|
What's New at thorntonpowell
thorntonpowell would like to welcome three new members to our team: Nancy Boerema, Lucio Herrera, and Amanda Noha.
Bringing her talents and experience to our personal lines department, Nancy works as an account manager on home, auto, and other lines of personal insurance.
Lucio comes to us with 8 years of insurance experience and works in the commercial department as an agent.
While new to insurance when she started, Amanda has proven herself to be a very fast learner and is dedicated to helping our clients as an account manager in the personal lines department.
Less Naps. . .The Transition from College Student to Adult
Kelly Kujawa
Hi my name is Kelly Kujawa. Two years ago my world revolved around graduating from Illinois Wesleyan University and beginning the job search process.
Every since I was 16 years old I have been working. Days, nights or weekends, I was working. I know I sound a bit like the Postal Service but I’ve always been a hard worker. My first job was at the Frosted Mug in Alsip IL, a 50s diner where I carhopped, made milkshakes, became manager and fortunately, no roller skating was involved (believe me, this was for the better!). As I moved to central Illinois for college, I continued this trend, at the on-campus restaurant and coffee shop. Four years later I was ready for a break.
So I did what every freshly graduated individual does…put job hunting on the backburner and enjoyed the summer! After all, there were graduation parties, bonfires, vacations, friends and plenty of other things to distract me from my pending adulthood. But as the summer ended, friends went back to school or work, and it was time to get serious. In October 2008, I became the Account Manager for the Health Insurance and Employee Benefits department at thorntopowell. Now that I had a job, the days of midday naps in between classes, or before work were in the past….and would be highly missed.
At thorntonpowell I have achieved great success tackling employee benefits, resolving claims and billing issues for groups, and providing superior client support in a time when Health Reform has us all in a whirlwind. I like to think of myself as a problem solver. Whether the problem is related to a claim, understanding benefits or emailing a father proof of coverage for his newborn son while he is at the airport (yes it happens), I am available to help. My dedication and hard work did not go unnoticed, as I was presented with the 2009 Employee of the Year award.
Outside of the office, I try to be just as motivated to succeed. For the past year and a half I have been very active in my personal health and fitness, going to the gym six days a week and eating healthier. Last November I participated for the first time in Naperville’s 5K Turkey Trot which was followed up by this past Memorial Day’s 5K Ridge Run. While I still can’t decide which was the most “fun” to run in, 30 degrees bundled up in mittens and ear muffs or in 90 degrees sweating bullets before the race even started, I do feel an enormous sense of accomplishment when crossing the finish line.
What’s next you may ask? A wedding, or two, or three or four? Yes, your eyes have not deceived you. I have arrived at that time in my life when everyone is getting engaged. Beginning 2011, I will be attending a destination wedding in Jamaica for one of my best friends from high school, followed by two of my college roommates’ weddings in July and October and lastly it is rumored my brother will be popping the question to his girlfriend this year as well. All these weddings gets me thinking about the future and not necessarily in terms of how costly 2011 will be for me personally (although the thoughts of dresses, hotels, bachelorette parties and gifts does overwhelm the mind), but I begin to think about the bigger picture of people, their lives and their possessions and how we are naturally inclined to protect them. Luckily people don’t have to navigate the insurance terrain on their own. ThorntonPowell is devoted to assisting clients in securing, understanding and maintaining their insurance policies whether for life, health, finance, business, or personal home and auto. It is this atmosphere where a problem solver like me fits right in. So while naps are in the past and weddings may be in the future, presently I’m just enjoying my job.
.
Keep Dogs Healthy and Happy This Summer
(ARA) - When the warm summer months roll around, our 
dogs are just as eager as we are to get outside and enjoy the season. Whether he tells you by nudging his leash or staring at the door knob, one way or another, your pup knows it's time for some fun in the sun.
Before you head out, keep in mind that warm weather and sunny days are fun, but they can also mean you might need to take some extra precautions with your pet. The whole family can rest assured knowing their four-legged best friend is healthy, hydrated and happy by keeping the following tips in mind:
1. Schedule a checkup. Before you go anywhere that
requires your dog to interact with other dogs, be sure to schedule a visit with your veterinarian. Get updates on shots for dangerous communicable diseases like bordetella.
While you're there, ask your veterinarian to evaluate your pet's overall health. Your veterinarian's office is also a great place to pick up two essential medications for the season - heartworm preventers and flea and tick control.
2. Run free. It's easy for humans and canines alike to slide out of shape during the winter months, and now is the perfect time to work off what you've packed on. Taking your dog on regular walks will help, but even more fun for him is a trip to the dog park. Off-leash areas are a treasure for pets and their owners because dogs can run free and play to their heart's content. They also get natural lessons in socialization. In fact, 44 percent of dog owners who take their dog to the dog park say their dog is more social with other people and dogs. Plus, it's fun for you, too!
Because pet owners value off-leash areas so much, dog parks across the country are expanding and improving now more than ever. To help support dog parks in local communities, The Nutro Company, a leading manufacturer of natural pet food products, is leading a movement called Room to Run this summer to enhance local dog parks in 30 communities around the country. Pet enthusiasts are invited to join the effort and lend a hand. Whether there's a Room to Run event in your area or not, you can make a difference by going to your local dog park and making small changes to make it more enjoyable for everyone. To find out more about the initiative, go to www.thenutrocompany.com.
3. Be prepared. Dogs aren't much for strolling around the mall. They love to be out running around and often don't want to stop no matter how warm it is or tired they feel. Brush up on the signs and symptoms of health problems like dehydration and heat stroke, as well as basic first aid techniques.
Keep a canine first aid kit in your car. At a minimum, it should include antiseptic spray, water-based antibiotic ointment, bandaging (including sterile gauze and a binder like Vetrap or other elastic bandages), a thermometer, tweezers and single-use cold packs. You should also keep the number and address to your veterinarian and an emergency vet stored in your phone or on a slip of paper in your wallet.
4. Good on the inside. To keep your pet's energy and health at optimal levels for increased summer activity, be sure you feed a high-quality dog food. It's easier than ever to make sure your dog is getting complete, healthy nutrition without fillers. High quality foods can be found at your pet store and come in a variety of options that cater to your pet's size or life stage.
Whether you're going on a weekend camping trip with your four-legged friend or just heading out for a romp at the dog park, a safe summer is the happiest kind of summer there is.
Courtesy of ARAcontent
Our Favorite Recipes
This is the perfect time of the year for family and friend gatherings and an even better time of the year to use the grill and be creative with the oven. We here at thorntonpowell love to cook and enjoy good company. The buzz around the office is usually what everyone did during the weekend and the “to die for” food that was prepared and served. Why not share our fantastic food experiences with all of you and in return if you have fun and fresh ideas to share with us, we would all appreciate it! Take a minute to look over what has been tasted in our office. They are delicious and mostly nutritious… or so we like to think! Enjoy and feel free to share with us.
Kelly's Super Delicious Chicken & Salsa
Cedar Plank Salmon with Simple Dill Buerre Blanc
Marinated Flank Steak Pitas with Cilantro Yogurt Sauce
Seafood Pasta Salad
Spinach Salad
Hogs for Vets
Customer Spotlight: Tom and Karen Sheridan
In a time when our economy struggles, unemployment is rising, and governmental issues have everyone in a whirlwind, most citizens are excited to enjoy the summer weather and have a reason to celebrate. Take the Fourth of July, an American holiday celebrated by wheeling out the grills, enjoying some cold beverages with friends and family, and incredible visual stimulations of fireworks exploding vivid colors throughout the sky synced with patriotic classics like “America the Beautiful” and “Proud to be an American”. But should the core values adopted by the 1776 Declaration of Independence be restricted to only one day of the year?
Tom and Karen Sheridan, clients of Thortonpowell for nearly two decades, are prime examples that civic pride and duty is not a forgotten concept or solely demonstrated on national holidays. As dedicated members of The American Legion, the nation’s largest veterans’ service organization, Tom and Karen volunteer to honor those that have bravely served our country. Incorporated by Congress in 1919, The American Legion is a non-for-profit, non-partisan organization that uses its influence to improve legislation focusing on veterans’ rights and quality of life. As a veteran who served in the Army from 1968 – 1970, Tom understands the necessity for a solid support structure: “Soldiers should not come back from war or service, step off the bus, and have no one waiting for them.” Although Tom and Karen have only been members for a year, Karen’s father was involved with the organization, and Tom’s father was the post commander for the VFW and the American Legion in Athens, Alabama. When they showed interest in joining, Tom described the experience as being “welcomed with open arms.”
Serving the Grundy and LaSalle area from Post 294 in Morris, IL, Tom and his fellow Legions attend “welcome homes” for servicemen coming back from duty, fundraisers, and other community events. Tom has also joined the Patriot Guard which specializes in attending the funerals of veterans. Perhaps one of the biggest events Tom and Karen participated in recently was the Illinois Motorcycle Freedom Run on June 19th, 2010. Tom drove his 2006 Harley Davidson with Karen on the back, from Morris, IL to the Memorial Wall in Marseilles, IL. Built in 2004, the granite memorial commemorates those servicemen who lost their lives dating back from World War II up to the current conflicts in the Middle East. Post 294 American Legions led the procession of thousands of riders to the wall as well as made a considerable donation in honor of those who fought and died for their country, a tradition that will hopefully be carried on as the Sheridan’s son, Thomas Jr., prepares to become a member of the Sons of Legions.
Truly the Sheridan’s have made great contributions to their community and while their charity work is noteworthy, the American Legion is only part of their life. Tom and Karen are also hard workers, devoted parents and just celebrated their 35th wedding anniversary on July 11th! They remain loyal customers of Thorntonpowell and we wish them the best in their future endeavors. Keep Riding! If you would like more information on The American Legion including membership, upcoming events, donations or volunteer opportunities please visit www.americanlegionriders294morris.com.
|