SVM_Spotlight_030919

p i t g l S O ht SAUKVALLEY.COM n MARCH 9, 2019 n PAGE D1 n AN ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT OF SAUK VALLEY MEDIA

SHINING A LIGHT ON THE BUSINESSES AND PEOPLE MAKING A BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR THEIR COMMUNITIES

SPOTLIGHT | WHITESIDE AREA CAREER CENTER CEO STUDENTS | BRAINSTORMING

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholders

Olivia Edmondson knows the value of collaboration in building a business plan – going it alone just isn’t part of her makeup. “With brainstorming, you bounce ideas off of others. Instead of doing that, I can do this, and can make it even better.

I could take a piece from that, and put it with this, and make it different and unique, and mine.”

An SHS junior knows she doesn’t have to reinvent the wheel, she just need to make sure it’s well-rounded – and that’s where listening to others helps spark flashes of inspiration Brainstorming, building, operating, sustaining — the hallmarks of a successful business.

In our Spotlight sections (running in each SV Weekend edition from March 9 to 30) we’ll profile students in Whiteside Area Career Center’s Creating Entrepreneurial Opportunities class, who share their ideas on how to come up with, build, operate and sustain a business in the 21st century.

Inside the sections, we’ll turn our attention to today’s business landscape in the Sauk Valley, the places that have already learned what it takes to earn your business.

BY CODY CUTTER ccutter@saukvalley.com 815-625-3600, ext. 5552 @CodyCutter35

Like many 16-year-old girls, one of the first things Olivia Edmondson does after waking up each morning is put on her makeup.

“I’m like a doll kind of person,” she said.

Edmondson has a choice of which blend, color or mix to buy at the store. She has certain favorites, and others that just don’t appeal to her.

However, sometimes she thinks there must be something else that would look good on her, something she’s not found among the bounty of beauty products at the store, a makeup that hasn’t been made yet.

That’s when the rumblings of a brainstorm begin, when inspiration strikes – but that’s just the first step in the process, the foundation on which ideas are built.

BEAUTY continued on D24

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Celebrating 150 Years of Serving our Policy Holders AMBOY Leffelman & Associates Amboy 815-857-2125 lisa@leffelmanassoc.com

BYRON Byron Insurance Agency 132 W. @nd St., Suite 10, Byron.

(815) 234-3211. office @byronins.com

DIXON Sauk Valley Insurance, Inc. 109 6th Street, Dixon 815-288-2541 www.saukvalleyinsurance.com

ERIE Mel Saad Agency 928 8th Avenue, Erie 309-659-2470 saad@mchsi.com

B V-A

FRANKLIN GROVE Stenzel Insurance Agency

102 N. Elm, Franklin Grove 815-456-2319 office@stenzelinsurance.com

LAMOILLE Leffelman & Associates LaMoille 815-638-2171 lexi@leffelmanassoc.com

LEE CENTER Baylor Insurance Agency Lee Center 815-857-2716 rbaylor1@gmail.com

MORRISON Cornerstone Insurance Agency

102 W. Main, Morrison 815-772-7782 lsandrock@2cornerstone.com

BRADFORD VICTOR-ADAMS

MUTUAL INSURANCE COMPANY Member Owned and Operated

SM-ST1626365 SM-ST1626365

MT. MORRIS Gilmour Insurance Agency, Inc. 103 S. Wesley Ave Mt. Morris 815-734-6600 gilmourins@comcast.net

PAW PAW First State Insurance 385 Chicago Rd, Paw Paw 815-627-8552 gsaf74@yahoo.com

ROCHELLE Miller Insurance Group 427 N. Main Street, Rochelle 815-561-9911 fax: 815-561-9912 insure10@frontier.com

Query Insurance Agency

330 May Mart Drive, Rochelle 815-562-4152 tbecker@crumhalsted.com

ROCK FALLS Adami Insurance Agency 712 First Avenue, Rock Falls 815-625-6220 Tracey.adamiagency@gmail.com

Hugh F. Miller Insurance Agency, Inc. 801 First Avenue, Rock Falls 815-626-1300 hughmillerinsurance.com

SUBLETTE Leffelman & Associates Sublette 815-849-5219 chris@leffelmanassoc.com

Providing Insurance Coverage for Local Homes & Farms Since 1869

120 W. South Street | Franklin Grove 815-456-2334 | www.bradfordmutual.com

D2 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Student’s strategy involves listening, determination, and a steno pad

Saturday, March 9, 2019

SPOTLIGHT | MILLERS SPORT CENTER

BEAUTY

and a little of this, all coming together to create something truly unique. That t thought really stuck with Thinking about what to her because she wanted to put together takes a lot of make her idea special and time, but consistent dedicadifferent. tion makes it possible.

“Especially in today’s Edmondson, a Sterling world, there are so many High School junior, has products out there,” done lots of research on Edmondson said. “You don’t existing projects, and has have to reinvent the wheel, gone through thinking you just have to make it betabout more than 100 differter. You have to make it your ent ingredients in the brain- own, and have to capitalize storming process. on it.”

That doesn’t come easy, Some people prefer soliand it certainly doesn’t come tude and silence during the without feedback. Edmond- quest for inspiration, but son said that it is a lot easier not Edmondson. What may to solicit the opinions of be distractions to some are others, rather than keep an like a lubricant for Edmondidea to herself. son, helping to get the gears “It’s easier to have different going for an idea’s journey perspectives,” Edmondson from brain to pen to paper said. “If you’re the smart– music or TV in the backest person in the room, it’s ground, the sounds of family wrong. Everybody has a life. different way at looking at When she comes up with something, a preliminary and someone “If you have a meet- idea, she runs else may have by family and ing with 500 differ- itclose a different way friends, ent people, they have gathering feedof looking at something all of these different back and opinthan I do.” from peoperspectives on one ions Listening to ple of different others was an thing, and you have ages. That’s important con- an idea on the whole when thinking cept Edmondabout other grasp of it. You have demographics son learned as a student in to be an incredible comes into Whiteside Area Edmondlistener. Everybody play.

Career Center’s son knows that Creating Entrehas to be heard.” some of her preneurial ideas may not Opportunities Olivia Edmondson immediately (CEO) class. resonate with CEO student She took in older demoideas from as many people graphics, but their views are as she could, careful not to important if she wants the leave people out because operation to be successful – sometimes they feel like to retirees, in particular. they can have an impact on “They’re buying for something neat. their kids and grandkids,” “If you have a meeting with Edmondson said. “They 500 different people, they may say that they may not have all of these different like it, but their niece, nephperspectives on one thing, ew or grandkid may love it,” and you have an idea on the she said. “If you’re going to whole grasp of it,” Edmond- get some money off of it, son said. “You have to be an why not capitalize on that? incredible listener. EveryEspecially for me, going on body has to be heard. They to college, why not get some can take it so personally if money saved up for that?” they aren’t heard.”

Edmondson did not have Feedback can be positive to look too far to figure out or negative. Even words and how to make a contribution phrases as seemingly simple and put her own spin on “but,” “well,” “however,” fashion. Some people may “actually,” or “I don’t know,” find it difficult to come up may cause an idea to crumwith something, and she ble. says that those who want to Edmondson uses criticism make a difference and creto her advantage. ate something can find ways “You’re like, ‘Man …’” to do so by simply looking at Edmondson said, “but their usual routine, like what it’s always been more of a she does in the morning. motivation for me. With “It’s easier to market brainstorming, you bounce something if you can fix ideas off of others. Instead a problem,” Edmondson of doing that, I can do this, said. “If you have a problem and can make it even better. thinking of one, if you go I could take a piece from through your daily process that, and put it with this, and think, ‘What could I do and make it different and easier?’ ‘What can I do difunique, and mine.” ferently?’ If you see a friend Thinking of certain pieces struggling, how can you can come at any time, in any help? What product could I make in my [age] range that setting. Edmondson uses a Gregg-ruled steno pad to log would help, and could market and finance?” her thoughts and ideas.

Following through on ideas Sometimes she may not and building the operation have it with her. One idea is the next step after brainfloated though Edmondstorming. Much time is son’s mind during a recent dedicated to thinking about math class. She wrote a what to do, but even more word down in green ink on time goes into making the a math worksheet that she dream a reality. had to turn in. Her teacher Edmondson will begin was curious as to why that another season on the word was written next to Sterling Golden Warriors’ that certain math problem. softball team this spring, “It’s easier to take your helping the team achieve time and write everything expectations that some down,” Edmondson said. other high school programs “No matter how crazy the can only dream. That same idea is, you have to write it down. You can take anything commitment to excellence on the softball diamond out of anything.” holds true when it comes to When that happens, not operating a business. everything is entirely in “Setting up a personal order. business is like a hobby,” “I wish I could say that it’s Edmondson said, “but I play all organized,” she said. softball year-round, and I’m Edmondson’s ideas for 16, I have homework for six different kinds of makeup other classes. It is hard, and haven’t come about entireit’s hard to balance. ly scratch. There’s a little “It’s fun and I really enjoy of this, and a little of that, combined with some of that doing it.”

CONTINUED FROM D1

Submitted

Matt Miller, future owner of Millers Sport Center Inc., works closely with his dad and fishing buddy, owner B.J. Miller.

Whatever floats your boat, they’ve got you covered Family business offers watercraft, fishing gear, storage and more

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media

LANARK – Whether searching for a new fishing boat or to fit in some water recreation time, Millers Sport Center Inc. has the equipment and service to keep you on the water all summer.

B.J. Miller and his son, Matthew, manage the b u s i n e s s, w h i c h w a s started in 1984.

Miller was in the construction business and started selling snowmobiles during the slow winter months.

When his snowmobile business grew, he added all-terrain vehicles.

The businesses evolved when he began to offer winter storage space for boats, and slowly he transitioned to selling, storing and servicing boats.

He sold his last snowmobile in 1995, B.J. Miller said.

Today, shoppers will find a selection of fishing and pontoon boats, as well as fishing accessories such as rods, reels, tackle and bait.

The work keeps the Millers busy, but he and Matt like to fish, and when they can, they squeeze in some time on the water.

After the long, cold winter, spring can be a busy time, with customers coming out of hibernation to shop for a new boat or to pull their boats and equipment from storage.

Millers Sports Center houses around 300 boats and other watercraft during the winter, and they personally deliver nearly 200 to customers’ homes, docks, and boat slips when boating season begins.

Millers Sport Center also provides docks and lift services, which includes installing them in the spring and removing them in the fall.

It can be fun to help customers find their perfect fit when it comes to boats and pontoons, Miller said.

“We take the time to listen and understand what they’re looking for.”

The strength of the business is in its professional service,

Millers Sport Center, 24565 Zier Road in Lanark, is open from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and from 7 a.m. to noon Sunday. Find it on Facebook, go to millerssport. com or call 815-493-6401 for more information. whether that is installing a dock or helping boat owners maintain their

equipment.

“It’s all about good service,” Miller said. “My

staff has been doing this for quite some time, and I have people who really understand the business, how to listen and take care of the customers.”

With the winter thaw giving way to spring blooms and sunnier days, the staff at Millers Sports Center will be busy helping their customers ensure they can enjoy a long, fun season on the water.

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Saturday, March 9, 2019

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SV Weekend • D3

SPOTLIGHT | OLIVER’S CORNER MARKET

Market does more than put food on the table

The couple behind the counters at Oliver’s Corner Market are also the owners: Tim and Patty Oliver, seen here in 2015 in front of their store.

Locally owned grocery store is more than just a business, it’s a friend to the community

BY AVALYNDA CASEY For Sauk Valley Media

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Oliver’s Corner Market

DIXON – In May, Patty and Tim Oliver will celebrate 32 years in May as owners of Oliver’s Corner Market, a neighborhood corner grocery with all the charm and heart of a neighborhood store from a by-gone era.

The Olivers worked together in a grocery store, the former Bill’s IGA, once in the Dollar General building down the street, when they were in high school, which is where they fell in love.

When the owner of the other corner grocery decided to sell, the food supplier of both businesses suggested that Patty and Tim buy the store. They haven’t looked back.

Patty took a couple years off when they had their children, but she jumped right back in soon after. The first 7 years, the Olivers partnered with Dave Kampas, calling the store Tim and Dave’s Jack and Jill.

When they became sole owners, they wanted their name on the sign, and the Oliver name has been standard fare the last 25 years.

Their focus is on food quality, and customer service is their number one recipe for success.

“Nearly every day of the week, unless we are out of state, one of us is here. Tim or I, we are in the store, hands-on, available for the day-to-day. That is the only way a small business can make it.”

Business ownership is not all peaches and cream, she cautions.

“It’s scary to start a small business. We all face similar challenges. Some things are not certain because the economy hasn’t bounced all the way back yet.”

Oliver’s Corner Market, 748 N. Brinton Ave. in Dixon, is open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. Call 815-288-7480, go to oliverscornermarket.com, find it on Facebook or email patim285@yahoo. com for more information.

AvaLynda Casey for Sauk Valley Media

Lisa Hewitt, head cashier and mother of three, has worked at Oliver’s Corner Market in Dixon for more than 25 years. “Patty and Tim have an accommodating work schedule for me to attend family events. I love to work here,” she said. Hewitt is waiting on Mike Greve. “I’ve stopped in at Oliver’s my whole life, and I like that they are local, convenient, and friendly,” the Dixon man said.

Oliver’s fills a need that the neighborhood supports regularly. Since the Dixon Food Center closed last year, “we’ve had a nice bump in business,” she said.

Along with its meats, produce and fresh and frozen groceries, including gluten-free options, Oliver’s serves homemade lunch

H O M E

Gallery SALE

NO SALES TAX! NOW - MARCH 13TH

entrees and has a runs a booming salad bar Monday through Friday at noon.

Staff makes in-house healthy meals with no preservatives, mostly organic, in two styles – Mediterranean or Sassy Salsa chicken or salmon. They also provide meatless versions, and break-

fast parfaits made with fresh fruits and organic Greek yogurt.

You also can find fresh bakery goods, as well as health and beauty products, Customers can register online for regular offers and grocery features, meal plans, and recipes, and the daily lunch menu is posted on

Facebook. Seniors get a 5 percent discount on Wednesdays.

Community groups know the Olivers best for their giving hearts.

Most organizations in town have participated in or benefited from an Oliver’s cookout fundraiser, which are held April to September.

The store will sell the meat, usually pork chops, hot dogs, burgers, brats, steak sandwiches, etc., to the group for a discount, then provides all the cooking supplies, grills, and extras.

The group cooks and sell the meals on site, and sometimes makes deliveries. This makes Oliver’s one of the biggest givers to each fundraiser.

It’s been a good living.

“We’ve raised six children who have all worked in the store, and two grandchildren, and the younger ones were really excited to work with us, but none of them are interested in taking over as of yet,” Patty said.

“We are hopeful that when we get closer to retiring, that someone will be ready when we are ready. We will be golfing and traveling, but for now, we are real happy to be here.

“We love serving Dixon, and we don’t take for granted the great years we’ve had here and the people we’ve met.”

Now through March 13th 0% Interest No Sales Tax

D4 • SV Weekend

www.saukvalley.com

Saturday, March 9, 2019

SPOTLIGHT | LOESCHER HEATING & AIR CONDITIONING SPOTLIGHT | PLN MUTUAL INSURANCE

The feelings are Mutual Insurance is anything but impersonal for agents who help their customers find peace in the midst of tragedy

BY AVALYNDA CASEY For Sauk Valley Media

Submitted

Loescher Heating & Air Conditioning services residential and commercial properties with offices in Sterling (above, at at 1705 Westwood Drive) and Freeport, and mobile technicians available to answer the call.

Temperature team runs hot and cold, 24-7 When it comes to helping customers keep their cool, Loescher does everything from A to C, and when it’s time to heat things up, its staff can help, too, be it a fireplace or a furnace – and that’s not all they do

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media

STERLING – All too often, we take a warm home in the winter and a cool home in the hot summer months for granted – that is, until something goes wrong.

But the staff and skilled technicians at Loescher Heating & Air Conditioning are ready to come to the rescue of broken equipment or to help keep your home or business the right temperature all year long.

They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and that’s crucial, said Kevin Rauch, Loescher’s project manager.

“It is important to work with a company that has qualified staff standing by to get your facility or home back up and running when breakdowns occur,” Rauch said.

Loescher Heating & Air Conditioning services residential and commercial properties with offices in Sterling and Freeport and mobile technicians available to answer the call.

They have technicians who are familiar with all makes and models, including several with more than 20 years of work experience.

While their name says heating and air conditioning, the staff at Loescher goes beyond maintenance of furnaces and air conditioners. They also clean ducts and can serve plumbing, refrigeration and electrical needs.

“Loescher takes prides in being the single source, the right choice, where customers can work with one point of contact on multiple aspects of their project versus having to coordinate with several contacts to complete the project,” Rauch said.

“We are able to solve issues quicker and help control project budgets more efficiently.”

With the growing interest in wireless thermostats, the technicians at Loescher can assist commercial and

Kevin Rauch (left) and Cal Stage of Loescher Heating & Air Conditioning are shown here in July presenting $500 to Sterling police Sgt. Todd Messer and Brinkley, SPD’s comfort dog, for the department’s Running of the Bears fundraiser to benefit Special Olympics Illinois.

Submitted

Loescher Heating & Air Conditioning staff are available at 815625-4822 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from the company office at 1705 Westwood Drive in Sterling.

The company also has an office in Freeport. Go to loescherhvac.com for information or to schedule a service call. residential customers with installation and maintenance of equipment that will allow them to control their home or office climate even when they’re away.

“It’s more of a user convenience and peace of mind,” he said.

Loescher is also one of the few businesses that sells, installs and services fireplaces, including installation of gas inserts and retrofitting wood-burning fireplaces into gas fireplaces.

A photo gallery on the Loescher website displays some of the styles and options that are available.

The Loescher site is easy to navigate and customers can schedule service calls directly online, making it easy to keep up with annual equipment checks and services.

“You want to make sure you’re checking for proper airflow, tight electrical connections, refrigerant levels and general condition of the unit,” Rauch said, adding that as soon as things heat up in the summer, customers should schedule an annual air conditioning service check.

“By checking these during an annual inspection, fewer repairs may be required and it is likely breakdowns can be avoided,” he said.

With more than 50 years of business experience and technicians with the latest certifications and staff available 24-hours a day, Loescher Heating and Air Conditioning has the know-how and time to keep customers comfortable in their homes and businesses.

DIXON – Bill Gorski has a passion for helping people through the darkest days of their lives.

Gorski, general manager of PLN Mutual Insurance Co. at 201 Lincoln Statue Drive, is one of 28 agents in northern Illinois.

Chartered in 1865 by a special act of the Illinois General Assembly to write farm property polices, the policy-holder-owned insurance company started in a small abandoned building on Palmyra Road in Palmyra Township.

“Every township used to have an office, but now there are fewer,” Gorski PLN Mutual Insurance said.

Co. was founded in 1865 “It’s a specialized by local farmers when niche market for eastern insurance compafarms, implements, nies of the day would not property, and casuprovide affordable insuralty. The Grinnell Co. ance to the area. offers liability proThe policyholders own tection. “ the company and elect G o r s k i ’s s e c r e t the directors who govern to success is easy. it, keeping control of PLN “ We’v e s e r v i c e d local. farmers through Bill Gorski’s office is at the years, and we’ve 201 Lincoln Statue Drive grown and changed in Dixon. Call 815-284with the industry.

6816, go to plnmutualins.

We adapted from com or email him at plnlivestock to farmclaims@grics.net for inforing. Farmers’ needs mation on the products change as agriculture and services available. changes.

“Farms are getting bigger, they are using GPS, there is more liability with drones, and now with texting and emails – everything is different.”

When it comes to the competition, he acknowledges that “our products are the same across the board.”

“But we excel,” Gorski said, “in service to the customer. We specialize in “‘custom farming’ – if one farmer combines or sprays for another, or when the crop changes, then the equipment changes.”

Gorski grew up on a small cattle and crops farm near Polo, and “I love being a part of farm life,” he said.

“I worked at the John Deere dealer for 18 years and have been here for 22 years. I like working and talking with farmers. I am very proud to be part of how farmers evolve.

PLN continued on D54

Bill Gorski’s PLN office is at 201 Lincoln Statue Drive in Dixon.

Friday, March 22, 2019 • 6pm Start • The Brandywine • 441 IL Route 2, Dixon Please join Kreider Services at our 5th Annual Gala Fundraiser in celebration of National Disabilities Awareness Month. Event proceeds will support meaningful opportunities for people in our programs.

It’s about focusing on the Me in Meaningful.

$45 per person or table of 8 / $350 The evening will include Cocktails, Tapas, Silent, Dessert, & Live Auctions -- entertainment by

Call Kreider Services for more information and to RSVP --- 815.288.6691 x249

Saturday, March 9, 2019

www.saukvalley.com

A 180 for the 540

SV Weekend • D5

SPOTLIGHT | DIXON VFW POST 540

Ann Wittenauer-Westlund, manager of Dixon VFW Post 540, stands ready to book wedding receptions, reunions, birthdays and other celebrations in the club’s newly remodeled banquet room.

Things weren’t going so well for the Dixon VFW a few years ago, but a turnaround was in the cards. Now, with business bouncing back and a remodeled banquet room, it’s on to the next mission: bringing a new generation of members Michael Krabbenhoeft/mkrabbenhoeft@saukvalley.com

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media

DIXON – A couple years back, things weren’t looking so good for Dixon VFW Post 540.

Interest in the club was dwindling, and so was the club’s bank account.

Michael Kuba, of Dixon, and his fellow members realized that if things didn’t change, they may need to close the post, which had been chartered in 1925.

Then they decided to launch a Queen of Hearts fundraiser.

It’s a progressive raffle: The game begins with 54 cards, under which nestle all four suits plus the two jokers found in a standard deck of playi n g c a rd s.

People buy Michael tickets, and Kuba on the back of each one, they put their name, phone number, and the number under which they think the queen is lurking. Each week, the tickets are put in a barrel and if the winning ticket also has the correct card, the holder wins the pot.

If no one gets the correct card, another drawing is held the next week, and the pot continues to grow.

“It gave us a mission,” Kuba says, reflecting on how members pulled together to run the game.

Dixon VFW Post 540, 1560 Franklin Grove Road/ state Route 38 in Dixon, opens at 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday and at 11 a.m. Sunday.

Call bar manager Ann Wittenauer-Westlund at 815-288-5165 for information on banquet hall rentals; go to vfw.org or find it on Facebook for more information on the club.

Not only that, but people went nuts for the fundraiser, which has raised the club’s profile exponentially.

Members decided to use that infusion of cash to renovate the aging banquet hall in the circa-1968 building, to bring in even more income through venue rentals, and the result is a beautiful room ready for wedding receptions, reunions, birthdays and other celebrations.

Kuba, now post commander, is proud to see the VFW once again thriving, with a good crowd coming out on Thursdays for the weekly drawing, more live music and, he hopes, more banquet hall rentals now that spring is on the horizon.

“I credit our members, our staff and especially the bar manager,” Kuba said.

That would be Ann Wittenauer-Westlund, long the heartbeat of the club.

Kuba, who served in a Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2004-05 as part of the National Guard, joined Post 540 about 6 years ago, after he hosted a fundraising event for a neighbor who had lost both legs in Afghanistan.

He had so much fun getting to know the guys while coordinating the fundraiser, he decided to join, he said.

While the VFW hall and its bar are open to all, club membership is limited to combat veterans, and although the post has about 200 members, at least half are veterans of World War II or Korea, an aging population.

Kuba’s goal is to bring in more veterans who have served in recent years. The benefits are many, including having the chance to hang out with those who share a common bond of service.

It’s also a great place to come in for a beer, a delicious meal by the posts two outstanding chefs (tacos on Monday, chef’s choice on Thursday – “the food is just amazing,” Kuba says), and catch a great local band.

But the social aspect is just one factor.

The VFW also supports the community. In the last few years, thanks largely to the Queen of Hearts fundraiser, the post has been able to donate $160,000 to other veterans organizations, and to a host of community organizations.

It was a packed house at the Dixon VFW Post in February 2016, during one of the Queen of Hearts drawings. The jackpot eventually grew to $301,510 before it was won that March.

Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

To play the game

percent, half goes to charity and the club keeps the rest.

About $100,000 raised in Queen of Hearts raffles over the past year was used to renovate the banquet room, including a new restroom, bar, lighting, crown molding, flooring, and paint; while the post has given about $160,000 to local nonprofits and other veterans groups.

In 2016, when it took 44 weeks for the queen to show her face, the kitty grew to $301,510.

Call 815-288-5165 for more information.

Queen of Heats tickets cost $5 for six; they are available at VFW Post 540, 1560 Franklin Grove Road in Dixon, from 2 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 11 a.m. Saturday and Sunday until closing time, which depends on events and attendance.

Drawings normally are held Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., with the last ticket sold at 7:25 p.m.

The winner, who need not be present at the drawing, will get 70 percent of the pot. Of the remaining 30

Friday, March 15th 8am-4pm Saturday, March 16th 8am-4pm Sunday, March 17th 10am-4pm

Submitted

Bill Gorski (left) and his staff Kim Cruse, Vickie Michels and Dustin Popejoy are on a mission to provide insurance coverages at the lowest possible cost, while providing superior personal service to their policyholders.

General manager knows firsthand what it’s like dealing with hardship PLN

CONTINUED FROM D4 t

“I’ve learned that you never know from day to day how you might keep what you have. When I am with family, working around the house, I think of families who have just lost everything in a house fire, and now they are

living in a motel.

“We see people in their worst moments, and it really hits home. I feel for people.”

Gorski has experienced his own share of tragedy.

“I lost most of my eyesight a couple of years ago, and I was worried at first about if I could keep working. But the people here, and the board members, and board

of directors have all worked together to allow me to serve here where I do best.”

Many people think that insurance is an impersonal business.

Not for Gorski.

“We try to help people figure out where they are going to start over ... how they can find peace in the midst of tragedy.”

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Saturday, March 9, 2019

SPOTLIGHT | HEALTH & NUTRITION PLUS

The plus side of a natural lifestyle Business puts people on a path to healthier living through nature, nutrition, and good old-fashioned customer service

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media

STERLING – It isn’t enough to stack the shelves with quality health supplements.

At Health & Nutrition Plus, owner Jennifer Griswold and her staff make a point of keeping themselves and their staff up-to-date on the latest information with ongoing certifiable education.

This allows them to provide customers with knowledgeable guidance and professionalism.

“When people have questions, you want to make sure you’re giving good information,” Griswold said.

She’s a recent graduate of Trinity College where she earned her doctorate of naturopathy; she also has achieved certifications as a nutritional counselor, natural health specialist and master herbalist.

Her desire to complete this natural health course of study was based in part on her own personal growth, her passion for her work and her desire to better serve customers, Griswold said.

Her mentor, Paul Machnicki, a naturopath for 20 years, inspired her career in the natural health field, and today she is proud to work alongside him at Heath & Nutrition Plus.

“As I continue to learn and see people who Paul has enjoyed helping over the years, I, too, have found joy and fulfillment in helping others achieve a healthier lifestyle,” she said. It is so rewarding.

“We have so many loyal and amazing customers that we get to see on a regular basis ... these people have become part of our HNP family. We enjoy knowing people on a first-name basis and understanding their needs on a personal level.

“When we see new faces, we work hard to ensure that each person receives individual, educated assistance and we do our best to answer their questions, knowing that when they leave, we have

Submitted

Health and Nutrition Plus owner Jen Griswold and her staff pride themselves on service with a personal touch. “We have so many loyal and amazing customers that we get to see on a regular basis ... these people have become part of our HNP family. We enjoy knowing people on a first-name basis and understanding their needs on a personal level. From left: Damian Feary, Jenny Parker, Griswold and Paul Machnicki. made a new friend.”

At Health & Nutrition Plus customers can find an array of products from supplements to essential oils and diffusers.

Griswold and her staff are always researching products, to understand them and to ensure the best quality products are on the shelves.

“We work closely with our vendors, who also provide educational seminars,” she said.

“This gives our staff the necessary information to guide our customers to the right product, and it also provides us the confidence of knowing we are providing wholefood based products that are superior in quality and purity.”

5 effective ways to alleviate stress

March is

(MS) Stress affects everyone at some point in their lives and does not discriminate based on gender, nationality, ethnicity, economic status, or age. The American Institute of Stress says job-related stress costs businesses millions of dollars each year due to unanticipated absences. In fact, work is the foremost source of stress for many adults.

Although not all stress is bad and stress responses can motivate people to perform more effectively, repeated stress is a problem. The National Institute of Mental Health says routine stress that becomes chronic can suppress immune system functions, disrupt digestion, adversely affect sleep, and cause abnormal changes in reproductive systems. People who have chronic stress are often prone to frequent and severe viral infections, like colds and the flu.

Repetitive stress may be the most difficult to recognize because it often becomes a part of daily life. Managing stress and anxiety involves finding techniques that work for each individual. While not every approach works for everyone, the following are five effective means to managing stress.

1. Exercise: The American Psychological Association says research continues to confirm the benefits of exercise in regard to combatting stress. Regular exercise has long-term benefits, but even a 20-minute exercise

Health & Nutrition Plus, 2522 E. Lincolnway in Sterling, is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Saturdays. Check them out online at healthandnutritionplus.com or call 815-625-3409.

Along with an array of quality products there are several specialized services available at Health & Nutrition Plus, including private nutritional counseling and a detoxifying foot bath. Machnicki also offers an iridology consultation.

Iridology, which is the examination and analysis of the colored portion of the eye, shows signs of imbalances in the body.

Those interested are encouraged to schedule an appointment for these services or stop in to learn more.

Griswold and her staff also plan to expand services. They want to provide more educational opportunities as well as demonstrations, she said.

“We’re hoping to bring our own expanded and unique touch of natural health to the community.”

In a time when many can shop with a few clicks of a mouse or on their smart phones, it’s customer service that can and will truly make a difference for the customers, Griswold said.

“We’re educated, we’re friendly, and we love what we do. Customers are able to come in and find the answers; this is the uniqueness that we can offer.”

National Nutrition Month

session during a stressful time can produce an immedithemselves with others they trust who are good listenate effect that lasts a few hours. ers. These can be friends, family members or profession2. Deep breathing: Mindful breathing can be effective al therapists. Talking oneself through stressful situations and only takes 10 minutes. Men and women battling can provide relief. stress can sit in a comfortable position with their eyes Stress is a growing problem that can adversely affect closed and imagine themselves in a relaxing place while one’s health in various ways. Relieving stress involves slowly breathing in and out. identifying the stressor and taking a proactive approach 3. Take a break: Removing oneself from a stressful situabefore symptoms of stress worsen. tion for a little while can be helpful. A brief break of 15 to 20 minutes can provide At Curves, we offer 30-minute total body workouts with a coach. So you always get a sense of calm. the support and guidance you won’t find at an ordinary gym.

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Saturday, March 9, 2019

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SV Weekend • D7

SPOTLIGHT | BRADFORD VICTOR-ADAMS INSURANCE

Finding help in a time of loss Insurance agency manager knows how important it is to protect people’s dreams; she’s living a childhood dream come true

BY MELISSA RUBALCABA RISKE For Sauk Valley Media

FRANKLIN GROVE – As a child Kelly Reagan-Robery longed for life in the country and tried her best to persuade her parents to let her keep a pet horse in the backyard of their suburban Chicago home.

These days she is living her childhood dream with horses in her 10-acre backyard near Franklin Grove and a career helping homeowners and farmers to ensure their dreams are well-protected, too.

Reagan-Robery is the manager of Bradford Victor-Adams, a mutual insurance company in Franklin Grove.

Unlike larger insurance companies that answer to stockholders, a mutual insurance company is owned by its policyholders and any profit is banked to pay for future losses suffered by them when the mutual has a higher-than-usual number of claims.

It’s a system designed to avoid large rate increases, as well, Reagan-Robery said.

“We want to make insurance affordable for people.”

She started her career in Chicago, working as an underwriter insuring multimillion-dollar companies at a large stock insurance carrier.

When she and her husband, Steve, had the opportunity to move west 18 years ago, it was the right fit and 15 years ago she joined Bradford Victor-Adams, she said.

The company was founded 150 years ago by seven local farmers who were unable to secure insurance with the large stock carriers in the cities and decided to create their own mutual insurance company – one that understands the unique needs of farmers and homeowners in small towns.

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

Today, the company also provides homeowners insurance and services 45 counties in northern and central Illinois.

Reagan-Robery has a great team, including her long-time office staff, her board of directors and more than 40 independent insurance agencies that sell Bradford Victor-Adams policies, she said.

Whether she is managing policies for large farms and farm equipment or suburban homeowners, at the end of the day, her goal is to help people and be there in their time of need, Reagan-Robery said.

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

Work in the insurance field isn’t without its challenges. Farms are becoming larger,

Photos by Alex T. Paschal/apaschal@saukvalley.com

Bradford Victor-Adams manager Kelly Reagan-Robery (back row, right) said she has a great team, including her long-time office staff: Pam Drew (back left) and Pam Hochstein and (front row) Cameron Longan, holding Nora, and Lisa Hall. “I love my work, because we can help our policyholders get back to where they were before they suffered a property loss,” Reagan-Robery said. and with more acres, there is a need for efficient farm equipment, which can be a large expense. Having a company and staff who understands farming needs and risks is essential, she said, adding “I have a huge respect for farmers.”

Wen it comes to insuring homeowners, the ever-increasing technology in the home has presented its own challenges when it comes to ensuring a homeowner has the proper coverage.

It’s also essential that homeowners keep their insurance agents updated on large home improvements – such as finishing a basement or building an addition – to ensure proper coverage in case of damage.

A beautiful new piece of jewelry or a new sunroom may require additional insurance, and an agent can make sure the policyholder has the correct coverage necessary in the event of a loss.

For Reagan-Robery, her work doesn’t stop when the office lights are turned off.

She takes an active part in the commu-

nity, serving on the board of the Franklin Creek Conservation Association, volunteering at local events and festivals and helping out at her church.

Back at home on her 10 acres, she and Steve enjoy caring for their three horses and two mini donkeys, she said.

“It’s my childhood dream come true.”

Find it on Facebook, go to bradfordmutual.net or call 815-456-2334 to learn more about Bradford Victor-Adams Mutual Insurance Co. and the services it provides.

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