Along The Rock

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long welcomes Dr. Nancy Tran and Dr. Marcia Jones from CGH Medical Center to discuss the Menopause and Sexual Health Clinic and how it is helping women throughout the Sauk Valley. Menopause and perimenopause can bring a wide range of physical, emotional, and sexual health changes, but many women don't know where to turn for answers. Dr. Tran an...

Welcome to Along the Rock , brought to you by the Radar Free Press! Host Kierstyn Long sits down with Katelyn Rodriguez, a pediatric speech and language pathologist, to explore gestalt language processing and how understanding different communication styles can help children find their voices. What is gestalt language processing, and why do some children communicate using phrases or scripts they&#...

On this episode of Along the Rock , brought to you by the Radar Free Press, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Dr. Sarah Svendsen from the Autism Center of Illinois in Dixon to talk about supporting individuals with autism and their families. Since opening in 2023, the Autism Center of Illinois has helped individuals navigate the journey from diagnosis to treatment, building important life skills,...

This Thanksgiving, Sterling Township is helping hundreds of local families put a holiday meal on the table! 🦃 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Angie Schneider, supervisor at Sterling Township, to talk about the township's annual Thanksgiving voucher program. Now helping approximately 400 families each year, this community-supported program provides qualify...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long welcomes Emily Kruger, a registered nurse in the Labor and Delivery Department at OSF Saint Katharine Medical Center, to talk about a new community initiative making a difference for local mothers and families: Blessing Baskets! Created by OSF employees, the Blessing Baskets provide free essential items to anyone in need, including diapers, wip...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long welcomes Suzanne Ravlin, CEO of Serenity Hospice and Home, for an important conversation about hospice care, palliative care, and the many ways Serenity supports patients, families, and caregivers throughout the Sauk Valley. Hospice care is often misunderstood, but Serenity Hospice and Home is working to change that narrative. Suzanne explains...

The holiday season is almost here, and the Salvation Army is getting ready to make a difference throughout the Sauk Valley! 🎄🔔 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long welcomes Lieutenant Jessica Tosh from the Salvation Army to talk about everything happening this holiday season. From the return of the familiar Red Kettles and bell ringers to the November 14 Red Kettle Kickoff Conc...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long welcomes Kalie Conklen from the Penguin Project of the Sauk Valley to talk about their upcoming production of Shrek the Musical Jr. ! Now in its eighth year, the Penguin Project gives individuals with special needs the opportunity to experience musical theater alongside peer mentors. Kalie shares how this year's cast is preparing for the sh...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Karla Belzer from the University of Illinois Extension and Laura Smith from Sinnissippi Centers to discuss Youth Mental Health First Aid and how everyday community members can make a difference in the lives of young people. Learn how this interactive workshop teaches participants to recognize signs of mental health challenges, a...

On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long welcomes Nancy Webster, a talented memory bear maker who transforms cherished clothing into huggable memories for families. Since starting her business in 2011, Nancy has created an estimated 1,000 to 1,200 memory bears, turning shirts, pajamas, and other meaningful garments into handmade keepsakes that help families keep their loved ones clos...

🎲 Casino Night for a Cause! | Along the Rock with the Dixon Police Department On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Deputy Chief Chris Scott and Kelly Boos from the Dixon Police Department to talk about Casino Night, a new fundraising event supporting the Dixon Police Charitable Association! Discover how this exciting evening of casino-style games, auctions, raffle...

📚 Discover Local Authors at the Sterling Public Library! 📖 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Ben Knapp from the Sterling Public Library to talk about the annual Local Author Fair! Discover how this free community event connects readers with talented regional writers, introduces visitors to new books, and gives authors a chance to share their stories and experi...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Pam Martinez, executive director of the Sauk Valley Food Bank, to talk about 25 years of serving the community and an exciting new fundraiser: Food for Thought Trivia Night for a Cause! Join us as we discuss this special anniversary celebration, featuring television and movie trivia from the past 25 years, team costumes, a silent...

☕💰 Cash and Coffee: Small Savings Habits That Can Make a Big Difference! How much could you save by making a few small changes to your everyday spending? On this episode of Cash and Coffee, hosts Emily Zimmerman and Quinn Stahr celebrate World Savings Day by sharing practical ways to save money, build financial security, and make smarter financial decisions. From splitting your paycheck between...

Join host Kierstyn Long for a special edition of Along the Rock , featuring Roy Jones, a write-in candidate for Illinois State Representative in the 74th District. Jones shares his vision for the future of the Sauk Valley and rural Illinois, discussing regenerative agriculture, native plant restoration, soil health, rising farming costs, and the need for more connected public transportation in rur...

Join Along the Rock host Kierstyn Long for an on-location visit to 7:24 Fitness on the Rock in Rock Falls! Kierstyn sits down with owner and fitness coach Nick Pepper to explore what makes this local gym stand out, from its welcoming, family-like atmosphere to its 24/7 member access and personalized fitness support. Nick shares how 7:24 Fitness on the Rock helps members build lasting habits throug...

Join host Kierstyn Long on this episode of Along the Rock , brought to you by the Radar Free Press, as she talks with Eric Valdez and Melissa Erdmier from Sauk Valley Community College about the upcoming Freedom 5K! Now in its seventh year, the Freedom 5K brings the community together for a meaningful cause: supporting SVCC’s Student Veteran Organization. All proceeds help provide student veterans...

🦊 Robin Hood Takes the Stage at Rock Falls High School! | Along the Rock Get ready for action, comedy, and a classic tale of adventure! 🎭 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Adam Vervynck, Marco Ortiz, and Bryce Verhulst from Rock Falls High School Drama to talk about their upcoming fall production of Robin Hood . The students share what audiences can expect fro...

🎃 Halloween Fun Meets Community Giving! | Along the Rock The Rock Falls Fire Department is bringing Halloween spirit to the First Responders 5K! Host Kierstyn Long sits down with Cameron Gonzalez and Spencer Hull to talk about this year’s race, the cause behind it, and how the community can get involved. 🏃 Event Details: 📅 Date: Saturday, October 31, 2026 📍 Location: Centennial Park, Rock Fall...

🎃 Dixon High School Theatre Presents Frankenstein | Along the Rock A classic horror story is coming to the stage just in time for Halloween! 👻 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long sits down with Aly Krueger, Kate Wadsworth, and Ben Lightner from Dixon High School Theatre to talk about the school's fall production of Frankenstein . Hear how the production came together, what...

Get ready for candy, games, giveaways, and Halloween fun! 👻 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long sits down with Community Service Officer Mary Toth and Officer Lucas Nease from the Sterling Police Department to talk about the return of the department’s annual Trunk or Treat event. 📅 Date: October 30 ⏰ Time: 4–6 p.m. 📍 Location: Downtown pavilion at the Sterling Farmers Market...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Kierstyn Long welcomes Larry Steward from Pat’s Table to share the inspiring story of a community ministry built on love, faith, and service. Created in memory of Larry’s late wife, Pat, the organization has served more than 45,000 meals to people in the Prophetstown community. What began as a leap of faith has grown into a lasting tradition of home-cooked m...

🎃 Cash and Coffee: How to Save Money This Halloween! DIY Costumes, Thrifting & Budget-Friendly Tips Halloween doesn't have to haunt your wallet! 👻 On this episode of Cash and Coffee , hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman talk about their favorite Halloween costumes, childhood memories, and how families can celebrate spooky season without overspending. From DIY costumes and Goodwill find...

Join host Kierstyn Long for a special political candidate edition of Along the Rock featuring Nolan Kemp, a candidate for Illinois State Representative in the 74th District. A Dixon native and emergency medical technician, Kemp shares how his experiences in emergency services inspired him to pursue public service and discusses the issues he hopes to address if elected. In this episode, hear Kemp d...

🎃 Halloween Horticulture: Spooky Plant Traditions, Historic Pumpkin Pie & the Pumpkin Smash! What do apples have to do with predicting your future spouse? Why was rosemary believed to protect against evil spirits? And how did people make pumpkin pie in colonial times? 🌿🍎 On this episode of Along the Rock , host Kierstyn Long welcomes Bruce J. Black from Illinois Extension for a Halloween-th...