Creating a Dementia-Friendly Community in Sterling, Illinois | Along the Rock Podcast

The Volunteers Behind Sterling-Rock Falls' Fourth of July Fireworks

🎆 How much does it reallytake to put on the Sterling-Rock Falls fireworks show? On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sitsdown with Cael Sanders, President of the Sterling-Rock Falls Jaycees, todiscuss the organization's mission, community impact, and the tremendous workthat happens behind the scenes to support local families and events. Cael shares how the Jaycees fund the annual Independence Dayfireworks display, organize Christmas for Kids, host community fundraisers, andrecruit the next generation of local leaders. Learn how a small volunteerorganization continues to make a big impact throughout the Sauk Valley. Topics include: • The history and mission of the Sterling-Rock Falls Jaycees • Raising funds for the annual fireworks display • The costs, permits, insurance, and planning behind the event • Christmas for Kids and helping local families • The annual golf outing and chili cook-off • Membership opportunities and volunteer involvement • Plans for this year's expanded Fourth of July celebration Learn more about the Sterling-Rock Falls Jaycees: https://www.illinoisjaycees.com/sterling-rock-falls-jaycees The Jaycees are part of the Illinois Jaycees organization,which focuses on leadership development, community service, and networkingopportunities for young adults. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 0:00 Intro 00:23 Meet Cale Sanders of the Sterling-Rock Falls Jaycees 00:36 What is the Jaycees organization? 01:04 Leadership, networking, and community involvement 01:14 Major Jaycees projects and fundraisers 01:31 Christmas for Kids program overview 02:00 Supporting local fireworks displays 02:23 The work behind organizing community fireworks 02:57 Fundraising goals for the America 250 celebration 03:20 Managing permits, insurance, and event logistics 03:49 Fireworks at Lawrence Park and the riverfront experience 04:25 Why professional fireworks displays cost so much 05:19 Fireworks budgets explained ($10,000–$15,000+ annually) 06:03 Plans to double the fireworks budget for 2026 06:38 How residents and businesses can donate 07:07 Sponsorship opportunities for local businesses 07:23 Year-round fundraising efforts 07:47 Annual Jaycees Golf Outing at Deer Valley 08:03 The return of the Chili Cook-Off 08:23 Bucket brigades and holiday fundraising 08:39 Providing Christmas gifts and winter coats for local children 09:20 Recruiting new Jaycees members and volunteers 09:53 How to join the Sterling-Rock Falls Jaycees 10:26 A look back at the Jaycees Haunted House tradition 10:43 Looking ahead to the America 250 fireworks celebration Follow us on all social media platforms below: https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #SterlingRockFallsJaycees #Jaycees #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #FireworksShow #America250 #FourthOfJuly #CommunityVolunteers #ChristmasForKids #SterlingIL #RockFallsIL #NonprofitOrganization #CommunityService #VolunteerWork #Fundraising #ChiliCookOff #GolfOuting #LawrencePark #LocalEvents #SaukValley

Creating a Dementia-Friendly Community in Sterling, Illinois | Along the Rock Podcast

What does it mean to become a dementia-friendly community? On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Beth Sterk of CGH and Sami Wiggins of Caster Home Health Solutions to discuss the launch of the Dementia Friendly Sterling initiative. The conversation explores how the new community effort aims to increase awareness, educate local businesses and organizations, and create a more supportive environment for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Beth and Sami explain the different types of dementia, the challenges families often face, and how simple acts of understanding can make a meaningful difference. They also discuss the importance of including individuals living with dementia in the conversation, supporting caregivers, and connecting families to local resources throughout the Sauk Valley area. Topics discussed: • What Dementia Friendly Sterling means for the community • The different types of dementia and cognitive changes • Training local businesses and organizations • Supporting caregivers and families • Community resources available through CGH and local partners • The importance of inclusion, dignity, and understanding Learn how this new initiative is working to make Sterling a more welcoming and supportive place for individuals living with dementia. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 0:00 Intro & Guest Introductions 0:59 What Is the Dementia Friendly Sterling Initiative? 1:52 Why Dementia-Friendly Training Matters for the Community 2:23 Training Local Businesses, Banks, Libraries & Faith Organizations 3:11 Dementia-Friendly Business Certification & Community Logo 4:07 How the Program Supports Caregivers and Individuals with Dementia 4:58 Understanding Dementia vs. Alzheimer's Disease 5:56 Common Cognitive Changes and Challenges Explained 6:48 Creating More Patience, Understanding & Inclusion 7:08 Meet Millie the Comfort Dog 8:09 How Therapy Dogs Help Individuals Living with Dementia 8:40 Along the Rock & Petunia Festival Message 9:15 Including Individuals with Dementia on the Action Team 10:34 Why Lived Experience Matters in Community Planning 12:24 How Community Members Can Help Support the Initiative 13:29 Resources for Families Caring for Loved Ones with Dementia 14:48 Recognition from Dementia Friendly America 15:18 Why Awareness and Education Matter 16:09 Supporting Caregivers and Reducing Isolation Follow us on all social media platforms below: https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #DementiaFriendlySterling #DementiaAwareness #AlzheimersAwareness #CaregiverSupport #SterlingIL #WhitesideCounty #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #CommunitySupport #SeniorCare #Alzheimers #DementiaCare #Caregiving #IllinoisCommunities #InclusionMatters #HealthAwareness #MillieTheComfortDog #SaukValley #CommunityLeadership

From New Friends to a 5K Finish Line | Girls on the Go at the Sterling-Rock Falls YMCA

Join host Kierstyn Long on this episode of Along the Rock as she welcomes Ellie Hanlon, Marketing and Development Director, and Brenda Gould, CATCH Coordinator with the Sterling-Rock Falls YMCA. Learn about the YMCA’s Girls on the Go summer program, which helps middle school girls build confidence, make new friends, stay active, and train for a 5K while connecting with women leaders throughout the community. The conversation also explores the CATCH program, healthy habits for children, youth fitness, and the many summer opportunities available through the YMCA, including soccer and NFL Flag Football. Topics include: • Girls on the Go summer running program • Building confidence and friendships • Training for the NAMI 5K • The CATCH (Coordinated Approach to Children’s Health) program • Nutrition and physical activity education • YMCA scholarship opportunities • Youth soccer and NFL Flag Football programs 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 00:23 Meet Ellie Hanlon and Brenda Gould from the Sterling-Rock Falls YMCA 00:38 What is the Girls on the Go program? 00:59 Training for the NAMI 5K and building confidence 01:25 Leadership development, empowerment, and community connections 01:43 Making new friends before entering middle school 01:54 Can participants still join this summer's program? 02:47 What does CATCH stand for? 03:03 Brenda's role in local schools and children's health education 03:29 Teaching nutrition, healthy choices, and active lifestyles 04:06 Program costs, scholarships, and accessibility 04:24 Parent and participant feedback from Girls on the Go 04:32 Water balloon day and building friendships 05:02 Breaking the stigma around running and focusing on fun 05:44 Other summer programs at the YMCA 05:48 NFL Flag Football update and upcoming soccer season 06:00 New NFL Flag Football age divisions announced 06:13 Final thoughts and YMCA summer activities Follow us on all social media platforms below: https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #GirlsOnTheGo #YMCA #SterlingRockFallsYMCA #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #YouthDevelopment #GirlsEmpowerment #RunningProgram #NAMI5K #HealthyKids #YouthFitness #MiddleSchoolGirls #CommunityPrograms #SterlingIL #RockFallsIL #YouthLeadership #ActiveLifestyle #YouthSports #CatchProgram

Fear of Snakes to 75+ Reptiles: Crystal's Exotics Rescue Stories & Reptile Myths | Along the Rock

🐍 Are snakes really slimy? Do they actually try to "size up" their owners? And can reptiles become therapy animals? On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Christal and Dustin Rascoe of Christal’s Exotics during the Dixon Petunia Festival at Sweetland Studios. The couple shares how a fear of snakes turned into a family passion for reptiles, rescue work, and education. Meet Peanut, the ball python that started it all, along with several other exotic friends, including Wilbur the crested gecko, Phoenix the rescue ball python, and some incredible future breeding projects. The Rascoes discuss common misconceptions about snakes, responsible reptile ownership, rescue efforts, and the importance of education when it comes to exotic animals. They also share how reptiles can provide comfort, reduce stress, and even help children overcome fears. Whether you're a lifelong reptile enthusiast or someone who has always been nervous around snakes, this conversation offers a fascinating look into the world of exotic pets. 🐍 Topics in this episode: • Reptile rescue and rehabilitation • Ball python breeding projects • Common snake myths and misconceptions • Therapy benefits of reptiles • Responsible exotic pet ownership • Crested geckos, leopard geckos, and more • The local reptile community and reptile show 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 00:00 Introduction 00:23 Meet Crystal and Dustin from Crystal's Exotics 00:48 How a fear of snakes turned into a reptile obsession 01:52 Growing from one snake to nearly 75 reptiles 02:30 Reptile housing, breeding, and care practices 02:59 Rescue reptiles and responsible rehoming 04:10 Phoenix's incredible rescue and recovery story 05:14 How long it took Phoenix to regain her health 06:15 Common snake myths and misconceptions debunked 07:39 Are snakes really aggressive? 08:20 Teaching children about reptiles and reading body language 09:21 Meet Peanut, the snake that started it all 10:30 Introducing Beulah and unique ball python genetics 11:37 Breeding goals and future reptile projects 13:09 Meet Poppy and other favorite ball pythons 14:43 The influence of Brian Barczyk and Dave Kaufman 17:24 Dixon Petunia Festival 2026 promo 18:04 Reptiles as therapy animals and classroom companions 19:20 Why Crystal's Exotics stays small and hobby-focused 20:54 Meet Wilbur the rescued crested gecko 22:20 Kirsten holds Wilbur for the first time 24:08 Introducing Ivy the leopard gecko 25:09 Leopard gecko care, feeding, and personality quirks 26:10 Building community within the reptile world 28:18 Upcoming reptile shows and breeder recommendations 28:41 From fear of snakes to tarantulas and jumping spiders 30:35 Western hognose snakes and Illinois regulations 31:12 Helping children overcome fears through reptile education 32:11 Why Crystal and Dustin would make great educators Follow us on all social media platforms below: https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #AlongTheRock #CrystalsExotics #Reptiles #BallPython #SnakeLovers #ReptileCommunity #ReptileRescue #ExoticPets #RadarFreePress #SnakeMyths #ReptileEducation #CrestedGecko #LeopardGecko #AnimalRescue #ReptileBreeding #IllinoisEvents #PetPodcast #ReptileShow

How United Way's "Let's Feed Our Children" Program Is Fighting Summer Hunger | Along the Rock

Join host Kierstyn Long on this episode of Along the Rock as she welcomes Keri Olson, executive director of United Way of Whiteside County, to discuss the 25th anniversary of the Let’s Feed Our Children program. Learn how this community-driven initiative provides thousands of free meals to children throughout Whiteside County each summer. Keri shares how the program has grown, the increasing need for food assistance, and how local volunteers, businesses, and organizations come together to ensure no child goes hungry while school is out. In this episode: • The history of Let’s Feed Our Children • How the program has grown over the past 25 years • Where families can pick up free meals • Volunteer opportunities and community support • The impact of rising food costs on local families • Information about Dolly’s Book Bash and other United Way programs Meal distribution takes place every Wednesday throughout the summer at locations across Whiteside County, including Sterling, Rock Falls, Fulton, Morrison, Erie, Albany, Lyndon, Prophetstown, and Tampico. For more information about Let’s Feed Our Children, volunteer opportunities, and upcoming events, visit United Way of Whiteside County’s website and social media pages. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and subscribe for more local stories from the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🎧 Listen to the full podcast and explore more at https://theradar.online 🎤 Highlights: 0:00 Intro 0:23 Meet Kari Olson of United Way of Whiteside County 0:46 The history of "Let's Feed Our Children" and its 25th anniversary 1:23 Program growth and increased demand 2:00 Community businesses helping with logistics 2:38 Why the need for food assistance continues to grow 3:31 How families receive meals (no registration required) 4:19 Four lunches in every bag and how they're packed 5:09 Returning weekly for free meals 6:04 Lunch pickup locations in Rock Falls and Sterling 6:39 Meal times and backup distribution at New Life Church 7:15 Reaching children with the greatest need 7:57 Serving more than 4,000 meals each week 8:24 How volunteers and donations make the program possible 9:15 Why volunteers are still needed this summer 10:07 Community support and donated supplies 10:58 A program run by the community for the community 11:19 Dolly's Book Bash and literacy programs 12:02 Where to find information and meal locations 12:24 Closing remarks 13:55 Viewer message and subscribe reminder Follow us on all social media platforms below: https://www.facebook.com/radarfreepress https://www.youtube.com/@radarfreepress https://open.spotify.com/show/0dOeaVg1JI0ump4iD0rIHk https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/along-the-rock/id1773156790 https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-along-the-rock-245007958/ https://rumble.com/radarfreepress https://www.tiktok.com/@radarfreepress https://x.com/radarfreepress https://www.instagram.com/radarfreepress/ https://www.threads.net/@radarfreepress #AlongTheRock #UnitedWay #LetsFeedOurChildren #WhitesideCounty #SummerMeals #FightHunger #CommunityStrong #RockFallsIL #SterlingIL #DixonIL #UnitedWayWhitesideCounty #Volunteer #FoodInsecurity #Nonprofit #RadarFreePress #IllinoisNonprofits #CommunitySupport #FeedKids #LocalNews