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More Important NewsParty Like It's 1985 As TLP Presents the New Broadway Musical "The Wedding Singer"
Artistic Director Brad Lyons and Timber Lake Playhouse are totally excited about our third production of the season, the area premiere of the new Broadway musical, The Wedding Singer, running July 2 - 12. Based on Adam Sandler's blockbuster 1998 film, The Wedding Singer brings back all the hair styles, fashions and music trends from the 1980s in a musical comedy sure to knock your Reagan-Era socks off! It's 1985: Madonna rules the charts, Ron and Nancy reign at the White House, and Robbie Hart is New Jersey's #1 wedding singer. He's the life of the every party - until his own fiancée dumps him at the altar. Shot through the heart, Robbie tries to make every wedding as disastrous as his own until he falls in love again with Julia, a banquet hall waitress, who convinces Robbie to help plan her wedding to a Wall Street shark. Is it a nice day for white wedding, or will Robbie lose the girl of his dreams forever? The Wedding Singer lovingly lampoons everything that was "awesome" about the 1980s, from shoulder pads and parachute pants to Rubik's Cubes and Ms. Pac Man. Tribute is paid in full to the icons of the MTV generation including Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, Billy Idol, and Tina Turner. Grab your legwarmers and "Flashdance" your way to the box office, because tickets are going fast. Still to come this season is the bloodcurdling thriller Wait Until Dark, followed by the full-scale production of the new musical comedy hit Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, which is based on the popular 1988 Steve Martin film. The season will close with the international rock 'n' roll musical Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story, which features 20 hits including: "Peggy Sue," "That'll Be The Day," "Oh Boy," Ritchie Valens' "La Bamba," and the Big Bopper's "Chantilly Lace." To reserve tickets for The Wedding Singer or any other performance, call the Timber Lake Playhouse box office today between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. at (815) 244-2035. Adult tickets are $20 and all children and students are $11. Ask about special group rates for groups of 12 or more. Visit our website at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org for a list of specific show dates and times. CASA Graduates
Eleven new Court Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem volunteers recently graduated from the CASA 15th Judicial Circuit training program to serve in Lee, Ogle and Carroll Counties. The Honorable Judge Kathleen Kauffmann (top photo, at right) swore in five of the new volunteers pictured above to serve in Ogle County: (L to R) Ronald Bardell, Laura Bailey, Sherry Piros, Kathy Jamieson and Patti Jennings.
Also shown pictured at right are three of the new volunteers to serve in Lee County. (L to R) Paula McAnally, Todd Roberts and Christy Whitt. Those graduates not shown, Katherine Redding, Jan Nesemeier and Denise Vetter, will serve in Carroll County. (Photos courtesy of Brenda Pinzon)
Friends of TLP
Groharing Next in Line to Head LegionRichard Groharing of Thomson was elected Senior Vice Commander of the Department of Illinois during the American Legion 2nd Division Convention on June 7th, 2009. Groharing is a 1959 graduate of York (Thomson) Community High School and served in the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam Era from 1962 to 1972. He is a 15-year member of the American Legion and has served as Post Adjutant, Post Commander, 13th District Adjutant, Jr. Vice Commander, Sr. Vice Commander, Commander, 2nd Division Asst. Sgt. at Arms, Jr. Vice Commander, Sr. Vice Commander and Commander. His duties will now turn to the American Legion, Department of Illinois, for the Legion year of July 2009 to June 2010. He will take the oath of office at the 91st Convention on July 11th in Springfield. Heartland Pets
These are two of the many kittens residing at Heartland Pet Welfare that are available or will soon be available for adoption. All cats and kittens are spayed or neutered and current on all vaccinations before they are ready to be adopted. If you are looking for a new member of the family that will bring smiles and fun into your life, stop by and meet some of the adorable cats and kittens at the shelter at 2400 Wacker Rd. in Savanna. Call today for an appointment - 815-244-6543.
FFA State Convention '09
Read on the Wild SideThe Hanover Township Library is hosting a summer reading event from now through July 24, 2009 for children in preschool through grade five. Children can read books and give a brief report on the book to earn prizes. Prizes include an Emerald City ice cream cone, Savanna Times Theater movie tickets and a Pizza Hut personal pan pizza. The library will also have a party at the end of their summer reading fun on July 29, 2009. Please visit the Hanover Library to sign up, display your personal "Safari" log and to choose your 1st book(s). Please note that this is not s River Ridge School Disttrict event, and a barcoded library card will be needed (if child does not have one, a parent will need to sign up for one). Johnson Honored By COUNTRYCOUNTRY Financial agent Randy Johnston of Savanna has earned a position on the insurance group's distinguished All American team. Johnston is among a group of more than 300 top COUNTRY agents and agency managers who qualified for the award. COUNTRY has more than 2,000 agents and agency managers in 14 states. This is the eighth time he has been named an All American. Johnston is also a member of the COUNTRY executive club, which is composed of the top 3% of financial representatives. All American is awarded each year by COUNTRY to agents and agency managers who have excelled in identifying insurance products and financial solutions that fit the needs of their clients. Agency managers and agents who receive the award provide outstanding service to their clients. "The All American is among the highest honors a COUNTRY agent or agency manager can receive. Members of our agency force who earn this distinction are those who have shown a true commitment to customers' needs," says Doyle J. Williams, Chief Marketing Officer for COUNTRY. Johnston serves clients from his office at 209 Main St. in Savanna, Illinois. The office phone number is (815) 273-4501. From the FieldsBy Jim Morrison - Extension Educator, Crop Systems, Rockford Extension Center, U of IPotato leafhoppers have been detected in northern Illinois alfalfa fields. Yes, it has been very challenging to harvest alfalfa, but don't forget about this pest. These small, pale-green, wedge-shaped insects represent an important economic threat to alfalfa every year. Potato leafhoppers are "brought" into Illinois each spring from southern states on wind currents. Depending upon temperatures during the summer, three to four generations occur each year. Typically, regrowth from cutting is most at risk for damage from the leafhoppers. The insect has piercing and sucking mouthparts and hence remove fluids while injecting toxins into the alfalfa's vascular system. Plants that have been fed upon display the characteristic "hopper burn", a v-shaped yellowing at leaf tips. Once this symptom is seen, the damage has already been done. Assessing leafhopper numbers and making subsequent management decisions requires the use of a 15-inch diameter sweep net. Insecticide application to conventional alfalfa (as compared to "leafhopper resistant" alfalfa) is justified at these combinations of alfalfa height and potato leafhoppers per sweep: under 3 inches, 0.2 leafhopper; 3 to 6 inches, 0.5 leafhopper; 6 to 12 inches, 1 leafhopper; and 12 inches or taller, 2 leafhoppers. A University of Illinois fact sheet contains more details on the life cycle and management of potato leafhoppers; it is available at this web site http://ipm.illinois.edu/fieldcrops/insects/potato_leafhopper/index.html or from local Extension offices. Farm Bureau Scholarships AvailableThe Stephenson County Farm Bureau Foundation has a number of $500 scholarships available to members and dependents for the 2009-2010 school year. The grants are offered to members in good standing who have completed 30 credit hours at an accredited college, university, or trade school. The $500 scholarships include six General Studies grants, six Ag Studies grants (two provided by the Stephenson County Pork Producers), and two Non-Traditional Student scholarships (for those returning to school after an extended absence or a job displacement). The application deadline has been extended to July 15, and applications can be obtained at the Farm Bureau office, 210 W. Spring Street in Freeport, or online at http://www.stephensoncfb.org Tracking West Nile VirusThe Jo Daviess County Health Department is currently collecting dead birds to send to the lab for analysis to track levels of West Nile Virus in Illinois. If you find a dead bird, please ensure the following criteria are met before you call: 1. The bird is dead, but the carcass is in good condition. Birds should be dead no more than about 48 hours prior to collection, and should not show signs of advanced decomposition (maggots, strong odor, dried or deflated eyes). 2. The bird shows no sign it died of causes other than disease. Birds with obvious injuries such as wounds or missing parts, should not be submitted for testing. Likewise, crushed carcasses and birds found along roadways are not acceptable. 3. The bird must be a one that is acceptable for testing. Some acceptable species are crows, blue jays, grackles, starlings, robins, cardinals, sparrows, finches, hawks and owls. Birds that will not be accepted include pigeons, ducks, geese, chickens, other large birds and endangered species. To help identify the type of bird, see the pictures below. Additional bird images and identification information also is available at http://www.illinoisraptorcenter.org/Field%20Guide/birdguide.html. If your bird meets these requirements please call the environmental health office at 815-777-0283. Anderson Graduates From Cornell CollegeShawna Anderson of Mt. Carroll graduated from Cornell College as part of the class of 2009. Anderson was among 248 to receive a diploma alongside the Cornell College Class of 2009. Cornell is distinctive in U.S. higher education in offering the combination of liberal arts and science study within the One Course At A Time framework in an active residential community. Cornell is featured as one of 40 institutions in Loren Pope's "Colleges That Change Lives" and was cited by the New York Times as one of 20 "stealth powerhouses" among more than 2,500 four-year colleges and universities in the United States. Presentation on Groningen WindmillsRescheduled - July 10 The de Immigrant volunteer millers are pleased to take part in Fulton's tourism events with "Celebrate: Groningen Windmills." This presentation on windmills from the province of Groningen in The Netherlands will be given by Henk Hielema at the Fulton City Hall Council Chambers on Friday, July 10, at 6:30 p.m. The presentation will last approximately 30 minutes and light refreshments will be served. Many of the Dutch who settled in the Fulton area emigrated from the province of Groningen, primarily a Protestant province in the northern part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Fulton's Dutch windmill was constructed in the province of Groningen, and Fulton's millers were trained by millers from Groningen. Henk and June Hielema are the researchers, engineers, and historians of more than 20 model windmills. The windmill models are based on windmills from several European countries. Henk and June have generously donated their collection of model windmills to the City of Fulton and the collection will be housed at the new Windmill Cultural Center, located across the street from de Immigrant windmill in downtown Fulton. The event is free to the public and is handicap accessible. Any questions may be directed to Heidi Kolk at (815) 589-3160. Brat & Barbeque FestThe Lena Community Park District is having a Brat & Barbeque fest. Come join us for brats and barbeque during our Music in the Park, featuring the great sounds of Bluegrass Express. This event is on Sunday, July 12th at 5:00 p.m. If you missed them last year, you won't want to again this year! Please reach Christina Edler, Program Director, at (815) 990-0146 or the park office at (815) 369-5351 with any questions. Young Leader Harvest for All Benefits Local Food PantriesMount Carroll, IL The Carroll County Farm Bureau® Young Leaders will be hosting their 5th Annual Harvest for All on Saturday, July 11th. In the past five years, through the generosity of the farmers in Carroll County, the Young Leaders were able to donate $49,243 to the four food pantries which serve Carroll County. "The Young Leaders used five semis last year to collect any corn a farmer was willing to donate for the program," said Chastity Welch, CCFB Manager. "The corn was then sold to Carroll Service and the proceeds were split between the food banks. This year, the goal is to raise more as our food pantries continue to need supplies. We will be contacting farmers for corn donations in the next few weeks with July 11th set as the day to collect the corn." If you do not have corn to donate but would like to help, the Young Leaders will also take monetary donations. Following the event, the names of all farmers who donated will be published. Any farmer who would be willing to donate to this cause, can contact the Farm Bureau at 815-244-3001. RAB Meeting To Be HeldA Restoration Advisory Board (RAB) meeting will be held on the evening of July 9, 2009 at 6:00 p.m. in Building 247 Conference Room at the Savanna Army Depot. All meetings are open to the public. If you have any questions regarding this Savanna Army Depot meeting, please contact John C. Clarke, BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure) Environmental Coordinator at 815-273-8827 or Cindy Irwin, Savanna Site Manager at 815-273-8311. Two Area Players named To All State TeamEastland's Drew Carroll and Le-Win's Adam Blair were named to the Illinois High School Baseball Coaches Association's Class 1A/2A All State Baseball Team. Drew, who was Eastland's second baseman, batted .435 this year and led the Cougars with 7 home runs, 38 RBIs and 50 hits. His leadoff double in the 8th inning of the Le-Win sectional championship game against Alden-Hebron helped Eastland win their first sectional since 2003 and sent them downstate to their first state tourney berth in school history. He also qualified for a spot downstate with the Eastland/Milledgeville golf team. Drew will attend Clarke College in Dubuque, Iowa and joins the golf program in the fall. Le-Win's Adam Blair also garnered the All State honor. He finished his season by setting school records in total bases (104), runs scored (55), and RBIs (57). He also hit 13 home runs and had 49 hits. Adam hit two homers in the Galena regional championship to eliminate River Ridge/Scales Mound 4-3. Blair also won the Jamie Koehn, given to the NUIC's most valuable player. The third baseman was a 1st team NUIC all conference infielder. Morrison's senior pitcher Jason Smith was also named to the team. TLP Announces Week-Long Theatre Workshop For TeensBeginning Monday, July 13 and running through Friday, July 17, TLP will be holding its annual Week-Long Theatre Workshop For Teens. The camp will run from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. This camp is recommended for kids ages 13 and up. The instructor will be TLP's Associate Artistic Director, James Beaudry and members of the TLP Resident Company. Work shop sessions will be instructed to fit the individual needs and skills of each student, with subjects to include areas of improvisation, audition training, dance, voice work, technical design, playwriting, and an opportunity for performance. Teens interested in any aspect if the performing arts are encouraged to attend. The all inclusive fee for the week is $125.00, which includes all classes, lunch each day and a complimentary ticket to see TLP's production "Wait Until Dark." To register or find out more information visit the TLP Box Office or call 815-244-2035. For information about the upcoming productions at Timber Lake Playhouse just visit our website at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org for a list of specific show dates and times. The Skinny on CholesterolIn a press release from the Carroll County Health Department, it is estimated that over 2.5 million Illinoisans have been told that they have high cholesterol. It is a serious condition that increases your risk for heart disease. The higher your cholesterol level is, the greater your risk for heart disease. You can have high cholesterol and not know it. Lowering cholesterol levels that are too high lessens your risk for developing heart disease and reduces the chance of having a heart attack or dying of heart disease. The typical American diet tends to be high in cholesterol and dietary fat. People who consume large amounts of cholesterol and saturated fats tend to have higher levels of blood cholesterol. Cholesterol buildup in the arteries is the most common cause of heart disease and stroke and happens so slowly that you may not even be aware of it. Any one can get their cholesterol checked, but it's especially important for anyone with a family history of heart disease or diabetes to get it checked before you start having problems. Checking your cholesterol as early as your 20's may detect a problem that can be taken care of but it's essential to get it checked in your 40's. For more information on Cholesterol and heart disease or where to get screened you can contact the Carroll County Health Department at 815-244-8855. Miller, Woessner Receive Honors from Greenville CollegeGreenville, IL. Greenville College has released the names of 322 students who qualified for honors at the conclusion of the spring semester. The list includes Kayla Miller, a graduating senior and Elementary Education major who made College Scholar. A College Scholar is a student who has made the Dean's List for three or more consecutive semesters. Miller, from Mt. Carroll, is the daughter of Dana & Jane Miller. Blakeley Woessner of Shannon, is a junior Music major who also received Dean's List honors by maintaining a 3.7 GPA. She is the daughter of Randall & Verna Woessner. Greenville College is a four-year Christian liberal arts school located in Greenville, Ill., with over 1500 traditional and adult students. Founded in 1892, it is affiliated with the Free Methodist Church. For further information please visit www.greenville.edu. Whitefleet Awarded Degree at UI Spring CommencementThe University of Iowa held its spring 2009 commencement ceremonies May 14-17 and June 5, awarding some 4,000 degrees. Among the students from the Carroll County area who received a degree at the UI commencement is Timothy S. Whitefleet of Mt. Carroll. Whitefleet earned a Bachelor of Business Administration/Marketing. ISPB Issues Fireworks Alert For Your Safety"Don't be blinded by the dangers of fireworks" is always the message of the Illinois Society for the Prevention of Blindness (ISPB) during the Fourth of July holiday. Please leave display fireworks to the professionals. In the hands of amateurs, fireworks can turn a festivity into a tragedy. According to recent ISPB surveys compiled from data received from the Illinois hospital emergency rooms, ophthalmologists and optometrists, and national sources the highest percent, about 16-18 percent of the eye-related and bodily injuries were children under the age of 11. 50 percent aged 11 through 20 and 36 percent aged 21 through 50. The survey also showed that of those treated for fireworks injuries, the vast amount were to males, four to one to females. Bottle rockets and firecrackers led the list at 21 percent each, followed by sparklers, roman candles, fountains, lady fingers, jumping jack and backyard displays. It is important to note that except for novelty fireworks sold in some chain stores (i.e., sparklers, snakes, trick noisemakers) fireworks are illegal in Illinois without a permit. Illegal fireworks (i.e., cherry bombs and M80s and homemade devices) in the mainstream could present substantial risks of injury resulting in vision loss, blindness, amputations, burns and even death. ISPB joins the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the National Council on Fireworks Safety (NCFS) and others on educating the public on fireworks safety. Because of the risks for eye-related and bodily injuries, here are some practical safety tips: - Protect your eyes by wearing safety goggles. - Keep younger children away from all fireworks; older children should have responsible adult supervision. - Never make or use homemade fireworks. - Never extend any part of the body over lit fireworks. - Keep water nearby for emergencies. - Never relight or handle a malfunctioning firework (wait15 to 20 minutes, soak in water and discard properly in trash cans). - Immerse sparklers (which burn at 1800) in water after they appear to be burned out. - As bystanders, stay about a quarter of a mile or more away from a professional display, and leave pets at home. - Observe all state and local laws. - If eye injuries do occur, do not touch, rub or press on the injured eye. Seek immediate care from an eye-care professional or hospital emergency room. Have an eye-safe Fourth of July holiday! TCOC Elects New OfficersSavanna's Fred Phillips named treasurer Officers of Tri-County Opportunities Council, Community Action Agency, were elected at the Council's recent annual meeting. Kenneth Krogulski, LaSalle, will serve another one-year term as Chairperson; Albert Harmon, Toulon, was reelected Vice-Chairperson. The returning Secretary is Julie Jacobs, Sterling, and Fred Phillips Sr., Savanna, will serve as Treasurer. At the same meeting, awards were given to Edythe Geiger, Sterling, for 25 years of Board service and to Dorothy Carver, Princeton, Ruth Sabin, Princeton, and Julie Jacobs, Sterling, for five years of Board service. In addition, a letter of resignation was read from long time member Barbara Smith, Sterling; she was thanked for her 26 years of service on Tri-County's Board of Directors. Serving Bureau, Carroll, LaSalle, Lee, Marshall, Ogle, Putnam, Stark and Whiteside counties, the Council has provided a wide variety of programs and services for thousands of low-income people over the past 44 years. Its Board is comprised equally of representatives of public bodies, private interests and those it serves. Anyone interested in learning more about Tri-County or joining its Board of Directors may call the agency at 1-800-323-5434. Tri-County Opportunities Council is a United Way Agency. Complementary Medicine Practice to Become IndependentFHN has announced that as of July 6, FHN Complementary Medicine, staffed by Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith, will become an independent alternative medicine provider under the name AIH Complementary Medicine. "While complementary medicine is a good alternative for patients to consider, we have determined that at this time, we must continue to focus our resources on our core mission of delivering primary care and related clinical specialty services," said Michael Perry, MD, president and CEO of FHN. "We are very happy that we've reached an agreement with the Smiths that will allow their services to continue to be available to our community as well as being mutually beneficial for both FHN and them." Drs. Glenn and Julie Smith will continue to accept and make referrals within the FHN system, continue to be a part of the Northern Illinois Health Plan, and will remain members of the extended FHN family of providers. Dr. Glenn Smith will continue to have hospital privileges at FHN Memorial Hospital, where he provides pain relief through acupuncture. Dr. Glenn Smith will also continue as a part of the FHN Cancer Committee. Services provided by the Smiths include acupuncture, bioactive nutrition, Chinese medicine, chiropractic, cold laser therapy, massage, frequency specific microcurrent therapy, naprapathy, naturopathy, physiotherapy and laser and acupuncture therapy for smoking cessation. Their offices will remain at 1780 S. Rosenstiel Drive in Freeport, and the office phone number will remain 815-297-0889. For more information about FHN, please visit www.fhn.org. Sexual Abuse Takes Toll on VictimsMayo Clinic MD and Abuse Survivor Describe Physical Manifestations of Emotional Suffering As if women who suffer from sexual abuse don't have enough challenges in healing and moving on with their lives, a medical expert from the Mayo Clinic has revealed there are also physical side effects that plague victims sometimes as long as the emotional side effects. According to Dr. Larry Bergstrom, MD, Director of the Integrative Medicine Program at the Mayo Clinic Scottsdale Arizona the emotional stress of being a victim of sexual abuse may lead to physical illness such as fibromyalgia, chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and even cancer. "I've seen in my referral practice that about 75 percent of my patients who suffer from fibromyalgia have sexual abuse in their past," Dr. Bergstrom said. "It's common for victims of sexual abuse to develop problems trusting people in their lives, so they develop perfectionist personalities, which drive them to be compulsive 'people pleasers' and make them believe they have to do everything themselves, otherwise it won't get done right." These personality traits take their toll on the patients, because they can't do it all, and their compulsions drive extreme amounts of stress into their lives. That stress manifests itself in a wide variety of ways, from simple pain to IBS to even cancer. No one knows this better than Trish Kinney, who was raised in a sexually abusive environment, which she believes led to her developing a cancerous tumor. Kinney, author of Silver Platter Girl, from Seven Locks Press (www.silverplattergirl.com), absolutely knows there was a relationship between her abuse and her cancer. She also knows that both circumstances can be beaten, because she's done it. "There is a difference between knowing the truth and telling it," she said. "It's crushing to comprehend that a member of one's own family is capable of such an act, but even more crushing when a victim finally empowers herself to talk about it, and the family refuses to believe her. It is the victim who is sacrificed, who is accused of lying, for the continued empowerment and control of the abuser with no regard for truth or consequences of such behaviors." But telling is the single most important thing an abused woman can do, Kinney added. "Every time an abuser chooses to abuse a victim, he takes a chance that he will be exposed, that the victim will tell," she said. "The dynamics of abuse usually protect the abuser and assure the continued silence of the frightened, intimidated victim. But when the victim tells, the abuser loses power. And an abuser without power cannot hurt anyone. An abuser without a victim is powerless. Telling empowers the victim and reduces or eliminates opportunity for further abuse. Our voice is our most powerful weapon. Combine it with the truth and the opportunities for healing are limitless." More importantly for Kinney, was the recognition that her cancer was directly related to her trauma. "I gathered all my trauma, turmoil, anger and sorrow and willed it into a physical manifestation so that I could remove it from my psyche by having it removed from my body," she recalled. "I remembered the moment that I began to form the tumor, and I can describe exactly what was inside of it, and back it up with medical aging of the tumor. It was part of my conscious plan to 'get sick to get well.' The deep symbolism of my bone marrow transplant as a transformative rebirth serves as validation that my cancer experience was my path to healing my emotional life." While difficult to understand, the patients in Dr. Bergstrom's practice are like a snapshot, taken at 10,000 feet above sea level, of the physical toll taken on victims of abuse. The challenge, Kinney added, is to transcend the statistics and accept every woman's journey to healing, no matter what road she chooses to arrive at that destination. "We are the sum of the things that happen to us, things that we are exposed to, whether or not by our own choice," she said. "we need to choose a way of living that honors who we are, that truthfully examines where we have come from and where we want to go, and makes healing and healthy living a priority. The Best in Wildlife Entertainment and Education Featured at the Stephenson County FairThe Wild World of Animals show is one of the premier grounds act in the entertainment industry. Its unique blend of animal diversity and environmental messages coupled with originally scripted non-stop laughter, especially an opinionated pig, makes for an enjoyable time for the whole family. The free, on-the-grounds entertainment package will be featured at the 2009 Stephenson County Fair, set for July 14 through 19, at the fairgrounds in Freeport, IL. Have you ever held a 13-foot, 100-pound python, stared into the eyes of Brutus, or unknowingly worn a safari vest filled with creepy critters? Volunteers get to do that and much more! The Wild World of Animals show is fast-paced and full of energy. The animals in the show range from arthropods, amphibians, reptiles, birds and finally mammals. The audience learns interesting animal facts, laughs at their antics and witnesses their amazing natural abilities. Don't blink or you may miss an animal running, slithering, jumping or flying across the stage. The Wild World of Animals Show was voted one of the top five educational entertainment shows in the world by the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions 2006. Television appearances include: The Late Show with David Letterman, Good Morning America and Fox News. The Magic of Bob BohmExperience the wonder of magic with magician Bob Bohm. Delightful magic shows, interactive games shows, engaging master of ceremony, are all part of this special attraction. Performances include magic, illusions and Survivor, The Family Game Show. Bob Bohm is one of the Midwest's most engaging acts that is guaranteed to entertain the entire family. Dave Watson, the Chainsaw ArtistDave Watson is a wizard with a chainsaw. Dave has become a regular at the Stephenson County Fair entertaining crowds with his unusual ability to carve just about anything out of wood using a chainsaw. Dave can carve almost anything you can dream up. He has carved things from eagles, bears, birds, to flying pigs. All the items he carves at his shows throughout the week are auctioned off on Friday of the fair. Don't miss his exciting shows that are sure to fairgoers of all ages. TLP Announces 2nd Annual Gala EventFirst State Bank of Shannon and Timber Lake Playhouse will hold it's "Second Annual Gala Evening" at the Lake Carroll Clubhouse on Saturday, July 18. The event is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. "Timber Lake Playhouse continues to receive bad news from the Illinois Arts Council. This year, the Playhouse only received about half of the operating funds it normally receives from the Illinois Arts Council, and next year, 2010, we will be receiving a 50% reduction again." said Richard Hall, TLP General Manager. First State Bank of Shannon and its president, Omar Wilhelms, decided that they would sponsor a Second Gala Evening to help raise additional funds for the Playhouse. "Buying tickets to this fund raising event will be very much appreciated," Hall said. "If you cannot attend but would like to make a contribution, no matter how small, we thank you for helping keep TLP alive and well during this serious financial time. We are also looking for live and silent auction items. During the event TLP's 2010 season will be announced. Other events include an array of specialty tastings. Entertainment will be provided by the Playhouse's 2009 cast and a live and silent auction will be held. The auctions will feature overnight stays in Chicago, golf packages, a 2009 Chicago Bears team autographed football and more. Plus a special announcement! The evening will conclude with dessert and dancing. A cash bar will be available. The cost for this event is just $50 per person and tickets can be purchased at any First State Bank of Shannon location, the TLP box office. You can call 815-244-2035 to make your reservation. Retirement Dinner Planned for Stralow'sAn event to commemorate the retirements of Pastor Jim and JoAnn Stralow is being planned for August 16, 2009, at Forreston Reformed Church. Pastor Jim and JoAnn's final Sunday at Forreston Reformed Church will blend the morning worship service with a program of recognition from 11:30am1pm, followed by a pork-chop dinner and open-house from 1pm4pm. The community is invited to attend and celebrate the Stralow's 27 years of service at Forreston Reformed Church and their lifetime of Christian ministry. Kit's Club Teaches Youth Great Depression HistoryYouth ages nine and up will once again have the opportunity to learn about history through hands-on activities at the popular "American Girl" clubs sponsored by University of Illinois Extension. This year, the featured character is Kit, whose story takes place during the Great Depression of the 1930's. Kit's Club will be held at Lanark's Heritage Center July 8-10, Savanna Public Library July 13-15, Thomson's York Township Library July 16, 23, 30, and Milledgeville's Wysox Township Library July 20-22. Registration forms are available at the libraries in each town, at dabluz Boutique in Mt. Carroll, or may be obtained by calling the University of Illinois Extension office at 815-244-9444. Early registration is encouraged, as space and group size is limited at each site. Master Naturalist Training OfferedThe Jo-Carroll Extension Unit is pleased to announce the formation of the Northwest Illinois Master Naturalist Program. This program will offer interested participants training by local and regional natural resource instructors and train individuals about the natural communities found in Northwest Illinois. Participants will be trained weekly over the course of three months from August through October. Once training is completed, participants are expected to complete a volunteer service project to become a certified Master Naturalist. Once certified, the Master Naturalists are expected to annually conduct some level of volunteer stewardship and continuing training to maintain their certification. The curriculum will cover topics ranging from natural history, understanding the natural world, communicating with nature, and environmental ethics & philosophy. The course will also teach people about the natural communities ranging from aquatics, grassland, forestry, special communities, agricultural and urban communities. Also covered will be ecosystems management, archaeology, and volunteer service projects opportunities. Interested participants are encouraged to contact the Jo Daviess Extension Office at 815-858-2273 for details about program information and costs. Space is limited and will be based upon paid participants on a first come first serve basis. Amazing Race Camp for YouthTaste, paste and race around the world. Kids will learn facts and figures from around the world and then complete tasks and challenges at this year's Amazing Race. This camp is for kids entering Kindergarten through 8th grades, June 30 & July 1&2 from 12:30-3:30pm at Helle Park in Savanna. To register your child or to learn more about other "Fun in the Park" programs, call the Carroll County Extension office at 815-244-9444. Program sponsors include the Savanna Park District and University of Illinois Extension. Free Fun NightMark your calendar for Fun in the Park's second free family fun night at the Savanna Swimming Pool on Tuesday night July 7th from 5-8 pm. Swimming, games and treats will be provided for the entire family. All children must be accompanied by an adult and no registration is necessary for this family fun night. Take this opportunity to sign up your child for the Fun in the Park Camps that will be held throughout the summer. To learn more about other "Fun in the Park" programs, call the Carroll County Extension office at 815-244-9444. Program sponsors include the Savanna Park District and University of Illinois Extension.
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