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
Breast Cancer
Technically, October is breast cancer awareness month, and this is only our September issue of “Smart Living.” But I don’t want to wait until next month. I want to write about this now.
Recently, my best friend’s mom received a stage 3 diagnosis of breast cancer. She’s the most wonderful, undeserving person to have to deal with this. But of course, cancer doesn’t care.
She said something I thought was interesting… Cancer is something that happens to other people… until it happens to you.
For me, that was a reality check. It’s so easy to take our health for granted until we can’t.
According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer incidence rates have increased by 0.6% per year, and cases are rising in younger women. If you’re in your forties, PLEASE go and get a mammogram. If you’re in your thirties but have a family history of this disease, please talk to your doctor about early screening. Routine mammograms can help find breast cancer at an early stage, when treatment is more likely to be successful.
I did some quick poking around and discovered you can literally schedule a mammogram at OSF Saint Anthony online at osfhealthcare.org. If you’re in the Rockton/Beloit area, you can call (608) 364-1610 to schedule an appointment with Beloit Hospital. They also offer walk-in screening on “Mammogram Mondays” every second and fourth Monday of the month. Mercyhealth and SwedishAmerican Hospital offer services, too.
Lastly, breast cancer mortality rates are higher among Black women compared to white women — about 40% higher, according to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Part of that is due to lack of screenings for various reasons. So please, make sure you, and all the eligible people in your life, are getting screened.
No need to wait until October!
Wishing you a healthy month ahead. ❚
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
Sweet Sleep
When you lie down, you will not be afraid; when you lie down, your sleep will be sweet. – Proverbs 3:24
Nearly18% of American adults use prescription sleeping pills to get their rest; millions more self-medicate. Insomnia is caused by many things, from medical conditions to plain old stress.
When anxiety is the culprit, we Christians should remember that God wants us to sleep well, no matter what’s going on in our lives. Jesus even slept soundly in a storm-tossed boat, until his panicky friends woke him up. (Read Mark 4:35-41)
Jesus never promised that following him would bring us easy lives; quite the opposite. But he did promise that choosing his ways over the world’s would bring us a kind of peace that only he could give. “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace.” (John 16:33.) Claiming that peace and resisting anxiety is up to us.
Kittens and puppies illustrate this beautifully. When well cared for, they play and romp, living life to the fullest, then drop into deep, restful naps. They lose no energy to guilt or worry. And they don’t spend time wondering if their bowls will be filled the next day.
People are far more complicated critters. But we’re also the well-caredfor objects of God’s affection. He wants us to hand our cares over to Him. He doesn’t want us to flail around in a sea of worries, relying only upon our own strength and wits for survival.
“... don’t worry about your life, what you’ll eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear,” said Jesus. “Isn’t life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they don’t sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” (Matthew 6:24-27)
We can “reboot” our tired minds by truly accepting this invitation from Jesus: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28). ❚ Janine Pumilia
The Age-in-Place Bathroom Remodel
By Chris Linden, executive editor
Safety features don’t typically come top-of-mind in a bathroom remodel, but for homeowners of a certain age, a few smart adjustments can make all the difference.
“AARP indicates that 80% of people fall in a wet area, typically in the bathroom,” says Michael Sullivan, owner of Sullivan Home Improvement Solutions in Rockford. Led by the region’s first Certified Age in Place Specialist, this team handles full bathroom upgrades, along with safety features that address current challenges and preventative measures. Many of these upgrades address the most common falling hazards.
As with most age-in-place designs, Sullivan focuses particularly on the shower, lighting and ventilation.
“All of our showers are equipped with a minimum of four safety grab bars that have a 500-pound drop weight on
them, and they are ADA-rated,” he says. “To achieve this, we have to take out the walls, block in two-by lumber and use a five-screw pattern.”
While the walls are open, an electrician updates the lighting with superbright LED units that make it easier to see your step. The flooring is typically a color of sharp contrast against the shower, again for visibility.
Where possible, Sullivan likes to double-up a bathroom remodel with the addition of a first-floor laundry room. This helps to eliminate another source of falls, when someone is carrying laundry up and down from the basement.
“By doing both of those jobs, you’re covering 90% of the places where people fall,” he says.
It may be easy to balk at this approach to remodeling, but Sullivan believes it has many advantages. Not only
does it help older people to stay in their homes longer, but it’s also a cost-effective strategy for anyone, of any age, who can benefit from these preventive strategies.
“When you take a look at the cost of going into assisted living or a retirement community, and you compare the cost of these projects, even on a full bathroom remodel the return on investment is no more than three to six months,” says Sullivan. “Given the cost of assisted living, in three to six months you’ll hit your break-even point.”
The typical job takes about a week, from demolition to final inspection. ❚
A Whimsical Fall into Autumn
By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor
Autumn on Parade marches into Oregon Oct. 5-6. What’s now an annual celebration of the season has evolved from a modest gathering of a few vendors into a bustling two-day festival that attracts more than 10,000 visitors to this river city. Run entirely by volunteers, this event exudes community spirit and dedication.
The festival’s roots lie in its expansive market, which boasts more than 180 booths with handmade goods.
“Our market vendors tell us this is the biggest event they are a part of,” says Meggan Dickson, marketing director. “We have vendors that have been with us for 50 years and we gain new vendors every year. There’s something for all ages and interests.”
A high point of the event is the Harvest Time Parade. It’s coined as “one of the largest parades in northern Illinois,” says Destini Benesh, festival vice president.
“Last year we had more than 100 parade entries,” she adds. “It steps off on Sunday at 1 p.m., winds around Oregon and lasts a couple of hours. This year we have some returning entries and we’re jazzing it up with some new ones.”
This year’s festival theme is “Whimsical Weekend.” Parade entries often incorporate the festival’s theme when creating their floats.
Live music at Saturday’s Entertainment HotSpot always draws a crowd. This year’s stage will feature rockabilly tunes by Dirty Fishnet Stockings, rock favorites from the allfemale band Sheez-It and high energy blues from headliners The Jimmys.
A half-mile journey through spookily lit landscapes and not-so-scary, family-friendly displays and activities.
OCTOBER 3-31, 2024
Wednesdays thru Sundays
NOTE: Open every day Oct. 27-31! Event begins daily at 5PM
TICKETS
Adults: $12 / Youth (12 and under): $6 Tickets are time-entry and can only be purchased online. No gate sales.
Autumn on Parade’s market has grown from seven vendors to nearly 200.
The 53rd annual Harvest Time Parade promises “whimsical” fun with new and returning floats.
(Autumn on Parade photos)
A Fun Zone features bounce houses and other family-friendly activities, including a petting zoo where visitors can hand feed animals inside the fence. The Fun Zone also features sensory-friendly quiet hours for kids who benefit from minimal sounds and crowds.
Food lovers can indulge in culinary offerings from smoked meats and authentic Mexican cuisine to apple cider doughnuts and cheese curds at the Food Court
Both held on Saturday, a Car Show
benefits The Focus House Foundation in Rochelle, while an Antique Tractor Show gives a nod to the area’s farming heritage. A tractor parade rumbles through Oregon that same afternoon.
The 60/40 raffle promises an exciting opportunity to win big while supporting a good cause. Sixty percent of proceeds go to the winner, and 40% goes back to support the festival and community initiatives.
Autumn on Parade is a walking festival, with shuttles available on Saturday for transportation from downtown Oregon to the car and tractor shows or to the nearby Stronghold Castle Old English Faire.
It’s the festival’s dedicated volunteers that make it a hit year after year, says Dickson.
“Without these volunteer efforts, this fes-
tival wouldn’t be possible, especially with how big it has grown,” she adds.
“We started with seven booths and now we have more than 180 – with a parade, an auto and tractor show, entertainment – it’s just huge.”
To learn more, visit autumnonparade.com. ❚
Run entirely by volunteers, the festival draws more than 10,000 visitors each year.
Antique tractors march through Oregon during Autumn on Parade.
All the Reasons to Visit Valley Orchard
By Peggy Werner
For more than 45 years, Valley Orchard, 811 E. State St., Cherry Valley, has been giving people a reason to celebrate fall with a wide variety of apples, other seasonal fruits, bakery items and home décor.
Each year, new apple varieties are introduced.
“It gives people a reason to keep coming back. Many people say visiting the orchard has become a family tradition,” says Brandon Bergersen, who works at the orchard with his brother, Bret, and their parents, Raoul and Jodie, who are the original owners.
Several apple varieties are new to the orchard this year. Summerset is a crisp, sweet eating apple made from Honey Crisp with Fuji varieties. Ludacrisp, available in October, is a firm, crunchy apple. Rosalee is a firm, sweet and tart
apple with a good shelf life and will be available mid-season. Sweet Zinger comes along at the end of September and is a yellow sweet apple good for eating and baking.
It takes two years to produce fruit from newly planted apple trees, Bergersen says. This year, they planted peach trees in hopes that they will produce an abundance of fruit in a couple years.
Valley Orchard is a 35-acre familyowned business with about 5,000 trees producing more than 30 apple varieties. Visitors have a choice of picking their own apples or purchasing pre-picked ap-
ples in the store. The orchard also has a bakery, kids play area, props for photos, pumpkins and mums, and floral gardens.
The orchard makes its own 100% pure apple cider with no additives. For the first time, apple cider slushies are available for purchase. The bakery also sells apple cider donuts, apple pie, apple-cinnamon bread, caramel apples and fudge, as well as a variety of jams and jellies, salsas, honey, squash, pumpkins, gourds and more. Fall decorations, linens, candles and other unique seasonal items for the home are also for sale.
The orchard is open from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday-Saturday and from 10 a.m.6 p.m. Sunday. It closes for the season in mid-November.
Valley Orchard is a dog-friendly orchard. Pets much be leashed, socialized, and up to date on their vaccinations. For more information, call (815) 332-9696. ❚
Does Your Garage Floor Need an Update?
By Peggy Werner
When thinking of beautifying your home’s appearance, don’t forget about the garage floor.
“Anyone who has concrete knows how unsightly, hard to clean, and damaged it can be in as little as a year after it has been poured. We offer an option to improve the durability and aesthetics that allows the customer to enjoy and expand their living space,” says Colton Rasmussen, director of marketing for Polytek Midwest Surface Coatings, headquartered in Rochester, Minn., with offices in Janesville, Wis., and Mankato, Minn.
Polytek is a locally owned family business specializing in residential and commercial floor coatings and outdoor surfaces. Patio and pool decks require minimal disruption and can be resurfaced and ready for use in less than 24 hours.
The company has been in business
for 20 years and serves southern and western Wisconsin, northern Illinois, northern Iowa and southern Minnesota. Always looking for new areas to serve, they are also constantly evolving and testing new products.
“Just this year, we have released a new commercial floor coating system that is specifically designed for maximum durability and wear and tear. It is great for industrial and commercial spaces, machine sheds, factories and kitchens,” Rasmussen says.
Polytek prides itself in having a large selection of high-performance flooring, delivering the best customer service, giving back to communities through local charities, and treating employees well.
“We provide the highest quality garage floor coatings in the industry with an industry-leading warranty,” Rasmus-
sen adds. “We pride ourselves in our customer service, honesty, and providing the highest value products.”
After four to six hours of drying, homeowners can walk on the surface. Cars can be driven and parked on the surface after 24 hours of drying.
Customer satisfaction is the reward.
“I love being able to come into work daily knowing that everything I do in service of Polytek has an impact on someone’s happiness,” Rassmussen says. “Seeing the joy on a new customer’s face when they see the transformation of their living space is second to none.” ❚
‘The Angel Next Door’ Sept. 5-22, see website for times. A lovestruck novelist, the actress he adores, a vain leading man, the married playwrights and an eccentric housekeeper all collide in a perfect storm of comic chaos. Artists’ Ensemble, Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org.
World War II Days
Sept. 28-29, Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. to 4 p.m. For one weekend, the museum grounds are transformed into 1940s Europe, complete with historical re-enactors portraying Allied and Axis armies, fighting battles and demonstrating their authentic equipment. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.
14th Annual Fall Harvest Festival
Sept. 28, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Enjoy a day filled with family-friendly activities, pumpkin painting for kids, horse-drawn wagon rides and the popular grape stomp. Galena Cellars Vineyard, 4746 N. Ford Road, Galena, Ill., (815) 777-3235, galenacellars.com.
The Glenn Miller Orchestra
Sept. 29, 3 p.m. Get “In the Mood” with this
world-famous orchestra as it brings the unforgettable Glenn Miller sound 80 years after the renowned conductor, arranger and composer founded it. These musicians and singers perform legendary songs including “Moonlight Serenade,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” “Pennsylvania 6-5000” and “Tuxedo Junction.” Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.
TLC Craft Sale
Oct. 5, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. United Women in Faith from Christ United Methodist Church are holding their 34th annual TLC (Tender Loving Crafts) event. All profits go to organizations who assist women and children in need. Christ United Methodist Church, 4509 Highcrest Road, Rockford, christumc.cc.
Fall Prairie Harvest Day
Oct. 5, 9 a.m.-noon. Help a volunteer crew to collect as many seeds as possible from the restored wetlands. Reg. req. Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Road, Rockton, Ill., (815) 964-6666, naturalland.org.
Dixon’s Annual Scarecrow Festival
Oct. 19, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The streets buzz with excitement every year as six city blocks are filled
Entertainment & Events
with fun activities including a pumpkin derby, scarecrows galore, line dancers, food vendors, street performers and more. Location: various parts of downtown Dixon. Info: Dixon Chamber of Commerce, 87 S. Hennepin Ave., (815) 2843361, discoverdixxon.com.
Stayin’ Alive: One Night of the Bee Gees
Oct. 20, 7:30 p.m. See and hear the sights and sounds of a full Bee Gees playlist, performed by the Stayin’ Alive tribute band, who sing blockbusters such as “Night Fever,” “Jive Talkin,” “How Deep is Your Love,” “You Should be Dancing” and “Nights on Broadway.” Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org. ❚
Dixon’s Annual Scarecrow Festival takes place Oct. 19 throughout downtown Dixon.
