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magazine
Fall/Winter 2014
Nature is the main undertone of home with eclectic style Downtown bistro serves up fresh down home fare Antiques outlet sees new trends among old stuff Thousands follow teens’ video antics aimed to entertain
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When it comes to choosing a bank it pays to go with the finest. Rated
5 stars 2014 Bauer Financial www.bauerfinancial.com
The First National Bank in Amboy Where you come first.
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AMBOY 220 E. Main St. • 301 E. Joe Dr. 815-857-3625
www.fnbamboy.com
living d dixon
magazine
Dixon home exudes casual elegance
Publisher Sam R Fisher
Advertising Director Jennifer Baratta Editor Larry Lough Magazine Editor Marla Seidell Page Design Robin Norburg Matt Lindstrom Melanie Brooking Published by
Sauk Valley Media 3200 E. Lincolnway Sterling, IL 61081 815-625-3600
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Articles and advertisements are the property of Sauk Valley Media. No portion of Dixon 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.
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features Where chic can be shabby
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Reuben’s Relics offers a bounty of antiques
New bistro offers fear-free menu
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Downtown restaurant serves up fresh, unique food
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Genesis Hey Productions wins business competition
Stage Left allows for relaxed, comfortable seating
Hair, makeup trends this season demand integrity
Northwest Territory Historic Center shows off local lore
She built upon ‘bones of the house’
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An entrepreneur at heart
Top it off for the holidays
“My home is my sanctuary”
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Podiatrist’s alter ego a one - man band
It’s not just any theater
Dixon knowledge, history on display
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Rockin’ doc into heavy rock
Promoting ‘Culture and Community’ Dixon Main Street makes fun happen
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‘Carpe Diem’ seizes an audience Teens’ latest endeavor focuses on living life to the fullest
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Meet Our Staff At Heritage Woods! FRONT ROW: Denise Garcia (Director of Marketing), Sharon Taylor (Dietary Service Manager), Rebecca Hawkins (Receptionist), Brenda Legaspi (Business Office/Move-In Coordinator) BACK ROW: Ryan Schrader (Maintenance Director), Brittany Herwig (Administrator), Mia Weber (Resident Services Coordinator), Nikki Burkett (Director of Nursing), Mariann Hall (LPN)
Enjoy the worry-free lifestyle seniors deserve! Heritage Woods is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults and their families. Not just any supportive living community, but one that provides exceptional care, support and dignity to all of our residents. Affordable for all incomes, call Denise Garcia for more information.
To arrange a visit contact Denise Garcia, Marketing Director 815-625-7045 marketing@hw-sterling-slf.com
2205 Oak Grove Ave., Sterling (3 Blocks N. of W. LeFevre) Managed by BMA Management, Ltd. www.bma-mgmt.com
Photos by Alex T. Paschal/Dixon Living Reubin’s Relics has a wide array of unique items, tools and furniture that can fit any style.
WHERE CHIC CAN BE SHABBY Reuben’s Relics offers a bounty of antiques
BY LUCINDA HALL SPECIAL TO DIXON LIVING
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ntiques enthusiasts need not travel far to find a bountiful selection to nourish their appetite for timeless
treasures. Reubin’s Relics, 1112 S. Galena Ave. in Dixon, offers seasoned and novice collectors a bounty of antiques certain to stir the nostalgia of days gone by. Rick Reubin and his wife, Denell, began innocently as collectors themselves. It was during the process of clearing items from his grandfather’s home that everything started to snowball. With both he and his wife close to retirement, “We decided to give it a go,” Rick recalled. “I just kind of came up with the name. It had a good little ring to it and seemed to fit.” He and his wife are keen on keeping up with new antique and collecting trends. “Understanding what other people like has been important to growing our business,” he said. “We try to gear toward new, popular trends as antiques go through cycles and fads.” “What’s big right now is ‘shabby chic,’” Denell added. “A lot of people are looking for pieces they can paint or refurbish.” Shabby chic is a form of interior design that involves furniture and furnishings that are chosen for their appearance of age, showing signs
of wear and tear, or are distressed to achieve the appearance of an antique. The style has a sometimes whimsical, cottage-style feel. The shabby chic trend has the couple seeing a growing demand for small furniture, window frames, shutters, wooden chairs, and ladders. Popularized on the Pinterest ideas website, the items are being re-defined and re-engineered as home decorating accent pieces and DIY projects. Also trending are fruit and vegetable crates that sell as fast as they hit the store. Trunks are also popular for end and coffee tables. Seasonal antiques are always in demand, and holiday items are currently on display. The Reubins, who favor primitive antique furniture, have filled their store with the early American country furniture. Primitive pieces were handmade from before the era of mass produced furniture and often feature interesting carpentry, such as dovetail joints. Historically, the furniture was handcrafted by farmers in the 1700s and 1800s. One entire room of their store is completely dedicated to primitive antiques. “We love the square nails and craftsmanship,” Denell said. “Old paint is a real selling point. People love finding pieces with the original ‘chippy paint.’” The store is open on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays to allow the couple several days a week to visit estate and barn sales, antique stores, and resale shops for items for their store and home. They also do estate settlements, where they will contract to go in and clean out items in older homes and barns.
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Asked what was better in the past than now, they replied in unison, “Furniture!” They agree that 90 percent of chairs, tables and dressers were better made in centuries past. Items were handcrafted of solid woods and built to be functional and durable. When it comes to selecting the right items, Denell is quick to point to her husband as the go-to person. “He has a gift, without a doubt, and he’s 99 percent right!” she said. “He has a real eye and sense for what people want.” Continued on Page 9
The store is located at 1112 S. Galena Ave., Dixon.
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Continued from Page 7
Reubin said he prides himself in trying to understand what other people like. “Every experience is different,” he explained. “Some people connect immediately with an item. Others can wander for an hour before they buy. Some may even come back three or four times with the idea that, ‘If it’s still there, it’s meant to be.’” The couple are also pleased with the mix of their clientele and repeat visitors. “Young, old, regulars and new customers visit on any given day,” he said. “Our inventory
Reubin’s Relics carries both big and small pieces.
WHERE CHIC CAN BE SHABBY changes so there is always something new. It’s fun to see the younger generation come in and appreciate it.” It’s always an adventure for the couple. They never know what they’re going to find and have landed on everything from a primitive galvanized bathtub with wood wainscoting to a mint condition grinding stone wheel. For Halloween, they even had an antique coffin that had been found in the attic of a Polo estate settlement – empty, of course. “I think every antique store has its own per-
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sonality,” Reubin said. “Antiques are like that. You get to know quite a few people and always get an education. People are eager to share their own antiquing adventures – some may be lore, but they are always interesting.” s
Treasure map Reubin’s Relics 1112 S. Galena Ave., Dixon • 815-994-0709 Hours - 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday-Saturday Closed Sunday-Wednesday
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Rely on Sterling Federal Bank for all your lending needs.
Contact Natalie Cole... ď ľ
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413 North Galena Avenue, Dixon Phone: 815-288-3327, Ext. 3554 Email: ncole@sterlingfederal.com
=New bistro offers=
Fear- Free Menu Downtown restaurant serves up fresh, unique food
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BY LONNIE MILLER SPECIAL TO DIXON LIVING
inda Knoll, a native of Harmon and graduate of Amboy High School, has known for a long time just the type of restaurant she wanted to open. With chef Robert Irvine as her inspiration, she formulated her business plan so well that she placed second in the Dixon Main Street contest that gave seed money to new and innovative start-ups. Her three sons – 28-year-old Adam Walker, 26-year-old Nathan Walker, and 15-year-old Cole Blackburn – support her ambitious dream. “I was warned by so many people about the failure rate of restaurants, but decided that I wouldn’t let fear stop me,” she said. “Should I not try for fear of failure? I went ahead because I wanted to do something different.” Linda had a very specific vision. “I wanted a Bistro, not something expensive or formal, but casual with great food that was different than what we normally see around here,” she explained. “I’ve always wanted to do this, and it’s just awesome to get to do it now.” She seems to have accomplished just that with a sandwich menu that features, among its offerings, sandwiches on French baguette with classis béchamel and other sauces, along with intriguing combinations of food. Each day the bistro whips up homemade soups, salad dressings, and entrée salads at prices that belie their quality.
Photos by Alex T. Paschal/Dixon Living Linda Knoll, owner of 319 Bistro, has transformed a wreck of a place into a wonderful spot to eat, drink and visit.
319 Bistro can host small or large gatherings.
Continued on page 13
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Grand opening coming soon! Looking for new realtors!
404 N. Galena Ave. (in the atrium) Dixon, IL | 815-973-4950
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John Murray, Owner, Broker Rose Schlickman, Managing Broker Darla Clark, Broker Ann Haag, Broker
Continued from page 11
Should I not try for fear of failure? I went ahead because I wanted to do something different. LINDA KNOLL
Many different sandwiches are on the menu, including turkey and pesto with cranberry.
Choose from many crepe flavors at 319 Bistro in Dixon, including the banana and strawberry.
Each evening boasts a menu that offers seasonal recipes from around the world. Lead cook Romaro Rosas, affectionately referred to as “Cookie” by owner Linda and the staff, says he has put his 10-years-plus experience to work in this kitchen. He enjoys “... creating new recipes and trying this type of food,“ which he was unable to do in his previous job. Romaro puts his skills to work each night for specialties that range from Midwest homestyle meatloaf, Mexican favorites, French entrées, fruit-stuffed crepes, South Korean recipes, Southern-fried chicken, Italian pastas, and French pastries. He’s a strong supporter of his boss and wants to help her realize her dream. Linda’s sidekick and best friend, Chris Wolber, who works at the bistro, says she and her husband, Jimmy, have a commitment to helping Linda achieve her entrepreneurial pursuits too. “If anybody can make this happen, she can!” Chris insists. Chris and Jimmy, Linda’s son Cole, and her parents were all instrumental in getting the building at 319 First St. in Dixon gutted and remodeled. The interior now boasts a classy red and charcoal gray theme, with burlap, wrought iron and copper accents. A private party room is available for smaller gatherings or meetings, and customized menus are available to help make such an event a success. Linda encourages interested parties to call her at 815-677-9379 to set up a meeting to discuss particulars. So, try the new bistro. It’s a restaurant and bar, minus the typical sports theme, although you could find a game on when you arrive. Come as you are; no need to dress up unless you want to, but the menu and atmosphere are nice enough for date night and casual enough for the family or friends’ night out. Tom Schwamberger recently visited 319 Bistro, stepping across construction to venture inside. “I really like it, great relaxed atmosphere, friendly staff and fresh food,” he observed. “Different than other restaurants in the area, and worth maneuvering through the current street improvement project.” s Grab A Bite...
Hours: 7a.m.-10p.m. kitchen, bar open until 11p.m. Tuesday-Saturday 7a.m.- 8p.m. Sunday Closed Monday
319 Bistro 319 W. First St. 815-677-9379
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Since 1982
12420 W. Penn Road - Polo, IL - 815-946-3081
It's Not Just Any Theater Stage Left allows for relaxed, comfortable seating
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BY DAVE FOX SPECIAL TO DIXON LIVING
rom the outside, it doesn’t look like a theater. Timothy Boles has followed a dream, and now the second floor of 306 W. First St. in Dixon – formerly a Masonic Lodge and later an American Legion post – is Stage Left Theater. It’s not just any theater, either, but one with every bit as much potential as Boles himself. Originally from Virginia, Boles – now the artistic director of Stage Left Theater, among other things – has been a Dixon resident since 1981. He is following his dream in one of several performing arts arenas here. Majoring in drama and music at tiny Blackburn College, near Springfield, “I did a fair bit of those things early on,” he said with a smile. Wanting a change, he “moved away from it for a while and spent time designing and building pipe organs for churches.” Several years ago, a group of people with performing arts interests organized the Viva Performing Arts group in Dixon. “And I wanted to get back to my roots about the time Viva opened up,” he said, “so here was an excellent opportunity for me. I’ve been with them about 7 years now.” The non-profit Viva carries several different related projects, including the local Canterbury Concert Series, among other things. Back on point ... Boles is candidly warm, open, and enthused about Stage Left, as it is known, as he talks of his plans for the place. Stage Left is now in its first full season after Boles spent last year working on the place. He did extensive remodeling to a dusty, musty upstairs and magically transformed it into a cabaret-style theater that seats about 64 patrons. Funds from a sustaining grant make it all possible, and ticket sales for performances enable shows for future seasons. With a volunteer staff of six, Boles has big plans to expand horizons here, one phase at a time. “Most of our grant had to go into getting the place up and ready last year,” he said, “so, this being our first season, we’ll have a total of three plays.” Next year, “the budget will go toward a bigger staff and more performances,” he promised, enthusiasm brimming with each word. Grand opening was this past April, when the troupe staged “Vanities,” a three-woman comedy. “It went over very well,” he said. A summer production of Barefoot in the Park continued to build the venue’s credibility, and a season-closer of “Red” concluded on Oct. 11. A jazz concert was also held in June, “and we’ll likely have some more jazz nights in the future.” Continued on page 17
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Continued from page 15
Most performers are volunteers from the community, Boles noted, “and going forward, I intend to continue with a lot of local volunteers, and hopefully some professionals from a broader base as well.” Open auditions will be staged this winter for the 2015 season. His involvement could easily be described as a balancing act. Moving from one place to the other, he applies the same talent and love of the arts at each place. “I’ve always had a strong interest in music,” he said, “and am also an orchestra director, but that all fits in nicely with everything.” Being director of the 57-piece Metropolis Symphony Orchestra in Chicago “keeps me really busy, but they’re really fun to work with. That’s one of my other hats.” (The orchestra performed “Orchestra at the Movies!” in late September as part of its Canterbury Concert Series.) Upgrading, expanding and making a good thing even better are constantly on the forefront of Boles’ thoughts. “The theater is set up club, or cabaret style,” he explained during a recent tour, “so it’s comfortable, relaxed seating around tables for the audience. “The consistent thing I’m doing,” he continued, “is just providing a great night out, a nice quiet time for couples that they couldn’t get anywhere else in this area. It’s an intimate atmosphere where you can see a great show, and because of our size you feel more in touch with the performers and what’s happening on stage.” Tables and chairs for the audience separate the stage area at the front from a small bar area at the back. Boles hopes to expand into an adjoining room within the next year or so, with the thought of providing additional seating or a lounge-type of room where people can relax before or after a show. Boles felt strongly that “we really needed this type of theater in Dixon.” “Intimate theater draws maybe up to 200 people as a good crowd,” he said, “but that doesn’t work well in a place that seats 900 to 1,200 people. “We needed someplace smaller for the type of dynamic of this kind of venue,” he added, and he found the perfect spot. This type of theater allows for more relaxed and comfortable seating, and also allows the audience to intermingle with performers before and after the show, “which is something you definitely don’t get in bigger venues,” he said. Boles is also teaming with next-door Orom restaurant to offer dinner theater packages as well; subscribers will be served a nice dinner next door, and typically dessert and coffee at their seats during intermission. “It’s a very unique and very enjoyable experience,” Boles said, “and the kind of thing you don’t find much of outside of Chicago.” And it promises to get bigger and better each year. s
Curtain time Stage Left Theater Timothy Boles, artistic director 306 W. First St., Dixon 312-420-8715 www.dixonstageleft.com Providing live stage performances of music events, drama, and comedies. Check the web site for scheduled performances and other information. Tickets normally available at Trein’s Jewelry, The Crystal Cork, and The Next Picture Show, all in Dixon. Metropolis Symphony Orchestra Timothy Boles, conductor 312-420-8715 www.canterburyconcerts.com Providing performances for the Canterbury Concert Series
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DIXON Knowledge, HISTORY On DISPLAY
BY JOHN KERMOTT SPECIAL TO DIXON LIVING
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Visit the past Northwest Territory Historic Center 205 W. Fifth St., Dixon 815-288-5508 www.nthc.org Hours 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday Closed Sunday-Monday No admission charge (donations accepted) Call to schedule a guided tour for a group or school field trips.
Northwest Territory Historic Center shows off local lore
he Northwest Territory Historic Center is a real gem in Dixon’s crown. Formerly the Dixon Historical Center, the museum recently changed its name to reflect the wider and broader area, as well as the history, that the center celebrates. The NTHC was birthed through the efforts of a group of locals who began to restore President Ronald Reagan’s boyhood home on Hennepin Avenue. The president, recognizing that they could benefit from some assistance, asked his good friend Norm Wymbs to lend a hand. Wymbs saw to it that the home was restored to coincide with the years the president had lived there. While Wymbs was at work on that project, Dixon’s South Central School, where the president had spent his sixth- and seventh-grade years, was in dire need of repairs. The school hadn’t been used for years, and the school district couldn’t maintain the building. So school officials offered it to Wymbs for $500. Since that time, Wymbs and other supporters have poured more than $13 million into the building and the exhibits it now displays. Repairs needed to the roof and windows were just the beginning of the transformation. The whole structure has been restored to pris-
tine condition, retaining its original hardwood floors that creek as you walk, but shine like new. The building itself is a historical exhibition. But beyond that, it has been modified to meet the strict standards of public access, climate control, and lighting that are necessary to display sensitive artifacts. The center is affiliated now with the Smithsonian Institution, which brings exhibits of national interest to the site from time to time. Wymbs spared no expense to create the permanent exhibits now shown at the former school, 205 W. Fifth St. Visitors who tour the museum can walk into the president’s sixthgrade classroom as if traveling back in time. Another room displays significant memorabilia from the president’s life in Dixon, California, and Washington, including personal photos of him and his family. Bill Jones, director of the NTHC, spent time with the president and is intimately acquainted with the artifacts on hand. Sharing the Reagan legacy is a significant enough feature to put the center on the historical map, but Wymbs had even more in mind as he envisioned the usefulness of the building. An exhibit titled “The Unchanged Land” is a tribute to his late wife, Harriet.
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“Her great-grandfather was the second settler in Saukenuk,” Jones said. Saukenuk was once a great Native American city in the area we know today as Rock Island. “At that time, this area was called the Northwest Territory; it was the edge of the United States,” Jones explained. “The Unchanged Land” exhibit, along with “The Changing Land,” tell the history of our area with state-of-the-art technology and artistry, including life-sized mannequins that tell their story as you pass by. “A wonderful company, 1220 Exhibits, out of Tennessee, was called in to produce the exhibits,” said Marla Tremble, the center’s office manager. “They would come for 1 or 2 months at a time to create these beautiful exhibits.” Other exhibits on Dixon’s history feature President Abraham Lincoln, the Walgreen family, (originally from Dixon,) and more. A gift shop offers books and other gifts to visitors. The center is busy with touring school groups, as well as bus tours from Chicago, Milwaukee, and Madison. There is no charge to tour. “Mr. Wymbs didn’t want anyone to have to pay to see it,” Jones said. The building can also be rented, though, for corporate outings, class reunions, weddings, and such. s
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‘my Home Is my sanctuary’ Photos by Alex T. Paschal/Dixon Living The first-floor sunroom is an inviting place to sit and read. Below: Hardwood accents add warmth to the home.
Dixon home exudes casual elegance
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BY KAYLA HEIMERMAN SPECIAL TO DIXON LIVING
ebbie Deets describes her style as “casual elegance.” Her lovely prairie-style home just two blocks off
the Rock River looks as though it was lifted from
the pages of an interior design magazine: An oversized magnifying glass lies on the glass-topped coffee table in the living room. Paintings, photographs and sculptures by local artists are on display as if in the most intimate of galleries. Books and magazines with interesting titles and beautiful photographs fill every built-in bookcase, basket and bare space. “It’s a little more embellished than that [her preference toward minimalist design]. But it’s a passion,” she said. “My home is my sanctuary.” Deets is the fourth owner of the home, which was built in 1896. Continued on page 22
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Continued from page 21
She has lived there for 20 years. “I liked the architecture of the house, the character of the house,” she said. “It was country style before. I saw beyond that. I saw the bones of the house.” The two-story, 2,500-square-foot home at 321 E. Everett St. is charming. The main floor includes a large living room with beautiful hardwood floors, a unique half-moon-shaped brick fireplace, Above: A spacious living room with a fireplace
and original pocket French doors, built-in bookcases
One of two sunrooms in the home. This one is on the second floor, off the master bedroom.
and crown molding. The living room, like much of the rest of the house, is decorated in both antique and modern pieces with a mixture of warm, natural colors and a variety of textures. “It’s eclectic,” Deets said of her style. “But I like nature, so that’s the main undertone.” The living room leads to a four-season room whose windows look out onto the corner of Dixon Avenue and Everett Street and offer a view, through the trees, of the river. The main floor also includes, at the front of the house,
A wellstocked kitchen
the foyer and powder room, and toward the back of the house, the dining room and kitchen. The dining
Below: The dining room has a wild nature feel.
room features a glass table surrounded by five distressed-metal café chairs, reclaimed from Paris. The kitchen – which originally was three rooms, but now is one – is clean and bright with lots of windows that look out onto the patio, white cabinets, and stainless steel appliances. It also features white, textured anaglypta wallpaper on the ceiling, which gives it the appearance of an old tin ceiling. The second floor includes the master suite, a guest bedroom, a bathroom and an office. The master suite features dark, almost
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black hardwood floors, a wood-burning fireplace, and white
linens – all of which give it the feeling of an upscale hotel. It also has a three-season room that is decorated in somewhat of a nautical-meets-beach vacation style with wicker furniture, vintage suitcases stacked in the corner, rattan baskets filled with magazines, sea shells, and a collection of vintage cameras. Deets, 60, an official court reporter, has a son; treasured
Above: Debbie Deets' father's camera collection sits on a table in a sunroom off the master bedroom.
family photographs are on display throughout the house. She loves to travel; artwork and other artifacts from her
A quiet backyard garden at the Deets home.
adventures around the world fill the walls and shelves of her home. She also is an avid gardener and a voracious reader. Deets enjoys cooking in her kitchen, having a cup of coffee in the four-season room in the morning, or reading and then napping in the living room on Sunday afternoons. Deets plans to live in the house for only another year or two. She plans to build a smaller home in the Hidden Shores subdivision north of Dixon. “That one will be my canvas,” she said. “Everything will be white.” s
“
I liked the architecture of the house, the character of the house,” she said. “It was country style before. I saw beyond that. I saw the bones of the house. DEBBIE DEETS
“
Above: The master bedroom has a fireplace and a sunroom. Inlaid hardwood floors are seen throughout the downstairs.
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“ L e t U s L i f t Yo u ”
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ROCKIN’ DOC INTO
HEAVY ROCK HEAVY ROCK HEAVY ROCK HEAVY ROCK HEAVY ROCK
Podiatrist’s alter ego a one-man band
Photos by Michael Krabbenhoeft Dr. James Dukelow enjoys playing, composing and recording music in his free time.
D
BY LONNIE MILLER SPECIAL TO DIXON LIVING
r. Jimmy Dukelow is a well-respected podiatrist in Dixon, the father of a college-aged daughter, and a rather quiet and pretty unassuming guy. Until you start talking music. Then his whole face lights up, he gets a huge grin on his face, and his personality shines through his animated gestures. It’s like the difference between Clark Kent and Superman – two opposites in the same body: Dr. James Dukelow vs. Jimmy D. Wife Kathleen, who manages the medical’s office, is a fan and encourager for his musical career. She’s also his official photographer for his website: www.LeMystiqueMusic.com. Kathleen explains her husband’s connection to music like this: “It’s really ALL about the music. He’s really into it, gets caught up in it.” Dr. Dukelow began his career in medicine at the urging of his father, who was a postman. James’ dad would come home after walking miles and miles with tired, painful, swollen feet and Jimmy, a highschool student at the time, would tenderly care for his father’s callousprone feet. His dad often commented on the fact that Jimmy was so good at caring for his feet that he should become a “foot doctor.” Seems that dad had high hopes for all his children. Jimmy’s sisters also pursued careers in medicine: Dr. Wendy Wells of Sterling is a dentist, and Carole, of Waukegan, is a retired nurse. The good doctor says his father also encouraged him in sports all through school, so Jimmy didn’t learn to play classical guitar until
after high school. But now, he knows not only guitar, but drums, keyboard and bass. He does all the vocals on his albums and writes the lyrics, then does the mixing and production. At the age of 12, Jimmy learned to play folk guitar and to sing. He just followed his heart when it came to music after that. Even though he studied all the sciences and was excited to be accepted into medical school, he always loved music. As a result of his interest he developed a good ear, and learned to play many instruments by hearing a melody, then playing it. He played with bands as a younger man, and those bands have gone on to become famous. He’s been offered contracts by three different record labels: Virgin Records, Universal, and RCA. He has lyrics being considered by the television show “The Biggest Loser” and by Illinois Lottery commercial producers. The promoter for Nicki Minaj and Rihanna has talked to him repeatedly and sent a contract for consideration. “He called during office hours, while I was taking care of patients” Jimmy said, “and my two worlds collided!” His story was featured in a British rock magazine, Fireworks. His busy medical practice means that his love of music takes what time he does have after office hours. He produced both of his CDs during the late night hours, playing all of the instruments and creating all the vocals, one track at a time, then mixing. He started learning production during high school and college, when he did the mixing on reel-to-reel recorders. Continued on page 27
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Continued from page 25
He laughs as he tells how difficult that was, and how thankful he is for modern technology that is easier to use. “It’s still a lot of work, though,” he explained, “and takes huge amounts of time, and some money for equipment and studio essentials.” He and wife Kathleen ride bicycles frequently, and that’s when he comes up with a lot of the lyrics to his music, “writing” in his head as he rides. “One of the take-aways from playing in sports was that I learned to exercise – now I can’t do without it,” he said. He encourages young people to take music in school. “Orchestra is good for discipline and it helps with brain development,” he said. “I would love to help young musicians get started if they have this same dream. I would welcome them to contact me through my website, and to submit demos of what they’re doing. “If it’s really good, I’d like to help them pursue a career and maybe even play their music on the radio show. If they write music, they need to write lots of music; just keep writing and they’ll learn a lot. They’ll need to learn to create a great ‘hook’ which is critical in the pop-music business.” Jimmy D. hosts a radio show at Hotmix106.com on Wednesday and Friday evenings at 9 o’clock Central time. The program, showcases anything from Sinatra to Hendrix, and is the result of friends who send him all kinds of music for the show. s His own musical style is heavy rock, and his CDs is available for $10 at his website, www.Reverbnation.com/ LeMystic, or at his office at 715 N. Galena Ave. in Dixon.
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‘AN ENTREPRENEUR AT HEART’
Photos by Philip Marruffo/Dixon Living Genesis Hey takes video of Mama Cimino’s in Dixon.
Genesis Hey Productions wins business competition BY LUCINDA HALL SPECIAL TO DIXON LIVING
spend time with my friends and family who I love very much,” she said. Genesis Hey Productions, specializing in videos for small businesses and organizations, was her first business. Not only is Hey a talented videographer, she is skilled at all phases of video production. The business he fastest way to reach your goals is to take action. No has grown to include social media management as well as video coaching one ever got anywhere waiting for something to hapand training. She also authored the book Hey Do You Need Exposure, a manual on how to create sales and marketing videos. pen.” “I am very savvy with social media outlets and guide clients through Genesis Hey knows what she’s talking about. At just 31, she has the process of marketing their businesses effectively,” Hey said. launched not one, but two successful entrepreneurial ventures and auHer second venture has been as a life and career coach. With a master’s thored not one, but two books. degree in organizational leadership, Hey went on to get certified through With a résumé like that, it’s not surprising she was the winner of Lay Servant Ministries and as a certified life coach. She also authored the Dixon’s The Business Competition. book Unleash Your Potential, a life action guide for young adults. The Business Competition – a partnership of the city of Dixon, Dixon As a career coach, she works hand-in-hand with businesses to prepare Main Street, and Dixon Chamber of Commerce – was created as a way actions plans, goal setting, and strategic planning – working with both to encourage innovative entrepreneurs, businesses, and startup companies groups and individuals within a business to build successful teams. in Dixon and Lee County. Winners were awarded both cash prizes and Perhaps her most gratifying endeavor has come as a motivational commercial lease rental credits. speaker. “I am an entrepreneur at heart and love to be creative,” Hey said. “I “I am extremely passionate about helping others succeed,” she said, knew I would never be able to settle for any typical job. I wanted more “and desire more than anything to have their dreams fulfilled.” out of my life. On Nov. 22, she will host a women’s empowerment event at Loveland “It was a great experience, and I learned a lot. I love challenges and was Community Building. Proceeds from the Christian Women’s program eager to take my personal and professional life to the next level.” will support the building of a well in a poverty-stricken community in Although she started a consulting career in Los Angeles, she moved Africa. Her hope is to do two women’s events in the Dixon community back to Dixon in 2012. It was an easy decision to make. each year. Continued on page 31 “I grew up in Dixon, and it was nice to come back to my roots and
“T
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Hey talks with Jim of Mama Cimino’s in Dixon during her recent shoot.
Genesis Hey takes video of Mama Cimino’s in Dixon.
Continued from page 29
Hey’s speaking programs span faith, business, and life enhancement topics and cover subjects from career development and training effective teams to women’s empowerment and entrepreneurship. She has used her $5,000 prize money from The Business Competition to upgrade her technology equipment. Because she operates her businesses from home, she asked that the $2,000 lease rental credit be shared with the other Business Competition winners. The second-place award went to Linda Knoll, who will open a new
“
He fulfills my soul and my personal ‘why’ for pursuing so many of the things I do. GENESIS HEY
“
restaurant and bar, 319 Bistro, at 319 W. First St.; third place winner was Amy Fenwick, owner of Roxie’s Boutique; fourth place was Effervesce Vapors; and fifth place was Choffee House. Hey is reflective about her success and what motivates her. As a single parent of son, Asher, age 2, she is open about challenges, but more so about successes. “He gave new meaning to everything I do,” she said. “He fulfills my soul and is my personal ‘why’ for pursing so many of the things I do.” s
SAY HEY Genesis Hey Productions Genesis Hey Life and Career Coach Please contact for consultation Email: genesis@genesishey.com Phone: 815-440-4812 Websites: genesishey.com and genesisspeaks.com
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Photos by Alex T. Paschal/Dixon Living Studio 404 stylist Angie Chavera checks out a tint of lipstick.
Top It Off For The
Holidays
Hair, makeup trends this season demand integrity Story on page 35 Studio 404 make-up artist Aubrey Arellano encourages women to seek out a professional to help make color and tint decisions.
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AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS • HEALTH • LIFE
BY KIMBERLY ALLEN SPECIAL TO STERLING-ROCK FALLS LIVING integrity than ever.” For special-occasion styles, braids of all kinds are trendy, said Vikki Wadsworth, owner of Skin Deep Spa Salon, 850 N. Galena Ave. is the season for family gatherings, holiday parties, “They are so much fun to work with and create,” she said. and festive nights out on the town – all perfect opTwists and buns, both in classic and more modern forms, also portunities to deck the halls in the hair and makeup are chic, Wadsworth added. departments. For hair color, ombre remains hot, Montavon said. Ombre is a The trend in both hair and makeup this winter is all about authenticity and integrity: showcasing healthy, strong, voluminous coloring effect in which the bottom portion of the hair is lighter than the top portion. hair and flawless, natural-looking makeup with some dramatic “It’s not going to go away; it’s just evolving into something details. different,” she said. “Ombre is about blurring hard lines. We’re When it comes to hair, volume and texture are the buzzwords, creating a blurred blend of colors, … a seamless transition of one said Sally Montavon, owner of Studio 404, 112 E. Fellows St. “We’re already seeing it – fuller hair, more volume, less flat, not color into another so it looks as if it is natural. … But the blurred line is getting better. … And we’re not only blurring horizontally so close to the head,” she said. “We’re also seeing hairstyles that but blending vertically, too.” have more texture – curls, waves. … We’re moving into a softer, Ombre is not limited to light and dark, either, Montavon said. more feminine look, rather than something so severe [as straight, “We might do a warm red into a cool red, or a neutral brown often flat-ironed, hair].” And when it comes to cuts, the bob and the pixie are very popu- into auburn into a rich brown,” she said. “We’re also seeing it flipped, where it’s blond at the root and darker at the ends.” lar, Montavon said. Balayage, another highlighting style, also is in vogue, Wad“Both you can wear very disheveled and messy, or smooth and sworth added. Balayage is a freehand coloring technique in which kempt,” she said. “It’s up to the wearer and her hair texture and the color is applied by hand for a more natural, sun-kissed effect. styling capabilities.” When it comes to makeup, flawless is the name of the game, But long hair remains popular, too, Montavon added. Montavon said. “But the emphasis with long hair, more than ever, is the hair “The No. 1 thing is a really flawless foundation,” she said. has to be healthy,” she said. “It’s not long hair at all costs. It’s long hair that is strong and shiny. We have to have it at a higher level of “We’re looking for that perfect match to the skin color. “The other thing that is huge is contouring and highlighting. … It’s about working with your facial features – highlighting the ones you like and minimizing the ones you like less – and creating a flawless base.” For special-occasion makeup looks, which get to be a bit glitzier than everyday looks, the eyes have it, Wadsworth said. Dramatic, smoky eyes are popular, she said, with false lashes to create the look of fuller eyelashes, plus liquid eyeliner on top and SALLY MONTAVON bottom and metallic eye shadow.
BY KAYLA HEIMERMAN SPECIAL TO DIXON LIVING
‘T
“
It’s not going to go away, it’s just evolving into something different
“
Using a cotton swab helps to make lipstick application easier and more controllable.
Studio 404 stylist Angie Chavera has a tint of lipstick applied by make-up artist Aubrey Arellano.
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Avonlea Cottage
Th areHolidays The almost here iis b back! k!
Where Where loved loved ones ones feel feel at at home. home.
Avonlea Avonlea Cottage Cottage of of Dixon Dixon A A Dedicated Dedicated Memory Memory Care Care Community! Community! We We are are pleased pleased to to announce announce that that Avonlea Avonlea Cottage Cottage of of Dixon Dixon will will begin begin accepting accepting residents residents as a dedicated Memory Care Community as a dedicated Memory Care Community in in October 2014, 2014, pending pending licensure. licensure. October
We Person Centered Centered Care Care Community Community We are are aa Person caring caring for for each each person person in in aa positive positive environment. environment. We do do our We our best best to to provide provide aa supportive supportive environment environment because because people people with with dementia dementia are are just just like like you you and and me, me, with with the the same same emotional emotional and and social social needs. needs.
We have the perfect holiday gifts!
Avonlea Avonlea Cottage Cottage is is dedicated dedicated to to helping helping those those with with memory memory loss loss find find security security and and fulfillment fulfillment in everyday life. Our dedicated in everyday life. Our dedicated licensed licensed staff staff caters to each individual resident’s needs. caters to each individual resident’s needs.
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Our Our mission mission is is to to create create aa community community that that dignity and respects each resident’s dignity and respects each resident’s individuality, and to promote quality individuality, and to promote quality of of life life in in all aspects aspects of of our our care care and all and services. services. Our Our warm, warm, home home like like surroundings surroundings create create aa calm calm environment, environment, and and our our staff staff is is compassionate compassionate and and encouraging. encouraging. Here Here the the residents residents participate participate in in aa variety variety of of memory memory based activities activities that that are are thoughtfully thoughtfully planned planned by based by our our caregivers, caregivers, who who provide provide close close supervision supervision and gentle gentle support support to to our our residents. residents. and Life Life is is challenging challenging for for the the family family who who cares cares for for the the individual individual with with Alzheimer's Alzheimer's or or other other dementia dementia disorders. disorders. Families Families can can be be at at peace peace knowing knowing their their loved loved one one is is cared cared for for here here at at Avonlea Avonlea Cottage. Cottage.
Avonlea Avonlea Cottage Cottage Services Services & & Amenities Amenities
“Senior “Senior friendly” friendly” private private bathrooms bathrooms with with easy easy access access showers showers 24-hour 24-hour protective protective care care by by an an attentive attentive staff staff of of licensed licensed and and certified certified nursing nursing personnel personnel Medical Director Director services services onsite onsite Medical Personal emergency response system Personal emergency response system 3 3 nutritious nutritious home home cooked cooked meals meals per per day, day, plus plus snacks snacks Memory based based planned planned activities activities and and special special events events Memory Music therapy twice per month by a licensed Music therapy twice per month by a licensed therapist therapist Housekeeping Housekeeping and and laundry laundry service service Beauty Beauty Salon Salon TV and phone hookups TV and phone hookups available available Month Avonlea Month to to month month rent; rent; No No leases leases or or hidden hidden commitments commitments Avonlea Cotta Cotta 503 Respite 503 Countryside Countryside Lane Lane ♦ ♦ Dixo Dixo Respite and and short short term term care care available available at at aa daily daily rate rate
District District Administrator: Administrator: Mar Mar Avonlea Avonlea Cottage Cottage of of Dixon Dixon 503 Countryside Lane ♦ Dixon, IL 61021 503 Countryside Lane ♦ Dixon, IL 61021 District District Administrator: Administrator: Marge Marge Cornejo Cornejo Director Director of of Nursing: Nursing: Diane Diane Hawkins Hawkins Phone 815-288-6044 ♦ Cell Phone 815-288-6044 ♦ Cell 815-590-6582 815-590-6582
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PROMOTING
KSB occupational therapist Melody Maney helps (from left) Emma, 5, Ellie, 5, and Danny Linboom, 8, hit the button to light up the Christmas tree to start the 2013 Dixon Christmas Walk.
CULTURE AND COMMUNITY Dixon Main Street makes fun happen
BY JOHN KERMOTT SPECIAL TO DIXON LIVING
F
un happens – but it doesn’t just happen by itself. Somebody has to make it happen. And many of the fun events that have happened in Dixon in recent years have come about through the efforts of Dixon Main Street. The stated mission of Dixon Main Street is: “To foster a spirit of community teamwork and to strengthen, revitalize, and broaden the economic base of the community area, while improving the appearance of the downtown area, and promoting and marketing Dixon as a vibrant place to visit, work, shop, play, and live.” Giana Bonneur is the Riverfront marketing and events coordinator for Dixon Main Street. She boils down that mission statement to three words: “Culture and Community.” “The Main Street program has several goals, but primarily it’s to attract people to the historic areas of Dixon and stimulate activities,” Bonneur said. “We want to offer cultural events that will also showcase our town so people can see what else is available here.” Events such as the recent Cabela’s Catfish Tournament, the Riverfront Garden Show, Petunia Festival, Reagan Trail Days, Venetian Night and the Soda Pop Festival help to develop the culture and community of Dixon’s downtown, and to promote the city’s businesses. Dixon Main Street helps to coordinate events and make the
Events calendar on page 39.
fun happen. Until his recent resignation for a marketing job in Rockford, Josh Albrecht was director of Dixon Main Street for 7 years. “We’ve seen a lot of growth,” Albrecht said. “The downtown is definitely on an upswing. Some good foundations have been built, and I know the organization is going to do great things in the future.” Speaking of the future, some great events are planned for this fall. The 18th Annual Scarecrowfest will be back Sept. 27 in downtown Dixon, with pumpkin painting, pie-in-the-face throw, dunk tank, Funky Munky Wrestling, craft and food vendors, and more, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. That same weekend will be the Riverfront Classic Car show, on Sunday, the 28th, featuring supercharged cars and trucks and a trunkload of events from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. There are special Halloween and Christmas events planned, as well as the popular Second Saturdays artistic and cultural events each month. Dixon Main Street is funded, in part, by the city of Dixon, but is also sponsored by local businesses. “We would certainly welcome more sponsorships,” Bonneur said. “We hope to increase the number and size of events in the future.” s
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Ghosts, characters and other misfits truly made it a “Ghouls Night Out” as the Dixon Lion’s Club held its annual costume parade last year. Once again the Reagan Middle School band led the parade.
GO AND DO!
The Dixon Lions Club annual costume parade made its way through the streets of Dixon.
Oct. 7 – 5-6 p.m.,Shop Talk, at Books on First Oct. 11 – Second Saturdays Oct. 19 – 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Ultimate Tailgate at Beanblossom Oct. 25 – 8 a.m.-11 a.m. Monster Breakfast/Lions Halloween Parade Oct. 31 – Halloween on Main Street Nov. 4 – 5-6 p.m. Shop Talk, at Books on First Nov. 8 – Second Saturdays Nov. 19 – Noon Lunch and Learn, at the Post House Ballroom Nov. 30 – Sauk Valley Shop Small Dec. 2 – 5-6 p.m. Shop Talk, at Books on First Dec. 5 – Christmas Walk Dec. 6 – Christmas Walk Breakfast with Santa, at the Post House Ballroom Dec. 13 – Second Saturdays Jack Ragan, 5, bagged himself a little brother, Benjamin, 2, as they paraded through Dixon with mom Katie.
The Main line Dixon Main Street 115 S. Hennepin Ave., Dixon 815-288-2308 www.dixonmainstreet.com Find it on Facebook Girls in costume danced and posed as they paraded through Dixon during the annual costume parade last year.
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‘Carpe Diem’Seizes An Audience Teens latest endeavor focuses on living life to the fullest
BY KAYLA HEIMERMAN SPECIAL TO DIXON LIVING Kyle Nutt and Zade Abdullah are just looking for a laugh – a snicker, a chortle, or even a big ol’ belly laugh, if you’ve got it in you. Because they believe life is just too short not to. The friends and partners in comedy are the brains and brawn behind Hidden Reaction, the video production company and YouTube channel they started in early 2012. Their silliness – sorry, they’re 17-year-old high school seniors; perhaps silliness isn’t the best choice of words. ... Their good-natured sense of humor – that’s better – is their hallmark. The guys, who have known each other since kindergarten and been best friends since eighth grade, just like to have a good time. “We’ve always been funny around each other,” Zade said. “We thought we could entertain people doing this.”
Their first video, “Vader Visits Earth,” released in March 2012, was a prank number in which Darth Vader wreaks havoc in the drive-thru at various fastfood restaurants. Their ninth video, released in September 2012, was a rendition on the viral Korean pop hit “Gangnam Style,” in which Kyle and a couple of buddies do the ridiculous-looking dance all over town and around complete strangers. It still is one of their most popular with almost 185,000 views on YouTube. Another parody, this time of Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball,” released a year ago, features Kyle and Zade sitting on toilets, drawers dropped, and later, swinging on a toilet (a la Cyrus, who swings on a wrecking ball in her music video for the song), clad in tighty-whiteys. That video is far and away their most popular, with more than 1 million views. The guys admit that those videos and many of their skits and parodies up until about a year ago were crude and sometimes vulgar.
“Everything is getting better,” Kyle said. “The camera quality, the editing. We’re more professional. And now we’re a little more serious.” The guys produced a video around Christmastime last year to showcase their softer sides. The video, “How to be a Superhero,” features Kyle and Zade dressed as superheroes – capes and all – committing random acts of kindness to strangers around town. The video garnered more than 6,000 views in its first 24 hours online and was shared all over Facebook and other social media outlets. It even made it onto a few local TV news broadcasts. The video now has almost 150,000 views on YouTube. The guys were inspired. “We knew we had to keep our reputation up,” Kyle said. “We knew what we were capable of. We knew we could create content that people would watch. “We wanted to create better things. We thought, ‘If we can do that, then what else can we do?’” Continued on page 43
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The guys, who have known each other since kindergarten and been best friends since eighth grade, just like to have a good time.
Photos by Alex T. Paschal/Dixon Living Kyle Nutt (left) and Zade Abdullah are just looking for a laugh – a snicker, a chortle, or even a big ol’ belly laugh, if you’ve got it in you.
The friends and partners in comedy are the brains and brawn behind Hidden Reaction, the video production company and YouTube channel they started in early 2012. Continued from page 41
The guys wanted to do something still more serious – a video ... nay, a film that would showcase more of their acting chops than the comedy skits and parodies. Their 30-minute short film, titled “Carpe Diem,” was released Sept. 3. The film preaches, as its title – the Latin phrase for “seize the day” – suggests, the idea of living life to the fullest. Kyle plays Adam, a guy down in the dumps after a breakup, while Zade plays his best friend, Leo, a guy who wants the most out of life; Leo pulls Adam out of his blue cocoon and into the sun. “We wanted to inspire people,” Zade said. “It turned out better than I ever expected.” The guys already have received positive feedback, including a message from a girl halfway across the world who said the film motivated her to change her outlook on life. “It’s definitely a boost of enthusiasm and confidence,” Kyle said. “It’s like, wow, this is actually possible.” Kyle and Zade do more than comedy skits, parodies and, now, short films. They also do music videos and, more recently, web commercials. The guys made a rap about Cheeze-Its in November 2012. The folks at Kellogg’s, the makers of the popular baked snack crackers, noticed it and asked the guys to make a video for them; the company sent them boxes and boxes of the crackers. The result is a 3-minute skit in which Kyle and Zade are taste-testers. They cannot agree which flavor of the new Cheeze-It Zingz – “the snacking crunch with a punch” – is better: queso fundido or chipotle cheddar. The guys engage in an epic big-screen style fight only to end up agreeing that both flavors are good. The guys also created an ad for Boss Carpet One. Zade throws a party while his parents are away. The party-goers trash the carpet, and he needs to replace it. He gets advice from a red-shirted devil-esque character on one shoulder and a white-clad angelic character on the other; the devil suggests big-box stores, while the angel suggests the local flooring outlet. “We do it all,” Kyle said. “Our end goal is to be in movies, … but we’ll branch out into anything if it involves a camera.” The guys aspire to be big-screen actors someday, and they plan next year to attend film school or at least to study film in college. But for now, they’re thinking of the next video to make people laugh or, as they’ve proved they can do through their work, make people think. “A lot of people give up what they love doing because they don’t find enough time or they don’t work hard enough,” Kyle said. “We want to prove to and inspire others,” Zade added, “that if you keep working hard, if you are ambitious ...” “... That whatever you really want in life, you can do it,” Kyle finished. s
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