Issuu

PRSRT STD Bulk Rate U.S. Postage

PA I D *****ECRWSSEDDM***** Postal Customer

Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081 P.O. Box 498 Sterling, IL 61081

CHANGE SERVICE

Spring/Summer 2018 REQUESTED

New Milledgeville eatery offers rustic charm, good eats

Lanark Food Center offers convenience to its customers in town

Mount Carroll couple adds to their footprint downtown with bakery

Timber Lake Playhouse (TLP), the professional summer theatre of northwestern Illinois, has the shows you will love: hot new shows just leaving Broadway, great American plays, everyone’s “old favorite” musicals, and the best in country, pop, and rock-n-roll revues in our “JukeBox Series.” Timber Lake Playhouse hires the best young theatrical talent from all over the United States, and we regularly bring back talented alumni who have gone on to stellar careers on Broadway, TV and Film. Noted past performers are Tony Winning Actress Jayne Houdyshell, Michael Gross (Family Ties), Jennifer Garner and Saundra Santiago (Miami Vice, Guiding Light, The Sopranos, and Broadway's Evita and more). Santiago last appeared at TLP in 2016 as Rose in Gypsy. Located just south of Mount Carroll, Illinois about 10 miles from the Mississippi River, TLP is a short drive from Fulton, Sterling and Rockford, Illinois. The current theatre building opened in 1975 with 371 seats. The building is fully air conditioned, and the nine-acre wooded campus is perfect for any other activity you and your guests desire. From picnicking on the deck overlooking beautiful Timber Lake to attending a pre-show activity in our newly acquired rustic barn, TLP is a great destination for a day of fun. Check out our website at www.timberlakeplayhouse.org for more information about our shows and other activities.

s p r i n g / s u m m e r

1 8

FEATURE â€˘ STORY L

Publisher Don T. Bricker Advertising Director Jennifer Heintzelman Editor Jeff Rogers Magazine Editors Lucas Pauley Rusty Schrader Page Design Lucas Pauley Published by

Sauk Valley Media 3200 E. Lincolnway Sterling, IL 61081 815-625-3600

SM-ST1500758

Articles and advertisements are the property of Sauk Valley Media. No portion of Carroll County Living Magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of Sauk Valley Media. The information in this magazine is believed to be accurate; however, Sauk Valley Media cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. Sauk Valley Media cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this magazine.

c a r r o l l

c o u n t y

l i v i n g

m a g a z i n e

More inside 4

Johnson’s Processing Plant Inc.

We invite you to stop by and enjoy a multi-level shopping experience

Custom Butchering Quarters and Halves For Sale

10% OFF 1 ITEM

205 IL Rt. 40 Chadwick, IL 61014

Exp. 5/31/18

307 First Ave., Sterling

(815)684-5183

Mon.-Fri. 9–5:30p.m., Sat. 9–5p.m., Sun. 10–4p.m. SM-ST1499584

The Leader in Auto Repair

BUSHMAN’S SERVICE 309 N Washington Milledgeville 815-225-7411

s p r i n g / s u m m e r

1 8

Reasonable Rates • Quality Parts Trained Technicians

SM-ST5870-0822

• MICHELIN • MITAS • FIRESTONE • BKT Offering a full line of passenger, light truck & ag tires

Bring your vehicle where the customer comes out ahead every time!

Ewers Garage, Inc. Serving the area Since 1921

815-225-7151 18 E. 4th St., Milledgeville, IL 61051 www.ewersgarage.com

Lanark Food Center received a new storefront, including a new sign, paint, and awning, with work completed in August. Owner Tushar Patel said the storefront adds charm to the downtown. Read more about the grocery on page 6.

Step inside the store

c a r r o l l

c o u n t y

l i v i n g

m a g a z i n e

Grocery continues small-town traditions STORY BY PHILLIP HARTMAN & PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KRABBENHOEFT FOR CARROLL COUNTY LIVING

Lanark Food Center

Address: 13 N. Broad St., Lanark Phone: 815-493-2750 Email: lanarkfoodcenter @gmail.com Hours: 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday Online: lanarkfoodcenter.com or search for Lanark Food Center on Facebook

FULL SERVICE AUTO REPAIR 6

John Daehler, Owner

s p r i n g / s u m m e r

1 8

SM-ST1500755

AUTOMOTIVE

201 E. Locust St. Lanark, IL 815-493-2029

Dental Care for the Whole Family 120 S. Broad St. â€¢ PO Box 43 Lanark, IL 61046 815.493.2244 Dennis J. Walters D.D.S

anark Food Center may have gotten a facelift, but the store’s commitment to helping the community remains the same. The store got a new storefront, including a new sign, paint, and awning, with work completed in August. Owner Tushar Patel, who moved to Lanark in 2011 with his family, said the storefront adds charm to the downtown. The store offers a variety of different products and services – produce, dairy and frozen foods, quality meats, deli-sliced meats, cheeses, salads, roasted chicken, beer, wine, liquor, magazines, and local newspapers. The new storefront is only part of the upgrades made to the building. “We took over the store from Ken Patel, no relation, in January 2009. He bought the store from Bill Piper in February 2008. We installed [an] all-new cooler and freezers about 3 years ago,” Patel wrote in an email. Its appearance isn’t the only thing that offers small-town charm. The store also offers carry-out service for people who need it, and the store offers delivery to the rest of its customers, on Wednesdays. The store also donates 1 percent of its total sales to all of the churches in Lanark. “Customers turn their receipts in to churches [and] we donate on those receipts [that] get turned in,” Patel wrote. While social media campaigns are still being worked on, the staff is making the most of its website. The site features weekly specials and printable coupons. The recipe page covers a variety of categories – main or side dishes, lunch, desserts, and more – with dishes as varied as root beer can chicken, peanut butter bars, and lettuce-wrapped cheeseburgers. In the future, wine pairings will be available on the site, to find which bottle goes best with which dish. The store’s Facebook page features recipe videos, and customers share photos of their experiences at the store. The page also features tips on

ABOVE AND LEFT: The Lanark Food Center has a wide variety of goods in downtown Lanark. slow cooking, winter salads, stuffed meatloaf and cookies. The grocery also supports other area businesses. They carry SQZ wine, made in Lanark, and items for pets from Tuff Dog Bakery in Sterling. The Patels are working to expand their operations to Polo, as well. On Feb. 1, the Polo City Council increased the amount of a loan to Tushar from $30,000 to $70,000. The funds will help the Patels purchase and fix up the former Polo Super Valu building, more recently Polo Food Center, at 205 S. Division Ave. Patel is purchasing the property for $120,000 from the First National Bank of Amboy. s

At Sloan Implement, we are here for your equipment needs. We have many types of equipment, large or small, to help you get jobs done better and faster. Our excellent PARTS & SERVICE departments are here to keep your machines running strong all year long. Stop in or call to see what we can do for you! We have a wide variety of Lawn & Garden equipment to help you keep your property in shape. Stop in to see our Sales Department to find out exactly what you need.

26208 US Hwy 52, Lanark, IL www.sloans.com

Ph: 815-493-2191 800-344-8023

SM-ST1500760

c a r r o l l

c o u n t y

l i v i n g

m a g a z i n e

Tale of two trips What a difference a decade made for Lanark business owners STORY BY PHILLIP HARTMAN & PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KRABBENHOEFT FOR CARROLL COUNTY LIVING Brothers Inn Family Restaurant will celebrate its 14th anniversary May 19. The well-known Lanark eatery offers a wide variety of items.

The Art of Floral Design

1007 4th St. Fulton, IL (815) 589-3000

15273 Bishop Rd. Morrison, IL (815) 772-7874

from our boutique to your home

Handcrafted Bouquets & Arrangements Unique Gifts & Home Decor

Division of BOGOTT Plumbing, Inc.

• Po Pool ol ope peni ning ni ngs/ ng s/cl s/ clos cl osin ings in gs • Sup uppl plie pl iess ie • Ma Main inte in tena nanc na ncee • Re nc Repa pair irss ir • Po Pool ol / Spa Che hemi mica mi cals ls • Poo ool/ l/Sp Spa Sp a Co Comp mput mp uter eriz ized ed Wat ater er Tes esti ting ti ng

Flower Fan-A-See Check out our updated classes on Facebook Mon - Fri 9am-5pm • Sat 9am-Noon 904 S. Clay St. Mt. Carroll, IL 815-244-1123 www.ﬂowerfanasee.com

s p r i n g / s u m m e r

WWW.BPICOMPANIEES.NET 1 8

on’t let it be said that a Lanark family will let a good thing pass them by twice. Brothers Inn Family Restaurant will celebrate 14 years of providing food favorites on May 19, but the road from a Delite to dinner almost didn’t happen – well, the first time anyway. The second time – now that’s a different story. You could call it a case of Delite-ful deja vu. Ozzy Seferi co-owns the restaurant with his brothers, Mazi Seferi and Kimi Seferi, the sons of Amy and Ray Seferi. In 1994, the brothers were driving through Lanark with their dad to visit a friend in Savanna when they stopped at Dairy Delite, a fast food and ice cream shop. During the visit, Ray chatted up owner Jack Kampemeier, and the two joked about selling the restaurant, right there on the spot. “Jack said he could sell it right then, for $400,000,” Ozzy recalled. The family didn’t take him up on the off-thecuff offer and life went on. The brothers eventually took a job as chefs in Sugar Grove, in the Chicago suburbs. But a decade later, the Seferis found themselves in a familiar situation as they passed by Dairy Delite again.

Brothers Ozzy and Mazi Seferi pose inside Brothers Inn Family Restaurant in Lanark.

Continued on page 11

SM-ST1499600

c a r r o l l

c o u n t y

l i v i n g

m a g a z i n e

Fulton Family Health Clinic

1705 16th Avenue Fulton, IL (815)589-2121

Morrison Family Health Clinic 635 E. Lincolnway Morrison, IL (815)772-7491

ff Affiliates off

915 13th Avenue N., Clinton, IA

(563)243-2511

www.maclinton.com

Our staff of over 40 experienced physicians hold board certifications in over 25 specialties to provide comprehensive care for your entire family’s healthcare needs. Serving the Sauk Valley Area for Over 35 Years!

GARAGE DOOR Specialists We sell and install all types of garage doors, as well as garage door openers. aluminum • steel • wood • ﬁberglass • vinyl • carriage styles Residential - Commercial - Industrial Parts, Repair & Springs Repaired

garagedoorspecialists1.com

s p r i n g / s u m m e r

1 8

1311 W. 4th Street, Sterling • 815-626-8911

Continued from page 9

“We passed by in 2004 to visit the same friend, and we were shocked,” Ozzy said. “We were just driving by to visit a friend in Savanna, and noticed the sign [that the shop] was for sale.” “My dad asked if we remembered. Now, it was for sale,” Ozzy said. The family called the number on a sign by the restaurant, and Kampemeier called them back after about 10 minutes. “He didn’t recognize us at first, because it was 10 years ago,” Ozzy said, but it didn’t take long for the men to strike a deal. “They made a deal right there, that night, and shook hands. The next day, we came here and talked to National Bank. We got the loan, and we bought the restaurant. Now, we’ve been here for almost 14 years,” Ozzy said. The Seferis relocated from Sugar Grove to Lanark, and have made the town their home. “Our kids grew up here, so we do love it. My parents’ wish was to work in the same location. They work very hard to help us. They also live in Lanark,” Ozzy said. Besides the Seferis, about 20 employees work at the restaurant.

Patrons enjoy the salad bar at the restaurant

Continued on page 13

Shannon Marine Services

Welcome...

Call for great prices on....

Snapper Lawn Mowers

We invite you to try some of our Specialties!

• Italian Sodas • Speciality Coffee • Gourmet Hot Chocolate & Steamers • Italian Beef/Sandwiches • Paninis

WiFi Available

Marine M i Service

• Outboard & Stern Drive Repair • Prop Repair • Full line of Tohatsu Outboard Motors Available! • Winterization & Storage Available At:

Best in Town Lunch Specials

13S. Shannon Route Shannon

815-864-2565

SM-ST1503569

Catering for Large and Small Parties

Also Serving Breakfast

320 N Main, Mt. Carroll | (815) 244-0055 | www.baldguyzbistro.com Mon-Thurs 7am-4pm | Fri & Sat 7am-7:30pm

ORDER ONLINE @ BALDGUYZBISTRO.COM

www.shannonmarine.com c a r r o l l

c o u n t y

l i v i n g

m a g a z i n e

FISHERMEN WANTED 7,000 sq. ft. Showroom • Mercury Outboards Competitive Prices • Mercruiser Dedicated Staff Largest Accessory Dept. in the Area • Crestliner Fishing Boats Quality Service from Factory Trained Technicians • Crest Pontoons On Water Service • Suzuki Outboard Indoor Storage • Dock & Lift CHECK OUT CURRENT BOAT SELECTION AT MILLERSSPORT.COM

2018 BOAT MODELS IN STOCK!!

Crestliner Fishing

2018 Raptor 2100

inc.

24565 Zier Rd, Lanark 815-493-6401

millersport@hotmail.com

Since Sinc Si ncee 19 nc 1992 92

Let Us Help You Make a Lasting Impression Embroidery & Custom Screen Printing T-Shirts, banners, & windows Stadium Chairs, Decals & Vehicle Lettering

D& M

E broidery & More 12

s p r i n g / s u m m e r

1 8

1302 3rd Street, Ste. B, Fulton, IL

Voted #1 Screen Printing & #1 Embroidery

815-589-3056 www.dmembroidery.com

Continued from page 11

The menu reads practically like a dictionary of dining, with skillets, more than a dozen different kinds of omelets, pancakes, waffles, a salad bar, seafood, and sandwiches. Kosher corned beef, Monte Cristos, a beef roll, various kinds of melts, and desserts. Customers took a few moments to discuss their favorite dishes during a recent afternoon visit to Brothers. Elaine Huggins of Lanark is one of a group of ladies who’ve been meeting for coffee since 2004 at the restaurant. She said, “I like everything. I’ve never had a bad meal.” Sally Grove, one of Elaine’s friends, said she liked the ribs, but when it comes right down to it,“Everything’s good,” she said. Marie McDonnell and her husband, Tom, are from Lake Carroll, and started coming to Brothers in 2004, too. “All the food is very good. The soups are excellent. I like the rice soup, and the walleye,” Marie said. Tom has his own favorite dishes – “the fish and ribs,” he said. Whatever you’re a fan of, chances are good you’ll find it at Seferis’ restaurant, where the family has spent nearly 15 years learning the Inns and outs of running the restaurant – and judging by the Inn crowd, they’ve done a pretty good job. s

Brothers Inn Family Restaurant

Address: 103 state Route 64, Lanark Phone: 815-493-2555 Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day (closes at 2 p.m. on Thanksgiving and Christmas) Online: On Facebook

Friends share a cups of coffee and conversation at Brothers Inn

NEW YEAR...

NEWYOU $ 10 OFF A 3 MONTH MEMBERSHIP

Get Fit Together at Mt. Carroll's 24 HOUR Fitness Center 855 S. Mill St - Suite C. Mt. Carroll, IL 61053 126 E. Lincolnway Morrison, IL 61270

815.704.2049

weston@b-ﬁttoday.com www.b-ﬁttoday.com c a r r o l l

c o u n t y

WESTON & LAURA BURKHOLDER, OWNERS

l i v i n g

m a g a z i n e

GET YOUR FILL AT THE MILL

Milledgeville family loves to serve both familiar and new faces at their unique establishment

STORY BY CODY CUTTER & PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KRABBENHOEFT FOR CARROLL COUNTY LIVING

s p r i n g / s u m m e r

1 8

Curt Eubanks, owner of the Mill Wheel Tavern in downtown Milledgeville, stands behind the bar. He’s celebrating the bar’s first anniversary, and has many renovation plans in the works. The Mill Wheel Tavern is the only bar in Milledgeville to offer a full menu.

urt Eubanks can’t stress it enough: The Mill Wheel Tavern is “a work in progress.” “Eventually, we want to go over the whole building and we’re going to reconfigure some of the stuff,” he said. Eubanks has owned the tavern at 337 N. Main in Milledgeville since February 2017, when he purchased the former J J’s Come Back Inn from Jerry Spencer. He has a final vision of what he wants his business to look like and there is a methodical – albeit, open-ended – approach to it: new this down the road, new that down the road. The next time customers visit the place, it will look a little different – but the feel will remain the same. “I want them to come in and feel at home,” Eubanks said. “I want them to feel like it’s their place, I want them to feel welcome, and I want them to have a good experience, good food,

The Mill Wheel Tavern

Address: 337 N. Main St., Milledgeville Phone: 815-225-7714 Online: millwheeltavern.com and Facebook Hours: The kitchen is open for breakfast from 5 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Monday through Saturday; for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday; and for dinner from 5 to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The bar is open from 9 a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday; and noon to 10 p.m. Sunday. good conversation, good vibrations, good beer, good spirits. I want them to feel comfortable and stay.” After retiring from the Illinois Department of Corrections, Eubanks worked part-time for Spencer as a bartender and took over the establishment about a year later. Along with a staff of bartenders, servers and cooks, the Eubanks family – wife Pam and sons Collin and Connor – also help out.

c a r r o l l

c o u n t y

“It’s something we’ve always talked about doing,” Eubanks said. “Both my wife and I are from here, and my family is from here. We’re familiar with the patrons. We may not know everybody, but we know a lot.” Eubanks revamped the menu, and it includes a variety of different breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. Continued on page 16

l i v i n g

m a g a z i n e

6 No. 1 Hits | 2010 Country Music Legend of the Year | 23 Top 10 Hits

Friday, February 23, 2018 Showtime: 7:00 p.m. | Tickets: $20

HITS INCLUDE:

“Love In The Hot Afternoon” | “Farewell Party” | “Memories To Burn” “Fourteen Carat Mind” | “Got No Reason Now For Not Going Home”

Must be 21 years or older to gamble. If you or someone you know needs gambling treatment, call 1.800.BETS OFF.

s p r i n g / s u m m e r

1 8

Continued from page 15

Along with fried chicken, another the popular special is the Mill Wheel Chicken: boneless chicken breasts trimmed of all the fat and cut into 1-ounce chunks and batter fried. Servings come in quarter (4-ounce) and half (8-ounce) options, and are served with in-house Victory Sauce. Burgers, beef, pork, and rib-eye steaks also are available, and a lot of it comes from Lanark or Chadwick. “People have a little more confidence in localsource-drawn meat,” Eubanks said. “We try to support the local economy there, too.” A variety of nightly specials are offered Monday through Friday, among them: Tacos on Tuesday, hand-rolled pizzas on Thursday, and deep-fried pollock on Friday. Wednesdays and Saturdays specials change each week. People sometimes plan their week based on the specials, which are posted both inside the restaurant and on The Mill Wheel Tavern’s Facebook page. “It may be the smothered burrito, it may be the tacos, it may be a fajita, or roast beef, or a hot beef sandwich, a Cuban sandwich, an Italian grilled cheese,” Eubanks said. “It is something different every day.” As the menu wheel goes ‘round, so will the overall look. Eubanks is planning on installing new ceilings and flooring, and will touch up the banquet room as well. He also hopes to bring back the local pool league and host line dancing and winter bags tournaments. What won’t change, as far as looks go, is the rustic atmosphere. Along with plenty of Chicago Cubs decor, farm signs advertising seed companies grace one of the walls. One sign on loan comes from Polo, another has an orange missile – similar to Milledgeville High School’s nickname. “It fits the agriculture,” Eubanks said. “We’re in a very strong agricultural community, so I tailor the place to that. It’s what I like and feel comfortable with, and most of my patrons feel comfortable with it. “It’s home – that’s what it’s all about.” s

Perfection starts with nature

A half order of the Mill Wheel Chicken with homemade sauce.

The smothered burrito meal is shown at the restaurant.

Perfection is now within rreach each

It continues with you

Lanark

BUILDING CENTER

213 W. Carroll St., Lanark 21

(815) 493-2161

c a r r o l l

c o u n t y

l i v i n g

Mon.-Fri. 7am-5pm Saturday 8am-12pm Closed Sunday

m a g a z i n e

The weather may be colder, but our rates are heating up!

1.51

15 Month APY* CD (1.50% interest Rate)

2.02

30 Month APY* CD (2.00% interest Rate)

*Annual Percentage Yield is accurate as of December 14, 2017. A minimum balance of $1,000 is required to obtain 1.51% APY and 2.02% APY. A penalty for early withdrawal may be imposed. This offer is subject to change and/or be withdrawn without notice.

Shannon 815-864-2111 Polo 815-946-2777 Lake Carroll 815-864-2125

Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender

Your Key to a Successful Home Sale Amy Barnes Managing Broker 815-238-8360

Nick Isenhart Managing Broker 815-275-2050

Corine Charles 815-541-5187

Doug Moll 815-238-3626

Penny Fink 815-275-3804

Aime Heldt 815-291-8256

Betty Moorhead 815-541-8281

Trish Oppold 815-541-7138

Let Our Professional Team Of Brokers Work For You!

110 W. Carroll Street, Lanark â€˘ 815-493-2323 24490 Payne Road, Shannon â€˘ 815-864-2390

www.BarnesRealtyInc.com

s p r i n g / s u m m e r

1 8

A place for primitives Find your treasure for at country antique shop in rural Mount Carroll STORY BY ANDREA MILLS & PHOTOS BY MICHAEL KRABBENHOEFT FOR CARROLL COUNTY LIVING

hen Susan Shire opened an antique shop, she not only found a new purpose in life, she found a new purpose for the antiques she sells. Susan Shire Antiques sits behind a stone house just off a beautiful stretch of state Route 78 – a combination antique shop/ workshop that’s a retiree’s dream, and a big change for the Susan and her husband, Bruce. “We were looking for someplace to retire that would be pretty and still close to grandkids and kids, and this is where we ended up,” Susan Shire said. “We saw this house and changed our lives.” The former Aurora couple built the shop 18 years ago, and then Susan started her antique business. “It’s taken years for people to find me, but now I actually have a very good business here,” she said. “Some dealers tell me I’m their secret.” The shop caters to both dealers and shoppers, but regardless of who she sells to, Susan’s passionate about what she wants to see when antiques leave the store.

Susan Shire (above) specializes in primitive antique items at her antique shop, which sits behind a stone house just off a beautiful stretch of state Route 78 in rural Mount Carroll.

Susan Shire Antiques

Address: 9469 state Route 78, Mount Carroll Phone: 815-990-6658 Online: Facebook Hours: Open all year; by appointment or chance

Continued on page 21

CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS Kevin Miller, General Contractor 12841 IL Rt. 73, Lanark, IL

815-493-6576 kmillerchb@frontiernet.net

Custom Homes • Remodeling • Decks • Garages

w w w. l a k e c a r r o l l h o m e b u i l d e r s . c o m c a r r o l l

c o u n t y

l i v i n g

m a g a z i n e

106 E. Market Street

Karri Hess, PA-C Kar • Accepting New Patients • Offering DOT, Sports and School Physicals

PIONEER® 1000

• Same Day Appointments (Available for minor illnesses and injuries)

1902 North Locust St. Sterling, IL • 815-625-4426 www.douglasfryemotorcycle.com SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS powersports.honda.com PIONEER 1000 IS ONLY FOR DRIVERS 16 YEARS AND OLDER. MULTI-PURPOSE UTILITY VEHICLES (SIDE-BY-SIDES) CAN BE HAZARDOUS TO OPERATE. FOR YOUR SAFETY, DRIVE RESPONSIBLY. ALWAYS WEAR A HELMET, EYE PROTECTION AND APPROPRIATE CLOTHING. ALWAYS WEAR YOUR SEAT BELT, AND KEEP THE SIDE NETS AND DOORS CLOSED. AVOID EXCESSIVE SPEEDS AND BE CAREFUL ON DIFFICULT TERRAIN. ALL MUV DRIVERS SHOULD WATCH THE SAFETY VIDEO “MULTIPURPOSE UTILITY VEHICLES: A GUIDE TO SAFE OPERATION” AND READ THE OWNER’S MANUAL BEFORE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. NEVER DRIVE AFTER CONSUMING DRUGS OR ALCOHOL, OR ON PUBLIC ROADS. DRIVER AND PASSENGERS MUST BE TALL ENOUGH FOR SEAT BELT TO FIT PROPERLY AND TO BRACE THEMSELVES WITH BOTH FEET FIRMLY ON THE FLOOR. PASSENGER MUST BE ABLE TO GRASP THE HAND HOLD WITH THE SEAT BELT ON AND BOTH FEET ON THE FLOOR. RESPECT THE ENVIRONMENT WHEN DRIVING. *2.99% Fixed APR ﬁnancing available for customers who qualify for super preferred credit tier for up to 36 months through Honda Financial Services. Payment example: 36 monthly payments of $29.08 for each $1,000 ﬁnanced. Offer good on all new and unregistered 2014-2017 model year SXS models. Not all buyers may qualify. Higher rates apply for buyers with lower credit ratings. Offer ends 4/2/18. **$1500 Factory-to-Dealer incentives valid on select new and unregistered 2016 SXS1000M3 models and $250 Factory-to-Dealer incentives valid on select new and unregistered 2018 SXS1000M3/ M5 models. See dealer for details. Factory-to-Dealer incentives redeemable only for purchases at dealer on purchase date. No cash value. Non-transferable. Redemption value is not to exceed $1500. Offer valid through 3/31/2018. Check with participating Honda Dealers for complete details. Pioneer® is a trademark of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. ©2018 American Honda Motor Co., Inc. (01/18)

“Jo Daviess Best Kept Secret” Daily Drink & Food Specials

Golf Outings

• Full Service Restaurant Bar • Banquet Hall

B LACK H AWK R UN

John Warner, Manager

3501 South Golf Road l Stockton, Illinois 61085 Phone: 815-947-3011

SM-ST1504277

s p r i n g / s u m m e r

1 8

www.blackhawkrungolfcourse.com

Continued from page 19

“I truly think they’re our heritage and we’re caretakers, and I want to see people continue to take care of them,” she said. “It’s become such a throwaway society that I like fixing and restoring and making sure that they have a purpose again. And I found a beautifully comfortable way to live.” Her inventory is made up of mostly of items from the early 1800s to the early 1900s. “I’m strictly primitive and the primitive market is very good right now – more the utilitarian hand-done pieces,” Shire said. “But I also love folk art.” She looks for the unusual and unique, like a sample of German Scherenschnitte, or scissor-cut artwork. The design was probably a wedding present to a Mr. and Mrs. Blossom, whose names are on the work. Shire estimates the piece is from sometime around the 1840s to 1860s. “You look at this and you think, ‘Wow,’ the workmanship’ – cut birds, angels, the hands – there’s even a little squirrel. You have to really look. It’s amazing when you see it,” she said of the intricately cut paper work. “I was told this was probably museum quality.” She gets her items through antique hunting and items that come her way. “You never know what you’ll come home with or what people will bring in,” she said. “I’ve been in the business so long that people will call me. Some of my friends have downsized now and call and sell privately.” Her Facebook page also helps. There, she’ll post new items, but she doesn’t ship. “Facebook has changed my landscape,” she said. “All the young dealers talked me into it. They said that’s the way to do it.” Still though, she gets plenty of foot traffic, from far and wide. “I thought I’d have more Galena traffic, but it’s not the case,” she said. “The Galena people aren’t here for antiques. I get mostly serious antiquers because I’m off the beaten path, and once they find me, they keep coming back.” The shop is open all year by appointment, or by chance. “I’m usually here, but at [70], I don’t want to have to be here,” she said. “Believe it or not, people know just to call. It’s not a big deal.” Business is turning out just the way she wants it. “What an awesome retirement, to do something fun; and I’m busy enough. I don’t want it like it used to be,” Shire said. “It ran me for a while. You were always going. That’s why I don’t want regular hours. I want to make it fun

The antique shop is open all year

by appointment, or by chance.

now. And I think people like coming out here and watching me work on stuff, too.” Yes, work on stuff. Shire is quite capable at fixing items that are broken or need a little TLC. It all dates back to her time in Aurora. “Back in the day, when I was young, we built our own house in Aurora and I had no money to furnish it, so I started running around to yard sales and fixing things up,” Shire said. “Believe it or not, that’s how I got into it.” So there she was, raising two sons and grabbing things to fix up. “I was doing flea markets and you name it,” Shire said. “And here I am, but it’s so interesting. I would go around to older dealers and ask them questions – some would give you information and some were stingy – but eventually by trial and error I figured things out. I’m not afraid to try, to experiment. For Christmas all I want are my tools.” Sometimes her workshop leaves men confused. “I get so many guys up here who go, ‘Your husband does so much work.’ I go, ‘It’s me,’” she said, “although he’s starting to do a little more repair. He’s older than me. He’s more patient now. He’s a car guy. I had to teach him. You don’t want things so perfect. You never take your sandblaster to this stuff.” Back in Aurora, Bruce bought an old trainrefueling station to give her room to get her stuff out of the house and garage. Her workshop was there, too. “People wanted to see me between shows, because back then I was doing shows full time,”

c a r r o l l

c o u n t y

she said, adding that people loved to see the projects she was working on. “And then we bought this place and I thought, ‘Why not make it an antique shop/ workshop and see what happens?’” she said. “But I think it’s a good way.” She used to do refinishings, something she was known for, but now she said paint sells better. “They want it rougher,” she said, “but still, all my years of knowledge of fixing things up helps me, and I was an art major, so I’ll tweak and paint something, but I’m always honest.” She likes to keep things as authentic as possible. “Sometimes when I get a piece and it isn’t pretty underneath, I’ll paint it” Shire continued. “I don’t like shabby chic. I like authentic, but then I’ll tell somebody that so they know. I’ve asked my customers in the past, ‘Would you rather I refinish or paint it?’ and they say ‘paint it’ and I’ve done really well with it.” Shire does one show a year in July at Bishop Hill. “I gave all the rest up,” she said. “The shop is doing good enough and I don’t want to work that hard.” But scaling back a bit, doesn’t mean retiring altogether. “People keep coming and buying,” Shire said. “What a fun retirement. Some people totally retire. I thought I’d play it by ear. When I can’t do it anymore, I’ll know. But I hope to always have something going on, because I think it keeps you younger and healthier.” s

l i v i n g

m a g a z i n e

CARROLL COUNTY LOCKER • Custom Slaughter & Processing Retail Meats • Locally Raised Beef & Hogs

122 E. Carroll Street Lanark, IL 61046 (815) 493-2370

M-F 7:30am-Noon & 12:30-5pm Sat. 8am-Noon

“ Our Family Serving Yours” ~ Pre Need Specialists~ ~ Cremation & Traditional Services ~ ~ Assistance with out-of-town Arrangements ~ ~ Monuments ~

Hermann Funeral Home & Monument Co. Barb & Bob Hartman, Owners

SM-ST1499760

SM-ST1503557

~ Family owned & operated since 1900 ~

815-864-2441 815-443-2246 www.hermannfuneralhome.com

To learn more about our skilled nursing care and physical, occupational and speech therapy communities, Call (815) 244-7715. All faiths or beliefs welcome.

s p r i n g / s u m m e r

1 8

More at

Restauran

t owners o

pen baker

Molly’s

STORY BY ANDREA & PHOTO MILLS S BY MICHAEL K RABBEN HOEFT FOR CARR OLL CO UNTY L

IVING

Molly’s B akery in Carroll o ffers caff Mount eine, sw and othe eets r delicio us treats .

n Jan. 23, husband and wife Molly McDonough and Ben Johnson opened the doors of Molly’s Bakery and let the delicious scent of bread float out into the chilly air of a downtown Mount Carroll winter. “We do muffins and scones,” McDonough said. “We’ve got cookies, baguettes, sourdough bread, croissants and bagels …” “And bagels,” Johnson interrupted with enthusiasm. “We’ve got bagels.”

“Lemon bars,” finished McDonough. “We also make our own lox,” Johnson added. And that includes salmon gravlox. The couple’s talents don’t stop there. “We make our own cheese mixes, and we have espresso and espresso drinks and we also sell cheese, prosciutto and wine,” Johnson said. “We have a selection of some nice wines, and just some other things that we make. We have some giardiniera that our sous chef [Grant Juracek] makes that we’ve canned up. We have some

local soap, some pottery from local potters.” And they have fresh flowers. That’s a lot of a variety, and there’s more to follow. “We’re still in our infancy, “ McDonough said, shortly after the opening. “We’ll continue to put out local stuff.” That probably will include jams and salsa and items from the fruits of the labor in the family’s summer gardens. Continued on page 25

YOU’RE EVERYWHERE THESE DAYS. SO IS YOUR POWER.

Jo-Carroll Energy 800-858-5522 | jocarroll.com

Some of us take energy for granted. But no matter where you go, your local co-op makes sure it follows. Learn more about the power of your co-op membership at jocarroll.com. SM-ST1503581

c a r r o l l

c o u n t y

l i v i n g

m a g a z i n e

Get Back To Normal

All Your Dental Needs in One Place

We address the root cause of your pain with chiropractic solutions for a range of symptoms: back pain • neck pain • headaches • carpal tunnel • heel & foot pain • whiplash • scoliosis • arthritis • sports injuries • auto & work accidents

~ Laser Therapy ~

Savanna Chiropractic Center

202 Main Street. Savanna, IL 61074

815-273-4737

Dr. Randall Morthland

“Dedicated to Providing Quality Chiropractic Care”

s p r i n g / s u m m e r

1 8

• One visit Cerec crowns • Financing available (Care Credit)

David B Purlee D.D.S. Family Dentistry since 1984

630 S. East St., Mt. Carroll, IL 61053 815-244-4835 | www.purleedental.com Mon, Tues, Thurs 11-6 | Fri. 9-5

Continued from page 23

“And we’ll be adding more baked things, too, as time goes on,” Johnson said. “This is just our starting menu. We have a lot of ideas. We have a lot of things we love baking, so over the coming months, we’ll be introducing more and more.” While they don’t have cupcakes, they do plan on doing some cakes later on. “Everybody who comes in kind of has something they want us to make, so we will be implementing things as it kind of grows and develops,” he said. The bakery currently has a staff of three – the couple and Elizabeth DeHaven. “That’s just for opening though,” Johnson said. “Eventually, we think the bakery will employ four people.” And in the summer, he said the hours may expand. “We’ll be open a little later as people are around more in the area,” Johnson said. Customers can take home their goodies or sit and eat at the bakery. “We have a few tables and we’re actually going to put in a bar in a window, so there’ll be a few stools, so there is some seating,” he said. “We’re just trying to figure out what we’re capable of with the restaurant schedule and this new bakery schedule,” McDonough said. “Everything that we’re selling is made from scratch here as far as baked goods go.” The restaurant she’s talking about is Molly’s Kitchen & Bar, which the couple opened first. Johnson said they had talked about opening a bakery before. “We felt like the bakery would really reflect the things Ben and I enjoyed doing,” she said. “And that it compliments the restaurant in the kinds of products we make,” Johnson said. “We can use a lot of them in the evening on the restaurant’s menu as well. And we’re also really enjoying being open during the daytime, being able to serve people throughout the day,

Chocolate oatmeal cookies, donut holes and poppy seed muffins are just the tip of the iceberg for the offerings at the bakery.

not just at night for dinner.” “Yes,” McDonough agreed, “we’re getting a lot more kids in, which is really nice to see. You know moms bringing their children, dads bringing their children. And it’s just nice to see a different clientele during the day, than we do in the restaurant. Feels much more like a community atmosphere.” “Yeah,” Johnson continued, “that interaction with the community is really fun for us, and we’ve been just amazed by the support we’ve had just being open one week. So many people came in and came in the next day, too. It was amazing.”

The restaurant

Molly’s Kitchen & Bar opened in the summer of 2014, and employs anywhere from six to 10 people. Similar to the bakery, they make as much as they can from scratch. McDonough can be found cooking

and Johnson mans the bar. “We have a small menu,” Johnson said. “We try to source as many local in ingredients that we can. The restaurant’s menu changes about every month and it’s seasonal.” The menu always includes a fish and a pasta special, and they have a full bar with the cocktails made with fresh fruit juice and in-house syrups. Here, too, the couple have received community support. “It’s going very well,” Johnson said. “We did not know if it would work at all, and so far, it is working. We have a lot of regular customers who are incredibly supportive of the business and we’re excited to keep the following.” “Every day is a new day,” McDonough said. “We’re always learning something.” Continued on page 27

We Provide Peace of Mind 815-625-2201

www.sterlingfence.net c a r r o l l

c o u n t y

l i v i n g

m a g a z i n e

When it’s time to make your next move...

ESS REALTYINC.

Experienced in:

Luxury • Commercial • Farm • Land Investment • First Time Home Buyers

102 E. Market Street, Mt. Carroll, IL JILL BESS Managing Broker/Owner

SM-ST1505341

815.244.BESS www.jillbessrealtor.com

DON’T LET PAIN GET YOU DOWN...

WE CAN HELP!

We offer non-invasive solutiuons to painful conditions as well as lifestyle advice for your overall wellness.

640 W. South Street, Freeport

815.235.2301

familyhealthquest.com • Chiropractic • Massage Therapy • Reﬂexology • Decompression Therapy • Nutrition Dr. Craig Pauls

Dr. Olivia Pehl

Evonne Larson

Emily Hilton

Doctor of Chiropractic

Certiﬁed Reﬂexologist

Mention this ad & receive

CARS815.com

Doctor of Chiropractic

Licensed Massage Therapist

Nicole Henze

Licensed Massage Therapist

OFF YOUR FIRST MASSAGE OR REFLEXOLOGY VISIT

Massage Therapist available on Saturdays! Call for appointments times.

s p r i n g / s u m m e r

1 8

Continued from page 25

The Inn at Molly’s Also clustered with the restaurant and the bakery is the Inn at Molly’s, open a little over 2 years, and run by Johnson’s parents, Patricia and Michael Johnson. It has two suites. “There’s a pull-out bed in each room in addition to a queen-size bed,” McDonough said. “If you had a really big party or lots of family, you could open the two rooms into one giant room. It’s got a kitchenette and baked goods in there and a full bathroom.” “They’re very nice, very comfortable,” Johnson said. A hot breakfast isn’t served, but baked goods are provided for the morning meal, along with fresh fruit, he said.

The couple

McDonough and Johnson, who are in their early 30s, met in college on the East Coast. Johnson grew up south of Mount Carroll and McDonough was born in Jacksonville, Florida, but spent her formative years in Alberta, Canada. “We got married on the West Coast, and then you never know where life is going to take you,” he said. “We ended up back in Mount Carroll opening up a restaurant, and now we open up a bakery, so we’re just as surprised as everyone else.” s

The bakery offers other items, such as giardiniera.

More about Molly’s

• Molly’s Bakery, 108 W. Market St., is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. • Molly’s Kitchen & Bar, 110 W. Market St., is open from 4:30 to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. Go to mollysmountcarroll.com for more information. Call 815-906-0052 or email mollyskitchenandbar@gmail.com for more information about the restaurant and bakery. • The Inn at Molly’s, 110 W. Market St., can be reached by calling 815684-5411 or emailing theinnatmollys@gmail.com. Call 815-906-0052 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. for reservations.

AL’S QUALITY SERVICE, INC

815-273-1071 81581 5-27 527327 3-10 31071 10 71 melfosterco.com melflflfos me oste os terc te rco. rc o.co o. com co m

• COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR • ASE CERTIFIED TECHNICIANS

Make Yourself At Home.

102 East Market Street Shannon, Illinois 61078 Phone: (815)864-2569 Hours: 7:30 am - 5:30 pm

815-273-1071 melfosterco.com SM-ST1503885

CUSTOM KITCHEN CABINETRY MADE LOCALLY OLD WORLD CRAFTSMANSHIP

Call Wayne for your free consultation

815-631-5950

24911 PAYNE ROAD, SHANNON IL • MCF@PCFREEMAIL.COM SM-ST1499770

c a r r o l l

Lanark, IL | 844.493.6787 eandsequipment.com

c o u n t y

l i v i n g

SM-ST1503905

m a g a z i n e

Regency Retirement Residence of Clinton

4 years in a row

Voted #1 Retirement Residence

Clinton Iowa’s Premier 55+ Independent Living

OPEN HOUSE THURSDAY 10 a.m.-NOON

April Mcfall Executive Director Regency of Clinton features beautiful ﬂoor plans ranging in size from 575 square feet to near 1,500 square feet designed just for you! 1 & 2 bedrooms available. *Entrance fees starting at $25,200 *Maintenance fees starting at $884 a month

These spacious yet affordable homes offer the following quality features: • Full size, fully equipped kitchen • Private patio or three season porch • Pet friendly • Walk-in closets • Quiet living/heavily insulated

• Individual controlled heat and A/C • “Ranch Style Living” • Attached or detached garages • Van Service to Appointments

839 13th Avenue, North Clinton, IA For more information or a tour, call April at 563-242-1010. Clintonregencyessex@gmail.com Visit our website for all available homes www.regencyofclinton.com Hours: 9a.m.-1p.m.

LIMITED TIME OFFER Move in March, April or May

WE WILL PAY FOR YOUR MOVING EXPENSES! *Some restrictions may apply *Offer good thru 5/31/18

FIRST MONTH FREE

*Some restrictions may apply *Offer good thru 5/31/18

Regency Retirement Residence of Clinton

4 years in a row

Voted #1 Retirement Residence

Clinton Iowa’s Premier 55+ Independent Living

OPEN HOUSE THURSDAY 10 a.m.-NOON

• Individual controlled heat and A/C • “Ranch Style Living” • Attached or detached garages • Van Service to Appointments

LIMITED TIME OFFER Move in March, April or May

WE WILL PAY FOR YOUR MOVING EXPENSES! *Some restrictions may apply *Offer good thru 5/31/18

FIRST MONTH FREE

*Some restrictions may apply *Offer good thru 5/31/18