The Boone County Fair Continues Through August 11th
It all started in March of 1963 when the Boone County Pomona Grange decided to keep the Boone County Fair alive & purchased 84 acres of bare farmland on Rt 76 one mile north of Belvidere. This leap of faith by area Grange members 61 years ago kept the Boone County Fair going & growing. Sixty-one years later there is 183 acres with many buildings, barns, stages, a 2,000 seat grandstand, roadways, restrooms, outdoor dining hall, food stands, gazebos, half mile dirt track, extensive lighting & sound along with a year-round administration building & grounds maintenance shop…a great venue for a wide variety of activities mid-April to November 1st including the biggest event of them all…The Boone County Fair, voted the number one Festival/Fair in the Rock River Valley for 2021, 2022 & 2023 in the ‘What Rocks’ Community Choice Awards.
The Boone County Fair is the largest county fair in the State of Illinois averaging 216,000 fairgoers attending each of the last six fairs. The 2024 should be no exception with six big days of the best time ever. The Fair started this week and runs through August 11th. This year’s Grandstand shows featuring Country Music sensation Scotty McCreery with special guest up & coming Greylan James on Saturday evening. Tractor & Truck Pulls all day Thursday, Next Level Professional Bull Riding on Friday evening, and Two Demo Derbies on Sunday.
The fair features some of the best livestock shows in the state for draft horses, ponies, goats, beef & dairy cattle, sheep, rabbits, poultry & swine. Thousands of Home Ec, Ag & Art Exhibits; acres of vendors & exhibits inside & outside; wide variety of delicious fair food; giant exciting Skinner’s Midway with a large Kiddie Ride section; plus, free entertainment & exhibits daily including the Free Entertainment Pavilion, the one room schoolhouse, huge antique tractor display, the Grange Hall & Museum, & the 4-H Petting Zoo. Free shows include Ready Set Go Dog Show, The Rhinestone Roper, Great Lakes Timber Show, Mr. D’s House of Magic & Illusion, Chainsaw Wood Carving, First Bite Fishing Tank, Farmer Tom Storyteller, Alpaca Exhibit, along with Magic Mike who will be roaming the grounds daily. There’s so much to see! So much to do! It’ll be the Best Time Ever! For ticket prices, schedule & information go to boonecountyfair.com or find their Facebook & Tik Tok pages @TheBooneCountyFair. The Fair office is open Mondays & Wednesdays from 8am-4pm. Call 815-544-2900. The fair is located at 8847 Rt. 76, Belvidere. Stop out & enjoy all the Boone County Fair has to offer!
A Fall Tradition!
Opening Friday, August 23rd
Open 7 days a week 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. 7061 Centerville Rd. Poplar Grove, IL 815-765-2234
Boone County Museum of History Lecture Series
The Boone County Museum of History will continue their lecture series tonight, August 8th, at 6 PM in the Grand Gallery of the Museum. The program will be Historical Blacksmiths with Christopher Hubbard. The lectures are free to sustaining members, $5 for regular members and $10 for non-members. The Museum is located at 314 S. State Street in Belvidere. For more information about the Museum and their lecture series, please call 815-5448391. Mark your calendars for the next lecture: September 12th, Lorna Collier & Barbara Hazelwood-Miller: Tilli’s Story.
G SENIOR LIVING
Senior-Friendly Interior Renovations
walls of their homes.
A lifetime of experiences in a home can make it hard to leave, but many seniors experience diminished mobility as they age. Mobility issues can make it hard for seniors to traverse their homes, but aging homeowners can make various renovations to make a home more accessible.
• Revamp entryways and staircases. A 2020 study of 1,000 adults in the United Kingdom found that 28% of individuals age 65 & older who don’t exercise regularly struggle with activities like walking up stairs. The study, commissioned by Total Fitness, also found that 14% of men & women over 65 who regularly engage in moderate exercise still find it challenging to climb up & down a flight of stairs. Seniors facing similar challenges can install a ramp at their home’s entryway so they can comfortably go in & out. Inside, a chair lift can ensure seniors are not struggling to move from one floor to another.
• Raise the outlets throughout the home. They’re easily overlooked, but outlets, particularly those outside the kitchen, tend to be close to the floor. AARP notes that’s no accident, as outlets are generally placed at a height equal to the length of a hammer to save time with measuring when buildings are being constructed. Outlets close to the floor can be difficult for seniors with mobility issues to reach. Relocating the outlets a little higher off the floor is not an expensive renovation, but it can make a home more accessible for seniors who have difficulty bending down or getting down on one knee.
• Install door knob extensions. Verywell Health notes that nearly half of all people age 65 & older have arthritis or another rheumatic condition. Arthritis can make it difficult for seniors to grip & turn door knobs. Door knob extensions can make it easier for seniors with arthritis to open the doors in their homes. Such extensions are roughly five-inch levers that can be installed over an existing door knob, making it easier to grab & pull down. Extensions save seniors the hassle of turning the knob, which some may find painful & almost impossible.
• Renovate the bathroom. Bathroom renovation projects can be costly, but seniors with mobility issues should know that bathrooms can pose a particularly dangerous threat. The CDC notes that roughly three million older adults are treated for fall injuries in emergency departments each year. A 2019 analysis noted that 22% of inhome falls resulted in a change in the person’s walking ability. Replacing a step-over shower with a zero-step alternative can make it easier for seniors with mobility issues to get in & out, thus reducing their risk for falls. Grab bars along shower walls & a chair inside the shower can make it easier to bathe & towel off safely. Seniors with mobility issues can make their homes more accommodating through an assortment of simple, yet effective renovations.
ANNUAL
QUILT RAFFLE & ICE CREAM SOCIAL
Upcoming Events In Boone County
52nd Annual Fly-In at Poplar Grove Airport, 11619 Rt. 76, Poplar Grove on Sunday, August 18th, 9 AM - 2 PM. The Fly-In will host food trucks, flour bomber bingo, ice cream, car show, rummage sale, vintage tractor pull and fly-in fun! Take the shuttle to the Vintage Wings & Wheels Museum from 10 AM - 2 PM. Get your tickets for Belvidere Rotary Club Bomber Bingo held at 1 PM, tickets are just $10. For more information call 815-544-3471.
Annual Quilt Raffle & Ice Cream Social hosted at the Boone County Council on Aging, 2141 Henry Luckow Lane, Belvidere on Friday, September 20th. The Keen Age Center is currently accepting donations for the raffle and tickets will be sold during the Boone County Fair, which runs through August 11th. For more information call 815-544-9893.
Join A Book Club At The Ida Public Library
Seniors who read often enjoy much more than just a good story. Scientific studies have found many benefits of reading for older adults. These include everything from reducing stress & enhancing sleep to improving memory circuits, sharpening decision-making & possibly even delaying the onset of dementia. Why not join one of these ongoing book clubs at the Ida Public Library, 320 N. State, Belvidere. For more information on these book clubs and other library programs call 815-544-3838.
• BYOB CLUB: 1st Mondays at 3 PM. Read whatever you like in this fun, social club. Then meet every month on the first Monday at 3 PM to discuss your favorite reads. It’s a great way to build your reading list! No registration required, just drop in.
• MYSTERY BOOK CLUB: 4th Mondays at 10:30 AM. Do you love a good mystery? If so, join Ida’s Mystery Book Club. Each month they meet to discuss a chosen book & give their thoughts & opinions on each book. Register online at idapubliclibrary.org to save your spot & find out about the next book.
• TRUE CRIME BOOK CLUB: 3rd Thursday of the Month at 6 PM. Are you a true crime junkie? If so, this book club is for you! Every month meet to discuss a True Crime book & share your thoughts on the case! Books will be available to check out at the lower level circulation desk.
S
A MONTHLY FOUR PAGE SECTION FOR SENIORS
Tips To Stay Safe While Golfing
A round of golf on a warm, sunny day can be the perfect way to spend a few hours with friends, and more & more people are recognizing that. The National Golf Foundation says more than one-third of the U.S. population over the age of five played golf; followed golf on television or online; read about the game; or listened to a golfrelated podcast in 2023. That marked a 30% jump since 2016. Golf is a relatively safe sport, but accidents & injuries can happen on the course. Golfers can follow these guidelines to ensure their next round of golf is as safe as possible.
• Be aware of your surroundings. It is important when you are preparing to swing to keep track of those around you. Never swing a golf club if a fellow golfer is close to you, & exercise caution when practicing your swing away from the area of play.
• Warm up your body. Any exercise requires warming up to get muscles & joints ready for action. Spend between five & 10 minutes warming up before tee time. Walk briskly & rotate your arms & torso to prepare for movements involved in golf.
• Apply sun protection. According to a study commissioned by the U.S. Golf Association, an 18-hole round of golf averages four hours on weekdays & 4.5 hours on weekends. Players spend roughly four hours exposed to the sun. Always wear sunscreen before heading outdoors, & consider wearing a visor or hat to further protect the skin on your face & your eyes from UV exposure.
• Wear the right gear. Using a golf glove or two to keep the golf club from slipping out of your hands. Gloves also can help prevent blisters. In addition, get a pair of golf shoes with plastic spikes for good traction.
• Yell “Fore!” Calling out “Fore!” is a warning to everyone on the course that a ball has been hit & is heading in their direction rather than the intended area.
• Use a golf cart. Carrying a heavy golf club bag for hours on end can lead to achy shoulders & lower back strain. Rather than risking injury, take advantage of a golf cart, if available.
• Beware of lightning. Lightning strikes can be quite dangerous, particularly on an open course when you’re holding a metal club. Always end the game promptly & take cover when thunder is heard, as it means that lightning is occurring.
• Stay hydrated. Bring along plenty of fresh water or an electrolyte sports drink to replenish fluids on hot days.
• Be cautious of hazards. Hazards on a golf course provide difficult obstacles to make play more challenging. Hazards include bunkers (sand traps) & water. Keep in mind that wildlife linger in golf hazards & caution should be used when trying to play balls that fall in a hazard.
Golf has inspired millions to hit the links & play a round. While golf is typically a safe sport, there are ways to make it even safer.
Outfit Your Golf Cart With Must-Have Accessories
Golf carts are not necessarily reserved for those hitting the links. While it’s true that a cart makes it easier for golfers on the course, golf carts are quite popular in & around many residential neighborhoods as well. As the popularity of golf carts surges, outfitting these carts with the right gear can help them stand out.
• Cover: For those without the benefit of a special garage for the golf cart, a golf cart cover protects the vehicle against sun & weather damage. Look for a cover that is water-repellent.
• Cup holders: Whether it’s for a morning cup of coffee or an insulated water tumbler, cup holders are musthaves on the golf cart. Many cup holders attach easily to the rear accessory bar & elsewhere.
• Upgraded tires: Tires that come standard on most golf carts are not the most durable. Therefore, replacing the tires with ones designed to traverse the terrain you travel the most can be a wise investment.
• New lighting: Improve on visibility & style by customizing lighting accessories on the golf cart. Many golf carts are being used to get around town, so it pays to have brighter headlights to see roadways & increase your visibility to oncoming traffic & pedestrians.
• Side mirrors: Improve on safety with the addition of side mirrors. Most factory golf carts feature just one small, center-mounted mirror to view the rear. Adding side mirrors helps elevate the safety factor.
• Tinted windshield: Some golf carts do not come with windshields. The addition of one, particularly a tinted version, can help reduce glare & protect against debris & bugs while driving.
• Rear flip seat kit: This kit increases the seating capacity of the golf cart. When not in use, the seat can be flipped down to carry cargo.
• Speakers: No ride is complete without music. Adding speakers can make the ride even more enjoyable. Bluetooth speakers may not require any special wiring & can work immediately with your smartphone.
Golf carts are turning up well outside of golf courses, making them a go-to second vehicle for people in various communities. Accessorizing a golf cart can improve the driving experience.
Live Your Best Life
Promoting Caregiver Wellness
Submitted By: Kelly Hillan, Exec. Director of The Keen Age Center
Caregiving is an immensely rewarding yet challenging responsibility. The emotional & physical demands can take a toll on the caregiver’s well-being. At Boone County Council on Aging, we recognize the crucial role caregivers play & are committed to supporting them through their journey. Tips for Caregiver Wellness:
1. Prioritize Self-Care: It’s essential to take time for yourself. Engage in activities you enjoy, whether it’s reading, walking, or spending time with friends. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s necessary.
2. Stay Informed: Understanding dementia can help reduce stress. Attend workshops, read reputable sources, & ask healthcare providers for information.
3. Join Support Groups: Connecting with others who are in similar situations can provide emotional support & practical advice. Sharing experiences can be both therapeutic & informative.
4. Delegate Responsibilities: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family, friends, or professional services. Delegating tasks can reduce your workload & stress levels.
5. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, & adequate sleep can significantly impact your overall well-being. Incorporate these habits into your routine.
6. Use Respite Care Services: Take advantage of respite care to give yourself a break. It’s important to rest & recharge to continue providing the best care. Ask about our respite & caregiver grants.
7. Mindfulness & Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga can help manage stress and improve mental clarity.
Join Our Stressbusters Workshop To further support our dedicated caregivers, we are excited to announce our upcoming Stressbusters Workshop, specifically designed for caregivers of individuals with dementia. You will learn practical strategies to manage stress, improve your well-being, & connect with other caregivers who understand your challenges. Call our Information & Assistance for more details at 779-552-7240
Take the T-Care Assessment We are also pleased to introduce our online T-Care assessment, available through our website. This short assessment is designed to evaluate the specific needs of caregivers & provide personalized resources & recommendations. The T-Care tool helps in identifying stressors, assessing caregiver health, & tailoring support to enhance your caregiving experience.
At Boone County Council on Aging, we are committed to supporting caregivers. Your well-being is just as important as those you care for. Join us at the Stressbusters Workshop & take advantage of the T-Care assessment to enhance your caregiving journey. Together, we can ensure a healthier, happier caregiving experience.
This Month’s Healthy Recipe
What To Expect At Your Next Eye Exam
Visiting an eye doctor can alert a person to potential vision impairments & certain symptoms that show up in the eyes. Everything from brain tumors to aneurysms to high cholesterol can be detected in the eyes. Most doctors recommend age-based intervals for eye exams: Ages 55-64: 1-3 years & Ages 65+: 1-2 years. Individuals who wear glasses or contact lenses, have a family history of eye disease, or have a chronic condition that puts them at risk for eye disease, like diabetes, should get vision exams more frequently. Here’s what to expect:
• Visual acuity: The doctor will have you read an eye chart while looking through a device called a phoropter. This device has several lenses that can adjust to help you see better & find the right corrective lens prescription.
• Visual field: The doctor will check peripheral vision by holding up a finger or an object & moving it gradually to the side of your face. Additional movements may include up & down.
• Automatic refraction: Visual acuity can be measured with this test, during which an autorefractor shines light into the eye & measures the eye’s response.
• Pupil function: The eye doctor will briefly shine a handheld light into each eye & then move the light away to watch how the pupils constrict & dilate.
• Slit lamp exam: This type of microscope that enables the eye doctor to see the eyes in close detail.
• Tonometry measurement: Glaucoma occurs when intraocular pressure is high. Some eye doctors will conduct tests to determine the pressure.
• Pupil dilation: The eye doctor will administer eye drops that dilate the pupils, which enables a better view of the retina, optic nerve, cornea, & surrounding blood vessels during an ophthalmoscopy
