Along The Rock

Nathan Stahr sits down with Ryan Marshall from Shinny’s in Dixon to talk about Ponies and Pints, a unique event designed to help dads and father figures learn basic hairstyling skills while building stronger connections with their daughters. Partnering with Meraki Salon, the event will feature hands-on instruction covering ponytails, braids, buns, and more using mannequin heads provided for each a...

Welcome back to Along the Rock with host Emma Watts and guest Ashley Richter from United Way of Lee County. In this episode, Ashley discusses the Dolly Parton Imagination Library program and how it is helping bring free books to children across Lee County and surrounding communities. Learn how the program works, why early childhood literacy is so important, and how families can sign their children...

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Step inside the world of independent filmmaking with host Emma Watts and filmmaker Nicholas Moore on this episode of Along the Rock . Nicholas discusses his upcoming psychological thriller, Where Silence Lies , premiering at the The Dixon Historic Theatre on May 13 and 14. The conversation dives into the film’s intense interrogation-room concept, the realities of low-budget filmmaking during COVID...

Emma Watts sits down with Jordan Wolford on this episode of Along the Rock to discuss the launch of Your Story Matters , a domestic violence survivor support group serving the Sauk Valley area. Jordan shares her personal journey as a survivor, what inspired her to create the group, and why local support systems are so important for victims and survivors of domestic violence. The conversation also...

Join host Nathan Stahr on this episode of Along the Rock as he sits down with traveler and author Jeanne Roppolo to discuss the incredible real-life adventures behind her “Grandma Goes To” book series. From working as a janitor in Antarctica at McMurdo Station to living in Hawaii for 14 years and visiting a remote private island in the South Pacific, Jeanne shares how simple conversations complete...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts sits down with Abigail and Kenneth Wolf, the sibling duo who took home the top prize on Baking Championship: Next Gen . From a surprise callback after a year of waiting to competing under pressure in California, their journey is packed with determination, creativity, and teamwork. Abigail and Kenneth break down what it really takes to compete on...

In this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts sits down with Remington Collins, a classical voice student currently studying at the Eastman School of Music. Collins shares her journey from local theater productions in Rock Falls to intensive opera training in New York, and how she found her passion for classical music after feeling stuck creatively in high school. She also talks about the di...

In this episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Stahr sits down with Karla Belzer from the University of Illinois Extension to talk about brain health in honor of Older Americans Month. Learn why brain health deserves just as much attention as physical health and how small, everyday habits can make a big difference. Karla breaks down the “Big Six” strategies for maintaining cognitive wellness — in...

Get a behind-the-scenes look at Rock Falls High School’s upcoming production of Catch Me If You Can on this episode of Along the Rock , hosted by Emma Watts. Director Carolyn Sutton joins student actors Adam Vervynk and Austin Homrighausen to break down the high-energy musical based on the real-life story of teenage con artist Frank Abagnale Jr. The show follows Frank’s journey as he assumes multi...

On this episode of Cash and Coffee, Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes dive into the connection between finances and relationships, and why so many couples avoid talking about money. Drawing from her experience as a financial coach, Kayla shares real insights into how financial habits are formed and why communication is the key to building trust. The episode introduces a simple but powerful exerci...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr is joined by Sterling Mayor Diana Merdian, Nik Jakobs, Pastor Daniel Swihart of Open Door Community Church, and Pastor Drew Williams of New Life Lutheran Church to talk about the return of the National Day of Prayer in the Sauk Valley. After nearly a decade, this meaningful community event is being revived with a renewed focus on unity, inclusio...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Bruce Black from the University of Illinois Extension to talk all things gardening as spring weather continues to shift across Illinois. From heavy rains to fluctuating temperatures, Bruce breaks down how these changing conditions impact your garden and what you should be doing right now to keep your plants healthy. The conversation...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Juan and Riley Paredes from Las Palmas Mexican Restaurant in Dixon after the community voted their salsa as the best in the Sauk Valley. The conversation dives into what makes their salsa stand out, from fresh daily ingredients to a commitment to authentic flavors that keep customers coming back. Juan shares how Las Palmas has bui...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts goes behind the scenes of two exciting children’s theater productions at the Dixon Historic Theatre. First, Emma is joined by Katie D., Adalynn R., and choreographer Tori Highley to talk about Finding Nemo Jr. The group shares what it is like bringing the underwater adventure to life, from playing iconic characters like Nemo and Gil to creating fu...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Maggie Wike from NAMI Sauk Area to talk about Mental Health Awareness Month and the ongoing effort to reduce stigma in the Sauk Valley. The conversation highlights the importance of open dialogue, the impact of sharing personal stories, and how the community can come together to support one another. Viewers will learn about new and...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Star sits down with Gerald Lott and Lauren Metzler from Sauk Valley Voices of Recovery to talk about the purpose, progress, and impact of Cledy’s House of Hope. This sober living home is more than just a place to stay. It is a structured program designed to help women rebuild their lives after treatment, develop real-world skills, and transition back...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Jazmin Moore from the YWCA of the Sauk Valley to talk about the return of the 9th Annual Cinco de Mayo Wellness Festival. This free, family-friendly event continues to grow each year, bringing together local agencies, health resources, and community organizations in one place. The festival is designed to connect Sauk Valley resident...

In this episode, hosts Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes break down the growing trend of buy now, pay later services like Klarna and Afterpay. These payment options promise convenience with four easy payments and no interest, but are they actually helping your budget or quietly hurting it? Emma and Kayla take a hard look at how these services work, who they target, and why they can quickly lead t...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with legendary performer Tony Danza ahead of his live appearance in Dixon. Known for his iconic roles in Taxi and Who’s the Boss, Danza brings a completely different side of his talent to the stage with Standards and Stories. The live show blends music from the Great American Songbook, personal storytelling, comedy, and tap dancing int...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Christy Zepezauer, Executive Director of Woodlawn Arts Academy, to talk about an important but often overlooked opportunity for local families: financial aid. Woodlawn Arts Academy has awarded more than $290,000 in financial assistance, helping students of all ages access classes in music, theater, dance, and visual arts. Learn how...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Barb Mask to highlight everything you need to know about Fulton Dutch Days, one of the Sauk Valley’s most beloved annual festivals. From the iconic Dutch dancing in wooden shoes to the rich cultural traditions that make this event unique, this episode dives into what makes Dutch Days a must-attend experience. Barb shares the history...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Dallas Knack to introduce the inaugural Sauk Valley Young Creators Camp, a brand-new entrepreneurship program for middle school students in the Sauk Valley area. Starting June 10 and running through July 11, this weekly camp is designed for students entering 6th, 7th, and 8th grades. The program focuses on building real-world skills...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Melinda Jones from Rock Falls Tourism to break down everything happening this summer in Rock Falls. From returning favorites like Belson Music Fest, Eats and Beats, Art in the Park, and the Independence Day celebration to brand-new events like Salute to America 250 and an expanded River Chase weekend, there is something for everyo...

Join host Nathan Stahr as he sits down with Dale Hayen and Ana Garcia from the Tri-County Gun Club to talk about their 25th annual Open House Fundraiser. This free, family-friendly event is designed for everyone, from experienced shooters to those who have never handled a firearm before. Learn about the wide range of activities available, including hands-on instruction, multiple shooting ranges, a...