Illinois Valley`s historic duck clubs: Famous yet secret
Transcription
Illinois Valley`s historic duck clubs: Famous yet secret
ILLINOIS VALLEY Boomers TODAY September 2015 Illinois Valley’s historic duck clubs: Famous yet secret Savoring the season before winter: Our top ten places to BE in fall Super time for ‘super foods’ Outdoor enthusiast savors every minute of autumn publication Ringing in your ears? Come discover your options! PUBLIC EDUCATIONAL EVENT Wednesday, October 7th, 2015 Seminar begins at 1:00 PM Join us to learn more about Tinnitus (also known as ‘ringing in the ears’), hearing loss, what causes it, and what treatment options are available to make living with Tinnitus easier and more comfortable than ever before. Jennifer Sangston Audiologist 326308 Seminar Location IVCH room at Peru Mall Space is limited, so register today! 815-780-3337 Do you have hearing problems? Call The ENT & Allergy Center for an appointment at 815-223-4400. 2 September 2015 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune publication contents ILLINOIS VALLEY Boomers TODAY Photography by Scott Anderson September 2015 publication on the cover Illinois Valley duck clubs’ legacy: They’re extremely famous, yet almost secret at the same time. Find out why on page 10. PRODUCE POWER: ‘Super foods’ has become a tired catchphrase, but there’s no better time than now for nutrition from the garden and market. Read more on page 18. Boomers Today 426 Second Street La Salle, Illinois 61301 4 (815) 223-3200 (800) 892-6452 www.newstrib.com Places to Be Autumn’s pretty awesome around here, but some spots are just simply great places to be at this time of year. 7 Fall, fabulous fall As plants start to go dormant for winter, a Peru outdoorsman and recent retiree springs to life. 15 Plan Ahead Steel yourself — and your home and car — now before the snow flies. 21 Peg Schulte savors the season before winter, yet notices she tends to yearn for the season it isn’t. Next month in Home, Garden & Life • Owners love these cozy homes. • Want to know how to get more out of your personal computer? • Recipes you'll treasure. • Cleaning tips to clip and save. Publisher Joyce McCullough Editor Craig Sterrett Vice-President, Sales & Marketing Scott Stavrakas Writers Tamara Abbey Tom Collins Jeff Dankert Brett Herrmann Peg Schulte Craig Sterrett Photographers Scott Anderson Chris Yucus Designer Danielle Saletzki publication A NewsTribune publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | September 2015 3 By Brett Herrmann Now, there is really no bad choice on where you want to spend your time during the autumn months in the Illinois, but there are certainly a few places that might be a little more fun or interesting than others. The important thing to remember is that if you don’t go out and celebrate fall just a little bit you have the rest of the cold, icy winter to dwell on what could have been. 1. State parks: Our local state parks are an obvious choice for a place to be on a fall day. The fall foliage draws tourists from all around for the Fall Colors Weekend the third weekend of October at Starved Rock. “But fall colors are not limited to just a weekend,” said Kathy Casstevens, marketing director at Starved Rock Lodge. The leaves, mixed with the natural beauty of the sandstone canyons and the Illinois River, provide a rich cornucopia of color against a clear blue sky. October has become the busiest month of the year at Starved Rock, according to Casstevens, so locals might want to try Matthiessen for a similar experience or Buffalo Rock for a great view of the river valley in fall flourish. 2. Orchards: Nothing spells autumn like an orchard. They 4 September 2015 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune publication have all the fall activities people love, like apple picking, pumpkin hunting, corn mazes or just breathing in some cool country air. Denise Boggio, owner of the orchard said fall is easily their busiest season. People are free to pick their own apples and pumpkins and they have a wide variety of entertainment including a petting zoo, pony rides, pig races, apple cannons and live music on the weekends. The bakery is a hit for all seasons but in fall, Boggio’s feature its famous apple cider donuts. Boggio’s also makes its own cider, which placed third in the state competition last year. 3. Football Stadiums: High school football season might } NewsTribune file photo { places to BE Tin op 10 the Illinois Valley this fall not be in everyone’s taste but games do bring local communities together like nothing else. Friday nights would not be complete without the boys of fall donning the pads and representing their high school. While every school has a love for their home field, L-P High School’s Howard Fellows Stadium stands out among the rest. “I might be a little biased but I think it is one of the best stadiums in Illinois,” said Greg Sarver, former L-P player, coach and athletic director. “The atmosphere is just electric.” And if football isn’t a good enough reason to go to a game, the pork chop 1 3 4 5 always fun. And if the weather holds up into late autumn, the course can be a thing of beauty. Matt Gebhardt of Deer Park Country Club said the course already looks great, set back in the trees. “Now that the leaves are going to start changing colors it is just gorgeous out there,” he said. Deer Park also hosts IVCC’s team during the fall, and many courses are home to high school teams. Even if golf isn’t your sport, the courses make for some good cross country running. 5. Burgoo: By the time Columbus Day rolls around, the change of the seasons is in the air as well as the smell of burgoo. Utica will host the 46th annual La Salle County Burgoo Festival on Columbus Day weekend in October. Burgoo is a nice hearty stew that complements the fall season and there is no lack of effort on the preparation. “They stand out there all night and stir over an open flame,” said event coordinator Amanda Carter. The festival draws in around 35,000 people on Sunday Settings as unique as you. 'HI\WKH6LJQVRI$JLQJ IURPWKH1HFN8Sf 326481 :LWKRXW6XUJHU\ If you are considering a fine jewelry purchase, stop in at Bruce Jewelers to see custom designs! 631 S. Main Princeton, IL 61356 815-875-2289 1LFROH1RUULV0'QRZRƪHUVOHVVSDLQIXO %272;&RVPHWLFDQGGHUPDOƬOOHULQMHFWLRQVIRU DPRUHFRPIRUWDEOHSURFHGXUH &DOODQGVFKHGXOH\RXUFRQVXOWDWLRQ WRGD\DW (DVW6HFRQG6WUHHW6SULQJ9DOOH\ DERXWVPKRUJ www.brucejewelers.com A NewsTribune publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | September 2015 5 322812 sandwiches are a high school football staple and are great at any venue in the area, although this writer prefers Hall’s. 4. Golf Courses: If you are looking for some time on the links but don’t want to deal with the crowds, the fall is the time to go. It might be a little colder but getting in some swings before winter sets in is Settle In With Us Before Winter Settles You In The Hawthorne Inn Assisted Living We meet assisted living needs and so much more... PERU • STREATOR • PRINCETON 325938 • Daily Social Activities • Personal Assistance with Daily Needs • Medication Assistance • Private & Companion Suites • Access to AJ’s - FREE on Site Fitness Center 815-224-2200 • 815-672-1900 • 815-875-6600 www.simplythefinest.net Not-For-Profit-Providers RELAX in Luxury SLEEP in Style ENTERTAIN with Elegance LaSalle 2nd & Joliet Street Open 7 Days a Week Free Layaway Free Layaway 326254 www.turkfurniture.com www.tu tu turk urk rkfu furn furn rniit itur itur ure. e.co e.co com m 815-224-8875 6 September 2015 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune publication alone and hosts over 330 vendors, who offer various crafts and antiques. Profits go toward funding the La Salle County Historical Society and Museum. 6. Oktoberfest: Not too many places host an Oktoberfest celebration in the area. However, Ottawa’s newborn festival is in its third year and continues to grow. “Each one’s been bigger than the last,” said Ottawa City Clerk Shelly Munks. It was held in the Jordan Block of downtown Ottawa on Sept. 18-20 and featured a Biergarten, food, live music and plenty of games including a yodeling contest and a bier barrel roll. So, break out the lederhosen and dirndl’s to make it extra campy. There are also plenty of restaurants in the area that host Oktoberfest dinners like the Right Spice in Peru or the dining room at Starved Rock Lodge. Celebrate a bountiful harvest Bavarian style because it’s more fun than how they celebrate the harvest in Shelley Jackson’s “The Lottery.” 7. Haunted House: This one is does not apply to the Illinois Valley but is more of a suggestion. There are many unofficial haunted houses, and Echo Bluff’s Jan Martin said the park west of Spring Valley offers an eerie haunted trail that is sure to be too spooky for some. Bureau County Fairgrounds, too, offers its popular Nightmare on Fairgrounds Road for most of October. However, there really aren’t any big-name haunted “houses” within a half hour of the area. What’s the problem? Plenty of people are willing to drive to these far-away places for a scare, so why not have one here? There is an ample amount of old creepy places that could probably make a good dwelling for fright around here. 8. Dixon Waterfowl Refuge: Hunters will always get a trigger itch when fall rolls around because it means it’s time to start blasting some fowl. However, if you are more into bird watching than bird shooting, the Dixon Waterfowl Refuge at Hennepin and Hopper Lakes south of Hennepin attracts a wide range of bird species, some of which are very rare to spot in the Midwest. “It’s considered one of the premier birding sites in the state,” said Paul Botts, executive director of the Wetlands Initiate. During the peak of the waterfowl migration Botts said there can be as many as six to eight different species on the lakes at a time, and more than 20 species have been spotted at the refuge. It’s not just ducks that flock to the refuge though, as many other birds like bald eagles or white pelicans show up at various times. This September also marked the reopening of fishing at the lakes. 9. Winery: On Sept. 19 and 20 Matthiessen Park hosted the biggest wine festival in Illinois. The Vintage Illinois Festival includes 27 different wineries from around the state, one of those being the local business August Hill Winery. Autumn is a big season for the winery because it is the when they harvest, crush and ferment the years produce. August Hill’s marketing manager Susanne Bullock says they call it crushing season. Bullock says they get a lot of the state park traffic to stop in at their tasting room as well. “In the fall, the tasting room is a great place to relax and enjoy a glass of wine,” she said. She added that the caramel apple wine is a seasonal hit. 10. The Library: You should be reading any time of year but fall is as good of time as any. Local libraries are a great resource. Spring Valley library director Barb White said they offer a variety of fall-themed programs for children as well as breaking out books such as creepy thrillers for the Halloween season or books on canning for the fall harvest. So whether you’re cozying up with a book indoors or you’re out in the crisp fall air you can forget about the upcoming brutal winter for a few moments with a good read. I recommend anything that has words, like this magazine. Look at you go. Good for you, reader. Brett Herrmann is a writer at the NewsTribune, La Salle. ‘This is when I feel most alive’ Outdoor enthusiast falls in love with autumn Vic Miskowiec of Peru loves the outdoors so much that he carries his fishing gear with him in a unique way. Miskowiec sets his minnow bucket in a basket which he configured to mount on the front of his bicycle along the Hennepin Canal near Tiskilwa. “We're lucky to have the canal, it's not the deepest but the fish are great to catch,” Miskowiec said. Mitchell’s Grove northeast of La Salle. Jakupcak has advice for hikes to great autumn views, either by walking to Lover’s Leap and then Eagle Cliff for the best views of Starved Rock and the upstream south bluff of the river in fall foliage, or hiking atop Buffalo Rock and into the Effigy Tumuli for views of yellow trees in a strange landscape and for views of the trees across the river. No better time than now There’s no doubt what Vic Miskowiec’s favorite season BUY SELL or get a LOAN! The “Best Kept Secret” of Bureau County is in Walnut We give the personal care and attention our community seniors deserve. Our employees have longevity with our home and with our residents. Visit us today to see why Walnut Manor is the best kept secret in Bureau County. Negative financial issues? We offer short term collateral loans on items of value. Stop in to SEE US! WALNUT MANOR NURSING HOME & WALNUT HOMESTEAD APARTMENTS VALLEY 308 South Second Street Walnut, IL (815) 379-2131 www.HeritageOfCare.com/Walnut 123 W. St. Paul Street, Spring Valley • 815-663-2313 www.valley-coin-jewelry-pawn.com C O I N • J E W E L RY • PAW N 326282 Locally owned since 1973 A NewsTribune publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | September 2015 7 326284 Sure, spring warmth and wildflowers draw folks out of their dormancy through winter and mud season. But for many area residents, there’s no season more pleasant, if not better overall, than fall for outdoor pursuits in the Illinois Valley. Hiking fanatic Peggy Garner of Cedar Point joins a group every Thursday of the year — rain, snow, mud or extreme temperatures — for a free morning hike that leaves at 9 a.m. from the registration desk at Starved Rock Lodge. Personally, she likes the park best when the wildflowers are blooming in spring, but fall’s a close second and, usually, far less muddy. “Fall is probably the best time for hiking. You don’t sweat, you’re not freezing and you don’t have to worry about the mud,” she said. Hike leader Joe Jakupcak of Ottawa likes winter better than fall, because of the crowds at the park. But Garner points out that the Thursday morning hiking group beats the crowds because it’s a weekday, and they take hikes all over the Illinois Valley, whether it’s Matthiessen or Buffalo Rock state parks or any of the numerous nature preserves such as Starved Rock Nature Preserve near Jonesville or Photography by Scott Anderson By Craig Sterrett “I just retired, and I don’t think anybody can get more excited with the fall than me,” he said of his plans, which range from looking for ginseng or mushrooms to hunting for small game. “It’s just, whatever I want to do.” He loves fishing the Hennepin Canal all year, but especially fall, because that’s the time of year when panfish such as crappie school up and also when they seem hell-bent to feed and pack on some bulk before winter. “They know what’s coming,” he said. All summer and fall, he has been covering as much territory as possible on the canal by riding a bicycle he has set up just for his style of fishing. It has a front basket for a minnow bucket with an aerator, a rear basket for his tackle and cooler and tubes for the telescopic fishing rods. One of the rods extends to 20 feet, which allows him to reach over brush and weeds to put a minnow on a hook precisely where he wants it to be without getting snagged. Traditional casting methods You wouldn’t skip getting your oil changed. Why skip cleaning your carpet? It’s probably been over one year since your last cleaning. We just wanted to remind you of three important benefits to having your carpet and rugs cleaned every 6-12 months. Photography by Scott Anderson is, and, since the Peru resident retired this summer, he has time to enjoy fall more this year than ever before. “This is when I feel the most alive,” the avid angler and hunter says. “You go from the summer doldrums and when you’re expected to be at this picnic or that cookout.” He doesn’t mind those things, but he tires of the hot, humid days and muggy nights of summer. He says he seems to get a jumpstart with the arrival of the season that usually produces the Illinois Valley’s most pleasant weather, and which also is best for his outdoor passions. “With the cool nights, I feel much better, physically and mentally, too. It seems more people have a smile on their face in the fall,” he said. The weather’s not the only thing making him feel better this fall. Miskowiec, 62, retired this summer after 44 years of swing-shift work, including 12hour shifts the last six years, at Washington Mills (ESK) at Hennepin. Vic Miskowiec rides his bicycle along the Hennepin Canal near Tiskilwa. Miskowiec used baskets to mount on the front and rear of the bike to hold his fishing gear. Along the sides he mounted two PVC pipes to hold his fishing poles. Actually, he has two bicycles set up this way; if one gets a flat tire or breaks down, he uses the other one so he doesn’t miss out on fishing time. result in much more tackle lost on stumps and in weeds. He uses the bicycle to keep moving and to present his bait in as many fish-harboring spots as possible. He says a lot of people fail to realize you need to keep moving from one fish-attracting snag to another if you want to catch a lot of fish on the Hennepin Canal. He considers it a great fishery and great bicycling resource, spring, summer and fall. He also considers it very MENDOTA LUTHERAN HOME Celebrating 62 years of Christian Care Recover your Strength, Recover your Independence, Expect Different! Recover your Life. McNabb | 815-882-2150 | 309-740-4470 to learn more about our services oxygreenillinois.com Ken Troyan Owner/Operator 1. Your carpet will stay beautiful. Regular cleaning prevents permanent staining keeps traffic lanes looking great. 2. Your carpet will last longer. Regular cleaning removes ground-in soils that destroy traffic lanes. Carpet manufacturers recommend cleaning every 12-18 months to keep you warranty valid. 3. Your home will be healthier. Your carpet is a fiber. It needs to be cleaned regularly to extract dander, dust, pollen and bacteria that vacuuming doesn’t remove. Call during October for an appointment and we’ll clean up to 4 car mats in your vehicle FREE 8 September 2015 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune publication Visit our NEW Rehab, Recover and Return Home Suites! If you have fallen, recovering from surgery or an illness, Recover with Us! Large, private rooms With Living and Bedroom Area Private Bathroom Let our PT OT ST Therapists Help you! Experience the Difference! Call 815-539-7439 to schedule a tour Mendota Lutheran Home 326300 326264 RECOVER WITH US! 500 6th Street Mendota, IL 61342 Visit us online at www.mendotalutheranhome.org Touching hearts and changing lives for 62 years! Ride with friends this season While Miskowiec uses his bike as a tool for his hobby, riding the bicycle is a main hobby for many other people. Fall is an ideal time for cycling along the Hennepin or Illinois and Michigan Canal towpaths, says Bike Works’ Mike Welte. However, he notes he and many parents have difficulty finding time for long rides in the fall, since the evenings get shorter and they’re busy with kids’ activities. Welte’s also busy on weekends — the Peru shop is open seven days a week. The Bike Works-sponsored Tuesday Night Rollers’ rides from Lock 14 at La Salle ended as September arrived, but Starved Rock Cycling Association keeps busy all fall, including the Pumpkin Pie Ride in October. For complete information on the Pumpkin Pie Ride and other daily rides with groups, visit www. starvedrockcycling.org. The Pumpkin Pie Ride starts at the Ottawa YMCA, with registration 7-10 a.m. Oct. 4. The event routes 28-, 42-, 63and 103-mile rides through delightful scenery. Bike Works is among the sponsors. For peace of mind today and tomorrow See us for a free consultation about preplanning and prefunding your funeral. Trust in our exceptional, personal service. Mueller-Pagani LaSalle • 815-223-0096 Mueller Peru • 815-223-0184 Ottawa • 815-434-4433 Lostant • 815-368-3312 Prey-Mueller Oglesby • 815-883-8662 Craig Sterrett is news editor for the NewsTribune, La Salle. Don’t let pain keep you from enjoying life. 326269 underutilized. Anglers, cyclists and hikers shouldn’t keep it a secret, he says. However, he has his secret spots, and thanks to using the bicycle, he travels to a lot of places that are far from parking lots. The canal and feeder canal total 104 miles in length, meaning Illinois’s linear state parkway offers 208 miles of shoreline. His bicycle gives him exercise and a good chance for success. He sometimes rides 10 miles in a day on the fishing excursions. “I can skip over a lot of unproductive water and get into areas where there are bigger crappies,” he said. In fall, in deer season, he often fishes the canal in the mornings, when hardly anyone else is, and then climbs into his deer stand in the afternoon. He thinks he’s less likely to be noticed by deer in the afternoon than in the predawn hours. You know who your most important assets are. With nearly 30 years of With nearly 30 years of experience, Dr. Minardi Dr. experience, Minardi provides patients with a comprehensive evaluation provides patients with a and offers an individualized care plan comprehensive evaluation Total & Partial Hip Replacement for ·your orthopedic needs. Perry Memorial Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic Perry Memorial Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Clinic provides compassionate, quality orthopedic services. Protect them with long term care insurance. 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Not FDIC Insured Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value Not Insured by Any Federal Government Agency Not a Bank Deposit | Tracking# 1-326119 A NewsTribune publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | September 2015 9 326280 • Shoulder Surgery · Carpel Tunnel Repair • Arthroscopic Surgery • Carpel Tunnel Repair · Rotator Cuff Repair • Rotary Cuff Repair · Injections • Injections · Sports Medicine • Sports Medicine 326281 and offers an Replacement individualized · Total Knee care plan for your • Total & Partial Surgery Hip Replacement · Shoulder • Total Knee Replacement orthopedic needs. · Arthroscopic Surgery When duck clubs ruled the river Illinois River clubs carry on rich history of waterfowl hunting 10 September 2015 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune publication Stoy by Jeff Dankert | Photography by Chris Yucus Native Americans and modern hunters learned that the Great Bend in the Illinois River was a waterfowl funnel. The Illinois River begins near Channahon and flows 50 miles west. At DePue it broadens into large backwaters and takes a sharp turn south, known as the Great Bend. The southbound stretch appropriates the ancient channel of the Mississippi River. Migrating geese and ducks assembled here to fatten up, making the 140-mile stretch from DePue to Meredosia some of the most hallowed duck hunting grounds in the world. From market to sport Market hunting flourished in the 19th Century, providing fresh fowl to restaurants. It waned toward the end of the 1800s as duck populations dropped and American industry ramped up. Market hunting was outlawed in 1918 and live decoys and baiting were outlawed in 1935, according to Mike Resetich, superintendent for the Donnelley and the DePue state fish and wildlife areas near DePue, Bureau Junction and Hennepin. Decoys and waders wait for the season to begin inside the Green Wing Gun Clubhouse in Bureau County. This club was re-established in 1997 on the site of a duck club by the same name established in the late 1800s. A NewsTribune publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | September 2015 11 More hunters turned to waterfowl as sport. Those with deeper pockets bought up duck grounds and built clubhouses. Carvers like Charles Perdew and Robert Elliston became famous making decoys and calls for these hunters. “Duck clubs reach a peak in numbers, size and pretentiousness in the Illinois River valley,” wrote Frank C, Bellrose (19162005), renowned waterfowl biologist for Illinois Natural History Survey. In 1941 more than half of the state’s 792 waterfowl clubs were located here. Bellrose coined “Great Bend” to describe the 90-degree jog in the river. “I was pretty good friends with old Frank,” Resetich said. “He was real soft spoken. One of the first birds he described scientifically was on DePue. He’s like the father of waterfowl management.” In the early 1940s about 10 percent of Illinois waterfowl hunters belonged to a club, paying from $35 to over $1,000 each depending on acreage and value of the grounds and clubhouse. Hunters at private clubs along the Illinois River shot more ducks in the early 1940s than other hunters in the state and clubs contributed greatly to the knowledge and management of waterfowl, according to Bellrose. The big three Senachwine Club, Swan Lake Club and Princeton Game and Fish Club all began in the 1880s and are still around today. They represent the granddaddies of Illinois duck clubs, Resetich said. “They’re the oldest three clubs in Illinois,” he said. “It all started with all the local people and somebody with money would get involved. Pretty soon none of the locals could afford to hunt here. That’s why you see stipulations in their bylaws today that say you’ve got to be from Bureau or Putnam County or whatever county.” Swan Lake Duck Club, formerly the Chicago Duck Club, on Senachwine Lake was established in 1883 and is the oldest still in operation in Illinois. Princeton club is the second oldest, established in 1884. The Senachwine Club, incorporated in 1886 as the Hennepin Shooting Club, is third oldest. It took the name “Senachwine” around World War I. The club originally limited membership to 25 but later expanded to 30. All but 12 September 2015 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune publication 14 had to be residents of Cook County. Dues rose from $50 to $125 in 1937 and to $1,500 in 1986, according to Northern Illinois University records. Maurice “Mouse” Stanton of Spring Valley is a member of the small Green Wing Gun Club and was once a member of Senachwine. “That’s a club you’ve got to buy shares in,” Stanton said. “You buy shares for thousands of dollars.” At Henry-Senachwine High School, the mascot is the Mallards. The school gym is the site of an annual waterfowl decoy show. The Donnelley and DePue state areas are former duck clubs. Windblown Bottoms The Princeton club Records show the Princeton Game and Fish Club was established in 1887 but it actually began in 1884, said Frank Cattani, a member since 1998. “Word-of-mouth and just the success they’ve had through the years makes it a good club,” he said. Many private clubs like Princeton limit their We Have a Large Selection of: Ammo Meat Grinder Parts Sausage Stuffing Parts Meat Saw & Blades Jerky & Sausage Seasonings HERRCKE HARDWARE 435 1st St., LaSalle 815-223-0399 326257 The Green Wing Gun Club near Bureau recently raised the elevation of its clubhouse again to cope with the Illinois River’s penchant for flooding higher and more frequently. That’s why it shows a two-tiered deck, quite showy for a club of only about a dozen members. This club was established in 1997 from what was left of a very old club of the same name. Duck Club containing Coleman Lake was donated to the state in 1982. Lake DePue was the grounds of DePue Rod and Gun Club. The clubhouse gun racks carried names of some Illinois governors and prominent businessmen. The state acquired it in 1970. “The significance of that is Lake DePue and Spring Lake are on the north side of the big bend and Donnelley is south of the big bend,” Resetich said. “This was the first place where they started impounding the land and pumping water into a food base.” Memberships in duck clubs are closely-held. Some hunters leave memberships to others in their wills and some clubs allow sale of an open membership. “If you wanted to sell it, it’s pretty strict,” Stanton said. “You don’t stop a guy on the street and say, ‘I’ll sell you this.’” Green Wing is almost a stone’s throw from the Princeton club. “If you try to compare this club to the Princeton club, you’re not even close,” Stanton said. “Princeton club is top of the line.” membership. Princeton maintains a 50-member roster, no more. “Because you only have so much ground to hunt and so many blinds to hunt,” Cattani said. Members must be a resident of Bureau County for at least one year prior to membership. If a member leaves, they can sell their membership, Cattani said. Big clubs have their own cooks and caretakers. The Princeton club’s longtime cook, Betsy Morgan, was born in the original clubhouse. She passed away in 2012. Today, her daughters Tamara and Victoria cook at the clubhouse, Cattani said. Green Wing Cattani re-established the Green Wing Gun Club in 1997, almost a stone’s throw from the Princeton club. “It was a pretty big club and just got broke down and sold off,” Cattani said. “That’s why there’s so many little clubs in that area.” An 1897 issue of “The Illustrated American” ran four The Princeton Game and Fish Club in Bureau County is the second oldest duck club in Illinois. This club is more than 130 years old and limits membership to 50. photos and a short story on the original Green Wing club. It had 5,200 acres, and on the day the photos were shot, six members shot 141 ducks. Last week, Stanton was Tribute to the Stars ★ 2015-2016 at Starved Rock LLodge od dge ★ Tinsel & Twang A Merry-cana Christmas fixing a goose blind at the Green Wing club. “We finished that and now we got to wait and cut the willows for it and hide it,” Stanton said. Stanton pointed and rattled off names of blinds: Corn, Bella, Backhoe, Big 10. “That’s named the Big 10 because when that’s flooded it’s big,” Stanton said. “On Embrace Time. December 13 (Dinner & Evening Show) $37 per person December 14 & 15 (Lunch & Show) $32 per person 2016 Show Schedule Tributes to George Strait, Alan Jackson, Kenny Rogers, Elvis, Patsy Cline, Dean Martin & more! Show tickets make great gifts for the holidays, birthdays & anniversaries. $200 Gift Card See our website for show dates & times. www.starvedrocklodge.com e Th 1817 Fourth St. PERU 815-224-4676 88115 22224 24 46 46776 76 jtspools.com Fun Begins When You G et H ome 326313 326307 Call (815) 220-7386 for tickets! Buy any in-stock spa, get a 1761 Chessie Lane OTTAWA 815-433-4664 A NewsTribune publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | September 2015 13 16 feet because every year it floods,” Stanton said. Cattani said 8 feet high tuned out to be too little in the latest flooding regime of the river. “We couldn’t sleep at night if it was raining,” he said. This summer’s high water left horizontal lines across trees and blinds around the clubhouse. Flooding brings a lot of repair work, Stanton said. Hunters remove gear and valuables from the clubhouse during the off-season to avoid mouse damage. With fall in the air and opening day Oct. 17, chest waders were back on their hooks in the “mud room,” where hunters shed their boots and field gear. Green Wing is a small club, maybe a dozen members and about 40 acres, Stanton said. “This club is for guys that just want to have something to do,” he said. “You shoot a couple of ducks. It’s a good bunch of guys.” Jeff Dankert is a writer for the NewsTribune, La Salle. Winterize your home from the inside, with a gas fireplace from Maze Lumber. Since 1848 Open: M-Fri. 7:30-4:30 Sat. 8:00-Noon A special thanks to Pat for making us part of her incredible sunroom! The Lumber No. 815-223-1742 Along Peru’s Historic Riverfront - at 1100 Water Street www.mazelumber.com 326476 opening day, or about the first three days, there will be guys in every blind. All these blinds have electricity so you can use your robo-ducks and that.” Robo-ducks are batterypowered, automated decoys that simulate a wingflapping duck. “To tell you the truth, they scare more ducks than they bring in,” Stanton said. “When you have ponds like this and you’ve got a flock of ducks coming, they’re either going to land or they’re not and you really don’t even have to call, really.” Green Wing, like many duck clubs, manages ponds with dikes, levees and culverts. “This is going to be a bad year because we were flooded and we couldn’t plant,” Stanton said. “A lot of time we plant corn. We’ve got millet and buckwheat in now.” The Green Wing clubhouse is a 1960s-era trailer raised on stilts. It recently had to be raised twice as high because of more severe flooding. “We had to bring this up to Creating Warm and Cozy Homes for 127 Years On Route 6 at the West Edge of Peru 815-223-6598 www.steinbergsfurniture.com Mon., Wed., Fri. 10-7 | Tues., Thurs. 10-6 | Sat. 10-5 | Sun. Noon-4 14 September 2015 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune publication Stop by our furniture showrooms for design inspiration & personalized service. 326475 Just 7 money saving minutes southwest of the Peru Mall! Family owned for 126 years Photography by Scott Anderson Brad Cooley, mechanic at Last Muffler, uses an electronic tester to check the battery on a Chevy Cruze. “When you winterize your car, the first thing you want to check is the battery,” Cooley said. Having your car looked at for maintenance issues including antifreeze, oil, tires and brakes are all recommended before the snow starts flying. And, there’s no reason not to make an appointment in fall, before the pre-winter rush. contractor to check your heating system to keep it running efficiently, saving you money, or pay the utility company the money you think you are saving.” After the furnace is checked, look for other ways to stave off big winter heat bills. The list includes installing a programmable thermostat to automatically adjust your home’s temperature settings when you are away or sleeping (potential savings: $100 a year) and change your furnace filter regularly (particularly if you have pets). Also, use low-cost ceiling fans, even in winter. When used properly, many people find they are able to lower their thermostats a few degrees in the winter. And never place a thermostat on an exterior wall where it may be affected by outdoor temperatures. “While we can’t control the winter temperatures, there are things we can do to help our customers,” said Stan Ogden, vice president of customer service and metering operations for Ameren. It’s also not a bad idea to stock up on wintertime hardware such as snow- Time to winterize — your home, your car, your self By Tom Collins Having a good day today? We’ll fix that in a hurry: There are only 86 days left until winter. And this being Illinois, it is by no means too early to start getting your car, your home and, not least, your body prepared for Old Man Winter. Your home Start by checking your windows and doors on a breezy day. If you can feel air coming through, you’re sending money out the other direction. “Wood windows and doors or poor-fitting replacements can cause a little heat loss here, a small draft there,” warned Pete Suarez of Koolmaster in La Salle. “These little things can really add up, causing the furnace to run longer to keep you comfortable and costing you money.” Suarez said energyefficiency can be improved upon with simple fixes such as caulking, weather stripping and clear plastic used to seal up ‘vintage’ windows and doors. “That said, troublesome windows and doors can be replaced at any time of the year with Energy Star-rated products,” he said. “You don’t have to wait for spring to move to more energy efficient windows and doors.” John’s Service & Sales recommended having your HVAC system checked as well, first and foremost to ensure the unit doesn’t emit carbon monoxide. The colorless and odorless gas creates symptoms similar to the flu but is responsible for 430 people deaths a year in the United States alone. “No. 1 is safety: Why wouldn’t you check something that has the capability of causing carbon monoxide, a byproduct of incomplete combustion of gas?” said Randy Senica, president. “Second is efficiency; Either pay a qualified heating removal tools. The list should include melting agents such as rock salt, shovels or, if your budget permits, a power snow thrower. “For those of us living in the Midwest, hearing the word ‘snow’ can be downright chilling,” said Debra Debo Kuhne of Debo Ace Hardware in Peru. Your car First, schedule an appointment to get your car winterized, which is a succinct way of saying have the shop look at the hoses and belts, coolant and fluids and, not least, your battery. “Batteries will fail in the A NewsTribune publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | September 2015 15 All Major Brands • Oil Change New Tires • Tune-ups Used Tires • Engine Tire Repairs 815/223-6320 or 815/224-3898 • Mon-Fri 8-5 The Vista Club and all its benefits were created exclusively for our customers 50 or better. To qualify you must maintain a balance of $5,000 in any deposit account or combination of deposit accounts. As a bank loyalty program, we offer value priced monthly travel through day trips, extended domestic and foreign travel. 326263 1155 5th St., LaSalle 326255 Diagnostic • Engine Repair • Brakes • Alignments • Shocks/Struts • Front End Work • Heating & Air Conditioning • Cooling Systems 2015/2016 Trips A Galt House Christmas in Louisville November 17 – 21, 2015 All Vista Christmas Party at Barnacopia & Scrooge the Comedy Sunday, December 6, 2015 Gulf Shore Breezes & Nashville April 3 – 10, 2016 Rhine River Cruise in Europe July 13 – 23, 2016 National Parks Tour: Southwest Parks August 27 – September 1, 2016 Call today for more information Jean at 815.539.1524 or Jill at 815.539.1526 www.firststatebank.biz 16 September 2015 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune publication than just start cars these days,” he said. “You can connect to, communicate with and control your family’s vehicles. You can see how fast or aggressively a vehicle is being driven (good for young driver safety), if someone in one of the family cars is using their cell phone while driving and then you have the ability to restrict that.” Your SELF Brittney Moutray, a registered dietitian with Illinois Valley Community Hospital, noted there really is no way to winterize your body — but now is a good time to revisit what you eat and how you work it off. Moutray recommends eschewing fad diets in favor of eating balanced meals, drinking adequate fluids, and continuing an exercise routine that includes 150 minutes of moderate activity per week for adults. “This is really what we should do all year long,” Moutray said. “That being said, there are some things we can start to think about and prepare for now when it comes to holiday eating. “There will be temptations, gifts of food, holiday parties with lots of food. Additionally, we know that Illinois winters make it challenging to exercise outside (unless you count shoveling the driveway). I recommend thinking ahead at your game plan for exercise and healthy eating, and learning how to prioritize. Your health is impacted daily by your food choices, whether or not to exercise and other lifestyle choices.” And don’t wait until Jan. 1 Greenfield Comforts of Home and Security of Community Premier Services + Competitive Rates = Highest Value! Retirement Living at its Best! With Licensed Sheltered Care & Senior Apartments you can enjoy our caring staff, delicious meals & plenty of activities! Call 815-872-2261 for more information or visit us at 508 Park Ave. East Princeton, IL • www.greenfieldhome.org 326283 AUTO UTO & T TIRE IRE YourA SPECIALIST summertime, too,” said Julie Cooley, co-owner of the Last Muffler and Brake Shop in La Salle, “but you don’t want to find out your battery is dying when it’s 10 below.” The time to have your car looked at is now. Though motorists are rightly worried about how their car and, especially, their tires will hold up once the snow starts falling, cold snaps can bring on car trouble, as well. “You lose big tire pressure the first cold days,” said Edison Prey, manager of King Tire in La Salle. “In summer you make air, winter you lose air.” Prey said drivers should also take a minute to check their tires to ensure sufficient treads. While some brands have replacement monitors — the words “replace tire” will appear as the treads are eaten away — the easiest trick to gauge tread depth is with a copper penny inserted top-first into the tread. “If you can see the top of Lincoln’s head, the tread is gone,” Prey said. And if you’re looking for a novel Christmas gift for that hard-to-buy-for someone, consider a cold-weather vehicle product such as a remote starter or weatherproof mats and liners. Bill Walsh Jr. of the Bill Walsh Automotive Group said remote starters are “our No. 1 seller and the hottest holiday gift in the market.” Walsh emphasized that starters come in array of models including many that can be activated through a smart phone. “With different smart phone apps you can do much more HEALTH MIND BODY Photography by Scott Anderson & ILLINOIS VALLEY Find Your Fitness at the Karen Newman of Oglesby (left) begins to jog on a treadmill while physical therapist Kayla Olson (right) helps adjust speed and control at Illinois Valley Community Hospital Rehab Center next to Illinois Valley YMCA in Peru. Why not exercise and eat right now, rather than making it a New Year’s resolution? to start an exercise regimen. Kayla Olson, certified athletic trainer for IVCH recommends getting outside and being active whenever possible. “Save the indoor exercise classes for during the winter months when it’s cold out,” she said. “Exercise classes are a great way to stay active during the winter.” For those not inclined to join a gym or exercise class, mall walking or home exercises (workout videos, 300 Walnut St., Peru 815-223-7904 Route 251, Mendota 815-538-2900 ivymca.com 326310 stair laps at home, etc.) will help reap many benefits. “At the end of the day, weight management is calories in versus calories out,” Olson said. “Proper nutrition and exercise discipline is the way to avoid unwanted pounds. Exercise is not permission to eat whatever you want. Everything in moderation is OK.” Tom Collins is Senior Writer at the NewsTribune, La Salle. Rod in the Morning . . . 326314 Debo . . . . Classic Hits All Day ! Hardware 1713 4th St., Downtown Peru (815) 223-0461 • www.acehardware.com 326312 Mon-Thur 7-5:30 • Fri 7-6 • Sat 7-5 • Closed Sundays A NewsTribune publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | September 2015 17 Supercharge your diet Photography by Scott Anderson Local, fresh produce packs all the power of the over-hyped ‘super food’ Ariel Zimmerlein sifts through her large garden near Ohio, Ill., while her sister Alexis watches. The sisters are from LaMoille. They have several garden plots in the LaMoille and Ohio areas and now sell produce at farmers markets. A lot of what they sell fits the new marketing term, “super foods,” but what they do is nothing new at all. By Tamara Abbey Want to look younger? Live longer? Lose weight? Are so-called super foods the answer? According to the hottest diet trends, just add blueberries for healthier skin or quinoa to reduce your chances of cancer. Brittney Moutray, a registered dietician at Illinois Valley Community Hospital, isn’t buying any of those claims. “‘Super foods’ has become more of a buzz word in the world of food and nutrition and health,” she said. “If you want to think about it, there’s no scientific definition.” Go ahead, look for an accredited scientific study on any of the so-called super foods. Moutray said they just don’t exist. Instead, it’s become a marketing ploy, and the foods that qualify as “super foods” change regularly. Remember when your mother told you to eat your carrots to keep from wearing glasses? How about finishing your spinach and lima beans so you would grow up strong? Turns out, mom really did know best. Moutray said there is real science about the nutrients found in plant based foods. 18 September 2015 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune publication “The colors — the deep pigments that we often see — every color gives a different nutritional benefit beyond fiber and calories,” she said. “Those plant compounds are what gives us our antioxidants.” Sisters Ariel and Alexis Zimmerlein of LaMoille also scoff at the idea of any particular super food. Ariel recently graduated from college with a degree in human nutrition and dietetics. Instead, they said, any nutrient dense, plant-based food can be considered a super food. They recently started several garden plots in the LaMoille and Ohio areas and now sell produce at farmers markets. While they’ve been growing all season long, Alexis notes this is the time of year to start looking for foods that pack some real nutrition. “A lot of the crops you find in the fall are good for your immune system,” she said. “Acorn squash, pumpkins — anything with that orange color means it’s going to have that beta carotene, your vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K.” In other words, you don’t have to make a trip to the store to pick up a banana that has been shipped 1,500 miles or more to get your potassium. Instead, Ariel said you can run over to your local farmers market and pick up some squash and carrots. Moutray said even the white potatoes, which often get a bad reputation, can be packed with nutrition. “In all actuality potatoes have wonderful vitamins, minerals fiber and some of the same antioxidants that a carrot has,” she said. “It’s just as far as piling up your plate with five cups of mashed potato, well maybe that’s not so great.” French fries and potato chips also don’t really count either. “Anytime you deep fry something you’re really depleting the nutrients it has in it already,” she said. “Consuming food as close to it’s natural state as possible is ideal.” If you’re a traditional meatand-potatoes type of person, how can you get more squash, carrots and blueberries on to your plate? And how much is enough? Moutray said she advises Where there’s a helpful smile in every aisle! breads or even add a scoop or two to a winter stew. Sweet potatoes must be cured before eating. Fresh “Super foods” has become a buzzword, or rather buzz term. But there’s plenty of nutritional value — and versatility — to pumpkin. Plenty of other foods that are in season now are pretty super, too. “Acorn squash, pumpkins - anything with that orange color means it’s going to have that beta carotene, your vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin K,” said Alexis Zimmerlein, who grows produce to sell at farmers markets. squash). Let the squash cool, then scrape the flesh from the rind. Puree the squash, then freeze for future pies, quick sweet potatoes can be left in a warm, humid location for about a week. Then transfer to a cool location to store for six to eight weeks. The curing helps these potatoes develop the natural sugars that give them their name. Apples come in many different varieties. For a taste treat, try to find a vendor that carries some of the less well-known varieties. Some varieties also store well in a basement — as long as they are kept away from potatoes which give off a gas that will accelerate ripening. Broccoli and Brussels sprouts only get sweeter as the season progresses. Try preparing them by steaming, lightly sauteed, baked or roasted. Kale has to be on the list since it has long been touted as a super food. This is the time of year when it’s available locally. If the flavor is a little strong, try Swiss chard, a similar leafy green that has a flavor more like spinach and it’s also packed with nutrition. Moutray also offered a few recipes to help you get started on a more colorful plate. Tamara Abbey is Mendota Bureau Chief for the NewsTribune, La Salle. EAT HEALTHY Helping you Donna Rochnowski R.D., LDN, CDE, Registered Dietitian Personal Shopping Assistance- FREE Make an appointment with Donna and take a walk through the Peru Hy-Vee to find healthy foods in every aisle. Get help with meal suggestions and receive guidelines for special dietary needs. Nutrition Assessment & Consultation- FEES VARY Donna can assist you with your individual requirements for weight loss, design an individualized meal plan for diabetes, and assist with many other conditions requiring special nutrition modifications. CALL 815-223-5219 TO SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT 326265 What to look for: Pick up some small pumpkins or other hard winter squash that can be stored into the winter months. Prepare squashes by slicing off the top and scooping out the seeds. Bake at about 350-degrees until fork tender (time depends on the size of the Photography by Scott Anderson people to divide their plate into four equal wedges. Half of the plate should have fruit and vegetables, one-quarter should have a protein source and the last quarter would be the grain such as bread or rolls — preferably whole grain, she added. Then start to mix up the routine meat-and-potatoes with sweet potatoes instead or add some lightly stir-fried vegetables to the plate every now and again. The Zimmerleins said cooking new vegetables can be a challenge, but they recommend starting with something as easy as a stir fry. A little oil, some seasoning and a handful of fresh chopped vegetables can be the start to some inspiring new side dishes. If nothing else, ask the vendors at the markets for recipe suggestions or cooking tips. 1651 Midtown Road • Peru • 815-223-5219 A NewsTribune publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | September 2015 19 Sweet Potato & Black Bean Chili Make a double batch of this quick vegetarian chili, full of black beans and sweet potatoes, and eat it for lunch the next day or freeze the extras for another night. Serve with tortilla chips or cornbread and coleslaw. 4 servings, about 2 cups each Ingredients onion and cook, stirring often, until the onion is beginning to soften, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, chili powder, cumin, chipotle and salt and (see Note) • 1 tablespoon plus 2 teaspoons cook, stirring constantly, for 30 seconds. Add water and bring to a • ¼ teaspoon salt extra-virgin olive oil simmer. Cover, reduce heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook until • 1 medium-large sweet potato, • 2 ½ cups water the sweet potato is tender, 10 to 12 minutes. peeled and diced • 2 15-ounce cans black beans, 2 Add beans, tomatoes and lime juice; increase heat to high and return • 1 large onion, diced rinsed to a simmer, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer until slightly • 4 cloves garlic, minced • 1 14-ounce can diced tomatoes reduced, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cilantro. • 2 tablespoons chili powder • 4 teaspoons lime juice Tips & Notes • 4 teaspoons ground cumin • ½ cup chopped fresh cilantro • ½ teaspoon ground chipotle chile Note: Chipotle peppers are dried, smoked jalapeño peppers. Ground Preparation chipotle chile pepper can be found in the spice section of most 1 Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add sweet potato and supermarkets or online. Cashew Salmon with Apricot Couscous Yogurt sauce flavored with lemon, cumin and cilantro tops this Indian-inspired grilled salmon. 4 servings Ingredients couscous. Remove from heat, cover and let stand until the liquid is absorbed, about 5 minutes. Fluff with a fork. • ½ cup nonfat plain yogurt • ¼ cup chopped dried apricots 4 Meanwhile, rub salmon with the remaining ¼ teaspoon each salt and • 3 scallions, sliced, greens and • 1 tablespoon minced fresh pepper. If grilling, oil the grill rack (see Tip). If broiling, coat a broiler whites separated ginger pan with cooking spray. Grill or broil the salmon until browned and just • 2 tablespoons lemon juice • 1 ¼ cups water cooked through, about 3 minutes per side. Serve with the couscous, • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh • 1 cup whole-wheat couscous topped with the yogurt sauce and cashews. cilantro • 1 pound salmon fillet, preferably Tips & Notes • ½ teaspoon ground cumin wild Pacific, skinned (see Note) • ¾ teaspoon salt, divided and cut into 4 portions Ingredient note: Wild-caught salmon from the Pacific (Alaska and • ½ teaspoon freshly ground • 2 tablespoons chopped toasted Washington) are more sustainably fished and have a larger, more stable pepper, divided population. To skin a salmon fillet, place the fillet on a clean cutting cashews (see Note) • 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil board, skin side down. Starting at the tail end, slip the blade of a long, Preparation sharp knife between the fish flesh and the skin, holding the skin down 1 Preheat grill to medium-high or position rack in upper third of oven and firmly with your other hand. Gently push the blade along at a 30° angle, separating the fillet from the skin without cutting through either. preheat broiler. Kitchen tips: To toast chopped nuts, cook in a small dry skillet over 2 Combine yogurt, scallion greens, lemon juice, cilantro, cumin, ¼ medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly browned, 2 teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper in a medium bowl. Set aside. to 4 minutes. 3 Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add apricots, ginger, To oil a grill rack, oil a folded paper towel, hold it with tongs and rub it over the scallion whites and ¼ teaspoon salt. Cook, stirring, until softened, the rack. (Do not use cooking spray on a hot grill.) about 2 minutes. Add water and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in Salmon Panzanella This traditional Italian bread salad is full of tomatoes and cucumber and gets a protein boost with the addition of grilled salmon. 4 servings onion and basil. Ingredients 3 Oil the grill rack (see Tip). Season both sides of salmon with salt and the remaining 1/8 teaspoon pepper. Grill the salmon until cooked • 8 Kalamata olives, pitted and • 2 large tomatoes, cut into 1-inch through, 4 to 5 minutes per side. chopped pieces 4 Divide the salad among 4 plates and top each with a piece of salmon. • 3 tablespoons red-wine vinegar • 1 medium cucumber, peeled (if Tips & Notes • 1 tablespoon capers, rinsed and desired), seeded and cut into chopped 1-inch pieces Tips: If using fresh bread, you can grill the bread slices along with the • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground • ¼ cup thinly sliced red onion salmon and then cut them into cubes. Alternatively, cut bread into cubes, pepper, divided • ¼ cup thinly sliced fresh basil place on a baking sheet and bake at 300°F until dry. • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive • 1 pound center-cut salmon, How to skin a salmon fillet: Place salmon fillet on a clean cutting board, oil skinned (see Tip) and cut into 4 skin-side down. Starting at the tail end, slip the blade of a long knife • 2 thick slices day-old whole-grain portions between the fish flesh and the skin, holding down firmly with your other bread, cut into 1-inch cubes (see • ½ teaspoon kosher salt hand. Gently push the blade along at a 30° angle, separating the fillet from the skin without cutting through either. Tip) Preparation To oil the grill rack, oil a folded paper towel, hold it with tongs and rub it over the rack. (Do not use cooking spray on a hot grill.) When grilling 1 Preheat grill to high. 2 Whisk olives, vinegar, capers and 1/8 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl. delicate foods like tofu and fish, it is helpful to spray the food with cooking spray before placing it on the grill. Slowly whisk in oil until combined. Add bread, tomatoes, cucumber, Pumpkin Pie Yogurt Don’t forget to add some extra nutrition to your breakfast. Brittney Moutray also forwarded this recipe to add a new spin to plain yogurt. • Optional: sweetener of choice. trail mix, nuts, raisins, chopped • Mix-ins: fruit • ½ cup canned pumpkin (not yogurt cereal, granola, chocolate chips, pumpkin pie filling) • 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 Fold the pumpkin into the yogurt; add spices. Top with any combination • 4 ounces plain or vanilla low-fat • ½ teaspoon pumpkin pie spice of mix-ins. 20 September 2015 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune publication To Every Whine, Turn, Turn, Turn, There is A Season Ah, fall. It’s my favorite time of year. Wood smoke perfumes the air as the days shorten and the trees turn to red and gold. This is a special time for those of us who live in the Midwest. Time to stop complaining about the heat and start whining about the cold. I carefully wrapped my sweaters in lavender-scented paper and stowed them in a cedar-lined chest at the end of last winter. At least I meant to do that. I actually stuffed them on the floor at the back of the closet until I could get around to it — just for a day or two. A week, tops. As I shook out clothes so covered with dust it looks like my entire fall wardrobe is gray mohair, and crammed shorts and tank tops in their place at the back of the closet, it occurred to me that my attitude toward the seasons changes along with them. I love whichever one I’m NOT with. I hate the cold. I much prefer summer to winter. Winter means slipping, sliding, getting stuck in the snow, and not being able to do anything outside because it’s too cold cold cold I tell myself this every year, right about now. My Peg arguments are Schulte compelling. But I said the same thing six months ago... in reverse. I hate the heat. I much prefer winter to summer. Summer means broiling, sweating, and not being able to do anything outside because it’s too hot hot hot It’s hard to take myself seriously when I flip-flop on this issue more than a politician in a primary race. When Winter Peg is huddled under a down comforter, clad in sweats and two pairs of socks, trying to hear the TV over the chattering of her teeth in her cathedralceilinged-overan-unheatedgarage family room, she promises not to complain next summer when it’s 97 in the shade. Summer means cool salads and cold umbrella drinks and laughing with friends on the patio. It’s strolling along a pristine beach on balmy evenings that seem to go on forever. But Winter Peg has selective amnesia. She is getting real life confused with a commercial for feminine hygiene products. When Bad Things Happen... You Need 326256 Good People. 520 First St., t LaS L LaSalle aS Sall ll 8 lle 815-223-1505 81 15-2 15 5-22 223-1 223 3-15 1505 150 05 Summer Peg remembers days so sticky and humid that walking outside was like swimming in a steam bath. Times when she needed to don a hazmat suit so she wouldn’t burn any vital body parts when getting into a car that had been baking in the sun all day. Summer Peg looks at winter through rose-colored glasses. She thinks longingly of sipping cocoa next to a cheery bonfire, pink-cheeked after a day spent ice skating on a pond in a pristine, wilderness setting. But Summer Peg is getting real life confused with an Old Navy ad for back-toschool clothes. I’m determined not to think about the heat just past and the cold to come, and simply enjoy the pleasures of this season. And I’ll try to forget that the only sure thing about Midwest weather is that if you wait long enough, it’s bound to change. RESTORE YOUR HEALTH Our good people handle all kinds of insurance RESTORE has therapy 7 days a week, individualized to meet your needs. Peg Schulte, Dawn Bumgarner, D Chris Angelo & Bill Schulte Private Rooms for your comfort and recovery. For a no obligation quote please visit our website at www.rivalins.com Spruce Up Your Home 326127 Call Brian today for your PROFESSIONAL KITCHEN, BATHROOM, BASEMENT & FIREPLACE REMODELING NEEDS. Five-Star Quality Rated Celebrating 50 Years of Caring for our Community! by Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services 1445 Chartres Street 1301 21st Street LaSALLE www.heritageofcare.com PERU Specializing in high-quality new construction and remodeling for over 30 years. 815.883.8681 or 815.488.9830 835 Clark St., Oglesby 815-223-4901 326436 A NewsTribune publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | September 2015 21 LOOKING BACK: 1975 Do you remember the old Hotel Peru at Fourth and Grant streets? That southwest corner has been devoid of a building for just over 40 years, since fire in August 1975 destroyed the structure. This Year in History: Fun Facts of 1975 — Despite Carlton Fisk’s dramatic homer down the left-field line at Fenway Park that sent the World Series to Game 7, Fisk and the Red Sox lost the World Series to the Reds. … St. Bede bowed out of the basketball postseason after a 54-53 loss to Buda Western that followed back-to-back Bruin wins over Tiskilwa and Hall. … Dave Potthoff averaged 16 points per game for the St. Bede sophomore team. … The Pirates’ Rennie Stennett went 7-for-7 in a nine-inning game, a 22-0 win over the Cubs, tying a Major League record that stood since 1892. … The IVCC Amateur Radio Club, including John Ebener, John Salz and Pat Sobin, built a 2,000-watt linear amplifier for their call number, WB9FXM. … Judy Cantlin and Karen Wisgoski served as IVCC cheerleading co-captains. … Glass-shattering slam-dunker Darryl “Chocolate Thunder” Dawkins became the first NBA player drafted out of high school. … Don Slusarek scored 27 and Glenn Mudge 19 to lead Steve Goers’ L-P Cavaliers to a regional-semi win over Streator. The Cavs lost to Ottawa in the finals. … L-P’s Steve Opsal, Mark Klinefelter and Dave Ericson qualified for the sectionals in wrestling. 22 September 2015 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune publication Remarkable Restorations • Monday Sports Medicine Clinic – call for an appointment. • Fractures • Arthritis Dr. Peter J. Meier Dr. Robert J. Mitchell Board Certified Board Certified Orthopedic Surgeon Orthopedic Surgeon • Arthroscopic Surgery • Knee Replacement Surgery • Anterior Hip Replacement Surgery • Bunionectomy/Foot Surgery *ITIVKMLWX\QWV[ 8ZW^MVZM[]T\[ I\1TTQVWQ[>ITTMa+WUU]VQ\a0W[XQ\IT 815.223.2143 • 920 West St. • Peru Located across from IVCH 326309 1441671;>)44-A 7:<078-,1+; A NewsTribune publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | September 2015 23 %RDUG&HUWLƬHG 2%*<13K\VLFLDQV 325762 'HGLFDWHGWR&RPSUHKHQVLYH :RPHQªV+HDOWK&DUH 5DOSK1DULQHGKDW0')$&2* 'RQQD6ZHHWODQG0')$&2* &UDLJ:KDWFRWW0')$&2* -HQQLIHU0DVFKPDQQ0')$&2* 1RUDK2UWH]D0')$&2* 7RVFKHGXOHDQDSSRLQWPHQWFDOO (VW6W6SULQJ9DOOH\ DERXWVPKRUJ