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What's NewStarved Rock Lodges Launches NEW website
Mark Thomas Wins 2010 Colgate Country Showdown
The hot August weather took a back seat to the intense competition on the stage at the finals of this year's Colgate Country Showdown on the Veranda at Starved Rock Lodge. The heat was on as the judges tried to decide which of the 12 contestants would win a $1,000 cash prize and a chance to move on to the state competition and ultimately - the opportunity to compete on national television later this year. Mark Thomas, of LaSalle, captured the title at the August 3rd finals. "I know how much it means to win because I've done it before," said Thomas, "And each time I win, I go further. I'm ready for the state finals this year." Contest rules state that any winner must wait one year before returning to the competition. Mark Thomas was the Showdown winner in 2008. Thomas waited, composed original songs in the meantime and perfected his skill as a singer/performer and guitarist. He also finely tuned an 8-piece band he leads called Haymarket Riot, now based in Carol Stream. Steve Sharp, local performer/guitarist and one of three judges at the showdown said, "The competition was really tough this year, but Mark Thomas got extra points by writing his own songs and performing them so well." Lizzy Neal of Compton was voted first runner up. If for some reason Thomas cannot compete, Neal will take his place in the state competition. The contest was sponsored by Dr. Ed Monroe, Miller Lite, Starved Rock Lodge, and Wall-to-Wall Country WALLS102. Click HERE to see all the photos from the competition by Kathy Casstevens-Jasiek
"Tranquility Fountain" Now Graces Hotel Entrance Starved Rock is a peaceful place, but now, there's something new to add to that. Phil Nevitt, Maintenance Supervisor, recently installed a "tranquility fountain" at the hotel entrance. Water gently bubbles over the top of the rock, adding a new sound to welcome guests to Starved Rock Lodge. President and CEO, Terry Cross, found "the tranquility rock" in Arizona and felt it would be a perfect fit in its new location.
New Bronze Sculpture Arrives at Starved Rock A few years ago, the woodcarving of a Native American Chief (which stood at the top of the staircase which leads from Starved Rock's Veranda to the Visitor Center) was destroyed by carpenter ants. Ever since then, Terry Cross, President and CEO of Starved Rock Lodge & Conference Center, wanted to replace the statue. He recently found something that would last a lot longer. The bronze statue, which stands almost 4' in height, is called "Crow Indian Warrior on Horse". Cross bought the sculpture in Arizona and had it shipped to Utica. The Crow Indian nation is located around 4 rivers, the Tongue, Powder, Bighorn and Yellowstone. Their native tongue is the language of Absarokee. The Crow are a fearless nation that is very strong and fierce. The women are diligent and ingenious. Despite pressure from the outside world their culture remains very vital and alive. The detail in these figurines is extraordinary with detail right down to the fingernails. Cross also found another bronze work of art of an American Bald Eagle. This sculpture will soon be placed at the Visitors Center. Terry said he thought this statue would remind visitors of the rich history of Starved Rock, since Native Americans are as much a part of this area as eagles. Fox Ridge Opens at Starved Rock Lodge
Last year, the area across from Starved Rock Lodge's main entrance was nothing more than some pine trees and a few wooden benches. Recent changes have created a "little Stonehenge" and outdoor amphitheatre now called "Fox Ridge". Terry Cross, President and CEO of Starved Rock Lodge and Conference Center, had a feeling that the piece of land he transformed had great potential. The stone benches that were recently added to the top of the ridge more than triple the seating places that were there before.
When a large group of Caterpillar managers and staff members recently came to Starved Rock Lodge for a business conference, a complimentary group photo was offered to recognize the rare opportunity for such a large corporate gathering. So, all 138 CAT execs assembled on "Fox Ridge" to say cheese. The result was a group photo that would never before have been possible without the tiered benches of the new venue!
Starved Rock Logowear Available at:
Amazing Race Winner with a Sibling Twist! Congratulations to Lisa Jester and Kyle VanderKaay! Winners of Starved Rock's 2nd Amazing Race (April 12, 2010) are pictured with a race organizer, Edna Daugherty of Starved Rock Lodge. Click on the photo below to see all the photos from the race.
Amazing Race Brings Sisters to the Rock to Compete April 12, 2010 / Utica, IL- Holly Jaster of Vernon Hills, IL competed last year in Starved Rock's first Amazing Race with her friend, Lyndsey Bowers of Cleveland, OH. Last year, the pair finished in 8th place (out of 13 teams). This year, they returned to try again! Although they came in second, they were beaten by Holly's sister, Lisa and her boyfriend, Kyle VanderKaay of Akron, OH. "There were moments when I was a half an hour ahead of my sister," said Holly, "and at times, we were neck and neck, but she ended up finishing just moments ahead of us. It was one of the most fun and unique experiences that I have ever done and I was really excited to come back for a second run." The two sisters agreed that it was great having each other to compete with and push each other. Both were racing for bragging rights in their family. Race organizer, Edna Daugherty, heads up Starved Rock's Activities Department. She said, "I tried to make the clues as challenging as possible without being too easy or too difficult." The teams had to first find 10 locations in and around the Lodge. A roadblock was included where one team member had to eat 2 large chicken strips with one of eight mystery sauces. Those who were lucky got sweet and sour sauce and those who weren't got Tabasco sauce! Today, they headed out toward Wildcat Canyon, Lover's Leap, Eagle Cliff and Beehive Overlook. After that, they had to find their way to Cedar Creek Ranch for a horseback ride, with clues hidden along the trail. The ranch's owner offered his dog, "Cedar" to be the main clue the racers were seeking. After that, there was a strenuous hike to the bottom of the lower dells at Matthiessen State Park to search for a hidden lock box. The final clue sent them to the Vermillion River area to find artificial birds hidden in trees. The top two teams had a race to the finish to win. The race spread over two days and concluded with 4 plus hours of concentration and problem solving. There were five teams entered in the race and all them agree that they'd like to try this again. Starved Rock plans to create another "Amazing Race" in 2011 and will post clues to it on their website. Congratulations to Wes Schmidt of Ottawa
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