Boone County Shopper Senior Living March 2022

March 3, 2022

March

Comfort

Page 7

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.

Call us at 815.398.0500 to

discuss the best care options for you or your loved one.

northernillinoishospice.org

BOONE COUNTY

SHADLEY APARTMENTS

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Answering Questions About Lent Before the joyous Easter celebration comes the solemn & prayerful Lenten season. Even the devoutly religious may not know all there is to know about this penitential season. The following are some questions & answers about Lent.

When does Lent occur? Lent is a period of 40 days preceding Easter Sunday. Since 1969, Lent has begun on Ash Wednesday & has ended on the evening of the Mass of the Lord’s Supper on Holy Thursday. Since Sundays are not calculated in that time frame, Lent actually lasts 46 days.

When did Lent begin? The first Christians approached each Sunday as a celebration of Easter, & each day of the week was considered a time to prepare for the Sunday celebration. Beginning in the fourth century in Europe, dates began to be established for Christmas & other religious dates of significance. The pattern of 40 days of preparation & penance started to emerge around this time. Christians started the tradition of Lent around the year 325 during the Council of Nicea.

Why 40 days? The Compass News says the 40 days of Lent refer to Christ’s 40 days spent in the desert after His baptism. Just as Jesus prayed & fasted, so, too, did the church & its faithful.

Why is it called Lent? Scholars suggest the word “Lent” is derived from “lengten,” an Anglo-Saxon word for spring, which also is related to the German word “lenz,” meaning spring. By the 11th century, “Lent” had taken on the Christian usage it has today, & the generic term for springtime disappeared.

Where do Ash Wednesday’s ashes come from? Lent begins with Ash Wednesday, when ashes are spread on the foreheads of followers in the sign of the cross to signal their repentance to God. The ashes are derived from burning the palm fronds from the previous year’s Palm Sunday. This year Ash Wednesday is celebrated on March 2nd.

Why are priests’ garments purple during Lent? Purple long has been considered a royal color, & purple garb, along with a crown made from thorns, was placed on Jesus to mock him as the “King of the Jews.” Purple/violet became a symbol of the sovereignty of Christ & also was associated with repentance from sin. That is why violet is worn by clergy during Lent, as well as during Advent, the season that precedes Christmas.

How is Lent connected to Passover? Religious scholars contend that the “Last Supper” took place on what is now known as Holy Thursday. The meal was a seder, a ritual meal held in celebration of the Jewish holiday of Passover. According to the Gospels of Mark, Matthew & Luke, Jesus prepared for the Last Supper on the “first day of Unleavened Bread, when they sacrificed the Passover lamb.”

Lent is a powerful time on the Christian calendar during which the faithful prepare for the glory of Jesus Christ’s life after death.

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.

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”

Boone County Council On Aging Garden Club Do you love to garden? Do you love to dig in the soil, plant and watch things pop up out of the ground and then reap the rewards of your hard labor? Then the Boone County Council on Aging would love to have you join their team.

We are looking for a group of committed volunteers to help man some community gardens that would be built at the Keen Age Center.

If you are interested, please call Susan at your earliest convenience at 779552-7240.

• 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

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

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March 3, 2022

BOONE COUNTY

Complete Service Of Cars & Light Trucks

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

The Challenges Climate Change Poses To Agriculture

We Carry

Climate change poses an array of challenges. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration notes that the impacts of climate change on various sectors of society are interrelated, a connection that mirrors the ripple effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The human health crisis that arose during the pandemic affected all aspects of life, as illnesses limited worker productivity, thus affecting the global supply chain, including the availability of food.

Scientists warn that a similar scenario could play out as a result of climate change.

The agricultural sector could face considerable challenges in the years to come.

The Fourth National Climate Assessment is a government-mandated report that must be delivered to the United States Congress once every four years. Among the many aims of the report are to provide an analysis of the effects of global changes on the natural environment & agriculture. The report also must project major trends for the next 25-100 years. The most recent report, delivered in 2018, noted that changing precipitation patterns could intensify in the coming years, leading to more intense periods of heavy rain & longer dry periods. Those shifting patterns & other changes could lead to an increase in conditions & weather events that pose unique challenges to the agricultural sector.

• Flooding: The Union of Concerned Scientists notes that many agricultural regions of the United States have already experienced increased flooding. The effects of flooding on the agricultural sector are often devastating & include accelerated soil erosion, water pollution & damage to infrastructure that challenges farmers’ ability to get food from their farms to stores &, ultimately, consumers’ dinner tables.

• Drought: The National Integrated Drought Information System reports that the primary direct economic impact of drought in the agricultural sector is crop failure & pasture losses. The Government of Canada notes that areas of western Canada are already experiencing frequent & severe droughts, & scientists expect other areas of the country to be affected by drought more often in the years to come. The same goes for the United States, which the UCS notes has already dealt with severe drought in California, the Great Plains & the midwest. Depleted water supplies are a byproduct of drought, & such depletion can take a toll on crops & livestock.

• Economics: The effects of climate change on crops & livestock may force farmers to change the nature of their farms. The UCS notes that farmers may be forced to choose crop varieties & animal breeds that are suited to the new conditions sparked by climate change. Going in a new direction could force farmers to make potentially costly investments in machinery & other changes as they make the transition.

Climate change will pose unique challenges to the agricultural sector that could force farmers to make some difficult decisions in the years ahead.

See Our “Pros” For

• 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

WE’RE HERE FOR YOU!

Keen Age Center

Info & Assistance

Lending Closet

In-Home Care

Boone County Council On Aging 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere

815-544-9893 • www.keenage.org

give AS IF A LIFE DEPENDS ON IT ...because it does.

MAKE YOUR APPOINTMENT

Keep Your Existing Car Running Smoothly New cars have been costly for quite some time, but those costs have spiked considerably since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. That unprecedented rise has led many motorists to wonder how they can get more mileage out of their existing vehicles. Drivers who can’t afford to keep up with the rising cost of new vehicles can take these steps to keep their existing cars running smoothly for years to come.

• Take care of the timing belt. Engines cannot run smoothly without a fully functional timing belt. Engines need various components to do their job, & those components must do so at the right time for the engine to run smoothly. Fully functional timing belts help to synchronize movements, but belts must be replaced every so often.

One issue many drivers encountered in the early months of the pandemic when people were driving less frequently was timing belts that were failing long before they reached the projected mile markers. Infrequent driving can hasten the demise of the timing belt. Aging drivers who no longer drive a lot should keep this in mind.

• Take care of the brakes and associated components. The experts at Popular Mechanics urge drivers of older vehicles to replace their brake fluid every two years. Popular Mechanics also advises drivers whose cars are more than seven years old to replace the rubber brake lines when major brake work is required.

• Pay attention to oil levels. The older engines get, the more oil they’re going to burn. So drivers of older vehicles should check their oil levels more often than they would if their vehicles were brand new.

• Don’t skip maintenance appointments. Even if you’re still driving less due to the pandemic, it’s best not to skip recommended maintenance intervals. That’s true for drivers of all cars, but especially those whose vehicles are aging. Routine tune-ups & oil changes, which may need to become more frequent the older the vehicle gets, can keep cars running smoothly & protect the engine over the long haul.

The rising cost of new cars is compelling millions of drivers to keep their cars longer than they might have anticipated. Some simple maintenance measures can help those cars run strong for years to come. Call R.J. Daniels Fuel & Tire for more information at 815-544-2118.

• All-On-4 Implants • Dental Implants • Implant Support Dentures • Bone Grafting • Cosmetic Dentistry • General Dentistry • Sleep Dentistry

• Brakes & Suspension • Wheel Alignment • Shocks & Struts • Air Conditioning

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.

2nd Opinions & Complimentary Consultations 140 N. State St., Belvidere, IL 61008

815-544-5144 CHAPKOANDSHAH.COM

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March 3, 2022

It Is Your Journey.

We Adapt To You!

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

Thank You For Being A Friend Letter From: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center

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

Book The Funderburg House For Your Next Event

Birthdays, Anniversaries, Meetings, Office Parties, Reunions, Bridal Showers, Baby Showers, Family Pictures & More

815-544-8391 funderburghouse.org The Funderburg House, 605 N. State Street, Belvidere

Dear Friends, I don’t know about you, but I get a song in my head, & it can become hard to shake it. So being naturally curious I Googled the reason why songs get stuck in your head & as you might expect, there is a name & an explanation. In 2016, CBS news reported that ...psychologists believe they have figured out exactly why certain songs tend to stick in our heads more than others. The phenomenon is called involuntary musical imagery (INMI) - more commonly known as “earworms.” Earworms sounds like something that you might want to contact your doctor about!

Recently, my “earworms” have included “Hello, Dolly!” by Louis Armstrong, “A Man Without Love,” made popular by Engelbert Humperdinck. Additionally, “Thank You for Being a Friend,” a song written by Andrew Gold, has been stuck on loop in my head. The version most of us are probably familiar with is the cover by Cynthia Fee that was the theme song for the NBC sitcom The Golden Girls. The play list in my head may be random for the most part, but I imagine my “involuntary musical imagery” of “Thank You for Being a Friend” might be Betty White’s recent death, but more likely my recent contacts with the Friends of Keen Age Center (KAC), our former Auxiliary.

I have the pleasure of working with the Friends of KAC co-chairs, Marion Thornberry & Otis Morgan, closely as they have taken steps with their group members to restructure the group & get it up & rolling again.

Congratulations for the fine work & progress, & a sincere thank you for being our friends! The Friends of KAC had their first Social Time in January, followed up by a lovely Valentine’s Gathering in February. The Valentine’s Day event was such a hit, & I am looking forward to seeing what the Friends of KAC has in store for March as they are planning to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by wearing green & gathering for informal socializing. A wonderful opportunity to see old friends or make new. Maybe you will learn a fun fact about someone!

You are also invited to learn more about Friends of KAC on March 2nd at 10:30. The group is coming together to plan for future events, trips & fundraisers. We are eagerly awaiting the ending of the mask mandate on February 28th, making masks optional at the Keen Age Center. I hope many can take advantage of the chance to become more aware of the opportunities at KAC to get out, relax, have fun & learn more about what is offered.

Thank you for being a friend; Traveled down a road & back again; Your heart is true, you’re a pal & a confidant Here’s to traveling down the road with you, Kelly Hillan

Why It Pays For Seniors To Maintain Good Credit The benefits of maintaining good credit include looking more reliable in the eyes of prospective employers & securing lower mortgage interest rates when buying a home. Those rewards can benefit anyone, but they’re especially enticing to young people. But what about seniors? Do individuals stand to benefit significantly from maintaining good credit into their golden years?

According to credit reporting agency Experian, seniors tend to have the best credit scores of any demographic.

That is a byproduct of years of financial discipline & there are benefits to maintaining that discipline into retirement.

• Home buying & borrowing: Buying a home is often considered a big financial step forward for young people, but that doesn’t mean aging men & women are completely out of the real estate market. In its 2020 “State of the Nation’s Housing” report, the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University reported that the share of homeowners age 65 & over with housing debt doubled to 42% between 1989 & 2019. In addition, 27% of homeowners age 80 & over were carrying mortgage debt in 2019. Maintaining strong credit after retirement can help homeowners who still have mortgage debt get better terms if they choose to refinance. Even seniors who have paid off their mortgages can benefit from maintaining good credit • Rewards: Retirement is often associated with travel, recreation & leisure. Such pursuits can be more affordable when seniors utilize rewards-based credit cards that help them finance vacations, weekend getaways & other expenses associated with traveling. Seniors who maintain strong credit ratings into their golden years may have more access to the best travel-based rewards cards than those whose credit scores dip in retirement.

• Unforeseen expenses: No one knows what’s around the corner, but savvy seniors recognize the importance of planning for the unknown. The COVID-19 pandemic seemingly came out of nowhere, & among its many ripple effects was the sudden job loss experienced by seniors. The JCHS report found that 21% of homeowners age 65 & over had reported loss of employment income related to the pandemic. Unforeseen medical expenses also can compromise seniors’ financial freedom. Maintaining a strong credit rating into older adulthood can help seniors navigate such financial uncertainty more smoothly. Such a strategy can help seniors secure low-interest loans or credit cards that can help them pay down sudden, unforeseen expenses without getting into significant debt.

A strong credit rating can be beneficial for seniors.

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!

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March 3, 2022

BOONE COUNTY

SENIOR LIVING A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS

How To Build Friendships In Your Golden Years 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

Need A Little Help Out Of Your Chair?

This Month’s Healthy Recipe Shepherd’s Pie Ingredients 1/2 cup onion, chopped 1 T. vegetable oil 1/8 t. or dash black pepper

Recipe Provided By The U of I Extension Office

1 can (14-15 oz.) green beans, drained 1 can (10-1/4 oz.) condensed tomato soup 2 cups cooked ground meat (drained) 2 cups prepared mashed potatoes

1 egg, beaten 1/2 cup cheese, shredded

Nutrition Facts Per Serving (6 Servings) Calories 290 Total Fat 13 g Sodium 1210 mg Carbohydrates 22 g Dietary Fiber 4 g

Directions 1. Wash hands with soap & water. Gently rub onion under cold water before preparing ingredients.

2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook onion in vegetable oil in large skillet until tender.

3. Add black pepper, green beans, tomato soup, and meat to skillet. Mix gently.

4. Spray 2 quart casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray. Pour mixture into dish.

5. Mix egg into prepared potatoes. Spoon potato mixture over other ingredients in casserole dish. Do not mix.

6. Sprinkle potatoes with cheese. Bake for 25-30 minutes.

WE HAVE LIFT CHAIRS!

Tips To Cope With The Loss Of A Loved One

315 S. State St. Belvidere 815-547-6672

HOURS: Mon.-Thurs. 9-5; Fri. 9-7; Sat. 9-4; Closed Sun. FURNITURE

ST

As people near retirement age, their situations may change considerably. Children have moved out, careers are coming to an end & friendships may be hard to maintain due to people relocating or traveling. Older adults may aspire to make new friends, but they may not know how. These guidelines can help along the way.

• Explore online connections. Seniors (even those in their 80s) who stay connected with friends & family using social media report feeling less lonely & better overall. Connected seniors also demonstrated higher executive reasoning skills. There are plenty of ways to meet new people online by joining social media groups that cater to your interests. In person meetings can make for great ways to make new friends. Exercise caution when meeting people in person. Bring another person along, whether it’s a spouse or an adult child, to ensure that you are safe.

• Volunteer your time. One way to meet new people is to get involved with causes or activities you love. This serves the double benefit of getting you active & puts you in touch with people who share your interests.

• Attend alumni events. If you have an interest in getting in touch with someone from your past & reconnecting, make the time to attend school reunions & other alumni activities. It can be fun to reconnect with friends from high school or college.

• Join a gym. The local gym isn’t just a great place to get physically fit. Group exercise classes also can be ideal places to meet other people who enjoy working out. Strike up a conversation with another class participant you see on a regular basis. Once you develop a rapport, schedule lunch dates so your friendship grows outside of the gym. The Belvidere Family YMCA offers a Silver Sneakers Program with programs specifically for Seniors. For information call 815-547-5307.

Making friends is not just for the young. Men & women over 50 also can find ways to build new friendships.

Belvidere,

IL

REET PUB

111 BUCHANAN ST. | BELVIDERE, IL 61008 815-547-1012 SUNDAY - TUESDAY | 11AM – 2 AM WEDNESDAY - SATURDAY | 8AM – 2 AM

The loss of a loved one can be difficult to confront. Individuals experience the grieving process in their own unique way, but the American Psychological Assoc. has found that social support & healthy habits can help most people recover from loss. The APA also urges individuals to speak with a licensed mental health professional if they are dealing with severe or complicated grief, a condition marked by broad changes to personal relationships, a sense of meaninglessness, a prolonged yearning or searching for the deceased, & a sense of rupture in personal beliefs. Some strategies may help grieving individuals process & come to terms with their loss.

• Discuss the death of your loved one. The APA notes that avoiding talking about a deceased loved one can lead to isolation & a disruption in the healing process. Speaking about the death of a loved one can help individuals understand what happened, & that understanding can facilitate the healing process.

• Take care of your health. After losing a loved one, some people may be in danger of developing a dependence on medication or alcohol that they’re using to deal with their grief. It’s important that grieving individuals recognize that threat & the role that maintaining one’s personal health can play in the healing process.

Regular contact with your physician, routine exercise & a healthy diet can promote personal health & may help individuals avoid the pitfalls of addiction after the death of a loved one.

• Accept your feelings. The APA notes that it’s normal for grieving individuals to experience a range of emotions, including sadness, anger & exhaustion. Individuals who feel overwhelmed by their emotions are urged to speak with a licensed mental health professional. Such professionals can recommend various strategies to cope with emotions that can sometimes feel overwhelming.

• Celebrate your loved one. The APA recognizes that many people find the anniversaries of a loved one’s death to be especially difficult. The APA recommends individuals use such anniversaries as opportunities to celebrate their loved one’s life. Plant a garden in a loved one’s memory or honor them with a donation to a charity they supported. Such gestures can add some positivity to the anniversary & help in the healing process.

The death of a loved one can inspire a range of emotions. Various strategies can help individuals cope with such losses. More information about grieving is available at www.apa.org.

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.