Smart Living Rockford - Septmeber 9, 2021

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • Sept. 2021 • No. I

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Right in Our Region

World War II Days at Midway Village See Page 16

Autumn Tips for the Garden Beloit’s Shiny New Stadium How Busy People Earn Degrees

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 World War II Days at Midway Village Museum Your Home .......................................................... 13 Fall Tips for the Garden Inspiration & Worship ....................................... 14 Caring for Angels Your Kitchen ...................................................... 17 Apple Butter Treats Your Education .................................................. 27 How Busy People Earn Degrees Your Community ............................................... 31 New Stadium in Beloit Now Open Your Health ........................................................ 33 Why Rehab Matters Your Technology ............................................... 35 Know Your Options Your Fun ............................................................. 36

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia 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 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.

Copyright 2021 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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The Joy of Freedom

“A general dissolution of principles & manners will more surely overthrow the liberties of America than the whole force of the common enemy.” – Samuel Adams Adams worried that our nation’s demise would come from within. His brilliant cousin, John Adams, did too: “There never was a democracy yet, that did not commit suicide.”

In his farewell address, George Washington foresaw the danger extreme political partisanship could pose to the future United States.

“However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.”

Our founders were well-read, educated people who understood the fragile nature of a democratic republic and yet chose this form of governance for us above all others.

Our future as a free society is not a given.

Every generation must internalize and respect its structural basics like the Rule of Law, an independent judiciary, checks and balances among the three branches, a free press, etc.

The start of a new school years is a great time to review the pillars upon which our freedom rests – pillars that have transcended all political parties and personalities for 245 years. We can start by teaching our children the Constitution and Bill of Rights (archives. gov). We can also attend World War II Days (see cover story) to learn why our ancestors gave their lives to defeat Fascist dictatorship.

Life in free societies is joyous but complicated: Enjoy liberty but respect the rights of those with whom you disagree. Dictatorship is joyless but simple: Conform or be punished.

Today, more than half the world’s people – some 4 billion – live under dictators accountable to no one; free societies are losing ground.

This should alarm all of us who believe WW II was worth the fight.

Our ancestors secured liberty for us. When we’re divided, we risk losing it. May we never see “the enemy” in each others’ faces.

Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Your Home & Garden

Fall Landscape Care for Plants and Pollinators

By Melinda Myers

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s we transition from summer to fall, it’s time to adjust our lawn and garden maintenance practices. Here are some tips.

• Continue watering as needed. This is easy to forget as temperatures drop.

Drought causes stress to key landscape plants, making them more susceptible to life threatening insects and disease.

• Leave healthy perennials standing for winter. Many provide homes for pollinators and other beneficial insects and some seeds provide food for songbirds. You’ll enjoy the added texture and motion in your winter garden and the songbirds that stop by to dine.

• Do remove diseased plant debris and those infested with plant-damaging insects. This will reduce the source of future infestations.

• Remove any small- to mediumsized dead or diseased branches from

shrubs and small trees. A tool like Corona’s 7-inch RazorTooth folding saw has a blade that tucks into the handle for safe transport. Disinfect the blade with rubbing alcohol or a disinfectant spray between cuts when pruning diseased plants.

• Use raked leaves as mulch on the garden soil surface to help suppress weeds, conserve moisture and improve the soil as they decompose. Leaves also provide insulation and protection for a variety of beneficial insects and toads.

• Continue weeding the garden.

Eliminating weeds before they set seed means fewer weeds to pull next year.

• Mow the lawn as long as it continues to grow. Leave clippings on the lawn to add nutrients, moisture, and organic matter to the soil.

• Don’t rake fall leaves off the lawn.

Just mow over them. As long as the leaf pieces are the size of a quarter or smaller,

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they’ll break down, adding organic matter to the soil.

After your last cut, clean and winterize your mower. Remove and sharpen the blades so you’re ready for next season.

Sharp blades make a cleaner cut for a better-looking lawn that requires less water and a mower that uses less fuel. ❚ Melinda Myers has written numerous gardening books and hosts the nationally-syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio programs.

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Inspiration & Worship

Caring for Angels

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hristians argue about many points, but most of what Jesus Christ taught us is very straightforward. Even so, we find ways to ignore it or rationalize our disobedience.

Consider Jesus’ words about caring for people least valued by society. From Matthew 25: 32-45: “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’

“Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’

“They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’

“He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’”

Jesus doesn’t tell us to help only those people we think “deserve” it. We help people not because they’re good but because God is good and lavished us with undeserved grace.

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers for by doing that some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:1-2.

Caring for others is the will of God. ❚ 14

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Your Kitchen

Tasty Apple Butter Treats A

pple butter is a secret ingredient that makes these recipes easy. Find more at musselmans.com.

Caramel Crumble Bars 1 1/2 3/4 1 1 2/3 2/3 2

box (15.25 oz.) yellow cake mix cup soft butter plus 2 TB, divided cup + 3 TB Apple Butter egg pkg. (11 oz.) caramels, unwrapped cup walnuts, chopped cup flaked coconut, sweetened TB melted butter

Heat oven to 350 F. Grease 13-by-9-inch baking pan.

Beat dry cake mix and 1/2 cup softened butter until crumbly. Spoon 1 cup into medium bowl & set aside.

Add 3/4 cup apple butter and egg to remaining mixture. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Spread evenly into pan. Bake 20 minutes.

Place caramels, 2 TB butter and remaining apple butter in microwavable bowl. Microwave on high 3-4 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.

Pour caramel mixture evenly over partially baked crust. If caramel has set, microwave 1 minute until pourable.

Combine walnuts, coconut and 2 TB melted butter with reserved cake mix mixture. Mix until crumbly.

Break up topping and sprinkle evenly over caramel. Bake 16-18 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

Easy Apple Pie Bars

Nonstick cooking spray 7 cups Granny Smith apples, diced 1 cup Musselman’s Apple Butter 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract, divided cup brown sugar 1/2 2 frozen pie crusts, defrosted egg white 1 TB sugar 2 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 cup powdered sugar 2 TB milk

Heat oven to 350 F. Grease 9-by-13 pan.

To diced apples add apple butter, 1 tsp. vanilla and brown sugar. Mix until apples are evenly coated.

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Slowly stretch out one crust to cover pan’s bottom. Cut some edges off, if necessary. Spread apple filling evenly.

With rolling pin, roll second crust to make it same size as pan. Place on top of filling and tuck down edges to cover.

Topping: Whisk egg white until foamy and brush over crust. Combine sugar and cinnamon, and sprinkle on top.

Bake 50-60 minutes until crust is golden brown. Remove from oven and cool slightly before cutting.

Glaze: In small bowl, whisk until smooth powdered sugar, milk and remaining vanilla. Drizzle over cooled bars and serve. ❚ Source: Family Features

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Right in Our Region

WW II Days: 25 Years of Vital History

By Janine Pumilia

O

ne of the most popular history events of its kind will take place Sept. 18 & 19 when Midway Village Museum presents its 25th World War II Days. The military re-enactment began with about 100 local re-enactors who approached the museum with their idea and needed a venue to showcase World War II history. The initial concept grew into the largest World War II re-enactment in the Midwest with up to 1,200 re-enactors from across the country participating annually.

“These re-enactors partner with the museum to authentically feature what life was like for both soldiers and civilians in Europe and on the home front during World War II,” says Lonna Converso, director of marketing & social media at Midway Village Museum. “The community is fortunate to have a passionate group of individuals wanting to help the

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museum produce a quality, history event that resonates with many individuals.”

The war has special local relevance because Camp Grant, then one of the largest World War II training camps in the nation, was located just south of Rockford and had frequent interaction with residents.

“The direct ties with our community make the re-enactment a very personal experience since the war itself was an important part of our local history,” says Converso. “We have so many people tell us, ‘My grandparents met at Camp Grant’ or they share some other special family memory of it.”

Hours for World War II Days are Saturday, Sept. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 19 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The museum is located at 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford.

This year, admission to both days of

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the event is free to U.S. veterans and to active-duty military members. No pre-admission is required and veterans may enter early on Saturday at 9 a.m. at the Water Tower Gate off of the rec path parking area. Family members may accompany veterans with the purchase of regular general admission.

During World War II Days, the 148acre museum campus is transformed into a 1940s wartime European village and battlefield. Uniformed re-enactors represent soldiers from the U.S., Great Britain, France, Poland, Ukraine, Russia, Japan, Italy and Germany. They bring with them 1940s vintage military vehicles such as tanks, half-tracks and jeeps used by both Allied and Axis militaries. The re-enactors set up realistic encampments throughout the property that visitors can view and they participate in four narrated battles on Saturday and two on Sunday, as

Right in Our Region

well as skirmishes in the woods. The battles involve tanks, artillery and armored vehicles and make use of pyrotechnics.

Other re-enactors will participate in the event, too, such as civilians, nurses, French Resistance fighters and USO workers. Historical vignettes will play out across the grounds and an Andrew Sisters tribute concert will be performed

by Sweet Reminder at the village gazebo.

Several talks will be presented by experts on subjects including D-Day, Pearl Harbor, Rockford Holocaust Survivors, What Americans Knew and Smoky the War Dog. A narrated uniform fashion

show will take place at 2:15 p.m. Sunday before the final battle and closing ceremony.

A World War II-era model airplane display will be expanded this year with more than 40 models and narration presented by members of the Rock Valley R/C Flyers Club.

“These handcrafted model airplanes are extremely detailed right down to the insignias on the planes,” says Converso.

“The impressive and elaborate display features both Allied and Axis aircraft.”

New this year is a Victory Beer Garden hosted by Pig Minds Brewing Co., where beer and vegan brats will be sold.

Other vendors will sell food and beverages on the grounds as well.

Vendors of militaria – reproduction World War II military merchandise – will again sell their wares.

Visitor admission costs $16 for adults, $9 for children ages 3-17 and is free to museum members and children ages 2 and younger. Purchase tickets in

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advance online or at the gift store; tickets also can be purchased at the gates on the days of the event.

Golf cart shuttles and a VETANK are available to people with special needs or limited mobility.

Visitors are welcome to wear 1940s civilian clothing if their visitor sticker is displayed, but only registered re-enactors may wear World War II uniforms.

The museum will follow whatever state health guidelines are in place on event days.

Sponsors and partners include Woodward, Anderson Toyota, Beth & Rudnicki Insurance Agency, International Brotherhood Electrical Workers, Midland Wealth Management, Midland States Bank, WIPFLI, Pig Minds and Dady Law Group.

“It’s a day to come out and learn about history in an entertaining way that’s all wrapped up in an immersive experience,” says Converso.

Learn more at midwayvillage.com or call (815) 397-9112. ❚

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Focus on Education

How Busy Local People Earn Degrees

By Peggy Werner

U

pper Iowa University is known for giving working people and military personnel a way to further their educations without interrupting other duties.

Upper Iowa’s dedication to people with jobs, families, or military service, who are unable to attend or can’t afford full-time college, is especially important in the age of COVID-19, says Pamela Timmons, executive director of the university’s Rockford center.

“Because we have such a strong online presence, it’s easier for us to transition in this time of crisis,” she says.

Most Upper Iowa students are working adults who want to complete a degree they never finished and/or to prepare for a job promotion. Some are just out of high school, others are middle age or older. Those attending the Rockford center are mainly from the stateline area, but some have moved away and continue their education online.

Students sign up for one or two

classes during each eight-week session, and can complete as many as six sessions in a year. A self-paced option allows them to finish a course or two within six months. Most classes are online or have portions of online learning, in addition to face-to-face lectures and discussions.

Rock Valley College students get a discount to complete their degrees.

In-person classes are limited to 10 or fewer students. This keeps students safer and allows for more individualized attention. Classrooms and bathrooms are cleaned nightly.

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Upper Iowa has 25 educational centers throughout the country and the Rockford location is at 1161 Tebala Blvd., where students attend classes and meet with an academic advisor.

Timmons has observed the main reason students don’t finish college is because they don’t focus adequately on meeting requirements for a particular degree when they choose classes.

“Our advisor helps students to see their options, while encouraging them to take classes to help them meet their goals in the shortest time possible,” she says.

Upper Iowa University was founded in 1857 and in the late ’90s started online degree programs. It is a private non-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs and leadership development opportunities to students in the U.S. and Asia.

For more information, call the Rockford location at (815) 332-1414 or visit the website at UIU.edu. ❚

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Your Community

New Beloit Stadium is One of a Kind B

eloit’s shiny-new ABC Supply Stadium, 217 Shirland Ave., is more than just the new home of the Beloit Snappers baseball team, the High-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins.

This new gem is designed to boost the local economy – and it didn’t cost taxpayers a dime.

“The stadium is built for events and programming to take place 365 days a year,” says Celestino Ruffini, CEO of Visit Beloit. “We’ve never had an attraction of that magnitude built with the focus of something happening every day of the year.”

The stadium cost $37 million to build and was privately funded by local businesswoman Diane Hendricks, owner of ABC Supply Co. Community leaders anticipate that restaurants and other small businesses

will grow up around the stadium. Beloit is one of 120 cities in the country with a minor league baseball team and its team is now locked in for 20 years.

The stadium features a grandstand with administrative offices, top-of-the-line player facilities, concessions, restrooms and a 300-person stadium club available year-round. The main concourse wraps around the stadium.

The stadium was literally built to impress; if the team’s stadium wasn’t up to league standards, Beloit would’ve lost its minor league baseball team.

Last December, Beloit was invited to be an affiliate of the Miami Marlins as part of the new Professional Development License (PDL) system put in place

by Major League Baseball to update the

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(Beloit Snappers photo)

By Jermaine Pigee, managing editor

player development system.

“In order for a minor league team to be affiliated with a major league team, they need a PDL and with that license comes rules and regulations that your stadium and ownership has to abide by,” says John Gackstetter, representative of the River Bend Stadium Authority, the nonprofit organization tasked with designing, developing and owning ABC Supply Stadium.

“ABC Stadium is the only minor league stadium that meets all of the new rules and regulations.” ❚

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Your Health

Rehabilitative Care Improves Cancer Recovery B y To n i R o c h a

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or cancer patients, there are three stages in the journey back to wellness: diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitative care both during and after formal treatment is completed.

This journey can feel scary, but advancements in cancer treatment and rehabilitation are making the process more effective and comfortable for patients.

Occupational therapists play a vital role in cancer recovery. For Joanne Pickett and Cheryl Fritsch-Jarlsberg, regis-

Joanne Pickett and Cheryl Fritsch-Jarlsberg

tered occupational therapists at Beloit Health System’s NorthPointe Wellness Center in Rockton, Ill., helping cancer patients reach survivorship often means dealing with lymphedema. This condition involves fluids that build up because of blockages in the lymphatic system caused by cancer treatment. Managing these symptoms can improve quality of life.

“Breast cancer patients are especially prone to this long-term condition, but it can also develop after a number of other cancer regimens,” says Pickett.

Pickett and Fritsch-Jarlsberg are certified in manual lymphatic drainage, a highly specialized form of massage that encourages the re-absorption of fluid and relieves swelling.

“After radiation or surgery, it may be necessary to re-route built-up fluid around disrupted lymphatic and tissue areas,” Pickett explains.

Fritsch-Jarlsberg has worked with

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patients in and out of the hospital setting.

“Certified lymphedema therapists have a unique skill in this technique, which we use to provide education and treatment to our patients,” she says.

Compression, manual techniques and exercise guidance are used to improve range of motion, decrease edema, improve wound healing and reduce pain.

“Each type of cancer has risk factors connected to scar tissue that forms from radiation or surgical procedures,” Pickett explains. “Depending on the severity, patients may need as few as three sessions and up to three months of treatment.”

Every aspect of aftercare for cancer patients prioritizes survival. But the return of wellness, confidence, emotional stability and a renewed sense of hope are also vitally important. Dedicated care and advancing treatments help patients to thrive. ❚

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Your Technology

How to Reduce Your Technology Bills

By Peggy Werner

M

any of us are spending more than we need to for technology simply because we don’t understand our options.

Tech services like phone, Internet, TV and home security evolve quickly and can be confusing, but it’s easier than you may think to figure out what works best for your situation, says Charles Zambrano, owner and general manager of EZ Satellite & Wireless in Loves Park.

“I make sure the customers know exactly what they’re getting and aren’t paying for services they don’t want or need,” says Zambrano. He asks customers about the number of TVs and phones they have, favorite channels, streaming and recording habits, how they use high-speed internet and so forth.

“Most customers are paying too much, $250 or more for phone, TV and internet,” he says. “I can save them $50 to (Sponsored Content)

$100 per month by offering them the best deals each company has to offer.

“A lot of people are not happy with their tech services, but are afraid to change or don’t have time to do the research. But it’s not that hard to start saving money.”

Zambrano also helps people to make better use of their smart phones to enhance their particular lifestyles. Products like the Google Nest Hub, Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa are ideal for those who want to monitor and access their homes and businesses remotely or with voice commands. Especially in the age of COVID-19, it’s useful to monitor package delivery and speak to people at your door remotely.

You can also switch lights on and off, change the thermostat settings and unlock doors remotely.

EZ Satellite & Wireless is licensed

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to offer services from any provider using dish, cable, internet and home security, including Rise Broadband, Comcast, HughesNet, DirectTV, Digitenna, Vivint, ATT and Nest products.

Zambrano’s store is regularly sanitized, social distancing is observed, masks are worn and interactions are contact-free.

Call (815) 957-4335 or stop by to see him at 6239 N. 2nd St. in Loves Park. ❚

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Your Fun

Entertainment & Events

Music on the Mall Fridays, 6:30 p.m. Local musicians perform on the plaza. Final concert of the season is Sept.

10, performer TBA. Bring a chair. Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com.

World War II Days at Midway Village Sept. 18 & 19, see related story.

Dorothy Paige Turner & Joel Ross Sept. 19, 3 p.m. Two of Rockford’s favorite jazz musicians combine for this performance.

Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, Starr Center, 415 N. Church St., (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

These Shining Lives Sept. 24-25 & Oct. 1-2, 7:30 p.m. Based on the real lives of “The Radium Girls.” Winneshiek Players, 228 W. Clark St., Freeport, (815) 2327023, winneshiekplayers.org.

Fantastic Fantasies Sept. 27, 3 p.m. As part of the Canterbury Music Society’s 79th season, Richard Boothby plays bass violin, Tenor Jo Levine sings, and Asako Morikawa plays treble and bass violin.

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St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 221 W. 3rd St., Dixon, Ill., canterburyconcerts.com.

Rockford Art Museum Modern Collection Thru Sept. 26. Featuring 50 pieces from the permanent collection of modern and contemporary artwork. 711 N. Main St., (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

‘Hands on a Hardbody’ Sept. 30-Oct. 3, Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m.. Ten hard-luck Texans have a new lease on life so close they can touch it. Armed with nothing but hope, humor and ambition, they’ll fight to keep at least one hand on a brand-new truck in order to win it. Cheek Theatre, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., (815) 226-4100, artistsensemble.org.

Avalon String Quartet Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m. Returning to the MPAC stage, this quartet concludes a Beethoven series interrupted by the pandemic in addition to newly rediscovered, early 20th century compositions from Chicago. Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, Starr Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

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The Avalon String Quartet will return to the stage at Mendelssohn PAC on Oct. 8.

Boz Scaggs: Out of the Blues Oct. 8, 7:30 p.m. The rock legend returns to his roots with a selection of blues and rock favorites. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Darci Lynne: My Lips are Sealed (Except When They’re Not) Oct. 9, 7 p.m. The youngest contestant to win “America’s Got Talent” takes her singing and ventriloquism act on the road. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org. ❚

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