IVL-12-27-2014

Living Illinois Valley

Winter 2015

Take a stroll to Clarks Run Antiques Story on Page 4

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Warm up with this new edition of Illinois Valley Living

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nother issue of Illinois Valley Living is hot off the press, and we hope you’ll find it’s a warm and comforting way to ease the brutal weather that Mother Nature often delivers at this time of the year. For that reason, we’ve included a variety of features, photos and more to warm your heart — all items reflective of the Illinois Valley, the place we call home.

For me, winter is a great time to catch up on all my reading. I’ve got stacks of books and magazines that almost yearn for me to kick my busy and often hectic lifestyle to the curb, curl up with a warm blanket and dive deep into another world for a couple of hours or so. I hope you’ll do that with this edition of Illinois Valley Living.

While we strive to make each edition interesting for all of our readers, the stories in this edition seem particularly compelling. Our staff spent considerable time interviewing, crafting, writing and creating stories — all about your friends and neighbors in the Illinois Valley. We know you’re going to enjoy them.

As we work to create a fun, informative and creative magazine for you — our readers, we want you to know your input is extremely valuable to our success. We are interested in your story ideas, your comments, your suggestions. We firmly believe everyone has a story, and we hope you’ll give us a call or send us an email with that interesting person, place or organization in which you’d like to see a story written for this magazine. You can reach me at tsimon@bcrnews.com or at 815-875-4461, ext.

6330.

As the winter sets in around us, I hope you’ll also take some time to spend with those you cherish ... and also reserve some moments for yourself. A dear friend once told me, “Terri, life is not a dress rehearsal.” In other words, we don’t get very many second chances. Take some time. Breathe. Exhale. Relax. Laugh. Love. May 2015 afford you those opportunities.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Illinois Valley Living.

All my best to you and yours, Terri Simon, Editor

Illinois Valley Living

Living Illinois Valley

PUBLISHER Sam R Fisher EDITOR Terri Simon SALES DEVELOPMENT Pam Pratt-Marsh PAGE DESIGN Sarah Denton PUBLISHED BY The Bureau County Republican 800 Ace Road Princeton, Illinois 61356 (815) 875-4461 MAIN COVER PHOTOS Kath Clark

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Clarks Run Antiques Where shopping feels like coming home ...

Story by Paul Higgerson Photos by Kath Clark and Paul Higgerson

“O

Clarks Run Antiques co-owner Pam Shanley (left) chats with staff member Kathy Calkins at the Utica store. The antique store, owned by Pam and Steve Shanley, opened in April 2012 and offers customers a variety of all things old ... and new.

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ur mission is to provide a great customer experience, providing quality antiques at a fair price.”

This is what Clarks Run Antiques is all about, according to co-owner Pam Shanley. As one walks through the spacious Utica store, it’s easy to see why Pam and her husband, co-owner Steve Shanley, have been successful in that mission.

Built in 2011 and opened in April 2012 by the Shanleys, Clarks Run Antiques provides a wonderful shopping experience. The new building is designed to capture that country, antique feel, while still providing excellent space, lighting and atmosphere for the shopper. The solid wood beams and rough hewn posts really make you feel at home as one peruses the antique dressers, chairs and hutches. The exposed floor joists painted dark green really make the vast space feel cozy and homey.

As you meander and weave your way through rows of antiques, you can’t help but notice the ease of the shopping, thanks to the space and lighting.

Antiques from all eras fill the establishment. The smell of pine wafts through the building ... soft background music adds to ambiance.

Shoppers have the opportunity to check out a host of antiques upstairs and down. Clarks Run has more than their share of unique pieces, as well as plenty that will make you say, “I remember that,” or “Grandma had one just like it.”

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It’s easy to stroll through Clarks Run Antique store and see a myriad of items that remind you of days gone by ... You’re likely to say, “I remember that,” quite a bit.

So what makes two people decide to open a business thriving on items from the past? It turns out Pam’s parents were antique dealers. Combine this with the fact Steve wanted to open his own business ... and you have Clarks Run Antiques. But it wasn’t necessarily that easy ...

“It took several years of taking Steve to antique shows to convince him to open an antique store,” Pam said.

The store has been a bit of a learning curve for the couple, but right now they are “filled up (with dealers) and pleasantly pleased.”

But that’s not to say there’s no more room at Clarks Run. In fact, one point that makes them different than the rest is they willingly take on individual items. If you’re cleaning out Grandma’s house and don’t know what to do with her antique cupboard, Clarks Run is the place to turn. For those who perhaps don’t have enough antiques to fill a booth or a cabinet, Clarks Run is more than happy to take those individual items in search of a happy home.

So what makes Clarks Run different than other antique stores/malls? You’ll figure it out the minute you walk in the door ...

0

Clarks Run Antiques co-owner Pam Shanley helps a customer discover some items in one of the many display cases in the Utica store. The Shanleys have listened to their customers’ wishes and pride themselves on the family atmosphere in the store.

It is a family atmosphere. You’re surrounded by family, and it feels like it.

It’s easy to develop conversations with everyone there. The attention to cus-

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tomer service occurred after the store opened, and the Shanleys heard a lot of “nice store” comments but customers were leaving empty-handed.

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Old photographs, jewelry, glassware, dishes ... the list of items from the past found at Clarks Run Antiques seems endless, coupled with new items the store sells.

The Shanleys believe the customers had been telling them they were interested in more than antiques, and the folks at Clarks Run listened. Clarks Run is different because they listen to you and react.

The store now offers an expanded selection of candles, gifts, lotions and seasonal items. A good portion of the upstairs is dedicated to locally handmade seasonal items. Clarks Run Antiques offers antiques for the collectors as well as unique, handmade items for the everyday shopper.

The wooden floorboards creak and groan as you shop the upstairs at Clarks

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Kathy Calkins arranges a display inside Clarks Run Antiques in Utica, where the treasures are plentiful and beautifully displayed. Besides memories from the past, the store carries an expanded selection of candles, gifts, lotions and seasonal items.

Run. It is indeed a goldmine. If you’re looking for those perfect seasonal decorations or for the ever-popular Corinthian Bells, then the upstairs at Clarks Run is for you.

And why did the Shanleys choose to locate their store in Utica? The answer was simple.

“We picked Utica because it is a great

town,” said Pam. Shopping and discovering new and hidden treasures can be done at Clarks Run Antiques, located at 215 N. Division St. Utica. The hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

To learn more, call Clarks Run at 815667-7190.

Illinois Valley Living

Unofficially speaking ...

With Illinois Valley Community College President Jerry Corcoran Questions compiled by Terri Simon Photo contributed Town of residence: Ottawa.

Where did you grow up: On a farm north of Ottawa.

Occupation: President, Illinois Valley Community College.

Family: My wife, Katherine, my stepdaughter, Michelle, and our granddaughters, Katie and Emma, all live on the family farm. Katherine’s son, Steven, lives in Naperville. My three siblings, Bob and Tom (twins) live in Southern Pines, N.C., and Springfield, Ill., respectively, and my sister, Patricia, also lives in Springfield, Ill. What is the last book you read: “Lincoln’s Ladder to the Presidency: The Eighth Judicial Circuit,” Guy C. Fraker (2012).

What is your favorite TV show: WGN News at 9. (Once Tom Skilling finishes the weather forecast, it’s lights out for me!)

What is the last movie you saw: Lee Daniels’ “The Butler.”

If you were stranded on a desert island and could have only one meal every day for the rest of your life, what would it be: Oatmeal.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one thing with you, what would it be: An iPad with Wi-Fi access.

What is your favorite local restaurant, and what do you like most to order there: Country Catering is the college’s food service provider, and everything they prepare is terrific. On the weekends, I splurge once in a while and order pizza from any one of several local eateries. After church on Sunday morning, my wife and I either take the family to breakfast at Hi-Way Restaurant, or the girls and I make pancakes, sausage and bacon for the group at home.

When you were a small boy, what did you want to be when you grew up: A farmer just like my dad — my best friend.

As president of Illinois Valley Community College, what is the most enjoyable aspect of your job: Without a doubt, interacting with our students — my extended family.

What do you consider the biggest challenges related to your position: Although I try to keep everybody happy, I realize that’s not possible, so what’s most important to me is that every day we move forward in helping our students achieve their academic and career

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Illinois Valley Community College President Jerry Corcoran of Ottawa says his greatest achievement so far is being at peace with his decisions in life — his family, his faith and his career. goals. Nationwide there has been quite a push lately for more career and technical programs, however, we must never lose sight of the importance of the arts.

What are some of the biggest changes you’ve seen at IVCC throughout the years: All-time high enrollments followed by 14-year lows; the construction of new buildings followed by the demolition of “temporary” buildings (that we used for 45 years); the relationship we have with the local school districts and employers has never been stronger; our high school population market-penetration rate is very impressive; and the word is now out that one needs a postsecondary credential if they want to be gainfully employed, yet it does not necessarily have to be a bachelor’s degree.

What makes IVCC so great is that we have something for everyone.

IVCC has enjoyed many major accomplishments throughout the years. What are some of those accomplishments under your watch which you are most proud: Having people work together on our new Peter Miller Community Technology Center and a very successful capital campaign

(the first in our long history) to make sure that we had the latest equipment and technology was a great experience thanks to an incredible group of IVCC advocates and benefactors. The improvements we made to our Natural Science and Physical Science labs were phenomenal — as Dean Ron Groleau has said, “Students walk in and say ‘Wow!’” Parking has always been an issue at IVCC, however, we’ve improved the situation tremendously despite the constraints of our physical location.

Construction will soon begin on our new cyber café and much-needed student life space. How cool is that! Establishing the IVCC Ottawa Center has elevated the college’s profile on the east side of the district. The Running Start Program at Marquette Academy has blossomed into a wonderful experience for high school students; thanks to Marquette, more high schools are now embracing the concept of offering students dual credit coursework and dual enrollment opportunities.

Do you suggest young people enter your line of work: Absolutely, our faculty, counselors and staff are top-notch, and they change peoples’ lives forever.

In fact, what makes the field of education so extraordinary is the fact we’re all so reliant upon each other. There is no doubt in my mind that every employee at the college contributes to student success, and I’m sure my colleagues would say the same applies at our elementary and secondary school districts, as well.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement so far: Being at peace with my decisions in life, i.e., family, faith and career.

If someone asked you to name a memorable moment, what first comes to mind: I will forever remember the day I received the call from two members of our board of trustees saying the job of president was mine, and how proud my family was when I was officially appointed on March 18, 2008. I can still see my 95-year-old mother in the front row of Room C-316 smiling from ear to ear.

How do you spend your spare time: I pray and exercise every morning and read at least two newspapers every day. I love living on a farm and spending quality time with my family on the weekends.

What is the best advice you can offer to others: God may have a plan for all of us, but you still need to show up and work your guts out every day.

What three words describe you best: Irish, Catholic and farmer.

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Jumping for joy Nicole Carlone finds fun and comfort aboard her horse Story and photos by Zita Henneberry

I

n the frigid night air, as Nicole Carlone and her horse, Savannah, looped the riding arena, it was plain to see these two were a team. Carlone rode her spirited horse with a natural grace, confident in every movement, turn, jump and lead change. Here they worked together in flawless synchronicity, at peace with the world.

Nicole of rural Princeton bought Savannah as a $100 7-year-old horse with no prior training. However, after training the horse herself, Nicole managed to transform Savannah into a prize-winning 4-foot jumper.

Nicole believes working with horses is not just a hobby, rather it is a lifestyle.

Their beauty and power captivate the young rider who lives and breathes them as much as she can.

“When she gets in a really bad mood or really bummed out about something, it’s her therapy,” reflected Nicole’s mother, Diane. “She goes down there and spends time with her horses, and she’s fine.”

With horses acting as a release from stress, Nicole and her family have molded the hobby of horseback riding into an essential component of their lives.

“Everybody rides in the family; you can’t be a Carlone and not ride,” Diane commented with slightly raised eyebrows.

As the family sat together, they offered additional comments and interactions about their love of horses. It was clear, while each family member was a strong

Nicole Carlone isn’t too different than any other junior high student. But once she swings her leg over her 7-year-old friend, Savannah, she enters a world where the pair work together to achieve a fearless confidence. individual, they functioned as a unit.

United in their common love for horses, the Carlone’s family bond was riveting.

As one pulls up to the Carlone home, it is easy to admire its beauty, but one leaves the home truly admiring the depth of communal equestrian passion housed within.

The Carlones have seven beautiful horses right outside their back door.

Nicole, who has been riding since she was 2 years old, said she tries to ride at least once a day.

Her passion was evident as she headed

down to the barn; that’s where she really came to life. Sitting in the dining room, Nicole had given mostly one word answers to questions, but the closer she got to the barn, the more relaxed and natural she became.

Nicole said without hesitation, “No, I was like fearless,” referring to when she first began to ride.

Even after she’d fallen and gotten her foot stuck in the stirrup as a 2 year old — caught by one foot, she was dangling off the side of her horse and bouncing her head off the fencing. While it terrified her

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At left, Nicole Carlone of rural Princeton poses with her horse, Savannah. Above, Carlone works a spirited Savannah in the ring, practicing jumps and more. Below, Savannah waits for Carlone to take her outside and begin their daily routine. The 13-year-old Carlone said she hopes to jump horses in the Olympics one day.

parents, it hadn’t scared her.

However, she admitted she is more wary of getting kicked these days. The idea didn’t seem to frighten the young rider as it would many others, but there was an experienced unease in her concern.

A girl without fear, therefore, needs a horse with enough spirit to match her own. Nicole prefers the spirited and hotheaded horses. Because, she explained, especially for jumping, she likes the horse that has the extra spirit to get the job done.

Savannah is just that. Nicole held up the first-place purple sash she had won with her horse at the Fox Valley Saddle Association. With pride, Diane said, “The girl she was jumping against, her mom owns a farm, and they had 12 other students at the barn. So you know they have a lot of money invested, but she beat her ... and she had her $100 horse that she trained herself.”

Nicole has been jumping horses for about five years. While her favorite is hunter jumping style, Nicole is not limited to one specialty. She likes to ride without tack (no saddle or bridle) like

her former teacher Alycia Burton. Nicole once had a lesson with Burton, the international free rider who has made a name for herself by jumping her horse with no hands. Nicole smiled and expressed her dream to follow in Burton’s footsteps one day.

And she is well on her way. Nicole’s

highest jump so far was slightly over 4 feet, and there’s plenty of time to improve for the 13 year old. One day, Nicole said, she hopes to jump in the Olympics.

Wherever she goes in life, Nicole said she will always love horses. “’Til the day I die,” she added with complete confidence.

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A real Tail-Wagging experience Four-legged friends make a difference at LaSalle Public Library Story and photos by Dixie Schroeder

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ince 2004, a unique program combining two-legged and four-legged friends has been held every month at the LaSalle Public Library. “Tail-Waggers” is a combination of trained therapy dogs and children ... all mixed together to embrace the joys of reading.

Youth Library Director Donna Bloomquist of McNabb was the originator of the program at the library.

“What makes Tail-Waggers so popular?

Dogs! Lots of Americans are attracted to pets and to dogs ... They are the perennial icebreakers — complete strangers smile at each other when one or both have dogs. Kids pick up on this attraction,” Bloomquist said.

The program is simple. Trained, certified therapy dogs attend a reading session with their trainer. A child picks out a book and then “reads” to the dog.

An attentive four-legged friends listens as this youngster reads a story aloud. The “Tail- Dogs are not judgmental. They don’t Waggers” is an interactive program at the LaSalle Public Library, which offers children the make fun if a child mispronounces a word. Children who are too young to opportunity to share stories with trained therapy dogs.

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read can have the dog trainer or a parent read with them as they look at the pictures and share time with the therapy dog.

“A lifelong love of reading goes handin-hand with a life of learning. Kids who are confident readers not only excel in their school work, but are more willing to investigate new topics and explore the world through reading,” Bloomquist said.

Throughout the years, the LaSalle library has worked with nine trainer/dog teams. Currently there are three teams who come to the library. Nancy Fryxell brings Ellianna or Elli, a Tibetan terrier, and Vasha, a Skye terrier who recently retired. Pam Booras brings Tillie and Gus, who are both Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. The third pair includes Theresa Jones and her dog, Charlie, a flat-coated retriever. Booras said each dog goes through training.

“In order for a dog to be registered as a therapy dog with Therapy Dogs Inc. ... they have to have basic obedience, be friendly with all ages of humans, be comfortable working in different places and different situations,” Booras said.

“Therapy Dogs Inc. tests a dog in basic obedience and then has three separate testings in a place therapy dogs are likely to be used in order to assess the dogs and handlers’ abilities.”

“Handler and dog communication is very important,” Jones said. “How a dog is with you and others is key. Charlie is the mellowest dog I’ve ever had.”

It is a rewarding experience for both dogs and handlers according to Jones.

“They (the children) are all so happy to see the dog. They are so non-judging,” Jones said.

Sometimes the type of dog can help a child connect with the love of reading.

Fryxell has one experience which has really stayed with her.

“We started going to a preschool ... We visited a classroom with children with learning disabilities. I didn’t know anything about learning difficulties,” Fryxell said.

The teacher told her to take the dog

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if he could say dog. Then he said the word dog,” Fryxell said. “I looked up, and the teacher had tears rolling down her face. She said to me, ‘He hasn’t ever spoken.’ I said to her you mean he hasn’t spoken in school? ‘No, he doesn’t talk even at home,’ the teacher said.”

Bloomquist summed up the decadelong program.

“The reading dog teams have touched

Sometimes, the therapy dogs at the LaSalle Public Library enjoy a brief nap, while their two-legged friends read books aloud. Other times, it appears as if the dogs understand every word — anxious for the children to read more. The “Tail-Waggers” event is meant to enhance youth literacy. the lives of many children and adults too. I am confident that Tail-Waggers

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Into the vault — into the past What history lurks behind the walls at the Putnam County Courthouse?

Story and photos by Ken Schroeder

T

his year, the Putnam County Courthouse celebrated its 175th birthday. The courthouse is the oldest continually-operating courthouse in Illinois and has seen future U.S. Presidents and years of dedicated public servants walk its carpeted halls. History reverberates throughout the building ... including behind a few walls.

Located in the office of the Putnam County Clerk is “the vault,” a room that has been used for holding records since the courthouse opened.

Records of transactions and announcements fill cubicles and boxes in the cramped confines of the room. Today, many of those documents are seeing the light of day for the first time in decades.

Putnam County Clerk Dan Kuhn has started the laborious task of sifting through the records of county history, and after barely scratching the surface, he’s found pieces of

history that predate the courthouse itself, including the building plans.

“I was looking for some old birth records. I don’t know what happened to them, but we’re missing a period of six to seven years,” Kuhn said.

“I started hunting in the old vault, and I started finding all kinds of old documents.”

Hanging in the hallway of the courthouse is a bounty lands map, properties which were given to military volunteers as a result of the Illinois Military Tract of 1812. There aren’t a lot of those in existence.

“That is one of only three that are known to exist, and that one is probably — I had a person tell me — that one is in the best condition of all of them,” Kuhn said. “I found that in the vault and had it framed and matted.”

Other treasures found so far include an original muster roll from the Blackhawk War dated 1832, property transfers and some rather unique Hennepin village newspapers. The single sheet was a massive

Want to read your daily newspaper from a piece of paper that measures 6 inches long and 2 inches wide? That’s just one of the treasures discovered in the vault at the Putnam County Courthouse.

6 inches long and 2 inches wide.

“The village of Henne-

pin used to put out — and I believe it said they were published on a daily basis — just

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a little thing that they would put out on a regular basis with news around the town and stuff like that,” Kuhn said. “There was a famous Confederate spy named Belle Boyd. She would use about anything at her disposal to get information from the Union.

She was actually in Hennepin because after the Civil War was over with, she went around and gave talks about her involvement as a Confederate spy. I thought that was pretty bold. One of the papers has that in it.”

Kuhn also found some Civil War-era contracts of a unique nature; receipts for substitute draftees.

“They instituted the draft during the Civil War, and it was called a rich man’s battle and a poor man’s fight.

If you could afford to do it, you could pay someone to take your place,” Kuhn said, indicating a large roster document. “This is the name of the men who were drafted, and these are the deserters. This was probably hanging up in the courthouse somewhere for viewing by the public.

14

Putnam County Clerk Dan Kuhn shows the original plans for the Putnam County Courthouse which were discovered inside the vault in the county clerk’s office. The plans actually date back 176 years ago, and they are in very good condition.

They list the name and then the substitute ... deserted.

There were some guys who

made a lot of money doing that. They’d enlist and take the money from somebody

that they enlisted for, then they’d desert, go to another part of the country or state

Illinois Valley Living

and do the same thing again.”

Probably the greatest treasure is the original design for the county courthouse itself. An ink drawing on a linenpaper shows the location of rooms and their purposes, and it looks like it could have been crafted last week instead of 1838, when the courthouse was being planned.

Kuhn, a self-described Civil War buff, is enjoying spelunking through the vault but wishes he had more time.

At left, a muster note shows the names of all the men drafted from Putnam County and their dispositions. Many of the men listed on the sheet dodged the draft by paying others to take their place. Above, Putnam County Clerk Dan Kuhn stands at the entrance to the vault.

“I’ve still got my work, and it’s going to take some time to finish this,” he said. “I’m kind of afraid to hire someone because there’s a lot of history in

here, and we don’t know what’s in here.

Someone could find a document signed

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530 Park Avenue East Princeton, Illinois 15

Enjoy a slice of life (and pizza) Sam’s Pizza serves up a heaping helping of good times, good food Story and photos by Paul Higgerson

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hen you walk into Sam’s Pizza in Oglesby you are greeted by the smell of mozzarella and pepperoni. They, like Sam Leone, are permanent residents of the building.

One almost expects to see Danny Zucko and the rest of the T-Birds from the movie “Grease” hanging out in the corner, as you study the menu board advertising Coca-Cola.

There are five tables for dining, but other than that, it is just Leone and his ovens.

Leone is there to greet you behind the counter in his white T-shirt, gold crucifix and apron.

You can’t help but notice the no-frills kitchen with the ovens, cash register and phone, which is off the hook and often lays face up on the table.

So why is that phone off the hook?

“The computer is busy,” Leone said, explaining that Sam Leone gets ready to put one of his well-known pizzas into the when he gets too busy, he takes oven at Sam’s Pizza in Oglesby. Leone is an icon in the area, having the phone off the hook. His owned and operated the pizza place for 43 years. customers know a repeated

busy signal means you either wait until he catches up, or you have to come in to the restaurant to place your order. During a conversation with Leone, it’s easy to see the word “computer” frequently comes out of Leone’s mouth.

For 43 years, Leone has made pizza for Oglesby and Illinois Valley residents. Originally from Sicily, Leone came to the United States at 21 years old to help his cousin make pizza in the Moline/Rock Island area. After a brief time there, he came to the Illinois Valley where he had family in Spring Valley; 43 years ago he began renting the building that still houses Sam’s Pizza for “$100 a month.”

The “computer” rings constantly at Leone’s place. Time after time, he answered and then went to work making the pizzas. He rolled out the handmade dough on his homemade butcher block counter covered in flour, which seems to explode in the air, floating in the day’s last rays of sunshine streaming through the windows. After making the dough

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Illinois Valley Living

turn from “light to dark” by spreading on his homemade sauce, he sprinkles his handshaved mozzarella on before sliding the pizza into the oven.

With a smile on his face, Leone proclaims, “The computer is working now.” In this case, the “computer” is the oven.

As the ‘“computer” rings, and the “computer” bakes, the one thing you can’t help but notice is the fact that throughout the rush, there are no order pads or timers. Leone never wrote down an order, and he never once set a timer for the pizzas. It’s all kept inside the “computer” that lives in his head, just like the way he cranks out those delicious pizza pies.

“I learned to make pizza along the way,” he responds with a coy smile spreading across his lips and a gleam in his eye.

Sam’s is the kind of place that conjures up memories in your mind. Memories of long ago like when you stopped at the service station where you got your window cleaned, oil checked and gas at 27 cents a gallon.

And don’t ever think Leone’s

pizzas are anything close to fast food, and don’t even try to order your pizza online. If you want a pizza from Sam’s, you’ll have to come get it. That is, however, part of the appeal.

How many places can you go to and feel like you’re stopping by an old friend’s house?

Sam’s Pizza could clearly use the “Cheers” tagline — “Where everybody knows your name.”

Leone certainly knows his customers’ names, and they know his.

The sign on the front door indicating the hours is so faded it can hardly be read, but the customers who have worn out his linoleum throughout the last 43 years don’t need that information. They know when he’s open, just as they know they’ll have to come in to place an order if the phone is busy for any length of time.

As much as he’s part of their meal plans on any given night, he’s also a part of their lives.

Customers will tell you they had their first date at Sam’s or a story about getting Sam’s pizza when they were kids.

It’s probably safe to say each and every customer who walks through the door has their own

Sam Leone takes a lot of pride in the pizza he has produced for generations of families throughout the years. Here, he sprinkles ample toppings on one of his pizza pies. personal story and memory about Sam’s Pizza. Sam’s is about more than a slice of great pizza; it’s a slice of Oglesby itself.

Sam’s Pizza can be picked up and enjoyed at 115 S. Columbia Ave. in Oglesby. The hours of operation are 4 to 10 p.m.

Tuesday through Thursday; 4 to 11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday; and 4 to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

Hungry for pizza? Hungry for a step back in time that makes you feel good when you leave?

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A passage through time Old-fashioned taxi cab changes hands Story by Shannon Serpette Photos by Mike Vaughn

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or close to 50 years, 87-year-old Bob Erickson has housed an antique taxi cab at his Princeton residence. During a recent auction of Erickson’s lifetime collection of items, that taxi changed drivers when it was bought by Sam Thiemes, 83, of Van Orin.

Erickson can’t remember exactly when he purchased the taxi decades ago, but he knows he owned it when he moved to his current residence in 1970.

“I’ve had it for quite a while,” he said.

“I started going to sales when I was in high school with my brother. It seems like I always bought something no one else wanted.”

But Erickson knew what he liked when he saw it, and the taxi was no exception.

“It was on sale, and I happened to have the highest bid,” he said.

He wasn’t told much about the taxi at the time of the sale.

“It was a taxi down in Galva at the turn of the century. They never told me exactly how old it was when I got it,” he said.

The taxi, pulled by two horses, would have been used to take people around town or wherever they wanted to go, according to Erickson. A luggage rack on the back was handy for people coming in on the train.

At one point Erickson sent the taxi away to get reupholstered, but when it was returned he kept it in the barn, and the mice got to it, he said.

“I had plans on using it,” Erickson said. “Something this old and delicate though, it should be in a museum and well-kept.”

Although Erickson never realized his goal of driving the taxi, for decades he

Bob Erickson (left) of Princeton and Sam Thiemes of Van Orin have a quiet conversation of days gone by in the antique taxi cab Thiemes recently bought from Erickson. Erickson had the taxi cab for close to 50 years before he recently let it go and sold it to Thiemes. The taxi was pulled by two horses and used to transport people around town. gave rides at local and regional events in the other various horse-drawn buggies he owned. He dressed for the role by wearing a tuxedo and top hat.

“I did the first Homestead parade, and I did quite a few after that, too,” Erickson said.

He wasn’t out to make a profit — he simply enjoyed talking to people and getting to be around horses.

“I just went for donations, whatever people wanted to give me,” Erickson said. “You have to do it for the love of it and not the money.”

Erickson stopped giving rides about two or three years ago, but he still enjoys

history and doing his part to preserve it when he can.

“All these antiques are history,” he said.

The taxi has now made its way to someone else who will treasure it.

“I doubt that there’s another one in the country that’s like it,” Thiemes said about the taxi. “I’ve never heard of one, and I’ve been to a lot of auctions.”

Thiemes is no stranger to old-fashioned buggies. He once built a surrey with the fringe on top and drove it in parades.

“I went all over,” Thiemes said. “Years ago, you’d have a parade, and there’d be

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Illinois Valley Living

Used at the turn of the century, this taxi cab was initially used to take people to and fro in the Galva area. Princeton resident Bob Erickson (at right, bottom) bought the vehicle almost 50 years ago, and he recently sold it to Van Orin resident Sam Thiemes (right, top).

Thiemes plans to restore the buggy. so many people; there was hardly room he (Erickson) thinks it would look better for the buggy to move.” with horses.”

Thiemes plans to refurbish the taxi Thiemes told Erickson he is welcome and added it might take a full year to do to drive it around when it is fixed up. so.

“If he wants to drive it, he can take it “It will be the way it should be,” he anywhere he wants anytime,” Thiemes said. “I was going to put ponies on it, but said.

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Taking flight in the Illinois Valley Photos by Mike Vaughn

knows it’s not a simple task. Regardless of your camera equipment, the soaring birds hile the American Bald Eagle is almost seem to be quicker than the shutter of the best cameras around. our national bird — a majestic That said ... Illinois Valley Living photogcreature to say the very least, it is also one of the most photographed birds rapher Mike Vaughn has a way with these national birds. His expertise mixed with a in the world. To look through a lens and good share of patience gives Illinois Valley capture an eagle in flight or one who has just caught its prey in its powerful talons is Living Magazine the opportunity to share with our readers these majestic birds he’s a feat in and unto itself. captured in the Illinois Valley. Enjoy.

Anyone who has photographed eagles

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Illinois Valley Living

Illinois Valley Living

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‘Where everybody (really does) know your name’ Alexander Park Tavern specializes in great food, drinks, traditional values Story and photos by Goldie Currie

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he Alexander Park Tavern is like a home away from home for many of its regulars.

Its laid back, welcoming atmosphere offers a comfortable place for customers, who can choose between the lively tavern setting or the more private dining area.

The Princeton restaurant/tavern duo has been compared to the famed Cheers bar, as it’s really known to be the place to go “where everybody knows your name.”

Shawn and Karen Nyman took over the restaurant about two and one-half years ago and have made an effort to keep the traditional hangout the same as it’s always been for its longtime customers.

“We’ve got people who are in their 80s, and they’ve been coming here since they were kids,” Shawn said.

“We’ve tried not to change much because people don’t like change.”

The legendary establishment has been a part of Princeton since 1934 and holds some pretty interesting history as it was once the heart of a tourist area

Shawn (left) and Karen Nyman stand at the bar at the Alexander Park Tavern in Princeton.

The couple bought the legendary bar two and one-half years ago and pride themselves on keeping the bar/restaurant much like it has been for decades. While they have added a few cosmetic touches, they believe it’s important to keep the establishment much like it’s always been — especially since many of their customers like the traditional atmosphere. way back when.

Since taking it over, the Nymans have added a few cosmetic touches within the tavern, but overall, they refuse to change much of the decor. They also continue to serve fried chicken — a custom menu item for which the restau-

rant has always been known.

Becoming owners of the place has been an enjoyable experience — better than the Nymans ever expected.

“Business is real,” Shawn said. “Sales have gone up drastically from what it was when we bought it.”

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Above, the Alexander Park Tavern is located on Park Avenue West in Princeton. At right, an old newspaper article depicts the tavern/ restaurant from years gone by.

Karen agreed.

“It’s been really good.

We’re happy, and we get to be with each other and work really well together,” she said. “We work a lot of hours, but we really care about the business, and we’re in it for the long run.”

The Nymans make the perfect duo, as they both hold an extensive background in the food industry and restaurant business.

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The two maintain a hands-on approach to their management. Often times visitors will find Shawn cooking back in the kitchen or will see Karen out on the floor serving her customers.

Shawn noted being an owner of a restaurant, he tends to take a lot more pride in the products he serves to his customers.

The Nymans also realize without their loyal employees, the business wouldn’t be what it is today. When purchasing the Park Tavern, the two made the decision to keep the current staff, who continue to provide the best service possible and have grown to be just another member of the Nyman restaurant family.

Alexander Park Tavern is open every day of the week. Monday through Saturday, lunch is served from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and dinner from 4:30 to 9 p.m. On Friday, dinner is served until 10 p.m. On Sunday, dinner is served from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Call to hear daily specials at 815-872-9091.

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At left, diners and drinkers can load up on some fresh popcorn while they wait for their meals. Above, some of the “regulars” pose for a photo, while they wait for their lunch to be served. Below, some of the tables in the bar section of the establishment are surrounded by nostalgic decor — something that Shawn and Karen Nyman believe is welcoming to many of the customers who have patronized the place for years.

Illinois Valley Living

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Danny Bowman’s hands tap the keys of the keyboard, as he practices a song at Brothers Pub in Sheffield, which he opened about three years ago with his brother, Michael, and where they regularly perform with their resurrected Windjam band. For as long as he can remember, the 64-year-old Danny Bowman has held music in the highest regard.

Jammin’ in the wind ...

Danny Bowman lives his life through music Story and photos by Donna Barker

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or about as long as he can remember, music has been the thread weaving colors together in the life of Danny Bowman of Sheffield.

Bowman, now 64, says he has been passionate about music ever since he was 9 years old and first heard the songs of Elvis Presley. How Elvis could get all those emotions to come through his amazing voice was something else, Bowman said. Also, since Bowman was growing up in a strict military family, he said Elvis gave him a different perception of a man.

By age 14, Bowman had gotten his first guitar and chord book and was teaching himself how to play. In high school, he joined area bands. After graduating from Western High School in Buda, Bowman attended Illinois State University and then worked in various jobs. He even

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Illinois Valley Living

spent eight years in Los Angeles, Calif., singing at coffeehouses. About 15 years ago, Bowman developed software which is still on the market, and he continues to work on his software from his home office.

About three years ago, Bowman moved home, to Sheffield, where he and his brother Michael opened the Brothers Pub. At the pub, they perform regularly with their resurrected Windjam band, which includes their sister, Linda Moss,

At left, Danny Bowman of Sheffield displays the guitars he regularly uses to perform at his place on Sheffield’s Main Street. Above, this motto reminds Bowman daily of his love and appreciation for music. and friends, Joe Carper and Lisa Volpe.

Moving home to Sheffield and restarting Windjam has been a dream come true for him, Bowman said.

He first formed the Windjam band in

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Windjam was well-known throughout the area in the 1970s and developed quite a following throughout the area. The band was recently resurrected and includes Danny and Michael Bowman, their sister, Linda Moss, and friends Joe Carper and Lisa Volpe. Danny Bowman (pictured below) said recreating Windjam has been a dream come true for him. Bowman lives and breathes music. Brothers Pub is located at 103 S. Main St. in Sheffield, and he lives upstairs, where he has built a music studio where he writes music. the 1970s, and the group played throughout the area for several years, developing quite the following in the 1970s and 1980s before disbanding. Back together again now, the women still sing lead vocals for Windjam. Carper is on the drums, while his brother plays bass guitar, and he plays lead guitar, Bowman said.

Located at 103 S. Main St. in Sheffield, Brothers Pub occupies the first floor of a 150-year-old brick building. One room is used for the bar business itself, and a second room is set up for live music shows.

The upstairs of the historic building is an apartment where Bowman lives and has built a music studio. In the studio, he writes his songs and creates his music for himself and for the band.

Windjam performs a couple times a month at Brothers Pub but also practices there most Wednesday nights with a style that Bowman describes as some blues and some old time rock and roll. The music he writes for himself is more in the soft rock/ballad style. Bowman has written more than 200 songs and owns more than 10 guitars.

His music has been recognized internationally as Bowman has had 34 of his original songs posted on Soundclick.com, a social media tool for musicians and music-lovers. One of Bowman’s songs, “Lonely,” even reached the No. 1 spot in the rock genre from a field of 250,000 songs. Another one of his songs also broke into the Top 10 a while back.

Bowman said he can’t foresee a time when music wouldn’t be a central theme of his life.

“I sometimes think I never feel more alive than when I’m on stage and performing … It’s such a vibrant, energetic and connected time for me, when the music starts,” the performer said. “And as long as I stay healthy and continue to work out and eat well, I will still be playing my music. Sometimes people can get old and get into a comfort zone, but that’s not me. Music helps me to stay young, and I can’t imagine my life without it.”

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Illinois Valley Living

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29

The Hall Red Devil super fan Gene Merkel is in heaven when he’s watching his Red Devils Story and photo by Kevin Hieronymus

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here are fans, and then there are super fans like Gene Merkel of Arlington.

The 1956 Hall High School alumnus has been attending Red Devil varsity football games since 1951 when he was in the eighth grade — 620 games, counting through the end of the 2014 postseason. He’s only missed five games through that 63-year stretch.

He said he had very good reasons to miss those five games, including three medical issues, one family commitment and the other time serving as best man in his friend’s wedding.

“Otherwise, I would have made them all,” said the 2010 Hall High School Hall of Fame inductee. “One was a bad case of the flu, and I didn’t care who was playing.”

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Hall super fan Gene Merkel, 76, of Arlington has only missed five Red Devil football games in 63 years dating back to 1951. It’s a stretch that includes 620 games.

He admitted serving as best man for Everett Sarver of Walnut in 1965 was a 50-50 call, “But I had to go with him. I told him I really don’t want to miss the game, but I don’t want to miss your wedding, too. I couldn’t say no to that.”

Why does he go?

“Because I love Hall.

I’ve loved Hall since I knew what the word Hall was. I’ve always been a Red Devil fan and always will be,” said Merkel, 76, who paid his own

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tuition to attend Hall for three years before moving into the district from living west of DePue. Throughout the years, he’s served Hall High School in many ways as a member of the school board and past president from 1978 to 1993, the Athletic Parents Club and the Touchdown Club.

He’s also sold chances for the game balls before each game at Hall for 40 years, and every now and then, someone like his son, Mark, who was drawn recently, happens to win.

“I’m sure somebody thinks that’s fixed. The bad part is my nephew won it the second game this season, too,”

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Illinois Valley Living

When it comes to Hall Red Devil football, there’s always a lot of action, and nobody can describe it better than Hall super fan Gene Merkel, who has only missed five games in the last 63 years. Merkel, who never got to play sports when he was young because his father needed him on the family farm, has more than made up for his absence on the field when he was in high school. To compensate for not being able to play, he’s done the next best thing ... he’s watched and followed his favorite team for 63 years. he said. “I don’t draw them. I sell them, shake it and take it to the press box, and they draw. And, hey, that’s the way the ball bounces.”

There’s been so many games and teams throughout the years, many good ones, some bad ones, he said.

The first state championship game in 1995, he said, when Hall rallied in the final minutes of the game to beat Du Quoin 38-32 tops his list as favorites.

“The comeback in the last two minutes had to be the most dramatic,

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probably,” he said. “So many people went home and thought it was over with, but you know what, you can’t leave until the final buzzer goes off.”

This year’s games have become extra special, watching his grandson, Jake Merkel, No. 23, contribute to the Red Devils playoff run. He describes his grandson as a “low-key, quiet, athletic kid.”

Jake Merkel has football blood in him on both sides of the family with his dad, Mark, and his Grandpa (Savage)

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on his mom’s side of the family.

Grandpa Gene, however, never got to play football at Hall, his time spent on the family farm milking cows morning and night seven days a week.

“My dad said you’re not playing sports; you’re going to do the farm work. I wanted to play, but my dad was the boss,” he said.

So, instead of playing, Merkel’s enjoyed the next best thing the past 63 years ... simply to watch the Red Devils play.

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Behind the scenes ...

With Carus Group Chairman/CEO Inga Carus Questions compiled by Terri Simon Photo contributed by beugenmabry.com

constantly reinvent itself. One hundred years ago, Carus had only one product, which was mainly used to make drugs of various kinds. Today, Carus makes Town of residence: Ottawa. many products for many applications, Where did you grow up: Most of my most of which clean up the environchildhood was spent in LaSalle-Peru, ment. Our products clean water, purify but I was fortunate to spend some of air, and remediate soil and groundwamy childhood in Germany. When I was ter. The company has also changed in 10, my maternal grandmother in Gerthe last 10 years from being a small, many was very sick. My mother, sister, local and regional company into an brother and I moved there while my internationally operating company with mother cared for her mom, and that is several locations in the United States when I became fluent in German. I am and other countries. thankful for that, as it created many Carus is known for its benevolence career and personal opportunities for throughout the Illinois Valley. Why me. is that such an important attribute Occupation: Chairman and CEO, to you and your company: Carus will Carus Group. celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2015, Family: Peter (husband), Nicola (15), and that’s a milestone we would never Marianna (12) and me. We have a couhave reached without being an integral ple of cats (Bunji and Midnight) and a part of the community and our area. couple of rats (Spot and Pretzel).

This is why we participate in science What is the last book you read: “The fairs, hire science teachers in the sumChess Game” by Stefan Zweig. mer, conduct chemistry demonstraWhat is your favorite TV show: I tions in schools, and support countless aspect of your job: I love to grow the hardly watch any TV, so I don’t have a company and to create jobs. One of the educational and cultural programs in favorite. the area. These outreach programs are best aspects of my job is to be able to How do you stay current with world not only a way to say thank you, but tell someone that he or she is hired (or events: I think it’s important to get information from different sources and promoted) into a position at one of our also to help ensure a bright future for with different viewpoints. For local and companies. When I look at the employ- our community.

Do you suggest young people enter regional news, I read the Ottawa Times, ees who have helped to shape our your line of business?: Yes, absolutely! the Bureau County Republican and the success throughout the last 100 years, At Carus, we spend a lot of time teachI’m thankful for all the time and talent News Tribune. For national and world events, I read The New York Times, the they’ve contributed and am proud to be ing young people about careers in manufacturing. We just love to make Wall Street Journal, The Economist and a part of their lives. cool stuff. It’s doubly cool that the stuff What do you consider the biggest some international papers. I also like to we make cleans water, soil and air. We challenges related to your position: I read Fortune, The New York Review of Books, The New Republic, The Atlantic would say we have three main challeng- make the world a better, safer place.

Who wouldn’t enjoy a job doing that? es. In leading an international compaMonthly and others.

When we have young people come ny, we have to continually anticipate, in What is the last movie you saw: “Big Hero 6”; our whole family went, includ- an increasingly volatile world economy, through our office and plant, they say, “I never knew that there were so many what external forces could impact our ing my parents, on the occasion of our different kinds of jobs available at organization. The financial crisis of daughter’s 15th birthday. It was really Carus.” There are so many local jobs 2008 has reminded us that the world is a good movie; I loved it because it celunpredictable and has become more so and careers with other manufacturers ebrated science. in addition to Carus. At Carus, we offer in the last decade. Another challenge If you were stranded on a desert careers in engineering, chemistry, maris to attract talented employees to our island and could only take one thing keting, finance, human resources and with you, what would it be: My family. area. Our people are the main reason we are successful, and we must be able many more. For those kids who are not When you were a small girl, what sure what they want to do but are interdid you want to be when you grew up: to attract the best talent to thrive the ested in many things, I would advise next 100 years. Lastly, we continually I remember wanting to be elected to them to take lots of math because it’s strive to grow internally by inventing Congress as a U.S. representative. It was never my intention to run the fam- new products and technologies to solve much easier to switch from a sciencebased curriculum to a non-science our customers’ problems, and this is ily business; in fact, when I was little, I based major, than vice versa, and that always thought that a career in business hard!

What are some of the biggest chang- will enable them to keep their options would be boring. Contrary to my origiopen, switch careers, and get ahead es you’ve seen at Carus throughout nal beliefs, I’ve come to find the oppofaster, if that is what they want. the years: To be successful in the long site to be true.

What do you consider to be your run, every company has to continuAs Chairman/CEO of Carus Corously change and adapt to markets and greatest achievement so far: In busiporation, what is the most enjoyable

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Illinois Valley Living

ness, I’ve had the opportunity to grow our company faster in the last 10 years than ever before in our 100-year history. At the same time, we became more stable, independent and sustainable for the next 100 years.

Secondly, I’m excited about being able to impact the region by participating in the Starved Rock Country Alliance. A group of local entrepreneurs got together and said, “We need to find a way to create more jobs in our region and keep our young people from leaving.” The response has been amazing.

We’re focused on industry, education, the arts and tourism. We’re helping entrepreneurs develop and grow their businesses, and we’re helping individuals and groups from across our region come together to promote Starved Rock Country as a great place to live and do business.

However, all that having been said, I am most proud of the titles “mom” and “wife.”

If someone asked you to name a memorable moment, what first comes to mind: I’ve been lucky to have many wonderful moments in my life, but the most memorable ones are the times when my daughters were given to me, and when Peter and I were married.

How do you spend your spare time: Reading, traveling, flying (I’m proud that I have a pilot’s license, but it’s not

current and my goal is to get a helicopter license), cooking and spending time with my family.

I’m also very passionate about the work my husband and I are doing with the Starved Rock Country Alliance.

We’re spending a lot of time working with entrepreneurs, educators, artists and local government to kick-start and support economic development. It’s a very vibrant group of people, and I am continuously meeting extraordinary and outstanding people in our region, all of whom are passionate about excelling in their own ventures. I love spending time with such dynamic people; learning from them and finding ways to make the area better.

What is the best advice you can offer to others: I’d advise young people to be curious, keep an open mind and don’t believe everything you read. Spend a year or more in another country. Travel abroad, talk to people in other countries about their lives and what they think about the United States. Compare their quality of life to what we experience here. Let’s be honest; we can improve on a lot here. My advice is to become informed, involved and politically interested.

The “American Dream” should not be a dream; it should be a reality for everyone. And it seems to me that our governments are not helping.

What three words describe you best: I think I am easy-going, direct and curious. I asked my girls this question and without hesitating they said, “bossy.”

So, if you were to ask my husband and colleagues, you’d probably get a more accurate answer.

You have lived in several other countries in the world. What lessons did you learn?: This taught me a lot. For example, healthcare in many countries is as good as in the United States, and costs about 20 percent of what it costs in the United States. Secondly (and this is hard to believe), college education in many countries is free, and as good as here. In many countries, young people can become an apprentice (for three years), and they get paid to learn a trade because they are working during the apprenticeship.

I learned that manufacturing jobs are highly valued in other countries; the United States gave up its manufacturing base over the last 25-30 years, but the exciting thing is that it’s started to come back in the last few years, due to the shale gas revival. The lesson from this is that, from these problems, one can find tremendous opportunities for improvement and for new businesses, especially in traditional manufacturing.

I encourage young people to become entrepreneurs and start their own businesses.

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Local volunteers for food pantries sort through items donated by Walgreens and CVS businesses. Every time a store is remodeled, all items are removed from shelves and donated to Midwest Food Bank.

Midwest Food Bank lends a helping hand food pantries stock up in Bloomington for supplies

Story and photos by Dixie Schroeder

I

t started with a dream in 2003. The Midwest Food Bank was created on a farm to help feed area people who were patronizing 10 food pantries in the Bloomington-Normal area.

Today the organization has grown to six locations in Peoria, Morton, Bloomington, Indianapolis, Ind., Peachtree, Ga., and Fort Myers, Fla. They serve 750 food pantries a month. This translates into feeding more than half a million people each month.

The best part of the Midwest Food Bank? The food is free for the food pantries.

Most food banks charge for food by the pound. A vehicle with a trailer attached is weighed beforehand, then loaded with food and weighed afterwards for assessing payment.

Midwest Food Bank doesn’t work this way. This faith-based organization has 40 to 50 volunteers, on average, working

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during “load out” week. This is the one week every month where organizations come in to pick up their food. The volunteers load up the food pantry vehicles with needed food as they come in for their appointment.

The other three weeks of the month, volunteers come in to repackage food which is donated in large quantities. Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girls Scouts, church organizations and many others donated their efforts to the tune of 30,000 hours of volunteer time in 2013 at the Bloomington location. This was performed by 2,400 different volunteers. The group keeps costs down by having only four paid employees in the building to work alongside the volunteers.

The second part of the equation is the food. With an average of 22-24 semi truck loads of food a month going out to the various food pantries, the food has to come from somewhere. Midwest Food Bank sends out volunteer drivers in trucks to pick up food locally and

nationally. The food is donated to the organization, and it, in turn, prepares it to go back out to area food banks. Caterpillar, State Farm, ADM, CVS, Walgreens and others are some of the businesses that give food, products or monetary donations to help Midwest Food Bank.

The Putnam County Food Pantry has been visiting the Bloomington location once a month for a long time, according to Putnam County Food Pantry manager John Shimkus. Shimkus and James Carboni make the monthly trip.

“Migliorini Builders have let us use their trailer for six years,” Shimkus said.

“We bring home approximately 1,500 pounds of food each month. It’s about one-quarter of our monthly distribution. Down here we get all sorts of items.

We get snacks, candy and frozen foods, among other things. Frozen food is most expensive to buy. When we first started coming down, there only one person who got paid in the whole place.”

Midwest Food Bank also assists the

Illinois Valley Living

Red Cross with natural disasters by having Red Cross disaster boxes prepared to go out at each of their locations, according to Mike Hoffman, director of operations.

“Inside of each box is enough food and items for a family of four to use for five days,” Hoffman said. “We package those here with furnished boxes. So as soon as they (the Red Cross) calls, the boxes are ready.”

Another level of Midwest Food Bank is working with the Backpack Program many area food pantries and schools handle. Students on the free and reduced lunch program at school receive user-friendly food to feed them during the weekend. The group is currently working with 25 schools which feeds more than 2,300 children on a weekly basis.

Hoffman estimates the entire organization will distribute $60 million of food this year.

Charity Navigator is a non-profit organization that rates non-profit groups.

This allows individuals and corporations the ability to assess if a charity is appropriate for donations. Charity Navigator has reviewed more than 10 years of financial data on Midwest Food Bank and ranked them No. 1 on the list of non-profit organizations in which to donate time or money.

There are 12 local food pantries that

Putnam County Food Pantry manager John Shimkus (right) watches as volunteers load the trailer that Shimkus and local volunteer James Carboni drive down each month to pick up food. The Putnam County Food Pantry gets about one-quarter of its monthly food from the Midwest Food Bank. work with Midwest Food Bank. The organization is also accepting applications for other food pantries. For more

information on the Midwest Food Bank, visit http://www.midwestfoodbank.org/ home.

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Winter’s masterpieces captured The beauty of the winter season is all around us Story by Terri Simon Photos by Dick Todd

A

t a glance, the blanket of snow on the ground or the icicles hanging from the rooftop are clearly just a reminder we living in the Midwest — a place where Mother Nature and Jack Frost play their wintry tricks most every year and the mercury in the thermometer reminds us daily that winter is here.

But have you ever taken a closer look? No ... not just a typical glance out the window, rather a long, hard look at what nature sends us during the winter season. If you really stop and examine what Mother Nature and Jack Frost presents us with, perhaps you’ll see a completely different masterpiece than just a typical winter day.

Intricate frost patterns, swirls of snow that can boggle the eye, melting snow that melts and then refreezes in the most interesting formations ... you get the idea.

While the old cliche that beauty is in the eye of the beholder might not seem appropriate during the brutal and often bitter days of winter, just take a closer look. The canvas before you is nature’s masterpiece ... given freely, if only you’ll spend the time to admire it.

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Illinois Valley Living

Opportunity awaits at IVCC in 2015 EMERGING LEADERS: IVCC Student Government members Katie Destri (left) and Rebecca Herrmann of Spring Valley and Rachel Bezely of Ladd

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Bringing pieces of the past to the present Ron Bluemer: ‘Won’t it be neat to see what it was really like?’

Story and photos by Ken Schroeder

S

ome people look forward to retirement — a chance to finally relax from the daily work routine and take it easy. Granville’s Ron Bluemer is not one of those people.

Recently retired as a history teacher at Illinois Valley Community College and formerly a teacher at Putnam County High School, Bluemer was offered — and eagerly accepted — a position as executive director at the LaSalle County Historical Society. His first accomplishment was getting the Cherry Mine Disaster museum exhibit out of storage and on permanent loan to the museum.

“Peg Lani of rural Mark, one of the first to graduate from my class at Putnam County, saved this from destruction with the understanding if another museum wanted to take it on, she would see they got a portion of it, at least,” Bluemer said. “I talked to her, and she said this was going to be a more-or-less permanent loan. They’ve been looking for a place to house the collection for years. They want us to have it.”

Bluemer published a book about the Cherry Mine Disaster in 2007 — one of 13 books he’s written so far — and so has a passion about sharing the stories of that fateful day in 1909 and the lives of coal miners of that period in general.

As part of that, Bluemer has plans for the building recently purchased by the museum, which will house the exhibit.

“Part of it will be in storage. There’s just too much to exhibit at once. We’ll rotate pieces in and out,” he said. “I’m going to build a coal mine in the basement. It’ll look like a mine shaft with parts of the exhibit down here and some actual coal. I’ve got one of the old gas lamp hats they used. We’ll let people go down with no light other than that. Won’t it be neat to see what it was really like?”

The exhibit consists of photos of coal miners both local and nationwide. The photos are printed on a heavy linen and show not only a slice of life of the coal miner, but also the events of the tragic Nov. 13, 1909, accident which took the lives of 259 men and boys.

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Ron Bluemer holds a photograph of a youthful coal miner. This piece, along with many others, have a permanent home in the LaSalle County Historical Society Museum in Utica.

A retired history teacher, Bluemer was recently hired as the executive director at the museum and is in charge of renovating its new building.

It was not unusual for young boys to work the mines, especially in rural areas. Boys as young as 11 years old were in the mines at Cherry. Among the photos of the exhibit are photos of youngsters covered in coal dust who were likely still in grade school.

“My idea is if the Cherry museum wants to borrow a piece, we can loan it out to them, but this will be the central repository for them,” Bluemer said.

“Many of the guys who worked there were from LaSalle County or Mark. Mr. Cherry was in Standard at the time and had to get in his horse and buggy and drive up there when he heard because

he didn’t know what was happening.”

Long before he started writing his book, Bluemer was able to talk to one of the survivors of the disaster, who was a young boy when it happened.

“Can you imagine what it was like to live through that?” he said. “What a miracle.”

Bluemer visited the exhibit many times in the past and is surprised at the breadth of the collection.

“It’s just amazing,” he said.

The building that will house the exhibit was recently purchased by the museum. Located just south of the canal that winds through town, the

Illinois Valley Living

building used to be a hardware store. As well as the Cherry Mine exhibit, Bluemer plans to use a section of the main floor for an exhibit of military uniforms and memorabilia of wars and armed conflicts from 1900 on.

Before the display can go up, Bluemer has the unenviable task of cataloguing the collection. He’s hoping to get some community volunteers to help, especially high school students who need community service hours to graduate.

“I like to help kids who show knowledge and leadership that might not normally get recognized,” Bluemer said.

“Not the jocks or the kid who gets all of the scholarships, but the ones who show a determination to work without being in the spotlight.”

Bluemer grew up on the south side of Chicago, and during high school, he was very active in science. He helped form the first Astronomy Club, which led him to speak at many other Chicago high schools. After his first year of college at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Bluemer joined the Air Force where he studied foreign languages and learned photography.

After two and one-half years in the service, he studied at Illinois State University in Bloomington-Normal. He was hired at Putnam County High School in Granville as the history and sociology teacher for the 1966-67 school year.

Those visiting the LaSalle County Historical Society Museum in Utica can take a step or two back in time and remember a variety of events from the past, like this display featuring the Vietnam War. Executive Director Ron Bluemer is creating displays for each of the wars/ conflicts of the 20th Century.

He also developed and taught courses in archaeology and earth science. He taught part time at Illinois Valley Community College as their American history teacher. After he retired from Putnam

County, he continued to teach at IVCC but started a career as a local newspaper writer and author. He recently retired from teaching but continues his writing career as a non-fiction writer.

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39

Soup’s on!

Serve up a big bowl of soup to chase away the winter chill Bacon Cheeseburger Chili Recipes by Judy Dyke

I

t’s the time of year when a big bowl of homemade soup, stew or chili will be just the trick to chase away the cold and brutal weather outside our doors. I remember my mother cooking soup on the stove all day long when I was a girl — the aroma and heat drifting through the house and warming not just the kitchen, but also our souls. I hope you enjoy these recipes for some good, old-fashioned pots of soup — a few with a twist of today. Serve your soup with some crusty bread, maybe a salad, some crackers or a sandwich, and you’re sure to have a hit on your dinner table. Enjoy.

Illinois Valley Living Recipe Columnist Judy Dyke resides in Princeton. She can be reached at judyd2313@frontier.com or you can drop a line to her attention to Illinois Valley Living, P.O. Box 340, Princeton, IL 61356. Have a “souper” winter season!

1 pound lean ground beef 1/2 large onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup) 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 1 1/4-ounce package chili seasoning mix 1 16-ounce jar chunky salsa 1 14 1/2-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained

1 14 1/2-ounce can beef broth 1/4 cup smoky barbecue sauce 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained 3 tablespoons prepared mustard 1 8-ounce package Velveeta cheese, diced 6 slices precooked bacon, diced

In a large, heavy saucepan cook beef, onion and garlic over medium heat until beef is cooked through and onion is translucent. Add chili seasoning mix, salsa, tomatoes, broth, barbecue sauce, beans and mustard to saucepan, cover and simmer 10 to 15 minutes. Add cheese and stir until melted. Serve bowls garnished with diced bacon. This is good served with cornbread.

Potato Cheddar Soup 1 20-ounce package frozen diced hash brown potatoes with onions and peppers 1 cup chopped miniature sweet pepper 3 cups half and half 1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon curry powder 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 6 ounces shredded cheddar cheese

In a 4-quart Dutch oven, combine potatoes, sweet peppers, half and half, salt, curry powder, cayenne and 1/2 cup water. Bring to just boiling; reduce heat. Simmer, covered, over medium heat 10 to 15 minutes or until potatoes are tender, stirring occasionally. Cool slightly. Carefully transfer about half of soup mixture to a blender, add 1/2 cup water and blend until nearly smooth. Return to Dutch oven, stir to combine. Cook and stir over low heat until heated through. Stir in cheese until melted. Top serving with sliced sweet peppers and parsley. Makes 4 (2 cup) servings.

Chicken Potpie Soup 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1 cup cubed peeled potatoes 2 cups flour 3 14 1/2-ounce cans chicken broth 1 cup chopped sweet onion 1 1/4 teaspoons salt 2 cups shredded cooked chicken 2 celery ribs, chopped 1/2 cup shortening 1 cup frozen petite peas 2 medium carrots, chopped 5 to 6 tablespoons milk 1 cup frozen corn 1/2 cup all-purpose flour Soup 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons butter In a large bowl, mix flour and salt; cut in shortening until crumbly. Gradually add milk, tossing with a fork until dough folds together. Shape into a disk. Wrap in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight. On a floured surface, roll dough to 1/8-inch thickness. Using a floured 2 1/2-inch heart shaped or round cutter, cut 18 shapes. Place 1 inch apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 425° for 8 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on a rack. For soup: In a Dutch oven, heat butter over medium high heat. Add the potatoes, onion, celery and carrots, cook and stir for 5 to 7 minutes or until onion is tender. Stir in the flour, salt and pepper until blended. Gradually whisk in broth. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, for 8 to 10 minutes or until potatoes are tender. Stir in remaining ingredients and heat through. Serve with pastries.

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Illinois Valley Living

Taco Soup 2 pounds lean ground beef 1 teaspoon olive oil 1 large onion, diced 2 14-ounce cans diced tomatoes with chilies, do not drain 1 10-ounce bag frozen corn

1 14-ounce can red kidney beans, not drained 1 taco seasoning mixture (recipe follows) or 1 1.25-ounce package taco seasoning

In a large sauté pan, brown beef and drain liquid. In a large stockpot, heat olive oil over medium high. Add onion and sauté for 5 minutes, until translucent. Add meat, tomatoes, kidney beans, frozen corn and taco seasoning.

Reduce heat to medium and simmer about 20 to 30 minutes.

Taco Seasoning Mixture: Mix 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of sea salt and black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon each of cumin and paprika and 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper flakes and dried oregano.

Slow Cooker Beef Stew 2 tablespoons flour 1 tablespoon sugar 1 teaspoon salt 1 bay leaf 1/4 cup water 1 teaspoon garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon fine grind black pepper

Classic French Onion Soup 5 tablespoons olive oil, divided 1 tablespoon butter 8 cups thinly sliced onions (about 3 pounds) 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 cup port wine 2 32-ounce cartons beef broth 1/2 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon rosemary 1 16-ounce bag frozen stew vegetables 1 pound beef stew meat, cut in 1-inch cubes 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes, undrained

Mix flour, sugar, garlic powder, salt, rosemary and pepper in a small bowl.

Place frozen vegetables in bottom of slow cooker. Sprinkle with flour and spice mixture. Add stew meat, water, bay leaf and tomatoes. Cook on high for 4 to 6 hours or on low for 8 to 10 hours. Remove bay leaf before serving.

1/4 teaspoon salt 24 slices French bread baguette (1/2 inches thick) 2 large garlic cloves, peeled and halved 3/4 cup shredded Gruyere or Swiss cheese

In a Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons oil and the butter over medium heat.

Add onions, cook and stir for 10 to 13 minutes or until softened. Reduce heat to medium low, cook for 30 to 40 minutes or until deep golden brown, stirring occasionally. Add minced garlic, cook 2 minutes more. Stir in wine.

Bring to a boil, cook until liquid is reduced by half. Add the broth, pepper and salt, return to a boil. Reduce heat, simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile place baguette slices on a baking sheet, brush both sides with remaining oil. Bake at 400° for 3 to 5 minutes on each side or until toasted. Rub toasts with halved garlic. To serve: Place 12 8-ounce broiler safe bowls or ramekins on baking sheets. Place two toasts in each. Ladle with soup, top with cheese. Broil 4 inches from heat until cheese is melted.

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41

Art from the heart Retired teacher spreads her love of art at Malden Grade School Story and photos by Shannon Serpette

A

classroom of excited fifth- and sixth-grade students at Malden Grade School have constructed the base portion of their paper mache ducks. Now it’s the moment the children have been waiting for — the messy part — and it’s hard to tell who is more excited, the children or their teacher, Mary Jane Thornton.

“I love paper mache,” Thornton, a Henry resident, said. “I could paper mache all day.”

Now in her 42nd year of teaching, if Thornton has her way, she’ll be teaching the art of paper mache to students for years to come.

Art has been one of the great loves of Thornton’s life for as long as she can remember.

“It was always my favorite thing in school,” she said. “Even if it was only a coloring sheet, I always loved it.”

Having a wonderful art teacher her senior year of high school proved to be a defining moment in Thornton’s life.

“I was inspired by her,” she said.

That inspiration, along with her natural love of art, led Thornton to a career as a teacher.

Her career began at Dunlap, where she covered a one-year maternity leave and used a cart to wheel art supplies from room to room. From there she taught at the Henry grade school, remaining there for 36 years before retiring.

Six years ago, while Thornton was still teaching at Henry, her world was turned upside down when she was diagnosed with follicular lymphoma.

“I was glad the year I was diagnosed wasn’t my last year at Henry. For half the year, I wasn’t 100 percent,” she said.

The following year, her last at Henry, she was determined to go out on a high note. After a great year, the last day of school came.

“When I retired, I cried when I walked out the doors,” she said.

Unlike some retiring teachers, the tears she shed weren’t happy ones.

“I was in a deep depression that summer,” she said.

It was the first time in decades she

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Mary Jane Thornton works on a paper mache duck project with her students at Malden Grade School. Thornton is in her 42nd year of teaching and admits her love of art and her love for teaching easily go hand-in-hand. Thornton said she was inspired to be an art teacher by her high school art teacher. wasn’t preparing to go back to school after summer break. Seeing other people preparing for the upcoming school year made things worse.

“I couldn’t even walk down the aisles of school supplies,” she said.

When she was offered a job teaching art at Leepertown, she jumped at the chance, teaching two years there before the school closed. After that, she happily accepted a position at Malden, and she is now in her third year there.

She teaches two times a month at the school, but next year she would love to see that number bumped up to once a week. Since Malden doesn’t have an art room, she wheels her art cart full of supplies from classroom to classroom.

Each day she is at Malden, she teaches six classes, ranging from kindergarten to eighth grade.

“I feel truly blessed to be teaching here,” Thornton said. “This is a wonderful school.”

Thornton is a hands-on teacher who loves to help her students, but she also relishes the opportunity to let the students’ imaginations take over.

As she circulates throughout the classroom, keeping a close eye on the progress of the students, she walks over to speak with students who seem to be

struggling.

“Can I give you a suggestion?” she asks one boy.

There’s no my-way-or-the-highway in this classroom. Thornton tells them what the project is but lets them fulfill their vision. It’s what she loves about art — there’s no right and wrong answers.

“I present them with a problem,” she said. “Everybody has a slightly different solution. This is great problem solving.

This is one of the things that keeps me excited about teaching.”

The students at Malden Grade School have embraced Thornton’s ideas and her teaching methods.

“She always picks experiments and projects that are really fun,” Kaden Baker, a fifth-grade student, said. “We always get to experiment with our projects, so we can try new things. My favorite project is the one we are doing right now, the decoy ducks.”

Thornton is glad to hear her students are having fun in her class — it’s a goal she has for herself as well.

“I’m only going to teach if it’s fun. I’m retired. I don’t have to do this. I want it to be fun,” she said.

Her students are constantly letting her know, in their own way, what they think of her. At the end of this particular

Illinois Valley Living

class, one fifth-grade girl, Anna Mallery, approaches Thornton and hugs her.

“This was awesome. Thank you,” Mallery tells Thornton.

It’s moments like this that make

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Thornton even more grateful she has the opportunity to pursue her passion well after her official retirement.

“I am a teacher. That’s my calling — to teach kids about art,” she said.

Malden Grade School students gather around Mary Jane Thornton, as they create paper mache masterpieces. Formerly teaching in Henry, Thornton has found a second home among Malden students.

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Civil Air Patrol ...

the future of the American Air Force Story and photos by Zita Henneberry

T

he young men sit in the dark; they are crowded around a laptop computer with planes flashing across its screen. With each aircraft, the boys yell out in excitement, “I know this one!”

Brought together through their love for aviation, these cadets were eager to learn. They had come prepared to fully participate, so they may best equip themselves for a future in the United States Air Force. Patriotic and passionate, these young men work toward their future as they work to establish themselves as part of the future of the U.S. Air Force.

The Illinois Valley Civil Air Patrol (CAP) program began in 1989 and is still helping to shape young men and women today.

“We are here to help young people grow into leaders and to become someone to be proud of,” said Captain Victor Nistor Jr., unit commander.

With aviation as its cornerstone, the Civil Air Patrol is a unique youth program designed to provide young people with a commitment-free military education and experience.

Experience in the Civil Air Patrol can directly apply to military ranking. Nistor said if a cadet obtains an officer status in the Cadet Air Patrol, he or she enters the Air Force as an E3 (Airman First Class).

“Approximately 8 percent of Air Force Academy appointees are former CAP cadets,” Nistor said.

CAP can also help with other branches of the military, said Nistor. The exposure and early-on military experience can be greatly beneficial to any military career.

“For me personally, I really want to enlist, hopefully Air Force; if not, any other branch is absolutely fine, but this really helps prepare any cadet or senior member for that possible enlistment ...” said Second Lieutenant Cadet Commander Mitchell Shepard, “This is really a good preparation for that.”

“If cadets choose to go into the military, they will already know customs and courtesies,” said Nistor.

The benefits of CAP, however, are not limited to military advancement and education.

“Cadets are given experiences that teach them to be the best that they can be — either as a leader or a follower,” Nistor said. “With this training, uniform

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Second Lieutenant Cadet Commander Mitchell Shepard (right) works with Cadet Max Vargas on his drill skills during a break during a meeting of the Civil Air Patrol, held at the airport in Peru. and rank, comes pride. That is something cadets take with them.”

The CAP values, said Nistor, carry into other areas of the young cadets’ lives.

Shepard believes CAP to be a great program for people exploring their options. He said it’s amazing all that

goes on nationally for missing person searches. CAP, Shepard said, is a great program for American emergency services.

Nistor said Civil Air Patrol members assist in search and rescue missions all over the country. Also, he said CAP con-

Illinois Valley Living

Posing for a photo during the Civil Air Patrol meeting in Peru are Cadet Max Vargas (front row, from left), Cadet Airman First Class Brady Lafferty, Junior Unit Commander Capt. Victor Nistor, senior member Cadet Patrick Kozlowski (second row), Cadet Master Sgt. Vic Nistor, Cadet Staff Sgt. Michael Dancy, Cadet Joseph Peacock, Second Lt. Lisa Nistor, senior member moral leadership advisor Jason Lafferty, Cadet Commander Second Lt. Mitchell Shepard (back row). ducts searches for lost or malfunctioning air crafts that may be in the area.

This engaging program is a substantial commitment for its members. CAP meets from 7 to 9 p.m. on Mondays at the Illinois Valley Regional Airport in Peru. Occasionally, special activities or drill practice will be held on a Saturday.

Lieutenant Les Shepard, father to Cadet Commander Mitchell Shepard, said his son was afforded great opportunities through the CAP program he would not have been granted otherwise.

A veteran himself, Les Shepard watched

with pride as he assisted his son and the CAP team during a Monday night drill practice.

It was an honor to witness such enthusiasm and patriotism instilled in the young men of the Illinois Valley Civil Air Patrol. Cadet Commander and Second Lieutenant Mitchell Shepard, Cadet Master Sergeant Vic Nistor, Cadet Staff Sergeant Michael Dancy, Cadet Airman First Class Brady Lafferty, Cadet Max Vargas, and Cadet Joseph Peacock demonstrated the utmost respect and discipline at their Nov. 11 meeting and drill practice.

In addition to regular meetings, CAP members can participate in a number of summer activities, statewide encampments, Wreaths Across America, search and rescue training opportunities, land navigation training, and work as crowd control at various air shows. Within the Illinois Valley Squadron, cadets can participate in flight training, fundraising events, serve as color guard in parades and ceremonies, participate in moral development, aerospace activities, space study and much more.

Nistor shared his favorite memory. “(It was) at a land navigation exercise, watching my son get his team’s bearings on a compass ... Personally, I have flown on Air Force planes that I have only heard about or seen in pictures.”

Nistor believes, as Les Shepard does, the CAP program offers opportunities to young cadets specific to the CAP program. CAP members are granted special experiences they would never have experienced otherwise.

Anyone ages 12 to 17 interested in flying or getting a commitment-free taste of the military is encouraged to join. The Illinois Valley Cadet Air Patrol is also seeking adult mentors to assist in various training exercises.

“I have met fine and dedicated people in CAP who want to see cadets and this organization grow,” said Nistor. “We need support by getting the word out about the Civil Air Patrol cadet program here in Peru.”

P

erhaps you have a passion for those old porcelain coffee pots that you used to see on Grandma’s stove.

Or maybe your collection of old tools, salt and pepper shakers or shot glasses has a prominent place in your home. Old furniture, sleds, watering cans, thimbles ... yesterday’s treasures are abundant in the Illinois Valley. Whether you take an hour here and there or dedicate an entire day to antique hunting, you’ll want to make time to visit one or all of the antique dealers listed below.

OPEN DAILY 9-5:30

24 Long Street Princeton, IL 61356 (south of the RR depot)

ANTIQUE MALL 450 Dealer Spaces

815-872-2580

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1661 N. Main St. • Princeton 1-80 to Exit 56; 1/2 mi. South

(815) 875-9151

Arts & Antiques Open 7 Days a Week, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Sunday, 12 noon to 4 p.m.

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Illinois Valley Living Journal Story by Terri Simon Photo by Kath Clark

to a little kid who loved playing in the snow then ... much like I love warmer weather now.

The day began early and ’m not really a fan of cold ended late as the final rays weather anymore. More of winter sun slipped behind times than not, the wind the white horizon. That’s and brutal temperatures of right. We played from sun up winter in the Midwest cause this old girl to shiver and yearn to sun down, pausing only for warmer weather long before long enough to quickly rush through our farm chores, so we it’s due. It’s a constant battle I could get back to the fun. have with Mother Nature and There were plenty of hills Jack Frost, especially when the winter season seems to drag on on the farm — steep ones that would cause me to think twice forever. about sailing down such an I’m kind of ashamed to admit to my lack of enthusiasm incline now, but back then, the steeper the better. We’d drag for winter. Gosh ... I spent a our saucer sleds behinds us, as good share of my childhood we made our way to the hills in yearning for the days when I could pull on those red, rubber the horse pasture — the steepboots and leave the warmth of est, the most daring, the ones where you hoped the freshthat drafty farmhouse behind water spring below was frozen me ... solid.

Whether there was barely a Hours were spent climbing skiff of snow on the ground or a couple of feet ... it didn’t mat- up and sailing down that hill.

Laughter resonated throughout ter. We’d spend several minutes getting bundled up with a the isolated pasture, where couple pairs of corduroy pants, our ponies even paused to watch our antics. Time slipped two heavy shirts, two pairs of past us faster than those sleds socks, the warmest coat we moved down the hill, and we had, boots, mittens and a hat dreaded the time when we’d to enter this winter wonderland. It was a dream come true hear one of our adults calling

I

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us in for the evening.

Sledding was a mainstay in our young lives, much like all the other snowy activities we found ourselves buried in ...

We made snowmen with coal for eyes, noses, mouths and buttons and constructed snow forts, where we hurled snowballs at each other from behind tall walls of white. We played games like Fox and Geese — the rules which escape me now, and we tromped through drifts and miniature mountains of the soft powder with our dog trailing along behind us. It was great fun, and for hours on end, it was just Mother Nature and us ... living, breathing and enjoying her elements.

Probably one of the most memorable activities was when we’d break off one of the long icicles hanging from the granary roof or other out-buildings. We take a break from our wintry fun to suck on Mother Nature’s crystal clear Popsicles — our lips chapped from the cold, as we’d run our tongues up and down the icy treat. We never stopped to wonder if the ice was clean or what lurked inside those frozen treats. After

all ... it was a Popsicle we didn’t have to beg for — one that lasted as long as we could stand this icy concoction.

Fast forward more years than I care to count, and I seldom see many children outside enjoying the winter and all it has to offer. I imagine them being tucked away inside, where the furnace fends off the bitter chill and the video game, the computer, the TV offers them some sort of pleasure I’ve yet to define.

And for a few moments, I wish those children had the opportunity to take a few steps back in time, where fun was measured by how wet your mittens were, how chapped your cheeks and lips were, and how many icicles you had consumed that day ...

Illinois Valley Living Editor Terri Simon is an Illinois Press Association award-winning columnist, journalist and photographer. She can be reached at tsimon@bcrnews.com. You can find other essays like this one in her book titled, “Grandma’s Cookie Jar,” published by Boxing Day Books and available at www.boxingdaybooks.com.

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awesome Music... amazing Waterfalls... Hiking ...

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Illinois Valley Living