Sauk Valley
Business Journal Vol. 17, No. 3
Sauk Valley Media
Fall 2014
SHARING A LIFESTYLE OF FLOWERS
Cover story: Brill family’s petal-filled field a quick retreat – Pages 10-11
Also inside s 3ILVER #ITY 4REASURES s $EZINE s 7HISKEY "ARREL 3ALOON s &IRST !VENUE #OIN s 6ICTORIAN 'RACE s -C+ENDRIE 3TREET #AF£
CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED P.O. Box 498 Sterling, IL 61081
Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081
PA I D PRSRT STD Bulk Rate U.S. Postage
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 2
FALL 2014
Astro-Ven Distributors STILL GROWING STRONG...
Rod
y t t i K
Fresh & Frozen Meat Canned Food Candy & Snacks Seafood Dry Goods Appetizers Vegetables Beverages We always got each other’s back!!! Let Astro-Ven have your back too!
1888 Paulsen Road (Just off of Palmyra Road) Dixon, IL 61021 815-288-6747 .astroven.net Monday - Friday 8AM -4PM Serving The Sauk Valley Area For Over 25 Years
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
FALL 2014
PAGE 3
Welcome ... to the Fall 2014 issue of Sauk Valley Business Journal INDEX OF STORIES Hair-a-win: A Salon for Hair Junkies ........... 4
First Avenue Coin ........................................ 12
Silver City Treasures ...................................... 6
Whiskey Barrel Saloon ................................ 14
Dezine99 .....................................................8-9 Victorian Grace Antiques Cover Story: Brill’s Penrose
and Accents ........................................16-17
Flower Field .......................................10-11 McKendrie Street Café ................................ 19 The staff of the Sauk Valley Business Journal
On the cover
Ed and Sue Brill and daughters Beth, 12, and Hannah, 16, started the pick-your-ownflower farm at their rural Sterling homestead. – Alex T. Paschal, Business Journal
Publisher: Sam R Fisher Advertising Director: Jennifer Baratta
Advertising Sales: Jill Reyna Business Journal Editor: Jim Dunn
Want to stay informed? Email Kelly Null at knull@saukvalley.com to start receiving your FREE subscription to the Sauk Valley Business Journal.
Articles and advertisements are the property of Sauk Valley Media of Dixon and Sterling. No portion of the Sauk Valley Business Journal may be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of Sauk Valley Media. Sauk Valley Media cannot and will not be held liable for the quality or performance of goods and services provided by advertisers listed in any portion of this publication.
THE UNITY DIFFERENCE Customized Care: Our patient-centered approach to care means that no two patients are treated the same.
Consistent Care: Hnk \ebgb\bZgl ]hg m cnlm `^m mh dghp rhnk f^]b\Ze g^^]l & ma^r `^m mh dghp rhn
Compassionate Care: Our 24/7 on-call service provides experienced ikh_^llbhgZel pah pbee [^ ma^k^ _hk rhn Zg] rhnk _Zfber ^o^kr lm^i h_ ma^ pZr% pa^g^o^k rhn need us.
Rapid Response mh k^_^kkZel pbma lZf^&]Zr Z]fbllbhgl +-(0'
Unity Hospice
of Western Illinois
866-568-6489 Ngbmr Hospice
®
Visit Unity Online!
www.unityhospice.com
F^]b\Zk^ Zg] F^]b\Zb] <^kmbÛ^]
Specialty Programs A Time Together: Ngbmr Ahlib\^ ohengm^^kl Zg] lmZ__ pah Zmm^g] mh mahl^ pah Zk^ Zehg^ bg ma^bk ÛgZe hours. We Honor Vets: : [^Znmb_ne% \Zkbg` \^k^fhgr ahghkbg` Zg] maZgdbg` ma^ Ngbmr Ahlib\^ iZmb^gml pah Zk^ o^m^kZgl _hk ma^bk e^`Z\r h_ _k^^]hf Zg] lZ\kbÛ\^ mh hnk \hngmkr'
Palliative Care: IZmb^gml ebobg` pbma Z]oZg\^]
illness can continue their active treatment and receive consults at home.
Comfort Touch Massage: Gentle touch helps soothe and nurture the patient.
Cardiac, Dementia & ALS Programs ;]jlaÚ]\ ?ja]^ J][gn]jq Kh][aYdakl Paws for Patients
PAGE 4
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
FALL 2014
BUSINESS PROFILE
Colorful dream finally takes root Hair-a-win opens on First Avenue BY KATHLEEN A. SCHULTZ kschultz@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5535
ROCK FALLS – Paula Peikert has a passion for hair, and a pretty positive outlook on life: Bad things might happen, but good things will come of them. Peikert, 39, of Rock Falls, is fulfilling a longtime dream to become a hair stylist. She has opened Hair-a-win: A Salon for Hair Junkies, at 1400 First Ave., in the old Boss Flooring building across the street from Arthur’s Garden Deli. The former Allied Locke worker has a husband, Rick, and two children at home. She attended Educators of Beauty in Sterling in high school, but
Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com
Bliss Cavazos (left), Paula Peikert, Vanessa Nicewanner and Andrea VanDyke are the stylists at Peikert’s new beauty shop, Hair-a-Win: A Salon for Hair Junkies at 1400 First Ave. in Rock Falls. didn’t finish as children, family, and life intervened. Then she suffered an injury in a car accident that would
have cost her her job of 17 years, so she took it as a sign to delay her dream no longer.
Last year, she went back to Educators. “The same day I finished school, the offer came to me to rent the building where my shop is,” Peikert said. “And even though it was scary, I decided to go for it, because at my age, the opportunity may not come around again. So here we are!” Peikert opened her shop in June with three of her pals from the beauty school. Peikert and Andrea Vandyke are stylists, Pravana-certified colorists (Pravana color is vibrant pinks, purples, yellows, greens, reds and blues), and are certified to do Brazilian blowouts. Bliss Cavazos and Vanessa Nicewanner are stylists. Their motto: “We like to make every day a good hair day.” Walk-ins are welcome.
FALL 2014
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Liberty Court – Dixon, IL
Aw Award ard W Winning inning Ass Assisted isted LLiving iving
Located in historic Dixon, IL, and nestled near the Rock River, LifeHOUSE Liberty Court features activities and services that match the cities hometown charm, while offering members the opportunity to continue to benefit from the area they enjoyed most of their lives. We’re surrounded by nature and have a fresh flower courtyard our residents love to enjoy. We pride ourselves in our experienced care team, our thriving activities program, and our nutritious daily menus personalized to the needs of each resident. It’s simple, yet this has been our main goal since we first opened our doors. We take pride in becoming an extended family to those seniors entrusted to our care. We invite you to meet our award winning staff and schedule a tour today.
To schedule a tour call Ann Barlow.
815-285-2000
PAGE 5
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 6
FALL 2014
BUSINESS PROFILE
Treasures galore at Silver City store Antiques and collectibles fill Sterling shop BY KATHLEEN A. SCHULTZ kschultz@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5535
STERLING – The nosesmudged-window store finally has opened downtown. That’s the informal name of the new shop at 117 E. Third St., an erstwhile glass-fronted storage space that for years has enticed passersby to press their noses to the showcase window and wonder, Just what in the name of all that’s good and holy is all that stuff in there? A silver tea kettle from the 1700s. A brass hook shaped like a mermaid. A hand-
Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com
Silver City Treasures owner Ray Scheff travels all over to find unique antiques for his store, which opened this past summer in downtown Sterling. carved African fertility god. An ultra-cool set of vinyl and aluminum rock ’n’ roll bar stools. A reproduction Andy Warhol poster. A Peter Max
maybe-maybe-not reproduction poster, research still pending. A bug-eyed foamrubber gremlin with green surfer shorts and hair grow-
ing out his toes (back off, I saw it first). In short, all the gee-gaws, knick-knacks, whatsamadoodles and crippy-crap one could possibly imagine can be found at Silver City Treasures, next door to Airplay Sports and Espresso. Owner Ray Scheff, 51, in the grand tradition of all purveyors of objets d’art and objects d’junque, buys, sells and trades “just about anything of value,” although his personal penchant is for the odd and unusual, the grotesque and goofy. “The stranger the item, the better I like it,” Scheff said. Silver City Treasures is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every day of the week except Thursday. You can find it on Facebook, or call Scheff at 630-209-8749 for more information.
Proud Supporters of Cancer Research
*1¢ Per Gallon of propane delivered by this truck is donated to Cancer Research.* BURKARDT’S is Ogle County’s Supplier of LP Tank Sales, Rentals & Installation For New & Existing Homes.
Since 1982
12420 W. Penn Road - Polo, IL - 815-946-3081
FALL 2014
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
Meet Our Staff At Heritage Woods! FRONT ROW: Denise Garcia (Director of Marketing), Sharon Taylor (Dietary Service Manager), Rebecca Hawkins (Receptionist), Brenda Legaspi (Business Office/Move-In Coordinator) BACK ROW: Ryan Schrader (Maintenance Director), Brittany Herwig (Administrator), Mia Weber (Resident Services Coordinator), Nikki Burkett (Director of Nursing), Mariann Hall (LPN)
Enjoy the worry-free lifestyle seniors deserve! Heritage Woods is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for older adults and their families. Not just any supportive living community, but one that provides exceptional care, support and dignity to all of our residents. Affordable for all incomes, call Denise Garcia for more information.
To arrange a visit contact Denise Garcia, Marketing Director 815-625-7045 marketing@hw-sterling-slf.com 2205 Oak Grove Ave., Sterling (3 Blocks N. of W. LeFevre) Managed by BMA Management, Ltd. www.bma-mgmt.com
PAGE 7
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 8
FALL 2014
BUSINESS PROFILE
Fun, funky and one-of-a-kind shop Dezine99 offers creations from artists, artisans BY LUCINDA HALL Special to Sauk Valley Business Journal
DIXON – Fun and funky jewelry. Bling-bedazzled apparel. Statement pieces for the home. Candles. Soaps. Pottery. From the avant-garde to the whimsical, Dezine99 in Dixon offers one-of-a-kind gifts and graphic design, but it’s more of a galley than a gift store. Take, for instance, Jerry the Giraffe, a 7-foot sculpture fashioned from car and other repurposed metal parts. The store mascot is just one of several designs by a Kentucky metalcraft artist available at the store.
“On nice days, he goes outside,” said owner Sandy Schuler, who recently celebrated her shop’s 1-year anniversary. Vowing to make semi-retirement fun, Schuler, 62, persuaded husband Doug to buy a building at 711 N. Brinton Ave. so she could have a place to indulge her love of art and graphic design. Her boutique offers handcrafted items from artists and artisan crafters from the Sauk Valley and across the United States. Every item is original. “Basically, I just love finding real cool stuff that I think other people will find cool, too,” she said. “I wanted items that were reasonably affordable, so that just about anyone could have something done by an artist or artisan.” DEZINE99 CONTINUED ON 9
What if? What type of risks does your insurance policy cover? Find out with a free review and rate quote. We offer expansive coverage and affordable premiums to put peace of mind in your reach.
3200 E. Lynn Blvd. , Sterling 15-625-3661 www.schunemanagency.com
Kimberly Watley/Special to Sauk Valley Business Journal
Sandy Schuler, owner of Dezine99, puts the final touches of a sign for the Historic Dixon Theatre. Graphic design and screen printing are just two of the services she provides at North Brinton Avenue in Dixon.
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
FALL 2014
PAGE 9
Store also home to graphic design business DEZINE99
Drop in
CONTINUED FROM 8
She sells polymer clay necklaces crafted by Reagan Middle School art teacher Jo Ann Hamer, dichroic glass jewelry by Jude Gonzalez of Sterling, and items by woodworker Tom Hall of Sterling, among many others. On the walls are paintings and prints by local artists, from bold, modern abstracts to nostalgic landscapes. There are watercolors by Sterling artist Ann Potts, oils and other paintings by Dixon artists Kitto and Todd Lorenc. Outdoor bells artfully fashioned from re-purposed metal gas canisters, accent bowls intricately cut from giant gourds, and hand-painted scarves, metal sculptures and blown-glass wine bottle toppers and vegan soaps of intriguing designs, vibrant colors, and various scents
Dezine99, 711 N. Brinton Ave. in Dixon, is open from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Find it on Facebook, go to dezine99.net or call 815284-2084 for more information.
Kimberly Watley/Special to Sauk Valley Business Journal
Always popular items, several decorative candle styles and brands are sold at Dezine99. are among her one-of-a-kind merchandise. She displays some of her personal pieces, as well, “just because I enjoy them, and enjoy being surrounded by them.” Looking for a little glitz? Schuler can custom design rhinestone transfers for shirts, caps and accessories to create
a blinged-out, sequined illusion. Stencils are hand-cut from letters, logos or images, then hand-brushed with rhinestone pellets and heat pressed onto fabrics. The store also is home to Schuler’s graphic design business, which “encompasses a little bit of everything from brochures, ads
and banners to a variety of printed pieces.” She began her design business in 2008 in her home. As it grew, she needed more space, and since she has a background in retail merchandising and graphic design, she let her shop evolve into a design and gift shop. She works closely with regional tourism groups and designs promotional materials for Lee and Carroll counties, and Dixon tourism organizations. With her largeformat printer, she also can create custom banners up to 12 feet wide.
MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICE THE FIRST TIME Choose RESTORE Therapy to Return Home Fast !e offer Physical, Occupational & Speech Therapy ndividualized Therapy Programs mooth Transition from Hospital to Home
WALNUT MANOR NURSING HOME
308 S. Second St., !%lnut 815-379-2131
HeritageOfCare.com/walnut
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 10
FALL 2014
COVER STORY | BRILL’S PENROSE FLOWER FIELD
Brills: ‘Just come out and relax’ Flower ‘buffet’ a quick retreat for busy people BY PAM EGGEMEIER peggemeier@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5570
STERLING – The seed was planted 3 years ago, and Brill’s Penrose Flower Field is starting to bloom. Ed and Sue Brill, along with daughters Hannah, 16, and Beth, 12, moved into their quaint country home at 26488 Penrose Road in 2008. The house, full of family history, sits on about 2 acres of land between Sterling and Milledgeville. “This has been in my family since 1868,” said Ed, an engineer at Wahl Clipper.
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Need a burst of color? A variety of wildflowers has been grown for the picking at Brill’s Penrose Flower Field. “We got it from my grandmother, Violet Fisch. They actually had the farm down the road, and this is where
the hired hand lived.” After getting settled into their picturesque surroundings, the Brills began to won-
der how to best make use of their property. “We had about an acre to use for some purpose, so we made a list of ideas,” Ed said. “We all liked to grow flowers, and we were looking to raise some money for the kids’ educations.” Sue said they thought about growing flowers for farmers markets, but what doesn’t sell there is lost. So they decided to cut out the middle man, and let customers come to them to pick their own flowers. A plastic pitcher is given to patrons, who can then fill it up with whatever they want for $10. The family lightheartedly agreed that the dynamic is similar to the food buffet concept.
Our Priority Is Your Loved One’s Care re Our staff and management are dedicated caregivers who take pride in providing quality care in a supportive, personal and considerate manner. You can rest assured your loved one is in capable, caring hands with us.
Come and take a tour by calling us at
815-626-9020
COVENTRY LIVING CENTER
61 6122 W W.. SSt.t. Ma Mary’s ry ’s Rd Rd.. SSterling, terling, IL 61 61081 081 www.coventrylivingcenter.com
FLOWERS CONTINUED ON 11
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
FALL 2014
PAGE 11
Herbs sprinkled among flower offerings FLOWERS
Brill’s Penrose Flower Field
CONTINUED FROM 10
“Some people try to put a lot of flowers in their pitchers, and others don’t put many in at all,” Beth said with a smile. Now after years of planning and digging, the nicely landscaped flower field is open for business. With roosters crowing and sunflowers standing at attention, customers can wend their way through the rows of flowers, with a seemingly endless view of the countryside on the horizon. The fragrant scent of oriental lilies, peonies, and rosa rugosa, often used in potpourri, provide some aromatherapy for those who appreciate respite from the city. The Brills have tried to mix up the offerings to accommodate more specific needs. “We have several flowers that will appeal to crafters,”
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
Ed and Sue Brill and daughters Beth, 12, and Hannah, 16, started the pick-your-own-flower farm at their Penrose Road homestead. They moved into their home in 2008, and opened the business about 3 years ago. Sue said. “Some, like status, dry nicely, and others such as lavender and chamomile are common ingredients for making soaps and lotions.” Other flowers work well in a country wedding motif for budget-conscious planners. “We don’t do the arrang-
ing right now, but if you have someone to do it for you, you can really save some money,” Sue said. Herbs, which some people like to mix with their bouquets, are sprinkled among the floral offerings. Included are rosemary, parsley, lemon,
What: Customers can pick their own flowers and herbs from the family’s gardens. Where: 26488 Penrose Road, Sterling When: Hours are 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Appointments can be made for other times. Contact: Call Sue and Ed Brill at 815-336-2053, or visit their Facebook page. thyme, oregano and dill. The girls, who are homeschooled by Sue, play a key role in the new family business. “We help a lot – it’s all divided up, and everybody has 14 beds to take care of,” Hannah said. “If we keep up with it, we only have to spend about an hour a day with it.” Beth is a big fan of the straw mulch that helps ward off the weeds.
What makes the most money for you?
Update your old phone system... it’ll pay for itself
radioranchinc.com
Your Local Bank *VUULJ[LK [V `V\Y ÄUHUJPHS ULLKZ From fee-free checking and savings accounts to affordable borrowing solutions, we’re here to meet our community’s banking needs with a personal touch.
;V VWLU HU HJJV\U[ [HSR [V \Z PU WLYZVU [VKH`
Free O
nli Plus free ne Banking online b ill pay!
Intercept those important phone calls ~Business Telephone Systems~ FCC Licensing? Narrow Branding? Digital Radios?
Call us!
Keep an eye on things! ~Security Cameras & Systems~
Since 1954 Whiteside County Airport 10924 Hoover Road, Rock Falls
451 North Main Ave., Milledgeville 815-225-7171 • www.milledgevillebank.com
815-622-9000
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 12
FALL 2014
BUSINESS PROFILE
First Avenue Coin stays in family Brother of former owner runs shop BY KATHLEEN A. SCHULTZ kschultz@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5535
ROCK FALLS – First Avenue Coin, 221 First Ave., is under new management. Sterling native Ed Gutierrez closed the business after the previous owner, his brother, Jesus “Jesse” Gutierrez, died Dec. 19 at the age of 72. Ed, 52, who now lives in Geneva, hadn’t planned to become a Rock Falls businessman, but as he delved into settling Jesse’s affairs, “I realized my brother provided a valuable service,” he said. So he reopened the shop in late May. He’s glad he did. “I’m having fun,” said Ed, who has really
Philip Marruffo/pmarruffo@saukvalley.com
come to enjoy Rock Falls. Like Jesse, Ed buys and sell coins, precious metals, jewelry and related collectibles. Because he’s out of town, he’s
available by appointment only, although he tends to be in the shop every Tuesday. He also does in-home appraisals. First Avenue Coin also has a
Ed Gutierrez, 52, of Geneva has reopened his big brother’s shop, First Avenue Coin, at 221 First Ave. in Rock Falls. Jesus “Jesse” Gutierrez, 72, died Dec. 19. Ed buys and sell coins, precious metals, jewelry and related collectibles, and does in-home appraisals.
Facebook page and a website, www.firstavenuecoin.com. Email ed@firstavenuecoin. com or call 815-564-8996 to set up an appointment.
They go the extra mile & then some...
My husband, Brandy Spencer, chose Gaffey because his mother, Jeanette, had them and she was very pleased with their services. I felt comfortable with them caring for Brandy. Becky and Chris took excellent care of him in his final days. The staff is very trustworthy and gave me guidance and helped me through a rough time. They gave me comfort and reassured me we made the right choice. Gaffey was there for us throughout everything. They continue to check up on me after the fact [Brandy passed away September 2013]. I would recommend Gaffey to anyone. -Dallas Spencer
“Where Better To Be Than At Home?” 3408 E. 23rd St., Sterling
815-626-3467 815-284-3467 Mon.- Fri. 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
www.gaffeyhomenursingandhospice.com
1217 East River Road, Dixon, IL. 61021
815-288-6565
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
FALL 2014
PAGE 13
Family Chiropractic Chiropractic Care for the Entire Family Dr. Teresa Hulme Chiropractor
www.prophetstownil.com
340 Washington St. Prophetstown, IL Phone: 815-537-2226 Fax: 815-537-5811 familychiropractic820@yahoo.com
(815) 537-2348 114 West 3rd St. Prophetstown, IL 61277
As a full service community bank, we provide a complete range of products and services to individuals and businesses that help bring growth and prosperity to the communities we serve.
(309) 944-0580 700 U.S. Hwy. 6 East Geneseo, IL 61254
(815) 772-3700 110 East Lincolnway Morrison, IL 61270
Rehab/Skilled Care | Senior Housing Outpatient Therapy To learn more about our community in Prophetstown, call (815) 537-5175.
All faiths or beliefs are welcome.
Quality comes first
HERITAGE PRINTING 219 Washington Street Prophetstown, IL
815-537-2372 Business Cards etterheads Business Forms %nvelopes ull Color Printing Magazines ewsletter osters up to 23�x29� SERVING THE SAUK VALLEY AREA SINCE 1979 heritage@essex1.com
Paint - Plumbing - Electrical - Tools Lawn & Garden - & More Dan Drummet
Dave Drummet
317 Washington St. Prophetstown 815-537-2881
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 14
FALL 2014
BUSINESS PROFILE
Whiskey Barrel Saloon ‘different’ Bar boasts stage, covered patio BY CHRISTI WARREN cwarren@saukvalley.com 800-798-4085, ext. 5521
ROCK FALLS – The idea to open Whiskey Barrel Saloon was a long time in the making. Raul Molina, who owns the new Rock Falls bar at 305 W. Second St. with his wife, Jackie, has been around the bar business his whole life, he says. His father was a lifelong member of the Latin American Social Club. Raul, too, used to be a member. “I always wanted to do something on my own,” he said. “But I was involved in that. ... I’ve been wanting to do this for years.” About 3 years ago, he and
Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com
The Whiskey Barrel Saloon in Rock Falls has large-screen televisions all over the bar area, tuned to different games and events. Jackie took the plunge and bought some property. More property went up for sale when a dentist’s office on the
block burned down, Raul said, so they bought that property, too. The massive bar they built
there opened earlier in the summer. “It’s different,” Raul said. “It’s something new downtown, something that was needed.” The bar boasts vaulted ceilings, stonework on the walls, two billiards tables, video gambling, an outdoor covered patio, and a stage – where bands play every Friday and Saturday night. There’s a kitchen, too. When it’s up and running, Raul says, the place will serve standard bar grub: burgers, wings, tacos and the like. It has a large grassy area outside where Raul hopes to build a fence. Within it, he envisions picnic tables and a place to play bags. Check out the business online at facebook.com/whiskeybarrelsaloon305.
SMELTZER
INSURANCE AGENCY 701 W. Route 30, Rock Falls, IL
JENNIFER SCHRYVER
In today’s marketplace, you are facing a mountain of challenges. You need more than a firm that focuses on one project and moves on tomorrow. You want a partner with experience in your industry, who is committed to you and cares about your success. Wipfli is that partner. Contact us today.
C
DACIA DENNIS
HOME & AUTO AGENT
GROUP BENEFITS SPECIALIST
SIERRA HARMS
TOM MYERS, CIC
HEALTH INS. SPECIALIST
OWNER/AGENT
“Professional Advice From Trusted Friends”
815-625-5526
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
FALL 2014
• Personal Banking • Private Banking • Business Banking • Treasury Management • Home Loans
www.RiversideCommunity.com
Sterling Banking Center 2403 N. Locust Street 815.625.1860
Seaton Banking Center 301 Maple Street 309.586.5511
PAGE 15
Rock Falls Banking Center 1609 1st Avenue 815.626.5626
Go Where You Need & When You Need
Aircraft Charter
600 Klimstra Ct., Morrison, IL (Located in the Morrison Industrial Park)
KEITH STRALOW
815-772-4033 Since 1979
KURT STRALOW
Your Expectations Exceeded.
Ordinary Tasks Extraordinary Service Dixon, Sterling andd Rock Falls
815/626-251 8155/288-7211 Email: servicemasterclean@comcast.net
www.gogreenwithclean.com
Service To Over 5300 Airports Nationwide All-Weather, Radar-Equipped Twin
Instruction Aircraft Rental The Only Full-Time Aviation Education Facility in the Rock River Valley $69 Introductory Rides
Whiteside County Airpor $ 10950 Hoover Rd. $ "ock Falls, IL Phone: 815-622-FLY-1 (3591) $ ax: 815-622-5071 $ ww.mmaviation.net
There’s no place like your home, so let’s make it spectacular! From paint to tools to decorative hardware we have all you need to enhance and beautify your yo home.
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 16
FALL 2014
BUSINESS PROFILE
A life filled with Victorian Grace Couple’s shop has antiques, florals BY CINDY PRATT Special to Sauk Valley Business Journal
PROPHETSTOWN – When Les and Ann Wilson were talking about what they were going to do when they retired, they focused on what they loved: buying antiques at auctions, estate sales and garage sales, gardening, and sitting on their front porch. So they bought the house next door, landscaped the yard, and filled the house with antiques to sell. When the store is open, they can work in the gardens or sit on the porch and be on hand to greet anyone who stops by. VICTORIAN CONTINUED ON 17
Cindy Pratt/Special to Sauk Valley Business Journal
Les Wilson and his wife, Ann, opened Victorian Grace Antiques and Accents in June. So far, business has exceeded their expectations.
ALWAYS AT YOUR DISPOSAL
Local Insurance Services
Serving Lee,Whiteside, Carroll, Bureau and Ogle Counties eekly Residential Service -8 yard Commercial Containers 0-40 yard Roll-off Containers %ompactors adio Dispatched Trucks )xperienced Union Drivers icensed Special ste & Asbestos Hauler
for nearly 60 years! Auto om if "usiness alth "onds orkers’ Comp
Insurance Agency 1214 S. Bataan Rd., Dixon, IL 15-625-1000 or ! !
www.republicservices.com
355 W Everett St., Dixon 815.284.7737
FALL 2014
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 17
Demand for refinished furniture is great VICTORIAN
CONTINUED FROM 16
They opened Victorian Grace Antiques and Accents in June. So far, business has exceeded their expectations. They are already talking about expanding, turning the backyard barn into a showroom for “primitives,� and creating more room inside the house for other displays. Les has turned his hobby of refinishing furniture into a new job, stripping, sanding and varnishing the days away. He loves to see a beautiful piece brought back to life as he scrapes away layers of old finish, dirt and wax, revealing the natural wood underneath. The demand for furniture has been so great, in fact, that the Wilsons are planning to buy a trailer to haul it all. The floral accents they sell are made by Ann’s sister, Lynn Collins, from Picket Fence in Lanark.
Cindy Pratt/Special to Sauk Valley Business Journal
Les Wilson has turned his hobby of refinishing furniture into a new job at Victorian Grace Antiques and Accents, 215 E. Third St. in Prophetstown.
ADVANTAGE ONE CREDIT UNION
• • • •
Farm Vehicle Crop Hail
• • • •
Property Health Life Commercial
GET TO KNOW YOUR LOCAL CREDIT UNION!
uto Loans Z Bill Pay avings ortgages obile Banking ersonal Loans ebit/Visa Cards
Serving our members for over 50 years!
Mickley Insurance Agency 102 W. Main St. • Morrison
815-772-2793
Sandrock Insurance Agency 107 Main St. • Tampico
815-438-3923
www.2cornerstone.com
DEPENDABLE CONCRETE SERVICES SINCE 1958
204 N. Jackson St., Morrison, IL 61270 Visit us at WWW.ADONECU.ORG to find out all we have to offer!
QUALITY READY MIX
STERLING
DIXON
MORRISON
13134 GALT RD
1569 FRANKLIN GROVE RD
14849 LYNDON RD
815-625-0750 815-288-6416 1-800-221-8141 PLANT LOCATIONS
DIXON • STERLING • MORRISON • ERIE • FULTON • PROPHETSTOWN • ANNAWAN
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 18
FALL 2014
We’re here to help you grow!
Renee Gray Commercial and Ag Lending
Susan Gomez
Jim Dieterich
Ag and Commercial and Commercial Lending Ag Lending
The First National Bank in Amboy
Where you come first.
www.fnbamboy.com DIXON 5 .HSLUH (]L ŕ Ž : *YH^MVYK (]L
AMBOY , 4HPU :[ ŕ Ž , 1VL +Y
FALL 2014
SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL
PAGE 19
BUSINESS PROFILE
‘Fun’ place to eat in Mount Morris New restaurant has ice cream and sandwiches BY VINDE WELLS Shaw Media vwells@shawmedia.com
MOUNT MORRIS – Offering “real” ice cream to a thick deli sandwich, Ken Foss aims to please his customers at the McKendrie Street Café. “I always tell people it’s a cross between Subway and Dairy Queen,” Foss said with a grin. The Indiana native who now lives in rural Byron opened the restaurant in May at the Pinecrest Grove Community Center on North McKendrie Avenue. So far, Foss said, business has
Vinde Wells/vwells@shawmedia.com
Ken Foss adds honey mustard to a deli sandwich he is making for a customer at the McKendrie Street Cafe in Mount Morris. been brisk, with many repeat customers. “Our lunch hours are so busy,” he said.
They take care of our needs... We have lived at Resthave for a little over 1 year. When our health started going down hill we needed to move somewhere we could get help because we couldn’t live alone anymore. Resthave is highly respected in the community, so we knew we wanted to come live here. We knew a lot of people here that were pleased with the care they were receiving so that made the move easier and the transition comfortable. The nurses are great and take fantastic care of us. Tami (Executive Director) is super. We’re really glad we made Resthave our home. -Nellie & Marvin Zaagman
Resthave Home “Quality Care Provided by a Loving and Caring Staff”
408 Maple Ave., Morrison (815) 772-4021 www.resthavehome.com Resthave Home is an equal opportunity provider and employer.
The deli sandwiches are built to the customer’s taste, with a variety of breads, meats, cheeses, and trimmings.
The ice cream, however, is what sets his café apart, Foss said. He buys a special, extrarich mix from an Aurora farm. “This is real ice cream,” he said. Other treats offered are several flavors of cheesecake made in Freeport, and doughnuts made fresh every morning. The eye-catching interior features bright cartoon posters and a mural of two fishermen using a giant deli sandwich as their raft. ”I tried to create a fun place,” Foss said. Customers can enjoy their meal or dessert inside or outside at tables with benches and colorful umbrellas. With 19 years’ experience in the catering and concessions business, Foss also offers catering for gatherings.
Tasteful
Holiday Events
Let us cater your holiday event with exquisite food and impeccable service.
Julie Scribner Michelle Neubauer
Creative Cuisine
ing r e t a C
626-7546
1creativecuisine.net
KSB Physical Therapy new location next to
1672 South Galena t Dixon, IL t 815-285-5591