Smart Living Weekly July 30, 2020

Smart L iving Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • July 30, 2020

™

Right in Our Region

Seeing Nature in New Ways Through NLI See Page 16

‘It Is Well With My Soul’ Recovering From Stroke Respect Your Garage Door Support Our Local Shops!

Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun!

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

53

Get DISH and get a Google Nest Hello video doorbell on us.

Mention offer code GOOGLENEST when you sign up.

Available while supplies last. Offer valid through 9/30/20. Requires internet-connected Hopper. Customer must press Voice Remote button to activate feature. Google Assistant Smart Home features require Google account and compatible devices. Google and the Google Nest Hello video doorbell are trademarks of Google LLC. The Google Nest Hello video doorbell requires a Wi-Fi network, a nearby electrical socket and a compatible (Android/iOS) mobile device. 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.

240+

290+

CHANNELS

AMERICAʼS TOP 250

Plus More!

CHANNELS

9499

$

RSN surcharge up to $3/mo. applies and varies based on location.

190

CHANNELS

AMERICAʼS TOP 200

AMERICAʼS TOP 120 PLUS

AMERICAʼS TOP 120

Plus More!

Plus More!

Plus More!

8499

$

/mo.

190+

CHANNELS

/mo.

RSN surcharge up to $3/mo. applies and varies based on location.

7499

$

5999

$

/mo.

RSN surcharge up to $3/mo. applies and varies based on location.

/mo.

All packages include local channels, ESPN, FREE Voice Remote with Google Assistant, FREE Standard Professional Installation and FREE Premium Channels for 3 months.

All offers require credit qualification, 2-year commitment with early termination fee and eAutoPay. Prices include Hopper Duo for qualifying customers.

Hopper, Hopper w/Sling or Hopper 3 $5/mo. more. Upfront fees may apply based on credit qualification. Fees apply for additional TVs: Hopper $15/mo., Joey $5/mo., Super Joey $10/mo.

Plus, act now for even more benefits: Watch 80,000+ movies and shows On Demand.

Thanks for supporting us, your neighborhood Retailer.

Find something to watch or rent, for everyone in your family.

We give you the best entertainment experience, with a local touch.

Availability depends on package and technology.

Ask us about our Smart Home products and installation services.

Google Nest Cam IQ, Google Nest Learning Thermostat and Google Nest Hello are trademarks of Google LLC.

Call or visit your Local DISH Retailer to demo the best in entertainment and home technology!

EZSATELLITE & WIRELESS INC

(815) 957-4335

6239 N 2nd St, Suite B, Loves Park www.ezsatellitenow.com 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 1/13/21. 2-year commitment: Early termination fee of $20/mo. remaining applies if you cancel early. Included in 2-year price guarantee at $59.99 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 ($74.99 for AT120+, $84.99 for AT200, $94.99 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. Premium Channels: 3 Mos. Free: After 3 mos., you will be billed $30/mo. for Showtime, Starz, and DISH Movie Pack unless you call or go online to cancel. 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.

BDRIVE_25925

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

3

4

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

5

In This Issue Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Natural Land Institute Lessons Evolve Your Home ................................................... ..... 11 Give Your Garage Door Some Love Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 “It Is Well With My Soul” Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Recovery After Stroke

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.

6

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Ville du Havre

I

was moved by the service for U.S. Rep. John Lewis (D-Ga.) at the Capitol rotunda Monday. A recorded speech by Lewis was the highlight, along with a performance of “It Is Well With My Soul,” sung by Wintley Phipps.

This remarkable hymn, originally named Ville du Havre, takes us from the deepest of sorrow to soaring hope. The lyrics were written in 1873 by Chicago lawyer Horatio Spafford, a devout Presbyterian and active abolitionist who married his Norwegian sweetheart, Anna, in 1861, as the Civil War raged.

By 1871, the couple had four daughters and enough investment in local real estate to support their many charitable works ... until the Great Chicago Fire mostly wiped them out.

Two years later, Spafford put his family on the French oceanliner Ville du Havre, bound for England. He planned to meet up with them soon and attend a speech by his friend, evangelist Dwight L. Moody. But mid-voyage, their ship was rammed by a British vessel. It sank fast, drowning all four daughters. Anna was rescued.

Devastated Horatio set sail to meet his wife.

As his ship passed over the site of his daughters’ watery grave, he penned the lyrics to “All is Well With My Soul,” choosing to focus on his unshakeable faith, no matter the darkness.

The couple had another daughter and then a son ... who died of scarlet fever at age 4.

Instead of finding solace in the church they’d helped to build, the Spaffords were met with accusation: Surely so much tragedy was the result of hidden sin. Still, they clung to faith.

After their second living daughter, Grace, was born in 1881, they left material pursuits behind and moved to Jerusalem to establish the American Colony, dedicated to easing the suffering of Christians, Muslims and Jews alike.

They adopted a Turkish boy and the Spafford Children’s Center still serves kids today.

How well their story fits the final words of John Lewis that rang out in the rotunda: “… find a way to create the beloved community, the beloved world, a world of peace, a world that will recognize the dignity of all human kind. Never become bitter. Never become hostile. Never hate. Live in peace.

We’re one, one people and one love.” ❚ Find the full speech and song on Youtube.com.

Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

7

8

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

9

10

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y H  G

Show Your Garage Door Some Respect

By Peggy Werner

I

n the comings and goings of life, a garage door gets a regular workout. Most of us take its dependability for granted, but it’s one of the home’s hardest working parts and needs regular attention.

Owner Mike Charboneau of Stateline Garage Door Repair says a garage door can last up to 30 years if regularly checked and maintained.

Homeowners can extend the life by lubricating all moving parts and springs several times a year to keep them from rusting, but for anything else, leave it to the professionals, he says.

“People have been hurt and killed trying to fix garage door springs, which are under constant tension to lift and lower a door that can weigh hundreds of pounds. A sudden break, especially in older doors, can cause a violent reaction leading to damage to people or property,” he says.

Springs typically last seven to 10 years with average use, so they don’t need to be replaced often, but when they do need work, it’s a home project do-it-yourselfers should leave to skilled technicians who have the tools and knowledge to get the job done safely, he warns.

Signs your garage door is in need of attention include unusual sounds like grinding, squealing or a popping noise. If a door looks warped, is sagging or doesn’t close evenly, it means something is out of balance and causing stress to the springs and motor. If for any reason the door isn’t opening and closing smoothly and steadily, that’s an indication of a problem.

When replacing a garage door, there are a variety of materials to choose from, many of which are lighter and more durable than the old-fashioned wood doors, and the newer doors have safety features.

Tell them you saw it in ...

Stateline Garage Door Repair, with offices in Beloit and Rockford, has 27 years of experience in the repair and maintenance of industrial, commercial and residential garage doors.

Charboneau recommends homeowners get a yearly inspection of their garage door to keep it running smoothly and to prevent problems.

For more information, contact Charboneau at mdcharboneau@msn.com or call (815) 509-4070. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

11

I  W

‘It is Well With My Soul’ T

he hymn lyrics printed below are the original ones written by Horatio Gates Spafford in the face of great personal tragedy in 1873. Find his story on p. 7. The stirring melody was written by Philip Bliss.

The lyrics remind us of Paul’s admonition that sorrow is never a reason to turn away from God and that it’s possible to be thankful no matter what circumstance we’re experiencing. (See Philippians 4) If you need a lift, listen to this hymn!

W

hen peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea-billows roll, Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to know; It is well, it is well with my soul.

Tho’ Satan should buffet, tho’ trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ hath regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed his own blood for my soul.

My sin - oh, the bliss of this glorious thought!

My sin - not in part but the whole, Is nailed to His cross and I bear it no more; Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh my soul.

And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, The clouds be rolled back as a scroll, The trump shall resound, and the Lord shall descend A song in the night, oh my soul!

(The following verse was added some time later) For me, be it Christ, be it Christ hence to live, If Jordan above me shall roll, No pang shall be mine, for in death as in life Thou shalt whisper Thy peace to my soul. ❚ 12

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

13

14

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

15

R  O R

Protecting & Enjoying Nature with NLI

By Peggy Werner he Natural Land Institute (NLI) has protected, managed and restored more than 17,000 acres of undeveloped land in Illinois since 1958.

It also helps people to discover the wonders of nature so they’ll learn to love the outdoors, understand the importance of healthy ecosystems and advocate for land preservation, says Kim Johnsen, NLI director of marketing and membership.

“During the early phases of the COVID-19 crisis that required people to shelter in place, so many people discovered the outdoors was always open to enjoy and learn from,” she says. “They experienced the healing qualities of fresh air, exercise and the beauty of nature.”

Several of the programs normally offered by NLI each year now include online videos that will continue to be a part

T

16

Smart Living Weekly

of the website even after the pandemic ends, she says.

“It’s interesting how the pandemic has made everyone look at things differently.”

For example, Family Nature Adventures replaced the annual Family Nature Days, normally held at Nygren Wetland Preserve, and provides a way for families to engage with nature through a series of 13 free, guided activities with topics ranging from water to archaeology, pollinators to mammals, and soil to seeds.

Kids can watch an educational video and do an outdoor activity.

“This is a really great program for parents or grandparents to do with the kids. It’s a fun way to learn about nature at any age,” she says.

Kids complete six of the activities and fill out the final participation form to

July 30

To advertise call 815-316-2300

earn a Junior Naturalist badge. The videos, produced by NLI and other organization partners, are geared to families with children ages 2 to 14, but anyone can participate and activities can be done in any location and at one’s own pace.

Johnsen says the videos have been viewed by hundreds of people.

“We’re just trying to make it easy for people to explore the outdoors and discover all the living things around them, so they fall in love with nature and want to protect land,” she says.

The 2020 Wildflower Walkabout Series was also presented online this year and all videos can be viewed on the NLI website. The weekly walks, from April through June, featured blooming flowers and plants at various woodland and prairie preserves in Winnebago, Boone and Ogle counties. Although the walks

R  O R

were not held on location this year, it’s hoped the videos will encourage people to visit the preserves on their own time, while practicing social distancing, Johnsen says.

NLI is also celebrating the 20th anniversary of the 721-acre Nygren Wetland Preserve, its largest preserve with public access. The preserve can be entered at the Wildlife Overlook at 3714 W. Rockton Road in Rockton, which is also the trail head for the Dianne Nora Nature Trail, which is in the Prairie State Hike app. The parking lot, overlook and trail are open daily from sunrise to sunset for hiking, snowshoeing and skiing. No

bicycles or unauthorized vehicles are permitted on the trail and the Nygren Wetland is a pet-free preserve. Nygren Wetland anniversary t-shirts can be purchased online at naturalland.org/merchandise under the “about” tab.

The NLI was organized as a private, not-for-profit charitable corporation by the late George B. Fell, who helped Illinois to become the first U.S. state to create a system of nature preserves through legislation.

Fell also co-founded The Nature Conservancy, one of the largest conservation organizations in the world, with a presence today in 72 countries and all 50 U.S. states. He and his wife of 46 years, Barbara, were longtime Rockford residents.

NLI does not get government funding and is supported mainly through memberships, donations and bequests.

It has about 700 members, is the first Illinois land trust, and today focuses on

Tell them you saw it in ...

land preservation in 12 counties in Northern Illinois.

NLI’s Conservation@Home program educates and recognizes homeowners who care about water conservation and land protection. Individual homeowners can contribute to the health of bird, insect and wildlife populations by planting native wildflowers, trees and shrubs; by removing exotic plant species; and by collecting rain water.

The small NLI staff and hundreds of volunteers work in the preserves to collect and plant seeds, control invasive species and support growth of native plants.

Volunteer land stewardship days have not been scheduled since mid-March this year due to the pandemic.

NLI owns 26 preserves throughout Illinois and works to safeguard forests, prairies and wetland for native plants and animals, protects rivers and streams for fish and other aquatic life, and educates people about their responsibilities, while providing opportunities to enjoy nature. ❚

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

17

18

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

19

20

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

21

22

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y H

Therapy Makes Stroke Recovery Possible

By Lindsey Gapen Lukas, managing editor

A

fter experiencing a stroke, most patients have a few months to a year to make their most significant recovery gains. That’s why stroke rehabilitation typically begins right away after the patient is stabilized in the hospital.

Since stroke can change brain chemistry, neurologists usually monitor stroke patients for depression. It’s important to intervene if this is detected, since it can inhibit a person’s motivation during therapy. Most stroke patients do three core types of therapy: physical, occupational and speech.

Patricia Glynn, a physical therapist assistant at Beloit Memorial Hospital, primarily helps patients with anything related to mobility such as walking, balancing and getting in and out of bed.

Lauren Kolar, an occupational therapist, primarily focuses on activities of daily living. Most stroke patients have

upper extremity weakness on one side, which can affect their ability to get dressed, brush their teeth, wash their face – “pretty much everything,” Kolar says.

Allison Petska, a speech language pathologist, helps patients with both the cognitive and physical aspects of speech.

It’s not uncommon for stroke patients to have issues with swallowing, slurred speech or aphasia – difficulty with understanding or producing language.

“Very seldom are we with patients all at the same time,” Glynn explains.

“But we definitely share information,” Kolar adds. “I look at both of their notes before I go to see a patient.”

All three therapists consider a patient’s specific goals when coming up with a treatment plan. They also encourage families to be involved from the very beginning.

“A good support system makes a huge difference,” Petska says. “I think awareness of the patient’s deficits is really important as well.”

Tell them you saw it in ...

All three therapies gear patients toward functional independence. It’s a long-term process, since recovery can take weeks or even years, depending on the severity of the stroke.

But every small gain is a victory and there’s always hope.

“It’s certainly possible to make a full or almost full recovery,” Kolar says.

“There’s life after a stroke.” ❚

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

23

24

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

25

26

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

27

28

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

29

30

Smart Living Weekly

July 30

To advertise call 815-316-2300

SALE MADE IN AMERICA

get A FREE 2nd set of matching pillows

with your custom order=!

FINAL WEEKEND TO SAVE!

Start designing your custom furniture STARTING AT

$

699==

36**

MONTHS TO PAY with

FREE

wi

Design Service!

th e q

0%

interest

ual payme

nts

2nd set of Free pillows with any custom order of $899 or more. ==Orders that fall under the $699 and $799 custom creations are priced at a discount and cannot be combined with any other offers. Offer ends 8/04/2020.

=

MADE IN AMERICA DEALS

6651 East State St. Rockford, IL Mon - Fri 10am - 8pm, Sat 10am - 7pm, and Sun 12pm - 5pm

QUEEN

Wall-Saver Power Recliner

Made in America

Double Reclining Power Sofa

Made in America

36/mo for 36 mo** 52/mo for 36 mo** On Sale On Sale

$

$

Rocker Recliner

499

$

MATTRESSES Made in America

On Sale

Save up to 60% on American brands in our clearance center!

STARTING AT

$399

* Prices reflect discount for cash, check, or debit purchase. Promotions cannot be combined. Outlet items cannot be combined with additional discounts. In store offer valid through 8/4/2020 or while supplies last. Same day pick up or express delivery on in stock items only ordered before 1pm. Stock levels vary due to fluctuations in sales. No guarantee exists that “In Stock� items are always in stock. Although every precaution is taken, occasionally errors do occur in print. We reserve the right to correct any such errors. **No interest for 36 months with equal payments: Minimum financed balance $3999. 0% APR from date of eligible purchase until paid in full. Monthly payment is the purchase amount divided by the number of months in the offer. Last payment may vary due to rounding. On-time payments will pay off the promotional balance. Other transactions and charges affect total monthly payment amount. Prior purchases excluded. Account must be in good standing. Limited time offer. Standard account terms apply to purchases that do not qualify. New accounts: Standard Purchase APR 29.99%. Minimum interest charge $1. Existing accounts, see your credit agreement for applicable terms. Subject to credit approval. Gustafsons Furniture financing account issued by TD Bank, N.A.

52

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1