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ROCHELLE EDITION
VOL 6 ISSUE 2
FEB - MAR 2015
08
Driftless Glen
Carl and Kristine Pierce embark
on a new adventure in Baraboo
Where life happens.
1
Nobody plans a sick day.
Summer
country
J a m 2015
Save the Date!
Our new Walk-In Clinic is ready when you are.
Rochelle Community Hospital is pleased to announce
that compassionate, quality care at Rochelle Medical
Group’s new Walk-In Clinic is only a step away.
Our skilled family nurse practitioners treat minor
injuries and illnesses without an appointment – so
scheduling is never a problem when it comes to sick
days, sprained ankles or kids with fever.
(L -R) Marilyn Balch, APN, CNP;
Katherine Coulter, APN, FNP-BC;
Sara Lyons, APN, FNP-BC
The new Walk-In Clinic at Rochelle Medical Group
opens February 2, bringing together skilled
providers under one roof with:
• Quality care, no appointment necessary
• Healthcare for children & adults
• Treatment of minor injuries & illnesses
• Immunizations, labs & other services
• Skilled, compassionate providers
Open Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Walk-In Clinic
August 1 2015
at Rochelle Municipal Airport
Listen to 102.3 The Coyote for complete line-up and details!
Line-up revealed february 13th at 7:10am on 102.3 the coyote
Tickets go on sale at 10am on february 13th
Tickets: $20 // Parking Passes: $5 // Kids 10 and under: free
Tickets available at THE CHAMBER OFFICE,
SELECT LOCATIONS and
ONLINE at WWW.ROCHELLECHAMBER.ORG
510 Lincoln Highway, Rochelle • 815-561-8335
2
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
rochellehospital.com/RMGWalkIn
1221 Currency Court, Suite A
Rochelle, IL 61068
Phone: 815.562.4189
Where life happens.
rochellechamber@gmail.com 3
MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHERS
Dear Reader,
Contact Us
Rochelle InVironments
P.O. Box 4, Sycamore, IL 60178
Renee Page, Editor
Renee@invironmentsmag.com
Joe and Dana Meyers
Publishers/Advertising
Meyers@invironmentsmag.com
How to Write Us:
Do you have a question,
suggestion, or comment about
Rochelle InVironments? Email your
letter to renee@invironmentsmag.
com. Please include your full
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Letters may be edited for brevity.
Dear Reader,
There is nothing
and checks out what’s happening here.
My children are
a house with separate rooms where I
Thanks for spending time with us. It
better on a cold
Her human, Nikki, thinks we should put
still not sleeping.
could order my little cherubs when they
is our hope that while you are here
winter’s night
a GoPro camera on her to see what she
I have waited
trade their halos for boxing gloves. Ok,
you will find some encouragement,
than cozying
gets up to on her travels. Personally, I’m
all day for this
that is an exaggeration. We typically
learn something new, or maybe just
up in front of
afraid that would only show me running
chat with you
don’t have fist fights, but the verbal
unwind a bit. Clearly, from my previous
the fire with a
around my house in my pajamas!
and they are still
assaults are just as upsetting. Often
ramblings, I understand the need
AWAKE. Granted
there are not enough corners in the
to just breathe. Perhaps we need to
soft blanket, a
good book, and a warm kitty. That’s
I love my pets, my family’s pets, and
they are not climbing all over me at this
room to keep everyone away from
consider an article on how to get your
right, I’m a cat person. Not that I
my friends’ pets. I have nephew dogs
minute, but I hear their voices and other
each other. I only have four children.
children sleeping before ten o’clock.
don’t like dogs, because I know some
and niece cats all over the country! It’s
noises. I think one of them is cleaning
Four corners should be enough, but
Better yet, stress relief tactics for
great ones, but cats fit my lifestyle.
good to know that there are people like
her room. I hate to get upset about
sometimes I need a timeout with them.
sleep deprived moms. In fact maybe
They are independent and take care
Dr. William Neuliep to take care of our
that at any hour of the day but come
of themselves when I’m away from
furry “children.” He’s been taking care of
on! The constant clatter and chatter
Ah, motherhood…please don’t
home for long hours during the day.
Rochelle area animals since 1951. How
reminds me that I am never alone. A
misunderstand my rant. I am overjoyed
wonderful to still be doing something
state which I realize is truly a blessing,
and blessed beyond measure by
Sorry, rambling again. We are truly glad
I have two cats that run my household.
you love more than 60 years later!
but at 10:30 p.m., after a day of much…
my family. I know all too quickly
you are here. We are blessed to be part
Keala is a petite gray with a propensity
Speaking of doing things you love,
togetherness…I would just like quiet.
this chapter of my life will be over
of this dynamic community, and it is a
toward tearing apart cardboard boxes
check out our stories on June
and I will look back longing for the
privilege to be part of a magazine that
and eating loose ribbons. She is named
Harmon, Ayden Theiss, and Francis
My winter claustrophobia has set
noises of childhood to fill my home
celebrates our strengths. Not every day
after Kealakekua Bay in Hawaii, my
Volz who all have a passion to
in. I love, love, love my family, but at
again. Right now, I am just tired
is a good one but we hope your time
favorite place to snorkel. When an
share with you this month.
this time of year, held captive in our
and my good parenting skills wane
with us makes today a little brighter
home by the cold temperatures, I long
quickly starting about 9:00 p.m.
for you. I also pray that if you are just
adopted cat joined us, I named her
I should write that one. I am sure my
research would require a spa day.
Coki, after the beach in St. Thomas
Sit back, cuddle your pet, and enjoy
for sunny days when people can go
Honestly, today the decline might
starting to read this at 10:00 p.m., you
where I learned to snorkel. (I had a
this issue of InVironments. Remember,
outside. Here I am, bundled up in socks
have started closer to 9:00 a.m.
are doing so under relaxing conditions.
theme going!) She is 13-pounds of gray
you are always welcome to send us
and sweaters while Joe complains the
and white fur with a stubby tail, big
story ideas about interesting people
house is too hot, looking at the Remax
Thank goodness, tomorrow is a new
With you “In” mind,
green eyes, and a skittish personality.
you know in the Rochelle area!
website. I fantasize about moving into
day, a new page. Speaking of pages,
Joe and Dana Meyers
a 3,000 plus square foot home. In my
I should be welcoming you to this
Publishers
mind, I trade our open floor plan for
issue of InVironments Rochelle.
I also have a neighbor cat. Rusty roams
Finding “In”Spiration in You,
the neighborhood and particularly likes
Renee Page
my landscaping and my back patio.
Editor
She often comes to the sliding door
FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS GO TO: WWW INVIRONMENTSMAG.COM
4
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
Where life happens.
5
O F
CONTENTS
ON THE COVER
T A B L E
08 BOURBON, BUDDIES AND BARABOO
What if close friends decide to go into
business together to do something
that could impact a growing
industry on a national scale?
42 I N E D U C AT I O N
RTHS THEATER PROGRAM
Enriching Lives Through Theater
08
16
Enriching Lives Through the Theater
46 I N H O M E & G A R D E N S
34
THINK SPRING
Starting Seedlings for Spring Planting
22
16 I N A R T S
FRAN VOLZ
The Art of Building Robots
34 I N C O M M U N I T Y
22
June Harmon
F E AT U R E
26
Ministering Through the Power of Prayer
WILLIAM NEULIEP
Still an Old Fashioned
Country Vet
PHOTO SPREAD
26
Ayden Theiss
F E AT U R E
48 I N C A L E N D A R
Racing by Remote Control
The Latest in Local Events
6
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
Where life happens.
7
I N F E AT U R E
For this latest venture, Mike and Brian
together to provide a distinct taste that
agreed they would tackle a project that
we could call our own,” Mike explains.
would have a national distribution and was
BOURBON, BUDDIES
AND
W
BARABOO
hat happens when close friends decide to go into business together? What if they want to
in an industry that had an element of fun
“We found this perfect combination at the
to it. In the last three decades, the craft
edge of the Driftless region in Baraboo,”
beer industry has exploded. It seemed to
he continues. “So much of each spirit
Mike and Brian that craft spirits could soon
begins with water. The affect that the
experience the same explosive growth.
glaciers had on the Baraboo area and the
aquifer that we pull our water from really
“When you are friends for 30 years, you
together. While we both enjoy wine and
Brian adds, “Our grain is grown in very
beer, we became intrigued with what a few
sandy soil that was left by the glaciers,
craft distilleries were doing with spirits
just a few miles from the distillery. Just
… especially with whiskey,” says Brian.
like specific grapes can only flourish
in specific areas of Napa Valley, for
After diligent research (“Somebody
example, our spirits are a unique
had to taste all those whiskeys”), they
expression of the Driftless region.”
came to the conclusion that they would
build a distillery from the ground up. But
“where” became an important question.
do something that could impact a growing industry on a national scale? For Brian Bemis
and Mike Weckerly, the answers to these questions will come this spring when they open
Driftless Glen Distillery and Restaurant on the bank of the Baraboo River in Baraboo, Wisconsin.
The two friends have actually worked together for thirty years. Mike did Brian’s advertising, and they
have played around with a few fun business projects over the years. “We enjoyed being partners in the
radio and cable businesses and always thought we would like to do something again,” says Mike.
“Bourbon has its roots in Kentucky, and
there are lots of great bourbons made
there. But together we decided that terroir
was just as important to spirits as it is
to wine. So the search was on to find a
distinct area where the terroir, that is the
combination of earth and soil, water and
weather, climate and temperature, come
8
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
makes an impact on our final product.”
end up sharing a few drinks and meals
ENTER TWO LONGTIME FRIENDS
Carl and Kristine Pierce from Creston have
been friends with Mike, Brian, and their
wives for quite some time. Carl was the
fifth generation to farm the Woodlawn
Farm in Creston. Most recently it was
the Woodlawn Hunt Club. “I loved that
farm. Over the past ten years, I had the
chance to honor what my grandmother
valued in the land. We did lots of native
prairie restoration and really felt we
gave back to the land what it had given
my family for generations,” said Carl.
With much of the land restored, Carl and
Kristine were looking for a change. Kristine
always had a fascination with food and
flavors. “The idea of becoming one of a
few husband-and-wife distillers just kind
of happened through fun discussions with
Where life happens.
9
I N F E AT U R E
very intricate and demands hand steering
of the steam flow,” explains Kristine. “On
a given day, I can be seen ‘dancing’ along
the perimeter of our 44-foot tall column
still while suspended 20 feet in the air.
I just kind of float from the big column
still to the artistic side of distilling with
our pot still, all while monitoring steam,
proof of the whiskey, and always, ALWAYS,
tasting the spirit as it flows off the still.”
Carl on the other hand is making it all work.
“My days are never the same. One day I’m
We took our time and did a lot of research
meeting with grain farmers working on
about the life of a distiller and talked a lot
milling, quality, and forecasts. The next day
more with Mike and Brian. Once we visited the
of whiskey mash and moving it between
I’m filling barrels, cooking 2,600 gallons
cooker, fermenters, and the stills. Those are
building and the Baraboo area, we were sold.
the good days. On rough days, I’m dealing
with fussy, stuck mash, keeping the cooling
tower from freezing in frigid temperatures,
and did a lot of research about the life of
famous for. It’s nice to
a distiller and talked a lot more with Mike
think of the work my
and Brian. Once we visited the building
grandma and grandpa
and the Baraboo area, we were sold. We
did on the farm reaching up
loved living on the farm and prairie. Now
even in this area in Wisconsin.”
but a variety of gins. We’ve spent most
MARRIED LIFE,
DISTILLED
our recipes. One goes back to the British
construction, electrical, and piping of the
distillery, and his life’s work as a farmer has
helped Driftless Glen build relationships
with area farmers and cattlemen.
“It was nice dealing with farmers again.
We share the same values and land ethic,”
Carl says. “The people who use our spent
whiskey grain to feed their beef cattle had
certainly heard of the legacy of Woodlawn
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ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
Carl and Kristine work side-by-side but
with very different specialties. “Kristine
has an incredible palette. I love what she
tastes in the spirits. I believe along with
our Master Distiller that she will quickly
high-tech copper and stainless steel we
work with we can deliver sensational
moonshine flavors that will be the
same over time. Moonshine from the
backwoods changed from day to day
At the end of the day, this couple leaves
angus they were
Carl was instrumental in the final
stills of yesteryear. However, with all the
While the early production has focused
Farms and the black
kayaks were in the water all summer.”
really should harken back to the small
because of the lack of controls.”
together,” she says. “We took our time
We really enjoy hiking the hills, and our
talking about moonshine. “Moonshine
and thawing out pipes,” he says.
Brian and Renee while we were on vacation
we live in the woods and walk to the lake.
For Carl, the excitement comes when
on bourbon and rye whiskey, soon the
Pierces will turn to vodka, gin, and
moonshine. “Mike has turned me loose
to really author our gin, not just one style
of the year researching and working out
navy formulation; another is floral and
light with lots of my suggestions such
as rose petals, vanilla, and many other
ingredients that add delicate flavors. It’s
one of the most creative spirits we will
launch this year,” Kristine says excitedly.
distilling behind to enjoy the unsurpassed
beauty of their new home. “That’s where
living in such a gorgeous area really helps.
We grab the dog for a hike and have
dozens of trails within two miles of our
home. Other nights, we kayak snowshoe,
or explore the small towns that surround
us,” smiles Kristine. “Of course it doesn’t
hurt to have access to cattle that has
been fed our whiskey mash and just grill
out some steaks and look at the starfilled sky. We are often shouting across
the production floor at each other, but
once we head home that all falls away.”
emerge as one of the distinct voices in
the craft distilling world,” says Mike.
She also is known to dance with steam.
“Our system is one of the most complex
systems in the industry. It is very hands on,
Where life happens.
11
I N F E AT U R E
Most people are here on vacation and want to
have fun. We put a lot of thought into making
sure they have a great time when they visit
here. They end the tour tasting six different
spirits as well as oils and balsamics
GO BIG OR GO HOME
“As we developed this project, we felt
size was important. We did all this
research to find the perfect place; we
wanted to be able to make enough to
share with the world,” Brian says. “So
from the first day, we sized our operation
to be hand crafted but on a scale that
could have national as well as the
potential for international distribution.”
That led the new whiskey barons to
Louisville to meet with the same stillmakers who design and build stills for
the big names in whiskey. “They were
great to work with. They took our vision
that started with a phone call from
Brian’s desk and designed us a one-ofa-kind pair of stills. These stills allow
us to bend, form, and craft a whiskey
that is both beautiful and unique in
all the world, but do it on a scale that
makes us equal to the largest ten
percent of craft distillers,” says Mike.
“With this kind of project, the amount
of work is the same whether the scale
is small or large. We have confidence in
our products, our water, and our recipes,
and we really know we are headed
The partners spent a few years going
to distilling classes and working with
whiskey professionals around the
country. In this time, one name kept
coming up—Dave Pickerell. Dave was
the master distiller for Maker’s Mark
for 14 years and has since helped a
number of distilleries get started.
“Dave was pretty full at the time
but after meeting him and sharing
the unique terroir we discovered,
he got very excited and came on
board guns blazing,” Mike says.
Dave’s lifetime in the industry helped
guide the distillery design that features
2600-gallon runs each eight-hour shift.
The process of mashing, fermenting,
distilling, and barreling plays out each
day and makes for a great tour.
On the tour, visitors not only learn about
this process—they also take part in
something truly entertaining. “Most
people are here on vacation and want
to have fun. We put a lot of thought
into making sure they have a great
time when they visit here. They end the
tour tasting six different spirits as well
as oils and balsamics,” says Brian.
GREAT TOURIST
DESTINATION
Once they decided on Baraboo because
of the unique terroir, the partners and
their wives came to realize what an
incredible tourist destination the area is.
“We spent a night with our neighbors at
Circus World and that changed everything,”
remembers Renee Bemis, Brian’s wife and
a world-class sculptor. “There is just an
amazing energy in the area. It’s a vibe you
toward a national brand. The quality is
have to experience to appreciate. It’s a
just that good,” Brian says with a smile.
special place to spend time, especially as
an artist looking for a creative feel. Baraboo
has that—just a real sense of place.”
Circus World is right next door to the new
distillery. “It makes for a one-of-a-kind view
on the river,” says Renee. “One day you
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ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
might see elephants heading off to bed; the
next day you might have blue-eyed spotted
camels flashing their infectious grin at
you. And then there are gorgeous natural
places like Devil’s Lake and Mirror Lake just
one mile from us. Kayakers, canoeists, and
fly fisherman visit the distillery everyday.
Plus—and this goes without saying—the
Dells are just ten miles down the road.”
It was the vision that these buddies
brought to Baraboo that led the city of
Baraboo to part with three and a half
acres of prime riverfront. “The city had
this property for ten years as part of their
River Walk redevelopment,” Mike explains.
“Once we showed them our plans, they
were great partners. The city council
shared their experiences about the area
FRIENDS MAKE THE
RIDE SPECIAL
The three couples have accomplished
a lot on this dream project so far, each
in their own way. The hours are long
and there are always surprises, but that
hasn’t stopped them from planning
their next vacation together. “I think all
six of us are looking forward to getting
away together on vacation this winter,”
says Carl. “We will sit by the ocean and
relax and just enjoy friendship and talk
of families and fun—of course there
will be some business discussions,
but mostly we’ll just share life.” g
and offered great ideas and support.”
Where life happens.
13
I N C AT G R Y
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ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
Where life happens.
15
INARTS
FRAN
THE AR
VOLZ
T OF B
UILDIN
G
By
Daniel Williams
A
studio apartment
is the last place anyone
would expect to find an 8-foot tall
Rock ‘Em, Sock ‘Em styled robot but then again, Fran
Volz’s studio apartment isn’t filled with your typical items. The
confines of his 15x20 studio apartment, which is tucked away on
Seventh Avenue, has many of the typical amenities: his computer,
bed, clothes and kitchen. But what makes Volz’s apartment unique
are the numerous art supplies, nuts and bolts, and even meticulously
carved miniature sculptures he uses as prototypes for his art designs.
16
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
Where life happens.
17
INARTS
Volz estimates each robot will have
about 30 moving parts that he and his
electronics engineer, John Gregorio,
are designing for the piece.
Many of the parts have been made from
everyday hardware store parts but others
have been customized and designed
by Volz himself. “I think the guys at the
hardware store have gotten sick of seeing
me,” Volz joked. “They used to ask me if
there was anything they could do to help,
but the problem is sometimes I don’t even
know what I’m looking for until I find it.”
This isn’t Volz’s first venture into building
robots. Several years ago he built a
Styrofoam Gundham robot and displayed
it on his front lawn in Arlington Heights.
After seeing the public’s reaction, he
wished it actually moved which paved the
way for his computer-controlled version.
After that, he started thinking
His work is probably most recognized in
Once finished, Volz envisions the general
Rochelle and the Chicagoland area for
public lining up to pay and play. The
beautifully detailed snow sculptures he
older generation will remember the toy
carves each year during the winter, but
growing up. The younger generation
Volz works in a number of mediums.
will be attracted to three-dimensional
robots as opposed to the flat screen
much bigger and the idea for the
“It’s been a dream of
mine for 15 years.”
boxing robots was born.
Volz has spent the last few years
designing, sculpting, and building the
robots from the ground up in his studio
graphics on Play Station and X-Box.
apartment and in various other locations.
bronze; a designer; and an engineer.
“It’ll be fully interactive, where two people
He contacted a company in Rockford
Volz is the epitome of a Renaissance
sit outside the boxing ring with pilot-style
man, and the amazing part is his lack
joysticks manipulating the robots,” he said.
He’s an artist (sketching and painting);
a sculptor having statues cast in
of classical training. “I’ve always
admired classical training, but I’ve never
actually had any myself,” Volz said.
That’s possibly what makes his artwork so
unique. Like his current project of a larger
than life-sized interactive Rock ‘Em, Sock
‘Em-styled game. It’s his largest and mostinvolved project to date. Volz is developing
the project as a multi-purpose art piece.
It is part entertainment, part sculpture,
and part engineering masterpiece.
called Fluid Control Products to
purchase pneumatic air cylinders for
the various movements. They became
interested in this unique project and
allowed him to fabricate and test the
steel skeletons of the robots; giving
technical advice along the way as well.
“They’ve been like family to
me there,” he added.
There’s still a lot of work left to be done
on the project, but Volz will begin creating
the master molds in the coming months.
He’s designed the body of the robot out of
styrofoam, and will cast the many parts
in a fiberglass composite. These body
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ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
“I think the guys at the hardware store
have gotten sick of seeing me,”
armor shells will be the final product---
He’s had an offer for free space in
shoulder pads, jet pack, feet, etc.
Romeoville but would prefer to keep it in
Rochelle if he can. The free space would
Volz is facing a few larger hurdles for the
allow him to do that. He’s considering
project though. As the robots take up
doing a Kickstarter donation request for
space in his apartment, the need for a
the remainder of the project, but since he’s
larger space increases daily. Once it comes
unsure when the project will be finished,
time to build the boxing ring the robots will
he’s been hesitant to go that route.
be housed in, he’ll need warehouse space
or a large indoor area to assemble and
Volz’s target audience will be trade
test it. This will possibly be in late spring.
shows, shopping malls and carnivals.
However, his ultimate goal is to display
Volz said with the amount of money
the piece in a well-visited location such
currently invested, he’s hoping someone
as Navy Pier in Chicago. Volz has several
can offer free space to work in. He is
connections with the City of Chicago and
looking for a 20 x 20 space with 10-
Navy Pier specifically that could help
foot ceilings. “I already have $20,000
him achieve his dream, but he’s hoping
invested and I think it’ll take about
to finish the project here in Rochelle.
$15,000 more to finish it, so I’m not in
the position to rent space,” he said.
“I just hope this whole thing
takes off,” he said.
Where life happens.
19
INARTS
This year’s most popular display
the Snow Days Chicago competition
was located at the corner of
now held annually at Navy Pier.
Seventh Avenue and Caron Road.
Volz said his passion with snow
Volz creates his own tools to
sculpting started in 1987 when
carve the snow, but everyday
he built a Smurf out of snow.
household items work as
well—garden tools, chisels,
“I just went out and started
sandpaper, even a drywall saw.
sculpting and learning to work
in the snow,” Volz said.
Volz said his most popular
works over the years have been
A life-long artist, Volz said it didn’t
a Marilyn Monroe display and
take long to learn how to carve
a seven-foot tall resemblance
the snow to his liking, but his first
of Jesus. Although some of his
venture was almost his last. After
inspiration comes from his religious
almost completing the Smurf, “it
background, he creates everything
laughed at him and fell over.”
from superheroes to wildlife.
with snow on a blustery winter
“I went inside and almost gave up,”
After speaking with Rochelle
day, Fran Volz sees opportunity. He
he said. “But after awhile, I went
Township High School art teacher
sees the opportunity for an angel, a
back out and was able to salvage
John Dobbs, Volz agreed to tutor
superhero, a Greek god or goddess or
part of it.” He learned quickly that
RTHS art students outdoors on
anything his imagination aspires to.
snow is heavy. Anything vertical
the school grounds in the art of
must be supported adequately.
snow sculpting, passing along
WORKS OF ART
IN THE SNOW
When others see an empty lot filled
some of his expertise. g
Volz has become quietly known
as the ‘snow sculptor’ in Rochelle
The lesson learned stayed with
over the past two winters. His
him for years and he’s continued
works, displayed during the winter
sculpting snow ever since. He
on Seventh Avenue, have become
competed in Rockford’s Illinois
popular spots for drivers to pass
Snow Sculpting Competition and
by or stop and snap a quick photo.
eventually brought snow sculpting
to downtown Chicago by creating
sha sha ’s salon
MANY OF VOLZ’S
WORKS CAN BE FOUND
ON HIS WEBSITE AT
FRANVOLZSTUDIOS.COM.
VCCT presents
Located inside The Cypress House
718 10th Ave, Rochelle, IL
815-562-4150
New Cut * New Color * New You
20
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
By Billy Van Zandt and Jane Milmore
March 20-22, 27-28, 2015
Paddock Hall
(815) 764-2287
www.vcctrochelle.org
Where life happens.
21
I N F E AT U R E
By Renee Page
W
ithin a minute of meeting June Harmon, you know
two things about her: she has a joy for living and she
believes in the power of prayer. Her enthusiasm for life
and heart for God are evident in everything she says and does.
She is an ordained minister in the Baptist
to places she normally wouldn’t have
church. In 1992, Harmon felt the call
been allowed to go. Her main ministry
to preach but at the time there were no
was to drug addicts and alcoholics. Her
women pastors in the Baptist church in the
four-block neighborhood was inundated
Chicago area. In fact, her pastor invited her
with drug dealers and users. She said
to leave the church. But Harmon wasn’t so
she had seen a number of people
inclined and she began to pray about it.
delivered from drugs and returned to
being good parents to their children.
She joined the church’s prison ministry
at the Cook County Jail. Every third
Harmon was a pre-Kindergarten teacher
Sunday, a team of missionaries, male
at the time, and she recalled having her
pastors, and Harmon would minister
young students make items that she later
to the prisoners. On one such Sunday,
passed out to the drug dealers along with
her pastor called her to the pulpit
Christian tracts. The drug dealers would
and gave her his support. In 1994, he
hang out across from the school. Every
ordained her as a pastor in the church.
morning, she would open her windows
That victory isn’t the end of the story.
and pray for the dealers by name, loud
Harmon took a lot of flak for being a
enough that they could hear her. She
woman preacher. She said that people
started to see changes. If she didn’t give
talked about her, even to her face. “If
someone a tract that week, they would ask
you can withstand being called into
her for one. Some of the dealers started
the ministry in a black Baptist church,
coming to church. “That was the start
you can do anything,” she laughed.
of breaking down what was going on in
my community,” she said vehemently.
“If you expect greatness,
then it will come about.”
After two years of ministering to her
neighborhood, Harmon’s husband lost
his job in the Chicago area. “That was
three months of relying on the Lord,”
she proclaimed. Then he heard about
job openings at Rochelle Foods. In
her inimitable, dramatic way, Harmon
described the “long, long, long drive” to
Rochelle from Summit. As they were
driving home from the interview, he
received a call with a job offer. Within a
week, the family had relocated to Rochelle.
“If you expect greatness, then it
will come about,” she stated.
Harmon persevered and started a
women’s ministry that allowed her to go
22
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
Where life happens. 23
I N F E AT U R E
One activity had a particular impact
Harmon is starting to see evangelism
Lighthouse, she was invited to attend a
on Harmon’s point of view. The activity
as part of her calling. “God is taking me
winter prayer conference in Ireland. She
included climbing a high tree with your
to deeper places,” she said. She goes to
said there is the same drama over women
teammates holding the rope for support.
Chicago to preach at revivals and works
ministers in Ireland as there is here. She
Harmon knew she could not make it to the
with a door-to-door ministry in Rockford.
believes that the leadership of the church
top so she decided her purpose was to hold
She will also have a one-minute spot to
can make a difference in how women
the rope. “I realized I might not make it to
share the gospel on a local radio station.
can minister. “We have to get out of our
mindsets. God is bigger than that. It’s
the top of the pole but I’m part of the team
that makes sure the other person makes
This fall, after meeting a prolific pastor
it to the top,” she stated emphatically.
who had preached a revival at Calvary
God’s ministry, not ours,” she stated. g
The exercise was a metaphor for her life.
Although she is an ordained pastor, she
has never been in a church where she
could lead. However, she could still serve
God and minister to people through the
programs in which she participates.
For instance, she was part of the Rock
“We need to learn to hear the voice of
God in our lives. It will give you strength
when you need it. I have a lot of peace and
joy in my life,” she said. “I choose joy.”
Weekend ministries for a long time.
These weekends encourage teens
in their spiritual lives. They needed
a woman spiritual director, so she
volunteered. She said she is willing to
serve in whatever capacity she is needed
in her church, Calvary Lighthouse.
“If God wants me to
do it, I believe I can
do it,” she affirmed.
Come down to
Hub City Senior Center
Harmon and her husband briefly operated
their own church, Keys to the Kingdom.
They started meeting in their home, then
in the meeting room at the Comfort Inn.
Life hasn’t been easy for Harmon.
so I prayed for everyone else too. The
She was molested as a child and
peace of God was on me,” she said.
later married and divorced an abusive
Around the same time, Harmon was
drug addict. Prayer has gotten
struggling with issues at her job, which
Harmon through the tough times.
eventually landed her in the unemployment
Last summer, Harmon’s husband suffered
line. A local couple helped her to attend
from a heart attack. As she waited for
a leadership seminar in San Francisco.
news, she began to pray for the other
She says she went to be quiet and learn.
families who were also in the waiting
She felt slightly intimidated at first.
room. Then she prayed for the other
“The other participants were mostly
patients in the hospital. “You get what
businesses executives, and there I was,
you plant. I needed prayer for my husband
unemployed,” she said. “But God gave me
favor with these people, and I learned.”
24
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
Later, a local pool hall allowed the church
to use its facilities on Sunday. Part of the
package was that the church had to clean
the pool hall before their services. With
a smile, Harmon tells of the number of
people that were saved when they came
into the pool hall thinking it was open and
found a church instead. Unfortunately,
Harmon became ill and could no longer
keep up with the responsibilities of
leading the church and they closed their
doors. They gave their remaining funds
to local churches and ministries so they
• Meals Monday–Friday
• Bingo, Cards, Pool
• Transportation
• Monthly Birthday Parties
• Educational Programs
• Informational Assistance
Don’t sit home alone! Come join the fun!
“Where good friends meet.”
401 Cherry Avenue
Rochelle, Illinois 61068
815-562-5050
Call us at 815-562-5050
to receive our
free newsletter!
With love from all your friends at the Hub City Senior Center.
could carry on their own work for God.
Where life happens. 25
I N F E AT U R E
g
n
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By Jeannette Mingus
W
hen Shane and Dana Theiss gave their then 8-year-old son Ayden a radio-controlled
truck, they expected to see him enjoying his new toy. What they didn't expect was
to watch him become one of the youngest champions on the R/C track.
Ayden entered his first race at Race Em R/C in Rockford in 2011. “My first race was just to mess around.
It wasn't really competition, just crash, crash, roll, roll, roll every jump,” explained Ayden. While it may
have started out as just for fun, it was also his first win and from that point on, he was hooked.
26
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
Where life happens. 27
I N F E AT U R E
“IT’S REALLY COOL TO SEE
THE RESPECT HE GETS FROM
THE ADULTS BOTH ON THE
TRACK AND IN THE PITS.”
$10-15 a week if you have to buy new tires,
racers. As Shane explained, “It's really
and you might need a new motor once a
cool to see the respect he gets from the
year or so,” explained Shane. And of course
adults both on the track and in the pits.”
it helps if you are able to fix the vehicles
yourself, which Ayden has learned to do.
Ayden's reputation has also earned him
the attention of special guests at the
That rookie season ended with Ayden
taking home the series championship, his
first of many major accomplishments on
the track. In fact, since his start Ayden
has won two track championships, a
third place finish in the 2014 Summer
Sizzler Point Series at Race Em R/C,
and more. These feats are even more
impressive considering he is racing against
track, such as R/C racing and announcing
higher end equipment, his dad jokingly
legend Scotty Ernst. He and Ayden faced
told him that once he started winning
off at the Rockford track on New Year's
races he could have whatever equipment
Day, leaving Ayden with mixed feelings
he wanted. “Little did I know he'd be
about the experience. “It was good and
winning right away,” Shane laughed.
bad. Bad because he was the first guy to
really kick my butt...cool because he was
The set-up of these radio-controlled
cars, and many of the kids who race
Ayden's original vehicle was replaced
car mechanics. Ayden is hoping that
making it difficult for him to have fun
with it. “I saved up $400 and bought a
rally car with my dad's help,” he explained.
Since that time he's sold the rally car and
them grow up to become quality race
the skills he's learning now will help
him to become an engineer so that he
could improve on today's designs.
“I could make people drive a lot better.
acquired two buggies and an SC10.
You wouldn't have to be a professional to
“It's not a cheap hobby by any means. We
not worry about it breaking,” he explained.
started with basher trucks...they were very
expensive because we broke everything!”
said Shane. But as Ayden's racing reached
a more professional level, he instinctively
drive the car, you could just go run it and
In fact, Ayden's ability to see a problem
and quickly correct it has already earned
him the respect and admiration of other
became more careful with the equipment.
drivers on the track. One such driver
“When you're a competitive racer you don't
ability to instinctively see adjustments
really break parts. You'll spend maybe
giving me set up tips,” explained Ayden.
vehicles is quite similar to full-size race
drivers two or three times his age.
because the motor overheated quickly
28
When Ayden started inquiring about
nicknamed Ayden “Yoda” based on his
that would improve the equipment of other
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
Where life happens. 29
I N F E AT U R E
30
PHOTO SPREAD
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
Where life happens.
31
Submit an Event
I N F E AT U R E
handles the jumps easier. In Ayden's words,
“It's almost like the tortoise and the hare.”
We always love to hear from you.
Even when he's not actually racing on
the track, Ayden keeps himself right in
the middle of the action by serving as a
Do you know of an exciting event happening in Rochelle?
Fill out our online form and we’ll
feature your event in our calendar!
marshal. “Marshals stand by the cones
and if a truck or buggy crashes we pick
it up so the driver can keep racing,”
explained Ayden, whose efforts on the
sidelines earned him the Race Em R/C
Marshal of the Year award in 2013.
Locally, Ayden is on the track an average
of three times a week, with practices on
Wednesdays and races on the weekends.
Each race means another set of qualifying
rounds – three rounds lasting five minutes
Despite his dedication and future plans,
v
Ayden saves time for fun with his friends
INCA
and AYSO soccer, and maintains grades
worthy of the high honor roll as a sixth
At Race Em R/C, drivers average 14 laps
in the five minutes, and these qualifying
rounds seed the racers for the main
events. Specifically, the top 10 racers
are “A”, the next 10 are “B”, and so on.
Learning to slow down and pace
himself in these qualifying rounds
was a major accomplishment for
The whole family is hoping that Ayden's
Ayden. “When he makes a mistake in a
natural ability to understand the track
qualifier he pushes really hard to make
and problem solve under pressure will
up the time. Half the time it leads to
continue to get him noticed by sponsors.
more mistakes,” explained Shane.
grader at Rochelle Middle School. g
MO ND
Ayden is always looking for ways to
of whom provide him with sizable
improve his racing. “When Ayden isn't
discounts on equipment in exchange
racing, he's watching it on YouTube,” joked
for helping to advertise their products
Dana. But it's not without good reason
through stickers on the vehicles,
says Ayden, “I have to see what works!”
social media updates, and more.
RACE EM R/C IS LOCATED
AT 5728 LOGISTICS
PARKWAY, ROCKFORD.
NEW RACERS ARE ALWAYS
WELCOME AND MAY FIND
MORE INFORMATION AT
RACEEMRC.COM OR BY
CALLING 815-986-3819.
Aside from the general challenges of R/C
32
racing, Ayden faces additional difficulties
invitation to the Reedy Invitational
related to driving in two classes with
Race of Champions in California. To
two completely different types of cars
get there, he'll need to win in multiple
requiring unique driving styles. His two-
locations around the country. “The
wheel-drive vehicle requires finesse and a
Reedy race is a lofty goal but one he
slower, smoother approach, whereas his
can easily obtain,” explained Shane.
four-wheel-drive buggy travels fasters and
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
VCCT pr
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Where life happens. 33
INCOMMUNITY
By Renee Page
T
he best doctor in
“OUR WHOLE CLASS HAS
RETIRED. I’M THE ONLY
ONE STILL WORKING.”
the world is the
veterinarian. He can’t
ask his patient what is the
matter - he’s got to just know.
– Will Rogers
For 64 years, William Neuliep has cared
for Rochelle area animals, large and small.
Whether he is working with a farmer
or a neighboring family, his love and
care for animals is still going strong.
After serving in the Marines during
World War II, Neuliep came home to
Chicago Heights to work a job that he
really didn’t like. He took a college-level
course through the University of Illinois
and got good enough grades that he
decided that he wanted to go to college.
He sought out a better job and found a
position as a kennel man for a veterinarian
near his home. The vet, Dr. Quick, had
a 70 kennel hospital where Neuliep
cleaned the kennels and eventually
When he came to Rochelle in 1951,
Neuliep intended to only work with
large animals. There was another vet in
town who took care of small animals,
and Neuliep didn’t want to compete.
Rather, he wanted to be colleagues.
However, that didn’t stop people from
bringing their pets and strays to him.
People would stop by and ask him
to look at their dog or cat. The house
his family was renting on Flagg Road
had a basement, so he got permission
from the landlord to clean it up and use
it as a small two-kennel hospital.
When he’d saved enough money, he
built a home at the corner of Flagg Road
and South Queens Road, where he and
his wife, Margaret, reside. He built the
home with a basement, intending to
maintain keeping an animal hospital
there. It quickly became apparent
that this was not a great situation.
He began to look for a tract of land to
build a hospital on but couldn’t locate
an affordable property in town. He
convinced a neighbor to let him buy a
small parcel next to his home, where
he built a small animal hospital.
Neuliep continued working with both large
and small animals. He would make his
rounds for large animals in the morning,
and then take small animals at his hospital
in the afternoon. Donna Sassaman
was his only staff for many years.
Until recently, Neuliep considered
himself on-call 24 hours a day, seven
days a week. Now, he considers himself
“retired,” although he still maintains
office hours three days a week.
“At 85, I wanted to retire but I had so
many people say they didn’t know what
they would do without me, that I kept
going,” he said. “What am I going to do?
Sit in the house and brood? I like the
people who come out here.” His wife
added with a smile, “He likes to visit.”
began helping with other things around
the hospital including surgery.
He chose to pursue veterinary medicine,
and he moved with his wife Vernelle
to Ames, Iowa, so he could attend
Iowa State University Veterinary
School. He graduated in 1951.
When he began to look for a job, his college
buddy, Russ Anthony, told him of a good
place to go. Anthony had found that both
Mendota and Rochelle were looking for
veterinarians. This would be ideal because
the good friends could still be near each
other and work as colleagues. Anthony
wanted to go to Mendota so Neuliep chose
Rochelle…and history, as they say, was
made. The two continue their friendship
to this day, although Anthony has retired.
34
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
Where life happens. 35
INCOMMUNITY
NEULIEP’S CAREER HAS SEEN A LONG
LIST OF THE USUAL COUNTRY ANIMALS DOGS, CATS, COWS, PIGS, AND HORSES.
Neuliep stated time and again how
unique animals. He once treated a monkey
One of his most memorable experiences
much he enjoyed the people and animals
which he called “cute.” He also treated an
was a very cold night when a farmer
he had met over the years. In all the
iguana, which he wasn’t as crazy about.
near Esmond called about his cow who
years he has been a vet, he said he
Over the years, he has also treated a bison,
was having trouble calving. The cow
only met two people he didn’t care for.
white rats, snakes, and a canary, among
was outside but the farmer had piled
“Two out of hundreds is pretty good,”
other things. He even had an owl brought
hay bales around her to keep her warm.
he proclaimed. “Most of them would go
to him once, but that didn’t turn out to be
Neuliep stripped down to his t-shirt and
to the ends of the world for you. That’s
much fun. The owl grabbed his finger with
pulled on his plastic gloves, only to find
what keeps me going. I love my work.”
its talons, dug them in, and wouldn’t let
the calf had frozen during the birthing
go. Neuliep had to anesthetize the bird
process. He tended to the calf but he
in order to loosen its grip on his hand.
said something told him to check on the
Neuliep’s career has seen a long list of
the usual country animals - dogs, cats,
mother again. Sure enough, he found a
cows, pigs, horses – but he has seen some
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ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
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Where life happens. 37
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work because a vet’s work is never done.
placental bag, fluid squirted all over him,
While Neuliep’s love of animals, and
freezing in the cold air. He managed to help
especially dogs, comes shining through,
the cow birth the calf, which was quickly
his love of the animals’ owners is clearly
carried to the barn to keep warm. Turning
the thing that keeps him going. “I have
down an offer to warm up in the house,
made a lot of dear friends,” he said.
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he climbed into his truck and turned the
heat on full blast before getting home
“I have been blessed. There have been
to a hot shower. For Neuliep, it was just
more blessings than bad things, that’s for
part and parcel of being a country vet.
sure,” he stated. Certainly, the farm animals
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and pets of this community have been
“I never got sick when I used to go out and
blessed to be cared for by Dr. Neuliep. g
freeze my butt off. I don’t know how I never
wound up with pneumonia,” he stated.
He may not have taken ill but he did
see his share of injuries. Neuliep
acquired the usual scratches and bites
that come with being a vet. “If a dog
snaps at you when you give him a
shot, it’s a normal reaction,” he said.
A large animal can do more damage.
Neuliep suffered two broken legs during
his career, both of which were caused by
cows. One time, he was drawing blood and
the cow kicked through the stanchion and
stomped on his leg. The other was when
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vet’s leg. Regardless, he soldiered on in his
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Where life happens. 39
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
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Where life happens.
41
I N E D U C AT I O N
RTHS Theater Program
Enriching Lives Through the Theater
u Left to right: Kenzie Lara, Mahalia Freier ,
Amy Creuziger, Richie Stofflett, Hannah Broome
By Renee Page
T
eenagers are known for being a little bit dramatic, but some
are more dramatic than others -- those are the ones who
take to the stage to put their emotions to good use.
The RTHS Theater Program is preparing for their spring
production of A.R. Gurney’s The Dining Room to be presented
April 16-18. The students are putting their talents to the test,
whether it be by acting, stage managing, or writing.
“I’d like students to graduate with an
understanding and respect for the theater.”
Creuziger tries to pick a variety of plays
so the students can experience both
Drama coach Amy Creuziger says about
Creuziger was a professional stage
60 students participate in the program
manager in Minneapolis/St. Paul before
annually, with about 40 participating in
coming to Rochelle. She also directed
each production. Students come in and
for children’s theater companies, youth
out, depending on what other activities
theaters, and schools. Since coming
they have. The program puts on three
to Rochelle she occasionally stage
shows each year, a fall show, the student-
manages and directs in Rockford. She is
written winter one-acts, and a spring show.
dedicated to teaching the RTHS program
members about all facets of the theater.
42
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
Her mission statement for the program
“My main job is to make sure that we
is “to inspire and enrich the lives of both
put up three productions but I’m trying
the student artist and the audience
to give them a taste of theater and give
through quality theatrical productions.”
them an education in drama,” she said.
comedies and dramas. She also tries to
choose award-winning playwrights and
plays so they get a better appreciation for
all that goes into good theater. She tries
to choose different cast sizes. A larger
cast allows more students to get on stage,
but a smaller cast allows students to get
deeper into the study of acting, she noted.
Student Mahalia Freier said, “The
theater program has really good people.
Ms. Creuziger puts in a lot of work to
make it the best it can possibly be.”
Where life happens. 43
I N E D U C AT I O N
Students not only get a chance to act,
on where we might fit in,” Creuziger said.
they have the opportunity to study and
She added that many students have never
practice any area of theater that they
seen a play before so this offers them that
have interest in such as carpentry,
opportunity. Seeing college productions
stage management, lighting, sound,
shows students what possibilities await
costumes, and publicity. Students aren’t
them if they choose to pursue theater
required to participate in the tech work
beyond high school. Creuziger adds, “I
but Creuziger likes to offer them the
hope students see theater as a part of
opportunity if they want to learn. RTHS
their future whether they attend as an
Technology teacher Kurt Wolter trains and
audience member, or participate as a
leads the set building crew. Volunteer
hobby, or work as a theater professional.”
and professional lighting technician
Michael Burke leads the lighting crew.
Richie Stofflet is one student who plans on
taking his theater experience to the next
“We have a number of students
level and making a career of it. “There is
who don’t want to be on stage but
honestly so much to love about theater,
love the tech side,” she said.
whether it be the people you get to work
with or the incredible feeling of being
The winter one-acts offer another
on stage with an audience,” he said.
opportunity for students to learn about
the elements of theater. Students submit
“However, I can say without hesitation that
plays they have written. Creuziger offers
the best part of theater is the connection.
no parameters except that it should
When you get out on stage with your
not require a set. She selects the ones
audience and begin to play your part, you
most feasible to produce. Most of the
feel a connection with the audience. Acting
plays are around 10 minutes long.
on a stage is a beautiful communication
between the actor and the audience. Their
“[The students] learn a lot about
laughter drives me to be funnier. Their
writing just by doing it,” she said. If a
gasps drive me to be more dramatic.
student finds a published play that
The driving force that puts me on stage
they really want to direct, Creuziger
at RTHS is seeing how the audience will
said she would allow that as well. This
respond next. Every audience is different
year, eight plays were performed.
and every show is its own experience.
Acting is something that I would like to do
Theater is often a place where like-
for the rest of my life and it is because of
minded students can come together
the great experience I have had with the
to create something of their own and
RTHS theater and the people who come
find themselves. “The thing I like most
to see us put on our show,” he continued.
is that the theater program is a place
where we can all come together and
Thanks to Creuziger and RTHS,
be ourselves. We do these awesome
Stofflet will have a firm foundation on
productions. I don’t think we’ve ever
which to base his future career. g
done a bad show,” Freier said.
The theater program also visits other
high school and college productions “I
want them to see what other schools are
Theater is often a
place where likeminded students
can come together
to create something
of their own and
find themselves.
Photos by Ross Freier Imagery
doing so they can get some perspective
44
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
Where life happens. 45
INHOME&GARDENS
Think Spring: Starting
Seedlings for Spring Planting
What gets a gardener through the dark days of winter? Thinking about spring
SEEDLINGS NEED AT LEAST SIX
HOUR OF SUNLIGHT A DAY
A south or west window will provide the brightest light.
If your growing area does not have that much sun, a
FOLLOW THESE TIPS, AND YOU’LL BE READY TO TRANSPLANT AS SOON AS SPRING ARRIVES.
To learn more about seed
starting in person,
be sure to check out Ready, Set, Grow, a day long
SOIL TEMPERATURE IS
VERY IMPORTANT
Use a thermometer to check soil temperature. For cool
degrees is recommended while warm season crops
Because it lowers the cost you would spend for
plants, and it offers a wider variety of plants. It also
gives you a head start on the growing season.
CHOOSE YOUR SEEDS
CAREFULLY ...
VIEW HER BLOG: http://web.extenstion.illinois.edu/jsw/eb284
to six inches above the plants for 14-16 hours a day.
season crops, a soil temperature between 45 and 70
WHY START FROM SEED?
EMAIL: mille116@illinois.edu
grow light is recommended. Place the grow light four
planting, of course. Here are some tips from Candice Miller, Horticulture Educator
for the University of Illinois Extension, for starting seeds for spring planting.
For more information contact
Candice Miller
should be at 70 to 90 degrees. Ideal air temperatures
gardening education program hosted by the Ogle, Lee,
Carroll, and Whiteside Master Gardeners. The program
will be held March 14th from 8 am to 3 pm at Sauk
Valley Community College. Register by calling the
Ogle County Extension Office at 815-732-2191 or by
visiting http://web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo/. g
for cold season crops are 60-70 degrees daytime
and 50 overnight, and for warm season crops are
for disease resistance and high quality yield.
70-75 degree daytime and 60 overnight. The ideal
Your choice can be influenced by climate, soil,
growing temperature will vary from crop to crop.
season, culture, harvest method, or intended
use. Use your seed catalog for information.
AFTER SEEDING
WHEN SELECTING SEED...
start with the best seed possible. Buy fresh seed
each year. If you order your seeds in advance, store
them in a cool, dry place. Seeds can be ordered
primed for earlier germination and better uniformity
or pelleted, which makes them easier to handle.
keep seeds evenly moist but don’t overwater. Make
THERE ARE SEVERAL TYPES OF
CONTAINERS TO CHOOSE FROM
Peat pots, peat pellets, plastic pots and trays, cell
flats, or paper pots. Containers should provide
drainage. The size should be based on the size
of the transplant you’d like to produce.
YOU CAN GROW YOUR SEEDLINGS
IN A SUNNY WINDOW, A COLD
FRAME, A HOT BED, OR A
GREENHOUSE. YOU MAY NEED
SUPPLEMENTAL LIGHTING IF
YOU CAN’T KEEP YOUR PLANTS
IN A SUNNY AREA, LIKE A
SOUTHERN FACING WINDOW.
46
sure your pots have good drainage and seeds are
not sitting in water. To determine if the seeds need
water, stick your finger in the soil. If it is moist, do
not add water. The soil should feel dry before you
water. Make sure you water gently from overhead
to keep from damaging the seed or the seedling.
SOILLESS MEDIA FOR PLANTING
The Ogle County Extension recommends using a soilless
media for planting, one that consists of vermiculite,
perlite, peat moss, and bark or sand. This provides
better drainage and eliminates the introduction of
unwanted seeds or pests. Some soil mixes contain
fertilizers. If yours does, wait one to two weeks before
adding additional fertilizer. Transplants will benefit
from a 20-10-20 fertilizer after true leaves appear.
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
Where life happens. 47
INCALENDAR
REGULARLY
SCHEDULED
MEETINGS
MONDAYS
Rochelle City Council
7 p.m., Rochelle City
Hall Council Chambers.
Second and fourth
Monday of the month.
Editor’s
March
05-06
RTHS Choral
Pops Concerts
7:30 P.M. | RTHS AUDITORIUM
$3 students/$5 adults
TUESDAYS
Rochelle Rotary
Club Meeting
Noon.
Beacon on the Green
10
Rochelle Area
MOMS Group
9:30 – 11:30,
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
Free daycare available.
WEDNESDAYS
Rochelle Kiwanis
Club Meeting
12:15 p.m
Abraham’s Baldwin Room
13
Second Fridays
Shopping Event
DOWNTOWN ROCHELLE
THURSDAYS
Rochelle Golden K
Breakfast Meeting
8:15 a.m.,
Hickory Grove Paddock Hall
Rochelle Lions
Club Meeting
14
Ready, Set, Grow
8 A.M. – 3 P.M. | SAUK VALLEY
COMMUNITY COLLEGE
A day long gardening education
program hosted by the Ogle, Lee,
Carroll, and Whiteside Master
Gardeners. Register by calling the
Ogle County Extension Office at
815-732-2191 or by visiting
web.extension.illinois.edu/bdo/.
14
Vertical Voices
in Concert
7:30 P.M. | RTHS AUDITORIUM
$10 General Admission
20-22, 27-28
VCCT presents
Wrong Window
No t e
April
WANT T
O
SEE YO
U
R E VE N
Email th
T I N TH
e name,
E CALE
date, tim
a short d
e
,
NDAR?
and loca
escriptio
ti
o
n
along wit
n to ren
PLEASE
h
e
e
@
invironm
SEND E
entsma
VENTS
g.com.
FOR MA
Y 1 – JU
NE 30 B
Y MARC
H 10.
10
Second Fridays
Shopping Event
DOWNTOWN ROCHELLE
11
Lions Club Annual
Rose Day
$15 donation for pickup before 1
p.m. behind Colonial Flowers or $18
donation for delivery. Tickets are
available at Colonial Flower Shoppe,
Quinn’s Jewelers, or call Tom Hill at
815-980-8788 or Steve Butz
at 815-761-4988.
14
Rochelle Area
MOMS Group
9:30 – 11:30,
FAITH LUTHERAN CHURCH
Free daycare available.
16-18
RTHS Spring Play,
The Dining Room
by A.R. Gurney
7:30 P.M
The show takes a look at what happens
around the dining table for different
families. Comedic Drama. Tickets are
$5; $2 for students and educators.
by Billy Van Zandt
and Jane
7:30 P.M. | RTHS AUDITORIUM
Hickory Grove’s Paddock Hall.
Showtimes are 8 p.m. on Fridays
and Saturdays, 2 p.m. on Sunday.
This comedy whodunit is a tribute
to Alfred Hitchcock. Tickets are $12
at the door or $11 when reserved at
www.vcctrochelle.com.
Tables of 8 are $80.
6:30 dinner, 7:15 meeting,
Abraham’s Baldwin Room (
2nd and 4th Thursdays, January –
October; 1st and 3rd Thursdays in
November and December).
48
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015
Where life happens. 49
Share Your Great Ideas
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Where life happens.
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ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • FEBRUARY-MARCH 2015