Smart Living Rockford - February 24

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • February 2022 • No. II

Right in Our Region

New Library on Track for 2023 When Nicer Hair Makes us Feel Better Breathing Easier with Pulmonary Rehab Is Corned Beef & Cabbage Really Irish?

Tips for a Smooth Kitchen Remodel

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 New Main Library on Track for 2023 Opening Inspiration & Worship ................................ 12 Be Honest Your Kitchen .............................................. 15 Corned Beef & Cabbage Your Style ................................................... 19 Hair Help When You Need it Most Your Health ................................................ 23 Pulmonary Rehab Your Fun ..................................................... 28

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Jim Taylor Graphics Director Samantha Behling Graphic Designer Ashley Smith Contributing Writers Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes 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 2022 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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Anticipation!

KIDS & PARKING FREE!

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ith February nearly behind us, we’ve officially entered Anticipation Season. It either flies by or drags on, depending on our perspectives and the weather. Good things are just around the corner!

Soon we’ll spot robins on mushy lawns and feathered strangers at our birdfeeders.

Chipmunks will emerge sleepy-eyed and hungry. All kinds of critters will start new families. The first smudge of yellow will appear on willow trees and the first crocuses, Lenten roses and witch hazels will bloom.

The first spring thunderstorms, the first baseball games, the barely perceptible greening of the landscape, the first night we sleep with windows wide open – I look forward to all of it.

Gardeners are already starting seeds indoors and farmers are tuning up tractors for spring planting. Boat shows, home shows, bridal shows and RV shows are popping up on the urban landscape as business owners gear up to meet demand. Vendors are reserving booths at farmers markets. Spring greens, peas, artichokes and asparagus are not far off.

Wise homeowners are using the final weeks of winter to garner estimates and order materials from a sluggish supply chain as they anticipate new kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor spaces and landscaping plans.

We have late-winter rituals at the magazine office, too, as we work with savvy planners who reserve dates on our pages to promote an explosion of warm-weather festivals, concerts and other events.

As many Midwesterners relocate to warmer states, I count myself happy to stay put and relish our true four-season climate and all the familiar rituals that go with it.

I like taking a break from outdoor tasks before plunging my hands into soil again. I like the shapely bones of bare trees. I like reading books by the fireplace as soup bubbles on the stove. And snowflakes tumbling from the sky still make me giddy.

I love it all, including the anticipation itself.

Enjoy the final, quiet weeks of winter while you can! ❚

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Make a donation without leaving home!

We offer FREE donation pickups.

Call 815-580-1205 to schedule a pickup.

Prefer to drop off your donations? We accept donations Monday-Friday from 10am-4pm and Saturday from 10am-3pm.

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Inspiration & Worship

Be Honest ...

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onest people do the honest thing, even when that thing means personal sacrifice. Dishonest cheaters rationalize selfish behaviors. They tell themselves it’s OK to cheat on taxes; to forge school papers or cheat on exams; to shortchange customers; to lie to the boss; to buy college acceptance for their kids; to submit false insurance claims, etc.

While “Be Honest” isn’t one of the 10 commandments, it’s at the core of most.

Stealing, bearing false witness and adultery, for example, all involve dishonesty … and God doesn’t like it. Habitual lying makes it impossible to “grow up in Christ.” (Ephesians 4:15) Dishonesty grieves the heart of a generous God who has lavished us with unconditional love. How must God feel when we act like petty thieves rather than grateful children? God wants us to treat one another the way we want to be treated.

“Whoever can be trusted with very little can also be trusted with much, and whoever is dishonest with very little will also be dishonest with much.” Luke 16:10 (NIV) Before the coming of Jesus, it would have been better for us to cut off our hands than to steal again, says scripture. Today, we have better options. We can accept God’s grace, change our bad habits and grow up in Christ. As we do, something wonderful happens: We experience the secret thrill of pleasing God. We grow closer to Him and feel joy. And with each good choice, we extend the light of Christ further into a dark world.

The world seldom exalts people for being honest, but who cares? We do it because pleasing God is worth everything.

“Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were scoffing at Him [Jesus]. And He said to them, ‘You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.’” (Luke 16:14 & 15) The world exalts cheaters, liars, the proud and self-serving. Don’t let it get you down. Jesus Christ has overcome the world.

(John 16:33). ❚ Janine Pumilia 12

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Your Kitchen

Is Corned Beef & Cabbage Really Irish? You Decide!

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trangely enough, Ireland has produced a lot of corned beef, but most Irishmen didn't start eating it until they came to the New World.

Commercial production started during the English Industrial Revolution when British landlords grew, corned (preserved with salt) and exported beef from coastal areas of Ireland. The best beef sustained British troops; inferior cuts fed slaves on Caribbean sugar plantations.

Most Irishmen couldn't afford it.

The demand for beef contributed to Irish famine, since farm families were forced onto poorer land that produced mostly potatoes.

What makes modern-day corned beef look so pink? It turns out that sodium nitrite – the same thing added to cured meats like bacon – is mixed with regular salt and artificially colored bright pink as a safety measure, since high doses are toxic. Sodium nitrite extends shelf life of meat, but

is a carcinogen. After the U.S. government restricted its use in the 1920s, rates of gastic cancer deaths plummeted.

Corned beef can be prepared from scratch without using sodium nitrite, but most people would rather pick up a plastic package of the brined pink meat, which comes complete with a spice packet. Slowly simmering meat, vegetables and spices together for several hours is the key to this dish. ❚ Ingredients

3.5 to 5 lbs. corned beef brisket trimmed of most fat and cut in half Spice packet or 2 Tb. pickling spices 2 garlic cloves, minced 2 Tb. cider vinegar 2 Tb. sugar 2 bay leaves 4 red potatoes, halved 4 carrots, peeled and sliced in chunks 2 onions, large dice

3 stalks celery, large dice Small green cabbage, cored and sliced Place the vegetables, except cabbage, in 5-qt. crock pot and top with beef. Add seasonings to 3 C. water and pour over meat.

Top with cabbage.

Cook covered on low until meat is fork tender, 8 to 9 hours. Season if needed and fish out bay leaves. Strain liquid to remove hard spices. Slice beef across the grain and savor.

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Right in Our Region

New Library on Track to Open in 2023

By Peggy Werner

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ust like a good book, Rockford Public Library’s (RPL) future is unfolding one chapter at a time as it celebrates its 150th birthday this year and looks forward to the Fall 2023 opening of a brand-new main building at the historic location, 215 N. Wyman St. The clean-up of contaminated soil that prompted the razing of the old main library is completed and groundbreaking for the new building took place Oct. 20.

“I feel very good about the future,” says RPL Executive Director Lynn Stainbrook. “I think we’re moving into a new role for the library and will become even more vital to the community.”

The library board hosted many ‘envisioning’ sessions with the public. Local history, the children’s area, new releases and other collections are among top priorities, along with making good use of

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the riverfront location.

The $33 million project includes a three-story, 66,000-square-foot building with many floor-to-ceiling windows and covered (not underground) parking on the street level for 20 cars, and a drive-up area to return books or pick up ‘on hold’ materials. More parking in the form of city lots and a couple parking ramps exist nearby.

The architects for the project are Engberg Architects of Milwaukee, Wis., who have designed more than 180 libraries, in partnership with Rockford’s award-winning Gary Anderson Architects of Studio GWA. The new library will be about 20,000 square feet smaller than the old one, but the space will be used more efficiently, Stainbrook says.

“The older building had been added

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onto so many times, there was a lot of wasted space, and some things we chose not to duplicate,” she says. “There will be no auditorium in the new library because we have one at our Nordlof Center, across the street, at 118 N. Main St. “There will be lots of landscaping and walking paths for bicycles and pedestrians. The space once used for parking will be much more people-friendly and centered around the beauty and enjoyment of the river,” she says.

The library is working with the Rockford Park District to form a cohesive riverfront with Davis Park to the south.

The first floor will be devoted to staff offices, Friends of the Library bookstore, a children’s area, and a section for newly released books and audio-visual materials. The second floor will include fiction and non-fiction books, a teen and gaming

Right in Our Region area, a reading room with windows overlooking the river, multi-purpose rooms, and a patio off the Maker Lab, a room that contains tools, machines and other components for people to create or work on projects.

Stainbrook says the Maker Lab was introduced at the Hart Interim Library, 214 N. Church St., and is popular in many libraries today, as a way to reach people who learn better by doing things hands-on.

“At one time, libraries were thought of as ‘the people’s university,’ and all the learning came from books. The library of the future is about meeting the needs of all kinds of learners, which includes printed books, digital books and e-books, as well as other resources,” she says.

The third floor will house the local history collection, staff work areas, three meeting rooms that can also become one large space, and a deck overlooking the river.

The original Wyman Street library

opened to the public in 1902, built on land once owned by Rockford Gas, Light and Coke, which operated a manufactured gas plant (MGP) there from 1856 to 1898. The byproducts of MGP operations are typically coal tar, purifier waste and petroleum products.

In the 1960s, ComEd acquired Rockford Gas, Light and Coke and, in 2010, conducted an environmental study of the library site, in cooperation with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. Contamination in the soil and groundwater was found under the library, which led to the decision to demolish the building and clean up the contamination. ComeEd is paying for the entire remediation and rebuilding project, with a portion of ComEd customer utility bills going toward remediation projects throughout the state, Stainbrook explains.

The main library closed in November 2017 and moved to the interim location in December 2017.

Recycling and reusing as much of the building as possible was important to both ComEd and the library.

Less than 7% of the materials ended up in the landfill after a public auction was held to allow businesses and individuals to buy lights, wall paneling, machinery and other items. All proceeds of the sale went to the Rockford Public Library Foundation. ❚

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Your Style

Hair Solutions that Make You Feel Better

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By Peggy Werner hen licensed cosmetologist Cindy Genrich saw her mother go through the emotional impact of losing her hair after cancer treatment, she also saw an opportunity to help women look and feel their best at a difficult time.

“People can go through a lot, but if their hair looks good, they feel better,” she says.

Today Genrich owns Wigs by Cindy, located inside of Permanent Cosmetics, 421 S. Mulford Road, Suite 203. She’s been in business for more than 25 years.

“Wigs have improved so much through the years. The fibers look and feel more natural and there are so many styles to choose from,” she says.

Today’s average wig weighs only about 2 ounces and is very breathable.

Modern wigs are made either from easycare synthetic fibers or real human hair,

or a blend of both. They’re heat-friendly and can be styled.

Synthetic wigs are more affordable and durable but human hair wigs offer more styling options, she says.

Toppers, which clip onto your own hair, can add volume and style, while blending seamlessly with your own hair.

It’s important to consult with a professional when buying a wig. Getting the proper fit is important.

“Most of my clients are women, but some men, especially if they’re still working, while going through cancer treatment, want something to keep their look,” she says.

Cancer treatment is not the only reason for hair loss. Stress, hormonal changes, medications, diet, genetics and other issues can cause hair loss. Genrich has seen COVID-19 patients lose hair, too, usually a few months after being sick.

Some women just want good hair on demand, especially when they travel.

Genrich is a certified hair loss consultant, a member of the American Hair Loss Council, a volunteer for the American Cancer Society, and a designer for ‘Beauty in You’ classes for cancer patients.

For an appointment, call (815) 2225187 or email her at cindygenrich@yahoo.com. ❚

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March 4-6

Virtual Student Symposium, InPerson Research Paleo Lectures, In-Museum Family Paleo Activities, Workshops, and more!

737 N Main Street, Rockford, IL

Celebrate & Explore all things prehistoric!

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Your Health

Pulmonary Rehab Can Strengthen Lungs

By Stephanie N. Grimoldby

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or patients who’ve been diagnosed with chronic respiratory issues, pulmonary rehabilitation is one of the best ways to improve quality of life, says Dr. Joseph Kittah, medical director of pulmonology at Beloit Health System.

“Pulmonary rehab has been in existence for years,” Kittah says. “It’s supported by data, and evidence-based medicine shows that it benefits patients.”

Unfortunately, many people don’t know it’s an option, Kittah says.

Pulmonary rehab usually entails a three-month program, with patients attending one-hour sessions a few times a week. Tools that might be used include a Positive Airway Pressure System, or EzPAP, similar to a CPAP machine; elastic resistance bands; treadmills; and incentive spirometry, which involves a ballvalve mechanism that a patient blows into to develop slow, deep breathing skills.

“Most people will notice significant improvement,” Kittah says. “Pulmonary rehab is shown to decrease hospitalization for acute respiratory issues. Most COPD patients generally are now able to have greater endurance and have improved respiratory function.”

In the past two years, Kittah also has worked with patients recovering from COVID-19. Some of them have persistent respiratory issues, and Kittah tries to get them at least one visit with a therapist, just long enough to be instructed on breathing strategies and exercises they can do at home.

That’s an important aspect of pulmonary rehab – as with any other sort of rehabilitation, the best results come to those who follow through with their exercises beyond the clinic.

“The strategies we use are long-

standing techniques that have been practiced over years, and what we notice is patients who follow pulmonary rehab exercise regimens at home will benefit a lot,” Kittah says. “Pulmonary rehab is an initiation program that will teach you strategies, and we expect patients will follow these exercises and these education tips on their own. If you slack, if you do not perform, over time the benefits will erode.”

The thing about lung function, he says, is if you don’t use it, you lose it. ❚

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Listening to you is where we start every visit.

Accepting new patients

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Your Fun

Entertainment & Events

‘The Revlon Girls’ Feb. 24-27, 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. matinee.

This stage play tells the poignant story of a group of women who try to make sense of their lives after suffering a great loss in a 1966 mining disaster in Wales. Maddox Theatre, Rockford College, 5050 E. State St., (815) 226-4100, rockford.edu.

Theo Von: ‘Return of the Rat Tour’ Feb. 25, 8 p.m. The comedian and podcaster makes his first stop in Rockford. He can be seen and heard weekly on his podcasts “This Past Weekend,” and “King and Sting.” Coronado PAC, 314 N. Main St., (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Beloit International Film Festival Feb. 26-March 6. Filmmakers from all genres, including features, documentaries, shorts and more, screen their work in Beloit. Many showings come with Q & A sessions with the filmmakers. Downtown Beloit. (608) 466-9693, beloitfilmfest.org.

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Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!

March 2, 6:30 p.m. Daniel Tiger and all his friends from the PBS Kids television series ride the Trolley to the Neighborhood of Make Believe. Coronado PAC, 314 N. Main St., (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

Hot Wheels Monster Truck Live March 4-6, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 12:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2:30 p.m. See real-life versions of famous Hot Wheels toy trucks.

BMO Harris Bank Ctr., 300 Elm St., (815) 968-5222, thebmoharrisbankcenter.com.

Zach Williams March 5, 7 p.m. A night of music and ministry with a signature blend of southern rock, country and faith-filled songwriting.

Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

2nd Thursday Concert Series March 10, 7 p.m. Danny’s Gone Rogue is all about the fun of singing Irish and Celtic

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Celebrate the Irish, no matter what your ancestry, at Katie’s Cup on March 10 when Danny’s Gone Rogue leads the singing.

pub songs as the audience sings along. Full coffee bar menu available for purchase.

Concert is free. Katie’s Cup, 502 7th St., Rockford, (815) 986-0628, katiescup.com.

So You Have Apples/Fruit Trees March 12, 10 a.m.-noon. Learn all about growing tree fruit at this Macktown Living History workshop. Advanced registration required. Macktown, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton, Macktownlivinghistory.com. ❚

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