Smart Living Weekly May 28, 2020

iving Smart L ivi

Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • May 28, 2020

™

It’s Time to

Support Local!

Our Healthcare Workers have been Heroes in Saving Lives First Responders have been Heroes in Protecting Lives Now, It’s our turn to be Heroes In Preserving Livelihoods

Let’s Shop Local This Special Issue is Dedicated to Supporting Our Small Businesses

See Details Pg. 16

Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun!

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

53

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 28

3

4

Smart Living Weekly

May 28

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 28

5

In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 It’s Time to Support Local Businesses Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Abiding in Truth Your Kitchen ......................................................15 Tasty Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers Your Fun ................................................... ......... 25 Your Health ........................................................26 Detecting Mental Illness

Smart L iving ™

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Lukas Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Sara Myers Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Behling Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Sherri Saleh Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living Weekly.

Copyright 2020 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.

6

Smart Living Weekly

May 28

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Pulling Together, Safely

H

ello! I’ve missed you! Smart Living readers are the kindest, most responsive readers I’ve known in 30-some years of reporting.

I’ll neither sugarcoat nor belabor what we’ve all been experiencing this spring.

Everyone wishes we could start 2020 over without COVID-19 but we can’t, so we deal with it.

“Safety first” is the motto in my home.

We’ve been locked down since March 20 due to chronic health problems that make us especially vulnerable. Like many of you, we’ve learned new ways to source items safely and locally, from birdseed to groceries, dog bones, greenhouse items, furniture and top-notch meals.

We’ve been able to find what we need through locally owned businesses and haven’t had to rely upon big-box stores even once.

When we do go to a public setting – we only visit those which strictly enforce safety standards – we choose the hour carefully, wear masks and, most importantly, keep physical distance from other people. It’s our new normal.

As businesses re-open, the virus still exists. Our family will keep finding ways to support our local economy while being careful. We’ll continue resisting the urge to order goods from national online retailers and instead consult local businesses to see how they might accommodate our needs. They’re innovative!

Another way we “think local” is by donating to charities like Northern Illinois Food Bank. The need is great. Too, our local museums, gardens and other community gems need help weathering this crisis. Buying memberships or making outright donations will help to keep them intact so that our region’s high quality of life is preserved long-term.

People in good health can volunteer at various charities and donate blood. As many older folks stay home, younger folks must step up to carry this important work forward.

There’s much rebuilding ahead and each of us can be part of the solution, no matter what our situation. Let’s do all we can to support our local businesses and keep our money circulating at home!

Onward! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 28

7

8

Smart Living Weekly

May 28

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 28

9

10

Smart Living Weekly

May 28

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 28

11

I  W

Abiding in Truth

W

e live in a world where truth can seem like a needle in a haystack of lies. People and institutions mislead us for selfish reasons. How do we deal with it?

We can start by following Jesus’ example. He regularly took time out from the noise of the world to spend quiet time with God in prayer and meditation of scripture.

Mark 1:35: And in the morning, a great while before day, he rose and went out to a lonely place, and there he prayed.

(Other examples: Mark 6:46; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:18; Luke 9:28; Luke 11:1; and Matthew 26:36-45.)

Jesus’ prayer time often preceded key moments in his ministry. It also equipped him to handle an onslaught of religious and political confusion and dishonesty.

Jesus spent time meditating on the same scriptures we read today in our Old Testament. He found wisdom, comfort and truth in them, and we can, too. He also committed scripture to his memory.

In Matthew 4, we read that Satan tempted Jesus in the Judaean Desert for 40 days and nights – a horribly stressful situation. Jesus responded by quoting scripture to Satan: “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.’” Truth was sewn into Jesus’ heart and therefore available when he most needed it. Jesus abided in truth – dwelled in it and fully accepted it.

God is not the author of confusion, but of peace (I Corinthians 14:32). Filling our hearts with eyes-to-print scripture (not just interpreted for us by people but read with our own eyes) is how we grow in our spiritual discernment and maturity.

Here’s a simple prayer we can pray every morning. Why not memorize it?

“Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.” (Psalm 25:5.)

God promises to enlighten the eyes of our understanding if we ask for His help.

Jesus promised: “… If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:31 & 32) ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12

Smart Living Weekly

May 28

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Now Accepting Residents AT THE AREA’S PREMIERE ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY! Call for a personal tour to see why you get MORE for LESS at TLC Living Community.

The TLC Living Community is designed to provide a vibrant, yet secure and comfortable way for its residents to age in place. From an independent life experience to assistance with healthcare needs, you’ll get it all without leaving the comfort of your apartment. Better yet, you get MORE for your money than other regional facilities, including a brand new, beautifully designed community and apartments, state of the art sanitary protocols, ordering off the menu from a variety of delicious foods lovingly prepared by our Executive Chef, movie theatre, salon, craft room like no other you’ve seen, housekeeping services, laundry services, free cable and phone, and much, much more!

During the COVID shelter-in-place, we are conducting personal tours.

Call for your tour today and get a FREE GIFT!

Call Today! (815) 242-2852

508 ROOSEVELT ROAD, MACHESNEY PARK, IL 61115 (815) 242-2852 / WWW.TLC-MP.COM  FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK

Smart Living Weekly 8.375x10.875_TLC-NorthwestAd-06.indd 1

May 28

13 5/26/20 3:58 PM

14

Smart Living Weekly

May 28

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y K

A Plant-Based, Dairy-Inspired Tasty Dish W

ith the rise in popularity of plantbased diets and dishes, combining them with dairy products can create a superfood power couple.

Find more recipes that combine the goodness of dairy and plant-based foods at milkmeansmore.org.

Vegetarian Stuffed Peppers

6 large sweet bell peppers 1/2 cup diced sweet onion 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced in half 1 cup frozen corn, thawed 1 1/2 cups cooked black beans plain (drained and rinsed if using canned beans) 2 cups cooked brown rice 1/2 tsp. chipotle chili powder 1/2 tsp. dried oregano 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 3/4 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper 1 1/2 cups shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese, divided

Preheat the oven to 350º F. Line a rimmed half sheet pan with non-stick aluminum foil.

Slice the tops off of the sweet bell peppers. Use a spoon to scoop the seeds and white membranes from the insides of the peppers. Discard the pepper tops and seeds. Place the peppers onto the prepared half sheet pan; briefly set aside.

In a large bowl, stir together the diced onion, cherry tomatoes, corn, black beans, and brown rice until combined.

Sprinkle the chili powder, oregano, salt, and pepper over top before stirring to distribute the seasonings throughout. Fold 1 cup of the Cheddar cheese into the filling, reserving the remaining cheese for later.

Stuff the open cavities of the sweet bell peppers tightly with filling, mounding a bit of the filling over the top edge of the peppers. Sprinkle the remaining Cheddar cheese over top of the filling.

Bake the stuffed peppers for 30 to 35 minutes or until filling is heated through,

Watch this video for tips on making your recipe easy!

To view this video, simply: 1) Download the Blippar App on the App Store or Google Play 2) Open Blippar App (Hold Phone over Page) And Press ‘Tap to Scan’ Button to View.

the peppers soften, and the exteriors begin to wrinkle. Serve immediately. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 28

15

R  O R

Local Heroes Come in Many Forms

By Bill Hughes, Publisher/ Editor-in-Chief

T

he courage displayed by our healthcare community in treating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic has been nothing short of inspiring. Having a relative working in an ER department, I have a heightened appreciation for the harrowing days healthcare professionals have experienced. And, those working in Police, Fire, EMT and other high-risk services deserve our equal admiration. They are all heroes in their own right.

We have all stayed the course and contributed to a good outcome in our region. Our disease metrics are now lower, and the time to open up our economy has arrived. As is appropriate in this recovery, the balance of concern is shifting from a total focus on protecting lives to a major concern for protecting livelihoods.

We have often written about how the character and culture of a community

16

Smart Living Weekly

springs from neighbors who own and work in our region’s local businesses.

Big box stores serve a purpose, but their long-term commitment to where we all live is just not the same. Yet, many big box stores have been permitted to remain open, while most of our locally owned businesses have been closed by mandate.

The length of time our small businesses have been forced to remain closed has been unfair, but these owners are tough, resilient Americans. They are working hard to protect and preserve the livelihoods of all those associated with their business operations.

May 28

To advertise call 815-316-2300

They have true grit.

This is a special issue of Smart Living Weekly. Many of our advertising customers are eager to get the word out to you and your family that they are again open for business and welcome you back.

So, we have dedicated all of the pages of

R  O R this issue to delivering their advertising messages. Future issues will go back to our regular, editorial format.

What types of products or services might you be in the market for? You’ll find information from just about every type of small business advertiser you could need in this power-packed issue.

Outside Product/Service advertisers encompass: Roofing, Siding, Windows, Landscaping, Gardening, Paving and more.

Automotive offers include: Auto Dealers, Auto Body Work, Auto Repair and Maintenance.

For Entertainment you could add to your home: Satellite TV, Streaming Services, Cable Systems and Internet Services.

Almost anything you may desire for the inside of your home, you’ll find here: Furniture, Flooring, Kitchen Remodeling, Home Organizational Systems, Carpet Cleaning, Blinds/Interior Design, Water Conditioning, Air Conditioning and

more.

Plus, let’s not forget Healthcare, Education, Travel, Boat Repair, Retail and more.

Scott Gensler, of Gensler Gardens, has grown up in his family’s business and played an active role there for 24 years.

Started in 1981, Gensler Gardens has two locations and supports 22 employees – make that 22 families.

Gensler speaks for many small business neighbors when he says, “These are very challenging times for small businesses. We have to come up with procedures that will keep our family, employees and customers safe.

“We want to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. We also are dealing with the unknown. Are our customers still going to come out and shop with us? That is what we’re all wondering when we’re preparing to open our doors.

I have had several customers come into the greenhouse this season thanking us for being open because it will help them

with their own mental health.

The fact of the matter is we need our customers just as much as they need us right now.

Every one of us is essential.”

Scott Gensler All of the small businesses in our region that have succeeded in reopening are Local Heroes in Preserving Livelihoods. And, collectively, they are responsible for greatly enabling the rich quality of life we all enjoy here.

But it can’t happen without all of us doing our part. Fact is, you are now the key in our region’s recovery.

Recovery will be accomplished through the simple act of shopping local – right now. Today. Heroes come in many forms. It’s your turn! ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 28

17

18

Smart Living Weekly

May 28

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 28

19

20

Smart Living Weekly

May 28

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 28

21

22

Smart Living Weekly

May 28

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Special Advertising Message

How Technology Enhances Our ‘New Normal’ EZ Satellite Re-opens June 1

By Peggy Werner s we learn to live with a “new normal” that includes social distancing and other safety measures, we can find comfort in being connected to our surroundings through technology, says Charles Zambrano, owner and general manager of EZ Satellite and Wireless, 6239 N. 2nd St., Loves Park. The store is re-opening June 1 in accordance with safety guidelines.

With Google Nest products, people can control their thermostats, secure their homes without landlines, safely talk to visitors at their doors, learn when packages are delivered, get warnings from smoke detectors, and enjoy improved and expanded Wi-Fi coverage, which is especially important to those working from home.

“People are not always aware of the great products that are available and how much more in control they could feel and

A

how much easier their lives could be,” says Zambrano.

For example, the Nest thermostat can turn itself down when you’re away and you can control the temperature from your smartphone, whether or not you’re home. The remote temperature-sensing device tells the thermostat which rooms should be at what temperature at various times of day.

The Nest Cam continually records video, sends you phone alerts, provides a three-hour snap shot history and has night vision. This device is perfect for monitoring a certain area inside or outside of your home. And if you want to keep an eye on Mom or Dad, whether they’re home alone or at a facility, you can easily keep tabs on their care and condition.

You’ll never miss a visitor at your door or a newly delivered package with the Nest Hello doorbell. You can check in

at anytime to see a live shot of what’s going on at your front door, talk to someone at your door, and be alerted when packages arrive.

EZ Satellite and Wireless can also help customers with the best selection and installation of indoor and outdoor security cameras the automatically send notifications to your cell phone when motion is detected.

For more information on products or to set up an appointment, contact Zambrano by calling (815) 957-4335 or visit ezsatellitenow.com.

SMTD salutes its HomeTown Heroes...the bus drivers, dispatchers, and maintenance workers of Stateline Mass Transit District!

Reece Heyerdahl (Sharon’s Grandson)

SMTD is STILL here to get you there...because THEY are here to get you there!

Providing essential transportation services to Rockton, Roscoe, South Beloit areas for over 12 years.

“We’re Here To Get You There”

Phone: 815-624-7788 • Ride Scheduling: 877-561-3330 E-Mail: info@smtd.biz • Web: www.smtd.biz Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 28

23

24

Smart Living Weekly

May 28

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Events

Y F

In light of the shifting time we live in, be sure to check with venues before attending events.

A Sense of Place Through Aug. 1, Tue.-Fri. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Momentum Art Guild artists use a variety of media and techniques to create works that interpret what “sense of place” means to them. Freeport Art Museum (FAM), 121 N. Harlem Ave., Freeport, (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.org.

Rotary Gardens in Janesville, Wis., is once again open to visitors.

RAM: Sonic Disruptions: Buisch & Hogan Through Sept. 27, daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thu. to 7 p.m. Chair of Painting and Sculpture at U of I, Laurie Hogan creates beautiful yet bizarre landscapes. Derrick Buisch, a professor at UW-Madison, creates evocative imagery with moments of uneasy hilarity. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

Anderson Gardens & Fresco Reopen Anderson Japanese Gardens and Fresco at the Garden reopened May 29 under significantly reduced capacities and strict social distancing protocol. Pre-purchased timed admissions are required to enter the gardens. There are a limited number of admissions available for each 30-minute entry window. Fresco is offering outdoor dining from 8 a.m to 2 p.m. daily.

Reservations are required; call (815) 316-2256.

Learn more at AndersonGardens.org.

Story & Stroll Through Oct. 7, first Wed., 10-11 a.m. Children 2-6 years old and their caregiver enjoy a story and activity stations. Rotary Botanical Gardens, 1455 Palmer Dr., Janesville, (608) 752-3885, rotarybotanicalgardens.org.

Limited City Market Re-Opening Fridays starting June 5. The weekly event will offer shopping and carry-out food without live music, seating, activities or on-site food and drink consumption. Vendors will sell produce, cheese, food truck items and more. ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 28

25

Y H

Detecting Mental Illness in Pediatric Patients

By Lindsey Gapen Lukas

A

routine doctor’s visit isn’t just about a patient’s physical health.

“Mental health illnesses are pretty common – we probably spend 10 to 15 percent of our days seeing kids or teens who have some sort of mental health diagnosis,” says Dr. Leah Farley, a pediatrician at Beloit Health System. “We see ADHD more often in the younger kids, and with teenagers we tend to see more anxiety and depression.”

Farley asks all of her teenage patients if they have concerns about their mental health. Sometimes this leads to a standardized questionnaire screening.

“I generally try to do counseling with both the parents and the patient in the room about warning signs of anxiety and depression,” Farley says. “These illnesses in teenagers may not always present as the child seeming particularly anxious or sad.”

26

Smart Living Weekly

Teens may display decreased motivation, poor concentration or increased irritability.

If a parent calls with concerns, Farley jumps into triage mode.

“If there’s any concern that the child has any sort of suicidal ideation, then we send them directly to the emergency department where they’ll be evaluated by a social worker or a psychologist to make sure the child is safe at home,” she says.

A diagnosis of depression or anxiety is based on criteria in the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders).

Treatment is case by case and depends on the severity of the illness.

“It also depends on the child’s family and social structure,” Farley adds. “I always try and work with families to first do lifestyle modifications to help with mood.”

May 28

To advertise call 815-316-2300

A common lifestyle modification is making sure the child is getting an appropriate amount of sleep, at least 8 to 10 hours a night, without phones or TVs on.

“The other thing we commonly see is kids who aren’t active enough,” Farley adds. “The more physical activity you get, the better it helps with mood. So, really try to make sure your child is getting out, getting active, moving around, not spending all day on the phone or sitting around at school.” ❚

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 28

27

28

Smart Living Weekly

May 28

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Weekly

May 28

29

30

Smart Living Weekly

May 28

To advertise call 815-316-2300

52

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1