Smart Living Rockford- February 2024

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • February 2024

PaleoFest Roars into Rockford See page 20 Modern Fireplaces Warm the Heart Jazz up Your Kitchen Appliances Practice Prevents Sports Injuries

Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Quality, Smart Products & Services for Your Home, Family, Health & Entertainment!

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From Farm to Shelf, We Do It All!

Fresh Grown Produce In Season

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15 Varieties of Sourdough Breads, Pizza Crusts, Apple Pies, Donuts, Cookies & Turnovers

We carry many locally sourced goods in our store come visit us for your weekly grocery needs!

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region .................Cover & p. 20 Dig Up Some Fun at PaleoFest Your Home ................................................. 11 Modern Fireplaces Bring the Heat

MOBILE CRISIS RESPONSE (MCR)

Inspiration & Worship ................................ 14 Love Loudly and with Purpose Your Kitchen .............................................. 25 Modern Appliances Make a Masterpiece

Crisis Care Available 24/7/365 We can assist with any type of crises

Your Health ................................................ 31 Smart Practice Prevents Sports Injuries

We can service anyone 5 years old & up

Your Fun ..................................................... 36

Our services are free We service Winnebago County, South Suburbs Cook County, & Peoria County We offer rapid response to safety concerns, in-person assessments, counseling, community engagement, & many other supportive services to improve the well-being of all children, youth, & adults within their communities

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes

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Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden

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Senior Editor Lindsey Lukas

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Managing Editor Jim Taylor Assistant Editor Steven Bonifazi Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writers Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Janine Pumilia, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Director of Corporate Happiness Hana Hughes Distribution Kelly and Larry Fairbairn Published by Hughes Media Corp.

222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 www.SmartLivingRockford.com Smart Living. Copyright 2024 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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Checking In

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ello, Smart Living readers!

Technically, I’m still out on maternity leave. However, I wanted to pop in and offer you some quick thoughts about how things have been going.

First of all, my beautiful daughter Isabelle Marie Lukas is finally here! She’s an absolute angel on Earth with a smile that melts my heart. I forgot how small newborn babies are – my 2-year-old seems like a giant now.

Second of all, labor is NO JOKE. If you’ve done it, you’re my hero. I recently told my husband I never want to hear the song “Ring of Fire” ever again unless it’s sung by a mom.

If you’ve ever had an unmedicated birth, you know exactly what I’m talking about. (Mine was non-optional – Iz came so fast!)

We’re about a month into being a family of four and I find myself reflecting often on the importance of paid leave, both for me and my husband.

There is NO. WAY. I could adjust to a newborn and a toddler without my husband’s help. His workplace just implemented paid paternity leave starting Jan. 1 this year, and thank goodness Izzy was born on Jan. 5. With my first kid, my husband had to go back to work after only two or three days and I quickly found myself feeling overwhelmed and borderline depressed. This time has been a lot smoother, and it directly links to my husband’s presence and support.

And, obviously, it has been paramount for me to have time to heal and bond with my daughter. I’ve always thought the best way to build a better society is to invest in people, and this should start from infancy by supporting growing families. As someone “in the thick of it,” I recognize the privilege my husband and I have right now in having paid leave and wish this was guaranteed for all Americans.

I’ll officially return from leave in a couple of weeks. A big thank you to my co-editors for handling the rest of this magazine in my absence. They’re doing their part, and I appreciate them. ❚ Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

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Your Home & Garden

Heat Your Space with a Modern Fireplace

By Stephanie N. Grimoldby

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ome of the fireplaces Brad Vander Heyden installed in Rockford-area homes 15 or 20 years ago were pretty similar to the ones installed 50 or more years before then.

“These Victorian homes that we still work on, fireplaces were made as a heat source, and fireplaces and chimneys would go through the middle of the home and would radiate into the rooms,” says Vander Heyden, who opened Rockford’s Advanced Chimney Systems, 3486 Lonergan Dr., in 1984. “The openings to the fireplaces were much smaller, so they did not suck out as much hot air from the home.”

The concept of central heating didn’t exist until the 1920s and ’30s, he says. But when it arrived, fireplace usage shifted.

“Fireplace openings got bigger as fireplaces became more decorative,” he

says. “Fireplaces became less efficient and more decorative.”

Today, the tides have changed once again. People want a fireplace that’s more than show. They want function.

“A lot of people will recognize their fireplace does not add much heat into their home,” Vander Heyden says.

“They’re coming in and asking for options: ‘How can I make my fireplace more efficient?’”

Even if homeowners are burning propane or natural gas, they want some kind of return on that heat source, rather than watching as their fireplace sucks 300 to 400 cubic feet of hot air out of a home, Vander Heyden says.

Direct-vent fireplaces are becoming a prime alternative these days, in part because they don’t steal heat when they’re not in operation. Their updated

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design also does a much better job of warming a room when they are working.

“Gas direct-vent options are very energy efficient, very easy to use,” Vander Heyden says. “The gas inserts have fans to blow heat into the room. You push a button, it’s on; push a button, it’s off.”

Some newer models even include Bluetooth technology that allows homeowners to sync their fireplace to their phone, giving them the option of turning it on and off remotely.

“It’s amazing to see the transformation of fireplaces over 150 years,” Vander Heyden says. “It’s completely different.”▮

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Inspiration & Worship

Courage to Love W

e live in a time of increasing bitterness and ugly behavior. Dissension among Americans, often sown and fanned by our enemies, is taking a toll. “How can they be so blind?” one group cries indignantly. A different group responds with equal self-righteousness.

Dehumanizing rhetoric, dishonesty and lawlessness poison the air.

At these times, and at all times, we Christians must search our souls to ask whether our thoughts and behaviors are conforming to the mind of Christ or to the world’s influence. We may feel very emotional about various issues that we’re just certain we’re “right” about. But nothing is right when love is absent. We need to listen to and obey God’s Word and the still, small voice within us. Prayerfully. Honestly.

Opening the Bible is the place to start, because Jesus Christ has already told us what to value. He tells us the first commandment is to love God with all of our strength; the second is to love other people as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:36). His commandments have nothing to do with self-righteousness and everything to do with love. But what is love?

“Love is patient, love is kind,” Paul writes in Corinthians 13. “It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth.

It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”

When we see behavior that’s boastful and proud, we should reject it. When we see behavior that belittles others and glorifies self, we should know it’s wrong. When we see behavior motivated by revenge, we should know this isn’t the way of Jesus Christ.

When we hear statements made in vindictive anger, or see those who delight in pointing fingers, we shouldn’t follow them. We’re followers of Jesus Christ. When people sow chaos in order to obscure truth, we should suspect their motives. We know God is not the author of confusion (I Cor. 33).

Love doesn’t throw people under the bus for self – love risks all to protect others. Love is not paranoid; love freely makes itself vulnerable because our confidence is in Christ Jesus.

Love always trusts that love will win out in the end. Love never fails (I Cor. 13:8).

May we conform our thoughts to the mind of Jesus Christ, who gives us eyes to see truth and the courage to act upon it in love. ❚ – Janine Pumilia

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Right in Our Region

PaleoFest Unearths Education

By Jim Taylor, managing editor

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families alike for a weekend of lectures, activities and fossilized fun.

“We bring in paleontologists from around the world to talk about their research and what they’re working on, from the smallest to largest fossils,” says Mathews. “There are multiple things going on at one time.”

The lecture series, held on Saturday and Sunday, brings together 16 experts who share their experiences.

“We welcome eight speakers on each day to talk about their research,” says Matthews.

For the general public, there are paleontology-related activities throughout the museum.

“There will be workshops for kids, and we have what we call ‘paleo passport’ stations set up with activities at each one,” says Mathews. “They get a little

ince opening in 1942, the Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St. in Rockford, has been an important hub for research and public education. First-time visitors to the museum might be surprised to learn that, in addition to being a popular tourist destination, Burpee is internationally known and respected for its paleontology program.

“Burpee has carved out its little niche in paleontology,” says Joshua Mathews, director of paleontology and vice president of research and operations at Burpee Museum. “It’s a homegrown program, and for a city the size of Rockford, that’s pretty special.”

To celebrate its paleontological prowess, Burpee holds an annual PaleoFest, now marking its 26th year. Set for March 1 to March 3 this year, PaleoFest brings together paleontology experts and

Joshua Mathews unearths a fossilized find.

passport book, and they can get a stamp at each one for them to collect so they can get a prize.”

There are also classes where museum staff lead art activities for the kids.

“We’ve got lots of stuff for little kids, older kids and adults,” says Mathews.

“It’s our biggest event of the year.”

Not long after holding its first PaleoFest, in 1998, Burpee’s paleontology department made big waves in its field when Burpee was invited to join the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a dig in Montana.

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Right in Our Region

Dr. Nathan Smith is this year’s keynote speaker.

“They started the first dinosaur expedition in 2001,” says Mathews. “We went out and, on the first time, we found Jane.”

As the best-preserved and most complete juvenile Tyrannosaurus Rex in the world, Jane was quite a scoop that put Burpee on the map in the paleontological world, where it has been ever since.

Burpee’s paleontology team continues its work in Montana and recently expanded to Utah, as well. Mathews led the team responsible for another popular Burpee exhibit, Homer the Triceratops.

With Jane and Homer as a backdrop, PaleoFest has captured the attention of paleontology enthusiasts far and wide.

People come from across northern Illinois, southern Wisconsin and even far-off

places like Texas, Florida, California and Michigan.

“When I go to my professional paleontology meeting every year, I have paleontologists who are completely familiar with PaleoFest,” says Mathews. “They’re wondering when they’re going to get invited to speak.”

This year, the keynote lecture, titled “Early Dinosaur Evolution: from the Paleo-Equator to the Pole,” is delivered by Dr. Nathan Smith from the Natural History Museum of L.A. County.

He’s joined by additional speakers during the weekend. These experts hail from respected institutions from around the country, including the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and Yale University.

For Mathews, the event is a great way to showcase Burpee Museum and its contributions to the world of paleontology and natural history.

“It’s a feather in the cap for Burpee,” he says. “It’s exciting that this smaller

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institution in Rockford has a global reach in the field.”

For anyone who is inspired by PaleoFest, Mathews recommends picking up a shovel and going on a dig.

“We run a summer program where anyone can dig with us,” he says. “They pay a fee that funds the expedition.”

There are other great ways to get involved, too.

“I always tell kids who want to be paleontologists to volunteer,” says Mathews. “That’s what I did 20 years ago.

I volunteered here at the lab for 3 hours a week and it snowballed from there.”

Whether you see paleontology as a career, or just enjoy learning about the past, there is something for everyone in the family at PaleoFest.

“All of paleontology is cool,” says Mathews. “It helps you paint a picture of life on Earth through time.”

To purchase tickets for this year’s PaleoFest, head to burpee.org or pay a visit to the museum’s front desk. ❚

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Your Kitchen

Appliances Make the Kitchen a Masterpiece

By Chris Linden, executive editor

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unction drives many decisions when it comes to designing your kitchen, and that includes choosing the right appliances.

Modern refrigerators do much more than store and preserve food. Gone are the days of constantly refilling a filtered water pitcher, for example, because some refrigerators now come with a built-in filtered water pitcher.

“You have the convenience of taking a pitcher out, filling up your glass or multiple glasses, and as soon as you put that pitcher back, it’s filling up with fresh, filtered water,” says Andy Guler, vice president of Guler’s Appliance & Mattress, 4435 E. State St. in Rockford.

New models of ovens and microwaves are upping their game, as well.

“Manufacturers are using some of the tools already inside microwaves and

ranges, like convection fans, to provide new cooking modes,” says Guler. “Air frying is a big thing right now. These models get you deep-fried results – delicious, crispy food – with a fraction of the fat and oil that you get with deep-frying.”

Microwaves and their newer alternative – steam ovens – are also tucking themselves into new locations, in an attempt to maximize space. These days, you’ll find them resting inside an island, often just below the countertop. With the push of a button, the microwave drawer opens. Similarly, double wall ovens are a good space-saver for the cook who needs to bake things simultaneously at different temperatures.

So-called “smart” appliances with wireless connection are also bringing convenience, as some models integrate with smartphones and smart speakers.

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“There are even ovens that have recipes integrated right into them, so they are automatically downloading recipes from the internet as you cook your food,” says Guler. “That takes a lot of the guesswork out. In a lot of cases, you tell the oven what you’re cooking, and it says, ‘OK, here’s the recipe. I’ll take care of the rest.’” ▮

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Your Health

It Takes Practice to Prevent Sports Injuries

By Stephanie N. Grimoldby

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ports medicine doctors aren’t impressed with the specialization of young athletes today. While many advocate for playing multiple sports instead of focusing on just one, this advice is not always heeded.

So, how can athletes prevent the injuries that keep them from playing their sport of choice?

If an athlete is determined to stick with one sport, it at least helps to take the occasional break, says Dr. Derek Damrow, an orthopedic surgeon at Beloit Health System, Ortho Direct, who completed his fellowship at the University of Florida working with collegiate athletes.

“You need to give your body time to recover,” says Damrow. “Kids now, they’re so subspecialized, and that can take its toll. If you’re focusing on baseball, take three months off. If you’re

doing football year-round, make sure you take time off.”

Proper warmup and cool-down habits are also essential, Damrow says.

“Everyone wants to go play, but we skip the good warmup,” he says. “Or we do the good warmup, but we miss the good cool-down and the stretching afterward that helps to keep our flexibility.

Everyone – gymnasts, baseball players, football players, tennis players – everyone should do a better job at stretching and cooling down after sports.”

While it’s important to put in the work, younger athletes should remember that practice is different than game day, Damrow says.

“The goal of practice is not to go out and play 100% full-out,” Damrow says.

“It’s to develop your skills, develop your technique, develop your form, so when

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you go out and play your sport you go out with proper form and don’t have injuries.

If you notice you’re getting sloppy with your form during practice, move to a new drill so you don’t reinforce bad habits.”

And don’t underestimate the importance of what you put into your body.

“Keep eating right, drinking enough fluids,” Damrow says. “Don’t try to go out there and not have a balanced diet.” ▮

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Your Fun

Entertainment & Events

‘Terms of Endearment’ Through Feb. 18, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.

The stage adaptation of a movie by Dan Gordon, this play illuminates expressions of compassion.

This rewriting of the 1983 blockbuster film takes the audience through 23 years of mother-daughter conflict. Janesville Performing Arts Center, 408 S. Main St., Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.

Coffee Shop & Fireside Music Through March 10, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. Gather with friends and brighten your winter afternoon with fireside views of the winter garden. Light lunch options and beverages from Meg’s Daily Grind. Live music by local Rockford Symphony musicians. Free and open to the community. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org .

Discovery Town Exhibit Through May 19, during museum hours. There’s so much to do in this city where kids are in charge. Fly a plane, put out a fire, do a checkup on a pet, perform in the theater, deliver the mail and make a pizza. Be on the lookout for a new food truck and construction site. Free with price of admission. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N.

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Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org Flock to the Rock Feb. 10, 9 a.m. Bring your binoculars and camera to see migrating bald eagles gathered along open waters. Northern Illinois Raptor Rehab & Education brings a few birds of prey for a talk and demonstrations at 10:15 a.m., and ice sculptor Robert Storm does live carvings. 601 W. 10th St., Rock Falls, Ill., visitrockfalls.com.

RSO: Romance, Poetry & Valentines Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. This romantic program features music by four composers whose sound world was very much inspired by poetry, the human voice, and one another: Schumann, Brahms, Mahler and Viktor Ullman. Special guest Jenna Goldman, Rockford’s Poet Laureate. Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, rockfordsymphony.org.

Rockford Home Show Feb. 23-25, Fri. 2-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m. A tradition for more than 40 years, this gathering showcases the Rockford area’s top home and garden vendors. Includes fun activities for children such as a raptor

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PaleoFest returns to Rockford’s Burpee Museum of Natural History March 1-3.

show, building projects, and Dan the Juggler.

Mercyhealth Indoor Sports Center, 8800 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 871-7469, showtimeproduction.net PaleoFest March 1-3, events daily. Celebrate all things paleontology with hands-on activities for the youngest scientists as well as lectures given by worldclass paleontologists from around the world.

Now in its 26th year, this is a can’t-miss event. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-3433, burpee.org. ❚

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