SVM_Spotlight_032923

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE FOR SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

Last year, American Family agent Bob Maltry welcomed his first grandchild — and when it comes to fatherly advice for his son, it was quite simple: It’s time to increase your life insurance policy.

“I hear it all the time, people say: ‘It’s fine. I have life insurance through my work.’ But will that really be enough?” Maltry said.

Many don’t realize life insurance policies through work end their term when you leave the company. Maltry said this often comes as a big surprise to his clients who retire and then realize they don’t have a life insurance policy to cover their post-working years.

“If you wait until your 60s to purchase a life insurance policy, it will be more costly than if you had started one in your 30s or 40s,” he said.

The purchase of a new home or the birth of a child is when parents begin thinking about life insurance and making sure that if anything should happen to a parent, the surviving spouse and children can maintain their lifestyles and pay for expenses, such as a home or a child’s education.

BASES cont’d to page 3

It’s also a good idea to consider a life insurance policy for the arrival of a new baby, Maltry said. These policies can generally be low cost, and starting one when a child is an infant is a good protection for the “what if.” Also, by starting a policy when a child is young, the policy will already be in place, even if the child should develop health issues such as asthma or diabetes, which would otherwise raise life insurance costs.

“I have asthma and I can’t get a preferred rate, but if my parents had purchased a policy when I was a child before I was diagnosed, they would have a policy with a locked-in rate,” Maltry said.

While Maltry’s son, Drake, is adjusting to fatherhood, his other son, Austin, continues to be a tremendous support in their Dixon office. Austin is working toward his insurance license to become an American Family agent.

Spring projects, increase coverage

Each year, clients tackle their to-do list of home improvement projects, and that’s a perfect time to call an insurance agent, to make sure their home coverage is up to date. Whether it’s a new deck, finishing a basement or adding a pool to the backyard, it’s important to maintain coverage for these improvements and renovations.

One of the areas of concerns has been the increasing costs of materials recently, which could lead to a potential gap in a homeowner’s policy coverage and the actual cost of labor and materials to replace a home.

“If you’re insured up to $100,000 for a total home loss — and with the rising cost of materials it costs $120,000 to replace the home — the homeowner will find themselves responsible for the extra $20,000,”

Maltry said.

If it’s been a few years since checking on the home insurance policy, now is a good time to make that call and check your coverage. As an American Family Insurance Agent, Maltry’s clients can access help

through a call center any time of the day or night, but as a local agent with an office in Dixon, Maltry said he’s proud to be able to serve his clients who drop in with questions, a payment or to ask about his new grandson.

Above: Austin (left) and Bob Maltry are your son and father team at Bob

Dixon. Contributed photo

They’ve got it all, from B to Z

Need a bouquet? Looking for a special gift for a special event? Behrz Bloomz is a shop for all occasions

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE FOR SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

From creating floral arrangements to brightening someone’s day to helping a customer find the perfect gift for a friend, every day is beautiful for Stephanie Dusing, owner of Behrz Bloomz.

“I love what I do,” Stephanie said.

Behrz Bloomz is a full-service flower shop that also offers a wide selection of items that make perfect gifts, including candles, wreaths and lanterns, foaming hand soaps and home décor. On the way to a friend’s for dinner? Make a quick stop at Behrz Bloomz for a small gift and the staff can even gift wrap for you.

Even with so much to pick from, the blooms at Bloomz have the spotlight. People love to buy flowers for any occasion — gifts for spouses, birthdays and anniversaries, centerpieces to celebrate a holiday, or just because. And with online shopping, that means someone in Texas can order flowers at 11 p.m. for their mother in Sterling and have it on her doorstep in time for a birthday or Mother’s Day, Stephanie said.

2503 N. Locust, Sterling 815-625-5116

Online: behrzbloomz.com  and on Facebook

Her love of flowers started back in high school when she joined her mom in the small greenhouse her dad built in their backyard. By the time she completed her floral cultural class in high school, she was hooked. She loved working with flowers, picking and placing each one in just the right place in her arrangements, using nature’s rich palette of colors to paint a picture worth a thousand words.

She followed up with more classes at the Whiteside Area Career Center and a year-long intensive floral design class in Iowa.

Her classes and internships, and time spent working with local flower shops, helped her build her skills and understanding of the business. When she was given the opportunity to start her Sterling flower shop in 2016, she knew the time was right.

She loves the creativity of creating floral pieces, working with colors and varying stem lengths, helping bring her ideas to life. Weddings and special events are always tremendous work, Stephanie said, and fun. Whether the bride has a specific idea in mind or is seeking guidance, Stephanie and her team enjoy making each event unique and special.

Spring is a busy season, too, with Easter, Mother’s Day and proms filling their time, and vases.

For prom-goers, she advises stopping in early with their prom dress to help build a corsage that will accent the person’s dress and style. Stephanie said it’s important to see the dress to match the correct shades.

Stephanie attended one of the largest floral trade shows earlier this year, checking out trends and new items to bring back to the Sauk Valley. One of the trends that continues to grow is unique gifts to help families celebrate the memories of their loved ones. Going beyond the traditional floral arrangements, clients are selecting wind chimes, light boxes, steppingstones and small lanterns with thoughtful sayings to console someone during their time of loss and give them a beautiful way to remember someone.

Stephanie also recently hired her daughter Miranda to join her at the shop, adding another creative and talented addition to the staff. Stephanie said it is with the incredible support of her family and friends that she’s been able to see her business bloom.

Work keeps her pretty busy in the shop, but when a customer stops in to just say “Thanks!” or to let her know how a floral arrangement brightened their day, Stephanie can’t help but smile at how a few blossoms can truly make someone happy.

“That’s what really makes my day,” Stephanie said.

Photos: Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@shawmedia.com

Built on a solid foundation

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media

Bradford Victor-Adams isn’t just another insurance company. Founded more than 154 years ago by seven local farmers, it was established to help farmers protect their land, their equipment and their homes.

Those basic principles remain true today and guide Kelly Reagan-Robery as she continues to lead the Franklin Grove office of the mutual insurance company.

“We are here for our policy holders, who are the foundation of our company. We don’t answer to stockholders, we answer to our policy holders,” Reagan-Robery said.

Today Bradford Victor-Adams serves policy holders in 45 counties throughout the state. It provides coverage to farm operations big and small as well as homeowners. Whether they reside in town or in the country.

“I love being able to support our rural communities and the company’s history,” Reagan-Robery says.

Whether she is managing policies for large farms and farm equipment or rural and small-town homeowners, Reagan-Robery says at the end of the day her goal is to help people, being there at the time of need.

“I love my work because we can help our policyholders get back to where they were before they suffered a property loss,” she says.

MORE INFO

Bradford VictorAdams 120 W. South St., Franklin Grove 815-456-2334

Online: bradfordmutual.net and on Facebook

Work in the insurance field isn’t without its challenges. Farms are becoming larger and with more acres there is a need for more efficient farm equipment, which can be a big expense, Reagan-Robery said. Having a company and staff that understands farmers’ needs and the risks they face is essential.

The same goes for homeowners. Reagan-Robery said. As many have made upgrades and renovations in and around the home the past few year years, it’s vital to check in and make sure there’s adequate coverage to protect one’s home and assets.

“This is so important right now, especially with the rising costs of building materials. It’s important homeowners make sure they have enough coverage,” Reagan-Robery said.

Bradford Victor-Adams can provide coverage to jewelry, collectibles, guns, fine arts, snowmobiles, watercrafts, boats and ATVs.

Reagan-Robery said she loves community celebrations and traditions and she and her staff enjoy supporting the community, whether it’s volunteering or providing financial support for events — whatever it takes to help their neighbors. Last year the office helped support the Franklin Grove Harvest Fest as well as the annual Independence Day Celebration at Chaplin Creek Historic Village.

The staff also loves spreading joy during the holiday season, and for the third year in a row the office staff worked with a local senior living facility to deliver presents to residents without families, to help make their holidays a little brighter.

“We’re all about service,” Reagan-Robery said.

Times have changed since a Franklin Grove insurer first opened its doors more than a century ago, but its mission hasn’t: protecting policy-holders

The original location of Bradford Victor-Adams when it was founded in October 1869.

More in store at Clover Hills

Have a seat, catch some sleep, cook a meal, do some laundry, grill a burger — whatever you’re looking to do around the house, Clover Hills can help you do it

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE FOR SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

It happens two to three times a week at Clover Hills Appliance. A customer walks in needing to buy a major appliance and they’ve brought their own expert: mom.

“Moms know best,” said Wayne Walker, manager of the family-owned appliance business in Sterling.

For all those who may not be able to shop with their mom, Walker and his team will gladly offer guidance and answer questions to help customers find the right appliance for their home — from washing machines to dishwashers, refrigerators and ovens as well as mattresses and outdoor grills.

“We’ve been here so long people come in and say their grandparents shopped with us. It makes it a joy to come in and help people, to serve multiple generations,” Walker said.

Recliners are the newest items at Clover Hills, with a variety of styles, colors and sizes available, from basic to rockers, power lift and more. Clover Hills carries the Best Home Furnishings brand of recliners that are made in Indiana. The solid wood construction provides a sturdy base, and select styles allow adjustable lumbar areas and head rests, and the electric lift provides additional assistance in rising and reclining.

In appliances, Clover Hills welcomed the Speed Queen brand to its lineup, and these durable machines come with multi-year manufacturer warranties and a reputation for durability and longevity.

“They’re known for being able to hold up and wash heavy-duty

items,” Walker said.

Like the Best Home recliners, the Speed Queen brand is American made, in Wisconsin. Walker said Clover Hills makes an effort to carry American-made products, which includes several of its GE appliances, which are made in Louisville.

For more than 40 years shoppers have turned to Clover Hills, and their formula for success has been simple: good service, a good shopping experience, and a dependable staff, from the sales to delivery to the installation teams.

Clover Hills has appliances in stock, ready for customers to take home that day, or they can select delivery and installation options. The delivery team can even haul away old appliances. Be sure to check out its line of mattresses, including some with the latest sleep technology, to improve your rest.

And with warm weather around the corner, check out the selection of grills — gas and charcoal, even portable grills perfect for an afternoon tailgating.

More info

2400 N. Locus St., Sterling 815-625-8529 and ...

1601 N. Second St. Clinton, Iowa 563-242-5200

Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays.

Online: On Facebook and at cloverhillsappliance.com

Clover Hills provides repair services to the brands it carries as well as other national brands. With a knowledgeable crew, it can help customers keep appliances running and extend the life of the equipment, saving time and money.

Stop in the store to see what’s new — and while you’re there, check out the store’s remodeling, aimed at further improving the shopping experience.

Wayne

James

Tim

Brian

Tim

Store manager Wayne Walker and the Clover Hills crew.

Brandy

Helping their customers grow

Whether it’s budding crops or a budding business, a local loan officer is an expert in his field, and he’ll do what it takes to help, from running the numbers to walking in a corn field.

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE FOR SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

When it comes to crunching numbers and analyzing costs Gregory Nickrent isn’t just another banker in a blue suit.

You’re more likely to see him in jeans and boots, riding next to a farmer in the field or walking along a dirt path next to rows of soybeans.

When Nickrent joined the Ag/Commercial Lending team at Community State Bank, he brought with him more than 30 years of experience as an ag lender, and a deep understanding and enduring love of farm life, and the hard work it takes to make it possible.

Farming has been a part of his family for years and he knows the routines, the challenges and the rewards, the beauty of gazing up into a starry sky after a day in the fields or looking out at a crops growing tall and green.

When it comes to serving his farming clients, he brings his depth of knowledge, compassion and work ethic to provide the financial tools they need to succeed. From drawing up papers for lines of credit in the spring to enable farmers to purchase supplies for planting, to helping someone dream big and purchase more land or new equipment.

One of the keys to his work is spending time with his clients on their land. It’s an added convenience for customers and it’s an opportunity for Nickrent to see first-hand their land and their livelihood.

“You can learn a lot more when you go and see the farm operations,” Nickrent said. “I want to make sure I fully understand the operations, and the farmers are very proud of their work and they want to show me what they’ve built. I’d rather meet with them around the kitchen table or in the field.”

Nickrent enjoys a ride on the combine, helping to feed the livestock and spending time understanding his clients.

He knows firsthand the hardships of working the land, ever at the mercy of weather, costs they can’t control and other factors that can cut into their bottom line.

When it comes to buying new equipment or expanding operations, Nickrent does more than just run the numbers. He likes to take the time to meet with clients, look over the opportunities and draft the best financial plans.

He also helps clients with commercial lending, helping small businesses and entrepreneurs take the leap from a budding business built on the dining room table to finding a brick and mortar location.

“We’ve had a couple of clients the past few years where someone had a great idea and we help them,” he said, adding that in addition to his know-how, he highly recommends the Sauk Valley Community College’s Business Development Center for helping entrepreneurs create a solid business plan that will enable the commercial lending process to run smoothly.

Whether someone is pursuing a business dream or taking on an extra acreage to expand family farming operations, there are costs, risks and rewards.

Nickrent is proud to be a part of the Community State Bank team, and part of his clients’ hopes and dreams. From budding crops to budding business, he’s happy to help them grow.

CSB cont’d to page 9

Nickrent

More info

Community State Bank is FDIC and an Equal Housing Lender, with branch offices throughout the Sauk Valley:

Dixon: 1021 N. Galena Ave. | 815-284-8500

Fulton: 1325 17th St. | 815-589-9090

Morrison: 220 E. Main St. | 815-772-4011

Rock Falls: 1801 First Ave. | 815-625-1110

Sterling: 3210 E. Lincolnway | 815-625-4300

Online: commstbk.com or find Community State Bank on Facebook

tbecker@crumhalsted.com

Leffelman& Associates

Amboy 815-857-2125 lisa@leffelmanassoc.com

LaMoille 815-638-2171 lexi@leffelmanassoc.com

Sublette 815-849-5219 chris@leffelmanassoc.com

Kaczmarzyk Agency Inc. 1022 S IL Rt. 2, Oregon 815-732-3148 kaczins@outlook.com

815-772-2793

BaylorInsurance Agency LeeCenter 815-857-2716 rbaylor1@gmail.com

Doing every little thing for its students

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media

The students at Faith Christian School in Grand Detour have worked on musicals and choir shows in the past, but this year they’re taking the stage show in a new direction.

Students from 5th through 12th grades are producing the play, “Every Little Crook and Nanny,” by Pat Cook. Michelle Marx is overseeing the production, and has also stepped into the role as an instructor for a new theater class offered to the school’s high school students.

At Faith Christian, students enjoy smaller class sizes, a Christian-based education, and opportunities to explore interests in academics and athletics.

A Place Where Students S.O.A.R.

Students working on the two-act comedy have been able to experience many different roles, from cast and stage crew to serving the post-production dessert to friends and family attending the production. Marx said there are tremendous benefits for students working on a stage production.

“Not only will they remember the experience well into adulthood and the unique camaraderie of working closely with other students, but they’ll also feel the pride of reaching for and attaining a common goal,” Marx said. “Even more than putting on a successful production and learning new skills, we aim for more significant life lessons such as teamwork, adaptability, creativity, perseverance, overcoming fear, commitment to hard work, organization, building confidence and supporting one another through both mistakes and achievements alike.”

Tickets to the spring production, 6:30 p.m. May 19-20 will be available through the school office.

Helping to take the lead in the production are members of the new theater/ improv class, offered to the high school students in 9th through 12th grades. Marx said the year-long class covers a multitude of theater-related education and skills-based learning, including many different areas of stagecraft: basic acting skills and methods, jobs in the theater world, improvisation training and how it relates to real-life scenarios. There are also backstage roles, including tech, design, makeup, costuming and all manner of production, as well as character and script analysis, monologues and a bit of script writing too.

Marx said she’s excited to see students grow and develop through the course, and enjoys seeing older students take on the role of mentors for younger students during the play’s production.

... From play to playground

Outside the classroom, the school’s younger students are eager to see the renovations on the elementary school playground, said Elementary School Principal Carrie Worrell. New features that will be added to the playground this summer include a swing set with eight swings, two climbers and an embankment slide. There are also plans to create a half-court concrete pad for basketball.

“We know that these elements will be a great addition to what was started last summer— a playhouse, stump steppers and a pea gravel pit,” Worrell said.

A cool fundraiser

Another improvement on the school’s wish list is air conditioning, and the staff is doing what they can to make that wish come true by raising funds to help pay for it. The AC will improve the climate for learning during the warmer months and reduce humidity-related issues as well. Aaron Fassler, principal of the middle and high schools, said that if the school meets its fundraising goal, they hope the AC can be installed during the summer break and be ready for the start of the new school year.

Fassler

Worrell

FAITH CHRISTIAN cont’d from page 10

A success by all accounts

For more than 120 years, small-town roots have helped customers’ money grow at First National Bank, where its team is proud to play a part in their community’s success

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE FOR SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

Farming isn’t just part of their name. It’s a part of their lives.

At Farmers National Bank, customers will be connected with bankers who know farming because it’s been a part of their family for generations. From its staff to its management, team members at the bank are proud to carry on the farming traditions, said Vice President Bart Ottens.

Farmers National Bank is a full-service bank providing financial services across the spectrum, from personal banking as well as support for business and agricultural customers. Whether customers are looking for a mortgage, starting a new business or starting their own farm, Farmers National Bank is there to support every customer and their dreams, from buying their first home, their dream home or a few acres of land.

Banking has never been easier to manage, whether entering deposits from one’s phone through the bank’s digital banking platform, visiting in-person, or utilizing one of the bank’s Interactive Teller Machines to speak with a bank representative through a video call, or process a payment, deposit or withdrawal after banking hours. Customers can easily access their account and banking services at their convenience.

Started in Prophetstown in 1902, Farmers National Bank

has supported its customers through good and tough times. It remains true to its farming roots and is rated a Top 100 Agricultural Bank in the U.S. The bank remains locally owned and managed, with three locations — Prophetstown, Geneseo and Morrison.

Clients know that when they choose Farmers National Bank, they can have access to the same, or even better, products and services offered at bigger banks, but at the local level with minimal costs. The bank is locally owned and managed, so clients won’t have to wait to hear back from someone in another state or time zone. Their decision-makers live locally.

At Farmers National Bank the focus is agriculture. “Farming, it’s what we do and who we are,” said Community President Doug Vanderlaan.

With more than 125 years of combined experience, the bank’s ag lenders can provide the best options available, and with the assets exceeding $850 million, the bank can handle relationships big and small.

Vanderlaan and Ottens said they appreciate working for a real community bank that gives back to the communities they serve.

From customers with small family farms to large farming operations, Farmers National Bank values all its customers and their needs.

More info

Farmers National Bank

Online: farmersnationalbank.bank, and on Facebook and Instagram

Prophetstown — 114 W. Third St., 815-537-2348

Geneseo — 700 U.S. Highway 6 East, 309-944-0580

Morrison — 1100 E. Lincolnway, 815-772-3700

Bart Ottens (left), Ag & Commercial Lending vice president, and Doug Vanderlaan, the community president in Morrison, are part of the team at Farmers National Bank. | Contributed photo

A place to come home to

Heritage Woods welcomes people to become part of a community that provides quality care, comfort and cuisine

By MELISSA RUBCALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media

When Arlene Loos moved into an apartment at Heritage Woods of Sterling, she was worried that her new home wouldn’t be big enough to host the large family gatherings she had always come to look forward to during the holidays.

She needn’t have been concerned.

The family tradition continued — it just simply relocated, utilizing the large community dining room at Heritage Woods, even opting to have some holiday meals catered from the same kitchen that served Arlene each day, explained Janell Loos, Arlene’s granddaughter

“The food is fantastic,” Janell Loos said.

Janell admits she was so impressed with the Heritage Woods community she met during her visits with her grandmother that she jumped at the opportunity to bring her marketing background to the team at the assisted living center, where residents can retain their independence while never being far from a helping hand when they need it.

“We strive to provide independent living for our residents with what we call light support. We’re that extra help,” Loos said.

At Heritage Woods, residents can still own their own vehicles and travel as they like, while still enjoying the luxuries of housekeeping, laundry service and the opportunity for community meals that provide nutrition and a strong sense of camaraderie.

While residents are the focus at Heritage Woods,

it also strives to support its staff, demonstrated by its certification in 2023 from the Great Place to Work Institute. The recognition was based on employee surveys as well as its increase in applicants and its excellent retention rate. U.S. News and World Report designated Heritage Woods of Sterling a Best in Assisted Living for 2022-23, again demonstrating satisfaction from residents and their families, as well as staff.

Heritage Woods of Sterling has certified nursing assistants on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week to aid in daily activities, provide medication management and respond to residents as needed. Loos said the strong relationships between the CNAs and residents is evident in the Employee of the Month honors, where residents consistently select their CNAs for their excellent care and compassion.

Heritage Woods offers studio and one-bedroom units for residents. In addition to the kitchenette in the units, residents have access to three meals each day, in addition to snacks. Loos said the meals are prepared to follow dietary guidelines, and a residential dietary council reviews menus and offers suggestions and input.

“When it comes to the holiday dinners, our residents are a part of the menu planning, giving input, sharing ideas about what they like and incorporating some of their favorite items,” Loos said.

Just how good is the food? One of the employee perks is the invitation to join residents for a meal each day.

“We all eat here,” Loos said.

More info

Heritage Woods

2205 Oak Grove Ave., Sterling Call 815-625-7045 or go to gardant.com/ heritagewoodssterling/info_request/ to schedule a visit or learn more about Heritage Woods. Online gardant.com/heritagewoodssterling/ or find Heritage Woods of Sterling on Facebook

Filled to the rafters with space

If you need

place big

for

bounce house, or

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE FOR SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

STERLING

— Weddings

and birthdays, baby showers and retirement parties — those are just a few of the special events hosted inside The Loft at K’s Korner, explains Marion Younger.

She and her husband, Andy, own the special events venue that was transformed from a former dairy barn into a beautiful, large open space able to accommodate smaller, intimate gatherings as well as large parties of up to 300 guests.

Though it used to be a barn, today the venue retains a sense of elegance and many wedding couples enjoy using the beautiful wooden, winding staircase in photos of their special occasion.

More info

K’s Korner

13030 Galt Road, Sterling 815-626-2988

Younger recalls when the loft was able to hold 10,000 bales of hay instead, and was located further up Route 30 outside of Rock Falls. The barn was moved to its current location in 2014 and underwent a major renovation that was completed in 2015. Today it retains the beauty and rustic look of a dairy barn with modern, amenities including climate control for year-round comfort and an elevator, making it easier for guests to enjoy The Loft, and to move equipment and food easily into the entertainment area.

Hours: 6 a.m.-1 a.m. daily

Online: Find K’s Korner on Facebook

The Loft is also great for those who want to customize the room design. The Youngers provide the space and clients supply the decorations. Younger said she has a list of vendors to help in planning. She has seen couples create romantic space for their wedding ceremony and reception and she has helped guests host birthday parties for children complete with a bounce house located inside The Loft space.  “It’s always wonderful to see how each party is set up and the weddings are so beautiful,” Marion said.

While the celebrations can vary, Younger is adamant the venue space shouldn’t take up the entire event budget. The Loft room rental is $300 per day and that price includes a bartender to serve guests.

“We want all our guests to be comfortable,” Marion said, adding the space is wheelchair accessible.

The elevator is a big help when moving tables, chairs and a DJ’s sound equipment, Marion added.

And while advance reservations are recommended, Marion said she has taken a few last-minute reservations, even helping a couple host a small wedding with just several days of planning.

Clients can visit The Loft space during K’s Korner operating hours or book an appointment to meet with Younger to reserve the space.

Andy and Marion Younger SVM file photos

a

enough

a

charming enough for an intimate get-together, the owners of an events venue that used to be down on the farm invite you up to the The Loft to see what they have to offer

DIXON — The wheels on the bus go ‘round and ‘round — all through the town, and all through Lee and Ogle Counties, sporting “LOTS” painted on the side. Some of the newer buses are a brighter blue with orange color scheme, to grab the attention of the general public and potential riders.

Did you know that the Lee Ogle Transportation System buses, which are outfitted with wheelchair lifts to serve the disabled and seniors, are available to anyone and everyone?

“Your vehicle may be in the shop, or you may not have a vehicle — you may find it less expensive to use public transportation than to maintain and operate your own,” explains Greg Gates, executive director of Lee Ogle Transportation System or LOTS for short.

“Whatever the reason, LOTS is here to help you ‘Move forward,’ and be a resource for getting you to different community resources in the two-county region,” adds Gates, who has been with the public transportation system since September 2017.

People might be surprised to know that LOTS currently has 24 buses operating in the system, Monday through Friday from 6 a.m.-9 p.m.

“A few of our drivers start their routes around 4:30 a.m., usually to pick up workers who need to be at the start of their shift by no later than 6 a.m. For the past 3 years we’ve been partnering with Crest Foods in getting their employees to work on time. It’s been a great partnership and one that both sides have benefited from.”

LOTS cont’d from page 17

Gates adds that LOTS has had discussions with other businesses in the Sauk Valley region about developing a partnership similar to the one LOTS has with Crest Foods.

Gates is not new to the transportation business. He earned a Master’s degree in Business Administration from NIU, and before starting at LOTS served as Kreider Services’ director of communication and marketing for 8 years, and prior to that, worked at Sinnissippi Centers for 10 years in marketing.

“I had some dealing with transportation and the LOTS system during my tenure at Kreider. That paperwork experience has prepared me for the monthly reimbursement requests that are sent into the Illinois Department of Transportation.”

“I enjoy the work. It has enabled me to grow professionally, especially working with riders, provider organizations, funders and the general public. I have a great staff who do their very best every day to make sure people get what they need for either themselves or a loved one. Everyone can use public transportation at some time in his or her life.”

Improvements continue to be made to the LOTS system. In spring 2020, work was completed on a $1 million construction project, which included a 3,064-square-foot maintenance garage and wash bay and the addition of 26 parking spaces to the Reagan Transit Center, the main office of LOTS at 210 E. Progress Drive in Dixon.

Other recent development for LOTS include the addition of a canopy for the Reagan Transit Center. Future plans call for the construction of a secondary transit facility on West Pines Road at the intersection of Route 2 on the south edge of Oregon.

“Buses in the system with regular routes in Ogle County will in the future begin from that new transit facility,” explains Gates, who adds that the new facility will have space for offices as well as a conference room. “LOTS is doing a good service, and wants to broaden and reach more people.”

Annually, LOTS provides close to 100,000 rides with

system buses traveling more than 700,000 miles.

One addition that riders will begin to see in the not-so-distant future will be the incorporation of electric hybrid vehicles into the system’s fleet.

“We received funding from IDOT to purchase a couple EV buses, which will run 150 miles on a single charge. Personally, I’m excited about the potential use of these vehicles here in rural Illinois.”

In addition to the local public transportation routes, LOTS is partnering with Greyhound Connect to provide two local routes — one along I-88 between Chicago and Davenport, Iowa, and the second along I-39, I-90 and I-74, between Chicago and Danville.

“The Greyhound Connect routes are growing in popularity, and seem to be rebounding nicely from a downturn after the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

On the I-39 route, Greyhound has stops in Chicago, Elgin, Rockford, Rochelle, Oglesby, Normal, Champaign and Danville.

On the I-88 route, Greyhound stops include Chicago, Aurora/Naperville, DeKalb/NIU, Rochelle, Dixon, East Moline and Davenport.

Like airlines, the cost of a ticket is determined daily; they can be purchased at greyhound.com.

Gates shared his secret to LOTS’ growth and success: “We’ve developed great partnerships over the years, especially with our operator partners. We want to hear regular feedback from our riders. They are a great sounding board for ideas. Maybe in the near future we’ll start adding transit hours of operation to weekends. We’ll continue to do our best and meet the transit needs of the public,” Gates said.

— Article submitted by Lee Ogle Transportation System

More info

Lee Ogle Transportation System 210 E. Progress Drive, Dixon 815- 288-2117 leeogletransportation.com

A growing community

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE FOR SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

Providing top-rated health care for the community has been a priority since the first Morrison health care facility opened its doors in 1931, and that remains true today at Morrison Community Hospital with the recent completion of its multi-faceted expansion and renovations, all to better serve patients.

In October 2021 the hospital officially cut the ribbon on a multistep construction project. Pam Pfister, CEO at Morrison Hospital said, “This project has afforded us with increased capacity for patients and advanced our service lines. The scope of the project includes a new state-of-theart operating room, emergency department, eight private patient care rooms to the medical surgical floor, a new laboratory department, rehab department and new office space for the billing and coding departments.”

and develop care plans. The hospital medical staff includes physicians who specialize in family practice, dermatology, otolaryngology, sports medicine and orthopaedic care, podiatry, cardiology, pulmonology, rheumatology, general surgery, neurology and urology.

“We continue to meet the growing needs of the community,” said Mick Welding, Marketing Director for Morrison Community Hospital.

Some of the new specialists include Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr. Abdul Foad, Pulmonologist, Dr. Suraj Bopanna and Dr. Thane D. Cody, specializing in ear, nose and throat care.

More info

The exterior additions include a new ambulance garage and helipad to allow for emergency patient transports. Two new employee parking lots were added to the west and south side of the hospital, which has helped provide space for the hospital’s growing team, which has increased by 10 percent since the groundbreaking event in September 2019, and the patient volume has increased substantially, too. The increased staffing has also made an impact on the local economy.

Morrison Hospital is proud to offer a variety of specialists who can work with patients and their physicians to review health concerns

Last year, the hospital was the recipient of a quality award and ranked in the top 10 percent of all critical access hospitals in the country for exceptional quality of care, as well as being a high-achieving HCAHPS hospital — the second consecutive years they’ve won that award. HCAHPS surveys patients on their hospital experiences. The four core domains included in the scoring were Patient Safety/Inpatient, Patient Engagement, Care Transitions, and Outpatient Measures

And the hospital isn’t done growing yet.

Another ribbon cutting announcement is planned to come in the next few months as MCH prepares to add another new operating room, new sterilizing rooms and a new Computed Tomography (CT) machine.

“We are very proud of our team for achieving this level of excellence in health quality,” Pfister said. “As we continue to grow as an organization our focus is to provide our communities with high quality care close to home.

Morrison’s hospital has kept its ceremonial scissors sharpened for a lot of ribbon cuttings lately, and that’s helped keep it on the cutting edge of health care — and there’s more to come

Pam Pfister

PHOTO COURTESY OF MORRISON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

Giving families the final word

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media

The mission of Rock River Hospice & Home is to be “By your side — our family caring for your family,” a statement echoed by those who work, volunteer and raise funds for the nonprofit that provides end-of-life care for patients and their families.

The organization started more than 40 years ago with a group of volunteers, and since then has evolved through the years, changing names a few times along the way — but the foundation of the hospice mission remains, said Executive Director Emily Taylor.

“We started as a grass-roots movement and it has helped us grow into who we are today,” she said. “It’s about living. We’re here to help in the final days”

Utilizing a team approach, the patient, family, nurses and social service staff collaborate to provide individualized care programs tailored to meet the patient’s needs and requests. There is in-home care as well as in-patient care at the six-bed facility that opened in 2017.

HOSPICE cont’d to page 21

When people find themselves facing life’s final chapter, there’s a place where they can go to bring their story to a close with dignity and compassion

HOSPICE

20

“We form a good care plan for the patient,” Taylor said.

Rock River Hospice & Home provides care for those of all ages, from pediatric to adults, throughout a fivecounty area.

Additionally, a core group of volunteers assist in a variety of ways, from sitting with a patient for companionship to providing meals for a family to helping a patient record stories or a life history.

“Our volunteers are a vital part of our organization,” Taylor said.

needs to support groups. Taylor said sometimes caregivers can feel overwhelmed or perhaps not realize that they need a break.

More info

Rock River Home & Hospice | 2706 Ave. E, Sterling » 815-625-6152

“It’s been great to have our facility and another opportunity for our patients to have the care they need,” Taylor said, adding that the facility is specifically designed to allow patients and families to feel comfortable with private spaces as well as space for a family to congregate.

In the We Honor Veterans program, active-duty veterans volunteer their time to meet with patients who are veterans, sharing the common bond of service along with stories and an understanding.

“The patients are able to talk about their service, talk about their experiences,” Taylor said. “It’s just another way we can help someone to feel honored in their life.”

Hospice care is as much for the patient’s needs as it is for the patient’s family and team of caregivers. That can be in the form of respite from the 24-hour care a patient

The staff at Rock River Hospice & Care understands that bereavement affects each person differently, which is why it opens its doors to the community for its monthly support groups in addition to providing families of patients with counseling services and 13-month post death follow-ups to help the family through their first year of memories and milestones without their loved one.

Rock River Hospice & Home also provides care for patients regardless of their financial abilities. Taylor said no patient is turned away. This is due in part to generous donations as well as volunteers who give their time for fundraising.

Several fundraising opportunities are available to help support Rock River Hospice & Home; find more details at hospicerockriver.org and in the news in the next few months. Among the events …

Join the fun at the annual golf outing at Deer Valley Golf Club on June 23.

Support Rock River Hospice & Home during a charity motorcycle ride sponsored by the Midwest Mulisha SC of Sterling on Aug. 5.

The Country Store opens Nov. 9 — and save the date for the Festival of Trees Nov. 12-19.

Specialty Magazines These magazines are totally free and will be sent to you in the mail. To request your F FREE copy, simply call us at (815) 632-2566 or email your requests and address to: knull@saukvalley.com

All’s well that ends with

By MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media

When the Sterling Park District’s Westwood Wellness opened in January, its goal was simple: Give people a place to go after their workout or competition for some R&R — rest and recovery.

With only a few months under its belt, the facility is already reaching its goal. The facilities have been a hit with patrons, and plans are in the works to add a new amenity where people can chill out after a workout.

Westwood Wellness compliments its sister facility, Westwood Fitness and Sports Center, by giving the body a place to repair and strengthen itself in between workouts and competitions.

“We always want to help our patrons by providing the best fitness related opportunities we can,” explained Mary Cancini, manager of the Westwood Wellness Center for the Sterling Park District. She said that while working out is important, “recovery is just as important as training.”

WELLNESS cont’d to page 24

WELLNESS cont’d from page 23

The Westwood Wellness Center’s new amenities include infrared saunas, hydromassage beds, stand-up tanning booths and compression therapy, which are all available to fitness center members at no additional cost. A spray-tan unit, red-light and salt therapy sauna, and an Alter G Treadmill are also available to members at a nominal additional cost. Members can use the online reservation system (available at www.sterlingparks.org) to reserve a time or call ahead to reserve a space. Walk-ins are permitted based on availability, Cancini said.

The stand-up tanning booth and the spray-tan have been a popular choice for clients. Utilizing the latest technology, users can achieve their tan in as little as eight minutes or less. Tanning can become expensive if you do it often, but at Westwood Wellness the stand-up tanning booths will be free with your membership. The spray tan is available to members for $6 a session.

The new infrared sauna can be a great way to help muscles relax after a stressful workout. It uses an infrared spectrum of light to generate heat, reaching temperatures exceeding 140 F degrees.

WELLNESS cont’d to page 25

Dr. Robb Rydzynski, Urogynecologist

Dr. David Yeager, Podiatrist

Dr. Waseem Ahmad, Neurologist

Dr. Ricky Maddox, General Surgeon

Dr. Mathew C. Mathew, Urologist

Dr. George Georgiev Dermatology, Physician

Dr. Priyanka Gauravi, Endocrinologist

Dr. Suraj Bopanna, Pulmonologist

Dr. Mudappa Kalaiah, Rheumatologist

Dr. James Olney, General Surgeon

Dr. Shane Cody, ENT

Dr. Abdul Foad, Orthopedic Surgeon

Dr. Faraz Manazir, Cardiologist

Sterling Park District

Members and guests can now use the stand-up tanning booth as well as other amenities at the Westwood Wellness, part of the Sterling Park District. Westwood Wellness offers infrared saunas, hydromassage beds, stand-up tanning booths (above), compression therapy and more.

“Using an infrared sauna is awesome for a post-workout way to help relax, improve circulation and help with weight loss,” Cancini said.

There are four infrared saunas rooms, each accommodating one or two guests at a time, and one larger sauna that can accommodate two or three people. Cancini said patrons can choose to use the sauna privately or share. One sauna has red light and salt therapy available for a small additional cost. Red light therapy can help with inflammation, injury healing and pain reduction and provide a boost to the immune system. While salt therapy can help improve a long list of skin, respiratory and lifestyle conditions.

“We’ve gotten great feedback on red light and salt therapies Our patrons have seen changes in their overall health already,” Cancini said.

The four hydromassage beds can be another post-workout treatment for aching muscles. Clients can choose the intensity of the water and pressure and enjoy a 10-minute massage. There are also three new compression stations designed to treat legs, hips or arms. Cancini said this therapy can help reduce the lactic acid build-up in muscles and is a great post-workout or training treatment.

The Alter G Treadmill is an anti-gravity treadmill that offers users the ability to get a cardio workout without the normal pressure on joints and the body overall.

Later this year, another amenity is slated to arrive, a Cryotherapy Chamber, which uses extreme cold to offer relief to muscles and reduce inflammation and nerve irritations, and they can even been used to help those who suffer from migraines.

Cancini also said that while members enjoy the benefits of Westwood Wellness very inexpensively, you do not need to be a member to utilize the facility. Non-members may use Westwood Wellness by paying a $15 drop-in fee (plus additional fees for the spray tan, red light salt and Alter-G Treadmill). The drop-in fee also entitles the patron to utilize many of the fitness areas within Westwood as well.

Cancini also noted that Westwood Wellness is open to anyone 16 years of age or older, except for the stand-up tan booths that are only available to individuals ages 18 and older.

More info

Westwood Fitness & Sports Center and Westwood Wellness

1900 Westwood Drive, Sterling Online: Go to sterlingparks.org and find Westwood Fitness Center and the Westwood Wellness Center under the Facilities menu for more information; or find Sterling Park District on Facebook 815-622-6201

Dixon

Morrison Rock Falls

Sterling

Fulton

Sauk Valley Media is proud to bring you EXCLUSIVE LOCAL CONTENT featuring the faces and places of the Sauk Valley in our lineup of magazines and specialty publications — stories about your friends and neighbors, businesses and industries, hometown history, and more!

Published throughout the year, these magazines are distributed to local residents — but you can also find them at shawlocal.com/sauk-valley/ enewspaper/

AMONG OUR MAGAZINES ....

Ag Mag Covering the local farm community

Carroll County Living

Dixon Living

Kaleidoscope News for the over-50 crowd

Lake Lifestyle Covering the Lake Carroll community

Ogle County Living

Small-Town Living East Rural Lee County

Small-Town Living West Rural Whiteside County

Sterling-Rock Falls Living

Sauk Valley Business Journal Local businesses news

YOU’LL ALSO FIND OUR SPECIAL SECTIONS AT SHAWLOCAL.COM/SAUK-VALLEY/ENEWSPAPER/ INCLUDING ...

Golden Echo (local news and events for seniors),

Letters to Santa, Salute to Veterans, Today’s Farm, Tributes (remembering lost loved ones), and more!

Luck be a lady Thursday night

The Dixon VFW is proud to serve its community, and members are getting some help from Her Highness in Hiding

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE FOR SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

DIXON —  When it comes to Thursday nights in Dixon, VFW Post 540 is the place to be.

From the delicious food to the friendly faces and conversations that fill the room, there’s a lot to enjoy at Post 540 — just ask the friends and neighbors who drop in for a visit — but there’s also another reason they pack the Post: a lady decked out in royal garb who wants to put some money in people’s pockets.

The weekly Queen of Hearts fundraiser has been drawing people in for a chance to win big since 2016, not only giving customers something to look forward to, but helping the VFW and the community.

More info

VFW Post 540

1560 Franklin Grove Road, Dixon 815-288-5165

Online: Go to https://vfw540.org or Find “Dixon VFW Post 540” on Facebook

The Queen of Hearts is a progressive raffle. The game begins with 54 cards, under which nestle all four suits plus the two jokers found in a standard deck of playing cards. People buy tickets, and on the back of each one, they put their name, phone number, and the number under which they think the queen is lurking. Each week, the tickets are put in a barrel and if the winning ticket also has the correct card, the holder wins the pot.

If no one gets the correct card, another drawing is held the next week, and the pot continues to grow — and it’s grown pretty big.

“We’ve had two jackpots of over $300,000 that have gone to local winners,” says Melissa Spangler, Post Commander.  Spangler took up her role as commander in July 2019 after serving the previous two years as Quarter Master in charge of the post’s finances. According to local records she is the first female commander for the post. Originally from California, Spangler joined the Army in 2003 in the Medical Services Corp. She was deployed to Iraq twice as well as stationed in Germany and San Antonio.

Her husband, also a veteran, brought her back to his hometown of Dixon and the two became involved in the VFW Post. For the Spanglers, the VFW is more than just a place to serve others and the community, it’s a way for them to enjoy the kind of camaraderie they found during their time in the service.

“This gives us a sense of belonging,” Spangler says. “I was looking for a sense of camaraderie and I found it with my brothers in arms. There are some great individuals and this is a great group.”

To play ...

Queen of Heats tickets cost $5 for six and are available at VFW Post 540 from 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday until closing time, which depends on events and attendance.

Drawings normally are held Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 7:25 p.m. The winner, who need not be present at the drawing, will get 70 percent of the pot. Of the remaining 30 percent, half goes to charity and the club keeps the rest.

It’s also a group that has worked hard to renovate the building to make it more inviting, whether you’re just stopping by for a drink or your renting a room. From the bright ceiling tiles to the bathroom updates, the building’s event space has a fresh new look. The new 75-inch television is great for watching sports or to play a slide show.

Spangler says there’s still more to be done, but thanks to the raffle the post can continue with updates and fixes.

The raffle has also provided a way for the VFW members to give back to the community, with more than $220,000 given to charities since the raffle started. This includes supporting organizations such as the PADS Shelter and the local Shop with a Sheriff program, to name a few.

“It’s not just helping veterans, it’s helping our community because our veterans live in our community,” Spangler said.

While the raffle has helped bring more people through the VFW’s doors, none of it would be possible without the incredible work of its members who volunteer, and the Auxiliary members who help with the kitchen — and are known for making tempting desserts.

So whether it’s the lure of $1.25 domestic drafts on Tuesday or the jovial sense of community and excitement over a chance to win the Queen of Hearts raffle on a Thursday, Spangler invites everyone to stop in and join the fun.

“These are all great guys and it’s a great organization,” Spangler said. “It’s an organization I’m proud to be a part of.”

The Westwood Wellness stand up tanning booths provide a significant time savings over standard tanning beds, with sessions lasting a maximum of just 8-minutes. Our superior cooling systems are designed to allow cool air to circulate around your body, keeping you cool while you tan. This allows you to fit a quick session into your busy day without needing to “dry off” or redo ruined hair.