iving Sm mart a r t L ivi Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • July 2, 2020 f
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Right in Our Region
Midway Village Plans Safe Summer Fun
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Build Your Landscape Dreams How Freedom Unites Us Happy Independence Day!
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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Now Accepting Residents AT THE AREA’S PREMIERE ASSISTED LIVING COMMUNITY! Call for a personal tour to see why you get MORE for LESS at TLC Living Community. The TLC Living Community is designed to provide a vibrant, yet secure and comfortable way for its residents to age in place. From an independent life experience to assistance with healthcare needs, you’ll get it all without leaving the comfort of your apartment. Better yet, you get MORE for your money than other regional facilities, including a brand new, beautifully designed community and apartments, state of the art sanitary protocols, ordering off the menu from a variety of delicious foods lovingly prepared by our Executive Chef, movie theatre, salon, craft room like no other you’ve seen, housekeeping services, laundry services, free cable and phone, and much, much more!
During the COVID shelter-in-place, we are conducting personal tours.
Call for your tour today and get a FREE GIFT!
508 ROOSEVELT ROAD, MACHESNEY PARK, IL 61115
Call Today! (815) 242-2852
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Summer Fun at Midway Village Museum
Your Home ................................................... ..... 11 Build Your Dream Outdoor Space
Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 Hope No Matter What
Smart L iving ™
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Lukas Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Sara Myers Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Behling Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Sherri Saleh 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 Weekly. Copyright 2020 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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What Binds Us “
A general Dissolution of Principles & Manners will more surely overthrow the Liberties of America than the whole Force of the Common Enemy.” – Samuel Adams Long before his name was a beer brand, patriot Sam Adams worried that our demise would come from within. His cousin John Adams feared the same: “There never was a democracy yet, that did not commit suicide.” In his farewell address, George Washington foresaw the danger that extreme political partisanship could pose to the future United States. “However [political parties] may now and then answer popular ends, they are likely in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.” Our continued existence as a free society is not a given. Every generation must take responsibility to fight for it all over again, not just physically but also mentally. July 4 is a great time to review the “principles and manners” that have transcended all personalities and political parties here for 244 years. We can start by reading our Constitution and Bill of Rights, both found at archives.gov. Life under dictatorship is simple but miserable: Conform or be punished/killed. Life in free societies is highly complex but joyous: Lawfully enjoy your liberties but also respect the rights of those with whom you disagree. Today, more than half the world’s people – some 4 billion – live under dictators who are accountable to nothing and no one. Free societies are losing ground to dictatorship globally, a fact that should alarm all of us who believe WW II was worth the fight. (Observe how Hong Kong’s freedom was diminished by China just this week.) Our ancestors gave all they had to secure liberty for us. When we are divided, we become weak and risk squandering it. May we never see “the enemy” in each others’ faces. Have a great July 4th ! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor
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Y H G
On Trend: Enjoy Outdoor Spaces More
By Peggy Werner rends in home renovation include bringing the indoors outside by making lawns into more livable spaces. Benson Stone Co. General Manger Kevin Obee invites people to bring their landscaping dreams to the store at 1100 11th St. for guidance from expert staff, whether they envision a do-it-yourself approach or need to hire landscaping contractors for bigger jobs. “It’s all about appealing to the senses through what looks, sounds and feels good, making yards more functional and aesthetically pleasing,” Obee says. Benson’s has a huge selection of flagstones, cut stone and limestone, paving bricks, outcropping and retainer walls, boulders, gravel and pebbles of all sizes, mulch and woodchips, fire pits, outdoor kitchen appliances, BBQ grills, smokers and pizza ovens, patio and deck materials, ponds, fountains and water features, landscape lighting and more, all sold with a low-price guarantee.
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Many new products have been introduced or improved in recent years. Pavers, a popular choice for patios, now come in a variety of materials, sizes, styles, colors and textures, and are one of the most versatile of all landscaping materials. They reduce lawn care and are used for paths, outdoor flooring, or just to define an area and create visual interest. “In recent years, better quality pavers are being made with a top mix to give them more durability and to provide richer color to spaces,” Obee says. Based on sales, outdoor kitchens continue to grow in popularity. They may incorporate grills, smokers, pizza ovens, refrigerators, sinks, patio furniture, fountains and other water features, landscape lighting and more.
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Deck boards are now made of materials that don’t require staining, will hold up longer and will prohibit the growth of mold or mildew. Obee encourages people to start envisioning how much more useful and pleasing the outdoors can be. “We have everything in one place and can do anything and everything.” ❚
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No Matter What
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lthough we vigorously cling to life, the Bible reminds us that our faith is rooted in the hope that some day we’ll be together with Jesus Christ. We’ll be alive in a new place, wearing a new kind of body. We can’t begin to really comprehend either of these things, but it’s a great comfort to know that is how our story will “end,” no matter what happens in this life. It is only natural, if not necessary, for us to fear the end of this life. Even Jesus prayed for God to take away the ordeal set before him on the cross. And he went a little farther, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as you will. (Matthew 26:39, AKJV). After his crucifixion and resurrection, Jesus appeared on earth several times in his new heavenly body; the first people to see him were women, including Mary Magdalene. For 40 days he made various appearances to his disciples and others before ascending to Heaven and disappearing into a cloud. As his apostles watched this, two angels told them: “Men of Galilee, why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11, NIV). The knowledge that Jesus Christ will someday return to gather up all believers is foundational to Christian faith. Paul told Christians at Thessalonica: Brothers, we do not want you to be ignorant about those who fall asleep, or to grieve like the rest of men, who have no hope. We believe that Jesus died and rose again and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. According to the Lord’s own word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left till the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever. Therefore encourage each other with these words. (I Thess. 4:13-18, NIV). ❚ 12
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R O R
Fun Summer Events at Midway Village By Peggy Werner
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ith an emphasis on safety, Midway Museum Village has re-opened its doors to visitors and will offer a string of summer programs and events. It’s also celebrating a new grant that will allow it to restore the Old Stone School in the Victorian Village, a popular stopping point for local students on field trips.
Village Tours Tours of the turn-of-the-century Victorian Village are offered on the hour from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays, including July 4th. Interpreterled groups of no more than 10 people will walk through the 13-acre village, reminiscing about life in the early1900s. There are 26 historic buildings representing various aspects of life in northern Illinois, many of them relocated to the museum from around the region. Museum guests must wear face
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masks and practice social distancing while on the grounds, says Lonna Converso, marketing and social media director. Hand sanitizer is available and the staff is taking part in daily temperature and wellness checks. History guides will be wearing masks and gloves. “We’ve taken the time to evaluate operations and put new safety measures in place as they relate to COVID-19 mandates by the State of Illinois, for everyone’s benefit,” says Converso. Reserve a place in a tour online or by phone. You can also take your chances as a walk-in and go on the next available tour. You’re welcome to browse the many indoor museum displays while you wait, also from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.
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Celebrate Victory Day A Victory Day Celebration commemorating the end of World War II is set for Friday, July 31. Guests can choose from two seatings of 50 people each, unless restrictions change, Converso says. The outdoor fundraiser will include dining, a silent auction, music, a 50/50 raffle and a variety of exhibits related to World War II.
R O R “The end of World War II marked a significant point in history and we’re glad to highlight the 75th anniversary and take a moment to recognize its significance, in particular, with all the recent headlines in the world today,” Converso says. At this time, the museum still plans to host its very popular World War II Days on Sept. 19 & 20, an annual reenactment that’s one of the largest of its kind in the nation. Summer Mini Camps In other museum programs, the History’s Mysteries Summer Mini-Camps for children in kindergarten through fifth grade will take place from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesdays, July 7-Aug. 11. As minicamps fill up, additional sessions will be scheduled. Pre-registration is required by 4 p.m. Sunday prior to that week’s program. The camp is offered as an alternative to traditional week-long camps. “The children will learn history concepts geared to their age, while also gaining friends and social skills,” says Converso. “They’ll also do take-home
projects that are meant to start conversations.” Children will learn about criminal investigation techniques during the Victorian era; how to create great works of art; traditional folklore from around the world; various cultures and faraway places; how Victorians recycled; and will participate in some of the “dirty” jobs of the past. Schoolhouse Restoration In April, the museum received a $6,000 grant from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), which will be used to renovate the exterior of the Old Stone School. The work includes repairing damage to the trim and wood siding, repair and replacement of window screens and sills, new entry steps and posts, and repainting, according to DAR Rockford Chapter Regent Martha Byrnes. The local chapter is observing its 125th anniversary. Byrnes says natural aging and weather have caused some decay of the 1902 schoolhouse, which was moved to
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the site from Byron, Ill., in 1975. The school is a popular field trip destination for school-age children as they learn what it was like to be a student in the early 1900s. One-room schools were common here and in the rural U.S. Both Rockford and Asa Cottrell (Belvidere) DAR chapters worked to obtain the grant and have many members who regularly volunteer at the museum, says Byrnes. The DA is a lineage-based service organization for women who are direct descendants of those who fought for the country’s independence. A nonprofit group, they promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. Appointments are being taken for individuals who want to schedule a tour when planning a wedding or other event. The museum gift store is open, too. For all special events, pre-registration is required. The museum encourages cashless transactions. Make reservations and purchase tickets online at midwayvillage.com. Tickets can also be purchased at the gift shop by calling (815) 397-9112. ❚
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