Smart L iving Weekly Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit 95¢ • Dec. 5, 2018
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Right in Our Region
Victorian Holiday at Midway Village
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Holiday Baking Made Easier Dining Downtown at Capital House The Comfort of Motion Furniture What to Know About Smart Devices
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region ......................Cover & p. 16 Holiday Fun at Midway Village Museum Your Home ........................................................11 Prevent Ice Dam Flooding Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Love Your Enemies Your Kitchen .....................................................15 Holiday Baking Made Easier Your Technolog ...............................................23 Choose Smart Devices Wisely Your Fun .................................................. ......... 25 Your Dining ......................................................26 Capital House
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Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Behling Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Anthony Franklin 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 Weekly. Copyright 2018 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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To advertise call 815-316-2300
We Have Options
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t hasn’t always been the case that these pages overflow with ads for local businesses, even at holiday time. But right now competition for space is fierce. This is a testament to our community’s growing support for all things local. Locally owned businesses only advertise if they have the revenue to pay for ads. They only have the revenue if customers buy their goods and services. Customers learn what they offer from ads. It’s a lovely local full circle that benefits everyone. More customers today are aware of the ways “shopping local” strengthens our local economy. Local businesses tend to support other local businesses. Shopping dollars spent with them stay in our own economy rather than enriching out-of-state executives. Sure, sometimes we have to shop at a bigbox store to get what we need. But there are more local options than we may realize. Last week I had our home’s carpets cleaned. It wasn’t hard to find a locally owned business that did a great job. And when we celebrated a family birthday, it was easy to choose a great family-owned restaurant. Talented local jewelers, crafters, artists and antique dealers abound here. When we replace flooring, update our kitchen or service the car, you can bet we deal with locals. The older I get, the more often I give “experience” gifts rather than tangibles. Local museum memberships, concert, theater and restaurant certificates make ideal gifts for those who “have everything.” “But what about online shopping?” you say. “I hate hoofing around to stores!” I feel your pain. But who says you can’t shop local online? I randomly tested several of the businesses and organizations advertising on these pages and found most have websites with a shopping feature. And they’re a lot of fun to explore! It’s easier than we think to “shop local.” We have options! Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor
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Why Power Furniture is More Comfortable
By Janine Pumilia ost of us grew up with furniture that wasn’t always so comfortable. We either conformed our bodies to it or stretched out on the floor. “With recliners, all you had for a very long time was the Archie Bunker type chair that opened or closed, using muscle power,” says Mitchell Johnson, a store manager at Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress, 6651 E. State St., Rockford. “Then about seven years ago came really good power recliners. People immediately loved them, not because people are lazy, but because they allow you to stop at any point of motion along the way for honest, customized comfort. “Your footrest can be raised a little or a lot or in between. And now there’s also power adjustment for your headrest and for your lumbar region. For the first time, the chair is really accommodating your body. You can make an infinite number of adjustments.”
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The same motion technology was quickly incorporated into sofas and love seats and today there are options for extended foot rests that better accommodate long legs. “About 80 percent of the chairs, sofas and love seats we sell today are power,” says Johnson. “Once people try them, they love them. They see the cost isn’t all that much greater and they know this is something they’ll use every day.” Johnson reports very few problems with the quiet, modern DC motors that smoothly power the furniture. “Honestly, we do less service on power furniture than on the models that move with manual power,” he says. “People tend to whack those around pretty hard. With power, it’s just the touch of a button.” Gustafson’s has hundreds of samples of power furniture on display. While
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leather and leather-look fabrics remain the most popular, there’s also a huge selection of durable fabric options. Through the years, furniture manufacturers have offered sofas and chairs with built-in heat, massage, speakers, lighting, refrigeration, outlets and charging stations. “Some of those ideas came and went, but the power reclining is definitely here to stay,” says Johnson. ❚
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“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” – The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Love Your Enemies
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he following is an excerpt from a sermon delivered 60 years ago by The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King in Montgomery, Ala. Read or listen to the entire sermon at ipoet.com. The context is Matthew 5:43-44, when Jesus says: “Ye have heard that it has been said, ‘Thou shall love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.’ But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven.” “Men must see that force begets force, hate begets hate, toughness begets toughness. And it is all a descending spiral, ultimately ending in destruction for all and everybody. Somebody must have sense enough and morality enough to cut off the chain of hate and the chain of evil in the universe. And you do that by love… “… hate distorts the personality of the hater …You begin hating somebody, and you will begin to do irrational things. You can’t see straight when you hate. You can’t walk straight when you hate. You can’t stand upright. Your vision is distorted. There is nothing more tragic than to see an individual whose heart is filled with hate. He comes to the point that he becomes a pathological case. “For the person who hates, the beautiful becomes ugly and the ugly becomes beautiful. For the person who hates, the good becomes bad and the bad becomes good. For the person who hates, the true becomes false and the false becomes true. “…Never hate, because it ends up in tragic, neurotic responses … And modern psychology is calling on us now to love. But long before modern psychology came into being, the world’s greatest psychologist who walked around the hills of Galilee told us to love…” ❚ 12
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Holiday Baking Made Easier A
holiday season filled with gatherings calls for simple recipes that make baking easy and enjoyable. Each of these desserts features quick and easy preparation using the flavors of Lucky Leaf Fruit Fillings, which use high-quality fruit and contain no high-fructose corn syrup. Find more inspiration at luckyleaf.com.
In mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy. Fold in half of fruit filling. Fill each muffin liner about three-fourths full with mixture. Bake 20-25 minutes, or until done. Cool. Top each cheesecake with spoonful of remaining fruit filling.
Mini Marbled Cherry Cheesecakes
1 refrigerated pie crust 1 Tb. butter, melted 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 2 cans (21 oz. each) Lucky Leaf Premium Apple Fruit Filling 1 stick (8 Tb.) butter, softened 1 cup flour 1 cup light brown sugar 1/2 cup powdered sugar, plus additional (optional) 1/4 tsp. vanilla 1/4 tsp. cinnamon 2 tsp. milk, plus additional (optional)
18 chocolate cookies with white filling 2 packages (8 oz. each) cream cheese, softened 1/3 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1 can (21 oz.) Lucky Leaf Premium Cherry Fruit Filling, divided
Heat oven to 350 F. Line muffin tins with 18 paper liners. Place one chocolate cookie in bottom of each paper liner.
Cinnamon Apple Pie
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Heat oven to 400 F. On lightly floured surface, unroll pie crust. Brush with melted butter and sprinkle evenly with cinnamon. Roll up tightly and slice into 1/2-inch rounds, like miniature cinnamon rolls. Press rolls evenly into bottom and sides of 9-inch pie plate, making sure there are no spaces between rolls. Pour fruit filling on top of crust. In large bowl, using pastry blender, combine stick of butter, flour and brown sugar, until crumbly. Sprinkle over filling. Bake pie until top and crust are golden brown, about 40-45 minutes. In small bowl, whisk together powdered sugar, vanilla, cinnamon and milk to form icing. Drizzle icing over cooled pie.❚ (Source: Family Features)
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‘Victorian Holiday’ at Midway Village By Janine Pumilia
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he turn of the century in 1900 was a time of great prosperity and growth for the Rockford area. Midway Village Museum, with its Victorian Village comprised of original and replica structures representing the 1890 to 1910 time period, reveals clues about our ancestors who lived here. The “Victorian Era” refers to the reign of England’s Queen Victoria, from 1837 to 1901. Victorians loved celebrating Christmas and many of our traditions are rooted in their time period. The public is invited to experience some of them during “Victorian Holiday Celebration” Saturday and Sunday Dec. 8 & 9 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. “This is a fun event that showcases interesting Victorian customs of the holiday season,” says Lonna Converso, di-
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rector of marketing and social media at Midway Village Museum. “Guests will meet several living history interpreter ‘residents’ of the village who are based on real-life people who lived in our region. We’ve researched them carefully to be sure they’re reflected accurately.” This is the third year for “Victorian Holiday Celebration,” which drew about 340 people last year. Visitors will meet Mr. Carlson, proprietor of the General Store, who helps customers to fulfill their holiday wishes. They’ll can chat with Father Christmas in his workshop and hear about holiday traditions with the Ralston and Pepper families. Visitors also can listen to holiday carols sung by the Second City Chorus and experience a horse-drawn wagon ride with the town gossip, weather permitting.
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They can send a telegram to the North Pole or listen to stories told by the village schoolteacher. Knowledgeable part-time staff members and volunteers assume the roles of villagers for this event.
Christmas in the Trenches
Moving forward in time, during the early part of World War I, on the Western Front of 1914 Europe, something amazing happened. British and German soldiers called an unofficial ceasefire during Christmas week. They put down their weapons and came together to decorate, exchange gifts, sing carols and even to play football. Midway Village Museum will celebrate this unique moment in history with a “Christmas in the Trenches” re-enactment on Saturday, Dec. 8 from 10 a.m.
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to 11:30 a.m. The event takes place outdoors in the 150-yard replica trench dug for World War I Days on the museum grounds. “We planned the Truce of 1914 reenactment to recognize the significant and spontaneous ceasefire that was called by both British and German troops during the Great War at Christmas time,” says Converso. “This is a very special year for it, as we recognize the 100th anniversary
of the end of World War I in 1918.” Although the Treaty of Versailles wasn’t signed until June 1919, a truce was called on Nov. 11, 1918. Now in its third year, the event has grown in popularity each year and drew 125 people last year. It’s important to make reservations fast if you wish to attend since space is limited. Re-enactors will decorate the trench and visitors will receive a special holiday trench tour and hear excerpts from World War I letters from soldiers experiencing Christmas in the trenches. In addition to the tour, see a narrated re-enactment of a battle and the ceasefire, sing carols with the soldiers, sip hot chocolate, see real World War I artifacts and play football.
Year-Round Learning
Midway Village Museum is open to visitors year-round and you don’t need to wait for a special event to visit. “The winter months are a great time
to visit the museum and browse the many fascinating exhibits,” says Converso. “I would encourage people to come in during the holiday season and enjoy.” Hour-long guided tours of the main museum take place each fourth Saturday. Book your reservation online. Upcoming events include the January lecture series, a February Presidents & Patriots event, Sock Money Madness Day on March 2 and the Connecting with History Series February through April. Admission to the Victorian Holiday Celebration is $8 per adult and $6 per child ages 3-17. Buy tickets at MidwayMuseum.com, at the museum gift shop or at the event. Admission to Christmas in the Trenches is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-17. Pre-registration and payment is required by Thursday, Dec. 6, by calling (815) 397-9112 or visiting MidwayVillage.com. This outdoor event will happen rain or shine, so dress accordingly. ❚
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Choose Smart Devices Wisely for Security By Peggy Werner
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riminals love technology and are always looking for the next window of opportunity to scam people out of their money. There are things you can do to protect yourself, however. “When it comes to smart devices, it’s very important to take the time to research the manufacturer and make sure they take security seriously,” says PrimeTime Audio/Video General Manager Dirk Dutton. “Many overseas manufacturers use outdated technology that gets the job done, but isn’t secure. It can easily find its way into your home or business.” Do an online search to make sure the manufacturer really exists and has products that can be bought in stores, Dutton advises. If products can only be purchased on the Internet, that’s a clear indication to stay away. Primetime Audio helps people bring technology into their homes to ensure
that smart devices enhance life rather than produce negative results. Everyone has heard stories about their TVs or computers “watching” or “listening” to them, but the chances of that really happening are very slim, says Dutton. Voice-controlled assistance devices will always ask you to confirm a message you’ve asked it to send, he says. Dutton suggests that people change the wake word by voice or in “settings” on an Alexa device and always change the username and password on any connected device. Artificial voice intelligence makes it
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possible for machines to learn from experience, adjust to changes and perform human-life tasks. It shouldn’t be confused with voice commands that allow you to talk to devices to get information or voice remotes, which can help the disabled. Currently, voice commands are in their infancy and at times can be cumbersome and difficult to use, he says. “So, that’s why you end up yelling at that box to do something. People are realizing devices are being marketed to improve life can do just the opposite.” As artificial intelligence grows in quality and capability, the ease with which people can get devices to do multiple things at one time will improve. Unfortunately, as technology improves, criminals work to keep pace. “The most vulnerable things we own are some of our smart devices,” says Dutton. “Hackers are working every day on ways to phish for new information.” ❚
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Events AE: ‘A Picasso’ Now to Dec. 9, Thu.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Rockford U., (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org. ‘Annie’ Now to Dec. 9, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m.; Dec. 1 & Sun. 2 p.m. Stage One, JPAC, Janesville, (608) 7580297, janesvillepac.org. Lucia Dec. 7, 7 p.m. Traditional Swedish songs and candlelit processional. First Lutheran Church, 225 S. Third St., (815) 963-5559, swedishhistorical.org. Will be followed by refreshments at the Nordic Cultural Center, 404 S. Third St. J.R. Sullivan’s 22nd Hometown Holiday Dec. 7-9, Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St. Tickets $30 from jrsullivanhometownholiday. com or Eventbrite.com. A Nice Family Gathering Dec. 7-8 & 14-15, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. A play to make you laugh. Winneshiek Players Theatre, 28 W. Clark St., Freeport, (815) 232-7023, winneshiekplayers.org.
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Macktown Living History Event Dec. 9, 2-4 p.m., 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton. The story behind “Twas the Night Before Christmas” followed by refreshments in the Whitman Trading Post. Free. macktownlivinghistory.com. (815) 624-4200. Ethnic Museum/Graham-Ginestra House Dec. 9, noon-4 p.m. See how six galleries celebrate the season. Live performances, gift shop, $5 non-members. 1129 S. Main St., (815) 962-7402 ethnicheritagemuseum.org Northern Illinois Bell Choir Dec. 10, 5:30 p.m. A concert of sacred and secular holiday favorites. MPAC, Mendelssohn Hall, Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org. Trinadora’s Holiday Frolic Concert Dec. 13, 7 p.m. Katie’s Cup, 502 7th St., Rockford. Free. Refreshments for sale. Doors open at 6 p.m. AE: “A Christmas Carol” Radio Play Dec. 14-16, Fri.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 4 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Temperamental Everett Kane as Scrooge. Cheek Theatre, Rockford U., (815) 394-5004, artistsensemble.org. ❚
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Capital House: High Quality & High Value
By Peggy Werner
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apital House, 308 W. State St., is known for quality food at affordable prices and a cozy urban atmosphere. “We’ve listened to the community and made adjustments based on what they wanted to see,” says corporate chef Ted Brothers, a partner in the business with owner Robin Young. The restaurant no longer serves lunch but is focused on an expanded dinner menu. “Most of our clientele see us as a dinner spot, so that’s where we’re going to put our emphasis,” says Brothers. “About 90 percent of the people come to Capital House for dinner because they love the menu and the live music on Friday and Saturday nights.” The menu changes daily but always offers freshly flown-in seafood and high quality meats. A recent menu included a variety of
salads and homemade soups plus entrees featuring Atlantic diver scallops with lobster cream sauce, heirloom tomatoes, herbed butter and seasonal accompaniments for $28; a 16-oz. prime New York strip with hand whipped potatoes, demi glaze and seasonal accompaniments for $34; seared Ahi tuna steak with peppercorn, Asian slaw, risotto and fresh lemon for $34; and filet mignon, shrimp scampi, Alaskan wild salmon, pan-seared pacific halibut, salt-crusted Chilean sea bass and New Zealand rack of lamb. Young says the menu is dictated by getting the best quality food at the best prices, so she can avoid shocking customers with steep increases because of changing market values. “I love to try new things,” says Young. “A dish served one weekend may not be on the menu the next weekend. For our regulars, this means there’s always
Backyard Grill & Bar Casual/American. 5390 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Ill., (815) 623-6677. 2nd St., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 6369430. LD M-Th 11am-midnight, F-Sat to 2am, Sun noon-10 p.m. $-SS. Bravo Pizza Italian/American. 376 Prairie Hill Road, S. Beloit, Ill., (815) 624-7900. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $. Capital House Lunches, fine dining, sushi bar, gourmet coffee & pastries, martini bar. 308 W. State St., Rockford, (815) 708-8989. LD T-Th 11am-10pm, Fri.-Sat. 11 am-10pm. $-$$$. Ciao Bella Ristorante Upscale-Casual/Italian-American. Daily specials. 6500 E. Riverside Blvd., Loves Park, Ill. (815) 654-9900. LD M-F 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Sat. 5-10 p.m. $$ Cucina di Rosa Italian Bistro/Bakery 1620 Bell School Road, (815) 395-5040. BkLD. M-Sat 7am-9pm. $$ Dos Reales Mexican Restaurant Casual/Mexican. 5855 E. State St., (815) 227-4979. LD $-$$.
398-5700. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11 pm. GreenFire Upscale-Casual/American contemporary. Live entertainment. 6795 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford, (815) 3163473. BkLD M-F 11am, Sat-Sun 8am. Bar open late. $$$. Hearthrock Cafe Restaurant/cafe. Baked goods, coffee, breakfast, lunch. Inside Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., (815) 227-2000. BkL M-F 7:30am-3pm; Sat. 8am-3pm. $-$$. Lino’s Italian/American. 5611 E. State St., Rkfd. (815) 397-2077. D M-Sat 4:30am-10pm; Sun. 4:30am-9 pm. $$. Maciano’s Casual Italian. 6746 Broadcast Pkwy., Loves Park, (815) 633-7500; & 5801 Columbia Pkwy., Rkfd., (815) 227-5577. LD Sun-Th 11am-10pm, F-Sat to 11pm. $-$$. Olympic Tavern Upscale-Casual/American. 2327 N. Main St., (815) 962-8758. Extensive beer list. LD M-Th 11 a.m.-midnight; Fri-Sat. to 2 a.m. $-$$. Prairie Street Brewhouse Upscale-Casual/American. 200 Prairie St., Rockford, (815) 277-9427. LD Sun-W 11am10pm, Th to midnight, F-Sat to 2am. $-$$.
Fresco at the Gardens. Casual/American Café. 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 316-2256. BkL Daily 7am-3pm. $$
Salamone’s North Italian-American. 2583 N. Mulford Road, Rkfd. LD. Sun. noon-10 p.m.; Mon.-Th 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri. 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sat. noon-11 p.m. (815) 639-1200
Giordano’s Casual/Italian. Stuffed pizza, salads, entrees, sandwiches, desserts. 33 Executive Parkway, Rockford, (815)
Taco Betty’s Casual/Mexican-American. 212 E. State St., Rkfd., (815) 977-5650. LD Daily 11am-1am. $$. ❚
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something new and fresh to try.” She describes the atmosphere as upscale but comfortable, with “a low key vibe that awakens the senses.” Capital House is located in a renovated space formerly occupied by Kryptonite bar. Capital House is open from 5 to 10 p.m. Tues. through Thurs. and 5 p.m. to midnight Fri. and Sat. ❚
In the Spotlight
Top Picks for Local Restaurants Baci’s Kitchen Fast-Casual, dine-in, carry-out. 2990 N. Perryville Road, inside A Perryville Place. (815) 329-6922. Open 7 days/wk. at 8 a.m. BkLD. Complete menu at Baciskitchen.com.
Alaskan King Salmon with Lobster Risotto
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Higher Grounds
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or 10 years, this coffee shop at 1709 S. West Ave., Freeport, has helped area residents to get their days off to a great start. Owner Cynthia Faulkner uses choice specialty coffee beans and prepares food fresh daily, using only top quality ingredients. Breakfast items include scones, muffins, quiche, cinnamon rolls and pastries; at lunchtime there are soups, chicken and tuna salad wraps, panini and flatbread sandwiches. Naturally the shop is best-known for its specialty coffee drinks: lattes, cappuccinos, espressos, mochas and house blend coffees. Other beverages include hot chocolate, teas, Italian soda, frozen smoothies and frappes. Higher Grounds is open Mon.-Fri. 6:30 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. and Sun. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. ❚
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Make a Difference: Teach an Adult to Read By Peggy Werner
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f you truly want to make a difference, consider helping an adult to discover the joy of reading. Most people take for granted being able to read street signs, grocery store ads, instructions on a medicine bottle, the latest news or being able to fill out a job application. But for those who have limited reading skills, all they see are roadblocks to better living. Some English-speaking adults have limited reading skills because they had interruptions at a time when they should have been learning to read, whether caused by illness, relocation, problems at home or just not being able to learn in the style that was taught, says Debbie Lindley, program director for The Literacy Council, 982 N. Main St. And, some people are in the process of learning English as a second language. “By the time some people are adults, they’ve gone through a lot in life and
suffered greatly. Because they lack reading skills from having missed out on so much, the result may be low self esteem and low self confidence,” she says. Volunteers who are willing to help one or more of the 50 individuals waiting to be paired with a tutor can attend one of several workshops scheduled in Rockford, Belvidere and Loves Park to learn how to work with adults who are learning to read. The Literacy Council asks volunteers to commit a minimum of two hours a week for a year per student. Volunteers don’t have to have teaching experience, but need to be at least 18 years old, have a GED or a high school diploma and complete training that meets twice weekly for three weeks. There are numerous Tutor Training
Workshops for volunteers at Ida Public Library, 320 N. State St. in Belvidere; North Suburban Library District (NSLD), 6340 N. 2nd St., Loves Park; and at The Literacy Council, 982 N. Main St. The workshop schedule and a registration form can be downloaded at theliteracycouncil.org or call (815) 963-7323 for more information. ❚
Literacy Can Make All the Difference It Starts With You!
STUDENT.
Become a It’s Easy and It’s Free!
TUTOR.
Be a Empower Someone. Volunteer Today!
Visit: www.theliteracycouncil.org E-mail: Read@theliteracycouncil.org Call: 815-963-7323
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Smart Living Weekly
Issue 1