Smart Living Rockford - October 6, 2022

Planning Ahead

Happy October! I hope your month is off to a good start. So far for my family, this month has been full of fantasy football, comfy sweaters, homemade cornbread and chili, and unfortunately a “witchy” little head cold that’s been going around. Besides that last one, it’s been a good start to the fall season.

Now that we’re all feeling better, I’m start ing to think more about the upcoming months. Our magazine is called “Smart Living” be cause we want to give you genuinely helpful content for ways to live smarter, whether that’s saving money in various ways, tackling home improvement projects, or just making a simple recipe. So, what’s one way you can always live smarter? How about: planning ahead.

(I have to chuckle a bit as I write that. I’m definitely not the poster child for “planning ahead,” though I will say, motherhood has made me slightly better at it).

Right now, it’s early October. And as much as I want to just watch “Hocus Pocus 2” over and over again, it’s also the perfect time to start planning ahead for the holidays. I’m not saying you should start listening to Christ mas music (though I wouldn’t judge you if you did), but, thinking ahead about the holidays will help you get on the right track for a less stressful season.

One thing that always stresses me out is buying gifts for people. We always encourage our readers to shop local when buying gifts, and inside our magazine-land, we’re already constructing gift guides to help point you in the right direction.

As you likely know, locally owned busi nesses strengthen our regional economy in ways that big-box stores, chain restaurants and certain internet sites (ahem) never can. That’s because a much larger portion of every dollar spent at a locally owned establishment stays in our community, rather than flying off to some out-of-state headquarters. You’re also helping out your neighbors as opposed to some corpo rate CEO you’ll likely never meet.

With that in mind, keep an eye out for great gifts at the local businesses around you. You’ll be way less stressed if you can get some of your presents purchased early.

Good luck with the months ahead, and have a great week!

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

Tips for a Smooth Kitchen or Bath Remodel

By Janine Pumilia

Tod

Chapman, owner of C & H De sign Center, has coordinated a lot of kitchen and bath remodels dur ing the past 12 years and has some advice to share. First, be wary of do-it-yourself projects.

“We often have to go in and fix prob lems people created for themselves by taking on more than they really knew how to do,” says Chapman. “They’re trying to save money, but it ends up costing them more. Take advantage of the knowledge and experience people like us can offer.”

Chapman’s 6,000-foot showroom at 6506 Logan Ave., in Belvidere, Ill., con tains all the elements needed for any size job, from design help to cabinets, coun ters, tile, hardware, fixtures, shower sys tems, flooring and more. C & H Design serves customers within a 65-mile radius, including Rockford, Freeport, southern Wisconsin and Chicago suburbs.

“Some people think they’ll save a lot of money buying from big-box home centers but don’t realize those materials are often rejects or factory seconds that may not be great quality,” says Chapman. “Our pricing is compa rable to home centers, but we carry a bigger selection of quality products at all price points. Plus, you don’t have to stand there and figure out all the as pects of the job yourself.”

Chapman is glad he can offer a onestop experience to customers because he knows how many phone calls and head aches can be involved when coordinating a job.

“Someone has to do all the schedul ing for the various subcontractors,” he says. “We can handle everything so that you only have one interface, or we’ll work with you if you want to use a par ticular subcontractor. When you do a re

model with us, you’ll get a schedule of who is going to be there, on which day, doing what.”

Chapman advises people to make sure they feel comfortable with the con tractor they hire and to be sure all subcon tractors are licensed and insured. Ask to see photos of completed jobs and check references. Businesses with longevity and a local street address are more likely to be reliable.

Learn more at candhdesigncenter. com or call (815) 547-8453. ❚

Humility, Not Hubris

Many things seem murky to us in scrip ture, but some are very clear. In hun dreds of verses throughout the Old and New Testaments, God condemns arrogance and exalts humility. Indeed, it was Lucifer’s excessive pride that got him kicked out of Heaven. God told him:

“Since your vast business planning filled you with violent intent from top to bottom, you sinned, so I cast you away as defiled from the mountain of God ... Your heart grew arro gant because of your beauty; you annihilated your own wisdom because of your splendor. Then I threw you to the ground in the pres ence of kings, giving them a good look at you!” (Ezekiel 28:16-19, ISV)

Proverbs 11:2 tells us, “When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with the humble is wisdom.”

King David, the only human God re ferred to as “a man after my own heart,” (I Sam. 13:14 & Acts 13:22), expressed hu mility. “O Lord, my heart is not lifted up; my eyes are not raised too high; I do not occupy myself with things too great and too marvel ous for me.” (Psalm 131:1)

Jeremiah 9:23 tells us, “... Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches …”

Jesus told his followers in Luke 14:11 (ESV): “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.” When his disciples argued over which of them was greatest, Jesus told them: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35)

Paul instructs, in Philippians 2:3: “Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humil ity count others more significant than your selves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of oth ers. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.”

And in James 4:6: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

How should we view conceit? “So be imitators of God, as his dear children. Live lov ingly, just as the Messiah also loved us and gave himself for us as an offering and sacri fice, a fragrant aroma to God.” ❚

– Janine Pumilia

AmeriCorps Volunteers Better Our Region

By Peggy Werner

Since2018, AmeriCorps volun teers have literally been changing the landscape in Winnebago and Boone counties and introducing residents to the wonders of the natural world.

The number of volunteers has grown through the years. Currently, 14 people are serving full or part time and are main ly college students who have a degree or are in the process of getting one. They want the professional experience and a way to “give back” to local communities, says Ann Wasser, Director of Severson Dells Nature Center, the host site for this AmeriCorps program.

“The hardest thing for me is that I don’t get to keep them,” she says. “If I could, I would hire every one of them.”

The Environmental Education pro gram is just one of many ways volunteers can serve through AmeriCorps. Locally,

they help with habitat restoration, seed collection, bird-watching hikes, guided nature hikes, school field trips, summer nature camps, and classes for children and adults.

“Because of the AmeriCorps mem bers, we are able to expand programming and do more educational programs and habitat restoration,” Wasser says. “The members get valuable experience, a sti pend and a federal education award, but mostly members want to learn and make an impact on their communities.”

In her second year as an Ameri Corps volunteer, Megan Bertucci, 24, is an environmental educator at Severson Dells, hosting educational programming and leading outdoor adventures. Person ally, she is passionate about conservation, restoration and hiking, as well as other outdoor sports. She is a 2020 graduate of

Northern Michigan University with a de gree in biology and ecology.

During her first year as a volunteer, she worked to protect Pacific Salmon in Puget Sound in the state of Washington through education, restoration and re search. She applied to be an AmeriCorps volunteer when her plans for graduate school were put on hold because of the pandemic. She says the experience has been “life-changing.”

“The program has given me so much good experience and has better prepared me for the future,” she says. “I especially like to see the immediate results of do ing restoration and what a big difference it makes.”

Her assignment is finished in De cember, so she is applying for jobs in natural resources, hoping to find a proj ect management position in conservation.

Other plans include getting a Master’s degree in environmental science.

Ashlyn Rogers, 23, is from New Jer sey and graduated from Unity College in 2021 with a degree in wildlife biology and a minor in applied mathematics and statistics. She describes herself as an “allaround animal lover, life-long volunteer and outdoor enthusiast.”

At Severson Dells, she serves with the Community Science Program, habi tat restoration, and recruiting and train ing volunteers for those programs. Her assignment began in March and will end in November. She is currently looking at other AmeriCorps opportunities across the country for next spring.

“Being in this program has given me a lot of experience and the chance to ex plore new places and meet new people,” she says. “It’s important to step outside of your comfort zone to learn about yourself and the world we live in.”

Not only has she enjoyed being a volunteer, but she has also added skill

sets to her resume and paved the way for more opportunities for the future. Even tually, she plans to go to graduate school and work as a research assistant.

Wasser was an AmeriCorps volun teer in 2009, doing environmental educa tion in the state of Washington. She took her current position in 2016.

AmeriCorps is a 30-year-old federal and state program that has served as a modern-day civilian conservation corps for people of all ages. It awards grants to organizations, works to alleviate the im pact of poverty, builds homes for fami lies in need, engages low-income older Americans in mentoring and tutoring school children, and helps other seniors maintain their independence.

The states apply for the federal mon ey and host sites apply for grants from the state every three years. Organizations have to say how they will use the grant money and how they use their own funds. Members search the positions available throughout the country and apply for the

service opportunities they are interested in doing. Part of the volunteer application asks why the person wants to serve.

Wasser says there is a wide range of reasons why people are motivated to take a position with AmeriCorps. She recalls a political science student wanting to even tually work in shaping environmental policies. Another student wanted to be a park ranger, but wanted some first-hand experience in habitat restoration.

“The program is designed for people of all ages who want to have an impact in a community. It’s like a Peace Corps at home,” Wasser says. ❚

Where Are the Best Apples Around?

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Manypeople love autumn for the glorious weather the sea son provides, which leads to fun outdoor activities cropping up for just a short amount of time. Apple picking is a quintessential fall activity, and some of the best orchards out there are right in our region. Here’s a roundup of some of the best places around to purchase apples. Some locations let you pick away, while others specialize in pre-picked options.

Curran’s Orchard

6385 Kilburn Ave., Rockford, (815) 963-7848, curransorchard.com

This family-run destination is known for using fewer chemicals to grow its ap ples, resulting in pure, delicious fruit. In addition to treats, enjoy hay wagon rides, a farm animal corral, climbing bales, a straw bale mini-maze, apple launcher and more.

Valley Orchard

811 E. State St., Cherry Valley, (815) 332-9696, thevalleyorchard.com

This family-owned orchard offers ap proximately 30 varieties of apples. Pick your own or purchase pre-picked apples in the store.

Edwards Apple Orchard East & West

7061 Centerville Road, Poplar Grove, (815) 765-2234, edwardsorchard.farm

8218 Cemetery Road, Winnebago, (815) 9632261, edwardsorchardwest.com

These destinations are famous for their apple cider donuts. Find crisp apples, freshly pressed cider and more.

The Apple Hut

1718 W. Walters Road, Beloit, (608) 362-1961, facebook.com/The-Apple-Hut

A haven for fall treats, The Apple Hut

offers 17 varieties of apples, apple pies (both baked and frozen), caramel apples and other goodies. This location doesn’t accept credit, but there is an ATM on site.

Ten Eyck Orchard

W968 Highway 11 & 81, Brodhead, Wis., (608) 447-0034, teneyckorchard.com

Six generations of Ten Eycks have operated this orchard that today offers more than 50 varieties of apples, from the popular U-Pick Honeycrisp to unique pre-picked antique options such as Russet, Snow, Winesap and others. ❚

(Currans’s Orchard photo)

Save Money by Cleaning Your Furnace Now

By Peggy Werner

Extremewintertime temperatures force furnaces to work overtime, putting extra wear and tear on parts. That’s why it’s a good idea to give your heating and cooling system an an nual maintenance check-up and cleaning,

preferably every spring or fall when tem peratures are not too hot or cold.

Mark Buckner, owner and president of Rockford Heating and Air Condition ing, knows firsthand the importance of preventative maintenance.

“People don’t realize how important it is to keep a furnace clean,” he says. “It can cost a lot of money to fix components that have worn out because a furnace wasn’t properly maintained.”

Many warranties require regular maintenance of a heating system. An an nual cleaning and check-up also ensures it will work at the most efficient levels. A properly working furnace will reduce your heating costs and prevent a small problem from becoming an emergency.

The technician will check filters, the ignition system, burners, and the amp draw on the motor, in addition to clean ing the air conditioner condenser. “People

who ignore regular maintenance of their furnace are the ones who call us when something breaks, and it always happens in the most extreme conditions because that’s when the furnace is working its hardest. Furnaces never break down at convenient times. So, if you want to avoid paying someone overtime and/or holiday pay to make repairs, think ahead,” Buck ner says.

On the average, a furnace cleaning costs about $115. Emergency calls can easily double that price.

Most furnace systems are designed to handle temperatures as low as six be low zero.

“When we had the 15 to 20 be low zero temperatures, with a minus 40 wind chill, my furnace ran for three days straight and I expect a lot of furnaces were running night and day, too,” Buck ner says. ❚

How Habitat is Improving Our Community

By George Howe

Justabout anywhere around the world, you’ll find Habitat for Humanity In ternational assisting people in need. Here in Rockford, Habitat for Humanity is taking the mission further with an un usual program that’s making a big differ ence with modest home improvements.

Last year, its debut of the Critical Home Repair Program helped 10 local families to make much-needed improve ments they couldn’t otherwise afford to make to their homes. This program isn’t like a typical Habitat project, where vol unteers and professionals work hand-inhand to build a brand-new home for a family in need. Rather, it’s strictly about home repairs, says Keri Asevedo, execu tive director of Rockford Area Habitat for Humanity.

“If things exist like a crumbling staircase, non-functioning plumbing or anything that impedes the safety of the

residents living there, we’ll help home owners to get a healthy and safe house to live in,” Asevedo says.

In order to qualify for these critical home repairs, someone must own and live in the home, and they must have an income below 80% of the median income in Winnebago County – roughly $58,400 for a family of four.

So far, the response to Habitat for Humanity’s Critical Repair Program has been overwhelming. Asevedo says there’s a backlog of 120 requests, each of which Asevedo and her staff of 26 hopes to make their way through.

“At this moment, we’ve completed five home repairs with 70 to 80 ready to go,” she says.

While the Critical Repair Program is supported by grant funding, Habitat al ways welcomes additional funding. One avenue is through the group’s ReStore at

7141 Harrison Ave., in Rockford. It’s like a giant thrift store for home improvement and decor. The public is invited to donate old decor and other items, and everything is evaluated and then sold inside ReStore. Sales directly support Habitat initiatives.

Habitat for Humanity is changing lives in many ways, but there’s still plen ty of work to be done.

“What we’ve learned is that the need in our community is great,” Asevedo says. “Together we can ensure that every one in our city has a safe, healthy place to call home.” ❚

(Photo provided)

Hair Solutions That Make You Feel Better

By Peggy Werner

When licensed cosmetologist

Cindy Genrich saw her moth er go through the emotional impact of losing her hair after cancer treatment, she also saw an opportunity to help women look and feel their best at a difficult time.

“People can go through a lot, but if their hair looks good, they feel better,” she says.

Today, Genrich owns Wigs by Cindy, located inside of Permanent Cosmetics, 421 S. Mulford Road, Suite 203. She’s been in business for more than 25 years.

“Wigs have improved so much through the years. The fibers look and feel more natural and there are so many styles to choose from,” she says.

Today’s average wig weighs only about 2 ounces and is very breathable. Modern wigs are made either from easycare synthetic fibers or real human hair,

or a blend of both. They’re heat-friendly and can be styled.

Synthetic wigs are more affordable and durable but human hair wigs offer more styling options, she says.

Toppers, which clip onto your own hair, can add volume and style, while blending seamlessly with your own hair.

It’s important to consult with a pro fessional when buying a wig. Getting the proper fit is important.

“Most of my clients are women, but some men, especially if they’re still working while going through cancer treatment, want something to keep their look,” she says.

Cancer treatment is not the only rea son for hair loss. Stress, hormonal chang es, medications, diet, genetics and other issues can cause hair loss. Genrich has seen COVID-19 patients lose hair, too, usually a few months after being sick.

Some women just want good hair on de mand, especially when they travel.

Genrich is a certified hair loss con sultant, a member of the American Hair Loss Council, a volunteer for the Ameri can Cancer Society, and a designer for ‘Beauty in You’ classes for cancer pa tients. For an appointment, call (815) 222-5187 or email her at cindygenrich@ yahoo.com. ❚

Entertainment & Events

RAM: Midwestern Biennial

Oct. 7-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.

The Fab Four – Ultimate Beatles Tribute

Oct. 7, 8 p.m. The performance includes three costume changes representing every era of the Beatles. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.

Food Preservation/Making Cider

Oct. 8-9, Sat. noon-4 p.m., Sun. 2-4 p.m. Learn how pioneers preserved food and made baked goods, then watch cider being made from an 1800s apple press. Macktown Living History Center at Macktown Forest Preserve, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton, Ill., (815) 624-4200, macktownlivinghistory.com.

Jennifer Woodrum

Oct. 14, 7:30 p.m. A rising star in the clari net world, Woodrum presents a program

of primarily African-American composers. Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Get the Led Out

Oct. 15, 8 p.m. The tribute band has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zep pelin and brings a high-energy concert with heart-thumping intensity. Coronado Per forming Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rock ford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.

“Swan Lake”

Oct. 18, 7 p.m. A part of the World Ballet Series, the ballet features a cast of 50 profes sional dancers gathered to bring the famous love story to life. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.

Friendship Through Flowers

Oct. 20, 7 p.m. Ikebana is a traditional art of floral arrangement that has been practiced in Japan for more than 600 years. Ikebana International is a cultural organization de

Witness a cast of 50 professional dancers perform “Swan Lake” Oct. 18. at the Coronado Performing Arts Center, in Rockford.

voted to developing an appreciation for the art of Japanese flower arranging. Anderson Japanese Gardens, 318 Spring Creek Road, (815) 229-9390, andersongardens.org.

RSO: Deconstructing Beethoven

Oct. 22, 7:30 p.m. The timeless genius of Beethoven forced a reckoning on the musi cal world that continues today. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsym phony.com. ❚