Consumers Credit Union is opening a new branch in Volo, which will be its seventh, at the end of the year, said Sean Rathjen, president of chief executive officer of the 50,300-member credit union.

WAUKEGAN -- To meet the rising demand for its products, Frontier Soups is automating its production line at its Waukegan plant for the first time.

Seventy-five years ago there were no sidewalks on O'Plaine Road, the "Century of Progress" exposition was under way in Chicago, and F.D.R. had just introduced his "New Deal" plan for reinvigorating the nation's economy. Instead of waiting for others to determine their future, however, a handful of local community leaders and citizens took financial matters into their own hands by forming a community-based financial cooperative named Warren Township Credit Union (later renamed Community Trust CU).

Sheridan Health & Rehab Center in Zion would like to recognize Laura Holmstrom for her excellent contribution to our facility. Holmstrom started at Sheridan Health & Rehab Center in October of 1995 as the Medicare coordinator and is currently the assistant administrator.

The Zion Park District has been in the business of "Enriching Lives" since 1946. At that time the citizens of Zion approved a referendum creating a special unit of government for the purpose of providing locally delivered parks and recreation services.

The Waukegan Park District administration and staff would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Terry Duffy for giving back to our community through his dedication and hard work on the Park District Board. Terry was elected to serve as a commissioner for the Park District in 2003 and has provided countless volunteers hours by contributing to the leadership and direction of the district.

Robert Boller said one reason his company continues to grow, even in the current economic climate, "we are dedicated to providing uncompromised service to our clients along with professional growth to our employees including on-going education."

Twin Oaks Country Inn Restaurant is located in the cozy town of Wilmot, which is known for antique stores and a small ski hill. The restaurant is in a 117-year-old Victorian home and is open for lunch and dinner.

Village at Victory Lakes hosting 20th birthday celebration, open house May 10

Lilac Ledge is a federally funded retirement community which is centrally located near historic downtown Waukegan. The attractively landscaped grounds have beautiful sitting areas and a circle drive for convenient access.

One would think the most successful real estate agent is a slick, fast-paced, super-charged person under a lot of pressure to prove himself, sale after sale.

Sunset Lake Apartments, a beautiful community nestled on 17 acres in Waukegan, was acquired less than one year ago by Jupiter Communities.

In 2006, before deciding to start her own business at the age of 57, Chris Hammerlund of Antioch felt it was important to review her career and take stock. Her first vocation had been as a home health nurse, working with the elderly and infirm. Her career path then took a variety of twists and turns, many of them unexpected, culminating in her position as director of a successful professional staffing operation with annual sales exceeding $20 million. Looking back, she saw a pattern emerging, a common thread in the many relationships she had developed.

Familiar tones travel through the air. Whether it's the opening lick of "Highway to Hell" or the iconic solo of "Free Bird" classic rock is everywhere -- even in the average living room.

United Way of Lake County is leading the way to connect Lake County residents with local services by launching an online searchable Web site to better serve the community.

Salon Bliss has teamed up with Aveda organic beauty products and several national and regional environmental organizations in support of Earth Month.

Coldwell Banker Grand Realty takes the strength of a national company, with a recognized brand, and customizes it for the local level.

Dave Holden sank his savings into a two-bay muffler shop 18 years ago and has never regretted his decision.

The Susman family has been a staple in the flooring business in northern Lake County since 1939. Started by Matt Susman before World War II, Susman's remains a family business, including son Robert and son-in-law Nick Faber.

Welcome to Waukegan, where big-city amenities and small-town charm blend to form a community that is culturally rich, economically secure and family-friendly.

Jr. Miss, Little Miss and Tiny Miss too.

Patti Triola lives in Mundelein with her adopted dachshunds -- each of whom has a story to tell of catastrophic injury, abandonment or cruelty.

ZION -- Church can be drudgery. Ask any older child. Chances are they cry, complain and cajole to try to get out of Sunday service. But not the kids who attend Sidewalk Sunday School at The New Church of Joy in Zion, where Pastor Luis Reyes, 36, draws young people to the Gospel with fun and games as well as serious down-on-the-knees time.

I would like to nominate my wife, Nancy Carlson.

Today we will share with you dozens of stories of many unsung heroes, as well as those of some household names, who make Lake County such a special place to live, work and raise a family. When we asked, readers supplied us with more than 100 nominees of amazing people in their lives.

I'd like to nominate the members of the Hearing Impaired program at Grays-lake North High School as Amazing People.

I would like to nominate my wife, Nancy Carlson.

An amazing person in our community is Arlene Alsen of Grayslake.

In just a single minute Dr. Mitchell Jackson was able to change the life of a person who had given so much to others.

I would like to nominate Dale Galassie, executive director of the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center, for your section for the following reasons:

I am writing to you about this amazing man I know named Casuel D. Pitts Jr. You may be asking yourself why is he so amazing.

Ivan Sostre is my best friend and husband. He puts the "extra" in extraordinary and is my BIGGEST fan.

Robert Boller is one of the most fascinating people I have ever had the pleasure to work with. I first met Bob in 1980 while working for Abbott Laboratories. He had just started his own construction company two years earlier, which was Boller Construction Company, Inc. Since that time, I have grown a unique business relationship with him and have had the opportunity to hear countless accounts in business and personal, which make him intriguing.

The person, who amazes me is my 12-year-old daughter Isabella Caccamo.

The most amazing people I have met are at the Fox Lake Animal Hospital.

WAUKEGAN -- Every once in a while, inspiration hits us all. And every once in a while, inspiration turns to dedication, and dedication turns into obsession.

Our mother -- Dollie L. Sanders -- amazes and inspires us.

A long time back, I was having a lot of difficulties in my life -- real life-threatening and very serious issues and matters. I never gave up my faith in God.

This nomination is for two "special educators" with a combination of 100-plus years of service and volunteer work for individuals with disabilities who continue active involvement and contributions as retired senior citizens.

The worth of a nation is found in the strength of its families.

The most amazing person I know is my dearest friend in the world, Jenny Mitchell.

When I think of the person that inspires me, I immediately think of my 10-year-old grandson Tyler Claussen. Tyler has autism. He was diagnosed with autism at age 2.

As soon as I saw the article "Who amazes you?" I immediately thought of Colleen Kausak.

My amazing person to deserve special recognition is Tim Abelgore, an activities person at Bayside Terrace. He has been here somewhat over a year now and got hired by head of activities, Judy, here at Bayside.

I met a gentleman by the name of John Pilotte a little over 22 years ago. Our children were the same age.

One of the most amazing people I have ever known is the former superintendent of the Veterans Assistance Commission of Lake County, Johnnie L. Allen of Zion.

I would like to tell you about an amazing and inspiring person in my life: My husband, Dick Studebaker.

There is one person in my life that has inspired me to the point that I need to let someone know just how extraordinary this man really is. It is my son-in-law, Ronald Sprague. He lives in Gurnee.

Injuries are a part of any competitive sport.

She has been called the "Mother Theresa of Lake County."

An amazing person in my life would have to be my husband, Paul H. Eagon. He was a farm boy from the "hills of Pennsylvania."

Some say 50 is the new 40, but Shirley Hudson takes it even further than that.

I'd like to nominate Nancy Rivera for your "Amazing People." Nancy is a correctional officer at the Lake County Jail.

Barbara Monsor, Founder and Executive Director of Mothers Trust Foundation Lake Forest, Illinois

The most amazing person to me besides my mother Marie Brooks is Betty Fairchild -- "Ma Betty."

On most mornings around 5 a.m., Jamie Harrington bikes the 12 miles from his Green Oaks home to Deerfield High School where he teaches physical education and coaches football and track.

I would like to nominate my mother and father: Jerry and Joyce Quilty.