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Boone County Shopper - Belvidere, Illinois - February 1, 2024
ASH WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 14TH
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
The Distribution Of Ashes For Ash Wednesday Ash Wednesday is the Wednesday of the seventh week before Easter and the first day of Lent. The day is named for the practice of imposing ashes, a part of the Ash Wednesday liturgy. Using ashes as a sign of repentance is an ancient practice, often mentioned in the Bible. The early Christians adopted the use of ashes from Jewish practice as an external mark of penitence. Ashes symbolize several aspects of our human existence: Ashes remind us of God’s condemnation of sin, as God said to Adam, “Dust you are and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). Ashes suggest cleansing & renewal. They were used anciently in the absence of soap. Even on Ash Wednesday, this most penitential day, we receive ashes in the form of the cross, the same symbol placed on our bodies with water in our baptism. Even in this ashen mark of death, we anticipate the new life of Easter. Ashes remind us of the shortness of human life, for it is said as we are buried into the ground or as ashes are placed in a columbarium. “We commit this body to the ground; earth to earth, ashes to ashes, dust to dust”. Ashes are a symbol of our need to repent, confess our sins, and return to God. The ashes are made from the blessed palm branches, taken from the previous year’s Palm Sunday services. Ash Wednesday marks the beginning of the Season of Lent. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ’s Resurrection on Easter Sunday, through which we attain redemption.
Say “I Love You” With Valentine’s Day Gifts Valentine’s Day, provides a beacon of light in the middle of winter. Each February, stores & homes are decked out in red & pink hearts, and florists wait in the wings to prepare sweet-smelling bouquets to bring bountiful blooms into your home. Gift-giving is an integral component of Valentine’s Day. That means the search may be on to find items that will give voice to feelings of love & affection in tangible ways. • Fragrance: Although purchasing fragrances can be tricky, if your special someone provides hints of a scent or brand they prefer, it can make buying perfume or cologne easier. However, there’s also the option of going with trends. Market experts believe vanilla is set to be a standout aroma in 2024. • Cozy clothes: Snuggling together in front of the fire may be an appealing prospect for lovebirds. Cozy gifts can include matching lounge wear or pajama sets, or ultra-soft sweatpants & hoodies for chasing away the chill. • Personalized prints: Companies offer custom song lyric posters or framed artwork so that a special song, THURSDAY, 20TH or danced to during a couple’s wedding, can be memorialized. whether it was heard during aAPRIL first date • Jewelry offerings: Jewelry is a go-to Valentine’s Day gift. Vogue says that there’s a strong likelihood that boho jewelry trends are making a comeback this year. Pendants, beads & multi-strand necklaces are sure to be a must-have look. • Travel treats: Couples who love to travel can gift travel-related items to their special someone. A high-end brand of luggage, tickets to a cruise or another destination, or an excursion upgrade on a planned getaway. • Gourmet eats: Foodies often find enjoyment sampling the fare at topnotch restaurants. While Valentine’s Day tends to be quite busy at most restaurants, a gift of a night out for dinner at another time may be the way to tug on the heartstrings while nurturing the palate. Valentine’s Day is here before people know it, so it is key to have gift ideas at the ready.
A Worry-Free Lifestyle!
GIVE
Our caring team looks forward to providing personalized care plans for Assisted Living & Memory Care. Residents have access to services & amenities designed to make life as worry-free as possible.
Honor
Schedule a tour & see what we have to offer!
Legacy
Impact
Connecting Donors To Causes They Hold Dear For More information please contact:
1545 Temple Ln., Rockford, IL 61073 • 815-332-8484
Melissa Erickson 815-544-7231
Our goal is to maximize quality of life, so you can enjoy time with those who mean the most to you.
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
Complete Service Of Cars & Light Trucks
We Carry
See Our “Pros” For
• Brakes & Suspension • New Tires • Wheel Alignment • Roadside Tire Service • Shocks & Struts • Small Engine Sales & • Air Conditioning Service
R. J. Daniels Fuel & Tire Fairgrounds Rd., Belvidere, IL 815-544-2118 8094Open Daily 7-5; Sat. 7-Noon
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Boone County Shopper - Belvidere, Illinois - February 1, 2024
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING
Live Your Best Life
A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Seniors Can Backstroke Their Way To Improved Health Exercise provides a number of measurable benefits for people of all ages, including older adults. Swimming is one exercise that may be especially beneficial for seniors. Many people learn to swim in childhood & sharpen that skill as they get older. Though swimming devotees may get in the water for fun rather than fitness, this popular, joyful & relaxing pastime may be the ideal exercise for seniors looking to improve their overall health, particularly because it is very low-impact. Because the water provides buoyancy while swimming, there is little risk of injury & minimal strain on the body. Water exercises, including swimming, work all the muscle groups, so it can be a complete exercise, says American Senior Communities. Swimming also is a great cardiovascular exercise that can strengthen the heart muscle & improve lung function & endurance. Because it lowers blood pressure & improves circulation, swimming is a great way to get the heart pumping. A gentle, 30-minute swim can burn up to 200 calories, which is more than walking. A faster swim can burn calories more quickly than running or cycling. However, since water supports up to 90% of the body’s weight, this activity will put less stress on muscles & joints while one is exercising. Individuals with mobility issues or arthritis pain may find that swimming helps relieve discomfort & improves range of motion. Again, because the water is doing much of the work holding up the body, it will take the stress off of joints, helping a person to feel better while stretching & moving gently in the water. Even seniors who don’t know how to swim can still reap the benefits of water exercise. Walking in shallow water, or using a kickboard to stay above the water can be effective. Using foam dumbbells or even pushing & pulling one’s arms through the water can serve as a great resistance exercise that builds strength. Swimming & additional water activities are great ways for seniors to stay in shape. As always, individuals should speak with their doctors before beginning any exercise regimen to ensure that it is safe. The Belvidere Family YMCA offers swimming programs for adults: SNAP, CRACKLE & POP (Arthritis Class) This class is designed for those who suffer from arthritis. A series of moderate flexibility & strengthening exercises are performed and WATER AEROBICS A fun, refreshing alternative for swimmers & non-swimmers alike. Class includes a warm-up, cardio workout, & a cool down. Please call 815-547-5307 for more information.
Keep Your Brain Sharp As You Age Cognitive decline is on the minds of many adults as they get older. Memory loss & trouble processing things can sometimes be a side effect of aging, as Everyday Health says the brain changes in size & structure as a person gets older. These changes can affect how well the brain works over time. Furthermore, illnesses affecting the brain, such as Alzheimer’s disease, may start showing their symptoms in people when they’ve reached their mid60s, says the National Institute on Aging. Cognitive decline & dementia are not a certainty of aging. But older adults interested in strengthening their brains may want to consider these strategies. Address high blood pressure - High blood pressure can increase the risk of heart disease & stroke. Maintaining healthy blood pressure & cholesterol levels is associated with better cognitive function, according to data published in 2021 in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease. Use all your senses - Harvard Health says the more senses used in learning something, the more of the brain that is involved in retaining the memory. Studies have shown that images paired with pleasant aromas leads to better recall later on. Exercise regularly - Staying physically active helps maintain blood flow to the brain, which also helps reduce the risk for hypertension. Eat brain-healthy foods - According to Cone Health Medical Group, studies show eating fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like tuna, salmon & mackerel, decreases risk for cognitive decline. People should avoid saturated fats, trans fats & hydrogenated oils. Read & write frequently - According to a study in the journal Neurology, regular reading & writing in one’s older years reduced the rate of memory decline by 32%. Joining a book club or simply reading more on one’s own can improve cognition. Similarly, writing improves memory & communication abilities and can help strengthen the brain as well. Drink healthy beverages - Tea & coffee can improve alertness & focus, as they’re rich in polyphenols & antioxidants. A Place for Mom says caffeine in these beverages can help solidify new memories. Avoid drinking sugary beverages & limit consumption of alcohol, as neither boasts brain-boosting properties. Keeping the brain sharp is a multilayered process that involves healthy foods and beverages, exercise & brainstimulating activities.
2nd Opinions & Complimentary Consultations • All-On-4 Implants • Sleep Dentistry • Dental Implants • General Dentistry • Dentures/Partials We are officially moved into our new state-of-the-art facility
530 S. State St., Belvidere, IL 61008
815-544-5144
CHAPKOANDSHAH.COM
Residents are at the heart of all we do. We operate with integrity and are passionate about the services we provide as we live our core values of Love, Compassion and Dignity every day. Schedule your visit to our community today!
A Trip Down Memory Lane Our mission is to create interest in Boone County history through education, research and artifacts. Open Wed.-Fri. 10 AM - 4 PM & Sat. 10 AM - 3 PM The Ideal Setting For Your Next: Anniversary / Birthday Shower / Wedding Family Picnic Class Reunion & More
815-544-8391
314 S. State St., Belvidere • bcmuseumofhistory.org
Need A Little Help Out Of Your Chair?
WE HAVE LIFT CHAIRS! 315 S. State St. Belvidere 815-547-6672
HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 9:30-5; Fri. 9:30-6; Sat. 9:30-4; Closed Sun. FURNITURE
IN-HOME
CARE
We offer trained home care professionals committed to improving the quality of life for your loved ones - safely & with respect. In some circumstances, family or friends can become paid caregivers by working with our agency.
Assistance With Household & Personal Tasks To Learn More Contact Amber 779-552-7256
Boone County Council On Aging 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere
815-544-9893 • www.keenage.org
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Boone County Shopper - Belvidere, Illinois - February 1, 2024
BOONE COUNTY
ARE YOU DEALING WITH HAIR LOSS?
CHRISTINA CAN HELP!
SENIOR LIVING
I provide natural, beautiful, customized products that help you regain a great sense of confidence & well-being. I am able to create a hair prosthesis & deliver it as quickly as overnight.
A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
AARP Tax-Aides Providing Tax Help
Call to schedule your private, in-person or virtual consultation.
Submitted By: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center
Dear Friends, Since 1968, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide has provided free tax help to over 78 million taxpayers, with a focus on older adults with low to moderate income. Tax-Aide volunteers are located nationwide, & are trained & IRScertified every year to make sure they know about & understand the latest changes & additions to the tax code. We are fortunate once again to have a dedicated group of AARP Tax-Aides providing tax help at the Boone County Council on Aging/Keen Age Center. Tax assistance is available by appointment. Call us at (815) 5449893 to schedule an appointment. You can also schedule your own appointment on the link on our website at www.keenage.org. Appointments begin on February 1, 2024 through April 9, 2024 from 8:30 AM to 11:45 AM every day except Wednesday. Once you have scheduled an appointment, you must pick up an INTAKE FORM at the KEEN AGE CENTER & fill it out BEFORE arriving for your appointment. We advise that you give yourself ample time to complete it. These are available in the red box outside our front door at 2141 Henry Luckow Ln, Belvidere, IL, 61008. Please bring these to your appointment as applicable: 1. A copy of last year’s tax return. 5. 1095 Form (Marketplace Insurance) 2. All Social Security 1099 Forms. 6. Photo ID 3. W-2 forms. 7. Social Security Card or Statement 4. Real estate tax records. 8. Checkbook and/or Direct Deposit record If you are filing jointly, BOTH spouses must be present (or one must have Power of Attorney). Please arrive on time, no more than 10 minutes early.
815-544-6629
Belvidere • For Youth Development • For Healthy Living Family • For Social Responsibility
YMCA
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
Counting the days until Spring! Kelly
220 West Locust, Belvidere, IL 61008
This Month In Boone County
www.belviderefamilyymca.org
FEB 2024 BOONE COUNTY MUSEUM OF 8TH HISTORY LECTURE SERIES THE UNDERGROUND RAILROAD HAD DEPOTS HERE
Caring
You and your family are our top priority. As the region’s first hospice provider, no one has more experience putting you first.
Call us
at 815.398.0500 to discuss the best care options for you or your loved one.
northernillinoishospice.org
BELVIDERE COLLECTIBLE COINS
We want to buy your unwanted gold & silver, jewelry, coins & silverware FOR IMMEDIATE PAYMENT. Bring in your antique and/or used jewelry, gold, silverware & estate jewelry for an offer.
WE PAY 10% MORE For Your Gold & SilverJewelry With This Ad.
815-547-7111 880 Belvidere Rd., Belvidere bcoins60@yahoo.com • goldsilverjewelrycoin.com
© Northern Illinois Hospice 2023
First in
FEB SEED STARTING PROGRAM AT 21ST THE IDA PUBLIC LIBRARY, 320 N. STATE, BELVIDERE 815-544-3838 idapubliclibrary.org
6 PM at the Boone County Museum of 6 PM, Begin starting seeds indoors. Whether History. Historian & McHenry County you are new to gardening or have been doing Board Member, Gloria Van Hof discusses it for years, this program has something for the Underground Railroad in our area. everyone. Join Boone County Master Free to Sustaining Members, $5 for Gardener, Jennifer Crider & learn about Museum Members & $10 for Non- germination, breaking dormancy, scheduling, Members. 314 S. State St., Belvidere & seeding methods. Registration required.
Individuals 60 & older are accustomed to making routine trips to the pharmacy to fill prescriptions. In fact, the CDC notes that roughly 84% of adults between the ages of 60-79 use one or more prescription medications. Prescription medications prolong individuals’ lives & can make their daily lives more comfortable & manageable. Managing multiple medications at once can be difficult, as it can be easy to lose track of which medications have been taken. The following tips can help individuals safely manage multiple medications. • Maintain an updated list of your medications. The NIH notes a medication list should include both prescription & over-the-counter medications. OTC medicines include vitamins, supplements & herbal products. • Share your medication list with family or close friends. The list should be accessible, & seniors can even share it with close family members, who can then advise medical professionals like EMTs, nurses & emergency room doctors which medicines you are taking in emergency situations when you may not be conscious. • Routinely review your medicine list with health care providers & pharmacists. Individuals should discuss their medicines with their physicians during each appointment. Ask if all medicines still need to be taken & if dosages should be changed. When visiting specialists, be sure to provide a list of all medications you are currently taking. • Ask questions about newly prescribed medications. Drug interactions can be dangerous, so it’s important to ask if & how any newly prescribed medications may interact with drugs, vitamins or supplements you already take. • Alert health care providers to any new side effects. Immediately contact your physician if any new side effects present. The NIH recommends individuals continue to take their medications unless their doctor says otherwise. • Use a pill organizer. A pill organizer makes it easy to manage multiple medications & can help individuals remember which pills they have taken. Millions of individuals 60 & older take more than one medicine each day. Some simple strategies can ensure seniors safely manage their medications. DISPILL MEDICATION PACKAGING Prevents Your Loved One From Missing Medications
Better!
GORGEOUS FRESH ARRANGEMENTS GREEN & BLOOMING PLANTS UNIQUE SEASONAL GIFTWARE FUNERALS • WEDDING QUINCEAÑERAS FANNIE MAY • GNOMES DAILY DELIVERIES
The UPS Store® HOME HEALTHCARE DEPT Walkers, Wheelchairs, Bath Benches & More NEEDS A DRIVE-THRU WHEN W HO WE D vailable 6 Days A W Delivery A eek M ELIVE on.Sat R! .
227 Logan Ave., Belvidere theflowerbinetc.com
O’Brien’s Pharmacy
MON.-FRI. 8:30 AM - 5 PM • SAT. 8 AM - 2 PM
216 S. State St., Belvidere 815-544-3433
(815) 544-2800 Etc.
5K at 1 PM, meet at 11:45 AM to be a Hugger! The Park District needs your help. A hugger’s job is just that, to give hugs (handshakes & high fives too!) to the runners, walkers & rollers that cross the finish line. Come out, give a hug to the athletes & enjoy some hot cocoa. For information call 815-547-5711.
Safely Manage Multiple Medications
Mon.-Fri. 10 AM - 5 PM, Sat. 10 AM - 2 PM
We Can Help You Say It
FEB HUG AN ATHLETE 5K HOSTED BY 25TH THE BELVIDERE PARK DISTRICT AT DOTY PARK
SCHEDULE your donation today. 815-965-8751 or SCAN our QR Code!
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Boone County Shopper - Belvidere, Illinois - February 1, 2024
BOONE COUNTY
SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
How Cherries Benefit Your Body
Are You
In Love
With Your Plan?
Unsure of your Medicare Plan for 2024? Do you have questions about your benefits or need further explanation?
Call Me, I Can Help! My Services Are Always FREE! 815-414-9044
YVONNE
“Chevy” Yvonne “Chevy” Peterson yvonne@medicare411co.com
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 Colisha Williams (815) 547-5255 Property Manager for private showing.
cwilliams@ludwigco.com fax: (815) 544-9568
$
999.00
$
89.00*
(*routine extractions with immediate dentures)
ONLY $1!!! (offer expires Jan. 31, 2024)
The first image to come to many people’s minds when they think of cherries may be one of these tiny stone fruits sitting atop an ice cream sundae. That’s an undeniably appealing image, but cherries are more than just a musthave sundae topping. Cherries benefit the body in various ways. Nutritious & delicious, cherries may find their way into even more people’s diets once people recognize the many ways cherries can improve overall health. • Cherries & blood sugar: The American Diabetes Assoc. notes that cherries can help people with diabetes control their blood sugar levels. The glycemic index (GI) is a system that rates foods which contain carbohydrates, & foods with a low GI rating slowly release glucose into a person’s blood. Cherries have a low GI & can help anyone living with diabetes manage their blood sugar more easily. • Cherries & inflammation: Cherries are rich in antioxidants, which means they boast similar anti-inflammatory properties to fruits such as blueberries. Vitamin A, vitamin C & vitamin E are antioxidants present in cherries, & the Cleveland Clinic notes that one study found that consuming 45 cherries per day can reduce inflammation brought on by free radicals. However, anyone considering consuming so many cherries is urged to speak with their physician first, as individuals with sensitivity to salicylates could suffer gastrointestinal issues from consuming cherries. • Cherries & sleep: The Sleep Foundation reports that studies have found that consuming tart cherry juice can promote a better, more restful night’s sleep. Tart cherries are a rarity in that they are one of only a handful of natural food sources of melatonin, a hormone that is secreted at certain times of day to facilitate the transition to sleep. The Cleveland Clinic adds that cherries also contain serotonin, which helps the body make melatonin, & tryptophan, which helps the body produce serotonin. A small glass of tart cherry juice after dinner may help people sleep better. • Cherries, arthritis & gout: The Arthritis Foundation® reports that studies have found that cherries may help to alleviate joint pain in people with osteoarthritis & lower the risk of flare-ups in individuals with gout. Some people with arthritis look to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil®, to alleviate the pain associated with their conditions. The Arthritis Foundation® reports that some researchers have compared the anti-inflammatory benefits of cherries with those provided by NSAIDs. A closer look at the benefits of cherries reveals that they help the body in various ways.
This Month’s Healthy Recipe Turkey Cherry Tortillas Ingredients 1/2 cup low-fat mayonnaise 1 T. prepared mustard 1/4 t. salt 1-1/2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
Directions 1. In a medium bowl combine mayonnaise, mustard, and salt. 2. Add turkey, cherries, carrots and onion. Stir gently. 3. Fill tortillas with turkey mixture. Top with cheese.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving (4 Servings)
Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office
Calories 260 Total Fat 13 g Sodium 1070 mg Carbohydrates 22 g Fiber 3 g Protein 15 g
1/2 cup fresh or frozen cherries 3/4 cup carrots, shredded 1/4 cup onion, minced 4 6-inch flour tortillas 1/2 cup low-fat cheddar cheese, shredded
Leap Into These Leap Year Facts Leap Year typically takes place every four years. The process of adding a day to the calendar every four years was designed to realign the clock & calendar more closely with how long it takes the Earth to rotate around the sun, which is slightly longer than the 365 days attributed to a year. If not for Leap Year, the seasons would slowly shift out of place. There are many interesting facts to learn about Leap Year, and February 29 is the perfect time to explore them. • It takes the Earth 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes & 45 seconds to circle once around the sun. Without leap years, we’d lose almost six hours every year. After a century, the calendar would be off by nearly 24 days. • Forbes reports that it’s likely the calendar will need to be changed again since the Earth’s rotation rate, the axial tilt orientation & the Earth’s orbital motion around the sun is not constant. Various effects, such as earthquakes & something called tidal braking, affect the passage of time. • Legend states that on February 29 it is alright for a woman to propose to a man, a custom attributed to St. Bridget. Bridget complained to St. Patrick that some women had to wait too long for their suitors to pop the question. As the legend goes, Patrick supposedly provided women this day to propose to compensate. • Some cultures view February 29 as an unlucky day. In Greece, couples are warned against planning weddings during leap years. In Italy, the phrase, “Anno biseto, anno funesto” (“leap year, doom year”) is uttered. • Individuals who are born on February 29th are known as leaplings or leapers. Leap Day is not considered a legal day. Those who are leaplings have to choose February 28 or March 1 for their official & legal birthdays. • Individuals who are paid fixed monthly incomes often work for free on February 29th because their wages will not be calculated to include the extra day.
Free Consultation • Wills • Trusts • Probate • Real Estate John H. Maville Attorney At Law 815-544-3165 www.mavillelaw.com Suite 307, 600 S. State, Belvidere
ST
Belvidere,
IL
REET PUB
111 BUCHANAN ST. | BELVIDERE, IL 61008 (815) 547-1012 OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | 11AM – 2AM