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 T S U 1 G , 2 U 0 A , 1 Y 5 A a D t R 6 U T pm SA C N I U P I M A E L L A L I E R H P ORT ROC 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 2 ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015 rochellehospital.com/RMGWalkIn Where life happens. 3 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 4 ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015 FOR SUBSCRIPTIONS GO TO: WWW INVIRONMENTSMAG.COM Where life happens. 5 O F 26 ON THE COVER T A B L E Rochelle Juniors Volleyball Club Volleyball Trains Girls for Future Success O S P R E A D CONTENTS F E AT U R E D A E H O T 22 I N E N T E R TA I N M E N T R P S O H P 32 I N H E A LT H O T P 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 6 ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015 Where life happens. 7 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! 8 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 9 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 10 “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. 12 ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015 Where life happens. 13 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. 14 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 16 ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015 Where life happens. 17 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. 18 ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015 Where life happens. 19 INC PE AO TG PR LE Y 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 MASTERBEND SYSTEMS Complete Automotive Repair & Custom Exhaust oil changes, tire sales & engine replacement, we do it all! (815) 562-2465 221 Powers Rd. Rochelle, IL 61068 just one mile north of Rochelle on Hwy 251N SUPERIOR DENT SERVICES 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 22 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. King Arthur didn’t clean his castle, why should you? CASTLE CLEANERS A1 Hot Body Detailing Residential & Commercial Cleaning in Rochelle and Surrounding Areas. Contact Tina for free estimates 815-566-2826 We guarantee to offer the lowest prices. If you receive a written estimate from our competitors, we will beat it! Call to set up an appointment 815-562-6393 leeann-angel@hotmail.com 903 South 7th St., Rochelle 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. 26 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. ELLE EDIT ION Custom Commercial Buildings more? ur we bsite Roofs- Flat • Metal • Shingled Seamless Gutters Commercial & Residential Concrete Stamped Concrete Steel Buildings and Snow Removal invironmentsmag.com 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 O 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? descripti c a ti on along on to re PLEASE w n e it e h @inviron SEND E mentsm 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 Share Your Great Ideas ad index We always love to hear from you. A1 Hot Body Detailing�������������������������������������������������� 25 Masterbend Systems�������������������������������������������������� 21 Benson Stone ������������������������������������������������������������16-17 Meyers Furniture����������������������������������������������������� 08-09 Bruns Construction Inc.����������������������������������������������� 45 Northern Illinois ENT���������������������������������������������������� 52 Castle Cleaners �������������������������������������������������������������� 25 Rochelle Chamber of Commerce ��������������������������� 03 Changes Counseling, LLC ������������������������������������������ 45 Rochelle Community Hospital��������������������������������� 02 Hub City ReMax�������������������������������������������������������������� 45 Superior Dent Services ������������������������������������������������ 21 Send your story ideas to us, and who knows, you could be famous! Live the Dream ���������������������������������������������������������������� 50 Baseball & Softball Training y! a d to s t en Entry Level to Professional Instruction for All Ages Hitting • Pitching • Fielding • Catching m ideas n iro at- nV r-gre I th ou Call & Register Today! (815) 218-7608 • Fully Equipped Indoor Training Facility • 30 Minute & Hour Camps Available! • All youth levels accepted! 506 Lincoln Hwy Rochelle, IL 61068 support@LiveTheDreamAthletics.com 50 ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015 facebook.com/LiveTheDreamAthletics t rea i wi are-y s dea /sh a r g entsm u m yo re viron a in Sh om c . g ROCHELLE EDITION Where life happens. 51 NO MOR E SINU S PA I N , PR E S S U R E OR DRU GS T H AT M AK E YO U WO O ZY ! Get Permanent Sinus Relief! 1 3 2 B A L L O ON SI NU PL A S T Y Step 1: The balloon catheter is inserted into the inflamed sinus. Step 2: The balloon is inflated to expand the sinus opening. Step 3: Saline is sprayed into the inflamed sinus to flush out the pus and mucus. JOSEPH SCIANNA M.D. Find answers at Northern Illinois ENT. 2127 Midlands Ct., Suite 203, Sycamore, IL 60178 OFF IC E HOU R S M: 7AM - 4PM • T: 7AM - 4PM • W: 9AM - 5PM • Th: 7AM - 5PM • F: 10AM - 2PM Limited late hours by request 52 (815)758-8106 | northernillinoisent.com ROCHELLE COUNTY INVIRONMENTS MAGAZINE • APRIL - MAY 2015