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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • November 2023 • No.I
Right in Our Region
Stroll on State to Dazzle Downtown Rockford See Page 16
8 Tips for Healthier Skin Inspiration: Who Was Judas? Lindsey’s Letter: Come to Our Event!
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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In This Issue Right in Our Region .................Cover & p. 16 ‘The Best Holiday Festival in the Midwest’
Inspiration & Worship ................................ 12 Who Was Judas?
Your Health ................................................ 23 8 Tips for Healthier Skin
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 Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Janine Pumilia General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Pamela Loebel 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 Smart Living. Copyright 2023 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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Come to Our Event!
B
ehind the scenes, us editors at Hughes Media are preparing for our second-ever “Conversations” event. The first event, featuring former Congressman Don Manzullo, was a success. Now, we’re preparing to speak with Alex Stagnaro-Green, dean of the University of Illinois College of Medicine-Rockford. He’ll be providing insight into the future of medicine on Wednesday, Nov. 15 at 1601 Parkview Ave., Rockford. Since its start 50 years ago, the College of Medicine has been an economic workhorse for the Rockford region as it attracts new residents, engages physician teachers, and enriches the intellectual and economic prosperity of the community. Doubling down on that commitment, the school is planning a massive new expansion for next year. Our event, entitled “Medicine of the Future: Rockford’s Role in the Health Care of Tomorrow,” features a conversation between Stagnaro-Green and Northwest Quarterly’s editors. Topics include how physician training is changing, how the school contributes to medical advancements, how the school impacts rural medicine, our local economy, and the delivery of health care, and how the college’s expansion can further enrich our region. During the event, attendees can tour the school and see some of its work up close. Not only is the University of Illinois College of Medicine-Rockford a proven training ground for the physicians of tomorrow, but it’s also a place where groundbreaking research and new approaches to health care delivery are an everyday reality. Stagnaro-Green will address what new students can expect over their three years in Rockford, what current research is focused on, and how students infuse new dollars into the Rockford region. The event is free to attend, but spots are limited. Attendees can pre-register by calling (815) 316-2300 or emailing Lisa Hughes at lisa@hughesmc. com. We hope to see you there! ❚ Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
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Inspiration & Worship
Who Was Judas?
F
ew historical figures are more despised than Judas Iscariot, who spent three years working alongside Jesus Christ before betraying him with a kiss. Why did Judas do it? Was he evil? Greedy? Possessed? Protective of Judaism? Scripture provides clues, if not clarity. What we know for sure is that Jesus chose Judas as one of his 12 disciples even though he knew Judas would betray him. (John 6:64 NIV) We know Judas was the group’s treasurer and skimmed money for himself. (John 12:6) And we know Judas led authorities to Jesus the evening before Passover, just hours after Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and broke bread with them for the last time. The earliest gospel was written by Mark around 66 AD and offers no motive for Judas’ actions. Luke and John both report that Judas became possessed by Satan during the Last Supper. Matthew alone says Judas was paid to betray Jesus; he also says Judas tried to return the money after learning Jesus would be crucified. “I have sinned, for I have betrayed innocent blood,” a remorseful Judas said before hanging himself. (Matthew 24:7) Only God knows the human heart and can judge it, including the heart of Judas. It’s worth noting that “Judas” was a popular name for men in Jesus’ day and several are mentioned in the New Testament, including Judas the brother of Jesus; Judas the Galilean, an anti-Roman rebel (Acts. 5:37); Judas Barsabbas (Acts 15:22); Judas Thaddaeus, one of the original 12; and Judas in Damascus, who hosted Paul after his conversion. “Judas” is a Greek version of the Hebrew name “Judah,” meaning “praised,” from which the word “Jew” evolved. Many Jews descended from Judah, one of the 12 sons of Jacob, Abraham’s grandson. It’s mind-bending to realize Jesus’ betrayal was a necessary step in unfolding God’s redemption plan for mankind. Had authorities/Satan understood this, they might have left Jesus alone. Paul wrote: “None of the rulers of this age understood it [the plan], for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.” (I Corinthians 2:8) ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12
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Right in Our Region
‘The Best Holiday Festival in the Midwest’ By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor
F
amily-favorite activities and new surprises are in store at this year’s Stroll on State, taking place Nov. 25 from 2-9 p.m. throughout downtown Rockford. Stroll on State, presented by Illinois Bank & Trust, is held annually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving – Small Business Saturday – and is the Rockford region’s kick-off to the holiday season, says Kristen Paul, Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau Vice President of Destination Development.
“Stroll on State is magical because of the special way it brings our community together,” she adds. “There is nothing quite like seeing our community crowded around the tree or watching old friends reconnect on the streets of downtown Rockford. Our team works hard to create memories that families will cherish for years to come.” The free community event features: -A parade at 2 p.m. -A tree lighting at 6 p.m. -Fireworks at 8:30 p.m. -Musical performances -Horse and wagon rides -Surprise visits from Santa -and so much more. “Stroll on State is about experiencing
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November 2023
the awe and wonder of what a community can do together,” Paul says. This year promises more vendors than ever before, an interactive map at gorockford.com, and some other fun surprises soon to be announced. Before the event officially begins, runners can participate in the Dasher Dash 5K Run/Walk, a holiday-themed race through downtown Rockford and the grounds of Stroll on State. The race
Right in Our Region
Stroll on State is back Nov. 25 from 2-9 p.m. throughout downtown Rockford.
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begins at noon at Beattie Park, and all finishers receive a medal, long-sleeved race shirt and race swag bag. Racers are encouraged to wear a holiday-themed individual or group costume that they can run in, and prizes will be awarded. After the race, runners and spectators can join the post-race party taking place outside Memorial Hall, 211 N. Main St., for a medals ceremony, prizes, hot chocolate and additional celebratory fun. Registration is $40 for adults and $25 for kids ages 12 and under at dasherdash.com until Nov. 24 at 11:59 p.m. Those who register by Nov. 10 are guaranteed a race shirt. The Stroll on State event itself has no admission cost and all attractions are free. The only fees are for food, drinks and merchandise. “Being a small piece of making that possible is something that none of us will ever take for granted and is certainly a source of our own holiday joy,” Paul says. ❚
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Your Health
8 Tips for Healthier Skin By Stephanie N. Grimoldby 1.) Don’t touch your face. Fingers transfer bacteria very easily, so try to keep your hands off your face as much as possible, says Dr. Roger Kapoor, a dermatologist with Beloit Health System. And try not to pick or pop your skin. “I see a lot of that in the dermatology office – it definitely leads to scarring, and that can be more difficult to fix,” he says. 2.) Check your car windows for UV protection. Front windshields usually block UVA and UVB radiation from the sun, but all passengers may not have the same protection from side windows, Kapoor says. “UV radiation can reach you through the window of a car unless you install UV-blocking window films,” he adds. 3.) Always wear sunscreen outside – even in fall and winter. While babies less than 6 months old shouldn’t be slathered
in sunscreen – they need protective clothing – anyone older than 6 months should wear sunscreen every time they leave the house, even in the colder months. 4.) Wear lip balm with SPF. Your lips are just as susceptible to UV damage as any other body part, so lip balm that has SPF adds extra protection. You can still apply lipstick over it, Kapoor says. 5.) Schedule a skin cancer screening starting at age 50. Not every physician will ask if you’ve had a skin cancer screening, but it’s still important. 6.) Check your medications for sun sensitivity. If you can’t understand why your skin suddenly seems more sensitive to the sun, check your medications and talk to your primary doctor. It could be that your blood pressure medication or another pill has thrown off your body’s normal reaction to UV rays.
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Dr. Roger Kapoor, with Beloit Health System
“Antibiotics, even over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen, can make your skin more sensitive to the sun,” Kapoor says. “You can get sunburn more easily just from the medicine you’re on, or possibly sun poisoning.” 7.) Know the qualifications of your health care providers. Medical degrees aren’t necessarily required to perform certain aesthetic procedures. 8.) Take responsibility for your health. How you treat your body can have a huge impact on how you look as you age. Exercise; drink lots of fluids; try to eat well; try to be healthy. ❚
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