Smart Living Rockford- April 2023

It’s Still Easter!

As I write this, Easter is only a few days away. I love this holiday — I feel that it’s oftentimes underrated. It doesn’t necessarily call for the hoopla that Thanksgiving and Christmas require, but it still prompts families to get together and celebrate.

Growing up, my family would typically go to the Easter vigil mass on Saturday night — a beautiful mass with candles galore — and wake up early Sunday morning to eat a breakfast feast complete with colored eggs and kielbasa. We’d also search for our bunny baskets, and mine were always hidden somewhere difficult to find: up in the attic, inside the washing machine under (hopefully clean) clothes… once, it was in the garage in the recycling bin. Honestly, it was almost cruel. I’m surprised I didn’t become a detective with all the skills I gained from those childhood hunts.

I remember once going to an Easter mass in Croatia during my college semester abroad, and even though I didn’t understand a single word of what was being said, I still knew exactly what was happening because the structure of mass is the same no matter where in the world you are. It really made me feel connected to my big Catholic family back at home.

I think people sometimes forget that Easter is a “bigger deal” than Christmas. Sure, the birth of Jesus is nice to celebrate, but his resurrection literally saved us. And that’s what Easter is all about. I really appreciate this holiday and remembering what all went down 2000-ish years ago.

And of course, I also really appreciate the childhood excitement of the Easter bunny, the bonding with my younger cousins while coloring eggs, and the savoring of my mom’s incredible Easter morning breakfast, which has only improved as the years have gone by. It’s overall a great day.

And the best part is, Easter technically lasts 50 days! It spans from Easter Sunday all the way to Pentecost Sunday. So, Happy Easter! And have a great week ahead! ❚

Lindsey Lukas Senior Editor

Guler’s Has a Bigger, Better Location

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

AsGuler’s Appliance & Mattress celebrates its 87th year in business at a new location, 4435 E. State St., Rockford, customers can experience better service than ever before, says Vice President Andy Guler.

“Customers can still find a friendly and professional buying experience with a family-owned and -operated local business, but we feel our new showroom, expanded product lines, and larger facility make us the best place to shop for appliances and mattresses in the Rockford area,” Guler says.

The new location is more centrally located to better serve customers in all directions. It’s also much larger than the previous location.

“We’re able to display more of what we carry in our new state-of-the-art showroom, so customers are able to see

and feel the products and envision what they’ll look like in their homes,” Guler adds. “Also, our parts and service department, as well as our warehouse and distribution center, are all under one roof and are much larger than we had in the past. That means more products in stock, and the ability to dispatch personnel and deliver items quicker than ever before.”

Not only does the larger showroom allow more space to display appliances, but it also allows Guler’s to offer mattresses for the first time.

“For years, our customers have requested that we carry mattresses, but we never had the showroom space. Now, we’re able to offer the best mattresses like Beautyrest Black, Serta iComfort, and other great brands,” he says. “Like with our appliances, we stand behind every mattress we sell.”

Guler takes pride in curating inventory to bring customers the best products available. He also takes care to offer a superior level of service.

“Our sales professionals, installation personnel and service technicians are some of the most experienced and caring you’ll find anywhere,” he says. “And because of the relationships we have with the companies whose products we sell, we’re able to offer the same, or lower, prices than the larger stores.”

Guler’s is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. ❚

You and Me

Old Testament prophets said the execution of the Messiah would be painful, unjust, humiliating and marked by the sting of betrayal.

Jesus Christ knew all of this because he studied scripture.

Even so, shortly before his ordeal unfolded, his thoughts were on the welfare of his followers, both in his generation and those yet unborn – you and me.

In his prayer to God, recorded in John 17, Jesus says (verse 13), “I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message.”

That’s us.

To read and fathom John 17 is to comprehend the depth of love Jesus Christ has for us and the importance he placed on truth – God’s Word.

He said to God in prayer:

“…Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world.

“I’m not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. They do not belong to this world any more than I do. Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth. Just as you sent me into the world, I am sending them into the world. And I give myself as a holy sacrifice for them so they can be made holy by your truth.

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one –as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.

“I have given them the glory you gave me, so they may be one as we are one.

– John 17:13-20, NLT

To read and contemplate John 17 is to see the heart of Jesus Christ. ❚

-Janine Pumilia

A Brunch Favorite for Spring Celebrations

Deck your kitchen, dining room or patio with bright decor and fun, festive springtime frills – brunch season is here.

If you need a dish that feeds a crowd, put this Hearty Bacon and Egg Breakfast on the menu. Ready in 35 minutes, it can satisfy brunch cravings for a group of up to 12 as a main course that easily pairs with other morning favorites.

As an ideal complement to the eggs, bacon and cheese, Minute Rice & Quinoa can make this family-style recipe a breeze. In just 10 minutes, the tasty blend of brown rice, red rice, wild rice and quinoa cooks up light and fluffy for a slightly chewy, nutty flavor. It’s also a dependable replacement for oatmeal in other breakfast dishes so you can complete your mission to make meals quick and enjoyable.

Not to mention, the bag is BPA-free and recyclable via store drop-off in most

communities, while the carton is recyclable curbside.

Find more brunch inspiration for spring celebrations at MinuteRice.com.

Hearty Bacon and Egg Breakfast

Prep time: 5 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Servings: 12

Nonstick cooking spray

1 1/2 bags Minute Rice & Quinoa

9 eggs, lightly beaten

5 bacon slices, crumbled

3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 teaspoon salt black pepper, to taste

Preheat oven to 325 F. Coat 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray. Prepare rice and quinoa according to package directions. In medium bowl, combine rice and quinoa, eggs, bacon, cheese, salt and

pepper, to taste. Divide batter between prepared cups and bake 18-20 minutes, or until eggs are just set. ❚

Source: Family Features

Meet Rockford Symphony’s New Maestro

By Jim Taylor, managing editor

The Rockford Symphony Orchestra’s (RSO) long search for a new music director is over. After three years of sifting through more than 200 applications, hosting nine original concerts conducted by nine finalists, and with an unexpected global pandemic thrown in for good (or bad) measure, Yaniv Attar is set to take the podium for his first concert this fall.

“I could not be more pleased with our selection,” says Julie Thomas, RSO’s executive director. “Yaniv brings an exceptional level of artistry along with a great sense of humor and approachability.”

For Attar, the position represents an exciting new chapter in his career, one that has been a long time coming. As the first of RSO’s finalists to lead a concert, back in January 2022, he had to wait almost a year to be chosen.

“It’s like speed dating in slow motion,” he says. “It wasn’t about who is the best conductor. It’s about chemistry. Now that the dust has settled, I’m excited to get to work.”

Attar is only the fifth music director of the RSO, which was founded in 1934. He replaces longtime maestro Steven Larson, who retired at the end of the 2020-21 season after serving as music director for more than 30 years.

“It’s always thrilling when you join an orchestra that has a rich history like the RSO,” says Attar. “When I applied for the job, I knew that it meant leading one of Rockford’s most important cultural ambassadors. It’s exciting to be a part of its 90-year history.”

Attar brings with him a history of his own as an accomplished musician and an award-winning conductor. A native

of Israel, he has a long list of accolades, including first-prize winner of the Duna Szimfonikus Conducting Competition Budapest, multiple Sir Georg Solti Foun-

Yaniv Attar is officially the new music director of the Rockford Symphony Orchestra.

Foundation Awards, and the 2009 Bruno Walter Memorial Foundation Award.

He also brings a wealth of experience, having worked with the Cincinnati Symphony, Dohnanyi Orchestra Budapest, the Israel Chamber Orchestra, National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland and a long list of other notable ensembles.

In addition to directing RSO, Attar plans to continue serving as music director of the Bellingham Symphony and an artistic partner with the Northwest

Sinfonietta, both in Washington State where he resides with his wife and children. He is also wrapping up his final season with the Pennsylvania Chamber Orchestra, where he was music director for eight years.

Now that he has signed on the dotted line for RSO, he’s ready to roll up his sleeves and start making music on Main Street.

“The RSO has a wonderful artistic advisory committee,” says Attar. “The first thing I got to do was sit down with them and do my favorite part of the job, which is planning the upcoming season.”

Attar plans to make his debut with the orchestra Sept. 9 at the Coronado Performing Arts Center in Rockford. For Attar, that first concert cannot come soon enough.

“It’s tough,” he laughs. “They’re keeping me waiting, but it’s going to be so worth it.”

Attar likens his role as a conductor to taking apart a piece of machinery and examining each component.

“I always think to myself, ‘Who needs me the most and where?” he says. “‘Which section do I need to give my attention to?’ Then, little by little, I put it all back together.”

While Attar prepares for his debut as the RSO’s new music director, the orchestra has several concerts that will be led by guest conductors. Attar is hopeful audiences won’t wait for his arrival to buy a ticket and experience the exquisite artistry the orchestra has to offer.

“There’s nothing like experiencing live music, especially in a beautiful hall like the Coronado,” he says. “You’ve got this incredible band in your backyard. To be sitting in an audience, completely silent, listening to the orchestra play beautiful music…there’s nothing like it.” ❚

Attar plans to make his debut with RSO on Sept. 9 at the Coronado.

These Flowers Can Beautify Your Yard

By Peggy Werner

Springtime

means flowers at familyowned Gensler Gardens, offering a large selection of hanging baskets, premium annuals, flats, perennials, vegetable plants, patio containers, shrubs, patio trees and more. Thousands of varieties are grown in the 95,000-square-foot greenhouse in Davis Junction, and sold at 102 Orth Road, Loves Park.

“We are known for the number of varieties we produce,’” says owner Scott Gensler. “We grow all annuals and perennials ourselves, and we use a slow-release fertilizer in 95 percent of our plants and flowers that will last all summer long.”

Gensler is always on the lookout for new varieties of flowers and plants of abundant color, varying habitats and disease-resistant genes. This year, he has brought in dozens of new varieties of flowering and non-flowing plants.

Among the new items are two-toned New Guinea Impatiens in many colors that want heat and sun. The sun variety has been available for a few years in an array of colors, but it’s the first season for the two-toned flower.

Lantana, which is a popular choice for outdoor hanging baskets or as ground cover, is known for its rounded clusters of small, brightly colored flowers in shades of yellow, orange, white, red, pink, blue and purple, oftentimes mixed within the same cluster. The newer Shamrock Lantana is more uniform in color and branches out wider and higher for different pot sizes and hanging baskets.

Although Gensler starts planning and planting many months in advance for the following spring, he cautions consumers to keep an eye on the weather before heading outdoors to plant.

“By early May, we will have a good idea of when the ideal time to plant will be,” he says. “Meanwhile, container plants can always get their start indoors at any time and hanging baskets can be brought inside at night until the weather warms up.”

Most plants, especially Impatiens, Begonias, and tropical plants need temperatures above 40 degrees both night and day. To keep those flowering hanging baskets and plants at their optimum beauty, it’s important to water them daily. On hot and windy days, watering twice a day is recommended. ❚

Alpine Academy to Offer New Grade Levels

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Lastyear, Alpine Academy expanded its commitment to the west side of Rockford by opening its Resurrection Campus at 811 Locust St., which offers pre-K. Now, Alpine Academy is expanding at its main campus to offer seventh grade for the 2023-24 school year and eighth grade for the 2024-25 school year. The main campus, located at 5001 Forest View Ave., Rockford, has previously offered grades K-6.

Alpine Academy is dedicated to providing a quality education in a nurturing, family-focused Christian school. Its mission is to enrich and deepen students’ academic knowledge and spiritual faith. Teachers strive to create an environment where students grow intellectually, spiritually, emotionally and physically.

Alpine Academy is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Education Asso-

ciation (ELEA) and is recognized with the Illinois State Board of Education. Its strong curriculum in reading, mathematics, science, language arts, social studies and religion provides students with solid academic foundation.

Students receive performing arts instruction beginning in preschool and continuing through seventh grade. An in-house speech pathologist provides additional special-needs support. Three theatrical programs spotlighting students’ talents and skills are presented during the year. Art, band and orchestra instruction begin in third grade. Regular physical education class is provided to all students, with upper-grade students participating in unique activities such as roller skating, bowling and field trips at Pierce Lake. Each class takes part in monthly community service projects, and the Academy is

active in many charitable programs and organizations.

Alpine Academy has a fenced athletic area with a baseball field and a soccer field. It also has a protected and completely enclosed play area with slides, monkey bars and climbing areas.

At Alpine Academy, educators and parents work together to promote each student’s self-esteem, academic skills and Christian knowledge to create children who are enriched spiritually and academically, who have a dedication to lifelong learning, and who are prepared for their journey toward a successful adulthood. ❚

Bark and Wine Benefit for Noah’s Ark

By Lindsey Lukas, senior editor

Eachyear, Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary cares for hundreds of animals in need of a forever home. The no-kill shelter doesn’t euthanize animals to make space for others – instead, it provides animals with the best care possible for as long as they need until adoption takes place. The sanctuary receives no government funding and relies solely on community support to serve its mission.

With that in mind, the sanctuary’s 14th annual Bark and Wine fundraising event takes place Saturday, April 29 from 4-10 p.m. at the Tebala Event Center, 7910 Newburg Road, Rockford.

“All proceeds will benefit the Ark and help us in serving our mission,” says Brooke Pond, assistant shelter manager.

This year’s event features a buffet style dinner from 5-7 p.m. provided by ABC Catering. Additionally, as the event

name suggests, wine tasting is a featured activity with wines provided by Wine Shop At Home.

A wine toss game allows players to win the bottle they land on, with five tosses for $10 or 12 tosses for $20. If you land on multiple bottles, you can choose your favorite wine. The event will also have quarter buckets ($0.25 tickets for raffle items), plus a silent auction with prizes such as an overnight stay at Bally’s Casino in Rock Island and a wine tasting for 10 people at Artale & Co. In addition to enjoying a fun eve-

ning, Bark and Wine attendees can feel good knowing their money is going to a good cause, Pond adds.

“We are passionate about the work that we do because we are able to provide love and care for animals while they are waiting for their forever homes,” she says.

Tickets to Bark and Wine cost $45 for singles, $85 for couples and $330 for a table of eight. Attendees can purchase tickets at noahsarkanimals.org or in person at 111 N. First St., Rockford.

Sponsorship opportunities are also available for organizations that would like to support the event. Interested sponsors can call (815) 962-2767 for more information.

“We greatly appreciate all of the continuous support from our community,” Pond says. ❚

Discovery Town

Through May 29, Tues.-Sun. 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. A make-believe kid-sized city where children play as they learn about the people and places that make up a community. Each stop provides opportunities for role playing, problem solving and creative exploration. Discovery Center Museum, 711 N. Main St., Rockford, (815) 963-6769, discoverycentermuseum.org.

Secret Life of Butterflies

Through June 4, Tues.-Fri. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sat.Sun. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Get an up-close look at native and exotic butterflies and moths. Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, 1354 N. 2nd St., Rockford, (815) 987-8858, nicholasconservatory.com.

‘Urinetown – The Musical’

April 27-30, Thurs.-Sat. 7:30 p.m., Sun. 2 p.m. This hilarious award-winning musical satire puts the spotlight on the legal system, capitalism, social irresponsibility, populism, bureaucracy, corporate mismanagement, municipal politics and musical theater. Maddox Theatre, Clark Arts Center, Rockford University, 5050 E. State St., Rockford, (815) 226-4100, rockford.edu.

The Great War: World War I

April 29-30, Sat. 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Featuring dozens of re-enactors portray-

Entertainment & Events

ing soldiers and civilians from the United States and Europe during World War I. Enter encampments, tour a reproduction of a 150-yard trench system and watch narrated battle re-enactments. Midway Village Museum, 6799 Guilford Road, Rockford, (815) 397-9112, midwayvillage.com.

Mind Body Spirit EXPO

April 29, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sixty vendors present energy work, readings, mediums, crystals, handmade/natural products, jewelry, soul art, gifts, yoga, meditation, Reiki and more. IBEW Hall, 6820 Mill Road, Rockford, (815) 871-7864, AccessSOUL.com.

Create Your Own Painted Walking Stick

April 29, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Get ready for spring hikes by creating your own walking stick. ArtbyKarla shows how to make the grip handle and then get creative by painting various patterns. All supplies provided. Klehm Arboretum & Botanic Garden, 2715 S. Main St., Rockford, (815) 9658146, klehm.org.

RSO: Americana

April 29, 7:30 p.m. The Rockford Symphony Orchestra celebrates music by Americans and inspired by the American experience. Coronado

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

MPAC: Carl Cole

April 30, 3 p.m. The local legend, entertainer and educator brings to the stage “Jazz & More,” in celebration of Jazz Month. Known for his versatile music career, he and his wife, Dianna, are also founders of YES (Young Eagles Success). Mendelssohn Performing Arts Center, 415 N. Church St., Rockford, (815) 964-9713, mendelssohnpac.org. ❚

Visitors can experience an up-close look at butterflies at Nicholas Conservatory & Gardens, in Rockford, now through June 4.