Nelson's Today – The Shopping and Lifestyle Newspaper for the Western Suburbs

People You Should Know: Steve Nelson, Diamond Cutter and Goldsmith

Posted by Laura Nelson on February 7, 2010

Steve Nelson, Sierra Gems

If there’s a diamond in your future, Steve Nelson should be your last stop. Nelson, a diamond cutter and goldsmith for 35 years, specializes in one of a kind custom designs for engagement rings, wedding bands and fine colored gemstones. Formerly a downtown Wheaton fixture for 30 years, Nelson now runs Sierra Gems, a new retail/wholesale jewelry shop on High Lake Rd. in West Chicago.

Nelson offers two components of his business philosophy. First, in purchasing fine gemstones and diamonds, it takes an expert to explain the nuances of a stone. Second, Nelson most enjoys making custom designs for his neighbors as well as retail jewelers who are his primary customers. Nelson offers his retail customers the same pricing he extends to his wholesale clients.

Diamonds from Sierra Gems are conflict free. Nelson is involved in relief work in Sierra Leone and Liberia and has traveled to Africa and other gem sources to purchase gems and mine diamonds. In addition to custom design work, Nelson also restores and repairs diamonds and jewelry. A chipped diamond can be recut to restore or improve its beauty.

Colored gemstones sparkle throughout the jewelry cases. If you can think of a beautiful gemstone, chances are you will find it at Sierra Gems. Rubies, sapphires, tourmalines, opals and more are on display. Nelson is scheduling a “Gemstone Roundtable” this spring–an informational presentation and discussion on the beauty, value and pricing of gemstones.

In addition to stones, Nelson also buys and refines gold, silver and platinum. “We assay and refine precious metals  in house,” he says, “because we use it in making new jewelry. Since it stays here, we offer a higher price for precious metals.”

Open weekdays at noon or by appointment, Sierra Gems is at 28W520 High Lake Rd. at Morningside in West Chicago. (630) 876-7900

White Sox Training Academy: We Love This Game and the Kids Who Play It

Posted by Laura Nelson on January 18, 2010

Tim Rappe knew in 1993 that he was tired of selling radio advertising, power lunching and travel that kept him away from home.  When he compiled a list of things that were important to him, kids and baseball were at the top. Rappe used his sales skills on Jerry Reinsdorf, owner of the Chicago White Sox and Bulls, to promote the training academy concept.

Tim Rappe, President, White Sox Training Academy

1994 brought the debut of White Sox summer camps throughout Chicagoland, with Chicago Bulls programs added in 1999. The summer camps were a tremendous success, and Rappe recognized the need for winter programs for aspiring athletes. Reinsdorf loved the idea of a permanent training academy, and put money behind the three story, 57,000 square foot complex in Lisle that has become a baseball, softball, basketball mecca, which opened in 2001.

Satellite facilities in LaGrange, Schererville, IN, Tinley Park and the new Ackerman Sports Complex in Glen Ellyn have been added since. About 10,000 kids each year participate in White Sox-sponsored academy programs.

The White Sox Training Academy is at 6200 River Bend Drive, Lisle. (630) 324-8221or BullsSoxAcademy.com.

People You Should Know: Dr. Helen Dane – Danada Veterinary Hospital

Posted by Laura Nelson on October 2, 2009

By Sherry Nelson

When Dr. Helen Dane started up her own veterinary practice in 1989, she could hardly have envisioned leading a team of eight doctors and twenty three support staff into a new $2.7 million free-standing building twenty years later. But that’s exactly what she did.

The new Danada Veterinary Hospital on Wheaton’s West Loop Drive opened September 8. The hospital features treatment rooms for each doctor, and state-of-the-art equipment to improve diagnoses and care for each pet. A new digital X-ray machine gives precise bone detail, while enhanced ultrasound equipment gives a better view of soft tissues. There is also a separate treatment room for dental procedures, one designated for exotic pets, and an isolation unit for pets with communicable conditions.

“Preventative medicine has been the cornerstone of our business,” says Dr. Dane. “We’ve been successful because we focus on communicating how to provide what’s best for pets.” Pets are living much longer today than thirty years ago, according to Dr. Dane. It’s not unusual to see dogs live to seventeen or eighteen years. The oldest cat patient is twenty three years old. Dr. Dane attributes longevity to better diagnostics, improved diet, and better preventive measures.

“Just like humans,” says Dr. Dane, “many animals need nutritional supplements.” Also, like humans, much more attention is given to pain relief for pets. There are arthritis medicines to keep older pets comfortable.

The new hospital also has pet boarding quarters–with separate areas for cats, dogs, and exotics. New “doggie turf” is set to be installed soon in the outdoor exercise area. “It’s great, as we can hose it down, it stays green all year, and is more comfortable for pets than gravel,” says Dr. Dane.

Danada Veterinary Hospital is at 10 West Loop Road, Wheaton. (630) 665-6161, www.danadavet.com.