2016-09 September Sauk Valley Sun

ECRWSS POSTAL CUSTOMER

DIXON • STERLING • ROCK FALLS

PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID ROCKFORD IL PERMIT NO 28

Find the inaugural edition of the new Sauk Valley Community College newspaper in the center of this edition of The Sauk Valley Sun! The student newspaper will print as a special pullout section of The Sauk Valley Sun each month.

the community’s newspaper

HARMON • WOOSUNG • GALT • POLO • MILLEDGEVILLE • FRANKLIN GROVE • MORRISON September 2016 | Vol. 4 Issue 6 | thesaukvalleysun.com

Aloha, Summertime!

WHAT’S INSIDE

5K Run To Fund Charities

Lee County United Way Campaign Co-Chairs Sam Ramirez, left, and Mandy Curia are ready to jump start this year’s Run for the Way 5k at Timber Creek Golf Course, Dixon, Sept. 24. Money raised by the event will help fund education, health and financial stability programs in Lee County. See story on page 26.

Eagle’s Nest Gets Back to Its Roots

The Eagle’s Nest Gifts and Gallery is getting back to where it all began 23 years ago. Black Hawk Performance Company’s Evian Cloud performs for the gift shop’s reopening. See story on page 5.

Therapy Dogs For Better Health

Photo by Jennifer Lubbs Cadence Whitaker spins in the sun with hula hoop in hand during the 2016 Gardenstock Art and Music Festival at Distinctive Gardens, Dixon. Gardentock is an annual festival that raises funds for Sinnissippi Center’s Youth Gardening Program. The Youth Gardening Program serves as an add-on to regular services and utilizes both clientele and people from the community to raise produce, which is then donated to the Dixon Food Pantry.

DIXON FORD VOLKSWAGEN MAZDA HAS

EXPANDED SERVICE HOURS TO SERVE YOU BETTER! New service hours: Monday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM / Thursday 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM Saturday 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays are still 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Your Authorized Dealer for Sales & Service!

489 IL Route 2 • Dixon, Il 61021 815-288-3366 www.DixonFLM.com

Hospitals are welcoming therapy dogs to come in and help patients. Willow, a therapy dog owned by Woody Wasson of Dixon, often visits at St. Anthony Hospital in Rockford. See story on page 21.

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Brad’s Beat ...

High school senior photos are a really big deal. Each student wants the very best representation of who they are. Few likely love portrait photography more than Ross S. Haley, RSH Photography. He says it is his passion.

Ross specializes in portrait photography and loves to do outdoor portraits. And, as he says, “Everyone needs a good photo of themselves.”

Business people, folks with anniversaries and birthdays … all are good times for photos to capture that moment in time. RSH Photography: 815-440-0260.

Mama Cimino’s, Dixon, has a real meal deal to feed a hungry family or a group of ravenous students. The meal deal is a great choice for busy folks. Carryout, dine-in or delivery. Mamma Cimino’s: 815-288-4448

Brad Monson SVS Contributor

Now’s the time to trim some of those smaller trees on your property. For an estimate you may want to call A Cut Above. Brent Stukenberg specializes in this task and welcomes new customers. A Cut Above: 815-7181415.

The weather may be betwixt and between as we

September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Rock Falls Continues To Grow head toward fall. Whatever the need, an air conditioner to forestall heat and humidity or heat for chilly days, Farley’s Appliances, Dixon, will handle it. Both A/C and furnace check-ups are available now. Farley’s 815284-2052.

Congratulations to Sauk Valley Community College on the publication of their new SVCC newspaper (the centerfold of this issue of the Sauk Valley Sun). There is tremendous enthusiasm and excitement from students, faculty and staff as the newspaper is launched.

And there is still time to take classes at Sauk Valley Community College. Late-starting fall classes begin Oct. 10.

Keep those cards and letters coming!

Aloha, Brad

Proud Of Dixon Police Officers

D

ixon should be proud of its police department. We are blessed with a professional, highly trained force that is focused on serving and protecting our community. I bring this up because the news lately has featured several stories about other department’s use of force.

The topic has become a popular one nationwide. The questions people have been asking are fair and need to be answered.

Our officers go through many more hours of training compared to other communities because we invest in what it takes to give them the tools they need. For those who are interested, I’ve posted our police department’s escalation of force policy on my Facebook page.

My military background has given me an insight into some of the challengers and dangerous situations police officers can find themselves in. Officers often must make critical decisions on how to deal with potentially dangerous circumstances.

As a Latino, I’ve run into racism and racial profiling.

And yes, some of those runins have been with police officers. I’m happy to say none of them have involved members of the Dixon Police Department.

Li Arellano Dixon Mayor

As mayor I’ve asked citizens if they’ve had any problems dealing with the Dixon Police Department.

Overall, the responses have been encouraging, no matter what the person’s heritage might be. As mayor, I feel responsible for maintaining a professional police force. I give our city manager a lot of credit for handling the department’s daily operations.

Naturally, tension can exist between lawbreakers and the police. I want to point out that our police department has been noted for its low rate of violent crimes compared to our city’s population, something I’m very proud to talk about.

Our police take public safety very seriously. Our officers have six levels of force, which start with ver-

bal commands. They have an excellent record for finding ways to avoid the use of deadly force, even when it would have been warranted. You don’t see that in the news because our officers have managed to de-escalate situations.

The Dixon Police Department also focuses on helping people whenever they can.

Under Dixon Police Chief Danny Langloss, the city was one of the first in the nation to create a program that allows drug users to get help without facing charges.

Instead of arresting them, our officers help get them into places for treatment, which gives them a chance to change their lives. A side benefit is this program keeps people out of the court and prison systems, which saves Dixon taxpayers.

If you follow the Dixon Police Department’s Facebook page you will see it has many outreach and service activities that get them involved in the community.

Whether it is shopping with young children, water fights or community feedback forums, our officers are always looking for positive interactions with Dixon’s residents.

I am very proud of our police department and I hope the entire Dixon community fees the same way.

Letters To The Editor Which Direction Does Lightning Really Go?

Thank you for your interesting article about lightning that appeared in the Sauk Valley Sun. However, I have always been told that the vast majority of lighting is from ground to cloud, rather than cloud to ground.

Have I been misinformed?

Bill Palen Great question Bill!

Most lightning occurs from cloud to ground. The thunderstorm will most often produce a "stepped leader" bolt that descends

from the cloud which then causes "upward leaders" to emerge from ground level, meeting in the middle to produce that bright vivid flash we see with lightning strikes.

Ground to cloud lightning does exist; however, it is usually produced by man-made objects such as very tall buildings and TV/radio towers. In some cases trees can produce this as well. This case is simply a reversal of the above, where the tall object is the first "leader" with the base of the thunderstorm then sending down its own "leader" to meet in the middle to produce the flash.

Meteorologist Andrew Stutzke SaukValleyWeather.com

C

an you feel and see the change that is starting to occur in our community?

There is a lot to be done, but things are changing.

New business ventures have opened in the uptown area, reducing gradually the number of vacant buildings. The same can be said about the First Avenue corridor.

The Casey’s store project at the intersection of Routes 30 and 40 is nearing completion and should be opening this month. And for the hundreds of people that contact us here at city hall on a constant basis, yes, Dunkin Donuts is coming and should begin work this month on their property south of Walgreens.

The Days Inn Hotel is under new ownership, and the new owners have begun much-needed renovations to the property, which will help enhance our already outstanding

Bill Wescott Rock Falls Mayor

nightly hotel occupancy statistics.

Have you been uptown on a Friday or Saturday night lately? If not, I would suggest you plan to do so and take in the many sights and sounds of the bands and other entertainment businesses have to offer. The downtown is overflowing, and the crowds continue to grow.

I find it hard to believe that I still hear people saying there is nothing to do on the weekends here.

If you’ve been near

the riverfront you may have noticed that Phase I of the RB&W Greenspace Project has begun behind the Holiday Inn and Suites. This will consist of a multi-use recreational trail, drainage improvements, trail lighting, precast concrete modular retaining walls and complete makeover of the river banks with all new rock. Soon we will be getting bids for Phase II, and the transformation will really begin to be seen. Watch for the erection of a marquee sign on the site, showing what the future park will offer.

Lastly, please join us in the planning of our Sesquicentennial celebration (July 29-Aug. 6, 2017).

We can use your help to ensure that this will be a very successful event. Join us at our next planning meeting scheduled for 6 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 13 in the city council chambers.

We need your help.

Sterling Considers Street Changes Marc Helf Community Editor

S

terling Mayor Skip Lee has agreed to answer readers' questions. We at the Sun feel that this is an effective way to directly address your concerns about your community. Here are His Honor's responses to this month's inquiries.

Q. Would the city consider the possibility of restoring Third and Fourth streets to two-way traffic?

A. ABSOLUTELY! The Route 2 and Route 40 oneway streets were designed to allow workers to get out of the downtown quickly and efficiently at the end of their shift. That is no longer a need. In fact, our need is the exact opposite. We want people to stay in our downtown so they can take advantage of its many features

SKIP LEE, STERLING MAYOR

like the library, theater, County Market, restaurants, bars, stores, etc. We will also want to facilitate entrance to the new riverfront park once it is “open for business.” (Coming soon!)

Because so many of the one-way streets technically belong to the State of Illinois by virtue of being state routes, we need the cooperation and approval of IDOT to make it happen.

They have many resources

available which we hope they will make available to us, and we look forward to working with them to make the conversion to two-way streets from one-way streets possible.

As for the one-way streets which are not state routes, we are having our city planner look at those streets, as well, so we can convert them back to two-way streets. The city council and our economic development partners have identified the conversion as an important issue.

I look forward to the day we no longer look at someone and identify them as an outsider because we see them driving the wrong way on the one-way. Any “good words” our citizens can give to our state legislators and IDOT representatives would be welcome, as well.

From The Publisher’s Desk

Ps 90:17 “…establish the work of our hands.”

Upcoming Deadlines

W

e HATE missing anything!

So we agonize when we receive information that is too late for any issue.

How can we communicate with our communities: please meet our deadlines?

Might we suggest you mark our deadlines onto a calendar? Could you take our deadlines to your club officers?

We also HATE missing the opportunity to write about noble deeds, kindnesses extended, good people doing good things, groups that collect coins, grow flowers, cook, focus on children’s needs, funny

Judy Bell SVS Publisher

animal stories and what our farmers are doing. All of this and more depend on you telling us, “This is happening.”

Will you help us?

Send any information you wish to share to sauksun@gmail.com or PO Box 678, Dixon IL 61021.

Submit your information to sauksun@gmail. com by the following deadlines: • October edition Due Sept. 9 • November edition - Due Oct. 7 • December edition - Due Nov. 7 If you want to discuss anything, call us at 815260-4350.

Our mission, intention, goal and joy is to serve you. You can help us do better.

With abiding enthusiasm, Judy Bell, Publisher

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

3

September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Compiled by Community Editor Marc Helf and Sauk Valley Sun Staff. E-mail non-profit events to sauksuncalendar@gmail.com.

THIS MONTH

Farms and Barns 12 exhibit, The Next Picture Show. Featuring work that explores the rich agricultural lifestyle of the region.

Master Gardeners share their knowledge about tomato diseases, growing herbs, general care of berries, planting garlic, pruning fruit trees and much more.

• Mt. Carroll Farmers Market: 8 a.m. - noon Sep. 10 • Lanark Farmers Market: 3-6 p.m. Sep. 13 • Dixon Haymarket Square: 9 a.m. to noon Sep. 10 • Morrison Farmers Market: 8-11 a.m. Sep. 17 • Sterling Farmers Market: 8 a.m. - noon Sep. 24

SUN, AUG 28

3 p.m. - Musical Interlude, St. James Evangelical Congregational Church of Dixon, corner of U.S. Highway 52 and Red Brick Road. Area musicians sharing their talents in a variety of musical styles, and followed by a light lunch.

WED, AUG 31

1 p.m. - Early Out Movie at the Sterling Theater, “Pete's Dragon,” sponsored by the Sterling Public Library. Doors open at noon. Admission is free. Snacks will be available for purchase.

THU, SEP 1

10 a.m. - Thursday Book Club at the Rock Falls Public Library: “Murder With Puffins” by Donna Andrews.

FRI, SEP 2

11 a.m. - Riverfront Yoga and Musical Fridays (last session of the season), Dixon riverfront between the bridges. Bring a yoga mat for a yoga class along the Rock River; stay for live music at the Riverfront Pavilion from noon1. For more information, visit facebook.com/ dixonmainstreet or call the Dixon Main Street office at 815-288-2308.

SEP 10-11

11 a.m. - 6 p.m. - Singing Bird Chautauqua, Franklin Creek Grist Mill. Stories from a French voyager, a visit with Mark Twain, music from the Mississippi River, and live animals that live in the water. Admission is a $10 donation per day per person and includes all programming. Children 12 and under are free.

SAT, SEP 10

8:30 a.m. - Fourth Annual Bridge the Community Kids' Bridge Dash on the First Avenue Bridge between Rock Falls and Sterling, followed by the 5K & 10K runs at 9 a.m. To register go to bridgethecommunity.com.

9 - 10 a.m. - Grandparents Day Celebration, Rock Falls Public Library. Donuts, stories and crafts. $1 per couple (grandparent and child).

Non-refundable, due at time of registration.

1 p.m. - 64th Annual Twin Cities Fiesta Day Parade in Sterling and Rock Falls. For more information about participation or to volunteer or sponsor, call 815-625-2400 or e-mail chamber@essex1.com.

1 - 3 p.m. - Author Visit from Susan Furlong and Molly MacRae, Dixon Public Library.

6 - 8 p.m. - Second Saturdays is a monthly cultural event in downtown Dixon. Small businesses host a variety of artists and musicians for a night of entertainment. For more information, visit facebook.com/dixonmainstreet or call the Dixon Main Street office at 815288-2308.

6 - 8 p.m. - Farms and Barns 12 Opening Reception and Second Saturdays “Meet the Artist,” featuring an alcohol ink demonstration by Barbara Lundeen and music by Al and Jeannie Brown, The Next Picture Show, Dixon.

GOWEEKLY

MONDAYS

9:30 a.m. - Lap Sits and Toddler Time for children 18 months to 2 years, Sterling Public Library.

10:30 a.m. - Story Time for 3- to 5-YearOlds, Sterling Public Library.

TUESDAYS

10 a.m. – Raising Readers Preschool Story Time (ages 3-5), Dixon Public Library.

4 - 7 p.m. - Midweek Market, Grandon Civic Center, Sterling.

WEDNESDAYS

Blood drive, Lincoln Land Red Cross, 112 W. Second St., Rock Falls. First, third and fifth Wednesdays from 2 - 6 p.m. Second and fourth Wednesdays from 10 a.m. 2 p.m. For an appointment, visit www. redcrossblood.org or call 800-733-2767.

Walk-ins welcome.

7 a.m. - Noon - Dixon Farmers Market, Haymarket Square, 317 W. Third St. 8 - 11 a.m. - Rock Falls Farmers Market, 400 W. Second St. 9:30 a.m. or 10:30 a.m. - Tales for Tots (18 months - 3 years), Dixon Public Library 4 - 7 p.m. - Dixon City Market, a midweek specialty food market with music, wine & craft beer tastings, and kids’ activities on River Street between the bridges.

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. - Autumn on the Prairie at Nachusa Grasslands. Riding tours to look for bison and guided hiking tours. For details go to nachusagrasslands.org.

Noon - 22nd Annual Paint the Town, downtown Morrison. Three music venues, street performers and food courts provide the per-

7 p.m. - Dixon Coin Club monthly meeting, Dixon Elks Lodge, 1279 Franklin Grove Road. Coin grading at 6 p.m.

WED, SEP 7

6 - 7 p.m. - Knit Wits Knitting Group, Dixon Public Library

FRIDAYS

7 - 9 p.m. - Live music at Beans Coffee, 121 E. Third St., Sterling. The last Friday of every month is open mic night.

SATURDAYS

7 a.m. - Noon - Dixon Farmers Market, Haymarket Square, 317 W. Third St. 8 a.m. - Noon - Twin Cities Farmers Market, 106 Avenue A, Sterling.

8 a.m. - 1 p.m. - Rock Falls Farmers Market, 400 W. Second St. 7 - 9 p.m. - Live music at Beans Coffee, 121 E. Third St., Sterling.

LIBRARIES Sterling

102 W. Third St.; 815-625-1370

Dixon

FRI, SEP 16

Sat, Sep 3 from Noon - 11 p.m. - Third Annual Blues, Brews, BBQs & Bags for the Brave in the 100 block of First Street in downtown Dixon. Blues bands, bourbon tastings, pulled pork, brisket, ribs and more. $5 admission; kids under 12 and veterans free. Call Dixon Main Street at 815-288-2308 for more information.

TUE, SEP 6

9 a.m. - 4 p.m. - 68th Annual Grand Detour Arts Festival, John Deere Historic Site.

2 p.m. - Sterling-Rock Falls Historical Society's monthly meeting at CGH's Ryberg Auditorium. Noah Neiber will present a program about the Illinois monument at Andersonville Prison. The public is welcome.

Admission is free, and refreshments will be served.

1 - 4 p.m. - Respite Care, Immanuel Lutheran Church, 501 Eighth Ave., Rock Falls.

Structured activity for seniors, allowing caregivers time to run errands, etc. There is no charge, but all guests do need to be evaluated before participating. The respite program is an ecumenical cooperative of several area churches, and is staffed by volunteers. For more information, call 815625-3575.

2 p.m. - Literary Merits Book Group: “The Oregon Trail” by Buck Rinker, Dixon Library.

6:30 p.m. - Painting for the Non-Artsy, Rock Falls Library. Paint a football on canvas. $3 non-refundable fee due at registration.

BLUES, BREWS, BBQ & BAGS

SUN, SEP 11

Labor Day

THURSDAYS

WED, SEP 14

7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. - CGH Health Foundation Vendor/Craft Show, CGH Ryberg Auditorium, Classrooms 1 and 2, 100 E. LeFevre Road, Sterling. The event is open to public, offering the chance to shop from more than 30 vendors and crafters. Each vendor donates a gift basket valued at $25 or more that will be available for the highest bid. For more information, call 815-625-0400, ext. 5575.

8 a.m. - Whiteside County Senior Center Cubs baseball outing. Pickup at Sterling K-Mart at 8 a.m. and Dixon Shopko at 8:30 a.m. Cost is $60 for members & $65 for non-members.

For more information, call the Whiteside County Senior Center at 815-622-9230.

9 a.m. - April House “Golf 4 the Kids” golf outing at Cross Creek Golf Course in Morrison.

18 holes, 4-person scramble, 50/50 drawing and goodie bags for all participants. $50 per person in teams of 4. For information, contact Sheriff Wilhelmi at 815-772-5240 or Dixie at Cross Creek at 815-772-7966.

MON, SEP 5

7:30 p.m. - Queen of Hearts Raffle, a Hospice of the Rock River Valley fundraiser.

Tickets on sale until 7:15 the night of the drawing, Whiskey Barrel Saloon, Rock Falls.

SAT, SEP 17

221 S. Hennepin Ave.; 815-284-7261

Rock Falls

1007 Seventh Ave.;815-626-3958 fect accompaniment to the painting. Music continues under the stars and provides the backdrop for dancing and strolling the street to admire the artwork.

6 - 9 p.m. - Veterans Memorial Park fundraiser, Dixon VFW Hall. Live music, 50/50, silent auction, corned beef and cabbage dinners. $10 donation at door; kids 12 and under free.

Drinks and food extra.

SUN, SEP 18

1 - 5 p.m. - Woodlawn Woodshop Open House, 1801 Plant Drive, Sterling. Drive just west of Self Help Enterprises, near the corner of West LeFevre and Lynn Boulevard.

Tours, demonstrations of machines and door prizes.

MON, SEP 19

2 - 4 p.m. - Adult Coloring Session, Odell Public Library, Morrison. Coloring pages, pencils and gel pens provided.

Community Calendar is sponsored by Ken Nelson Auto Group.

> continued on page 4

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COMMUNITY CALENDAR MON, SEP 26

continued from page 3 >

TUE, SEP 20

6 p.m. - Growing Healthier Speaker Series: Meet Dr. Wolf, CGH Morrison Clinic and Vision Center, 105 S. Heaton St., Morrison. Registration appreciated but not required. Contact Joan Hermes at 815-625-0400, ext. 5672.

WED, SEP 21

6 - 7 p.m. - Knit Wits Knitting Group, Dixon Public Library.

THU, SEP 22

Autumn Begins 3:30 p.m. - After-school Family Fun Event, Dixon Public Library.

SEP 23-25

Sterling-Rock Falls City-wide Fall Garage Sales

SAT, SEP 24

8 a.m. - Noon - Free blood pressure screenings at Twin City Farmers Market, Sterling.

8 a.m. - United Way of Lee County's Inaugural Run For the Way 5K. Start and finish at Timber Creek Golf Course, 729 Timber Creek Road, Dixon. Race-day registration begins at 6:30 a.m. For information, call Jenny Koch at 815-284-3339.

6 - 11 p.m. - Kreider Services’ third annual “Meaningful Day” Gala and Auction, Barnacopia, Polo. Dinner, and silent and live auctions. Funds raised during the evening support client programs of Kreider Services. Individual tickets are $50; table of 8 is $375.

6:30 p.m. - Preschool story time, Rock Falls Public Library.

TUE, SEP 27

10 – 11:30 a.m. Wits Fitness, Sterling Public Library. Join University of Illinois Extension Educator Karla Belzer each month as she leads participants through interactive activities designed to exercise the brain to maintain and enhance cognitive function and memory.

Class is free to the public. Register online at: go.illinois.edu/witsfitness.

6 - 7 p.m. - Master Gardeners Class, Dixon Public Library.

6:30 - 8 p.m. - Fibromyalgia support group, New Horizon Counseling Center, 34 N. Whistler Ave., Freeport. For more information, call 815-235-6171.

6:30 p.m. - Tuesday Book Club, Rock Falls Public Library, “A Spool of Blue Thread” by Anne Tyler.

WED, SEP 28

11:45 a.m. - Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce “Lunch & Learn,” Woodlawn Arts Academy, Sterling. The featured speaker will be Irene Kelley, CEO of Prisma, LLC on communication. Cost is $12 for members and $15 for non-members. For more information, contact the chamber at 815-625-2400.

SUN, SEP 25

Scarecrow Festival, downtown Dixon. Free admission. For more information, visit facebook.com/ dixonmainstreet or call the Dixon Main Street office at (815) 288-2308.

THU, SEP 29

“Meditation” with Becky West, Odell Public Library, Morrison.

FRI, SEP 30

6 - 7 p.m. - Master Gardeners Class, Dixon Public Library.

7 p.m. - Sauk Valley Community Concert Association presents O Sole Trio’s “Bravissimo Broadway” at Dixon High School. For membership, call 815-677-6676.

encounter the fun expected!

SEPTEMBER 2016 Events Sept 3 Blues, Brews, BBQ & Bags for the Brave, Dixon Sept 3-5 Lions Club Labor Day Celebration, Paw Paw Sept 10 Second Saturdays, Dixon Sept 16 Blues & Bluegrass, Franklin Grove Sept 17 Autumn on the Prairie, Franklin Grove Sept 25 Scarecrow Festival, Dixon

Farmers Markets Amboy: Tuesdays, 8am-noon Depot Museum Parking Lot Dixon Park District: Wednesdays & Saturdays, 8am-Noon Haymarket Square, Dixon

Sept 30 Fifth Friday Music, Franklin Grove

www.leecountyfun.com • 815-288-1840

September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Sterling Graduate To Present At Two Chamber Events Sept. 14

S

terling native and Sterling High School graduate Minda Harts will be the featured speaker at two events on Sept. 14.

Harts will be presenting a luncheon workshop and will participate in an evening event, as well. The luncheon event will be at Champs Banquet Venue from 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.

The cost to attend is $12 for SVACC members and $15 for non-members.

She will also be part of an evening event at Sauk Valley Community College in the theatre at 6 p.m., which will include an introduction by Harts

G

et ready for Fall Garage Sale Days, Sept. 23 25 in Rock Falls and Sterling. There will be more than 100 sales in one weekend, and more than 4,000 shoppers will be in the community on the hunt for bargains.

This is a great way for local businesses to draw in new shoppers.

Sidewalk sales, discounts for shoppers, host-

T

he Sauk Valley Community Concert Association will launch its new season of music concerts this month. This is a unique opportunity to help bring quality musical acts to the Sauk Valley. Unlike most concert programs, admission to all five main events is by membership card only. The cost is $45, which breaks down to $9 per show.

Members may also attend reciprocal concerts in Ottawa and Freeport at no additional charge.

Resume or letter of interest: sauksun@gmail.com or PO Box 678, Dixon, Il 61021 For information, call 815-260-4350

O SOLE TRIO

This season will kick off Sept. 10 at Dixon High School with “Bravissimo Broadway,” a program of show tunes performed by O Sole Trio. Subsequent concerts will feature pianist Julian Gargiulo in No-

vember, the Rhythm Future Quartet in March, the Illinois Brass Band in April and Dave Bennett's America's Roots of Pop in May. To join the association, go to svcca.org or call 815677-6676.

Ol iver’s CORNER MARKET

Oliver’s Has The Area’s

BEST

Beef, Pork & Chicken OLIVER’S

AW BRADSH

Be a Marketing Respresentative as a part of the Marketing Team for The Sauk Valley Sun. Candidates need to be coachable, disciplined and self-motivated.

Marketing experienced desirable...not required. High commission structure with periodic bonuses. Flexible part-time/full-time hours.

ple for as little as $10. $15 provides a mini ad. Register by Sept. 12 to get your sale on the map. Feature ads listing items are available for $20. ($5 late fee for sales registered after Sept.

12). All funds are used for community events and to help local businesses grow.

Register at the Rock Falls Library or Rock Falls Chamber through Sept. 18.

Forms are available online at rockfallschamber.com.

SVCCA Season Kicks Off This Month

We Need

Creative - Mature - Energetic - Enthusiastic Teachers - Veterans - Recent Retirees

ing a fundraiser for a non-profit, or any special activities hosted during the garage sales can be advertised on the maps. Maps will be available, free of charge, at Schreiner's Mobil, First Ave., Rock Falls, and Shell stations in both Rock Falls and Sterling on Thursday, Sept. 22 by noon. They will also be posted online.

Register your sale and advertise to 4,000-plus peo-

Marc Helf Community Editor

Growing!

Want to Work!

and a panel of local entrepreneurs, business owners and women in management. A question-and-answer period for the panel members will be part of the event, as well. There will also be a resource fair

Fall Garage Sale Days Sept. 23-25

We Are

Your Help!

MINDA HARTS

after the presentation, and there is no cost to attend.

To register for the events or for more information, visit saukvalleyareachamber. com. Contact the SVACC at 815-625-2400 or email chamber@essex1.com.

Harts is the founder of The Memo, a career development firm that helps women successfully navigate their careers. She will share her insights on entrepreneurship, advancing a career and work/life balance.

For more information about Harts and The Memo, visit myweeklymemo.com.

BRINTON

A GALEN

Our New Salad B ar makes accompan iments for grilled meals easy!

PLUS! Use it for FRESH, healthy school lu nches!

748 N. Brinton Ave. (Corner of Brinton & Bradshaw in Dixon) Open 7am-8pm • 7 Days a Week

815-288-7480

5

September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Eagle’s Nest Goes Back To Its Roots

Paint The Town Set For Sept. 17

M

ore than 1,500 4-by-4 concrete squares will be available for painting in Morrison on Saturday, Sept. 17 during the annual Paint The Town festival.

This year’s event offer food and music for visitors to enjoy while they view the creative paintings on the streets and windows of historic downtown Morrison.

The Morrison High School Wrestling team will be cooking breakfast starting at 9 a.m. and will be joined on Main Street by various food vendors and musical talents throughout the day.

The early morning welcomes the runners and cyclists to town for the Rotary-sponsored Harvest Hammer.

This annual competitive event has grown to include more than 800 runners in the 5K and the duathlon, which requires a 3.1-mile run followed by a 21-mile bike race through the scenic countryside outside Morrison.

The morning also includes a Color Run for all ages that ends at the site of the Paint The Town activities in the downtown area.

For more information or to register, go to paintthetownmorrison.com.

Kimberly Watley SVS Contributor

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Photo by Kimberly Watley Black Hawk Performance Company’s Ethan Cloud gets low as he demonstrates scanning the tall grasses in search of enemies in a traditional dance. The company performed for the recent grand reopening of Eagle’s Nest Gifts and Gallery, Highway 64 and First Street, Oregon.

eth Henderson and her husband, Dennis, opened The Eagle’s Nest Gifts & Gallery 23 years ago. In that time, the store has undergone change, including its name and stock, repeatedly, ultimately losing the spirit of the Native American ways that Beth and Dennis wanted from the beginning.

With tears in her eyes, Henderson spoke to a large crowd at the grand re-opening of the store last month.

She said “I had for sale signs out,” taking a deep breath, forcing a smile, she shared a personal journey. One that she said brought her and the store full-circle.

“This spring, on a vision quest of my own, serendipitously, I thought, ‘No, let’s take it back where it started and where it was supposed to be.’”

Members of the Black Hawk Performance Company were in attendance, including Carlos Peynetsa,

Dorene Wiese Jeff Haugen, Kelly Summers, Winfield Wounded Eye, Melanie, Ethan and Evian Cloud, most of whom performed traditional dances afterward.

A tourist and information center is located inside the gallery, where special events and demonstrations will be held. The store has a little of everything, including headdresses, dreamcatchers, moccasins, turquoise and other fine jewelry, clothing, beaded items, statuary, home décor and small furnishings, handcarved wooden flutes, drums and other musical instruments.

Federal laws mandate that American Indian arts and crafts must be American Indian made to be labeled as such.

“When people are selling, they are often showing items made in China, like fake jewelry, plastic stones; it’s quite difficult to purchase authentic American Indian made goods. This store is going to help many who hand-make so many things and those who wish to purchase.”

Northland Mall Offers Shopping And Community Events Vincent Hennings SVS Writer

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trip to the Northland mall is always an exciting adventure. It has served the Sauk Valley community for more than 40 years, having opened in 1972. As the only enclosed mall in a 50-mile radius, Northland Mall has a little of everthing.

Karyn Brouilette, general manager, takes pride in her staff. Karyn said, “I have a great team, a wonderful group of people I can always count on.” This goes for everyone employed from Jama Ebenezer, marketing coordinator, to the people working under Patrick Carroll, facilities manager. There is also “great communication between tenants and management. This helps in all aspects of the day-to-day operation,” Karyn said The mall is for shopping

and more. Special events are quite “special” at the mall.

Most recently people started lining up at 9:30 a.m. for the “Back to School” event that started at noon.

It included a fashion show, scavenger hunt and, of course, sales. Jama, who coordinated the event, said, “We gave away about 200 drawstring bags filled with school supplies.” Each mall store participated, as did some local groups such as the Girls Scouts, Sterling-Rock Falls YMCA, and Sauk Valley Community College. This was the third year for the event.

Buzz is already building for the November Fall Craft Show. These events, along with a willingness to host nonprofit organizations, help grow a strong community. Karyn is happy she can be a part of something so positive for the Sauk Valley.

The mall has kept the social

aspect of shopping alive by transitioning more online.

The management staff at the mall help identify and fill needs that are not being met.

This is in addition to giving people a safe and clean environment to meet up with friends or just go for a stroll.

Karyn also stated that the value that the mall adds to the Sauk Valley area are “great customer service and maintaining connections.”

In a world where ordering anything from food to clothes online keeps people disconnected, Northland Mall adds smiling faces to one’s shopping experience.

Stores like JCPenney and Bergner’s “allow you to try on a pair of pants before you buy them instead of having them shipped to you and having to ship them back if you need another size,” Karyn said.

The mall has something for everyone and in a clean,

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The community suffered a loss in the Northland Mall during last year’s tornado tragedy, but it has come back stronger.

“We can’t wait to show you,” Karyn said, noting she wanted to “thank the community for their patience while rebuilding after the disaster.”

To see upcoming events or get more information on Northland Mall, visit shopsatnorthland.com, and follow the mall on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

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September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

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Teen Turf Growing Up With Its Kids Kimberly Watley SVS Contributor

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ince its humble beginnings in the St. Patrick’s Church basement Parish Hall 22 years ago, where kids gathered for dances, thousands of kids have come through the doors of Teen Turf in Amboy.

Today, thanks to generous donations, the organization is expanding to better serve the children of the community.

An open house is planned for 2-4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 18 so interested community members can view the expansion.

Eighteen years ago, the Boehle family gave the organization a deal that jump-started Teen Turf’s first-ever building fund and ultimately its growth, with an interest-free and far-below-market-value loan on the structure.

Executive Director Eileen Piper’s dreams for the facility are coming true. With tons of elbow grease, hordes of volunteers swinging hammers and many, many painters, it’s coming together. Teen Turf is beginning to see its first group of little ones all grown up, landing on the organization’s doorstep and offering a helping hand. It won’t be long before their

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children are building memories there, too.

The nonprofit’s latest project was kick-started by a generous donation, made by the Amboy Depot Days Car Show Committee. The grant gave the organization a way to expand an inadequate study space into a second story, more conducive for learning for the children in the free after-school program.

Teen Turf is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible and greatly appreciated.

Checks can be mailed to 235 W. Main St., Amboy, IL 61310. For more information, call 815-857-4800.

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September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Habitat For Humanity Help

Members of The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 364 (top left) have regularly volunteered to assist Dixon Habitat for Humanity in the construction of the 2016 Habitat home in Dixon.

Pictured with the IBEW Crew are Sam Watkins and Larry Weinrich (front row from the left), who have each been volunteering with Dixon Habitat for more than 12 years. Other volunteers last month came from Dixon’s Immanuel Lutheran Church (bottom left), St. Anne’s and St. Patrick’s Catholic churches (top right), and the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers (middle right). The officers of Dixon Habitat for Humanity (bottom right) for 2016 are Christyne Gehlbach, Rev. David Spaulding, James Dixon and Linda Newlon.

Holiday Plans Already In The Works

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t’s hard to believe that summer is already drawing to a close and school is back in session.

It’s also difficult to believe that here at Main Street we are planning our Seasonal Sights & Sounds Christmas activities and looking to what new fun we can bring to life in 2017. We’d love to hear what you’d like to see in your community.

The Twin City Farmers Janna Groharing Sterling Main Street Director Market continues to bustle with activity every Saturday morning at 106 Avenue fresh, locally grown proA in downtown Sterling. duce, baked goods, preThere are still bountiful pared foods and crafts to be

found. The market is also gearing up for its annual Harvest Moon Festival on Saturday, Oct. 8, so be sure to save the date.

Our board of directors has spent a considerable amount of time reflecting lately on where Sterling Main Street has gone since we received accreditation in 2009. We’ve accomplished so much, yet there is so far yet to go as downtown Sterling continues to transform itself. September will bring the addition of two new businesses to the downtown. Smoke on 3rd

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t the website issuu. com/SVsun you can read issue after issue of the Sauk Valley Sun with page-turning ability. In addition, the site allows you to zoom in or out, which is especially nice for those who want larger print.

We want you to use it as it suits your purposes ... maybe to refer to someone out of town to read about something

or someone important to them, for kids away at school or to connect our newspaper anywhere in the world.

Our own website, thesaukvalleysun.com, will always have our calendar, stories and photos, and addition postings during the month.

Issuu.com/SVsun captures us month by month.

Enjoy!

Judy Bell, Publisher

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Residents Enjoy Tractor Show

One of the highlights of summer for residents at Resthave Home, Morrison, has always been the tractor show. Pictured (above) waving at the tractor drivers are (l-r) Eilleen Bennett, Pauline Sterenberg, Dorothy Houseman and Marge Kettler.

Resthave residents also were treated to a dog show recently.

is sure to be a new dining hot spot. Legacy Martial Arts will also open. We wish both well as they begin their new adventure in our downtown.

As always, follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram, or visit our website at sterlingmainstreet.org for all the latest happenings in and about downtown Sterling. Great things are happening!

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September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

SERVICE SPOTLIGHT

Veterans Fall Fest Is Sept. 10

Local Rotary Clubs Help Communities Katie Gvozdjak SVS Intern

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here are very few service clubs that span across six continents and consist of 1.2 million members. Rotary International is one of them.

Rotary International is a service club that was founded

by Paul P. Harris, a Chicago attorney, in 1905. According to Rotary’s website, the club “brings together a global network of volunteers who dedicate their time and talent to tackle some of the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges, such as helping families in need in their own communities.”

While Rotary is known

worldwide, there are four local clubs that exist between Sterling, Dixon and Rock Falls: Sterling Noon Rotary, Twin Cities Sunrise Rotary, Dixon Rotary and Rock Falls Rotary, all of which are committed to serving and giving back to the community. All four of these Rotaries host exchange students from other countries and have projects that they support in the community.

For example, throughout the year Sterling Noon Rotary club raises money for their Boots and Shoes Program which provides new boots and shoes for local children who are in need.

This year the club purchased 52 pairs of shoes, 128 pairs

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of socks and 40 pairs of shoelaces from Payless ShoeSource in Sterling. Rotary club members visit local schools twice a year and deliver Payless gift cards to the school nurses. The nurses and teachers identify the students who are in need of new shoes, according to Sterling Rotarian Mike Sprague. When the children are identified, Payless sets

aside a day to measure them for boots and shoes. There are programs throughout the community that donate coats and school supplies to children but none that donate boots and shoes. That’s what makes Sterling Noon Rotary’s “Boots and Shoes Program” a unique and valuable contribution to students who are in need.

“Our goal is to provide

the youth of our community with something simple so it’s taken off their plate,” Sprague explained. “Image is a big thing. So eliminating a small piece of that worry turns their attention toward learning and development.”

For information on how to get involved, visit your city’s Rotary Facebook page or contact your local Chamber of Commerce.

Autumn On The Prairie Planned At Nachusa Grasslands

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ature lovers will get a chance to see how Northern Illinois onced looked before settlers arrived during the annual Autumn on the Prairie festival at the Nachusa Grasslands on Sept. 17. Activities will go from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Visitors will get to enjoy 40 steward-guided tours of the prairie and savannas. They’ll also get a chance to see bison, educational exhibits

and take hikes to see butterflies.

Those who attend will be able to take self-guided prairie plant exploration hikes or take rides through the prairie. Additional activities include local artists at work, a children’s tent and a live raptor display.

The Nature Conservancy’s Nachusa Grasslands Preserve organizes the free experience annually. It will go on rain or shine.

The Nature Conservancy is an

international, nonprofit organization that preserves plants, animals and natural communities representing the diversity of life on Earth by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive.

The Grasslands are at 2075 S. Lowden Road near Franklin Grove.

For more information on the event or the Grasslands, visit nature.org/ illinoisEvents or nachusagrasslands. org.

ll veterans and and their families are invited to attend the annual Veterans Fall Fest, from 12 - 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 10 at John Dixon Park, in the 500 block of North Galena Ave., Dixon. The festival will feature complimentary food and beverages, as well as activities for adults and children. There will also be Bingo, with prizes. There is no cost to veterans and their families. For information, contact Tracy Montgomery at 815-284-5040.

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ridgette L. Clark, graduated from Kishwaukee College in Malta from the therapeutic massage program as a licensed massage therapist in late August. She is the daughter of Jay and Kathy Clark of Rock Falls.

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September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Amboy Grocer Finds American Dream In Heartland Kimberly Watley SVS Contributor

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anjay and Falguni Desai came to America from their homeland of India, seeking a better life for themselves and two daughters.

Before making the trek to the states, Sanjay ran a photography business in his own professional studio and was hired for around 100 weddings each year. Since moving here, he’s remained a businessman, owning liquor stores throughout the suburbs for about two decades.

In his travels he often scouts locations for business endeavors. He found Amboy on a recent trip.

Seeing the closure of its liquor store, he approached Mayor Tom Nauman. While going through the process of securing a liquor license, Nauman mentioned to him that the grocery store had also closed.

Sanjay, who had, by then, fallen for Amboy, wanted to

make a difference in a positive way, and took the mayor’s suggestion and ran with it. In about a month Amboy Food & Liquor will open.

The Desai’s nephew Tommy and his wife, Bhavi Patel, will take care of day-to-day operations.

The couple relocated to Amboy from the state of Ohio to oversee the family business.

In a downtown location that once was home to a movie theater, Ben Franklin Store, and more recently Hardware Hank, Sanjay will provide shoppers with a variety of alcohol, but more importantly, he said, food.

His goals include providing a level of customer service the rest of the world seems to have forgotten.

“When you walk in here, I want you to be greeted by a smile.” Equally imperative, he said is to provide a little extra for anyone who needs help. “If they like their groceries carried out, I want to do that.”

Fair prices, fresh produce, and a wide variety of stock from Country Village Meats are some of the things you’ll find inside, once construction is complete.

To accommodate his clientele, he said he will be open to any suggestions and will base stock on those needs. “I want it to be the Amboy family store.”

The construction team is tearing out old and installing new, “Well, just about everything,” Sanjay said. He offered a wall of mirrors to the dance studio and school at no cost and expects to recycle more as the renovation moves ahead.

“It is a little something to give back. When I am settled in, that is what I’d like to do, get involved in the community,” he said.

Nauman added, “I hope everyone checks it out and supports him. You’re supporting your own town when you buy local. Taxes are staying in your own community, and that is everything.”

Photo by Kimberly Watley Carrying building materials through the soon-to-be Amboy Food & Liquor, Owner Sanjay Desai said he looks forward to opening in about a month. The new grocery store is at 242 E. Main St. in Amboy. Desai says he will provide exceptional customer service.

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Black Friday A Favorite At JCPenney Vincent Hennings SVS Writer

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CPenney, with headquarters in Plano, Texas, was the first tenant at Northland Mall, opening November 1, 1972, and has seen an ever-growing and changing community in the Sauk Valley. They are carrying on the tradition of their founder, James Cash Penney, by following his golden rule.

Store Manager Anne Simpson said, “We want to provide the kind of products and service that we ourselves would expect, making your shopping trip worth it!”

They have done this by providing for their associates and customers on days such as Black Friday.

“Black Friday continues to be a favorite among our associates as well as our customers. The excitement of the coming holiday season paired with the best deals you will see all year on a huge variety of items is infectious. And

ANNE SIMPSON, JCPENNEY MANAGER

did I mention the food? We always provide a nice spread of Chicken George and assorted sides to get our associates through the long day.

Everyone always has a smile on their face for this event.”

JCPenney is also there to help with any special events.

Anne said, “We handle all kinds of requests, but one of the more exciting ones was the engagement that was planned at our jewelry department. A young man proposed to his high school sweetheart and purchased her choice of

ring when he heard that ‘Yes!’ he had hoped for.”

The hiring process goes through the traditional channels of both in-store and online recruiting efforts. A new feature coming to the store is free in-store pickup.” Online orders that have availability in the area will be ready to go for customers within a couple of hours of ordering. They are also making it easier for customers to identify a salesperson on the weekend.

Anne is excited she can be a part of the mall. “The mall serves as a meeting place for the Sauk Valley community,” she said. “We see an array of customers who stop in simply because they came in to one store and stayed to browse the rest. It is also a great way to interact with the community by participating in some of the events the Northland Mall facilitates. We would not have this luxury as a standalone store.”

Call the store at 815-6265100.

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September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Handmade Goods Offered At Bushel Basket Candle Co. Vincent Hennings SVS Writer

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JACKIE PAYNE, BUSHEL BASKET CO-OWNER

ushel Basket Candle Co. started out as a small company in a basement in Sterling.

During the past 15 years it has grown into something truly amazing and keeps getting larger.

Northland Mall was more than happy to take them in, in May 2009, and help provide a

space to grow in.

Co-owner Jackie Payne of Sterling, who owns the store with her husband, Les, said, “We have changed and grown as our knowledge has changed and grown. Right now, when I walk in the door in the morning, I am humbled and amazed at where we are.

Local and handmade is what started our journey and what continues to be our daily mission. Helping our customers

have the confidence to make their house a home is incredible. It will be fun to see where we go from here and what the future holds.”

The benefits of being located in Northland Mall have been many.

Jackie explains, “I love being located at the mall. For us, being a locally owned independent, everybody in the office and at corporate have been amazing. I have learned so much in the seven years we have been here. They are so knowledgeable; we wouldn't have survived the storm last year if the groundwork hadn’t been laid when we moved in.

The parking is fantastic. The location is exceptional. We are independent, but we have the support system to enable us to be as successful as we want to be. The mall’s goal is our success.”

Bushel Basket Candle Co. is still growing as they begin to offer more services to their customers. One of them being a bridal and gift registry for the big day, which will help ease the stress and make the experience hassle-free.

“I am extremely excited about the new opportunities we have had this year in doing custom work for our customers,” Jackie said.

“We were asked earlier this year to work with a couple who decided to build a new home. We designed five custom pieces for the home that were installed by the builders, a sixth piece that was designed and built for the home, and several smaller pieces with special purposes to fit the home perfectly. We also had the opportunity to help choose and coordinate bedding, rugs, curtains and other décor to make this new home truly a statement of the homeowner. And it’s turning out beautiful.”

Call the store at 815-6225996.

Asterisk Boutique Plays Dress-Up For A Cause

The Asterisk Boutique, a women’s clothing boutique in downtown Dixon, hosted its first #LETSPLAYDRESSUP for a cause. During this event, 50 percent of all sales went to the nonprofit Shining Star Advocacy Center. Pictured are Ana Smith (left), Asterisk owner, and Shelly Brantley of Shining Star Advocacy Center. The next fundraising event will be Oct. 20 from 6-8 p.m. Half of all sales will be donated to The Next Picture Show.

This is a great opportunity to shop local and give back to the community.

Cutest Kids Photo Contest Send In Your Cutest Pictures!

Submit by Mail at:

Contest Running Through December 2, 2016. Winners Published In January Edition.

Or post on our Social Media with the hashtag: #svscutestkids16

PO Box 678 Dixon, IL 61021 Submit by E-Mail at: sauksun@gmail.com

THE SAUK VALLEY

SUN Please include first names, ages and hometowns of children pictured. Please also be sure to include your name, mailing address, e-mail address and phone number so we are able to contact contest winners; this information will not be published.

September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Young Professionals

No Two Days The Same In SBM’s Copy Center Katie Gvozdjak SVS Intern

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osh Swenson always knew that he wanted his career to involve design work after he graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design. For the past five years, Swenson has put his creativity to work as the Copy Shop Design Center Manager at SBM, Sterling.

At SBM, Swenson designs all sorts of projects for customers that include invitations, business cards and posters ... and everything for weddings. He also creates concert tickets, programs, flyers, billboards, and even does video work and photo editing.

With all of the different projects that he receives, there is never a dull moment in the copy center.

Each project has a different theme and creative concept than the one before.

“There’s never two projects that are the same,” Swenson said. “There’s something new every single day.”

JOSH SWENSON

Swenson explained that over the past five years, the copy center has really expanded. When he first got there he was the only designer, and now there are three designers and two others who do cutting, hole drilling and mounting work.

When asked what the most rewarding part of his job was, Swenson responded, “I like the challenge of figuring out what’s going on in the customer’s head, their ideas, the picture they have in their brain; and then transforming their ideas into an image on a screen and on paper. I like making our customers happy.”

11

Point Of Law

The Sauk Valley Sun is pleased to present a legal column giving insight to common legal problems. While not intended to be firm advice for any actual specific legal situation, the Q and A’s provide guidelines to help understand the position of the law in these simplified examples. Prudence dictates securing legal counsel before pursuing any serious legal matter, as specific details will shape the proper course of action.

Linda A. Giesen, attorney and managing partner of Dixon & Giesen Law Offices, Dixon and Amboy, will write the column using questions proposed by readers or by drawing from her legal experience. Readers may submit questions for consideration by emailing sauksun@gmail.com.

Buying A Home Q. I am buying a house.

Do I need an attorney?

A. There is no legal requirement to have an attorney when buying a house or other property. However, hiring one to represent your interest is prudent.

Buying a home is typically the most important financial investment one makes in their lifetime. Protecting this investment by obtaining sound legal advice makes sense. Reliance on the language of a standard form contract presented by the seller or their realtor with only a casual review by you and your realtor leaves the buyer open to significant risk.

In these instances, the buyer may not be aware of possible options that can be considered and specified. If there is more than one buyer, a decision needs to be made on how the property will be titled. Do you know your options? If not, the property may be titled in a manner that has legal implications at your death or unnecessarily cause a lien to be placed on the property. Specific responsibilities of the parties and the time limitations may not be clear or concise.

The details of the legal-

Linda A. Giesen Attorney, Dixon & Giesen

ly binding language of the contract will determine what happens if things go “south.”

What if you want to terminate the deal? What remedies exist if the seller wants to get out of the contract,

and you still want to buy the property? As the saying goes “the devil is in the details.”

The answer will depend on the language in your contract. The contract is a binding legal document and therefore an attorney will be able to explain your options.

Actions of third parties may be important. What if there are tenants who are

to be out by the first of the month and the closing is set for the 25th? Will the seller have any duty to get them out if they do not leave by the first and you have purchased the property?

You don’t need a lawyer to buy a house, but cutting corners on such a major investment may cost you more in the long run.

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September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Consignment Shops Help Buyers Save, Sellers Earn Editor’s Note: This is the second of a three-part series.

Kay Clark SVS Writer

Minor Treasures

Minor Treasures, 110 W. Second St., Rock Falls, owned by Angie and Gary Minor, opened in January.

Before they started, Gary sold items on eBay and Amazon while working full time at the Verizon Corporate offices in Schaumburg for the past 20 years.

With Angie’s family living here, they grabbed the first opportunity to move.

Gary reported that sales traffic has been very good with consistent sales. They

accept new or almost new items.

The store carries many household items as well as clothing and some electronics. When people don’t pay on their storage units in the larger cities, Gary will buy them to supply their store. Other items that he

purchases are overstocks or returns from some big-box stores.

Right now he has enough merchandise to fill his current location three times and keeps these items in a warehouse in Sterling.

Some of the larger items he takes in are stored there

also. He checks eBay and Amazon to check the value and sets prices 10-50 percent lower.

When a customer spends $50, they receive a $5 store credit. Minor Treasures is hoping to expand their current location in the very near future.

“Our consignees are very happy with the fact that they can see which items have sold and which haven’t by checking our website.”

Whenever an item comes into the store to be sold, (by appointment only and limited to two boxes) it is immediately given a code and recorded into inventory. The store accepts credit, debit and cash, but no checks.

For more information, call 847-802-9661.

Showplace Antiques

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Sterling, is owned by Joanne and Lonzo Gribbons.

Showplace Antiques has been at this upscale resale building for seven years and offers an extensive variety of merchandise. New, used, vintage, crafts, coins, books, jewelry and numerous household items can be found. A client can rent a booth, or more than one, on any of the three floors or in the basement.

Joanne noted this would be a good place to shop for a first apartment or college dorm.

Showplace also offers Crossroad Candles that they order from Ohio.

Since stocking them, they have really been popular with customers. On one of the floors, they even have a large room to help supply a “man cave”: car parts, beer signs, Diecast cars, fishing tackle, hardware, flags and knives.

Customers will come in for the coffee and cookies and usually find some-

thing to take home. Customers come all the way from Rockford, Peoria and DeKalb.

Store hours are 9 a.m.6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Saturday and 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday.Visit their Facebook page at facebook. com/Showplace-AntiquesTreasures or call them at 815-564-9376.

Other Shops

Contact information for other upscale area boutiques that will be featured in later issues or were featured in a previous issue: Dress Code, 5 E. Third St., Sterling, 815-625-9755 The Emporium, 115 W. Third St., Sterling, 815535-0368.

Only The Best, reopening soon at 705 W. Third St., Sterling, 815-625-6827 Treasure Chest, 221 First Ave., Rock Falls, 815716-8147.

Roxie’s, 302 W. First St., Dixon, 815-288-1886.

Glik’s Hosts Fashion Show At Mall’s ‘Back To School’ Event

Derek Cardwell & Jim Kraklio 1812 E. Fourth St., Sterling • 815-622-1680

Vincent Hennings SVS Writer

G

Johnson Oil Company

Express Lane • Gas & Food Marts

In the Rock River Valley

S’more S more

lik’s took center stage at the “Back To School” event hosted by Northland Mall.

The latest tenant, having opened at the mall in October, put on the fashion show for students and teachers.

Store Manager Kristina Schmall said, “The mall fashion show was a blast.

Dressing customers is what our associates love to do!”

Glik’s helps its customers keep up to date in the fashion world with brands such as Lauren James, Under Armor and The North Face.

They are one of the oldest retail stores in America, but you won’t be finding old fashion here. The company was founded in 1897 and will be celebrating its’ 119th birthday in October.

KRISTINA SCHMALL, GLIK’S MANAGER

The social aspect and the American feel is what Kristina likes most about being located in Northland Mall.

“Having the big-box stores helps create more business for local and smaller companies,” Kristina said. “This gives opportunity to the community to grow and, in turn, helps Glik’s grow as a brand.”

Their hiring takes place

mostly among current customers, as well as from social media. Walk-in applicants are also welcomed.

Glik’s carries a variety of brands of clothing to fit everyone’s needs. The ever-changing weather and fashion trends are always being stocked for convenience and pleasure. Glik’s has started to make a name for themselves in the community and shown a willingness to be a major part of it.

Glik’s newest items coming up are ALEX AND ANI bracelets. They have the opportunity to offer special editions and will be limited.

These rare bracelets can be found this coming season and are a part of American history.

Glik’s is owned by Jeff Glik of Granite City. To reach the Sterling store, call 779-245-5197.

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13

September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Local Artist Intrigued By Passion Behind Creativity

T

he minister stops in the middle of his sermon and says to the small blonde boy zealously sketching on a piece of paper in the second pew, “You need to pay attention.”

Jon Wildman puts down the drawing he’s working on and sits up, but he’ll break out the pencil and paper again as soon as the pastor isn’t watching.

Jon was born in 1963 in Sterling. A therapist would likely surmise that, due to his childhood speech problems and lack of any comprehension in school, he took up art as a way to express himself.

“The understated passion some artists leave on a canvas, sculpture or simple line sketch has always intrigued me. Why do some people paint pictures and others leave part of their soul on a canvas?” Jon wonders.

“I believe that creativity emerges from the primal part of the artist; the core of oneʼs being where hunger, sexuality, and even the instinctive sense of the supernatural originate.”

Jon’s parents recognized

his abilities, nurtured his art interests in school, took him to shows on the weekends and signed him up for private art lessons. As he matured, the speech problems disappeared and his grasp of school developed. His Dixon High School art teacher inspired him to study art in college.

Jon graduated from Northern Illinois University in 1989 with a bachelor of fine arts degree in ceramics but developed a passion for two-dimensional arts during his last year. After graduating, he worked with ceramics but also took up art photography, building up and displaying his portfolio.

Jon soon found himself working for well-known Midwest sculptor Jeff Adams. Jon gained experience with clay sculpture, high-temperature ceramic processes/equipment, painting and welding, etc., plus familiarity working with figurative sculpture. He recognized how the smallest gesture, line and form can trigger subtle responses.

Applying patinas to textured bronze sculptures developed

his sense of how the surface interacts with color and various application techniques.

“Constructing a painting allows for an entity that extends beyond itself,” Jon said. “The interplay of the image and substance expresses my sense of how the idealistic image is less than the imagination. What lies below the surface of a facade often bleeds through, exposing the flawed interior, yet still possessing an overall aesthetic quality that supports the concept.”

Since 2009, Jon has been combining his unique experiences in photography, sculpture and painting to explore the interactions with textured surfaces and alternative techniques. Jon works from his studio in Grand Detour. His recent work is regularly displayed at Baker Street Café in Dixon.

If you have any questions, please contact him at: jonwildman5@msn.com or visit his website at jonwildman.daportfolio. com. His work also can be seen on Facebook. Search “Jon Wildman-Artist.”

Photos by Paul Gierhart Jon Wildman shows off some of his many works of art in his studio in Grand Detour.

Since 2009, he has been combining photography, sculpture and painting to explore interactions with textured surfaces and alternative techniques.

Newnewly Website Promotes Local Authors created website is promot- and Vincent Hennings’ “Runner’s Rise: Road

A

ing members of the Sauk Creative Writer’s Group who have published books. The site (saukcreativewriters. simplesite.com) also features information about the group’s upcoming meetings, activities along with creative writing prompts and story telling tips.

“SCWG has been around about two-andhalf-years,” said Greg Smith, Dixon, the group’s organizer. “In that time we’ve organized creative writing workshops for children and teens.”

Information on where to buy Kay Clark’s “A Rite of Passage and Spiritual Journey”

to Pro” can be found on the web page.

“My hope is we’ll be able to use the site to promote future published works by other members as well as let the community learn about the group’s activities,” Smith said.

The group’s goal is to provide a way for writers to meet other writers and to help each other with their work. Members are working on novels, short stories, poetry.

SCWG meets 1 p.m. on the first and third Saturday of every month at 207 W. Third St., Dixon. For more information about the group, contact Greg Smith at wordsmyth07@ gmail.com.

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14

Spend A Day (Or Night) At The Museum Erika Blackburn SVS Writer

A

s the classrooms fill up and the seasons start to change, field trips are right around the corner. Since museum visits are a popular destination parents may want to give younger students an introduction before they arrive. One title with a high recognition factor is “The Night at the Museum”

by Milan Trenc, the inspiration for the wildly popular movie franchise. Jacqueline Preiss Weitzman and Robin Glasser’s gorgeously illustrated “You Can’t Take a Balloon…” series features wordless journeys and city history for famous institutions in New York, Boston

and Washington, D.C. “The Girl in the Castle Inside the Museum” by Kate Bernheimer may remind readers of a display at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, while acclaimed children’s writer Anthony Browne’s “The Shape Game” tells the story of the museum trip which led to his love of drawing and may inspire a new favorite pastime for readers as well.

“How the Sphinx Got to the Museum,” the first title in a series by Jessie Hartland, explains just how many people are responsible for getting each piece into a museum’s collection.

Fans of E.L. Konigsburg’s classic “From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler” should

try “Chasing Vermeer” by Blue Balliett and may recognize some of the Chicago settings. Laura Marx Fitzgerald’s “Under the Egg” also presents readers with a mystery along with a very resourceful heroine named Theodora Tenpenny.

“Wonderstruck” by Brian Selznick tells one part of its story through beautiful drawings and the other as a classic chapter book. Young Adult readers may find themselves drawn to “Heist Society” by Ally Carter, the first in a series about a teenage girl trying to distance herself from her family of con artists. Historical fiction and magic collide in Libba Bray’s “The Diviners,” while Egyptology is a theme shared by “Reawak-

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September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

ened” by Colleen Houck and “Wrapped” by Jennifer Bradbury.

Adults can get in on the fun as well. “Fundraising the Dead,” the first book in Sheila Connolly’s Museum Mysteries series, follows Pennsylvania museum fundraiser Nell Pratt as she turns amateur detective, while the first book in Douglas Preston and Lee Child’s Agent Pendergast series, “Relic,” also features an austere setting. A long-forgotten automaton is the key set piece for the generation-hopping “The Chemistry of Tears”

by Peter Carey. Nonfiction fans will enjoy a glimpse behind the scenes of the Smithsonian and its history in “Dinosaurs in the Attic,” also by Douglas Preston, or take an international trip with “Dry Store Room No. 1: The Secret Life of the Natural History Museum”

by Richard Fortey. For readers interested in how museums verify their masterpieces, “Priceless: How I Went Undercover to Rescue the World’s Stolen Treasures” was written by Robert K. Wittman, the founder of the FBI’s art crime team, and “The Rescue Artist: A True Story of Art, Thieves, and the Hunt for a Missing Masterpiece” by Edward Dolnick delves into the shadier side of the art world.

Photo by Carol Chandler

Milledgeville Man Uses Corn Cobs, Spark Plugs For Toys, Recycled Art Carol Chandler SVS Writer

R

ussell Schryver of Milledgeville has a unique

hobby.

“Someone saw one of my decorated ears of corn at Dixon Ford and called me, and I made some more,” he said.

The ears of corn are painted red, white, and blue to resemble the American flag.

Russell also started decorating buck saw blades.

These are the big, circular blades that are hooked to a tractor for large cutting

jobs. Then people started bringing him more of these huge blades to decorate.

But a second story begins here; Russell says, “About five years ago a guy from Chicago that I met [at the fairgrounds] gave me an airplane made of a spark plug. He had made them plain, but when I make them I paint them bright colors. It takes about 3-4 hours for each one.”

He also makes toy tractors all from scratch with the body made from an ear of corn. These take about a week to complete.

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15

September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

SVCC Celebrates National Hispanic Heritage Month

S

uccess at Sauk Valley Community College is achieved by students of all ages and cultural backgrounds. As a testament to the rich diversity of our students, Sauk observes National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 through October. First instituted by President Lyndon Johnson in 1968, and later expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988, this is a time to celebrate the generations of Hispanic Americans who have enriched Sauk and our communities.

At SVCC we see this month as a time to emphasis the possibilities available through Sauk for all of our students, including our many first-generation and returning students. Sometimes the hardest part about succeeding in higher education is just getting started. At Sauk, we work to make the first steps toward college as seamless and anxiety-free as possible.

I have said this many times, and I am sure I will say it many times more – I am truly proud of the SVCC faculty and staff who are out in the community every day, delivering our services and a

David Hellmich SVCC President

message of hope to prospective students and families.

One such person is Ana Salgado, Sauk’s Coordinator of Student Activities and Cross Cultural Services.

Ana has spent years building bridges to help prospective students and their families realize the dream of a better life through higher education.

This fall, thanks to a FUSE (Families United for a Strong Education) grant from the Walmart Community Grants Team and Facility # 7024, Ana will collaborate with the Immigrant Family Coordinator of the YWCA to offer two sessions and a field trip to help families overcome barriers that limit their suc-

cess and expose students to higher educational opportunities while uniting them as a family.

FUSE is a bilingual program offered to Hispanic English language learners from Dixon, Rock Falls, and Sterling. Its goal is to assist families in setting higher educational goals, improving their quality of life, and increasing communication between family members.

Topics offered this fall are 4H club opportunities and science activities presented by the University of Illinois Extension, health awareness and immigration information for adults, dual credit and college planning information, and cultural activities with a light meal at each session. This is just one of the ways that Sauk’s faculty and staff help motivate and engage.

I hope you will help Sauk celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and make sure to give the Sauk float a big wave in the upcoming Fiesta Day Parade, Sept. 10.

I will be walking with Reynolds, my English Springer Spaniel, so give him a friendly pat on the head as well.

YMCA Names New Youth Director

T

he Sterling-Rock Falls Family YMCA announced the appointment of Tony Castillo as youth development director.

In this role, Castillo will lead youth programs, including after-school, summer day camp and the 21st Century Community Learning Center Program. He will also administer all of the Y’s Community Outreach programming, including multiple food sites that provide free meals for youth.

“A longtime resident of Sterling, Castillo’s education, experience and deep roots in the community make him a natural fit for the role,” said Keri Olson, branch operations director.

TONY CASTILLO

“What inspires me most about Tony is his level of engagement and dedication to the Y and kids in the community,” said Andy Thornton, executive director at the Y. “He will provide leadership to the areas of summer learning loss, hunger prevention and community outreach.

We are eager for Tony to begin!”

A graduate of Western Illinois University, Castillo most recently served as the Y’s Coordinator of Out of School Time programming.

He has had a long career with the Y, beginning seven years ago working at the member services desk.

“I believe deeply in the Y cause and look forward to connecting even more young people, families and volunteers to the life-changing difference the Y can make,” says Castillo.

A stepfather to two and father to one on the way, Castillo enjoys movies, comics, politics and spending time with his wife, Dawn and family.

SAUK VALLEY

COMMUNITY

CONCERT ASSOCIATION Celebrating Our 25th Season

Join Today!

Join SVCCA today! Visit www.svcca.org or call Roberta at 815.677.6676 for a membership form. Sauk Valley Community Concert Assocation brings the finest professional music to Dixon, Rock Falls and Sterling at an amazingly affordable price. The 2016-2017 SEASON includes a BONUS CONCERT. Plus attend reciprocal concerts in Freeport and Ottawa at no charge.

Bravissimo Broadway

September 30, 2016 • Dixon High School

Featuring O Sole Trio, a vibrant musical ensemble that has garnered rave reviews from audiences and critics alike

Piano Conversations with Julian Gargiulo November 7, 2016 • Sterling High School

A dynamic classical pianist rendering compositions of the masters with extraordinary passion and precision

Rhythm Future Quartet

March 21, 2017 • Abiding Word Church, Sterling

Dynamic and fiery arrangements of Gypsy jazz standards and original compositions

BONUS 25TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT!

Illinois Brass Band

April 9, 2017 • Historic Dixon Theatre

Exciting brass music from a wide variety of genres

America’s Roots of Pop

May 14, 2017 • Location TBA

Featuring the Dave Bennett Quartet, a full repertoire of swing and rock ‘n’ roll to country, Elvis and the Beatles

16

September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Goal: Enhance Education W

elcome to the inaugural issue of Sauk Valley Community College’s student newspaper. President Harry Truman said, “You can never get all the facts from just one newspaper, and unless you have all the facts, you cannot make proper judgements about what is going on.” Making proper judgments is important to us at Sauk. I am pleased Professor Tom Irish has taken the lead to launch the college’s student newspaper, and I am pleased Judy Bell and The Sauk Valley Sun are partnering with us for its publication.

The goal of this newspaper is to add facts and opinions to the public discourse as viewed

through the eyes of Sauk’s students, faculty and staff. This view often will be consistent with mainstream community views as the college’s students, faculty, and staff are our neighbors. At times, however, this view will challenge conventional thought as critical inquiry is a cornerstone of Sauk’s collegiate experience.

Another goal for this student newspaper, as with all student newspapers, is to enhance the educational experience for the student editors and writers by giving them the opportunity to create a real newspaper. Learning about journalism is not the

same as being a journalist. At Sauk, we are always looking to make education as real and relevant to our students as possible.

Will everyone agree with all facts and opinions presented in this student publication?

No. Will I agree with all facts and opinions presented in this student publication? Not likely. Even so, this newspaper will reflect Sauk’s value that education is the single best means of improving the quality of people’s lives, and in so doing, this newspaper will respect the worth and dignity of all people.

About 68 percent of students are under 24 years of age.

The youngest full-time student is 16 years old.

The oldest full-time student is 87 years old.

The ethnicity profile reflects 82 percent white, 12 percent

Hispanic, 4 percent black and 2 percent undeclared.

More facts in next month's issue ...

David Hellmich SVCC President

SVCC Facts You May Want To Know

S

auk Valley Community College celebrated its 50th anniversary last year. Here are some facts about the college: SVCC offers approximately 64 associate degrees and 55 certificates.

SVCC employs 46 full-time faculty and 114 adjunct faculty and enjoys a 21:1 student/faculty ratio.

During the fall and spring semesters, SVCC has approximately 2500 students enrolled in classes.

Full-time students comprise about 55 percent of the total.

Name Our Student Newspaper; Win Prizes And Honor Legacy Tom Irish Faculty Advisor

T

he next Sauk Valley Community College newspaper will be published next month with a new name and logo designed, possibly, by you!

A contest to create the logo and name is open to faculty, staff and students of SVCC. The design should be tasteful and represent the college in a positive and professional manner.

Design entries must be emailed to Tom Irish at studentpaper@svcc.edu before Sept. 15. Submissions should be a high-resolution .jpg or a vector file such as an .eps file in full color, with an approximate 4:1 size ratio. Please name the e-mail “newspaper contest.”

The winning entry will be selected by a majority vote of the faculty advisor and student newspaper staff members shortly after the close of the contest.

The new logo will appear on the October issue along with the announcement of the contest prize winner. First prize for the name is a $50 Applebee’s gift certificate. Second place gets a $25 gift certificate. Prizes for first and second place for the logo are a $50 and a $25 Applebee’s gift certificate, respectively.

Interested students are also encouraged to participate in the production of the paper as writers, page designers, editors, photographers, administration, etc. The newspaper will be produced entirely

by SVCC students and staff advisors.

The student newspaper will be published monthly through a special arrangement with the Sauk Valley Sun and distributed free throughout the campus and the Sauk Valley. The new SVCC newspaper will also appear as an insert in the standard edition of the Sauk Valley Sun, giving the SVCC newspaper a circulation of approximately 28,000. This makes it one of the largest circulations of student-produced newspapers in Illinois.

Address any questions about the paper or the contest to the newspaper’s advisor, Tom Irish, at the studentpaper@svcc.edu.

Faculty Advisor: Student Newspaper Is A Milestone And Opportunity Tom Irish Faculty Advisor

A

s most of you probably know, journalism has had a turbulent history over the past 100 years, to say the least. We no longer live in a world of yellow journalism, scratchy radio broadcasts and pre-teen newspaper carriers.

Sauk’s journalistic history has changed a lot in the 50 years since the college was founded, as well.

The previous versions of our stu-

dent newspaper, the Voyager and the Redtail, served a number of purposes during their respective times here, and they are remembered fondly by all.

This inaugural edition of the latest version of the Sauk student newspaper is not only a milestone in Sauk history, but also an opportunity. A good newspaper with passionate readers and staff can serve to unite us as a school, and help bring the community to a better understanding of who we are and what we do at Sauk.

Read Professor Tom Irish’s Biography ... page SVCC-2

If we want the best from this newspaper, we will need readers.

Read the paper regularly, both in the print versions that will be available for free on campus and in the Sauk Valley Sun, and online (coming soon). Also, please recommend the paper to your family and friends so they can get a sense of what’s going on here at Sauk.

Maybe most importantly, get involved. Take journalism classes

if you can. If not, join the student organization to write, edit and be a member of the newspaper staff.

If you’re not a writer, talk to us.

Send us your comments, questions, story ideas and feedback on our work. This newspaper is as new to most of us on the staff as it will be to you, so help us to know what you want or need from your newspaper.

As the faculty advisor of this publication, my door is always open. I will be happy to talk during my office hours (available on the Sauk website), and emails sent to

me with the subject line “about the newspaper” will get my immediate attention.

Officially, I’d like to thank the Sauk Valley Sun for partnering with us. I’d also like to acknowledge the contributions of Sauk’s President David Hellmich and Vice President Jonathan Mandrell.

We hope you look forward to reading the newspaper as much as we look forward to producing it.

Tom Irish is the advisor for the newspaper. Email studentpaper@ svcc.edu.

SVCC-2

September 2016 • www.svcc.edu • Sauk Valley Community College Student News

Campus Map First Floor

PROF. TOM IRISH

Profile: Tom Irish, English Professor

T

This map represents the current campus as well as spaces envisioned for the future.

Second Floor

Third Floor

om Irish, professor of English and recently appointed faculty advisor of the new SVCC student newspaper recalls, “When I began teaching at SVCC in 2005, a student newspaper existed but never endured more than a few years at a time.

Yet giving the students an opportunity to voice their opinion and develop the skills of producing a newspaper is a tremendous learning asset. I was delighted with the administration’s recent commitment to establish a permanent newspaper and look forward to being part of this important project.”

Tom was born and raised in the Quad Cities. He graduated from Moline High School before attending Illinois State University, where he earned a bachelor of arts with a major in English and a minor in writing. He earned his master’s degree in English from Western Illinois University in 2001.

At SVCC Tom has taught composition, developmental writing, introduction to fiction and creative writing.

He has been the advisor of the student arts publication, “The Works.”

Tom lives in Davenport, Iowa, is married and has a daughter and a son in grade school. His hobbies include writing and reading fiction and poetry, playing games, and spending time with extended family and friends inside and outside the Quad Cities area.

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September 2016 • www.svcc.edu • Sauk Valley Community College Student News

SVCC-3

Students: Take Advantage of College Services

S

auk Valley Community College is committed to providing students with effective support systems to facilitate their success and empower their learning. These systems and services provide the links to a successful educational experience.

Student Services

The Student Services Center provides a one-stop location for the services most frequented by students, including admission, registration, academic advising and financial assistance. Located on the main floor near the West Mall entrance, the center provides comprehensive information to help students with college processes, planning and decision-making to aid in their success. The dedicated staff in the center can help you: • Apply for admission and financial aid • Seek academic support • Utilize self-service tools • Make a tuition payment

Advisors

Academic Advisors are available to answer questions or aid in course selection. Contact 815-835-6354 for more information or to make an appointment with a counselor.

For Veterans

Veterans can apply for educational benefits and financial aid. Veterans needing information about which benefits to apply for or assistance with the application process should see the Veterans Certifying Official in the Office of Financial Assistance, room 1G12.

TRIO

TRIO is a federally funded, student-oriented program that offers supportive services to help enrolled participants achieve success.

Eligibility for the program requires meeting one of the following criteria: • First-generation college

student (meaning neither parent has a bachelor’s degree) • Low income – eligible for financial aid • Student with a disability Each TRIO participant is assigned an academic coach (advisor) who offers students the kind of support necessary to take them from enrollment through graduation/transfer.

Coaches are dedicated to providing individualized assistance that will enhance the academic, professional and personal potential of the students in the TRIO program.

TRIO services are located in room 1D5, under the auspices of Dr. Lori A. Cortez, program director. Call 815835-6268 for further information.

Learning Commons

The Learning Commons, located in 3L01 and administered by Jane E. Verbout, coordinator, provides tutoring, instructional materials and other academic resources.

The goal of Learning Commons Tutoring is to help meet the academic needs of students by supplementing their classroom instruction with tutoring, instructional materials and equipment.

Normal hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tutoring is regularly available in the following academic areas: mathematics, accounting, biology, chemistry, CIS, statistics, physics, psychology and economics. One-on-one assistance in study skills is also available. Tutoring schedules are available in the Learning Commons. The tutoring service is free, and no appointment is necessary. For more information, call 815-8356293 or email lac@svcc.edu.

Business/ Career Services

Business Services/Career Services, located in room 3K14, can help in developing skills to market your

education by providing the following services at no cost to all SVCC students: • Resume writing and reviewing your resume • Cover letter and follow-up letter writing • Assisting in interviewing techniques • Soft skills enhancement • Job applications and essentials, with resources for job possibilities • Marketing your skills to potential employers Career Placement Services has a wide variety of resources to assist with identifying career opportunities for full-time jobs, part-time jobs and internships. Methods to find upto-date information on the latest job market trends, to acquire work experience and to develop job search skills are offered to ease the school-to-work transition.

For more information call Anita Carney, Employer Services coordinator, at 815-835-6294 or email her at anita.j.carney@svcc.edu.

Disability Support

The Disability Support Office, located in room 1F25, provides special services for students with disabilities while attending SVCC. Students requiring accommodations must meet with the coordinator and apply for supportive help.

For general information, call 815-835-6220. To apply for assistance, contact Sandra Geiseman, coordinator of Disability Support, in room 1F27 or at 815835-6246.

Business Office

The Business Office, located in room 3K10, under the direction of Melissa Dye, dean of business services, administers tuitions and fees and manages accounts payable, payroll and general accounting for the college. Locker rentals are available each semester on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Call 815-835-6295 for information on tuition rates and payment options.

The business office is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Library

The Library is available to the entire community.

The SVCC Library offers resources and services to students and employees of the college, as well as residents of the Sauk Valley Community College District, for education, information and enjoyment.

All current students and employees have a library account that is activated when the individual obtains a library card. Accounts

are active during academic terms and may be extended between terms at the request of the individual.

Students and employees may borrow books, magazines and journals, videos and music from the library; request items through interlibrary loan; and access online resources, such as eBooks and research databases, from off-campus.

All residents of the Sauk Valley Community College District who are at least 16 years old and who hold a valid driver’s license or other state-issued I.D. are eligible for a free library card.

Cards may be renewed on an annual basis pending proof of continued residence.

The library is open on the following days and times: • Fall and Spring Semesters: Monday through Thursday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Summer Session: Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

A trained staff is available to help with your inquiry.

815-835-6247 Email lrc@svcc.edu Melanie Armstrong, Director (ext.

306); melanie.s.armstrong@svcc. edu Linda Dhaese, Coordinator of Technical Services (ext.

210); linda.s.dhaese@svcc.edu

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SVCC-4

September 2016 • www.svcc.edu • Sauk Valley Community College Student News

Online Learning System Upgraded As Demand For Online Courses Increases

Skyhawk Head Coaches and Athletics Director share the well-earned Arrowhead Conference All-Sport Award for the second year in a row last year. Pictured (l-r) are Christopher Davis, baseball; Jay Howell, volleyball; Sarah Kipping, tennis; Russ Damhoff, athletics director and men’s basketball; Noel Aponte, softball; Jed Johnson, golf and women’s basketball; and Mike Sullivan, cross country.

A

Sports Expected To Continue To Do Well Len Michaels Sauk Valley Sun Liaison

T

he mythical Skyhawk bird is a strong, fast, driven creature that is fierce yet cooperative with others.

This can be said of our athletes, as well. We take pride in our athletics as we offer 10 sports (five men’s and five women’s) at the highest level of the National Junior

College Athletic Association (NJCAA) competition.

Programs are sponsored for baseball, basketball, softball, golf, volleyball and tennis.

President of SVCC, Dr. David Hellmich commented: “The philosophy of Skyhawk Athletics is reflected in the words of long-time Athletics Director, Russ Damhoff, who stresses the importance of values like teamwork, mental tough-

ness, focus and the ability to overcome obstacles.

“The depth of talent displayed by our teams is impressive. But, I am most proud of the important balance our student-athletes strike between work in the classroom and on the fields of play. The athletics staff strives to ensure that the Sauk experience is challenging and rewarding... both athletically and academically.

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“In 2015-16, Skyhawk Athletics had one, if not the best year in the college’s 50-year history. This will be tough to top, but I have every confidence that the very values I mentioned earlier— teamwork, mental toughness, focus and the ability to overcome obstacles—will carry our student-athletes and Skyhawk Athletics to victory once again.”

Athletics Director Russ Damhoff concurred: “After a record-breaking 50th anniversary season in 2015-16 that saw every fall sport send either individuals or teams to the NJCAA Nationals, watch for the Skyhawks to do more of the same in 2016-17.

“It will be exciting watching our Skyhawk athletes and teams give us special performances again this season. As a Skyhawk fan, your ongoing support at our events gives our student-athletes a big advantage over the opposition.”

ll online courses at SVCC now employ the Canvas Learning Management System, which replaces the previous Moodle System.

Known for easy navigation and convenient mobile applications, Canvas provides instructors with innovative tools for audio and video integration, discussions, assessment, grading and more.

Through open, usable, cloud-based technologies, Canvas enables easy integration of the content, tools and services that teachers need and students want.

Sauk students can utilize both Android and IOS devices, including cell phones and tablets to view courses and grades, view and submit assignments,

participate in course discussions and take quizzes. Course instructors can utilize new audio and video features to make class announcements, deliver instructions about assignments and provide personal, individualized comments regarding student work.

For more information about SVCC’s transition to Canvas, contact Greg Noack, 815-835-6434, gregory.r.noack@svcc.edu.

The administration aggressively evaluates evolving teaching technologies such as online courses as important factors in the institution’s continuing growth. However, the traditional classroom learning setting will most likely remain the primary learning platform for the foreseeable future.

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©Sauk Valley Community College Student News 2016 Faculty Editorial Advisor: Tom Irish, Professor of English, SVCC Faculty Design & Layout Advisor: Jenny Bumba, Senior Graphic Designer, SVCC ADVISORY BOARD Dr. David Hellmich, President, SVCC Dr. Jon D. Mandrell, Vice President of Academics and Student Services, SVCC Dr. Steve Nunez, Vice President of Research, Planning and Information Affairs, SVCC Len Michaels P.E., Liaison, Sauk Valley Sun The opinions expressed in the Sauk Valley Sun do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sauk Valley Sun staff or advertisers.

Advertising Policy: Acceptance of an advertisement by Sauk Valley Community College Student Newspaper does not necessarily constitute an endorsement of its sponsors or the products offered. We will not knowingly publish advertisements that are fraudulent, libelous, misleading or contrary to the policies of Sauk Valley Community College Student Newspaper. We reserve the right to reject any advertisement we find unsuitable. Please direct all advertising inquiries and correspondence to sauksun@gmail.com.

Editorial Contributions and Letters to the Editor: Please submit all correspondence by e-mail at thomas.r.irish@svcc.edu. All correspondence must be dated and signed and include the writer’s full address and phone number in order to be considered for publication. All editorial content is subject to editing to the publication’s format. Maximum word count for letters is 250.

17

September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Installing Linux: Teaching An Old PC New Tricks

A

n old laptop and I have learned a few new tricks and have found a way to work together for a few more years. I did it by switching from Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system to Linux. What I’ve discovered is the open-source operating system isn’t nearly as mysterious or scary as some would have you believe.

Why Linux?

puter. A little homework will spare you hours of frustration. My first lesson is don’t bother with a dual operating system. I tried, but my frustration got the better of me. My best advice is to bite the bullet, get rid of Windows and jump feet first into Linux.

Considerations

Greg Smith SVS Contributor

Most Linux versions, and there are many, require less memory and slower processor speeds than Windows.

With Windows the old PC was sluggish and froze up a lot. Since installing the new operating system the computer runs faster and I’ve yet found a way to crash it.

Linus Torvalds created Linux in 1991 while in college. Since then the operating systems has been available for free for others

to update and modify to fit their needs. I selected a version called Linux Mint (linuxmint.com) because several websites said it was good for beginners. Even though the program is free, you can donate to support future improvements and upgrades.

Before I go any further, I should caution that switching to Linux is not for everyone or even every com-

How comfortable are you going into the tall grass of PC technology? If acronyms and words such as HDMI, ethernet and BIOS scare you, then don’t do it. Stay with what you know.

If you do decide to change, save anything on your hard drive you want to keep onto a CD, DVD or a memory stick. Reformatting your hard drive and installing Linux will wipe out everything.

Another decision is what type of software you like to use. If you’re attached

to Microsoft’s Office or the company’s browser, then don’t bother. There are several free Linuxcompatible Web browsers, office packages, and word processors. But they’re not the same thing. I use LibreOffice (libreoffice. org), which allows me to open and save documents in Microsoft Office formats.

Another popular free office package is Apache OpenOffice (openoffice. org). If all you want is a word processor and you don’t need to share documents with others, you may want to check out Abiword (abiword.org).

The first thing you want to do is learn if your com-

puter can handle Linux. Just like Windows, there are requirements for the amount of RAM, hard-drive space and processor speeds. The big difference is most versions of Linux require less.

Most newer Linux versions include a checklist to help determine if your PC is compatible. If connecting to Wi-Fi is important, you’ll want to make sure the Linux you install can log on without a cable. Our son had to connect his Linux computer to the Internet via cable in order to get the software needed to use WiFi. However, I had no problem.

You can download Linux onto a memory stick or a DVD. CDs don’t have

enough memory to do the job. I had some problems getting the program I downloaded to work. I eventually gave in and purchased a DVD. I consider it money well spent. All I had to do was insert the disk and click on the program, and Linux did the rest. It formated the hard drive, installed the operating system and some software. However, I could have saved the less than $10 I spent for the DVD and shipping if I had spent more time watching how-to videos available on youtube. com.

So is Linux for you and your old PC? That depends.

All I can say is I’m happy with my decision.

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Why Don’t They Answer The Phone?

I

t seems to me that my kids don't want to answer their cell phones, even when they can see that it's me calling.

Now, I realize that there are times when people shouldn't answer their phones. They could be in the shower, driving, in a meeting, sleeping or somewhere that answering a phone isn’t practical.

Then there are plenty of people who, when that cell phone rings, look at who is calling and let it go to voicemail. They will call back when it suits them.

Smartphones have revolutionized the way we communicate, and it's not all good. The problem is that people pick and choose how and when they interact with others, and speaking seems to be low on the list.

If I call my kids, they may not get back to me for hours or even days; but if I text them, they reply immediately. It’s as though speaking voice-to-voice is

Marc Helf

SVS Contributor

some old-fashioned curiosity, even though it often accomplishes more with less misunderstanding.

“No more trying to find time to call and chit-chat” is how one person described the appeal of texting over talking.

But the problem is what’s lost when that chit-chat stops. Psychologists studying the impact of texting express concern about young people, who are voracious users of technology, because their interpersonal skills are

not yet fully formed.

Most adults today had well-developed social skills when cell phones first became available; their ability to have a face-to-face conversation was pretty well locked in. Not so with teens.

MIT Psychologist Sherry Turkle, a leading researcher looking into the effects of texting on interpersonal development, believes that having a conversation with another person teaches kids to think, reason and self-reflect To be sure, texting is convenient and quick. But there are times when a text message is just inadequate. You need to speak and listen to each other. The text message is clearly here to stay, and even we older parents and grandparents need to know how to use it.

But when your phone rings and you see that it's your mom or dad, try answering. They actually like hearing the sound of your voice.

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18

The Life Of A Weather Intern Andrew Stutzke Meteorologist, saukvalleyweather.com

I

nterning at a local TV station was better than I had imagined. I showed up at the CBS affiliate WHBF in Rock Island with images of coffee runs and doughnuts. My expectation came from watching the roles of interns depicted on television; the errand runners, doers of work considered inconvenient but necessary for the place to function. I’m happy those TV depictions didn’t come true, at least not for me.

Late last fall I began my

endeavor by reaching out to several local TV stations.

Several weeks later, I received an email with an opportunity. Yes. Finally. Andy McCray, chief meteorologist for Local 4 WHBF agreed to put up with me for the summer.

I’ve been to TV stations before, so I wasn’t a total stranger to the situation, however, that was several years ago. Now there is more technology than before, including very sharp high-definition equipment.

My first week began in June, and this is when the magic began. I jumped into learning the ropes of a com-

puter system that I had never touched or even seen before, learning the ins and outs of putting together a broadcast weather presentation, seeing how different elements fit into the actual newscast, of which the station did at least four in the afternoon alone.

Whew.

A lot of thought and effort goes on behind the scenes before what people see goes on TV. We checked the community calendar frequently in order to highlight how the day’s weather would impact popular outdoor events. It isn’t as simple as just copying down a forecast. One must carefully piece together

a weather story, making sure each element flows with the next. It was quite a process.

Not only was I fortunate enough to work with such an experienced meteorologist like Andy, but I also had the opportunity to work alongside the weekend meteorologist, Ashe Simpson, who gave me some very helpful insights, as this was his first TV job out of college. There was a lot of invaluable advice that I’ll carry with me.

At the end August I had to say goodbye. I’ve learned and grown so much personally over these past three months. I’ll be forever grateful to the fine folks at Local

September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Andrew Stutzke, meteorologist, (second from left) with Chief Meteorologist Andy McCray and News Anchors Tiffany Lundberg and Jim Niedelman from WHBF-TV.

4 for the experience I’ve had and I look forward to new opportunities in the near future.

Have an idea or question for next month’s article?

E-mail me at andrew@ saukvalleyweather.com.

Sleuth Finds Facts About Dixon, Rock Falls and Sterling Carol Chandler SVS Writer

Dixon

Fort Dixon once stood on the north bank of the Rock River in what is now known as President’s Park. The park contains the only known likeness of a young Abraham Lincoln in military uniform.

The fort at one time or another was occupied by Winfield Scott, famous Union general; Zachary Taylor, major general and later 12th president of the United States; Robert Anderson, brigadier general for the Union forces; Abraham Lincoln, 16th president of the United States; and

Jefferson Davis, later president of the Confederate States of America.

Dixon’s stone arches were built from 1852 to 1854 by the Illinois Central Railroad and are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The large boulder on the grounds of the old courthouse in Dixon marks where Abraham Lincoln addressed a crowd in 1856.

The arch over South Galena Avenue was erected in 1919 in honor of the veterans of World War I. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and originally contained the words, “A grateful people pause in their welcome to the

victorious living to pay silent tribute to the illustrious dead.” On the reverse side was placed the words, “We welcome all that served.”

Rock Falls

A town called Rapids City was platted on the south bank of the Rock River in the mid-1800s. It failed and the plat was vacated in 1857. In 1867 A. P. Smith platted a town in the same area and called it Rock Falls.

Louie Bellson, world-famous drummer, was born in Rock Falls in 1924 and was the creator of the double bass drum kit.

On Feb. 26, 1869, it was resolved

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that “no license for saloons should be granted.”

There was a mitten and glove factory on East Third just off First Avenue, built in 1869. After more than 100 years the building was torn down and is now a parking lot.

At one time it employed 80 girls.

The Keystone Co. was organized in 1870. After the death of one of the partners the name was changed to International Harvester Company.

Sterling

Sterling was formerly called “The Hardware Capital of the World.”

The towns of Chatham and Harrisburg were combined and became Sterling.

The Lincoln-Mahan Home was part of the founding of the Republican Party in Illinois and involved in the Underground Railroad.

Sterling, Nebraska and Sterling, Colorado were both named after Sterling, Illinois by former residents who traveled west.

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September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Community Profile

Tourism Promoted In Four Counties Katie Gvozdjak SVS Intern

B

lackhawk Waterways Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (BWCVB) promotes tourism-related businesses and local-area attractions within Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties and serves as a tourism destination for visitors.

For those looking to travel to the area, BWCVB has a variety of itineraries and getaway packages available that are likely to satisfy any occasion.

They provide information on area lodging, entertainment, shopping and dining options, as well as other local events occurring each month. Their 48-page visitor guide, which is distributed each year, serves as a useful resource for upcoming events and activities in the four-county region.

Although the non-profit has promoted the four counties since 1992, according to a history handout on BWCVB, the orga-

nization originally started as the Ogle Tourism and Recreation Bureau in 1986. After applying for state certification to be a certified CVB, Ogle County did not meet the requirement of having a minimum of 500 rooms. Lee and Whiteside counties were then invited to join the Bureau.

The three-county Convention and Visitors Bureau was created and the name was changed to Rock River Convention and Visitors Bureau. In 1992 Carroll County petitioned to join the Bureau and the name was changed to Blackhawk Waterways Convention and Visitors Bureau. The non-profit has been promoting the area ever since and has received numerous awards over the years, including the Illinois Governor’s Award for Excellence in Tourism in 2014.

For more information on BWCVB and tourism opportunities, visit their website at visitnorthwestillinois.com or contact them at 815946-2108.

19

Travel Industry Continues To Grow BWCVB: Tourism Spending Topped $167M

travel, and it’s important that we keep telling our story to the travelling public. As I’ve been saying all along, the Blackhawk Waterways region is a great destination for those looking for a fun and relaxing getaway. Tourism plays an influential role in fueling our area’s economic growth and providing additional tax revenue.”

“Illinois has something for everyone to enjoy, from world-class museums and galleries, historic sites, and a rich cultural arts community to professional sports, outdoor recreation and beautiful vistas,” said Cory M. Jobe, director of the office of tourism. “Our tourism and hospitality industry

T

he Illinois Department of Commerce’s Office of Tourism announced recently that the tourism industry in Illinois achieved continued growth in 2015, with expenditures – the total amount of money travelers spend during their time in Illinois – topping $37 billion, a 2.6 percent increase from 2014. In addition, the industry created more than 10,000 new jobs in 2015, a 3.5 percent increase from 2014. The jobs and revenue generated by the Illinois tourism industry support local communities and the growth of Illinois’ economy.

In the Blackhawk Waterways region, covering Carroll, Lee, Ogle and Whiteside counties, visitor expenditures reached $167 million in 2015. It was a 4.56 percent increase over the previous year, and lodging tax revenues were up 7.56 percent.

“The increase in tourism-related expenditures across our region in 2015 reinforces the importance of the work we do to spotlight

and ‘sell’ the unique travel offerings found across our four-county region,” said Diane Bausman, executive director of the Blackhawk Waterways CVB. “These statistics prove that our region has benefited from the nationwide surge in leisure

are Illinois’ greatest champions, drawing not only new visitors, but repeat travelers as well, in order to support and grow our local economies.”

These numbers, provided by the U.S. Travel Association, are only preliminary. Final visitor statistics will be available later this year.

The Illinois Office of Tourism directly supports the travel industry by promoting visitor travel both domestically and internationally to help grow the tourism industry throughout the state. The Illinois Office of Tourism is funded by a percentage of the state’s hotel motel tax revenue.

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September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

K-9 Center Director Says Job Was ‘Meant To Be’ Brenda Fiorini SVS Writer

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fter a few years of traveling long distances to take her dogs to agility centers, Debora Proctor of Sterling considered a local franchise of Zoom Room.

“When I learned of the new K-9 Enrichment Center that Granny Rose Animal Shelter was building, I approached them about working together,” said Deb. “It was meant to be.”

Deb is now the director of activities for the recently opened Granny Rose Animal Shelter K-9

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Enrichment Center. Deb is also a real estate agent for RE/MAX Sauk Valley in Sterling.

Her passion for dog handling began four years ago when she started her cockapoos, Joey and Dempsey, in obedience classes with Pat Mandernoch. Seeing

how rewarding it was for both her dogs and herself, Deb fell in love with dog handling and agility training.

“This is a part-time hobby for me, and it is so energizing,” said Deb. “I enjoy the athleticism, competition and teamwork in all of our experiences.”

Deb’s background in teaching and volunteer work gives her the necessary qualities to be a successful Enrichment Center director. She is excited to pull folks into an amazing avocation that she has found so gratifying: pets and people alike.

Photo by Ross Haley Debora Proctor, pictured with her cockpoos Dempsey (left) and Joey (right), is excited to be the director of the recently opened K-9 Enrichment Center at Granny Rose Animal Shelter, Dixon.

Deb is also involved with the non-profit Amos Fund that raises money to help

pay vet bills when pets have serious medical issues.

Her job as the new Enrichment Center director will include working with independent trainers, specialty groups, breeder groups and others to organize their workshops and programs. There will be something in which all ages get involved with their pets of all breeds. Deb explained that there are even programs for senior pets when they no longer are able to complete agility courses.

“Scent programs help older pets maintain an active life,” she said. “It’s important to provide stimulus for pets of all ages.”

Seminar Teaches Nine Steps To Communicating With Your Pet

I

t is possible to communicate with your pet friends. Recently, I had the fortunate experience of attending an Animal Communication and Spirituality class at the Healing Triad in Bloomingdale.

I was interested because my pet cat, Sebastian, had been diagnosed in December with chronic kidney failure. I wanted to know what I could do to help him with his diet and other needs.

Kay Clark

SVS Contributor

While concentrating on a photo of Sebastian, my

partner for this exercise “asked” him what he needed. He “told” her, “Fish.”

Within the next week, he had finished almost nine cans of cat food containing fish!

He also “told” her he loved me very much and appreciated the good care I had been giving him. I learned that anyone can learn to communicate with their pet. One doesn't need a degree to do this. It just takes time, patience, and practice.

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While at the class, I learned that animals are spiritual beings that possess earth energy. Certain animals are always around us, not necessarily just our pets. Each one of us has an animal totem. You may keep seeing certain birds or animals that you notice around you in your yard or when you are out and about. Some animals also enter our dreams.

A soul has an animal angel. They can send us pictures, or intuitiveness through our heart. It’s not verbal, but you just “know” these pictures are related to your animal totem. They will appear in your crown chakra or your head, in between your eyes. It’s an image in your third eye.

Anna Breytenbach has a video from the Awaken Academy on YouTube with a 10-minute meditation that will help you with this process.

In the case with Sebastian, I learned from the lady behind the counter at the Healing Triad that her cat had also been diagnosed with chronic kidney failure. She practiced Reiki (reekee) on her pet for two days, and that was 15 years ago! I told her I had done something similar with Se-

Nine Steps To Animal Communication

1. Get grounded. (Sit up with both feet flat on the ground and your hands on your lap.)

2. Get quiet. Use a meditation and/or a mantra.

(Just relaxing and clearing your mind will help.)

3. Set your intention. (What would you like to ask your pet?)

4. Visualize your pet (or use a photo if you’d like).

5. Say your pet’s name.

6. Visualize the animal coming to you on a white screen.

7. Ask if your pet will speak to you. (Get their permission.)

8. When finished, always thank the animal/pet for speaking with you.

9. Follow up on anything you promised them.

They never forget!

Do’s and Don’ts: Trust your intuition, your imagery and your animal friend. Explore it, if it seems right. Ask your pet if there is anything else they would like to communicate. Tell them you are happy they are communicating with you. Don’t discount anything your pet says, and don’t interpret the message. bastian, and she waved her hand as if to say, “Don’t worry” about Sebastian's health; he would be all right.

Reiki is a holistic approach to spiritual healing and works with your energies to open up your chakras (there are seven throughout your body). It’s amazing what we can do to heal ourselves.

You’ve heard of “laying

on of the hands.” Instead of suspending my hand over Sebastian's kidney area, I now rest my hand over that area and concentrate on sending healing energy and restoration of his body to complete health.

I also understand that by symbolically “pulling” out any pain with one hand and letting it go as if throwing it away from the body is also another method that works!

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September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Therapy Dogs Show Patients Power Of Love

Photos by Ross Haley Woody Wasson of Dixon and Kendall S., age 10 of Dixon brush through Willow's fur.

Willow is a therapy dog that works at St. Anthony Hospital in Rockford.

Woody takes her in for the patients to get some animal therapy.

Tommy the Papillon (photo at far left) is a certified Therapy Dog Evaluator under his owner Susan Jakobs for the past 10 years.

Tommy helps Susan test dogs and their owners to see who is compatible with dog therapy requirements such as temperament and control. Therapy dogs in this area can get extensive training from Susan in bedside manner for hospitals and care facilities.

Brenda Fiorini SVS Writer

I

t’s a proven fact that domestic animals can help people improve their health and well-being in many ways. There’s just something about a pet that helps one heal.

Certified therapy dogs and programs have become increasingly popular. Susan Jakobs, certified dog trainer and consultant, initiated “Love on a Leash” at CGH in 2012. Today, 16 dog handler teams visit the facility to bring comfort and joy to patients and their families. For 15 years Susan has worked as a dog coach and consultant to turn dogs into obedient, therapeutic animals for people. She has evaluated more than 5,000 dogs and handlers and registered more than 500 as service dogs.

Many of these dogs work in hospitals, schools or individual homes for people with special needs. Their commitment is huge but so rewarding and important.

“I have so many uplifting stories I could share,” said Jakobs. “Dogs help people open their eyes, walk again, smile, and even help families through their grieving.”

Jakobs especially remembers how her therapy dog visit to CGH with her own dog Tommy one day turned into therapy for herself.

“Right before my own mother passed away, my therapy dog shift at CGH helped pull my spirits back

up. This kind of work has a comforting effect, even for the dog handlers,” said Jakobs.

Susan has brought therapy dog programs to seven other hospitals besides CGH. Woody Wasson of Dixon and his collie, Willow, trained with Susan to volunteer for “Paws for Healing,” a pet therapy program at St. Anthony Hospital in Rockford. Wasson and Willow have participated for more than five years. They make the trip three times per month and, at the request of patients, enter rooms to lift their spirits and offer a bit of comfort. Willow is a gentle 7-year old Collie certified as a pet therapy dog. Woody and Willow have seen hundreds of patients over the years in five different wings of the hospital.

“Willow brings a smile to all their faces,” said Wasson, but he recalls one special lady, “She took a particular liking to Willow because she had once bred collies,” said Wasson. They visited her on different occasions over a few months.

“This woman’s condition

worsened and she became unresponsive,” said Wasson, “but before her passing, I remember our last visit. We placed her hand on Willow, her fingers moved through Willow’s fur, and a faint smile appeared on her face.”

Another patient at St. Anthony who underwent open heart surgery received regular visits from Willow and other therapy dogs.

“Upon leaving the hospital this patient carried all the dog’s cards home with him,” said Wasson, “It meant so much to him to keep their pictures, because they provided comfort during a difficult time.” It was evident that this patient was able to recover and cope much better with visits from the therapy dogs.

If you believe that you and your pet would be a good team for providing others with therapeutic comfort, call Susan at 815-590-8008 to schedule a free evaluation.

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September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Babson Horses Known And Loved Worldwide Duane Paulsen SVS Writer

T

he Babson Arabian Horse Farm, on West Edgewood Road just outside Grand Detour, was in existence from 1932 until 2000 when the horses and farm were sold.

Henry B. Babson, 18751967, grew up in Nebraska.

As a young man he participated in cattle drives, and was impressed with the endurance of Arabian horses the cowboys rode, resulting in a life-long love affair.

Babson arrived in Chicago in 1893 and worked at the Columbian Exhibition, demonstrating nickelodeons. He acquired the

nickname "The Yankee Trader" when he traveled in China, selling phonographs from a rickshaw. He was a born salesman, and bought out the company he was working for, and eventually established Babson Brothers Company, selling everything from watches to cream separators.

In 1926 Babson began his quest to raise Arabian horses by buying 130 acres of land along Rock River.

Several cabins were moved or built on the site for the manager and the Babson family.

In 1930 Babson traveled in Europe and visited several famous Arabian horse farms, and in 1932 acquired five horses from

the Royal Agricultural Society's Kafr Farouk Stud Farm in Egypt. One of the stallions, Fadl, was used at stud from 1932 until his death in 1955, and sired 74 foals. He was described as "all things to all men: endurance winner, polo pony, harness and pleasure horse, sire and child's mount." He was even used to plow the garden at the Babson farm.

Five more Arabians purchased by Babson while on an European tour were imported in 1938. The Babson barns were especially built for the needs of horses. In 1935 the main barn was built with a 25-foot tanbark alleyway that extended nearly 143 feet with two complimentary banks

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of eight stalls facing the alleyway. Attached to the barn was an apartment with a fireplace, where guests could stay and watch the horses through windows opening into the center aisle.

A second barn, 125 feet long with 15 box stalls, was built in 1937. In 1976 and again in 1982, 10-stall mare barns were built. All the barns were patterned after the original.

All the outbuildings were sided with cypress lumber, and it was said that there was only one knot in the entire batch of lumber used in the original building.

By the late 1930s there

were 25 pure Arabian horses under the management of George Cason. Cason left Babson Farm in 1942.

Homer Watson was manager from 1946 to 1990 when John Vogel, who first came on as a horse-shoer, managed until the end in 2000.

For many years Babson Arabians were entered in competitions and horse shows. Babson horses were exhibited at the Lee County Fair and Horse Shows at Assembly Park in the late 1930s.

One entered the farm via a well-groomed curving lane, with tall, stone columns on either side of the entrance. The farm itself

had the appearance of a park, tidy and clean, with many mature trees. The main barn is cathedral-like, and one walked in on a wide crushed limestone alleyway that was raked every day. The beautiful Arabian horses in stalls were always up for a nose rub.

The hushed atmosphere made a person feel like he or she was in the presence of something wonderful-and it was so.

At the time of its closing, the Babson Farm was the oldest continuous commercial Arabian breeding farm in America as well as being the oldest Arabian horse farm with only one owner.

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September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Assembly Park An Important Part Of Dixon's History Carol Chandler SVS Writer

A

ssembly Park played a very important part in the history of Dixon. It was located in the northeast part of Dixon along the Rock River and consisted of 34.15 acres of land. Julius and Hattie Lloyd sold it to the Lutheran Assembly for $5,122.50 on November 1, 1889.

Many buildings were erected on the grounds, one being a three-story hotel named Assembly Park Hotel. It was along the bank of the river near the Chamberlin Street entrance to the park.

Another important building was an auditorium: a large circular structure with a diameter of 160 feet. It had a seating capacity of 5,000 and was the largest building of its type in the world.

The Chautauqua, a turn-ofthe-century movement promoting culture and learning, provided programs at the auditorium. Many worldwide lecturers and performers appeared there, including William Jennings Bryan, a presidential candidate; Madame Schuman-Heinke, an interna-

tionally known singer; Billy Sunday, an internationally known preacher; Henry Ward Beecher; Booker T. Washington, as well as a long list of well-known political figures, educators, missionaries, poets, authors and humorists.

Other smaller buildings were scatted about the grounds, including offices, classrooms and bathhouses. There was also a golf course and tents for those wanting to enjoy nature. At one point there were 13 Indian mounds on the property.

Sporting events were important there, with swimming, boating, tennis, croquet and baseball enjoyed by many. A stable was built to accommodate the horses and carriages of visitors.

There were even railroad cars available going into the park to help transport large crowds on special occasions.

The utmost thought was given to the comfort of those who chose to camp in tents at Assembly Park. A 1906 issue of The Assemblian reported: “Representatives of the best grocery stores in the city will call at your tent each morning and take your orders, or you can order by telephone and goods will be delivered at same

Chautauqua Event Returns To Grist Mill Hale Eddy SVS Writer

O

The entrance to Assembly Park in its heydey (above), and the vestige that remains today on Douglas Terrace in Dixon (left).

prices that you would pay for them at stores. Mail directed to Rock River Assembly, Dixon, Illinois, will be delivered by a carrier from the post office force, three deliveries each day at the post office in the secretary’s office and outgoing mail will be carried by same messenger. Good order and comfort require that all shall have retired at night bell or 11 p.m.

Parties out after that hour must subject themselves to the night watchman, who will take name and number of tent and report to the board.”

From 1909 to 1919, the financial situation was very stressed due to the World War I economy and the cost of improvements that had been

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made. Attendance at the park dwindled. Rock River Assembly was in dire financial straits and went into bankruptcy.

In 1940 Mrs. Mabel Shaw purchased the property. The famous auditorium was sold to Mr. Edmund Holbrook, who operated the Dome Skating Rink until it burned in November of 1949. The remainder of the land was idle for many years until it was subdivided.

It is still called Assembly Park.

There is still one vestige left of the Rock River Assembly.

It is a tiny, triangular park on Douglas Terrace. It is the lone remainder of what was a cultural, educational and recreational mecca for more than half a century.

n Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 and 11, the Singing Bird Chautauqua will be held at the Franklin Creek Grist Mill in Franklin Creek State Natural Area just outside Franklin Grove.

Chautauqua — what a weird word! Where did it come from? Chautauqua was a movement in the late 19th and early 20th centuries that brought entertainment and culture to communities. The first Chautauqua was organized in 1874. Programs featured speakers, entertainers, musicians, teachers, preachers and other important personalities of the time.

This year's Chautauqua, “Rolling River Adventures,” will feature art, music and culture with storytelling, nature walks, art viewing and food. There will be full meals, snacks, soft drinks, beer and wine for sale. For those who prefer healthy food, there will be vegetarian gumbo and black bean burgers. There will also be grilled catfish and bison burgers, among many other offerings. Add to this experiencing the fascinating history of the grist mill and seeing it actually work makes for a fun day.

Festivities start at 11 a.m. each day and will end late afternoon. Tickets are $10 for the whole day, and children 12 and under are free.

All proceeds are used for the preservation, education and cultural work done by the Franklin Grove Creek and Preservation Corporation, a 50l(c)(3) not-for-profit organization.

For advance tickets or additional information, contact Alyssa at 815-456-2718, visit www.franklincreekgristmill.com or find them on Facebook.

24

September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Railroad Remnants: Reminders Of Area’s Beginnings Duane Paulsen SVS Writer

T

he arrival of the railroad in the Rock River Valley in the 1850s was one of the most important happenings during the formative years of our area. Poor roads, impassable during inclement weather, slowed the potential development of the communities that had sprung up in the 1830s and 1840s.

After the railroad from Chicago opened to Dixon and Sterling in the 1850s, what had once been a several day

journey to the city was accomplished in several hours.

Rail lines crisscrossed Lee and Whiteside Counties.

Mississippi and Rock River Junction—Illinois Central— Chicago, Milwaukee and St. Paul—Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy in Rock Island.

Railway companies established depots and water tanks at regular intervals along the lines, and towns grew up around them. Amboy was an important division point on the Illinois Central. The Illinois Central bypassed Buffalo Grove, and Polo sprang up along

the line. Buffalo Grove went into decline.

The 1876 Illinois Central depot in Amboy is the best remnant of the glory days of railroads in this area. The two-story brick building was scheduled to be demolished in 1972, but a community “Save the Depot” campaign rescued this 19th century structure. Amboy celebrates an annual Depot Days.

Frequent passenger trains served the area. In 1908, 27 passenger trains stopped in Dixon every weekday. The Sterling, Dixon and Eastern Interurban ran cars hourly

between the two cities, in addition to local street cars.

Through consolidations and bankruptcies railroads disappeared. Today the main lines, freight only, of the Union Pacific and Burlington Northern bisect the area.

Long trains pass through, rarely stopping for local shipments.

Rail passenger service declined, freight lost out to trucks, UPS and the like, and the U.S. government discontinued railroad postal service. Railroads discontinued passenger service, and it was replaced by Amtrak in 1971.

Railroads abandoned local lines and tore up the tracks.

Railroad routes were laid out, and the roadbeds were built up before the tracks could be put down. These right-of-ways are what exist on abandoned lines. In places where trees and brush had not grown up along the roadbeds, farmers received permission to level and farm

the land. In other areas, such as the old I.C. line between Dixon and Polo, a recreational path was developed.

An abandoned roadbed in Whiteside county, under the care of a dedicated groups of volunteers, has reverted to the prairie that once covered this area.

Railroad remnants abound in this area. On the edge of small towns, such as Deer Grove, one can see traces of the abandoned roadbed. Henkle elevator, along Route 52 in southern Lee County, was built adjacent to the I.C. railroad. Small concrete bridges and old telegraph lines remain as mute evidence of old railroad lines.

For close to a century, railroads were vital to every small community. You could set your watch by the whistle of the local passenger train, known by the time it was expected to arrive in town. The depot was a bustling place. The mail arrived

here, and parcel posts of all sorts were dropped off by the local freight train crew. The local freight shunted cars to the elevators, lumber yards, and other businesses situated along the side tracks, and they loaded livestock at the stockyards.

The depots were all the same, with a waiting room at one end of the building with its high-backed benches along the walls and the large coal-fired stove in the center.

The other end of the building was storage area for freight.

From the depot office one could hear the clickety-clack of the telegraph, where the agent was sending or receiving messages and telegrams.

When a train departed the neighboring town, that agent alerted the local agent of the fact by telegraph.

Look around when you are out driving in the country. The remnants of the railroads that once were can be seen in many places.

Photos by Paul Gierhart

Black Hawk? You Mean Eternal Indian

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Since 1991, Gaffey has offered a full spectrum of home nursing services, from the first nursing evaluation to hospice care.

The Eternal Indian is 48 feet tall (allegedly the second largest concrete monolithic statue in the world) and stands 200 feet over the Rock River. This great statue was created by Loredo Taft beginning in 1908; it was dedicated in 1911. It stands in Lowden State Park near Oregon. It is commonly called “Blackhawk Statue,” but this is not correct. The story goes that a drawing of Black Hawk was printed on the 1911 dedication program, and people started referring to the statue as Black Hawk, but this is not correct. Taft said a number of times that the statue was not a likeness of Black Hawk but represented all Indians. Taft was said to have remarked that, “He’s just an Indian contemplating the beauties of the valley and Rock River.”

SAINT LUKE’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH 175 Years Young!

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25

September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

Presbyterian Church Celebrates Pastor’s 25 Years Of Ordination

F

irst Presbyterian Church, Dixon, recently celebrated the 25th anniversary of ordination as a minister of word and sacrament in the Presbyterian Church (USA) for their pastor, Rev. Dr. David Spaulding, with a reception.

Gifts of a pottery chalice, paten communion set and a gift card were presented to Spaulding.

Spaulding was ordained in his home church, Bethlehem Church in Buffalo, New York.

July 28, 1991, after his graduation from Princeton Seminary.

He later received his doctorate

from McGill University and became pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Dixon, in June 2010.

Spaulding moved to Dixon from Chazy, New York with his wife, Lorri, and daughters, Anne and Christine. He was the pastor of Chazy Presbyterian Church for many years.

Spaulding is active in the community as president of the Dixon Area Christian Ministerial Association, vice president of the Dixon Area Habitat for Humanity, volunteer chaplain with the Dixon Police Department and KSB Hospital, and he is a

REV. DR. DAVID SPAULDING

cellist in the Clinton and Muscatine symphony orchestras.

On My Mind & In My Heart The Perfect Cover-Up

T

he temperature dips, the wind howls, a chill creeps across my floor and my furnace makes a strange groaning sound. I curl my feet up onto my chair, set my cup of tea on the table and I reach for an old familiar friend, my blanket.

Like a guardian angel, my blanket is perched on the back of my chair ready to stop my chattering teeth and warm my cold feet.

As a swaddling cloth, a blanket is the first fabric to touch a newborn’s skin, protecting the baby from a cold, harsh world.

Tricia Lewis SVS Contributor

There is little doubt in my mind that somewhere in our memory banks is the sense of security a blanket gives us. Why else would we drag a “blankie” ev-

erywhere in our toddler years?

In later years, that same blanket may find itself made into a pillow.

The truth of the matter is, we never forget the comfort of our tattered, old security blanket that gave us protection against our fears, real or imagined.

Even, when fright gives way to fun, blankets have their place.

Too cold to play outside? A blanket and some kitchen chairs make a great fort. Too nice to stay in? Take it with you, lay it on the grass and have a picnic.

Consider yourself lucky if you have a grandmother or favorite aunt who makes you a quilt for a wedding gift or a quilt for your first born.

ACCESSIBLE CHURCHES This is a list of area churches that have installed devices to accommodate persons with mobility issues. Many on the list were outfitted by Nu-Trend Accessibility Systems Inc. (309-797-4647).

Nu-Trend is a company that for decades has been providing specialized devices, including elevators and elevator stairs, for churches, nursing homes, hospitals and private homes.

Grace United Methodist Church 921 E. Chamberlin; 815-288-1505 Sauk Valley Community Church 498 IL Route 2; 815-288-7000 St. James Evan. Cong. Church 1552 U.S. 52; 815-288-2446 St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 221 W. 3rd Street; 815-288-2151 St. Paul Lutheran Church 421 S. Peoria Ave.; 815-288-2757 The Worship Center Ministries 403 N. Ottawa; 815-677-9694

Rock Falls

Sterling

First Christian Church 16th Avenue Church of Christ 506 5th Ave.; 815 626 2271 1902 16th Ave.; 815-625-2251 Good Shepherd Abiding Word Church Lutheran Church 806 E. Lynn Blvd.; 815-7626-1827 435 Martin Road; 815-625-3376 Emmanuel Baptist Church Immanuel Lutheran Church 1904 18th Ave.; 815-625-0351 501 8th Avenue; 815-625-3575 First Cong. (Big Red Church) Rock Falls United 311 Second Ave.; 815-625-5112 Methodist Church First Presbyterian Church 210 4th Avenue; 815-625-0114 410 2nd Ave.; 815-625-0452 Rock River Christian Center First United Methodist Church 1800 Prophet Road; 815-625-4371 501 Broadway; 815-625-0244 St. Andrew Catholic Church Messiah Lutheran Church 708 10th Ave.; 815-625-4508 1601 Ave. F; 815-625-2284 New Life Lutheran Church Dixon 702 W. Lynn Blvd.; 815-499-6552 Sacred Heart Parish Assembly of God 2224 Ave. J; 815-625-1134 933 Mekeel Road; 815-284-3090 St. John’s Lutheran Church Christ Our Savior 703 3rd Avenue; 815-625-2634 Lutheran Church St. Mary’s Catholic Church 2035 IL Route 26; 815-284-4554 600 Avenue B; 815-625-0640 Church of the Brethren St. Paul Lutheran Church 215 North Court; 815-284-2711 1701 16th Ave.; 815-625-3069 First Baptist Church Trinity United Methodist Church 111 E. 2nd St.; 815-284-6823 205 E. 10th St.; 815-626-7777 First Presbyterian Church Wesley United 110 East 3rd Street; 815-284-7741 Methodist Church First United Methodist Church 2200 16th Ave.; 815-625-1968 202 S. Peoria Ave.; 815-284-2849

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September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

5K To Raise Funds For Lee County Nonprofits

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nited Way of Lee County is celebrating the beginning of the 2016 fundraising campaign season with the Run for the Way 5K at Timber Creek Golf Course in Dixon. At 8 a.m. on Sept. 24, community supporters will take on a course consisting of both residential streets and golf course terrain to raise funds for United Way’s 25 local nonprofit partner agencies.

Runners and walkers of all ages are welcome. Medals will be awarded to the overall male and female winners and to male and female winners in each age group. A Corporate Challenge Cup will be awarded to the winning company or organization consisting of five employees or more.

The cost to register is $25 for adults and $15 for participants 18 and under.

Registration fees increase by $5 for those who register on race day. Participants who register prior to Sept.

14 will receive a Run for the Way 5K T-shirt. The 5K is a jumpstart to United Way’s fundraising goal for 2016, which supports education, health and financial stability programs in Lee County.

Lee County United Way Campaign Co-Chairs Sam Ramirez (left) and Mandy Curia are jumping for joy over the upcoming Run for the Way 5K at Timber Creek Golf Course, Dixon. The run starts at 8 a.m. Sept. 24.

“Each year we kick off with a weekday luncheon.

This year we wanted to try something new, open it up to others unable to participate during the work week,” United Way Executive Director Jenny Koch said. “This seemed like a perfect fit into one of our main focus areas, health.”

Register online at signmeup.com/site/onlineevent-registration/114364.

Pre-race packet pickup or registration will take place on Friday, Sept. 23 at Midland States Bank, 101

Saturday, September 10, 2016 8:30 AM - Kids’ Bridge Dash

Electronic Timing Water Stations Improved Course Route Improved Course Signage Traffic Control Please no walkers in the 10K No pets Strollers permitted at the end of the 5K

Registration Fees: 5K - $20 10K - $30 Kids’ Bridge Dash - FREE

9:00 AM - Race Start        

W. First St., Dixon, from noon to 5 p.m. Race-day registration opens at 6:30 a.m., and the race will start at 8 a.m.

United Way serves as a critical link bringing together diverse communities to build stronger, healthier and more sustainable communities.

To find out about volunteer opportunities or to donate, visit unitedwayofleecounty. org or contact Koch at unitedwayofleecounty@ comcast.net or 815-2843339.

But Registration Required



Run begins and ends at the RB&W District on the Rock Falls Riverfront



Run takes you over the bridge into Sterling and over the Pedestrian Walk Bridge

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Run will be held rain or shine

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In case of run cancellation, Thank You for your donation!

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www.bridgethecommunity.com Special Thanks to our Presenting Sponsors

For additional run information and race results visit www.bridgethecommunity.com or “Like” us on Facebook

September 2016 • www.thesaukvalleysun.com • Sauk Valley Sun

KSB CORNER

Concussion Exam Can Be Life Saver

A

s a new school year begins there are many forms to fill out, equipment to procure and exams to be done.

If you are an athlete there is one extra and potentially life-saving exam that you will be taking: the Baseline Concussion Exam.

Concussions are getting much-needed attention lately in medical communities and the media. The new heightened awareness of concussions and the measures that can be taken to effectively prevent and treat them is a win for all parties involved.

Illinois recently passed legislation governing the proper management of concussive injuries. The Youth Sports Concussion Safety Act encompasses all youth sports organizations and provides guidelines for having plans in place to prevent, properly diagnose and treat concussions. These plans

Courtney Bond

Athletic Trainer Certified, KSB Hospital

should reflect the most current research.

Each year, before Dixon High School athletes are permitted to participate in contact sports, they must complete a computerized neurocognitive test. The test results can be used to identify athletes who may have a concussion and help make objective decisions about return to their sport.

In addition to the computer-based test, which has applications that can be utilized in a practice or game setting to evaluate the athlete, athletes with a history of concussion will be given a reading and balance assessment to have further baseline data to better treat their condition.

With all this information available, a concussion advisory board aids the athlete in returning to both the classroom and the playing field safely. The risk of catastrophic brain injury and even death is significantly elevated while the brain is recovering from a concussion, so having a strong team and valuable information on the athlete is critical for full recovery.

KSB looks forward to an exciting sports year for all our area athletes, and with these new and exciting measures in place, we are more prepared for a safe and healthy year, as well.

Sterling Sled Hockey Player Keeps Working Toward Paralympics Goal Dwight Oltmanns SVS Writer

September 13 11:30am-1:30pm $15 per person

Traditional Wellness Center 216 W. First St., Dixon, IL Reservations due September 11 by calling (815) 677-9144.

A small yet growing body of research suggests that a slower, more thoughtful way of eating could help with weight problems and maybe steer some people away from processed food and other less-healthful choices.

This alternative approach has been dubbed “mindful eating.” It’s based on the Buddhist concept of mindfulness, which involves being fully aware of what is happening within and around you at the moment. In other areas, mindfulness techniques have been proposed as a way to relieve stress and alleviate problems like high blood pressure and chronic gastrointestinal difficulties.

Applied to eating, mindfulness includes noticing the colors, smells, flavors, and textures of your food; chewing slowly; getting rid of distractions like TV or reading; and learning to cope with guilt and anxiety about food. Applied to eating, mindfulness includes noticing the colors, smells, flavors, and textures of your food; chewing slowly; getting rid of distractions like TV or reading; and learning to cope with guilt and anxiety about food.

Learn more about Mindful Eating in the eight-week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction and Mindful Eating are programs from the Mindfulness Institute JeAnne A. Schneider-Vargas, MA, BSW OVERVIEW This 8-week, nine-session Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) curriculum is based on systematic and intensive training in mindfulness meditation and the mindful hatha yoga and their applications in everyday life and the range of challenges arising from medical and psychological conditions and life stresses.

The Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program focuses on the experiential cultivation of both “formal” and “informal” mindfulness practices as a foundation for cultivation of positive health behaviors and psychological and emotional resilience that can be effectively utilitized across the adult life span. The approach supports the learning, strengthening and integration of a range of mindfulness-based self regulatory skills through the development and refinement of inherent internal resources. A primary aim is to cultivate ways of learning and being that can be utilized far beyond the completion of the program.

Registration ONLINE: http://www.mindfulnessineverydayliving.com OR CALL 1+563.210.6516 Meditate at Community Sitting Sessions Wednesdays 4:30pm at the Traditional Wellness Center, 216 W. First Street, Dixon, IL Meditate at Community Sitting Sessions Thursdays 5:30pm at the United Way of Whiteside County, 502 First Avenue, Sterling, IL

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led hockey has become nearly a year-round sport for Liz Davis in her quest to make the 2018 United States Paralympics team that will compete in South Korea.

Originally selected to the six-person U.S. developmental team last summer, Liz will return to tryout camp this month in Baltimore to attempt to retain her spot on the team.

“I’m hoping that I get selected again,” Liz said. “The odds, I would think, are pretty good since I am on the developmental team already and I was pretty involved with the team this year.”

As the 26-year-old prepares for the U.S. developmental team camp, she was busy all spring with either the GLASA (Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association) Falcons of Lake Bluff or the U.S. women’s team.

The Falcons competed in a tournament in Detroit, while the women’s developmental team played in Philadelphia, Tampa and Buffalo.

She also mixed in attending camps in New Jersey and Michigan, and even went snow skiing with her aunt in Montana in February.

“We went for four days, and that was kind of the kickoff to everything being crazy,” Liz said, laughing.

The Falcons competed in the National Disabled Festival in Detroit, placing second to the Alaska Avalanche. The women’s developmental team played in Baltimore in

Mindful Eating Lunch & Learn

April against the U.S.A. Warriors, an allmale team that dominated Liz’s co-ed team.

In the Midwest there are not enough sled hockey players to have separate men’s and women’s teams. Most are co-ed.

“We learned a lot playing against the Warriors,” explained Liz, who is a forward for the Falcons. “They are very fast and very good, and kicked our butts. It’s good any time you can play them because you learn how fast you need to be.”

Liz also has learned to be more effective, especially offensively, now that she has adjusted her sled. She raised it three inches, which has made her faster on the ice.

In addition to all the hockey activities, Liz also has been working on her conditioning and participating in paratriathlon and weightlifting events.

Editor’s Note: To make a tax-deductible contribution to help Liz pay for her travel expenses, go to the website tinyurl.com/ GiveToLizD.

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Gentle Movement For Scoliosis

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coliosis is a term used to describe an abnormal curvature of the spine. If viewed from the back, a healthy spine looks straight. However, for someone with scoliosis the spine curves to the side. There are “C”and “S”-shaped curves.

Some forms of scoliosis are mild and rarely affect one’s health. Others experience severe issues, Nancy including pain and impair- Nesyto-Freske ment in the lungs as the rib Certified Yoga Therapist cage presses on them.

When using Clinical So- are pulling the spine out matic Education with cli- of its normal alignment. ents and students with sco- This happens all along the liosis I approach it from spine, as the body attempts the perspective that they to keep the person upright.

I work to help my clihave muscles that have ents and students release become chronically conthese chronically contracttracted, or tight, and they

ed muscles. Through slow, gentle somatic movements the pain starts to dissipate and the spine begins to straighten out. The person has already developed habitual movement patterns over the years to help them cope with this issue, so these movement patterns must be addressed, as well. It takes time, patience and a willingness on the client’s part to work to create a healthy spine and overall health improvement.

It’s not always an easy fix, but it is possible!

Nancy Nesyto-Freske is a Certified Clinical Somatics Educator, and Certified Yoga Therapist and Instructor. Her website is BeVibrantTherapy.com.

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Race Kicks Off Day Of Events Bridging Sterling, Rock Falls

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his year’s Bridge the Community is set for Sept. 10. The event features a bridge dash for children, 10K and 5K run/walks and the annual Fiesta Parade.

Sterling and Rock Falls, along with the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, Sterling Main Street, Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce and Greater Sterling Development Corporation are teaming up once again to bring everything together for the day’s events.

Bridge the Community is a 10K and 5K run/walk, along with a bridge dash for the kids. The bridge dash starts at 8:30 a.m.

The 5K and 10K runs start at 9 a.m. HALO Branded Solutions, CGH Medical Center, local State Farm agents Jack Spencer and Mike Sprague and Rock Falls Tourism are sponsoring this year’s 5K and 10K runs.

The course begins along the Rock Falls Riverfront in the River Bike and Walk District on East Second Street. Participants will cross the bridge, go through Sterling to the Dillon Home and go back across the Rock

River via the pedestrian bridge at Martin’s Landing. The route continues along the Hennepin Canal to Centennial Park and back to the finish line where the race began.

Registration forms may be picked up at the Sauk Valley Area Chamber of Commerce, Sterling Main Street, from Jack Spencer State Farm, or by visiting the event website, BridgeTheCommunity.com. Online registration links are also available at that website.

Volunteers are needed to help on race day.

For information on how to get involved, visit Bridge the Community on Facebook.

At 8:30 a.m. Woodlawn Arts Academy will unveil a new series of banners that will be installed along the First Avenue Bridge connecting Sterling and Rock Falls. The banners feature winning pieces from the academy’s 2016 Student-Teacher Art Exhibit.

The Fiesta Parade begins at 1 p.m. near McDonald’s in Rock Falls, heads north on First Avenue into Sterling, continues north on Locust Street to Fourth Street, and ends at Grandon Civic Center.

Pigeon Racing Still Thrives In The Sauk Valley Carol Chandler SVS Writer

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sport that is present today can actually be traced back to the Bronze Age (2400-1500 BC) in Mesopotamia. It is mentioned in the Old Testament in the story of Noah and the flood, and it has become the symbol of the third person of the Trinity.

What is it? It’s the pigeon.

In more modern times, these brave birds were used to carry messages in World Wars I and II. One, named Cher Ami, is credited with saving 194 American soldiers who were surrounded by German forces.

Even after being shot in the chest, this pigeon delivered the information. Of 60-plus prestigious Dickin Awards for animals and birds that gave outstanding service in times

of war, 32 recipients were pigeons.

Today, the sport of racing pigeons is still popular in the Sauk Valley with the Rock River Valley Racing Pigeon Club located in Sterling. The club was started in the 1940s by Charles Reese with five original members. Currently, there are 20 members.

The club ships pigeons to various locations to race. This is a carefully orchestrated process, and a methodical checklist is followed. The entire endeavor is supervised by Gary Whitebread, club president, and Douglas Harms, club vice president.

A participant must submit a list of pigeons that he or she is entering, along with their band numbers. An individual breeder’s module, with information about their birds, is docked;

each pigeon’s number is called out and verified, then scanned by an electronic device. (Breeders cannot scan their own birds.) The pigeon is then loaded into one of the 28 “baskets” on the transport trailer. Hens and cocks are loaded separately, and as many as 25 pigeons can be loaded into each basket.

The pigeons are also loaded according to the “A” or “B” race, with the “A” race consisting of pigeons from the RRV Club, the Quad Cities Club and the Galesburg Club. The “B” race consists of the Sterling RRV Club only. The transport trailer then goes to the other participating clubs and loads using the same procedure. All loading is done on Friday evening. The pigeons are taken to the destination for each race.

A recent event was a 200-mile race from Unionville, Mo. The

birds for each race are released 30 minutes apart, with the first release 30 minutes after sunrise on Saturday. When the pigeons return to their loft, their band number is registered automatically on the member’s module and the time recorded. At 7 p.m.on Monday evening the club members meet, and the times are checked to find the winners.

Membership is open to both men and women. Some of the male members’ wives, under the leadership of Pat Kelsey, recording secretary of the club and head of the club’s auxiliary, provide hospitality and food.

“This sport is very conducive to older people because it is not physically demanding,” Pat said.

For more information, call Doug Harms at 815-535-5205.

The ancient sport of pigeon racing is still popular in the Sauk Valley with the Rock River Valley Racing Pigeon Club in Sterling, where there are currently about 20 members.

The Doctor Is In

Tips For Staying Healthy Through The Cooler Autumn Months

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ith these chillier winds and leaves flying around, autumn has almost arrived in the Sauk Valley.

As the thermometer gradually falls, you begin to spend more time indoors. Here are some ideas to help you stay healthy.

Dress appropriately in layers that you can peel away or put on again during cool mornings and evenings and warm afternoons. This way, you can help your body cope with the varied temperatures. It will also help prevent you from coming down with common colds, coughs, sore throats, etc.

Our lungs can be sensitive during autumn as the slowly increasing wind and cold begin to create dryness in the air. This is made worse as you stay indoors and turn on

Dr. Don Lewis KSB ENT Physician

the heat, which dries out the air around you even more.

Try using a humidifier, but clean it well before using it again this season.

The skin and lungs don’t like that dryness. Drink enough fluids to stay hydrated, helping your body continue to function normally as the weather begins to put more stress on it.

Allergens outdoors are still cause for concern until winter sets in. Outdoor molds thrive in gutters, soil and vegetation, especially as the leaves and sticks pile up.

You can minimize this by not being outdoors in the morning when pollen dispersal is peaking, showering immediately after coming in from outside activities and keeping the windows and doors of your car and home closed.

Do take advantage of the moderate afternoons for some time outdoors. Crisp autumn days are great for being outside and hiking, raking leaves, playing football or enjoying some other activity. Get the kids moving, too!

Once you are indoors most of the time, it is the time to turn your attention to indoor allergens. You should

clean your winter blankets before you use them. Clean your house, car and office well before winter comes,

and install a high-efficiency particulate arresting (HEPA) air purifier if you don’t already have one.

Have simple tasks become difficult?

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Alzheimer’s Disease Sixth In Death Statistics Carol Chandler BSN, RN, AAS SVS Writer

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ccording to the National Institute on Aging, “Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and eventually the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. It is the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.”

Alzheimer’s disease is

named after Dr. Alois Alzheimer who noticed changes in one of his patients in 1906. After his patient’s death, he discovered that she had clumps of plaque and tangled bundles of fibers in her brain.

Problems with finding the right word to express oneself, visual or spatial issues and impaired reasoning or judgment are common early symptoms of the disease, and they vary from individual to individual. This can progress to wandering, getting lost,

taking longer to complete usual daily tasks and personality changes. Progression can include growing confusion, problems recognizing familiar faces, problems accepting and handling any changes and difficulty carrying out multi-step situations.

People with severe Alzheimer’s may reach the point where they cannot communicate and are completely dependent on others.

What causes Alzheimer’s?

There are many research projects investigating the

Rock River Walk To End Alzheimer’s

When: Saturday, Sept. 17; Free registration at 8 a.m., ceremony at 8:45 a.m. and walk at 9 a.m.

Where: Lowell Park, Dixon Route Length: 2 miles Where do the funds go? All funds raised through Walk to End Alzheimer’s further the care, support and research efforts of the Alzheimer’s Association. The Alzheimer’s Association is a nonprofit 501(c)3 organization. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Contact: Kelsey Moore at 309-681-1100, ext. 202 or kmoore@alz.org possible causes. The possibilities include genetic mutation, which is usually the problem in early onset (30s to 60s), and these people represent only about 5 percent of Alzheimer’s patients. Other possibilities are shrinking of the brain with age, inflammation, unstable molecules called free radicals and a breakdown of function within brain cells.

Symptoms typically become apparent in the mid60s. An unusual finding is that a large percentage of Down syndrome patients de-

velop Alzheimer’s; this may be due to their extra chromosome 21.

What can one do to lessen the chances of Alzheimer’s disease? Basically, follow the tenets of healthy living: a nutritious diet, adequate physical activity, social outlets and other activities that stimulate mental health. Maintaining healthy blood pressure, heart health, weight and blood sugar levels is also important.

If you have any concerns about a loved one, make an appointment with your

healthcare provider and share your concerns. To diagnose the possibility of Alzheimer’s, a doctor may conduct tests of memory, problem solving, language, counting and attention span.

Standard blood and urine tests may also be done. Brain scans may also be needed.

There may be follow-up testing to see if any functions are changing over time.

There can be other causes for some mental changes, such as a tumor, Parkinson’s disease, sleep disturbances, medication effects, stroke or an infection. Check with your healthcare provider if there are any suspicious or unexplainable changes. Forgetting where you put your keys or glasses or where you parked your car are usual circumstances with ordinary living and are not necessarily early symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease.

For more information, contact the Alzheimer’s Association Central Illinois Chapter at 309-681-1100.

The Pulse

KSB’s Commerce Towers In Dixon Installs New X-ray Unit

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ecently, KSB upgraded the Commerce Towers X-ray unit, which is located on the third floor. This was a big project, but the resulting improvements are great for our patients and staff.

The Commerce Towers X-ray unit is one of four units that exist in outlying clinics (others include Town Square Center, Amboy Clinic and Oregon Clinic). It is by far the busiest of those units (3,630 exams were performed at Commerce Towers through July compared to 1,943 at the other three clinics combined), being located on the same floor as the Foot and Ankle Clinic and the three orthopedic surgeons.

It also services the patients

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of all of the other providers in that building.

The unit that was installed is a GE Proteus.

The ceiling-mounted tube allows the technologist to rotate the tube for off-table radiography, which is important for standing hips,

knees, feet and ankles, as well as the ability to get images from a patient who is in a wheelchair or on a stretcher.

The table also allows for easier access for the patients by allowing it to be lowered down for a patient in a wheelchair. Additionally, the technique can be adjusted within the room by the controls on the overhead tube as well as the control panel.

Not only did we get a new unit, but there was also significant work done on the waiting room and the office by replacing the flooring, moving one door and increasing the size of both doors to allow easier access for wheelchairs and better visibility of patients as they arrive.

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Exhibit Opens On Sept. 22

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GH Medical Center healing art gallery, “Spirit of the Heart,” will feature its third art exhibit, opening Sept. 22. The show will feature selections from the employees, volunteers and physicians at CGH Medical Center. The public is invited to attend the wine and cheese reception and gallery opening, to be held in the Main Clinic Atrium on at 5 p.m.

The gallery showcases local artists

and is open to all patients and community members. The purpose is to provide patients and families with creativity as a healing force.

The inaugural show featured the first-, second- and third-place winners from the 2016 Woodlawn Arts Academy Student-Teacher Art Exhibit. The current show features local artists Bruce Bley (colored pencil) and Linnea Koch (photography) and runs through Sept. 18.

Churches To Honor First Responders

I

mmanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Falls and St. Paul and St John’s Lutheran Churches in Sterling are working together to participate in “God’s Work, Our Hands” day on Sept. 11. These three congregations are part of the nearly 10,000 congregations of the Evan-

gelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) participating in this nationwide endeavor.

First Responders are invited to a community worship service at St. John’s Lutheran Church at 9 a.m.

Sept. 11, with Pastor Ken Zuitoff giving the message.

Breakfast follows from 10

a.m. to noon for all who attend. For those unable to leave their posts, food will be delivered to them.

For more information about the national event, visit elca.org or contact the Rev. Vicki Sauter, interim pastor, Immanuel Lutheran Church at 815-973-2819 or at vlsauter151@gmail.com.

School Funding Report Due By Feb. 1

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he Illinois School Funding Reform Commission, created by Gov. Bruce Rauner to recommend a comprehensive solution to reforming the school funding formula, had its second meeting in August, said Tim Bivins, state senator for the 45th District.

During the meeting, Richard Laine from the National Governors Association spoke on the relationship between school funding and workforce readiness. Laine stressed that the challenge isn’t just funding schools,

but creating an educational system that prepares students to enter the workforce.

The Commission also reviewed an approach to funding education that draws from research and evidence-based best practices to help identify how much money per pupil is needed to educate students.

The Commission’s report is to be presented to the governor and General Assembly by Feb. 1. Lawmakers say the goal is to have the General Assembly take action on a proposal in 2017.

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The opinions expressed in the Sauk Valley Sun do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Sauk Valley Sun staff or advertisers.

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Sauk Valley Sun ©Sauk Valley Sun, 2016

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WRITERS/CONTRIBUTORS Katie Gvozdjak Vincent Hennings Reanna Kelm Todd Lorenc Donald R. Lewis, MD, FACS Patricia Lewis Len Michaels

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