Smart Living Rockford - June 2, 2022

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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • June 2022 • No. I

Right in Our Region

What’s New at the Zoo? See Page 20

Klehm Garden Fair this Weekend Get Organized to Decrease Your Stress Lots of Summertime Fun Events!

Summerfield Zoo Owner Rick Anderson with an African serval. David Olson Photo

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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saturdays ON THE SQUARE

FRESH MARKET/CRAFT/COMMERCIAL VENDORS

WWW.VISITELKHORN.COM

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In This Issue

Right in Our Region .................Cover & p. 20 What’s New at Summerfield Zoo? Your Home ................................................. 13 Organize Your Space for Less Stress Inspiration & Worship ................................ 14 Kindness Matters Your Community ....................................... 31 Klehm Garden Fair This Weekend!

Your Fun ..................................................... 36

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, Nita Lasky Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Director of Corporate Happiness Hana Hughes Website www.SmartLivingStateline.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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Timeless ‘Top Gun’

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here were you when “Top Gun” was released in May 1986?

Lots of folks probably asked that over Memorial Day weekend as the new “Top Gun: Maverick” pulled 3.5 million of us back into movie theaters.

My memory is from 1988.

I was working for a daily newspaper in Springfield, Mass., and planning my wedding when one of my roommates bought a LaserDisc player (look it up, kids.) It had soupedup speakers and we watched “Top Gun” over and over again, thrilled by the rumble of F-14 engines shaking the walls of our house.

My marriage crashed & burned 7 years later, but “Top Gun” stayed on my Best ’80s Film List, so my two kids grew up loving it. I wasn’t surprised when my daughter (age 30) called home from Nashville last week and begged her brother Blake and me to go see it ASAP “so we can talk about it!” She hasn’t been that excited about a film since “Harry Potter” came out when she was 10.

“Top Gun: Maverick” didn’t disappoint.

Good script, good action, good fresh talent and enough original references to make longtime fans feel warm and fuzzy.

All of us “originals” have experienced joys and heartaches since 1986, including the original cast. Tom Cruise (“He’s YOUR age, Mom?”) defies human aging, but I don’t envy his personal life. Val Kilmer (“Iceman”) just recovered from throat cancer that left him voiceless. Kelly McGillis (“Charlie”) has a genetic lung and liver condition that slowed her career. Tom Skerritt (“Viper”) is still going strong as an actor at 90. Meg Ryan still works, too, but with a changed face.

What stands the test of time?

Core themes about duty, courage, sacrifice, love, friendship, loyalty, loss. Beyond the grand Hollywood spectacle, the death of “Goose” in the first film and the cascading impact of that tragedy in the second film help us to feel, if only for a moment, what real military families face every day – and for the long haul.

That’s empathy. And that’s why film, at its best, is called “art.”

May God bless the real families who bear burdens for us all! ❚

Saturday, June 25, 2022

9:00 AM - 1:00 PM | Free Admission Location: Nygren Wetland Preserve, 3190 W. Rockton Rd.. Rockton, Illinois

Register to Attend: NaturalLand.org/familynatureadventures

Discover Nature All Around You! A structured and fun way to spend time together outside with family.

Nature and Arts Themed Learning Stations. Guided Prairie Tours.

Wagon Rides. Kids earn a Junior Naturalist Badge.

Sponsors Major Event $1,000

Mark and Laurie Luthin

Event $500

Supporting $250 Owned and Operated by RES

Virtual format available June 1-July 31

Para información en español, por favor visite la página web: naturalland.org This event is supported by grants from the Brubaker Charitable Trust, Grand Victoria Foundation, the Dr. Courtney J. and Margaret Hutchins Hamlin Family Fund of the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, Kiwanis Club of Rockford, and an Action Grant from Rockford Area Arts Council.

For More Information NaturalLand.org | 815/964-6666

Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Your Home & Garden

Decrease Your Stress by Getting Organized

By Janine Pumilia

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hen Joe Weller began installing closet systems more than 35 years ago, options were pretty limited.

“When I started in this business in 1985, most everything was shelf and pole construction and closet design wasn’t talked about much. That has changed,” says the owner of Shelving & Bath Unlimited, 4337 S. Perryville Road, Cherry Valley, Ill. Today, almost 80 percent of Weller’s customers opt for luxurious malamine laminate closet systems that look like finished wood cabinets. Along with more than 50 colors and textures, there are options for granite surfaces, glass shelves, motion-activated LED lighting – even LED lights inside the drawers if you like – built-in mirrors, jewelry trays, removable laundry bags, a fold out ironing board, adjustable cubbies made for shoes, boots and handbags and much more.

“Many people are using fewer or no dressers in their bedrooms and are choosing instead to maximize their closet space,” Weller explains.

While some people go so far as to convert spare bedrooms into luxurious walk-in closets, others double or triple the efficiency of their reach-in closets by having them professionally designed.

Either way, it’s the design expertise offered by Shelving Unlimited that makes it possible to meet organization goals, says Weller.

“You can have the largest Taj Mahal-type closet in the world, but if it’s not functioning well it can become one more mess to deal with. Good organization saves you time and prevents frustration.”

Weller also designs storage solutions for the pantry, garage, laundry room,

home office and basement.

Along with adjustable-shelf laminate storage, Shelving Unlimited offers Rubbermaid Freeslide epoxy-coated wire shelving in white or silver.

Call (815) 654-3000 for a free walkin closet quote. ❚

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Inspiration & Worship

Kindness Matters

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hristians find plenty to argue about, but most of what Christ taught us is pretty straightforward. Scripture teaches us to be loving, honest, faithful and selfless individuals. It also teaches us to be kind. In fact, aside from loving God, there’s no greater directive than to “love thy neighbor as thyself,” according to Jesus Christ, as recorded in the books of Matthew, Mark and Luke.

“Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying, Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself. On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 22:35-40, KJV) The concept of treating others as we wish to be treated – commonly known as The Golden Rule – is not only a basic tenet of Christianity, but of every other major world religion. Why, then, is it so easily dismissed? And why don’t we equate “sin” with “unkindness,” as we should?

Many things about our culture encourage us to put ourselves first, to win at all costs and to devote more energy to the pursuit of material wealth or physical perfection than to our spiritual development. Kindness is sometimes confused with weakness, although nothing could be further from the truth.

Jesus doesn’t let us off the hook.

We’re to live according to the laws of God, not man, regardless of the times or cultures we live in. In fact, we’re encouraged to treat the lowliest of people as we would treat Christ himself. “… I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.”(Matthew 25:40) Basic kindness – or the lack of it – makes all the difference in the quality of our lives at home, school, work and play.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32.) ❚ –

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Janine Pumilia

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Right in Our Region

Who’s New at Summerfield Zoo?

By Janine Pumilia

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special someone has arrived at Summerfield Zoo and love is in the air.

A one-year-old female spotted hyena recently moved in as a companion for Banzai, who came to the zoo about five years ago when he was a youngster. So far, the two are getting along famously.

“It’s always a little nerve-wracking at first when you put two large carnivores together,” says Rick Anderson, who owns the zoo with wife Tammy. “The spotted hyena is the largest and most aggressive of its breed. But it’s been going very well.

They’re getting along well and Banzai seems really happy to have her here.”

A native of Africa, the spotted hyena is black when it’s very young and changes color over time. The new arrival’s name will be chosen by visitors to the zoo.

Located at 3088 Flora Road in Belvidere, Summerfield Zoo is home to about 200 animals. They include moun-

tain lions, zebras, lemurs, alligators, giant tortoises, wolves, reindeer, monkeys and more, many rescued from homes or from zoos no longer in operation.

A resident celebrity at the zoo is Flash the two-toed sloth, who regularly appears in animal encounter talks presented by staff members. Visitors are allowed to touch and hand-feed the sleepy-eyed South American native.

A second spotted hyena recently move into Summerfield Zoo. “I can’t tell you exactly why, but Flash is incredibly popular, and and welcomed three foals this spring. A people come from Chicago and other disfourth is due any day now. tances to meet him,” says Anderson.

Other new babies born at the zoo this The zoo takes up about 13 acres of spring include a North American porcuthe 120-acre farm owned by the couple. pine and a tamandua, which is a smaller The Andersons also raise Arabian horses cousin of the anteater. And, of course,

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Right in Our Region there are baby goats. People of all ages love to bottle-feed these cuties at Summerfield Zoo. “We take pride in offering up-close and personal animal experiences that you can’t always find at larger zoos,” says Rick.

The Andersons are constantly working to improve amenities for their residents.

“We just finished building a larger habitat for the wolves and now we’re working on getting it ‘decorated’ – adding trees and a water feature,” says Rick.

Construction recently began on a larger otter pond. The playful aquatic mammals are especially entertaining for visitors to observe.

The Andersons believe all zoos play an important role in educating people about how they can help animal species to survive.

“I hope people will learn to understand that species of animals become endangered because of what people are

doing to the earth,” says Tammy. “People get a greater appreciation for wildlife when they see them in person and our hope is that some will be inspired to go into careers to care for and protect animals.”

Adds Rick, “People learn to love and respect wildlife when they see animals up close, learn about their habits and lifestyles, and their role in the world.

People get a totally different idea about animals when they see them in person and hold them.”

Caring for the animals and making sure the tropical species stay warm and cozy all winter long is expensive.

“The sloth enclosure, for example, needs to be kept at 85 to 87 degrees yearround,” says Rick. “We have some big heating bills.”

Summerfield Zoo is supported entirely by donations, admission fees and gift shop purchases. It receives no government funding. The zoo welcomes volunteers. During summer, college science

“Flash,” a two-toed sloth, is especially popular at Summerfield Zoo.

students work as interns.

The zoo is open Wednesday to Sunday in summer and weekends-only from Aug. 12 to Oct. 2. Summer hours are Wed. to Fri. 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The zoo briefly re-opens again in winter for the Christmas season.

“After all, we have reindeer,” says Rick.

Learn more at Summerfieldfarmandzoo.com. ❚

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You Belong Here!

Join our Concordia School Family

We have a place for you!

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7424 North 2nd Street Machesney Park, IL 61115 815-633-6450 www.ConcordiaMP.com/School

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Your Community

Klehm Garden Fair is This Weekend

By Peggy Werner

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he Garden Fair is the biggest fundraiser of the year at Klehm Arboretum and Botanic Garden and visitors will notice some improvements to both the fair and the 155-acre grounds during the 29th annual event.

About 70 regional vendors will sell their wares, says Klehm Executive Director Alex Mills. Hours will be 9 a.m.5 p.m. on Saturday, June 4, and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday, June 5. The arboretum is located at 2715 S. Main St., Rockford.

“More than ever, we’ve reached out to vendors who’ll be a great fit for this event,” Mills says. “We’ll have new and returning plant and flower vendors, and more garden tool and decorative items.”

Klehm’s Fountain Garden will turn into a weekend-long Learning and Education Garden, where non-profit organizations with a focus on gardening, nature and the environment will offer demon-

strations and information about their work. Live music and a food court will also be part of the fun.

Garden Fair attendees can check out the improvements underway at Klehm.

A new pond and water feature is under construction at the arboretum’s entrance, with a waterfall and patio. Solar panels will be installed on the back roof of the Visitor’s Center to make facility operations more environmentally friendly. Last fall and winter a bioretention basin was completed to help slow the flow of storm water and prevent erosion throughout the property. It’s located near the Nancy Olson Children’s Garden and will be filled with wetland plants.

A major seasonal summer exhibit will be displayed June 11 to Sept. 11.

Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects Made with LEGO Bricks is an award-winning exhibition composed of 15 large naturethemed sculptures.

“Some things are more noticeable than others, but we’re always at work continuously improving Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden,” Mills says.

Presale tickets are $7 at locations including Gensler Gardens, Village Green, Didier Greenhouse, The Landscape Connection, Meridian Nursery and Pepper Creek. Tickets at the door are $10; admission is free for Klehm members and kids under 12 years old.

Learn more at Klehm.org. ❚

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Your Fun

Entertainment & Events

Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood Live!

June 4, 6:30 p.m. A whimsical family-fun event. Coronado PAC, 314 N. Main St., (815) 968-0595, coronadopac.org.

‘The Little Mermaid’ June 8-11 & July 13-17, Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.

The Shape of Light June 10-Sept. 25, Thurs.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. This exhibit explores the relationship between two forms of art - contemporary painting and studio glass. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., (815) 9682787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

‘25th Putnam Co. Spelling Bee’ June 10-26, see website for times. A hilarious musical with an eclectic group of youngsters vying for the spelling

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championship. Pec Playhouse, 314 Main St., Pecatonica, Ill., (815) 239-1210, pecplayhouse.org.

‘Disaster’ June 15-18 & July 20-24, Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. Disaster films of the 1970s take center stage in this musical jukebox comedy, complete with some of the decade’s best hit songs. Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road, Rockford, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu.

‘Six Dance Lessons in Six Weeks’ June 17-25, Fri. 7:30 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m. An aging retiree hires an acerbic dance instructor for private lessons. Winneshiek Players, 28 W. Clark St., Freeport, (815) 232-7023, winneshiekplayers.org.

‘The Wedding Singer’ June 17-26, check website for times. Based on the hit Adam Sandler movie, this

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Explore the relationship between contemporary painting and studio glass during “The Shape of Light” at Rockford Art Museum.

musical takes audiences back in time to the mid-’80s and all of its glamour. Janesville PAC, 408 S. Main St., Janesville, (608) 758-0297, janesvillepac.org.

‘Dreamgirls’ June 22-25 & July 27-31, Wed.-Fri. 8 p.m., Sat. 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. The triumphs and tribulations of a 1960s Motown group.

Starlight Theatre, 3301 N. Mulford Road, (815) 921-2160, rockvalleycollege.edu. ❚

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