Saturday, November 30 • 2 - 9 PM Downtown Rockford
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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 Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky
Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes
Director of Corporate Happiness Hana Hughes
Distribution Kelly and Larry Fairbairn
Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 www.SmartLivingRockford.com
November Thoughts
Within the last month, the Dodgers won the World Series, we turned our clocks back an hour, and the election happened. I know some readers are elated, while others are crushed. Most are probably relieved it’s over.
Before knowing the outcome, I remember thinking “I really hope our leaders can work together to combat major problems.” As citizens, it’s always smart living on our part to hold our leaders to high standards, both locally and nationally.
I try to pause and remember that it’s good to be an American, Illinoisan and Rockfordian. You might disagree, but I truly believe this. Deep breaths.
On a more fun note, the holiday season is here! Peppermint drinks are back; ornaments are for sale; Mariah Carey said “It’s Time” and launched a new collection of snow globes. The joyful parts of the season couldn’t come at a better time.
One of the best local traditions, Stroll on State, is happening Nov. 30 throughout downtown Rockford. I love how united our community feels at this event. It’s free, it’s fun, and it feels like everyone shows up. You can read more about it within our pages.
I’d also like to take a moment to encourage all of you readers to shop from local businesses this holiday season. Target is great, the ‘zon is convenient, but those corporations don’t need your financial support in the same way that your neighborhood shops do. (Not to mention, your locally owned bookstore, coffee shop, toy store and clothing boutique have cuter, morethoughtful items anyways).
Shopping local boosts our local economy and keeps our neighbors employed. In return, you receive attentive customer service and fun, one-of-a-kind items. Plus, a town with thriving local shops is a more-exciting town to live in.
Above all else, I want to sincerely wish you all a joyful holiday season. Times are tense, and I’m sure some of your holiday gatherings will be a bit awkward this year. Hopefully, we can all push through it by finding joy where we can. Happy holidays! ❚
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
A Promise of Peace
In the book of Isaiah, written more than 700 years before the birth of Jesus Christ, Isaiah prophesied the coming of the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). In Galatians 5:22, we see “peace” listed among the fruit of the spirit that Christians reap when they follow the ways of God. The word is translated into English from the Greek “eirene,” (“pax” in Latin), which appears more than 90 times in the New Testament. (The name “Irene” comes from eirene.)
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus cautions that this world will never be a place of peace. “Don’t suppose that I’ve come to bring peace on the earth,” he says in Matthew 10:34. In fact, the very act of following him will stir turmoil, not peace, he warns. (Luke 12:51)
So if this earth isn’t a peaceful place, why is peace promised to us? Because God’s peace is internal, not external.
Jesus knew what the Old Testament proclaimed about peace: “You [God] will keep in perfect peace all who trust in You, all whose thoughts are fixed on You,” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT).
Jesus promised that God would send the gift of holy spirit, a “comforter,” to live inside each believer. That promise was fulfilled on the Day of Pentacost. This supernatural kind of peace only comes from God. “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus,” Paul wrote in Philippians 4:7.
Shortly before the darkest moment of history – Jesus’ betrayal and execution – he told his disciples: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I don’t give to you as the world gives. Don’t let your hearts be troubled and don’t be afraid.” (John 14:1).
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33).
God has already delivered peace to us through Jesus Christ, whether or not we “feel” it. Studying how the word "peace" is used in scripture is a great starting point for helping us to internalize this precious gift. ❚
– Janine Pumilia
A ‘Promise of Peace’ From ‘Messiah’
By Peggy Werner
Justwhen everyone is getting stressed about gift buying, parties and other holiday preparations, the Rockford Choral Union’s annual gift to the community delivers a message of hope, peace and love, and sets the tone for the true meaning of Christmas.
Handel’s “Messiah,” performed by Rockford Choral Union, returns to Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 930 Third Ave., Rockford, at 3 p.m. on both Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. Both performances will also be live streamed on the choral union’s Facebook page.
The English-spoken oratorio composed by George Frideric Handel tells a sacred story with voices and orchestra about man’s sinful nature and Christ’s redemption. First performed in Dublin, Ireland in 1742, the work has become one of the best-known and most frequently per-
formed choral works in western music.
Conductor Michael Beert says his role is to deliver an important message to the community.
“My job as a conductor is to help the choir and the orchestra deliver a message that involves different emotions at different times,” he explains. “The production is not just about the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, but it is also about the promise of a savior, the belief and faith in Him, and how we live our lives because of Him.”
Each year, the message has a different emphasis, Beert adds.
“This year, I’m thinking about the promise of peace – individual peace and peace for humanity –because that is what we always need, but it is more relevant than ever today,” he says. “Every year, the production means something different
to me. It’s not intentional – it’s all about how I feel the spirit moves me.”
The all-volunteer choral production features a 15-piece chamber orchestra, an organist, four soloists, a harpsichordist and vocalists, all representing many churches and faith organizations in the state-line area and beyond. Since the pandemic, the number of volunteers has grown each year, bringing the number of voices to more than 80 this year.
This is Tim Krug’s second year singing bass with the choral union. Previously with the Nielson Chorale for several
years, he says the annual performance is always meaningful to the performers and the listeners in the audience.
“It’s a marvelous experience in a beautiful venue and a fantastic opportunity to sing one of the greatest works ever written,” he says. “It’s a chance to connect with a community of people who come to hear it for so many different reasons. Whether it’s a tradition, an appreciation for the music, or for whatever reason they attend, it is wonderfully received.”
For Krug, the interpretation and direction from Beert contributes to a musical experience that enriches the holiday and Advent season.
“I couldn’t be more thrilled with the caliber of singers,” Beert adds. “It tells me they recognize the quality of the production and want to be part of it.”
Rockford Choral Union, at one time known as the Lutheran Choral Union, was established in 1945 for the sole purpose of performing “Messiah.” Seventynine years later, the annual tradition has been heard more than 200 times, except in 2020 during the pandemic. Emmanuel Lutheran Church was its first home before moving to Trinity Lutheran Church for many years.
Beert says Handel was commissioned to write the piece for the opening of an orphanage and hospital in London and worked on the music non-stop for several weeks. He wrote the oratorio in 1741, after coming to London in the 1700’s to write opera. He was wellversed in Italian opera, which was the focus of his career, but then the musical tastes of audiences changed. New operas were being written in the form of English
folk tales and the changes in the monarchy wanted music to express the politics of the day, which was a move toward Protestantism, he explains.
“Handel had to adjust. Instead of writing opera, he reinvented the oratorio, making it something the aristocracy could support and enjoy,” Beert says. “After hearing the first ‘Messiah’ performed in London, King George II stood up for the Hallelujah Chorus because he was so moved by what he heard.”
Oratorios differ from opera in that they are religious in topic, require no scenery, costumes, or acting.
“Handel was all about trying to express what was happening in Jesus’ life from the prophecies of the Old Testament to Revelation, through words and music,” Beert adds. “Baroque composers, like Handel, were most interested in conveying emotion as a story is told.”
There is no admission fee for Rockford Choral Union’s performance, however, they will accept a free-will offering. ❚
Holiday Fun at Stroll on State
By Peggy Werner
Stroll on State brings people of all ages together for a day of shopping, activities, food, music and fellowship.
A project of GoRockford, Stroll on State is a “free gift” to the community from 2-9 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 30 in downtown Rockford, in an area bordered by Jefferson, Church, Chestnut and Third Streets.
“Stroll on State is a cornerstone of community pride,” says Kristen Paul, vice president of destination development for GoRockford. “The event leaves a lasting impact by creating tourism, giving back to the community, and providing an annual tradition people can look forward to.”
New this year is a Holiday Drone Show featuring more than 200 drones illuminating the skies over the Main Stage in the BMO Harris Bank Center parking lot, immediately following one
of the event’s most popular moments, the lighting of the city Christmas tree at 6 p.m. at Main and Elm Streets.
Visits and photos with Santa are back this year at Second and East State Streets and in the Memorial Hall parking lot at Mulberry and Main Streets.
A brand-new Dasher Dash 5K Toy Drive benefits the local Boys and Girls Club of Rockford. Presented by the Illinois Lottery, those 18 and older who donate a new, unwrapped toy get a free Holiday Scratch Instant Ticket. All giftgivers are eligible to enter a grand prize drawing held after the race that starts at noon near Beattie Park.
Stroll on State has grown throughout the years. What began as a city treelighting ceremony has grown to include downtown decorations, lights, displays, a parade, live music on two stages, and fun activities like the popular Hot Chocolate Express, Rudolph’s Reindeer Village,
the Outdoor Movie Land Experience, a holiday T-shirt contest, letters to Santa, a s’mores station, adult beverage stands, horse and wagon rides, ice skating, two outdoor holiday markets, selfie stations, ice skating, performances by the Rockford Dance Company, fireworks at 8:30 p.m. and much more.
Stroll on State needs volunteers to help decorate the downtown on Nov. 22 and 23. For more information, go to strollonstate.com. Suggested onstreet and lot parking is also available on the website. Free shuttle bus service continuously runs every 20 minutes from 1-9 p.m. from select locations. ❚
Stroll on State is Nov. 30 in downtown Rockford.
New Company, Same Great Service
By Peggy Werner
Entrepreneur Charles Zambrano is best known for starting businesses to give customers what they want and need at affordable prices, always striving to stay ahead of the trends.
The former founder and owner of EZ Satellite and Wireless and EZ Solar has now joined the team at Central Point Restorations in Cherry Valley, which specializes in roof replacement, maintenance, repair and restoration, as well as siding, gutters, flooring, and water and fire damage restoration for homes and commercial businesses in the stateline area. Soon, the company will sell metal buildings for commercial warehousing, storage and manufacturing.
The company’s owner is Angelica Gomez. Her family has been long-time friends with Zambrano and his family. Their friendship is now benefiting both
families professionally. “I bring my work experience to the company, while they are teaching me about the roofing, restorations and construction business,” Zambrano says.
Zambrano jumped at the opportunity to work for Central Point Restorations because of its emphasis on using topquality materials and its attention to delivering the best customer service.
People first became acquainted with him as the owner of EZ Satellite and Wireless of Loves Park, helping hundreds of people reduce their costs for phone, internet and television service. Eventually, he also helped people save money through solar power. He worked from home when the pandemic took its toll on foot traffic. With a reduced work staff and everyone going to streaming, he needed to change with the trends, he says.
“Housing and the roofing business will be around forever. There will always be new construction and roofs that need to be repaired and replaced because of age or storm damage.”
For more information or to schedule a free estimate, call the company at (815) 712-5890 or visit the website at centralpointrestorations.com. ❚
All Aglow Holiday Display
Nov. 30-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.
RSO/Rockford Dance Co.: ‘The Nutcracker’ Dec. 7-8, Sat. 6 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. The holiday classic about a magical experience on Christmas Eve is presented in partnership with the Rockford Dance Company and features lead dancers from the region’s top ballet companies. Coronado Theater, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com.
‘The Snowman’
Dec. 7-8, Sat. 7 p.m., Sun. 3 p.m. The animated movie is accompanied by live music from the Rockford Wind Ensemble. Nordlof Center, 118 N. Main St., Rockford, (779) 699-0480, rockfordwindensemble.org.
Second City Chorus – Concerts on the Creek Dec. 7, 7-9 p.m. The area’s premier mixed a cappella chorus returns for their annual holiday concert. Made up of men and women from all walks of life, they share a tremendous
love for music in the Barbershop style. Spring Creek United Church of Christ, 4500 Spring Creek Road, Rockford, (815) 979-1949, springcreekucc.org.
‘Chicago: The Musical’
Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m. A universal tale of fame and fortune, with showstopping songs and dancing galore. Coronado Theater, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.
MPAC: Rockford University Vocal Collective Dec. 9, 5:30 p.m. Get into the holiday spirit with this festive program of seasonal favorites. Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, Starr Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford (815) 9649713, mendelssohnpac.org.
‘Mannheim Steamroller Christmas’
Dec. 14, 3 p.m. The holiday tradition continues. For more than 35 years, Grammy Award winner Chip Davis has created a show featuring classics in the distinctive Mannheim sound. The program includes 15 musicians playing more than 20 instruments against a backdrop of dazzling multimedia effects, capturing the spirit of the season in an immersive yet intimate setting. Coronado Theater, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.
Entertainment & Events
Aaron Lewis: The American Patriot Tour Dec. 19, 7 p.m. Lewis first 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. The annual holiday tradition features the Nielsen Chorale and the orchestra performing old and new seasonal favorites. Rockford Symphony Orchestra, Coronado Theater, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-0049, rockfordsymphony.com. ❚
The Rockford Symphony Orchestra performs its annual holiday pops concert on Dec. 21 at the Coronado Theater, in Rockford.
