Smart Living Rockford - April 7 by Northwest Quarterly Mag

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • April 2022 • No. I

Right in Our Region

Opportunity Abounds for Local Workers See Page 20

Choosing a Tasty Easter Ham Do You Need an Irrigation System? A Solution for the Cosmetics-Challenged When You Need Some Helping Hands at Home

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

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region .................Cover & p. 20 Opportunities Abound in Local Workforce Your Home ................................................. 13 Organize Your Closets This Spring Inspiration & Worship ................................ 14 When Love Came Your Kitchen .............................................. 17 Choose a Tasty Easter Ham Your Style .................................................. 25 A Cosmetics Solution Your Health ................................................ 31 When You Need a Little Help at Home Your Money ................................................ 33 Choosing an Insurance Agent Outdoor Living .................................... 23, 35 Sharpen up the Tools; Investing in Irrigation Your Fun ..................................................... 36

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Jim Taylor Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Lisa Brandt, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Director of Corporate Happiness Hana Hughes Website www.SmartLivingStateline.com Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living. Copyright 2022 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.

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Nature to the Rescue

ensions are running high in the U.S. A sharp rise in traffic accidents, mass shootings, substance abuse, bully behaviors and cries for mental health funding – especially in schools – tell us we’re not exactly coping well with life’s stressors. And there are so many stressors. A pandemic still claims 1,000-plus American lives each day; Putin & other dictators have gone mad; inflation is making life unaffordable; and political spin in a Midterm year – just yuck. Our frustrations are causing us to act out in destructive ways. So here’s an idea. Let’s go outside and blow off some steam. Let’s do it regularly and let’s leave our devices behind. We’ll move our bodies more and dwell on toxic thoughts less. When I was experiencing multiple crises some years ago, regularly opting for birdsong over newsfeeds made all the difference to my sanity. It didn’t change my circumstances, but it enhanced my ability to cope with them. It recharged my batteries. Teaching children this coping skill is crucial. They should be assured that outdoor fun belongs to everyone – not just school athletes. All physical activity, especially in fresh air, is good for us. Sitting indoors and absorbing chatter from our devices all day, without breaks, is bad for us. Remember that kids can’t drive, so they may need adult support to access wild spaces for mental breaks. Good news: it’s springtime. More good news: our region is rich with safe parks, nature preserves and trails. Access is free at most because “we the people” own them. Guided camps and activities like Natural Land Institute’s Family Nature Adventures abound. Forest Preserves of Winnebago County alone offers 44 properties to explore. Toss a ball, take a wildflower walk, ride a horse, camp out, golf, swim … All ages can move our bodies more and dwell less on the anxieties that tempt us to do stupid, destructive things or that simply depress us. Life is challenging but also Life is Good. (My tee-shirts tell me so.) If you’re feeling the pressure, you’re not alone. Have a great week and get outside! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Your Home & Garden

Decrease Your Stress by Getting Organized By Janine Pumilia

hen Joe Weller began installing closet systems more than 30 years ago, options were pretty limited. “When I started in this business in 1985, most everything was shelf and pole construction and closet design wasn’t talked about much. That has changed,” says the owner of Shelving & Bath Unlimited, 4337 S. Perryville Road, Cherry Valley, Ill. Today, almost 80 percent of Weller’s customers opt for custom laminate closet systems that look like finished wood cabinets. Along with more than 50 melamine colors and textures, there are also options for granite surfaces, glass shelves, motion-activated LED lighting – even LED lights inside the drawers if you like – built-in mirrors, jewelry trays, removable laundry bags, a fold out ironing board, adjustable cubbies made for shoes, boots and handbags and much more.

“Many people are using fewer or no dressers in their bedrooms and are choosing instead to maximize their closet space,” Weller explains. While some people go so far as to convert spare bedrooms into luxurious walk-in closets, others double or triple the efficiency of their reach-in closets by having them professionally designed. Either way, it’s the design expertise offered by Shelving Unlimited that makes it possible to meet organization goals. “It’s all about good design,” says Weller. “You can have the largest Taj Mahal-type closet in the world, but if it’s not functioning well it can become one more mess to deal with. Good organization saves you time and prevents frustration.” Weller also designs storage solutions for the pantry, garage, laundry room,

home office and basement. “Good organizational design plays a big role in making a home more functional and enjoyable,” he says. Along with adjustable-shelf laminate storage, Shelving Unlimited offers wireshelving systems by Rubbermaid, the No. 1 brand in the industry. ❚

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Inspiration & Worship

When Love Came

hat we call Easter is a celebration of the ministry, arrest, execution and resurrection of Jesus Christ, as recorded in the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. But the story really begins much earlier. Throughout the many centuries encompassed by the Old Testament, the birth, death and resurrection of a savior, or Messiah, is foreshadowed in detail. Isaiah is among Old Testament prophets who told fellow Jews that God would someday send a Messiah to save them from the power of sin. About 1,000 years before Christ’s birth, Isaiah said a Messiah would be born in Bethlehem to a virginal descendant of King David. This Messiah would begin his ministry in Galilee after someone else paved the way (Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist); he would heal the brokenhearted; be both exalted and beaten; would largely be rejected; would take the blame for the sins of all mankind; would be silent before his accusers; would be executed with criminals; would die with no bones broken, his body pierced; and would rise from the dead after three days and three nights spent in a rich man’s tomb. All of these prophecies, and many more, were fulfilled. What Old Testament prophets could not predict was the magnitude of impact this Messiah would have on the world. They didn’t know that by his death and resurrection, all people of the earth who believe on him – not just Jews – would receive holy spirit and eternal life. Neither did they know that Christ would preach the law of love, saying “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” (Matthew 22:36-40) Several women in Christ’s life were the first to discover he had been resurrected. For the next 40 days, Jesus appeared and spoke to many people. On his final day on earth, he told his apostles to wait in Jerusalem to receive holy spirit and to “be witnesses to me both in Jerusalem, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost parts of the earth.” (Acts 1:8) Easter is not a story of death but of death conquored. He is risen! ❚ 14

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You Belong Here!

Join our Concordia School Family

We have a place for you!

7424 North 2nd Street Machesney Park, IL 61115 815-633-6450 www.ConcordiaMP.com/School

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Your Kitchen

Ham: Still the No. 1 Choice for Easter Feasting By Peggy Werner ong ago, before the age of refrigeration, fresh pork that hadn’t been eaten during winter months was cured. Hams were ready to eat by Easter and became a natural choice for the main meal. Times have changed, but ham remains the No. 1 Easter entrée. Let’s face it: Ham is tasty and much less trouble to prepare than, say, a Thanksgiving turkey. Peter Lentz, owner of 640 meats at 6410 E. Riverside Blvd., in Loves Park, says it takes some know-how to make the most of a great ham, and he’s always happy to answer customers’ questions. “Most people want to know exactly how to cook the ham, at what temperature and how long,” he says. But first, you have to buy a ham of good quality. You don’t want to see a large fat cap on either end of the ham, Lentz says. Buying a good brand should prevent un-

pleasant surprises, like gristle. Lentz suggests buying a lightly smoked, skinless, bone-in ham, without a shank. Spiral cut hams allow for ease when serving up slices. “You want the bone-in ham to make sure you get the real thing rather than a processed version,” he explains. There are plenty of “fake” hams on the market. Figure on a pound per person. It’s already smoked and cured, so the ham needs to be warmed, not cooked. That can be accomplished by allowing 20 minutes per pound in a 300 degree oven. The saltiness of the ham is well complemented by a sweet glaze, which is usually made from orange juice and brown sugar. Glaze the ham before cooking, or serve the glaze on the side. Cloves, pineapple, cherries, oranges, and apples are flavors that go well with ham.

Side dishes that pair well with ham include green bean or sweet potato casserole, baked beans and twice baked potatoes, all available at 640 Meats, along with many fresh salads. 640 Meats is open from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. ❚

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Rock the Rockford APRIL 20-23, 2022

Help us celebrate our 4 year anniversary at our current location! We'll have a lot of fun events going on, including...

Live news broadcasts Free popcorn Food trucks on Saturday, 4/23 DIY Demonstrations BIG SALE on Saturday, 4/23. Draw for a random percentage discount at the register & get anywhere from 20%-50% off your purchase!

Get all the details on social media, or visit rockfordhabitat.org! 7141 Harrison Ave, Rockford IL | 815-713-3184 @restorerockford Tell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Live

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Right in Our Region

Opportunities Abound For Local Workforce By Chris Linden, executive editor

his is an advantageous time for young people and others who want to build a solid career in our region. Longtime workers are retiring at a fast rate and there aren’t enough replacements with the right mix of machining and other skills. This was true before the pandemic and is true today, as companies ramp up to meet brisk demand. “There’s a ‘now hiring’ sign on every other corner in Rockford right now,” says Jessica Hayes, work-based learning coordinator for Rockford Public Schools. “Our employers, anywhere from education to manufacturing to public safety, are all trying to find people to come and work.” Both in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, major effort is being made to offer the training opportunities people need to fill important jobs. Rockford

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Public Schools and Rock Valley College (RVC) have spent much of the past decade aligning curriculum to engage young people and working adults who want to enter manufacturing, for example. “You can’t always bring them in from outside the community, so why can’t we grow our own right here?” says Hayes, who works with area manufacturers and other employers to improve the talent pipeline with job shadowing, internships and in-school curriculum. Dual credit opportunities are earning students working credentials while they’re still in high school, and RVC is helping working adults to earn apprenticeships and certificates in high-demand fields like advanced machining, truck driving or cold head manufacturing. RVC’s new Advanced Technology Center is already training the next generation

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of workers for high-demand fields. It will also help employers to upskill their existing talent. “I had a chance to tour the facility a couple of times, and it’s a great plan,” says Einar Forsman, CEO of Greater Rockford Growth Partnership. “It’ll probably outgrow itself in a very short time.” While the pandemic has caused many headaches for local companies, finding the right mix of skilled employees was their most pressing concern even before it began. “In our region, at least, we had several thousand jobs that were going unfilled before COVID even came to our community,” says Forsman. “It’s been a struggle to get the skilled labor, skilled workforce and people with job readiness. Sometimes, issues like background checks can cause a problem, but leading into 2019,

Right in Our Region I’d guess we had probably 3,000 jobs going unfilled. I talked to a company in town that runs a pretty large CNC operation, and what they’re seeing is that their machine operators are earning more than their engineers, in many cases, because of the number of hours and demand they’re putting upon these people.” According to a survey by the Rockford Area Economic Development Council, about a quarter of local manufacturers plan to expand. Aerospace and manufacturing companies continue to lead the way in Rockford’s ongoing recovery. Likewise, in southern Wisconsin, companies are busy. A tight and competitive labor market is leading to creative solutions for recruiting and retaining workers. To ensure future employment stability in the Beloit-Janesville region, Blackhawk Technical College is collaborating with local manufacturers, educators, economic development experts and other Rock County leaders to form the State-

line Manufacturing Alliance, a group of nearly 40 local producers and educators. “We’re focusing on initiatives and activities that will expand the manufacturing pipeline efforts in this region,” says Colleen Koerth, Manager-Workforce Development at Blackhawk Technical College. Spray Tek, a leader in specialty ingredient processing for food, nutritional, pharmaceutical, beauty care and household products, is building a 75,000-square-foot facility with plans to hire 50 people. Thousands of good jobs have gone unfilled for many years The Ho-Chunk Nation is preparing now in our region. to break ground on a destination resort are expecting to have another year of and casino near Interstate 90, and an Amgrowth,” says Jen Hall, President/CEO of azon facility in Gateway Business Park is Greater Beloit Economic Development busy shipping ever more packages. In all, Corporation and development director for the region saw more than $1.6 billion in the City of Beloit. “We truly want to see capital investments last year, according to our residents obtaining family-supporting the Rock County Development Alliance. positions. We will use all of our available “The City of Beloit and Greater Beresources to help train and develop our loit Economic Development Corporation workforce.” ❚

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Outdoor Living

Sharpen Up Your Tools for Springtime By Peggy Werner

tarting off springtime with clean, sharp tools at your fingertips will reduce your stress level and yield better results. And probably no tool gets a bigger workout than your lawnmower. “A sharp blade will give your lawn that beautiful, manicured look and keep the blades of grass from weakening and being susceptible to disease,” says Tim Kinney, manager of Lincoln Rent-All and Sales at the 3110 Auburn St. location in Rockford. The store has a second location at 6635 E. Riverside Blvd. A mower spring tune-up can increase fuel efficiency by about one-third, extend the life of the engine, reduce repair costs and decrease emissions by half, adds Kinney. Getting a lawn mower ready for spring starts in the fall, when you make sure fuel is drained and the underdeck is clean and free of grass build-up.

Gas out of the pump lasts about 30 days before it starts to break down and collect moisture, especially with the addition of ethanol in recent years. Too much moisture in fuel will prevent an engine from starting. Other mower maintenance includes changing the oil once a year or every 25 hours of use, changing the spark plug and air filter, and sharpening the blade. Clean oil prevents the engine from getting clogged up. A spark plug’s health is directly linked to engine performance, including power and fuel economy. And a clean air filter helps to maintain the proper air and fuel ratio, allowing the mower to have the best fuel efficiency. Lincoln Rent-All sells and services Toro mowers – a push mower service costs $70, including pick-up and dropoff, a riding mower more depending on what needs to be done.

There are certain tools you only need occasionally. In those cases, it may make more sense to rent than to buy that rototiller, aerator, edger, leaf blower, weed whacker or chain saw, all of which Lincoln Rent-All carries. “It can be nice to pick it up, use it, and not have to worry about servicing it or storing it,” says Kinney. ❚

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Your Style

Permanent Cosmetics Offer a Solution By Peggy Werner

f you want to save time in the morning, or if you can’t see as well as you used to when looking in the mirror, or your hands are unsteady, permanent cosmetics may lift your spirits. “Permanent cosmetics give people the look they want, if they have thinning eyebrows or are having trouble applying makeup,” says Kim Foster, owner of Permanent Cosmetic Clinic, 421 S. Mulford Road, Suite 203. “It just makes people feel better because they can get up and run to the store without looking sick or like they just got out of bed. The result is soft and natural, as if they put it on themselves.” Foster has been in the beauty industry for 40 years and has offered permanent cosmetics since 2003. She has worked at her current location since 2008. Foster spends a lot of time dispelling

myths about permanent cosmetics. She says they’re not harsh and are not a “tattoo for the face.” “People are always surprised how natural they look,” she says. “The color is made from pigment, not ink, as used in body art. Depending on your age, skin type, skin care and lifestyle, the permanent cosmetic should be touched up every one to two years. People can continue to use makeup for a more dramatic look. The permanent cosmetics are not meant to totally replace makeup.” The most common requests Foster gets are for permanent eyebrows, eyeliners and full lip color. When it comes to choosing colors for the brows, eyelids and lips, Foster recommends going with what you’re used to wearing. This isn’t a time for drastic change.

“People know what they want and what they like. Our techniques just help people not have to work so hard at getting the look they want,” she says. Especially with brows, there are Kim Foster several techniques that can be used. Foster prefers a “feathering” technique that goes deeper, gives the technician better control and produces a softer, more natural look. Most procedures take about 60 to 90 minutes and require two applications, about six weeks apart. Foster works on an appointment-only basis and offers free consultations over the phone or in person. Learn more by calling (815) 229-8120. ❚

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SWEET STREAMS.

WATCH 23 NEWS ANYTIME. ANYWHERE.

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Your Health

When You Just Need a Little Bit of Help By Peggy Werner rowing older doesn’t have to mean giving up your home. You may just need a little help. That’s why Comfort Keepers exists. “Our goal is to make sure every client stays at home as long as possible, while feeling safe and comfortable,” says Sarah Hass, territorial manager for Comfort Keepers. “Living independently despite disease and age-related conditions is important for physical and mental health.” Hass works out of the Freeport office at 116 W. Exchange St., which is fully operational again after a three-year slowdown during the pandemic. The office serves people in Stephenson, JoDaviess, Carroll, DeKalb and Ogle counties and parts of Winnebago County. The Rockford office at 4855 E. State St. serves Rockford, Rockton, Roscoe, South Beloit and Beloit-Janesville.

Hass says her typical client has had one or more surgeries or is simply unable to keep up with normal home maintenance and self-care due to aging. “It’s hard for people to admit to themselves what they can’t do,” she says. “It usually takes a crisis for people to realize their limits.” Aging baby boomers need to understand they’re trendsetters, says Hass, who’s worked in healthcare for 17 years. “Home care wasn’t popular 30 years ago and the resources weren’t available like they are today. Today we’re all working together to deliver the best care. That’s a real gamechanger.” Comfort Keepers accepts private pay, VA medical insurance and long-term care insurance and doesn’t require a doctor’s referral. As the need for care grows, so does opportunity for caregivers. Comfort

Keepers is always looking for compassionate people who want to help clients with housekeeping, running errands or other tasks of daily living. Apply in person or online. Caregivers may work as few as four hours a week or provide around-the-clock care. Clients may set up an at-home visit to discuss their needs. Learn more by calling Comfort Keepers at (815) 229-9100 or go to comfortkeepers.com. ❚

Listening to you is where we start every visit. Accepting new patients

(815) 242-0678

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Your Money

How to Find the Right Insurance Agent By Janine Pumilia nsurance is a confusing subject, which is why it’s important to work with an insurance agent who can explain what we need to know. When choosing a company, read online customer reviews, suggests Lisa Radant, agency owner of Shelter Insurance, 7445 Newburg Road, Rockford. “Find out how long an agent has been in business and read the reviews to learn how accessible they are and how well a company stands by you when claims are filed,” says Radant. “You have to take reviews with a grain of salt, but you can read between the lines and learn a lot.” People are naturally suspicious about being sold more insurance than they need. “And sometimes there’s good reason for that. But there’s also a danger of buying less coverage than you need and learning this the hard way. As insurance agents, we have a responsibility to inform customers about the minimum coverages

they’re required to have, but we should also explain the consequences of having too little insurance.” For example, should your auto liability coverage fail to cover the cost of another party’s vehicle, you could find yourself with garnished wages or a lien placed on your property, she says. “And bumping up your liability coverage doesn’t cost that much more.” A good agent not only helps you find the best fit for your situation, but also offers advice on how to avoid making claims that could raise rates. In her 30year insurance career, Radant has seen people make some expensive mistakes. “This time of year, we see a lot of claims related to water damage that could have been avoided,” says Radant. “I always tell my customers to be sure the pipes in outside walls are not in danger of freezing, which can cause flood dam-

age. Something as simple as leaving cabinet doors open underneath a sink can prevent a big headache.” Make Lisa Radant sure hoses are unhooked from outside spigots in cold weather and turn off the water in your home if you go on vacation, she adds. “And make sure your heat is on, even when you’re away from home. It shouldn’t be lower than 50 degrees.” Radant sells insurance for home, farm, business, life, auto, health, boat, ATV, motorcycle, RV and personal articles. Learn more by calling her at (815) 332-9312. ❚

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Outdoor Living

Protect Your Landscape by Irrigating

By Janine Pumilia beautiful home landscape takes time and money to achieve. But weather is unpredictable. Those new bedding plants that thrive so well today may shrivel under hot sun a month from now. That’s why many homeowners are installing lawn irrigation systems they can count on to keep lawns and gardens healthy, no matter what the weather does. “It’s an investment in your property that you might not think much about until drought strikes,” says Jeff Page, coowner of RainMaster Irrigation, located in Loves Park. “But when it doesn’t rain, you’re awfully glad you have it.” Page designs, installs and maintains irrigation systems with his business partner, Kim Schuler. The pair purchased RainMaster Irrigation in 2019 from former owner Jim Johnson, who retired after running the business for three decades. “We’re still servicing irrigation sys-

tems installed 30 years ago,” notes Page. “When they’re regularly used and maintained, they hold up well over time.” Regular maintenance involves a visit in the fall to remove water from pipes before a hard freeze, and a visit in spring to reopen the system and fix problems like broken sprinkler heads or rodent damage. “Like most everything else these days, you can buy a system that’s as simple or as ‘smart’ as you need it to be,” says Page. Some people use a phone app to remotely control their wireless system. A system controller with timer is often located in a garage and plugs into a regular electrical outlet with no special wiring required. So, what does it cost? “Installation of an irrigation system for a typical yard that’s a quarter- to halfacre in size runs from $4,500 to $9,000 depending on specific needs,” says Page.

Flower beds have different needs than lawns and should be designed to run separate cycles, he says. Will the installation process cause a big mess in the yard? “No,” says Page. “We basically make very narrow slits to install the pipes and wires. It’s not obtrusive. Within 10 to 14 days, you won’t know we were there.” RainMaster Irrigation serves homes and businesses within a 50-mile radius. Learn more at rainmasterirrigation. net or call (815) 885-2566. ❚

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Your Fun

Entertainment & Events

NIU Gamelan Ensemble April 8, 7:30 p.m. The musicians, under the direction of Alex Yoffe, is a student performance group from the School of Music and Center for Southeast Asian Studies at NIU. Mendelssohn PAC, Starr Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Pretzel Fest April 23, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Enjoy all things pretzel on Chicago Avenue, between Main and Stephenson streets. A pretzel contest and BBQ competition will take place, too. Greater Freeport Partnership, 110 W. Main St., Freeport, (815) 2331350, greaterfreeport.com.

Patrick Beckman April 10, 2 p.m. This concert by the Freeport, Ill., pianist and composer features alloriginal music, including jazz, blues, rock, gospel and classical. Monroe Arts Center, 1315 11th St., Monroe, Wis., (608) 3255700, monroeartscenter.com.

BCT: ‘Pump Boys and Dinettes’ April 28-May 7, Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 3 p.m. Four redneck gas station attendants and a pair of waitressing sisters sing a collection of country ballads and rock tunes. Beloit Civic Theatre, Elizabeth Reinholz Theatre, Beloit High School, 1225 4th St., Beloit, (608) 3621595, beloitcivictheatre.org.

2nd Thursday Concert Series April 21, 7 p.m. The award-winning 2nd City Chorus is comprised of men and women of all ages and backgrounds specializing in four-part harmony a cappella. Concert is free. Katie’s Cup, 502 7th St., Rockford, (815) 986-0628, katiescup.com.

Avalon String Quartet April 29, 7:30 p.m. The quartet concludes the Beethoven cycle that was interrupted by the pandemic while performing newly

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Learn about fiber on May 7 & 8 at Macktown.

discovered Chicago compositions written by Florence Price and Leo Sowerby in the early 20th century. Mendelssohn PAC, Starr Center, 415 N. Church St., (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

It’s All About Fiber May 7 & 8 Macktown Living History, 2221 Freeport Road, Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Vendors, demonstrations, classes. Learn more at Macktownlivinghistory.com. ❚

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