🦁 The Lion King Jr. Comes to Sterling! Meet the Cast, Director & Watch an Exclusive Scene

🦁 The Lion King Jr. Comes to Sterling! Meet the Cast, Director & Watch an Exclusive Scene

Join host Kierstyn Long on this episode of Along the Rock as she sits down with director Faith Morrison and student performers Maura Gaumer and Anthony Sagel to discuss the upcoming production of The Lion King Jr. Learn what goes into selecting a summer theater production, how young performers prepare for an intensive rehearsal schedule, and what it's like to bring beloved characters like Rafiki and Simba to life on stage. Faith also shares the rewards of watching students grow as performers and individuals through the arts. Plus, enjoy a special scene performed by the cast as they offer a preview of what audiences can expect from this exciting production. 🎭 The Lion King Jr. 📅 June 26 & 27 at 7:00 PM 📅 June 28 at 2:00 PM 📍 Centennial Auditorium, Sterling, Illinois 👉 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 director Faith Morrison and cast members Maura and Anthony 0:41 Why choose The Lion King Jr.? 1:55 How the production team selects shows 2:22 Watching students grow through theater 4:06 Maura talks about playing Rafiki 4:50 Anthony discusses becoming Simba 5:18 Sharing the role with Young Simba 6:21 Show dates, venue and ticket information 7:39 The four-week theater intensive explained 9:08 Moving from rehearsal space to the big stage 10:18 Adapting to sets, platforms and choreography 11:14 Cast performs an exclusive scene from The Lion King Jr. 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 #LionKingJr #TheLionKing #CommunityTheatre #YouthTheatre #SterlingIllinois #FaithMorrison #MusicalTheatre #BroadwayKids #CentennialAuditorium #RadarFreePress #IllinoisArts #LiveTheatre #BehindTheScenes

How to Plant a Pizza Garden at Home | Tomatoes, Basil, Peppers & Gardening Tips with Bruce Black

🌱🍅 Build Your Own Indoor Pizza Garden! 🍕🌿 Can you grow pizza ingredients right inside your home? In this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts is joined by horticulture expert Bruce Black to create an indoor pizza garden packed with fresh ingredients for your favorite Italian dishes. Learn how to plant tomatoes, peppers, basil, oregano, and chives in a single container while picking up expert gardening tips along the way. Bruce shares advice on root care, composting, watering techniques, plant supports, and creative ways to recycle everyday materials in your garden. Whether you're an experienced gardener or just getting started, this episode proves it's never too late to grow your own food—even indoors. 🌿 In this episode: • How to create an indoor pizza garden • Tips for planting tomatoes and peppers • Why chives are a great onion alternative • Composting basics and recycling in the garden • Indoor gardening with grow lights • The "Rule of Six" for watering containers • Gardening tips for beginners Have a gardening question for Bruce? Send your ideas and questions to: alongtherock@theradar.online [alongtherock@theradar.online] Watch Part 1 of our gardening series featuring a succulent garden on The Radar website. 👉 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 Recap of Part 1: Succulent Garden Project 00:43 Introducing the Pizza (Italian) Garden 01:10 Tomatoes, Peppers, Basil, Oregano & Chives Explained 02:21 Why Chives Are a Great Onion Alternative 02:55 Planting the Beefsteak Tomato 03:56 Tomato Pruning & Removing Suckers 04:19 Composting Basics and Recycling Nutrients 05:27 Root Preparation and Proper Planting Techniques 06:10 Supporting Tomatoes with Stakes and Twine 08:33 Planting the Cherry Tomato 09:32 How to Space Plants in a Container Garden 10:25 Planting the Pepper Plant 10:58 Creative Plant Labels Using Recycled Window Blinds 11:15 Viewer Questions & Future Gardening Topics 12:15 Supporting Peppers with Recycled Materials 13:31 Planting Chives and Harvesting Tips 16:26 Planting Sweet Basil & Using Basil Flowers 18:26 Adding Oregano to Complete the Garden 19:02 Indoor vs. Outdoor Gardening Advice 20:10 Finished Pizza Garden Reveal 20:40 The Rule of Six: Proper Watering Technique 22:27 Gardening Advice for Beginners 23:11 Why It's Never Too Late to Start Gardening 24:04 How to Submit Gardening Questions 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 #PizzaGarden #ContainerGardening #GardeningTips #Tomatoes #Basil #Peppers #Oregano #Chives #HomeGardening #VegetableGarden #IndoorGardening #OutdoorGardening #DixonIL #PetuniaFestival #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #BruceBlack #GardeningForBeginners #GrowYourOwnFood #SalsaGarden

Reader’s Theater, Pride Month & PFLAG: A Conversation with Dixon Stage Left

🎭 How did PFLAG begin?What exactly is reader’s theater? And what does the future hold for Dixon Stage Left? On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sitsdown with Karen Kaufman, Ashlynn Whaley, and Brandon Clark from Dixon Stage Left to discuss their upcoming production, Everybody’s Favorite Mothers—a reader’s theater performance that tells the story behind the founding of PFLAG through humor, heart, and history. The conversation explores how reader’s theater offers anaccessible way for newcomers and busy community members to get involved in the arts without months of rehearsals or memorization. Brandon Clark shares his experience stepping onto the stage for the first time, while Ashlynn Whaley discusses taking on her first assistant directing role under the mentorship of Karen Kaufman. 🎟️ Performance Details: 📅 Friday, June 26 &Saturday, June 27 🕢 7:30 p.m. performances 📍 The Next Picture Show,Dixon, Illinois 💵 Tickets: $20 Because Dixon Stage Left is continuing renovations to itshistoric theater, this special production will be staged at The Next Picture Show. Audiences can expect a unique blend of storytelling, history, and beloved maternal characters as the play explores the origins of PFLAG. The guests also provide an update on Stage Left’s ongoingrenovations, reveal what audiences can expect from upcoming productions like Guys and Dolls and A Winter’s Tale, and discuss creative fundraising efforts—including a Taylor Swift signed guitar raffle. Whether you're a theater lover, a supporter of local arts,or simply curious about community theater in the Sauk Valley, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the region’s most vibrant arts organizations. Learn more about Dixon Stage Left, purchase tickets, andsupport local theater: https://dixonstageleft.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 0:22 Meet the guests from Dixon Stage Left 0:42 What is Everybody’s Favorite Mothers about? 1:25 Why this show was chosen for Pride Month 2:28 How Reader’s Theater works 3:16 Benefits of Reader’s Theater vs. traditional productions 4:00 Why Reader’s Theater is perfect for busy performers 5:05 Show dates, location, and ticket information 5:45 Update on Dixon Stage Left renovations 7:50 Ashlyn’s first experience as Assistant Director 8:26 Mentorship and growing theater leadership 9:04 Brandon’s journey into community theater 10:47 Upcoming Dixon Stage Left productions 11:28 Shakespeare at Sauk Valley returns with A Winter’s Tale 12:12 Preview of the holiday production, A Christmas Story 12:41 Taylor Swift signed guitar fundraiser announcement 14:23 How the fundraiser supports Dixon Stage Left 15:02 Free Shakespeare performances at Sauk Valley 15:27 Final thoughts and invitation to attend the show 15:44 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 #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #DixonStageLeft #ReadersTheater #PFLAG #PrideMonth #CommunityTheater #DixonIL #SaukValley #TheaterLife #LiveTheater #PrideFest #EverybodysFavoriteMothers #LocalArts #SupportLocalTheater #TaylorSwift #Swifties #Shakespeare #WintersTale #AChristmasStory

Red, White & Blue Ball 2026 | Supporting Wounded Warriors & Celebrating America 250 in Dixon

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Chris Bishop and Mary Oros to discuss the upcoming Red, White and Blue Ball in Dixon—a patriotic celebration benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project while commemorating America’s 250th anniversary. Learn how this unique event came together through community collaboration, why every donation goes directly to the Wounded Warrior Project, and what attendees can expect during an evening filled with live music, dancing, history and celebration. The June 27 event at the historic Loveland Community House will feature performances by the Yorkville Big Band and The Time Bandits, a special presentation from Army veteran and Purple Heart recipient Danielle Green, appetizers, desserts and more. Organizers also share how local businesses and residents can get involved as sponsors and supporters. Whether you're passionate about supporting veterans, celebrating America 250, or simply looking for a memorable community event, this episode offers an inside look at one of the Sauk Valley's biggest summer celebrations. 📅 Event Date: June 27, 2026 📍 Location: Loveland Community House, Dixon, Illinois ⏰ Time: 5:30 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. 🎟️ Suggested Donation: $50 per person benefiting the Wounded Warrior Project Learn more or register for the event: https://www.discoverdixon.com/event/red-white-and-blue-ball/ [https://www.discoverdixon.com/event/red-white-and-blue-ball/] 👉 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: 0:35 What Is the Red, White & Blue Ball? 0:59 How Donations Support the Wounded Warrior Project 2:06 Featured Speaker: Danielle Green's Inspiring Story 2:45 Live Music from The Time Bandits 3:01 Who Can Attend the Event? 3:14 America 250 Community Celebrations & Bridge Dedication 4:22 Dress Code: Formal, Casual, or Anywhere In Between 5:09 Inside the Historic Loveland Community House Venue 6:14 Planning the Event & Community Partnerships 7:21 The Team Behind the Red, White & Blue Ball 8:46 Community Sponsors Make It Possible 10:40 How Businesses Can Become Sponsors 11:59 Event Details: Date, Location & Schedule 12:20 Yorkville Big Band Performance 12:50 Danielle Green Presentation 13:00 Time Bandits Take the Stage 13:35 How to Reserve Tickets & Donate 14:17 Why the Event Matters for Veterans 15:34 Celebrating America 250 in Dixon 16:11 Special Extras: Photographer & Dessert Table 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 #RedWhiteAndBlueBall #America250 #DixonIL #WoundedWarriorProject #AlongTheRock #RadarFreePress #DiscoverDixon #VeteranSupport #CommunityEvent #LiveMusic #YorkvilleBigBand #TimeBanditsBand #LovelandCommunityHouse #PetuniaFestival #IllinoisEvents #SupportOurVeterans #LeeCountyIL #SaukValley #FundraiserEvent #CelebrateAmerica250

Raising Financially Smart Kids | Saving, Taxes & Credit Explained

Teaching kids about money can feel overwhelming, but the lessons often start much earlier than parents realize. In this episode of Cash and Coffee, hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman discuss age-appropriate ways to introduce children and teens to financial responsibility. From earning money through chores and small jobs to understanding savings goals, taxes, budgeting, credit scores, and major purchases, they share personal experiences and practical insights that can help families build strong financial habits. Topics discussed include: ☕ Teaching young children the value of earning money ☕ When to start conversations about saving and spending ☕ Helping kids save for big-ticket items ☕ Explaining sales tax and paycheck deductions ☕ Understanding gross pay vs. net pay ☕ Credit scores and why they matter ☕ Financial lessons for teens before adulthood ☕ Creating healthy money habits that last a lifetime Whether you're raising young children, teenagers preparing for adulthood, or simply looking for ways to have better financial conversations at home, this episode offers valuable perspectives and real-world examples. 👉 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: 0:30 Earliest memories of earning money as a child 1:17 Spending allowance on toys and childhood purchases 1:42 Why it's okay for young kids to spend their money 2:22 Emily's childhood story of earning money from chores 3:11 Lessons learned from earning and spending money as a kid 4:04 When parents should start discussing money with children 4:27 Conversations about saving, spending, and priorities 5:15 Thinking through major purchases before buying 5:52 Why paying for your own items changes how you value them 6:25 A real-life lesson: Saving for a gaming PC 7:30 Understanding sales tax and the true cost of purchases 8:15 Why financial goals are important for kids and teens 9:26 Saving for future purchases and delayed gratification 10:03 Learning about taxes from online purchases and paychecks 11:16 Gross pay vs. net pay explained 11:46 Teaching teens about credit scores and interest rates 12:26 Credit cards, minimum payments, and financial responsibility 13:17 Why money conversations should start before age 18 13:52 Smart saving habits for teenagers 14:28 Why credit scores affect more than loans 15:10 Credit scores and renting apartments in the future 15:31 Final thoughts on raising financially responsible young adults 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 #FinancialLiteracy #MoneyManagement #ParentingTips #TeachingKidsMoney #FinancialEducation #PersonalFinance #SavingMoney #CreditScore #TeenFinance #MoneyTalks #FinancialPlanning #Allowance #SmartMoneyHabits #RadarFreePress