Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes
Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden
Senior Editor Lindsey Lukas
Managing Editor Jim Taylor
Assistant Editor Steven Bonifazi
Graphics Director Samantha Behling
Graphic Designer Ashley Smith
Contributing Writers Janine Pumilia, Peggy Werner
General Sales Manager Brent Hughes
Sales Manager Brad Hughes
Advertising
Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky
Distribution Kelly and Larry Fairbairn
Hopefully, your 2024 holiday season is off to a great start!
For the Lukas family, Thanksgiving was mildly stressful, but mostly fun. My sister introduced her new boyfriend to the whole family, and as far as I can tell, he emerged from the long weekend unscathed. He and my sister were able to experience an up-close look at the realities of parenting when my toddler had the most extreme meltdown of his life during the family’s annual Christmas tree hunt… I wish I could say we took a cute Christmas card photo and cheered when my husband chopped down the perfect tree, but that’s not even close to what happened. What actually happened was 30 straight minutes of toddler lungs screaming. In hindsight, I’m sure I could have handled it better. But, as far as parenting goes, I can only try to do better going forward. In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I’m thankful for my toddler who forces me to grow in patience. I’m thankful for a partner who’s supportive and calm during stressful situations. And I’m thankful for family shots of Apple Pie Moonshine.
Now, our family is looking forward to Christmas, and every year, I find it a challenge to focus on what’s important. It’s easy to feel swept up in the holiday shopping, dinner prepping, house decorating and everything else. I’m the first to admit I let it stress me out.
But none of that is really all that important, is it? This is not an advice column, so if you have any tips on how to stay grounded during the holidays, I’m all ears.
This year, I’m trying to internalize that I’m not a better or worse parent based on how extravagant my decorations are, or how expensive my gifts are. Instead, I try to focus on loving my children by reading aloud to them daily; I’m trying to be a great listener when catching up with relatives; I’m trying to spread more light than darkness (especially when the best-laid plans go sour, like that now infamous tree hunt). Basically, I’m just trying my best. And meanwhile, I’m wishing you all an overflow of peace this season. Happy holidays!
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
When we think about it, it’s truly remarkable that God allows us to choose whether or not to follow Him. If anyone has a right to coerce us, surely it’s the Creator. But God doesn’t want allegiance that isn’t freely given. Jesus told his followers to “go tell the good news,” not to “go force people into joining my group.”
Tragically, governments and religions have been less respectful of individual conscience throughout history, leading to wars and tragedies, even here in America. From the early 1600s to mid 1700s, religious persecution and state-mandated, taxsupported religions were the norm. Louisiana required all residents to practice Catholicism; Virginia mandated Anglicanism; Puritan Massachusetts barely tolerated Protestant dissenters and certainly not the beliefs of Native Americans, Africans, Jews or Quakers. This led Quaker Roger Williams to declare “Forced worship stinks in God’s nostrils,” as he established Rhode Island on the “new” principle of religious freedom.
It was against this backdrop that Virginia Gov. Thomas Jefferson declared that no man is truly free as long as his religious beliefs are manipulated by his government.
In the 1786 Virginia Act for Establishing Religious Freedom, Jefferson wrote:
“... Be it therefore enacted by the General Assembly, That no man shall be compelled to frequent or support any religious worship, place, or ministry whatsoever, nor shall be enforced, restrained, molested, or burdened in his body or goods, nor shall otherwise suffer on account of his religious opinions or belief; but that all men shall be free to profess, and by argument to maintain, their opinions in matters of religion...”
He later made this concept a cornerstone of the Declaration of Independence.
Especially at Christmas, let’s appreciate and safeguard our hard-won freedom to worship, or not worship, as we wish. History teaches us that a state-and-religion marriage never ends well for anyone.
Most of all, let’s be thankful for the right God gives us to follow Him by free choice. May we extend the same right to our neighbors – all of them. ❚
– Janine Pumilia
By Jim Taylor, managing editor
Broadway at the Coronado, which has been entertaining audiences for more than 10 years, is bringing the Great White Way back to Rockford with four shows that run from December to May at the Coronado Theatre, 314 N. Main St.
With Christmas around the corner, tickets to top-quality entertainment close to home make for a great gift.
“Rockford doesn’t have to go to Chicago,” says Doug Johnson, ASM Rockford assistant general manager and regional director of booking for ASM Global, which manages the Coronado. “Chicago needs to come to Rockford.”
The Broadway season kicked off Dec. 9 with the triumphant return of “Chicago,” the hit Jazz Age musical that premiered on Broadway in 1975.
On April 3, the season continues with “Hadestown,” a critically acclaimed 2019
retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, which is literally a journey through Hell. The show took home eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical.
Up next, “The Cher Show” brings 35 chart-topping hits to Rockford on April 30. The two-time Tony Award-winning production tells the story of this iconic film and recording artist, as it explores an incredible six-decade career that saw her become a multi-platinum recording artist and an Oscar winner.
“Tina – The Tina Turner Musical” shares the story of another legend’s transformation into a rock ‘n’ roll and Hollywood superstar. The production hits the Coronado on May 29 and features some of Turner’s greatest hits.
Since its debut in 1927, the Coronado hasn’t stopped wowing audiences. It’s a member of the National Register of
Historic Places, and it’s beloved by many for grand architecture that blends Spanish and Italian styles with fantastical elements like Japanese dragons and a ceiling that resembles the night sky filled with clouds and twinkling stars. The Coronado is considered to be Rockford’s crown jewel, particularly since massive renovations in 2001.
“When I came here three years ago, what put me over the top was the Coronado,” says Johnson, a Milwaukee native. “A lot of towns don’t have theaters that are so historic.” ❚
By Lynne Conner
The Superhero Center for Autism, in
Loves Park, Ill., isn’t the Batcave or Superman’s Fortress of Solitude. But it is a place where special needs children and their families can find acceptance, assistance and empowerment. The nonprofit organization, located at 4205 Galleria Dr., is dedicated to providing support, education and resources for families affected by autism.
One day every year, volunteers, families and supporters of the Superhero Center do put on masks for a good cause. The eighth annual masquerade ball, scheduled for Jan. 25, is the biggest fundraiser of the year, and it’s coming to the new Hard Rock Casino.
“This is a new venue for us,” says Kira Carte, Superhero Center’s board president. “We’re hoping to reach more people than ever before.”
For the 100% volunteer-run Superhero Center, the masquerade ball is an important way to raise funds and awareness. Individuals can purchase tickets online, at superherocenter.org, for $100.
Tickets to a special VIP hour includes a specialty cocktail, valet parking, live music and $10 of casino cash, all for an additional $75.
“We have a wide variety of items and experiences in our silent auction,” says Carte. “Some of our more memorable items have included tickets to sporting events, spa baskets for moms, art, a basket of grilling-related items including a fire pit, and other themed baskets.”
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability that’s
caused by differences in the brain. People with ASD may behave, communicate, interact and learn in ways that differ from their peers. Their abilities can vary widely – some can hold advanced conversations while others don’t speak at all. Some require significant support in daily life while others can live and work independently. According to a 2020 CDC report, one in 36 children in the United
States has been identified as having ASD. Because autism affects children in such different ways, the Superhero Center provides an outlet for these children and their families in a judgement-free environment. Some children are sensory seeking, meaning they are highly active and look for strong or intense sensations to feel more engaged. On the other side of the spectrum, sensory-avoiding children feel overwhelmed in loud or stimulating environments.
“We offer open gym nights several times weekly, where kids can play on the swings, mini trampoline, climbing
wall and crash mats,” Carte says. “Other children may feel more comfortable with noise-canceling headphones or choose to visit our quiet room.”
Registration at the Superhero Center is free, and all its services, events and resources are offered at no charge.
There’s also a parent resource component that provides valuable information on supporting children with autism.
Since the Superhero Center doesn’t charge families for its services or events and receives no state or federal aid, fundraising is crucial to help it stay operational. It also raises awareness with merchandise, available for purchase during open gym times.
At the heart of the Superhero Center for Autism is the volunteer workforce. Many of its volunteers are parents or loved ones of individuals with autism. Carte points out that volunteer opportunities are a great way for college students who are pursuing a career in special education or related fields.
“We desperately need volunteers,” she says. “Helping out at the Superhero Center is a concrete way to gain experience in social services and better understand issues that are facing special needs children.”
“The coolest thing about the Superhero Center is that parents and kids don’t feel judged,” Carte adds. “If a child has a sensory meltdown during one of our events, the other parents and children understand because they’ve been in similar situations. The mutual support and understanding I have seen among families at the Superhero Center is amazing.”
By Peggy Werner
Good nutrition makes all the difference when it comes to getting and keeping farm animals and domestic pets healthy, says Randy Anderson, owner of Anderson Feed in Chana, Ill.
“The health of all animals is dependent on the quality of their diet, just like people,” he says. “Nutrition is everything when it comes to an animal’s health, productivity and lifespan.”
His store specializes in quality products that are consistent in their ingredients and formula.
“It’s the difference between eating whole foods and fast foods,” he says. “Store brands are not consistent. They can adjust the formula to keep the price down. Feed companies are not required to list ingredients by greatest importance.”
Corn and other starchy fillers break down into sugar and make animals fat
and unsatisfied, Anderson adds. Poor nutrition can also lead to problems of being underweight. The age, weight and health of animals should determine how they eat.
Common problems seen in unhealthy pets are being overweight, having digestive problems, having urinary track problems, overeating, and having flaky skin and/or a dry coat.
With farm animals, it’s all about production. The best-fed farm animals produce a higher quality of eggs, meat and milk, Anderson adds.
Anderson is co-owner with his wife, Nancy, of Anderson Feed. Their son, Gavin, works with them.
Anderson originally worked for a large feed company before starting his own business. He provides products and service to zoos through an online
company he owns at nuzufeed.com. He has another online company, Stabul1. com, that specializes in horse diets.
Anderson has access to nutritionists, scientists and veterinarians across the country to help farmers and pet owners solve problems they are having with their animals, he says.
“With proper nutrition, animals may not need medications in the future.”
For more information, contact Anderson at the retail store, 3338 S. Chana Road, or call (815) 732-3338. ❚
By Stephanie N. Grimoldby
The saying, “prevention is better than the cure,” couldn’t be any truer when it comes to a stroke. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 80% of strokes are preventable because many of the known risk factors are treatable.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is the No. 1 risk factor for a stroke. If your top number (systolic blood pressure) is greater than 140, or your bottom number (diastolic blood pressure) is over 90, you’re at a higher risk for a stroke.
Always work closely with your primary care doctor if you have any potential risk factors,
including high blood pressure, AFib or even high cholesterol, says Cody Monyelle, a nurse and stroke coordinator at Beloit Health System.
“The only way to really test cholesterol is through a blood test,” he says. “Talk to a health care provider to get that test ordered. The recommendation is every five years if someone doesn’t have high cholesterol.”
The older you are, the more likely you are to suffer a stroke. But strokes can affect any age, including children. Interestingly, between the ages of 20 and 39, women are twice as likely to have a stroke as men, Monyelle says.
“Pregnancy is one of the risks of increasing your chance of a stroke,” he adds.
Instead of worrying about the factors that you can’t control, focus on the
ones you can. Aim for 20 to 30 minutes of moderate exercise four to five days a week. That will not only greatly reduce the risk of having a stroke, but also reduce the risk of other fatal complications of diabetes and hypertension, such as heart attacks.
A healthy diet also is beneficial. Avoid items that have hidden sugar and salt, such as soda and ready-to-eat boxed meals. In addition, opt for a diet that’s low in meat, sweets and refined grains including white bread and white rice. ❚
All Aglow Holiday Display
Tru Jan. 6, dusk to dawn. See sparkling lights in the outdoor gardens with light-wrapped trees and shrubs, as well as new surprises to discover. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org.
‘Mannheim Steamroller Christmas’
Dec. 14, 3 p.m. Te program includes 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia efects, capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting. Coronado Teater, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9685222, coronadopac.org.
Aaron Lewis: Te American Patriot Tour
Dec. 19, 7 p.m. Lewis frst found success as a founding member, lead vocalist and guitarist with the alternative metal band Staind, then pursued a solo career in country music. Hard Rock Casino, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (779) 269-9010, casino.hardrock.com.
RSO: Holiday Pops
Dec. 21, 7:30-9:30 p.m. Te annual holiday tradition features the Nielsen Chorale and the orchestra performing old and new seasonal
favorites. Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Coronado Teater, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
Art of the Earth: Mammoth Steppe Diorama Dec. 21, 1-2 p.m. Learn about the mammoth steppe, a massive biome that once stretched across the northern hemisphere and supported a wide variety of wildlife, from mammoths to reindeer and woolly rhinoceros. Ten, make your own mini steppe with help from a professional paleoartist. Reg. req. Burpee Museum of Natural History, 737 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9653433, burpee.org.
Countdown to Fun
Dec. 31, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. A New Year’s Eve party for little ones who will be asleep before midnight. Welcome in the new year with a Times Squareesque ball and confetti drop every hour. Make sparklers, noisemakers and 2025-themed hats to keep the celebration going. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9636769, discoverycentermuseum.org.
Elvis Tribute Artist Spectacular
Jan. 10, 7 p.m. In a spectacular birthday edition, this era-by-era tribute concert celebrates the music and magic of Elvis Presley. Te concert
begins with the early rock-a-billy and moves to the military years, the movie years, the ’68 comeback special in black leather and the Las Vegas concert years. Hard Rock Casino, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, (779) 269-9010, casino. hardrock.com.
Disney on Ice presents ‘Mickey’s Search Party’ Jan. 16-19, Turs.-Fri. 7 p.m., Sat. 11 a.m., 3 p.m. & 7 p.m., Sun. 1 p.m. Join Mickey Mouse and his friends for an adventure flled with world-class skating, high-fying acrobatics and unexpected stunts. BMO Center, 300 Elm St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, thebmocenter.com. ❚
