ILLINOIS VALLEY
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A LOCAL TREASURE Verucchi’s Ristorante continues its family tradition of excellent food
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Get groceries without going in a store
n Historical
hotspots in the Illinois Valley
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LaSalle woman opens up about having COPD
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A bad case of spring fever I
s anybody else super excited that spring is here, or is it just me? This felt like the longest winter ever, and it seemed like spring would never arrive. Although April can sometimes throw a curveball at us, I’m hoping we’re done with the snow for the year. Every year, people are so anxious for spring that we look to a strange superstition like Groundhog Day to predict when we might expect better weather. That might seem silly, but it’s no wonder we want spring to arrive as soon as possible. It’s a chance for rebirth, a fresh start, and, of course, warmer weather. After spending so much time cooped up this winter, I’m most looking forward to being able to exercise outdoors again. I can’t wait to get my hands in the dirt to begin
Boomers Today 426 Second Street La Salle, Illinois 61301 (815) 223-3200 (800) 892-6452 www.newstrib.com
planting herbs and vegetables in my backyard. Instead of trying to mentally will myself to step on my boring treadmill in my dark basement to get my exercise, I can step Shannon Serpette outside into the bright sunshine and take a long stroll around my town. It’s much easier to encourage my husband and kids to be my outdoor walking companion when it’s a 50-degree day instead of 20 degrees. As everyone who knows me understands, I always have a goal in the back of my mind when seasons change. This spring, I want to spend
more time metal detecting, running, and being physically active. I hate how much sitting around I do each winter, but I’m too soft to go outside much when the temperature drops. When spring hits, I never want to sit still – I have so many things I want to be doing to make up for my lost time. No matter what you hope to accomplish for yourself this spring, I hope you’re able to achieve it. Try to step back from whatever your busy schedule consists of and take a day or two to enjoy the changing of the seasons. Move around more than usual, concentrate on the feeling of the warm sunlight on your skin, and think about what you’d like to accomplish for yourself this spring. Best wishes, Shannon Serpette, Niche Editor
Contents Places to Explore History in the Illinois Valley 5
Publisher Dan Goetz
A round-up of some historical spots to check out in the Illinois Valley.
Niche Editor Shannon Serpette sserpette@shawmedia.com Advertising Director Jeanette Smith jmsmith@shawmedia.com
Family 11
The secret ingredient for the success of Verucchi’s Ristorante.
An Isolating Experience 15
Writers Brandon LaChance Goldie Rapp Shannon Serpette
A LaSalle woman shares her experience with COPD.
Photographers Scott Anderson Goldie Rapp Shannon Serpette
Bag of Tricks 19
No reason to leave home – groceries can come to you.
Designer Liz Klein Published by: est. 1851
On the cover: The entryway into the restaurant pays tribute to Elizabeth and Battista Verucchi, who founded Verucchi’s Ristorante in 1914. Battista died in 1948, and in 1975, Elizabeth passed away following a fire in her apartment above the restaurant. They were the grandparents of the Verucchi sisters who own the restaurant today. PHOTO BY GOLDIE RAPP
4 March 2022 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
Princeton’s Red Covered Bridge is one of the most beautiful spots for history buffs to photograph in Bureau County. PHOTO/SCOTT ANDERSON
Places to Explore History in the Illinois Valley By Shannon Serpette
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The Illinois Valley has a rich and well-documented history, and while the good old days may be gone, they can still be felt and revisited at a number of locations throughout the area. Whether you live in the Illinois Valley or are merely passing through, there is a fascinating spot and some historical tales that are sure to leave you thinking about days gone by. Here’s a round-up of some historical spots to check out in the Illinois Valley, but beware, this isn’t a compre-
hensive list. One stop will likely lead to another as you uncover more interesting facts you never knew. The various historical societies in LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam counties Historical societies are a great spot to start for any history buff, and you’ll find them spread throughout LaSalle, Bureau, and Putnam counties. Each county has a countywide historical society, but there are also smaller See HISTORY page 7
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | March 2022 5
Taking a tour through the Hegeler Carus Mansion in LaSalle is an excellent way to learn about local history. PHOTO/SCOTT ANDERSON
6 March 2022 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
History
“There’s a wonderful relief of the whole event. It’s huge. It’s the size of a whole office.”
ones in many towns throughout each county. At the Bureau County Historical Society, located in Princeton, Interim Director Lex Poppens will be glad to help people find what they’re looking for. The society’s headquarters is at the historical Clark-Norris home, and its research library is located next door in the Newell-Bryant House. Princeton resident Dave Cook said the Bureau County Historical Society Museum is one of his favorite historical spots in Bureau County. “If I have to choose an official site (as a favorite historical spot in the county), it’s difficult to decide between the Bureau County Historical Society Museum, which encompasses so much, and the Owen Lovejoy Homestead because of what it represents,” Cook said.
HEGELER CARUS MANSION The Hegeler Carus Mansion was finished being built in 1876, and since then, it has served as a highly-recognizable landmark in LaSalle. Open for tours, visitors have access to the majority of the 57 rooms and get a glimpse of days gone by. While roaming around an imposing mansion may be the star attraction of taking a tour there, guests will also learn many fascinating details about the family behind the attraction. “I think the thing that people are always surprised at is how much the family has done – locally and globally,” mansion tour director Tricia Kelly said. Kelly added that even people who are initially hesitant to tour the mansion and only go to accompany a loved one comment on how much they enjoyed themselves on the tour. “I hear that a lot,” she said. Kelly said she thinks one reason the tours are so popular is that almost all of the rooms are accessible and people get a full immersion into the property’s history while they are there. “It’s like walking into a living, breathing time capsule,” she said.
FROM PAGE 5
THE BUREAU COUNTY GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY The Bureau County Genealogical Society, located in Princeton, is an excellent place to take a deep dive into the county’s rich history. The records on hand can help anyone looking for information or those who want to study local history, Poppens said. They offer assistance to those searching through records, and they have a wide assortment of information, including death and marriage records and much more. THE CHERRY MINE MUSEUM The Cherry Mine Museum, located in Cherry, has original artifacts from the infamous mine disaster in 1909 that claimed the lives of 259 men and boys. “I went there last week because I had never been,” Poppens said.
HENNEPIN CANAL LOCK 19 The Hennepin Canal Lock 19 is part of the Grand Illinois Trail. There is fishing, biking, canoeing, hiking, and picnicking, and it’s all within walking distance from Wyanet. Three miles north of the village, there is Fort Thomas and also two locations where stagecoaches stopped at one time. The Henry Thomas Lock Museum is open on weekends and by appointment. See HISTORY page 8
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | March 2022 7
The Owen Lovejoy Homestead in Princeton was a stop on the Underground Railroad, making it a fascinating place for history lovers to check out in the Illinois Valley. PHOTO/SCOTT ANDERSON
History FROM PAGE 7
Visiting this museum will provide you with information about the history of Wyanet. There is a spot to photograph passing trains, and at one time, there used to be a three-story train station. I & M CANAL BOAT AND VISITORS CENTER The I & M Canal in LaSalle played an essential part in the history of the Illinois Valley, serving as a link between the Mississippi River and the Great Lakes. You can learn about this site’s history and take a trip on a mule-pulled replica canal boat. MATTHIESSEN STATE PARK AND STARVED ROCK STATE PARK These state parks offer an excellent
8 March 2022 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
place to explore natural history while getting some exercise in as well. It’s a good idea to have a camera ready at either location because the impressive trails alone can be a day-long adventure full of outstanding photo opportunities showing rock formations and natural beauty. Try to make time to stop by the Starved Rock Visitor Center and learn about the history and geology of the park. OAKLAND CEMETERY Cemeteries provide an interesting glimpse into the past, and Princeton’s Oakland Cemetery’s history is well-noted. “The cemetery was recently put on the National Registry,” Poppens said. The National Register of Historic Places designation isn’t a surprise for people who know about the history of Oakland Cemetery. Dating to the
1800s, it was named because of the plentiful oak trees on the property. Visitors can see the trees, winding paths, and impressive monuments. OWEN LOVEJOY HOMESTEAD The Owen Lovejoy Homestead, located in Princeton, was a former stop on the Underground Railroad. Reverend Owen Lovejoy lived in the house from 1838 until he died in 1864. Shortly before Lovejoy moved to Princeton, Owen’s abolitionist brother, Elijah, had been killed by a pro-slavery mob. The Colton School is also located on the homestead property, giving kids and adults a fascinating peek into what the world of education used to look like. PULSIFER HOUSE The Pulsifer House, located in Hennepin, was built in 1844. It’s now a museum managed by the Putnam County Historical Society. The house is staged as it would have been when people lived there in 1844. The Pulsifer House is a great place to visit to learn about former resident Edward Pulsifer and it also provides a step back in time to see how people lived in that particular period. PUTNAM COUNTY’S AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM This museum is located near the Pulsifer House in Hennepin. You’ll need to make an appointment to visit the Agriculture Museum, which has so much to look at, including antique farm equipment, an old schoolroom and kitchen, and an interesting Illinois River display. “My favorite historical site in the Illinois Valley will take us to Hen-
nepin in Putnam County to visit the Putnam County Agricultural Museum,” Cook said. “It’s the best place to feel like you’re immersed in local history because there’s so much more than old farm equipment. Antique items help recreate a post office, general store, classroom, rooms in the home, and a barn. There are also impressive collections of many everyday items and connections to the original residents of the county which are still felt by those living there today.” RED COVERED BRIDGE A highly photographed site, the historic Red Covered Bridge, built in 1863, makes the onlooker feel as if they’ve stepped into a time machine. “To me, it’s really cool that it’s not only a functioning bridge, but well-maintained as well,” Poppens said. “It’s a signature spot for Princeton.” REDDICK MANSION Reddick Mansion, a historical gem located in Ottawa, sits near the first Lincoln-Douglas Debate site. The Italianate mansion was built in 1855 and has 22 rooms. Visitors should also make time to take a stroll through the expansive and gorgeous gardens that are maintained by volunteers. SOLDIERS AND SAILORS MONUMENT Poppens also recommends checking out the Soldiers and Sailors Monument in Princeton. “It’s the town square,” he said. The monument serves as the focal point of a beautifully maintained park. While it’s a tribute to those who fought for the country’s freedom, the monument is gorgeous and a work of art all on its own.
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | March 2022 9
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FAMILY The Secret Ingredient for the Success of Verucchi’s Ristorante Story and photos by Goldie Rapp
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sk the Verucchi sisters what the recipe is for their business success, and they’ll name off three ingredients: consistency, good food, and being a family-oriented restaurant. It’s a family tradition that set the Verucchis and their Italian ristorante apart from others in the Illinois Valley region. But keeping up with a family restaurant that’s older than a century isn’t all glory and recognition. It’s also been hard work and dedication among siblings determined to keep their family legacy going for as long as possible. In 1992, Arthur “Buzz” Verucchi passed away unexpectedly, leaving his family restaurant in the hands of
his wife, Bea, and ten children. Back then, it was just assumed that his kids would carry on the Verucchi dining legacy. They had all been born and raised into the business and naturally had what it took to keep it going. Although some of the siblings went on to have careers elsewhere, they still dedicated days during the week or weekends to work at the restaurant. Today, 30 years later, the core group of those siblings who continue to manage Verucchi’s are five sisters: Barb DeAngelo, 74; Mary Heuser, 71; Paula Tomsha, 68; Tricia Carls, 65; and Beth Werly, 61.
See VERUCCHI page 12
Above: Verucchi’s Ristorante, located at 600 N. Greenwood St. in Spring Valley, has been satisfying customers with their renowned Italian cuisine for more than 100 years.
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Verucchi FROM PAGE 11
On any day of the week, you’ll find the sisters in the restaurant hosting, working the kitchen, prepping for the evening’s specials, taking phone calls for catering jobs, running meals through carryout, or doing anything else that needs to get done. They work together to ensure every task is completed at the end of each business day. With the business encompassing their entire lives, it’s unimaginable to think of a life without it there. Through school, proms, marriages, families, and even other careers, Verucchi’s Ristorante has always been there in the background during each of their milestones. It wouldn’t have been possible to keep things going all these years if it wasn’t for the support
they show one another. “We’ve come a long way,” Heuser said. “I think about how far we’ve come since dad was here. It was rough right after he passed away but looking at what we’ve done here and how we’ve grown the business … We did it together.” The sisters have made so many memories together at the restaurant and can share enough stories to fill pages of a book. Tomsha said people really like knowing that Verucchi’s is still family-run and enjoy seeing the family members in the restaurant working together. If you’ve ever dined in the Venetian Room at Verucchi’s, you’ve noticed the walls lined with family photographs showcasing the many generations of the close-knit family. There are many aunts, uncles, and cousins – most, at one point, having worked in
Above: The five Verucchi sisters who now manage the family business are Beth Werly (from left), Tricia Carls, Paula Tomsha, Barb DeAngelo, and May Hauser.
12 March 2022 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
the restaurant themselves. Having a large family means that somebody has always been there to help out. Heuser can tell about the days when the sisters feared not enough people would show up the next day to help serve food. Their father would tell them, “Somebody will be there … There will always be somebody.” The words rang true then, and they continue to hold today. The Verucchi sisters laugh about the fact that even their spouses, when they married into the family, quickly found themselves tasked with jobs around the restaurant. “Once you became a Verucchi, that was it. You were in for good,” laughed DeAngelo. Those same spouses are still helping today. They run money to the bank, help with maintenance on the 100-plus-year-old building, come up with weekly specials, pick up shifts in the kitchen, and anything else that might be asked of them. The Verucchi sisters say they’re driven to keep things going for their mother, who is 98 years old and still known to make frequent visits to the restaurant. “We don’t want to let her down. I don’t want to close it while she’s still here,” Carls said. Plus, the sisters enjoy the hard work they put into the business. “I love to work,” Tomsha said. DeAngelo, who is responsible for making the meat sauce at the restaurant, agreed and added that she also likes seeing and catching up with customers. The friendly faces are also what keep them going. Hauser said she loves the work but also enjoys being able to take a vacation without feeling guilty for taking time off. That’s one thing the sisters do differently than their father — they close the restaurant here and there to
take a vacation day. It’s been great for them and for their employees who appreciate the time off. When Buzz ran the restaurant, it was rare that it ever closed. So rare, in fact, three of the sisters scheduled their weddings on Thanksgiving Day to avoid having to close the restaurant for the special occasion. Running the business alongside family doesn’t come without its bad days. On hectic, busy days, there can be yelling and frustration, especially in the kitchen, but they have learned to leave disagreements at the restaurant. They don’t take it home, and most times, they’re over it before the restaurant opens the following day. Being with one another almost every day forces them to be close and know each other’s limits. There are also no secrets among them. Their children are also close, having all grown up together, further solidifying their bond. With the sisters inching closer to retirement, the big question is: What will happen to the restaurant when they’re ready to step down? “It could be five years; it could be ten years. We don’t know,” Tomsha said. The sisters never forced their own children into the business, having known how difficult it was to manage it alongside life. But they said there are kids in the next generation who have expressed interest in wanting to take over the management. “None of them would want to be here every day,” Carls said. “They would probably find a way to manage it with other people. We’re old school in that we never were taught that. We just ran it like dad ran it.” Only time will only tell what the Verucchi family’s future looks like as they carry on their legacy. Until that time comes, the sisters are honored to continue dishing up their quality food and service within the Illinois Valley.
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | March 2022 13
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An Isolating Experience A LaSalle Woman Shares Her Experience With COPD Story and photos by Shannon Serpette
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hese days, 69-year-old Judi Casey of LaSalle is hooked up to an oxygen tank 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As someone who valued her independence and loved to be on the go, adjusting to the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) diagnosis she received a few years ago has been difficult. COPD is a common disease in the U.S., with millions of cases diagnosed each year. COPD is a group of diseases, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, related to airflow and breathing issues. Many people don’t know they have COPD until an examination reveals it at the doctor’s office. While Casey had no family history of COPD, she had been a heavy smoker for years, which is one of the main causes of the disease. She had tried unsuccessfully to quit smoking several times over the years by using nicotine patches. “It never worked. I’d tear off the patch and start smoking again,” she said. But she was eventually able to quit before her COPD diagnosis. “On May 11, 2012, I decided to quit smoking. I went cold turkey. I did it all on my own,” Casey said. But a few years ago, Casey learned that while she was done with smoking, it wasn’t quite done with her yet. “The nurse practitioner wanted me to have some lung tests done just to check. It came back that I had COPD,” she said. While she didn’t have any specific symptoms that made her fear for the health of her lungs, looking back, she said she was having a hard time
Judi Casey of LaSalle rarely leaves her apartment because of the threat from the pandemic and since she is hooked up to oxygen 24 hours a day, seven days a week, because of COPD. To help her deal with the loneliness and loss of mobility, she relies on her hobbies, including crafting ladybugs for friends, family, and even strangers.
fighting colds. “I was catching a lot of colds. Whenever I would come down with a cold, it would settle in my lungs,” Casey said. Smoking likely contributed to Casey’s diagnosis of COPD, but it’s not always the cause. “COPD is not just caused by smoking,” she said. “It can be caused by secondhand smoke, and it can be pollution.” In addition to COPD, Casey also has fibrosis – another lung issue that two of her aunts suffered from. With two lung conditions to consider, Casey has See COPD page 17
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | March 2022 15
Judi Casey recommends that people with COPD do whatever they can to lift their spirits. Her stash of yarn for all her projects is one source of happiness for her. She also relies heavily upon social media to stay in touch with friends and family and talk with people from COPD support groups.
16 March 2022 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
COPD
FROM PAGE 15
to be extremely careful about her health and exposure to germs. Small illnesses can lead to bigger ones. “I used to get pneumonia,” she said, estimating she’s had it nine or 10 times. To eliminate some risk, she’s been staying home all the time because of the pandemic and the difficulty of bringing an oxygen tank with her. She’s rarely left her apartment in the past two years, with many of her doctor appointments done online. “It has slowed me down some,” she said. “I have my caregiver shop for me.” Right now, her COPD means she is on 3 liters of oxygen per day. “I assume, as my COPD progresses, it will be more,” she added. Casey was aware of what COPD was when she was first diagnosed, but she’s learned a lot more about the disease since then. With time, she’s learned some tricks to help her manage her symptoms. “I’m supposed to stay away from quite a few dairy products,” she said, adding that it’s difficult to do because she loves yogurt. But dairy causes her to cough more, so she must weigh whether her yogurt indulgence is worth the trouble it causes. “A good thing to help control the mucus is pineapple juice,” she said. She’s realized if the weather is too warm, it can make it harder for her to breathe. “If the weather is too hot, I can’t handle it. I keep it cool in my bedroom at night because it’s easier to breathe,” she said. She keeps a pulse oximeter handy to monitor her oxygen levels. Sometimes when she walks around, it shows an oxygen level in the 70s, compared to a number in the mid to high 90s while she is seated. “The tank helps me out a lot, but sometimes at night, I’ll get ready to go to bed and just walking from my living room to
my bedroom, I get really winded,” she said. One of the most challenging aspects of her isolation is the intense feelings of loneliness it causes, so she tries to stay busy and engaged with her activities. “I’ve got a lot of outlets,” she said. She belongs to online support groups for COPD, talks with friends and family online, socializes with her caregiver who stops by, and stays entertained by watching her favorite performers on YouTube. She has some advice to offer anyone who is facing a recent COPD diagnosis: “You can still function. It’s not a death sentence.” That’s not to understate COPD’s severity, though. Casey acknowledges that it’s a difficult disease to come to terms with and fight. “I have lost friends to COPD. It’s a sad disease,” she said. When she meets other newly-diagnosed COPD patients online, she shares her hard-won wisdom with them. “I tell them, don’t be afraid. We’re here for you,” she said. While COPD is scary, it can’t stop her from pursuing her dreams and aspirations. “I’m going to be working on a special project. I want to start my own YouTube channel,” she said. Although being largely confined to her home and facing a severe illness is tough, Casey keeps up her spirits by making other people feel better. “If I see one of my friends going through a tough time, I try to make them feel better. When I keep their spirits up, I keep mine up at the same time,” she said. “My biggest problem is my weekends. I get lonely. I like company.” Although it’s difficult and stressful for her to leave her apartment, Casey still has a thirst to see the world and interact with others. She was always on the go before her COPD diagnosis, and she hopes those days aren’t over if she can afford to buy a portable oxygen tank sometime soon. “I’m going to try to find a way to take a small vacation,” she said.
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | March 2022 17
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18 March 2022 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
Bag of Tricks No reason to leave home – groceries can come to you Story by Brandon LaChance
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f you’re old enough, you’ll remember a time when you had one option to stock food in your cabinets, freezers, and refrigerators. You’d get in your vehicle, no matter the weather or the health factors you were facing, pull into a grocery store parking lot, grab a cart, and trudge around the store until you grabbed everything you needed. Fast forward to 2022, and Sullivan’s Foods in Princeton, Spring Valley Supermarket, and Hy-Vee Grocery Store in Peru offer grocery delivery options to help the elderly, the sick, immobile, and citizens who are quarantining because of Covid-19. Sullivan’s Foods has offered grocery delivery for as long as
The Hy-Vee in Peru is part of a company that’s spread across eight states in the Midwest. Each of them offers grocery delivery, which they’ve branded as Aisles Online. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
store manager Taylor Paull can remember. “We were delivering groceries prior to Covid-19. We have a little bit of an older clientele that likes to shop with us,” said Paull, who began her position with Sullivan’s in April of 2019 but has been a manager in retail for over 20 years. “We have always done call-in deliveries on Thursday for the older crowd we have in Princeton. When I got here and shortly after the pandemic started, we got online shopping up and running. At that point, we added Tuesday deliveries for online shoppers. “They were already talking See GROCERIES page 20
A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | March 2022 19
Taylor Paull, the store manager at Sullivan’s in Princeton, takes pride in helping shop for the elderly, sick, and those unable to get to the store. Sullivan’s takes orders online and ships those out every Tuesday and receives phone calls for Thursday deliveries. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Groceries FROM PAGE 19
about the online shopping process when I came to the company; it just hadn’t been initiated yet. I pushed the issue on it because I knew we needed it. We saw the online business really pick up with the pandemic, and it showed how important online shopping and grocery delivery really is.” The services are welcomed by everyone, as the staff enjoys assisting their customers and the shoppers are excited about a quick and easy way to obtain groceries without a possible virus spread. “I think delivering the groceries is really important. We definitely saw the need. The need grew after the pandemic started,” said Paull. “I get a lot of calls still for people who are on quarantine,
just asking, ‘Will you do this?’ or ‘Can you do this?’ Even for the online pickup, ‘Do we pick up without contact?’ and ‘Can we just open up the trunk and you put the groceries in?’ “We get a lot of grateful customers. They’re really nice. We handle a lot of really great people and regulars who call us faithfully every week. Some of the orders I can literally recite before we take them because they’re very consistent. That’s good. We get a lot of great feedback, and our customers enjoy the service,” she said. The customers trust the staff at Sullivan’s and look for ways to catch up with familiar faces. “We have some customers that we have conversations with. Being in an older community, some of them just like to sit and chat. Some of these orders take a little while longer because
20 March 2022 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
they just want someone to talk to,” Paull said. “They know my delivery girls by name. When someone else delivers based on staffing or if someone is sick, they do get a little up in arms. The relationships we’ve built are interesting and great. They’re fantastic to work with.” Paull staffs two employees to take the calls, two or three shoppers to fill carts with customers’ desired purchases, and two or three to drive and deliver. The process is an all-day affair as the phone calls come between 8-10 a.m., the shopping takes place 10 a.m. to noon, and delivery starts at noon but takes different amounts of time each week. When the Illinois Valley had a snowstorm on Feb. 17, the delivery drivers didn’t return from their last runs until 5 p.m. as they had 22 orders instead of the usual 12-16. Tuesday’s deliveries
tend to go to 5 to 10 homes. Delivery from Sullivan’s costs $5 for in-town orders, but they will also deliver orders within a 15-mile radius of Princeton. Spring Valley Supermarket has been delivering the essentials – eggs, bread, and milk – for over 20 years with the guidance of store manager Jason Wagner. The supermarket delivers to Spring Valley, DePue, and Ladd regularly, as well as a customer in Peru. “We’ve always delivered to the high rise in Spring Valley and to others who couldn’t get to the store,” said Wagner. “It was usually 5 to 10 customers, at the most, once a week. Today, we’re around 12 to 15 every week. I don’t even know how high it reached at the peak of Covid-19 in 2020. “We had three vehicles running with deliveries instead of just the one we usually use during Covid. We had a whole team just to pull, run orders,
and deliver them. During the peak, we had six extra people in here to help deliver orders. The phone was ringing off of the hook. It took us a week or two to get it organized and more help in here. The first week or two was a little rough,” he said. “The end of March 2020 throughout that summer was the busiest we’ve been with deliveries. Toward the end of the summer of 2020, we offered curbside pickup for those who could drive but didn’t want to come in. We still offer it, but no one really does it anymore,” Wagner said. When the decision to deliver groceries was first dreamed up around the water cooler, its purpose was for immobile or handicapped customers who needed assistance. Customers call in their orders on Wednesday, and the shopping bags are delivered on Thursday. Wagner has three to four employ-
ees on the 4-to-6 hour task, with two answering calls and one or two behind the wheel. “It feels good for us to be there to help our customers with whatever they need,” Wagner said. “We want to make their lives a little easier.” Hy-Vee is a heavyweight name in the grocery store business in Peru and the entire Midwest. The grocery store, which is planning to add Indiana, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama in the future, has 280 locations. Each one of them delivers groceries through a service Hy-Vee has branded as Aisles Online. “When we rolled out our Aisles Online, it was around 2015. It was to provide a delivery service for the demographic that liked to do things online, including shopping online,” said Dawn Buzynski, Hy-Vee See GROCERIES page 22
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A NewsTribune Publication | Illinois Valley Boomers | March 2022 21
Groceries FROM PAGE 21
Director of Strategic Communications. “They liked the convenience and the flexibility of it. When the pandemic hit, that’s when it really took off and the use of our Aisles Online quadrupled across all of our markets because we’re an essential business. Everyone was at home staying safe, but they still needed groceries. “We really worked hard to maximize that platform. As quickly as possible, we adapted that so we could make it seamless and make sure the experience of picking up groceries was incredibly convenient for our customers. But then also making sure we’re partnering with Door Dash and Instacart, so that the delivery option was available
and convenient for our customers as well. We were on that wave and really working toward putting Aisles Online on the fast track for adoption across our eight states, but the pandemic is what caused it to really take off.” Buzynski said the numbers of deliveries skyrocketed during Covid’s peak. Although they’ve lowered since mid-2020, the number of customers using Aisles Online is still larger than the number of pre-pandemic online grocery shoppers. “What we’re seeing is many customers are choosing the deliveries to be their primary way of grocery shopping because of the convenience of it,” Buzynski said. “It is still very popular. Customers are coming back to the store, but we’re still in a pandemic and some people are not comfortable going back into the stores. They may never be comfortable.
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“It’s an option for those who want to stay away from crowds, but also, they like to be able to order them online and either just pick them up or have them delivered because it’s fast and easy. We have seen it shift lifestyles and the way people get groceries,” she said. “We definitely saw an increase in the 65 and older adopting Aisles Online. It’s really across the board, though. The last time I saw demographics, every age demographic had a huge increase in using the service. It’s not living with the Millennials or the older population. The popularity has really surged across the board of all demographics.” Similar to what Paull and Wagner said, the delivery option hasn’t just helped during a pandemic. Since all of the states Hy-Vee stores are currently in are Midwest states, the statistics during
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22 March 2022 | Illinois Valley Boomers | A NewsTribune Publication
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winter months trump the summer months. “If you can drive up and have your groceries loaded into your car or have them delivered to your home and you don’t have to get out in the cold weather, it’s a convenience a lot of people really appreciate,” Buzynski said. “With the popularity of Aisles Online, we have started building in many of our stores, permanent kiosk areas that are
on the ground. “Previously, it was just driving up to the curb right in front of the store to pick up groceries. It was causing some problems with traffic,” she continued. “A lot of our stores, and we’re continuing to do this across our eight states, were building these permanent structures adjacent to our store. That’s where you’d go to pick up the groceries. It’s convenient. It was strategically designed to
put these where a customer can get in very quickly, drive-in and immediately have their groceries loaded, and then they’re able to exit out of the parking lot very quickly and efficiently.” Although having your groceries delivered wasn’t a thing 30 years ago, stores plan to offer the beneficial option well into the future for the sick, elderly, immobile, and anyone else who wants food delivered to their door.
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