Smart Living Rockford- May 2023

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

Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is fast approaching! This holiday can raise complicated emotions for many of us, myself included.

Mostly, it’s a great time to take a step back and honor the moms and motherly figures in our lives. But for some of us, it can be a day when grief hits hard.

Many people have lost their mothers or lost their children. Many people want to be mothers but can’t. Some people have difficult relationships with their mothers, or simply don’t know them at all.

If any of those apply to you, please know that I see you.

I’m very lucky to have a wonderful mom and mother-in-law. Not only do they love me and my family unconditionally, but they go above and beyond to help us out (especially with babysitting).

Special shout out to you both!

I’m also so fortunate to have an almost 2-year-old who made me mom. My son, Elliot, is without a doubt the light of my life. I’m not normally a delusional person… but I definitely think his birth was the best thing to ever happen on planet earth. Ha.

At the same time, I know how tough infertility can be. If you relate, I especially feel for you on this holiday and send you all the positivity I can. (Also, if you’re pregnant and have to listen to annoying comments on this holiday, I especially empathize with you, too).

On one final note, if you still need to buy a Mother’s Day present for someone in your life, please consider shopping local! You’ll get better products and better overall service, and you’ll be contributing to your local economy. Yes, inflation is tough right now, and yes, groceries are at almost unfathomable prices... but I still encourage you to give your dollars to your neighbors instead of Bezos, if you can. (No offense to him if he ever happens to read this, which I highly doubt).

Cheers to all the moms out there who do so much for us!

And have a wonderful week! ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

Save on Phone, Internet, TV and Solar

By Peggy Werner

The pandemic has taken a toll on many local businesses, some having to close, and others having to pivot.

Owner and General Manager Charles Zambrano of EZ Satellite and Wireless and EZ Solar has always strived to be ahead of the trends, giving customers what they need and want at the best prices available.

And that hasn’t changed.

What has changed is he is now working remotely from home and decided to close his North Second Street location in Loves Park.

“I just want to let people know I’m there for them, but I’m not where I used to be,” he says. “I am more accessible to my customers now by being there when they need me rather than keeping hours.”

When the store’s foot traffic dropped by 95 percent during the pandemic, Zam-

brano decided he needed to change with the times. He services customers by putting together packages to save money on TV, internet and phone. EZ Satellite & Wireless is an authorized dish network retailer and licensed to offer services from a long list of providers.

“I help people save money by combining services, but not from the same provider. People are paying too much for phone, internet and television services by using just one company,” he says.

And now, with the trend toward cleaner energy, he is also helping people save money through solar power, whether they buy or lease the panels. In either case, no money down is required, he says.

“Using clean energy saves electric costs for homeowners and is good for the environment. Installing solar panels in a home is the equivalent of planting 100 trees a year to reduce carbon emissions.

It’s a phenomenal impact on the environment and helps people combat inflation and energy rate increases,” he adds.

EZ Solar will help with permits, applications, and obtaining a loan for those who qualify. The product is maintenancefree and has a 25-year warranty.

Federal Investment Tax Credits and state rebates are available.

For more information on products or to set up an appointment, contact Zambrano by calling 815-994-7336 or visit his websites at EZsatellitenow.com and EZsolarenergynow.com. ❚

Real Change

“Amanconvinced against his will is of the same opinion still.”

This quote stands the test of time because it’s true. One person cannot force another to change his/her opinion from A to B. The listener may be persuaded willingly, or coerced into professing what he does not believe, but one person can’t change another’s inner thoughts by force.

Sadly, many people don’t believe this truth, either on an interpersonal level or a global scale. How many lives are lost as one group tries to force an ideology onto another? How many children are lost to parents who try to force behavioral change through coercion? How many spouses, employers or overlords have bullied others into submission, only to be met with resentment that manifests itself in hidden and costly ways?

Yet God, who is the only One with an actual right to “bully” us, does not. Rather, God invites us to grow in faith willingly, just as a plant freely reaches toward sunlight without external pressure.

The Greek word “auxano” is translated throughout the New Testament as “growth.” But it’s not just any kind of growth; it describes an internal growth that happens in partnership with God. It’s used in references to plants, the Christian church and individuals. In I Cor. 3:6 & 7, (NIV) Paul writes: I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow [auxano]. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow [auxano].

The word is also used in Ephesians 4:14: Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.

Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow (auxano) up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ.

Love invites us to embrace the most powerful kind of growth and change possible.

A man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still. But a man who willingly embraces the love of God is in for the journey of his life – one of growth, discovery and healthy changes that reach to the deepest places of the heart. ❚

– Janine Pumilia

A Spectacular Summer at Starlight Theatre

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Starlight Theatre’s upcoming season is stacked with diverse, exciting and engaging shows. Five musicals are set to take the stage this summer at the Bengt Sjostrom Theatre at Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford.

“This lineup really seems to resonate with our audiences,” says Christopher D. Brady, producing artistic director.

“Starlight Theatre is high-quality community theatre of our very own, nestled on the beautiful Rock Valley College campus, under a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind outdoor roof that opens up to the stars,” he continues. “It’s cozy, exceptional, and a gem of our community. How is that not an experience you want to take part in? And how is that anything but an asset to our community?”

Starting the season off on a high note is “Footloose” June 7-10 and July 12-16.

“Let’s face it, ‘Footloose,’ in this day and age, really resonates with all of us 40-50 somethings, which is weird to say, but is also magnetic with those who are younger,” Brady says. “It’s sort of a ‘power to the people’ show, but very Midwest-style.”

Next up is Lin Manuel Miranda’s “In the Heights” June 14-17 & July 19-23. Written and cast as a show by people of color, the show will resonate with everyone, Brady says.

“It’s about belonging, it’s about community, and it’s about finding out the best community is the one that you’ve created already – the one that’s shared your history... family. It’s very 815 appropriate, though it takes place in New York. It’s a wonderful piece, really.”

Memorable songs such as “Food, Glorious Food,” “Consider Yourself,”

“It’s a Fine Life,” “I’d Do Anything,” and “Pick a Pocket or Two” are in “Oliver!” June 21-24 and July 26-30.

“‘Oliver!’ is a classic, and it showcases kids. What’s not to like?!,” says Brady. “It’s fun, but it’s dark… a little bit like life… but shined up like a Victorian shoe.”

A revamped version of Roger’s and Hammerstein’s classic “Cinderella”

rounds out the season June 28-July 1 and August 2-6.

“It includes all of those sweet songs like “In My Own Little Corner” and “Ten Minutes Ago,” but with new orchestrations and a fresh book, it really glistens like never before,” Brady says.

There’s also a Starlittle show, “The Stinky Cheeseman,” August 10-12.

“We haven’t had such a quirky and totally fun Starlittle show – just for the

kids – as ‘Stinky Cheese Man,’” Brady says. “It’s a crazy and totally fun piece. It’s as unique as the book is, but it’s up on a stage – it’s going to be a remarkable experience for the little ones.”

Main Stage show tickets are $12 for kids under age 10, $17 for students in junior high through college, $28 for adults, and $26 for teachers, military and seniors ages 65 and older. Tickets are available at rvcstarlight.ludus.com, by calling (815) 921-2160, or by purchasing in person Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

“To be honest, I think what’s going to be really exciting about it all is seeing each show’s unique success,” Brady says. “They’re all a celebration of something, so it’s going to be thrilling celebrating all summer long.”

Brady is proud of all the people who make these performances come together.

“I’m proud of the people who make this happen, and they are much too numerous to name,” he says.

“Each level and facet to creating mu-

sicals is an art form unto itself. We have designers who imagine up the scenery, the costumes, the lighting, the props, and each one of them brings artistry, not just talent, to their elements. We’ve got directors, choreographers, and music directors who take pride in pushing their creative abilities to the limit for each and every one of these shows. They tell the stories through staging, dance, and music – each one a completely different element from the next, but all need to coagulate into one unified piece by the end.

“So, why am I proud? I’m not sure how I couldn’t be,” Brady continues.

“From the moment something this massive has its opening performance to the public until the roof and the curtains close on it at its last, everyone out here beams with pride looking over the creations that took us over a year to produce. And, to be honest, we almost always love the final product. When the shows hit like that, our pride is abundant…and our gratitude is all-consuming.” ❚

May 21, June 25, Aug 13, Sept 24

May 27 - Sept 2, 2023

July 12 - 16, 2023

July 29, 2023

August 4-6, 2023

30 - Sept

@Saturdays on the Square

@Elkhorn Antique Flea Market

A Full Day of Jams at Bellson Music Fest

By Peggy Werner

The second annual Bellson Music Fest honors Rock Falls’ most internationally known and accomplished musician: the world renown composer, arranger, band leader and jazz drummer Louie Bellso. He was born in Rock Falls on July 6, 1924 and passed away on Feb. 14, 2009.

The free event will be from 11 a.m.9:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 10.

Melinda Jones, director of Rock Falls Tourism and Events, says she helped to organize last year’s event to keep the drummer’s memory alive.

“We just want everyone to remember Louie. He was famous around the world, and we want to celebrate his life and music. We don’t want to forget him because he never forgot us,” she says.

The Music Fest opens with a drum clinic led by Walfredo Reyes, Jr. from 11

a.m.-noon at McCormick Event Center, 205 E. Third St.

Live bands perform outdoors beginning at noon at the RB&W District, 205 E. Second St. The lineup includes BAJA Band, playing soft pop-rock and funk, Josh Duffee & His Orchestra, playing music from the 1940s and original compositions by Bellson, jazz musicians The Mike Conrad Trio, and the Starlight Theatre Blues Band, offering smooth jazz, classic blues, Motown, southern soul and more. The Walfredo Reyes, Jr., Trio performs a variety of musical styles from 8-9:30 p.m.

As a composer and author, Bellson wrote more than 1,000 compositions and more than a dozen books. He was a six-time Grammy nominee and received the prestigious American Jazz Masters Award from the National Endowment for

the Arts in 1994. He performed in most of the major capitals around the world. Along with his late wife, actress and singer Pearl Bailey, he holds the record of having the second highest number of White House appearances, behind only Bob Hope. Bellson performed on more than 200 albums, with such greats as Ella Fitzgerald and Tony Bennett.

In case of rain, the event will be held in the McCormick Event Center. Food vendors will be onsite. For more information, go to visitrockfalls.com. ❚