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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • June 2021 • No. II
Right in Our Region
Dixon Petunia Festival Returns! See Page 20
Make the Most of Your Kitchen Update German Valley Offers ‘A Day in the Valley’ Famous Birding Activist Comes to Freeport How to Double the Lifespan of Your Driveway
Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun!
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CABINETRY AND FLOORING
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region .........................Cover & p. 20 Dixon Petunia Festival Returns with Gusto! Your Home ......................................................... 13 Tips for a Kitchen Update Inspiration & Worship ....................................... 14 David or Solomon? Your Kitchen ...................................................... 17 Lobster & Cheeseburger Po’ Boy Your Technology ............................................... 23 Save Money with Wiser Tech Options Your Outing ....................................................... 25 ‘A Day in the Valley’ in German Valley Your Outdoor Living ......................................... 27 How to Double the Lifespan of Your Driveway Your Health ........................................................ 31 Seek Help Fast for Faster Recovery Your Community ................................................ 33 Birder Christian Cooper Visits Freeport Your Money ........................................................ 35 Even Young Adults Need a Legal Plan Your Fun ............................................................. 37
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Fort Wayne General Manager Sherri Cassedy Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Lisa Brandt, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Distribution Kelly Fairbairn Website www.SmartLivingWeekly.com Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 lhughes@northwestquarterly.com Smart Living. Copyright 2021 by Hughes Media Corp., 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part of any text, photograph or illustration without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited.
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100 Years Ago ... T
he year 1921 has always interested me because my mom was born then, at St. Anthony Hospital, then located on East State Street near the site of today’s SwedishAmerican Hospital. Both the Great War and the Spanish flu pandemic were barely in the rearview mirror when she entered the world during U.S. Prohibition and its correlating gangster activity. American women had just seen their voting rights secured in the 19th Amendment and few folks were paying attention to the rise of Hitler, Mussolini or Chinese Communism. Here are a few things that were on people’s minds one century ago. • Bread costs 5 cents, a new home $7,000, Harvard tuition is $200 and average annual income is 2,100. • In Rockford, Camp Grant closes as a U.S. facility after training a million men and is handed over to the Illinois National Guard. • The World Series is broadcast on radio for the first time: Yankees beat Giants 3-0. • Adolf Hitler becomes Fuhrer of the Nazi Party in Germany; Benito Mussolini declares himself leader of the National Fascist Party in Italy; the Chinese Communist Party is formed. • Staleys football team moves from Decatur to Chicago, soon to become Chicago Bears. • The hormone insulin is discovered. • Albert Einstein wins the Nobel Prize. • Socialist Herman Hallstrom, Labor League Party, is elected Rockford mayor 1921-1927 and again in 1929-1933. • Coco Chanel launches Chanel No. 5 • Mobs of whites massacre blacks and destroy their “Black Wallstreet” in Tulsa, Okla. • The first vaccination against tuberculosis is given in Paris. • Franklin D. Roosevelt suffers polio and is permanently disabled. • White Castle Hamburgers opens in Wichita, Kan., laying a template for fast food. • Runaway inflation in Germany and Austria causes riots. • 5 million people die from famine in Russia. What will 2121 bring? ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor
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Your Home & Garden
Remodeling Tips for Kitchens Small & Large
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“You need a goodsized sink, even in a smaller kitchen,” she says. “Make sure it’s two feet across or larger. It’s the No. 1 thing we use in kitchens.” With so many layout options in larger kitchens, it’s easy for homeowners to get lost during planning. Focusing on basics can keep you on track. “People with larger kitchens can entertain more guests; therefore, items like islands and wet bars can help to divide space into zones, creating a more entertainment-friendly environment.” For a larger kitchen footprint, Knabe suggests triple bowls for sinks. Appliances like double ovens, bar refrigerators, wine coolers and warming
drawers are enjoyable luxuries, too. Additional advice: “Materials such as granite and quartz look nice in kitchens, and composite granite is especially durable for sinks,” says Knabe. “Be cautious using cast iron materials, as they chip easily.” ❚
En H ds urr So y, on !
hether your kitchen is small or large, you can freshen up its appearance or give it an entirely new look. For a smaller kitchen footprint, designer Erin Knabe, of Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., Rockford, suggests using a frameless cabinets that climb to the ceiling. Remove dated soffits, she advises, since they tend to bring the eye downward. This also opens up more storage space. “Kitchens look bigger when cabinet lines reach toward the ceiling,” she says. “When you have a small kitchen, you want it to look as big as possible. Also, if you increase the upper cabinets, you can fit larger items in.” If you want an island but have limited space, opening up a wall may be a solution, if budget and design can accommodate it. The addition of space-saving appliances, such as a microwave/oven combination, may be a good idea. When it comes to sinks, Knabe recommends splurging.
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Inspiration & Worship
David or Solomon?
K
ing Solomon was the richest man of his day. The son of King David and Bathsheba, he ruled a vast empire and knew every pleasure in the world. He constructed the first Temple of the Lord in Jerusalem and is remembered for his wisdom, a gift he asked for and received from God when he was young. Solomon told God, “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties … So give your servant a discerning heart to govern Your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of Yours?” – 1 Kings 3:7-9 God answered Solomon’s prayer, but Solomon eventually squandered this great gift. He forgot Whose people he governed and, over time, began treating them badly. He denied God the one thing God really wanted from Solomon: a loving and obedient relationship. “For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods: and his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of David his father … And the Lord was angry with Solomon, because his heart was turned from the Lord God of Israel, which had appeared unto him twice.” – I Kings 11:4-9 How many of us have longed to see God in person just once? Solomon saw God twice and still managed to put worldly things ahead of Him. For all his wisdom, Solomon was no David because his heart was not right with God. David behaved very badly at times, but he desperately loved God and always returned to Him with humility. He spent time with God, dancing and singing for Him, and writing love poems to God, something frowned upon by the joyless religious class of the day. David experienced joy with God beyond anything Solomon ever knew and God called David “a man after my own heart.” Solomon built an impressive Temple, but David built an unshakable place for God inside his heart. Who was the richer man? Who does God tell us to emulate? Humility matters and God is not fooled by man’s hubris. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 14
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Your Kitchen
A Sizzling Summertime Meal C
reated by Omaha Steaks Executive Chef David Rose, this recipe combines two favorites - seafood and burgers.
Fried Lobster Po Boy Burgers
Servings: 2 Pimento Remoulade: 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 1/2 TB minced pimentos 1 TB Dijon mustard 1 TB bread & butter pickles 1 pepperoncino, seeded & minced 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 1 TB fresh lemon juice 3 dashes hot sauce kosher salt, to taste Fried Lobster Tails: Vegetable oil, for frying cup all-purpose flour 1/2 1/2 tsp. kosher salt, divided 1/2 tsp. fresh black pepper, divided 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 tsp. smoked paprika 1 large egg
1 2 1/4 1/3 1 2
TB water dashes hot sauce cup potato chips, finely blended cup panko breadcrumbs TB minced flat leaf parsley lobster tails (5 oz. each)
1 2 2 2 3
lb. premium ground beef Salt & pepper to taste TB unsalted butter, room temp. brioche buns slices yellow cheddar cheese leaves romaine, shredded
Cheeseburgers:
Pimento remoulade: In small bowl, mix mayo, pimentos, mustard, pickles, pepperoncino, paprika, garlic powder, pepper, lemon juice & hot sauce. Salt to taste. Fried lobster tails: Heat grill to 400 F & add 1/2-inch oil to 10-inch cast-iron pan. In medium bowl, whisk flour, 1/4 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. pepper, garlic powder & smoked paprika. Set aside. Whisk egg, water, hot sauce. Set aside. Whisk chips, panko breadcrumbs &
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parsley. Set aside. Cut lobster tails in half lengthwise, remove meat and season with salt & pepper. Toss tails in flour mixture first, egg mixture second then potato chip mixture third, coating thoroughly. Fry tails 3-4 min. per side until golden brown. Close lid between flipping. Form 2 beef patties, each 1/2-inch thick, make a dimple in centers, season and grill 4-5 minutes per side. Add cheese and close lid about 30 seconds. Toast buttered buns on grill. Assemble with lobster, sauce & romaine. ❚ (Source: Family Features, Omaha Steaks)
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Right in Our Region
Petunia Festival Returns with Gusto!
“B
By Peggy Werner ig City Festival. Small Town Heart” is the theme of this year’s Petunia Festival July 2-4 in Dixon, Ill. The cancellation of the festival last year due to the pandemic has only strengthened the community pride and involvement that goes into planning the event each year, says Jenna Dempsey, vice president of marketing and a past president of the Dixon Petunia Festival Committee. “We see people appreciating what we’ve taken for granted for so long,” says Dempsey. “Everybody is ready to have a festival again. Even though it was difficult last year, more people than ever were asking how they could help.” With more sponsors and businesses participating than in past years, and an array of local musicians to be featured at the July 4th celebration, Dempsey is proud of what her community has been able to
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accomplish despite the pandemic. The Dixon Petunia Festival Committee starts planning for the festival in December. This year, they had to be “cautiously optimistic” that pandemic restrictions would relax by summer. “With all the local support, it just proves how amazingly talented our community is and how everyone pulled together to make this happen. If you live in Dixon, chances are you have participated in some way,” Dempsey says. Illinois moved into Phase Five of the COVID-19 plan on June 11, which removed all pandemic restrictions, notes Jennifer Bubrick, president of the Petunia Festival Board of Directors. Still, to increase people’s safety, sanitizing stations will be set up around the grounds and cleaning crews will work hard to keep high-touch areas clean, says Bubrick. General admission tickets will be
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sold at the gate for $10. Admission is free on Sunday. Festival highlights include the North American Midway Entertainment Carnival at 5 p.m. Thursday (before the festival begins) and Friday and from 1 p.m. to close on Saturday and Sunday on Lincoln Statue Drive between Dixon High School and the riverfront. The parade, with the theme “Home for the Holidays,” will step off at 1 p.m. Sunday, traveling from St. Mary’s Catholic School on Galena Avenue north to the high school. There’s still time to enroll in the parade at petuniafestival.org. Fireworks will be at 9:30 p.m. Sunday on the riverfront and the music accompanying the display will be broadcast on River Country 101.7FM radio. A traditional pancake breakfast will be served from 6 to 11 a.m. Friday through Sunday at Dixon High School.
Right in Our Region Other activities include craft shows, a disc golf tournament, a patriotic concert by the Dixon Municipal Band, a fishing derby, an ice cream social, Old Settler Log Cabin tours, Reagan home tours, a Reagan Run and tennis classic. Local businesses and organizations plan their own events; find details on their websites. Friday’s live music will perform on the Stella Stage at Galena Avenue and includes Pat Anderson from 5 to 6 p.m.; County Line Live from 6 to 8 p.m.; Dicky Johnson from 8 to 9 p.m.; and Brushville from 9 to 11 p.m. On Saturday, Evan Atherton will perform from 5 to 6 p.m.; McCrae from 6 to 8 p.m.; Robbie LeBlanc and the Real Live Show from 8 to 9 p.m.; and Rod Tuffcurrls and the Bench Press from 9 to 11 p.m. Sunday’s performers are Lyle Grobe & the Rhythm Ramblers from 3 to 5 p.m., and Gina Venier from 6 to 8 p.m. Admission to the entertainment area is $10 at the gate and tickets won’t be
sold in advance. Other musicians will randomly perform at the Reagan Stage at Hennepin Avenue and River Street. Discounted carnival pre-sale tickets and 50/50 fundraiser tickets can be purchased at Festival headquarters, 77 S. Hennepin Ave., where people also can sign up to volunteer. Hours vary, so first call (815) 288-7465. Raffle tickets will be sold during city market on Wednesday nights, too. The Petunia Festival is traditionally held during the July 4th holiday and brings the community together to promote pride, tourism, and development for the Dixon area. The sale of 50/50 raffle tickets is the main fundraiser and pays for the annual fireworks display. A winning ticket will be announced from the main stage before the fireworks. Ticket prices are one for $1 or six for $5 and can be purchased at Coffee Crush Dixon, Curate Dixon, Discover Dixon, Herbal Essentials, J Boutique,
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Oliver’s Corner Market, Rustic Roots, Shamrock Pub, Strong Bridge Running, Twin Blend, Venier Jewelers, Inc., Willey Flower Company and other businesses. Use the hashtags #petuniafest and #savethefireworks (and tag the Petunia Festival) to share a picture of your purchased fundraiser tickets for a chance to win an entry ticket to the entertainment venue. Top pictures will be chosen by the executive board and a one-night entry ticket (your choice of Friday or Saturday night) will be awarded. For the most complete festival information, go to the Facebook page or petuniafestival.org. ❚
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Your Technology
How to Reduce Your Technology Bills
B y Pe g g y We r n e r any of us are spending more than we need to for technology simply because we don’t understand our options. Tech services like phone, Internet, TV and home security evolve quickly and can be confusing, but it’s easier than you may think to figure out what works best for your situation, says Charles Zambrano, owner and general manager of EZ Satellite & Wireless in Loves Park. “I make sure the customers know exactly what they’re getting and aren’t paying for services they don’t want or need,” says Zambrano. He asks customers about the number of TVs and phones they have, favorite channels, streaming and recording habits, how they use high-speed internet and so forth. “Most customers are paying too much, $250 or more for phone, TV and internet,” he says. “I can save them $50 to
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$100 per month by offering them the best deals each company has to offer. “A lot of people are not happy with their tech services, but are afraid to change or don’t have time to do the research. But it’s not that hard to start saving money.” Zambrano also helps people to make better use of their smart phones to enhance their particular lifestyles. Products like the Google Nest Hub, Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa are ideal for those who want to monitor and access their homes and businesses remotely or with voice commands. Especially in the age of COVID-19, it’s useful to monitor package delivery and speak to people at your door remotely. You can also switch lights on and off, change the thermostat settings and unlock doors remotely. EZ Satellite & Wireless is licensed
to offer services from any provider using dish, cable, internet and home security, including Rise Broadband, Comcast, HughesNet, DirectTV, Digitenna, Vivint, ATT and Nest products. Zambrano’s store is regularly sanitized, social distancing is observed, masks are worn and interactions are contact-free. Call (815) 957-4335 or stop by to see him at 6239 N. 2nd St. in Loves Park. ❚
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Offer for new and qualifying former customers only. Important Terms and Conditions: Qualification: Advertised price requires credit qualification and 24-month commitment. Upfront activation and/or receiver upgrade fees may apply based on credit qualification. Offer ends 7/14/21. 2-year commitment: Early termination fee of $20/mo. remaining applies if you cancel early. Included in 2-year price guarantee at $64.99 advertised price: America’s Top 120 programming package, local channels, HD service fees, and Hopper Duo Smart DVR for 1 TV. Included in 2-year price guarantee for additional cost: Programming package upgrades ($79.99 for AT120+, $89.99 for AT200, $99.99 for AT250), monthly fees for upgraded or additional receivers ($5-$7 per additional TV, receivers with additional functionality may be $10-$15). Regional Sports: RSN surcharge up to $3/ mo. applies to AT120+ and higher packages and varies based on location. NOT included in 2-year price guarantee or advertised price (and subject to change): Taxes & surcharges, add-on programming (including premium channels), DISH Protect, and transactional fees. Remote: The DISH Voice Remote with Google Assistant requires internet-connected Hopper, Joey, or Wally device. Customer must press Voice Remote button to activate feature. Google Assistant Smart Home features require Google account and compatible devices. Google is a trademark of Google LLC. Other: All packages, programming, features, and functionality and all prices and fees not included in price guarantee are subject to change without notice. After 6 mos., if selected, you will be billed $9.99/mo. for DISH Protect Silver unless you call to cancel. After 2 years, then-current everyday prices for all services apply. For business customers, additional monthly fees may apply. Free standard professional installation only. Some features, including mobile alerts, remote control, video streaming, video recording, remote control and custom schedules, require the Nest app, working internet and Wi-Fi, and Nest Connect or Nest Guard. Google and Google Nest Hello are registered trademarks of Google LLC. BDRIVE_26551
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THE AFTERNOON’S
FOUR QUEENS.
LAR KELLY C
ELAINE
CA ROJAS-
DEBORA
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STILLO
LLE H NORVI
SHANNO
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FIRST AT 4
4:30P
AT 5 LIVE + STREAMING +
Your Outings
German Valley Fest Returns G erman Valley Days fun is back! Like so many events, this charming, small-town annual tradition that began 48 years ago was put on hold in 2020 due to the pandemic. It normally takes place over a weekend in June but this year will be celebrated July 17 on a single day with the theme “A Day in the Valley.” German Valley is located between Freeport and Rockford. The festival will feature vendors, concession food, meals, games, contests and entertainment, with most events taking place at Ben Miller Park on Church Street. Family fun will include a 5K run, kiddie tractor pull, basketball shooting contest and a grand parade and fireworks show over Lake Baalton. The event is entirely supported and organized by community members and businesses – pretty remarkable, given that fewer than 500 people live in Ger-
Event Schedule July 17*
man Valley. During its history, German Valley was once the location of Pleasant Prairie Academy, which began as a school for German-speaking students who wanted to serve in ministry. Later, a local bank purchased the academy property and donated it to the village for a park, named in honor of a long-serving village president. German Valley was settled by German immigrants from Ostfriesland in the 1840s and was originally called Baalton. In 1857, the town consisted of a general store and two houses. When the Chicago Great Western Railroad made its way to the small community, a depot was established and the village was platted and given a new name. The annual festival provides residents with a chance to celebrate their community history. It also allows guests to experience the charm of wholesome, small-town Midwestern fun.
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6:30-10 a.m. Pancake Breakfast at Fire Station 8 a.m. Run The Valley 5K & Kids’ Fun Run 9 a.m. Antique Tractor Show (until parade starts) | 9 a.m. Coloring Contest (winners announced 4 p.m.) 9:30 a.m. Pig Scramble 10:30 a.m. Kiddie Tractor Pull | Petting Zoo 11 a.m. Around the World Basketball Contest Noon Antique Tractor Games Contest | Art In The Park 2 p.m. Parade! 3 p.m. Nerf Blaster Wars on the ball diamond | Cornhole Bag Toss | Grass Attack | Kids’ Games at Park 4:30 p.m. Pork Chop Dinner at Fire Station 5:30 p.m. German Valley Little Miss/Mister Contest 7 p.m. Forreston High School Variety Show 8:30 p.m. Raffle winners announced 9:15 p.m. Fireworks over Lake Baalton. * Times may vary, check website for final schedule
Admission is free. For a full schedule with updates, go to germanvalleydays.com. ❚
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Outdoor Living
How to Double the Life of Your Driveway By Peggy Werner
L
arry Lazzerini opened Premier Pavement Solutions, 5059 Contractors Drive, in Loves Park, 15 years ago. The full-service asphalt company specializes in sealcoating, infrared repairs, striping and other markings, asphalt maintenance, crack filling, pothole repair and repair of collapsed drains. The company also does snowplowing/salting in winter. When it comes to sealcoating, ingredients matter, says Lazzerini. A specially formulated Seal Master Brand sealcoat is made exclusively for his company by a manufacturer in Streamwood, Ill., and comes with a letter of authenticity. Latex and sand are added to the product to make it more flexible and durable. Sealcoating improves the appearance of a driveway and protects it from the damaging effects of sun, water, salt and chemical spills like oil and gasoline
from cars. The non-porous coating makes cleaning easier and provides a smooth surface for rain to wash away dirt and debris. Regular maintenance can double the life of a new driveway, Lazzerini says, and sealcoating should be done between May and November. What sets him apart from the competition is customer service, or the “Premier Difference,” says Lazzerini. He personally visits each home or other work site before and after a job is completed. Repeat customers have priority on the schedule and get discounted pricing. Being proactive about caring for your pavement can save you money in the long run, says Lazzerini. Watch for discoloration, the top of the driveway pull-
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ing away from the garage, deep cracks and holes where water can seep in, loose rock and broken edges. And beware of scam artists who offer this line of work. What sounds like a great deal may be just the opposite, if you’re not careful. “You don’t know where they’re from, if they will be around, what’s in their product and how watered down it is,” he says. ❚
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Your Health
Heed Your Body’s Warnings W
B y To n i R o c h a hat’s the one good thing about pain? It motivates us to seek treatment faster. In the case of orthopedic treatment, the sooner we seek it, the sooner we can return to a healthy, active lifestyle, says Dr. Kenneth Klein, a nonsurgical orthopedic specialist with Beloit Health System. “Many of my patients are moderately active but get involved in some kind of activity – sports, gardening or yard work perhaps – for which they are not conditioned,” Klein says. “I call them the weekend warriors. These injuries would include sprains, tendon pulls, dislocations and more severe injuries such as a torn meniscus or rotator cuff.” Another group of his patients suffer traumatic injuries from accidents, falls and other unavoidable situations. These patients may come in with broken collarbones, fractures or dislocations.
“The third group are those who have spent years in work and recreational activities that have led to wear on knee, hip, elbow and shoulder joints,” he says. “Over time, not only do these joints become chronically painful but arthritis has also settled into the damaged cartilage surrounding the joints.” All treatment begins with a thorough understanding of the patient’s history, potential causes of pain and overall physical condition. Usually by the end of an initial exam, Klein feels he has a fairly good idea of what is wrong, sometimes without need for X-rays, CAT scans or MRIs. “I believe this is critical to successful treatment,” Klein says. “It’s difficult to fix the problem without knowing exactly what the patient was doing that might have cause it. Communication is a vital part.” Once the diagnosis is made, Klein
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Dr. Kenneth Klein, Beloit Health System
determines a treatment program that may include physical therapy, vitamins and supplements, pain management medications, and oral or injected medications to reduce inflammation and swelling. “All of these are used to help patients heal themselves without surgery,” Klein says. “The goal is to work closely with patients to get them back to their normal lifestyles, regardless of age.” ❚
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Your Community
Birder, Activist Christian Cooper Visits Freeport C
hristian Cooper, a writer and board member of New York City Audubon, will share his enthusiasm for birding and for social justice with young people involved in local Boys and Girls Clubs, and with the general community. His visit is made in cooperation with Freeport Art Museum (FAM), Northwest Illinois Audubon Society, Audubon Great Lakes and Boys and Girls Club of Stephenson County. After a video of a racist confrontation while he was birding in Central Park went viral, Cooper drew on that experience to auChristian Cooper
thor the comic “It’s a Bird” for DC Comics. On June 16 at 6:30 p.m., Cooper will speak from his experience in promoting social justice and anti-racism as part of a conversation concerning equity and inclusion throughout the U.S. at the Boys and Girls Club. In-person attendance is offered on a first come, first served basis, but people also can “attend” via a live Zoom if they register using the links provided on the events page of the FAM website, freeportartmuseum.org. On Thursday, June 17, at 10 a.m., Cooper will meet with youths and adults at Taylor Park for a birding walk and talk. He’ll introduce youths to the joys and methods of being a birdwatcher. The Northwest Illinois Audubon Society (NIAS) is donating multiple binoculars to the Boys and Girls Club for use in a new, reoccurring birding program it’s establishing at the club.
This program is offered in conjunction with current exhibitions at FAM that are centered around birds, including For the Birds, an invitational featuring 25 Illinois artists; The Suffragette Conference of the Birds after Farid Attar, a site-specific installation by Alice Hargrave; and Endangered and Threatened, featuring works by Barry Treu. These are on view until Aug. 7. Established in 1975, FAM promotes an understanding of visual and performing arts and culture through its collections, exhibitions and educational programming. Its collection contains nearly 4,000 artifacts from all continents and all time periods. The museum is located at 121 N. Harlem Ave. and is open Tuesday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. Admission is free and donations are appreciated. Learn more by calling (815) 235-9755. ❚
Save more. Shop the ReStore. furniture | quality tools & hardware | home goods | vintage items All new or gently used, all at a great price! Have items to donate? We'll pick them up for FREE! Call 815-580-1205 to schedule a pickup. Store Hours: Mon-Sat, 10am-6pm Donation Hours: Tues-Fri, 10am-4pm & Sat 10am-3pm
7141 Harrison Ave, Rockford IL | 815-713-3184 | rockfordhabitat.org @restorerockford
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Your Money
Even Young Adults Need Legal Plans By Janine Pumilia
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any adults are too young to remember the Terry Schiavo case that began in 1990, after Schiavo, age 26, suffered massive brain damage that left her in a persistent vegetative state. Her husband sought to remove her feeding tube, believing it’s what she would have wanted, but her parents fought him in court for 15 years. By the time her tube was removed, in 2005, the case had seen 14 appeals in Florida courts, five suits in federal district court and extensive involvement by the Florida legislature, Gov. Jeb Bush, the U.S. Congress and President George Bush. Even the Vatican got involved. This painful and expensive slugfest could have been avoided had Schiavo put her end-of-life wishes in writing before illness struck. But what 26-year-old thinks of doing that? “After that case, the living will be-
came a hot topic,” says attorney Jim Meason. “It’s a written directive to your doctor that details your desire regarding medical treatment if you’re no longer able to say it.” End-of-life planning isn’t just for the elderly, as Schiavo’s case proved. A sudden injury or illness can change anyone’s fate in a moment. In addition to preparing a living will, every adult should specify a power of attorney for healthcare decisions and for property. If you live in Illinois and your total assets, including your home, exceed $100,000 ($50,000 in Wisconsin), you should prepare a trust, says Meason. “Some advanced planning can prevent so much heartache and frustration for people you leave behind,” says Meason. “It doesn’t take long to do and is way less expensive and time-consuming than if your estate has to go through probate.”
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It’s easy to avoid thinking about endof-life issues. “None of us wants to deal with our mortality,” says Meason. “And really, a lot of people just aren’t used to paying for the professional services of an attorney. But my typical client is someone who knows someone who just went through a nightmare because someone else didn’t think ahead and left a mess behind for others to deal with.” Meason’s services include family law, estate planning, real estate, business law and environmental law. Find him at 113 N. Main St. in Rockton, Ill., go to measonlaw.com or call (815) 624-6517. ❚
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Your Fun
Entertainment & Events
Music in the Park Through Aug. 3, Tues. & Thurs. 7 p.m. Enjoy live entertainment in Sinnissippi Park. June 15: Rockford Concert Band. Sinnissippi Park Music Shell, 1401 N. 2nd St., (815) 987-8800. Find full lineup at rockfordparkdistrict.org. Check for rain-outs at (815) 889-2001. For the Birds Through Aug. 7, Tues.-Fri 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sat. noon-5 p.m. Artwork by 26 Illinois artists depicting various bird species native to the Illinois region. Freeport Art Museum, 121 N. Harlem Ave., (815) 235-9755, freeportartmuseum.com. Family Fun Days Discovery Center Museum will host nine family event days June 18 through Aug. 13, each with a specific topic. Learn more about them at discoverycentermuseum.org. Music on the Mall Fridays, 6:30 p.m. Hosted by Mary’s Market on the outdoor plaza. Bring your own chair. June 18: Universal Joint, June 25: Swingbilly RFD. Edgebrook, 1639 N. Alpine Road, (815) 226-0212, edgebrookshops.com.
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East Troy Railfest 2021 On June 19, East Troy Railroad Museum will display all of its operating railroad cars and equipment during Railfest/Railfan Day. Experience what it was like to ride an electric trolley or interurban car 90 to 100 years ago. Enjoy a model railroad layout, a ham radio demonstration, face painting and more. Learn more at easttroyrr.org/railfest-2021. Summer Concerts in the Park – Boone Co. Sundays, 6:30 p.m. Enjoy live music and a sunset in the park. Bring a blanket or lawn chair. Boone Co. Arts Council, Baltic Mill Stage in Belvidere Park, 920 W. Lincoln Ave., (815) 544-6242, boonecountyarts.com. Belvidere Heritage Days & Parade June 25, 26 & 27. Celebrate with food, live music and more. The parade will begin at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 27, along State Street beginning at Logan Avenue and finishing at Harrison Street. Learn more at Belvidere.il.us Rockford Art Museum Through Sept. 26, see website for hours. A special exhibition features 50 pieces from the museum’s permanent collection of modern
June 2021 • No. II To Advertise Call 815-316-2300
Experience what it was like to ride an electric trolley or interurban car 100 years ago during Railfest 2021 in East Troy, Wis.
and contemporary artwork. 711 N. Main St., (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org. Woodsong: Saturday June Band June 20, gates open at 4:30 p.m., music starts at 6 p.m. Enjoy some tunes amid the blooms and blossoms of the arboretum’s fountain garden at the outdoor concerts featuring a variety of musicians. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, Klehm.org. ❚
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