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

Right in Our Region

ByronFest Fun Returns!

See Page 20

Remodeling? Why Patience is Required How Knee Care Treatments are Improving Does Your Home Exterior Need Some Love?

Nature Fun with Family Outdoor Adventures

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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MADE IN THE USA

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region .........................Cover & p. 20 The Return of Byronfest!

Your Home ................................................... 13, 23 Home Exterior Updates; Be Patient Remodeling Inspiration & Worship ....................................... 14 Foolish Things Your Kitchen ...................................................... 17 Tasty Raspberry Sweet Treats Your Outdoor Living ......................................... 25 Do You Dream of a Better Outdoor Space?

Your Outing ....................................................... 27 Family Nature Adventures!

Your Health ........................................................ 31 How Knee Care Treatment is Improving Your Community ................................................ 35 Fest in German Valley: ‘A Day in the Valley’ 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 Return of FUN!

W

e’ll never forget Spring 2020, when local events were canceled one by one because of COVID-19. Organizers were really challenged. Contracts had been signed, venues reserved, cadres of volunteers lined up.

For the first time ever, my email in-box filled with cancelations rather than event notices. We began deleting events from our Your Fun calendar and then just canceled the calendar. There was no fun.

That’s why it’s GREAT to see event announcements flooding in again!

In our cover story, we celebrate the return of Byronfest July 9-11. I was a young reporter working at the Byron Tempo newspaper office when this friendly fest got its start in 1988. Today the younger generations can’t imagine Byron without it!

My own hometown festival, Young at Heart, was canceled again this year, but an impressive new event called Long Play Music Fest is taking place in Loves Park July 1-4 at Rivets Stadium. It will combine baseball, food, carnival fun and fireworks with a an impressive lineup of 20 bands including Gin Blossoms, Jeff Tweedy and our own Cheap Trick.

The Petunia Festival in Dixon is an allAmerican affair held over each July 4th since the 1950s, when Dutch elm disease and highway expansion wiped out thousands of trees.

The Dixon Men’s Club lined the barren streets with thousands of petunias, a wonderful example of undaunted American spirit in the town where Ronald “Dutch” Reagan grew up.

Nearly every resident of German Valley (pop. under 500) pitches in to make German Valley Days successful each June. That fest is making an abbreviated comeback on July 17 this year with “A Day in the Valley.” City dwellers especially enjoy the homespun fun.

The summer of 2021 welcomes the return of fairs like Boone Co. Fair July 17-23 and Winnebago Co. Fair Aug. 18-22, the latter now in its 100th year!

These fests weave a sense of togetherness and tradition into our lives that we appreciate now more than ever.

All of them require A LOT OF WORK! A big thanks to the organizers and volunteers making great things happen again this summer!

Have FUN! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Your Home & Garden

What to Know Before You Start a Remodel

By Chris Linden, executive editor

F

irst things first: Nothing about a remodel this year is “typical.” That’s because a combination of market forces is making this an unpredictable time for remodelers.

After a year stuck at home, many Americans are itching to refresh their homes. The resulting demand, coupled with production and supply chain issues related to COVID-19, have created shortages of some products and high prices on many things, says Tracey Humphrey, an interior designer with Floor to Ceiling, 701 E. South St., in Freeport.

“We’re having challenges scheduling things and getting materials here,” she says. “People might expect to be done in a month, but the countertop producers are taking a month just to get measurements. Lumber is expensive. Contractors are busy. Getting cabinetry has gone from 4-8 weeks to almost 18 weeks.”

While Humphrey specializes in design, flooring, tile, cabinets, countertops and remodeling services, she’s also seeing unusual patterns in the availability of appliances.

Today’s market is certainly challenging, but it’s not all doom and gloom.

Humphrey and other area remodelers remain committed to seeing a job through, even if it takes longer than usual.

Typically, a kitchen and bath designer is the first stop for a client. A designer helps to create a vision for the project and walks the client through the selection process as they pick out cabinets, countertops, plumbing fixtures, wall colors and flooring. If they don’t already have a contractor, clients can typically work through their designer to locate one. The designer often helps to coordinate the entire process.

“I can order materials, get things go-

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ing, and I basically run the job,” Humphrey says. “I set up the contractor, I set up the countertop people, I get pricing, I go back and forth on everything, and the job just runs right through me.”

As you prepare for your big remodel this year, be sure to plan ahead and be patient.

“We’re all in the same boat,” says Humphrey. “It feels like all of us are going through this together.” ❚

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Inspiration & Worship

Foolish Things C

hristians shouldn’t elevate people above God, but we do it routinely. Politicians, celebrities, religious leaders and friends often influence us more than God does.

This shouldn’t be the case. “Thou shalt have no other gods before me” is the first of the 10 commandments. Seeking God in scripture and prayer requires intentional effort; being persuaded by people is easier.

When the Apostle Paul learned believers were being influenced and divided by eloquent leaders in Corinth, he asked them to unify by focusing on the gospel alone.

“For Christ did not send me to baptize, but to preach the gospel … not with wisdom and eloquence, lest the cross of Christ be emptied of its power… For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” – I Corinthians 1:17 and 25.

We should not be impressed by human charisma but by God’s truth alone, he said.

“When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. I came to you in weakness with great fear and trembling. My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on human wisdom, but on God’s power.” – I Corinthians 2:3-5.

Influential people can have trouble accepting the Gospel because they rely on their love of self more than love of God, he said.

“Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.

God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God – that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.

Therefore, as it is written: ‘Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.’” – I Corinthians 1: Janine Pumilia 26-31 ❚

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Your Kitchen

Use Seasonal Fruit for a Delicious Treat F

ruits, like raspberries, are unique in their ability to add both flavor and nutrition to breakfasts, snacks, desserts and more.

With a sweet-tart flavor and eyecatching color, red raspberries are the main ingredient in these Mini Razz Crush Tarts, perfect for breakfast on-the-go or as an afternoon snack.

More recipes at redrazz.org.

Mini Razz Crush Tarts (Serves 8)

1 bag 12 oz. frozen red raspberries 1 1/2 TB cornstarch 1 package (two 9-inch crusts) refrigerated pie crust Glaze: 1 2-3 1/2

cup powdered sugar TB reserved raspberry juice tsp. vanilla Sprinkles (optional)

Thaw raspberries at room temperature 30 minutes. Using rolling pin, gently mash raspberries in sealed bag.

To make tarts: Heat oven to 425 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Place strainer over medium bowl; strain crushed raspberries 10-15 minutes, allowing juice to fall into bowl. Reserve juice for glaze.

In medium bowl, combine drained crushed raspberries and cornstarch; mix to combine.

Roll out both pie crusts into rectangular shapes and cut each into eight 2 1/2-by-4-inch rectangular pieces. Place rectangular pieces on prepared baking sheet. Add 1-2 TB crushed raspberries to center of each piece and top each with

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second rectangular piece. Use fork to crimp edges of dough.

Bake 10 minutes, or until crust is golden brown. Remove pastries from oven and allow to cool completely.

To make glaze: In medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, reserved raspberry juice and vanilla. Drizzle on cooled pastries and garnish with sprinkles. ❚ (Source: Family Features)

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Right in Our Region

ByronFest: A Favorite Festival Returns!

By Janine Pumilia beloved festival will return in full force this summer as Byronfest takes place July 9-11 with all the fun, food and friendship that local folks have enjoyed since 1988.

Both entertainment stages will be back, as well as the 5K run, bags tournament, parade, contests, quilt show, special foods and other features that typically draw 25,000 to 30,000 people to downtown Byron each second weekend of July.

The festival is coordinated by two full-time employees and one summer intern at Byron Chamber of Commerce along with 300 volunteers, says Sarah Downs, Chamber executive director.

“We also subcontract duties to various nonprofit groups in Ogle County like the Oregon Chamber of Commerce, local sports teams and various service clubs.”

Byronfest is the primary way Byron Chamber of Commerce supports itself.

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Byron Bank has helped to sponsor the festival every year since it began.

“If we didn’t have such a caring community, there’s no way we could pull this off,” says Downs. “People are really stepping up to help like always. I think everyone is just so ready to have some fun!”

The Excelon Generation Stage and Byron Lions Club Stage will both offer live music all three nights. The first is dedicated wholly to country music and the latter presents a variety of “fun, happy, danc-y music,” says Downs. “It’s nearly the same lineup we planned for 2020 before we had to cancel because of the pandemic. The Toby Keith tribute band is really exciting – the guy looks and sounds just like Toby

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Keith.”

The tribute band, Made in America, takes the stage at 9:30 Saturday night.

The layout of the fest will be a bit different this year, as will the carnival company, All Around Amusements, says Nick Peterson, Byronfest manager and Chamber summer intern.

“They’re offering a special Friends

Right in Our Region with Disabilities program,” says Peterson. Each special needs child can bring a guest and enjoy free rides from 9-11 a.m. on Saturday before the carnival opens.

The new amusement company also offers a carnival Mega Pass that allows unlimited rides and entry onto the festival grounds all three days. A pass costs $50 in advance and $60 at the festival. A singleday Day Mega Pass is $30. With a Mega Pass purchase, the $8 purple wristband entrance fee is waived.

For those who want to enjoy just a

The Byronfest bags tournament on Saturday morning is a favorite tradition. Register ahead for a chance to win prizes.

few rides, individual ride tickets will be sold at the festival for $1.25 each.

“The Mega Pass is a way for families to keep the expense down,” says Downs.

“Paying $3 to $5 per ride per child was really adding up. Now for $50 each they can keep riding all weekend long.”

The 5K trail run (or walk if you wish) is a favorite activity “because the Byron Forest Preserve District does a tremendous job of setting that up and it’s one of the few local 5Ks that’s actually on a trail,” says Downs.

The labors of talented quilters will be displayed at the Byron Quilt Show at Byron Museum. First-place winners in 10 categories will win cash prizes. Quilt registration ends on July 7. The cost to enter a quilt for judging in the show is $5.

The Byronfest Parade steps off Sunday at 2 p.m. from Maple and 2nd streets and will travel east on 2nd, north on Colfax and then east on 3rd Street, ending at Market and 3rd. There’s no cost to be in the parade, just fill out an application

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online and show up by 12:30 p.m. Sunday.

“The more the merrier,” says Downs of parade participation.

Both Downs and Peterson grew up attending Byronfest and appreciate the way it’s become a reunion of sorts for old friends of many generations.

“It’s fun to hear the chatter around town,” says Downs. “People who grew up around here enjoy coming back to town for it and love seeing the familiar faces.

And people new to Byron want to volunteer so they can get to know people.”

“My friends and I looked forward to it every year when I was growing up and now I’m getting to see the planning and work that goes into it,” says Peterson.

“Everybody looks forward to it.”

Purchase a Mega Pass at the Byron Chamber of Commerce office at 232 W. 2nd St. (upstairs in Byron City Hall) Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Find the complete entertainment lineup and event schedule at Byronfest.org. ❚

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Your Home & Garden

Does Your Home Exterior Need Updating?

By Peggy Werner

W

hen’s the last time you really studied the appearance of your home exterior? Is it time to consider replacing a roof, siding or windows? Sometimes even a small change can make a big difference.

For example, the color of a front door communicates a strong message.

Blue tones convey a place of refuge or retreat; green projects health, tranquility and harmony; red speaks of passion, energy and excitement; and brown tones convey warmth, stability and reliability, according to the Paint Quality Institute.

When it comes to changing out windows, bigger and brighter is on trend.

“Windows are getting more energyefficient all the time, so you can have the beauty of new windows with the benefit of more insulation, making the whole home more energy efficient,” says Liz McCarthy, senior marketing manager at

Feldco, Des Plaines, Ill. Maximizing natural light while providing good ventilation with patio doors and screen doors that are both attractive and functional is important.

Decorative glass on the front door makes the home more welcoming and changing window styles can create a lighter, brighter look. If it’s been a while since your home’s windows were updated, newer models made from quality products can do a much better job of protecting against ultraviolet light, cold and heat.

People today are interested in cutting their maintenance time and costs, says McCarthy. Because they want lowmaintenance, they often turn to vinyl replacement windows and fiberglass doors, which come in a variety of colors, including woodgrain looks.

Low-maintenance siding also comes in a variety of colors and styles, some of which imitate wood grain finishes.

“Replacing your siding or roof can make an old home look new,” says McCarthy.

She urges people to drive around and observe home exteriors they like.

Whether you’re selling your home soon or plan to stay awhile, updating the exterior can be a smart move. ❚

Happy Independence day

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Outdoor Living

Do You Dream of Better Outdoor Spaces?

M

aking the most of our outdoor living spaces is a trend that grows stronger year by year. There’s never been a better variety of materials available to bring outdoor dreams to life, says Andy Benson, president of Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford.

A Rockford staple for more than eight decades, Benson Stone offers onestop shopping for all things outdoorsrelated, including a huge variety of stone materials, from pebbles to boulders and pavers to composite materials.

Benson, who joined his family’s company more than 30 years ago, says his team makes every effort to stay ahead of trends.

“These extended outdoor living spaces have really grown in popularity and so have outdoor fireplaces,” says Benson. “We can build them up with landscape block, brick or stone.

Sometimes we use a metal-framed unit with stucco and stone.”

Both natural and manmade composite materials have advantages. Benson’s professionals help customers to understand the benefits or drawbacks of each.

With a variety of materials available and a list of trusted contractors, homeowners have a ready partner at Benson Stone.

Some projects are not as easy as they look on TV. Many people watch home improvement shows and get grandiose ideas about tackling difficult projects on their own, Benson says.

“You need to know how to do it right if you’re going to take on these types of projects yourself,” says Benson.

“We have a couple of people in the landscape department who’ve been doing this for decades. These are people who have

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been through training many times with the manufacturers, and it’s what they literally do all day long. We do quite a bit of advising homeowners. Our staff is well informed, and is happy to share that knowledge.” ❚

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Your Outings

NLI: Connect with Nature This Summer

By Janine Pumilia

F

or the second year, Natural Land Institute is presenting Family Nature Adventures, a virtual and outdoor adventure series that can be enjoyed at any time and from anywhere – there are no geographic boundaries.

The goal is for kids and families to discover nature all around them. Kids can also earn a Junior Naturalist badge and certificate. This free experience is open to all but is tailored to families with kids ages 2 to 14.

“We learned a lot by creating this new type of event last year,” says Kim Johnsen, NLI’s director of marketing & membership. “This year we changed content for video topics that we introduced last year. We’re also expanding our audience by providing the event and our website in Spanish.”

Register for this free event and watch a video online, do a suggested activ-

ity outside in a backyard or nearby park, answer an optional question and submit it online.

The 14 learning videos include Squiggly Water Bugs - Wetlands; Creek Adventures - Fish; Buried Treasure - Groundwater; Coughing Pellets - Great Horned Owls; Buzz and Fuzz - Our Native Bees and Wasps; The Marvelous Monarch Migration; Home on the Prairie Prairies; Tree Detective! - Forests; Those Weird Wild Seeds; Leaf LiftOff! - Art; Let’s Write About It! - Writing; Shells, Scales, and Slippery Tails! -Turtles of Illinois; Cheerful Charmers - Bluebirds; and Furry Encounters – Mammals.

A group of 3 to 4 videos will be released on NLI’s website and announced over NLI’s e-newsletter and on social media on Wednesdays. The videos are made in cooperation with many local organizations and nature experts.

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Complete six of the activities and the Final Participation Form by Wednesday, Aug. 11 to earn a Junior Naturalist badge.

The Natural Land Institute has protected more than 17,300 acres of natural land in Illinois since 1958. Its current service area covers 12 counties in northern Illinois. Its mission is to create an enduring legacy of natural land in northern Illinois for people, plants and animals. Learn more at NaturalLand.org. ❚

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Your Health

Treatments for Knee Joints are Improving B y To n i R o c h a nees are perhaps the most vulnerable joints in the human anatomy, so it’s not surprising that orthopedic surgeons see patients ranging in age from young children to older adults, says Dr. Marko F. Krpan, an orthopedic surgeon with Mercyhealth in Rockford.

“Knee damage occurs in patients of all ages, starting with young children engaging in roughhouse play or sports,” Krpan says. “Left untreated early on, these knee injuries can lead to wear-andtear damage with degenerative arthritis as much as 20 to 25 years later. The pain and extent of this can come on gradually, or it can suddenly become more evident.”

Nonsurgical options include resting the joint, medicaDr. Marko F. Krpan

K

tions and therapy. If those options are exhausted, surgery may be the best path to living pain-free.

“We always do everything we can to help the patient heal without resorting to surgery, but sometimes surgery is the only option,” says Krpan. “The good news is that recent advancements in medications have made it more possible to deal with conditions such as rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis that often accompany these injuries. Psoriatic arthritis is an autoimmune disease in which the patient’s immune system attacks the cartilage around the knee and other joints.”

One benefit of joint replacement is that damaged cartilage is removed, thus eliminating the trigger for the inflammatory process.

“With reconstructive knee surgery, the structures of the joint are repaired, improving function and decreasing the conditions that result in inflammation

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or instability, therefore eliminating the pain,” Krpan explains. “Torn ligaments and tendons, including anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), are repaired, restoring the patient’s stability and balance. Joint replacement removes the entire damaged cartilage and bone, eliminating pain from both the injury and arthritis.”

Because of today’s more aggressive methods, recovery is now quicker.

“Twenty years ago, knee surgery patients remained in the hospital for three to five days,” he says. “Now, patients may go home the same day, or in some cases the day after surgery.”

Knee implants last longer today, too.

“Today’s knee prosthesis can last from 25 to 30 years, better than double, giving patients decades of pain-free living,” Krpan says. “A knee replacement performed on patients in their 40s to 50s is likely going to last their lifetime. This vastly improves their quality of life.” ❚

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THE AFTERNOON’S

FOUR QUEENS.

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DEBORA

STILLO

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AT 5 LIVE + STREAMING + Tell them you saw it in ...

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Your Community

German Valley Fest Returns G erman Valley Days fun is back!

Like so many events, this charming, small-town annual tradition, which began 48 years ago, was put on hold in 2020 due to the pandemic. It normally takes place over a weekend in June but this year will be celebrated July 17 on a single day with the theme “A Day in the Valley.” German Valley is located between Freeport and Rockford.

The festival will feature vendors, concession food, meals, games, contests and entertainment, with most events taking place at Ben Miller Park on Church Street. Family fun will include a 5K run, kiddie tractor pull, basketball shooting contest and a grand parade and fireworks show over Lake Baalton.

The event is entirely supported and organized by community members and businesses – pretty remarkable, given that fewer than 500 people live in Ger-

Event Schedule July 17*

man Valley. During its history, German Valley was once the location of Pleasant Prairie Academy, which began as a school for German-speaking students who wanted to serve in ministry. Later, a local bank purchased the academy property and donated it to the village for a park, named in honor of a long-serving village president.

German Valley was settled by German immigrants from Ostfriesland in the 1840s and was originally called Baalton.

In 1857, the town consisted of a general store and two houses. When the Chicago Great Western Railroad made its way to the small community, a depot was established and the village was platted and given a new name.

The annual festival provides residents with a chance to celebrate their community history. It also allows guests to experience the charm of wholesome, small-town Midwestern fun.

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6:30-10 a.m. Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station 8 a.m. Run The Valley 5K & Kids’ Fun Run 9 a.m. Antique Tractor Show (until parade starts) | 9 a.m. Coloring Contest (winners announced 4 p.m.)

9:30 a.m. Pig Scramble 10:30 a.m. Kiddie Tractor Pull | Petting Zoo 11 a.m. Around the World Basketball Contest Noon Antique Tractor Games Contest | Art In The Park 2 p.m. Parade!

3 p.m. Nerf Blaster Wars on the ball diamond | Cornhole Bag Toss | Grass Attack | Kids’ Games at Park 4:30 p.m. Pork Chop Dinner at Fire Station 5:30 p.m. German Valley Little Miss/Mister Contest 7 p.m. Forreston High School Variety Show 8:30 p.m. Raffle winners announced 9:15 p.m. Fireworks over Lake Baalton. * Times may vary, check website for final schedule

Admission is free. For a full schedule with updates, go to germanvalleydays.com. ❚

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Your Fun

Dixon Petunia Festival July 2-4 with all the traditional fun you expect. Learn details at petuniafestival.org.

Long Play Music Fest – Cheap Trick July 1-4; July 1, 3 p.m.-11 p.m.; July 2-4, noon-11 p.m. Two stages and more than 20 bands, fireworks, a carnival, food vendors and artisans team up for a four-day festival that kicks off with a Rockford Rivets sgame. Headliners include Gin Blossoms, Jeff Tweedy, Hairbangers Ball, Blooze Brothers.

Cheap Trick plays on July 4. Fireworks at 9 p.m. every night except Thursday. Rivets Stadium, 4503 Interstate Blvd., Loves Park, Ill., (773) 665-4682, longplaymusicfest.com.

Music in the Park Through Aug. 3, Tues. & Thurs. 7 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment in Sinnissippi Park. July 6: Classical Blast. July 8: American English Beatles Tribute. Sinnissippi Music Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., (815) 987-8800. Full lineup at rockfordparkdistrict.org. Check for rain-outs at (815) 889-2001.

For the Birds Through Aug. 7, Tues.-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Artwork by 26 Illinois artists

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Entertainment & Events

depicting various bird species native to the Illinois region. Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.com.

Family Fun Days - Discovery Center Discovery Center Museum is hosting nine family event days through Aug. 13, each with a specific topic. Coming up July 9: Superheroes & Princesses, make-believe that uses math & science. July 16: EIEIO, a chance to meet & greet with live farm animals. Learn more at discoverycentermuseum.org.

Music on the Mall - Edgebrook Fridays, 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Mary’s Market on the outdoor plaza. Bring your own chair.

July 9: Eddie B Smooth; July 16: The Shoes; July 23: Brother K Band. Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road,PIANO (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com.

Summer Concerts in the Park – Boone Co. Sundays, 6:30 p.m. July 11: Mike Williamson & Co. at Baltic Mill Stage; July 18: Mark Reedy & Waddy at Wings & Wheels Museum; July 25: Universal Joint at Candlewick Lake. (815) 544-6242. Learn more and see the full summer lineup at boonecountyarts.com.

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Rockford’s own Cheap Trick will play at Rivets Stadium on July 4 as part of the 4-day Long Play Music Fest running July 1-4. Photo of Rick Nielsen by Mike Graham.

Take Me Home --John Denver Tribute July 17, 7:30 p.m. Jim Curry pays tribute to beloved singer/songwriter Denver. Janesville Performing Arts Center, 408 S. Main St., (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.

Woodsong: Danielle Juhre July 18, gates open at 4:30 p.m., music starts at 6 p.m. Raised on Motown records, this American songwriter and powerhouse vocalist brings soul to the forefront of pop music. She’s known for precise vocal runs, a four-and-a-half octave range and not a drop of autotune. Klehm Arboretum, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, Klehm.org. ❚

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Smart Living Live

July 2021 • No. I

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Smart Living Live

July 2021 • No. I

To advertise call 815-316-2300

No Interest for 60 Months with Equal Payments*

CLOSED on the 4th of July

Minimum purchase required.

4th of July Savings

save

S AV E

$

500

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ON ALL

FEELS UP TO 8° COOLER

200

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400

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SAVE ON AMERICA’S #1

RETAILER INFO

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FO *No Interest for 5 Years with Equal Payments: MinimumRE purchase $1799.

Interest from date of eligible purchase until paid in full. Monthly payment is R INNo TAILE the purchase amount divided by the number of months in the offer. Last payment may vary due to rounding. On-time payments will pay off the promotional balance. Advertised RET AILER INFO monthly payment excludes taxes, delivery, or other charges. Other transactions and charges affect total monthly payment amount. Prior purchases excluded.

Account must be in *Offer valid June 20–July 12, 2021, while supplies last. Maximum savings of good standing.

Offer expires 07/06/2021.

Standard account terms apply to purchases that do not qualify.

If your account becomes 60days past due your promotional offer will $500 requires purchase of any size TEMPUR-breeze° mattress. Save $500 on any size TEMPUR-L UXEbreeze° or TEMPUR-PRObreeze° mattress.

Savings realized at time of purchase.

Certain offers may not be combined. Excludes previous purchases. See store for availability and details. ++Based index of TEMPUR-L be revoked, and anyroAdapt remaining balance willonbe placed on the standard Purchase APR. New accounts: sStandard Purchase APR 29.99%. Minimum interest charge $1. Existing UXEbreeze° compared average heat to TEMPUR-P Hybrid models measured over an 8-hour period. Co Tempur-Pedic North America, LLC. All rights require purchase of a Sealy pyright 2021 reserved. . Maximum savings of $200 $100 on Sealy Hybrid Performance participating retailersHome y 12, 2021, at ses. Save accounts, see your credit agreement for applicable terms. Subject credit approval.

Inspiration financing account issued by TD Bank, N.A. 20–Jul for *Offer valid Juneto purchases. See store Hybrid Premium-level mattres prior on Sealy on valid $200 Not ed.

Save s. combin be by may not m-level mattres ™

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offers Premiu er in 2019 ® top U.S. bedding produc at time of purchase. Certain ® shipments. *Offer valid June 20–July 12, 2021, at participating retailers only. Maximum mattresses. Savings realized ht 2021 Sealy, Inc. All rights reserved. †Sealy ranked ® Stearns & Foster -branded savings of $400 requires purchase of a Lux Estate availability and details. Copyrig ed wholesale shipments. Sealy® includes Sealy - and cers-sealy-regains-no-1-spot-on-list/. Hybrid. Save $400 on Lux Estate or Lux Estate Hybrid Stearns & or Lux Estate Foster® mattresses. Savings realized at time -bedding-produ not be combined. Not valid on prior purchases.

Furniture Today based on estimat of purchase. Certain offers may m/bedding-manufacturers/top oday.co See store for availability and details. Copyright rnituret www.fu 2021 Sealy, Inc. All rights reserved.

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6651 East State Street Rockford, IL 61108 • (815) 636-8608 We’re open 24/7 online! ShopTell from home at gustafsonfurniture.com today! them you saw it in ...

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Smart Living Live

July 2021 • No. I

To advertise call 815-316-2300