Boone County Shopper January 5th, 2023

JAZZ/HIP-HOP COMBO

BALLET/TAP COMBO

LYRICAL/TAP COMBO

Through ballet & lyrical styles, students have a higher focus on technique, artistry, storytelling & choreography.

LITTLE NINJAS TAE KWON DO

Notable Works

By Martin Luther King, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. was one of the most influential Americans of the twentieth century. A scholar & minister who played a leading role in the civil rights movement of the 1950s & 1960s, King was tragically assassinated on April 4, 1968, less than three months after he turned 39. Though King’s life was far too short, he left behind a host of notable works. These works can provide significant insight into who King was & the legacy he left behind.

• Stride Toward Freedom: The Montgomery Story. Published in 1958, this is King’s account of the Montgomery bus boycott that began in 1955 & ended in 1956. The book includes information about the planning of the boycott as well as King’s thoughts about it after it ended.

• The Measure of a Man. A short book, The Measure of a Man is actually two sermons King delivered in August 1958. The sermons are titled “What is Man?” & “The Dimensions of a Complete Life.” The Cornell University Library credits The Measure of a Man for offering insight into the theological roots of King’s philosophy of nonviolence.

• Strength to Love. A more extensive version of King’s sermons, Strength to Love focuses largely on racial segregation in the United States. King wrote the sermons in Strength to Love during the struggle for civil rights, even composing some of them while in jail.

• Why We Can’t Wait. Published in 1964, Why We Can’t Wait focuses on the nonviolent fight against racial segregation in 1963 in Birmingham. The book includes King’s “Letter from Birmingham Jail,” which remains one of his most famous writings.

• Where Do We Go from Here: Chaos or Community? This was King’s last book before he was assassinated. King wrote the book from a rented house in Jamaica in 1967 after isolating himself from the civil right movement. In the book, King contemplates where things stand for the civil rights movement & what must be done to ensure equality for all Americans in the future. The collective works of Martin Luther King, Jr. provide unrivaled insight into the minds of the one of the most influential figures in American history.

Ida Public Library Programs

Drop In Hobbies: 3:30 PM on 2nd & 4th Fridays at the Library, 320 N. State, Belvidere. Ages 13+. Was your New Year’s resolution to learn something new? Get started right away with these great drop in hobbies! Each session, learn a different hobby from a fellow hobbyist. Try out sewing, drawing, knitting & more!

Cookie Decorating with EK Cakery: 5:30 PM on Wednesday, January 25th at the Library, 320 N. State, Belvidere. Learn the basics of cookie decorating from EK Cakery! A special Valentine’s pack of cookies (book, flower, heart) will be provided along with all the decorating supplies. Space is limited to 25 so be sure to register in advance!

Winter Gardens With U of I: 11 AM, Friday, January 20th & 6 PM, Tuesday, February 21st at the Library, 320 N. State, Belvidere. It may be winter but we can still think about gardening! Monthly presentations by the University of Illinois Extension Office.

Cozy Mystery Book Club: 10:30 AM on 3rd Mondays & Crafters Corner: 10:30 AM on 2nd Thursdays. Both offered at The Keen Age Center, 2141 Henry Luckow Ln., Belvidere. Please register for the above events at idapubliclibrary.org/registration or call 815-544-3838.

S E N I O R L I V I N G S E N I O R L I V I N G SENIOR LIVING

Long Term Solutions To Protect Joints

Periodic aches & pains can affect anyone. Individuals who are physically active & even those who live largely sedentary lifestyles may experience pain from time to time. In fact, many professional & amateur athletes experience relatively minor, short-term injuries at one point or another, & rest is often the best remedy to overcome such obstacles.

Though minor tweaks may be somewhat normal, long-term issues like persistent joint pain should not be written off as par for the course. It can be tempting to write joint pain off as a concern only serious athletes need to worry about. Terms like “tennis elbow” & “runner’s knee” can give less physically active individuals a false impression of joint pain & what causes it. But the Mayo Clinic notes that lack of exercise can contribute to pain & stiffness in the joints. That’s because exercise strengthens the muscles & tissues that surround the joints. That added strength puts less stress on the joints.

In recognition of the threat posed by chronic joint pain, the Arthritis Foundation® recommends individuals take various steps to protect their joints over the long haul.

• Focus less on fashion in regard to footwear. High heels may be the epitome of glamorous footwear, but women who routinely wear high heels will pay a steep price. The AF notes that heels put added stress on the knees & increase risk for osteoporosis, & experts indicate that three-inch heels are seven times more stressful on feet than one-inch heels. But women aren’t the only ones whose footwear fashion sense could be hurting their joints. Men also must pay attention to what they’re putting on their feet. For example, sandals without a back strap force toes to overgrip the edge of the sandal, putting needless strain on each foot & potentially causing issues with the toes.

• Alternate between sitting & standing throughout the day. Joint stiffness & strain can develop when individuals spend lengthy periods of time sitting or standing. The AF recommends taking a break to stand up or sit down every 30 minutes. Professionals who sit at a desk all day may want to switch to height-adjustable desks that make it easy for them to transition from sitting to standing & still get their work done.

• Maintain a healthy weight. Being overweight causes a ripple effect that impacts the entire body, including the joints. The AF notes that researchers have determined that losing 11 lbs. can reduce risk for osteoarthritis of the knee by 50%. On the flip side, each extra pound an individual carries puts four times the stress on his or her knees. Exercising to lose weight can provide the added benefit of preventing joint stiffness.

• Opt for low-impact activities. Low-impact activities like cycling & swimming are easier on the joints than fitness classes that involve high-intensity dancing & kickboxing. In addition, when choosing between a treadmill & elliptical machine, the Mayo Clinic notes that ellipticals are generally considered low-impact machines that are less stressful on the knees, hips & back than running on a treadmill or even outdoors.

Various strategies can help individuals maintain healthy, pain-free joints over the long haul.

Belvidere Park District Low Impact Classes

Low Impact Classes - This class is for everyone! No burpees, no push ups, this is low impact for all levels of fitness. Class includes warm up, workout & stretching. Low impact cardio, core & strength. Modifications are made for injuries & fitness levels. This class is offered on Mon./Wed./Thurs. at 6:15 AM or 4:15 PM . Fee: $45/ month.

Hatha Yoga - An ancient practice of physical well-being which promotes optimum health. Through the use of gentle stretching & deep breathing techniques, yoga tones muscles, increases strength & flexibility, reduces stress, improves concentration, & results in a sense of balance & peace. The atmosphere of the class is quiet & soothing. Students are encouraged to work at their own pace. Wear loose fitting clothing & bring a blanket or mat. Classes are instructed by Jeff Leaich and offered in three different sessions. Fee: $77/session. Beginner Yoga Thursdays 5:15-6:30 PM. Intermediate/Advanced Yoga Tuesdays 5:30-6:45 PM.

Both classes take place at the Rivers Edge Rec Center, 1151 W. Locust St., Belvidere. To register or for more information visit belviderepark.org or call 815-547-5711.

Boone County Warming Centers

Salvation Army - 422 S. Main Street, Belvidere, Monday - Friday, 9:00 - 11:45 AM, 1:00 - 5:00 PM Belvidere Public Safety Building - 615 N. Main Street, Belvidere, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM, 7 days a week. Belvidere Oasis/Illinois Tollway - East of Belvidere Toll Plaza on I-90, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Need A Coat? Did you know Holy Trinity Episcopal Church offers a Coat Closet. They provide one free coat per person and have a variety of sizes available. The coat closet is open each Saturday, 10 AM - Noon at 217 E. Hurlbut, Belvidere.

The Many Benefits Of Houseplants

The lines between the outdoors & indoors are being blurred. Homeowners build extensive outdoor living spaces so they can relax on weather-resistant furniture & even cook in lavish kitchens in their backyards. In addition, indoor three-season rooms full of bright, open windows that showcase outdoor vistas challenge the boundaries between outside & inside. For those working with limited budgets, there are some easy, inexpensive ways to enjoy the majesty of natural landscapes indoors. Houseplants can be used to improve indoor spaces, & they also provide various health benefits.

Help with allergies - According to WebMD, rooms with houseplants tend to have less dust & mold in them than those without any foliage. Leaves & other parts of the plants serve as natural filters, catching airborne particles & allergens. Plants with textured leaves might be especially effective at trapping particles.

Put more oxygen into the air - The human respiratory system works by bringing in oxygen & releasing carbon dioxide. Plants do the opposite during photosynthesis. They absorb carbon dioxide & then release oxygen. Plants can put much more oxygen into the air, improving indoor conditions.

Increase indoor humidity & reduce illness - Studies from the Agricultural University of Norway found that indoor plants can increase humidity in indoor spaces, which decreases the incidences of sore throats, dry coughs, dry skin, & the common cold. Higher absolute humidity can decrease the chances of survival & transmission of the flu virus.

Filter the air - Researchers who presented their work at the 252nd National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society found certain houseplants can combat the potentially harmful effects of volatile organic compounds. Plants may help filter out VOCs like benzene, acetone & formaldehyde, which can enter indoor air via cleaning supplies, dry-cleaned clothes, furniture, printers, & paints.

Improve interior atmosphere - Prevention magazine says plants can be used to screen unattractive areas, moderate room temperature by shading spots from the sun & even reduce noise. Plants also can improve ambiance & create a pleasing atmosphere in a room.

Can improve mood - Growing & caring for plants can alleviate everyday stress. A nationwide study from UK Magazine Gardeners World found 80% of gardeners declared themselves satisfied with life compared to 67% among non-gardeners. Gardeners were more positive mentally. Greenery can help people feel more at home & improve mental health. A rehab center in Norway found patients reported a greater increase in well-being four weeks after having greenery added to their surroundings.

Houseplants can improve indoor areas and positively affect personal health.

Start The New Year By Being Green!

Get out & start the New Year by being Green! Make 2023 a year where you give back to nature! The Boone County Conservation District is looking for volunteers to help maintain the following conservation areas during the month of January

Monday, January 16th, 9 AM - 12 Noon Join together & help give back to your community in a Day of Service remembering Martin Luther King, Jr. You can help restore native habitat at Spencer Conservation located on Appleton Road in Belvidere between North State & W. Lincoln Ave. The main entrance is located by St. James Cemetery.

Saturday, January 28th, 9 AM - 12 Noon Help celebrate Flora Prairie Nature Preserve’s 55th Birthday & clear out non-native plants in this beautiful Illinois Nature Preserve located at 498 Poole Rd., Cherry Va lley. Contact the Boone County Conservation District at 815-547-7935 or email mfreedlund@bccdil.org to sign up for these opportunities to give back to nature!

B O O N E C O U N T Y B O O N E C O U N T Y BOONE COUNTY

S E N I O R L I V I N G S E N I O R L I V I N G SENIOR LIVING

A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Advantage Plan Open Enrollment

If you currently have a Medicare Advantage Plan, take advantage of the time to investigate all the plans you have to choose from, up to 42 plans, and see if you are on the one that best suits you. Many of these plans cover some dental & vision or offer a gym membership. These are only a couple of the many benefits they can offer. Call your information & assistance specialist to set up a time to go over your plan. Open enrollment runs January - March 2023. Call 815-544-9893 for more information.

Inclement Weather

In case of inclement, dangerous weather, PLEASE check the Rockford weather stations: WIFR, WREX and WTVO for information about closings. If the Keen Age Center is closed due to bad weather, your homemaker WILL NOT come to your home for service, there will be NO public transportation & there will NOT be Meals on Wheels delivery.

N a t i o n a l B l o o d D o n o r M o n t h - J a n u a r y 2 0 2 3

According to the American Red Cross, winter is “one of the most difficult times of year to collect enough blood products to meet patient needs.” That’s because of, among other things, busy holiday schedules and bad weather often resulting in canceled blood drives. Furthermore, seasonal illnesses such as the flu force potential donors to forgo their blood donations.

That’s just one of the reasons that National Blood Donor Month, which has taken place each January since 1970, is such an important observance. Donating blood saves many lives & improves health for many people. According to the World Health Organization, “blood is the most precious gift that anyone can give to another person - the gift of life. A decision to donate your blood can save a life, or even several if your blood is separated into its components - red cells, platelets and plasma.”

The Rock River Valley Blood Center operates four donor centers in the area. In Belvidere the donor center is located at 1740 S. State Street. They are open Monday 9 AM - 5 PM, Wednesday 11 AM - 6 PM and the third Saturday of each month 7 AM - 11 AM. For more information on donating call 877-RRVBC-99 or visit rrvbc.org.

S e t Yo u r S i g h t s O n G l a u c o m a

Eyesight often isn’t fully appreciated until it begins to diminish. Starting in one’s thirties, if not earlier, a person’s vision may start to be less sharp. Items at a distance or up close may be more difficult to discern, & if prescription glasses or contacts are worn, that prescription may need to be adjusted more regularly. However, there are some eye conditions that are not entirely a result of aging. Glaucoma is one of them.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, glaucoma is a chronic, progressive eye disease that occurs when the optic nerve is damaged. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness & usually occurs when an abnormality in the eye’s drainage system causes the aqueous humor fluid in the eye to build up, sometimes leading to excessive pressure that impacts the optic nerve. The optic nerve connects the retina with the brain, sending vision signals. Damage to the nerve can cause loss of eyesight. While pressure is largely to blame for glaucoma, glaucoma can occur even if eye pressure is normal.

Glaucoma is often a silent condition. The Mayo Clinic advises that many forms of glaucoma have no warning signs. With effects so gradual, no changes in vision may be noticed until the condition is in its later stages. This underscores the importance of getting regular eye examinations that will include measurements of the pressure in both eyes, says the Glaucoma Research Foundation. Glaucoma caught early can be slowed down or even prevented before it becomes severe. Lifelong treatment & monitoring will be needed after diagnosis. There are different types of glaucoma. The most common is open-angle glaucoma, which occurs after the clogged fluid does not drain properly. Angle-closure glaucoma, also called closed-angle glaucoma, happens when the iris is very close to the drainage angle in the eye & the iris blocks the drainage angle. This results in an acute glaucoma attack. Some people have normal tension glaucoma, in which eye pressure is in normal range but there are signs of glaucoma. These individuals’ optic nerves may be more sensitive to pressure than others’ & will have to be monitored.

Certain people are at a greater risk for developing glaucoma than others. Individuals over 40; those with a family history of glaucoma; people of African, Hispanic or Asian heritage; people with high eye pressure; those who have had an eye injury; & individuals who use long-term steroid medications are at increased risk. Other factors also affect glaucoma risk.

Glaucoma should be discussed at routine eye wellness visits to prevent lasting vision damage.

HARDWOOD FLOORS: We install, sand and finish old and new hardwood floors. We also install laminates. 30 years experience. Free estimates. (You have called the rest, now call the best.)

Robert’s Hardwood Floors, Bob 815-547-0407 or 815-761-1679.

FREE HIGH SPEED INTERNET if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Call Maxsip Telecom! 1-833-758-3892

LOOKING FOR LANDLORDS who need help with property maintenance. Some flooring, light electrical, general cleaning, general construction, painting, yard maintenance. Photo references. For more information call 815-985-9515.

GUITAR LESSONS - 30 minute private lesson for all ages, only $15. Located in Belvidere. Book now, 815-601-3185.

BECOME A PUBISHED AUTHOR. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation, production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads

PERSONAL WANT AD Deadline: No later than noon on Tuesdays, for Thursday publication. Must be paid in advance (cash, check, Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover). Call The Boone County Shopper at 815544-2166 or visit our website at www.boonecountyshopper.com

OBITUARY

Byron Stumpf

CARING FOR AN AGING LOVED ONE? Wondering about options like senior-living communities and in-home care? Caring.com’s Family Advisors help take the guesswork out of senior care for your family. Free, no-obligation consult: 1-855-759-1407

Byron Stumpf, Belvidere, IL passed away peacefully at his home on January 2, 2023.

Byron was 75 years old. A future celebration of Byron’s life with family and friends will be arranged at a later date.

Kimberly Wennmacher Lembke

After a courageous & spirited journey in this life Kimberly Wennmacher Lembke, 60 of Belvidere, IL, went to be with the Lord on December 29, 2022 surrounded by family at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center. She was born on May 19, 1962 at St. Joseph Hospital in Belvidere. The daughter of Judith King & Kenneth Lembke Sr. & stepfatherCharles “Chuck” King. She was a woman who was dedicated to her family, her faith, & her community. Kimberly always thought of others before herself. She was a caregiver since she was 7 years old, starting with helping care for her baby sisters, nieces & nephews, aunts & uncles & for her grandparents & parents. She graduated from Belvidere High School in 1980, & continued her education at Rock Valley College & various coaching & business courses. She was inducted into Manchester Who’s Who Executive & Professional Registry. She worked for many years at various medical facilities in the stateline area in administration including St. Anthony’s Medical Center, Medaphis Physician Services, Crusader Clinic, Maple Crest Nursing Home, Lundholm Surgical Group, Physicians Immediate Care, & Mayo Clinic (AZ). Prior to working in medical administration she talked fondly about working at LaBob’s as a sales associate & as a fitness instructor at the YMCA. Kimberly was also a volunteer for the Salvation Army & rang the bell during the holidays. She was always generous to organizations that were important to her such as America Coalition for Injured Veterans, Cancer Survivors Fund, American Federation of Police & Concerned Citizens, Redemption Church, Illinois Police Association, Inc., Autistic Children of America, Volunteer Firefighters Association, Childhood Leukemia Foundation, St. Judes, & Kids Wish Network.

She was a devoted mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, great aunt, cousin, & friend. She often hosted family & friend gatherings, & was happy to spend quality time with those she loved. Kimberly would make sure that everyone had enough to eat, & went home with more to spare. She adored all of her pets & leaves behind her dog, Dixie. She was strong in her faith & often spent her time in her serenity room listening to Christian music & reflecting on life’s many blessings. Some of her favorite memories included dancing with her sisters & friends, quality time with her family, time spent on her boat, dice games & soaking in the sun. She was creative, loved giving gifts, & making crafts. She will be missed by many.

She is survived by her partner, James Cook; father, Kenneth Lembke Sr.; daughter, Tanya (Steve) Wennmacher-Choi; siblings, Kathy (Jimmy West) Lembke Corey, Kristeen (Dennis) Kiesling, Shelley (Dan) Sander, Bob (Jennifer) Lembke, Jim Lembke, Lisa Lembke, Vicky Lembke; nieces, Tiffany (Chris) Redeker Meyer, Tracey Redeker, Brooke Kiesling, Amanda (Robert) Travis, Allison (James Patterson) Addington; nephew, Robert Addington (Nichole Zimmerman); her many cousins, friends & great nieces, Bristol Travis, Brynleigh Travis, Gigi Meyer; great nephews, Brayden Travis, Gavin Meyer; & grandson, Benedict Choi.

She is predeceased by her mother, Judith King; stepfather, Charles “Chuck” King; siblings, Kenneth Lembke Jr. & Jennifer Lembke.

Also, the family thanks the staff at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center for their wonderful care, support, & prayers.

A funeral service for Kimberly will be Saturday January 7, 2023 at 11 AM at Anderson Funeral and Cremation Services. Located at 218 W. Hurlbut, Belvidere IL 61008. A visitation will take place at 10 AM until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the family. They are establishing a memorial fund in Kimberly’s memory.