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December 9, 2021
December
Complete Service Of Cars & Light Trucks
We Carry
See Our “Pros” For
• Brakes & Suspension • Wheel Alignment • Shocks & Struts • Air Conditioning
• New Tires • Roadside Tire Service • Small Engine Sales & Service
R. J. Daniels Fuel & Tire Fairgrounds Rd., Belvidere, IL 815-544-2118 8094Open Daily 7-5; Sat. 7-Noon
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
give AS IF A LIFE DEPENDS ON IT ...because it does. MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT
Navigate Around These Four Winter Hazards Fresh snowfall can bring a hush over any landscape &, temporarily at least, create a perfect picture scene. As idyllic as such landscapes can be, snow-covered sledding hills can pose various threats to outdoor lovers’ health & safety. Frostbite - Frostbite occurs when the soft tissues of the body start to freeze. It most commonly affects the fingers, toes & nose. The Cleveland Clinic says single-digit Fahrenheit temperatures are cold enough to cause frostbite. Frostbite affects skin cells & tissues & can cause severe damage. Frostbitten skin turns black as cells die from freezing. Numbness & a painful feeling of “pins & needles” occurs in areas that are exposed to the cold or cold water for too long. Dressing appropriately for weather, limiting time spent outdoors in very cold temperatures & maintaining strong blood flow can reduce risk for frostbite. Falls - Winter weather can lead to slippery conditions. Falls on snow, ice or wet floors are common. When walking, wear shoes with sufficient traction, avoid icy patches & invest in walking poles or microspikes. Promptly wipe up melting puddles in the home to avoid slipping inside as well. Thin ice - Winter activities may include fishing on a frozen body of water. But it can be challenging to determine just how frozen a lake or a pond might be. Safety experts advise against going out onto the ice alone, & to heed any thin ice signs posted. If you fall through ice, try to gain a grip to pull yourself up (ice picks are a good investment) & spread out on your belly once you get out of the water. Anyone who ventures onto ice can carry a whistle to signal for help, which is louder than yelling. Hypothermia sets in within 10-15 minutes, so acting fast is key. Ropes, boards, a spare tire & other items can be used to save someone from ice without going onto the ice. Depression - The lack of sun & short days of winter can affect individuals’ mental wellness. Those with seasonal affective disorder, or SAD, find winter challenging, according to the Cleveland Clinic. SAD surfaces in late fall or early winter & may not subside until early summer. Make time to get outdoors, even when it’s cold, to take advantage of at least 30 minutes of morning light. Doing so can improve mood. Exercise & find ways to engage in social activities to stave off depressive feelings. Do not turn to food or alcohol to address depression. Winter brings great beauty but also potential hazards that should be kept in mind & addressed.
815-965-8751 or rrvbc.org We are proud to serve Boone County and surrounding communities as the only provider of blood and blood products.
Holiday Greetings from the
Boone County Council On Aging 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere 815-544-9893 l www.keenage.org
Preventing Spread Of Germs With Hand Washing The importance of hand washing was never more apparent than in 2020. As the world spent much of 2020 confronting the COVID-19 virus, public health organizations like the CDC noted the importance of hand washing. There’s no denying the role that clean hands can play in stopping the spread of various illnesses, including respiratory viruses like COVID-19. But what exactly is the relationship between clean hands & germs? According to the CDC, germs can spread from other people & surfaces when people: • touch their eyes, nose & mouth with unwashed hands • prepare and/or eat food & drinks with unwashed hands • touch contaminated surfaces or objects • blow their noses, cough or sneeze into their hands & then touch other people’s hands or common objects before washing their hands While the CDC acknowledges that COVID-19 is believed to spread less commonly through contact with contaminated surfaces than it does through close contact with infected persons, it’s still possible to get the virus in this way. So it’s vital that people wash their hands after touching potentially contaminated surfaces, such as grocery carts, door handles, or other surfaces that may have been touched by infected persons.
• All-On-4 Implants • Dental Implants • Implant Support Dentures • Bone Grafting • Cosmetic Dentistry • General Dentistry • Sleep Dentistry
2nd Opinions & Complimentary Consultations 140 N. State St., Belvidere, IL 61008
815-544-5144 CHAPKOANDSHAH.COM
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December 9, 2021
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING
It Is Your Journey. We Adapt To You!
A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Tips & Tricks For Cutting Out Cookies Baking is a holiday tradition in many households. The aroma of freshly baked cakes, pies & cookies wafts through the air of many homes this time of year, & that makes the holiday season even more special. Cut cookies are some of the most popular cookies to make during the holiday season. Certain techniques can make holiday baking sessions easier & ensure consistent results. • Work on a lightly floured, cool surface, such as a cutting board or stone counter top. Never work on a warm surface, which can cause dough to spread & stick. • Roll out the dough between two sheets of baking or parchment paper. Betty Crocker recommends a thickness of about 1/8 inch, unless noted in the recipe. This prevents the dough from sticking, & parchment enables you to easily transfer rolled-out dough to a refrigerator or elsewhere. • When rolling out dough, portion it out into a few smaller amounts to roll out more easily. This will also help it to chill more readily. • Cookies cut most easily when the dough is chilled. Refrigerate the dough for as long as possible, ideally an hour or more - even overnight. The more chilled, the firmer the dough will be. • Rubber rolling pin rings that slip onto each side of the rolling pin can help ensure that the dough is being rolled out to a uniform thickness. • Dip cookie cutters into flour with each cut. Work from the center & move out to the edges when cutting out your designs. Try to maximize space & avoid scraps & rerolling. • Some expert bakers say that metal cookie cutters cut cleaner than plastic ones. Whichever cutter you use, cut the cookie by pressing straight down; try not to twist or jiggle the cookie cutter when using it. • If cut cookies have gotten warmer, place them in the freezer for a few minutes to firm up again & then cook. This will guarantee the cookies will not spread or distort while baking. Extra steps may seem like they will take a lot of time. However, the extra effort & attention to detail will help produce cookies that win rave reviews.
This Month’s Healthy Recipe Peanut Butter Chocolate Oatmeal Ingredients 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats 1 cup water or milk
Nutrition Facts Per Serving (1 Serving)
Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office
1 Tablespoon cream peanut butter 1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
Calories 360 Total Fat 14 g Sodium 180 mg Carbohydrates 46 g Dietary Fiber 7 g Protein 18 g
Directions 1. Wash hands with soap & water. 2. Add oatmeal & water to microwave-safe bowl. Make sure bowl is big enough to handle expansion of oatmeal during cooking. 3. Microwave uncovered about 2 minutes or until water is absorbed & oats are cooked. 4. Stir in peanut butter & cocoa powder until smooth. Add more water if mixture is too dry.
Ride With The Boone County Council On Aging The Boone County Council on Aging picks clients up at their home address & drops them off at their destination. ANYONE can ride our buses. Door to Door Bus Service within Boone County with a one-day notice. Call the Transportation number at 815-975-9059. Fares are $2 per trip for riders ages 12-59. Children (under 12 years of age) $1 per trip. Donations are gratefully accepted for adults 60 years & over. Ride Service hours are MondayFriday, 8 AM - 4:30 PM. A medical escort van is also offered to help with medical rides to adjoining counties. At least one week’s advance notice is required. There is limited availability, so call early. The escort drives you to your appointment, stays with you, and when you are ready returns you to your home. The medical car is billed by mileage, which is 50 cents per mile. Please call 815-975-9059, this service is in great demand, so it’s best to call early.
Rules Of The Road Review Course Want to drive yourself? If your license is up for renewal & you would like a refresher course, the Boone County Council on Aging invites you to attend the next class which is offered by the Secretary of State’s Office at the Keen Age Center, 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere. The next class will be Tuesday, December 28th from 10 AM - 12 PM. The class is free. Call 779-552-7251 or 779-552-7238 to sign up.
Extraordinary Senior Living Seniors live carefree lifestyles in a safe and secure environment where they make great friends, partake in hobbies and interests and enjoy independence even as their circumstances change.
www.wesleywillows.org
Call
815-316-1500
and discover Extraordinary Senior Living today!
Time to Live Well
(815) 977-4903
7025 Rote Rd. Rockford
SanctuaryHospiceIL.com
Free Consultation • Wills • Trusts • Probate • Powers of Attorney • Nursing Home Planning • Real Estate
John H. Maville Attorney At Law 815-544-3165 www.mavillelaw.com Suite 307, 600 S. State, Belvidere Preserving Boone County’s Past For Our Future. We Are Always Looking For Donations Of Historical Artifacts For The Museum.
WWI German Binoculars From 1915 - 1918
Contact Us At 815-544-8391 or Director@bcmuseumofhistory.org The Ideal Setting For Your Next: Anniversary / Birthday Shower / Wedding Family Picnic Class Reunion & More
314 S. State St., Belvidere • bcmuseumofhistory.org
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December 9, 2021
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Online Banking Safety Tips An Affordable Assisted Lifestyle Community for the Older Adult. Call for Information!
ONSITE: • Beauty Parlor • Country Store • Physician Visits • Mail Service • Nursing Staff • Private Senior Apartments • Restaurant Style Dining • Housekeeping & Laundry • 24 Hr. Personal Care Assist. • In-House Emergency Response System • Medication Reminders & Assistance • Daily Activities & Transportation 4730 Squaw Prairie Rd. Belvidere
815-544-9495
www.hw-belvidere-slf.com Managed by Gardant Management Solutions
Many consumers now do their banking on their mobile phones. While online or mobile banking makes it easy for consumers to manage their money, it’s also potentially much riskier than in-person banking at the bank. Unseen hackers & thieves are lurking online & in places where Wi-Fi is open & free, so online & mobile banking enthusiasts must exercise caution when accessing their accounts. • Sign up for two-factor authentication. Some banks & credit card companies now provide two-factor authentication, & some may even insist their customers use it. Two-factor authentication requires two forms of verification before users can log into their accounts. The first might be the traditional username & password, while the second might be a temporary code texted or emailed to users after they log into their accounts. • Use only secure network connections. Public Wi-Fi can be convenient, but consumers should never use such connections to do their online or mobile banking. The American Bankers Association suggests consumers always do their online banking via their own private home networks. Consumers who routinely use public Wi-Fi, even if it’s just for basic internet surfing, should log out of mobile banking apps or websites before logging on to public networks. • Change passwords frequently & avoid using the same password for more than one account. Many banking websites advise customers if their passwords are weak or strong when customers first set up their accounts. Even if customers’ passwords are deemed strong, it’s best to change them periodically so hackers or criminals cannot guess them. And consumers should never use the same password for more than one account, as that can make it much easier for criminals to steal consumers’ identities. • Monitor credit scores. Consumers have the right to one free credit report each year, but many credit card companies now update customers regarding their credit scores once per month. Consumers many need to sign up to take advantage of this service, but doing so is typically free. If credit scores suddenly dip unexpectedly & without reason, consumers may have been victimized by identity theft & can then take the necessary course of action to address the issue. Online & mobile banking is convenient, but consumers must tread carefully when accessing sensitive financial information online.
Benefits Of Being An “Active Ager” Article Contributed By: Laura Yerk, Community Outreach Coordinator - Belvidere Family YMCA
ST
Belvidere,
IL
REET PUB
111 BUCHANAN ST. | BELVIDERE, IL 61008 815-547-1012 SUNDAY - TUESDAY | 11AM – 2 AM WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY | 8AM – 2 AM
Need A Little Help Out Of Your Chair?
WE HAVE LIFT CHAIRS! 315 S. State St. Belvidere 815-547-6672
HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 9-5; Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-4; Closed Sun. FURNITURE
The Belvidere Family YMCA is a great place to get healthy, stay active & meet new people. We offer activities & programs for seniors of all abilities, whether you are a beginner or looking to become more advanced. There is something for everyone including land & aquatic classes, lap swimming, a fully equipped Wellness Center, Personal Training & returning on December 10th our chair yoga class. Two of our land classes currently running are: Forever Fit - for the more advanced individual who wants to build up their cardio endurance, muscle strength & flexibility. Silver Sneakers class is geared towards individuals who may have trouble with balance & want to regain strength, improve balance & flexibility, & also work on their range of motion. This class is 85% sitting in the comfort of a chair where we use weights, a small exercise ball & a resistance band. Everyone is encouraged to keep moving, go at their own pace & have fun during this workout. If the land classes don’t appeal to you, we also offer aquatic classes & lap swimming for those that prefer the water. In our Aquacize Class we utilize water dumbbells, pool noodles, & kickboards for resistance training. This class is a great way to build strength & endurance while not adding any extra pressure to your joints. Having a problem with arthritis? We have a class for that. The arthritis class is held in our 84 degree pool where the focus is on exercise movements to help with range of motion in your joints. This class is not only great for individuals that want to work on flexibility & strength; it is also a great start for anyone recovering from joint replacement surgery. Fitness classes are not for everyone & we understand that, so why not try our fully equipped Wellness Center to help with your fitness goals. Our staff can walk you through how to use our set weight machines as well as the free weights to ensure your safety while working out. If you need some extra help we have a personal trainer that can set up a workout plan suited for you. Joining a fitness class or exercising on your own is beneficial to your physical & mental health. As we age if we lose muscle mass, we have trouble with balance, & our mind can get foggy but being active can improve all of those things. Here are a few benefits of being an “active ager”: 1. Prevent Disease 2. Improved Mental Health 3. Decreased Risks of Falls 4. Social Engagement 5. Improved Cognitive Function (https://thegreenfields.org/5-benefitsexcercise-seniors-aging-adults/) There are some insurance providers such as Humana, AARP & Medicare that will cover your membership depending on your individual policy. Check with your provider or visit our friendly staff members to see if you qualify. The Belvidere Family YMCA is located at 220 W. Locust Street, Belvidere or call 815-547-5307.
Our Family Is Here For Yours.
Our mission is to celebrate one’s life and help families navigate the journey of loss with a sense of hope. One of the most painful events we experience in life is the loss of a loved one. We believe that finding an appropriate and meaningful way to celebrate your loved one’s life while giving thanks to God for their life is the necessary foundation to healing. - Stephen Anderson
218 W. Hurlbut Ave. Belvidere 815-544-2616 www.AndersonFCS.com
Whether you call it a funeral service, memorial service, or commemoration service. Whether you choose burial or cremation, whether your budget is large or small. Whether you invite friends and community, or journey simply with your closest family members. We will help you design a unique and special ceremony.
Comfort
Page 10
First in
You and your family are our top priority. As the region’s first hospice provider, no one has more experience putting you first.
December 9, 2021
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
How To Make A Bucket List A Reality
Call us at 815.398.0500 to
discuss the best care options for you or your loved one.
northernillinoishospice.org
SHADLEY APARTMENTS 1151 NETTIE STREET, BELVIDERE • MANAGED BY LUDWIG AND COMPANY •
SECTION 8 AFFORDABLE HOUSING These conveniently located and newly rehabbed, one bedroom apartments in Belvidere are specially designed for seniors and people with disabilities. Shadley Apartments is customized to facilitate independent living in a fully equipped apartment among friends and neighbors who share similar interests. Please contact Kelly Sumwalt (815) 547-5255 Property Manager for private showing.
A bucket list is a plan for living life to its fullest & prioritizing opportunities to engage in all sorts of activities. A bucket list can be made at any point in life & is not exclusive to individuals facing their own mortality. Here are some tips for putting bucket list plans into action. • Stop & think about what you really want to experience in your lifetime. Leave factors like money or proximity out of it. No ideas are off-limits. This is your opportunity to brainstorm, & nothing is too crazy or silly. • Write the bucket list in a comfortable or inspiring place, which may help ideas flow more freely. The place might be a cozy nook at a bookstore or a quiet spot on the beach. • Choose things that are meaningful to you as well as ideas that are frivolous & fun. Make your list a mix of each, & don’t take yourself too seriously. • Divide the bucket list by time. Are there items you can check off in a particular season, such as skiing the Alps? Categorizing the list by periods of your life can make it easier to prioritize certain activities over others. • Determine if each bucket list activity will be a solitary or joint pursuit. Various activities are more enjoyable when shared with others, but some you might be more inclined to do alone. • Set aside a budget for funding bucket list activities. Bucket lists may include some costly activities, so start saving now so money does not stand in your way. Open a savings account specifically for funding bucket list excursions & set up automatic deposits. Bucket lists can encourage people to live life to the fullest & it’s never too late to get started on a list of your own.
Riverside Ice Arena Is Open For The Season The Riverside Ice Arena at Doty Park is open for the season. Activities include open hockey, open skate & skating lessons. Season passes are available for individual for $40 per person. For more information call 815-547-5711 or visit 365 W. Locust Street, Belvidere.
ksumwalt@ludwigco.com fax: (815) 544-9568
Belvidere Family
YMCA
• For Youth Development • For Healthy Living • For Social Responsibility
815-547-5307
• Programs Recommended By Arthritis Foundation • Fitness Center With Trained Staff • Fitness Classes Free With Membership • 85 Degree Swimming Pool • Adult Lap & Open Times Throughout The Day • Discounted And Subsidized Memberships • Silver Sneakers And Silver & Fit Accepted
220 West Locust, Belvidere, IL 61008 www.belviderefamilyymca.org
BELVIDERE CEMETERY ASSOCIATION “Established 1847”
• Pre-Burial Arrangements • Cremation Burials • Columbarium Niches
• Memorial Markers • Affordable Prices • Park-like Setting
Frank Lloyd Wright Pettit Memorial Chapel On Cemetery Grounds 1121 N. Main, Belvidere • 815-547-7642 belviderecemetery@comcast.net
Please Note: The Keen Age Center will be closed Thursday, December 23rd & Friday, December 24th for Christmas & Friday, December 31st for New Year’s Eve
Time For Connecting With Friends & Family Letter From: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center
Dear Friends, The holidays are a time for connecting with friends & family. Obviously, the pandemic has intensified the importance of connectedness. I had not gathered for a holiday with my entire extended family since Christmas of 2019, giving more meaning to our recent gathering. At the Boone County Council on Aging, we are concerned about connections at the holidays & all throughout the year. We focus our attention on helping people connect, because research shows the amazing benefits of social connection for older adults & their communities. There are numerous ways we help older adults stay connected. We arrange regular friendly calls through our Social Call Program to simply chat & keep in touch, offer activities at the Keen Age Center, provide connections through Public Transportation, deliver loving In-Home Care, give knowledgeable Information & Assistance, as well as share donated mobility equipment. Take advantage of all the programs the Keen Age Center has to offer by visiting us at 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere or calling 815-544-9893. As the pandemic continues, we remain challenged to hold the special events that we have done in the past to help us raise funds. Our annual holiday appeal is underway & if you can help us with a donation to continue to meet the needs of older adults in Boone County, we sincerely appreciate it! Wishing you days that are filled with meaningful connections with the ones you hold dear!
Kelly Hillan
Specializing In Short & Long Term Care Quality Healthcare Provided By A Professional Staff In addition to the highest quality care, we also strive to maintain the highest quality of life.
MapleCrest
4452 Squaw Prairie Road, Belvidere, IL 61008 tel: 815.547.6377 • fax: 815.547.3857 symphonymc.com
For A Private Tour Call Our Admissions Department Today
Rehabilitation Services Our rehab services extend far beyond the physical - it is about serving every aspect of an individual with care, kindness & respect. Our goal is to provide the necessary approach to facilitate a complete return to health & successful return to home.
Serving Boone County Over 40 Years!
Nor thwoods
2250 Pearl Street, Belvidere, IL 61008 tel: 815.544.0358 • fax: 815.544.5006 symphonynorthwoods.com