Smart Living Rockford - February 16, 2023

Are You Bored?

Happy February! I hope you enjoyed Valentine’s Day!

It’s nice having a holiday to break up the month. But now, it’s getting to that point when cabin fever is really setting in.

I’m kind of a wuss when it comes to the cold weather — my nature is to stay inside until it’s beach and boating season. Thankfully, temperatures are starting to creep upwards, and my husband, Mike, and I are finding plenty of opportunities to embrace the last of winter and escape our household.

To be honest, I oftentimes hear people complaining that there’s “nothing to do here” (in Rockford or in our region in general). It always irks me, and I tend to respond a little feisty — is Rockford boring, or are YOU boring? Because the truth is, there’s a lot going on here.

As you’ll discover in our cover story, PaleoFest is coming up soon at the Burpee Museum. This is an event that draws people from all over the world — not just those in our backyard. It’s a great event for kids as well as academically minded adults.

For those who are brave enough to play in the snow, you can still visit Alpine Hills Adventure Park for snow tubing, snowboarding and skiing. Good thing they make their own snow.

If you’re willing to drive about an hour for an outing, I highly recommend seeing “Into the Woods” at the Paramount Theatre, in Aurora. Mike and I went last weekend and it was so entertaining. It’s a long show (three hours), but it doesn’t feel that long. The witch was definitely channeling her inner Meryl Streep.

For more ideas about things to do, I recommend searching the events tab at gorockford.com or checking out our calendars in Northwest Quarterly Magazine. Both are great resources for staying in-the-know about upcoming local and regional events.

Hopefully, you find a reason to get out of the house. Have a great week! ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

All You Need to Plan Your Dream Wedding

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

For those soon to be knee-deep in wedding planning, the 2023 Bridal Expo at Franchesco’s Ristorante, 7128 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, gathers top bridal vendors all together in one location.

“We are incredibly excited to bring back one of our most beloved traditions at Franchesco’s – the honor of hosting our brides and grooms as they plan their special day,” says Michelle LaMay, Franchesco’s general manager. “Planning your big day can be super overwhelming. If you don’t know where to start and you’re looking to get some great ideas for your wedding, you can head over to the Franchesco’s Bridal Expo.”

The event takes place Saturday, Feb. 18 from noon-3 p.m. Brides- and grooms-to-be can find all categories of vendors from DJs, photographers, florists

and event coordinators to travel agents, jewelers, officiants and make-up artists. There are also vendors for hotels, bridal gowns, tuxedos, photo booths, ceremony and reception venues, transportation, salons and more.

“Planning your wedding doesn’t have to be difficult,” LaMay says. “We’re bringing you the best of the best in a can’tmiss event for brides-to-be. Franchesco’s is your one-stop shop.”

Tickets for the bridal expo cost $10 and include appetizers, a signature cocktail and giveaways. Attendees can expect prizes and giveaways from every vendor in attendance, plus a grand-prize raffle for $1,000 towards a wedding at Franchesco’s.

“It’s such a fun day,” LaMay says. “Bring your mom, your bridesmaids and your friends for a day full of wedding fun. We can’t wait to see you.” ❚

Shameless

Mostof us feel shame when we behave badly, as we should. Only people with major disorders, such as sociopaths and narcissists, don’t feel shame. How we move past our shame is important to our walk with God and overall wellbeing. Trying to hide from God, as Adam and Eve did (Genesis 3:8), or lying to ourselves about our misdeeds, just doesn’t work.

If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (I John. 1:8&9)

Therefore, our first step is honesty, which requires humility. In humility we can summon the courage to face our ugly parts, correct bad behaviors, accept forgiveness and draw closer to God. We do this as often as we need to because God’s mercy is infinite.

…as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. (Psalm 103:12 & 13 NIV)

Before he was confronted by Christ on the road to Damascus and called to be an apostle, Paul violently persecuted Christians. Talk about feelings of shame! But he didn’t allow his shameful past to put distance between himself and God, or to hinder the future to which God called him. He moved past his shame.

But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 3:13b NIV)

If we don’t deal with them, emotions like shame can widen the space between God and us. That’s not what He wants. We’re all imperfect. God knows this. He loves us anyway. We can be at peace.

Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded … Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:8,10 NIV) ❚

--Janine Pumilia

A Full Weekend of Fun at PaleoFest

By Peggy Werner

Burpee Museum is celebrating its 25th anniversary of PaleoFest that draws experts from around the world to share their insight with lovers of paleontology.

“This weekend is the center of the paleontology world,” says Joshua Mathews, vice president of research and operations and director of paleontology at Burpee Museum. “Like-minded people get together to learn what’s new in the field. Dinosaurs, fossils and animals of the past captivate everybody. And we’re proud to say PaleoFest has become a model program for other communities wanting to host similar events.”

This year’s event takes place March 3-5 at the Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, and features two days of events open to the general public from 9:15 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 9:45 a.m.-5 p.m. Sunday.

Events include a lecture series featuring 17 speakers from around the world, workshops for children, and eight Paleo Passport stations where attendees can collect information and learn about different aspects of paleontology. All speakers are scientists with advanced degrees or graduate students with specialists in some aspect of paleontology.

“When people think of paleontology, they think of dinosaurs, but the field covers a lot more about all ancient life, including plants, mammals, invertebrates, reptiles and more,” Mathews says.

The only undergraduate on the

speaker’s list is Caleb Bohus, a student at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, who will speak on “New Tetrapod Discoveries from the Late Mississippian Red Beds of Southern Illinois.”

Dr. Thomas Holtz of the University of Maryland is a world-renowned speaker in his field and has been part of PaleoFest for years. This year, his talk is entitled “Jane vs. Pearl: Contrasting the Biology and Ecology of Two Latest Cretaceous Dinosaurs.” Pearl is an Oviraptor dinosaur found in Montana.

PaleoFest kicks off Friday with two one-hour student symposiums for area public school students of all ages, in

Joshua Mattews

Caleb Bohus

person or virtually. Interested educators can contact Burpee at (815) 965-3433 or email Ryan Pickerill at ryan.pickerill@ burpee.org.

That evening, a “Member’s Night” for Burpee members features Dr. Steve Brusatte of the University of Edinburgh, Scotland speaking on “My Travels in the Jurassic World.” The presentation highlights his experiences working as the paleontology consultant on the 2022 summer blockbuster “Jurassic World: Dominion,” and will include information of his experiences on set, meeting the actors, and how he worked with director Colin Trevorrow, the writers and artists.

A Saturday dinner begins with cocktails and music at 5 p.m. at Hoffman

House, 7550 E. State St. At 7:30 p.m., Dr. Lindsay Zanno of North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences at North Carolina State University speaks on “A Hothouse

For Cool Critters: How Cretaceous Climate Change Redefined North America Dinosaur Evolution.”

Some of the family workshops held during the weekend include “Fossil Lake in a Jar Workshop” for those ages 3-6. Fifty-five million years ago, massive lakes covered the western United States and preserved countless fossils from tiny horses to schools of fish. Learn about the process of fossilization and make your own Fossil Lake in a jar.

The “Brachiopods Cast Workshop,” for the same age group, teaches about plaster casts that re-create animal impressions after death.

For those ages 7

and older, “Amber Workshop” teaches about amber and how no other fossil preserves animals in greater detail. Participants can make their own amber soap fossil. Also, “A Guide to Paleontology Workshop” teaches youngsters about what it takes to be a paleontologist, including fossil preparation, studying the past, specialized tools and the different fossil phases.

A “Family PaleoArt Workshop” shows how artists and scientists can work together to create a visual representation of another time on earth.

For a complete list of classes and workshops on Saturday and Sunday, visit burpee.org/paleofest-2023-activities.

A number of ticket options are available to individuals and families, whether they want to attend the full weekend or parts of the weekend. Those options can be found at burpee.org/paleofest-tickets. General admission to the museum during PaleoFest includes the Paleo Passport Stations. ❚

Dr. Steve Brusatte

Dr. Lindsay Zanno

Build Your Budget for Your Dream Kitchen

By Jim Taylor, managing editor

For many, the only thing that truly stands in the way of creating a dream kitchen is finances. A major kitchen renovation is a major investment of both time and money. Once the renovations are complete, however, you end up with a beautiful kitchen that improves the value of your home and brings happiness for years to come.

Most designers will help you find a budget you can live with, and they stick to it with cost-saving options you might not have considered.

Chad Beasley is a business manager at Macktown Construction, 9957 N. Alpine Road in Machesney Park, Ill. Since 2015, the company has been guiding its clients through the process of designing and executing ideal additions to their homes, all while staying in budget. For Beasley, the name of the game is helping

his customers dream up kitchen ideas while keeping their feet on the ground.

“Depending on the size of the kitchen, most major renovations start at around $75,000,” he says. “You can go lower, but most people want the most state-of-the-art appliances and gadgets, so that’s a good number to budget for.”

There are a few ways to keep costs from ballooning. One way is to use your kitchen’s existing layout for things like cabinets and appliances. This helps to avoid more-intrusive procedures, like knocking down walls, rewiring outlets, or tearing out and reinstalling plumbing –all of which will significantly add to your expenses. Beasley reiterates that costs can come down with smart selections of fixtures and appliances.

“A lot of it depends on what you pick out when you’re in here,” he says. “One

of the things I work on, especially at the end of the process, is telling our clients, ‘What you picked is amazing, but it’s going to take you out of your range. Let’s find something functional but still in your budget.’”

Another thing you need to budget is time. Don’t expect your kitchen to be completed in just a few days. Plan to use your kitchen sparingly, or not at all.

“Typically, we’re in there eight to 12 weeks, depending on what’s being done,” Beasley says. ❚

Rockford IceHogs Hockey

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.

RAM: Yoga in the Gallery

Thru March 2, Thursdays 9 a.m. Join local artist and registered yoga teacher Rhiannon Yandell for a 60-minute vinyasa-style yoga practice suitable for all abilities. Mats available for use or bring your own. View art exhibits after class. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

Tracy Lawrence

Feb. 16, 7:30 p.m. Celebrating his 30th anniversary in country music, the award-winning singer, songwriter and record producer has 13 million albums and 18 No. 1 hits. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.

Buddy Guy

Feb. 17, 8 p.m. At 86, he is a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, a big influence on rock, a pioneer of Chicago’s fabled West Side sound and a

Entertainment & Events

living link to the city’s halcyon days of electric blues. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.

‘The Importance of Being Earnest’

Feb. 23-26, Thurs.-Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. Witty, quick-paced dialogue and situations dealing with love, mistaken identity, an outrageous parent and a host of unusual comic characters mark a show that playwriter Oscar Wilde called “a trivial comedy for serious adults.” Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4100, rockford.edu.

Black History Month Kids Storytime & Craft

Feb. 24, 9-11 a.m. Listen to stories by black authors and make a craft in honor of Black History Month. Rockford Public Library, Hart Interim Library, 214 N. Church St., Rockford, (815) 965-7606, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

42nd Annual Rockford Home Show

Feb. 24-26, see website for times. See what’s new for the home and garden and enjoy juggling shows, wildlife shows and kids’ building projects. Indoor Sports Center at Mercyhealth Sportscore Two, 8800 E. Riverside Dr.., Loves Park, Ill., (815) 871-7469, gorockford.com.

Welty’s 15th Annual Maple Sugar Fest

Feb. 25, 8 a.m.-noon. See the tree-to-table process and taste the final product. Welty Environmental Center, 1201 Big Hill Court, Beloit, (608) 3611377, weltycenter.org.

‘Hairball’

Feb. 24, 8 p.m. Witness an explosive homage to some of the biggest musicians, including Van Halen, KISS, Mötley Crüe, Queen, Journey and Aerosmith. Coronado Performing Arts Center, Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org. ❚

Witness the tree-to-table process of making maple syrup and taste the finished product Feb. 25 at Welty Environmental Center.