Smart Living Rockford- May 2024 II

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3

THURSDAY, JULY 4

FRIDAY, JULY 5

SATURDAY, JULY 6 PENNY

SUNDAY, JULY 7

Executive

Senior

Managing

Assistant

Graphics

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Contributing

2 Years of ‘Senior Editor’

Well,

it’s officially been two years since I took over as Smart Living editor from my mentor, Janine Pumilia. I like to remind readers about her regularly because she is truly such a gem. She still frequently writes our inspiration column pro-bono (it’s just something she feels called to do), and she checks in every now and then with the kindest messages. For a few years, I thought of her as my “work mom,” but now, I get to think of her as my friend.

Past columns from Janine have taught me that it’s important to recognize milestones, particularly because they make for great opportunities to reflect. As another year wraps up for me at Smart Living, I can’t help but to think about what a great year it’s been.

Don’t get me wrong — there have been challenges. I had a baby in January, which meant disclosing a pregnancy, figuring out maternity leave plans, and writing quite a few assignments on little to no sleep. Here’s a peak behind the curtain — more than one of my recent columns were finished in the middle of the night, when I was already up anyway and had swirling thoughts of what to say. With a baby and a toddler in the picture, I definitely don’t work a normal 9 to 5.

But, obviously, my daughter is such a blessing, and she’s made this past year more exciting to reflect upon.

I love how this job keeps me up-to-date on all of the positive things happening in the Rockford area. Even though horrible things happen too, as I’m sure you know well, there’s still amazing people who deserve to have their businesses, events and accomplishments highlighted. If you’re not sure what I’m talking about, just visit northwestquarterly.com. I particularly recommend reading our “25 Most Interesting People” feature that just went live earlier this month. Our community is full of so many passionate people who love what they do, and that passion is contagious.

I’ll never take this job for granted.

Cheers to more years of spreading positivity! ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

BELLSON MUSIC FEST

SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2024

RB&W District - 201 E. 2nd St., Rock Falls

Noon ~ Jerry Criss Band

2:00 pm ~ Yorkville Big Band

4:00 pm ~ Rock River Jazz Band

6:00 pm ~ Josh Duffee & His Orchestra

8:00 pm ~ Steve Smith & Vital Information

Drum Clinic by Steve Smith ~ 11 am

McCormick Event Center - 205 E. 3rd St., Rock Falls

Thanks to our Sponsors

Johnson Oil Co.

Sauk Valley Bank

Extreme Dumpster Rentals

Holiday Inn Express & Suites

OnCall Imaging

Samuel Metal Spinners

Arthur’s Garden Deli

Candlelight Inn

CGH Medical Center

Community State Bank

Northern IL Cancer Treatment Center

Selmi’s Greenhouse & Farm Market

SERVPRO of Clinton and Sterling

Sterling Commercial Roofing, Inc

Sterling Federal Bank

WDCB 90.9 FM Jazz

Bible Camp

Summer is about feeling free and having fun. The season can also be a meaningful time for spiritual growth, making new friends and building community.

That’s the idea behind Vacation Bible School (VBS) at Grace United Methodist Church, 3555 McFarland Road, Rockford. This year’s program is themed “At the Farm: Growing with God,” based on the Fruits of the Spirit as found in Galatians, chapter 5.

For children ages 3-12, VBS takes place from 5:30-7:45 p.m. June 24-27 at the church. A free meal is served each day at 5:15 p.m.

“We will be specifically focusing on love, peace, patience and faithfulness,” says Elizabeth Flaherty, office administrator and a member of the education committee that plans and organizes VBS at Grace United Methodist Church. “Just as farm hands work to help plants and animals grow, our children can be active partners with God in nurturing growth in themselves and others.”

Topics each day revolve around ageappropriate lessons in science, creative arts, Bible, and outdoor games and activities. Farm animals and wagon rides are part of the program.

Although VBS mainly draws those who attend or are members of Grace United Methodist, anyone is welcome to attend.

“We want to provide a positive church experience for kids, whether or not they go to church,” Flaherty says. “We want children to discover that church can be a fun place. The kids have a great time. They wake up in the morning looking forward to coming. It’s fun to see their excitement and see them work on their relationship with God and watch their faith grow.”

The children who attend this year’s VBS have the opportunity to perform the songs they learn at the 10 a.m. service on Sunday, June 30.

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged. Forms are available on the church website, graceumcrockford.org. ❚

-Peggy Werner

Education, Fun at Family Nature Adventures

By Peggy Werner

In its ninth year, Family Nature Adventures is a free family event supported by the Kiwanis Club of Rockford and other sponsors to inspire a land conservation ethic in the next generation.

This year’s event is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, June 22, at Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Road, Rockton, mainly in the prairie and wetland areas in the front part of the preserve. Children ages 2 to 14 can earn a Junior Naturalist Badge by visiting nature and art-themed learning stations, while the whole family can enjoy activities and wagon rides. Adults can also earn prizes.

“The whole idea is to get families outside in nature and have some hands-on learning experiences,” says Kim Johnsen, the Natural Land Institute (NLI) director of marketing and membership. “Bring the whole family, friends, or come on

your own to explore the natural world at Nygren, where you will see prairies, wetlands and woodlands.”

Each learning station features activities based on a certain topic. For example, The Groundwater Station will show how polluted water affects the environment.

The Woodland Station has examples of acorns, leaves, bones and other items that can be found on the forest floor. The Prairie Station shows the unique features of the Prairie Dock plant that traps water and provides a habitat for animals, while its deep roots benefit the soil. The Writing Station instructs how to record observations of nature.

Four water and shade stations provide a place to take a break and have a snack. Attendees can bring their own food. In addition, wagon rides take people around the preserve.

Each year, hundreds of people attend the event, Johnsen says. Learning stations are staffed by nature volunteers and organizations. Children get a passport stamped at each station they visit.

The last step to earning a badge is taking a pledge to help protect nature in your community.

“Everyone gets excited about what they are learning,” Johnsen says. “The hosts say it’s so much fun to see adults, as well as children, enjoying what they discover. It’s a great, structured way to learn about nature.” ❚

Family Nature Adventures is June 22.

Bellson Music Fest Celebrates a Legend

By Jim Taylor, managing editor

Now entering its third year, Bellson Music Fest is ready to jazz up the RB&W District in Rock Falls, Ill., on June 8.

“The festival honors Louie Bellson, who was born in Rock Falls and lived here until he was 4 years old,” says Melinda Jones, director of tourism and events for the City of Rock Falls. “He never forgot Rock Falls, and he would often come back to visit.”

The world-renowned jazz drummer, composer, arranger and band leader is a first-rate musician and six-time Grammy nominee. He was also a prolific writer who penned a dozen books on the art of drumming and percussion.

He shared the stage with a variety of musical luminaries, including Oscar Peterson, Count Basie, Louie Armstrong and Ella Fitzgerald.

“Louie played with almost every musician there was, from Duke Ellington to James Brown,” says Francine Bellson, who married Louie in 1992. “We traveled the world, him performing and recording, and I functioning as artist-manager, publicist and photographer.”

Mrs. Bellson plans to attend this year’s festival, the latest of many visits she has made to Rock Falls over the years, often with Louie, who died in 2009 at the age of 84.

This year’s celebration honors what would have been his 100th birthday.

“This year is a centennial celebration, so we’re making it about the big bands,” says Jones.

The day’s entertainment starts with a drum clinic conducted by Steve Smith, a former member of the rock band Journey. While the entire festival is dedicated to

Louie Bellson, the clinic especially captures his spirit and contributions to music. It’s hosted at the McCormick Event Center, 205 E. Third St., and is free to all who attend.

“You don’t have to be interested in drumming,” says Jones. “If you’re a fan of Steve Smith and want to learn more

Rock Falls honors Louie Bellson, a world-class drummer, composer, arranger and band leader.

about what he does, it’s the perfect place to go.”

The live music portion of the event begins at noon at the RB&W District Amphitheater, 201 E. Second St., with Jerry Criss and his Starlight Blues.

“They have a classic mix of Chicago Blues, soul, jazz, Motown and country,” says Jones. “They’re a fun group.”

The Yorkville Big Band, a 19-piece group from Yorkville, Ill., takes the stage at 2 p.m.

“They cover famous bands like Glenn Miller, Tommy Dorsey and Count Basie,” says Jones. “They also perform arrangements of popular music from today.”

At 4 p.m., the Rock River Jazz Band takes over. The group, which hails from nearby Sterling, Ill., is a nonprofit organization that’s dedicated to keeping big band and swing music alive.

“They were at our inaugural Bellson Music Fest,” says Jones. “They play a lot of jazz and big band music from the ’50s and ’60s.”

Anyone who’s seen a previous Bellson Music Fest will see another familiar face when Josh Duffee and his Orchestra start their set at 6 p.m.

Capping off the festival at 8 p.m. is Steve Smith and the Vital Information.

“They do a lot of different music, but mostly jazz,” says Jones. “It’s going to be a good night.”

All of the bands are scheduled to

perform 90-minute sets at the amphitheater, but if weather doesn’t cooperate, the event will be moved a block away to the McCormick Event Center. While seating is available, Jones encourages people to bring lawn chairs and find a comfortable spot in the spacious riverside park. They can also bring an umbrella for shade.

Mrs. Bellson is currently working with the Library of Congress, donating thousands of Louie’s items as well as materials from his first wife: actor, singer and author Pearl Bailey.

Mrs. Bellson still maintains her husband’s music website, louiebellson.com, and is passionate about sharing stories from his life and work. For her, Bellson Music Fest is an opportunity to celebrate her husband’s legacy.

“Louie Bellson was a man universally loved as a gentle and kind soul – as well as a towering figure in the world of drumming,” she says. “As I see it, our goal is to honor the legacy of a famous native son, a true American legend.” ❚

Louie Bellson (left) and Steve Smith (right). Smith is leading a drum clinic at Bellson Music Fest on June 8.

A Contractor That Does It All

By Steven Bonifazi, assistant editor

The road to entrepreneurship is challenging, but it’s familiar territory for Justin Swanson.

Since 2012, he’s been living the dream as founder and owner of JM Construction Group, 4915 Auburn St., in Rockford. He started with three employees, including himself, and maybe 15 to 20 projects every year. More than a decade later, Swanson’s firm is a leading exterior contractor in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin, with 400 to 500 projects and 12 employees.

JM Construction Group now offers a one-stop shop for exterior construction needs. Swanson’s team can handle everything from stone-coated steel roofing systems to wood and vinyl siding, triplepane windows and gutters. They’ll work for homeowners and commercial clients alike.

“A lot of companies do roofing and

siding while other companies do windows. We try to be that general contractor that does all that,” says Swanson. “A lot of homeowners don’t want to deal with multiple people, so here you can get your entire exterior done with one contractor.”

Aside from stress and hassle, working with one general contractor is an efficient way to avoid multiple fees, says Swanson. Additionally, companies like JM Construction Group offer lower prices when customers bundle their services.

“A lot of companies get a bunch of negative feedback, they shut down and then they open another company with a different name,” says Swanson. “Find out how many companies the owner has owned, how many different names their company has had and what other businesses they have been involved with.”

At JM Construction, Swanson’s team makes every effort to stand behind

clients and answer calls quickly. Roughly 40% of Swanson’s customers are referrals, which he credits to his friends and family over the years.

“I want to keep serving this area and keep people happy,” says Swanson. “I’m just happy to be able to stay in business and keep going. I’d like to keep the good employees I have and maybe add one or two, because we’re always looking for a good team member. There’s good money in construction. It’s a lot of hard work, and it’s not easy, but it’s worth it.” ❚

JM Construction Group offers a one-stop shop for exterior construction needs.

SMTD Offers Free Rides at Local Festival

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Since 2010, with the exception of two years related to the pandemic, Stateline Mass Transit District (SMTD) has provided free shuttle service for attendees of the Rockton Lion’s Club Old Settler’s Days. The tradition continues at this year’s festival from Thursday, June 13 through Sunday, June 16.

“Attendees take advantage of no-hassle, free parking at the Hononegah High School parking lot and enjoy SMTD’s free shuttle bus to and from the festival gate,” says Sharon Hecox, SMTD Executive Director.

The free shuttle service is available throughout the festival on Thursday and Friday from 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday from 1 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.; and Sunday from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. The shuttle bus is air conditioned and handicap accessible, so all may feel comfortable attending.

“SMTD was formed in 2007 to provide public transportation to the residents of the Rockton, Roscoe and South Beloit communities,” explains Hecox. “The local elected officials at that time wanted to enhance the quality of life to the residents of the area by providing a transportation service that would give everyone the ability to get where they needed to go when they needed to go. Initially, many residents thought SMTD bus service was only for seniors and the disabled; however, ‘SMTD is here to get you there’ applies to all ages and stages of life.”

In 2010, SMTD was approached by the mayor of Rockton, Dale Adams, who was also a Lion’s Club member, to ask if SMTD could assist in shuttling people from the high school parking lot down to the festival gate. Shuttle service would help people who may not be able to attend the festival due to issues related to

walking from the parking lot to the gate, and at the same time, encourage attendees to utilize the remote parking.

“The first year, SMTD provided 996 shuttle rides,” Hecox says. “Each year, the number of individuals taking advantage of the shuttle service has continued to grow. SMTD averages 600 to 800 trips per day at the festival. There are no restrictions on who can ride.”

For more information about SMTD, visit SMTD.biz. ❚

Stateline Mass Transit District provides free shuttle services at Old Settler’s Days, in Rockton.

Josh Gates

June 1, 7 p.m. The television personality and author hosts the Discovery Channel series “Expedition Unknown,” which follows the adventurer as he sets out on a global journey to explore archaeological discoveries, historic mysteries and scientific breakthroughs. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.

Garden Fair Weekend

June 1-2, Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. A variety of plants, flowers, garden decor, art, information booths and more. Listen to live music while enjoying local food truck vendors. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965-8146, klehm.org.

The Hidden Gifts of Visual Thinkers – Virtual

June 4, 7 p.m. Dr. Temple Grandin is one of the world’s most accomplished adults with autism. A foremost researcher in neurodiversity, she shares her personal stories and insights from her latest book. Virtual; open to anyone with an Illinois library card. Reg. req. Rockford Public Library, (815) 965-6731, rockfordpubliclibrary.org.

Starlight: ‘Legally Blonde’ June 5-8 & July 10-14, Thur.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sat. 2

p.m. See Elle conquer Harvard, in the production of the smash hit Broadway musical based on the smash hit film. Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.

Midtown Market

June 6-Sept. 26, Thurs. 9 a.m.-1 p.m. This weekly market features a variety of fresh produce and locally produced foods. Rockford Public Schools parking lot, 502 7th St., Rockford, rockfordmidtownmarket.com.

The Gathering at Macktown

June 8-9, Sat. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. A historical presentation of blacksmithing, muzzleloader shooting, crafts, demonstrations and more. Macktown Living History, 2221 Freeport Road, Rockton, macktownlivinghistory.com.

Starlight: ‘Guys and Dolls’

June 12-15 & July 17-21, Thur.-Sat. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. This classic, centered around the oldest established permanent floating craps game in New York, includes such timeless hits as “Luck Be a Lady” and “Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat.” Starlight Theatre, Rock Valley College, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.

Entertainment & Events

Old Settlers Days

June 13-16, events daily. Four days of live music with local and national acts including Chase Matthew on Thurs.; Nate Smith on Fri.; Warren Zeiders on Sat., and Parmalee on Sun. Also see a parade, carnival, blood drive, 5K run, beer tent and summer fair food. Settler’s Park, 100 Hawick St., Rockton, Ill., (815) 239-0861, oldsettlersdays.com.

Kevin James: Owls Don’t Walk

June 14, 7:30 p.m. The comedian created his own sitcom, “The King of Queens,” and is currently developing a sitcom for Netflix. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org. ❚

Klehm Arboretum’s annual Garden Fair is happening June 1-2.