Issue 2 - InVironments Magazine
Transcription
Issue 2 - InVironments Magazine
VOL 8 ISSUE 2 MAR-AP R 2016 D E KAL B COUNTY E D ITION 40 30 Building the Past The history of DeKalb and a secret WWII drone program Passion in Education Read about Kathy Countryman and Tim Carlson — two educators working to expand opportunities in Sycamore’s schools Where life happens. 1 Furniture Amazing Selection ❙ The Very Best Brands ❙ Prices to Fit Every Budget Bedrooms 2 Dining Rooms DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 Home Office Everything for a Beautiful Home All in One Place...4 floors and 80,000 sq. ft. Furniture Fireplaces Granite Flooring Kitchen&Bath Lighting Café Plus...Brick & Stone, Landscape Products, BBQ Grills, and our Fancy Schmancy Boutique of Jewelry & Gifts 1100 Eleventh St. (just south of Charles) • Rockford, Illinois 61104 • 815-227-2000 Hours: Mon 9am-8pm, Tues-Sat 9am-5pm, Closed Sundays Visit us online at: www.bensonstone.com Where life happens. 3 Furniture ❙ Flooring ❙ Fireplaces ❙ Kitchens & Baths ❙ Granite ❙ Lighting ❙ BBQ Grills ❙ Brick & Stone ❙ Landscape Products ❙ Home Decor & Gifts ❙ HearthRock Café 4 DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 T A B L E O F CONTENTS 08 I N PA R E N T I N G 19 I N D I Y The Fly Mommy has a lot to rave about when she visits the new children’s area at the DeKalb Public Library Ashley Murcia joins the birthday fun with her advice on a party-time activity 11 I N C O M M U N I T Y 22 I N M E D I C I N E The DeKalb County Community Foundation shows how your money benefits worthy causes like the Kishwaukee Education Consortium The KishHealth Spine Center aims to treat patients with conservative methods for the best results 25 I N H O M E Don’t buy a home until you read the secrets confessions of a Realtor from American Realty 28 I N H E A LT H It’s getting warmer, and Katie Dawson has the best tips to get active and eat healthy 30 I N P E O P L E 14 Tim Carlson shows that community spirit and a dedication to students are at the core of Sycamore High School 34 I N E D U C AT I O N I N S P O RTS Read about one Sycamore student’s motivation as he prepares for an Olympic tryout 16 I N H E A LT H The Glyvitis Vein Clinic offers modern technology for treating painful, unsightly varicose veins CONTACT US AT INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE P.O. Box 4, Sycamore, IL 60178 InVironments Editorial Staff [email protected] Darby Dwyer, Advertising Director [email protected] Inspiration from her family helps Kathy Countryman make the important decisions for Sycamore schools 37 I N K I D S Planning a kids birthday? Don’t miss our tips for making each birthday the best! 40 I N H I S TO R Y Learn about DeKalb County’s historic link to WWII and the modern drone 45 I N B O O K S We all love the stories, but now you can learn the origin of Winnie-the-Pooh with this book recommendation from Dee Coover 46 C A L E N D A R O F E V E N T S See what’s happening in the community with the InVironments Event Calendar FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS GO TO: WWW INVIRONMENTSMAG.COM Where life happens. 5 6 DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 Where life happens. 7 I N PA R E N T I N G LIBRARY DAY at the New DeKalb Public Library By Karen Weckerly M y family moved to DeKalb in 1980, and I spent many hours of my childhood at the DeKalb Public Library. Running the ramparts with my younger brother and sister outside the old children’s library is a fond memory. When the recent expansion was completed, I was excited to see the new space, and share the day with my own children. 8 DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 It was touching to see my own children enjoy a place that had been a favorite of my own as a child.” We arrived at the new Oak St. entrance on either end, allowing users over a wide to story time, checking out little paintings and two eager kiddos ran inside. “Whoa,” age range to make the best use of their to hang in my room for a week, playing they both exclaimed as we entered time. What a great area for families, with the doll house, and participating in the foyer I’m dubbing “the grand hall.” I especially during the long Illinois winters. the reading incentive programs. I was quite moved by the whole experience— was awestruck as well by the beautiful new space and gorgeous architectural Next we walked past the children’s seeing the beautiful new library and details. We took the elevator upstairs computer work area and discovered the feeling the promise it held for the future. to the new children’s library, and the tree house play center. In this play area In parenting, the days are long, the kiddos started helping themselves to we found plentiful cushions for building, years are short, and trips to the library books from the forward facing display sitting or, in our case, jumping into like an make memories to last a lifetime. f shelves. They plopped down and settled oversized swimming pool. The windows into the very cool purple banquets. I in the tree house had a lovely view of noticed immediately how comfortable downtown DeKalb with nice built-in they both were in the space, and it was window seats for comfortable seating obvious that great care had been taken to for adults and children. There was also accommodate children and their parents. a puppet theater, and lots of puppets on a pretty pegboard. The kiddos happily After doing a bit of reading, we moved played there with all the toys for over an on to the open play space and Lego hour until we had to leave for dinner, and wall. There were plentiful play tables, I pretty much had to drag them home. toys in good condition, and beautiful big windows adding to the well-lit play area. It was touching to see my own children Four study rooms and the children’s enjoy a place that had been a favorite of activity room bookended the play area my own as a child. I still remember going Where life happens. 9 American Realty WELCOME TO There’s no place like home, and DeKalb County is ours. We understand that when it comes to buying or selling a home, the only thing that matters is our unique local market. We do our homework. Lee Ann Foresman Alison Rosenow Kelly Robinson Broker Associate, SFRM Managing Broker Owner Broker Associate, QRS, QSP 815-508-6870 815-762-5226 630-217-0766 [email protected] Some agents will tell you what you want to hear rather than providing solid statistics to guide you to the best decisions possible when listing or buying. We are interested in sound business decisions, effective marketing and timely communication. There is only one “first impression”. Let us help you make it the best one. AmericanRealtyIL.com 10 519 W State Street, Sycamore, Illinois 60178 DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 INCOMMUNITY A RISING TIDE: A COMMUNITY’S GENEROSITY, A COUNTY’S GROWTH F rom the first moment in the Foundation, ordinary citizens have helped Susan Carlson, who teaches the new day, we all look for ways local projects flourish across the county. course, sees how students, still in high school, are already taking the first step to make our community a better place for our neighbors, our This past year, for example, the Kishwaukee into the careers of the future. “Right now children, and if at all possible, the Education Consortium (KEC) received a I have students in my class working on people we have never even met. significant Community Needs Grant from green-screen projects,” she says, with the DeKalb County Community Foundation, pride. “I have students working on radio Still, despite our best efforts, we often which improved safety and brought new ads, and I have a student working on a wonder if there are additional ways to help. professional opportunities to the students graphics portfolio.” For those looking to make a wide-reaching at KEC. The grant directly supported the impact, the DeKalb County Community addition of KEC’s new bell system and Speaking from her own experience, Carlson Foundation offers such opportunities for opened a new Mass Communications affirms, “There are a variety of opportunities everyone. By making contributions to the course to local students. for these students to choose from, and I Where life happens. 11 INCOMMUNITY These grants really are addressing the needs we see in DeKalb County.” absolutely see them starting careers with – BECKY ZANTOUT, GRANTS AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES MANAGER HOW TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE these skills.” Dr. Amy Horn, College and Career Readiness Coordinator at KEC, stresses Community Needs Grants are made how the DeKalb County Community possible through undesignated Foundation has assisted KEC with its donations to the DeKalb County goal of staying current with the needs of Community Endowment Fund, which students. “The bell system was actually supports the Community Needs Grants the main goal we had when applying for and other board designated initiatives. the grant because we never had a bell The DeKalb County Community system,” Horn explains. “Now Endowment Fund has a principal amount, we’ve been able to introduce more and through conservative investment structure into the daily curriculum, as by the Community Foundation board of well as the peace-of-mind and security of having a new intercom network Focusing on KEC’s main ambition, Horn throughout the building.” explains how the Mass Communication course was developed with the educational and career success of students in mind. “We offer classes based on career trends and what students and the community need,” she says. “We look to see what there is a demand for in the community, and right now, we have about 100 seniors transitioning to Kishwaukee college through our programs and a success rate of 94% with our students overall.” directors, is able to provide grants while also ensuring funds remain available for future endeavors into perpetuity. When you donate to the DeKalb County Community Foundation, you can specify that your gift be undesignated, or you can send a gift to the DeKalb County Community Endowment Fund. For more information, or to make a donation online, visit dekalbccf.org or contact Dan Templin at [email protected] or 815-748-5383. That success is not just a point of pride for KEC and its students – it is also shared by donors who support Community Needs Grants provided by the DeKalb County Community Foundation. Still, the Kishwaukee Education Consortium is not the only place where change is happening. Countless other projects across DeKalb County have been helped by the continuing philanthropy of everyday citizens who give to the DeKalb County Community Endowment Fund so their community can improve – making sure the tide of generosity continues to rise and the county becomes a better place for all. f 12 DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 PAST GRANTS AWARDED TO KEC BELL SYSTEM AND MASS COMMUNICATION COURSE: $10,000.00 AWARDED IN 2015 FIRE SCIENCE AND RESTART PROGRAM ENHANCEMENTS: $4,000.00 AWARDED IN 2013 DEVELOPMENT OF MULTI-MEDIA AND CULINARY PROGRAMS: $9,000.00 AWARDED IN 2012 DeKalb County Community Foundation Staff from left to right: Barb King, Administrative Manager; Anita Zurbrugg, Program Director; Dan Templin, Executive Director; Becky Zantout, Grants & Community Initiatives Manager; Ben Bingle DeKalb County Nonprofit Partnership (DCNP) Manager; Noah Nordbrock, Donor Services & Marketing Director FIVE-YEAR, MULTI-YEAR GRANT FOR NEW TECHNOLOGY: $100,000.00 AWARDED FROM 2007- 2011 Where life happens. 13 INSPORTS TAKING A BREATH EARNING A PLACE AT THE & OLYMPIC TRYOUTS 14 DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 I WOULD PLATEAU A LITTLE BIT, BUT THEN I WOULD FIGURE OUT A WAY TO GET BETTER. THAT’S WHAT KEPT ME MOTIVATED – JUST KEEP GETTING BETTER AND IMPROVING.” W hen you ask any high Daniel progress into the remarkable athlete school student what they he is today. “Is he at a different level? think about during their Absolutely,” Chambers says. “We probably senior year, most talk about finding put in an average between twenty-five work and applying to colleges, but for and thirty hours a week on training.” pretty close-knit group,” he says almost laughing. “When you get us together, Daniel Hein, senior at Sycamore High School, the future also holds another “He has been a captain of the high goal – making it to the Olympics. school swim program for the past three you see our team spirit come through.” years, since he was a sophomore,” That team spirit is what brought Daniel At a local YMCA pool, Daniel sits down to explains Chambers. “We made an to swimming in the first place. “When I talk about the opportunity after wrapping exception because Daniel has always was eight-years-old, we won our YMCA up a practice with his teammates. “This shown tremendous leadership, and State Meet, and I was really pumped past summer at our YMCA Nationals, his work ethic is out of this world. up then,” he says. “After that, I was I got the cut in the 100 backstroke, so He’s also a great motivator—he can motivated to just get in the water and this June I’ll be able to try out for an get through to other athletes when he get my friends together as well.” Now Olympic spot,” Daniel says humbly. needs to, and he does a really good job that he’s older, Daniel makes sure his holding his teammates responsible.” teammates see him as an example. It’s been a lot of work to get this point. When it comes to his role on the team, “When I was younger, I was just I’ve been doing double practices Daniel takes pride in being able to bring having fun,” Daniel says. “Now it’s every day Monday through Friday.” people together, and he isn’t shy about more about technique. I try to think “I’m hoping to drop time and improve. the way he feels, “I really love training with about what I can do differently, or I’ll Head Swimming Coach Melanie Chambers these guys. I’ve been swimming with them ask my coaches what they think.” has been at those practices and has seen since I was seven-years-old, and we’re a “Daniel works so hard that no one can question his determination, but he’s also a very humble and well-rounded kid,” Chambers says while monitoring the team’s progress from the bleachers. “He’ll do anything you ask him to do. He loves challenges, and he’s always ready to accomplish a new goal.” That desire to constantly improve is what has helped Daniel qualify for an Olympic tryout this June for the 100 meter backstroke, but when you ask him how it feels, he doesn’t sway from his honest and humble attitude. “It’ll be a great experience,” Daniel says while waving to his teammates as they leave the pool. It will be a great experience that has taken a decade to achieve. f Where life happens. 15 I N H E A LT H G i l v y d i s V e i n C li n i c : giving back quality of V aricose veins are a debilitating problem that many suffer from, but they don’t need to. Fortunately, relief from varicose veins can be accomplished with low-risk, minimally-invasive laser treatments at Gilvydis Vein Clinic in Sycamore. For Dr. Rimas Gilvydis, treating vein disorders is a personal matter because he understands the extreme pain and limited quality of life brought on by venous hypertension. “When I was in college, I started having pain and restlessness in both my legs,” says Dr. Gilvydis. “They would ache after standing all day. It was varicose veins. Now when I see patients who have constant swelling and discomfort in their legs, I literally feel their pain.” Aside from the immediate symptoms of pain and swelling, varicose veins can lead to ulcers, cellulitis, scar tissue or blood clots, if left untreated. 16 DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 life Before treatment I really couldn’t move around, and now I’ve been able to regain my mobility. It’s really amazing to think how something so simple can have such a large impact.” – Patient providing the highest quality of care and achieving the best results for our patients.” The treatment works by using local anesthetic to numb an area of the leg. Then a tiny laser is inserted into the affected vein and used to close it permanently with little or no discomfort. Those receiving the treatment are often encouraged to return to their daily tasks immediately following the procedure. “With the laser procedure, we’re able to dr. Rimas Gilvydis treat countless patients with varicose veins and venous hypertension,” says “It’s very important that people know vein Dr. Gilvydis. “And now those patients are health isn’t an aesthetic problem,” says able to live with a better quality of life.” Dr. Gilvydis. “If anyone is experiencing heaviness, aching, burning, throbbing, Dr. Gilvydis encourages anyone with cramping, or restlessness in the legs, visible varicose veins or the uncomfortable they should consult with a vein doctor • Roughly 50% of the population will experience varicose veins or symptoms. • Women are at a slightly higher risk of having varicose veins. • The potential to get varicose veins increases with age. • Varicose veins are caused by valves in the vein working improperly, causing blood to back-flow and pool in the leg. TIPS FOR VEIN HEALTH symptoms of venous hypertension to come to prevent future health problems.” to Gilvydis Vein Clinic for a free screening. As an experienced physician, Dr. Gilvydis has performed over 20,000 laser vein procedures throughout his career. “I really enjoy my “When it comes to your health, it’s always best to visit an experienced vein doctor if you have concerns. That’s why we offer free monthly screenings, and we work because of my personal connection to the treatment, and I have the best staff,” Gilvydis says with a smile. “Everyone don’t require referrals,” he continues. “I want people to come in and receive • Exercise regularly. • Manage your weight. • Eat more fiber. • Elevate your legs when resting. treatment before their varicose veins who works at the clinic is dedicated to before VARICOSE VEIN FACTS lead to more serious problems.” f after before after More information can be found at GilvydisVein.com or by calling 815-981-4304 [ This story is sponsored by Gilvydis Vein Clinic ] Where life happens. 17 Don’t Let Painful Varicose Veins Interrupt Your Life. If you have leg pain, aching or cramping, swollen leg veins, burning or itching legs, you may have venous insufficiency or vein disease, a progressive medical condition. That’s why you should see Dr. Rimas Gilvydis, one of the Midwest’s leading vein specialists. Unlike other vein practices, Gilvydis Vein Clinic: • Focuses exclusively on superior vein care. • Uses state-of-the-art ultrasound to diagnose your vein problem. • Has completed more than 20,000 in-office, minimally invasive laser vein treatments. • Accepts insurance for most varicose vein procedures. Screening appointments are limited. Call now! CALL NOW TO SEE IF YOU QUALIFY FOR A FREE VEIN SCREENING! 815-981-4304 No doctor referral required. Covered by most insurance plans. 2127 Midlands Court, Suite 102 Sycamore, IL 60178 815-981-4304 www.GilvydisVein.com ©HS 2016 Technology. Commitment. Experience. Results. Gilvydis_Ad_DC_8.5x5.indd 1 2/24/16 2:11 PM www.sweetdreamdesserts.com From Cars to Trucks to Accessories, We Are Your One Stop Shop Bring this ad in and get $10% OFF ACCESSORIES * *Offer good on purchases up to $1,000, expires June 30th, 2016 Let us Cater your next function! For all your Celebrations and Corporate Events Toppers & Truck Caps Appetizers, soups, salads, main courses and our world famous desserts! (815) 561-1000 211 Powers Rd., Rochelle, IL 61068 www.theautohub.com 18 DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 Come see our new Events rooms for parties of 36 or less! 1969B DeKalb Avenue, Sycamore On The Corner Of Bethany & Sycamore Roads Phone: (815) 756-8150 INDIY The Ultimate Birthday Party Favor: The DIY Candy Bar! W ITH AS HLEY MUR CI A Ashley Murcia is the owner/designer of re-nest studio, a customized home décor and personalized party décor Etsy boutique, based in DeKalb. In addition to creating unique home and party décor, Ashley also shares her work, DIY B irthday parties are one of the best parts of childhood. And, if you remember birthday parties like I do, the cake, the presents, and the pizza were always great, but I always loved the party favors! The assortment of pencils, plastic rings, and stickers were always so much fun! Today, party favor options have expanded beyond small toys and pencils and have gotten colorful and sweet. One of the more popular ideas around party favors is setting up a fun DIY Candy Bar, with an assortment of treats tutorials, and life stories as a for your party-goers to choose from. And, setting up your own DIY Candy mother on her blog, Bar is easy, fun, and a great way to have your guests pick what they’d like alittlecreativeeveryday.blogspot.com. to take home (and leftovers are always fun for the party hosts too!) Setting up your own Candy Bar can be as simple, or as elaborate as you’d like to make it. And, it’s a perfect opportunity to get creative, be unique, and use some pieces from around the house to make it complete. Where life happens. 19 INDIY Where to start? Here are some tips, tricks, and ideas to help you put your DIY Candy Bar together for your next celebration! CANDY AND SWEETS: A TABLE OR COUNTERTOP: Depending on your party’s location, your DIY Candy Bar can be set up on a small table, or on a kitchen countertop – whatever works best for your party. A little the toys in your own house! For my son’s “Minion 5th Birthday Party,” I used one of his large minions as the centerpiece on his Candy Bar. Remember, you can always add banners, party hats, confetti, and more. f Think about the ages of the children at tip: if your party will have lots of small your party, what kinds of sweets they tend children, think about setting up on a taller to like, and also any food allergies you table to make sure little hands only get in JARS, CONTAINERS, AND BOWLS: want to consider for your children or to the sweets with the help of an adult. Another one of my favorite, and money- guests. I love to go with a combination of lollipops, gumballs, individual packs of fruit snacks, and animal crackers. This helps to give the kids a variety to pick from! (Personally, I stay away from chocolate, simply because it melts so easily.) I love searching Amazon, Oriental Trading, and Party City for the best places for bulk candy. TREAT BAGS: The options here are pretty limitless! I love getting clear cellophane bags from Hobby Lobby or Michaels that have twist-ties. Have these ready at the Candy Bar for people to pick up and fill up. Or, you can always get themed treat bags at Party City, Target, or online. 20 to the party décor. Plus, you already have saving tips, is to look through your own SCOOPS OR SPOONS: Depending on the sweets and treats on your Candy Bar, you might need a couple of larger spoons or little scoops for kids and adults to use. For unpackaged candy, this helps keep little hands out of the home for containers to put the sweets in. You can use anything you wish to set up your Candy Bar, but I love using acrylic containers (especially for children’s parties). You can also use Mason Jars, oldfashioned candy jars, cake plates, or small candy and keeps things nice and healthy! plastic buckets! Or, you can even get really DÉCOR: out of Legos, Mega-Bloks, or other toys! Party décor is certainly not a must-have for your DIY Candy Bar, but it certainly adds some color and some pizazz! One tip I love to share for décor is: if your party theme is a character, first look at your child’s toy stash. I love using my kids’ toys as party décor, when the theme works – it helps add so much fun, dimension, and excitement DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 creative and make your own containers Where life happens. 21 INMEDICINE THE SPINE CENTER AT KISHHEALTH SYSTEM CONSERVATIVE TREATMENTS with OUTSTANDING RESULTS K ishHealth System, now part of Patients receive treatment of back pain, neck Northwestern Medicine, is collaborating pain, and related spinal conditions utilizing non- with physicians and providers to bring surgical treatment options, such as physical a comprehensive, full-service spine care center therapy, medication, and injections. Most to the community. The Spine Center uses episodes of back and neck pain can be treated evidence-based practices to manage pain, through conservative care and a combination increase mobility, and help patients get back to of several conservative treatments is often doing the activities they most enjoy. The Spine recommended to alleviate pain and rehabilitate Center team includes pain management and the back and neck. “I feel this new program will interventional physicians, nurse practitioners, be of great benefit to the DeKalb and Sycamore and a program coordinator working together communities as 90 to 95 percent of all back with the use of conservative, non-surgical pain can be treated through a conservative treatments and, when necessary, surgical approach,” says Anesthesiologist Greg Arnold, intervention. The goal is always to use the MD, at Valley Spine and Pain Care Centers. least invasive option to provide symptom relief. 22 “With a Spine Center Coordinator, patients Those with pain often avoid surgery. The benefit from having a single contact to help use of non-surgical methods for treating a them navigate care through multiple settings,” wide-range of back pain and disorders will says Dave Smith, Spine Center Coordinator. undoubtedly improve patient satisfaction. DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 Jacinthe Malalis, DO and Chris Faubel, MD at KishHealth System Physical Therapy Center, Sycamore Where life happens. 23 INMEDICINE With a Spine Center Coordinator, patients benefit from having a single contact to help them navigate care through multiple settings.” – Dave Smith, Spine Center Coordinator WHAT ARE CONSERVATIVE TREATMENTS? Conservative treatments focus on relieving pain and treating spine disorders without the use of surgery or other invasive procedures. “Patients deserve a full spectrum of Physiatrist Chris Faubel, MD, at Midwest Conservative treatments options when dealing with back pain,” Orthopaedic Institute, stresses the says Physiatrist Jacinthe Malalis, DO, importance of increasing the quality of include the following: at Midwest Orthopaedic Institute. life for all patients suffering from pain. “The Spine Center team of physicians “Any time we can get patients back to • Physical therapy creates an integrated environment that their normal life with significantly reduced enhances each patient’s quality of care, pain and increased function, we’re all • Medication benefitting from the input of various fields thrilled,” says Dr. Faubel. “Recovery of expertise. I think it’s wonderful that we times are often faster, and the overall can have an exceptional spine program patient experience is improved when locally, where patients know they are medications, physical therapy, and getting excellent care,” states Dr. Malalis. simple pain injections are utilized.” • Chiropractic care • Massage therapy • Injections at the site of pain WHEN SHOULD I CALL THE SPINE CENTER? If you experience any of the following symptoms, you could benefit from conservative treatment through the KishHealth Spine Center. • Leg weakness • Worsening incontinence • Worsening back pain that does not improve with rest • Pain which shoots down the legs or arms • Any pain, numbness, tingling, or muscle weakness in the Jeremiah Loch, CRNA Jeannine Fair, APN CT guided injection at Kishwaukee Hopsital lower back, mid back, neck, or down the arms or legs CONTACTING TH E SPINE C ENTER: FOR MORE INFORM ATION VISIT KISHSPINECENTER.ORG OR CALL SPINE CENTER COORDIN ATOR DAVE SMITH AT 815-748-2968. f 24 DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 INHOME CONFESSIONS OF A REAL ESTATE BROKER (or 5 Tips to Make Home Buying Easier!) Where life happens. 25 INHOME OH, THE STORIES WE COULD TELL … Owner, Alison Rosenow with American Realty B eing in real estate certainly gives you the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. We see many deals succeed and some fail. Other transactions are fraught with drama. Since we are sworn to secrecy, we offer these tips we feel can help you navigate the process of buying a new home—and, just maybe, alleviate a few sticky situations. 1 Find a Realtor Don’t just choose anyone who has a home listed that you want to see. Do your homework, and, find one Realtor – not three different Realtors. Establish a professional relationship with one Realtor to help you make this important move. Do not trust just anyone with what may be the single largest investment of your lifetime. Select someone whom you feel is direct, open, honest and diligent. You should know that Realtors have a fiduciary responsibility to keep your best interests in mind above all else. 2 Know your score Ladies and gentlemen, your credit score is still King (or Queen). Whether you are a first time homebuyer, moving up or downsizing, this number influences many facets of a real estate transaction. Pull your credit report from the three major credit reporting firms: Experian, TransUnion and Equifax. The FTC ensures that you have access to one free credit report per year. Resolve any issues as quickly as you can and keep diligent records. Remember not to open any new lines of credit or make changes that could affect your ability to secure a loan. 3 Get prequalified Talk with a lender or mortgage broker to discuss your options for loans. There are many programs available - some of which are specific to your bank, your state, or your financial situation. If your local bank does not offer mortgages, a mortgage broker can find a loan to fit your needs. Realtors can offer you 26 some great resources if you want recommendations from someone other than those you find in an Internet search. 4 The offer Okay, you need to trust your Realtor here. If you do not have your financial situation secured prior to making an offer on that perfect home, it can lead to frustration and drama for those involved. A zero-down loan with a house sale contingency, does not a strong offer make. If you have a house to sell, well, it can be a little stressful. Many people are involved in a home sale: you, your Realtor, the banker, your attorney, home inspectors, appraisers, underwriters, and the people on the other side of the contract who are probably trying to buy their next home. 5 have empathy Have empathy and be willing to give and take. This whole house buying thing – well, it’s just plain complicated. Unless you are making a cash offer, many people will be working behind the scenes to make your offer solid and attractive. Seasoned Realtors can give you crucial advice on making your offer stand out. At the end of the day, we all have families, community obligations, jobs and commitments. If we all play our part to the best of our ability and keep clear, consistent communication a key focus, we will find the process to be much easier. Because, we all know, there is no place like home… f [ This story is sponsored by American Realty.] DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 Customer Appreciation Day GREAT DEALS ON GLASSES AND SUNGLASSES! FEATURING SALT, MOREL, & MANY MORE! CINCO DE MAYO MAY 5TH 11AM-8PM We will be celebrating with festive appetizers, tropical drinks, raffles, and giveaways! Eye examinations for glasses are available, so schedule your appointment today! 815-758-1039 SPEXEXPRESSIONS.COM Let the experts at Spex Expressions help you choose the frames that are perfect for your face! 2570 DeKalb Avenue | Sycamore, IL 60178 | Phone 815.758.1039 | Fax 815.756.1396 Where life happens. 27 I N H E A LT H By Katie Dawson W inter can be the toughest and garages, there’s no reason it can’t workout DVD getting scratched and season to remain active and extend to your fridge too. Take a good worn? It’s time to change things up. get out and about. Weather, look and get rid of any expired products or Choosing a new routine can breathe new comfort food, and shorter days make things that look moldy. Take stock of the motivation into your workout. Try a new it easy to slip on fitness and healthy food that you currently have. Is it mostly class at the gym, find a new DVD to try eating. While the new year usually processed? Does it come in packages? out at home, or find a free workout online brings about resolutions and goals to be Work to eliminate those types of food at places like FitnessBlender.com. healthier, you might forget why you made that resolution after a few months. This is why spring is the perfect to time to get back into action! The warmer weather headed our way (eventually) can make it easier to get outside and renew your vigor for health and fitness. #1 CLEAN OUT THE FRIDGE This is the season for spring cleaning, and while most people only focus on clearing the clutter out of their basements, attics, 28 Spring into Action slowly over time and replace them with whole foods like fresh fruit and vegetables. Whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and oats are also a good thing to have on hand. #3 TAKE IT OUTSIDE You have been cooped up long enough! It’s time to get outside and enjoy the If you keep your fridge relatively clean and fresh air. The weather can still be a stocked with good-for-you food, it makes little temperamental at the beginning of it easier to stick to a healthier meal plan. spring, but there are usually a few days #2 MIX UP YOUR EXERCISE ROUTINE where it’s nice enough to get outdoors. Whether you take a brisk walk with the dog, run the trails around your neighborhood, or Have you only been visiting the treadmill do a little bodyweight circuit at the park for the past few months? Is your favorite near your house, changing your venue DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 L E M O N AS PA RAG U S PASTA IN G R ED IE NTS • 1 bunch of fresh asparagus the asparagus with salt and pepper. • 1 box of whole-wheat or glutenfree pasta (bowtie or penne) Roast the asparagus in the oven for 10 minutes until lightly browned and crispy. • 1 whole fresh lemon, with zest set aside • ½ cup scallions, sliced 3 While the asparagus is cooking, heat a little olive oil • 2 cups almond milk in a large sauce pan over medium-high heat. Sauté the • 3 tablespoons of whole wheat flour (or brown rice flour for gluten-free) scallions, garlic, and lemon zest for three minutes. • 3 cloves garlic, minced 3 Sprinkle the flour into the pan and whisk to incorporate everything. • salt and pepper to taste Pour in the almond milk, ½ cup at a time, whisking the whole time. • olive oil Cook the sauce, whisking frequently until it starts to thicken up and is 1 Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook the pasta according to the nice and smooth. Add the cooked directions on the package, drain, and set aside. Line a large pasta and stir to combine. baking sheet with parchment paper. Rinse the asparagus and cut off the tough ends. Arrange the asparagus on the 4 Chop the roasted asparagus parchment paper, leaving space between each piece. into bite-size pieces and stir into the pasta. Taste and add salt 2 Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus. Take half the and pepper as needed. Serve lemon and squeeze the juice over the asparagus. Sprinkle with fresh lemon wedges. and finally getting outside can get you check Facebook or your Instagram account. excited about exercise all over again. Don’t watch TV or answer a million emails. #4 GET ZEN Turn on some soothing music or maybe This is perhaps the most important tip of all. As soon as spring hits, we feel the need to do everything. We’ve been hibernating, and all of the sudden, longer days and more sunshine make us feel like we need to go, go, go. While it’s ok to be busy, don’t get so busy that you have no time for yourself. Take just five minutes every day to sit and reflect. Don’t light a candle. Just be with your thoughts. Maybe you take five minutes in the morning and set your intentions for the day, or you use your five minutes at night to reflect on everything you’ve accomplished. No matter when you choose to take your five minutes, just make sure you take them. Those five minutes can really help to center yourself and put your mind in the right place. f Where life happens. 29 INPEOPLE Tim Carlson: Award-Winning Principles MY FATHER TOLD ME TO FOLLOW MY HEART. NOW I TELL PEOPLE TO FOLLOW THEIR PASSIONS AND MONEY WILL COME. I KNOW THAT IF YOU WORK HARD ENOUGH AT SOMETHING, YOU’LL MAKE A LIVING DOING IT.” W hen Syamore High School escorted away to another room. A band how the town of Sycamore fits into the Principal Tim Carlson walks breaks into the school’s fight song, world around them, an idea Tim Carlson through the halls of Sycamore and Tim breaks a smile, recognizing sees as essential to modern education. High School, he doesn’t rush. His long a part of himself in the students. “From high school, I went to Kishwaukee legs don’t even stretch. But with a sense of familiarity, he greets students, waves at “A lot of stuff I did when I was in high College and then to Northern Illinois parents, and checks in with teachers. school helped me get my start in education,” University, but I had influential people Tim explains. “I was part of a high school along the way. One of my instructors, There’s an air that follows Tim as he enters a assistant coach program where the high Dianne McNealy at Kishwaukee College classroom to watch the school’s choir prepare school students helped the P.E. teachers wrote me a not so nice note about how I to leave for a state competition in Peoria. and worked with middle school students.” had the potential to do well in education, but that I wouldn’t make it if I didn’t really Standing in the back of the room, behind the 30 parents, he doesn’t interrupt. And if it wasn’t As he walks through the halls of Sycamore start applying myself. I took that to heart, for his noticeably tall frame, Tim could very well High School, Tim stops every so often and I pinned that letter up where I could go unnoticed behind the crescent formation and points out the different pictures see it throughout my college career.” of smiling parents, all admiring a group of of graduates who have gone on to students elevated on a modest choir riser. forge successful lives. Another display “I don’t think students are different features citizens who have served in than they were twenty-five years ago, The visit doesn’t last long, maybe only the military, dating back to WWI. It’s all but I think students today are smarter a few minutes, and then the choir is a statement for the students to realize than they’ve ever been. It used to be DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 When I was working as a substitute, I got to see everything from kindergarten to calculus to choir. I got to see great high schools and really rough high schools, and I always came back to Sycamore saying it was one of the best places.” Where life happens. 31 INPEOPLE that teachers were the holders of is what recently led to Tim receiving begins to set, and students arrive for knowledge, but now teachers are the Kishwaukee Region Illinois High late night meetings and after-school the facilitators of knowledge.” School Principal of the Year Award – activities, and as he packs up to go, Ironically, it is this exact shift in the recognition which he believes belongs Tim leaves a few pieces of advice. student-teacher relationship which more to the community than to him. “I helped bring about the school’s feel very honored,” he says, “but it’s also “To teachers I would say trust kids most significant improvement – the important to remember that you’re not and like kids. To parents I would say Professional Learning Community. a good principal without good teachers, trust your kids and support them, custodians, bus drivers, assistant even though you’ll need to make some “The Professional Learning Community principals, and a superintendent and tough decisions sometimes. And to model of education allows us to board that supports you. I got an students I tell them to dream big and align all of our curriculum and help award, but that award is more of a chase your passion. If you work hard at teachers to easily swap ideas. As reflection of the institution than me.” something, you’ll make money at it.” our failure rates by well over fifty- As he relaxes in his office chair, And with that, the principal who dreams percent in the last seven years. “ suddenly the halls seem quieter big, places his trust in students, and Those results combined with his than before, although they are never believes in his colleagues, calls it a day unmatched dedication to students completely silent. And as the sun — knowing the job never really ends. f a result, we’ve been able to reduce 32 DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 Money Lesson #1: Money doesn’t come with instructions. And, it’s too bad because we all need to know how to spend it, save it, and borrow it wisely. Join Money Smart Week DeKalb and many local banks, businesses, and libraries as the financial education we can all use is brought to DeKalb, Lee, and LaSalle Counties. Mark your calendar for Money Smart Week DeKalb, April 23, 2016 – April 30, 2016, and check out the numerous free financial education programs available to the public! J OI N U S I N B EC O MIN G MO NEY SMA RT FOR A FULL LIST OF FINANCIAL EDUCATION OPPORTUNITIES CHECK OUT MONEYSMARTWEEK.NIU.EDU FOLLOW MONEY SMART WEEK DEKALB ON: # M S W D E K A L B # I A M M O N E Y S M A RT Where life happens. 33 Kishwaukee United Way INEDUCATION I have a fantastic administrative team that I work with, and the women I work with in this office really keep me on task in a good way. We’ve really grown together.” 34 DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 Kathy Countryman: A Career in Education & My Red Glove Decisions E very morning the people of Sycamore this choice to start their careers in a small staffers, and parents, are the ones Kathy drive through town, commute to community that would affect a much larger now refers to as her “Red Glove Decisions” jobs, run errands, and drop children decision – the move to Sycamore, Ill. – inspired by a red pair of gloves she keeps, off at school, and on their way, they pass appropriately, in her car’s glove box. yellow buses, stop for traffic guards, and “I was teaching different grades, but spot children on their way to class, never then I went back to get my master’s in “They belonged to my grandmother, who thinking much about the morning routine. administration from the University of was a really big inspiration in my life,” Kathy But for Kathy Countryman, Superintendent Iowa,” Countryman explains. “Shortly explains. “When she was sixteen, in the of Sycamore Schools, that routine of buses, before I graduated, my husband and I mid l920s, my grandmother left rural Iowa crossing guards, and students, is the result both obtained positions in District 204 in to attend teacher’s college. Then she went of her hard work and careful decisions. Naperville, but when we went to look at to Chicago and worked at Hull-House.” houses, the size of the community just For Countryman, the journey to really wasn’t what we were looking for.” superintendent didn’t start in Sycamore; “She lived to be ninety-nine, and when I would visit her, I would ask her questions in fact, it didn’t even start in education. The couple had a hard choice to make: about my job. She would always tell “I graduated from the University of Iowa Move to Naperville, and try to adopt a me, ‘Listen. Make good decisions. Be with a degree in mass communication busier lifestyle, or look for something strong. Be courageous.’ She would and journalism,” she says. different. Luckily, setting down roots always tell me to follow my heart, so soon became much easier than expected. sometimes when I have a difficult decision “My husband was a teacher, but when I “We kept coming west, and we knew to make, I take those gloves out and finished school and was trying to find a some people from Iowa who lived in really think about what I need to do.” job, I really enjoyed what he was doing. Sycamore,” Countryman says with a So I went back to school for my teacher smile. “They encouraged us to come look At a time when education faces large certification,” she explains while still at the town, and that’s when we decided transitions and several challenges, more of acknowledging how her original area of to move here in the fall of 1995.” the decisions Kathy has made are “Red- study helps in her current role. “I think Glove”, but through all of the difficulty that my coursework in communications While working in Naperville, Kathy and her comes with her position, Sycamore schools helped me a lot. It helps you think about husband both started as teachers before have still achieved great improvements. how you’re communicating with people, she became the Assistant Principal at which is so important in education.” Spring Brook Elementary School. “That was “In Sycamore, the board and the teachers a large school of a thousand students,” she are really focused on what we call When Kathy and her husband first started comments, “and it was a great experience ‘customized learning’ – customizing as teachers, the couple lived and taught because I was able to make decisions and learning for each student. We find that in the community of Lone Tree, Iowa. “It then have a conversation about them.” with all the standardization which is was a community under a thousand people taking place, there really is a barrier and was similar to Sycamore in some Those decisions, the difficult ones that to seeing students as individuals, ways,” she recalls. Coincidentally, it was affect the lives of students, teachers, so we focus on making sure that Where life happens. 35 INEDUCATION Being a good leader is knowing who you are at the core, and then being able to stop, pause, and make that Red-Glove decision.” our students are able to explore their the parents expect that we will provide people how it’s going to be because we passions,” Kathy says, with a proud smile an authentic learning environment.” need to work together as a team.” beginning to stretch across her face. “We have late starts on Thursdays, at the “It’s always been about keeping children high school, so teachers can get together, “Right now we have our ‘Academies’ – safe, making sure they learn, making meet, and discuss how to improve education opportunities where students meet local sure they have healthy relationships, in the community. We work to determine community members and leaders before and then getting to know the students what students should be learning in today’s school starts. For example, our ‘Business and setting a goal for each one.” world, but we ask about what students want Leadership Academy,’ which has been to learn,” Kathy explains. “We want to have operating for a few years now, connects And while progress is being made, Kathy is that conversation because some of the best our high school students to local business quick to acknowledge the contributions of ideas we have come from our students,” she leaders. And our ‘Health Academy’, those around her, noting that Sycamore’s says enthusiastically. After all, it is this type which partners with KishHealth System, schools would not be where they are of collaborative learning, the type which connects students with a health instructor without the help of everyone in the brings education outside of the classroom, at the high school to earn credits through community. “I tell all the new teachers, that Kathy Countryman is so proud of. Kishwaukee College,” she explains. “The ‘You don’t work for Sycamore schools. You goal is to allow a student who is considering work for the community of Sycamore.’” a career in in a certain field to really learn what that career might look like.” meet with local leaders, or cross an To help teachers succeed at their jobs, intersection on their way to the high school, Kathy has worked with educators to are dropped off by their parents, or learn As she notes the accomplishments of make sure their needs are addressed through an after school activity, you may the school district, Kathy also reflects on and not ignored, never underestimating see Kathy Countryman driving to a meeting. the similarities between conversations the need to listen as well as decide. And while you may not be able to see them, happening in 1980s rural Iowa and modern 36 So, on any given school day, as students there’s a pair of red gloves riding with day Sycamore. “When I look back at where “I try to keep a dialogue open with all her— helping her make the tough decisions I started in Iowa, I think a lot is still the of my teachers because this isn’t a that have grown Sycamore’s community of same in education. The teachers and monologue,” she says. “I can’t just tell education and make it what it is today. f DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 INKIDS THROWING the PERFECT KIDS Birthday Party 1st Birthday For most new moms, the temptation to go overboard is always strong when it comes to planning the first birthday. We tend to believe that this birthday will set the tone for all other birthdays in the future, so we better make this one count! The truth is that the focus of the birthday won’t remember the party, and that many of your guests will probably be friends and family members who are already happy to be a part your celebration. Going overboard isn’t necessary when you consider that many of the people attending the party are the people who helped raise you. This party is more about celebrating your first year of being a parent, and less about actually celebrating a birthday. So incorporate that feeling into the celebration! Allow the people who are celebrating your growing family to really share in the event. Let people bring food or refreshments. Don’t decorate alone. At most, plan some activities for older kids who might come, but if you’ve started checking the cost of petting zoos, you may need to start scaling down. Where life happens. 37 INKIDS 2nd Birthday Second birthdays are slightly different. Children can walk around and join in activities, but they also get restless fairly easily. Try to set up an area with activities, so children can entertain themselves. Your guest list will still probably have several adults, but those adults may now have children of their own. After two years of raising a child, your group of friends may have expanded, so you’ll need to coordinate a bit with your spouse and maybe some family members to make sure people are getting introduced while also making sure the kids are remaining entertained. Adolescent & Preteen Birthday 3rd Birthday Around this age, parties may get a little smaller. Your child may only want a party with a small It’s probably no surprise that things will change group of friends and inviting the entire class is only slightly when your child turns three years just not an option anymore. old. Three-year-olds still need some guidance when it comes to playing in groups, so games where an adult can take the lead or dances like the Hokey-Pokey will help keep your guests interested. Your child may still want to have their party at an 6th, 7th & 8th Birthday As children get older, suddenly rules become so much easier to follow and understand. Children at this age won’t be able to hold You can plan for more complicated games their attention for very long, so try to plan at home, or you can plan to take the party some small activities that can be spaced out out to activities like mini-golf or laser-tag. throughout the party. It might be a good idea to have a short movie (maybe themed with the Because kids are starting to form into social party) to keep everyone’s attention as parents groups, you might find yourself in more start to say goodbye. There’s nothing worse of a chaperone role and less of leadership than being taken out of a game of Simon Says position. You’ll still need to make sure things just when you’re about to win. are going smoothly, but you probably won’t need to be the center of attention. arcade that serves pizza, but they also may want to have friends over to spend the night. Do what you feel most comfortable with, and don’t feel bad about calling other parents and asking their opinion as well. If you do decide to let some children stay the night, you can do a camp out in the backyard or a movie night. Remember that junior-high is right around the corner, so your child and their friends are stuck between acting like kids and wanting to act like adults. f See page 19 for DIY Ideas by Ashley Murcia 4th & 5th Birthday These ages might be a little bit more difficult because children can understand a lot more, but taking turns might be still be hard for some. Planning activities and games that don’t require taking turns, such as scavenger hunts DON’T GO OVERBOARD It not only helps your pocket, but throwing an extravagant or craft tables, help to keep children interested. party that neither you or anyone can afford just sets in If you do plan a crafting project, make sure you motion birthday competition. Remember, children won’t even have enough materials for twice the amount of children that will be attending – that way be able to remember their earliest birthdays, so wait until if someone needs extra materials, they won’t they’re older for the really special gifts and celebrations. need to “borrow” from their neighbor. 38 tip: DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 HILLCREST COVENANT CHURCH PRESENTS AT T H E EGY P T I A N T H E AT R E Saturday April 9th 7:30 p.m. Enjoy comedy for a cause with Bob Stromberg! Bob Stromberg is a funny man. For over thirty years he has traveled the world performing his very unique and perfect blend of standup, story and shtick. He’s the co-author and an original star of the megahit theatrical comedy Triple Espresso (A Highly Caffeinated Comedy), which has been seen by over two million people from San Diego to the West End of London. The Chicago Sun Times called Bob, “…a mesmerizing physical comedian.” The London Times called him, “…a genuinely funny man.” Bob Stromberg will appear at The Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. Second St., on Saturday, April 9th at 7:30 p.m. Tickets for the event are $10 for general seating, $15 for premium seating and can be purchased through the Egyptian Theatre Box Office (egyptiantheatre.org) or through Hillcrest Covenant Church. Proceeds from the event will be donated to the Make a Difference DeKalb County/Feed My Starving Children organization and the Network of Nations. Hillcrest Covenant Church | (815) 756-5508 | hccdekalb.org | [email protected] I N H I STO RY Building the Past: DeKalb’s Connection to the Modern Drone A s an enthusiastic group of hobbyists prepares to take flight with the new drones they received this past holiday season, they may not be aware of how those remote controlled toys have their roots in a secret military operation based in DeKalb. The story begins over 70 years ago, in 1942, when the U.S. Navy built the DeKalb Airport to test a new, top secret weapon— remote controlled drones. “It was all top secret information. Nobody knew what the Navy was doing,” explains Tom Cleveland, Airport Manager at the DeKalb Taylor Municipal. For Cleveland, a clear picture of that top secret program is now coming together in a hangar just steps away from his office. There he houses the fuselage of the first unmanned attack aircraft known as the TDR-1. “It was just a case of being in the right place at the right time,” says Cleveland. “I was at a conference talking with people from the Prairie Aviation Museum, and I started telling them 40 DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 The only TDR-1 which has been rebuilt is stored in the National Naval Aviation Museum. IN 1942 THEY BUILT THIS PILOTLESS DRONE WITH TWIN ENGINES AND A TV CAMERA IN THE NOSE. THE NAVY TESTED THEM HERE AT THE AIRPORT, AND THEN THEY TOOK THEM APART, BOXED THEM UP, AND SENT THEM TO THE SOUTH PACIFIC.” A test pilot flying high with the TDR program. about the TDR. They told me they had a fuselage just sitting in a corner. I told them I was interested in it, and now we have it in our hangar.” During WWII the TDR was operated with the help of a small television screen, a camera, and the help of other pilots. Because the unmanned aircraft didn’t have the same range that modern drones do, an operator sat in A TDR-1 plane sits fully constructed at the DeKalb Airport. a TBM Avenger airplane, controlling the TDR from miles away with the use of rotary phone system—technology, which for the time, was considered highly advanced. As of today, the only completely reconstructed TDR-1 model hangs in the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, but recently, Cleveland and local drone expert Roger Keys have teamed up to rebuild this significant piece of DeKalb history. Keys has currently obtained a pilot’s cockpit and wings from a TDR-1 model, and the two men hope to eventually display A TDR drone piece held at the DeKalb Municipal Airport hangar. a reconstructed TDR aircraft in DeKalb County. History is an odd thing. Sometimes we can’t imagine how our lives fit into it, and other times we have a perfect picture of how and where our history comes from. Today, drones still have their military applications, but they are also used to fight fires, grow crops, and even sell real estate. As history has now become cyclical, DeKalb residents are now able to fly their own drones in the same skies where the TDR-1 took its initial test flights so many decades ago. A fleet of drones waits at the DeKalb airport. Their lightweight frames, designed mostly from wood, helped when transporting the drones across the country. Where life happens. 41 I N H I STO RY A TDR being retrieved from the water, possibly after a test flight. Recreational DRONE SAFETY TIPS 1. Follow community-based safety guidelines, as developed by organizations such as the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA). 2. Fly no higher than 400 feet and remain below any surrounding obstacles when possible. 3. Keep your sUAS (drone) in eyesight at all times. 4. Remain well clear of and do not interfere with manned aircraft operations, and you must see and avoid other aircraft and obstacles at all times. 5. Do not intentionally fly over unprotected persons or moving vehicles, and remain at least 25 feet away from individuals and vulnerable property. 8. Do not fly under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 9. Ensure the operating environment is safe and that the operator is competent and proficient in the operation of the sUAS (drone). 10. Do not fly near or over sensitive infrastructure or property. 11. Check and follow all local laws and ordinances before flying over private property. 12. Do not conduct surveillance or photograph persons in areas where there is an expectation of privacy without the individual’s permission. f 6. Contact the airport or control tower before flying within five miles of an airport. 7. Do not fly in adverse weather conditions such as in high winds or reduced visibility. 42 DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 FOR MORE SAFETY TIPS, VISIT WWW.FAA.GOV/UAS AND KNOWBEFOREYOUFLY.ORG. Take time out for beauty COSMETI C SERVI CE S Botox Microdermabrasion Laser Hair Removal Restylane Injections We specialize in geriatric care, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, adult immunizations, school physicals, immigration exams, weight loss services, wellness and preventive health. We can help you with losing weight effectively. • Lose unwanted pounds & inches • Doctor prescribed appetite suppressants • Behavior modi�ication WE USE FDA APPROVED MEDICATIONS AND LATEST GUIDELINES TO HELP OUR PATIENTS LOSE THE EXTRA WEIGHT AND IMPROVE THEIR HEALTH OUTCOMES. *Member American Society of Bariatric Physicians 2540 HAUSER ROSS DRIVE, SUITE 275 | SYCAMORE, IL 815-754-4900 | WWW.ADVANCEDINTERNALMEDICINE.COM Where life happens. 43 PROUDLY SERVING THE COMMUNITY SINCE 1920 SALES AND SERVICE: 815-756-6325 PARTS: 815-756-1481 WWW.MANNINGFORD.COM LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED Come visit our state of the art, customer friendly facility for all your sales and service needs. We sell and service all makes and models. Our onsite collision center is an approved repair facility for all major insurance companies. SHOWROOM HOURS PARTS AND SERVICE HOURS monday–thursday 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. friday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. saturday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. closed sundays monday- friday 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. saturday 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. closed sundays New/Used/Certified Pre-Owned/Commercial Vehicles WE BUY CARS 44 DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 402 MANNING DRIVE | DEKALB, IL 60115 Located South of Rte. 23/South 4th Street & I-88 INBOOKS INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE BOOK CLUB [InVironments introduces new books each issue as part of its Magazine Book Club, in cooperation with the DeKalb Public Library and its executive director, Dee Coover. If you’d like to share your thoughts about this month’s book for publication in the May-June issue, send them to [email protected] by May 1.] Recommended Reading: “Winnie: The True Story of the Bear Who Inspired Winnie-the-Pooh” T H I S MO NT H’S BOOK S ally Walker is a DeKalb resident who has written over 50 children’s non-fiction books, including: “Written in Bone”, “Freedom Song”, and “The Vowel Family.” She has won numerous awards for all of her work and has recently received recognition for Winnie from the Illinois Reading Council. The book uses heart-warming illustrations and classic storytelling in combination with real-life photographs to tell the story of a baby bear who was bought at a Canadian train station by Harry Colebourn. Aside from being a soldier, Colebourn was also a veterinarian who took the cub with him to England for training camp. The bear eventually become the regiment’s mascot and was Because it uses both storytelling and history, this book is a great read for young children or parents who are looking to share a book with their children.” affectionately named Winnipeg after the regiment’s hometown in England. When Colebourn went into battle, he stories grew into what we now know as in the London Zoo. It’s also amazing to placed the baby bear in the London the adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh. consider the unbelievable coincidence of Zoo, and that’s when a boy named the author A.A. Milne taking his son to Christopher Robin came and played I was thoroughly charmed by the illustrations see the famous bear and then creating the with Winne. The boy’s father, A. A. and writing, but I was also interested in the stories that became Winnie-the-Pooh. f Milne, saw the friendship between his history of a bear who went to training camp son and the bear and began telling with soldiers and was allowed to stay and – Dee Coover, Library Director stories about Winnie to his son. Those play with the soldiers before being placed at DeKalb Public Library Where life happens. 45 CALENDAR OF EVENTS march 12 – 21 “Oliver!” the Musical 19 Breakfast with the Bunny 9 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. For more information, please visit dekalbcountycvb.com. 19 The 38th Annual Easter in the Country Craft Fair – Sandwich Three schools full of craft vendors. Shuttle service is provided. No strollers allowed. For more information, visit, sandwich-il.org. Every Sunday, Friday, Saturday CCT proudly presents the musical “Oliver!”, a musical adaptation of Charles Dickens’s classic tale of an orphan who runs away from the orphanage and hooks up with a group of boys trained to be pickpockets by an elderly mentor. This show features talented actors from all over DeKalb County. Consider yourself invited! Visit egyptiantheatre.org for more information. 31 – April 1 NIU School of Theatre & Dance Presents: The Balcony Scene Alvin lives happily shut up in his Chicago high-rise apartment with life’s comforts and amenities delivered to his door. However, when an optimistic high energy woman with a potentially dangerous ex-boyfriend moves in to the 17 – 20 The Stage Coach Players Present “Mary Poppins” The jack-of-all trades, Bert, introduces us to England in 1910 and the troubled Banks family. Young Jane and Michael have apartment with an adjoining balcony to his, Alvin’s world is turned upside down. Thursday, March 31, 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 1, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 2, 2 p.m., Saturday, April 2, 7:30 p.m., Sunday, April 3, 2 p.m. sent many a nanny packing before Mary Poppins arrives on their doorstep. 7:30 p.m. March 17-18, 2 and 7:30 p.m. March 19, 2 p.m. april March 20, 2 p.m. For more information, visit stagecoachers.com. 46 7 – 16 NIU School of Theatre & Dance Presents: Blithe Spirit 9 Bob Stromberg: Comedy This 1941 play by Noel Coward has been a Bob Stromberg is a funny man. For over smash comedy hit on London and Broadway thirty years he has traveled the world stages multiple times. This much-revived performing his very unique and perfect classic serves up an “improbable farce” blend of standup, story and shtick. about a man stalked by his dead ex-wife. The Chicago Sun Times called Bob, Thursday, April 7, 7:30 p.m., Friday, April “…a mesmerizing physical comedian.” 8, 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 9, 7:30 p.m., The London Times called him, “…a Sunday, April 10, 2 p.m., Thursday, April genuinely funny man.” Presented 14, 7:30 p.m., Friday, April 15, 7:30 p.m., by: Hillcrest Covenant Church. Visit Saturday, April 16, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. For egyptiantheatre.org for more information. more information, visit niu.edu/theatre. with Character 7 – May 20 NIU Art 10 – 16 DeKalb Chamber Restaurant Week Enjoy two exhibitions: Between the the inaugural DeKalb Chamber Restaurant World Wars (1920-1940) Women’s Week beginning April 10 and concluding Fashion: An Amalgamation of Movements April 16, 2016. The week will feature and Events & Art Deco is… specials from participating restaurants in For more information, visit the DeKalb and Sycamore area. For more niu.edu/artmuseum. information, visit dekalb.org/wcevents. Deco Ara Exhibition DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 Join the DeKalb Chamber of Commerce for may 8 – 10 Sundays at Sandwich Antique Show A monthly market of quality antiques and collectibles, crafts and garden held at the Sandwich Fairgrounds. Parking is free, adult admission remains at $5, children 12 and under free, and food is available from several popular vendors. Come and join us under the trees at the historic Sandwich Fairgrounds and discover the many treasures and hard to find items our dealers bring to you. For more information visit sundayatsandwichantiques.com 13 – 14 NIU Commencement The 2016 NIU Commencement will be held at the NIU Convocation Center on May 13th and 14th. Guest tickets will be used for the May ceremonies. Students can pick up guest tickets at the Convocation Center Ticket Office (Entrance 2) beginning Wednesday, May 11th through Friday May 13th. Visit the corresponding graduation page for additional information Undergrad – Graduate School. For more information visit niuconvo.com 17 Theresa Caputo at the 29 – 30 Cortland NIU Convocation Center Community Wide Garage Sales Theresa Caputo, from TLC’s hit show, Community-wide garage sales through “Long Island Medium” will be appearing the town of Cortland. For more live at the NIU Convocation Center in information visit cortlandil.org DeKalb on Sunday, April 17th at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at ticketmaster. com, via phone at 800-745-3000, or at the 30 “Star Wars” Day 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Convocation Center box office located Star Wars™ fans will get a chance to at 1525 W. Lincoln Hwy. Purchasing a experience SW Extravaganza 2016 ticket does not guarantee a reading. at the DeKalb Public Library. 23 The Taste Presented by Joseph F. Glidden Homestead Around 40 local home chefs cooking their own family recipes to raise money for the Glidden Homestead. Silent auction items. Cash bar. For more information visit gliddenhomestead.org. [Items for the May/June issue (covering May 16 - June 15), must be submitted by, April 1 online at: invironmentsmag.com/submit-event.] Where life happens. 47 48 DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 “HIGHEST CUSTOMER SATISFACTION WITH RETAIL BANKING IN THE MIDWEST REGION, TWO YEARS IN A ROW”* THAT’S BANKING WITH MOMENTUM For the second year in a row, First Midwest is proud to have been honored with the J.D. Power award ranking us “Highest Customer Satisfaction with Retail Banking in the Midwest Region.”* With our high standard of client service, we’re excited to bring momentum to DeKalb, Kane and LaSalle Counties. COMMERCIAL WEALTH MANAGEMENT CONSUMER IS NOW FIRST MIDWEST BANK 800.322.3623 | FirstMidwest.com/JDPower *First Midwest Bank received the highest numerical score among retail banks in the Midwest region in the proprietary J.D. Power 2014 and 2015 Retail Banking Satisfaction StudiesSM. 2015 study based on 82,030 total responses measuring 20 providers in the Midwest region (IA, IL, KS, MO, MN, WI) and measures opinions of consumers with their primary banking provider. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of consumers surveyed April 2014 – February 2015. Your experiences may vary. Visit jdpower.com. Where life happens. 49 50 DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016 Where every client is a partner. We’re in this together! P R AC T I C E L I M I T ED TO : PERSONAL INJURY • WORKERS COMPENSATION • WRONGFUL DEATH Catastrophic injury or death as a result of an auto, truck or motorcycle collision, workplace injury or negligent medical procedure can leave a family devastated and at a loss as to where to turn. We have the experience and the fortitude to deal with corporations, insurance companies and their adjusters and attorneys in helping families to get justice and the benefits they deserve in the sea of uncertainty. We are here for you if and when you need our help. www.rturnerlaw.com 107 WEST EXCHANGE STREET SYCAMORE, IL 60178-1423 815-895-2131 TOLL FREE: 1-866-TURNLAW Where life happens. 51 BE ING DIZZY I S F U N F OR K I D S But Dizziness and Vertigo M AY BE A SIG N OF A SE R IO U S CONDI T ION. Get Tested Today! Dizziness and Vertigo are treatable. Find answers at Northern Illinois ENT. JOSEPH SCIANNA M.D. ERIN K. BRODNICK M.S. CCC-A 2127 Midlands Ct., Suite 203, Sycamore, IL 60178 OFF IC E HOU R S M: 7AM - 4PM • T: 7AM - 4PM • W: 9AM - 5PM • Th: 7AM - 5PM • F: 10AM - 2PM Limited late hours by request 52 (815)758-8106 | northernillinoisent.com DEKALB COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • MARCH-APRIL 2016