Devin Henderson is a multi-talented powerhouse: an author, experienced presenter and seasoned performer, having logged thousands of performances as an award-winning comedian and magician, and an in-demand keynote speaker. His unique combination of skills and storytelling and his hilarious and engaging interaction are what make him an audience favorite. His keynote clients have included Pepsi, Sprint, Cerner and hundreds more. His performances have been called, "unreal," "unexpected," and "unforgettable."  

"Something Greater Is Always Possible"
What would you do and who you be if you believed anything was possible for you? For many people a once-held vision of unlimited possibility gets small and limited as a result of life’s daily stressors, persistent insecurities, self doubt, isolation and even failure. But what if you could reclaim and even expand your full potential at anytime? And what if your truest potential was bigger, richer and more satisfying than you had previously envisioned? Join seasoned speaker and performer, Devin Henderson for an entertaining, funny, and inspiring experience to break free of your perceived limits and realize your greatness like never before.
 
You’ll learn how to:

• Overcome common fears and challenges that can keep you from your greatness.
• Attain a seemingly impossible goal, without getting in your own way or giving up.
• Rethink what’s possible and discover success and fulfillment beyond what you would ever imagine.

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More Info on the Banquet:

• Date:  Saturday, April 10
• Time: 6:00 p.m. Cocktails, 7:00 p.m. Dinner
• Tickets:  $50/person
• ​RSVP to: Cheryl (636-239-2715 x102)

Jennifer Giesike, President/CEO of the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce and manager of the Washington Town & Country Fair, has been elected the 2nd Vice Chair of the International Association of Fairs and Expositions.  The IAFE is a voluntary, not-for-profit trade association that represents and facilitates the evolving interests and needs of agricultural fairs, exhibitions, and shows (i.e. county and state fairs) around the globe.  The association delivers industry-leading educational programming through training and certification programs, conferences, and its annual convention, provides in-depth resources, and connects members with the belief that fairs are strongest when working together and sharing knowledge.

The Washington Town & Country Fair has been a member of the IAFE since 1996.  Giesike stated, “I know that our Fair has benefitted greatly from its membership.  Board and staff members have gained and developed specific tools and ideas from attending IAFE events, and our Fair is better as a result of that.” 

Giesike has been actively involved in IAFE activities since starting as the Fair Coordinator in 2000, taking advantage of the education and networking opportunities available.  She received her Certified Fair Executive certification in April 2008 and graduated in the first class of the Institute of Fair Management in December 2009.  She has served as the Zone 5 Director, Co-Chair of the Young Professionals Initiative, Chair of the 2019 IAFE Annual Convention Program Committee, CFE Committee, the Membership Committee, and the County Fair Committee, and was awarded the first IAFE YP Rising Star Award in December 2009. 
“The IAFE has been key to my development as a professional in this industry, so to have the opportunity to help guide the organization for the next five years is a distinct honor,” said Giesike.  “It’s a great opportunity to give back to the industry that I’m so passionate about, and help ensure the future of fairs is as bright as ever.”

Giesike will work her way up to the position of Chairman of the IAFE in 2023, and then serve two additional years on the board.  The IAFE board of directors consists of 18 elected members and the president and CEO selected by the board as an ex-officio director. The directors include a chair, two immediate past chairs, two vice chairs, a treasurer, a representative of the Federation of State and Provincial Associations of Fairs, a representative of the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions, eight directors elected from and representing each of the eight zones in the United States and Canada, and two directors at large from associate members.  IAFE President & CEO Marla Calico is happy to have Giesike step into the position.  “It’s been a joy to watch Jennifer grow in her fair expertise over the years, and her love of the industry is evident in how she carries herself.  She’s a great supporter of our organization, and isn’t afraid to dig into the hard work that is required.  She is the first Chair in many years that comes from the background of a smaller fair – yet fairs similar to the Washington Town & Country Fair represent 45% of our total membership. I look forward to the perspective she will add to our discussions, and the positive attitude she brings.

Jennifer has been employed by the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce for 20 years, serving as the Chamber President/CEO and Fair manager since 2012.  She oversees the day-to-day operations which include entertainment contracts, sponsorships, scheduling, finances, volunteers, and working closely with a 24- member volunteer Fair Board and a 16-member Chamber Board. 

Fair Chairman Jon Ballmann pointed out that Jennifer’s selection is quite an accomplishment.  “To be chosen out of everyone in the organization – that’s a big deal.  We’re proud of the work we do here, and we think we run a great fair.  To have our manager be selected by her peers to serve in this capacity is a great honor for her, as well as for our fair and community.” 
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“Jennifer has dedicated much of her personal and professional life to the Washington Town & Country Fair, and the industry has provided her many opportunities,” added Chamber Chairman Paul Brune.  “We’re happy to have been able to benefit from those opportunities, too.  She is a great asset to our organization, and we are proud of her.  I know she will serve the IAF

The new smart branch will perfectly meld the high level of friendly service our customers are accustomed to with a range of technological solutions to provide full-service transactions.  New features include:

• Next-generation wireless technology which will enable employees to provide on-the-spot assistance anywhere in the lobby and deliver a more personal level customer service;
• Two, handicap-accessible, digital tech bars which will enable employees to offer one-on-one assistance and tutorials on customers’ personal devices when setting up internet or mobile banking personal features;
• Interactive Teller Machines (ITM) in the two-lane drive up to allow remote connection to a human banker, and are able to complete nearly every transaction you are accustomed to at a traditional teller line including cashing a check down to the penny;
• A walk-up ITM on the exterior of the building to serve customers who wish to quickly and conveniently transact business without having to enter the lobby;
• Teller Cash Machines that can dispense cash allowing our universal bankers to process transactions more quickly; and
• Dedicated rooms equipped with built-in teleconferencing capabilities which will allow our universal bankers to provide face-to-face service to customers who prefer a remote option. 

Buhr continued by stating, “The digital advances we’re going to introduce at this smart branch will not simply be add-ons to outdated banking practices, but rather they are designed to be enhancements to our current banking culture. We’re here to create a welcoming experience where customers feel comfortable transacting business and receiving financial guidance no matter which channel they choose.”
Once completed, the two-story, 15,000 square foot structure will include a retail banking center and two smaller rental units on the first floor.  The bank will occupy 75% of the building with backroom operations claiming space on the second floor. 

With construction anticipated to start at the beginning of February, it will be necessary to close the current Rabbit Trail location on January 30, 2021. Other locations will remain open with normal hours of operations.  As of today, lobbies are only accessible by appointment to ensure the safety of employees and customers during this pandemic. 
While the future impact the pandemic will have on our communities is uncertain, the bank eagerly looks forward to being able to reopen their lobbies and welcome their customers back.

The bank has enlisted the services of Washington Engineering & Architecture, Inc. and Jasper Builders, Inc. to complete this project.  ​
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Would you like to support any of these events through sponsorship?  We have multiple commitment levels available, so you can choose the amount and benefits that work best for your business!  Learn more on our sponsorship blog post, and then sign-up with our online form.  Thank you!

A ribbon cutting was held Thursday, December 17 to celebrate the new location for Creative Touch Paint & Design!
The business, owned by Janet Rudd, offers Interior and Exterior painting, Designing, Faux finishes, Murals, Wallpaper, Furniture and Cabinet painting.  Creative classes will be offered in 2021 as well. 
​The business is located at 5475 Hwy 100, Unit C.  For more information, visit www.creativetouch.design.

*Masks were worn at this event and removed only briefly for the photograph.

The Creative Touch Paint & Design by Janet Rudd Facebook Page is full of work samples and videos.  Their work is amazing and so much fun to watch!

The Washington Area Chamber of Commerce is pleased to welcome Tricia Piontek (The Magnet Group) and Kevin Richardson (Zick, Voss, Politte & Richardson, P.C.) to the Board of Directors.  They were chosen through a membership-wide ballot that included four nominees, selected by a committee of past board chairs. 
 
“We’re excited to add Tricia and Kevin to our team.  Both have a great appreciation for our community, and we are grateful for their willingness to serve our Chamber in this capacity,” said Chamber President, Jennifer Giesike.  Board members typically serve two, 3-year terms on the board, although if selected by fellow directors to the Executive Board, additional years can be served.  Piontek and Richardson will replace Dave Politte (Zick, Voss, Politte & Richardson, P.C.) and Casey Zastrow (American Family Insurance), whose terms will end on December 31, 2020.
 
Tricia Piontek has been with The Magnet Group since 2002 and currently holds the position of Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Brands Division.  She served on the Our Lady of Lourdes School Board and is an experienced volunteer, helping plan and execute school auctions, parish breakfasts and dinners, and fundraisers for the Washington Junior ROTC Booster Club.  She and her family enjoy supporting local events and businesses.  Tricia and her husband, Allan, have five adult children – Nicole (Brueggenjohann), Holly (Wunderlich), Sydney, Samuel, and Jackson. 
 
Kevin Richardson is a partner and attorney at Zick, Voss, Politte & Richardson, P.C., where he has worked since 2003.  Kevin has served on the Board of Directors for TEMCO, Inc. and the Franklin County Area United Way and on the Parish Finance Committee at Our Lady of Lourdes Parish.  He was President of the 20th Judicial Circuit Bar Association, and was named to the Chamber Outstanding Young Professionals Class of 2013.  Kevin and his wife, Sarah, have two children, Audrey and Will.
 
Piontek and Richardson will join 14 others on the 2021 Board of Directors.
 
Executive Board

• Paul Brune (MFA Co-Op #2) – Chairman
• Andy Robinson (School District of Washington) - 1st Vice Chair
• Jay Nowak (Bank of Washington) - 2nd Vice Chair
• Dan Cassette (Cassette Electric) – Ex-Officio
• Steve Strubberg (Horn Architects)
• Karen Timpe (Legacy Embroidery & Screenprinting)

Board of Directors

• Josh Brinker (Bank of Franklin County)
• Becky Cox (Four Rivers Family YMCA)
• Scott Hillermann (Hillermann Nursery & Florist)
• Joe Maniaci (PFG Fox River Foods)
• Tanya McCormack (Washington Hearing Center)
• Luke Meyer (Citizens Bank)
• Craig Mueller (Imo’s Pizza / Sugarfire Smokehouse)
• Jason Unnerstall (Past Fair Chairman)

In a normal year, it is about the time we would be warning you about influenza (flu) and how you can tell whether you or your child is suffering from the flu or a cold. But as we all know, this is no normal year. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is another threat to your health that can add to the confusion.

These three diseases are somewhat similar – they are all respiratory illnesses caused by viruses. They can all cause coughing, a sore throat and a runny or stuffy nose. Both the flu and COVID-19 can cause a fever, headache, body aches, pains or chills. But, there are ways to tell the difference.

The COVID-19 symptom that stands out, and that you have probably heard about, is a new loss of taste or smell. It also can cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, along with nausea or vomiting and diarrhea. These gastrointestinal symptoms are more common in children.

When it comes to telling the difference between a cold and the flu, keep in mind that a cold can cause sneezing and may cause only a low-grade fever or no fever at all.

Even if you know which infection you are dealing with, and you do not need emergency care, it is a good idea to contact your primary care physician. We may want you tested to confirm whether you have COVID-19 or the flu, and one test can be run to check for both viruses. You can then work with your doctor to determine the best treatment and to monitor you in case more aggressive treatment is needed. That treatment will not include antibiotics, which do not treat viral infections.

Here’s the good news with all of these viruses: the actions you take to protect yourself from one of them will protect you from all three. The steps we recommend to prevent the spread of COVID-19 – wearing a face mask around others and staying at least six feet apart – work well. But do not forget about the simpler steps we should always take, such as washing your hands, cleaning high-touch surfaces regularly and staying away from others when you are feeling ill.

You also can protect yourself and others by getting your flu shot. While it is best to get vaccinated in September or October before flu season typically starts, it is not too late. You can still benefit from getting your flu shot.
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A COVID-19 vaccine is on the way, but it will be several months before it is available widely. Please continue to wear a mask in public and keep your social distance while we work to get the vaccine to our patients as quickly as possible. If you have any concerns about a vaccine, please discuss them with your primary care physician. We are here to help you.

Dr. Christina Garretto is a board-certified family physician. She cares for patients of all ages at Mercy Clinic Primary Care – Patients First Drive in Washington. Learn more about her at mercy.net or call her office at 636-239-4100.

On the Sunday after Thanksgiving, we celebrated a different, but still magical Olde Fashioned Christmas event!  With a small army of volunteers, lights were hung, donated decorations were placed throughout the Main & Elm parking lot and goodies were staged along the route.

Participants received an event booklet with activities and a coloring sheet, crayons, and candy canes early in the line, and then received hot cocoa or cider and sugar cookies as they pulled in front of the Farmers' Market.  A take-home craft packet was given to children as they drove through the decoration display, and after driving past the live reindeer and Mr. & Mrs. Claus, children had a chance to leave a letter for Santa at the North Pole Post Office.

Olde Fashioned Christmas is always a free event, but this year we did encourage participants donate canned goods.  In total, 208 items and $135 were taken to Loving Hearts Outreach after the event.

Our traffic plan worked well for the 300 cars that drove through the event and we saw many excited and grateful smiles. 

​Thank you to everyone that helped make this event a success!