1 Front Volume 141 No. 50
Friday, November 20, 2015
Single Copy Cost 50¢
Hunger is no game Food pantry visited by many as result of increased costs and low pay By Dave Cook
news@tonicanews.com
LASALLE — Every year more families open their cupboards and refrigerators to find empty shelves. More seniors and others on fixed incomes are struggling to stretch their dollars until the next month. Many have to choose between food and medicine. Children may go to school hungry or have nothing to eat when they get home. Some people have no home to go to. Food pantries are the safety net which hopes to catch them all. More than 700 families and almost 2,000 individu-
als within the nine cities served by the Illinois Valley Food Pantry were kept from going hungry this year. “Employment is up, but they’re low paying jobs; and there’s a large number of people living on a fixed income. The pantry began as a temporary solution to a weak local economy, but we’ve evolved into an established and critical safety net for area families. This is our 33rd year in service,” said Donna Hess, executive director of the Illinois Valley Food Pantry. The purpose of the pantry is to provide assistance to people who are out of work; have insufficient income; whose public aid has been delayed or has run out; or whose family resources have been depleted by sickness or age.
Food is provided monthly, with special baskets provided during holidays. More frequent distribution may be made in emergencies. Clients are interviewed about their needs and must provide information about their income and family size. The pantry helps stretch their food budgets so they can use their money for bills and health costs. As with most pantries, cash donations are always needed, and those dollars are stretched as far as possible by buying in bulk. There is also a constant need for cereal, soup, baby food, soup, tuna, canned food, soup, noodles, rice, peanut butter, spaghetti sauce, instant potatoes, sugar, flour, coffee, mac and cheese, Jell-O, toiletries and large paper grocery
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Happy Thanksgiving from the Tonica News
While it appears these two turkeys are making plans to order out pizza for Thanksgiving, the nation’s annual Thanksgiving feast is an important reminder to be thankful for all we are given, all we earn, all we do. On behalf of your hometown newspaper, we wish you a Thanksgiving filled with many memory-making moments — one that will fill your heart for years to come. Happy Thanksgiving, dear friends. Tonica News photo/Kath Clark
Hauling company hopes to pick up Tonica’s business By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com
TONICA — A new contender vying to be Tonica’s hauling service has stepped forward, as a representative talked to the Tonica Village Board Monday, Nov. 16, about what Republic Services can do for the community. Jim Pozzi of Republic Services spoke to the board about the company and how it can compare against Vol. 141 No. 50 One Section - 8 Pages
the other services. “We really do want to get the word out that you do have more than two choices for haulers now,” Pozzi said. “One of the good things,” Pozzi said, “in this area and wherever we can, the trash we pick up in LaSalle County stays in LaSalle County.” Pozzi explained why this is a good thing, as the county receives money for every ton of garbage stored in the county landfill. Garbage is not the only
thing staying in the county. The landfill employs roughly 50 people, the majority of which reside in the county. “We’re on a pretty big push to keep everything as local as possible,” Pozzi said. “Bring what’s leaving the county back in.” “We’re very, very competitive,” Pozzi said. “We offer some options your other haulers might not.” Pozzi explained Republic Services provides carts, generally housing around 95
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gallons of garbage, for residents to use in place of trash cans. These carts come with the service and can take the place of three to four garbage cans. “The carts send out two messages,” Pozzi said. “They keep everything all nice and tidy, uniform on pickup day,” Pozzi said. He went into detail, stating these carts help keep garbage and cans from blowing away. Where garbage cans
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might tip over, this is not so much of an issue with carts. The second message: “You’re saving your residents money.” If a particular resident has a cart of some sort already, Republic Services can take care of that. “We can take the old carts for free,” Pozzi said. “It’s an option you guys can go with. You don’t have to. ... It’s up to the community what they want to do.” However, their cart ser-
vices are being accepted readily. Pozzi also briefly described the My Resource program, which Republic Services is testing in some larger communities. The program involves putting chips in each cart. Pozzi provided the example of residents monitoring garbage pickup, whether through checking if the truck has gone by already or how long
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2 Local 2 • The Tonica News • Friday, November 20, 2015
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Nov. 21, the same day as the pantry’s Thanksgiving distribution. The IV Giving Garden also received a big thank you from Hess. The Giving Garden grew and
By Zachary J. Pratt news@tonicanews.com
Email to:
news@tonicanews.com. Photos should be sent as an attachment. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Tonica News, P.O. Box 340, Princeton, IL 61356
Illinois Press IVERSARY 150TH ANN
Association 1865-2015
Tonica News photo/Dave Cook
Volunteers of the Illinois Valley Food Pantry Kevin Bartkowicz (from left), Donna Hess, Sam Loveless and Tina Haun are working to ensure patrons will have a nice holiday season. The pantry is always in need of volunteers and donations, especially during the holiday season. donated 2,500 pounds of produce this growing season. The towns served by the pantry include LaSalle, Peru, Oglesby, Utica, Cedar Point, Ton-
ica, Lowell, Lostant and Leonore. The hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to noon on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on
Tonica gears up for wintry conditions
Editor Terri Simon tsimon@tonicanews.com
2015 Member
bags. “Volunteers come and go. We mostly need dedicated volunteers who can donate their time a few days a week and we need more during the holiday season,” Hess said. Volunteers unload cars, sort and shelve food, prepare food orders, help clients carry food to their cars and make deliveries to shut-ins. The work of the pantry is a community-wide effort with many people deserving thanks. Hess said most area churches, schools and organizations, along with many individuals all generously contribute to the work of ending hunger in our area. Hess also thanked LaSalle County Broadcasting, the Illinois Valley YMCA, Hy-Vee and Stevenson Trucking for sponsoring the Fill the Mayflower holiday food drive which takes place each November. Hy-Vee pre-packages grocery bags for customers to buy, and they are then loaded into a large Mayflower truck and delivered to the pantry. They typically deliver approximately 400 bags, which is about 5,500 pounds. This will happen on Saturday,
TONICA — Tonica public works employee Marc Lemrise told the Tonica Village Board on Monday, Nov. 16, the village will be putting in more snow fence this year, as an amount was gifted to it. The fence preparations have already started. “We put posts in when the ground was dry,” Lemrise said. “We don’t want to be slipping on the mud.” Village President Kevin Sluder cautioned him about where the posts might go. “If you go east, you’d better be careful,” Sluder said. “You could put posts through the lines.” Sluder explained why the line might pose an issue. “They’re not very deep.” Sluder’s concern comes because there is not only telephone line in the area. He said there are other lines, such as gas and oil. In further preparations for winter, salt has been stored for use on the roads. “We’ve got salt in the bunker,” Lemrise said. “Ordered 16 tons to get started. We had about five from last winter.” Also relating to public works, Lemrise explained some work on the sewer, involving camera work to determine where sewer entrances are located. “We had no idea where
they were,” he said. Sluder took interest in the procedure and asked if there was footage the village could look at. “We have a DVD,” Lemrise said. “We had a new transfer switch, a heavier duty one to accommodate the generators.” The switch lasted about a month and had to be replaced. In other news: • The village received a quote regarding new fire extinguishers. However, it included a number of extinguishers the village does not want. “That whole quote,” Sluder said, “we don’t need all that.” • Attorney Bob Steele addressed changes to the levy. The total is now $98,900, a $4,000 increase from last year. • The police department is interested in selling its old car, rather than leave it sitting around, but has run into a particular issue: the title has yet to be found. Village Trustee Bob Folty suggested the title might be at the bank. • During this time, the issue was brought up regarding people blowing through school zones, which presents a hazard to those present. Folty suggested they solve both problems with one solution: “Why don’t we just take the old car and park it in different spots?” • The board talked about who should service the new car. They have to keep it serviced so the paper trail can prove they took proper care of the vehicle, should they need to utilize the warranty.
Wednesday. The Illinois Valley Food Pantry is located at 136 Marquette St. in LaSalle. For more information, call 815-224-3658 or visit www.ivfoodpantry.com.
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it will take before it does. If their carts are missed, residents can indicate so, and the truck will come back. One of Pozzi’s major points was the relationship between the company and the community. “There really isn’t anybody else local who can stop by, come to a board meeting, say ‘Hi’ and ‘How are you doing?’” Pozzi said. “You’re not just our customer: You’re our partner.” “I like that there is another company doing this,” Village President Kevin Sluder said, “that there is a third option.” The contract for garbage haulers is coming up in April, and Republic Services is hoping to get a shot at being selected. “We would like to be on the bid list,” Pozzi said.
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3 Obit Records Friday, November 20, 2015 • The Tonica News • 3
Patricia Busch TONICA — Patricia Ann Busch, 75, of rural Tonica died at 3:15 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 12, 2015, in Asta Care Center in Toluca. She was born Jan. 20, 1940, in Wisconsin to Anton and Anna (Rohr) Brish. She married Ronald J. Busch on Jan. 20, 1962. She was a member of Sts. Peter and Paul Church and graduate of Methodist Nursing School in Peoria. She is survived by extended family in the Tonica and Pekin area. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Ronald, on Aug. 10, 2010; and immediate family. A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, Nov. 17, in Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Leonore with Pastor Gary Blake officiating. Burial was in Sts. Peter and Paul Cemetery. Visitation was held prior to the services. The Hurst Funeral Home in Tonica is handling arrangements for her family. Online condolences may be viewed and remembrances shared at www. hurstfuneralhomes.com.
Bridges Senior Center Christmas lunch OTTAWA — Bridges Senior Center, AARP Local Chapter, Voluntary Action Center and OTHS Jazz Choir are partnering this year to celebrate Christmas. The celebration will be at noon Tuesday, Dec. 1, at K of C Hall at 401 W. Main St. Ottawa. Lunch will be provided by Voluntary Action Center for a $3.50 donation. RSVP by Nov. 27 at 815-431-8034. The maximum attendance is 80. At 1 p.m., the Ottawa Township High School Jazz Choir will present Christmas selections.
LaSalle County Sheriff’s Office LOSTANT — At 4:02 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 1, LaSalle County deputies, with Illinois State Police, arrested Michael J. Tolomei, 47, of Lostant after investigating a disturbance at 205 W. Second St. in Lostant. Tolomei was charged with domestic battery and taken to the LaSalle County Jail.
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Private pesticide applicator training and testing scheduled The University of Illinois Extension – Bureau, LaSalle, Marshall, Putnam counties unit will offer the following training and certification programs for private pesticide applicators. Pre-registration is required for both training and testing-only sessions. Certification is required to apply restricted use pesticides. The sessions are in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Agriculture. Training and testing — Thursday, Dec. 3, at Celebrations 150 Ltd., 740 E. U.S. Highway 6, Utica, with checkin beginning at 7:30 a.m. Training will be conducted from 8 to 11:30 a.m. Pre-registration is required for all training and testing clinics. The cost is $40 for the training (this does not include the IDOA license fee). Testing will begin immediately following training at 11:45 a.m. and will end at 2 p.m. Participants may bring a lunch. To register, visit www.pesticidesafety.illinois.edu; call 877-626-1650; or mail to: University of Illinois PSEP, 1201 S. Dorner Drive, Urbana, IL 61801. Testing only — Wednesday, Jan, 20, 2016, from 10 a.m. to noon at the University of Illinois Extension – LaSalle County Office, 1689 North 31st Road, Suite 2, Ottawa. To register, call the University of Illinois Extension-LaSalle County Office at 815-433-0707. There is no charge. Testing only — Friday, Jan. 29, 2016, from noon to 3
Kuzy named new Carus CEO PERU — Dave Kuzy, currently Carus’ president and chief operating officer, will succeed Inga Carus as CEO of Carus Group, effective Jan. 1, 2016. Carus will continue to serve as the company’s chairman, a position she has held since 2013. She has been with Carus for 23 years, the last 10 as CEO. Carus says she has been planning this transition for some time and looks forward to focusing more attention on growth initiatives for Carus as well as personal endeavors. “We recruited Dave in 2013 with this transition in mind. Since then he has proven that he has the leadership, experience and desire to lead Carus to further growth and success,” said Carus. “This company has been in my family for three generations. Selecting a new CEO is not a decision I take lightly, and I have complete confidence that Dave is the right person for the position.” Kuzy joined Carus with more than
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p.m. at the University of Illinois Extension - Marshall/ Putnam Office, 509 Front St., Henry. To register, call the University of Illinois Extension-Marshall/Putnam County Office at 309-364-2356. There is no charge. Testing only — Thursday, Feb. 18, 2016, from 10 a.m. to noon at the University of Illinois Extension – Bureau County Office, 850 Thompson St., Princeton. To register, call the University of Illinois Extension-Bureau County Office at 815-875-2878. There is no charge. Self-Study Training via the Internet Training is another option. The online training program for private pesticide applicators includes eight modules to be completed at your convenience. It is a replacement for the self-study CD, and provides a training alternative for those unable to attend a training and testing clinic. The online Private Applicator Training costs $15. The license examination is not offered via the Internet and must be taken at a testing session or by appointment with the IDOA (217-785-2427). The online training link is www.pesticidesafety.illinois.edu. Private applicator manuals and workbooks can be purchased online or at local Extension offices. Extension offices are located in Princeton, Ottawa, Henry and in Oglesby on the IVCC campus. If you need a reasonable accommodation, indicate when registering.
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25 years of leadership experience in operations, sales, marketing, product and business management, and strategic planning. He most recently worked for Albemarle Corporation as vice president, Refinery Catalyst. He also held leadership positions at Engelhard Corporation (now BASF), Mallinckrodt Specialty Chemical Co., and Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co. “I’m honored to accept this position, and I look forward to further strengthening Carus’ focus on growth, supported by an innovative and ‘customer first’ culture. We’re advancing into new markets with new technologies. I’m surrounded by a great team of leaders here at Carus, and I’m excited for what the future holds,” said Kuzy after Carus’ board approved his promotion. Acquisitions have long been and will continue to be a key component of Carus’ growth strategy. Kuzy is a graduate of the University of Akron, where he received his Master’s of Business Administration in
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4 Perspective 4 • The Tonica News • Friday, November 20, 2015
The Editorial Page The Tonica News Sam R Fisher
Terri Simon
Publisher
Editor
All who wander ... I was looking through a catalog the other day and came across a T-shirt with a picture of hiking boots, declaring, “Not all who wander are lost.” That statement struck me as very profound. After parenting teens (three of them) and being a source of advice to other struggling parents who think I’ve done a fairly decent job, I have often doled out this advice and repeated it a multitude of times in my own head while I banged it against the wall in frustration. It made me think of the quote that everyone knows, “Life is a journey, not a destination.” I remember going mushroom hunting in the 100Lori plus acres of woods Boekeloo that surrounded our house when I COMMENTARY was a kid. (Mushrooms are pretty easy prey. They don’t run fast, and since I don’t do cardio, I loved this “sport.”) I usually headed for the creek. There were many well-worn paths made by the deer and animals in the area. They all knew the shortest, easiest, most direct route to the water. The animals knew how to get there and avoid all of the places predators could hide. Because they used it often, it was clear of debris and you wouldn’t very likely get a spiderweb stuck to your head as you walked. Because it was well traveled, the path was usually firm and you wouldn’t be in danger of losing a shoe in the sticky mud. I didn’t always choose to travel those paths. In my wanderings, I often saw animals who didn’t realize I was there. I remember walking up on deer and marveling at how close I had gotten. I was blessed to find flowers that may have not been by the original paths I chose. Bugs, although they creeped me out, were interesting to me, and I saw a myriad of them in places that were far from the hard-packed dirt of the deer trail. I also found the going was rougher if I didn’t stay where I should. I often encountered steep hills or mud bogs. More than once I tumbled down a hill or tripped over a log. Sometimes I got hurt and would return to the path for a while, knowing it was the smarter choice. It wouldn’t be long before something would catch my attention, and again there would be leaves under my feet and sticker bushes in my hair. The thing is, before I left for those forays into the woods, my mom always gave me advice about how far to go, what time to be back, and I carried knowledge of how to remember my surroundings so I could return. It was the information I got before I left that always helped me reach my destination and return safely. Sometimes as my mom was telling me, I’d pretend I didn’t hear, or scoff at her advice, but it was there, swimming around in my pointed little head, just waiting to be called upon. There were also tools I could carry with me to make my journey easier. A compass would have helped guide my way (if I had been smart enough to carry one). If we had a map of our land, that would have facilitated an easier time. I admit, there were times that I thought I was lost. There were times of panic when I didn’t recognize my surroundings, and I was sure something was going to eat me, but I’d just think back to my mother’s words (which I pretended not to hear), get my bearings, continue walking and eventually find my way again. I enjoyed my walks in the woods. I miss that time of exploration. As an adult, my infrequent trips into the wilderness now consist more of staying where I should and following the “right” path. I find comfort in that, but it’s not as fun. Of course, I’m older now and can’t afford to roll down a muddy embankment. I might snap something. Sometimes, in my wanderings, I would still end up at the creek, but further from my original destination than I had intended. The creek still refreshed me when I got there. I could still swim and drink and play there, but it wasn’t where I originally wanted to be. I found that I could either stay where I had ended up, or follow the creek back to where I wanted to be in the first place. I forged new paths. They may not have been as easy, but they were rewarding in a different way. The lessons I learned and the fun I had helped me lead others to the creek at different times, in different ways. Because of my mother’s instruction, and God’s guiding hand, I often wandered, but I was never truly lost. Lori Boekeloo is a mother of three. She can be reached at lorianne67@hotmail.com, or friend her on Facebook for more humor and inspiration on a daily basis.
Considerations by Nedda Let’s get this straight. We have Halloween, then Thanksgiving (that is a national holiday, by the way) and then Christmas. Now ... I will leave up the pretty fall decorations and watch the leaves turn and tumble along in the yard. I will relish warm fall days, and be grateful we have a holiday for families to gather, eat, shout at the TV football games, eat, sleep, gossip, play with the kids, eat and go home or shut off the lights (if you are older, slump in the chair and be grateful they are all gone or away for a while). We don’t have to buy anything, wrap anything, and struggle with decisions about gift choices. That’s fine if you want to start shopping, but let’s not forget Thanksgiving!
tures who all serve a purpose, whether we humans understand it or not. Laughter and really stupid jokes, told by people who know you will boo them after the joke is told which make them happy ... which makes the joke worse. You know them, and you love to see them coming toward you. I am grateful for diversity because sameness is boring, and sparkling water in a creek and a youngster’s belly laugh. Please have a joyful holiday of Thanksgiving and go one step out of the way to make someone feel grateful you came into their lives. Oh. Don’t forget to be kind, but I know you won’t. Nedda Simon of rural Princeton can be reached at neddasimon@ ymail.com.
Nedda Simon COMMENTARY
A house gift, your families’ favorite dish, or a written prayer will do for the gathering. If you have no family or a different circumstance, there are plenty of hungry and lonely people to serve. It is so simple and in some ways easier than the Fourth of July (also a national holiday). My gratitude list. Changing weather patterns, the good soil to grow good food for all, and the men and women who are willing to grow and harvest it. All crea-
In an instant ... I take a lot for granted. I’ll be the first to admit that. In the day-to-day itinerary that makes up my life, I seldom stop to think how very lucky I am. While I can’t speak for any of you, I have to believe we all sail through life in that same boat. It’s a boat that stays afloat without us realizing how quickly it could sink and hit rock bottom. I don’t want this column to be filled with gloom and doom. God knows we all have enough of that, often on a daily basis. Life can be very difficult — we know that too. But sometimes life doesn’t hand you those proverbial roses. In fact, the thorns are often more prevalent than those sweet-smelling success stories we like to embrace. Maybe it’s because Thanksgiving is just around the corner ... Perhaps it’s because there’s been some things in my life lately that have been extremely difficult ... Or possibly it’s because I’ve just had some kind of awakening causing me to be rather introspective ... I guess it doesn’t matter why or what has caused me to think about how many things I take for granted, but the idea, the very concept of it, has slapped me in the face quite a few times lately — every time leaving a sting that lingers for quite some time. We’ve never been one of those families who go around the Thanksgiving table and tell everyone in attendance about those things in our lives that cause us to be thankful. Rather, it’s kind of an unspoken feeling when we get together ... the
Terri Simon COMMENTARY smiles, the photos, the memories of days gone by, the laughter, the words “I love you” when everyone leaves ... of course we are thankful. It’s as simple as that ... Or is it? While it’s easy to remember to be grateful for our family members and others who we love, I’m actually talking about those little things in life — the ones that would be huge things if suddenly they were taken away. I could make a quick list of all those things of which I am speaking, but it’s fairly plain and simple and could quite possibly fill this entire newspaper page. The little things we take for granted are many, and while I know I don’t stop to think about something as simple as walking out to the mailbox to get the mail, pouring myself a cold drink when I get home from work or picking up my cell phone to call a friend or family member ... those are the kinds of daily things that seem routine and simple, yet how would our worlds change if we were unable to do them? I’m out and about a lot, and I see all kinds of people struggling to do what I take for granted. I guess it’s human nature to just go about our daily lives, doing what we do
without any thoughts of not being able to do what we want — until of course, we can’t do them anymore. With Thanksgiving just a few days away, I think it’s time, though, I start paying attention to those little things that seem so mundane — those things that would all of a sudden matter if I was unable to do them. While I know I’m a bit early to make this a Thanksgiving column, I’ve been finding myself taking a few steps back to reflect on those little things in life that I take for granted. Some of the smallest and craziest things come to mind, but in reality, I’d be so lost with all of them. I need to make a conscious effort to appreciate all those little unspoken things of which I am able to do. When I count my blessings — and believe me I do so a lot, I need to remember those things that could be taken from me in an instant. Like the snap of your fingers ... gone. I need to offer those quiet words of thanks for the little things — not just the obvious. I love my friends and family and pets (which are members of the family). I love my home for it is truly my sanctuary in this often hectic world. I love lots and lots and lots of things that are held in my heart for safekeeping. But I’ve got to start adding those little things to my list of blessings, realizing just what life would ... or would not hold ... without them. Tonica News Editor Terri Simon can be reached at tsimon@tonicanews.com.
TO Letter THE Editor
Tomorrow’s leaders To the Editor, When you salute the Stars and Stripes presented in a parade or prior to a sporting event by a flag corps, chances are great that the flag bearer is an active or former member of Girl Scouts. One of the programmatic pillars that Girl Scouts instills is giving back through community service. A big part of that includes being part of a flag ceremony. These lessons learned by a girl as young as 5 years old stay with her for a lifetime, reinforcing the values of patriotism and service.
In addition to community service, Girl Scouts learn proactive skills in environmental stewardship, financial literacy, healthy living and STEM (science, technology, engineering and math). Each year as we help girls learn these invaluable skills and overcome challenges to find their place in the world, Girl Scouts of Central Illinois must also overcome challenges to find enough volunteers so all interested girls can benefit from Girl Scouting. We need women and men to serve as troop leaders, thus helping thousands of girls participate in lasting lessons and create life-
long memories all while etching a mark on a legacy founded 104 years ago. We at Girl Scouts of Central Illinois vow that no girl will be denied the opportunity to be a Girl Scout because of inability to afford such an experience. We, however, need your support to help provide that unique experience. Please contact your local Girl Scouts of Central Illinois office at 888-623-1237 or gsci@girlscouts-gsci.org and make a difference today in tomorrow’s leaders. Pam Kovacevich CEO, Girls Scouts of Central Illinois
First Amendment “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.” Constitution of the United States, 1789
5 Life Friday, November 20, 2015 • The Tonica News • 5
Community Lostant School will host annual senior dinner LOSTANT — Lostant School will host the annual senior dinner at noon Thursday, Dec. 10, in the school cafeteria. A traditional turkey dinner will be served. The meal is free to all
Lostant senior citizens. Students will perform selections from the winter program after the meal and during dessert. To make reservations, call the school office at 815-3683392 as soon as possible.
Annual Christmas sale will be Nov. 21 and 22 LOSTANT — The third annual Everything Christmas Sale to benefit the Lostant Community Library will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Nov 21, and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22, at the American Legion Hall, Main Street, Lostant. Featuring gently-used (and some new) items, the sale will offer everything Christmas at garage sale prices as well as a bake sale.
This year, more than 25 buildings from the Liberty Falls Christmas village will be available. Also available will be holiday decor, fiber optic angel, cards, wrapping paper, bows, holiday themed novels, cookbooks, lights, ornaments, cookie tins, silk poinsettias, Avon fiber optic house and anything else Christmas. For more information, call the Lostant Library at 815-368-3530.
Peru Mall hosts Toys for Tots PERU — The season of giving and goodwill starts at Peru Mall. The shopping center is partnering with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program to ensure a joyous holiday season for children in need. Tons of toys are needed to help make the holidays happy for children. Peru Mall is an official dropoff site for Toys for Tots, accepting new, unwrapped
toys through Dec. 23. Generous donors can drop off unwrapped gifts in a special donation box located near the Armed Forces Career Center and Claire’s. Marine Corps volunteers will ensure delivery of gifts to children in time for Christmas. More information about extended holiday hours, Santa’s hours and events is available at www.perumall. com or 815-223-7600.
Phillips named Instructor of the Year OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College geology instructor Mike Phillips was selected recently as the recipient of the Illinois Community College Faculty Association’s 2015 Leo Welch Instructor of the Year Award. Phillips was presented the award Oct. 30 at the association’s annual conference in Springfield. The ICCFA represents all community college faculty in Illinois. ICCFA Vice President David Seiler said students in Phillips’ classes appreciate his knowledge, classroom management and demeanor. Seiler said one student wrote Phillips’ “personality and sense of humor made his physical geology class a pleasure to attend.” Phillips was also recognized for:
Photo contributed
Mike Phillips receives the Instructor of the Year Award from ICCFA Vice President David Seiler. islators. Upon receiving the honor, Phillips said, “I am honored to be recognized by my colleagues.
It is a privilege to be able to share the subject I love with students I care about and to serve the community in which I live.”
Delivering holiday spirit to Illinois Valley area seniors Everyone deserves to enjoy the warmth of the holiday season, and this year, area seniors who are alone or impoverished will be able to do just that. Sponsored by the Home Instead Senior Care office serving LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam and Grundy counties, the Be a Santa to a Senior program provides gifts and companionship for lonely and isolated seniors. The program is made possible by the support of area nonprofit organizations, retailers, numerous volunteers and members of the community. “There are so many seniors, right here in the area who have nothing and no one,” said Christine Schouten, owner of the local Home Instead Senior Care office. “Through this program, we are able to show them that they are valuable members of our community and that people still care.” Home Instead Senior Care has
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• Helping organize the inaugural Earth Educator’s Rendezvous in Boulder this summer. • Serving on the ICCFA executive board and helping launch the organization’s web presence and lobbying efforts in Springfield. • Serving as president of the Lostant School Board and successfully incorporating student-centered, faculty-driven values he espouses at the college level. • Organizing a grassroots political effort to express his viewpoint and that of his community regarding a local agribusiness venture. • Taking an active role in state and local politics by serving as a precinct committeeperson and supporting the candidacies of statewide candidates and local state leg-
partnered with LaSalle Veterans Home, IVCH Adult Day Care, Voluntary Action Center, Bureau County Senior Center, Prairie Land Home Care, Bureau County Housing Authority, Putnam County Achievement Center, Community Nutrition Network, Grundy County Health Department Senior Division, Hy-Vee, Sullivan’s Foods, Handy Foods and Jewel to help with the gift collection and distribution. Participating retail locations will display Be a Santa to a Senior Christmas trees from Nov. 20 to Dec. 7 that feature ornaments with seniors’ first names and their gift requests. Holiday shoppers can pick ornaments from the trees, buy the items listed and return them unwrapped (and with the ornament attached) to the store. Program partners and volunteers will take care of wrapping and distributing the gifts to local seniors
who might otherwise spend the holiday alone. “We have seen, firsthand, how much this program means to local seniors,” said Schouten. “Without it, there would be seniors for whom the holidays would pass without even a visit.” You can find a Be A Santa To a Senior tree at the following locations: • Hy-Vee, 1651 Midtown Road, Peru. • Sullivan’s Foods, 125 Backbone Road East, Princeton. • Handy Foods, 604 W. Main, Ottawa. • Jewel, 1414 N. Division St, Morris. • Wrapping parties: Tuesday, Dec. 15, and Thursday, Dec. 17, at 10 a.m., Peru Mall IVCH room, Tai Chi Group wraps the gifts. For more information about the program, visit BeaSantatoaSenior. com or call 815-223-7970.
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6 Life 6 • The Tonica News • Friday, November 20, 2015
Menus and Activities Bridges Senior Center Lostant Grade School Breakfast Nov. 23 — Banana nut muffin, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. Nov. 24 — Pancakes and syrup, yogurt, cereal, fruit and juice. Nov. 25 — No school. Nov. 26 — No school. Nov. 27 — No school. Lunch Nov. 23 — Chili, crackers, green beans, pears, milk. Nov. 24 — Turkey, smile potatoes, corn, pumpkin dessert, milk. Nov. 25 — No school. Nov. 26 — No school. Nov. 27 — No school.
Nov. 23 — 9 a.m., Tai Chi; 10 a.m., Sewing Circle; 12:45 p.m., Bingo; 1:30 p.m., open cards. Nov. 24 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit; 10 a.m., Soldier’s Angels. Nov. 25 — 9 a.m., Forever Fit. Nov. 26 — Closed for the holiday. Nov. 27 — Closed for the holiday. The Bridges Senior Center is a congregate meal site. Meals, provided by Voluntary Action Center, are served from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday through Friday for a suggested donation of $3.50. A 24-hour advance reservation is required. For more information, call 815-431-8034.
Tonica Grace School
Putnam County Community Center
Breakfast Nov. 23 — Sausage, egg and cheese biscuit or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Nov. 24 — Waffle and syrup or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Nov. 25 — Scrambled eggs or cereal, toast, granola, yogurt, fruit, juice, milk. Nov. 26 — No school. Nov. 27 — No school. Lunch Nov. 23 — Chili crispitos, refried beans, shredded lettuce, fruit, milk. Nov. 24 — Pizza bosco stick, fruit, carrots, pudding, milk. Nov. 25 — Breaded chicken patty on bun, french fries, fruit side kick, milk. Nov. 26 — No school. Nov. 27 — No school.
Nov. 23 — Smoked sausage, fried potatoes, carrots, fruit cocktail. Nov. 24 — Turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing, sweet potatoes, green bean casserole, fruit juice, dessert. Nov. 25 — Ham salad on wheat bread, red quartered potatoes, steamed spinach, citrus cup, cookies. Nov. 26 — Center closed. Nov. 27 — Center closed. For reservations, call 800-757-4579 24 hours in advance of the day’s meal. The menu is subject to change. Meals are available to senior citizens 60 plus at no cost, but donations are appreciated. The meal program is partly funded by donations, so they have a suggested donation of $5 per meal. Lunch is served at 11:30 a.m.
Photos contributed
Do you know these people? What is old is new again at the Lostant Library, but only if someone can identify these photos. Christine Hubbard, librarian, has been trying to identify old photos that have been found in the library. All the photos, like the ones shown here, have no identifying marks. If readers have a guess as to who these people may be, contact the library at 815-368-3530. People are also encouraged to visit the library as there are many more pictures.
IVCC will offer ‘express registration’ in Ottawa OGLESBY — Illinois Valley Community College’s Ottawa Center will host “Express Registration” from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 1, at 321 W. Main St. Spring classes begin Thursday, Jan. 14. Visit www.ivcc.edu/express or call 815-224-0800 for information.
IVCC Wind Ensemble will present free concert OGLESBY — The Illinois Valley Community College Wind Ensemble, directed by Gene Montgomery, will offer a free concert at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 3, in the Cultural Centre.
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AL W
NI FORD I
N
VICE MEANS SOME THI E SER NG HER
SINCE
1974
N
HE ON THE SAME O RE CORNER S MUST E A REA B
T
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CIO
C.
IT T’S TOUGH BU UT WE’RE STILL IN THERE!
STOP THE AD TAX
Friday, November 20, 2015 • The Tonica News • 7
––––––––––– Classifieds –––––––––– General Terms and Policies The Tonica News reserves the right to classify correctly, edit, reject or cancel any advertisement at any time in accordance with its policy. All ads must be checked for errors by the advertiser, on the first day of publication. We will be responsible for the first incorrect insertion, and its liabilities shall be limited to the price on one insertion. CLASSIFIED LINE AD & LEGAL DEADLINES: • Friday Paper deadline Friday before by 3pm We Accept
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2 computer desk chairs, $10 each; metal frame computer desk, $10; 2 person minnow sien, $20. Call 815-915-5332
YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU MIGHT FIND right here in the Tonica News Classified! You could find furniture, appliances, pets, musical instruments, anything.
Actron code reader $40; Stanley 37 piece socket set, $20; 2 electric heaters- 1 fan, 1 oil filled, $20 each. 815-915-7638
Put your ad in for FREE Items $1,000 or less can run FREE for 1 time. Limit of 5 lines. Up to 3 items with price and price totaling under $1,000. 1 ad per household per week. No commercial ads, firearms or animal sales. E-mail information to: classified@ bcrnews.com (include your name, address & phone number)
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E-mail items for sale to: classified@bcrnews.com
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8 8 • The Tonica News • Friday, November 20, 2015
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