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Black Hawk on the mend thanks to Sterling friend

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FEATURE • STORY

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Fighting for her legacy - and his If anyone was ever in need of a friend, it was Black Hawk. In Charron Rausa, he found it.

M A G A Z I N E

Publisher Sam R Fisher Advertising Director Jennifer Baratta Editor Larry Lough Magazine Editor Rusty Schrader Page Design Robin Norburg Breanne Hunter 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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features They play a role on history’s stage

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Local couple bring the Civil War to life

Keeping his skills sharp

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Local sharpening service helps tradesmen look sharp, be sharp

Business has a kin-do attitude

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Baker’s hopes it has found a family recipe for success

Iconic statue has a savior

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Black Hawk found friend in Charron Rausa

Bear necessities for a little love 4

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She aims to high Sterling woman takes up trapshooting, hits bull’s-eye

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They make the practical personal Business can print on just about anything

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Have you heard about SHS girls?

1977 team’s rise to the top part of oral history project

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An extended family business For bar and grill owners, everyone is family

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Rock Falls woman helps give people a warm, fuzzy feeling

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Member SIPC

l Advisor

oute 30 Suite 2 lls, IL 61071 5-0776

“Step-by-Step” Approach Can Ease Estate-planning Process

www.edwardjones.com • Member SIPC

Like many people, you may enjoy investing. After all, it can be invigorating to put away money for your future, follow the performance of your investments and track the progress you’re making toward your long-term goals, such as a comfortable retirement. However, you might be less excited about doing estate planning, dreading the perceived time, effort

What are these tasks? Everyone’s needs are different, but here are a few suggestions that may be applicable to your situation:

needs. You might hear about various “formulas” for how much insurance you should purchase, but you may be better then recommend an appropriate level of coverage. size of your estate, you need a will to ensure that your assets and personal belongings will be distributed according to

may want to consult with a legal professional to learn more about this estate-planning tool.

consider establishing a “payable-on-death” account at your bank, and then funding this account to pay for your funeral and related expenses.

out your wishes.

When dealing with any estate-planning issues, you’ll want to consult with your legal and tax professionals. And by taking

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Aaron Young Financial Advisor 735 North Galena Ave. Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 285-3930

Chad M. Weigle, CFP Financial Advisor 302 S Galena Ave. Dixon, IL 61021 (815) 288-3838

Mike Loos Financial Advisor 4204 East Lincolnway Sterling, IL 61081 (815) 564-0336

Tom Wold, AAMS Financial Advisor 2522 East Lincolnway Sterling, IL 61081 (815) 564-0487

Jim McPherson, CFP Financial Advisor 316 1st Ave. Sterling, IL 61081 (815) 622-7948

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Nicolas Lareau Financial Advisor 415 Locust St. Suite C Sterling, IL 61081 (815) 626-1588

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Sam Meier Susan Lyon Financial Advisor Financial Advisor 102 E Route 30 Suite 2 907 W Route 30 Rock Falls, IL 61071 Rock Falls, IL 61071 (815) 535-0776 (815) 626-4822

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BY ANDREW W. HEY SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

The Tedricks explain the responsibilities of being involved in Civil War

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History's Local couple bring Civil War to life

Photos by Andrew W. Hey/Sterling-Rock Falls Living Civil War re-enactors Tim and Mary Tedrick pose in period clothing of the 1860s, as seen her in this sepia-toned photo.

The couple incorporate items such as this vintage adding machine into their re-enactments.

Role

istory has cast the Civil War as one that tore families apart and pitted brother against brother. But for a Sauk Valley family, that chapter of American history has brought them closer together.

Tim and Mary Tedrick of Sterling have enlisted as history’s foot-soldiers.

Their mission: not only preserve the past, but bring it to life. They and their family are are among the thousands of people across the U.S. – Time magazine estimated their ranks at 50,000 – who are Civil War re-eanactors.

Most people have a hard time imagining what it would be like to live during the Civil War. It was a different time when our country’s men were fighting against one another. But thanks to the dedication of Civil War re-enactors, people don’t have to leave it up to their imagination to wonder what life was like on American’s frontlines in the 19th century.

The Tedricks have been taking part in re-enactments since the early 1990s.

Tim and Mary were high school sweethearts who met while participating in theater productions. She and Tim took part in their first re-enactment in 1991 and have been doing them since then. When Mary, 58, was in first grade, her great-aunt gave her a dress she had worn in the 1800s. This served as the spark for Mary’s interest in history and the catalyst for taking part in the historical re-creations that would become part of her life. Tim, 60, was introduced to re-enactments through one of his business clients. Today, Tim’s a member of Battery G, a Civil War re-enactment group based in the Rockford area.

Civil War reenactors play their roles for many reasons. For some it’s simply

in the role of soldier or officer, performing duties just as an actual service member would have during the war. Still others enjoy being a part of something that unites people to remember the war that divided a nation.

The role a person plays can vary. Some people like to be general characters because it allows them to change who they are portraying when they want.

Some prefer playing a specific character – it depends largely on the type of affair they’re taking part in.

“There are some people who like to create and build the character they have become more and more at each event,” Tim said.

Re-enactments can feature free programming, people portraying Civil War figures, exhibits, and a dance to cap off the festivities. Staying true to the period that’s being portrayed, the dance is often held in a one-room schoolhouse. Men and women don their Civil War finest for a fancy evening of fun and merriment.

Although many participants are relaxed and are there to share the company of others – like Tim, who enjoys re-enacting as a hobby – there are some who raise the bar on re-enacting, taking the event seriously and honoring their responsibility to preserving history. They’re diligent about details, right down to counting the stitching on the pants to make sure there’s the correct number, or following the proper military commands.

One event Tim and Mary attended was in Springfield. “It was a re-creation of Lincoln’s funeral” Tim said, complete with a stage and funeral service to immerse the audience in the experience of the president’s funeral, making them feel like they were part of history as centuries-old emotions were brought back to life.

Mary and Tim’s most recent appearance was May 8 at Bishop Hill, Illinois, during a 2-day event that included a Civil War schooling for approximately 850 students, a re-enactment, and a dance.

Tim and Mary both say that re-enacting is something that has helped bring their family closer together. When their children, Sean and Alison,

were younger they got to experience what it would be like to grow up during the Civil War. They have continued to attend events with their parents, as well as Tim’s parents, who joined in 1992.

But as time puts more distance between today and yesteryear, it’s also taking its toll on Civil War re-enactments. While the Civil War has long been the favored war to re-enact, World War II re-enactments have been growing in popularity. According to a 2014 article in The Week magazine, older re-enactors are retiring from their historic hobby but younger ones aren’t filling the ranks at the same pace. The Great Recession has also had an impact on what can be a costly pastime. People can’t just buy Civil War clothes off the rack. Custom clothes are needed, and for those who stay true to the period, wool clothing can be tricky to maintain.

But despite a dip in popularity, it doesn’t look like Civil War re-enactors will fly the white flag anytime soon. The war may have ended 150 years ago, but as long as there are people like the Tedricks, and others who want to continue the civil discourse, the North and South will rise again. s To learn more about Battery G, go to Batteryg.org. The group welcomes new participants, and they can even take part in the group’s events.

Participants need to bring a sleeping bag and some food, and the rest will be provided. They’ll be given a set of re-enactment clothes to borrow, and then comes the time to experience new things, including how to load and fire cannons, and other military responsibilities.

Tim said, “There is an event going on every week, but most of the events are east of the Mississippi because that is where most of the battles happened.”

One such event will take place on July, 1, in Sterling. The re-enactors will get together, and there will be a firing of the cannons.

Those interested in having a presentation done by Tim and Mary can call Tim at his Sterling office at 815-626-1277, or email him at timtedrick@hotmail.com.

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Photos by Michael Krabbenhoeft/Sterling-Rock Falls Living Rick Clark, of Clark's Sharpening Service in Rock Falls, can sharpen almost anything with a blade.

Local sharpening service helps tradesmen look sharp, be sharp

R

LONNIE C. MILLER SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

ick Clark learned his trade at his father’s knee, and he’s been

“He’ll come in an hour and a half late. We just set his plate aside

sharpening his skills ever since.

and he heats it up in the microwave. He’s been out in the shop visiting!”

Richard Clark Sr. started Clark’s Sharpening 45 years ago,

Geni helps with customer service, too, doing such things as picking up

and Rick Jr. began working with him several years ago. They often talked

part, or making deliveries as Rick works another full-time job helping his

about what would happen to the business when the time came that

son-in-law with Stewart’s Heating Service in Dixon.

Richard Sr. could no longer manage it. Rick made a promise to his dad

Rick’s skills are many. He sharpens all kinds of tools – kitchen knives,

that the business would go on, and took the business phone number

scissors, axes, chainsaw blades, newly created knives, woodworking

as his cell number. It’s the same number he learned as a kindergartner.

tools, saw blades, chisels, ice augers, planer blade, lawn equipment,

Now, Rick has endeavored to carry on other family traditions of providing

mower blades and more. He provides kitchen knife rentals for several

high-quality, dependable work at reasonable prices. He’s owned

area restaurants, sharpening and delivering 72 knives a week. His father

the business since November 2012.

started that service years ago when Walgreens had deli-counters in the

He’s a gregarious man who likes people and likes to chat with his customers.

pharmacies. Now, Rick carries on another of his dad’s traditions by doing the same.

His wife, Geni, laughs as she explains his perpetual tardiness for meals.

Another service he and Geni provide is a little coaching about how Continued on Page 11

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Rick Clark, of Clark’s Sharpening Service in Rock Falls, sharpens a hachet.

Clark, of adjusts a machine as it sharpens a hand saw.

Continued from Page 9

to properly attach mower blades; there’s a right side down, and it’s usu-

or other damage). He recommends a good wooden cutting board,

ally marked on the blade, or he will make a mark on a newly sharpened

one that is built from blocks of wood, not glass or stainless-steel tables.

blade showing which side goes toward the lawn. An inaccurately

He also points out that good saw blades are a bargain in the long run,

balanced or attached mower blade can ruin the motor in a mower.

because they can be sharpened for about $10. Usually, they can be

He offers a few tips for keeping other blades sharp and in good condition, too. He says customers who use chainsaws in tree work and such often have to sharpen the chains because they’ve encountered dirt by working too close to the ground and dipping the blade into

sharpened eight to 10 times before they need to be replaced.

He offers pricing incentives for repeat customers and churches or other organizations.

One of Rick’s favorite aspects of his sharpening business is, of course,

the dirt. “It’ll dull that blade in no time at all, so if you want your

meeting customers, old and new. He does work for woodworkers,

sharpening job to last, keep the saw out of the dirt!”

carpenters, tree workers, farmers, mechanics, quilters, and homemakers.

He sharpens any size chain saw for only $5. He recommends storing household knives on a magnetic rack, in a wooden rack or with protective covers for the blades. “Throwing them in a drawer is the worst thing you can do for them.”

He also sees restaurant workers using a chef ’s knife as a cleaver, or using knives to pry apart or try to cut frozen foods (something that can cause bent tips, which can’t be straightened, nicks in blades,

“I love to meet people from all the trades. I’ve met lots of nice people!” he said. s

More Info...

Clark’s Sharpening Service 1504 Seventh Ave., Rock Falls Call 815-625-6919 to make a service appointment.

Clark sharpens scissors, axes, chisels, ice auger, and other tools.

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

Clark, sharpens a chef’s knife. He sharpens knives for a variety of local restaurants.

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2205 Oak Grove Ave., Sterling (3 Blocks N. of W. LeFevre) Managed by BMA Management, Ltd. www.bma-mgmt.com

BAKER’S UNION Business has a Kin-Do Attitude Baker’s hopes it has found a family recipe for success SPECIAL

BY LONNIE C. MILLER STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

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hat’s in a name? For a local family, it’s part of a vision they have for their business and how they want it to be seen by customers.

Tony Sosi, 56, and Charlie Zigler, 28, share some heartfelt attitudes about the products they, and Tony’s son, Luigi, and daughter, Anna, provide to customers.

They recently changed the name of their business group from Sumahama Bakery to The Baker’s Union & Catering Co. to better represent the unity of vision that all those involved in the Sterling business share.

They also wanted to incorporate the other services they provide, such as catering, into the new name. Catering services include products from their unique and large menu selections in both of their other businesses. They also own and manage the Depot Sports Bar & Deli, and Kokomo Shaved Ice & Italian Sausage.

The bakery produces and supplies artisan breads, big soft pretzels, hand-crafted croissants, pastries and giant cinnamon rolls as well as Italian beef, Brat Brothers Brats and Italian sausages to their other businesses. They also offer all those products to customers they encounter as they set up their “storefront” at community farmers markets.

Charlie says: “We really want to provide products and services to smaller communities that wouldn’t otherwise have access to pure, quality, artisan products. These communities often have no access to big-box grocery store chains, or specialty bakeries. We endeavor to take our products, all made without artificial chemicals or preservatives and such, to the customer through farmers markets.”

Continued on Page 15

Photos by Philip Marruffo/Sterling-Rock Falls Living Top: A cinnamon roll is packed for a customer at the farmers market in Sterling. Bottom: Icing is added to a cinnamon roll at the Baker’s Union & Catering Co. stand at the farmers market.

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BAKER’S UNION Continued from Page 13

They regularly set up shop in the Twin-Cities Market in Sterling, on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to noon, and at the Dixon Riverfront Market on Wednesdays from 4 to 7:30 p.m., as well as other small community venues, such as the Walnut Farmers Market.

Delivery of Italian beef and deli items can be arranged by visiting their Facebook page, or by emailing cziglar731@gmail.com. Specialty orders for pickup at farmers markets are accepted for baked goods, brats, Italian sausages, and other items by calling 815-716-3527. Requests for pickup appointments should be made 2 days in advance.

Currently, all products are produced at their commercial warehouse, as they don’t have a brick-and-mortar storefront, but Charlie says it would be nice in the future to have a store in addition to their presence at community markets, food-service sites, and online.

Tony and his wife are passionate about providing products that contain non-harmful ingredients to their customers. Charlie, Tony and Luigi

all contribute to the baking processes, each having some specialties they offer to the mix.

“We always want to try something new, push the bar, offer more, to satisfy the needs of the community,” explains Charlie.

Tony expounds on the company’s commitment to community and to his vision for the future: “We want world peace,” he says with a grin on his face. But for now, he has some more immediate and attainable goals in mind for the company.

“We would like to add some custom mustards to our line,” he says.

“But right now, we love being part of the farmers market. We meet and work with great customers, good vendors who are committed to providing good, quality, sometimes organic, and fresh products. There are wonderful baked products, besides our own, fresh produce, meats and such. We all work cooperatively to provide a great market. Come on down to see us!” s

Above: Muffins, breads, rolls, and pretzel breads are some of the products offered by the Baker’s Union & Catering Co. Lower Left: Jill Sosi and JoAnn Dawson work the stand at the farmers market Saturday morning.

Lower Right: The Bakers Union & Catering Co. has become a popular spot a the farmers market in Sterling.

More Info The Baker’s Union & Catering Co. Phone: 815-716-3527 • Online: Find it on Facebook twincityfarmersmarket.com/vendors/baked-goods/

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Fighting for her legacy - and his

Photo by Alex T. Paschal/Sterling-Rock Falls Living The window behind Charron Rausa overlooks her garden and bird and squirrel feeders. Watching her little friends, along with countless blessings from friends and family, has kept her spirits high while battling disease.

BY KAYLA HEIMERMAN STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

SPECIAL

TO

If anyone was ever in need of a friend, it was Black Hawk. In Charron Rausa, he found it.

S

and right shoulder.

he and he, they have a lot in common.

Charron Rausa is a spunky 79 years old. She stands about 5

feet tall and weighs just 100 pounds. She radiates zest for life.

Black Hawk is 104. He stands a colossal 48 feet tall and weighs a formidable 540,000 pounds. He hides in the darkness of a protective wrap.

They have not asked the doctors for a prognosis; they simply have decided that together they will see the unveiling of the restored statue, which is tentatively set for later this year.

“I told my doctor I was working on this project … and I am hoping

She and he, though, are both sick.

we’ll dedicate it this year,” Charron recalls. “I told him he better have me

Charron and her husband, Frank, of Sterling, are nearing the end

in good condition in time for that.”

of their campaign to restore the iconic statue, formally known as the Eternal Indian, which stands on the east bluff of the Rock River

The Rausas hatched their campaign to save the Black Hawk statue more than 7 years ago.

In April 2008, the couple read an article in the Daily Gazette

in Lowden State Park, just north of Oregon.

They have raised about 90 percent of the money needed to rehabilitate the colossal sculpture. The protective mesh wrap could come off within a few weeks. And the highly regarded conservator hired for the restoration project could start work within the month.

“It’ll be a miracle if it gets done this year,” Frank says.

Charron and Frank are battling a perhaps more arduous challenge,

that the statue was deteriorating and the Department of Natural Resources was going to conduct a study with an eventual plan to restore the statue.

“That was at the start of our fiscal problems [at the state level],” Frank recalls. “There wasn’t going to be any money. There was no way they were going to do that study.”

“I said, ‘We can’t just let it fall in the river!’” Charron recalls. “I said

though: In December, Charron was diagnosed with Stage 4 lung cancer

to him, ‘The people donated money [to restore] the Statue of Liberty;

that had spread to her liver and lymph nodes. She also has cancer

the people did it, and they didn’t need the government. We can

in the bones of her left arm

do that, too.”

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

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Photo by Alex T. Paschal/Sterling-Rock Falls Living This photo, taken in 2013, shows some of the damage to the Black Hawk statue.

Continued from Page 17

“And I Family Foundation in Janesville,

said, ‘We?’” Frank says with a chuckle.

“I said, ‘We can try …’” Charron adds.

Wis., the Dillon Foundation in Sterling, and even the Chicago

The Black Hawk statue is among the most important

Blackhawks, got wind of the effort and contributed funds toward

and best-known works of acclaimed sculptor Lorado Taft.

The statue is a cultural and historic touchstone that has acquired its name in reference to the martyred Native American who led his people during the Black Hawk War of 1832 in the region. The figure stands with folded arms and is wrapped in a blanket. The face, which peers from between two thick braids of hair, is contemplative; it is believed to be a composite of Native American men from several tribes.

Initial studies put the estimate to restore the statue between $350,000 and $400,000.

the project. The state eventually came through with a $350,000 grant, too.

More recent studies put the estimate to restore the statue at almost double what it was years ago.

Time and harsh Midwestern weather – especially this past winter – have further damaged the monolith.

“His body is cracked. His arm is gone, crumbled away,” Charron says.

“He’s got things wrong with him that no one will know are wrong until they get up there.”

The Eternal Indian is one of the 10 most endangered landmarks in Illinois. The project has been delayed for more than a year because

“We would have had to have a lot of chicken dinners to raise that kind of money,” Frank says. “We had to go after some bigger donors.”

The Rausas established the Friends of the Black Hawk Statue,

of bureaucratic red tape, and some donors have threatened to withdraw their funding because of the delay.

“It’s been so long. … We didn’t think it would take our whole life-

a nonprofit group. They got the statue on the National Register

time,”

of Historic Places. They spoke to local civic organization

Charron says. “The worst thing was the shock of not getting anything

and service clubs, churches, and historical societies.

done last year.”

Bigger benefactors, including the Jeffris

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And then Charron Rausa was diagnosed with cancer.

Photo by A lex

Last

e. terling hom T. Paschal/Ster oom in their S ling-Rock Falls Living Over 200 get well cards decorate Charron and Frank Rausa’s living r

October, she had a wheeze, then a persistent cough.

As of this writing, the conservator is awaiting the results

“[The doctor] said it was nothing. … But he sat

of some tests on the materials that will be used to patch

there and said, ‘Let’s do another one [a physical exam, another of which she had had in April],” Charron recalls.

“It would have made sense for him not to do it.

stripped and cracks can be filled.

Charron was undaunted.

“I just thought, I need to get busy and get rid of this!

I don’t want to have cancer! I have things to do!” she says with a wry smile, as if beating cancer was just another thing to cross of her to-do list, right after fixing the Black Hawk statue.

“I believe you have to have a good outlook, you have to pray. So between laughter and prayer, this is what we’ve done.”

So far the Rausas’ strategy has worked in regard to cancer and a monumental restoration effort.

Conservator Andrzej Dajnowski told the Chicago Tribune in January that he wants to complete the restoration this year because Charron Rausa “deserves to see it done.”

and show a secure and seamless match, the protective wrapping will be taken off, so the monolith can be

… But it was good that he did it.”

to laugh a lot,” she continues. “I also believe you have

cracks in the statue. As soon as the results are back

“We’re hoping for two miracles this year,” Frank says. s

Want to help?

To help the Black Hawk restoration project, make checks payable to the Illinois Conservation Foundation, with "Black Hawk statue" in the memo field, and send them to Illinois Conservation Foundation, One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL 62702.

Top Right: Photo by Alex T. Paschal/Sterling-Rock Falls Living Charron keeps photos of her furry and feathered friends in a picture album decorated by her daughter.

Bottom Right: Photo by Earleen Hinton/Sterling Rock Falls Living Scaffolding is up around the Black Hawk statue.

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She Aims High Sterling woman takes up trapshooting, and hits a bull’s-eye

BY KAYLA HEIMERMAN SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

is the second-best female trapshooter in North America and one

Photos by Alex T. Paschal/Sterling-Rock Falls Living: Sterling's Janet Rigler is the second-best female trapshooter in North America.

J

anice Rigler is a rare bird. The 63-year-old Sterling woman of only a handful of competitive female trapshooters in the area.

“I had never been around guns in my life,” Janice says, surrounded

by rifles and shotguns in the firearms and shooting sports supply shop she owns with her husband in Rock Falls. “But I tried it, and I was hooked.

“I missed a lot of targets for a long time before I got into the groove, then I just loved the competition,” she says. “You want to get ’em, you want to break ’em, and when you do, you get this big puff of black smoke. … It’s so satisfying.”

Trapshooting is one of the three major disciplines of competitive clay pigeon shooting. In trapshooting, an oscillating machine launches clay targets out of the “trap house,” downrange from the shooters, and five shooters, starting from 16 yards behind the trap house and progressing to 27 yards, fire at the targets.

Janice uses a 12-gauge shotgun – a Perazzi MX10 combination gun that has both a single barrel and an over-under barrel, which allows her to compete in single-target and double-target events.

Her other equipment is pretty bare bones: ammunition, of course (and lots of it; she shoots 12,000 targets a year), plus shooting glasses, which not only are protective, but also help distinguish the targets from the shooting background; custom-molded earplugs; and an ammo box holder with an attached bag to retrieve the empty hulls, or shotgun shell cases.

Janice has an impressive record. She is the No. 2 woman on the All-American Team; she was No. 8 on the team in 2013, the first year she qualified for the prized spot. And she is only the 21st woman in trapshooting to hit enough targets to move back to the hallowed Continued on Page 23

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“

You want to get ’em, you want to break ’em, and when you do, you get this big puff of black smoke. … It’s so satisfying.

JANICE RIGLER

“

Continued from Page 21

“back fence,” or line farthest back (27 yards) from the trap house in an event.

“It takes a lot of money and a lot of time. It means a lot of traveling,” she says.

Janice retired from Sterling Chevrolet in May 2013, allowing her to go full on into trapshooting competition. She and her husband, Ken, have been all over the Midwest to shoots, or events, big and small; they are away at a shoot almost every weekend around this time of year.

“We love the sportsmanship,” she says, “the camaraderie. We have made friends that we have had for 40-some years now, from all over. … We only see ’em a few times a year, but when we see ’em, it’s like we see ’em all the time.”

Trapshooting, developed in the United States in 1831, long has been a male-dominated sport. The sport has welcomed more and more women, although it still attracts mostly male shooters.

“It used to be really rare [to be a woman shooter]. It’s still rare, but now there are thousands of women in the sport,” Janice says.

“We’re still outnumbered – many times over – but we’ve gradually increased our ranks.

“And our level of shooting is just as good as theirs [the men],” she adds with a snicker and an over-her-shoulder look at her husband.

Ken, who introduced Janice to trapshooting while they were dating, is proud of his wife. He fills in some of the details and boasts about her accomplishments as often as possible.

“I’m totally impressed,” he says. “I’d rather see her do well than me.”

“He shoots very well also,” Janice interjects.

She adds, “He’s always been behind me – from Day 1.” s

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1977 team’s rise to the top part of oral history project

BY CASSIE ZIMMERMAN SPECIAL TO STERLING ROCK FALLS LIVING

W

hen a student at Western Illinois University started a search for something unique for her master’s project, it eventually led her to the 1977 Sterling High School girls basketball team, the first to win an Illinois State Girls Basketball Tournament.

But Ellyn Bartges’ search wasn’t easy.

She googled “Girls High School basketball,” and found nothing. The further she dug, the more frustrated she became.

That dead end was the beginning of what would eventually become an oral history of girls and women’s basketball, a project that today is housed at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum and Library in Springfield, Illinois.

Bartges, a student in WIU’s History Department when her search began, is no stranger to girls basketball. She played in the first Illinois State Girls Basketball Tournament, Bartges, who today is the Equity and Affirmative Action, Title IX, and ADA coordinator at St. Cloud State University, explains: “I played in the first tournament, only the second year for girls sports in Illinois. I knew that the history went as far back as that, but I could not find anything. By this point, a lot of the coaches and players were getting older and I thought that their story would never be told and what they fought for, the progression of girls’ sports.”

Her first interviews would include the eight coaches and players from the first state tournament, with the exception of Washington coach Jan Smith, who had died of cancer

before the project began.

That project would come to be called, “What about the character of the girls?: Girls and Women’s Basketball in Illinois, 1968-1977.”

In 2007, as she was just beginning her doctoral program, Bartges attended the National Oral History Conference, where Mark DePue heard her present. DePue, the director of Oral History at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, knew the project should be housed at the library so others could learn from those who fought so hard for girls to have equal rights to play basketball.

Bartges fondly remembers that day as the best of her life: “I was blown away by having the project housed at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library. I had just started my Ph.D program, and it was the best day of my life.”

Sterling High School’s Sue Strong was the coach of the girls basketball team that won the very first Illinois State Girls Basketball Tournament and was interviewed for the project by Bartges.

Back then, there was only one class, and that included all high schools in the state, rather than the class system that is currently used. This meant that Continued on Page 29

Photo by Alex T. Paschal/Sterling-Rock Falls Living Ball signed from the winning basketball team.

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Continued from Page 27

smaller schools, such as Sterling, went up against powerhouses from bigger cities, like Chicago. Only eight teams played in the very first tournament.

Bartges remembers: “Sterling had an amazing team that year. They had a couple of really gifted players who went on to play college ball. No one would have guessed that a downstate team would beat a Chicago team. But, it did happen when tournament favorite Joliet West was upset

by Centralia. Sterling deserved to win.”

Through her experiences with Strong, Ellyn has come to know her well, explaining: “Sue will be the first to tell you that she didn’t do it alone. Coach McKinzie was her assistant. Back then, it was rare to have a male coaching a female team, since all coaches came from the girls P.E. department.”

Pioneers, such as Sue and the other women coaches, were integral in the growth of the sport.

According to Bartges, “Sue and her team are very important in the progression of the history of girls sports in the state of Illinois.”

Bartges, who still holds the oldest rebounding record in the state, said

she hopes others “see how passionate they were, how dedicated they were to provide these opportunities for us. I was always told, ‘You can’t do that because you are a girl. You can’t play because your are a girl.’ That changed in high school. Suddenly, no became yes. You could play. Our practice hours were not the greatest; they started at 6 a.m., but nobody whined or complained because we got to play.”

The project, hopes Mark DePue, will allow not only the general public, but students as well, to learn about the beginnings of girls sports and how much they have changed, “Girls did not have the same opportunities that they do now, and the sport has changed so much. Title IX changed everything, and those who were involved in those changes were so dedicated to what they fought for. We want people to use the project not only now, but 50 years into the future. We want to get classes to debate on the topic and have fun doing it.” Barges goal is that others will understand what those women did for the girls who play and live sports today. “I call them pioneers; that is how I characterize them. I wanted to document what they did and the opportunities that they provided for us.”

“What about the character of the girls?: Girls and Women’s Basketball in Illinois, 1968 – 1977” can be found at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library, located at 112 N. Sixth St. in Springfield, 217-558-8844. Hours are Monday – Sunday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. The public can also listen to interviews by visiting www.oralhistory.illinois.gov. The library has created a teacher’s resource which can be found on the website titled, “Title IX: A Change For Public Education.”

FROM THE ARCHIVES: 1977 TEAM REMEMBERS ITS STERLING CHAMPIONSHIP YEAR Submitted by Sterling/Rock Falls Historical Society Sterling High School Girls Basketball Team, 1977 State Champions. Back Row; Coach McKinzie, Jim; Geiger, Theresa; Davis, Sherrie; Unterzuber, Karen; Eshleman, Amy; Ward, Sue; Ebersole, Dorrine; Chapman, Terri; Bately, Kim; Front Row: Puentes, Elva; Smith, Fran; Smith, Dawn; Harris, Marche; McKinzie, Karen; Leseman, Jolene; Coach Strong, Sue

Note to readers: The following story contains excerpts of an article that appeared in the Daily Gazette in 2007.

STERLING – [The 1977 Sterling High School girls basketball team] – the “Golden Girls,” as they were called in 1977 – became the first team to win an Illinois girls state basketball championship.

When they returned victorious from Bloomington in 1977, a state trooper met them in Deer Grove and escorted them into town. People in Rock Falls and Sterling lined the street, waving signs to welcome them home.

“That’s when I started crying,” said Fran Smith, a starting center on the 1977 team.

They arrived at the Sterling High School Fieldhouse for a celebration attended by 3,000, and when the players returned to their homes, their neighborhoods were filled with supporters there to congratulate them.

“These young ladies were the best ambassadors a small city could have,” said the team’s co-coach, Jim McKinzie, who retired from teaching in 1991.

“It was overwhelming. The backing we had from our family and Continued on Page 31

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friends and everybody in the whole community was awesome,” said Karen (Unterzuber) Mewhirter, who was a back-up guard on the team. ...

When the 1977 season began, the state championship wasn’t on anyone’s mind – the team wasn’t expected to make it all the way to the state tournament, past the powerhouse Chicago teams.

People elsewhere thought the team was made up of farm girls, and found it hard to believe the two best guards in the state – Jolene Leseman and Marche Harris – were from Sterling, Strong said.

“When these girls got together, they made up their minds that they were going do something special and come up with some wins. And they did it,” said coach Sue Strong.

The team finished with 21 victories, and no losses.

The team didn’t have a big budget. They had to share uniforms with the other girls’ sports, and they could only have two new basketballs a year, with one reserved for games. There was no chartered bus for the out-of-town games, either; they traveled in a caravan of cars driven by the coaches. The team used to practice at Challand Middle School, and had to fight with the boys teams and intramural sports to use the high school gym.

They were disrespected and relegated to practicing in second-rate gyms because they were a girls team – but their achievement helped put future girls teams on par with the boys, McKinzie said.

“We were the ones paving the way so the other girls would get the opportunity to do other sports in the ‘big arena,’ whether it be track, tennis or softball,” Strong said. s

From the Archives From the archives: To read recollections from the people who were part of SHS history, check out this story at www. saukvalley.com/articles/2007/03/02/news/ local/293331973661551.txt The project: To read a copy of Sue Strong’s interview for the oral history project, go to www.illinois.gov/alplm/library/collections/ oralhistory/girlsbasketball/Pages/default.aspx Photos by Alex T. Paschal/Sterling-Rock Falls Living The inaugural girls IHSA basketball trophy of 1977.

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A Family Business in More Ways Than One For bar and grill owners, everyone is family

BY CASSIE ZIMMERMAN SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

W

arm and welcoming, Ilir Alimi, general manager and owner of Johnny’s Bar & Grill in Sterling, and his parents, Johnny and Robbie, know how to make any customer feel

like family.

They should; they’ve had a lot of experience doing it. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, the family has more than 25 years in the restaurant business.

Owning a bar and grill offers the family the chance to mingle with customers while giving them a great experience.

Everyone is treated like family, from employees to customers, and the Alims are always smiling and interested in what their patrons enjoy.

The most important part of his business, Ilir explains, is keeping the customers happy.

“I love my customers.” Ilir said. “My customers are family. We enjoy

Photos by Philip Marruffo/Sterling-Rock Falls Living Top: Johnny's in Sterling offers pizza to wings. Left: Johnny’s in Sterling offers pool table, gaming machines and darts to go along with food. Right: Johnny’s is great place for food and drinks for the big game or a night out.

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the community and want everyone to leave happy. We go day by day, constantly learning from ourselves and our customers.”

That includes only putting the families’ favorite foods on their menu.

“If I don’t like it, and I don’t think it is great, it does not go on the menu. That is why we do not sell your normal bar food.”

Ilir explains.

Johnny’s does offer gourmet bar food, though, like pizza, wings, burgers, and Alaskan beer-battered cod, complete with cheese shredded by hand, meat that’s not frozen, and fresh veggies.

“We do not sell food just to sell food. We only use high quality, fresh ingredients, including making our own dough by hand. It makes us not your average sports bar,” Ilir said.

It’s an approach that’s paid off, as Johnny’s Bar & Grill was named the best restaurant in the area by restaurant.com.

The restaurant is especially known for its pizza, which has garnered fans from across the United States. From favorite toppings such as pepperoni or buffalo chicken to specialty Greek pizzas, the crust is crunchy and the cheese is gooey. For burger lovers, there’s also the Johnny Burger, served on Texas toast, with sautéed mushroom, jalapeños, onion, lettuce, and tomatoes, served with cheese fries.

Food isn’t the only item on the menu. The bar has more than 12 craft beers and a large selection of liquor.

Striving to create a fun, clean atmosphere with good food rather than the standard sports bar fare, Ilir is proud of the reputation the restaurant has gained. “I have always been a quality over quantity type of guy. You have to take pride in what you do because anyone can serve food and beer. You cannot be in this business just to serve beer and food. We appreciate not only our customers but the community.”

As for those in the community who haven’t visited his establishment, Ilir says, “If you haven’t tried Johnny’s yet, you are missing out.” s

More Info Johnny’s Bar & Grill Address: 707 Freeport Road, Sterling Hours: 2 p.m.-1 a.m. daily Phone: 815-626-7767 Online: http://johnnysbarandgrill.net/

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The Bear Necessities

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A

t First Congregational United Church of Christ of Rock Falls (across the street from Casey’s), you will find a Teddy Bear in every pew. It’s all part of a ministry started 5 years ago by Jan Campbell, who goes by “JJ” and lives in Sterling with her pastor husband, Allen.

JJ explains that the bears are put into the pews, and people are invited to use them to minister to anyone who needs to remember that God, and His people, love them – “anyone who needs a lift in life,” says JJ. Surgery patients, children, a mom who just needed to know someone cared about her, elderly folks in nursing homes, shut-ins, and teens have all been recipients of the bears.

“We take bears to the hospitals and nursing homes regularly,” said JJ. “They are all new. We buy them from various sources and just ask that people who take them let us know, so we can replace them as we are able.” She has seen the bears go into surgery on a gurney, resting on a child’s pillow, and toted about in the walker pockets of nursing home residents.

The ministry is not funded by anything other than donations, and although the church doesn’t seek donations specifically for the Teddy Bear Ministry, funds for it are always welcome and

“

“Surgery patients, children, a mom who just needed to know someone cared about her, elderly folks in nursing homes, shut-ins, and teens have all been recipients of the bears.”

JAN CAMPBELL

“

appreciated.

JJ got her nickname several years ago from her husband’s office assistants. She would call the office to leave messages for her hubby, and say, “It’s just Jan.” The women attached the moniker, JJ – for “just Jan” – and it’s been her nickname since. JJ is a feisty gal, with a constant twinkle in her blue eyes, who doesn’t believe in resting on her 83-year-old laurels. The Teddy Bear ministry is just one of many she’s been involved with, or started, since she and her husband became involved in the ministry.

JJ is an interior decorator, part-time fledgling artist, and gregarious friend to many. She plays bridge with several others and hangs out in her “forget-it room.” Before moving to the Sterling-Rock Falls-Dixon area, she had decorated the homes of celebrities and become close friends with some, such as Connie Payton, wife, then widow, of NFL football player Walter Payton.

She’s sat at a dining room table with members of the Chicago Bears after a Super Bowl game, and she’s helped clients choose $1,200 bedspreads, then driven home to find homeless people sitting on her doorstep.

She explains: “ I would stop at the store and buy supplies to make sandwiches on my way, because I knew there would be someone in need to share that food with.” She currently stays involved with many local ministries in the Tri-Cities area, lending a hand or contributing wherever she’s needed.

JJ says her life has been full and wonderful, and the only thing she would change would be that her children would live closer to her. s

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307 First Ave.,Sterling • 815-564-9376 Mon.-Fri. 9 - 6p.m., Sat. 9 - 5p.m., Sun. 10 - 4p.m.

Photos by Alex T. Paschal/Sterling-Rock Falls Living J.J. Campbell started a Teddy Bear Ministry at her church, First Congregational United Church of Christ in Rock Falls, as a way to bring comfort to those in need.

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If you’d like to participate in the Teddy Bear ministry, please call the church at 815-625-3314.

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Foot and Ankle Center

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