small but mighty menu that offers all the best bar foods, including wings and burgers.

Photos by Ashley Poskin/Sterling-Rock Falls Living Nick Molina, one of Jackie and Raul’s sons, pours a beer for a patron at Whiskey Barrel Saloon. Nick has been bartending since the establishment opened in May of last year.

Bob Steinhagen shoots pool during league night at Whiskey Barrel Saloon.

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The rest of the bar is so spacious that it easily could hold four or five different parties inside at the same time. There is a large seating area in front of the music stage (Oh, yeah, there is a LIVE MUSIC stage. Really great bands show up on the weekends – you’ll hear everything from country and rock, to Mexican music, and you’ll get to hang with a super packed house), plenty of seating at the bar, and quite a spacious area in the back near the pool tables and games.

The outdoor area is pretty great, too – walk through the giant garage door onto the patio and pull up a seat, or get in line to play a few rounds of bags or lawn darts.

Raul and Jackie are really generous with all this space, too. They are totally cool with people throwing parties and even let them bring in their own catering.

They’ve also hosted many fundraisers since the bar opened in May: Recently, St. Mary School in Sterling raised funds by “guest bartending” – tips went toward the fundraising effort.

Jackie and Raul are all about events that benefit the community and look forward to becoming even more involved with more events this summer. For instance, they have big plans in the works for Cinco de Mayo.

So, to recap: After 10 years of hard work and planning, Raul and Jackie Molina opened a pretty awesome bar. The vibe is fun, friendly, and super energetic. There is whiskey-a-plenty, cold beer (is this sounding like a country song yet?), fantastic live music, and all the games a player could wish for.

But don’t take my word for it; go check it out for yourself! s

Raul Molina, owner of Whiskey Barrel Saloon, stands in the Micro Matic walk-in cooler, surrounded by kegs of ice-cold beer.

At the Whiskey Whiskey Barrel Saloon, 305 W. Second St. in Rock Falls, is open from 10 to 1 a.m.

Monday through Saturday and from noon to 1 a.m. Sunday. You can friend it on Facebook to keep tabs on its entertainment offerings and events, or call 815-716-8061.

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