Villa Grove community reflects on 2020; looks to 2021

By Tony Hooker
As 2020 draws to a close, we thought it would be fun to hear positive thoughts of folks from around town, both of the year that has just passed and of the future, 2021.

I posed the same two questions to several Villa Grovians, and these are their responses.

What is one thing you’re grateful for from 2020, and one thing that you’re looking for, and what is one thing you’re looking forward to in 2021?

Libby Neathery – Billing Clerk, City of Villa Grove
One thing I’m grateful for is the health of my family,  and one thing I’m looking forward to is opening the studio. (Libby Jo Art Studio, set to open on Main in Villa Grove in spring, 2021)

Cassandra Eversole Gunter – Mayor of Villa Grove and local realtor
The same thing.  My grandson! <laughs>

Jackie Athey – Administrator, City of Villa Grove
I’m grateful for my health, and for 2021, I’m looking forward to anything but Covid!

Don Cler – President, Villa Grove State Bank
From 2020, in spite of the pandemic, I’m grateful that most people are staying happy and healthy and being safe and smart.  For 2021, I hope that the pandemic ends and everyone can go back to a normal life, again staying healthy, safe and happy.

Jazmin Ocampo – El Rancho Grande
I’m happy to still be working and for having my health, and for 2021, I hope everything gets better!

Frank Ingold – Kraft Private Fleet retiree and Villa Grove resident
I’m grateful that I’m still healthy and that I still have most of my friends and that they and my family are still healthy.  And for 2021, I’m looking forward to going to Wrigley Field!

Jerrod Shanks – Villa Grove Monical’s
I’m grateful for not getting COVID, and for my kids staying healthy.  For 2021, not having COVID and all of this stopping! <laughs>  

Rebecca Pratt – Villa Grove Subway
I’m grateful for my kids and my job, and for 2021, I’m looking forward to getting rid of the COVID.

Darren Gilles – Villa Grove True Value Hardware

I’m grateful for local businesses and the local customers that have kept us going.  For 2021, I’m looking forward to a lot of the same! <smiles>

Leslie Clark – Villa Grove Casey’s
I’m grateful for the time I’ve gotten to spend with my family, and for 2021 I’m looking forward to continuing to spend time with family.  

Mel Raukman – Rick’s Country Market
I’m grateful for the business we’ve had and my co-workers.  I definitely love them the most!  I’m looking forward to the business that we keep in 2021.

I’m grateful for my health and what are you looking forward to all the opportunities that 2021 has to offer!  <smiles>

Jessica Baird – Rick’s Country Market
I’m grateful for my health and what are you looking forward to all the opportunities that 2021 has to offer!  <smiles>