SVM-MAG_09222014

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Fall/Winter 2014

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Kids fall for fun at season-ending Fulton Fall Fest

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Sauce the secret to the very best ribs in Clinton

Magazine

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Permit No. 440 Sterling, IL 61081 *****ECRWSSEDDM*****

P.O. Box 498

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Farm family finds sunny advantage in energy source

50 Retail Stores..

8 Restaurants, Cafe’s, and Coffee Shops..

8 spots for nightlife..

25 salons, offices, groceries and services..

4 public parks..

15 civic institution and points of interest..

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Downtown Clinton, IA Something for everyone!

Downtown Clinton Alliance; 141 5th Ave S Clinton, IA 52732; (563-321-2165); jacob.couppee@gmail.com

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Magazine

FEATURE • STORY

sweet boutique experience

Publisher Sam R Fisher Advertising Director Jennifer Baratta Editor Larry Lough Magazine Editor Marla Seidell Page Design Robin Norburg Matt Lindstrom Melanie Brooking Published by

Sauk Valley Media 3200 E. Lincolnway Sterling, IL 61081 815-625-3600

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Articles and advertisements are the property of Sauk Valley Media. No portion of River City Living Magazine may be reproduced without the written consent of the publisher. Ad content is not the responsibility of Sauk Valley Media. The information in this magazine is believed to be accurate; however, Sauk Valley Media cannot and does not guarantee its accuracy. 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 magazine.

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features Ice cream is back in Fulton

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Michelle’s Coffee and Ice Cream offers 24 flavors

Best ribs in Clinton

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Gil’s Ballroom features wide variety, but those ribs...

Upscale items, hometown prices Sweet Woodruff offers sweet boutique experience

Annual October festival closes the season

You can change your life 4

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Fulton resident creates sense of community by helping others

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‘City chic’ offers luxury treatment

Fall family fun in Fulton

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You have to give back

Discover the experience of Shear Class

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Ways to save dollars, planet Independent Energy Systems sees increase in solar use

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Capitalizing on sun power Solar panels limit impact on environment

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Photos by Alex T. Paschal/River City Living Michelle's Coffee & Ice Cream is owned and operated by Michelle Hachmann and James Jackson (both left). Pictured: Hachmann, Shayann Cetanyan, 6, Jackson, Darrell, Paula Israel, and Tyler White.

m a e r C e i s B c I in Fulton! ack Michelle’s Coffee and Ice Cream offers 24 flavors

BY LUCINDA HALL SPECIAL TO RIVER CITY LIVING

S

o, just how do you get from Fargo to Fulton?

Two years ago, Michelle Hachmann found herself and her two children in a threatening domestic situation in her native Davenport, Iowa. With few options, she reached out to friends in Fargo, North Dakota, left her belongings, and was whisked away to their home closer to Canada than the Quad Cities.

Today, she is the happy co-proprietor of Michelle’s Coffee and Ice Cream at 1115 Fourth St. in downtown Fulton, where she serves up fresh java drinks and 24 flavors

of taste-tested ice creams in a corner café filled with peace, comfort and friendship.

The unpretentious cafe has the vibe of a huge family room, inviting the community inside to enjoy some fresh brewed coffee beverages, ice cream, pastries and snacks. There’s a large flat-screen TV, a Jenga wooden block game on the windowsill, board games, and a mini golf putting green vying for space among the tables and chairs. Michelle’s is a place of contented conversation and casual relaxation.

As with so many stories, the unlikely journey from Fargo to Fulton was filled with curious twists and turns.

“Had never been to Fulton, never heard of Fulton,” said James Jackson, Hachmann’s co-proprietor.

Jackson and his wife, Rebecca, both retired after 20 years in the military, had moved to Fargo, where Rebecca was pursuing a pharmaceutical degree. They had traveled extensively during their military careers across Europe, Asia and the United States, including a short stint at the Rock Island Arsenal. It was during their tour in the Quad Cities in 2002 that they met and became close friends with Hachmann. The second Iraqi War intervened, and the Jacksons were re-assigned, but remained in close touch with Hachmann.

Continued on page 9

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Continued from page 7

When Hachmann’s plea for a safe haven came for herself and her two children, the Jacksons responded quickly and with compassion.

Rebecca graduated with her pharmaceutical degree, and the extended family of five decided to move back to the Midwest, where Hachmann could be closer to her parents. After Rebecca was offered a pharmacist position in Clinton, house hunting brought them to Fulton. Economics weighed in. When the Jacksons discovered that Illinois does not tax pension income, the only decision was finding a new home in Fulton to accommodate the family.

During the house hunt, the family was surprised by the number of downtown buildings available in Fulton. After working with a realtor, Jackson asked for a good place to have coffee and think about their housing options – only to discover that no coffee shop existed.

Having worked in food services, Hachmann was intrigued by the idea of opening a coffee shop in one of the empty buildings, and within hours she had her eye on the empty storefront on Fourth Street. The blended family decided that rather than choose a conventional home, they would buy the historic downtown building, live upstairs and open a business on the first floor.

A curious onlooker, when inquiring about the venture, asked whether they would consider adding ice cream. It seemed the city’s two ice cream shops had closed. It was a quick and easy decision.

“We were encouraged to buy into the downtown and help with the downtown development and to sell ice cream as well as coffee,” Jackson recalled. “And they asked if we could be open in 90 days for Dutch Days on May 3, 2013.”

Frantic restoration began. The style was kept simple, but incorporated historic elements of the building. A custom metalwork ice cream cone was crafted by Ben Eshelman at Kustom Metal just across the street. Bricking was exposed.

Floors re-done.

Michelle’s Coffee and Ice Cream opened its doors in time for Dutch Days with a sign heralding that “Ice Cream Is Back in Fulton.”

Since opening, the café has received the Clinton Herald’s 2013 Reader’s Choice Awards in both the Ice Cream and Coffee categories.

Now safe and happily settled, the Jacksons and Hachmannare philosophical about the adventure.

“It’s less about a business than it is about a lifestyle,” Jackson explained. “It is certainly nice to turn a profit, but because of our two military pensions and Rebecca’s pharmacy income, there is not a need to “push” the products or have a significant mark-up.

Community service as well as personal enjoyment are far more important.”

And that’s how you get from Fargo to Fulton. s White pours the espresso over ice before adding milk and flavoring.

Michelle Hachmann with daughter Shayann Cetanyan, 6, displays her favorite sundae in an edible bowl.

Ice cream, anyone?

Michelle’s Coffee & Ice Cream 1115 Fourth St., Fulton 563-650-3880

Tyler White gets the espresso machine going for a cappuccino drink.

The drinks can be made hot or iced.

Hours 11a.m.- 9 p.m. daily

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The outdoor patio at Gil’s has room for over 100 guests. When the weather warms up, more tables and chairs are added to accommodate the busy restaurant and bar.

BEST RIBS IN CLINTON Gil’s Ballroom features wide variety, but those ribs...

BY KAYLA HEIMERMAN SPECIAL TO RIVER CITY LIVING

F

amily-owned and operated Gil’s Ballroom has quickly

become a hot spot for weddings.

More than that, husband-and-wife team D.J. and Melinda James, who started the Clinton business 4 years ago, have striven to make it much more.

“We have the best ribs in Clinton!” he says with pride.

Melinda smiles, adding, “They’re so good!”

The southern-style smoked ribs are made in-house by D.J., who tops them off with a secret sweet sauce.

“All of the food here is excellent,” he said, “but I’d say that’s everybody’s favorite.”

Melinda’s Chicken George might be a close second place among the favorite dishes at Gil’s.

The front of the building, which seats about 140, is a restaurant and bar that opens to a large patio, where an additional 100 guests can be seated comfortably.

Gil’s is open daily for lunch and dinner, except on Sundays. The daily menu features burgers, BLTs, pork tenderloin and steak sandwiches. The menu also includes fish, chicken, steaks, salads, tacos, chicken wings and a lot of appetizers.

For little ones, the menu offers chicken fingers, grilled cheese, and corn dog bites. Story continues on page 13

The pride and joy of Gil’s owner, D.J., this super super-stretch Excursion limousine which, is available for rent.

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RIVER CITY FENCING ALL TYPES & STYLES OF FENCING Wood • Privacy • Poly Vinyl • Ornamental Iron Galvanized & Colored Chain Link • Custom Made Gates “Do-It-Yourself Materials • Repair Work Custom Made Dog Kennels Gate Openers • Installation & Repair • Year Round Service

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The super super-stretch limousine can be rented out for special events.

Gil’s co-owner, Melinda James, pours a drink and chats with customers.

She and husband D.J. have been in business for four years.

Story continued from page 11

Buffet-style catering is also available with a vast menu.

When not cooking, the Jameses are event planners and a limousine service provider.

Seeing a need last year, D.J. said, they purchased a 40-foot, super-super-stretch Excursion limousine to have available for rent.

“We do a lot of weddings,” he said, “and it just made sense to offer that, too.”

They have a variety of wedding packages, some of which include guest shuttles and airport transportation for the honeymooners.

“We like to have a little of everything for customers,” he said.

To make it easier for guests to visit neighboring businesses, Wild Rose Casino, and the Hampton Inn, they installed a walking bridge over the deep culvert that separates them.

Before, those who patronized each business had to drive to the buildings that are only a few feet away.

Offered at a discounted rate for charities and fundraising events, the ballroom can accommodate about 400 guests. D.J. said it is just one small thing they feel they can do for the community.

“We’ve had tournaments for bags, different charity events, traveling baseball teams, trivia night for the showboat. We like to help the community out,” D.J. said. “In the main dining room, we sometimes have karaoke at night, just for fun, too.”

Those who rent the ballroom can bring in bands or deejays.

The room has its own bar and dance floor.

“We have a lot of anniversaries, business meetings, luncheons, holiday and birthday parties, awards banquets, class reunions, any kind of events here,” Melinda said. s

Gil’s Ballroom installed a walking bridge over the culvert that separates his business from the neighboring hotel and casino, making it easier for customers to patronize each place.

Reserve ballroom, or a ride Gil’s Ballroom 2750 27th Ave. S., Clinton, Iowa 563-241-9800 Hours 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-2 a.m. Saturday

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Upscale items for hometown prices Photos by Alex T. Paschal/ Sterling-Rock Falls Living Wendy Ottens, the owner of the Sweet Woodruff Gift Shop in Fulton, sells a variety of gifts, decorations, jewelry and artwork.

Sweet Woodruff offers sweet boutique experience

BY LONNIE MILLER SPECIAL TO RIVER CITY LIVING

W

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endy Ottens opened Sweet Woodruff as a ladies’ boutique 8 years ago in a 122-year old building that has been restored to show off its tin ceilings and arched doorways. Crisp black awnings outside and fresh, ever-changing inventory inside are kept in immaculate condition, clean and artistically arranged to rival any big-city gift boutique.

Wendy’s background is in interior design. She graduated from Sheffield School of Design and has 18 years experience. Consultations for home design are available by appointment.

She loves offering upscale items for hometown prices.

“You can buy gifts and home décor, purses and jewelry, and many other items in here for $20 to $25 every day,” she said, “even though I see those same items in bigger cities for twice or three times as much!”

She likes to keep the stock moving, and keep fresh, new items coming in regularly. She also helps clients to find specialty items that she might have carried in the past or that they’ve seen in other stores.

Special sales are offered once a month with 25 percent off specific products

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or multiple lines of merchandise.

Refreshments and discounts are available the first Thursday of each month from 5 to 8 p.m. Wendy invites her guests to browse and enjoy the beauty of her store.

“I want everyone to feel like family when they come in here,” she said.

Customers Joyce Shubert of Mount Carroll and Juanita Randklev of Savanna learned of the store during a Ladies’ Night Out event where Wendy and her associates were teaching women the newest ways to tie scarves. Both visited the shop as a result of Wendy’s tutorial and found many interesting and affordable items to purchase.

“The prices are great!” “Juanita said.

Everything a gal could want – from stationery, cards, screen prints towels, serving pieces, lamps, lanterns, statuary, plaques, hats and purses, candles, pictures or frames, artisan items and trendy jewelry, to customized silk floral arrangements – is housed within the antique walls of this very special boutique.

A floral design specialist comes into the shop twice each week and works with customers to create one-of-a-kind floral arrangements that will complement a home or business décor.

Holiday events, such as a “shop hop,” are often coordinated with other shops in town. s

Shop ’til you drop...

Sweet Woodruff 1106 Fourth St., Fulton 815-589-2937 Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday

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FALL FAMILY FUN IN FULTON Annual October festival closes the season

BY KAYLA HEIMERMAN SPECIAL TO RIVER CITY LIVING

T

here is something special about autumn in the Midwest.

The cool, crisp air that requires sweaters and worn-in blue jeans. The changing leaves in yellow, orange, and red. The beautiful, bountiful harvest that inspires hearty suppers and warm desserts.

The annual Fulton Fall Festival – from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 4 – is the time for families to bid farewell to summer and play outside before Old Man Winter breathes his icy breath on the region.

“It’s just a fun community event,” said Jude Holesinger, a member of the festival committee. “It’s sort of a kickoff to full. And it’s the last hurrah for outdoor fun, the last big event before Christmas.”

The festival, which takes place mainly on Fourth Street downtown, features family fun, including pumpkin painting, gunny sack races and a straw maze. For children, there’s a petting zoo, inflatable bounce houses, and a story hour with make-and-take crafts. And for adults, there are beer gardens, open later into the night, and live entertainment.

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Fall Festival also features an arts and crafts show, a classic car cruise-in and a scavenger hunt in which visitors find the fall symbols displayed at local businesses for a chance to win prizes.

It wouldn’t be a festival without the traditional fare of fall, including caramel apples, kettle corn and s’mores.

Almost everything is free, Holesinger said, except those activities – such as the train rides through the downtown – that are fundraisers for local organizations, and those activities carry only a nominal fee.

In conjunction with Fall Festival, De Immigrant windmill and Windmill Cultural Center, 111 10th Ave., are open for tours. Heritage Canyon, 515 N. Fourth St., also is open for tours – from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday.

The Early American Crafters, a group of Civil War re-enactors, portray life as it was in the mid-1800s at the historic site. Admission is $2 for adults and $1 for children. s

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GROOM’S CAKE Let us make your special day even more magical with a one-of-a-kind cake created just for your special occasion.

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‘YOU HAVE TO GIVE BACK’ Fulton resident creates sense of community by helping others

BY CASSANDRA ZIMMERMAN SPECIAL TO RIVER CITY LIVING

include food, according to Janis, and everyone is always welcome.

The first year the event goal was $15,000 to benefit the Wounded Warriors Project, But it was even more successful that Janis had anticipated, arb Suehl-Janis’ love for her community is evident every day in her raising $19,200. actions.

Leonard and Barb’s annual Pasta Dinner, held every year in April, proOwner of Windmill Realty in Fulton, she and her husband, Leonvides support for Special Olympics athletes. ard, have created an atmosphere of giving back to the city of Fulton, where she The idea of giving back has resonated with the group, according to Barb. has lived for 34 years.

“Several of our athletes hope to help with the Wounded Warrior Project,” She works in the gift shop at Mercy North in Clinton, where she provides she said, “ to give back to the community that has helped them so much.” communion to the sick at the hospital. She hopes to create a sense of commuHer community involvement impacts many facets of the community nity through her by helping others. throughout the year.

The couple deliver mobile meals on Thursdays to people who have difShe is secretary for Fulton Kiwanis Club, which also helps families in ficulty leaving their homes. need during the holidays. The Kiwanis Club buys clothing and participates Janis, 65, has also made quite an impact by spearheading events that benefit in the caring tree, which allows area residents in need to give their children the Wounded Warrior Project. Her involvement began with words from a dear gifts. friend and Fulton resident, Dickie Bullers.

The club also buys school lunches for grade school and middle school A veteran, Bullers was the head cook for the annual Christmas Dinner at children whose families have difficulty paying for meals. the Fulton Fire Station.

The Annual Christmas Dinner, supported by Exelon, provides free meals His idea, according to Janis, came after a visit to the VA Hospital in Iowa each year on Christmas Day at the Fulton Fire Station. More than 300 City. meals are served, and 150 are delivered to Fulton residents who can’t leave “He said: ‘We need to do something. They can’t make a living for themtheir homes. The meal is free, but donations are welcome. selves. Some are missing limbs and are suffering from PTSD. I feel guilty Barb is also active in her church, the Prince of Peace Parish in Clinton. being here just because my ticker isn’t working right,’” she recalled. “I agreed As the chief cook for the past 25 years for the Fall Salad Luncheon, that something needed to be done, but he was adamant. He picked the date, Janis has helped the church raise $3,000 to $4,000 to help heat the church Oct. 20. But, tragically, he died after a fall from a bicycle before the event. I throughout the winter. had to do it for him.”

Several area associations over the past two decades have rewarded Janis’s This year’s event will happen on Sept. 26 with headliner Coupe DeVille. efforts.

Attended by veterans, soldiers, and community members, the event will She was named Red Cross Philanthropist of the Year by the Gateway Area Red Cross. Her work with the Wounded Warrior Project earned her Recognition of Service Award from the association.

Photos by Alex T. Paschal River City Living The Clinton Area Chamber of Commerce named her the volunteer Barb Suehl-Janis and her of the year in 2001-02. She was also the Fulton Chamber of Commerce husband, Leonard, have created Volunteer of the Year in 2013. an atmosphere of giving back She has twice held the position of Fulton Kiwanis President, in 1995-96 to the city of Fulton, where she and in 2009-10. has lived for 34 years.

And in 2013 she was the Fulton Dutch Days Grand Marshal.

She has been overwhelmed by the support that she has received from the residents of Fulton.

“Windmill Realty was named as such as a tribute to the strong Dutch heritage in Fulton,” she explained. “The city is embellished with wonderful Dutch people. I’m happy to be living in the community and to have been accepted like I have been.

“You just can’t take from the community; you have to give back, and that is the message that my husband and I hope to support.” s

B

Windmill Realty: 563-357-0461 1208 Third St., Fulton IL, 61252 www.windmillrealtyfulton.com r i v e r

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“The Alverno is spiritually based with ĐŽŵƉĂƐƐŝŽŶĂƚĞ ƐƚĂī͘ / Ăŵ ďůĞƐƐĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞŝƌ ƌĞƐƉĞĐƚ ĨŽƌ ŵLJ ƉƌŝǀĂĐLJ ĂŶĚ ŐƌĂƚĞĨƵů ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ĐĂƌĞ ĂŶĚ ůŽǀĞ dŚĞ ůǀĞƌŶŽ

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‘City Chic’ Promises Luxurious Treatment Discover the experience of Shear Class

BY LUCINDA HALL SPECIAL TO RIVER CITY LIVING

Photos by Alex T. Paschal/River City Living Lots of options are available to spiffy up one’s nails.

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ampered. Oh, the bliss of being indulged.

At Shear Class in Fulton, hair and nail clients have discovered it’s all about the experience, and that experience is about to get even better.

This fall, the salon will open an expanded full-service nail spa, promising to offer a truly luxurious experience.

“We like to think of it as ‘city chic,’” said Megan Jones, who owns Shear Class with her husband, Brian. “The nail spa will have its own separate space with a soft, feminine décor.”

Already well underway, the petal pink- and pearl-tinted retreat will welcome clients into a fashionable and relaxing nail spa with soft, muted lighting. Staffed by a fullservice nail technician, the spa will specialize in shellac nail gel applications as well as traditional manicure and pedicure services. The space will accommodate two massaging pedicure chairs as well as two nail stations.

The hair salon will receive a makeover as well.

In keeping with “city chic,” clients will be welcomed into a casually classy sitting area, complete with a tufted leather sofa and coffee bar. The theme will be carried through to a beautifully designed quartz-topped appointment counter. Rich wood floors and carefully appointed client stations, separated by glass block ledges, promise each visitor privacy, yet a spacious, light-filled space.

What will not change is the special treatment clients have come to enjoy.

“Shear Class strives for excellence in all we do. This means longer scalp massages during shampooing, complimentary hand massages during chemical hair processing, and complimentary make-up touch-ups after services,” Jones explained. “It is rewarding to see a client look in the mirror and love what they see.”

The décor isn’t all that’s trending at Shear Class.

“All of our stylists pursue continuing education in all of the latest trends and styles,” Jones said. “Ombré and Balayage are huge trends right now.”

Both techniques are gaining in popularity and take skilled stylists to achieve the desired results.

Ombré refers to the gradual lightening of hair strands, usually fading from a darker color near the roots to a lighter one at the ends. It can be either very striking or subtle, depending on the technique and level of lightness.

Balayage is French, meaning “to sweep.” Rather than horizontal highlighting strokes, the stylist “sweeps” color vertically with the tip of the highlight brush on only the front of the hair. This technique creates natural, sun kissed highlights.

“We are also seeing vivid colors as well as pastel and smoky blondes.” Jones shared.

Other trends are women going from short to long hair, straight to curly, and light blondes to vibrant reds and deep browns.

Jones is eager to share some tips to keep your hair looking its best after you leave the solon. She offered these suggestions: Cold Shower – After conditioning, rinse hair with cold water to avoid dry, frizzy hair Better hold – Insert bobby pins with the wavy side closest to the your head for a firmer grip Get to know a round brush! – A round brush can make styling your hair a breeze “It’s rewarding being able to make a difference in our clients’ lives by giving them confidence, making them feel completely cared for, and establishing friendships with them,” Jones said. “It is our personal mission to make sure every client who walks out our door feels wholly cared for, listened to, appreciated and more confident than when they walked in. We’re here to accentuate the inner and outer beauty of all our clients and committed to making a lovely impression in someone’s life.”

With a mission like that, who wouldn’t feel pampered? s

Kari Wiersema will be happy to take you under her scissors at Shear Class in Fulton.

Stylist Kim Renkes works on client Noreen Howard’s hair at Shear Class.

Kami Huizenga gets the treatment from sister and stylist Renay Byers.

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HOMEWARD BOUND REHABILITATION

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Look for our next edition of River City Living

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WAYS TO SAVE DOLLARS AND THE PLANET

Independent Energy Systems sees increase in solar installation

BY CASSANDRA ZIMMERMAN SPECIAL TO RIVER CITY LIVING

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s the cost of living rises, many Illinois and Iowa residents are finding ways to keep saving.

According to Jason Maresca of Independent Energy Systems in Clinton, Iowa, Independent Energy Systems has been installing ground and roof renewable energy systems for the past 3 years in Illinois and Iowa.

Many homeowners are turning to the use of solar panels to lower energy costs. Solar requires less maintenance and is about half the cost to install. Solar panels, installed to capture the most sunlight throughout the day, have a warranty of 25 years from by IES. “We have installed about 12 systems and still have several projects left to do this year,” Maresca reported. “Word of mouth has really helped to get the word out there about solar energy.

This according to the Department of Energy, solar energy has “more than doubled the U.S. supply of solar power from 2008 to 2012.”

The interest in solar energy has also made this type of renewable energy more affordable for everyone, including those in the Clinton and Fulton areas.

This increase has “reduced solar energy installation costs by more than 30 percent,” according to www.energy.gov.

Two systems are most commonly used for homes and businesses.

The Solar Photovoltaic system allows sunlight to convert to electricity after being absorbed by the solar panels. That energy is either used in the building or sent to the electricity grid. This system can operate independently or in conjunction with the electrical grid.

Solar Thermal collectors trap heat from sunrays, which is transferred to a storage system.

According to the Illinois Solar Energy Association, this system has been used successfully in Illinois for decades.

A second system builds solar energy use into the home’s design.

This system uses south-facing windows and thick materials to “absorb, store, and slowly release the sun’s heat within a well insulted shell,“ according to www.illinoissolar.org.

According to the ISEA, “A study by the Appraisal Institute reports a home’s value increases $20 for every $1 reduction in annual energy bills.”

Other forms of renewable energy used in Illinois are wind, geothermal, flowing water, concentrated solar, and biomass.

The state has recognized the potential for wind resources. According to www.illinoissolar.org: “Illinois’ first utility-scale wind energy project began generating 50 megawatts of power in 2004. Nearly a dozen more wind farms are proposed in Illinois, with several poised for development.”

Just 1.5 megawatts can produce enough electricity for about 330 homes, according to www.wind-watch.org.

Geothermal systems use ground heat and air heat during the summer and winter seasons to normalize temperatures within homes.

However, solar energy might be most useful for smaller projects such as homes because of the lack of maintenance and installation costs.

Various grants and incentive programs have been implemented in Illinois to promote the installation and use of renewable resources.

Independent Energy Systems works with the states of Iowa and Illinois to lower costs through the use of such programs.

Because of several factors, including government incentives, interest in investing in a solar energy system has increased in the area over the past several years.

“People can save pretty much what your electric bill costs with the exception of the meter charge,” Maresca said. “Solar energy helps people save the environment and reduce their carbon footprint. It is just the right decision.”s

Independent Energy Systems 1319 N. Second St., Clinton, Iowa Jason Maresca: 563-357-4233 www.iesmidwest.com www.illinoissolar.org www.energy.gov www.wind-watch.org

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CAPITALIZING ON

SUN POWER H Solar panels allow family to enjoy home while limiting impact on environment

BY CASSANDRA ZIMMERMAN SPECIAL TO RIVER CITY LIVING

igh costs of living and unpredictable seasons have sparked an interest in renewable energy resources in recent years. The harshness of last year’s winter is a far cry from the mild summer that has followed.

Brian and Michelle Glasz have found a way to capitalize on their energy usage through the use of solar panels.

Brian, a farmer and physician’s assistant, and Michelle, a pharmacist, began the journey to take their home off the grid 2 years ago. Their five-bedroom, 4,000-square-foot home, outbuildings, and grain bins all use electricity converted from sunrays that are collected by 11 arrays at the front of their property along Highway 30 outside Clinton, Iowa.

The Glaszes hope to install another bank of panels to further help the farm.

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The Glaszes system does not have batteries to store unused extra energy, but rather puts it back into the grid.

This earns the family credits.

While the initial cost of installing panels might be shocking, several grant and incentive options are available, according to Brian. The programs he used to assist in installing the arrays required a home inspection to ensure that the home was Green Star compliant, including energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and windows.

For Brian, the most important part in beginning the process was to understand his family’s own energy usage. Energy usage is important for anyone considering using renewable energy resources, as the amount of payback is directly related to the number of arrays needed.

“While the initial cost is significant to some, those who are thinking about installing these need to understand that they have a 2- to 5-year payback rate with rebates and a 25-year warranty,” Brian said. “They also only require adjusting twice a year for sun angles: once at spring equinox and once at fall equinox. I do not have to clean them or remove snow.”

Land use is also imperative as the panels have to be unobstructed to the south, which is why the home’s front yard has no trees.

For homeowners and businesses interested in solar panels, smaller options can be mounted on a roof. Brian chose solar panels over wind generators for several reasons.

“The solar panels are environmentally friendly and not land obtrusive like wind generators,” he said. “There is also not enough wind here to create the type of energy needed. With the solar panels, even on a cloudy day I make energy.”

Energy generation varies throughout the year, depending on the length of daylight. During the summer, the Glaszes build up a credit, which is used throughout the winter to help meet their greater energy needs.

Brian hopes to add eight more arrays in the coming years to lessen energy costs for his grain bins.

The Glaszes interest in renewable energy has also echoed in other ways. To avoid the use of fossil fuels, a corn burner, using corn from his own fields, heats the workshop. Most important, the family has greatly decreased electricity bills while being able to run everything as if the home were on an electricity grid.

Before switching to solar, the Glaszes spent about $3,000 a year on electricity. By using solar renewable energy, the family has decreased the monthly bill to an average of $32, or $384 a year.

The savings are much more than monetary, as the Glasz family is able to enjoy their home while limiting their impact on the environment. s

Brian and Michelle Glasz of Dewitt, Iowa, have found a way to capitalize on their energy usage through solar panels. The farm has four panels that run the house and eight others to run the corn-drying bins.

With tax rebates received for building the alternative energy system, the Glaszes expect to have the panels paid off in 2-5 years.

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ANYTIME FITNESS: YOU CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE

Photos by Michael Krabbenhoeft/River CIty Living Dale Loeffelholz, of Clinton, exercises on an elliptical at the Clinton Anytime Fitness.

Personal trainer Zachary Knight, 19, of Clinton, does bicep curls at the Anytime Fitness gym.

Gym offers affordable rates, friendly environment

BY LONNIE MILLER SPECIAL TO RIVER CITY LIVING

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nytime Fitness owner Chip Staebel, a former golf pro, understands the importance of encouragement and accountability in reaching health and fitness goals.

He and manager Robin Kelley are dedicated to helping their members with personalized fitness and nutrition plans to improve lives.

Staebel opened the Clinton, Iowa, site after realizing that many people living in the area near his gym needed and wanted such a facility. Since 2011, he has traveled between his Rock Falls and Clinton sites from his home in Sterling.

The Anytime Fitness gym offers a hands-on approach to training, regular access to personal trainers, or help with setting and achieving goals. It offers all this and more in a non-intimidating setting.

Rates are set for various situations, from annual or short-term memberships, monthly plans, and special rates for singles, couples, groups and students. The gym offers specials every month for new members.

Robin Kelly (left), the club manager, and Chip Staebell, the owner, stand inside Clinton Anytime Fitness.

Each new client gets consultation with a personal trainer upon signing up, as well as access to the gym and Anytime Fitness websites for educational and instructional information.

Some services on the website offer nutritional information, personalized eating menus, and specific exercise plans that will help clients reach their personal goals. They offer “Bootcamp,” Core and Balance Training, Yoga and other types of classes regularly.

“We want to be your neighborhood gym with a home-away-from-home feel,” Staebel said.

“We offer very affordable rates and a friendly, sociable environment.”

Kelley, who has been manager for more than 2 years in Clinton, echoes that sentiment.

“I’ve seen new clients come in and soon they’re friends, then more like family,” she said.

“I love meeting all the new people, sharing their stories and encouraging their success. It’s like seeing my family every day.”

She adds that seeing successful weight loss or gain and improved health is to watch lives change before her eyes.

During September, Anytime Fitness will offer two free classes with membership: The first class

Personal trainer Matt Holley, 22, of Clinton, does pull ups at the Anytime Fitness gym.

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will be a High Intensity Interval Training with Yoga, taught by women’s trainer Kelli Jahn. The second is a Beginning Fitness Class, with instructor Michael Bruns. Each class meets twice a week, and lasts for eight sessions. s Dillion Chase, 18, of Clinton exercises at Anytime Fitness.

Anytime Fitness 1320 N. 11th St., Clinton, Iowa 563-243-3334 Staffed Hours: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday, Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Tuesday, Friday noon-8 p.m. Wednesday

Anytime Fitness in Clinton has been at current location at 1320 N. 11th St. since January 2013

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