Along The Rock

🎭 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 thr...

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 Proje...

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...

🐐 Kitzman's Farm Sanctuary: Giving Rescued Animals a Second Chance | Along the Rock Podcast Join host Kierstyn Long as she visits Kitzman's Farm Sanctuary in Dixon, Illinois, for a behind-the-scenes look at a nonprofit dedicated to rescuing and caring for farm animals in need. In this episode, Tracy Kitzman and farm manager Cat Austin share the story of how a family farm evolved into a gr...

What does it take to become Rock Falls Police Officer of the Year less than a year after graduating from the police academy? In this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts sits down with Armando Garnica Jr., the 2025 Rock Falls Police Officer of the Year, to discuss his journey into law enforcement, the surprise of receiving the award, and what serving the Rock Falls community means to him. A...

🌱 Can you still plant a thriving garden in June? Absolutely. In this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts welcomes Bruce Black from the University of Illinois Extension for a hands-on gardening demonstration filmed at Sweetland Studios during the Dixon Petunia Festival. Bruce walks Emma through creating a beautiful indoor succulent garden while sharing practical tips for container gardenin...

🐄❤️ Millie’s story is one of love, courage, and a legacy that continues to change lives. In this episode of Along the Rock , host Emma Watts sits down with Wesley and Gabby DeClercq, founders of The Millie Moo Foundation, to discuss how the memory of their daughter, Amelia "Millie" DeClercq, inspired a mission dedicated to helping families facing pediatric cancer and supporting the next...

In this episode, Nathan sits down with G.H. Merritt and Dean Barker of New Illinois to discuss one of the most talked-about grassroots movements in the state. The conversation explores the organization's mission, the constitutional process they believe could lead to the creation of a new state, and why supporters argue that residents outside of the Chicago metropolitan area deserve greater rep...

Join Nathan Stahr on this episode of Along the Rock as he sits down with Tameka Deatherage and Dr. Christine Elston of Elston Psychotherapy to explore the growing connection between mental health, nutrition, and overall wellness. Discover how the foods we eat can impact mood, energy levels, stress management, and even symptoms of depression. The conversation dives into the science behind the gut-b...

Step back in time and experience baseball the way it was played in the 1850s! In this episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Stahr sits down with Mark Herman, manager and captain of the Oregon Ganymedes Vintage Baseball Club, and Brandon Jens, Manager of John Deere Attractions and Historic Sites, to explore the fascinating world of vintage baseball and the history behind the John Deere Historic S...

Money can strengthen a relationship—or become one of its biggest challenges. In this episode of Cash and Coffee, hosts Quinn Stahr and Emily Zimmerman discuss the importance of financial compatibility in relationships. From spending habits and savings goals to shared priorities and financial transparency, they explore why being on the same page about money can make a significant difference in a co...

🕵️‍♀️ Murder, mystery, costumes, clues, and a whole lot of fun are coming to downtown Morrison! On this episode of Along the Rock , host Nathan Stahr sits down with Melissa Hull of Upcycle Junkie to discuss Murder Mystery on Main , an immersive, community-wide murder mystery event taking place July 10 in Morrison, Illinois. Learn how this unique event transforms 10 downtown locations into a live-a...

How does a giant playground slide end up in the Rock River? On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Kyle Sommers, President of the Rock River Development Authority, to discuss the organization's mission, the history of its volunteer efforts, and the upcoming 2026 Rock River Cleanup. Learn how the Rock River Development Authority has been working since the 1980s to i...

⚔️ Ragnarok Rampage: A Tradition of Rainbows 🌈Step beyond the Renaissance fair experience and into a living medieval world at Ragnarok Rampage 2026, hosted by the Barony of Carraig Ban of the Society for Creative Anachronism. On this episode of Along the Rock, Emma Watts sits down with Sata Prescott, Baron of Carraig Ban, to discuss this unique event that combines medieval combat, historical arts...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Floyd Dunn, Founder and President of the Valor Support Project, to discuss the organization’s upcoming summer fundraising events and the impact they continue to have on veterans and their families throughout the Sauk Valley. Floyd shares details about the annual Valor motorcycle fundraiser, the veteran skydiving event at Chicagola...

Season 3, Episode 98 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Lyndon Mayor Tyler Scott to discuss the upcoming 35th Annual Lyndon Car Show. The conversation explores what has made the event a community tradition for more than three decades, the volunteers who have helped sustain it over the years, and what visitors can expect when they attend this year's show. Mayor...

Emma Watts and Kayla Tenboer-Sipes break down the psychology behind credit cards, online shopping, and modern spending habits on this episode of Cash and Coffee from Along the Rock. Learn how companies use “TAT” — Time, Accountability, and Traction — to encourage consumers to spend more money without even realizing it. From tap-to-pay and one-click checkout to saved credit card information and buy...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Jennifer Lang and Amanda Wike from Discover Dixon to talk about everything happening this summer — including Dixon City Market, Fitness Fridays, Music at the Square, Summer Block Party, Venetian Night, Petunia Festival, America 250 celebrations, and more. The conversation highlights the importance of supporting local businesses, bri...

Nathan Stahr sits down with Melinda Jones and Josh Duffee to preview the 5th Annual Bellson Music Fest in Rock Falls. The conversation highlights this year’s expanded music lineup, the free drum clinic at the McCormick Event Center, and the continued celebration of legendary Rock Falls drummer Louis Bellson. Josh also discusses the history behind early jazz drumming, the vintage drum equipment tha...

Season 3, Episode 95 General Description, brief summary of the episode, notable moments, etc… 🗓️ Event Date: fill in event date 🕙 Time: fill in event time 📍 Location: fill in event location Call to action, why someone should attend this event, or watch this video. Draw a personal connection to whoever is reading this description or watching this video. 👉 Don’t forget to like, share, comment and...

Join host Emma Watts on this episode of Along the Rock as she talks with Brenda Helms from Sauk Valley Community College about the return of the College for Kids program. From Roblox and Pokémon-themed classes to video game design, AI learning opportunities, theater workshops, cooking classes, fashion design, and more, there’s something for students of all interests this summer. Learn how local ki...

On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Dr. Laura Gumbiner from the Florissa Center to discuss the importance of accessible developmental, behavioral, and mental health services for children and families throughout the Sauk Valley. Learn how the Florissa Center was created, the wide range of evaluations and support services they provide, and why collaboration with schools...

Tailgate Bingo is making its return to Rock Falls, and on this episode of Along the Rock, host Nathan Stahr sits down with Rock Falls Chamber interim director Marissa Razo to talk about everything attendees can expect from this massive summer kickoff event. From outdoor bingo and tailgating fun to huge summer-themed prizes, food trucks, music, raffles, and community spirit, Tailgate Bingo is bring...

Learn how local leaders are growing stronger connections throughout the Sauk Valley on this episode of Along the Rock! Host Emma Watts sits down with Vanessa Wessels and Jessica Cash from the Sauk Valley Community Leadership Program to discuss how the program is helping participants discover leadership strengths, build professional relationships, and become more involved in their communities. The...

The legendary Big Boy Steam Engine is returning to Sterling, Illinois, and the excitement is already building across the Sauk Valley and beyond. 🚂 On this episode of Along the Rock, host Emma Watts sits down with Janna Groharing of Sterling Main Street and Teri Sathoff from the City of Sterling to discuss the massive historic locomotive’s upcoming stop in downtown Sterling on Tuesday, June 2. The...