• If you’re eligible as a new donor or haven’t donated in the last two years, and you give blood.
• If you’re an eligible current donor and bring along a new or lapsed (two years) eligible donor, and both of you give blood.
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
Adopting a Pet
When preparing our cover story on Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary & Clinic, I found myself feeling more and more passionate about animal adoption. To be honest, I don’t have any pets currently, and the beloved dog I had growing up was from a breeder. But, in the future, I’m confident that adopting from a shelter is the way to go.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. shelters each year, and while many find homes, too many never do. Overpopulation remains a persistent issue, driven by unregulated breeding and a lack of spaying and neutering.
Adopting a pet from a shelter directly combats this crisis. Every adoption frees up space, resources and time for shelters to care for more animals in need. Instead of supporting puppy mills (which DISGUST me beyond measure), or backyard breeders who may prioritize profit over animal welfare… choosing adoption ensures that you’re giving a deserving pet a loving home.
I’ve learned that one of the biggest barriers to adoption is the misconception that shelter animals are damaged, unhealthy or poorly behaved. But the truth is many pets end up in shelters through no fault of their own. Their owners may have experienced financial hardship, or simply weren’t prepared for the responsibility. Shelters like Noah’s Ark assess animals before placing them up for adoption, ensuring they are ready for a new home.
Another myth I found interesting — that you won’t find a purebred in a shelter. In reality, many purebred dogs and cats end up in rescue organizations or shelters as well.
Every time someone chooses adoption, they become part of the solution. They give an animal a second chance, and, in return, gain a loyal companion.
If you’re ready to experience the joy of pet adoption, I highly recommend giving Noah’s Ark a call. More information is in our cover story! ❚
Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
Our Golden Ticket
Pharoah Tutankhamun was buried in a solid gold coffin. King Louis XIV used gold to enhance his image as a divine Sun King. And the Israelites, newly freed by Moses after four centuries of bondage, made themselves a golden calf to worship – betraying God and earning His wrath. (Exodus 32:7, NIV)
We grow up with countless stories about gold and its influence on human behavior, good and bad. There’s Jacks’s golden goose and Gatsby’s golden friends. Humble Frodo carries the burdensome gold ring. Lowly Charlie Bucket wins a Golden Ticket to visit Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory and ends up owning the whole factory – only after passing Wonka’s character test.
There’s nothing inherently evil about gold, but scripture warns us not to love it. Love is for God and people. Jesus loved rich and poor people alike, but said: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” (Matthew 6:24)
Paul cautions Timothy, “The love of money is a root of all kinds of evil.” (I Timothy 6:10)
We are saved by grace, not works. Even so, God presents His own character test that goes something like this:
Do we love money more than God? More than people? (Matthew 22:36-40) Do we treat the rich better than the poor? (James 2) Do we gladly share with those in need, knowing God gave us all we have in the first place? (Psalm 24:1) Do we rationalize a hard heart toward the poor and demonize them? (Matthew 25:31-46, Deuteronomy 15:7-11) Does greed tempt us to cheat on taxes (Matthew 22:21), mistreat employees/customers (James 5:1-6, Proverbs 11:1), or lie about tithing? (Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 5).
The book of Ecclesiastes is attributed to King Solomon, the wisest and richest man of his day, worth $2.1 trillion in today’s money. He cautions, “Whoever loves wealth is never satisfied with their income.” (5:10b)
The Golden Rule: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” (Matthew 7:12) ❚ -- Janine Pumilia
Helping Pets Find Forever Homes
By Peggy Werner
The 16th annual “Bark and Wine Gala” fundraiser for Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary and Clinic is an all-out effort to make sure future pets get the best care before being placed in a forever home.
“Our goal is to have fun, showcase the animals we have available for adoption, and generate income to care for their needs,” says Marcia Brice, fundraising coordinator. “We want attendees and sponsors to come away from the event satisfied, knowing they have helped cats and dogs find a happy home.”
This year’s event takes place from 4 to 9 p.m. on Saturday, April 12 at Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford, and includes an evening of dinner, wine tastings, music, a silent auction, raffles, prizes and games, all in the effort to raise money for animals in need. Some of the top prizes include a
Blackstone grill, a $300 gift card from Urban Air Adventure Park, a $250 gift card from Woodman’s, a booze cooler, and other $50 and $100 gift cards.
Money raised at the event goes toward housing, medical care, bedding, food, microchipping, and spaying or neutering of animals within the shelter. In its 48th year, the shelter has taken care of more than 32,000 cats and dogs, Brice says.
Noah’s Ark is a no-kill, non-profit organization that survives only on
donations of time and money from people in the community. They are always in need of volunteers and supplies like blankets, towels and pet food. A Community Pet Food Pantry, located at the shelter, allows pet owners to pick up free pet food once a
Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary and Clinic has its annual fundraiser on April 12.
month, if available, and if they can show proof of pet ownership.
In recent years, Noah’s Ark has substantially increased the TNR (trap, neuter, return) program for feral cats and expanded clinic hours for surgeries and vaccinations.
Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, 111
N. First St., was founded in 1978. The clinic opened in 2008 and moved to its new home at 321 N. Fourth St. five years ago. Clinic hours are by appointment only from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday. The clinic is staffed by three veterinarians and a team of vet techs. The clinic also offers multiple low-income and low-cost community programs for dog and cat veterinary care.
With kitten season around the corner, volunteers are greatly needed, Brice adds.
Those interested in volunteering can fill out an online application form at noahsarkanimals.org. Once approved, volunteers attend a short orientation and decide what hours they want to work. The
variety of jobs include cleaning cages and kennels, walking dogs, doing laundry and dishes, and helping with socialization.
Anyone interested in adopting can fill out an online adoption form. Proof of home ownership is required. If renting, proof that animals are allowed by the landlord is required.
In addition to money and volunteers, Noah’s Ark needs foster parents, especially at this time of year. Foster parents take a mother and her kittens for eight weeks and care for them until the kittens are old enough for adoption. Noah’s Ark provides all medical care and food.
Tickets for the fundraiser event are available at noahsarkanimals.org. ❚
Noah’s Ark needs volunteers, particularly to help during kitten season.
Stay Comfortable with Smart HVAC Care
By Peggy Werner
To ensure comfort, keep utility costs down and avoid costly surprises, it’s best to have your heating and air conditioning units inspected and maintained regularly, says Bill Sprague, co-owner of Gilley’s Heating and Air Conditioning.
“It’s one of the most important things you can do as a homeowner to keep a house comfortable and get the longest life out of your heating and air conditioning systems,” he says.
Sprague recommends people plan for upcoming weather by having their furnace checked in the fall and their air conditioner reviewed in the spring.
During an inspection, the technician will do a step-by-step check of the systems to make sure everything is in good condition and working properly.
“There are some things people can do themselves, but you don’t want to go inside the units, where there are high-
voltage connections,” Sprague says. “And don’t use a pressure washer to clean the condenser. Pressure washing causes the aluminum fins to bend and obstructs air flow, which can cause the condenser to stop working.”
In addition, homeowners shouldn’t expect their air conditioner to produce frigid cold on the hottest days of the summer season.
“We get a lot of calls when it is extremely hot because customers think their A.C. isn’t working,” says Sprague. “Most units are designed to lower the indoor temperatures 20 to 25 degrees below the outdoor temperature.”
An AprilAire unit attached to a furnace can control humidity levels in the home. A comfortable level of humidity is somewhere between 30 and 50 percent, Sprague says. High humidity can lead to mold growth in the home, while air
that’s too dry can cause static electricity, dry skin and cracks in wood furniture, he adds.
Keep a house cooler in the summer by closing drapes and blinds in the direction where the sun comes, and avoid using the oven and stove during the hottest days, says Sprague.
To schedule an appointment or receive 24-hour emergency service, contact Gilley’s at (815) 962-1927 or email service@gilleysheatingandair.com. ❚
A Birth Plan That Puts Mom in Control
By Chris Linden, executive editor
Hospitals have long been the standard option when it’s time to deliver a baby, but it’s not the only choice. Home births are making a comeback.
For mothers in Illinois and Wisconsin, Beloit Health System’s new NorthPointe Birth Center in Roscoe, Ill., provides a hybrid: out-of-hospital births, which combine the best of hospitals and homebirths.
“We work with those moms who want a home birth but they’re hesitant about it,” says Arlene Smock, director of the Birth Center. “This is a place where they can feel safe and get the medical attention if they need it, even if that means being transferred to the hospital.”
The big difference between a hospital birth, a home birth and an out-of-hospital birth isn’t just the setting. Women who seek a home birth are looking for less medical intervention. They want to
be free from beeping monitors, IV hookups, extra medications and lots of restrictions.
“I think a lot of it comes down to supporting the natural process,” says Cammy Roe, certified nurse midwife and director of midwifery services at the Birth Center. “It goes back to the idea that a mother’s body knows what to do.”
The Birth Center is designed to be as home-like as possible. The three birthing suites feel almost like spacious hotel rooms, complete with a queen-sized bed, a large tub, a spacious shower and a minimum of medical equipment in sight.
Unexpected things can happen, so the Birth Center team is prepared. Harlem-Roscoe Fire Department performs drills to ensure a 5-minute response. Beloit Hospital is 11 miles away.
Baby and mom generally go home in
as little as 6 hours, says Roe.
“In a hospital you have so many layers of staff and so many decisions that affect their entire birth experience,” says Smock. “Here, you are in control of your birth with your midwife. It’s a group effort.”
NorthPointe Birth Center is located at 5609 E. Rockton Road in Roscoe, Ill. Learn more about this option at beloithealthsystem.org. ❚
Midwife Cammy Roe ofers expert care to mothers and babies at NorthPointe Birth Center, in Roscoe, Ill.
Secret Life of Butterflies Exhibit
Thru May 25, times vary. See the whole lepidoptera lifecycle in action as caterpillars munch on leaves, butterflies emerge from their chrysalis, and moths emerge from their cocoons. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. Second St., Rockford, nicholasconservatory.com.
Black History Month Exhibit
Thru May 25, Sundays 2-4 p.m. This year’s exhibit showcases the history of Ruben’s Pharmacy. Ruben Samuel, Jr. was the first African-American pharmacist in the region. Ethnic Heritage Museum, 1129 S. Main St., Rockford, ethnicheritagemuseum.org.
Fashion in Bloom
April 11, 6:30-9:30 p.m. A fashion show that spotlights gorgeous, fresh floral accessories and living couture by regional designers, as well as vibrant fashions from local fashion boutique B Jones. This event includes heavy hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and music by Luxe Productions. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, rockfordartmuseum.org.
Hollywood Nights –Bob Seger Tribute
April 11, 8 p.m. The Bob Seger Experience
is the ultimate tribute to Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band. Coronado Theatre, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, asmrockford.com.
Los Lobos and Los Lonely Boys
April 12, 7 p.m. Los Lobos has sold millions of records and made fans around the world. The Grammy Award-winning Los Lonely Boys speak the typically unspoken language of brotherhood out loud in their music. Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, casino.hardrock.com.
Dr. Jordan B. Peterson Live
April 17, 7 p.m. Dr. Jordan B. Peterson is a best-selling author, psychologist, professor emeritus, and co-founder of Peterson Academy. The Jordan B. Peterson podcast frequently tops the charts in the education category. Coronado Theatre, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, asmrockford.com.
Fortune Feimster Comedy Tour
April 17, 7 p.m. Charismatic and one of a kind, Fortune Feimster is a standup comedian who brings people together with her confessional comedy. Hard Rock Casino Rockford, 7801 E. State St., Rockford, casino.hardrock.com.
Entertainment & Events
The Secrect Life of Butterfies Exhibit runs through May 25 at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens.
Spring Artscene
April 25-26. ArtScene offers a variety of art for purchase including paintings, sculpture, prints, photography, jewelry, quilts + fiber art and more. Artists are available for conversation—sharing their unique approach and inspiration for their work. Venues are listed at artsforeveryone.com/artscene/.
The Great War at Midway Village
April 26-27, Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.; Sun. to 3 p.m. The sights and sounds of The Great War come to life when reenactors come together in the museum’s historic village. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, midwayvillage.com. ❚
