SUNDAY, MARCH 27, 2016
A PRODUCT OF THE HERALD & REVIEW, DECATUR , ILLINOIS
Stretching the Boundaries. It's about getting out of the comfort zone; not settling for the status quo and changing perceptions. In this section, you'll read about Central Illinois residents who are doing just that, like business, schools and individuals who take a fresh approach to problem solving and others who test the boundaries of their own creativity and endurance.
INSIDE:
CRAZY ABOUT THE PAST
Building a future Central Christian Church's Foundations program offers more than just a chance for area teenage moms and mothers-to-be to finish their education. In the program, the girls not only find acceptance, they also get firsthand lessons in what it takes to be a parent. PAGE 2
Photos by Lisa Morrison, Herald & Review
Never Forgotten Thymes proprietor Terry Yantis welcomes visitors to the shop. They also offer live music on the fourth Saturday and a flea market the first and third Saturdays.
Antique Alley Relics of the past whisper their history to those seeking vintage treasures DONNETTE BECKETT H&R Staff Writer
D
ECATUR – In the middle of Decatur lies a short road, just a few blocks long. Many drivers use Cerro Gordo Street only to bypass a train.
Although nothing appears to be unusual, a treasure awaits those willing to search the thoroughfare. Actually, several treasures can be found. Cerro Gordo Street is a popular address for several antique shops and flea markets. The owners often refer to their location as Antique Alley.
Antique dealers and vendors with various types of products rent space in one of the four shops, as well as a consignment shop, to sell their wares. "There are many interesting things down here," said Liz Ballog, a partner with the Wabash Depot Antique Center. About 14 years ago, Ballog and her family began the first antique mall on the east end of the street after they restored the old railroad Remnants of the old depot are scattered throughout depot. Now, merthe antique store. chandise from 45 dealers is found inside the 10,000-square-foot building. Ten years later, Never Forgotten Thymes moved in next door. Each store has its own appeal, including special events. While the Wabash Depot has anniversary and holiday celebrations, Never Forgotten Thymes has a party every fourth Saturday of the month with a live band. Although businesses typically compete for revenue, the owners of the antique shops have found other techniques work better. "It is to our benefit to help our neighbors," said Terry Yantis of
ANTIQUES/PAGE 2
In their House Decatur's Girls House team is out to change some perceptions about hockey. And even though the experimental team is not ready for travel competition - yet - members still had a chance to play in intrasquad scrimmages and try their hand at an Amateur Hockey Association of Illinois 3-on-3 tournament in Chicago. Page 5
Diane Hedden of Firehouse Flea Market has a wide range of products for sale including a number of vintage kitchen items.
Eye on the prize
You never know what you might locate when you enter one of the antique shops on Cerro Gordo Street like Never Forgotten Thymes.
‘We have a variety of stuff, vintage, antique, modern deco. I like to use the word eclectic.’ — Diane Hedden, owner of Firehouse Flea Market
Brittanie Nicole Brooks, Miss Black Illinois 2016, has always had a drive to succeed. Brooks, 24, who will compete for the title of Miss Black USA this summer in Washington, D.C., is using her platform to inspire young people to read and achieve. Page 14