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

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

Gin Blossoms, Fireworks & Family Fun at the 2026 Petunia Festival

Season 3, Episode 114 Join host Emma Watts on this episode of Along the Rock as she sits down with Rob Bates and Leah Nelson from the Dixon Petunia Festival to discuss everything happening during the 62nd annual celebration. Learn about the history of one of the Sauk Valley’s biggest summer traditions, the return of the carnival, parade, live entertainment, fireworks, family activities, and the community support that keeps the festival going year after year. The guests also discuss newer additions to the festival, including the popular dog parade, sensory-friendly carnival hours, volunteer opportunities, and this year’s connection to America’s 250th anniversary celebration. Plus, hear about this year’s entertainment lineup featuring Gin Blossoms, Grand Barham, Two Hyped Crew, and more. For festival schedules, volunteer opportunities, and additional information, visit: https://petuniafestival.org [https://petuniafestival.org] 👉 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 00:34 What is the Petunia Festival? 00:59 Celebrating the 62nd Annual Festival 01:36 Family fun, entertainment, and community traditions 01:59 What's new for 2026? 02:07 America's 250th Birthday celebrations in Dixon 02:25 The Dog Parade returns 02:51 Sports tournaments and new festival activities 03:18 Quiet Hours at the Carnival for sensory-sensitive children 03:47 Where to find festival information online 04:04 Festival schedule breakdown: Wednesday through Sunday 04:37 Parade, entertainment, and fireworks highlights 04:55 America-themed fireworks show with synchronized music 05:11 Best places to watch the fireworks 06:18 New pedestrian bridge viewing opportunities 06:51 Official festival dates and community events 08:00 How to volunteer at the Petunia Festival 09:03 2026 Concert Lineup Announcement 09:08 Louder Now kicks off Thursday night 09:21 Gin Blossoms headline Friday night 09:27 Country Night featuring Graham Barham 09:34 Two Hype Crew before the fireworks finale 09:56 The community effort behind the festival 10:19 Sponsors, volunteers, and local partnerships 10:50 What makes the Petunia Festival special 11:12 Final thoughts and invitation to attend 11:22 Closing remarks 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 #PetuniaFestival #DixonIllinois #AlongTheRock #GinBlossoms #GrahamBarham #FireworksShow #SummerFestival #IllinoisEvents #FamilyFun #VisitDixon #FourthOfJuly #LiveMusic #Carnival #DogParade #CommunityEvents #SaukValley #RadarFreePress #FestivalSeason #America250 #ThingsToDoIllinois

Mortgage, Student Loans & Credit Cards: The Best Way to Become Debt-Free

💰 Snowball or Avalanche? Which debt payoff strategy is right for you? In this episode of Cash and Coffee, hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman break down two of the most popular debt repayment methods: the Debt Snowball and Debt Avalanche strategies. Learn how interest rates impact your finances, why loan terms matter, and how to decide which approach can help you pay off debt faster. The discussion covers mortgages, car loans, student loans, credit card debt, and even financing options for aspiring entrepreneurs. Whether you're just starting your financial journey or looking for ways to become debt-free, this episode offers practical insights to help you make informed decisions about your money. ☕ Topics Covered: • Understanding loan terms and interest rates • The true cost of long-term borrowing • Debt Snowball vs. Debt Avalanche • Paying off credit cards, student loans, and mortgages • How entrepreneurs use loan strategies to save money • Tips for reducing debt faster 👉 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 Intro 00:32 What schools teach about loans, APR, and credit cards 01:27 Why loan length and interest rates matter 02:11 15-Year vs. 30-Year Mortgage Explained 03:08 How extra mortgage payments can save years of debt 03:54 Shopping around for the best interest rates 04:20 Understanding principal vs. interest payments 04:40 Example: Managing multiple debts at once 05:19 Introducing Dave Ramsey's Debt Snowball & Avalanche Methods 05:58 How the Debt Snowball Method works 06:55 How the Debt Avalanche Method works 08:08 Why today's mortgage rates are different 08:54 Snowball vs. Avalanche: Which strategy is better? 09:24 Real-life experience using the Debt Snowball Method 10:17 SBA loans and financing for entrepreneurs 11:40 Final thoughts and wrap-up 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 #CashAndCoffee #DebtFreeJourney #DebtSnowball #DebtAvalanche #PersonalFinance #MoneyTips #FinancialLiteracy #DaveRamsey #InterestRates #MortgageTips #StudentLoans #CreditCards #DebtPayoff #FinancialEducation #MoneyManagement #LoanAdvice #Entrepreneurship #SBALoans #InvestInYourFuture #RadarFreePress