Rose Steffes knew from an early age that she’d want to pursue a career in the beauty industry — specifically in styling hair. “I knew ever since I was a child,” she said. “Whether I was doing my Barbie’s hair, my sister’s hair or my own hair, it was just my calling. I love having...
As a nurse for the Galena (Ill.) Unit School District, Emily Rigopoulos is used to being surrounded by and working with youth. However, this month will mark a new chapter for the 27-year-old. Rigopoulos and husband Sam will welcome a new edition to their family on March 16. It will be the couple’s first child,...
There is something about whipping up a tasty concoction, watching guests sink their teeth into that first bite and hearing the silence before the collective chorus of approval that is music to Angela Linton-Canfield’s ears. “Mmm.” “It’s that sound that makes us do what we do,” said Angela, whose fascination with food started as a...
On Jan. 1, 2017, Jessica Abresch found her life coming to a crossroads. Her mother had just passed away. The following year, her father was diagnosed with cancer, eventually succumbing to his illness. “People don’t understand how horrible the death of a parent can be,” said Abresch, a Dubuque native. “The stress and the grief,...
If you’ve ever made cut-out cookies, you can make a gingerbread house from scratch. Did your cottage from a kit collapse like a house of cards? Homemade royal icing is easy to make and a better cookie caulk than the stuff that comes pre-packaged. And nothing smells better at Christmastime than gingerbread in the oven....
In the rural Peosta, Iowa, home of Stephanie Failmezger this time of year, you’re not likely to find garland draped from archways, elves on shelves or stockings hung by the chimney with care. Instead, she reserves most of her merry energy for one thing: Her Christmas tree. “It’s just always something I’ve done,” Failmezger said....
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in the tri-state area as myriad nonprofits, community organizations and musical groups begin to prepare for the holiday season. From concerts to community dinners and a scuba-diving Santa, there’s a wide variety of merry and bright celebrations set to take place through the end of the year....
W hen it comes to fall fruit, it’s hard to beat the versatility of the humble apple. Gala and the ubiquitous Red Delicious tend to be the most popular for eating out of hand, but sweet-tart cultivars such as Honeycrisp and the bright green, citrusy-tart Granny Smith also are great for a quick after-school or...
If there was a silver lining to be found amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, it was the emergence of independent businesses that took advantage of a unique niche. For Melissa Christensen, that meant capitalizing on a trend that had been sweeping gatherings across the globe: Charcuterie boards. “There is something fun and convenient about them for...
March 29, 2018, marked a pivotal turning point in the life of Callie Mescher FitzGerald. It was the day her longtime partner, Tom Howe, took his life, leaving behind Mescher FitzGerald and their daughter, Ruby, who was only a few months old. The Cascade, Iowa, native was living in Denver at the time, having studied...
Mae Hingtgen has lived a life defined by health and wellness. “I’ve been a social worker my whole life,” said Hingtgen, 53. “I think, for me, what it comes down to is the idea of advocacy and the belief that we all have a fundamental right to be treated with respect and dignity, no matter...
A. Alanda Gregory has never been one to sit on the sidelines, nor rest on her laurels. In addition to being named as the Her magazine and BizTimes.biz Woman of Innovation, in the past year, the 54-year-old mother of five also was honored with the prestigious Iowa Governor’s Arts Award, recognizing her as an emerging...
Leslie Shalabi believes in the power of good food. More than that, she believes in the power of community and how breaking bread can spark conversation, ideas and connectivity. “We all eat,” Shalabi said. “And food has a way of bringing people together.” As the owner and co-founder behind Convivium Urban Farmstead in Dubuque —...
W hen Kimberly Thompson greets customers as they enter her shop, she’s often met with the question, “Is this just all you do?” Emphatically she answers, “Yes!” “Besides being a mom, this is just all I do,” said Thompson, 55, with a laugh. “And I couldn’t be more proud or lucky. Every day, I interact...
Autumn’s arrival means leaves change color, days grow shorter and artwork headlines tri-state area festivals and fairs. “Dubuque and the tri-state area, including Jo Daviess County and southwest Wisconsin, is such an amazing destination because we have so many activities to see and do,” said Keith Rahe, president and CEO of Travel Dubuque. “Fall is...
Natalie and Maria LoBianco have long been drawn to imparting knowledge to others, whether it has been in a classroom or in a theater, on stage or behind the scenes. “I’ve always wanted to be a teacher,” Maria said. “I think it goes all the way back to my own elementary school experience. It was...
With August in full swing, and the upcoming new school year on the horizon, many parents are starting to think about preparing their children for their return to class. But that preparation goes beyond simply checking off the old school supply list. Local school officials claimed there are many steps a parent can take to...
GALENA, Ill. — Sisters Laura and Lisa Kempner know a good glass of Champagne when they taste it — almost as well as they know a good idea when it comes pouring out, bubbles and all. Laura, 57; and Lisa, 65, are at the helm of Champagne on Main, a unique libation establishment that opened...
Mary Jo Klinkhammer and Melissa Engel have a lot in common. Not only mother and daughter, the two share a strong commitment to family, enjoy spending time in nature and connecting with new people. They also love to travel and help those people find opportunities to see the world. “People always say it’s something you...
Upon setting foot inside Steve’s Ace Home & Garden in Dubuque, one certainly will find much of what’s to be expected: Tools for inside and out, patio furniture and decor, grills, firepits, birdfeeders, flowers and assorted plants, and other home improvement essentials. But it’s the unexpected that sets the store apart, according to Sara Carpenter....
Upon setting foot inside Steve’s Ace Home & Garden in Dubuque, one certainly will find much of what’s to be expected: Tools for inside and out, patio furniture and decor, grills, firepits, birdfeeders, flowers and assorted plants, and other home improvement essentials. But it’s the unexpected that sets the store apart, according to Sara Carpenter....
If you’ve ever been to Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, it’s easy to get caught up in the flurry of films, filmmakers and movie lovers hopping from one screening to the next. What you might not notice is the petite woman behind the scenes, working among the mass of volunteers helping to keep what has...
If you are a resident of the tri-states and have yet to check out Julien Dubuque International Film Festival, you might be missing out, according to organizers. “Julien Dubuque International Film Festival brings together everyone,” said Executive Director Susan Gorrell. “All races, cultures, genders. It is for everyone. That’s really important. We screen all types...
When Anna Meadows found herself pregnant with her first child, daughter Amina, she was faced with a revelation she didn’t anticipate. “The world is not designed for moms,” Anna said. “And it’s not something you really understand until you’re in that situation. I didn’t feel like I had many resources, a place I could go...
Valentine’s Day is an age-old tradition, and it falls on the same day each year, but that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve planned ahead for the occasion. The good news? There are more thoughtful ways to spontaneously express your love than ever before, thanks to new digital tools. In addition to the classic options, like flowers,...
Are you ready to celebrate Galentine’s Day on Feb. 13? Originating from a 2010 episode of the popular TV show, “Parks and Recreation,” Galentine’s Day celebrates some of the most important relationships in our lives: Our girlfriends. More than a decade later, the now-official holiday has skyrocketed in popularity. Here are tips on celebrating your...
Chrystina Morteo-Bowman always loved to sing. So, when she was scheduled to perform at Dubuque’s Smokestack during a talent showcase, she was hopeful it might lead to more opportunities to make music locally. However, she didn’t anticipate it would lead her to her future husband. “I needed someone to play piano for rehearsals and the...
Lindsey Mescher Topping always was conscious about her health. An athlete during her college days studying physical therapy at the University of Iowa, where she graduated in 2004, the Cascade, Iowa, native exercised and knew what foods were best for supporting and fueling her body. So in 2017, as she sat breastfeeding her newborn baby,...
It’s not unusual for the Ball family home in Peosta, Iowa, to be Ground Zero for a flurry of activity — shuttling kids between sporting events, running errands and juggling an assortment of overlapping schedules. But despite the busyness from one day to the next, Abby Ball wouldn’t have it any other way. She and...
Christmas always was a special time in the Goodman household. Decorating the Christmas tree; folding down page corners of the annual Sears catalog advertising the latest toys; staying up late to watch Perry Como’s Christmas special; hosting Christmas Eve gatherings of aunts, uncles and cousins, complete with a full spread of food; and music —...
Kerri Pomarolli wanted to be an actress. To put it more accurately, she wanted to be a famous actress. “I got my degree in musical theater and knew that Los Angeles — not New York — was the route that I wanted to take,” said the Michigan native who recently relocated to Sacramento, Calif., after...
As you make your way to holiday gatherings this season, be sure to show your hosts gratitude for opening their homes to you. There are many thoughtful ways to thank a holiday host, but the best gestures are those that include personalized touches to leave an impression on the recipient. For example, don’t just bring...
Kerri Pomarolli wanted to be an actress. To put it more accurately, she wanted to be a famous actress. “I got my degree in musical theater and knew that Los Angeles — not New York — was the route that I wanted to take,” said the Michigan native who recently relocated to Sacramento, Calif., after...
As you make your way to holiday gatherings this season, be sure to show your hosts gratitude for opening their homes to you. There are many thoughtful ways to thank a holiday host, but the best gestures are those that include personalized touches to leave an impression on the recipient. For example, don’t just bring...
Since 2018, Her magazine and BizTimes.biz have selected four women from a pool of nominations who represent the best of the past, present and future in local leadership, community involvement and volunteer efforts, and making a difference in the tri-states and beyond. It is never an easy task, as the number of deserving nominees always...
Age: 68. Location: Dubuque. Title and organization: Director of Strategic Partnerships, City of Dubuque. Number of years with organization: 25 years. Education: Graduated with a degree in history from Clarke University in Dubuque in 1976. Attended Institute for American Universities, Aix-en-Provence, France, 1974-1975. Career highlights: Iowa Democratic Party Voter Identification Program, 1978. Elementary school enrichment...
Age: 70. Location: Platteville, Wis. Title and organization: President, Inspiring Community, Inc. Number of years with organization: Inspiring Community, Inc. originated informally in 2013 and applied for 501(c)(3) status in 2017. Education and career background: Bachelor of science in economics, Missouri University of Science and Technology; master of business administration, Drury University; doctoral work in...
Age: 49. Location: Dubuque. Title and organization: Household manager, the Chandlee family. Number of years with organization: 22. Education and career background: Bachelor’s degree in teaching in Spanish, University of Northern Iowa. Community outreach and volunteering: Approximately 22. Family: Husband Chad; son Alec; daughters Ana, Leah and Maren. How did you get involved with your...
Age: 25. Location: Dubuque. Title and organization: Employee Benefits Consultant, Cottingham & Butler. Number of years with organization: Three. Education and career background: Bachelor of arts degree in business, marketing and public relations, Loras College, 2019; hired full-time at Cottingham & Butler after completing second summer sales internship. Now now an Employee Benefit Consultant focused...
Aricka Hilton has a sweet spot for cookies. And it’s a good thing, too. On March 25, she and husband Michael opened Crumbl Cookies in Dubuque’s Warren Plaza, 3500 Dodge St., No. 202. Since then, it has remained a popular draw for tri-state residents eager to sample the establishment’s sizable sweet treats. A franchise founded...
For Jakyra Bryant, a calling to educate almost seems as though it was her destiny in life. A Chicago native, her mother worked for City Year of Chicago, a nonprofit organization that connects students with community service opportunities to help them rise to their full potential. “I remember her tutoring students and going on field...
Sauny Tucker never envisioned herself as the type who would one day lead a company. But she believes that is the plight of many women who find themselves in leadership positions. “We don’t always believe we’ve earned our place in the conversation,” she said. “We don’t always feel as though what we have to offer...
Hannah Gasper was born with a traveler’s heart. So, it’s a bit of an irony that the 24-year-old Dubuque native doesn’t credit abundant trips in her youth as part of what stoked that fire. “My family was always busy with the sports we were involved in as kids,” Gasper said. “So, I didn’t grow up...
Linda Schacht has an innate gift. Upon stepping into a space, she can almost instantly envision its fullest potential. “It’s just something I think I developed over time,” said the 42-year-old Chicago native. “I had a very creative father and I grew up watching him build. Watching that design process, it’s just in my blood....
Kate McIntosh likes to be surrounded by the beauty of what she loves most — and she finds it in places others might not think to offer a second glance. “I like to find recycled uses for older things,” she said. It’s evident as soon as one sets foot inside the space she has worked...
There are great women all around us at all times. And when you take a look through history, it becomes apparent very quickly that always has been the case. But unfortunately, too many of those trailblazers have gone too long without the recognition that is their due. Here is a list of a few of...
Valentine’s Day is no longer just for the happy couples. Whether you’re married, dating or content being single, there are ways for everyone to celebrate love of all kinds, including romance in 2022, regardless of relationship status. 1. Custom cards. SmashUps, from American Greetings, can help prioritize love and romance any day of the year....
Life has thrown a few surprises at Ashley Ayala. The 36-year-old Dubuque native grew up in a what many would describe as a traditional Midwestern household backed by strong family bonds, despite losing its patriarch in 2003. That loss would lead Ashley to discovering a passion for the practice of yoga, eventually tapping into the...
There is an Irish proverb that says, “A good friend is like a four-leaf clover — hard to find and lucky to have.” We all have friends through the stages of our lives. The grade school friends, the middle school friends, the high school friends, the college friends, the work friends. Our lives change as...
Josh White wants to make friends. He moved to Dubuque in September from the small tourist town of Lake Lure, N.C., with his wife, Amy, and their three children. But Josh, 39, is challenged by the adjustment. “Even though there are a lot of people here, I don’t have the greatest social skills, I guess,”...
Valentine’s Day is no longer just for the happy couples. Whether you’re married, dating or content being single, there are ways for everyone to celebrate love of all kinds, including romance in 2022, regardless of relationship status. 1. Custom cards. SmashUps, from American Greetings, can help prioritize love and romance any day of the year....
Those who are luckiest in life say they have one thing in common: They’ve found what they describe as their “calling” — that elusive “something” that gives them a sense of purpose in what they contribute to the world. Meg Rima counts herself among those individuals. “I was 100% called to open this,” she said,...
If there were one word to describe Whitney Sanger, “community” might encapsulate it. As the creative communications and development director at Hawkeye Area Community Action Program and co-founder of Project Rooted in 2019 — a Dubuque-based organization that aims to connect youth to the origins and importance of fresh, nutritious and locally sourced food —...
More than 400 women shopped, ate and laughed their way through the evening at Her Night Out on Thursday at Grand River Center in Dubuque. Elsa Weinert, of Dubuque, attended the annual Telegraph Herald and Her magazine event with a group of girlfriends who were once neighbors but have continued to stay in touch and...
If someone would have told Tiffany Jenkins as a teenager that she’d one day become a wife, a mother, an author and accumulate a devout following that amassed more than 42 million Facebook followers, chances are she wouldn’t have believed it. “I didn’t think I was meant to have the normal life that everyone else...
Ninety-one days. That’s how long Immaculee Ilibagiza took to hiding in a cramped bathroom with seven other women as her family was killed and the life she had known in her East African home was brutally taken from her. She was 24 when the Rwandan genocide took place between April 7 and July 15, 1994....
PLATTEVILLE, Wis. — Gabriella Kadjo wants to help all students feel included at Platteville High School. To do so, the 16-year-old and her friends launched a school club to bring together students across different races, genders and ages. “We just hope to continue to make an impact … and change the school system because we...
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, there have been a few changes in the life of Mary Rose Corrigan. “I highly value in-person conversations with people I run into — especially those I haven’t seen in person in a long time,” she said. “I rely on others’ expertise and assistance even more than previously....
There is a five-point list that Kelly Breitbach keeps within eyesight of her desk. It reads: 1. Put people before everything else. 2. Do your best work. 3. Be honest and considerate. 4. Make decisions and back them. 5. Speak up. Each has become a kind of mantra for Breitbach, who has served as the...
It’s not difficult to get caught up in the aroma that hits the nose upon setting foot inside of Big Apple Bagels. Freshly baked bread, sweet cinnamon rolls and a hint of just-brewed coffee waft freely through the air of the Dubuque location, no doubt making patrons second-guess what they originally thought they might order....
If home is where the heart is, Clara Lopez Ortiz need look no further than Cascade, Iowa. “I always seem to come back to Iowa, no matter how far away I go,” a pensive Ortiz said. “I’ve always considered myself an Iowan, even though I came from Mexico. I just always seem to find my...
Learn more Gino’s East of Dubuque Location: 333 E. 10th St., Suite 110. Contact: 563-582-3000. Online: www.ginoseast.com/dubuque Whether you are from Chicago, visit Chicago frequently or are just passing through and grabbing a bite, few things top the experience of a tried-and-true Windy City deep dish pizza. And no. We’re not talking about simply a more...
While in Whole Foods recently, I chuckled at the checkout lane sign for “Fewer Than 12 Items” rather than “less than.” How that would have pleased my dad. He is on my mind as the school year approaches, for he was my first and best teacher, as his mother was his. Though not a teacher...
Danielle Tuescher likes to see the immediate impact she’s making in the world, whether that’s through teaching yoga, working with families or connecting with the next generation. In fact, her LinkedIn profile lists her as “Social Worker. Educator. Difference Maker.” “Ever since high school, I wanted to have a career that mattered to the world,”...
While mentoring bright, ambitious younger women has given me abundant joy more than 40 years in journalism, I have come to realize how much my mentees have mentored me. Consider Lori, whom I met in a small writers group when I was a young mother writing freelance for newspapers and magazines, and she was a...
Julie Schulte’s devotion to service keeps her going places. The Dubuquer has responded to natural disasters and other crises 17 times since 2017 as a volunteer for the American Red Cross. “She is compassion in action,” said Jolene Carpenter, disaster program manager for the Red Cross in Dubuque. “She brings an unbelievable skill set and...
Shamika Rainer has never been one to sit idle. Nor is she the type to wait for opportunity to come knocking. Her motto: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” For Rainer, it’s a philosophy that has fueled her life’s work. “I create opportunities,” said the 35-year-old with an infectious and vivacious...
The etymology of the word “volunteer” began with the Latin word, “velle,” which means “to wish.” Originally, the word conveyed the feeling of wishing, but later, came to mean the action of wishing, or the will of doing something. The modern-day definition of volunteerism usually is associated with community and the actions of members who...
Julie Schulte’s devotion to service keeps her going places. The Dubuquer has responded to natural disasters and other crises 17 times since 2017 as a volunteer for the American Red Cross. “She is compassion in action,” said Jolene Carpenter, disaster program manager for the Red Cross in Dubuque. “She brings an unbelievable skill set and...
While mentoring bright, ambitious younger women has given me abundant joy more than 40 years in journalism, I have come to realize how much my mentees have mentored me. Consider Lori, whom I met in a small writers group when I was a young mother writing freelance for newspapers and magazines, and she was a...
Learn more Hoof It — Goat Treks Location: 616 S. Devil’s Ladder Road, Galena, Ill. Contact: 563-663-6944 | hoof.it.galena@gmail.com Online: hoofit-galena.com More ways to get your goat on While in Galena visiting Hoof It — Goat Treks, consider booking a class at Galena Goat Yoga. Located on a historic farm between Galena and Eagle Ridge Inn & Resort...
Julie Schulte’s devotion to service keeps her going places. The Dubuquer has responded to natural disasters and other crises 17 times since 2017 as a volunteer for the American Red Cross. “She is compassion in action,” said Jolene Carpenter, disaster program manager for the Red Cross in Dubuque. “She brings an unbelievable skill set and...
Katie Larson gave birth to her youngest daughter just as the world was shutting down. Blayke Larson was born on March 12, 2020, just days before Dubuque-area schools and businesses started to close en masse to try to slow the spread of COVID-19. While Larson was in the hospital after giving birth, the facility implemented...
Upon setting foot in Living on Main in downtown Dubuque, it’s evident that owner Kris Gorton has a keen eye for what makes a space work well. Her philosophy? “A space has to be functional,” Gorton said. “But it can also be aesthetically beautiful. The two aren’t mutually exclusive. You don’t have to trade in...
Upon setting foot into Spark On Bluff, one might be able to draw an unlikely comparison to the famous sitcom watering hole, “Cheers.” It might boast barbers instead of bartenders. And for what Spark lacks in sudsy brews it more than makes up for in hair care products. However, one key similarity is clear: Everybody...
DURANGO, Iowa — Jade O’Connell knew from an early age that she wanted to be a mom. Even when her son, Finnian, arrived 16 days ahead of schedule on Sept. 1, 2019, the 26-year-old Durango native could not have been more elated. “I already had names picked out when I was in high school,” O’Connell...
GALENA, Ill. — In honor of Women’s History Month, the Galena Center for the Arts will host its fourth annual Broad Ideas, with virtual events scheduled throughout March. Zoom links for all events are available by visiting www.broadideas.org. Schedule March 1-31: Broad Intentions Weather-grams. The activity will be done at home to decorate trees throughout...
C.S. Lewis wrote, “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art … It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.” Life without a friend would indeed be life but such a sad one that it would barely count as life at all. Of course, some friendships are...
Despite all of the challenges that 2020 brought, Ally O’Rourke will always a have a reason to be happy when she reflects on 2020. The Dubuque resident got engaged to her fiancé, Adam Goerdt, in July, and the couple is now planning a wedding for November 2021. The occasion will serve as more than just...
Last year, Makayla Bellis got engaged to her best friend. It was an exciting moment for the 25-year-old Dubuque resident and her partner, Matthew, 26. “We got engaged at the end of February, right before all the lockdowns started,” Bellis said. As the couple began planning their wedding, they realized that it would be a...
For many couples, there’s nothing more exciting than creating wedding wish lists. Almost half (45%) of U.S. adults who are or ever have been married or engaged have had a bridal registry, according to a Moen survey conducted online by Harris Poll. Registries can help you avoid receiving disappointing gifts. Respondents to the Moen survey...
When Matt Gregory first asked A Alanda to marry him more than 30 years ago, he was taken aback by her answer. “He was going away, and before he did, he asked me; I said no,” said A Alanda, as she’s known professionally, slowly breaking into a laugh. “He didn’t wait for me. He left....
Despite all of the challenges that 2020 brought, Ally O’Rourke will always a have a reason to be happy when she reflects on 2020. The Dubuque resident got engaged to her fiancé, Adam Goerdt, in July, and the couple is now planning a wedding for November 2021. The occasion will serve as more than just...
Trying out online dating for the first time or frustrated by the experience? Here are five online dating tips from Andrea McGinty, dating expert and founder of 33 Thousand Dates, a coaching platform designed to help millennial and Gen X women and men navigate online dating. In her 20-plus years as a matchmaker, McGinty arranged...
Last year, Makayla Bellis got engaged to her best friend. It was an exciting moment for the 25-year-old Dubuque resident and her partner, Matthew, 26. “We got engaged at the end of February, right before all the lockdowns started,” Bellis said. As the couple began planning their wedding, they realized that it would be a...
For many couples, there’s nothing more exciting than creating wedding wish lists. Almost half (45%) of U.S. adults who are or ever have been married or engaged have had a bridal registry, according to a Moen survey conducted online by Harris Poll. Registries can help you avoid receiving disappointing gifts. Respondents to the Moen survey...
C.S. Lewis wrote, “Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art … It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.” Life without a friend would indeed be life but such a sad one that it would barely count as life at all. Of course, some friendships are...
Gretchen Hong knew from an early age that she wanted to do something in the field of health care — and that she wanted a large scope of her focus to be on women’s health. “I was in third grade, and it was career day at Hoover Elementary School,” Hong said, as if the experience...
Although there’s very little data on how pregnant and nursing mothers will respond to a COVID-19 vaccine, professional organizations and individual doctors say the benefits are very likely to outweigh the risks. Pregnant women appear to have the same chance of catching COVID-19 as everyone else. But they might fare worse if they do. According...
As the New Year draws near, a sigh of relief is anticipated, along with the hopeful promises of a fresh start. While end-of-year celebrations are likely to look different due a lack of gathering in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, New Year’s Eve parties have an opportunity to be festive, with champagne flowing, hors d’oeuvres...
When Jeanne Stevenson-Moessner was living in Atlanta, she took her infant daughter with her to the polls on Election Day. It had been more than 50 years since the passing of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote. The moment wasn’t lost on the young mother. “I knew how important that was,...
They say there’s no place like home for the holidays. Cathi Olson and her team at Ooh La La and Creative Touch Gallery would concur. Beginning in November, the paired Dubuque home decor and art and framing shops began the task of prepping tri-state homes for the holidays. Additionally, Ooh La La began its transformation...
As the New Year draws near, a sigh of relief is anticipated, along with the hopeful promises of a fresh start. While end-of-year celebrations are likely to look different due a lack of gathering in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, New Year’s Eve parties have an opportunity to be festive, with champagne flowing, hors d’oeuvres...
In more ways than one, Maddie Poppe has come full circle. The 22-year-old singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist hailing from humble Clarksville, Iowa, might be best known for taking the win on season 16 of ABC’s “American Idol.” But prior to that, she was simply a sweet small-town girl singing Christmas carols in the company of...
It’s that wonderful time of year, when we start thinking, planning and preparing for the holidays. It also is the gift-giving season. Excitement fills our families with boundless possibilities, as well as the lines in stores or the spinning wheel of our computers. For some, it might signal a nerve-racking pontification of what to give....
“Shop local” always has been a mantra of area Chambers of Commerce and small business owners. But never has it been more important than in 2020, the year of the pandemic. While it’s as easy as the push of a button to order from stores with a big online presence, many local businesses have stepped...
GALENA, Ill. — As a child growing up in Galena, Heather Swan found that becoming an artist and an environmentalist was an inevitable destiny. “Galena was a town that had lots of artists living in it. Both of my parents were artists. My dad was a painter, and my mom was a potter,” she said....
Age: 34. Owner of: Fig Leaf, 345 Bluff St. Years owned: 29. (Her mother, Ellen Liberg, owned it prior to McQuillen taking it over.) What does your shop offer? We are a lifestyle shoptique, which is a blend of items to peek the curiosity of many — clothing goods, bath goods and home goods. We...
Age: 59. Owner of: Shamrock Imports, 391 Bluff St. Years owned: 11 years. What your shop offers: Irish gifts from Ireland. Family: My husband name is Mike. We have four children together and seven grandchildren. What inspired you to open your business? My mother-in-law started the store. We took it over when she wanted to...
Age: 36. Owner of: Monk’s Kaffee Pub, 373 Bluff St. Years owned: 7. It has been Monk’s for 12 years and a coffee shop since the 1990s. What your shop offers: 80-plus craft and domestic bottles and cans of beer, 30-plus liquors, three rotating taps of local craft beers, coffee, espresso, smoothie drinks, prepackaged snacks...
