Smart Living Rockford - December 3, 2020

Smart L iving Your Better Quality of Life Magazine • Rockford Region/Beloit/Freeport 95¢ • Dec. 2020 • No. I

™

Right in Our Region

How to Shop Safely and LOCALLY See Page 16

We Are What We Buy Bringing Cheer to Our Elders Tips for Choosing a Snow Blower Tasty Enchilada Casserole Recipe

Best of Life Information for Our Region’s Residents & Visitors Proudly Serving the Needs of 326,000 Neighbors - For Your Home, Health & Fun!

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1

53

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

3

4

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

5

In This Issue

Right in Our Region ........................Cover & p. 16 How to Shop Local – And Safely

Your Home ................................................... ..... 11 How to Choose a Snowblower Inspiration & Worship .......................................12 Little Spark, Big Fire Your Kitchen ......................................................15 Tasty Enchilada Casserole Your Technology ........................................ ....... 25 Do You Pay Too Much for Tech?

Your Community ...............................................27 Bringing Joy to Those with Alzheimers

Smart L iving ™

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 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 Cassedy 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.

6

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

To advertise call 815-316-2300

We Are What We Buy

I

’m just old enough to remember when downtown Rockford was abuzz with restaurants and shops, small and large, most locally owned, where we could find and buy most anything.

My childhood was filled with fun at Kiddieland, the River Lane drive-in, trips to Roma Bakery and the corner toy store at Meadow Mart – all locally owned. On special occasions, we dined at The Mayflower, The Manor, Pink Pony, Giovanni’s, the Wagon Wheel – all local.

Mom and I bought clothing at Rockford Dry and Lillian’s at Meadow Mart or Ditto’s and Weise’s at North Towne. For household goods, we’d shop at Union Hall, the discount store opened by the Bagus family in 1960. For appliances, we shopped at Bill Fisher’s TV, Guler’s or Al Grace – all locally owned.

I was 12 when Cherryvale Mall opened in 1973 and shifted our shopping habits. This was about the same time factory jobs went overseas.

We blame Rockford’s late-century decline on those job exports, but that’s not the whole story. Why were we so quick to support the chain stores that displaced our neighbors’ stores? Why did our politicians tip the playing field away from homegrown businesspeople? We allowed our local identity to perish as we sent our money out of state. Why? To their credit, today’s local leaders are focused on helping homegrown businesses to thrive. One example is Rockford City Market, which gives newbies a low-overhead platform for launching products.

Small business was picking up speed here before COVID-19 again tipped the board to favor large “essential” businesses over local guys.

If we want to see our community regain its retail vibrancy, we have to act now by supporting small retailers and restaurant owners (and other assets like museums and gardens) with our dollars, not just our lip service.

Our city is what we bring to it. We are what we buy. No hero on a white horse is coming over the hill to rescue us.

To that end, our cover story provides a glimpse into the many ways local retailers are working to serve you safely. Let’s not use COVID-19 as an excuse to neglect them. They’ve already risked a great deal to help rebuild the local identity we crave.

Happy shopping! ❚ Janine Pumilia SLW Editor

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

7

8

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

9

10

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y H  G

Tips for Choosing a New Snow Blower

W

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

Tell them you saw it in ...

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. ❚

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

11

I  W

A Little Spark A

s we gather with others this season, it’s good to remember we are masters of our own tongues – and should respect the power of our tongues to do good and to do harm. In James 3:3-18 (NIV) we read: When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go.

Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts.

Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be. Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? My brothers and sisters, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peaceloving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. ❚ 12

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

13

14

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y K

Cheesy Enchilada Casserole for Busy Nights Cooking Sauce

2 eggs 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 cup half-and-half or evaporated milk 1/2 cup sour cream vegetable oil

Casserole 1.5 to 2 cups enchilada sauce, divided 12 corn tortillas, divided 1 cup roasted skinless chicken, chopped 2 tsp. enchilada seasoning 4 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend or 1 cup each shredded Oaxaca, Cheddar, Jalapeño Jack and crumbled Cotija cheeses 1 cup canned pinto beans, drained well 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/3 cup canned kernel corn, well drained 1/3 cup sliced black olives, well drained 1/3 cup mild green chiles, well drained 2 TB cilantro, minced 2 green onions, sliced

Preheat oven to 350 F. To make sauce: In bowl, whisk eggs, salt, half-and-half and sour cream; set aside.

Spray dish with vegetable oil.

To make casserole: Assemble first layer by spreading 6 TB enchilada sauce on bottom of casserole dish. Top with four tortillas, overlapping them. Cover tortillas with 6 TB enchilada sauce.

Assemble second layer by tossing chicken with enchilada seasoning. Mix with 3 cups shredded cheese. Layer half chicken-cheese mixture over tortillas.

Assemble third layer by seasoning pinto beans with cumin and garlic powder. Spread beans over cheese-chicken layer.

Assemble fourth layer by overlapping four tortillas then cover with 6-8 TB enchilada sauce. Cover with corn, olives and chiles. Top with remaining cheese-chicken mixture.

Assemble final layer by cover-

Tell them you saw it in ...

ing filling with remaining tortillas, overlapped, then spread remaining enchilada sauce over them. Pour cooking sauce over casserole. Top with remaining shredded cheese. Let rest at least 30 minutes.

Bake 50-60 minutes, or until bubbling. Remove and rest 10 minutes before cutting. Sprinkle with cilantro and green onions. Serve with lime wedges and sour cream.

(Source: Family Features. Find more recipes at RealCaliforniaMilk.com.) ❚

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

15

R  O R

Yes, Virginia, You Can Safely ‘Shop Local’

By Peggy Werner & Janine Pumilia,

E

very holiday season we make the case for doing at least some of our shopping and dining at locally owned businesses. Shopping local means more of your money re-circulates here at home rather than zipping off to out-of-state Big Box or Amazon headquarters.

This year, however, is different.

Shopping local is not only smart, it’s also necessary if we want to maintain a vibrant local business community.

More than 100,000 small businesses closed after COVID-19 steamrolled the U.S. in its first wave. Restaurants and retail shops were hardest hit.

“But it’s not safe to go out and shop local!” you might say. For some people, this is true. But there are solutions. Many shops accept online or phone orders; most allow curbside pickups; some do home delivery. Shops are requiring staff

16

Smart Living Live

and customers to wear masks and practice social distancing. They clean hightouch areas often and place hand sanitizer throughout their stores. Some shops even offer after-hours appointments, such as Shine, 6730 Broadcast Pkwy.

“We want to help eliminate stress by giving our customers choices,” says Shine co-owner Elizabeth Burkholder.

She informs customers about new inventory through her Facebook pages and emails promotions. Shine doesn’t offer online shopping, but does do phone orders and curbside pickup.

Some stores have replaced crowded one-day deal events with ongoing discount days all season long. Gensler Gardens, 102 Orth Road, Loves Park, is running specials through the end of the year including 20 percent off fresh evergreens and 25 percent off all holiday décor, says Kristin Hauser, manager.

“It’s easy to social distance in our

Dec. 2020 • No. I

To advertise call 815-316-2300

store, considering it size,” she says.

Custom orders can be placed by phone and picked up curbside. Delivery is available within an 8-mile radius.

The pandemic has changed other things, too.

“More people have become pet owners because more people are spending more time at home,” observes Anita Luckey, owner of Cherry Valley Feed & Supplies, 1595 S. Bell School Road.

“There’s definitely a trend in people wanting to be good pet parents.”

About 75 percent of her sales involve high-quality cat and dog foods and supplies, including shampoo, supplements, kennels, collars, leashes and CBD products for pain and nerve issues. Her store accepts phone orders and curbside pickups and will deliver for a fee.

“We’re doing our best to help customers get through the season safely,” Luckey says.

R  O R Feathered friends are getting more attention, too, says Joel Neylon, manager of Wild Birds Unlimited, 4902 Hononegah Road, Roscoe.

More people are taking new interest in the birds outside their windows, says Neylon. Bird books, feeders, seed, birdbaths, binoculars and other birding aids are popular gifts. You can view products on the franchise website, wbu.com, phone in your order to Neylon and pick it up curbside.

Rather than running crowded one-day sales, Neylon is extending sales periods, such as “20% off everything” Dec. 11-13.

If you’re longing to do some in-person shopping, Benson Stone Co., 1100 11th St., naturally lends itself to social distancing, since the store is a city block large.

This is the store’s 90th anniversary, so sales are running through Dec.19. Furniture is up to 40 percent off and all flooring is 40 percent off. The store’s 12-foot Christmas tree is decorated with a rustic theme this year and the Christmas gift shop is offering a 50 percent discount. The

store also sells clothing, jewelry, wraps, gloves and other accessories.

Benson’s accepts phone orders, does home delivery and curbside pickup, offers online shopping for selected items and can schedule private shopping.

Co-owner Kim Benson, a decorator and merchandise buyer, uses social media to keep customers informed.

“We’re a little different from most retail stores, with our fireplaces going, our café, and just all the looks, colors and traditions we offer,” says Benson. “It’s a cozy, home-like place to shop.”

Reminders to wash our hands are everywhere, and the Oregon Soap Shoppe, 91C Daysville Road, Oregon, Ill., is happy to help. Owner Lynnel Camling

Tell them you saw it in ...

started her soap business 17 years ago using custom recipes and natural ingredients like beeswax, olive oil, coconut oil and shea butter.

The store accepts orders by phone or online at oregonsoapshoppe.com, and mail-in requests. The couple delivers orders and offers curbside pickup.

Don’t overlook the option of giving a fun experience. A membership to Klehm Arboretum or Burpee Museum, for example, is enjoyed all year long. Discovery Center offers gift passes and memberships plus many toys. Although museums are closed right now, “Just give us a call to arrange a visit if you want to shop our store,” says Mike Rathbun, associate director at Discovery Center.

Anderson Japanese Gardens also sells gift memberships and maintains an online store, as does Midway Village Museum.

It’s not difficult to find meaningful gifts that will strengthen our community as we shop – even during a pandemic. Happy local shopping! ❚

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

17

18

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

19

20

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

21

22

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

23

24

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y T

How to Reduce Your Technology Bills

By Peggy Werner any of us are spending more than we have to for technology simply because we don’t understand our options.

Tech services like phone, Internet, TV and home security evolve quickly and can be confusing, but it’s easier than you may think to figure out what works best for your situation, says Charles Zambrano, owner and general manager of EZ Satellite & Wireless in Loves Park.

“I make sure the customers know exactly what they’re getting and aren’t paying for services they don’t want or need,” says Zambrano. He asks customers about the number of TVs and phones they have, favorite channels, streaming and recording habits, how they use high-speed internet and so forth.

“Most customers are paying too much, $250 or more for phone, TV and internet,” he says. “I can save them $50 to

M

(Sponsored Content)

$100 per month by offering them the best deals each company has to offer.

“A lot of people are not happy with their tech services, but are afraid to change or don’t have time to do the research. But it’s not that hard to start saving money.”

Zambrano also helps people to make better use of their smart phones to enhance their particular lifestyles. Products like the Google Nest Hub, Google Assistant and Amazon’s Alexa are ideal for those who want to monitor and access their homes and businesses remotely or with voice commands. Especially in the age of COVID-19, it’s useful to monitor package delivery and speak to people at your door remotely.

You can also switch lights on and off, change the thermostat settings and unlock doors remotely.

EZ Satellite & Wireless is licensed

Tell them you saw it in ...

to offer services from any provider using dish, cable, internet and home security, including Rise Broadband, Comcast, HughesNet, DirectTV, Digitenna, Vivint, ATT and Nest products.

Zambrano’s store is regularly sanitized, social distancing is observed, masks are worn and interactions are contact-free.

Call (815) 957-4335 or stop by to see him at 6239 N. 2nd St. in Loves Park. ❚

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

25

26

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Y C

Bringing Some Holiday Cheer to Our Elderly

By Peggy Werner

R

ose Mary Leggio, owner of Cucina di Rosa, 1620 N. Bell School Road, is using her boundless energy to serve her customers and the community in spite of – and because of – the pandemic.

Tops on her list is an effort to collect baby dolls for the elderly living in skilled nursing facilities. Her hope is to collect enough dolls (and money to buy them) for Christmas presents for 140 residents at P.A. Peterson at the Citadel, 1311 Parkview Ave. Donations after Christmas will go to other facilities, as needed.

“I’m doing this in memory of my grandmother, who died at 101 and is still my guardian angel,” she says. “I’m doing this because all these people in senior living places haven’t been able to see their families and their grandkids during the pandemic and when they hold a baby doll it gives them comfort and reminds them of their own children.”

Leggio saw a Facebook post from friend Nancy Arbisi Gioppo, who works at P. A. Peterson, asking for dolls for residents. She was so moved by the need, she decided to join the effort to collect them. First, she asked if a collection of stuffed animals in excellent condition would help, and Gioppo welcomed them.

“Dolls for Golden Dolls” is the name of the ongoing fundraiser started by Leggio. She’ll accept donations of dolls and money at her restaurant through closing time Christmas Eve, when dolls will be delivered to P. A. Peterson as Christmas gifts.

“I hope God will bless us. When I heard about the need, I just felt I had to do something,” says Leggio. “I have a heart for the elderly because my own grandmother was such an inspiration to me.”

A picture of her “Nonna Pauline”

Tell them you saw it in ...

hangs in the restaurant. It was by watching Pauline cook that Leggio learned to make the Sicilian dishes featured at her restaurant today.

In addition to food, Italian cookies and homemade gelato, Leggio fills an Italian boutique with items made in Italy and made by local merchants.

“Local businesses need help more than anyone else,” she says, “If everyone does their part, we will all survive. It’s all about helping each other.” ❚

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

27

give the gift of stability health comfort safety joy home.

text H4HGIVE to 44321 to donate. rockfordhabitat.org 28

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

To advertise call 815-316-2300

Tell them you saw it in ...

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

29

Discover a Smart Home Powered by DISH. Get the DISH Voice Remote with Google Assistant and control your TV and compatible smart devices.

Requires internet-connected Hopper, Joey or Wally device.

Customer must press Voice Remote button to activate feature. Google is a trademark of Google LLC.

240+

290+

CHANNELS

AMERICAʼS TOP 250

Plus More!

CHANNELS

9499

$

190

CHANNELS

AMERICAʼS TOP 200

AMERICAʼS TOP 120 PLUS

AMERICAʼS TOP 120

Plus More!

Plus More!

Plus More!

8499

$

/mo.

RSN surcharge up to $3/mo. applies and varies based on location.

190+

CHANNELS

/mo.

RSN surcharge up to $3/mo. applies and varies based on location.

7499

$

5999

$

/mo.

RSN surcharge up to $3/mo. applies and varies based on location.

/mo.

All packages include local channels, ESPN, FREE Voice Remote with Google Assistant, FREE Standard Professional Installation and FREE Premium Channels for 3 months.

All offers require credit qualification, 2-year commitment with early termination fee and eAutoPay. Prices include Hopper Duo for qualifying customers.

Hopper, Hopper w/Sling or Hopper 3 $5/mo. more. Upfront fees may apply based on credit qualification. Fees apply for additional TVs: Hopper $15/mo., Joey $5/mo., Super Joey $10/mo.

Plus, act now for even more benefits: Get the Voice Remote with Google Assistant.

Control your TV and more, all with your voice.

Requires internet-connected Hopper, Joey or Wally device. Customer must press Voice Remote button to activate feature. Google is a trademark of Google LLC.

Watch 80,000+ movies and shows On Demand.

Find something to watch or rent, for everyone in your family.

Availability depends on package and technology.

Plus, ask us about our exclusive offer for active-duty military and veterans!

Call or visit your Local DISH Retailer to demo the best in entertainment and home technology!

EZSATELLITE & WIRELESS INC

(815) 957-4335 6239 N 2nd St, Suite B, Loves Park www.ezsatellitenow.com

Offer for new and qualifying former customers only.

Important Terms and Conditions: Qualification: Advertised price requires credit qualification and 24-month commitment. Upfront activation and/or receiver upgrade fees may apply based on credit qualification. Offer ends 1/13/21. 2-year commitment: Early termination fee of $20/mo. remaining applies if you cancel early. Included in 2-year price guarantee at $59.99 advertised price: America’s Top 120 programming package, local channels, HD service fees, and Hopper Duo Smart DVR for 1 TV. Included in 2-year price guarantee for additional cost: Programming package upgrades ($74.99 for AT120+, $84.99 for AT200, $94.99 for AT250), monthly fees for upgraded or additional receivers ($5-$7 per additional TV, receivers with additional functionality may be $10-$15). Regional Sports: RSN surcharge up to $3/mo. applies to AT120+ and higher packages and varies based on location. NOT included in 2-year price guarantee or advertised price (and subject to change): Taxes & surcharges, add-on programming (including premium channels), DISH Protect, and transactional fees. Premium Channels: 3 Mos. Free: After 3 mos., you will be billed $30/mo. for Showtime, Starz, and DISH Movie Pack unless you call or go online to cancel. Remote: The DISH Voice Remote with Google Assistant requires internet-connected Hopper, Joey, or Wally device. Customer must press Voice Remote button to activate feature. Google Assistant Smart Home features require Google account and compatible devices. Google is a trademark of Google LLC. Other: All packages, programming, features, and functionality and all prices and fees not included in price guarantee are subject to change without notice. After 6 mos., if selected, you will be billed $9.99/mo. for DISH Protect Silver unless you call to cancel. After 2 years, then-current everyday prices for all services apply. For business customers, additional monthly fees may apply. Free standard professional installation only.

30

Smart Living Live

Dec. 2020 • No. I

BDRIVE_25925

52

Smart Living Weekly

Issue 1