Rockton Ramblings Gives Thanks to Those Who Make a Difference

Every day unseen heroes exist and rarely receive recognition that they are due. In this season of thanks, recognition the Rockton Ramblings is paying tribute.

Twenty-Four hours a day; 365 days a year Rockton Police and Fire are on duty for everyone in the Rockton Community. In early October, National Fire Prevention week was held. An open house began with a pancake breakfast. The event allowed the public to meet those who serve at the Rockton Fire Department. They also met the station’s new fire mascot Blaze, who was named by students in Rockton School’s after they paid a visit to the station. Fire-related equipment was checked out by visitors. Some opted to visit a smoke house which outlined steps of what to do if a fire were to break out. Little ones received hats, coloring books and other goodies. Love and sympathies are sent to family and friends of long time firefighters who have passed away in 2016. John Harris served in Shirland and Kenneth Kinney in Rockton. Each made tremendous marks on their community.

Church congregations in Rockton consistently give back to others. One that stands out is the Old Stone Church’s Food Pantry. Since 1994 the Pantry has served anywhere from 58-70 families per week. Under the direction of Donn VanSchelven, help has been given in the form of a gallon of milk, food, medical and health advice, plus Christmas and Thanksgiving baskets. In 2011, a new Backpack Program was introduced to assure that children from Rockton Grade and Stephen Mack Middle School are provided with basic foods to take home for a weekend. This year the Hononegah Woman’s Club decided to contribute to the Backpack Program to make a difference for these students. Additionally, they collected clothes to donate to the schools in case a student needs to change due to emergency circumstances.

Every year the Old Stone Church honors Veteran’s in style. Join in paying tribute to all who serve our country at the churches Annual Veteran’s Day Turkey Dinner. A traditional sit down dinner is being served at 6 p.m. Carry-outs are available in a  first-come, first-serve basis starting at 5 p.m. until 100 dinners are sold. This dinner, honoring Veterans, has been sponsored by the Old Stone Church continuously since the end of the Second World War. The meal is served family-style and is a valued tradition open to the community. For reservations, contact the Church at (815) 624-6212. If you reach an answering machine, please leave a message with name and phone number. The cost is $10 Adults ~ $6 Children (6-11yrs) Carry-Outs -$8.

The Talcott Library is full of children’s programs, young adult activities and adult options; offering a well-rounded educational opportunity for everybody. Talcott invites creative-minded individuals to a card making workshop on Nov.15. Two hours of imagination-soaring happens from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. Nancy Story is returning to show attendees how to create unique cards using recycled materials. Sign up is required and there is a cost of $2 to cover materials.

Bring your artistic flair to Talcott Library’s “Color Me Calm” on Tuesday, Nov. 22. Young adults are welcome to come from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m…

Adults will want to take part in a Book Club on Monday, Nov.14 at 1 p.m. This month’s read is elections.

Erica Smith at the Rockton Sanctuary Spa oversees a wonderful crew of ladies who make women feel beautiful both inside and out. Expanding honoring women, the spa is taking things a step further.

All ladies are invited to “Merlot, Martini’s and Makeovers.” In its second year the event offers raffles, hors d’oeuvres and shopping experiences with K Paige, Olive Oil Experience, Sweet Hope Bakery, Board & Brush of Roscoe, plus much more fun! Musical entertainment is being provided by Corbin Finchman. A $5 cover charge will help to make the holidays brighter for area families. All proceeds will go to Wimpy’s Fund.

Rockton residents who would like to make a difference in the Community may choose to run for an open office. A four-year term for Village President, a four-year term for Village Clerk and three seats for Village Trustee positions to fill a four-year term are available. The final filing period is from Nov. 21-28. Interested parties can pick up nomination petitions at the Village Hall – Municipal Center from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Since 2011 fast food chain Arby’s has given back to childhood hunger through different means. This includes the Arby’s that exists on the Rockton Road corridor.

Helping to shape young people’s lives are volunteer School Board members. Thank you for making the tough decisions necessary to keep the school’s running!

Every day the Rockton Township reaches out to help others through different general assistance programs.

Prince of Peace Lutheran Church reaches out to the Community in a variety of ways. Everyone is invited to a movie night on Saturday, Nov. 12. The featured show is “Born to Win,” which is a true story of a man who teaches at a school for the physically disabled who wrestles with the question, “Where is God?” Show time is at 6 p.m.

Every Wednesday night until spring, Prince of Peace AWANA’s teaches basic principles that young and young at heart will carry with them for a lifetime. AWANA runs from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

There are many ways to make a difference!  The people and organizations listed here are just a few examples of someone willing to reach out to make something happen on a positive note for another person!