Local Expertise Series

The Glencoe business community boasts a wide array of expertise. In an effort to showcase this local expertise and Glencoe’s range of goods and services, the Glencoe Area Chamber of Commerce sponsors the Local Expertise Series, quarterly articles featuring tips, educational articles and consumer information. Local Expertise Series articles will be included in each quarterly Chamber/City Newsletter, as well as on this website.  Featured below are the first two articles.  Additional articles will be posted in the menu above.

September, 2009 - Tips for Tire Care and Service, Sam’s Tire
Recent reports from the U.S. Department of Energy have indicated that many drivers can improve their gas mileage by around three percent simply by keeping their tires inflated to the proper pressure. Many motorists can actually save $2.00 or more per fill-up. Properly inflated tires also can help provide the optimum level of vehicle performance and comfort. However, recent research from the Rubber Manufacturers Association shows that only ten percent of drivers surveyed properly check their tire inflation pressure, and most don’t even know where to look to find the recommended tire inflation pressure for their vehicles’ tires.

Sam’s Tire Service is helping area motorists combat the high cost of gas by offering a free service to help. Drivers who stop in at the Goodyear dealer can have a Sam’s Tire technician inspect their tires, checking for proper inflation pressure and a sufficient amount of tread. As part of the no-appointment-necessary tire check, if tires are found to be underinflated, Sam’s personnel will fill the tires to vehicle manufacturer-recommended levels at no charge.

Sam’s Tire Service recommends that drivers check their tires’ inflation pressure at least once a month, visually inspect tires for signs of uneven tread wear, rotate the tires at least every 6,000 to 8,000 miles and make sure the vehicle’s alignment is checked periodically to avoid uneven and rapid tread wear. Such safeguards can help provide the vehicle owner with potentially better tire and vehicle performance, translating into improved product value.

Additionally, motorists should practice these other easy-to-adopt gas-saving tips:
• Check that the vehicle’s air filter isn’t clogged. This can save money and help protect the engine by keeping out harmful impurities.
• Remember not to overload the vehicle. Check the owner’s manual for the maximum recommended load for the vehicle.
• Before a long trip, consider visiting Sam’s Tire Service to make sure the car is properly tuned.
• Make sure the gas cap is on tight and is not damaged. Loose or missing caps can allow gas to evaporate into the atmosphere.

Sam’s Tire Service has operated for over eight years in the Glencoe area. Sam’s offers new auto, truck and farm tire sales, oil changes, exhaust/muffler service, brakes, laser alignments, computer diagnostics, small engine repair and DOT Inspections. Call 864-3615 for service appointments.

December, 2009 - Hot Beverages for Cold Days, Gert and Erma’s Coffee Shop

Are you intimidated by coffee shop terms? Don’t feel bad - a coffee shop does have a bit of its own language.

Brewed Coffee: Most everyone is familiar with brewed coffee. Coffee shop coffee is special because it is made from the premium grade of Arabica coffee beans. The names of the coffee refer to the origins of the beans, like Columbian or Nicaraguan. Or they may be blended into a “Breakfast Blend” or “House Blend.” A skilled “roaster” roasts the coffee beans to bring out the best characteristics of that particular bean, which is why some coffees are medium roasted, and others are dark roasted. Did you know that medium roast coffee has more caffeine than the dark roasted? It’s true. More of the caffeine is roasted out of the dark!

Flavored Coffee: The “roaster” can flavor coffee with natural or chemical flavorings. These coffees will have nutty or dessert-like names, such as Vanilla Hazelnut, Cinnamon, Irish Cream, etc.

Espresso: What about Espresso (no x)? The roaster chooses beans that will, when skillfully roasted, make a great espresso. At the coffee shop, these beans are ground to a near powder-fine consistency. The grounds are compressed into a small basket which is locked into position in an espresso machine. There, hot water is forced through the basket, expressing about an ounce of concentrated delicious, strong coffee, called “espresso.” Some people prefer to sip a shot or two of espresso straight, but many drinks use espresso as an ingredient. The most common are:

Latte: A “latte” (la-tay) is made by combining espresso with steamed milk. Adding a flavoring, such as vanilla or caramel, is optional.

Mocha: A “mocha” (mo-ka) is made by combining espresso, steamed milk and chocolate sauce, topped with whipped cream. Variations may include a white chocolate mocha, a caramel mocha or flavored syrups.

Cappucino: A “cappuccino” (cap-u-chino) is espresso combined with frothed (more airy than steamed) milk. Because there is more air, the flavor of the espresso comes through more strongly.

You can personalize your beverage with these variations: decaf espresso, skim or soy milk, sugar-free syrups, or have them over ice rather than hot. In addition, for those who don’t like coffee, other warm beverages include hot chocolate, hot apple cider or chai tea (iced or hot - this is a wonderful spicy drink that does not taste like tea).

Glencoe’s own coffee shop, Gert and Erma’s, offers these and many more options to warm you on cold days. Stop in and talk to the experienced staff to help find just the right choice to satisfy your tastes. 

February, 2010 - Appliance Maintenance, Home Solutions
Spring is here, and with it, home cleaning and maintenance tasks. Attention to appliances is just one piece of the puzzle, one that helps preserve the life of your appliances and may help them run more efficiently and effectively as well. Below are tips to help you plan your spring maintenance and cleaning schedule:

Clothes Dryer (Average Lifespan 7-10 Years):  Build-up of dryer lint can damage your dryer as well as cause a house fire. Use a dryer vent brush to remove lint build up in the vent that leads to the outside. Make sure there are no kinks or ridges in the vent hose.

Washing Machine (Average Lifespan 6-9 Years):  Check washer hoses for cracks, blisters, corroded fittings and leaks. Hoses generally need to be replaced every three to five years, and the above signals that a change is needed now. Stainless steel fill hoses are recommended. Additionally, check to make sure water is not dripping inside when the washer is off, as this indicates a leak in the water inlet valve.

Dishwasher (Average Lifespan 5-8 Years):  Clean your dishwasher filter. On many basic and/or European dishwashers, there’s a filter near the bottom, or under the lower spray arm, that needs cleaning regularly. If you have this sort of filter, consult your owner’s manual for how to remove and clean it. If the filter is damaged, replace it to protect the dishwasher’s pump and motor seals.

Refrigerator (Average Lifespan 7 -10 Years):   If you have built-in ice/water, replace the filter approximately every six months. Clean the refrigerator cooling fan and the condenser coils underneath the refrigerator. Check to ensure that the doors are sealing properly.

Window/Wall Air Conditioner (Average Lifespan 7-10 Years):  To prepare for seasonal use, clean the condenser coils on your unit and oil the motor if it is equipped with oil ports. Clean or replace the air conditioner filter.

Home Solutions is your local option for appliance sales, service and expertise. Call them at (320) 864-5161 or (952)-467-2404 to schedule your preventive maintenance and extend the life of your appliances, or stop in to tour the showroom or ask questions. For more appliance maintenance tips visit www.repairclinic.com.