reaches out - InVironments Magazine

Transcription

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VOLUME 2
ISSUE
Looking inside the human body, p. 30
Energy-saving tips, p. 54
Snowmobilers love winter, p. 64
Make-Over Mission, p. 70
TAILS Humane Society
reaches out
with life-saving work.
InCommunity,
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ctio
e
l
ry E n,
a
m
p. 20
Pri Sectio
l
a
Where life happens.
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Where life happens.
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Where life happens.
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Table of Contents
10
InPeople
The Stubbs Family shares
Tanzanian mission
30 62
44
InHealth
InDeKalb County
Tell us who’s the “BEST!”
Radiologists heal by turning
body inside out
On the cover:
TAILS Humane Society is a safe haven for
animals thanks to excutive director Beth
Drake and Michelle Bejbl O’Mary.
Vol. 2, Issue 2, January 2010
6
InPolitics
Special Primary Election
Ad Section
InVironments
20 Community
Taking Animals Into Loving Shelter fulfills mission with
compassion.
36 Health
Tips for keeping your balance to prevent falls.
P.O. Box 4, Sycamore, IL 60178
Publisher/Editor - Kathy Siebrasse
Advertising Director - Darby
Dwyer
Contact Us
Kathy Siebrasse, Editor
Kathy@invironmentsmag.com
38 Business
Darby Dwyer, Advertising Director
darby@invironmentsmag.com
50 Business
PAUL BOREK
Re:New DeKalb on target for improving Downtown DeKalb.
Dr. Dennis Collins and associates offer state-of-the-art dentistry.
54 Business
Energy Pro Source audits reduce homeowner costs.
56 Home & Garden
Apply these tips to save energy and resources.
64 Recreation
Advisory Board
NANCY M. CASTLE
SHARON EMANUELSON
ALICE FREIER
KAYTE HAMEL
GORDON L. JONES
MAUREEN JOSH
Local snowmobile clubs hit the trails.
MARY KRUPP
66 Fitness
JOHN LEWIS
Area residents follow FitWorkz plan for results.
AMY BEMIS LYON
70 Beauty
DEBBIE MADELEY
A year-long make-over mission begins for Sycamore woman.
74 Events
A calendar listing fun things to do in area communities.
76 ad index
PATTY POORTEN
GING PALMA SMITH
JERRY SMITH
GLORY SPIES
For Subscriptions:
www.invironmentsmag.com
Where life happens.
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A message from the Publisher
Dear Reader,
We’ve just observed the beginning of another New Year, and if you’re like me, you can hardly believe
it’s 2010. Can 10 years really have zipped by since we experienced all the strange “gloom and doom”
predictions focused on the New Millennium? Obviously so!
I’m convinced our frantic-paced world makes time fly by even faster. When you factor in the challenges of
providing for our families, it’s a reality that most of us don’t have time to pause and appreciate the little
things in our everyday lives. That’s why one of my goals for 2010 is to live more “mindfully.”
In our September issue, we featured an article about “Living Mindfully” by Linda Benton, a local social
worker who has a private meditation practice in Sycamore. Benton explains that living mindfully is
the opposite of living life on “automatic pilot,” which is what most of us have learned to do when the
demands of life and relationships become overwhelming. “We go through our days without realizing what
is happening on the inside – our thoughts, feelings, desires, and personal needs. Nor are we aware of what
is happening in our bodies which very often reflects the interpersonal conflicts, unmet needs, unresolved
issues, and emotions that have just been ignored.”
As one who’s experienced many of life’s major losses recently, I realize just how much that description fits
me. I’ve signed up for Benton’s new course in mindfulness that starts later in January, and am anxious to
put what I learn into practice. I’ll let you know how it goes!
It’s Primary Election time and InVironments is excited to bring you our special Primary Election Advertising
Section. Voting is among the greatest rights we have as Americans. Please do your part to become
informed about the candidates and then cast your votes at the polls on Feb. 2.
We’re also kicking off a new feature with this issue called “Best of DeKalb County.” We’re counting on your
online feedback through our website as we seek to highlight the “best” places our communities offer in
future issues. We’ll be asking about everything from car repair services to hair salons, ice cream shops to
spas, and much more. If you have an idea for a “best of” category, please let us know!
Inside you’ll find another issue filled with interesting stories about your friends, neighbors, businesses and
fellow community members. You’ll read about the selfless ministry of DeKalb’s Stubbs family, now serving
as missionaries in Tanzania. Dava Lee is beginning an intriguing year-long “make-over” series featuring a
local woman. Among other stories, you’ll also read about TAILS Humane Society, Re:New DeKalb, local
radiologists and snowmobile enthusiasts.
I appreciate the number of people who ask me how to get a subscription to InVironments so they don’t
miss an issue. Simply visit our website to sign-up, or mail your check for $29.94 to InVironments, P.O. Box
4, Sycamore, IL 60178. I value your support, story ideas and for believing in this magazine’s mission. Please
keep your comments and emails coming.
A new year is upon us. It brings opportunity and challenges alike. Don’t stop reaching for your dreams!
With you IN mind,
Kathy
Where life happens.
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10 People
10
Music mission leads Stubbs family
on amazing adventure in Tanzania
By Kathy Siebrasse
“Life in Tanzania
is an adventure and
every day a gift from God.”
With that simple statement, Randy Stubbs
gets to the heart of his family’s missionary
work in East Africa.
Randy and his wife, Carol, began the
adventure of a lifetime in August, 2006,
with their three children, Megan, 16,
Marissa, 14, and Nathan, 13. They sold their
DeKalb home and nearly everything they
had in order to devote themselves to music
missionary work with Makumira University College
in Tanzania, through the Evangelical Lutheran Church in
America (ELCA).
music business, and directs a campus choir (learning music
from outside Tanzania, mostly African-American and South
American). He also teaches a course on Hymnody and Liturgy
through the Faculty of Theology.
Carol teaches all three music education classes, a music
elective for Theology and Education majors, and required
individual lessons on voice and piano. She started a girls’
choir on campus (for seven-14-year-olds) that also provides
hands-on practical experience for the music education
classes.
“We also are working on projects that will create an income
stream for the music department (recording projects) and
help to preserve the rich musical heritage of some of the
ethnic groups in Tanzania,” Randy said.
The family not only teaches at the university, but travels
throughout Tanzania to share their music and ministry.
What they thought would be one year has stretched into
more at their own request. The family is thriving and now
considers Tanzania their home, they said.
The entire Stubbs family returned to DeKalb this past summer
for “home assignment,” bringing their missionary work here
by sharing their story with service organizations, retirement
centers and church groups.
InVironments visited with the family toward the end of their
home assignment at a program at Barb City Manor, and has
corresponded via emails since their return to Tanzania. Their
fascinating story unfolds here, mostly in the words of various
members of the Stubbs family.
Randy said he and Carol are “trying to work ourselves out
of our jobs” at Makumira University College. “Our job
descriptions say we are doing leadership development,
evangelism, and capacity building. The goal is that qualified
Tanzanians (holding Master’s degrees in music) will lead the
program in the next four-six years.”
Randy said he serves as head of the fledging Department
of Music. He teaches conducting, performance skills, music
technology, music history of North and South America,
In Randy’s own words
We have learned to live without many things we once
considered essential. Like every culture, there are very
positive and very challenging aspects about life in Tanzania.
Positive things include the wonderful music from so many
different ethnic groups that permeate daily life, people’s
generous sharing of their time to help those with virtually any
need, the enthusiasm of our students that truly understand
what a privilege is is to get an education, and so much more.
Prior to moving to Tanzania in 2006, I was the director of
Where life happens.
11
music and organist at First Lutheran
Church in DeKalb, having served
there since 1987. My family and I
had many, many opportunities to
grow, share, learn, and experiment
in many areas. We certainly felt
blessed to be part of the DeKalb/
Sycamore community (and still do).
One Sunday night (August 2005)
at our family devotions we were
discussing money. One of the
guided questions was, “if you didn’t
have to worry about money, what is
something you would like to do as
a family?” I don’t remember what
the other family members said, but
I remember blurting out, “if I didn’t
have to worry about money, I would
like to do a family mission trip.”
Everyone just stared at me with
big, blank stares. I was Mr. “I-need-everything-organized-andplanned-in-order-to-function” suggesting something radical.
After opening the door to that possibility, God literally
worked miracles to get us to Tanzania. It was difficult to say
“yes” because it meant a total and complete change from all
that was familiar and predictable, moving from the community
we had lived in for 19 years, job security, friends, everything.
But with God all things are possible and now we see how he
has guided and prepared us for each and every step of our
incredible journey.
Challenges are largely from trying
to learn systems that are not written
down and are constantly changing.
As we get better in the language
(Swahili) we understand things better,
but we know that we will always
be outsiders, unfortunately, mainly
because of our skin color. Everything
moves MUCH slower than in America
and sometimes it is difficult not to
get anxious about that.
I must acknowledge the great help
and support we have received from
the ELCA through our orientation
when we came as volunteers in 2006,
and for continued support ever since.
Also, we have many congregations
and individuals that are supporting
our family as we serve here in
Tanzania.
In Carol’s own words
Our students make our experience here quite meaningful.
They are so eager to learn and for many, studying music
is a dream come true. Most of our students have been so
determined to learn about music that they have gleaned
whatever they can from any music books that come their way.
My biggest challenge is working and living amongst people
where needs are great and resources are few. Living day to
day is the way of life here in Tanzania and when a child is
raised in that kind of environment, certain types of thinking
skills remain underdeveloped.
After we decided to jump into missions, it turned out that we
needed to go as volunteers. Contrary to “not having to worry
about money,” suddenly we were faced with
trying to raise over $50,000 in support (over
“If I didn’t have to worry
$15,000 for just plane tickets for our family
about money, I would like
of five). Of course, God knows what we can
to do a family mission
do, and what HE can do. About a month
before we left we had raised all of the money
trip.” Everyone just
we needed. God touched many hearts to
stared at me with big,
contribute generously toward His mission
through our family.
blank stares.
After the first year as volunteers, we became paid ELCA
missionaries, so now we do not have to worry about day to day
money issues. If we tried to live as Americans here in Tanzania
then our salaries would not be enough, but we try to eat and
do many other things closer to Tanzanian standards. For that
we have enough money to live and to assist with the some of
the many needs we see all around us. God is indeed good.
It is exciting to be working side by side with folks from
all around the world. On campus we have teachers from
Tanzania, Germany, Finland, Sweden and America. We have
students from eight different countries. One congregation we
attend about once per month has members and visitors from
an average of 25 countries each week. We can learn, and are
learning, so much from those around us.
12
The TZ education system is working hard
to develop problem solving skills with
the students, but still, much teaching is
done to help students pass exams that
determine whether or not they will get to
continue studies. These students are great at
memorization, but often there is no meaning
attached to the information.
Education remains as the hope of the Tanzanian people.
As Americans, we take so much for granted regarding our
education and the availability of information. Whenever we
Americans want answers, we search the internet, read the
papers, or go to our local library to do some research.
Here, most people have no access to books, internet or
newspapers. Some get all their information from television
and radio. Our students do not share our love for reading,
therefore any reading assignments we give must be basic
and concise. Also, the fact that many have learned English
as a third language causes some additional challenges at a
university where all instruction is to be in English.
Life for the Stubbs children
Megan just turned 16 this fall, and said, “Living in Tanzania
has been a great adventure for me. I was very excited to move
here, and now consider it my home. I have many things I love
here, one of them being the culture. You are always welcome,
anywhere, anytime. I would have to say the biggest challenge
was getting used to being in the minority, and having certain
labels put on you automatically just because of your skin color.”
Because Carol home-schooled the children in the U.S., she
continues to do so in Tanzania. Megan and Nathan are doing
most of their classes through an internet-based academy, and
they get the curriculum, books, CDs and DVDs from the U.S.
Megan is taking cello at Umoja Arts. She is very happy that
a talented cellist, Kasia, arrived las fall to teach her. She has
been mostly working on her own, and doing very well. Megan
also enjoys teaching an English class for Tanzanian girls on
campus and the nearby village. She was able to attend the
University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Summer Music Clinic in
2008, and she really enjoyed playing in the orchestra. That
is one thing they don’t have in Tanzania, although they have
organized several chamber music concerts.
Randy and Carol said God helped to prepare them for the
challenges they would face in Tanzania through their second
child, Marissa, who has Down Syndrome. “We had to learn
to let go of expectations in order to receive the blessings
that come with a child with special needs. Our world was
instantly turned upside down, but that was one of the biggest
ways God helped in our transition to living in a developing
country.”
Marissa (14) does some of her schooling with Carol and some
with a private tutor several days per week. She continues to
work on basic math, handwriting, reading comprehension,
science, and Swahili. One morning a week, she goes to Step
by Step, a small private school for children with special needs.
Carol teaches music there once a week and the children of all
ages really enjoy it. Marissa plays the harp and loves singing
in Carol’s girls’ choir.
Nathan (13) is doing very well with guitar. It took him this past
year to get through Suzuki Book 1 and now he completed
Book 2 in six weeks. He is also learning some jazz voicings
and Randy gave him some jazz standards to learn. Nathan’s
guitar teacher is a great jazz/blues/rock guitarist and Nathan
enjoys him very much. Nathan loves all things computer
(except having to get off of it) and is taking a computer
programming class. He read the thick Windows XP Bible and
most of the Mac OS X Bible this past year “just for fun.” His
latest activities include writing a computer game (in Paschal)
and mastering Google’s Sketch Up 3-D software.
Where life happens.
13
“You don’t realize how big this is until you are teaching in
another culture. We have had to learn new ways to express
familiar ideas and concepts in completely new ways, even
new English vocabulary and ways of pronouncing (in English)
so that the students can understand us better,” they said.
“The language issue is interesting, because it’s not enough
for us to learn another language, but to learn how to speak
our language (English) in a way that they can understand it
more easily. That means slowing down, choosing your words
carefully, and often changing the American pronunciation to
a Tanzanian English pronunciation. In short, we have to stop
and think before we open our mouths, whether in English or
Swahili. That is not entirely bad,” they added.
What being a missionary means
Randy encourages everyone to check out the ELCA website
to learn about the global missions unit—www.elca.org.
The ELCA recently has changed its philosophy regarding
missionaries.
“We are part of the new system, but there are still quite a few
missionaries here in Tanzania who are part of the old system
of lifelong service in the same location,” Randy said. “We
are here to train Tanzanians in music, lay the foundation, and
get the music department to the point where Tanzanians can
take over and carry on the work. We are not here to run the
program for the next 20 years, even though that is what the
Tanzanians would like (that is the old system).”
Facing the challenges
Randy said language has been the biggest challenge he and
Carol have faced. Their oldest daughter, Megan, is fluent
in Swahili. Nathan is quite good, and Marissa can get by in
Being ELCA missionaries allows Randy and Carol to be paid
certain situations. “It’s the parents who are struggling with
through the ELCA, so they can concentrate on their jobs in
learning a new language when they are in their 40s. We are
Tanzania and not on raising funds so they can eat. “Not all
getting better, but still can’t hold a serious conversation for
denominations operate this way. We
more than a few minutes, though we can
have friends serving as missionaries with
understand about 70 percent of what we
The language issue is
other churches and sometimes they
hear,” Randy said.
interesting, because it’s not
have to take one-two months to stop
enough for us to learn another their mission work and fund-raise back in
To put things in perspective, however,
the U.S. As paid ELCA missionaries we
he told the audience at Barb City Manor
language, but to learn how to receive a fair wage and benefits.”
that there are 118 different ethnic groups
or tribes in Tanzania, each with its own
language.
speak our language (English) in
a way that they can understand
it more easily.
“In some ways it’s not a huge issue
because we teach in English at the
university. However, we have discovered that relationship
building happens much better if we are speaking their
language instead of them having to speak to us in their third
language. We are slowly improving, but Swahili study often
gets bumped when more urgent matters arise.”
They said another challenge is “we do not have a common
background (reference point) with our students and
colleagues. Something that makes good sense to us is
thoroughly questioned because it is a completely new
concept to Tanzanians.
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When the Stubbs Family is in the United
States, whether for home assignment
or when they complete their service in
Tanzania, “we are missionaries to our
own people. It is impossible to pretend
that our lives have not been dramatically changed by our
experiences here,” Randy said.
“Most people will never have a chance to travel the road
we are on, but we can share about our experiences when
the opportunity arises. This summer, we shared God’s story
of ministry through our family with about 27 congregations.
We did this through singing, playing instruments, preaching,
showing pictures, and sharing stories. We know that God is
working through us (including our kids) to touch the hearts of
Americans.”
Randy said the family can now see how God was preparing
them for work in missions for many years, but “we just didn’t
realize it at the time.
“While there was certainly a specific turning point in our
deciding to become missionaries, I am convinced that God
calls each one of us from a very young age to ‘come and
follow me.’ Looking back it is quite clear, now, how hundreds
of experiences over the years helped to prepare me and my
family to serve God in Tanzania as missionaries,” Randy said.
“At the time I thought many of the experiences were fun,
interesting, educational, or just learning experiences, but
now I can see that they were all part of His plan for me and
my family. It is impossible to say that I ‘felt a call’ without
including my family. While we are all individuals, we are a
unit working together with our unique and combined gifts
and talents that God has given to us. All of us have been
challenged, and have grown through this experience of doing
His work in Tanzania,” Randy said.
He added, “One of the military branches uses the phrase, ‘it’s
the toughest job you’ll ever love.’ We could not even imagine
many of the things we have learned, done, and experienced
here. It has changed us individually and as a family. It has
certainly made us stronger, more confident in our faith, and
more willing to continue forward.”
Helping famine relief
How did you become missionaries?
Regarding projects and the famine and relief, the
Stubbs Family’s website (www.StubbsMission.info)
lists ways people can support some of the projects
they are involved with in Tanzania, especially music
scholarship funds and music equipment. “We
could not be doing what we are doing without
those who have contributed to help us get these
things,” said Randy.
The famine is still going on and is still very real.
There is a famine relief fund that specifically
benefits the Ketumbeine area (First Lutheran,
DeKalb’s companion congregation—actually
23 congregations). The fund is ELCA Global
Gifts/TZ/Ketumbeine Famine Relief, sent to the
ELCA address on the Stubbs Family website. All
donations are tax-deductible as allowed by the IRS.
About Makumira University College
Makumira (MUCo) is a university operated by the Evangelical Lutheran Church
of Tanzania. It is located at the base of Mt. Meru (15,000 feet) and on a clear
day you can also see Mt. Kilimanjaro (19,000 feet) from the campus. For 50
years, it was exclusively a Lutheran seminary, serving all of East Africa.
In 1997, it became part of the National Lutheran Tumaini University system and
has since added a Faculty of Humanities (languages, education, music) and
Faculty of Law. The music program started in 2005. It is the only bachelor level
degree in music offered in the entire country of Tanzania. Students can choose
an emphasis in church music or music education in the three year program. For
more details, visit www.makumira.ac.tz.
Where life happens.
15
Other points of interest
The reality here is that if you are in a serious accident and
MEDICAL CARE: While we are in Tanzania it is impossible to
time is critical to your survival, you may not survive. There are
even spend enough on medical to satisfy our deductible. In
two ambulances in Northern Tanzania serving approximately
the past year, we spent less than $5 (U.S.) on medical care.
three million people. There is no 9-1-1 service. Most people
That includes three malaria tests for our children (at different
don’t have cars. Many people don’t go to the hospital even
times). Each test at the local clinic costs about 87-cents. You
if they should. The ELCA pays for
can’t even get a Band-Aid for that price
We enjoy such luxuries as electricity ‘emergency evacuation’ if something
in the states. When we were home
is really serious. This service would
this summer we had the required full
(although it is quite inconsistent)
medical check-ups (physicals, eyes,
and indoor plumbing...As our family allow us to get a flight to Nairobi (the
next country) or Europe (eight hours by
teeth, and tests required by the ELCA).
is pretty tech-savvy, a predictable
plane) for emergency medical care.
The medical benefits will help with those
and controlled source of electricity
expenses.
is important for our computers and HOUSING: We live in a large house by
recording equipment.
Tanzanian standards, a small house by
While the quality of medical care is
American standards.
a bit lower than in
The faculty houses on
the U.S., Randy said
the MUCo campus
in December, 2008,
have cement slab
the Arusha Medical
floors, concrete block
Center opened.
walls, and a tin roof.
There are virtually
“It looks like a real
no wooden houses
hospital with much
because termites
modern equipment.
destroy the wood very
This is the result of
quickly. Many people
many persons, but
make “temporary”
especially ELCA
houses with wood
missionary Dr. Mark
frame covered with
Jacobson. Suddenly
mud. As can be
there is an option for
expected, those
quality medical care
houses need almost
that has never been
constant repair,
available in Northern
though some last for
Tanzania.”
many years.
16
We enjoy such luxuries as electricity (although it is quite
inconsistent) and indoor plumbing. We thank the previous
occupants of our house (Dr. and Pr. Bangsund) for installing
battery back-up, surge protection, voltage regulator, and
step-down transformer. As our family is pretty tech-savvy, a
predictable and controlled source of electricity is important
for our computers and recording equipment.
We cook with LP (gas); one 22 kg container lasts us about
five weeks. We have replaced a number of plumbing and
electrical fixtures to make life a little more
comfortable. It is amazing how freeing
it is to live a much simpler lifestyle. We
encourage you to try it.
Tanzania. In the U.S., “scratch” means you buy the individual
ingredients and put it together (no boxed/canned meals).
In Tanzania, it means you grind the wheat, kill and pluck the
chicken, fetch the wood for the fire and the water, etc. We
have given into convenience and we pay high prices to buy
the wheat already ground, the chicken already plucked, etc.
We eat mostly vegetarian, as we did in the U.S., partially for
cost, convenience, and diet. Of course, when we head to
FOOD: About half the time we eat food
like we ate while living in the U.S., albeit
with modifications. The other half, we eat
traditional Tanzania meals. There’s plenty
of rice, corn, and beans here and those
are staples in the Tanzania homes. What
we really enjoy is fresh tropical fruits (many
kinds of bananas, oranges, pineapples,
passion fruit, mango, papaya, avocado)
and many vegetables from our own large
garden (tomatoes, eggplant, peppers,
broccoli, lettuce, spinach, swiss chard,
onion, garlic, sweet potatoes, carrots,
pumpkin, beans, zucchini).
There are dukas and fruit stands all around,
so we can get any of these locally grown
foods quite easily and inexpensively. The
other nice thing is that you can grow things
all year round. If your only experience with
fruits and vegetables is what you get in the
supermarket, you are really missing out on
how good they taste picked fresh. “Please
come and visit us and we’ll help you enjoy
the food here,” Randy said.
While there is one Western-style
supermarket in Arusha, it is quite
expensive, but does carry most foods
Americans and Europeans like to eat. “Still,
I can’t bring myself to pay $7 (U.S) for a box
of South African cornflakes. We made our
own granola for a while, but then figured
out that it was even more expensive than
the cornflakes. Most breakfasts at our
house consist of an egg and leftover rice
or potatoes,” Randy said.
We cook everything from scratch, much
as we did in the U.S. There are two
noticeable differences between what that
means in the States and what it means in
Where life happens.
17
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Maasai territory that all changes. They eat, and therefore we
eat, goat or cow at every meal, usually with nothing else.
Many food related stories are sprinkled throughout the blog
on the Stubbs family website: http://web.mac.com/stubbsrcs/
Site/Welcome.html
PACKAGES FROM HOME: We love to get mail, electronically
or via “slow boat to China.” We know everything comes
by plane, but things sent by ship can
sometimes reach us faster than “Priority”
items. To send something through the Post
Office address it to: The Stubbs Family,
Makumira University College, P.O. Box 55,
Usa River, TANZANIA.
In the U.S., “scratch” means you
buy the individual ingredients and
put it together (no boxed/canned
meals). In Tanzania, it means
you grind the wheat, kill and
pluck the chicken...
Change Your Smile...
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Cosmetic Dentistry makes you feel better about
yourself. The desire for life-changing cosmetic
dentistry remains strong and no one knows better
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improving smiles for more than 30 years. He’s still
delighted by the reaction he gets from patients. “They
don’t have to hide their smile behind their hands
anymore,” he says. “They’re able to laugh and smile
with con�idence.”
A few helpful bits of information regarding
mailing packages to Tanzania: Standard
envelopes arrive in about three weeks
on average. Padded envelopes reach us
more quickly (three-five weeks), usually
unopened, and cost us the least to receive.
The Customs folks add your declared
content value and how much you paid for
postage to calculate how much we pay to
pick up the package. Paying extra to rush
things to us usually ends with the package
taking more than five weeks and we
have to pay $5-$10 (U.S.) to retrieve. We
appreciate you considering this when you
send items.
THINGS THEY MISS: Of course, any
communication and pictures are
appreciated. We can purchase many foods
in the Arusha area, if we want to spend the
money, but there are few items that aren’t
available at any price.
Dried fruit (Craisins, cherries, blueberries)
are a nice treat. Energy bars are very nice
when we are traveling and we aren’t sure
where or when our next meal will be. We
love chocolate chips, but they don’t do as
well sitting in a hot warehouse for several
weeks while officials decide when to
deliver the package. We appreciate more
natural types of foods.
Dr. Kris Tumilowicz helped
patient Katie Boughton of
Belvidere obtain a whiter,
brighter smile by replacing
11 of her crowns.
One of the most popular procedures is a smile
makeover. “It’s the most instant and dramatic result,”
Dr. Tumilowicz says. People notice their teeth as they
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Patients elect to experience Sleep Dentistry, and
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Katie Boughton is a success story. She decided on a
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“A smile is the best thing you can give someone
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Cosmetic Dentistry is appropriate for men and women alike, especially
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the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, 74% of adults feel an attractive
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1619 N. Alpine Rd.
229.3520
815.
Where life happens.
19
20Community
20
Taking Animals Into Loving Shelter
Taking Animals Into Loving Shelter doesn’t just create a
cute acronym (TAILS), it creates a better life for our friends
in the animal kingdom and the people who love them.
That’s something everyone at TAILS is passionate about and
dedicated to.
Fortunately, the same does not hold true for dogs and
puppies. Although there may not be room for adult dogs
the same day a request is made, the staff is usually able to
get them in within a week. Puppies are virtually never turned
away.
Whether you want a puppy or a mature cat, a rabbit or
hamster, DeKalb’s TAILS Humane Society is a prime resource
for people seeking to add a pet as a family member.
“Young animals are usually much better off in homes, so
puppies are immediately placed into the care of specially
trained foster volunteers who provide them with the care and
TLC they need to become healthy enough for adoption,”
said Drake.
Beth Drake is the Executive Director of TAILS and she speaks
with passion and empathy for the hundreds of animals that
need homes.
“The need is overwhelming, especially
when it comes to cats and kittens,” she
said, adding that TAILS is usually at or
above capacity, caring for more than 200
animals at any given time.
“During the spring, summer and fall, when
kitten numbers are greatest, our cages fill
up quickly and we are forced to turn away
cats. We don’t like to ever turn animals
away, but we’re a limited admission facility
which means that we don’t euthanize for
space,” said Drake.
TAILS has formed a partnership with an Oklahoma
based rescue called Save Our Strays (SOS). The group
transports puppies and small dogs out
overcrowded shelters in Oklahoma to
Whether you want a puppy of
DeKalb, where TAILS staff and volunteers
or a mature cat, a rabbit or take over.
hamster, DeKalb’s TAILS
Humane Society is a prime
resource for people seeking
to add a pet as a family
member.
“The positive side of this philosophy is that our adoptable
animals have as long as it takes for their ‘Forever Family’
to find them. The negative side though, is that we can’t
immediately take every animal that comes to us. On some of
our busiest days, we may have five cat/kitten adoptions, but
15 animals need to come in. Two-thirds of the animals that
day get turned away.
“We do try to give priority to sick, injured and very young
animals, no matter how full we are, but this puts a significant
strain on our staff and resources. It’s a really hard balance.
We wish we could take in every animal that comes to us, but
overcrowding only leads to stressed animals and stressed
animals almost always get sick,” said Drake.
“The dogs and puppies that Connie
and David Guthrie from Save Our Strays
transport to us, are wonderful, highly
adoptable guys that would have been
euthanized because of extreme pet
overpopulation in Oklahoma. Our ability
to have puppies available for adoption
through TAILS gives adopters an ethical alternative,” said
Drake.
All animals are screened for good health and behavior, and
have been spayed or neutered.
Beyond ensuring healthy animals, TAILS helps find the best
match between human and pet, ensuring that the newly
adopted pet will quickly become a valued member of its
new family. Statistics prove that there are health benefits to
owning a pet that go beyond happiness and pleasure; pets
can help improve mental and physical well-being from the
elderly to the very young.
TAILS houses hundreds of canines and felines of all ages,
colors and breeds. It also has a L’il Critter room for rabbits,
guinea pigs, birds and others.
TAILS VISION
TAILS Humane Society exists to elevate the quality of life for all
animals in the belief that compassion for animals enriches us all.
Where life happens.
21
When adopting a dog or cat from TAILS, people receive
a healthy pet that is spayed or neutered, has up-to-date
vaccinations, and has a microchip for permanent identification.
Adopters also receive one month free health insurance and
one free veterinary visit. TAILS has a Red Collar Society to
honor elderly pets by offering a reduced adoption fee.
A stress-free and welcoming atmosphere has always been a
top priority for Drake. She became involved with TAILS first in
2002, as Program Coordinator when TAILS had a temporary
shelter in an old farmhouse at the corner of Lincoln Highway
and Peace Road, in DeKalb.
In 2004, Drake became an integral part
of the capital campaign spearheaded by
Kathy Stelford, Kathy Siebrasse, Wendy
Menard and a volunteer committee to
raise funds to build the current facility at
Barber Greene and Peace roads. Drake has
been Executive Director since the shelter
opened in 2005.
The current shelter allows TAILS to accomplish that by
providing dogs with multiple walks by staff and volunteer
caretakers. While having only indoor runs ensures that dogs
get one-on-one staff and volunteer interaction multiple times
A large fenced in area was installed last year using donations
raised at Tropical TAILS, a dinner and silent auction event that
is TAILS’ largest fundraiser. This area ensures that dogs can
exercise off leash. Long walks on the nearby bikepath ensure
future adopters that the dogs are leash trained and have
begun to learn some basic obedience commands at the same
time.
Drake and other board
members made it their
personal missions to make
TAILS a happy, welcoming
and stress free place for
the animals.
Drake had a hand in the entire building process and the
overall layout. She and other board members made it their
personal missions to make TAILS a happy, welcoming and
stress free place for the animals.
22
a day, Drake and other board members made sure TAILS
incorporated an outdoor experience too.
TAILS also serves the community and
surrounding area with a variety of
programs. The Low-Cost Spay/Neuter
Program offers this service with fees
based upon a person’s income. A range
of dog obedience classes taught by highly
educated dog trainers and overseen by an
animal behaviorist are an important part of
TAILS’ services. TAILS’ HomeBuddies program helps
care for the pets of people who receive Voluntary Action
Center’s Meals on Wheels. As VAC delivers weekly meals,
TAILS supplies packages of food and supplies for their pets.
In addition, HomeBuddies clients are provided with free
veterinary care and a dedicated volunteer who checks in with
them routinely to make sure the pet is well cared for and can
get to and from veterinary visits.
TAILS also has created programs in support of Safe Passage’s
Area teens are benefiting from the Catalyst Program, an
innovative youth program for those interested in careers with
animals. Sam Lenser developed and supervises the program
that also serves as a mentoring program for at-risk teens.
The Catalyst Program provides a great opportunity for
young people who like animals, according to Drake.
Catalyst kids are provided with in depth training and direct
supervision, allowing them to assist with a variety of high level
responsibilities otherwise reserved for staff or experienced
adult volunteers.
“Catalysts interested in veterinary medicine are even allowed
to assist Dr. Karen Stuedemann during surgery. The program
has proven itself for educating the teens about animals
and also teaches self respect, relationship building and
communication with both peers and adults,” said Drake.
“This program really gives kids the chance to excel and grow.
We found a good number of at-risk kids able to set aside
some bad behaviors when bonding with the animals. It really
has become a wonderful mentoring program,” said Drake.
In addition to housing and adopting out pets, TAILS also
rescues and rehabilitates orphaned and injured wildlife
through its Wild TAILS program. The manager of Wild TAILS
is Jon Bockman, who helps the orphans in the wildlife nursery,
mostly during “baby season” from May-July.
“All too often, people with good intentions bring in babies
that did not need to be rescued, creating undue strain on
both the animal and Wild TAILS’ limited resources. My hope is
to better educate the public concerning the proper occasions
to rescue wildlife,” Bockman said.
Through a partnership with Oaken Acres Wildlife Center
in rural Sycamore, once the Wild TAILS babies are old
enough to be housed outdoors, they are transferred there in
preparation for release.
Director of Oaken Acres Wildlife Center, Kathy Stelford,
reminds the public, ”It is illegal for any private party to keep a
wild animal as a pet.”
TAILS also has two, volunteer Humane Investigators who
respond to reports of animal abuse or neglect. If people
suspect abuse, they should call TAILS and dial extension 108.
Calls will be returned within a short time and people may
remain anonymous.
Since opening, TAILS Humane Society has helped more than
10,000 animals and countless people. Drake said like most
non-profit organizations, the current down economy has
impacted TAILS, which receives no government funding.
Regina Harris, Esq., President (DeKalb County
Public Defender)
TAILS’ Board of Directors
domestic violence shelter and Hope Haven’s homeless
shelter. TAILS provides free boarding for the pets while their
owners seek help and safety. The animals are usually cared for
in foster homes until owners are able to resume their care.
Keith Foster, Esq., President-Elect (Foster & Buick
Law Offices)
Sue Christensen, Secretary, Grants Committee Chair
(Aurora Airport, air traffic controller)
Sheela Goral, Treasurer (Vice-president of
commercial loans at National Bank & Trust)
Wendy Menard, Past President (Raymond James,
investment officer)
Joan Bickner (Retired)
Joan Burger, Esq. (Retired)
Justin Carlson (AIM Immediate Care)
Sharon Farley (Northern Illinois University, FMLA
Representative)
Misty Haji-Sheikh (Self-employed)
Kathy Hubbard (NIU Theatre Props Department)
Maureen Josh (DeKalb County Circuit Clerk)
John Lewis, Strategic Planning Committee Chair
(NIU Regional Development Institute)
Jody Meerdink (Owner, Paw Lickin’ Good Treats)
Michelle Bejbl O’Mary (Owner, Gone to the Dogs
Doggie Daycare)
Lane Phalen, Public Relations Committee Chair
(Freelance writer)
Kathy Stelford (Owner/operator of Oaken Acres
Wildlife Rehabilitation Center)
Marilyn Stromborg, Esq. (DeKalb County Drug/DUI
Court Coordinator)
Ruthanne Trunda (Milner & Associates Commercial
Realty)
Lynne Waldeland, Development Committee Chair
(Retired)
Sheriff Roger Scott, Ex-Officio board member
Beth Drake, Executive Director
As a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, it relies solely on service
fees, private donations, grants and fundraisers to continue its
Where life happens.
23
to continue offering low cost spay/
neuter services.
lifesaving work. A variety of donation
options are outlined on the TAILS
website. Fund-raising events are held
throughout the year to promote the
cause as well.
“Having a place to offer dog training
and dog obedience is wonderful. I
truly believe it will help prevent many
animals from being turned over to
TAILS. We really try to address the
root causes of pet problems and I
believe dog training is a huge benefit
to both owner and pet,” said Drake.
Volunteers are a big part of the daily
and ongoing success of TAILS and
volunteers are always welcome.
Volunteers help with virtually
everything that takes place at TAILS,
from walking the dogs and cleaning
cages to assisting with some
veterinary procedures.
During the summer, volunteers are utilized in Wild TAILS to
help feed and care for the 400-plus wild babies it receives
each season.
Drake believes the future is bright for TAILS. She is very
excited to see the new 6,700-square-foot building going up
adjacent to the current building. Board member, Michelle
Bejbl O’Mary, is donating the building to TAILS. (See related
story on page 26 about this development)
The building also will provide space for educational
programs, workshops, seminars and fundraising events. The
space will also allow TAILS’ Veterinary Clinic additional space
“In addition, the added vet clinic
space will make a huge difference.
The clinic staff is currently operating
out of a very small space, not designed for surgeries. The new
building will incorporate a spacious, well-designed clinic that
will allow Dr. Stuedemann to perform many more spay/neuter
surgeries.
“The new building will give us the room to do so much more
and offer even more to the community that has been so
supportive of us from the very beginning” Drake said.
For more information about TAILS programs, events,
volunteer opportunities or to make a donation, call
(815) 75-TAILS (2457) or visit www.tailshumanesociety.org.
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TAILS MISSION
TAILS Humane Society is a community-owned, not-for-profit charitable organization dedicated
to addressing the root causes of animal abuse and overpopulation in DeKalb County, Illinois.
To this end, TAILS will:
TAILS Wish List:
Provide temporary shelter and emergency services for homeless, abandoned,
and abused animals.
Postage stamps (first class and postcard)
Be a preferred source for adoptions of dogs, cats, and exotic pets by
qualified owners.
Provide rehabilitation services for wildlife.
Educate the citizens of DeKalb County regarding the proper care of
companion animals, the importance of spaying and neutering, and the
importance of compassionate treatment of animals to the quality of life in the
community.
Utilize best practices in the housing, care, and adoption of homeless and
abused animals and in providing community education regarding animal care.
Collaborate with other agencies, organizations, and businesses to maximize
the quality and range of care and services for animals.
Cat litter (unscented, non-scoopable)
Paper towels
Dog toys
Cat toys
Towels and blankets
Dog/cat carriers (new or used)
Large dog kennel panels (6’x6’)
Humane traps (all sizes, new or used)
Kuranda dog & cat beds
Where life happens.
25
worked hand in hand. Drake offered O’Mary the proposition
of building her business on the three acres TAILS had and
then donating the building back to the organization. O’Mary
accepted the business proposition without hesitation. It
has been a happy and successful partnership that has both
women full of excitement and anticipation for when the new
building is up and running.
“This collaboration and the building really meet all of my
needs. It feels good to contribute back to a community that
I have called home for so many years and the tie in with
TAILS is really priceless,” said O’Mary.
O’Mary fulfills business dream
with TAILS’ collaboration
TAILS is a community for creatures with paws and people like
Michelle Bejbl O’Mary who loves them.
O’Mary, a proud board member of TAILS, is excited to be
expanding her role with the organization by donating a
gracious gift and fulfilling a life-long dream of her own at the
same time.
O’Mary is opening an animal daycare business – called Gone
to the Dogs – and is donating the 6,700-square-foot building
to TAILS. Many have already seen the building going up
next to the TAILS facility on Barber Greene Road. Beyond
what is visible to the naked eye, the building has much more
significance and will truly change the lives of many animals
and animal lovers.
O’Mary will run her business in the new building, as well
as provide ideal space to be shared with TAILS for on-site
training dog classes, educational and fund-raising events. It
also will provide ample space for a veterinary clinic that offers
low cost spay and neutering services.
“For months I was looking to open a doggie daycare in the
area where dogs could come and play. My business plan
always involved helping TAILS in some way,” said O’Mary.
“I was looking for leased space, but soon realized I was
going to have to build in order to have the best space for
the animals. It just so happened that TAILS was also looking
to expand in order to obtain more space for its ever growing
training classes and vet care services.”
O’Mary and Beth Drake, the executive director at TAILS, have
“My relationship in this venture with Beth meshed from the
start we became instant friends and we are both extremely
excited about what this building will bring to the community.
My extensive business background allowed me to look at
TAILS, their mission, and operation very objectively and I
would have never taken this risk if I didn’t find TAILS to be
such a well-run, forward thinking organization.”
The passion and caring nature O’Mary has for animals is
quite apparent as she talks about the new building and her
business venture.
“I have always had a lifelong love for animals. They are so
forgiving, so adaptable, and so wonderful.”
O’Mary’s business will hold between 40-45 dogs a day.
Services can be catered to both introverts and extroverts.
“All dogs have their own personalities and we will respect
each dog’s preferences as to how they want to play.”
The large play area will allow dogs the chance to run around
and play with other dogs. And for dogs that prefer to snuggle
inside with some special attention, that is exactly what
they will get—there will be six private suites as well. With a
veterinarian on site, dogs with special needs can come and
enjoy daycare too.
O’Mary’s plans includes hiring individuals to work flexible,
part-time shifts, which would be perfect for mothers who want
to work just a few hours a day.
The building is expected to be open and fully operational in
the beginning of 2010.
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Where life happens.
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28
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DeKalb
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Where life happens.
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30 Health
30
Radiologists unlock mysteries inside your body
With all the attention being given to fixing
healthcare, we shouldn’t lose sight of the doctors
who fix our bodies, especially those who discover
things by turning the body inside out.
The human body is a mysterious thing. You know you have a
pain, but where is it really and what’s causing it? You feel fine,
but after a visit to the doctor and a blood test, you’re told
something is not right. In either scenario the next step is likely
an imaging test: X-ray, CT, ultrasound, nuclear medicine scan,
MRI.
Enter the radiologists, the doctors who work in the dark to
shed light on what’s going on inside your
body.
“I like puzzles. I like to solve things. In
radiology, we acquire images and we have
to figure out, what are we seeing and what
does it mean?” said Dr. Sandy Kwak, one
of 18 radiologists who comprise Aurora
Radiology Consultants (ARC), the group
that serves Kishwaukee and Valley West
Community Hospitals, Provena Mercy
Hospital and Dreyer Clinic.
The advantages of having ARC serving the
hospitals is that its team is comprised of
many fellowship-trained subspecialists who
are just a digital imaging screen away for
consultation no matter where they are that
day, in DeKalb, Sandwich or Aurora.
Dr. Kwak’s subspecialty is in musculoskeletal
radiology which focuses on musculoskeletal diseases and
injuries. She uses X-ray , CT , and MRI to uncover problems in
the joints, bones, spine and muscles such as arthritis, trauma,
sports injuries, and tumors.
She honed her expertise during her residency at the
University of Chicago, then at University of California San
Diego, where she completed the leading musculoskeletal
radiology fellowship in the country. She worked at
Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago before joining
the Aurora group.
Dr. Joseph Kmiecik’s subspecialty is magnetic resonance
imaging (MRI) and neuroradiology, which focuses on the brain
and spine: strokes, trauma, and degenerative diseases like
Alzheimer’s disease, and brain tumors.
Using the advanced imaging technologies at Kish, including
magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), magnetic resonance (MR)
spectroscopy and perfusion imaging, as well as combination
positron emission tomography/computed tomography(PET/
CT), Dr. Kmiecik can pinpoint a tumor in the brain or spine.
Dr. Kmiecik’s fascination with the more technical aspects
of radiology stems from research he performed while
completing a Ph.D in Biophysics and Computational Biology
at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. While at
the U of I, he worked directly with Prof. Paul Lauterbur, the
inventor of MRI and a Nobel Prize winner.
Dr. Kmiecik’s Ph.D work, in addition to his
medical degree, allows him to combine
his passion for research with its application
to clinical diagnosis. And he’s had many
opportunities to do that.
“Our capabilities in diagnostic imaging
at Kish compare favorably to those of
any major teaching hospital. The level of
technology in the health system is well
ahead of most other hospitals its size, and
it continues to incorporate developing
technologies,” he said.
For example, PACS (picture archiving
and communication system) technology,
available throughout the health system,
allows doctors to view and share diagnostic
images electronically and fosters
collaboration among the primary care
physician, specialist, and radiologist. It also
allows subspecialists within the radiology group to evaluate
challenging cases.
In addition, patients in the southern end of DeKalb County
benefit from Valley West being a part of KishHealth System,
“not only because of PACS, but also by the availability within
the system of higher level imaging services, such as PET/CT,
advanced MRI, and comprehensive interventional radiology
services,” Dr. Kmiecik said.
The New Face of Radiology
Imaging technology has matured over the past few years, so
that techniques previously used simply for diagnosis are now
being used for treatment. The field that has emerged from
Where life happens.
31
image-guided therapies known as
interventional radiology.
“Interventional radiology (IR)
encompasses the entire gamut of
minimally invasive therapies, using
imaging guidance for safer, better,
and more effective patient care.
We can treat many, many diseases
by simply going through the blood
vessels,” said Dr. Suveer Tatineni,
one of five IR subspecialists with
Aurora Radiology Consultants.
Dr. Tatineni explains the process.
“We enter the body through a tiny needle and using
fluoroscopy (x-ray that provides real time, moving images),
CT, MRI, and/or ultrasound to see what we’re doing. We then
guide a catheter or needle through the inside of the blood
vessels to where the problem or disease process resides.
“Then using other state-of-the-art therapeutic modalities,
we can burn the offending agent (thermal ablation),
drain it (percutaneous drainage), patch it (endovascular
stent grafting), open it (angioplasty or stenting), close
it (embolization), or remove it (endovascular snaring or
resection). Although a little more complex in practice, that is
really the process in a nutshell,” he said.
32
Dr. Tatineni attended medical
school at Northwestern University,
where he also completed his
residency and fellowship in
vascular and interventional
radiology.
He is a champion of interventional
radiology procedures because
of their benefits to patients.
Almost all procedures are mostly
performed on an outpatient basis.
“Almost unbelievably, minimally
invasive, interventional radiology procedures can help you
avoid a hospital stay, provide markedly diminished risks,
have far fewer complications, have a tremendously reduced
recovery time, allow for the most minimal of anesthesia, and
are often far less costly than most other treatments including
surgery,” Dr. Tatineni said.
How do you know if you have problem that
may require an interventional radiologist?
The first step, says Dr. Tatineni, is a visit to your primary care
physician for an appropriate evaluation. There is no substitute
for talking to your regular doctor who knows you and your
health history. The next step may be an imaging study such as
an ultrasound, x-ray, CT, MRI, or nuclear medicine scan.
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Where life happens.
33
Diagnostic imaging modalities
(You can learn more about specific diagnostic imaging
procedures at www.kishhospital.org and www.valleywest.org.)
CT Scanning: Computed tomography produces crosssectional images to generate a two-dimensional image of
structures and organs within the body. The result is clear
images showing details of the structure and function of
specific organs and internal body parts.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) uses a powerful magnetic
field and radio frequency pulses to produce detailed pictures
of internal organs, soft tissue and bones.
Magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy and perfusion
imaging are advanced techniques also available in the
KishHealth System.
MR spectroscopy is similar to MRI but measures molecular
and metabolic changes in the brain, allowing the radiologist
to separate normal from abnormal tissue.
Perfusion imaging uses MRI or CT to follow the flow of
injected contrast dye through tissues such as brain tumors,
allowing the radiologist to analyze the disease process more
completely.
If it’s determined that you have a disease process or ailment
that may require invasive treatment, gather all the information
available, so you and your doctor can make the most
appropriate, safest, and effective decision for you.
The Internet has become a valuable
research tool for consumers, especially
for medical issues, but be sure you use
reputable sites and consult your physician.
“If an interventional radiologist is required, then Aurora
Radiology Consultants will always be ready to be a part of
your team in close consultation with your primary doctor,”
he said.
If you have questions or need to schedule an appointment,
you can call the Interventional Radiology Department at
Kishwaukee Community Hospital, (815) 756-1521, ext. 152029.
(Sharon Emanuelson, Community Relations Director at KCH,
contributed to these articles.)
34
Nuclear Medicine uses small amounts of radioactive materials
swallowed or injected into a vein to diagnose disease and
other abnormalities within the body.
PET/CT: Positron emission tomography (PET) is primarily used
for diagnosis of cancer as well as neurologic diseases such
as Alzheimer’s disease or epilepsy. A good analogy for how
the PET and CT work together is to think of a weather map.
As Doppler radar shows colors that indicate rain, PET shows
colors that indicate cancer. The CT portion identifies the
organs in high resolution, where it’s raining on the map.
Plain film X-ray is used to provide images of the skeletal
system such as the spine, arms, and legs, as well as the chest
or abdomen.
Ultrasound: exposes parts of the body to high-frequency
sound waves that produce pictures of the inside of the body.
Because images are captured in real-time, they are able to
show the structure and movement of the body’s internal
organs as well as blood flowing through blood vessels. These
images allow physicians to diagnose and treat certain medical
conditions and detect changes in appearance and function of
organs, tissues, or abnormal masses.
How interventional radiology is used
Tumors
The interventional radiologist can go in through the skin
or through a blood vessel and treat a tumor using a very
small 2-3 mm needle. Depending on the tumor, it can be
burned or frozen without any surgery or large incisions.
The technology for these two processes is known as
radiofrequency ablation and cryoplasty, respectively.
With these techniques, patients can avoid heavy doses
of chemotherapy or surgeries. However, if chemotherapy
is necessary, the radiologist can go directly into the
blood vessels supplying a tumor and block (embolize)
the blood vessels or inject high doses of chemotherapy
directly into the tumor. This process maximizes the effect
of the chemotherapy on the tumor and prevents the
chemotherapy drugs from going into the rest of the body,
preventing the side effects.
These procedures can be performed for almost any organ,
but are most effective for early stage tumors of bones,
kidney, spleen, lung, and liver.
Back fractures
Previously, the only treatment for back pain caused by
a compression fracture was conservative measures or
basically waiting for the back pain to go away. The result
was often excruciating pain, deformity in the normal
contour of the back and severe muscle spasms as the
body tried to compensate for the deformity and for the
pain. Worst of all, the fracture could collapse even more
creating more deformity and pain.
Now, two minimally invasive IR procedures, vertebroplasty
and kyphoplasty, have emerged as a definitive and
immediate treatment for vertebral compression fractures.
“In about 30 minutes, especially for women who suffer
from osteoporosis, we can go in to the fractured area in
the spine under direct imaging guidance, put in a tiny
needle, and inject high-grade, medical-grade, bone
cement directly into the vertebral fracture to fix the
fracture, cure the pain, and give the entire spine and
offending vertebral body increased stability,” Dr. Tatineni
said
“This is my favorite procedure because often patients who
couldn’t even walk and who were suffering tremendously
because of the back pain are able to walk without
pain five minutes after the procedure. It is really a very
humbling and an incredible sight to behold. “
Uterine fibroid tumors
Women in their 40s and 50s can experience heavy
menstrual bleeding because of small benign growths
in their uterus known as fibroids. Previously, the only
treatment available to women who had failed hormonal
therapies was a hysterectomy, where the entire uterus is
removed.
Now, thanks to interventional techniques, radiologists
can place a small catheter into the uterine arteries and
embolize (block) the blood vessels feeding the fibroids
and actually kill the fibroids. “This cures the patient’s
symptoms without really hurting the uterus,” said Dr.
Tatineni.
Recovery time is significantly reduced and is often only 1-3
days, as opposed to sometimes weeks from a hysterectomy.
Many of the risks of bleeding, infection, longer anesthesia
times, are significantly reduced.
Peripheral artery disease
When the arteries in your heart narrow and get “clogged,” you
can suffer a heart attack. When this happens in the arteries of
the neck (carotid) and brain, you can suffer a stroke. When the
blood vessels in your legs narrow, you can have pain in your legs
that makes it difficult to walk.
These problems are all based on the fact that the tissues of
every organ cannot survive without an adequate supply of
oxygen and nutrients, which are supplied by blood from the
arteries. Often these problems can be mitigated by life long
exercise, diet, good blood pressure management, and smoking
cessation.
However, sometimes the blood vessels have to be “opened up”
if they are severely blocked.
Interventional techniques can now treat these conditions
through the blood vessels using balloons (angioplasty) and
stents. Once the blood vessel is opened, the tissues can get the
energy they need to work normally again making you feel better.
Abscesses and Biopsies
Through interventional radiology techniques, doctors can
drain abscesses, cysts, or fluid collections. “We also have the
ability to safely biopsy any organ at any time at any place in
the body. Using 1-5 mm needles, we can get almost any size
biopsy needed for an appropriate diagnosis. Again, often
these procedures can be performed in less than one hour, and
patients can go home the same day,” Dr. Tatineni said.
Breast
Interventional radiologists are breast imaging specialists who
use the latest technology in mammography, ultrasound, and
MRI to diagnose and treat breast cancer.
Varicose veins
Using lasers and ultrasound, interventional radiologists can also
treat varicose veins.
Miscellaneous
Chest port placement, arterial and venous access,
chemoembolization, angiography, venography, nephrostomy
tube placement, transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunts,
dialysis catheter placement, fistula declottings, gastrointestinal
bleeding embolization, gall bladder drainage, gastrostomy
tube placement, blood clot removal, arterial and venous
lysis, inferior vena cava filter placement, lymphocele sclerosis,
foreign body retrieval, and aneurysm repair are just a few more
of the many, many procedures performed by interventional
radiologists.
“Most of these incredible procedural
innovations were in fact pioneered by
interventional radiologists,” said Dr. Tatineni.
Where life happens.
35
36 Health
36
Keep your balance to enjoy fall-free winter
By Lynn Batalden
Winter is a beautiful time of year if you’re
looking at it from a picture window. This
sentiment is often uttered in the Midwest.
Right at the time when we need exercise and sunshine
vitamins the most, we find ourselves restricted to the house.
Many of us don’t go out because we are afraid the sidewalk
will be too treacherous with ice patches and unshoveled
walks. Even if you are not going outside to stay fit, we all
have to go out and brave the weather for shopping or
appointments.
Improving our balance is one of our major weapons against
falls. All forms of exercise contribute to better balance but
specific balance training will have the most impact.
Examples of these exercises include standing on one leg
with your leg either out to the side or held in front of you, or
“walking the line” like in a sobriety test.
Research has shown that it is possible to improve your
balance through training. It is also a fact that our balance
declines with age. The average 20-49-year-old can stand on
one leg for up to 28 seconds. At 60-69-years-old, the average
declines to 10 seconds.
Best tips for improving your balance
- Keep your ankles flexible
- Participate in exercises that challenge your balance such as
dancing, T’ai Chi, and specific balance training exercises
- Keep moving and stay active
- Keep your leg muscles strong
Safety in the home
- Remove throw rugs from your home
- Have a good system for taking medications
- Put a bell on small pets to alert you to their presence
- Use a night light or motion sensor light for bathroom
trips at night
- Have a physical therapist instruct you in using the best
walking aid if your balance is poor
Are you at risk for falls?
- Do you lose your balance if you change the direction
you are walking?
- Have you fallen one or more times in the past year?
- Do you hold onto furniture or walls when you walk?
- Do you tend to get dizzy when you get out of bed or when
you stand up from a chair?
- Have your medications been regularly checked by
your physician?
- Has your vision been checked at least annually?
The following may be helpful if you want to get outdoors:
Exerstrider fitness walking poles–www.exerstrider.com.
Perhaps you’ve seen people walking with what look like ski
poles in a park? These poles can rev up your cardiovascular
system and supply an extra balance point while walking.
These take a little bit of coordination and time to get
used to them.
Additional resources available
The American Physical Therapy Association has free
brochures available on the topic of fall prevention
at www.geriatricspt.org. Look under the consumer
information tab for the brochure. There also is an
exercise DVD specifically designed for the geriatric
population in the Online Store tab called “Stand Tall.”
Creative Therapeutics offers a class in Osteoporosis
prevention that is also excellent for improving balance.
For more information, call (815) 758-5508 or visit
www.wholept.com, in the classes tab.
[Lynn Batalden is a physical therapist and
the owner of Creative Therapeutics, DeKalb,
a company dedicated to helping people
understand how to unlock the healing
potential of their bodies; www.wholept.com.]
Where life happens.
37
38 Business
Re:New
38
DeKalb
Projects on schedule to
enhanceDowntownDeKalb
As Re:New DeKalb continues its projects downtown DeKalb,
residents are seeing visible streetscape improvements, a
diverse array of businesses and a variety of activities designed
to attract customers.
Jennifer Groce, executive director of Re:New DeKalb,
Inc., and Frank Roberts, president of the Re:New board of
directors, said work completed this past year included Van
Buer Plaza (parking lot at Second and Locust streets), and
improvements to Second and Third streets.
“Overall, we are very pleased with the progress of our efforts
to renew downtown DeKalb. We have completed Phases
I and II on time and we remain within budget to complete
the final two phases hopefully in the next 18 months,” said
Roberts.
“The community support has been strong and the downtown
merchants have been great to work with during the past
two years. With the pending completion
of the public improvements and the
anticipation of an improving economy,
our residents and the city should begin to
reap the benefits of this effort for years to
come.”
Re:New DeKalb is working with the City
of DeKalb to design and engineer the
final two phases of the downtown public
improvements that include Lincoln
Highway and Locust Street.
construction was promised to be complete by Nov. 21 (in
time for the downtown Hollydays Celebration) and we are
set to finish about three weeks ahead of schedule. Thanks to
everyone for all the hard work and cooperation. Our business
owners deserve a ton of credit for their patience and can-do
attitude.”
Projects completed during 2009 included replacing curbs
and sidewalks from building face to curbs; installation of new
concrete and brick lined (soldier course) sidewalks; installation
of trees, planters, landscape areas, street furniture and other
elements; new lighting poles and fixtures; resurfacing of
roadways; repairing the water main on Locust, Second and
Third streets; and repairing the sanitary line on Third Street.
The long-term vision (10-15 years) is to restore Downtown
DeKalb as the centerpiece of the community, according to
Groce.
“We have completed
Phases I and II on time
and we remain within
budget to complete the
final two phases hopefully
in the next 18 months.”
“We anticipate starting construction on Lincoln Highway from
First to Fourth Street in late May or early June of 2010. Once
construction is wrapped up on Lincoln Highway, work will then
move to Locust Street,” said Groce.
Weekly updates about ongoing work downtown DeKalb are
provided to area businesses and residents through Re:New’s
website (www.renewdekalb.com).
Examples of information posted include one from Oct. 27 that
read: “The downtown streetscape construction on Second
and Third streets is about to officially come to an end! Go
ahead—cheer, clap and do a happy dance if you like! This is
one of our last construction updates of the year and we are
just as happy as you are to celebrate a job well done! The
She said Re:New DeKalb has identified
two key objectives that must be met in
order to accomplish this vision.
“The first is to improve the image
of downtown. It is the backdrop for
thousands of impressions that are
generated each day and absorbed by a
diverse range of shoppers, commuters,
students, employees, merchants, property
owners and other visitors. It is vitally
important to make downtown a more attractive, convenient
and user friendly place to live, work, play, shop and learn,”
Groce said.
“The second key objective is to provide a variety of
downtown destinations to serve the community and to attract
visitors. This will be accomplished by building on core existing
strengths such as downtown’s historic main street character.”
Groce added it is important to understand that despite the
extraordinary opportunities the city has to create an exciting
and dynamic downtown, everything cannot and should not
happen all at once. “However, with patience, perseverance
and programs that emphasize continuous, incremental
improvement, the long-term vision of the Downtown
DeKalb Revitalization Plan can indeed be fully realized.”
Where life happens.
39
Re:N
Groce said everyone connected with Re:New DeKalb
welcomes feedback about the ongoing downtown
projects. Contact her at (815) 748-7788 or the City of
DeKalb’s Economic Development Department at
(815) 748-2361 or 2365, with any questions or comments.
Both Re:New DeKalb’s and the City’s websites feature
updated information about the downtown projects:
www.renewdekalb.com or www.cityofdekalb.com.
Diversity in downtown businesses
Both Groce and Roberts noted the diversity of downtown
businesses, with many long-time favorite stores and
restaurants, along with an exciting array new businesses.
“We’d like to congratulate both Sports of All Sorts and
Cracker Jax who are celebrating 25 years in business in
the downtown this next year,” said Groce.
A division of Re:New DeKalb, called Celebrate Downtown
DeKalb, promotes stores and events in the downtown
business district. Groce said a map and list of most
businesses is available on Re:New’s website:
www.renewdekalb.com/pdf/ReNewDekalbflyer-Front.pdf.
For more about downtown businesses, see the
accompanying story on page 41 featuring quotes
from downtown stakeholders.
Downtown DeKalb events
Re:New DeKalb and Celebrate Downtown DeKalb plan events
throughout the year to attract shoppers and visitors.
Upcoming events include the annual Wedding Walk Sunday, Feb.
28. Visitors are invited to bring their entire wedding party to see
all the vendors, special discounts, and fashion show designed to
help make planning your special event fun for everyone.
On Tuesday, March 2, from 1-5 p.m., Re:New will host the
“Internet Security Marketing Conference” at the Egyptian
Theatre. The event is open to the public for a $15 registration fee.
It will include an expo and break-out sessions about topics such
as building and maintaining websites, e-mail marketing, social
networking and e-commerce.
Downtown Farmers’ Markets have become a popular summer
attraction in DeKalb. The Farmers’ Market is held each Thursday,
noon-6 p.m. In 2010, they will be held from June 10-Sept. 23.
The Live Lunch Music Series will continue in conjunction with the
Farmer’s Market from June 10-Aug. 19.
Other events planned in 2010 include Final Fridays Celebrations
June 25, July 31 and Aug. 28. On July 24, a “Barb the Builders
Construction Zone Block Party” will be held from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Then, Aug. 20-22, Cornstruction Sidewalk Sales will be featured.
Events in the fall and winter include Ladies Night Out,
Spooktacular, HollyDays and Skate with Santa.
For a complete, updated list of events, visit www.renewdekalb.com.
40
Cracker Jax has been in business for 25
years. Thanks to Re:New DeKalb, there
have been more significant improvements
in our downtown district in the last
few years than in all the previous 25.
Our partnership with Re:New DeKalb
has yielded very positive results. New
businesses have opened; buildings have
been refurbished and refreshed.
New special events are attracting folks
to the downtown to take advantage
of the unique shops, restaurants,
entertainment, and other businesses.
The communication and partnerships
spearheaded by Re:NewDeKalb and the
city are transforming our downtown into a
neighborhood of life and vitality that can be
enjoyed by everyone.
- Lauren Woods, Cracker Jax
I chose to open Megan Morrison
Home & Garden in downtown
DeKalb because the downtown
district is the heart and soul of
any city. We had such a positive
experience that we opened Moxie
right across the street. Re:New
DeKalb has been an integral part
in making my retail experience a
great one. I love that they truly
have the best interests of all the
merchants in mind as they work
to celebrate what is already great
about downtown DeKalb, while also
creating and implementing new
ideas to revitalize the district.
- Megan Morrison, Moxie and Megan
Morrison Home & Garden
New DeKalb
Re:New DeKalb has done an excellent job of helping all the stakeholders in
the community create and communicate a long-term vision for downtown
DeKalb. Unlike other organizations that preceded it, Re:New DeKalb
has actually brought about visible signs of progress toward that vision.
I appreciate having an organization like Re:New DeKalb working in our
community, and I get excited when I look toward the future of DeKalb.
- Bill McMahon, Lincoln Inn Restaurant
In our 26 years in business in downtown DeKalb, we have seen
a lot of downtown organizations come and go. The outstanding
difference with Re:New DeKalb has been the follow-through. Things
have gotten done and significant improvement has been achieved.
- Tom Smith, DeKalb Confectionary
I am so thankful for Re:New DeKalb. It has
brought together the majority of merchants
to focus on working together for the good
of our downtown. The projects (that have
been done and those yet to come are
exciting, and we have been part of the
planning and decision making processes
from the beginning. We have a unique
downtown with lots to offer, and we are
pleased to share our excitement about the
revitalization with the community.
- Brenda Lehan, Sports of All Sorts
Train your Employees
18 years & older
16-21 years old
Economically Disadvantaged
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Where life happens.
41
Re:New DeKalb
works with purpose
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Our Mission:The Board of Directors and
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development and implementation of strategic
initiatives that stimulate, improve, and
enhance the Downtown area, creating positive
effects for the entire community.
Initial Strategic Initiatives
Our actions are driven by our vision; we
identify four key initiatives for our first two
years of operation:
Communicate the vision for Downtown
DeKalb
Develop and implement a comprehensive
communications strategy to “tell and sell
our story” to targeted audiences locally,
regionally, and nationally.
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Engage in Strategic Partnerships
with the City of DeKalb
Partner with the City of DeKalb in key projects
to assign roles efficiently, address issues in
redevelopment policy, assemble financial
resources, and advocate for Downtown
redevelopment.
Ensure visible results in the Downtown
Ensure that the long-term nature of
Downtown redevelopment provides visible
signs of progress on a regular basis. Re:New
DeKalb is committed to using the Downtown
DeKalb Revitalization Plan as the blueprint
for moving forward. Re:New DeKalb will also
ensure that Downtown events continue to
bring more people into the Downtown on a
regular basis.
Develop and implement a long-term
sustainable funding plan for Re:New DeKalb
Re:New DeKalb will develop a long-term
funding plan for Downtown events and for its
own operations.
42
Not Just Convenient Care --
Quality Care at Convenient Times.
When you come to DeKalb Clinic Convenient Care Center you will be seen by
our experienced physicians. Our walk-in clinic sees patients of all ages for
acute illnesses, minor injuries, cuts, simple fractures, and work physicals.
We also have access to our state of the art diagnostic services for lab, x-ray,
CT, and ultrasound on site during normal business hours if needed.
Hours:
7 am to 7 pm
Monday — Friday
8 am to 4 pm
Ilaxi Patel, D.O.
Convenient Care
Saturday
1850 Gateway Drive, Sycamore, IL
www.dekalbclinic.com | (815) 217-3252
Where life happens.
43
44 Politics
Primary
Election
This February’s Primary Election features
races at the federal, state and local levels—
everything from seats in Congress to State
Representative and County Board.
To be eligible to register to vote, a person must be a U.S.
citizen; be 18 years of age as of the next election and
reside in the precinct for 30 days prior to the next election.
Naturalized citizens must provide the name of the court
where naturalized, state and date of naturalization.
InVironments urges area voters to become as informed as
possible about those seeking office in the election Tuesday,
Feb. 2. The following InVironments Primary Election Section
is a special advertising supplement and is not intended to
be a complete, detailed overview of every race or candidate.
Those candidates who elected to be a part of this special
advertising section were asked to provide certain standard
information in their ads and respond to general questions
about their races and qualifications.
Those who may register include: All persons who have never
registered in DeKalb County and all persons who have
changed their name through marriage or otherwise.
Since Dec. 1, 1980, all elections have been governed
under the provisions of the general election law of Illinois,
commonly referred to as Election Consolidation.
With the implementation of Election Consolidation, the
County Clerk is responsible for the administration of all
elections within each county. However, local election officials
such as township and municipal clerks, school district
secretaries, etc., are still an integral part of the electoral
process. These people work with the County Clerk to certify
the names for local elections to be placed on the ballot. The
DeKalb County Clerk’s website contains helpful information
and forms relating to registering to vote, as well as voting
itself: www.dekalbcounty.org/CoClerk/co_clerk.
Who is Eligible to Vote?
The deadline to register to vote is 28 days prior to an election.
44
Where to register
Each county offers various places where eligible residents
may register to vote, including the offices of city, village and
township clerks, most banks, public libraries, Secretary of
State Driver’s License facilities, Republican and Democratic
party headquarters. Other locations in DeKalb County include
the DeKalb County Farm Bureau, Kishwaukee College and
Northern Illinois University.
Change of address
Voters who have moved into a new Illinois county since
registering should notify the County Clerk by filling out the
reverse of their voter registration cards and returning them
to the County Clerk. Notice of change of address may also
be given by letter listing the old and new addresses and
mailed to the County Clerk’s office. A notification for change
of address, either by card or letter, must bear the signature
of the voter. In DeKalb County, it should be mailed to:
Sharon L. Holmes, DeKalb County Clerk, 110 E. Sycamore St.,
Sycamore, IL 60178. All changes of address must be received
by the County Clerk postmarked not later than midnight 28
days prior to any election conducted by the County Clerk.
Physically Disabled Voters
Citizens who are not registered to vote and cannot leave
their home, hospital, nursing home or other institution
because of a permanent physical disability can arrange for
voter registration by contacting the County Clerk’s office.
Additionally persons with a permanent physical disability
can arrange for a special voter’s registration card which allows
absentee voting without obtaining a physician’s certificate for
each election. In DeKalb County, contact the County Clerk’s
office for information at (815) 895-7150.
Unregistered Voters
Members of the Armed Forces, who expect to be absent
from the county in the course of their duties, need not be
registered to cast absentee ballots in all elections. This
also applies to their spouses and dependents living with
the service person. Contact should be made with the
Commanding Officer for the appropriate applications.
Voting by Absentee Ballot
The following voters must be registered to vote by absentee
ballot: Voters who expect to be absent from the county on
election day and still maintain a residence within the county;
Physically incapacitated voters who will be unable to go to
the polling place on election day; Voters who because of a
religious holiday will not be able to go to the polls on election
day; and sequestered jurors.
Registered voters who expect to be absent from the county
on election day may vote in person at the office of the County
Clerk during normal business hours beginning 30 days prior
to the election through the day prior to the election.
Absentee Voting by Mail
A registered voter who meets the above qualifications may
request an official “Application for Absentee Ballot.” The
request must include the name and home address of the
applicant and the address to which the application should
be sent. The official “Application for Absentee Ballot” may
be sent to the County Clerk not more than 30, nor less than
five days prior to the election. If the official application is filed
within that time and is properly completed, ballots will be
mailed to the applicant.
be postmarked by midnight the DAY BEFORE the election
(Feb. 1, 2010).
Election Results Information
According to the DeKalb County Clerk’s office and per
the Illinois Election Code, all election results are unofficial
until the official canvass of the results is conducted.
Election results are made available on the website:
www.dekalbcounty.org/CoClerk/co_clerk.
Prior to election night, vote totals of zero are displayed. Vote
totals are periodically updated throughout Election Night.
The date and time will be displayed at the top of the report
indicating the time of the last update.
If you do not get timely updates, refresh your browser to
generate an updated report.
Results shown are for DeKalb County only. Several upcoming
races include voters in other counties (such as the 69th State
Representative seat). When possible, the County Clerk’s office
will provide direct links to neighboring counties’ websites.
Write-in votes are not included in the results posted. For
information on write-in votes or other questions, contact the
DeKalb County Clerk’s Office at (815) 895-7150.
Charles Rea
DeKalb County State Attorney
1.
2.
If you wish to vote absentee for the Feb. 2, General Primary
Election you will need to:
(a) Complete all the information on the form that
applies to you.
(b) Make sure you sign and return the form to the
County Clerk’s office on or before Feb. 2, 2010.
When your application is received you will be sent a ballot to
the mailing address you specify on your application. In order
for the ballot to be counted on Election Day, the ballot must
3.
Biographical Information.
Chuck has been in private practice
in DeKalb County since 1990. Prior
to this he was an award winning
prosecutor in DuPage County where
he personally tried over 220 cases
ranging from DUI to Homicide. His last
four years as a prosecutor, he was assigned to the Major Crimes
Unit. He graduated from the John Marshall Law School, and has
additional training from Aurora University, Northwestern University
School of Law, the National College of District Attorneys and the
United States Department of Justice. Chuck resides in Hinckley.
What makes you the best candidate to serve in this position?
“Experience Counts”. My 25 years of experience as a
former prosecutor, private attorney and involved citizen better
qualifies me to perform all the duties of the office.
What are the important issues facing the county and how
would you address them?
In talking directly to over 5,000 people since September, you the
voters, have identified several issues you’re concerned about
including gangs, drugs, internet crimes, domestic violence and
DUIs. I will resolve all issues by using creativity, common sense
and experience. I plan to create and maintain open lines of
communication (which includes listening) while remembering
it’s the public’s resources I’m using.
Paid for by Charles Rea for State’s Attorney
Where life happens.
45
Fred M. Morelli
16th Judicial Circuit Judge
1.
2.
3.
4.
Candidate’s Info: Fred M. Morelli, Circuit Judge, 16th Judicial Circuit, DeKalb, Kane, and Kendall
County vacancy (no incumbent for this race), Republican
Biographical information: I am running for the circuit wide Judicial seat encompassing DeKalb,
Kane, and Kendall Counties. I have over 43 years of extensive legal experience in both criminal and civil
cases in State and Federal courts. I have done more that 200 jury trials and over 1,000 bench trials. In
addition, I have handled over 50 appeals in State and Federal courts including Petitioning for Certiorari
in the United States Supreme Court. I served as a Cook County Assistant State’s Attorney, Kane County
Head Public Defender, and Associate Judge for the 16th Judicial Circuit for five years. While serving as
Judge, I reduced the waiting time backlog for trials in my courtroom from nine months to one day, and
had a 98% approval rating from bar association members. I have my BA and JD from University of Notre
Dame, am married to my wife Maria and have three daughters and five grandchildren. I am also a veteran
of the Illinois National Guard with an Honorable Discharge after serving seven years. I am committed to
the advancement of the legal community through extensive volunteer work, presenting numerous legal
seminars, and running a positive campaign. My lifelong motto is “Let’s Get to Work!”
What makes you the best candidate to serve in this position: My 43 years of experience before
many judges gives me the ability to incorporate the best of what I’ve seen into my courtroom. This,
combined with an unbeatable work ethic makes me the best candidate. I am not afraid to get there early
and leave late to get the job done.
What are the important issues facing the county and how would you address them:
Some important issues include a backlog in civil and criminal cases, overcrowded courtrooms and jails,
and lack of available funding to address these issues. The solutions available to a Judge include a
willingness to work harder, work more efficiently, and to come up with innovative solutions, which will not
compromise the rights of litigants or further burden taxpayers. In short, a Judge has to be willing to put
in longer hours and hold attorneys and their clients accountable for being unprepared.
Endorsed by retired Illinois Supreme
Court Justice John Nickels
The Most Experienced
The Best Work Ethic
Simply the Best Candidate
www.fredmorelli.com
Paid for by the Committee to Elect Fred Morelli. A copy of our report is (or will be)
available for purchase from the State Board of Electors, Springfield, Illinois.
VOTE
46
Where life happens.
25
Kevin T. Busch
Wes Hoadley
Circuit Judge for the 16th Circuit
DeKalb County Sheriff
1. Biographical information.
I currently serve the people of the 16th
Circuit as an Associate Judge. My current
assignment is in the Kane County Judicial
Center presiding over the central DUI court room. I began my legal career
with the Kane County State’s Attorney’s office in 1984 and rose to the
position of Chief of the Criminal Division. In 1992 I left the State’s Attorney’s
Office to open my own practice, which I maintained for 16 years. I grew up
in Elgin, Il. and currently live in Batavia with my wife and two daughters. I am
a first degree Knight of Columbus, and sit on the finance council for Holy
Cross Church in Batavia.
makes you the best candidate to serve in this position?
2. What
Unlike my opponents, I’m currently a Judge. Rated “highly recommended”
by the Kane County Bar Association, for the position of Associate Judge.
Endorsed by Justice R. Peter Grometer, Ret.; Batavia Mayor Schielke; Rep.
Patricia Reid Lindner, Ret.; Elgin Police BPA.
are the important issues facing the county and how would you
3. What
address them?
2010 will usher in 7 new Circuit Judges in the 16th Circuit. Accordingly, it
is vital to our judiciary that we elect only highly qualified men and women
to the position. Since Circuit Judges appoint Associate Judges we need
candidates that are intelligent, responsible, honest and above reproach. I
believe I possess all of these qualities and more. I believe Justice Grometer
said it best when he said: “Judge Kevin Busch has already earned a
reputation as a respected Associate Judge. His judicial experience along
with a distinguished and varied legal career, make him an excellent
candidate for Circuit Judge.”
1. Biographical Information:
I have worked in the criminal
justice field for nearly 30 years. I’ve worked as an
officer, a deputy, a corrections officer and I currently
serve as a lieutenant in the City of DeKalb. I’ve
attended the FBI National Academy in Quantico,
Virginia and graduated in 2003.
2. What are the important issues you want to focus on?
Get the Sheriff’s Office accredited in order to
increase professional service delivery.
Increase community outreach and make our law
enforcement officers more visible.
Strive to locate grant funds to improve technology,
training, narcotics enforcement, and protective gear.
Paid for by Citizens for Judge Busch
Call today 815-756-3240
Paid for by Hoadley for Sheriff
Sarah Gallagher Chami
DeKalb County State’s Attorney
1.
Biographical information.
2.
3.
Sarah is a fifth generation DeKalb County resident. She graduated from Sycamore High
School with honors, went on to graduate from DePaul University in Chicago with Honors,
and graduated from Chicago Kent College of Law Illinois Institute of Technology, Chicago,
IL, Juris Doctor.
Sarah is committed to…
• Vigorous prosecution of all crimes.
• Justice for victims, firm but fair consequences for perpetrators
• Integrity in our legal system
What are the important issues facing the county and how would you address them?
Sarah is concerned about…
• Safety in our schools- she plans to work on active outreach and prevention programs to help make schools a safer place and to help
prevent teen violence.
• Supporting our law enforcement agencies - Sarah is committed to integrating current and innovative law enforcement technologies.
• Aiding our communities under-served through close coordination with social services and mental health agencies.
815-757-7706
Email: sarahgallagherchami@yahoo.com
www.sarahgallagherchami.com
A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.
Where life happens.
47
Roger A. Scott
John E. Farrell
Sheriff
DeKalb County State’s Attorney
1.
1.
2.
3.
Biographical Information. Roger, age
62, and wife Marcia have been married
40 years and have been blessed with
eight children. Roger is a Veteran, and
a graduate of Kishwaukee College and
Aurora University.
As Sheriff I believe I have demonstrated the ability to work with
the Deputies of the Sheriff’s Office, Law Enforcement Leaders, the
County Board, and Citizens to achieve many accomplishments
for public- safety. I believe this proven ability and my 24 years
experience as Sheriff makes me the best candidate for this Office.
2.
What are the important issues facing the county and how
would you address them? There are three major problems
facing the Sheriff’s Office, overcrowding of the County Jail,
increased crime, and vehicle traffic flow in the County. These must
be dealt with by strategic use of resources and public education.
3.
Keep a Hardworking Sheriff
Working Hard for You
Biographical Information.
Over 20 years’ experience prosecuting
at the Federal, State of Illinois and
DeKalb County levels. More than
100 Felony jury trial convictions. Lead
attorney in the largest State of Illinois
settlement against the Tobacco Industry.
Served four years as DeKalb County’s
Chief Civil Assistant. Proud father of four.
As DeKalb County State’s Attorney, I’ve had the wonderful
opportunity to serve in law enforcement and to help protect our
quality of life. Our future growth brings unique challenges and
my many years of diverse experiences best qualifies me.
What are the important issues facing the county
and how would you address them?
Undoubtedly, the rapid growth of our communities.
As your State’s Attorney, I must remain ahead of the game
when it comes to local issues. I will protect taxpayers in civil
matters, children and elderly from abuse, and all citizens
from criminal activities.
www.citizensforRogerScott.com
www.farrellfordekalb.com
Paid for by Citizens for Roger Scott
Paid for by Farrell for State’s Attorney
VOTE
Tom Doherty
16th Judicial Circuit Court Judge
1. Biographical information.
Attorney Tom Doherty is a long-time resident of DeKalb; Educated in DeKalb schools including a
Bachelor’s and Juris Doctorate degree from Northern Illinois University; his parents are the
late Philip Doherty (General Electric Finance Department, WWII Fighter Pilot) and Phyllis Doherty;
Tom is married to Jill and is the oldest of five siblings, the father of four children, Erin, Michael,
Mark and Megan, and the grandfather of five. Tom was a Sergeant in the Marine Corps Reserves.
Tom has practiced law in the DeKalb area for 23 years, the last six years with his son and partner Mark.
2. What makes you the best candidate to serve in this position?
Life experiences including the Marine Corps, athletics, small business ownership, business in the corporate world, and community service.
Character traits: common sense, rational thought, listening skills, analytical ability, strong work ethic, professional demeanor, integrity,
patriotism and the ability to thoughtfully administer tough choices. A strong belief that we are a nation of laws and that it is a judge’s
ultimate responsibility to apply the law impartially to the facts in every case.
3. What are the important issues facing the county and how would you address them?
All public officials, including judges, need to make certain that taxpayers’ dollars are wisely and conservatively allocated within the budget.
Judges and judicial candidates do not, nor should they, create or change county policy. A judge’s duty is to apply the law to the facts.
Cooperation is necessary, however, between the Circuit Clerk, the Judiciary, the Sheriff, the State’s Attorney, the County Board,
and other agencies to ensure the safe and efficient use of the judicial system.
815-787-6666
Email: info@citizensfortomdoherty.com
www.citizensfortomdoherty.com
Paid for by Citizens for Tom Doherty. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois.
48
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issue.
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door. We now have a subscription link on
our website. Go to invironmentsmag.com
and sign up today!
At $4.99 an issue, that’s only $29.94 a year!
Where life happens.
49
50 Business
Dr. Collins, who grew up in the DeKalb/Sycamore area recalls the
desire to pursue dentistry at a young age. “I was lucky as a young
man. I knew I wanted to be a dentist in high school,” he said.
50
Doctor with Agricultural Roots Builds State-of-the-Art Dental
Facility on Historic DeKalb Agriculture Corporate Campus
Dr. Dennis Collins had a vision of building the
finest dental facility in the Midwest. He selected
a unique location that reflects DeKalb County’s
current and historical agricultural roots.
“The prairie-style architecture and local interior artwork
are in keeping with DeKalb County’s agricultural base and
the historical location on the former DEKALB Ag corporate
campus,” he said.
With more than 25 years of experience practicing dentistry in
the DeKalb/Sycamore area, Dr. Collins relocated his practice
to Prairie Professional Park off
Bethany Road in Sycamore.
“The land on which my new
office is located was part of the
DEKALB Ag’s campus before
the company was sold to
Monsanto,” he added.
In the relocation process, Collins
helped design the exterior
and interior look of the new
building with a team of select
professionals: lead architects
Lew Sur and Mark Zinni of Zinni
Architects; builder Steve Irving
of Irving Construction; and Jim
Plescia of Patterson Dental.
The 10,500-square-foot office boasts state-of-the-art
technology and spa-like services—thus creating a welcoming
atmosphere that affirms the highest-level of care. Some of the
new features include complimentary massage therapy, large
flat-screen TVs in every treatment room, digital radiography,
a comprehensive sterilization center, an intraoral camera in
every room, complimentary Wi-Fi, and 16-operatory stations.
Committed to High-Quality Care and
Community Involvement
Dr. Collins envisioned a team of dental associates committed
to the DeKalb/Sycamore community, as well as the growth of
the practice. “All of our dentists at Collins Dental Group are
involved in local extracurricular activities in a big way. We feel
it is important to be part of the social fabric of our community
along with our patients,” he said.
The team of dental associates in the Collins Dental Group
includes Dr. Mary Ann Wines and Dr. Bryce Deter, who have
worked with Dr. Collins for several decades, as well as Dr.
Amy Newkirk and Dr. Stephen Woodrick. All of the dentists
with the Collins Dental Group were trained at dental schools
in Illinois. Drs. Collins, Deter and Woodrick at Northwestern
University; Dr. Wines at Loyola University; and Dr. Newkirk at
Southern Illinois University.
The team is comprised of
skilled professionals who take
civic-responsibility to the next
level. As DeKalb/Sycamore area
professionals, they all feel it is
important to be leaders and
actively contribute to the local
community.
They are all involved with
organizations that help the less
fortunate or benefit the local
community. For example, Dr.
Wines volunteers for several
programs and foundations
including The Healthy Smiles
Happy Kids Program, The Illinois Foundation of Dentistry for
the Handicapped, Crop Walk for Hunger, Save the Children,
Habitat for Humanity, and Kishwaukee United Way.
Dr. Deter serves on the DeKalb Airport Advisory Board
and teaches flight lessons on the weekends. Dr. Newkirk is
involved with the local dental society and the Kishwaukee
Sunrise Rotary Club. Dr. Woodrick, who is involved in local
real estate development, volunteers with the Goodfellows
during the holidays and coaches youth sports year-round. Dr.
Collins currently serves as president of the DeKalb Sanitary
District Board of Trustees and as an executive board member
of the DeKalb County Economic Development Corporation.
“All of us live, work, and play in the DeKalb/Sycamore area,”
said Dr. Collins. “We all feel it is our responsibility to be
Where life happens.
51
actively involved with the
community that supports
us. Basically, being actively
involved in your community
makes work fun.”
professionally sharing
research and new information
from medical seminars.
Dr. Woodrick is enthusiastic
about what they learn from
each other, which improves
overall care. “As a team,
we all bring cutting-edge
information back from
the individual continuing
education courses we attend
– pearls for practice that
we otherwise might miss, or never be
exposed to.”
Dr. Collins’ passion for
delivering the highest
quality of care with a
team of like-minded
professionals is evident
the moment a patient
enters his care. “I enjoy the
“As a team, we all bring cutting-edge
medical field, the contact
information back from the individual
with patients and running
continuing education courses we attend
my own business with the
help of all our doctors,
– pearls for practice that we otherwise
while upholding the highest
might miss, or never be exposed to.”
professional standards.
There is no better feeling
than knowing you play a part in someone’s overall health and
Cutting-edge technology in the backdrop of a spa-like
well being,” he said.
environment creates a pleasing atmosphere for patients
at the Collins Dental Group. Dr. Wines cited examples of
The advantage of dentists readily available for patient
specialized technology, which improves patient care.
consultations is one of the many benefits of having a strong
treatment team. “It’s great having five doctors, all with their
“Patient education and treatment acceptance is much
unique talents and strengths to consult with on complex
improved with availability of the CAESY patient education
cases,” said Dr. Wines.
computer program. The intra-oral photography is helpful in
letting patients ‘see’ what the doctor is talking about,” she
Adding to the quality of teamwork during patient
explained.
consultations, the dentists collaborate with one another
Patients have the advantage of immediate x-ray results and
reduced radiation exposure. “Digital
radiography is fast –we get results of x-rays
in seconds. Also, it offers up to 90 percent
less radiation exposure compared to
conventional x-rays,” Dr. Wines said.
Advanced Technology in a
Spa-Like Environment
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New Hours Monday-Saturday 8 am - 6 pm Sunday 9 am - 4 pm.
52
The technology has enhanced the quality
of communication for both patients
and doctors alike. Dr. Deter credits
the technology for improvements in
communication overall. “Technology is a
tool that can make our job easier when
used appropriately. It has allowed us to
communicate more effectively with each
other and our patients,” he said.
Most importantly, the dentists are kind,
helpful, and passionate about their jobs.
Dr. Newkirk credits their shared efforts
for the team’s success in providing highquality care in a calming environment.
“It’s all about patient comfort and trying to
suspend, for a moment at least, that one is
in a medical environment,” said Dr. Deter.
“All of the dentists can put their effort
into providing excellent dentistry without
being held back by technology. Our focus
is on providing advanced dentistry while
also providing complete comfort for our
patients.”
Serving Patient Needs
Quality of care and patient comfort
are some of team’s top priorities. “It’s
all about patient comfort and trying to
suspend, for a moment at least, that one
is in a medical environment,” said
Dr. Deter.
Patients have the added advantage of
indulging in a complimentary massage
therapy session before or after their
treatment. This reduces the anxiety
often associated with dental work. “The
massage therapist is valuable in helping
patients feel relaxed before or after
dental treatment,” said Dr. Wines.
Overall, the members of the Collins
Dental Group share the same sentiment
about their ability to serve patients in the
finest, most comfortable setting.
“All of us at Collins Dental Group feel we
have created something special in serving
our patients’ needs. From a beautiful
physical building and state-of-the-art
dental equipment/techniques to the
down-home friendly smiles and attitude
you receive from all of our staff, we strive
to give our patients the best dentistry has
to offer in the most beautiful and finest
dental setting in DeKalb County,” said Dr.
Collins.
MARTINA MCBRIDE
TRACE ADKINS
NIU Convocation Center
March 28th, 2010
Doors 6:30PM Show 7:30PM
Tickets are available at the NIU
Convocation Center Box Office located
at 1525 W. Lincoln HWY DeKalb, IL,
All ticketmaster Outlets, Ticketmaster.com,
or by phone at 800-745-3000.
For more information call 815-752-6800 or visit www.niuconvo.com
Where life happens.
53
54 Business
54
Here’s the kind of audit you can look forward to!
Old-timers remember the adage “spend a nickel
to keep a quarter from rolling away.” That same
common-sense wisdom applies to homeowners
and businesses when it comes to getting a
professional energy audit completed.
in energy savings. That may be why our business is the growth
business in the contracting business today. It just makes sense...
and cents,” punned Jones.
No one has any real expectations of energy costs going
down. In fact, some projections have energy costs rising in
the double digits for the foreseeable future. While no one
can truly predict what energy costs will do, most people can
reduce the amount of energy their home uses by applying the
information they receive from an energy audit.
“Many people are finding they qualify for up to $1,500 in tax
credits when they implement these money saving programs.
It’s pretty reassuring to know that besides saving every month
on gas and electric bills the homeowner can save on their tax
bill too.”
An energy audit is a complete evaluation of your home’s
air quality and energy systems. Quality providers of audit
use professional diagnostic equipment to look at furnaces,
heaters and stoves in your home. These tools also look at
air infiltration, evaluate insulation, as well as look for energy
leakage in duct systems.
“Air leakage can be responsible for 40 percent of energy
costs in a typical home,” according to Robert Jones, of
Energy Pro Source.
Every hole in your home is a chance
for energy loss to occur.
“We actually take an industrial blower door
and hook it up to a home and virtually
blow extra air into the home much like a
balloon and then measure where leakage
is occurring. It amazes homeowners when
we point out areas where air is escaping.
We often resolve old problems that have
troubled them for years with issues such
as humidity, mold and mildew problems as
well as energy sore spots.”
Some auditors provide an audit and it is
up to the homeowner to find solutions.
Other auditors provide concrete solutions
that can be prioritized and budgeted for as
energy savings are realized.
“Probably the favorite part of our job is
looking at the homeowner’s eyes when they
see a complete plan and realize how much
money they will save for years and years
to come by doing a few straight forward
improvements to their home,” said Jones.
“In the vast majority of cases people know
that every dollar they spend improving their
home is going to result in many more dollars
The federal government is also urging homeowners to adopt
an energy efficient home mentality.
Of course, everyone should consult their advisor when
planning such a project.
Two additional positives to an energy audit and following
an approved plan are having a greener home, as well as a
healthier home. It is not uncommon to see health conditions
that are aggravated by stale, humid bacteria laden air sources
turn for the better when the air system in a home is working
the way it should.
“A few months ago, I returned to a job we had done earlier
in the year and the young child gave me a big hug and
called me the ‘Air Doctor’ because her breathing problems
had gotten so much better after we had made their home a
healthier place to live. That makes the long days worthwhile,”
said Jones.
RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL
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Decorating Services
Custom fabric window treatments and
blinds. Wall papering, color consultations,
furniture and home accessory placement.
815-824-2109
www.danscustompaint i n g. c o m
Where life happens.
55
56Home & Garden
56
Save cash and precious energy as winter winds blow
Reducing energy use without sacrificing
your comfort saves money and is
good for Mother Earth. Every time
you save electricity or natural gas you
reduce pollution, save money and the
environment.
your home is a whole-house energy efficiency plan. To take a
whole-house approach, view your home as an energy system
with interdependent parts.
As another northern Illinois winter envelops us, helpful tips
for conserving energy and trimming utility bills are available
through a wide variety of sources.
For example, your heating system is not just a furnace—it’s
a heat-delivery system that starts at the furnace and delivers
heat throughout your home using a network of ducts. Even a
top-of-the-line, energy-efficient furnace will waste a lot of fuel
if the ducts, walls, attic, windows, and doors are not properly
sealed and insulated. Taking a whole-house approach to
saving energy ensures that dollars you invest to save energy
are spent wisely.
From local, state and federal government programs, to
ComEd, NICOR Gas, Community Contacts and organizations
like the American Council on Energy Efficient Economy
Consumer Resources—all offer advice for low or no-cost ways
to curb energy use. Local home improvement stores and
service contractors stand ready to help you as well.
Energy-efficient improvements not only make your home
more comfortable, they can yield long-term financial rewards.
Over their lifetimes, reduced utility bills more than make
up for the higher price of energy-efficient appliances and
improvements. In addition, your home could bring in a higher
price when you sell.
The U.S. Department of Energy has a program called “Energy
Savers” offering tips for saving energy and money at home.
Visit its website for full details at www.energysavers.gov.
Your Home’s Energy Use
The State of Illinois website also offers a variety of energy
savings suggestions. Many energy efficiency options, such as
improved air sealing, insulation and the use of Energy Star
appliances, help reduce energy use year round. Visit
www.keepcool.illinois.gov/energysavingtips.cfm
How Do You Use Energy?
It’s probably no surprise that the largest share of energy
consumed around the home is used to heat and cool the
air around you. If you had to pick one place to start saving
energy, lowering your heating and cooling bills would make
sense. But there are other areas where savings can be found,
including conserving hot water and using efficient lights and
appliances.
Did you know the typical U.S. family spends about $1,900 a
year on home utility bills? Unfortunately, a large portion of
that energy is wasted. Each year, electricity generated by
fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into
the air than two average cars.
As for the road, transportation accounts for 67 percent of all
U.S. oil consumption. The good news is there is a lot you can
do to save energy and money at home and in your car. Start
making small changes today. The key to achieving savings in
The first step to taking a whole-house energy efficiency
approach is to find out which parts of your house use the
most energy. A home energy audit will pinpoint those areas
and suggest the most effective measures for cutting your
energy costs.
You can conduct a simple home energy audit yourself, contact
your local utility, or call an independent energy auditor for
a more comprehensive examination. For more information
about home energy audits, including free tools and
calculators, visit www.energysavers.gov or www.natresnet.org.
How We Use Energy in Our Homes
Heating accounts for the biggest chunk of a typical utility bill.
Refrigeration
8%
Appliances
9%
Computer &
Electronics
9%
Lighting
11%
Other
8%
Space
Heating
31%
Water
Heating
12%
Space
Cooling
12%
Source: 2007 Buildings Energy Data Book, Table 4.2.1., 2005
energy cost data.
Where life happens.
57
Energy Auditing Tips
• Check the insulation levels in your attic, exterior and
basement walls, ceilings, floors, and crawl spaces. Visit
www.energysavers.gov for instructions on checking your
insulation levels.
• Check for holes or cracks around your walls, ceilings,
windows, doors, light and plumbing fixtures, switches, and
electrical outlets that can leak air into or out of your home.
• Check for open fireplace dampers.
• Make sure your appliances and heating and cooling systems
are properly maintained. Check your owner’s manuals for
the recommended maintenance.
• Study your family’s lighting needs and use patterns, paying
special attention to high-use areas such as the living
room, kitchen, and outside lighting. Look for ways to use
lighting controls—like occupancy sensors, dimmers, or
timers—to reduce lighting energy use, and replace standard
(incandescent) light bulbs and fixtures with compact or
standard fluorescent lamps.
Tips for Finding a Contractor
- Ask neighbors and friends for recommendations
- Focus on local companies
- Look for licensed, insured contractors
- Get three bids with details in writing
- Ask about previous experience
- Check references
- Check with the Better Business Bureau
Formulating Your Plan
After you have identified where your home is losing energy,
assign priorities by asking yourself a few important questions:
• How much money do you spend on energy?
• Where are your greatest energy losses?
• How long will it take for an investment in energy efficiency
to pay for itself in energy cost savings?
• Do the energy-saving measures provide additional benefits
that are important to you (for example, increased comfort
from installing double-paned, efficient windows)?
• How long do you plan to own your current home?
• Can you do the job yourself or will you need to hire a
contractor?
• What is your budget and how much time do you have to
spend on maintenance and repair?
Once you assign priorities to your energy needs, you can
form a whole house efficiency plan. Your plan will provide
you with a strategy for making smart purchases and home
improvements that maximize energy efficiency and save the
most money.
Another option is to get the advice of a professional. Many
utilities conduct energy audits for free or for a small charge.
For a fee, a professional contractor will analyze how well
your home’s energy systems work together and compare
the analysis to your utility bills. He or she will use a variety
of equipment such as blower doors, infrared cameras, and
surface thermometers to find leaks and drafts.
After gathering information about your home, the contractor
or auditor will give you a list of recommendations for costeffective energy improvements and enhanced comfort and
safety. A reputable contractor can also calculate the return on
your investment in high-efficiency equipment compared with
standard equipment.
Results are already adding up. Americans, with the help of
ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2008 alone to avoid
greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 29 million
cars — all while saving $19 billion on their utility bills. For more
tips on energy savings, go online to www.energystar.gov.
Driving green conserves energy and money
Buying green is just the first step in reducing the
environmental impacts of automobile use. Your choice of
vehicle is most important, but how you drive and how well
you maintain your car, van, or light truck will also make a
difference.
• Avoid “jack rabbit” starts and aggressive driving. Flooring
the gas pedal not only wastes gas, it leads to drastically
higher pollution rates. One second of high-powered driving
can produce nearly the same volume of carbon monoxide
emissions as a half hour of normal driving.
• Think ahead. Try to anticipate stops and let your vehicle
coast down as much as possible. Avoid the increased
pollution, wasted gas, and wear on your brakes created by
accelerating hard and braking hard.
• Follow the speed limit! Driving 75 mph instead of 65 mph
will lower your fuel economy by about 10 percent, and can
dramatically increase tailpipe pollution in many vehicles.
• When possible, plan your trips to avoid rush hour. Stop-andgo driving burns gas and increases emissions of smogforming pollutants.
• Combine trips. Warmed-up engines and catalysts generate
much less air pollution, so combining several short trips into
one can make a big difference.
• Take a load off. Carrying around an extra 100 pounds
reduces fuel economy by about 1 percent. Take a few
moments to unload your cargo area.
• If your vehicle has it, use overdrive gear at cruising speeds.
When driving a manual transmission, shift up as soon as
possible. Running in a higher gear decreases the rpm and
will decrease fuel use and engine wear.
• Try using the vents and opening windows to cool off before
you turn on the air conditioner. Air conditioner use increases
fuel consumption, increases NOx emissions in some
vehicles, and involves environmentally damaging fluids.
• Unlike many older cars and trucks, modern vehicles don’t
need to warm up and they have automatic chokes, so you
don’t need to step on the gas pedal before starting the
engine.
(Continued on p. 60)
58
Things to do
TODAY
[From American Council on Energy Efficient Economy
Consumer Resources - www.aceee.org.]
• Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the
warm setting (120°F). You’ll not only save energy, you’ll
avoid scalding your hands
• Start using energy-saving settings on refrigerators,
dishwashers, washing machines, and clothes dryers.
• Survey your incandescent lights for opportunities to
replace them with compact fluorescents (CFLs). These
lamps can save three-quarters of the electricity used by
incandescents. The best targets are 60-100W bulbs used
several hours a day. New CFLs come in many sizes and
styles to fit in most standard fixtures.
• Check the age and condition of your major appliances,
especially the refrigerator. You may want to replace it
with a more energy-efficient model before it dies.
• Clean or replace furnace, air-conditioner, and heatpump filters.
• If you have one of those silent guzzlers, a waterbed,
make your bed today. The covers will insulate it, and
save up to one-third of the energy it uses.
THIS WEEK
• Visit the home improvement or hardware store. Buy
low-flow showerheads, faucet aerators, and compact
fluorescent light bulbs, as needed. These can be
purchased from any hardware or home improvement
store. CFLs are now sold at some drug stores and
grocery stores.
• If your water heater is old enough that its insulation is
fiberglass instead of foam, it clearly will benefit from a
water heater blanket from the local hardware or home
supplies store. (To tell the difference, check at the pilot
light access (gas). For electric water heaters, the best
access is probably at the thermostat, but be sure to
turn off the power before checking.)
THIS MONTH
• Collect your utility bills. Separate electricity and fuel bills.
Target the biggest bill for energy conservation remedies.
• Crawl into your attic or crawlspace and inspect for
insulation. Is there any? How much?
• Insulate hot water pipes and ducts wherever they run
through unheated areas.
• Seal up the largest air leaks in your house—the ones that
whistle on windy days, or feel drafty. The worst culprits are
usually not windows and doors, but utility cut-throughs for
pipes (“plumbing penetrations”), gaps around chimneys
and recessed lights in insulated ceilings, and unfinished
spaces behind cupboards and closets. Better yet, hire
an energy auditor with a blower door to point out where
the worst cracks are. All the little, invisible cracks and
holes may add up to as much as an open window or door,
without you ever knowing it!
• Set your thermostat back (forward) when you can accept
cooler (warmer) conditions. This generally includes night
time and whenever you leave your home for several
hours. Many people find it easier to use an ENERGY STAR
programmable thermostat that will automatically adjust
the thermostat based on your time-of-day instructions.
• Schedule an energy audit for more expert advice on your
home as a whole, or learn how to conduct your own by
visiting the Home Energy Saver Web site. A directory of
available energy audit services by state is available at
RESNET.
THIS YEAR
• Insulate. If your walls aren’t insulated, have an insulation
contractor apply blown-in insulation (cellulose or fiberglass)
to the walls. Bring your attic insulation level up to snuff.
• Replace aging, inefficient appliances. Even if the appliance
has a few useful years left, replacing it with a top-efficiency
model is generally a good investment.
• Rope caulk very leaky windows.
• Upgrade leaky windows. It may be time to replace them
with energy-efficient models or to boost their efficiency with
weather-stripping and storm windows.
• Assess your heating and cooling systems. Determine
if replacements are justified, or whether you should
retrofit them to make them work more efficiently to
provide the same comfort (or better) for less energy.
• Have your heating and cooling systems tuned up in the fall
and spring, respectively. Duct sealing can also improve the
energy efficiency and overall performance of your system
(warm-air furnace and central air conditioners).
Where life happens.
59
Maintenance Tips
• Keep your tires properly inflated. Tires should be inflated to
the pressure recommended for your vehicle; this information
is often printed inside the door frame or in your owner’s
manual. For every 3 pounds below recommended pressure,
fuel economy goes down by about 1 percent. Tires can
lose about 1 pound of pressure in a month, so check the air
pressure regularly and always before going on a long trip
or carrying heavy loads. Underinflated tires can also detract
from handling, safety, and how long the tires will last.
• Buy low-rolling-resistance (LRR) replacement tires. Switching
to a typical set of replacement tires lowers a vehicle’s fuel
economy as much as 4 percent. LRR tires, on the other hand,
are specially designed to improve a vehicle’s fuel economy.
Most major tire manufacturers now produce LRR models, so
when it comes time to replace your tires, seek out a set of
LRRs.
• Check your own fuel economy every few weeks. If you
notice it slipping, that could mean you have a minor
problem with the engine or your brakes. Using this advance
warning, you can fix problems before you have a breakdown
on the road.
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60
• Get a tune-up. Whether you do it
yourself or go to a mechanic, a tune-up
can increase your fuel economy. Follow
owner’s manual guidelines. Be sure to
check for worn spark plugs, dragging
brakes, and low transmission fluid; have
your wheels aligned and tires rotated;
and replace the air filter if needed. Make
sure all used vehicle fluids are recycled
or disposed of safely.
• Change the oil. In addition to making
your car or truck last longer, replacing
the oil and oil filter regularly will also
help fuel economy. Check your owner’s
manual for specific recommendations
about how often to change. Ask the
service station if they recycle used oil,
or if you do it yourself, take your old oil
to someplace that does recycle. Ask for
recycled oil as a replacement.
• Have your vehicle’s emission control
system checked periodically. Take it in
for service if an instrument panel warning
light comes on.
Careful Fill-Ups
Americans too often take gasoline for
granted, forgetting that it is quite a
hazardous substance. Gasoline fumes
are toxic and carcinogenic; they cause
smog; and spilled gasoline can pollute
the water and poison wildlife. And it’s very
flammable, too.
Use regular gasoline unless your owner’s
manual says otherwise. Unless your car
requires premium, high-octane fuels
improve neither fuel economy nor
performance and will just waste your
money.
• Don’t overfill the gas tank or try to top it
off beyond where the automatic nozzle
clicks off. Spilled gasoline evaporates to
aggravate smog formation and can leak
into groundwater.
• Patronize gas stations that have vapor-recovery nozzles
(those black, accordion-looking plastic devices attached to
the nozzle) whenever you can.
Prudent Parking
• Park in the shade in summer to keep your car cool and
minimize evaporation of fuel.
• If you have a garage, use it as much as possible to keep
your car warm in winter and cool in summer.
• If you have to park outdoors, windshield shades can cut
down on summer heat and help keep the frost off in the
winter.
Take Advantage of
“Commuter Choice” Programs
Most Americans commute to work, and
now there are special programs that
provide incentives for both employees and
employers to “Get There With Clean Air.”
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
and U.S. Department of Transportation are
teaming up with businesses and others
to set up “Commuter Choice” programs.
These employer-sponsored initiatives
can make you eligible for cash and other
benefits for greener commuting.
Examples include:
• One company gives its workers free
walking shoes, with the promotion “we’ll
even buy your walking shoes if you hoof
it to work!”
• Another company offers participating
employees monthly drawings for prizes
that might include extra time off,
mountain bikes, and other goodies.
• A municipality gives its employees an
extra hour of time-off for every 5 days
they use carpool or vanpool to get to
work, plus permission to dress casually at
the office.
Companies and communities that make
use of Commuter Choice benefits often
save money. For example, by cutting down
on car commuting, they can avoid the
need to build large parking lots that are
both expensive and use up green space.
These programs take advantage of recent
fringe benefits rules, such as offering
workers tax-free transit or vanpool benefits
of up to $100 per month.
Employers can also allow employees to
“cash-out” their parking space, receiving
additional income of up to $175 per month
(taxed like added salary for the employee,
but still a deductible business expense for the employer).
Employees can use this cash to commute as they wish,
including carpooling, telecommuting, bicycling, or walking.
Employers benefit through lowered taxes, lowered costs, and
new ways to recruit and keep employees.
Commuter Choice cuts pollution, reduces traffic congestion,
and conserves energy. Ask your employer if they have a
Commuter Choice program. If not, ask them to start one. For
more information, check out the Commuter Choice website,
www.commuterchoice.com.
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Where life happens.
61
62 DeKalb County
And the winner is...
Tell us who’s the BEST!
InVironments wants to hear from you
DeKalb County! We’re pleased to
announce the start of our new feature
in which we will share the results of
our Readers’ Poll on the Best of
DeKalb County!
This is your chance to tell us your
favorite things about DeKalb County.
Please take a moment to log on to
www.Invironmentsmag.com/favorites
and let us know your favorite:
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
Favorite nail salon
Favorite hair salon
Favorite local (non-chain) restaurant
Favorite breakfast restaurant
Favorite bank
Favorite automobile dealer
Favorite place to shop for a birthday gift
Then, watch future issues of
InVironments for the results of what is
designed to be an ongoing feature.
62
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Where life happens.
63
64
Recreation
RIDE
64
The snow is calling...
Snowmobiles offer the ride of your life.
One ride. That’s right, one ride.
One ride on a snowmobile is
usually all it takes to get hooked.
Throughout northern Illinois, thousands of people have
discovered the exhilarating fun to be had on a snowmobile.
InVironments recently sat down with John Lyon, legislative
chair for the Illinois Association of Snowmobile Clubs (IASC),
former president and executive director of ISAC, and former
owner of J&J Sports in DeKalb, to talk about snowmobiling,
local clubs, and how to get involved.
Snowmobiling is a family sport. Husbands and wives, parents
and children, all enjoy the great outdoors while riding.
More than two million people nationwide enjoy snowmobiling
on over 137,000 miles of trails. This unique sport provides
opportunities to enjoy secluded
winter backcountry, spend time with
family and friends, and learn more
about respect and conservation of the
environment.
“A few bad apples have chosen to drink heavily and brought
on a bad reputation for the whole sport. It should be a family
sport,” said Lyon.
“Plus, the new sleds are so quiet all you hear is the track going
around. Emissions are very low. It’s all about respect. We
are using mostly private land, so no landowner wants to be
awakened by a loud snowmobile in the middle of the night.”
A good way to get connected is through local snowmobile
clubs. In this area, there are two local clubs, both of which
are a part of the IASC (www.ilsnowmobile.com)—the
Kishwaukee Super Sledders (contact contact Mike Friedlund
at mikefriedlund@hotmail.com) in the Sycamore/DeKalb area,
and the GK Trailblazers in the Genoa area (contact Jay Schaack
at jschaack@netzero.net).
Club members receive area trail maps, a subscription to IASC
Illinois Snowmobiler magazine, and enjoy activities both in
and out of season. Activities include
vintage rides, club trips to Wisconsin
or Michigan, local social gatherings,
and other organized rides.
Snowmobiling is a family
sport. Husbands and wives,
parents and children, all “It’s a great way to get to know
other riders and be part of a local
The snowmobiles of today are far
enjoy the great outdoors organization,” said Lyon.
different that those of 10 or 20 years
ago. New models are often heated,
“Club members help maintain the
while riding.
feature four-stroke engines, have greatly
reduced emissions, and are very quiet.
There are a variety of types of snowmobiles, including entry
level, performance, touring, mountain, and utility models. The
four main manufacturers are Yamaha, Ski-Doo, Arctic Cat, and
Polaris.
You can get into an older used sled for around $2,000, while
new performance models may be in the $10,000 range. One of
the best first steps is to visit a local dealer, where you can find
help selecting a snowmobile that fits your needs, as well as
financing that fits your budget.
In Illinois, there are approximately 35,000 registered
snowmobiles. The average age of a snowmobiler is 44. About
70 percent are male and the average household income is
$75,000. While it is certainly not an inexpensive hobby, for
many people, it’s well worth the investment.
Over the years, the sport of snowmobiling has fought some
negative reputations, including from those who drink and ride,
and due to excess noise or damage to the environment.
by bikers and hikers.”
trails off-season, which are then used
Of the 2,500 miles of trails in Illinois, more than 2,200 miles
are on private property, which means local clubs must work to
maintain trails and manage positive relationships with property
owners.
Snowmobiling and trails are funded 100 percent by
snowmobilers. No tax dollars are used. The funds come
mainly from snowmobile registration fees.
Local clubs also are a great way to enroll in safety education
courses, many of which are taught by club members.
So what are you waiting for? If you’re already a snowmobile
owner, contact a local club and join the fun. If you’re looking
to get started, stop in at a local dealer today to find out more
about options to fit your budget. Either way, the winter snow
is calling!
Where life happens.
65
66 Fitness
66
Journey continues on path
to becoming fit & healthy
Four community members joined InVironments’ publisher/editor
Kathy Siebrasse last March, in a year-long quest to getting fit
and living healthy. Participants have worked out an individual
program and schedule, and are seeing results with the program
coordinated by Ray Binkowski, owner of FitWorkz in DeKalb.
Keep reading InVironments for regular updates on their progress
and to get tips about how to improve your own fitness level and
health.
Doug Stice, of Sycamore—“I continue to really enjoy the
atmosphere and workout environment at FitWorkz. Ray and his
staff are always upbeat and willing to assist me any way needed.
I have had a slight set back in my training as I broke a few ribs.
But after a two week layoff I have been gradually working my way
back. I have really enjoyed the Monday morning “core” class
that Judy instructs. Having never done a class like this I didn’t
know what to expect and I have been pleasantly surprised at
how much I look forward to 5:30 a.m., on Mondays. Judy knows
how far to push each of us so that we continue to be challenged
so that we get the full benefit of the exercise. In addition to the
class, Ray set up a schedule on the various machines for me to
follow and has given me freedom to alter that as needed. For
example, due to an elbow that won’t heal, some of the machines
are difficult for me to use. The added strength from the routine
work out has been fantastic in how it makes me feel and my
overall conditioning.
“I have lost around six pounds and I am using a different hole in
my belt. Although that is movement in the right direction, it is
not as much movement as I would have hoped. I believe getting
in shape is much like attaining success in any area of life, it
comes down to discipline and self-control. I have been extremely
motivated and disciplined to be at the gym three mornings each
week and I am very pleased by the results from that dedication.
It is my lack of commitment to cut back and change my diet
that has prevented me from seeing greater results. It is a funny
thing how you can look in the mirror in the morning and be
disappointed in the shape of what you see and then justify
mentally why you need the value meal at lunch instead of the
salad. I don’t think I am unique in this, but it is frustrating that my
self-control is not better.
“The experience that InVironments and FitWorkz has presented
me has been wonderful, thank you. I plan to continue my
membership and have gotten one of my sons involved as well.
My son has attended the core class a few times and will be
starting to work out with FitWorkz and its Athletic Republic
training. I am excited to see continued results in my training
and to see how my 14 year old improves through his Athletic
Republic training.”
Allison De Stefano, of DeKalb—“To date, I’m down eight percent
body fat and have lost 10 pounds. I’m also down two sizes in
my clothes. This may not seem like a lot, but I always remind
myself that muscle weighs more... And I definitely have built
more muscle. My goal is to be down one more size by March. It’s
a realistic goal and one that will keep me moving! My workout
consists mostly of lifting weights. Ray has me doing a whole body
workout every time I’m in (which is still 3-4 days per week). In
past months my workouts included just working arms or legs in
a single session. I also do 20-25 minutes of cardio on the rowing
machine, bike or the elliptical. The best thing Ray does for me
to keep motivated is to make the workouts varied so I never get
bored!
“Things are still going very well for me and my exercise plan.
We were out of town for part of the holidays and I still found
time to get some workouts in. The most important thing for me
continues to be to HAVE A PLAN. The holiday food starts at our
house with the Halloween candy and continues through New
Year’s Day. Through it all, I made a plan for eating and exercising
and I stuck to it! I’ve made too many great strides to mess this up
now. Working with FitWorkz has been a wonderful experience.
They have helped me to establish the much-needed lifestyle
changes that will ultimately result in me landing where I want to
be!”
Josette Wessels, of DeKalb—“I haven’t been allotting time for
myself to get away and get to the gym as much as I would like. I
fell back into my old habits of putting everyone else’s needs and
wants ahead of my own. But, I am still committed to working out
and reaching my goals before a trip to Cancun in March!”
Joe Walsh, of DeKalb—“The weight loss has slowed down, but I
figure that’s okay, for now. I didn’t gain this weight in one day
and I am not going to lose it in one day either. Like everything
else it’s going to have its ups and downs. Year to date I have
lost about 45 pounds and about eight inches off my waist. I try
to get to the gym five days a week (when I am not traveling).
Monday, Wednesday, Friday I lift weights. Ray has made a couple
of work outs and I rotate them periodically, and on Tuesday and
Thursday, I do cardio, which is usually 30 minutes on the elliptical
and 30 minutes on the treadmill adjusting the speed and incline
throughout.
“I will admit I continue to need pushes. In the past I have fallen
into a rut with working out. I see results and I’m happy with
them, but the weight comes off slower and slower. When that
happened before I got a trainer and he accelerated me to a
different level. So now I am going to do Athletic Republic at
FitWorkz two or three times a week. I believe that will give me a
much better workout and I won’t fall into another rut.”
Where life happens.
67
What if…
you take control of your life in 2010?
By Ray Binkowski, a personal trainer and owner of FitWorkz. For more, visit www.FitWorkz.com.
The holiday season has come and gone. It is that time of year again—goodbye 2009, hello 2010. Most found themselves
anywhere but the driver’s seat for the past year. Just along for the ride and hoping to hang on.
Great news! It’s over. It is time to take control of the one thing you can control in 2010, you! It could be another year of hanging
on for the ride or what if?
What if?
You set goals and wrote them down
You believed you could accomplish anything you set your mind to
You joined a gym
You hired a trainer
You used that new exercise equipment for something other than
an expensive clothes hanger
You grabbed the wheel and stopped being a passenger
You created a plan
You applied the same principles in other areas of your life to you
being a better you
You got off the couch
You took that walk
You turned off your cell phone and spent time with your family
You got up early and made time to exercise
You found a new way to challenge your mind and body
You logged off the net and on to life
You stuck to the plan you created
You held yourself accountable
You pushed away from the table
You didn’t spend what you didn’t have
You turned off the TV
You ate out less and at home more
You entered your first 5K, 10K, half or full marathon
You left the chips and cookies on the shelf at the grocer
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What if you did some of those?
You could lose a few pounds
You could improve your relationships with those who matter
You could drop a dress or pant size or more
You could make a life-long friend
You could feel the rush and sense of accomplishment that comes
with finishing a race
You could get more sleep
You could improve your attitude and outlook on life
You could reduce your debt
You could become a weekend warrior
You could lower your cholesterol and blood pressure
You could regain your youth
You could overcome obstacles that previously seemed insurmountable
You could make a difference
You could travel to a new place and compete in an event
You could find your doctor reducing your medication
You could rediscover what it is like to really live
You could be that person who did it, whatever “it” is
You could dip your feet in the water on the beach in that show you saw on TV
You could lead by example of better eating for your kids
You could inspire a group of co-workers to run the “Cross-Country Challenge”
You could find new confidence that transcends all that you do
In 2010, you could_____________ (fill in the blank).
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Where life happens.
69
70 Beauty
:
r
e
v
o
e
k
a
M
Mission
70
Join local woman on a
year-long make-over mission
By Dava Lee
[Editor’s note: this is the first in a six-part series entitled
Mission: Make-over.]
I am a woman on a mission...a make-over mission! Your
mission, should you choose to accept it, is to come along and
participate.
This year, I am devoting the entire year in InVironments
magazine to one woman’s transformation, and I am inviting
YOU to participate and transform along with her into YOUR
best self!
Being an ardent fan of all the make-over shows on television
as a wardrobe consultant, I know that real transformations
take time. These shows have unlimited resources...more than
enough money, some of the leading hair and make-up pros in
the country, New York City as a shopping venue, etc.
While those factors make for wonderful television, real women
in the real world don’t have it quite so easy.
That’s where I come in. Each issue this year
will be devoted to the causes and cures of
tired, dated, uninspired wardrobes.
Over the years, Hutha has become increasingly unhappy with
her wardrobe and overall appearance. Years as a stay at home
mom, weight gained after her second child, and hitting her
40s have left Hutha “no longer even recognizing herself.”
Not inspired to shop at her current weight and unsure of
what styles are flattering and modern, Hutha doesn’t branch
out. She dresses in a very safe, basic way (often in hand me
downs from her mom), assuming that her most stylish years
are behind her.
Perish the very thought—the best is yet to come—not only for
Hutha, but for all of you who join us on this journey!
[Dava Lee has worked as a wardrobe consultant and coach
since 2006. She worked in the fashion and cosmetic industry
for about 26 years, and lives in Sycamore with her family.
Email her at davalee@comcast.net.]
Go outside and enjoy the snow!
Our culture encourages impatience, but
good things always take time. Take a little
time with us, and let this be the year where
the outside catches up with the beautiful
inside, where your wardrobe actually
becomes an asset, not a liability. Where
your confidence soars as you embrace
looking your best.
We will cover the bases over the next five
issues of InVironments, so get ready and
no excuses. Time is on your side, and so
am I.
Whether going outside to stay fit or braving the weather for shopping or
appointments, improving our balance is one of our major weapons against falls.
Best tips for improving your balance:
• Keep your ankles flexible
• Participate in exercises that challenge
your balance such as dancing & t’ai chi
• Keep moving and stay active
• Keep your leg muscles strong
• For specific balance training exercises,
ask your Doctor for a referral to
physical therapy
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Where life happens.
71
ked
ried, with two children. She has wor
Hutha Hicks of Sycamore is 46, mar
rs.
yea
r
fou
for
ool
Sch
rie Elementary
as a paraprofessional for South Prai
t
ple. She hopes to learn how to bes
Her goal in this process is very sim
to
t
wha
n
lear
to
es
g way. She wish
dress her body in the most flatterin
pping for clothing.
sho
n
whe
id
seek out and what to avo
ple, streamlined wardrobe of
Hutha is a woman who wants a sim
s.
and matched for many winning look
essential pieces that can be mixed
ir
the
to
ries
esso
acc
wardrobe and
She wants to be able to utilize her
fullest potential.
modern hairstyle and makeLastly, Hutha would love an easy,
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73
74 Events
[Items for the March-April issue (covering March 15-April
15), must be submitted by Feb. 15, to
Kathy@invironmentsmag.com]
JANUARY
Jan. 16: Kishwaukee Community Hospital Auxiliary’s
Annual Snow Ball, 6 p.m., NIU Duke Ellington Ballroom,
NIU Student Center. www.kishhospital.org.
Jan. 19-March 5: POP Culture Exhibition Suite,
NIU Art Museum, DeKalb. www.niu.edu/artmuseum.
Jan. 21: Strike, guest artists, 8 p.m., Recital Hall,
NIU Music Building, www.niu.edu/music.
Jan. 25-30: Quilt and Needle Arts Walk, Quilts,
embroidery, knitting, needle point displayed downtown
Genoa, in Main Street businesses. Demonstrations, activities,
merchant specials. www.genoamainstreet.com.
Jan. 28: Sycamore Chamber Annual Meeting,
11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. www.sycamorechamber.com.
Jan. 28-31: “Private Lives,” NIU School of Theatre &
Dance, DeKalb. www.niu.edu/theatre.
Jan. 30: Winter Fundraiser with Thomas Edison,
Sycamore History Museum. www.sycamorehistory.org
Feb. 9: NIU Philharmonic concert (Concerto
Competition winners), Lucia Matos, director and Chamber
Choir, Eric Johnson, director, 8 p.m., Boutell Memorial
Concert Hall, NIU Music Building, www.niu.edu/music.
Feb. 11: Avalon String Quartet, 8 p.m., Boutell Memorial
Concert Hall, NIU Music Building, www.niu.edu/music
Feb. 18-21, 25-28: Metamorphoses, NIU School of
Theatre & Dance, DeKalb. www.niu.edu/theatre.
Feb. 18: NIU Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, and NIU
Philharmonic concert in conjunction with Morten
Lauridsen residency, 8 p.m., Boutell Memorial Concert Hall,
NIU Music Building, www.niu.edu/music.
Feb. 21: “Gaelic Storm Live,” Egyptian Theatre,
downtown DeKalb. www.egyptianTheatre.org.
Feb. 21: NIU University Band, Kenneth Joseph, director,
7 p.m., Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, NIU Music Building,
www.niu.edu/music.
Feb. 22: NIU Wind Symphony concert, Thomas Bough,
director, 8 p.m., Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, NIU Music
Building, www.niu.edu/music.
Feb. 22-23: Family Service Agency’s Bowl For Kids’
Sake, 5-8 p.m., NIU Huskies Den. For details,
call (815) 758-8616 or visit www.realsolutionstoday.org.
Jan. 30: Groundhog Gala Fundraiser for the Midwest
Museum of Natural History, Sycamore. www.mmnh.org.
Feb. 23: NIU Jazz ComboFest, 6:30 p.m.,
FEBRUARY
Feb. 28: Downtown DeKalb Wedding Walk. Bring the
entire wedding party to see all the vendors, special discounts,
and fashion show designed to help make planning your
special event fun for everyone. www.ReNewDeKalb.com.
Feb. 1-April 21: DeKalb Ag Collection, Nehring Gallery,
South Second Street, downtown DeKalb (above DeKalb
Chamber). History of Agriculture through memorabilia of the
Ag Alumni Association. www.NehringGallery.org.
Feb. 3-7: “Private Lives,” NIU School of Theatre & Dance,
DeKalb. www.niu.edu/theatre.
Feb. 6: Chocolate Walk, downtown Genoa. Fabulous day of
chocolate. Free samples of chocolate, cake, drinks, & fondue.
www.GenoaMainStreet.com.
Feb. 7: Have a Heart! Kids Science Series at the Midwest
Museum of Natural History, Sycamore. www.mmnh.org.
74
The House Café, 263 E. Lincoln Hwy., www.niu.edu/music.
Feb. 28: Kishwaukee Symphony Orchestra, AMD Young
Artists Concerto Competition, NIU Music Building
Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, DeKalb.
www.Kishwaukeeorchestra.org.
Feb. 28: Family Service Agency’s Bowl For Kids’ Sake,
10 a.m.-2 p.m.., Idle Hour Lanes, Sandwich. For details,
MARCH
March 1: Jazz Lab Band concert, Rodrigo Villanueva,
director and University Jazz Band, Shawn Bell & Xavier
Breaker, directors, 8 p.m., Boutell Memorial Concert Hall,
NIU Music Building. Live HD webcast:
www.niu.edu/music/media/webcasts.
March 25: Jim Phelps & Michael Taylor, faculty and
student computer music recital, 8 p.m., Recital Hall,
NIU Music Building. www.niu.edu/music.
March 25-27: French Tournees Film Festival, Egyptian
Theatre, downtown DeKalb. www.egyptianTheatre.org.
March 25-28: Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead,
March 4: Wind Ensemble concert, Ronnie Wooten,
NIU School of Theatre & Dance, DeKalb. www.niu.edu/theatre.
director, 8 p.m. Boutell Memorial Concert Hall,
NIU Music Building. Live HD webcast:
www.niu.edu/music/media/webcasts.
March 26: Opera Workshop presents Wolfgang
Amadeus Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro”, 8 p.m.,
March 4-14: “Music Man,” Stage Coach Players Theatre,
South Fifth Street, DeKalb. www.stagecoachers.com.
March 5-7: Family Service Agency’s Bowl For Kids’
Sake, Mardi Gras Lanes, DeKalb. For details,
March 7: All About Rocks, Kids Science Series at the
Midwest Museum of Natural History, downtown Sycamore.
www.mmnh.org.
March 13: Genoa Chamber of Commerce’s Home &
Business Expo, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Genoa-Kingston High School.
March 15: Michael Spiro & Pete Ellingson, guest artists
recital, 6:30 p.m., Recital Hall, NIU Music Building.
www.niu.edu/music.
March 18: Due East Concert, Greg Beyer, percussion
faculty member and Erin Lesser, guest flute, 8 p.m.,
Recital Hall, NIU Music Building. www.niu.edu/music.
Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, NIU Music Building. Ticketed
Event. Live HD webcast: www.niu.edu/music/media/webcasts.
March 27: Beach Party, Main Street Genoa.
Forget the cold. Beach themed retail event with food, music,
and merchant specials. www.GenoaMainStreet.com.
March 28: Martina McBride & Trace Adkins. He’s a tall
drink of water and she’s one hot mama and for one night they
will come together for an unforgettable performance at NIU’s
Convocation Center. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., for the 7:30
p.m. show. Tickets on sale Friday, Feb. 5, at 10 a.m. Tickets
are $59.75 for lower bowl and reserved floor seating and
$49.75 upper bowl reserved seats. Purchase them at the NIU
Convocation Center Box Office, 1525 W. Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb;
www.niuconvo.com, (815) 752-6800; all Ticketmaster outlets,
charge by phone (800) 745-3000, or at www.ticketmaster.com.
March 28: Opera Workshop presents Wolfgang
Amadeus Mozart’s “The Marriage of Figaro,” 3 p.m.,
Boutell Memorial Concert Hall, NIU Music Building. Ticketed
Event, Live HD webcast: www.niu.edu/music/media/webcasts.
March 20: Big Air BMX Triples World
Tour, 7:30 p.m. Action Sports event
producer ASA Entertainment (ASA) kicks
off its 2010 season at NIU’s Convocation
Center in DeKalb. The top men will take
on the challenge of the 180-foot long BMX
course consisting of a 25-foot high drop-in
ramp, two 25-foot wide jumps and a courseending quarter-pipe, all while grabbing ‘big
air’ to perform their flips, flairs, whips and
spins for the event title. Prices range from
$37 for reserved floor seats to $22 for upper
bowl seating. NIU students will receive
a $4 discount with a valid NIU OneCard.
For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com,
by phone at 800-745-3000, or at the NIU
Convocation Center Box Office, 1525 W.
Lincoln Hwy., DeKalb; www.niuconvo.com,
(815) 752-6800.
March 24: Ron White Behavioral
Problems Tour, Egyptian Theatre, downtown
DeKalb. www.egyptianTheatre.org.
Where life happens.
75
76Ad
dex
Alphagraphics............................................................................................................26
Ben Gordon Center...................................................................................................27
Busch, Kevin T............................................................................................................47
Collins Dental.............................................................................................................78
Creative Therapeutics...............................................................................................71
Culver’s.......................................................................................................................25
D&D Jewelers............................................................................................................24
Dan’s Custom Painting..............................................................................................55
DeKalb Clinic.............................................................................................................43
DeKalb Taylor Municipal Airport..............................................................................75
Dental Dimensions....................................................................................................19
Doherty, Tom..............................................................................................................48
Farrell, John E............................................................................................................48
FitWorkz......................................................................................................................63
Floor to Ceiling............................................................................................................5
Foot & Ankle Centers................................................................................................72
Gallagher-Chami, Sarah....................................................................................2, 3, 47
G’Fellers Construction & Design..............................................................................60
Hauser-Ross Eye Institute & Surgicenter.................................................................33
Hoadley, Wes.............................................................................................................47
ICCU...........................................................................................................................68
KCDEE........................................................................................................................41
Kishwaukee Community College.............................................................................77
Kishwaukee Community Hospital..............................................................................4
Mercy Health System.............................................................................................8, 73
Meyers Furniture........................................................................................................18
Midwest Orthopaedic Institute..................................................... 26, 27, back cover
Morelli, Fred M..........................................................................................................46
New York Life, Douglas J. Moore.............................................................................17
NIU Convocation Center...........................................................................................53
Ralph’s Car Wash & Detail Center............................................................................52
Rea, Charles...............................................................................................................45
Rondo.........................................................................................................................69
Scott, Roger A............................................................................................................48
Stomp Shoes, Boots & Accessories.........................................................................61
Swanson Discount Vaccum.......................................................................................42
Sweet Earth................................................................................................................72
Valley West Community Hospital.............................................................................79
76
The generation that changed society,
perceptions, & expectations is doing it again.
Introducing Boomer Plus--classes that defy age.
T’ai Chi Ch’uan
Yoga
Woodcarving
Painting
Fitness
Computer
Pottery
Stained Glass
Travel
Quilting
Languages
Gardening
Fly Fishing
Dance
Want to know more?
Contact the Center for Business Development and Continuing Education at
Kishwaukee College 815-825-2086, ext. 2040 or email ce@kishwaukeecollege.edu
Where life happens.
77
FIRST CONSULTATION
WITH OUR DENTIST IS
FREE
Smile Brighter.
Laugh L o n g e r.
All of our dentists live in and are active members of our community.
Collins Dental Group has been serving DeKalb County's dental care needs for over 25 years.
Offering top quality comprehensive dental care at competitive pricing. Extended evening and Saturday hours are available.
New Patients Welcome!
Dr. Dennis Collins
Dr. Stephen Woodrick
Dr. Bryce Deter
Dr. Amy Newkirk
Dr. MaryAnn Wines
8 1 5.758 . 3 6 6 6 | 2025 Aberdeen Court, Sycamore
www. c o l l i n s d e n ta l g r o u p. c o m
78
Where life happens.
79
WE’RE OPEN AT OUR NEW LOCATION
ALL YOUR ORTHOPAEDIC NEEDS UNDER ONE ROOF
Come meet our team of physicians in Sandwich:
Tony Choi, M.D.
John F. Lacart, M.D., F.A.A.O.S.
Shane York, D.P.M.
Orthopaedic Surgeon
Shoulder and Elbow
Orthopaedic Surgeon
General
Podiatric Surgeon
Foot and Ankle
WE LOOK FORWARD TO WORKING WITH YOU.
(815)
786 - 6000
w w w. M - O - I . c o m
E Center St
E Railroad St
W Center St
W Railroad St
Terry St
Wells St
Pearl St
W Water St
S Main St
S Wolfe St
80
W Hall St
S Green St
207 E. Church, Ste A
Sandwich, IL 60548
W 34
E Hall St
Co Hwy 28
Old Rt 34
E Church St
E College St
34
E 3rd St
Dayton St
h St
Churc
Reimann Ave
W 2nd St
Elm St
N Lafayette St
N Eddy St
N Main St
W 3rd St
N Latham St
6th St
Lisbon St
Co Hwy 3
Griswold Springs Rd

reaches out - InVironments Magazine

Transcription

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