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Jo-Carroll Energy Staffer Kisses Pig for Charity

Jo-Carroll Energy’s vice president of human resources Merri Sevey puckered up to kiss a pig as part of an employee-driven fundraiser to benefit the American Red Cross recently.

During the past month Jo-Carroll Energy senior staff members participated in a “Kiss the Pig” silver drop, raising $660 in employee donations. Employees donated their spare change to whichever senior staff member they wanted to see kiss a pig—silver coins were positive points while pennies and bills meant negative points. Local farmer Tom Arnold brought a baby pig to the October employee meeting at the co-op for the big reveal of the winner.

The competition was fierce during the month, spurred by a “Rock the Pink” day with the staff member wearing the most pink receiving a generous donation of pennies to their jar and the least pink a contribution of silver. The competition was neck-and-neck between Sevey and Kyle Buros, chief operating officer, until the last day of the fundraiser. Sevey contends that questionable campaign tactics may have tipped the balance. In the end, Sevey swept the competition accumulating the most points in the silver drop, followed by Dorothy Young, executive assistant.

“It’s not really an award you want to win, but it was for a good cause,” Sevey noted. “The event was a lot of fun for all the employees, and the purpose was to benefit a good cause.”

Other senior staff members participating included Michael Hastings, president and CEO; Jennifer Skien, vice president of member services; John Cox, vice president of external affairs and general counsel; and Tracy Heidenreich, chief financial officer. The money raised was donated to two area chapters of the Red Cross—the Gateway chapter that serves Whiteside County and the Northwest Illinois chapter serving Jo Daviess and Carroll counties.

The silver drop fundraiser was a part of October Co-op Month activities at Jo-Carroll Energy. An American Red Cross Blood Drive coincided with a member appreciation event on Oct. 8 at the co-op’s Elizabeth headquarters. The co-op exceeded its goal of 25 units with 29 units donated and 32 donors at the drive.

During October, co-op employees and directors greeted more than 500 members at appreciation days held throughout the cooperative’s service territory at Elizabeth, Savanna, Fulton and Erie. A free hot dog lunch was served at each event, and children were encouraged to “dress like a lineman” and have their photo taken.

Jo-Carroll Energy joins with cooperatives across the nation in celebrating National Cooperative Month in October. This year is particularly special as the United Nations designated 2012 at the International Year of Cooperatives, recognizing that “Cooperative enterprises build a better world.” The year-long celebration at Jo-Carroll Energy kicked off in October 2011.

As part of the ongoing celebration cooperative employees have supported a variety of local charities with “T-Shirt Fridays”—a fundraiser that allows employees to wear t-shirts (featuring “Cooperatives build a better world” and “Power of Community” themes) to work by making a $1 contribution. The money raised is donated to a different employee nominated local organization or charity each month.

Jo-Carroll Energy employees and board members also are tracking their volunteer hours, with a goal of reaching a collective total of 2012 hours for the year.

“Jo-Carroll Energy is proud to be a part of America’s cooperative network,” said Hastings. “We think activities like this demonstrate what being a cooperative really means, and our commitment to our local communities.”

Across the nation, 29,000 co-ops and credit unions employ more than 850,000 people and generate nearly $500 billion in revenue. Cooperatives are recognized for the qualities that make the business model unique: local democratic control, commitment to supporting the communities they serve, capital credits and special benefits and services.

For more information on Jo-Carroll Energy, visit the cooperative’s website at www.jocarroll.com.

Lanark Municipal Building Update: Glass was installed in the front window frames on Friday, Oct. 19. Inside, they were warming up the concrete to be able to apply the flooring. Still on track for a completion date before Thanksgiving. (PA photo/John Huggins)

Students from Pat Fuller’s EMT-Basic class along with other ambulance members and firemen participated in an extrication training class held at Northwest Body in Mount Carroll on October 27th. (PA photo/Lynnette Forth)

FFA Reporters Workshop

This year, 2 members of the Milledgeville FFA attended the State Reporters Workshop at Kishwaukee College on September 12. Our Chapter Reporter, Emily Kleckler and our Chapter Historian, Becca Alexander attended a training session given by the State FFA Reporter. During this training, our members were able to learn about proper reporting techniques, team building, and unique photography.

Members of the Chadwick Lamplighters HCE collected items for the Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll hygiene kit drive. Items included hand towels, washcloths, soap, combs and other essential personal hygiene items to be donated to The Great River Outreach. For more information call Anna Gray, resource development director, at 815-244-7715. (Courtesy of Anna Gray)

Good Samaritan Society-Mount Carroll hosted a “Picket Fence on Parade” contest as part of their 42nd anniversary Founder’s Day celebration. More than two dozen pickets were entered and displaying some of the unique artworks are staff members (left) Amanda Ginnerberge, Laura Stephens, resident Mildred Diehl, Jean Schmidt and Amy Sedivy. (Courtesy of Anna Gray)

Mount Carroll Rotary Club delivered dictionaries to 52 third grade students at Eastland Middle School in Shannon, IL on Oct. 23, 2012. This is the fifth year that the club has provided dictionaries to Eastland third graders as part of the club’s literacy program. Pictured with a group of Eastland third graders are Rotarians (L to R) Paul Tobin, Dick Noble and Mike Risko, with Ed Juracek (kneeling).

The Milledgeville Elementary Week 7 Thumbs Up Winners are, left to right in front row:Jace Urish, Lillian Ebersole, Kendra Hutchison, Bryce McKenna, Kaige Ferrell. Back row: Colton Hendrick, Colton Stahl, Cayden Akers, Dimetri Garza, JayCee Christensen.

Attending the “Illinois Governor’s Day” at the Illinois State Fair are left, Juanita R. Randklev, Carroll County Board member, who is presently running for another term, and right, Lieutenant Governor Sheila Simon. In conjunction with that event a presentation was given at the Crown Plaza Hotel, August 15, in Springfield featuring Gov. Pat Quinn, Attorney General Lisa Madigan and U.S. Senator Dick Durbin. The event was sponsored by the Democratic County Chairmen’s Association.

Leadership Training School

The FFA Chapter attended Section 2 Leadership Training School at Ashton-Franklin Center High School on October 9th. The following members attended: Allen Osterhaus, Baily Queckboerner, Alex Fink, Lauren Hackbarth, Ashlynn Shores, Kolton Morgan, Lane Rahn, and Becca Alexander. The members took part in many team bonding activites. They also learned many leadership qualities. Members were able to listen to a keynote address from the State Reporter, Courtney Gerstenecker.

Some of the team bonding activites the members took part in were the human table, the tent, the listening game, and the leadership test. The human table and tent needed strength and the ability to work together for it to happen. The listening game made members listen for a certain word and they had to match back up with their partner. The leadership test told each member the type of leader they are.

This was an overall great experience for the Chadwick Milledgeville FFA members.

Section 1 FFA Holds
Leadership Training School

The Section 1FFA Leadership Training School (LTS) was hosted at Eastland High School on Wednesday, October 17th, 2012. The purpose of LTS is for the section members to meet the officers serving their section, and for the chapter officers to learn more about FFA and to bring all the information back to their chapters to serve their chapters to the very best of their abilities. At LTS the Section 1 FFA officers each put on a power session covering a subject of their choice. Section 1 President Cory Snetcher spoke about the Program of Activities(POA). The State FFA Vice President Dalton Heaver and Section 1 Vice President Briana Bendorf covered Heritage and Coopertive Award Programs. Section 1 Reporter Brooke Krippendorf and Section 1 Sentinel Kody Miller informed the members about the 52 different FFA Proficiency Award Areas. Section 1 Secretary Landon Baumgartner and Section 1 Treasurer Luke Jeffery educated the members on the Career Development Events (CDE’s) and what they consist of. Each LTS participant was given time to sit through each power session. Along with the power sessions available for the night the FFA Greenhand Quiz Bowl Competition was held. Only first year FFA members were allowed to participate, but they were quizzed on their knowledge of the FFA and its history. When the tournament was finished the placings were as follows: 1st Place - West Carroll #1, 2nd - Scales Mound #1, 3rd - Pearl City, 4th - West Carroll #2, 5th - Lena-Winslow #1, 6th - River Ridge, 7th – Lena-Winslow #2, 8th - Scales Mound #2, 9th – Dakota, and 10th – Forreston. Following the Power Sessions and Greenhand Quiz Bowl members enjoyed a keynote address by State FFA Vice President Dalton Heavner. As part of LTS members were asked to bring canned goods, and they were able to chose which section officer’s box they would like to put their food in. The officer at the end of the night with the most canned food items was to get a pie in the face. The night was wrapped up with a room full of laughter as Brooke Krippendorf (Reporter) received a pie to the face from Dalton Heavner.

State Regulators Crack Down on Unlicensed Sales of Colored Contact Lenses

The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) announced today that a convenience store in central Illinois surrendered 41 boxes and 54 single containers of non-prescription colored contact lenses to IDFPR. The lenses have an approximate retail value of $1,600. The Department’s investigators were tipped off by a school nurse who contacted our office because a student sustained an eye injury from wearing contact lenses he/she purchased from a convenience store in town. Colored lenses purchased without proper examinations and fittings put thousands of Illinois customers at risk of scratches, infections and potential blindness.

“Young people and their parents need to be aware that a prescription and proper fitting by a licensed professional is mandatory, even for colored, cosmetic contact lenses,” said Susan Gold, Acting Secretary, IDFPR. “Protecting consumers from unnecessary danger of infection is an important part of our responsibility as regulators.”

Only eye care professionals licensed in Illinois are authorized to prescribe contact lenses. There are almost 2,000 licensed optometrists in Illinois and many have reported seeing patients who have suffered from infections or corneal scratches as a result of contact lens problems. Because contact lenses sit directly on the cornea and limit the amount of oxygen reaching the eye, all contact lenses pose some risk to wearers. Sales of contact lenses to consumers without a valid prescription are considered the unlicensed practice of optometry and subject to cease and desist orders and civil fines of up to $10,000.

In addition to scratches from ill fitting lenses, bacteria build within the eye very rapidly and can cause infections. Some types of bacteria can cause permanent scarring within twenty hours of the outbreak, if left untreated. While the infection may look like pinkeye, an easily treated eye infection, contact lenses can cause eye ulcers which must be treated with strong antibiotic medicine. If left untreated, ulcers can cause partial or total irreversible blindness.

Because the health risk is serious and most of the customers seeking cosmetic contact lenses are teens and young adults, IDFPR is partnering with the Illinois State Board of Education and the Department of Public Health to alert teachers, administrators and health care professionals in every school district and county in the state about the serious health and vision problems facing young people and warning signs to look for in their students and patients.

Illinois residents are encouraged to notify state officials if they see lenses for sale at retail outlets that do not require a prescription from a licensed eye-care professional. Consumers can file complaints at http://www.idfpr.com or by calling our consumer hotline number at 1-888-4REGUL8 (1-888-473-4858).

Common Sense Tips for Safe Use

Wear contact lenses only if they are fitted and prescribed by an eye-care professional.

Do not purchase lenses from flea markets, beauty supply stores or costume shops.

Never swim while wearing contact lenses. There is a risk of eye infection when contact lenses come into contact with bacteria found in pool water.

Make sure lenses are properly cleaned, disinfected and stored.

Wash your hands before handling your contact lenses.

Never swap or share your contact lenses with anyone else.

Never sleep while wearing contact lenses unless they are extended wear lenses specifically designed for that purpose.

Follow manufacturer’s or eye-care professional’s instructions to replace and discard used lenses.

Minimize Risk of Infection

Replace your contact lens case every 3-6 months.

Use fresh, sterile water every time you clean your lenses.

Always use fresh contact solution.

Remove your lenses at night, even if they are designed for extended wear – they reduce the amount of oxygen that gets to the cornea which can stress your eyes and make them more prone to infection.

Symptoms of Eye Irritation or Infection – Seek Professional Care Immediately

- Discomfort, swelling and/or pain

- Excessive tearing or other discharge

- Unusual sensitivity to light

- Itching, burning or gritty feeling

- Unusual redness

- Blurred vision

Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford Announces $600,000 I-Cash Claim

Imagine finding out that you have more than $600,000 in unclaimed cash. Illinois State Treasurer Dan Rutherford says that’s exactly what is happening to one Chicago-area man, who will soon enjoy a nearly $662,000 check because stock companies and insurance companies transferred unclaimed property to the treasurer’s office in this person’s name. This claimant found the property through the I-Cash program. The claimant is choosing not to be identified, and the treasurer’s office cannot legally release the man’s name without permission.

In late September, Rutherford delivered an $8.1 million check to Tenneco, Inc. “That check was the largest in the history of the treasurer’s office’s Unclaimed Property Division,” said Rutherford. “I’m pleased to see another large check go out to an individual because it was his property, and now he can use it to further stimulate the economy.”

The treasurer’s Unclaimed Property Division’s costs, including staff, computers and travel, are paid for through the Unclaimed Property Trust Fund, and not by tax dollars.

The I-Cash program helps reunite owners with their unclaimed property. The Unclaimed Property Division has more than $1.6 billion in cash, plus contents from Illinois safe deposit boxes that have been inactive for at least five years. During Rutherford’s first year in office, the program marked the first time in history that the treasurer’s office returned more than $100 million to the people who owned those assets. The total for 2011 was $101,679,655, a 23 percent increase over the previous year. In the past, the I-Cash program returned about $80 million annually to owners. It’s common for people to lose track of their assets when they move or when loved ones pass away. Businesses and banks are required to turn over unclaimed accounts to the treasurer’s office.

Some examples of unclaimed property currently held by the treasurer’s office include the following:

Money from inactive savings and checking accounts

Unpaid wages or commissions

Stocks, bonds and mutual funds

Money orders and bill overpayments

Paid-up life insurance policies

Safe deposit box contents.

To find out if you have unclaimed property through I-Cash, you can visit the treasurer’s website at www.treasurer.il.gov and follow the I-Cash link. The website is updated weekly to reflect new properties remitted to the office. Additionally, our I-Cash teams conduct regular outreach across the state, place twice-annual notices in newspapers and send direct mail to new single-owner claimants with property worth more than $100. You can contact the Unclaimed Property Division by calling 217-785-6998 or emailing info@Icash.Illinois.gov, although searches cannot be completed by telephone.

Public Transportation in Whiteside County

Whiteside County Residents - we do have Public Transportation available for you. If you are without a ride to the hair dresser, grocery, doctor’s office, etc. give us a call as soon as you know you need a ride(at least 24-48 hours), 815-589-3925 from 9-2pm Monday through Friday, leave a message.

If you need assistance after hours please call 888-622-9230. For more information call the River Bend Senior Center & Transit or go to www.riverbendseniorcenter.org

HCC Gallery Features Faculty Art

The Highland Gallery will feature works of art created by current HCC Visual Arts faculty members from November 1 through December 6, 2012. This annual event will begin with an opening reception from 4:30 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 1, at the Highland Gallery.

“Faculty members of the HCC Visual Arts department are professional artists, as well as teachers, working within a diverse range of media, content, and imagery. Their individualized styles and approach creates an exhibit showcasing traditional through contemporary concerns,” explains Highland Gallery Director Robert Apolloni. “A faculty art exhibition, comprised solely of works created by faculty members, is scholarship – and this exhibit illustrates the commitment of HCC Visual Arts faculty to pursue continued research and artistry outside of the class room setting.”

Recent works by faculty will be on display and available for contemplation, stimulation, and discussion as the feature exhibit of the fall 2012 semester. To celebrate the College’s 50th Anniversary, 50 percent of all sales as a result of this exhibit will be donated to Friends of Fine Arts and specifically earmarked for the Visual Arts.

This exhibit also provides the college and community populace with an opportunity to view the art faculty as professional artists; and not solely as instructors. Students and instructors change roles as instructor work is now offered for discussion and critique by students.

Reed Bakken will exhibit a diverse selection of pottery. Reed’s main concentration is defining his role as a potter concerned for craftsmanship, balance and beauty. “Oriental influence dominates my work. The craftsman loses himself in his work, which creates a freer piece with more spirit,” says Bakken. “It is a blend of earth, man and fire; a simple approach to pottery, which I hope you enjoy. I feel we need more beauty in this world today. If I can accomplish a few special pots in my lifetime – ones that sing with spirit – then I would be truly blessed.”

Jim Planting exhibits jewelry and metalwork. “This work continues to explore a fascination with spirituality, or my vision of it. Works feed the thoughts, which feed the works. Each idea forms the seed of a meditation,” says Planting. “Each meditation may have numerous sessions until the core idea is translated into the medium that is most appropriate.”

Sam Tucibat will exhibit computer-assisted photographs. “My photographic compositions are created from individual images captured amidst the natural beauty and rustic architecture of northwest Illinois, near the Mississippi River” explains Tucibat. “Original photographs are combined and manipulated in the digital darkroom to create a result that is visually unique, but preserves the spirit of the places in which the photographs were taken.”

Robert Apolloni will exhibit his latest series of mixed media drawings. “Drawings begin by allowing diverse materials such as paint, printmaking ink, soda pop, vinegar, solvents and mud to examine the surface of rag paper in seemingly uncontrolled manner,” says Apolloni. “This process creates dramatic changes on and in the paper, which may suggest the next step, path or approach in continuing to work with the drawing.”

Linda Adams-Foat will exhibit her recent exploration into using non-traditional, recycled materials to create costumes. The use of this genre of products leads to exciting and challenging possibilities. In her effort to promote the “green” philosophy into her daily life she is continually searching for new ways to repurpose someone else’s trash. While textiles are her main medium, she enjoys little detours into the world of possibilities that other materials provide.

Highland Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information about the gallery or Highland’s Visual Arts program, contact Robert Apolloni at 815.599.3479 or bob.apolloni@highland.edu.

We Sing for Their Supper

Sunday, November 18th the churches of Morrison will unite in song for We Sing for Their Supper. This original performance features the musical culture of each church and a combined choir of all the churches. The concert will be held at Ebenezer Reformed Church at 6:00 PM. There is no admission charge but a free will offering will be taken to benefit the Food Pantry and the Christmas Helping Hands.

Each participating church will sing two numbers of their choosing culminating in a combined choir. The music for the combined choir: “Ain’t Got Time to Die” (soloist Rich Criss), “Bless This House” and “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing,” is under the direction of Kathy Janicek and John Frame. Organists for the evening are Rich Criss, Pat Cassens, and Marguerite Clark.

The Food Pantry and the Christmas Helping Hands are vital programs in our community benefitting all those who struggle in this depressed economy. Thanksgiving is near. As the choirs lift their voices in song, may we gather together to help the people of our community with our presence and a generous offering.

Carroll County 4-H Achievement Program

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Program Coordinator, 4-H & Youth

Come one, come all to the Carroll County 4-H Achievement Program to honor our county 4-H’ers for their hard work and accomplishments for the past 4-H year.

The program is scheduled for Sunday, November 4, at 2:00 p.m., at Naaman Diehl Auditorium in Mt. Carroll. We will be giving out many awards for individual and club accomplishments, first year members, county award winners, volunteer recognition, plus much more. Every 4-H family is encouraged to attend.

Following the awards program ice cream sundaes will be served. For more information contact Leanne Rahn at the Carroll County University of Illinois Extension at 815-244-9444 or e-mail at lrahn@illinois.edu.

Computer Art SPIN Club To Meet

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Program Coordinator, 4-H & Youth

The next meeting of the Carroll County Computer Art SPIN club will be Saturday, November 10, from 1:00-5:00 pm, at the Clinton Community College Technology Center, at 1951 Manufacturing Dr., Clinton Iowa. The group is for all 4-H & non4-H youth between the ages of 10 and 18 years old by September 1.

You will have the opportunity to learn how to create art on a computer, work with photography on the computer, and learn about software that is available. This is a hands-on learning group that will meet for a total of six times.

For more information contact University of Illinois Carroll Co. Extension Office at 815-244-9444 or Leanne Rahn at lrahn@illinois.edu.

Carroll County 4-H Jr. Ambassador Group To Meet

By Leanne Rahn, Carroll County Program Coordinator, 4-H & Youth

The Carroll County Junior Ambassador group is recruiting 6-8th grade 4-H’ers and non-4-H’ers for the 2012-2013 4-H year.

At their monthly meetings last year, they planned a community service learning project, how to access needs in their communities and learned to work as a team through hands on activities.

The first meeting of the new-year for the Jr. Ambassadors will be Monday, November 19, at 6:30 p.m. in the Extension Office Meeting room in Mt. Carroll. Contact Leanne Rahn at the Carroll County University of Illinois Extension Office for more information on how to join the Jr. Ambassador team. Please call 815-244-9444 or e-mail lrahn@illinois.edu. Bring a friend.

New 4-H Robotics Spin Club Offered

Ever wondered what it would be like to see your LEGO creations come to life? The University of Illinois Extension is running a LEGO robotics club for grades 2-6. Kids will work to construct robots out of LEGOs and solve some interesting challenges while learning to program their robot. Each session provides a hands-on learning experience for each child. The WeDo LEGO robotic kits and software, provided by University of Illinois Extension, will actively engage children’s creative thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Beginning October 30th, the Robotics Club will be held at Sauk Valley Community College every Tuesday evening from 5:00-6:00 for six weeks. The cost is 20 dollars for each child. This is to help cover the cost of the software, LEGO kits, and snack provided. If your child is interested, register online at http://web.extension.illinois.edu/clw.

Renewable Energy Workshop

Renewable energy may be a way to reduce your energy bills for your home, farm, or small business. Come learn about wind, solar, and/or biomass options at the upcoming Renewable Energy Workshop. Information will be presented that will help you make the decision of which option might be right for your needs.

The Renewable Energy Workshop will be offered by the University of Illinois Extension and Highland Community College. The workshop will be held on Saturday, November 10 from 9 a.m. to noon at the Highland Community College Wind Turbine Technician Training Center (building E, use parking lot B).

Residential, farm and light industry applications will be the focus of the sessions

· Small and distributed wind applications

· Solar: photo voltaic and thermal

· Biomass for heat and power

· Grid integration of renewable source electricity

In addition to the presentations, participants will get to view the HCC wind turbine and grid interconnection, internal components of a midsize turbine, a demonstration solar tracking array, and a small biomass gasification unit in action. Presenters will include Extension Educators and Staff from the Wind Technology Department at Highland Community College.

Pre-registration is requested for the Renewable Energy Workshop by calling the University of Illinois Extension at 815-235-4125 or on-line at web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw. Registration cost is $5 per person if registered by November 8, late registration is $10.

Autumn Joys of Gardening

The University of Illinois Extension Master Gardeners of Stephenson County invite you to attend the 2012 Autumn Joys of Gardening. Autumn Joys of Gardening will be held on Saturday, November 10 from 8:30 a.m. to Noon at the Lena Community Center (lower level), 497 Lions Drive, Lena.

The keynote presentation “Building and Maintaining a Cutting Garden” will be presented by Jeanie McKewan, Owner and Founder of Brightflower Nursery in Stockton, IL. Brightflower Nursery is a four acre organic nursery that produces vegetables, herbs, edible and ornamental flowers as well as cut flowers. Jeanie’s presentation will describe how to create a cutting garden in your yard using annuals, perennials and shrubs that will provide cut flowers from May through the Holiday decorating season.

Following the Keynote, Extension Educator, Candice Miller will present “Utilizing Dried Flowers from Your Garden.” Learn several different drying methods to preserve flowers for years of enjoyment. Discussion will include harvesting methods, hang drying, covering method and glycerinizing. Following will be a hands-on workshop on how to make dried flower swag to hang on your wall. All material for the workshop will be provided, but feel free to bring any flowers from your own garden that you would like to learn how to dry.

The last class of the day will be “Creating Fresh Fall Floral Arrangements” presented by U of I Program Coordinator, Nikki Keltner. This discussion and demonstration will show participants how to create simple floral arrangements using fresh flowers. Learn tips and techniques on how to create fresh floral arrangements at home and the tools you will need to complete fresh flower arrangements. Participants will then get to create their very own fresh arrangement to take home. All materials will be provided.

Pre-registration is required to attend Autumn Joys of Gardening and can be completed on line at web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw or by calling the U of I Extension at (815) 235-4125. Registration cost is $20 and includes the two make and take projects as well as handouts. Registration is limited to the first 40 people.

‘Home for the Holidays’ Concert

Freeport Choral Society will present its Advent Concert entitled “Home for the Holidays” on November 18th, 2012 at 3:00 p.m. at St. John United Church of Christ, 1010 S. Park Blvd., Freeport. Jim Davis of Freeport conducts the society choir as well as the Community Handbell Choir. Randy Cook will provide keyboard accompaniment, and Patty Weik will be on percussion.

A wide variety of styles of music will be featured in this concert from Mendelssohn to spiritual, folk music to popular. Familiar songs and a few that may be new are included. There is no admission, but an offering will be taken.

Visit our Facebook page – Freeport Choral Society. For any further information, please contact Gwynne French, president of the society, at 815-449-2936 or email SongBirdMe@aol.com.

For Greater Glory: First Baptist Church of Mt Carroll Sunday Night Movie

What price would you pay for freedom? In the exhilarating action epic FOR GREATER GLORY an impassioned group of men and women each make the decision to risk it all for family, faith and the very future of their country. The film’s adventure unfolds against the long-hidden, true story of the 1920s Cristero War the daring people¹s revolt that rocked 20th Century North America.

Academy Award® nominee Andy Garcia headlines an acclaimed cast as General Gorostieta, the retired military man who at first thinks he has nothing personal at stake as he and his wife (Golden Globe nominee Eva Longoria) watch Mexico fall into a violent civil war. Yet the man who hesitates in joining the cause will soon become the resistance’s most inspiring and self-sacrificing leader, as he begins to see the cost of religious persecution on his countrymen . . . and transforms a rag-tag band of rebels into a heroic force to be reckoned with.

The General faces impossible odds against a powerful and ruthless government. Yet is those he meets on the journey - youthful idealists, feisty renegades and, most of all, one remarkable teenager named Jose - who reveal to him how courage and belief are forged even when justice seems lost.

You will be moved by this true story of Christian courage and love. Please come this Sunday at 5:00 pm to the First Baptist Church of Mt. Carroll located at 201 S Main Street. There will be free popcorn and refreshments as well. If you have any questions please contact John H McConnel Jr at 815-244-4005.

Groundbreaking for Frances Shimer Memorial Arboretum

The Campbell Center in Mount Carroll will be holding a ground-breaking ceremony for the Frances Shimer Memorial Arboretum on Friday, November 2 at 10:00 am. The public is invited to attend. The ceremony will begin in front of Sawyer House, just inside the campus gates on Seminary Street.

The 14 acre campus contains over 200 trees. Some are well over 100 years old. The campus is home an American chestnut tree that is on the Illinois Register of Big Trees as the largest chestnut tree in Illinois. Visitors to the new arboretum will find about 60 different species and varieties of trees. The new arboretum is named in honor of Frances Shimer, who directed Shimer College from the mid 1850’s until the mid1890’s. During her tenure she was responsible for planting hundreds of trees and shrubs on the grounds.

The first phase of the arboretum, installation of over 50 tree identification sign posts, is almost completed. The ceremony will consist of a short overview of plans to finish the arboretum and a tour of some of the more notable trees. It will end with a reception in Sawyer House where hot cider and cookies will be served.

For more information email Sharon Welton at director@campbellcenter.org

25th Annual Morrison Christmas Walk a 2-Day Affair

It’s time to start making plans for the 25th Annual Morrison Christmas Walk. That’s right… 25 years! In celebrating the silver anniversary, the Morrison Chamber of Commerce hopes to have a bigger and better weekend celebration than ever before. Because of the success of last year, the celebration will continue thru the weekend, giving all segments of the community the chance to participate in some of the festivities. This year’s walk will be held on Friday, November 30, 2012 – Saturday, December 1, 2012. This year’s theme is Silver Bells… of course!

Plans for this year include some slight changes, new additions, as well as traditional favorites. Friday events include a live nativity, crafts at Morrison’s Heritage Museum, and the community Christmas tree lighting. Saturday celebrations include most of the traditional favorites such as the church suppers, decorated windows, and parade, along with new events including the “snowball throw” during the parade and Christmas cocktail concoctions at the local pubs. It is the chamber’s hope to have a weekend of events that keep our residents in Morrison to shop, eat, and have fun. All individuals, businesses, organizations, groups, church, etc. are invited to participate in this year’s event by having entertainment, promotion, open house, special sale, fundraiser, breakfast or supper, parade entry, decoration, etc. If you’ve never participated in the Christmas Walk before, we hope you will this year. Monetary prizes are awarded to parade and window entries.

New ideas are welcome for seasonal themed activities or entertainment that promote your business or organization throughout the weekend. Packets of information can be picked up at the Chamber Office at 221 W. Main Street or downloaded from the website www.morrisonchamber.com. Most forms need to be turned in by November 9; parade entries by November 21. Call 815- 772-3757 for more information.

Eastland Motor Sports Expands Its Product Line

Eastland Motor Sports Inc. in Lanark Il is expanding again! In answer to an ever growing demand from its customers, Eastland Motor Sports Inc has recently added Dixie Chopper residential and commercial zero turn lawn mowers as well as trailers from Lightning and Rance.

The Dixie Chopper line includes mowers from 42” to 72” deck sizes to fit anyone’s needs. They offer mowers to fit any residential and commercial needs. Exceptional ruggedness and an unmatched warranty are just some of the great features of this line. Plus, they are built right here in the United States.

The Lightning Trailer brand is an all aluminum, economical alternative to some of the big name trailer manufactures. They offer trailers of all shapes and sizes from enclosed cargo to open flat beds.

Rance aluminum trailers are a premium trailer company that offers all types of trailers. Goosenecks, stackers, car haulers, open utility trailers, and snowmobile trailers to name a few.

Eastland Motor Sports carries snowmobile trailers in stock, but if you need something they do not have, it can be custom designed and built for you in approximately five weeks. Again, built right here in the United States, by an American company.

Stop in soon and check out the new additions to the lineup at Eastland Motor Sports Inc.

The staff at Eastland Motor Sports Inc. prides itself on selling top quality products at a fair price from American owned companies such as Arctic Cat atv’s, side by sides, and snowmobiles, and now Dixie Chopper mowers, Lightning and Rance aluminum trailers.

Eastland Motor Sports Inc. is located at 110 IL RT 64 in Lanark. Call today at 815-493-6835, or visit www.eastlandmotorsports.com .

Radon Program Offered in 3 Communities

The public, especially homeowners and realtors, are invited to attend a Radon Program, called, “Help Yourself to a Healthy Home - Reduce Your Exposure to Radon.” The program will be held on Wednesday, November 14, at 6 p.m., at the Freeport Public Library, 100 E Douglas Street, Freeport. There is a $5 fee to attend. All participants will receive a free radon test kit to take home and informational handouts.

“Help Yourself to a Healthy Home” will be offered in Galena on Thursday, November 15 at 1 p.m. at the First Community Bank of Galena, 101 Exchange Street, Galena. For more information about the Galena program contact the U of I Extension at (815) 858-2273 or on-line at web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw.

It will also be offered at the Naaman Diehl Auditorium,Carroll County Farm Bureau, 811 S. Clay Street, Mt Carroll, on Thursday, November 15 at 6 p.m. for more information please contact the U of I Extension-Carroll County at (815) 244-9444 or on-line at web.extension.illinois.edu/clw.

Participants will learn how radon enters the home, the dangers of radon, and how to quickly and easily test their home for radon. Participants will also learn how to reduce the level of radon in their home and how to find licensed radon mitigator if they want professional help.

Registration is required by calling the U of I Extension at (815) 235-4125 or online at web.extension.illinois.edu/jsw. “Help Yourself to a Healthy Home”is sponsored by the Stephenson, Jo Daviess, and Carroll County Health Departments and University of Illinois Extension.

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