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Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081 *****ECRWSSEDDM*****

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M A G A Z I N E Fall/Winter 2014

Nature inspires vibrant designs of ceramic artist

At Rusty Fox, beer is more than just beer

Civil War-era home restored with hard work

Foot &Therapy Ankle Center KSB Physical

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David Yeager, DPM & Brandon Gumbiner, DPM Call 815-285-5801 2

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M A G A Z I N E

Publisher Sam Fisher Advertising Director Jennifer Baratta Editor Larry Lough Magazine Editor Marla Seidell Page Design Robin Norburg Matt Lindstrom Melanie Brooking Published by

COVER • STORY

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

Artist uses love for ceramics to express herself

We invite you to stop by and enjoy a multi-level shopping experience

307 First Ave.,Sterling 815-564-9376 Mon.-Fri. 9 - 6p.m.

Sat. 9 - 5p.m.; Sun. 10 - 4p.m.

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Details matter with craft beers

Bringing home the gold medals

Right temperature, right glass make a difference

SHS graduate wins Wheelchair Games

‘You make it your own’

Color yourself beautiful

Ceramics class hooked artist on wheel, kiln

Among most common hair styles is multiple streaks

Fashion forward on First Avenue

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Local clothing boutique has evolved, moved

‘Look what we have done’

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Hard work, TLC bring Civil War-era home back to life

Calendar full of family fun 4

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Girls Night Out is crazy fun Monthly gathering samples new products

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Church on Wheels Local motorcycle ministry trying to change lives of others

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Check out festivities throughout area

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Photos by Alex T. Paschal Rich McNinch pours a bottle of ale into a pint glass at the Rusty Fox in Sterling.

CHOOSING RIGHT GLASS, RIGHT TEMP Rusty Fox allows customers to enjoy beer as brewers intended

BY ROB LAIRD SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

W

ith the professional football season underway, local watering holes are serving up even more frosty beverages than usual.

But will all that beer be served properly?

While most patrons pay no mind to such things as they slug back domestic light beers out of cans, bottles, mugs, pints, or mason jars, many craft beer companies have specific manners by which they prefer their product served to assure best quality.

It’s that sort of attention to detail that the proprietors of The Rusty Fox, Sterling’s new Wine and Alehouse, hope will result in the establishment finding a niche in the city’s downtown.

Story continues on page 9

“This is what I’d want out of a bar,” says Rich McNinch, co-owner the family-owned Fox. (His family also owns AirPlay Sports.) “We wanted to fill that void in terms of finding a selection, giving people the chance to find beers they can’t find anywhere else in Sterling.”

The Fox is at the former location of Main Street Wine Cellar.

Despite its quaint size, The Rusty Fox does not lack for selection, offering an extensive variety of beers. Its drink menu consists of roughly 90 beers, with beer ranging in price from $2 to $22 (the honey and tequila-flavored Lost Abbey Agave Maria Ale). The Fox, which opened in April, also sells more than three dozen types of wine.

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Christ Lutheran School Association is celebrating 30 years of successful education in the Sauk Valley area!

As early as 1979, the desire for a Christian school was discussed amongst the area Lutheran Churches. Because none of the local congregations in Rock Falls or Sterling could see themselves financially supporting such an effort, a separate association of parents of potential students was formed to pursue the establishment of a Lutheran school.

In the fall of 1983, CLS began operations with pre-school and kindergarten classes at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Rock Falls. The following year, grades one through three were added. Each year after that another class was added until CLS was offering a complete pre-school through sixth grade.

In 1988, a successful appeal to the area congregations allowed for the purchase of a nine acre tract of land at the corner of 19th Avenue and 19th Street in Sterling. The next step was the building of a 7200 square foot facility housing four classrooms in an expandable design. Since that time, a gymnasium, kitchen facilities, locker rooms, and another entire wing of classrooms were added. The school now sports ten classrooms, a fully functional library, two computer labs, an updated science lab, and a music facility and program. CLS currently has over 150 students in pre-school through eighth grade.

The school is supported in part by donations from the Thrift Shop located in Rock Falls. The Thrift Shop opened in 1983 in small shop and quickly outgrew the space. After much effort, the current location at 607 1st Avenue was opened in 1997. They currently have 60 volunteers keeping the shop running smoothly.

In 2005 CLS was blessed to pay off its mortgage on the current property, building, and Thrift Shop. With support from area congregations, tuition, and Thrift Shop donations, the school maintains a balanced budget and is fiscally sound.

CLS is fully accredited by the National Lutheran School Association and fully recognized by the State of Illinois.

All teachers have an active teaching certificate and many have advanced degrees. Students at CLS consistently score above average on yearly Stanford Achievement Tests (SAT) and place in Honors classes at the high school.

CLS offers a faith based education with classrooms no larger than 20 students. The curriculum is reviewed on a regular basis and textbooks are on a seven year replacement cycle so they are constantly current. As a parochial school, some components of Common Core are implemented while others are not. Vocabulary and Handwriting are still a part of the everyday curriculum. After school, extracurricular programs are also offered to students. A full sports program including: soccer, basketball, track, and cheerleading; compete in the Rock Valley Lutheran Athletic Conference. Music students also attend area competitions.

For more information on Christ Lutheran School, or a personalized tour, please contact Principal John Kirchhoff at 815-625-3800. Information can also be found at www.christlutheranschool.com

2000 18th Ave., Sterling, IL • 815-625-3800 • Principal John Kirchhoff

Preschool - 8th Grade • Fully Accredited • Controlled Class Sizes • State Recognized Curriculum • Students score above average (85th - 90th) on Stanford Achievement Test (SAT) • All teachers hold Active Illinois Teaching Certificates - many with advanced degrees • OPEN ENROLLMENT IN PROGRESS • Personalized tour or more information contact John Kirchhoff

Mission: 8

www.Christlutheranschool.com

Christ Lutheran School, guided by the Holy Spirit, aspires to nurture, educate, and witness to God’s children the Gospel of Jesus Christ as revealed in God’s word. f a l l / w i n t e r

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Rusty Fox owner Tim McNinch displays a glass of stout to a group of regulars at the wine and beer bar in downtown Sterling.

Continued from page 7

“

“You’re never going to see a label on a Bud Light that says ‘serve Bud Light at 42 degrees.’”

RICH McNINCH

“

McNinch pays attention to details of serving craft beers.

But it’s not just the selection that McNinch hopes will draw people to the business.

He wants to offer customers the opportunity to enjoy beer in the manner that brewers intend, which can mean serving it at a certain temperature, in a specific type of glass, or some combination of both.

To some, the type of glass in which a beer is served might be a trivial matter, and even McNinch says “you can drink beer out of anything. They drink it out of boots.” Still, there are sound reasons to the methodology.

Belgian fruit ales, for example, are best served in a glass similar to a champagne flute.

Stouts are to be served half-full in a brandy snifter to allow the drink to be swirled, and wheat beers are best in a tall, skinny glass to allow the beverage to be enjoyed more quickly.

Still, McNinch says, beer is to be enjoyed however one wants, and one certainly is welcome to try whichever beer in whichever manner the customer pleases.

“Before [owning a bar], I never had a problem drinking, say, a stout out of a regular pint glass, or straight out of the bottle sometimes, too,” he says. “It just kind of depends on the person and the beer. You’re never going to see a label on a Bud Light that says ‘serve Bud Light at 42 degrees.’” s

Grab a glass The Rusty Fox Wine and Ale House 1 E. Third St., Sterling 815-625-4708 Hours 4-10 p.m. Monday through Thursday 4 p.m.-1 a.m. Friday 1p.m.-1 a.m. Saturday Closed Sunday

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n

e It Your O k a M w u o Y

Photos by Alex T. Paschal/Sterling-Rock Falls Living Much of the true artistry comes from the glazing process.

Artist uses love for ceramics to express herself

BY LUCINDA HALL SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

ceramic art as a way to express who she was and how she connected to her environment.

“It just amazed me to see how you could mold clay into both functional and beautiful rom parenting to pottery. With the pieces.”

Wells said. “I’ll just have an idea, and I nest empty, Teri Wells was off to a new never know for sure what direction it will take adventure. me.”

“When the kids left for college, I just deHer studio is a re-purposed storage room in cided, ‘Well, I’m going to take come classes,’” her home, where she works at her potter’s wheel recalled Wells, a ceramic artist. “After realizing amongst shelves lined with artist supplies and what a treasure Woodland Arts Academy is and her DIY lighting system. taking several classes, I took a ceramics class and “It was a good place for my wheel because of was hooked!” the concrete floor, but the lighting wasn’t good,” It was there that she discovered her love for

F

A free-standing flower is made up of many “pedals” and wired together.

she said. “So I just rigged up my own lighting system, and it works out well. I just sit there and do my stuff!”

Her clay roller, extensive clay stamp collection and cutting materials share space in a large family game room. Her “pride and joy” kiln is in a nearby utility area.

“It’s fun to open the kiln, just like Christmas,” she said with a laugh. “I never know what I’m going to find.”

It’s there that she creates her vibrant and charismatic ceramic designs. From stunning

The depth of the color in her glazes set her pieces apart from others.

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Teri Wells crafts both artistic and functional works.

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Photo on left Wells spins clay on a potter’s wheel in her Sterling home studio. A separate room houses the kiln where she fires the works.

Photo bottom right Photo top right

Wells has been adding colorful stones and gemstones to her works for added color and interest.

A decorative flower piece.

“I’ve found I can use just about anything from nature, either in its natural form or using vessels and vases to elaborate tiles and crosses, it to inspire a piece,” she explained. no two items are the same. The process is long One of her favorites is a crimson flower and takes patience, but the results are satisfying. that was created one petal at a time. She then An inspired rhythm and flow to the shapes wired individual petals to a hand-crafted green and colors of her art arouse a wide spectrum of ceramic stem. It sits on a table near her work emotions, from functional and fun to meditaspace. tive and mystical.

“I have it there because it makes me happy,” Her intent was not necessarily to sell her she said. “I enjoy each piece I make. Some more pieces, but accolades from friends and family than others, but I take pleasure in the process encouraged her to test the water. Her designs and the result.” are now available for purchase at Accents at Her love of flowers and design also led her Northland Mall in Sterling and The Gingko to study floral design and receive her certificaTree Café and Traditional Wellness Center in tion from the American Floral Art School in downtown Dixon. Prices range from $20 to Chicago. Floral-themed pieces and vases are $150, depending on the size and complexity of prevalent throughout her gallery of items. an item.

Wells also enjoys creating ceramic vessels for Her designs speak to a creative gift she atIkebana floral arrangements. Ikebana is a centutributes to her mother, Phyllis Seller. ries old Japanese technique focused on simplic“I credit my mother – we were the best of ity and a minimal use of flowers, leaves, stems friends. She had such an artist’s eye,” Wells or twigs arranged to symbolize the harmony reflected. “Her paintings and gardens had a spe- between the sun, moon and earth. Her pieces cial influence on my creativity and love of art.” frequently include a hollow for a floral frog – a Wells draws heavily from nature and natural design piece with prongs to hold single stems in elements in her designs, frequently pressing place. leaves and flowers into rolled clay that is then Intrigued with incorporating nature into her shaped into plates, bowls, tiles and vases to leave designs, Wells was drawn to using stones and a lasting, life-like impression. gems with their lore of healing and calming One impressive piece features a circle of oak qualities. leaves. Each vein, blade and stem is glazed to “I just love how beautiful they are,” she said capture the architecture of the living flora. She as she showed her collection of agate slices, has employed the same technique with all types quartz crystals and polished stones. “I select of plants, including hibiscus leaves and lily pads stones that seem to speak to a piece.”

– even nuts.

Wells has developed a following for her ceContinued from page 11

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ramic Celtic crosses with stones and gems. She uses metallic wire to attach the stones and gems to the 8- to 12-inch crosses. Each cross comes with a small parchment message that speaks to the healing or emotional qualities attributed to the stone or gem. Lore has it that crystals stimulate energy; agates improve memory and concentration; tourmaline cleanses, purifies and transforms energy; and bloodstone aids in the circulation of blood and the flow of life energy.

No two crosses or stones are alike.

Since taking her first classes at Woodland Arts Academy, she has continued to study at the Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles, Illinois. In many ways, she considers herself self-taught – using YouTube and websites for her continuing education.

“You learn bits and pieces,” she said, “and then you make it your own.” s

Pick up her designs Accents Northland Mall 2900 E. Lincolnway, Sterling The Gingko Tree Café and Traditional Wellness Center 216 W. First St., Dixon

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FASHION FORWARD

ON FIRST AVENUE

Local clothing boutique has evolved, moved

BY KAYLA HEIMERMAN

O

ut of a need for urban men’s clothing emerged, over the course of almost 15 years, a boutique for trendy women’s

fashions.

UOI at 311 First Ave. is a one-of-a-kind store. It has a hip, big-city vibe. Pop music pumps through the speakers. Colorful fabrics – neon tank tops, floral print skirts, and patterned leggings – float off the racks. The clothes appear to have been lifted off the pages of a magazine.

John Brady of Sterling started Urban Outlet Inc. downtown (in the current Air Play Sports and Espresso space) in early 2000. The store offered, as the name suggests, urban men’s clothing.

“I saw a need for clothing that my friends and I were wearing,” he said. “There wasn’t any here.”

Brady moved his shop to Northland Mall about a year later.

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UOI, as it became known, started in a small space in the mall, then grew into a neighboring space, at which point it became a men’s and women’s clothing store. It eventually moved into its last and largest location in the former space occupied by FYE. The men’s side offered “lifestyle-driven” clothing – think skateboarding, motocross and the like. The women’s side offered higher-end, on-trend fashions.

Brady, 36, moved UOI back downtown in December, and it became a boutique women’s clothing store.

“Our customer has probably aged 10 to 15 years since we moved downtown” – that is to say, the average woman who shops at the store is a bit older than the teens who used to shop there when it was in the mall, he said. UOI still attracts a relatively young customer, he said.

The store doesn’t carry a specific name brand or line of apparel. It has a variety of labels and styles.

Brady and his fiancée, Jamie Shierry, 26, attend fashion trade shows in Los Angeles, Las Vegas and New York City to stay up on the latest trends and help guide them as they select merchandise for the store.

UOI has done well since it moved downtown. It has brought more traffic to the downtown and thus, has been a welcome addition there, said Janna Groharing, executive director of Sterling Main Street, whose office is right across the street from the store.

“This is the direction we’d love to see continue in the downtown,” she said. “I’m hoping it will be a bit of a catalyst for additional specialty retail development in the downtown.”

UOI is not limited to its brick-and-mortar presence; it has an online store, too, that actually is the main driver of the business. Brady has 23 employees, 16 of whom are dedicated to the online store. s

Check it out

Photos by Philip Marruffol/Sterling-Rock Falls Living Employees Stephanie Celestino and Allie Schryver talk while going through jeans at UOI Boutique in Sterling.

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UOI 311 First Ave., Sterling Hours: 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Saturday Noon-5 p.m. Sunday Phone: 815-632-3171 Online: www.uoionline.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/UOI.UrbanOutlet.Inc Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/UOIURBANOUTLET

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‘L

ook What We Have Done’

Hard work, TLC bring Civil War-era home back to life

BY CASSANDRA ZIMMERMAN SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING s t e r l i n g - r o c k

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D

r. Moses Royer came to Sterling in 1856, becoming one of the first obstetricians in the area. He left not long after to be a surgeon with an Illinois

Regiment in the Civil War. After his return, he built a home at 401 E. Second St. for his wife, Elizabeth Hoover, and their daughters.

Elizabeth grew up in Sterling, in another historic building, the Hoover Home. Her sister suffered from chronic illness, and Dr. Royer visited the home frequently. Through those visits, Elizabeth and Moses met and eventually married.

The home saw happy moments and difficult ones.

An attempted burglary in September 1874 was thwarted only when Elizabeth’s sister, who lived with the couple, tried to shoot the burglar, making him run from the home.

Until recently, the home was becoming a relic of the past.

According to current owner Scott Hibbard, the house was in bad shape and scheduled for demolition until he and his Above: Nikki and Scott Hibbard have spent the past few years working to restore the historic Moses Royer home on East Second Street in Sterling.

wife, Nikki, saved the home. One of the few homes left

“

Apartments in the newly renovated Royer Home offer clients a comfortable place to call home while in town on business.

Do not listen to the people who say it isn’t possible to save the building.

We were told that, and look what we have done.

SCOTT HIBBARD

“

in the Sterling area built in the Civil War era, the home’s dilapidated exterior was only one of many issues.

But, the home had many surprises.

“The attic was filled with 40 to 50 buckets to catch rain leaking through the roof,” Scott said. “Worse, they had never been emptied, which is why the house was filled with mold.

We also had tenants – cats and raccoons – which had to go.”

After they bought the home in May 2011, Scott, who works in construction and Nikki, a dental hygienist, worked to renovate the inside and restore the outside.

The Hibbards raised the front of the house and replaced the framing, with the idea of creating apartments.

However, that changed after a visit to the Historical Society.

The couple found a photograph from 1884 that showed the home in all of its former glory, so they decided to restore the home in what ways they could. They had a replica of the original front door made and re-created the lattice work

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and front porch from what they could see in photograph.

The inside of the home could not be restored, unfortunately.

“Someone in the ’70s had gutted the inside of the home and destroyed all of the original pieces in the home,” Nikki lamented.

The Hibbards display artifacts found during the renovations of the historic Moses Royer home.

“They even burned the pocket doors,” Scott added.

“They really destroyed the entire home.”

So, the Hibbards decided to blend the old with some new.

The offices of McCloud & Associates and Northern Floors Inc. as well as a reception area, make up the first floor.

Scott Hibbard’s office, Northwest Commercial Inc., and the Northern Floors Inc. show room are also in the home.

Made to showcase ideas and potential for clients’ homes, the space has been beautifully appointed to complement the replaced historic details of the home.

They have also created two suites upstairs that are for rent to businesses and visitors for periods of a week to several months.

Each suite is fully furnished with furniture, bedding, dishes, cable and Wi-Fi. Each apartment has been built to mute sound to enhance privacy and relaxation.

Nikki and Scott want the home to be experienced, for people to smile when they walk through the home, to walk through the grass and enjoy the landscaping.

“The hunt has been fun,” Nikki said, “and we have adapted to the space.”

Scott’s favorite memory exemplifies that.

“Last summer, when the home was about 70 percent done, we ordered pizza and pop and just sat on the front porch,” he recalled. “We just enjoyed the moment, after giving the pizza delivery driver a tour of the home.”

Scott has some advice for homeowners who are daunted by the idea of doing what the couple have done with the Moses Royer Home.

“There are not any old buildings in the Sterling area anymore,” he said. “A lot are being abandoned or torn down.

Do not listen to the people who say it isn’t possible to save the building. We were told that, and look what we have done.” s

The Royer home on East Second Street in Sterling has been renovated and now features two upstairs apartments for business travelers.

All Photos by Philip Marruffo /Sterling-Rock Falls Living

The Suite Life People interested in renting the upstairs suites of the Royer home may contact Scott Hibbard at shibbard71@hotmail.com or 815-716-6150.

The Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/royerhome

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SHS graduate wins five medals at National Veterans Wheelchair Games

Cuevas said of the Games. “I looked at the guy who kept beating me, and I said, ‘That’s going to be mine.’ I really went after it. It’s given me that kind of drive.”

There’s a good reason that Cuevas has such a serious attitude about the Wheelchair Games.

The annual event has far-reaching benefits for participating veterans, he says, from providing

BY ROB LAIRD them access to cutting-edge equipment, to liftSPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING ing morale, to providing goals and motivation.

For Cuevas, nearly every moment of the weekhere’s rarely a moment that Raymond long annual event provides an opportunity to Cuevas isn’t smiling. Except, perhaps, change a life. when he has a javelin in his hand.

It was the Games, for example, that motiThe typically jovial 59-year-old retired vated Cuevas to lose 132 pounds, which was electrician and former U.S. Marine is all busiweight he mostly gained while in the wheelness when it comes to the National Veterans chair.

Wheelchair Games, an annual event touted as It was also at the Wheelchair Games that, a the largest annual wheelchair sporting event few years ago, Cuevas found the manufacturer in the world. This year, the 1973 graduate of that eventually provided him with the new Sterling High School and current resident of high-tech wheelchair that his doctors had been Tuscon, Arizona, earned five medals, including encouraging him to get because of his condifour gold, in the 34th Games, held this year in tion, a uniquely severe case of the degenerative Philadelphia. disease spinal stenosis.

Cuevas won gold medals in bowling, discus, Many veterans, Cuevas says, might not know and javelin, and he earned a bronze in the about the various ways the Department of Vet100-meter dash. But all of those medals didn’t erans Affairs can provide help, and the Games mean as much as winning an elusive gold medal provide a forum for vendors to get the word out in shot put. about their products.

“I had gotten silver over the past 3 years,” The Games also serve as a meeting ground for

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wounded vets to provide encouragement and support for one another. One of the highlights for Cuevas during the annual event is the signing of the Wall of Inspiration, where veterans cans write messages to one another.

Cuevas’ message this year: “You’ve gotten off the couch. Don’t go back.”

Cuevas recalls his interaction with one vet who had been severely injured by an improvised explosive device (IED) and was participating in his first Wheelchair Games this year.

“He had lost one of his arms, one of his legs, and most of his sight,” Cuevas said. “He was going to be in one of the races, and he was worried about if he was going to get a medal or not. I said, as far as I’m concerned, ‘I’d give you every medal I’ve ever earned, because look at what you’re doing.’ There’s great people there, and I just love talking to them.”

The athletes in the Wheelchair Games are into age groups and physical ability. This year, Cuevas participated in the middle of three quadriplegic levels at the Masters age group (40 and over). Next year, Cuevas will be old enough for the Senior age group (60 and older), but says he would prefer to stay in his current age category.

After all, moving up an age bracket might make things easier for Cuevas. And Cuevas just isn’t interested in that. s

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COLOR

YOURSELF BEAU BEAUTIFUL on hair styles is multiple str m m o c t s o eaks m Among

BY MARICELA LOPEZ SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

A

rtistic expression, personality and a sense of individuality or uniqueness are all reasons for a change in hairstyle. It can be the new cut that makes you resemble Jennifer Lawrence or George Clooney, the highlights you finally decided to risk, or even something a little more daring such as a new color entirely.

And not just going from blond to brunette or vice versa; I’m talking about going vivid, bold or pastel because “pop of color” is still trending.

Whether it’s a single strip of neon pink or full head of streaks of blue, green and purple, the change can make anyone feel as if she can do anything.

Of course, precautions must be taken, because going in and throwing colors in your hair is not what you want to do. In a stylist’s world, healthy hair is most important.

For Paula Peikert, 39, owner and stylist of Hair-A-Win: The Salon for Hair Junkies, the “integrity and condition of the hair” determine whether the look you’re going for will come out. To the hair junkies at Hair-A-Win, if you’re going to let your creative soul be expressed, let it be done the right way the first time around.

Damaged hair isn’t an option at Hair-A-Win. Coloring can result in a bald head or very dry, frazzled hair. Hair-A-Win stylists will fix the problem that you came in with. As Paula says, the stylists “take pride in their expertise and maintenance of your hair.” Really they can do anything for you. But if what you’re looking for isn’t listed in Hair-A-Win’s menu of options, any coloring style can be done if you just ask.

One of the most common color styles is multiple color streaks, which can be put in all around like a highlight or feathered in for a more blended effect, which is closer to the most

recent trend: ombre – darker on the top layers and a transition to lighter underneath.

Paula will explain color in rather scientific terms. Instead of treating color as an actual hue, she sees it as a number. In fact, it’s based on a 1-to-10 scale – 1 for black hair and 10 the lightest natural blond. Depending on where you lie on the scale, mainly if you’re on the darker side, the hair will be lifted, or bleached, so the desired color can be visible on the hair. The colors you choose begin with primary colors and take off from there. If you’re feeling brave, the stylists at Hair-A-Win can play with a pattern. With this, the creativity is left to the hair stylist.

There are various patterns for any vivid dye in your hair, or any colors other than your natural shade. If your everyday look needs to be professional, then streaking with shades closer to your hair is also an option.

“Even office workers, teachers, etc., can still have fun with ‘normal’ hair colors just by placement,” Paula said, “which can be done by painting lightener on the hair, then applying the desired shade, or foiling completely out of the box, following no pattern, but making your own pattern.”

The possibilities with coloring can go from animal print to rainbows or stripes, or just more subtlety with shades closer to the natural color.

And it can be done at any age – for an adult trying to give depth and fun to the style or a young teen looking to pull off a bold statement of personality.

Expression, creativity and personality have new meaning with just some mixing of product.

The “hair junkies,” as the stylists at Hair-A-Win call themselves, make it their goal to bring that out in every customer. s

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Add a ‘pop of color’ Hair-A-Win 1400 First Ave., Rock Falls 815-632-3114 Find it on Facebook Hours 9 a.m.-8 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Closed Sunday-Monday

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Avonlea Cottage Where loved ones feel at home.

Newly Opened Dedicated Memory Wing!! 7 Unit Memory Care Apartments Avonlea Cottage of Sterling recently opened a 7 unit dedicated memory wing which includes dedicated staffing that cater to individual resident’s needs.

Life is challenging for the family who cares for the individual with Alzheimer’s or other dementia disorders. Families can be at peace knowing their loved one is cared for at Avonlea Cottage.

Avonlea Cottage is dedicated to help those with memory loss find security and fulfillment in every-day life.

Our warm, homestyle surroundings create a calm environment, and our staff is compassionate and encouraging.

Here the residents participate in a variety of activities that are thoughtfully planned by our caregivers. With close supervision and gentle support, our residents retain their dignity and individuality.

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Apples we stock - Honey Crisp - Jonathan - Gala Cortland - McIntosh - JonaGold - Yellow Delicious. * Limit One Coupon Per Customer, Per Visit

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b r u ph @ c o m c as t . n e t

405 Elm Avenue • Sterling, Illinois 815-625-3169

GIRLS NIGHT OUT

Crazy Fun IS

Photos by Michael Krabbenhoeft Kim Przysucha (left) of Sterling talks to Debbie, the owner of A Cooks Corner, during the Ladies Night Out event on September 4 at the business in Sterling.

Monthly gathering samples new products

BY LONNIE MILLER SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

H

ow would it sound to spend an evening with a fun bunch to scope out the latest new products, discuss gift ideas, and try a few great recipes?

It’s called Girls Night Out, an event from 5 to 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month, sponsored cooperatively by A Cooks Corner at 2501 Avenue E and Jamie’s Candle Loft at 2713 Locust St. in Sterling.

Owners of both businesses provide door prizes that are given away every half hour, along with delicious snacks and beverages.

Wander through the stores to see the latest trends, unique foods and home décor. Guests can try new recipes and share their own with other attendees, or discover tips and tricks using new kitchen gadgets, candles or gifts, and ideas for parties.

Both stores have loads of ideas for making a home nicer every day, or for creating a special moment or event. Jamie Falls at the Candle Loft and Debbie Lawrence at A Cooks Corner can share ideas for building gift baskets, planning a party or tackling a tricky decorating or cooking problem at home.

Other small specialty businesses make an appearance, too. Lesa Romo, owner of The Flour Shop, recently had a pretty display of tiny, beautifully decorated and tasty cupcakes at A Cooks Corner. Flavors such as Pumpkin Pie, Peanut Butter, Butter Pecan and Carrot Cake were thoroughly enjoyed by shoppers.

Debbie had also prepared Caramel Apple Butter Crisp and Roasted Apple Chicken Salad for sampling, along with some flavored coffees, teas and adult beverages.

Mark and Dawn Frankfother said they attend Girls Night Out as often as possible.

“We love sampling the products, and supporting small businesses in our area,” Dawn said.

“These are unique businesses,” Mark added, “and it’s important to support our local people.”s

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A Cooks Corner in Sterling has a wide variety of supplies, utensils and gifts for anyone who enjoys spending time in the kitchen.

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Carmel Apple Butter Crisp was sampled at Ladies Night Out at A Cooks Corner in Sterling.

The following are recipes from the most recent Girls’ Night Out. The Stonewall Kitchen products in each recipe are available at A Cooks Corner.

(More recipes are available at StonwallKitchen.com)

MANGO CHICKEN SALAD WRAP 2 pounds bone-in chicken 2 Tablespoons pecans, chopped 1/4 cup golden raisins 1/4 cup dried cranberries 1/3 cup mayonnaise 1/2 teaspoon curry powder 1/4 cup red bell pepper, chopped

1/2 cup celery, chopped 1/2 teaspoon each salt and pepper 1/2 cup Stonewall Kitchen Mango Chutney or Peach Chutney 6 (8-inch) sandwich wraps Baby spinach

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place chicken pieces on sheet and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Cover with foil and bake 40-50 minutes until chicken is cooked and the juices run clear. Cool, then shred chicken.

Combine chicken with remaining ingredients, except the spinach and wraps. Mix well.

Place a generous scoop of chicken salad in the center of the wrap. Top with baby spinach. Fold in the edges and roll up. Repeat with the remaining wraps.

Serve chilled.

ROASTED APPLE CHICKEN SALAD 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts 3/4 cup Stonewall Kitchen Roasted Apple Grille Sauce 1/3 cup granny smith apple, peeled, cored and chopped 1 tablespoon onion, minced 2 tablespoons olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon thyme leaves 1/3 cup blue cheese, crumbled, optional 1/3 cup pecans, toasted and chopped, optional Dried cranberries

In a deep skillet, cover chicken with water. Bring to a gentle boil and simmer until the chicken breasts are cooked through. Cool. Chop the chicken into bite-size pieces. Combine all ingredients and serve chilled on crusty bread as a sandwich or over salad greens.

Roasted Apple Chicken Salad was another dish sampled.

CARAMEL APPLE BUTTER CRISP (This recipe is for anyone who loves to pick the topping off the crisp.)

7 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced 1/4-inch thick 1 jar Stonewall Kitchen Caramel Apple Butter 1/4 cup Applejack, Calvados, apple cider or apple juice

TOPPING: 1/2 cup flour 2 cups quick oats 12 Tablespoons cold butter, cut into pieces 1 cup pecans, chopped 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Place apple slices, Caramel Apple Butter, apple juice (or liquid of choice) in a bowl, and mix together thoroughly. Place in a greased 9-by-13-inch baking pan. Prepare topping by placing all the dry ingredients in a food processor, pulse briefly to blend ingredients. Add butter, then pulse in 3-4 second intervals until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. When well blended and crumbly, sprinkle topping on the apples and bake in a 350 F. oven for 45 minutes.

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Local motorcycle ministry trying to change lives of others

BY ANGEL SIERRA SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING

h c r u Ch

On

Wheels T

he rumble of pavement heralds the arrival of a local motorcycle ministry that is bringing the light and breathing new life into the crusade against

sin and evil.

Terry “Preacher Terry” Meiners, 58, of Sterling, founded the Holy Ghost Riders 15 years ago after discovering a need for spiritual outreach in the area.

“We’re street preachers,” Meiners said. “We’re training [members] to go out into the streets ... where a normal pastor would feel uncomfortable being around [people like] hardcore bikers.”

It’s the only group like it from Chicago to Clinton, Iowa, he added.

At a backyard barbecue on a warm summer afternoon, riders and their families gathered for fellowship and food, hosted Continued on page 31

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“

“There was a war going on inside of me, and I knew that I wasn’t living right.

I was tired of the drugs … the alcohol … looking over my shoulder for rival clubs.

I was done, and I wanted a new life.”

“

TERRY MEINERS Continued from page 27

at the home of a ministry elder. Parked out front were the group’s choppers, synchronized neatly in a line on the lawn. Meiners’ gaze drifted away as he recalled a painful history. After trips to jail, “too many to count,” and a third divorce, “That’s when I hit rock bottom.”

“There was a war going on inside of me, and I knew that I wasn’t living right. I was tired of the drugs … the alcohol … looking over my shoulder for rival clubs,” he recalled. “I was done, and I wanted a new life.” Holy Ghost Riders, who often ride clad in worn leather and colored patches, promise to refrain from tobacco, alcohol and drug use. They must carry a Bible and “courtesy cards” with them at all times, Meiners said. “This isn’t a club; it’s a ministry,” he said.

“We’re helping people, and trying to change lives just like our lives were changed by Jesus Christ.”

Members sometimes use their tribulation-filled pasts to develop rapport with people who otherwise might not want to listen or take them seriously, Meiners said.

Shawn “Skinny” McConnaughay, of Dixon, came from “a life of sin” that had left him full of questions. It took a high-speed motorcycle crash and subsequent 2-week coma to lead him to seek a new lifestyle, he said. The 39-year-old got involved with the motorcycle ministry “as a youngster with a lot of problems.” Membership offered him a sense of family and belonging, purpose and brotherly camaraderie.

“I was selfish, self-centered, egotistical, and I lived for me,” he said. “God doesn’t come to everybody the same way.”

The brotherhood has about 15 members from northern Illinois, Iowa and other neighboring states. They attend various community events, like parades and fundraisers, and when they do, they bring a 12-foot-tall cross to identify them.

They’re well-received most of the time, said Dan “Preacher Dan” Williams, of Cammanche, Iowa, who at one point pursued a theology degree and ordination.

The 52-year-old said that, although he “didn’t feel called” at the time, he still wanted to find a way to evangelize.

“Sometimes, you get people that spit on you, but for the most part, people are respectful.”

It’s not the “shock value” of their testimonies, but rather, how the Holy Ghost Riders live today that McConnaughay wants to emphasize.

“What we have here is a church on wheels.” s Evangelism on Wheels...

Holy Ghost Riders meets for worship service the first Sunday of the month on the third floor of the Iron Horse Social Club, 314 Main St., in Savanna.

For more info. about the biker ministry, go to www.holyghostriders.com or find it on Facebook.

Contact Terry Meiners, at hgr@essex1.com or 815-440-0145 for info. on the local team.

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Boxelder Bugs, Asian Beetles or Mice invade your home this fall.

Sauk Valleyy Pest Control, Inc. KEEP PESTS OUT BEFORE THEY GET IN!

Call for a free quote 815.499.5707 Preston Zigler - Owner & Operated

Licensed and Insured

Your Sweet Tooth Is Cal Y Calling!

Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society presents “Dollar-A-Day Boys! A Tribute to the Civilian Conservation Corps”; Bethel Reformed Church, 230 E. 23rd St., Sterling; 815-622-6215 or www.srfhs.com; 2 p.m.; the CCC was a federal works program created by President Franklin Roosevelt during the Great Depression which ran from 1933 to 1942 and provided employment for more than 3 million young men between age 17 and 25; Free

Oct. 10-11 Haunted Haven; 2.5 miles south of Rock Falls, on the corner of state Route 40 and Grennan Road; 815-590-2131 or www.hauntedhaven.org; 7-11 p.m.; a highintensity/high-scare haunted house with strobe lights and fog machines, may not be suitable for children under the age of 13, bonfire and entertainment while you wait to enter; $10 Oct. 11 Sterling Main Street Harvest Moon Festival; downtown Sterling; 815-626-8610 or www.sterlingmainstreet.org; featuring music, a petting zoo, food and activities at the Twin Cities Farmers Market, Tuff Dog Bakery will hold their annual costume contest and pet parade, and the annual United Way Chili Cook-Off will be held in the YWCA/ Sterling Federal Bank parking lot Oct. 17-18 Haunted Haven; 2.5 miles south of Rock Falls, on the corner of state Route 40 and Grennan Road; 815-590-2131 or www.hauntedhaven.org; 7-11 p.m.; a highintensity/high-scare haunted house with strobe lights and fog machines, may not be suitable for children under the age of 13, bonfire and entertainment while you wait to enter; $10

Simply Sweet, Inc. S 2522 2 E. Lincolnway, Unit E Sterling, IL 61081 S 815-632-3577

www.candybouquet.com d b

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Oct. 18 “The Night People” from the QC; Starlights Theatre, 314 First Ave., Sterling; 815564-9430, www.starlightstheatre.com or www.thenightpeoplequadcities.com; 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.; $5

Oct. 24 Fourth Fridays; downtown Sterling; 815-626-8610 or www.fourthfridayspac. com; 6-8 p.m.; local merchants and organizations open their storefronts to host artists of all kinds – visual artists, theatre groups, jewelry makers, musicians and more Oct. 24-25 Haunted Haven; 2.5 miles south of Rock Falls, on the corner of state Route 40 and Grennan Road; 815-590-2131 or www.hauntedhaven.org; 7-11 p.m.; a high-intensity/high-scare haunted house with strobe lights and fog machines, may not be suitable for children under the age of 13, bonfire and entertainment while you wait to enter; $10 Oct. 31 Trick or Treat; uptown Rock Falls; 4-6 p.m.

Oct. 31-Nov. 1 Haunted Haven; 2.5 miles south of Rock Falls, on the corner of state Route 40 and Grennan Road; 815-590-2131 or www.hauntedhaven.org; 7-11 p.m.; a high-intensity/high-scare haunted house with strobe lights and fog machines, may not be suitable for children under the age of 13, bonfire and entertainment while you wait to enter; $10 Nov. 8 “Wine Women & Song” Fundraising Event; Starlights Theatre, 314 First Ave., Sterling; 815-564-9430 or www.starlightstheatre.com; all female entertainers performing for a great cause

Nov. 20-23 Rock Falls Hometown Holidays; downtown Rock Falls; 815-625-4500 or www. rockfallschamber.com; featuring Christmas Walk, Lovelight Ceremony, parade, RFHS Band Breakfast and the Festival of Praise Nov. 18-23 25th Hospice of the Rock River Valley Festival of Trees; Woodlawn Arts Academy, 3807 Woodlawn Road, Sterling; 815-288-3673 or www.hospicerockriver. org; featuring decorated trees and holiday items, the Country Store, Design Show, entertainment and more Nov. 23 Rock Falls High School Pancake Breakfast; 101 12th Ave., Rock Falls; 8 a.m.noon; breakfast served by RFHS Band members Nov. 28 Fourth Fridays; downtown Sterling; 815-626-8610 or www.fourthfridayspac. com; 6-8 p.m.; local merchants and organizations open their storefronts to host artists of all kinds – visual artists, theatre groups, jewelry makers, musicians and more Dec. 1-7 Seasonal Sights and Sounds; downtown Sterling; 815-626-8610; a weeklong celebratoion

INDUSTRIAL • COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL PAINTING | SANDBLASTING | BASEMENT | WATERPROOFING

815-626-5165

2 Avenue G Island, Sterling

www.praterpaintandwaterproofing.com

SMELTZER INSURANCE AGENCY SMELTZER 701 W. Route 30, Rock Falls, IL

815-625-5526 DACIA DENNIS

JENNIFER SCHRYVER

GROUP BENEFITS SPECIALIST

HOME & AUTO AGENT

“PROFESSIONAL ADVICE FROM TRUSTED FRIENDS” SIERRA HARMS

TOM MYERS, CIC

HEALTH INS. SPECIALIST

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