Communicator FS Farmtown
July 2011 • Freeport, IL
Tony Carton Communicator Editor Bring your cars and pickups to FS Farmtown for complete auto service. Tires, brakes, front-end alignments, exhausts, and engine work are their specialty. FS Farmtown also carries a large inventory of tires to meet your emergency needs. Farmtown store manager Mike Pehl said the shop opened in 1980. “We deal in all walks of tires from lawn mower and specialty to the large agricultural and of course passenger vehicles and light trucks,” said Pehl. “There is not a tire made that we don’t get involved with except logging and mining tires.” He said that in addition to tires Farmtown full service garage specializing in alignments, suspension and brake work largely because those areas go hand in hand with the tires. “We deal primarily in high end brand name product,” Pehl said. “We don’t tend to dabble in the generic like some places do. We know our market and we stick to it.” He added that their newest venture is truck accessories. “We are now offering running boards, tonneau covers, rims, mud flaps and interior mats,” he said. “We are stocking and installing quality truck
accessories and we are having some success with them.” He said FS Farmtown is known for its great service. “We kiss and hug everybody that comes in and we are fortunate enough to retain them as regular customers and that’s why we’re successful,” Pehl said. “Our customer base is fantastic and FS has a pretty strong presence in the area. That helps us a lot.” He said they’ve spent years building a reputation for quality work and materials. “Some folks think we just work in the agriculture areas, and we can repair your tractor tire or large truck tire with our service truck on your farm, but we are much more,” he said. “We do all makes and models of cars. You name it and we’ve rolled it through the door. It doesn’t matter if it’s a Mercedes Benz or BMW, Acura or a Chevy; we do them all primarily because we have the brand name products that those vehicles require. Our customers won’t just have us stick on a tire because it’s a certain size. They’ve come to expect a certain level of quality and we deliver.” He added that the quality of the mechanical work performed at FS Farmtown is second to none.
“Most folks tend to think we just do tires, but we are much more,” Pehl said. “We are a full service garage.” Contact Mike Pehl at FS Farmtown and find out what the Farmtown team can do for you and your vehicles. Call them at 815-232-7202 or stop by the shop at 303 North Galena Ave. in Freeport.
Stephenson Service Company The Stephenson Service Company remains as dedicated today as it was over 75 years ago at its founding, to its mission of improving the long-term profitability of its members, customers, and owners. These goals are accomplished through the many products the company provides to customers, by being
on the cutting edge of services available, by maintaining high quality personnel, and combining these resources to bring profitable solutions to its customers and memberowners. “We are a farm supply cooperative that has several businesses right here in Freeport,” said General Manager Jay Kempel.
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In s i d e . . . Freeport Community Foundation MEMBER 4 GOLD SPOTLIGHT
6 MEMBER SPOTLIGHT
RIBBON CUTTINGS
MEMBER NEWS
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 27 W. Stephenson St, Freeport IL 61032 www.freeportilchamber.com Phone: 815.233.1350 Fax: 815.235.4038 EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Kim Grimes kim.grimes@freeportilchamber.com
MEMBERSHIP SERVICES COORDINATOR: Tiffany King tiffany.king@freeportilchamber.com
RECEPTIONIST: Julie Huber COMMUNICATION EDITOR: Tony Carton The Chamber of Commerce Communicator is published on a monthly basis with the partnership of The Journal-Standard paper. We thank them for their continual effort to keep this publication in print!
DATES TO REMEMBER... AUGUST 2 Executive Board Meeting Chamber Conference Room #1 7:30 am AUGUST 3 Rise ‘N Shine Breakfast Shoe Sensation 7:30-8:30 am AUGUST 6-7 4th Annual WIFFLE® Ball Invasion Little Cubs Field 8 am AUGUST 16 Chamber Board Meeting Chamber Conference Room #1 7:30 am
Kim’s Korner A
s I am writing this month’s column I am working at the Stephenson County Fair, engulfed with the great smell of “fair food” and hearing the loud roar from the “Tractor Pull”. I always thoroughly enjoy our Fair talking with friends and Chamber Members who visit our booth, watching the kids ride the rides, touring all the animal barns, enjoying the shows in the Grand Stand and of course enjoying all the “fair food”. It is always a pleasure working with the Fair Board who works very hard all year long to put on a great 6-day event that attracts thousands of people to Freeport as well as producing thousands of dollars that come into our Community. The Chamber wants to congratulate Fair Board President Ed Curry, his Board, and volunteers for putting on another great Stephenson County Fair. We want to thank all of our volunteers for the help in our recent Membership Drive and especially thank our new members that have joined during our Membership Drive. The Chamber is very excited to be participating in “Prospering Together”
our communities action plan to form a vision for our future. This needs to be a total team effort from all of our citizens in Stephenson County, so I hope you will participate in one of the several community listening sessions taking place the next couple of weeks. With the effort of many we can truly “Prosper Together” with a very positive attitude about our Community, but we need your voices and opinions. We want to thank the many Chamber Members who have participated in our Membership Survey as we lead into a Fall strategic plan. Our Chamber belongs to our members and we always welcome your thoughts and suggestions on how we are doing. We want to thank Oakley Courts for hosting June’s Business after Hours and Lena Living Center for hosting this month’s. Also thank Freeport Rehabilitation and Health Care Center for hosting this month’s Rise N’ Shine Breakfast.
SHOP
Freeport FIRST
Allen’s Menswear Auto Repair Specialists • Bocker Group Book World • Brown’s Shoes Captured Memories Photography Cellular Connection • Cimino’s Little Italy Culligan Water Conditioning • Deininger’s Floral Shop Diamond Dave’s Mexican Restaurant • Eilert’s • Fitness Nutrition Flachtemeier Monuments • Flack Sewing • Floor to Ceiling Store Four Seasons/Freeport Lanes, Inc. • Freeport Shopping News Furst McNess Co. • Freeport Glass Co. • Freeport Lawn & Leisure Happy Joe’s Café • Higher Grounds Coffee • Hillside Studio Imperial Palace • Iron-T Junction • Jiffy Lube • Joe’s Pizza • Kent Bank Kurt Koester Studio • L.P. Scientific • Lindo Theater/Classic Cinemas Loescher Heating & A/C • Luecke Jewelers • Maurices Merle Norman Cosmetics • Ross Auto Glass Rite-Way Furniture & Appliance • Sanitary Cleaners • Skate Station Slumberland Furniture • Soundwerks Plus • State Bank Stone’s Hallmark • The Bargain Box • Town House Motel Wagner Business • Whole Body Studio
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
after H
URS
BUSINESS
Business After Hours was hosted by Oakley Courts Assisted Living. A great group of people attended to network and enjoy an “All-American Cookout”! Our thanks to Oakley Courts for their hospitality.
Rise’n’Shine
The Chamber gathered at Freeport Rehabilitation & Health Care Center for their Rise’n’Shine breakfast in July. Our thanks to Freeport Rehab for hosting this great event!
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“We have the Fast Stop Express on the south side of town, which is a retail fuel facility featuring alternative fuels, a Farm Town store right off Galena Avenue where we do automotive and tire work for both town and farm, and also we are a supplier of LP gas to rural communities for home heating and farm application for our farm customers.” Kempel said the company supplies seed, fertilizer, liquid fuels, and they build new grain bin facilities and building structures throughout Stephenson and Jo Daviess Counties. He said Stephenson Service Co expects to continue growing into the future in all its product areas. “We build service and
Stephenson Service Company relationships,” Kempel said. “Providing good quality service at a fair price and under-standing our customers’ needs in business is what keeps our company strong.” Learn more about the diverse services available through the Stephenson Service Company at www.stephensonfs.com, visit their Freeport offices at 410 S. Hancock St. or call 815.235.7400.
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
GoldMEMBER
spotlight
Freeport Community Foundation The Freeport Community Foundation is a 501c3 not-forprofit community foundation serving the citizens and charitable organizations of Freeport and the surrounding communities as a vehicle for local philanthropy. The mission of FCF is to help provide for the well-being of the citizens of northwest Illinois by accumulating assets in the form of permanent funds and prudently distributing income from those funds to charitable organizations. In 1994, Matthew A. Marvin donated approximately $1 million to the Foundation. He contributed an additional $1 million in 2003. In addition to the original Community Needs Fund and the Matthew A. Marvin Fund, the Foundation has continued to grow over the
years. The Foundation currently has 9 additional Funds: FACC Endowment Fund, Assault & Abuse Services Endowment fund, RAMP Endowment Fund, Ian MurphyMitchard Scholarship for the Arts Fund, RC Miller Agricultural and Land Conservation Fund, Northwest IllinoisSouthwest Wisconsin Fund for Community Development, John M. Drogosz Youth Substance Abuse Prevention /Treatment Memorial Fund, Youth Advisory Council (YAC) Fund and the Foundation Board of Directors Fund. Gifts from individuals, families, organizations and businesses
can be made to any of the Foundation’s existing Funds or a new Fund can be established. Most of the Foundations Funds are held as permanent endowments with a percentage granted to charitable organizations. This allows the Foundation to give back to the community, generation after generation- providing a lasting legacy. The FCF is governed by a volunteer board of directors who have extensive knowledge of the Freeport area. The board of directors takes their role as stewards of the Foundations funds very seriously. In their role as grant-makers the board members are focused on emerging issues and concerns within the Freeport community and seek to make a difference in the life of the community.
Freeport Community Foundation
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They also seek to strike a balance between increasing the assets of the Foundation and addressing the needs of the community through grants. The Foundation awards grants twice a year, to area charitable organizations whose program or initiative has the greatest impact on our community. The Freeport Community Foundation has awarded over 2 million dollars in grant funds since 1976 and this year it plans to award over $53,000.00 in grant funds. The foundation awarded grants totaling $23,872.00 to the following organizations in April 2011: RAMP, Freeport Art Museum, Habitat for Humanity, FHN Family Counseling Center, Northern Illinois Food Bank. The Foundation’s next grant cycle will be due October 1, 2011, with grants awarded by November 1, 2011. Charitable organizations with a 501c3 status may apply for a grant from the Foundation. Specific guidelines for grants are found on the website at www.freeportcommunity foundation.org.
Mon. & Tues. 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Thurs. & Fri. 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Second Saturday of each month 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.
461 E. South Street • Freeport • 815-23BLOOD • www.rrvbc.org
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
2011 PREFERRED MEMBERS We would like to give special recognition to the following businesses that provide extra support to the Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce.
GOLD MEMBERS
Law Offices of Ralph E. Elliott Rite-Way Furniture & Appliance Rock River Valley Blood Center Reid Enterprises Berner Food & Beverage Fishburn, Whiton, Thruman, LTD John H. Vogt Freeport Community Foundation Fehr-Graham & Associates Bomar Heating & Cooling Country Insurance & Financial Stout Insurance Agency Services - Rick Wilson Freidag Associates CPAs Spherion Staffing Group Altman Automotive Inc. Freeport Insurance Center Integrity Investments Alwayz Cookies Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens Jack Myers Consulting
SILVER MEMBERS Iron-T Junction Brown’s Shoes Family Affair Café
Swift Hospitality Group, Inc. Columbia College Winter & Associates Ultrasonic Power Corp. Freeport Park District Eagles Club Pinewood Buffet & Grill Monroe Clinic Downing Remodeling General Contractors, Inc LeBaron & Miller Interiors Winter Construction Inc.
BRONZE MEMBERS Fruth-Simmer Insurance Agency Freeport Flite Center Twice As Nice Consignments Floor Covering Plus Hulsebus-Gehlsen Chiropractic Maybe You Need Help... Culligan Water Conditioning Union Savings Bank
Bill George Plumbing & Heating AquaLand Baymont Inn and Suites Dental Connections Family Health Quest Newby Design Works Citizens State Bank Farmers Insurance Group-Lynn Kempel
QBE Regional Insurance Schofield Plumbing State Farm Insurance – Jon Spachman C. J. Vitner Co., Inc. Saxer Accounting Services, LLC Tender Loving Care State Farm Insurance – Steve Johnson Skate Station
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE want, grab a bunch of napkins and choose between sitting inside to eat in air conditioning or crowd up to our standing bar and chow down. We keep it casual and folks seem to like it that way.”
MEMBERspotlights Charwood Smokehaus & Grill It’s all about the smoke, flavor and slow cooking when it comes to the best Bar-B-Q products and the two Troys in the kitchen at Charwood Smokehaus & Grill are well versed in the secrets of great tasting meats and sides. “We’ve been working together for about eight years,” said Charwood partners Troy Elbert and Troy Collier. “We started small, just cooking for our friends and for small private events.” Elbert said they eventually began entering competitions and when they began to win awards and gain notoriety they knew they were on the trail to something bigger. “Last fall we decided to open the shop downtown in Freeport and we are just running as fast as we can to keep up with the demand,” he said. Elbert said the team worked
for a full seven years perfecting their brisket and now include it with their very popular pulled pork, bar-b-q chicken, pork loin, and at least two different cased meats like Italian sausage or brats daily. The sides at Charwood are already the talk of the town. They include baked beans, Cole slaw, homemade cornbread and potato salad. Elbert said the key word behind their sides is HOMEMADE! Charwood makes everything from scratch. Everything! Beans, slaw, even the cornbread and the difference is truly in the taste. “We also offer three sauces,” he added. “We have our Haus Sauce that is more of the northern variety sauce with more sweet than tang flavor. We offer our Carolina Sauce which has a mustardy flavor with a lot of vinegar tang, and then we have our Spicy Sauce which is basically our Haus made real
spicy.” Again, expect the sauces to overflow with the homemade goodness and flavor that is rapidly making Charwood Smokehaus & Grill the place to be for lunch in downtown Freeport. Elbert said he’s been associated with downtown Freeport since he was a little kid. His family owns Freeport anchor: Rite-Way Furniture and when the building now housing Charwood became available he jumped at the opportunity. “We pretty much know everybody downtown and we decided that if we were going to go as a food spot, downtown is the way to go,” he said. “Folks can come in, order what they
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He said there are also four tables in the shady courtyard out front for those folks that prefer to eat outside. “We’re just getting started and there are a lot of options with this location,” he said. “We are offering a daily special right now and every Friday is RiB FrIdAy! Bet on our ribs!” He said they do mounds of baby back ribs starting Thursday evening and for now at least, it seems they never do enough. “They are selling out in about 45 minutes,” Elbert said. “We literally have not stopped cooking in about three weeks. We started out doing just a ton of meat and then had to double it the next week and we will
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE probably have to double it again. They go really fast.”
are complicated custom accessories involved.”
Elbert said they are open at 11 am Monday through Friday and run till they sell out. Call to reserve your orders or take your chances in the lines and the fallout from the great reputation the guys at Charwood Smokehaus & Grill are building.
He said business is picking up and he is looking to grow over the next few years.
Friend them on Facebook and keep an eye on their status to keep up with Charwood events. Hurry down to 12 West Stephenson Street, Freeport but a word to the wise, call 815.541.7364 first.
Elite Welding Elite Welding provides general welding and specialty work with a heavy emphasis on the construction of custom trailers. “I do a lot of work with car and utility trailers,” said Elite Welding owner Trevor Haas. “I also provide rental trucks and U-Hauls and we recently became the Trailways bus stop.” Haas said he opened for business in April of 2010 and chose to operate in the Freeport area because he had worked in the area for years with a trucking firm and finally decided to open his own business. “I mostly build different styles of trailers,” he said. “If somebody comes in the shop and wants something custom like a specific size or use we usually sit down and get the design and layout the way they want it and then I build it.” He said he keeps a small stock on hand for walk-in customers, but prefers to build the trailers to order. “It usually takes about a week to ten days to build one to a customer’s specifications,” Haas said. “A lot depends on how big a trailer they need and if there
“I’m not looking for new employees at this point, but I would like to get bigger and busier,” said Haas. “I think if I build my stock and get my name out there things will get even better.” He said quality work and timely delivery keeps folks coming back to Elite Welding. “If someone needs a trailer they need it built right the first time and they want it delivered when I say it will be ready,” Haas said. “I really think providing quality craftsmanship is what makes the difference in the custom welding business.” Stop by the Elite Welding shop at 1725 South Galena, Freeport or call Trevor at 815.291.8427 to learn what Elite can do for you.
Fisher of Men Production Fisher of Men Production is a Christian not-for-profit organization seeking to make quality inspirational Christian films for all ages. The proceeds from those projects will go to outreach programs to help America win back its people from poverty, strife, and sin. Fisher of Men Production owner Shawn Starry said his company has been exploring the possibility of creating its first film for about a year and they have now moved into what he terms the “pre-production” stage. “I published the book, “The Train of Life” last year and in doing so I found there is a need for help in bringing people closer to Christ through the use of digital media,” Starry said. “I feel that making a movie based on my book would build a larger audience.” Starry said that his novel, The Train of Life is about a man named Sam Stone who leaves
his journal behind on purpose at a library so others will read it and add to it, hoping that even one person might find hope in their lives and live a life of adventure through Jesus Christ. The story includes romance, suspense and military action. He said he is busy assembling a crew and cast. “I’m working with some people in the Rockford area and we’ve been posting flyers everywhere looking for actors,” Starry said. “I just had a meeting today to discuss the project with several actors and financial backers. God is blessing me.” He said he has completed the script and when they go into production the actors will memorize their parts and the technical crews will work to pull the project together. “I’ll be directing,” Starry said. “I have a clear idea of how I want the story to unfold and once we actually get started shooting film I expect to finish the project in just a couple months.”
He said that he would like to see Fisher of Men Production become profitable so that a portion of the money gained from the film, the book and other projects could be donated to area food pantries, widows, folks in need of both spiritual and physical help and other charitable causes. “Faith in Christ is our strength and faith will see us succeed,” Starry said. “Our goal is to step out in Christ and through Christian leadership, bring others closer to Him.” The book, The Train of Life, can be found at publish america.com or purchased at amazon.com and on eBay. Learn more about Shawn Starry and Fisher of Men Production by friending him on Facebook, or through the website www.theleather diary.webs.com. Email contact is shawnstarry@hotmail.com or call 815.238.3005 for more information about casting and technical crew positions. CONTINUED
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Ribboncuttings
The Chamber cut the ribbon at the new Charwood Smokehaus & Grill located at 12 W. Stephenson St, in downtown Freeport. Be sure to stop by and try some of their delicious food on your next lunch break!
Uniforms & More cut their ribbon with the Chamber Ambassadors to celebrate the opening of their business, located at 101 W. Main St, in downtown Freeport. Make sure to see them for all of your uniform needs!
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE continued from page 7
Outdoor Elegance Whether you’re looking for a garden gazebo or a showpiece pergola, Outdoor Elegance will build it and build it the way you want it done. “Our main focus in on outdoor swings and pergolas,” said Outdoor Elegance owner Todd Kundert. “We have a large selection of unique pergolas with or without the swings built into them.” Kundert said each pergola is custom built to meet the customer’s needs. “I sit down with my clients first and we discuss what they would like their pergola to look like and how it will function best for them,” he explained. “Every unit is different and every swing, whether it is free standing or built into a pergola is different too.” Kundert said that in addition to pergolas and swings Outdoor Elegance also builds decks, porches and just about any outdoor structure. “I like working outdoors so I don’t take any indoor work,” he said. “People are putting a lot more time into fixing up their outdoors lately and I enjoy being able to help them with it.” Kundert said he’s lived in Freeport for 6 years and was laid off from his job a year ago, so he decided to go into business doing something he likes doing. “I’ve always done construction on the side and started building outdoor swings a few years back and everyone that got one loved it,” he said. “I told my wife we
should go into business building swings and she agreed that it just might work for us, so here we are.” He said they spent their life savings on advertising, tools and materials to get started and they will be swinging into business this week with a booth at the Stephenson County Fair. “We will be giving away a $1500 pergola swing in a drawing on Saturday evening at the fair,” Kundert said. “There is always a built-in crowd at the fair and we feel it’s a great way to start things off.” He said that while folks make best use of pergolas and swings during the summer wintry weather will not slow down progress at Outdoor Elegance. “Both the pergolas and the swings can be built and installed during the winter,” he said. “I’m also looking into the possibility of getting a truck and plow to do some snow removal. I’m sure I can find ways to keep busy.” Kundert added that his company would be holding special wintertime sales for products that would then be delivered in the spring and customer service will always be his key to success. “Outdoor Elegance’ customer service is second to none,” said Kundert. “Everything we build comes with a 10-year warranty that covers every aspect of the item including warping or cracking. Just give me a call and I will personally see that the situation is corrected.” He said they also offer a customer referral service that pays $50 for every lead.
“We know that word of mouth is the best advertising,” Kundert said. “We are a family business and we cater to families and recreation. We are not happy unless our customers are 100% happy.” Learn more about the variety of outdoor structures the Kunderts are building. Stop by the Outdoor Elegance booth at the Stephenson County Fair or contact Todd Kundert at 815.616.8181 or stop by their workshop at 703 West Cottonwood Street, Freeport.
Pleasant Valley Construction Everyone wants their home to show off their own personal style and Pleasant Valley Construction has the experience and expertise to achieve that special look. Pleasant Valley Construction has been in the business since 1977 building a reputation for quality craftsmanship by serving their customers in virtually all aspects of finish carpentry. Randy Stadel founded Pleasant Valley Construction and rarely advertises because he firmly believes his work speaks for itself. The company’s reputation for quality and word of mouth referrals continue to serve them well. “We do residential remodeling work, new construction and restoration work,” Stadel said. “We do a little bit of all of it.” He said his preference is fine trim work and restoration work. “I’m talking high quality, high end remodeling,” said Stadel. “This is not to say we only work on mansions, but wherever we work we try to do a really good job using the highest quality materials. We didn’t get to this point by doing shoddy work or using cheap building products.” He said they are nearing completion on a restoration/
renovation project involving the 1888 Kraft commercial building in Mount Carroll. “It had fallen into disrepair after years of neglect and a fire when the Mount Carroll Community Development Corporation bought the building and secured grants to bring the building back to life,” Stadel explained. “Now they have a very diverse group of vendors on the completely restored main floor.” He said the job involved restoring the tin ceiling and all the woodwork including the hardwood floors so that the town now boasts of a restored historic site in its downtown. Visit Market Street Commons at the Kraft Building in Mount Carroll and see the difference quality makes. “You know, some people advertise quality, but they don’t really adhere to it,” Stadel said. “We absolutely do. We have a lot of repeat customers and a lot of loyal ones. We’ve had folks call us and tell us they’ve tried somebody and didn’t like what they did so would we come over and fix it. Quality craftsmanship is what keeps us in business. From the smallest of remodeling jobs on up to the biggest major new construction projects, Pleasant Valley Construction does the finish carpentry work on literally hundreds of jobs and folks keep coming back for more. Learn more about what Pleasant Valley Construction will do for your home or business. Call Randy Stadel at 815.947.2820.
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
MEMBERnews Lindo Theatre Downtown Freeport is home to the Lindo Theatre, a virtual time capsule that offers an affordable vacation every day of the week. Classic Cinemas Marketing Director Mark Mazrimas says the movie industry is experiencing a boom year and the Lindo is riding the crest of that boom. “The theatre has really grown,” Mazrimas said. “We offer folks more movie choices. We’ve brought the latest technology in the industry to Freeport and we are pretty excited about that. You can escape to the movies and bring the family.” Mazrimas said the Lindo’s Wednesday Morning Movies series is another Classic project that is bringing people to
Freeport's downtown. “We will be running movies on Wednesdays for a dollar at 10 am,” he said. “We’ll have games in the lobby and provide costumed characters. Folks get to see a PG rated movie for only a buck. You can’t beat that for value.” He added that the Wednesday Morning Movie promotion will run through August 10, 2011, and this year, the titles include Shrek Forever After, Despicable Me, Megamind, and a special surprise movie on August 10. Mazrimas said that attracting folks to downtown Freeport is a long term Lindo goal. “We are very happy to see businesses opening downtown where people can come and have dinner or a cocktail before or after a movie,” he said. “Our hope is to bring more people downtown and let them spend
more time. Sometimes I’m surprised that there aren’t more businesses at the theatre meeting people and handing out coupons for maybe an ice cream or a kid’s meal. I’m just surprised that there isn’t more thinking along the lines of how the downtown Freeport businesses could take advantage of the crowd that is already downtown and at the Lindo.” He said that part of their strategy in building the ninescreen theatre was to offer movie choices and draw traffic to the downtown. “When we went to nine screens we gained the ability to play more of those great movies that are currently available and provide choices,” he said. “What we wanted to capture is that the best movies are all there in the Lindo and right in downtown Freeport.” Why not make your next event a Lindo event? Learn more about what is showing and when by visiting www.classiccinemas.com or call 815.233.0413 for movie titles and times.
Expect Exciting Changes at the Freeport RAMP Wheel-A-Thon RAMP is making the following changes to their traditional Wheel-A-Thon event: Typically the wheel-athon has been held on a Saturday morning. This year’s wheel-a-thon will be held in the evening on Thursday, July 28th. Registration begins at 4:30pm, the Wheel-A-Thon is at 5:30pm with dinner and awards at 6:30pm. In the past we have asked that teams or individuals to use a wheelchair to understand the challenges people with disabilities may face wheelchair users face on a daily basis. This year, in addition to teams using and decorating a wheelchair, we want you to show us how you roll at the 12th Annual Freeport Wheel-A-Thon whether it’s walking, skating, wheeling, scooting, running, strolling or biking.
a downtown route and this year we will be at Krape Park, 1799 South Park Boulevard in Freeport for a fresh new route. This is a fun, family friendly event so don’t delay, register your team for the Freeport RAMP Wheel-A-Thon and start raising funds today! We encourage local companies and organizations to gather friends, family and co-workers to form teams and raise funds for RAMP. Need ideas on how to raise funds - contact Tiffany Vondra at RAMP 815.233.1128. The Wheel-A-Thon supports RAMP’s mission to promote an accessible society that allows and expects full participation by people with disabilities. Organize a team for friendly competition and earn great incentives from local area businesses! Visit our fun easy to use Wheel-A-Thon website at www.FreeportWheelathon. kintera.org to sign up your team, sponsor a wheeler or make a donation. Sponsorship opportunities are available! Contact Tiffany Vondra, Stephenson County RAMP Manager at (815)233.1128 or tvondra@rampcil.org to find out more ways to help. All proceeds from the Wheel-A-Thon will benefit RAMP’s Stephenson County services provided out of the Freeport office.
Antique Quilt Exhibition June 8 to October 2, 2011 Fifteen (15) quilts created between 1840 and 1976-all on display in the beautiful Oscar Taylor Home, an Italianate Victorian mansion built in 1857. Admission to the Quilt Exhibition is included in the regular Museum Tour is Adults - $4.00, Children 6 to 12 - $2.00 Museum Hours: Wednesday to Sunday - Noon to 4 PM Call 815-232-8419 for details and group tour information.
The past few years we have had CONTINUED
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
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Art in the Park returns to Freeport’s Krape Park Art in the park is a one-day outdoor arts festival celebrating local and regional visual and performing arts in beautiful Krape Park. On Sunday, September 4, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., this free community event offers something for the whole family. Artists from across Northern Illinois and surrounding areas will display their work, from paintings and photography to woodworking, ceramics and metal crafting. Visitors to the event will also be able to watch as artists demonstrate their art live at the event. Local musicians and performing artists will also be featured from noon until 5:00 p.m. Children and families can create their own art work at a free hands-on activity area. Recreation Supervisor for the Freeport Park District, Rebecca Minkwitz, says “This year we have artists representing towns all over Northern Illinois. We are pleased to host an event for Freeport locals and are honored to have those visiting from out of
town. Art in the Park 2010 had roughly 4,500 people in attendance and the committee hopes that having such a large number of out of town artists that this year will be the biggest yet. We have seen steady growth at the event since the inaugural Art in the Park in 2008. Art in the Park would not have been as successful without the help and support from the Freeport community.” Art in the Park is a cooperative effort between the Freeport Park District and the Freeport Art Museum. “The Art Museum is proud to be part of this collaboration and create opportunities for the community to connect with artists,” says Jennifer Kirker, Director to the Freeport Art Museum. People’s Choice Awards will be presented to
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Artists for Best in Show and Best Display. These awards are voted on by the visitors to the event. Not only will visitors be able to see exquisite artwork from a variety of talented artists, they will also be able to purchase artwork for their personal collection. The outdoor location at Krape Park will set the stage for Art in the Park. In addition to the activities planned for Art in the Park, visitors can also explore the amenities of Krape Park; an antique working carousel, Yellow Creek and paddleboat rentals, fenced-in duck farm, fishing area, waterfall, children’s play areas, miniature golf and much more. Food will be available from several local vendors. For more information about Art in the Park visit www.artintheparkfreeport.com.
Community planning underway A comprehensive, far-reaching community planning effort has been launched in Stephenson County. Called Prospering Together, this is an actionoriented project intended to engage as many individuals and businesses as possible in order to finalize the following in October:
• The community's priorities • Clear goals • The roles all segments of the community must play to achieve them • Details on who will be accountable for what • A time table for reporting results to everyone This is the first time that the entire community has worked together on such a venture. “Times are challenging here in northwest Illinois, and we know we need to change in order to grow and prosper,” said Dave Young, Executive Director of the Northern Illinois Development Alliance. “We’re pleased to be able to lead this effort with Vision 2020, but it’s really going to come together and eventually depend upon and succeed based on the involvement of as many people as we can possibly encourage to join us.” Vision 2020 is an apolitical group of leading citizens who have been working together since 2001 on a variety of community projects, primarily in the Freeport area. Over 30 listening sessions have been set up around the county, some with a focus on a particular audience such as government entities or educators. The public is also welcome to attend any of these. A complete list can be found at the effort’s website: www.prosperingtogether.org An online survey is also available until 1 August at www.prosperingtogether.org for those not able to attend an in-person session. Click on “contact us” at the website to have promotional materials
• A shared community vision CONTINUED
ON PAGE
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce 4th Annual WIFFLE® Ball Invasion The Freeport Area Chamber of Commerce (FACC) is accepting registration for teams to participate in its annual WIFFLE® Ball Invasion tourney on the diamonds in Read Park on August 6 and 7, 2011. Featuring highly competitive, but recreational teams, each with 4 to 10 members, the invasion promises to be a blast of summer fun.
Executive Director Kim Grimes said. “We’re in our fourth year with the tourney and it’s looking bigger and better than ever. It’s a great opportunity for local players to show off their WIFFLE® Ball talents and have a chance to hit a home-run a Little Cubs Field.” Register now and mark your calendar for Saturday, August 6 and Sunday, August 7, 2011, (if play needed) starting at 8:00 am. Cash prized include $200 for
“This is always a fun Chamber fund-raising event,” FACC
first place team, $100 for second place team and $ 50 winner of the Home Run Derby. Trophys for first, second and third place teams. Food including hot dogs, bratwurst, chips, Alwayz Cookies’ cookies, and beverages will be available. Alcohol is prohibited. For lodging information, call Freeport/ Stephenson County Convention Visitor’s Bureau at 800-369-2955. Hotel rates discounted for out-of-town guests. Here’s where to find out more: Phone: 815-233-1350 Fax: 815-235-4038
Email: freeportarea chamber@freeportilchamber. com or download a registration form from the FACC Website at www.freeportilchamber.com or just register on line.
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FREEPORT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
continued from page 12
sent to your organization or company.
FHN to Offer Three $1,000 Healthcare Scholarships FHN is looking for students interested in healthcare careers – and the reward is $1,000. FHN will award $1,000 scholarships to three area students pursuing healthcare careers. Applications will be accepted from any student currently enrolled in an undergraduate program of study involving the following healthcare careers: Medical technology/CLS; pharmacy; nursing (RN/BSN); respiratory therapy; and rehabilitation services (PT, OT, PTA, COTA, SP). Benefit-eligible FHN employees may not apply. To apply, eligible students must: • Complete an application form, providing evidence of a current GPA of 3.0 or better.
500-word essay responding to both of the following questions: “Why did you choose your career path, what have you done to support it?” and “How do your strengths and personal goals support the healthcare needs of FHN’s service area?” All entries will become the property of FHN and will not be returned. • Participate in an interview, if selected as a finalist. The submissions must be postmarked by Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2011. Finalists will be interviewed through October and November and winners will be announced in December. The funds will be dispersed to the winners’ colleges or universities to be applied toward the winter term in 2011. To obtain an application you may go to the FHN website at www.fhn.org/scholarship.asp. If you have any questions regarding the scholarship, call the FHN Learning Center at 815-599-6234 or e-mail kkryder1@fhn.org
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Are you wearing boots when you should be wearing sandals? At FHN we offer the latest technology in safe, effective laser treatment for varicose veins. Our surgeons use EVLT (endovenuous laser treatment), also known as ELAS (endoluminal laser ablation of the greater saphenous vein), to remove painful, bulging veins in the legs. This treatment reduces pain and throbbing and can also help relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome. And EVLT is done in the surgeon’s office, under mild sedation, so you don’t need to stay at the hospital. You’ll be up and moving around just hours after the procedure. If you’re limiting your summer wardrobe because of varicose veins, give us a call at 1-877-6000-FHN (1-877-600-0246) ext. 935 or visit us online at www.fhn.org. We’ll have you back in sandals in no time. Now, state-of-the-art wound treatment is here. For you.
New and Renewed
MEMBERS NEW: Fresh and Clean • Elite Welding/U-Haul Charwood Smoke Haus & Grill • Werntz Painting DeGrote Television & Appliance Global Energy Partners • Outdoor Elegance Bowen Oil Co. • Pleasant Valley Construction Crystal Image Cleaning, Inc. Fisher of Men Productions • Kenneke Chiropractic RENEWED: Union Dairy • Folgate Design Jim Lee • Holland & Sons, Inc. Neighborhood Housing Services of Freeport Floor to Ceiling Store • Partners for Employment Gitz-Meier Remodeling Contractors Oakland Cemetery and Mausoleum Bussian Insurance & Bussian Realtors Crossroads Community Church Jack Myers Consulting • Floor Covering Plus Freeport Bicycle Company Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home • Aero Group, Inc. Proto-Cutter • Freeport Home Medical Equipment Monroe Publishing • Morse Electric, Inc. Freeport Community Foundation • Bill Leibman Winneshiek Players, Inc. • Home Hardware State Farm Insurance - Steve Johnson Chiro-Works • LRB Distributors • Davita Freeport Noon Kiwanis • Sojourn House VOICES Domestic Violence • Auto Repair Specialists Skate Station • Quality Transport Holman/Dahms Insurance • Senior Resource Center Comcast • Frank Jeweler's • Freeport Flite Center Staples, Inc • Baymont Inn & Suites Wall of Yarn • The Journal-Standard Spigot Networks • Children's Dyslexia Center - NWIL KC Erickson Dental Lab • Dental Connections First Northern Credit Union • 9 East Coffee Mowry, Schindler & Associates, LTD. Sunrise Rotary Club of Freeport • Northwest Eyecare Mary's License Service • US Bank Freeport Lincoln Douglas Kiwanis Club Meadow Ridge/Prairie Ridge Apartments Honeywell Sensing and Control Cleanpro Cleaning Services Tri-County Christian School Quality Electric & Communications, Inc.
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