|
|
 |
|
||
| May
is the month we celebrate the flowers provided for us by April rains,
as well as warm, sun-kissed days free from summer’s stifling heat
and muggy humidity. May is also the month we celebrate mothers, honoring
them with their own exclusive day and perhaps special cards and gifts. But sometimes shopping for just the right gift can be daunting. That’s where del Sole Barefoot Spa and Two Rivers Massage can help. In addition to gift certificates for any of their array of services, these two businesses under one roof offer a couple’s massage, which is a one-hour Swedish massage for two plus a goody bag. And what’s in the goody bag, you ask? Yummy candy from Lagomarcino’s, a scented candle made by the Association for Retarded Citizens, and flavorful tea from Alaska. What makes this offer even more attractive is the many options it presents. A couple can mean a woman and her man, a mother and her daughter or daughter-in-law, best friends—any couple interested in spending a delightful hour together being pampered in a relaxed, stress-free atmosphere. del Sole is owned and operated by Pamela Fisher, a nationally certified massage therapist and bodyworker. She grew up in the Quad Cities and graduated from Moline High School. Three years later, she got a summer job in Skagway, Alaska, and ended up living there for the next 20 years. In 1998, Pam enrolled in an acupressure apprenticeship at the Alaska Whole Health Institute, which led her to the University of Alaska Anchorage Therapeutic Massage Program. She completed her 500-hour acupressure apprenticeship and her 1,025-hour massage program the following year. Just 10 days after graduation, Pam had an accident while riding her Harley. As she recuperated from her injuries, including a broken arm, she had time to rethink her future. She says she moved back to Moline and “settled in for anything but a boring life in the Quad Cities.” Pam opened Touch and Go Chair Massage kiosks at the Quad City International Airport and Northpark and Southpark Malls, and then started Two Rivers Massage in downtown Moline in 1999. Since then, Pam explains, that business has grown into one of the most recognized and respected massage therapy businesses in the area. Pam reorganized and taught the Black Hawk College 600-hour Massage Therapy and Bodywork Program in 2001/2002. She also conducts continuing education courses for massage therapists. In 2006, Pam received the “Athena Business Women’s Award,” and the River Cities Reader has named her the “Quad Cities’ Best Massage Therapist for 2008.” Massages are by appointment, and last minute requests can usually be accommodated. When I dropped in, I was warmly greeted by Pam and Buster, her Australian Blue Heeler. While touring the facility, I learned there are eight private massage rooms, two massage chairs, and a lovely spa area. I think they are all tastefully decorated and promise a luxurious, refreshing experience. Pam keeps busy with the scheduling, bookkeeping, marketing, advertising, and basic management of the two businesses, but her staff of 12 (10 massage therapists and two pedicurists) are available and ready to serve. Each is a highly qualified professional, certified and licensed in his or her area of expertise. del Sole’s motto is “We’ll massage your sole!” Their smorgasbord of foot massages and treatments can be enjoyed alone or with friends. Bridal showers, birthday parties, or just-because celebrations are welcome. The first Friday of each month is designated as “girls’ night out,” with appointments at 6, 7, and 8 p.m. Options include a dead sea salt and essential oil foot soak, a 20-minute lower leg and foot massage, and a paraffin wrap. Prices and length of time varies, depending on the selected treatment. For those with little time to be delightfully coddled, a 45-minute soak and massage can be refreshing. A one-hour session might include an invigorating hot stone massage. Especially designed for people who push their body to the limits is a treatment called “Athlete’s Feet.” This is highly recommended for runners, bicyclists, marathoners, and all athletes. It includes a foot soak with sea salts and essential oils and a lower leg and foot massage with specialized sports massage creme to release toxins and rejuvenate exhausted muscles. Not to be forgotten are men’s services appropriately referred to as “man-li-cures.” The package includes a soak, lower leg and foot massage, nail trimming and filing, a Tea Tree essential oil nail treatment, and a warming paraffin wrap. Light appetizers are also served, and guests are welcome to bring in their own wine and beer. Two Rivers Massage was named by Pam for the rivers that flow directly through the Quad Cities—the Mississippi and the Rock. She views water as representing the emotions—flowing, constantly moving, always changing, nourishing, and maintaining life. Pam says that providing chair massage at several Quad City businesses and corporations, such as John Deere, Rock Island Arsenal, and Trinity Medical Center, is responsible for bringing massage into the public eye. She comments that her onsite program is the best combination “since peanut butter and jelly.” It combines massage and convenience by going to various locations to provide chair massages. This service can be enjoyed at offices, parties, conventions, trade shows, sporting events, and even at the pool. There are numerous benefits of massage, including reduced stress, tension, anxiety, depression, headaches, and back aches. It is said to enhance energy, create a balance in body systems, increase circulation, improve sleep patterns, decrease symptoms of disease, and increase quality of life. Also available at del Sole/Two Rivers are massage and relaxation gift items. Aromatherapy candles, bath pillows, tapes, CD’s, books, bath salts, foot balms, and creams are some of the items available. Gift certificates are always available and can be purchased at any time. del Sole Barefoot Spa and Two Rivers Massage are located at 1411 Sixth Ave. Convenient parking is available in the corner lot at 14th Street and Sixth Avenue. The businesses are both open Monday through Saturday. Pam and her staff are willing to accommodate individual scheduling needs from morning to evening. With notice, massage appointments can even be made for Sundays. Call 309-757-SOLE (757-7653). |
del Sole Barefoot Spa and Two |
||
|
