Smart Living Rockford - January 19, 2022

Making Resolutions

HappyNew Year! The holiday season can be chaotic, but I hope you were able to enjoy some relaxing and restorative moments during the past several weeks.

I’ve been thinking lately about New Year’s resolutions. Personally, I’ve never been great at keeping them. I do a wonderful job at sticking to my goals in January, but by February or March, it’s over — I’ve fallen off the wagon.

Generally, my resolutions have focused on exercising more often (so cliche) and reading more books. I like how I feel after working out, and I love getting lost in historical fiction, a memoir, or “Harry Potter” for the millionth time. But making daily time for fitness or for reading can oftentimes become a guilt-trap. I always feel like there’s something “productive” I should be doing for work or for my family. So this year, my resolution (if you want to call it that) is to banish the mom-guilt I feel for taking time to myself. It’s not necessarily about using my time to do specific things… it’s more about recognizing when it’s okay to spend my time however I choose.

And hey, maybe I’ll finally get into audiobooks this year.

Something else I’d like to continue this next year is using weekends for quality family time, and editing this magazine always gives me the best ideas. After working on our cover story, I can guarantee that Woodstock Groundhog Days, happening Feb. 1-5 in the charming town square of Woodstock, will be a fun, family-friendly excursion. One of the things I love most about parenting is experiencing the world through my child’s eyes. My toddler has no idea what a groundhog is, but I have a feeling he’ll be intrigued. My parents, also, get a kick out of bringing their grandson to new places. It will be a fun time for all of us to see what the groundhog’s verdict is while exploring the town where they made the iconic film, “Groundhog Day.” If you’d like to bring your family, too, see our cover story for more information.

Wishing you a happy, healthy and exciting year ahead! ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

How to Save Money on Your Utility Bills

By Steven Bonfazi, assistant editor

One of the best defenses against outside critters and chilly drafts is insulation. Since heat rises, the attic can be a substantial source of heat loss and energy inefficiency in a home. In fact, according to Energy Star, up to 60% of drafts in a home can be sealed by working in an attic, says Michael Callahan, owner of Comfort 1st Insulation, 612 Harrison Ave., in Rockford.

“People don’t realize their homes are not tight like a submarine,” he adds. “Even your walls breathe – down to your baseboard, your outlets, around the window trim. It all breathes up to your attic. So, when we’re up there, we use spray foam and other techniques to make the home much tighter.”

There are several signs that let homeowners know their attic insulation is inadequate. One significant indicator is when rooms located directly beneath

the attic become too warm in the winter or accumulate extra dust. Another is high gas and electric bills, which could indicate the furnace is running more than necessary. You may even notice air leaks and chilly drafts in certain areas of the home.

When insulating an attic, Callahan and his certified experts first spray a foam insulation to seal and close gaps and cracks. Spray foam not only has a higher R-value (thermal resistance) than typical fiberglass insulation, but it also fits into those tighter, hard-to-reach places and adheres to irregular surfaces. Next, the Comfort 1st team ventilates the attic by either adding vents or cleaning blocked vents. This helps to prevent moisture buildup and condensation that, if left untreated, can result in mold, structural damage and more.

Depending on what’s already in a

person’s attic, the Comfort 1st team can either add spray foam on top of existing insulation, says Callahan, or they can remove and replace everything.

Some homeowners find themselves reluctant to put their money in areas that aren’t seen, but Callahan says it’s important to know that this investment pays off over time.

“Customers can save up to 50% of their bill immediately. It’s one of the few products you install that starts paying for itself,” he says. “Next year, there are going to be a lot of great incentives and it’s never been a better time to insulate, especially with how high utility bills are.” ❚

A Lighter Burden

The 2022 holiday season is behind us. Good-hearted, worn-out people who “made the season bright” for young and old alike are returning to their usual hectic routines. Many of these folks are part of “the sandwich generation,” playing key roles at both home and work. Often they devote energy and care to everyone but themselves. Doctors tell us busy women are especially prone to self-neglect, both physically and emotionally. The same holds true spiritually. Staffing a church committee or making the coffee after a service are no replacement for personal spiritual enrichment.

Scripture tells us to serve one another in love, but it’s always in the context of allowing God to be our strength. That means spending time with God in scripture and prayer. No one can do this for us and no amount of good works are a substitute.

In Luke 10:38-42, Jesus tells Martha not to sacrifice her own spiritual life in the name of performing physical tasks for others around her.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed – or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41 & 42, NIV)

It’s hard not to feel a little sorry for Martha. Her intentions are good. We easily identify with her resentment at feeling stuck with all the work. But Jesus loves Martha and knows what she needs most: time with him.

In contrast, Mary “seated herself at the Lord’s feet and was continually listening to His teaching.” (Luke 10:39)

One thing above all is needful in our lives: continual fellowship with Jesus Christ.

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” Jesus promises. “Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28-30)

Here’s to a restful 2023!

-Janine Pumilia

Celebrate Groundhog Day in Woodstock

By Peggy Werner

Thanks to the award-winning movie “Groundhog Day,” the small Midwestern town of Woodstock has a lot to celebrate every February, having gained a worldwide reputation for being the primary location for the production of the classic film.

This year is the 30th anniversary of the release of the film starring Bill Murray, Andi MacDowell and Chris Elliott. To celebrate, many events are taking place Wednesday through Sunday, Feb.

1-5, mainly in the historic Woodstock Square, says Melissa McMahon, Woodstock Groundhog Day committee member and marketing manager for Real Woodstock.

“We want to celebrate where the film was made and what it did for our community,” she says. “At the time of the filming, it gave us great exposure, and since then it brings in visitors to shop, dine, tell stories and see places featured in the movie.”

While searching for the perfect place to shoot the 1993 film, producers considered hundreds of locations before choosing Woodstock.

“We were ‘eye candy’ to the producers because we are the idyllic hometown,” McMahon says. “I think what sealed the deal was the visual of our town square and the community’s cooperation

and willingness to make it happen.”

One of the main attractions this year is a question-and-answer session at 2 p.m. on Feb. 2 with Danny Rubin, the author of the original story. Rubin wrote the story and worked with screenwriter Harold Ramis. Twenty years later, Rubin worked with Tim Minchin for the Broadway stage production, “Groundhog Day, the Musical,” which was nominated for seven Tony awards in 2017. Rubin was in Woodstock during the making of the film in 1992 and has made return visits, McMahon says.

Wednesday’s event highlights include Groundhog Story Time, 5:15 p.m.; Welcoming of the Groundhog, 6 p.m.; Groundhog Trivia, 6:15 p.m.; and a 7 p.m. showing of the movie at Classic Cinemas, 209 Main St.

On Thursday, the day begins at 7 a.m.

with the main event, the annual prognostication, when Woodstock Willie emerges from his tree trunk. If a shadow is seen, there will be six more weeks of winter, and if not, that means an early spring. Rubin will translate the outcome.

“What brings people back year after year is just the fun of hearing the story of whether or not the groundhog sees their shadow,” McMahon says. “It’s so ridiculous, it’s fun – depending on a rodent to predict the weather that is far from predictable. From that point on, if you don’t like the weather, you can blame the groundhog. The movie resonates with people for different reasons because it is a story filled with redemption, comedy, drama and love.”

The news of the day is followed by Drink to World Peace, at 7:30 a.m., on the patio of the same bar used in the film, and the “official” Groundhog Day Breakfast from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. at the Woodstock Moose Lodge, 406 Clay St. Breakfast includes eggs, pancakes, potatoes, toast,

bacon, sausage, juice and coffee. Woodstock Willie will be available for pictures and Die Musikmeisters will entertain. A walking tour of the filming sites begins at 10 a.m. at the Woodstock Opera House, 121 W. Van Buren, and ends with a tour of the Cherry Tree Inn Bed and Breakfast where Murray woke up each morning. Hot Cider will be served. The movie will be shown again at noon, followed by the 2 p.m. question-and-answer session with Danny Rubin at the Woodstock Opera House. The day ends with Wine with Willie from 5 to 8 p.m. at Stage Left Café, 125 W. Calhoun St. Tickets for the event include samples of three white and three red wines and cheeses that pair with each selection.

On Friday, Groundhog Day movie memorabilia will be on display for the public to view from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Woodstock Public Library, 414 W. Judd St. A dinner dance at 6 p.m. at the Woodstock Moose takes people back to where the bachelor auction and dance scenes

took place in the movie. Raffles and silent auctions will be held all night to benefit Moose Charities.

Another showing of the movie will begin at 10 a.m. Saturday, followed by a bags tournament at noon, walking tour at 1 p.m., Groundhog Day bingo at 4 p.m. and a pub crawl from 6 to 10 p.m. Sunday features a pancake breakfast at 8 a.m. at the Moose Lodge, followed by a showing of the movie at 10 a.m., and a final guided walking tour at 1 p.m.

For more information, visit woodstockgroundhog.org. and to find the walking tour video, visit realwoodstock.com. ❚

Save on Phone, Internet, TV and Solar

By Peggy Werner

The pandemic has taken a toll on many local businesses, some having to close, and others having to pivot.

Owner and General Manager

Charles Zambrano of EZ Satellite and Wireless and EZ Solar has always strived to be ahead of the trends, giving customers what they need and want at the best prices available.

And that hasn’t changed.

What has changed is he is now working remotely from home and decided to close his North Second Street location in Loves Park.

“I just want to let people know I’m there for them, but I’m not where I used to be,” he says. “I am more accessible to my customers now by being there when they need me rather than keeping hours.”

When the store’s foot traffic dropped by 95 percent during the pandemic, Zam-

brano decided he needed to change with the times. He services customers by putting together packages to save money on TV, internet and phone. EZ Satellite & Wireless is an authorized dish network retailer and licensed to offer services from a long list of providers.

“I help people save money by combining services, but not from the same provider. People are paying too much for phone, internet and television services by using just one company,” he says.

And now, with the trend toward cleaner energy, he is also helping people save money through solar power, whether they buy or lease the panels. In either case, no money down is required, he says.

“Using clean energy saves electric costs for homeowners and is good for the environment. Installing solar panels in a home is the equivalent of planting 100 trees a year to reduce carbon emissions.

It’s a phenomenal impact on the environment and helps people combat inflation and energy rate increases,” he adds.

EZ Solar will help with permits, applications, and obtaining a loan for those who qualify. The product is maintenancefree and has a 25-year warranty.

Federal Investment Tax Credits and state rebates are available.

For more information on products or to set up an appointment, contact Zambrano by calling 815-994-7336 or visit his websites at EZsatellitenow.com and EZsolarenergynow.com. ❚

Entertainment & Events

RAM: Midwestern Biennial

Thru Jan. 30, Thur.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The latest iteration of this recurring display draws together a juried selection of works by Rockford and regional artists. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.com.

Rockford IceHogs Hockey Dates thru April 15. The Rockford IceHogs are members of the American Hockey League and are affiliated with the Chicago Blackhawks of the National Hockey League. Home games are at the BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford. See the full schedule at icehogs.com.

Rockford New Words Writing Festival Jan. 19-21, 7 p.m. A staged reading of 10 new plays, poems, monologues and stories by writers from Rockford and around the world, this year’s theme is Healing + Homage. West Side Show Room, 1414 N. Main St., Rockford, wssr.org.

‘The Book of Mormon’ Jan. 20, 8 p.m. The 9-time Tony Award-win-

ning musical comes to the Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.

MPAC: Evon Sams Jan. 22, 3 p.m. Evon Sams performs a collection of jazz standards, arrangements of popular songs, and original compositions. Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Synchronized Skating Sectionals Jan. 25-29. Teams from ages 6 to 65 compete to advance to the U.S. Synchronized Skating Championships. BMO Center, Rockford, usfigureskating.org/event/2023-midwesternand-pacific-coast-synchronized-skating-sectional-championships.

Natural History Trivia Night Feb. 4, 4-5:30 p.m. Think you know your natural history? Grab your smartest friends and test your knowledge of animals, plants, dinosaurs and more. There will be prizes for the top teams, as well as a “crappy” prize for

last place. Teams up to 8 people allowed. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, burpee. org/trivia-night.

Old Dominion: No Bad Vibes Tour Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. Since breaking in 2014, Old Dominion has had eight No. 1 singles at country radio and more than 1 billion ondemand streams. BMO Center, Rockford, thebmocenter.com/events/old-dominion. ❚

The Rockford New Words Writing Festival features a staged reading of 10 new works at West Side Show Room, in Rockford.