Issue 3 - InVironments Magazine

Transcription

Issue 3 - InVironments Magazine
ROCHELLE EDITION
18
Michelle Pease
A Passion for
Revitalizing Rochelle
34
Whitcomb
Locomotives
Riding the Rails of History
26
Rochelle Juniors Volleyball
Club Volleyball Trains Girls for Future Success
VOL 6 ISSUE 3
APR - MAY 2015
Where life happens.
1
Nobody plans a sick day.
Our new Walk-In Clinic is ready when you are.
Rochelle Community Hospital is pleased to announce
that compassionate, quality care at Rochelle Medical
Group’s new Walk-In Clinic is only a step away.
Our skilled family nurse practitioners treat minor
injuries and illnesses without an appointment – so
scheduling is never a problem when it comes to sick
The new Walk-In Clinic at Rochelle Medical Group
opened February 2, bringing together skilled
providers under one roof with:
• Quality care, no appointment necessary
• Healthcare for children & adults
• Treatment of minor injuries & illnesses
• Immunizations, labs & other services
days, sprained ankles or kids with fever.
(L -R) Marilyn Balch, APN, CNP;
Katherine Coulter, APN, FNP-BC;
Sara Lyons, APN, FNP-BC
• Skilled, compassionate providers
Open Monday-Friday, 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
KELSEA BALLERINI
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opening acts
from american idol
gina venier
Dixie still
food court
budweiser
music into the night
fun for the whole family!
admission
$20.00
10 & under free*
After Party with Love & Thunder
brought to you by:
purchase tickets
815-562-4189
rochellechamber.org
Walk-In Clinic
510 Lincoln Highway, Rochelle • 815-561-8335
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ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
rochellehospital.com/RMGWalkIn
Where life happens.
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MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
MESSAGE FROM THE PUBLISHERS
Dear Reader,
Contact Us
Rochelle InVironments
P.O. Box 4, Sycamore, IL 60178
Renee Page, Editor
Renee@invironmentsmag.com
Joe and Dana Meyers
Publishers/Advertising
Meyers@invironmentsmag.com
How to Write Us:
Do you have a question,
suggestion, or comment about
Rochelle InVironments? Email your
letter to renee@invironmentsmag.
com. Please include your full
name and city. You will be
contacted via email if your letter
is a candidate for publication.
Letters may be edited for brevity.
Dear Reader,
To get away
the interesting creations at Chef
Thanks to
frees up individuals and families to
immaculate house. In fact doing things
from the winter
Chad Warborg’s restaurant, Tapa
Adina Baily,
entertain without the crazy notion
with excellence can be fun. I am just
doldrums,
la Luna, in DeKalb. From sushi to
co-founder of
that every backyard BBQ needs to be
suggesting that the magic of hospitality
my friend
specialty pizzas, Chad’s creativity
TakeThemAMeal.
an event worthy of a Pintrest pin.
isn’t found in flawless presentation but
and I recently
in the kitchen is a gift to our area.
com and Joe
took a trip to
New Orleans.
From jazz to zydeco, the music of
in the people we open our lives to. King
King, author at
Both of the authors mentioned above
explained it this way, “Friendship isn’t
KnoxPriest.com,
reminded me of the heart of hospitality.
about always being ‘excellent’ with one
What a wonderful time we had
New Orleans can’t be beat. Every
I was recently exposed to the idea of
Sharing our table and our home with
another. Friendship is about preparing
exploring this unique city!
place you went, there was music.
“scruffy hospitality.” Just typing the
others is about connection. It should
a space for authentic conversation.
What if Pete Hansen brought his
words makes me smile. Like many (and
be about being real with the people
And sometimes authenticity happens
The city is both colorful and dark.
barbershop group to sing on the
maybe more so than most) preparing
who share our lives. Even though I have
when everything is a bit scruffy.”
People in bright costumes, Mardi
street corners in Rochelle, filling our
for company in our home can be a
done it over and over again in my life,
Gras decorations, the lights from
streets with music? What energy
stress, and that makes me sad. Believe
it seems so strange that I would allow
As always, I am so glad you are here
the clubs – they all come together
that would bring to the town!
it or not, this self-proclaimed cleaning
something like smudged mirrors and an
with us. Like sharing a meal together
challenged, mother of four loves to
un-swept floor keep me from deepening
strengthens our friendships, sharing
to make for exciting times day and
night. Above-ground cemeteries,
Shops for everything from t-shirts to
entertain. However, the prospect of
friendships. I think of the times I have
our stories strengthens our community.
voodoo shops, and the reminders of
high-end art line the streets of New
preparing the house for guests turns
stopped over at friends’ and heard
Our goal is that you will be encouraged
the destruction of Hurricane Katrina
Orleans. Michelle Pease is making
my cleaning ADD into high gear and sky
apologizes for the appearance of their
by the achievements of your neighbors.
are a grim reminder of the dark side
great strides in reinvigorating our
rockets the stress level in our home.
house. To be honest, when I see a
I am so thankful for all of you who have
of the city. Still, all the citizens we
downtown. With her guidance, Rochelle
In my mind I am Martha Stewart. In
messy counter, I think hallelujah I am
opened your lives since InVironments
met were both kind and joyous.
has the potential to restore its vibrant
reality, I may hedge closer to Miss
not the only person who has dishes
first went to print over six years
downtown and develop area tourism.
Piggy. The result of this warring
in her sink! It is a relief to know that
ago. Thanks for not waiting until
between fantasy and reality often leads
my friends don’t live in a house that
everything was perfect in your lives
us to put off having friends over.
looks like it should be in a magazine
before sharing your stories with us.
The unique cultural mix of French,
Spanish, West Indian, Native
I love traveling and visiting new and
American, and African makes
different places, but my thoughts are
for diverse language, incredible
never far from home. Just like Dorothy
This brings me to why the concept of
food, and phenomenal music. As
in The Wizard of Oz, “There’s no place
scruffy hospitality makes me smile. It
I strolled around the lively French
like home.” But nothing says we can’t
means putting aside convention and
Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing
InVironments Editorial Staff
info@invironmentsmag.com
Quarter, I found myself wondering
bring a little of the world to Rochelle.
ideals about what entertaining should
wrong with planning a gathering with
look like. Embracing scruffy hospitality
grand fair, and entertaining in an
Darby Dwyer, Advertising Director
Darby@invironmentsmag.com
most fascinating components
Finding “in”spiration in You,
of New Orleans to Rochelle.
Renee Page
Contact Us
InVironments
P.O. Box 4, Sycamore, IL 60178
what it would be like to bring the
24/7, and yet I can so easily make
“magazine ready” my standard.
With you “In” mind,
Joe and Dana Meyers
Publishers
Editor
As I gorged myself on gumbo, shrimp
creole, and pralines, I thought of
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ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS GO TO: WWW INVIRONMENTSMAG.COM
Where life happens.
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O F
26
ON THE COVER
T A B L E
Rochelle Juniors
Volleyball
Club Volleyball Trains
Girls for Future Success
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CONTENTS
F E AT U R E
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22 I N E N T E R TA I N M E N T
R
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32 I N H E A LT H
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PETE HANSEN
Singing in Perfect Harmony
DeKalb Clinic is now
KishHealth System Physician Group
10
42 I N F O O D
CHAD WARBORG
Creating in the Kitchen
18
34
10 I N F E AT U R E
Spruce Up Your Home for Spring with
Ashley Muricia
18 I N P E O P L E
34
Whitcomb Locomotives
F E AT U R E
Riding the Rails of History
46
INBUSINESS
26
TruGreen
Caring for Rochelle’s Lawns for 35 Years
48 I N C A L E N D A R
Enjoy the latest news on local
happenings in your area
MICHELLE PEASE
A Passion for R evitalizing Rochelle
46
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ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
Where life happens.
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I N C AT G R Y
Visit today to view our
extensive Keystone collection!
SPRING IS THE SEASON TO CLEAN HOUSE!
So start by coming to the Meyers Furniture Spring Sale Event. Our associates
will help you achieve the fresh new look you’ve been dreaming about! At
Meyers Furniture we’re dedicated to helping you Spring into savings!
Meyers Furniture is proud to showcase a �ine selection of Keystone Collection
dining and bedroom furniture and sets. All Keystone Collection pieces are
hand-crafted in the USA for lasting value. Come in today!
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ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
1901 South State Hwy. 251
Mendota, IL 61342
(815) 539-6263
FIND US ON FACEBOOK!
209 Powers Road, Hwy. 251 North
Rochelle, IL 61068
(815) 562-8792
life happens.
W W W . M E Y E RS F U R N I T U R E . CWhere
OM
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I N F E AT U R E
spruce up your
home for spring
A
W IT H A S HL E Y M U R CI A
shley Murcia is the owner/designer of re-nest studio, a customized home décor and
children, Ashley started re-nest studio based on a rich history of crafting, DIY, and
to creating unique home and party décor, Ashley also shares her work, DIY tutorials, and
life stories as a mother on her blog,alittlecreativeeveryday.blogspot.com. And, starting in
May 2015, she will also become a regular DIY contributor to InVironments Magazine!
The temperatures are rising. The days are
“for little ones’ spaces and parents’ places.”
getting longer. Spring has finally arrived!
“As a mom, a crafter, and someone who
If you’re like me, months of living indoors
loves home décor, I’ve lived the classic
has made you tired of looking at last
challenge: you want to decorate a space with
year’s décor. Since spring is synonymous
something different, but everything seems
with “new,” why not embrace the season
too expensive, too ordinary, or just not quite
and freshen up your home’s interiors?
right for you and your home,” said Ashley.
focus on home improvement and outdoor
projects—painting, deck refinishing,
reorganizing, etc. These are all great tasks
sanctuary—a nest—a place
that’s yours and reflects
of time and materials. If you have just a
your personality. This
want to refresh your space, look no further
philosophy is the foundation
than the projects we’ve outlined below!
of re-nest studio.”
To help us create this list, we turned to
Ashley has provided us with step-by-step
Ashley Murcia. By day, she is the Senior
Marketing & Communications Manager
for NB&T. When she’s not at work, she is
a mother of two and the owner of re-nest
studio, a popular Etsy shop filled with
customized and personalized home decor
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“I believe the home is a
to accomplish, but they often require lots
few hours and a limited budget, but you
ASHLEY SAYS: “This easy craft adds a pop of color to any room.
Paint several vases for an eye-catching mantel display or table
centerpiece. Or pair a single vase with a candle and a ceramic
piece to create an interesting collection of shapes and textures.”
NOTE: If you can’t find the Perm-Enamel brand of paint, any glass/ceramic paint
will do. Most are dishwasher safe, but are NOT SAFE for eating or drinking.
personalized party décor Etsy boutique, based in DeKalb. As a mother to two young
a genuine passion to help others make their homes personalized and unique. In addition
Most “spring spruce up” tips found online
PAINTED GLASS
VASE CENTERPIECE
instructions for making a few of her absolute
YOU W I L L N E E D:
Paper towels
................................................................
Clear glass vase (preferably a rounded, “fish bowl” style vase)
................................................................
Surface conditioner (can also use rubbing alcohol)
................................................................
Perm-Enamel (or similar) paint in your preferred color
................................................................
1 Wash the vase and remove any price stickers. Let it
air dry completely.
2 Pour a tablespoon of surface conditioner or rubbing alcohol
into the vase and swirl it around to coat the entire inside. Let
the vase air dry again (this should only take a few minutes).
3 Dispense approximately 1/8 cup of paint into the vase.
4 Swirl the paint around the vase in the same way you did with
the conditioner to coat the bottom and partway up the sides.
5 Keep the vase upright and let it dry at least overnight.
favorite home accessories. She’s completed
each of these simple-yet-stylish projects for
her own “nest.” Every item in the materials
lists can be found at your local craft store
(Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, JoAnn Fabrics, etc.)
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
Where life happens.
11
I N F E AT U R E
“ANYONE CAN BE
A MODERN ARTIST”
PAINTED CANVAS
ASHLEY SAYS: “Great art for your walls can be EXPENSIVE.
Why not create your own unique work with just a few very
affordable materials? Using a simple paintbrush technique, you
can create something lovely and original—no prior experience
or specific artistic talent required! And here’s a little bonus
for this project—it’s great to do with elementary school-aged
kids. Put them in a smock and let their creativity run wild!”
YO U W I L L N E E D:
Plain white canvas, whatever size you choose
................................................................
Acrylic paint, two colors
................................................................
Two sponge paintbrushes
................................................................
Bowls for the paint
................................................................
Paper plate for excess paint
...............................................................
1 Set up your canvas on an easel, or
5 Once you apply the first color on the top
simply lean it against a sturdy surface.
2 Identify an approximate horizontal center
half of the canvas, dip your second sponge
brush in your second color of paint. Again,
brush off any excess on the paper plate.
of your canvas, so you know where to end your
first color and begin your second color.
6 Begin applying paint with the same light, back-and-
3 Dip one sponge brush into the first color and
forth brushstrokes used on the top of the canvas. Apply
paint to cover as much of the canvas as you desire.
brush off any excess on the paper plate (you
can use a simple “brushstroke” technique).
7 Allow the paint to dry for at least two
4 At the top center of your canvas, begin applying
hours. Once it’s dry, you can apply a second
coat of paint to fill in any spots.
paint with light, back-and-forth brushstrokes.
Don’t be afraid of making paint brush strokes
in an up-and-down, side-to-side, or diagonal
pattern to create interesting stroke marks.
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ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
Where life happens.
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I N F E AT U R E
POP OF COLOR
PICTURE FRAMES
ASHLEY SAYS: “Picture frames don’t have to be filled
with just pictures. One of the things I love to do—again,
super easy and affordable—is to buy multi-opening gallery
frames, and instead of pictures, fill the openings with
color-coordinated scrapbook papers. I’ve done this in a
couple of places in my house and it really adds variety,
color, and texture. Along with this, I’ve also framed a
scrap of leftover fabric from window dressing and used
it in the same room as an accent. Something like this is
also super affordable, and you don’t need a Ph.D. in art!”
YO U W IL L N EED:
A multi-opening frame
..........................................................
Scrapbook papers in coordinated colors
..........................................................
Scissors
..........................................................
Ruler
..........................................................
Tape
..........................................................
ENVELOPE
PILLOW COVER
ASHLEY SAYS: “This is another favorite of mine. In my
opinion, accent pillows can really make all the difference in
the look of a room. But who has the budget to buy as many
adorable pillows as you need, and who has time to sew custom
pillow covers? This project lets you create accent pillows
that fit with your unique style and design sensibility, without
demanding too much of your time or budget. The materials
and steps below are for one pillow. Feel free to repeat with
different fabric choices to create as many as you like!”
NOTE: Ashley recommends using a simple lightweight cotton
or a mid-weight home decor fabric for best results.
YO U W I L L N E E D:
A square- or rectangle-shaped pillow form
in the size and fill of your preference
..........................................................
A swatch of fabric that is large enough to envelope
the pillow you chose (see below for guidelines)
..........................................................
Safety pins and/or a fashion brooch
..........................................................
1 Measure your pillow (width and length).
1 Choose a multi-opening gallery frame that
5 Fold the top flap over the form, and then fold the
bottom flap over the form (they’ll overlap a bit in the
middle). Think about it as if you were wrapping a present.
papers, usually available in 12” x 12” sheets.
2 Cut your fabric swatch to be twice as wide as your
pillow and twice as long, plus 4” (to allow for tucking).
For example, if your pillow form is 18” wide and 12” long,
you’ll need a fabric swatch that is 36” wide by 28” long.
3 Measure your scrapbook papers to the size of your
3 Iron your fabric to remove any wrinkles.
7 Fold the two pointed sides to the center
photo openings. Add at least 1/8” to all sides to make
sure you have plenty to secure to the back of the mat.
4 Lay the fabric out, pattern side down, and
of the pillow form, tuck the unfinished end on
the top flap, and fasten it with a safety pin or
fashion brooch to hold the fabric together. f
includes a mat with multiple openings.
2 Select 2-3 different but coordinating scrapbook
center your pillow form on your fabric.
6 For the sides, fold the fabric ends into points
(remember the gift-wrapping analogy).
4 Disassemble your gallery frame and place your
scrapbook papers in the openings. Tape them to
the mat to keep them from sliding around.
5 Re-assemble your frame.
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ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
DO YOU H AVE DIY PROJECTS YOU’VE DONE TO SPRUCE UP YOUR HOME? WE WANT TO SEE THEM!
SH ARE YOUR PICTURES WITH US ON FACEBOOK AT WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/INVIRONMENTSM AGAZINE.
Where life happens.
15
I N C AT G R Y
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ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
Where life happens.
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INPEOPLE
Michelle Pease
A Passion for Revitalizing Rochelle
By Renee Page
C
atching up to Rochelle’s Director of Community Development Michelle Pease
is like trying to catch the Energizer bunny. She just keeps going as she moves
from a meeting on a grant application, to a consultation at the Rochelle
Railroad Park, to a workshop with the Downtown Rochelle Association, and finally to a
meeting of the Flagg-Rochelle Park Board. No one can say she rests on her laurels.
Pease moved into the position with the
Kishwaukee College was a great
City of Rochelle eighteen months ago
place to work and be exposed
but she has been an active member
to many learning opportunities
of the community for most of her life.
that have enabled me to
She brings a unique perspective to her
diversify my career options.”
work that involves both community
development and tourism.
She worked at Kishwaukee for
17 years; most of those years
Pease was born and raised in Flagg
were spent in the Adult Education
Center and still lives in the same
Department, then Student Services
neighborhood. She is a graduate from
as the Coordinator of the Career
Rochelle Township High School and
Center and later in Human Resources.
Kishwaukee College before getting her
bachelor’s degree in child development
Pease has long been recognized for
at Northern Illinois University. She later
her community involvement. She
earned her master’s degree in human and
currently sits on several boards in town
family resources. During her schooling,
including the Flagg-Rochelle Park District,
she worked as the program director
the Lee-Ogle Transportation System,
of the Rochelle Child Care Center and
the Community Action Network, the
various grant-based jobs at Kishwaukee.
Flagg Center Cemetery Board, and the
RTHS Parent Resource Network. She
“After various career experiences, I
is also a past member of the Vince
was able to gather some transferrable
Carney Community Theatre Board.
skills that are applicable to many jobs.
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ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
Where life happens.
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INC
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position. It allows me to bring different
entities together,” she said, citing the
collaboration between the park district
and Rochelle Municipal Utilities on
the ice rink as a successful example.
“It’s nice to bring all these government
bodies together to create something
for the community,” she added.
To aid the retail businesses, Pease has
started holding a quarterly workshop for
the local merchants. The first one focused
on local hospitality and its significance
in promoting their businesses. They’ve
also talked about how different
generations shop and how they can
The Rochelle Community Development staff: Wendy Horn, Michelle Pease, Kip Countryman, Michelle Knight
take advantage of those differences.
Different topics will be generated
each quarter. Pease noted that this
“THIS IS MY
HOMETOWN. I GREW
UP HERE AND I WANT
IT TO BE A GOOD PLACE
FOR OTHER PEOPLE TO
LIVE AND GROW UP.”
When a position for community
development came open, Pease felt that
her related skill set would fill the bill.
“When the city interviewed me, the job
description was still changing. As it
began to form, I knew I had the right
tools to do the job,” she stated.
The position is actually a blend of the
former city planner position and the
former tourism position. Like many
cities, more detailed planning issues
are contracted out. Her responsibilities
include planning, zoning, building
inspection, property maintenance, grant
writing/implementation and tourism.
Pease and her colleagues in the
Community Development Department
have worked hard during her first 18
20
months in the position. Among other
Chief among her concerns is the
things, they have created new ordinances
revitalization of Rochelle’s downtown.
such as the outdoor café ordinance and
She is working closely with the Downtown
have cleaned up old ordinances such
Rochelle Association to plan community
as the sign ordinance. They have also
events in our downtown district. The
helped with the hospital’s plan to expand
events they’ve had so far have been very
its campus and work closely with the
successful. For instance, the Wine on
Economic Development Department
Lincoln event last October brought over
as new projects come forward.
175 citizens downtown for a meal and wine
Her division has taken over responsibility
tasting. The event was so successful that
for the Rochelle Railroad Park and gift
they are planning an Ale on Lincoln event
shop. They have undertaken a renovation
this summer. In all the events, Pease said
of the gift shop to open up space and
they try to use local vendors and suppliers.
provide more indoor viewing areas and
“It’s important to use our hometown
a coffee bar. They are also working
merchants whenever possible. We need
to make the park more family friendly
to support each other,” stated Pease.
is a good way for the merchants to
brainstorm and help each other.
The city is working on updating its
Comprehensive Plan, which is a
blueprint for the development and
revitalization of the city. Community
Development staff held monthly
informational sessions through the
Planning and Zoning Commission each
month in 2014. A 2015 Comprehensive
Plan will be shared this year.
For Pease, working with the city is a
natural extension of her passion for and
commitment to the City of Rochelle. One
of her employees said, “(Pease)
is passionate about helping the
community. She is very positive
and very driven. She has the
energy to get things done.”
And getting things done is what
will revitalize our city. g
while keeping the park amenable to the
hardcore train enthusiasts. “The rail park
“We want to bring people together to see
has come so far in the year since the
what we’ve got downtown,” she said. “We
city has taken it over. We have doubled
are generating energy downtown so that
our sales of merchandise,” Pease said.
people want to be there. We want to show
Door dings • Hail damage • Minor dents
that the downtown is coming alive.”
Pease has a strong background in grant
writing and has helped the city apply
The city coordinated last year’s Cinco
for the America’s Best Communities
de Mayo celebration, which was a
grant through Frontier. The city received
collaboration between the city, both school
a $400,000 Brownfields grant that will
districts, the park district, the Chamber,
be used to clean up some blighted
the Hub Project and local merchants.
areas of the community and prepare
them for future development.
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
Community connections are key for
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www.superiordentservices.com
Performing the fine art of
paintless dent removal
Richard Smith
President
(815) 762-8969
Community Development Director’s
Where life happens.
21
I N E N T E R TA I N M E N T
Pete Hansen
Singing in Perfect Harmony
By Renee Page
W
ith roots as diverse as the melting pot we call America, four-part harmony was
introduced through hymns and folk songs. The term “barbershop harmony” began
in the late 1800s in the barbershops and on the street corners where black
southern quartets would sing.
The music evolved through minstrel
people that you meet and become friends
shows, Tin Pan Alley, and vaudeville and
with that I really enjoy,” he stated.
is kept alive today by the Barbershop
Harmony Society for men and Sweet
Within a couple of years, Hansen joined
Adeline’s Incorporated and Harmony
a quartet with three other guys from his
Incorporated for women. Lindenwood’s
hometown of Malta. He won a scholarship
Pete Hansen is one of the men who
to attend the Society’s Harmony College,
is keeping the tradition alive.
a week-long intensive held each year at
Missouri Western State University where
Hansen grew up in a musical family, as
men could further study and learn the
his father, John, was the band director
theory and craft of barbershop harmony.
at Malta High School and the longtime
“It was a place to learn vocal techniques,
director of the Kishwaukeys Barbershop
conducting, music theory, and how to
Chorus in DeKalb. He always knew he
produce and put on a show,” Hansen said.
wanted to join the Barbershop Harmony
Society but his mother insisted that he
Hansen’s older brother John moved to
wait until he got to high school. As soon
the suburbs and started singing with a
as he entered high school, he joined the
100-man chorus in Northbrook called
Kishwaukeys and began singing with
The New Traditions. Hansen followed,
his father and his two older brothers.
making the ninety-minute drive to
Northbrook weekly while working on
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ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
“The harmony produced by male voices
his music education degree at Northern
and the synergy of ‘chord ringing’ had
Illinois University, as well as singing
me hooked right away. But, it is also
in his church choir, his quartet, the
the ‘harmony’ and the fraternity of the
Kishwaukeys and a few ensembles at NIU.
Where life happens. 23
I INNECNATTEGRRTYA I N M E N T
Barbershop is a wonderful hobby but a terrible religion.
- long-time barbershopper, Peter Neushal
After graduation, Hansen got involved with
and the other in Elgin. As if he didn’t have
and sang part-time with a barbershop
several quartets at the district level, all
enough going on, he and his wife, Valerie,
quartet. He coached a little less.
of which placed as high as second in the
were also raising a young family. The
district competition. “Barbershop becomes
years of singing in barbershop groups
“Like any hobby or interest, the passion
a way of life for many people,” he said.
were satisfying not only musically, but
for it can easily consume you. You have
personally. After the performances and
to make a conscious choice to either
With his music degree and his diverse
competitions, there would usually be an
pull back or plunge deeper into it. It can
experience performing, Hansen decided
afterglow, where the groups came together
easily become a way of life,” Hansen
to enter the society’s judging program.
and continued singing, reliving their
said. “’Barbershop is a wonderful
This allowed him to judge barbershop
performances, and sharing in fellowship.
hobby but a terrible design.’ That is
competitions. He completed the
one of my favorite quotes from long-
certification process in 1998 and judged
“Many of my closest friends have come
time barbershopper Peter Neushal. It
competitions all over the country for
from sharing this common interest,” he
puts it all into perspective for me.”
nearly ten years. During this time, he
said. In his travels, barbershop was a
rejoined the New Traditions Chorus in
great ice breaker that would lead to long
He took over the direction of the First
2000. Long a contender for an international
conversations about what was happening
Presbyterian Church choir in 2009 and
title, the chorus finally won in 2001.
in the barbershop world. Like many
slowly withdrew from barbershop.
hobbies, barbershop has its own culture.
However, the barbershop “bug” was
In 2002, he continued his full-time career
still calling to him. In 2013, when the
at a local ServiceMaster franchise
With four young children, Hansen decided
Kishwaukeys found themselves in need
and was also singing in a quartet and
that the music was taking up too much
of a director, Hansen stepped in. “I forgot
coaching and teaching choruses and
of his time, so he retired from his judging
how much I truly enjoyed it,” he said.
quartets at society schools. He was also
activities. He directed only one chorus
directing two choruses, one in Rockford
24
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
The Kishwaukeys have 12-13 members,
barbershop quartet in red striped jackets
While the harmony was a big draw, Hansen
many of whom were members when
and straw hats recently revived again by
said he most enjoyed singing with his
Hansen originally joined in 1982. The
Jimmy Fallon on his late night show.
dad and his brothers. “My sons haven’t
found the passion for barbershop yet, but
group is performance-based but also a
maybe someday,” he said with a smile.
social outlet for the men. Hansen and
“The original intent of barbershop
his fellow barbershoppers are trying
was to sing the popular songs of
to keep the harmony alive. “It does
the day. Those songs have become
Through the efforts of men and
have a bit of a stigma attached to it,”
passé,” Hansen lamented. However
women like Hansen, the tradition of
he said, referring to the stereotypical
the same harmonies can still be found
barbershop harmony will continue. g
even in today’s popular music.
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Where life happens. 25
INSPORTS
ROCHELLE JUNIORS
Volleyball
Club Volleyball Trains Girls for Future Success
A
By Jeannette Mingus
rm-in-arm with her dedicated coaching staff, Rochelle resident Jackee Ohlinger
is now in her second year running the Rochelle Juniors Volleyball program.
This program provides an opportunity for kids in kindergarten through high
school to acquire the skills they will need to be stronger players in the future.
“This is a beginning program...we're here to
The 2015 roster includes 76 kids, a
The Rochelle Juniors program offers
start them out. When they're ready they'll
slight increase over the 70 players
three levels for age-appropriate play. The
move on to something more challenging,
last year. Although the program has
Tiny Lil' Hubs are kids in kindergarten
more competitive,” explained Ohlinger.
its fair share of returning players
through second grade. They practice once
this year, Ohlinger is pleased to have
a week for five weeks and focus primarily
many brand new players as well.
on hand-eye coordination and becoming
As it is not a school-sponsored program,
familiar with the sport of volleyball.
this group consists of both local players
and kids from surrounding towns, such
Ohlinger, herself, is not new to the sport
as DeKalb. In addition, tournament
however, having spent more than 27
The Lil' Hubs program meets once a
players are able to meet others from
years playing and coaching in a variety
week for two months, and includes
Freeport, Madison, Elgin, and beyond.
of settings, from club programs to
kids in third through fifth grade. These
Regardless of the players' hometowns
collegiate teams. In working with young
kids continue to work on coordination
and experience levels, the focus is clear
players, her goal is simple. “I want to
and add the next layer, which is
from the start, everyone is there to learn.
provide a fun positive learning experience
developing a team atmosphere.
for the kids where they are still held
accountable,” explained Ohlinger.
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ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
Where life happens. 27
INSPORTS
28
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
Where life happens. 29
INSPORTS
Program parent Jacki Nauman, whose
events, such as a two-day tournament in
While many parents applaud Ohlinger
daughter is in her second year with the
Wisconsin Dells. Above all, the program
for her success with the youth program,
program, recognizes the value of learning
is tailored to the participants involved,
she quickly shifts the accolades to her
this way. “My daughter has learned a
and offers opportunities and challenges
coaching staff. “Their passion for the
lot of fundamentals to help her in team
for those who want them, even though it
sport and love of
volleyball later, but just as importantly
does not focus heavily on competition.
helping the kids
learn is what drives this
she is learning the importance of team
dynamics,” explained Nauman.
“I don't rate our success on wins and
program,” she explains.
losses, but rather on what the kids are
The Rochelle Juniors are the kids in fifth
doing to better themselves as players
Tim and Anita Salinas agree,
grade through high school, although
and individuals,” explained Ohlinger. “The
“We have been very impressed with the
beyond eighth grade many players
kids get excited over three hits. They
dedication, direction, compassion, and
opt to join school-based competition
understand the goal and expectations.”
enthusiasm of the coaches on all levels.
teams instead. The kids in this group
For everyone involved, that means learning
Our bonus is that our daughter Brandi
not only practice twice a week, they
to stop focusing on the scoreboard,
has found a passion, a drive, and an
also travel locally for approximately
understand that success comes in many
enthusiasm in a sport she knew little
five tournaments each season.
forms, and to turn the skills they learn
about before the season started.”
on the court into life-long lessons.
Ohlinger's hope is that the young players
Club volleyball can be a costly
financial commitment to families, but
“I think it's wonderful that the kids
will fall in love with volleyball so they
Rochelle Juniors' mission is to provide
get as involved in fitness as they do
continue to play in high school and
opportunities to all. Ohlinger beamed
volleyball. They are excited about the
beyond. “I am always hoping that the
with pride as she explained, “We have a
level of activity and getting involved,
older kids will love it enough to want to
scholarship fund thanks to the support
and that's something that will stay with
come back and serve as role models
of our community and families who
them later in life,” explained Ohlinger.
for the little ones,” she explained.
In addition to the expectations of their own
Her success is obvious as many of
level of play, many Juniors players attend
the players she coached as kids have
Stolte has been playing volleyball since
Success on the court is not a novel
and Aurora University. She recognizes
Practices for all three levels are generally
practice with the younger kids, where they
returned to volunteer or join her coaching
she was 12 years old, and has coached
concept for Hasz who was the recipient
the immediate social benefits of playing
held at RTHS with tournaments in the
are able to partner up and help coach the
staff. The 2015 coaches include former
locally at Steward Elementary School
of a full scholarship to play collegiate
together, but also sees the long-term
surrounding areas, including Oregon,
younger teams. As Ohlinger explained,
Rochelle Township High School players
and Rochelle Middle School, as well as
volleyball at National Louis University.
athletic advantage as well. “Athletes that
Sterling, and Rockford. The Juniors are
“This opportunity not only develops
Chelsey Stolte and Catie Beguin, Tilton
assisted with the program at RTHS. For her,
At practices, she strives to help the
participate in the program will go into
also offered the opportunity to extend
them as better athletes, it also helps
School Tech Aide Dawn Hasz, and
the reward for her dedication is watching
players see the connection between
their school programs as better prepared
their season and add longer traveling
them break down the skills they need.”
St. Paul coach Kristen Edecker.
the girls grow up through the program.
their positive attitudes on the court
players for their team,” Edecker explained.
have played before. If you want to play,
we will provide the opportunity.”
and surviving in the real world.
“Girls that are now seniors in high school
The entire Rochelle Juniors.
once played for us and it is great to see
“I want the players to learn what it is
coaching staff hopes to see the
that they still have a love for the game and
to be a good teammate, how to be
program continue to grow. g
are playing at such as high level,” explained
'coachable', how to be a good sport,
Stolte. “Sharing my love for the sport has
and how to have a contagious positive
always been a goal of mine and Rochelle
attitude,” explained Hasz. “A prospective
Juniors. has given me that opportunity.”
coach or employer will be eager to work
with a positive person who is always
For Beguin, the true reward of
willing to give anything a good effort.”
For more information, contact
Jackee Ohlinger at 815-561-1068
or jbohlinger@comcast.net.
coaching comes from the simple
pleasure of spending time in a positive
Edecker has coached fifth through eighth
and entertaining environment.
grade at St. Paul Lutheran School for the
As she explained, “My players
past 11 years, and spent her own time
always have something to say that
on the court at both Kishwaukee College
cracks me up. I love to laugh!”
30
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
Where life happens.
31
sick care. Now the emphasis is on the
Group are looking forward to building on
entire continuum of care and hospitals
the clinic’s long history of excellence.
playing an active role in overall health
and wellness. The way to achieve that
“We see this venture as an opportunity to
is through closer collaboration with
further our commitment to excellence in
members of our medical staff.”
innovation and education, and to continue
to provide our patients with state-of-the-art
DeKalb Clinic physicians have long
healthcare in our community setting,” said
held admitting privileges at Kishwaukee
Haab. “We look forward to becoming a vital
Hospital and have worked closely with
part of a growing premiere healthcare system.”
KishHealth System staff for years, so
DEKALB CLINIC IS NOW
KISHHEALTH SYSTEM
PHYSICIAN GROUP
A
s part of its continual efforts
“All involved with this venture are very
to ensure patients receive the
excited because it means greater alignment
very best in comprehensive,
between the physicians and the health
collaborative health care, KishHealth
system, which only benefits the patient,”
System has added a new member—
said Dr. Michael Kulisz, Chief Medical
DeKalb Clinic. As of March 2, the clinic
Officer of KishHealth System. “We are all
has been renamed under the umbrella of
working toward the same goal—supporting
KishHealth System Physician Group.
patients at every stage of their health care.”
This venture is truly a “win-win” for patients.
Patients of the former DeKalb Clinic will
Those currently with the health system
find improved communication between
will now have access to an expanded
all of their providers as data is merged
network of physicians as well as more
together and the registration process
service lines. Patients of the former
becomes more streamlined. Medical
DeKalb Clinic will benefit from the ever-
records will be more closely linked between
expanding resources of the health system.
the clinic and the health system, which
will effectively eliminate gaps in care.
“KishHealth System offers a diverse team
to help primary care doctors manage their
Dant says this improved efficiency
patients’ health, and we’re creating new
is reflective of KishHealth System’s
positions everyday,” said Joe Dant, Vice
desire to be an advocate for its
President of Business Development for the
more than 110,000 patients in an
health system. “If an individual is dealing
evolving healthcare landscape.
with a chronic illness like diabetes and
could benefit from nutritional counseling
“The industry’s vision of healthcare
or health coaching, for example, the
in the community is in the process of
doctor can now easily set that up.”
changing,” said Dant. “For more than 100
years, it was almost exclusively about
32
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
Dant says it made perfect sense to
All but a few of the physicians from the
officially make them part of KishHealth
former DeKalb Clinic will be making the
System Physician Group. The merger will
move to KishHealth System Physician
also enable the doctors to focus more on
Group. The DeKalb Clinic’s partnership with
patient care rather than administrative
Rockford Cardiovascular Associates will
concerns that are becoming burdensome
continue, with those doctors maintaining their
for independent physician groups.
presence locally as independent physicians
contracting with the health system.
“Reimbursements are going down while
costs are rising, which puts pressure
“The addition of so many different
on physician groups,” Dant explained.
specialties, several of which KishHealth
“As part of the health system, these
System did not have before, offers the
doctors have a broader administrative
patient variety and choice,” said Kulisz.
network to support them in costly
and time consuming tasks like IT
so they can do what they do best—
provide excellent patient care.”
Dr. Roger Haab, Chair of the DeKalb
Clinic Board of Directors, says all the
doctors who will be making the transition
to KishHealth System Physician
“In our healthcare model,
the patient is the key—
our goal is to provide
education, support,
and resources, but the
patient and the family
have to do the rest.”
“This merger offers patients of both the
health system and the clinic improved
access, better communication, and more
comprehensive care,” said Dant. “It’s one
more step in our commitment to being the
cornerstone of health for this community.”
To learn more about DeKalb Clinic
becoming part of KishHealth System
Physician Group, visit www.kpgcares.org
or call (815) 758-8671. f
[KishHealth System is the proud
sponsor of this article.]
Where life happens. 33
I N F E AT U R E
W
Riding the Rails
George Dexter Whitcomb
By Renee Page
From coal mining to knitting
machines to locomotives
that helped win World War II,
Whitcomb Locomotive Company
played a large part in both our
city’s and nation’s history.
Whitcomb historian Steve O’Connor
has diligently researched the
OF
Histor
34
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
Whitcomb history and documented
his findings on the manufacturing
company that made its home in
Rochelle during the first half of
the 20th Century. O’Connor shared
his research with InVironments.
George Dexter Whitcomb came
to Illinois in 1871 to become
the manager of the Wilmington
Steve O’Connor, Whitcomb historian
Coal Fields near Chicago. While
he was there, he developed the
first undercutting coal mining
machine, which is similar to a jack
hammer. The invention was very
successful and stimulated his
interest in mining machines. This
led to the formation of the George
D. Whitcomb Company in 1878.
Where life happens. 35
I N F E AT U R E
Whitcomb Plant
In 1910, Whitcomb built one of the first successful
American GI’s riding a Whitcomb
locomotive across a rebuilt bridge
in Trier Germany, March 1945.
internal combustion mine locomotives in in
the nation, and the very first one in Illinois.
William Card Whitcomb
Whitcomb and his wife, Leadora, had one
son, William Card Whitcomb, born in 1868.
After completing his engineering degree at
the newly created University of Southern
California, William joined the company. By
1907, William had taken over as president
and principle stockholder of the company,
while his parents moved permanently
to California for Leadora’s health.
The George D. Whitcomb Company got
involved with the Vasser Knitting Company
in Rochelle. Vasser was a large company
36
that knitted men’s underwear, and
that now houses Behr Recycling. It was
Whitcomb was manufacturing machinery
at this time that Whitcomb stopped
for the company. Whitcomb wanted to
building knitting machines to focus only
expand and their relationship with Vasser
on the manufacturing of locomotives.
A 65-ton, camouflaged Whitcomb locomotive which
helped evade the German Luftwaffe during World War II.
led them to Rochelle. The city eagerly
courted the Whitcomb Company, going so
William was a great inventor and held
far as to offer them a building on Wood
a number of patents, according to his
Street at a discounted price, O’Connor said.
grandson, John W. Castle of Sycamore.
“When I moved back to this area, people
In 1910, Whitcomb built one of the first
would tell me how much they liked and
successful internal combustion mine
respected my grandfather,” he said.
locomotives in in the nation, and the very
first one in Illinois. The invention of this
With the advent of World War I, the
locomotive made mining more productive
Whitcomb Company found that the
by replacing mules and humans to haul
majority of their orders were now from
coal out of the mines. The locomotive was
the US government rather than coal
so successful, the company expanded
mines. The company had developed a
quickly; by 1912, they built the factory
narrow-gauge trench locomotive that
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
Build for the Chief of Engineers. U.S. War Department
The Whitcomb Locomotive Company, Rochelle, IL. 1942
July 4, 1944. Brig. Gen. Carl R.
Gray, Director Gen. of Allied Military
Railroad Division shakes hands
with Col. Charles Poletti, on arrival
of first train at Rome, Italy since
Allied occupation.
Where life happens. 37
I N F E AT U R E
The Whitcomb locomotive
was essential to the Allies’
war effort. The diesel
locomotives didn’t require
water but couldn’t withstand
the heat of the African
desert. With a redesign
that was accomplished
in record time, the
locomotives were supplied
to the troops in Africa.
Whitcomb locomotive at Pearl Harbor. When the Japanese attacked on December 7, 1941 these locomotives were serving
the harbor. Photo is courtesy of the Hawaiian Railway Society.
Rochelle, Ill - The Geo. D.
Whitcomb Co.’s Factory
was used to haul supplies to the soldiers
in combat. The trench locomotive
was so important to the war effort,
the company earned a medal from the
French government, O’Connor noted.
The Whitcomb locomotives were sought
after around the world. William was
traveling the world selling his product.
He hired Carl Heim as vice-president
and treasurer. Heim essentially ran
the company, according to O’Connor.
“William was very trusting,” Castle said.
However, Heim eventually became
the catalyst for the scandal that
rocked the Whitcomb Company.
Baldwin Locomotive was building diesel
locomotives and had a worldwide sales
Whitcomb locomotives at a desert refueling and service station during the African Campaign
38
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
force. Whitcomb and Baldwin joined
forces to allow Whitcomb access to
a half million dollars into the company
the overseas sales representatives.
in exchange for stock, but Heim stalled
By 1929, William was ready to sell, so
the sale by not turning over the books.
he approached Baldwin about buying
the company. Baldwin invested in the
As O’Connor tells it, Whitcomb began
George D. Whitcomb Company by putting
to have cash flow problems. Baldwin
loaned Whitcomb $125,000 on a 90-day
Where life happens. 39
I N F E AT U R E
Railroad Days
June 6-7
Rochelle Railroad Days are coming soon, according to
Michelle Pease, Director of Community Development.
would shoot the first boxcar, thinking it
was the locomotive. The troops continually
The annual event will be held June 6-7, with events scheduled
at the Rochelle Railroad Park and around the city.
moved the camouflaged locomotive so
supply trains were more successful. In
1943, the US government conferred the
Army-Navy Production (“E”) Award to
were easier to hide from the Germans in the European
theater. Whitcomb diesels were camouflaged to look like
boxcars and located in the middle of the supply trains.
of Chicago at the Rochelle Middle School. At the park, activities
the Whitcomb Locomotive Company in
include “Medicine Man” sharing the history of the hobos, Mr.
an impressive ceremony chronicled in
D’s Magic Show, the popular Kiddie Train, live music, and Steve
the Rochelle News in January 1944.
Because diesel locomotives didn’t expel steam, they
Headlining the event is a display by the LGB Model Railroad Club
The new company thrived. Whitcomb
After the war, Whitcomb landed some
locomotives were found all over the
large contracts for bigger locomotives,
world, including hauling munitions
but things were going bad for Baldwin.
at Pearl Harbor. When war broke out,
The company was falling behind in
Whitcomb started working two shifts to
the advancing technology. Whitcomb
fill all of its orders, O’Connor stated.
Locomotive Company closed its
O’Connor’s display on the history of the Whitcomb Locomotive.
More information is available at
the Rochelle Railroad Park.
doors in Rochelle in 1952.
promissory note in December of 1930. In
account. In the end, Whitcomb claimed
The Whitcomb locomotive was
January, Baldwin sent its accountants to
bankruptcy, taking two of the three local
essential to the Allies’ war effort.
There are two Whitcomb locomotives
do an audit of the Whitcomb Company.
banks with them when the federal courts
The diesel locomotives didn’t require
on display at the Rochelle Railroad Park.
William quickly came back to Rochelle
found the banks liable for allowing Heim to
water but couldn’t withstand the
O’Connor lives near the park and often
to look over the books in preparation for
transfer the siphoned money through them.
heat of the African desert. With a
takes his son to visit. He was curious
Whitcomb locomotives. “It was like a
“Whitcomb supplied a lot of jobs here
the audit and was dismayed to find that
Heim was arrested for embezzlement
redesign that was accomplished in
about the locomotives’ history and was
detective story. The more I got into it, the
for decades. The company put Rochelle
Heim had siphoned nearly $80,000 from
but was found not guilty because the
record time, the locomotives were
encouraged by local tourism officials to
more I wanted to know,” O’Connor said.
on the map with their achievements
the company into his own accounts.
Whitcomb Company had a history of
supplied to the troops in Africa.
dig into the history of the company.
loaning money to employees, O’Connor
He located the blueprints for the
world know about Whitcomb, and there
Heim agreed to pay back the money, but he
said. Years of messy court battles
Because diesel locomotives didn’t expel
A self-proclaimed industrial and economic
locomotives at the California State Railroad
are still restored Whitcombs running all
didn’t have it all. In the meantime, creditors
ensued but the end result was that
steam, they were easier to hide from
history buff, he eagerly jumped to the
Museum and plans to travel there to see
over the world,” O’Connor stated. g
started knocking on the company’s door.
William lost everything and Baldwin took
the Germans in the European theater.
task. He found numerous newspaper
them soon. In fact, O’Connor has become
Baldwin pressed Heim for payment.
over, starting a new company called
Whitcomb diesels were camouflaged to
and magazine articles, as well as a few
so immersed in his project, he hopes to
Whitcomb owed money to a bank, which
the Whitcomb Locomotive Company.
look like boxcars and located in the middle
books to document the history of the
write a book about the Whitcomb history.
eventually seized their primary working
40
during World War II. People around the
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
of the supply trains. German fighter pilots
Where life happens.
41
INFOOD
Chad Warborg
Creating in the Kitchen
A
By Renee Page
writer creates a book, an artist creates a painting, and a chef creates a food
experience. At least, that is the goal of Chad Warborg, head chef and co-owner
of DeKalb’s Tapa la Luna.
The Rochelle resident didn’t plan on being
Proesel, they gave the restaurant a new
a chef. He studied hotel and restaurant
spin, creating a tapas fusion menu.
management in college. He soon learned
that the fastest track to management was
Tapas is Spanish for “small bites” which
through the kitchen. He expected to run
are typically meant to be shared. Warborg
a hotel, but his love of food took over.
recounted that tapas was created in Spain,
where bars and restaurants would get flies
While he has no formal training, Warborg
in their drinks. Patrons began covering
has worked in numerous restaurants.
their drinks with bread to keep the flies out,
He moved from Texas to Geneva, where
then later added toppings and eating it.
he helped a friend open a bar. When
he arrived in Illinois, he gave his friend
While the menu is filled with many
a piece of advice. “I told him, ‘This is a
tapas options, meals are available as
restaurant with a bar, not just a bar.’ My
well. “It’s a fun dining experience, and
friend gave me the keys and told me to
you can order a variety of things. This
make the restaurant work,” Warborg said.
way you can try a whole spectrum of
delicious things,” Deshazer said.
From there, he took a job in Chicago
42
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
before moving to Rochelle to cook at
Fusion is the latest trend in restaurants
the Beacon. When the restaurant closed
and Tapa la Luna is embodying the
permanently, he didn’t founder long before
trend, offering everything from pizza
he found a home at Tapa la Luna. The
to sushi to meat and potatoes. “We’ve
restaurant was already established in
combined a lot of ideas to come up
downtown DeKalb when Warborg came
with what we have here,” Warborg said.
on board six years ago. In a joint venture
The menu features a variety of items
with Rob Deshazer and Ron and Nancy
from mango bourbon scallops to bleu
Where life happens. 43
INFOOD
Free Estimates
Fully Insured
With dark woods and warm lights, the ambience is
friendly and welcoming. The restaurant also offers
live local music Wednesday through Saturday.
cheese tenderloin to tiramisu, with
untouched on the table because the
something for most everyone’s palate.
diners are taking photos of their food.
The chef enjoys the creativity that
Warborg’s great meals are just part of
working with food provides. He said
the experience at Tapa la Luna. The
customers will often come in and ask
restaurant has an extensive selection of
him to make them something, and he
wines and spirits. Bartender Deshazer is
is happy to oblige. “I get to be creative
as creative with his cocktails as Warborg
every day. I come in and ask myself what
is with his food. “We want every customer
I feel like,” Warborg said, “That usually
to be exhilarated with their experience
translates into what others would enjoy.”
here,” Deshazer said. Warborg joked in
Custom Homes & Additions
ROCH
Chicken Artichoke Paella
Want to se
e
Check
response, “It’s dinner and a show.”
out o
Tapa la Luna has an open design where
customers can watch the chef work.
With dark woods and warm lights, the
Warborg likes having the opportunity to
ambience is friendly and welcoming. The
talk with the customers, rather than being
décor changes regularly at Nancy Proesel’s
trapped in a separate kitchen. Nancy
hand, ensuring that no two experiences
Proesel said, “Chef is great with watching
are alike. The restaurant also offers live
the customers. He enjoys talking with
local music Wednesday through Saturday.
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Blue Cheese Tenderloin
people and finding what they like.”
But the heart of the restaurant is the
“I like to see someone’s face
food, which is created fresh every day
when they have a great, satisfying
from fresh ingredients. Warborg comes to
meal,” Warborg stated.
work long before the doors open in order
Warborg admits he likes to play around
to prepare for the day’s meals…and see
with ideas. “I wake up or go to sleep
where his vision will take him next. g
with an idea in my head. I don’t know
what’s going to happen with it until I
get to work and see what ingredients
I have to work with,” he said.
He concedes that he prefers experimenting
For more information, go to their
website at www.tapalaluna.com.
Seared Scallops
with food to working with recipes. “There
are very few things I create that I don’t
like,” he said. “I don’t know how it comes
Dream with your
eyes wide open...
Rochelle
& Surrounding Areas
Each Office Independently Owned
and Operated
together. I just somehow figure it out.”
Once a dish goes on the menu, however,
Warborg makes it the same way every time
so customers can count on consistency.
The meals not only taste good, they
look good. Deshazer said he often walks
through the restaurant and sees food
44
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
361 IL Rt. 38
P.O. Box 420
Rochelle, IL 61068
815-562-7588
Visit Us at www.hubcity.illinoisproperty.com
Where life happens. 45
INBUSINESS
has been helping the company reach its
more southern clients in the Northern
Illinois region since the mid-2000s.
“We moved the satellite office from
Sterling to Rochelle because all the good
connecting roads helped us get to the
southern half of our market,” Marsh said.
The Rochelle office, which is
centrally located for TruGreen’s
Northern Illinois market, employs
13 specialists, a commercial sales
representative and a service manager
throughout the year, seasonally.
TruGreen
“I usually try to get down to the
Rochelle office about once a
week, too,” Marsh added.
The company focuses primarily on
preventative care for lawns, trees and
shrubs during the growing months of the
year. The season typically runs from March
to November, but Marsh said the actual
Caring for Rochelle’s Lawns for 35 Years
season is totally weather dependent.
Marsh said each person’s lawn and tree
needs are completely independent, so
the number of applications and type
of work is always customized for each
customer, but he estimates the average
customer invests about $400 into his
By Daniel Williams
G
or her lawn each year with them.
etting the lawn you deserve may not be the official
“Obviously as you go up in services there
slogan of TruGreen Lawn Care, but it’s Scott Marsh’s
the average per household,” Marsh said.
personal mission for the company, at the very least.
Marsh, general manager of the Rockford
is a larger investment, but that’s probably
The most common preventative
treatment in the Northern Illinois is
being outside at their homes,” he said.
“We treat the lawn like it’s our own
and we teach our employees to be
proud of what they do.”
or June, right after or before the beetles
winter snow melts, be sure to take a leaf
lay their eggs and before they have a
rake and spruce up areas that have been
chance to take hold in the midsummer.
matted from heavy snow. This will prevent
snow mold from accumulating. He also
Marsh also said the company does
recommends taking advantage of any free
a lot of what’s called weed and feed
services the local extension offices and
for lawn care, which is simply an
other professional services may offer.
application of fertilizer and weed
control that promotes a healthy lawn.
a free analysis to help determine
When it comes to tree and shrub care,
Although TruGreen has been servicing
with TruGreen and is passionate
Rochelle and the surrounding Ogle
about providing high quality service
County communities for 35 years, it
to its customers to help them simply
wasn’t until eight or nine years ago that
enjoy being outside on their lawn.
Rochelle had its own satellite office.
based injection fertilization that helps
Marsh said many will receive a direct
get the proper nutrients down into the
mailer, but the company can also be
roots, rather than surface fertilization.
contacted through their website, www.
trugreen.com or by calling 1-800-TruGreen.
“You’ve also got prune off the deadwood
in the spring, as well,” he added.
“Grubs and Japanese Beetles can
“It is also important to remove deadwood
because his employees are trained
in the spring from both deciduous and
with the golden rule in mind.
be devastating,” Marsh said.
Beetles typically lay eggs in the grass
that eventually become grubs, who thrive
“Our customers want a weed free green
Located just off Illinois Route 251 in
areas throughout the lawn. The best
lawn and they should be able to just enjoy
Hillcrest, the TruGreen satellite office
time to treat grubs is typically in May
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
Marsh promises clients the best
for grub worms and for beetles.
on the roots of the grass, leaving dead
46
the best needs for your lawn.
the company focuses on a science-
possible service they can give
branch, who oversees Rochelle’s
satellite office has 30 years experience
Many, including TruGreen, will offer
evergreen trees and shrubs,” he added
“We treat the lawn like it’s our own and
Marsh said there’s a lot of good tips
we teach our employees to be proud
available to help your lawn out, besides
of what they do,” Marsh said. g
just using their service though, too. When
it comes to lawn care, as soon as all the
Where life happens. 47
INCALENDAR
REGULARLY
SCHEDULED
MEETINGS
MONDAYS
Rochelle City Council
7 p.m., Rochelle City
Hall Council Chambers.
Second and fourth
Monday of the month.
01
Vocal Jazz Night
Concert
12
Spring Choral
Finale
7:30 P.M. | RTHS AUDITORIUM
7:30 P.M. | RTHS AUDITORIUM
$5 Adults/$3 Students.
Special new CD release!
$1, Senior Night
02
Cinco de Mayo
Festival
TUESDAYS
4:00 P.M. – 10:00 P.M.
Rochelle Rotary
Club Meeting
This 2nd Annual Family event
will feature authentic food and
beverages, a presentation of the
history of Cinco de Mayo, and
traditional dances from Mexico
performed by local artists and
children from District #231! We
are bringing back the very popular
Chihuahua races and parade, so
register your pup if you have one!
Live music, piñatas for children, and
many more activities will also be
featured for all to enjoy! Admission
is free.
Noon.
Location TBD
WEDNESDAYS
Rochelle Kiwanis
Club Meeting
12:15 p.m
Abraham’s Baldwin Room
DOWNTOWN ROCHELLE
THURSDAYS
08
Second Fridays
Rochelle Golden K
Breakfast Meeting
Shop local and enjoy sales and
specials in our downtown shops.
8:15 a.m.,
Hickory Grove Paddock Hall
Rochelle Lions
Club Meeting
6:30 dinner, 7:15 meeting,
Abraham’s Baldwin Room
(2nd and 4th Thursdays, January –
October; 1st and 3rd Thursdays in
November and December).
48
May
Editor’s
DOWNTOWN ROCHELLE
09
Jazz Band
Showcase
8:00P.M. | RTHS COMMONS
$5 Adults/$3 Students
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
14
Spring Band Finale
7:30 P.M. | RTHS AUDITORIUM
$1, Senior Night
15
Rochelle
Area Women’s
Connection Spring
Event
6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
ROCHELLE FIRST
PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Featured speaker is Linda
Niemeyer, Stampin’ Up Consultant,
who will lead the group in a couple
of craft projects. Stonecroft
speaker is Charmel Jacobs.
Refreshments and free childcare.
Suggested donation if $5. RSVP to
Angie Burkhart, 815-751-9001 or
rochellearea@gmail.com.
28
League of Women
Voters Annual
Meeting
No t e
June
06
9th Annual “Hospital
Hustle” 5K Run/Walk
sponsored by the Rochelle Community
Hospital Foundation
8:00 A.M
ROCHELLE TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL
Register at www.rochellehospital.com.
06 - 07
Railroad Days
Rochelle Railroad Park, Trains, music,
food, and more. Admission is free. For
more information, go to
www.rochellerailroadpark.org
09
45th Annual Chamber
of Commerce Play
Day
WANT T
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SEE YO
U
R E VE N
Email th
T I N TH
e name,
E CALE
date, tim
a short
e, and lo
NDAR?
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on along
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PLEASE
w
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e
it
e
h
@inviron
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VENTS
ag.com
FOR JU
.
LY 1 – A
UGUST
31 BY M
AY 10.
12
Second Fridays
DOWNTOWN ROCHELLE
Shop local and enjoy sales and specials
in our downtown shops.
13
Ale on Lincoln
NOON – 5:00 P.M
DOWNTOWN ROCHELLE
Enjoy brews from the Rockford Brewery,
Headon’s brats, live music and more at
Ale on Lincoln. Visit www.enjoyrochelle.
com for details.
27
Outdoor Market
9:00 A.M. - 2:00 P.M. | CYPRESS HOUSE
FAIRWAYS GOLF COURSE
Call the Rochelle Chamber of Commerce
to register your foursome, 815-562-4189.
Registration limited to 40 foursomes.
6:00 P.M | ROCHELLE
COMMUNITY HOSPITAL
The meeting topic is “Usage,
Demands, and Challenges for
Rochelle Water Use.”
Where life happens. 49
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ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015
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ROCHELLE EDITION
Where life happens.
51
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Limited late hours by request
52
(815)758-8106 | northernillinoisent.com
ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015