STERLING – A half century ago, in a garage in rural Rock Falls, Terry Powell worked meticulously, night after night, restoring classic cars.

“It used to be great therapy for me,” said Powell, 78, a retired Rock Falls High School teacher.

“After teaching all day, I’d come home and spend time with my family, and then I’d be out in the garage banging on cars until 11 p.m. I could do detail work, I could throw things, I could tinker ... it was a great way to deal with the stress of the day, and when it was all done I had something beautiful to show for it.”