SVM-MAG_09112014

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

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SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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FALL 2014

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SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

FALL 2014

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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.

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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

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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.

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SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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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.

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SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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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

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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

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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.

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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.

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FLOWERS CONTINUED ON 11

SAUK VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL

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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.

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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.

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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.

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FALL 2014

BUSINESS PROFILE

A life filled with Victorian Grace Coupleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s shop has antiques, florals

BY CINDY PRATT Special to Sauk Valley Business Journal

PROPHETSTOWN â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 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.

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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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;primitives,â&#x20AC;? 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 Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister, Lynn Collins, from Picket Fence in Lanark.

Cindy Pratt/Special to Sauk Valley Business Journal

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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.

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