SVM_Sterling Rock Falls Living_102025

A look through the lens at some faces and places in Rock Falls and Sterling

Harold’s owner enjoys filling homes with comfort and character

Rock Falls educators look back at 100 years of teachable moments

A Sterling business always enjoys looking on the Poolside of life

“Our parks are an invaluable community asset.”

Coloma Township Park District has a hundred reasons to celebrate this year Page 6

on July 2, 2024.

Try our signature drink “The Filthy Marilyn”

SUNDAY FUNDAY! Featuring live music the last Sunday of every month. 6

Publisher/Ad Director

Jennifer Heintzelman

Magazine editor & Page design

Rusty Schrader For Advertising

Contact Jill Reyna at 815-631-8774 or jreyna@saukvalley.com

Published by Sauk Valley Media

113 S. Peoria Ave., Dixon, IL 61021 815-284-2222

Have a story idea for Sterling-Rock Falls Living?

E-mail rschrader@saukvalley.com

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

6 Centennial parks

Coloma Township Park District has a lot to celebrate this year: A century of history in its green spaces and places, people passionate about supporting parks, and a lot more — including a big fiberglass chicken

4 Community Focus

A look at some faces and places in Rock Falls and Sterling, through the eyes of Sauk Valley Media’s photographer.

20 Come on in, have a seat

... or a couch or a table or whatever else you need to fill your rooms with comfort and character, at Harold’s Furniture.

30 100 years of teachable moments

As they get ready to go from lesson plans to retirement plans, a trio of Rock Falls teachers look back on their careers.

38 Looking on the Poolside of life

The owners of a Sterling business not only give people a cool place to relax, but help expand their pool of knowledge, too.

Mud

Moo Events

Ja’myrin Jones gets a fresh cut at Ben’s Phresh Kutz booth Aug. 5, during Sterling’s National Night Out. The Rock Falls barber shop offered discounted back-to-school cuts.

Rock Falls’ Miley Bickett sets the ball against Dixon on Sept. 18.

Above: A low-rider cruises through the Fiesta Parade on Sept. 20 in Sterling. PHOTOS: ALEX

Sterling’s Brady Berlin dives for yards against Moline on Sept. 12.

Mel Jackley of Sterling takes a rest at RB&W District Park in Rock Falls on Aug. 23. In the background is “Grace” by David Zahn, one of the pieces in the park’s Art in the Park display.

A St. Anne’s student plays pickleball Sept. 17 in Sterling. Students learned the rules of the game from Westwood instructor Chris Duffy.

207 S BUTLER ST, NELSON, IL

WEDNESDAY: 11 AM TO 7:45PM | THURSDAY & FRIDAY: 11AM TO 8:45PM SATURDAY: 10AM TO 8:45PM | SUNDAY: 9AM TO 7:45PM

Thomas Henry were to write a storybook about the history of Rock Falls’ parks, he wouldn’t have to look far for inspiration.

It’s just outside his office, where the howls of laughter and the sight of children letting their imagination run wild tell the story of just how far the city’s parks have come in the past 100 years, and just how much those parks mean to the quality of life for the people who call this city their home.

Through his window, Henry can see Centennial Park’s Storybook Village — a view that’s particularly fitting this year for the executive director of the Coloma Township Park District, looking out at a park with its origins rooted in the city’s centennial as the district celebrates its own centennial.

It’s a view that also brings back memories for Henry, a trip down memory lane that takes him back to his childhood when he would play on some of the same equipment kids play on today. Times may change, but the song remains the same, and for Henry the sound of rambunctious kids with boundless energy ascending to new heights in a castle or swinging in all directions is like music to his ears.

Henry is like countless others who’ve enjoyed the district’s parks through the years, making memories of their own in the acres set aside throughout the city for all ages to enjoy — and as one of the stewards of those memories, Henry knows what a special place parks can be to a person.

Coloma Township Park District has a lot to celebrate this year: A century of history in its green spaces and places, people passionate about supporting parks, a Village with lots of stories to tell, and much more ... including a big fiberglass chicken

“There’s stuff that people don’t want replaced because they grew up playing on it when they were kids,” Henry said. “There are generations of people who played on the same equipment.”

Behind that impressive legacy is a team that helps make it all possible: volunteers, paid staff and a five-member board of commissioners who voters elect to six-year terms. The board, which isn’t compensated, consists of president Michael Sterba, who has dedicated 50 years to the parks and was its longtime executive director, vice president Cindy Sondgeroth, secretary Hank Sobottka, treasurer Brad Leuschke and commissioner Kyle Hacker.

The parks are the district’s big focus, Henry said, noting the absence of indoor recreation facilities in Rock Falls that larger towns such as Sterling and Dixon have — but what the district does have is a dedicated group of people committed to its success.

Through the years, commitment to the park sys-

COLOMA cont’d to page 9

Coloma Township Park District is a board of commissioners and an executive director. Pictured are board secretary Hank Sobottka, executive director Thomas Henry, vice president Cindy Sondgeroth and president Michael Sterba. Not pictured are treasurer Brad Lueschke and commissioner Kyle Hacker.

“We’ve had people who have spent a lot of time on our board, and you don’t get paid anything,” Sterba said. “it’s a free gratis type thing. These people gave a lot of their time over the years.”

As a public entity, the park district uses tax dollars to fund its budget and programs, but also seeks grants and donations from public and private entities; it keeps its base low for its taxpayers, Sterba said. The park district owns 11 parks consisting of 91.7 acres, and maintains two more owned by the City of Rock Falls.

Beyond just the parks and playgrounds, the district also strives to ensure that the parks serve as a place for community connections.

“It gives people a place to go as a family,” Sondgeroth said. “Especially during the Covid era, people were still able to be outside, walk and do things together as a family. That’s what we’re still doing, and have done for years and will continue to do, is have it family oriented. It promotes time with family. You can come out on any given day or moment and you’ll see kids in the park playing. It used to be where you would see a lot of them without their parents here, and now parents and grandparents are there with them.”

COLOMA cont’d to page 10

Simply Timeless.....

Early history

During the early 20th century, as cities like Rock Falls grew, city leaders saw a need for parks during a booming industrial age, but rather than take on the task themselves, and force parks to compete for budget dollars, park districts and park boards were formed. This allowed board members to dedicate themselves to their mission, and their budget to the parks.

In Rock Falls, the first meeting was held to organize what was originally known as The Park District at the Town of Coloma on April 16, 1925, at local attorney Jacob Cantlin’s office. Officers were named during that meeting: Cantlin as president, Charles A. Smith as secretary and treasurer, and H.W. Moates as commissioner.

One of its first parks, Lawrence Park, was actually shared with the Sterling Park District for nearly 50 years, before the Coloma Park District decided to give up its share.

YOUR GRASSHOPPER SERVICE DESTINATION.

Back when Lawrence Park was shared by Rock Falls and Sterling’s park districts, it looked different than it does today, with a lagoon at the bottom of the hill just off the Av- enue G bridge, and brick garden walls and columns lining the front of the park, as seen here in these 1930s post cards. Today, the park is solely part of the Sterling Park District.

Rock Falls Electric Utilities

Nationally recognized Municipal Electric Agency One of only Three Communities in Illinois

Grasshopper zero-turn mowers are built to last, but when service is needed, we can help. With a full line of repair and tune-up services, OEM parts and more, we’re standing by to help keep your mower in peak condition.

Falls provides green, affordable, and reliable power to consumers and is transitioning our generation to a cleaner, more diverse portfolio in a responsible fashion while ensuring reliable supply and proving stable costs to our customers

Celebrating 50 Years

CSB of Rock Falls opened for business in 1975 at 1801 First Avenue in Rock Falls, and today has grown to serve four additional communities: Sterling, Dixon, Morrison, and Fulton. It has been the dedication and hard work of countless team members, community partners, and customers that have made 50 years of service possible. Although this is a celebration of a significant milestone, it is also a time to reinforce its commitment to integrity, stability, and community as it continues to grow its legacy. The bank plans to celebrate its history over the next few months with special events at every branch location, giveaways, and community initiatives, to honor its history, engage customers, and reinforce its mission to remain an independent and highly successful community banking organization.

It has been our commitment to community that has allowed the bank to prosper and attain this 50 year milestone. Decisions are made locally alongside the employee that is your neighbor and with your well being as the priority. We are just a phone call away and always with a live voice at the other end that you recognize and trust. Our founding directors had a vision of what community banking should look like and the employees embody that vision each and every day, not only inside the walls of the bank , but outside in the community volunteering countless hours to support local needs. Working together is what makes the community a team that endures.

Looking forward to serving our communities for the next 50 years!

In the next few months, we will be transitioning to a new logo that embodies that mission.  The two linked diamond shapes represent the strong bond between the bank and its staff in one link and the customers and communities in the other.  The intertwining relationship between the bank and its customers and communities that it serves builds the team that endures.

J.H. Lawrence owned land on the east portion of the large island on the Rock River between the west ends of Sterling and Rock Falls. In 1923, he donated land for use as a park — there was just one catch: Under the laws of the time, only a park board could accept the land for park purposes, and Sterling wouldn’t have one until October of that year and Rock Falls until two years later.

When Coloma Township Park District was finally formed, Lawrence officially handed over his soon-to-be park property to both park districts to own on a 50-50 basis; they worked together to build an outdoor swimming pool that opened in 1928. That joint ownership ended in 1973 when, unable to keep up with the costs of maintaining the pool and park, the Coloma Township Park District withdrew its share, which at the time was only 29 percent.

put an Olympic-sized pool there, and our board said, no, we’re not paying for that, and you can have it for $1,” said Sterba, who started working for the park district in 1974.

“That’s the best thing we ever did, because financially it was killing us and Sterling could afford to have it.”

Coloma Township Park District administrative offices, located in Centennial Park.

Another park the district had a hand in during its early years, and still does, is Veterans Memorial Park, the oldest park in town. Though it’s a city-owned park, the park district has maintained it since 1925. It was originally named Tracy Park, after local businessman George Tracy, and was established in 1892 on property owned by early resident Isaac Merrill, for whom the nearby Merrill School is named (the park itself had also been called Merrill School Park). Its most prominent feature, a rectangular bandshell, was constructed in 1959.

“It cost a lot of money to run it, and then Sterling wanted to

COLOMA

DOG TROT POTTERY

Voted One of the Top Home Health Care Agencies

I would recommend Gaffey to anyone.

My husband, Brandy Spencer, chose Gaffey because his mother, Jeanette, had them and she was very pleased with their services. I felt comfortable with them caring for Brandy. The staff took excellent care of him in his final days. The staff is very trustworthy and gave me guidance and helped me through a rough time. They gave me comfort and reassured me we made the right choice. Gaffey was there for us throughout everything. Brandy passed away September 2013 and they continue to check up on me after the fact. I would recommend Gaffey to anyone.

Dallas Spencer

They were wonderful!

The nursing staff was great and really helped us through a difficult time when they cared for my husband Gene. The nurses talked and comforted Gene. They wanted our feedback and acted on the suggestions we gave them. They were awesome!

Cindy Hartman

They go the extra mile and then some!

Gaffey Home Nursing & Hospice helped to take the burden off of us when they cared for my mother and father-in-law, Velda & Emmert. They are trained and know what’s best for the patient. I get a sense of calm knowing that both were in such great hands.

Margaret Zumdahl

Growing its park portfolio

As Rock Falls continued to grow during the 1930s, more green space was needed, and a Fireman answered the call.

Fireman’s Park was established in 1941, renamed in 1949 it after then-park board-president, Ed Wallingford in 1949. Wallingford Park, bound by Seventh and Eighth streets and Avenue C, features a playground, picnic shelter, and three baseball diamonds, and has been home to Rock Falls Little League since 1954. Plaques honoring past Little League baseball and softball state champions are near the concession stand, which is open when games are played.

Wallingford holds a special place in Henry’s heart, he said, with memories of playing baseball games there inspiring him to become executive director in 2022.

“My memories growing up as a child were there and baseball was my sport,” Henry said. “I loved baseball and I couldn’t wait to play it, just so many memories growing up as a kid there spending every day there all summer long. It’s been a baseball town to me, one that’s always had good programs, and growing up with that brought me closer to a lot of people.”

lived in the neighborhood near Avenue E. The park features playground equipment, a shelter, disc golf course, basketball court, and access to the Hennepin Feeder Canal walking path.

Nims Park opened in 1947. The land for this park, near East Third Street and Avenue E, was donated to the park district in 1940 by property owners Charles and Bessie Nims Schoaf, in memory of Bessie’s parents, Edward and Fredda. The Nims

The Rock River was tapped into in November 1951, when the park district leased riverfront land owned by Northwestern Steel and Wire on East Second Street. This park was called P.W. Dillon Park when it was established, named after the then-president of Northwestern Steel and Wire. The park district would purchase it later that decade and rename it Riverside Park, and rename it once more in 1967, as Seward’s Riverside Park, in honor of park board commissioner Frank Seward. The park features playground equipment and ample space that provides seating where visitors can sit and watch activities along the river, including one that it’s home to: the annual River Chase stock-outboard boat races.

COLOMA cont’d to page 16

• Continuum of Care All Under One Roof

• Not-for-profit Christian Home

• All Private Rooms

• Now VA Contracted

• Medicare Certified Skilled Care, Assisted Living Apartments and Long-term Nursing Care

• Hospice Suite

• Gorgeous, Spacious Chapel

• Excellent Nutritious Meals

• Community Centered

• Lovely Walking Path and Raised Gardens

• Wonderful Library and Sharing Library

• Fun, Diversified Activities

• Comprehensive Infection Control Protocols

COLOMA cont’d from page 14

The 1950s saw Rock Falls grow to the south, and a new park was added to serve those new neighborhoods. Dillon Park was established in 1955 on former property owned by the estate of NS&W founder and P.W. Dillon’s father, Washington Martin Dillon. Located at 19th Street and Ninth Avenue, the park features playground equipment, a book exchange post and a baseball diamond that’s home to Rock Falls Senior League Baseball.

Another riverfront park, Lower Dam Park, was established in 1959 on property previously owned by the Sterling Hydraulic Company at the foot of Second Avenue. Improvements were made to the park in 1985. Though the park is owned by the city, the park district had maintained it for many years before the city once again took over maintenance.

The 1960s saw even more growth in Rock Falls, and three more parks were added to the town’s landscape, including its largest.

Celebrating a centennial

Rock Falls celebrated its 100th anniversary in 1967, and in December of that year, park board president Ivan Larson and mayor Louis Pignatelli sought to turn a 50-acre property on East 11th Street near the canal into a park in honor of the centennial.

The West Canal Development project broke ground on Centennial Park in 1968, and the park opened in 1969. It features shelters, playground equipment, the Harry Helgason Tennis Complex, baseball/softball diamonds, a book exchange post, ponds for fishing (and paddleboats during the summer), a 1909 American LaFrance fire engine, a Rock Island caboose, shuffleboard, a butterfly garden, and access to the canal trail. Centennial also hosts an annual Christmas light display, a big draw to the park after dark.

The Little Red Schoolhouse also is

located in the park. The red replica oneroom structure was built in 1985 and is home to the park district’s educational programs for children during the summer, including the Tot Time summer preschool program, which Sondgeroth taught before joining the park board.

The park has three playground areas: Storybook Village near its front entrance; another by the Lions Shelter; and the newest one next to Sigel Shelter, Commissioner’s Playground, which was completed in 2022 and includes a zip-line.

Storybook Village opened in 1978 and is themed around children’s literature, including a tall castle tower, a spider and animal-themed spring riders. Not all of its original equipment is there (the spinning clown swings are gone), but new ones have been added through the years — the most popular of which is a large fiberglass chicken, painted in a super hero motif, where children can walk up steps to reach its top. Its popularity has led Sterba’s and Sondgeroth’s grandchildren to call it the “Chicken Park,” they said.

“When I was teaching Tot Time, the kids loved that,” Sondgeroth said. “I would take them to the other playground by the Lions Shelter, but they liked … ‘Chicken Park.’ They liked crawling up and standing up on top of the chicken, and they loved the horse swings.”

A press clipping from the Sept. 13, 1968, Daily Gazette, reporting on the groundbreaking for

Fun comes in all sizes ... From a Little Red Schoolhouse to a big red firetruck to a big red caboose to big birds, there’s a lot to keep people of all ages occupied at Centennial Park. Fifty acres of land off East 11th Street near the Hennepin Canal was set aside in 1967 for a park in honor of Rock Falls’ centennial.

Today, the park is the centerpeice of the Coloma Park District.

The chicken once stood in the parking lot of Sis’s Chicken in Dixon, and after it had another owner, it came to Rock Falls in 2002. “When my grandkids come, they just love to run over here and I have to run after them,” Sterba said.

As the district’s premier park, Centennial attracts many visitors both locally and from out of town, whether it’s for bright lights or playing under lights in adult baseball and softball games. Sobottka once directed league tournaments and heard plenty of compliments on its upkeep.

“When I was working some of the tournaments, people from out of town would comment on how nice Centennial Park looked and how well it was kept,” Sobottka said. “For the crew that did that, that’s a feather in their hat for when people appreciate it.”

Further growth

Optimist Park at 14th Avenue and Prophetstown Road was purchased in 1968 after the Rock Falls Optimist Club spent six years planning a park on property owned by the public school district. It has playground equipment, a book exchange post, and two baseball/softball diamonds. A plaque displaying the Optimist Creed is affixed to a stone, as well as a dedication marker to Optimists Joe King and Cecil Richardson, who were inspirations behind the park’s development.

Bennett Park opened in 1968 at the end of Bennett Drive. Both the street and the park are named after nearby property owners Clarence E. and Anna M. Bennett. The park features playground equipment. The park district maintains the park, which is owned by the City of Rock Falls.

Rotary Park opened in 1975 at the east end of Minkle Street, on land donated by subdivision developer Robert Hampton and has a shelter, playground equipment, baseball diamond and a pollinator plot with native grasses and forbs.

Kiwanis Park opened in 1976 south of the Rock Falls Community Building, and is a city-owned park that the park district maintained until the early 2020s. Like Optimist Park, Rotary and Kiwanis are named after local service organizations which assisted with the development of the parks.

Also in 1976, a replica liberty bell donated by Rock Falls Savings and Loan was placed inside an enclosure on a triangular lot on First and Second Avenues, named the Liberty Bell Monument in honor of America’s bicentennial. The bell was removed in 2016.

A.V. Sieglinger Park opened in 1983 at the south end of Ninth Avenue near Dillon School. Allan V. Sieglinger was a stockholder for the Rock Falls Bank and manager of the Prince Castle Ice and Coal Company in Sterling. Involved with the start of several youth programs in Rock Falls, he established a memorial and endowment just before his death in 1973. In 1982, the endowment committee worked with the park district to establish a park in his honor. The park has playground equipment, a shelter, an area to practice horseshoe throwing and large greenspace big enough for soccer matches.

Sieglinger also is home to the district’s T-ball program, and its four ball diamonds are specifically designed with the developmental baseball program in mind. T-ball began in 1975 at Optimist Park and moved to Sieglinger in 1984.

COLOMA cont’d to page 18

COLOMA cont’d from page 17

Sieglinger is Sobottka’s favorite park, he said: “We have three dogs and we take them for walks. It’s a nice place to jog around, too, with the trees planted there, and it’s nice with the shade.”

As the 1980s drew to a close, work on improving Lower Dam Park led to another riverfront project which would become Bowman Park in 1989. It is named for the Bowman family and John W. Bowman, longtime NS&W executive vice president and vice chairman. The park, highlighted by its limestone gazebo built in 1999, was established in

1990 with money from the Sieglinger memorial fund.

The district’s two newest parks opened in the 1990s. Logan Park opened in 1992 on U.S. Route 30 in Yeowardsville, and has a playground, large grove of trees, basketball hoops and a shelter. The park is named for Ellsworth Logan, who owned the property and was a local

PHOTOS: CODY CUTTER/CCUTTER@SHAWMEDIA.COM

musician and 50-year member of the local Masonic Lodge.

The tragic death of 12-year-old Joshua Nailor in 1991 presented the Rock Falls community with a challenge: find a way to memorialize the boy, and minimize the chances that other children would lose their lives the way he did: struck by a pickup truck while playing along the road in the Allen’s Addition neighborhood, where there was no park. The property at Riverdale Road and A Street was donated by Arlyn Lawrence, and was completed in 2010. Nailor Park has a playground area, shelter, restrooms and a disc golf course.

Parks — and more

The park district also offers other programs to keep kids engaged, both young and youngat-heart.

COLOMA cont’d to page 19

Surgeons at Morrison Hospital

In addition to Tot Time, other seasonal activities include a children’s field trip program to museums and kid-friendly attractions, long-running events such as an Easter egg hunt and fishing derby, and a Letters to Santa reading at the Little Red Schoolhouse. Another long-running offering is the Girls Skills program of dancing, cheerleading and gymnastics.

The park district has help from volunteers to make the programs a success, and cooperates with schools and local businesses to facilitate many of them. “We don’t have a lot of paid employees to run these programs,” Henry said, “but we get a ton of volunteers for the Easter egg hunt and the fishing derby, and the Junior Optimists also come help.”

Paint the Park on May 31 was one of the district’s newest events, and one that it hopes to continue annually. It attracted children to the parking lot by the Lions Shelter at Centennial who painted square spaces on the asphalt. The park district also is hoping to receive a grant to convert three of Centennial’s tennis courts to pickleball courts; they haven’t seen much use since the long-running Todd McThenia tennis tournament folded two years ago.

The park district’s 100-year celebration contest was a scavenger hunt that ran from May to October across 12 parks (the district’s 11 parks, plus Veterans Memorial Park). Participants had to find one small sign with that park’s name on it at 12 parks, have their pictures taken with all 12 of them, and submit them for 10 chances to win $100. The promotion/celebration was designed to get people out to see and explore all of the district’s parks, some that they might not have been to before, Sondgeroth said.

“They had a chance to go out and explore every one of the parks; it introduces them to all of our parks,” Sondgeroth said. “If they haven’t been to a particular park, now they have to see what it looks like, and maybe have a picnic there.”

Sign-hunters and other park-goers will also notice that many benches, shelters and trees are dedicated in honor or memory of past employees, board members, service organizations and park-lovers from the community. Businesses have donated money toward the upkeep of some facilities, and benches have been installed at no expense to the park district or taxpayers. “We’ve had a lot of financial help over the years with a low tax base,” Sterba said.

Shelter rentals for all gatherings and special events fill up fast, Henry said. Jan. 2 is the first signup day for them, and on that day, “there are people waiting when we get here in the morning to make sure they get the same date and the same shelter every year,” he said. “I was told that when I first started here, and when that first time came around, oh my gosh it was busy.”

For 100 years, the Coloma Township Park District has balanced tradition with innovation, preserving beloved spaces while adding new parks and new features. It’s a blend of community spirit and forward-thinking ideas that keeps its parks lively and relevant to its community.

The centennial is more than a milestone (and a park’s name) — it’s a celebration of community roots.

“Sometimes a place may get in a rut and have to do the same thing,” Sobottka said. “With our park district, we’re willing to try new things. The [Christmas] lights, different field trips and things like that. With the employees and the board, we’ll keep focused on keeping the parks up and maintained, and also focus on what can we do that’s new that can draw people them to the parks.” n Shaw Media reporter Cody Cutter can be reached at 815-632-2532 or ccutter@shawmedia.com.

Park places

Coloma Township Park District is the second largest park system in Whiteside County, serving the residents of Coloma Township and adjacent unincorporated areas. Its parks are ...

BENNETT PARK — West Bennett Drive; playground and picnic area (owned by the City of Rock Falls, maintained by Coloma Township Park District)

BOWMAN PARK — downtown riverfront west of First Avenue; fishing, pavilions and scenic area

CENTENNIAL PARK — Avenue D and East 11th Street; ball diamonds, tennis courts, playground, canoeing and paddleboating, fishing, ice skating, monument, pavilions, picnic area, and scenic area

DILLON PARK — 19th Street and 11th Avenue; ball diamonds, playground, and picnic area

JOSHUA PARK — Riverdale Road and A Avenue; ball diamond, basketball court, disc golf course, playground, picnic shelter, and restrooms

LOGAN PARK East U.S. Route 30 in Yeowardsville; playground, picnic area, and scenic area

NIMS PARK — East Third Street and Avenue E; ball diamonds, basketball court, disc golf course, playground, pavilions, and picnic area

OPTIMIST PARK — 14th Avenue and Prophet Road; ball diamonds, playground, and picnic area

ROTARY PARK — Minkle Street; ball diamonds, playground, pavilions, and picnic area

SEWARD'S RIVERSIDE PARK — East Second Street and Avenue C; fishing, playground, boat launch, picnic area, and scenic area

A.V. SIEGLINGER PARK — Ninth Avenue and 22nd Street; ball diamonds, playground, pavilions, and picnic area

VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK – West Fifth Street and Galt Avenue; bandshell and monument (owned by the City of Rock Falls, maintained by Coloma Township Park District)

WALLINGFORD PARK East Eighth Street and Avenue C; ball diamonds, basketball courts, playground, pavilions, and picnic area

Note: Kiwanis, Lower Dam and RB&W parks are owned and maintained by the City of Rock Falls. Call 815-625-0272, go to colomatownshipparkdistrict.com or find it on Facebook for more information on the Coloma Township Park District and its parks and programs.

Harold’s Furniture has been part of Rock Falls since 1957, and owner Becky Hunter has been part of Harold’s since 1985. CODY CUTTER/CCUTTER@SHAWMEDIA.COM

ecky Hunter has thrived for four decades selling furniture by putting kindness before commerce.

It’s a philosophy that’s not only her served her well as the owner of a business that’s been around for 70 years, the past 30 with Hunter at the helm, but it’s one that served her former boss and store founder Harold Harrison well, too — the man whose legacy lives on not only in her approach to business, but on the front of the building.

Harold’s Furniture has been a part of Rock Falls’ business landscape for decades, and part of countless people’s homes for just as long, and the store has its namesake — and a rule worth its weight in gold — to thank for its longevity: Treat people the way you want to be treated.

It’s a simple but enduring philosophy that remains the heartbeat of a business, and Harold never even had to put it in words.

“He never said those words, but I just learned it by watching him,” Hunter said. “If you treat people kind, they’ll treat you kind. I’ve made so many friends over the years here.”

She’s also made a lot of sales, filling living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms with the latest in home furnishings and accessories that have made their way to Harold’s showroom through the years. It’s a journey that started as a job, became a career, and turned into a livelihood for Hunter — and this year she’s celebrating 40 years at Harold’s. A celebration is planned for Nov. 1 at the store.

HAROLD’S cont’d to page 22

Harrison hired Hunter as a 17-year-old high-schooler in 1985.

“He was like a second father to me,” Hunter said. “When he hired me, I asked him, ‘Are people going to take a 17-year-old serious selling furniture?’ He goes, ‘Yeah!’ I was in high school and I’d work on weekends and holidays to give the others a day off. He was a good guy and we just hit it off.”

Eventually she and her husband Shawn followed in Harrison’s footsteps, taking over the store after he died in 1995. Harrison’s only son Tony was moving to California after his father died, and he approached the Hunters to keep the store going.

Harold’s Furniture founder Harold Harrison (above), worked with his parents at Harrison's Used Furniture in downtown Sterling for a few years before opening his own store in 1957, Harold’s Place, on 12th Avenue in Rock Falls (above right). The store would become Harold’s Furniture and eventually move into a new building in 1985, the same year he hired the person who would one day own the store, Becky Hunter.

HUGE SALE ON IN-STOCK PONTOONS & FISHING BOATS!

IDEAL VENUE FOR FRIENDS & FAMILY GATHERINGS

• WEDDINGS

• BIRTHDAY PARTIES

• RECEPTIONS

• FAMILY REUNIONS

HISTORIC BARN

• GRADUATIONS

• HOLIDAY PARTIES

Caterer of your choice or bring your own food. Handicapped accessible. Climate-controlled & Bounce House Friendly RENOVATED WITH YOU IN MIND

Places for TV’s to stand and places for people to sit, beds for kids and beds for mom and dad, furniture for the whole family (both indoor and outdoor) ... Harold’s carries a wide range of home furnishings and decor — and if you don’t see what you’re looking for on the sales floor, you can order it from Harold’s website, or the staff will be happy to help you find it.

The Hunters worked side-by-side at the business until Shawn died in September 2023. It was then that she really saw how meaningful the relationships they had built with customers and the community had become. The outpouring of support after Shawn’s passing touched Hunter; the same people who came to Harold’s for comfort in their homes offered comfort in Hunter’s heart during a difficult time.

“I’ve met so many people, and my husband met so many people,” Hunter said. “It’s a family. It’s a business, and I’ve done well, but it’s not about that. It’s about family and the community. This community comes together for everything. It’s a good community and we’re blessed to be here.”

Harold’s stocks a full line of home furnishings, showcasing primarily Ashley Furniture alongside selections from Best Home Furnishings and Perdue.

While embracing a tried-and-true approach to customer service, Harold’s has also made room for modern tools of the trade.

Customers can see what the store has to offer at haroldsfurniture1.com, as well as see what’s new on the store’s Facebook page. In store, customers can browse the store’s online catalog at an electronic kiosk, allowing them see not only what Harold’s has, but what it can get. It’s a tool that’s like a sales floor with unlimited space where customers can see hundreds of items that aren’t on the sales floor, with pictures, dimensions, color options and prices.

HAROLD’S cont’d to page 26

Time has made custom orders a smoother process, too. Three decades ago, “it could take 10 to 12 weeks” to get a custom piece to the store, Hunter said. Now, with improved logistics, the process is far more efficient and customer-friendly. Harold’s staff handles all delivery.

For those who don’t want to leave their couch to buy a new couch, Harold’s can work with them too.

“You could call and ask if we had a gray sofa in stock, and I’d say sure and ask for their number. You can get a text with that picture and then go, ‘I like it, I’ll take it. … I can text you a picture of this couch or this end table and say this is what I have in stock and this is the price. You have all of the different dimensions, and if it comes in a different color.”

Even as much as technology has transformed the shopping experience in recent years, many people are still fans of shopping in person, espe-

cially when it comes to something like furniture, where you can’t try out a chair or take a bed for a test-rest on a website.

“People want to touch and feel and sit,” Hunter said. “You want to touch, you want to feel, you want to see, but the online is good, too.”

As with many businesses, styles and trends have changed through the years, and Hunter has seen her share of changes.

Keeping up with trends is an important part of the business, and she can recall when bold and bright color schemes were popular in the 1980s, and when the 1990s saw a return to more subdued, earthy tones such as burgundy and light green. Neutral tones like gray and other light colors have dominated for the past decade, as lighter fabrics brighten spaces. Bed-in-a-box mattresses are trending, too: they’re compressed, rolled and vacuum-sealed into a compact box, which allows for easier shipping and delivery compared to traditional mattresses.

Nuvella fabric is popular also: the more durable material stands up better to sunlight, spills and wear and tear. Have a dog that likes to scratch? Let Hunter and her staff know and they’ll help you find something that’ll fit the bill.

“Most fabric is good for dogs because for fabric nowadays, people want durable,” Hunter said. “The companies are making it durable and they’re thinking of dogs who scratch.”

When Harrison opened the business, the trends were more Mid-Century modern, with an emphasis on curves and functionality.

HAROLD’S cont’d to page 28

Harold’s Furniture, 1210 W. Rock Falls Road / U.S. Route 30 in Rock Falls, is open from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Find it on Facebook, go to haroldsfurniture1. com or call 815-625-7177 for more information.

Harold’s story began in July 1957 as Harold’s Place on 12th Avenue, not far from its current location, in a building now occupied by William and Mary Computer and Lincare. Prior to opening his own place, he worked with his parents at Harrison’s Used Furniture on West Third Street in downtown Sterling for a few years. As the demand for more style and more options grew, Harrison decided to moved and built his own building in 1985, where Harold’s remains today.

Most of the staff have been with Hunter for many years, including store manager Stacey Beer, who has worked there for 31 years. “If I didn’t have her, I couldn’t do it,” Hunter said. “She’s a godsend and an angel.”

Another longtime “employee” was LaRita, the Hunters’ African parrot that became the store’s mascot for 22 years — a favorite attraction for kids who tagged along with mom and dad. Larita died in 2014, but the feathered friend is still a fond memory for many who stopped by the store.

Through changing styles and new technology, Hunter has found strength in the people around her. To her, Harold’s isn’t just a store, but a place where she likes to think that when a sale is made, so is a friend.

It’s why she still finds joy in even the simplest parts of the job.

“The people. The customers,” Hunter said. “I like helping them make their house a home. I enjoy that. It’s fun to do.” n

Shaw Media reporter Cody Cutter can be reached at 815-632-2532 or ccutter@shawmedia.com.

508 E. 11th Street, Rock Falls Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday | Nov 28 - Dec 27 5:30PM - 8:30PM

NO VEHICLES ON NOVEMBER 29TH! Northern Star Farm horse-drawn wagon rides from 5:30pm to 8:30pm Sauk Valley Foodbank canned food drive on December 5th

there’s one lesson we all learn, it’s that nothing stays the same well, almost nothing. Take education.

The classroom of 2025 is a lot different than it was 30 years ago, when today’s parents were still students, some of them sitting in the same classrooms their children are sitting in today. Chromebooks have replaced textbooks, smartboards have replaced chalkboards, social media has disrupted social norms …

One things that’s stayed the same though is teachers’ commitment in the classroom.

They rarely get a break from homework, they have to fill a room of young minds with the knowledge that will carry them through their lives, and they don’t even get a gold star when they do it, but yet, they still do it — until they retire.

All things come to an end, and this spring three longtime Rock Falls educators will close their classroom doors for the final time, taking with them a combined 100 years of teaching experience.

Christa Moeller of Dillon Elementary, Dawn Arickx of Rock Falls Middle School and Heidi Ripley of Rock Falls High School have each shaped two generations of students, while adapting to sweeping changes in education and building legacies that extend well beyond their subjects.

Back in the day, TVs on rolling carts, chalkboards and plumes of eraser dust, and overhead projectors were commonplace in classrooms. Lesson plans were handwritten and parents visited the school for sit-down conferences to check on grades and progress.

Now, as these educators get ready to retire, they leave behind classrooms transformed by time and technology, as well as shifting student and family dynamics. Sterling-Rock Falls Living recently reached out to these teachers and asked them to share their thoughts and reflect on their careers. Their responses appear on the following pages ...

is retiring after 34 years of teaching, the last

at Dillon School. She currently teaches second

and has also taught first grade and Reading Recovery. She began her career in 1990 as a kindergarten teacher at Riverdale School and then worked as a substitute teacher before being hired at Dillon.

What has been the biggest change in lesson planning, and how have you dealt with it?

Lesson planning was simple and concise with goals and objectives for each lesson that was taught. Now our lesson plans must include Illinois Teaching Standards for every lesson. Our district uses a web-based digital format for lesson planning that can be customized to any changes in a lesson or change in daily schedules compared to the traditional paper lesson planner I used at the beginning of my career. The changes that came with an online plan book had some great perks, and it was easy to switch to a newer format once trained on it.

How have student behaviors or attitudes changed, and how have you dealt with it?

Behaviors have changed in the last 30 years. This is an important topic and there is a lot of research about why behaviors have changed, but one simple task to improve student behavior is to have open communication with parents and guardians and the classroom teacher and administration. Students need to know that there are several supportive adults that are able to help and support them in school.

How has parent involvement changed, and how have you dealt with it?

Parent involvement is so important in a child’s life. Commu-

nication is key. Newsletters sent home, message boards, parent conferences and positive notes sent home all support parents and what they can do to help their child succeed.

What’s one thing from the past you wish still existed in classrooms?

The one thing I miss from my classroom today is the use of traditional large maps of the world and the United States. When I began teaching, every classroom had one or two maps that could easily be rolled down to supplement a lesson in history or geography. Now, classrooms rely on digital maps. Digital maps are convenient, but there is something authentic when using a physical map that you can touch and trace.

Changing Healthcare While Changing Lives

is retiring after 33 years, the last 30 at Rock Falls Middle School. She currently is an interventionist for sixth through eighth grades, helping students in reading and math. “I help kids that need a little bit more help with a subject and to fill the gaps,” she said. Arickx has also taught sixth- and seventhgrade math. The first three years of her career were at a middle school in Galena Park, Texas, where she taught sixth-grade math. Her husband, Dan, retired as District 13 superintendent this past school year.

What technology was in your classroom then? What’s in it now?

I had no computer my first year. All grades and attendance were written. I only had an overhead projector and a Brother Word Processor that I could make a basic worksheet on. In my second year, I got a PC with Windows 95/96. It has not stopped changing since! What has been the biggest change in lesson planning, and how you’ve dealt with it? All lesson planning was done in lesson plan books. We had a math textbook that we followed. I used the overhead projector and wrote notes on that for kids to copy. Homework was mostly worksheets. We really relied on textbooks, textbook resources and encyclopedias since we did not have the internet or student computers. The biggest challenge with lesson planning over the years has been adapting to the changing technology such as the internet, smartboards and online learning platforms.

How have student behaviors or attitudes changed, and how have you dealt with it?

Over the last 30 years, I have seen a big change with the family nucleus. With this change in family dynamics, some children have more freedom as well as responsibilities. They also have access to internet and peers 24/7 because of the cell phone. Students often come to school not mentally present. Now more than ever, I spend a lot of time helping students work through their emotions and issues rather than just teaching the subject area. How has parent involvement changed, and how have you dealt with it?

Parent involvement has never been great at the middle school level just because of the age of the kids. That has not changed in my 33 years. I will say, if I contact a parent, they often mean well but sometimes are too overwhelmed themselves to help me with their child. This really goes back to the changing of the family dynamic. For the last 10-plus years, we have definitely tried to give more positive parent contacts to develop trust with parents and to help them understand that we just want to help their kids succeed.

What’s one thing from the past you wish still existed in classrooms?

I wish handwritten work was more of a central focus. I enjoy the speed and ease of texts, emails and computers; but I feel writing a story (in legible handwriting!) boosts comprehension as well as fine motor skills. Handwritten notes and communication seem to make learning more personal and meaningful.

is retiring after 33 years, all of them spent at Rock Falls High School. She teaches family and consumer science classes — which has included at one time or another foods, sewing, parenting, childhood development, interior decoration, consumer education — and has facilitated the Education Pathway program for future teachers. “I am just enjoying every day I get to teach my students this year,” she said.

What technology was in your classroom then? What’s in it now?

I had a desktop computer with no internet, chalkboard, overhead projector and TV with VHS player. Now I have three teacher laptop computers, Promethean board with Google Chrome extension, and color printer-copier a few steps from my classroom. With the internet at our fingertips, teachers can look up information in seconds. With email communications, I see fewer teachers in the building during the day. I miss the conversations at the copy machine with people who taught different subjects.

What has been the biggest change in lesson planning, and how have you dealt with it?

Lesson plans were based on the textbook and printed teacher resources. Any other materials needed for teaching had to be created. Now, full lessons are available through a variety of online resources. I now pick and choose parts of pre-made lessons that best meet my students’ needs. The internet has allowed teachers to update lessons to have current information. Student attention spans have gotten shorter, so lessons now contain many different activities to keep students engaged.

How have student behaviors or attitudes changed, and how have you dealt with it?

I teach high school students because I enjoy the interactions I get to have with my students. Looking back on my teaching career, teenagers have always had attitudes and behaviors that are not ideal in the classroom.

In FACS [Family And Consumer Science] classes, I get to teach my students skills they will use later in life, so many of the behaviors disappear.

How has parent involvement changed, and how have you dealt with it?

I would call parents with concerns then. Parents would attend parent-teacher conferences to check on their students’ progress. Parents now can use our Parent Portal to check grades, so fewer come to conferences. Emailing is now the preferred method of communication between teachers and parents.

What’s one thing from the past you wish still existed in classrooms? I wish I were still able to teach sewing. Sewing is a skill that teaches problem solving and time management, which all students need to learn.

hen the sun’s out and the heat is on, the pools and hot tubs in the Twin Cities are filling up.

Don’t have one? A Sterling business can help you keep your cool with pool installation, maintenance, repair and water balancing; and keep your spa in working order. For nearly 40 years, Poolside Pools and Spas has been helping find the perfect fit for new pool buyers, and keeping pools fit for pool owners. Owners Jim and Cary McCue and their staff are ready for customers who want to take the dive and have their moment in the sun, whether it’s a family looking to put in their first backyard pool or a longtime spa owner who needs a quick repair.

The business offers plans for in- or above-ground pool installation with Hayward equipment, and also carries Regal and Life pool and spa maintenance chemicals, materials and cleaning solutions. Customers also can stop in for testing and advice on how to keep their water crystalclear all season long.

To help customers feel confident about caring for their pool or spa, the McCues put a strong emphasis on education and guidance.

POOLSIDE cont’d to page 40

CODY CUTTER/CCUTTER@SHAWMEDIA.COM

Cary McCue and her husband Jim will celebrate the 20th anniversary of their business, Poolside Pools and Spa, next year. Through the years, they’ve learned a lot about pools and they’ve taught their customers a lot about pools, too. “With educating the customers, it’s a lot to learn when you’ve never had a pool,” Cary said, but “once you learn the chemistry of water, it’s easier.” They’ve also made a lot of friends during their decades in business. “We’ve had regular customers who we’ve become very good friends with.”

POOLSIDE cont’d from page 39

“With educating the customers, it’s a lot to learn when you’ve never had a pool,” Cary said. “Once you learn the chemistry of water, it’s easier. Then when you close your pool, you aren’t touching it for months, and then you have to relearn it every single year. Some people are good at remembering how to do it again every year, but some forget and can’t remember, so they’ll come in here and ask what they need.”

Jim first dipped his toe into the pool business when he was working on the side while employed at Northwestern Steel and Wire. Then, in 2001, he started McCue Construction, not long after the mill closed. Five years later, he and Cary opened Poolside. Over the years their focus has shifted more to pools and away from working on new homes, Cary said. These days, the construction work is limited to pool installations and repair, which keeps Jim keeps plenty busy. Cary handles sales and customer service, sometimes helping her husband when he’s in a pinch. Like other businesses that worked on home projects, Poolside saw an increase in customers during the coronavirus pandemic when more people were spending less time away from their home and more money investing in it, Cary said.

POOLSIDE cont’d to page 41

Though business increased, so too did prices for materials, and pool busi nesses took a double hit. Not only were they feeling the economic impact of being squeezed by a tighter supply chain due to the pandemic, but they had to deal with a chlorine shortage, too. While sales have settled back down to pre-pandemic levels, the cost of building materials hasn’t. Construction costs for in-ground pools have doubled in the last five years, to as high as six-figures, and the price of spas also has doubled too.

The McCues stopped selling spas this summer due to supply and shipping difficulties, Cary said, but they still service them and sell spa chemicals. While increased costs can make business tough, the McCues persevere by adapting to supply challenges and focusing on long-term relationships that keep pool owners coming back for service and advice.

“Since we’re a backyard industry, and everyone was staying home [during the pandemic], it went from good to very, very good for a few years,” Cary said. “Now with price changes three or four times a year, it’s shipping problems, tariffs, gas prices, demand because you couldn’t get product. Then there were two [chlorine] plants that burned down, and chlorine skyrocketed for a while and hasn’t returned to what it was before. This year, it’s tariffs. There’s always something that’s causing the prices to go up.”

HOURS: Mon-Sat 11am-1am Sun 9am-10pm

HOURS: Mon-Sat 11am-8pm Sun 9am-8pm

The U.S. has an estimated 10.4 million residential swimming pools. Additionally, there are approximately 309,000 public swimming pools. This means that the U.S. has about one pool for every 31 people.

The Crystal Lagoon at the Citystars Resort in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, is home to the world’s largest swimming pool. A Guinness Book of World Records holder, the pool has an area of 30 acres and can hold 66 million gallons of water. A

The world’s oldest known swimming pool is The Great Bath, located in Mohenjo-Daro, Pakistan. Situated among the ruins of the ancient Indus Valley Civilization, this pool is estimated to date all the way back to the Third Millennium BC.

Swimming is one of the best forms of exercise. It’s a great cardiovascular workout, strengthening both the heart and the lungs. Burning more calories than walking or biking, swimming uses every major muscle group in the body, making it an ideal activity to keep you in shape.

Chlorine can kill bacteria, such as E. coli, in as little as one minute. But, it can’t kill all illness-causing germs that quickly. Other viruses and parasites can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 10 days to be eradicated. To avoid acquiring a recreational water illness, make sure to regularly check your chlorine and pH levels.

An Olympic-sized pool can hold up to 850,000 gallons of water. Olympic-sized pools are always 50 meters long, but they can have widths of either 25 yards or 25 meters (just under 23 yards). That’s enough water to fill more than 9,400 bathtubs.

Find all of the latest clothing, shirts, suits, athletic & sportswear

When it comes to pools, preventative maintenance is key. Investing in keeping your pool healthy will pay dividends by avoiding the higher cost of repairs. Being diligent about maintenance routines and following directions is important, Cary said.

Keeping pool water balanced starts with regular testing. Cary recommends checking water at least two or three times a week, since temperature changes, rain, and how often people swim can affects water chemistry. Skipping those checks for too long often leads to algae blooms and green water, which then requires even more work to fix.

New pools are generally the easiest to maintain because they start with fresh water, but as years go by, older water becomes trickier to manage. Fully draining and refilling a pool each season isn’t recommended, since it can damage liners, yet another reason for being consistent with maintenance.

Take care of your ‘toy’ ... You can’t just float through the life of a pool; once you have one, you’ve got to take care of. “I’ll tell people: It’s like with any extra [luxury] you have — like a motorcycle or a boat — any ‘toy’ you purchase is going to have upkeep,” said Cary. But that upkeep is worth the time. Pool repairs can be costly, so “the more you maintain it the cheaper it is,” she said, and Poolside is well stocked with supplies to keep pools healthy and pool owners happy.

PHOTOS: CODY

Winchell (left) helps Poolside Pools and Spas co-owner Cary McCue with a service call. “Our customers are very friendly and caring, and we really enjoy getting to know them,” Winchell said. “It’s something different every day.”

Learning good habits early, like weekly treatments and regular test ing, prevents problems from building up over time.

“Buying a pool isn’t just the initial pool cost, you must be prepared,” Cary said, comparing pool ownership to other luxuries. While the enjoyment is worth it, every “toy” comes with responsibilities.

“I’ll tell people: It’s like with extra [luxury] you have, like a motorcycle or a boat — any ‘toy’ you purchase is going to have upkeep and it’s going to be work. Pools especially, they’re only used for so many months of the year. They’ve gotten costly to fix, so the more you maintain it the cheaper it is. It’s going to be work, and for anyone who thinks they’re going to buy a pool and it just runs and you go outside and swim in it and put a couple of chemicals in — that’s not how it works. If you have a problem, you could be out there every day for a month. You have to be prepared for that, and you have to know that there’s going to be costs.”

Hot weather also makes pool care even more challenging. Chlorine becomes less effective once water temperatures climb into the 90s, Cary said, which means owners have to be extra vigilant during heat waves, like the ones the area saw this past summer, and stay on top of testing and adjustments.

Many first-time pool owners rely heavily on professional guidance that first year as they learn how the ropes of pool ownership.

POOLSIDE cont’d to page 46

Who says you can’t have a tropical paradise in the Midwest? Poolside can install artificial palm trees to add a taste of the tropics to your pool.

W. 2ND STREET, ROCK FALLS, IL

“You’re going to come in here and be my best friend for that first year,” Cary said. “We’ve had regular customers who we’ve become very good friends with. I get to meet a lot of people, and helping them get their pool clear and getting to use it.”

Angie Winchell also works at Poolside, teaming up with Cary on sales and customer service. She said she especially enjoys building connections with customers, both new and longtime, by helping them get comfortable with their pools.

“Our customers are very friendly and caring, and we really enjoy getting to know them,” Winchell said. “It’s something different every day.”

Poolside Pools and Spas, 1702 Westwood Drive in Sterling, is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday in October and March; by appointment from November through February; and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to noon Saturday from April to September. MORE INFO: Find it on Facebook, go to poolsidepoolsandspas.com, email poolsideps@ gmail.com or call 815-6266120.

Owning a pool is about more than just keeping cool, Cary said, there are social benefits too. Pools are a great place to have get-togethers with friends or enjoy quality time with the family, relaxing and having fun. The McCues installed an

“You can get kids outside and not on their phone or computers; it’s a way to spend time together,” Cary said. “We use ours for socialization, and we don’t even have the kids home anymore, so we spend it with adults and it’s fun for them to hang out most weekends in the summer.”

For the McCues, pools are about more than just profit, they’re about people — building relationships and providing a product that people can enjoy for years to come.

“We service the community and service what we sell,” Cary said. “We’re loyal to our customers and they’re loyal back to us. It’s all about the community. Both of us have been raised here. Jim’s dedicated to doing what he does and is proud of his work. I’m more of a people person, he’s in the field and I’m in here. We’re trying to keep things local so that people can find it.” n

Westwood Performance - Westwood, 1900 Westwood Dr, Sterling • 815-622-6201

Director of Human Performance - Shelby Yonk

Shelby holds a Master of Science in Exercise Science and Wellness and is a certified strength and conditioning coach with experience training military populations, athletes, and the general public. Shelby specializes in building programs that bridge the gap between longevity and performance, helping people of all ages move better, get stronger, and live healthier. Her vision for Westwood Performance is to provide a space where athletes, adults, and youth can train with purpose and build strength for life.

• Personal Training

Programs are focused on five pillars:

• Youth Sports Performance Training

• Strength + Conditioning

• FIRST MOVE - FREEFORMEMBERS!

• Sports Performance Training

• Move Well

A complimentary baseline assessment to introduce clients to our performance model. Screens mobility movement quality and basic fitness markers to help guide training recommendations. Also includes a body composition analysis with our InBody Composition system!

• FULL DISCOVERY SESSION - EXPANDED SCREEN

An in-depth evaluation for athletes, return-to-play clients, or those seeking detailed baselines such as VO2 Test, Vertical Jump height, agility times, and more. Testing protocols help guide individualized training and allow for retesting to see improvements.

• BODY COMPOSITION ANALYSIS

UPCOMING PROGRAMS:

• Adult Strength & Training - 19+ yrs T&TH 5:30p-6:30p Dec 2-Jan 15

Objective data to track progress over time, including body fat percentage, muscle mass and other health determinants. Packages available for single tests or multi-test bundles. Say goodbye to the scale and hello to the InBody!

Train with purpose, not guesswork. Build strength, endurance and confidence in a small-group training program designed for adults of all fitness levels -- every day adults AND former athletes.

• Sports Performance & Advancement - 16-18yrs M&W 5:30p-6:30p Dec 1-Jan 14

Athletes will progress to advanced strength, speed, and power training designed to elevate performance in competition. With a focus on measurable results, this program helps athletes prepare for the demands of varsity, club or collegiate-level play.

CUSTOM TRAINING SESSIONS:

• 30 Minute, 60 Minute, or Partner Sessions

We offer flexible training options to fit your schedule and goals. Choose quick, focused sessions for efficiency, longer sessions for deeper coaching and progress, or partner sessions for added motivation and shared costs. All programs are tailored to your needs, whether it’s personal training, strength & conditioning, or sport-specific performance.

• Return to Play/Post-Physical Training

Specialized sessions designed in collaboration with therapy staff to help bridge the gap between rehab and full return to activity. Focus is placed on mobility, stability, progressive strenthening and safe reintegration into daily movement, workouts or sport.

• Hybrid Training (Monthly Programming)

Blends in-person coaching with independent workouts. Clients receive 4-5 days per week of individualized programming based on their goals, along with scheduled in-person check-ins & training. Perfect for motivated indviduals who want flexibility with accountability.