OTT_Student Spotlight_032119

Student Spotlight Spot ight Thursday, March 21, 2019 • The Times Business & Industry Review

Section 1

Thanh Huynh

Chance encounter with stranger eases trip to America L-P student learns qualities of good leadership BRENT BADER bbader@shawmedia.com 815-431-4045 Thanh Huynh likes to lead by example.

The La Salle-Peru High School senior is a part of numerous organizations at the school and often looks for ways to help others and leave a positive impact on their life.

“It’s easy to make someone’s day worse but it’s harder to make someone’s day better and to make a difference in someone’s life,” Thanh said.

She knows better than most the impact a stranger can have as one made her transition from Vietnam at a young age to the United States much easier when complications arose.

Thanh recalls her parents preparing for the trip to Los Angeles and from there to Utah where others in their family resided when she was 10.

“It was a life-changing experience moving here as a little kid. I didn’t know what to expect,” Thanh recalled.

See HUYNH, page A4

The Times | Tom Sistak

La Salle-Peru senior Thanh Huynh moved from Vietnam at a young age to the United States. She has lived in other communities before moving to Peru, where she broke out of her shell and leaped into a number of student organizations after the support of friends and faculty at the school.

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Thursday, March 21, 2019

Student Spotlight: About this section

The Times’ 2019 Business & Industry Review releases today the second of four special sections that will include local Student Spotlights.

The multisection editions will be worth saving. Besides recognizing achievements of young adults in our area, these sections will be an excellent directory of businesses and organizations serving the La Salle County and Starved Rock Country area.

This year, The Times will honor 16 high school and community college students who have excelled as students and members of their community.

Each was featured in a cover story outlining their achievements. The students being recognized were nominated by the schools.

In this edition, these four students will be featured: u Ashley Hayes, Earlville High School u Thanh Huynh, La Salle-Peru High School u Laney Hunter, Woodland High School u Christopher Clift, Woodland High School In the first edition, these four students were featured: u Andrew Noble, Illinois Valley Community College u Marta Johnson, Ottawa High School u Addie Goodrich, Fieldcrest High School u Maddy Mudge, St. Bede Academy Eight more students from Ottawa, Streator, Marquette Academy, Seneca, Serena and Leland will be featured in upcoming editions of the Business & Industry Review.

The articles and photos published inside each section were created in cooperation with businesses and organizations that also have advertising messages throughout the special editions. You will quickly see they share a common message of pride in their products, service and the staffs and workers who make it all happen.

These local businesses and organizations pin their success on your support.

Our 2019 Business & Industry Review will be inserted in The Times on Thursdays in March and into April. Upcoming publication dates are March 28 and April 4.

An index to all business articles and the advertisements is provided on this page for easy reference and future use.

Each edition of the Business & Industry Review also will be posted at mywebtimes. com soon after all have been printed in The Times.

Business & industry review

The Times - Delivering Your Community

Thanh Huynh, Page A1

The Times

The staff at Sunfield’s in Ottawa helps create a wonderful dining experience for customers. The restaurant’s menu is diverse and everyone has their own favorite.

Sunfield’s popularity grows with location and large menu Christopher Clift, Page B1

Laney Hunter, Page C1

In its nine years since opening in Ottawa, Sunfield Restaurant’s growing reputation for great food and excellent service has helped it become one of the city’s most popular dining establishments.

From thick steaks and creamy milkshakes to garden fresh salads and low-calorie specials, Sunfield features something to satisfy any diet and taste.

Homemade specials are offered daily as well as homemade soups.

Aside from quality food and drinks, Sunfield’s dining experience also helps build a loyal customer base.

The restaurant’s menu is diverse and everyone has their own favorite.

The restaurant at 2754

Sunfield Restaurant

ADDRESS: 2754 Columbus St., Ottawa HOURS: 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, 364 days a year (closed Christmas) PHONE: 815-434-5500 FAX: 815-434-5501 WEB: sunfieldrestaurant. com Columbus St. even enjoys a customer base outside the city.

“We have people who come from near Bolingbrook every Saturday and we have people from south of Chicago who come every Wednesday for the fried walleye. It seems like in the last eight years, I don’t just see locals — they come

in from everywhere,” said Ruki, the co-owner.

Sunfield has regulars from Princeton who come for the gyros and a couple from New Lenox who visit for the beef stroganoff.

An outstanding wait staff and kitchen staff also is another important ingredient in Sunfield’s success.

“They’re great. All of our staff has been here for a very long time. I think customers like coming in and seeing the same faces,” Ruki said.

Sunfield seats 150 in two cozy dining rooms. It also can serve an additional 70 people in its banquet room where parties and receptions are held. The banquet room, for which there is no charge, has become popular in recent years for

wedding receptions, baby showers and other events.

Ruki and her husband Max bought Sunfield a few months after it opened in Ottawa.

Ruki, who has been in the restaurant business all her life, said she and Max were looking for a restaurant when they came across Sunfield and thought it was a great location and liked Ottawa.

“We are proud to be part of the community. We are especially thankful for the local support. We’d really like to thank our regular customer base that come see us on a daily basis.

They’re the ones that keep us going. Our business is doing well and has been successful because of our consistency,” Ruki said.

Ashley Hayes, Page D1

INDEX ARTICLE INDEX

ADVERTISERS

Bike Works ....................... A3 Chem-Dry of La Salle County .............................. A5 Clean All Sales and Service .............................. A2 Edward Jones .................. D2 Fetching Frieda’s Dog and Cat Emporium / Starved Rock Pet Resort .............. B2 First State Bank ............... C2 Furniture Sellers ............. C2 Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living ....... C4 JTS Pools .......................... D2 Morris Hospital ............... C5 North Central Behavioral Health Systems ............... B3 Old Glory .......................... A4 Pleasant View................... A3 Streator Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry ............................ C3 Streator Community Credit Union ............................... B2 Streator Farm Mart ........ A5 Sunfield Restaurant ....... A2

Anthony Liftgates, Inc. ... B4 Bike Works .........................C4 Career Grouping ..............A5 Clarks Run Creek Wine & Gift.......................................A3 Connecting Point & Computers Centers .........C3 Contractors Grouping.....D3 Furniture Sellers...............C1 Grand Ridge National Bank ....................................A5 Halftime Restaurant........A1 J&M Reliable .....................D4 Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers..........B1 Old Glory............................C4 Pet Grouping.....................C5 Pleasant View....................D1 Solon-Telford Funeral Home ..................................A4 Spotlight on Realtors Grouping............................C6 Starved Rock Pet Resort .................................C3 Streator Community Credit Union .................................. B4 Streator Farm Mart ..........A6 Wheel Wash.......................A4 Dr. William C. Vesley ........A3

The Times

Merlin Nodland with Alkota hot and cold pressure washers sold by the Clean All Sales and Service dealership in rural Ottawa.

Clean All Sales and Service offers Alkota pressure washers sales and service For serious cleaning challenges, the answer is Alkota hot and cold pressure washers sold by the Clean All Sales and Service dealership in rural Ottawa.

There is an Alkota washer for every cleaning need from general cleanup to serious road grim, oil or grease and paint removal on restoration projects.

The pressure washers come in different models that are matched to the customer’s specific needs based on pressure and gallons-per-minute pumping speed. There are units powered by electricity, gasoline

Clean All Sales and Service

ADDRESS: 3640 N. Route 23, Ottawa PHONE: 815-792-8402

or diesel motors.

There is a unit to match your needs whether it be agricultural, residential or commercial. We can help you make a choice that is the best fit for your needs.

Alkota pressure washers, which are manufactured

in South Dakota, are an investment that will stand the test of time. A pressure washer is an investment that helps you maintain the value of your other investments.

Before selling Alkota pressure washers Nodland

became personally sold on them. He bought a used unit and cleaned equipment at his farm north of Ottawa for 14 years. Before selling the unit he installed a new pump and it has been operating for its new owner more than eight years.

Clean All Sales and Service provides sales, service and repairs on most American made units and also sells soaps and degreasers needed for complete cleaning success.

Give us a call and let us help you clean up all your stuff.

Business & industry review

The Times - Delivering Your Community

Thursday, March 21, 2019

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Pleasant View offers a variety of options

Generations of Ottawa neighbors have known Pleasant View as a leading residential and health care option for the area’s older adults. What some do not know, however, is that over the past several years the tree-lined campus on Ottawa’s South Side has been redeveloped. In every effort to faithfully serve the needs and expectations of tomorrow’s aging population, Pleasant View is offering a new variety of options today.

As a life plan community, which used to be referred to as continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), Pleasant View provides independent living options connected to a campus of thoughtfully planned health care solutions.

Future-minded older adults choose maintenance-free living within one level villa homes with the confidence that options on the same campus are available to them, if they’re ever needed.

If some assistance is needed to more successfully pursue optimum wellness, and enjoy all that each day has to offer, Hearthstone Assisted

Living at Pleasant View is a popular option. This licensed assisted living program is designed for those who seek the thoughtful balance of a maintenance-free lifestyle with the assurance of dignified assistance, when needed.

A person-centered approach, focusing on the individuality of each individual served, is driving new shortterm and residential health care options within Pleasant View’s health care center.

An innovative “My” series of programs are so named to emphasize the priority placed on understanding individual preferences and routines, supporting each person’s unique daily rhythms.

MyRehab is the Pleasant View’s short-term rehabilitation program. When a friend is sidelined by an illness, injury, joint replacement or hospital stay, MyRehab is available to help speed up a successful recovery and return home.

Services include physical and occupational therapy, speech therapy and other rehabilitation services, all supervised by highly skilled health pro-

Pleasant View

ADDRESS: 505 College Ave., Ottawa PHONE: 815-434-1130 WEB: 815-434-1130

created to engage individuals with memory support needs.

Three daily, chef-inspired meals are served bistro style with the ability to accommodate special diets.

In addition to their proThe Times grams, Pleasant View is The tree-lined campus of Pleasant View on Ottawa’s South Side has been redeveloped, offering a also one of the few nursing homes in Illinois that is Joint new variety of options today.

Commission Accredited with fessionals and therapists. ensures that all professionals that living with Alzheimer’s additional certificates for MyNeighborhood is home receive high quality, ongoing disease or another form of Post Acute Care and Memory to residential skilled nursing training. age-related cognitive impairSupport Care. suites. MyNeighborhood A level of living specifically ment changes many things; They’ve also recently been health care services are overfor those with memory care but it never changes the value named one of the US News & seen by a medical director needs is called MyTapestry. of every individual.

World Reports Best Nursing — a physician specializing in Every life is a tapestry. Every MyTapestry is a thoughtful- Homes. the unique needs of seniors individual is a unique combi- ly designed, secure, mainFor more information — as well as an experienced nation of experiences, beliefs, tenance-free environment. about the “My” programs director of health care serpreferences, daily routines Lifestyle programs include at Pleasant View, or maintevices. In addition, MyNeighand passions woven together options for entertainment, ed- nance-free independent living borhood maintains a strong to create a one-of-a-kind life. ucation, recreation, and spiri- options, please call 815-434staff-to-resident ratio and MyTapestry understands tual focus that are specifically 1130.

Sales combined with professional service equals Bike Works

Bike Works in Peru wants to see more bikes on the road in the Illinois Valley.

The Peru bicycle shop is a one-stop shop for bicycle enthusiasts and novices alike.

Bike Works has a knowledgeable staff who can fit you for your perfect bike and also will service it to ensure years of happy trails.

Bike Works carries quality brands such as Trek, Schwinn, GT, Haro and other brands, but employees can service any bike, not just those they sell. Most bikes come with a lifetime warranty on the frames.

Some brands of bikes spend the most money on paint, but owner Mike Welte said their bikes are made from quality materials.

In addition to bicycles, Bike Works sells clothing, shoes, helmets, locks and other bike accessories.

‘It’s a fantastic ride for a good cause.’

MIKE WELTE Bike Works owner Bike Works started as an Ace Hardware in the 1970s in Princeton.

In 1981 it began selling Schwinn bicycles and in 1996 added Trek and began strictly selling bicycles when the sales began to outdistance hardware sales.

Welte said he would like to remind everyone that the Z Tour Bike Ride in Princeton is on Saturday, July 20, and registration is open at z-tour. org.

“It’s a fantastic ride for a good cause,” said Welte.

Bike Works

The Times

Bike Works in Peru is a one-stop shop for bicycle enthusiasts and novices alike. Bike Works has a knowledgeable staff who can fit you for your perfect bike and also will service it to ensure years of happy trails.

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ADDRESS: 4431 N. Progress Blvd., Peru PHONE: 815-223-2500 HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; and noon to 3 p.m. Sunday WEB: perubikeworks.com

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Business & industry review

Thursday, March 21, 2019

The Times - Delivering Your Community

Huynh: Adjusts her schedule like an ever-shifting Tetris board while pursuing a desire to become multilingual From page A1 “My mom was like, ‘Oh we’re going on a big trip’ and I was like, ‘Oh, are we going to come back?’ and she said ‘No, we’re going to start a new life over there and wherever it takes us, we will see.’ ” The trip was plagued with complications when the family had difficulty understanding airport security in Korea as part of an international flight and another guide they were traveling with departed without them.

“We were panicking and we didn’t know what was going on,” Thanh said.

“And then this one guy out of nowhere, who doesn’t even work for the airport, came by and asked what was going on.”

The Vietnamese traveler communicated with Thanh’s father and then translated to airport security to determine what paperwork they needed to verify. The stranger was able to work out the issue with security and get the family signed up for another flight over six hours later.

“On top of that he took his time to buy us food,” Thanh said.

It was a moment that resonated with Thanh and fuels her current desire to become multilingual and dive deeper into other cultures.

Her first experiences in American culture were

easier in Utah as she had the support of other Vietnamese students but when her family moved to Dixon due to another job opportunity for her mother it became a little more difficult.

Picking up on context clues were important for Thanh as she worked to understand what teachers were asking her to do.

“Every time I saw a teacher I panicked,” Thanh said. “When they came to me I would always look like ‘I don’t know what it means.’”

The teachers utilized Google Translate to get across the harder sentences and other students would take turns guessing the words Thanh was trying to use.

And while it was uncomfortable at first, the experience of helping Thanh learn English bonded her with her fellow students.

Eventually, her family moved to Peru where she “broke out of my shell” and leaped into a number of student organizations after the support of friends and faculty at the school.

She’s a member of Teens on Prevention, Link Crew, Renaissance, computer club, science club and president of the foreign language club and Future Business Leaders of America.

She adjusts her schedule like an ever-shifting Tetris board and when she can’t

The Times | Tom Sistak

La Salle-Peru High School senior Thanh Huynh leads by example. She is a part of numerous organizations at the school and often looks for ways to help others and leave a positive impact on their life. make one meeting she’ll split them with her friend, Togini Patel, and swap notes.

“Balancing everything is very difficult but it’s also fun because you’re in so many different aspects of high school,” Thanh said. “You’re not just in one thing so you see things differently from different

perspectives.”

It’s not unlike her fascination with Asian Culture and various languages, which she hopes will help her as she plans to begin an Asian studies major.

But the many groups have helped Thanh grow and understand how to best motivate others to accomplish their goals and sup-

port them in their efforts.

It’s also brought her a little closer to becoming like the stranger who assisted her family in that airport in Korea: caring, understanding and quick to help others.

Thanh said you never know how much of an impact being kind and assisting others in need will

have on their lives.

“They will remember it for a lifetime,” Thanh said.

“They will remember it forever and it will spark an inspiration in them that maybe, later on, they want to help other people because they remember you changed their lives. I want to continue that.”

Old Glory shop offers great variety and helpful expertise People seeking inspiraIn addition to items sold tion on home furnishing from the floor, a vast array and decorating will find not of others can be custom only the items but also the ordered. expertise they need at Old Beyond the items themGlory in Peru. selves, a visit to Old Glory The shop, which offers is seen as a breath of fresh home furair after a nishings particularly and accents, busy day or has been in a bonding business for experience more than for friends as 28 years and they explore developed a the many loyal followitems on BETH BURR ing. store shelves.

“We serve Burr said she Owner of Old Glory people from makes it a all over, goal to have including the store the Chicagoland area,” said be welcoming and inviting owner Beth Burr. which echoes the comments “We carry numerous many have left after visiting. lines of products, including “It’s an escape,” Burr rugs, lamps, said. “New florals and people who many other find it call it Old Glory home decor their hidden items,” Burr treasure or ADDRESS: 4425 N. Progress said. hidden gem.

Blvd., Peru The shop And we see PHONE: 815-224-3524 also carries new people HOURS: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. vintage on a daily Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to items that basis.”

4 p.m. Saturday, noon to 4 are both Additionp.m. Sunday genuine and ally, gift reproduccertificates tions. are available “So, if someone cannot for those who would like to afford to buy a genuine item, give a shopping experience at we will have a reproduction Old Glory. that looks just as good,” she “But what it seems we ‘sell’ said. the most is our customer

‘What it seems we ‘sell’the most is our customer service.’

service,” Burr said. “Many people bring in photos of problem areas in their homes and we help fill those areas, whether they are the walls or

anywhere else in the home.”

Burr said new spring and Mother’s Day products and gifts are now arriving weekly.

Beth Burr and staff are

always ready to listen to their customers and offer their expertise and suggestions.

The staff invites you to visit the shop and learn

firsthand what Old Glory has to offer. They also would welcome your “Likes” on the shop’s ever-changing Facebook page.

BRAND NEW AT WHEEL WASH State Of The Art TOUCHLESS HYDROSPRAY TOWERS with Renew CarCare Products!

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Renee Davis with one of the many displays of home furnishings and accents at Old Glory in Peru.

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Business & industry review

The Times - Delivering Your Community

Thursday, March 21, 2019

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Streator Farm Mart carries big names

Clinton Peters, owner of Streator Farm Mart, offers farm, utility and lawn and garden equipment. The brands Streator Farm Mart carries include Kubota, Simplicity, Woods, LandPride, Grasshopper, Husqvarna, Snapper, ECHO and Little Wonder/Mantis.

Kubota has a full line of tractors as well as accessories and implements.

Streator Farm Mart offers a diverse array of Kubota products, from popular zero-turn lawn mowers to full-size farm and utility tractors. Kubota is the industry leader in subcompact tractors in the United States, offering competitive pricing and an array of zero-percent financing options. Kubota also offers a full line of fourwheel-drive utility vehicles, including the best-selling diesel utility vehicles in North America since 2004.

Simplicity lawn tractors include the famous mowers used to create lawn striping as seen in Major League

Streator Farm Mart

ADDRESS: 1684 N. 17th Road, Streator PHONE: 815-672-0007 or 815-672-0006 HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday; 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday WEB: streatorfarmmart.com

The showroom of new Kubota models at Streator Farm Mart, 1684 N. 17th Road.

Baseball stadiums. Simplicity is known for lawn tractors of the highest quality. Simplicity products are available

only through Simplicity-certified dealers. The Simplicity line includes lawn tractors as well as snow-blowers and

The Times

other attachments.

Echo and Husqvarna are industry-leaders in handheld lawn-and-garden prod-

ucts, such as chainsaws and string trimmers. Grasshopper provides a large variety of premium zero-turn mowers. Woods and LandPride offer a large selection of implements for all makes of tractors.

Streator Farm Mart has a complete parts department and is the only Kubota-certified service center in the area. Streator Farm Mart is pleased to have been designated a Kubota Premier Dealer the past three years.

This designation is awarded to Kubota’s most outstanding dealers.

Our priority at Streator Farm Mart is to continue to supply quality products and service to our customers in

Streator and in surrounding communities.

According to Mr. Peters, “For more than 50 years we have provided the residents of Central Illinois with quality lawn-care products at competitive prices. We offer competitive pricing and financing on all of our products to meet the needs of all of our customers. In 2015 we opened a new showroom at our location north of Streator.”

Mr. Peters has been in the farm and power equipment business for more than 65 years. He provides customers with one of the largest inventories of new and used lawn and garden equipment in Northern Illinois.

Chem-Dry of La Salle County adds more services

After a visit by Chem-Dry of La Salle County, your carpet, tile, VCT tile, stone, granite, leather, mattresses and upholstery will be gleaming — and remember, carpeting and upholstery should be cleaned at least every 12 months.

Chem-Dry of La Salle County’s owner, Jim Bibula, uses a Hot Carbonated Extraction process to clean carpeting and upholstery, using 80 percent less moisture than steam cleaning, which allows areas to dry in one to two hours, not one to two days.

Extraction is the key, dirt has to be extracted to make your carpeting and upholstery last a long life. All products used are green-certified safe for you, your family and pets.

More importantly, shampoo is not used, because shampoo leaves residue that attracts dirt.

Chem Dry has added two new services — wood floor cleaning and dryer vent cleaning.

Chem Dry’s specially formulated, green certified cleaning process is designed for both solid wood and engineered wood floors using minimal water, protecting the wood from damage. They will give your floors a superior deep clean removing dirt, grime, allergens and bacteria. They also will apply their wood polish to add durability, protection and shine. Or you may just opt to have the floor cleaned and sanitized without removing the old polish and applying a new polish.

For dryer vent cleaning, a regular cleaning is an important part of ensuring your home is clean and safe for your entire family. Risk may include home fires, carbon monoxide poisoning and mold growth.

According to the National Fire Protection Association, nearly 17,000 home clothes dryer fires are reported each year. These clothes dryer fires cause around 51 deaths, 380 injuries, and $236 million in property loss. Unsurprisingly, the leading cause of these fires, at 34 percent is the failure to clean dryer vents.

In addition to removing dirt, with the use of a sanitizer, Chem-Dry can remove 98

Chem-Dry of La Salle County

PHONE: 815-223-8810 HOURS: 8 to 5 p.m., Monday to Friday and 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday.

WEB: chemdryoflasallecounty.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook. com/ChemDryofLaSalleCounty percent of allergens in carpet and upholstery, as well as 89 percent of airborne bacteria by utilizing Chem-Dry’s Hot Carbonating cleaning process. This type of cleaning should be done every year if you or your family has allergies.

If you have pets you may know of their odors and their stains. Chem-Dry has a patented process that removes urine odors and pet stains from your carpeting. We specialize in all types of spot removal, from pets to paint to red food coloring, we can remove it all.

Chem-Dry offers tile and stone cleaning and sealing and can clean and seal your granite countertop, which keeps out dirt, spills and bacteria for long-lasting protection.

Tile and stone are usually laid in high-traffic areas, where they sustain a considerable amount of abuse. A common misperception is they are impossible to damage, because they are so durable. Actually, stone and tile can be permanently damaged and in fact, can pose a health hazard.

“Over time, mold, mildew and dirt take residence in the porous surface of your granite countertops, as well as tile, stone and grout on your floors. To maintain a healthy, clean home or business, it is essential to break down and remove these hazardous organisms before they continue to spread,” Jim said.

Chem-Dry’s tile and stone cleaning process penetrates deep inside pores, breaking up and extracting harmful bacteria and other micro-organisms. Chem-Dry products also work deep within grout.

After grout is cleaned, a

RIGHT: Jim Bibula has operated Chem-Dry of La Salle County since 2012, performing all work himself. Call Jim today for your free estimate for both your residential or commercial needs, Chem-Dry has hundreds of satisfied residential and commercial customers.

The Times

long-lasting sealer is applied, creating a barrier to germs and allowing for easy maintenance. Tile and stone surfaces should be professionally cleaned every 12 to 18 months to prevent damage, extend their life and keep them looking new.

Jim has operated ChemDry of La Salle County since 2012, performing all work himself. Call Jim today for your free estimate for both your residential or commercial needs, Chem-Dry has hundreds of satisfied residential and commercial customers.

Assemblers & Welders 1st Shift Full-time positions open!

Streator area manufacturer now hiring.

Competitive wages, benefits & 401K. Apply in person at U S Truck Body 1807 N. Bloomington, Streator or Email resume to: khadley@ streatordependable.com

Show us your resume we’ll conect you with a great job

AUTOMOTIVE Mechanic/Tire Changer Experience Required.

Apply at J’s Tire in Streator, 1412 N. Bloomington St.

SM-CL1641034

SM-CL1639955

WELDERS First Shift

Come grow with us!

Stable company is hiring full-time welders with competitive wages, benefits, and 401K.

SM-CL1640004

Apply in person in Streator

105 W. Main Street Grand Ridge, IL. 61325 815-249-6414 www.grnbank.com

Streator Dependable Manufacturing 1705 N. Shabbona St. Streator, IL 61364 or email resume to khadley@streatordependable.com

SM-CL1640364

BEHAVIORAL HEALTH THERAPIST

STREATOR

DUE TO GROWTH ADDITIONAL STAFFING IS NEEDED WITHIN A LOCAL HOSPITAL SETTING OF NORTH CENTRAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH SYSTEMS. Primarily responsible for a variety of therapy modalities. Performs clinical assessment, brief psychotherapy, addictions counseling, consultation, linkage to other services for clients and/or their families.

Works with families, groups and individuals as a member of a treatment team and program. M-F 8:30 am to 5:00 pm.

QUALIFICATIONS: Master's Degree in a Mental Health field and experience in addictions treatment required. License preferred.

Proficiency with computers required. EOE Send resume to: NCBHS, Attn: HR, PO Box 1488, LaSalle, IL 61301 or complete and mail application available on-line at www.ncbhs.org "Employment Opportunities" or email to hr@ncbhs.org

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Business & industry review

Thursday, March 21, 2019

The Times - Delivering Your Community

Streator Farm Mart KUBOTA BX80 THE MUST-HAVE SUB-COMPACT TRACTOR FOR PROPERTY OWNERS.

The ultimate in versatility. With the new Swift-Tach Front Loader, you can easily switch jobs and master your yard or acreage without getting off the tractor.

Visit us to find out why the BX is the right tractor for you.

Streator Farm Mart 1684 N. 17th Rd Streator, IL 61364 815-672-0007 KubotaUSA.com Optional equipment may be shown.

© Kubota Tractor Corporation, 2018

Student Spotlight Spot ight Thursday, March 21, 2019 • The Times Business & Industry Review

Section 2

Christopher Clift

Woodland senior has the right demeanor to go far

Clift serving with National Guard; wants a career in criminal justice CHARLIE ELLERBROCK cellerbrock@shawmedia.com 815-431-4035

You never know where curiosity will lead you.

It seems that one minute, you’re a youngster fascinated by cicada exoskeletons and building Hot Wheels tracks around your rural home, and the next, you’re trying to figure out how to make airplanes fly on gravy. Then, before you know it, you’re in the National Guard learning how to repair helicopters.

To Christopher Clift, it’s not enough to know that things work. He wants to know HOW they work, and the Woodland High School senior is using that natural curiosity to not only excel in the South Streator school’s academics, but also prepare him for a very interesting career path beyond: a path that might even lead him to the most serious levels of the United States government.

See CLIFT, page B3

The Times | Tom Sistak

Using his natural curiosity, Woodland senior Christopher Clift excels in not only academics, but also has set an interesting career path beyond: a path that might even lead him to the most serious levels of the United States government.

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morrishospital.org

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Business & industry review

Thursday, March 21, 2019

The Times - Delivering Your Community

You and your pets can be SOCIAL at Fetching Frieda’s and Starved Rock Pet Resort

March 23 is National Puppy Day, and that’s considered a major holiday at Fetching Frieda’s.

FETCHING FRIEDA’S offers a Puppy Packet, which is valued at $80. It’s yours, and unlike the big-box stores, it’s absolutely free.

Our boarding at the STARVED ROCK PET RESORT was awarded #1 READERS CHOICE FAVORITE BOARDING KENNEL in the NewsTribune for five years in a row. We will also be happy to discuss your pet’s boarding and daycare requirements and needs. We can accommodate high energy sporting dogs with fun in the Frisbee Fields and walks along the Vermilion River; or the very different needs of the 4-pound pampered Yorkie in our VIP suite. Susan’s background in the health fields makes her comfortable with our many special needs clients.

Our price match guarantee also assures customers they will receive the best price in La Salle County on our merchandise. The exceptionally generous rewards program along with the frequent buyer card and our groomer loyalty card translates into free food and grooming for your pet.

The helpful staff at Fetching Frieda’s is dedicated to not only providing high quality products and services with competitive pricing, but also lending their experience and expertise in helping customers provide the very best care for their very best friend. We also offer a variety of all-natural foods, supplements and grooming products.

Additionally, our will-call section will special order just for you.

Our customer service and product selection are unsurpassed. What pet store can say all our pet food is rated four or five stars on Dog Food Advisor? Fetch-

Fetching Frieda’s Dog and Cat Emporium

ADDRESS: 238 Third St. U.S. 6, La Salle PHONE: 815-220-8300 EMAIL: frieda@fetchingfrieda.com WEB: fetchingfriedas.com

Starved Rock Pet Resort

ADDRESS: 1850 E. 1325th Road, Rural Streator PHONE: 815-673-2069 EMAIL: booking@ starvedrockpetresort.com WEB: starvedrockpetresort. com

Fetching Frieda’s Doggie Daycare in the late spring early summer of 2019. Our focus for services will be on the Puppy University, Doggie University and Senior University. Just like us, our pets are lifelong learners.

Dogs get bored and need exercise to prevent things such as boredom, excess weight gain, digging and barking from happening.

Our daycare environment will stimulate your pet mentally, physically, and emotionally. Our hours will also be convenient to accommodate early dropoffs and later pickups. Look for more details to follow and check in on our progress to The Times better serve your family.

Want to celebrate your doggie’s birthday? Fetching Frieda’s can help! Staff members: Owner Susan Crawford, Sheila Lietz, Chrissy We also foster pets in need of adoption and can be Hansen and Nikki Fredericksen, along with “Koral,” are ready to assist you. seen at Fetching Frieda’s.

Additionally, we regularly ing Frieda’s is the only up fast. We now have three ... thinking about a birthWe even have a special caraise money for rescue one who can say that in La groomers on staff to better day party for your pet and nine baker who will make groups such as IVAR. At Salle County. When buying serve your needs. Our don’t know where to go? a special soft cake for your Fetching Frieda’s it’s all food for your pet, there are complimentary PET TAXI is Fetching Frieda’s has you pet. Call us at 815-220-8300 about neighbors helping no bad choices at Fetching available to our grooming covered. We have Birthday to reserve your date. neighbors. In times of comFrieda’s. and boarding clients. If you Party packages that can fit Curious about the conmunity or neighborhood Our GROOMING is in a need help getting your pet just about anyone’s party struction work at Fetching disasters, we are here to class by itself, Voted #1 by to us, just call. We are glad budget. Our packages have Frieda’s...? Fetching Frieoffer support to our neighReaders Choice. Book now; to help. several different levels so da’s is happy to announce bors of the pet community appointments are filling Birthday party packages we can meet many needs. that we are opening our in any way we can.

Streator Community Credit Union - where members become our family

Streator Community is proud to be part of the community for 68 years and we take pride in the friendly family atmosphere that we offer our loyal members. Our focus remains on keeping up with the ever-changing financial world and offering our members the best customer service available.

Streator Community is a full-service financial institution offering free checking with no Streator minimum balance, Community low rate Visa Credit Union cards, ADDRESS: 302 N. Park Visa debit St., Streator cards, PHONE: 815-672-8488 prepaid Visa, and HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. competMonday to Friday; Thursitive CD day and Friday drive-up and loan open until 6 p.m.; 8 a.m. rates and to noon Saturday ChristWEBSITE: Streatorccu. mas and org Vacations Clubs.

We have a stateof-the-art ATM on the premises and offer Home Banking and Mobile Banking.

If you live or work in Streator you are eligible for membership. So stop in today and see what we can offer you and become part of our family!

Check out our website at streatorccu.org or visit us at 302 N. Park St.

RIGHT: Streator Community Credit Union staff members include: (front) Paula Ligori and Betsy Rhynes; (second row) Spring Simmons, Dawn Groesbeck, Hattie Jesioloski and Jamie Cunningham; (third row) Tina McStoots, Sue Yusko, Julie Ohmes, Cindy Taylor, Pat Cantrell and Tammy Sphar.

The Times

The Times annual Business & Industry Review Each year, The Times publishes its annual Business & Industry Review to give readers an up-close, in-depth look at what’s new and ongoing for area businesses and service providers.

This issue is the second of four weekly installments. Look for the next two Business & Industry Reviews in The Times on the following Thursdays: March 28 and April 7.

The Times - Delivering Your Community

Business & industry review

Thursday, March 21, 2019

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B3

NCBHS provides addiction services

North Central Behavioral Health Systems serves clients through eight locations in Central and North Central Illinois with a broad range of mental health and addictions services for individuals and families.

More recently, North Central has been expanding their substance use and addiction services. These services are developed for individuals that are dependent on the following substances: u Alcohol u Opioids (like heroin) u Prescription drugs (sedatives, hypnotics, or anxiolytics like sleeping pills and tranquilizers) u Cocaine u Cannabis (marijuana) u Amphetamines (like methamphetamine, known as meth) u Hallucinogens u Inhalants u Phencyclidine (known as PCP or Angeldust) u Other unspecified substances To deal with the complex problems related to the use of mood altering chemicals, different methods of evaluation and treatment are used.

The planning process for treatment will take into account the physical, social, cultural, educational, vocational, familial, psychological and spiritual needs of each individual patient.

North Central’s substance use and addictions treatment is provided using the evidence based, “Living in Balance, Moving from a Life of Addiction to a Life of Recovery,” which includes curriculum that addresses many factors that are important to an individual’s success in recovery.

One form of treatment available through North Central is the Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP).

Through the Intensive Outpatient Program NCBHS evaluates each person individually, along with developing a written plan of care for them.

Different topic areas that are covered in the IOP Program are: u Relapse prevention skills u How to manage urges and cravings u Understanding the brain chemistry of addiction u Progression of the disease of addiction u Introduction to the 12 steps u Spirituality u Stages of change u Focus on co-occurring disorders and the effects on addiction and recovery u Family education u Many other topic areas …

Following successful program completion, the patient’s team will then review treatment progress to determine future steps toward recovery. ***All addiction services provided through North Central Behavioral Health Systems are provided under the direction of Dr. Christine Grundeman.

What can an individual expect when contacting and scheduling an appointment?

The following is what a The Times caller can expect when they Left to right Jani Hurst, behavioral health therapist and Clinical Manager Libby Grzybowski are the addictions group leaders for are scheduling a first time North Central Behavioral Health Systems, which serves clients through eight locations in Central and North Central Illinois. appointment: When calling NCBHS, the Health Systems treating are you interested in sched- of community education, caller can ask to schedule an University of Iowa where she obtained her bachelors both substance abuse and uling an appointment? prevention, mental health, appointment. of psychology and a 2017 mental health disorders.

Contact North Central and substance treatment Office staff will then graduate of Aurora UniverAdditionally, Libby has Behavioral Health Systems services, as well as intenschedule the initial intake sity where she obtained her also worked with providat 815-224-1610. sive home and communiappointment.

Want to learn more about ty-based and related serAt the intake appointment, masters of social work. She ers in the medical setting has previous experience providing treatment in a substance use/addiction or vices through ten service the client will be asked a working in inpatient mental Medication Assisted Treatother mental health issues? location facilities in Central series of questions to assist health and will be obtaining ment (MAT) program. In Visit North Central’s Infor- and North Central Illinois. in identifying the best plan February of this year, Libby mation Library or particThe organization serves of action to meet the client’s her LCSW later this year.

Libby Grzybowski is a became the clinical manager ipate in a free anonymous over five thousand patients need for services.

Licensed Clinical Social of North Central’s submental health/addictions per year from more than one hundred communities in Meet NCBHS’ addictions Worker who holds a masters stance abuse programming screening at www.ncbhs. degree in social work from bringing her knowledge and org.

La Salle, Bureau, Putnam, group leaders Aurora University. Libby has experience with additions to North Central Behavioral Marshall, Stark, Fulton and Jani Hurst is a behavioral over nine years of experihelp individuals achieve and Health Systems is a nonMcDonough Counties. health therapist working in ence in the mental health maintain their sobriety. profit 501(c)3 corporation NCBHS has National both addictions and menfield with about five years governed by a commuQuality Approval through CONTACT INFORMATION nity Board of Directors tal health at NCBHS. She of experience as a therapist Joint Commission AccrediDo you have questions or that provides a wide variety tation. is a 2014 graduate of the at North Central Behavioral

Clift: Encouraged by his family to‘not to worry about whatever other kids are doing, just do what makes you feel right’ From page B1

From the beginning, growing up in Long Point, Clift’s curiosity was evident.

One of the first examples of his curiosity he can remember were studying the abandoned shells of cicadas he’d find still clinging to trees around the yard.

“I wasn’t afraid of it.

I thought it was a little creepy, though,” Clift said, “but I really wanted to know how they got out of there and left it together the way they did … I was always testing. I tried to build tunnels out of everything to see how far or how big they’d get before they’d collapse.

I’d build tracks around our house with either Thomas the Tank or Hot Wheels, stuff like that. Jenga blocks, too.

“I’ve always liked to investigate things, take them apart to see what does what, then put them back together.”

Such curiosity may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but Clift was always encouraged by his family to, in his words, “not to worry about whatever other kids are doing, just do whatever makes you feel right, makes you feel good. Basically, it’s just not to focus yourself on other people’s lives, is how I look at it, and I’ve lived that for a long time now.”

So, his need to know things grew as he got older and his academic success — in this, his senior year, he has all As in tough subjects like physics, anatomy and higher math and just one B, that in English, but he’s fighting to improve that — grew along with it. Among his more outside-the-box insights, according to physics teacher Melissa Fink, was the time he and friend Eric Schultz started joking about how to make airplanes fly powered by gravy, then set about devising ways it could actually happen.

Clift gave up playing football his sophomore year to go to work and has since tried several jobs, including at Walmart, a lumber yard and his current job at his

The Times | Tom Sistak

Woodland senior Christopher Clift will report for National Guard basic training at Ft. Jackson, S.C., this summer, then advance for five months of AIT training where he will learn the ins and outs of helicopter and airplane maintenance. Right after that, he hopes to get a job working in that field while he attends a nearby college. grandparents’ business in Streator, Planet Pizza.

However, it wasn’t until he attended a relative’s wedding reception when he was 16 that his future revealed itself.

By chance, Clift was talking to an uncle who trained recruits for the Illinois National Guard and it struck a chord in him. After weighing the benefits and sacrifices of that kind of career, he enlisted last August and has been serving since with the National Guard unit

in Marseilles during drills one weekend a month.

He will report for National Guard basic training at Ft. Jackson, S.C., this summer, then advance for five months of AIT training where he will learn the ins and outs of helicopter and airplane maintenance. Right after that, he hopes to get a job working in that field while he attends a nearby college.

“I’d like to study criminal justice and psychology, then maybe try to get into the CIA one day,” he said. “We’ll see

how that goes.”

In that light, Clift feels his laid-back, self-effacing and intelligent sense of humor should be an asset. So does Fink, who has known Clift as a student since junior high.

“His level of funny is like, intelligent funny, and that’s somewhat unique for high school,” she said. “He’s always coming up with funny one-liners and jokes … and he is very willing to laugh at himself. It’s not always drama or seriousness with him. He’s kind of a go-with-

the-flow kind of person that doesn’t just go with whatever anyone else is doing. He’s his own person.

“He’s very gifted in critical thinking skills, which help him in his time in the classroom to process through things in the hard content.

He challenges himself and that will serve him well, whatever career he pursues.”

Said Clift, “I know there’s a time when you should rest or joke around, but also a time where you have to have your head in the game.

“Being a little laid back will help me, I think, when I’m getting screamed at or yelled at in basic or whenever and am trying to go on with my day, I can be flexible and be serious and try to get things done. With the laid back and serious sides, people realize they can relate to you, trust you and can count on you when something serious goes down. I like that idea.”

And they can probably count on a funny one-liner or two to go with it.

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Business & industry review

Thursday, March 21, 2019

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The Times - Delivering Your Community

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We are committed to providing our members with quality financial products and exceptional service. Whether saving for the future, financing a home, or obtaining a new auto loan — our members count on us to meet all of their financial needs.

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302 N. Park Street • Streator, IL 61364 815-672-8488 • streatorccu.org

Student Spotlight Spot ight Thursday, March 21, 2019 • The Times Business & Industry Review

Section 3

Laney Hunter

Woodland senior having barrels of fun Hunter has‘a very strong passion for horses, and it shows’ BRIAN HOXSEY bhoxsey@shawmedia.com 815-431-4052

Woodland High School senior Laney Hunter says she found her love for horses and agriculture at the exact same moment.

“I think every little girl always has a dream of having their own pony at some point in time,” said Laney. “My cousin Carol has always had horses, but I really hadn’t been around them when I was really younger. One day the family was all gathered at my grandmother’s house and Carol mentioned something about horses. I was like ‘that’s awesome, can I come out and see them sometime?’ ” Laney says she has been working at the horse farm since she was 12 years old and adds if she is not at school or at home she is at the barn.

“Once I went out to her horse farm, I really started to love agriculture and realized I never really ever want to be away from it,” Laney said. “I take care of the horses, ride them and just make sure they are healthy.

See HUNTER, page C3

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The Times | Tom Sistak

Woodland High School senior Laney Hunter is president of the FFA Chapter and is the secretary of Section 7, which encompasses 13 area schools. Laney, who is also a member of the WHS Dance Force and Drama Club the last four years, has a passion for horses and barrel riding.

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C2 n

Business & industry review

Thursday, March 21, 2019

The Times - Delivering Your Community

Contributed

LEFT: First State Bank Streator employees include: (back, left to right) Anita Phillips, Gayle Bricker, Lou Ann Soltis, Ryan Schmitz, and Ashley Rzasa; (front, left to right) Raeane Anderson, Cindy Kappel, and Heather Patterson. RIGHT: First State Bank Ottawa employees include: (front, left to right) Tammy Beard, Sheila Robertson, Dana Johnson and Wendy Glasner; (back, left to right) Tom Walsh, Tara Stenfanich, Jill Robinson, Terri Sancken and Van Johnson.

First State Bank provides personal touch with banking First State Bank has been providing high quality user-friendly financial products and services since 1940.

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First State Bank has the products you need. Our Internet Banking Solution, Net Teller, FSB Mobile and FSB Direct allow you to conduct business 24/7.

Be sure to check out our Mobile Pay and Instant Issue Debit Cards. Mobile Pay allows you to add your FSB debit or credit card information to your mobile device and pay with just the touch of your finger. Instant Issue Debit Cards can replace your lost or stolen

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ADDRESS: 1212 La Salle St. Ottawa 115 Plaza Dr. Streator PHONE: 815-538-2265 WEB: firststatebank.biz

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The Times

Rich Orlandi and Tabitha Hamann and the rest of the smiling faces at Furniture Sellers believe they can provide a better shopping experience than anywhere else for you to come back again and again. furniture, that we are proud to partner with. Their initiative to incorporate coils into cushions and develop a lowcost long lasting steel spring unit has garnered people’s attention. Ashley Furniture, another household name, is the world’s largest manufacturer of home furnishing and is another partner Furniture Sellers is proud to represent.

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There are mattress manufacturers big and small, well known and the obscure, but there is not a better value in the bedding business then Englander … Englander is just as old and established as the big brand names, building quality mattress equivalent to the big boys, but noticeably better priced than them. And Furniture Sellers is an exclusive dealer.

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Our consistent eye on competitor’s prices and today’s furniture fashions has kept Furniture Sellers ahead of the home furnishings curve.

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Furniture Sellers’ popularity can certainly be attributed to its great selection and killer prices, but the familiar faces will keep you coming back again and again ... the smart folks at Furniture Sellers are experienced and informed and they love what they do … it just shows.

Rich Orlandi has owned and operated Furniture Sellers from the beginning and has been in the home furnishing industry all of his life. When you see him on the streets you may not remember his name but you’ll remember he’s the furniture guy.

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Catnapper is an up-andcoming maker of reclining

Business & industry review

The Times - Delivering Your Community

Thursday, March 21, 2019

n C3

Streator Chamber of Commerce fosters continued growth

Contributed

Woodland High School senior Laney Hunter and her mare Diva make a left turn around a barrel during a race. The two have been riding in competitions for the last three years, including events at the Sandwich Fair.

Hunter:‘I want to make an impact through FFA’ From page C1

“I started helping with little things like scooping poop and cleaning stalls. I did ride a little bit then as well, but after a couple of years, I started riding longer trail rides with Carol and at some point I just decided that the slow pace was not my style. A had a couple of other cousins that had been barrel racing all of their lives and I went and watched them race. From that moment I told Carol, ‘that is what I want to do and that is going to be me some day.”

Three years ago, when Laney turned 15, she joined the National Barrel Horse Association and has been competing ever since.

“There is a clover pattern that you run and you can go to the left or the right ... my mare Diva and I take it to the right first and wrap around the first barrel,” said Laney of the time-based competition. “We then shoot around to the left barrel and then the last barrel, which is up at the top (far end from the start).

From there you shoot as fast as you can back home (or the start). You’re always on the backside of the barrels as you turn.”

So how did Laney’s very first race go?

“Terrible,” she said while placing her hand on her forehead as she relived the experience. “I was at the Kankakee County Fair, although it wasn’t a NBHA sanctioned race, just a warmup show. I actual did ‘poles’ first, which is six poles that you weave in and out of. I had Diva warmed up, did a circle just to get her going and we were off. I kicked her a couple more times and all I know is that I ended up hitting the ground pretty hard.

“If you talk to barrel racers, they will all tell you a time when they felt they clicked with their horse or they said to themselves

‘we’ve got this.’ We started WHS Dance Force and has working hard on what went been in every play and musiwrong that day, like desencal the Drama Club has put sitizing with the feet. I was on the past four years. actually wearing spurs that “I want to make an impact first run and I don’t wear in our community through them anymore because I feel FFA. I want to help people unthat was a trigger moment derstand and help them gain for Diva.” the knowledge that the world Laney said she worked of agriculture is not a small with Diva and thing and that felt the two it’s a huge part were in a good of this world,” place heading said Laney, into a event at who adds she the Sandwich loves interFair. acting with “A couple the other kids runs after in FFA and that I felt like finding out we were at what interests that ‘got it’ they have. “If stage,” Laney we didn’t have said. “Our agriculture, first turn was we wouldn’t amazing, but be living. It’s as we came more than out of the secjust the food LANEY HUNTER ond turn, she we eat, it’s the started doing clothes you her bucking thing again. It wear and a number of differwas like ‘we don’t have it ent things.” yet.’ It was a little kick in the Dan Weber, who has been stomach for me, but I needthe Woodland Ag teacher ed to realize that I was on a and FFA adviser for the past 1,500-pound animal, you need 21 years, says Laney is one to get control of this.” of those students who come Flash forward to last around every couple of years fall, with a ton of work and with more than just a “little” practice, plus lessons with interest in FFA. Wenona’s Jennifer Blanch“We have students, maybe ette in between. every few years, that really “It’s not my best finish, but develop a very strong interest one that is the biggest for me and want to contribute more right now. This past fall back than in just their Chapter at Sandwich, I ended up plachere at Woodland. Laney is ing third,” said Laney with a one of those kids,” Weber big smile. “It kind of showed said. “Laney’s horse project me that I can run with the big was part of her record book. dogs. Sandwich is such a big A record book is for an Ag fair and there are so many related project they have competitors, many wantoutside of school. They have ing to win there more that to keep all of their financial anywhere else they’ll ride, data and time spent with the so to do so well there after project. It’s a way for them to my first trip there was very understand the business side satisfying.” of different projects. It takes Laney is currently the a high amount of dedication president of the Woodland for students to keep up with FFA Chapter and is the their record books and Laney secretary of Section 7, which does a great job with it. She encompasses 13 area schools. has a very strong passion for She is also a member of the horses and it shows.”

‘I want to help people understand ... that the world of agriculture is not a small thing and that it’s a huge part of this world.’

The Streator Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry continues to bring businesses together as well as to improve the area’s quality of life and community image.

Continued growth in 2017 was witnessed in Streator. Although down from the near record-setting pace of 2012, existing businesses such as Teleperformance Call Center, Owens Illinois, Stertil ALM, Walmart, Kroger and Vactor Manufacturing and OSF Center for Health lead Streator in jobs creation and retention. Last year was also a strong year in retail sales tax receipts as the number collected was just more than $3 million due in part to the opening of new businesses in Streator.

City/Chamber visitations remain in the plan to keep in touch within the business arena.

Communication lines remain strong and are a “give and take” well-received occurrence. Executive Director Jack Dzuris notes that the city and chamber are a strong force when they work together.

The Chamber has also recently begun using its website, streatorchamber. com, to highlight specific local businesses. The website details deals Streator area businesses are offering as well as a calendar of Chamber hosted events.

The chamber hosts timely breakfast workshops called “Eggs and Issues,” an annual golf outing, an annual awards recognition dinner and networking opportunities called “Business and Bagels.”

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ADDRESS: 320 E. Main St., Streator 115 Plaza Dr. Streator PHONE: 815-672-2921 WEB: “Streator Chamber of Commerce” The Chamber also showed its dedication to the community by participating in the city’s facade grant program. The Chamber is happy to be a part of the downtown revitalization effort and looks forward to showcasing its new look this year.

Each year, The Times publishes its annual Business & Industry Review to give readers an up-close, in-depth look at what’s new and ongoing for area businesses and service providers. This issue is the second of four weekly installments. Look for the next two Business & Industry Reviews in The Times on the following Thursdays: March 28 and April 7.

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With a staff of two, the chamber operates on an annual budget of $130,000.

Along with Dzuris, who handles much of the organization’s communications, is Sue Yanek, administrative assistant.

A dues structure is in place for membership and the organization boasts in excess of 175 members.

Ambassadors from member businesses also serve as a link for new businesses to the community. The ambassadors operate as the social outreach portion of the chamber and can be useful connections for new businesses to make. Saturday, April 14, is the date of the annual “Stems and Stilettos” fundraiser — a wine and cheese event with a live/silent auction included.

The Times annual Business & Industry Review

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Steator Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry administrative assistant Sue Yanek and executive director Jack Dzuris work to bring businesses together as well as to improve the area’s quality of life and community image.

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Thursday, March 21, 2019

Business & industry review

The Times - Delivering Your Community

IVCIL, serving people with disabilities, is ready to help

Illinois Valley Center for and Oglesby. Not only do Independent Living is a IVCIL Mobile Meals clients nonprofit, nonresidential receive one hot and one service and advocacy organi- cold meal per day, prepared zation based in La Salle that by IVCH and delivered by assists persons with disabili- IVCIL, they also enjoy some ties in opening doors to their person-to-person contact independence. It serves the every day. Also, families know communities of La Salle, Bu- someone is checking on their reau, Putnam, Marshall and loved one.

Stark counties. The Illinois THE PERSONAL ASSISTANT Valley Center for IndepenPROGRAM — This program is dent Living works to ensure designed to provide services people with disabilities live that address the personal fulfilling lives. needs of individuals with “We put disabilities. the person People who first, having may benefit Illinois Valley Center a disability from these is only a part services have for Independent of the india permanent Living vidual,” said disability Executive Diand want to PHONE: 815-224-3126 rector Brian stay in their ADDRESS: 18 Gunia Drive, Szuda. own home.

Suite 1, La Salle As a A personal WEB: ivcil.com communiassistant ty-based, will help nonresidensuch people tial center for independent liv- with daily activities. These ing, we work to increase the activities may include perinvolvement of persons with sonal care, meal preparation, disabilities in every aspect shopping. Assistants allow of life. We strive to enhance individuals to remain at their potential to achieve and home, instead of being placed sustain self-directed living in in a care facility or an instihome or community settings, tution. All assistants undergo depending on their choices. orientation and training, and Essentially, independent then are placed on a referral living means experiencing life list that is made available to as everyone else does. IVCIL consumers. IVCIL’s personal is consumer-driven and run assistant program can help loby people with disabilities, cate assistants to provide the who have successfully estabcompassionate care required lished independent lives. We for families who find thembelieve no one can represent selves in such situations. disability rights and indepenTHE COMMUNITY REINTEdent living issues with more GRATION PROGRAM — This credibility than those whose program helps people lives are directly affected by a currently living in nursing disability. homes or other long-term IVCIL has five core sercare facilities to live indeVICES: pendently in the community.

INFORMATION AND REFERPeople with disabilities, who RAL — We offer guidance in lo- live in nursing homes or other cating services and products, long-term care facilities, are as well as tips on how to use often housed there because such services and products. they are unfamiliar with the IVCIL responds to inquiries options that allow them to on a variety of issues from all live independently. IVCIL’s directions.

Community Reintegration ADVOCACY — Advocacy is Program helps these people another service offered at overcome such barriers and IVCIL. There are two types of helps them return home. advocacy. Individual advocaYOUTH SERVICES PROcy focuses on the individual GRAM — This program is anand services available within other bridge to independence the community, encouraging for persons with disabilities. persons with disabilities to as- Youth Services is for children sert themselves when seeking with disabilities up to age 22 services. Systemic advocacy that are still attending high involves working together school and their families. to eliminate barriers and Schools, agencies and comallow people with disabilities munity groups are eligible for to fully participate in their services that focus on improvcommunity. ing educational and commuPEER COUNSELING — The nity opportunities for youth foundation of IVCIL’s serwith disabilities. vices is the peer relationship.

DEAF SERVICES PROGRAM — Staff who have experienced This program meets the needs disability and are achieving of, and increases community their personal goals, assist options for, people whose others who have similar hearing is impaired. IVCIL disabilities, serving as role also is an ITAC amplified models, mentors and advophone selection center. If you cates. The peer relationship are an Illinois resident that is helps individuals work certified with hearing loss, we through matters, specific to can assist you with applying their particular disability. for a free amplified telephone.

Also, it offers encouragement EQUIPMENT LOAN PROas the transition is made to GRAM — The IVCIL has a independent living. A person variety of medical equipment sits down with center emand assistance devices availployees, of whom more than able for use. Wheelchairs, 50 percent have disabilities walkers, canes, crutches and themselves, and assesses the other supplies are available life the person wants to lead. free of charge.

INDEPENDENT LIVING SKILLS COMMUNITY EDUCATION/ TRAINING — The heart of DISABILITY AWARENESS PREindependent living is being SENTATIONS — Upon request, in control of your life. IVCIL IVCIL provides community offers training to equip people education and disability with disabilities with the awareness presentations to skills and information to the public. The IVCIL promanage their lives and live vides frequent workshops, more independently. This dealing with such issues as is done through building the Americans with Disabilirapport with them and estabties Act. lishing goals they feel will IVCIL serves a variety of increase their independence. people, empowering persons TRANSITION SERVICES — with disabilities to make their This involves transitional own decisions. Through our services that: services and advocacy, the a. facilitate the transition IVCIL ensures the continuaof individuals with signifition of positive social change cant disabilities from nursing to allow greater integration, homes and other institutions fuller participation and total to home and communiinclusion of all persons with ty-based residences, with disabilities into the mainthe requisite supports and stream of life. Please contact services; b. provide assistance us at the IVCIL if we can to individuals with significant assist you in your journey to disabilities who are at risk of independence. entering institutions so that In 2018, IVCIL served the individuals may remain 113 consumers across its in the community; and c. facil- five-county territory. It itate the transition of youth provided information and rewith significant disabilities, ferral services for 542 people. who were eligible for individTeen outings and peer groups ualized education programs served 68 individuals, and the under IDEA, and who have Teen Summit helped 21 teens completed their secondary with disabilities prepare for education and otherwise left life after high school. IVCIL school to postsecondary life provided ITAC phones or othup to the age of 25. er listening assistance devices IVCIL also offers specific for 87 people. programs.

IVCIL is a United Way The Illinois Valley Center member agency! Funding is for Independent Living now provided in whole or in part operates a MOBILE MEALS by the Illinois Department of PROGRAM for Peru, La Salle Human Services.

The Times

Illinois Valley Center for Independent Living staff members include: (front, from left) Associate Director Lesliey Gonigan, Executive Director Brian Szuda, Independent Living Specialist Ashley Purpura; (back): Personal Assistant Coordinator Tessa Mahoney, Youth Coordinator Rhonda Znaniecki, Office Manager Deb Cools, Community Reintegration Coordinator Liz Bedford.

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Business & industry review

The Times - Delivering Your Community

Thursday, March 21, 2019

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Morris Hospital services in Ottawa remain strong

Morris Hospital Cardiologist Dr. Athar Saeed says it’s imperative that patients tell their doctor how they’re feeling.

“If you can’t complain to your doctor, who can you complain to?” says Dr. Saeed.

“We can’t help you if we don’t know what you’re feeling.”

Dr. Saeed uses this philosophy in his practice with Morris Hospital Cardiovascular Specialists at 1404 Aquarius Circle in Ottawa. He and his three partners — Dr. Syed Ahmed, Dr. Mary Gordon, and Dr. Muhammad Marwali — each come to Ottawa once a week to serve as a local resource for community members needing help with prevention, diagnosis and treatment of heart disease, hypertension, heart failure, abnormal cholesterol, irregular heartbeats and circulation problems of the lower extremity. The practice experienced a 25 percent increase in patient visits in 2018, an indication that word is spreading about the excellent care they provide.

While Dr. Gordon is a general cardiologist and Dr. Marwali focuses on heart rhythm conditions and cardiac devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators and implantable cardiac monitors, Dr. Saeed and Dr. Ahmed are both interventional cardiologists and use the cath lab at Morris Hospital to open blocked arteries through angioplasty and stenting.

“When somebody is having a heart attack, the goal is to open the artery within 90 minutes,” explains Dr. Saeed.

“We usually average well below that. For a hospital our size, we are very fortunate to have a cath lab where we can perform lifesaving interventions.”

The cardiologists are just one specialty Morris Hospital provides in Ottawa. Just down the street at the Morris Hospital Ottawa Campus, 1306 Gemini Circle, Family Medicine physicians Dr. Paulo Ara-

Contributed

The cardiologists with Morris Hospital Cardiovascular Specialists all see patients in the Ottawa office on Aquarius Circle, including Dr. Syed Ahmed (from left), Dr. Mary Gordon, Dr. Muhammad Marwali, and Dr. Athar Saeed. nas and Dr. Hassnain Syed provide primary care services for patients of all ages along with Nurse Practitioner Angela Todd. They are joined by board-certified pediatrician Dr. Melissa Hill who provides care for patients ages newborn through 17. Like the cardiologists, the primary care physicians also experienced a significant increase in patient visits in 2018.

Morris Hospital also provides laboratory blood draw services at its Ottawa Campus so patients with an order for blood work don’t have to travel to the Morris Hospital main campus. Laboratory testing

is available weekdays from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturdays from 6 a.m. to noon, with walk-ins welcome during laboratory hours.

Also among Morris Hospital’s three Ottawa locations is the Morris Hospital Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists’ office at 1300 Starfire Drive.

Dr. Victoria Ochoa and Dr. Douglas Toussaint, both board-certified obstetricians/ gynecologists, specialize in the care of women, including pregnancy, labor and postpartum care; normal and high risk pregnancies; family planning counseling; birth control options; diagnosis and treat-

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ment of female reproductive system disorders; minimally invasive surgeries; and more.

Mammography services are available in the Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists’ office.

Dr. Ochoa and Dr. Toussaint’s expecting patients deliver their babies in Morris Hospital’s beautiful Family Birthing Suites, which has received a 5-Star Excellence in Healthcare award for four consecutive years based on patient feedback. The Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists practice is also a 5-Star award winner for patient experience.

To learn more about Morris

Morris Hospital

ADDRESS: 150 West High St., Morris, IL 60450 PHONE: 815-942-2932 WEB: morrishospital.org

Morris Hospital Cardiovascular Specialists

ADDRESS: 1404 Aquarius Circle, Ottawa PHONE: 815-705-1000

Morris Hospital Ottawa Campus

ADDRESS: 1306 Gemini Circle, Ottawa PHONE: 815-433-9200

Morris Hospital Obstetrics & Gynecology Specialists

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Business & industry review

Thursday, March 21, 2019

The Times - Delivering Your Community

Spotlight on

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Student Spotlight Spot ight Thursday, March 21, 2019 • The Times Business & Industry Review

Section 4

Ashley Hayes

Earlville student loves the challenge her art brings her ‘I can’t wait to see what is next for her’ STEPHANIE JAQUINS For The Times

If you look up at part of the ceiling of Earlville High School, you won’t see bland office ceiling tiles, but rather works of art.

It’s a tradition for art students to design a ceiling tile as a part of their legacy. For Senior Ashley Hayes, she chose to replicate the album cover of Def Leppard’s “Hysteria” — a distorted face with an animal aspect mostly within a triangle.

“It was a really fun assignment to do. The only problem was I picked one of the most challenging designs to do. So it took a really long time to make it, but in the end it was really worth it.”

Though she picked a difficult assignment, she saw it through and this comes as no surprise to Hayes’ teachers.

“Her work ethic is outstanding.

She will come to the art room during her free period to work, if needed, and also will often take projects home if she feels she needs the extra time to work on something,” said Anne Wick, her art teacher since elementary school. “She has never been one to ask for an extension on a due date, or turn in an unfinished project.”

Mandy Ossman, technology director at Earlville High School, recalled a time she asked Hayes to help her with what felt like an impossible task at the time.

“She jumped at the chance to use her skills and actually taught

SM-CL1636007

For The Times | Steve Stout

Earlville senior Ashley Hayes likes to improve on her art. “A lot of drawings I did I would draw it and feel really happy about it, but then the second time around I would look at it and be like, ‘What can I do to make this better?’ It was more like a challenge. Every single piece of art I’ve done it’s this is a challenge. I want to improve. Challenge is fun.” me a few things I did not know.

Then she came to school on a day she did not need to be here to help me finish the project. She could have slept in but instead, she came to see the project through. I was so impressed with her.”

Hayes has been in the Earlville school system her whole life. She said it was in elementary school she took an interest in art and middle school when she worked at improving herself.

“A lot of drawings I did I would draw it and feel really happy

about it, but then the second time around I would look at it and be like, ‘What can I do to make this better?’ “ she said.

“It was more like a challenge.

Every single piece of art I’ve done it’s this is a challenge.

I want to improve. Challenge

is fun.”

She said Wick’s class assignments as well as her support have helped her grow as an artist. She also credited her mother, a fellow artist, as an inspiration.

See HAYES, page D2

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Business & industry review

Thursday, March 21, 2019

The Times - Delivering Your Community

With JTS Pools, the fun begins when you get home

JTS Pools has been bringing fun to Illinois Valley homes for the past 30 years with stores in Ottawa and Peru and is proud to announce the opening of a new store in Bradley, Illinois.

“After 30 years we saw an opportunity to serve another area and decided to open a third store, said owner Jim Matthews.

“The best memories are the ones created with your family. Why not create those memories at home.

JTS Pools is here to help.”

JTS Pools offers swimming pools, high-quality Baquacil and Poolife pool chemicals, spas, darts, billiards supplies and more.

“If you want the best price for high-quality, high-performing pool chemicals, check us out,” Matthews said.

JTS Pools has added a completely chlorine, bromine and salt-free pool sanitizing system. Oxygen Pools replaces harsh chemThe Times icals to sanitize pool water Staff members at JTS Pools, including Jim Matthews, Denise Fraziera, Darryl, Dustin and Tony Lopez, are ready to assist customers and replaces it with pure oxygen. This new technol- with finding swimming pools, high-quality Baquacil and Poolife pool chemicals, spas, darts, billiards supplies and more. ogy is easier, gentler, less a high-quality acrylic spa “Our prices beat the big spa purchased through JTS American workers. Not corrosive and less expenmade in Tennessee. And box stores and online sourc- Pools, which gives our cusonly is the product superior sive than other systems. new this year is our exclues. We can fit any budget,” tomers peace of mind when but our customers prefer “JTS Pools is proud to sive Aspen Spas made in said Darryl Lopez, vice buying.

American-made because be the authorized dealer St. Louis. Both brands use president.

“We are committed to they know they are getting of this new technology,” quality American made “JTS Pools sells more Made in the USA. Our a higher quality product, Matthews said.

Wilbar and Doughboy which will last longer,” JTS Pools offers two great components as well. Choose spas than any dealer in Garden Leisure or Aspen the area. Stop in and check above-ground pools are Lopez said. “We are proud lines of American made for a truly beautiful spa at out the newest spas at JTS made here. We support to offer Radiant Pools spas. the best price anywhere Pools. And we service every American companies and made in New York. These Garden Leisure Spas are

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JTS Pools strongly supports American made products in its stores, but also carries items that fit every budget.

“You work hard. We work hard to find the best products at the best prices for our customers,” Matthews said. “When you invest in your home, you should invest your hard earned money in great products.

JTS Pools can help.”

At Edward Jones, your financial future is of the utmost importance

The following is a message from Mark Platt at Edward Jones: If you are like most people you have a variety of financial goals: college for your children, a comfortable retirement, a vacation home and so on.

When we work together, we strive to give you all that and more. I’ll work with you to create personalized financial strategies to help you reach your goals.

I do this by: 1. Understanding what’s important to you.

2. Our team has an established process to help you build personalized strategies and actions needed to help achieve your goal.

3. Our team will partner with you and your family throughout your life, revisiting hourglass and risk tolerance, as well as the strategies we’ve developed to help keep you on track toward your goals.

Our office prides itself on excellence in customer service, and it takes a team!

In a continuing effort to provide the level of service our clients desire, we are pleased to announce that Andrew Blackburn

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Monday to Friday WEB: edwardjones.com/ mark-platt

accepted the invitation to partner with us. Andrew is from Sterling, Ill., and is very excited to join the Ottawa community. We are convinced that he will add another layer of success to our branch.

Andrew, myself, Senior Branch Office Administrators Joan Johnson and Diane Durdan are serving a growing roster of clients in the Ottawa area. We are committed to assisting investors in reaching their goals.

Our branch office is located at 130 W. Lafayette St. — right across from Washington Park.

We want you to know how much we value and appreciate your business and are looking forward to serving you for years come.

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Contributed

Andrew Blackburn, Mark Platt, Joan Johnson, and Diane Durdan, of Edward Jones/Mark Platt, are serving a growing roster of clients in the Ottawa area. They are committed to assisting investors in reaching their goals.

Hayes:‘I can’t wait to see what is next’ From page D1 “She’s also told me to do my best and try to improve. Do things that are challenging to you, do things that are fun. She’s like, ’You can do any kind of art style you want. It’s your own. It’s what makes you you.’ She’s always supported me.”

Taking the advice, Hayes said she makes her own kind of art.

“I also draw human people. There’s a certain type of style — not really a cartoon-y style but that’s the best way to describe it.”

She said she also likes to do realistic art. She’ll take a picture of something or look at something in front of her and draw it.

When asked what her

favorite art pieces were, she chose two traditional pieces — one of a dragon and another her Pink Floyd “Dark Side of the Moon” piece.

She also showed a piece of her digital art — a portrait of a young woman. Digital art is a hobby she works on outside of school.

After high school, she hopes to get an associate degree in graphic design.

She will have some supporters at Earlville High School who are excited to see where her future takes her.

“Ashley is a wonderful young lady and I know she has big plans for herself.

I can’t wait to see what is next for her,” Ossman said.

LEFT: When she’s not busy with her artwork, Earlville student Ashley Hayes also works in the school office as a runner/helper. She has a paid position at the school as a temporary custodian replacing a worker who is on a medical leave.

For The Times | Steve Stout

Business & industry review

The Times - Delivering Your Community

Thursday, March 21, 2019

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Thursday, March 21, 2019

Business & industry review

The Times - Delivering Your Community

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