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Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • 95¢ • November 2021 • No. III

Right in Our Region

Stroll on State!

See Page 20

75th ‘Messiah’ this Weekend Tips for Choosing a Snowblower A Passion for Interior Design Tasty Apple-Inspired Holiday Recipes Artists’ Ensemble’s 18th Season

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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In This Issue

Right in Our Region .................Cover & p. 20 Stroll on State!

Your Home ........................................... 13, 33 Tackling Pet Odors; A Passion for Design Inspiration & Worship ................................ 14 Is Inner Peace Possible?

Your Kitchen .............................................. 17 Tasty Apple-Inspired Holiday Recipes Outdoor Living .......................................... 23 What to Know About Snowblowers Your Community ....................................... 25 ‘The Messiah’ Returns for 75th Time Your Outing ................................................ 27 Artists’ Ensemble Theater in 18th Season Your Outing ............................................... 29 Christmas Experience in Belvidere Your Health ................................................ 31 Care After a Stroke Your Money ................................................ 35 Think Solar to Reduce Energy Bills 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, Lisa Brandt, Nita Lasky 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.

Copyright 2021 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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More Than Turkey ome people say Thanksgiving is their fa-

S

vorite holiday because it involves togetherness and feasting without the commercialism of Christmas. I love both holidays and believe they’re what we make of them. To me, Thanksgiving is about gratitude. Christmas celebrates the arrival of hope to a dark world.

Giving thanks for the harvest is an ancient concept in no way exclusive to JudeoChristian culture. The U.S. holiday, however, is Christian in origin. The 1600s New England Puritans commonly set aside days for thanksgiving and fasting. In 1621, Gov. William Bradford, of Plymouth, Mass., organized a 3-day celebration after the colony’s first successful corn harvest, inviting American natives to join. Indeed, those new friends had taught critical survival skills to the colonists, who had arrived just before winter in 1620. Of the 102 Mayflower passengers, 45 died that first winter and many others suffered greatly.

Survival was far from guaranteed.

Much later, and not necessarily related to Bradford’s event, the Continental Congress designated one or more days of thanksgiving per year. In 1789, President George Washington issued the first Thanksgiving Proclamation, asking Americans to thank God for their new country and to ask His blessings upon it.

John Adams and James Madison did likewise, but no official date was set.

Perhaps the greatest champion of a national U.S. Thanksgiving holiday was author Sarah Josepha Hale, composer of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” For nearly four decades, she urged politicians to set aside one day per year for Americans to give thanks for their country.

Hale’s cause was answered by Abe Lincoln, in 1863, during the Civil War. He chose the final Thursday in November and it remained so until 1939, when Franklin D. Roosevelt moved it up a week to spur retail sales during the Great Depression. Critics complained about “Franksgiving” and, in 1941, Roosevelt signed a bill making Thanksgiving the 4th Thursday in November.

We have much to be thankful for in the USA, but our nation needs our prayers as much as ever before.

Survival as a free people is never guaranteed.

From all of us at Smart Living, Happy Thanksgiving! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

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Your Home & Garden

Pet Odors Need Your Swift Attention

By Peggy Werner

T

here are many reasons why pets do their business in places they shouldn’t. Sometimes the solution is treating a pet’s physical problem, such as clearing up a urinary infection with antibiotics. Other times there are behavioral reasons that may take longer to resolve.

Either way, the result is the same – soiled floors and carpets.

Once Fluffy or Fido has soiled an area of the home, chances are good they’ll return to that spot and do it again.

This may become a chronic problem, unless addressed completely and quickly, says Chris Picot, general manager of Advantage Kwik Dry, 11137 Bertram Road, Machesney Park, a full-service restoration and cleaning company.

It takes more than surface carpet cleaning to eliminate the odor, he says.

Advantage Kwik Dry takes extra steps to deep clean the carpet, padding and floor.

“The better an area is cleaned, the less likely it is that a pet will return to that spot,” he says.

After carpets have been cleaned, homeowners should keep air circulating in the home to allow carpets to dry within the recommended 24 hours.

Advantage Kwik Dry is a family-owned business that’s operated in the Stateline area for more than 25 years. All technicians are certified, licensed, bonded and insured, and the business guarantees its work. The company is also a member of the Carpet and Fabric Care Institute and takes advantage of educational opportunities to stay on the cutting edge of technology.

The company is experienced in all types of professional cleaning processes, wet and dry, for homes and businesses. It

cleans draperies, carpets, area rugs, upholstery, tile and grout. It also cleans and recoats hardwood floors and specializes in fabric and fiber protection, pet odor removal, major odor treatment, water removal and sewage cleanup.

For more information, coupons, and to schedule an appointment, go to advantagekwikdry.com or call (815) 332-3299 in Illinois and (608) 758-2379 in Southern Wisconsin. ❚

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Inspiration & Worship

Is Peace Possible?

I

t’s not like we risk our lives just to catch supper anymore. We live in one of the safest time periods and societies ever, enjoying average lifespans undreamed of a century ago.

Why, then, does high anxiety take such a toll on modern individuals?

Jesus Christ taught us there are two kinds of personal peace: the kind found in the world and the kind found in him.

The first mostly depends upon on factors beyond our control. The second is rooted in our faith; no one can take inner peace away from us, although we can choose to relinquish it.

Shortly before he was betrayed, Jesus began preparing his disciples for the terrible events that would follow. He understood their fear and anxiety.

“Let not your heart be troubled: you believe in God, believe also in me.”

(John 14:1) Clearly upset, the disciples asked him questions. Jesus explained that when he is gone from the earth, “the Comforter” would come to dwell with them.

“Even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it sees him not, neither knows him: but you know him; for he dwells in you and shall be in you. I will not leave you comfortless.

I will come to you. Yet a little while and the world sees me no more; but you see me: because I live, you shall live also.”

(John 14:17-19).

Jesus asked his followers not to be troubled, which means it was something attainable.

“Peace I leave with you,” he says a few verses later in 14:27. “My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

Many more scriptures speak of the “peace that passes understanding” given to us by Jesus Christ, which is rooted in the hope of his return and the knowledge that we have eternal life through his grace, not our own goodness.

“These things I have spoken to you that in me you might have peace,” he says in John 16:33.

“In the world you will have tribulation: But be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.” ❚

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Your Kitchen

Easy, Tasty Apple-Inspired Recipes E

ntertaining guests during the holidays isn’t just about a main course that calls all to the table. What often makes a festive gathering more fruitful is a spread of delicious appetizers, delightful drinks and divine desserts that keep loved ones coming back to the kitchen for more. Here are a few simple but tasty, apple-inspired recipes. Find more sweet holiday recipes at EnvyApple.com.

Apple Oat Crumble and Citrus Caramel Topping

3 TB sugar 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon 2 Apples, diced 1 TB lemon juice 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats 1/2 cup cold butter, diced 1/2 cup caramel 1/4 tsp. salt 1/2 orange, zest only 1 TB orange juice vanilla ice cream

ara sugar then garnish with apple slices, rosemary and cinnamon stick.

Bell-Issimo Brie Melt

1 Round brie (6-8 oz.)

2 Apples 1/4 cup walnuts 1/4 cup dried cranberries Firm crackers

Preheat oven to 350 F. In bowl, stir together sugar and ground cinnamon. Toss apples in lemon juice then in cinnamon sugar mixture. Spread in 9-inch pie dish.

In another bowl, stir together brown sugar, flour and oats.

Using hands or fork, cut in butter until pea size crumbs form.

Sprinkle evenly over apples.

Bake 40-45 minutes until mixture is bubbling and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool 15 minutes.

In small pot, whisk caramel, salt, orange zest and orange juice until warm.

Spoon apple oat crumble over large scoop vanilla ice cream and top with salted citrus caramel.

Unwrap brie and place on microwave-safe dish. Cut off top of brie round and microwave 60 seconds until middle is soft.

Slice apples into thick wedges. Top brie with half the apples, crushed walnuts and dried cranberries. Serve with firm crackers and remaining apple wedges.

(Source: Family Features)

Pumpkin Spice Apple Cider 1 1 1 2 4 1

Apple, diced TB butter tsp. pumpkin spice oz. bourbon oz. pumpkin spice apple cider Cinnamon stick, for garnish Demerara sugar (or turbinado or brown sugar) Apple slices for garnish Rosemary for garnish

In pan over medium heat, saute diced apples in butter and pumpkin spice 5 to 10 minutes. In glass, combine bourbon and pumpkin spice apple cider; top with sauteed apples. Add demerTell them you saw it in ... Smart Living Live

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Right in Our Region

Stroll on State Returns Live in Rockford A

nearly decade-long tradition in Rockford will return on Nov. 27, the Saturday following Thanksgiving, as Stroll on State brings thousands of people together downtown for a parade, live music, a visit from Santa, fireworks and much more. Last year’s event was virtual due to the pandemic.

“We’re excited to have a traditional in-person Stroll on State event planned for this year,” says Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara. “It’s one of my favorite events because it’s a powerful example of the welcoming nature of Rockford, as we unite for an entertaining and enjoyable kickoff to the holiday season. Most importantly, Stroll illustrates the diverse and progressive spirit of our city, providing a unique opportunity for visitors and residents alike to join together in celebration.”

The unofficial event kick-off is the

Dasher Dash, a holiday-themed 5K Run/ Walk through Rockford’s downtown district. It starts at noon on Nov. 27. The event officially kicks off with a parade at 2 p.m. followed by all sorts of fun until 9 p.m. The parade will feature floats, festive music and costumed characters including Mr. and Mrs. Claus. This is a family-friendly parade that combines balloons, bands, princesses, elves, antique vehicles and more. At 8 p.m., a fireworks display will be launched from the Jefferson Street Bridge.

As in previous years, the Stroll on State team will transform downtown Rockford into a winter wonderland. Visitors will enjoy new and traditional attractions including live entertainment, vendors and special activities like s’more

stations and ice carvings. The free event is made possible by 22 sponsors.

One major change this year involves the tree lighting. Instead of focusing on one giant tree in the heart of downtown, the tree-lighting ceremony will be divided into three events at 5, 6 and 7 p.m. at three locations. This will allow crowds to spread out and families with young children to work around their own schedules

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Right in Our Region

more easily. Each stage will host a holiday story-time reading, a visit from Santa, live music and the tree lighting.

The 5 p.m. tree-lighting ceremony will take place at the Silver Bell Tree and Stage at Eddie Green Place on the corner of 1st and East State streets; The 6 p.m. ceremony will be at the Rockford City Tree, sponsored by the Northwestern Illinois Building Trades, at Davis Park; and the 7 p.m. ceremony will take place at the Jingle Bell Tree and Stage at the corner of North Main and Mulberry streets.

Live music by local artists will begin at 2 p.m. and will conclude at 9 p.m. on

several stages.

Santa visits will be done differently this year to help keep kids healthy. In prior years, kids and families waited in line for up to an hour to visit with Santa. This year, Santa Claus will explore the grounds of Stroll on State. He plans to see kids during story time readings at the three stages and he may even be seen serving hot chocolate and s’mores, visiting his reindeer or riding a Zamboni.

Even after the Stroll festivities wrap up, Santa Claus will make his way through Rockford on a City of Rockford fire truck, spreading Christmas cheer on three Saturdays – Dec. 4, 11 and 18.

Routes and approximate times will be released each week on GoRockford.com and Stroll on State Facebook pages.

Sky Lights Fireworks will launch from the Jefferson Street Bridge this year at 8 p.m. They’ll be visible from anyplace in the festival that’s within view of the bridge.

Other Stroll on State attractions

include the showcasing of ice sculptures

by Randy Finch and the Ice Brigades outside the Rockford Register Star building, and Fire & Ice, a spectacle of ice blocks dissolving into beautiful bonfires that create an enchanting display at the corner of East State and North 2nd streets and outside of Veterans Memorial Hall. S’mores stations will be set up in four locations throughout the event.

Horse & Wagon rides will make a continuous loop on the west side of the Rock River with pickup and drop-off locations near the corner of Wyman and Elm streets. Two holiday markets will host local retail and food vendors.

Stroll on State takes place in conjunction with Small Business Saturday, an annual holiday tradition that urges shoppers to support locally owned retailers and restaurants. Locally owned businesses throughout the River District will offer holiday specials and fun events.

Find a full list of events and attractions at strollonstate.com. ❚

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Outdoor Living

Tips for Choosing a New Snow Blower

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hen buying a snow blower, it’s important to get the correct model and size for your needs. Tim Kinney of Lincoln Rent-All & Lawn Equipment Sales, 3110 Auburn St., Rockford, offers a few tips for buyers.

First, determine what size snow blower you need. They come in two basic types, single-stage and two-stage.

Single-stage: This model is ideal if you have a flat, midsized paved driveway and walks; it easily handles snowfall up to 8 inches. It’s fairly light, easier to handle than a two-stage, and takes up about as much space as a lawn mower.

Single-stage models usually clear an 18- to 22-inch swath, with rubber paddles that contact the surface to sweep the snow up and out of a chute in one quick movement. The rubber parts are forgiving on blacktop and concrete driveways, Kinney says, but since its auger contacts the ground, don’t use it on gravel driveways.

Two-stage: This type is best if you

have a long, wide, or hilly driveway. It can take on a lot more snow than a singlestage and clear a swath 24- to 32-inches wide. A metal auger funnels the snow backward inside the machine, where a spinning impeller throws it out of a chute at high velocity, typically 10 to 15 feet farther than single-stage machines.

“If you’re in an area with a lot of drifting, a two-stage is better,” Kinney says.

Metal skids can be height-adjusted, depending on the surface. Since the auger doesn’t contact the ground, a two-stage model is needed for a gravel driveway.

Next, decide what features you need.

Both types come in electric and gas models, and controls can vary. “Can you handle just a pull start, or do you need an electric start?” Kinney asks. “The electric start doesn’t have a battery, so you do have

to plug it in, but once it starts, you unplug it and you’re good to go.”

Engine type is another consideration.

Lincoln Rent-All sells only Toro snow blowers, which have four-cycle engines.

That means you don’t have to mix the gas and oil, as you would with a two-cycle.

If you just need a machine to clean off sidewalks, a deck, or even a very short city driveway, consider a smaller, all-electric model. They’re less powerful but convenient and require little maintenance. ❚

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SWEET STREAMS.

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Your Community

75 Years Faithful: ‘Messiah’ Still a Gift

By Janine Pumilia

T

he annual performance of George Frideric Handel’s “Messiah” has been a special gift to our community since 1945, when the Rockford Choral Union first presented it as an expression of gratitude at the end of World War II. This Nov. 27 & 28 will bring the 75th performance at 3 p.m. both days at Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 3rd Ave., Rockford, the original location.

“Every single word is directly from the King James Bible,” says Webb Stevens, vice president of the board of governors for the Rockford Choral Union.

“The singers really focus on diction so people can understand the words and the message.”

“Messiah” is an important Christmas tradition for generations of local family members, whether they’re in the audience or up front participating as singers.

Among the latter is this year’s featured

mezzo soloist, Claudia Holen, who began singing “Messiah” with her grandfather Peter Thomas and mother Julie Holen when she was 11 years old. She later attended the Boston Conservatory and then earned her Master’s in Musicology at Tufts University. Today she works for the Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra in Madison.

“Experiencing this beautiful piece of music and being surrounded by a supportive community at such a young age nurtured her love of classical music,” says proud grandfather Peter Thomas.

Other highly accomplished soloists with local ties will be featured as well.

Susan Nelson will return as a soprano soloist. She sings with Music of the Baroque and the Lyric Opera and Grant Park Choruses of Chicago. Nicolai Janitzky, a Belvidere resident and frequent soloist with the Lyric Opera of Chicago, will

Soloist Claudia Holen began singing ‘Messiah’ with mother Julie and grandfather Peter Thomas.

perform as baritone solist. Michael Day, a Rockford native who frequently performs in New York and Chicago, will be featured as tenor soloist.

Michael Beert will direct the performance for the third time. He’s been involved as a cellist with the group since 1985 and was named its sixth director after Nat Bauer retired from that role in 2017. There’s no charge to attend. Learn more at RockfordChoralUnion.com. ❚

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Your Outings

Artists’ Ensemble Returns for 18th Season

By Pat Szpekowski

A

fter an 18-month pandemic hiatus, Artists’ Ensemble Theater (AET) returned with “Jeeves Saves the Day” at Cheek Theatre, in Rockford University’s Clark Arts Center, last month.

“We’re so happy to be back,” says Richard Raether, AET artistic director.

Season 18 will continue with two more productions. “Ben Butler,” a witty play set during the Civil War, will open on March 24, 2022. “Murder on the Air,” a layered mystery set at radio station WBFR in 1938, will debut on May 12.

While the stage lights were off, AET actors created a new project called “Mysterious Journey,” a podcast of short plays.

Each audio play runs 12 to 25 minutes and is adapted from works by writers like Ray Bradbury and H.G. Wells. The latest one is the multi-part adaptation of Agatha Christie’s “The Man in the Brown Suit.” There are 24 free episodes on

AET’s podcast to enjoy whenever you’re ready. Listen to them on the AET website or download on your preferred podcast provider. The podcast continues with new episodes every two weeks.

“Our podcast has been tremendously popular,” Raether says. “We’ve reached 4,000 downloads in 30 countries. That’s certainly quite a feat and a testament to the appreciation of AET’s talented actors and staff.”

It’s been a long, successful road for AET, which was founded in 2004 and saw its very first performance sold out.

Raether has more than 40 years of experience. The Rockford native came back home after working in New York theaters for 10 years. His wife, Margaret, is a gifted playwright who provides original adaptations for both AET and other theater groups.

Another component of AET’s endur-

Actors Savannah Strandin and David A. Gingrich in “Jeeves Saves the Day.”

ing success is Rockford University, home of AET’s live performances. Students can audition for age-appropriate roles in AET productions.

“We’re honored to bring back live theater to Rockford,” Raether says.

“Please join us, we’re still here.”

Learn more at artistsensemble.org or call (815) 394-5004.❚

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Your Outings

A Magical Experience

Hometown Christmas Ushers in Holiday Season

By Jermaine Pigee, managing editor

F

(Belvidere Chamber photos )

or some people, a Friday night in December means staying inside and relaxing with a hot beverage.

But for many Belvidere residents, a cold, December Friday night is a good reason to get out the house and celebrate Christmas a few weeks early.

Belvidere’s Hometown Christmas makes its way to downtown Belvidere on Friday, Dec. 3. A year after the town hosted a smaller, modified version of the event because of COVID-19, event organizers are ready to welcome Hometown Christmas in its original form.

“This event is really just a fun way to celebrate the holidays in Belvidere,” says Lee Revels, director of marketing and member support for the Belvidere Area Chamber of Commerce.

There’s plenty to see and do at the annual event, starting with the Belvidere Park District’s Light Parade, starting at 5:30 p.m.

“Parades are great, but nighttime parades are awesome,” says Gina DelRose, community development planner for the City of Belvidere. “You’re able to light up the floats, which has an added layer of coolness.”

As you walk around downtown, be sure to check out the painted windows at some of the downtown businesses. Community members show off some of their artwork while spreading some holiday cheer. If you’re interested in doing some shopping, head over to Mrs. Claus’ Market, happening in the Community Building, 111 W. First St. “There’ll be 20 vendors set up in the basement,” Revels says. “There are plenty of handcrafted Christmas items and gift ideas.”

The Belvidere Fire Station, 123 S. State St., has hot chocolate starting at 5 p.m. along with Badges with Books, which provides free books to kids.

What’s Christmas without a meeting with Santa? Take your kids to the Belvidere Family YMCA, 220 W. Locust St., where they can sit on Santa’s lap and share their Christmas list. Stick

As you walk around downtown Belvidere during Hometown Christmas, be on the lookout for painted windows on some of the storefronts.

Hometown Christmas makes its return to downtown Belvidere on Dec. 3.

around for crafts and a carnival. To limit wait times, time slots for pictures can be reserved ahead of time. Follow the Belvidere Hometown Christmas Facebook page for more information.

For those feeling a little adventurous, head over to Riverside Ice Arena, 365 W. Locust St., and enjoy some ice skating.

“We added ice skating last year and that’ll come back this year,” Revels says. “There was an open skate at the ice rink last year and it brought a lot of people down there who maybe didn’t know an ice rink was there.”

Warm up inside the Boone County Museum of History, 314 S. State St., and enjoy live music, vendors and some of the latest museum exhibits.

Just outside the museum is the Hub Plaza, where a tree lighting takes place right after the parade, followed by a puppet show.

There’ll also be food trucks available throughout downtown.

One of the good things about this event, Revels says, is many of the activities are free.

“Photos with Santa are free, the parade is free and the tree lighting is free,” she says. “It’s affordable and fun for the whole family, and it’s a tradition that they don’t have to give up for one reason or another.”

Revels says this magical event brings the community closer together during the holiday season.

“The local businesses come together to help plan this event, and it gives people in the community something to be proud of here in Belvidere,” she says. “It’s also becoming a family tradition. People remember going to this event as a kid and now, they’re bringing their families.” ❚

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Your Health

Therapy Makes Stroke Recovery Better

By Lindsey Gapen Lukas

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.”

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.” ❚

Listening to you is where we start every visit.

Accepting new patients

(815) 242-0678

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Your Home & Garden

A Passion for Design

By Peggy Werner

I

nterior Designer Ginger Lamm, a designer at Macktown Construction Group in Machesney Park, has a passion for interior design.

“I’ve always wanted to design spaces that not only look good, but also function better for those using them,” she says.

As a little girl, she rearranged furniture in her bedroom. When playing with Barbie dolls, she was more concerned about designing their homes than changing their outfits.

From Waukesha, Wis., she was working as a bookkeeper when home improvement TV shows sparked her passion for design, so she pursued a degree in interior design. After graduating in 2009, the bad economy proved to be a difficult time to make her dream a reality. She returned to school to study marketing and management.

While completing her second de-

gree, she moved to Roscoe, Ill., where she gained marketing experience. She then worked eight years for a remodeling company in Janesville, using her design skills. Now, at Macktown Construction, she enjoys being part of a larger team and doing what she loves best.

“I love navigating homeowners through the design process, discussing how they use their space, educating them, and making choices to best suit their needs while creating a design that gives them a space they love,” she says.

Macktown Construction Group’s remodeling philosophy is to give customers step-by-step guidance in the design, budgeting, and building process, says Lamm.

Its unique process allows homeowners to know exactly what to expect on their projects so that surprises are minimized.

It also provides an accurate and transparent fixed pricing proposal free of allowances.

Macktown specializes in kitchens, bathrooms, additions, custom garages, outdoor living spaces and more. It’s located at 9957 N. Alpine Road, Suite 101.

Request an appointment or learn more at macktownconstruction.com. ❚

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Your Money

Can You Live Without an Electric Bill?

By Peggy Werner

T

he time is right for people who want to switch to solar power, especially if they don’t want to shoulder the entire cost of transitioning to cleaner energy.

EZ Satellite and Wireless owner and General Manager Charles Zambrano has partnered with Aeos Energy in Franklin Park, Ill., to form another branch of his business called EZ Solar Energy. It aims to provide savings to homeowners through no down payment, fixed-rate financing, discounts and rebates to homeowners.

“Our goal is to get everyone as close as possible to getting their energy 100 percent from the sun, so they don’t have to have an electric bill,” Zambrano says.

EZ Solar will help people every step of the way with permits, applications and obtaining a loan, for those who qualify.

The product is maintenance-free, has a 25-year warranty and takes only one day

to install. Paperwork takes several weeks to process.

Everyone can reduce or eliminate their electric bill with solar power, he says. A lot of factors figure into the equation such as the direction the home faces, the roof style, square footage and how power is used. If a home can only handle so many panels, there will still be a savings. Those who qualify can immediately reduce their electric bill and, at best, eventually have no bill, he says.

Federal Investment Tax Credits (ITC) allow homeowners to deduct 30 percent of the cost of installing a solar energy system. The deadlines for the tax incentives have been extended many times and currently expire in 2022. State laws require utilities to produce a specific

percentage of electricity from renewable sources. Right now, for a limited time, the state is offering a rebate for homeowners who have installed solar panels, rewarding them for helping the state meet its goals of producing 25 percent of its electricity through renewable sources by 2025.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call Zambrano at EZ Solar at (815) 200-9075. ❚

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Your Fun

Entertainment & Events

My Way: Art from the Black South Through Jan. 23, Thurs.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Nearly 156 artworks show the styles and practices of 50 black artists with ties to the American South. Includes eight original quilts. Rockford Art Museum, 711 N. Main St., (815) 968-2787, rockfordartmuseum.org.

Martina McBride Nov. 26, 7:30 p.m. The country music superstar has sold more than 18 million albums, including 20 Top 10 singles and six No. 1 hits.

This is part of her “Joy of Christmas” tour.

Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.

Handel’s ‘Messiah’ Nov. 27 & 28, 3 p.m. both days. The 75th annual performance from Rockford Choral Union features professional solists, a regional chorus, chamber orchestra, pipe organ and harpsichord. Emmanuel Lutheran Church, 920 Third Ave., Rockford. rockfordchoralunion.org. Free to public, masks required.

Music on Mondays Nov. 29, 5:30 p.m. Rockford resident and piano enthusiast Andy Strong interprets the music of dance forms from Gavottes to Fox

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Trots, Courantes to Charlestons. Mendelssohn PAC, Starr Center, 415 N. Church St., (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

RSO: ‘The Nutcracker’ Dec. 4, 3 p.m. Rockford Symphony Orchestra joins forces with Rockford Dance Company to stage Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet in the elegant Coronado Performing Arts Center, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.

2nd Thursday Concert Series Dec. 9, 7 p.m. The Trinadora Duo perform a holiday special in an intimate café environment. Doors open at 6 p.m. Full drink and food menu. Katie’s Cup, 502 7th St., Rockford, (815) 986-0628, katiescup.com.

Pangelic Duo Dec. 10. 7:30 p.m. Steelpan virtuoso Liam Teague and harpist Faye Seeman team up to share a fresh blend of classical compositions, jazz and other familiar tunes. Mendelssohn PAC, Starr Center, 415 N. Church St., (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org.

Jim Brickman: The Gift of Christmas Dec. 11, 8 p.m. The multiple Grammy-

Nov 2021 • No. III To advertise call 815-316-2300

Rockford Choral Union presents Handel’s “Messiah” for the 75th year on Nov. 27 & 28.

Among soloists will be Michael Day.

nominated songwriter and piano player brings a blend of holiday classics and heartwarming originals. Coronado PAC, 314 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.

RSO: Holiday Pops Dec. 18, 7 p.m. Maestro Steve Larsen closes his tenure at Rockford Symphony Orchestra with an annual tradition, as the symphony and Nielsen Chorale provide an evening of inspiring holiday classics. Coronado, 314 N. Main St., (815) 968-5222, coronadopac.org.

‘Elf, the Musical’ Dec. 16-19, Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sat.-Sun. 2 p.m. Buddy, a human at Santa’s workshop, thinks he’s an elf. Stage Coach Players at Egyptian Theatre, 135 N. 2nd St., DeKalb, Ill., (815) 758-1940, stagecoachplayers.com. ❚

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Nov 2021 • No. III To advertise call 815-316-2300