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M A G A Z I N E

Pumpkin Dash among varied park activities

Enjoy music under stars at Grandon Center

A new brand of bar scene at Cochran’s Spring 2014

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Publisher Trevis Mayfield

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Advertising Director Jennifer Baratta Editor Larry Lough Magazine Editor Marla Seidell Page Design Robin Norburg Matt Lindstrom Published by

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

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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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Dreaming

Pumpkin Dash among park activities

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features 6

Music Under the Stars

Get Ready for Spring

Grandon Civic Center: where families gather for summer fun

Statik Hair Studio and Day Spa offers innovative services

Summer Means Camp at the YMCA

Color Your World Mystic Fusion offers lie down beds, standing beds, airbrush spray tans

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Lots of options for activities outdoors and in

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A League of Their Own

Now Serving: Full Breakfast

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Cochranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s creating its own brand

12 Something for Everyone

Things to Do

Park districts offer many, varied programs, activities

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Spring and summer events in Sterling and Rock Falls

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Living It Up

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Bleeding Blue and Gold

Sochi has nothing on Parkway Center

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Sterling Schools Foundation supports entire district

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BY CASSANDRA ZIMMERMAN SPECIAL TO STERLING ROCK FALLS LIVING

uilt in 1938, Grandon Civic

The Sterling Municipal Symphony Band

Midwest, and has been asked to perform

Center at Central Memorial Park

holds a summer concert series at the civic

in Washington, D.C., alongside municipal

in Sterling is the location for sev-

center, according to Director Jon T. James,

bands from Miami and Los Angeles, among

eral area events throughout the spring and

44. The concert series is part of a long

others.

summer months.

tradition for the band, which began in 1919

The city of Sterling hosts the outdoor summer movie program beginning in May,

“The recognition from special guest

when the first outdoor performance was

conductors

held in Central Park.

and other municipal bands is that our band,

Dog Days on June 21, and Music Fest on

The band can range from 60 members

July 25. The civic center is also the site for

in the off season and generally grows during

at the civic center, is just superb,” James

Fiesta Days.

the summer to about 75 musicians. The

said. “That means a lot for me as the

band is recognized as among the best in the

director and members of our band.”

But those events are only a few of many.

as well as the setting that we have

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James and his wife, Cathy, are proud of the heritage of the band and its hand in the creation of Grandon Civic Center. It was a previous director, J.J. Richards, who in 1937 put out the idea for a new bandstand into the community.

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The civic center was built by local companies with local materials with the idea of creating an outdoor space for all to enjoy.

The area was meant to promote sun bathing, conversation, and, most important, community relationships.

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There are some differences between performing indoors at the Centennial Auditorium, located in Sterling High School, and the Grandon Civic Center, James said.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Outdoor concerts only have one rehearsal,â&#x20AC;? James explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Because of this, outdoor concerts include pieces that are lighter and generally less complicated. It is also during the summer series that many of our guest conductors come. The band usually knows

who our guest conductors are by the beginning of April. This allows the band members to practice many of the harder pieces so the one rehearsal in the civic center can run smoothly.â&#x20AC;?

Another issue the band faces at the civic center is the constantly

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shifting summer weather, James said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The heat is not a significant problem; our band members work through the heat,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The most difficult issue we see during the summer is figuring out whether there is a storm coming and whether or not that will impact the concert that night.â&#x20AC;?

Photos by Philip Marruffo/Sterling-Rock Falls Living

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Music lovers filled the benches and lawn at the Grandon Civic Center as the Sterling Municipal Band performed its second concert of the summer season in 2013.

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However, James sees the summer concert series at the civic center as an experience unlike any other.

involved, James said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our concerts can be enjoyed by anyone, regardless of their

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The atmosphere outdoors with the vendors, gazebos,

musical knowledge,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In my 10 or 11 years of experience

and benches is the perfect setting,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On a good

with the band, one of the things I love is that younger couples

summer night, the audience and community support surrounding

are bringing young children to our concerts at the Grandon Civic

the Grandon Civic Center creates an old town U.S.A. feeling

Center and the Centennial Auditorium, allowing live music

that we absolutely love.â&#x20AC;?

to impact the younger generation of our community. I hope they

A shift in audience attendance has seen younger couples

grow up knowing and enjoying the summer concert series.â&#x20AC;? s

Photos by Philip Marruffo/Sterling-Rock Falls Living Music lovers filled the benches and lawn at the Grandon Civic Center as the Sterling Municipal Band performed its second concert of the summer season in 2013.

Movies and music...

See the city of Sterling website, http://ci.sterling.il.us/arts.cfm, for movie dates and times.

For concert dates and times as well as special events of Sterling Municipal Symphony

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Band, visit the website, http://sterlingmunicipalband.com/.

The band also has a Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/ groups/99169885561/.

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Color Your World

BY CASSANDRA ZIMMERMAN SPECIAL TO STERLING ROCK FALLS LIVING

Mystic Fusion offers lie down beds, standing beds, airbrush spray tans.

Photos by Alex T. Paschal/Sterling-Rock Falls Living

I

n business since 2004, Mystic Fusion Tan Spa in Sterling is a comfortable and relaxing environment for those who seek that summer glow, whether through a hydration station, tanning beds, or airbrush spray tans.

Owner Angela Montanez, 36, offers several services and tanning accessories her clients seek throughout the year.

For those seeking color, the salon offers lie down beds, standing beds, and airbrush spray tans.

For those who plan to tan regularly, the salon offers monthly packages that begin at $25.99 a month for 6 months.

Clients who are busy or new to tanning can take advantage of single session pricing starting at $6 or can buy tanning minutes.

Minutes package prices vary.

New clients should also know that laws in Illinois require that only those over 18 may use tanning beds.

Several levels of beds can be chosen,

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including some with facial bulbs.

The most important part of tanning is that skin is properly moisturized, according to Montanez.

“It is always good to have tanning lotion,” she said. “Studies have shown that by using lotion, the skin only takes an average 30 seconds to start absorbing color as opposed to the 10 minutes without the use of lotion. At the very least, I suggest using a moisturizer before tanning.”

Another service Montanez suggests is the hydration station. At $15 for a 20-minute session, the station moisturizes skin through the use of steam, creating a relaxing experience for those who deal with wintry, dry skin While the station does not provide a tan, the overall effect is healthier skin with a subtle glow.

Airbrush spray tans are also a popular service at Mystic Fusion at $25 or $30 a session.

“I airbrush clients by hand, allowing them to choose how dark they would prefer their tan,” Montanez explained. “By doing this service by hand, streaks are avoided, something not possible through at home methods. I also offer black-out spray tans for bodybuilders who need to look their best on competition days.”

She also suggests that people who get spray tans exfoliate beforehand and wear loose-fitting clothes.

While Montanez suggests making appointments, walk-ins are welcome.

Montanez is proud that her locally owned and operated business participates in community fundraising efforts, including the Sterling Rock Falls football cards, which this past year included a special for services at the tanning salon.

By living in the community and knowing her customers, Angela creates an environment that is welcoming and fun, yet relaxing.s

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A League of Their Own Cochran’s creating its own brand

V

BY KIMBERLY WATLEY SPECIAL TO STERLING ROCK FALLS LIVING

eronica Machnicki and her husband, Paul, were enjoying a night out.

They were listening to live music by Chuck Murphy when she wandered over to the gaming machines inside Cochran’s Pub. “I never play, but I thought, ‘Why not?’” she said. “I put in a $20, and ... I can’t believe it!”

She won $335 on her first try. The five machines have been in place for only a couple of months, but owners Dave and Deanna Cochran say they are already a hit.

The couple opened a year ago, hoping to offer a place for people to relax, have a good time, play some games, listen to music, and create their own brand of business.

Dave, who bartended for nearly a decade for others, spearheaded the venture.

Deanna said with a laugh, “It was all Dave, and I was along for the ride.”

Walking through a Saturday night crowd, Dave checked on customers to ask whether everyone was enjoying the music and to make sure their drinks were full.

Together, their vision has been brought to life. Offering more than “just another bar,” they set up various formats of entertainment. There are leagues for bags and darts that, Dave said, give people more to do.

Continued on page 14

Veronica and Paul Machnicki celebrate a big win from Diamonds Dublin at Cochran’s Pub. The games were installed in December and already have become a favorite among customers.

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We wanted to make it our brand. To focus on customer service, take responsibility to give them a good time. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something I can look at, have our name on, and be proud of.

DAVE COCHRAN

â&#x20AC;&#x153;

Cochranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pub bartender Cynthia Stringer takes another drink order as she pours a beer. The flat screens behind the bar rarely have the same thing playing.

Patrons say they enjoy more than one sport at a time to watch.

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Continued from page 12

Teams pay their dues and are awarded with T-shirts and trophies at the end of each season. The 8-week leagues cost $25. An additional menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bags league may be added later, they said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Gold Rush, our gaming vendor, takes care of our gambling machines,â&#x20AC;? Dave said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They also are in charge of the dart leagues. It is nice having those options for people.â&#x20AC;?

This summer they hope to expand entertainment outdoors, including bags and co-ed sand leagues for volleyball. Being outside will also allow more space for full bands to perform.

Deanna said one of her favorite features is the music. Various individuals and small bands of all genres perform, but she prefers the acoustic musicians. â&#x20AC;&#x153;That way people are not drowned out,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;They like that they can sit in the bar, listen to music, and still be able to talk.â&#x20AC;?

The atmosphere they have created is exactly what they as a couple would look for in a night out, they said.

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The party room at Cochranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pub hosts many fundraisers and anniversary and birthday celebrations, along with bridal and baby showers. There is room for catering tables, a DJ booth, dance floor and a separate bar.

It is closed off from the main pub area with double doors. Owner Dave Cochran, standing in the back, checks on partygoers.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our bartenders take the time to introduce themselves, make people feel comfortable, even if itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s their first time there,â&#x20AC;? Dave said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not a nightclub kind of an atmosphere.â&#x20AC;?

Deanna is looking into options for adding a small food menu to go along with the drink specials, craft, specialty and IPA beers. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Anything customers recommend, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll try it and see how it goes,â&#x20AC;?

Dave said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We wanted to make it our brand. To focus on customer service, take responsibility to give them a good time. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something I can look at, have our name on, and be proud of.â&#x20AC;? s

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Get in the game Cochranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pub 13464 Galt Road, Sterling Hours 11 a.m.-1 a.m. Monday through Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday To sign up for leagues, reserve the party room for $150, or for more information, call 815-625-7495.

FLOORING DOESNâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T HAVE TO BE BORING

Chuck Murphy, one of many musicians hosted by Cochranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Pub, plays to a large crowd on a Saturday night. The bar features various musicians, catering to acoustic and solo acts.

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Something for everyone!

Photos by Alex T. Paschal/ Sterling-Rock Falls Living and SVM File Photos

Park districts offer many, varied programs, activities

BY KIMBERLY WATLEY SPECIAL TO STERLING ROCK FALLS LIVING

Girls in the 4- and 5-year-old division of the 22nd Annual Pumpkin Dash take off from the starting line.

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P

roviding enriching year-round activities, events and sports is the goal of the Coloma Township and Sterling park districts.

The neighboring cities provide resident and non-resident rates for everything they offer.

Often they collaborate with local organizations or special events and programs, said Mike Sterba, Colomaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s director of parks and recreation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;For instance our co-ed church slow-pitch leagues are set up through the district for softball,â&#x20AC;?

he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;It isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t necessary for players to be members of the church to participate.â&#x20AC;?

He said a lot of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s focus will be on improving facilities while maintaining fun activities in the many parks.

Capital improvements â&#x20AC;&#x201C; such as those required by the Americans With Disabilities Act â&#x20AC;&#x201C; are costly but necessary, he said, and made possible through grants. â&#x20AC;&#x153;ADA improvements are at the top of our list

at Dillon,â&#x20AC;? Sterba explained. â&#x20AC;&#x153;State-of-the-art bathrooms, storage and streetlights are some of the things weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be working on.â&#x20AC;?

Although with work is not glamorous, he said, the restroom must be handicap accessible, and the 48 heads on the streetlights are from the late 1960s, costing more to replace bulbs and maintain than the expense of installing new LED lights.

Centennial Park tennis courts will undergo Continued on page 18

Rough weather and other activities didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t discourage a nice group of 38 free throw shooters to the Coloma Park District Free Throw Challenge.

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Parents follow their little ones as they race in the Sterling Park District's 22nd Annual Pumpkin Dash at Hoover Park.

Continued from page 17

rejuvenation as well, but lessons and play will be uninterrupted.

The programs will remain and continue to grow, Sterba said, including special events such as the well-attended annual free-throw contest and youth bowling tournament.

“We do have year-round recreation programs with everything from tennis lessons for 6 years to junior high schoolers, to the annual fishing derby, held in September,” he added. “It’s a sight to see when they drop 3,000 trout into the river. The preschool in our one-room-school-house that was donated is also offered year-round.”

The school, for ages 3 to 5, is in Centennial Park. It was built in 1985.

Canoes and paddle boats, as well as shelter rentals, are available.

Sterling also offers shelter rentals in each park.

Paul Zepezauer director of recreation, said that while the Westwood and Duis provide shelter during bad weather for everything from art classes to fitness, highlights in Sterling for many people are the special events.

The annual Dog Easter Egg Hunt draws a huge crowd from all over the Sauk Valley area, as does the Pumpkin Dash for children.

“Our monthly programs, like swim lessons, are for 10 and under,” he said. “But gymnastics, tae kwon do, golf and tennis lessons are for all ages.”

Zepezauer commends the Sterling Parks Foundation. It offers up to 50 percent off to qualifying applicants who want to participate, but may not be able to afford to.

Johanna Cravatta, 15, keeps track of the score during the Coloma Park District's free throw challenge.

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Macy leads her master Lauren Kruse of Walnut around the course in search of a tasty treat. Sterling Park District held in 2013 its second annual Doggy Egg Hunt.

Like Coloma, some improvements and repairs will take place in Sterling. Workers are finishing up work in the area damaged by fire at Westwood last spring, and final stages of the lobby and restrooms renovation are in the works. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The thing that is unique is the number and size of the facilities we have for this size of a community,â&#x20AC;? Zepezauer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;There really is something for everyone.â&#x20AC;? s Kylie Fischbach, 10, of Rock Falls fires a shot toward the basket.

Family and friends watch the 2-year & under run at the 22 nd Annual Pumpkin Dash at Hoover Park.

Get active!

Lisa Brininger puts a shot up during the competition.

Westwood Fitness and Sports Center 1900 Westwood Drive, Sterling Duis Recreation Center 211 E. St. Maryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Road, Sterling 815-622-6200 www.sterlingparks.org Coloma Township Park District 317 E. Eighth St., Rock Falls 815-625-0272. www.colomatownshipparkdistrict.com

Seventy-two-year-old Ed Johnson puts a shot up at the Coloma Park District's Free Throw Challenge.

The competition was open to anyone who could hurl a basketball.

Come in for a warm...

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Living it Up

T

he 2014 Winter Olympics were in Sochi, Russia, this year, but staff and residents were also competing for the gold at Parkway Center.

The team coordinated a week of ethnic foods, Olympic games, activities and celebrations, including a medal ceremony, to coincide with the special week in February.

Residents participated in simulated versions of figure skating, races and ice hockey, just to name a few events.

You may not suspect sweet senior citizens to “get vicious and downright evil,” said Kay Wallin, administrator, but competition was fierce.

The arena was set up in the recreation room.

Lined with hollering spectators, it was standing room only as all residents, some family and staff participated.

Using brooms as hockey sticks, a Wiffle ball as a puck, and laundry baskets as the goals, it was game on.

Showing no mercy, Ruth Bock went headto-head with the center’s most eligible bachelor, Vernon Rosenow, who was also Valentine’s Day King.

She zipped in front of him, swinging her broom, and quickly scored the first goal.

“I went easy on her, …” Rosenow said, “until I saw she was a serious competitive player.”

Preparing for the second faceoff, he beefed up his stance, vowing to give her no more breaks, but to no avail. Her focus was on winning, and she did.

Bock scored three goals against him. “I liked

20

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BY KIMBERLY WATLEY SPECIAL TO STERLING ROCK FALLS LIVING

Sochi has nothing on Parkway Center

it because I got to beat a man!” she said with a laugh.

As other players took their brooms, they played just as fierce as Bock and Rosenow. In all, three brooms were snapped in half.

Ida Wink broke one while playing against Betty Harms.

“It needs to be dangerous or it wouldn’t be fun,” Wink said with a laugh.

Bock added: “We have a fantastic staff 24/7.

We are always laughing and having a good time.

Laughter is the best medicine.”

The staff played many games as well. Wearing a mop head as dreadlocks to emulate the Jamaican bobsled team, employees took turns pushing each other on a utility cart through the twists and turns of an obstacle course laid out through the center’s corridors.

As they zoomed around corners, residents and their family members lined the hallways, cheering them on, sounding horns and ringing bells.

Residents could barely contain their laughter as staff showed up for the speed skating competition wearing over-sized sunglasses. With their feet in bedpans and their hands behind their backs, they slid as fast as the portable potties could take them.

Back on “center ice,” complete with costumes and music, each resident performed an “ice skating” routine.

Dancing to “My Girl” by The Temptations, 102-year-old Amy Luptak, who was also Parkway’s Valentine’s Day queen, quickly grabbed everyone’s attention. Wearing a tiara, a red feather boa, and a mile-wide smile, she danced to applause from the crowd.

When it was Rosenow’s turn, he walked up to the judge’s table wearing a black-and-white stripped costume.

Dancing to “Jailhouse Rock” by Elvis Presley, he swung a pair of handcuffs around, rocked his body, and gyrated his hips, just like The King.

He also took Luptak’s hand, leading her to the dance floor with him. She smiled, clapped along, and wiggled at his side. The two wowed the judges, each taking home a gold medal.

Elroy Wylde’s students from Sterling High School were the judges. They included Zach Dewy, 16, who is part of the Service Learning class.

“Most retirement homes, like I saw with my grandparents, they do nothing,” Zach said.

“But here, they are always doing something fun.”

Wink added, “We really enjoy having young people around us.”

Many businesses and organizations team up with Parkway to provide activities. Wallin said they invited about 120 students to share the experience that Niabi Zoo provided. Small animals and reptiles were brought to the center.

Students from the Educators of Beauty came in to do a spa day with residents.

The residents are happy to give back as well.

They held a fundraiser recently for the Women of Uganda, selling beads and necklaces they had made.

The independent living facility is designed for individuals who are not ready for a nursing home. They each have their own apartment and come and go as they wish.

Looking at a room full of smiling residents, Wallin said: “When you go to places like this, you don’t come to die. You come to live, laugh and enjoy life, and that is just what we do.”s

A place to live Parkway Center 1801 Ave G, Sterling For more information or to check apartment availability, call 815-626-1121.

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Bleeding

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& Gold Sterling Schools Foundation provides support for

BY JOHN KERMOTT SPECIAL TO STERLING ROCK FALLS LIVING

S

terling is a city with strong foundations.

The Sterling Schools Foundation is an additional leg of support that adds to the strength of the community.

The Foundation sprang up in the hearts of a collection of concerned community leaders in 1989, out of a soil of homely gratitude and a desire to buttress the educational opportunities for Sterling’s students.

Knowing others would like to be a part of such an endeavor, this core team started “friend-raising” by collecting names and addresses of all Sterling High School alumni for a database. An initial benefit was an opportunity to maintain connections and share news with one another.

Since 1991, Blue and Gold alumni newsletter has been sharing current school system highlights, and life events of the alumni family.

The most pressing need for the Sterling Schools family was the long-postponed auditorium on the high school campus. The current high school facility, rivaling the beauty and the classic lines of a historic liberal arts college, was built in 1948.

Original plans included the blueprints for a performance hall, but once the main buildings and fieldhouse had been built, not enough money was left to complete it.

In 1994, a comprehensive capital campaign invited the Blue and Gold family to contribute.

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entire district

The campaign was generously undergirded by an anonymous pledge to match each gift that was given. The foundation raised nearly $6 million as a base to support the educational needs.

The $4.5 million auditorium was completed, on the site and using the blueprints that the original construction plans had intended.

Construction was completed in 1998 and the auditorium opened in October, 100 years, to the day of the opening day of classes of the first Sterling High School – hence the name, Centennial Auditorium.

“The original intent was to raise more money than was needed for the cost of construction, so that it would alleviate the need for taxpayers to ever have to pay for the ongoing operations, and to this day that goal has been met,” said Jim Spencer, executive director of the Sterling Schools Foundation. “The $1.5 million remaining after construction was strategically invested, and the return on that amount has funded the operations of the auditorium since Day One.” Sixteen years later, as of the end of 2013, the fund had $1.55 million, Spencer said.

Maintenance of the original investment is remarkable, considering the cost of operations as of late.

“We just put on a new roof last summer,” Spencer said. “We’ve redone the flooring, added

audio and video technology to keep it up to date and keep it fresh, as well as the everyday maintenance and utilities. We have a budget of about $120,000 per year to operate, and we still have a million-five! We’re proud that what we originally told the community has been done, and that higher taxes aren’t a part of the equation.”

The auditorium is still owned by the Foundation and leased to the school. Tim Schlegel is the auditorium’s director of theater.

“I’ve been here as long as the building has,” Schlegel said. “They built my job description around it, and it’s evolved as the needs change.”

The Foundation is staffed by Spencer, Julie Minnick, and Donna Dodson, under the direction of a 13-member board of directors. The board is made up of community leaders, Sterling alumni, and current Sterling Public Schools staff.

“We’re making some attempts to use the auditorium itself as a fundraising tool by hosting concerts for the community, like we did when we brought in the Diamonds Band, last fall,” Spencer said.

The Foundation provides support to the entire district through two significant educational programs.

“The ‘Classroom Mini-grant Program’ provides $30,000 per year for educational programs, kindergarten through high school,” Spencer said.

Kindergartners at Franklin School were recent

Jim Spencer and Tim Schlegel have been key to running and maintaining the Sterling Schools Foundation's Centennial Auditorium.

Left: The Sterling Schools Foundation would not have been able to build the auditorium if not for the generosity of many patrons. The names of the people and businesses are located on a mural in the foyer of Centennial.

For more info For more information, contact Jim Spencer, Sterling Schools Foundation, P.O. Box 1046, Sterling, IL 61081, call 815-626-0022, email jspencer@sterlingschools.org or go online to: www.sterlingschoolsfoundation.org.

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recipients of the grant when their teachers asked for funds to provide each student with books to read over the summer so they could maintain their reading level into the first grade. Special math projects, field trips, and additional classroom technology have been furthered through this program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Bucks for Booksâ&#x20AC;? is another solid Foundation program. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Additional money that comes in is used to purchase textbooks and library books for our schools throughout the district,â&#x20AC;? Spencer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;... Through 2013 weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve made over $500,000 Bucks for Books purchases.â&#x20AC;?

These programs are supported primarily through three annual fundraising efforts by the Foundation: the Golf Outing, the Corn Boil, and the Homecoming Barbecue.

This fall Sterling High School will take part in the nationwide 1 to 1 Computer program, which provides an Apple MacBook Air laptop computer for each student. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s like we do with text books,â&#x20AC;? Spencer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The student can use it for their school work, and take it home with them throughout the school year, and then they return it at the end of the year.â&#x20AC;?

That will be made possible through a grant from the Dillon Foundation to cover the initial investment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Over the next four years the Sterling Schools Foundation will maintain the program and provide additional funds to ensure that this continues past the initial grant,â&#x20AC;? Spencer said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We hope to enhance and maintain and eventually expand beyond the high school to the middle school within four years. We have no intent to cut back on other things. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re just adding this.â&#x20AC;?

Spencer welcomes inquiries from anyone who would like to learn more or to support the Foundation. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The brick and mortar is a great resource, but itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the people that bring it to life,â&#x20AC;? he said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The most rewarding part of my job is simply watching that stage come to life during performances, and then seeing the positive reaction of the audience. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very special.â&#x20AC;? s

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Get ready for spring!

Statik Hair Studio & Day Spa offers innovative services

Relax!

BY LUCINDA HALL SPECIAL TO STERLING ROCK FALLS LIVING

A

t last! It’s safe to come out of hibernation. Pull off your boots, mittens and hats and treat yourself to the glorious rituals of spring.

Greet the new season with spirit-lifting hair, skin and nail treatments with a visit to Statik Hair Studio and Day Spa in Sterling. Located at 501 E. Third St. in Sterling, Statik is the perfect answer for sloughing off winter drab with a revitalized “you” ready for sundresses and sandals.

“I’ve known this is what I wanted to do since I was a little girl,” co-owner Kayla Webber said.

“I love working with people. I think you have to in order to succeed in this industry.

We are constantly learning. Things are always changing with new products, trends, techniques.

It’s never boring!”

Webber and her husband, Daniel, began their business in 2005, moving into their current location – a renovated church – in 2007.

“I came across the church for sale online one day,” she said. “It was definitely large enough and in a great location. However, it was in very bad shape and required a complete renovation inside and out.”

She credits her husband with managing the Continued on page 26

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6-month makeover. â&#x20AC;&#x153;He worked day-in and day-out.â&#x20AC;?

The result was a dĂŠcor rich with warm calming colors, leather seating areas, and deep wood hues.

Once in the new location, Statik grew to include more than a dozen hairstylists, an esthetician (skin care specialist), massage therapist, and nail stylist offering innovative services to the region.

Brazilian Blowout, a popular new hair straightening treatment, is just one of the several advanced services offered by specially trained certified technicians at Statik. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Brazilian Blowout is a smoothing system that adds shine, blocks humidity, cuts styling time and actually improves the integrity of the hair,â&#x20AC;? explained Webber, who said clients travel from as far away as Chicago for the treatment. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s very expensive in bigger cities, and we are able to offer it at a fraction of the cost.â&#x20AC;?

As for hair color trends, Webber is seeing a resurgence in requests for reds, covering everything from bold, bright reds to more subtle coppers and red/ browns. Red low-lighting underscores are also popular.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Red is fun color with different reds to go with any skin tone,â&#x20AC;? she advised. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Your skin tone determines what you can pull off.â&#x20AC;?

A dozen styling stations are in an open area, with each station situated so that every client has a degree of privacy. Large mirrors adorn a far wall framed with wood repurposed from pocket doors that were discovered during the renovation.

A spiral staircase leads to the second floor spa area. The 40-foot ceilings in the original church allowed for the addition of a second area with separate massage, esthetics (skin care), nail and make-up rooms.

Clients are welcomed into a relaxing lounge area at the top of the steps, which is nicely appointed for special occasions and perfect for bridal parties getting make-up, manicures and pedicures for the big day. With comfortable leather love seats and an inviting conversation area, the lounge provides a retreat for special small group gatherings.

Darla Rumbolz, Statikâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s esthetician, specializes in facials, waxing, body

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treatments, make-up and ear candling. An esthetician is a licensed professional, recognized as an expert in maintaining and improving healthy skin.

“Waxing is especially popular in the spring and summer – facials, legs and full body,” according to Rumbolz. “Waxing inhibits hair growth for about 2 weeks and is usually only necessary every 4 to 6 weeks.”

Her message for sun lovers is “Sunscreen!

Sunscreen! Sunscreen!” She recommends a minimum of 15 SPF, and for women over 40, 50 SPF to help prevent age spots, fine lines and skin cancer.

She endorses facials to exfoliate after a sunburn to reduce burned, flaky skin from attaching to new skin cell growth.

Healthy skin care is a process of cleansing, exfoliating and rehydration, which Rumbolz describes as eliminating skin “congestion.” She is adept at facial peels and uses milder “alpha” peels, progressing to “glycolic” peels that penetrate deeper into facial skin layers. Facials can be beneficial for everything from acne and blackheads to age spots and fine lines.

Off the second floor lounge is the nail room, an inviting space that has been designed to be intimate and relaxing.

“The nail room is nice for mother-daughters pairs, or couples,” Webber said. “It’s wonderful for small group pampering where people can bring a bottle of wine and visit while others are having manicures or pedicures.”

Sandra Lopez is Statik’s licensed nail technician specializing in manicures, pedicures, gels, acrylics and “amazing free hand nail art,” according to Webber.

Lopez is seeing more and more men scheduling pedicures. Because Statik’s nail room is private with a separate stairway, men are more comfortable.

“It’s a man thing,” Lopez said with a laugh.

She is an advocate for hand and foot care and recommends that people show their feet a little love.

“Too often people go from shower to socks,” Lopez said. “Moisture is trapped, preventing skin and cuticles from breathing.”

She enjoys educating clients to use a pumice block to gently exfoliate feet to prevent scaling and skin cracking.

“Just a quick scrub after showering is all that is necessary,” she said. “It should become part of your daily skin care, just like showering or washing your hair.”

Dana Dietz, Statik’s clinical massage therapist, is “one of the absolute best in the area,” according to Webber. Dietz offers Swedish, deep tissue, sports, pregnancy, hot stone, clinical, cupping, reflexology and trigger point massage therapy.

Statik Hair Studio and Day Spa offers the special pampering, styling and treatments to provide clients with a jump start to rejuvenate for spring and summer activities.

“I consider myself very lucky,”Webber said, “to go to work every day loving what I do and who I work with.” s

Full treatment!

Statik Hair Studio & Day Spa 501 E. Third St., Sterling 815-535-0775 www.statikhairstudio.com www.facebook.com/statik.hair Hours 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday

C l e a n s

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Can you identify these objects located throughout Sterling and Rock Falls?

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"We count on Heat-Co, so can you!"

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choolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s out. Sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shining. Kids are whining, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re bored!â&#x20AC;?

Enter: The Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pretty much the only summer camp in the area,â&#x20AC;? said Keri Olson, membership and marketing director. â&#x20AC;&#x153;And weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re able to accommodate most peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs for the summer.â&#x20AC;?

Parents who seek structure, physical activity and enrichment for their children â&#x20AC;&#x201C; for a couple of days a week or for a week or more (away from home) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; have several options through the YMCA. Day camp: The Y offers camp daily from late May through mid-August in weeklong blocks, each one with a theme. Campers, who are grouped by age, play outdoor games or do indoor

activities, work on character development and asset building, and go on field trips, Olson said.

Camps are staffed by highly trained counselors, most of them college students who are studying education, Olson said. They are certified in first aid and CPR and learn techniques for positive discipline and best practices in education, she added.

Camp runs from 6:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Campers receive breakfast and lunch while at camp.

Camp is free to Y members and $75 for non-members for the whole summer. Camp costs $25 daily. Discounts for weekly registration are available.

Scholarships also are available.

Summer resident camp: The Y of-

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fers sleepover camp at Camp Benson in Mount Carroll in June and July, each one with a theme. The overall theme for the summer is â&#x20AC;&#x153;Unplug. Connect. Belong.â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;We want campers to unplug from electronics, learn to connect with other people, and get a sense of belonging with those around them,â&#x20AC;? Olson said.

Kids ages 5 to 8 attend Explorer Camp, a 4-day, 3-night experience designed to introduce them to overnight camp. Kids ages 8 to 14 attend Adventure Camp, a weeklong experience filled with high-energy activities and low-key peer interaction and personal discovery.

Kids ages 8 to 14 also can choose from two specialty camps: Mega Camp, a longer version of Adventure Camp, or Literary Camp, a shorter version of Adventure Camp built on a theme from the popular book â&#x20AC;&#x153;Rangerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Apprentice.â&#x20AC;?

Teens ages 12 to 17 can attend Teen Camp based on the thrilling TV series â&#x20AC;&#x153;Falling Skies,â&#x20AC;? about the epic battle that pits a group of everyday heroes against mysterious beings.

Camp Benson features new cabins and several new features, such as a climbing wall and a high-ropes course.

Camp starts at $440. Discounts to members of the Sterling-Rock Falls and Dixon YMCAs are available, and scholarships also offered. Families may sell candy bars to offset the cost of camp, too. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We have lots of ways to make it easy for parents to pay for camp,â&#x20AC;? Olson said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We make sure we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t turn anyone away due to their inability to pay for camp. If they can benefit from it, then weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find a way to make it happen.â&#x20AC;?

The Y also puts on its annual Outdoor Adventure Fest, this year on Saturday, Aug. 23. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The whole purpose of this event is for families to learn ways to spend time together outside,â&#x20AC;? Olson said.

Families can participate in a fishing derby in the swimming pool, scale the climbing walls, or practice archery. They also can listen to critter talks and see â&#x20AC;&#x201C; and maybe even touch â&#x20AC;&#x201C; live animals.

The event is free for families and includes a hot dog lunch. s

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The bar area at the All American Bar and Grill is filled with costumers for the dinner rush.

Now serving: full breakfast

BY LONNIE MILLER SPECIAL TO STERLING ROCK FALLS LIVING

Photos by Philip Marruffo/ Sterling-Rock Falls Living

All American Bar & Grill makes items from scratch

The All American Bar and Grill is located next to Days Inn in Rock Falls.

A cheeseburger from the All American Bar and Grill.

Lasagna and Bread Sticks from the All American Bar and Grill.

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Lou Anne Olson takes a food order in the bar area at the All American Bar and Grill.

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ports articles from newspapers and a huge mural featuring musicians from several different eras and genres decorate the walls of All American Bar & Grill in the northern corner of Days Inn on state Route 40 in Rock Falls.

The place looks small from the exterior, but is huge inside the building. So big that that mural includes music legends Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, Elvis, Patsy Cline, and the Beatles.

Amber Gilley, bartender and server, explained that the establishment can hold “several hundred people” for a banquet or reception on the main floor.

“The banquet area can be left open for a large crowd, or separated into smaller conferFish and Chips from the All American Bar and Grill.

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ence rooms,” she said, “Our head chef, Marcia, makes all our soups and many other food items from scratch.

“Our Monte Cristo is a favorite. It’s deepfried; it has ham, turkey, Swiss and American cheese, on Texas toast and served with raspberry sauce. I think we’re the only ones in our area to offer it.”

All food is made to order, she said.

“We hand-cut our own steaks, including our 7-oz. cajun ribeye,” Gilley said, “and the prices are very competitive.”

This writer got hungry just watching her face while she enthusiastically described the offerings.

“We have homemade soup every day, loaded

baked potato and another, depending on what Marcia decides to make,” Gilley explained.

“We have a homemade meatloaf, and a hot meatloaf sandwich with mashed potatoes and gravy. Our green beans are made with onion and bacon, not just dumped from a can. We have great desserts.”

Seniors 62 and older get a 20 percent discount, and lunch specials cost $4.99 every day.

“We have drink specials in the bar every day, too,” she added.

In late August, the restaurant started serving a full breakfast, with new menus and new pricing. They have a kids’ coloring menu too. s

Lou Anne Olson smiles as she talks with customers at the bar inside the All American Bar and Grill.

Lisa Lilly of All American Bar and Grill delivers food to a customer at the start of the dinner rush.

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All American Bar and Grill inside the Days Inn in Rock Falls feature daily specials of home cooked food.

All American Bar and Grill inside the Days Inn in Rock Falls feature daily specials of home cooked food.

SERVICE. ADVICE. TRUST. All American Bar & Grill 2105 First Ave., Rock Falls 815-625-5500 Hours 6 a.m.- 10 p.m. daily

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OF EVENTS April 1 Serious Readersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; book discussion of â&#x20AC;&#x153;True Gritâ&#x20AC;?; Sterling Public Library, 102 W. Third St., Sterling; a discussion of the community read book â&#x20AC;&#x153;True Gritâ&#x20AC;?, a novel

by Charles Portis; Sterling Public Library, 815-625-1370; 1 p.m.

April 4-6 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Seussical Jr.â&#x20AC;?; Woodlawn Arts Academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road, Sterling; a Dr. Seuss-themed production by local sixth-eighth-graders; tickets are $5 and go on sale March 31; Woodlawn Arts Academy, www.woodlawnartsacademy.com or 815-626-4278; shows are 7 p.m. Friday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday, and 2 p.m.

Sunday.

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April 5-12 â&#x20AC;&#x153;True Gritâ&#x20AC;? scavenger hunt; downtown Sterling; a scavenger hunt at downtown businesses as part of the community read of â&#x20AC;&#x153;True Grit,â&#x20AC;? a novel by Charles Portis; Sterling Public Library, 815-625-1370.

April 8 Young adults book discussion of â&#x20AC;&#x153;True Gritâ&#x20AC;?; Sterling Public Library, 102 W. Third St., Sterling; a discussion of the community read book â&#x20AC;&#x153;True Grit,â&#x20AC;? a novel

by Charles Portis; Sterling Public Library, 815-625-1370.

April 12 Used book sale; Sterling Public Library, 102 W. Third St., Sterling; used book sale and childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s make-and-take crafts; Sterling Public Library, 815-625-1370; 8 a.m.-noon.

April 22 Brown bag lunch and book discussion of â&#x20AC;&#x153;True Gritâ&#x20AC;?; Sterling Public Library, 102 W. Third St., Sterling; a discussion of the community read book â&#x20AC;&#x153;True Grit,â&#x20AC;? a novel by Charles Portis; Sterling Public Library, 815-625-1370; 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.

April 26 Rock River Development Authority annual canal clean-up; 1 p.m.

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Enjoy over 8,000 square feet, 6 giant inflatables, clean, indoor inflatable playground, snack bar

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April 29 Meal and a Movie; Sterling Public Library, 102 W. Third St., Sterling; lunch, followed by a viewing of â&#x20AC;&#x153;True Grit,â&#x20AC;? starring John Wayne, based on the community read book â&#x20AC;&#x153;True Grit,â&#x20AC;? a novel by Charles Portis; Sterling Public Library, 815625-1370; noon-3 p.m.

April 30 Community band concert; Centennial Auditorium, 1608 Fourth Ave., Sterling; music related to the community read book â&#x20AC;&#x153;True Grit,â&#x20AC;? a novel by Charles Portis; Sterling Public Library, 815-625-1370; 6 p.m.

May 9-11 Citywide garage sales; Rock Falls; maps available at Schreinerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Mobil and Shell by May 7; Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce, 815-625-4500.

May 16-17 Clean & Green Days, downtown Sterling; volunteers needed to spruce up downtown, including to plant annuals; businesses, civic groups and others asked to sponsor planters; city of Sterling, 815-632-6621, Sterling Main Street, 815-6268610 or www.sterlingmainstreet.org, Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, 815-625-2400; 8 a.m.-6 p.m. both days.

May 29 Sterlingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Movies at Grandon: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Monsters University,â&#x20AC;? Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; free; concessions available; Sterling Main Street, 815-6268610 or www.sterlingmainstreet.org; dusk.

May 31 Shop Small Saturday; merchants in Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls; merchants offer promotions throughout the day and specials for shoppers who wear a Sauk Valley Shop Small button; www.saukvalleyshopsmall.com, Facebook or saukvalleyshopsmall@gmail.com.

June 3-7 The Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Carnival Days, Northland Mall, 2900 E. Lincolnway, Sterling; midway and rides; hours and wristband deals to be announced; www.saukvalleyareachamber.com or 815-625-2400.

June 8 Brad Onken Memorial S.M.A.R.T. Summer Sizzler 5K Run/Walk; Sinnissippi Park, Sterling; www.sterlingparks.org or 815-622-6063; register in person at Westwood Fitness & Sports Center or Duis Recreation Center; registration is $18 in advance or $23 June 2-8 and includes a technical shirt; 9 a.m.

June 12 Sterlingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Movies at Grandon: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Despicable Me 2,â&#x20AC;? Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; free; concessions available; Sterling Main Street, 815-626-8610 or www.sterlingmainstreet.org; dusk.

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City Of Rock Falls Electric Utilities Power Outages Happen For A Number Of Reasons

Weather â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Winds, heavy snow and thick ice on tree limbs can bring trees into contact with our wires and cause an outage. Lightning can also strike our equipment or trees near it.

Nature â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Animals occasionally contact parts of our system in a way that causes an outage. Large birds, squirrels and raccoons are frequent culprits.

Motor Vehicle Accidents â&#x20AC;&#x201C; When a motor vehicle hits a pole and damages or breaks it, power outages sometimes result.

Cranes and Excavation Machinery â&#x20AC;&#x201C; sometimes cause outages.

Equipment Failures - in any part of our system: overhead, underground, substations, transmission lines, etc.

Vandalism â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Our equipment is sometimes damaged by gunshot or objects thrown at it.

Routine, Planned Maintenance â&#x20AC;&#x201C; On occasion, and with notice to our customers, we intentionally de-energize an area to perform necessary maintenance where safety to the worker prohibits working on â&#x20AC;&#x153;liveâ&#x20AC;? lines.

After A Storm: Stay away from fallen or low-hanging wires or anything they contact, % and be especially cautious near metal fences. % Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t attempt to repair the electrical system or pull tree limbs off lines.

Contact 815/622-1145 during normal business hours or 815/622-1140 after hours.

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June 19-21 Shakespeare in the Park – “Much Ado About Nothing”; Woodlawn Arts Academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road, Sterling; free; audience encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, food and beverages; Anna Kurtz, anna.k.kurtz@svcc.edu or 815-835-6366, www.svcc.edu/finearts/theatre/ or SVCC Theatre on Facebook; 7 p.m.

June 21 Dog Days – A Celebration of Pets; Central Park/Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; 815-626-8610; pooch-related contests, exhibits, demonstrations and vendors; leashed dogs welcome.

June 24 Carson and Barnes Circus; Gieson Motorsports, 800 E. Rock Falls Road, Rock Falls; circus, petting zoo, elephant rides and camel rides; Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce, 815-625-4500; time TBA. June 26-28 Shakespeare in the Park – “Much Ado About Nothing”; Woodlawn Arts Academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road, Sterling; free; audience encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, food and beverages; Anna Kurtz, anna.k.kurtz@svcc.edu or 815-835-6366, www.svcc.edu/finearts/theatre/ or SVCC Theatre on Facebook; 7 p.m.

June 26 Sterling’s Movies at Grandon: “The Fox and the Hound”, Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; free; concessions available; Sterling Main Street, 815-626-8610 or www.sterlingmainstreet.org; dusk.

July 10 Sterling’s Movies at Grandon: “Frozen,” Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; free; concessions available; Sterling Main Street, 815-626-8610 or www.sterlingmainstreet.org; dusk.

July 11-12 Summer Splash; riverfront, Rock Falls; buffalo, elk, alligator, pork chops and brats, kids activities, vendors and more; www.rockfallschamber.com or 815-625-4500.

July 24 Sterling’s Movies at Grandon: “The Muppet Movie,” Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; free; concessions available; Sterling Main Street, 815-626-8610 or www.sterlingmainstreet.org; dusk.

July 26 Sterling Main Street Music Fest, Central Park/Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; four bands, arts and crafts show and food; admission $5 for ages 13 and older; no pets, no outside food or drink; Facebook or Sterling Main Street, 815-626-8610 or www.sterlingmainstreet.org; gates open at 1 p.m.

Aug. 1 Hot Dog Day, downtown Sterling; merchants offer 25-cent hot dogs and sodas over the lunch hour; Sterling Main Street, 815-626-8610 or www. sterlingmainstreet.org.

Aug. 7 Sterling’s Movies at Grandon: “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; free; concessions available; Sterling Main Street, 815-626-8610 or www.sterlingmainstreet.org; dusk.

Aug. 7-9 Lincoln Buy-Way sale along the Lincoln Highway; miles and miles of yard sales and special retail offerings spanning five states along the historic highway; www.lincolnhighwayassoc.org; 8 a.m.-2 p.m.

Aug. 16 Team Underwires Proud to Wear Pink! motorcycle ride; Workman HarleyDavidson, 1903 First Ave., Rock Falls; www.teamunderwires.com or Sandi Ivey, dri76ski@comcast.net or 815-441-4458; register 10 a.m.-noon, cost $20 for 16 and older, $5 for kids; all vehicles welcome; proceeds benefit breast cancer programs.

Aug. 23 Outdoor Adventure Fest; Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA, 2505 YMCA Way, Sterling; free family activities including fishing derby in swimming pool, rock climbing and archery; free hot dog lunch provided; http://srf. saukvalleyymcas.org or 815-535-9622.

Aug. 23 Shop Small Saturday; merchants in Dixon, Sterling and Rock Falls; merchants offer promotions throughout day; specials for shoppers who wear Sauk Valley Shop Small button; www.saukvalleyshopsmall.com, Facebook or saukvalleyshopsmall@gmail.com.

Aug. 29 Sterling Storytelling and Art Festival; Woodlawn Arts Academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road, Sterling; storytelling by Al Batt of Heartland, Minn., and Susan O’Halloran of the Chicago area and juried art show; admission $7 donation; http://sterlingfestival.org or Anita Elgin at the Sterling Public Library, 815625-1370; art show 6-8 p.m., stories at 8 p.m.

Sept. 6 Taste of Fiesta; Central Park/Grandon Civic Center, downtown Sterling; Mexican musicians and dancers, folk art, kids “fun fair” (activities and giveaways) and food; “Fiesta Days in Sterling-Rock Falls” on Facebook or Irene Lewis-Wimbley at Sinnissippi Centers, 815-625-0013, Ext. 119; “fun fair” noon-3 p.m., food and entertainment noon-6 p.m.

Sept. 13 Bridge the Community 5K/10K Run; Rock Falls; http://bridgethecommunity.webs.com, Facebook or Gayla Kolb, 815-626-8053 or coordinator@ rockfallsdevelopment.org; 9 a.m., kids fun run across the First Avenue bridge at 8:30 a.m.

Sept. 13 Fiesta Day parade; Sterling; parade from Sterling to Rock Falls, closing ceremony at bandshell in Veterans Memorial Park, Rock Falls, art display at Lincoln Learning Center, 611 E. Third St., Sterling; Irene Lewis-Wimbley at Sinnissippi Centers, 815-625-0013, Ext. 119; time TBA. Sept. 15 The Rock River Valley Barbershop Chorus’ annual Youth in Harmony Festival concert; Centennial Auditorium, 1608 Fourth Ave., Sterling; admission is $5, youth are free; Facebook or 815-973-3956; 6:30 p.m.

Aug. 2 Music in Motion 5K; Westwood Fitness & Sports Center, Sterling; www. musicinmotion5K.org or Barb Lauff, 815-441-4388 or lauffline@camcast. net; register in person at Westwood Fitness & Sports Center or Duis Recre- Stop by the market ation Center; registration is $20 in advance or $25 on race day and includes Twin City Market, 106 Avenue A, Sterling, is open from 8 a.m. to noon a T-shirt, all proceeds go toward the Sterling orchestra program; 8 a.m. every Saturday, year-round.

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