By supporting the DMB you’re also preserving a large part of Dixon’s history. The city band has played since the late 1800’s and officially became the city band in 1921. The Dixon Band has also provided valuable training for many ac-complished musicians, including Dr. Brian L. Bowman, who is considered the most famous euphonium soloist in the world today, and five time Grammy winner Jerry Hey. On a personal level I will be donating so future gen-erations can share the same glorious memory of sitting on a blanket by the Dixon band shell on a warm summer night and listen to “Moonlight Seranade” float across the Rock River. If you’re interested in attending the event, need more information, or how to make a donation, please contact Cathy James at 815-622-1681 or cathyjames@yahoo.com.

By Chuck Miller

I’m With The Band Here’s your chance to support a great cause and have a fun night out wrapped in one awesome package. The Dixon Municipal Band will be holding a fun-draiser Friday, May 18th at the Brandywine on Route 2 in Dixon, to raise money for the upcoming season. The event starts at 5 p.m. with cocktails and light entertainment provided by a brass quartet. While you’re enjoying the music you can browse through the silent auction and bid on your favorite item. Dinner will be served at 6:30 and will be featuring one of the Brandywine’s most popular feasts, The Grand Italian Buffet. The fun continues after dinner with a live auction and dancing, music will be provided by jazz combo “Ain’t Misbehaven.’”

May 2012 Vol. 1 Issue 3

Sauk Valley SunSHOPPER

Dixon Edition The little shopper with the big impact

POSTALCUSTOMER

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE PAID

DEKALB, ILPERMIT NO.321

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What’s Inside...

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$50 Off Coupon from

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Brandywine will be donating $50 to Friends Of DMB.

We challenge all other Dixon businesses to do the same! Donators will

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So why a fundraiser for a city band? Given the recent dour financial situation, money must be raised to keep the DMB active. Cathy James, a pillar in the DMB, remains positive, “It’s unfortunate for Dixon, but we hope everything will come back as it was.” Through my conversation with Cathy I realized we shared many of the same views. We talk about solutions instead of problems, look forward instead of behind, and both of us name “Moonlight Seranade” as one of our favorite songs.

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green scene

My first personal encounter with bats happened years ago. I was sitting alone on the floor in my apartment and suddenly felt a distinct and very nearby “whoosh.” I looked up and there it was again, whizzing right by my very long hair. Instinctively, I knew I had just been buzzed by a bat and every horror story I had ever seen, every terrifying tale I had been told, and every warning ever spoken to me about bats and hair came gushing into my mind. That experience along with another indoor encounter led me to start wondering if all the negative hype was founded in fact. Here are some of the things I’ve learned. To begin with, and let’s say it right up front, a little less than 5% of tested bats (albeit a biased sample) in Illinois have rabies. On the whole, however, about one half of one percent of the entire bat population is found to be rabid. So while the statistics are relatively low, they are higher than for any other Il-linois wildlife species and are enough to stoke the fires of fear. The best thing to do is to minimize your possibility of physical contact, and certainly don’t try to kill them. First and foremost, bats are a protected species under the Illinois Wildlife Code. In other words, by law, you can’t capture, sell, harm, or kill bats in Illinois, except under very specific circumstances. Here in Illinois, 12 species make their home, most weighing less than an ounce. In northwestern Illinois, we are most likely to see the Big Brown Bat with wingspans of 12 to 16 inches. During the winter, they hibernate in buildings, caves, or trees and sometimes have to travel quite a distance to find suitable cold-weather accommodations, struggling against loss of habitat and lethal vi-ruses. Bats are the only mammals that fly. When the bat in my apartment “whooshed” me, it was emitting ultrasonic sounds that boomeranged off my head indicating my distance away, my size and shape, and whether or not I was moving. The bat was not trying to attack me. In fact, bats that are healthy do not attack humans. It was merely trying to figure out its location relative to everything else, and with its expert echolocation skills, the likelihood of it getting tangled in my hair was just about zero. In this way, the bat navigates through the air, eating insects on the fly. And, boy-oh-boy, can bats eat insects! One bat can eat 3,000 mosqui-toes, corn borers, and cutworm moths in a single night. A colony of 150 brown bats like those found in Illinois, can consume enough cucumber beetles each summer to save everyone billions of dollars in crop damage and pesticides an-nually. In my shroud of uneducated fear those many years ago during my first bat encounter, I don’t know how I had the presence of mind to turn on lights and close doors as the bat made its way to darker areas. When we reached the bathroom I discovered an unscreened open window, most certainly its point of entry. I left the door closed and the light on. The morning was a happy one for us both as the window also proved to be its point of exit - AND, I could finally use the bathroom! Like just about every other living thing on earth, bats make contributions to the rest of us. As do humans, they have their challenges and imperfections, but their nightly insect patrol is a public service that no one can afford to lose. That, and their innate right to be here is irrefutable. AUTHOR’S NOTE: For their input on this article, I would like to thank Dr. Joseph F. Merritt of the Illinois Natural History Survey and editor of “Journal of Mammalogy”; Ed Anderson, IDNR Region 1 Natural Heritage Biologist; and Shane Teas, Conservation Police Officer, IDNR Region 1. I can be reached at GreenSceneColumn@gmail.com.

by Jane SheafferThey’re coming, they’re coming... They’re BACK! Bats – Foe and Friend

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Annual Bike Rodeo The Sterling Police Department is hosting its Annual Bike Rodeo Satur-day, May 19, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., behind Challand Middle School, 1700 6th Ave., Sterling. Helmets are available to all ages, and the first 400 people to reg-ister their bicycles receive a free helmet. The Bike Rodeo is open to all children and is not limited to Sterling residents. There will be bicycle registration, helmet fitting, riding skills via an obstacle course, a K-9 demonstration, child safety seat demonstration, face painting, food and drinks, and magic performed by Jeremy the Amazer, of Rock Falls. Whiteside County Crimestoppers Board of Directors approved a $2,000 donation to the Sterling Police Department for the purchase of the bike helmets.

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Tribute to Moms on Mothers Day In Memory of my Mother, Alta Mae Longanecker-(Excerpts from “Moments” by Richard Longanecker) It has been said, “Behind every great man, there is a great woman.” That would be MY MOM, Alta Mae. Mom had great elegance. She was beautiful, loving, and a kind woman. She was THAT Mom that every boy and girl would like to have, “caring, giving, loving, and always there for you.” Sometimes, even before you knew you needed her, she knew first. She was over protective sometimes, like a lot of moms can be. As a teen I would say, “Mom, I’m okay, or I’ll be alright.” She would smile, and her beautiful eyes would sparkle and smile as well. She was truly a beautiful woman inside and out.My mom was a trusted friend. One could talk with her about any subject matter, and she would listen without talking; that when asked a question for an opinion, or answer, she would say, “Being this is important to you, I will find the best answer I can acquire.” My mom was fun loving, hav-ing a laugh that was contagious. She would respond to something funny or maybe not so funny at the time, until the truth was known. However, my mom, was also human. She could be very sensitive; easily hurt by words or deeds someone would unknowingly say or do. The only thing that family or friends who understood her could do, was to be with her and hug her. There were times like this that my dad, Hershel, would just hold her and she would melt in his arms. Mom’s greatest joy was having her family members surrounding her. It didn’t matter whether it was a big holiday like Chirstmas, Easter, or Thanksgiving. Year after year She and Dad would put festive meals together for the many who would be seated when it came time to eat. Dad was the cook, and Mom was the baker; putting on the final touches prior to the meal. After prayers, and eating a delicious meal, the fellowship with each other would lead to laughter; talking about the fun times we had shared over the years. Children and husbands; Love and honor your mother and wife. They went through, and will go through more than we will truly understand. PS: To my wife, Beth, and all Moms, Happy Mothers Day. by Richard Longanecker

The Basil Tree Ristorante is Clearly Bon Appetit When you open the front door of The Basil Tree Ristorante, the aroma of a deep, robust, well-seasoned marinara sauce hits you and you realize that this is a real authentic Italian restaurant. The red sauce not only smells awesome, it tastes great, too. A good marinara sauce is what makes a real Italian restaurant to me, and The Basil Tree Ristorante is just that, with an exclamation point at the end of this sentence to prove the point! A friend and I dined on a Friday evening, and were greeted by a host behind the bar. A waiter sat us and another greeted us at our table. One of the signs of a great Italian restaurant for me are two dishes: spaghetti and lasagna. I know these two be the two staples a great Italian restaurant masters, and on this Friday night, I flipped a mental coin and it came up heads, and it was a basked lasagna night for me. For a choice of soup, I ordered Manhattan clam chowder. For those who don’t know, it is a red-broth-based soup that tastes simply divine. The clams have an earnest taste to them, and the supporting vegetables used are tasty. Manhattan Clam Chowder tastes really authentic at The Basil Tree Ristorante, and is served in a large flat bowl, which is a great and may make it look like a small portion, but it is quite a lot. I liked it and finished the bowl, while my friend didn’t even get half way through. There is no reason to ever add oyster crackers to this soup, not even the bread that is served on the table. The soup is as good as it looks and tastes on its own merit. The lasagna was served on a large plate, with a nice big piece of the baked masterpiece in the center of the great dark red marina meaty sauce. I carefully cut into the lasagna, my hopes that it would taste great were there; I had the feeling it would be good, but knowing at the same time I have had high hopes at some other restaurants around here and in the Chicago suburbs, and having my hopes dashed with poor tasting sauce tasting as if its poured out of a can and cottage cheese used where it does not belong. Not this night. The baked lasagna at The Basil Tree Ristorante is true to form with great ricotta cheese mixed with the meaty red sauce placed in-between soft-but-firm lasagna noodles and a great topping of cheese. It is really a serving for two; I wit-nessed a man sitting near me with the same order having his waitress say she thought he would have enough for dinner and lunch the next day. My friend ordered

the pollo parmisgiana, which in “English” is chicken parmesan,. He had a large flattened chicken breast covered in red sauce and a hearty cheese, served with a side bowl of pasta noodles. He also was pleased with his meal, saying the cheese and sauce were very complimentary to the chicken. While we both had soft drinks (Pepsi products are served), a couple next to us asked about wine. Their waitress said the restaurant sells wine by the bottle, and any the couple didn’t use could be corked and taken home with them. When they hesitated, she offered them a sample of the chardonnay, which they agreed to, and later ordered the whole bottle. Wines served are domestic from fine California vineyards and also from the best wine Italy has to offer. In fact it is bottles of wine, which make up much of the décor of the restaurant, along with artwork and a rough stone look on the walls. Our server was very friendly and attentive, telling us of the daily specials and offering us refills of our soft drinks. The cost of our meals at the Basil Tree are likely in line with some of the more upscale restaurants in the area, and based on the quality of food and restaurant decor, are well below the cost of the same quality of food you may find in a similar restaurant in Rockford, the Quad Cities or Chicago and its suburbs. I would highly recommend this restaurant for anyone who enjoys fine Italian food baked with real Italian food ingredients. by Spencer Schein

Sauk Valley Sun Page 5

Parkway Center's 25th Anniversary Celebration

Wine & Beer TastingSaturday, June 16th

6:00pm - 9:00pmAt Parkway Center

1801 Avenue G - Sterling

Crystal Cork will be onsite with 30 varieties of wine & 10 different beers.

Hors d’oeuvres, silent auction & entertainment

Presented By Parkway Center & Sauk Valley Bank.

* A portion of the proceeds will be donated to Prescott Dental Clinic, a part of the

CGH Foundation, who is also celebrating their 25th Anniversary.

TicketsIn Advance: $30 each or

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ALL CUTS ARE NOT EQUAL With the summer approaching, barbecue grills are cleaned and fired up in preparation of the American favorite, the hamburger. Hot off the grill a large patty of meat, a dollop of ketchup, a squirt of mustard, some onion, lettuce, tomato, pickle and other favorite ingredients forming an edible hamburger bun suitable for photography and framing. How-ever, when you pick it up it all falls on your paper plate, if you’re lucky. You curse our design creativity but in error, why is the hamburger-bun not cut in the center? Blame is generally placed on the cutters of these buns by the bakers as all slicing machines have adjustable cutting blades making the cut at any position on the bun. This is simply passing off the blame on someone who can’t defend themselves. So what is the problem with slicing the buns a little higher? Measuring approximately one and a quarter inches high, those grocery store buns are generally cut at the half-inch mark rather than at the middle. Ham-burger-buns are baked in a mold and they puff up about three-quarters above the top of the mold and are relatively fragile. The “shred line” or what the bottom above the cut line is called, is usually less clean and easier to disfigure the bun’s appearance. From the standpoint of sales, it is much more important to have that high, mushroom appearing top to appeal to the consumer. Therefore, if tradition is not that important to you, it has been suggested you flip the bun over and eat it upside down eliminating a lot of the potential of spillage of meat and condiments.

THREE THOUSAND YEARS OF UPS-AND-DOWNSFirst used as a hunting device in the sixteenth century in the Philippines, this unique device was made with large wooden disks and strong twine and consid-ered a killing tool. When thrown, the twine easily ensnared an animal, generally by the legs, and then was wrestled to the ground. This simple weapon was very similar to Australia’s boomerang in that both were designed to incapacitate its victims from a distance. The Yo-Yo at this point in time was defiantly not a toy. American, Donald Duncan during the 1920’s saw first-hand the usage of Philippine Yo-Yo and converted it to a child’s plaything by downsizing the weap-on. From there this simple two part item has retained its place in permanent toy history. However, a toy similar to the yo-yo originated in China about 1000 B.C. constructed of two elaborate ivory disks with a silk cord wound around the center peg. These toys eventually spread to Europe where they were known as a “quiz: and in France as a “badalore.” These versions were richly decorated with jewels and had hand-painted designs that made the disks appear to be wobbling creat-ing a mesmerizing blur. So for over three thousand years, the yo-yo or versions thereof have enjoyed their ups and downs.

historyFacts & Beginnings

by Marty Thomas

Page 6 Sauk Valley Sun

street beatUpcoming Event & Activities In Dixon

by Josh AlbrechtSummer is nearly upon us and with that comes the annual Golf Outing Season. Dixon Main Street is no exception to the golf outing world, as we will host our 5th Annual Outing Presented by Sauk Valley Bank this year on Thursday, May 24 at Timber Creek. Outings are always a blast, and the Main Street outing has a few updates each year to keep things fresh. This year, we are introducing our first-ever Post-Play Dessert Reception featuring gobs of ice cream and goodies for our golfers. Other highlights will include a silent auction, the Crystal Cork hole, The Stables hole, and the Mama Cimino’s hole. And, of course, the refreshment carts sponsored by Blackhawk Insurance will be making the rounds. If you are interested in playing, foursomes are just $280 and individual golfers are $80. Hole sponsorships start at $100. For more information about the DMS golf outing, call our office at 288-2308.Popular golf outings in Dixon ... Joe Curia/Dixon YMCA -- May 17 • Dixon Main Street -- May 24 • KSB ProAm -- June 7 • Next Picture Show -- June 15 Dixon Chamber of Commerce -- July 26 • Sinnissippi Centers -- August 16Art-Cylce Begins!Last month you may remember reading about our Art-Cycle promotion with Second Saturdays. Well, keep your eyes out for bikes as they begin popping up through-out downtown Dixon during the first few weeks in May. All of the bikes will be on display starting on May 12 during Second Saturdays from 6-8 p.m. The bikes will then be displayed around Downtown Dixon for one month, after which the bikes will be auctioned off at the June Second Saturdays Street Fair on June 9. Proceeds from the auction will help to support Second Saturdays events and activities. Prizes will be awarded to First, Second and Third Place and a special category for the Sweetest Ride. May is Preservation MonthThe National Trust has designated May as National Preservation Month. Recently, Dixon celebrated some great preservation news of our own. Back in March, downtown Dixon was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The process took nearly two years to complete as we partnered with the Peoples Economic Development Corporation to complete the application process. This designation is a wonderful thing for Dixon. Not only does it help to instill pride in our downtown, but it will provide additional tax benefits for our downtown building owners, and it will enhance heritage tourism to our area. In other preservation news, we honored the Brantley family last month at our Founders Day with the McAlpine Award for downtown revitalization. They have invested in and restored numerous buildings in our downtown core. The other award for preservation at Founders Day was the Langan Award for excellence in local history. This year, we honored Pat Gorman with the Lee County Genealogical Society for his efforts throughout the community. Other Dixon Main Street Events ...

Getting into the Swing of Things

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•May 3-5 -- Salamandra Restaurant is celebrating their 10 year anniversary in downtown Dixon. Come and celebrate with them during their customer apprecia-tion weekend.•May 4 -- The Dixon Chamber of Commerce will hold a Cinco de Mayo fiesta gala on Friday, May 4 at 6 p.m. at the Dixon Elks Lodge. The event will feature cocktails, dinner, dessert, live & silent auction. Business casual attire; $55 per person. RSVP by April 18 to the Chamber at 815-284-3361.•May 12 -- Second Saturdays Art Happenings, 6-8 p.m. in downtown Dixon.•May 12 – The Champions4Children Walk in conjunction with Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center and the Children’s Advocacy Center of Illinois (CACI) will be held at 10 a.m. at Lowell Park in Dixon. The Walk will raise money, through pledges and sponsorships, for the 38 Children’s Advocacy Centers in Illinois, which serve 95 of the state’s 102 counties. For more information and to register for this exciting event, please visit http://cacionline.org or contact Shining Star Children’s Advocacy Center at 284-1891.•May 19 -- Eastman School of Dance Spring Recital at the Dixon High School Auditorium. For details go online to www.eastmanschoolofdance.com

•May 16 -- May’s Lunch & Learn program at the Post House Ballroom will be The Next Picture Show, its sponsor will be Edward Jones Investments, courtesy of Kim Pettygrove and Chad Weigle, and the caterer will be Mama Cimino’s. The program begins at 12 p.m. Cost is $3.•June 1 -- Musical Fridays on the Riverfront begins! Every Friday from June through September, come to the Riverfront in downtown Dixon for a free concert from 12 p.m. - 1 p.m. A great way to enjoy lunch with great music. Robbie LeBlanc kicks off the 2012 year, with Kathy Cecchetti playing June 8. Musical Fridays is Presented by Community State Bank, with additional sponsorship by Hicks Insurance and CenturyLink.

Around the Community ...

Sauk Valley Sun Page 7

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healthby Carol Chandler

National Women’s Health Week is a week long health observance coordinated by the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services Office on Women’s Health. It starts on May 13th, Mother’s Day, and ends on May 19th. The theme for 2012 is “It’s Your Time.” Women tend to look after everyone else first and put themselves last. I hope to empower you to make your health a top priority. Women should make time to take the following steps to care not only for their physical and emotional health, but also to lower their risk factors for certain diseases. SCHEDULE REGULAR CHECKUPS AND APPROPRIATE SCREEN-INGS .This would include a mammogram which your doctor would order based on your age, family history, overall health and personal concerns. Don’t forget blood pressure checks and blood tests, particularly for any health problems in your family history. STAY ACTIVE. Most authorities suggest at least 30 minutes of exercise at least three times a week. One of the best exercises is walking. If a friend goes with you, it can be a very pleasant experience. Or join an organized exercise program with an instructor. EAT A HEALTHY DIET. Balance the calories that you eat and the calo-ries you burn off by being active. One of the main problems is portion manage-ment. Moderation is the key here. OPTIMIZE YOUR MENTAL HEALTH. Get adequate sleep and try to reduce your stress. You deserve it. Make an appointment with yourself for some “alone time” every day, even if it is only for a few minutes. AVOID UNHEALTHY ACTIVITIES. Smoking and not wearing a seat belt or protective gear when needed causes many health hazards AVOID MORE THAN ONE ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE DAILY.

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Page 8 Sauk Valley Sun

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green living

This phrase is used often to help us conserve energy and not use up our natural resources. I remember growing up and always reusing things like plastic bags, boxes and many other items. I grew up in a family of nine and there was not money to waste on buying items that could be washed and reused or handed down instead of discarded. I’m glad now that this was something I learned to do early on. There is a book put out by the creators of the magazine “Real Simple” that’s titled, 799 New Uses for Old Things. I see there is a trend now to reuse old things in new ways and this book is helpful for people who like to do just that. When I lived in Guatemala, I thought Americans appeared to be the most materialistic people there. We are just used to having a car for every adult in the house or even having a house for that matter. We are used to having more than one TV and computer in the house and having the latest cell phone or other elec-tronic gadget that comes out. Fewer Guatemalans had these things and didn’t seem to need them. Before I returned to the US, I tried to think of the things that had changed for me while living there and make a plan to not change back once I returned to the US. I planned to have fewer things and to be happy living that way. I still do that. Americans just have so much stuff. So if you are trying to re-duce what you have, beware that reducing means not only getting rid of the old but limiting new purchases as well. Recycling is now the thing to do. There are certainly many places you can recycle your plastic, paper and cardboard if it’s not picked up right at your home. Now there is also an electronics-recycling center in Dixon next to the Leydig Center on Warp Road. So not only can you drop off items at the Leydig Center, you can drop off electronics (including computers) next door. In last month’s article I talked about using concentrated cleaning prod-ucts that require you to add your own water. You also reuse the spray bottles so there are fewer plastic bottles in the landfill. Along those lines you can also stop buying bottled water and use a water filtration system and reuse your own water bottle. Switching will save you money and plastic and free up space in your re-frigerator. So this is another way to reduce waste and reuse products.

by Jill HornReduce, Reuse, Recycle

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Sauk Valley Sun Page 9

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Page 10 Sauk Valley Sun

Sterling 625-1851 Dixon 288-3211

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fitness

HOW CAN YOGA BE OF BENEFIT TO US AS WE AGE?

The benefits of yoga can be enjoyed by any age group. For an aging population, the benefits can be mea-sured in not only maintaining or improving strength, flex-ibility and balance, but also in how we view life in general. Here are some known benefits of a regular Yoga practice, taken from the Mayo Clinic’s website:Here’s the link: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/yoga/CM00004“The potential health benefits of yoga are numerous and may include: • Stress reduction. With its quiet, precise movements, yoga draws your focus away from your busy, chaotic day and toward calm as you move your body through poses that require balance and concentration. • Increased fitness. As you learn and refine new poses, you may enjoy improved balance, flexibility, range of motion and strength. And this means you’re less likely to injure yourself in other physical endeavors or in your daily activities. • Management of chronic health conditions. Yoga might help with a vari-ety of health conditions, such as cancer, depression, pain, anxiety and insomnia, by helping with sleep problems, fatigue and mood. Yoga also can help reduce heart rate and blood pressure. • Weight loss. If you’re overweight or have binge-eating disorder, yoga may help you make the healthy lifestyle changes necessary to gain control of your eating and drop those extra pounds.” With osteoporosis, for example, Yoga can be an excellent way to in-crease bone density. Exercise is often recommended to those with osteoporosis or osteopenia. However, doing exercise can be a tricky situation. Yes, the exer-cise is good but the added stress to the joints, such as jarring in an aerobic-type exercise, can cause pain and injury to joints, resulting in the person discontinuing the exercise program. In Yoga, the muscles gently pull on the bones, causing no harm to joints if practiced appropriately. This added “stress” to the bone causes the bone to increase density! This is a gentle stress, not a jarring stress. As mentioned in last month’s column, not all Yoga classes are created equal. Some are much more strenuous than others, resulting in injury, increased pain, or discouragement. If you are over the age of 40, I highly recommend find-ing a class that is designed for beginning students, not an “all levels” class. Be sure to seek out a class that stresses gentle movements. If you have any questions about health-related problems that weren’t ad-dressed here, please send an email to me at nancy@dixonyoga.com.

Yoga With Nancy by Nancy Nesyto-Freske

Certified Yoga Instructor & Theraputic Yoga Instructor

Beer & Wine Tasting Parkway Center Retirement Com-munity is celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year. A Wine & Beer Tasting event is scheduled for Saturday, June 16th on Park-way’s campus. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Prescott Dental Clinic. The Prescott Dental Clinic is partially funded through the CGH Health Foundation who is also celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year. The Prescott Dental Clinic was started in 1987 by Dick Prescott and his late wife Juanita. Joan Hermes, Executive Director for the CGH Health Founda-tion said that in 2011 the Prescott Dental Clinic served 6,691 total patients 4,015 were children ages 19 and under and 2,676 adults which were primarily emer-gency care. The clinic employs 3.5 full time equivalent dentists, 7 dentist full time, 10 suites, 1 full time hygienist, 10 dental assistants, 2 students now and another 2 in a month from now. Eric Brantley the owner of Crystal Cork in Dixon will be onsite with 30 varieties of wine and 10 different beers. VIP tables, which seat 8 are available for $500 and include dinner and special select amenities to enhance your evening out. Advanced tickets sales are available for $30 each or $50 per couple and can be purchased at Parkway Center’s business office, the hospital gift shop and Sauk Valley Bank, 201 W. 3rd Street, Sterling, who is a co-sponsor of this event will accept charge cards for tickets or tables. For more information call Parkway Center 815-626-1121.

Galena Steak House

1101 N. Galena Ave - Dixon

Mother’s Day BrunchFried Chicken, Roasted Turkey, Pot Roast, Dressing, Mashed Potatoes, Vegetables, Diced

Potatoes, French Toast, Waffles, Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs, Bacon, Sausage, Biscuits &

Gravy, Dessert Bar, and Soup & Salad Bar.

Adults $14.99 Kids $6.993 & Under - Free

Sauk Valley Sun Page 11

In the past, many people stayed at one job, or at least one company, for almost their entire working lives. When they retired, they could typically count on a pension, the value of which was based on their years of service and earnings. But today, workers can expect to hold several different jobs in their lifetime, and to a great extent, pensions have been replaced by 401(k) plans, which place much of the funding responsibility on employees. So, assuming you will change jobs at some point, and you do have a 401(k), what should you do with it?Here are your basic choices:

What Should You Do with a 401(k) When

Leaving a Job? John A. Haglund - Financial Advisor735 N. Galena Ave - Dixon, IL 61021

(815) 285-3930

• Cash out your plan. If you cash out your plan, your company will likely pay you 80% of your account value, withholding the rest for federal taxes. And if you’re younger than age 59½, you may well be slapped with a 10% IRS tax pen-alty. Even worse, you’ll have lost a key source of your retirement income. Still, if you are leaving your employer involuntarily, and you need the money, cashing out your 401(k) is an option you may need to consider.

• Keep the money in your company’s plan. When you leave a company, your employer may allow you to keep your money in your existing 401(k). You may want to choose this route if you like the investment choices available in your plan. However, you might be caught by surprise if the company decides to change investment options. Furthermore, some employers may charge former employees fees to maintain their 401(k) plans.

• Move the money into your new employer’s plan. If your new employer has a 401(k) and allows transfers, you could roll the money from your old plan into the new one. This might be an attractive option if you like the investment options in your new employer’s plan.

• Roll the money over to an IRA.Youmayfindseveraladvantagestoroll-ing your 401(k) over to an Individual Retirement Account (IRA). First, your money will still have the potential to grow on a tax-deferred basis. Second, you can invest your funds in virtually any investment you choose — stocks, bonds, government securities,certificatesofdeposit(CDs),etc.Third,ifyouownmorethanone401(k)account, you could find it advantageous to consolidate them into a single IRA,thereby making it easier to allocate and monitor your retirement assets. And fourth, IRAsmaygiveyougreaterflexibilityifyouplantopassmoneytoyourchildren.Infact, if your child inherits your IRA, he or she has the option of stretching withdraw-als over the child’s entire lifetime, rather than taking the money as a lump sum. (If you do transfer funds from your old 401(k) to an IRA, be sure to use a “direct rollover” to avoid the possibility of triggering unwanted taxes.)

Beforemakinganymoveswithyour401(k),consultwithyourtaxandfinancialadvi-sors. By looking closely at your options, and by getting professional guidance, you can make the choice that’s right for you. This article was written by Edward Jones for use by local Financial Advisor, John Haglund.

Come Join Us For Lunch Today!

Hours:

Mon-Thurs 10:30am-10:00pm

Fri & Sat10:30am-10:30pm

Sun11:30am-9:30pm

208 Kuel Rd - Dixon (815) 288-2288

Bring This Ad Into Panda & Receive:

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Breakfast served all day Sunday

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Come Join Us At Our New Location609 Depot Avenue ~ Dixon (815) 973-8129

Check our Facebook page for daily specials & soups!

Open Mother’s Day!

We now havespecialty salads and

lunches on the run for only $4.75!

Bright Beginnings Christian Daycare & Preschool

1033 Franklin Grove Rd-Dixon (815) 285-1033

WhereLove,

Education &Christianity

Meet

Preschool Openings!Pre-3: Tu/Th 7:50-10:50 or 11:50-2:50Pre-4: M/W/F 7:50-10:50 or 11:50-2:50

Call To Sign Up!

Ask Us About Summer Camp!

Reynoldswood Christian Camp

Mother’s Day Brunch in the Woods

May 13, 201210am-2pm

Treat Mom, Grandmother, Aunt, Sister, and/or Wife to

a great brunch.

Brunch includes: Full Salad Bar

BeveragesDecadent Desserts

Traditional Breakfast FavoritesBaked Chicken

Variety of Spring-Time Wraps Delicious Homemade Salads.

Groups of 6 or more, please call 815.284.6979 for reservations.

For more information about Reynoldswood Christian Camp, and summer day/resident camp programming, please call 815.284.6979, or visit us on the web at www.niccamp.org.

621 Reynoldswood Road - Dixon

Adults $10, Youth (Ages 4-11) $5, and Children under 3 FREE!

Page 12 Sauk Valley Sun

1688 Brandywine Lane, Dixon - Office (815) 288-0998

Eric BirdBroker/Owner815-973-6768

New Company... Same Excellent Service

So much to offer! 3 beds, 1 3/4 bath, 3 garage stalls, huge lot and so many up-dates. A must see - In Walnut! Call Jo to view!

$128,000 MLS # 118434

Price Reduced! Exceptionally well built home with amazing architecture & unique features. New roof in ‘10, 2 fireplaces, & beautifully vaulted ceilings in the living room are just a few of the many features. Call Laurie!$149,900 MLS # 115284

Attention Investors! This is not a drive by. Come take a look! 3 bedrooms, newer roof & flooring. Call Jo for de-tails.

$35,000 MLS # 118424

Open Ranch Floor Plan! Walk To The River!

Exceptional Farmette!

Large Lot!

New Listing!Kilgore Park Area!

Header

Better Than Rent!

5 + acres north of Sterling with brick home with 2000+ Sq. Ft. featuring beau-tiful oak woodworking & flooring. New 90x50 Wick pole building built in ‘07 plus barn & fenced pasture. Call Laurie!

$259,900 MLS # 118636

NE Dixon Ranch!

Check out this clean, NE Dixon ranch offering 3 bedrooms and main floor ev-erything. Newer kitchen cabinets and laminate flooring. 1 car garage & nice sized back yard on a low traffic street.

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Freshly painted & ready for you and your family! 3 beds, 1 3/4 baths, sepa-rate large family room all on the back 9 of Rock River Golf & Pool. Call Jo to view!

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Price Reduction! Check out this afford-able Sterling 3 bedroom with main floor remodeled bath, fenced yard, and 1 car garage. Walking distance of the river and the Canal Bridge. Call Laurie!

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3 bedroom, 2 bathroom open ranch floor plan on a large lot located in river access subdivision between Dixon & Sterling. Full basement with potential for 4th bed-room and family room. Call Laurie!

$129,900 MLS # 118615

Laurie SandovalBroker Associate

815-499-1587

Jo BrysonBroker Associate

815-946-3999

S.O.S.

Singles Of Sauk

Mission Statement:To encourage and create a safe singles gathering in a friendly

environment for fellowship and wholesome activities.

Location & Events Always Changing!All Ages Welcome!

Check out www.saukchurch.com

Or Call Linda at 815-631-1541

small businessWhat’s Brad Talking About?

by Brad Monson Small business intrigues me because of the close relationship it has to life itself. Sometimes, it seems we are barely surviving, whereas in other instances, we thrive. Continuously I try to find out what the “recipe” is for thriv-ing. To put it more succinctly, what decisions did I make to put me where I am in life? The responsibility is ultimately mine. As I said in my last column, certain challenges in-evitably face us where make decisions. Some of these decisions are much harder than others as they involve taking risks and getting out of our comfort zone. Usually, when we do anything which is new, we have a certain period of time in the beginning of the process where we learn what we must do to progress from one task to another, until finally, we feel confident about our accomplishments and can usually do it better the next time. Our core beliefs in life have a direct bearing on figuring out which deci-sions to look at making and which to stay away from. Like it or not, if we make a mistake in our decisions, it will usually catch up with us down the road, just as when we make a good decision, it can provide a “springboard” for making other successful actions in life. I am always looking for that secret elixir that provides successful deci-sions. For example, what was I doing at that time in my life when I made that decision? What was I feeling? What were my goals during that period of time? Was I true to myself? It is almost like I try to build a tuning fork that can give me a sense of which path to take in life. I learn not to take even the slightest, small-est decisions for granted. I find that everything is predicated on those previous moments of clarity when the complicated is reduced to the simple. Suddenly, the integration of my total being is maximized and I feel a great sense of accomplish-ment. Maslow’s Hierarchy would call that “self-actualization”. For me, it does not happen every day. But to capture that sense of self, that feeling of knowing your true ability in life, can give me more than any amount of money can. Being aware of where it is I am in life and where I want to go is important. But, being aware who I am as a person, and doing what is congruent to my true nature and core beliefs is the most important first step I take. Being “right” in life versus being “happy” can definitely be opposing forces. Someone once told me, “Time is our sweet enemy”. We have so much time to “play with”. That is why I try to maximize my time with a balanced attitude. Usually, (and I have done it often), when I make decisions to overextend myself, is when I waste my time. For more information about Brad, go to www.bradmonson.com

“The Decisions We Make”

Sauk Valley Sun Page 13

441 IL Rte. 2 - Dixon

www.BrandywineDixon.com

Celebrate Mother’s DaySpecial

Mother’s Day Brunch

Limited Seating - Call EarlyLast Year We Sold Out!

Call Now For Reservations 815-284-8484On Illinois Route 2

Between Dixon & Sterling

Baked Sugar Cured Ham (Hand Carved), Fried Chicken,Mashed Potatoes, Broccoli Rice Casserole, Buttered Corn, Farm Fresh Scrambled Eggs, Hickory Smoked Bacon, Plump Breakfast Sausage,

Roasted Breakfast Potatoes, Corned Beef Hash, Our Own Biscuits & Gravy, Cinnamon French Toast, Made-To-Order Belgian Waffles, Full Salad Bar,

Brandywine Famous Hors d’oeuvres Station, Coffee/Juice and Dessert Bar!PLUS OUR SPECIAL KIDS BUFFET!

Only $19.99Seniors $18.99 Kids $8.99Sunday, May 13th

Page 14 Sauk Valley Sun

local churches

Want to see your church listed? Only $99 per year. Call 815-888-4403.

Christ Our Savior Lutheran Church LCMS-Pastor David Andermann2035 IL Rt. 26 N (815) 284-4554 Sundays Service at 9 am

Abiding Word ChurchPastor Scott Porter806 E. Lynn Blvd.(815) 626-1827Saturday Service at 6:00 pmSunday Services at 10:00 am abidingwordchurch.org

The Big Red ChurchPastor Jeff Coester 311 2nd Ave.(815) 625-5112 Sunday School 9 am Sunday Worship 10 amTuesday Prayer Mtg 6 pmTuesday Bible Study 7 pm

Immanuel Lutheran Church ELCA - Pastor Frank Langhoff1013 Franklin Grove Road.(815) 284-2804Saturday Service at 5:30 pmSunday Services at 8 amand 10:30 amImmanueldixon.org

DIXON DIXON STERLINGSTERLING STERLINGAmazing Grace of SterlingPastor Lorne Shlomer512 2nd Ave.(815) 625-9300Saturday Service 7pmSunday Service 10amWednesday Service 7pmrevivalfires.net

a tidbit about our writers...Favorite Restaurant In The Sauk Valley

Jane SheafferI have always loved the Touch of Thai Restaurant since it opened. I greatly appreciate that they will cook dishes to order, accommodating dietary requirements. The food turns out great no matter what I ask them to do!

Katie HauckHow can I choose a favor-ite? I LOVE FOOD! I guess it depends on what I am in the mood for. If it’s a good burger I crave I always head to Flynnie’s. If it’s a pepper-oni, with extra cheese pizza I order carry out from Lil An-gelos. If I’m in the mood for some delicious tacos I head to Fiesta Cancun, but if I feel like some sesame chicken with crab rangoons I love Panda. There are just way too many great choices. This questions was way too hard this month!

Brad MonsonDixon Drum and Bugle Corp Band plssssssssssssss!.............. without a doubt...the best bang for your buck(and your butt) is.........The Town and Country Family Restaurant located on North Galena Avenue here in Dixon.(Where the old A&W Restaurant used to be, next to the Car Wash). The food is great and there is plenty of it!!! The owner is Bajra-moski-Bilgair(see attached picture of Bajra and myself) from Masedonija or as we would say Macedonia....he has been there forever with his family and the place is packed on the weekends. What I like the best is the family atmosphere and the great service, in addition to the food.

Darlene RegoTo choose a favorite is tough because my husband and I have a couple of favorite plac-es to eat. One of these is “Dynasty” in Sterling . They have Chinese food to carry out or eat in. We usually carry out. Our other favor-ite is “Wendys” here in Dixon!

Nancy Nesyto-FreskeMy favorite restaurant is Touch of Thai. It’s on First, just east of Peo-ria. I like the selection, quality and taste. I am eager to try the new restaurant around the corner from my studio - Orom. It’s on First, just west of Peoria.

Ken HauckI pretty much eat every meal at Galena Steakhouse (my wife & I really do at out a lot!). I love their salad bar. Being from Chicago, though, I often crave a good Chicago Dog. At that time I head to Sow Belly’s. I don’t let my wife go with because she tries to order ketchup on her hotdog!

Carol ChandlerFavorite restaurant - Applebees and any-thing that has an orien-tal buffet!

Jeff & Mary CoesterWe love The Basil Tree in Dixon and have been there lunch, dinner and Rehearsal Dinners. Their Wait Staff seems especially interested in your happiness. I did have a great grilled Prime Rib at The Can-dlelight, Rock Falls too!

Jill HornMy favorite restaurant in the Sauk Valley area is The River’s Edge Inn. I love their frog legs and the view. It’s hard to find a restau-rant that serves frog legs anymore!

Chuck MillerAs food & beverage director at The Brandy-wine, I rarely dine out. You never see a mail-man take a walk on his day off, I’m just saying.

Joshua HauckI am super picky when it comes to deli sandwiches. Cob-blestone has mastered an art that I will munch on anytime I get the chance. Plus you can’t go wrong with an amaz-ing sandwich followed up by some of the best ice cream in the world! (the above statement might be based on opinion. :P I recommend the Godfather sandwich. Yum!)

Galena Steak Housewould like to take this

opportunity to say Thank You to all of our customers for

voting us as your #1 steakhouse for over 9 years!

We appreciate your continued support!

#1

1101 N. Galena Ave - Dixon 815-285-1625

Sow Belly’sThe Taste of Chicago in Dixon• Chicago Style Dogs• Pizza By The Slice• Gyros• Vienna Beef• Burgers• So Much More!

Open Daily 10am - 10pm

Open late Friday & Saturday

92 S. Peoria Avenue - Dixon 815-288-1234

f

$1.00 OffAny Purchase

Limit one per customer. Expires: 5/31/12

Open 10:30am to 10pm - 7 days a week!

815-626-9999WE DELIVER

603 Freeport Rd, Sterling, IL 61081

New York Style SandwichesCedar Crest Ice Cream

Over 30 New York Style

Sandwiches! Best Beef and Gyro’s

around!

24 Flavors of Cedar Crest Ice Cream!

Sauk Valley Sun Page 15

Flexible Schedule

Part Time/Full Time

$10-$15/hr plus bonuses

Questions: Dean Payne815-757-0578

dcpayne61@gmail.com

Informative EventIn Dixon

Every Thursday at 7:30pm

Comfort Inn136 Plaza Dr.

Dixon, IL

Meeting Ticket

Bring to Meeting toRegister for Give Away

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service directoryTo See Your Business Advertised Here Please Call 815-888-4403.

A/C -HEATING

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Serving the Sauk Valley

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CARPETCLEANING

Kennay’s Carpet Care

Dixon815-288-7336

COMPUTERREPAIR

DC ComputersNetwork, wire-

less, PC, Security742 N Galena Ave. Dixon, IL

61021815-288-4695DUMPSTER

RENTAL

GUTTERSPAINTING

TREESERVICECARPENTRY

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ONLY $19/month

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Dan Maloney815-288-4525

Mel’s PaintingExperienced -

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ELECTRICIAN

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Type & Logos

GUNS & AMMO

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2058 Lowell Park Rd-Dixon

815-994-6128jtsalesstore.com 10% off ammoFURNITURE

REPAIR

Days Furniture Repair Expert

Repair & regluing on sofas, chairs, recliners & much

more1513 5th Ave

Sterling815-626-5136

BACKHOESERVICES

Joe ValdezExcavating & Hauling, Con-

crete Installation & Removal, Tree

Trimming.Lee, Ogle & Whi-

tesideCALL JOE

815-994-2468

Joe’s Sewer & Septic:

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Dixon815-994-2468

MASSAGETHERAPY

LANDSCAPING

EMBROIDERY

The Wright Mas-sage

Carol Wright LMT1411 E. 4th St.

Sterling815-441-2675Specializing in deep tissue &

myofacial work. Voted #1 in Sauk

Valley.

Downtown Sports1202 S. Galena

Ave. Dixon815-284-2255embroidery & screen print-

ing. Price Match Guarantee.

YardmansIf you like rates at dependable

prices call Chris. Quality assured.815-441-9450815-213-3721

“Please, Sir. I want some more.” “More!?”We now have

several locations where you can pick up your free copy of the Sauk Valley Sun! Find one near you!

Dixon:County MarketAnytime FitnessFlynnie’sRed Apple

Sterling:County MarketKrogerThe Spot

Rock Falls:Save-A-LotFamily TableFriendship House

Look for our boxes outside of these locations.

See the title there? “please, sir. I want

some more.” “more!?” Do you get the reference? :)

Page 16 Sauk Valley Sun

Bird Realty1688 Brandywine Lane

Dixon, IL(815) 288-0998

Come See HowOur Growing

Team Of Trusted AgentsCan Help You!

Eric BirdBroker/Owner815-973-6768

Laurie SandovalBroker Associate

815-499-1587

Jo BrysonBroker Associate

815-946-3999

815-288-3366 www.dixonflm.com

HOME OF THE HASSLE FREE BUYING

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DIXON

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COUPON MUST BE PRESENTED TO

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FOUR TIREMAIL-IN REBATE

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