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“PRSRT.STD.” US POSTAGE PAID NO. 486 PRINCETON, IL 61356 SHAW MEDIA

Thursday, November 17, 2016

Vol. 11 No. 17

A taste of Germany ... The eighth annual Christkindlmarkt (German Christmas Market) will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Open Prairie United Church of Christ, 25 E. Marion St. in Princeton (behind the Apollo Theater). The Market will also be open on Sunday, Nov. 20, from noon to 3 p.m. Christkindlmarkt is a popular feature of the Princeton Main Street Christmas Walk. At the Market entrance, coffee, hot chocolate, hot mulled cider, German stollen, lebkuchen, and homemade soft pretzels will be served all day. A German Brathaus will begin serving lunch on Saturday at 11 a.m. and on Sunday starting at noon. Lunch features a children’s menu. An International Cookie Market is a highlight of the Christkindlmarkt each year. This year is no exception as shoppers will be able to select from 25 different kinds of cookies representing 20 countries. The Market also offers gifts of ceramics, unique handmade jewelry, paintings, re-purposed items turned into unique and beautiful gifts, “American Girl” doll clothes, children’s books and so much more. Children are invited to decorate and take home their very own gingerbread house. Any donations made to this “Gingerbread House” project will go to the Bureau County Food Pantry. Children will also have a chance to learn about St. Martin’s Day and how to make the lanterns that are part of that special German celebration of the earth’s bounty. Father Christmas will be there and so will the Princeton High School German Club. The Market is accessible to all, and free parking is available directly across the street. For more information, call Open Prairie UCC at 815-872-5150. Admission to the Christkindlmarkt is free. IVS file photo

2 • Thursday, November 17, 2016

Illinois Valley Scene

It’s Christmas time in the city Princeton to host annual Christmas walk By Goldie Rapp grapp@bcrnews.com

PRINCETON — Bells will be ringing, and crowds will be singing during Princeton’s annual Christmas walk event going on this weekend. The fun kicks off Friday evening with the arrival of Santa Claus and the lighting of the city’s Christmas tree at Veterans Park. Each year during the weekend before Thanksgiving, Princeton’s Main Street is transformed into a holiday treasure. All weekend long there will be holiday music playing up and down Princeton’s Main Street; old-time trolley rides will be available for shoppers to travel from the north and south ends of the shopping district; and horse-drawn carriage rides on both the north and south ends of Main Street will be given to family and friends throughout the town. Kim Frey, Princeton Chamber of Commerce executive director, said this weekend is a great opportunity to kick off the holiday shopping season. “I know all of our local businesses have put in extra effort to make Christmas shopping even easier this year,” she said. Local stores have extended their hours for those shoppers looking to get a head start on their Christmas lists. On Friday, businesses will stay open until 8 p.m.; on Saturday, shopping will be from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and on Sunday, shoppers will find the stores open from noon to 4 p.m. Frey urges shoppers to support local

businesses during the Christmas shopping season this year. She said it’s always great to stop and see what they offer before choosing to shop out of town. The Princeton Chamber Ambassadors have planned a fun interactive search activity shoppers can take part in while they browse through the shops over the weekend. To help tie in the Silver Bells theme, there will be eight sets of silver bells hidden along Main Street. Shoppers who locate all eight will have a chance to win Chamber gift certificates. Also while out and about during the weekend, families are encouraged to stop and take a family photo or selfie in front of the holiday-themed backdrops that will be set-up throughout town. Post the photo with #visitprinceton-il. Aside from Main Street shopping, at 7 p.m. Friday the third annual Candy Cane Hunt event will be held in Soldiers and Sailors Park. Frey said last year’s event drew 160 kids, and this year many more are anticipated. “It’s just a fun Friday event to take part in while the shops are open,” she said. Also on Saturday and Sunday, the annual German Christkindl Market will be going on at the Open Prairie Church, and the Prairie Arts Center will be showcase their homemade Christmas trees during the annual “Mini-Trees” Festival. The opening reception for the “Mini-Tree” Festival will be Friday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. Other organizations are planning a variety of funfilled events.

Full schedule of events Friday 5:30 p.m. Santa arrives for the lighting of the Christmas Tree at Veterans Park across from City Hall. 6-8 p.m. Warm up with hot chocolate at the Cocoa Cottage (Frontier Lawn). 6-8 p.m. Trolley rides on Main Street. 7 p.m. Candy Cane Hunt at Soldiers and Sailors Park.

Saturday

9:30 a.m. - 3 p.m. German Christkindl Market at Open Prairie UCC, located at 25 E. Marion St. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Friends of Strays bake sale at the Prouty Building. 11 a.m. - Bureau County Chorus to perform outside the Clark House. Noon - 3 p.m. Horse-drawn carriage rides on north and south Main Street. Noon - 2 p.m. Storyteller at 432 S. Main St. Noon - 3 p.m. Trolley rides on Main Street Noon - 3 p.m. Visit Santa in the Prouty Building. Noon - 3 p.m. Warm up with hot chocolate at the Cocoa Cottage (Frontier Lawn). Noon - 4 p.m. Christmas photo booth at the Prouty Building. 1 - 3 p.m. Princeton High School Madrigals singing and strolling on Main Street. 1- 3 p.m. Bellringers corner of Main and Marion streets. 1 - 3 p.m. Covered Bridge Chorus Barbershop singing and strolling on Main Street. 1 - 4 p.m. “Mini-Trees” Festival at the Prairie Arts Center, 24 Park Avenue East. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Vendor fair at The Kompany. 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Relay for Life Mistletoe Market at the Bureau County Metro Center.

Sunday

Noon - 2 p.m. Visit with Santa at the Prouty Building. Noon - 2 p.m. Warm up with hot chocolate at the Cocoa Cottage (Frontier Lawn). Noon - 2 p.m. Trolley rides on Main Street. Noon - 2 p.m. Storyteller at 432 S. Main St. 1- 3 p.m. Bell ringers on the corner of Main and Marion streets. 1 - 3 p.m. German Christkindl Market at Open Prairie UCC.

Photo contributed

Model train fair, toy show on Saturday

IVS photo/Becky Kramer

Christmas in the Valley ... Hannah Barnes shows Jonathan Taylor some of the pretty ornaments on the Christmas trees at Upscale Resale in Spring Valley. The city of Spring Valley held its Christmas extravaganza during the weekend, which included a host of activities for young and old alike. The event at Upscale Resale includes a silent auction of 19 Christmas items — trees, a sled, a decorated chair, etc. The auction ends at 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. All proceeds from the auction go to Helping Hands charity, which gives back to other benevolent organizations in Bureau, Putnam and LaSalle counties.

Christmas parade entries wanted PRINCETON — The Princeton Lions Club invites Bureau County businesses, clubs and organizations to enter a float or unit in the Princeton Christmas parade. The parade will start at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, starting from Maria’s Pizza and continuing down Main Street to Soldiers and Sailors Park. Santa Claus will be in the parade. The theme for this year’s parade is “Ring-

ing in Christmas.” Santa’s helpers will collect food items for the food pantry along the parade route. Any paper products, personal items, dried or canned goods would be appreciated. Parade entry forms are available at the Princeton Chamber office in the Prouty Building or by calling Lion Don Smith at 815-875-3475 or Lion Jim Argo at 815-8726181.

Send your holiday releases to news@bcrnews.com.

PRINCETON — The ninth annual Northern Illinois Model Train Fair and Farm Toy Show will be Saturday, Nov. 19, in the heated exhibit halls at the Bureau County Fairgrounds, 811 W Peru St. in Princeton. There will be working model train layouts and new and used train equipment for sale, from Thomas the Train to HO and Nscale. There will also be farm toys for sale

– from combines to tractors and in all different scales — also new and used. Admission is $4 for adults, and kids 10 and under are free. Hours of the show are 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will be no rides on the train for the kids this year. There will be a concession stand in the building. For information, or to sign up to sell, call Kathy at 815-866-3606.

Reception at the Christmas MiniTree Festival Cast members of the play, “A Winterhaven Christmas,” are Keegan Fogherty (front) and (back row) Alexis Alt, Trent Goodale and Libby Boyles. They will entertain at the opening reception of the Prairie Arts Council’s seventh annual Christmas Mini-Tree Festival. The reception will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at the Prairie Arts Center. Christmas music by Charlie Gebeck on the keyboard will also be enjoyed along with refreshments. Photo contributed

Thursday, November 17, 2016 • 3

Illinois Valley Scene

Richard A. Mautino Memorial Library adds new library services PRINCETON — Thursday, Nov. 17, 10:45 a.m. PHS Book Club, Tigers Read, book discussion. Thursday, Nov. 17. 6:30 p.m. Widmark Noir November Week — An airline pilot sees a beautiful woman while looking out of his hotel window, and they become chummy. Monday, Nov. 21, 6:30 p.m., Monday Movie: An eastern immigrant finds himself stranded in JFK airport and must take up temporary residence there. Tuesday, Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m., Youth Services story time and craft: Turkeys. Wednesday, Nov. 23, 6 p.m., the library will close for the Thanksgiving holiday. Thursday, Nov. 24, the library will be closed for Thanksgiving. Friday, Nov. 25, the library will be closed for the Thanksgiving holiday. SPRING VALLEY — The library is selling gift cards again this year. The second order will be due by noon on Friday, Dec. 9, with delivery by Wednesday, Dec. 21. Order forms may be picked up at the library during regular hours. The gift cards must be paid for at the time when the order is placed by the individual. The children’s library has story time on Tuesdays at 5:30 p.m. There will be stories, crafts and refreshments. WALNUT — The library will host Linda VonHolten and her beautiful artwork during Walnut’s Christmas Open House on Saturday, Nov. 26. Linda’s art will be on display Nov. 21-26. The staff and board of directors invite everyone to come in and discover the artistic talents of Linda. LAMOILLE — Therapy Thursdays is an ongoing program. Come and go between 1 and 4 p.m. Materials will be furnished, or people may bring their own. The library will be participating in the Rebecca Caudill Book Choice Award for 2017. This program is open to children in fourth through eighth grades. The Rebecca Caudill group will meet at the library for fun talks, games and snacks, ending with a pizza party and voting in February 2017. The library is also taking part in choosing the Abraham Lincoln High School Book Award. The program will be conducted in the same manner as the Rebecca Caudill program. If interested in joining either of these groups, contact the library for a list of the nominated books. DEPUE — On the second Tuesday of every month, the library hosts blood pressure and blood sugar screenings for free. The screenings are administered by St. Margaret’s Health. The library board meetings are held on Mondays, except where noted, at 6 p.m. at the library. Meeting dates are: Decem-

ber – no meeting, Jan. 9, 2017; Feb. 13, 2017; March 13, 2017; April 10, 2017; May 8, 2017; and June 12, 2017. All board meetings are open to the public. TISKILWA — On the first Wednesday of each month at 4:30 p.m., the library’s book club for adults meets. Every Thursday at 10:45 a.m., the library hosts a senior fitness class. Participants focus on balance, endurance, muscular strength, mental clarity and socialization. There is no cost to attend. Every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., the library hosts a yoga class, where participants enjoy camaraderie with others and are challenged mentally and physically. Cost is $5 per person. BUREAU — The Leepertown Township Public Library is open from 2 to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday; from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday; and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday. The library has computers for patron usage, as well as copier, scanning and fax services. Call 815-659-3283 for information. (The fax number is the same as the phone number). LADD — The library sponsors an adult coloring club on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. Adult card club is on Fridays from 1 to 3 p.m. PERU — Eight area libraries including LaSalle, Peru, Richard A. Mautino in Spring Valley, Putnam County, Jacobs Library at IVCC, Graves-Hume in Mendota, Princeton and Oglesby are sponsoring the seventh annual Food for Fines amnesty program benefiting area food pantries. From Nov. 7-19, these libraries will accept canned or boxed non-perishable food donations for payment of overdue fines. Each donated food item pays $1 in library overdue fines. The libraries will take up to 25 items to pay $25 per overdue library/patron card. Food items must be presented at the circulation desks. All donated food will be given to area food pantries. Don’t have any overdue fines? Feel free to bring donations to a participating library. They will take it to area food pantries. Donated food is not accepted for lost or damaged books, replacement of cards or interlibrary loan fees. Because of food safety concerns, the pantries request items be in their original packaging— damaged packages, outdated food or glass containers are not accepted. Suggested food items include canned fruits and vegetables, soups, cereals, pasta mixes and canned meats. For more information, please call a sponsoring library.

SPRING VALLEY — On Monday, Oct. 31, the Richard A. Mautino Memorial Library upgraded its membership in PrairieCat, a regional shared library catalog, providing new features for the library’s patrons and enhanced services and efficiencies for library staff. The library received a grant from the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS) to help with the upfront costs of this upgrade, including new public workstations at the library. The PrairieCat online catalog includes nearly five million items from 131 libraries. The catalog provides easy searching, relevance ranking and other tools to make finding items easier. Novelist and Goodreads are added services that provide additional information on materials and allow users to easily find their next great book online. Richard A. Mautino Memorial Library patrons in good standing can place holds on items right from the library’s website nearly 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can see at a glance if and where an item is available. They can then have the item delivered directly to Richard A. Mautino Memorial

Library through the RAILS delivery system, or one can choose to go to the library owning the item to pick it up. In My Account on PrairieCat, patrons can check account status, view their items checked out and update their personal information online. They can renew materials online or over the phone. They can pay fines online via credit card. They can also suspend or cancel their own holds. And they can store a list of titles read and create bibliographies to make research and classwork easier. Patrons can sign up to receive hold and overdue notices via email, phone or text message. PrairieCat membership also benefits the library staff. Being part of a shared catalog greatly reduces the cost of making the library collection available online. The library benefits from centralized hardware, increased security, robust training and technology and software support. Many more routine staff processes are automated, so library staff can focus more on patron support and services. “PrairieCat is thrilled that Richard A. Mautino Memorial Library is upgrading their member-

Celebrate the holidays with Perry Memorial Hospital Auxiliary Tour of Homes & Vendor Fair Sunday, December 4, 2016 ~ 12-5pm

Tickets are $25 per person and may be purchased at the following Princeton locations: • Central Bank • Centrue Bank

Local author explores LaMoille Utopian dream WALNUT — The prairie of Bureau County, Illinois, in the 1840s would seem a very unlikely location for a planned Utopian settlement. This is especially true if the motivation for the effort was the complex and controversial writings of a French Utopian socialist who never set foot on American soil, much less the prairies of Northern Illinois. The doctrines of Charles Fourier spread to America and would influence a small group of idealists residing in the

small community of LaMoille in Bureau County. The Lamoille (sic) Agricultural and Mechanical Association would have been the first such attempt in Bureau County and Illinois and is a long overlooked aspect of our early local and regional history. The Fourierist movement offered the nation a significant social and economic alternative to the emerging new system of industrial capitalism. In their own way, LaMoille and Bureau County were a part of that great

debate. The story of this extraordinary project is detailed in the new book, “A Fire of Straw in Bureau County: The Forgotten Dream of Lamoille’s Rosemont Domain.” This unique perspective is the result of years of research by retired Walnut High School social studies teacher Robert Glaser of Walnut. The book may be purchased as an e-book or in paperback at www.lulu. com. It is also available, as an e-book, at www. amazon.com.

ship in PrairieCat,” said Carolyn Coulter, director of PrairieCat. “Shared library catalogs like PrairieCat are a wise use of resources and improve the experience of Illinois’ library users.” The Richard A. Mautino Memorial Library is located in Spring Valley. It serves a population of 5,558 in the service area. The library circulates more than 28,000 items annually. PrairieCat is an organization of 131 public, school, academic and special libraries across Northern Illinois. The organization provides libraries with access to online systems, support, and training to help them best serve their patrons and students. See more information at: https://support.prairiecat. info/members. RAILS provides delivery, shared online catalogs, eBook services, talking book services, continuing education programs, communication services and other support to all types of libraries in northern and western Illinois. The system serves private, public, school and university library members in a 27,000-square-mile area. More information about RAILS is available at www. railslibraries.info.

• Chamber of Commerce • Heartland BankDowntown

Tour guests will be transported by B.P.A.R.T. from the Bureau County Metro Center to 6 exquisitely decorated Princeton homes showcasing the unique, personal holiday decor of the homeowner and their family. Enjoy complimentary hot cocoa and cookies while you browse our vendor fair! Proceeds beneﬁt SM-PR6396554-1201

4 • Thursday, November 17, 2016

Illinois Valley Scene

In the know ... Making the wrong choice with Medicare can prove costly Open enrollment, when people can enroll in Medicare or make changes to their plans, runs every year from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. But anyone who thinks that signing up for the medical plan for seniors is simple could be in for a rude awakening – and a costly one. “People need to realize that enrolling in Medicare can be complicated,” said Chris Orestis, a senior-care advocate and author of the books “Help on the Way” and “A Survival Guide to Aging.” “If you don’t pay attention you can end up missing needed coverage or paying more out-of-pocket expenses in premiums, co-pays and deductibles than you realize – or can afford.” This year open enrollment comes during a presidential election and a time when there are concerns about Medicare’s long-term future and whether it can remain solvent. At the final presidential debate, Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton were asked what they might do to make sure the program, first implemented in 1965, will be there for seniors for decades to come. Trump said he would grow

the economy, which in turn would help Medicare. Clinton said her plan is to reduce the cost of health care and to emphasize wellness. But any future political decisions about Medicare can seem far off to anyone whose main concern is figuring out how they fit into what’s offered right now, says Orestis, CEO of Life Care Funding, www.lifecarefunding.com. He says some important things to keep in mind or understand during Medicare enrollment include: • Medicare coverage comes in two primary forms that participants can choose from. They are original Medicare, the traditional program administered through the federal government which anyone 65 and older qualifies for automatically, and Medicare Advantage plans, which are sold by private insurance companies. The Advantage plans sometimes offer additional services, such as routine vision, hearing and dental care. • Most people probably have heard references to Medicare Part A or Medicare Part D. Here’s how that alphabet breaks down: Medicare Part A pays for

hospital and skilled nursing facility care. Medicare Part B pays 80 percent of costs for doctors, outpatient services and medical equipment. Medicare Part C is a private Advantage Plan. Medicare Part D pays for prescriptions. • Anyone who visits a doctor or has been hospitalized knows that deductibles and co-pays can add up quickly. That’s where Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap) comes in. It’s a private insurance that pays the gaps in the varieties of Medicare coverage. • Want to learn more? Orestis says a good place to check is the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services website, www.cms.gov, which provides a wealth of information and resources to review and assist enrollment. Orestis says it’s important to act as soon as possible and not wait until the last minute. “When it comes to Medicare enrollment,” Orestis says, “not being informed and missing deadlines can cause delays and penalties that could have a negative impact on your coverage – and your wallet.”

Bureau Henry Stark ROE gets $131,232 grant The Illinois State Board of Education has awarded the Bureau Henry Stark Regional Office of Education (ROE) an additional $131,232 to expand the Parents As Teachers, Early Childhood Prevention Initiative to area families who have children age birth to 3 years old. Currently, the ROE initiative serves 45 Henry County children and their families. The additional funding will allow the project to expand services to Bureau and Stark counties and serve an additional 25 children and their families. Soon-to-be parents, or parents of a child under the age of 3 who may be interested in participating in the program, may call the ROE at 309-9367890 for more information. Not only will the new funding increase the number of families to be served, but will also allow for the creation of two full-time parent educator positions. Experienced parties may contact the Regional Office of Education if interested in a position. With the belief that “parents are a child’s first, best teacher,” the ROE’s Parents As Teachers program aims to help parents and children learn, grow and develop together to realize their full potential. Certified parent educators use a research-based curriculum to guide

Check out your hometown newspaper online or Facebook.

Federal funding released to help families with heating and cooling costs The Administration for Children and Families has released $148,384,722 to help low-income families in Illinois stay warm during winter months, cool during summer months and make cost-effective home energy repairs. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which is run by the Office of Community Services at HHS’ Administration for Children and Families, provides funding to states, the District of Columbia, territories and tribes to assist households with paying energy bills and weatherize homes for energy improvements. “Unsafe indoor temperatures are unacceptable conditions for anyone to live in, especially for seniors and families with young children,” said Jeannie Chaffin,

director of the Office of Community Services at HHS’ Administration for Children and Families. “With these LIHEAP funds helping households in Illinois with limited incomes pay their home heating and cooling bills, these families and individuals can use their income to pay for other critical necessities such as food and medicine.” LIHEAP funding assists households with meeting home energy needs, including vulnerable households with very young children, individuals with disabilities and older individuals. Individuals interested in applying for energy assistance should contact their local, state, territory or tribal LIHEAP agency at www.acf.hhs.gov/ocs/ liheap-state-and-territory-contact-listing or call 866-674-6327.

Moving firewood long distances can spread invasive insects

CHAMPAIGN – What’s in your firewood? Tree-killing insects or diseases may be hiding in or on firewood that may be transported hundreds of miles to campsites or fireplaces. The spread of invasive pests often has serious economic consequences, according to Kelly Estes, coordinator of the Cooperative Agricultural Pest Survey (CAPS), at the Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute. In a 2011 study, published in the PLOS ONE, scientific journal researchers projected wood-boring insects are anticipated to cause nearly $1.7 billion in local government expenditures in the U.S. and $830 million in lost residential property values over a 10-year time span. “The problem is that insects are hidden in firewood, and you may be moving these pests to new areas without knowing it,” Estes said. “This can lead to the potential destruction and death of trees in natural and urban areas, a decline in the diversity and quality of

natural forests, and even a decline in property values.” One noteworthy invasive pest associated with the movement of firewood is the emerald ash borer (EAB). The Illinois Department of Agriculture (IDOA) has lifted restrictions on the movement of firewood and other materials from ash trees, partly because the EAB is now so prevalent in the state. However, it is still illegal to move these materials across state lines. Although IDOA no longer regulates hardwood firewood, invasive pests such as the European Gypsy Moth, an oak defoliator, and Thousand Cankers Disease of walnuts, transmitted by the Walnut Twig Beetle, are regulated and/or under state and federal quarantines. Check with IDOA if you have any questions about the movement of plant or plant materials. Estes suggests hunters and campers gather firewood at the campsite, if permitted, or buy it in the local area.

home-based visits, in English and Spanish, with families prior to transitioning into a pre-kindergarten program. Together they: • Look at each child’s development and talk about solutions to the parenting challenges families face, • Discuss family dynamics that impact their child’s development, • Conduct screenings to make sure children are healthy, safe and developing on track, and • Connect families with resources to assist their children’s development and help them overcome any barriers to accessing their milestones. Opportunities for families to network, collaborate with community agencies and participate in a variety of educational activities also occur each month. Recently participants have enjoyed swimming, visits to local libraries, and a trip to Niabi Zoo. In November families gathered to enjoy pumpkin decorating in a group setting. Regional Superintendent of Schools Angie Zarvell stated, “The Regional Office of Education has a long history of providing successful, high-quality early childhood programs and looks forward to expanding Parents as Teachers to the communities in Bureau and Stark counties.”

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SATURDAY - NOV. 19TH

11 AM - 12 PM 825 W. Marquette - Princeton SUNDAY - NOV. 20TH

1 PM - 3 PM 1221 North Main Street, Princeton, IL

815-875-1221

111 N. Church - Princeton

www.illinoisvalleyhomeshow.com

Price Reduced! Princeton $110,000 LR w/ FP, formal DR also w/ FP, 16’x25’ kitchen. 3 -4 BR, great basement.Screened in porch. #09368916

Price Reduced! Tiskilwa $145,000 Grand home Vinyl siding,newer kitchen, fantastic details, original woodwork, sunroom, deck & MORE! #09315175

Price Reduced! Peru $122,900 4 BR, many updates done, mostly new windows, repainted 2016. 2 heated & enclosed porches. Appliances. #09354896

New Listing! Tiskilwa $58,500 Practical w/ 2 BR, main laundry, partially ﬁnished basement, spacious garage, storage shed, covered patio. #09382943

New Listing! Princeton $209,000 Charming w/ modern amenities - 4 BR, 2 car garage & 1.5 car garage. SS appliances,15’x 23’ LR. Deck. #09382463

New Listing! Princeton $42,900 2 -3 BR home at towns edge. 2015 furnace, LR open to DR, 11’x48’ screened porch. 10’x20’ enclosed porch. #09382094

New Listing! McNabb $175,000

for 2 apts. Call for info. #09385867

Princeton! $75,000 Immaculate 2-3 BR home. Large yard, newer 2 car detached garage, deck. Newer siding, windows, ﬂooring. Enclosed porch. #089403349

Price Reduced! Dixon $89,500 Ranch w/ fenced backyard is well maintained. Bath recently updated. Full basement. New roof 2015. 1 car garage. #09350146

Price Reduced! Princeton $79,000 Affordable 3 BR. 2009 new windows. Fenced dog run behind garage. New bath 2013. Great location - quiet street. #09096044

Price Reduced! Malden $69,900 Updated inside and out. Large corner lot. Newer kitchen remodel. 12’x20’ deck.Oversized garage w/ storage space. #09056252

Price Reduced! Princeton $94,900 Recent renovation, 3 BR.New furnace/ AC. Remodeled laundry room, open ﬂoor plan. Roof 2012. Stone exterior. #09329747

Price Reduced! Princeton $179,900 Built in 2008. LR with ﬁreplace, spacious kitchen, partially ﬁnished basement w/ full windows. Lovely deck & yard. #09348482

New Listing! Princeton $265,000 Gorgeous! LR stone ﬁreplace (ﬂoor to ceiling). Multi level deck w/ outdoor FP. 3 levels of living space (3304 sq. ft.). #09382677

New Listing! Princeton $113,000 Move in ready home w/ 3-4 BR, 2 baths. 1575 sq. ft. of space. Oversized 2.5 car garage. Very clean. New boiler 2011. #09384798

#16 Mantel #09257573 Price Reduced! $146,000 Princeton. Meticulously maintained 3 BR home built 2004. Includes appliances. Hardwood ﬂooring , 9 ft. ceilings. FR 11’x24’ #09257573

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Thursday, November 17, 2016 • 5

Illinois Valley Scene

This and that ...

Mark your calendars FOS to host bake/ Christmas sale PRINCETON — The Friends of Strays No-Kill Animal Shelter will host a bake sale and a Christmas sale from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the Prouty Building in Princeton. Event-goers will find a host of home-baked goodies, holiday items, gifts and books. The public is invited. All proceeds from the sale go to help the stray animal population in the area.

Princeton to sponsor photo contest

PRINCETON — The city of Princeton is sponsoring a photo contest and looking for photographers of all skill levels and ages to help capture landmarks of Princeton. The contest will include five categories: Recreation, architecture, Main Street, landmarks, people and activities. Every photo submitted will be presented on the city’s website and Facebook page. The Top 2 photographs of each category will receive special recognition. The best photo of each category will be displayed at City Hall and online for one year. The overall best photo will receive a $50 Princeton Chamber gift certificate. Entry forms are available on the city’s website www.princeton-il.com under the “Our Community” heading. Please email khanke@princeton-il.com for entry forms or additional information. Pictures shall be submitted digitally with the required entry form, and all rights to pictures will become property of the city of Princeton upon submitting. Entries will be accepted until Dec. 9. Winners will be announced and awarded on Dec. 19 at the Princeton City Council meeting.

Comedy Night Improv! at Festival 56

PRINCETON — Festival 56 in Princeton will present Comedy Night Improv! at the Grace Performing Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19. Two improv teams from Chicago share the comedy spotlight, each lighting up the stage with skits that will keep audiences in hysterics. The evening features comics new to the Festival 56 stage along with returning favorites Zack Pedica (“The Drowsy Chaperone”) and Scott Sorrell (“Julius Caesar,” “Fox on the Fairway”). Pedica and Sorrell’s four-person troupe, Melinda and the Mushrooms, opens the evening with a main course of well-seasoned humor, while the second troupe of Chicago comics rounds out the evening with a calorie-packed dessert of high hilarity. The performance will be R-rated due to language and sexual content. Admission for Comedy Night Improv! is $18 in advance and $20 at the door. All seating is reserved. Advance tickets may be purchased by calling 815-879-5656,

Fair board meeting set for Nov. 21

St. Margaret’s hosts bloodmobile

SPRING VALLEY — St. Margaret’s Hospital will host a Red Cross bloodmobile from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, in the hospital’s First Floor Presentation Room. To be a blood donor, one must be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds and be at least 17 years old. A Red Cross staff member will ask up to 50 questions to improve the safety and quality of the blood supply. Bloodmobiles are scheduled approximately eight weeks apart – the recommended time span between individual donations. A donor card or photo ID is needed. Walk-ins are welcome, or make an appointment by calling St. Margaret’s Volunteer Services at 815-664-1130.

St. Louis School plans fundraiser

PRINCETON — St. Louis School will host a fundraiser, “A Night at the Auction,” on Saturday, Nov. 19. Tickets include dinner catered by Mark Allens, live music by Al and Jeannie Brown, and the chance to bid on lots of auction items such as autographed Ben Zobrist batting gloves, Chicago Bulls Tickets, seed corn, Disney Park hopper passes, weekend getaways and much more. Tickets are $30 per person or $200 per table. Tickets are available by calling the school office at 815-872-8521. The event will be held in Harkrader Hall at St Louis School/Parish in Princeton. Doors will open at 5 p.m. (following the 4 p.m. Mass). Dinner will be served at 6 p.m., and the auction will start at 7 p.m.

Optimist fruit sale extended

PRINCETON — The Princeton Optimist Club has extended its sale of 20-pound boxes of oranges and grapefruit. The money raised will support several youth activities such as the pumpkin races, Halloween costume contest, Easter egg hunt, plus support for the youth sports programs and many other youth projects. Fruit can be ordered from any Optimist member or by calling Gary Patterson at 815-875-3767. The public may want to consider donating a box to the pantry or Buddy Bags. The fresh fruit will arrive in Princeton on Nov. 21.

IVS photo/Goldie Rapp

Mobile Food Pantry serves 561 patrons Nearly 50 volunteers gathered at the Bureau County Fairgrounds Nov. 10 to lend a hand for the River Bend Foodbank’s Mobile Food Pantry event. There were 210 households served, which represented 561 patrons. Glenn Allen, local organizer of the event, said it was the most attended Mobile Food Pantry in Bureau County to date. The event was sponsored by the First Lutheran Church and Bureau County Food Pantry.

Community Thanksgiving service on Nov. 23 PRINCETON — A community Thanksgiving service will be at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, at the Hampshire Colony Congregational Church in Princeton. The service will have a community choir, a congregational choir and congregational singing. The theme, “Extraordinary Blessings,” will be celebrated in a variety of ways, including a message shared by Pastor Kim Lee-Brown. It also includes a PowerPoint presentation of photos to express gratitude for blessings in life. These photos will be submitted in advance by people from participating congregations. In thanksgiving for blessings received,

participants will have the opportunity to share a monetary offering for the Princeton Ministerial Association Emergency Assistance Fund. Also, at this service will be a box for new toys for Christmas for Kids. Following the service, a time of fellowship will include cider, doughnuts and refreshments. Seven Princeton area congregations are participating: First Christian Church, First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church, Hampshire Colony Congregational Church, Open Prairie United Church of Christ, St. John Lutheran Church on the Hill and St. Matthews Lutheran Church.

Auction Calendar Nov. 19 — Harold Steele, primitives, antiques, and collectibles, 9:30 a.m., “The Shed,” 401 W. Main St., Wyanet, Rediger Auction Service, auctioneers. Nov. 19 — Wayne Swearingen estate, flat bed and enclosed trailers, tools and tool-related items, oil pump and antiques, 10 a.m., 14989 1000 Ave.,Tiskilwa, Tumbleson Auction Co., auctioneers. Nov. 25 — Eugene VanWassenhove estate, farm land, 10 a.m., American Legion Post 31, 1509 Railroad Ave., Kewanee Rediger Auction Service, auctioneers. Nov. 26 — Jeri Sue Groom, lawn and garden, antique and modern furniture, antiques, collectibles and household items, 10 a.m., 813 Main St., Henry, Tumbleson Auction Co., auctioneers. Dec. 3 — Donald R. Springer estate, farm land and recreational land, 10 a.m., Wise Guys banquet room, 2205 N. Main St., Princeton, Dahl Real Estate, auctioneers. Dec. 12 — Mercer and Fulton counties, crop land acres, 10 a.m., Western Illinois University, Union Grand Ballroom, Macomb, Schrader Auction, auctioneers.

It’s our annual Thanksgiving

Turkey Fry

Sunday, Nov. 20th

Kick off the holiday season right. The boys will be tailgating and frying turkeys all morning. Festivities start at Noon with Kick Off, Food at halftime.

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PRINCETON — The Bureau County Agriculture Fair Board will have its annual meeting at 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, in the Allen Building at the fairgrounds. All lifetime members are encouraged to attend.

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6 • Thursday, November 17, 2016

Illinois Valley Scene

Senior Spotlight Tori Coble • Hall High School Name: Tori Coble. School: Hall High School. Date/place of birth: Feb. 3, 1999, at IVCH in Peru. Hometown: Ladd. Family: I have my mom, Jennifer Cain; my dad, Randy Coble; my stepdad, Eric Cain; my sisters, Madyson Cain and Aubrey Coble; my brothers, Reed Cain and Riley Coble; and my dogs, Dixie and Ella. Sports: Volleyball and softball. Favorite sport and why: My favorite sport is volleyball. I love the intensity and the fact that you can never know the outcome because any team can lose on any given day depending on their mentality. I’m super competitive and volleyball is definitely a highly competitive sport. Favorite food and where to get it: Chicken strips and fries from Rips in Ladd. Likes: Shoes, hanging out with friends, puppies, and volleyball. Dislikes: Sauce, disrespect, chores, and meat loaf. Person with the greatest influence on my athletic career (and why): The people with the greatest influence in my athletic career are all of the coaches that I have had in grade school sports and high school volleyball, including Dru Heggen, Kim Jalley, Deb Brokaw, Erin Polte, Megan Uphoff, Darcy Earley, Bernadette Savitch and Demi Salazar because they all pushed me to be the best player I can be. They made the sports fun and always had my back. Person with the greatest influence in my life (and why): There are two people that have a lot of influence in my life and they are my best friend, Hunter Galassi, and my mom, Jennifer Cain. My mom always tells me to follow my dreams and never give up because she knows I can do anything that I put my mind to. When

I need to rant about something or make a hard decision, the one person I go to is Hunter. She is a great listener and she always gives me the best advice when I need it. Who would be your dream celebrity prom date: Kris Bryant. Name three historic figures you’d like to meet (and why): Abraham Lincoln, Walt Disney, and Steve Jobs, because they are all very interesting people. I would love to just have a conversation with each of them. If stranded on a deserted island, I would have my: Dogs, because I would get lonely. The last song I listened to: “This Town” by Niall Horan. People would be surprised to know: I can’t burp and therefore drinking soda gives me really bad stomach aches so I have to limit myself. I stay home to watch: “Grey’s Anatomy.” When I need luck for a big game, I: Get coffee, listen to music, and give my team a big pep talk. The funniest person I’ve ever met (and why): My cousin Chipper Rossi and Kaylee Olivares, because both of them make me laugh whenever I’m feeling down. They are both so wild and crack me up all the time. What they’ll say about me at school after I graduate: “Wow, she was tall and clumsy. She was chill though.” Most embarrassing moment: Falling in the middle of the school cafeteria sophomore year. Most unforgettable moment: Getting the kill to win the game on senior night. The feeling was unforgettable! Ultimate sports fantasy: Playing volleyball in the Olympics. What I would like to do in life: Anything as long as I’m happy. IVS Photo/Mike Vaughn

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Thursday, November 17, 2016 • 7

Illinois Valley Scene

High school basketball The 2016-17 boys basketball season will be tipping off at a gym near you next week. Here’s a rundown of the tournament sites. At Orion: The Princeton Tigers will return to the 10&32 Orion Tip-Off Classic, taking on Three Rivers East rival Prophetstown at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21. They will return to action at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, against Erie. After a day off for Thanksgiving, the PHS cagers will meet Monmouth-Roseville at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, and wrap up the tournament with a 4 p.m. tip vs. Mercer County Saturday, Nov. 26. The PHS sophomores will also be playing at Orion in a bracketed format. The Kittens will face Alleman at 7 p.m. Nov. 21. Their winner will meet the winner between Mercer County/Sherrard at 11:30 a.m. Nov. 25 with the losers to meet at 8:30 a.m. Tournament finals are Nov. 26. The 10&32 Tip-Off Classic was dedicated last year in memory of former Princeton player Andy Adams and his Orion teammate Danny DeBacker. At Seneca: The Hall Red Devils will open the season Monday, Nov. 21, against Reed-Custer in the Seneca Turkey Tournament. The Red Devils will also face Newark at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, and Hall at 4:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25. Tournament finals will be Saturday, Nov. 26, starting at noon with the championship contest at 7:30 p.m. At Wethersfield: The Bureau Valley Storm are back at the Wally Keller Invite at Kewanee Wethersfield. They have games in the round-robin affair against Annawan at 5:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, Elmwood at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, Wethersfield at 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, and Putnam County at 7 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. The BV sophs will also compete, facing Midland and Wethersfield in back-toback games starting at 1:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25. The finals will be held Saturday, Nov. 26, starting at noon. At Oregon: Brian Hanson debuts as St. Bede coach in the Oregon Thanksgiving Tournament at 5:45 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21. The Bruins also have games with Milledgeville at 5:45 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 22, and vs. Morrison at 8 p.m. Friday, Nov. 25, leading up to the Saturday, Nov. 26, finals. At Williamsfield: The DePue Little Giants head to the Willamsfield Thanksgiving Tournament, opening Monday. At Ashton: New head coach Kenny Shrimplin and the LaMoille/Ohio Lions will open at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21, against Little Ten rival Hiawatha in the AFC Thanksgiving Tournament. The round-robin tourney continues for L/O facing AFC at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 22, Polo at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 23, and Amboy at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 26. While the boys are starting up next, girls tournaments will be wrapping up this week. At Oregon: The Hall Lady Devils will face Rockford Christian at 5:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, heading into Saturday, Nov. 19, finals of the Oregon Thanksgiving Tournament. The Hall sophomores will also face Rockford Christian at 7:15 p.m. Nov. 17. At Princeton: The Princeton Holiday Girls Tournament continues over the weekend. On Thursday, Nov. 17, Bureau Valley will play Stark County at 5 p.m., Midland will play Streator at 6:30 p.m. and Princeton vs. Putnam County will play at 8 p.m. On Friday, Nov. 18, Streator will play Putnam County at 5 p.m., Stark County will play LaMoille at 6:30 p.m. and Bureau Valley will play Henry at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, finals will start with the seventh-place game at 3 p.m., the fifth-place game at 4:30 p.m., the third place game at 6 p.m. and the championship at 7:30 p.m. At Geneseo: St. Bede has moved to

the new Geneseo Temples Thanksgiving Tournament put on by Geneseo. The Lady Bruins will play host to L-P at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17. St. Bede will return to Geneseo Nov. 19 to face Chicago Ag and Science at noon.

Kaiser-Kesseler Holiday Tournament

PRINCETON — The 42nd annual Kaiser-Kesseler Holiday Tournament will be held at Logan Junior High School on Monday, Nov. 28, and Tuesday, Nov. 29. This tournament consists of four eighthgrade boys basketball teams. Admission is: K-8 students and seniors 60 and older, $1; High school/adults $2. The schedule is as follows: Nov. 28: Logan vs. Geneseo, 5 p.m., Dixon vs. Kewanee, 6 p.m. Nov. 29: Third place game, 5 p.m., championship game, 6 p.m.

Bowling Boosters host 50/50 raffle

SPRING VALLEY — The Hall High School Bowling Boosters Organization (HBB) is holding a 50/50 raffle to support the Hall High School bowling team. The “Black Friday 50/50 Raffle” will be drawn on Nov. 19, just in time for some holiday shopping. Currently, the jackpot is at $1,300 and rising. Tickets are $5 each, and you need not be present to win. Send $5 per ticket with your name, address and phone number to: HBB Raffle, 419 W. St. Paul St., Spring Valley, IL 61362. HBB is a newly-formed group to ensure the sport of bowling is continued at Hall High School. With tight budgets, some extra-curricular activities could be cut, so they hope to keep raising funds to keep this sport alive. Donations will be used to assist the bowling program with expenses such as tournament fees, equipment, travel, food and any other expenses deemed necessary the Hall High School budget can’t meet.

Photo contributed

PCA wins Ladd Tournament The Princeton Christian Academy Eagles defeated Deer Park 46-42 to capture the Ladd boys basketball tournament. Team members include Christian Rosario (front row, left), Miguel Jones, Grady Thompson and Isaiah Hart; Paul Hart (middle row), Nick Mecum, Graeham Rumley and Cozy Wolbrecht; and coaches Justin Bullington (back row), Bob Hart and Sam Wolbrecht.

You Are Invited!

Santas on the Run 5K

10th Annual

SPRING VALLEY — The Santas on the Run 5K will be Saturday, Nov. 26, to benefit the Hall Township Food Pantry. Registration will be from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the JFK School, 800 N. Richards St., Spring Valley. Race time is 10 a.m. from the JFK parking lot. Entry fee is $30 through and including race day. Awards will be given to the overall top runners and top two finishers in each age group. Water stops will include cookies and holiday treats with hot chocolate after the race. Online registration is available at racesonline.com/events/santas-on-therun.

Christmas Open House

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Princeton Park District Update

110 N. Columbia Street, Oglebsy (815) 833-3373 616 East Grant Street, Granville (815) 339-2400

PRINCETON — Registration is underway for the indoor adult soccer league sponsored by the Princeton Park District. Games will be held Sundays at 12:30 p.m. at the Bureau County Metro Center from Dec. 4 through Jan. 22. Cost is $200 per team. Signups are also being held for the adult volleyball league. Roster and league fees are due by Dec. 4. League play starts Dec. 13 with games held on Tuesdays beginning at 5:30 p.m. The youth dodgeball league is underway at the Bureau County Metro Center. Games are held Fridays with K-2 starting at 5 p.m. and grades 3-5 at 5:45 p.m. The youth basketball league is being held Saturdays at the Met starting at 9 a.m. *** Submit items for Happenings to sports@bcrnews.com.

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8 • Thursday, November 17, 2016

Illinois Valley Scene

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