p i t g l S O ht SAUKVALLEY.COM ■ MARCH 23, 2019 ■ PAGE D1 ■ AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF SAUK VALLEY MEDIA
SHINING A LIGHT ON THE BUSINESSES AND PEOPLE MAKING A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR THEIR COMMUNITIES
SPOTLIGHT | WHITESIDE AREA CAREER CENTER CEO STUDENTS | OPERATING
Having secondhand thoughts
When it comes to starting a business, a Dixon senior knows details are the star of the planning stage. He’s put a lot of thought into his thrift-store idea, and he isn’t just hoping for the best, he’s preparing for it, too Brainstorming, building, operating, sustaining — the hallmarks of a successful business. In our Spotlight sections
BY CODY CUTTER ccutter@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5552 @CodyCutter35
STERLING – Food doesn’t always come the way Sean Lahey ordered it. The Dixon High School senior will peek at his order, notice the error, then make do with what he has. Working at Culver’s in Dixon taught Lahey that not everyone shares his forgiving philosophy on mistakes, though. Lahey, who’s left the restaurant to concentrate on senior studies and athletics, hopes one day to start a business of his own. That may require a change in his personal philosophy. “If you go with an it-is-what-it-is type of thinking,” you’re going to lose customers, he acknowledges. Lahey, a student in Whiteside Area Career Center’s Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities class, is learning how to repurpose and sell secondhand and thrift store items. Craft ideas range from scented soaps carved into Air Jordan-like shoes to melting vinyl records into different shapes. When it comes to launching his business, he has a philosophy for that, too. (running in each SV Weekend edition from March 9 to 30) we’ll profile students in Whiteside Area Career Center’s Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities class, who share their ideas on how to come up with, build, operate and sustain a business in the 21st century. Inside the sections, we’ll turn our attention to today’s business landscape in the Sauk Valley, the places that have already learned what it takes to earn your business.
THOUGHTS CONTINUED ON D2
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Whiteside Area Career Center CEO student Sean Lahey, a Dixon High School senior, plans to open up a thrift store with many second-hand items and creative decor, such as flower vases made from melted vinyl records. He’s getting his finances in shape, has picked an appropriate opening day, and knows that great customer service will make his business successful.
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Student: Doing your homework is key to getting a business off the ground
SPOTLIGHT | CREATIVE CUISINE
Friends, moms, business partners ... Julie Kendall (left) and Michelle Neubau grew up in Milledgeville, went to school together and eventually became friends. Today, they own and operate Creative Cuisine as well as Woody’s Popcorn.
THOUGHTS
CONTINUED FROM D1 t
“I like to make sure all of the details are ironed out first, especially on the financial side, so that you don’t start out in debt. That would not be good,” Lahey said. “It’s always important to know how much you need for one thing, so that you don’t run out.” When approaching loan officers, do your research, plan and be ready to provide proof of fiscal responsibility, he advises. “They’ll look into it and see if it’s going to work out,” Lahey said. “They’re not going to give you all of this money if it doesn’t work out. Do research. Show them graphs, results, charts of your market and who you are going to sell it to, and how much your profit margin is going to be. You just got to show them the results.” When it comes to his research, Lahey has learned about tax-exempt status, forming a limited liability company and doing a business as another name. The process doesn’t take as much time as people think, he said. “You have that idea and you’re full of excitement, and you don’t want to think about all of the negatives of owning and getting a business,” Lahey said. “You just think, ‘I’m going to sell this and own my own business, and it’s going to be downtown and I’ll make a lot of money.’ You got to pay employees a percentage, and there’s a lot of ‘I got to do this and got to do that.’ There are a lot of responsibilities.” Opening in a downtown or a central business area will be beneficial to his thrift store, based on the types of customers he’s trying to reach, he said. After the store has been remodeled, arranged, and the necessary signage put up, getting the word out about the business and picking a day to open up comes next. “You want to make it a little bit of a circus, but not a big ol’ one,” Lahey said. “You want a little bit of excitement.” Certain stores market to particular demographics, but Lahey’s thrift store idea has the potential to attract a wide variety of people. Generation gaps exist when it comes to learning about new places in the community, and it’s important to cater to all people, he said. Social media is one thing, but advertising in traditional forms of medium can attract those who may not utilize technology. As for the store itself, weekends might be his optimal hours, he said. “During the weekdays, not everyone’s going to [shop] because a lot of people are working and are busy,” Lahey said. “Adults are working and kids are in school, so you got to think maybe a weekend would be perfect. When it comes to customer service, pleasing everyone can be difficult, but being fair will keep the business afloat, Lahey said. At the same time, constant acquiescing can lead to loss of control, and perhaps, loss of his business. “The old saying is that the customer is always right,” but that only goes to a certain extent, he said. Preparation and presentation are key. “You’re always thinking, ‘Hope for the best and prepare for the worst’,” Lahey said. “You’re always thinking, ‘What happens if no one comes, or if something crazy happens?’ You want to make sure everything’s in order and doesn’t look sloppy. “You want to present yourself and have a nice, clean appearance. That goes for the employees, too. You want them to have a happy, clean appearance.”
Saturday, March 23, 2019
Bringing a lot to the table
It was a classic solution to their problem. When an office door closed, a kitchen window opened for a pair of Milledgeville moms. Today, the pair runs a successful catering operation and a hoppin’ poppin’ business to boot ship as they raised their families together and established multiple successful businesses, Kendall said. STERLING – What do two best friends do when they “We genuinely like what we do. We always find a way to lose their corporate jobs and need new jobs while jug- laugh about something, to have fun, and it doesn’t really gling their roles as busy moms? seem like a chore when you love what you do.” For friends Julie Kendall and Michelle Neubauer of In 2012 their business started popping when they Milledgeville, the answer was to open their own busi- bought a small popcorn business from a family in Chadness. They are the chefs and owners of Creative Cuisine, wick, dropped the “Uncle” from the name and added a catering business based in Sterling. Woody’s Original Handmade Popcorn to their business, Although neither has formal culinary training, they making gourmet popcorn in their catering kitchen. share a love of cooking. In 1996, after being The idea was to have the popcorn busidownsized from their corporate jobs, they ness help during the slower catering times, More info bought a small restaurant spot in Milledbut it’s been a growing business. Find about Creative geville and opened Classic Café and CaterWoody’s Original Handmade Popcorn Cuisine and Woody’s ing. comes in four varieties: caramel, cheese, Original Handmade In late summer 1997 they were a mix of caramel and cheese, and white Popcorn on their repecapproached by the owners of Creative Cuicheddar. It’s sold online and is some local tive Facebook pages, sine and invited to buy out the business. stores and gas stations, and also is availgo to www.1creative“Catering is what we really liked,” Kendall able for fundraisers. cuisine.net or woodyssaid. To help with the popcorn business, they popcorn.com or call For a time they managed the restaurant hired Neubauer’s daughter McKenzie to 815-626-7546 to get a and the catering business, but eventually manage the sales and website. taste of what Julie Kenthey chose to sell the restaurant and focus In addition to online sales, the popcorn dall and Michelle Neuon the catering work. has become a fun addition to weddings bauer are cooking up. With Creative Cuisine, they acquired an and parties. They’ve made popcorn bars, established business with a customer base and even wrapped and distributed small that included corporate accounts and a large industrial popcorn bags for favors at weddings, Kendall said. kitchen that immediately wowed the duo. Through it all, This summer will mark 22 years of preparing hearty, t h e y ’ve a d d e d home-cooking meat and potato dishes for corporate a f e w m o d events, weddings, family reunions and graduations. ern pieces of “We’ve prepared meals for 1,200 and we’ve cooked equipment to for 30 at a luncheon – and pretty much everything in help make the between,” Kendall said. popcor n, but Kendall and Neubauer grew up in Milledgeville; their “it’s still the parents’ homes are not far from each other. They rode the [family’s] same bus together, went to school together and somewhere r e c i p e , s t i l l between high school and graduation became friends. made and bagged It’s a friendship that has grown into a strong partner- by hand.” BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media
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SPOTLIGHT | NEWMAN CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Shining a light on faith and family Newman pride is more than just the blue and the gray. It’s the strong bonds that students and staff share as they remain faithful to the school’s mission: promoting success in the classroom and on the field, and celebrating the Catholic identify BY CODY CUTTER ccutter@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5552 @CodyCutter35
STERLING – Parents, siblings, cousins and grandparents all make up a person’s family. At Newman Central Catholic High School, students and staff also are family, and have been so for more than 100 years. It’s a concept administrators and alumni say makes them stand out among others, on top of a Catholic faith-based background. Just ask Jennifer Oetting, a 1988 graduate who came back to Newman to serve as principal at the start of the current school year. “Newman attracts as being family-centered,” Oetting said. “We’re here to support one another and assure that we all have success.” Being a family is something people also often hear about the school’s athletic programs, Oetting said. The Comets’ varsity sports teams have won eight state championships, but also have had success in statewide academic competitions as well with two music sweepstakes championships and a pair of top three finishes at recent state academic quiz competitions. Success at Newman isn’t found only inside a trophy case, but in classrooms, hallways, chapels and outside the school. Newman takes pride in the percentage of students who graduate and attend college. A map near the school’s gym shows off the locations of the colleges seniors plan to attend. Jennifer “The teachers care about their students and their Oetting students’ success,” Oetting said. “They’re willing to stay after school or come in early to work with students, not only before and after school, but also during their planning periods.” There are classical styles in some of the classrooms, but there have been changes with time, and Newman has pledged to continue to change. The school is close to becoming one-to-one, meaning each student would have a computer to Brycen control their studies through programs such as Bartel Google Classroom. The ability to make up for lost school days, which has happened on more occasions than usual this winter, also is possible though e-learning days. Oetting said her staff has been more than accepting to learning about new technology to present their curriculum. “Our students pretty much grew up with some sort of technology, and are a lot more advanced than we ever were,” she said. “Our teachers are very open for change. Some have attended professional development courses, and have implemented different things that they have learned at these professional development courses to try and improve their instruction.” Newman has many benefactors and many sponsors of school programs, many of whom advertise at athletic facilities. It’s to a degree that Oetting didn’t quite realize at first when she came back to the school. “When I got here, I didn’t know the amount of supporters of Newman, and a lot of them are alumni,” she said. “They love the school and want other kids to have the same opportunities that they did.” Newman’s roots date to 1912 as St. Mary Catholic High School. The school later became Community Catholic High School as it began to welcome students from across the Sauk Valley. A larger campus was built at 1101 W. 23rd St. in 1958 to house a growing
Success at Newman isn’t found only inside a trophy case, but in classrooms, hallways, chapels and outside the school. Newman takes pride in the percentage of its students who graduate and attend college – half go on to attend a 4-year colleges, while nearly 40 percent attend a 2-year colleges after graduation. number of students who turned to faith-based education, and still is in use. Enrollment has dipped in the last 50 years, like many other parochial schools in Illinois, but Newman turns that into an advantage. About 220 students attended Newman last school year, and class sizes average to about 14 students per teacher. Brycen Bartel of Rock Falls has many relatives who have gone to Newman, and the senior is experiencing much of the same concepts that have helped shape his own influences. “You get a great education and a great experience here with everything that we do,” he said. Even with Newman blue and gray in his blood, he seemed a little nervous at first coming into the school as a freshman. The senior class, though, makes it a point to make new students feel accepted among the student body through retreats and other special programs. “Coming through the feeder schools, you get introduced to a lot of people already,” Bartel said. “When you come in as freshmen, the seniors all will welcome you – which was something I wasn’t expecting would happen. Every class carries that on.” Throughout all of the changes in education, one constant core remains. “The Catholic identity has been very strong at Newman,” Oetting said. “There are a lot of opportunities to express our faith, through Mass, through rosary every Friday afternoon, and students have opportunities for confession once a week. Our faith base really shines through. “We’re accepting of all kids, and we will work with all kids as much as we can. We have students with needs that need to be met, and have exceptional kids that do really well in school.”
More info
Newman Central Catholic High School, at 1101 W. 23rd St. in Sterling, serves students in lee, Ogle, Whiteside and other counties. A snapshot of the school shows: Student-to-teacher ratio: 11:1 Average ACT score: 23.1 Graduates attending 4-year colleges: 50 percent Graduates attending 2-year colleges: 38 percent Graduates entering the military: 10 percent Call 815-625-0500, find it on Facebook or go to newmancchs.org for more information.
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SPOTLIGHT | OAK KNOLL MEMORIAL PARK “Our modern memorial park is one of permanent beauty that will endure throughout the ages.”
is fully aware that everyone has different wishes for their final resting place and STERLING – A cemetery is a place for we will do everything we can to fulfill people to gather to celebrate the lives of your wishes,” the website says. those who came before, and Oak Knoll Rather than headstones, Oak Knoll Memorial Park, on a beautiful 38-acre employs bronze memorial plaques that site along both sides of state Route 40 rest flush to the ground. “Testimonies of north of Sterling – has been perfecting its devotion, pride and remembrance are unique approach to paying tribute to its set in bronze to pay warm tribute to the inhabitants for 80 years. accomplishments, and to the life – not Oak Knoll, now owned by Deborah death – of a loved one,” Oak Knoll says in Schoonover, was founded in 1938 by its literature. Russel R. and Geraldine Meldorf, with Grave decorations are available, and for the intent of turning the lovely park an annual subscription, staff will assure space into a modern cemetery that your loved one’s site flourishes with flowwould give residents a peaceful space to ers all year long. In addition, a variety of pay their respects. memorials to honor That mission has your loved one are contributed not only available, from trees, to the beauty of the shrubbery and flowpark, which offers er bed plantings scenic views from all to granite benchsides, but also to the es. Suggestions for beautification of the memorials also may surrounding neighbe made. borhood. A portion of all sales “Our modern as well as tax-dememorial park is ductible donations one of permanent to the nonprofit, beauty that will self-sustaining cemendure throughout etery are used to the ages,” its website maintain the park’s proclaims. roads and other The east side of the Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com enhancements, and park has rolling hills, The east side of the Oak Knoll to create and mainoak trees and a popu- Memorial Park has rolling hills, oak tain the incredible lar duck pond with its trees and a popular duck pond statues that comfamous “Goose Boy” with the “Goose Boy” bronze foun- memorate many tain, a cherubic little chap that religious figures and bronze fountain. The west side land- keeps an eye on the pond. symbols. scape is flatter, with It’s a way for famipine trees and an open view to the sur- lies to contribute to the park’s beauty for rounding farmland. the comfort of the living. Traditional burials, hybrid burials and Among the works are stone pictures cremation services are available. “Stifling the Storm,” “Healing the Sick,” Oak Knoll also provides graves, single- “Feeding the Five Thousand,” and “The and double-depth lawn crypts, mauso- Good Shepherd.” leum crypts, niche crypts and scattering There’s also a carrara marble statgardens for those who prefer cremation. ue, “Jesus Kneeling in the Garden of “Once you have decided on cremation, Gethsemane,” a granite Bible, a bronze the next step is typically to determine Bible, and wooden praying hands and the best way to tell the life story of your a 20-foot cross, each carved from oak loved one through their memorial and trees at the park. what you choose as the final place for The cemetery also is home to numerremembrance,” the website says. ous veterans, including one from the There are two scattering gardens, along Spanish-American War and one from with the option to create a private family the Civil War; a flag waves high in the air garden with the flowers of your choice, a on both sides of the highway to honor private space where family and friends them. can visit for years to come. In its respectful devotion to the care of There is also an option to plant a tree the community’s loved ones, Oak Knoll with the remains anywhere in the park truly is a tribute to the Meldorfs and you see fit. their desire to celebrate life rather than “The professional staff at Oak Knoll dwell on death. BY SHELBY KUEPKER For Sauk Valley Media
OAKKNOLLCEMETERY.COM
Submitted photo
Devotion, pride, remembrance Like the mighty tree that inspired its name, Oak Knoll Cemetery has grown from the seed a couple planted more than 80 years ago into a lasting and living tribute not only to the people who are laid to rest there, but those who come to honor their memories
More info
Oak Knoll Memorial Park, 18268 Pennington Road in Sterling, is open from 8 a.m. to noon and from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday (except during the winter). Go to oakknollcemetery.com or call 815-625-3827 for more information.
A statue of Jesus, carved from a tree trunk, watches over those who are laid to rest at Oak Knoll Cemetery. Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
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SPOTLIGHT | ACE HARDWARE
SPOTLIGHT | PERDUE MARINE AND STORAGE
Chris Kelly, his dad, Rich Kelly, and sister Jennifer Kelly run Ace Hardware in Dixon, the store founded by Rich’s dad, Roger, in 1977. In addition to a full slate of hardware store departments, Ace also has a large selection of tool and party supply rentals.
Family run, family fun Submitted
For rent: Just about anything
From boom lifts to bounce houses, Ace is the place to find it, whether it’s contractors looking for tools of their trade or people looking for something to get the party started BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media
DIXON – From tackling spring cleanup to having enough tables and chairs for a graduation party, Chris Kelly and his staff in the rental department at Ace Hardware in Dixon can help things go smoothly. Rentals at Ace Hardware in Dixon come in three segments: construction equipment, general tools and party supplies. For example, power washers and rototillers are great tools, but most people use them only once a year, they’re pricey and they take up precious garage space. Enter Kelly and his team. Why not let them handle equipment maintenance and storage? General contractors appreciate Ace’s construction equipment rentals, such as a front-loaders, especially when handling multiple job sites from time to time. This year Kelly has added a few new pieces of equipment, including a boom aerial lift and a telescopic forklift. All equipment can be delivered for an additional fee, or customers can rent a trailer to tow it to a location. Whether renting equipment or looking to make a purchase, Kelly says he and his staff make a point to try out the tools and understand how each piece works, so they can then share that knowledge with the customers. Additionally, the rental tools and equipment are some of the latest models. From knowing what is needed to get the job done safely to advising on the best tools for the job, Kelly’s staff is well-trained and able to answer customer questions. “We care about getting the job done safely and done well,” he said. Another popular rental category for Ace
Saturday, March 23, 2019
Ace Hardware, 900 N. Galena Ave in Dixon, is a full-service hardware store with paint, electrical, plumbing, tool and lawn and garden departments. It also sells outdoor power equipment and has a large rental department. Find Ace Hardware and Outdoor Store on Facebook, go to acerentalplacedixon.com or call 815-2887841 for more information. is party supplies – tables, chairs and even bounce houses. It’s one of the store’s most popular offerings, with weddings, people hosting parties and garage sales, and other special events – like birthday parties: the store has five different inflatable bounce houses as well as popcorn and cotton candy machines available to rent. Ace Hardware in Dixon is a family business. It was started by Chris’ grandfather, Roger Kelly and his partner, Ron Rick, in 1977; they moved to the current location, with the distinctive hammer mailbox out front, in 1979. In 1992 Roger’s granddaughter Jennifer Kelly joined the business, and brother Chris came on board in 1994. Rich Kelly, Chris and Jennifer’s dad, joined the business in 1995, and today manages the operation. The Kellys and their staff love being able support their neighbors in the community, whether it is helping someone to manage a project around the house, set up for a party or supporting a local school or sporting event.
When it comes to R&R on the water, Perdue Marine and Storage will do whatever it takes to float your boat, from launching it to docking it, and everything in between are his son, Chad, who helps him run things; his wife, Ruth, who lends a LANARK – Seems like, when it hand in the office; and his daughter, comes to recreation, there’s just never Laura, a certified public accountant enough time. who manages the books. So Hank Perdue designed his marine These days, their most popular craft business to help his clients maximize is a pontoon, which can hold 10 to their time on the water, while he and 12 people. It’s a great way for a famhis staff handle the legwork on land. ily and friends to enjoy a day on the “We sell family fun,” Perdue said. water, relaxing, water skiing or tubPerdue bought a gas station and ing. some boats in “It’s like a living Freeport in 1971; room on the water, that became the with a motor,” he foundation for his said. family’s successful A used boat can full service marine be a great way to get s h o p, Purdue started in boating, Marine and Storhe added, and PurPerdue Marine and Storage, age, where he sells due Marine makes 24765 Zier Road in Lanark, and maintains new sure each one they is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and used boats and sell is serviced and Monday through Friday, from other watercrafts, detailed before 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday along with a full making it available and by appointment. Find it line of accessories, for purchase. on Facebook,call 815-493dock systems and Perdue Marine 2655 or go to perduemarine. lifts. counts among its com for more information. His business phimany customers losophy is simple: many Lake Carroll Treat customers residents, as well like family and care for their water- as avid boaters from throughout the crafts like they were your own. That Chicago suburbs. means providing excellent customer The business website is a great first service and taking away the hassles of stop for more information on boats, boat ownership, so clients can have docks and lifts; clients can even commore time to enjoy them. plete boat return and pickup forms “You tell us when and we put it away; online. And keep an eye on the webyou give us a date and we put it in the site for new videos. water,” Perdue said “We sell, service, When it comes to service and mainand then when you’re done with your tenance, Perdue’s philosophy is “do it boat, we can broker it for you. right the first time.” “We do it all for you.” In addition to top service, his staff It’s that excellent customer service also keeps detailed records of mainthat has Perdue nearly maxing out tenance and repairs for their customhis winter storage space, which holds ers. more than 400 boats. It all tracks back to Purdue’s underNow that spring’s approaching, he’s lying mission: gearing up for a busy season, and “We do all the work, you have all the joining him in the family business fun.” BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media
Now that spring’s approaching, Hank Purdue and his family are gearing up for a busy season. That’s Hank in the center with his wife, Ruth, who helps run the office; son Chad, who helps Hank keep Purdue Marine afloat, and daughter Laura, his bookkeeper, and the grandkids, all enjoying a day on Lake Carroll on a pontoon boat, one of their most popular sellers. Submitted photo
Ace Hardware in Dixon recently added some new pieces of rental equipment, including a boom aerial lift and a telescopic forklift.
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Early American Farming Exhibit Beautifully Restored Gymnasium Museum Store and Art Gallery Historical Paintings on every floor
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Fifth Street and Reagan Way, Dixon, IL • 815-288-5508 info@nthc.org • www.nthc.org See our website for Hours • Free Admission • Donations Accepted
Saturday, March 23, 2019
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SV Weekend • D7
SPOTLIGHT | HERITAGE SQUARE
Taking pride in their Heritage
For nearly 50 years, the team at Heritage Square has helped retirees maintain their independence, kept them active, and lifted their spirits, giving seniors a place where they can feel at home BY AVALYNDA CASEY For Sauk Valley Media
AvaLynda Casey for Sauk Valley Media
The Heritage Square Service Wall, a Boy Scout Project, recognizes Heritage Square’s staff with plaques of their hand prints.
Submitted photos
ABOVE: Heri t a g e S q u a re board members are Tim Appenheimer (back row, left), William Reigle, Charles Beckman, Patrick Jones Jr. and Kenda Bailey (front row, left), administrator Bonnie O’Connell, Deb Didier, and Patti Balayti. RIGHT: Members of Heritage Square’s original board of directors, in 1974, Mr. Newcomer, Mr. Raymond, Mr. Rhodes, Mr. Jones, Mr. Travin, Mr. Warner, Mr. Lovette, Mr. Bowman. “Most people when they came in the door were grieving; they didn’t want to be here,” O’Connell said. “They have experienced so much loss – home, pets, spouse, children, friends, neighbors, self-care, driving ability – but we strive to keep everyone happy, and show
them that they have value. “We offer amazing activities – luaus, dances, special suppers, Christmas events, activities that the residents plan and participate in.” Socialization is so important, and helps with loneliness.
IN HE R OW N W O R D S
DIXON – Heritage Square, which received its original charter in 1949 and opened in 1974, provides senior care and award-winning independent living. Its sheltered care unit provides a continuum and progressive level of private and personalized senior care at affordable rates. Bonnie O’Connell, facility administrator since 2003, is experienced as an LPN, an RN, and director of nursing. “I received my BSN at age 50, and the administrator position just sort of happened. Mr. Reigle, president of the board then, offered me the position, and I thought I’d maybe just not pass the test. I was shocked that I passed,” O’Connell said. “Coming to work is like coming to my second home. We are like family here. We run a tight ship, we hire a good crew who are dedicated, caring – from the person on the board to the person sitting at the dining table, everyone is of equal importance. “We encourage independence as much as possible.” The median age of Heritage Square residents is 92. There are 76 beds – 49 on the first floor for sheltered care, and 27 on the second floor for skilled nursing care. “The Independent living portion, called Warner Campus, completes the block. Individuals buy and sell condo-like apartments, and most people plan to move here when they need it,” O’Connell said. “We offer a guest room for those out of town/state who are here when their loved one is sick or is in hospice. It gives them peace of mind that they won’t be far.” Residents may be all smiles on the outside, but some have heavy hearts.
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ed by KSB,” she said. “The residents are More info Dixon residents are very sharing people. Heritage in familiar surroundIt makes it easier in Square is at 620 ings – business owners, hard times. One resN. Ottawa Ave founding families, parident says we are ‘top in Dixon. Call ents of leaders in the shelf’ in our care. We 815-288-2251 community. are not Medicare, or go to heritag“There are five peowe are a nonprofit. esquaredixon. ple here older than 100. We can focus on the com for more Four of former Presicare, keeping people information. dent Ronald Reagan’s happy and satisfied.” class members lived The Reagan Room, living room, dining room, chap- here. We’ve had some residents el, and numerous sitting areas whose parent also has lived here.” Annette, and her husband, Leo, offer visiting spots. Local and resident art hangs joined friends and staff for March on the walls, doors are decorat- Trivia with green ice cream. “We enjoy the exercise class ed individually like college campus, and a full calendar of events one half-hour every day Monday and shopping trips are sched- through Friday. There is always uled. The lower level is home to something to do,” Annette said. outstanding therapy programs, The residents vote on Dixon a beauty shop, and a complete service projects – they’ve collectmaintenance department. ed shoes, soaps and shampoos, The food is good. Breakfast is helped with the Diabetic Dream tasty, and lunch is served buf- camp for kids, and hosted a bake fet-style. Orders are placed weekly sale for Granny Rose Animal Shelfor the supper menu, and there ter. are lots of choices. November will mark Heritage “When we over-prepare food, we Square’s 45th year, and residents serve the Dixon community in a and staff are planning a big cele‘Feed the Hungry’ program host- bration.
“I am so grateful that FHN helped keep me on the playing field.” Josie McDermott heard her knee ‘pop’ at club soccer practice. It didn’t really hurt, so the determined standout just kept playing. When it started to buckle later, she knew she needed a professional opinion. That’s when she turned to FHN orthopaedic surgeon Dr. Greg Dammann. An MRI confirmed Josie had an injury – a torn ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament). After discussing the options, Josie and her family opted for an ACL reconstruction, which allows student athletes to recover and return to playing their sport quickly. Josie said that Dr. Dammann explained the procedure so well that she didn’t feel nervous about her surgery. “He did an excellent job preparing me for what to expect,” Josie emphasized. “He even gave me his cell phone number so I could contact him at any time. That gave me a lot of confidence.” Physical therapy played an important part in Josie’s recovery too. “I went to PT just five days after surgery,” she explained, “and my therapists knew I wanted to be ready to play in six months. They had me set goals and push myself to achieve them. With their guidance, I was healed and able to play Lady Pretz soccer my entire junior and senior seasons. Now, I am heading off to college on a full soccer scholarship. I am so grateful that Dr. Dammann and FHN helped keep me on the playing field.” If you are ready to call time out on an injured, painful, or weak knee, contact FHN’s orthopaedics team at 1-877-6000-FHN (877-600-0346), ext. 943. They will help you score a quick return to your favorite activity. www.fhn.org
D8 • SV Weekend
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Saturday, March 23, 2019
SPOTLIGHT | FIRST STATE BANK
A bumper crop of banking services
The staff at First State Bank are experts in their field, helping local farmers with their financial needs – but that’s not all they do. They can be a customer’s best asset for everything from bill pay to business loans
BY TODD MCKENNA tmckenna@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5576
With three locations to serve its customers – in Shannon, Polo and Lake Carroll – First State Bank provides convenience and accessibility in Carroll and Ogle counties. First State Bank also offers online account access and bill pay, and customers can use their mobile devices to access apps for mobile banking. First State Bank has an extensive list of friendly staff who can offer expertise in a wide array of banking loans that range from personal, real estate, agriculture and business. Activity in the agriculture area in particular has been steadily increasing as the weather warms up and Beau Bunders, ag commercial lender for First State Bank, has been a busy man recently. Bunders’ primary office is in Polo bank, but he travels to the Shannon branch every week as well to meet with customers. The 23-year-old, who grew up north of Polo, has an extensive background in farming and ag-related banking services. He grew up helping on his grandparents farm and also lent a hand whenever the neighbors needed it. He was active in FFA and 4-H through high school, serving as an officer every year and as president his senior year. After high school he went to the University of Wisconsin-Platteville where he graduated with a degree in agribusiness and found a job in Wisconsin. Soon after, though, he moved back to the Polo area and began working at First State Bank. As if that doesn’t keep him busy enough, he also raises bottle calves and a dozen chickens on his own farm now. Bunders can assist customers with a wide range of agricultural services, including installment loans for equipment, buildings and land purchases, he said. “We’re pretty much A-Z on everything agricultural here,” he said.
First State Bank has three branches in Ogle and Carroll counties: • 211 S. Division Ave. in Polo, open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. • 1 S. Linn in Shannon, open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday. Call 815-864-2111. • 24494 E. Payne Road in Lake Carroll, open from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday. Call 815-864-2125. Find First State Bank of Shannon-Polo-Lake Carroll on Facebook or go to fsbshannon-polo. com for more information on the bank and its services.
Beau Bunders (at left and right), ag commercial lender for First State Bank, grew up north of Polo and now raises bottle calves and chickens on his own farm. He can be reached at 815-946-2777 or by email at beau. bunders@fsbshannon-polo.com.
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SPOTLIGHT | MORNINGSIDE OF STERLING
Sunshine in the Morningside
There are plenty of precious senior moments at Morningside of Sterling, where SHS seniors bring smiles to residents’ faces, and learn valuable life lessons in the process BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media
Submitted photos
Morningside of Sterling resident assistants Mackenzie Fox, Sarah McCullough and Madison McMahon, all Sterling High School seniors, hang out with Dode, a resident at the facility.
More info
Morningside of Sterling is part of Five Star Senior Living, a national provider of senior living care. The 91-bed facility at 2705 Ave. E offers independent and assisted living as well as memory care. Go to fivestartseniorliving.com for more information.
STERLING – While all Morningside of Sterling employees bring their own special brew of compassion and dedication to their jobs, the relationships between the residents and the staff of high school students brings a joy that is hard to describe. “The residents get very excited when we come in. They are happy and smiling and it’s really cool,” Sterling High School senior Madison McMahon said. “I think they all know who we are, and I think we make them smile.” McMahon started at Morningside of Sterling as a service learning volunteer earlier this year. Today she is a resident assistant, working alongside full-time staff as she provides care for residents’ needs with daily living. It was a resident who noticed McMahon’s ability to connect with the residents and nudged Executive Director Danielle Vance to hire her. Vance remembers the many people who gave her a chance to work, to learn and to grow through the years. “I can teach skills. What I can’t teach is the passion,” she said. “When I see that spark of interest, I have to jump on the opportunity to have that person be on my team.” Vance started working in her local senior community when she, too, was a high school student; she continued to work while studying to be a certified nursing assistant and later when she completed a degree in health care administration, “I’ve done it all,” Vance said. “I never ask someone to do something I don’t know how to do. I’ve worked in the kitchen, housekeeping and administration, and I think it really helps me to understand what people are going through.” Resident assistant Sarah McCullough, also a Sterling High senior, is one of the newest staff members. She completes her day at high school before working a 5-hour shift, helping residents dress for dinner, assist in the bathroom and other daily tasks. Some some have a hard time working with older residents, but McCullough sees the way the different generations share things in common, she said. “These people are normal people, they are just older than us.” SHS senior Makenzie Fox started in Morningside’s dietary
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“I’ve done it all. I never ask someone to do something I don’t know how to do. I’ve worked in the kitchen, housekeeping and administration, and I think it really helps me to understand what people are going through.” Danielle Vance
Morningside of Sterling Executive Director (at right, with Morningside resident Homer) department a year ago and recently became a resident assistant. The way her mother performs good deeds and cares for others has inspired Fox to make a career in nursing, so for her, working at Morningside is an opportunity to build on the skills she’ll need as a nurse, she said. But, it isn’t just for the work experience. “I’ve even come in on my day off because I miss [the residents] so much,” Fox says. Fox works a full 8-hour shift, making rounds and helping residents with daily tasks, from brushing hair to assistance in the bathroom. She has shared in residents’ happy moments, and she has had to say goodbye to residents who have died. December was one of the hardest months, when several residents died, Fox said. “We’re there to help guide them and we’re here to support our team,” Vance said. “These are life lessons. I think it teaches them to be extra compassionate. I think it teaches them not to take life for granted.”
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Saturday, March 23, 2019
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SV Weekend • D11
SPOTLIGHT | FAITH ASSEMBLY OF GRAND DETOUR & FAITH CHRISTIAN SCHOOL
Faith in their mission ‘What we have is pretty special’ ... Much has changed since Faith Assembly first put down roots: a growing congregation, adding school campuses, expanding ministries, and more. But through it all, its purpose has remained the same: Serving God and serving the community BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media
GRAND DETOUR – On Easter Sunday, the Rev. Jon Marx, pastor at Faith Assembly of Grand Detour, will welcomes friends and families as they arrive dressed in their very best. He’ll greet small children with little hands sticky from Easter breakfast, a tradition at the church, before starting morning services. Five high school students will participate in the morning sermon. Students offering their own words on Easter Sunday is just one of many examples of how Faith Assembly’s church and schools are intricately intertwined. “We feel what we have is pretty special,” Marx said. Marx has been a pastor for nearly 29 years, serving where he is called to help, from Minneapolis to the Chicago suburbs to a small rural community in northern Minnesota. When he joined Faith Assembly more than 2 years ago, he accepted the role as a pastor along with a new title: superintendent of Faith Christian School. At the time, church leaders were discussing the need for more classroom space and making the decision to buy the former Grand Detour Elementary School. It was a busy time for church leaders as they hired contractors and organized volunteers to renovate the building. The hard work paid off, and the school opened in August. “We knew we were walking into a pretty big juggernaut,” Marx said. “We probably still have quite a bit to do. And so many people have been helping us out.” The church seeks to be fiscally prudent and responsible: It paid cash for the building and renovation work, supplemented with generous donations of time and materials, Marx said. Along with the buildings came land that offers a campus-like feel, and space for athletic programs such as soccer.
The good books ... In 1985 Faith Christian School began to spread its wing, moving into a home of its own. The campus has continued to grow as educators combine classical education with innovation to form the building blocks of a firm Christian foundation BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media
Photo by Sara Ortgiesen
Faith Assembly of Grand Detour has been part of the community for more than 100 years. Today, the church’s mission is intertwined with its school. Some of the people who’ve answered the church’s calling include, clockwise from left: Lead pastor Jon Marx; Jordan Bivins, Children’s Ministry; Ryan Bivins, Worship Ministry; front row: Phil Arellano, Youth Ministry; Cindy Drew, Church Development.
More info
Faith Assembly of Grand Detour is at 7887 S. Green St. Find it on Facebook, call 815-652-4488 or go to faithgranddetour.org to learn more. The school also offers a preschool program, at Bethel Ministry Center in Dixon. The church’s roots in the village of Grand Detour date back well over 100 years, Marx said. It opened a grade school in 1980, and added middle and high school classes 5 years later. Now that the elementary classes are out of the church building, there is room for the church to host other ministries. It has added youth and children ministries, which take place during the Sunday service and on Wednesday evenings, and Bible study classes and other programming is being
considered now that space has been freed up. “A lot of the church success story is wrapped up in the school,” Marx said. “We’ve been invested for so long in the school, now we’re looking forward to becoming a church that does a good job ministering to people where they are.” While each of his church homes through the years has been unique and special, he has found himself at home at Faith Christian School, where he can share his love of academics and his love for the church, Marx said. He teaches a class for high school juniors and seniors that mixes philosophy, theology and science. Its aim is to help them prepare for the future. He loves working with his students. “I love watching the light bulb go on. I love the conversations that are difficult to solve, and I love watching the students grow in the Lord.”
GRAND DETOUR – Small classes, a feeling of community, the foundations of a Christian education and a dedicated teaching staff are just some of the many reasons families turn to Faith Christian School in Grand Detour. No one understands that better than Principal Linda Foster. She was hired as a preschool teacher 28 years ago, and many of the students she sees today on a daily basis are the children of her former students as a new generation learns, grows and excels in the small private school. “I feel really blessed,” Foster said. The school began in 1980 in a wing of the Faith Assembly Grand Detour and by 1985 the church leaders decided to build a 20,000-square-foot facility to accommodate the growing student population. Continued growing student enrollment prompted church leaders to again seek more space and in 2017 the church acquired the Linda former Grand Detour Elementary School. Foster It took many hours, utilizing professional contractors and volunteers, to renovate the old school building, but last fall students from kindergarten through fourth grades moved into the building. While now housed in separate buildings, the students are able to work together throughout the school year. Students from fourth through 12th grades work together on the spring musical production, which will be “Cinderella” this year. Students from the high school enjoy assisting as teachers’ aides, spending time with the younger students. “The older students really enjoy seeing the younger children,” Foster said, adding that it gives the older students an opportunity to be good role models for the younger ones. Foster was a teacher for 15 years before accepting the role as principal 13 years ago. She attended a Christian school when she grew up in the south suburbs of Chicago, and she appreciates what her family sacrificed for her education. “I have such a heart for Christian education,” Foster said. “This was such a good fit for me, to give back to a Christian education.” In addition to its foundation in Christianity, the school also maintains a focus that Foster calls classical education. For example, students continue to learn how to read and write in cursive, because studies have shown it is an important skill for students’ developing brains, she said. “We hold on to those things that are important, but we also want to be innovative,” Foster says, adding that there is technology in the classroom as well, but it isn’t there to replace the fundamentals. “We want to be the best we can and provide a quality education through a Christian world view.” For those in the high school classes there are similar clubs and programs, such as Key Club, student council and a yearbook staff, as well as a school formal. Foster says most of the students in each graduating class continue their educational studies at a higher learning institution.
More info
Faith Christian School is at 7772 Clinton St. in Grand Detour. Call 815-652-4806, find it on Facebook or go tofcsfalcons.com for more information.
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Saturday, March 23, 2019
SPOTLIGHT | MOORE TIRES
The Moore Tires executive team: Sharon Rude and Charly (front-left), Cabo, Angie Moore, Kayla Heiar with Mack, and (back left) Kyle Moore with Maizy, Brock Rude, Jeff Moore and Greg Woessner.
Photos by Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Moore opportunities When the rubber met the road to success, Moore Tires grew from a little garage to a premier provider of tires big and small in five different locations. And its founders aren’t the shop’s only success stories; employees can become big wheels, too
Lucas Vasquez (left), Jacob Billings and Shelby Miller get to work on a client’s vehicle. while still in high school. After he graduated, he drove a service truck for several years before trading his wheels for a desk job ROCK FALLS – Whether it’s a tractor in the office. broken down in the middle of a field Brock Rude was in his mid-30s when he started working for or the family minivan in need of an oil Moore Tires, leaving a longtime factory job. He accepted Jeff’s change, the staff at Moore Tires is ready invitation to work in the warehouse, which would lead to to answer the call. more responsibilities and opportunities for job growth “We want to get it done and get it done through the years. right,” said Kyle Moore, manager of the “Jeff has a pretty good sense and the ability to see Moore Tires store in Kewanee and son people and their strengths,” Rude said. of the founders, Jeff and Angie Moore. In 2014, a competing business asked them to buy out the “If you call up our shop because of a company and keep its people employed, and Moore added broken-down tractor at 4:30 p.m. on sites in Mendota, Kewanee, Monmouth and Macomb. a Friday, you will be hearing that we’re Jeff and Angie turned to Woessner and Rude and invited sending someone on their way.” them to become business partners, who would work together Good, relito continue to expand the busiable service is ness. Sharon Rude also joined the foundation the business as a co-owner and of a business helps manage the office. Jeff and Angie None of the partners clamor for built when they the spotlight – instead, they are opened their first quick to thank their staff and the two-bay service longtime, dedicated employees. garage in 1991. “The people we acquired from The couple came these businesses – we couldn’t to Rock Falls with a have done it without their help business plan and and assistance,” Woessner said. a vision, and moved Woessner and Rude are just a into the apartment few examples of staff starting at above the garage the bottom and reaching for the where they would top, Kyle said. “These are shining launch their business – examples of people willing to and their family, too. The original Moore Tires is at 2411 E. Rock Falls work hard and achieve more for Today the former Road/U.S. Route 30. In the past 5 years, the com- themselves.” apartment houses their pany has added four other sites, in Kewanee, Growing from one to five locabusiness offices, and that Macomb, Monmouth and Mendota. tions, integrating longtime busilittle garage has quadrunesses and staffing and merging pled in size with 16 service bays, room for fixing a tire business practices in a few short years wasn’t easy, but Rude on a lawn mower or a semi trailer. says none of it could have taken place without the dedicated Kyle now works alongside his parents, while his sis- employees who worked hard to build successful operations. ter, Kayla Heiar, manages marketing. The goal is to continue to foster leadership among the staff The principles of hard work and dedication, which the while answering the ever-changing needs of customers, Rude Moores made the foundation of their business, contin- said. ue to serve as bedrock of their work today, even as the Fore example, Moore’s website has a new feature that encourbusiness has grown from one store to five in the last 5 ages customers to “Text to Chat” with questions and make years. appointments online. “Hard work and determination have gotten us where It’s been well-received and is one example of adding customer we are today, with a multistore campus,” Kyle said. “Any- conveniences, he said. body, from a tire tech to the one sweeping the floor, there At Moore Tires, customers will find everyone wearing the is always the possibility for greatness if they are willing to same uniform, whether they are sweeping floors, answering work hard. If they want more and they can work hard, then phones or changing tires. there will always be more opportunities for them at Moore And no one is more important, than the customer who needs Tires.” a new tire on their truck, or a service call for a broken-down Greg Woessner started working at Moore Tires part-time vehicle on the road. BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media
Moore Tires offers tires, service and repairs to all vehicles, including commercial and agricultural, at its five locations: • 2411 E. Rock Falls Road/U.S. Route 30 in Rock Falls, 815-625-1800. • 1901 13th Ave. in Mendota • 308 W. Second St. in Kewanee • 1348 S. Main St. in Monmouth 1103 E. Jackson St. in Macomb • Stores are open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Go to MooreTires. com to schedule an appointment (although appointments aren’t necessary), to request an estimate or to ask questions.
Saturday, March 23, 2019
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SPOTLIGHT | THE BUTCHER SHOP
Local meat makes the cut The butcher shop doesn’t have to go far to get its beef; it’s raised right here in the Sauk Valley, and the shop partners with other local producers for pork, chicken and seafood – but there’s more than meats the eye. The shop also offers cheese, salads, desserts and more
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Business has really taken off in There Butcher Shop’s first year. The staff – from left, Jim Pineda, Troy Dyson, Nikki Johnson, owner Dale Pfundstein and manager Ashley Schmitt –welcomes returning customers as well as new ones. Association. The cattle are grass and corn fed, which means ROCK FALLS – The Butcher Shop LLC, they spend their days roaming a pasture, dining on which, in just a little over a year has grass with a supplemental side of corn feed. become the prime spot for fresh meats in the Sauk Pfundstein partners with other local producers for Valley, soon will open a second location on Lincoln- the chicken, pork and seafood also sold in the shop. way in Sterling. Those partnerships have been exciting to grow, After hearing the laments of the many who missed Schmitt said. having a local meat market, Dale For example, the shop carries Tuff Pfundstein answered the call for a Dog Bakery dog treats and puppy More info place where people could buy fresh cakes, which customers love, and The Butcher meats, cheeses and more when he also is a product of a local owner, Shop, 3309 opened in November 2017 at 3309 Vicki Mandrell. W. Rock Falls W. Rock Falls Road/U.S. Route In addition to the fresh meats, Road/U.S. 30, the ready-made site of the spices, rubs and sauces, The Route 30, is former River Rock Provision Butcher Shop offers fresh sliced open from 9 meat-processing business. deli meats and cheeses, deli salads, a.m. to 6 p.m. bread and buns and desserts such It pairs nicely with his other day job: Pfundstein is a longtime Monday through Friday and as Gardner pies, making it a onearea cattle farmer, and raises from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturstop-shop for an evening’s meal or day and Sunday. the beef sold in the shop. an afternoon picnic. In late spring, a second locaThe business has really taken Customers are welcome to stop in off, says store manager Ashley tion will open at 2701 E. Linand choose their fresh cuts, or call Schmitt, who each day welcomes colnway in Sterling. or visit to place a custom order. At Go to butchershopllc.com or least a week in advance is a good returning customers as well as new shoppers looking for the freshest call 815-632-3931 for special idea, especially with the shop beef, pork, chicken and even sea- orders and more information. expecting a busy Easter season, food. Schmitt said. During the recent holiday season, they sold more The Pfundsteins also provide fundraising opportuthan 1,000 pounds of prime rib, not including walk- nities for local schools and organizations. in requests, Schmitt said. The Butcher Shop also serButcher Shop coming to Sterling vices area restaurants. The Pfundsteins really know their beef. The Butcher Shop’s Sterling location is set to open Dale and his family own and operate their cattle later this spring at 2501 E. Lincolnway, next to the farm just north of Sterling; it’s been in the family for Subway restaurant in the former Man Squeeze locamore than 150 years, and in fact, son Cliff and his tion. family are the seventh generation to work the farm. That spot on the busy main drag will make it easier In 2018, the Pfundsteins earned the accolade for Dixon and Sterling customers to find their favor“Farm Family of the Year” from the Illinois Beef ite meats. BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media
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SPOTLIGHT | GARAGE DOOR SPECIALISTS
Partnership opens more doors Here come the sons … When two family-owned businesses became one, they also grew into a one-stop shop for garage doors and fencing, bringing decades of experience to the home improvement operation BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media
STERLING – It’s a match made in home improvement heaven. Garage Door Specialists, a family-owned business for 37 years, recently was bought by and moved to the site of Sterling Fence Co., at 2704 Locust St. Now it’s a one-stop shop to learn about the latest materials and products available in fencing and garage doors. There, customers can buy the materials needed for a do-it-yourself project or take advantage of Garage Door Specialists’ skilled technicians to manage the More info installation. The company Sterling Fence Co. has also offers design services acquired Garage Door for customers who want Specialists, and now the to collaborate on a special two home improvement look or feature. companies, both fully Mike Miller, former licensed, bonded and owner of Garage Door insured, share space at Specialists, has teamed 2704 Locust St. in Sterup with Dan Crownhart ling. of Sterling Fence; both Find either company on men are second-generaFacebook, call 815-622tion business owners who 2201 or 815-626-8911, assisted their fathers, who or go to garagedoorfounded the businesses. specialists1.com orsterThe marriage of the lingfence.net for more two companies creates a information, You also home improvement busican drop by the shop to ness that is focused on browse the samples and strong customer service chat with designers and and backed by decades of sales representatives. experience. “It’s still the same staff. It’s a very complementary partnership,” Crownhart said. One of the latest trends is implanting the technology to access door controls from a smart phone or smart device, Crownhart said. In fact, Garage Door Specialists offers multiple products that can be utilized to give homeowners access to their door controls, which can be handy for helping children gain access after school or for a homeowner who
wants to check to see he or she has remembered to close the garage door. The installation process is fairly simple and can be done quickly, he said. With spring approaching, Garage Door Specialists is preparing for a busy season; it has a large selection of doors in stock – industrial, insulated, wood, steel, carriage and rolling steel – all ready to be delivered and installed in a matter of days, Crownhart said. Service and repair is part of the job, too: When equipment isn’t working properly, Crownhart’s team is there to help solve problems quickly and efficiently, whether a residential or a commercial property.
In addition to replacing or refurbishing older doors, Garage Door Specialists also works with new construction and remodeling projects. Estimates are free, financing is available and there’s a full money-back guarantee. “From overheads and roll-ups, to sectionals and wind loads, we are the garage door company to call first, because we have proven ourselves to be the best,” the company proudly proclaims on its website. Sterling Fence Co., which now shares space with Garage Door Specialists, also has a slate of skilled technicians who not only can install fencing, but also decks, pergolas, arbors and railings.
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SPOTLIGHT | CORNERSTONE CREDIT UNION
Membership has its benefits A firm financial foundation needs a cornerstone, and a community-minded credit union with local branches can provide one, from meeting the needs of its members to giving back to the communities it calls home BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media
FREEPORT – The foundation of a credit union is its mission to serve people, and that remains true today at Cornerstone Credit Union. “Credit unions were designed to serve the working class with affordable banking,” said Lorna Cote, marketing director at Cornerstone Credit Union. The Freeport-based financial institution was founded in 1939 to serve employees of Micro Switch, which is now Honeywell. Most credit unions were formed within a manufacturing or organization to serve their employees, but today many are open to the community. Cornerstone has more than 13,600 members served by its four branches, including ones in Sterling and Milledgeville, and membership is open to anyone living or working in 11 northwest Illinois and southern Wisconsin counties. With membership to a credit union, customers become members of a nonprofit financial cooperative, where they’re able to vote for the volunteer board of directors. “We are locally owned and community-minded,” Cote said. “We are owned by our members, not profit-seeking shareholders.” One of the prime benefits is reduced costs for members. Cornerstone offers free checking and it doesn’t impose additional fees for using its online banking or bill-pay services, Cote said. Banking has evolved through the years and Cornerstone con-
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Cornerstone has more than 13,600 members served by its four branches, including one in Sterling, where Teresa Lopez (left), Verenice Capilla, Kathy Rodriguez and new branch manager Melissa Rippy look forward to finding financial solutions for their members.
More info
Cornerstone Credit Union has four locations: 615 W. 3rd St. in Sterling; 3334 N. Main Ave. in Milledgeville; 550 W. Meadows Drive in Freeport and 640 Blackhawk Blvd., in South Beloit. Call 815-235-5855 or 800-711-3277, find it on Facebook or go to cornerstonecu.org for more information. tinues to meet the changing lifestyles of customers, from those who enjoy taking time for
in-person transactions to those who prefer to manage deposits any time of day from a computer
or smart phone. Cornerstone has the tools to meet those varying demands
with its banking apps and mobile check deposit features, Cote said. Inside the redesigned lobbies, staff members are available to answer questions and provide assistance, including bilingual staff at the branch locations to serve those who speak Spanish. There even are computers at each branch where members can access their online banking or applications. “There have been a lot of changes in the financial services marketplace,” Cote said. “They are all focused on conveniences and service, because people are busy and demand it.” One of the core offerings of a credit union is providing low-interest rates on loans, from auto to personal to home financing. Cornerstone members are able to apply for loans online, Cote said. When looking to buy a new or used vehicle, a credit union member can be pre-approved for a loan and go to a dealership with financing in place to make a purchase. Cornerstone even is offering a special rate on auto loans for spring shoppers. Cornerstone also focuses on community outreach, from monetary donations to staff volunteering time at local events to helping students on their quest for a college education. This spring, Cornerstone will award $6,000 in scholarships. Cornerstone also supports its business members, from a farmer who needs a loan to buy equipment to an entrepreneur investing in a dream, Cote said. “We find financial solutions.”
SPOTLIGHT | FHN VEIN CENTER
FHN: On a mission to heal Vein center’s work makes a difference in people’s lives, from Freeport all the way to Honduras For Sauk Valley Media
FREEPORT – Valerie Schubert’s “normal” day doing missionary work in Honduras includes lots of walking. She and her husband cover many miles a day serving hundreds of at-risk children through their foundation, Casa de Luz (House of Light). But last year, Valerie’s typical day turned into a painful experience that required frequent stops to rest her heavy, throbbing legs. Her raised varicose veins were painful at the slightest bump, and they limited her mobility. She tried blood thinners and compression stockings but eventually turned to FHN for more innovative solutions during a trip home. “Walking is crucial to my success,” Val said. “When I shared I was having problems with tender, tired, swollen legs and superficial blood clots, a friend suggested I make an appointment with FHN’s Vein Center. I am so happy I decided to take action.” Valerie was impressed with the Vein Center from the beginning. “At my first appointment, I received a simple ultrasound mapping test that detects potential vein issues,” she said. “The staff was great from the start! They showed me a lot of compassion, really taking the time to understand my situation and immediately putting me at ease. After confirming I had venous reflux, they explained my options, answered my questions, provided helpful literature, and set up my appointment
Valerie Schubert’s Casa de Luz family in Honduras shows FHN Vein Center their gratitude for helping heal Schubert’s legs. for the outpatient procedures I was hoping would alleviate my pain and help me get back my strength and stamina. “They were thorough, patient, and helpful. The whole process was simpler than I anticipated. Dr. (Rafael) Castro said there would be no pain during the procedure, just a little pressure, and that was exactly my experience. I recovered quickly, with only a bit of bruising and tenderness that was helped with a few doses of ibuprofen.”
More info If you have tired, achy, or tender legs, attend a free vein screening, compliments of FHN. Call the Vein Center at 815-599VEIN (8346) for an appointment. “At my follow-up visit just 3 weeks later, it was hard to even see my incisions,” she shares. “I couldn’t believe how much better I felt – almost immediately!” Valerie is thankful for her suc-
cessful outcome. “The whole experience was really positive,” she said. “My family was thrilled. And of course, all the children at Casa de Luz were very happy. They even made a sign to thank
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FHN for helping me heal my legs! “I just feel so blessed. Everybody at FHN was professional and accommodating, and I would recommend their services to anyone. As I go back to Central America, I feel no pain and can return to Honduras with new strength and endurance. “The best part? When I left, I promised the kids I would come back with healthy legs. Thanks to FHN and the Lord’s blessing, I have kept my word. I plan to cover a lot of ground in 2019!”
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