Pottery business targets homebound schoolkids
A Glen Ellyn entrepreneur remembers what it's like to have children home sick from school recovering from fevers and flu.
With all the absences due to the H1N1 flu and some schools closing, Gretchen Hoenecke came up with an idea to expand her business, Out on a Whim Pottery, by helping parents find things for their children to do on days they can't attend school.
When the flu season kicked in, Hoenecke started offering "emergency flu kits" to children who were home from school.
"We've had a tremendous response so far. There's nothing worse than being cooped up with a sick child. And I have heard from many parents looking for something to do as their child is stuck at home," Hoenecke said.
Parents contact the shop when they have a sick child and would like a painting kit.
Hoenecke delivers a basket filled with holiday ornaments, paints, brushes and instructions. Out on a Whim will deliver the pottery painting kits to homes in the Glen Ellyn, Wheaton, Lombard and Carol Stream area. A little get-well card is also attached. Children can paint their holiday ornaments and then return them to be fired at the studio at 435 Duane St. in downtown Glen Ellyn.
The cost starts at $25. The basket is returned when the child is better.
When kids are sick, they're often well enough to do things around the house, but aren't able to go back to school yet, Hoenecke said.
Hoenecke started her business 12 years ago after teaching art classes for years at the park district.
For more, call (630) 790-8200 or check out outonawhim.info.
Green wash: Frank Trilla, owner of King Car Wash in Westmont, is a firm believer in recycling and energy efficiency.
Trilla recently hired Half The Energy LLC to install energy-efficient lighting fixtures, ballasts and bulbs throughout his 6,000-square-foot car wash to cut his carbon footprint and reduce the amount of energy he uses, with the added bonus that he will also save money on his electric bill.
New lighting was installed in both the "wet" and "dry" areas of the car wash. The new lighting is provided by vaportight washdown-capable fixtures that can handle low temperatures.
The replacement installation was completed after business hours, so the car wash experienced no down time.
Trilla said, "My only regret with this project is that I didn't do it sooner. The lighting quality is better, the money savings are immediate, and, as an outdoorsman, I feel a solemn duty to be a good environmental steward as well. It's a no brainer."
• Kim Mikus covers retail and small business. She welcomes comments at (847) 427-4567 or kmikus@dailyherald.com.