Nothing but good news !

And Good people doing Great things!

From Arlington, Cherry, Ladd, Seatonville/Hollowayville,
Spring Valley,and Dalzell, Illinois

A John the Barber Foundation Publication

VOLUME

2,

ISSUE

DECEMBER

2014

Ravioli Alley talents make the IVCC Forty

under 40 2014 list:
Lets say a big congrats to the following Ravioli Alley residents who were selected
by IVCC as the areas top Forty under 40 business and economic up and comers
for 2014: Lindsey Ponsetti of Spring Valley is a mom, wife, and health food store
owner who has Great plans for helping people with their overall physical health through
correct food choices and exercise. Phillip Taylor of Dalzell is a Hall and IVCC grad
has a very impressive resume and is currently a human resources specialist at Carus
Chemical in LaSalle. JT Thompson of Spring Valley has had a very impressive
early career revolving around golf services and merchandising. Congrats to these
Ravioli Alley talents who are making Great moves!

Up Ravioli Alley Volume One Collector Book Makes

for a Great Christmas Present!

Wow! Heres something pretty cool that would make

Great present for your Ravioli Alley friends and relatives,
especially those living now in other parts of the country.
Get your copy of the hardbound Volume One Edition of
Up Ravioli Alley. This cool book includes all issues
of Up Ravioli Alley from October, 2013 through
September, 2014 completely in COLOR! A limited
number of copies have been printed. Books go
on-sale December 15, 2014 at the Cherry Country
Store or by mailing to JTB at Box 88, Cherry, IL
61317. Books are $20/each (plus $4 shipping via
mail in orders). Book beautifully produced by St.
Bede Abbey Press.

PAGE

Senior Pie and

Coffee
Dont forget: Cherry
United Church of Christ/
Holy Trinity Cherry Pie
& Coffee Social Hour,
first Thursday of each
1:30 p.m. 3:30 p.m.
at Cherry Church Hall.
Bring a friend!
DO SOMETHING GREAT
and volunteer to be
chariman for a month!
Unless you choose to
do Great things with it,

Dante Bulli!
Great to hear from ya!
Talk about a guy who did so many Great things! A
veteran of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, Dante risked
his life hundreds of time for all of us in Ravioli Alley!
From time to time, when you see a large plan flying over
remember to thank Dante for all he has done for us!
Recently Dante (below right) wrote to JTB and everyone
here in Ravioli Alley: Dear Up Ravioli Alley, On 16
July 1940 Chuck Bartolli (below right) and I left Cherry
for California to make our fortunes. The next day we
celebrated my 18th birthday with an ice cream soda in
a drugstore on Highway 66 in Oklahoma City. We both
found jobs in air craft factories and worked there until
December, 1941. After Pearl Harbor happened we
enlisted. Since that day I have never returned to Cherry
except for short furloughs but I still consider Cherry to
be my home town. I cant tell you how much I enjoy
Up Ravioli Alley. Both of my children enjoy reading
it to me. Please dont run out of printers ink! Dante
(Remember to look up and thank Chuck too! That guy
looks like a movie star dudnt-ee?)

it makes no difference
how much you have.
Opra Winfrey,
American actress

Heres what people around the country are saying

about Up Ravioli Alley!

Barbara Doherty Schweickert formerly of Spring Valley and her husband Bill formerly
of Ladd, both now of Metemora said, Dean Costello from back home told us about Up Ravioli
Alley. It really brings back Great memories! When you get to be our age, we just live for good
news, good memories, and good old friends.

Rosemary Breidenbaugh formerly of Arlington writes, I attended the Sesquicentennial
Celebration at St. Pats Arlington. It was a wonderful day of experiences. While I was there, I
was given a copy of your Great Up Ravioli Alley newsletter. Could you add me to your email
distribution list?

Al Buzz Buswink of Sugar Grove, Illinois formerly of Cherry writes, I enjoy reading Up
Ravioli Alley very much. I am originally from Cherry and news from home is always Great to
hear! Have many memories of John the Barber as he was a friend to all kids!

The
John
the
Barber
The
John
the
Barber
Foundation
Foundation
Box8888
Box
Cherry,ILIL61317
61317
Cherry,

Don Wede of Spring Valley says, Up Ravioli Alley is Great! Informative, concise, light
hearted, just fun!

VOLUME

2,

ISSUE

PAGE

Troglio Pienta Peart:

What an All-time Great Day for Hall Football Fans
As discussed briefly in past issues of URA, at one time in the mid-1950s Hall had three
former Red Devils starting for the Big Ten Northwestern Wildcats football squad.a
Great accomplish for Hall High! Many fans likely remember the famous event held at a
Northwestern game to honor them. Dale Pienta himself recently wrote JTB saying, Local
men from the Hall district arranged the event with Northwestern to honor Jim, Cliff, and
myself. Seven hundred Hall fans attended the game that day. A special train left the Spring
Valley station at 8:30 a.m. arriving at Evanston at 1:00 p.m. It was also band day and Hall
was one of the bands performing. Our fans were recognized and all stood when introduced.
As the bands left the field, all left in block formation. Hall was the last to leave and ended
up in the HALL formation as they went out. People were amazed that a school of 370
students had three starters on a Big Ten team. What a Great day, Great memory, Great
accomplishment for Hall High!

Ravioli Alley Christmas Church Service/Mass Schedule

Cherry and Depue United Church of Christ

Spring Valley United Church of Christ

Cherry UCC Christmas Day Service 8:15am

Depue UCC Christmas Eve Service 7:00pm

Christmas Eve Service Wednesday December 24, 2014 7:00

p.m.

Hollowayville United Church of Christ

December 21, 2014 7:00 p.m. service Sunday school Christmas

Program with refreshments to follow In Fellowship Hall
Christmas Eve Service 7:00 p.m. (Includes special music,
Christmas hymns, communion, scriptures telling of Jesus birth
and a candle lighting segment by all in attendance.)

Christmas Eve 4:00 p.m. (LIVE Web-Mass /Overflow will be held

concurrently at the Cherry Church Hall including communion)

Christmas Eve 10:00 p.m.

Seatonville Congregational Church Independent

Sunday, December 14, 2014 Second Sunday Worship Gathering

(Christmas Edition) and our intimate sanctuary will be decorated
for Christmas and we will feature Christmas Carols, Christmas
message and Communion.
Christmas Eve 7:00 p.m. we will have our beautiful Candlelight
Christmas Eve Service

St. Thomas More Dalzell

Christmas Day 9:00 a.m.

Holy Trinity Cherry

St. Patricks Arlington

St. George Orthodox Church Spring Valley

Christmas Eve Divine Liturgy 6:00 p.m.

Hollowayville United Church of Christ

December 21, 2014 7:00 p.m. service Sunday school Christmas

Program with refreshments to follow In Fellowship Hall
Christmas Eve Service 7:00 p.m. (Includes special music,
Christmas hymns, communion, scriptures telling of Jesus birth
and a candle lighting segment by all in attendance.)

Sring Valley Nativity of our Lord

Call 815.664.3731 for mass times.

DO SOMETHING GREAT!

Have your family or business sponsor the printing of Up Ravioli Alley for one month! Email John the barber to learn how to
do it.

PAGE

What if you woke

up today with only the
things you thanked God
for yesterday. Ravioli
Alley translation: Dont
catch yourself only
ASKING God for things,
remember to THANK
him too. Especially on
Sundays. Hes a pretty
busy Guy and would
really appreciate it!
The first to apologize
is the BRAVEST. The
first to FORGIVE is the
STRONGEST. The
first to forget is the
HAPPIEST! (JTB adds
The first to go out today
and LIVE this quote is
the Greatest!)
To every man, there
comes in his lifetime,
that special moment
when he is figuratively
tapped on the shoulder
and offered a chance
to do a very special
thing, unique to him
and fitted to his talents;
What a tragedy if that
moment should find
him unprepared or
unqualified for the work
which would be his
finest hour. -Winston
Churchill

Wow! How about that Father Anthony! Way ahead of

his time! Reaching out to Strangers in 1957

Read ahead and be amazed by this fantastic letter from Gene Baldini,
Ravioli Alley alumna originally from Cherry and now living in Italy.
He makes us think Wow, folks in Ravioli Alley were reaching out to
strangers a long ago already! Gene writes, The title of the article
about Holy Trinity Reaching Out to Strangers and of course the
picture of my father Gino Jada Baldini reminded me of something
that occurred many years ago when Father Anthony Weirman
was priest at Holy Trinity Cherry around 1957. In those days, the
two summer events of consequence in Cherry were the Firemans
Homecoming and the Holy Trinity Social; a weekend of games, food,
drink and music. Many may not remember though that the Del Monte
food company use to hire migrant workers that were bunk housed
on local farms. Their job at the time was to pick peas. The farm I
remember was just outside of town on the Plank Road. This time the
workers were from Jamaica were a very rare site in town especially
at night. Sometimes in the evening before it got dark theyd walk
into town and I dont know about the others, but my father did serve
them at our family tavern. One summer evening at the church social
Father Anthony got into his Chevy station wagon and went out to
the farm and piled a bunch of these men in and brought them to the
social. No one knew that they were musicians. Being Jamaican, they
brought their homemade steel drums, cranked it up and played all
night stunning the mid-western crowd with their genius! I remember
running to the tavern to fetch my guitar and giving it to one of the
musicians to play. The hot summer night, the colored light bulbs
dangling from a makeshift wire looking something like a misplaced Christmas decoration and these
raggae musicians going full tilt in Cherry was nothing short of magical. I was transfixed. Father
Anthony and the Jamaicans gave a genuine example of generosity that left a deep impression.

Spring Valley Billy Papke Turn of the

Century Boxing Champ
Found this interesting early boxing card on Ebay recently. Billy Papke
was born in Spring Valley in 1886 and went on to be the middle weight
champion of the world. Impressively he fought in such cities as Paris,
New York, St. Louis, and Philadelphia in 1912 /1913.

VOLUME

2,

ISSUE

PAGE

Barb Kotte Fulara: Most memorable Hall teacher,

definitely on the all-time list of Ravioli Alley Greats!
Libby Wertz, fellow teacher and friend, wrote to tell us all her story of the Great Barb Kotte Fulara, exceptional, unforgettable long time Hall
teacher. Libby writes, Sometime during the first week of school back in the mid-seventies, she walked into the Hall High School teachers
lounge and plopped down and began talking to me in that semi-loud, low, Chicago-accent-tinged voice as if she had known me for years. She
didnt fit the mold that teachers were supposed to fit at that time: a bit aloof, a tad unapproachable, and always knowing the chasm between
teacher and student. Barb Kotte, as she was known then, was the exact opposite. What a breath of fresh air she was to me and we were only
4 years apart in age! I guess I had bought into societys teacher image from the start, as I was eager to fit that image for which I had studied
four years. Barb Kotte not only breezed into that teachers lounge like a small hurricane that day, but she breezed into my life which would
affect me forever.
Miss Kotte, a speech and English teacher with a keen interest in theater, formed a strong
relationship with her students unlike teachers did back then. Her relationships were based on her
uncanny ability to see the potential in each student. Barb, especially through her speech class
and her school play productions, would encourage and work hard to ensure that her students not
only worked up to their potential, but more importantly, that THEY saw their own potential. Many of
Barbs students realized, some for the first time that they really had worth, that they could achieve.
By the time her students left her, they had a new-found confidence in their potential to achieve
and succeed. Barbs talent for seeing each child for his/her unique gift was one of the first things I
learned from Miss Kotte. I began looking at each student as a person who had potential, dreams,
and who deserved my respect for the person he/she was.
As the years passed, Barbs special outfits, unique voice, and her good and bad hair days, as she
called them, became an accepted norm. Her voice had become a welcoming sound throughout
the halls. Her presence had become part of the school just like the old, beautiful woodwork, the
stained glass windows and the marbled floors. Barbs passionate involvement in school activities
was another lesson she taught me. Her who cares if we make fools of ourselves attitude toward
getting involved in assembly skits and Homecoming competitions rubbed off on me and my lifetime
of shyness began to fall away. I now embrace a Go for it/So what attitude in my older years, and I
know that THAT too is Barbs gift to me.
Even though Barb was a successful teacher, she told me that it was not enough, that something was lacking in her life. Thus, began her quest
that led her to her deep faith and devotion to Jesus. Just as in teaching, Barb was passionate about her faith. She loved studying the Bible
and learning more about herself as she did so. Barb and I did not belong to the same religious denomination, but we shared the same faith
in Gods goodness, love and mercy. Because of her strong belief, she showed me how to go into myself and strengthen MY beliefs bringing
me to a closer and deeper relationship with my faith. Today, that faith that was instilled in me as a child at home and at parochial school, is so
much a part of who I am. My faith is what keeps me going day to day, and I know that Barb has a big part in that too.
After a few years away from Hall, Mrs. Barb Kotte Fulara returned to the staff of Hall High School in the position of Librarian. Barb had gotten
married, became a mother, and had earned her Masters degree in Library Science and was full-time Librarian for most of her remaining
teaching career. Mrs. Fulara continued to be involved with students as sponsor of National Honor Society, and later with the Leo Club. Toward
the end of my career at Hall, Barb was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer. She took it in stride as simply an obstacle that life had thrown
in her path. With the help of her doctor, her medical protocol, and especially with the grace of God, she would meet this obstacle head on
and get around it. Her faith made me believe she could do it; and so she did for quite a few years. She amazed me. She never ever lost her
sense of humor through her battle, never missed a chance for an adventure, never said no to precious time with her family, never turned
down a lunch with the ladies. Barb continued to live life with gusto, as she truly knew that each day was a priceless gift to be taken in by all the
senses and to be lived to the fullest.
I cherish the friendship that Barb and I shared. Did we always see eye to eye with each other? No. Did we get frustrated with each other?
Yes. Did we overcome our differences? Yes; you see, true friendship will do that. But even strong disagreements and differing views seemed
to help us understand each other better. I know I became more accepting of others and their views, and took more ownership of my own
shortcomings. Im sure Barb did the same, and from all this came unconditional friendship. Unconditional friendship so rare, so valuable,
such a blessing. Her life was a lesson for me, one I will cherish forever. That young teacher who breezed into the teachers lounge that late
August day, breezed into my life and influenced me forever. And one August day, she breezed out of my life with no pomp and pageantry, but
with peace, love, and dignity that will go on through her girls and through her friends. Barb is still with me; I can feel her in the soft breeze that
ignites an August memory and brings a smile to my face. (Great shot of Barb living out her who cares if we make fools of ourselves spirit).

PAGE

Jesus will sayI was

hungry and you fed me.
I was thirsty and you
gave me a drink. I was
a STRANGER and you
invited me in Mark
25: 36-40. Ravioli Alley
Translation: May not
think we need a translation
on this onepretty
straight huhhelp out
the hungry and thirsty.
easy enough. But
notice special attention
Jesus gives to the word
STRANGER. Its
pretty easy to help the 1%
of the folks we already
know.the great-aunt who
lives across the street
maybe..but it is truly
Great if we can figure out
how to reach out to some
of the 99% of the world
we dont already know.
some likely living just
down your street right
now!

Heres a few quick Rav Notes

Romo is Great!: An annonomous reader writes, Greatly enjoyed the October, 2014
issue of URA that described Halls Great 1973 football squad. Brought back a lot of Great
memories! Also liked Romos picture! I wanted to mention that John has always been a Great
guy. Once when I was a kid, a large group was playing football in a big open lot. Romo
stopped and was full time quarterback for both teams. I was the youngest there but Romo
made sure I was involved, sending me deep on long pass plays. (Sometimes it took me 2-3 plays
for me to make my way back to the huddle). At the end of game he threw a super long pass that
went way beyond all the other receivers. Having wondered way down to the end zone, I stuck
up both arms and the missile somehow stuck in my hands! Greatest sports play of my life!
Thanks Romo!

Seatonville Congregational Church Independent hosting The Daniel Plan: Each
Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. beginning with an informational meeting on January 5, 2015. The
six-week course runs Monday, January 12, 2015 - Monday, February 16, 2015. The Daniel
Plan concentrates on Faith, Food, Fitness, Focus, and Friends in this biblical and sensible
approach to a healthier lifestyle. The seminar is free, but the book and study guide are highly
encouraged to be purchased for the best results in the program. The Daniel Plan Book is
$13.99 and the Study Guide is $8.29 and can be purchased at www.danielplan.com. For further
information call Pastor Bill Jacobsen at 815-228-6717

Lori is Great too! Wow! How about that Lori
Guerrini! Continuing to help the needy! Two Illinois
women received sight restoring cornea transplants via
Lori and the Illinois Eye-Bank! You too can be a little
bit Great like Lori! Sign up to be an organ donor by
contacting Illinois Donate Life at www.DonateLifeIllinois.
org or emailing nlogan@illinoiseyebank.org. Another
way is to remember to sign up the next time you renew
your Illinois drivers license.

Ashely Choate of Hall High named 2014
Recipient of the HOBY (Hugh OBrien Youth Association) Leadership Award: Heres a big high
five to Ashely for being named for this Great honor. Ashelys Great leadership skills give her a
bright future! Follow up high five to her parents Bill and Melissa McLain of Spring Valley!

Up Ravioli Alley Needs Your Help Finding Assistant

Editors/Field Reporters
Help! Up Ravioli Alley needs an Assistant Editor to help us get the newsletter done
each month.help layout and create content, dig for stories, etc. Please email editor@
JTB needs good info from your home town for Up Ravioli Alley
JohnTheBarberFoundation.com or mail Box 88, Cherry, IL 61317 to find out more!
Hey Ravioli Alley folks, JTB needs your stories, photos, announcements
Thanks!
and bits of news for Up Ravioli Alley. We are looking for stories about

Good people doing Great things both now and in the past, both in
Alley
andfor
in other
parts of
the country.
JTB needs good info fromRavioli
your home
town
Up Ravioli
Alley
We
could
really
use
your
help!
Hey Ravioli Alley folks, JTB needs your stories, photos, announcements and bits of news for Up Ravioli Alley. We are looking for
Please
email
us at
editor@JohnTheBarberFoundation.com
orthe
write
to
stories about Good people doing Great things
both
now and
in the
past, both in Ravioli Alley and in other parts of
country.
John
TheusBarber
Foundation, Box 88, Cherry, IL 61317
We could really use your help!the
Please
email
at editor@JohnTheBarberFoundation.com
or write to the John The Barber Foundation, Box 88, Cherry, IL 61317

VOLUME

2,

ISSUE

PAGE

Ravioli Alley Non-For-Profit Organizations All Showing that John The Barber
Spirit This Winter

TAKE someone who doesnt get a chance to get out too often.
BRING a carry out to someone new on your block.
SEND in a donation if you cant make it.

Ladd American Legion and Auxiliary will be sponsoring Santa Picture For Ladd Christmas Walk: Saturday December 13,
2014 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Ladd American Legion. Pictures with Santa (3:30 p.m. 6:00 p.m.) cocoa, coffee, cookies and treats. Come
get warmed up and have a big smile for Santa!!

Santa Day in Arlington: Saturday, December 13, 2014 1:00 p.m. Arlington Fire Station. Santa will arrive on the fire truck at
2:00 p.m. Craft activities will be provided for the children prior to Santas arrival. Refreshments and cookies will be served and treats
passed out by Santa.

Ladd Sociables Holiday Season Christmas 2014 Luncheon: Thursday December 4, 2014 12:00 noon at Lanutis in Ladd.
Spaghetti, salad & bread, coffee or soft drinks included. $8.00 payable at the door. Reservations required by November 28th by
calling Barb Lunn 894-2893 or Ethel Lund 894-2917

Nucos Famous Sausage Making at St. Patricks Arlington, Saturday, December 6, 2014, St. Patrick Church/Bishop
Franz Hall. Nucos family recipe for Italian sausage will be available plain, garlic or double garlic in 5 lb. bags. Orders may be placed
by calling Lauren Koch at 815-638-2224 or Ann Hunter at 815-638-2691 by November 30, 2014. Sausage orders can be picked up
at the church hall between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, December 6, 2014 or following the 10:30 a.m. Mass on Sunday,
December 7, 2014. (FYI, the price wont be determined until we order the meat. Pork prices have been going up!)

Spring Valley United Church of Christ Annual Cookie Walk: Saturday, December 6, 2014 7:30 a.m. 12:00 noon. (If
they last that long!) Pick up your own at $6.50/pound. Plus peanut brittle at $7/bag(pound). Peanut Brittle is available and for sale
NOW. For more information or to pre order peanut brittle call the church 815 663 1951or Billie Jean Taylor 815 664 2509.

St. Margarets Hospital Foundation Lourdes and Fatima Pilgrimage Fundraising Trip: Ten day adventure is scheduled
for Friday March 6, 2015 Sunday March 15, 2015. The St. Margarets Hospital Foundation is sponsoring a pilgrimage to Lourdes
and Fatima. The group will visit Marian shrines in Portugal, Spain and France. Destinations include Fatima, Santarem, Alba De
Tormes, Avila, Burgos, Loyola, Lourdes, Never and Paris. This prayer-filled journey during Lent will prepare you for a joyous Easter.
For more information contact Frank Kobilsek in the Foundation office at St. Margarets 815-664-7268/ FKobilsek@aboutsmh.org or visit
www.catholictrips.com. One lucky person will win a free trip being raffled by the Foundation. Watch for volunteers selling chances or
visit the Hospital Gift Shop.

Hey, you forgot to tell us the answers to the nickname quiz!

JTB almost forgot! Here are the answers to the Ravioli Alley Nickname Quiz from our September, 2014 issue. If you know WHY
/HOW these guys got their nicknames, please let JTB know. Here, we will get things started.Gabby Tonozzi was catcher on
the great Ladd baseball teams.he chattered to try to distract the batterlike hall of fame catcher Gabby Hartnett of the Cubs.
Although many tried on our contest, NOBODY got ALL the nicknames correct! JTB is going to make a judgment call and award the
JTB sweatshirt to Madeline McLaughlin of Spring Valley for coming the closest and showing the most enthusiasm!

Arthur Verucchi Buzzy
Dean Hozel Harpo
Harold Wrona Smokey
William Liebe Buttons
John Tabor Bocky
Guy Tonozzi Gabby
Frank Mautino Mule
Bart Sebben Bombo
Frank Baracani Ta-Ta
Gino Baldini Jada
Albert DeAngelo Pap
Arthur Baracani Rooster
Dean Thompson Bootnose
Albert Pap
DeAngelo

Hall Students Again Doing Great Things For Hall Township Food Pantry
Braving the cold, Hall students were out collecting $700 to benefit Hall Township Food Pantry and our hungry families in need. The
gang went on to purchase 20 turkeys for thanksgiving distribution. Just looking at these sharp young folks makes a Ravioli Alley
parent proud! Pictured below (outside) are (L-R) Hayley Cessna, Alyssa Smith, and Carly Kirkman and (inside) are (L-R) Alyssa
Smith, Alyce Ruda, Carly Kirkman and Hayley Cessna. Good Teens out in the cold doing Great things!

Winter winds are coming..a chance again to do something a little bit Great
for your community church and neighbors!
Winter winds and dropping temperatures
have a way of keeping folks from getting
to weekend church services/mass. Snow
and ice can make it difficult for all kinds of
folks to make it. Here are few things you
can do to do something a little bit Great
this winter to help your neighbors and
community churches:
Lets go for a ride! Offer up a ride to
assist those that are having trouble getting
out.

Your gifts are especially appreciated

in the winter: Even if you cant make it
to church, please make it a habit to mail
in your giving envelopes. If your church
offers it, sign up for electronic giving. E-giving is easy, saves you time, and makes your deductions easier to track
at tax time in the Spring! Your church appreciates all you can do to keep collection even and level throughout the
winter!
Hook them up! For senior and other shut-ins, hook them up with an on-line web or TV based service/mass.
(Check our Mary Rooney, formerly of Cherry, watching Father Pat and the LIVE mass from her room at Bethlehelm
Woods in LaGrange, Illinois)