Barbara Hermes, 60, a Dixon High School counselor, lives in Dixon with her husband, Paul. They have five daughters, Corrie Ackman, 33, Sarah Stickelmaier, 32, Mary Jo Hermes, 30, Jennifer Morse, 28, and Jean Hermes, 24; and seven grandchildren.

Hometown: I grew up an Air Force "brat" and moved around frequently. I was born in Oak Park but I lived the longest in Golden, Colo., where I went to high school and stayed for college.

Former work experience: I started my career in 1971 teaching English at Leto High School in Tampa, Fla. I moved to Dixon in 1973 and started teaching seventh- and eighth-grade language arts at Lincoln School.

Greatest accomplishment: Being blessed with a wonderful husband and together raising five daughters and relishing the joy of seven grandchildren.

Greatest regret: That my children grew up without either grandmother, both of whom were amazing women, having raised 19 children between them.

Best advice for young adults: Find your passion, work hard, and stay close to God and your family.

Favorites: I enjoy playing bridge (same bridge group for 36 years), golfing, swimming, solving word puzzles and Sudoku, and watching my grandchildren and nieces and nephews play sports.

Favorite place in Illinois: Galena for its beauty, and Chicago for all there is to do.

First job: I baby-sat for 50 cents an hour after school, and on weekends worked promotions at Fordland in Denver for the same wage.

I enjoy reading: Classics, mysteries and nonfiction.

Favorite food: Steak.

If I could live anywhere, it would be: Right here in Dixon. It has been a wonderful place to raise our family.

Dream vacation: Cayman Islands.

Dream retirement: In one year this dream will be a reality, and I will continue to live in Dixon, surrounded by family and friends with plans to travel, read, golf and play daytime bridge.

If I won $1 million, I would: Share it with my family and favorite charities.

I'd really like to try: Parasailing.

Favorite saying: If you believe it, you can achieve it.

People I admire: My parents and my husband's parents.

People I don't understand: People who cannot tell the truth.

Advice for our state/national government: Stop excessive and unnecessary spending. Provide funding for education so that federal and state mandates can be met without draining our school districts' budgets.

Do you know someone who ought to be featured in Know Your Neighbors? Write to Phil Hartman at phartman@svnmail.com or call 800-798-4085, ext. 524.