Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • November 2023 • No. I
Right in Our Region
Rockford Choral Union’s “Messiah” See page 20
These Cosmetic Procedures Can Eliminate Fat Inspiration: Who Was Cornelius? Lindsey’s Letter: Changing Traditions
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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December 9th 3-7pm MAIN STREET ROSCOE
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• Visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus • Rockford Barbershop Chorus and Lamplight Carolers • For more information, contact Chuck Gilbert at 815-298-8951 or CGilbert1951@outlook.com
STATELINE MASS TRANSIT DISTRICT providing FREE Shuttle Service from 3- 7 p.m. SMTD is here to get you there this holiday season...and every day!
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In This Issue Right in Our Region .................Cover & p. 20 Rockford Choral Union Tradition Continues Inspiration & Worship ................................ 14 Who Was Cornelius? Your Health ................................................ 31 Eliminate Fat With These Procedures
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 Stephanie N. Grimoldby, Janine Pumilia, Peggy Werner General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Pamela Loebel Administration & Circulation Manager Lisa Hughes Director of Corporate Happiness Hana Hughes Distribution Kelly and Larry Fairbairn Published by Hughes Media Corp. 222 Seventh St., Rockford, IL, 61104 (815) 316-2300, Fax: (815) 316-2301 www.SmartLivingRockford.com Smart Living. Copyright 2023 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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Changing Traditions
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s it too early to say “Happy Holidays”? Because cue Mariah Carey, I’m ready to enter holiday-mode. However, this year feels a little different, if I’m being honest. I’ve had the same Thanksgiving traditions my whole 30 years of life, but this year is going to be rife with change. My family and I would traditionally undertake a long drive to Stevens Point, Wisconsin, and celebrate Turkey Day at my grandparent’s house. (My Grandma is a WIZARD when it comes to feeding dozens of people in a single day). I’d feast with all of my aunts, uncles and cousins, and afterwards, we’d play card games, watch football, scour catalogs for Black Friday sales, and just generally be together. It’s always been my favorite holiday of the whole year. So, this is a big transition year for me and my family. For the first time ever, my grandparents are simply too old and too tired to organize a whole Thanksgiving hoopla. Those days are officially over. And I, for one, do not like it one bit. I know I’m blessed to still have my grandparents earthside, and I know they deserve to relax every second of the rest of their lives. But reaching the end of this era is sad. I normally welcome change with open arms, but this time it feels depressing. We’re all moving on in our respective lives and respective families. I know others struggle with grief in a much more significant way during the holiday season, so I truly don’t want to complain or sound ungrateful for the years of wonderful memories. I know there’s still joy, if I choose to see it. My husband and I are expanding our family right now, and we are so excited to welcome Baby Girl Lukas in January. We’ll start new traditions with new little munchkins running around. Life is beautiful; time is precious. This I know for sure. I’m choosing to focus on the “good stuff.” Wishing you and yours a great holiday season! ❚ Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor
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Inspiration & Worship
Who Was Cornelius?
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he Christian salvation of Cornelius, a Gentile (non-Jew) and Roman centurion, was important to early church development because it sparked and settled a key question. Did Gentiles need to adopt Jewish customs to be saved? Having long endured oppression, many Jewish Christians despised Roman soldiers – and as a centurion, Cornelius commanded 100 of them. (It’s worth remembering that Peter sliced off the ear of a Roman soldier who arrested Jesus.) But uncaring of man’s prejudices, God saw good in Cornelius and wanted him saved. Cornelius was stationed at Caesarea when God’s angel instructed him in a vision to send men of his household to find Peter in Joppa, about 30 miles away. Peter received a vision, too. In it, all kinds of tasty animals appeared. When Peter objected to eating the animals forbidden by Mosaic law, God told him not to call unclean that which God himself had cleansed. Peter understood the allegory and overcame his personal prejudice in order to obey God. He went to Caesarea and preached Christ to Cornelius and his household; they were filled with holy spirit and baptized (Acts 10). Not everyone approved. At the Council of Jerusalem, pious Christian Jews declared that circumcision was required for Gentile salvation. An angry Peter rebuked them. “Brothers, you know that some time ago God made a choice among you that the Gentiles might hear from my lips the message of the gospel and believe … He did not discriminate between us and them, for he purified their hearts by faith. Now then, why do you try to test God by putting on the necks of Gentiles a yoke that neither we nor our ancestors have been able to bear? No! We believe it is through the grace of our Lord Jesus that we are saved, just as they are.” (Acts 15:7-11, NIV) Viewing one another through God’s eyes, as Peter did for Cornelius, is God’s will. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galations 3:28, NIV) ❚ -- Janine Pumilia 14
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Right in Our Region
Rockford Choral Union Tradition Continues By Peggy Werner
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Rockford tradition is helping people tune into a more peaceful, meaningful and spiritual side of Christmas with the music of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah.” The Rockford Choral Union’s annual performance returns at 3 p.m. Nov. 25 and Nov. 26 at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 930 Third Ave., Rockford. “Messiah” is a gift, says Conductor Michael Beert. “We always give this gift to the community to help celebrate Advent and the Christmas holiday,” he says. “It’s an important message to those in need of spiritual renewal.” The production features a chamber orchestra, an organist, four soloists, a harpsichordist, and voices representing more than 30 churches and faith organizations in Rockford and beyond. There is no admission fee, however, the Choral
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Union will accept a freewill offering. Soprano Susan Nelson sang with Rockford Choral Union in 2019 and 2022 and has performed in the choir and as a soloist for “Messiah” many times. She says it always offers something new to audiences, Rockford Choral Union’s “Messiah” returns Nov. 25 and 26. whether they attend every year or hear it for the first time. eight years later, the annual tradition has “For so many people, ‘Messiah’ is been heard 199 times, except in 2020 dura tradition,” Nelson says. “Even before ing the pandemic. I started singing, I was familiar with the “Messiah” is an English-spoken music because it has been a part of my oratorio. The musical composition tells whole life.” a sacred story with voices and orchestra Rockford Choral Union, at one time about man’s sinful nature and Christ’s known as the Lutheran Choral Union, redemption. With 79 scripture referwas established in 1945 for the sole purences from the Old and New Testaments, pose of performing “Messiah.” SeventyCharles Jennens, an author and friend of
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Right in Our Region Handel, compiled the text from the King James Bible and from the version of the Psalms included with the Book of Common Prayer. Part I of “Messiah” begins with prophecies of Christ’s coming and the annunciation to the shepherds. Part II focuses on the Passion and ends with the famous and well-loved “Hallelujah” chorus. Part III covers the resurrection of the dead and Christ’s glorification in heaven. First performed in Dublin, Ireland, in 1742, the work has become one of the best-known and most frequently performed choral works in western music. Beert says Handel was commissioned to write the piece for the opening
“Messiah” is a choral work that dates back to 1742.
of an orphanage and hospital in London and worked on the music nonstop for several weeks. “He was not only meeting a deadline, but his composing was also a true moving of the spirit,” he says. Handel wrote the oratorio in 1741, after coming to London in the 1700s to write opera. He was well-versed in Italian opera, which was the focus of his career, but then the musical tastes of audiences changed. New operas were being written
in the form of English folk tales and the changes in the monarchy wanted music to express a move toward Protestantism. “Handel had to adjust,” Beert says. “Instead of writing opera, he reinvented the oratorio, making it something the aristocracy could support and enjoy. After hearing the first ‘Messiah’ performed in London, King George II stood up for the Hallelujah chorus because he was so moved by what he heard.” Oratorios differ from opera in that they are religious in topic and require no scenery, costumes or acting. “Handel was all about trying to express what was happening in Jesus’ life from the prophecies of the Old Testament to Revelation, through words and music,” Beert adds. “Baroque composers, like Handel, were most interested in conveying emotion as a story is told.” ❚
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Your Health
Eliminate Body Fat With These Procedures By Stephanie N. Grimoldby
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ar and away, the most popular dermatological procedures for both men and women continue to be Botox, fillers, laser hair removal and chemical peels, says Dr. Roger Kapoor, a dermatologist with Beloit Health System. However, newer procedures are beginning to gain traction, as well. Kybella is a natural substance injected under the chin area to eliminate a patient’s double chin, he says. “The injection attacks the fat cells and liquifies them so the body can absorb that fat,” says Kapoor. “It’s remarkable; it’s life altering. It simply eradicates the double chin.” Patients receive a few injections each treatment, which usually are spaced out about a month apart and only take about 10 minutes each time, Kapoor says. “Afterward, you can get a little bit
of swelling because we’re injecting a chemical, and sometimes there’s some bruising, but in less than six treatments we can totally sculpt the chin with an office injection,” he says. “The results have been really impressive.” Another procedure that’s gaining traction is cool sculpting, Kapoor says. “While Kybella liquifies fat, cool sculpting freezes fat away,” he says. “It was designed for love handles, but now it has been approved to treat the thighs, belly, bra area, the back and the underside of the buttocks.” This laser treatment is the opposite of laser hair removal, in which light energy provides heat to inhibit hair growth. Instead, the cool sculpting laser provides coolness to the body to freeze surface fat. There are two types of fat in the body. Subcutaneous fat is the surface fat that rolls over the top of your jeans, Ka-
Dr. Roger Kapoor
poor says. Visceral fat, meanwhile, lines the organs in the body and is the type of fat that contributes to the deterioration of one’s health. “This laser won’t improve anyone’s health necessarily, but it will allow you to get back into your skinny jeans,” he says. An application typically takes about 30 minutes, and there may be some redness, bruising, swelling and/or tingling, but “the results are pretty good after just one treatment,” Kapoor says. “Results manifest in a three-month time frame,” he adds. ❚
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Your Fun
Entertainment & Events
All Aglow Holiday Display Nov. 25-Jan. 7, daily from dusk to dawn. See sparkling holiday lights in the outdoor gardens featuring familiar favorites like light-wrapped trees and shrubs, as well as new lighted features. View elegant stars and 50 jumbo lighted candy canes, all hand-made by staff. More than 300,000 lights cover the grounds, including many “glistening” lights adding to the sparkle. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org. Stroll on State Nov. 25, 2-9 p.m. Held each year on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, which is also Small Business Saturday, the event is the area’s kickoff to the holiday season with a parade, fireworks, tree lighting, live musical performances, two holiday markets, horse and wagon rides, ice skating, the Dasher Dash 5K Run/Walk, Santa visits and more. Location: Downtown Rockford. Info: Rockford Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, 102 N. Main St., (815) 963-8111, strollonstate.com. Cirque Musical Holiday Wonderland Nov. 25, 7:30 p.m. The all-new musical journey ignites joy and wonder, transporting audiences to a magical, far-away land for a fun-filled, unforgettable holiday-themed show. Be dazzled by the acrobats, aerialists, hilarious hijinks and holiday cheer. The show blends the spellbinding grace and daredevil athleticism of today’s circus performers with a musical mix of timeless seasonal favorites. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org. Ida’s Authors Workshop Nov. 29, 4:30 p.m. For aspiring authors age 8 and older, this workshop introduces some of the skills
Stroll on State kicks off the holiday season Nov. 25 from 2-9 p.m. with a parade, fireworks, tree lighting, live musical performances, two holiday markets, horse and wagon rides, ice skating and more.
and concepts that go into writing a book. Reg. req. Ida Public Library, 320 N. State St., Belvidere, (815) 544-3838, idapubliclibrary.org. Laurent House Holiday Tours Dec. 1-17, 1-3:30 p.m. The only building Frank Lloyd Wright designed for a client with a physical disability, this house is decorated for the holidays in the Laurents’ own treasures. Reg. req. Park at 4627 Spring Brook Road. Laurent House Museum, 4646 Spring Brook Road, (815) 877-2952, laurenthouse.com. RSO & RDC: ‘The Nutcracker’ Dec. 2, 3 p.m. The holiday classic presented by
Rockford Dance Company and Rockford Symphony Orchestra features professional lead dancers from the region’s top ballet companies. The story is about a girl who befriends a nutcracker that comes to life on Christmas Eve and wages a battle against the evil Mouse King. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 965 0049, rockfordsymphony.com. Sinnissippi Station Dec. 2-Jan. 28, during conservatory hours. The beloved garden train is back at the conservatory, transporting visitors to a magical world where miniature trains and trolleys pass all around as they wind through the greenery and past miniaturized Rockford landmarks. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, rockfordparkdistrict.org/ncg. One Night of Tina Turner Dec. 6, 7:30 p.m. Celebrating the iconic career and indomitable spirit of the legendary Tina Turner, this unforgettable live performance leaves audiences awestruck and filled with the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll with help from stunning vocals, mesmerizing dance routines and a band that flawlessly re-creates the artist’s sound. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.
Rockford Dance Company and Rockford Symphony Orchestra join forces for a performance of “The Nutcracker” on Dec. 2 at the Coronado Performing Arts Center.
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Lightwire Theater: A Very Electric Christmas Dec. 10, 3 p.m. Follow the story of a young bird, Max, and his family as they begin their journey south for the winter. When Max gets blown off course and ends up at the North Pole, his adventures begin. All ages enjoy the tale of family, friendship and hope set to holiday hits. Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org. ❚
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