Sm mart a r L iving mar Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • June 10, 2020
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Right in Our Region
Attention Young Adults: Let’s Save Some Lives! See Page 16
2020 Gardening Trends Recovering After a Stroke Recipe: A Tasty Raspberry Treat New ‘Porch’ Owner Expands Shop
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In This Issue
Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 Donate Blood to Save Lives! Inspiration & Worship ......................................12 The Choice Your Kitchen ......................................................15 Raspberry Tart Treats Your Home & Garden ......................................19 Trends in 2020 Gardens Your Health ............................................. .......... 23 Recovering from Stroke Your Shopping ...................................... .......... 25 See What’s New at Porch
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Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Bill Hughes Executive Editor/Web Editor Chris Linden Managing Editor Lindsey Gapen Lukas Assistant Managing Editor Jermaine Pigee Editor Emeritus Janine Pumilia Multimedia Editor Sara Myers Graphics Director Blake Nunes Graphic Designer Samantha Behling Contributing Writer Peggy Werner, Paula Kalivoda Furniss General Sales Manager Brent Hughes Sales Manager Brad Hughes Advertising Sales Representatives Brian Hughes, Jeremy Jones, Nita Lasky, Sherri Saleh 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 Weekly. Copyright 2020 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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2020 - A Wild Ride!
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o, how’s 2020 going for you? My daughter moved to Nashville in January and cheerfully answers that question like this: “Well, aside from the killer tornado, the pandemic, the recession and the riots that set our courthouse on fire, it’s good!” Indeed, 2020 has swept us onto a roller coaster we didn’t ask to ride. But even roller coasters offer some lovely views. We’re seeing the power of positive collective action on many levels. Those of us deeply concerned with systemic racism are inspired to see the people of all races and ages who are marching together peacefully to affect change. Likewise, we’re inspired by the courageous “essential workers” who keep our country running during this ongoing pandemic. And without the collective action of caring citizens who follow guidelines to prevent COVID-19 spread, our death toll would far exceed the terrible 110,000 mark reached this week. The power of collective action is a good thing for our young people to witness and be part of at all levels, starting here at home. With so many older people forced to stay home, there’s a great need to fill voids in public service, from distributing food at our pantries to helping out many other charitable groups. Our cover story explains how older teens and young adults can pick up slack left by blood donors who need to shelter in place. Donating blood is easy, safe and saves lives. Our magazine encourages collective action on behalf of locally owned businesses and organizations every single week. Buying local has always provided a healthy ripple effect by keeping more money circulating in our region’s economy. It’s more important than ever, now, as our friends and neighbors recover from triple whammy hits to their businesses. We want them all to return to pre-pandemic good health, right? Together we can make that happen. We hope you’re enjoying the wild ride we’re on together in 2020, at least some of the time. Have a great week! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor
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The Choice T
here are two basic behaviors God expects from Christians: Love God. Love People. If we aren’t actively pursuing these two ideals, nothing else matters. All four gospels tell us this. Matthew 22:35-40 (all NIV): One of them, an expert in the law, tested him with this question: “Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?” Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.” Mark 12:28-31: One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?” “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Luke 10:25-28: On one occasion an expert in the law stood up to test Jesus. “Teacher,” he asked, “what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “What is written in the Law?” he replied. “How do you read it?” He [the expert] answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” “You have answered correctly,” Jesus replied. “Do this and you will live.” John 13:35: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Christianity is not a club or a label; it’s not about political party, skin color, money, geography or anything else external. It’s a way of life we choose – or not. ❚ – Janine Pumilia 12
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Sweet-Tart Raspberry Snack F
ruits, like raspberries, are unique in their ability to add both flavor and nutrition to breakfasts, snacks, desserts and more. With a sweet-tart flavor and eyecatching color, red raspberries are the main ingredient in these Mini Razz Crush Tarts, perfect for breakfast on-the-go or as an afternoon snack. More recipes at redrazz.org.
Mini Razz Crush Tarts (Serves 8)
1 bag 12 oz. frozen red raspberries 1 1/2 TB cornstarch 1 package (two 9-inch crusts) refrigerated pie crust Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar 2-3 TB reserved raspberry juice 1/2 tsp. vanilla Sprinkles (optional)
Thaw raspberries at room temperature 30 minutes. Using rolling pin, gently mash raspberries in sealed bag. To make tarts: Heat oven to 425 F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Place strainer over medium bowl; strain crushed raspberries 10-15 minutes, allowing juice to fall into bowl. Reserve juice for glaze. In medium bowl, combine drained crushed raspberries and cornstarch; mix to combine. Roll out both pie crusts into rectangular shapes and cut each into eight 2 1/2-by-4-inch rectangular pieces. Place rectangular pieces on prepared baking sheet. Add 1-2 TB crushed raspberris to center of each piece and top each with second rectangular piece. Use fork to crimp edges of dough. Bake 10 minutes, or until crust is golden brown. Remove pastries from
oven and allow to cool completely. To make glaze: In medium bowl, whisk powdered sugar, reserved raspberry juice and vanilla. Drizzle on cooled pastries and garnish with sprinkles. ❚ (Source: Family Features)
Watch this video for tips on making your recipe easy! To view this video, simply: 1) Download the Blippar App on the App Store or Google Play 2) Open Blippar App (Hold Phone over Page) And Press ‘Tap to Scan’ Button to View.
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Blood Donations Urgently Needed Now By Peggy Werner
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ith the health and lives of many Americans still under threat from the COVID-19 pandemic, many young, healthy people home from school and college are wondering how to help their communities. One important way is by donating blood. Rock River Valley Blood Center (RRVBC) needs about 700 donors per week to supply 10 regional hospitals in Illinois and Wisconsin with blood products, but the community is falling short. “Giving blood is not a risk for donors to contract COVID-19,” says Lisa Entrikin, CEO of the blood center. “There’s no known risk to the safety of the nation’s blood supply and there are no reports of spread of this or any respiratory virus by blood transfusion.” She notes that safety protocols such as spacing chairs six feet apart at blood
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draw locations have been implemented in light of COVID-19. Even before the pandemic, there was a frightening shortage of donors, says Entrikin. “The area we serve has a population of 500,000 people, but only 16,000 people donated blood in 2019,” she explains. “If everyone eligible gave just two times a year, we would never have a shortage. We really need people to step up, especially if they’ve never given or haven’t given in a while.” Normally, the most consistent donors are those between ages 40 and 60. Some of those people have been canceling donor appointments because they’re quarantined due to the pandemic. Also, many businesses and organizations have canceled blood drives because of the pandemic. More than 85 drives were
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cancelled between April and June for a loss of more than 1600 units. “We ask blood drive sponsor groups that are considering canceling drives to please work with us on potential options to re-direct donors,” says Entrikin. Teenagers can donate blood starting at age 17, or at age 16 with parental consent. In fact, Entrikin’s 16-year-old son recently donated for the first time. She says he was surprised by how easy it was. She encourages first-time donors to bring along a friend for moral support who’s also willing to donate. “Please don’t wait until the blood shortage hits you personally,” says Entrikin. “People are in need of blood every day and it never slows down. We’re in a daily struggle to make sure hospitals have the blood they need.” The 18-to-30 age group is always
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more difficult to recruit, but this a good opportunity for them to really shine. “We have programs in all of the high schools making people aware of the need and the response is usually good until we lose track of them after graduation.” Oftentimes, people don’t realize the importance of being a blood donor until they need blood or someone they love is in need of a transfusion. Weather and sickness keeps donors from donating in the winter and vacations keep people from donating in the summer, but the unfortunate truth is that
blood donations have been down consistently nationwide in the past year. “In the past 10 years, 13 million fewer people have given blood. That’s very scary, especially if we don’t get new people willing to donate,” Entrikin says. Technological advances have made it harder to get people to donate blood. “People ignore their emails, don’t answer their phones and don’t answer texts, so it has become very hard to talk to someone and say we need their help,” she says. The communication problem has impacted the number of blood donors nationwide. The blood center partners with churches, businesses and other groups and organizations to host blood drives regularly to heighten awareness and to make it easy for people to donate. People with fears or apprehension about giving blood are welcome to call any of the donor locations to get more
information before committing, she says. A 60-minute appointment to donate includes registration, a health questionnaire, taking temperature, blood pressure and a blood sample. The blood draw itself takes only 10 minutes. People have many excuses for not giving blood, such as being afraid of needles, thinking they’re not eligible to give, being too busy or just being unaware of the desperate need. “Our society is busier than ever and people are always being asked to give their time and money, so they can get a little jaded and burned out, but the need for blood is always there,” Entrikin says. RRVBC has four donor centers. They’re located at 419 N. 6th St. and 3065 N. Perryville in Rockford and at 1740 S. State St. in Belvidere and 461 E. South St. in Freeport. Check rrvbc.org to learn about upcoming mobile blood drives. Donors can make appointments at rrvbc.org or by calling (815) 965-8751. ❚
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By Janine Pumilia
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y now, many of us have purchased and planted colorful annual plants. We’ve put them in containers, hanging baskets and directly into the ground. We’ve located them properly so they get the amount of sunlight or shade called for on their plant tags and we’re making sure they’re watered and fertilized properly. Our beautiful annuals will perish with the first hard frost of autumn, but we cherish them for the non-stop color they provide spring through fall. A stroll through 2020 greenhouses reveals several trends. First, gardening for food is popular, spurred by food shortages this year. Colorful caladium
Second, for garden beauty, tropical-style plants are trendy. While most are annuals, some have been improved to withstand our winters, such as the Summerific line of hibiscus (rose mallow) by Proven Winners. Other favorites include mandevilla, palms, ornamental bananas, elephant ears, croton, stromanthe, cannas and caladium. Third, gardeners still love traditional blooming annuals such as alyssum, marigold, impatiens, begonias, petunias, cleome, pansies, salvia, dahlias, snapdragons, geraniums, torenia, verbena, lobelia, zinnias and more. Scott Gensler, co-owner of Gensler Gardens in Loves Park, Ill., and New Milford, Ill., offers these tips for successfully growing annuals. 1. Spacing: The tag will say to plant 8 to 12 inches apart; pick 8 inches for a great show of flowers more quickly. If roots are pot-bound, tease them apart so they make better contact with soil.
(Proven Winners photos)
Colorful Annuals Bring Landscapes to Life
The new Evening Rose hibiscus by Proven Winners brings the tropics to our gardens.
2. Watering: Annuals need water to thrive. Water them deeply two to three times a week, more if needed. Make sure containers have drainage holes. 3. Feed your plants: Once a week, use a balanced, all-purpose 20-20-20 fertilizer that you mix with water. Mix some compost or manure into your soil before planting for added success. ❚
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Therapy Makes Stroke Recovery Possible By Lindsey Gapen Lukas, managing editor
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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.” ❚
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New Owner Expands Offerings at Porch
By Peggy Werner ori Wetzel became the new owner of Porch, 3065 N. Perryville Road, on Jan. 10. She was working hard when her business shut down during the COVID-19 crisis. “The business was in my name for only eight weeks before I had to shut down,” she says. “At first, I thought I could use the time off to regroup and get ready, if it was for only two weeks.” When she realized sheltering in place was a bigger commitment than two weeks, she decided to re-invent her shop by ordering flowers and garden décor to become a garden center. Garden centers were considered “essential” and allowed to remain open. The city decided her business was still a gift shop, however. She next introduced curbside pickup service and will continue that service for those who want it. While the building was closed, she
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repainted the whole store, took down all items and shelving, cleaned the store, freshened up displays and rearranged everything to give it a new look. The store specializes in unique gifts, clothing, shoes, accessories, jewelry, Lori Wetzel is the new owner of Porch, 3065 Perryville Road, Rockford. yard and garden art, arrangements and planters as fast as they home décor, kitchen could produce them, she says. The nextitems, baby gifts, wedding gifts, soaps busiest sales season will be Christmas and candles, with many items locally proand she’s already purchased traditional, duced. Gift wrapping is offered free. fun, and glitzy items to display and sell “Customers typically come into the at that time. store looking for a gift for someone, but “I’m really excited about it.” they almost always end up buying somePorch is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. thing for themselves, too,” she says. Monday through Thursday and from 10 Mother’s Day was particularly busy a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. ❚ with a full staff putting together flower
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