Spirit

Spirit
fall • winter | volume six | issue two
Staying in the Game
Dr. Shin provides timely
care to injured players
Stories of the Illinois Valley

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CALL 815.664.1664
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Family Orthopedic Center | 815.663.8009
600 East First St | Spring Valley
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Carrie Lopez, PA-C
Lacey Strack, PA-C
Hazel Marie Boyle
Women’s Health Center | 815.663.2300
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Norah Orteza, MD
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Family Health Center
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Michael Morrow, MD | 815.664.2366
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Granville Clinic | 815.339.6245
309 South McCoy St
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Damian Grivetti, MD
Henry Clinic | 309.364.3088
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Thaw Tun, MD
LaSalle Clinic Sellett Suite | 815.223.2807
535 Third St
Shawn Bailey, MD, Deb Herz, RN, APN-CNP
Damian Grivetti, MD
LaSalle Clinic Stanmar Suite | 815.223.0203
Ramon Inciong, MD Richard Twanow, MD
Mike Miller, PA-C Carrie Lopez, PA-C
Kristie Shin, PA-C
Midtown Clinic | 815.220.1122
1400 Midtown Rd & Rte 251 | Peru
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Midtown Health Center
1650 Midtown Rd & Rte 251 | Peru
Opening 2011
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Benedicto Figuerres, MD
Robert Koogler, MD, MPH
Oglesby Clinic | 815.883.3241
402 West Walnut St
Ramon Inciong, MD
Peru Mall Clinic | 815.223.4550
1515 36th St
Alejandro B. Bernal, MD
Spring Valley Clinic
1302 North Greenwood St
Richard Twanow, MD | 815.663.5511
Mike Miller, PA-C | 815.663.5511
Thaw Tun, MD | 815.664.4308
Valley Orthopedics &
Sports Medicine | 815.664.5343
600 East First St | Spring Valley
Michael Shin, MD
Tamara Workman, PA-C

Fall
Winter Spirit
12
32
22
Healthy Spirit
8 Staying in the Game—Saturday Morning Sports Clinic
and Athletic Trainers
18 Got Shots?—A Guide to Immunizations for Teens and Adults
28 Something to Talk About—St. Margaret’s Helps Families
Prepare for Adolescence
39 St. Margaret’s Hospital Events
Renewing Your Spirit
16 Community Events
20 Apple Dandies—Delicious Recipes Using Autumn’s Bounty
26 Winging It—Remote Control Flying Club
32 Miracles Happen—Peru Girl Beats the Odds as Community
Rallies to Help
Living With Spirit
10 Pasta Perfection—The Family Behind Mareta Ravioli
12 Hand in Hand—Artists Josh and Carol Englehaupt
22 Rockin’ Good Memories—Radio Personality Tim Moritz
37 Wrapped in Love—Barb Mann’s Personalized Baby Blankets
Journeys of the Spirit
5 Class Act—Sandwich Opera House
34 How ‘bout Them Apples?—Cunningham’s Candies
On the Cover
8 Staying in the Game—Saturday Morning Sports Clinic
and Athletic Trainers
Contact St. Margaret’s Health for further information.
600 East First St., Spring Valley, Illinois 61362
www.aboutsmh.org • spirit@aboutsmh.org
spirit | fall.winter 2010 3

Enjoy
Spirit
Spirit of Caring
“Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does.”—William James
When we unite to work for the greater good, we are often able to accomplish more than we could on our own. As it says in
the Bible, “Where a lone man may be overcome, two together can resist. A three-ply cord is not easily broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12)
In this issue of Spirit, you’ll find stories that illuminate the impact of working together to make a difference. Rejoice in the
against-the-odds survival of a young teen stricken with a serious illness, and learn how she and her family were buoyed by
community support. See how a mother and son’s joint exploration of art awakened a passion in each of them that has
opened up new avenues of self-expression. Find out why folks are rallying around an historic entertainment venue that’s
weathered some tough times.
You’ll also meet people who use their talents for touching the lives of others, whether it’s by making delicious treats,
stitching beloved blankies, or spinning records that link listeners with precious memories.
Here at St. Margaret’s Health, caring for others is our mission, so we’ve included stories about our Saturday Morning Sports
Clinic, which helps keep student athletes on top of their game, and our Girl Talk and Boys Will Be Boys programs, which
help prepare parents and teens for the challenges of adolescence.
As you enjoy the change of seasons, take a moment to reflect on how you care for others and to give thanks for those who
care for you.
Tim Muntz, President & CEO
4 fall.winter 2010 | spirit
600 East First Street | Spring Valley, Illinois | 61362 | www.aboutsmh.org
Published by St. Margaret’s Health, Spirit magazine was designed by MCS Advertising in collaboration with the marketing staff at St. Margaret’s Health.
For more information about Spirit, call us at (815) 664-1429, or e-mail us at spirit@aboutsmh.org. Photography: Joan Line of Einstein Photography.

class
Act
Since the late 1800s, the Sandwich Opera
House has entertained audiences of all ages.
spirit | fall.winter 2010 5

It was a meeting that could only take place in the enchanted world
Sandy, a musician who performs in three musical ensembles and
of children’s theater—Benjamin Franklin nodded from the stage of
the Sandwich Opera House and answered the queries of schoolchildren
who had just enjoyed a rendition of the musical 1776.
It was another typical day in the life of the 132-year-old Opera
House, which, except for a hiccup of about 30 years, has been the
setting for community activities, like school graduations and recitals,
as well as live entertainment, ranging from musical and variety acts
to theater.
has managed the office of the philharmonic orchestra program, has
been the Opera House’s face, heart and soul for 25 years, booking
the acts, selling tickets, arranging publicity and often introducing the
performers. She relishes watching the shows and working with the
performers. “It’s just the overall experience—that I can bring together
a show and an audience,” she enthuses.
In the days before radio and television, like similar buildings
throughout the Midwest that have crumbled to dust, the
In all, about 18,000 people a year are entertained in
grand style inside the structure that earned a spot on
the National Register of Historic Places. The children’s
theater productions are especially popular—during the
2009-2010 season, some 10,000 schoolchildren from a
five-county area took in a show.
Though the numbers look good, it was just last year
that executive director Sandy Black was worried that the
Opera House would soon see its final curtain call.
Constructed in
1878 in the
“Second Empire”
architectural style,
the Opera House
has always been
a building of
the people.
Opera House invited entertainers from the variety show
circuit to entertain the common folks.
Constructed in 1878 in the “Second Empire”
architectural style, the Opera House has always been a
building of the people. At the turn of the 20th century,
vaudeville performers took the stage in the second-floor
theater in the building that then, as now, also housed the
offices of mayor and city clerk (and was once
headquarters for the fire and police departments).
During the 2008-2009 season, ticket sales had fallen by a third and
grant money had slowed to a trickle. “Things got really bad,” recalls
Sandy. “We were on the verge of closing.”
In late December, Sandy sent a letter to members apprising them
of the situation and requesting help. Over the next several months,
more than $7,000 flowed in. Since then, several benefits have added
to that, and the organization is again operating in the black. Though
she anticipates staying there will be a struggle, this year’s season
ticket and school program sales look promising, giving Sandy hope
for the Opera House’s future.
Image-conscious officials chose to call it an “opera house” because
the term sounded more sedate than “theater.”
After World War II, the theater became a victim of changing
entertainment habits and fell into disuse and disrepair. In the 1980s,
a group of citizens banded together to bring the “grand dame” of
Railroad Street back to life.
Sandy recalls her first look at the old theater, which revealed
dangling ceiling tins, blistered plaster, and a carpet of dead pigeons.
Local and state funding and a dedicated preservation effort by the
community restored the building. Fourteen layers of paint and
6 fall.winter 2010 | spirit

Left to right:
Inside the Opera House
Sandy Black
Sandwich Opera House
stenciling were stripped from the walls, stair railings were replaced,
and modern lighting and sound equipment and an elevator were
added. Portions of the building are now available for rentals, and it
has served as the stage for weddings, with first floor rooms for parties
and meetings.
It has come a long way from the 1880s, when the structure was lit
by gaslight and heated by potbellied stoves and the audience crowded
onto wooden benches (one performance of Uncle Tom’s Cabin drew
an audience of 1,000). Today, the traditional folding theater seats
can accommodate 210 on the main level and 100 in the balcony.
Today’s general audiences can enjoy a wide range of performances,
from the local theater troupe to musical acts. Doug Church, a
popular Elvis tribute artist, opened the current season in September.
Among the other acts on this year’s lineup are Metales V, a brass
quintet from Mexico, bluegrass performers Galactic Cowboy
Orchestra, McNulty Irish Dancers, and Elisabeth von Trapp, the
granddaughter of Maria and Baron von Trapp, of Sound of
Music fame.
Over the years, the stage also has spotlighted the Lettermen, the
Kingston Trio, Lovin’ Spoonful, and even renowned explorer Sir
Edmund Hillary, the first climber to scale Mount Everest. Hillary,
who died in 2008, appeared in 1989 in a fund-raiser to benefit the
Sherpa people of Nepal. For years, Joel Daly, renowned Chicago
Channel 7 anchorman and yodeler extraordinaire, opened the Opera
House season.
There is also a full slate of performances aimed at younger
audiences, from classic Kipling to Schoolhouse Rock and even a
science-themed show called “Bubble Wonders.” In addition to
hosting children’s productions, the Opera House is the stage for the
Indian Valley Theatre’s summer workshops for youth.
Sandy is happy to welcome children, noting that, for many, this
may be their only opportunity to take in opera, musical theater or
classical music performances. She believes that introducing them to
the arts will reap benefits in the years to come. “If first-graders are
comfortable, they will come back for the same type of experience
when they’re older.”
Sandy attributes the Opera House’s longstanding success to its
approachability and status as a cultural center for the community.
“People feel that they have access to it,” she says. “We have something
for everyone, no matter what type of entertainment they like.”
The Sandwich Opera House is located at 140 East
Railroad Street in Sandwich. The box office is open
weekdays from 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4:30 p.m. as
well as one hour before each show. The Indian Valley
Theatre will be holding a variety show to benefit the
Opera House on November 7. For more information
about the benefit or the current schedule, call the
Opera House at 815-786-2555.
spirit | fall.winter 2010 7

Staying in
THE GAME
Saturday Morning Sports Clinic helps ensure
injured student athletes receive prompt care.
Dr. Shin and Hall High School senior Frank Alfano. Frank, who plays offense and defense, also saw Dr. Shin for a football injury.
Last fall, Justin Nambo, of Ladd, was playing defensive end for the
Hall High School football team when he injured his hand during the
first game of the season. A few days later, he saw Dr. Michael Shin of
St. Margaret’s Valley Orthopedics and Sports Medicine and found
out that his hand was broken. Dr. Shin offered Justin a choice—have
surgery to correct the damage or wait until the end of the season, rebreak
the bones, and do the surgery then. Justin elected to have the
surgery right away. Luckily, Dr. Shin’s commitment to caring for
student athletes through the Saturday Morning Sports Clinic meant
that Justin could come in every Saturday morning for a cast change
after surgery. The lineman, then a senior, ended up missing only two
games in 2009.
Unique to the area, the Saturday Morning Sports Clinic is open
every weekend during football season, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, at the
Valley Orthopedic and Sports Medicine Clinic, located on the third
floor of St. Margaret’s Hospital. Dr. Shin, an office assistant and a
medical assistant staff the clinic.
Prior to the opening of clinic, area athletes would have only two
choices following a Friday-night injury: head to the emergency room
or to wait to be seen the following Monday. For many families, a trip
to the ER could prove costly because many insurance companies
require an additional ER deductible. But, delaying treatment may
cause an injury to worsen. In addition, the stress and anxiety a young
athlete experiences while awaiting a diagnosis can be considerable,
and that was one of Dr. Shin’s prime motivators for starting the
clinic. “They may worry whether this is a serious injury, or, worse,
one that could potentially mean the end of the season, or, for a
senior, the end of a high-school career,” observes Dr. Shin.
When an injured athlete comes to the Saturday Morning Sports
Clinic, treatment may include a brace or a cast. They can receive an
X-ray to determine whether there has been any skeletal damage, and
an MRI, performed that day or scheduled for sometime during the
next few days, may be used to detect soft tissue damage. This early
intervention plays a big part in stabilizing the injury and preventing
8 fall.winter 2010 | spirit

it from becoming worse over the weekend. Dr. Shin will call the
patient’s coaches and trainer, the same day, to inform them of the
diagnosis and treatment plan.
The seeds for the clinic concept were planted during Dr. Shin’s
residency at Rutgers University in New Jersey, when he noted that
injured athletes were calling in over the weekend in an effort to be
seen or were coming to the ER for injuries that could easily have
been treated in an office setting, if one were available. Even those
who waited until Monday morning were finding it difficult to get a
walk-in appointment for that day. “With our clinic, people can call
for an appointment or walk in on Saturday morning,” says Dr. Shin.
Dr. Shin, who did his Fellowship Training at the University of
Wisconsin, where he was a team doctor for the Wisconsin Badgers
football team, enjoys sports and is often on the sidelines at Hall High
School football games. Another member of St. Margaret’s highly
skilled orthopedic team, Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Paul Perona, can
frequently be seen cheering on teams at St. Bede Academy. Both men
have a passion for caring for Illinois Valley athletes.
Justin Nambo, for one, appreciates the prompt, compassionate care
he received. “Dr. Shin is a really cool guy,” he says. “I did everything
he said, and I was back in the game for the rest of the season, just
like he promised.”
ATHLETIC TRAINERS
People who follow sports understand that the health of an athlete
is essential to his or her success, so it’s obvious that the availability of
a good medical team is important, whether it’s to ensure recovery
after an injury or to prevent one from occurring in the first place.
This medical team includes doctors and physical therapists—as well
as an athletic trainer.
Under a doctor’s supervision, athletic trainers administer
immediate emergency and follow-up care in the event of a sports
injury. Through St. Margaret’s Health, athletic trainer Amanda
Tunget cares for the athletes of Illinois Valley Community College
and helps out at St. Bede Academy and Hall High School as well.
Amanda notes that an athletic trainer is usually
present at all games and practices to assess
injuries right on the court or field of play.
It’s her call as to whether an athlete can
get back into the game or whether an
injury requires immediate medical
attention. Like an emergency medical
technician, she can start treatment
immediately and assess whether hospitalization
or other care is needed, such as
a visit to the Saturday Morning Sports
Clinic with Dr. Shin.
While a physical therapist’s primary
role is to facilitate recovery and
rehabilitation, helping an injured athlete
regain usage following diagnosis and
treatment by a doctor, an athletic trainer
also helps with the rehab process on the
field and in the training room.
Amanda Tunget with IVCC Volleyball player Karina Arteaga.
Providing Care on the Sidelines
While football players might be the highest-profile athletes
Amanda works with, she also tends to those who play other sports,
from volleyball to baseball. Across the board, some of the most
common injuries Amanda sees are ankle sprains and shoulder and
knee injuries.
Educating athletes on health issues, such as the dangers of sports
enhancement drugs, the importance of proper nutrition, etc., is
another facet of the job. Another role of the athletic trainer is to help
with conditioning and injury prevention. “We help prepare athletes
for their sport,” says Amanda. “That might be through a sports
performance program aimed at improving strength, speed or
endurance. We will develop programs
that are specific to each sport.”
Athletic trainers also serve as a
communication link, relaying
information between the physician and
the coaches and helping the injured
athlete and his or her family understand
the steps needed before the athlete can
return to practice and competition.
Amanda, who grew up in Utica and
graduated from Northern Illinois
University in DeKalb, says an interest in
sports and a desire to help others led to
her career choice. “I get enjoyment out
of leading players back out onto the
field after an injury and knowing I
played a role in helping them get back
to pursuing their passion.”
spirit | fall.winter 2010 9

Pasta
Perfection
A family tradition of
integrity and quality are key
ingredients in Mareta
Ravioli’s recipe for success.
In a region that embraces beef-filled pasta, one woman holds the
title of “Momma Ravs.” For most of her 67 years, Martha Mareta has
overseen the creation of millions of the little pasta pillows, and, for
the last 14 years, she has been matriarch of the frozen ravioli/tortellini
company that bears her family name.
The story of Mareta Ravioli Inc. began in Martha’s mother’s
kitchen in the village of Leonore, where Jennie Mareta rolled and
filled dough using a recipe handed down from her mother-in-law.
While her husband, Peter, ran the butcher/shop grocery in the front
of the building, Jennie ran the household in the back. A screen door
separated work and home space, but customers often stopped to chat
with Jennie as she worked. Peter could holler through the door for
help at the counter or to silence the squabbles of his seven children if
they got too loud.
Tortellini soaked in beef broth was a traditional family favorite,
especially since Peter had come from the region in Italy where those
pastas were a delicacy. In fact, Martha never tasted tortellini in sauce
until she was an adult, dining in a restaurant. “Mom was a great
cook, and great at presentation,” recalls Martha. “She just knew how
to make the food look good, and what to serve with it.”
Using the family recipes to build a business was the brainchild of
Martha’s brother, Peter, who was also a storekeeper. In the 1950s, as
family groceries struggled and then faded from village landscapes,
Peter suggested his mother capitalize on her culinary talents.
At the time, the market for frozen foods was growing rapidly as
shoppers began to embrace the convenience of items such as frozen
vegetables and TV dinners. Peter thought frozen pasta might be
popular as well.
Pasta is a comfort food, and it’s ideal for people on the go, Martha
says. “You can buy a bag of tortellini and make a salad and bread,
and you have a simple, tasty, nutritious meal.”
The business started out small, with Jennie making the tortellini
(filled pasta twisted into a moon shape) and ravioli (two layers of
dough pinched shut over a rich filling) at home. Soon, Jennie’s
flour-dusted hands were joined by those of her daughters and their
schoolmates, and, before long, the “factory” began to employ
neighborhood girls. “There might be 16 or 20 girls coming in after
school,” Martha remembers.
McGrath’s Seafood in Streator became the company’s first
distributor, and the pasta-making assembly line moved from the
kitchen to the basement. Eventually, the demand for pasta outpaced
what workers could produce by hand.
By the 1970s, Mareta’s grocery had closed, Jennie Mareta had
died, and the pasta factory had its first tortellini-making machine. In
the years since, the home has gradually given way to a small factory
filled with gleaming stainless steel pasta makers, dough machines and
sauce vats. The original house still retains its arched doorways and
wood floors, but now holds stacks of flour and boxes of the
trademark 11-ounce bags trimmed in yellow (for beef tortellini) or
maroon (for cheese). Huge walk-in freezers have replaced what were
once two of the bedrooms.
10 fall.winter 2010 | spirit

Under mechanization, pasta output has grown, and so has the The business has long been an important part of Martha’s life as
product line. Today, seven workers turn out pasta, which includes egg well. Her own growth has taken her from a daughter to a mother to
noodles for restaurants; frozen raviolis and tortellini filled with beef, a savvy businesswoman. When her three sons were young, she often
cheese, or spinach and cheese; marinara and spaghetti sauces; and brought them to work with her. Today, two of the boys, Michael and
gnocchi (a potato dumpling). Eventually, Martha says, she would like Esteban (Steve) Villarreal, work in production and sales; youngest
to add a line of prepared pasta meals.
son Joseph is a welding instructor. “I’m proud that my grandmother
All of the products are based on time-tested family recipes that taught my mother and my mother taught me and I’ve passed it on,”
have been adapted to create larger portions. Martha believes it’s the says Martha. “Growing up the way I did was a great way to learn
quality and consistency that sets Mareta’s apart.
business and people skills.”
For example, she still insists on using fresh eggs
Running the company also keeps Martha
“You can buy a bag of
rather than a liquid egg product. “When you open
connected to her heritage—it’s a touchstone for
tortellini and make a
the bag, you know what it’s going to taste like. We
special moments spent with her parents, especially
salad and bread, and
have a loyal fan base.”
her mother. Amid the bustle of busy family life,
you have a simple, tasty,
Distribution has expanded beyond the local
cooking together provided mother and daughter
nutritious meal.”
area to Wisconsin, Southern Illinois and the Quad
time to talk. “I have so many wonderful memories of
- Martha Mareta
Cities, among others, and each area has its product
Mom when we cooked together,” she says.
preferences. “In the Illinois Valley area, beef
Martha tried to create similar moments to treasure
tortellini is king; in other areas, the cheese and spinach filled are for her sons. “I’d tie a towel around their waist and give them some
outselling the beef,” observes Martha. At Christmastime, the Mareta dough to knead while I was baking bread,” she says, noting that
label turns from savory to sweet, with a line of candy that might Michael has become a proficient cook.
surprise even some longtime customers. The cashew brittle, peanut Continuity through four generations has been a Mareta hallmark,
brittle and caramels, with or without nuts, also originated with and not just in business. The lessons Peter and Jennie taught their
family—they are based on Martha’s Aunt Annie’s once-secret recipes. children have also been passed down. “My parents didn’t tell us how
Martha bought the business in 1994, a year before her father died. to live, but they showed us in how they dealt with people,” says
She says the business provided a sense of purpose for Peter in the decades Martha. “They taught us to be true to ourselves, honest and
following his wife’s death. “The pasta factory kept my father alive trustworthy. I think I had the most remarkable parents in the world.”
after my mom died. He didn’t hunt or fish or golf—his life was here.”
Michael, Martha, and Steve
spirit | fall.winter 2010 11

hand
in Hand
While helping her son
explore his artistic talent,
a mother discovers a
vehicle for her own
self-expression.

Just like the irises that unfurl on the watercolor paper before him,
Josh Englehaupt has blossomed since he first took a paintbrush in
hand some 15 years ago. And, as he has developed his artistic talent,
his mother has discovered her own gifts.
Josh, now 30, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as an infant. He
is unable to speak or walk, and he needs assistance to complete the
everyday tasks most take for granted. Still, he has found a remarkable
means of self-expression that’s attracting the notice of local art lovers.
Josh has always redefined “normal” for his family, says his mother,
Carol, who is an artist and writer. From the beginning, doctors told
Carol, “Don’t worry about what you don’t have and concentrate on
what you do.”
Carol loads and cleans brushes for him, places the brushes in his
hand, and supports his elbow. Using a big color chart helps him
decide on colors and indicate his choices. Beyond that, she says,
“The brush strokes are his and the composition and colors are his.”
The computerized design is transferred to watercolor paper using
graphite carbon, leaving a simple line drawing to guide flower
placement. After covering the foreground with Miskit, a liquid masking
material, Josh begins with big sweeping strokes on the background
without fear he will lose the line drawing. As Carol slowly removes
the Miskit from the foreground, he works through the painting. Each
painting may take two or three months to complete.
The fluid and flowing nature of watercolor
She took that admonition to heart and today, she
offers the following advice to others: “If there’s one
message I’d share, it would be: don’t have limits. Every
person has a passion, and you have to find a way to help
them enjoy that passion.”
And don’t mind if that passion takes you to
unconventional places by unconventional means, she
says. “You can always find a way.”
Carol and her husband, Hank, have often had to resort
to unconventional means to fulfill Josh’s needs or wants,
sometimes creating tools or other equipment to help him
“If there’s one
message I’d share,
it would be: don’t
have limits. Every
person has a
passion, and you
have to find a way
to help them enjoy
that passion.”
- Carol Englehaupt
painting suits Josh, practically and philosophically,
but he’s now exploring other media, such as acrylics.
And, after a visit to a Denver art gallery, he now has
his mind set on painting bigger works. “And I don’t
doubt he will,” his mother says.
As his primary caregiver, Carol has a unique
understanding of her son’s needs, wants and
frustrations, and the two communicate in a language
all their own. So Carol admits it’s sometimes hard
for her to let him out of sight.
At times, she says, her fears have hampered him
navigate life. Since his lack of fine motor skills left him with a poor
grip, Josh needed Carol’s help to curl his fingers around a paintbrush
handle. When she remarked to Hank that she wished paintbrushes
came with larger handles, Hank went into his workshop and
outfitted paintbrushes with screwdriver handles.
Even with such specialized tools, Josh’s painting still requires a
team effort. He doesn’t draw, so he and his mother use digital
photography and the computer in the first steps of his art.
They select his floral subject from photographs or seed catalogs, and
more than his disability. “Even though it’s not fair to him, I know if
I can’t handle something, so I don’t,” concedes Carol, who, despite
her trepidations, made sure Josh experienced some traditional
boyhood activities such as Cub Scouts, swimming and horseback riding.
Josh can relay his mirth or discontent with a chortle or a groan,
but his eyes lock on his mother’s for conversations of deeper
meaning. Yet this wordless communication sometimes goes awry, and
Carol’s frustration over not comprehending are matched by Josh’s
frustration over not being able to make himself understood.
then Josh watches and directs his mother as she designs the
arrangement on computer.
Left: Josh’s painting
Right: Josh
spirit | fall.winter 2010 13

“Being nonverbal can definitely be a problem,” says Carol. “It’s the
only time he really gets upset or angry with me.” Yet, she adds lightly,
“If he was verbal, he’d be dangerous! He’s a little ham. He flirts and
grins, and doesn’t know a stranger. He runs into people at the oddest
places. People hunt for him, and ask if he’s ‘the artist.’ He’s getting
quite a following!”
He loves to watch people look at the art in the Ottawa Art
League’s new gallery, where his work is displayed.
Carol discovered Josh’s interest in painting when she was taking a
watercolor class and Josh indicated he wanted to paint too. She set
him up with finger paints, which didn’t last long. “He stared at my
paintbrush. He wanted to paint with a brush, not with his fingers.”
If she had inadvertently stumbled on Josh’s self-expression, she also
was beginning to unlock her own.
Frustrations over getting Josh the proper care and education, and
the life-threatening health problems of her older son, Richard, led
Carol to call the 1980s “the dark years.”
The round-the-clock attention Josh required left Carol drained.
She turned to her faith, and reconnected with God.
“I was left all drained, with nothing filling me up. I was always
religious, but I realized belief was not enough.” She realized that faith
wasn’t about her message–in prayer–getting out, but God’s message
coming in. She had always prayed, but now she listened.
“I was filled with beginnings with no endings. I would do enough
to know that I could, then get bored. It wasn’t until I reached my
50s that I seemed to focus. I’d always wanted to write and paint. A
lot of my energy had been focused on Josh, and I was so careful to
make sure he had no restrictions, so careful to make sure he wasn’t
lost, that I didn’t remember what I wanted in my life. I lost me.”
Don’t misunderstand her, though. “I wouldn’t trade one minute
of the time I’ve spent with Josh. He has a beautiful soul and a lot of
love comes out of him.”
Her personal rediscovery has taken the form of art and writing.
She’s completed three youth-oriented novels and will begin shopping
them around to publishers.
Her artistic interest spans portraiture but she recently began
exploring a watercolor style she dubbed “Flights of Fancy.” She drops
watercolors onto wet paper and allows them to spread and move,
waiting for the design to awaken in her the subject of the painting.
Meanwhile, her son’s artistic career is flourishing. Prints are
available on his website and have sold for up to $1,700 at a
fund-raising auction. One of his proudest moments, though, occurred
during a local amateur art show. After reviewing his painting, a judge
awarded it a red ribbon. She walked away, turned, and swapped the
red ribbon for a blue one. The judge didn’t know the artist or his
physical limitations, and in that instant, Josh’s talent triumphed.
“Josh’s smile lit up the mall,” Carol recalls with delight, realizing in
that moment just how important his art was to her son.
Art brings something special to her son, Carol added. “Josh likes to be
seen as a person, not a disability. We seldom think about his disability.”
Josh and Carol’s web site is www.ourhome-studio.net.
14 fall.winter 2009 | spirit

Midtown Health Center
St. Margaret’s Health New Primary Care Center
A New Concept in Medicine
Opening January 2011
• Team of 10 Doctors & Physician Assistants for Complete Care
• Extended Hours for Easier Access
• Onsite Lab & Digital X-Ray for Faster Diagnosis
Doctor’s & Physician’s Assistants:
Shawn Bailey, MD
(815) 223-2807
Damian Grivetti, MD
(815) 223-2807
Jeffrey Tanzi, MD
(815) 220-1122
Deb Herz, RN, APN-CNP
(815)223-2807
Mike Miller, PA-C
(815) 223-0203
Alex B. Bernal, MD
(815) 223-4550
Ramon Inciong, MD
(815) 223-0203
Richard Twanow, MD
(815) 223-0203
Carrie Lopez, PA-C
(815) 223-0203
Kristie Shin, PA-C
(815) 223-0203
Convenient location | Just south of HyVee | 1650 Midtown Road, Peru
spirit | spring.summer 2010 15

Community Calendar of Events
FINE ARTS
Tribute to the Stars
Nov. 14-15: Patsy Cline
Nov. 1-2: Neil Diamond
Starved Rock State Park Lodge
Great Hall, Utica
815-664-4211, ext. 386
Music at the Mansion
Oct. 22: Selections on the Steinway
Nov. 19: Lyric Winds
Hegeler Carus Mansion, LaSalle
815-224-5895
Legacy Girls
Nov. 10: Musical Tribute to the
Andrew Sisters
Dec. 13-14: Christmas Cheer
Holiday Show
Starved Rock State Park Lodge
Great Hall, Utica
815-667-4211, ext. 386
Live Music at the Tasting Room
Oct. 23: Much Ado About Nothing
August Hill Winery, Utica
815-667-5211
Stage 212
October: Twelve Angry Jurors
Stage 212, LaSalle
815-224-3025
Music at the Mansion
Oct. 24
Reddick Mansion, Ottawa
For more information, visit
www.reddickmansion.com
Festival 56
Oct. 29- Nov. 7: You’re a Good Man
Charlie Brown
Nov. 12-20: Betrayal
Nov. 26-Dec. 19: The Gift of the Magi
Festival 56, Princeton
815-879-5656
Illinois Valley Symphony Orchestra
Concerts
Oct. 23: “Mendelssohn’s Reformation”
LaSalle-Peru High School Auditorium
Dec. 4: “Handel’s Messiah”
Illinois Valley Community College
Cultural Center
Mar. 20, 2011: “Peter and the Wolf”
LaSalle-Peru High School Auditorium
May 13, 2011: “Mozart and Elgar”
Ottawa High School Auditorium
Email: orchinfo@ivso.org for more
information.
Uptown Playlist Theater
Uptown Grill, LaSalle
Visit www.uptowngrill.com for new
shows offered monthly or call
815-224-4545.
A Hegeler Carus Christmas
Dec. 2-5
Hegeler Carus Mansion, LaSalle
815-224-5895
2nd Annual Ice Odyssey
Dec. 11
Ottawa
For more information, contact
ottawadowntownmerchants@gmail.com
Old-Fashioned Christmas Service
Dec. 12
St. Peter’s Danish Evangelical
Lutheran Church
815-454-2850
Flutes by the Fire
Dec. 13
Starved Rock State Park Lodge, Utica
815-220-7321
Artists of the Valley Art Show and
Drum Circle
Feb. 27, 2011
Starved Rock State Park Lodge, Utica
815-667-4211
FESTIVALS
Festival of Lights Parade
Nov. 26
Ottawa
815-433-0161
Light Up Streator Festival
Nov. 27
City Park, Streator
815-672-2055
OUTDOOR FUN
Canal Boat and Trolley Tour
Every Friday through November 12
Starved Rock State Park and
Volunteer Canal Boat, Utica/LaSalle
800-868-7625, ext. 386
Area Trolley Tour
Every Sunday through December
Starved Rock State Park Lodge, Utica
815-220-7386
Starved Rock Walkers’ Club
Thursdays in October, November,
December
Starved Rock State Park Lodge, Utica
815-220-7386
Trolley Fall Colors Tour
Mondays and Saturdays in October
Starved Rock State Park Lodge, Utica
800-868-7625, ext. 386
Canal Connection Point to Point 10K
Race on the Historic I & M Canal
Nov. 7
Call 815-252-5042 for more
information and to register.
Annual Turkey Trot
Nov. 25
Oglesby
815-223-7922
Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis
Dec. 4
Baker Lake, Peru
815-224-2799
*Events are correct at time of printing; to confirm, please call or check the website.
16 fall.winter 2010 | spirit

COMMUNITY EVENTS
Utica Fire Department Fish Fry
Oct. 26, Nov. 30
Utica Fire Station
815-667-4113
Lock 16 Fall Dinner & Lecture Series
Oct. 21, Nov. 18
Lock 16 Center, LaSalle
815-223-1851
Knights of Columbus Chicken
& Spaghetti Dinner
Oct. 22
K of C Hall, Utica
815-667-4745
Veterans’ Day Parade
Nov. 6
Utica
815-667-4150
A Kitchen Tea
Nov. 9
Lock 16 Center, LaSalle
815-223-1851
Christmas in the Valley
Nov. 13
Spring Valley
815-664-2753
Knights of Columbus Pork Chop
Dinner
Nov. 19
K of C Hall, Utica
815-667-5745
Utica Christmas Walk
Nov. 28
Downtown Utica
815-667-4111
Christmas at the Weber House
and Garden
Dec. 1-31
Weber House and Garden, Streator
815-672-8327
Christmas Tea
Dec. 2
Lock 16 Center, LaSalle
815-223-1851
Christmas Parade
Dec. 4
Peru
815-223-0061
Pearl Harbor Parade
Dec. 4
Peru
815-223-0061
Lighted Santa Parade
Dec. 11
Downtown Spring Valley
815-664-2753
Breakfast with Santa
Dec. 18
Starved Rock State Park Lodge, Utica
800-868-7625, ext. 386
Christmas Parade
Dec. 18
Utica
815-667-4113
MORE FUN
Land of Oz Corn Maze
Through Oct. 24
Ottawa
815-488-5000
National Mule Day
Oct. 22-26
Lock 16 Center, LaSalle
Visit www.lasallecanalboat.org
for more information
August Hill Wine Tasting
Nov. 4
Gaylord Building, Lockport, IL
815- 667-5211
Mule Tender’s Friday Lunch and
Boat Ride Special
Through Nov. 5
Lock 16 Center, LaSalle
815-223-1851
Leinenkugel Dinner
Nov. 12
Starved Rock State Park Lodge, Utica
800-868-7625, ext. 386
Christmas Shopping Trolley Tour
Saturdays, Nov. 20-Dec. 18
Starved Rock State Park Lodge, Utica
815-220-7386
North Central Illinois Model Train
and Farm Toy Show
Nov. 20
Bureau County Fairgrounds,
Princeton
815-875-2606
Holiday Crafts, Gifts and More Sale
Dec. 12
Bureau County Fairgrounds,
Princeton
815-875-2606
New Year’s Eve Party at the Rock
Dec. 31
Starved Rock State Park Lodge, Utica
815-667-4211, ext. 386
Celebration of a Century Bridal Expo
Jan. 1, 2011
Starved Rock State Park Lodge, Utica
800-868-7625, ext. 386
Eagle Watch Weekend
Jan. 22-23, 2011
Starved Rock State Park Lodge, Utica
815-220-7386
Starved Rock State Park 100th
Anniversary Celebration
April 2, 2011
Starved Rock State Park Lodge, Utica
815-667-4211
spirit | fall.winter 2010 17

got
shots?
Important immunizations that adults
and teens need to stay healthy.
Before kids head back to school, they are required to have their
immunizations up to date. But even though their school days may be
long behind them, grown-ups need shots, too.
There are several reasons why: Some adults may not have been
vaccinated when they were children; there are new vaccines that were
previously unavailable; immunity may decrease over time; and, as
people age, they become more vulnerable to some infectious diseases.
Adult vaccines tend to be underused, though, because adults visit
the doctor less frequently than children. In addition, cost may be a
factor, since some insurance plans may not cover the costs of adult
vaccinations, and some can be expensive. But, as Ramey Lovelady,
Infection Control Coordinator for St. Margaret’s Health, observes,
“Why risk getting a disease when protection is available? Today’s
vaccines are very safe.”
Though some diseases, like measles and whooping cough, might
seem like relics of the past, the danger can return when vaccination
rates slip. Some outbreaks can be linked to exposures overseas, while
others can occur in a group of unvaccinated individuals.
While there can be some serious side effects to vaccines, this is rare.
Of the millions of vaccines administered each year, only a few result
in serious problems. Most health-care experts agree that the
disease- and death-preventing benefits far outweigh the risks.
Talk to your doctor to determine which immunizations are appropriate
for you, and be sure to keep copy of your immunization records,
which may be needed for a job application or before a trip abroad.
18 fall.winter 2010 | spirit

Recommended Immunizations
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends the following
immunizations for adults:
for Teens
Tweens
u Varicella (chicken pox)
For adults who have not previously
had the disease
u Herpes zoster (shingles)
For adults who are 60 or older who
have had chicken pox, which can
re-emerge later as shingles, a painful
rash that can linger for months
u Hepatitis A or Hepatitis B
For adults at risk
u MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella)
Adults born in 1957 or later need at
least one dose
u Pneumococcal vaccine
Adults aged 65 and older and those
at risk; this protects against 23 of
the most common strains of
pneumonia
u Tdap
For Tetanus, diphtheria, and
pertussis (whooping cough); a
tetanus booster is needed every 10
years, but this combination vaccine
also protects against whooping
cough, which has recently seen a
resurgence. Important because most
children who catch the disease get it
from an adult caregiver or relative
u Annual flu vaccine
The most popular vaccine among
adults, this changes each year
because the virus that causes
influenza is always changing
Visit the CDC website for more
information, www.cdc.gov/vaccines.
The teen to tween years can be a time
when kids fly under the radar in terms of
healthcare. Members of this age group
usually see a doctor only when they are sick,
so they can get behind on the recommended
vaccinations. If you have a child in this age
group, the CDC recommends that you
make sure they receive the following shots:
u Tdap for Tetanus, diphtheria, and
pertussis (whooping cough)
u Hepatitis A and B for those at risk
u Meningococcal for meningitis
u Human papillomavirus (HPV) to
prevent cervical cancer; can be given to
both young men and young women
u Varicella, for those who have never had
the chicken pox or received only one
dose of the vaccine
u Annual flu vaccine
What’s the Big Whoop?
Cases of pertussis, known as whooping cough because of the “whoop” sound made at
the end of the violent coughing spells it causes, are on the rise. The highly contagious
bacterial infection affects the respiratory system and is spread by coughs and sneezes.
Several states have reported outbreaks not seen in decades.
A feared childhood killer back in the 1920s and 1930s, when it sickened some
250,000 a year, whooping cough faded away after the development of a vaccine in the
1940s. According to the CDC, by 1976, there were just over 1,000 reported cases in the
entire country. But, as of early September, more than 445 cases had been reported here
in Illinois, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The disease starts out with mild cold symptoms, including a runny nose, mild fever
and dry cough. After a week or two, symptoms worsen, especially the cough, which can
bring up thick phlegm and cause choking or vomiting spells. People may or may not
develop the characteristic whooping sound—in some cases a persistent hacking cough is
the only symptom.
One reason for the comeback is that some groups are choosing not to have their children
vaccinated. And even for those infants and toddlers who are vaccinated, the effect of the
vaccine starts wearing off by the time they reach adolescence. That’s why the CDC is
encouraging older children, teens and adults to get booster shots of the Tdap vaccine.
Teens may also need booster shots,
because some childhood vaccines can wear
off. In addition, there may be some vaccines
that they did not receive as a child,
including varicella
(chicken pox), Hepatitis B,
Hepatitis A, and MMR
(measles, mumps,
rubella). Those in
high-risk groups,
including kids
with cancer,
asthma or
diabetes, might
also need a
pneumococcal
vaccine.
spirit | fall.winter 2010 19

Dandies!
Apple
Delicious recipes that make use of autumn’s bounty.
Apple Pie
2 prepared piecrusts
6-7 cups sliced apples
¾ cup sugar
1 tablespoon flour
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1½ tablespoons butter
Preheat oven to 350°. Fill prepared crust with
apple slices. Add dry ingredients on top of
apples. Dot with butter. Add top crust and cut
slits in it before baking. Bake until pie is
bubbling in the center. Swirl on some simple
powdered sugar frosting for accent.
This recipe comes from Sister Suzanne Stahl, SMP.
The Maryvale kitchen makes hundreds of these a year—we
have a bountiful apple crop and the spirituality groups that
come for retreats often request this delicious pie.
Fresh Apple Loaf
1 cup sugar
½ cup soft shortening
2 eggs
3 cups sifted flour
1½ teaspoons baking power
1 teaspoon baking soda
1½ teaspoons salt
½ cup chopped nuts
3 cups coarsely grated peeled apples
Preheat oven to 350°. Cream together sugar,
shortening and eggs until fluffy. Sift flour, and
add baking powder, baking soda and salt. Mix
together and then add to creamed mixture,
along with apples and nuts. Stir to make very
stiff batter. Turn into a greased and floured loaf
pan and bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until done.
This recipe comes from Leona Picard, mother of
Sister Anne Germaine Picard, SMP
20 fall.winter 2010 | spirit

Apple Fritters
1 cup flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon salt
1 egg
½ cup milk
3 Apples
Powdered sugar
Combine dry ingredients together. Add
well-beaten egg and milk; stir until batter is
smooth. Peel and core apples and slice rather
thin, the dip in batter. Fry fritters in hot oil on
both sides until golden brown. Sprinkle with
sugar and serve hot.
Sisters of Mary of the Presentation Cookbook
Apple Crisp
6 large apples
¼ to ½ cup sugar
Cinnamon
Nutmeg
Water
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup flour
½ cup butter
Preheat oven to 325°. Place sliced apples in
8 x 8 baking dish. Sprinkle with sugar, cinnamon,
nutmeg and water. Mix brown sugar, flour and
butter; crumble and spread mixture over the
apples. Bake for one hour.
Sisters of Mary of the Presentation Cookbook
spirit | spring.summer 2010 21

Rockin’Good
Memories
Above: John Fidler of Hopewell.

Radio personality Tim “The Rock ‘n’ Roll
Wizzard” Moritz takes listeners back in time as
he spins his collection of oldies but goodies.
The Wizzard’s accessibility is part of his appeal. He’s on a
first-name basis with many of the callers who phone in their requests
each week. Tim recalls meeting a personal hero, Chicago radio
personality Dick Biondi, who helped influence his musical and career
tastes. “He’s an icon, a god. I grew up listening to him. He sounds
On Saturday nights, the melodious tones of Tim Moritz’s voice fill
like he would be so much fun, and when you meet him, he’s a nice,
local airwaves, as he introduces rock ‘n’ roll favorites from the past.
normal guy. I hope that’s how people see me.”
On his weekly radio program, “The Wizzard’s Juke Joint,” he
He enjoys meeting his fans at live appearances, and some have even
connects listeners with memories through music, something he’s
become good friends. Some listeners are surprised to find that The
been doing for 26 years.
Wizzard is a slender 56-year-old businessman. (He owns a
Along the way, he’s earned many devoted fans,
“It’s strange to laundry and dry-cleaning business, Sparkle Cleaners, in
including callers who regularly phone in requests from
say that I make Oglesby.) “I had one couple tell me they expected me to
Tim’s vast collection of tunes. When a LaSalle-Peru
a difference in be a cigar-smoking 250-pounder, just from the voice,” says
radio station cancelled his program in 2005 due to a
people’s lives Tim, who bikes and swims to stay fit.
format change, listeners protested and eagerly tuned in
by playing Sometimes, when Tim meets people off-air, they sense
again when The Wizzard—true to his moniker—
rock ‘n’ roll,” something familiar, yet can’t quite place it. “At first it’s a
magically reappeared on station 106.1 FM WYYS (out
-Tim Moritz mystery, and they’re puzzled and wonder, ‘Do I know
of Streator but broadcasting from Peru).
you?’ They never think to close their eyes and listen!”
Listeners have come to expect Tim’s formula: songs
Despite such hiccups as format shifts or changes in ownership that
from off the beaten playlist, quips, and rock trivia, contained within
kept him station-hopping, Tim continues reaching out to listeners in
four hours of a program that can be enjoyed by toddlers, their
the Illinois Valley and beyond, from Rochelle and Geneseo to
grandmothers and everybody in between. The show airs from 7 to 11
Ellwood and Manhattan (Ill.). His program is even piped in as
p.m. each Saturday night, except for during the month of December,
pre-show entertainment at the Route 34 Drive-in outdoor movie
when the station switches to an all-Christmas format.
theater near Earlville.
“We’re live and we’re local. When people call, they get me. We’re
Tim’s son, Keith, sometimes subs for his dad, and sounds eerily
not like some of the nationwide shows where you can call in but
similar. “He used to explain to people who he was when they called
they’ll never do the requests,” says Tim.
expecting me, but he gave up,” says Tim. Growing up, Keith and his
Left: Tim’s jukebox
Below: Tim in his home studio
spirit | fall.winter 2010 23

sister, Megan, were weaned on their dad’s musical tastes and
occasionally accompanied him to work at various radio stations.
Tim earned a college degree in mass communications and, early
on, did a stint as a radio disc jockey. However, the practicality of
making a living intervened. After Tim married, he moved to his
wife’s hometown and bought his father-in-law’s business.
Then came an invitation to set up an oldies program at a local
radio station. For a definitive on-air identity, he adopted the double-z
spelling of Roy Wood’s band Wizzard and borrowed the phrase “Juke
Joint” from an album by The Band. That started his radio career.
Tim draws his playlist from an archive of some 20,000 albums he
has amassed over the years. He collects and plays the kind of music
he listened to growing up in the Chicago area. The tunes cover three
decades, from the 1950s to the early 1970s. “My cutoff is 1972,”
says Tim, who draws the line at disco. His promotional tagline says it
best: “I play not necessarily the biggest and greatest hits, but the
best memories.”
He works hard to make sure he doesn’t overplay and over-repeat,
and credits his wife, Sherry, with lending an ear and a word of advice
now and again. Yes, that would be “Sherry from LaSalle” whose
dedications (most created by her husband) pop up on the
show periodically.
“The tunes are quick and melodic, and most are fun,” he says, by
way of explaining the popularity of the music and his show. “I play
everything from Led Zeppelin to Johnny Mathis because that’s what
it was then. There were more stations and more experimentation.”
While he says he can’t pick a favorite tune, he admires one artist,
Sam Cooke, above all. “He had a great voice. This is the man who
invented soul, from which rock ‘n’ roll stems. He could sing gritty
songs, ballads and up-tempo, too.”
During his programs, Tim, who has an amazing knack for recalling
trivia, doles out information about the performers, the songs or the
era. Callers love to play “Stump The Wizzard” but rarely succeed.
The questions don’t stop once he goes off-air, and he prides himself
on delivering answers “faster than Google!”
While he may seem to be all about the music, Tim finds his work
fulfilling in more ways than one. While he concedes, “It’s strange to
say that I make a difference in people’s lives by playing rock ‘n’ roll,”
he is reminded of his impact when he receives letters from listeners,
like the one who wrote in to say Tim’s program provided a welcome
distraction while his wife was battling pancreatic cancer.
Proud as he is of his long on-air run, Tim remains modest about
his popularity. “It’s humbling to do what I do, and I’m grateful to do
it,” he says.
Below: Tim in his home studio with display of memorabilia
24 fall.winter 2010 | spirit

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spirit | fall.winter 2010 25

Winging It
Remote-control flyers take their
hobby indoors for the winter.
A cluster of helicopters
swarms across the Lostant School gym.
Deceptively delicate-looking and insect-like in their wiry
construction, they dip and rise on their remote operators’ whims.
Dwarfing the tiny copters and heedless of their presence, a plane
pirouettes and somersaults just under the rafters before skimming
slightly above the gym floor. Its aerobatics draw speculative or
admiring glances, even from flyers intent on their own aircraft.
This isn’t a film set for the latest action flick—Lostant School has
been invaded by remote-control (RC) flyers. About
Peru or the model flying
field at Matthiessen State Park.
The indoor fly-in is the brainchild of Brian Burcar, of Lostant, an
RC enthusiast for 30 years and operator of Dynamic Balsa hobby
shop in Leonore. Because winter weather typically keeps Illinois
flyers grounded, Brian thought an indoor venue would allow them
to enjoy their hobby year round. Cooperation by
20 of them gather every Monday night from
November through March to gaze upward, doctor
broken parts, tinker with battery connections, and
discuss the newest model or the latest spectacular crash.
No pilot’s license is needed at this indoor airport,
but you do need an AMA (Academy of Model
“Flying takes your
mind off things,
and it’s a great way
to pass the time.”
- Lowell Beenenga
school officials opened the gym, and, Brian says, flyers
contribute a donation that goes toward school programs.
Brian, whose wife is a caterer, often supplies leftover
delicacies and coffee to the ground crews, as well as
advice, trade gossip and, sometimes, spare parts.
For indoor flyers, dodging basketball nets and
Aeronautics) card showing you’ve got the required liability insurance.
Aircraft range from micro-helicopters barely a foot long to model
planes with a 30-inch wingspan, all powered by tiny electric motors.
Models must weigh less than two pounds, and all are radiocontrolled
by an operator who directs their courses and altitudes
with a flick of a thumb on a handheld joystick. These models are
about one third the size of those that some of the operators fly
escaping encounters with brick walls becomes second nature, but
there is something they don’t have to worry about: “There’s no
wind—weather is not a factor,” observes Brian.
Flyers do have to make some allowances for the indoors—space
limitations dictate that aircraft must be small and fairly slow. Smaller
planes mean more of them flying at the same time, providing flyers
and spectators alike more to look at.
outdoors, at the Illinois Valley Radio Control flying field north of
26 fall.winter 2010 | spirit

Brian Burcar holds his model airplane
Brian, who started out building plastic planes as a young boy,
graduated to gas-powered models when he grew up, after receiving
one as a Christmas gift from his wife. Now, his model squadron
numbers in the double digits. “Flying can be really relaxing, though
some moments can get pretty tense,” he concedes.
One of those tense moments came during a radio failure when he
lost command of his aircraft and watched it spin and crash. Because
crashing is par for the course, Brian says, experienced flyers bring
repair kits of glue, extra batteries and extra propellers just in case.
The gathering is informal: “just a group of
people that love flying and getting
together to share that
common
Other flyers trace their aviation history to military service or
achieving a real-life pilot’s license. Bryan Hartman, of Peru, who
received his first RC model as a boy, now repairs full-sized planes and
copters as a mechanic at Illinois Valley Regional Airport.
He’s passing the tradition on to his young sons, Colin, 10, and
Ryan, 6, who enjoy coming to the Monday night fly-ins with their
dad and their granddads, Tom Hartman, of Peru, and Lowell
Beenenga, of Tonica.
Colin fancies himself a flying ace, and dreams of joining the Blue
Angels, while Ryan wants to become a Thunderbird (precision flying
teams from the U.S. Navy and Air Force, respectively).
Tom, who flies his gas-powered model at least once a week in
season, says a gift from his son introduced him to the world of
indoor flight. His interest in the hobby dates back to boyhood.
“Even when I was a little kid, I was infatuated with
flying and models. I really like the World
War II-era planes.”
interest and
camaraderie,” says Mark Fitzgerald,
of Tonica, who has racked up many air miles both indoors
and out.
Though many started in the hobby as children assembling
manufactured models, some have taken it a step further as adults,
designing their own aircraft and sending them up in the gym for
test-flights. “Creating a model plane that flies well takes a lot of
thought and experimentation,” says Mark. “You have to deal with
most of the same parameters that full-sized designers deal with, but,
when you get all the factors correct and the plane flies well the first
time, it is a real feeling of accomplishment!”
Mark points out that many of the flyers have some connection to
aviation. His father and four uncles all took flight lessons, flying solo
in the same aircraft on the same day with the same instructor. One
uncle went on to own the Mendota airport for many years, and
Mark recalls spending many happy times there.
Besides flying, the
retired millwright likes building and tinkering
with his own models. “It’s a great hobby; I’m never bored,” he says.
He enjoys having fun with grandsons Colin and Ryan and appreciates
that the activity also provides the boys with a learning experience.
Lowell, who also cherishes pursuing a shared interest with his
grandsons, calls the fly-in evenings “a together thing.” He’s found
that the hobby allows the imagination to soar, along with the aircraft.
“Flying takes your mind off things, and it’s a great way to pass the time.”
Spectators or those interested in getting started in
the hobby are always welcome to attend the flying
sessions. The flying schedule can be found at
www.dbalsa.com.
spirit | fall.winter 2010 27

something to
Talk About
St. Margaret’s “Girl Talk” and “Boys Will
Be Boys” programs help parents and kids
prepare for the changes of adolescence.
Helping children navigate the choppy waters of adolescence can be
a challenge for parents. And in today’s world, there are ever-increasing
distractions that compete for your child’s attention. Even if you can
find ways to make meaningful connections, there may be some
topics that you find embarrassing or difficult to discuss. However, if
you delay or avoid talking to your children about adolescent and teen
issues, they might learn incorrect information from their peers. To
help open the lines of communication, St. Margaret’s Health has
developed programs that educate parents and tweens about what to
expect during puberty.
In 2005, St. Margaret’s launched “Girl Talk,” a free annual
program aimed at girls between 9-12 years old and their
mothers/guardians. The positive feedback after that first session led
to the creation of a similar program for boys and their dads, “Boys
Will Be Boys,” which launched the following spring. Both programs
continue to be popular.
The “Girl Talk” evening starts out with a quick photo session as
each girl has a snapshot taken with her mom or guardian. Next, they
stroll through the halls and gather information on topics such as peer
issues, beauty habits, healthy lifestyles, and more from local vendors
that offer age-appropriate materials and services. This relaxing “girls
night out” approach helps the girls get comfortable.
The attendees then enjoy a light supper as they settle into the
discussion section of the program. Two female St. Margaret’s
OB/GYNs, Dr. Jennifer Maschmann and Dr. Norah Orteza, St.
Margaret’s dietitian Marilyn Csernus, MS, RD, CDE, and social
worker Stacy Bland, LCSW, make up a panel of experts that present
information to the girls in an age-appropriate manner. The program
includes information about nutrition and dieting, skin care, physical
and emotional changes, and what to expect during puberty.
The girls receive booklets that offer additional information on
related subjects, as well as a free cosmetic bag loaded with fun
giveaways, feminine hygiene products and other personal care items.
The moms also leave with a cosmetic bag containing their own
giveaways. The evening concludes with a question-and-answer
session, and everyone leaves with a special souvenir—the
mother/daughter portraits, which have been printed and framed
during the program.
Program evaluations indicate that both moms and daughters found
the evening enjoyable and valuable. One mother commented, “This
was a great opportunity to bond with my daughter. It was nice to
hear the same information my daughter was hearing at the same time
28 fall.winter 2010 | spirit

so we could talk about the issues together.”
One of the girls who attended wrote, “It was a chance to
bond with my mom. The program answered some of my questions
and it was helpful to learn about what I am going through.”
The “Boys Will Be Boys” program mirrors “Girl Talk” in that it
allows boys and their dads to hear information on similar issues
related to pubescence. Last year, the discussion panel consisted of
St. Margaret’s physician Dr. Jeffrey Tanzi, physical
therapist Lanny Slevin, social worker Stacy Bland,
and dietician Marilyn Csernus.
One difference between the programs is
that there is a separate presentation for
the boys’ mothers, if they are interested.
That setup allows only the boys and
their fathers to be in the room with the
male speakers as the most-sensitive
information is discussed. At the same
time, the mothers are hearing the
presentation from the female social worker
and dietician. After question-and-answer
time, the speakers switch rooms and present
their topics all over again to the different groups.
These measures are taken to ensure the boys feel comfortable
asking questions in an open environment. The boys also leave their
evening with giveaways, informational material, and products and
information from vendors.
It can be difficult enough to talk about the physical changes of
young adulthood, but, sometimes, it’s the emotional changes that
parents feel least equipped to deal with. They may not have the
answers their children need because every person experiences
“growing up” differently. Listening to a social worker describe and
explain things helps the kids understand everything they are feeling
is normal.
The children, and
parents, also learn how the lifestyle choices they make from here on
out concerning nutrition and exercise can greatly affect their adult
lives. Dietician Marilyn Csernus, who presents at both the girl- and
boy-themed evenings, says, “Hopefully, both the kids and their
parents leave the program having identified some simple
changes they can make each day that can lead to a
healthier lifestyle.”
Everyone involved with these programs, from
the speakers to the vendors and staff, donates
their time for this evening, which allows
St. Margaret’s to provide these programs free
of charge. St. Margaret’s sees the importance
of meeting the needs of our community and
we are always looking at different programs
and opportunities to better serve those in need
of help. Through just these two events, we have
provided almost 300 boys and girls and their parents
correct information and assistance.
As both a past speaker and an attendee, St. Margaret’s physician
Dr. Bob Morrow reflects, “This is a great talk to use as a catalyst for
communication between parents and their kids. By bringing up these
sensitive topics, it gives these kids an opportunity to ask questions in
a nonconfrontational and nonintimidating environment.”
For more information on these or other St. Margaret’s
events, please call 815-664-1440.
spirit | fall.winter 2010 29

Local
A welcoming atmosphere and
mouthwatering favorites, including
tenderloins and wings, keep folks
coming back to Smitty’s Bar & Grill.
Top: Randy Schmitt, owner of Smitty’s Bar & Grill

Just how big is a pork tenderloin from Smitty’s Bar & Grill?
“About as big as a hubcap,” says owner Randy Schmitt, of his
Leonore restaurant’s signature dish.
He’s not exaggerating by much. The made-from-scratch breaded
pork delicacy is massive, overflowing the skillet serving plate. And it’s
probably one of the most-photographed menu items anywhere:
camera flashes pop like fireworks as diners capture digital images to
show to disbelieving friends.
In a week, Smitty’s turns out perhaps 250 to 300 tenderloins—
that’s more than twice the population of the village that Randy quips
is “in the middle of everywhere.”
There hasn’t always been a Smitty’s tenderloin, but there’s nearly
always been a Smitty’s. Randy’s relations have operated taverns in
Leonore since 1933. The pavilion across the street from the bar and
grill where an overflow crowd gathers on warm summer nights was
erected on the site of his grandfather Leon’s establishment.
Randy, who grew up with his sisters and brother in Streator,
remembers visiting Leonore as a child and sipping a delicious orange
pop at the old Smitty’s. Before he died, his grandfather visited the
new Smitty’s—and offered his approval, says Randy.
Randy never expected his quest to make a bigger and better
tenderloin would put his establishment—and the village of
Leonore—on the map. “The tenderloins I bought were getting
smaller and smaller, so I thought I’d try to make my own,”
he explains.
Once added to the menu, the tenderloins put Smitty’s in the
spotlight. Like tavern-fried chicken, pork tenderloins are a local
Midwestern delicacy that other regions of the country don’t offer.
Randy recalls coming across “two long-haired motorcycle-riding
dudes” while he was visiting Key Largo, Florida. “They saw me and
shouted, ‘I know you!’” Nervously, Randy searched for a means of
escape, but the next comment made him relax: “‘You have that place
in Leonore with the big tenderloin,’ they said. Imagine being that far
from home and being recognized!”
Folks coming through Leonore have to stop at Smitty’s. Literally—
it’s at the corner of Gary and Walnut streets, and a three-way stop
sign ensures traffic pauses at the intersection.
The village was once famous for a notorious 1935 bank robbery,
but now is better known as a bustling home to several young families
and a surprising number of small businesses.
Mareta’s, the pasta-maker whose labels are seen on grocery shelves,
is Smitty’s neighbor and supplies the ravioli served at the bar and
grill. “How many places can you walk next door to pick up fresh ravs
and sauce?” says Randy of his lucky location.
Randy has operated the business since 1988, when he bought the
building from Emmett Schmitt (a distant relative). At the time, Randy
was a route sales driver for a snack company, and he continued with
that job for a while when getting his bar and grill started.
Some people thought he was nuts, giving up a solid career to run a
bar—in Leonore, of all places. Admittedly, he says, before he started
fixing up the building, it might not have appeared a promising
enterprise at all.
Now, the walls display Randy’s framed sports card collection and
honey-rich wood tables invite a drink, a conversation, a meal or a
game of euchre. “It took a lot of hard work and a little luck,” recalls
Randy. “You can’t just open a door in Leonore and expect to get
a crowd.”
Though the village is small, the bar and grill draws customers from
Ottawa, LaSalle, Streator, Wenona, Lostant and points beyond. It’s
also a regular stop for motorcyclists from metropolitan areas, lured by
poker runs and other competitions requiring riders to get their
guidebooks stamped at certain locations to earn prizes. Once they’ve
found Smitty’s, they often return.
Clean surroundings and good food for a reasonable price have
brought steady growth over the years, says Randy. While the pork
tenderloin is off the charts, Smitty’s is not a one-hit wonder.
Customers also enjoy steaks, tacos and Friday fish frys, as well as
Randy’s broasted chicken wings, which are available in several flavors,
ranging from mild and butter garlic to barbecue and hot.
On “Wing Night” Tuesdays and Thursdays, when some 8,000
wings fly out of the broasters, the pavilion overflows and the bar is
packed. Some nights, customers munch away to live music. During
the day, parents sometimes relax at the pavilion while their
youngsters play in the village park across the street. It’s part of the
charm of being in a small town, Randy says.
Another advantage to small-town living is being able to call on
your siblings to cook (as a sister and sister-in-law do regularly) or
cater (a brother helps on days when Smitty’s takes its wings on the
road to the Exelon nuclear power plant).
A Smitty’s has been a centerpiece of Leonore’s social life for
decades. For generations, card-players have gathered in the various
incarnations of the establishment to enjoy games and catch up on
community news. Even today, a group of regulars gathers at Smitty’s
to play cards several times a week, among them retired farmers and
truck drivers. “It’s a good, friendly place,” says one, an observation
that indicates it’s more than the enormous tenderloin sandwich that’s
responsible for Randy’s success.
spirit | fall.winter 2010 31

miracles
Happen
A Peru girl’s remarkable recovery from
a rare health problem is aided by
family, faith and community support.
As 2010 dawned, Haleigh Golgin was a happy, healthy 13-year-old
girl who enjoyed swimming, playing softball and hanging out with
friends. But on January 5, the Peru girl’s world turned upside down
when what had initially appeared to be a bout with the flu turned
into a harrowing 142 days of hospitalization during which her heart
stopped beating—twice—and her survival seemed, at times, unlikely.
But Haleigh made what doctors and her family members consider
a miraculous recovery, and she was able to return home in May, just
in time to attend her eighth-grade graduation and celebrate her
fourteenth birthday. Along the way, family, friends, and the
community have come together to support her and encourage
her recovery.
Haleigh’s ordeal began when she passed out at home and was
transported by ambulance to the hospital. Upon arrival, she had
stopped breathing, so she was placed on a respirator. Shortly after
that, she went into cardiac arrest. The ER doctors and emergency
room staff were able to resuscitate her and she was then
LifeFlighted to the Children’s Hospital of Illinois in Peoria.
As the helicopter touched down, Haleigh’s heart stopped once
again. Dr. Rahul Chawla, the Pediatric Intensivist on call, met her in
the ER, and, without hesitation, called Dr. Randall Fortuna, a
Pediatric Cardiovascular Surgeon, who just happened to be at the
hospital. Together the two doctors placed Haleigh onto a heart-lung
bypass machine, which would allow her heart and lungs to heal while
doctors worked to uncover the cause of her illness.
After Haleigh had spent days in the hospital with little to no
improvement, doctors discovered that her small intestine had twisted,
causing septic shock to spread throughout her body. She immediately
had surgery, right in her ICU bed, to remove half of her small
intestine. Multiple surgeries followed, performed by Dr. Rick Pearl
and Dr. Ravi Vegunta to save the portion of intestine that had
survived. Without these two surgeons, Haleigh’s chance of recovery
or even survival would have been slim.
Eric and Nicole Slover, Haleigh’s parents, stayed at their
unconscious daughter’s bedside day and night, praying that she
would recover. Eric, who is the nighttime nursing supervisor at St.
Margaret’s Hospital, found himself in a dual role—that of anguished
parent and medical professional. Though his medical knowledge
allowed him to explain things to Nicole and the rest of the family
and to be alert to subtle changes in Haleigh’s condition, the
emotional strain sometimes took its toll.
“I broke down countless times crying and feeling helpless watching
Haleigh lay there,” says Eric, who found strength in family and solace
in prayer, often visiting the hospital chapel. “I never had a thought in
my mind that she wouldn’t get better … staying positive and keeping
my faith in God kept me going.”
During this time, the couple relied on family and friends more
than ever, especially during the first two months when Eric and
Nicole moved in with a family friend in Peoria, which shortened
their daily commute to the hospital. Their other two children, Alek
and Mya, stayed with family members, and other relatives, including
siblings and aunts, took turns caring for the family’s home and pets.
Though Eric’s job at St. Margaret’s took a backseat at this difficult
time, he had plenty of support from his coworkers during the three
months he was off work. “They were very gracious in giving me the
time off. My coworkers pretty much rallied around (me) and covered
all my hours,” says Eric, who was also able to use his sick time and
vacation time to help cover his lost wages.
32 fall.winter 2010 | spirit

Not only did Eric’s coworkers help cover his shifts, but many also
dropped off monetary donations to assist Eric and his family. St.
Margaret’s also held a “Denim Day” for Haleigh, on which hospital
staff could wear jeans on a Friday in exchange for a small donation.
This raised more than $1,736 for the family. In addition, the hospital
had a voluntary PTO (paid time off) sellback in which workers
could “cash in” vacation hours, with the money going to help the
family with expenses. Eric, who has worked at St. Margaret’s for nine
years, was humbled by the support. “It helped us stay down in
Peoria. Financially, it put less of a strain on us,” he says.
The larger community supported them as well, from local churches
to schools. At Haleigh’s school, Parkside, students, teachers and staff
held a “Spirit Day,” on which students showed their support by
dressing up and wearing colorful “peace signs.” They sold peace
buttons, organized a bake sale, and collected change.
Haleigh remembers little of her ordeal, which included three-anda-half
months in the ICU, but as soon as she regained consciousness,
she was aware of her parents’ presence and believes that having her
family by her side made a huge difference in her recovery.
She was discharged from Children’s Hospital on May 28 and
arrived home to find her yard filled with jubilant friends and family.
She returned home just in time for her graduation on June 2 and her
birthday on June 3. One of Haleigh’s wishes was to attend her
graduation in style, by way of a limousine. One of her doctors,
Dr. Bob Morrow, of St. Margaret’s, and St. Margaret’s Hospital,
surprised her by making her dream a reality.
Currently, Haleigh receives physical and occupational therapy three
days a week, and will work with a tutor until she has enough
strength to take on a full day of high school. She is currently
studying the same topics as her classmates, so she remains caught up
with her education.
One lingering complication of her illness is a lung condition
caused by her lengthy time on the ventilator and heart-lung bypass
machine. Because of this, she will always be susceptible to
pneumonia and other lung problems.
In addition to anticipating starting high school, Haleigh also looks
forward to being featured in next year’s Children’s Hospital calendar.
One of 12 children chosen for the honor, she will represent the
month of June. She was also recently accepted as a candidate from
the Make-a-Wish Foundation and is awaiting the acceptance of her
“wish,” which is a vacation to either Hawaii or Walt Disney World.
Though Haleigh dreams of someday returning to the softball field,
she finds joy in the small accomplishments of everyday life, saying,
“Life is too short, so I don’t take anything for granted anymore.”
Peace for Haleigh
During Haleigh’s hospital stay, she had 30
to 40 doctors, surgeons, and medical staff
taking care of her, plus the many nurses,
therapists, and technicians who also were in
charge of her care, and, to this day, still care
for her. All this care has a price—thus far, the
family has incurred more than 3 million
dollars in medical bills.
Top: Haleigh in her benefit shirt
Middle: Haleigh with Mom, Dad and sister Mya
Bottom: Hospitalization
To help the family, friends have organized a
“Peace for Haleigh” benefit on Saturday,
October 23, at the Knights of Columbus in
LaSalle. The benefit will be from 5:00-10:30
p.m., with food, raffles, cash bar and
entertainment by Road Angel at 8:00 p.m.
Tickets are $ 20 and T-shirts promoting the
event are $ 15; both can be purchased by
calling 815-343- 7619.
spirit | fall.winter 2010 33

Apples?
how ‘bout them
34 fall.winter 2010 | spirit

A pair of sisters finds a sweet partnership
in running Cunningham’s Candies.
on Minonk’s main street, creating a small retail storefront, a candy
factory in back, and a playroom for their young children, who, at
first, accompanied their moms to work.
Some treats have a fleeting season, making them all the more That arrangement soon proved to be troublesome—as Christie
irresistible. That may explain why, every autumn, folks throughout explains, “They escaped daily.” The kids were sent to babysitters, and
the Illinois Valley can’t wait for the arrival of Cunningham’s
the room itself was given over to candy making.
caramel apples.
Initially, the sisters struggled to find balance as businesswomen and
Sisters Christie Ruestman and Cindy Meyer have been making moms, to nurture both an enterprise and their children. “We didn’t
these gooey delights and other tempting treats for the past 17 years as want to fail, but we still wanted to help with homework,” says Cindy.
owners and operators of Cunningham’s Candies in Minonk. Tens of “We juggled being moms, running a business and making our
thousands of caramel apples, chocolate bunnies and assorted treats business grow. We put in long hours,” remembers Christie. It helped
later, they’re still enjoying the sweet rewards of successfully mixing that the Cunninghams had agreed to stay on for two years to teach
motherhood, sisterhood and business.
Cindy and Christie the ropes of making candy and
“All you need is
Born 15 months apart to Tom and P.J. Ketchman,
running a business.
love. But a little
the pair landed between an older sister and a younger
“I never realized how many steps go into making the
chocolate now and
brother, and has always been close. As business
end product,” says Cindy, explaining that, for instance, it
then doesn’t hurt.”
partners, they are a good mix. As Christie
can take up to 25 hours just to make a batch of caramel.
- Charles M. Schultz
summarizes, they “are able to see each other’s
And that’s before adding any apple or chocolate.
strengths and weaknesses, and what she lacks,
Those caramel apples are among Cunningham’s top
I pick up.”
sellers. They are sold at area retail outlets, including the St. Margaret’s
In 1993, Cindy was a school secretary and Christie was home Hospital cafeteria, and other locations from Bloomington to Rockford,
raising her children when they learned that a local candy-making as well as at their own storefront. And high school football fans
couple had decided to retire. Duane and Ivanelle Cunningham had within a 60-mile radius can’t enjoy a game without a caramel apple
run the business since 1976, after purchasing it from Tom and Nick in hand. The company delivers between 150-180 apples to local
Paloumpis, who made candy for five decades and operated the schools for their home games each week.
Princess Sweet Shop. One of the sisters’ husbands suggested they When Christie arrives at a shop or school with the display stands
carry on the tradition.
and containers of juicy caramel apples, she’s met with squeals of
Though the Cunninghams had worked out of their home kitchen, delight. “If I’m having a rough day, I go out and deliver (caramel)
neither of the sisters’ kitchens could handle the operation. So the apples. It’s the best pick-me-up,” she says.
Meyers and the Ruestmans set up shop in the J.J. Hindert building
spirit | fall.winter 2010 35

During the autumn
months, Cunningham’s
delectable apples can be
purchased and savored
in the St. Margaret’s
Hospital cafeteria.
Their Christmas and
Easter candies are
sold through the
St. Margaret’s Hospital
Gift Shop.
Top: Packaged caramel apples
Bottom: Storefront
As soon as apple season concludes in
November, the factory gears up for boxed
candies popular at Christmas, Valentine’s Day
and Easter. Chocolate lovers can indulge in
confections such as caramel and pecan
“snappers” and “whips,” which are chocolatecovered
caramels on a stick. Easter showcases the
eagerly awaited chocolate bunnies, lollipops and
filled Easter eggs.
The factory, which employs 11 people to
make and deliver the products, remains
kid-friendly. Because, like the sisters, so many
workers are moms, the factory is usually closed
when school is not in session. During the school
year, kids often stop by after the final bell. “We
take a 3 p.m. break, and you’ll see us at the curb
or in the break room, just moms catching up
with their kids about their school days,”
says Christie.
Along the way, the sisters have learned to
deftly blend work and mothering. Their delivery
vehicles hold tons of caramel apples but easily
can be converted for carpooling, and their
schedules are flexible enough that they can dash
off to attend a school or sporting event, though
they may arrive with a smear of chocolate or a
glob of caramel on their shoes or clothing.
Because their family did not customarily give
candy as gifts, the sisters underestimated its
popularity and have been pleased to find that
even an economic recession can’t sour a sweet
tooth. As Christie observes, “Everybody
loves candy.”
Three years ago, the sisters helped secure a
future for a century-old Bloomington candy
tradition. When the owners of Boylan’s Candies
announced their retirement, Christie and Cindy
decided to purchase equipment from the business,
but they ended up purchasing the whole
business instead, moving production to Minonk.
The sisters know that, while keeping a sweet
tradition going is satisfying, having the support
of family is even more important. Parents,
children, siblings and husbands, as well as an
extended family of customers and friends, have
helped them achieve a successful balance over
the past 17 years. “There’s always a way. You just
have to figure it out,” says Cindy.
Amid the business décor in the factory break
room is a poster of the famous “I Love Lucy”
episode pitting Lucy and Ethel against the candy
conveyor. Cunningham’s production
atmosphere is not so chaotic, but does share
something with the Lucy episode.
“We laugh a lot,” say the sisters, noting that,
while early mishaps caused a panic, they’re now
more likely to roll with the punches. “Nobody’s
going to die if they don’t get an apple. We’ve
lived and learned.”
To learn more, visit:
www.cunninghamscandies.com.
Left to right: Teri White, Julie Schmitt, Cindy Meyer, Debbie DeMay, Ann McMullen,
and Christie Ruestman
Staff not pictured: Barb Hahn, Amy Faulk, Jen Lindsay, Lisa Junker, Kayeli Garber
David Dunham, Marge Dunham, Julie Meyer and P.J. Ketchmark
36 fall.winter 2010 | spirit

Wrapped
Ottawa
entrepreneur
touches hearts
with cozy
blankets that
serve as both
keepsakes
and comfort
objects.
in love
Barb Mann would love to blanket the world with hope, love and
security—and she’s going about it one newborn baby at a time.
For the past 26 years, Barb’s fleece “My Blankie” blankets have
snugly wrapped babies from across the United States and overseas,
including infants as far away as Australia, England, France, Japan and
New Zealand. A grandchild of Chicago Mayor Richard Daley has one
and least one large family has been supplied with a dozen My Blankies.
Though they come in just three different colors—soft pink, baby
blue and cloud white—no two blankets are alike because the silky
nylon binding is stitched with personalized birth details. Stitched in
the thread color of choice, the birth story also includes names of
parents, grandparents, siblings, pets and other loved ones. As a
touching remembrance, they often include relatives who have passed
away, referring to them as the child’s “guardian angels.” Each
personalized 33- by 46-inch My Blankie is hand-sewn and bears the
“Mann Made” designation. They come swaddled in a flannel bag
with ribbon handles. Mini My Blankies are also available, and the
company recently introduced a mid-sized blanket called the Tweenie.
Barb, a mother of four, stumbled on the concept as a practical
means of repairing a loose binding on a store-bought blanket. As a
sewing machine demonstrator in her mother’s shop, she had become
adept at needlecraft and custom sewing. When sewing machines
began to offer embroidery and lettering options, she was intrigued.
“As sewing machine technology advanced, I wanted to find ways
to use the techniques. When they could start printing letters, I
thought that would be useful,” she recalls.
Her first sample blanket repeated the phrase “Sweet Dreams”
around the perimeter, followed for good measure by names of all the
children in her immediate and extended family. Today, in addition to
their personal information, her customers can choose to add that or
one of 10 other repeating phrases to their blanket border. Some
customers choose to add special quotes or references to a favorite
sports team.
When Barb began sewing blankets, her oldest child was 7, her
second child was 3, and she was expecting her third child. (A fourth
child would come along a few years later.) Orders swamped the
young mother, who spent late nights at her sewing machine.
Top: Barb Mann
spirit | fall.winter 2010 37

She was quickly torn between the stress of running a business and
the press of motherhood. “My son Patrick was particularly active one
night when I was on the phone taking orders, and I asked him to be
quiet while I was on the phone. He told me I was always on the phone.
Talk about guilt,” says Barb of those early days. But, she notes,
Patrick later helped put himself through college sewing My Blankies.
For a time, Barb marketed the blankets through a specialty
children’s store in Ottawa, but she eventually developed her own
marketing campaign and a web site. Word of mouth recommendations
helped boost her business. “People started telling their friends in
Peru and Marseilles, and taking them to baby showers outside the
area, and their friends started seeing them,” says Barb.
What began as a hobby has shifted to a sewing
shop on Court Street in Ottawa, and the number of
customers has grown steadily. In the early days of the
business, Barb had felt a bit nervous at placing an
order for four dozen of the American-made blankets,
but today, she orders them by the truckload.
Barb had long dreamed of touching people’s lives.
She recalls being inspired by the 1968 romantic
drama Sweet November (remade in 2001), in which a man is
transformed by the love of a dying woman. After she saw the movie,
she remembers thinking, “I hope I can make a difference. Fame and
fortune aren’t going to happen, but I’d like to do something that
people will remember.”
For the children who have grown attached to her wares, dragging
them everywhere like Charlie Brown’s best friend, Linus, Barb has
made a difference. And she’d much rather see the blankets tattered
and torn than tucked into a keepsake box. “It’s something the
kids love,” she says. “Some are so
loved and so shabby, they become
real…like the Velveteen Rabbit.”
Some children become so
attached to their blanket that its
loss is traumatic. In one case, a
5-year-old boy lost his My Blankie
on a train en route to a St. Louis
Cardinals baseball game. His father
rode the entire route again to try to
“Some are so loved
and so shabby,
they become
real…like the
Velveteen Rabbit.”
- Barb Mann
find it, but it was gone. His parents ordered another one and stopped
to pick it up as they passed through Ottawa on the way to Chicago.
Barb recalls his delight at the replacement: “When the little boy got
out of the car, he shouted, ‘Do you have my Blankie?’”
It’s not just the young, but also the young at heart, who appreciate
the My Blankie. One young woman wrote a poem to be stitched into
the binding of a blanket for her boyfriend and a man whose wife had
been diagnosed with cancer had a My Blankie rimmed with her life
story. The woman, now a cancer survivor, continues to order My
Blankies for her friends.
When a baby arrives prematurely, Barb and her staff of Mann
Made mothers refuse to abandon hope. “If you want to give a
Blankie as a gift, don’t wait (to see if the child recovers).
These little people deserve to be recognized,” she insists.
Most preemies survive to enjoy their My Blankies,
but, in at least one case, a My Blankie provided solace
to a bereaved mother. “She held on to the blanket at the
funeral. It smelled like her baby, and it had her child’s
story on it,” says Barb.
Barb says her dream of making a difference has been
fulfilled. “Every day I hear, ‘It’s the best gift.’ ‘It’s awesome!’ What
could be more rewarding? Every child has a loving story, and you
never know, when someone calls with an order, what the next story is
going to be!”
Mann Made Designs is located at 606 Court Street
in Ottawa. To learn more about My Blankies, call
815-433-6060 or visit www.myblankie.com.
Left and center: Dolls wrapped in blankets at Barb’s store
Right: Blanket packaged for delivery
38 fall.winter 2010 | spirit

St. Margaret’s Hospital Events
SCREENINGS/CLINICS
Cholesterol Screenings
St. Margaret’s DeAngelo Resource Room (rooms 104/105 of hospital):
Second Wednesday of every month, 7-9 a.m.
Second Saturday in January, April, July and October, 7-9 a.m.
Pre-registration required. Please call 815-664-1613.
Free Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Screenings
(every month unless otherwise indicated)
• DePue Library, second Tuesday, 8:30-9:30 a.m.
• Hennepin Bank, first Thursday, 8:30-10 a.m.
• HyVee, second Monday, 9-10 a.m.
• Ladd Bank, first Wednesday, 10-11 a.m.
• Liberty Estates, second Thursday, 9-10 a.m.
• Oglesby Library, third Thursday, 10:30-11:30 a.m.
• Putnam County Senior Center, second Tuesday, 10-11:30 a.m.
• St. Margaret’s DeAngelo Resource Room, first Wednesday of odd months, 7-9 a.m.
• YMCA, fourth Tuesday, 8-10 a.m.
CLASSES
(All classes meet in St. Margaret’s First Floor Presentation Room, unless otherwise
noted.) To register for classes, call 815-664-1613.
Babysitting Clinic
Wednesday, December 29
$
20 fee, includes lunch
8 a.m.-1 p.m.
Diabetes Education Classes
Classes meet once a week for four weeks. Different topics will be covered each
week. Each participant receives a free glucometer. Classes will be held on
November 1, 8, 15, 22; January, February, March, and April dates TBD.
Week 1: Overview of Diabetes, Complications and Monitoring
Speaker: Pat Schummer, RN, MS, CDE
Week 2: Nutrition and Diet
Speaker: Marilyn Csernus, MS, RD, CDE
Week 3: Medications
Speaker: St. Margaret’s staff pharmacist
Stress Management
Speaker: Pat Schummer, RN, MS, CDE
Week 4: Exercise and Activity
Speaker: Candy Ference, ACSM Certified Exercise Specialist
Foot, Skin and Oral Care
Medication Review Program
Discuss all types of medication with St. Margaret’s Doctors of Pharmacy on the
fourth Tuesday of every month, from 11:00 a.m.-noon. Must pre-register.
CPR Instruction
These classes are open to the public and held on the first Tuesday of each month
in the evening. Sessions rotate each month and include “CPR for Healthcare
Providers,” “CPR Anytime,” and “CPR Instructor” training. Call for information
and to pre-register.
CHILDBIRTH EDUCATION
• Prenatal/Lamaze Classes: Classes meet for four consecutive weeks from
6:30-9:30 p.m. Sessions start on November 2, January 3, and March 7.
They are held in St. Margaret’s First Floor Presentation Room.
• Sibling Classes (for 3- to 8-year-olds whose mom is expecting a new baby):
Classes will be held on Saturday, December 4, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 309,
St. Margaret’s Hospital.
• ABC Prenatal Classes (for pregnant women in their first and second
trimester): Class will be held on Monday, November 29, at 6:30 p.m.,
in St. Margaret’s First Floor Presentation Room.
To register for all childbirth preparation programs, call St. Margaret’s Family
Birthing Centre at 815-664-1345 or 815-223-5346, ext. 1345.SU
SUPPORT GROUPS
(All support groups meet in St. Margaret’s First Floor Presentation Room,
unless otherwise noted.)
Grief Support Group
Third Tuesday of each month, 6-7 p.m.
Parkinson’s Support Group
First Monday of each month, 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Rebound (Breast Cancer Support)
Interested parties, please call 815-339-6480 for details.
Spirituality & Prayer Group (All Denominations)
Second Saturday of each month, 8-9 a.m.
Turning Point (HIV/AIDS Support Group)
Third Wednesday of each month, 6 p.m.
Location not disclosed for confidentiality purposes.
For more information, please call 815-664-1613.
Visions (Blind and Visually Impaired Support Group)
First and Third Thursdays of each month, 12:30-2:30 p.m.
"Rainbows" Support Group
(For any child dealing with death, divorce, or a loss of any kind)
First and Third Thursdays of each month, 5:30-6:30 p.m.
For more information, please call 815-664-1639.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Boys Will Be Boys
Wednesday, Nov. 3, 5:30 p.m. • St. Margaret’s First Floor Presentation Room
Call 815-664-1486 to register.
Auxiliary Scrub Sale
Thursday and Friday, Nov. 4 and 5 • February 2011, date TBA
St. Margaret’s First Floor Presentation Room
Auxiliary Bake Sale
Tuesday, Nov. 9 • St. Margaret’s Upper Lobby
Girl Talk
Thursday, Nov. 11, 5:30 p.m. • St. Margaret’s First Floor Presentation Room
Call 815-664-1486 to register.
St. Margaret’s Gift Shop Christmas Open House
Saturday and Sunday, Nov. 13 and 14 • St. Margaret’s Upper Lobby
American Red Cross Bloodmobiles
Tuesday, Nov. 30 • Tuesday, Jan. 25 • Tuesday, Mar. 22 • 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
St. Margaret’s First Floor Presentation Room
Walk-ins welcome, or call 815-664-1613 for more information.
St. Margaret’s Gift Shop Midnight Madness Sale
Wednesday, Dec. 8, 9:00 p.m.-Midnight • St. Margaret’s Gift Shop
Auxiliary Nut & Candy Sale
Tuesday, Dec. 14, 8:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. • St. Margaret’s Lower Lobby
St. Margaret’s Foundation presents “Boogie Shoes”
10-piece band performing dance music of the 70s & 80s.
Saturday, Feb. 19, Celebrations 150, LaSalle
Call 815-664-7260 for more information.
St. Margaret’s Gift Shop Accessories Trunk Show
Sunday, Mar. 20, 1:00 p.m., Celebrations 150, LaSalle
Call 815-664-7260 for more information.
Auxiliary $5 Jewelry Sale
Monday and Tuesday, Mar. 21 and 22 • St. Margaret’s Lower Lobby
spirit | fall.winter 2010 39

SpiritStories of the Illinois Valley
fall • winter
| volume six | issue two
Cover: Dr. Shin and Justin Nambo
Back cover: Cunningham’s apples